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! ♥
Pick meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! Love the pretty “moon” pictures! Thank you for all the joy you bring to us- and the best thing ever is opening the inbox and finding a wonderful “Willard” inside! Oh, and remember, the Amish knew to always make a small mistake in their quilts because only God is perfect…and I just want to say that I never even noticed that missing S until you pointed it out 🙂 God Bless, Susan and have a wonderful day with your kitties and your Joe. xoxo Jacqui
Thank you so much for sharing the gorgeous pictures of your hometown…how delightful it looks! I love everything about your blogs and your newsletters, you have a way of making the everyday things special. I am always delighted to find a Susan Branch calendar under the tree every year. I’d love to add the book to my library!!
Oh, Susan, I loved the beautiful photos in this post!! I love my sweet state of Texas but you live in a piece of Heaven too! Thank you for sharing your world with all of the rest of us through your camera lens.
Kisses~~Karen
It is awesome thinking we all enjoyed that very same moon 🙂
My daughter was the first to find it. She was soooo excited!!! “Mommy, look at how pretty the moon is!!!” So we enjoyed it over a bon fire and then came in to look at your bookmark and howl as we read it was called, “The Wolf Moon”! How fun!
I would Love, Love, Love that “Love” book!!! 🙂
Your “Wolf Moon” pics are awesome! My grandchildren (6 & 4 yrs) enjoyed that same moon here in Louisiana. It was peeping through the bare branches of our sweetgums and oak trees. And then we noticed the constellation, Orion the Hunter, was right up there too. Thanks for adding to the happy times with your lovely photos! You add a brightness to our day with your blog. Have a fabulous time in NYC : )
Oh how I want to visit your beautiful town and also Edgartown. You are so amazing. I only wish you were near N.C so you and I could have a cup of tea together. You inspire me so very much to be simply who God created “ME” to be and not feel as if I need to be what the world tells me to be. You are such a beautiful person. Blessings to you and joe in 2012!
Had to check in and get my Susan Branch fix. I’m addicted! I enjoy your pictures from around the island, your home, cooking, etc. Thank you for sharing everything with us.
Oh Susan…..You take me away to such magical places at each posting of your wonderful pictures and words to places I am one day going to visit. I have always wanted to go to Martha’s Vineyard and my daughter and I are planning a trip very soon! Every day I live to visit your blog to travel to a new adventure or to take me back to my childhood days, or inspire me to make Christmas cookies with the grandchildren, or oil my wooden spoons, or hang out my quilts or get inspired for seasonal decorating. Oh, Susan, “You” are truly an inspiration to all of us girls!!! The Bible tells…. we aren’t to “covet”, but I have a hard time not “coveting” your life! HA HA…. LOL… I have a great life, but you inspire us all to live a little better and enjoy life so much more and stop and enjoy the “little” things in life. The little things in life that are free to enjoy and you bring them to our attention that we forget to remember and enjoy and appreciate them. That’s what I enjoy about your blog. I am alot like you in appreciating the little things that so many people forget. Thanks again for showing us to remember to appreciate them just like this last great lovely segment on “the moon!” It was just too beautiful for words!” Thanks again, Judy Ann
WE LOVE YOU TOO!
Hope you have a wonderful time in New York!
Hi Susan,
I posted a comment earlier, but don’t see it.
It’s good to know Jack is doing fine.
Thanks for all of the cheer you gift us with each Blog and Willard.
Heidi
Love is a New England moon…..
“Moon drunk”! Love it. And love you and would love to win this book.
Susan, How awesome is this giveaway!?! Two books?!? This may be your only book I DON’T have!!! Fingers crossed and grateful for the opportunity.
I LoVe your moon photos!!! I was out there last night too. Taking in your feedback from a previous post and used the Auto focus. I live in the country and don’t have as much around to compare the moon against. It did take my breath away as I walked the pups last night and got to watch it rise above the mid-west horizon – completely unobstructed! WOW! How’s Jack doing today? Okay from the surgery?
