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! ♥
We have been having beautiful moonlit nights and mornings also in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It’s very different to be focused on the moon in January and not the “snow”. Thanks for sharing.
Almost looks like snow doesn’t it . . . a different kind!
Natalie, I’m watching from Fort Wayne, too! Hasn’t it been simply amazing?
Oh how great, a Fort Wayne introduction right here on my blog!
I am from Fort Wayne too! I agree that nothing can compare to the cold, crisp nights with the bright moon shine. Hello fellow Hoosiers! (Shh, I fear the snow may be on the way later this week.)
As I was walking last night, I was also taken in by the beautiful moon. I did not have a camera, but my pictures would never have been like yours. Yours are “over the moon” beautiful 🙂 Thanks SO much for sharing them. And the book looks awesome! What a wonderful Valentine’s gift.
Thank you Jocelyn!
Thanks for showing the January calendar page in Willard letter today – I love that you let us in on the missing “s” and I’m in despair that I didn’t buy a calendar soon enough. Now they’re sold out – darn it! Just proves the she-who rule (she who hesitates is lost)….you won’t catch me waiting for ♥♥♥-day!!
Normally we wouldn’t have this problem, we’ve never run out before! Must get more next year!
Thank you for all the wonderful pics of that wonderful “wolf” moon. Our moon went down about 6:30 this morning as I was getting up.Thank you for putting all the “moons” in your calendars too. Love you.
Thank you Penny!
Greetings,
What a delightful post. Your photography of the moon is impressive, and the posted-commentary is charming.
How thrilled I would be to win one of your your books ,,, not to mention two.
Fingers crossed!
Jeanne Murray
Fingers crossed Jeanne! Happy day!
When you write about the moon, I am reminded of my special Aunt Blanche who is no longer with us, but she was a thoughtful soul and looking at the moon was one of her favorite pasttimes. Whenever I see the moon in all its fullness, I think of her. Thank you for your writing and your most beautiful pictures, and memories of my aunt.
So nice to hear! She must have been very special.
What a magical, magical post! Thank you so very much for the mesmerizing images and the soul-nourishing words. Moon watching reminds me of the Herman Melville quote which says: “It is not down on any map; true places never are.” And aren’t we so glad that we are all held in that beautiful glow regardless of where we are watching! Bless you.
That’s the best, that we’re all looking at it more or less at the same time!
Love the photos Susan and thanks for sharing your beautiful surroundings with us. The little wooden banner at the bottom of your post is so sweet and the book looks very inviting!
Thank you Pam!
I just love your beautiful town. Thanks for sharing it with us. And thanks for the giveaway! Tammy Mabry
You’re welcome!
Thank you for all your inspiration! your writing, photography & paintings (mis-spellings and all!!!) make my day.
🙂 A human girl.
Your pictures are stunning! Thanks for letting us tag along on your moonlit stroll.
There’s nothing quite like the light of a silvery moon on a cold, dark Winter night. Absolutely beautiful!
Off topic … How is Girl Kitty? I haven’t seen any photos of her lately.
I took a little video of her and Jack together yesterday, I’ll show it soon. She’s wonderful, but could easily send him back from whence he came — she’s not him today (he is in being “fixed” this morning :-))
I’m sure she’s none too happy with the little “intruder”, but I’ll bet she’s secretly going to miss him today. Of course, she’d never let on. Cats are funny that way!
I hope Jack’s surgery goes well!
It will, we get to pick him up at noon!!! That’s only two hours from now!
My husband and I noticed the full moon also, so beautiful.
Hard to ignore last night!
What a remarkable treat for this California girl to see the man in the moon climb out of the ocean!!!
On an island, you can see him climb out, then run around the other side and see him drop back in!
Oh Susan! That white house in Edgartown is sublime! By any chance is it a B & B? I ask because it looks like there is signage out front… would love to stay there!
As always, thank you, thank you, for the lovely post. Daisy and I went for our first walk under the glorious Wolf Moon last night, and it was such a jolt to step out of the house and see that gigantic orb! No street lights were necessary on our jaunt through the neighborhood as the wattage from the ultra-bright moon cast such a bright glow!
It’s part of the Charlotte Inn complex of buildings — THEE prettiest Inn on the island . . .
LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED!
Where have I heard that before! 🙂 Ain’t it the truth!
