A PRAYER FOR A LITTLE HOME ♥ “God bless thee when winds blow; Our home and all we know . . .” (Musica?)
Had to send you this little prayer, so perfect for this time of year, when our hearts overflow with gratitude. “Overhead thy stars O God.”
And in my little house, there’s a new stove-scape 🙂 (I suppose if we can have “table-scapes” we can certainly have “stove-scapes,” right?) I bought the little wooden house this summer at a flea market; 
I had no idea what I would use it for, but I just couldn’t leave it there. It’s been on a shelf in my studio. Yesterday my eyes fell on it, I said, come with me little house. The miniature string of lights was in my wrapping paper drawer. I stood in the kitchen prying the roof up a crack, and finally got the lights hooked over the “front porch.” Then 
I found the tree! And put more lights on it!! Just like playing dolls! I fear I will have fake snow around it before the season is over! And tiny reindeer on the roof!
Joe came downstairs, peering at it, going ever closer; when the string of lights registered, he laughed, shook his head, and said, “you’re a genius.” 🙂 It’s the little things in life!! ♥ Makes me think that if you’re looking for a fun table-scape, or mantle-scape, or top-of-the-refrigerator-scape, you might want to try raiding the toy box!
Just wanted to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with the prettiest prayer I know!! Because we are so lucky! We have each other!! And so much more. Our own “little houses” that we love, filled with the light of our own making. xoxo
Thank you!
What a beautiful way and sentiment to begin these next frenetic days.
I love the prayer.
xoxo!
Dearest Susan,
I love your stovescape and little house, decorated with the tiny string of lights. Thank you for sharing the sweet poem with us and for giving so much of your time and energy to us. Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and friends! Rosinda xoxo
Thank you Rosinda!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I hear the pitter-patter of little feet overhead, I think Rachel is UP!
I love this sweet prayer. That’s all we want – a little home, a roof over our heads with the people we love around us. Thank you for sharing it with us, Susan. I love your sweet little house. Happy Thanksgiving.
xo
Claudia
Good morning Claudia! Happy Thanksgiving!
Susan: This prayer describes my house perfectly. I took it from one of your calendars and framed it. It is the first thing you see when you enter the doorway. It was if you sent it just for me. Exactly like January 2012 calendar page is. OMG, I actually shed tears over when I opened the calendar last week. How did you know I needed January to say those very words?? That page will get framed (after January) and get put in my workroom so I’m reminded everyday about life and what it’s worth. Susan, You are a Rock Star!!!!!
Oh Margie, you make my day! xoxo
Happy Thanksgiving Susan and all the girlfriends too! (Susan, did you get your Seventeen?)
You mean the magazine? No, haven’t gotten one recently! 🙂
Yes, the magazine. It should be in the mail soon. A little gift for you – since you give so much! : )
Love it, thank you Lori!
Well that said it all! Wishing you the happiest, most blessed Thanksgiving to you & yours, Susan!
To you too Kelly!
I just love the little house–especially adorned with the little Christmas lights! Sweet prayer–Happy Thanksgiving! My eldest daughter is out of the hospital and home for Thanksgiving–lots to be thankful for!
V
xoxo So happy for you!
Good morning, Susan 🙂 That is one of my favorite poems, so what better way to be greeted here by you this morning! Always enjoy your stove-scapes ~ this one is perfect! Have a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving with Joe and your friends ♥ I’m off this morning to NC to spend Thanksgiving on the coast with cousins at their house ~ we’ll have a blast cooking, eating, laughing, boating and shopping!!!! We’re heading to friends of theirs for Turkey Day (after leisurely morning watching the Macy’s parade 🙂 ) and then we’re doing our own “little” Thanksgiving on Friday ~ to fill their house with those lovely aromas and have plenty of leftovers!
p.s. We’re also celebrating because I found out yesterday that I was offered (and accepted!) the position at work that I wanted ~ reorgs are horrible, but I’m very especially grateful to be given this particular position.
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m especially thankful for you and all the sharing of creativity, kitties and general fun that you do!!!! ♥
Congratulations Mari! More to be thankful for! Sounds like a wonderful holiday week for you!
Thank you! Yes, very full heart this morning ♥ Was just on twitter ~ those spareribs and makings of onion casserole look good! ok ~ off to finish up so I can get on the road 🙂
They were so good. But we talked way too late. I’m dragging everyone out for a walk soon. Or at least I THINK I am — it’s whether or not they will go that is still in question!
Susan, thank you. I love your stovescape. I love this prayer and also the one at the end of the Autumn book…one more thing…a grateful heart. Yes, look to the toy box. One of my favs I’ll get out soon, a cloth Santa from my son’s 1st stocking (he is 32 now) I’ve always loved little toys! Happy Tuesday Susan! XO
xoxo 🙂
Oh, I’m sitting at work crying over that poem. Every time I read it it brings tears to my eyes because it so perfectly matches what’s in my heart. Thank you!!
