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.💝
2016 has been a tough year in so many ways, but this post is inspiring me to try to end it on a high note. I’ll be “hygging” the rest of the year and hopefully creating a cozy atmosphere at home for the holidays and beyond. Thank you, Susan!
I have a business that is very busy during the Christmas season. I can’t wait to have some Hygge time after Christmas!! Maybe a belated Jane Austen birthday celebration/tea party would be just the thing!
I LOVE the teapot! I am lusting for it for my collection.
What a jam-packed blog, filled with all sorts of things that give us power over our own mental well-being! Thank you for lifting us up. That teapot is gorgeous and my girlfriends would love to be served tea from it! Fingers-crossed. So glad you are “home for the holidays” too. We’re ready to enjoy it all here in Cary… starting with Messiah concerts this weekend. Merry Christmas!
As uplifting as ever and love the world encompassed by the word Hygge!
Love, love, love your big bathtub!!! My parents had one and how I miss it! Nothing like soaking in a big tub of warm water with bubbles! Just sit in there and sing your heart out. HEAVEN!!!!!
Loved this post. I try to have Hygge in my home all year, and especially at Christmas! I make hot tea every morning and would love the teapot!
Hi Susan, Welcome Home. I so enjoy Willard! You mentioned it was you Grandfather’s name…it was my Father’s name and I use it in addresses and secret codes!
I love your blog. They are so good to read when you day isn’t going as you thought. Very up-lifting and inspirational.
Thank you!
So many fun things to read! Thank you for sharing all of this with us!
Susan, your posts are the ultimate hygge ! I have to read slowly to savor every thought. Being of a well seasoned age, I can recall many memories which relate to what we have both experienced. I enjoyed traveling with you by reading your emails, it was just like I was there right along with you and Joe. Oh by the way I love your cat also. Merry Christmas.
I unknowingly ( since I was not familiar with the word) considered you the “Queen” of hugs and comfort (Hygge). Have always felt the warmth of spirit when reading your blogs or viewing your art! Love, love the teapot in the drawing, and would be delighted to win an English treasure. So glad you are home and will be enjoying the holidays there.
Is Jack overjoyed when you return or does he, in typical kitty fashion, allow you to be overjoyed to see him? Just wondering ~ 😀
He’s putting up with me!
I’m having trouble seeing the keyboard through the tears of connection and love and joy and surrender. I needed this post desperately. I needed the music to feed my soul and the words to soothe. I’m too emotional to share with you, but thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You are the girlfriend I needed at just the right moment today. Bless you and Joe as you settle into the Christmas season of giving and sharing and loving in your Hygge comfort of home.
All my love to you Lorna. xoxoxoxo
Welcome Home I totally agree with looking after yourself with a hug and making life cosy Marie
Susan, you definitely have a way of calming nerves….and most of us are desperate for that especially this time of year. Beautiful writing…loved it all, and it made me feel so settled. I needed it. Thank you for all you do…and Merry Merry!
Sharon
My house is one big HUG! I never knew there was a word for it. Everyone who steps into my house “feels” it. I think that is why I love your blog so much….it’s also a HUG in my day and I look forward to seeing it show up in my email box. Thanks Susan and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Yay, you’re back! I had the hardest time finding Joe, then bam!, I saw his red socks!
xoxo
Dear Susan!
Oh how I love your blog! Glad you had a lovely trip!
Jessie’s mom!
I love your blog and I love it when I go to reply and see my friend’s name already there…Hi Carol!
Welcome home!
I usually read the comments, but don’t respond myself. But I just had to tell you how much I enjoyed reading about your UK adventures. We walked the Great Glen Way last September, so I was really excited to read about your time in Scotland. We will definitely be going back! SO beautiful there.
I learned about hygge in the British magazine, The Simple Things. It’s something we ALL need and can cultivate.
Feeling lucky vibes right now. Come on Vanna…draw my name!
So wonderful that you are back in your cozy home with Jack! Is your arm sore from shooting hair bands for him? Loved this post and think I need to Hygge my office some. Thanks as always for your inspiration!