I envy you your moon photos! They’re beautiful. I seem to have trouble taking pictures of the moon. Every time I think I’ve got the right shot, it fizzles. I chalked it up to the mysteries of the moon…but I’ll still keep trying.
xo
Claudia
That’s why I was glad I wasn’t paying for film. You should have seen the ones that got away! 🙂
I live on the west coast where sunset chasing is my little obsession. I’ve never seen the moon rise over the water like that. Just beau-ti-ful!! Thanks for catching it just for us. 😉
I’ve just started thinking about Valentine’s Day and what I could do for the “little sweeties” in my life. I think I might make some jars of hot fudge sauce with darling little tags. It’s a start, still thinking. What do you think?
I think Yes! Very charming, romantic, heartfelt, and of course, delicious!
Beautiful photos, Susan. Thank you!
Susan, what great pictures, I was moonstruck and not even there with you. Or was I? I must pay MORE attention to the moon in the furture. Thank you for another nice giveaway. Looking forward to the new willard, I have your willard book, always fun to read.
Nancy Jo
Nice to hear Nancy Jo!!
Thank you so much for all your work to give us such beauty! I live in a large city and had to wait till the moon was high enough to see it but I was ready! I brought my husband outside in the cold and we yelled, “Bella Luna!” and smooched :o) Thank you for reminding me what a thing of beauty the moon is! Dee
Time out for us!
I was on the Island last year with no full moon and it was beautiful. Would love to be there with the full moon. Thanks so much for giving me a look at it with full moon….so enchanting! It has been beautiful here in the mountains of Ky. too.
I’m sure it is! Would love to see it there too!
Thanks so much for the lovely photos.
Love you too Sue! What a wonderful trip through the island with you moon chasing! The island is so beautiful in moonlight. I just went shopping in your online store for Valentines day and I’m so excited to get all those heart mugs, dish towels, recipe cards…..so cute! I’m slowly changing over from all my Christmas decorations although my mantel is still decorated ( I hate to take it down). Looking forward to Willard, although last time it went out I didn’t get it, so hope it makes its way to my e-mail this time! Excited about the Love book too, I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Hope you have a wonderful day Sue and I plan on making the chicken soup this weekend, funny the last time I made it was Oct. 29th and that was the day of the BIG snowstorm where we got 13 inches. Hope this isn’t going to happen again! Happy Day!
Let me know if you don’t get Willard. Good luck with the soup and the snow!! 🙂 Thank you Suzanne!
the pictures are great, i printed out the bookmark. i have been teaching my grandson about the names of the full moons, he loves looking @ the moon also. thanks.
So welcome Jeannine!
I really enjoyed your photos. I live in the foothills of the Rockies of Colorado, so your gorgeous seaside images allows me to glimpse a world very different from mine! Many thanks!
I’ve been through Colorado Springs, so I have at least a little bit of an idea about those foothills! So beautiful there!
I live just south of Colorado Springs and so love it!
I have LOVED reading your blog post and the “Willard” this morning. Valentine’s Day, the lovely moon ~ I feel like I’m swooning. 🙂
awww, thank you Christine, I know that’s a good thing!
La luna, la bella luna!!!! I know you are a big Moonstruck fan, I am too! One of my favorite scenes is when all the doggies start howling at the moon. The book looks adorable, one of yours I don’t have . . but would love to own : )
Have a wonderful day!
My favorite scene too, I think I knew how those dogs felt last night, although I didn’t howl — well maybe a little, under my breath! 🙂
One of many WONDERFUL scenes in Moonstruck. My husband and I now have a little “code” we use — I, when his driving is beginning to make me nervous (which is does fairly quickly sometimes) and he when I’m raising my voice (which I must confess is a bad habit I own) — we say softly, “Piano, piano, piano”, which is what the old father-in-law says to the dogs at one point in Moonstruck. It works for us.
Hmmm — this one still says awaiting moderation, too. It has to be gremlins — you know, computer gremlins.
That is exactly the situation in this house. Piano, I like it!