“perfectly matches what’s in my heart” – love that Amy. xo
Susan, Happy Thanksgiving!! to you and yours….Thank you for all of the wonderful stories, poems, recipes and sharing. I truly love your website and books…We are truly blessed and have much to be thankful for….
I hadn’t planned on posting again before we left for Michigan, but had to after reading your heart tugging poem and seeing your little house. Thank you for such a special start to my travel day. I made your cheesecake yesterday; it is sitting in the fridge waiting to travel to my mom’s house. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends as we lift gratitude overflowing from our hearts to heaven. Thank you, once again, Susan, for your blog. It’s how I start each day… cup of coffee in hand, reading your blog (sometimes rereading if you haven’t posted something new) and so glad I discovered your books years ago. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Susan! Charles Dickens once said, “There’s always something for which to be thankful.” And he was right.
Travel safely, Happy Thanksgiving Susan!
Dear Susan, the poem is beautiful, thank you for sharing it and so much with us all. I’ve just had the chance to catch up reading your past few blog entries and Willard. Girl Kitty and Jack are too sweet!! In 2001, the first Thanksgiving with our new girl kitten, the turkey smell made her crazy and as we were cleaning up and putiing food away she jumped up on the counter, grabbed a turkey leg in her mouth and ran away!! She was little and the turkey leg was big and it was so cute!! She’s my girl, I have two big boys as well and I too want to go to the part of heaven where they will be. Wishing you, Joe and all your family and friends a beautiful Thanksgiving!!xoxo
When my cat does something like that, I always want to say “wait, hold that pose,” and grab for the camera! 🙂 But it ends up just being one for the memories!
The little house with lights is just precious! I love it. And thank you so much for your heartfelt holidays wishes. I got my baby quilt done! Made decorated Christmas sugar cookies and homemade marshmallows for a friend’s holiday open house in his shop, made decorated sugar cookies for a baby shower, (using your darling cookie cutters), and now ontoThanksgiving!! A very, very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I know your guests will feel the warmth in your lovely cozy home! Lucky them for being invited! And I’m thankful for finding your blog! I enjoy it so!
Look at all your creativity!! Beautiful giving heart!
Beautiful little prayer and I am grateful for all the beautiful people in my life…and that includes you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving- God Bless xoxo
How cute!!! THAT IS DARLING!!!! I just love little houses! I live in one!! The prayer is so sweet. It is a joy reading your blog and your books. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of love and graatitude.
God bless, Kathy in Illinois
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving too! The beginning of the most beautiful time of the year and soon I will get to open my SB 2012 calendar! Love this post, love that poem and love this blog!!!
xoxo Thank you, love you being here!
Sending you wishes for a most bountiful Thanksgiving day. I’m so excited, my middle son and his family are coming to visit us. He has six children and I can already feel the snuggly little hugs and the sticky wet kisses that are to come from the little ones. I have much for which to give thanks.
xo connie
Have fun Connie!
That is a wonderful poem for all of us who love our homes. I think it would make a great cross stitch piece!!! I love the stovescape. I have a little cabin that was given to me and now you have given an inspiration to decorate with it. This little cabin was built for me by a blind veteran. It is actually a bank; the coins can be placed down the chimney but I can see it now on top of the refrigerator with a little bottle brush tree……Now if only I was not at work and could go home and find that little cabin.
Praying for all to have a very blessed Thanksgiving celebration with family and friend. Thank you, Susan, for being a blessing to all of us!
Sounds adorable! Something to have fun with!
Oh, Susan. You ARE a genius. I first saw that little prayer in one of your books or on a calendar, I forget. I love it.
When our youngest was in middle school they were supposed to design a house for themselves and the teacher asked, “Why is your house so small?” She replied, “I want a small house. They are cozier.” Good, good girl. 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe and the kitties!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I love your little stovescape Susan! It’s so lovely in every way. And the poem is beautiful- and appropriate for my little house….if you don’t mind I think I’ll try to figure out a way to print it out and frame for my kitchen (I sound like my 5 year old Alice- whenever she wants something she always says first “if you don’t mind…”). I wish you and all of “our” girlfriends a very Happy Thanksgiving. And I’m so grateful this year to have found such a wonderful community of like-minded souls. xx
Me too!
LOL…O.K. I have to admit, I had to “google” Tablescape!!! I have never heard the term before. At first I thought it was a “typo” and you meant Table scraps….but I quickly realized that was not the case…..LOL
Its a cute little house, looks about the right size for some local “Borrowers” to move into….watch your junk drawer, things might go missing…..LOL.
Be Blessed!
I googled it just a couple of weeks ago! 🙂
Thank you for the lovely prayer. A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and friends (including Girl Kitty and Jack).