Hugs and love to you! Jeanette
Thank you for the photos. They are beautiful.
As I was looking at the big, bright full moon last night, I couldn’t help think about you and the girlfriends.
Thank you as well for another great Willard. I had been thinking about having a tea party soon. Now, the ideas are non-stop.
How is Jack today? Hope he is doing well.
Thanks again, Susan for all the LOVE you give out. May it come back to you many times over.
Thanks for giving me the chance to win this beautiful little book! Love the all the moon pictures! It reminds me of when I was younger…my friend Tracy and I would sneak outside to sit on a blanket in the tall grass and “moon-bathe” (kinda like sun-bathe, but more magical!!) We would gaze up at the moon, soak up the beautiful moonlight and share our hopes with each other. One of our favorite memories!!
xoxo donna marie
PS If I win, I will send Tracy the 2nd copy!! 🙂
What beautiful scenery and photos! Thank you for letting us enjoy it with you–and once again for reminding me to appreciate “simple” beautiful things. I had the Love book but gave it away to my sister because she loved it so much–her birthday is right after Valentine’s Day.
What lovely moon photos! ^_^ I just love pictures of the town as well. 🙂
-Merry
Thanks so much for the reminder to slow down and enjoy life! 🙂 The pictures are beautiful. 🙂
Susan – I, too, am in love with moonlight. At the end of a long day…winter or summer…there’s nothing like turning out the lights, crawling into bed, and having beautiful silvery moonlight spilling across the room. Something about it is so friendly and comforting 🙂
Saw the “almost” Wolf moon shining in my bedroom window Sunday morning around 2 a.m. Got up to look out the windows to “see what I could see” and to my delight, there were two deer in the field next to my house! What a wonderful treat! Your bella luna pix were beautiful. Our lakes aren’t frozen up here and I’m tempted to get out Bella Luna the kayak and do a little moonlight paddling 🙂 Hmmmm, I wonder if the neighbors would think I was crazy? I know hubby would!! Hope Jack is okay. xo from SWH
Oh my goodness — two of them! I have two girls to whom, I’ve recently decided, I’m aiming to give copies of your lovely books and if I won two then I could give two for Valentine’s Day to my two favorite Valentines! How much fun would THAT be?!?
I LOVED getting moon drunk on your moonchase — I went out before bed to commune with Wolf moon and then went out again in the wee hours to say goodnight to Wolf moon — I’m pretty much as Moonstruck as you, Susan. Lovely, lovely photos!
Hello? I think this got lost. Is this thing on? *giggling*
That has been my question exactly. Is this thing on???
Susan — my reply is okayed — your reply is there but the original post still has the waiting for moderation at the top — strange gremlins on the blog today for certain! Glad it’s at least showing up though I now wonder if the main post is showing up to you? It begins — “Oh my goodness — two of them!….”
Hahahaha, my reply has no comment? That’s a good one. Well, we’re here for fun, and we’re getting some! I still have 184 comments to go through, it’s got to be there somewhere!
Oh, thanks so much for the fantastic, romantic pictures of one of my most favorite places on this earth, Martha’s Vineyard! You are one lucky girl to live there. I am so lucky to have visited the island. You (and us here on the Eastern Shore) are having fantastic “winter” weather this year-so far. Enjoy your time in New York City.
Your enthusiasm for all the blessings we’re surrounded with is wonderful, Susan! Such a relief from all the “news” we get bombarded with. Thank you!!
I love the photos of the moon and the water and I can almost smell the ocean. You make everything come alive. I wonder how many fishermen were on the boat and if they were going home to their wives or girlfriends and what type of seafood they brought home. I want to live there too!
God does nice work, huh?! It is reassuring that this beauty is out there for all, no matter how rich or how poor a person is! Have to say I really enjoy your father’s comments. I am so glad he is using the internet and seems to be enjoying it!
Beautiful work!
