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.💝
I always find it amazing how something suddenly comes into ones sphere of reference….such is my experience of Hygge. First I read about it in a newspaper article, then saw some books, bought a cute book about it just yesterday and now here is your blog dealing with it. It’s a beautiful concept and is one that many of us have already been practising I’m sure but without knowing the way we love to live actually has a name
Good morn’n! I am so happy you are home safe and sound. Thank you for such a huggy post. I love it all. I am most amazed that you take the time to do so much so soon after getting home. I just looked to see what was here and there you were. Just what we all need. Hugs.
Welcome home Susan! So glad you had a wonderful time in Blighty. I love looking at Britain through your eyes, it helps remind me what a beautiful country I live in! I discovered hygge on a trip to Scandinavia several years ago, and realised – like you – that I had been doing it all along, though I call it ‘nesting’! We toured Sweden in the summer, right up into the arctic circle, at Midnight Sun time. It was truly magical and now one of my favourite places on earth. Others? Vermont, and your very own Vineyard. What a wonderful world! You bring us all joy with your words, pens and paints, Susan. Thank you.
Thank you so much Conni! Keep spreading YOU around the world! xoxo
What a great Christmas season post Susan – you’ve inspired me to write some “make me feel good” gift ideas on my Christmas list this year, as well as REAL hot chocolate by the Christmas tree. I want you to know that I truly look up to you and try to spread your cheer to others. There was a big upset at my work this week and it felt like the world was crashing in, but I consciously tried to say positive things like you would have to everyone I spoke with in our work group, and I think it helped a lot. Your posts are so uplifting for me Susan – you are my Hygge!
I’m sorry there’s been an upset at work, but I know your attitude probably helped the situation, it makes such a difference … as they say in England, Keep calm and carry on! xoxo
So glad you both are home safe Happy Christmas
Love to kittens from my husky who isn,t quie sure cats are really necessary we are working on her Do not touch the cat
LOL!
Love this post! I couldn’t agree with you more. Going to make my tea and snuggle up with my dog, marleygirl.
I feel cozy and relaxed just reading your words and seeing your pictures. That fire looks so inviting! Welcome home!
What a wonderful “Good Morning Hygge” your post is! Only you can make laundry seem romantic. Thanks and hope you have a wonderful hygge day!
I always look forward to reading your inspiring posts. Thanks for all you do. I appreciate the opportunity to win.
I felt an immediate connection to you 30 years ago when I first discovered your Heart of the Home cookbook. Your artwork, your recipes and your shared memories of family, friends and home are so special and absolutely enchanting. When I just typed the word Hygge in a sentence, it auto corrected to Hugged! 😃 Anyways, “Hygge” perfectly describes how I feel every time I read your thoughts (all of them) and immerse myself in the pleasures of my own home. Love to you and a Merry Christmas too!
Makes me so happy to hear that! xoxo
Dear Susan, As usual you bring joy into our lives with all your writings and recipes and beautiful art work. I absolutely love Willard and all your blogs.
Thank you.
Dear Susan,
It is 6 in the morning and I already feel uplifted by reading your blog. Right now I am going through a terrible time , and I needed all those words of wisdom from you. Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you and your beloved family.
Blessings Betty. xoxoxo
Glad you are home safe and sound and can’t wait to hear more about your trip over the next few months. I hope you enjoy your weekend with some extra snuggles with Jack.
Thank you for giving us more hygge this holiday season! What a better world it would be if we all had more hygge moments!
Welcome home!! You have been missed!!
Oh Susan, you did it again! You always make me a better person and I love reading your sweet words! You usually know just what I need and your thoughts today were perfect for the season. Our world is in such a state and it is time for all of us to think differently and take some time to enjoy more HYGGE!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe! So happy that you are home and enjoyed your travels! I will snuggle more this season!
Thanks Susan for this post!! actually all of them!! I really like to come often here to read your post and see all places you go!! thanks for your inspiration and love!!
p.s I love your cat!!
Such a lovely way to start my day!
I love your writings….always encouraging, happy, and fun. Thank you for sharing HYGGE.
WONDERFUL!
As always reading your blog swells my heart and this truly no exception. I try to fill my life with hygee every day, I just didn’t know it was called that. My husband says I’m “nesting”, making all those little changes that just make us feel good. Whatever you call it…it is the heart of any home.
Aww so cozy! Or as we say in Holland “gezellig”.
You should visit us someday,maybe a new book idea?
Would LOVE to!