Oh Susan–I just love the poem/prayer…it is perfect and my prayer since we are looking for a house to buy. And—love the musica too….a bit before my time, but I love all music from that era. Also, I got my first Willard and I LOVE it. I printed it out ‘forever’. I will collect them into a little sweet book. I am so glad you decided to blog. I sent a link to my daughter-in-law and she loves your blog too. Thank you and I hope you and yours have the most wonderful blessed Thanksgiving.
Thank you (I think your name must be Dinah!) — The music is before my time too, I think I was born in the wrong time, music-wise anyway!
Bless you and your house through the holidays and the New Year.
I am always amazed and thankful for the blessing of you dear Susan. What joy and delight you bring to all our lives.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I just LOVE that poem. You’ll never know how many times your poems, quotes have inspired me to do something special for my family. In 2001, when most of my mom’s 8 siblings were still alive, we had a reunion at the log home my grandfather had built in Colorado and where several of them, including my mom, had been born. I wove little jelly jar baskets for everyone and put that poem on a card inside (I had seen it in your Christmas book, I believe). That poem said it all when looking at their little home in the woods. Then we each signed one anothers baskets. It’s so nice to look at my basket now and see signatures of aunts no longer with us. Thanks for always finding just the right poem or quote to share with us. I’m forever grateful.
What a great thing that you did!
Thank you, but truly, the inspiration does come from all your books and now this blog and from my dear late mom’s legacy of giving. She always made sure everyone went home from a reunion with something handmade to commemorate the special time together. We’ll raise a glass and light a candle at her spot at the table on Thursday. 🙂
Perfect!
Your blog always has the best quotes … and prayers too. I look forward to each and every one. Happy Thanksgiving from Canada (where Thanksgiving is a month-old memory)!
I’m thankful for Canada. I love the people up there!
good morning Susan, good morning everyone. nice chilly and wet, windy morning here in the Pacific Northwest. i love that lil house and that sweet prayer. the cats are curled up in their basket by the woodstove and happily snoozing away. they had an active and busy night with the yarn balls. just wandered in to wish everyone a safe journey if you are traveling and a Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving Susan, to you and Joe and the Kitties, my cats send along purrs and meows!!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!
My cup runneth over with gratitude, for all that I have and all whom I love. Thank you for starting off my day with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye as well. We ARE a LOVELY bunch of girlfriends who lurk here, aren’t we? All with such joyful hearts. It’s a wonderful community you have created Susan Branch!!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Carol
Thank you for being a part of it!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Carol! xoxo…..kp (one of the girlfriends!)
Good morning~
Thank you for your blog today. I live in a small house and actually have this prayer hanging in my home along with ” A House Blessing” & ” A Kitchen Prayer”. Grandma left the house blessing for us when she moved out and we moved in. The best part about living in a small house is that you are naturally ” forced” to be together! That is usually a good thing!
I would like to share this ( yet another) poem I have hanging in my house. I do not know the age or author. I bought it framed at an estate sale and it looks very old. Can you tell I like poetry?
Friendship
A little spark of
Friendship,
How it keeps the soul alive;
Makes kindliness
And tenderness
And helpfulness survive;
How much there is
To live for
And how sorrow
Finds an end
In the atmosphere
That’s kindled
By the presence of
A friend.
Thanks Susan for being a cyber friend!
Blessings~
Lynn
Love that!!! sweet as pie!
Oh, Lynn! Thanks for sharing that lovely “Friend” poem! Just the perfect thing to include when thanking our friends for being there for us. I love it.
Thank you for that lovely poem, Lynn! xx
You’re welcome! It was meant for all my ” cyber girlfriends too”!
Oh Susan I cried when I read your blog this morning–You are a genius! Your writings are always so heartfelt! I feel so blessed and you hit the nail on the head this morning—every time I read that poem goosebumps appear! Love to you and yours and hopefully you will be on your walk soon! xo
We just got back from the walk, it’s an amazing day here. The four of us plotted our day: lunch, then nap, then, get dressed to go out for dinner. 🙂
Susan, I want to thank you for all the joy and warmth you have brought into my life this year…..this was a very hard year for my husband and I with the loss of his Mother who passed away in June from Alzheimer’s and all that brought with it. Then out of the blue I receive an email from my buddy Frankie in TX with a link to Willard and your website and it was love at first read. We have recently moved from my childhood home and a big farmhouse that I grew up in for the past 50 years with so much space and cabinets into his childhood home which is small (I’m going to say Cozy)….and although I do miss all of my cabinets I just felt that this is where he needed to be at this time in his life and so we have made this change together…..Cozy is nice at this point in our lives and we have our two kitties with us now and they seem to be adjusting just fine. It doesn’t matter the size of your home it is the amount of Love and Warmth that is inside of it. Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life and although my “landscape” is smaller outside my picture window….my heart is still the same size and so full of love and thankfulness for you and all my new “girlfriends”…..Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
What a beautiful poem. You made me feel good, because I do the very same thing but it is on the window sill over my kitchen sink. A theme for every time of the year. My springtime window is little birds, nests, etc. that I have collected throughout the years. Right now of course it is all about Autumn. How about a little wreath for your little house’s door? Have a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends. Thank you Susan for being here.
