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
Jack is still cute 🙂 He sounds like a very fun cat!
And Joe’s wreath is awesome! I really need to set my garden up with all the stuff to make a weath like that!
And the cup really is fun 🙂
Just love quilting and I see you are a fan of cats…….me too…. Our newest one is called coookie because she looks like she ate some. But I have an ol cat (18) and she is stilll cooking and cool. Like your site. Viv
Susan – I was inspired by your cardstock swag and made 2 for my home: one says Merry Christmas and hangs on the mantel and another for my kitchen window says Candy Cane Lane and I have a big Santa mug filled with candy canes below it – my grandkids will love it. They were easy to make and so vintage and whimsical as you say. Love your posts! So warm and welcoming. I’d love to win anything from your home – it would be a lifetime treasure. Maybe I’ll even back something now – your photos make me hungry! Merriest Christmas! Love Joe’s greenery too – I love using nature to decorate too.
I can feel the warmth of your home come right through the computer! I love decorating for Christmas as well. I’ve doing a creating some gift cards for gifts, and know how fun it is to get new supplies! Thanks for the lovely post!
Susan…I just stopped decorating long enough to check emails and your blog. I was so excited to see your new post. Your house looks so warm and inviting. I love all the beautiful fresh greenery. Joe has quite a talent!! The cookies look so delicious, I will look forward to the recipe.
Wish you could have been here in NC this a.m. I have four precious little fluff ball kittens and watching them play while playing Christmas music and decorating is some of life’s best moments. The cup is so adorable. Hoping to purchase.
I just placed my copy of your little mini Christmas book “The Best Gifts are Tied with Heartstrings” in my kitchen. I still love it after all these years. I have been a fan of yours from the beginning and feel blessed to call you my friend!! Enjoying each day of this wonderful season.
As always, Susan, I sooo enjoy your blogs. Love, love the decorations and Joe’s wreath. Your home looks beautiful. Jack is adorable. I’m in the process of putting up our tree. It’s the first for our new kitten Bodie. (Just gotta say, and I’m sure this will come as no surprise to you, I think HE’s the smartest kitten on earth.) He plays tag with me. He’ll run up from behind me, “tag” me with his paw knowing that I’ll run after him, scoop him up and give him a big hug. Aren’t these kitties just the best? They add so much joy to a home. I’m anxious to see how Bodie will react to the tree. Anyway, I would LOVE, LOVE to win your giveaway. I look forward to reading your blog. It’s my lunch time ritual.
Many holiday blessings to you and yours. Anne
Loved your musings today. I had a bad morning, blew up at my hubs, and have been down all day. but your post cheered me somewhat, ’til I read the bit about how the boy bird feeds the girl bird, and how it should always be that way. My “boy” has been awfully controlling lately, and not very mindful of my feelings. So I blew up. Don’t regret I, just feel bad that I had to do it. I could use that cup and a cookie right now! Cheer myself up a bit. And the fresh green wreath with the smells it will bring…AHHH!!
What must be done, must be done. Yes, have a cookie. You deserve one. xo
The traditional decorations are always my favorites. I too have special ornaments on the tree from many decades ago that bring back lovely Christmas memories. Making shelf scapes are great fun because I can combine old and new things and they are such a joy to see when you walk into a room. This year I made a string-light tree on a bare wall in the guest room. It is beautiful with white lights and felt stars. A different tree to enjoy! Thank you for all your inspiration and my Loki (little orange kitten) says hello to Jack!
I’ve been away from my computer here for three days…what a joy it was to first check my email and relish in reading Willard…then to go to your blog and have a new post…you are one very busy friend, Susan…and your Joe too…thank you for your wonderful inspiration…it is cold now here in western Minnesota, but the one snowfall we had has melted, but it is very cold now and snow is expected tomorrow…hoping you get snow for your Yankee magazine visit to make it wintery…Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours all over the world…xoxo…
I love it all! That is as simple and direct as I can state it. I knew from previous posts that Joe was very handy, I just didn’t know that he was so creative. I’m definitely inspired by your and Joe’s Christmas decorating!
Joe painted a bit when he was younger, but I can’t seem to interest him in it — he was really good. He has quite the eye.
He still IS good! I remember the Emma mug he painted. I was impressed!!
