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.💝
How sweet. The idea of hygge fascinates me. ❤️
Susan, I’ve been a fan since I cut your recipe for veggie lasagna from Country Living magazine years ago. I love all the inspirational quotes and cheery posts that make me feel happy. Thanks for being such a special person!
Sweet of you Susan!
Welcome Home. Hygee yes. Hygee every day. Pure happiness. No one can take it from you.
One of the most powerful things you can do for your own (and your family’s) mental health…. No one can take it from you. xoxo
Dreamy!
Your blogs are like eye candy that I savor!
Welcome Home from all your Sisters! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I pray peace and strength to you and yours. Love you for all you do for us.
Vida and Rick
Thank you Vida xoxoxo
Ha ha ha ha ha! It took me forever to find Joe in that picture! I have a similar position when my back is acting up, but I’m lying on the chair with my legs over the back and my head hanging back over the edge of the seat! (Does Joe have back trouble, too? Or did he lose the seat to Jack or Girl kitty?!)
His back is fine, I think he was just hyggeing with the fireplace!
Welcome back! I appears that you are doing your nesting just as I thought you might 🙂 I had to look very, very hard for Joe lying on the floor with his feet up on the sofa. It was the laptop that I traced down to find him! Ha! I would never have seen him if you hadn’t mentioned that he was there.
I love your homey posts and your wonderful Willards, but do know that most of us also appreciate it when you give your own opinions. After all, it’s ALL of you we love, not just the one that gives to we needy folk.
Looking forward to you waking Vanna from her beauty sleep. She’ll be so annoyed that you woke her – maybe some tea will soothe her?
Anyway, thank you again for all you do.
I love you, dear Susan, and am happy that you came into my life so long ago!
Have fun with your Merry Christmas decorating!
♥Deb♥
I will pet her forehead for a few moments, that always seems to help. Love you Deb, thank you!
Susan,
Once again you have given us all one big HYGGE. Thank you for all your lovely talents and for your kindness…always thinking of us “girlfriends”…..and especially your caring and loving Soul. Enjoy the season!!!! Love, Susan P.
Been reading about Hygge for the last year or so and I just love the whole idea of it. You have managed to capture the very heart and soul of it with the way you live your life. Welcome Home!
Welcome home!! Lovely to read your new post and Willard.
Welcome back Susan, So happy to read your blog today wonderful as always
and wish you and Joe and your sweet little kitties Happy Holidays
Dear Susan, Happy return, I’ve missed you so, and this blog proves it! How loving and kind you are, you make us all better people by learning from you and teaching us how to be GOOD! I know we are kindred spirits and the proof is that drying rack full of red and white linens! I almost bought a little tea light house today, but put it back thinking I didn’t need to spend the money. After reading your blog, I’m going back for it! It’s my special HUG to myself and thank you for that! So happy you’re back and hope you and yours have the Happiest of Holidays this year yet!
Go get that thing! 👏 I love mine year round! 😀 xoxo
Susan Blue
Oh, Susan Blue,
How do you do?
Please may I go for a walk with you?
Where shall we go?
Oh I know—-
Down in the meadow where the cowslips
grow!
Kate Greenaway
I found this in an old book of children’s poems with pictures by Gyo Fujikawa
given to my older daughter by my beloved sister in 1970.
Welcome home!! I’m so happy you had such a wonderful trip, and equally happy you shared it with everyone.
Have a Happy Christmas!!
Thank you Janet … with love from Susan Blue! (You can find me hanging out with the cowslips!)
Thanks for reminding me about wrapping gifts for myself (a single lady) and putting under the tree for Christmas Eve. Did this several years ago and it was so much fun. I got exactly what I was wishing for! Have shared this with several people in the last week or so and they laughed at me! I guess they don’t get Hygge.
