First, MUSICA, and second… Hello All💞, and third, I thought I would talk about this thing that’s very popular in Europe (and probably all over) right now called Hygge ~ While we were traveling I would walk into a bookstore in Great 
(great and wonderful) Britain, and invariably, on the front table would be six different books, all with some cozy atmospheric picture of H💟ME on the cover and called some variation of “HYGGE,” which makes sense when you find out Hygge is Danish for “cozy.” So I checked it out and it’s pronounced “HYU-gah,” but I like to pronounce it “HUG,” since the word embraces (so to speak) the entire spirit of Hygge. We’ve had Hygge for a long time around here too, but we’ve called it other things … the way my mom said it was,
And sometimes it’s known as Living the Dream; or Having it All; or Living Large; or The Pursuit of Happiness; and let’s not forget . . .
Oh yeah. It’s all about making a world of Contentment in your own
Unfortunately, we can’t control what goes on in the outside world, which seems to get more ridiculously uncontrollable every day, but we CAN control what goes on in our own homes ~ whether it’s one room, an apartment, or a mansion. Hygge has nothing to do with money, it’s an equal opportunity bringer of joy.
Hygge is a state of mind and a recognizing that what you seek, you already have. I’ve perfected my Hygge in rented rooms and tiny apartments when I was younger. I make it every time we travel in a small train compartment when I bring along my feather pillow, my comfy slippers, a new wonderful book to read, my electric kettle, my favorite cup, my favorite tea, and some homemade cucumber sandwiches. That’s Traveling Hygge, there’s more to it, but today we’re talking bout Hygge In-House. In YOUR house to be exact!
There are a thousand ways to Hygge yourself, and if you’ve been hanging around this Blog long enough, you know that’s mostly what we love to talk about. How to make a Homemade Happy Life . . .
Over the years, I’ve recognized that most of the little things that make life wonderful are found in the same basic framework I use when I give a party: They always seem to appeal to one of the five senses, plus that magical sixth sense, the highly personal one called 
“imagination.” Because the senses are kind of your everything. If they are constantly fed a diet of car exhaust, too many people at the mall, the dentist’s drill, fast food cheeseburgers, news of starving children, killer germs on the loose, and culture collapse, staring into your phone for hours on end, and perhaps a quick frisking at the airport, you are just not going to be happy! SO simple. You might have to go out and experience all of that, but then you can come home, where YOU are in charge. Whew. Look around your home. How does it feel? How does it sound? How does it look? How does it smell? How does it taste? Are there flowers, candles, a cozy throw for you, books, teacups? Is there toast and cheese? Are there pancakes? Is there pretty music that sends you to the moon? Now for number six: see any whimsy, anything that only says YOU in all caps? The question is, does your house FEED you from the well of sweetness?
Hygge thyself!
When it’s all rainy and gray outside . . .
Make a fire or light a candle . . . light many candles!
Lots of you know how much I love houses ~ I have one room where there are only paintings of houses on the walls. Over the years, when I’m out and about, I might see a little candle house, the one with the green roof is my newest in this long slow-growing collection. I found it in Scotland where so many of the real houses are white stucco. What could be more Hygge than a candle IN a house? It’s the Hyggiest! And long, and slow-growing? That’s Hygge too.
Light the candles and then go make yourself a cup of tea, and cuddle up to watch an old movie . . .
This is Audrey Hepburn and Gregory adorable Peck in Roman Holiday. Five Stars! I have a wonderful list of old movies that could keep a person busy and in Hygge City for a whole winter if they wanted!
This is the June page from my new 2017 wall-calendar and just a reminder, because the main thing about Hygge, as you can probably tell by just reading about it, it’s so HEALTHY! It doesn’t weigh you down, it makes you buoyant, up and ready to go! It’s priceless, and it’s a gift you can give yourself because it’s FREE!
Read a book that will light your soul, send your heart to the moon, make tears flow down your cheeks, and inspire you to greatness. Read biographies about your heroes. I love reading about the life of Beatrix Potter because she makes me want to be a better person.💞
I think it’s very Hygge to put dried flowers in her books . . .
