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
What a beautiful story, I have so enjoyed your blog and reading about your life. I discovered you not too long ago. So, I do not have your first book . . . but I would love to have it! I love houses too. I don’t have a house of my own yet – I haven’t given up on that dream. I am blessed to be able to rent a nice little house. I just recently moved back to my home state of Texas after being in Miami, Florida for 11 years. Miami was nice, but like you, I love seasons and I have been missing seasons for so long. I received a wonderful season gift today – Christmas Day – it snowed . . . almost all day long! Thank you for your beautiful spirit and inspiration. Blessings to you and your family.
Wonderful…simply wonderful post. Merry Christmas Sue!
I love house/home pictures, too. I like to imagine who might live in them. what their lives might be like. Thanks for your wonderful blog. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Merry Christmas, Susan! Your post was the final gift I opened this Christmas Day! I would love to give your book to my best friend of over 40 years, Carolyn. We both love old houses, and we both love your books!
I didn’t know there was anyone else that watched movies and was looking at the wallpaper and furnishings more than the movie! I have bought maple, early American furnishings because I love “Lucy’s country house” from I Love Lucy. Your sweet “wood room” reminds me of her den. Lovely!
Merry Christmas Susan! I had no idea this book that I bought many, many years ago had gone out of print until I read it on your blog one day. I would love to have another copy to give to my daughter for when she gets married some day and creates a HOME of her own.
I hope your Christmas was Merry, Susan. I loved your post about houses. Christmas Night is here and I am mellowing after seeing our six ‘children’ and their families off into their own worlds again. It’s so nice to come together at this time.
I have always believed that home is in your heart and that home is what we make it to be. I have taken every home I have loved with me when I’ve gone and I often walk through them in my memories, One home I loved the best was the one I raised my family in, I believed I would live there forever but could not keep it after my husband passed on. – But I believe what you told Jan, even an old trailer home with pretty flowers (cute curtains, etc) looks homey, it is good to take care of and love what God has provided for us. Bloom where you are planted is good advice, if your dream home is taken away, or you just haven’t found yours yet- well just make the one you have as close to your dream as you can for now. – Any home that is tended with loving care turns into a beautiful home.- Gosh Christmas is over already, Hope yours was wonderful.
I love your love of homes—it is one of my loves also! Due to my husband’s career we had to move and have owned 6 homes, each different in style but they all ended up feeling like cozy homes. I carefully packed and moved our belongings 6 times—lock, stock and barrel, rarely ever breaking a thing. We still have our same dining room table, chairs and hutch (40 yrs old), and very first bedroom set, now in our guest room. I’m a lover of china, dishes, linens,anything homemade—it all moved with us each time and is with us in our retirement home. Our homes always sold quickly, because people walked in and felt like they were home (I was told). So, I totally understand your love of homes. I study the pictures on your blog, every detail, loving every minute of it!
Thank you Susan, and Merry Christmas!
I cant tell you how much I enjoy your blog. Your pictures always make me feel warm and cozy and your words even more
so. Thank you for sharing so much of the heart of your home with us. When I want a little coziness, I know where to go!
Hey Susan…
Reading about your special houses and all the ones that brought smiles to your face did the same for me…such charm, just lovely!
This was such a nice way to wind down my beautiful Christmas day and evening that was spent with wonderful friends and family. Thanks so much.
Here is to a Happy New Year for you and yours …and I look forward to so much from you in 2013.
Love, Raenell
A rainy Christmas here in Oregon. No surprise there. But still, a fine holiday because it was one filled with love, peace, hope, delightful foods, friends and family and a moment when the the night sky cleared on the 24th and we could see the moon. The comfort and warmth of my little white house is just right. We are the lucky ones to find such joy in simple things. On my kitchen window frame I have written: “I have just enough. I have everything I need.” Indeed I do. Thank you for reminding me. Joy to you and yours and all the girlfriends everywhere this holiday season.
Your wood room looks so cozy. My grandmother lived in a cute little cozy cottage with really just enough room for her. I always loved going there to stay in the summer because it was right next to the public library and I loved reading. Your post brought back some very happy memories that I haven’t thought about in awhile. I hope your Christmas was wonderful.
Susan, this is the most awesome post ever! I believe I’m in a bit of a state of shock. I can’t believe that there is someone else on this planet that feels the same as I do about houses. I’ve always wanted to see a picture of your first home on the island, so this Christmas a dream has come true for me. I’ve even designed 5 or 6 houses and had the pleasure of seeing them built. Most of the pictures on my walls are of houses, or have really unique houses in them. You are right, houses are the foundation of our lives. One of my favorite things ever, is to see actual houses or pictures of houses at dusk when the owners start to turn on the lights for the evening. I’d always smile and think of the beautiful things that life has to offer that could possibly be going on behind those lights at dusk. It’s like my heart has secretly been waiting for this post to arrive. I could go on and on to tell you about me and houses, but it would take the rest of our lives. You and I could have a conversation on the subject of houses and not know where to stop. I have so much I’d like to say to you right now that I just can’t say anything. This is definitely a post that I will read and re-read many, many times. God bless our homes!
