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 the pictures of the moon. I had to admire it last night.It was beautiful! The idea of taking a sandwich with made me giggle. When we was raising our kids we always had to take lunch no matter what. The books are a great idea! Happy days.
Here I am “out west” in Wash. and I was looking at the same glorious moon. After a quick trip into town, hubbie and I were driving home watching it’s path through our sky. How many times can I watch the same glorious moon and still be amazed?!
Bless his little heart – he just needs some loving on. Be well, Jack so you can play with Susan. Judy C
I didn’t get my Willard yet. 🙁
It starts going out on Tuesday morning and finishes on Wednesday night, so it’s probably on the way!
the moon bookmark is DIVINE!!!! a sweet gift for my girlfriends 🙂
Isn’t it amazing that with the glut of electronic intertainment available these days, none of it can hold a candle to a beautiful moonrise! Your photographs are breathtaking. I especially love your photo of the Edgartown Lighthouse… it looks like a painting-
Thank you for sharing your magic. Sometimes it’s just what I need 🙂
Susan,
Just for your info, we are building a house, and the design for my bedroom was soley inspired by your words. The DAys Book. Had mine for years and used it every year. The part where you talk about sitting in bed, eating breakfast, reading the paper, watching tv and watching snow fall? Oh yes, that stuck in my mind BIG TIME. I designed my bedroom so that there is a big window across from my bed and room for the tv so that I can see the snow fall and watch tv from MY BED! How cool. Can’t wait to realize that dream. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂 Your “love you garland” made me smile.
It looked like that streak of moonight continued on and might have gone right up the middle of you. I thought “I wonder if the next pic will be of JOe with a streak of moonlight up the middle of him?” I’m happy for you that you get to live in such a beautiful enviornment.
xoxo, your new bedroom! Love it!
I love being able to share the beauty of the island through your lovely photos! It’s so much fun to see things we might not see otherwise. Thank you so much, Susan!
Susan,
You are so darling. Thank you for the moon light stroll. Beautiful! I too have “thin eyelids” 🙂 as I have awakened to ‘watch” the moon for the past few nights. So awesome! Due to your “moon” photos, I have been inspired. At 3am I opened my back door to try to capture my scenery. 🙂 No cooperation at all from my camera! I think it is really more the operator instead of the equipment! 🙂 Anyway, I will be enjoying the photos of your East Coast moon, while looking at my West Coast moon…thank you. Just for fun have you ever played Buffalo Moon by Brulee? Nice.
Love us with the thin eyelids – never realized how funny that sounds until you said it!
Love your photos! I have to get to Martha’s Vineyard one day and see everything in person. 🙂
hi susan…stunning..absolutely stunning!!!! the moon looks like the sun in some of the pics…i just loved every picture..but i gotta tell ya girl…you are rubbing off on me….i was on my way to school (teacher) this morning at 6:40 AM…in the dark…but not really…i turned onto our main street and there it was..the most beautiful moon setting i’ve seen for a long while…pulled right over..jumped out of the car and started to snap some photos on my phone camera!!! i had to giggle…but i now have some very beautiful pictures of the moon hovering over st. louis….totally worth being a little late for!!! THEN..i scroll down to see a picture of your LOVE book…i nearly crumped out because i just got mine out for Valentine’s Day and it was sitting right next to the computer!!! it was one of my first susan branch books and i love it to this day!!!! but that’s still not the end…last night a friend of mine on Facebook posted a funny little status asking the reader to reach for the nearest book and turn to page 45 and that was going to tell you what your love life will be like for 2012…well..my nearest book was Susuan Branch “LOVE” and page 45 calls for camping….juggling…hammocks..and maybe a trip to the Post Office….hahaha…i can live with that!!! thank you SB p.45!
thanks for the bella luna…just a beautiful post susan…trust jack came through OK..been thinking about him today…love, cindy
Parallel lives! xoxo
that’s what i was thinking…except for the famous author, amazing cookbook writer, brilliant watercolor artist, Martha’s Vineyard part…… : )
XOXO!!