Goodmorning! woke up this morning to the wolf moon peaking through the trees over my nieghbors house so cool! I have to say your LOVE book means a great deal to me…as I am trying to type through tears, my best friend gave it to me, she is my angel! Lucky for me, I was able to be invited into her short life, she loved everything about you, had everyone of your books and gave them away for presents. I still feel her around me all the time. I would love to call her because I would be looking out my window the snow falling so very beautifully and she would descibe how it was snowing at her house and she had snow that looked like fairy dust and everything lovely. I wish for everyone to have such a friend in their lives. Please do not give me the book I just wanted to share. Hope I did not bring you down, she was just such a lovely person and like you said about your grandma we are lucky! Miss her everyday. Hope you have a wonderful day Susan and thank you again for giving us all sunshine and moonlight. 🙂
Not down a bit, that was just beautiful Kimberly!!! I have a girlfriend who makes that kind of magic for me too, how could you not miss her to pieces. We are so lucky!
I am new to your website, although I have been using your beautiful calendars for a long time now 🙂 Your home and pictures make me want to visit Martha’s Vinyard for sure~~being a San Diego girl your seasons and beauty are breathtaking!! I ‘signed’ up for Willard and am sure I will thouroughly enjoy that too! Have a wonderful day in your lovely home and town.
Kathy
Thanks Kathy, you too — San Diego is a pretty wonderful place!
Yes, San Diego is a pretty wonderful place. Walked outside last evening for last doggie walk and looked up through the trees. Beautiful sight! But nothing compared to that moon shining over the water. Th
ank you for sharing.
love the latest blog and looking forward to reading the new “Willard”
My husband and I were also moon watching last night! So amazing! My favorite full moon story is from my son’s baby days. I’d get up in the middle of the night to nurse him, and there would be that beautiful full moon. It felt like there was no one in the world except the three of us — Mr. Moon, my son and me!
Positively beautiful, what a vision.
We live in northern California. After my husband had brushed his teeth and was crawling into bed the other night, he said, “My gosh, it’s like someone left the light on outside.” Then the temperatures dropped to the 20’s!
He must have thin eyelids too!
Thanks Susan, all of the pictures were so beautiful, almost to the point of thinking, “Can a place really be so nostalgic?” I bought the “Love” book and gave it to my identical twin sister for Christmas. She is going through a “car crash” of a divorce and I wanted her to read about what True Love is really about….I know she will find it one day. I shared some history about you as well and how you picked yourself up, started over and found your Joe….it inspired her. I also got her the “Days” book to journal in daily about this new journey she is on. She came up and spent this past weekend with me and my little family and she read the Helen Keller quote on my SB Calendar hanging in the kitchen….it was her status on FB yesterday morning.:) I commented that her optimism and joy for life would squelch any pessimist and that we morning peolple Rock! Lol. We shared a crib when we were babies and Mom says that’s how we would wake her, by jabbering at each other and giggling. We are still both morning people to this day….laughing and ready to start the day! Take Care Susan! Talk Soon!
I LOVED what you wrote about your twin sister!! That’s what I call Love. xoxo She will be fine with this spirit around her, if you have it, she does too!
I love how you take “normal” things and make them so wonderful! Thank you for opening my eyes to the world around me.
What a nice thing for you to say! Thanks Mindy!
Love reading your charming chronicles of the island! …You really know how to share, girlfriend! Out here in Nevada we spied the same moon last night. Fun to think we were all admiring the same moon from different spots in our wonderful country! Looking forward to Willard arriving today…I’ve been receiving them since the very beginning (…still have ALL my hard copies w/gifts!). I’m off to painting class. Have a great day =) …Linda
You too, happy painting!
Sending LOVE from Phoenix AZ where there are mountains all through the city and, especially on the night of the full moon, very glorious to hike! Agree, the best things in life are truly free. Thanks for sharing pictures and life from your little corner of the world 🙂
My dad is in Cottonwood, so I’ve also been lucky enough to see those gorgeous Arizona moons!
Susan, just love all the things that are you. the heart tea-pot is so pretty. Valentines’s Day is about those we love, and letting them know that. i love Valentine’s Day too, but i also would love to have someone special [a man] to spend it with. your photos are beautiful, i am a photographer too. have a happy day!!
Hope you find someone WONDERFUL, who’s very photogenic, likes to cook, loves to go on vacation, and think the moon rises on You.
Thank you, Susan. AND praise be to our Creator who made and sustains a Moon which reflects the Sun.
We are so blessed!
The moon was beautiful here in the Shenandoah valley as well. The photos are lovely.I think the picture of the church in the moonlight is my favorite.
It is SUCH a gorgeous place, the center of the little village.
Ahhh. Moon chasing—the benefits never end.