Loved seeing the teapot you got under the tree………so adorable and since I love hearts………….its one of my favorites. So happy to receive the Willard and seeing all the pics on your blog. It sure is a great way for me to spend the afternoon! So nice of you to give away the books. Thanks for being you!
So, so beautiful… Martha’s Vineyard is heaven on earth ♥
I love coming to your website and getting my fill of beautiful cozy, homey, “girly” inspiration. I am thrilled with the moon pictures and am tickled to share the moon bookmark with my scouts. I am both a Daisie leader and a Wolf Cub Scout den leader for my children. My son and I have been moon watching from our new trampoline at night (we live in Hawaii.) He will think it’s oh-so-cool to be gazing on a wolf moon as a wolf cub scout. Awesome!! Thank you for the book give away also. That’s so kind of you. Thank you for doing what you do! You’re an inspiration!
Jennifer
Your newsletter and blog always make me smile and think happy thoughts. Thanks!
What says ‘magic’ better than the moonlight reflecting on the ocean or river? You have spoiled us with so many different images today, and I really do not know which I like the best of all. We had a wonderful, nearly cloud free, night of the full Wolf Moon too, but I didn’t go moon chasing or take nearly as many photos as you did! Thank goodness for digital cameras, eh?
How generous of you to offer another giveaway . . . I don’t expect to win the books, I seldom win anything, but if I were the lucky one, I know exactly who would get the second copy!
Love your blog, love Willard, and LOVE Jack!!!
Haven’t checked your blog in a few days, but when I saw that gorgeous light over our Indiana farm fields, I should have known you’d be out with your camera! Thank you, Susan, for spreading the joy! I’ve always loved knowing that the moon I’m seeing is the same one shining on loved ones far away — what a connection!
Beautiful moon pics, its hard to see here until its way high in the sky, being in a city thats somewhat in a valley. But when I have the occasion to get up in the foothills above the city lights and its rising in the east, wow. Still remember an amazing October harvest moon, looked like a huge orange planet. No wonder the ancient peoples had so many stories about the moon, it really is amazing. Would love your Love book, dont have that one… Thanks for the chance!
As we were driving home from visiting Dad in the hospital last evening, both my brother and I commented on the beautiful full moon. I have your 2012 calendar hanging above my desk, so I knew it was called the “Wolf Moon”… impressed my brother… that’s what big sisters do! It is wonderful to know that beautiful moon shines for all… wherever you are located. Love your photos!
Always love your posts and have to read them more than once. Your blog and Willards are like a nice getaway or vacation…..You need to publish LOTS of books!! Wish your blog could be printed in bookform….I’d buy ten of them to give away to all of my friends! Can’t wait for your next book.
Maryellen Shute
Loved the “tour”. The Wolf moon woke me (and George the cat) up this morning shining in my bedroom when it got to the west side of the house. When I got up at 5:30, it was still shining in. My old cat Jeffy used to “moondance” on the bed during full moons. I still believe he’s there some nights. Perhaps Jeffy and George were getting to know each other this morning! The boys before that used to sleep in the moonbeams that came in the window–they thought it would warm them like the sun (poor guys were confused). Love watching how cats deal with all that extra light!
Wonderful, wonderful photographs, Susan, capturing the moon in all its glory! Also, thank you for “taking” us back to Edgartown. Although the rain was pouring down the day we were there, we have such good memories of the time we spent there, touring the historic church and house nearby, plus the older structure back from the main street.
This is an excellent giveaway, too.:-) How nice it would be to be chosen!:-)
Finally, there is the mention of a chance of snow in our forecast for later this week. I know better than to get my hopes up, though.
Have a great Tuesday!
xoxo
The moon was beautiful here, too. And I love the bookmark with the names of the full moons. Thank you!
Thanks so much for the beautiful Moon Shine pictures! Luckily it was a clear night here in my California town, so I was able to go out and enjoy that full moon too. Loved it! Love your post! Love your books! Thanks, again.
