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
Thank you for a beautiful post! Has been a wonderful day with snow & last minute details~~~then watching A Christmas Carol dressed in my jammies & robe. Our little toy poodle had her grooming appointment this morning & looks adorable curled up in daddy’s lap with a gold ribbon on her collar. Her name is Cookie & we are all enjoying some treats. Tomorrow is ham dinner here with the kids & my sister & her husband. Our family is getting smaller & I miss my mom very much this year. But we are blessed with love & the promise given to us when the precious baby was born to become the Savior. Blessings & Merry Christmas to you Susan & Joe & to all the Girlfriends & your loved ones!
XO, Linda
I also love houses and would love a copy of your first book.
I’ve read the blog few times now and looked at your ‘first home’ again and again. I’d like to ask whether those two white ‘things’ – are they ducks? Do you have pictures of the house inside? Now, when I look at your book ‘Heart of the Home’ I can imagine the ‘heart’ you put in it and the coziness of your home!
I was born in a small piece of land, a small house in the middle of that lot and a small well in the property back in the Philippines, however, I’ve not seen it’s beauty because we moved to the city. We are a big family too! Our eldest in the family, my sister finally took care of our Mom and built a house there, it’s never the same like in the old picture of the tiny house! (sigh…..)
Have you seen your ‘old’ home lately – what does it look like now? If it’s not the same ‘look,’ perhaps I may not want to see it – LOL! enjoy salve
They are ducks! I brought them from California with me, and foolishly left them outside, even in the snow, until they perished! I visited it last spring. It’s changed a little bit, but it’s not unbearable, and some of the things I did to it, such as the quote I painted over the doorway in the kitchen, are still there.
Real ducks??!!! 🙂
So beautiful…warm and cozy. I would love to live in your first little house in the woods!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the kitties. I watched the movie “The Help” recently and guess what….the maid Abeline had the exact same stove that you have in her house ! I couldn’t believe that my eye caught the stove in that scene…did you notice it when you watched that movie ? But no cute dishtowels hanging on the handles, of course. I would love a copy of your book, and really enjoy reading your blog. Happy Holidays !
Home is where the heart is …… So true!
Merry Christmas Susan, to you and Joe! Much joy and peace to you this Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year! Thank you for your blog….it is like a little “gift” everyday!
I am still up baking cookies at midnight now….and arranging the gifts under the tree for the kiddies! Can’t wait for the magical moment in the morning ….to see the faces of my son and daughter!
Enjoy the holiday with your family and friends and Christmas “at home”…I know I will! XOXO
Best Christmas wishes from West Chester, PA
Merry Christmas, Susan-the heart in my home is blessed every time I read your blog. Thank you for your thots and ideas on making life simple and happy.
Everyone has gone to bed, and the lights are twinkling on the tree as I fill the stockings with care. My own little house is snug in the snow and I just read your sweet post before I headed off to wait for Santa to fill MY stocking.
I have your first sweet book and I even have your darling autograph, I have many a friend I would wish to share it with if I was the name chosen by Vanna!
Enjoy Christmas in your sweet little home, with your darling kittens and wonderful hubby, and may the day bring you joy, whether on your daily walk, or sitting by the fire sipping cordial, or knitting in your favorite chair. You give so much to your fans, every single day, thank you for the gift of YOU!
Thank you for a year full of great great things I’ve loved England I love Christmas and all the other holidays thank you thank you for such wonderful gifts.
and a very merry christmas to you and joe. thank you so much for all of the wonderful stories. you give HOPE 🙂
I just love your little Holly Oak cottage. How quaint and perfect it was. So charming. 🙂
Another beautiful Christmas day is almost finished here in Australia. I love homey-homes too and the ones decorated for Christmas make my heart flutter. Thanks for sharing with us. Merry Christmas Susan and girlfriends and remember at Christmas; Jesus loves us whether we like it or not! xxx
PS: My favourite house quote; “All I ever wanted was a little house with sunshine on the floor.” I’m not sure who said this – maybe the girlfriends know.
I’ve put that on my blog before…I painted it in red watercolor, we’re kindred spirits!
I knew you would know! Who said it…the curiosity is killing me…I’ve Googled and can’t find a source? Little things mean so much to me…like sunshine on the floor. lol
Your post today was a little bittersweet for me as I’m reminded that this is our last Christmas in our little house that we’ve called home for 35 years. Although my husband and I are looking forward to moving to a town north of here to be closer to our new grandson (!), it still makes me a little sad to be leaving this house that we raised our two sons in and have made so many memories in. But I know that we will make new happy memories in the next home that we find. I love the older houses and would love to have cozy kitchen and a stove like yours. I love your little scene on your stove top. I was so thrilled to get to see your “wood room”. I had seen glimpses of it and wondered about it! Thank you for showing it to us. How wonderful to have the photos of your house from previous owners. Susan, I love your blog and your writing. Wishing you and Joe and your kitties a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
It must be hard … wishing you luck in your new home Doris — I know you will have fun decorating it!
