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.💝
Always nice to sit down with one of your posts, like getting a letter in the mail. Oh how I miss mail. Happy holidays!
May I add my voice to the others welcoming you and Joe home? I can only imagine how wonderful your trip was ~ sensory overload at times I should think! I enjoyed this blog so much, Susan, just terrific! Ever since I was a child I’ve been able to find joy and comfort in the small things in life, I know it’s a definite gift. Some seem unable to do so, I feel so sorry for them! But that’s what folks like us are for, to keep encouraging and pointing the way! Enjoy these next weeks at home with friends & family, and especially that sweet boy, Jack!
Sensory overload is so right. I read back over the diary I kept and it all seems like a dream!!! Thank you Elaine!
Hygge to you and Joe
Welcome back dear Susan. This was a beautiful blog, thank you.
Always enjoy reading your blog and Willard. Your watercolor pictures bring sunshine to my day. Thanks for sharing with us.
Joy to you!
Welcome home Susan and Joe! I’ve got your Christmas from the Heart of the Home book on my coffee table – enjoying reading it time and time again! Wishing you a Merry Christmas, and thank you for the new Willard! Always an inspiration!
I would love to win! Susan, your blog is one way I nurture myself with hygge. It is so beautiful, and with your música from youTube playing in the background, I really do feel like I’ve escaped for a while. Thank you for all the inspiration. From the bottom of my heart, I am wishing you, Joe, and Kitty a very Happy Christmas. And all good things for 2017 (and beyond!!!).
That’s good to hear, the escape part, we all need that sometimes!!! xoxo
I am so glad to find a kindred spirit. I love cozy this time of year. I have played with my dishes in different table settings for hours (guilty pleasure for a dish enthusiast) trimmed the tree, put lights on everything, ( even the new led string lights operated by batteries……love it! Great when you have no close outlet) red throws, red pillows, Santa pillows, and small table trees in every bedroom with great wax smell goods of cinnamon and pine all around. I am in heaven and all is good in my world too.
Hygge!
I know, I try on dishes the way other people (and me) try on clothes! Happy Hygging to YOU!
“I try on dishes the way other people try on clothes!” That is me to a ‘tea!’ Love it! The longer I connect with this “SB Village” the more normal I realize I am. I am definitely now a Hygge enthusiast. I swear, every post changes my life for the better. Thank you for such a wonderful post and so glad to have you and Joe back home. But, I bet the journal you kept while in the UK is yummy. Looking forward to what comes from that trip.
My favorite uncle just passed away. He worked for Parker Brothers in Boston area for many years and retired from there. And he was an elf…one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. His family came to Canada for the memorial service and I connected with one of his granddaughters. She is studying graphic arts and wants to design book covers. She says there is nothing like holding a good book in your hands to read. I loved her instantly. Now I need to tell her about Susan Branch. I know she would just love you and our little SB Village. She is so close to you in proximity, so she would have no problem getting to meet you at some point in time.
Have fun getting ready for Christmas and enjoy getting settled back at home. Wonderful give-aways this time. (I bought Heart of the Home for my Mom for Christmas. Of all the things she asked for for Christmas, that is the one thing she kept reminding us not to forget.) Love you! xo
Love hearing from you Rhonda! xoxo
I forgot to tell you, “it’s guid te have you back at yer wee but and ben, safely at hoose and hame.” (This iPad won’t let me write Scottish very well. It keeps changing all the words to something normal).
Pretty darn guid! xoxo
Hi Susan – Thank you for the Hygge. I spent a good part of today cleaning up clutter to make my house more like a home.
Susan,
I wanted to send you my loving thoughts and well wishes to you at Christmas. This will be your first one without your dad. He will forever be in your ❤️. May God richly bless you and keep you in His watchful care. May He comfort you when those tears fall as you think of your dad and how much he blessed your life. A part of him is in you!