I love full moons as well and you have such great pictures that you captured. I envy your talent at photography. I try, but have not mastered it. Keep up the great blog and all the wonderful recipes, pictures, and letting us into your life. You are a breath of fresh air every day.
Aaaaahhhh, such lovely photos! Would love-love-love to win the book so here I am putting my name in the drawing 😀 and keeping my fingers crossed!
Twenty years ago I bought your Baby Book when my son was born. Thus began MY “Love” with all of your work. I’ve shared your calendars, books and recipes with so many dear friends, including that “baby’s” girlfriend. Thank you so much for making all of our lives happier ones.
Oh thank you Michelle!
Hi Sue,
I wasn’t quite as on the ball as you with the moon rise last night, but driving home at about 6:30 PM PDT (Simi Valley, CA) the moon was a huge, gorgeous, shiny ball right in front of me. I just watched the movie “Dear John” on TV on Sunday, (while still taking down decorations!) and one line by cutie Channing Tatum is that no matter where you are in the world when the moon is full, if you look at it with one eye closed and stick up your thumb, it will cover the whole moon – I love that!
XO, Sue
🙂
Thanks for reminding me of the beauty of full moons! Over the years I seem to have forgotten. But thanks to your blog I was outside last night watching it rise through the pine trees of south Georgia. Incredible! I’ve put your fullmoon bookmaker on my fridge so I won’t miss any of them this year! Your blog always gives me a lift! Thanks for all you do!
Thank you Patricia!
Susan surely had a great time taking these pictures – maybe we should get out more! The moon was memorable last night even here in Colorado!
It was fun to do something different, hang around on dark roads :-)!
What GREAT pictures!! Thank you soooooooo much!!!
“Throw a lucky man into the sea and he will come up with a fish in his mouth.” – this is such a wonderful quote!! I love it!! Made me LOL!!!!
And I loved it when you said, “Notice moon shine is two words!” ROTFL!!!
The photos you take of the moon from your bedroom window always look like paintings!!
🙂 !
I have loved your artwork for years. Now, I enjoy your blog, too.
Good! Thank you for being here!
P.S. Looking at these moon pictures you post with “The Best Things In Life Are Free” always make me cry!
I kind of feel the same way!
Thanks for sharing your view of the moon. Living in a city, it’s hard to get the full effect. I’m looking forward to your future projects. Will you be designing any more fabric?
Karen L.
It looks like I will be! Perhaps at Spring Market, not 100% sure yet. I’ll let you know!
What a lovely post! Such a pretty town. Happy New Year and thanks so much for the chance to win 🙂
Loving the moon journeys, as I never pay much attention to it in the winter and I should! Your bookmark will help me with that.
My husband and I will celebrate our 25th this year too, not sure yet what we will do, but I also turn 50 so I may end up somewhere I have never been before. Have a WONDERFUL time in New York!
So much fun! I have your bookmark printed out and on my desk and got to see the beautiful “wolf moon” (I never knew they had names before you!) last night. It makes me excited for this year to follow this. I also never knew there were 13 full moons in one year either! The best things in life are FREE – but with a free bonus thrown in as well.
Loved the pics! I also love your “love” book. I read it each year and put it on my mantle Feb. 1 when all the Valentine’s Day decorations go up. Such a sweet book.
Your moon photos are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing them. I recently bemoaned the fact that we are surrounded by houses and trees and cannot see the moon until it is high in the sky. Your moon photos are compensation for my lack. But the whole area is so beautiful. I’m ready to pack my belongings.
Lovely photos! The moon was absolutely gorgeous this morning when I drove to yoga at 6:30 AM, and then in practice we did moon salutations. Thank you for the lovely bookmark. I love knowing all the names of the full moons!
Would love to win! Thanks for sharing the photos. I really enjoy the virtual tour of your home. Happy Valentine’s Day to all.
I so love sunrise and sunsets but the moon sure is a beauty too. Thank you so much, Susan for being our mooncatcher……it was such a treat!
