ISN’T THERE JUST SOMETHING ABOUT SEPTEMBER, that makes you want to go back to school? As a child, I found it 
to be such an exciting time! New shoes, new clothes, a new beginning, and even though I couldn’t have named it then, it seemed there were so many new opportunities to be CreAtivE!
I loved going to the dime store and picking out a new notebook; that delicious smell of paper and pencils; putting everything neatly into my pencil box; my new schedule with new classes and teachers to learn about. Loved hearing my mom sing (in a much sweeter voice than this :-)) this song she learned from her mom. . . And the (apparently) forever-lasting legacy of my schooldays is that this is the time of year I feel most creative!
These days, I home-school myself! (“Home,” being the operative word!) I give myself the best classes, like fixing up the house, which is what we’re doing now, plus jam-making, old-movie watching while knitting (I always get an A in this), woods-walking in the morning, baking cookies for no reason, just for the smell of it (which I’ll do when I get my kitchen back!),
redecorating the house for the season, (I’m throwing in a fall cleaning class, thinking about the holidays, want windows to twinkle). In homeroom, I’m making a list of goals . . . reading my new book, The Distant Hours by Kate Morton; I’m on page 43; so far it’s really good! Riding my stationary bike everyday, and writing and painting our Diary!
♥
I don’t even mind that my house is destroyed right now. But you know what was so much fun? Looking at all the paint-color suggestions you guys came up with! So many really wonderful colors! I put them in a list and linked them so you can see them all yourself, in case you have a project going. I don’t see how you could go wrong with any of these colors! Paint is such “bang for the buck,” no cheaper way to make more of a splash than a freshly painted room! The starred one below is the one we’re going to try in the kitchen; we’ll paint a strip of color on the wall so we can see what it looks like. But they were all so tempting! Thank you for the great suggestions! ♥
When those cups and glasses need to be washed, (Hi Petey) I gather them into a basket and carry them out the screen door, stepping over Joe, around the back of the house, and into the pantry where I wash them in a teensy weensy 1930’s bathroom sink, then carry them back around. Same with cat food bowls. I took the camera with me this morning, so I could take the pictures of the floor to show you.
There’s the little light of my life right now! His song is, ♫ “wherever you go, what ever you do, as long as we do it together . . .”♪ It’s my song too. We sing it to each other when I throw him the ball!
Hi Susan, Your floor looks beautiful already and I’m so glad you did not go with beige for the walls. The room is going to be so pretty all freshly painted.
I’m reading The Distant Hours right now, too! I’m on page 158 and it’s still good. I have already read The Forgotten Garden and The House at Riverton, also by Kate Morton, and loved them both. Your photos from your trip to England help me imagine the settings as I read and enjoy the book even more!
I know what you mean, in the Distant Hours, she’s driving on a road near where we stayed!
Hi Susan, The floor is just gorgeous!! Love your color for the walls,so soft and it reminds me of the sea for some reason. Sweet little Jack, he is life it’s self. I just love all the photos you share of him. He is amazing! Another wonderful post….. Thank you…. ^-^Can you tell I just love cats. They touch your heart in places you never knew you had. ^-^
Thank you for taking the time to list all the paint colors and give them a link. That was very sweet of you. I just painted my kitchen and family room and it took me FOREVER to pick the color. Now I have to do the rest of my house and your links will come in handy!
They really helped me!
Hi, Susan, just wanted to say that I bought 2 calendars from you this year..one for me…one for my daughter, and we are both so delighted with them.
I am putting Sept. up in a post on my blog and just wanted to give you heads up on it, in case someone thinks I stole the cuteness from you. I am encouraging my readers to stop over and take a look at your blog and shop.
I’ll be buying 2 of your 2013 calendars.
Have fun with your kitchen remodel….
So sweet! Very happy you like them! Thank you BJ!
The floors are fantastic. Love the summer shower paint sample. You are going to be so relieved and happy when all is back in order. You must have baked some patience into your last batch of cookies! I love September as well…back to school, long shadows in the afternoon, my wedding anniversary and now three granddaughters with September birthdays…19th, 22nd and 23rd! A great month.
