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.💝
Dear Susan,
Your words, painting, photos etc., give me peace.
I have had an especially difficult last few days & when I open your letter I felt so much better – calm & relaxed.
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us. You can not imagine what a wonderful impact you have.
I love the Hygge message and believe we all need it.
Have a wonderful evening.
Elaine R.
I’m so happy to hear that Elaine, very sweet of you to take the time to tell me. xoxoxo
You are a truly joy filled person.
Glad you and Joe are back safe and sound after a lovely trip.
Love, Crystal
You are truly a joy filled person.
Susan,
You spread Hygge with you warmness. Thank you and welcome home to you and Joe. Jack must be so happy to have you home.
Jo
Hi Susan, Just recently finished reading your 3 books – loved all of them! Fairy Tale Girl was fun to read because I love to go over to the central coast every chance I get – Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Cambria and of course San Luis Obispo. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Thank you for the kind words Connie!
Fa la la la la 🎄
Such a day brightener!!! Thank you, Susan.
It’s so great to have you back home, Susan dear! Thanks so much for today’s beautiful post. Sending prayers and good wishes to Jennifer with her breast cancer battle.
I was at Martha’s Vineyard while you were in England. I did purchase your Heart of Home cookbook at the bookstore in Vineyard Haven and look forward to using it. I have my book club all reading The Cozy Life this month and we are having a Hygge night during the holidays! I love the concept and the books I have read on the topic. Our party will include a white elephant gift exchange where the gifts will be Hygge related. Thanks for sharing!
What a fun party! Moosh!
Lovely post Susan.
Thank you again Susan for a wonderful blog. I loved reading all about Hygge.
What a great day for me! I read this new blog and the new Willard. Thank you for sharing your time with us.
Joyous Christmas to all… and peace as we embark on the unknown in 2017.
Try not to say that, LOL! Pray….xoxo
I have only recently discovered your wonderful blog and am so looking forward to hours of enjoyment delving into the archives.
Thanks for giving us all the opportunity of being the winner in your Welcome Home Giveaway.
Isabel
Welcome to you Isabel!
Totally enjoying your Willard and your blog!
Susan, where do you get the resourcefulness, creativity and energy to do all of this? Your industriousness puts us all to shame! I’m sorry I missed you and Joe at Main Street Books in St. Charles, MO last May. I was at an airshow at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. Jean and her friend loved your visit. Please take us with you on your next trip to the U.K.! 🙂 Alan
I’m sure if you watched yourself during a day, you’d see how MUCH you do that you might be unaware of. It’s the same with me, sort of keep on keeping on. But you know, sometimes I take naps too! And bubble baths, and I read, and go on walks, do laundry and pay bills, so I can’t be doing as much as you think I do!! I’m sure we’ll come back to St. Charles someday, that was wonderful! xoxo
Ooooh, I am so thrilled you are home! I lit a fire, wrapped myself in my quilt and delighted in your Willard and now the latest blog too!!! My cup runneth over with happiness and now hygge. It’s great to have a new word for my favorite concept. I learned the word “snuggery” recently too. How did I get to be 51 and not know these words? Te adoro with all my heart! Love, Valerie
Bellissimo! xoxo
Such a good post for me! we are moving this very week to a tiny apartment where we will be for half a year while we look for a home to buy. I can make this little temporary home my sanctuary! Thank you for the reminder.
I had to do that once, live in a hotel room that had a tiny kitchen for a few weeks before I got into my house. I still have the wooden pig cutting board I bought for it! It’s always in the photos of my kitchen, 40 years old now. You can make home anywhere.
Susan,
So glad you are home safe and sound. thanks for this blog post – so many wonderful suggestions. Merry Christmas!!
Nice blog……inspiring!
What a nice post! Thank you for all your help in making my home more cozy!
Thankful. For Life, Love, and Family! Holiday blessings to you and yours.
I almost forgot to say how much I ADORE that teapot, and how great it would look on my hutch!
As for Hygge -ing, I like nothing more than to be a homebody! My friends don’t understand why I love to be home, just BEING, you know? But it’s the place I feel most calm, most zen. Puttering about the house or just gazing out the window at our peaceful lake view, watching the birds dart on and off the feeder is my idea of a perfect day!
I know, enjoying the quiet, the wind, the bird noises, and soon, the falling snow!!! Heaven!
Welcome home ! I don’t do Twitter & really missed your posts! The last trip to England I felt more connected—–just got my Willard & am feeling like things are getting back to normal !
Good!
