Hi Everyone! Would you like to be in England for Remembrance Day? You came to the right place! MUSICA
I want to show you this wonderful thing that happens in England the second Sunday of November which Joe and I discovered a little bit by accident when we were visiting. 🍂 
It’s actually a lovely tradition that started in America in 1920 when the Poppy flower was proclaimed by the United States to be our national emblem of Remembrance. For Armistice Day, for never forgetting, and for the prayer of peace. See Joe? See that red poppy on his jacket?
Here he is, walking home from shopping at Blenheim Castle in Woodstock Oxfordshire, with a poppy on his jacket. Because, in November, all over the United Kingdom (Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, too) . . .
. . . you rarely see anyone who isn’t wearing a poppy at this time of year. For some reason the tradition didn’t catch on for America’s Veterans Day, but it is huge over there. I wish I’d taken a photo in a train station, so you could see how popular it is, these little splashes of red hurrying hither and yon. You get used to it, then you start to fall in love with it, and especially the idea behind it.
This is Joe and Paul ( Rachel’s adorable husband, English man extraordinaire, one of your funnier and more charming humans on the earth), both of them poppy-decked of course.
We went to a dinner, and everyone was wearing a poppy . . .
Me too . . .
And Rachel too.
For a donation to the Royal British Legion ~ a pound for a poppy, you can pin one of these to your coat. The appeal raises millions for the care of British Veterans and their dependents, and by the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the whole country is decked in solidarity-red for Remembrance.
We read the paper and learned the significance of the Poppy.
As the years went by, other wars and more loss, “between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place…” to what was the war to end all wars, the first world war. Flanders Fields were the battlefields in France where so many were lost, the “western front”. . . is now covered in poppies for remembrance. And a beautiful heartbreaking poem was written:
The first Poppy Day was celebrated in England in 1921, and has continued every year since.
There will be no forgetting . . . the whole country shows their gratitude and old men wear their uniforms on the street with pride. I think maybe because when bombs literally fall on your house and your neighbor’s house, on your church, in your garden, you have a different relationship to war than others who were mercifully spared that experience.You turn on the radio, and there’s Vera Lynn singing We’ll Meet Again back in the day with the voices of servicemen and their sweethearts singing along, and you can feel the heart in the moment, and your own connection to it . . .
Poppies are everywhere, including pillows and sachets in the Blenheim Castle gift shop.
And we ended up with a bouquet of them for our kitchen counter.
You would find them on the street in simple little places . . .
And in the cities too . . . these are part of the Field of Remembrance, a small graveyard set up each year next to Westminster Abbey in London.
And there are remembrances in every small town . . .
This particular Remembrance Day found us in downtown Woodstock where we were staying, a small town in Oxfordshire with a population of 3,000, which is just 
around the corner from Blenheim Castle where Winston Churchill was born. Now Winston Churchill has a special place in my heart, for more reasons than one. The marriage between his American great grandmother Aurora Murray to Isaac Jerome produced a granddaughter, Winston’s mother, Jennie Jerome. That’s her in this picture. My grandmother is Irene Murray, and through her lineage I discovered that Winston Churchill is my 8th cousin! (If you go sideways far enough back, you’ll find everyone is related to everyone!)
XOXO
We came upon this solemn scene by happy accident. We were just walking back to the High Street after visiting Blenheim Castle (we stayed at the Bear Hotel ~ some parts of it 900 years old, you can see it in the video on the right), and didn’t know what was going on when we saw a crowd had gathered, families, babies, and dogs, people of all ages, clergy and soldiers too. It was 11 am on Remembrance Sunday, and the village had stopped to honor Armistice Day as they had done for 95 years, for all those who served and died in war ~ we learned that this quiet remembrance happened in every small and big town in England at this same moment every year, the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. MUSICA.
Tradition is such a beautiful thing. Honoring the people who built the world, who came before us is such a right thing to do. Afterwards we discovered that Winston Churchill was buried nearby, in a tiny churchyard in a small village called Bladon. So off we went through the golden air of the English Countryside with this music playing in our car to find Churchill’s grave. 🍂
When we found the tiny village of Bladon, we fretted about leaving our car parked halfway in the narrow street, 
only a bit more than one car wide, but it was the best we could do and still be in the town. How they could have had a state burial for one of the most famous people in the world in this teeny place with zero parking is a mystery. But look at that beautiful stone house. See the roof line, all curvy and crunchy from age? I always stop to marvel that they kept the beauty and history of what came before as times changed and such things as bathrooms and electricity were invented ~ how they did it is beyond me, but they did!
