I’ve been decorating for a whimsical Christmas — lots of inspiration for it! Starting with MUSICA . . .
IT’S A KITTY CAT CHRISTMAS . . .
I thought you might like a “Life of Jack” update — and I know everyone thinks their cat is the smartest in the world, but this is actually the smartest kitty in the world.♥ He just is. You know how cats rub against your legs? Now every time Jacks walks by me, he doesn’t just rub against my leg, he JUMPS up, his front paws leave the ground, so he can rub against me. He jumps up, then curls around me and comes back and jumps up from the other side. Do I love it? Yes! Then he stretches out on the floor in front of me, full length, so I can rub his belly.
He’s also not as interested in ball-retrieval these days, now he likes rubber band retrieval . . . the thick elastic kind you use on a pony tail. I shoot them, and he leaps into the air and catches them, or chases them, and brings them back to me. I tell you he is brilliant! I will be reading a book, feel something come up into my lap, look down, there’s a rubber band. He’s little too. Not growing very big, so far, for a 16-month old. He’s a little, smart cat.
He adores the fire. Curls up in front of it, stares at it, rolls around next to it, naps as close to it as possible . . . to the point where I have to stay there with him, he loves it so much that I’m not too sure yet that he is aware that it is HOT in there.
But, just so you know, Joe and I do leave the house sometimes … we’ve been getting the house ready for Yankee Magazine who, if you read Willard or have been hanging out on this blog, you know, is coming to take photographs of our house! Here we are at one of our garden centers called Eden. They always do the cutest things at their entry way! Nice “roping,” don’t you think?
And we found our tree! At Vineyard Garden Center. Thar she blows. Now to get her home!
I started my paper whites — I save the rocks from year to year; I also found a bag full of moss when we were shopping off-island … thought it would be pretty to mix in a little bit of green.
Speaking of green, for a while there we could not see a speck of it outside, our lawn was wall-to-wall leaves . . . But Joe made compost out of them . . . and while he was out there raking, he, got an idea, inspired by the roping at Eden. . .
And made this with the bushes in our yard! Isn’t that great? I was very impressed! Who knew that, #1, we had the stuff to make this — even though I should know, I see it every day …. or, #2, Joe would be able to do it! (Although I should know, he can do anything!)
While he was doing that in the yard, I was baking cookies — and, by the way, this recipe is SO Delicious, I’ll put in the next post (this one is already too long!) . . . It’s a chocolate chip cookie different from any other — Joe loved them and so did I! Good Housekeeping is what we were doing . . . here on Christmas Island.
And then Joe, even more inspired now … came in and surprised me with this! We usually buy wreaths and put our own bows on them . . . but he got the urge to try making one; went out there and cut more Chinese and English Boxwood, Holly, Ivy and Pine — and look how cute it turned out, all fresh and perky! I hope he realizes what he has gotten himself into. One is seriously not enough.
My job was to add the toys, the bow, bird, and pears!
So he went back out and brought in a whole box of greens for me to play with! I love whimsy; a little decorating-sense-of-humor is a good thing at the holidays, but I also love tradition. When you google Decorating Whimsical Christmas, there are lots of white trees, bright pink, turquoise, and silver ornaments. I love looking at the pictures of this . . .
. . . because they are full of creativity and joy … BUT I’ve never quite gotten over the old-fashioned traditional things, and need to have them! When I think of Christmas, I remember how I saw it as a child when I was at my most personally whimsical (believing with all my heart in the magic) . . . sparkle, and lights, candles, color, stories, singing, cookies … pure magic! That’s still what I love. I want whimsy, but now I’m grown up, I know about tradition, and I need my old things too. ♥
Like wreaths and roping made from traditional greens that are green, my little trees in the window sills, or my bird tree on the table . . . I had fun playing with the leaves and branches over the windows — I just poked everything under the curtain rod!
And talk about whimsy, these were the “men” sitting in the “yard” of a gingerbread house on display in a coffee shop downtown! Aren’t they adorable? I think it’s marzipan … my favorite part is the tiny chocolate shots stuck in the top of the heads! With whimsy, the sky is the limit!
But this probably as traditionally whimsical as I get . . . my bird tree. I’ve had it for years and years, and guess what? It’s been up for a week, and Jack hasn’t touched it yet! It’s on the kitchen table, just over his food bowl, and he just isn’t interested. Knock on wood.
