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
Loved your post. I know how much my home means to me…I have never “lived” anywhere else but in this county–off for three years to nursing school but was home about every other weekend. Contented with this place I call home. We have vacationed but home is really where I want to be. Would love to win your book!
hi susan, i have loved your website for awhile now. it is my go-to-spot for quiet contemplation. what started me was your beautiful calligraphy…of which i can only aspire. the open door to your quaint home drew me in even more. then your quilting fabric. now, knowing that you collect pictures of homes i had to respond. 🙂 i too love to hunt for “home- pictures”. to purchase, it also must include a tree. i should draw my own, but alas… i will leave it to you experts. keep inspiring and merry christmas. joanne
Thank you so much for the wonderful Christmas Eve blog. I have enjoyed all of your blogs through out the year they always give me a smile and bring back fond memories. Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Girl kitty and Jack!
Loved your post, Susan. We do have a home in the mountains, however right now we are at a home in Florida. I’ve owned since 1970, and it’s been home to a brother, and then my hubby’s 2 daughters – the last one lived here 20yrs. It’s a tiny little thing, but a nice little place to lay your head down and close to lots of other things. We are slowly fixing it back to us, as we do drive back & forth to visit the kids & grands. I used to cross stitch many home (also alphabets) and loved seeing your photos.
I’m sure you’ve seen the saying – “A home without a dog (cat) is just a house.” Love that – except we are between a furry one right now.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe with blessings beyond your dreams!!
You are a kindred spirit indeed ! I love to take rides past houses I love to look at, and sometimes I take walks with a camera in my pocket . If they could talk, houses would tell stories that I’d love to hear! I don’t have a copy of Heart of the Home and would love to be chosen, but I know whoever receives it will welcome it home !
My heart always will remember the little house on Clark Road where I grew up. My Momma and us 3 girls lived there with just the basics and we struggled. I have many fond memories of her cooking pancakes on an old iron stove Sundays after church, playing in the sprinklers on hot summer days, and climbing trees in the yard. I think my fondest memory was when Momma made us toast and hot chocolate on a snowy winter wonderland morning and crushed up her piece of toast into crumbs and sprinkled them on the front yard. She told us to just wait and watch. Magically a gathering of chickadees flew down to the ground and feasted on her toast. They were so cute, chubby fluffy little birds. To this day they are my favorite bird. It is my second Christmas since Momma went to Heaven, but she gave me memories of a home filled with love.
Merry Christmas from Arkansas! I’m really from New England and lived in and near houses like you show here! My husband came “home” here to paint (pictures, not houses! He’s an artist), and I get to come home to New England every now and then, so the best of both worlds! I have been photographing my house like mad after all the decorations are up. And they are on my Facebook page. Thank you so much for all your inspiration. I’d love to win your book! I’m new to this and do not have any of them! Looking forward to all the great ideas you share in 2013!!
You would think that I would have lost my love of houses after having 20 different homes in 46 years… all with the same dh. We have rented some and owned some… frequent moves due to military/government service plus just wanting to change to a different place. Now we are settled in our 20th home… we both insist it is for good. We built it last spring in a Del Webb community where we have everything we could want nearby. Now I like to make fabric houses – designing, piecing/appliquing, and then quilting them. Such fun. I’d love to win your cookbook!
You give words, to our universal Love Of Home… We feel them, in our hearts. But you not only feel them, but write them down… And picture them… Thank you!
Happy Christmas Eve…
Happy Christmas…
“Auntie”
Susan…love today’s post…my husband John and I always say to each other “I LOVE our little house!” 🙂 We always hate to leave and can’t wait to get home…
We wish you, Joe and your family and friends a very blessed Merry Christmas and
a wonderful 2013 full of new, fun adventures!
“All hearts come home for Christmas.” ~ author unknown
I love little houses, too. I live in a small cottage in western North Carolina and have been hoping for snow, well, no snow but we did get cozy rain today. The fire is burning and now I am taking my tea to go and sit beside it. Have a blessed season!
Linda
Merry Christmas to you and yours! I am all snuggled in our home, Christmas lights shining, cookies and pumpkin pie baked, thoughts of starting dinner dancing in my head. What more can a girl ask for? All we need is provided for. I am grateful for our friendship and that is enough. Enjoy your home and all that makes it one!
Hello Susan,
Love love this post. I think about how brave and strong you were to start life in a new place, even as lovely as M.V. Thanks for remembering the kitters, gotta have my fill of Lady Kitty and Jack. Have a safe holiday.
That was lovely. I have two friends from Arizona here with me in San Diego for Christmas. We had a lovely dinner for friends Saturday night, spent yesterday in the mountain town of Julian (cloudy and brisk), tonight a play and dinner on Coronado Island and breakfast brunch for friends tomorrow. My home-made family. I’m fortunate…I know it. This morning in jammies doing cross-word puzzles and cooking for the brunch. What more could I ask for…my home! Love and best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy New Year.
Your blog made me think of all the little houses I have around my house too! Merry Christmas Susan and Jo and Kitties.
