Memoir | Polly Castor

The Jeweled Highway (Book Review)
By Polly Castor on September 1, 2021
If you want to read a memoir of an icon spiritual seeker, you might like to read this too....
2
1
Naturalist: A Graphic Adaptation (Book Review)
By Polly Castor on December 18, 2020
I enjoyed this graphic memoir a ton more than I thought I might, and now I want others to...
1
0
Notes from a Young Black Chef (Book Review)
By Polly Castor on August 8, 2020
Get behind the scenes in the life of one black kid from the Bronx who made good.
6
0
Save Me the Plums (Book Review with Recipes)
By Polly Castor on August 9, 2019
If you are interested in the food industry, or in publishing, or in memoirs about working lives rather then...
1
0
Lab Girl (Book Review)
By Polly Castor on September 6, 2018
If you are interested in science, you will be glad to have read this book. In general, Lab Girl...
1
0
Little Princes (Book Review)
By Polly Castor on May 19, 2017
It is always good to read about good prevailing over evil, as well as the resiliency of children even...
3
1
Sweet Life in Paris (Book Review with Hot Chocolate Recipe)
By Polly Castor on May 9, 2017
Never having been to Paris, no other book I've ever read has made me feel more like I have.
0
0
Sunday Sketching (Book Review)
By Polly Castor on March 5, 2017
This is an absolutely wonderful book. It is part memoir, part a book about design and creativity, part humor...
1
1
Book Review: Dinner with Edward
By Polly Castor on December 2, 2016
This sweet, yummy book is a great way to spent an evening. It is a short, loving memoir of...
1
0
Book Review: Soul of an Octopus
By Polly Castor on November 28, 2016
This book challenges our material assumptions about consciousness and the sources of intelligence in an effective and captivating way.
2
3
Book Review: Delancey
By Polly Castor on May 16, 2016
If you want to read a real life story of the struggle behind realizing a dream, you might enjoy...
1
0
Book Review: H is for Hawk
By Polly Castor on April 15, 2016
But regardless of all that, I can't help myself from giving this masterfully written book five stars.
3
0

Oh my gosh how did you know I needed this today? I am in absolute awe of your thorough and articulate way you describe how all of this works.

I love this poem, Polly, and I shall read it often! I feel sure it will help lift my thought to healing.

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

I loved this post! It gave me much to think about. Thank you for being such a beautiful and prolific source of inspiration. You are a wonder! I’m a fan!

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

What a beautiful spirit you have, shining right through your source.

With its awesome art, recipes, book reviews, and really excellent writing, this blog is the perfect corner of the internet.

A powerful message. Thank you for getting it out there.

Thank you for sharing this quote. It is very appropriate for our times. A beautiful wake up call to change our thinking and focus on what is real and true.

I am so totally impressed with your photography, poetry, and painting. Your talent is incredible!!!

I have so enjoyed your recent posts– about your garden, your reflections about parenting, your vibrant artwork– so many wonderful expressions of Spirit.

Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration! I love reading your blog with it’s many insights.

I did your tomato tart a few days ago, and it was fabulous! I am vegetarian and look for meals I can make that have lots of flavor. Your tart was just perfect!

I have tremendous admiration for your strength, your depth, your compassion, your passion and your love. You are a woman deeply filled to the brim…

You have a great eye for beauty Polly. I love your blog.

Well done Polly, I love your book reviews! Please carry on the good work of guiding our book choices.

Such a complete radiance of Soul you are demonstrating. I find it very inspiring!

Polly always captures the balance between what I can do, and all the miracles I am given.

Thank you for your commitment to reality and our true nature!

Absolutely stunning, Polly. I love the infinite range of ideas, expression, and media in this BIG blog of yours.

So beautiful, Polly. Thank you for spelling out – through such artful means – the beauty of patience.

Polly, you are a whiz at living life the way it’s meant to be. I’m fascinated by all you do!

Your site is bolstering my creative thoughts. I need to put them into action.

You are an inspiration to me, and I’m sure to many others. With appreciation for all you do to magnify good!

