Welcome! How about some nice cool MUSICA? Oui! I imagine lots of you are just coming over from your 
It just started going out today (Wednesday), and it now takes about five days for it all to go … if you don’t 
already get it, sign up now and maybe you’ll be in time to find a letter in your box. It’s a fun one! It has announcements! I thought today, in celebration of the coming change of season ~ I’d make us Zucchini Bread for tea! But before I do that, a reminder about the new Fall Giveaway I mentioned in Willard! When you get to the bottom of this post, look for the tiny word “comments” ~ click there, leave a few words so you’ll automatically be entered in our drawing . . . for this . . .
Not one, not two, but three books ~ all of them signed to the winner (or if you’ll be giving them as a gift, to whomever you like!), Autumn, Heart of the Home, and Gratitude ~ in addition, for complete celebration, I’m including one of our new Autumn cups along with a bag of Gingerbread Cake Black Tea.👏 Just leave a comment, and keep your fingers crossed! It could be YOU! It really could! Much better odds than the lottery. And we ship, so no matter where you are, if you win, you win!
Speaking of fall … this is one of my favorite things, a harbinger of the changing season, the way the light dances on my kitchen walls as the wind blows through the leaves outside ~ it’s mesmerizing!
It actually shimmers all over the house . . . there is something very cozy about it . . .
I’ve been taking pictures of it for a long time. This was the porch of my first Island house, 
called Holly Oak, during my first fall on the Island (my first “real” fall, period). For those of you who don’t know ….I had moved to the Island from California and had only lived there for a few months, but I could feel the season changing, and I knew then I was falling in mad love with this place. It’s been the same every year since, watching the light and the way the colors change is magical. 🍂
Joe and I walk down this dirt road each morning, through the dappled woods, trees and thickets are still green, but we’re starting to see tiny pops of color (you can see some at top, over the road).
I even take pictures of other people’s shadows!
The solar eclipse was only partial up here in New England, but it made the shadows even more fun … you could see the moon in them. Making me realize for the first time, that when you see a splotch of sunlight through the trees, you are seeing the entire sun in that one bit of light. Because here, the moon is blocking part of it … and so you get these little scalloped moons dappled under all the trees. Isn’t that wild?
So much moon and sun, they almost made tulips!
This little one … the moon in the sun … quite an amazing bit of sweetness.
They even made it into the house… sparkled down the kitchen counters and across the floor. I wonder how many times this has happened in this house, and what the other people we’ve shared these old rooms with must have thought about it.
There’s Joe, my hero, outside washing the specks of spaghetti sauce and bacon grease off the windows and filling the bird feeders for me . . .
We visit through the windows while I set the oven temperature for 325° and find my recipe for Zucchini Bread. Ah yes . . .
I’ll show you how to make this delicious seasonal yumminess . . . and don’t worry, I’ll put the recipe at the bottom so you can print it out. First we need a couple of bowls and a loaf pan.
This recipe is as fast and easy as any packaged mix ~ I make it at least once a year. You get two big loaves from it, one for you and one to give away or freeze. In one of the bowls, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and baking powder. Set aside.
In the other bowl, whisk eggs, then add sugar and vegetable oil and whisk well.
whisking well.
The you grate zucchini . . .
and stir it into the egg mixture . . .
The birds keep me company while I work, always a good thing!
Stir well.
Add the dry ingredients,
along with the chopped walnuts,
and the vanilla . . .
And voila! Mix well and pour into buttered loaf pans. Bake 60 minutes until a knife in the center comes out clean.
While the cake was baking, I took Jack and we went into the wood room to put up our feet and watch a good old movie.
See? His feet are up.
Our movie starts out all nice and sweet … with Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine ~ Perfect! In this movie, she’s wealthy and shy and he’s a charming playboy without a penny to his name, but she doesn’t know that yet. She’s falling, hook, line, and sinker.
Boy meets Girl, it must be love . . . and I’m settled in, happy as a clam ….
“Have you ever been kissed in a car?” he asks her, and she says, “no” and he says, “would you like to be?” . . . and then they go on an amazing honeymoon and waltz all over Europe to this MUSICA … so delightful ~ they come home to their new house that I would like to own and he immediately puts on “their song” and they dance around their new living room from happiness!
And she is now Mrs. John Aysgarth … sooo happy. But, I forgot to mention, this is an Alfred Hitchcock movie, so it comes with a twist. ⚡️
. . . Which I’ll show you in a moment (not giving anything away, even though I’m pretty sure you’ve seen this movie ~ it came out in 1941, but just in cases) ~ this film has everything I love . . . it’s set in Sussex, England, so there’s already plenty of unspoken history and gravitas, there are darling cottages, and cute cars ~ they have tea, there are quirky characters, and a wonderful scene on a train…
. . . plus it’s mostly British actors, Dames and Sirs, and there are things like riding to the hounds . . . (… just about now, that cake in the oven was starting to smell so good, all cinnamon and sugar!)
