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
How Christmasy! I love it! But, at least so far, it hasn’t been wintry weather at all, it’s too warm…. it’s not “beginning to look alot like Christmas.” But your blog put me in a Christmasy mood!
Good!
I just love reading your blog and Willard. I feel like we could be friends!! I know you make everyone feel that way! That is a great talent, as much of a talent as your artistry.
Thank you Susan!
Hi Susan… You’ve got my Christmas decorating juices flowing — such inspiration! You (and Joe) have me eyeing all of the green growing outside my windows. But as I eye my husband, I’m afraid any wreath or swag making will be up to me! :o) Thank you for blessing us with your gifts. Happiest of Christmases to you and yours.
Dear Susan , I am so looking forward to the Yankee Magazine article even if it is being published next year!!! We love Martha’s Vineyard in the summer, but seeing the Island thru your eyes the rest of the year is so much fun. Thanks for all your daily comments…they are so enjoyable in this fast paced world we live in. I wish you and Joe a Blessed Christmas and much happiness in the New Year.
Happy Holidays to you and your family and your two beautiful cats! Sharing your home and all your wonderful ideas is a gift to us all. You are an inspiration. : )
You and Joe are so talented!! I can’t put up a tree this year since we just rescued 2 “sister kittens” who have too much spunk and get into everything!! Oh well… Enjoying all 5 cats now!!
p.s. I can’t wait for the cookie recipe.
.
Five! Lucky!
Oh my! Such fun decorations. I love my every year favorites and then adding new ones.For some reason it’s about pine cones this year.
Jack is such a special kitty. We had to fence off the fireplace our kitty would get so close she singed her whiskers off…it was like they melted.I love Yankee and can hardly wait to see your article. Joe’s wreaths are wonderful. Making Fruit cake cookies tonight.
Merry Christmas! Getting ready is the best part.
“Getting ready is the best part!” — love that!
Growing up it was All about Advent…lighting the wreath every evening, reading a Christmas story everyday, a Christmas project or baking every day, Hanging of the greens.The list is endless and was always on our kitchen calendar so we knew everyday what to expect. So by the time Christmas day came we were ready. You have to be ready, it goes by so quickly. She also had an after Christmas daily project until Epiphany. Such fun! I just love it all.
Please, oh please pick me!!! Just saw Jacks new toy on twitter, lucky kitty to have such a beautiful toy and you are a lucky girl to have such a wonderfully creative husband!
Yes!! xo
Susan,
I was thinking, I can do that on a good day, the yankees should have a picture of Jack on the ladder for their Chistmas issue. You might want to put that in the contract.
Nancy Jo
LOL!!!
I was blessed to find your “Christmas” book second hand this week! My collection is growing as is my fondness for your art, especially the art of sharing which you do so very well. Thanks bunches!
Dear Susan,
I read this post yesterday, and your Willard today. They are both fantastic, and filled with holiday cheer!! Now, all we need is some snow. I doubt I’ll get any here in south Arkansas, so I’ll have to enjoy yours (hopefully you will get some soon) via blogging. Keep up the hard, but fun task of decorating. I can’t wait to see the pictures when you’re done.
Yes, I hope so … would love a little snow ..We just put the last ornament on the tree! Looks like a diamond!
Thanks for helping me to get into the Christmas spirit! I am having a rough season of life right now and I’m having a hard time getting motivated. Your blog is my reward each day after a long day of teaching. Thanks so much!
Thank you for doing what you do! xo
Hi, Susan. I have greens above my kitchen window and little wood and twig birdhouses along the windowsill. I love bringing nature and green inside for Christmas, too.
Makes sense doesn’t it … Christmas and nature go so well together!
…Let Heaven and Nature sing 🙂
I love it all! (: Happy Holidays!
Beautiful…..I can almost smell that tree! Joe did a fabulous job!!!
I want to come hold Girl Kitty….;-)
I love all your decorations! I would so love the mug and notepad and the wreath. They would remind me of you everytime I saw them. Thanks so much for your wonderful blog.
Oh, Susan, how you inspire me! Now, Joe is inspiring us, too! I showed that gorgeous wreath to my husband–hoping he might try to do the same–but it didn’t work! 😉 I look forward to the new cookie recipe!
Thank you!
Peace and joy to you!
love your blog and would like to win your latest offering!
Just love that cat, Jack. What a personality. We have a kitty named Buzzy who is twenty one years old. He still has his cute ways. Thanks for a chance to win the very lovely cup, Susan, and thanks for the lovely blog.