My husband and I found our home after 5 years of trying! We had almost given up when we were helped, I’m quite certain, by Divine Intervention. It is a house that was built by love and we were lucky enough to find it after the original owners left. I think you would love it too. It has an evening porch with a swing and a wonderful rose garden in the back. We feel very blessed to have found it. If you’re ever down this way please come visit. Our cats will hide, but we’d love to see you.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe, and Meowy Christmas to Girl Kitty and Jack from our kitties.
And I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I’m the lucky one Vanna picks.
I’m having a nice quiet Christmas at home too. Home is where the heart is. Love your blog. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas to you, Susan!
good afternoon and hello susan, girlfriends. just popping in to say hello and to send holiday wishes to all. susan i love looking at houses, my favorite would have to be old farmhouses and barns. they are just so warming to the heart. well a piece of good news, we caught the varmints that were killing our chickens, it wasn’t raccoons or foxes as we thought. turns out it was possums that had taken up residence in our woodpile. well they are not coming back any time soon, and for once the chickens had a peaceful and quiet night. the change and difference in their behaviour was really noticeable. i would go in to open up and they were all huddled together in a bunch in a corner, not carrying on like always in the morning, and they refused to go out in the mornings or all day. they were terrified. well we plugged all the holes and blocked all entries and set a trap out last night to catch whatever it was and we caught it, 2 possums. now the chickens aare noisy and wanting to be let out and all over their yard clucking and carrying on like normal. the trap will set out for a few days more to see if there are any more around and we will get rid of them. sadly the tally stands at 10 hens and 1 young rooster dead, but now those critters are not coming around and terrorizing my chickens again. well back to the holiday preps and hustle bustle around the house. wishing you, joe, girl kitty and jack and all the girlfriends a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!!!! Merry Christmas everyone. hugs…… 🙂
good afternoon and hello susan, girlfriends. just popping in to say hello and to send holiday wishes to all. susan i love looking at houses, my favorite would have to be old farmhouses and barns. they are just so warming to the heart. well a piece of good news, we caught the varmints that were killing our chickens, it wasn’t raccoons or foxes as we thought. turns out it was possums that had taken up residence in our woodpile. well they are not coming back any time soon, and for once the chickens had a peaceful and quiet night. the change and difference in their behaviour was really noticeable. i would go in to open up and they were all huddled together in a bunch in a corner, not carrying on like always in the morning, and they refused to go out in the mornings or all day. they were terrified. well we plugged all the holes and blocked all entries and set a trap out last night to catch whatever it was and we caught it, 2 possums. now the chickens are noisy and wanting to be let out and all over their yard clucking and carrying on like normal. the trap will set out for a few days more to see if there are any more around and we will get rid of them. sadly the tally stands at 10 hens and 1 young rooster dead, but now those critters are not coming around and terrorizing my chickens again. well back to the holiday preps and hustle bustle around the house. wishing you, joe, girl kitty and jack and all the girlfriends a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!!!! Merry Christmas everyone. hugs…… 🙂
oops!!!
hi susan…love your post and have spent a lifetime turning all of the little places we have lived into our home….and loved doing it…. “where we love is home~home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts…” Oliver Wendall Holmes…so today..as i am scurring around tending to the last minutes details for our traditional family Christmas Eve dinner of lasagna ( 33rd time…), i am remembering all of the wonderful things that my grandmothers and my mom did to make our house the special home it was….the fireplace is a blaze and the candles are lit…everything is twinkly shiny and we all are excited..everyone comes home for Christmas…i thank God for the blessings of my life and send wishes to you and Joe for a joyful, special, and peaceful Christmas. Thank you Susan for being a part of my life…..I know that the only way to really repay you for all of your inspiration and kindness is by paying it forward….Merry Christmas and here’s to a blessed 2013…..love cindy
Oh how I love this blog and all the wonderful things about it.My husband and I tease because we say we bought the HOAR house. That is the name of the couple who built this lovely l-shaped cape with beautiful built in hutches, bookcases and beautiful hardware. There is an exact repilca of this house in Salem, MA.
Thank you for that beautiful post, Susan. You and I watch the same movies and love them for the same reasons. I love seeing beautiful homes. One movie I watch when my grandchildren are here is Home Alone because the home is so pretty and one of my all time faves is the “new” Father of the Bride with Diane Keaton and Steve Martin, LOVE!. Have a wonderful Christmas! XO
I know a special person I would give that book to this year! As a matter if fact, every time I introduce someone to your books I always give them the first one and tell them, “This is where you start”, and then I know they will be hooked. I pulled that book out earlier and made fudge, it smells so good! And then Foccacia bread! A crazy California Italian Christmas Eve!
Merry Christmas, Sue (&Joe, too)!
Barbara in Lodi
Oh~~this was a d~light~FULL blog today ..such enjoyment they bring!!!!
Happy Holidays to all !!! Even Vanna …such a neat ”gift” to one of us girlfriends …thanks !!!!
