Because I just did a long post about the moon for New Year’s Eve, today’s post was supposed to be all about tea time and dishes and cups and teapots, to 
go with my Willard newsletter that starts going out today. ♥ But, Sunday night, we walked into town to have dinner and even though it wasn’t the “official” full moon yet, the island was SO beautiful, the harbor was SO alive — I couldn’t help but show you! We went home and checked the exact time the first full moon of 2012 would rise. And last night, we were ready. We were moonchasers! Reminded once again, it’s true, the best things in life are free!
Sunday night is what got us started; here we are, just three blocks from home, on the town dock at Owen Park. The thing about living on Martha’s Vineyard, is that you don’t just get the moon, you get island ambience! Shore lapping, rippling water, flags flying, people going in and out of the golden light at the Steamship Building, the salty smell of the sea. A feast of beauty for the senses.
This bit of horn-blowing ambience is docked in front of the building in the first photo — when we got there, the ferry was loading up, getting ready for the forty-five minute trip across the sound to the mainland. The water rippled perfectly to catch the dazzling reflection from the boat windows . . . I can’t even believe we were standing right there, catching such a beautiful sight!
Water like glass for the sailboat masts too . . . this is supposed to be winter, but so far, it’s been hovering near the 50’s on most days; clear and cold at night.
And behind us, the lights were beginning to come on in the little houses that hug the shore. But you are saying to yourself, where’s the moon? Didn’t she say something about the moon?
Oh yes she did! There it is! And there goes the ferry. When we left the house, we really weren’t expecting this, we were just going to dinner. . . but when we saw what was happening . . .
We needed to chase the moon, the ferry, the stars! We got the car and drove out West Chop to the Meadow for a clear view of the sound in time to see the ferry steaming toward Woods Hole. I think that’s one of the dippers up there in the sky on the right!
A little further down, we came to the West Chop Lighthouse and there was the moon, giving us a beautiful shot. All of these photos were taken without flash — for some reason, there is a very strong light shining on the front of this house. This photo reminded us of an Edward Hopper painting. But we wouldn’t want to live here . . . who could sleep? See the stars?
Thought you might like to see a daytime photo of the lighthouse (built in 1817) . . . just as wonderful!
Finally back home, and there’s the moon, peeking through the linden trees over the roof of our house. And this wasn’t even the full moon! I think you can see why, first thing Monday morning, we Googled “time of moon rise on Martha’s Vineyard,” and planned our day around 5:10 pm last night. When the time finally came, we got our hats, gloves, scarves, big jackets and drove to East Chop. We got there early and waited, so excited, as it got darker and darker, scanning the water line, asking each other 10,000 times, “Where do you think it will come up?” And, “Do you see a little light over there?” Trying to pinpoint the spot it would rise. And then, finally, “There it is!!!”
Why is this so exciting? I don’t know. But most of what you’re seeing is reflection on the water; it’s really just a little sliver of a moon, so far, skimming the water line.
And then we were treated to a bit of a light show. . . sparking pink on the water . . .
Then turning yellow. Hello.
Lighting the ocean on fire for one perfect moment in time; how could it get any better than this?
Here comes a fishing boat going home to Menemsha, about to cross the path of the moon; how must it feel to be on that boat?!!! The put-put sound of the engine, the clanging of the rigging, the smell of the sea in the cold wind, the water rushing past the bow, and then, the moon. Lucky!
I hope they did! ♥
So, after taking about 200 photos of this view :-), we got back in the car and drove along the north shore taking more pictures as we went . . .
What a view — I wonder if the owners of this house are inside but turned off the lights to watch this??? I would. And I’d be playing this music too! ♥ Bella Luna!
This is the Edgartown Lighthouse . . . see the red light? It blinks! I got it!! 🙂 So wonderful that we are digital now . . . otherwise I would have gone totally broke on the film for this little outing!
And yet, I will publish an out of focus picture like this! But how could I not? We were “coming to” from being moon drunk, and began to notice how beautiful the Edgartown architecture looked in the moonlight, details gleaming white in the dark.