Already weighted down by an election year and the news in general–and knowing it was only going to be more challenging in coming months, on September 1, I declared my own personal #YearOfLivingDanishly. #Hygge has become my salvation from the gloom. <3
LOL! Perfect!
Glad you both had a safe, enjoyable journey. Happy Holidays!! Grateful for your blog and newsletter…such joys!!
I lost my father this past July and still struggle but find comfort in reading your blog. Glad you and Joe safe at home. Thank you for the generous give away on offer. Merry Christmas .
Its awful to lose someone who has loved us, who we have loved…there are no words for a loss like that. Sending love. And beautiful wonderful memories and gratitude. xoxo
Susan…welcome home! Our hearts are full again. You are such an inspiration to so many and we love you dearly. I read the post from Jennifer and my soul was touched. Please tell her for me to have courage and that she can do it! My darling daughter-in-law (mother of 5) was diagnosed last November with breast cancer and as of this fall she is in remission. It is a long road but with many prayers and wonderful modern medicine Jennifer can be victorious. I will be praying for her. Sending hugs to all and best wishes for a beautiful Christmas season. We are so incredibly blessed.
There are so many more success stories these days, and maybe, maybe someday, it will go away forever. Love to you, and to your daughter-in-law. xoxo
Welcome home and Merry Christmas! 🙂
Hey girl..welcome home!! What a trip you had!! I missed you😥😥
Merry Christmas to you Joe and jack!
Raerae
Such an inspiring post!!! I was just saying to my husband that I feel so safe and warm in our home. Thank you Susan for keeping our hearts light!!!
PS… I would adore the teapot… I am CraZy in LOVE with Tea!!!
I was soooo needing this today, and one of my wonderful SB friends kept telling me I must read this post! Boy howdy, was she right.
Welcome home and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Darlene
I love the way you take an ordinary chore and turn it into a treat. For example, washing dishes. I grew up washing dishes, but now in this modern age, I hardly ever do it. Reading your paragraph in this blog post, looking at the picture, reading your description, I was taken back to my childhood. I would stand at the kitchen window, peering at spirea bushes, over a sink filled with bubbles. Quite filled with bubbles. I love bubbles. I’d let the dishes soak so they cleaned easily, while I sang ‘Tammy tell me true.’ I loved the Tammy movies. After the dishes were done I’d grab the large white embroidered dish towel, smelling of sunshine line dried cotton and dry them and put them away. Still singing. “I hear the cottonwoods whispering to me, Tammy, Tammy, Tammy’s in love.” Thank you for the lovely remembrance.
Thank you back! Love that song!
Thank-you so very much.. I cannot tell you how much I needed this at this time. Blessings to you and yours. Happy Holidays. 🎄🎄🎄
Blessings to all, especially those in Tennessee. With a gratefull heart for the joy your blog brings. Many thanks.
Oh cozy is a good thing ! As I’m readin your blog on the couch with a plaid wool blanket and a English Setter snuggled up by my feet sleeping the warm lights of my small Christmas trees and lighted and garland lighting the room Ahh I love this season ! Glad to have you back on the blog looks like you had a wonderful time hope your snuggling jack !
Thank you so much for all your thoughts. I am always so blessed when I read your blog. As God has said in Philippians dwell on the good and beautiful, pure and virtuous that is what your blog does for me. You and Joe are a blessing to all of us. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for such a joyful post! Wishing you a cozy and Merry Christmas!!
PS … I am Crazy In Love with Tea and Teapots… so I’m crossing my fingers extra hard hoping to win a genuine English Teapot!!!
That teapot! Ahhh… dreamy!
The sweet little caged bird is sparkly magic…I’m in love 🙂 So glad you are home safe. There’s no place like home for the holidays! Joy and merriment, peace and calm, to you and Joe this wonderful time of year.
What a delight to read your Willard entry on your return from England and Scotland – welcome back! I was in desperate need of Hygging tonight after decorating my home for 3+ weeks for an Altrusa Holiday Home Tour which started today and is tomorrow afternoon too – and being on my feet for 5 hours. But so invigorating and heartwarming to visit with all the guests, some familiar and others brand new to me, and find them so appreciative of our hard work and hospitality and have them share some of their story. Thank you, thank you for your endless encouragement and inspiration and joy-giving! (And I’m thrilled to hear that you are planning another of your autobiographical books – I can hardly wait for it to come out!)
Good luck with the tour, I’m sure it’s wonderful!
Thank you for reminding me how beautiful our world is. Lately, with the state of our country the way it is, I have lost sight of that. Time to refocus and enjoy the season! Welcome home!
Hi Susan … welcome home! Thank you for being such an inspiration for me! Your books and blog posts are helping me get through a very difficult year. Have a magical December, a Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year!