I love your pictures – I am so ready to move and be near the ocean. Thank you for sharing.
Belinda
What a wonderful post and awesome pictures! Thank you for sharing!!
entering your contest…….
Would love to be entered in your contest 🙂
How fun is this! LOVE the photos too! We have a lake house in South Haven Michigan and our sunsets are spectacular. And so many times the moon over Lake Michigan creates a steel gray hue….. just love walking in the moonlight.
I love your work. My first purchase came with the Christmas From the Heart of the Home. Not your first book, but it got me started and I have been addicted to your work, your crafts, your web site, and everything about you. The one time I made it to your store in California, you were closed for a photo shoot, but you let me wander around and look. I loved that experience! Thank you!
Love your drawings and 2012 calendar!
Oh how I love the moon pictures!! I am a moon lover too! Not to long ago the full moon was shining through my bedroom window. I just abolutely love that!!!! The neighbors must think me a nut if they see me, but sometimes I have been known to go outside just to be in the “moon shade.” We just have to look around us to see all of the wonderful blessings we have. Thank you for all of your wonderful pictures and for taking us sight-seeing around Martha’s Vineyard!!
Loved the pictures and would LOVE the books! 🙂
Loved your moon pictures..the rising moon is just the opposite of our watching the sun set at the beach .. Hope Jack is healing well. Soon he will be as spry and active as he was before he became an “it”…as in he, she, or ‘it’..just a joke.
So grateful to you Susan for posting these pictures of the gorgeous New England scenery that surrounds you. Here in Colorado we have a very different kind of beauty that I appreciate…but we are landlocked, and this Cancerian hasn’t seen the water for three years now. Nowhere but here could I find the pictures and lovely words you lovingly post about your home. The photos of the coastline in Martha’s Vineyard are fantastic. How lucky you are to be surrounded by all of this. Thank you so much from a grateful (and landlocked) New England Lighthouse lover 🙂
Lori
Hi, Susan! what beautiful photos of the moon. I’ve done some moon chasing in my days in the mountains of Colorado – different than on the water, but beautiful just the same.
I would so love to have your “Love” books or any of your books for that matter. you are such an inspiration!
Jonnie
Mother of Skeeter – the other black and white kitty…
Even in southern Minnesota we were in love with the moon last night. Many commented coming into work early this am how amazing it was in all it’s glory last night.
Keep us posted on how Jack is doing! I bet Girl Kitty will enjoy a little down time while he is resting.
To Gala and Susan: So funny you said that about hoping the popular girls will say “hi!” Somehow my post got missed last time and I was so bummed!! How sad is that???? And I was really wanting you to know Susan about how I make “Chicken Feet Soup!” Have an absolutely beautiful day!!
Oh I remember your post, I read it and answered it too! But chicken feet, no, I remain unconvinced. 🙂
i totally love your photos and stories of the island…and of course your beautiful artwork. check out my blog…
Your pictures of the moon are fantastic. I so look forward to your blog posts. Martha’s Vinyard is such a berautiful island. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I just love reading your posts. Putting Martha’s Vineyard on my “dream” list of places to go one day. Our full moon here in Tennessee (the flatlands by the Mississippi, where it has also been in the 50’s — but feels so chilly) was also very striking the other night, rising behind the bare tree branches. It was amazing.
Oh, Susan… what a lovely lovely sight… Your posts always make me want to leave the south and come North and live on that lsland! Gosh… so incredibly beautiful! Today has been difficult; we had to put one of our little patients (I do pediatric home health) on hospice… he’s not long for this world, God bless him… Thanks for the small reminder that the beauty that surrounds us is FREE and so full of love… you are much appreciated. ~Shannon
Thank you for the amazing work you do Shannon. xoxo
Hi Susan ~
I’m waiting for Willard to arrive here in San Juan Capistrano. I’m sure he’ll be along soon! Meanwhile, I certainly enjoyed the “snapshot” of Martha’s Vineyard on a moonlight night. Whenever I look at a beautiful full moon, I always think about other special people in my life, no matter how far away, perhaps gazing at the same moon. Makes me feel close to them. Thanks for always thinking of your girlfriends!
