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! ♥
Love, love, love your books! Such envy in my heart for your artistic talent – – – I struggle with stick people! Ha! I would have to give the 2nd book to my girlfriend in Texas who has been there for me so many times – she’s the true meaning of a Valentine!
Thank you for the cheery exuberant outlook on life that you share with all of us. I saw the amazing full moon last night way out here in Oregon!
“By the Light of the Silvery Moon”, wow! Thank you for taking us along on your moon ride! And, yes, sandwiches & moon shine on the next moon chase would be lovely! Your pictures are beautiful (well, except maybe for the blurry one ha, I take some of those too, just to see if folks are paying attention!), and all taken of some of my favorite things. Did you want to paint the sailboats on the water when you got home? If I keep the light off in the computer room, I can see the moon & it sees me, while I read your blog in the early a.m.! Love your “Love You” garland, & your “Love” book, & you my dear. Thank you for your generosity from your reallllly bigggggg ♥ (sorry, I don’t know how to make it giant sized!)
While I’m trying to keep cool in 38°C ( about 100 °F) heat down south, it nice to think of you admiring the moon and rugging up against the cold of the Northern Hemisphere.
What an interesting world! 🙂
Raining in Ohio right now- a nice,steady, comforting rain! I’ve been spending some time “window-shopping” on 162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/. Wow! Susan you have outdone yourself! Everything is so awesome it’s hard to choose- I guess I’ll just have to drool a little longer while I decide….
Martha’s Vineyard looks amazing! I hope to visit there some day when I’m retired. Only 3 more months! (The LOVE books sure would make a nice memento to mark such a special occasion -hint hint.) I’ve got plenty of Susan Branch fabric just waiting for me- I can’t wait to get started on all of the projects I’ve been planning. I have only to look to you for all the inspiration I need….
Hi Susan–
Thank you for the wonderful pictures of the moon and Island! Glad I found your Blog and will follow along in 2012. I have signed up for the Willard also.
You like so many of the things I do such as England and Beatrix Potter. This should be fun! Happy New Year to You and Yours!
Christine
Welcome to the neighborhood Christine — you are going to love the girlfriends that come here!!
Finally–time tonight to read my Willard newsletter, after a day of cleaning closets and purging my bookshelves. I refuse to open it immediately unless I know there is time to sit and relax and read all the way through. Some things have to be savored and the moon walk with you just made me happy!
The cleaning mania all started after the dreaded taking down of the Christmas tree and a sudden desire to efficiently organize the ornaments and Xmas stuff I had all throughout the house so that next year I could easily find everything. I also tried to edit out stuff all the closets that we don’t need or use….but I have to ask: WHY is it so hard to downsize the bookshelf, especially my cookbook collection, even when I haven’t read some of them for years!
Low and behold I read in my Willard about your little surprise give-away and then it hit me – all this sorting through my cookbooks was just to make room for one of the few Susan Branch books I don’t have! I now have a hole in my kitchen bookshelf just waiting for a little LOVE……..
BTW–made my chicken stock yesterday and popped it in the freezer this morning. On a diet again–try a glass of Spicy V-8 with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar each afternoon to kick-start your system. 🙂
I’m still working on it too, lost 3 1/2 lbs. Yay!
Loved all the moon pictures! If I win the cookbooks, I’ll have a terrible time deciding who to give the other to…. My mom or my best friend? 🙂
Hi Susan, Happy New Year!
I loved the moon pictures. What fun! It really is the simple things in life right? I also loved the “Valentine” Willard and the ideas for the tea party and remembering our BFF’s.
Thanks for all your inspiration!
Hi Susan,
I would be honored to win a copy of your LOVE book! I’ve got so many of your others and read them throughout the year. They always give me such a comforting feeling and fill me with new ideas every time I read even though I’ve read them all multiple times! Thank you for the opportunity to enter the drawing.