Kindred spirits Rhonda!
Beautiful post! I just love your first cottage. I know it must have been hard to move from it. Would love a copy of your first book so please put my name in the hat.
Merry Christmas to you, Joe and the furbabies.
Oh, yes – I love my house in Paso Robles – HOWEVER – my little cottage in Newport, Washington is my dream house. A beautiful little studio cottage made for one – my favorite time being when I sit by the window and watch the snowflakes come down, or the turkeys running around my yard or the deer stopping by to take a look. I found my house much the same way you did – many years ago – and it was a mess. Took me a few years, but I finally spruced it up and took care to make it magnificent! Now it shines – many a person has passed by and left messages at my door, asking if I would be interested in selling it. Not on your life!! Thank you very much. The romantic side of my cabin – it sits just a few blocks off of Hwy 2 – the Hwy that took Robert Kincaid to Francisca in “Bridges of Madison County.” I have been known to sit and dream about his traveling through my town and reflecting on the story that follows. So houses can have lives of their own and provide stories as well as love to it’s owner. Thank you for sharing your “house” stories which provided me the chance to reflect on mine. (sigh) – Happy New Year to one heck of a wonderful BFF!! XXXXOOOO Pat
X0X0X Pat!
Loved the pictures of your wonderful home. I too love our home, we have been here 34 years. I love coming home to my welcoming home, I love the way it looks at Easter, all decorated with bunnies and bright Spring colors. I love the way it looks at fourth of July in all it’s Patriotic splendor decorated with red white and blue. I love it in the fall when it’s colors change from the Summer shades to those of rust, and orange and deep red and purple and brown and the pumpkins and Jack O’Lanterns show their smiling faces. And I love it when Thanksgiving comes and my Pilgrim collection comes to life. I love the way it looks at Christmas time, all sparkley and happy for Christmas to come. I and I am reminded of how thankful I am to have such a good and blessed life with the man I love and how we have weathered the storms in our lives and can always find love and refuge in our home. Wishing you a Very Happy New Year in your wonderful warm home.
Susan, I think it is funny how I love the same movies for the same reason…Baby Boom, gave me a love for New England and OLD houses, so much so that I married a man from Massechusettes and even though I live in Oregon I visit New England often. The homes there are so old with so much history…
I got the chance in October to visit for the 1st time durring fall, and see the beauty God displays in that part of the country.
What an amazing sight.
I hope you had a Wonderful Christmas!!!
Susan, I have baked Gingerbread men and Mince Pies with my niece this year, we are starting a new family tradition, as my sister and her brood have returned to live in the UK from Australia. It is still a novelty after a year, to beable to go for a chat, she lives 20 minutes away. I know a home needs love at its heart and family and friends to share it. Bless you.
Thank you for the thoughtful Christmas post. I am content with my old house, often wondering at the events lived here before my time, grateful for the memories I’ve made here.
Wonderful post! I loved seeing your cozy little first Vineyard house, it reminds me of a couple of tiny houses I’ve lived in over the years. I, too, love looking at houses, and have always, long as I can remember, peeked into windows as we’d drive by, admiring other rooms, furnishings, etc. that were visible. And imagining other lives. But I love our little house here on the edge of a lot of woods more than most others I’ve seen. It’s small, over a hundred years old, and needs lots of work, but it’s all ours. Oh, and I love collecting tiny houses and shops, too, have quite a few. Plus I have a real fetish for images of cottages with meandering front walks and beautiful flower gardens, to the point that my mother cross stitched a wonderful one for me one Christmas. I also love doll houses, and have four that I love furnishing. One is decorated for Christmas year round. And the other things I really fall for are miniature dressers, cabinets and bookcases, things like that (hutches, buffets…). And they all have tiny cups and saucers, dishes and pitchers, etc. in them… I love miniature things, so it all works out great in that I always have stuff to redecorate my little houses and cabinets with! Thanks for the look into your home, and the pictures of your pictures of homes. Happy Holidays! 🙂
Merry Christmas, Susan and Girlfriends. Susan, your post makes me feel all cozy in my little home. Thank you.
Susan, I hope you and Joe and Kitties had the Most Wonderful Christmas Ever! Thank you so much for your warm and gentle blogs…they always make my day when you have a new post! And I just canNOT wait to see the new book. May 2013 bring you and yours continued Peace, Joy and Happiness!