Me too, I wish he would do more. But, he’s still young…:-)
Susan, my dear,
I just can’t say enough of how I love you, your ideas and your kitties. I have to tell you that I copy some of your ideas whenever I can. I am on my way to the Grandsons home today and I want to make the Merry Christmas letters with them for their window. I found the red and green straws to cut into spacers yesterday at Michael’s.
I know your tree will be beautiful and I await the picture of it.
Merry Christmas, my friend,
Bonnie
Conifer CO
Conifer, CO is the perfect place to be this time of the year! I wonder how many towns are named Evergreen??? Just a thought.
such a beautiful set of pictures! Adore the pictures of girl and jack. thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us.
Susan you are so fun. I would love to receive your cup and wreath. Have a very Happy and Merry Christmas. And the best to you both in the new year.
Kathy
Hi Susan- you are such a gift! Thank you for sharing so much joy through your blog. I check it everyday….when I click the music, my kids and my husband come running to the computer to catch new pictures of Jack and Girl Kitty! (We have 4 cats). Thank you! Merry Christmas! xoxox Nicole
Thank you so much for Girl and Jack as part of your Christmas decorations. If I win the mug/ wreath I will make sure to keep it safely from Riley ( my Jack counterpart). Love, love your home and way of being in this world. Merry Christmas, Barbie
Susan, Your decorations are so pretty. I especially love the fresh greenery. Just stopped on the roadside for some hawthorn myself. Thanks always for the inspiration, Rebecca
Have had the flu….Yuck! Catching up on my blog reading… and was delighted to see you had a new post….it made me smile….which is quite frankly…. a blessed relief. Your home is looking so pretty and festive…..That Joe, is talented! Merry Merry Christmas… to you and your love.
So happy that you are feeling better!
Love the wreaths Joe made! Has he thought about a second career as a floral designer? They are so lovely! No decorating as of yet. But I’ll start soon.
xo
Claudia
What wonderful gifts! Love your blog and following the adventures of life with Jack and Girl kitty . . . Merry Christmas and a wishing you a wonderful New Year.
Margie in CA
Susan, whenever I have a little bitty moment to myself to “reflect” on the
things that matter most, I visit you! Thanks for your inspiration….and pictures of Jack:)
Glad to have you here Peggy!
Because of some family matters, I’ve had the blues…but I decided to lift my spirits & get in the Christmas mood by exploring your website. It did the trick! It put my problems in a better perspective, so now I’m counting my blessings instead of my troubles 😀 Thanks, Susan…You always brighten my day! Today I choose Happiness & Joy! Merry Christmas!!!
Counting blessings always works for me too!
Susan, Thank you for your lovely blog. It is such a treat to see what is happening at your house….and with the kitties.
Love your traditional decorations. I too remember the way I saw them as a child….there wasn’t any blue or pink. Your decorations are wonderful Susan! The wreath is WONDERFUL!
Thank you for a wonderful year of blog reading. I know next year will bring
even more thrilling pages of reading.
I LOVE Willard!!! This has been the “spark” to ignite my Christmas spirit! Thanks, Susan!!
thank you so much for sharing your wonderful home. Your husband is quite talented – love the “ropes” and wreath! Jack is quite the cat…how is Girl Cat dealing with him? Thank you for the opportunity to win such lovely gifts. Reading your blog is such pleasure!
Girl doesn’t care too much for what she considers to be a problem child. He wants to play with her, but she says no thank you!
Hey Susan, Did the Willard go out yet? One more question…when you used the wooden tags did they have the letters on them or did you do that? I figured out today that I could use my old stencils to make a banner. ie. stockings.
The wooden tags came with the letters on them. And yes, Willard has gone — the last of them will be out by 4 pm est. Cute idea for the banner!
How about snowflakes that just spell SNOW. And to think, I used to think that was a four letter word. LOL It sure seems better that R-A-I-N this time of year.
I just read Willard and I think I may cry. I am so sentimental. Can Joe make a tiny swag/rope for around the doorway of the little house?
He could probably, he is very good with tiny things, like gluing the ears back on my bunnies.
Oh no. Say it isn’t so…I love my bunnies.
Jack. Testing love.