PS: Glad to hear your brave boy, Kitty Jack, is back home recuperating with you.
Oh i want to come visit your wee little island…..it looks so lovely~!@!@! I would even love to come in the winter time! ha…..but= thank you for sharing the beautiful Moon and stars and sea and the ferry and all with us…..and YES- i think next time you need to make those little roast beef sandwiches- and let us all know ahead of time-so we can dart to our cars- catch a plane-catch a boat or a train -and then the ferry and come chase the moon with you for one night!!!!! Love your blog and Willard too……Have a great day.
I took my own pictures of the moon the other night. You inspired me.
i love your moon pictures. i can feel the cold night air and hear the water lapping on the shore. Beautiful.
My daughter, now in grad school far from home, has loved the moon since she could see it and say the word (it was one of her first words). We once had to pull over on a busy highway driving back from a beach trip to separate her and her friend because they were arguing about “who’s moon” it was that was shining down – E. was certain that the moon belonged solely to her! That was about 20 years ago, when we lived in MA. We are now separated by a whole continent, as I’m out in WA and she’s in school in NJ, but it comforts me to know that she’s looking up and seeing the same moon as I am!
Susan I have been a fan since I first “discovered” you many many years ago. You are a true example of living the beautiful life! Our Michaels went out of business a few years ago, and I bought simply EVERYTHING Susan Branch that they had at the time. I am still enjoying the journals, stickers, etc. I am hoping you chose my names for the book- I would….LOVE…. to have them!
PS: I received my cocker spaniel mug I ordered. Love it! Also, the heart-shaped ice cube trays are fun. I will be using them when I host The Reading Divas next month.
I have them too, they are fun!
I love your blog, I have loved your books for years, I just bought your calendar. What wonderful pictures! I don’t usually ‘subject’ my husband to reading blogs, but I am going to tell him he has to read your blog post today!
My day is never quite complete without a visit to your wonderful blog…each time it feels like ‘coming home’… thank you for sharing your thoughts, passion, home, recipes, life and work with us… it certainly makes my life a little brighter!
You’re so nice to tell me — I love doing it!
LOL Yes, Susan is one of the “popular girls” … heehee! But why not? Where else can we find this mix of lovely photos, creative paintings, and apt quotations? As the kids say, she’s da bomb! We are able to enjoy her creative bubbles for free, as they effervesce here on the web! Thank you, Susan, for a lovely respite – whether at home or at work, your posts are always inspiring and enjoyable.
Thanks for the chance to win your book – what fun! I know to whom I would send the second copy….our middle son and his wife, who are estranged from the family. Perhaps it would do some good? LOL At the very least it would send some beauty from me to them! 🙂
Love that idea!
Love the moon pictures — you can almost close your eyes and see them with the beautiful descriptions you give. Your talent is amazing! I am wearing my gold Nantucket basket earrings today (I wear them often) that I bought when I visited your area in September of 2010. Hope to come back and spend more time on a “non-tour” next time. Would love to be in the drawing for your books — have a childhood friend that lives in Ohio (I live in Alabama) that I would send one to as a surprise. Looking forward to receiving my Willard. Pictures of Jack always make me giggle!
Thanks Marsha!
Your blog just delights me (or should I say “moonlights” me). Have been fascinated by the moon since my Mom would sing to me as a child…”I see the moon and the moon sees me…” I have a little great niece (now 7 yrs. old) who, all on her own, keeps track of when it’s the full moon on her calendar. Thank you so much for the bookmark….I’ve printed one for each of us!
She’ll love it! Thank you Terri!
Oh How I love you and your talent and that you share it so fully. I live on the West Coast in California and I have never seen a moon like this!!! I would love to come to Martha’s Vineyard to see that and all the other things that you post. Thank you for giving me a glimpse of your world! I would love to win your book and give the other to my dear friend who also loves you!! :o)
The blog is acting up today, hope it allows me to reply! Thank you Melissa!
