“Hello,” as my dad says, “from Smallville!” ‘Cause that’s where I live too. And I like it 
here. Sometimes the world just seems too big ~ but the bigger it gets, the smaller I get ~ because here in Smallville, it’s always a nice day. There’s plenty to do in Smallville too … it’s not a boring place.
Things that don’t count in the big world are EVERYTHING here. When the world tries to get into Smallville and upset the smallness, I shut it out, turn on the MUSICA (listening to this now), light a fire (hearing it crackle), watch the birds busy at the feeders (peep-peep), and do what needs to be done.
Like cleaning shelves. Nothing more common sense than this, sometimes it needs to be done. I give myself a sense of purpose and accomplishment by getting the cooking juices off 
my shelves with a hot soapy cloth; washing dishes (I wash the ones with gold trim on them by hand) and putting them back on the shelves, shiny and clean. Standing back and looking at my handiwork and saying, “ahhhh, look at that sparkle!” I’m always happiest when my corner of the world is clean and organized and a new year for me always includes organization, which my mom says, is the key to success.
Some of the dishes are washed by hand, and these just came out of the dishwasher.
It’s before dawn and my audience is very quiet, just waking up, she pussyfoots around. No loud applause. Just purring.
And speaking of organization . . .
The other thing I wanted to share with you is an organizing thing that has turned out to be SO GOOD I had to tell you about it. I had this old (no longer in print) unused address book lying around, so I grabbed it and turned it into a brand new thing.
It’s now my “Internet Address and Password Log Book.” Before I thought of this, I had all my 
websites and passwords written, but not alphabetized, on four pieces of paper (adding more pages all the time) that got limper and more tattered and worn by the day; torn on the fold and messy with additions and pencil smears ~ I would have to “re-do” the whole thing every so often.
Now I have a real book I can put everything in. Like here, under C, the phone number and email address for Customer Service at my Studio.
It’s a hard-cover book with alphabet tabs that keep everything I need right at my fingertips.
For instance, under M, for Mom, here are all the websites, user names and passwords I need in order to pay my mom’s bills online. There are copies of her two credit cards, in case I need them. (These pages look a lot better in real life than they do in these photos ~ I didn’t think it would be very smart for me to show the world my passwords so I sort of squiggled them out; I knew you would be proud of me for the quick thinking.)
Under G is my Google Password, and all my contacts with the people at Gladys Taber, my Gmail and Goodreads Passwords too. Under S, I have web addresses for all the online places I like to Shop, passwords and usernames for shoes and sweaters and art supplies (sometimes I cross-reference and put art supplies under A, or U for Utrecht); under P, I have my Pinterest and Paypal account numbers . . . under C I have my Computer fix-it people, my Credit Card account numbers and contacts, and so on. I can pack this book up and take it with me no matter where I go! Very handy don’t you think? SO much better than my previous way of doing it.
I thought maybe this was something you might want to do. And, just in case you don’t have an old address book lying around . . .
I do! Two in fact, you can choose! You like yellow? We have yellow. You like blue? We have blue!
Both come complete with alphabet tabs . . .
They’re both in full color, binder style, they come with lots of pages. I blow on my fingernails, polish them on my sweater, say to myself, Brilliant! It makes me feel good to be organized.
And if you like it too, I have something for you!
A new drawing for these two “Internet Address Books,” one for our lucky winner, and one for the lucky winner to give away to her lucky friend! All you have to do is leave a comment and you’ll be entered into the drawing. (NOTE: If the blog is mailed to you, you might not see a place to leave a comment, go directly to www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/, scroll to the bottom of this post, look for the tiny word “Comments” at the very end in tiny grey letters, click there to comment so you’re entered into the drawing.) Vanna (she’s our virtual in-house Game Girl and “random number generator,” although she would hate to be called this) is on high alert, ready to do her job in a few days, to choose the winner.
So here in Smallville, all is well, even though it’s freezing outside . . .
And everything is coated in this crisp frozen-on snow crust . . .