Welcome home Susan and Joe! Let the Christmas season begin! Loved learning a new word: ‘hygge’. We all need that! I just spent 2 weeks in the hospital and was released last Friday night. It is a week today and I am just starting to feel like myself. I needed “hygges”. Big time! Little by little, in my cozy home with my bits and bobs all around me, and my wonderful furbaby, Louie, near my side giving me kitty kisses, now am able to feel the warmth of life once more. No place like home. Aah… Looking forward to a new Willard. Oh! Have to share something wonderful that happened to me a few weeks back. I received a thank you card with picture from Queen Elizabeth II, from Buckingham Palace!!!! For moi! Over the moon excited! I made and mailed her a birthday card in April and received a lovely thank you!! I shall cherish it forever! It is ‘hygge’! xo
SO Hygge!!!!! 👏
Welcome Home, Susan and Joe! Glad you are back! Enjoyed Willard and your new post. Have fun with your Christmas preparations at home and thank you for all the Christmas ideas and cheerful suggestions.
You’ve outdone yourself again. Beautiful. Welcome home.
Welcome home, Susan and Joe! I Would absolutely love that beautiful teapot! 💕💚
Thanks for putting a smile on my face
Love all the thought I to your blog
I will take your suggestions to heart, Susan. Life has been too much lately!
Welcome home, Susan! What a wonderful Willard – they are always worth the wait! Enjoy every minute of Hygge at home!
I’m so glad you made it back home! Can’t wait to get my Willard and to see your Christmas postings!! Got my tree up and am ready fro some Hygges! Thanks Susan.
Thank you, dear Susan for the opportunity!
oops, spell check!! for not fro!
As always, thank you Susan!
Welcome home…time to find a new little girl kitty…a sweetie to give the ultimate Christmas gift, a forever home. You know the song…two cats in the yard, life used to be so hard, now everything is easy…..la,la,la. Happy Christmas!
I love my candle type lights, I have all over my house and they are on 24/7. I love the way it makes my home happy on what otherwise would be a gloomy day.
Sitting here in front of the fireplace cuddled up in a crocheted afghan with a cup of tea while Colorado snowflakes are coming down. Reading your homey, heart-filled blog, just made the day more special. I’ve been your fan for years.
Thanks for putting a word to how I believe I have tried to live my life
My grown children are living that life too. ❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️To you aand Joe and the kitties.
Thank you for being such an inspiration , you are loved by all your girlfriends 😘
It took me awhile but I finally located Joe!! I was determined and it was fun. I so enjoy your blog and today really hit my soul. I too am so glad you are home safe and sound.
A BIG Hygge to you Susan! 🙂 So happy you’re home and settled in for this wonderful time of year! Love this post so much and look forward to seeing your décor for the Christmas season… it’s always so inspiring. Bet Jack is very, very happy you and Joe are home. With my love always. oxoxo
I always feel refreshed and renewed after reading your blog good job Susan! Love Georgia
Welcome home! So glad there’s no more politics because you and I are so far apart on how we see it! But, otherwise, we are so much alike – from loving Christmas, to family, to coziness, dishes, pretty tables, simple pleasures, home, picking a house by where the tree would go!!! We are “sisters from another mister”! Merry Christmas!❤️
I am so very happy to receive your blog today as I just lost my best friend to a sudden unexpected death. No one ever knows why these things happen when they do so, one must believe in silver linings. Your blog today is my silver lining telling me exactly how I can make myself feel better. Thank you.
Aw, can only imagine such a terrible thing, I’m so sorry Candy … feed yourself well this season. xoxoxo
How lovely to get a new post today and a Willard letter! Thank you! I am so glad you are both safely home and enjoying Hygge😉 I too have had a hyggelig day, taking time to press my collection of Christmas aprons whilst listening to Emma Bridgewater talking about her life and favourite music on BBC radio 4’s Desert Island Discs ( its available online too!) I had the pleasure of unexpected guests, who arrived bearing homemade marmalade, and a gaggle of school children arrived wanting to do “jobs to raise money for a school project”🙂 I let them gather the newly laid eggs from the hen house, (which was quite scary for two of them!) and then they filled four boxes with logs from our woodshed and carried them to the front door.
They were happy with their reward, and I am happy to have the weekend firewood stacked handy and out of the snow. Later on we had pancakes for supper!
Thank you for this post. To help us remember to enjoy life and savor every moment and every little bit of beauty and joy in our lives. Too often especially this time of year we are just trying to get it all done and forget to celebrate the spirit and intent of this wonderful holiday season. Thankful and happy I am!