Merry Christmas,
Ruth (The Inklings Ohio)
Thank you Ruth. My dad was such an important person in my life, I will miss him everyday, and also be grateful every day that I had him for so many wonderful years.
Lovely gifts!!
There’s nothing better than snuggling up with one of your books and a cup of tea to lift my spirits! You are simply wonderful!
Happy Christmas Susan, so glad you’re back home.
We may get some snow here in Oregon. Should set the scene for a lovely holiday. Can’t say it enough, I so enjoy your blog and Willard and always feel cozy with your heart and home messages. Cheers!
As the song says, “there’s no place like HOME for the holidays!
Merry Christmas!
finally found joe in picture, and i gona make a list of you favorite movies (such as emma) , and try and get them. I’ve already read and have all yours. And love your bathroom idea
I have never commented before. I have loved your work for ages and years ago framed some of your cards to hang in my house. Your art makes me happy, and your blog is refreshing. You have stood the test of time!
Still standing despite time! 😜
Once again, thanks for the great blog! Love it. This Christmas Eve both my children and their families will be here for celebrating! I am so excited! It’s been quite awhile since they’ve been here together. Your blog was so encouraging to me. I’ve got my menu already planned. We are finally in a bit of a cold spell. Went as low as 45 at night. I posted a photo of my kitty with my favorite calendar page on FOSB. Hope you had a chance to see it! It’s my hygge to you for the holidays!🙌 😻
Your plans for your Christmas sound so wonderful Kirsten, I can hear the excitement in your words! xoxo
You are an inspiration!
Merry Christmas!
Hygges & Kisses & Merry Christmas! <3
Bless you for reminding us that we can create a world of love, happiness, and comfort, regardless of what’s going on in the world. I needed that reminder today, so thank you, dear Susan! So happy you and Joe are home safe and sound and ready to celebrate a hygge Christmas. May it be especially happy and memorable!
It’s already one of the most peaceful Christmases I can remember. Maybe because we did all our shopping when we were in England, so we aren’t feeling that run-around pressure that is never very Christmasy if you ask me! Thank you Susan!
HI Suan,
I do hand embroidery and I think your artwork would look great in that medium. It could be embroidered on towels, pillows and framed pictures. I have a shop on etsy and I could send you pictures of what I have done if you would like.
Julie
I love hand embroidery! I’ve done it all my life, and even licensed my artwork for embroidery kits in the past ~ if you’re interested you can write the studio at [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ ~ thank you Julie!
Love you, Susan! Glad you’re back! 🙂
I’ve really enjoyed your books. Please enter me in the drawing.
Merry Christmas!
Welcome home Susan and Have a Merry Christmas !
Welcome home! Followed you on Twitter and loved Willard and your new blogs! What a fantastic trip! And now… on to all things Christmas Ho Ho Ho!
Dear Susan, Your new blog is wonderful. Every you wrote is so true. Sincerely, Eileen Nieli
Welcome home. Love to be part of your blog audience.
Central Coast welcome home!. Glad to have you and Joe safely stateside. So very hungry to hear all about your excellent UK adventure! A future book perhaps? It would be magical….dare I dream?
To you and Joe~ Fondest good wishes for a blessed and heartfelt Christmastide.
It’s on the short list Debbi!
Yay!!!!!!
You are the very definition of Hygge! I come here and read in this sweet, cozy place, and always feel happier and more inspired when I leave! Thank you for your wonderful blog. 🙂
Thanks for being here Sarah!
Welcome home Susan and Joe…..oh how you were missed! I was so sorry to have missed you at Stourhead, but our darling twin granddaughters arrival, was an occasion not to be missed! I am so looking forward to hearing more of your travels around our beautiful island. Enjoy settling back in your lovely home, filled with happy huge! Love that word. Much love Gill xx
Twins ALWAYS win, you probably already know that it continues through life! 👏 I have twin nephews so I know! I hope to be back to England someday Gill!
Even HYGGE !!!!