Rachel, my English girlfriend, gave me this tiny precious cup; I brought home leaves from our walk, another little bird and voila! Nature whimsy!
Plus of course my little old house that I found at an island flea market, it goes on top of the stove, like every year …
I’ve also been setting out my old quilts, which Girl loves . . .
I took this picture last year . . . it’s the ornament I got the year I move to the island. Now that’s a tradition!
And of course I have to do my shelf-scape of Beatrix Potter People; they needed a few trees and pears. ♥
And there’s not too much more traditional than Christmas apples and old books . . .
Yesterday Joe and I carried the tree down the driveway and around to the front door, which is the best way to bring in a tree at our house, through the front hall, causing the least amount of damage, both to us, and to the house, and there she is! She smells wonderful!!! When we get her trimmed and ready for prime time, I’ll be sure to show you!
I am not done decorating by any stretch of the imagination, I have the fireplace to do, the Peter Rabbit room, and lots of other spots. Which is where I’m going now. But first off, I remember how much you liked the picture of the beautiful cardinal on the feeder outside my kitchen window, and was thinking, what would the girlfriends like for a Holiday Giveaway . . . ??? Something whimsical would be just right, I think!
And I thought, maybe this little notebook, of the boy bird feeding the girl bird, the way it should be in real life at all times! And then, of course, because I love mine so much, you really must have one of these darling new mugs we just got in. They are just like the bird cup . . . four pieces, the cup, the lid, a mesh basket inside for loose tea, and a saucer for your cookie! So cute …
So yours. ♥ And the little pad opens up, is perfect purse-size for little winter notes . . .
And one more thing. Joe says he will make you
One of these! And I will decorate it! And we will send it along with the mug and the cardinal notepad, so we can wish you a Merry Everything girlfriends, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Soltice, or as Jerry Seinfeld called it, “Festivus!”
To be entered in the drawing, just leave me a little message in the comment section (if this blog is being emailed to you, you have to click here, www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/; scroll to the bottom of this post, click on the tiny word “comments”); in a few days, our Winning Name will be pulled by the wonderful and beautiful Vanna . . . and I will announce it here. Joe will make that wreath at the last moment so it will be fresh! ♥
We say Bye for now! We would jump up and rub your legs if you were here! ♥ xoxo
I have had a holly bush in my back yard for years, and this summer due to the drought here in Kansas City, I guess the heat was too much for it! I lost a wonderful decorating friend that gave many red berries for me and for our birds. So nice to see holly in your greens. I will do a “Merry Christmas” rope like yours! Loved it. Thanks for this lovely Christmas stuff!!!
Susan and Joe,
Your home is fabulous and it must be so exciting to decorate it for the Yankee Magazine. You both deserve the honor of being in it. Really looking forward to the issue.
I haven’t seen much of New England, but we did motorcycle through part of Massachusetts and lots of Vermont. Ahhh what history and beauty. It is my dream to return and see lots, lots more–maybe in a vintage airstream. 🙂 Experiencing Martha’s Vinyard is a must, of course.
Love your whimsy and especially the bird tree-your creativity is endless.
Thank you for your blog and all your wonderful books, calendars and homey things for sale. It takes lots of love and energy to accomplish all that you have ( Joe too).
God bless you both and Jack and Girl.
Love the bird tree!
Everything looks merry and bright! Even your grass in December!
Love your Jack Kitty, and Girl, too – her expression looks as though she is warning Jack not to dare come up on that quilt!
I signed up for Willard awhile back, but haven’t gotten one recently – should I sign up again? I really enjoy it!
If you don’t get it today Kat, by this evening, look in your spam folder first — just because that’s where they usually end up … and then let me know, so we can sign you up again.
I received Willard and, as usual was admiring your wonderful art work. I thought you might like to view another fantastic artist….I have collected children’s books for over thirty years and Irene Haas is one of my FAVORITE watercolor artists. She doesn’t do many books anymore but what she does is absolutely wonderful. She did the ‘Maggie B’ and ‘A Summertime Song’ and ‘Bess and Belle’. I prefer your art but her technique is truly amazing. I could look at your art all day long, I just love it.
I love, love, love everything about Christmas!!!! The decorating, baking, making the house all cozy and warm, and picking out special gifts for my loved ones. The wreath that your husband made was wonderful! Thanks for the peek inside your home as your prepare for the holidays!