Nothing in the town had changed since the day the Prime Minister was laid to rest, except the people. The generations have turned over more than once.
We walked through the quiet, echoing streets of the village looking for the church listening to the birds singing . . .
. . . enjoying cottages and curtains . . .
. . . and people who brought nature inside.
We peeked in the windows at the far end of this house with the amazing vine . . .
. . . and saw these in the little panes of glass! It was the Studio of a sculptor . . . ohhh, I wanted to go in so bad!
But it wasn’t to be . . . “Open Daily 10-6” said the card in the window, but another sign said, “Closed!” Travel is all about the serendipity!
I was perfectly happy wandering the lanes, taking pictures of the stone houses with names on them . . .
and of course, the little charmers out for a walk . . .
And there it was, the flag flying over St Martin’s Church . . . where the bells had just rung for Armistice Day.
A small, rather austere church . . . an unassuming village church like so many others wherever you go.
with lovely details
And a sweet peaceful graveyard, these being my favorite, family gravestones held in nature’s embrace.
Next to Churchill’s grave were simple elegant memorials, and benches for sitting.
with rather an amazing drain in the stone path ~ I had to take a photo of it!
Churchill’s grave sort of broke our hearts. Everything so real. I couldn’t help but think of my dad who had fought in WWII and had died a few months earlier. 😢 We’d been to Churchill’s wonderful house called Chartwell and learned about him and his fascinating wife Clementine ~ and here they were, buried together. History of the world, just waiting for us to find and remember and learn.
It’s actually his family burial ground, his mother, Jennie Jerome, Lady Randolph Churchill is buried in the center grave surrounded by the hedge.
Sure and certain hope.
Afterward we stopped at a nearby pub to read our paper and eat “Sunday Roast” ~ another wonderful old tradition, served in most British pubs every Sunday,
. . . a glorious menu consisting of your choice of beautifully cooked roast beef, roast chicken or roast pork ~ with Yorkshire Pudding, stuffing, roasted carrots, parsnips, and potatoes with gravy.
And poppies on the mantle . . .
After lunch we drove to Oxford to see Carrie and Stuart, who took us on a tour ~ here we are in one of the churches.
Then back to Carrie’s kitchen which was in full-remembrance mode. We had a wonderful visit with them . . . but when we got back to our rental house, I noticed I had lost the poppy from my jacket. wah. I know, I had another four in my poppy bouquet, but I hated losing even one.
We spent more weeks in England, taking long walks under blowing leaves, enjoying the fall, and did not return to America until late November ~ celebrating Thanksgiving on the ship, going home the old way, past the statue of liberty into New York harbor, dreaming our memories in the rocking of the boat.
And finally home, where Jack was waiting, and H❤️ME was waiting, and of course we brought our poppies home with us. A few days later, a surprise arrived in the mail from England.
It was a book-gift from Carrie, along with the poppy I’d dropped at her house! She found it and sent it back to me! Total perfection!And that’s my story for today, Girlfriends . . . Celebrate November 11 … Remember our Veterans. Study history, see how we got here. With life’s vagaries it’s a pure miracle we are!
Here is my kitchen this morning, sparkling with light from the sunrise…
It’s our time now . . . and one of the gifts of remembering is the gift of knowing the real and important things of life, and passing them to the ones we love . . . 
Clothespin caught a leaf, and I got to make a wish. So I think we can all make a wish!