Thank you for your continuing inspiring words – your gentle reminders of dreams, place, life and being are always a treasure. Now that you’ve shared your passion for houses – it will be fun to read your Christmas book that evolved from your little house. Peace for the New Year.
Merry CHRISTmas to you Susan. I love your post, as I am a collector of houses. Small ones….Liberty Falls. They were made for 10 years (in the 1990’s) and came out at the Department Stores, one a week for 8 weeks before Christmas. Each box came with the story of who lived in the business or house, and each year the town grew bigger. They added people, summer pieces and if one collected all 8, would receive a free piece to the collection for sending in the 8 seals. A fun time and I still display them. I love turning them , when dusting, to change the view. Grandsons love them also, as I catch them standing and looking into the curio at the circus pieces or summer picnic, ballgame or swimming hole. Glad you so like houses also, as I love your drawings of them. Can I print one off to frame?
love this website sooo much.
Now that I am grown and living in my own home with my husband, son, and one of the best dogs in the world Miss Spike, I understand what Dorothy (Wizard of Oz) meant when she said “if I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard because, if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with..”
Just now as get ready to post this I looked up and see it is lightly snowing! They predicted rain. Let’s hope this Christmas Eve magic will last.
Happy Holidays to you Susan, Joe, Girl, and Jack!
Susan – every time I see you or Joe working around your house – it’s such a cozy feeling . . and your words of your love of home and hearth (and Joe:) . . resonates with us all!
I always think of this song when I visit your blog:
“Our house, is a very, very fine house . . .
With two cats in the yard
Life used to be so hard,
Now everything is easy ’cause of you” . . . . .
~Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
The Merriest Christmas to you and Yours!
Merry Christmas, Susan!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe! I am listening to the holiday music with my feet up, sipping on a nice red wine. I love your posts, all of them – thank you ever so much for sharing your thoughts, your life and your dreams…..
Hello Susan,
I read all of your posts but I think this one is the best yet. How much beauty you bring to the word Home. Mine shall be that much better for having read your blog today.
Thank you.
I love love all your books! So, thank you. Merry Christmas!
I would love to win the book , i dont have one. I need a home , i dont have one. My home is in my heart. Sue my mother just passed away and i am so sad the pain is so intense. I feel well only looking at your blog and the pic of the kitties , ilove them both. I hope u and Joe and have wonderful Christmas i am sending my love and wishes for a great new year. I would love to hear from you . I am going to write (snail mail ) to you in the Vineyard. I want to come to see M.V. and see what i feel being there. I LOve u both , i still live in Henderson Nv. This year i am going to make a big change since my mother is now gone from this life. She passed on Nov 30th 2012 I miss her so much. Please take care of each other and your baby kitties. You make a world of difference to so many ppl so know u are a blessing from Heavenly father . All my love and God s Richest blessings to you all XXX OOO Miss you come to visit me in Las Vegas area once i move you are always welcome to come visit in my home with Cat bosses or Kitties that rule the roost Happy New Year God Bless u and JOe kisses to him from us , for u both XXX
Cheyenne, I am so sorry about your mom. How hard that must be. Sending love and blessings to you xoxo
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe, Girl Kitty, Jack, and all the girlfriends! Knowing all of you gives me such pleasure. We are all different, but kindered spirits in so many ways. Right now my husband Bob is making more peanut brittle to give to neighbors because we already gave away (and ate) the first couple of batches. He also has some bread baking in the oven. I’m the main cook, but he’s the better baker and candy maker. We already had Christmas with the kids and grandkids this weekend because of conflicting schedules, so we’ll be having a quiet Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – just the two of us. I got the Christmas in Connecticut DVD from the library, so we’ll be watching that and our favorite version of A Christmas Carol with Alistair Sim this evening.
Thanks for the reminder about writing down our wishes. I bought myself your book of Days from the Heart of the Home as an early Christmas gift to me, so I have the perfect way to start the new year. We’re supposed to get snow tonight. The first white Christmas in many years. I’m looking forward to sitting by the fire with some mulled wine and enjoying the lights on the tree with a kitty on my lap and a dog at my feet.
God Bless us Every One!
What a warm, cozy read. You have a wonderful way with words..so enjoyable to take a break from all my preparations for family tomorrow, settle down on our comfy sofa and relax with your thoughts. All refreshed, I’ll start again, hoping our kids and grandkids feel that way about our home and now their own homes, too. Would love to win your first book!
Merry Christmas, Susan! I love my home too. It is filled with love and laughter.
Love,
Terry
Like you, I had my very first home in Worcester at the bottom of a very steep drive, on Lake Quinsigamond, with a little dinghy attached. It was only a rental, but it was my very first house as a single girl. I loved it, with its stone fireplace, and small cozy rooms, and basement that led out to the lake a few feet down. I spent many a morn rowing around the edges of that lake, even got me a fishin’ pole. It was heaven! And I ended up meeting the love of my life there. Thanks for awaking in me those fine memories of the past.
My first introduction to the wonderful world of Susan Branch was this book which was lovely given to me by a dear life long friend many years ago!