. . . and little village churches. Alfred Hitchcock was English so he knew about these things.
The hair, the clothes, the architecture, are all perfection. Everything I love. Love the little bow ~ a bit of 1941 Diane Keaton.
Wonderful romantic curtains, and look, leafy shadows on her windows!
The buzzer just went off, my zucchini bread is done! YUM! Out it comes to cool . . . back I go to the movie . . .
SO, yes, Alfred Hitchcock, which means that besides the charm in every scene and especially the charm of the wonderful actors, there was another character in this “romantic psychological thriller” that got no billing at all . . . Bwaaaaaah! It’s the shadows! Look at them! They aren’t mentioned in the credits, but they are a definite presence in this movie and tell you everything you need to know. I don’t think the shadows in my house are sinister at all, but here, they definitely are! First thing I would do if I was her is get a dog. She actually has a dog but I would get another one with bigger teeth.
Because this movie is called Suspicion, and you don’t have to say it twice, it’s in every scene. Look at those shadows . . . I feel suspicious right now.
For example, what fresh hell is HE up to, lurking around the bar . . . we don’t know, but we know it’s something!
Oh, Alfred, you are so good! Slashed with a shadow! They don’t make ’em like they used to!
Even here, she goes into this office (in the adorable little English town that’s actually probably some place in Hollywood) and look what he’s done with the light ~ I have no doubt that he controlled every corner of this movie.
Cake’s cool, time for tea! No problem, I can watch TV while I make tea! My biggest problem? Which cup shall I use? I take turns.
My shadow’s right with me … lotta shadows in this blog! But this one is the best. Back to our chair we go . . .
Uh-oh — Cary and Joanie play Scrabble with Beaky (Nigel Bruce, naive friend), and we get another rather huge clue . . .
And as time goes by, it becomes more obvious that this lighthearted movie isn’t as lighthearted as we thought (or is it?). Here comes Cary with the poison milk! We know it’s poison milk because it’s all lit up! And we are very suspicious, because of the sinister shadows from the moonlight through the conservatory roof. We can see that milk coming up the stairs a mile away! Bang with the shadows! 💥
OMG, he’s in the bedroom, don’t drink it Joanie!!! (Love the satin pillow on the left. And whatever is behind it. Love everything in this house.) I better stop. I’m going to give the whole thing away. You are just going to have to watch it yourself! Make a loaf of Zucchini Bread first, it’s moist and nutty, and all chewy on the edges ~ it adds a lot to the ambience.
XOXO
Joe’s feeders are emptying fast but the windows look so much better! The birds outside our kitchen windows are constant entertainment ~ they bring their babies, fight for footholds, and sing their hearts out. We keep a bird book nearby, to identify possible strangers.
In my next blog post, besides announcing the winner of the drawing, I’m going to write: “How to Travel: the Tricks of the Trade.” We are getting to be experts. Only thing we haven’t figured out yet, how to take only one suitcase! Getting us ready for our virtual and real trip to the other side of the pond. So excited … love all these months in front of us for planning and “looking forward!”
One more shadow . . . we were downtown over the weekend, walking home after dinner, and looked up to see one of my favorite sights, a kitty in the window!
Today I get to plan the menu for the winners of the Possible Dreams Auction that was held 
here on the Island a couple of weeks ago ~ they’re coming on Friday! You might remember, I mentioned the auction in one of my recent posts, and just in case anyone is interested, here’s the update: I’ll be making lunch and spending the afternoon with the highest bidder and three of her friends (I heard it went for $4,000, which all goes to our local Community Services so it was a wonderful thing for someone to do 💗). What shall I make, what SHALL I make . . . going to get out the books. I’m thinking we should eat outside under the arbor … I want this to be GOOD.
We went to the nursery yesterday, where everything is on sale, it’s end of season! We wanted to freshen the garden, get some fall color . . . and look how pretty, that’s our cart!
It’s a good time of year to get plants. They’re less expensive, you can see how big they are and know for sure what color the flowers will be. And then next year? Oooh, la wee!