You make everything come to life!!!!
Susan, I always love reading your blog and looking at the pictures of your beautiful home, so idyllic! Thank you for sharing your news and I can’t wait to see the tree all decorated. Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the kitties!
Hey Susan,
LOVE THE WREATHS….so Missing Pennsylvania’s evergreens out here in the prairie..
Bought a tree for $40….when we were in PA it was easy to get almost any tree for $20….
Feeling the pangs.
Jena
Windy, Wild Wyoming
I have always so much enjoyed your blog, the updates from Willard and all of your sweet items we can get to add to our homes. Thank you for this.
So enjoy your blog. always feel like I know you and we are best friends. What a treat seeing your decorating. I just can’t do the brights either, will always be a traditional girl. If I win your give away Jack would be welcome to come visit too he looks so much like my girl Kitty Baby. I live in the Black Hills of South Dakota and have lots of pine, so the boxwood and holly look so inviting. You, Joe and the kitties have a wonderful Christmas!
Each day, I look forward to reading your blog. So sweet!
Oooh, Jack ,he brings such a smile to my face! Who gets to be that gorgeous??? I thought of you today because I saw several of your products while I was at Barnes & Noble. Very cute recipe sets and one notepad/post-it gift set. Adorable, of course ~ kind of hoping someone buys one of those for me. Hee hee. Then I was at Goodwill afterwards and saw a “Baby Blessings” book of yours. It still looked brand new so I know someone will snatch it up in no time!
Merry Christmas Susan!
I absolutely love your “from the heart” personality and so enjoy hearing about your life with Joe. You have a gift for seeing the lovely parts to living (kind of like Pollyanna!) and it is refreshing and fun. It is a joy to hear from someone who truly loves her life … so happy for you! Also, thank you so much for the adorable screensavers. I love the seasons as much as you do and it is great to have your beautiful artwork on my computer screen!
Each day I look forward to reading your blog. It is so sweet!
Just Devoured the Willard, read latest Blog post (loved every word) and to Top it Off, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” is on! Had my two kitties Dustin and Hogan on my lap. (Adopted them 2 months ago, they were fostered together and couldn’t separate them. Not from the same litter but they think they are brothers and are never apart) Loved latest pictures of darling Jack.
Merry Christmas! Please let us know when your feature will be in the Yankee Magazine. I would love to get it. Thanks for another great giveaway for all us girlfriends to enter, I know we all can hardly stand it. I’m definately crosssing my fingers. You are so kind.
I love seeing your place all decorated. I feel as if I am sharing it with you. Thank you.
Oh wow…look at all the comments! Your giveaway is a hot commodity! It’s like the say about the lottery…someone’s got to win it! Joe’s garland and wreath are just beautiful. I would love to make one but the boxwood grows up at the lakehouse and the ivy is here in the city house and I have no idea where to get holly! You know what I really like? Those skinny little wreaths I’ve seen hanging in windows and on the backs of chairs…just skinny and simple. Maybe I can make some with my ivy.
I also wanted to tell you about a garland I am making and hopefully will be posting about tomorrow…slice an orange or two very thinly, sprinkle slices with a little powdered sugar and bake in a 200 degree oven for 2-3 hours, flipping once. Then just string it up! It’s so easy, I was thinking of doing limes, too, with the rinds studded with cloves. Can you imagine the yummy smells?
Can I venture to say that Jack just may have a canine chromosome or two? He reminds me so much of my Milo (who is a dog). That first picture is precious.
Sorry for the long comment, but I just wanted to say that I love seeing a home decorated in the traditional way. That’s how I grew up, lots of red and green and sparkly lights and candles, a live tree (we are getting ours next weekend). I don’t do color schemes or have different sorts of trees in every room…I just have the good old things I’ve been accumulating and using for the past 26 years. Each ornament, snowman and Santa holds special memories. And that’s the way it is for me. Period!
Have a great evening, Susan!
XO,
Jane From Chicago
It’s wonderful that you still feel the excitement that Christmas brings and that you’re able to find the magic in all holidays and seasons and in simple things like a heart shaped stone or a birds nest. I hope you never lose that.
I want to come and live with you and Joe! Your blog posts are always so lovely. Your home is so warm and inviting. 🙂
What a wonderful, cheery, and cozy post. I can almost smell the cookies and hear the crackling fire. Love your fire worshipping kitty. I am sure he is very appreciative of the extra warmth. Our old Siamese would curl up in the warm ashes at the edge of the fireplace after the fire was out.
Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Thanks for the whimsical Christmas inspiration….must start decorating right away now!
I am a new Susan Branch fan and follower from Utah. Thank you, for everything you share.
Lots of Love
So nice to meet you Wendy!
Hi Susan. I didn’t know Yankee Magazine still existed. Used to love it – so, good to know. Is it on the newstands do you know? Love your sharing of your life with us. I’m inspired to get a couple of kitties again. Almost took home a couple of black and white kitties, believe it or not, named Dagwood and Doris.
If they are not still there when I am ready, I’m sure the right ones will turn up. Christmas blessings to you and your family.
Not sure if it’s on the newsstands in your area..but we will have it here in our web store when the article comes out, and I’ll let everyone know. My kitties make me laugh every single day. They are even better than having seasons!
Hi Susan
I so look forward to seeing the email that announces a new message on your blog. You are such an inspiration! We like so many of the same things. It’s like a mini vacation every time I visit your site. So much fun!!
You are such an inspiring person. Your blog is so down to earth and makes you fell as if I am your friend and neighbor. I live in Houston and have never been to Martha’s Vineyard but feel like I know it because of your blog. Have a very Blessed Christmas.
Susan: Your house will be wonderful for Yankee Magazine! Love it all (and Jack too,so cute!) You are such a talented person.
My goodness! You keep out-doing yourself with wonderful presents for one of us lucky readers. Joe really impresses me with his helpfulness! Your gifts would be nice little additions to our Christmas traditions!
OMG… I would love one of those wreaths!! Joe did a fantastic job.. you are so blessed!! Love your blog & Willard!! :0)
Susan: I have admired your work for years. What a pleasure to be included in your Merry Christmas home decor. I love Yankee magazine, but haven’t seen a copy in quite some time. Will be looking forward to the article. Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season from my family. We live in a 100 year old house in rural West TN with 2 pups, our kitty, and one son who is almost out of the nest.
You are such an inspiration! Every time you post pictures of your home there on the island it makes me want to jump in my car and drive on over….but the drive would take a couple days! Your childhood memories are so similar to mine it brings back many memories for me. Thanks for another opportuniy to enter your conests, and Merry Christmas! Laura Benthien
Hi Susan! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at your house♥ Joe’s creations are wonderful and I would love to have a bit of Martha’s Vineyard in my Cleveland house the Christmas!! Have fun decorating your tree!! xoxo Debbie
I swear on my Grandma’s vintage Christmas cookie cutters, Susan–your words… your creativity… your delightfully simple ways about the holiday season make our December that much warmer and happier. This Willard sparkles with color, whimsy, and love.
Love you. Love seeing Joe and Jack, and can’t wait to see what you’ve done with the tree and the rest of the house. Best of luck with the photo shoot and Merry Christmas, Girlfriend!
I feel like I know you Susan, I’ve been following you along time. I love the willards. Kitty Girl and Jack are so cute, I have a 14 year old kitty and two doggies. I just love animals and nature too. Your decorating is so warm and cozy, can’t wait to see the tree. I am throwing my hat in the ring too. Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the kitties.
Well, with over 1,000 comments I don’t think I’m going to ever get through this post anytime soon! So I’m getting my comment in so I can be in the running for the terrific prize.
You’re just like my mother! Any time you admired something in her house, she’d send it home with you. I was really admiring those wreaths and garlands and that cup and notebook. I was also admiring that Westie on your hearth. My Gabriel is a Westie. I dropped him off at the groomer this morning and was missing him and then I saw the Westie in your photos with wonderful Jack. You really know how to make a girl feel happy.
What a great post! I love gleaning ideas from your cozy way of decorating. Joe did an amazing job on the wreath! I had been thinking about attempting to make an evergreen wreath for the first time myself. But after seeing Joe’s, I don’t think I could even come close to that!
What a lovely post, as usual, Susan. Would love to come hang out sometime, invisibly, at your place and watch you guys have fun! This is the next closest thing! ♥ Thanks for a sweet peek into your lives!
Oh Me Oh My ~ it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around your place ~ so beautiful.
Love the kitty pics, too. Happy cats!
The mug with all it’s bits is wonderful and how grand it would be to have one of Joe’s beautiful creations. In my part of NM it’s very brown and so dry right now, so a lovely bunch of greens would be terrific.
