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. 💖
Love the books, tea and cup. I need a picker upper this year. I lost my youngest child and am heart broken.
Dear Janice, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though we don’t know one another I hope you can feel the love and prayers of those of us on this blog for you.
I just read Willard and I’m here to enter the most lovely giveaway!!! Thank you for the opportunity, Susan! xxoo
What an amazing talent you have.I love your writing. It comes to life as each word is read,
Your writing brings things to life!! Love it so much.
Hi Susan. You piqued my interest in the movie, Suspicion. I will read about it since I don’t know when that will be on again. We are enjoying the last days of summer here in Connecticut as well. Happy Fall!!!!
Yum, zucchini bread. Sadly it wasn’t as plentiful as it usually is. Your’s looks great.
Oh, Susan, you make the world more beautiful! Your art, your writing, your music and film choices . . . your recipes!!! Thank you <3
hi kindred spirit,
how lovely were the shadows of the eclipse. i was able to see the shadows on my porch and sidewalk as we are in the path of totality. it was a bit cloudy, but for the most part, we were blessed to see the totality and and crescent shapes…and then shortly after the totality, rain came! but i loved how the clouds parted for a perfect view at the right moment. today i saw a double rainbow outside my window. i am looking more and more for little random surprises in the world. i got “mooned” by a squirrel! watched two bunnies chase each other. and made orange lavender shortbread cookies. it’s been a lovely few weeks despite the humidity and desiring to hibernate inside. hows the book signing proposition coming along in charleston?? is it still on for march 11 and 12? its almost time for our england trip. i wish it was going to be the same time as yours but i do get to go to hill top and the beatrix potter museum. hope all is well with you and joe. love from the southern belle
It’s not totally settled yet, which is why I haven’t announced it … I think Joe called and is waiting for a call-back. I forget, I’ll ask him when he gets up! I’m so excited about that, thank you!
How did I miss this?!!! I didn’t even know you were possibly planning a book signing in Charleston! Wonderful!!!
Always enjoy your posts! I have to ask-do you have screens on your windows? I am sure you do but the pictures are so clear I just had to ask. The. closest I have been to New England is New York several times. Looking forward to fall but not what follows!Pat
Yes we do. Definitely. Otherwise there would be a world of critters in here, especially mosquitoes which are not loved in this neck of the woods!
When Willard pops up in my inbox I feel like it’s time to settle in with a true friend. Knowing there is a kindred spirit who loves all things English, and Peter Rabbit and shadows and bird song momentarily quiets this tired farmwife heart!
😘 Carolyn.
Fall..? Already..?? I’m hoping for a long Indian summer… Loved all the shadows:) We saw the eclipse in our tree shadows too! I had never heard of that before and it was truly amazing! Thanks for another inspiring post. (Bless Joe for washing your windows:)
Susan, your simple enjoyment of life’s pleasures are always such a sweet reminder to slow down, take a deep breath, and pay attention. Thank you! Your posts refresh my heart.
The zucchini bread sounds wonderful. I love your shadows in the kitchen, I had them all over my back yard. It was mesmerizing.
Your picture of the little moons on the bricks made me smile. Your blog always makes me happy! I’m even starting to look forward to fall now, thanks to you!
Wonderful blog, Susan….all your writings prepare me for each new season! Although I wanted to dive right into the newest Williard, I saved it for this beautiful evening to read on my screened-in porch with a cup of tea, the chirping of the crickets and my sparkly Christmas tree lights along the ceiling! It really is all about the small pleasures, isn’t it!
Talk about good timing!!!…I just pulled out a loaf of “Susan’s Zucchini Bread”! ..Of course you are right…it is wooooonderful ..now I just need a great recipe for all my Raspberries that are making their second appearance ~ hmmm guess I need a recipe book …pick me! 😉
Oh, how I would love to win these cookbooks and the other goodies! I love autumn!
Your moon shadows were magical indeed. What an entirely lovely post.
Dear Susan,
Another wonderful gift in the email box. The zucchini bread looks delicious. My Summer cookbook has had a good workout this year. So many yummy recipes.