Even housekeeping and doing laundry can be Hygge, if you wait a moment and let yourself SEE the before and afters . . . and just how pretty wrinkles and patterns can be, smell the cleanness, feel how organized you must be as you are hanging things to dry, there in the Village of Hygge, where you are in charge of your environment, and your environment is not in charge of you.
And how lovely it is to have your hands slippery in warm water caring for your things, washing them, loving them, making them last forever. You can sing while you do it, and that will make the other people in the house happy too. Really, it will.🎵
Luv-lee bubble baths, where all tensions rooooolllll away in the water . . . play the MUSICA! Because guess who’s in charge? You are!
It’s hard to find words for how wonderful a little petty-pet can be, but I tried.
Put something fun on the calendar, something to look forward to! Hygge is having a dream, and making it come true, even if it takes ten years!
Make a picture wall in your bathroom. It’s zen. No one wants to come out of my bathroom now! See HERE.
Have a Jane Austen tea party and Celebrate her birthday on December 16th, use her books as centerpieces, tell everyone to wear a hat … I have lots of recipes for delicious tea party food! (Just click on which recipe you’d like to have.)
There is also Doing Nothing that is totally Hygge, especially if you find you are doing too much: sleep in! Do it in the coziest flannel jammies you can find. Keep the room cold so you are cuddled under the covers. Moosh the pillow around your ears to keep them warm. Don’t laugh. This can be done! As my mother said, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” Put it on your calendar if you have to!
This is Joe (look close to see him), enjoying the Hygginess of it all!
This was the sky over our house this morning, after a few grey days and even some rain. How heavenly is that?
When I was little I used to go outside at night before bed, to look at the stars, and fill my lungs with a big breath of fresh night air to take back to my cozy (Hyggie like crazy) bed with me. I still do it sometimes. The stars, they have secrets, and if you put your ear down close, and listen hard, they will tell you.❤️
My dad used to say, “Be an Elf,” and to me, that’s the same exact same thing as Hygge. It’s a hug. Kind of virtual, but you definitely still feel it. Christmas can be a lonely time for some of us, especially if we’ve dreamed of a certain kind of magical Christmas but have never quite gotten it. I say, this year, think about how you can give it to yourself … a nice big Hygge box of jammies and candles just cannot hurt, with a card signed, “Te Adoro, with all my heart, 💞 your darling Santa, who loves you.” You can wake up, find it all wrapped up under the tree along with the cashmere sweater he left for you, smell the roast chicken he put in the oven, drink the hot chocolate he made for you, count your blessings and be very surprised and thrilled.💝
And another thing this season: Be sure to Shop Small and Buy Local. Because most of the money you spend when you do that, STAYS in your community. That’s a very good thing. Very Hygge. Wear a cute hat when you do it, spread some sunshine. Send love to Tennessee, if you have a little extra, to help the families affected by the terrible wildfires. Send them a little Hygge. And that’s it, oh no, it’s not, I forgot, one other surprise I have left for you! Pretty Hygge too.
This is the Giveaway we have from the new Willard (which just started going out today, it takes about four days for it all to go, so be patient, and if you’re not on our mailing list, you can still sign up) . . . Anyway the prize is a signed copy of the new Heart of the Home, a bird in a gilded cage for your tree, and two dream charms, one is Christmas Joy, and the other (the red one) is Heart of the Home…and all you have to do is leave a comment and you’ll be entered for the drawing! BUT, there’s something else, because Hey, it’s Christmas, and Hey, we’re Hygging today!
Oh yeah, It’s Heart of the Home AGAIN, signed, like the first one, and also, the now out-of-print A Fine Romance, also signed ~ and there’s a little dream charm too, “Girlfriends,” plus, yes, 
it’s the teapot that we bought in an antique store in the Peak District in England that I wrote about in A Fine Romance … I thought, because I have enough teapots, that I would get quadruple the pleasure from this one. First I got to use it, then write about it, then I got to paint it, and now I get to share it. How much more Hygge can you get? Te Adoro, with all my heart, 💞 your darling Santa, who loves you.