Love you Girls, I’m still singing Dancing Queen from the Willard, 🎶 You can dance, you can jive, havin’ the time of your life … 🎵 See that girl, watch that scene, digging’ the Dancing’ Queen . . .🎶 … Have a wonderful day! Don’t forget to leave a comment to win our Giveaway! XOXO
Z U C C H I N I B R E A D
Preheat oven to 325° Makes two 8″ x 4″ loaves
- 2 c. flour (unsifted, lighten by stirring with fork, then measure)
2 tsp. baking soda- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 c. sugar
- 1 c. vegetable oil
- 2 c. grated, raw, unpeeled zucchini
- 1 c. chopped walnuts
- 2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking sodaPreheat oven to 325°. In a lg. bowl, whisk together first five ingredients and set aside. In another lg. bowl, beat eggs, add sugar and oil and beat well. Stir in zucchini; then add the dry ingredients along with the walnuts and the vanilla and mix well. Pour into two buttered loaf pans. Bake one hour until knife in center comes out clean. Cool completely before turning onto serving dish. 💖
Update on your “Reasons to Go On Living” prints that I have up in our Crisis Unit at the mental health clinic I work in. They keep getting taken away. I like to think that our clients in crisis need them at home. 🙂 Time to order another! Love from the bunnies and me! (Oh and please enter me in the drawing….)
I love that cup!! Pick me, pick me! LOL So many entries that my chances are slim but i’ll throw my hat in anyway. I also love old houses. Old houses are the best! (so long as they aren’t falling apart!) I started looking at foundations last year to easily see which ones would be oldest. The old stone slabs. And I wonder what the homes are like inside. We got to live in an old house for one winter when I was 9 in southern NH. I recently did a search for it and looked at past real estate listings. I was sad to see they had removed a wall from one of the rooms to open it up and use as a living room. Horrible. And the track lighting someone installed in the kitchen. YUCK!! The house had a back stairs from the kitchen which was pretty neat. Especially when you’re a kid. 🙂
Susan, you are a girl after my own heart when it comes to sun and shadows!!! Being an oil painter I so appreciated what you said about them. It is a wonderful way to paint landscapes. My Plein Air pieces are so much more interesting with dappled and filtered sun! I too like zucchini bread! So sweet Sue… I would love to win those books and cup as well… Thanks and enjoy the rest of our summer!
I’m enjoying a cup of tea reading everyone’s comments. My daughter’s birthday was last Saturday still trying to get together. Made a Strawberry cream cheese pound cake. I love all those black & white movies! Thanks for sharing your pictures of the eclipse! Have a great Fall.
I always enjoy your posts. I wait until everyone is out of the house – turn the Musica on and enjoy! I could almost smell that wonderful bread baking as I was reading! I think I will have to make a loaf for my family. I really enjoyed your pictures of the eclipse. It was overcast and raining here so we didn’t get to experience it. I so enjoy your blog! Thank you!!!
YES,YES, YES! Draw my name for those wonderful goodies! Thanks! Bambi
My daughters are growing hugh zucchini so I’ll bake bread today I between movies and finish a baby quilt and recieving blanket for shower on Saturday
Wonderful post! I have never seen that movie – will have to remedy that soon! Thanks.
Dear Susan,
What fun to read Willard and your blog this morning! I was delighted to see Cary Grant on TCM this week, but I missed “Suspicion” (darn!) Now I’m going to have to look for it! We DO have to remember to look for the good in the world every day, and for me, it’s a new bunch of darling third-graders, ready to learn about multiplication and cursive writing! They are marvelous little people. I am so blessed! Fall is just around the corner, even though our weather man is promising next week will be absolutely HOT in Southern California… we will have to stay in for lunch instead of the playground, so we will have some semi-active play or maybe a little movie going on in the classroom. I can’t wait to be going along virtually as you travel back to England and then, of course, Ireland!!! So terrific! I’m happy for you that you found a little house with fireplaces, it will be so cozy. Have a wonderful week… and have fun planning that next trip using your new little ship purse! Darling!
I enjoy making Zucchini Bread as well, my Boys love it when I make zucchini brownies. Thank you for sharing your life’s adventures and talents with us, you’re creativeness and passions have rubbed off on me. =)
The light changes our view- of flowers, gardens, grasses–and life! This was a magical post.
Copied your zuc recipe and plan to make it soon! Sarah
Dearest Vanna, It’s almost September, sliding into fall. The cool mornings and nights and the plans for our Canadian Thanksgiving. Pumpkin pies, canning tomatoes, apple sauce and soups. Yummy. So what could be better than having my name here in hopes that I would maybe win a lovely mug to have tea along with a warm piece of cake from the oven in sitting in a room with those dancing afternoon shadows.
Thanks again Susan for your uplifting stories. Sharon
So in love with your eclipse shadow photos! I’m going to have my camera ready for shadow magic in 2024!