The wind whistles and the shutters bang and ice crystals grace all our upstairs windows ~
Inside Smallville, it’s 72°, it’s organized (within reason) and as flowery and summer-like as I need it to be while I paint for our new 2016 calendars.♥
Last but not least, I realize there’s not enough Kitty Love in this post, in case you need a fix, go HERE, for full and complete inundation.♥
And a reminder of the best of the little things in life:
A kitty will make you laugh every day and that is simply priceless. Love you Girlfriends. ♥ Don’t forget to leave your comment. Have a wonderful day! All my love from Smallville, USA. XOXO
What a great idea. Your pieces of paper sound like my method of keeping track of all that sort of information. My husband often comments about my bits of paper and suggests I load all into my computer but I’m a hard copy girl 🙂 Thankyou again for your generosity to us
Amanda from Idaho and coming to Susan’s blog because it feels like coming home. After being on the internet researching “pleurisy” or doing business that somehow is now all on computers- isn’t nice to hold an address book in your hands? Not have to scroll down on your phone and try to find your contacts.
Just open it and see your penmenship written down with a friend or individual’s contact info. – I did myself a favor and bought one in November and started transitioning all my information over so that I could do Christmas letters.
I had to dig through old letters and find some envelopes with the corner torn off and stuck in a bag…. yikes! Now they are tucked into Susan’s blue address book with an old phone on it. Yup. Like the one my Grandma has in her home to this day!
Susan, you have a way of calming me. Thanks. You are my go to blog. I don’t have to worry about all the adds to the sides of the page, or anything but the feel of coming home from school, work, or whatever to a homemade meal.
Then I start to do those same things and before I know it, I am Susan Branch; making our house home. Making dinner. Cleaning up a spot. Making a bed look inviting.
Sure it gets messed up and that’s when I come here and let myself relax and then I find that what I get to do isn’t work at all- it’s a joy.
Amanda
Could not love it more dear Amanda! Aren’t we lucky! xoxo
Thank You Susan,
Really enjoying your BLOG. Love both Address Books, but especially hope I win the BLUE one! Staying warm and getting organized here in Smallville Michigan!
Love this idea! Please enter me in the drawing.
Great idea! As you can see I am up very early–could not sleep–sooo much going on and very unorganized! This would certainly help. Thanks for the opportunity!
I love your cozy, organized Smallville…! And brilliant idea for alphabetizing passwords…
Good Morning! I so enjoyed my visit to Smallville, a very efficient and organized Smallville. I was just looking at my address book the other day and thinking how it needs to re-done. The idea of having everything in one book is a definite plus! What a great way to re-fresh your already wonderful address books with the addition for email addresses, passwords, cell phone numbers and all the other important stuff for living in this techie world!! I would really put this book to good use if by chance I would be a lucky winner!!
I also enjoyed Kitty Love and left a comment too. Kitties are my favorites! I love all animals but there is something about kitties that I just cannot resist! I think the purring and the love they give us back!
Hi Susan, thank you for making each day, one of appreciation, for living in Smallville, too. It is true that such simple things can bring up peace and joy and for inspiring me, to ORGANIZE.
Gerri
Hi Susan,
Greetings from Smallville UK. Cold and gray here. Thanks for always bringing some sunshine into my day. x
Love Jane, Manchester
So bizarre that you are giving away address books as I was just thinking I need to redo mine! so please enter me in your give-a-way!! I already have an online organizer book, so I will be using this address book as an address book!! what a concept, LOL!! And I love the pics of your dishes, nothing better than clean, sparkling china!! My boyfriend and I have been antique shopping lately and have seen some beautiful dishes that remind me of yours. It is just so pleasing to the eye. Well have a wonderful day!!
What a great idea for all of those passwords that we don’t really want but seem to need. Love the painting of Paul! Looks like he shares my daughter’s birthday, with a few years added. You truly know the meaning of friendship, I’m sure he will love his gift.
I hope so, I had the most wonderful time painting it. . . I did it from a photo of him and he was wearing those cute colorful clothes!
What a treasure you have created for Paul. I especially love the addition of the party hat. So rakish, lol.
I loved the hat too . . . pure serendipity — I went looking for a sticker to put on the envelope with his card, found one of my old birthday hats and it just happened to fit perfectly! Made me laugh, so I decided to leave it there!
Great idea, I especially like the way u handled your mom, so many of us are coming into that. Brilliant !
I love your dear mothers sentiment about being organized – I so agree. I would make good use of your binders if I was the luckiest recipient. True story :).
It is thrilling to find your site and add it to my reader! It would also be thrilling to win your drawing.