Dear Susan…I’m glad you’re giving yourself the love and hugs and cherishing that you need now. I add my own warmth and best wishes. Sometimes we just need to Carry On … one step, one day, at a time … but the Lightness will come and your email gives that to so many. I’m shining it back to you and hope you feel it, like Sunshine, on your face. Thank you – thank you – thank you. Nancy
I do darling, and with all these luv-lee quotes, my day is Hygge Paradise. xoxo
Hi Susan, from a Susan in Maryland,
I love love love your blog and Willard and your artwork and your quotes and your hygge post — especially right now when our house is in the middle of a major renovation. I will never again underestimate the importance of a kitchen sink! I am desperately trying to create hygge staying here at my mother’s house with my teenaged daughter while our floors are being refinished and my husband is at home inhaling polyurethane fumes. I think I am failing, even though tea and madeleines and good books and of course singing go a long way. And then I realize how lucky I am: in a few weeks, we will have our home back again. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost a home and to everyone who lives in the fear of losing one. For them, I wish the gift of hygge.
When we remodeled our kitchen, I took a tray of tea things to the living room, where I could plug in the teakettle, and at least for a moment, hygge myself as if things were normal! You’ll love it when it’s done. xoxo Love your last comment. Me too.
Sorry I missed Hygge. Haven’t been online in a while so how do I catch up? Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much for sharing your trip, enjoy your blog.
So many friends you have given us through your work and words. I shall never meet most of them this side of heaven, but in this blog you can feel the love. God Bless us everyone!
Thank you for bringing me back to center with this calming post. We can all use a reminder once in a while to slow down. Also, thank you for my new word – Hygge! Love it!
Te adoro, dear Susan! Your blog posts and Willards always brighten my day. Now I’m off to plan a Jane Austen Birthday Tea — what a fabulous idea! 🙂
You hit the nail on the head-it’s not the big things (although those are awesome), it’s contentment that makes happiness-I am finally learning to practice this. It does help to add an animal or two into the process. Looking forward to the new Willard and I am glad you are enjoying your nesting now that you are home.
Thanks
Reading this blog entry has been SO much better than my usual morning activity of reading news & weather. Love, love it!
Love it!
Forwarding your post to a friend who is going through a lot. We all need your inspiring words………you lightened my spirit today.
So enjoyed the Hygge sent my way today! Thank you, Susan. One of my favorite things to do is put on the music of IL Divo, pour a china cup full of tea and relax.
BTW, it was hard to find Joe in the fireside picture, but I did! Happy Holidays to you both!!!
Thank you, Susan, for such a beautiful post. I was thinking as I read it that hygge could also be described as “The Heart of the Home.”
It has so many names! No matter what we call it, we know it when we see it! xoxo
Wishing you very “hygge” holidays! Thank you for your lovely posts. 🙂
Really looking forward to hearing more about your trip. My daughter is applying to colleges in the UK! 🙂 There are lots of pretty hygge book photos on IG this season.
She should! I was shocked to hear how inexpensive it is to go to school in England … even amazing Oxford was only something like $15,000 a year (for Americans, less for English people)! Plus, the experience of living in another country, priceless!
Susan,
Have a wonderful, cozy winter in your beautiful home ! Loved hearing about your trip, and I love this Hygge blog…it’s just what I needed at the perfect time…thank you. Happy Holidays !
HYGGE! Brilliant! These are all things many of us “know” but would not be able to fit into one word! They are all “things”I was blessed to be raised with, along with a strong faith in a very powerful God, but in recent years, and certainly recent times, been made to feel were foolish – and even materialistic – in a world of foolishness and pain. Thank you for giving me “permission” to indulge and protect myself. I am a good person and I do small good things – Hygge can help to keep me “safe”.
Never have heard of “hug” but have been living it for a long time.
Lovely blog. Anxious to see if you purchased more mugs.. I love them. Won’t dwell on the election blog but it saved me. I was feeling so depressed and alone and it let me know I wasn’t alone. Visiting grandkids now and soon home, to bake and make it a great Christmas for my love of my life of 50 years. No news watching EVER and just happy movies and music – and my Fannie Flagg book- trying to enjoy life as it should. Merry Christmas – welcome home – ENJOY YOUR HOME AND JOE- that’s truly what life should be… You’re a good person Susan… And thank you.
Oh yes!!! Mugs! Sending love Julia xoxo
So nice to have you back home again, sharing with us. Hygge . . . lovely, will be part of my New Year’s plan to take care of me now that my children have grown. Thank you for writing again, so soon after your trip; I just enjoyed it, along with a cup of tea. Happy Christmas!