Very excited about being in the drawing for the Autumn cup. I love all your cups, but I’m in love with that watercolor squirrel! My brother made a squirrel feeder for me as a Christmas gift one year, and it has been pure entertainment ever since. One particular squirrel, whom I named Nutkin, is a frequent visitor; he lets me get very close and listens when I talk to him… makes me feel like Snow White!😂
As I sit & read your blog, I am having a yummy breakfast of oatmeal, flaxmeal & flour pancakes with fresh peaches (we bought peaches & sweet corn @ a nearby farm yesterday). Of course I’m drinking my coffee( sorry it’s not tea!) out of my “little things” mug. Although I’m always sad to see Summer come to an end, you made me feel better about Autumn coming; you always have such a positive outlook on life, putting me in a good mood! We had the TOTAL eclipse here in Oregon. While everyone else was looking up, you were looking down at all the “crescent sun” shadows everywhere and wondering how many people in your house over the years had seen the same…wonderful! I showed my husband the picture of Joe outside your kitchen sink window & he said,” She’s got as much stuff as YOU do on ours! Haha! (I’ll send you a picture sometime) Did you write the poem about living in a little house? Well, I did all that was listed there- thank you for reminding me about how happy it made me. I too went to the nursery yesterday & bought perennials on sale. The pics of Jack made me want to tell you that after having our darling male orange tabby for 19 yrs & finding it hard to replace him, we finally went to the Humane Society & adopted 2 of the cutest 4 mo old orange male tabby brothers. I wanted to name them Fred & Barney but my husband wanted “Eddie the 2nd” so it’s “ED & Barney.” We are in love!
I thought the shadows were the best part of the eclipse! Long and lengthening shadows…shadows everywhere and on everything. I’ve been watching the play of lights and shadows from reflected water and through the trees. I thought I was the only one who noticed the shadows creeping around the corners this time of year. Loved this post.
Hi Susan! Your little “moon shadows” are amazing to me! Like magic…but very scientific I’m sure. In New Mexico, we had clouds on eclipse day; we almost never have clouds! But that day, we did. So, I am loving those little moon shadows! Thanks for ALL the magic you bring us out here in blog land!
I finally found a copy of the book you recommended in a previous post–Beatrix Potter A Journal. What a delightful and imaginative book to have for my collection. Thank you so much for the information. With our shared love of all things Beatrix, and the coincidence that we visited Hill Top Farm on the same day, you are my virtual best friend. I’m off to enjoy a cup of tea…
Lovely eclipse shadows! I never thought of the whole sun being in each image.
This post had it all for me! Jack, Oh Jack. He makes me smile and giggle. I just love seeing his handsome face! Old movie with Carey Grant! that was just streaming here in lovely Dexter, MI. Zucchini bread. Yummy. Hint of the approaching best season ever !! Fall !! Holly Oak ! Mr. Joe. And those beautiful new flowers waiting for planting to stretch their feet in the new earth around them. Oh Happy Day !!
We didn’t get to see the eclipse in Europe, but we did follow it on TV. Thanks for sharing the pictures of the sun leaving shadows showing the moon partially blocking it. I never noticed that happening before. How awesome!!
I follow you on Twitter too. Love seeing your beauty -home, neighborhood, books and you. XO
Now I must watch ‘Suspicion’ now. You’ve easily sold me on it. Hadn’t heard of it.Beth Doherty
Thursday~Blessings Sweet~Sue & Jack… Hey Joe! I Just Checked My E~Mail & No #WILLARD Yet…. I Know I Must Be Patient 🙂 I Can Smell Your Zucchini~Bread From Here! #EndOfSummerYumminess 😉 The Last Couple Of Weeks… Every Time Herbster & I Go #OutAndAbout I Find Another Autumn~Treasure & I Buy It….& Add It To My~Collection…. 🙂 & The Other Day I Looked Over…As I Was Watching Cary~Grant~Day on #TCM 🙂 & On My Couch…There Is a Tiny Pile Of Autumn~Magic Looking At Me….A Few New Scare~Crows & Pumpkins A Witch Or Two… I Could Hear Them Saying… “Hey Lady We Are Ready… Put Us In Our Proper~Places….” 🙂 😉 Even Herbster Told Me That He Is So Ready For Our Home To Become Our~Autumn~Enchanted~Cottage 🙂 Yay! So You Know Sweet~Sue I’ve Already Begun Doing The~Pumpkin~Jiggity~Jig 🙂 Bye~Bye Sizzling~Hot~Summertime & #Hello Sweet~September & #AUTUMN 🙂 Anyway….What A Give~Away…#Sweet~Purrrrrrrrrfection…My~Wings~Are~Crossed Alas #We Did Not Win That #HugePowerBall (PoorMe) 😉 Maybe I’ll Win This! 🙂 & Wow Have Fun On Friday $4000.00 That Is AlotOfMoney!!! Take Lots Of Pics For Us I’ll Be There In~Spirit With You & Those Very Lucky~GirlFriends! 🙂 xoxo Poof! P.S. I Love The Pic Of #Jack Looking Out The Window Waiting For Mum & Dad To Come #HOME Love & Pixie~Dust Sweet~Sue & Kitty~Kisses To #Jack #FromMe 🙂
Oh thank you Susan for doing a post all about ‘Komorbi’, (sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees). It is truly one of my very favorite things. Even as a little girl swinging in a hammock, I would close my eyes “to see” the light changing through the leaves as I went back and forth. I was very little and remember it to this day ♥ All of your pictures are just gorgeous & Joe is too cute! And of course that wittle Jack in the window!! Can’t wait for fall, it’s supposed to be 103 degrees here on Monday, YUK. Also I hope that you will do a blog post for us all about your lunch and afternoon spent with the winner of Possible Dreams Auction. Would love to hear about it.