So happy you are home and enjoying this wonderful season! Thank you for sharing so many wonderful highlights from your trip to England. I really felt like I was there. What wonderful gifts you have chosen for this drawing. It would be a blessing to win either of them!
Hygge for us all.
Delicious!
Oh Susan ~ I’ve so loved your work since I first discovered your books in college when I bought my first one ❣️🌿❣️ do so love your blogs ~ especially this one … should be sleeping but am going to savor it … so much to read and reread ~ love discovering ‘Hygge’ … am going to share with several friends ~ one of whom is Danish ❣️🌿❣️ will be using this blog as my guide through December and into the new year as this is exactly what I’m looking for in my life … especially since I’ll be spending several months in a 34′ RV with my mother in Texas ❣️🌿❣️ love both contests ~ how generous to give away your beautiful tea pot to some fortunate and blessed follower ❣️🌿❣️ love the East Coast but still have not made it to the Vineyard but it’s on my list … also love England and hope to visit again one day … traveling aboard ship sounds wonderful ❣️🌿❣️also love cats … currently raising two abandoned babies together with my others ❣️🌿❣️ looking forward to Willard ❣️🌿❣️ Wishing you and yours a blessed Advent and Holiday Season ❣️🌿❣️ Thanks for all the love, joy, hope and inspiration in your writing, art and You!
Thank you so much Melinda for your perky and colorful comment! Hug the kitties for me! xoxo
I love the various sayings in this post–especially “Homemade Happy Life”–I often put them on a little stand on my desk–I love the way you illustrate them!
I feel more relaxed just looking at your blog! Thank you for sharing your home with all of us. Love!
Dear Susan,
Welcome home to you and Joe! I am so glad that you have turned your early difficulties and heartache around, and made of your life something so special and wonderful for all of us, who so enjoy your work and talent. Sharing yourself in such a positive way is certainly being a part of the ‘cure’ for the world instead of being a part of the world’s problems. We have enough of the latter, but we need so much to recognize the people who at least strive to be a lovely healing force in this world we all share. Thank you so much for being a source of Hygge for us, your friends. May God reward you and Joe and Jack this Christmas season with all the blessings your hearts can hold.
Love, Brenda
I feel rewarded each time I read one of these lovely comments like yours, Brenda. Thank you so much!
Your books bring peace to my soul. The pictures and quotes throughout your writings are a reminder of what is important in our lives. Thank you for sharing your words, thoughts, and feelings with the world.
Welcome home! Merry Christmas (and Hygge) to you all!
Having a Hyggeie Day in Btown, Indiana today.
Knit friends coming over for Italian Wedding Soup
and Turkey Soup for Lunch and a few other goodies.
Then tea and knitting in front of the fireplace!
Hope you have one, too❤️😇😍
Just reading your suggestions for Hygge, make me feel calmer and more cozy on a grey Monday morning in the Northeast! Thank you!!!!
Susan,
Love the Hygge! What a fun and wonderful idea and we can all be “Elfs” and share Hygge with everyone. We all need more Hygge in our lives. I have really enjoyed your comments on Twitter and your Blog about you & Joe’s trip – do I sense a new book in your future????Hope so.
P.S. The store where I work is interested in carrying Heart of the Home – could you have someone email information – Thanks!
Kellee will send you something Julie! Thank you!
Hello Susan,
I must tell you it has been a pleasure to meet you these last few months. How we didn’t meet ages ago, I don’t know. I love your writting and art work. In fact you have inspired me to write a children’s book for my grandchildren. I Love It! Thank you. Your advice to just begin was so helpful. Lol although I have no idea how to make any copies for them, I have just begun.
It is a very hygge experience!
Also, in some crazy way you have actually caused me to miss snow while reading Mathas Vineyard. Effective writing!
Thank you
Suzanne
Go to your local printer for advice on copies of your book ~ congratulations Suzanne. It will be something priceless for your family. LOL, missing snow! xoxo
Yes. Missing snow. We moved south, I part to escape the white stuff. Lol. So you see, effective writing!