I am so happy to have found your site and to be able to enjoy your expression of Spirit! Love your poetry, your photos, your ideas, your …YOU! THANK you for sharing so abundantly!

Thank you for the constant good thoughts and beautiful expressions of love and joy that you share on your blog.

I truly love and am inspired by your blog, including capturing the beauty of life in the moment, teaching by example, taking time with children, and spirituality.

Putting the art of poetry, photography and painting into your hands is God’s gift to us who get to read it and see it. Thanks.

Thank you for the joy you share. I look forward to reading your posts!

This couldn’t possibly be more perfect, – so reassuring, and so fully expresses in every way what we all are praying for. Thank you for your a beautiful heart and generous giving of it!!

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

Thank you for sharing yourself and creativity in such a transparent way, it is very inspiring and humbling to me.

I love that you live such an active life, have so many interests, and share your insights with me. Your blog is like a conversation with a dear friend.

I feel the joy and love of the color and thought in all your work! You are letting your light shine.

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

This blog is a daily dose from an spiritually-oriented, artist, thinker, sage.

Beautiful photos. It is uplifting and energizing to see such bright, cheerful, healthy and fresh images. Thanks, I needed that!

Yes indeed! You are a shining light and you are definitely using all your wonderful talents

Love the poem so so much and the first painting with the trees is INCREDIBLE!!

Polly, what amazing and timely insight in these wise words! Thanks for sharing this wisdom.

I am a silent regular reader of your daily blog, and I’m finally in touch to tell you how much I like it. I love it!

This blog is upbeat, progressive, sincere, colorful, metaphoric, and exploratory. Such a rich feast!

This blog is simultaneously simple and profound– a perfect, balanced combination of seriousness and light.

WONDERFUL blog, Polly! Thank you for your spiritual calm, support for each of us, uninhibited creativity, and amazing paintings. I am just left in awe !

You are such an inspiring person, Polly, and I love the variety of your activities you share with us all! Thank you so much.

Loved your plein air painting, the pictures of the garden plenty — oh wow. Love opening your blog each day — it is a treat that I save sometimes.

Wow, super powerful and definitely what I needed to hear today.

Your blog is full of the wonderful, multilayered colors and textures that you play with, and share so unselfishly with the world.

Polly this is absolutely exquisite and so inspiring. I will refer to it often.

I have been blessed beyond words by your daily posts. I often quote you to others, saying I got the idea from a wonderful friend I’ve never actually met.

Polly, please keep sharing these pages! I love seeing them. You inspired me to do the same thing.

Polly, your reflection of Soul’s endless creativity is truly wonderful! Thank you for letting the divine shine through you so brightly!

Thank you for bringing to light and sharing an undeniably important part of the one stupendous whole we all share…the countless ways beyond sight, and not to be missed, always at hand.

I have to tell you that your spiritual to-do list was the springboard for a great talk with my older daughter. We are going to check on each other, and progress.

Thank you so much for this wonderful insight! You put into words what I have been grappling with for a long time. This is just what I needed today.

What a fine piece! You certainly are a shining example….[it] was uplifting and instructive.

I really enjoy reading your blog – but I have to say that your monthly ‘Bits and Clips’ posts and your ‘Grace Notes’ posts are my favorite :)

You are my favorite artist. I just have to say it. Your paintings make me so happy.

Wow, you outdid yourself this month with your Bits and Clips. It was a wonderful mix of beauty, humor, and thoughtfulness.

I love your coffee cake recipe, I have a book list from your blog, I love the photos, the poems, the paintings, the movie reviews, the humor, the honesty, the color.

Everything on your site is so colorful, spiritual and alive!

A wonderful poem Polly! Thank you. Deeply nourishing….

I look forward to your messages each day, like a delightful gift to unwrap.

Thank you for your burst of sunshine reflected in your positivity this morning… I look forward to your blogs.

You are so incredibly sweet, gracious, kind, thoughtful, creative, generous, joyful, witty, courageous, tender, persistent, compassionate, brilliant, articulate, ad infinitum!

I love the photos – such a gift which makes me feel closer to Fall, my favorite season.