Loved this writing!!! My whole world stops when I read your blog, I get lost in your photos and words!
I am working towards a goal to move to MV, Oaks Bluff…thank you for keeping me on my dream!
Amy
Love these pictures! So wish I could be there seeing all of the same things…..but thankful you post pictures! I would love to win the books of course….just like everyone else who loves you. I read your blog daily when it shows up in my email. I can always look forward to it being something good and uplifting. I also laugh at my self……because I am as much a ‘picture taking person’ as you are! Isn’t it fun? I don’t go anywhere without my digital camera. You just never know when something will ‘need its picture taken’! Ha! Elaine
My mom is like that too…albums of pictures, so I think we come by it naturally!
You know what I love about you Susan? You make something so simple as the moon rising into a wonderful, magical event. I read this post with ever increasing excitement with each photo. My mood always improves whenever I read your blog. Thank you.
SO nice Patricia, thank you!
My other comment is “awaiting moderation”, but here is another: I am on the email list to receive my Willard on the second day. Reading all these comments from people who have already received it make me more anxious than ever!
Hurry, tomorrow!
Lorie Hartsig
LOL! And, sorry about the slow moderation! The blog is working very slowly right now, but we’ll get there!
Thank you for sharing your pictures of the moon and most importantly how you imbue it with such wonder and excitement with your narration. It inspires me to look for more beauty in the world around me. Thank you.
xoxo!
I love your picture of the lighthouse and the moon! Looks like it was a wonderful evening.
I am doing a little program on the moon names for my W.I. tomorrow as I wondered about your wolf moon on your calendar so I did some research read your blog.Then printed out 7 book marks for the ladies tomorrow
I can not thank you enough you made my day and the ladies will be thrilled with my hand out and will tell them about your moon date.Love to win
I WOKE AT 2A.M. TO SEE THE MOON LIGHT UP MY YARD
How perfect, meant to be!
You’ve become my virtual BFF second only to my real live, BFF, Cindy, college roommate, friend, then best friend forever and sister of my heart. We’ve shared everything and now I’ve turned her on to my virtual friend Susan. Thanks for making my days brighter and happier!
Thank you Deborah, I’m honored!
Thank you for the magical photos of the same moon that I was swooning over in Los Osos. You’re indeed a gift to us all everyday.
Mmmmm, Los Osos, how wonderful!
Your pictures are beautiful!! Thank you for sharing with us. January 11, 1998 my Grandmother, my special friend, passed away. On our 2 hour ride home from her funeral, there was a glorious night sky. The whole ride home was lit by the most beautiful moon and stars!! Beautiful, just like my Grandma with her twinkling blue green eyes!! I looked up and knew she was, and is, in Heaven lighting my way. God gives us so many blessings…nature and my Grandma are a couple of them.
Making me cry Mary!
Wonderful wonderful wonderful….Thanks again Susan! Love you too!
Well this is a bit strange because last night when I left exercise class I couldn’t help but notice how gorgeous the moon was and I thought of you! And at that time you were busy chasing the moon! The picture from the dock took my breath away. So gorgeous. How is Jack? Will he be home tonight or tomorrow?
I wonder if I’m seeing this twice, or what is happening with this blog . . . I did answer your commet Priscilla, Jack’s doing really good, hope I’m not repeating myself!
Sorry I had trouble publishing my comment. I think my comment was done three times.
No problem, I’m having problems being able to comment, some take and some don’t!
I just love the way you enjoy your small town….and I appreciate you sharing that enthusiasm with us. I lived in a small town (2400max) for most of my life, but never really appreciated the value of small town until I moved away (15minutes) to a larger town….
Be Blessed,
Cindy♥
I do love the slower pace. Every once in a while someone gets the bright idea to build a bridge here from the Mainland, and everyone has a fit!