They laughed with you, and then they went shopping. Never fear, you are the normal one! Ah the power. xoxoxo
Welcome home dear Susan and Joe!… I have been lingering over this post for literally hours, taking in and savoring every morsel!… love love love it all!… I had never heard the word Hygge until recently, but like you, I have been living it my entire life… passed down to me from my mama, my grandmother and my great~grandmother… who all believed “it’s the simple things in life that matter”… my Willard just arrived so now I will linger with that over a cup of tea… sending love, xoxo… Julie Marie (from a cold and snowy Utah!)…
Love to hear from you Julie Marie, stay cozy!
So good to have you back. I’m sure Jack thinks so, too!
Welcome back! At this time of year I can get very stressed out with everything going on with Christmas – lots of planning, baking, shopping, wrapping, etc. Reading your blog just now helped me to “de-stress” and reminded me to focus on the things that really matter. A big “hygge” to you, Joe & Kitty!
Good Helen, nothing is worse than making ourselves crazy at the most beautiful time of the year! 🎵
Such an hygge time for all the elves too💝 May your home be like a soft blanket to hold you close 🎄✨
I always love seeing a new post from you-it’s like hearing from an old friend! Merry Christmas to you and Joe!!
So glad to read your post today…sitting here listening to Christmas music and thinking about how fortunate I am…Thank you for helping us all remember those simple little things that instantly make us happy … like Roman Holiday with Audrey and Gregory on a dreary day! Hygge to you today!
Hello from San Luis Obispo and the Children’s Museum!
Hi Michelle!
I do not know if I’m doing something wrong or what? I do not see my posts after I post them. I’m sure it’s a huge job to take care of something like this blog. Oh well I’ll just read your posts and forget about participating. I really enjoy your writing, lots of smiles.
I do not know if I’m doing something wrong or what? I do not see my posts after I post them. I’m sure it’s a huge job to take care of something like this blog. Oh well I’ll just read your posts and forget about participating. I really enjoy your writing, lots of smiles.
What is a wordpress error…it’s telling me I’ve already made this comment.
So sorry Barbara … I think this is maybe the 3rd one I’ve seen, so I’m hoping they’re going through and perhaps you’re missing them, otherwise the gremlins are at work again! But for sure, you are participating! Let’s see if this one shows up!
Wishing a very happy hygging to All the girlfriends and you and Joe!
Thank you for this entry! Your home can be your sanctuary. Wherever you go, you can bring your loving energy with you.
Merry Christmas, Susan ( and Joe)! Your blog has been that proverbial ray of sunshine this month…many, MANY thanks! Just finished doing a mini-album for my friend, Sue, of our wonderful adventure at your book signing in Illinois in May…it was like re-living it all over again. Please keep doing what you’re doing and don’t get discouraged. We love you!
What a sweet connecting thing for you to do for Sue! I don’t think I can get discouraged, not in my DNA, thank you dear Nancy!
You make me smile – inside and out – Love, Love, Love
I so love reading your blog. My first book of yours was Christmas from the Heart of the Home. I enjoy all your little quotes and illustrations…little bits of happy sprinkled all about. Looking forward to reading about more of your trip to England. Merry Christmas to you and Joe.
Always enjoy reading your Willards….enjoy your holidays and Merry Christmas!
You give me such a hygge feeling when I read your posts. So happy and cheery they always brighten my day. Thank you.
I so enjoy Willard. Do hope for a new book on latest trip Loved the last one
Oh, this post made me feel so Hygge inside! One of my favorite things to do is to fill my sink with hot, soapy water and wash dishes. I find it so soothing, and it inspires me to mindful gratitude as I carefully handle my pretty things.
Making them shine again!
Dear Susan,
I am glad you and Joe are home safe. It sounds like you had another great vacation. Please, please write another book from this vacation. I so enjoyed A Fine Romance.
Nancy
I love this time of year! Family love is the best gift of all 💖 Merry Christmas Susan and to all your little elves! 💫
Living vicariously through your vacation pics!
Hygge and Merry Christmas to you, Susan!
So glad you and Joe are home safely; I have a book I think you would like to read and am trying to locate another used copy to send your way.
I have followed you Susan and was lucky enough to meet you once in Arrpyo Grande when you had your shop and then your garage sale when you moved back east! I was just this last weekend in AG with girlfriends and we all said how we missed your cute shop! Take care and Happy Holidays!