I declare – Susan will need to start numbering our comments so we can go back and check to see if she moderated ours yet. I have gone through over 400 to find mine – just to see what she said to me – LoL – Gala, summed it up nicely – giddy with excitment to see if the popular girl notices and says hi. JC
I declare – Susan will need to start numbering our comments so we can go back and check to see if she moderated ours yet. I have gone through over 400 to find mine – just to see what she said to me – LoL – Gala, summed it up nicely – giddy with excitment to see if the popular girl notices and says hi. JC
I have no idea how they know, but some people seem to know which number they are . . . can you see a number on your side that tells you?
We enter into “comments” at the end of your post by clicking on the number of comments that is listed there are that moment. So if I highlight and enter on the part that is saying “373 comments” than I can assume that my comment will be number 374. Did I explain that or am I confusing you?
No, that was good, I’ll try to relay that to people who ask! Thank you!
The moon was beautiful in Hawaii, too.
Sigh……..;-) that camera must go everywhere you do! Beautiful…thank you!
Your photos are breathtaking……I am an east coast girl transplanted to Texas and oh how I miss the water……..thank you for sharing!
I lost myself in your moon blog! I am another person that just adores the moon and each full moon I have a little quiet celebration! Just gazing and feeling so small! I would also love to win the book giveaway..I love books and this looks like a sweet one to add to my collection!
I’m beginning to seriously think that my husband & I need to plan a trip to Martha’s Vineyard sometime in the future—-maybe our 25th anniversary next year or our 30th in 6 years! The harbor looks so peaceful! Thanks for sharing your slice of heaven with us!
Wished I lived in Martha’s Vinyard too!
I think this wolf moon was one of the prettiest ever! Clear in So. Cal. and beautiful in the sky. It must be lovely rising over the water!! So many planets are now visible in the evening sky. Can’t beat nature for beauty!!!
I got a really beautiful picture of Venus — it was so bright last night, it looked like a star, but in the photo, it’s a perfectly round planet!
I am a native Washington State gal (a Logger’s daughter:) and have always yearned for the East Coast (Maybe the sea is in my genes – my great grandfather was a ship captain in Denmark:) I’m 58 – still haven’t made it there . . (I live in hope). But thank goodness for YOU – and sharing your beautiful little corner of the world with us all. I felt like I was taking the walk myself – thank you SO much for showing us your magical, dreamy place!
So happy to see you here Karen!
oh my…my heart go so excited to see your photo of The Charlotte Inn! It reminds me of my childhood home in Chicago…I love to travel in the fall and winter! This just went on my “places I MUST visit list”! What a lovely way to spend an evening with your honey! Thank you for sharing! I have seen your LOVE book…it is so cute and cozy….whoever receives them will love them and….I really believe they will use them!
Cynthia
You are addictive!!!!and what a wonderful addiction….this morning I’m still in my pj’s and I’m looking for the new Willard….even before breakfast…then I have to look for the valentine book…. after searching every where in the house, it’s the only one of your books I don’t have..well I’ll have to fix that.
Thanks for being such a wonderful friend
Pat
Thank you VERY much for the charming Willard. I have been reading through your tea party recipes and am wondering how you prepare your cream cheese/olive sandwiches…. Temptee cream cheese vs. Philadelphia, black olives vs. green … sliced olives vs. chopped … white bread vs. wheat … Pepperidge Farm? I have spent many summers at West Chop – thanks for posting the great pictures.
Jeanne
Susan, I love to read your post and Willard. The place that you and your Joe (I have a Joe also) are blessed to live in is so beautiful. I always enjoy seeing it thru your eyes. You make me feel like I am there. THANK YOU!!!
Hi, Susan!
You pictures are beautiful! One day my husband and I will visit Martha’s Vineyard. Maybe we will stay at that beautiful inn.