Enjoy…
I think there’s a ratio between the distress that comes from continuing to put up with something that bothers you, and doing something about it even if it’s going to cause short time chaos. For years the distress didn’t seem so bad as the chaos, now it’s the other way around! Patience is not one of my blessings, I have to say, but not putting up with something forever, is. 🙂
I’ve said the exact thing–there is a scale with weights and on one side is what I will put up with as it is and on the other is the time/trouble of making changes. And when the scale tips, we’re off. I also will tell Norm, “A train is coming and you can jump on or let the train pass you by because it is not going to come to a standstill because you are not on board.”
(isn’t he a lucky man? LOL!!!)
Jack is just the cutest kitty I ever did see! Just wants to be in on all the action and doesn’t quite understand why he is not the “center of attention”! Your color choice is spectacular–such a classic blue….reminds me of a “stoney blue” pottery. Your floors look glorious–much prettier than the new ones.
I was surprised that you wasted no time in picking your color—it is good to be decisive!
It helps to have girlfriends sending such good suggestions!!!
* Hi Sue *
I see you are “true blue” to your love of blue, with choosing “Summer Shower” for your walls. It’s so…cool and blue…and will look perfect for your Vineyard Haven Kitchen!
The floor is awesomely beautiful…and there are still two more coats to place on it. Amazing! You and Joe must be so pleased with the results.
How cute is little-boy Jack? Too-cute for words. I think he is wondering what is going on, with the kitchen floor being refinished and all the things that he was familiar with are not there. With all your comings and goings, you going in one door and around and out another…well, he’s confused, but adorable!
Jack probably doesn’t like being “off limits” in the kitchen and it’s like his usual routine has been changed. So, he wants to stay extra close to you, not only because he loves you, but beacuse you are the “one-constant” for him.
Yea! September will soon be here! I love September, one of my favorite months. Hmmmm…wonder if it’s because September reminds me of new beginnings? Or perhaps it reminds me of “love”. Yes, that’s it. “LOVE”.
You see, Susan…and our dear girlfriends…my husband, Ron and I will be celebrating our Anniversary on September 7th…which was the beginning of our “Once-upon-a-time” romantic story.
Have fun watching the Blue Moon and have a wonderful weekend!
Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington…waiting for the Blue Moon!
Happy Anniversary Dorothy Ann! Thank you for your lovely words for Sandy!!
* Hello * A special Note to Sandy Richmond… * Hello *
Sandy, I’m on Susan’s new “Something About September” post now and I read your reply to her.
I would like to also add my personal thoughts to those that our sweet girlfriends sent to you…about the serious challenge you told us about, that lies ahead for you on Tuesday.
I am in awe of you…writing about how you are planning to decorate your house this weekend, because after your surgery, you want to come home to a “Fall” decorated home. I have no doubt that your positive attitude will play a very important part in your recovery.
Sandy, you will be in my thoughts and my prayers, not just on Tuesday, but through all the days thereafter. I’ll be posting to you, as the weeks go on, from Susan’s site here…and I know you will be keeping in touch with us too.
In the meantime…Imagine a lovely white wicker basket filled with Pansies in all of your favorite colors. You see, Pansies are for thoughts, so I am sending you a little basket of pansies to let you know I will be thinking of you on Tuesday.
Girlfriend Hugs from Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington
Hi everyone! Jack is so cute, rolling on his back, looking so delighted at the sight of you, and probably hoping for a belly rub! My youngest cat, Moochie, does the same little wiggle on his back… all for a belly rub! He is from litter of feral kittens whose mama ate at my house. She started bringing the babies when they were about 8 weeks old. I wanted to catch them all and have them all checked out and fixed, but never could catch them…. except Moochie. I discovered he became very brave when I was giving out bits of hot dogs! Each day he became braver, and bolder, wanting all the pieces for himself. Thus his name, he was quite the mooch! One day I just reached down and picked him up….. and changed his life forever!
He was a bit scared at first, but by the second day, he knew he liked a new bowl of kibble everyday and mouse toys. He has brought us so much delightful fun. Such a simple joy…
Anyway…. I do love the paint color you picked, a bit richer tone that before, I think. It should be perfect. And the floor is amazing. I too loved the post, the pics, and share a love of Autumn. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I’m only hoping to not have any ice in that blue. This looks perfect.