I just love all of the beautiful decorating you are doing for Christmas. I would love to be just a little part of it. Please add my name for the Drawing. Lots and Lots of Love to you this Christmas. Thanks for all the fun things you do for us.
Happy to have you here Sue!
Love love LOVE the wreath Joe made! How clever of him. Thanks for inspiring me to get up and decorate, Susan. Merry Everything to you, too! 🙂
Hi Susan! Thank you so much for your blog with lots of wonderful pictures!!! You are reallllly a bright spot in our day ( I know I’m speaking for lots and lots of girlfriends too!) It’s so relaxing during a busy day to stop and “visit” with you for a little while! Please put my name in your drawing! Thank you!!
Your home is so cozy and homey. You inspire me so. 🙂
Your cats are adorable! I just got back from Christmas shopping and I’m getting ready for my son’s wedding this weekend. What a perfect stop at your blog with a cup of tea! Thanks for being a great part of my day!
Just read your Christmas Willard and loved it. Came over to check out your blog and of course loved it as well. When I read what you’ve been up to it inspires me to try to do more (ie: get that Christmas tree decorated, finish up with the gift purchases). Wish that my hubby was more creative (a good wreath maker) but love him none the less. Have a Wonderful Holiday season!
A co worker of mine gave me your Christmas Keepsake book as a Christmas present about 10 years ago. I read it cover to cover and loved every page. I’ve been using ideas from it ever since. This year I’m using it, as well as some of your other books as part of my Christmas decor—easily accessible for reference and browsing, of course! 🙂 Thank you for all of the joy you have given to me.
Merry Christmas!
This blog today, had gotten me imspired to get going with my Christmas decor….so on to decorating!!!!
And, Merry Christmas to one and all!
Hi Susan! I love how you share yourself and your life with us. Your imagination and creativity are an inspiration ~ wish I didn’t have to work today! I’ve put decorations up where I work, and I can listen to Christmas music all day, but I’m in the mood to be creative at home! Love your blog, love Willard and would love to receive that fantastic give-away! Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Our cat Cambria is smart too. She wakes my husband in the morning by touching him gently on the shoulder. If that does not work, she eventually will knock the alarm clock from his bedside table! His glasses are next, so she has trained him to get out of bed before
she resorts to that. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours!
We actually used to have an uzi squirt gun we kept in the bedroom for one of our cats who knocked everything off the dresser until we got up … we never used it though, the idea of all that water going all over the room. Not to mention, gun work isn’t that fun when you are half asleep!
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing your home and decorating ideas! Wonderful. Love the giveaways. Your kittys are so sweet and what a nice husband you have to contribute the way he does. Loved the Willard, puts me even more in the Christmas spirit. I love December!
Have a great day!
Susan, can’t wait for the cookie recipe! I am in charge of the cookies at our extended family Christmas dinner. Thanks for being there! Queenie
Your beautiful home exudes comfort, whimsey, and of course Christmas tradition. And let’s not forget–everything is better with kitties! We just rescued two beautiful 3 month old kittens (my 45th birthday gift) and every ornament they pull down from the tree is worth the happiness they have brought to my family.
My thoughts exactly!
Oh Susan, how you inspire me!! I made a Judy Niemeyer Christmas Tree Skirt this year, but it was too beautiful to cut a hole in the middle of it, so I left it whole, bought a round stool to put it over, and I am buying a potted Norfolk Pine tree, or perhaps something more “Christmas-tree-ish”, to set on it. After seeing your bird tree again, I think I must do something like that with my potted tree, which I am now inspired to run out and shop for!
Thank you, thank you, for your wonderful whimsical ideas!!
And a big tummy rub for Jack, and Girl too, if she likes them 🙂
Oh she likes them! 🙂
Susan! I’m sooo glad I finally got a chance to drop by and visit! Love the whimsy!!! And… Oh My Goodness, another drawing… such an amazing collection, and a homemade wreath from JOE too!!!
Your days are definitely Merry and Bright! With or without snow, your home will be glistening with Christmas JOY next week!
You are one special person who brightens all of our lives 🙂 Thank You!!!
XOXO Georgie
YArdville, NJ
Love, love, love your blog and your beautiful house! I, too, am a cat person – have 1 cat named “Cissy”. Your Jack reminds me of a cat I saw at the Hemingway House in Key West – I think they named him Charley Chaplin because of his black mustache!