Merry Christmas Susan! I absolutely love little houses. The very first house I bought was built in the 1920’s. It had plaster walls, arched doorways, glass doorknobs and a swinging door between the tiny kitchen and dining room. But the best thing about the house was that my mom and dad played with the little girl who lived there as children. When I would garden I always hoped I would uncover some long forgotten trinket of theirs.
I love your “home sweet home” door draft mat. I wish you would sell them.
HappyNew Year
Sandy
A warm home to feel safe and secure in, our tummies full of holiday food, and a sense that all things are right with the world! Christmas is indeed a magical time. Let us always remember how truly blessed we are!
In 1998 we were blessed to be able to build an “old farmhouse” out in the middle of a 20 acre cornfield with our 3 children, then 5, 9 and 11. They are all grown now and living out of state but we were blessed once again to have them all home for Christmas. Our sons are 26 and 23, one was grateful for our white Christmas(he is in Arizona now) and our second son was grateful to have a break in school and work. Our daughter who is 19 walked in-looked around- I said “what is it?” She said “nothing Mom,I just love being home.” Then best gift ever!
Isn’t that the best Amy??? I have to go to AZ to see the sons. We all miss Wisconsin. Cozy winters.
wishing you a very merry little christmas Susan, Joe, girl kitty and jack! thank you for so many wonderful years of inspiration…your heart is also sprinkled throughout my home!
Hi Susan,
I’ve been wanting to write you for a while, but felt a bit shy….
I discovered your Autumn book when I was living in England, subscribed to your Willard and then to your blog. Since then I’ve moved back to my country of origin – Israel. I look forward to reading your blog, it is a real treat. The way you feel about families, homes, tradition, food and love are so similar to the way I feel, you have really touched my heart.
Please carry on with your writing and drawing …you bring joy all around!
I’m sending you my best wishes for the holidays from a very sunny Israel!
That’s such a great story about how you began your life on Martha’s Vineyard! So if you we’re 33 when you arrived there its only been a few years since- right? 🙂
I enjoy reading your stories on the blog so I’m sure your books are awesome too!
I’d love to connect the dots between Traverse City and Martha’s Vineyard and I think your book would be the perfect start!
We had a little, wood room when I was growing up… It was about the size of a walk-in closet nowadays, but it was a great place to set up Barbietown where it wouldn’t be in the way. We would leave it up for days and just keep going in to play anytime we could. My dad turned it into a small bar when we got older. Good memories, thanks Susan.
Through my lace curtains, I’m seeing a beautiful full moon, peeking through the trees, surrounded by clouds! Love it! Having Mom here (97) yesterday, drew our niece, her hubby & darling 2 yr old. The little family lives 12 hrs away, don’t get to see them often. Our niece wandered all through the house (it’s cottage size) commenting on all the rooms & the outside too….saying how she always loved being here & playing with her cousins, & how she always feels when she comes here – all cozy, warm & happy! I didn’t know that, so sweet of her to tell me. Wow, did that put a lump in my throat, yes!!! Your blog came to mind, just had to tell you, dear sweet Sue! And, I love it that you haven’t painted your wood room, instead you have cheerful colors to go with your cozy wood! xoxo
How do you always say exactly what is in my heart? You verbalize what I feel….and you paint it as well! We are truly kindred spirits and I am so thankful to have discovered you decades ago. YOu have been such a blessing to me.
Merry Christmas
Oh Susan, I am so happy someone else loves little houses. Ours is a little house where we have lived for 50 years. Since our name is Barry, we named ours The Barry Little Cottage. We raised two beautiful children and now have 3 beautiful little grandchildren. Oh, we have looked at “bigger” houses through the years, but the days of needing a bigger house are now behind us and I find myself falling in love all over again with our little house. You and I share a love for similar things; we have the same rose pattern dishes, Emma Bridgewater mugs, quilts, vintage crocheted linens and more things than I will list here. Thank you for so much for many cozy, comforting moments reading your words as I sit by my fireplace with a cup of tea. I am looking forward to your book about your trip to England (which is on our Bucket List, by the way.)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,Susan!
I love your books. Love to own your first book!
Merry day after Christmas….Boxing Day in the UK.
Every year my daughter in law receives your calendar from me….we have bonded over that calendar! This year I ordered it very early as I wanted to be sure to have it, and she was thrilled to have it as she always is.
Thank you!
Still very cold here in MN. Would love a chance at your Heart of the Home book (don’t have it 🙂 Hoping to get out and peruse thriftys and used book stores with my list of books I hope to find.
Good morning Susan. To read your post about houses today – what a wonderful day after Christmas present! I also love to look at and photograph other peoples homes. I have been reading your blog for quite some time now, and often reread many of the entries. Your blog reminds me so much of the writings of Gladys Taber, another author who loved old houses. Both of you have a way with words that brings a peace to me. Thank you.