Jonna
LOVE LOVE LOVE! Willard and your blog. Here is a recipe to serve your girlfriends for your Valentine Tea!
From The Rosemary House, Mechanicsburg, PA – I serve it every spring when we sell herb plants…
**Lavender Egg Salad Sandwiches **
10 hard boiled eggs, chopped fine
1 tsp. curry
1 Tbsp. lavender blossoms, dried
1/3 – 1/2 c. mayonnaise
white bread
Combine chopped eggs, curry, lavender blossoms and mayonnaise until well mixed. Add enough mayonnaise as you prefer, for spreading ease. Let flavors blend overnight. Spread mixture onto slices of white bread. Remove crusts, and cut into triangles, or any other shape. Cover until serving.
(I do add some celery to mine for some “crunch”)…ENJOY!!
Mmmmm egg salad, just love it, will have to try with curry and lavender! Thank you Judy.
The moon photos are so fun to look at! I have always loved Valentine’s Day as well, and also love to share it with girlfriends. When I have time I love to make Valentine’s like the good ol’ days when we were kids and send them to my closest family & friends.
There is not much I like more than a good old-fashioned armchair tour! So thank you for taking me on a lovely moonlight stroll 🙂
And when I saw your lighthouse I did a bit of a double take! It looks SO much like one close to where I live on Puget Sound – 3000 miles away.
I would just LOVE to win this book! It is one of the few of yours I do not yet own. Praying to the “Random Number Generator” gods!! And crossing my fingers and toes 😀
About to make myself a cup of hot tea to enjoy with the newly arrived Willard! I am in for a happy evening! Thank you!
Thanks for telling us the names of each full moon for 2012! It makes the full moon even more beautiful and intriguing!
I have been meaning to thank you for your “moon odes” since your last one. You have encouraged me stop and appreciate the beauty in the sky much more often. This morning, just as the first stripes of dark pink were starting to streak through the dark in the east, the frosty moon was still high and sparkly in the west. It was a gorgeous start to the day and reminded me to be thankful and ask God to bless all I try to do. Thanks for the nudge.
Really enjoy reading your Willard and your blog. They always put a smile on my face. Can’t wait till my granddaughter gets a little older and we can have our tea parties and share your books.
I love, love, love Valentines Day!! It’s also my birthday! Every year, my father would come home from work with a heart-shaped box of chocolates for me. I loved it! My 2 brothers and sister would only get a small heart shaped box of chocolates. They were very jealous and, of course I loved that. This year, I’m going to be 61 years old and I still love Valentines Day.
What a beautiful post! The pictures of the moon rising are fabulous. Thanks so much for sharing these beauties with us.
The giveaway is very cool, too. One to keep and one to share. Love this!
I’m so sad this book is going out of print! My mom has a copy and I love it, yet don’t have a copy of my own! 🙁 Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan! I really enjoyed your recent email about it all (which is where I found out about the Love From The Heart of The Home book going out of print!). I’m actually looking forward to the day this year, so thanks! 🙂
Julia
Dear Susan,
I received my first “Willard” today and I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it! Just what I needed on this gray, rainy day in Kentucky.
I was nine years old when my five-year-old sister and I went to live with my grandparents. Granddaddy was 69 years old and had helped my Grandmother raise four daughters. I’m not sure he was thrilled to have two more show up on his doorstep! While he was not the typical father -figure, he did take me fishing and taught me to drive his old Ford Falcon (with a stick shift no less!). Thank you for the memories of your grandfather and for the reminder that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
Sincerely, Karen G.
