HAPPY NEW YEAR GIRLFRIENDS!!! Inserting my New Year Song for you …. What are doing tonight? I’ll see you soon … I’ve been working hard on our book! Happy 2013 to us, one and all!!! XOXO
I thought, on this Christmas Eve, I would love to talk about Home and what it means to me. When I was thirty-three, I moved to Martha’s Vineyard from California, and bought my first house. ♥ Musica?
Having a little house of my own was something I had dreamed of since I was a child.
It was a very small house, which I wrote about and painted often, even in my first book, but it was perfect for me. I lived there alone with my three kitties for six years, learning what it was like to have seasons; I wrote my first three books at the dining room table in this house. I know just how Natalie Wood felt in Miracle on 34th Street. I almost saw Santa’s cane in the corner at Holly Oak when I went in the first time.
The house was in the woods; every day I would walk out the door and down the dirt road next to the house to the water, to the same pond Joe and I walk past every morning now; our walk takes us to the other shore of that same pond. Yes, the house had a name, Holly Oak, on a sign, nailed to a tree, and to me, it was a dream come true. I was so grateful, I really haven’t ever “wanted” anything since, because right then I knew, I had it all. Inside, “out of the wind and the rain’s way,” I could live my little life, plant my garden, feed the birds, make noodles and pie, read my books, raise my kitties to be fine strong young cats. I felt safe there because no one could take it from me. It was HOME. I still have dreams about this little house. ♥
Since then have fallen in love with all houses! And anything attached to them, like children, neighborhoods, porches, gardens, kitties, dogs, squirrels, birds, trees, fences, and I take pictures of them wherever I go. I like big houses, but I like the little ones better.
A house represents family stability, but they seem to me to be filled with mystery. I think of them almost as a person, especially the old ones, 
imbued with the character of lives lived within; I’m pretty sure everything I do in my house adds another layer of character. The newer ones, like my first little house, are like banks, and each holiday, each loving act, each cooking of a dinner, each creative thing done, even every sadness, is a contribution, so when the house is old, it will have character too. The feeding and care of a house is an important thing. Right now houses all over the country are being fed from the heart . . . with welcomes home!, crackling fires, music and colored lights, delicious smells coming from the kitchen, wrapping of gifts, families coming together, the light and excitement in the eyes of children . . . reminiscing about loved ones who are no longer there. That’s what a house is to me. ♥
I’m sure pictures of houses like this were seeds of inspiration to bring me to New England. This house speaks to me of love, comfort, safety, sturdiness, old quilts, corn pudding and pumpkin pie, tradition, surprises under the Christmas tree. Old movies were such an influence on me, the curtains and wallpaper in the movie Dear Ruth, the cottages in Love Letters, Mrs. Miniver’s wonderful house, Diane Keaton’s house in Something’s Got to Give — her farmhouse in Baby Boom. The way to sell me on a movie is to put a good house in it!
Look at the charm these people added to this plain little house. It has to be love.
I take pictures of houses wherever I go, even speeding along on the train, through the window of our “room with a view” when Joe and I travel across the country.
Another photo I took through the train window, of this little neighborhood of colorful houses. I see cup-a-sugar borrowing going on here. I keep waiting, when I show some of the pictures of the houses I love, for one of you to say, “Hey, that’s MY house!” I wouldn’t be a bit surprised! ♥
I took lots of photos of darling cottages in England . . . this one has become a restaurant — don’t you just love restaurants in old houses? New England has lots of them too.
I put a photo of this house, which is next door to Jane Austen’s house in England (because how could I NOT!), on my blog, and Mary, the woman who lives there, DID contact me to say hello and tell me how surprised she was to see her house (and the closeup of her little dog. “Basil,” who was sitting in the window!). The magic of the internet makes it such a small world.
Basil. English super dog.
There are two houses in this picture of our little cottage in California.
And this precious California house . . . I love festive people!
and of course, my own sweet home.
My love for home has branched out beyond actual houses or pictures of houses, to things that are like houses!
On top of my stove right now, I have two houses and a manger.
And this newest one, sent to me by the sweetest person, was added to the stove-top scene just yesterday!
And speaking of houses and home, I have shown you glimpses of my wood room before — it’s the smallest room in our house, a cozy room with wood walls, hence the name “wood room.” It’s where we read, write letters, knit, talk on the phone, watch TV; where I update my diary at night…
. . . but it’s a little hard to photograph, which is the reason I’ve never tried to show it to you . . . it’s so dark, and the flash brings too much glare . . . so forgive the color here. There’s something about this room you may not have noticed, but I’ve just given you two clues . . . do you see it yet?
OK, I’ll tell you . . . it’s just that all the pictures on the wall are of houses. Homey homes, paintings and prints I have either done myself or collected in antique stores.
There are also old photos of the “house of creativity” I was grateful to receive from the previous owners when we moved in. And when we go, we will leave these, with maybe a couple of our own.
So it’s clear, I’m house-crazy with love. There are more pictures, above the hutch and on the other side of the door, but it’s too dark to see them … there’s also a small wood box, shaped like a house, where the roof opens, that I brought with me when I moved to the island; there’s house-shaped candle in there too . . .
Not that I really need very much to make the wood room cozy after this person settles in. ♥
Because there is nothing that cozies up a house more than a sweet little petty pet of one’s own.
So, of course, when I make a gingerbread house, it’s not very big and it’s not just a house, it’s a home.
These are dreams from my diary written (in the bad handwriting) long ago; I was just making a note. Writing things down is a way to make them come true. ♥ A good way to start the new year.
And that dream, though not finished, is still in the process of coming true — so far, so good! So what would you think a person who was writing her first book in the firelight and Christmas-tree light inside this little house would decide to name it? It would have to be something about the home. And the kitchen, and the heart, and the connection between those things . . . of course! Heart of the Home! Why didn’t I think of that? Oh! I did!