And thanks for the tip.
Ha ha ha! But it really is kind of wonderful. That sunshine, you will see, gets quite monotonous after a few years! 🌞
Welcome home Susan (and Joe), and thank you for the lovely blog post. No matter my frame of mind, your posts are like a cheery gift left on my computer! Your point of view is just so uplifting… I’m a knitter and a group of us went to Iceland last year on a small group tour and loved every minute. This year, we are going to go to the Shetland Islands and will definitely add days to tour Scotland (a dream of mine for many years). I’m so looking forward to your posts about your trip to perhaps give me some “planning” guidance. Enjoy your Hygge holidays at home and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Same to you Kathryn, happy travels!
Welcome Home!!!
Welcome home!
Welcome home! I’m still feeling on edge since the election and reading about your activities and seeing your lovely pictures helps to restore a sense of calm for me….if only for a few minutes. Thanks for bringing that into my life! Happy holidays to you and Joe!
It’s good to be vigilant, and I love you for that, it’s good to deep breathe and give yourself Hygges. xoxoxo
I can never get enough pictures of Jack the kitty. Love him! Just read Willard…a giveaway is always fun!
A Merry Christmas to all! Welcome home 🌲🌲🌲
What a wonderful post and Willard! This post was beautiful! Welcome back home Susan and Joe.
Welcome back and Happiest of Holidays!
Hello Susan from Delaware. Love your blog!!!
Dear Susan, Your words and sentiments and encouragements and ideas lift my heart and soul. Thank you for all the heart-work you put into your blog and books and newsletter. Your life-sharing is truly a blessing. (And I *love* that teapot she says with a big sigh)
Love the Willard and blog. Looking forward to more photos from your adventures, and your lovely home.
Thank you for warming our hearts & teaching us about HYGGE!
So relaxing and inspirational to sit and read your posts! thank you!
I loved your blog, new Willard and especially your Twitter entries from England. Many of the places you visited, we saw in May/June so it was fun to revisit them. I hope you will write a book about this trip. Happy Holidays!
Susan, you spread love with each of your postings and it is SO inspiring! (And necessary at this time of turmoil) I recently watched “Emma” and found it to be such a great escape! Totally in love with the dresses and clothing in that one too…Have a wonderful Christmas holiday ;0)
Sweetest movie. “Marry me my wonderful darling friend.” Eeeek. Some of the best-said words in movie-dom. xoxo
Welcome home, Susan! I’d love to win either of your lovely give-aways. And Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Welcome home. Can’t get enough of your brush to paper work. 😊❤️
It IS the simple things!!!! Thank you.
Love and Hugs to you and Joe!
Always great to sit with your blog and a cuppa. Loved ALL the little things to do that feel like hugs. That’s the way I like my home to feel. I love walking into each room and I smile and sigh, ‘Ah, home sweet home’. Glad you are back in your home for the holidays. Merry Christmas!
Welcome home, Susan! It’s so lovely reading this post about “hugging” up our homes…our lives. I’m going to put the kettle on right now!
Hugs,
Vicki
Thank you for sharing all you do and love with us! Glad you and Joe have crossed the pond and are safely back home. Much love and peace in the new year.
It would be so wonderful to be a winner of one of your
beautiful prizes.
Your love of England has affected me greatly.
Since I have read your books I have taken to collecting
little English things….A Queen Victoria cup and so on…
This new dream of mine to visit England is very real…
it may take me years, but someday I hope to walk some
of the walking paths that you and Joe have taken.
And to have tea in one of the little tearooms.
The winners will be so over the moon with happiness no matter
who they are.
Love to you!!!
Thank you Sandra . . . hoping your dream comes true very soon!
Thank you for the beautiful reminder that I have been blessed by abundance!