Edgartown is a very pretty little New England town. But it’s a summer town; almost all the businesses close down in the winter, and many of the homes are occupied only during the summer. If you are ever looking for peace and quiet, Edgartown in the winter is the place to go. This is part of the Charlotte Inn, one of the prettiest Inns on the island.
The beautiful Federated Church . . . built in 1828; the congregation was established in 1642. But I digress. How can I help it. Sublime beauty calls.
It was a wonderful drive back to our neighborhood . . . the moon shined its light on us the whole way. ♥
Full moons wake me up…. I think I have thin eyelids or something, because I’ve always been able to sense or “see” light even with my eyes closed! Here’s the moon around 2 am this morning.
If you have my calendar, you already know that Native Americans called the first moon of the year the “Wolf” moon. They had nature-inspired names for all the moons; next month it will be the “Snow” moon. I recently gave away a Bookmark that includes the dates of the full moons for 2012 and all the Native American names for them . . . in case you just came here from Willard and missed it, here it is again. Click on “bookmark” and you can print it out and become a moon chaser yourself. It was really fun; next time I’m packing a picnic! I think a soft little roast beef and lettuce sandwich, heavy on the mayo, lots of salt and pepper, would be very nice in the warm car with the moon shine. (Notice moon shine is two words! :-))
OK girls, you probably know by now, we have a special give-away today, Valentine’s Day is coming . . . I mentioned in the Willard that I was giving away a signed copy of one of my Love Books, but I’m really giving away two! To the same person! ♥ One for whoever wins the random drawing, and one for the winner to give away to someone they love! I hope one of those two books goes to YOU!!! All you have to do is leave a comment (just click on the little gray word “comment” at the bottom of this post), and that will enter you in the drawing. I’ll let you know who the winner is in a couple of days. Until then, have a wonderful day girlfriends, be good to yourself! ♥
I love your Willards! I’ve just discovered you in the last few months — I didn’t even know you WROTE books! I thought you made stickers and scrapbook paper … late to the party again, as usual … 🙂
We always save the best for last 🙂
i
love your work. thank you from the bottom of my heart.love sherry phillips
Really look forward to Willard and anything “Susan Branch”:-)
ooo! I love giveaways! 🙂 Especially with a prize like that! Hope i’m not too late for the drawing.
Susan, I just admire the life you live…and you really live it so well. I so enjoy reading about your simple pleasures. You make everything seem precious. Thank you for your inspiration and for your reminders that the “…best things in life are free.”
Include me in the giveaway…would love to win your book. You are the BEST! Can’t wait to read your blog every morning. Hugs all around…000000 x
OOOOO back to you!
good morning Susan! I woke up this morning and the heavens were finally shaking serious snowflakes down on the Berkshires and all that I wanted to do was curl up on the sofa, grab a book and a cup of tea and surround myself with things that make me happy… and then I remembered that I hadn’t opened this month’s Willard yet. Perfect! Thanks for such a great Willard and for adding cinnamon hearts to the snowflake cake of a day! (P.S. your grandmother’s birthday cake recipe sounds like heaven … have I missed it in one of your books … can you tell me which one? The smell of orange cake baking is clearly the only thing missing from the perfect day!)
Oh I can’t begin to tell you how truly fabulous this cake tastes — it’s my favorite (right now:-)) It’s on page 128 of Vineyard Seasons . . . I hope you have it!
Of course I have it … I actually bought it in the bookstore at Vineyard Haven YEARS ago, where of course, I was secretly hoping I might just run into you. I don’t know how I’ve gone all these years without digging into that cake recipe though, but no worries … I’ll remedy that soon!
Thanks for sharing with all of us!
was reading Willard and decided to fix myself a cup (in a very fine, thin china cup) of tea and visit your Blog. What fun, you-me-and a cup of tea. You are a wonderful advertiser for Martha’s Vineyard and surrounding area. I too can see light through my eyelids. In the country it is like being in the city with city lights. In NC we have an island beach-Bald Head Island, have been there but not during a full moon. Now I need to go back. Needless to say I love reading your entries on the most routine events of our lives. Thank you and look forward to the next one.