I like your idea of keeping other info in your address book…and feeling a bit like, why haven’t I thought of that??! 🙂
And totally agree about kitties…..Tiger, Ivy and Pip are our kitty loves!
Hi Susan! I am throwing my name in the hat although I don’t really believe I have more of a chance to win as a chance it is going to snow here in Holland. Can you believe we are having spring temperatures with autumn storms all thrown together while it is supposed to be winter. *sigh* I long to see snow dancing in the air. But I am making a soup of your cookbooks for dinner tonight to calm us from the gale force winds blowing up outside. I am also reading your book A Fine Romance now from cover to cover. For a year, I skipped through it but now I want to read it back to front. Thanks for the happiness you bring to us all!
Hugs from Holland,
Heidi
It seems just crazy that there would be no snow in Holland! Must send flakes your way asap!
Hi Susan, loved your post today! Your Mom sounds like a very wise lady! Love her saying! Thank you for this wonderful reminder to live life in gratefullness for the small things in life which really turn out to be the big things….the most important things! Thank you also for the chance to win the address books! They are so cute, cute, and fun! Smiles, Deborah 😉
OMGoodness–almost knocked my cup over whilst reading this post! Your red flower cup is exactly (well, almost) like my green one. Found it a week ago in a thrift shoppe. How curious (happy grin). And just when I do desire a lovely new password book, you tempt us with this offering. Elstwhile (is that a word?) I suppose I could hunt the internet to find an old one somewhere.
Happy New Year Susan, truly ’tis! Sandra.
Oh my! An entire Susan Branch website! I feel like the last to know, and but not anymore. What a lovely idea! I’ve used your tiny drawings for years as the ideal scrapbook page embellishment as they set the tone perfectly but avoid overwhelming the page. This holiday I received a set of monthly notepads – kids saw them at Barnes & Noble and recognized “Mom loves this artist!” Please kindly enter me in the drawing. Now I’m off to search your site for teacher desk accessories – attractive file folders? Binder clips? 1/2″ inch binders? Hope springs eternal….warm wishes for the New Year!
So nice to meet you, Ginger!
Happy New Year !! Wonderful idea – I also have my passwords written all over a scrap of paper – and some just in my head. Great way to get organized!
Martha from CT
Love! Love! Love! Love everything about everything – you, your blog, your collections, your home, your cat fancy… EVERYTHING!!!!!
❌⭕️ Suzy!
I actually tried this idea awhile back, but of course now my book is full of cross outs to make room for different passwords when my favorite sites were hacked. In one word, it’s a MESS! I’d love to have a new one, especially one of yours.
Great idea! I would love your beautiful address book in either color! Love your blog and art!
Hello sweet lady I wish to be organized too, love your blog. xxoo
p.s. I have a new kitty. Sami, she is a joy. Maybe not too my older cat Cookie. They agree to dis agree lol.
Very civilized of them. 🙂
Hi Susan ~ I adore your blog and look forward to reading each and every blog post that you publish. It is so relaxing to me as you are truly inspiring with your words, MUSICA, and beautiful pictures . . . You blog makes me feel very COZY! I would love an opportunity to win an address book in order to become more organized. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to inspire and make other women so happy 🙂
It’s a two-way street, I’m also inspired by all of you!
Dear Susan,
You create a new world for us. You show us that we can create our own creative, heartwarming world rather than letting the world create us. In each entry, there is poetry, painting, photography, and pure joy that I take into my heart each time I read your posts. I love to “visit you” during the seasons and enjoy being part of your family during those spiritual moments in time. I thank God for your loving and merry heart. xoxo
That is so nice to hear Brenda! xoxo
I would happily retire my 1978 Mickey Mouse address book if I won the fancy new BLUE address book! My paper list of passwords is getting really shabby. And Susan, if it’s cold you want, come to Wisconsin where we have been enjoying below zero SUNNY days!
What a great way to start the new year, cleaning and getting organized. Love the idea of using the address book for passwords, websites and such.
It is so fun to read your posts and get new ideas. A new address book has been on my want list for awhile now and now there is a second use for it!
Blessings in this new year!
Susan, your book will save me from total confusion for the rest of my days. My favorite toy is my laptop. Keeping passwords, contact info, etc. is a huge pain, especially for my 80-year-old senses. I choose the yellow cover – can’t miss that on my play table.