This post….I loved!
Please enter me in the drawing! Not received my Willard yet ~ wondering if I should “sign up again” ~ normally no problem in receiving it.
Did you get it Joan? If not, check your spam folder because sometimes, because of the way Willard is, the photos and links and all, it gets waylaid. If not, let me know!
I don’t see a “spam folder”. We just went from windows 7 to windows 10 and perhaps that is the problem – anyway I just signed up again so will see what happens.
Good, I bet that fixes it. Sometimes there’s a spam folder in your email somewhere, where it catches things it “thinks” is spam (and often is).
Pick me, pick me! 🙂
Love your attitude Susan! You always cheer me up!
Merry Christmas from Thousand Oaks!!
Hygge…Just what we all need. Love and peace to you.
So glad you made it home in time for Christmas. We too visited Scotland this summer. Loved the dogs herding sheep…and the highlands and all of it. Glad Willard is back and you…Merry.merry
Pick me! Pick me! Your work keeps me grounded in this crazy, fast paced, instant gratification time that we live in. xoxo
Welcome home, dear Susan! I’ve missed you!
Merry Christmas! I never tire of reading your blog or Willard!
Please pick me!!
Susan, so grateful for the many ways you share your creative gifts. You make my heart smile. Thanks for being a blessing. Merry Christmas!
Thank you!
Susan – I love you! Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration. Happy Holidays to you and yours. And I do love Joe’s feet in that pic. Lynn in Wisconsin
Hugs to you Susan!
Welcome home! I can’t wait to read all about your adventure. Love, love, love your spirit, love of life, and I send many blessings your way. Thanks for sharing and bringing joy. Have the merriest Christmas ever!
It’s great to have you and your blog back. You have been missed.
Great word…HYGGE. 🙂 Welcome home! Thanks for the giveaways…. I would love to win…..of course! 🙂
Welcome home!! I loved reading your twitter posts for the past 2 + months!
Happy Christmas! I’ve always wondered why we, in the United States, say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Christmas” as they say it in England especially since all our other holidays are Happy New Year, Happy Valentine’s Day, Happy Easter, Happy Mother’s Day, Happy Memorial Day, Happy Father’s Day, Happy 4th of July, Happy Labor Day, Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birthday so why not Happy Christmas? One of my most favorite Christmas songs is “Last Christmas” by WHAM and today I heard Taylor Swift’s version and besides a few changes to the original version, she also changed “Happy Christmas” to “Merry Christmas”???? Your CA to PA Transplant Friend, Margie
These are the conundrums of life!
Hi, Susan,
We just finished decorating our tree & doing our own little hygge thing here in Virginia. Thanks for all the inspiration you have share over the years!
Love your blog.
So glad you are home safely. Can’t wait to read all about your adventures!
Happy Christmas to you and Joe🎄
Thank you Susan for your lovely blog. Your words and talent and love comes shining through each page. I too would love to win that tiny gilded birdcage and your wonderful book and charm or that gorgeous teapot and charm. I hope you had a wonderful time on your trip and am happy that you both are home safe. And I wish you will send us more and more photos of it all. I miss your telling us how much you kissed and loved up your kitties. Bet they are happy their mom and dad are there now.
How generous of you to think of us as soon as you get home! I’d love to win!
Lovely to have you back home and to read about your travels!!
Dear Susan, this post really has lifted my spirits! Thank you for being you, such a sweet lady!
It’s time to put the Autumn book away and take out the Christmas from the Heart of the Home. I leaf through it every Christmas I still love it. It’s in my display stack of your books but now I will take it out so everyone will be tempted to open it up.
Just put my Autumn book away and have a special place to put my Christmas From The Heart of The Home book, too! I wonder if Susan can totally comprehend how many of us truly “see her” every day through her various works in our homes.
She is our homey, quiet guest as we decorate our homes through the seasons! We are so lucky to share Susan Branch’s constant warm, giving heart!!
Cheers to all of our homes during the holiday season.
I’m honored, like an invisible sister! xoxo
Glad you are back! Enjoy the holiday with Joe!
Welcome Home – I love seeing Jack’s sweet face again. He is going to make a cat person out of me yet! Just like my Boxer made a dog lover out of my daughter in law who is a cat person…. these animals of ours. (You can see him on my website)
I hope to win the drawing!
Thank you Susan … for your thought-filled writing this fall and always. Your art and your ideas make a difference. Thanks for inspiring and helping us all to do our part.
oh I so look forward to your posts………..they are huge hugs and I love hugs…..so glad you are home safe for the wonderful season of Christmas………..I sure would love any of those give aways and I would even share with my buddy Debbie who lives around the corner from me………..nite nite time for jammies and my nest….