Merry Christmas, Susan! I loved this post. Well, I love all your posts, but I resonated with this one in particular because I love houses, too! One summer in Excelsior, MN, I went around taking pictures of the homes in the town that I loved. I wound up with a lot of them! I like to imagine what life is like inside the home; you can imagine so much by the way a home looks on the outside. Anyway, you’re the best! Happy New Year!!
Margy
Merry Christmas from our home to yours :).
I have just had the most picture perfect Christmas Eve – my new daughter in law discovered I have a Susan Branch cookbook just like her own mothers! We spent the evening looking at some recipes to try together and talking about all the things her mom made from that book over the years.
I do not have this one and would sure love to be the winner this time. We shall see……
I love houses too, not just for architecture, but for the warmth and character of them, the good bones, if you will. I especially like, when driving about town at night, to look into the lit windows and try to catch a glimpse of how people are living. It’s especially nice at Christmas to catch the twinkle of their tree lights.
Thank you for the peek into your home. It’s a treat I look forward to.
Hi Susan and all you girlfriends….wishing you all a Merry Christmas…Peace Love and Joy this Christmas Eve. 28 years ago on this day I received the BEST Christmas gift ever…the birth of my son. And so in the words of T’was The Night Before Christmas…..”Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night”
Merriest of Christmases! May the warmth you send our way return to you a thousandfold! Ethel
Hi Susan
Just a quick hello to put my name in for the draw.
The next few days are going to be so busy, so I thought I should do this now.
Now I need to get to sleep before Santa comes and finds me still awake.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
Susan M
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe, Girl Kitty, and Jack! It’s officially Christmas! The tree lights are on, we got a dusting of snow, and the oven is still warm from the last cookie baking flurry! I hope your Christmas is merry and bright!
When I was a young girl we lived in trailers. I always dreamed of living in a real house. I would draw pictures of two story trailers! Anyway…I grew up and married a man who has built me three homes during our 33 years of marriage:) The last one being our retirement cottage on the central coast of California. I am a blessed gal:)
I just finished being Santa to all my grown children who will be coming tomorrow morning. The presents are all scattered around the tree and the stocking are filled and I am so happy and blessed to be able to do this. I have been cooking and baking and loving every moment here in my Cozy Cottage by the river. I am very content. I just eat up every word you print because it feeds me well, feeds my soul you darling person! So Merry Christmas to you in your Home of Christmas and a Happy New year too. I am off to go dream of a White Christmas that might just come true. Happy Christmas to all the Girlfriends and to all a Good Night ! OX
Dear Susan,
What a treat everytime I read your latest blog. Thanks so much for once again sharing your home and your heart. I too like houses and pictures of them on my walls. So ‘homey’ aren’t they! Merry Christmas to you and Joe and your kitties. May you have happy times with your loved ones. All the very best in the New Year as well.
My 4 daughters and I have been ‘house-peepers’ for a long time now. When we go Christmas light looking, it’s not just the lights we are admiring. We are looking in windows, admiring the insides too! 🙂 I guess we gals must have a fascination with houses, how many of us have fond memories of doll houses ? In 2 minutes it will be Christmas in the Missouri Ozarks. I am going to run outside and look at stars as I do each year and freeze my toesies off 🙂 Sweet Christmas to all!
I love the thought of naming houses. The Heart of the Home is a beautiful, cozy name. I always liked Green Gables and Sunnybrook Farm too. Merry Christmas!
I think that you are a lovely person, Susan Branch. It blesses me that you are so blessed.
My heart warms as I read your post about houses. You’ve put my thoughts into words once again! We’ve been in ours for nearly 21 years, making improvements and lovingly caring for it, and have come to think of it as a dear family member. Thank you Susan. Merry Christmas to you.
Did you know you had so many kindred spirits? It seems like every time you share something you love, we all say “Me, too!” I love that! I adore old houses (and barns). They have character and spirit and tell a story you can almost hear. We are having our last Christmas in our home of 17 years; next month is our move to a newer home. It’s not a lovely, charming older house, but it stole my heart. Why? One word – storage! Oh, and location. Okay, two words! Room for everything and all of us, and we’ll be living in Riverbank next to the riverbank. I can’t wait to make it our home.