Love this post and the idea! Just getting ready to consolidate and update my “real” address books. What a delightful way this would be to do it!
Love the address books. Just a word to let you know how much I enjoy your website. It really helps me to stay cheerful and productive. Keeps me upbeat. Thank you.
Joyce
Wonderful , so happy that you shared your organizational idea! So many girlfriends commenting, a good start for a new year! Have a great day everyone!
Agreed! While we’re all here, a toast: Here’s to US, Girlfriends!
I agree … organization is the key to succcess!!! I love to be organized!
That is a wonderful idea for an address book. Mine are on lots of pieces of paper in a drawer. Not a great way to start the day looking for something.
Thanks!!!!!
Happy New Year, Susan! I love your idea even better than mine. I use a Rolodex but, your book would be much easier to pack when I travel. I will have to consider changing…
Fingers crossed! Those address books are beautiful.
I’ve been contemplating getting a kitten (I have a small Pom doggie) and then I saw your little pictures to “get a kitten.” I’m going to do it!!!
Yay! A Pom and a kitty, together? OMG!
Susan,
Just love what you said..the bigger the world gets the smaller I get. I have always looked for a way to say that and you said it for me! 🙂 I love “Smallville”! Life is good! I have always loved my “old address” book, bought one of the other two also. How exciting to have a new use for my old one! Such another great idea from you! 🙂 January is such a perfect time too for cleaning shelves and making my dishes “shine”. Just about any month is perfect for that too in Smallville isn’t it? 🙂 Hugs to you…
Baby it’s cold outside!! I live in frigid Minnesota why not get organized enter me in the contest. Thanks
Denise
blue is my favourite colour!
brilliant idea.
Dear Susan, what a smart idea!
I am forever in chaos with my passwords and I simply hate it when they say I can’t chose something because I already used it before!
I wanted to tell you that I was a bit naughty and this year I chose a new calendar from Emma Bridgwater ( the year in the country one). Well, I was so disappointed! It is grumpy, has curse words on it and is generally unpleasant to have on my kitchen wall! I have returned to the fold and purchased your calendar by the end of week one. Just as soon as it arrives, Mr. Rice’s effort will go into the scrap box ( because the animals are still rather nicely painted…)
I also have sad news in that our eldest boy cat was hit by a car and died this week. Even though there were no obvious injuries, except concussion, he didn’t get better and the vet, following thorough investigations, discovered that he had a ruptured bladder. Our youngest girl cat misses him very much, as do we all. She snuggled up to him almost all his last day, keeping him warm.
Well now, kitchen shelves…just as soon as I get my Christmas decorations down I shall get to them 🙂 here in Norway we keep twenty days of Christmas so I still have a wee while!
Happy New Year to you and Joe and to your kitties.
Curse words? That is rather unimaginable! I’m so sorry to hear about your kitty. Very sad, such a loss. Hope for a better time in this new year. xoxo
I asked for an internet password book for Christmas, but did not receive one. I LOVE your idea! I already have the blue address book, so if I win the drawing, I would use the yellow one for my internet passwords and give the blue one to a friend.
What a brilliant idea.!!! I recently found myself locked out of my email because I changed my password and thought I put it in a little messy, by now, notebook, but I couldn’t find it so I had to go thru hoops to recover it. Never thought to put it alphabetically in a book like this. Thanks for sharing.
LOVE this idea! What a clever girl you are! I needed a visit with our Head Girl Friend today. Wordsworth is right: “The world is too much with us.” It is nice to stop, take a deep breath, and remember that our corner of the world is as beautiful, loving, and bright as we decide! Big hugs HGF and all the kitties.. From… Matty and her girls
Your blog is such a bright spot in my email box.
<3 this idea!!! I love to be reminded of the beautiful small blessings all around me. Thank you!
Love your blog … staying cozy and getting organized in my own Smallville. What a great tip for all of my website passwords. Thank you! Also, found your free bookmark with the Corgi on top. It made me smile so much and I had to show it to my little Corgi, Zubi … he gave it a big yes in his Corgi way.
The Corgi Seal of Approval! Who could ask for anything more?
What A Great Idea!! Hope I win so I can do the same thing! I love my Smallsville too!! 🙂
What a great idea to have one central location for all those needed websites and passwords!! And another great post too – thanks Susan for making my day.
What a great idea! You are so smart!!