Good name!
I love the way your house looks all decorated for Christmas. Of course I always like how it looks all through the year! I especially like seeing your cats; they are beautiful. Jack has grown so much. He’s a handsome devil! Merry Christmas to you and yours, and all the best for the New Year!
Just read the new “Willard” and now you have posted a new blog entry….you are something else….makes us all so happy.
Such lovely decorating! I really enjoy the whimsy, and comfort I see in your home. Thank you for sharing!
Suz, thanks for all of your inspiration, love and joy you send us all of the time! I have a very smart kitty, too, named Oliver. If I roll a piece of paper up into a ball, he hears it and comes running! As I flick it out of my hand, he most often catches it in his furry little paws. He brings me great joy, like your Jack, and I just love curling up with him in front of my kitchen fire.
Blessings and a VERY Merry Christmas to you and Joe and your kitties!
I like the paper idea, I will try that on Jack!
I have been a “Branch” fan for 25 years! Each Willard I receive just makes my heart sing! I love hearing about you, your fur babies and of course Joe! Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2013!
I just love reading your blog, and the pictures are wonderful ~ I show my little 4 year old grandaughter this blog, the pictures just amaze her…she’ll remember something about it later and ask me to show her again, btw, she loves JACK, he looks just like her “Princess” . Thanks for the wonderful reading and inspiration. Can’t wait to see more of “Whimsical Christmas”. A very Merry and Whimsical Christmas to you.
Give her a hug from me! Libby was the name of my Grandma’s best friend. I never met her, but my Grandma used to always talk about her; she called her Lib. Brings back that memory to see your name! xo
My family calls me Lib too. . . 🙂
Such a pretty name. xo
Just came in from wrapping the lights around the garland that goes around the front door. . . aroundandaroundandaround. . . Brrrr! My hands are still thawing; this is the first really cold day we’ve had in awhile here in the Chicago area, but it feels like Christmas so I’m not complaining! 🙂 How lovely to come inside, read all about your Whimsical Christmas, and just now Willard popped into my email—double delight! Thank you, dear Susan, for all your happy thoughts and wonderful, whimsical decorating ideas! 😀
You are so welcome!
Hi Susan, Your blog makes my day every time! Can you tell me more about the birds on your bird tree? Like, where you got them? I’ve seen birds at florist shops but they don’t seem as nice as yours. Pat
I’ve collected them for a long time. I like them to look a little bit real, although probably not too real … just when I am out and about and see a good one …
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing so much beauty and heart centered thoughts. The next best thing to family is the virtual community you create.
Merry Merry!
Virtual community, we are, it’s wonderful, it never would have happened without the computer!
that’s a wonderful way to put it, I feel like I’m in a very lovely community with all the FOSB. many thanks to SB for it all!
Thank you for sharing your beautifully decorated home with us. I adore the west highland white terrier statue that’s sharing the fire with Jack!
I just love this Christmas blog! I can’t wait to get out my Christmas Joy and Vineyard Seasons Christmas book and get to town. You’ve inspired me! (And so did your Joe, with his wreath and garlands!)
If Joe has any extra time, would he mind popping on over to help do wreaths here? LOL Would love to win those lovely treasures. Have fun decorating and baking. Thanks for sharing.
I just love your blog and all of your cute decorations!
Oh Susan, your home looks so festive!!! You always inspire me to decorate my home so it will look as cozy as yours!!! Lots of luck with the photo shoot!! I can’t wait to see the article in Yankee magazine next year!! Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Girl and Jack!!!
Joe did a beautiful job with the garland and wreath. Quite inspiring! What a generous giveaway”
Dear Susan,
Love all of your festiveness (is that a real word?) Your hubby is the greatest making all those wonderful fresh wreaths and garlands! Fantabulous! (oops there is another one!)
Jack is so adorable! I agree very intelligent!! TKitties are such cozy creatures.
I love to decorate too, been doing a little each day. Happy Wednesday!
Warm regards,
Candice
Your husband is a talented man!! The wreath is just beautiful! I love all your cozy Christmas decorating, it’s inspired me to get at mine. For the first time ever, I’m departing from the traditional greenery with plaid ribbons in the living room and going with dark blue and silver. The rest of the house will be VERY traditional – can’t take too much change!! Thanks for the pictures of Jack, too – I’m allergic but love cats so Jack is my kitty fix. Holiday love to you, Susan!