Merry Christmas Susan! Your post was just beautiful and so full of those feelings we all have about place. Our place; where we can fill the space with beauty and thanksgiving; where we can create a safe haven and live according to how the world inspires us; and where love can be shared with the people in our lives who love us back. Little houses inspire me too. Their size seems to help us with just having the essentials to seize each day and not be burdened down with that which is not important. And, with a furry friend in the window or sofa back, a fire in the fireplace and a kitchen to create some warm and tasty recipes are the essentials of a refuge from which we can tackle the complexities of the world! I love your first home on Martha’s Vineyard, and I did not know it was the inspiration for those beautiful first books! I love that you shared that with us today! Thank-you!!
I love your home, room full of homes on the walls, photos of homes, paintings of homes….Christmas is for life in homes…..I still am forever mindful of that most recent event of lives lost in Connecticut…..can barely get that thought pushed back in my mind quite yet, never to forget but still in its own way coloring my present. Thank you for such a loving tribute to Christmas and family and friends and animals.
Susan,
I hope you and Joe had a MERRY CHRISTMAS, and I wish you a happy and healthy New Year!
I too take pictures of houses and when I was a little girl I would sit on my grandmas porch steps to sketch houses. I thought it would be so neat to be an architect, but I thought only men did those jobs. When I was older I thought it would be neat to help people plan their kitchens after I planned my first one. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home. I really have always loved your first little home on MV. I always think of downsizing, but I don’t think that my kitchen and dining room things would fit! I need room too for people coming home, because even when it was tough to keep it all going I wanted family stability for my little family.
I like the gingerbread and the anchors on the person’s fence, and I like houses with cedar shakes! I also like the trailing star on the roof of the home with all the lights. Cozy places in your blog!
Dear Susan: I, too, love houses and love to go through new towns (we always take back roads if possible) and love to look at the houses. Love that you take pictures of them. I love old cemeteries for the same reason…..each headstone could tell a story (and some do). Like the one down the street that has a headstone that reads “Pardon Me If I Don’t Get Up”. That guy must be quite the character. Would love to have a copy of your wonderful book. Blessed 2013! Barb
When I was a little girl all of my drawings consisted of a little house with roses round the door and a big shiny sun in a blue and fluffy clouded sky all coloured in with my crayola wax crayons.I still dream of such a house nestled somewhere in the countryside.Meanwhile our house is gradually being decorated to be warm and welcoming but the Christmas decorations were put up at the last minute whilst we painted the last bit of window frame! Our kids are back from London and our cat Mr Tibbs is so happy to have the house full again xxx
I loved your wish list. It was identical to mine. I live in a tiny pink house that I think of as the snail’s shell. Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas, Susan,,,hope your day was wonderful! This post on “homes” is so sweet. I, too, take photos of homes. I agree that the homes that catch my attention seem to have full lives. 🙂 Love the cozy “Wood Room”. I especially love your collection of “home” pictures! Such a personal, warm touch! I am not surprised! Of course, the author of “Heart Of The Home” would value such sweet things.
Yes, I did “get” everything I wanted for Christmas. My children and my grandchildren were under our one roof for several nights of sleepovers!! Our empty nest was full of life again!!!
Thank you again for your generosity in this drawing of your first book and of these insights into your heartfelt life. God bless you mightily in 2013, sweet Susan!!!
As a military child and then a military wife I dreamed of a home of our own where we could stay forever! Five years ago we bought our dream home in a sweet neighborhood. I plan on never ever leaving her. Our children are growing here, we have a big enough tree for a tree swing and two doggies make it OURS! <3 Home Sweet Home <3
Beautiful post! It’s amazing what a house represents and the memories I like to give it. I keep a list on desk of all the memories ive given to it, the laughs it’s heard, the birthdays, baptism reception, and family holiday dinners. I’d love a copy of your book to add!
I too, love houses. Big ones, modern ones, colonial , victorians, and especially the house I grew up in. I’m the youngest of seven, and Christmas morning was the BEST! I remember all the good times and laughter in that house. No one had a room of their own. We were all doubled up or even tripled up in one bedroom. We would come down the stairs on Christmas morning and the mayhem would begin. We never got a lot, but being together was the best. And , always, the best present was the box of material and a pattern we girls would get cause my Mom never had the time before Christmas to make the dress or skirt and blouse the material was intended for. So we would get the finished dress sometime after the first of the year, A “second” Christmas.