Love reading your blogs Susan,and seeing all the cute things set out in your home,so adorable and cozy looking!! 🙂
I had never heard of the word Hygge but perhaps I will take the liberty of using it as a synonym of holiday. It might be technically incorrect but I like the idea of saying “Happy Hygge,” and conjuring all the best and most nostalgic images of the holiday (any holiday) season. I like it, though I also like the idea of wishing everyone happy coziness. Thanks, Susan, now I will be happily cozy all afternoon.
Why not? There ain’t no rules around here! xoxo
Oh, Susan!!! I so wish I could meet you and have a conversation! You are truly an inspiration! Thank you!
Reading this while baking sourdough bread and making red beans and rice soup on a middling cold sunny afternoon. What a treat!
Hi Susan, So glad you are back home. I also love houses, old movies, and all things tea. I am looking forward to your next book about your recent trip.
Welcome home, Susan. I missed reading your blogs while you were away. It is cold and snowy here in Flagstaff. Will hygge this evening with a fire in the fireplace snuggled up in my Pendleton blanket with my pine-scented candles lit.
I called my Dad’s wife who lives in Cottonwood a couple of days ago and it was colder there than here! You are getting a head start on us! Love Flagstaff!
Love
I love this blog so much! I’m a hygge enthusiast from way back and I’m so happy that it’s getting its day in the sun now. It’s really funny because I shared stuff about Christmas from the Heart of the Home and Christmas Joy in an online hygge group I belong to! And now it’s gone full circle. 🙂
The Norwegian word for this spirit of coziness is koselig. And your “feed your life” quote is my favorite of all – it’s on my inspiration board next to my desk. ❤️
Thank you for sharing your wonderful life with us. It always brightens my day to see your adventures and beautiful pictures. I get giddy when I get a Willard in my inbox too. Merry Christmas!
I love reading your words. They make me feel good. And give me great ideas about how to make my home a better place.
I love learning so many new things from you. You bring beauty and joy to everything you do and then you share it with all of us! That’s definitely Hygge!
Many blessings to you, Joe, and Jack for a wonderful Christmas season!
This will be a quiet Christmas I think. New candles sound nice!
Just finished a cup of tea while sitting by a cozy fire and reading the latest Willard! Oh, you share the sweetest words and quotes and drawings. I adore the photo of you and Joe on the Queen Mary. Classic! Is it going to be your Christmas card? Do you send out cards? I haven’t of late. I usually write notes starting on Thanksgiving and continue until I’ve sent all my out of town friends a note and Christmas greeting. The year we lost my mom on Thanksgiving Day, I just didn’t have the time or energy to get it done. Then let it slip the next year too. This will be our third year without mom, but I’ve yet to get my notes started. I must! There is nothing like a hand written note to say to a friend, you are special!
Thanks for a delightful Willard, Susan Branch. Hugs from a chilly, wet Austin! ~ Sarah
I’m sending them! xoxo
Love your blog and your stories! Keep them coming and Merry Christmas to you!
Lovely post Susan . .thanks so much!
Your blog and tweets are definitely Hygge in my world. Thank you.
Your post was beautiful . .thanks, Susan.
This has been my “annual horribilis” as the Queen so aptly put it some years back. I won’t go into the details but suffice it to say I’ve lost two who were near and dear. I know you have undergone some of the same this year. Christmas under those circumstances can be bittersweet. Your blog today was just so soothing to read and your advice is spot on. I think I will indulge in some Hygge. Thank you always for your sweet thoughts.
Bittersweet, darling. Yes, I do know. xoxoxo Here’s to us and to all who’ve lost love this year.
I’m due for another birthday next week and was asked by my husband for gift ideas just this afternoon. Your blog gave me ideas of more of your books. Love them. Growing old is a reason for Hygge – both for the relief of the pains it brings and because it’s better than the alternative!
Thank you for being you, susan, and for sharing yourself with so many of us!
With love and blessings for the holiday and new year,
HI Susan, writing to you from my home of 65 years that we named Spruce Cottage. I wish I could take my home with me when my time comes. Thank you for writing that special blog. It took courage.I read it four times because it meant so much to me.
I am so glad that you are safely home again and snugged in for the winter. We might get snow this weekend. I hope so.
You’ve been a good girl, your name is Merry, I believe Spruce Cottage will be waiting for you in heaven. xoxoxoxo
I’m glad you’re back! Thanks for this post to remind us what’s important!
