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Polly Castor

Fostering a new renaissance through creativity, authenticity, spirituality, and art

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Sunsets

Stunning Sunset in Boston

November 16, 2015November 16, 2015 by Polly Castor
Boston skyline at sunset, Boston sunset

I had a great time in Boston over the weekend and loved this stunning sunset with the skyline.

Categories Photography Tags Sunsets, Travel 6 Comments

Salmon Colored Sunset

October 11, 2015 by Polly Castor
sunset photo

What I liked about this sunset was the color was bizarrely unusual, and it was almost like my camera didn’t know what to make to of it.

Categories Photography Tags Sunsets 1 Comment

A Lovely Camp Day

September 17, 2015 by Polly Castor
Lovely camp day

For the first time in the ten years I’ve been coming the water was both warm enough and calm enough for me to swim to Cherry Island and back (1/2 mile).

Categories Photography Tags Creative Arts Camp, Maine, Sunsets 1 Comment

Getting Ready and on Our Way to College

October 1, 2015August 30, 2015 by Polly Castor

We’ve been scrambling around running errands to get our daughter set to go off to college. She did a Target run, bought a new apple laptop with a protective black case, and got her first debit card.

Categories Photography Tags College, Family, parenting, Release, Sunsets 4 Comments

Our Trip’s Last Campsite with Portraits at Sunset

October 1, 2015August 23, 2015 by Polly Castor
Portraits at Sunset

This was our fabulous last campsite of the trip directly on the north shore of Lake Superior, in the Rainbow Falls campground near Rossport. This spot was amazingly lovely, although close enough to the highway to hear it.

Categories Photography Tags Family, parenting, Sunsets, Travel 2 Comments

Lassen at Sunset

July 30, 2015 by Polly Castor
Lassen at sunset

Lassen National Park is lovely at sunset with light that changes quickly. Above, you can see Mount Lassen reflected in Manzanita Lake.

Categories Photography Tags Sunsets, Travel Leave a comment

Wawona Campground and River

July 2, 2015July 2, 2015 by Polly Castor

We are finally camping! In this post, you can see our first campsite in the Wawona area which is the back side of Yosemite. Check out our camping set up, with our beloved hand-me-down tent, my new camp stove, and my bed for the next seven weeks.

Categories Photography Tags Family, Summer, Sunsets, Travel 5 Comments

Dramatic Skies over Missouri

June 24, 2015June 24, 2015 by Polly Castor
sunset photos, dramatic skies

Our daughter took these photos while I was driving. The sky show was amazing. Don’t miss the ones at the end with the full red sun setting directly over the Kansas city skyline…

Categories Photography Tags Sunsets, Travel 4 Comments

Last Tuesday’s Spectacular Sunset

May 8, 2015December 1, 2014 by Polly Castor
spectacular sunset

Here is the amazing sunset we delighted in last Tuesday, in Danbury, Connecticut.

Categories Photography Tags Sunsets Leave a comment

Sunset from Cadillac Mountain

June 4, 2015September 21, 2014 by Polly Castor
Cadillac Mountain sunset

As soon as I dropped her off in Bar Harbor, I hightailed it up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park to see the sunset.

Categories Photography Tags creatures, Maine, Nature, Sunsets, Travel Leave a comment

Another Sunset on Long Lake

April 29, 2015September 14, 2014 by Polly Castor
sunset photography

Last week I posted some sunset photos over this lake, but I thought this light show trumped those.

Categories Photography Tags Creative Arts Camp, Maine, Sunsets, water photography Leave a comment

Glad to be Back on the Shores of Long Lake

April 29, 2015September 9, 2014 by Polly Castor
Long Lake Maine

I am glad to be back on the shores on Long Lake in Maine for Creative Arts Camp with so many friends and blog readers!

Categories Photography Tags Creative Arts Camp, Maine, Sunsets, water photography Leave a comment

Tonight’s Sunset

April 22, 2015August 29, 2014 by Polly Castor
Tonight's sunset

We had to pull over tonight on the way home to photograph this sunset. It is hard to imagine, but it was better before this, while I was trying to get to a place I could pull over.

Categories Photography Tags Summer, Sunsets Leave a comment

Texas Sunset

March 30, 2015December 4, 2013 by Polly Castor
Texas sunsets

One thing this place has is sky! Check out this sunset!

Categories Photography Tags Amarillo, Sunsets, Travel Leave a comment

Isle au Haut Sunsets

May 26, 2015August 10, 2013 by Polly Castor

Such pageantry in these slowly morphing displays!

Categories Photography Tags Maine, Sunsets, Travel Leave a comment

Photos of a Glorious Deer Isle Sunset

May 26, 2015August 2, 2013 by Polly Castor

This sunset was a contemplative’s delight!