You probably have everything you always wanted for Christmas right now, a little house of your own, out of the wind and the rain’s way. But just in case . . . I have this book, and it’s looking for a new home! So, if you don’t have my first book, or if you know someone you would like to give it to . . . leave a comment! There are lots of good recipes in there! After the first of the year, Vanna will draw a name, I will sign the book, and off it will go to the Heart of your Home. You can leave as many comments as you like, because Vanna knows to only count each address once. And I think I’ll come back every so often this week, and change the music, and give us a little musical tour.
And now? Me and Jack? We’re going to go cook up a storm. Love and Blessings to you and yours and a wish for Peace for every little house on Earth.♥
Sending furry high fives. xoxo
Wow, I sat down earlier today and saw nothing new on your blog, I said to my daughter what? I thought for sure that Susan would have a post on Christmas Eve….looked again and there it is!! Merry Christmas dear Sue. I was sitting on the couch, knitting a last minute gift, crying at the ending of Jerry Maguire…and the door bell rings….??? it’s the Captain of the Police Department with MY DOG who I thought was tied out….but NO, once again he ran away. And there I am on the couch still in my NIGHTGOWN crying over Jerry Maguire…and having to answer the door and let him in with my runaway dog! How’s that for the start of Christmas Eve! Ha ha ha. 🙂
Perfect! LOL 🙂
Merry Christmas Susan. Thank you for your blog and books. I so enjoy them !
Thank you for saying so Elaine!
I love houses just like you do. Especially farm houses. Just think what the wall would tell us if they could. I have your book, but my daughter Emily would love her own copy, if we would be picked by Vanna. Merry Christmas!
I hope it happens Jeannine!
Merry Merry Christmas my dearest Susan, Joe and sweet Girl and Jack!! Thank you for making me so happy every time I see your blog or read your books. I am sitting here with my (cat) Midge all cozy on my lap gearing up to finish the preparations. Cleaning the house, mostly done and marathon bake session. I like to have everything fresh so it’s bake up a storm for 2-3 days. I LOVE IT!! God bless you Susan, you are truly a special Girlfriend! Love you Hon!
Love you Vicki!
Your own little Smidge of a Midge! 🙂
Tooo funny!
Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!
Merry
christmas to you and Joe in your lovely, cosy, warm and friendly home. From a warm and cosy home in Minnesota.
Love that Gloria!
I love houses too. I am always looking at them in my travels, wondering how they are decorated, who lives there, etc. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Thank you for sharing so much creativity and such a warm feeling with your readers.
Thanks so much Cathy!
I must admit that I have given your Christmas from the Heart of the Home to so many people. I think it is just the perfect book for the season.
I refer to it time and again.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and A Happy Healthy New Year.
Susan, your writing, from your heart, puts me in such a wonderfully happy place. It makes me feel peaceful and trust that I am exactly where I am meant to be. Thank you for the fantastically beautiful post! I loved every single bit of it. Wishing you, Joe, Girl Kitty, and Jack a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2013! With love from the heart of my home. ♥
Would love to have your book!
My sentiments exactly about home. We were thinking along the same line because I just posted a picture of my home on my blog saying “From my house to yours Merry Christmas!” I love my home….it’s not big but it’s home. I love when the driveway is full of my boys vehicles (it means they are home for Christmas), I love that my porch has sleeping dogs on it, I love that my chair has two sweet cats just like yours but most of all I love the laughter and love that comes from within. Thank you for your wonderful blog and sharing your home with us. Merry Christmas!!
It’s where Love grows . . . ♥
your post is such a wonderful start to my christmas eve….Home is where I have my best memories and today we will make some new ones .. Merry Christmas to you and yours…….HOME IS… WHERE THE HEART IS…..xxoo
I wanted to say that, for everyone joining other families and friends today, Home IS where the heart is! xoxo
Dear Susan,
Another wonderful blog entry. Thank you.
Merry Christmas to you, from Duluth, MN.
~ sandy
PS i would LOVE to win your book. 🙂
love, love, love.
I LOVE this post. I can’t even describe to you how much. I love that I’m not the only one who takes pictures of houses. My husband and I were stuck in traffic once coming back (ironically!!) from a visit to the Cape. We were on 6A for HOURS. I amused myself by taking pictures of fantastic little houses through the car window as we crawled along. I felt bad for him because he was stuck behind the wheel, but it was the best traffic jam ever for me. Do you have any pictures of your first little house from the inside? It looks adorable!
6A makes it very easy to not mind the traffic! Yes, lots of before and afters of that house, I’ll have to put them up someday.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ECS
I love your home. So comfy and warm. My husband and I watched “The Bishop’s Wife” last night and I commented on how lovely their library was. We are getting ready to travel to my husband’s boyhood home. A farm home that was built in 1871. That home has a lot of stories! Merry Christmas to you!
Have a wonderful Christmas Carolyn!
Susan, Merry Christmas to you and Joe! I have tears in my eyes seeing your beautiful cozy First love house and have to sit down now and write a note to you. Have not finished reading the whole blog yet but needed to do this. Please keep doing what you do best and most of all what you love to do! Thank you very much for making us happy, love salve
You are so sweet Salve, thank you for that. xoxo
Furry High Fives back at ya! I love houses, too. I live in a neighborhood that is a mix of the new and the old cottages. Still a few cottages left before they are knocked down to make the new McMansions … so sad. But, with the economy — the knock downs have slowed down. Guess I found a good thing about the economy! 😀 😀 Thanks for the chance to win your book.
Happy Christmas Eve Day to you Susan!… I loved reading your post about houses and homes… your first little house is so very charming… did you move to your new old house when you met Joe?… I love them both!… and I love you… because you care about the same things I do, and I am sure so many others as well… home and family and Nature and life! I love where you wrote about home and reminiscing about loved ones who are no longer there… just yesterday, I drove past my childhood home which is five minutes away from where I live now… my mama, daddy and older sister have all passed away now… but I sat out in my car in front of our old house and for just a few minutes, I was ten years old again and it was Christmas time in our old house, filled with all of the good things you write about… it warmed my heart so… and I was happy to see the current owners are taking good care of it… adding their memories as well like you said… it was decorated on the porch very similar to how my daddy always did ours… then I gathered all my memories up and tucked them safely in my heart and I came back to my own home and looked around to see what layers I had added to it… everything you write speaks of home and love… and I can hardly wait for your new book!… I am getting the piggy cutting board and the red retro timer from your shop from my Jack for Christmas… and I showed him your Peter Rabbit Room and told him I want a room like that!… he smiled and said I was “Branching out”!… I love it and so does he… he knows how happy everything you write and do makes me!… wishing you, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack a very Merry Christmas!… much love, xoxo Julie Marie Oh yes, please enter me in your giveaway… I would love to win a signed copy of your very first book…
Makes me want to jump into the car, drive to Claire Avenue in my old hometown in California and sit outside and imagine! xoxo Thank you Julie Marie! Merry Christmas to you and your Jack! xo
This post started my Christmas Eve out perfectly. Now I can get ready for the start of a couple of wonderful days.