So there will be two drawings! Two winners! Just leave a comment, and I’ll announce the winners here on the blog in a week or so, when everyone’s had a chance to enter, and I’ll email them too.
I’m home.🏡 Feeling so lucky! Happy to be here. Sending love to you all.💝
Thank you, Susan, for this beautiful post and welcome home! When we first moved in to our new little house a few years ago, a friend walked in the door and exclaimed “Oh! It’s just like walking into a hug!” I smile when I walk in my door now at the end of the day, and I agree with her.
I especially liked the part of this blog where you give us permission to create for ourselves the holiday (or any day, really) that we have always wanted, without waiting for someone else to do it for us. YES! Mario Quintana said “Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your soul.”
Thank you again, dear Susan, for the happy fairy dust you so lavishly toss over the world. <3
Thank you for your post. I had a whole long post in response but my phone deleted it or sent it half finished. I’m not sure what happened. But basically I like what you said about hygge not being limited to how much money one has.
Oh, Susan, what a perfect time for big Branch Hug! My three friends and I barely escaped with our lives from the fires in Gatlinburg. We were in a rental cabin in the woods and no news reached us until instincts told us to leave in the night and when we opened the door to load the car in the pitch dark, all we could see was fire everywhere. So frightening, but calm prevailed. So many ways that Life conspired to get us out safely. So grateful. Still a bit wound up, but tea helps, making soup helps, friends reaching out with love helps tons. It is, indeed, a time of knowing beyond a doubt that it’s the little things in life that mean the most. Thank you, Beautiful Spirit Susan!
OH MY! That has to be so shocking! Enjoy your wonderful blessed life Jana! XOXOXO
How can I ever thank you for the wake up call to “just chill,” as the kids would say, and be good to myself and SLOW DOWN as the frantic pace of Christmas approaches. We have eight children, seven spouses, and seventeen grandchildren and it is a challenge to try to do everything for Christmas this year as both my 91 year old husband and I, 74, have been quite sick and in hospital several times. I am taking deep breaths, STAYING in my flannel nightgowns, (never mind getting into them !) and just trying to recover from fungal pneumonia. I would dearly love to win the oh so adorable teapot, and, of course, your treasured books. Thank you for the wake up call and the reality check and always being upbeat and reminding me of my enormous gratitude for everything I have. My 1727 antique cape is a refuge, and my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a refuge, and YOU are a refuse. Thank you, dear, Susan !!!
Merry Christmas SUSAN to you and your friends and family. It’s good to have you home PATTI
Merry Christmas SUSAN to you and your family and friends. It’s good to have you home again. PATTI
After reading your lovely blog, I lit my candles and made hot chocolate to share with my son as we listened to the rain fall, the fire hiss and the dog snore. Your writing and lovely illustrations always lifts my spirits. Thank you!
It all sounds so lovely! Thank you for giving us another reason to stay at home.
Thanks for the inspiring post. We all need to turn the world off and do some more hyggeing….LOL I am sure that is not a word but you know what I mean!!
What a lovely post and just what I needed after a long week. I feel like I’ve had a hug from you! Thank you!
Oh, there are so many comment-ers and I am completely new here! But, how fun to have arrived for a drawing. I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of one of a book of yours that I ordered this week because a friend said that after discovering your books, she wondered “Where you had been all of her life!” 🙂 Here’s to a new friends!
This is my favorite time of year.I love the crisp cold air(it smells delicious}
Our Christmas tree is up,cozy adornments and quilts all around.
Baking to be done & happy to do it.I love that the grandkids each tell me what favorite cookie to make.
Think i’ll make some tea.
Thank you Susan for inspiring me to nestle in.
Love from CT
Thank you SO much for sending this “Hug” blog today – much needed 😉 Enjoyed it with my first hot cocoa of the season with my 19 year old kitty “Peek a boo” on my lap. 😻 Perfect day to learn about “Hygge” ❤️ all that you do and share with us.