No, apparently they don’t! 🙂
Great moon shots from your beautiful island! We’ve had many clear nights leading up to the full moon – a lovely sight in the midst of winter. I am expecting Jack will be just fine when he comes home – Girl may hiss at him when he comes home and detects that he’s been at the vet. That’s what goes on here when one goes in for a vet visit – just saying 🙂
Oh good, thank you for the little warning.
Your blog, as Anne Shirley would say, gives me a thrill. It’s one of my morning things to do while sipping a cup of tea. 😉
The moon is gorgeous. You’ve got me dreaming of coming to Martha’s Vineyard.
The book. I love your books. Would be overjoyed to be the winner! 😀
Happy Winter!
Thank you so much Olivia!!
The sky has been very clear and dark for Wolf Moon watching here in So Cal desert. It’s so true, the simple things in life are the best!
Thanks for all you do, Susan!
Thank YOU Marlene!
I got up early this morning to enjoy the moon before sunrise. It looked like a watercolor painting. My girlfriend since kindergarten and I enjoyed it together through the magic of texting since we don’t get to see each other as often as we would like. <3
Lucky we have texting!!! Keeps us close!
I have always liked to “sky” watch. Love moon light. Most favorite memory of Christmas was years ago when we had over 2oo sheep and they were lambing. The trek to the barn on Christmas eve over crunching snow in the moon light was so pretty and special. Everything glistened. It is a very special Christmas in my heart. The full moon on a covering of snow is spectacular–quite the light show.
I watched the moon set this morning. No snow here yet to enjoy in the moon light but never fear it will come with time!
I can just hear the baaaa’s … it must have been gorgeous!
I’m remembering a song written by John Denver when he was in Singapore. He had written it I believe to Annie – missing her and both of them looking at the same moon! Worlds apart! Isn’t it miraculous? My Mother used to sing – “I’m in love with the Man in the Moon”….. tra la la You can actually see his face! I think of it everytime I see the moon!
Oh Susan…I simply love your pictures of your little towns, lighthouse, twinkly shops and inns….I need to go to New England to see it all in person…maybe someday! For now ,I will treasure it through you! Our Indiana moon lit up our path through the woods on our walk the puppies before “bedtime” So beautiful! And the stars were extra bright in the clear, cold sky! Didn’t hear wolves, but a coyote could have been watching us…must go and print out that bookmark now…and wait for Willard! “HUG”
I took the dogs out the other night and gasped at the beauty of the night sky. It had been cloudy all day, but now there was a swath of clear night sky, bright stars and the moon was so bright it looked like it was between the clouds and me. For once I was not at all impatient as the puppies sniffed every inch of grass before deciding on the perfect spot.
I thought of you and Jack yesterday. I saw a “lol cats” that had a kitty looking alarmed saying, “I’s is getting fixed? I’s is not broked!”
Oh, this is just sad. I keep checking and waiting to see if Susan has moderated my comment yet. It’s kind of like junior high and hoping that the popular girls say, “hi.”
LOL, 🙂 — I had to go pick up Jack from the vet, I just got back and there are 161 comments waiting for moderation! I made a cup of tea, unhooked my computer and took it wireless in front of an old movie, so I’m happy now! Sorry, and the comments come to me backwards too, so I get your last comment before I got the first one you left! Anyway, here I am! And here you are! Thank you Gala!
🙂
That is so funny Gala, me too, if I get a chance to get back on to check the comments I get giddy if I get a response from Susan. But my biggest problem is I forget to check and if it is a post like today’s with so many comments sometimes I cannot even find where I commented.
Hi, Gala!
Look, the popular girl is saying hello! 🙂
You ARE the popular girl! How did the surgery go? Is our little patient resting comfortably? Poor baby…
He’s so good! He finally settled down for a nap.
I just got through reading Willard and then coming to your blog. What a fun read about the moon! I loved all the pictures that you also took of the moon…. so bright and beautiful! Thank you so much for the show. I would love to have a copy of your book that you are giving away. I know just the person for whom I would give the other copy to also.
Oh, Hi!
Haha… your comment made me laugh!…. As if we don’t all do that 😉
Hi, Ann!
😀
Gala,
you cracked me up 🙂
At this point, in junior high, I would have tripped over my own feet. Hi, Tamar!
I know!! and how about the search through all the comments to find your own?!