Merry Merry!
Love,love your blogs..so uplifting and just wonderful!! Wish I could visit your home. Keep them coming. Dorothy
Hi Susan,
Your blogs and website always warm my heart and bring a smile to my face! I loved looking at all of the pictures that you posted of Christmas at your house. I always feel “at home” when I look at the pictures of your home – in any season!
This year I bought my first home, and I told a good friend, who introduced me to your cookbooks many years ago, that I want my home to look like Susan Branch’s home someday! Well, my home in Southern California doesn’t look very “countryish” from the outside since it’s more of a Spanish architecture, but I am working on making the inside look country and cosy like yours! Thanks for the inspiration!
I love the wreath that Joe made and would love to attempt making my own one of these years! You’re a lucky gal to have a creative and considerate man like Joe to make you a wreath for your front door!!
Thanks for warming my heart all year long!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe,
Colleen
Hi Susan, Merry Christmas! Joe’s wreath is amazing! I love all your traditional Christmas decorations and I especially love that little house with the lights garland from last year. I just found out I will be baking cookies for a fundraiser at my husband’s work so I would love your cookie recipe. I’ll look for it in your next post. Thanks!
What a cozy post, Susan! I’m so inspired by your greenery, and love love love the bird tree! Merry Christmas!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! What a wonderful blog. Your Joe is very talented. Love the wreath!! Would love to win, so enter me in the drawing. Thank you for the blog, it’s like an early Christmas gift. Here’s wishing you a white Christmas with all the magic it will bring. Looking forward to seeing your Christmas tree all decorated. Happy decorating !!!! XOXO
I love all of your decorations. I can’t wait to see the tree. I have all my decorations out, now I have to do the cleaning. I have about 45 friends and relatives coming for a party on the 16th. I absolutely need that wreath for the front door and the cup to have a quiet cup of tea when the party is over. I hope that you and Joe have a wonderful Christmas!!!
You have made me smile twice today… earlier when I paged through my copy of Sweets to the Sweet… and now with a chance to win such lovely gifts. Thank you:)
Your Christmas decorating is so perfect for your lovely home! I really get inspired every time I read the blog! Everything looks so welcoming and I’m sure if I walked in the door it would smell like hot cider. I’m going to try your idea of decorating with the greens tucked in the curtain rod over the window and also the “Merry Christmas” garland from your last post. I’m looking forward to your next post to see what wonderful ideas you’ve come up with and also to get the new chocolate chip recipe. Thanks so much for what you do! I’d love to win the cup, wreath and note pad and have a little slice of Martha’s vineyard out here in Oregon. I’ve just mailed my subscription to Yankee magazine..it looks so interesting and I’ll be looking forward to the “special edition” next December!
Thanks,
Pam Wright
Hillsboro, OR
What a wonderful job Joe did with pine, holly, etc. Isn’t nature wonderful in the
way it provides just the right Christmas colors for our decorations? Your holly
is so fresh and lovely…..there is nothing like real….Here I sit in the middle of our
entry surrounded by twinkle lights to complete the first stage of trimming the
tree. We finished the exterior this past weekend and it looks so Christmasssssy~
Next the nostalgic exercise of selecting the ornaments collected over the years;
those that continue to tug at my heartstrings, and then the newly obtained that I
could not resist because they insisted upon going home with me. There is no other
time quite like Christmastide and all that it engenders…the magic you described
from your childhood epitomizes the vision we carry from that time when all
things seemed possible, especially at Christmas. Don’t ever grow up ~
I’m doing my best not to! xoxo
Susan–I love everything “heart of the home”. I’ve been following you for years-have your cookbooks, cards, stickers, pictures, and would love to have all things ‘Susan Branch’. Thank you for sooo much enjoyment!!
Thanks for brightening my day as always. Merry Christmas!
Susan,
Once again you have provided a relaxing break for me to sit and sip my hot tea while reading your blog. Your decorating is coming along nicely. I love the fireplace with Jack nearby. Years ago when we had a small farm our kitties would curl up under the kitchen wood cook stove so cozy and warm!!! I would absolutely love a new Christmas mug for my tea as well as the notepad. And, I’m sorry Joe will have to make an additional wreath but I bet he really does enjoy it. I live in Arizona so a wonderfully fresh green wreath would be more than enjoyed. Hope I win! And Thank You once again for sharing with all of us.