I would love to introduce you through this book to another life long friend… if Vanna picks me that is!
Merry Christmas Eve!
Houses…..homes……..hearts……love. Is there anything more we could ask? I wish peach and love for all and a very Merry Christmas.
Oh Susan, I loved reading this post! I too take photos of houses everywhere I go so I really enjoyed seeing your first little house, and the pictures of the English houses.
Of course a house is more of a home when there are pets there too — Girl Kitty and Jack look so cute on the back of your sofa, each with their own blanket.
Happy Christmas to you and Joe! 🙂
Like many others, I so enjoyed this posting. It has always been very important to me that a home feels “right”. Before we bought our home 16 years ago, we would walk into some homes for sale and they just didn’t feel right or homey or whatever you would call it. My mother made our house a home and I have always tried to do that in my home as well. I love to anticipate coming home from a trip knowing my cozy little home is waiting for me. Today it has snowed like crazy all day and I’ve been baking and cooking in preparation for all of the family to come for Christmas Eve dinner tonight, (Hope they all make it safely!) but I just had to take a moment and check to see if there was a new posting. I have had your Heart of the Home book for many years and treasure it. Something you wrote that I have always remembered is that you said to make your home look good, smell good, and sound good – music, yummy smells, candles and all of those things that make it homey and welcoming. Thank you for a wonderful year of lovely posts. I always feel so inspired when I read your books and blog. Merry Christmas to you and Joe.
I just fell in love with you and Jack and GK and Joe and the island (and each of those houses )all over again after this Christmas blog!!! I even got a tear because it is so meaningful and the way you are able to put words to thoughts and feelings…and how much you share with all of us! I think I can speak for all of the girlfriends when I say that we can feel your heart of the home and love.
Growing up, all I ever wanted was a family and a house that I could make into a home for all of us, and for me, personally, the biggest compliment I could ever receive is when someone tells me that they have felt welcomed and happy in my home!
I am so happy that you have had your dream(s) come true! That you have a very special house with lots of history and beauty. I am so happy that you have your special family of Joe and Girl Kitty and Jack…and that you are on one of the most beautiful spots to live in the world! MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Love and hugs!!!
Susan, Joe, Girl Kitty, and Jack –
Happy Christmas and Blessed Yuletide!
I already own this book, but not autographed. If I win, I will send you mine so you will have another to sign and gift to the next winner.
Marcia in Sewell, NJ
Thank you for the glimpses into your heart and your home. I truly enjoy reading your blog and viewing lovely sights from your eyes. Merry Christmas to you all!
Merry, Merry Christmas to you and your family! I have many of your books including a duplicate one (I knew I liked it when I came home with the same one!). Kept it in case I wanted to give it to someone dear… I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE the “Heart of the Home” book to add to my collection!
Regardless, I love love your blog and look forward to reading it with a cup of hot tea at hand. God bless you for all the joy you bring to so many of us girlfriends!
Merry Christmas, Susan! Today is my birthday (Dec. 24th) and your wonderful blog was a sweet birthday read. I love houses too and often times when I go in a house, imagine myself living there and exactly what I would do if I did! My beautiful labradors, Shadow and Clementine, are cuddled in the quilts this bitter cold Kansas day and we are eagerly anticipating Christmas. XXXOOO
Happy Birthday Jeanie!
Happiest and Homiest of Chrismas’s to you Sue and all the Girlfriends that share your loves. I am so happy to see that there is quiet a few of us, Hurrah!
And to all….a Good Night!
Oh my how you always touch my heart. We are losing our home. I never got to really make it OUR home. You see, my husband became acutely ill and will not get better…..it has been since 2009 and the years have not been kind to him or me. I love our home. We will be out of here in about three more months and having to live near our daughter three hours away……in an apartment if we are able to live on our own…..I love the smells of home, the kitchen, the foods, the baking, the fireplace, which now because of ……..
I’m so sorry Lauren. It’s not good and it’s not fair. Sending you love, a big giant batch of it, like your oven baking chocolate chip cookies, to wrap around you xoxo
I, too, fell hard for the kitchen in Something’s Gotta Give. I never had an interest in living on Long Island until that movie! (I’m from NYC and Westchester originally, then upstate NY. Now in DC!) But my favoritist favoritist home and kitchen was in the movie, Practical Magic. That kitchen was also shown in a magazine photo spread (either Country Home or Victoria, maybe???) Anyhoo, I fell hard for that kitchen. I just love how you write. I wonder how you got to the Vineyard. I wonder how you met the amazing Joe. I wonder where you get your words every day. So thanks for all the wonder you gift me with. Blessed Christmas, Susan and Joe and the kits. xoxoxo
Well, one of those questions is going to be answered in the book I’m writing now … How I met Joe … that story is the first chapter…. Thank you Thea!
“To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition, the end to which every enterprise and labour tends…” – so says Samuel Johnson, one of my heroes (we even named our cat after his famous cat, Hodge). I tend to agree with him. A real home, built on love, means everything. Best wishes from Maine.