Good Morning Sue!~~~
What a wonderful thing to read the first thing on this beautiful morning! I printed off many of your Tea recipes because the Historical Society of our town is having a Valentine’s Tea! We met last night, and they were discussing how they need to get some new recipes….PERFECT! I hope you don’t mind if I share?? 🙂
Your Willard was adorable as always, and the Moon journey from today’s Blog, was enchanting!! It cheered me up because I was feeling a bit blue…. Our son Wes, just moved back to Portland, Oregon, so Tom and I are official ’empty nesters!’ It is a strange feeling….after 27 years of having kids in our home, they are GONE! I feel like he’s on a trip or something, and will be home soon….. To make me feel better, I transformed his room into MY space yesterday! It looks like it had a brush of Susan Branch wave over it or something…. it is so cute! 🙂 Plus, it made me feel better…. With all that said, I think I need to have a Tea Party myself, to celebrate this new stage in my life. What do you think??
So….thank you for helping me cheer up, my dear! Tom walked by, and I was a bit teary. He asked me what was up, and I told him I was reading your Willard! He is now very curious to what’s in it, that would make me so emotional. I told him it was a ‘happy cry,’ so he liked that!~~~ 🙂
Thank you for sharing all your Susan Branch magic with me this morning……It was definitely good medicine for my soul!
Love you…. xoxo
Bonnie
I had trouble posting, but it is appearing now….. Google posted that your website was down for a bit, so hopefully, this will appear now?? 😉
Ah Ha!! Gremlins explained!
Thanks for inspiring pictures. It makes me want to grab my sleeping bag and sleep under the stars….
Beautiful photos…thank you! I love your blog – your writing makes me happy. Keep us posted on Jack and his recovery.
Hi Susan,
As I was driving Sunday night I thought of you when I looked at the full moon and then this morning at 7:30 before I left for work, it was a beautiful yellow colour.
I was actually thinking of taking a picture of the moon for every month that of this year and making a scrapbook and call it “Bella Moon”. Thank you for your sweet stories and pictures. I look forward to them. 🙂
Shelley xo
Thank you so much for sharing the “moon experience”! I too am a moon chaser . Nothing like the reflection of a full moon on the water! I felt like I was on the shorline with you. I hope to visit your area this year! Can’t wait.
PS Chicken soup is the best! Cheers
My heart will soar over the moon if I would win your precious books. Thank you, Susan Branch, for sharing yourself with all us “girlfriends” linked with your heart, whom you inspire more than you can imagine!
xoxo Sweet of you to say that Cheryl!
Good Morning~
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. Hard to believe it is January~ it is somewhere!
We had a “dog moon” or “moon dog ” here and it was beautiful!
(I keep wanting to say “Moon Doggy”!)
Wikipedia has some great information on the dog moon & the full moon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_dog
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_moon
Thank you too for the give~a~way!
Lynn
You’re welcome Lynn, thanks for the links!
Loved your “moon shots”!! You certainly live in a lovely area. We too, watched the moon last night. We live on a farm, our home is atop a hill and through our big windows, we can see for miles around. We got a good look at the moon coming up and watched it for a long time. Takes your breath away!
That book looks just beautiful…and I know who I would give the extra one to if I was lucky enough to win….my Mom! She would love it!
Thanks for the great post!
hugs, Sue K
You are so welcome Sue . . . Hi to your mom for me!
Moon chasing – what a wonderful idea. I think I’m going to make of photo essay of the moon for 2012. Have a Blessed day.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
One of our favorite comments in our house is “Oh my gosh! You have to go outside and see the moon!” We live at the base of a small mountain and to see it creep over the top, highlighting the saguaros (cacti, for those of you unfamiliar with the desert in AZ), is truly a miracle! Last night was my daughter’s 17th birthday (all day, actually!). Her sweet boyfriend took her out for a celebration dinner and they hadn’t been gone 2 minutes when I got a frantic phone call from her. “MOM, STOP WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING AND GO FIND THE MOON!!!” It hadn’t yet crested our little mountain, so my younger daughter and I hopped in the car and went moon chasing! As ever, we were not disappointed. What is it that is so very magical about a full moon? I don’t know, but I adore it. <3
As to your generous give-away–I'm wishing on the moon to be the lucky winner–this is one of the only books of yours that I don't have in my collection. And the thought of having two! My best friend/soul sister/favorite person on the planet was recently diagnosed with leukemia (she's doing well). She lives in Colorado and I have been unable to be with her–to share this little book of love with her would be such a treat! Love you Susan, thank you so much for keeping me grounded in the good things. 🙂
Please wish your friend all the best from me! Thank you Julie!!