I wish you the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years! Love to you and Joe, and Girl Kitty and Jack. =^..^=
Basically, the way I see it, women are kindred spirits, we have so much in common, and home is surely one of them.
Merry Christmas Susan, wishing you the happiest of holidays and in the new year: good health, a lot of laughter, much love and peace within yourself.
Home sweet home! Yes, the love of family and friends is sweet and fragrant…drawing each one of us near:-)
Your post brought a tear to my eye. At 52 I’m still waiting for my house that is a home – when I could finally afford one I decided I could not wait to be a parent and adopted a baby from China, and then when things got good financially again I went back for a 7-year-old, and then I lost my job and haven’t replaced it since. But I have my home in my two daughters. Wherever they are is home, even in this 40-year-old single-wide trailer we are renting. But oh to have such a house as those in England or your little cottage in California with the picket fence garden or that adorable Holly Oak. I’ve always loved old houses and dreamed of one of my own. So much history within the walls, so much character. I love that you wrote down what you wanted and now you have it all! Someday, I hope, someday a house for us. In the meantime I really enjoy the cozy one you share with your readers!
Even little flowers around a trailer will make it yours, and a good thing. And look at the lives you rescued, all three of you! Blessings Jan! xoxo
Merry Christmas Susan!
Here is a sweet verse on a plate that has a scene of an English cottage, I brought back with me on one of my trips to England and thought you might enjoy it:
“As I was wandering
oer the green
Not knowing where I went
By chance I saw a pleasant scene
the cottage of content.”
I wish you and yours a warm, loving and contented holiday!
Warm Regards,
Candice
That is painted onto a plate that hangs over my kitchen sink by a ribbon! The cottage of content! Love it, thank you Candice!
Love all the photos of the homes… love Basil, what a cutie. Girl Kitty and Jack look very happy. Pouring rain, thank heavens, here on the outskirts of Sydney for Christmas day, the cats are not very happy at all. Perfect Christmas for us though. I can imagine everyone else is annoyed as barbecues and beach side Christmas lunches would have been rained out. I hope you have a perfect Christmas day tomorrow. Thank you for a great blog post. Merry Christmas.
Oh, what great pictures of houses! I love houses, too. I love to look at houses as we drive around. Although we’ve never had our “own” house, we still make a rental house into “our home”. I just love reading your lovely blog. You have such a wonderful way of looking at life that feels so comforting and warm.
Many Christmas blessings to you, Joe and your sweet kitties!
“Home for Christmas” was the best Christmas gift I received. You continue to please and amaze me. You always say exactly what we want to hear, right when we need to hear it.
My kitty, Tiki, is on her blanket on the other “leg” of my L-shaped desk and she said to send Christmas Wishes to Girl Kitty and Jack and she’s looking forward to more kitty photos in the New Year.
Thank you, Susan, for your blogs – the gift that keeps on giving, because we can retrieve them and be thrilled all over again any time we need a lift.
Reading through all your blogs I can relate to how people feel about their homes. I have always wanted to stay in one house and become ‘attached’. At the age of 6 I remember my best friends house, a big red colonial two-story. She had a built in bed, and the whole house was wonderful in my little eye’s. My father’s parents lived with us, pretty much all of our lives, my grandfather and father had a logging business and they logged in the summer but not in the winter. We rented houses, my mom and grandmother would paint and clean the whole inside and then in the summer would work on the yard. They always fixed it up so nice the landlord would sell it and off we’d go again. I’ve moved 36 times in my life and hated every minute of it. I felt like you, I wanted to stay put and nurture a house into memories and familiarity. My mom and dad finally bought their first home when I was a senior in high school, a neat house with a pond. Alas, they moved twice after that. I think it’s natural for most people to want to put down ‘roots’. For me, a house is part of your family, it is family. I don’t want to move anymore. I want to put my things on the shelves, books, loved treasures and look at them, dust them, wash them and have them stay put! I want to walk around the yard in the summer and listen to the bees and pick the apples. I want to be good friends with my house and have my grandchildren nurture their own memories. A house is a large part of our memories…those of you that have lived in your houses for a long time are very lucky indeed!!