I’m so happy that you’re home again and ready to enjoy your island Christmas! Nothing is on my calendar today so I’m doing small touches to get my home “hygge” for the holidays. We’ll have to make our own peace and joy and with time to read your lovely words, I have help to keep on going!
This makes me want to do laundry and dishes :))
I am so glad you are back on your blog. I have Miiiiiiiiiiised YOU!!! I check every single day for a new post. When you are gone so long I resort to the archives to get love and inspiration. Thank you for everything you do!
Merry Christmas Joe and Susan! Thank you for being an inspiration.
I do so look forward to your blogs. And so excited to hear all about the trip. We made our trek in June. Visited Beatrix and Jane both. What beautiful country! Glad you’re home safe and sound. Have a most wonderful, warm, and cozy Christmas!
I loved this post, perfect for a time when its needed so much. Thank you for all the wonderful ways to create Hyugge! So glad you are safely back.
Welcome home. Thanks for such a wonderful post. I also love to look at the stars at night on my back porch, especially on Christmas Eve. The year my mom passed away, I stood there a little longer on Christmas Eve to say something to her and my dad who had passed away several years prior. In the middle of my talking and thinking about them, I saw a shooting star, which I still believe to this day was their way of communicating back to me.
Wishing you and Joe a wonderful Christmas season. 🙂
Lovely, we never forget those moments. xoxo
Hygge is what I do at home already. Still trying to get organized here since the move. More things to fix then we anticipated. #1 son home to help as he says, “To pick things up and put them down.” Boxes seem heavier than they were 10 years ago. LOL
It SNOWED a few inches here yesterday. Ambiance is good for finishing the Christmas cards!
I found my/your calendar at my Sister Bay independant book seller. We are lucky in this small village to have a bookstore.
Glad that you made it home safe for the holidays.
HUGS,
Margot
You ARE lucky! Happy Hygging in your new place Margot!
Sorry about the spelling errors. I got so excited about Hygge that I hit send without checking myself!
PS I can’t find the small calendars in these small bookstores, but there is always your store. 👏
Spelling, schmelling. There are no rules around here, we’re trying to accomplish something! 😘
PS
Don’t forget to put out your stockings…St. Nick comes tonight! 🎅
Tonight??????????? Help!!!!!!! We’re not ready! 😜
I saw your stockings in front of Joe! LOL
So, did you get some good stuff in your stocking🍭🍪🍎🍊???
I don’t think I’m getting this… I think we have to wait until the 25th!🎄
So delighted you and Joe are back home safe and sound from your travels. Thank you sooo much for your lovely blogs which add serenity and inspiration to my soul. Wishing you and Joe a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday, and special hugs for Jack. Warm hugs from Minnesota, Ruthie
Welcome home! Thank you for the beauty and joy you share.
Welcome Home! Thanks for taking us along and letting us enjoy the wonderful places you traveled to with you. Willard just came and I’m looking forward to enjoying it too!
Merry Christmas to you and Jo!
Susan,
You always make me want to change my lifestyle and live a cozy life like you and Joe. So, please keep blogging and posting “Willards”. I need them.
Don’t change too much, just make a cup of tea and light a candle and read a story book. xoxoxoxo
Your blog always makes me feel warm and cozy. I love that you count your blessings. Your joy tells me you do not take blessings for granted. (As does your concern with American politics!) Though our lives are so different, you inspire me to recognize even the simple, everyday blessings in my life. Thank you!
Thank you Christine, and you are right, there is a lot of Joy to be found in blessing-counting!!! xoxo
Joyful. Thoughtful. Thankful.
susan….my dad was a pianist, song writer…he performed with Don Cornell in the 1950’s…..he wrote under the name “Jerry Carr” (our last name is Carretta, and unfortunately in those days, some were encouraged to cut their names short, especially if they were Italian)….here is a giftie for you = there is a YouTube video of Cornell singing “Let’s Have an Old Fashioned Christmas”, which my dad wrote (the music)….enjoy it! here is the link:
youtube.com/watch?v=HvmVKdYes2A
How wonderful for you to have that Regina! Loved it! xoxo
I’m glad you are home safe and sound. Thanks for being so darn inspiring! You remind me to dream, sometimes I’m not sure if that’s a good thing lol. Have a wonderful holiday!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for the peaceful piece of Hugs! So needed, so warm, so you! A breath of warm air and sunshine on a chilly, gray day here. Bless you, dear one!