Categories Photography Tags Maine, Nature, Summer, Sunsets, Travel, water photography Leave a comment

Beautiful Sky at Ferris Acres

May 26, 2015July 15, 2013 by Polly Castor

We took our friend Anne (who is also a reader of this blog) to Ferris Acres Creamery in Newtown yesterday evening for their phenomenal ice cream – you can see how popular the place is by the colossal line (yes, far off the right of the photo below) – and in addition to great ice … Read more

Categories Food, Ideas, Photography Tags community, Desserts, Summer, Sunsets Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

Thankful every morning to see another treasure from you in my emails !

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

Let’s all have a productive day and be joyful!

That’s all very helpful for me today, Polly. Thanks for going deep on this. I’m sharing your joy in our Source.

I love your Blog, Polly!! Therefore, I love you! Your art, your poetry, your philosophy, your religion, your book reviews, your photography, your … husband!

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

Thank you Polly, for saying what needs to be said.

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

Thank you! I enjoy reading your notes from the Bible Lesson. Your interpretation is helpful for my thought and I’m sure many others.

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

Perspective is everything – and choosing a liberating one blesses everyone, as you point out!

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

Your food is presented in such an artistic way that it looks beautiful, wholesome and totally delicious!!

Polly lets her spirituality into her art as you can see in the many abstract paintings she creates. We were wowed by her ability and her encouragement of others to express themselves artistically.

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

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!

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

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

These are awesome. You have such a gift for photography…and for pastels…and for cooking…and for finding interesting books…and, and, and. Where does it end?

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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 .

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

Thank you for focusing in on and capturing the little things we so often pass by and/or take for granted.

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

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.

Wish I had gotten this message 75 years ago. It makes so much sense and would have saved me a lot of self criticism. I love your blog.

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

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!

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

I just had to comment on today’s blog. I LOVED it! I have had similar thoughts for some time.

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

Thank you for this exercise in balance, Polly. Helps a lot!

You share so freely, with so so so much love and joy and an open-open-heart…

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

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

It’s a rare inspiration that can uncover an aching joy — but those poems do that. Thanks for sharing this with us.

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.

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.

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

Polly, I’m grateful for you, your prayerful work, your blog, your art, photos, words and colors.

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

Absolutely beautiful!!! I love these particular colors together and the different styles and techniques really give it a lot of depth and texture. Brilliant!!!!

You capture so vividly the beauty of nature. Thank you for bringing such beauty into my every day.

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

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

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

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.

Wow! What a stunning collection of gorgeous images and though-provoking quotes. They made my day.

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!

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Polly, thanks for “amplifying good”. That’s what you really do!

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

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

This poem is what I needed to further focus on moving out of the fear of COVID.❤️

Thank you for the insight. Especially separating church from a building or denomination. The passion and joy of color in your paintings is marvelous.

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

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!

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

Synesthesia! I can taste the yellows and hear the oranges! A feast to the senses! Brava talented Polly

I love your blog! I shared it with my mom, an artist, and she is impressed with your art. I’ve also spent time studying your paintings. Just listened to your interview, it was stellar! Thank you!!

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!

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

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

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

Wow. Yes, quite something to contemplate. Thank you, Polly!!

This is such a beautiful and loving blog and feels much like your amazing dynamic spiritual art. You are proving and sharing truth in a precious, creative, encouraging, and heartfelt way. You inspire me!

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

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.

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

I love your website, messages, poems and art. Thank you for the blessing of community that you provide.

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

Your photos have opened my eyes to the beauty surrounding us everywhere.

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

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

I’ve just finished this book and I loved it! Thanks for recommending it.

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

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

I appreciate the joy, inspiration, and great information you provide us in your blogs.

Helen Frankenthaler’s works were interesting, but I like your abstracts better.

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

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

This blog is so prolific and original, inspiring and joy producing.

Polly, I needed you today and there you were and it was enough. Thank you for being a motivator.

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

What a stunning place! It is just a slice of heaven. Thank you for sharing its beauty.

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

Polly, I love your poem “you were never unwanted”. This poem really hit home. Thank you for your words of wisdom

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

Thank you for introducing me to wonderful, amazing authors.
Love the pictures of your elegant flowers.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Thank you so much for this thoughtful, informative and articulate book review, Polly!

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

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

So beautiful and I have shared it with so many others. Thank you!

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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!

Just a wonderland of possibilities and ideas and the materials to explore and discover. What a beautiful, exciting place! I’ve taken all this glory into my heart today and am grateful for it.

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

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!

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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!

Graciously and lovingly spoken, like a true friend to all. Thank you for your blog Polly.

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.

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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.

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.

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

Excellent. Thank you for sharing this welcome thought to redirect today’s thinking.
I am grateful for this blog.

Thank you for this. Read it. Gave me hope. Going through an “unsure” time. Thank you for these words of strength, hope, and faith.