I moved too many times from age 18 until 33, and I do understand, it was a great relief to stop moving and be a person of place. I didn’t know how good it would be until I stopped. I hope life lets that happen for you Karen! xoxo
Your writings are always inspiring…tonite is Christmas Eve, my house is quiet now, family has gone to their own homes, and I am giving thanks for all of my blessings….home, family, health, and joy of another Christmas on earth. We had a death in our family 3 days ago, and said our good-byes this morning. I am sitting alone in the glow of the Christmas tree lights, my kitty purring at my feet, my dog sitting beside me, a cup of cammomile tea, and a grateful heart for the many blessings I am able to enjoy. Merry Christmas Susan, and thank you for the joy you bring into the lives of many.
xoxo Marilyn.
Dear Susan, here is a poem I read a long time ago. I hope it is right because I memorized it:
“He who loves an old house
will never love in vain.
For how can any old house
used to wind and rain,
to lilacs and to larkspur and trees that arch above,
fail to give its heart to the one who gives it love. ”
The poem may have come from one of Gladys Tabers books. Thanks for the beautiful post. Merry Christmas!
Maybe I will be the first one to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, this early Christmas morning. Yes, I still have things to do, but it’s OK I am enjoying the quietness and the sparkling lights on the tree. I enjoyed reading your thoughts about houses that become homes. I love to see lights shining from within houses as I drive down streets at night. They cast a warm glow and cause me to wonder about the cozy atmosphere inside. After reading about your enchantment with houses, it is not surprising that your first book was entitled Heart of the Home. I have a little collection of your books on the top shelf of my pantry. They are so much more than cook books! When I look up there and see them, they seem more like good friends just waiting to be visited.
eeeking tears this morning, Merry Christmas to everyone, I’m so enjoying the comments! There are 400 of them here, I won’t be able to reply to all of them, but I have tell you, they are wonderful to read! Kisses, hugs, have a wonderful day!!
As always, your words touch my heart, thanks so much. I too, love houses and homes. When I can’t sleep i picture my grandmothers home and wander from room to room and feel so content. I like old houses best. My current house is my newest, it was built in 1921. My first house was built in 1888 which is pretty old for the northwest. It was a simple farmhouse and is where my children were raised. A very good house. I just finished the kitchen refurbishing here and it is great. Merry Christmas to all.
The poem at the end, “Backward, turn backward O time in your flight…”, always makes me cry!
I can’t believe how much alike we are: books, movies, pretending we are living a long time ago, loving houses… When we go on a trip to somewhere we have never been (a few years ago we went to Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri), my patient husband always takes me to the outskirts of the original downtown areas where all the old houses are. We proceed to drive slowly for HOURS, just so I can take pictures of all the houses. Even as a child, all I ever wanted to do was stay home – I am still that way. Except it’s fun to travel, too, so I can come back home! And I like the small houses best, too! When I get to Heaven, I don’t want a mansion – I want a cozy little cottage!!
Merry Christmas from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
You get my imagination going. . . the little cottage in heaven … thinking about what it looks like! Must stop! 🙂
LOL I think about it a lot!! God knows our heart’s desires, so everything is going to be exactly what we love the best!! Yay!
Merry Christmas Susan!!! Wishing you a Very Happy New Year 2013!!!! Hope Santa Claus is good to Girl Kitty and Jack!!!
Good Morning and Merry Christmas to you also dear Susan:
It’s 4 a:m……and not even a creature was stirring – not even a mouse – and this beautiful evening is finally here! May you and yours feel as blessed as you have blessed so mamy others with your posts and your books. Feel the love!
Merry Christmas ………………Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe and Kitties, It was 50 years ago I received my diamond. When we got married we moved into our little HOME. It was a homey little house, always smelled like something sweet was baking in the oven. We lived in our home 40 years had our children, built onto our home to give us a little more room. When we sold it and moved to our new home all the homey little things come with us. Can’t believe we have been in this home 9 years in January. I think having all your treasures around you makes for a happy warm home.
Had a message come from my Granddaughter asking me to make sure I baked a cherry pie for Christmas dessert. Second wish, twice baked potatoes for dinner. All my baking is ready, going to my Son and Daughter-inlaws home for a wonderful Christmas Day. Susan, have a Blessed Christmas, thank you for your blog about HOME, Marion
Susan, your blog has brought me so much joy and peace this past year that I want to say thank you. Your enthusiasm and positive view of life helps me in a way I don’t even know how to explain. I get excited when a new blog is up, but I don’t let myself read it right away. I like to wait until the end of the day so I can enjoy the anticipation. I know I will be delighted, inspired and reminded how grateful I am for all I have. I still don’t have my own little home, but knowing that your dreams (practically identical to mine) listed long ago came true helps me not lose faith. I finally found the wonderful, loving husband so I’ll be okay no matter what happens, but gosh does my heart long for a home…with a white picket fence. Getting to read about your beloved home and seeing all the pictures of yours and other happy houses you share takes the hopeless edge off my desire and replaces it with excitement for the day I meet my house.