Hugs, Hugs and more Hugs for you three, Joe, Jack and Thee!
Diane Marie
Your lovely post reminds me of the simple and reassuring gestures that make up our days. -Lighting a candle, folding a towel, arranging a flower, replacing a bookmark, waving to a neighbor- Hygge is a guiding light! Happy Holidays to you and Joe.
Thank you Paulette, the same to you and yours!
Hi Susan and Joe, Glad you are back, we have missed you!!!
Love the blog posts, you make us feel like family and friends.
Welcome HOME! Thank you for bringing us “girlfriends” along. Since my Mom and I got to meet you in June at your book signing, we can’t seem to put your books down. You continually make us laugh with your wonderful humor and inspire us to reach for our dreams! That same weekend after meeting you, my Mom bought a vintage wedding dress in Greensboro, GA. She took it apart to make the most beautiful handmade pillows! She has about 30 appliques to use from the dress. Each pillow is a unique design and every pearl hand sewn on. They are delicate and gorgeous! Her business name is “Pearls and Lace” by Pamela. I went home and started an all-natural bath and body line called “The French Bee”, which includes lemon, ginger, tea soaps, lavender lotions, pomegranate lip gloss, and peppermint balms. Doesn’t that sound scrumptious?!My Mom and I’s handmade products are now featured in a gift shop in Brooksville, FL! Thank you for teaching us that dreams DO come true, no matter what age you are! Thank you for the inspiration we needed to step out and LIVE our dreams. We Love YOU!!!!
How smart that she repurposed an old wedding dress! Insta-gorgeous! Look how cute you both are. Congratulations on your successes! XOXOXO 👏👏👏
Susan~ your words warm me like a cracklin’ fire.
Bliss & Blessings!
Marie
Welcome home Susan & Joe and Merry! Merry! Christmas preparations are the best fun! We are retired now so more fun than ever!!!! First snow this morning so we see Christmas in the air. Love you. oxoxo
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe!
Your blog is like a mini-vacation!
Oh boy, Susan! Here goes . . . my very first blog comment!
I’m so happy to hear that you have returned from your travels and that you & Joe are happily ensconced in your Vineyard home. I very much look forward to reading your future blog posts.
Snow was falling and the roads were a slippery mess this morning as I set out for work. Thankfully, I navigated those roads without incident but once I arrived at the office and started reading my work emails, I was bombarded with one issue after another. Oh HAPPY MONDAY! I was thrilled to see your Willard waiting for me among my personal email. Thank you for that ray of sunshine.
Fran
So welcome Fran ~ and thank you for your lovely comment! xoxo
Merry Christmas, Susan.
Thank you for the new Willard and the Hygge. I made the Cranberry Tea cake a couple of weeks ago and it definitely tastes and smells like Hygge. Delicious!!
Hope you are getting settled. It is good to have you back home.
Feel wonderfully ravishingly settled. Laundry on the sofa waiting to be folded, Jack next to me, old movie on TV, Joe on his way down to get me for a walk. Life is good!
Welcome home!!! Thank you for sharing your journey so beautifully!
Love the concept of HYGGE!! Practicing!!!
With love and wishes for a deliciously merry Christmas!
Thank you, Susan, for the many reminders to give myself some simple pleasure. It’s my first Christmas without my Dad, too. I read your “Inspirations To Keep on Living” every day – it’s taped to the first cabinet I open each morning.
Lots of good reasons there! Blessings on you and yours dear Lynn. xoxo