I love all your decorating ideas and hope your magazine shoot goes well with Yankee! What fun! Joe is busy and showing his talents! Jack is adorable and glad to see how smart he is. I love cats and have always had one but each is different in their own way.
Thanks for such a wonderful giveaway but I am sure to not win with over 1800 entries!!!! Yikes! Merry Christmas to you, Joe and Jack! Enjoy the season!
pjstitcher
Better chance here than with the Lottery, always feels good to say that! 🙂
The house is looking wonderful! I look forward to next years Yankee magazine. Jack sounds like the purrfect cat. I think your bird tree is lovely, but I am in the process of making a tea cup tree. Maybe next year I will have to add a bird tree.
Merry Christmas and thank you for the lovely Full Moon bookmark. Love it!
Nancy
Oh my! This has to be the best giveaway ever!!!
I think that you are SO lucky to have your Joe. From this side of the blog-universe, he seems like quite the gem.
I always get some sort of idea from your blog to use myself, and this time it’s from the bird tree. I just absolutely love it and will have to start a collection of birds to do my own. I did buy some sparkly clip-on birds, that are glittered, from a chain home decorating store this year – I think that I already had Christmas birds on the brain!
Thank you so much for sharing your life and creativity with us! It is the best gift!
He’s pretty darn wonderful alright. I put “how we met and fell in love” in my new book, it’s a good story!
Love your traditional traditions Susan…..after my own heart!!!! Have a blessed Holiday Season……
Joe just might have started the process of being a “Christmas hire” with his beautiful wreaths. Will he be quitting his day job to make wreaths?
I am going to try my hand at roping with the bottom branches from my Christmas tree and the holly that I cut behind the house. Wish me luck . If I need help, I will email Joe.
He says, “wear gloves!”
Just received my Willard, such warm memories in it, and had to smile that you skipped 2013, and gave us the moons for 2014! :-)–(We’re all in a hurry this time of year) Thanks for all the inspiration you share with us! Joe’s wreath creations are amazing–Lucky, lucky girl–and one lucky girlfriend! All my decorating is done now, our 2012 card painted and printed, and working feverishly on aprons I’m making for gifts. Whew!!! Waiting for snow, and keeping my fingers crossed for Vanna to draw my name–Anita.
I just ran to Kellee and she said we put in the moons for 2013 … or did I just SAY 2014? That would be normal for me! I never know what year it is … am working on the 2014 calendars now!
I love your stockings on the mantle, very adorable. Did you design them?
No, but I wish I did!
I really enjoy everything you do. Thank you for sharing. Each time I open up your website and your little bird flies across the screen signing, my pet canary never fails to sing back her greeting.
that’s singing not signing
I just ran across your blog and website this summer and I love them! I’m always happy to see the Willard newsletter in my inbox, it makes my day! I hope one day my home can look as cozy and inviting as yours and my goal is to have a garden with a white fence all around like you mention in your “Summer” book! I would love to win the mug, notepad and especially one of Joe’s wreaths, they are gorgeous! Martha Stewart eat your heart out! Thanks for the opportunity to win such lovely prizes!
Just love everything about this post! My mom gave me your Christmas from the Heart of the Home book many years ago and I display it every year on my kitchen counter so I have easy access to it at all times!
I love how you have decorated your home, so cute and whimsical. I also love your work. You are so talented.
It all looks so marvellous. We are quietly steaming here in Sydney as the weather has been very very hot and humid. I think I would be very happy to be somewhere in the northern hemisphere to have a cold Christmas. The cats look very peaceful and I have to laugh to see Jack almost on top of the open fire. They do like to be warm!
Love this blog, always feel homey. Your writing is a gift, a gift I certainly don’t have, thank you for sharing. Joe’s handiwork is wonderful.
Hello Susan….Loved reading Willard and your delightful blog. Your writing and photos always lift up my heart! Love your cheerful spirit and love of life! Thank you so much.
Holy smokes. More than 1000 people have already signed up for the drawing. What are the chances of being selected? Welllll, kinda slim but put my name into the hat anyway, would you? Thanks.