It is turning cooler here in Washington and I can feel Autumn moving closer. I love the change of seasons and the way it is palpable. Enjoy the last few days of summer!
Susan – I love all of your books, recipes, but most of all your stories! You are an amazing story teller who takes each of us along on your fantastic journeys to the past and through the present. I got your first book on my first visit to MV in 1992 and have been a HUGE fan ever since!
Enjoy the fall – it’s my favorite, too!
XOXO
The day before I read that you’re making plans now for your next trip, my husband and I decided to make a long awaited trip to New Hampshire. I was nine years old when my family moved to Portland, OR. We made a trip back in 1964. My husband has never been there. Even though I was a young child when I left, I still have many memories. My challenge would be to find the old address’ where my family and other relatives lived. Many country roads have changed over the years. I plan on visiting the Bedford Historical Society…..maybe they can help. God Bless both of you on your travels.
I did fill out required fields.
And here you are! 😁
My heart is coveting that Autumn cup; maybe it’s because I’m an October baby!
Hi, Susan: Can’t tell you how much I love reading your blog, and drinking tea from your mugs! Now I’ll make some of your zucchini bread to munch on and consider it my full serving of vegetables for the day!
Love you Susan!
Just got your fall book out and have it displayed on my glass shelf above my kitchen sink with some pumpkins, scarecrows and some orange carnival glass. I have a couple needlework pieces there are well. It always brings me joy when I am at my sink to see these lovelies.
Hi Sue, All the dappled moon-shaped sunlight captures, and the baking and around-the-house photos are wonderful ~ up close and inviting, which is part of why your blog is so inspiring. I wonder how many loaves of zucchini bread are being baked this week thanks to your yummy recipe and presentation? I personally know of two in California 🙂 And I’m sending copies of your recipe today to newly-wed Jordan and college-girl Sammy, my granddaughters who love to cook. Sophie my youngest GD is coming over tonight to teach me some of her vegan recipes ~ her idea (darling girl) to help me in my weight-loss/get healthier goals. After our healthy supper, we will go for a walk as a dessert. There are days, like today, when you just feel that love is all around ~ and between your post, the on-the-way Willard, my healthy cooking lessons and a walk with Sophie, today is one of those days. Love to you Joe & Jack
I’d love to win! Looking forward to your travel tips, can you please do it before next Wednesday when I leave for England!
YUM (no time for more – at work!)
Love, Sue from Simi
I watched several Cary Grant movies last weekend as it was all of his movies on TV. Philadelphia story is always a favorite.
I had a friend who had a black and white tv in her bedroom which was very rare for that time. We would sneak to the kitchen and load up on treats and watch Alfred Hitchcock movies until the week hours of the morning. My mother did not approve which made it more exciting. I did recently watch The Birds and loved it.
You have inspired me to make zucchini bread this afternoon one for us and one to share.
This is a very generous giveaway and how I would love to win. I have recently lost a friend and I would love to share one of your cookbooks with her daughter. Baking helps heal the soul.
I think the best part of your blogs are the pictures of JACK ! What a enduring face,,Having lost our two old kitties this past year,I seem to really enjoy othersThanks for sharing him with us,,,,Judy
My dream is to live in a creaky old house by the ocean. Grew up in Rhode Island but never went to the Vineyard. Got to fix that! Married an Air Force officer and lived in the English Cotswolds for 3 years…..a dream assignment. What shopping I did! Three sets of China, a brass and white iron bed, barley twist umbrella stand, a dear handmade teddy bear, and more and more……. Our likes are so similar, Susan.
This was such a welcome break from the work week. And much needed. Thank you for the Zucchini Bread recipe. I look forward to making it. Always enjoy visiting your home. It is beautiful!