Thank you for Willard…loveloveloved it…I also forgot/pardon my age…to ask how Jack was doing after his snipsnipsnipping yesterday…hope he will be creating happy mischief sooner rather than later…I also forgot to mention if you come to the Grand Hotel to sign your book this fall you will have to go to the Emmet County dark sky park~it is very close to Mackinaw Island where the Grand Hotel is and is a special park you go to when it is dark to observe the marvels in the sky…the stars…the moon…you can read about it if you go to http://www.harborlightnews.com It is in the January 4-10 2012 issue right on the front page entitled “Celebrating our Dark Sky”…if you have trouble reading it, email me and I will send you a special password so you can read it…Thanks so much for Willard…ordering a bunch of your things tomorrow…
I love the sound of the dark sky park — thank you for telling me about it Rae Ann — and Jack is doing great! Almost completely returned to his former wildness.
You’ve just my typically mundane January come alive with all your talk about hearts & tea & girlfriends & oh the books! Love everything you post, paint, create 🙂
Love on!!
Ev
I Love to make homemade Valentines! Your little LOVE book was my first Susan Branch purchase…..a long time ago, but still just as precious to me. I always put it out this time of year. Thank you for making January so beautiful for all of us!
Susan you really made my day its been a sad day death in our family BUT I felt very loved by the Willard January letter and then I went on to your magical moon ride, I wanted to get inside the computer and sail to Martha’s Vineyard. You bless me every time I go online and read your blog. We love so many of the same things, after you did the Willard on Gladys Taber I reread all my Gladys books Im on the last one Stillmeadow and Sugarbridge its quite different but interesting. Ive yet to find any here where I live Victoria B.C. I also love Tasha Tudor I love just sitting and enjoying her books with a full pot of Earl Grey Vanilla Tea, made only by Tetley in Canada. And I have thin eyelids too.
XOXO Love you and your thin eyelids. So sorry about your loss. ♥
Wow…what an awesome night y’all had. I had never thought about chasing the moon. We live in the country…and we do enjoy the awesome view the moon offers us. We don’t have the water tho .Thank you for sharing with us.
The winning of the book would please me very much!!!!
Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham
To borrow from Van Morrison “It’s a marvelous night for a Moondance….” Here’s to impromptu waltzing in the moonlight.
Thank you for your beautiful photos and wonderful words. The perfect antidote for this cold, rainy Southern night.
And a Love from the Heart of the Home book too. Could it get any better?
You always make me smile.
I love, love, love your blog, and especially Willard for all the Valentine’s Day things in it to print out. I printed the moon bookmark too. It’s like getting a present every day with all the little surprises hidden there. The moon pictures were wonderful. My daughter and I saw that moon here at our house. We stood in our front yard watching it. I read your blog recently about Cream of Rice. I, too, love it. I can’t find it here in Kentucky, but I did find it last summer in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I bought two boxes of it to bring home with me. I thought they had stopped selling it. I love the stories about your kitties. They remind me of my Scotties, Dugan and Kacey. Dugan is a black Scottish gentleman, and Kacey is a wheaten, sassy Scottish lass. He tolerates her, but thinks she’s a tart! HA! Your blog makes my day! Keep em coming! Paula
I love reading your blog and also seeing the beautiful pictures that you share with us. Valentine’s day has always been a special time to celebrate ‘love’ (along with our anniversary). I’ve been married for over fifty years and my husband always remembers Valentine’s day by sending me roses. I’d love to be the lucky winner of your ‘Love’ book(s) and I’d share the second one with our married daughter.
Oh my goodness, I love it all! Reading your blogs is what I look forward to at the end of my days. The other day I shared your “Wolf Moon” data with my sisters, nieces, and daughters. Now THEY are hooked. After reading your blog today, I wanted to share that I have a teapot collection. My husband started it by giving me a teapot for our 2nd Christmas together. He has managed to find one every Christmas since. My collection is up to 29! One is prettier/cuter than the next. Now I am SO HAPPY to have the chance to win your book, “Love from the Heart of the Home”! Wish me luck.
Good luck Deb!
Oh how I love this book. I host an annual Valentine Tea and two years ago gave each of my guests a copy. It was a perfect ‘party favor’ .. Already working on this year’s tea. Thanks for sharing your talents .. I love your style.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate Love <3
I’d love to be entered in your giveaway! I’m such a big fan of you, your talent and your love of the Lord!
