Good morning! By the time some of you read this, I will likely be standing in line at the ships doctor to get an injection for seasickness. Yes! The ships doctor! We leave today! And word on the street is that we are, eeeek, going into 50mph gale winds and high seas, and all that other kind of wording that sends stabs of trepidation into my stomach. HOWEVER, onward and upward, off we go full speed ahead! Pray for us! Homeward Bound!👏
I got up early this morning to say good bye and because I just couldn’t leave without a quick explanation of what’s going on with my last post. Right now, there are 969 comments in moderation waiting for me to read! Shocking number! So far I’ve been able to read and comment on almost the same number, 921. Some of you that have written may wonder what has happened to your comment and I didn’t want to go off without explaining. I’m going to have to close my computer this morning, and it’s very likely it won’t work for me again until we get back home, which is a couple of days after Thanksgiving. They say there is “Internet Service” on the ship, but if there is, it’s from 1865 and only 3 people can be on at one time ~ is my experience of shipboard Internet. It also may seem to some that I pick and choose which comments to answer, but the reason it might look that way is because the comments show up, last ones, first. So if I go to bed with 300 comments waiting, when I wake up, those 300 comments are at the bottom, and 400 more are on top of them, so I just go with whatever is in front of me and work down until until I can’t anymore (because of things like having to sleep, or packing, or the frown on Joe’s face when he sees me on the computer for many hours). So that’s the situation right now. No one has been deleted, those that don’t see your comments, are still in “moderation.” And that will be true for the comments you leave on this post too, I probably won’t see them until I get home ~ and by then it will be time to get the Christmas tree, and write a new Holiday Willard, and all of this will be old news.
I will also add, in case you decide to read the comments, it’s become a much bigger discussion than I ever imagined, most of the comments are wonderful. Some aren’t so wonderful. Be careful of your heart. I suggest you go watch an old movie or cook something afterward to get rid of political cobwebs. I tried, with every good intention, to talk about how Americans are being divided, that no matter who is president, nothing seems to change, except things get worse for the middle class. I tried to say we are all upset about the direction things are going, not just one side or the other. I pointed out it didn’t used to be like this, we used to be able to disagree, and still like each other. Divide and conquer. United we stand. These are truisms to take to heart.
But as you’ll see, a few Girlfriends, who have been longtime readers of mine, even good friends, have “unfriended” me because I talked about election specifics. I probably made a mistake by telling who I voted for and why I chose her over the other guy. I was naive. I thought I could do that in this country, especially because of our years together, and all we have in common, and everyone would still like me. Don’t worry, I keep what is worth keeping, and with the breath of kindness, I blow the rest away…
My cup, I want you to know, is more than half full. From BOTH SIDES, both Republicans and Democrats, and those that are neither (like myself, by the way, a long time registered Independent), have sent supportive messages for which I am SO grateful. It does hurt to have people so mad at me. Some are upset because they considered this blog their “happy place” and for them I have ruined it by inserting politics. I’m sorry for that. I don’t intend to keep this up when I get home, but I saw something, like when I go on a walk, or make a pie, that I wanted to share with my girlfriends. I’m not asking for us to agree on everything, I’m asking us to look at what is happening to us. Families and old friends are being torn apart. Its wrong.
The photos of the women I put in that post are there to show how much we have in common. If you found out one of them was a Democrat or a Republican, would you instantly hate them? Thank goodness that has never been part of my agenda. I think we 
Americans are amazing, all of us, and it breaks my heart to see what’s happened in the last 25 years. While we have been goaded into hating each other by the rich and powerful in this country, by corporate media, fake news and shock jocks, lobbyists, and many of our government leaders, the powers that be have been getting away with murder. Follow the money, who is profiting from us not getting along? It certainly isn’t us. We’ve been dragged into two wars (unpaid for, on our backs, they made millions maybe even billions on that war), they have sent our jobs overseas, turned our small towns into ghost towns, let our bridges fall down, and let the banks run away with our tax money, our homes, our retirements. They have decimated the middle class. And where has all that money gone? Look how many billionaires there are now. Now, they want to get rid of health care, because the insurance industry, the drug industry can’t make as much money on us, that IS the reason. It’s not perfect, what we have, but neither was social security when it started. It gets tweaked. But the Congress WON’T do it. They want it to fail. And it’s OUR money. Watch how they keep taking things away from us in order to please the corporation lobbyists. And, while we argue among ourselves, they line their pockets with our tax money. It’s a true thing. But some people, for some reason I cannot fathom, do not want to hear it, bigtime. Hence, we have some rather vitriolic responses.
I am sorry from the bottom of my heart if I have offended anyone. Truly I am. I just thought I would shine my little light on this thing I am seeing. In many countries across this planet we all share, citizens are being put into prison and killed, simply for disagreeing with the people in power. It could happen here. This anger, blaming and vitriol is the first step. Demonizing the press? Isn’t that like Nazi Germany? Next comes … what? Violence? Is that really where we want to go as a nation? Is that our vision for our children? If someone tells you your neighbor is no good, tell them to take a flying hike off a rolling donut. K? OK, I’m done. That’s all I wanted to say. I love you, I’m sorry for anyone that I hurt with this. You’ll never know how much in my heart I want to help. That desire has been with me since I was five years old and I can’t help it. 💞 Wish me luck on this rock and roll of a ship. I still have lots of England I can’t wait to share with you when I get home. And Happy Thanksgiving! May your hearts be filled with the spirit of this lovely season we are about to embark upon. 
PS. The sweet letters in this post are from children who wrote me after their teacher read the story I wrote about a Martha’s Vineyard woman who lived in the 1800s named Nancy Luce . . . in case you were wondering.
Dear Susan. I read the previous post and most of the comments. Truly amazed that you replied to most of them, you’re a better woman than I. Alas, it seems that people have forgotten common courtesy and we can no longer have civil discourse. Maybe it goes out the window when the stakes are high. I don’t know. It seems we are a house divided. For myself I will act to protect those issues that are important to me. I wish you and Joe a safe journey home.
Wonderful Rebecca, thank you for writing. xoxo
Rebecca ~~ Riverside, CA said it well! mind how you go, love Yvonne PS: looking forward to hearing more about your UK trip!
Dear Susan: While I am a new fan this year (& 70 yrs young) I must share that you and I are not on the same page politically, However, I can assure you my thoughts and feelings for you and your work have not changed one iota. I still think you are wonderful and your blog was very thoughtfully written. I know your heart hurts for this nation and for the people. (as does mine) That’s all that matters. You made it clear you love your fans and others and I am sorry there are those who are so small-minded & cannot see that the you, whom we have all come to love, is still the same person. Have a safe & enjoyable trip home and I look forward to hearing more about your trip. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
So true, without many of us knowing, we are truly in the same boat. Thank you for your kind comment. Together we stand!
Susan, please travel safely, and peacefully, home. As I said in my comment on your last post, it’s your blog, and you can write about what you want. Personally, I applaud you for putting your head above the parapet. In the UK we are all shocked that Trump got in, having regarded him as a joke candidate for many months. Nobody I know can understand why any sane person would vote for him, especially women. However, those who voted him in shall reap what they have sowed, and I don’t think it will be a pretty harvest. I can’t WAIT to read your blog posts on your UK travels, especially Scotland of course! I will be first in the queue to pre-order the book. Take care, know you are loved, and enjoy the journey home X
Dear Susan ~~~ Wishing you and Joe safe travels. Going through the gale will only last a short time, most winds that blow are carried past quickly and the turbulence, although not pleasant for some, is short lived and we can get back to normal very quickly.