Thanks,
Anne
Thank you for the glimpse of fall. It seems a long way off here in Texas with the temps close to 100. It’s hard to get in the mood for fall when you sweat just going to check the mail but your post helped immensely! Winning the cup, tea and books would help even more!
Worried about our Texas Girlfriends this morning. I just really DO NOT like hurricanes. They have waaaaay too much baggage with them. Stay cool, Lisavi!
Oh my goodness! You completely had me drawn into that movie! No fair to leave us hanging! I love Cary Grant movies, and I know I’ve seen Suspicion, but I can’t remember what happens! Now I’ll have to have my own Cary Grant movie watching / zucchini bread baking day. Thanks for getting cosy with us!
Love the mugs. I bought 4. My husband likes them also.
I was feeling a bit low after a bad bout of flu and with this dreary, seemingly-endless Melbourne winter but reading this has completely changed my mood. The best cheerer-upper ever!
Ilook forward to each blog you send. They are full of inspiration, great ideas, wonderful receipes and make me sooo happy!!Hope I win the drawing and the great mug. Thanks for everything you do for everyone.
Love the little moon shadows – how wonderful and what a fun way to experience the eclipse! Thank you so much for sharing your zucchini recipe and I can’t wait to try it. And I was so happy to receive the Martha’s Vineyard mug a couple of weeks ago which was a present to myself – absolutely love the mug!
I absolutely love everything about your Blog and Willard. I usually read and re-read Willard a couple of times so I don’t miss anything I want in the future. I have a few of your books and am always open to more so that was neat to read.I wish I was physically able to go to England and Ireland with you but enjoy your posts, etc so much it’s like we had a little visit.
I’m grateful that my mom turned me on to you last year! I’m making your blueberry corn cakes for breakfast tomorrow and I get so much joy from your blog and Willard and twitter. You remind me of what’s important when things feel too hectic balancing work and my husband and kids. I just love you so much!! Thanks for sharing your world with us.
update – my kids and I just finished scarfing up those corncakes! It was the first time I have made them and they are so delicious. Even the ones I thought I had burned.
I know, totally delicious. Love that your kids like them too! Larkin, I know I met you recently because I remember your name … were you on the Cape, or am I dreaming?
No, but we met when you came through Memphis last year at the Booksellers. Our sweet bookstore has since closed but it just reopened as a slightly smaller version with a new name. I hope it lasts!!
Me too… well anyway, you have a beautiful memorable name!
I love the latest Willard. Can’t wait to see your new products!!
I agree with Marilyn! Pick me! It’s my turn finally!! Love everything. You make life so much fun.
Zucchini in my Texas garden has retired due to the heat but made many loaves of zucchini bread, which young Grandson calls, “bikini bread.” Fun summer name! Though no more squash on the vines there is plenty shredded and in spirals in the freezer! Enjoyed the Willard piece about vintage recipe boxes. When I graduated from high school in , dare I admit it, 1965, my Great Aunt Vera gave me an old burgundy leather covered recipe box filled with family recipies. Over the years many handwritten recipes were added. Now so many of those precious cooks are gone but the treasured cards though faded and spattered live on.
Family. xoxo
Watched the movie, ‘Suspicion’… from the library tonight..Love the Oldies, but Goodies movies…
Such a lovely blog post that makes me even more excited for cooler weather here in Alabama! I love the smell of zucchini bread and yours is wonderful! Just read your Willard and am dreaming about going to England! Now a question for you: I know you adore tea- do you and/or Joe drink coffee? If so, how do you take it? I am contemplating switching from coffee to tea and need to try your enchanting loose leaf version!
The very best way (for me) is with a spoonful of honey and half and half. But I go through periods of no honey, and just milk. Joe likes his with a spoonful of sugar and a slice of lemon and slice of orange. And every so often, on a rainy day, we like a cup of coffee too!
That sounds like a magical concoction only befitting of “The Fairytale Girl”! I will have to try it!
Susan, thank you for the beautiful Willard. My heart is with you on the island and the soon to be beautiful fall colors. Living by the beach now in So. Cal. we don’t get the fall colors I so miss from my childhood. Fall is my favorite time of year, settling in with warm bread and a cup of tea. My Mom used to make pumpkin bread, filling the house with the smells of fall. Thank you for bringing fall to us that don’t have that luxury. Can’t wait to try the zucchini bread. Happy Fall to you and Joe!