Oh! the excitement of another Susan Branch giveaway! Pick me, she said!! I was so happy for you to receive the gorgeous Emma Bridgewater pottery!! I have 2 mugs myself – gifts from my English pen pal. I treasure them and alternate using them every other day for my English Breakfast Tea 🙂 Hearts are dear to own heart….I was born in Feb, the shortest month and by far the best. 2 presidents birthdays, my birthday, Valentine’s Day, and this year we get leap year. So hearts have always been special to me, and red and pink are fave colors. So yes, when I saw your Emma pottery — ooooohhh!!! how beautiful and how fun! Question….does anyone else besides me, take great delight in buying napkins, beautiful napkins and then…never use them!! I have napkins that MATCH my Emma Bridgewater mugs (I will never open the pkg) – and I’ll see gorgeous napkins and think these would be so beautiful for playing cards next week with the girls…then I’ll use the ones from the grocery store (everyday napkins) because I want to “save” the pretty ones! I told my daughter I think I have enough to last the rest of my life….don’t ever let me buy any more, but then oh! there are such pretty ones out there and I can’t resist. ha! anyone else have this problem?
I think it’s time for you to use them!!! 🙂
‘thanks for the chance to win your book(s). I have been a fan of yours for a long time. You are an inspiration!!!!
Hi Susan! Thank you for the perfectly lovely Valentine themed Willard! I’ve just printed out the gorgeous bookmark, tea party invitation, and placecards. So kind of you to provide them for us, as well as the new Valentine items to order from your website. I’m looking forward to getting the Romantic Homes issue–I’ve saved several different magazines over the years that you were in.
The moon and all it’s phases are magnetic. I cannot resist a walk in the moonlight especially in winter. One of my favorite nights was a cross country ski trek under the full moon and the stars, pure magic.
Willard has it all…hearts, tea, girlfriends, recipe’s ….pure bliss after a long day at work. Thank you, thank you for being here in my “box”.
Another Wonderful Willard!!!
Had a hard time getting in to your Blog to leave this comment. I am surmising that there are LOTS of us Girlfriends that enjoyed the Willard, and want to comment.
The moon has been so pretty here. I watch it go down in the morning, big and bright still… Have started making my felt hearts for Valentine’s Day..Thanks for the inspiration you give so freely!
Feeling lucky!! Trying out lots of new things in this new year–including leaving a comment on your wonderful blog! Thanks for your moon post–delicious!
Loved your moon bookmark! My Ya Ya’s celebrated with a late Christmas party last weekend and I made them all one and a couple for my daughters! Our party was at a huge fan of yours and I know she will have written about it in her Susan Branch Days book. We have shared and enjoyed your books, calendars and scrapbooking materials and I know who I would give my second book to…Happy moon sighting and Happy Valentines to all!
Looovvee the pics! Makes me want to take a trip to the Vineyard.
Have visited Cape Cod several times in the summertime. You make it sound so
cozy and magical, I hope to get to Martha’s Vineyard in the winter some day!
Thank you for the valentine ideas. With two birthdays and Super Bowl Sunday before it, I forget to plan ahead.
So enjoy your blog, web, and WILLARD!
Hi Susan,
RE: Willard and the missing “S”: I read that Amish women put an intentional mistake in each quilt they make; because, only God is perfect. Works for me!
Me too! Thank you Carla!
Susan,
I’ve been a fan of yours for so long, I dare not say how long, so as to not date either of us. I recently found your blog and fell in love all over again with you and your writing/inspiration.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I love receiving Willard. Thanks so much for doing that for all of us!
Dear Susan,
I belong to a Book and Cook group which I will be the host of in February. Your blog has inspired me to have a Valentine tea party for my group! Thank you for always sharing inspiring ways to celebrate life!
That sounds like so much fun! They’re going to love you even more!