Beverly Ranger
I look at old photos of my store in Arroyo Grande, it was pretty cute, wasn’t it? I had so much fun with it!
Welcome back! I missed you. Wouldn’t be like Christmas without you.
Ruth
Hi, Susan! So glad you are home. It is so good to read your comforting words and see your beautiful art work. Love the new recipes in Willard. You make the holidays better! Thanks again for sharing. xoxo
Susan,
Know you are glad to be home. Going away is great, but coming home is even greater. Busy getting ready for Christmas? I am! 🙂
Jan
I had such a hard time finding Joe! What a perfect spot.
Welcome home!
I thought it was quite kitty-like of him!
Such a comforting post at a time when we need it the most! Your art, blog, books, and the paths they have led me down have added immeasurably to my life. I have even tried my hand at drawing because you said I could. I can’t thank you enough.
LOL, xoxo 😘
I so agree with an earlier post from Shawn Marie…your posts are like finding a letter in your mail box. How Happy is that? This season I am vowing to find a pen pal ‘across the pond’ as special as ever….plan a trip to England and Italy…maybe a return trip to MV to see Wendy? OK Universe, I have put it out there..now let’s make it happen!! All these dreams and wishes are encouraged by you Susan, your blog and fellow girlfriends. If you haven’t seen this “Hygee” explanation on You Tube, you are in for a treat… lol youtube.com/watch?v=BTUcnZKxkRE – had it not been for your blog and penned adventures I never would have heard the word ‘Hygee’ – much less understand its meaning. Thank you. May you and Joe (and Jack) have the best of all seasons and the happiest of Holidays….Happy Trails! XOX
p.s Happy Hygee!!
Same to you Barb… and check out my Facebook page for a pen pal…we do pen pal things all the time, connecting people, you might just get one of your wishes HERE…💝
Welcome home, Susan & Joe! So much I could write here but after getting so far behind with our busy summer and your blogs…. I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about the news of your dad. Have kept you in prayer ever since and continue to pray that God blesses you with His peace and comfort. While you were overseas we were visiting Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Nantucket, etc……….a wonderful trip……. so much so, our Christmas picture this year is in front of the little blue house with white trim and arbor in Oak Bluffs! You truly live in a lovely place!! Have a wonderful Christmas and many blessing in the New Year! Hugs!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the Island. It is a magical place. And thank you for the kind words about my dad. I have to say that, in regards to him, I do feel very blessed and very grateful. xoxo
What a Wonderful Blog I enjoyed reading it…Merry Christmas…Karen Seward
All hearts come home for Christmas! Welcome home. We missed you!
Welcome back! I really enjoyed following your trip on twitter!
Welcome home, and I can’t wait to hear more about your trip, and pictures! Oh the pictures! Thanks for sharing.
Always wonderful to read your blog, it is a breath of fresh air! It is so nice to be reminded that our homes can be our comfort and our peace, a refuge really from that crazy outside world! Soft throws, quilts, candles, something warm baked in the oven, books, a fireplace, tea, coffee, etc.—ah, the comforts of home!
I don’t know if you have a middle name, Susan, but would you consider Susan Hygge Branch? Seems perfect to me. Had not heard of Hygge until your post. Love it, love your blog and all you do! Thank you…
LOL, it’s close, it’s Anne! Thank you back Sarah!
Such a thoughtful post. I love the idea of Hygge, with the emphasis on simple: lighting a candle, folding a towel, arranging a flower, waving to a neighbor. Welcome home Susan.