I love Eden and the wonderful garland over the entrance! Too great!
Joe did an excellent job. My favorite is your bird tree! I don’t know if many decorations will adorn our home this year. My mother is declining in health and tomorrow we will move her to pallative care. I had so looked forward to this Christmas since the past 2 had been hard with my brother’s death in Nov of 2009 and Mother’s illness & a fall in 2010 & 2011. It’s been a hard week and the coming days will be harder. Your post was a high point in my day. Merry Christmas to all.
I love reading your blog, Susan! Your artwork has warmed my heart and created bonds between myself and my friends for YEARS. Merry Christmas!
I don’t know how you can ever bear to leave that darling house of yours, with those sweet kitties and great hubby, and perfectly cozy surroundings! As I decorate my Christmas tree in Texas, with my AIR CONDITIONER
I always enjoy reading your blog and love your artwork in your books! I love hearing about your kitties. I don’t think a house is a home without a cat. 😉 thanks
Carey
Everything done with a Happy Heart to make a Happy Home is all we ever really need. Love, warmth, festive food, a fire a burning. Creative hearts and hands..and a kitty in your lap!
Does Jack like those “Busy Balls”. ? They are plastic cage-like balls with a bell. Our kitty, Bickey Bye, used to bat them all over the house! She also loved the plastic ring from unscrewing the milk jug lid!
Joe is such a useful fellow! I think you should keep him <3 ! Happy Advent everyone!
Those balls have been the thrill of his life for months. He liked them even better for a while after I stepped on them by accident and we lost the bell! Then I started doing it on purpose. He likes the yellow ones the best, doesn’t care for the purple and won’t chase it! I don’t know why!
Your facebook wall and blog always put a smile on my face…..love reading your wall!! Merry Christmas to you and yours……
Dear Susan, Thank you so very much for all of your sweet and beautiful ideas for Christmas! I love all of your scrapbook items, calendars, stickers, and of course Books! I even have your warm and cuddly pj’s! Love them! Have a wonderful Christmas with your husband Joe, and sweet ‘Girl Kitty’ and of course handsome Jack! Love, Susan Z. P.S. My two girl kitties Lilly(my tiger girl cat) and Angel(my Russian Blue girl) wish Jack and Girl Kitty” Meowey Christmas”!
Beautiful! I love tradition and fresh greenery for Christmas. Jack and girl look so happy and content……Merry Christmas to you all!
Love the bird tree! All of your decorating has inspired me to start decorating my place with all of the Christmas knick knacks collected over the years. I think I signed up to receive Willard a day late. Is it possible to receive the post? Hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Thank you for the book marks and wonderful posts – letters from a friend…
You are doing a magnificent job and tending to all the details…so so lovely. Can’t wait til next year to see the Yankee magazine. Thank you for your blog…so enjoyable and absolutely love Joe’s wreath…what a gem he is….enjoy, enjoy….
I love your beautiful Christmas decorations, and the handmade swags and wreath are amazing!! Thank you for sharing your lovely world with us!! Merry Christmas!!
Dear Susan,
Traditions are wonderful, aren’t they? Years ago when I made your rainbow jello for the first time on a whim, I never expected it would become a tradition at our Thanksgiving table. Yet every year our two daughters (who are now adults) ask for it to be on the menu. Now it’s the beginning of December and reading your heartfelt and whimsical blog inspires me to get started with my Christmas decorating. Your writing gently nudges me to remember the importance and joy of carrying out family traditions even though my husband and I are in North Carolina this year and not home on Cape Cod. Thank you for your generous spirit. Sending positive thoughts to you and Joe as you prepare for the Yankee article.
I always get inspired when I look at what you do around your home. Love the way you incorporate nature into so many places!
Dear Susan:
I have been reading your blog posts and Willards for at least a year now. It’s hard for me to express how much I enjoy them. It’s even harder for me to express how much and how deeply your writings have touched my heart over this period of time. I am quite nostalgic for my childhood years, as things have changed so much since then. Your body of work has constantly inspired me in many ways, and to express my nostalgia in my own work. Your willingness to share so much of your life with all of us “out here” is such a gift. Sometimes, when I read your blog post for the day, I want to cry because it speaks to my heart so much, and many times your kind and gentle words are exactly what I need to hear that day. You are a gift to us-thank you so much. Wish you all the best in the years to come! BB
You are so dear Bebe, thank you for your kind words! xoxo
You have given me the inspiration, now for the fire you know where! If anything can get me in the mood to decorate you have done it. Thanks from the children, grands and me.