I too feel content to have my lovelies around me-teacups, candles, pretty dishes (my husband never knows which plates he will be eating off), fresh flowers, windows to look out of and quilts to snuggle up with. I love seeing your cosy home and listening to early Frank while doing so. That song was a favorite of my in laws. Good memories. Thank you for entering me. Welcome Home and can’t wait to hear and see more. We had the most amazing trip to Merry Ole in the spring to Cornwall, Devon, Wales ( you have to add that to your next trip), the Lake District…I thought of you when I was at Beatrix Potters charming home and in the Emma factory and riding down country roads with hedgerows. xo
I love changing our dinner plates too. Just for something a little different in the day! Your trip sounds heavenly!
Susan, you are truly an elf! How well you’ve fulfilled your desire to bring hygge to us all. 😉 Thank you so much for the beauty you share here and in your books; it’s an inspiration and joy. Christmas blessings to you!
Just when we needed a hygge, our sweet friend Sue provides.
Hygge, blessings and many Christmas joys (with a few kitty kisses) to you and Joe.
Melin
xoxo
I do hand embroidery and I would love to do some of your artwork in this medium.It would look amazing on pillows, towels, or framed pictures. I can send you pictures of what I’m working on. I also have an etsy store with a few things but I’m in the process of making some Christmas pillows to restock it. The shop is called OctoberIris.
etsy.com/shop/OctoberIris?ref=search_shop_redirect
Wonderful Julie. Love hand embroidery.❤️ I’ve licensed my work for embroidery kits in the past, although they’re not being made at this time. Thank you for the compliment!
What a lovely post as always, from the lovely person you are. You are a light! Your cookbooks aren’t just gorgeous but so many of the recipes have become staples in my home over many years, so thank you for that as well. Merry Merry Christmas!
Best compliment ever, thank you Robyn!
Hi Susan, I was blessed to have met you (along with my dtr-Christy) this past June 27th in Asheville,NC for the first time. You & Joe are just as charming in person as you are on your blog & in your beautiful books. Thank you for inspiring me & so many others. You & Joe & your Kitties have a Blessed Christmas & New Year:-)
We’d never been to Asheville before, and of course we LOVED it. Thank you for being there. Happy Christmas to you and yours from us and ours.❤️
Rabbit Rabbit!!
We finally have snow here in Colorado. That is my cue to stop gardening and come inside to enjoy cozy days sewing and reading and baking. I love this time of year!
As always I look forward to your blog! So cozy! I live in Ohio and we’ve had our first accumulative snowfall about a week ago, even though the leaves are still hanging on to some trees! Loved the pictures of the bubble bath with kitty right there, the cozy fire in the fireplace, teapot with scrumptious tea in it I’m sure and the “HUG” word. I love this time of year when we get to spend more time in our cozy home. By the way, this is the second year I made your spicy pecan recipe from your “Autumn” cookbook. I give portions in cute containers for my neighbors over the Holidays. Thank you so very much for all your wonderful cookbooks! Of course I have all your books too!
I think we share a kinship in our how to live philosophy and in our list of favorite movies.
Thanks for the hygge teaching. Ive always called it “hommie”. You are right about Beatrix Potter. I read her,you and Tasha Tudor and i always want to be a better peron.
Hi Susan,
Welcome Home! Thank you for sharing “Hygge”! I’ve always known the feeling, but not the word. When I need to shower myself with joy, I paint loved ones or items that matter to them. To focus on positive thinking, my next project is to paint lots of children because Children really give us “Hope for the future”! I also sell and give cards that share the sweet things in life that matter to me: birds, children, etc….. In addition I memorize songs that speak to the heart so wherever I go I can replay a song that inspires or cheers me. Even when waiting in long lines, I play mental music. Your blog connects those who read it, to lots of magic people and places. Thanks again for your thoughtful gift which means so much to so many:)
People probably don’t think of blogs as helping someone… but yours helped me today. Last month I lost my brother and my father a few days apart, my mother lives in a memory care facility with Alzheimers. When things are bleak it takes reminders to tell, and show yourself what a wonderful life you have… and mine is wonderful, a life time full of hygge moments… just a little sad right now! Thanks for reminding me!!!
I have your same kind of sadness perched on my shoulder too Robin, it’s so hard to lose our loved ones. I don’t guess the feelings ever go away. Because Love is forever. Sending blessings xoxo
Susan,
It’s so refreshing, reading your blog. It gives me a free and easy feeling. I hope you know how special you are by touching so many lives.