Love,
Terry
. . . . .DON’T KNOW HOW TO EXPRESS WHAT DELIGHTFUL FUN PLUS GEAT HOMEMAKING IDEAS I GET FROM YOU! SEEMS LIKE WE’VE BEEN FRIENDS A LONG TIME WHILE I’VE ENJOYED COLLECTING YOUR WONDERFUL BOOKS. . .BUT YOUR “LOVE” ONE I DON’T HAVE. THANK YOU FOR SPICING UP MY LIFE AS I TURN 80 THIS YEAR!!!. . . . .
Well, happy almost birthday Joann!!
Hi Susan. Just wanted to let you know that you add sunshine and moon shine to my days! Thank you so much!
Oh the moon! We spent much of the past weekend driving in the dark through the desert between SoCal and Vegas. The setting moon was beautiful! Too bad I didn’t think to snap a picture.
Susan you always make us feel like we’re right there with you! For that I am so grateful. Of course the moon’s job is to reflect the sun and our job is to reflect the Son. Thank you Susan for such a reflection. Your love knows no bounds~we are so blessed by you. xoxo
Moonlight and ro—ast beef! Sounds great! Very romantic! What fun to chase
the moon and see all the beautiful things its light does to the buildings, the land,
and the water – especially the water!
I am looking forward to the blog about tea and teapots. I love a tea party! Your
Days book inspired my annual Christmas tea. We all loved the “rules” for attending a tea by Kitty Macy, age 9. We were jolly, we laughed, and we ate
far more than 1 cookie!
Ohhhh, so cute, I will have to tell Kitt!
Girls I have to tell you, these comments are coming in faster than I can approve them, we are staying at a pretty much constant 168 comments left to approve! I can’t reply to them all, but it’s SO HARD not to!!! Thank you, you funny, witty, interesting, sweet and dear people. Love hearing from you!! XOXOX
Awesome pictures Susan! Valentine’s Day is upon us isn’t it? Thanks for being so gracious to us with your blog, eye candy in picture mode and great, fun give-a-ways! Smiles!!
You are wonderful, Susan! 🙂 I would love to win the books!
“I See the moon and the moon sees me. God bless the moon and God bless thee!”
Perfect!
love your beautiful moon pictures,,I had to laugh,,we here on the left coast see the sun go down into the ocean,,but I never have seen a moon rise over it,, thanks so much for sharing,,,,Judy
Loved all the pictures! So beautiful there! Thank you so much for sharing so many things with us. I enjoy it so much! I told my son…I bet that baby will come Monday night when there is a full moon! I’ve heard lots of babies are born when there is a full moon. I remember going into the hospital and stopping to gaze at the full moon when I had my nightime baby! And sure enough!!!!! She came last night at 10:35 p.m.! : – )
I have chills! How wonderful. That was happening under that gorgeous moon. Did you name her yet?
Kamdyn Ava! Different!
I watched the moon in Arroyo Grande and I thought of you!!!
XOXO thank you!
You live a beautiful place. I have never seen the moon come up over the ocean because I have lived in Arizona all my life. We have beautiful sunrises and sunsets here it would be fun to see the moon rise over the ocean.
Nantucket is the island next to Martha’s Vineyard, isn’t it? My 27-year-old nephew drowned while diving/exploring the Andria Doria last summer. Some day I would love to see that part of the U.S. even though it will hold sad memories for my family!
I love your blog! And by the way, I have a cat that plays fetch and a kitty that jumps up and turns the wall light switches in my home. Kitty cats are so much fun1
Oh, Susan – I do think that I must move to your neighborhood. I have always loved the water and now think I have found the most perfect spot to live. And the full moon just seems to call my name. Just find hubby a job there and a house for us to lease and we will be on our way 🙂 I could also take care of your kitty babies when you have to be away.
And a wonderful book give-away. Perfect early birthday present for me (my birthday is Feb. 18) and a perfect gift to give to a special person.
We are surely blessed by your sweet spirit!
Robin
Linton Cottage
Love you little contests! thanks!
I want to win this. I will buy MORE copies to give to those I love….:)
Thank you for all the wonderful pictures of the moon and the water! And the chance to have a copy of your book!