Just in case you do get to read this before you sail, Happy Thanksgiving on board ~ it will be different and I’m looking forward to hearing all about it when you are safely back in Martha’s Vineyard, unpacked, and cosily watching Downton Abbey {please watch that *after* you’ve told us you are home, yes?}
~~~Waving~~~as you sail past me slightly to the south~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
wow. so, I made my comment on the previous visit….and, then, I thought of 2 kind of solution-y things that I could suggest…..the comments who had given some positive steps we could ALL take had inspired me…so, I wanted to add what had come to mind as I brushed my teeth for sleep-going. (1) GET INVOLVED at a local level at least….we all tend to vote, then go home and DO NOTHING. WRONG approach. if someone actually gets our vote…that person should be held accountable for ALL WORDS AND DEEDS while in office. ALL. keep informed and aware. if promises are made….BE SURE THEY ARE KEPT. on all levels of gov’t, really, but start locally if you are timid. (ACTUALLY….it is MOST needed locally!!). write. call. e-mail. in today’s tech….NO EXCUSE for keeping your thoughts to yourself. (2) there is a thing….safety-pin thing. it’s taking a common household item, and wearing it, visibly, to show YOU are a safe-space for any person being bullied, discriminated against, attacked. I put on my safety pin, and have been asked twice, already, about it. my explanation was quite well-received. almost surprisingly so. if I think of anything else….or, if you do….let’s hear it, yeah? all for now. Susan, again….THANK YOU!! OH! THANK YOU!! your brand new visit is another bit of joy and love for ALL of us. I have a really funny “sea-sick” story…..hmmm….now, or later???? ah, now. so, it was in our early-married days. hubby had always had a sailboat….(he had actually built a sunfish early on….but….moved up to a O’Day 22….) well, we took it to Rye Beach, NH….going to spend a few days there…on the boat….moored @ harbor….hmmm…WHAT could go wrong, you ask. ha! (1) I am NOT one who can swim….at all. (2) our first nite….BIG thunderstorm in said harbor. wow. eeeek. (3) out we go, early next morning…..CALM SEAS. (4) I start to feel a wee bit (understatement!!) sea-sick. oh, dear. so, I go right ahead and heave over side of boat (boat very precious to hubby, I might add). so, I get somewhat of a “irish blessing” due to my “messing up the boat”. hmmm. I sit down, in entryway to “galley”….mind you, i’m like 86 lbs, in a life jacket…..cannot reach the paper-towels to clean up…..more “irish blessing” and, then…gravity takes its’ ugly toll. backwards I fall….wow….surprise…..CANNOT push my way to get upright again….picture a beached turtle…..and…..ABSOLUTELY CANNOT stop laughing at my predicament…..hence, prompting hubby-consternation. hehehe. and, then…..it was like someone turned on a blender!!!!! water got quite “choppy” to say the least. more eeeek. by now, i’m scanning the sky for a coast-guard rescue helicopter. (not really…but, it paints a picture!!).finally got to dock. went to phone-booth (remember them??) and called my father-in-law, who had innocently dropped us off the day before, to COME GET US!!!!!! he did. home we went. all was well. I’ve laughed over that for 45 yrs….but, no I still cannot swim. my bad. HOPE you are not busy reaching for paper-towels!!!!! try to breathe deeply and REST a LOT!!!!!! maybe some saltines. some coke or ginger-ale. then, MORE REST!!!!! safe and fun journey. all love and more THANKS!!!!!! oh, and, our last sailboat was a 1976 Cape Dory Typhoon, which you may be familiar with, living in MV???? lived up to it’s name….not even a typhoon would take that boat “over”. lovely. not made any more…sad to say. xoxo
Rest is the name of the game. I’ve needed it since I lost my dad, but there’s just been too much to do. Thank you darling Chris, you are just plain old fashioned, in the very best way, TOO MUCH! Kisses xoxoxo and thank you for hilarity.
Lots of love to you, Susan. Don’t spend all your waking hours moderating comments. The end of the year holidays are precious, and you need to focus on your loved ones and yourself. I have so much respect for you. Safe travels home!
It is a sad day indeed when friends can’t have a political discussion anymore without passing judgement, being unkind, and severing ties. I wish you a safe and gentle crossing and a very happy Thanksgiving, Susan. And thank you for trying to be a voice of reason.
So agree! Politics is a messy business, but I respect everyone’s point of view, learn a great deal, and am saddened that some cannot accept differences and remain friends. We all want the same thing, don’t we? Peace, Love and Prosperity for all.
I agree, Judith. But shame on us for letting “others” influence the way we act. I’m heartsick at the divide this election has caused.
Been going on a long time, this was just the culmination of seeds that have been sown since the 90s. What I fear, is that there will be more, and it will be a LOT more, perhaps violence, I mean this country is LOADED with guns, because the media are having a heyday tearing us apart.
Safe journey, Susan & Joe. Thank you for this post. Your words help to make a difference in this world, Susan. Speak up and keep right on speaking up for what you believe in. This blog is your own and you have every right to voice an opinion whether it is on a new recipe, the seasons or politics and this beautiful country we call home. We safe guard our homes, why not safe guard the country we love so dear. Obviously there are going to be people that have an opposing point of view, but hopefully we can all come to an understanding that all we really want is to protect and care for this country, to care for one another. So Susan use your words, I think most of your readers are big enough to take it, and try to understand.
Look to the horizon when you can and get as much fresh air as possible…will help with seasickness. My Dad owned a lovely 27 ft sailboat called ‘The Happy Thirty’ (in journalism 30 is an ending symbol to a piece)…’Happy Endings’…anyway we sailed that lovely boat from Santa Cruz to Catalina Island one summer…the guys on board ended up seasick, while the women did not! 😀⛵️ I remember how important it was to look to the horizon and get plenty of fresh air. Although an injection couldn’t hurt!
Thank you for your lovely postings throughout the UK. I feel like I took the journey with you.
Have a safe voyage and a lovely Thanksgiving.
PS I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Danville, CA book signing where you were so kind to sign my Mom’s first watercolor of a potted geranium, which reminded me of your first watercolor. I will treasure that forever.
All the best to you and Joe!
Hi Susan! My family has always loved you, your art, your writing, everything! So I say . . . down with negativism – hopefully we all can believe in magic and come together, united as the wonderful country I know we are. My hubby says that I am naive and look at our country through rose colored glasses. I say to him . . . may my glasses (and yours!) always be rose colored! God bless you and Joe on your trip hope! HUGS!!!!
God Bless our rose colored glasses xoxo Believe there is a way to make a better world is half the battle.
Hi Sue! Safe travels! I’m so sorry that your elegant and loving post hit a nerve with some, causing hurt. You are always gentle. I’m so glad you wrote honestly. During all the before and mostly after I did think, “I wonder what Susan Branch thinks about all this.”
I pray that you and Joe are able to enjoy the voyage home. I’m so glad you will be home for the holidays!
God be with you, friend to me and so many.
I think it will be heaven. We are planning to sleep a lot! How does that sound?! Rocked to sleep in mother mother ocean, in our seagoing cocoon.
Have a safe trip and a Happy Thanksgiving! God bless America, land that we love.
Susan, this just hurts my heart for you, of all people. Especially right before what should (and I hope completely is) a marvelous trip home minus any seasickness. For one, it is your blog to say as you wish, and I can think of no other where the writer has been as funny, kind, generous, encouraging, and non-judgmental because you are all about Good Things — our homes, families, friends and friendship, kindness, England, cooking, tea, reading, creativity, fabric, kitchens, furbabies — things we can appreciate, enjoy, or do to make our world a better place. As for your post, I wish all people could state their hopes, fears, love, concern, and hurts for our country in such an eloquent and kind manner. Susan, you shared “hurts and pain gone deep” in your books; that took bravery and a heart that wanted to show others that hope, love, humor, self-reliance, and perseverance (plus a few kitties!) can go a long way in getting through the tough parts and forging on to capturing what brings you happiness. I had hoped that all your blog girlfriends would in turn support you for talking about something that affected you so very much regardless of political opinions. I’m sorry that didn’t happen. (P.S. — I’m also a Moderate/Independent, as was, at heart, one of my favorite politicians ever, John Adams, who hated party division and took a LOT of heat from every direction except his soulmate, Abigail.) Welcome home, and I can’t wait to see more about England. I have so enjoyed soaking up your posts and pictures, but please unpack, unwind, enjoy the holidays, and walk together with your love down the trail you have walked side by side countless times. May it bring you much peace. My prayers for you and Joe, and for our great country.
Thank you for your sweet words Frances … And thank you for your prayers.
Well said Frances….lovely encouraging words for SB and all girlfriends. Where have our manners gone? There is more that unites us than divides us.