Thank you for the Hygge lesson. It is something we all need now and everyday. By the way, it took me a couple of minutes to find Joe in that photo!
So happy to hear that you are both home, safe and sound, settling back into your routines. There is comfort in this, after a long time away from hearth and home.
I love the ideas you have shared in this post. These have been difficult times to deal with and with so much uncertainty ahead, we have to find ways to protect ourselves from the outside world. Our home should be the place we want to come home to. Glad you are home once more and have a Blessed Holiday Season.
I don’t know how you manage to read all the comments. lol I found a great way to relax. I don’t turn the news on and I watch as many of the Hallmark Christmas movies I can. No more can I soak in a tub as the old body won’t go that low and darn sure can’t get back out. I know cause I fell INTO the tub last month. 🙂 Nothing but showers now. 😀 Yeah I know, TMI as daughter says. (too much information)
You are magic. Love you and your spirit. Happy Hygge to you. I’ve already bought myself a gift — your 2017 calendar. And all the young ladies on my Christmas list — girls who will be starting their own homes soon, are getting Heart of the Home under the tree.
LOL, that book has been to more weddings and into more new households than any of my others! Thank you Heidi, it’s the ultimate compliment! xoxo
We’ve just moved to a new house, not far from where we had lived for 40years….We’ve been up to our elbows in boxes, sorting memories, parting with lovely familiar things and finding new spaces for the things we can keep. It was a joy to open your email and bask in your lovely words and photos…a welcome reprieve from the chaos that is mine…..
This too shall pass. . . xoxo
Dear Marla, This too shall pass. . . xoxo
Oh Susan! It’s so good to have you back home. I agree with you about the wonders of a lovely cup of tea and an old movie. I have so many favorites. EVERY version of An Affair to Remember, Bette Davis in Dark Voyage, Bogie and Bacall in To Have and Have Not. The list goes on and on. By the way, I can’t wait to get home and announce to my family how hygge the house is. LOL
Loved this “hygge”! Made my day as I am suffering from sciatica. Beauty, sweetness and laughter make it feel better! Thank you.
Looking forward to this new drawing. Such lovely things. You are so generous!
Ahhh Poor Baby. Feel better soon!
Welcome back! I could see that this would be post to savor lazily, so I saved it and relished every bit along with some turkey and chicken soup made from all the Thanksgiving leftovers. What a lovely read it was. Thank you. Linda
Oh! I have wanted and wanted A Fine Romance! Thank you for the drawing!
This was a beautiful post, and brings such warmth and comfort and cheer to one’s soul. I enjoyed reading it. Here’s wishing you and all your readers a wonderful Holiday season!
I love opening an email from you – there’s a gift of inspiration in each one!
Happy Holidays!
-erin
That first photo of you and Joe is beyond fabulous. While waiting for your return, I reread Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams and A Fine Romance. Right now I’m reading Pride and Prejudice again and remembering my visit to Chawton in September. I can’t wait to read all about your trip!
Thank your for the cranberry tea cake recipe! My knitting group will be at my house on Sunday and that sounds like the perfect cake to have (with tea of course and maybe a bit of wine)!
Thank you for this post and Willard.
Welcome Home!
Wasn’t Chawton wonderful, just wonderful? Hello to your knitting group, I hope they love the cake! xoxo
Comforting just to read your post and see the lovely pictures! Happy Holidays to all!!
Susan,
Thank you so much for your post and the hygge (first heard the word a while back) that you spread everywhere you go, and take with you too!
You make it Right and Wonder-full to enjoy taking good care of oneself. I know that I, for one, am much nicer when I’m relaxed and happy… I love the beauty of your house and your immediate world, and the fact that you care so much about the extended world and those less fortunate than ourselves also.
Kindness, compassion and recognition of beauty in all forms, who needs the materialism of the Season? I don’t! Best of all, you make me smile and for that I’m very grateful, Sally
I couldn’t agree more… I love the words in The Bishop’s Wife … so simple . . . “You give me a book; I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry could do with a new pipe.” xoxo
Welcome Home Sweet Home!!!
I’m so grateful to you for your creative and consistently uplifting writing. You feed my spirit every time, offering inspiration, motivation, and a laugh! What a gift. Thank you also for your brilliant post after the election. Your bravery and honesty were refreshing and eloquent. I shared your words with many friends, who were grateful to you, too. I wish you wonderful holidays and a great 2017.