What a wonderful idea…hope Vanna picks me. I have the bestest friend to share with!
Love this organization idea! If you have more, keep the ideas coming…..I can use any and all organization inspiration!!!!
Love your idea of living in Smallville. “Things that don’t count in the big world are everything here.” Well said. Sometimes things just seem to hit you the right way at the right time. I think this may have revolutionized my 2015. It even says in the Bible not to underestimate the small beginnings. A natural progression of amazing things can come from “living in Smallville.” I could wallpaper a room with all the notes stuffed everywhere. Your idea for the address book is a good one. I noticed that your book doesn’t seem to have any information on the pages, ie name, phone no, address etc. That makes it a great multi-purpose, do your own thing book. I wish we could get page refills from you.
Thanks, Susan for the creative idea. I can’t wait to put my address book to good use.
We’ve had many cats over the years, but we just got our first kitten 2 months ago. Her name is Aerin (silent ‘A’) and she was only 8 weeks old when my husband rescued her . I truly believe SHE found US like they all seem to. What a joy she is to have around!
Ooh goodie, a fun giveaway! Count me in. I love Smallville too. I hear folk so worked up about current events and I say, change the channel; put the music on. One cannot be upset about how to make chocolate chip cookies or travel through Spain. Now I know I’m not avoiding life, I’m making a better life for me in my own Smallville. Thank heavens!
Perfect blog for today–rainy day in southern Cal! Love your organizing ideas–gets me motivated!
Super idea to organize all those needed bits of info we use!!!!!
Thanks a bundle!!
Hello Susan- Yea! I need a new address book. My other has been crossed out, whited out and erased into oblivion! You make my day when you update your blog. Love the sprinkle of snow you got. I am jealous, not one flake her in Ashland-yet.
It’s warmed up a little here in Northern Cal, but we’re always hoping for rain! My kitties and I couldn’t agree more about the joys of Smallville–we do love it here, puttering about. It helps us withstand and process the news from the bigger world, and is a wonderful refuge when it overwhelms us. Thank you again for being a bright light.
I really need to be more organized with my passwords, etc.
I love my Mom’s old address book, which was entirely useless to other people because she’d put my Aunt’s address and information in there under S for Sis, and etc. We teased her about it for ages, but of course now I think that’s the most sensible and personal way to have your own address book! You’ve got a lovely method up there. Very impressive. 🙂
I love your posts!!
Greetings from Smallville Port Moody, BC to your oh-so-lovely Smallville! I too, still use a handwritten address book and I like it. My little black book! A treasure book of all my secret information! Hah! Love you Sue n’ love your blog. xo
Hi Susan, I am like you. I have all these blog site names and little recipes written on little pieces of paper. I told myself, some day I will write them all in a binder book for quick reference. Well, that day has not come yet. My husband puts them all in a drawer in our desk and I have to hunt thru them to find the one I want. Anyway, it has been very cold outside, so busy making lentil soup and reading your newest blog. I would love to win those two books, it would make life so much more easy! Give Jack and Girl Kitty kisses and hugs and stay warm by the fire. Oh, almost forgot that Downton Abbey is on tonight! Bye for now- Kathy
Downton! Hooray!
Thanks, Susan, for this lovely idea! All of my passwords are scribbled on the back few pages of a little note pad, thinking I’m being sneaky if anyone breaks into the house they won’t be discovered since they are written in the back! I can hardly read them myself they are such a mess!
You always cheer me up with your BLOG, so newsy and comforting! My 87 year old dad lives with me and I was saying to him yesterday as I was looking out at the dreary, drippy back yard, it’s a good thing we take pictures in the Summer so we can remember what we have to look forward to, because in the Winter, I can never imagine that it will look anything but dead and dull again! But then I go to your BLOG and read all of your homey goings-on and think I can do that too! So thanks from a grateful reader from Oregon, waaaay over on the other side of the US!
Hello Susan! I have followed and loved your work ever since I was a young married woman…now I’m just an old married woman and your latest blog in my mailbox is the bright part of my day:) I have been to Martha’s Vineyard and I watch the real estate listings just hoping…maybe someday! I have two wonderful daughter-in-laws and I have been looking for just the right address books to give them filled with all our family addresses. I have nine brothers and sisters and many, many cousins, etc. so we may fill up the whole book! Have a nice day and just want you to know you are appreciated!