Love your letters!
Wish we were going to England and Ireland with you. Have a fantastic trip!! Penny Carpenter, north Idaho!!
SO enjoyed Willard today. I’d been feeling cranky over something/nothing and now I feel happy and light. Thanks Susa!
I will have to pay closer attention to the shadows. I wish I had a lovely lane to walk each day.
I would love to cozy up with a delicious cup of gingerbread cake tea in a beautiful mug to read not one, not two but three delightfully charming books!
I cannot believe I haven’t seen that movie yet! I thought for a second it was Topper but then kept reading. The shadows in that movie are spectacular. He was certainly very talented. Your beautiful light shadows, especially the eclipse ones, are breathtaking. I’m glad I discovered your blog. I happen to have zucchini so now I know what I’m going to do with it – thank you!
We need those travel tips Susan! Headed to England in 3 weeks with “A Fine Romance” as our guidebooks! Scurry hurry those tips! I especially am desperate for help with a purse/tote/ backpack suggestion? I have literally studied your outfits in the book and am copying them as you always look perfectly put together! Would love the giveaway goodies of course, your treats are the best treats there ever are. Hugs-Jenny from SC
If you want to look put-together … plan your outfits before you go, lay them out, try them on, put the right shoes, socks, jewelry, with each outfit and write it down. Tuck the outfit list in your bag along with your clothing. When you get there, you don’t have to think or remake everything, its already all right there, boom, you’re dressed, and cute! Do one dressy one, and a few for everyday, and you’ll be set. I have a little purse, I think they call it a wristlet. It’s big enough for all essentials, comb, lipstick, cards, money, glasses. It zips at the top, and has a little wrist strap. I usually just carry that, but then I can also slip that into a bigger bag that has sweater, camera, band aids, and things like that. Hope that helps. If you have rented a house, you will very likely not find washcloths there … hotels seem to have them, but not rentals. I like them, so I take them with me. This is how Joe and I end up taking 13 bags! Don’t let this happen to you!
I mourn the coming of fall every year as we inch closer to another Canadian winter. I would love to have something to cuddle up with as the temperature drops!
Hi Susan~ Fall is definitely coming. Cooler nights here in MI and even frost! Thanks for the recipe for zucchini bread. Looks very good. Must make some soon.
I’m looking forward to your England/Ireland trip next year. I have been to Ireland and know you will love the folks there. They are very friendly. Beautiful countryside and SO GREEN! Enjoy your Fall season on the Island.
I love the latest Willard as always and I enjoy your blog! How interesting about the little moon shadows, I love that! Thanks for the bookmark and the recipe too, you really spoil us😊
My neighbor gifts us with zucchini from his community garden. Thanks for another recipe to try. My favorite is zucchini fritters with sour cream on the side. Try it, you might like it!
What a lovely day. Zucchini bread and an old movie. Perfect. I didn’t bake anything, but I did watch “Meet John Doe” with Gary Cooper. Love it.
I hope you pick me this time.
Oh, I do love zucchini bread! Have not read Willard yet but it is something special to look forward to.
I’m all for Fall!
Thank you, thank you for the Wonderful Willard and Beautiful Blog, Susan!! 🙂 Happiness!!! So many good gifts to rejoice in . . . Thank you for helping us to count our blessings!
P.S. Valentine (our tuxedo kitty) says “hi!” to Jack. She is my faithful garden pal and oversees our garden work. We’ll have to intorduce her to the joys of fetching hair bands too! 🙂
Your posts are such a treat. Looking forward to making my first zucchini bread and having it with a cup of tea!
Oh I just love tour writing. I always feel like I’m write there with you.
Dear Susan Branch, Thank you for your charming words. I feel that they are especially for me and that i have made a precious friend. Your books are works of art.
My two friends Lisa Cleveland and Dianna Roper gave me one of your books-what a surprise! They have been out to see you!
i especially want to comment on your delight in dappled sunlight,
(I call it) I have begun a collection of pictures of dappled sunlight and written a little poem.