It’s true, it’s right down the road of your life, waiting for you. Isn’t that wonderful! Wanting it so much is 90% of the battle! xoxo
I cannot add anything to what everyone else has said except “well done!” Thank you for a lovely post!
Merry Christmas Susan!!! I’ve been living in this little cottage of a home since 2007 when I moved up north after my mother passed. Both of my daughters were pregnant and I wanted to live close by to them. When I was househunting, this little house caught my attention because it was not only homey and perfect for me, but because it was already baby-proofed. It had baby gaits on the stairs and locks on the cupboards. All I had to do was move in! I have lived here almost 6 years now and I have so many wonderful memories being grandma in this house. It is my little home for as long as I get to stay here. It is like the stage God has set for me to play out my little life. Thanks for posting your wonderful blog.
…Dear Susan !!..I want to wish you and everyone out there a very Merry Christmas …. full of comfort and joy !!..with love.. thanks for all the comfort and joy you have given me !!!…
I so enjoy your blog and seeing your first little house. It reminds me of my little house, just big enough for me and Muffin, the cat. It’s my great grandmother’s home…sometimes I think she visits. 🙂 Anyway, Merry Christmas to y you and Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack! Thanks for bringing us all together while never leaving our homes! 🙂
Merry Christmas! Thank you for your posts about all your houses; big, small, in California and Martha’s Vineyard, ones from England and ones on top of your stove. Love them all! Thank you for the inspiration, ideas and cheer throughout the year. Have a wonderful, joyous, cozy holiday!
Just a short time ago, our hearts were all broken by what happened here in Connecticut. The day after, I went to a Christmas pageant with my 85 year old mother, to the church I was raised in, she still goes there. It is beyond adorable. It is a tiny white country church on a hill. An old man from the church hand built a stable outside. The pageant began after dark, local farmers walk their animals to the church. There were live sheep, a donkey and three llamas for the camels. The luminaries lit the way to the stable. As the donkey was heading toward the stable, he began to bray ( loudly). During the pageant , the live baby in the manger began to cry. It was as if everyone’s heart was broken, even the animals and baby Jesus. We have since had lots of rain, even the sky was sad.
Now it is Christmas morning. The rain is gone , there is even a little snow on the ground. My mom spent the night here in our home, which has been in my husbands family for three generations. Soon I will go downstairs and build a fire and light the Christmas tree. The most important part of the day though, is for all to know that this morning the real baby Jesus is born. He is here to heal all hearts and to bring great joy. No matter what anyone is struggling with, today there is hope and peace. I wish our precious Susan, Joe, Girl, Jack and all of the girlfriends a Merry Merry Christmas !
Beautiful Judy. Perfect. Thank you so much! xoxo
Just popped in to say “Merry Christmas” and hope all have a wonderful day! We have a white Christmas here!
I heard about a new sanctioned Peter Rabbit story coming out! What a Christmas present!
And home. There is nothing like it.
Wishing you and your family Christmas blessings.
Thanks, Susan, for such a perfect blog post for me to wake up with on Christmas morn! Yesterday was so busy there wasn’t time to open your email and luxuriate in your beautiful thoughts and photos. Now I am up before everyone else, having my tea with you before I start breakfast, turn on the tree lights and make all the memories come to life for my family.
I can understand wanting to live in a home for a l-o-n-g time, but moving is sometimes necessary. I, too, love houses and “So many houses! So little time!” often comes to mind. Making all my houses a “home” over the years has always been fun, but now I believe I am finally home to stay.
Merry, Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe!
P.S. Some day we hope you’ll tell us more about Joe — we’re eager to hear how you met, etc.!
The first chapter of my new book, the one about England I’m writing now, is the story of how Joe and I met!
Oh Susan, I just LOVE this post, I too have always been drawn to different houses and wondered what stories they hold…the older the house the better. I am sending you Christmas hugs and want to thank you for bringing such joy and coziness to my life!
Merry Christmas Joe and Sue!
Carla in Michigan
Merry Christmas, Thanks for adding so much Joy to my days, looking forward to 2013!
Merry Christmas, Susan. Your blog is a gift to me each and every time you post something. When I read your words, my heart literally sings. Thanks for sharing such heartfelt sentiments accompanied by your lovely paintings and pictures. It’s a pleasure to be part of your world.
Oh, my…tears in my eyes, again. I feel the same way about houses. One year I went back to my home town and took a picture of every house I’ve ever lived in…sort of a sentimental journey. I love those pictures. Thanks again for your lovely pictures and thoughts during this beautiful season.