Not “just” an old married woman. A generous, thoughtful old married woman.
I just love reading your blog and books. I really could use an address book since I am so disorganized. Stay warm and kiss the cats for me. I have 4 fur babies.
I still use your original address book and, although I write in pencil, it is well worn. I could certainly use a new one!
Hi Susan,
What a great idea!
Lots of love from Holland.
Here the wind is blowing like stormish, I wish we had some snow like you’re having!
Love from Willemien
Brilliant use of the address book. As a retired children’s librarian, I applaud your idea of “cross referencing!” I would be most fortunate to receive one of your lovely address books and one to share with my favorite aunt. She and I have shared an admiration of your work since our 1986 editions of “Heart of the Home.” Timeless. Thank you!
Thank you for your delightful blogs. We are so lucky to have a wonderful person giving us marvelous ideas. Knowing you is such a blessing to us all! Your idea about the address books is great! Organization is not my forte, but I’m learning from you and improving! Love your mom’s “Organization” quote!
♥️ Marion
Thank you for your wonderful blogs and for highlighting the pleasures of Home and your lovely water-colored pictures. I shall change the way I keep track of my contact info. from filing them in a alphabetized recipe box to your new- found method. The problem with mine is you must return the index cards in the box if you take them out….sounds simple, but for a person who gets sidetracked easily, it is a bit tricky. I also want to thank you for the incentive for me to get back to really taking pleasure in handwriting again…it has such a calming effect.
God bless:)
I’d never get those cards back either! 🙂
I have had this same address book, the one you using currently for internet, as my address book for YEARS! It’s so tattered but I can’t even imagine using anything else. I was nice to see a picture of it all shiny and new looking. I won’t show you mine, but I do love it.
It was one of the first SUSAN BRANCH items I bought. Been a long time. 🙂
BUT…..I would LOVE to win a NEW one to use for my internet….a brilliant idea by the way! 🙂
Hi Susan…I have been a long time reader of your blog but have never left a comment. Thank you so much for being you…you are such a kindred spirit!
Jodi
I am so happy to have found your blog a while back. I have always loved your artwork and the wonderful quotes you put on for us. I have been doing my passwords, etc. now for quite a while (after never remembering far too many times). Nothing as beautiful as yours, but it is hard to find nice address books here. My granddaughter called me last night to get addresses for her first baby’s shower and I thought then I would find an address book for her and put all the family’s in it for her. This would be so perfect if I am so lucky as to win. If not I now know where to get them. Love love love your blog and look forward to all the new ones. Love the old and new music, also.
I once won some shipping envelopes from the Post Office. Happily, the family was “bumped up” to a fancier cabin on a cruise. Oh how I would love to win your address books to organize my passwords ! I did submit a comment yesterday but I do not see it.
How I could use a new Address Book, and one with your sweet drawings and quotes would be the best-plus one to give away-how very thoughtful of you Susan. Thank You!
I love your Smallville life style and I also feel like I have created a bit of Smallville here where I live. I think its time to organize and I have been inspired. During the Christmas holidays we become so busy with festivities that things do get a little put aside. Especially those papers that come in the mail. I have a tip for coupons. I know the phone apps are the updated way to use them. But for my department store coupons, I purchased a small purse size photo book and the coupons fit in the pockets and I just pull out my photo book at the store and there are my current coupons( or outdated ones too). Your address books are delightful. Put my name in.
Loved being organized…..would never thought of this great practical idea and would love to start my book in one of yours! Thank you for the great motivation regardless of the winner.
Susan your website/blog is a treat to visit I enjoy it so much! Thank you for your address book giveaway.
When my mom went to heaven, her whole house was so wonderfully organized beforehand the last few years…a gift to her children. And all her passwords were in a separate address book. I adopted the idea and it’s so much better than a sheet of paper. Another idea is to write the passwords in pencil so they can be erased as needed…..Your books and everything you create are so beautiful!
Susan, I’ve been through a very trying time since before Christmas and your blog is my escape. Your posts are always upbeat, educational (in many ways), and just a blessing to me. Thank-you!
Wishing you better times very soon, Lisa
Thanks for the inspiration, been meaning to do this, kept putting it off. By the way, it was great meeting you at the Gladys Taber reunion, wasn’t it fabulous? Love your attitude!
Fabulous, and real high point on the fun-0-meter! xo
What a great idea! A great project for winter !!