I love your posts, Francis and Donna. Beautifully said to Francis and Amen to Donna.
And Susan, My friends and I couldn’t enjoy your blog more. You are a wonderful individual and a precious jewel to oh so many of us. I’m so sorry people have hurt your kind heart, but don’t be bullied as they say. Think of all the beautiful replies you’ve read on your blogs….we are like your “best friends forever”. If we all lived near you…LOL…you’d never get rid of us!!!! Joe would be giving us all those “looks”! LOL! Stay strong knowing we are here for you. As for your trip to England..wow…I just want to Thank you so much for sharing the numerous beautiful pictures of scenery with old buildings, green fields, lamb sheering, cozy pubs, your friends, and history. Just beautiful. If I never get there, your descriptions have filled my soul with England’s ambiance and I am grateful. Thank you. Safe travels to you and Joe and may you have a Very Blessed Holiday Season. Hugs!
Love to you, Susan, for all the love you give US! 💕
I will be thinking of you and Joe this week on the high sea’s and pray the sea will settle in short time.
Have a safe trip home, Susan! And keep speaking out, because the only way we can heal the divide in this country is to talk to, and listen to, each other. It is our constitutional right to be able to voice our opinions without fear of reprisal, but we need to remember that we also have to be courteous, as you have been, because it is also our right to ignore (not attack!) those who do not seem to be able to carry on a thoughtful discussion without resorting to resentment and anger. Hurling insults at one another is not a meaningful conversation. It is a waste of time that will only create a greater rift, which is the last thing we need right now. If we can talk to others in a meaningful way, those groups that have sought to split us apart over the years will become inconsequential, and our great nation will become a better and stronger place as a result. I’m looking forward to your return and future posts!
It’s true, we have to consequence them right out of existence! xoxo
Safe journey, Susan! I hope there is not too much rocking and rolling – perhaps just enough to rock you to sleep every night. (Don’t forget the pressure point wrist bands!) It might be a good thing that you can’t get internet service on the ship – relax and enjoy the crossing. I hope you and Joe have a wonderful shipboard Thanksgiving. You’ll have to tell us all about it! (Btw – I’m currently making a sparkly, spangly Merry Christmas window decoration, much like the one you made for Yankee magazine article – wish me luck!) Love, Linda
Perfect. I will love the rocking, the kind you talk about! Wrist bands are firmly attached at this very moment. We’re still in port, so I still have service, but soon we will go to sea and it will all go away. OH yes, the sparkly spangly bunting-like thing for the window. Soon I unpack my own and really, I can’t wait! Have fun Linda. Thank you for your kindness. xoxo
Dear Susan,
I am not an American woman, but a Spanish one, but I agreed with you word by word because we have similar problems here, in Spain, So, please, you have to talk about everything you want, everything, on your blog. Politics is a part of life, a part of ourselves, so it is good if you want to talk about it.
Have a good journey, both of you!
Sincerely,
Carmen
Thank you Carmen, God bless you and your country. xoxo
Hello Susan. I’m glad you’ve had a wonderful trip and I’m glad you are coming home now. Why? Because I think you’ll feel better about our country when you are back among the people and not just reading the news and seeing social media. It’s very different as you’ve pointed out. I live in a county in which the majority of the people voted differently from me. Yet everywhere I go we’re all doing the same thing……taking care of our families, our cars, shopping for necessities or luxuries or food, sitting in urgent care for 2 hours with sick children. And I see kindness. People with full grocery buggies are letting someone with 2-3 items go ahead of them. We’re getting together to pack Operation Christmas Child boxes. Donating food for needy families at Thanksgiving. Helping a tired dad with sick kids. Saying hello, wishing a good day, holding a door. Politics rarely comes up. And if it does come up (in this county that mostly voted differently from me), we’re all saying (to strangers) that we’re glad it’s over. And no matter how it turned out we’re moving forward. And we want the hate and ugliness to stop. That’s it. There’s kindness among family, friends, strangers, and people who voted differently.
But it’s a different story on my computer. When I open the news, there’s hate and ugliness of the worst kind. And on my social media (in which “friends” are all people I know personally), there’s still hate and judgment and saying ugly things. Why say such mean things? For either side? Doesn’t it hurt the speakers to say things which they must know will hurt other people? And with the news, there’s just the worst news. And inflammatory headlines which – while technically accurate – can easily be read to the wrong inflammatory conclusion. The good stuff and the kindness don’t sell news and don’t make money. But there’s way more good stuff and kindness than what’s on the news and social media. Way more good stuff and kindness.
So I’m glad you’re coming home so you can see that the good stuff and the kindness that you’ve talked about in your posts really still is happening among friends, family, strangers and people of all political beliefs.
🙂 Katherine
I’m just afraid the hate and ugliness will carry into the lives of people who are taking care of their families, shopping for necessities, holding a door ~ with bullying of kids of color, and who knows what kinds of vitriol between people with different opinions. It’s so true, there is so much kindness amongst us. I’m glad I’m coming home. In fact, I’m so thrilled right now, you can probably hear me squeal from here!
Well said, girlfriends forever! xoxo
Safe travels!!!
Hi Susan, I hope you have a safe journey home. I’m so sorry I couldn’t make it to the Stourhead picnic, I did think of you all but I would have loved to meet you and Joe just to say hello. It seems a long time since you left Martha’s Vineyard and I bet you can’t wait to get back and see Jack et al but I also hope that you enjoyed visiting England and Scotland. When I see your photos and posts it makes me feel very lucky that I live here. x
Me too Pam, we’ve been girlfriends for a long time. We’ll be back. You are SO lucky, so very lucky, what a magical historical quirky charming place is England and its people.
xx
My first comment was one that got lost in the shuffle. No worries. I’m amazed that you answered so many! Just reading them was a monumental task! I just referenced Lin Manuel Miranda’s “Love is love is love is love”…and you are Love, my dear. Today’s post reminds me of Dr. Seuss’ saying: “Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind”. Just take your own advice from the letters of children and hold your head high. Most of your readers agree with you and love you for speaking your mind.
My head is high. Honestly, I’m just a regular person, with a regular life, and I have dearest friends, parents I love, family, and Joe, and a kitty, so how could I not be happy. xoxoxo😘 I’m a wall of 100% gratitude. Life is very short, and in mine, I’ve been able to realize many dreams. One of them is speaking to you know. So thank you.
You said that it was a sin to not comment. The only anger, and vitriol that I
see is coming from the left. And yes, there is also violence. I’ve been
disappointed in many elections but we are free to choose. We all have to
figure out what is most important to us. I grew up on missile bases so
national security is real important to me. As a Catholic Christian, Right
to Life is very important to me. Late term abortion is as barbaric as
society can get. Even families don’t agee on this (mine included) but we
still love each other and should respect each other and don’t put all of
us in the same basket. We are hurt, too. Julia in SC
You have spoken of national security and right to life, which are important issues. But what about your own life, the fact the jobs are gone, schools feel dangerous, roads aren’t safe, people are sleeping in parks, some of our neighbors have had their homes taken away, health care is a mess. These things matter too. And as long as our corporate media hypes up the emotional issues such as “bill clinton” and “baby killing” — not to undermine importance of either, but these things seem to divide us, leaving the other things to just plain fall apart. And, while they divide us, it makes them rich and us poorer and poorer.
Julia – I absolutely respect your views and your right to express them, even though I don’t necessarily share them. However, your comment that ‘the only anger and vitriol I see is coming from the left’ made my mouth drop open! Perhaps you haven’t seen the comments on Susan’s last post…but some of them were truly shocking in their sheer nastiness. And ALL those type were from those who don’t share her point of view! I think we should ALL just be nicer to each other – whichever way we voted! Hopefully we can begin to move on together towards whatever the future holds…because together is really the only way that works…
My mouth dropped open, too, Rachel. Incredible.
Life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, as written in the Declaration of the United States.
Yes, the people who lost the election are the rights rioting in the streets, burning buildings and police cars. That has to stop – and those that lost are the only ones who can make it stop.