I was happy to read your blog it is always so up lifting reminding me that the best things in life are free, shadows, dancing on the floors and walls are one of my favorites, too. Thanks for the chance to win a great gift !
Dear, Wonderful, Susan. I love the shadows of the eclipse…you are so smart about these things and they were everywhere. I could almost smell the zucchini bread while wondering if she would drink the poisoned milk…eek. Thank you for always bringing such joy and a smile about everyday, wonderful things.
Please throw my name into the hat.
Ooo! Autumn! My favorite time of year. All chilly and golden! I can see myself, now. Cozied up in a big, soft sweater with a warm cup of that delightful sounding tea, reading one of your inspiring books, while the wind causes the leaves to flutter to the ground outside my window. Heavenly. Sigh. I hope I win! 🍁🍂🌻
How clever you are. While we’re all looking up at the solar eclipse you’re looking at crescent sun shapes, tulips, dancing around your house. Thank you for the chance to win your books, cup and tea, you’re so generous. I’ve seen that movie, it’s terrifiying!
Your personal story is inspiring. Your sharing of a wonderful old movie is such fun. Love your warm, homey art work.
Dear Susan,
I am so impressed with your brilliant awareness. You take a simple thing like new shadows in your house and turn it into a journey of experiencing them, and the eclipse and the wonderful black and white cinematography of Hitchcock. Truly a master class in looking, seeing and sharing the world right there for anyone to observe, but so few actually do. Awareness! I love it.
Keep on being my guru of hygge. Please. And thank you.
Winning you generous gifts would be the icing on the zucchini bread!
Just one of your biggest fans,
Jeanne
Dear Susan–My Grandchildren love sweet breads, especially banana.
I too saw the eclipse through my trees here in Indiana.
haha! You are a delight, Susan! Always lifting our spirits! You make us want to be supreme homebodies; thanks for taking the lead! I LOVE seeing pictures of your house, inside and out & gardens too. (your dishes, linens, rugs….just ALL of it. Even re-arranging and cleaning out!) Thank you SO much for sharing!!! You are my inspiration with your pictures, your words, your music.
Love the leaf eclipse shadows.
Oh how I would SO love to win! My mom passed along her books to me and I fell in love! Fingers crossed!
The kitty in the window is THE BEST! I wish you would paint that scene on a card so I could buy it😬 I was hoping you would tell about the winner!! Is she local? She is soooo lucky! Are you doing it again next year? What is the “wood room”? And please Help me with the little moon/Suns. We were in 99 % Totality and I only saw them thru the paper thingie I made. What was the sun shining thru? My scientific mind is so confused😝 Your friend in arf, Debby
The winner lives in CA, but comes here every summer. She’ll be here with her 3 friends today, so I have to get busy! The wood room is the smallest room in our house, and the only one that’s totally paneled in wood. Other people would call it a “snug.” The sun was shining through the trees and wisteria leaves. What you would normally see as a blotch of sun, had a little moon in it!
The winner is so lucky. In my mind I will be there doing all the things I have planned. But I would wait till fall and all the people would be gone. Speaking in Arf, meeting Joe an Jack. Studying your pantry, begging for a flower to press, picking your Brain with a capital B about everything I can think of. You are more like me than anyone else I know. As a friend gave me your heart of the home book years ago, she said, “I thought this looked like you”. Years later when I was reading Falling in Love, you mentioned that book and I got out of bed to find it.You are my inspiration, Susan Branch. I will be with you in Spirit today. It’s about 9 o’clock here so I bet your party is just starting. In my mind I am knocking at your beautiful door.😉
Susan, love your books and your blog. Autumn is my favorite time of year, here in Northern Ca we do have a bit of changing seasons. I have just order two more of your books and am looking forward to them arriving. I would love to win this collection too as I don’t have those yet.
Happy Fall to you
Alice
Hope springs eternal, Susan. 🙂 I love to feed birds as well and this year have left a feeder up all summer long which hangs near my second floor sunroom. One of my favorites is the Rosy Breasted Nuthatch. You need to paint this bird! Hope you see one at your feeders. H
ave a joyful week.
Hello Susan! (and Joe:))
Happy almost Autumn 🙂 Love from the heart of our home to yours !!! Thank you , as always ,for your generosity & inspiration 🙂 and YES ! i would LOVE to win those beautiful treasures !!!:)
Wonderful post! I love the light and the feel in the air as Fall approaches. I am patiently waiting for Fall and for the new Willard. Two of my favorite things.