Ah yes, time for tea! Hope you enjoyed our trip to England! Have a wonderful day! XOXO
Good Wednesday morning to you Susan :0)
Oh, how I loved this post. So enjoyed reading this lovely history lesson. What a beautiful way to remember those lost and loved. Thank you so for sharing with all of us ~Margaret~
Thank you for your beautiful post! Kisses
Remembrance Day on the 11th of November has always been a part of my life. At school in Canada as a child we always had Remembrance Day Assemblies and wore poppies, and then having a father, husband and son serve in the Military, also made Remembrance Day really important in my home. There was always a huge parade with laying of wreaths, etc. Several years ago (2014) here in the UK, there was a fabulous display of ceramic poppies put on display spilling out from the Tower of London and filling it’s moat, entitled Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red. It marked the one hundred years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in the First World War, and was created by artists Paul Cummins and Tom Piper. 888,246 ceramic poppies progressively filled the Tower’s famous moat between 17 July and 11 November 2014, with each poppy representing a British military fatality during the war. It was phenomenal to see! Each Poppy was sold I believe, and I think the proceeds were put into the Poppy appeal. I am sure you can still find photos somewhere. Well worth a look. Seeing all of them together was heart touching and mind boggling when you thought of the price that was paid for our freedom. We must never forget. I think it was George Santayana who said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Having said all that, thank YOU so much for a beautiful post, and reminder of the things we need to remember, along with your memories of your lovely trip!
So loved your post and your Willard-as usual! I never did know the story behind the red poppy so thank you for sharing that bit of history so I can pass it on to others.
This post made me tear up, but I was smiling by the time I finished reading. When I was a kid and we went to the Veterans Day parade, they handed out poppies made of red tissue paper. Wish I still had them. My daddy was in France during WWII and my parents flew the flag on the front of the house everyday. Your pictures are wonderful and your Joe has very kind eyes. I’m on a hunt for poppies now.
What a lovely post Susan. Remembrance Day is very special. As a Brownie we used to march through our village to the cenotaph. In those days there were so many men with there medals on their chests, stiff upper lipped, discretely willing away a tear as the names of the fallen were read out. Hearing the last post played on the trumpet is so poignant.
Changing the subject, your giveaway looks so great, thank you for your generosity. PennyL in Dorset U.K x
Should say their , not there. I’m horrified as I am a primary school teacher😂😂😳
LOL, going too fast! I’ve done it too and the word “horrified” is perfect!!! 🤣
Thanks so much Susan for your wonderful Blog. It is always something to look forward to. I agree with one of the girlfriends that likened it to a surprise package in the mail. With your choice of music, I can totally loose my self in what ever the subject. Happy Veterans day! Can’t wait to get my Willard!
This is a beautiful and poignant post about Remembrance Sunday, which always falls on the second Sunday in November. Growing up in the UK, I attended many such parades and still wear a poppy with pride. You do need to pin them on securely though, as they have a habit of disappearing…glad you had yours returned. Marie
Susan, Thank you for your beautiful post. I am very proud of my fellow Brits and how respectful the wearing of a poppy is.
I thought you’d like to know that M&S here in the UK sell Poppy brooches for the Royal British Legion (I am sure other stores do too). I bought one last year and plan to wear it again this year.
marksandspencer.com/l/women/poppies?OmnitureRedirect=poppies
Thanks again.
Susan, I never pass a veteran selling poppies here in the states without stopping to buy one. Long ago my Dad taught me the meaning of the poppies, and although he served in the army in the years between WW2 and the Korean War (stationed to guard the Panama Canal!), he had so much respect for the soldiers who saw real conflict, and it’s something I’ll always remember about him. Thank you for this beautiful blog today! Linda
Go. Be. Love. Yes!
Remembrance says it all! Never forget and thank a veteran, young or old, for their bravery and service to our country and for protecting all we honor and hold dear! Poppy solidarity on Veterans’ Day this year!
Susan, How about a mass movement to bring back the poppy? If ANYONE can do it, you can! All you need to do is ask your girlfriends and “BOOM” it’s a done deal. There will be poppies a plenty! We certainly can use a symbol of peace and remembrance in the world! Every year my dad would buy a poppy for my mom and I. Her birthday was November 11. When I was a little girl I looked forward to the cute little red flower to put on my sweater. How I wished I had saved them….sigh.
What a beautiful post! We too went to Churchills birthplace and grave. Very emotional. Thank you!
Keep writing and sharing Susan. You are an inspiration. I just love your artwork and especially all the stories of your travels.