Yes, Julia, I agree. It’s important that the politically correct, those that say things to make themselves feel good about themselves in an endless echo chamber, even those like SB, that are sincere and well meaning, hear the other side. Life has many so many difficult, imperfect, unfair sides to it. I believe that most of those who are so hurt and upset are naive and simplistic, if well meaning. Some are just selfish and self righteous. This blog is not a place I go for political opinions. Thank you for speaking up, Julia.
Hate to break it to you, Julia, but Trump has always supported abortion rights until this election. He is a democrat, pure and simple.
I am a republican who voted for the very first time in my life for a democrat for president.
After hearing Trump talk about Putin’s wonderful “control” over his people, saying the press should (and will be under him) cracked down on and sued, saying that he will kick judges off the SC (which is illegal), on and on… Not to mention mimicking a disabled reporter, admitting that he grabs women anywhere he wants…
I was horrified and so were many other republicans. In fact, our republican gov. refused to vote for Trump and our republican party, for the first time ever, did not hold an election night party with the republican nominee’s camp. And we are a must win state.
There was no clear thinking in electing Trump, IMO. None. He is simply a reality TV star who lies about his wealth and hasn’t paid taxes in decades. Who are we electing next, Kim Kardashian?
And yes, Susan, is right, the Trump kids will be running this country. Imagine if the Bushes or Clintons did that with their children. There are no limits to Trump’s crazy.
One of Romney’s campaign heads made a comment on TV that summed up my feelings very well. He said that hearing Trump rallies reminded him of watching Eastern Europe dictators. I could not agree more.
Susan and I could not be more politically opposite, but on Trump I could not agree more. Yes, the Clintons are beyond terrible. But only Donald Trump could make me vote for Hillary.
And now he wants Sessions for AG. Do you know how racist that man is??? He couldn’t even pass a republican controlled committee to be approved as a federal judge because of his racist past. Now he is going to be the supreme law of the land? God help us all.
Trump firmly told everyone what kind of leader he would be. Loud and clear. But some didn’t listen, did they?
No, I don’t think they did. I think everyone is SO anxious for change, they just saw that part of him, and missed out the other. I want change too, we all do.
I wrote a very sincere – from the heart – comment.
All I got were more lectures with no comment on
my important thoughts. At least important to me.
I am really an independent and I think it is good for
our country to go back and forth and change hands
once in a while. We each have one vote and it belongs
only to us so what is the squabble about?
❤️
Safe travels!
Love you Chris. xoxo
Susan,
Your voice echoes so many of my thoughts! Courage, girl!
I’ve got you, and that’s a huge help in the not-feeling-so-alone department. so thank you xoxoxo
Safe travels and quiet seas. You have been such an inspiration to me and I will continue to follow although I too could have done without the political post. As a “never either one” I was saddened more by the ……….wait never mind, done with this topic. Have a happy holiday season surrounded with sights and smells and feelings of the season. Blessings.
You’re a dear Susan. Spread that love, the world needs you so much. xoxo
“We’re all just walking each other home.” Ram Dass.
Let’s continue to do that even if we don’t always agree with each other. Happy sailing, Susan.
Walking each other home…. 💞 so touching, thank you Annie. xoxo
What a lovely thought! Good ole Ram Dass….
Susan,
I too love this country and celebrate all we have in common, I have been sad, outraged, and most of all, scared at the path politics has taken in our country. I think it is our duty to speak up, ask questions, point out, that it seems we are being encouraged to turn on each other in such a nasty, almost hateful way. This is not what I want for myself, my children and my grandchildren. In the face of so much global unrest we need to stand together behind someone we can respect and trust to lead our country. Sadly, mistrust of politicians has created this situation and now we must deal with it. Lets at least speak up!
I don’t believe anyone wants it. Independent thinking is what we have to come up with. Just because someone says something, doesn’t mean it’s true. From either side, and with all the fake news, it’s an amazing challenge to figure out what’s what. For me too, and that just makes me madder at them.
I, for one, have pretty much stopped using my social media since the election….too much hate and fake news! I just check on my friends personally, instead. Much quieter. Hubby has the news on all day, thankfully I’m at work most of this time😎.
I’ve been reading Book of Stillmeadow, so peaceful 🌳.
Hope you had a seasick free crossing!
Looking forward to more photos from England and Scotland.
We’re in Southampton right now, ship still in dock, which is why I have Internet! Leaving in about 4 hours. So whatever seasick possibilities are still out there in the future somewhere and unknown! I’ll do more photos soon, and a new willard will be coming as soon as I possibly can after getting home.
Your words in this post and the last one are words my heart has been saying. Thank you for putting into words what I can’t. You inspire me. I hope your crossing is easy and the waves are kind. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Thank you dear Linda, I feel very blessed. xoxo
Susan- thank you for your explanation, pertaining to comments on your previous post.
Perhaps that is why mine is still “awaiting moderation”, from Wednesday November 16.
But perhaps mine crossed the line, in your mind, and I can respect that…
I’m just so emotional about this election, and now the post-election appointments.
But let me repeat my original sentiment, in that I APPLAUD you, for being so brave as to write what you did, knowing that a sizable part of your readership would disagree.
Some issues are just TOO IMPORTANT to stand silent. We must support the helpless, both the unborn AND the already born…
As you can probably tell, nothing has crossed the line…if that were true, many of the ones up there would be gone. But here, there is no line, just talk. I understand emotionalism. But I think we’ve been worked into a frenzy with it, turned against our own country because of it. Thank you for your sweet thoughtful reply. I see that you are trying and still holding to your values and that’s just the way it should be.
Last night responding to your “Magic” blog, I wrote that I had asked my library director to order the “A Fine Romance” trilogy, which I will pay for. After reading and rereading your blog and responses, I was deeply disturbed by the threats to your livelihood. Totalitarian governments regulate and restrict free speech.
As a citizen, I wanted to take a positive civic action in support of our democracy. Libraries provide access to information for all; crucial to survival in today’s world. The trilogy books are inspirational. As the library director said about my signed “The Fairy Tale Girl”: “what a beautiful book”! I am happy that they will be on the Hurd Library shelves for all to read.
It is a beautiful sunny day in my Maine coastal town. I am off to the local holiday church and school fairs and an afternoon beach walk. Welcome home to you and Joe.
You are wonderful Grace, nothing makes me happier than to think my books are in public libraries. xoxo Thank you!
Grace, what a beautiful gift you have given to the library! It made me happy when I read what you did! 😄
Susan & Diane, thank you for your kind words. Looked up Poulbos; a beautiful town on Liberty Bay in Washington. Photos of the Norwegian architecture and the harbor views with majestic mountains in the distance were lovely.
“The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That’s the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.”—T.H. White (The Once and Future King)
Just some words that helped me. No need to reply, you have a lot.
Bon Voyage and Happy Thanksgiving.
Mary.
And never dream of regretting. And always dream of a kinder better safer more beautiful world. Love it Mary.
Oh, yes! Great words that I forgot. Hits home for me on so many levels. Thank you, ladies.
Can’t wait to hear and see all about your trip!!!! Next, maybe you could plan to visit during Christmas!!! Lol!! I would love to see what England looks like at Christmas and how they celebrate!! Hope you and yours have a blessed holiday season.
Dearest lovely Susan,
In 1968 one of my favorite authors, Taylor Caldwell wrote about the beginning of what has now come to fruition with the global government takeover. She wrote about the world banks and their power and after writing and publishing her books she got a knock on her door from two men in black who wanted to know where she got her information. What we are seeing today is a continuation . I was very active in political work in the 80s and 90s. After becoming disillusioned I came home. Now I quilt and pray and teach God’s Word to those who want to hear. I don’t give advice. But if I did I would say.
close the blog that brings hurt to you down. We love you no matter what. Remember, God is sovereign and has everything under control. I pray you and Joe rest and think about good things and we want you to know your blog brings happiness and fun to us. There is nothing you could do to make me love you any more or any less.
Ricki
If I close down, they win. So really, I can’t. But thank you for your caring. Love you back Ricki!
Who is “THEY”???
That’s a divisive term, isn’t it?
Confusing.
I don’t think Corporate America, Media, or the Banks are minding this Blog.
Surely you don’t mean your Girlfriends who think differently than you…???