Wendy in NH
Hi Susan, Your home looks lovely with all the Christmas decorations. We will be getting our tree this weekend. Can’t wait. This is a special Christmas for our family. Our daughter and son-in-law announced on Labor Day (my husband’s birthday) that they are expecting. This is our first grandchild 😉 They want to know the sex of the baby and will find out CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING. We are soooo excited!!!
So happy for you Bonnie! How exciting!
I am SO in love with everything Susan Branch! I especially love your Christmas book!
Thank you Iantha!
Hi Susan, I think? I am entering to win the beautiful goodies and wreath, but I also wanted to tell you something. I have been trying to get my sister to paint. I have mentioned to you previously that she is an artist and needs to paint. Well, she did! She made me a tiny piece of artwork with your quote on it that you wrote to me. She painted “Be Brave”. It’s adorable and she did it! When your Willard and blogs come out we email each other about all the details. It brings us great happiness! Thank you! And maybe I will win something for her this time! 🙂 Merry Christmas! Ann
Fantastic, what a good motivator you are Ann — tell her I said hello! I love Be Brave.
I let her know! I’m not necessarily a motivator, but a nag when it comes to her art. :)) Merry Christmas!
Good girl.
This is the sister who did the art work. It truly isn’t my best but it got me going. I am fascinated by your pictures of you in your studio painting. I’d love a blog on how you prepare yourself to paint, how you do it, what size nibs on your brushes, markers…. details. It is always in your details that I enjoy. Your home is amazing, Joe is amazing, and of course you are too. Blog about your art!!! Love you…. Pick me Pick me Pick me…. 🙂
Good for you Kathleen!
You’re just so precious! I would love to crawl inside your photos and live in your world with you for a day! Thanks for all the inspiration! And do enter me, please. 🙂
Something’s a bit amiss (but in a good way) at my house this year…my husband has already his decorating (the lights outside the house) and I haven’t even begun with mine yet (will start this weekend)! That’s a first and I love it!!
Checking in on your blog has given me some Christmas decorating inspiration! I never really know how or what I’m going to do with my decorating, it just kind of happens as it goes along! It’s always fun seeing how the same decorations (for the most part) end up looking kind of ‘new’ set up in different ways! Have fun with the rest of your decorating – love what you’re doing with your whimsical wonderland! And Joe’s garland and wreaths are beautiful! I’m about to show them to my hubby, but I’m not holding my breath for ‘Gary-made’ wreaths to appear anytime soon!
Something’s a bit amiss (but in a good way) at my house this year…my husband has already his decorating (the lights outside the house) and I haven’t even begun with mine yet (will start this weekend)! That’s a first and I love it!!
Checking in on your blog has given me some Christmas decorating inspiration! I never really know how or what I’m going to do with my decorating, it just kind of happens as it goes along! It’s always fun seeing how the same decorations (for the most part) end up looking kind of ‘new’ set up in different ways! Have fun with the rest of your decorating – love what you’re doing with your whimsical wonderland! And Joe’s garland and wreaths are beautiful! I’m about to show them to my hubby, but I’m not holding my breath for ‘Gary-made’ wreaths to appear anytime soon!
Hahaha Robbie!
Thank you Susan for the love you put into all that you do. It is very evident in your life! I am hoping to visit Martha’s Vineyard someday…I’m sure it is beautiful even in the winter.
Wow!! Neat presents and a wreath too – your both talented!! It’s fun to see
your kitties too!!!
Thanks for having the blog and sharing with us.
Christmas whimsey….glitter and evergreens…I can feel the love….Merry Christmas Susan…
I so enjoy the pictures of your kitties! Jack is such a handsome boy.
Love your decorations! Joe is so talented—his wreath is beautiful—and yours, too, might I add, because you had a hand in it, too. Would love it if Vanna would pull my name! Merry Christmas & Happy Decorating!
Love the post. I can’t help but smile when I see Jack! I fell in love with the peppermint tea cup two days ago in your store and how much fun it would be to win with a homemade wreath. I noticed the star rug behind Jack and have tried several times to order it over the past year but it is sold out. Any chance of anymore coming in ?
Joy & Happiness to you this holiday season!
Debbie
The wreath and the roping are beautiful! Love love love the bird tree. I’m inspired to start on myself! Such lovely gifts you and Joe are giving away! Please enter me!
Oh, I love cardinals , everytime I spy one I think it is my mom sending me a hello from Heaven. Your Joe is so talented the wreath is wonderful!! Happy Holidays to you , Joe and Jack and Girl!!
Wow… loved this post and all the beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing your interpretation of whimsical!