Merry Christmas dear Susan…Thanks for the beautiful things to read this year.
Balisha
Susan’
I want to thank you for being such an inspiration.I can down and be tattered to pieces and when I read your comforting thoughts I feel much better,consoled and warmed in an embrace.
Much to do today and now I have the little nudge I needed.Happy Christmas to you and Joe.My furry kitty sends his highest regards.
That makes me very happy to hear Robyn, you will never know. xoxo Blessings to you that furry kitty!
Dear Susan,
Each and every posting on your blog is exceptional; but todays’ hit my heart in a special way. There is no place like home is a true statement for sure!! I loved the pictures of all of your homes and the little wood houses on top of the stove. Your Home is as it says “Heart of the Home” Thank you for such a beautiful Christmas Eve Blog. Hope that you and Joe have a wonderful Christmas and a New Year blessed with every happiness and good health.
Beautiful post — thank you! Merry Christmas and a blessed new year to you!
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe and kitties!
Your blog is a highlight of my day, so thank you very much. I love houses too from cottages to stately colonials to well, just about anything. My husband and I have only owned two houses and both very different from the other. The first was an English Tudor cottage in New England and our current and, hopefully last house, is an Arts and Crafts bungalow in NYS. When I walked on the porch of my bungalow, I felt as though it was hugging me! And, after it was ours, I told my husband that this was the house I was always meant to have. Thanks for sharing your love of houses and family and cooking and everything with us.
Love house hugs, they feel so good! Thanks Jean!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe, girl kitty and Jack. I wish you a blessed New Year and I want to thank you for being YOU! You bring so much Joy in all you do!! <3
Good morning, and Merry Christmas to all! We were in Europe for a week and then on a transatlantic cruise, and though we didn’t go to England, I thought of you on that cruise as we (like you and Joe!) crossed the pond to home. It was a wonderful journey, but I am so glad to be HOME, especially now, for Christmas. All of our kids will be here tomorrow, and then we’ll head to my mom’s house in Michigan for more Christmas with more of our family. And it’s funny; I too often notice certain houses when we travel the road from here to there, and love seeing them in all the seasons of the year. It may be a snowy ride around the lake, but it will be very Christmasy. Do you have snow yet, Susan? We have a slight dusting here, may get a little more over the next few days, which would be grand.
I love that you took the time to give us such a glimpse of your marvelous houses, all of the big and small ones… thank you for a wonderful way to start Christmas Eve. Your blog is an interwoven part of my daily life now… and I want to say thank you for sharing with us. Have a wonderful, happy and blessed Christmas, Susan and Joe and Girl Kitty and Jack, and everyone.
Have a wonderful Christmas Susan … I’m sure it will be beautiful up there!
Susan, I love your posts so much. You have the greats pictures too. xoxo,Susie
Wonderful post and photos . I love old houses especially farm houses they tell me their story in their look . Our old farm house here was built in 1895 but before this it was an old school house and we still have the foundation of the school house in our cellar . I can hear the laughter of the children in our walls and the farm families sing songs of Christmas times of past . I can see Mama the girls & Granny in the old farm kitchen baking and cooking the Christmas feast as Papa, Granpa and the boys tend to the farm animals , As supper draws near all is done then all sit around the table with candles burning bright as they pray to the man up above for all they are thankful for and have . This is what this old farm house means to me as we carry on the tradition of the past around our farm house table . Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas .
Mary Christ-mas eve, Susan. Love you whole complete blog and life. SOO glad I ran across you years and YEARS ago. We live in a farm house, first part built in the 1800’s and the biggeer part added in 1911, along with a wrap-around screened porch and lots of wicker. Oh my gosh…it just started to SNOW…YEA!!! There was MUCH to do in this drafty old ‘barn of a house.’ Over 125 rolls of wallpaper, new this and that, made to look old, and 34 years of beautiful memories and raising 4 now grown kids. Have 3 barns,(had a horse and goat) a chicken coop(had Road Island Reds, Plymouth Bardrocks), lots of dogs and cats, especially a kitty that looks just like Jack . Blessed memories to you, Toni from Ohio
Oh, one more thing..before we finished the outside of our farmhouse, we drove around the local area and very old towns and took at least 2-300 pics of the most BEAUTIFUL houses to get ideas for our color scheme. Ours is a four-square farmhouse, sorta plain and we wanted to ginger-bread-it up. We HAD to be patient as it took a ,LONG time to collect the pics., look, look and finally decide since once it’s done, you cannot un-do it! When the previous owners put on wide siding they just cut all the window ginger off and anything else in its way. The use of 20 dentils done in our 3 colors REALLY dressed it up, after our LONG and PAINFUL journey. We even went to a few houses with our color samples and matched up what we liked and then had it custom mixed. It’s really SOOO beautiful:-)))
Hi Susan, Merry Christmas!
I just knew there would be a new post from you this morning and I was right. I too love looking at houses and always do when traveling. I love the older ones, farm houses, Victorian styles, ones with lots of gingerbread trim, painted pretty and with large front porches with a porch swing and comfy chairs. I never get tired of looking at pictures of them, so thanks for posting a few here. Your own house is lovely and the first little one was cute as can be.
I already have your Heart of the Home cookbook, but some lucky person out there may not, so I hope Vanna chooses them!
Thanks Barb!