In this post “they” is not us! And if I help us see how we are being used by “they” then I will be happy. They is anyone who divides us, mostly corporate media, backed by banks, lobbyists, and everyone who benefits by us hating each other. WE are the good guys, all of us, every color, every religion, every republican and every democrat.
Wishing you and Joe a safe and happy voyage home.
In the end, “We are just walking each other home.” Ram Dass
Godspeed
Jude
I read most of the comments yesterday and was shocked by how mean-spirited and just plain ugly some of them were. I have experienced this occasionally on my blog, but on a much, much smaller scale. I’m sorry you are experiencing that, Susan. I have discovered in my 8 years of blogging that some readers, not the majority by any means, see a blog as particular entity and any change, usually a political post, makes them angry. They seem to think they should be able to determine the content.
Be that as it may, it is your blog and you are the writer, editor, designer and dreamer behind it. You are entitled to write about whatever you choose. It’s so simple, really, and I try to tell my readers this: If you don’t like a post, move on. Click away. No one is forcing you to read it.
It’s not a betrayal. It is merely the voice of the writer, who is a complex, multi-dimensional person who has feelings and emotions and passions, just like the rest of us.
And then if you disagree with the commenter, and try to explain why you disagree, that seems to exacerbate the situation. Sometimes I handle it well, sometimes I handle it with a little less grace than I would like. It’s a learning process.
Thank you for writing from the heart. You made me think. I was telling my husband about that post yesterday and I’m going to send him the link because I know he will find it illuminating.
Safe travels home, Susan. Enjoy the ocean and the seagulls and your cozy cabin and Joe.
xo
Claudia
Safe travels….I always believe people should speak from their heart. We only learn from differing viewpoints. Sending you much love and courage for your journey home! Au Revoir!
Ohhhhh Susan! Once again you are the voice of reason and I thank you so much for these last two blogs that are quite simply meant to bring people together, ALL people! Not one word was lost on me that’s for sure. Your love for humanity and this beautiful country filled every line and every in-between line. This is who you are and we love you back.
I’m praying for you and Joe a safe return and to say I am very Thankful for you! ❤️
Thank you dear Carol, I so appreciate your kind thoughts!
There are lots of us who love you more for speaking from your heart. The ones who took offense strayed from your core message and that’s a shame.
Maybe they’ll come back after they’ve had a good think.
Safe travels! Smooth sailing!
P.S. Muzzles aren’t cute.
Every word you wrote in this blog came right from your heart. I feel sorry for the people who can’t see that we all can have different opinions and still live in harmony. As a grandmother and great-grandmother I too worry about what kind of world our children are going to live in. All anyone can do is try to teach their children love for mankind, good morals, and trying to make our country and world a better place. Don’t fell sad about those who decided not to stay your friend. In the end it s their loss. Hope your trip home was not as bad as you thought it might be!
No need to apologize for your feelings and words. So many of us are feeling the same way and have very few places to vent. Besides…..isn’t that freedom of speech in its fullest. That’s what this country is all about….what our fore- fathers meant it to be. I personally need you to speak out so I don’t feel alone. Thank you for your compassion, your love for humanity and your words of wisdom. I’m 68 yrs and have been a friend of yours, (online postings and FB) for many years……you can’t get rid of me that easily. Hugs to you for speaking out. 🙂
PS……..you don’t have to answer my note….just know that you are loved.
Thank you dearest Susan for expressing so well what has been troubling my heart these past few weeks. I love our country and the people in it but am saddened by the disrespect our politicians have for certain members of our human family. I just want to take care of my “neighbors” and lighten the burdens of those whose hearts, arms and souls are empty or heavy or sad. Can’t we look beyond ourselves into the eyes and souls of those around us? Thank you for being a beautiful light in the grey fog of anger and even hatred. Safe journey to you and Joe. You are dearly loved!
Good Morning Dear Susan,
So glad to meet you. This is my first comment as I only discovered you yesterday (through another blog) and am so glad I did. My heart was so heavy after the election but your post helped to ease the weight. You put into words what I was feeling and a lot of what I wanted to say but couldn’t find the words. Thank you for bravely stepping out and sharing your heart. We are the better for it. So sorry you’ve gotten such backlash but it’s been that kind of election season unfortunately. Yes, you’ve lost some readers, but you’ve also gained some (like me) so it will balance out.
You know, having limited access to the internet could be seen as a blessing. Enjoy it! No need to comment in reply. Just wanted to say hello. Have a safe and restful trip home and God Bless. 🙂
~ Cassandra
I am still here with you. Let’s bring the two halves back together! I love you and know the hand of God can calm those seas. No matter what. My prayers are with you on your journey home. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Joe and your family. I am so looking forward to getting back to normal.
Love you Susan ! What a joy you are!
If you see my comment that will be enough for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all you write and do. To quote my husband, “don’t let the bastards get you down”! If I had 900 comments awaiting moderation I might just have a computer malfunction and then move on.
I hope your seasickness shot works and that you have/had an enjoyable crossing. I can hardly wait for the travel log to come!
xoxo
Those letters on school paper–oh! I remember writing things that looked just like that, complete with margin flowers, and my very best handwriting (I used to think “Oh, they will love my neat writing so much they’re sure to comment on it!”–isn’t the child brain wonderful in its simplicity?).
Can’t wait to see more of your trip–save travels!
Sorry to give you one more comment to moderate 😉 but your last post voiced a whole lot of what I have thought and felt. I tend to hate confrontation (almost on any level…which is not really helpful in life) and avoid all political conversation pretty much like it is the plague. So thank you for being brave to speak up and share your heart…which, yes, is much like what you share about cooking or walking to the beach or entertaining friends. It’s just what is going on with you and I am one who enjoys your drive to inspire and encourage.
I pray for safe travels and I like what someone else wrote, “mind your way” 🙂
…I didn’t quote that right! “mind how you go”….apparently, I need more tea 😉
Susan as you were struggling writing your last post, I tweeted you to write what was on your heart. Your heart is what your blog is about. As a ministers wife for 40 years I can tell you that people love to stomp on open hearts. But there are the few who will agree to disagree agreeably and keep on loving you. As Ma Ingalls said, ” it takes all kinds to make a world”. Keep on keeping on girlfriend 💗 Happy, relaxing voyage!
Sending much love & best wishes for a safe journey home. When you arrive at your beautiful home, I hope you will enjoy your daily walks, decorating for the holidays, petting Jack for hours, & visiting with your wonderful friends. I vote for leaving the rest of the 969 unanswered comments in moderation unanswered & enjoy your precious time with your loved ones. I’m sorry this has been such a painful experience for you, but please know how much you are loved & admired for your good intentions to unite us all after this terribly divisive election. Looking forward to more trip pictures!!!! XOXO
Susan, I count my blessings for having found your blog. In this day of working to get ahead, to stay ahead, to compete within a society that says you should want more, you have reminded me of what really counts in life. I needed this blog. I remember things now, like how much love my grandmother put into her rice pudding. About the joy of making pretend perfume or cigarettes out of flowers and dried leaves with my brother. About how much it meant to get 5 gifts at Christmas when your parents had 5 other children to buy for on a pauper’s income. About how much those 5 inexpensive gifts meant because of the thought that was put into them. About learning to crochet with my aunt. About my mother always making sure that holiday dinners were special and looking forward to those same dishes every time because no one else could make them like her. The connectedness (if that is a word) of those interactions meant more than the “doing”. It was the time spent with the people. Unlike today when connecting is being replaced by scheduling because everyone is working so hard to keep up with society’s new norms of bigger, faster, easier, more advanced. I really feel for the youth of today because they are growing up without learning just how special this connectedness is. I devour your blogs. I leave one wanting to bake, or sew, or travel and see a historical site, or trace the steps you took in your travels. I want to visit Martha’s Vineyard. I want to go back to Norman Rockwell’s studio. I want to go back to the Shaker Museum in Massachusetts. I want to go back to England again and explore the countryside, and not just roam around London. In January I will become a grandmother for the first time. I now think about what kind of experiences I want to share with my grandson, instead of what I want to buy for him. You have helped me get back on track again and slow down to savor life. With much gratitude, I thank you!!