I tried posting earlier today, but don’t think if went through ….. just wanted to say that the picture you took through the tree branches last night, looked almost identical to what I saw this morning at 6:15 AM here in Connecticut when I looked out “my window” – that big, beautiful moon was still up, peeking at me through the bare branches. 🙂 Take care, Helen
I absolutely love all of the moon photos and information! I have even gone to the farmers almanac website on yiur recommendation. Please continue all your great posts……….love them!
P.S. also wishing a quick recovery for Jack the kitty…….
If I could crawl into my computer and stay there looking at those moon and water pictures I’d be in heaven. Children bought me a weeks vacation to the Cape for my 70th birthday, coming this summer makeing the trip to the Vineyard,I feel so lucky. Thanks for the pictures !!!!
This has been a week of stunning photos. My goddaughter and goddaughter-in-law (wife of my godson so I had to come up with some title 🙂 posted photos on Facebook one morning this week of a beautiful sunrise here in Maryland. It was gorgeous and had lots of purple in it for us Ravens fans….Now I can enjoy your beautiful moonrise pictures. How lucky we are to experience the wonders of nature…Thanks for sharing.
Hi Susan and everyone…
We are back from our trip to California.. and wow, was it warm and sunny while we were there… really enjoyed our visit with friends and family. Came home to 50+ degrees; unheard of in Chicago for January! However, snow is in the forecast for Thursday, we’ll see if we get it or not.
Loved the phenomenal moon pictures and the memories of your grandma. Grandmas are SO special, and now that I am one, I really hope I can be as wonderful and special a grandma as mine were. Blessed to have two that I loved dearly, and have some wonderfully special memories to cherish; thank you for sharing some of yours with us.
Sounds like Jack did okay with his neutering procedure; glad he is home and resting. Good luck getting through all the comments… and give Jack an extra pat or two from me. He’s such a cutie.
Will see if we can see our moon tonight… it was gorgeous last night, but I think you win for the best views, period. Enjoy your moderating and take care! I am off to Arizona on Saturday… first trip there. Looking forward to great times with friends and warmish weather!
Loved chasing the moon with you. Thank you for the beautiful pictures. And thank you for letting us see more of Martha’s Vineyard. My husband and I are planning a trip to the island for our 35th wedding anniversary. Only 2 1/2 years away.
Bonnie
Love long time planning, so much to look forward to!
Dear Susan,
Beautiful…thank you for sharing your moon! It was gorgeous here in the West too! I think most women are in tune with moon (no pun intended…). I know I love to watch the phases each month in our big western sky. I also belong to “The Full Moon Quilters” which is three quilting gals who have know each other forever. We first started out by planning a project to work on each month, have a light supper and work on project for the evening and rotate between our houses (we all worked regular jobs during the day). It then progressed to “forget the project” and have the dinner and talk all night. Now we meet occasionally (two of us are retired), no quilting, no dinner, but drinks….and lots of talk! This has been going on for over 15 years! But I digress…..thanks so much for the lovely blogs on moon…another subject for a book!!!! (but I’m still waiting for the “train book”!). Happy New Year!
P.S. Oh gosh….forgot! How is Jack?
Good to see The Full Moon Quilters have kept the most important elements — a little drink and lots of good talk and the companionship of long-time close friends! This made me smile.
Love your moon blogs.. Would love to win your book.
Your moon rise reminded me of something Pat Mofjeld shared with me. She and her husband Norm were on vacation in Door County. They were on the shore of the lake, and several other people gathered to watch the sunset over the lake. Just as the sun set, everyone began to applaud! Isn’t that a wonderful image? As you have shown us time and again, the best things in life are free! (so glad Jack is okay)
Reminds me of dining on the decks at the The Oasis restaurant in Austin, TX — every evening at sundown they ring the big bell and everyone applauds! So good that The Oasis came back after their big fire a few years back — lovely place to eat!
susan! i love love love your blog- you inspire me to enjoy the free, simple things in life!:) god bless!