I think there will be a holly spring on the front porch very soon!
Good Morning Susan
Love your little house with lights. Just finished sending off two to school with lunches, two oldest off to work, my day off, two loads of laundry done and dishes..and today is Susan Branch White Bean Soup Day …yum……the crowds were awesome in the grocery store yesterday..but definite gridlock in some of the aisles…lol….my deadline is 10:30 am here on the puter…then finish raking leaves before our little snow storm arrives tomorrow. God is not shabby by any means…His Love and Grace is forever abundant. Thank you Susan for sharing all the gifts that you have with others and me…..so love this blog…keeps me peaceful….take care and a Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours as well.
DARLING! Yes, I’ve used toys to decorate, especially at Christmas…….Happy Thanksgiving to us all!
Loved the little prayer and you for sharing it with us. The “stove scape” is perfect – I love the way you fill each little corner with joy. I think I will go find some joy to spread around my lonely kitchen. Uh Oh – I think I am already missing the kids not being here for Thanksgiving this year – feels sad. Judy C
Sending love!
Susan,
Thank you for that precious prayer – it’s absolutely frameble! Hope you, Joe, Jack and GK have a beautiful Thanksgiving with your wonderful friends! I pray all of the girlfriends have a happy Thanksgiving too – I’m heading for the grandbabies in Dallas! We’ll all meet back here after we “rest up”. Hugs to the kitties! Patricia
Have fun Patricia!!
Thank you Susan, Happy Thanksgiving to your house. Adorable stove scape!!! Really enjoyed seeing Girl Kitty and Jack hanging out.
The little house and poem just brought tears to my eyes….isn’t this what we women long for deep down? I would love to print and frame the prayer. Happy thanksgiving!
It’s the yearning, hearth and home, health and happiness.
Our Thanksgiving visitors are snug-a-bed in our guest space down the hall after a midnight adventure to pick them up from the airport. The menu for Thursday is on the kitchen desk — except for your delicious Corn Pudding recipe which I printed out and which hangs on the refrigerator near the counter nearly all the time. The ingredients for our wonderful day of thankfulness are tucked into pantry and fridge. And now the perfect prayer as I give thanks for the abundance in my life and aim for my own “small” house trandformed to home — combining all the best of the many lovely homes in which I’ve sheltered with those I love during my lifetime thus far. Happy Thanksgving to you and everyone who shares your wonderful blog whether simply by reading or by posting as well. Postivity abounds here and is just what is needed!
Just what is needed!
I baked the first turkey last night, to the sound of Fred Astaire singing and dancing. Carcass in freezer for SB’s turkey soup, dripping ready as “secret weapon” for gravy! xoxo Happy Rachel visit! Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo
Yes! Genius to the porch lights…and fake snow and reindeer! Add a few wreaths in the windows, a bit of soft electric candle glow inside, and a tiny welcome mat. I can see it in all it’s simple beauty…what a sweet decoration. And the poem…always a lovely reminder at this time of year. Sending happy Thanksgiving wishes across the miles.
Susan, I think one can have a “scape” of any sort and thanks for opening our minds to the possibilities – which are endless, I believe. I’ve inlcuded a little Thanksgiving prayer, I think it is just so sweet to share with you.
Wishing you every blessing your heart can hold on Thanksgiving and always. xoxo, Jeanette
So once in every year we throng
Upon a day apart,
To praise the Lord with feast and song
In thankfulness of heart.
Arthur Guiterman
Have loved your books for years, but only recently found your website.
Thank you for your sweet spirit, and for brightening our lives….. I hope
you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Nice to see you here Pam!
Thank you Susan, what a surprise your post was today! I love the “stovescape”. You have no idea how much your blog means to me, how much it brightens my life. Your pictures, reflections and wisdom are so inspiring! Reading all the comments from the “girlfriends” also reminds me what is important and inspires me. Thank you for your blog and that gathering place of like minded souls you have created! Yesterday, I found myself wanting to comment back to everyone. Someone mentioned that she doesn’t know how you have time for all this, and often I stop myself from commenting because I don’t want to take up too much of your time. I cannot imagine how you get it all done! BUT…Thank you for being you, and for being here!
I love it that we’re all getting to know each other! Like minds, kindred spirits. xoxo
Thank you for that beautiful prayer/poem. I felt choked up as I was reading it.
Have a beautiful, warm, cozy & fulfilling Thanksgiving.