HUGs to You. Pauline
Oh, Darling Susan, Hygges to YOU! I was so happy to get home over a snowy pass yesterday and find your package with two copies of ‘A Fine Romance” ( for gifts for two lucky friends! And I got them from your online ‘store’! ) and a copy of ‘My Story” , also your book, waiting on my porch. Chilly literature, indeed! : ) I am so happy you and Joe are safely home, and Jack still loves you. Kitties are so important! We got our tree today, a grand fir, and I am loving smelling it all over our house! Merry Christmas, and maybe I SHALL have a Jane Austen tea party the 16th, what a delightful idea! Hugs from COLD central Oregon, Suzette
Be careful out there! I’m jealous of your snow, I keep watching the weather…so ready now! Love your story of chilly literature, and thank you for calling it that! xoxoxo
By the way, of COURSE you should write a book about THIS trip to dear olde England! ( And Scotland!! ) We girlfriends cannot get enough of your adventures, and would happily buy another book! Pretty please, with sugar and cream on top ? Hugs, Suzette
Oh, what a beautiful blog post – I believe you’ve outdone yourself with your photos on this one! I’m now officially obsessed with Hygge….long live Hygge!!!
I recently came across this wonderful YouTube channel all about farming in England, and I thought it just might be something you’d love to watch (between old movies, of course)! youtube.com/user/TheFarmvids/videos
Glad to know you’re home and getting ready for Christmas! Have a bright and happy holiday season!
Susan!
Reading your words so encouraged me on a cold gloomy Monday evening. Thank you for sharing your heart and warmth of your hearth. Blessings!
Oh, Susan! It’s just all SO cozy and warm and beautiful!❤️
Susan, loved this, so timely, and I am sharing the Hygge with friends! Thanks for sharing!
Oh yes, I have been hearing a lot about hygge lately. Love the concept and I think many of us have been practicing it for years. The romantic in me loves firelight, freshly laundered sheets, lap cats, hot drinks. I love Winter because it is time to be a bit of a recluse and get cozy. The older I get the more I like to hibernate. Sometimes the outside world is just too cruel. My home is my safe haven.
Hygge-love.
So glad you are home , looking forward to your posts
Be Especially Blessed, Susan. Welcome Home.
Merry Christmas! Welcome back home! Looking forward to hearing more about your trip.
Am seeing more and more about Hygge these days. Lovely post. Christmas blessings to you and yours! 🙂
HYGGE……got it! I know the feeling of it….but never have I been able to explain it, as you have. It’s the perfect word. Sometimes I take hygge for granted, don’t appreciate it as I should, don’t elevate it with recognition it deserves. When I do that, hygge can’t blossom and do all the wonderful things it was destined for. Ahhh, now my mind has reached an epiphany of sorts. Hail to hygge, and let me never forget it!
Oui! xoxo
Love reading your blog posts. You capture warmth and charm.
Such a lovely blog post! The giveaway is most generous.
Discovered Isle of Dreams this summer and it brought me tremendous healing after losing a friend who was from the Vineyard. Thank you!
Thank you for letting me know, Maria. I’m so sorry about your friend. xoxo
Awesome post! Makes me feel warm all over!
Not sure if I commented already, but just in case, here I am again. The teapot is absolutely beautiful! Love your posts. It’s like the old commercial – Calgon take me away!
I’ve been hearing and reading about hygge and love how it ties in with your way of life. I enjoy reading your blog and books and am wanting to read A Fine Romance if I can find a copy (or win one)!
I’m ready for some wintry hygge. Your post is inspirational in that department. I like the bathtub with kitty on the rug!
Can’t take a bath without Jack!
I’ve been enjoying your blog for some time now. First time leaving a comment and I don’t really know what to say that hasn’t been said before. Soo I will just say thank you!
I’m glad you said hello Janet!
I so enjoy your whimsy from your artwork to the fonts you choose. I would like to wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and a happy and health new year.
Lovely and comforting reading and listening for a beginning of winter day in the season of peace and goodwill to all!
Thank you, Susan, for your posts!!!! A bright, peaceful spot in my world amidst the craziness!!
This post makes my heart soar! Just what I have been needing since a too quiet Thanksgiving. A gentle push , a sweet reminder that to truly be happy is to create one’s own Hygge! I believe your Joe must be an Elf! Love his red socks :)!
I can’t wait to go to sleep tonight with a smile on my face, snuggled in my warm flannel gown. Hubby will wonder what on earth I am up to :0
Sweet Dreams!
xo jan
Luv-lee Jan!