Dear Susan,
A very Merry Christmas to you all and thanks again for being such an inspiration. This time you inspired a Christmas gift. I made your yummy little star shaped croutons, put them in a jar with a pretty snowflaked cap on top, added another jar curried rice soup mix (called it Busy Day Soup), put them in a shiny stock pot with a couple of cans of shrimp to add to the soup and a soup ladle. I tied the whole thing up in cellophane with a pretty ribbon and bow, Voila! I think your croutons made it extraordinary.
I just want to say how much I look forward to your blog. Please don’t ever stop!
I’ll try not to!
I would love to have that book. Yes I already have it but I know someone who would like one. I just finished making my cranberries, a pecan pie and cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning breakfast. It was a delight to find your post when I sat down for a break. Thank you for sharing. It made me think of all the houses I have lived in over the years. There was something different but special about all of them. As I was remembering each one the first room that came to mind was the kitchen. Indeed I believe they are the heart of the home. Merry Christmas!
I honestly can’t convey in words how much I love your writing. Even though I thought I was a “liberal” woman when younger, I’ve begun to realize how much I love home, and everything associated with it, now that I’m older. Life’s a changin’: no more kids at home, moving a thousand miles away from the area I’ve lived all my life, seeing all sorts of changes, some good and some not, on the horizon. I hope, some day, to visit your part of the world in person. Merry Christmas to you, Joe, and the kitties!
Merry Christmas, dear Susan! Why is it your posts make me get a lump in my throat and a happy tear in my eye? I think it is because you put in words, the things most dear to my heart. I too, love my little cottage in Colorado… my old home could tell a story or two, and after living here for 22 years we have added several chapters to the tale. I have a dear friend, that gave me “Heart Of the Home” for Christmas in the 80’s, and I have been an avid fan of all of your books. Now, I am so looking forward to your up and coming book on “our trip to England”.
Wishing you, Joe, and those sweet kitties, the happiest Christmas! xxoo
Put me down for the book. I have a niece who I know would love it! Shh, if I win don’t tell her. But just in case I don’t she has the little Christmas book in her stocking and a Book of Days she saw at my house and decided she must have one just like it, under the tree. Faith is having a Susan Branch Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Susan, Joe and Kitties!
Dear Susan–I have finished everything I can do until tomorrow–my children and Grands come tonight. So I took a little time for me to read your blog. I live in the house my husband bought for me in 1972, and we raised 4 children here. It is truly a HOME! I love every inch of it and every inch holds so many memories. The best is that all of our children and 11 grands spend every Christmas here in this HOME. Best Wishes, Pam
wow….this blog made me cry…..it made me rethink the blessings part….I too, have had a long love affair with houses….partly because I was moved from place to place after my mother died….and partly because I read school books for extra credit in 4th grade…about famous people…like founding fathers and their families….and the pictures were often pen and ink….colonial…interesting…and they had mommies and daddies, even if they were about George Washington as an adult….and of course I read Wuthering Heights many long years ago when I was 11….I loved the descriptions that books give of houses….but they turn into homes in my mind…..I am blessed with a home of my own…the family I always wanted….but of late have taken for granted a wee bit more than I should….so thank you for this….it’s the little gifts we get….not knowing that we’ll be getting them….that can make life so sweet….I too, have paintings and pictures of houses….I love wondering about who lived there, what they left behind…and the love and laughter, as well as the trials and tribulations that lived within its walls….thanks for this one Susan…blessings to you and Joe on this wonderful Christmas Eve!
Cynthia
Love your thoughts Cynthia.
I love hearts and house things too. I love your artwork and books and have most of them. I have some of your fabric and many of your rubber stamps. You have a way of sharing wisdom, nostalgia, memories, etc. that really connect with me–you bless my life. Thank you.
Thank you back Gerry!
I see you in front of your little house, all alone except for your kitties and I wondered how hard it must have been for you, one of eight and a million girlfriends and family to move off across the country and be all alone. Did you know anyone on the island?? Was that hard to be alone? I’ve taught each one of my three children, you have to learn to be alone and like yourself….so you won’t be afraid to be alone and not get into a desperate situation with someone because you WERE afraid to be alone. But coming from a family so large and you being such a ‘girlfriends girlfriend’, must have been a big scary step for you. You are one brave ‘mama’.
…and I want to add, I really admire you for what you’ve accomplished in your life. You’re a great inspiration to so many people.
So kind of you to say Karen. I happen to be writing right now about someone who was that for me, a great inspiration, so what you said is a sweet compliment. xoxo
It was so hard. Hardest, but best thing I ever did. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but the voice in my head told me I was in the right place and I had to stay. I would like to take credit for being brave, but it was all a giant accident!
Oh the sweetness! I love cozy, old home movies too! When the kids watch “Miracle on 34th Street”, I often tell them to call me “when the house part comes on”. Old Disney movies are great for that too…..”Okay, Mom, the house part is on!” Decorating via vintage movies and TV keeps one from having to worry about the latest fads and keepin up with the Joneses. My teenage son recently said that our dining room looks like the Lawerence Welk New Years Eve Special. Awesome! Have a wonderful Christmas and thank you for reaffirming the importance of Home Sweet Home.