Hi Susan…I’m writing again from East Sussex, England. Getting ready for my Poppy and Remembrance day in our local village square. How lovely that you wrote about our very long standing tradition. Did you hear that the International Football teams wore Poppies last year and it caused a furore and they were fined, they didn’t back down though as it was important. This year the powers that be have said it will no longer be an offence and fineable as its now not deemed to be a political statement…crazy!One of my best friends used to rent the cottage in Chartwell garden and when all the visitors left we would sneak onto the lawn and picnic beside the lake…summer bliss, what a privilege.
Take Care
What a privilege💞 … was it the cottage used for Churchill’s art studio? Or the playhouse? Or neither? I can’t understand how anyone could ever feel offense at the poppy … it’s a very strange world out there sometimes! I adore East Sussex. xoxo
Dear Susan, another beautiful post. You brought many memories back to me – my mother reciting “In Flanders Fields”, and especially the days when I was young and poppies were still sold and worn – it seems to have died out where we are – but I remember my mother always keeping that tradition alive. “Thanks for the memories”. And thank you for the “new” traditions of your upcoming line of china – always a treat. Your blogs are always so beautiful and uplifting – thank you for that! I particularly loved the photo of what looks like a weeping willow and other trees with the sun rising behind them – so lovely.
You have inspired me to find poppies for my home. Your piece is so beautifully written and moving.
Thank you for such an inspirational blog post to remind us all of the importance of remembering and honoring those who fought for the freedom we treasure. As usual the Willard was amazing…a gift via email and so much fun to read as I sipped tea from my Susan Branch Autumn mug. I am loving all of your new products and can’t decide which I want to purchase first. Your blog posts and Willards are a constant reminder that although the media inundates us with all of the negative and bad news, we have the power to create homes that are peaceful and positive for those we love.
Exactly right Dorene. 🏡
I always love reading your blogs. Especially since I am originally English and love the traditions, including poppies, Winston Churchill and much more. Did you come back on the Queen Mary? We came back in May and loved it!
Have you seen The Gathering Storm? I loved the way Winston Churchill was portrayed in that film.
Thank you for the poppy pep talk.
Lovely new SB dishes❤️
Thank you for this trip to England. When you take us with you it reminds us what a big and lovely world we have.
Thank you for a chance to win your wonderful china.
The next time I buy a poppy, not only will I remember those who gave their lives, but also the Brits, proudly wearing their poppies on Remembrance Day. Thanks for sharing this insight into those who had the bombs fall on their homes and soil.
Enjoyed reading your latest Willard — autumn is my favorite season too. I so enjoy my bluebird mug — it’s sitting right next to me as I write this! You’re a peach!
JoAnne, from northwest N.J., where the woods have a beautiful golden glow all around my house.
And the Canadians, the Australians, New Zealanders, and more ~ we were in it together! And for all the families that had to send their children away for safety. That about kills me, the thought of how scary that must have been.
What a Wonderful Trip you took us on. Such a wonderful thing for you to hold back for a year and give to us before these November days!! I say, “Stand tall America, for those who left to go off to war and never to return to their loved ones, to never return to see their sunsets. Let’s honor them and STAND TALL by doing so!” Thanks for sharing. And I love the house, all things that fill my heart and warm my soul. You are always my favorite read!!!
Thank you Susan. What a simple but heartfelt way to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
What a beautiful post! I crocheted a poppy for Remembrance Day a few years ago. I also have a paper one.
What a beautiful post, reminding us to cherish all the freedoms we enjoy and to pause to give thanks to those who have sacrificed everything for our freedom. Thank you for inspiring this quiet moment of reflection this morning.
And now…I’m looking forward to getting my Willard sometime soon! 🍁🍂🎃
Next one goes out at 9 am eastern time! xoxo
Thank you for this post. I have been thinking of veterans a lot lately. In gratitude, we should always remember their sacrifices and see to it that they’re well cared for. The poppy is a simple, beautiful, quiet way to do just that. I will be on the lookout for mine.
Good morning Susan, I hope you in some way realize how much excitement many of us feel as we open our email and see a message from you! This post from your last trip to England is so timely, as we are also approaching “remembrance day,” Nov. 11. May we all join together to remember the brave men and women who served and are serving to make our world a better and stronger place for us and those coming in the future. Thanks so much for such a thoughtful post.