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe, & sweet kitties. A perfect post for Christmas Eve. Getting ready to go to my daughter’s for the holiday & thought I would check in with you before I went. The pictures are so precious; I love the “wood room”. Your music selection is always so wonderful. I especially enjoyed this one; I did become teary eyed. Where do you find these wonderful selections? Being Irish & just having been to Ireland in April made this selection very touching. Thank you again, Susan. Would love to have your book for a special Christmas treat. Blessings to you & yours.
This is the theme song from one of my favorite movies, The Quiet Man … makes me cry just to hear the music start! If you haven’t seen that movie, it’s going to be your cup of tea!
It is a wonderful movie!! Haven’t thought of it in a long time! A different John Wayne!
I do have “The Quiet Man” & watch it over & over; it is my cup of tea. I am the other member of our “Falling for a Dancer” fan club (our club of two!). Hope you had a very Merry Christmas. We are expecting sleet mixed with rain tonight here at the Jersey Shore. Good night to rewatch Elizabeth, Neely, Mossey & the gang. Abundant good wishes for a Healthy, Happy New Year to you, Joe, & the kitties.
This house post has warmed my heart and lifted my spirits, increasing my love and joy for my own home and all the memories we build here, my little family and I. We would be honored to win your first book. Mary
And I would be honored to put your name in it Mary!
Merry Christmas from our home in Pennsylvania to your lovely, warm home in Martha’s Vineyard! (P.S. Happy New Year from the little terrier sitting on my lap as I type.)
A scratch behind the ear from me!
Merry Christmas Susan! Thanks for sharing your love of houses! I simply LOVE your little house in the woods! How quaint! I can see how you fell in love with it. Have a blessed Christmas!
You too Darlene!
Merry Christmas Dart!
Wondering if you’ve received my Christmas card yet? I think you’ll get a real kick out of what’s inside! I’ll be at Val’s today but will be home tomorrow so I’ll ring you then. Love, Carrie
What a wonderful heartwarming post! We’ve been busy making memories this week. I hosted my book club party where your corn pudding and cranberry apple crisp were big hits. Even with a few minor mishaps there was lots of laughter, chatting, and good times. Last night our family did one of our favorite activities -camping by the Christmas tree all night after an evening of board games. Today it’s making cookies for Santa! We live in the suburbs where the outside of our house looks like many others but I know that personal details inside plus memories like these make our house a home. Thank you for all the joy and beauty you bring to my life! Merry Christmas to you and yours! Furry high five from our cat Midnight to Jack and Girl. Have you seen the video of the cats playing patty cake?
No but I will look for it Lisa! Merry Christmas!
Beautiful post, Susan!
We have lived in two homes in 48 years and loved them both. We just sold our of 28 years and building our little cottage for more love and cozyness.
Thank you for your posts and warm thoughts that you share with us.
Christmas Blessings XXXX
Carolyn
Same to you Carolyn!
Happy Christmas Eve, Susan!
It is “raining cats and dogs” here this morning – just the kind of day to stay inside, but I’ve that “final list” to tend to, so it will be out and about for awhile.
Laundry already underway, though, and Ranch Oyster Crackers made along with Three-Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili started on the stove. Seems like the cooking just never gets finished.:-)
I love your homes – all of them – from your first on MV to the pictures you have collected of other homes, and especially to your present one where so much “homemaking” occurs!
The best of wishes for a blessed Christmas to you, Joe, Girl Kitty, and Jack – and ALL the family!
Oh – I’ve just the perfect person in mind for that “Heart of the Home” book, just in case.:-)
Thank you for all you do to spread cheer all year!
xo Nellie
Thank you Nellie, it’s been nice having you here this year!
We have started our Christmas Day off properly with Scotch Eggs and Christmas Coffee Cake – straight out of your Christmas book! Merry Christmas, Susan!
Merry Christmas Susan, from my home to yours.
From the Great White North, two stops away from Santa!
Laurel and my wee dog, Annie.
OOOO, close to Santa, smart! 🙂
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and must tell you that your blog is one of the best parts of my day Susan…have looked for another to fill in when you don’t post, but none of them seem to quite compare to yours. I love your outlook, enthusiasm, motivation and the musica always fills my heart up too. Thanks so much!
You are so kind to say that Rhoda! Love hearing from you!
Thank you so much for reminding us that there is no place like home. When I count my blessings this Christmas – I am grateful for my own little house, warm and cozy and filled with memories of raising five children in three tiny bedrooms and seven people sharing one bathroom. Of squishing tv trays and balancing plates on laps at every holiday. And the blessing of knowing it is not the grandour of your surroundings, but the size of all the love in your heart.
Oooo, you have done some good layering in that house! 🙂
Merry Christmas Susan!
Same to you Charlene, thank you!
What a wonderful post – there really is no place like home for the holidays! I realized this year that we’ve lived in this house longer than I lived in any other house – 16 years! Didn’t even live that long in any childhood home. Unlike my husband who grew up in the house his Dad built before he was born! My recognition of that has made me appreciate this house more and more!! It’s all decorated for the season. The paperwhites are blooming like crazy! I used almost an entire box of bulb food on the bulb bed to make up for past neglect so they are showing their appreciation!
Merry Christmas to all the girlfriends and their families (2 & 4 legged alike)! 😉
thank you and Merry Christmas to you! It started snowing several hours ago and although it’s not supposed to amount to much, it has coated the world in white! Beautiful!
Like your husband, as a child I lived in the house MY dad built before I was born!