So to all of you, Merry Christmas and a very Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year,
I love houses too…my husband and I are currently looking for the perfect home to retire in here in California. Beach cottage? My copy of “Heart of the Home” is well-loved and read often. Yes, the recipes are great, but it is the heart you express in your writing that keeps me coming back. My sister-in-law would be the recipient of this book if I am selected…she is spending the winter on Cape Cod and totally gets the whole house thing. Love to you…stay warm in that beautiful home of yours! By the way, have you ever written about how you met your “long-time love” Joe? I’d love to read that story!
I have always had a thing for houses and have lived in many houses – eleven to be exact. But only a special few of them felt like “home”. Last year when we bought Stone Cottage, I finally knew we were “Home at Last” and that we would stay here for a long, long time. I can tell you feel that way about your house – it shows! I have to admit – I loved seeing the wood room! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Missed my chance to make the “Merry Christmas” banner and thought I’d make a “Happy New Year” one (thanks for posting the instructions). Made your macaroon cookies and they were delicious. I love when I find a recipe like that and don’t have to look any further! Happy New Year!
My favorite poem, I recited it in high school in my Great Books Class. When I read your post, I knew it needed repeating. I love houses and all your work. thank you.
The House with Nobody in It
Whenever I walk to Suffern along the Erie track
I go by a poor old farmhouse with its shingles broken and black.
I suppose I’ve passed it a hundred times, but I always stop for a minute
And look at the house, the tragic house, the house with nobody in it.
I never have seen a haunted house, but I hear there are such things;
That they hold the talk of spirits, their mirth and sorrowings.
I know this house isn’t haunted, and I wish it were, I do;
For it wouldn’t be so lonely if it had a ghost or two.
This house on the road to Suffern needs a dozen panes of glass,
And somebody ought to weed the walk and take a scythe to the grass.
It needs new paint and shingles, and the vines should be trimmed and tied;
But what it needs the most of all is some people living inside.
If I had a lot of money and all my debts were paid
I’d put a gang of men to work with brush and saw and spade.
I’d buy that place and fix it up the way it used to be
And I’d find some people who wanted a home and give it to them free.
Now, a new house standing empty, with staring window and door,
Looks idle, perhaps, and foolish, like a hat on its block in the store.
But there’s nothing mournful about it; it cannot be sad and lone
For the lack of something within it that it has never known.
But a house that has done what a house should do,
a house that has sheltered life,
That has put its loving wooden arms around a man and his wife,
A house that has echoed a baby’s laugh and held up his stumbling feet,
Is the saddest sight, when it’s left alone, that ever your eyes could meet.
So whenever I go to Suffern along the Erie track
I never go by the empty house without stopping and looking back,
Yet it hurts me to look at the crumbling roof and the shutters fallen apart,
For I can’t help thinking the poor old house is a house with a broken heart.
Joyce Kilmer
Thanks for this wonderful blog post. Old houses were just made for the holidays! It feels like every past occupant joins in on the festivities, and makes for a very full house. Hope your Family has a very Blessed New Year!
Jeannette in St. Louis
Hi Susan, Thanks for your blog that is so uplifting and fun to read. You have a very special gift of making people feel good. I start my day reading it and it makes me feel good all day thinking of what is important in life. Merry Christmas from Arlene in Northfield
I loved reading about your love of homes, it made me feel all warm and cozy inside.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful blog with all of us all through the year.
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe (and Jack and Girl Kitty, too)!!
Merry Christmas “from heart to heart” this season! I love to feel the past in older homes especially and wonder about the people who lived and laughed and cried there. How special for the previous owners to have given you pictures of your house from former years. Sometimes it’s interesting to read through the title chain on a house to see the families who’ve lived there and made it a cozy home. I’m grateful for sweet people like you who had the courage to rise above sad times in life and bring hope and happiness to so many instead. I’m glad you have so many of your early “wishes for life” coming true. You help us to be grateful for everything we have. I love each of your books and the “heart of the home” that is on every page. Thanks for sharing so much. All of your readers look forward to each post, calendar and book. Have a blessed new year!
We hope your Christmas was wonderful! We had a wonderful one with 3 different meals in 2 days for wonderful family and friends! It will be the last Christmas that my 88 year old Mother will physically be in our home for Christmas, as she has Alzheimer’s. Our entire family was so wonderful with her. God Bless them all!
We have a new Granddaughter (our Grandson married her), and she is wonderful, but they live in CA. I have ALL your books 🙂 but would love to have another Heart Of Home to give to her!
Thank you so much Susan for making my heart so happy while reading your blog!
We wish you and your family a Happy & Healthy New Year!
“We are but birds of passage…and must build our nests out of what materials we can find.” Lady Wilson (1889)
I fondly remember my little 3 room cottage I lived in, when life took an unexpected turn. Even after I met Jim a few years later, I had a hard time giving up my little cottage. But Jim built me a wonderful house, a barn and stables and it was time to move on. And now in a blink of an eye 18 years have gone by. I know we build layers of memories, as our house has watched our granddaughter grow up and our family expand. Our house knows love! And what our granddaughter doesn’t know, is that someday this will be her house! Won’t she be surprised!