My dad was in the American Legion, and I well remember their November “buddy poppy” sales. I bought one back then and have continued to so throughout the years. I’ll think of you when I get my poppy in a few weeks.
Love this post!
Susan
I am always happy when I see a new post on your blog, today’s was wonderful, I just loved it. Here in Chicago, the Vets sell Poppies for Veteran’s Day. I always buy some and hang them in my car and there they stay until next Veteran’s day.
I remember poppies when I was a child.
Lovely post. I remember the poppies as a child in Chicago. I wish it were more widespread tradition.
Lovely post. Thank you!
There are many things the Brits do right! Thank you for the post!
Susan, what a lovely tribute. The WW1 museum is located in Kansas City, near our home in Lawrence. It is a remarkable spot with a lovely “field of poppies” in the entrance. You might enjoy a stop during one of your cross country train trips!
Love the touch of autumn! You brighten all of our lives!
Canadians wear the poppy as well on November 11. John McCrae, who penned In Flanders Fields, was born in Guelph, Ontario. When the Remembrance Day Ceremonies are over on November 11 many people take off their poppies and lay them on the memorial near where they have gathered.
I attended a ceremony one year at Toronto City Hall, arriving around 10:45 to find a few people gathered near the area where veterans and various officials had assembled. I thought to myself, are there not more people coming? Steadily, at an increasing pace, more and more people came from all directions, darting out of their offices, mothers coming up the subway steps with their children, until the square was filled and then spilled onto Queen Street, stopping traffic. All was still by the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. I am getting goosebumps as I write about it now.
Yes, we have so many men and women to thank for our precious, and precarious, Peace and Freedom.
Thank you for sharing you poppy story.
Your lovely comments brought back memories of wearing a poppy as a child on Veteran’s Day in the 50’s and 60’s. A well saved dime placed in the collection tin at the urging of a parent telling us of the sacrifices made for our freedom and the significance of the poppy. We wore our poppies with pride to be placed later on a shelf within view in our childhood rooms. I am proud of family service over the years and now. Grandfather WWI, Father prisoner of war in WWII, Uncle in Korea, Brother in Vietnam, and stepson who is now in Iraq.
You should be proud. Blessings on you and yours Linda. xoxo
Such a beautiful blog on Remembrance Day Susan. I have tears in my eyes. I love the whole idea of the poppies and now want to try to find some for myself. What a beautiful tribute and something we can all come together on.
Thank you, Susan for your post of remembrance. It is our duty as an American to honor those who made the world safer for us freedom loving people who value justice, integrity, freedom, and civic responsibility.
I love the homemade from the heart look of the British poppy!
What a beautiful post. Loved hearing about England.
I remember buying poppies with my mom when I was young. I haven’t seen them to buy for so long. Thank you for the history lesson! Looking forward to Willard!
Thanks for another wonderful blog. Enjoy reading every bit of them. ~Poppies are still visible in my area of Massachusetts around Veteran’s Day. The celebration date of November 11 should not be changed (as sometimes is done, think Columbus Day) ….too much history to it. We owe so much to those who have served for us and our country. ~Didn’t know about the leaf in the clothes pin…..don’t think I’ve ever had one though! Thanks for the drawing
They died for us and our freedom so that life will go on and babies will be born. We are so very blessed, our son Vaughn was born on Remembrance Day. He loves it because he doesn’t have to go to school on his Birthday. We love it because it reminds us that with all the lives that were once lost, life brings a new.
Poppies forever.
So inspired by the British and their commitment to remembering those who have gone before, and helping those who still live.
I remember when I was younger, selling poppies downtown for remembering our military. Long time ago but a good one.
How did I miss the poppy sales on Veteran’s Day? If I don’t buy one, usually my husband comes home with one on the dash of his car. It is important to remember history so we don’t repeat the same mistakes. And pray and work for peace in our lives and the world every day.
Love all the poppies and the old buildings. Now I need to seek out a poppy of my own…
Susan, I truly appreciated this post–especially as the mother of a US Marine who has just come back from his sixth tour of duty to the Middle East. He’s getting married to a lovely young woman in three weeks! You bet I buy poppies when the Vets are selling them!