Thank you for your ultra positive, upbeat, cheering and cheerful expressions in so many forms. What great seeds to sow in world thought!

I just love your photos, Polly. Whether it’s food or art or nature . . . They are always so beautiful and interesting and full of life !

I have just started this book and am really loving it! Thank you so much for recommending it.

Your poem feels like a lesson, a treatment, and a love letter all rolled into one perfect package.
Thank you, Polly.

Your abstracts are interesting and you have a unique style that is all your own. Original, demonstrating individuality and confidence! I see joy and love expressed.

Every day I look forward to your blog. It’s encouraging me to find ways to express what God reveals in me.

I get so happy when I see your paintings. I really do. They bring me such joy. I feel your heart when I see them.

I love this poem! Letting our true, authentic self come forth! Yes!! Thank you for all the delightful imagery!

Wow!! I cannot wait to try this recipe! Thank you!

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

This is one of the BEST explanations of one’s understanding of God I have seen in a long time. The image paired with the text was spot on!

What lovely Soul-inspired insights! Thank you for these great ideas!

I am touched by this well thought out, well written essay. You have put into words what so many of us have in our minds and hearts. Thank you!

I for one want to thank you so much for writing this blog. I started about a year ago and look forward to reading it every day. I feel like an armchair adventurer…

You encourage me to grow with your everyday wisdom and your lovely contributions.

I feel such gratitude for the beautiful way in which you express God. Thanks for blessing my life and being such a shining light in the world!

This is absolutely beautiful and so incredibly helpful and inspiring! Thank you so much! ❤️

Thank you Polly for sharing those wise words! I heartily agree with them all now I have a bigger perspective on life.

Your blog captures a life well lived, constantly imparting good– truth, health and happiness– including beauty, harmony, art, science to the world.

This is a beautiful summary and reminder of how we can both individually and collectively dissolve the powerless, baseless lies with Truth. Thank you, Polly!!

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

Deep and encompassing. Passionate and motherly. Loving and expansive. The photos speak volumes too…and I see the connections with the poem perfectly.

Thank you for your efforts. I look forward to your positive thoughts and love.

Your multiple images and vocabulary choices give energy and renewed resolve to flagging spirits. Thank you for sharing.

Oh my goodness Polly, this is absolutely magnificent and reaches so far deep into my soul.

Thank you Polly–you are always such a clear thinker and always willing to share your God-given gifts.

Way to go on your artistic journey. You show great courage, humility, and such support for everyone around you.

Love your pastels!

Oh yum, Polly… These gorgeous photos made my mouth water and my eyes pop!

Love your blog. Today’s was dynamite, and very helpful for understanding our role as individuals at this time.

What a breath of fresh air!! Thank you for your honesty, integrity and willingness to speak out for Truth and Justice!!!

Yes, lots of good flavor triggers in there. I printed it out and will try it. Thanks so much!

When I open my email in the morning I read all the have-to emails first; I save yours to read as dessert. Thanks, Polly!

Today’s post was a Gift from God. Opening your email this morning truly lifted my Spirit. Thank you.

Gorgeous new work. I love the vitality of the city scenes and vibrant color palette.

This is a fantastic article Polly…so much in it, I know I’ll have to re read it at least twice more!

This is so well thought out and written. Thank you for this compelling essay. I agree with you on all points, Polly.

Thank you Polly for your radiant joy and embrace of each of us, wrapping us in your color and beauty of Soul.

You are such a gem Polly- it is an incredible blessing to daily read your blog!

Love this– actually so “timely” for what I have been thinking about lately.

This is absolutely magnificent. Bless your precious and beautiful soul for sharing this.

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

Your posts are treasure troves of your beautiful and giving heart.

Thanks so much for this recommendation Polly. We watched in awe … and have recommended in turn.

What an incredible blessing and inspiration you are. Thank you so much for your beautiful heart!

Your zest for the good things in life makes me feel happy too!

Your blog is uplifting and enlightening, and seems to speak to me just when I need it most.

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

Amazing, Polly! A wonderful example of seeing the possibilities…creativity at its best.