Thank you again for your wise words. We are going through a difficult time and certainly need to stick together.
Have a wonderful trip home – in spite of the predicted gale. Wear your seasick bands and hopefully the injection will be just enough to fend off the queasiness.
I also want to add my voice to those of all those wonderful third graders. Nancy Luce is a real inspiration! Thank you so very much for introducing her to all of us. Not only have I enjoyed YOUR story about her, but I now have her book as well – thanks to you. I keep it as a reminder of her strength and courage.
Again, I will say – Have a wonderful trip! We all look forward to the stories and pictures you will share once you have had a bit of time to hug Jack, unpack your cases, and get your home on its way to being ready for the holidays. Rest, relax, relish in the hospitality of the QM2,and “accentuate the positive”!!
XOXO!!
Dear Susan,
Rest assured that this is still a “happy place” to us. You are a living, breathing real person, not a “brand” only. Every person alive has feelings and convictions. When our feelings become so painful that we must release them or risk our health and sanity, we must release them somehow. You showed us your humanity, not a Pollyanna characterization. Thank you for your honesty and bravery. As I’m sure you’ve been told already, “Keep calm and carry on.”
I can’t say I’ve been happy with everything you’ve shared in the past but I love your artwork & decor so I still follow you. The thing about friendship is we choose to overlook hurts & differences…then work together to reach a middle ground. That doesn’t mean we are bosom buddies….that’s reserved for the people who truly are more like me but it also doesn’t mean we can’t have genuine love & care for each other as well as the community we live in.
I have not told anyone who I voted for because I am so ashamed of every choice we had! But vote I did, as well as I could under the circumstances. And I think that’s what many people did….which makes the whole backlash so much more ridiculous.
The backlash for Obama was just as bad Jenny, was bad for George Bush, was bad for Clinton … which is right about when talk radio began fouling the air … and that’s my point. We are all in a panic when it doesn’t matter which person gets elected, nothing ever changes, except for the worst. Our entire ruling class, definitely not just the president, is to blame, and definitely not us!!!
Susan,You need not apologize for being honest and thoughtful. In my opinion, those vitriolic comments are more about the authors than anything you might have said. With all of the news the past few days of fake news sites on Facebook from young people, as far away as Macedonia, we now have evidence that some were making up to $10,00 dollars a month from peddling lies about Hillary by selling ads on their sites. Many have been conned and weren’t even aware of it. This all points to an electorate that refuses to read, think, fact check, and talk with people of differing opinions to form an opinion on a hot and often toxic discussion. You have no reason to apologize for others refusal to be informed or to only take information from their own echo chamber.
On a different note, I hope you will fare OK on the upcoming rough seas. Not a pleasant thing to have hanging over your head for the next 5 days. The North Atlantic can be a very rough place the late part of Fall and Winter. Be Well, my friend and Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe!
Yes, we’re scared! But it’s so beautiful here right now, ship just about to leave! Thank you for your words, I always believe the fake news goes both ways, we do have to be vigilant.
Dear Susan,
I 100% appreciate what you wrote in your previous blog. Last night was my first night since the election that I actually slept well. Thank you for writing it, which was surely as difficult as it was heart felt.
I wish you and Joe smooth sailing and lots of icy pear cidar. Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for you in all of our lives.
When i am sad, I dont watch an old movie, I pull out one of your books and read away. Helps everytime. XXOO
So sweet MaryPat, thank you!!! Rest well!
Dear Susan,
I was saddened to read the divisive and harsh comments made by your readers. My best friend and I struggled with this election, discussed it at length, and still, somehow, ended up with different conclusions. Because we are TRUE best friends, it has not impacted our relationship and we continue to love and value the things we DO agree on. Your readers have always said they are your ‘friends’ and vice versa. A real friend allows for a breaking away of protocol and warm fuzzies, at times, to express deep, abiding feelings. Perhaps these harsh readers weren’t real friends at all. Perhaps, they did you a favor by ‘breaking off’ their ties with you. No true friend, or follower, needs to break away from something kind, sweet and beautiful just because they disagree. And shame on ANYONE who does. You’re cherished in many homes. Hold on to that thought:-)
And so you are home ! Well not right at this very moment you`re not but post `moderation` I imagine you are…..overdosing on kitty cuddles no doubt ! Its Saturday evening here in the UK and its very dark outside but I can see next doors fairy lights twinkling to give a little cheer. I am imagining you tucked up under a blanket and drinking hot chocolate in your cabin, or maybe having a tot of brandy {medicinal of course !} before dinner. I really hope that the crossing is easy and the weather is kind. Its sad you are no longer on our island but I`m sure your own is missing you ! Please don’t fret over all the political shenanigans, you were brave and spoke out and if some of those seeds fell on stoney ground then we will concentrate on the ones that will grow into something positive. Safe journey home and carrying being your wonderful self. XX
Dear Susan,
We went to England, Scotland and Ireland this past summer and had a wonderful trip. However, I found myself getting homesick the last few days of our visit. this poem exactly expressed how I felt. Maybe it will for you too:
“AMERICA FOR ME”
by Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)
‘Tis fine to see the Old World, and travel up and down Among the famous palaces and cities of renown, To admire the crumbly castles and the statues of the kings,
But now I think I’ve had enough of antiquated things.
So it’s home again, and home again, America for me!
My heart is turning home again, and there I long to be,
In the land of youth and freedom beyond the ocean bars,
Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars!
Have a jolly good voyage and welcome home! I love everything about your blog!
Watching here from New Zealand I was amazed at the small turn out to vote 48% did???
I watch and have an opinion of who is to lead your country and will one day, with his wife, have tea with the queen.
I watch USA friends who are divided.
Thank you for writing your post!
Safe sailing from a land lubber .
Love Leanne NZ xx
I want to say that you will have my prayers for a safe journey. You are my dear friend, though you don’t know me……I know YOU and have grieved with you (cried when you lost your Dad and Girl), rejoiced with you when you got your little Jack, dined with you in your posts and loved you every day. So! from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for this post……and for leaving politics to the world…….and letting us have “our happy place” again. Be safe. Rest. Feel well. Enjoy. Be blessed.
How great they have a shot for seasickness! I cannot wait for the day when I can take a romantic cruise with my hubs. Now I am going to go read the Nancy Luce story to my boys. We all have a voice and ideas and opinions that need to be heard. The ones that gather to listen and comfort- we call them “friends.” Sometimes friends fight and then come back together.
When they do they meet for tea and cakes and the bond is even closer. I suspect
it won’t be long till all your “friends” are back for the tea party! Have a wonderful voyage Susan.
Maybe, just maybe, your blog allowed everyone to get the poison out of their systems and sanity can return. Then we can reread your words and remember that all you did is ask us to love each other a little bit more and question the powers that don’t have our best interests at heart.
Love you, dear Susan. Thank you for standing up to the bullies.
Love you, Susan– always! Safe travels to you and Joe & Happy Thanksgiving-
Your previous post meant so much to me, I have read it through twice and you have given words to much of what is in my heart. What frightens me most is how people with differing views seem to go at each other with such anger and hatred! Our country never used to be that way. I am going to make an effort to respond to all people with kindness, to engage in volunteer work to make a positive change in my community, and to always stand up for love against hatred.
I hope you have a safe voyage home and that you are not bothered too much by the rough seas. Blessings to you & Joe.
Hi Susan,
First, let me wish you and Joe safe travels home. I have been following your trip and blog on Twitter and have LOVED it. I am so obsessed with England and Scotland, the people and the scenery. Beautiful.
Just had to tell you the following: I was going through some old Country Living Gardener magazines. (This is totally true, I am not making this up just to tell you). I was flipping from the back to front. The issue was June 1997. I usually tear out pictures or articles I want to put in my scrapbook of “beautiful things” or wish boards. I saw a picture of a garden. It was a big rectangle enclosed with a white picket fence. I said to myself, “this looks like something like Susan Branch would do. Well, I flipped to the next 2 pages and guess what? It was an article about you and your gardens in Maine and California. I swear it. Somehow, I knew it was you.