Just read the other day about hygge on another blog I read! Love your calling “hugs” better, as that says it all. (Did you know that very few of us get even close to the amount of daily hugs we so need? Heard awhile back 10 a day is the magic #). Welcome back to home sweet home.
Thank you for the loveliest thoughts and suggestions at a time when we need it the most. Very inspiring and uplifting. You certainly have a way with getting to the core of what we all need and showing us how to do so. You are wonderful.
Thankyou fot this lovely cozy post, Susan!
Welcome home, Susan. Your blog hit home with me as I have spent the last few months in renovation…still without appliances or a completed kitchen, rooms filled with everything that doesn’t belong there, etc. I always am thoughtful in creating a cozy home but the lack of having one through this mess and your blog has me inspired to make a home of peace, comfort, love and coziness. Home sweet home.
XO
Mary
Oh my, I am so happy that you are home – safe & sound & loving every minute of it. Always nice to walk into your house and feeling the love it is giving you. You both had another fab trip with tons of memories and I appreciate the sharing so much. The pics were great as well. My travels are in the United States (and that is OK) and so it was wonderful to see someplace new. You are special because you give me the world!! While you were gone, I made my reservations at Moulton Cabins in Grand Teton National Park for August, 2017. Something wonderful to look forward to – didn’t get to go this year and missed it terribly. It is my favorite place to go and relax and enjoy the mountains, buffalo, and all the land has to offer. AAAAHHHH!! (: I send you both hugs and love. You are an important part of my life ALWAYS!! Hugs hugs hugs hugs!! Pat
It’s so beautiful there, and so YOU, Pat. Lovely thing to have on the calendar! Hugs right back to you dearheart!
‘Hygges’ to all! Mom of eight here with the youngest, 18, still at home, the 22 year old moving back for a bit, some living overseas, one in the military and one expecting their first. Feeling a bit overwhelmed as I prep for Christmas…thank you for the reminder to appreciate the many blessings that are right in front of us! <3
Welcome home! We missed you!
My heart felt HYGGE after I read your blog. It made me glad that you and Joe are home!
So glad you’re home and I hope you do write another book about your trip.
This has been a tough year health wise and I vowed to change things when I got better. With a new year coming up, this is right up that alley. Loved reding the story about Jack again.
Ahhh ….welcome home …looking forward to your up~coming ”shares” … I’m off to PJ up and in the morning with the homemade hot chocolate I’ll settle in and re~read Willard and all these comments above …I like all the girlfriends love reading your Blog and Willard…Blessed Be to ”all ” !!!!
Everyone HYGGE spread it far and wide💕
Thank you so much for mentioning Tennessee! So many homes, businesses, and lives were lost this past week in the Gatlinburg area. But our communities have rallied and the donations have overflowed so much in just 4 days’ time that the officials have asked people to hold off for awhile. The Red Cross spokesperson said, as one example, that they had enough diapers to supply the babies effected for about six years! Community coming together, that’s Hygge! Hugs from E. TN!
That’s America, we have each other’s backs. Love to you and yours. Thank you for the positive update!
What wonderful ways to find comfort! So many to choose from! That’s a complicated word you found there in England! Lol! I’ll stick with your way of saying it!
Glad to see you are home safe and sound, and enjoying the peace. Enjoy the Christmas season.
Thank you Susan for the lovely post. I loved reading about Jack too~what a special cat. Please post your mailing address so I can send a Christmas card. Be of good cheer~
Glad you two are back home and settling in to your lovely home for Christmas. Sending you love, Dear Susan and to your handsome husband. Enjoy your December, the most magical time of the year!
When I was debiting and crediting away thirty years of my life, I would tell myself that there there were waaaaay too many numbers and not nearly enough crayon colors. I stand by that even now. However, I would add that there are not enough huggers bestowing hugs either. So, I pledge to hug even more in the future than I already do and, thus, spread a bit of coziness as I go.
Thank you for a very sweet post, Susan. I hope you sleep tight.
My heart is so grateful for YOU! Blessed to call you my girlfriend. Thank you for bringing so much love, joy and happiness throughout the years with your blog and tweets♥
I was so homesick for New England today. Then tonight, I opened my email and found my Willard. It made my heart happy.