Merry Christmas!
I have always thought my homes had a “soul”. Merry Christmas !
Good Mornin’ & Merry Christmas! We’ve spent hours taking pictures of beautiful old homes – big & small (our friends & kids always laugh when they see pictures from our trips)! One of my favorites was a little old log house in the woods with red geraniums hanging on the porch! It needed a name! You at 33, with a kitty in front of Holly Oak, warms my heart. This is a beautiful blog dear sweet Sue. Our hearts are in our homes, our havens, & the lighted Christmas trees are adding extra warmth & coziness this beautiful Christmas morning! Love & hugs! Joanie
i went to mv once when i was about 9. i had never seen such big, blue flowers (hydrangeas) before.the taxi driver told us all about them-the name of them, how to plant them and keep them blue…i’ve never forgotten how they stood out against a white clapboard home, either. to this day, they are still my most favorite bloom and i plan on returning to the vineyard to paint them one summer.
a hydrangea bush would make a house a home to me.
merry christmas, susan…
Merry Christmas, Susan! Thank you for lovingly sharing your life with your readers. I wished you a blessed Christmas and a safe, Happy New Year!
When Kim Gannon wrote the words to, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” perhaps she was thinking of homes such as the ones described above by you, Susan, or by the friends who have written here. I, too, relish the feeling that I get when I visit a home with a history of love, laughter and peace. When my dear childhood home had to be torn down I salvaged wallpaper from different rooms and used it as a background for a print of the poem by Joyce Kilmer, “The House With Nobody In It.”
Oh Susan…I love this post about houses and homes. I grew up living in a home with wheels, a mobile home and I always dreamed of living in a house. I do live in a house now, but we have moved so very much and my dream to live in the same place a long time has yet to be fulfilled, but time is running out, because I am much older now. I’d love to win your prize book and if I do I will treasure it, hold it in my heart. You are so sweet and dear. And the pic of girl kitty, why yes, she does make that room comfy cozy…she has a dear heart, I can just tell, and then the pic of her and Jack like bookends on the sofa back, so sweet. The three of you plus Joe, what a cozy nest you have. I love your home, and I love your heart. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Merry Christmas Susan to you and yours. The homes you pictured are beautiful. Loved looking at all of them. Have a wonderful new year filled with love, happiness, and good health.
Hi Susan!
A Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the kitties and your home! I love, love, love this post! I, too, love old houses and their stories. Remember when I posted that old historic white home on my blog in Leicester, MA way, way back a few years ago? I said I wanted to move in there and how much I loved it? Well, that didn’t happen, but that’s okay because it’s still so pretty to look at! I hope someone moves in there and opens up a coffee and tea house. I love cottages the most and small cozy spaces full of nooks and crannies where kids can play hide and go seek and where it’s full of pleasant decorative surprises. My in-laws have a cottage, which I wish I could post a picture with this message because I think you’d love it! My home is small and cozy and we eventually will be moving to a home on the lake down the street in a few years. Well, that’s my plan and dream and dreams do have to come true right? 🙂 It has to be just right with lots of light and wooden creaky floors. Again thanks for sharing. I think I may have to do a home blog post too!
Best!
Alyssa
What a beautiful post to read on Christmas morning. Thank you, Susan, and have a very Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe, the kitties and all the girlfriends! I love my little house. We’ve been “renovating” for 25 years, but it’s all ours. I don’t know how many times I say “I love my house” when I come through the door, or I light a bunch of candles and it looks all cozy and warm. There’s absolutely nothing fancy about my house, but it’s full of memories and love.
xoxox from SW Hbr., Maine
Merry Christmas Susan! A big THANK YOU for all the positive vibes you add to the internet and to my life! Whenever I’m in need of a lift, I visit your site.
Merry Christmas Susan! My husband and I live in a little home in Orange County CA. We bought it over 20 years ago when I first began teaching. We had thoughts of trading up to a bigger home, but now that would never enter our minds. We love the cozy rooms, warm fireplace, and having just enough space for entertaining.
Thanks for sharing your first home with us!!
Take Care,
Linda Nyquist
We have just gone through enormous upheaval in our lives and I never thought this house where we had to find refuge after the storm would feel like home. But last night sitting by the fire and candle light with my husband and two children I felt something ease into place. We are home!
With a name like yours, how could it be any other way! ♥
Merry Christmas Susan:
Your post made my day!
You are such fortunate person to live the life you want. I am in love with your fist little home. What a cozy place to be.