Linda
HI SUSAN,REALLY WANT TO WISH YOU AND JOE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY-HEALTHY NEW YEAR! I TOO LOVE ALL HOUSES ESPECIALLY THE SMALL OLD ONES NEAR THE SEA.MY HUSBAND AND I WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO PURCHASE A LOVELY HOUSE BUILT IN 1835 ONCE BELONGING TO A SEA CAPTAIN HERE ON LONG ISLAND IN A LITTLE TOWN CALLED POQUOTT. ITS THE NEXT BEST THING TO MARTHA’S VINYARD (AS I TOO LUV THAT LITTLE ISLAND VACATIONING ON THE CAPE MANY TIMES AND WISHING WE COULD LIVE THERE} WE ARE SO HAPPY AND IN LOVE WITH THIS HOUSE WE ARE ONLY THE 6TH FAMILY TO LIVE HERE AND I CAN TELL IT LOVES US BACK! CAPTAIN BYRON HALLACK WAS THE CAPTAIN WHO LIVED HERE OH SO LONG AGO AND THE PREVIOUS OWNERS WERE SO KIND TO LEAVE US LOTS OF PHOTOS OF HIM AND HIS FAMILY AND A WONDERFUL SCAPBOOK.HIS SCHOONER THE STEPHEN TABER IS THE OLDEST ONE STILL ON THE WATER TODAY IN MAIN.WELL SUSAN I COULD GO ON AND ON AND PROBABLYHAVE!LOL!MAY GOD KEEP YOU BLESSED IN YOUR WONDERFUL HOUSE BY THE SEA,YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL THAT FOLLOW YOUR BLOG. XOX P.S FUNNY THING THE ONLY BOOK OF YOURS I DON’T HAVE IS YOUR FIRST ONE! BOY, I HOPE I WIN!CROSSING MY FINGERS!!!
Love hearing about your house and its history! Thank you Francine!
I am charmed by small homes, too. Mine is small but not as quaint as some I have seen on my travels, be it on a two-lane road here in the states or in England. Love the love you two put into every day much less a holiday :-)!! Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2013!
Merry Christmas, Susan, and many blessings to you and Joe in the coming year. As I wait for family to arrive, I sat down with your blog and a coffee (usually it’s tea but today it’s coffee) and enjoyed every word in it. Home … such a good invention!!
Thank you for the lovely post! I’m inspired and looking forward to the New Year. I would love to win the book. I too, am off to cook up a storm.
Dear Susan,
You are a light in this great big wonderful beautiful world. Thank you for the gift of today’s powerful message and Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack.
So much love…..
Hi Susan and friends!
I love this morning’s post. I, too, love houses … especially old ones with character. I love driving past homes at night and seeing the lights on and imagining what it looks like inside. My husband says I’m a peeping Thomasina, but it’s not like I go up to the windows and peek in. 😉
I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with much love, peace, and good health.
Thank you, Susan, for making our world a gentler, more beautiful place to be!
We all love you!
I, too, love old houses. I live in the Midwest but remember traveling to Massachusetts for my job many years ago. It felt like I had traveled back in time to a different country! I was able to stay at an old bed and breakfast near Newburyport. I remember talking with the owner the next morning about owning such a piece of history and how wonderful it must be. He just laughed as he said each year he takes a box of receipts to his tax accountant who just shakes his head saying why do you keep putting money into this money pit. But it becomes a part of you and a part of your soul. Houses have so many stories to tell. Anyway, Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing your talents! You are a blessing!
LOL! Oh well!
Forgot to ask about your gingerbread man banner. Did you make it or buy it? So cute! I just love banners!
A gift from a girlfriend! She made it!
🙂 Thanks!
Oh I love the picture of your first house! So wonderful! I’ll think of you in that darling little house now when I pull your books from my shelves 🙂 I bought a house of my own just 2 years ago and I feel the same way you do – it’s all mine and each year adds a new layer – just love that feeling! Merry Christmas Susan – thank you for your cozy blog – my refuge:-)
Dearest Susan…..Happy Christmas Eve!
I read this post with heartfelt tears running down my face, thinking of all the homes that are filled with families and joy for Christmas, all the little houses and cottages, the farm houses, and homes large enough for big families……homes filled with life, love and happiness….such a blessing to be grateful for everyday. And today I also think of those who lost their sweet homes for whatever reason….hurricanes, tornado’s, other circumstances and I send up a special prayer for them, that someday they again may find a special home to make new memories.
Most of all especially today Susan, I want to say thank you again for every post…..each is a present to us girlfriends….because we feel your heart, and you touch ours….with your insight and caring spirit….you are a light in the world! ♥ ♥ ♥
Just have to share one more thing with you and the girlfriends that love honeycomb. The other night I was looking for some ribbon in one of my Moms closets. And way in the back, against a wall was a large looking envelope…….I reached around some garment bags and pulled it out……and it was……………
the Hallmark Honeycomb Santa, my Mom decorated with when we were kids…so it has to be from the late 1950’s or early 60’s. I could not believe it…..have not seen it in 40+ years…….this very large white honeycomb goes around a 15 inch lampshade……then a large red cardstock Santa hat sits on top of the honeycomb top ……there is a beard of white cardstock that wraps around the honeycomb base….the two eyes with eyebrows, and a mustache attached with a red honeycomb nose……those pieces all are put into a honeycomb slits to form the Santa face. All together it is the cutest Santa honeycomb face with hat……..about 36+ inches top to bottom when assembled….and then you turn on the lamp and it is a perfect…..light….so much FUN and a great surprise find after all these years of being forgotten in a closet. It surely is my favorite honeycomb decoration…it is wrapped in memories of Christmases past.
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe, kitties and all the Girlfriends….wishing you joy, love and laughter…..and all the blessings of the season.
Deb
How fun to find that treasure Deb! Merry Christmas to you! xo
Deb, Thanks for your last note! I am glad you are with your darling kitty! It is also neat that your mom is sharing so many memories. If you have time, jot them down. You think you are going to remember them. But there is always a chance you will forget one. Or worse yet, forget important details from her stories. That has happened to my sister and I and now there is no one to ask. And thank you for sharing your discovery with us–I love honeycomb items–and something from the 50’s and 60’s –doubly so! Hang onto that one!
Love to you,
Linda
i will never forget the ad in the paper for our first house. it said “little ones can skip to school” and was on the next block from a grade school. me being pregnant with our first baby knew that was the one! we’ve had two more houses and three more babies since then but each house was picked “by heart”. merry christmas and blessings for the new year to you all! mb
You get these little hints!