Thank you.
Happy Holidays and lots of hugs to you.
What an affirming post. Good advice for all shared with sweetness as always.
Dear Susan,
Really enjoyed all the beautiful pictures of your trip. Really love that little gilded birdcage ornament. Have a wonderful December. Love this time of the year.
Your blogs are great! I love your books and have many of them and have given them as gifts. Glad you’re home. I love England and Scotland and have been there. Love your pictures and words. Thank you for sharing your many gifts with us– painting, photos, your lovely home, your ideas, your quotes, and your lists of favorite books and movies. Your free things to print out too. I have many stickers and rubber stamps you designed also. Love! Love your cookie jar! Merry Christmas! Peace, joy, live!
Your home looks so cosy.Tea by the fire and finish unwinding in fragrant bubbles!
Susan, you have a knack for speaking about the things that I hold dear too. I find myself nodding in agreement as I read along, with a smile and a silent salute of thanks. And thank you for the new word! First time I’ve heard it, but it does seem to encompass all the warmth and charm of the season. When I travel, even if it’s only for a day or two, my cozy bag (now it can be called a Hygge bag) has some embroidery, a book and a crossword. When my eyes get tired, I look up and enjoy the surroundings and the people within, and perhaps try to engage in a small conversation. It’s seldom disappointing.
I echo some of the other comments in wondering where you find the energy to do all that you do…May your ‘artesian well’ of inspiration never run dry. Enjoy this wonderful season and all that it brings your way.
I always cheer when I see Willard in my inbox! Hip hip hooray! Loved being in England with you. Your work of love is soooo appreciated.💚🎄❤️
Susan. What a lovely and sweet post. I love the idea of Hygge! It’s what we all need. Can’t wait for your Willard. Thanks so much. Glad you’re home! Love you!
Welcome Home! In our home we try to practice Hugs Philosophy whenever possible….whenever I stitch I say I’m “stitchin’ for my soul”…..whenever I’ cooking I say I’m “cookin’ for my soul”….whenever I’m rubber stamping, I’m “stampin’ for my soul…..My soul is well nurtured!
Enjoyed this post too.You just talk like I think,so nice for Me : ) Looking forward to see who wins Your treasures.I can now happily wish You a blessed Christmas-I was so happy to see You were in My E-mail box after not seeing a Willardin so long-Denise
Hi Susan,
I have never heard of this Hygge that you speak of, but you are speaking my language, I love COZY!!! Blankets, shawl, tea, fireplace, pets, good food, loved ones, candles, old movies and old music, watching the snow fall, Christmas lights!
Thank you for sharing Hygge with me. I am so glad you are home!!! I missed you. You are a bright ray of sunshine and I thank you for that:)
Your middle name must be Inspiration. That’s what you are to me! Thank you!
You never fail to disappoint. I sit back and absorb every word, getting caught up in it all as if I’m present and experiencing all for myself. Thank you so much! It’s nice to get carried away.
Thank you for Willard and this wonderful blog. Please tell Vanna I love her!
So glad you are safely home but truly enjoyed your tweets and postings while you were on your trip. Love your books and blogs and everything!
Thank you, Susan, for this post (and every post you write!) – I really needed to read this today! ❤️❤️
My home is my Hygee and right now I’m decorating it with glitter houses, quilts, flickering candles, along with sentimental ornaments on my pencil tree. We’re getting our first snow & sleet here in northern Idaho and we’re cozy by our fireplace with our 12 year old dog Reilly curled up too! Wishing you many Hygee filled moments as you settle back into your lovely home and prepare for Christmas!
I love reading about your travels and the way you make home wherever you are! I am in an RV right now, and it’s pretty hard to make it cute. The 2 kitties, hubby, and I are doing our best. So I especially love seeing your pictures and dreaming of the day when we are done building our small home! But for now, Christmas in the RV! Welcome back!
Need a little string of lights in there Angie! xoxo Merry Merry, and happy dreaming.