I enjoy your blog so much, thanks for sharing your full moon pictures. The island is just beautiful. I am keeping my fingers crossed, I would love to win your book. I have several and just love looking and reading all your stories.
Blessings, Sheila
My daughters and I have loved watching the adventures of Jack the cat. Thank you for sharing him with us. We can’t have a kitty of our own because of allergy issues. I have two daughters and would love to win a pair of Love books. My girls have been brought up on tea. Now that they are all grown up (18 and 19),they brew pots of tea and even bake scones for me.
What good girls you raised!
Oh how I love getting your emails. At this time of year I usually say it brings a warmth to the home on a snowy day; but alas, it was 40 degrees out and sunny! I love your new kitty — it reminds me of our grand-kitty Ralston, a little black & white. He was home for a visit over the holidays but has returned to California with his mom. We greatly miss both of them. And thank you Susan for offering the wonderful girlfriend necklace. I have recently reconnected with a girlfriend who I haven’t seen for over 30 years and it was like we had never lost contact. That necklace is perfect for me to give her this year! What would life be without our beloved girlfriends!
No good at all! ♥ Thank you Carolyn!
Love reading all your posts Susan! And your pictures are beautiful! 🙂 Jean
Hi, Beautiful & Talented, Susan!
I’m so delighted your calendars are available again. They’re on my “Wishes” List every year, & without fail I receive them from lovely ladies who appreciate your artistry. It’s a wonderful feeling I’ve been able to share with them. Thank you!
After reading my Wonderful Willard & exploring the blog, I have a couple questions. First, are you sure it was one of the dippers? It seemed like it may have also possibly been Orion… Second, your Wolf Moon expedition photos are breathtaking. Third, we girlfriends are so lucky you’re beauty & inspirations are a part of our lives. Fourth, I didn’t even notice the lost “s” during my monthly ritual of slowly reading & enjoying each turn of the calendar pages.
In our minds, you nuture the possibilites which lie within us. We <3 you!
With Love From Minnesota,
~Barbara
Thank you Barbara . . . and no, I wasn’t sure about the dipper — I didn’t really take note of those stars until I saw the photo and how they stood out in it, but it’s sort of cut off up there in the corner! Could easily be Orion. Thank you for not noticing the S!
Just loved the “moon” pictures! It was so nice of you to take us along on your nightly “moon” adventures!!! You live on a beautiful little island and it is so picturesque. The churches and lighthouses were beautiful as well.
Thanks for sharing with us and hopefully, I will be selected to receive your autographed book along with an extra for my very dear friend, who can always use a little pick me up after losing her husband of 27 years last year.
Have a good 2012!!! Happy New Year
My anniversary and Valentines day are just 2 days apart so we celebrate a week of Love
~~~<3…….Hi Susan; I hope your day is full with joy and laughter; Love your heart shaped items, especially the baking pan; Thank you for bringing Valentine to us, now, therefore, we can celebrate it regardless if we have a mate or not; Your kind thoughts and words are very much appreciated.
~~~<3……….By the way, Lolllll; I am a moon chaser myself.
Much love, ani;-)
Wonderful and amazing pictures! I am taking a photo a day for a year and would love to be lucky enough to find beautiful ones like these! Thank you for sharing!
When I see “Willard” show up in my email I immediatly try and figure out the best time to read—-so I can take it all in and not have any interruptions!!! Love your “Willards” and love your Blog!!! We are truely flying through life on the same wings. Even though we have never met I feel like I know you. Have a wonderful Valentines Day! Thank you Chris
Loved this Blog. Beautiful. Would love the Give away also. 🙂
Susan, you’ve outdone yourself! Willard AND a fabulous post AND beautiful pictures, who could ask for anything more? It must be like living in heaven. Thank you for your energy and for letting us share your joy in life!
Susan, I’m “over the moon” to be included in a chance to sweeten Valentine’s Day with your beautiful book(s)………to whomever wins, it will be most “love”ly!!