Always a cheerful read and reminders of the simple things are best!
oh thank you again for all your cheer and making us ‘stop to smell the roses’!!! just want to make the zucchini bread and watch the movie now (which I have never seen). summertime is always great, but love the change of seasons and Fall is really one of my favourite and as my life changes so will the light and colours! hip, hip, hoorrayy! love and cheer to you my dear! oxo Tammy
oh i LOVE zucchini bread, so spicy and moist…slathered with some of that delish butter would be my choice…nothing like autumn in new england in the sea salt air…lovely giveaway too!
Wow! I would sure love to win the books. The giveaway seems picture perfect! A doleful set of books 😀 All your words are like a dream, weaving details of the loveliest things and seeing beauty in every little thing. Just like a quote ” A thing of beauty is a joy forever”. Susan Branch words are like a joy for ever. You have such a wide fan base and the whole women are your girl friends. Everyone associates with you. Your Willard and blog posts from your home to our home, your gracious books and delicious recipes all these bring a sense of wonderment
and bewitch.
Susan,
Your blogs always remind me of how I had dreamed of living. I grew up in the Midwest with lovely drizzly and color filled autumns, cold, sparkling icy winters, etc. But here I am living in the desert southwest that has its own beauty but not as my dreams. Your blogs always make me relax and dream. Thank you. Lynn
I love you, Susan Branch. xo
Yum, zucchini bread. It’s hotter than blazes here in southwest Virginia, but I could feel the comfort of fall in your blog post.
Oh, yes I love that movie (of course because Cary Grant is my favorite actor!) and because it was a long long time ago, I need to watch it again!! I, too love those English villages and houses…and everything else, I guess. Thanks for the super wonderful giveaway…keeping my fingers crossed! Enjoy those early Fall days and the shadows…
Thanks Susan, I guess I’m doing things backwards. This is my first blog and I just read a Fine Romance. The first book of yours that I have read and I loved it. Sending a copy to my sister in law in Washington. They are going to England and some of the places you wrote of. Looking forward to reading more of your work,
Hi Susan! You inspired us to get another feeder-and voila! Four cardinals, 3 boys and a girl found it instantly! It was especially precious to see the girl being fed. I must say I am envious of your shadows. We don’t get many in our house. Its still hot here in the Midwest. I am so counting the days to fall and planning on my first cup of your Apple Crisp tea!! Love and Hugs!!
Lovely post! Gonna take an afternoon next week to watch the movie and make the bread. Thank you for the recipe! Hope I win the fabulous giveaway!!! Fingers crossed🤞 Looking forward to Willards arrival…you bring such joy for life…thank you!
Hi I live in uk and follow you on IG I love your work and have lots of your books 😃 I am a huge fan of Beatrix potter also and love your figurines 😍 I would so love to win this cup 😍 I absolutely love autumn 🍂🍁 thanks for sharing the recipe zucchini bread I have always wondered what’s in it. Sending hugs your way ❤️
So excited about this giveaway!!
Love your blog and books. Thanks for sharing!
Ready for fall! all kinds of great breads to make! Thanks for inspiration!
Hi from Iowa where we are enjoying the most wonderful temperatures. We got a taste of fall this week and it’s wonderful.
My husband and I have been sitting under quilts with the windows open in the evenings. It’s to be like that tonight, so I think sitting under a quilt and watching Suspicion would be a great idea.
Thanks for helping me to get into a baking mood. Perhaps apple cake or pie…..
Yummy Zucchini Bread with a cup of tea is just what this writer needs to bring some zip into my creative day. Thanks for being YOU! I love the Fall, too. I live in the Northwest and can now feel the cool days and nights coming.
Good afternoon Susan ,
Willard just arrived in my “mail” today, always exciting to see the new adventures in your neck of the woods. Like you, we at Dove Cottage is gearing up for autumn as it is the favorite time of year here. Thank you again for your friendship through books, letters, etc through the years.
I just love autumn…..it’s definitely my favourite season……beautiful warm days and cool nights , although we see very little in the way of leaves changing colour here in my part of the world.
I think the draw this time would have to be one that I would most like to win out of all your previous generous beautiful offers.
Hi Susan, I enjoyed your blog. The shadows are coming so can Fall be far behind? I can smell the zucchini bread baking from here! Ooooh, I hope I can win; I just love the Autumn mug! Fall is my favorite season; I was born in the Fall and married in the Fall. Have a wonderful day and be well and be happy! Love,
Karen 🙂
I have never been much of a cook but you always inspire me to try. Thank you!
Thank you for all the joy you deliver!
Oh, I got an “eclipse crescents” picture, Too! Several, of course. And school started today here (My “youngsters” are 28, 32, and 35 now, yikes) but I still watch the buses go past…with a little longing, for those youngsters to be little ones again. And I slept with the AC off and the windows open last night! Our low was 48, just perfect with the quilt on my bed, one my grandmother made, a fan quilt.