Thank-You!
Happy Holidays!
Aloha
Susan from Maui
I just love it that you always remember those who may be alone and struggling during this season. We are so blessed to have you and the bright light of kindness that you shine in this difficult world! Thank you very much!
Thank you back Pat. We need each other! xoxo
Hygge–just what I need right now. I cannot look at Facebook any more without feeling my anxiety grow. Love your blog.
Don’t look! Prayers that it gets back to normal soon! xoxo
Thank you for the wonderful and oh so inspiring post! My husband and I have had the most stressful year we’ve ever had in almost 35 years of marriage due to health and work issues. This post was so needed to keep me focused on what is truly important in life—- that is really is the little things indeed, day in and day out!
Thank you for being you!! For spreading love, joy, peace and tranquility while sharing your life with all us readers! So happy for you and Joe that you had a trip of a lifetime and made it home safely.
Welcome back Susan and Joe! Please write another book about your travels to England and Scotland!
Glad you are back home,safe and sound.
Wow! Yours is the second blog I read today about “hygge”! You and your painting and writing are what hygge is all about! Thanks for all the coziness you send us!💕💕🏡
Thank you, dear Susan, for writing to us so soon after arriving home from your fantastic trip. This blog is beautiful and just what I needed this morning to make me smile and look forward to Christmas. I love a cozy home and a room with lots of candlelight. I think I also get my love of teapots from you! Have a wonderful week.
Freya
I’m getting ready to retire! I will look at these wonderful ideas often to remind me to relax and stop worrying about “What if?”. Thanks again for your wonderful words! Luann
Welcome home and a Happy Christmas to you and Joe💝
I can always count on your blog, books, emails, website or cookbooks to brighten my day. So appreciate your outlook and pure joy in celebrating life.
Thank you!
I love you Susan! Thank you for the lovely “hug” I received in your blog today. It was inspirational, happy, and thought worthy. Happy days to you and yours!
Rhonda
Reading your lovely posts is the comfy-coziest experience! Thank you.
Oh goodness I can’t even wait for your posts about Europe! England is my favorite place in the world!!
Dear, Dear, Susan so happy you are home. It is such a special week, 3 years ago, I told you my Son, Daughter in law and grandson were being sent to England. In just 6 more days they will be home!!!!!!!!!!!! Our home is cozy, and waiting, and feeling so Hygge. Oh happy day !
Fantastic Mary!!! How wonderful for you!
Your blog is something very special I look forward to reading. It has literally lifted my spirits from depression to realizing how grateful I should be, especially for the little things that I have, which is the best part of life. You saved me when I moved back to Ohio from seventeen years in Florida. I thought I would die that first long winter back. Then I discovered your blog and little by little I begAn to see the beauty of the seasons. Now I understand. Thank you Susan!
Ohhhh Kathy, thank you for that. xoxo
I think Watermark Books (where you visited) needs a hygge display!
What the world needs now is love sweet love and more sensible people like you. Irene
You make me feel good just reading and drinking in your paintings. All my senses come alive with your words and energy, your beautiful paintings inspire me. Thank you for giving of all your senses. I have my 2017 calendar ready for the New Year! Have a comforting Christmas 🎄 and lots of love ❤️.
Love, love, love your words of inspiration! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! Merry Christmas!
Welcome Home!! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful trip–it really is such a gift. I first learned of Hygge a few years ago, and was thrilled to find a name for what was so strong in my heart. I would love to sit down with a Danish great- grandmother, and hear her old fashion description of hygge, and how it was lived out in a simple Danish home. Many thanks for the give-a-way. Always fun to think– just maybe it will be us!! : ) A blessed Christmas season to you.
Thank you for this post. So cozy and encouraging! I’m imspired to spruce up my apartment an d make it even more my own cozy space. And I’m going to go buy that tea pot I’ve been looking at for weeks. I lost my last one the move a year ago. It was shipped to my roommates and I didn’t have the heart to ask for it back! Haha! Thank you!! Xoxo!
Although I do not have much in the way of possessions, anyone who has visited my home has said that it feels like home. I think that is the essence of what you shared today.
One tiny vase (bottle) with one tiny flower, is enough to make the heart go pitter patter. xoxoxo
Welcome home!
I’m sure you are happy to be home again….visiting is wonderful but
I always miss my own nest. Look forward to posts showing things
from your trip.