Everthing & ALL was nothing but a most darling “read” tonight Susan – I was moonstruck by your beautiful photos!
Blessings,
Barbra.
Wow! Your moon pictures made me feel so refreshed after a long day of teaching Pre-K and then a Parent Teacher Organization meeting! Phrew! I many good yawns! I enjoy your blog, recipes, and decortating ideas too!! You are a busy girlfriend! But fun! [I loved making the coconut dipped chocolate cookies for Christmas!] THANKS SO MUCH for all that you share. God bless you with his peace in this New Year!
Have loved your books and artwork for years…now love your blog! Feel like you’re a friend! Lots of love to you….
This weekend, two dear teacher friends and I are headed to a friend’s new lake house for our very first Girlfriends’ Weekend. The very first thing I’m planning to pack is my copy of Girlfriends Forever! We are expecting our first Chicago-style snow… perhaps six inches! So, we are looking forward to FUN!
Over the years, I have given your LOVE book as a shower gift to so many friends… but I never bought a copy for myself. I think it might be the only SB book that is missing from my collection!
Thanks for sharing your heartwarming thoughts with us. Glad we are ALL friends!
xoxo Dawn
Love your weekend plans! Sounds so fun!!
I always do a little happy dance when I see one of your posts on my Google Reader, Susan! What a treat it is to have such a talented, happy and inspirational “friend” such as you.
Love the photos in todays post . . . I love that the same moon that is over your little part of the world is the same one that is over my own little log house! Thanks for the smiles that you bring to all of your readers.
Have loved your books and artwork for years, now love your blog! Feel like you’re a friend! Lots of love to you…..
Like so many readers before me, I have loved everything Susan Branch for a very long time. I am lucky enough to have four biological sisters, and several more “heart friends” — friends who are close enough to be sisters. I would LOVE to win this giveaway, and my biggest problem would be choosing whom to give the 2nd one too. Keep up your wonderful work – Willard is always a bright spot in my e-mailbox!
What beautiful photos. Such a beautiful home you have!!!
Love your blogs and your books are amazing with your artwork
and the many hours you spend from start to finish to please your readers.
Thanks for all your beautiful books.
We have a love half moon window in our bedroom, a couple of months a year the fullmoon is in the right spot to shine right though and on to our bed..surely a wondrous sight just like your fabulous photo, thanks for the beautiful tour of the island.
Loved reading about the moons. Plan to print off the bookmark to remember!
Thank you! Would love to have the book signed special by you!!
Hi Susan… Happy New Year! I adore each and every one of your books. I have ALL of them! I often give them as gifts and “Love From the Heart of the Home” is actually the one I give most often. I would LOVE (no pun intended!) to win a signed copy for my collection as well as one to give to a special friend.
This is one book I do not have and would so enjoy! Thank you for the beautiful pictures, especially of the Inn, just beautiful.
Happy Valentines to you!
Laureen
Susan you have inspired me for years-I keep your calendar on my wall from year to year, certainly our “style” is different but our hearts are similar…I live in the “country of Vermont” Please check out my card line when you get a chance!
I love your blog. I just loved reading about you leaving the s. out of “Reasons” in Reasons for Living! I feel so comforted by that. Whenever I do the newsletter for my quilt shop, at least 2 or 3 people feel the need to tell me about a mistake! I’m with you, it’s about the creative flow. Thanks for making me feel more human!
I know, I got several emails telling me about it and thought I better do a blanket apology!! Thank you Mary!
Darling Sue Sue! You make everything so special and so deliciously beautiful..it seems so effortless to you. We would all love to live ’round the corner’ and be best pals with you! You know just how to make everything so cozy and sweet and write to us as if we are just there with you. Oh, andbI have never seen such a magnificent moonrise! Such great adventures you and Joe have.