I love all your posts but this one really spoke to me. Our lists of what we truly wish for are the same, although I suspect that is true for so many people. I love my home more than any “thing” and I always look forward to the peace of waking up on this day after Christmas with everything looking beautiful, with all the chores done, and a whole new year to dream about. It was a perfect day to check in to your blog and to remember that I am connected to a whole lot of others through the heart of the home and you. Wishing you a merry Christmas ( because it is a season not a day as I always tell my daughter) and a very happy new year!
My favorite decorating style is “Cozy.” Love your home, Susan! The greatest blessing, though, is not the dwelling; it’s the loving people who populate it. I merely tolerate my dwelling 🙂 but it’s HOME because that’s where my stuff is and my people are! Merry rain-soaked Christmas to you from me in Georgia.
Our Christmas was in our cozy home with snow fluttering down all day and all my family tucked neatly inside! We had a delicious dinner, a Santa visit (…in person!) and made beautiful memories that will always stay close to our hearts! ~Wonderful holidays!!! Hope yours beautiful too … Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”
Hope your Christmas was merry and cozy and jolly! We are snuggled up in our log house in Washington state waiting for the snow to tuck us in. It’s such a lovely snow house. (And Christmas house and house for raising boys and dogs in!)
Susan, I love all of your house pictures in your Wood Room. The best thing about them is they are not just houses, they’re someone’s home. My favorite place to be in the world is home. Thank you so much for sharing yours.
Christmas morning was complete once your Christmas Coffeecake came out of the oven…you know the one with cranberries, apples, & walnuts? It is SO good! (we love it with black walnuts) I can only dream about what delights await inside “Heart of the Home.” (that I am really hoping to win!)
As a fairly new widow, I chose to spend this Christmas alone… but I enjoyed myself tremendously re-reading Heart of the Home because I was so anxious for details of your first little house. I loved the kitchen garden details and your backyard guest house. I duplicated your special breakfast in bed and had a memorable day. Thank you Susan Branch!
Oh what a perfect diary dream – and I’d say you are well on your way to achieving it (if you haven’t already). From the heart of my home to yours – Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and All Good Things!
This post speaks to my heart. I did not have a happy first marriage and would often walk past homes, especially early evenings when the lights would come on… imagining happy lives inside. Then… years later, when I found the love of my life, we bought the most romantic, cozy home. It was just as much the gem as my dear husband was. He is gone now… but the happiness I had with him… and the delight we had in that home and courtyard will forever be amongst best memories!
By the way, Susan, where did you find that lovely draft stopper? Did you stitch it? Did you make it? If so, what did you stuff it with? I have just the place for one!
Have a Happy Boxing Day enjoying your home and your Joe(s)!
I love your post about houses. I love old houses, small ones. Small houses are so cozy.
All the homes I’ve lived in bring such memories – In CT it was Hawthorne House (where my dad had a print shop and published books); when the kids were little, we lived at Prairie Cove Farm in MO (we named it that because of the prairie and a cove is such a safe haven); now I live in Enchanted Cove (in town, but still wedded to the “cove” idea). And every home has been filled with the precious family treasures from long, long ago. Home – no place I’d rather be….
Oh my Gosh! I made my sister a little band box for Christmas and on the bottom around the edge I wrote that quote by Eliz Allen! What a co-inky-dink!! Reading your comments about little houses and all the while I’m thinking of my sister and the little cottage she lives in in the little village of Bloomsbury and how, like you, she made her own little piece of heaven for herself. We named her place Rose Cottage partly a play on words of her name, ROberta, and because she grows beautiful roses all around her cottage. If Vanna picks my name out of the hat, I’ll give the book to Ro because I know she’ll love it as much as I do. Christmas hugs from NJ…..
Susan,
Such a nice blog. I so enjoy all the things you share. I too love old houses and like you, take pictures of them too. Looks like you had such perfect place for a warm and cozy Christmas. You do so much to make it special for your family and friends. Looking forward to another wonderful year with you! 🙂 Happy New Year!!! 🙂
Dear Susan, I hope you had a Very Merry Christmas!!! You were “with us” on Christmas morning, as i made your bookmarks for my daughters and they were peaking out of their stockings(The Full Moon one for my scientist/nature girl, The Santa one for my writer and the Snowman one for my teacher). They loved them!!! Wish I could send you a picture of the stockings. Thankyou for your wonderful blog and Happy New Year!!! Fondly, Kim D., Dublin, Ohio
Glad Tidings, Susan,
We are in the heart of our little home, cozy with hearth aglow, on the day after Christmas in the Midwest watching the blizzard blow through.