I am the type of person that, no matter your political views, which you are entitled to have and voice, I can separate that from whether or not you are a good person. YOU are definitely a good person, with a good heart and a BEAUTIFUL soul. You only had to remember Blog Daddy to know that. Can’t wait for your new blogs and notes on your trip. Again, safe trip home to you and Joe.
Dear Susan – I’ve waited a few days to respond to your previous post because I was very angry. I felt insulted and hurt, quite honestly; and knew I had to think it all over before I said anything.
I, too, express my thoughts and feelings, including about politics, on my own blog and on Facebook. Sometimes people disagree with me, and I respect their right to think and feel whatever they express. We are all on a journey and a learning experience in this life.
Although I disagree with you on many of your points (including a choice for president), I honestly still love your art and your writings. I have almost all of your books. We have the happy gene in common, along with a love of home keeping, cooking, travel, cats, gardening and painting. I treasure every post you write.
I never liked the advice: avoid talking about religion or politics. Personally, I talk about religion and politics most of the time because I’m so passionate about them. I even told my husband I couldn’t have married him if he was a Democrat (LOL). Friends, family, and my readers (miniscule compared to yours) expect that from me. But in your case, I think you’d be wise to start another blog to express those views. I love your “brand”, but if I get more of the political rants (including this one today), I’ll move on, regretfully. Birds of a feather flock together, right?
In the words of our beloved Beatles, “Let it BE”, and in my favorite words, which I’ve said to myself almost daily over the past eight years, “Put your big girl panties on and deal with it.” I made it through the Obama years. Now I’m celebrating and working to Make America Great Again. I have faith in God and America, and believe we will survive and thrive.
I’m really looking forward to your coming posts and hearing all about your trip. Praying for a safe trip home for you and Joe, and for a good internet connection on the QE2. Which reminds me…we just finished the series, The Crown, on Netflix — about Queen Elizabeth. I kept thinking of you and Joe being on those roads and hills. The scenery and clothes (1950’s) were wonderful.
In sincere friendship,
GG
You know, I hope, that I too respect your choice, and I hope you can see that what the blog was about is how we’re being torn apart. In sincere friendship, to you too Gail… xoxo
Would not want your wonderful trip to end with sea-sickness problems! Hoping and praying for a safe trip! I get the same way, so I know exactly how you feel!
No need for apology, you spoke truth and from your heart. Anyone who was upset is not worth bothering with. Keep up your spirits and enjoy the trip.
This posting made Much More Sense and sounded more like the Susan Branch I have grown to love. Thank you for the improved clarity of your thoughts. The first one was a little “all over the place” and did cause a lot of upset because it sounded so one-sided. This one seemed more rational and thoughtful and words that I would expect from an “Independent” voter and person. Thank you. I feel better, and hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip home.
Oh my dear Susan! You do not need to apologize. This is the United States of America. It is our privilege to speak our minds. And people who realize this will not be upset with you. You met me as Lucy in Chicago two years ago. My Ethel was with me. We have been friends for over 30 years and I’m pretty sure we have never voted alike. We didn’t this year either. But that shouldn’t, and doesn’t, cause a problem. Your blog and your ‘Branchies’ (as I refer to all of us groupies) will continue to see our glasses as half full or more. We choose to be happy and feel blessed to have that choice. We will continue to try to spread that happiness. You and your blog are such a big part of this!! Welcome home!
I thought you may like to read what my son posted on his Facebook page before the election. He’s a bearded, 31-year old guitarist who can look like a toughie but is so thoughtful and kind. “.I think the damage that Hillary/Donald have already done to friendships and families is much worse than any political damage they might do after the election. It’s an absolute disgrace to see decades old friendships thrown away just because “Friend A” believes in small government and low taxes while “Friend B” wants universal healthcare and college debt forgiveness. We all found each other through shared passions and experiences, and as far as I can tell, those things are much more important than any name you check off and slide into a box. I don’t really like talking about this stuff, but I think it’s important for everyone to take a step back and take a look at what really matters. Is it checking a box labeled D or R, or maybe L?Or is it laughing with your friends about some dumb shit you did 10 years ago? Let’s look at the big picture and be cool to each other…….” He’s right, we need to BE COOL TO EACH OTHER. It was so much nicer when you just liked your friends and family for who they are, not for their political or religious mindset. I think, in reality, we all are striving to do good and want what’s best for each other and the country, but we all see different avenues to get there. All avenues have their pluses and minuses. Civility seems to have gone by the wayside.
Susan,
It’s hard to believe people have left your site over crazy politics! They need to get over it. Everyone has the right to their own have opinions. How sad😢. We are a free country. It’s over!
Hope you enjoyed your trip! Don’t let words get you down
Tracey H
Sweet Susan
Enjoy your journey back home. Rest and creat beautiful thoughts to put your heart at peace .
Happy Thanksgiving. You are one of my blessings❤️
Sue
Have a safe, uneventful crossing and a Happy Thanksgiving weekend (home to Jack!)
You’re from California and now live in the North East, so your choice in the election doesn’t surprise me one bit, your friends and neighbors no doubt voted the same way. I’m very disappointed that you brought politics to this blog, and so I couldn’t/didn’t read all of the previous post, and only a few of the comments before I had to stop. I hope you have a safe and sea-sick free trip home and a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas… I’ll keep following your blog, for a while anyway but if the politics continue… I’ll not have time for it. Love you and wish you all the best
You are being told that there is something wrong with people who live in other places than you…. don’t you see that as weird? Stop believing such nonsense. Stick up for us! We are in this together! I am you and you are me.
Guess people haven’t seen the ‘divide and conquer’ aspect of this particular election. It has come down to us against them -and in some instances, it has become very nasty. So sad.
Elaine, I have to say: This premise doesn’t serve anyone. I’m from the Midwest – I lived there for 30 years. I now live in NY State. I’ve also lived in two other states on opposite sides of the country. Why do you assume everyone on either coast thinks or feels differently from you? Those assumptions, aided and abetted by polls and cable news, just drive us further apart.
Susan,
Thank you so much for your posts, expressing your feelings very honestly. I couldn’t agree with you more and admire you for doing so in such an eloquent manner.
As a society, I think we have lost two very important aspects of every day life, civility and respect! We have the right to express ourselves and you have done so with honesty and grace. We have a very diverse family that includes a son-in-law who is African American and a daughter-in law who is Latino. They are both wonderful people and have blended very well into our family. We love and respect them and hope that their future holds peace and harmony. I’m not sure this is possible unless we learn to live by The Golden Rule.
A sign in my kitchen reads”Because Nice Matters”. It does!!!
Oh Susan you don’t need to apologize. I was in shock and only hope that he and his consultants will think before they speak, that the country will heal and hate not be part of our vocabulary.
I want to hear about your trip…………..
Please don’t feel bad. You are loved.
Susan, although you wrote a very beautiful blog from the heart, you cannot feel bad if some people unfriended you. If that’s the thing that made them that upset, maybe they were not as kind and thoughtful as you thought they were. I understand, as I had to unfriend some relatives. I would never have thought they could be so different than I always thought they were. Don’t feel bad about doing and saying the honest and fair things you did.
Hope your trip home goes well.
Hugs for being the warm, wonderful and sweet person you are.
I guess I side with the person who said that they wish you hadn’t commented on politics…that this was a safe happy place…I wonder if you would have if you had voted the other way…which seems to those of us who did, not to be “politically correct” and we are being bullied for it. I am tired of people who cannot win or lose gracefully and have not taught their children how to do so. We are all on the same plane and we all should be praying for the pilot not breaking window and trashing buildings.
Hi Susan, you are blissfully wonderful and totally have the right to your opinion without reservation … that’s one of the great things about America .. but I also get it that you feel the need to apologize because you’re such a caring and loving person and feel the hurt when others can be so cruel… I’ve always loved what Voltair said “I may not agree with what you say but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” something like that… but anyway please just keep doing what you’re doing and continue on with your loving heart… and I’ll say this from me to you … you GO girl… and btw #imstillwithher ❤️ Have a wonderful voyage home and let those stormy waves rock you to sleep knowing all is well … the world is waiting for you 🙋 And if you don’t get to see my comments please don’t worry.. it’s from heart to heart anyway.. Mother Teresa said give the world The best you have , and it may never be enough. Give your best Anyway… just as you always do
Susan, you are loved and admired by many. Keep your head held high!