Holy Macaroni! 1,457 responses! Everybody loves you Sue ;<)
And I love everyone right back! I say Holy Macaroni too! Where in Holy Macaroni did we get that?
“Sometimes we need to utter an expression of amazement peppered with a little sainthood” wordnik.com. 🙂
Quite right Patty!
Love the address book idea! Are the yellow glass dishes in your pictures depression ware, by any chance? Both my grandmothers had some, one had yellow and the other has pink. I hope to have both some day together. Happy New Year to you & Joe!
Yes, that’s what it is!
I Love Smallville!!!!!!!!!!! And you!
I so look forward to your cheerful blog. you are spring and summer when we need it in fall and winter thankyou
What a fabulous idea! I have scraps of paper and post-its in my top desk drawer with all these little bits of information. I keep telling myself that I’m going to organize them and now I will. Thanks so much!
Hello Susan…..I am reading your blog in between watching the Green Bay Packers win 🙂 and before Downton Abbey 🙂 and loved seeing all your pretty dishes and glasses drying. The gold on the wine glasses looks lovely! And aren’t the little acorns adorable on that plate. I was surprised to hear you keep your house set to 72 degrees! not me, in the winter we get a crisp 66 daytime and 62 at night. we’ve got the fireplace (gas logs) on a thermostat which keeps the living room warm because it fires up when the temp drops, keeping that room cozy. When my husband suggested switching from a real fireplace to gas logs I was totally against it, but after completion I love it. We got logs that pretty much look real and I love having the maintenance-free fire. Several neighbors of ours couldn’t believe how nearly real mine looked and made the switch as well. So tonight while I watch Downton Abbey and take tea, the fireplace will keep us cozy.
Not 72, but 70. and 58 at night, because we like it cool when we sleep. We had one of those gas fireplaces at one time, I agree with you, they’re really wonderful! Downton in 10 minutes!
When younger, I went to stay the weekend with a girlfriend. Her parents set temp at a roaring high of 62 daytime, and furnace turned off at night. I’ll never forget that weekend because I’ve never been so cold in all my life.
62 is freeeeezing indoors. Yikes!
furnace off at night? Rhonda, that’s inconceivable! I guess everyone spends their money differently…eh? I enjoy wearing my wool cardigans and just couldn’t if it was in the 70’s…so I keep it cool so I can wear my winter clothes 🙂 and to give me an excuse to bake…
Love your posts. My passwords are written on little post its and whatever else is handy at the time..using old address book is a great idea..love it..thank you for suggesting it. Now is the time to start..will try to get it started this week. Thanks again for the suggestion.
Ooooh! I’d love to win these! I could use the blue one and I’d give the yellow one to my mom since hers is falling apart (and yellow is her favorite color!). Thanks for the chance to win these beauties! 🙂
Your posts are always so inspiring. I too enjoy my little corner of the world up here in Maine. We transplanted 10 years ago and we’ve enjoyed all that Mother Nature has to offer in the rural area. Reminds me a bit of West Virginia, in some ways, where I spent part of my childhood. I enjoy the freshness of winter. Clever use of your adress book. The offerings are adorable.
Love reading your blog….every time! You always inspire me. Thanks for writing and sharing photos. Think I will go organize something…..
I enjoy the sanctuary of my own “Smallville” and the quietness that infuses my soul when puttering about home.
Perfect! I have proclaimed 2015 the year of downsizing and organization. Tiny living for a bigger life! I still have loose pages I started in the late 90’s with websites and passwords!! Yikes. 🙂
I can’t believe what you posted at the end of this post. I just lost a love of my life. My cat, Hope, has been with me for 15 years. After my husband died, my daughter made me get a kitten. I named her Hope because I thought of her as a new hope in my life. She died when everybody was ringing in the New Year. I cried oceans of tears as I held her and they put her to sleep. I swore then that no more kittens. I just can’t stand the pain when I lose them. Your post has made me read think my thinking. Thank you.
I hope it does, because Joy is available and there for the taking. xoxo I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I could certainly make use of an address book-all those user names and passwords! I also love your idea of Smallville. I am often glad to be home. Come in through the door and shut the world out. Have Vanna let me know if I’m the winner!
Brilliant idea, Susan! I have more scraps of paper than I can count…all with very important password and website information! Time to organize!