I already have your first book given to me when it came out. It was given by my decades long, long-time girlfriend, who gave me others of your books, including Girlfriends Forever–about us, too.
That first book was further personalized in a way you would likely appreciate. For a while, I kept it on the lower shelf of a sofa table near my kitchen. Our dear ginger tabby cat, Tabby, chewed a little of the bottom spine edge and paper book jacket, all within her reach at just above floor level. In her cat mind, she must have had a good reason back then–maybe lingering aromas of cooking permeated it? Sixteen year-old Tabby died in her sleep a year ago October. She left many tender marks on our lives, but her teeth marks in your first book are now very precious indeed.
Happy Holidays to all!! Susan, you’re such a kindred spirit and when I look at your artwork I feel inspired. Your “snowy home” piece just makes me feel at peace. Thank you for that wonderful feeling with all that is going on around us these days. May everyone have the Best and Happiest New Year to come!
Like so many others, I loved this post! I fell in love with you when my mom and I had a gift/home decor shop in the 90’s. Of course, I had to have one of everything you made. I have a copy of “The Heart of the Home,” but would love to give one to our son’s girlfriend. She is such a darling girl that yesterday, I gave her one of my long hoarded copies of “Christmas Joy.” She loved it and said, “I want to make all of these things!” A girl after my own heart! I know you had a lovely Christmas, so wishing you a Happy New Year!
I too live in a smaller house. I used to feel I needed a bigger living room, but after raising four children in that smaller living room I wouldn’t trade it or the memories for anything. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy 2013 Susan! Love reading your blog. Every subject is so inspiring. You are amazing. I recently found a used copy of “Heart of the Home” If Vanna selects my name….I want to give “Heart of the Home” to my good friend. We both love reading your blog. We love to go to lunch and chit chat about what you have going on. Keep up your wonderful love of life 🙂
Merry Christmas! You have been a part of our family’s Christmas morning gift exchange for many years and recently my mother started introducing you and your calendars to her friends. You bring a smile to our days down here in Texas…..and when life is so busy, it’s wonderful to be able to slow down and remember the simple, special things that make life worthwhile.
Speaking of smaller homes — they get my vote for cozy comfortable living , — after retiring
From my regular job , I went into construction , starting with a Backhoe and finally getting into homebuilding , ending up with 3000 sq ft ,on10 acres up on a hill overlooking the town
We decided that was too much house and too much yard to attend to , day in and day out — so we moved into a 1700 sq ft manufactured home —and we love it ….just right for us….they maintain the grounds ,do the trash, provide the water and we can just go our merry way in the comfort of a perfect living place….! The cost of living here is offset by much lower taxes , no water bill , no sewer bill , no trash disposal bill and no street maintenance
bill — plus we have a beautiful view of the golf course and for now , the snow covered peaks
up where we were ……..and Jeanie has made this place elegant !
I, too, collect pictures of houses for many of the same reasons that you do. Inside each house is life and love and warmth and security – especially when viewed through the veil of falling snow.
For 32 years I taught Home Economics classes….now days that makes me a dinosaur! I always tried to stress the idea of “home” over “house”. Heart of the Home was a theme I used. Now, don’t get me wrong; I love houses and love looking at them or imagining living in them but, a home is so much more….a feeling your work communicates. Thank you that you get it! Sarah
Thank you Susan for the reminder that no matter what comes, home is a safe and pleasant refuge.
Oh, Susan. I just read your post this morning and had to set down the Kindle that I was reading it on and come here to my laptop so I could properly respond. I love, love, love houses too and am thrilled and so charmed by our own, little one that we moved into just 6 months ago (you can see it on the banner of my Facebook page)! We just made our first Christmas deposit yesterday and, with God’s grace, we’ll have many more to come right here, as I do not want to move again until it is absolutely necessary! We were in Florida the past 8 years and finally made it back home to Minnesota. Florida is different and lovely in its own way, but I love my seasons and family and old friends and the warm temperatures just couldn’t fill that space in my heart that longed for what I consider to be “home.”
I, too, have painted houses, and plan to paint this one. I did a painting a couple of Christmases ago of my mother’s cabin in NC for them to keep in their FL home. In fact, I plan to paint more for my sister and for my brother who has HIS first house after years of mobile home living… and it’s 1.5 miles from MY house!! His new home means so much to him and it was “baptized by fire” this Thanksgiving as he played host and was so choked up to have us all there in his new home.
In the meantime, I made a quick, outline sketch of my new, little home and am embroidering it with a quote by Kenneth Grahame, I found in one of your books! I will paint in the summer when I am not homeschooling my girls. For now, I am “painting” with floss in a rainbow of colors that my grandmother (an avid embroiderer, knitter, painter, and crocheter – like ME!) left for me.