I always look forward to hearing from you…..my friend! :o) Love the wreath your Joe made for you! What a sweetheart! You are inspiring…love the musica…your photos….and of course….Jack!
This was wonderful. I love touring around your home. Oh, if only I could cat-sit for you and Jim. Jack would have me wrapped around his paw. I just put together a little bird tree today, too. I thought maybe it would keep our Audrey away from the big tree but she seems to know what I’m up to and shows no interest in it.
Please add my name to the draw.Thanks so much. Deb (Ontario, Canada)
I loved your updates on Jack – he is so great! We have a new little kitty, named Mouse (a tabby), but our last cat was a black & white, and I really love them. Your post today really put me in the Christmas spirit — love your decorating ideas!
Happy decorating Susan…love all of your decor….and Joe is such a talented guy! Lucky you and US….can’t wait to see who gets the treasures this time! 😀
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your wonderful posts!! I have been enjoying following your recipes, adventures, and photographs for a while now. Your Autumn Mulled Cider was a hit for my family around the fire pit one night recently! I LOVE your holiday decorations and think Joe is quite handy helping out 🙂 I love the cardinals no matter the season, but then I have a tremendous weakness for REDs. Even if I did not get to “own the goodies”, I count it a blessing to receive your blog. Hope your holidays are full of the most wonderful blessings!
Susan,
Thanks so much for sharing! This post took me back to my very first married Christmas 22years ago. I received your book, “Vineyard Seasons”. I curled up in a chair by the fire in our cozy fire and enjoyed every page. It is well worn, now and has been loved along with each of your other books. Thanks so much for continuing to grace our family’s holidays with ideas.
Wow, what a great give-away! What more does one need to celebrate Christmas? I wish you and Joe and your kitty all the love and joy of the season.
*apartment. Oops! Maybe I’m part kitty!
Hi DEarest Susan!
Thank you for the wonderful post! Your home looks amazing!! The photographers from the magazine will never want to leave!!! I love all of the greenery, Joe does wonderful work!!! Jack is very intelligent and sooooo cute!!! I think Girl Kitty is absolutely precious too!! Can’t wait for the cookie recipe because they look delicious. Have a wonderful evening!! GOD Bless you all!!! Love and Hugs to you! XOXOXOXO Tricia B.
Could use a little of your whimsy this year. Thanks for sharing!
Susan it is such a privilage to write you “alittle” comment on your blog! Wishing I had time to create whimsy for Christmas. Thanks for sharing your wonderful and creative ideas!
All I can say is I wish I was your neighbor and good friend. You have such talent and a very artistic eye. Your hubby is very clever and handy too. I would love to meet Jack and play with him!
Hi Susan,
I laughed when I scrolled down and saw Jack looking at me upsidedown! I would talk “kitty” to him and call him, kitten pie and silly names like that:) I really love the natural greens Joe made and would be so happy to be in the drawing! Thanks bunches,
Wendi
oh Susan!! Your giveaways just keep getting better and better. A fresh wreath!! handmade by Joe! and that lovely teacup set!! colorful cardinal notepaper – oh oh OH!!! just beautiful. Each year I take a wreath-making class but this year I couldn’t spare the extra $$ to do it, so yup, surely do need a wreath on my door 🙂 hint, hint, pick me!! I was inspired and so impressed with your paperwhites….aren’t you just the smart one! Mine always tip over – and there you go with your thinking cap on…just set them inside a tall vessel and voila, they won’t tip over 🙂 Can’t believe your have over a 1000 entries in this today! so many comments to read.
I’m reading . . . . . . . . . !
I finally figured out what I love about Jack…..he lives with ABANDON! Not worried how he will be perceived….just being Jack, loving his life and feeling quite contented…..all that, but too, I think he knows just how cute a kitty he is! You inspired me to finish decorating too….many thanks for that! I needed it….smiling here in n.w. Ohio….
Cynthia
LOL he does live with abandon! And the devil take the hithermost! Or something like that!