Heart of the Home couldn’t be a more perfect name for your work!! I love the pictures in this blog and the sentiments that go with each….perfect as we are cozy in our own homes celebrating Christmas this week. Love your snowy little house painting best of all. Merry Christmas, dear one, to you, Joe, Girl and Jack. xo
Merry Christmas!!! xo
Hi Susan, it is amazing to me how many people from all different places, love the same things. I ALSO love houses. Your first little house is what I dream of now for a retirement cottage. Wish I could find something exactly like that. Sometimes things seem so unattainable. Like all the other “girlfriends,” every time I read your blog, it lifts my spirits. Very disappointed on the days when I don’t find one there. I just LOVE Jack. In every picture you take of him, he looks like he knows how much he is loved and how photogenic he is. Merry Christmas to you, Joe, and your two kitties and best wishes for the new year. I would LOVE to win your book. I don’t have any of your early books. Did you always know you were meant to do this?
No, for years people would ask me what I was going to be when I grew up, and I never had an answer. Didn’t paint my first picture until I was 30, that was a big surprise, and didn’t have a book until I was 39. There is some sort of magic going on. xoxo
I love that you collect and paint houses of all kinds. I think I love your first little house on the island best 🙂
Thank you Susan for this thoughtful post. It is a great reminder that the most important thing I have to do today is stay at home, love my family and fill the house with warmth, simmering pots and love.
When I sit down to read a post from you, I get a relaxed comfy feeling. Love this post about home. I would love to be entered in the drawing. How exciting. Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Thanks for sharing your little wood room…loving it. It’s a dark, dreary, rainy, thundery kind of day here…a good day to stay home and cook for my contribution to Christmas dinner: Southern sweet potato casserole, the best carrot cake I’ve ever eaten (my mother’s-in-law recipe), peppermint cake balls, and a honey-baked ham. Merry CHRISTmas!
I loved your Home blog this Christmas Eve! My husband and I rescued a house (ahem, money pit!) here in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. It was such a chore repairing and reimagining this house, turning it into a HOME. Some days I think I hear this house whispering “thank you, I’m so glad you’re here!” Happy Christmas, Susan, to you and yours.
I’m sure it does!
You say all the things that I feel but don’t have the words to say! I love reading your blog, Thank You!!!!
That’s very sweet of you Jerew!
It’s one of my greatest dreams to own my own little house…I’ve rented from 3 different places, and every time we move, the candidates for new apartment have to have one important thing: It has to feel like home. It’s just a feeling, I can’t really describe it, but it makes all the difference once furniture and dishes get moved in. We’ve had great success thus far, but the time is coming in the next few years to buy, and oh what fun that will be. 🙂
I also rented for many years, and I know you don’t have to own a house to make it your own…and to fill it with the layers of goodness you have to offer it.
Dear Susan,
I can’t tell you how much I love your thoughts of house as a bank with all of life contributing to its character. That thought is holding me close today in this home of 40 years and much life change. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this post. I was feeling rather low this morning. After scrolling through the past month of posts you have restored my soul. I wish you a very Merry Christmas!!
Sending love Suzanne!
Emma Thompsom interviewed on NPR’s Morning Edition today – she’s written a Peter Rabbit story! npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=3 Scroll down to find the story! Her voices are marvelous! What does anyone think?? 😉 I think that it sounds charming – I like Emma anyway!!
Thompson – sorry for typo!
Thank you Kerry – I just finished listening to Emma Thompson’s interview. I loved hearing her speak, she’s wonderful isn’t she!
My first visit to Martha’s Vinyard was to spend time at Holly Oak— the worlds biggest small house on the Planet — with that big attic and the full basement …….Plus that little
Single room out back Plus Plus —- The magical “feel” that was unique to that house that it carries with it ! A blessed place on this earth embodied with the warmth of home not found in other houses ……the birthplace of a special person , who will be remembered as “one with a unique ability to comfort and charm ”
That house and that person are unique to each other …..
Well, you are awfully adorable today my sweet daddy! As usual, I might add. Remember the deck you built on that house for me? xoxo
Aah a clue. You said your house had one bedroom. Then when I looked at the picture I thought there must be more, because it has an upstairs. Could you have finished off a bedroom upstairs in the attic? Say hi to you dad Jack. I remember when my dad would help me do things, mostly car things, when I really needed him.
The upstairs was an unfinished attic without windows, but during my time there I did make it into a bedroom. I also added a bedroom and a fireplace to the left side of the house. The original bedroom was 9′ x 9′ with a bathroom in it!
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe and Girl Kitty and Jack. I loved your Christmas present to us, this lovely post about home. I said a quick prayer for all those who suffered loss during Hurricane Sandy. I am so grateful to still have my haven.
We are in CT this year for Christmas. For so many years we traveled to Maine to visit my elderly parents and my husband’s mother. Unfortunately, that meant not being with our grown sons who had othe obligations. Sadly, they have all passed on, but tonight my oldest (almost 34) and his lovely lady and my hubby and I will gather at the apartment of my youngest son(30). What a treat that will be to be together on Christmas Eve!
I grew up in a 14 room farmhouse in Maine, built in 1820. All the years I lived there, there was no central heating, but it was warmed with the love of family and friends. On Christmas night, cousins and aunts and uncles and friends would gather at “the farm.” I miss those gatherings but I’m so grateful I can still bask in the warm glow of the memory.
Thank you again for taking such good care of us and welcoming us into your circle of friends, if only virtually.
Merry Christmas to you and your dear family. What our country needs is to feel that love of home to strengthen the bonds of family life. May the joy of this happen one house at a time until all houses become loving homes. Your wonderful books instill so many good values in each of us by though, art work and charming pictures. May you continue to fill our hearts with this love of home and family.
Thank you so much for the wonderful blog today on Homes. I get so excited every time I click on your blog and there is a new one, it is the BEST Christmas present EVER. Many blessings to you and Joe, and many Meow’s to Girl and Jack from my Boo and Bean.
Merry Christmas! I enjoyed your post on houses today. It is such a wonderful blessing to have a home, and it is so much fun to decorate, too. My husband and I like to travel, and each time we return, I have a new appreciation for our home. There really is no place like home!
Susan, thank you so much for the lovely post. I feel the same way about houses. I have never photographed them, but they are in my mind’s eye. I live in a very small house and I love how cozy it is. Now that the kids have moved out, it is the perfect size for my husband and me. Merry Christmas.