My children tease me about being “nosy” because I love when autumn darkness descends early and it allows me to peek into windows that we pass by on our walks or drives. But I am not trying to look at anyone’s “busisness” – I just want to see their houses! In one house at the end of a street I used to live on, I remember seeing a large portrait of their family dog in the entry-way – a Westie named Whitney that I would chat with as they passed by our house – looking very regal, which was amusing, because Whitney was really not very regal. 🙂
I have been this way since I was a very little girl. My mother tells me I would invite myself into peoples homes so I could have a tour!
So, thank you. When my girls say something the next time, I will remind them that I am not the only one! 🙂
Today is my Calendar Day, by the way. I am excited to be looking ahead to the new year and filling in my new, 2013 Susan Branch and other calendars I have around our home. Blessings to you and your family in your home from our little family in ours.
Hi again Susan, when I first was poking around your website and saw the cover of your Vineyard Kitchen book, I thought of California–I’m from the wine cournty (vineyards), you have a California poppy on one corner, lavender, which the wineries started growing when I moved away, a sweet pea, which I grew there, and then, I think, blueberries? Now that would be the other side of the country. It wasn’t until I got to know you that “vineyard” is short for Martha’s. How charming. Both of our sides of our country joined on that cover, in my humble opinion. blessings as we finish out this year,,,,,,sandy 🙂
Would love to have this book. Thank you for always giving nice gifts to some one who has their name picked. You are so kind and giving.
When I read your blog, it says, “Welcome Home”.
Hi Susan,
Love all the pictures of all the cozy cottages and homes. Just got done watching the movie “Holiday” and made me think of you when they showed the cottage in England. Love love that movie. No matter where you live, home is what you make of it. …there’s no place like home. Anyway, hope you had a wonderful Christmas and here’s to an amazing 2013 for you, Joe, kitties and all our FOSB.
Oh, after reading your blog today, I so want to live in New England again. And I really, really want your book.
Nicole in MD
Hope you had a fabulous Christmas. Thank you for the Christmas present of this beautiful blog post. Nothing ever feels better than home. It is snowing like crazy here right now. My daughter’s best friend just came over and they are playing with their new American Girl dolls and accessories. The Christmas lights are on. The house is warm and cozy. The hot chocolate is warming. The giggles are loud. All feels right with the world. : )
How lovely – I have always considered my love for exploring homes (whether physically or in mind’s eye) a guilty pleasure. So glad to know I’m not alone! And the English cottages are to die for!
What a perfect way to spend a snowy day…reading your blog!
Oh! such a cute first home Susan. I too love small homes. They just touch my heart. I get such a happy feeling inside when we spy one on our travels.
Thanks for sharing you home with us.
I made your Ginger bread cake again. I forgot my time limit so we had to start packing all the food and stop and get lemon curd and whipped cream. I cut cake in half, spreading the lemon curd between the layers and served it with whipped cream. Every one loved it! I am going to make another one for the New Year.
How did you decide to pick the Island to buy a home? Had you visited the area or were books the inspiration, seeing photos?
Just after Steven’s night dinner, a round up of left overs, am very relaxed and really enjoyed reading about your houses. many thanks. susan
Dear Susan,
What a heartfelt and lovely blog. I don’t know how you seem to have just the right words that are both reassuring and validating at the same time. Thanks for your wonderful point of view that always stresses “The best things in life aren’t things”
Your friend from Swansea MA
Beth
Susan, I enjoy my visits with you and your loved ones so much. I am a “home body” so you can imagine how much I enjoyed this post.
BTW, I just thought of you a few minutes ago when I went to check out the etsy blogs, the top post was an article on Beatrix Potter. You know I thought of you immediately. I would have emailed you the link if I knew of a way. Just thought I would mention it to you. Can’t wait to hear what you all are up to next!
Susan, I share your passion for all things home-related and especially for small and cozy homes. They bring out creativity and warmth in all who love them, I’m quite sure! I love your blog, and each post is a mini gift. Thank you so much for sharing the big and small things which are important to you and to many of us, your readers. Your books are lovely treasures which inspire so many of us to stop and smell the roses, smile at the daisies, and be grateful for the blessings around us.
I dream of the day that I will be able to purchase my first home! I have posted photos on my Pinterest boards for my dream house. I love your first house, so cozy and warm. Thank you for sharing your life and inspiring me to dream big! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Love your books, I have collected them as soon as they were published.
I know home is the dearst spot on earth!!
Thanks again
Thank U Susan for the wonderful blog. I would love your book! Happy Holidays and a most joyeous new year to you, Joe and the kitties! luv.m.