I love reading about Jack…we have two cats – brother and sister my husband rescued – one is fascinated wih candles. We fear she will burn her whiskers someday! The other loves our dog – follows her around the house, lays next to her and paws at her ears – just “tortures” her in general. But since this is your blog, I’ll say it…Jack IS the smartest cat 🙂 Made your cranberry sauce yesterday and I absolutely love it! I’ll try mixing it with orange marmalade next. Can’t wait to see more of your Christmas decorating! Thanks for the sweet give-away!
You paint such a vivid picture that I can almost “smell” the cookies and fire and tree, wish I could be there!
I loved your “Merry Christmas” banner….it inspired me to make 2 banners for our upcoming grandson’s baby shower…..one says “Welcome Benjamin”, and the other says “God bless you”(they had bright blue letters on white cardstock, with)silver stars between the words, and silver ribbon….my daughter and son-in-law liked them so much that they are going to put them in Banjamin’s room. Your decorating is so inspiring that I am off to play with our Christmas decor inthe kitchen.
Your blog is a blessing – so enjoyable & inspiring.
I love, love, love your decorating and I would LOVE to win the cup and the wreath!
Hi Susan,
I love Jack he is so cute. I love kitties. I must say that I love the decor in your house. I think I should have lived during the forties. I like the simpler time and family values and morals from that era.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Oh, how lovely. Good job, Joe! Well, I haven’t decorated at all yet. We started a remodel project, found we need new windows, and they will not be here till AFTER Christmas! So it will not be very festive here at the Shuck house this year. But next year………………
I was feeling so disappointed in myself that I have yet to bring all my Christmas things in…but now I feel inspired after getting a glimpse of your decorations! I think I’ll send the kids out in the yard to see what we can rustle up to make a wreath…and go get everything Christmas out of the garage. Can’t wait to see what old friends greet me as I open the boxes!
Wreaths are special at our home so was very interested to see Joe’s version.
Last year a friend brought us a beautiful one from the local Farmer’s Market. We kept it up until summer time. What a joy! Love seeing what you are doing.
How blessed we are to be focusing on Christmas and the holidays. Just sent a box to our grandson-in-law today who is a Marine in Afghanistan and wondered what his Christmas will be like this year. May God bless us all wherever we are.
Judy Tracy…..Newport Beach, CA
Your blog arrived at just the right time. I was having a bit of a pity party this evening – bemoaning that it just didn’t feel like Christmas, that the magic of the season was missing, no sparkle. I’ve put out some decorations but even that didn’t help. Just feeling blah. After reading your post, I want to buy greens and go back into the box of decorations and put some sparkle around the house. Thanks, Susan, for helping put back some of the magic.
Very happy to hear that Pat!
Joe’s wreath and roping . . . SO impressive! Love how they look on your door and over the windows. Enjoyed the lastest photos of Jack warming himself in front of the fire and the gentleness of Girl on the quilts. So comforting to see it all!
Bless you, Susan. Good luck with your shoot. Happy holidays!
Love your kitchen window homemade garlands. Makes the window magical. I just may have to try my hand at making my own. As always, I really enjoy your posts. I also think Jack is the cutest little thing.
I wish I could see the magazine article about your home. Will you have some in your shop?
I love all the greenery, the birds, the chains of baubles in the windows. So cheery. I’d like to come for tea.
Yes, we’ll carry the magazine for sure, and I’ll announce it on the blog. Thank you Hollace!
Lovely Christmas greens! Looks beautiful. I so miss New England. No holly here in Utah 🙁 very sad indeed.
Bless you, Susan. Good luck with your shoot. Happy Holidays!!
LOL…, Susan!!! At this point, there are 1,202 comments on your blog!!! And I bet, there are several hundreds more just waiting to be modified!!! As always, thank you for your generosity of spirit, heart, and give-away! Oh my…coveting is not appropriate at this season (or any season!!!) But I would love, love, love to be the recipient!
The greenery in your home is absolutely wonderful!! Joe is an artiste!! Makes me want to go out in the dead of night, under stealth, and snip some neighbors’ greenery! Do you think they would notice?! :D. Your whimsical decor is pitch-perfect for the fun/joy of the season! Thank you for sharing so many great and doable ideas with us! The first of many Merry Christmases from me!!!
I have often thought of this myself! 🙂
Hahahaha…M.V. Local News Flash! Famous watercolorist and cookbook author, who shall remain nameless, caught in neighbor’s yard with garden shears! Caught red-handed with basket of greenery!!!
Could very easily happen.
❤❤❤