I own 2 of your books and they are so worn from reading them over and over again. But I do check out your other books from the library. I think they get tired of me checking them pout so many times a year.
I am a pretty old person and have never owned my own home but I still dream about a little cottage like your first home. You never know!
Merry Christmas Susan!
Thank you for sharing your love, heart, home and art. Your posts always take me back to a place in my heart of warmth, home, and happiness. Of my grandparents home and my safe haven. It is all gone to me now, but lives on in my hearts memory and in your art.
I have tried to create that safe haven in our home for us and our sons, (who are grown now), and our grandchildren. I pray that I have been successful. I know that they keep coming back 🙂 and are comfortable and at peace here. We all need a safe haven and I am so blessed now to call mine home.
Have a Blessed New Year!
Merry Christmas , Susan. I had a very nice surprise from Santa this morning …your bird cup with lid. Santa even signed the to from card, from Susan…threw me for a loop, but when I opened it all became clear. In the late 80’s/ early 90’s my hubby and I owned a country gift shop in NH. We didn’t really sell books, but when I saw a copy of Heart off the Home at a trade show, I knew we had to have that in the shop to sell. Of course I kept a copy for myself, but honestly after our move to Maine, I am not sure where it is… I guess I need to go on a search…unless of course Vanna picks me. I send you my thanks again for the wonderful thoughts and wishes that you share with us all in your blog. Have a very happy, healthy and blessed New Year…to you and all of yours.
Merry Christmas Susan to You and Yours.
Loved your post on your HOME and houses. I too love houses and have many scattered about in my home–wooden ones, handcrafted, that light up, Dept 56 Dickens Village set up now for Christmas, a pottery cottage made in England, a glass jar on my desk with a colonial style house on the metal cover. I do love my little house here but often wish I could live in New England because I love the houses there. Maybe someday….
Thank you for brightening up my days with your Blog. I look forward to every post from you.
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack.
You are beautiful and you’re a great influence on making my “house” a home!
Regards,
Kat
I feel the same way about houses, Susan! I love our little cottage and I’m praying that we are blessed in the coming year so that we can stay here. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
xo
Claudia
merry christmas!!! love your “homes” pictures & all the talk about “home”.
You have put into words my exact feelings about houses and homes. I love to drive and look at houses—especially older ones and what mysteries they hold and the lives that have been lived there and how I would make it come to life if I lived there. I just answered a question on a blog the other day. The question was, “What makes you content?” and my answer was one word: Home. It is my favorite place to be. Merry Christmas, Susan!
Merry, Merry Christmas to you, Joe and kitties! I have all of your books…several autographed by you (a special gift from my daughter) but your ” Heart of the Home” book is the one I grab when I need a lift..a great recipe..or a “time out” with a cup of tea! Thank you for bringing so much joy to so many, especially to me!
Merry Christmas from our cozy home to yours. We have new Christmas snow this morning, it is a day waiting to be filled with love….so I certainly would appreciate adding your book to my collection.
Merry, merry Christmas Dear Friend. I feel I can call you friend because your posts touch my heart, deep where I keep my hopes & dreams. You remind me that there is a world like the one I grew up in, where there is love, and sewing, and books, and people who love you with all of their heart. Your story lets me know that dreams really do come true, especially when one takes the time to really focus on what makes them happy. Thank you once again for another wonderful reminder that I too can live the life of my dreams, just as you are. You give me such hope.
Merry Christmas Susan, from my “Home” to yours. Wonderful post. Thank you and blessings.
Ellette
What a wonderful, cozy, fireside entry!!!! Just love your blog, makes my heart squeeze with happiness!
Oh, By the way, I just HAVE to have the book you are giving away!!! I NEEDS it!!!!
I am disabled and stuck at home most of the time. Your books are like a balm to my soul. I suffer from daily, incurable migraines, and my life has been altered forever. I used to work in a law firm in the big city of Vancouver, BC, as an Accounting Assistant. But…I live in a rural area. The commute was awful, but I loved my job and could not live anywhere else, you know what I mean.
Please keep on writing your blog and creating your books. Can’t wait till “our” book is ready!!!!!
Love ya and Merry Christmas huggs,
Jacqueline from Pitt Meadows, BC Canada
I love houses, too. Especially old houses. I can sometimes feel their souls. Enjoyed this blog, look forward to them each time. Have a wonderfully Happy and Merry Christmas!
Susan, What a treat to read your thoughts on houses and homes this morning as I watch the sun come up on Christmas morning! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas One and All!!
It’s a cozy Christmas here in our little corner of Michigan. A light dusting of snow … just enough to be a White Christmas after all!