Dappled, Sun-dappled, Sunlight;
Trembling leaves,
Chuckling breeze,
Dappled, sundappled, sunlight.
Lovely! xoxo
I live for the Fall. Honestly, I am a Fall and Winter gal–always have been, always will be. The rest of the world can have their sunny days, beaches, and palm trees–not for me. I’ll take the rain, an afghan, and a hot cup of coffee over a pina colada any day.
Dear Susan Branch,
i wrote a comment here but it disappeared when I finished!
I also wrote a poem about dappled sunlight but that disappeared too.
It’s here, I just saw it, thank you! … xoxo
Susan,
Thank you for s sweet get away after a very long week. I appreciate you and your way of helping me to see what is really important.
Denise
Thank you for letting us hear the birds sing!!! They give us happy hearts and happy feet!
Hi Susan 🙂 LOVE your eclipse pictures ! Incredible, and all your shadow
pictures have inspired me to try this myself. You are so creative.
Love your blog and would love to win your giveaway !
Fingers crossed, Patty
I always get so excited when I see a “Willard” in my email!!! Here in central California, where summer lasts half the year, we are still over 100 degrees!! By now I’m more than ready for fall to come quickly. Thank you for letting me enjoy your fall, since mine is still a ways off. Thank you for giving us the chance of winning such a lovely gift!
Another great day, received my Willard this evening in Lemon Grove, California! So great to see the map of Willard’s landings. Thanks Susan for the fun and everything! Love the mugs (I have 2), love reading everyones comments, just everything!!! Reading “A Fine Romance” again and recovering from hip joint replacement surgery. I guess I read the book too fast the first time, because I don’t remember some things, so really enjoying it again! Happy Autumn from a kind of fake Autumn, haha! I have seen the real thing and know what you mean, it’s beautiful, but I pretend here in very southern California.
Hope you’re up and about soon Carol, thank you! xoxo
Thanks so much, but they get you up and about your very first day and you just keep increasing your walking each day. Wonderful how they do it now!
I think you would love..if you haven’t read it already, Tanizaki’s IN PRAISE OF SHADOWS.. Thank you for pointing out all the shadows in the Hitchcock film! I know he stoey-boarded every frame but how did I miss those lurking shadows? What a good eye you have. Mille merci
You don’t even know me but I think you get me more than anyone I know –
kindred spirits – or is it an Alfred Hitchcock movie where we were seperated at birth – always enjoy your thoughts, art, recipes, and photos etc
Love your blogs and newsletters always especially when you include a giveaway. The zucchini bread sounds delish and can not wait to make it. Years ago I made my sons when they were in middle school to sit and actually watch black and white movies (horrors) starting with Hitchcock, they then told their friends, etc. Nice to know another generation will appreciate his work. I hope it is shared with their children. Thanks for “speaking” with us. Love our talks. 🙂
Eagerly awaiting autumn rains to put out the wildfires and let our thirsty hills begin to turn green again. Wild color will be another wonderful side effect.
Trying again to leave a post, hope it sticks this time.
Your Willard is a balm for the soul, Susan! Thank you. I got so excited when I saw the pin on Sydney because that’s me! Our light is changing too but it’s becoming brighter and more spring-like, and the days are getting longer. It will be our turn soon to enjoy balmy summer nights with family and friends, under a starry sky. Grateful for the breathtakingly beautiful planet we live on. Lots of love, Natalie. xx
Isn’t that just the most exciting thing? I love watching those pins drop ~ I was going to put up a video so everyone could see it, but I forgot that most of them show the entire name and email address of the recipient! Some don’t, so I waited for those to take a photo, but I didn’t think people would love having their email addresses advertised! Nice to hear from you Natalie!
Hi Susan, I’m new to your blog, art and books. I’ve been a fan of Gladys Taber for many years! Friends of Gladys Taber is how I found you. I checked out Isle of Dreams from the local library, and became an instant fan, (or girlfriend) as I read it! Now I am hoping to win your Fall Giveaway…beginners luck…maybe…you never know unless you try!!??? Thank you for just being you! your friend in Boise, Idaho!