Your latest entry has truly warmed my heart in my home. I share many of your sentiments and I love that Home Sweet Home draft dodger. Thanks for all your lovely posts.
Blessed Christmas to you and yours!
Susan:
A very Merry Christmas to you. I wanted to thank you for a very
new experience for which I credit you and Jack. This summer my long time
dog companion was leaving us and this special black cat came to live
on my doorstep. I had never had a cat and with sad days following the loss of my sweet dog, the cat and I would just lay in the hammock. He was sweet and calm and still. We named him Briggs. He has been a real lifesaver
for me and will always be mine. Will be getting a dog very soon, (I volunteer at a rescue shelter and now longing/ready for a dog) but will make sure that we will have a compatible companion to Briggs. I think Briggs was sent to me and I always check his strong body to see just how he retracts his feline angel wings. Take care and tell your cats that is are inspiring and see if you can figure out how they retract their feline angel wings. Happy Holidays!
Suzann
LOvely story Suzann, thank you!
This is such a happy home post…you are spreading the joy. I love it. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe from our home in New Jersey!
My oldest daughter moved into her first place in September. I gave her one of your recipe scrapbooks to have family and friends record their favorites.
Special memories! Heart of the Home would be wonderful for her cooking library.
Susan,
I truly enjoy your blog and I hope your Christmas is as awesome as your cats are!!
Happy Christmas to you and Joe, Susan! and Girl Kitty and Jack, too of course. Wishing you peace and health in the new year ahead. ~Vonnie, NH
Reading your blog today was truly a Christmas gift to myself. I was feeling sorry for myself because this is the first year our children will not be home for the holidays. I was wondering why did I bother decorating and putting up a tree if they won’t be here to see it? Well, now I know that although they will be missed, the memories they made of Christmases past in this house will always be with me. And I continue to make memories even without them. I had a wonderful group of friends over the other night and we chatted away because we hadnt been all together in years. It was a wonderful time for all. And reading your blog on this Christmas Eve morning has helped me realize that it doesn’t matter who is with us in the house, the memories we make will stay with us a lifetime. Thank you, Susan, for confirming that for me.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe
I bet your friends adored your decorations! xoxo
good morning dear susan and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
what a lovely way to start the day, with a warm “homey” post from you!
all those houses are so charming. someday i would love to live in an English style cottage and make it a home. we moved so many times when growing up that i dont have an particular memory of a special house. that changed when husband and i bought our first home, a 100 year old farmhouse in Oregon. i loved making that house into a warm, cozy homey, home and starting our own traditions for Christmas. one of those is that at the start of every Christmas season, i pull out a stack of holiday cooking magazines i have collected thru the years, bon appetite, southern cooking; with pages tagged and marked with favorite recipes. i have one book amongst the other publications; “Christmas from the Heart of the Home”. given to me by my mum many years ago early in our marriage. every year i make yummy recipes from your book and basically read it cover to cover. You have captured so well the essence of HOME in your drawings and musings, is why i love your blog so well. and i have my mother to thank for introducing me to Susan Branch, lol
i would love to be able to add “heart of the Home” to my collection! and i can hardly wait until the “english diary” is published, it will be my gift to my own daughter as she dreams of living in UK.
thanks for these gifts you send us every week. I hope you and joe and the kitties have a very wonderful, warm, Merry Christmas and many Blessings for the new year.
cheers!
natasha
Happiest of Christmas blessings, Susan and Joe. I am now living in my mother’s dear home-of-my-childhood, cozy with my two cat’s Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. We are almost set for Candlelight services tonight and stockings, and all. Last minute vacuuming needed (It comes with the cats) but all is calm, all is bright. I agree that the way to a good movie is a great house! Enjoy and a Merry Catnip from my cats to yours.
Merry Christmas, Susan! I adore English houses, and my ultimate dream is to marry an Englishman and live there with him! I really do hope that you pick my name, as I would love to give my mother your book. The only one that we have read is the Autumn book and we are so sad that most of your books are no longer in print. It would be wonderful to give my mother this book, as you and her are such kindred spirits.
As Tiny Tim says, God bless us everyone!
Jodie
Merry Christmas! What a wonderful post! Thank you!
I love houses too, especially old houses filled with haunts and memories! Thanks for your blog. I get goosebumps seeing the beautiful pictures and reminiscing about homes and dreams! We recently moved to Oregon and I love the houses in the woods!! I am from So. Cal. myself and so I love having more seasons here with maple trees, forests, rain, and a tiny bit of snow.
Beautiful, Susan! I’ve always loved houses, too. My mama has collected pictures of old houses and all of us girls love to look at houses, draw houses, snoop in other peoples’ houses! I love your first home and when I read your story for the first time, I found it just as inspiring as I did today! I have that book and my neighbor (who reminds me of you btw) gave it to me. She introduced me to your books and your recipes. I love the “house-y love” feeling that comes at Christmas time. I like to move furniture around, tidy up, move tea pots, and spray good smelling cleaning stuff around! It’s a surge of gratefulness for the privilege of being a homemaker, a home keeper. Happy Christmas. I SO want a kitten. Working on it.
mmmm, kitten. You will go mad with happiness! 🙂
Another wonderfully sweet post. Your wood room might be my new favorite. I LOVE the house pictures everywhere. So sweet and warm. Thank you for the most love-filled blog and for letting us all be part of your inspirational life. Merry Christmas to you and loved ones.
Merry Christmas to you Susan, and to Joe and Girl Kitty and Jack too! Your blog always helps me to remember to appreciate how wonderful life can be.
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for your blog. I look forward to it everyday. Even when you do not write something new my heart feels comfort just looking at the pictures again. I would love your book. I have many of yours but not that one. I am feeling very blessed this Christmas season as I am finishing up a year of breast cancer treatments, I am healthy, happy, and my hair is growing back!!!! I love you, Susan, even though I have never met you. I love your heart. Merry, Merry Christmas!
Jennifer
Happy ,happy Christmas to the four of you in your home sweet home.