So glad you found the right color! I know we all love seeing your dishes and the “potter people” against the right color. 🙂
Oh, how your posts make me smile and chuckle!!! September is my favorite, favorite, FAVORITE month of all but, this year, in particular, I don’t want to let go of summer…. AND, I certainly don’t want to rush September through (you know, sort of like a ‘good to the last drop’ sort of thing); so, even though it FEELS like September, I keep reminding myself that it’s still August – still August – still August! =]
You’re posts always remind me – refocus me – on the simple pleasures. I so appreciate them!
Love,
Katy Noelle xxoo (the one who still lives in Vermont, the last time I checked, anyway…. weren’t we supposed to always attach that? =])
Yes! Thank you, now I see you in Vermont!
and, boy! You make me want to have a cat!!! but, unfortunately…. ah, aaaah, aaAAAAAHHHHHH CHOOOO! =/ You and Jack are so sweet! =]
Oh I get it 🙂
Susan,
Your floor is already looking great, I wonder what it will look like with the last two coats. The distant hours, is a great book, I read it last year when I was in London. I loved it. Even the ending, which I will say nothing about ofcourse.
Have a good read,
Kim
Thank you! 🙂
I know its kind of late to post a comment, I just can’t resist. I used to think I was the only adult who wanted to go back to school every fall. Until I found the SB book, “Autumn”. Which I swear she wrote just for me! Only after reading all your comments, I can clearly see it wasn’t just for me. I love that new beginning feeling, and I love the ideas everyone has been sharing. I’m so glad that someone mentioned donating school supplies, it means so much to the kiddos to have new things at the beginning of the school year. I want to say happy birthday to all the birthday girls and family members mentioned. Also, thank you girlfriends for mentioning the two authors, Louise Penny and Kate Morton, I know eventually I will run out of Agatha Christie, and will need something new to read. Sandy R., my prayers are with you, and I think your positive attitude will really determine your outcome!!! Also praying for continued good health for Deb S. and Jane A. I’m hoping the year slows down a bit now….I wouldn’t mind if September, October and November lasted a good long while. I’m loving the pictures of Girl Kitty and Jack and hearing of the adventures. I’m really missing my Lily Cat, and I keep thinking that I need an orange tabby kitten, and maybe a little black one too, but I’m just not sure that its the right time since we have two dogs, who require as well as deserve a lot of love and attention. The kitten thoughts keeps surfacing though. Leaves are falling out of the trees here already, I’m looking forward to crisp weather, and fall festivals, and old movies, and comfort foods, and things that go bump in the night. And, I’m ready to start Heart of the Home school if there are still openings?
Dogs love kitties. A class in autumn kitty 101? 🙂
Wow, what a treat to look at all those paint colors! Thank you! So inspiring! We recently refinished our floors and can’t stop skating in socks, or just walking around barefoot. Yours looks wonderful, and it will be so worth it (washing dishes in the bathroom)! 🙂
Fall… Autumn… apples, pumpkins, mums, burning bushes, beautiful leaves, hot cocoa, sweaters, cool crip air that actually invigorates me into action….my favorite time of year…also September is the month of our anniversary… Sept. 20th…it will be 38 “interesting” years, as we like to say!! LOL… Can hardly believe it.. wasn’t it only yesterday that we were living on campus in “married student” housing and just happen to stop by my parents at dinnertime and for Saturday morning breakfast???… Susan your color is beautiful.. from a fellow blue adorer!… I can’t wait to see… I am going to decorate the house this weekend for fall.. a little early for me, but am SOOO ready after the tropical heatwave of a summer we have had and are still enduring here in the midwest… hoping for some of that leftover Isaac rain this weekend! Not caring that it will rain on the holiday as I work on Saturday, and have a plan for making soup if it is rainy and just cuddling in for the rest of the weekend…. Happy September to all the Girlfriends out there!!!