Thanks Nanette! Happy to have you here!
I thought I was the only nut who went out in the winter cold to see a full moon!! I always call my grandsons to tell them I’m looking at the moon and love to hear that they were already looking too! It’s nice to know it shines on us all!!
No, as far as nuts go, I’m right with you! 🙂
I would love to win this book. Your blog (and you) are always so positive and uplifting. Please keep doing what you do….. you do it so well!
Hello Susan! Just wanted to share the excitement…we have had snow flurries since yesterday!!! Finally it’s a Winter Wonderland! Time for a mug of hot cocoa and review the new Willard, as the snowflakes fall. Have a great weekand!
How gorgeous it must be. We’re still on our warm (38ish) sunny little island with not a flurry in sight!
thank you for being you and sharing you with me!!! I Love all you do and say and treasure time with “you” and all you do-a friend for years and we’ve not met
Oh, Susan, how I love your blogs. I,too, am a late comer to it but I am so glad I found you. You brighten up my day so much. Thank you for being there.
Bonnie
Happy to meet you Bonnie!
I love your books, the monthly Willards, and everything I’ve ordered from your site. Your posts put a smile on my face. Thank you Susan!
Love the moon photos, love the views from Martha’s Vineyard, plan to visit someday.
Chiming in to see if we can reach 2000 – or perhaps 2012! You, and the other girlfriends, inspire me to see the beauty all around. Today, here in West Michigan, our Christmas tree, decorated with its crocheted snowflakes, is still up in our house to greet all the snowflakes that have finally arrived outside. It’s lovely…..
Hi Susan,
I live in a small New England town and like you have not seen any snow, although the wind is blowing. I am busy mom of three, teach third grade (born to do this) and currently finishing my master’s degree! When I’m struggling to get it ALL done, I take a break and log onto your website. It is there I am reminded of just how lucky I am to live the life I do!
I have lived here for 12 years (originally from England) and my BFF still lives four thousand miles away…….I hope it’s my lucky day to share some of your ‘bikini clad Oreos’ kind of love with her.
Gaynor
Susan,
I loved reading and using your books and cooking from them when my 2 boys were young. As your product line grew into stickers and stationary I enjoyed using that over the years w/ other co-workers and family too. Now I have a confession to make. I have rediscovered you on your beautiful blog! It’s like coming home to a treasure after a few long stressful days as a nurse. I can read and catch up on you, Jack, your recipes and all. My confession is that I haven’t taken the time to thank you and tell you how much I enjoy it yet. Continued blessings and joy to you in all you do and all of your wonderful work!
Kristi Colbert
I would love to win your wonderful book. I really enjoy your blog, Susan. Thanks for taking the time to write it and share your life with us.
Hello! Susan from LaPorte, Indiana. Not as well known as Martha’s Vineyard but we’re not far from Lake Michigan and about 60 miles from Chicago! I just love reading “Willard” (always look forward to it) and how it makes me feel – warm and cozy inside. You are truly a talented and gifted artist and writer! I would so love to win your autographed book! Good luck to me!
Dear Sue ~ some of us “Old Faithfuls” have been trying not to write so much now that your followers have gone from kitchen table numbers to Rent Out the New Stadium numbers. We are so happy for you, but WHAM!! Did that ever happen overnight, or what?!? As an Oldie, I’d love to be added to your “Love” book giveaway, if it’s not too late. Love you, and don’t let the BlogMonster take over your life! You are an ARTIST, first & last ~ xoxo Terrie
Miss your store in “The Village” of Arroyo Grande. I’ve been a long time fan. I enjoy all things Susan Branch. My husband and I recently had a tuxedo kitten arrive at our rural home in the middle of a cold fall night. Her name is “Toepick” for reasons one could guess. She and Jack would make for lots of fun. Happy 2012.
I gave this book (among several of your other books!) to my daughter and it’s one of her favorites! 🙂
I gave this book to my daughter and she loves it!!!