The house part! LOL!
When I look around my home and see all of the things that were my mother’s, I feel like a little girl again. Especially today, when I know Santa will be delivering packages under the tree and that all my wishes will come true.
Thank you, Mama and Daddy for giving me the gift of knowing I am loved.
For the joy that you bring to us all, thank you.
Happy Christmas wishes waft your way and all the best in a Merry New Year.
LOve houses too…and you showed really stunning ones…LOVE your house now and the cute first one…….so homely both!
A very Merry Christams to you all!(You ,Joe and the cats)
What a beautiful post on such a beautiful day. I do not have the Heart of the Home book, but I have your Christmas Joy, which I read every December, Sweets for the Sweet and a number of your other books, that I love so much. You are a very generous lady to share so much of your life. I hope that you, Joe, your family and your dear kittens have a wonderful holiday season, and many blessings in the new year. Love, Pat
You really “struck a chord” with me, writing about your love for old houses. I have very similar feelings about old houses, no matter where I find them. Perhaps it is our “experience” that gives us this perspective. My husband and I have done fair bit of traveling around the country, making latent images wherever the road takes us. We especially enjoy taking the back roads. One comes across the most interesting places that way. Once when we were driving from Montana home to Michigan, we drove through the prairies of North Dakota, and we noticed many abandoned houses. My thought as we drove past them was, who lived here, what was their occupation, what happy or sad memories were made there, and why were these homes abandoned by those who live there?
Last month I watched the documentary by Ken Burns about the Dust Bowl, and these abandoned homes I had seen years before on the Dakota prairie came back to mind. Perhaps it was the Dust Bowl that was responsible for their demise.
We have lots of wonderful old homes in our town, and I love walking and driving through the streets, and wonder what the interiors look like. They are especially inviting at this time of the year!
Thanks again for sharing your own “gezellig” home with us. May you and Joe celebrate a wonderful Christmas together with those you love and who love you most! And may the love you bless us with, be retuned to you a hundredfold!
Sigh. This post has inspired me to do a little scrapbook tribute to my home. I have spent some of the happiest years of my life here with Big Jim and it’s high time I paid homage to that. Susan, I treasure you as a friend even though I’ve never met you. (How presumptuous I know!) Thanks once again for making my day. Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack!
Not presumptuous at all … it’s really a two-way street around here! 🙂 Thank you Debby!
hello, and good afternoon susan and girlfriends. the cats are waiting very patiently for santa to arrive tonight and fill their stockings with new toys…jingle balls, new toy mouses and all sorts of goodies. the kitchen smells like heaven with a turkey roasting in the oven, and the warm and heavenly smells of dinner wafting through the house. the sound of Meet Me in St. Louis on the tv and happy chickens out in their yard, its so good to see them happy and secure again. we got the varmint last night, actually 2 of the varmints…possums!!! we set humane traps and caught them and hubby disposed of them, they won’t be coming back to hurt our chickens again. just popped in to wish susan, joe, girl kitty, jack and all the girlfriends a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years. Merry Christmas everyone from our house to yours. hugs….. 🙂
Possums! Who would have guessed! 🙂 Merry Christmas to you Pat!
Love all the houses. Merry Christmas to you and Joe. Getting ready to go to church and come home and have homemade vegetable soup and carmel rolls. Then open presents. Happy Birthday Jesus.
Susan, Merry Christmas to you, Joe and the kitties! You have well described my love affair with houses and my gratefulness for living in my own small, cozy, warm house (even if we just have subfloor in the living room right now – but I managed to get all the Christmas decorations back up!) I love your collection of house paintings/prints. We have watercolor portraits of both the farmhouse and barn of my husband’s family homestead (commissioned by me from a local artist). I also have a Pinterest board called little houses 🙂
Thank you sooo much for sharing your heart and soul with us. I check every day and read things over and over. You keep me sane and remind me that the world is beautiful. Houses are one of my favorites LOVE to see how you decorate. Merriest Christmas to you and your loves.
Merry Christmas Sue, Joe and kitties –
I look forward to the arrival your blog in my IN box – it is my dose of sunshine and inspiration……I have realized my dream of a home of my own and feel so fortunate and content to be warm and snug inside with my true love and spoiled dog. I’m a lucky girl.
Happy holidays to you and all the girlfriends 🙂
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe and the kitties! You warm my heart with everything you do! Your book would make my holidays complete…I’m almost ready for the festivities to begin…good thing it’s Christmas Eve! Tra La! Waiting for Sugar Plums to dance in my head tonight! Blessings to you and yours! Mary “Barefoot Sparkler”
Merry Christmas Susan! I have all your books and can’t wait for a new one!!! Happiness to you and yours in your “HOME” this holiday and New Year!
xoRobin❤
Hi Susan! You never run out of wonderful things to show us and tell us about. I LOVE your first home!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Merry, Merry Christmas. My Ft Worth family just called, they are only a half hour away. The house will come alive, there will be laughter, much cooking and great eating! This is a great house, but it always comes alive when the family gets here! I wish Susan and Joe and all the girlfriends acrossed the country a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Love you all, Chris
Hi Susan,
You always pick the perfect things to write to us about. I loved reading about how you feel about Home.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Sandi in AZ
Merry Christmas Susan and a Happy New Year!