I have tried to live this way my whole life my favorite compliment is when people say my house is cozy! Its a respite against a cruel world. I love the ceramic tea strainer where can i find one?
I designed those for Lenox, but they are long gone…only hope is maybe Ebay or just running into one in an antique store. Thank you!
Welcome home Susan! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. As always, your blog is so much appreciated. You bring joy and so many ideas to make our lives more lovely. Your thoughts, opinions, and observations are from your true and authentic heart……a treat in today’s world. Have a most wonderful hygge holiday season.
WELCOME HOME FROM A DOPPLEGANGER IN CALIFORNIA!
Thanks for the give away, Susan. Merry Christmas!
Strange but it seems my comment disappeared 🙁 Welcome home. I love your books too, used to have a few but had to sell all my belongings when i moved to Thailand and again this past August when i moved back to my home country. One day hope to be able to buy your newest diary…just adore reading about your adventures. Merry Christmas to you and yours…… 🙂
That is strange, because I remember answering you Marian! The gremlins again, and this time they must have gotten both of us! Wishing you a very happy new year and all the best luck in the world. xoxo
Welcome home. Thank you for sharing, my goodness, everything. Words, pictures and many wonderous things to ponder. What a Christmas gift, early, and this year early is what we need. Something ever so pleasant to think about and remember. Remembering can be bittersweet, but what would life be without our memories??? You give us such glorious ones, even if we were not physically there. Thank you bunny bunches. And a very Merry Christmas to you, Joe and Jack.
Welcome back & thanks for sharing (love learning new things)
Nice blog. Am trying to enjoy every minute of the season. Decor nearly done, getting ready to bake! Can’t wait for Willard. Hugs to Jackie boy. Debby
Sending Merry Christmas love and hugs to you and Joe!
There is lots of Hygge here—3 sleeping Golden Retrievers & 2 little Sheeba Enus & lots of throws to throw on you when your bare feet are chilly! And too much reading & planing when I should be up & doing! Because—Santa Clause is Coming To Town & I’m not ready! Merry,Merry to you & Joe! And thanks be to theLord for all our many blessings!!
Welcome home! So happy you’re back and getting ready for Christmas, can’t hardly wait to see what wonderful Christmas surprises you have in store!
What a great word – and something we all need right now –
Sending you a “hug” –
I feel comforted by all that you’ve posted, especially following the election. We all need the Hygge concept – thank you! And welcome home!
Susan , You are the “sugar cookie” to have with my English Breakfast Tea. I love your blog. I have loved your books and calendars for years. I collect tea pots. And have tea parties with my granddaughter’s all the time. Thanks Maggie
Hygge = Joy
Lots of Hygge here—3 sleeping Golden retrievers, 2 little Sheeba Enus—A comphy chair & lots of throws to throw on bare feet when they get chilly! Too much reading &planning when I should be up & doing because Santa Claus is coming to town & I’m not ready! Merry Christmas to you & Joe & praise to the Lord for all our many blessings!
How very Hygge that you are giving away one of your very own teapots, AND books too!!! Thank you for your post, Susan. I must admit that I have been in a funk the last few weeks, and have been drawing in more and more. Tomorrow I look forward to getting out some Christmas boxes and making the house even MORE HYGGE!!! Sending love to you and Joe….
So lovely to sit and quietly read Willard and this post Susan. I am starting to decorate the house and plan the Christmas cookies and it’s starting to ease my soul a little as long as I don’t read to much of the current events. 😂😕
I don’t know where to start – this was one of your best blogs yet – and they’re ALL good! Thanks for everything – it is all so wonderful! I have a friend who is going to LOVE this new word, “Hygge” – can’t wait to tell her all about it. Wish I had a wand to go “Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!” and have my house look like yours. Would also use the wand to change the WORLD a little (or a lot) right now. Reading your blog and books is a helpful way to stay SANE in all this right now. Thank you for spreading joy and “hyggeness”.