How wonderful of you to do another give-away! My cat, Buddy, loves stretching out in front of the fire too. Jack is such a handsome kitty! Joe did a fabulous job with the wreath. I think he’s started a new tradition at your house! Lucky you! Have fun decking the halls! xoxo
Susan, I love your blog and I love Willard. You are truly an inspiration to all of us. I feel like decorating. Winning your giveaway would be quite an honor.
Hope you have a great weekend.
Love your home and your kitties, but my sister is your biggest fan. She once knocked on your front door and got to meet you! I think it was in 1995 or so. 🙂
We have a black and white kitty too. His name is Ralphie and he likes to go for car rides, we think he is part dog! Can’t wait to see the house all decorated.
Christmas Blessings to you.
Dear Friend (for you communicate to me in the way that a real friend would) Thank you for inspiring me yet again and transporting me to your world so far from my AZ desert. Merry Christmas wishes to you and yours.
I would love some additional whimsy for my nest.
SUSAN, as usual you have inspired me in decorating, cooking and of course I was delighted to see Jack. He is a charmer. I have a tuxedo who weights 21 pounds and is BIG. Love of my life. I would love to be entered for your drawing. The mug, notepad & of course the wreath. Thanks for your blog! I love it!!
I loved the new Willard! Thank you so much for sharing! Merry Christmas!
My husband is as creative with wreaths and garlands from live cuttings as Joe is! Don’t know how Christmas would look without his efforts. We’re decorated for the season, but the cookies and candy are unmade as yet, but I tell myself how very EARLY it is; only December 5. And the shopping isn’t done, but it’s never really quite done until Christmas has arrived!! I have the perfect recipient in mind for that tea cup, should I be lucky enough to win it. Merry Christmas!
I am LOVING all the cat comments in the last couple of days – and Girl and Jack aren’t even MY cats! I guess that makes me a ‘vicarious’ Kitty Mom. Anyways, SO much fun to read everyone’s pet stories – very entertaining and heartwarming! More ladies – more! And Happiest of Holidays to all! =^..^=
Big high five to Joe! That wreath is seriously gorgeous! Seasons Greetings to you all and the kitties too!
I have loved you since the first illustration of yours I saw. I follow your blog, religiously and I live vicariously through all your ‘adventures’. I so admire you and your spirit and I am happy you find joy in all things! Merry Christmas, Susan!
Hi Susan! I am so inspired by your beautiful things, whether old, new, homemade or store bought. I just love anything and everything to do with Christmas! and I SO LOVE giving gifts! To me, it’s the best part!!! I would love to win the cute mug set, book and wreath, but I must tell you, I may give it all away!!! Isn’t that called “Paying it forward?” I may keep one of the items for myself, too! Who knows, it’s just fun to dream, ya know? I hope you and your family have a wonderfully blessed Christmas and New Year!! God bless you all real good!!
your home looks so inviting and very comfortable. i just got through embroidering things for christmas. a beautiful time of the yr. lets feel the love.
Oh what fun you are having! The first decoration I put up each year is my cherished copy of “Christmas from the Heart of the Home”, which you kindly signed for me many years ago. It holds pride of place, and I use it often during the season, it is well loved! Thank you for your continued inspiration, we can’t wait to hear all about the photo shoot.
Love all your decorations, pictures, and whimsical ideas. Oh heck, I love everything that you create! Can’t wait to see the photos of your home in Yankee Magazine. You are such an inspiration!!
I am enjoying your holiday decorations and can’t wait to see your tree all decorated! Love the pictures and stories of Jack too!
The best part of reading your posts is reading them for a second time. I especially love the pictures and your watercolor lettering!
Well, now I am one of thousands entering the giveaway! I have just tried to reply to your Twitter about “Jack’s new toy,” and I am not sure I did it correctly. I may appear a dozen times on your “reply” box. At times, technology is NOT my friend!:-)
Also, I made those Annie Hall’s Butter Cookies over the week-end. They are just as you said – absolutely delicious!
How special it would be to be one who receives a fresh wreath hand made by Joe!
Anyway, your tree is beautiful, and I’m sure Jack has climbed to the top many times!
xo Nellie
I think you’re doing great Nellie … it gets easier as you go along!
Your cats are so cute! I love Jack’s mustache.
Love all your decorating. I especially love the bird tree. I have so many little trees around here. I think I will make one for myself!
Have a great holiday season. pam
Your blog is so inspirational to me, I ran out of the house, jumped in my bug with my Corgi, Tasha. And off to the local ” Eden”, known in these parts as “Bucks Country Gardens”, to shop for holiday garb for the home. Ok, I’m inspired! Making cookies for cooking exchange at the “Woman’s Recovery Center”, with YOUR cookie suggestions.
I know with over 1900 comments, I still have a chance!
Yes you do!!