Love your blog’s colour and joyfulness and the inspiring leads, Polly. Easy to see why you are much loved. Thank you.

These photos are so wonderful, it really warms the heart.

I must find the higher spiritual path that nature often helps me see. Thank you for this beautiful poem.

I read and feel the security of the hearth and home. Many thanks…

Thank you for revealing this idea you’ve been following. I can tell when an angel has tapped me on the shoulder–it feels light and right and fun.

Thank you for sharing such a personal, and at the same time, universal, love of beauty.

Thank you so much for your fantastic, soulful images– your photos really capture the love, joy, camaraderie, power, and intensity of the present moment.

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

Your photos are so vivid and expressive and inspiring and artistic and alive!

Beautiful photos! All that color, texture & gorgeous pattern….

Quite unforgettable. You truly have a way with words: warm; strong; inviting; enlightening; so substantive, and more.

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

I did your 52 books challenge, and loved the structure that it provided to my selections. Doing it again this year too!

Thanks, Polly, for listening so carefully and sharing so selflessly.

Thank you Polly!! This has needed to be said for a while!

Polly, I just love your spirit, innovativeness, receptivity to beauty and to God’s goodness expressed. Thank you for your blog.

Hi Polly, loved this poem. It radiates hope and feeling of calmness. I am glad I came across these beautiful words. Keep posting similar reads and spreading positivity.

Thank you for all the inspiration you share so generously. I am deeply grateful!

Thank you for writing this opinion so eloquently, Polly. You have addressed many nuances that I have been espousing for years, and your words are powerful and thought-provoking.

What a delight to experience the beauty of nature you shared of your slice of the world through these beautiful photos.

Magnificent poem. How blest you are to be a poet, photographer, artist, metaphysician, all wrapped up into One.

Oh how I love this! Thank you, thank you!

I just want to say that I have really been enjoying your blog! It gives me hope for the world…

All of your work is eye and mind popping. I love it!

Yes, healing does happen when we deeply and humbly pray. Thanks for keeping that idea alive.

I am one of your readers who definitely looks forward to a positive message from you every morning. You grow people.

You are … just plain wonderful, Polly! Your blog is bursting with poetry, art, writings, love of God, family, friends, all things great and wonderful and good!

Your blog has inspired me to get back into painting, cooking, prayer and meditation.

I enjoy your strong, bold artwork– there is so much going on in them that my imagination takes off. I really appreciate your blog. It brings joy every day.

Once again, you have come through for us with such clear and coherent thinking and put into words the feelings in our hearts.

I find the ideas you share on your blog very encouraging in having a sense of order when it comes to goals and priorities.

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

Thank you very much, Polly. You are a bright light!

I so enjoyed your trip blog. The outstanding photos and the amazing narratives made me feel I was on vacation for a few minutes each day.

Glorious! Thank you for tending these lovely flowers together, and for posting on your blog, Polly.

Thank you for Saying So Well What Needs To Be SAID!

Hoping others can/will read this…

Very helpful in these seemingly uncertain times. I found a couple of specific ideas expressed here that apply to a specific situation in my life. Thank you!

I’m grateful for you opening my eyes to the wonders that surround us.

The Brussels sprouts were an exceptionally BIG hit here…. could you direct me to more literature on spiritual healing?

I always appreciate your reviews. Our fave film in 2019 was The Green Book – which we watched following your recommendation.

I never before found computers this beautiful….

The phrase ‘divine choreography’ is resonating with me. Bless you for sharing your inspiration with us all.

Just beautiful, Polly. So honest and uplifting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and the helpful ones of others.

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

What an inspiring and uplifting painting. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with the world!

Polly, your wonderful blog is doing more than its bit in this dreadful time. Thanks, and keep on keeping on!

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

Thank you for bringing your hydrangeas into my home via the internet. Other flowers are lovely too, but hydrangeas are SPECIAL.

I am simply amazed at the wealth of beauty, soul, and experience. Love it. Love you! Thank You for sharing your innermost so openly.

Excellent post, dear Polly! Thanks!! There is lots that I relate to in your comments!