Love that I have found fellow Sky Watchers!
Yes you have!
Thanks for reminding me to look up Susan! I am usually so busy working and then sitting in traffic for an hour or more on my long commute home, trying not to be hit or to run into the back of someone, that I sometimes forget to appreciate the simple things! La Bella Luna!!
Don’t look up while in that traffic! 🙂 Unless, of course, you’re stopped!
I was driving home “from town to the country” yesterday just when that glorious golden moon was rising.
It was one of the only times I regretted living in an area with so many trees as there was no way I could pull over and just gaze at the Beauty. It was, indeed, breathtaking.
I was also delighted to have the rural mailman pull up yesterday and leave a large, flat Amazon box on my front porch. My Amazon order had finally arrived (taking time as I opted for free shipping and all sent at once), which included the 2012 Susan Branch calendar!
Oh, my… it is the most beautiful calendar you have done to date. I normally have favorite months but this time I loved them ALL.
That makes me so happy to hear!!! Thanks Brenda!
You’re absolutely right about THE CHARLOTTE INN, My husband and I were lucky enough to be able to stay there the week we vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard now many years ago, truly magical the whole week . I’ve relived it over again in my memory mny times.
I always take people by there as part of our “island tour.” So pretty! Lucky for you to get to stay there! I worked in the art gallery there for a few months when I first moved to the island, and Gary, the owner, was the first “island person” to buy a painting from me!
Susan, I am delighted with your telling of moon shine and chasing the moon. In the Pacific Northwest we are also experiencing a warmer, dryer winter. I caught sight of the nearly full moon rising through a haze of fog. It was larger than usual and looked very mystical…no camera to capture as you have. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos.
Fog makes for a very pretty moon rise!!! We get that once in a while too. Thanks Ellen!
I didn’t even mind taking the trash out last night… I had to linger….beautiful night!
Any excuse is good!
As usually, you know how to give us the pleasure of our day with such wonderful pics….
Have a great and romantic day !
Flo from France
Thank you Flo! Hello to France!
Oh what beautiful pics of the moon Susan. Thank you. So Magical. And how I love Valentines Day. I still send valentines to all my girlfriends. Since I moved away from my hometown I always let them know how much I miss and love them. When we had to sell my parents house, I was going through a box of old letters etc and found that my mom had kept some of my old valentines when I was a little girl that I had received. (all tucked away in a homemade envelope I had made in school) And yes they are the old fashioned ones…I display them every valentines day. Love this holiday. I think it is an excellent time to have a special day for girlfriends. Love that idea. Yippee something to plan and look forward to. Have a beautiful day.
We all need something to look forward to! Love that your mom saved those Valentines!
Oh! Thank you for the lovely “moon chasing” outing! I loved every minute of it!
The moon is so bright it has been waking me up early in the morning here in Folsom, California. A wonderful start to the day.
Just love your blog and following you through your most awesome life. Thank you for letting me in. It is hard to beleive that your book “Love from the Heart of the Home” has been in print for 18 years. This was the first book of yours that I saw and it was love at first sight. Thank you again for being such an inspiration. Have a blessed day. Ellen
<3 <3 Love it when you "MOON" us Susan!!! Sending you some music that was playing in my mind while viewing your spectacular photo's of Moonlight Bay! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4rK9CSFU1c&feature=related. Hope it plays for you– It's the song "By the Light of the Slivery Moon!" : D
So Happy we got to come along with you two and see The Light Show!!!
I was also watching the amazing moon rise the last two nights! It’s terrific how everyone’s connected by the very same celestial body. Love it!
oh!!!!!!!!!!!
No words…
we wonder where to retire… Martha’s vineyard is a bit too far… can’t leave the family and children behind!!!
I’m quite attracted by the sea… I love it to be wild and windy…
Not summer sea!
But big question, would we adapt to living close to the sea!
But your pictures make me feel I would love it!
Thank you!
A wonderful bold presentation showing the innate beauty of our icon moon ….. a sometimes adored celestial body ….. over time, by the various tribes of this planet . Understandable when seen drenching the world with the full power of its radiance. The road trip around the island was excellent … loved it! Dad
I love that you could come along! Drenching is such a good word! xoxo Love you dad.