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours — and thank you for all the joy you bring to each of us!
This post sums up entirely why I was so drawn to you in the first place- we share so much of the same passions in life! Words cannot express how inspired I am by your life- how you packed up everything you had, went all the way across the country, and started a new life that turned out to be so fulfilling and so successful… it’s what I dream about every single day of my own life!
To have a home of my own, whether it’s a little run-down cottage tucked in the woods somewhere, to a beautiful and grand historic home… just to HAVE something to call my own; a vessel to express myself, to indulge in everything I hold dear in life (like decorating, baking, entertaining…), my life would honestly be complete.
So, if you ask me if I do the same thing you did- take photos of houses that catch my eye, stand in front of them gazing for minutes that seem like hours, yearning for something SO close to me yet quite out of my grasp… I would say yes. And it is your success, the beautiful life you live in your old home on MV, that inspires me each and every day, and gives me hope that one day, I too, can not simply be aware of and yearn for, but FEEL the meaning of the Heart of the Home. For that, I thank you, Susan ♥
Erin I have full faith in you, that you will make it all happen in your life. Enjoy the getting there!
Tears are streaming down my face as I read about your life time love of houses, nay, homes. I have never owned a home and I am 62. Yet I made homes out of every little apartment I lived in. Now, I am living with my 96 year old mum, who is very happy to still be living in her own home. When she was a child, her family moved around as her dad was a traveling salesman. Her only dream was to have a home. And even now, that is still her only wish. To be surrounded by the memories that the sofas, tables, chairs and lamps share with her. Her memories of home are filled with melencholy for all the souls who have passed through the doors, added laughter to the walls, and watered the carpets with their tears. Many lives have been warmed by the kitchen stove as thousands of meals were prepared. Many more than her five children were nurtured during a meal in the breakfast room.
As I read today’s post, I was struck dumb at the number of paintings and picutres on display here that are homes or houses, or cottages or farms. Longing for a home, surrounded by homes and living in a home – all full of love. How dreams come true. And so maybe the same will be said for me someday – I own my own home. Still a big dream, and still pleanty of time to make it happen.
I do keep a secret place where my special stuff is stashed – you know, the wee gated table that will someday sit in my breakfast nook, the little birdbath that will sit in a yard with flowers, a whicker chair whose seat will get recovered when it finally has a home to go to. Meanwhile, I just sneak a visit to my storage unit and dream of my bits in a happy place we will call our own home – and yes, kitties will be there too.
For now, it is good to honor Mother’s dream and be surrounded by her bits of love and memories – for some of them are mine too.
Thank you for letting me see my dream again. Have Christmas Eve to all!
Thank you Lorna .. I think your secret place is what will make it happen!
I didn’t realize there were others who love homes as much as I do. A house is a place you live, a home is where you love and want to be.
I love homes, too, Susan! I have to admit, we have had to move a lot over the past 9 years, and we are in a ‘house’ and in an area that is not my favorite and I have a hard time feeling ‘at home.’ But, regardless, it is a place that the kiddos come home to and that I make as cozy as I can with each season. You have been a decorating inspiration to me!! My daughter and I were decorating for winter ( LOTS of snowmen/ladies!) and we were saying, “Do you think Susan would like this? Didn’t she do this, too?…” and on went the conversation. I wish I could send you a picture of my mantle, esp. after making a little swag of ‘JOY’ to liven it up!
Anyway, know that you bless this ‘home’ by your selfless inspiration…
Happy Holidays!
Cute Lori! Tell your daughter I said Happy New Year! xoxo
Just finished making a yule log for tomorrow and am sitting here enjoying a cup of tea from your “bird cup and saucer” – love them. It is always such a treat to find one of your blogs and I admire that you took the time to write one the day before Christmas. Finding your newest blogs are so delightful and enjoyable! Thank you for everything you send all of us. Sending you, Joe, Jack and Girl a very sparkly, Merry Christmas!!
Michele in Vermont
Dear Susan,
SO love your post today on “homes”…..I’m totally with you there……so often in passing homes, I can’t help but wonder what the “story” is behind the front door!! I so love YOUR home….(could comfortably move right in!!!) Thanks for sharing all the lovely pictures with all your decorations. The Yankee “spread” should be WONDERFUL!! Your first home was adorable….is it still there?
Our little home for the winter is a “west indies bungalow” in Austin, TX near our son and family ( a real departure from my eclectic/antique/traditional home in CDA!!! But it is HOME and wonderful!! Can hardly wait for your new book of your travels……Your Heart of the Home would be nice too as I got one but gave it to my daughter-in-law years ago!! 😉
A very Blessed Christmas to you and Joe and your sweet kitties. You are a blessing to me! xoxox Mirim
I think, on Martha’s Vineyard, once a house gets built, it stays forever!