Love, love, love the charming drawings as well as the timeless quotes.
Love, love, Love your e-newsletter and blog! Thank YOU for sharing your gifts of art and writing with us, what a treat, especially this time of year when we have time to settle in and read on the early dark nights.
That teapot is gorgeous!!!
I’ve just spent an hour catching up on your old posts and Willards. What a treat! I miss you when you aren’t right there. Now I have a Folder for you in my email, so I can read them over and over. Thank you, thank you. I feel like I’m reading an email from one of my dearest friends. Thanks for sharing your life with us, the hygge and the more serious stuff( I sent your blog to numerous friends after the election-thank you). We all need more hygge-thanks for identifying it for me! That IS what I’m looking for.Merry Christmas and all the best, marcia
When I was young I loved Christmas trees. Not the silver ones that were so popular, but tall misshapen cedars that brushed the ceilings. One of my aunts lived in an old drsfty fatmhouse with tall ceilings. Her tree was full of old ornaments, bubble lights, big round lights that seemed to be covered in ice, cardboard angels with gossimer wings, even Santa lights. For the past few years I’ve collected old ornaments that remind me of that tree. They aren’t pristine- my cardbard angel has lost her wings. But they give me that feeing that all is well and that imperfection is beautiful.
Inspiration at its family best!
Thanks for a cozy ready while the wind outside in Loveland, Colorado howls! Stay warm!
Welcome home Susan and Joe! Thanks for sharing the word for that thing we always strive to create; tonight it is fresh flannel sheets, wool slippers, and warm kitties. Hygge indeed!
Oh Susan, you are more than a breath of crisp autumn air (yes this is what it is in Phoenix – finally). So happy that you had such a wonderful (stellar is a better adjective) adventure!
Glad you had a Thanksgiving full of the things & people that make you happy and I wish you to have a ‘hygge’ Christmas season.
Thanks for being out there and being so good about sharing so much with all of us on a regular basis. I love my home like you like yours. I love being here and would be quite content to just stay home day after day this time of year. Speaking of this time of year, one of my favorite Christmas songs is “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” It was written by Kim Gannon, who lived much of his life in my little town of Greenwich, NY. Greenwich is about halfway between Manchester, VT, and Saratoga Springs, NY, and I keep hoping to someday meet you at one of the two Northshire Bookstores located in those two towns.
That would be lovely!
Thank you for sharing about Hygge! I felt hugged with all your suggestions on how to Bless Me! Your books and posts bring lots of smiles, encouragement and inspiration to us all. Sharing your special teapot is just an overflowing of all the love we see in every word you write and picture you draw! Blessings and Hugs to you Susan and Joe!
Thanks for reminding us to be an elf!such fun to bless others!
Merry Christmas to Sue & Joe!
Dear Susan,
Wonderful post!
Also, thanks for your courage to share your truth with us for it is a gift for all of us and a validation for many of us. Merry Christmas to you and yours
You are so sweet to say that Cora!
I’d love to win, of course, but just reading your words and seeing your art is a win! I discovered you through your calendar, then bought a couple books, and I’m so happy I did! You’ve already brought me a lot of joy, so I’m wishing you some joy as well!
I feel it Anita!
Cutest. Teapot. Ever.
Welcome home! My wall calendar arrived and for the first time I am waiting to open it on Jan. 1! I love your picture wall idea so much. I just ordered some prints and I think I will put them in a collage picture frame. I have not done one in years so it will be fun. Merry Christmas!
People will love it!
Welcome home! I caught your Twitter photos! What a wonderful time! My angel chimes are out and ready for Christmas morning! Merry Christmas from Colorado
Welcome home, Susan! Can’t wait to hear more about your travels. 😊 We are getting settled in for a cozy Christmas here. 🎄 Had our first snowflakes come down today!
Welcome Home❣️ Seems like you have been gone forever 😔 Glad you and Joe had another amazing journey. Now we are praying that it becomes another book ….maybe????
Might be!
HUGS!! And thank you!