Very beautiful prayer/poem . The little house is adorable ! I love the shelf over you stove. We had our thanksgiving in Oct but I am always thankful for everyone and everything around me ! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving !
What a sweet little prayer. The wee house is adorable. Have a blesssed Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe and of course to the furry kids also.
I am ever grateful for you, Joe and the kittens. You all provide so much warmth, comfort, fun and light especially after some very painful days at work. Really. Blessings to all that share this blog too.
Love it A.L.L., Susan! Poem, little house/stove scape, Joe’s admiration/love of you. <3 HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all! <3
xoxo to you too!
~ We Just Want to Thank You~
For the time you gave
The sharing of your talents
In the beautiful gifts you made
For you have blessed so many
And blessed the Lord above
For using your gifts to bless another
Reflects the Father’s love
~ By M.S.Lowndes ~
Happy Thanksgiving, Susan!
Love & prayers, Bunny
Thank you Bunny!!
I have been reading your blog for a while now and haven’t commented yet, but I do enjoy it so much! Thank you for all the great posts, pictures and sharing. It is wonderful. One of my all time favorites for sure. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you so much for telling me Theresa!!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh Yes, I can see where this project can get out of hand, one thing leading to another. Its kind of like when you change something around in the bathroom and then the upstairs bedroom ends up all changed around? Kind of a fun odd thing.
Well your little house is cute and my bread is drying on the cookie sheets like you said. Happy Thanksgiving to you , and big pat for the kitties.
Nancy Jo
Yes, dangerous to paint a room!
Good Morning Sweet Sue…& Joe & Rachel & Paul!….Joe’s Right Sue…You are a “Genius”…This Tiny House & The Miniature Lights…Yes a Tiny Reindeer will Land on the Roof…soon I Hope! 🙂 & I know The “Snow~Flakes” will Fall all around….Pure Magic…Always! A “Stovescape”…Adorable…& an Excellent Idea…to add to My Other Christmas Treasures….Thank~You! Taylor’s New Song ♫ is “Over The River & Through The Woods To Grand~Ma’s House We Gooooooooo Oh! ♫ The Horse knows the way to carry The Sleigh…♫ Yay! 🙂 Tis The Season To Count Our Blessings…& Be Thankful for All Our Many Blessings…I am Thankful for You Sweet Sue & Your Magical Blog & for All Us “Kindred~Souls”…Amen! Happy Thanksgiving to All & to All…Time to Eat Drink & Be Merry…We are Twirling into Thanksgiving~Bliss! Yay! L♥ve & Hugzzzz xoxo Poof! 🙂 (Gobble~Gobble) Meows & Kitty ~Kisses to Girl Kitty & Jack! ♫♥
I’m not a genius but I like it that Joe called me one! 🙂 L♥ve & Hugzzzz xoxo Poof! xoxo
♫♥♫♥♫♥ Your are Joe’s Genius! ♫♥♫♥♫♥ True~L♥ve 🙂 xoxo More *Poofing* Shall We? 🙂 & a Little Holiday Pixie~Dust for Your Tiny House Too! ♫♥
Hello Gorgeous!! ( I say that to you in my best Barbara Streisand voice!!) Thanks for brightening my morning as always and giving me that “Susan State-of-Mind” each and every day!! You are precious!! Love your stove scape- darling, absolutely darling!! I must mention that close up picture of Girl Kitty, a couple posts ago is so sweet!! What a little angel!! Jack is so cute too!! Love the picture of him on the pillow on your fax machine!! Ok, so that prayer for ‘the little house’ is my favorite!! I want to frame the copy I have in my Autumn Book but of course, don’t want to ruin the book. I would love to buy that print sometime if you ever decide to make it available for sale? Well, just a thought you know…tee hee!! Oh my dearest Susan, I wish you and your family and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving!! GOD Bless!! Love and Hugs, Tricia B.
I wonder if we have that as a print . . . I just asked Kellee, maybe we will have to get one of those done.
Love your little house and tiny lights!
And I wish YOU and your family and friends a beautiful, truly blessed Thanksgiving. God is so, so good. All the time! xoxo
Now you’re touching on something REALLY dear to my heart – little houses! I have scads of them. Wooden, bamboo, ceramic, etc. If it’s tiny and a house I have to have it. I’m a miniature collector, by the way, have several printer’s trays (with the tiny “shelves”) full of goodies. I also have 4 dollhouses, two metal like the one I had when little, one wooden, and one made by Mom and I out of plastic canvas, it’s adorable, five rooms and furniture…
One of my dollhouses is always set up for Christmas, with tiny trees, wreaths, and presents I wrapped myself… Anyway, love your stovescape, and your prayer, and wish you and yours a lovely Thanksgiving. <3
I had tickets to a dollhouse show in London last year which I was unable to attend . . . maybe someday, but doesn’t it sound fun?