I love to receive your emails. I have never been to your part of America and love the journeys you take me on. It’s like a perfect afternoon outing with a dear friend and I enjoy it so much. Thank you, I love your work…..ALL OF IT!!! Recipes, Painting, Printing, Art, Even leaving the S out of Reasons, yes, it is part of the charm. Thank you for the Happy you bring into my life!!
Marvelous pictures! So pretty! I love NE in the summer, but winter seems more delicious…
I love Martha’s Vinyard and was entranced with your moon shine photos. Used to live in MA and miss the 4 seasons. We went to see a total eclipse of the Sun in China in 2010 and that was pretty awesome also.
I have your books “Vinyard Seasons” and “Heart of the Home” and would love “Love From the Heart of the Home” for my collection. Tea parties with girlfriends. Is there a better way to spend an afternoon?
I was out Sunday night making pictures of the moon here in Birmingham, Alabama. Soon my whole family was outside enjoying the view. How much fun to see your beautiful pictures and know it was the same gorgeous moon that we enjoyed!
Love your blog. You make my day so much brighter. Glad Jack is okay!
Cindy
Dear Susan,
Your gorgeous photos of the moon remind me of Debussy’s
“Clair de Lune” (Moonlight) . It is his ode to the moon, just as your blog is yours!! As a concert pianist I can tell you there is no more beautiful piano composition. Might you one day publish all of your lovely blogs in one big beautiful book? It is a shame to think of them disappearing into cyberspace where no one can enjoy them:) Loved your Willard too! xoxox
Susan,
I saw the full moon last night and couldn’t help but think about you and your wonderful comments about the moon. I will now be watching for every one of them. Truly awesome what beauty surrounds us, and all we have to do is feast our eyes on it and enjoy! So many moments like that to take in and relish. Thank you so much for making me more aware of the wonders of nature.
Your night photos are great, which camera are you using and do you use a tripod?
It’s a canon, and no tripod. Not very professional, the moon did all the work!
Funny to read the “cute gal in high school” comments = synchronicity, ’cause I listened to Susan’s music the other day that sparked conversation with my boyfriend about how I was in high school. [Not the cute or popular gal but I’m sure a happy 66-year-old.]
Allergic to cats, but I love’em anyway, so sharing Jack with you via the blog is about the best gift you could share with me. THX ♥♥♥
Hi Susan, for some reason my original post didn’t show up so I am resubmitting so I can be in the drawing, If you find it, post that one instead of this 🙂 xoxo Jacqui
Susan, I can’t thank you enough for sharing your life with us. What a lovely and romantic Wolf Moon evening you and Joe shared with us. The reflections on the water are so amazing. If I can be so bold to come back to real life, what kind of camera do you use! And if I could be even bolder; I, too, posted a soup recipe. Please do not attempt it until after your anniversary trip to New York. It is in no way healthy, lowfat or responsible for any New Year’s resolution anyone could make. I would love a signed copy of Love. What a precious gift that the winner will treasure forever. And how wonderful to allow us to regift that precious momento to a special person in our lives.
I absolutely love checking out your site. Martha’s Vineyard is such a beautiful place.
oh my goodness Susan Branch you have no idea how you transport me from the hot bright glare of summer (here in Perth Western Australia) to Christmas card perfection…your world. i absolutely love your blog and your delightful Willard and it is definitely top of my bucket list to visit Martha’s Vineyard (and Prince Edward Island home of Anne of Green Gables)…thank you so much for sharing your self with us…Happy New Year to you and yours…sending you loads of Aussie love
Tanya Hughes xxxx and family xxxx
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for sharing <3 I printed the "moon" bookmark so I won"t miss any!
You're so sweet girlfriend 🙂 Kiss the kitties and pat Joe :!
Hi Susan, Never been to MV but you are making me so want to go. So pretty. Maybe I’ll plan a little trip up there this year. That one shot you took looking down the street with the clouds overhead is beautiful…looks like a painting. I’ll have to look out the window tonight to see our full moon. We’re having nice mild weather too..I’m so loving it.