I love the color you picked for the kitchen walls. And the floor is gorgeous! It’s all set for the foot traffic of all the people near and dear that will pass thru and leave their print. Happy Labor Day! xo
The kitchen renovations are turning out beautifully! It will indeed be great to have everything spruced up and updated. Perfect backdrop for fall decorating!! Grin. Oh how I love back to school and the first hints of fall that come with September. Little perks like fresh apples and cooler mornings make it so rich after months of long hot summer!! And me? I still put away those white pants and shoes after Labor Day. That was the rule growing up in Virginia. Somehow you just can’t have fall until you put away those white clothes and shoes. Mine are headed for the spare room this weekend even if I live here in hot Florida where white is worn all year long!!
You Virginia girls are so good with old time manners and traditions! xo
Your floor is gorgeous! It will be so worth it when finished. The wall color is also lovely. Know you will love it. I also think about back to school as soon as Labor Day comes around. We’re never too old to learn something fun! lol
Just finished canning a batch of applesauce – Gala apples. They are sweet and tart and the best part is they took very little sugar. Have several girlfriends and family on sugar restricted diets and they look forward to homemade applesauce. Great fun. Hope you and Joe enjoy the Blue Moon tonight and the rest of a wonderful weekend.
Jackie
Mmmmm, homemade applesauce is one of my favorite things!
What a wonderful post! Your floors look fantastic! Absolutely beautiful! And seeing one of the pages you’re working on for the England travel diary, makes me giddy! I can’t wait till it’s done and I can start reading it! Jack is just too cute! I have three kitties, Princess, Annie, and Max. Max is my first male kitty, and he is the most vocal cat I’ve ever had. He too, follows me everywhere and meows so loudly if he can’t get to where I am. I love them to the moon and back, so I know just how you feel about Girl Kitty and Jack. Can’t wait to see your kitchen all finished and ready to welcome fall! ♥
Hi Susan, we are finally home and I’m catching up. Your kitchen floors look absolutely wonderful! I can’t wait to see the whole room completely finished. It was such fun to see Petey in the picture as well. Haven’t seen him since your cruise home on the Queen Mary! Enjoyed seeing you are using your new Emma Bridgewater mugs as well. Joe really has his work cut out for him but once it is finished……..that will be lovely too. Enjoy this time as although it is a bit of an inconvenience, it will be so worth it in the end. Hugs and Love, Gail B. in Florida
Thanks Gail!
Dear Sweet Sue and Girlfriends ,
I tried to find the Romantic Homes site to vote for what we Girlfriends already know, Heart of the Home is the Best blog ever!!!! … but I couldn’t find where to vote, if you or one of the Girlfriends could send out the link, it would be so much appreciated!
XO!
Victoria
I just went to the Country Living Blogger Awards site to get a link for you, and it looks like they have chosen their winners, and this blog isn’t among them 🙁 I thought I might be ineligible because of this statement …”Blogs with prior recognition in national print publications may be deemed ineligible” and because of my books; and so it is. At this point, the only thing left to vote for is the winner of the Reader’s Choice Award, for that you choose your favorite from the nominees . . . here, you can see for yourself: http://www.countryliving.com/sweeps/2012-blue-ribbon-blogger-awards-contest-official-rules Sorry Girls, I know we would have had fun in New York. Maybe we’ll go anyway! Someday! xoxo Thank you for your wonderful support!!
I so hate your blog wasn’t eligible…I voted for you a while back…was wondering about the results…so sad you aren’t eligible! I vote you WIN anyway!! For what it’s worth, your my WINNER!!! I think your kitchen is looking GAAAWGOUS (with my best Southern accent 🙂 ) I just love the colors together and the floors are looking FAB.U.LOUS! Like your kitchen (and whole house), your blog (and the girlfriends, of course :)) always brightens my day!
Thank you Lisa!!! With friends like you and the rest of our girlfriends, how could anyone feel like less than a complete winner!
Well, Susan, you never know where the comments written to the magazine could lead to in the future…one never knows…? 🙂
Polar Ice or Laura Ashley’s Pale Linen. That’s what I would use in my someday house. The floors look beautiful.
Hello Susan…. 🙂 Your floor looks beautiful. I loved your choice for the music selection and oh the memories of yesteryear of getting ready for back to school. One of my favorites was getting a brand new metal lunch box with a thermos inside. If only I had kept that lunchbox till this day would have been an antique. Yet I have kept just about everything else…..am very sentimental and have a keepsake box of all my childhood memories.