Have a blessed Christmas season and the best of luck with the Yankee interview. That should be a blast. Can’t wait to read it at Christmas next year! Susan
I wish I lived next door. Everything you write about just makes me smile. I love your train trips and it makes me want to take one. Your ideas are so cute and so easy and so fun. The give-a-way is terrific. I love, love, love the wreath. We live in the mountains of MD and winter comes early and stays along time but with your books, calendars, Willard and the blog I can keep on going. Best of luck with your photo shoot for the magazine.
I would SO love one of those wreaths! I’m SO impressed! Go, Joe!!
Of course, I was the lucky recipient of the Recipe Keeper and Grandma Tell Me Your Story a few months ago, so I guess it’s only fair for Vanna to select another name! 🙂
Happy Holidays, Susan!
Kristina
Georgetown, TX
PS – Is there a way to receive a notification when (if) you reply to our comments? That would be great!
I think I need to update this blog!!! xoxo
What fun it is to watch you decorating! Just a beehive of activity and creativity coming together to make things just perfect for your holiday! Since I cannot do mine alone and my husband would rather wait until last minute, this way I get to at least virtually see things decorated, and Jack and Girl and you and Joe nearly ready for the season. I’m excited already for next year and seeing the magazine spread they will be shooting soon! What a great honor! Have a holly jolly, merry merry, best ever Christmas! Can’t wait to see the tree all decorated! And how you to think of a giveaway even though you are busy with all the decorating! You are truly a generous, loving, and caring lady – and Joe a very lucky guy to have you! (vice versa too, I know!)
A Joe Wreath would be just perfect for Christmas time at my house!
Merry and Happy Holidays,
Karen
What a fun blog and love the beautiful wreath…… Lori
I must first tell you that I have just finished reading my Willard…and with much delight! I’m busy making special Christmas cards that will be going all over the world, and I needed a break for a bit…bing bong…in came your email, and my beloved Willard was there!..I thoroughly enjoyed all of it…every little bit of it!…The magic is what it is all about, isn’t it? Yes!…..And now to your blogpost…Christmas is my middle name, you know(well, not really, but it could have been)…I was born two days after, and my Mom always told me that I was my older sister’s Christmas present. Well, it wasn’t always fun having a birthday around that most special holiday, but it never made me love Christmas any the less for it. I’ve been told by someone, “They have Christmas for kids…and Sherry.” We are currently working on a Christmas project that involves every single room of our rental cottage…we’ve turned things topsy turvy and upside down…and even found a real cutter sleigh to sit in the garage there….So your blogpost today about all the fun Christmas things surrounding you warmed my heart. You seem to be very good at doing that, Susan. Every time I read one of your posts, I find myself smiling for a very long time. Thank you so much for all that you give…..and it is much!…Happy Holidays to you, your Joe, and those fabulous felines(we have a houseful!)…Oh, and do enter me in the drawing for the treasures…Thank you very, very much!
Happy Birthday Sherry!!! What a celebratory month you chose!
I love getting ‘Willard’ on my iPad! I also grew up in California, have 3 brothers and 5 sisters! My husband and our 3 daughters moved to New England 15 years ago. I still love the first snow fall, shoveling snow, the changing of each season! You make everything feel like ‘home’! thank you!
Is it always a surprise to you too?
Joe’s wreaths are gorgeous. I hope you post some pictures of the photo shoot on the blog as I don’t think I’ve seen Yankee magazine here. I live on the opposite side of the continent from you on southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia. I’m envious of scenes you have posted of your island.
Karen
I love the wreath! And the cookies look scrumptious. I so enjoy the holiday posts. The one from last Christmas…I think it was part 1 and part 2…is that stored somewhere on the blog to re-read. It was wonderful. Happy Holidays. PS – I am already looking forward to my December 2013 issue of Yankee Magazine.
I think we are working to get that one printed!
Oh, Susan….after a stressful week here on the left coast, constantly monitoring updates on friends–a much-loved couple, both critically injured by a hit-and-run driver while walking on vacation in Los Cabos–I’m shedding happy tears, reminded by your words and pictures of the simple pleasures and natural beauty of this season. Blissfully transported….Thank you!