Evelyn
The photos of the moon rising are breathtaking, Susan! Thanks for taking time to chase it – I always enjoy the pictures and the story that goes with them. Lighthouses are one of my favorite things in the world… Have a great week!
Oh my goodness! I LOVE the moon. I am so fascinated by it. I, too, have taken so many pictures of it. One of the pictures that you took of the moon coming up over the ocean reminds me of a shot I took when I was in Haiti on a mission trip last summer. I would love to be able to visit Martha’s Vineyard sometime and stay in that darling inn you photographed. I’ve never been to the North East… someday!
On another note… how is Girl Kitty? Is she adjusting to your little rascal, Jack, yet? I hope he is healing from his surgery well. I have 2 kitties, too. I have a little tuxedo cat, Tessa who looks almost the same as Jack. She is so sweet! You would love her! Lucky is a grey tabby and he is absolutely the best pet! Even people who are not cat people love that cat.
Thanks again for my fun “escape” after a day of school. The only thing that is not good about the full moon is that with it comes bizarre behavior in my special ed. classroom. I could set a calendar by it… I don’t even have to know what the moon phase is by the way that the kids behave!
You live in a lovely place. I am pleased to enter in your drawing!
What a beautiful moon post! I’m glad I don’t live by you, because we ‘d never get anything done! If I win, I will give your Love book to my far away daughter who’s getting married! Thank you! xo
I love to check out your site. Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures of Martha’s Vineyard and your sweet thoughts.
I awoke this morning to the bright moon also. Last night we sat around an open fire pit, sharing a bottle of wine and watching the stars come out one by one AND then the big orange ‘wolf’ moon! This was a treat, to do this in Iowa on January 9 and not being bundled up or freezing!
Ps. Luv the bookmark – currently marking my page, reading Sue Grafton’s V is for Vengeance.
i too was snapping pics of the Wolf moon ! what a beautiful world , we just have to look up to the heavens !
Wow, what fabulous photos of the moon! Lucky you – it was foggy here last night for the full moon, and we could only imagine what it looked like… I hope your baby is resting comfortably – my kitty boys send him their sympathy – they’ve both been there 🙂
I tried to comment before and it didn’t go through, so I’m trying again with high hopes. I wanted to say I just recently discovered your webpage and it’s wonderful! I would love to win your great gift, so please put my name in the hat and please draw my name!
Smiles, Barbara
I love the full moons, too. I have to share that because of your calendars I shared with my “beach girl” friends that June was the Strawberry Moon. The 12 of us were at an oceanfront beach house in the Outer Banks of NC on the night of the full moon. We made strawberry daquries (sp) and went down to the beach and waited for the moon to rise. We took awesome pictures and had a passerby take a pic of our group with the moon behind us and drinks in hand. Whenever you talk about “girlfriends” I think how blessed I am to be part of this group of ladies. We have taken a summer and fall beach trip together for the last 7 years. Some of us are retired and some of the group are young enough to be our daughters but we all get along so well. We are all teachers and love life!
Your photos and commentary are beautiful. I can’t think of a better place to observe the moon! Sounds like Jack made it through OK. I love hearing about him.
Thank you for taking the pictures and letting us in on the beautiful moon rise. Makes me want to dance–a moon dance!
Can I sound trite, but I have been a fan of yours for years…. I am recently retired and living in NH and now have the time to read and do more so i thoroughly enjoy and look forward to your blogs! They always make me smile, which you can never do enough of! God bless you and your talents. You truly have a gift not only artistically but the ability to bring joy into peoples lives. Thank you for being you and for all you do to make us smile…. ps. give the kitties a pet for me… they are too cute.
Happy that Jack is back home and doing so well….also, all the pics were just beautiful and what a special way to see the Moon with your Love and taking all of us along on your journey….THANKS. When I look up to the sky whether it be day or night and see all the beauty of blue sky/clouds or stars, planets, MOON…is there any doubt that there is a GREAT, I AM. Also, you are such a dear to have a drawing and share your books with all of us, you are so sweet and I for one appreciate your HEART.