Wouldn’t it be fun to have a to-scale dollhouse of your own house? 🙂
ooooo. yes. Then someday, when we go to a smaller house (a long long time from now!), we could take the little one with us!
Hi Susan,
You have inspired me to get my little house out and do a little painting. I brought your Girlfriend Book last night. I am so enjoying it. I using a couple other books by you to plan my Thanksgiving meal.
I can’t wait for your new one to come out.
Hugs,
Elizabeth Q
Thank you Elizabeth!
Thanks for that prayer again. I had read it somewhere else earlier but it reminds me so much of my little house. If I was computer savy I would put pictures on here so you could see how my house matches the verses of the prayer. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!
Thank you Susan, for such a dear example of delighting in one’s home.
Now I’m wondering if I have a tiny little house for my ‘stove-scape’. Hmmm.
I think I do!! Oh delight!! I think it may need a coat of paint…but that won’t take long at all. 🙂 Gotta go dig around in me studio.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND ALL YOURS!!!!
Have fun!
I am thankful for YOU, Susan…
🙂
Ok sorry Susan…the pretty picture of Girl Kitty and the cute one of Jack was just your last post. I apologize and believe I am losing my mind!! Tee Hee!! 🙂 I did forget to wish all the “Girlfriends” out there a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!! GOD Bless!! Love and Hugs, Tricia B.
Love the poem. Is that the same one by Florence Bone that is in your “Autumn” book? I’m planning on reading that at the dinner table on Thursday. I have a little house like yours that sits on a very old desk in our living room. You have just got my imagination going on how to decorate it for Christmas. Love your little lights. We have a huge box of Playmobil items; have to get it out and see what I can use in my “deskscape”.
Yes, that’s the same one. Have fun!
Hi Susan! I have the perfect little wooden snowman to sit beside the tree and little house of your “stove-scape”! After Rachel and Paul have left, can I bring the snowman over to your house to play? I’m laughing–I have a wooden Pilgrim, Pilgrim’s wife, Indian, Indian wife, turkey, corn shock, and pumpkin about the size of your house, I’d guess. They were cut from pine and are sort of primitive though cute, are kind of like stand-up puzzle pieces. Every Thanksgiving I get them out and arrange them somewhere in the house. I’m putting them on the fireplace mantle this year, I’m thinking. I gave my BF Sandy-in-Boston a set years ago and tell her that if they moved back here, we could get together each Thanksgiving to play with our pilgrim sets. 🙂 But seriously, I love making little “scapes” like your stove-scape. I would love to make a house in miniature, like a dollhouse, only more sort of my “dream house” than the townhouse we live in but haven’t done it–maybe I’m afraid it would be too time-consuming… 🙂 What a chance for creativity, though! Have a fun day and wonderful Thanksgiving from Norm and I (and the schnauzers!) 🙂
It’s fun to put my pilgrim set out each year- I have kind of a greenhouse window over my kitchen sink, and it is perfect for my “scapes”. It’s always fun to collect small things, which are perfect for scapes… Pat and I have been friends forever, and especially at this time of year, we enjoy discussing recipes and table decorations!It’s fun! I loved this blog, loved the prayer. Happy Thanksgiving Susan, to you and Joe, your guests, and everyone else! : )
Happy Thanksgiving, Susan, to your and your family. I’m grateful I found your blog because I’m always discovering something new and exciting every time I read it. Vera Lynn, OGM! what a voice. I got stuck in YouTube this morning after listening to the song you picked out.! I sat there with tears bubbling over, her voice is full of sentiment and clear as a bell. Hopefully the gray clouds are going to clear up and we can put on a happy face for our turkey dinner and all its trimmings. Hugs from the jerseycatz…..((())) ((())) ((())) ((()))
She’s wonderful, single handedly almost won the war! Certainly expressed the hearts that were breaking at the time
My heart is all warm & filled to overflowing with this beautiful blog! I’m sniffeling (sp?), teary-eyed too. Can you tell I really enjoyed reading this, & all the delightful comments, & all of Susan’s replies as well! Have a wonderful glorious day my dear cyber friends, and my prayers and best wishes for a truly Happy Thanksgiving! xo Joan PS My husband just opened the door to the guest/sewing studio/junque/storage room & said “What the heck is all that bread doing spread out all over?”. Ha! He’s never seen stuffing from scratch, he thought it came all cut up in those little cellophane bags!
Good Joan!!! Funny, they think we’re crazy but they love us anyway!
Hi Susan!
I adore your little house, and Joe is right, you are a genius 🙂 I love the idea of being the light of our own making…you certainly live by this motto every single day and are such an inspiration!! Thank you.
Happy Thanksgiving and don’t eat too much turkey!!
Thank you for that little reminder ! 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving Susan!