Traditions!! Nothing makes the holidays more festive, warm and fun. Thanks for all the beautiful pictures, and to Joe, WOW! Gorgeous greenery!!
…..goodness !!..just saw your lovely Christmas tree on “twitter”…thank you for posting !!!!..(even tho I don’t know how twitter works I’m still so grateful I can enjoy photos that you post there as well !!!)…thank you Susan and Joe…Jack’s “new toy” ???…golly, hope not !!…
So far he is the perfect gentleman, has not done anything to it at all! Sat at the top of the ladder staring at it!
You’ve really got me in the Christmas spirit now!!
Susan, your house is amazing as usual! My sister and I still talk about our trip when we flew out to attend your Autumn book signing on the island. The island was everything you said it was in your books. I have been a fan of yours for over 20 years and i can’t tell you how much your books have inspired many of my own new traditions for me and my girls.
I love your kitties too, i have a pretty crazy 6 month old kitty of my own and he is enjoying his first Christmas with all my decorations!! Merry Christmas!
I hope I get to see you again at my next signing! When the new book comes out, Joe and I are going to travel all over the country!
Lovely decorations and a generous give away.
Can’t wait to see your tree completed! Your home looks so cozy and warm. Will be looking for the cookie recipe. Thank you for all the inspiration for a comfortable home!
I love, love, love reading your posts! They are always like a visit with a dear friend. Thank you for always sharing with us!
I just love all the pictures of Jack. Our Raven kitty (old girl really) has an uncanny way of being in every picture I take in the garden. I don’t know how she manages to be everywhere! Its’ a loverly giveaway. Me thinks Joe has found a new calling.
~Cynthia
Beauuuuuuutiful! 🙂
The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.” ― Louisa May Alcott
A true blessing, it’s all around us!
Wow! So impressed with Joe’s greenery! What an inspiration!
Loved your descriptions in Willard of growing up in California . . .
Susan, you never cease to amaze me. You love and honor life so well that you make everyone happy and giddy, too! You make me love my home and life even more just by reading your blog. I would love to win!
I love taking a few minutes to visit with you … a treat anytime season. Good job Joe on all the wreaths and garland … and of course to you for your special touch. Merry Christmas to all.
Susan: I was inpired and will be making my own Merry Christmas letter banner for our cabin. But what a surprise to see your bird tree. I have decorated my tree in birds for years now and collect little birds whereever I go and receive them as gifts as well. Each year I look forward to visiting with all my bird ornaments and the memories of people and places they hold. Merry Christmas and merry seasons preparations to you. lmh
Kindred spirits! We are everywhere! xo
Hello Susan! I am writing from West Chester, PA…Your home looks beautiful!! Your decorations are so special…I love them! So original! I can’t wait to see more!!….more more more!!! Joe did a fabulous job with the greens!! Enjoy decorating and all the magic this season brings. I would love to win your giveaway! I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Just discovered your blog recently (have loved your books for years, how come I didn’t know about your blog????) Anyway, reading them and seeing the pictures of your home and kitties has been pure joy!! Smile all the way through. Have no idea how you accomplish all that you do, but I’ll be a regular from now on. And love Joe’s wreath; he’s a keeper.
Happy to have you Robbyn! Yes, he is a keeper alright!
Your home is pure enchantment! Merry Christmas!
for real? I just stumbled across your blog; can’t imagine why I’ve not considered the fact you would have an amazing and beautiful blog…I shall explore some more!
Welcome Kate!
Susan, Everything is looking great! Now all we need is snow. Can’t wait for an update.
Oh Susan, What memories you put into my heart with all yor vintage Christmas ideas. While I read on I’m having a cup of tea and a cookie from a recipe I found that I made many years ago when my children were little. The smell of them cooking takes me back to how good they tasted in the 60’s and are just as good now as they disappear right before my eyes.
Merry Christmas to you and your warm household of love.
Cheri
Love your blog, and all the lovely pictures are inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing.
Always enjoyale to visit. Seeing Jack makes me want something fuzzy of my own :/ maybe someday… thank you for the pictures though 🙂
Susan, looks beautiful! I just tucked in to read in front of my own tree after a day of shopping with my mom for my two little girls. You and your art came up several times as we got ourselves in the Christmas spirit!
I loved this post. Jack is adorable. Your tree is beautiful. We just bought ours and decorated it today. I think of you as I decorate the house, and draw inspiration and creativity from you. And I loved the Willard! I also am a California native, and have always longed for seasons. Thank you for sharing the changing seasons of Martha’s Vineyard.