I love your blog. What I love the most is that I feel like I have been to your part of the country. It is my dream to visit all of New England some day. You have really helped me along my way. Thank you.
Loved this post! Went out to see it last night here on the eastern plains of Colorado. Would love to be entered in your generous give away.♥♫
Susan, The moon’s reflection on the water was lovely. I took similar pictures when we stayed in a lakeside BandB. Thank you for sharing.
Becky
Thanks, Susan! I have bought or received your calendars as gifts for over a decade. One of the features I have always enjoyed is your documentation of the full moons each month. You see, I am “moonstruck”, too. 🙂 Thank you so much for your blog, Willard and all of the extras you give us.
After I watched the moon last night, I fell asleep thinking of all the ways a beautiful full moon like this has been a special blessing to people all through time… guiding, comforting, illuminating…
The full moon has always held a special facination for me. On a dark night when it is shining so bright I find myself getting up and walking through the house looking at how it reflects on everything outside creating a silvery glow. Thank you for sharing your pictures. They were absolutely beautiful.
I need the moon, the sea, the romance, and yes even the sandwich and of course my sweetie to share it all with! Thank you for the moon tour! It was so romantical!
I really enjoyed the beautiful pictures of the moon on Martha’s Vineyard.
I love reading your blog! I want to move to Martha’s Vineyard!!! We’re coming out next summer for vacation for the first time. I can’t wait!!!
The photos are beautiful. ThenVineyard looks lovely and not very January-like.
Sue
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing “your” moon. This was lovely. I feel as though I have been on vacation!
Please don’t enter me in the drawing, as I already have your beautiful Love book and am sharing it with the love of my life. 🙂
Your post was wonderful. I would love to win the books. I have been following you for a very long time. I was just newly married when I found your first book and I thought I had never seen anything so great. I just couldn’t get over how good the writing and pictures looked, not to mention the lovely stories and recipes. I am now loving your blog and I have to say how nice it is that you take the time to answer our comments.
I am happy that Jack is doing well. I think about you and Jack every time I love on my “Tuxedo Teddie.” Teddie looks different than Jack though – he has the smallest head and the biggest ears I have ever seen. He is also very long and thin and has a beautiful shiny black coat. Because he came to me from the shopping center as a foster kitten and I had to keep him in my office until all the other animals in the house got used to him, he seriously thinks I am his mother. I work from home so I spent a lot of time with him every day. I am enjoying him so much.
We had a beautiful moon last night here in Florida. Today was a beautiful 75-degree weather day. But I do have to say I look at snow pictures and wish I was there (I have only seen snow once in my life).
Sorry – meant to say beautiful view of the moon.
Susan, thank you for this “moon feast”….I have actually become more aware of the moon and night sky since your earlier post, and am trying to inspire others…your enthusiasm is contagious.
Martha’s Vineyard has always been on my “places to see before I die” list and you just keep moving it up closer to the top of that list with every picture and description you post!!!
Thank you for the opportunity to win a book for a friend and me. I loved your moon pictures and your new cat.
Love this post! I’m going to plan a “moon picnic” with my husband, up on the Rimrocks that overlook the city of Billings.
Oh the beauty! I’m humming the music from “Moonstruck” while scrolling thru your gorgeous pics. Moon over water is best 🙂 Thanks Susan. Glad you’re little guy’s doing well.
Hurray…Willard is coming!
I love you too!
I so envy your seeing that beautiful moonrise on the water!! Thank you very much for sharing the photos. My name is Cynthia and it means goddess of the moon, so I have always had a certain fondess of the moon. Imagine my surprise when I printed out your bookmark and saw that on my birthday (October 29th) there will be a full moon. This past year it snowed on my birthday for the first time in my 54 years, and this year it will be a full moon!!! Mother Nature does give the best gifts, doesn’t she?