Taking a minute, while waiting for the family to arrive, to wish you, Joe and your kitties a very Merry Christmas. I love coming to your blog/website to live vicariously thru you your wonderful life. We have so many things in common and you brighten my day with your words, drawings, pictures and the love you spread.
My father-in-law use to say that we should leave things better than we found them. You do that each day and inspire us to do the same. May God continue to bless you and your family as you share the warmth of home and His love.
We’re cooking up a storm here too Susan. Lasagna central is open for business…I have to make 2 trays for tonights festivities at my sister in law’s and 2 trays tomorrow morning for Christmas Day at Dad’s. We have Pandora’s Christmas music playing through out the house, the smells are heavenly and I can’t wait to sit around the table with family tonight and tomorrow too. Does it get any better than this? Counting my blessing big time this year and I hope you and Joe have the most wonderful Christmas ever. Love and Christmas wishes to all the girlfriends from the southwest suburbs of Chicago where they say we may get an inch of snow by tomorrow! Yipppee~
Thanks so much for the house post. I, too, love to look at all types of houses, but your first small house on the island is so perfect. I can imagine spending long lovely hours there. And with all those kitties to keep you warm, I can’t imagine anything grander. Merry Christmas to you and Joe (and Jack and Kitty Girl) and may your dreams and hopes for the new year come true.
Merry Christmas and many blessings to you, too, Susan. I’ll be cooking up a turkey breast tomorrow for my husband and I, and then we’ll watch old movies and look for those first flakes of snow that are supposed to come our way. Years ago, when I did craft shows with my needlework, I used to make little gift tags which I drew and then printed on them “Made with love in the heart of America.” There was a drawing of a barn and silo and fields tucked into a heart shape. All your work is done with the same kind of love I felt when I made each piece of art needlework – I know because it shows in all you do. I so enjoy reading this blog! Blessings to you and yours – kitties too – from the heart of America (Illinois), from myself and Andy my sweet sheltie and Nicky, my horse.
At 73 years young, I am now living in my 18th home. I loved each house for its self, each had something to give. Making each house a HOME was a real love of my heart. I remember riding in the car on Sundays to visit Grandparents and the trip took us across the San Fernando Valley. OH ! the smell of the orange groves. One Grandparent had a farm the other a ranch house, both were delightful with berry vines and fruit trees. I , too would dream of the lives inside the houses and I watch the old movies for the homes. Well, my four little furry friends got soft cozy beds from Santa early this week to rest in front of the warm fire and smell the cookies baking for our guests. Merry Christmas To All ! Blessings, Brook
Dear Susan,
Love isn’t love ’til it’s given away, and you my friend have given it ALL!
From MY heart, thank you, thank you…….for sharing your hearts fullness. I have been blessed with your ‘musica’, inspirational ideas and recipes, loving and positive words, girlfriends, Jack and Girl, Joe, old movies, travels, giggles and so forth! You have made a difference in my life. Truly.
May this season of Christmas bring you and Joe as much JoY and LoVe as you have given.
Merry Christmas. XO
Love from,
Erica
and all the people on vintage pictures (who are they?) on MYwalls.
Well, I like them ‘cuz they too have a story and secrets.
I love my little home, but I also love looking at other houses. I dream about moving into other houses.
Merry Christmas! Thank you for all of your pretty posts.
What a perfect Christmas Eve post…..home. And there is no place like home for the holidays! (that sounds like a song, oh wait, it is 🙂
I do not have your first book, but I just got both of your Christmas books this year for Christmas. Thank you for the chance to get it.
Merry, Merry Christmas.
xoxo
Joy
All the stockings are hung and there are candy canes on the tree. Lights are twinkling and there is whispering among the children. Except these are my “old” children and they are up to something!
I was enchanted to read about your house box as I have one also. My Father made it for me as a recipe box years ago. It is a treasure that is displayed with affection. Your post was just right for today and I enjoyed it greatly.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe……have a blessed 2013.
xoxo Pam
I had to post this as I thought it so funny. but when I pressed on musica I didnt get any music. . this is the message I got.
“Sorry, something went wrong.
A team of highly trained monkeys has been dispatched to deal with this situation.
If you see them, show them this information:”
I also LOVED this post. I too have a love affair with houses and homes. I paint lots of cottages and houses that hang on my walls. I love movies because of the houses in them. I started doing yellow walls and floral couches because of the movie FOUL PLAY. My Husband builds bird houses and some I have decorated for inside too. My Parents built two of our own homes when I was a child, themselves, as my dad was a Contractor/builder and my Mom was hands on in helping. I even married someone who could build things. Thanks for always sharing your home with us. Its so inspiring. ♥
Thank you, Susan, for your continual reminders to us about why we love our homes. Since I live in the suburban sprawl of Phoenix area, most of us live in a cookie cutter house with very little property, no wonderful, lush greenery as you enjoy, and very little character…I know, what was I thinking when I moved out here? That being said, my home is my nest and I continually feather and then re-feather the nest to make it our own little personal oasis in the desert. Your post embodies all that I love, and I enjoy dreaming every time I read your words and soak in your pictures. There may be little character on the outside but tons of it inside. Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Girl Kitty the beautiful, and Jack the imp. Oh, and to all the girlfriends out there. The happiest of Christmas days to everybody. May our hearts be full.
PS: I was looking at my copy of your Christmas Joy book and wanted to tell you that I love your watercolor of Santa and Mrs. Claus doing their dance…”on with the dance. Let joy be unconfined.” Isn’t that just the best thought for Christmas???
LOVED your post! Home has always been my favorite word. Home…warm…they both pretty much have the same ring to it don’t they? Our big family Christmas gathering was at our house last night. After 27 yrs of living here I still go to bed at night and say “thank you God”. I love my forever home and especially love it when someone walks in for the first time and says ” this house is you!” Could there be a better compliment to tell someone? A few minutes ago the UPS man put a package on my front porch that I believe is from my daughter Molly who is in the Navy and guess where it’s from…..Susan Branch Studio….AAHHH!!! Can’t wait to open it but I will wait till morning so she can be part of Christmas morning no matter how far away she is. Merry Christmas to you Susan and everyone who’s life you have ever touched. That’s a LOT of people.XOXO