Susan, your post is so lovely and encouraging … the perfect Christmas present! Like Verla, I find myself facing a new chapter in my life. My husband of 24 years (high school sweethearts … 39 years together) has left me for a younger woman (I know … it sounds like a bad movie … a cliche at best). Verla, as much as I know you miss your husband, at least you know he didn’t chose to leave you, and you have all your wonderful memories intact and that is a blessing. I am not without blessings however, I wake everyday thankful for so much. I’m blessed with four loving, healthy children and wonderful family and friends.
I always thought I was in my “forever” home, now it seems the courts will decide that, but I do know that wherever I go it will be home as long as my loved ones are with me. It’s not where you are but who you’re with. I long for a safe haven to nest … one that no one can take away. I think I’ll go write that down 🙂
Wishing you all a blessed New Year filled with health, hope, and love.
Blessings, Tracey. Life is like a box of chocolates. We just don’t know, but your upbeat attitude is wonderful to hear. I’m sorry though, it has to hurt. Sending love . . . xoxo
Dear Tracey,
I am so sorry for what has happened to you…BUT so many of us have been there. And you know what? While it may not seem like it right now, the best of life is yet to be! Give yourself time to heal and remember when a door closes, a window opens! I promise.
Chris
Merry Christmas! I love this post. I am looking for a home in the States now after teaching abroad for 13 years. I just can’t wait to get back and enjoy a home of my own again.
You’re coming home!
Susan, I cannot believe how amazing your first home, Holly Oak is!!!! Wow. Just wow. It is so beautiful and the fact you had kitties too is great! (I have 12) haha. I love them all. Thank you so much for posting the picture!!!!
What a wonderful blog. When you were talking about the character of old houses, I kept thinking about that phrase about a house that “sings the distant hours.” 🙂 We got Christmas snow here in Virginia. Couldn’t be more perfect if we tried! We went to Christmas Eve services at the National Cathedral in Washington DC last night, and are sledding this morning! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family!
Love,
Sarah
I loved reading this wonderful post. Home is something everyone hopes for no matter where they live.
I would love to give my new daughter-by-love your book~!
Merry, Merry……
~Carolyne♥
Merry Christmas Morning from Alabama’s Gulf Coast! Thank you for another cozy, calming post, Susan. We may be in for some severe weather later today, but in this moment, all is well.
Once upon a time, in the early years of our marriage, I felt a tight connection to the place we called ‘home’ … claiming it as ‘mine.’ Over the years we began moving about, climbing that old career ladder, and my heart ached each time I had to say goodbye to ‘home,’ and to a few ‘things’ for which there was no room. But with each departure, I was strengthened by the realization that as much as I could attach myself to the structure and the things in it, what clearly mattered in my life was being with my husband and son …’making a nest’ wherever we landed, and for however long. As I look back over these past 46 years, I am blessed beyond measure. For now, I have a little house and a little family and again … in this present moment, all is well.
And! I just received a Susan Branch gift certificate for Christmas! All is well, indeed 🙂
Oooohhh … what I would love to see in your online store for next Christmas: the Home Sweet Home “draft-stopper” that’s in the first picture of this blog and the gingerbread man garland you show hanging above your stove.
I agree Alice!!!
how lovely to “snuggle” down in bed under the comforter and read your blog….I get so excited when a new post comes up….I wait to savor it like….homemade cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate….yummy…and then I read each “bite” of your letter “….and re-read….aaaaaaaah…….heavenly…now that is true richness….I am a queen…(of everything)…or princess…(princess of Quite a lot) as Mary Englebreit would say….Home..nothing could sound better to a weary soul….Years ago I found your stickers and bought them….it was the ones on home etc..I kept them for years…when we moved into our current “very tiny house”….I got them out and decided to paint “words” onto walls in my kitchen…”Food tastes better in small houses”….is painted above the cupboards …I love it!! … “HOME” a place of refuge from the “real world” outside…we had a fire in fireplace, the Christmas tree lights, delicious homemade food…..and our family….to celebrate Christmas eve…..I thank you and Joe…kitties too……for sharing so many of your “gifts”with us…Merry Christmas…….evangeline
C O N T E N T M E N T … 🙂
Plates of Christmas cookies, the glow from the tree, carols playing…..a few of my favorite things……….Merry Christmas to all!!!!!!
I read and enjoy every one of your posts; thanks for all the fun. Heart of the Home has always been the kitchen – forever. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you and yours! I actually do not own your first book, and it’s always fun to do these drawings! 🙂