Wonderful blog and great photos! I loved your eclipsed leaf shadows! You bring so much joy to my life, especially the photos and videos of your bird and garden filled kitchen window. Sigh…..maybe some day……keep me in mind for the contest pretty please!
Best wishes,
Lauri
Hi, I’m following your blog for quite some time but never left a comment. I really love your pictures – but even more how you describe them. Your books are very expensive here in Germany, so I thougt I might be lucky and win them;-))
There is Amazon UK now … I don’t know if you can use it in Germany, but for shipping, it’s a lot closer than here! I hope Vanna draws your name Annemarie!
I too love autumn, but I am not quite ready to let go of summer yet.
The boxes are beautiful, I like making finds like that in antique shops; I too think about the families they came from. I collect old postcards, a couple of years ago I bought several that were used as birthday or anniversary cards, all sent to the same person, from her being a single girl to a married woman. I looked her up on the Ancestry website, and actually made contact with a descendent of hers. How they ended up in a shop in Herefordshire when they were sent to London addresses is anyone’s guess. I sent the cards to the contact, the lady had been her great aunt. I thought it was better for them to return to their original family.
Now crossing everything for the giveaway!
How wonderful … the Internet has made communication and connection so much better!
Thank you Susan for sharing your corner of the world. Living in Tokyo in Japan, reading your reflections, enjoying your illustrations and use of quotes is a refreshing cup of tea for me !
Even though the scary things in this world can get to us, it’s comforting to know there are 60,000 like minded people in our wonderful world who you bring together Susan with your art and wisdom. Thank You!
There are probably a lot more than that, they just don’t know it yet! 😍 I have such a strong belief in the goodness in 95% of the people on earth. Everywhere I look, there they are, getting together to celebrate something, wrapping up gifts for each other, putting flowers in a vase, making brownies for their kids ~ there are those whose precarious surroundings don’t allow much for that, and that’s why the rest of us were put here, to help, and maybe only by believing. xoxoxo
I love your taste in movies!
This song reminds me of you in so many ways.
youtube.com/watch?v=nG3IbpsoIXo
Followed your heart….to the Isle of Dreams.~
Adore you! Xx Dawn :}
Beautiful Dawn, lovely compliment, I hope in my deepest heart to make it all come true! xoxo
Gosh! I just re-discovered your blog after spending quite a bit of time trying to re-arrange my bookmarks. I absolutely, completely adore your description of Suspicion. I’m probably too late for the giveaway but those books and the mug are just so very tempting! You’ve a new reader! I shall not lose this bookmark again! Kind regards
And just like that, I’m now ready for fall! 😍🍁
Thank You, Susan, for the joy and love of the simple pleasures in life. I continue to enjoy your perspective of daily appreciation for all things. So often I find myself saying “….yes, yes, I know, me, too!” because everything you mention strikes so close to home for me.
Dear Susan,
I love your blogs and Willard. Thank you for the lovely images and recipes.
We were just on island as we are every August! Certainly our Happy Place!
Will be making th bread really soon!
I look forward to your post very much!
Thank you for a lovely visit! Looking forward to the next one!
I love how you can make simple pleasures so enjoyable they really are the best things in life !! Thank you !!
Since our entire lives are made up with mostly little things, noticing them suddenly means we are all living these wonderful lives we didn’t even know about! Like spaghetti sauce on noodles with garlic bread. Who could ask for anything more?
What a lovely Willard, dear Susan, made me a little weepy this morning with all its beauty and forward-looking happiness. You are such a charmer and I am happy to be under your spell… ;O)
Quieting down here in Maine after summer busyness, and first nips of autumn are definitely in the air. The big maples in front of our house are showing a tiny bit of color at their very tops. The chimneysweep came yesterday. I just took an inventory of all the flannel shirts in the house (never enough!). I think we’re ready! Best wishes.
Us too, out comes the flannel, the warmies for around the house . . . needed a sweater this morning, was chilly but I wasn’t about to close any windows! Here’s to us! xoxo
Yes, Sarah, I’m in Down East Maine, and we had such a cool evening, we and our supper guest ate inside instead of out on the screened porch. We have lots and lots of trees to tell us what “time” it is. The critters as well.