I acnt believ I found this Blog!!
Years ago, I bought a magnet you did and it brought such happiness
Just like this post!
I would love to win anything done by you!
Thank you
Kathryn
It’s always so exciting to read your news when you return from a trip. You are always so generous to share with us…we are real girlfriends! Happy holidays from Florida! Lavender Dreamer Diane
So glad you are back from your lovely trip and snug in your wonderful house in the Vineyard.
Really enjoyed your blog post and Willard…you really got back to work fast! I’m looking forward to more posts about your trip…I thoroughly loved Scotland and England when we went several years ago and am looking forward to hearing more about where you visited especially in Scotland. Happy weekend!
Hi Sue and Welcome home. So glad you are all tucked in safe and sound in your your home and doing what you do best! I wrote to you a couple of times but I think my posts got lost in the giant back log of posts you had when you were still in England. No biggy…Just wanted you to know I luvs ya<3
I have been doing a little Hygg-a-ing myself. Spent the day Antiquing with a dear friend and went to lunch. It was fun and I found a few treasures. I immediately came home and proceeded to walk around with my treasures…now where do you need to live???? Everything in it's proper and happy place!
Oh yes, one more thing, a dear friend of my sent me the most beautiful platter and two little footed bowls from Emma Bridgewater. The pattern is called Christmas rose. It is stunning. Oh well, it's time to go put on my pjs and get comfy. Have a great weekend.
So glad you are back home, not just for all of us who have the privilege of reading your blog, but as the owner of three wonderful kitties, especially glad for Jack’s sake! Happy Holidays!
Yes! Peaceful, calm place to spend a little time. That’s what we all are craving! Thank you, Susan. Glad you are home safe and sound. Can’t wait to see and hear all about your adventures! Thank you for sharing your trip with us!
What a wonderful blog you posted today! Very comforting. Thank you!
Beautiful post Susan. Can not live without hygge – but now I know its name.
This is such a lovely, sweet, cozy, Hygge post! December 2….how can that be? Glad you are home safe and warm and enjoying your sweet home! Will read this again tomorrow!
Thank you, Susan, for your special way of being. Your post has inspired me today. Just what I needed to read. God bless you and Joe and the kitties.
Susan, so many of us are still with you & support you since you had the courage to speak up after the election. You’ve inspired us!
Hope you have fun getting ready for the Holidays. 🎄
Susan my friend,
I am so happy to receive this cheerful uplifting letter from you today.
You know it really is true what they say about being kind and caring to everyone you meet, (which you ALWAYS are) because you never know what someone might be going thru. I know for instance that I am going thru something right now, which is causing me sadness and stress and hand-wringing worry. But thank goodness for your happy thoughts, lifting my spirits and reminding me that we HAVE TO hold on tight to the good things in life, and “accentuate the POSITIVE.” And above all your ENCOURAGEMENT to each of us, your friends, to be kind to ourselves and each other, and to always keep dreaming and looking for comfort and happiness and peace, when it would be easy to give up! In my opinion this is your gift, and I am so thankful that you share it. We are all growing older. (Some of us older than others.) But those of us who have followed you for so many years still see the sweet spirit that you have shown us for all these years in your precious art and thought and quotations.
I hope whatever it is settles and all your worry flies away. xoxoxo
Thank you for introducing me to hygge. It’s just what I need right now, and I’ll share it with my friends. It’s just starting to snow here :).
How fun! Loved the post, you always inspire! Happy Holidays, Susan!
Hi Susan~
You touched my heart, again today. I am always grateful to see your words. I’m sure you are happy to be home, but missing Britain…oh to be on Martha’s Vineyard!! Joy!! It’s cold here in Northern California, but the sun in shining. Always take good care…& Joe too. xoxo
Well so glad you are home and just in time for Christmas trees and all the trimmings. I just love the holidays and yes, yes, yes to the money can’t buy what the season is all about. I love your blog as it reminds us all the true meaning and how to stop the insanity with a little hug time for yourself. Thanks for the prizes and would so love that teapot and books, so thinking of the reading the the pj’s with the candles. Take care and stay well!
Lovely, just wanted I needed to read today! I was having such a difficult stressful day even though all the problems are still there to be dealt with, I am taking a sweet break with tea and a cookie!
Merry Christmas!
Your towels drying on the rack are so cute.
Yay for cozy.