I have a kindredship with moons… I adore their light at night as I am going to sleep. The moon’s light calms me and gives me a soothing feeling.
16 years ago, today, the 15th, I lost my brother.
We got the call at 2 am.
I couldn’t believe it. I begged God, I pleaded and bargained to bring my brother back, but nothing would work.
I remember seeing the flicker of light in the darkened livingroom. i didn’t want the light on.
I washed all the floors downstairs… I don’t know why, then felt like I was being called. I turned around toward my living room picture window and saw the moon shining in, leaving it’s beautiful beam on my living room floor. I walked toward that old faithful friend and felt it’s grasp as it held me while I stood there. It’s silver moonbeam sparkled on the ocean before our house reminded me of it’s tears matching the ones I cried as I wept an ocean of tears for my brother.
The moon grieved with me and held me, comforting me.
I believe it.
I’ve never told anyone this, but I’m telling you … the ones who’d understand.
love the pictures <3
love,
Denise of Ingleside, PEI
I had to read this twice Denise. It was just beautiful. Arms around you, hugging commences. xoxo
Thanks so much, Dear Susan xoxo
Hugs right back to you <3
I remembered your page each month in Country Living Magazine. Loved them and still have each one!!! The recipes were wonderful. But I also enjoyed the artwork, the layout of the page, the hominess and everything about that one page. I used those recipes often especially during the Christmas season. Recently found your site and am new to all of it. It is wonderful!! I become lost in all of it. In a good way! It takes me away from everyday work, stress and troubles to a very wonderful place! I am truely enjoying all of it. Just wanted to Thank You !!
What a beautiful post! I would love to win a copy(ies) of your book. Valentine’s Day is my favorite day of the year, thus the name of my blog!
Susan, I can’t say enough or give enough praise for the way you make all of us who read you feel as we’re reading. It’s like going back in time to the days of Little Women or even Jane Eyre. When times were simple, thoughts were quiet and life was gentle. When I finish reading my Willards I just shake my head and marvel that a modern day woman such as you lives her life as you do. All of us who “know” you are very blessed!
So behind on your blog posts…..not sure when the drawing is…hope I’m not too late because I love your books and I don’t have this one!
You must be my kindred spirit, Susan ~ as Anne of Green Gables penned when she read, “The Lady of Charlotte.” So innocent, so poetic, so artistic.
Your Willard column and Blog keeps me looking for more. I have two favorite artists, you are the first, Mary Engelbreit is the second (she’s from my hometown). Your writings bring such coziness and warmth to each page, we as readers become one with it.
Your recipes decorate my pantry walls, they are quite interesting and easy to prepare, and I just love the artistic expressions for each.
Happy New Year ~
I love moons and your bookmark, I gave it to a friend at work who shares the same affinity for anything about moons. A sad tale, however, about 2 years ago. My big dogs got in the house and killed two of my kitties. It was tragic. It happened during the Wolf Moon. My son says he is going to write a story about what happened via the surviving kitty’s perspective and call it the Wolf Moon Massacre. Should be interesting to say the least. Love your blog, keep it up.
Oh my goodness!
I hope I’m not too late for the drawing = ) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE reading your blog. It always makes me smile!
Thank you for all the sweet gentle joy you have sent out all these years!
I have loved your stuff for years now. I love that you have this blog and that I still get emails and ideas for gifts!!! Thank you!
Love Willard and everything “Susan Branch”:-)
Oh I love your pictures! Some day I want to see Martha’s Vineyard! I have dreamed of going there and having lunch with you and Carly Simon! A girl can dream right? Any way your town looks so picture perfect! I love my dishtowels I just got them yesterday with your stove on there! So cute! Please enter me in your giveaway as I would love these books and would share the other one with my bestest friend my daughter!! Thanks Susan!
Never get tired of reading everything on your site, have been a fan for years and years, no madder how old I get I find everything you write , make or do charming , fun, and absoulutly BEAUTIFUL, keep up all your wonderful work
Just found your blog and know that I’ll be a constant visitor. Love your pictures-especially the one of the Federated Church in what I think is in Edgartown. I’m also a lover of the full moon…always running to Google the Native American name of the current resident of the skies.