I enjoy your blog so much. But today you are on top. Every thought you expressed so lovingly…. some very funny but always with love. Thank you for all you bring to so many .

How blessed we are to have someone like you on this Earth.

Love your blog. Today’s is dynamite and very helpful to viewing our role as individuals at this time.

It is always refreshing to see the loves, joys, challenges, and triumphs that you share on your blog.

Love all you do and express. You’re an amazing role model!!

Wow! Love the abundance of exotic shapes and colours in the Autumn sunshine!

Lovely Polly! You are an inspiration! I am so happy to have your blog in my life!

Polly….I’m happier because of you; I sure do thank you.

This blog deeply resonates while being beautiful, delicious, inspiring, and fun. Not easy to do!

I recently I recommended your blog to a friend saying, “She’s like a dear friend, she just doesn’t know me.” Thank you for all the delight you add to my days!

Polly, I am absolutely amazed. My mouth was watering! I’ll be thinking about it all night…and tomorrow we will break out the paints!

I salute you! And I sure do thank you for inspiring me to greater efforts along all lines of life!

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

You are doing so wonderfully at praising God with your talents.

Thank you Polly for this article on supply! I cherish the healing thoughts therein very much, and they are very helpful.

Thank you so.much, Polly. It says with abundant clarity what thousands upon thousands of thoughtful men and women think and believe. I appreciate you!!

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

Love the photos, as usual. You are a Creative Genius, Polly.

Thank you for your generosity and your overflowing sense of soul which you share so beautifully and articulately with everyone!!

Polly your blog is simply a marvelously enriching, thought provoking part of the daily wonders of life! I give thanks for you and the blog!

Thank you for sharing this.
Strange, nothing surprising here.
You are who you are.

I want to express my gratitude to you for such a well thought out essay. I found it quite enriching and resonate with those true answers.

Really enjoyed your poem on Animal magnetism. Very clear truths. Thank you. Your vibrant art work is superb.

Without a doubt my life has been enriched and uplifted by my acquaintance with you through your blogs. Every day I look for the interesting ideas you amplify and the lovely arts you share with us. I am never disappointed.

Thanks for sharing from the seat of your soul with generosity and openness.

Thanks, Polly! Your zest for the good things in life makes me feel happy too!

The last day of the month on your blog is always a BIG treat . . . This morning I went from fasting to feasting . . .

Beautiful and profoundly perfect for pandemic season, your poem empowers hope for what’s next. I plan to read it at Sunday Devotional. Thank you!

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

You show us how God’s love shines in all things. You are a blessing!

Thank you for using this platform to share these references for listening & learning. Now the work required to make a lasting change is up to each of us! ❤️

I made your fabulous Fish Tacos and they were BEYOND delicious!!

Grace is a beautiful quality and you exude it in spades – thanks so much for all you do and are! You are a treasure!

I just adore all of your wonderful posts and everything that you share so generously. ????? You have a beautiful sense of soul that you share – it blesses me and so many!

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

Thank you for your transparency of love, your generous sharing of what you are pondering and doing.

My mother adores your blog and speaks to me often about what recent nugget you shared which she thought was wonderful!

Illuminating thoughts, thank you for sharing them. Very clear.

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

I’m so grateful to be able to enjoy all you so generously share on your blog, the colorful photos, the recipes, the art works, the insights, the book reviews and so much more!

I wanted you to know that I found the time I spent on your blog to be relaxing, refreshing, inspiring, and totally enjoyable.

Thank you sincerely for your joyful out-pouring of love, light, color, comforting, inspiring words…

I think you have covered absolutely every way anyone would wish to be blessed

I appreciate your blog. It’s a breath of fresh air, beauty, and innovative thinking!

Thank you for all your uplifting daily contributions, wherever form they take – photos, recipes, artwork, book reviews and smiley faces!

WOW! Polly! Some truly marvelous work there!!!

Your reading challenge has inspired me and given me permission to read again, as previously I had just fitted reading round everything else. Now it is a legitimate activity in my life and I am enjoying it immensely!

LOVE it. Made me smile while I was reading it.