Your dad is so special!
Breathtaking photos, Susan! And how wonderful that you were able to actually capture the stars in the pictures! That one photo with the moon shining between the lighthouse actually appears to have facets, almost like a snowflake! LOVE the full moons! Our whole backyard was illuminated the last couple of nights. I am thankful when God is generous and gives us a clear sky on a full moon night! I always feel cheated when it’s a cloudy sky and there’s a full moon. Bless you for sharing your full moon chasing photos.
And, hey, this give-away! Wow! You’re the best! xoxo….kp
I feel like you, always sad when the full moon is obscured by weather! But then, that’s what made a night like last night so special!
Exactly! Maybe the cloudy night make us appreciate the full moon, star-filled skies even more?
I’ve been a moon watcher as well and like you must have the full moon noted on my calendar. It seems that I can’t sleep with any lights in a room, but if the moon is shining in the bedroom (as it does since we face the west without need for curtains) I love to wake up and watch the moon as it lulls me back to sleep. Winter is a great time to moon watch, because there aren’t leaves on the trees to block the view. I’m always amazed at how few of us will be standing by the shore watching for the moon to rise over Lake Michigan in Milwaukee as it’s an awesome and free show. Bonus is no need to take a flashlight for “poop picking” when walking the dog at night. Thanks for all the wonderful scenes of the island.
We met a woman at the end of the pier the first night, she was as in love with the moon as we were — a kindred spirit!
Thank you for sharing. Beautiful pictures. We have always been a moonlight and star watcher. Started our grandchildren who are now adults They remember all the wonderful times we had blankets on the grass waiting and watching. We were blessed to see the moonlight reflect off the Mattole River going past our house. We enjoy seeing you on your side of America while we are in northern CA.
We did that too, we still do, lie on the grass on a blanket and watch the stars on summer nights! Lots going on up there! Thank you Bev!
You are THE BEST! Thank you for sharing your moon magic! I’d like a slice of tomato on my roast beef sandwich, please. I’ll bring the thermos! xo
Mmmmm. sounds good.
What a stroll! Thanks for taking us along!!:)
When we visited Edgartown in the 80’s, we stayed at the Charlotte Inn. Loved it! Of course, that was the heyday of the B & Bs. I used to have picture books of the inns of Upper New England and Lower New England. We lived in Colorado at the time and the New England B & Bs were such a draw away from the “west” – which focused on buffalo paintings, Native American artifacts, etc.
Happy to know it is still there!! Hopefully, we will be able to return someday.
Looking forwardto my first Willard!
Thanks for such a positive start to my day.
Sue
I think the Charlotte Inn will always be in its heyday! Should be waiting for your return! Thank you Susan!
LOVE looks like a wonderful book. Would give second book to my daughter who is getting married this summer!
Congratulations!!
The moon was setting yesterday (Monday) morning as I drove the kids to school — a deep yellowy butter color in the denim blue sky — and I thought it was full then! A beautiful start to the day. Then my sister wrote a note on her way home last night saying how pretty the moon was — had to dash out for a look and refer to your bookmark for its full name. Thank you for sharing such interesting details with us!
New England is so beautiful, that inn looks so inviting. I just love looking at churches too, it just gives you that inner peace that we so much need in our busy lives that we live. The moon just shines in her magical beauty, for us all to enjoy.
I l-o-v-e your books 🙂
So happy to hear that Emily, thank you!
Thanks, Susan for all the beautiful photos. The moon is looking beautiful here in Milwaukee over Lake Michigan. Winter is a great time to moon watch since the leaves don’t block the light and the shadows made by the branches is awesome.
Sounds beautiful Janet!
M-O-O-N : Much more than an Ordinary Orbiting Nightlite— thanks for bringing it closer … Cindy
Cute!
Susan, thank you for the moon shots…absolutely beautiful. Here at our beach in Delaware it was too cloudy last night to see the Wolf Moon.
Would love to have the books. What a nice idea to give away two…one for a love gift to another…thank you.
Lorie Hartsig
Living on the West Coast I’ve not had the joy of seeing the moon rise from the horizon of the ocean. How awesome. You captured the moon and moonlight in so many awesome ways. Thank you so much for ALL the fabulous pictures today.