Thank you Cheryl, and hugs to your son and his new wife on their wedding day! xoxo
You, my dear Susan, are sunshine on a cloudy day!
Thank you for this post, Susan. With all of the “ugly” happening in our country and world, it is so nice to be transported to places of beauty. On another note altogether, I have been cooking a lot from your two recently re-released cookbooks. So good! I have high hopes that others are returned to the marketplace. Fingers crossed!
I made your Indian Pudding for a family gathering on Sunday. We all decided that it’s the best Indian Pudding “Evah”.
I love these Susan. I have one similar to these that I use to place my rings in when I am doing dishes. You’re right, they make great gifts and I would be thrilled if I were lucky enough to win!
My Dacu, Mum’s Daddy, served in the trenches of WW1, and was too old to serve in WW2 but volunteered for the Home Guard. My Nanna {Mum’s Mam} took on extra work duties during both World Wars, and belonged to the WRVS {formerly WVS} Women’s Royal Voluntary Service. My Great Grandmother sent five sons off to serve during both World Wars. I am blessed to be the one who received my Grandfather’s medals, which I treasure.
While I respect the right for those who so chose to wear their white poppy, I wear my red poppy of remembrance with great pride.
Remembering that for our tomorrow they gave their today
~~~Deb in Wales xo
Lovely Deb. I never heard of the white poppy … but I looked it up and found this: “There are three elements to the meaning of white poppies: they represent remembrance for all victims of war, a commitment to peace and a challenge to attempts to glamorise or celebrate war.”
My heart was touched as so many remember my youth, and even now our small villages like our home in OH that have a parade on Memorial Day every year to honor our veterans. Thank You for your words.
What a beautiful post! i wish we in America were more respectful of those who have given their lives for us. We tend to be too flippant about life in general these days. Perhaps it is because we are too busy thinking about our own selfish needs. We need to slow down and take time to think and reflect. Again, thank you. Keep the beautiful posts coming.
Thank you for another beautiful post!! They truly make my day!!
Good Morning! No better way to start the day than reading your blog and enjoying a cup of tea. Thank you for reminding us of the history and importance of Remembrance Day in England and Veteran’s Day here in the states. Our local library had an exhibit on WWI and we got beautiful little poppy pins – thanks to your blog our family is going to wear them all November. What a wonderful idea the Brits have to raise funds for their veterans. I always enjoy all your stories and look forward to your latest Willard coming out this week. Have a wonderful day and enjoy the beauty of Autumn.
This lover of old school, old music, old houses, old things, and kitties, thanks you very much! Your words and pictures are perfectly fitted together like old friends, the really best kind. Days when the news is just too much to bear, I find solace in your blog, and your books. I remember that, I too have the power to live a life of sweet content in my home, and spread that sweet content to others. Enjoy the beautiful days ahead.🍁🍂
How about a poppy painted by you and placed on your site under “free stuff” that we can all print and wear on November 11?
Maybe I could sell them and send the money to the vets! Good idea!
What a beautiful blog post – I love how you incorporate so many amazing pictures – truly was a gift to read with my cup of coffee this morning. Thank you.
Love, love, love your posts especially about the poppies. My husband and I visited a town called Ypres in Belgium a few years back and that is where I found out the meaning behind the poppies. They even had chocolate poppies!😜 We also just got back from a trip to France in July (Normandy, Mont St Michel). On our way back we visited the area where the Battle of the Somme’s took place (WWI). Lots of poppies there too. I think it is symbol throughout all of Europe to celebrate all those who lost their lives in both wars. I have yet to see an entire field of just poppies (apparently they were everywhere in Europe)….but I did catch a few blowing in the midst of a field of wild flowers♥️. I have been buying your Heart of the Home Calendar for as long as I can remember and it is staple in my home. I can’t wait to turn the page every month! THANK YOU for your pictures and inspiration! 😘
This is my favorite post yet! I love England too. Hoping someday soon to travel the English countryside with your book. The story of the red poppy reminds me of the very small CA town where I grew up. Veterans Days is still a BIG deal there and I recall wearing the red poppy on my blouse. You made the most impressive point when you said people remember the past when bombs were dropped on their homes. We should All remember. Thank you!