YOU are one of the people I’m most grateful for at Thanksgiving and year-’round! One of the first things I do every morning is visit your delightful blog.
Didn’t expect to find a new entry today, what with your company and all;
What a wonderful surprise!
I think that poem is in one of your books, isn’t it? I think I’ve read it before, such a good reminder to be grateful for ALL we have.
LOVE the little house (WITH lights, yes GENIUS!) ~ now I’ll be looking for one!
I adore all your little touches, including that you took the photograph as your tea kettle was steaming ~ perfect!
Thank you for all you do, Susan (the Adorable Genious!) Branch!
LOL, Thank you Diane . . . yes trying not to “watch” the pot, and take pics instead!
Susan,
Would it be okay to make your “stovescape” photo my computer wallpaper?
It would lift my heart and make me smile every time I see it… a tiny piece of your Vineyard kitchen on my computer! 🙂
That’s fine!
Hi Susan…. Just wanting to say “Happy Thanksgiving” to you and Joe. I enjoy reading your blog each day. Putting me in the mood for the holidays. I really liked the poem that you put into your blog!
Yes, you are a genius! With the warmest, most creative heart ever. Thank you for the prayer, the pictures, the art, the sentiment. Lifts my spirits!
Thank you Ginnie! So Happy you’re here!
So sweet!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that prayer! And that little house is super cute! The lights are the perfect touch! It will look glorious by Christmas with its reindeer and fake snow 🙂
A Happy Thanksgiving to All! 🙂
I have lots of vintage toys and find myself enjoying them a little too much at times. So it was nice to read you do too. A wee bit of fun! You have the most perfect day planned today-EnJOY!
What a sweet poem – thank you for that! The lights on the little house on the stovescape were the perfect touch. A funny book title just popped into my head, “Little House On the Stove.” Had to share that. Hope you’ll show us if it snows on the stovescape or reindeer land on the roof. Happy Thanksgiving!
Susan:
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours…Such a little thing that house idea but so meaningful…Love to all… Suzanne
Hi Susan,
Love the poem, thank you for sharing. You have given me a good idea with your little house. I have 3 trolls, yup trolls, made of found natural objects that my family have given me to mark various moments in my life. I’m going to make little santa hats for them this year. You are such an inspiration.
Fun!
What a special prayer, Susan. Thank you so much for sending it along. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
I know you are having a good time with your guests from “across the pond.” Give them my festive greetings as well!
This blog is such a blessing to all of us!
xoxo
Hi Susan,
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with the joy and laughter of family and friends……including the furry kind!
You have created a space for “the girlfriends”…..to share the comfort of the things that touch the heart. So many days you bring a needed smile, a bit of fun and whimsy…a touching poem, great recipie or simple heart and home felt inspiration. I look forward to every Blog post and Willard, re-read them and go back and reference things you have shared.
Thanks for touching our lives……I am grateful…..for you…..and the glimpse of your life you share with us all.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Deb!
I love that poem/prayer, and have enjoyed it every time I open the book of yours I originally saw it in! Sweet thoughts indeed for those of us in tiny houses…Do you remember the childhood books of Pippi Longstocking? I always compare my little house to hers’, except without the horse on the dining room table! Love your stovescape, and the little owly’s too.
Your blog is keeping me cheerful as my family is scattered and there is no big dinner or anything going on. I especially enjoy reading other SB blog gf’s plans, stories, and cooking plans! Love your pictures, and all you do for us! Were you this cheerful and energetic with your creativity pre-Joe? I bet you were!
I didn’t really have the feeling I was creative in those days, but looking back, I can see that I was!
Wait ’till jack gets a load of his first Christmas Tree! 🙂
My cats love my tree and my Christmas Dept 56 Dickens Village. I just rescued another black and white kitty. He is 12 yrs old and turns out he lived his WHOLE life in a parking lot behind a restaurant. That place closed for redo and he was just stuck there with construction trucks and the little outbuilding he used for shelter was knocked down. Everyone said he was wild and no way can get him into a carrier. I fed him everyday for a while and finally one day, just picked him up and put him in the carrier and took him home with me. He is wonderful and gentle and sweet. His name is Kitten because we are starting his sweet life all over.
He has a big round face and looks like a stuffed kitty. My Alaskan malamute spent the first few nights next to him in his new little bed and we are all happy in our little house. At Thanksgiving, I am thankful for your inspiration every day and thankful that I am led to these innocent animals in need.
I love the prayer too. We do have so very much to be thankful for. I am thankful for your blog. I look so forward to reading it. Happy Thanksgiving Susan !
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Susan, and all in your household! I have a bit of a stove-scape, too, and you’ve inspired me! For that, too, I give thanks.
Oh My a darling “stove scape”! I don’t have a stove shelf but I love seeing yours!!
Home is the dearest spot on earth! May yours be blessed this Thanksgiving as you bless mine!!