I feel hugged and I love it.
Merry Christmas!
Welcome home!
Welcome home! Enjoyed the post as I always do.
Welcome home dear Susan Branch 😊💕
Dear Susan, So glad you and Joe made it home in time for the holidays. My husband slipped on black ice so he is watching me decorate our home this year. Each box holds special memories for us and is worth the multiple trips up and down the stairs!
Oops, that darn black ice. I heard about that when I moved east and looked for it everywhere. Was a few years until I found out it’s not black! Tell husband to feel better soon!
What inspiration!
Hi Susan:Welcome back so happy you had a nice time and that you took us with you but even happier that you are back. We missed you 😀This post was just what the Dr ordered,thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and your beautiful artwork.
Happy holiday season, always look to your blog for uplifting and optimistic thoughts
Welcome home Susan and Joe! I agree with the other girlfriends above who are so thrilled and grateful that you’d come home from a long and wonderful trip, and then seemingly drop your bags, kiss your kitties, and then immediately sit down and write to us. Can’t wait to read more about this most recent trip. I’m going to be arm-chair traveling for a while; am getting my second hip replaced in January (1st done in June 2015). I’ve decided to become the Bionic Woman and set off all the alarms at the airport, teehee… but as soon as my doc will let me on a plane (3 months post-op)–“I’ll Fly Away” for some much needed spiritual healing. In the meantime, I’ll be delirious if that lovely teapot finds it way to my home, and since I have both books, I’ll have fabulous gifts for hometown girlfriends! Thank you for your wonderful words, beautiful art, insightful thoughts, and really warm friendship. Sending many smiles and hugs, and loving wishes to you and Joe, for this holiday season.
Rosemary
Same to you Rosemary … Happy to see you are planning to make hay during your down time… get well soon, I know Vanna will read this and just maybe she will manage to find you in all these lovely flowing words of love! xoxo
Hi Susan,
What a lovely post! Reading your blog is experiencing hygge for me! The world would be a better place if everyone grasped this concept! I love little houses too, I have some little white ceramic houses for burning tea lights. Glad that you and Joe are home safe and sound, preparing for a very hygge Christmas!
The Internet is helping us find each other, and I think there’s way more of us little house lovers than of any other kind!
I am reinserting this as I scrolled through twice & couldn’t find my comment. So glad I saved it in my notes. Took me forever. Hope it takes this time. Would love a chance to win your wonderful gifts. 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. Pet sweet Jack for me.
P.S. Loved the post on how you came to get him.
So sorry. I scrolled through one more time & finally found it. You even said hello to me. Bless your sweet, caring heart.
Yay! xoxo
I saw your other post, so I know you found your original, sending love . . .xoxo
Wonderful to have you back! Loved your new Willard as it brought us so many reminders on how we can nurture and love ourselves and, in turn, give more love to others. Having another of your books would bring me great joy. Hope I get lucky!
Wishing you both the merriest of Christmases!
Welcome home! Merry Christmas!
May we “live” kindness to all, every day, every place we are.
Looking forward to “traveling ” with you thru England and Scotland on your blog and being very envious of your trip. Thank you for sharing your adventures!
Doubles the pleasure Jackie! xoxo
I just finished reading your little book, Christmas Joy, which is a yearly tradition I have. I always read it cozied up in bed, and it is such an inspiration for me to make Christmas special for my family. Such wonderful recipes and sweet ideas!
Happy to hear that Louise!
Any time I see your name in my inbox, it brings a smile to my face! I anticipate words that will bring images of my childhood and pictures of sweet things. Your posts help me shake off the craziness outside in the world and refocus on the warmth in my home. Thank you for helping us do that.
My pleasure, it’s the only way to stay sane, and even better, happy. xoxo
Have a Merry Christmas & a Hug from me to you!
Welcome Home from one of your newest followers. Love your writing, Susan, very thoughtful and easy to picture your descriptions in my mind. And the drawings – just lovely!
Dear Susan – Yours might be the only email I get that is both inspirational and therapeutic, both much needed in my life right now. Thank you for sharing your own life with us, your readers. It is so refreshing to find someone who validates my love of Beatrix Potter and home arts. Thank you for making me feel better about the future (after this divisive election) and for reminding us all that it is important to make time for the small things that mean so much.
Thank you Leesa, xoxo
Hi Susan,
I just enjoyed your new Willard. Inspiring, as always.
Thank you,
Rebecca