If you are anywhere near Acadia Nat. Park, September is hawk watch up on Cadillac Mountain. They are totally unaware of our Homo Sapien worries. Somehow that brings me comfort.
My husband brought up more firewood, I began thinking about baking and big vats of soup. Ahhhhhh.
Hi Debbie – funny, I just had that soup talk with a friend! (We found out we both love split pea. Will make some soon.) I live about an hour from MDI – I don’t get there too often right now but I do spend a lot of time out at Schoodic. Love watching the migrating birds in the fall especially. Living their beautiful wild lives. They lift my heart, no matter what.
Susan, am getting my flannel-lined jeans out too – more flannel! Flannel for everyone! ;O)
Big believer in flannel! Wonderful fabric of coziness!
Living in North Georgia, fall is slowing creeping in… love, love, love!
Love your discussion about the shadows and the Hitchcock movie. I have never seen it so I will definitely be looking for it. As for the eclipse, we were in the path of 99% and it was amazing. Much more so than I expected. Thanks as always for the chance to win your lovely books and a cup!
Just loved your blog. Especially the pictures of Jack. We recently adopted two sister kitties from a shelter in our area. One is calico and the other is black and white, like Jack. We are having so much fun getting to know them.
You are so lucky! Two kittens at once is a major joy in life! And each one more after that just adds to the wonderfulness!
I love the picture of Joe in the window! And the moon-shadows!
I so enjoy reading about your life and all that brings you joy. Your posts refresh my creativity and remind me to look at every day and ordinary things in A different way. Cheers to autumn and all the colorful memories it will bring! Andrea
Ah, Autumn, my favorite time of year. Love the fall flavors, smells, cinnamon and all the lovely spices to use. You picked one of my absolutely Favorite films of A.H., my mom and I used to watch it together too. You made the shadows a main part of the movie, love that. Not sinister, but a part of the day…and night too. So here’s to a lovely, spicy fall. Thanks for the pictures, they’re great.
Aha! I’ve seen the movie, and i know how it “END’S UP”!!!!
Love the blog and the Willards, and everything SB!
zucchini bread (yum), tea (cozy) and 3 books (delightful)! Thank you for your blog!!!
Lovely post and newsletter! Glad you saw the eclipse shadows… very special! Cool crisp morning here… looking forward to a Saturday in the backyard garden. 🌻
A fellow fall-lover,
Georgia 😉
I always love reading about what is happening in your lovely part of the world, it is so different from Seattle. You would have loved seeing the full eclipse; it was the most amazing site and we were so fortunate to be able to see it from our condo in Newport, Oregon – the beginning of the path of totality! Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!
Another lovely post! thank you. I must try your zucchini bread recipe very soon!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful world and art. I have been a fan for many years and your books always bring a smile to my face. Autumn is always one of my favs, especially since my birthday is in October. I just ordered the Martha’s Vineyard cup. I do love it there too!
It’s so fun for us who don’t live on Martha’s Vineyard to be able to experience it through your eyes. What a beautiful place!! Thank you for sharing it with us.
I just read my Willard this morning and hopped right over to the blog. I’ve never watched a Hitchcock film before but you certainly tempted me with your review. I do love Cary Grant. 🙂
Dear Susan, thank you for sharing your words and reflections on life which are always thought provoking. I have enjoyed your books, calendars and illustrations for many years.
Suspicion is an Alfred Hitchcock we have not seen. Thanks for the review!
Here at the beach it is still summer; warm ocean waves and two grandsons just learning how to surf. But I am a Libra and Fall is MY season. I would be most happy to have Vanna draw my name for the autumn give away. Thank you for your generosity!
Lorie Hartsig
Oh, Susan! I always enter these things, but never win. I hope this will be my time! How delightful it will be when this lovely package arrives at my door! Thank you ahead of time! Autumn is my favorite season too!
Just finished reading Willard, what joy you bring into my life. I am so excited that you are going to England and Ireland have never been. Of course they are on our bucket list. However through your books, blogs and Willard I have been.
Thank you for that, I bought your book Gratitude and loved it, ordered one the next day for a dear friends birthday.
You make me feel welcome and remind me of the beauty in the ordinary, to be attentive to the present, to embrace my wonderful life!