Good evening Susan, Love your Christmas Decor! I love the warm feeling of my decorated home. The twinkle from the lights and candles makes us feel happy. The only thing that is missing in my home is a kittie! You must be so
excited about the visit from Yankee magazine. We will have to wait a whole year to see the pictures. Your wreaths are lovely, Joe is so talented. It’s wonderful when our parners work well with us. Happy baking my friend!
I am just loving all of the creativity that is alive in your home. I think you and Joe must have been elves or gnomes in a past life. And the pictures of Girl and Jack are what life is truly about! Thanks for sharing.
What a stunning old fashioned Christmas, just what I love too! I’m going to show Ron what Joe did, heeheehee, in hopes that he’ll make something for me too! XO
Yes, the traditional childhood things of Christmas always bring us back to the MAGIC! You make magic for all who follow you and admire who you are and the artist that you are! Merry Christmas! Bobbie
I have been a devoted fan since your very beginnings. You are truly a kindred spirit and “the gift that keeps on giving”. Your blogs feed my imagination and my soul; always bringing a smile to my face. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Oh I really want this give away and I promise to pay a gift forward to someone special who is not expecting it. Live this blog….Susan you inspire me
You have a wonderful life. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I love the little devotion on the note cards ” Speak to the Earth & it shall teach thee” today while walking to work in my little village I was speaking to the earth and someone “caught” me….I had a little grin on my face all the way to work. 🙂 Wishing you and Joe the joy of the season.
LOL Cindy!!
Hi Susan ~ again, thanks SO much for the time you take to share your charmed life with us…I look forward to your posts! I did send you an e-mail last week with some decorating suggestions at your “feedback” e-mail address, don’t know if you got it or not?
I would love to be entered into your drawing and would be over the moon to win the wreath, mug and notepad. I do have your large 2013 calendar and won’t let myself look at the pages ahead of time. I want to be surprised each month when I turn over the page and see your lovely illustrations…lol.
A very Merry Christmas to you!
Just loving all the pretty decorations and recipes! Would love to have a little of your SB goodies in our home for Christmas! One can only hope…
Looking forward to seeing your home in Yankee next year! Merry Christmas to you, Joe & your kitty family from our Philadelphia home to yours!
Hi, Susan, love the new give a way! Can’t wait to see your next post! Thanks so much for sharing! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Darling Christmas Magician–Look at all the magic you’ve spun on Christmas Island! I love it all, and you, too! Just had my 1st Christmas Party of the season. Book Club, 10 women, tons of treats, and lots of frivolity! Friday I pick up mom (100 miles away) and bring her here to bake ferociously all weekend! Tra-LA! xo
‘
Sounds like you are on your way JoEllen … tell your mom I said Hi!
I’m not too sure that we in Alabama are privy to Yankee Magazine, but you’ll have to let us know when the issue comes out with you in it so we can try to take a look!
Your Jack reminds me of my Danno- he sits by my legs in the kitchen and if I go too long without petting me, he gently nibbles my calf to let me know he’s been neglected quite long enough! I love it!
I’m sure we’ll have it in our web store . . . Kitties have the sweetest way of letting us know we are loved!
Would love love the cup and the notebook and something handmade by Joe is over the top wonderful!
((Hugs))
Rita
Oh, my goodness! What fun to see how busy you are, and so early that we get to see a gorgeous sunrise on your handiwork. As always, you are an inspiration! Plus as a bonus, we get Joe’s wreaths….all from your yard. How terrific is that? And now a chance to win one for ourselves with all the other Christmasy lovlies!? HEAVEN! Anxiously awaiting the rest of the decorations…..
Looking forward to seeing all of your Christmas decorations. Your house looks so warm and cozy. Loved the pictures of Jack.
Ohh…how fun! Your zeal for life, creativity, joy, and ability to bring us all along for the ride is already a gift but Joe’s wreath, the cup set, and the notepad would certainly make for a festive treat as well! Thank you for all you do!
🙂
Kathleen
Love watching the changing of the seasons thru your eyes. Happy Holidays!
I loved the Christmas tour of your home. Brings back lots of special memories. Love the fresh wreath which is so special in Texas. Have a great Christmas
What a cutie your little Jack is! And what a talented greensman is your Joe! What a treat that would be…hope it’s me!
Susan,
I would like you to know how you fill my heart with joy. This time of year is especially rich because of the beauty and comfort you bring to this world,thank you!
Merry Christmas to you, Joe, girl, and Jack
Miss Bell
Thank you Susan – you are the most generous person! Always thinking of “us”.
Reading your blog, especially this time of the year – just warms my tummy! Can’t think of a better way to describe it! I, too, have been decorating and decorating and decorating – well, you get the picture! Wishing you and Joe the merriest Christmas season! Blessings to you both!