Beautiful. Thank you.
Blessing to you, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Linda L. in Texas who is going to Wisconsin for Thanksgiving
Hi Linda~
I am in Wisconsin (southeastern) and it is supposed to be almost 60 here on Thursday! Bring your shorts, tank top & flip~flops with you LOL! Safe travels to you!
Something tells me, in Wisconsin, this won’t last very long! Get it while you can! 🙂
I know 🙂 We could have a foot of snow the next day! It’s happened before! I’ll take any day with 2 #’s in it!
We were just wishing for a nice blizzard so our guests are forced to stay longer!! Where is that blizzard when you need it!!?
2 digits above zero! As for a blizzard, I’m sure there is one in your future…
Bound to happen, always wonderful!
Love the prayer. We’ll read it before our Thanksgiving dinner…and again…and again, I’m sure! Thank you for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours!
I like your idea, what a good dinner blessing to say around the table (any day ofthe year)!
Dear Susan,
I just love the playfulness you bring to life! The house prayer was one of the first things I tried painting and I just love the way it turned out! I hope to frame it and give it as a Christmas gift this year. My very first painting gift give-away! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! xo
Absolutely adore the Florence Bone poem; it’s perfect. I saw a sign today that said “a bed without a quilt is like the sky without stars”…isn’t that just so?!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Joe and all those you love. Please, say a prayer for me, my husband passed away, quite suddenly on the 5th. Thus, I begin my year of “firsts”.
We have all been thinking of you Sandra, in your year of firsts.
Bless you Sandra–take care of yourself and know you are in my prayers.xoxo
Saying a prayer for you Sandra…may the Lord hold you close and may you stay near to Him.
Sandra-My heart and prayers goes out to you, and new beginnings (with sweet memories of past love). Thank you for sharing this quote, I love it!
Cute! Lovely poem. And I just love your owls!
Love, love, love your little house and tree!!! And the poem has always been one of my favorites!!
Thank you!! xxooxxooxx
Your little house is darling! I’ve always wanted to buy a small doll house and decorate it differently for all the seasons. I would REALLY go overboard at Christmas, I know! All your prayers are so sweet. We definitely need more prayer in the world. My church, Calvary Chapel is having their annual Thanksgiving dinner at Lake Seminole Park again and I’ll be attending with some friends. The church reserves a covered pavillion and supplies the turkey, and everyone brings something. We have a great time. I live in Florida so it’s usually perfect weather to eat outside in Nov. 🙂 My friend Don suggested I make date squares, so today we went to buy the ingredients. He was all ready to substitute grits for rolled oats! (He doesn’t have much patience for shopping!) Well, I made them and they looked like the picture, so I guess all is well???
Aren’t those 1940’s movies great? So romantic! I love the clothing and the hair styles, and especially the cars!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! God Bless!
Happy Thanksgiving blessings to you, too!
That is one of my favorite poems. It grounds me every time I read it, like a warm hug, and fills me with gratitude for simple things.
Your little house is so sweet. I found a vintage little church a couple of years ago, and I also put bottle brush trees and little deer beside it at Christmas time. When we held the celebrations here at our home last Christmas, Ramon’s grandma, a very small sweet old lady, kept hobbling over to it and leaning close to admire it. She just thought it was the most adorable thing, and I was so happy someone appreciated it. Isn’t it nice when someone, like Joe, notices the little things you do, and appreciates them?
We had hoarfrost on the tree tops this morning and I SMELL SNOW.
It’s so exciting!
Love you,
Dawn
Love it that you are smelling snow!!! xoxo Happy Thanksgiving Dawn!
Maybe Dawn is related to Lorelai Gilmore in the TV series “Gilmore Girls”? Lorelai could SMELL snow, too.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Enjoy your blog and all the art work in all it’s various forms! I too love little houses! My one memory of my paternal grandmother is the tiny lit up village she put on her fireplace mantel every Christmas. When she passed away years ago I wanted that little village, but never knew where it went to. Came across the same little houses lit up village at of all places the $ General and I like you add little trees and Christmas decor. I was not in the Spirit yet, but you sure made me think of a great Christmas memory, I am going to get out my little houses as well! God Bless You! for all the inspiration!
KarylDawn
Love your little house! Love it. Sometimes I miss my little house that I lived in and raised my three daughters in until each left to start their own home. I have a home in the woods and am learning to love it also but I still miss my little house. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy your rainbow jello!
Love it! Happy Thanksgiving!
What a beautiful prayer/blessing! That is all I really need for true happiness is my family and friends and a little place to call home. I am very blessed and I wish you Susan and your family the most wonderful Thanksgiving as well as all the girlfriends out there! Peace and happiness to you all!
Thank you Diana!
What a beautiful prayer Susan, made even more so by your beautiful lettering. Love your “stove-scape”! Happy Thanksgiving!