Oh no. So sorry to hear that … very happy to have you here. xoxo
I loved both your Willard and your Blog post. That Joe is amazing and so supportive of you and Jack brings the biggest grin to my face when ever I see his cute little mustache. 🙂
LOVE it…..I love the kitties, the decorations, the mug,……..OH SO EXCITED~~~
I would love to sit down in your beautiful, cozy home and have a cup of tea with you! I just know we’d be friends. Love, love, love, the wreath! Might have to try something like that myself. But, then, maybe I’ll win!
Jack is the cat’s meow! I like how he oversees all the decorating and then gets toasty in front of the fire!
come on snow!
Yessssss!
I can’t wait to see how you decorate your Peter Rabbit room! My husband is outside right now as I type putting red-colored lights on our trees. It’s so pretty to look at out my window! Thank heaven for husbands who are in the Christmas spirit too!
It’s such a nice thing! I love to see Joe wrap presents wearing his Santa hat!
Loved Willard – and today’s post. Anxious to see the tree all decorated.
I love the holidays & your books & ideas just make the memories even sweeter thank you
🙂 oH Susan! It’s always so good to hear from YoU!!! You are like a tWinkLing (for whimsy!)…. bright ( duh…. you are smart!) little (you may look little…but don’t let that fool anybody!) LIGHT that bounces from home to home sharing your BRIGHT outlook on life! It’s so cool! You remind us that we can make our own lives happy! We can look at the glass 1/2 full or 1/2 empty….or we can be excited….because, “Hey! we have a glass!” Lucky and Thankful!!! And speaking of glasses….I have the cutest set, from old Febreeze Candles….thought they would make nice drinking glasses (they are shaped like stemless wine glasses with a cutout star inside the bottom)…and thanks to YoU and the magic freezer trick…the little candle nubbins popped right out…. so so COOL! Even got compliments from the Crate and Barrell crowd on Thanksgiving! You also gave me some new inspiration for decorating our High School Dance Invitational this January…. Your Banners!!! Our theme is tropical….and I have visions of banners running across my posters and school …and little hula girls and …….so excited!!! A fresh wave of decorating ideas….”thank YoU!” I love reading your “letters” to us and thinking of you…..and today, when I was reading happily along…I got all school girl silly!!!
When I got to the part where Joe surprised you with that scrumptious wreath I had a Ah! Oh Susan moment!!! I was SO SO happy for you at that moment!!! You have Joe!!! It’s kinda funny how that made me feel so happy!!! And speaking of nice guys!!! Jack, Jack, Jack……..handsome, romantic (seriously….he likes firelight!), polite (leaves the other birds alone!), and playful too!! If only my daughter could meet a nice guy like him!!! Good Luck and have fun with the photo shoot!!! They will love You …..just like the rest of us!!! Your bright light was Here Susan and it just bounced off to the next heart and home!!! Please tell Joe that we think he’s swell and rub Jack’s tummy for me!!! Or should you tell Jack he’s swell and rub Joe’s tummy?! You know best!!! 😉 Love You and xoxoxo
You, in a word, are a sweetheart Dawn and everyone knows it! xoxo
Your Christmas tree all tied up in the house reminds of the the Christmas Vacation movie when they untie the tree and it goes everywhere, lol!
I said that exact thing to Joe when he was untying it! Praying for the windows!
Susan I just love your bird tree! We have a bird kitchen and I said to my husband just the other day that we needed a small tree in the kitchen to put for our bird ornaments. Seeing yours has inspired me to get one! Thank you for sharing.
Oh, it’s the little things isn’t it? I love memories of Christmases past and the traditions that come with the season. Your blog is a wonderful magical pick me up. Thank you so much for sharing with us, Susan.
I love it too Deanna, thank you!
I love your blog! It is the best thing by far in my email. I look forward to it arriving and it always makes me smile. Thank you so much for sharing your life of creativity, beauty and love with others.
It is a pleasure and an honor.
I love your site and decorations, You are always inspiring!
Wow wow woo! Love your tree and your wreaths two too!!
Thanks for your Christmas inspiration Susan and Joe!! Merry Christmas!! Love was born on Christmas!! Hurray for Christmas!!
Have loved your cookbooks and products since I discovered Christmas From The Heart of The Home many many years ago on Cape Cod. This blog is so fun!!! Glad I found it!! The wreath is gorgeous!
Glad to see you here Heather!