Have been reading your posts from England over and over!
Loverly!
What a gracious reminder of what is genuine, lovely, and important in life.
The older I am, (now 73) the more I appreciate the little things our creator provides to nourish our spirits and warm our hearts. Freely available to all, the stars, the sea, birds of the air, raindrops and snowdrops, the fresh smell of spring and the brisk air of winter. Thank you Susan for again reminding us to HUG one another and love one another–the greatest gift of all, as we welcome the blessed season of hope and joy. As always, your words, photos and illustrations inspire and bring out the best in us and the cozy heart of the home.
Welcome home! America missed you. ((Hugs))!!!
The bible tells us to practice HYGGE, too.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Thank you for sharing so many ways we can “guard our heart”
My friends and family count on me for Hygge and I love doing it for them! Thank you for giving us so many ideas to make it extra-special! Maybe we can hygge together next time I am on the vineyard! With love from my Mainland home!
Susan, thank you for always taking us to that warm and cozy place (Hygge) every time you write to us. It is priceless in these trying times.
Welcome home Susan,
Thank you for your dear post; I am enjoying these days before Christmas. The waiting, the planning, the decorating and the being an elf. One of my favorite holiday traditions is the advent calendar; as a grown up I still have one every year. Opening those little doors brings back the best memories of childhood with my siblings– as we kept careful tabs on who’s turn it was to open the door. There were lots of secrets being whispered too and gifts hidden away until they were placed under the tree.
I hope your holidays are wonderful.
You are most definitely . . . being an elf! I know how much you miss him and Girl kitty, especially this time of year. Let your memories of them surround you with . . . hygge. I am so glad you and Joe are home safe and I cannot wait to hear more about your crossings and your trip . . . with lots of photographs.
I wanted to let you know that my book came out while you were gone. The name of it is Georgetown County’s Historic Cemeteries. It is an Arcadia Publishing Company, Images of America Series book. You are the first person listed in the acknowledgments for being my favorite author and for giving me the confidence to embark on a book project of my own.
God Bless You, Susan Stewart Branch!
Good for YOU Sharon. I know what it takes to get a book written, no little thing. Congratulations! xoxo
I enjoyed this post so much! Thanks for the joy you spread. It feeds my soul.
Welcome back! We’ve missed you and Joe. Please, please consider writing a book about this wonderful, meandering, time-to-catch-your-breath-and-really-enjoy-yourself trip to Great Britain! Did you go to Emma Bridgewater this time too? When I finally get to England that is a “must” on my list. My bedside table holds “A Fine Romance” and some books of essays by E.B. White. They are my books that I can pick up when I climb into bed and just pick a page to read and relax by.
Hello Dear Lady.
So nice to receive “The Willard” in my mailbox this morning.
Thank you!
Welcome home – it’s wonderful to settle in for some Hygge time (from a fellow New Englander!)
You have a way of making me feel like you care about me. Thank you for that and for bringing us all back to the little things that matter most and bring our hearts back to home and family where we can make the most difference to ourself and others. I had not heard of the word hugged but caught the message of it by reading your blog and Willard today. Merry Christmas to you through the holidays!
Thank you Jean xoxo
Thank you for this lovely blog post. You have encouraged me more over the years than you will ever know! Thanks for just being you!
XOX to you, and Merry Christmas!
What a gracious reminder of what is genuine, lovely, and important in life.
The older I am, (now 73) the more I appreciate the little things you mention
that our creator makes freely available to all of us. You help us appreciate the stars, the sea, birds of the air, raindrops and snowdrops, fresh smells of spring and winter, the everyday miracles. Thanks for again reminding us to HUG and love one another-the greatest gift of all as we welcome the blessed season of hope and joy. As always your words, photos and illustrations inspire and bring out the best in us and our creativity in keeping cozy in the hearts of our homes.
We have been given so much. I hope it is always here, for everyone, forever. xoxo
I read your blog in the early morning before I head off to work. I am a cook at an elementary school and everyone should be so lucky to feel the joy I feel every day for nearly 30 years now as I look into the eyes of these little darlings each day!
Love that Beth. Good for you, and good for your kids!
Enjoyed your bubble bath pic! My kitty would often fall in with me. He seemed to enjoy the bubbles up to that point:) Always came back for the next one.
I did EVERYTHING I could to keep Jack from falling in that water because I knew, if he did, I would be very very sorry!😜
Hugs!
A wonderful way to live life! Happy Holidays from Virginia and may 2017 be wonderful!