I felt your “Hygge,” as I read this homey, cozy post! If more people would find joy and peace in the simple pleasures of home, there would be much more satisfaction and acceptance of all that is good. Happy home-laden holidays to you and Joe.
i think Anne (of green gables ) would love the new word:) and its one of the best words to describe you! Now looking at your post, i need to go decorate! Books and a teapot! everything a girl needs! Welcome home:)
this post makes me think of kenny loggins song, celebrate me home.
Glad you are back at home after your wonderful trip and getting your home ready for the holidays. I miss hearing about your little corner of the world, especially Jack!
Love this post, Susan! So glad you and Joe are home safely. Greetings from Texas and wishing you the Happiest of Holidays!
The Energizer Bunny has nothing on you !Dumbfounded to see a post and much less a Willard on the way!
I am busily making Christmas cards for all my friends as they get personalized this way. This is my form of huggy as I surround myself with all my papers, embellishments, ribbons galore, stickers and doodads! I can look out of the upstairs window where my craft room is and watch the clouds roll by in my favorite sweater and big wool socks and listening to Christmas music. Thanks for all the cheer in your blog! Linda from Idaho where it is cold (30’s) but sunny (frost in the mornings looking like a light sprinkling of snow.
Looks like there will be very little time for Vanna to indulge in Hygge…she’s going to be as busy as one of Santa’s elves!
Susan, thanks for reminding us of the “little pleasures” in life!!! Hugs!!! Donna (Idaho)
So happy to read the blog, it touched my heart. It’s been a really tough year and your words about home were just what I needed to hear.
Loved the Willard also, what a great photo of you and Joe on the ship. Thank you for taking us all along, I enjoyed all the great photos.
So glad you are home safe and just in time for the holidays. I’m sure Jack is purring with happiness!!
Happy Holidays Susan!!
Oh Susan, after delivering homemade chicken soup,cheese filled cornbread, and a long john with cream filling and a cute icing Christmas tree on top to a friend who is housebound from a severe cancer battle I returned home to my reward for what people would call a Random Act Of Kindness. But know I was the one who received the Joy!! both with the visit to a friend of many years, and then a visit from you. Your mail is so full of beauty, and joy as I hope I convey to you always. I feel so privileged to be one of the GIRLFRIENDS. You cannot imagine how uplifting all you do in words and art fills my heart with such exhilaration. You can take the worst day and turn it into THE BEST!!!! SMILES AND HUGS TO YOU!! Gayle Hall
Welcome back! We missed you!
Blessings
Was excited to see WILLARD in my mailbox, enjoyed.
Thanks! I preordered one of the Hygge books. Can’t wait for it to be released in US. As you say, hygge is good for the soul. And so are you, Susan!
Hey!! Is that a ‘red roof” mug?? I also love your tea set!! It’s so pretty. Alas…china and glad is my weakness!! Glad your snuggling into your wonderful home. 💜💜💜
I just love reading all your words!!!
Hygge the word of the year! We certainly need it! Merry Christmas Susan, Joe and Jack.
Your new word and all your encouragement about how to achieve it are worth gold today. Thank you for being you. I send you a BIG hug.
Oh Susan, I just, simply and utterly love you! Your indomitable spirit and infectious optimism is so wonderful to come home to. Thank you for sharing with us – taking us all the way across ‘the Pond’ and back. I’ll tell you a little secret, somehow I feel comforted that you are back home with us. The US (both figuratively and actually…) is a better place for it!
Please don’t ever stop being yourself… No matter what the ‘fuzzy bunnies’ say about it. (Yes, please refer to the movie ‘One Crazy Summer’ for the reference.) You are loved, Dear Girlfriend, now and always! We have your back.
Welcome home! I’ve read all of your books and can’t wait for the next! Happy Holidays!
What a lovely post. You draw us in with your words & keep us mesmerized with the delightful paintings; especially loved the little birdie with the scarf on the January calendar page, & all the interesting & fun photos of your home & kitties. I believe in the healing power of hugs & loved hearing about hygge. I believe I am comment # 782 & wouldn’t blame you a smidge if you didn’t reply. My goodness you must get a bit overwhelmed. Crossing my fingers that I am chosen to win your absolutely fantabulous gifts. Thanks for the chance Susan. You really are such a nice gal. Pet sweet Jack for me.