Thanks for the wolf moon pictorial…enjoyed peeking at the moon these past three days. Love your St. Valentine’s Day idea that was inspired from Michael’s!
I want to be on the Vineyard in the winter….on the night of a full moon……..on the Islander headed towards Vineyard Haven….
Thank you again Susan for such a beautiful inspiring post! Your blog is one of the things that I come back to several times a day for comfort, inspiration, smiles, grins, chuckles … the full moon has been bright and clear here in southwestern Florida … so bright that sometimes I will wake up at 4 AM thinking it is time to get out of bed. (I always use the sun to wake me … never an alarm … which is much to alarming … grin!)
PS. I would love to be entered into the drawing for the signed copies of the LOVE books … thank you!
So I thought I lived in Paradise.
But I am thinking I’d rather live in Martha’s Vineyard!
Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing Friend
THanks for al the wonderful work! love it!
We saw that beautiful moon setting this morning as I walked to school with my daughter and grandchildren. Love your photos!
I’ve missed the full moon here in NC because of the cloud cover! Thanks for sharing your pics- they are gorgeous! Just sitting here reading and looking at them this morning made me feel like I was there. Thanks for sharing the magic with all of us!
Hey- are you the Tammy Whitten with the Corgi? I think we’re FB friends……
Sigh. Just beautiful. Thank you for the lovely pictures and words. Jack is just adorable. I am printing your posts about him and sending to a friend who unfortunately does not have a computer. She loves tuxedo kitties. And Jack with his charming mustache is just the cutest!
Such a beautiful, clear winter night with the gorgeous Moon above. Susan, your search for beauty in this world speaks to our souls and for those of us with office building, eight hour desk jobs it helps more than you will ever know.
Enjoy your trip to NYC!
I am such a romantic ~~ it brings to mind when my late husband would sing a little ditty to our daughter “I see the moon ~ the moon sees me ~ down through the leaves of the old oak tree…. please let the light that shines on me ~ shine on the ones I love…” Our daughter will be 43 next week but I will always remember when she’d climb onto his lap, snuggle and want him to sing the “Moon Song” to her. He passed away when she was only 9.
Hi Susan, I’ve only just found out about you and took delivery of your “Heart of the Home” book on Saturday – I’ve already made the beer bread, glazed carrots and butternut squash soup and so delicious they all were that I’ve ordered “More from Heart of the Home” too! Thank you. I was lucky to visit Martha’s Vineyard several years ago and stayed at Brady’s on Oak Bluffs, it such a magical island and as we went out of season in March I think it was even better as we got to chat with the locals and get a sense of what it was really like. We used the bus to get around and as there was hardly anyone ever on it was like our own private mini-bus. Hopefully, we’ll get to go back again one day soon but for now your blog is doing a splendid job at satisfying my desire for all things New England. Therese,x
Thanks so much Therese! So nice to hear. So happy you were able to see this magical place! Say hello to beautiful England for me, my heart’s home! (or, I should say, my other heart’s home!)
“You made me love you…I didn’t want to do it, I didn’t want to do it!” Oh Susan Branch, you are the best!! Each time I check my inbox and there is a blog note – just for me, I know it – I get a cup of tea, sit down and take my time reading it. You lift my spirits time and time again. You are the “love potion” I need! But I need to share that when my husband gets home from work he always asks, “Did you hear from Susan?” – like we chat on the phone each day. LOL!! If I say yes, he sits right next to me on the couch (in front of the fire that I have already lit) and I read your blog to him. We both grin every time!! If I say no, he usually says, “When did we hear from her last? It’s about time for the next one, isn’t it!” So you have lots of girlfriends and at least one unapologetic manfriend! We both wish you a happy, H*A*P*P*Y week!! XXOO, willa
I love your husband, “when did you hear from her last?” LOL! Men are so cute! Say hello to him for me! xoxo
Susan .. this was a gorgeous post!! Oh my!! I can get so caught up with just looking at the moon, the sky and the ocean… who needs to do anything else?… I MUST come to your island.. this landlocked midwesterner is yearning for the sights, smells, sounds of the ocean!! It is on my list of “needs” for the year! Thank you for the chance to have your Book of Love.. with love, from Illinois – Diana
Susan – your picture of the moon last night, peeking through the branches …… I had nearly the same “picture” out “my window” here in Connecticut, but it was “this morning” at 6:15 AM, when the moon was still up. 🙂 Take care, Helen