I would dearly love to share your lovely book with my firstborn daughter who is becoming a lover of all things SusanBranch as well. Tah tah for now..Chrissy
Tah tah Chrissy! Thank you!!!
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, how i would LOVE to
give your books to my sisters for Valentines!
m ^..^
HI Susan,
What an inspiration you are to those of us who love hearts and our home! I LOVE Christmas and am always a little down when I put everything away, but I also LOVE anything with hearts so look forward to getting out all of my “heart” things for Valentine’s Day! I think you do too! I also LOVE the moon! I am a nurse who works the 3-11:30 p.m. shift so have many opportunities to see the beautiful moon when I am coming home from work! (Don’t see a lot of sunrises, though!!) Thank you for capturing the moon’s magnificance! I marvel at it every night! From moon-loving Marianne in Minnesota!!
I am new to blogging. However, I must say that your site just makes my heart sing and my mind dream! Quite Inspiring! I was reading your comments regarding Some where in time. It was at the Coronado Hotel on Coronado in San Diego. My parents had their honeymoon there in 1948.
Thank you Lisa!!
I just looked at Wikipedia and found out the book was set at the Del Coronado, but the movie was filmed at the Grand Hotel on Macinack Island I didn’t know that! How lovely for your parents, the Del is such a wonderful romantic place.
Susan, I love, love, love your artwork, blog, Willard, and the way you keep in touch with all of your friends/fans! These are some of the “reaons” (no “S”) that I tell my friends about you!
That’s my girl! 🙂
Your Willards are so much fun! Thank you for all your blogs, love the writing and the photos! I so look forward to your writings.
So, so beautiful…..after a particularly tough day, what a pleasure to come home to your blog. Thank you for several lovely minutes of peaceful calm.
I love opening my inbox and seeing the new Willard, just itching for me to open and read it! I especially loved this one since I have a slight obsession with tea parties. 🙂 My best girlfriend and I have been friends since we were 13, and growing up, her mother used to throw tea parties for just us. She would arrange a tray with a cute teapot, several mismatched tea cups and saucers, and a little sugar jar and creamer. We made a big deal of choosing the special tea of the evening. It is one of my favorite memories. The “Love” book is one of the very few I don’t have, and if I manage to win it, my best friend would certainly be the loved one I gave the other copy to. She is still my best friend 16 years later and I love her dearly! Thanks for the idea of having my girlfriends over for “High Tea”! I think I may have to do it! Happy New Year Susan!
I love your girlfriend’s mom — she was a very good “player of house” 🙂 — some of us never grow up! ♥
What an exciting and beautiful gift. I would give it to my only daughter, we are very close even though she is 16:) I love every word and picture here. It fills my heart and soul every day. I’m such a romantic, I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day. What a spectacular day….filled with everything I love….It’s the kind of day that I wish I could paint my world pink and sprinkle sugar sprinkles on everything and give everyone a cupcake…..Love to all the girlfriends here…
Ahhh….the beautiful moon! Every month we’re treated to a “special” moon and I for one never tire of watching them. Love all your books and would love to add to my collection 😉 and to give one to my BFF!
Thank you so much for the wonderful Willard and the amazing moon pics! You’ve also inspired me to “gift” my girlfriends with a tea party. Bless You!
Yay ♥
I have to comment love your blog and love your books!
Susan, how I miss your store in Arroyo Grande. But oh how I wish I could visit your lovely home that you now live life in! I love the east coast, I really Martha’s Vineyard! Thank you so much for sharing the Wolf Moon and all the scenery around you. I felt like I was on vacation as I read and gazed.
I would love to own a signed copy of your book “Love from the heart of the home”! I would give the 2nd copy to my best friend, who does not like Valentines Day. I don’t know why I never thought of it before to share this day with my girlfriends that are not married or dating. This is a GREAT idea! You have started my mind and heart thinking. ;o) Thank you so much! Blessings to you Susan!
Love that Tensie!