Fall is my all time favorite season. I love to decorate and the colors of the season are just beautiful. I love this time of year……harvesting the garden and canning, love to crochet, love to scrapbook, love to write. I already have my Fall cards ready to go…….and bought a new set of every color of GelPens to use…..my new treat for the Fall. I love to see the Sunflowers now in every shape and size and what a delight they bring to everyone. I enjoy making apple pies and homemade applesauce and look forward to my husbands chilli and the taste of aged sharp cheddar cheese and hot mulled cider. I love being able to share all things homemade with everyone. I wondered if anyone saw the moon last night. On my way home from walking with a good friend……..the Moon was so big and just gorgeous and at the same time the sunset was a hot pink and just gorgeous. Now am awaiting to see the Blue Moon tonight….so Excited.
I love your laced curtains with Mr. Jack in the background. I just love all the attention to all the details in every post you share with us girlfriends. GoodLuck with getting everything back in order at the MV Homestead…..cannot wait to see the end results! Happy Happy Weekend to you and all the girlfriends!:)
Hugs & Smiles:) Barb
One more coat of urethane tomorrow, we get back in on Sunday, not a moment too soon!!
For me, September is the time to celebrate New Year. It sounds like a lot of you do, too, but don’t necessarily call it that. How much lovelier to start anew in Fall, when all seems possible, than in the cold of Winter, when you should just bury your head in a comforter with a book and a flashlight.
Thank you, Susan, for encouraging us with your memories of starting school and how that piques your creativity today.
Thanks, also, for including us in your “new” kitchen paint plans and the beauty of your home.
Jo
I love your “home school” idea, Susan, thinking of projects as classes…….a few are mandatory on my schedule but lots are fun electives! Does anyone remember the red Big Chief tablets (or am I the only old gal here?). I just love the smell of those tablets and freshly sharpened pencils!
Your painting table is so interesting. I just can’t imagine how you control those tiny letters with watercolor paints! Have you ever done a video of you painting….duh, I mean, has Joe ever videotaped you painting? Would love to see you make magic with your teenie brush. How long can you paint in a stretch before your hand feels cramped……time for a cup of tea! I’m fascinated with your many talents, Susan. You get me all charged up and twitterpated, eager to start my new home school classes and decorate for Autumn and dance in the light of the moon! Thanks, Honey Bunch, for the inspiration! As always, DonnaRay P.S. Jack, you truly are the cat’s meow! Write to us again soon.
How exciting, having your kitchen refreshed!!
This cracked me up so much – “I step over him going back and forth to the fridge in the pantry. “Excuse me honey.” He loves it.” lol lol
It was good to see Petey again!! And Jack’s cute face always makes me laugh!!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Susan, where did you get that lovely woman statue holding the candle in your window?? (She’s in the right hand corner, next to the starfish and sea shells) I LOVE IT! Is it still available somewhere? Crossing fingers xx
It’s part of a pair, a man and a woman, but I got them, where it seems I get everything, at an antique store! So now you have to put that on your “search” list.
Good Morning Sweet Sue… I have Missed so Much! We ended up losing phone/internet Lines for about 15 hours from that Horrible Storm “Isaac”…Not Complaining cause it could have been so Much Worse…Now We Pray for All Who are Suffering… :*( (Amen) ok then The Last Two Days I’ve Been Out & About Gathering a Few New Treasures to Begin Turning Our Home into an Autumn~Enchanted~Cottage…I Begin the Decorating on Tuesday…after This Labor~Day Weekend! Yay!…ok Now… as for Your New Floors…Beyond Gorgeous! Omgggggggggg! So Shiny & Clean & Beautiful! My Socks are On & I’m Ready to Skate! 😉 & Jack is so Cute waiting for You at The Screen Door! Meow & Kitty Kisses to Him! 🙂 Summer~Shower…a Beautiful Blue! You are so Right about September…School~Days…School Supplies New Clothes….Sweet Memories….I Love Lunch~Boxes too! & Hanging with Friends & Meeting all the Teachers….a Magical Time….I am Now Twirling into Sweet September Bliss! xoxo Poof!♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫*¨♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫*¨♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫
Glad you are back, I was wondering about you! Yes, so much worse, but this was bad! Happy to know you’re safe Angie.