I can’t express how deeply and thoroughly I’ve enjoyed your blog this year. You’ve inspired and encouraged me in so many ways; to continue searching for the little things which make our house a home, to add music to our lives, to cherish our pets, and incorporate beauty and grace into our dreams. Thank you for sharing a part of yourself in these pages.
And of course, I’d LOVE to have the book!
Merry Christmas, Susan.
Happy Holidays to you and yours! Would love to have your book-I don’t have one but reading a girlfriend’s copy years ago introduced me to you. Take care and thanks for the nice thoughts of HOME!
Oh, Susan. A lovely Christmas treat to check your website and read your lovely post. You never fail to write something extra special. Now I need to go look at my “house” pictures around my home! I would love to win your book as I don’t have that one. I can’t wait to order the new “England” one. Please hurry and get it done so all your followers can read it too. Merry Christmas to you & Joe
Take Joy! Nancy
I am loving every moment of doing it. I have never lived this long in my imagination, it’s been like a Christmas gift to be able to do so.
I would love, love, love your book. We live in my childhood home in N.E. Pa. It was built in 1928 and was at one time named “Gray Gables”. Ohhh it has gables alright! And trellising on the fronts and sides of the front porch, a painted white stone foundation and the coolest thing that we enjoy is the small second-floor porch you can enter from either of the two front bedrooms’ doors…they even have the original screen doors attached. I’m not saying there isn’t work to be done…and there sure is..but we love it and the history it holds of all of the happy days, sad days, tears, cheers and a few temper tantrums, Merry Christmases and oodles of birthdays and anniversaries. I swear sometimes, if you listen close, you can hear the our home sigh..it’s tired, but not giving us up. Every time we go for a ride, I love to notice the beauty of the homes around this area, and what it would be like to live in a house with a turret or a widow’s walk. My fingers get itchy, wanting to write a story using the latest find as the background. Getting back to our home, I’m hoping whoever inhabits the old girl next will enjoy her comfort and admire her beauty as much as we have. <3 <3
How wonderful all that sounds Nancy!
I would love to win your book. Since I’ve been reading your blog, I’ve really fallen for your recipes. Soooo good! You and Joe (and kitties) have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
That’s so nice to hear Chris!
I bought my old farm house when it had three windows, no plumbing, and no electricity. At all. My brother and I repaired it so I could move in within three months and it has been a continual labor of love and, sometimes, frustration, but it has always been home. I am going to be selling it and building myself a new (teeny weeny) home on my family’s century farm. Love your idea of having old pictures of your home when you move on and so I will borrow that idea and leave a photo album for my home’s new family!
They will love it Martha!
I’m with you about houses. As I travel I love to look at homes as we drive by them. I hate to see houses that are empty, just sitting there looking for a family to come and live in them. It makes me very sad. Local houses that sit empty really tug at my heart. It’s so sad. I want to find people to move into them. I know it’s not possible to fill them all but I wish anyway. I love the wood room because it’s so cozy and would be a wonderful place to read or chat with a kitty on your lap or back of the couch. Merry Christmas to you all.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for posting about your first home–a really sweetie! I will go back and look at each picture in the days to come, and soak up all the ambiance.
Today at my home–where our three sons grew up–we were gathered in our sun room–all of us, with their wives. When all three girls opened the small SB calendars I gave them as gifts, my youngest son opened to the page of “Mom-isms”. He read through the whole list aloud, with all of us laughing as we heard each one.
Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe!
Love,
Linda
Nothing ever really changes! 🙂 Thank you Linda!
Merry Christmas Susan and to all of your girlfriends.
Lovely, absolutely lovely! That’s all I can think of to say about this post. That and I love cozy little cottages too. Oh, and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe ~
may your troubles be few and your blessings be many!
Yes, I would dearly love that first book of yours; no book shop has been safe from my prying eyes but I’ve yet to find it.
My soapstone stove has a cozy fire and we’re all waiting for the snow storm.
Sam P. Spade is on the back porch, doing sentry duty and, every so often, barking at who knows what; Sadie and Sophie are snugged against the warmth and it’s a lovely Christmas Eve.
God bless us everyone!
Sounds wonderful Sandra, Merry Christmas!
I love houses too. Someday would like one of my own! In the meantime, I have to make what I have at least “feel” like my own.
I also did that for years!
Oh how I would love to win this book. Dear sweet beautiful wonderful Vanna please draw my name.
I loved reading this post! I so enjoy “house watching” too! My favorite time is at night, maybe I can get a glimpse of the inside! How is it decorated? What do the people look like? It most run in the family as my favorite aunt is the same way! And now you can house watch on the Internet! I’m not just being nosy, I really am looking to buy a new home in the coming year! Merry Christmas and happy house watching!!
Home…definitely my favorite place to be! Nothing makes me happier than being at home, cooking, crocheting, just piddling! And my favorite thing to do at home is get out one of my Susan Branch books and cook something from it!