Lots and lots of comments already, that show how much you are loved, Susan! I’d love to win your lovely book and share the second copy with my beloved daughter. Thank you for being so generous to all of your “blog-land” friends. Happy, happy to you! Kathleen
I’ve been reading Willards for several years now, and always enjoy them. I love how you put recipes on tea pots and cookie jars etc. This is my first visit to your blog and can tell you that I’m signing up today! The moon photos are AMAZING!
What a fun thing to do…chase the moon! Love it…
Do you still have your home in SLO? When do you go there, as you always seem to be on the island? I spend time in Cayucos…just north of Morro Bay and pass thru SLO on the way.
Keep up the good work….Love the Tea Pot and the Tea Party idea
We mostly live on the island, but, for one thing, my mom lives in California — so we go often! Thanks Fran!
Susan, I absolutely love reading your blogs & getting Willards!
I love your pictures of the moon. I was so surprised to realize one night how light it was during a full moon and when I told my children (very young at the time) they wanted me to wake them up so they could see it. Me envisioning how excited they would be to see it agreed to wake them up for the next full moon. Needless to say waking them from a sound sleep was not a good idea and they weren’t nearly as impressed as I was. It makes me laugh to this day when I think about it. Thank you for the bookmark. I am always looking for a good bookmark and yours is beautiful
Yes, please, I’d love to win the book!
Thank you for all you do to bless my life with beauty, creativity, sweets and sweetness!
{{{{hugs}}}}
Love you Susan! You make my day!
Speaking of full moons… My mother died during a full moon some 21 Years ago. I remember looking at the moon and seeing her face. To this day the full moon reminds me of her.
Hmmmm. wow. That’s wonderful. ♥
Hi. Your blog adds a smile to my day, and gives me inspiration in a lot of areas in my life. Thank you for that. Pam
What lovely pictures of the moon and surroundings! Just beautiful. How I wish I could get back there to see it for myself some time. Thanks for sharing Susan! I felt like I was (almost) there with you!
Thank you for all of your wonderful stories, pictures, and art work. Love it all!
Happy New Year!
And here on the west coast I got to watch the most beautiful scene of the full moon setting in a dark blue sky as I drove to work. How fun to see the photos of the very same moon rising the night before. Its a magical world!
Thank you for the Willard post–I sure enjoy the read! I would also enjoy sharing the ‘Love’ book with my Mom! 🙂
Hugs!
Sandy
Susan, I, too, live in a coastal community between Houston and Galveston and seeing the moon on the water is so beautiful. I was looking for the moon last nite because I knew it was almost full. I couldn’t find it in our sky probably because it was in MV “showing off” to you! But tonite, on the way home from choir in Galveston, there was that full moon rising over Galveston Bay. Speaking of the pink color, I love it when the sun is going down and the sky turns blue-ish and pinkish at the same time and it reminds me of my dear daddy who has been gone for 24+ years. Daddy called that color “sky blue pink” so I always think of him when I see the sky in that lovely pastel hue. And yes, just one flower will do the trick. My husband (back during our “courting” days) would send me a gorgeous flower arrangement every month which must’ve cost him a fortune. Not trying to sound unappreciative or whiny, I gently told him that the same thought, the same sentiment, the same amount of time goes into sending one flower as it does an entire arrangement. And it doesn’t have to be a dozen ROSES; it can be just one red carnation. I think my next flower delivery was three red carnations. Love your new little kitten!! So cute and unpredictable behavior at that age! Enjoy!
Well, it just goes to show you that we read things the way we think they should be. I didn’t notice the missing “S” in “Reasons” at all. I had to go check my calendar to see it.
I love this little book, and have a copy myself, but my 16 and 18 daughters would both like a copy of their own, so I’d give one to each of them. They’re always reading mine. We’re all romantics at heart, I guess.
Blessings,
Marcia
Thank you for not noticing! I don’t notice either! 🙂
That would be 16 and 18 “year old’s” 🙂
Marcia