🙂 ♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫*¨♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫*¨♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫ xoxo
Safe & Sound Sweet Sue! Thank~You! xoxo Poof!♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫*¨♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥
Hi Susan! I think you’ve captured my excitement about fall perfectly in this post. It’s truly my favorite time of the year. My kids are back and school and I’ve decided to take start some watercolor classes this fall as a little treat to myself. Very excited! The kitchen is looking fabulous! Please update us with some fall foliage photos from the vineyard in the coming months. Thanks for all your inspiration.
-Mary
I’ll do it, we aren’t quite there yet, but it’s coming and we can feel it! Thank you Mary!
I’ve been MIA this week. Imagine how delighted I was with this post. I homeschooled my children for about a hundred years only to be forced into retirement. But…I refuse to retire and am homeschooling myself, too. Interestingly, my list is very much like yours.
Good autumn curriculum for us!
I’d like to know how to sign up for your (FREE) Autumn book.
I have lived in Stow, MA for over 40 years. It is a wonderful town with apple orchards and friendly people.
Maxine
It has always been on my bucket list of things to do, to come to Martha’s Vineyard and just spend a week meandering around and taking it all in. One of these days………….
Hi Susan
greetings from Rockford, MI, a small town NE of Grand Rapids and it’s a wonderful place to live. Just like your Martha’s Vineyard. I love reading your posts. First off, your kitchen is looking fabulous. Love the floors. Painting is tough but the results are worth of it.
I am so excited about your book and love the little peeks you r giving us! Can’t wait to hold it in my hands. Your art work makes me feel so good.
I hope Jack and Girlfriend are loving Fall too. It is my favorite time of year. We have the same type of fall New England does.
Keep plugging along.
Your special,
Karen Carpenter
Hi Susan, You are so inspirational in all your blogs. Your enthusiasm just spills over into everything you do, and it is all so wonderfully YOU! You must wake up before the sun,does that come naturally or you just don’t sleep! I too am a lover of books and treasure them as they are filled with little surprises here and there just waiting to be discovered. Enjoy these autumn like days and your pages yet to created. Thank you for the sneak peeks! Maureen from Plymouth MA.
Years ago I discovered I needed three more hours in every day. I got them by going to bed by 9 (unless something too wonderful to miss happens) and getting up early. It’s a habit and I don’t have to set an alarm, just comes naturally. I get at least 6 hours a night, so everything is good! I honestly wish, even though it’s very fun when it’s happening, that I didn’t have to sleep at all!
I love reading your blog. I live in Omaha, Nebraska.
Hi Susan, I just wanted to send you a note to say “Thank You.” Thank you for all of your beautiful artwork. It makes me feel so good. And thank you for sharing your beautiful home and your family with us. I hope to someday see Martha’s Vineyard in person. The tour you’ve given us is simply wonderful! Thanks!
Hey Susan,
Congrats on the progress of your new book. I can’t wait to see the finished product! Hoping for many more productive and creative days for you!
xo Love, Raenell
Thank you Susan for sharing your Autumn book! Wow…and in Minnesota the trees are just a titch of color. The poor Sumac is dried up and doesn’t look like it will turn much red this fall. Oh well….there are still the Maples! And apple picking is beginning early! [Am taking my pre-school class to the apple orchard in two weeks! ] Pumpkins are very early too this year. Such a happy time of year! And it was candle weather this past weekend, and carrot cake in my oven weather! Today is HOT and 94 degrees…that’s MN! It’s got a bit of every thing!! Happy kitchen changing days to you!! Have too much fun, ok?
Hi susan, my friend carrie and i went to charleston after she saw your blog, what a lovely place. As you can see im from dagenham. essex uk and my aunt was one of the ladies that worked at fords motor company during the equal pay strikes for women. her picture appears at the end of the movie credits of made in dagenham, she is the lady in the middle of the photo with a handbag on her lap. best wishes , christine