Dear Susan,
Because you have so many followers, I’ve never commented on any of your posts. I’ve just read and enjoyed them. But after the last post, I felt I needed to tell you how much I admire your courage for speaking out. I felt fairly certain that you might lose some friends, as we are indeed a country divided. Because I live in Maine, I was not shocked by the outcome of this election, but how discouraging it was. Anyway, just wanted you to know you have a “girlfriend” in Maine.
She has at the very least two, Laurie.
In Downeast,
Debbie
Susan, I neglected to reply to your earlier posting about the election. It resonated with me as no other post did during this entire election period. You voiced my thoughts perfectly, as if I had written them myself. I especially enjoyed the sidebar you copied from your first book, Fairytale Girl. I grew up in the same era as you, and remember it as a quieter, more peaceful time. We lived simply then and were happier for it. It is unfortunate that so many so-called friends have abandoned you because of your beliefs. But it is their loss, not yours. I just recently discovered your artwork and your books, and hope you continue to do the light all of your readers.
God speed. I love your writing. People need to remember and practice “The Golden Rule”.
Another good thing to think about is the happiness of life.
I personally loved your previous blog and thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing it. I wish you and Joe safe and calm travels and the happiest of Thanksgivings to you both!! Extra hugs to Jack.
Godspeed, Susan! On many levels~~
Susan~
I did post a comment to your last post, but not sure I made any sense. That seems to be the way it’s going lately for me. So much confusion and sadness since the election. But wanted to say again, thank you for being so brave and posting your feelings on your blog. I am with you on this. I hate watching the current news, so have turned to the Hallmark Christmas movies to help me get thru this time. Smooth sailing to you and Joe as you head HOME and once again, have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Dear Susan,
I agree with your previous blog and It bothers me that people have gotten to this point, where they become nasty and hateful if they don’t agree with someone else’s opinion. I am a Democrat and I have voted in every election since I was 18 years old and I am now 78. It hurt me to hear how those people tore into you and condemned you for your thoughts, I had to cry. And to say because you went on a trip you were “upper class” and all that rubbish.These people do not know anything about being kind to one another and I say you are lucky they are gone from your blog. I didn’t physically go on the trip with you, but I sure had a good time!! Your blogs and all the pictures and good descriptions made my day! I would love to meet you some day. I have all your books now! Bless you and Joe!!
So happy you could “come along” DeLores … lots more to come, and thank you!
Dear Susan~We know what is in your ❤️…stay the course…xoxo…
Dear Susan and Joe…
First of all, I hope your voyage home from your wonderful journey in England will be fun, peaceful and smooth. I have just started reading “A Fine Romance” (I’m a wee bit behind everyone else!) and love it! I’m looking forward to reading the next two!
I have read many of the comments from your recent controversial blog and I am truly amazed. I am including a Facebook post from Nov. 9, 2016 by a Mr. Joe Clark (don’t know him) that I thought was so thought provoking for everyone. I hope it will be comforting to you in some way.
“Some of the most incredible people I know voted for Donald Trump, and some of the most incredible people I know voted for Hilary Clinton. The people that I know that voted for Trump are not racist, misogynistic, or hateful, and the people that voted for Hilary Clinton are not hateful and intolerable. If you are someone who woke up this morning and is going to start seeing people as who they voted for, and not as the person you have always known them to be, then you are what is wrong with America. I will never think any less of any person who has different views than me, because some of the most beautiful, inspirational people I know will disagree with what I believe all day long, but at the end of the day they are still the beautiful, inspirational person I have always know them as. Don’t think less of people because some of their beliefs don’t align with yours, and don’t lose quality people in your life because you choose hate over love.”
Wish ALL your “girlfriends” would read it.
With love and hugs to you both…God bless America.
“We never know how high we are till we are called to rise. Then if we are true to form our statures touch the skies.”
― Emily Dickinson, Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson
SO PROUD OF YOU FOR SAYING WHAT NEEDED SAYING! Don’t waiver, keep calm and carry on….best quote!
God bless you Susan Branch. Don’t let the out pouring of anger or worse knock you down. You were honest and thoughtful. I am reminded of the old family bible my wonderful grandmother left to me. She was raised in Indiana and her father as a young man had walked up from the South after the civil war looking for work. He got work on a farm and end up marrying into the family. Anyway, this bible is wonderful. It contains lots of notations and family tree info which dates from the civil war era. What is heartbreaking though are the notes about how the family was torn apart by both Northern or Southern sympathies. Men in the family fought for both sides. Parents disowned children and children walked away from parents. The most heartbreaking notations are the ones written by different family members saying, “so and so went off this day to join the (either North or South)” Then further down would be written “so and so never came home.” I hope our country can rise above what is going on now so that this sort of thing never, never happens again. People need to remember to practice the Golden Rule. I hope you and Joe have or had a wonderful Thanksgiving at home surrounded by love and good health.
The outpouring of love is washing over me, and taking all the hurt away. I wish that for every angry voice on this blog.
Well Dear friend, I am back once again. I have a few things to say. First and for most, I am sending you and that HONEY of yours wishes for a VERY safe trip home. One with happiness and pure Joy. Don’t let those who have wrote you off, so to speak leave any mark on your soul except WISDOM!!!! Yes I am sure you were shocked and hurt. But those who we do not agree with 100% are usually not the ones we want as friends. As you can see they are biased and not what you need in your life. So my dear Susan, as my mama always told me……move on down the block, for their you will find a recipient worthy of your time. Happy Thanksgiving to you. And loads of love Gayle Hall
It will always break my heart that we, having so much in common, can be divided by those who would use us for their own profit.
Yes, you should definely keep politics out of this forum. Mass. and Calif. do not share values of much of the country.
That’s what you are being told, while they divide us. It is not true, we are all in the same boat, and California and Mass are both FILLED with mid-western born people. I LOVE the midwest. I love all of us. You have the right to divide us into good and bad people, but it does you no good, because while that is going on, the powers that be are running off frolicking and becoming billionaires on our backs.
I adore you I applaud you and mostly I wish you more love more peace and more joy than your heart can hold. I know you will miss your Dad so so much this holiday season and I wish you comfort in Joes arms as you move forward with your head held high
I hope that you have smooth sailing back home, to where your heart is……..
Thank you for being you. Your honesty is refreshing. You do speak from the depth of your heart in all sincerity.
I am saddened by all of the hatred and I am not sure what the future holds. We must, as individuals, stand strong and unite in the spirit of love and caring. I think that where there is love, we will find a way. Blessings to you, and to Joe. We need more people with kind hearts.
Dear Susan,
I must say I was very surprised by your political post, and although we did not vote the same, I understand the point you were making and respect you for having the guts to speak your mind. This election has been so divisive and has caused such hard feelings even among the best of friends. Time to move on and be hopeful that our country will find itself once again. Have a safe trip and don’t feel sorry for one more minute that you wrote it! I would be more worried about those 50 mile an hour winds and high seas!!!!
My fear is that we are not going to “just move on.” I’d love it if we could, but we quit moving on a long time ago. Look how still angry everyone is … the issue is how we are being divided, and used. And they walk off billions of dollars, OUR dollars. We make them rich while they make us poor.
Who are “they”, exactly? And, how can you be poor, living in what must surely be a multi- million dollar home in Martha’s Vineyard?
These kinds of questions amaze me, but I bought my house in the 80’s for about a buck two ninety … it’s worth more now, but I have a mortgage like every one else. “They” are the people dividing us in order to line their own pockets, billionaire CEO’s of corporations, that hire lobbyists to get laws to be written in their favor (and against us) and back extreme radio and tv talk shows who tell their listeners (24-7) that people on the coasts are bad (or whatever catch phrase they use that demonizes half the American population and tears families and friends apart). They want us to fight because when we do, they win. Have you EVER seen things get better for the middle class? No, while we fight they do nothing to bring the country forward, they don’t even talk to each other in our congress. That’s not democracy. There is ALWAYS common ground. We have always compromised in our history.