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

Providing us with wonderful refreshment, enlightenment, peace, encouragement, joy,
and a whole lot more. Thanks, Polly!

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

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

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.

Love your pastels!

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

Thank you for this….I absolutely love reading it!

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 !

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

Thank you, Polly, for bringing clarity to the stressful events we’re experiencing. Your insights are thought-provoking and inspirational. I’m very thankful for your blog.

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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 !

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

You continue to inspire, impress, and
amaze me, Polly.

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

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!

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

Outstanding message! And a sure “wake-up” call for me regarding mortal decline. I’m off on a refreshing direction. Thanks, Polly.

Well Done! This is such a wonderful venture. Your work is just extraordinary!

This is relevant and an excellent way for me to look at some situations I have been in recently.
Thank you Polly.
I will continue to benefit…

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.

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

I can’t tell you how helpful this has been to me today. I must’ve read it half a dozen times or more. It’s helping me with a great challenge. Thank you!

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!!

Oh so beautiful! I keep coming back to look at the paintings again.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Polly, you have such a great feel for things. I will enjoy you forever.

We are so blessed with your access to nature and your talent to communicate visually….

I’m so grateful for all you share with us.

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

I LOVE THIS BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

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!

Yummy and beautiful! I love all the colors and this food looks amazing! The plates too!

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.

These thoughts you shared are a keeper for me to revisit when in need. You are a blessing to many!

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

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.

A wonderful poem Polly! Thank you. Deeply nourishing…. like a bird, natural and beautiful, just singing out truth in her special song on a fine winter morning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I think one reason I enjoy your blog is that you Stand Forth In All Your God-given Glory, expressing everything Good!

You are such an inspirational person Polly! I love everything you share with us – such a joy to have your daily input in my inbox! X x x

When you get famous, I need to be the president of your fan club.

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

The Spirit at work is so well described here. In between the lines I read that
our only true peace is in pleasing Our Creator! Thank you deeply, Polly!

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

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

The colors are exquisite!!! Thanks for bringing so much beauty into our lives.

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

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 :)

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

I’m new to your site and I love today’s post about being grateful!

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

You amuse-inspire-edify-entertain-inform-uplift-enhance-educate-color!-…my days!

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 loved this book, Polly. Thank you so much for the recommendation.

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…

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

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! ❤️

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

I am grateful for the myriad ways you celebrate Life in your art, activities and relationships. Your blog is inspiring in its magnification of Soulful goodness!

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!

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

I am so grateful for your generous sharing of ideas across so many different fields! Your colorful art, your beautiful photography, your tasty looking and well presented dishes, your uplifting ideas, your insightful book reviews, and your wonderful healing work! You truly are a polymath!! I so look forward to your daily offerings and rejoice in them all.

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

Neat! Love the black and white contrasts enhanced by the light.

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.

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

You brighten my life with your thoughts, views, words, pictures….

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

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

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

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 for bringing your beautiful great outdoors into my world.
You do a great job taking pictures. The colors are so vibrant and I like that you notice
shadows.

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!

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

That definitely sounds like a book I’d like to read! Thanks Polly!

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

Thank you for sharing the joy of your trip with us. I feel blessed this morning to know you in all the ways you reveal good and magnify it.

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.

I love your swirling universes, the spirals that draw one in and introduce us to ourselves.

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

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

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

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

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • Gloria Steinem Quotes (Part 1)
  • Jewel from the Archives (Distinction Between Jesus and the Christ)
  • Happy Pumpkin Day!
  • Bits and Clips for October 2026
  • Hike Photos from Huntington (October 2026)
  • Range (Book Review)
  • Abstracted Sunflower (New Painting in Pastel)
  • Allowed to be Ordinary (Poem by James Crews)
  • Grace Notes #65
  • Two Cookbooks I’ve Been Enjoying Lately

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Elizabeth Gilbert on Wisdom and Healing Rifts →

  • New Poem: God is Doing the Doing →

  • Whole Red Onion and Carrot Soup (Recipe) →

  • Awake to the Truth (New Abstract Painting in Pastel) →

  • Quotes About Perfection from the Bible →

  • New Poem by me: Be Grateful for the Lump →

  • Recent Black & White Photographs →

  • What Secret Purple Wisdom (poem by Luci Shaw with Iris Photos from our Yard) →

  • My Forum on Faith Article In Three CT Newspapers Today →

  • Fennel Apple Salad with Walnuts (Recipe) →

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©2026 Polly Castor. I encourage you to freely share and forward my blogs in context, with proper attribution, and with links back to this website attached. Feel free to use the "Print" button provided to utilize Polly's recipes for personal use. Prior explicit permission is required, however, for any portion of Polly Castor’s photographs, art works or writings to be otherwise copied, reproduced in any way, re-blogged or downloaded (Contact Me Here). Please don’t steal my work. Copies of photos and artwork are available for purchase in my Gallery.

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