Such pretty little birdies!
Precious birdies….puts me in the mood for spring…
I REALLY wish all your dishes, glasses, candle holders, cake plates ALL OF THEM could be manufactured! Keep talking to Wedgewood!!! I use the pink Rose Chintz dishes everyday and love green – oh, I love those little birdies…
Your imagination absolutely astounds me – what tremendous gifts you have and so freely share.
The people who personally know you and are able to spend time with you are very lucky people indeed. I wish that you were a neighbor of mine!
I just signed up for Willard, I used to get Willard by snail-mail but lost touch except for yearly calanders, that I requested for Christmas. I have missed your sweet stories and am so glad to reconnect and this time I am bringing a friend, my now adult daughter, who also greatly enjoys your work, she gave me your book ” MOM” for Christmas along with my calander. Thank you for enjoying your work and sharing it with the rest of us.
Glad to see you, and your daughter Jamie!
PS. I think your birdies are SPRING SWEET… (is it legal to sy “spring” in January?)
Good Evening Sweet Sue! Yum-Yum…Your Hot Milk Cake Recipe looks soooo delicious! Can’t wait to prepare it. Thank you for sharing it with us.
And yes…”Two little birdies getting ready to roam…
As Susan sends them winging to a brand new home…
They are a special gift for one her girlfriends, now won’t that be fun?
I sure hope I am the lucky one!”
Love from, Dorothy Ann
Susan – I found your website from the back of a Homemade Recipe Scrapbook that I just bought for my daughter, Amanda. She is getting married in June and I am asking all of her special friends and family to complete a page for this scrapbook. The warm design of your pages really appealed to me and as I worked, it dawned on me that I had been drawn to your designs in the past. When Amanda graduated from HS in 1974, I penned a momento to post in her yearbook using your “Life is Good teapot” design found on page 124 of your “Girlfriends Forever” book. Thanks for continuing to use your talents to make the world a warmer place for all.
What a delightful collection of recipes and stories and pictures I have just found on your website this morning! The recipe for milk cake looks so yummy and similar to something I enjoyed in Ecuador last summer. I must try it soon when my daughter is home for the weekend.
Actually, I had logged on to your website to post a comment about your 2012 calendar (ISBN 9781617760310, Item 12-1033, SKU 19344 25031) that I have. (I’ve been buying your calendars for four years now, and didn’t realize that you did anything else!). Inside the back cover, the 2012 calendar that is flanked by 2011 and 2013 has the wrong dates. Did you know? I had cut it out and taped it on my desk cubby at work and finally realized earlier this week why I was getting dates and days confused. Is there a corrected version anywhere on your website? Thanks so much for your lovely designs and writings. Molly
I know just which one you’re talking about . . . here’s my latest Willard Newsletter so you can find out more . . . the calendars were in the stores before we realized the mistakes! I promise it won’t happen again! We’re being so much more careful with the 2013 calendars we’re just finishing up!!! Sorry!
I love reading your blog and looking at all of the wonderful things. The bird salt and peper shakers are just adorable.
The little bird salt and pepper shakers are adorable. My favorite color too. The cake looks yummy. I can’t wait to make it for my family. I have never baked with vanilla bean and didn’t know the first thing of how to use it. The pictures help so much. Thank you.
Thanks for the chance for the sweet song birds. Was in NYC this weekend, Sarabeths across from Central Park was delicious (the original is on Amsterdam Ave between 80th and 81st and is utterly charming).
Thank you Lynn!
I just love all the quotes that you put in the blog. I now am starting a little book with all the quotes!
I love peeking into your site on my breaks at work to get a breath of fresh air. I work with technology all day long (it is not who I am) and I like to be reminded of the things I really love! You bring magic to everything you see and do. One day I hope to see the Christmas snow globe window on your main street and bring a chicken to the graveyard.