Very excited for your next trip! We don’t travel much, so I do enjoy “traveling with you” online. And Ireland, no less! One place I’d love to go. Maybe an “Ireland” mug in the future??
I’m going straight to the grocery store to get ingredients to make zucchini bread. It sure doesn’t feel like the seasons are changing where I live. In Southern California we are expecting mid 90’s temperatures. I sure wish I lived in an area that had 4 seasons. Oh well, I’m still inspired to bake today. Thanks!
PS-I’ll. E blasting the a/c while baking today.😃
The shadows and light patterns in your house are beautiful. I live in a community too new to have big trees to make such shadows.
And the moon/sun patterns were so neat! Thank you for sharing.
I really love your pictures of the dappled lights, especially capturing the eclipse in them, who knew! Always a good day when your Willard comes out. Its almost Autumn and its my favorite season of all. Can finally look forward cooking more and baking lots of goodies. Thanks for all your inspiration over the years
Thanks Susan for another moment to hear more on your life……..we ALL need to take time to stop and “smell the roses”; however, it’s now time to begin smelling AUTUMN!!!!! My favorite time of year……. During the summer I FINALLY read your “Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams!” It’s fun to read and live through your eyes!
Our light is changing. The days are a bit shorter. But we are definitely still in SummerTime in North Texas. It’s a great time to plant here too! I look forward to adding some more perennials to my garden soon!
Dear Susan – First off, I want to thank you for being a ray of sunshine in our troubled world. We are born in the same decade, and I have been a fan for many years. I am a retired teacher who also enjoys tea, books, cats (especially Mr. Jack) and Beatrix Potter. For a gift I received the 2016 Royal Mail Peter Rabbit collection of stamps and post cards. Such a pretty treasure. Do you have them too? England is my favorite place since I was a child. I was lucky enough to be able to take a trip to Dorset, England where part of my heart still lives. Whether or not I win the giveaway, I will continue to enjoy your beautiful work and look forward to all your Blogs.
Wishing you many blessing and sending love, Suzanne
I just finished the latest post and loved every word… and all of the shadows!!! In your house, in Suspicion, and most of all, the Kitty in the window, watching out for your return! I read once that Alfred Hitchcock figured out a way to put a lightbulb in that evil glass of milk, making it glow almost radioactively as it made its way upstairs to poor Joan. I had forgotten how scary Cary Grant was in the movie… thank-you for sharing it, and so much else that is wonderful with us! Xoxo!
Susan, I can smell that zucchini bread!! Guess I’ll go make some right now!!
Thanks for Willard😊
Wonderful post. I’ve made the bread many times. So good.
Enjoy the coming of Fall…..
Love the pictures of the shadows and how you see and capture all the tiny details in your writing and your photos!
Your messages always bring me peace. Thank you for what you do!
Love going to your blog for inspiration and homemaking awesomeness. We love black and white cats around here, too. Marc and Jo-Jo (named after Trader Joe’s Jo-Jos cookies) are our two well-dressed gentlemen felines.
Thank you, Susan!
Love your artwork, love your recipes, love your books! And I get to travel with you!
Thank you for a wonderful visit—love seeing all of it.
Sending love to you from Monrovia, California! We’re having some cool days and then it will be HOT again. Thank you for your time in producing your WILLARD. I love to sit down and read it through very carefully. Such fun to see all that you do, and I appreciate your sharing recipes, music, art and your joy most of all!
I’ve got my fingers crossed!!! Please, please, please pick me!! I love the books, cups and gingerbread mix too.
Thank you for another wonderful blog post! Can’t wait to make the zucchini bread and I would love to win the drawing!!!!!!!
Thank you for the fall cheer. Your blogs are a window on the world the way it should be.
My goodness, Joe has such an infectious smile…as soon as the first picture of him looking in the window came up, I started to grin right back at him! And, Susan, having you review, with pictures, “Suspicious”, and pointing out the creepy shadow-actor, I began to remember how you used to do the Downton Abbey posts…with your comments on who was looking stunning, who was looking stealthy, who you hoped would really fall in love with whom…those were fantastic posts 🙂 I would really love (and I’m sure other girlfriends would agree) to have you do more reviews of those oldie/goody movies. Thanks for sharing your zest for life!! luv ya ….Liz in Mississippi
The sun shining through the windows and dancing off the walls, is as warm of a hug from your own mother embracing you. Warm and reassuring. I welcome the sunshine everyday, knowing my mother is still all around me.
I rushed through to leave a comment so I wouldn’t be late. I will plan to return to your latest blog when I have more time. I know it will be a treat!
And to think, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with the CSA zucchini! Happy end of August. Thanks for letting your little slices of light into our lives.