P.S. Loved the post on how you came to get him.
Here I am, so I definitely want to say hello Debbie! But right now there are over 600 comments waiting for me to “moderate” ~ I’m going to read all of them, but going to have to stop myself, shut my mouth, and let them just go through! Hope you win!
I also just fond a ceramic piece of yours in a thrift shop. A creamer with white dots at the top. A Christmas piece. I didn’t know it was one of yours until I got it home and was washing it. Oh the joy, so happy!. I will be on the look for any and all I can find. Thank you.
OMG. I LUV the photo idea. Now all i have to do is print some of those 10,000 photos I have on my computer that no one ever sees. What a concept! Thanks for the HUG!….arden
I have loved your work for 20 years, I have an older “Heart of the Home’ and several other books of yours- have to find “A Fine Romance”. Your blog is atreat , thank you:)
Love all your work!
So inspiring, Susan….thank you just for a beautiful blog.
In Wales, we have some lovely words too…..cwtch (say it as it’s spelt) means cuddle – my Mum always wanted us to cwtch up on the settee together, ah sigh!
Then there is hiraeth: it means a longing for something…say it as here-eye-th; so I find I have a hiraeth for beautiful Wales and to cwtch up in blankets, with husband, our dog Toby, light some candles, and sit in front of a roaring fire for some hygge – and I shall make it so!
Thank you for a superb blog – just don’t know how you manage to do so much!
Love and a cwtch
Karen
Cambridgeshire, U.K.xxx
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Wonderful new (to me) words! Beautiful. I cwtched all night, now I’m cwtching in my chair with my first cup of tea ~~ still dark here on the east coast of America, thank you xoxoxo
I just loved every idea here! I am a firm believer in finding joy in the little pleasures. What a dear little house cup. I decorated our tree this year with house ornaments. It is on my blog you find if you click. Love your art and its charm. I always get your calendr for myself and my ciusin who is like a sister to me. Hugs… Hyugah!
cousin! lol
Thanking you from East Tennessee, Susan! So glad y’all are home ~
Happy to be here, sending all our love!
Dearest Susan, first your wonderful new entry on your blog, and then Willard right after….double treat! The teapot that you are so generously sharing as a gift is so special. Fingers crossed !! BTW, on Dec. 8th my husband Clay and I are going to see Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. It’s his first time performing here. They are giving all net proceeds to support 4 historic sites at Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona. Dec. 7 marks 75 years since the Pearl Harbor attack. He’s not bringing a band, or crew. It’ll be Garth, his wife, and his guitar. Looking forward to seeing them.
And….I love her cooking show and how she often cooks with her sister. Thanks for all your recipes, heavenly photos, heartfelt quotes, beautiful art work, and most of all, your love that shines through all of it! You’re the best, Susan!
Garth Brooks is definitely one of my favorites, how FUN for you to be there…they are so generous! I haven’t seen the show…will have to look for it!
So nice to see a new post, and know you’re back home and happily tucking in for the winter. Smiling right now over all the pretty images you included with your inspiring words. Love to your hygge home from ours! ♥
Thank you, Susan for all your inspiring home and happiness ideas, as well as your thoughtful and measured observations on what is happening outside our homes in our country. Inspiring us all to see how we can bring light to others.
Since retiring last year, I love having more time at home, embracing the seasons. When walking in neighborhoods when I traveled to England in May, it seemed every house/home had a sign posting its name in front. Not sure if this is typical all over GB, but it’s intriguing. Having a cup of tea for Jane Austen is now on my list.
Thought about you all day while making my home all Christmasey (now known as Hygge). Then to find the new Willard and your post was delightful! Went to a beautiful candlelight Christmas concert with wonderful friends in a beautiful old church in our little town. As soon as the singing began, I felt such peace and wonderment at the beauty of it. Glad you had a such a fantastic trip, but so very glad to have you back home.
You are spreading some much-needed cheer right about now. I think we all can use a reminder of the ways in which we can light the way, lighten a load, and lift up our voices. Thanks for being you! xxx Beth T.