What a lovely trip around MV, chasing the moon. My New Years Resolution was to be more mindful this year… live for the moment instead of always planning the future! Your giddy enthusiasm for the moon, in all its splendor, was exactly what the doctor ordered. I love, love, loved it! THANKS.
You are so welcome Jane!
I just received your 2012 Heart of the Home calendar for my birthday. And I absolutely adore the January page: “Reasons to go on Living”: kitties! books! art!
starry nights…snowstorms…well, it’s wonderful. Thanks so much, Susan.
I do so enjoy your blog. (And those green birds are lovely.)
I was just introduced to your website by my sister Beth who is an avid follower and I just loved it and now I am an avid follower. Thank you for making my day.
A new fan……..Kathy
Welcome Kathy and hello to Beth too!
Love your pictures and the great old recipe for plain white cake . It feels good to read a recipe thats stood the test of time. Thanks for your wonderful site and pictures. It would be great if those two birdies could come to visit me.
Thank you for sharing your talents! I just found your website, signed up … I am thrilled to be a part of this! I’ve always LOVED your work. And yes, the best things in life are the simplicities that stir and motivate our best selves. Here’s to sharing, caring, loving, enjoying, laughing, dreaming, wishing, being..
Hi Susan, I found your website thru my sister Christine who has loved you forever!!! Now I know why shes always on it….I love the recipes, videos, and pics, especially of your town. It looks beautiful. Would love to visit some time. Can you recommend any where to stay with 3 children???? Thank you for such an uplifting blog…. huggs to the kitties
You’ll find lots of information with links to help you with that if you go to the top of the blog and click on I love Martha’s Vineyard.
The birds would be the perfect thing to cheer me up after such a rainy weekend and start to the week.
The birds would be a perfect way to cheer me up after a rainy weekend in Georgia.
I have been a follower of yours for many years!!! I think I have every one of your books (except for the above!!!); and have enjoyed them all. They are quite dog-eared at this point! You are such an inspiration to me – my style of decorating has alot to do with your taste and advice. As a matter of fact – I just printed the picture of your kitchen shelves…..my husband built me shelves in my kitchen and I’m in the process of filling them. Now I have some ideas to use!!! (The only thing I’ll probably do differently, is add some cookbooks here and there!) Thank you for your wonderful recipes, and inspiration-filled home ideas.
p.s. I’m very interested in the adorable bird shakers, as well! Adorable!!!
Hello to All and especially Susan,
What beautiful sights in your little town! Surely the moon is as beautiful peeking through the Georgia pines! Officially, my second comment in the “web world.” Hope I’m posting correctly. CYJ
Oh my gosh … I absolutely love this site. My daughter introduced me to it. She knows me too well and knew I would!! Thank you so much for sharing all of this and I will be making that delightful cake.
I can’t wait to try your milk cake recipe; it is almost the same as my Grandmother’s “Irish Bread” recipe. It’s actually more like a tea cake than a bread. But we love it!
I just love when “Willard” pops up in my mailbox. I wait until I have a warm cup of coffee, fuzzy slippers and and least 15 minutes to myself when I read it. It is like a little suprise gift!
I just received your out of print book “Autumn from the Heart of the Home” for Christmas. I love fall and I love your ideas. When you write about the world around you and how you see it, sometimes I feel like you are reading thoughts right out of my own head!
I have purchased your calendars for a couple of years and it’s always so cheerful to see every month. I couldn’t find one this year so I got on your website to see where to buy one and saw your wonderful website and blogs. I haven’t figured out what a Willard is, or who a Willard is, but I look forward to find out! I enjoy your calendars so much so I hope I win the books!!
Willard is my monthly newsletter that I send out via email to anyone who has signed up for it . . . you can sign up, and find out who Willard is, HERE — Very sorry about the calendar — we have never run out before!
I think I’m missing something…..what is the Willard??
Ooooo, yes, you are, it’s my Newsletter . . . go here and read about it … it’s like an extended blog post that tells what all new is going on at the studio…. scroll down on that page and you will find out why it’s called Willard! Thanks for asking!