Read the Diary of Anne Frank, practice compassion by putting yourself in her place, watch Mrs. Miniver, and then it gets a lot easier to see and hear those bombs falling. Of course then you will have to take medicine to sleep at night!
Beautiful post, as always. We visited Canada two years ago during the “poppy” season & they are just as popular there, with everyone wearing one. We proudly joined in!
When I was a child women from the Ladies Auxiliary came to the school the day before Veterans Day and sold poppies for a nickel. Every child bought one. We wore them proudly, thinking we had done something wonderful. It was such a lovely way to be a part of something bigger than ourselves but done in a gentle way that any child could understand.
Thank you for sharing your travels, bringing a glimpse of parts of the world that remain respected and well cared for.
☆♬♪★✰❆❀♡ Good~Morning Sweet~Sue! First…After 6 Long Months Of Tropical~Weather… Muggy… Steamy… Hurricanes… & Temps in The 90’s (OMG) 🙂 Our Very First #RealColdFront Has Arrived! I Woke At 4:00 am & Ran Outside It Was 60 Degrees With a Real Autumn~Chill In The Air! The Sky Was Black~Velvet & The Stars Were Twinkling I Twirled With Glee :-)Then Ran Back In & Opened Every Window & Now Our House Smells Sweet & Filled With AUTUMN~AIR Yay! (Finally!!!!!) 🙂 ☆♬♪★✰❆❀♡ Then I Flew To Twitter & Saw that #Willard Was On It’s Way Yay! & You Have a #NewBlogPost! 🙂 So I’m Sipping My Pumpkin~Spiced~Tea & Went To My E~Mail & #Poof Willard Was There!!! OMG! So I Savored Every Wonderful~Word & With A Huge Smile On Me~Pumpkin~Face 😉 I Am Now Here! #Poppies & #TheEnglishCountrySide & All Your #Magic!!! & Oh My Goodness What A #GiveAway!!!! Thank~You Sweetest~Sue For #Everything!!! 🙂 Happy~Halloween~Week We’ve Got Bags Of Scrumptious~Candy Too! Yumminess….. 😉 xoxo #Poof & A #BOOOOOOOO! 🙂 P.S. On #TCM #NOW #TheConstantNymph Is On… This Is My 3rd Time Watching It & Everytime You’ve Mentioned It…I Want To Tell You I Discovered This Movie Too & The Ending…OMG!!!! ;-( P.P.S Watch Your #SnailMail….. 🙂 & You Know that I Am Doing #ThePumpkinJiggityJig Right Into #Halloween! #Love & #Hugzzz & #AutumnJoy Sweet~Sue & #Joe & #Jack! ☆♬♪★✰❆❀♡
I’m watching it too Angie! How funny! So adorable… until, you know what! Happy fall dearheart, it’s about time. You’ve earned it!
#TheCostantNymph Oh~My~Goodness! 😉 I Really Love That Movie (& The End!!!) I Am In #MeGlory Sweet~Sue 🙂 Now Only 67~Degrees Bright~Blue~Sky @Clear~Crisp~Air Cool~Breeze~Blowing & The Windows Are Opened! I Love Autumn! Thank~You Sweet~Sue Yay! 🙂 😉 🙂
Sitting here with tears rolling down my face! What beautiful post. Love and hope for remembering! Becky in OK
What a beautiful tribute to lives lost and lives touched by war. Honoring the lives lost for the freedoms we have today is imperative to a peaceful world. Thank you for the poppy post.
Oh how I love all your new pieces! Would one of each be overly indulgent?? Probably so, but that would be my heart’s desire. Maybe I’ll “win” one!
It’s been a while since I’ve asked, but is the Breakfast book still on the horizon? If not, is there anyway I can get a hard copy of the “pancake” story? I remember reading it the first time and was so touched. I’d like to have it for re-reading from time to time.
Your work always brings a smile to my face and my heart.
xo
Love poppies, will be looking to buy some too.!
Love the poppies and the poem! We must never forget!
Lovely thoughts…Lovely images…Lovely remembrances….takes me back to our days living in England in our early marriage. I am inspired to find some poppies for November. Thank you!
I go to a lovely remembrance service here in Atlanta, Ga that remembers the Brits, the Australians and the Americans. It makes me feel like I am on a trip to England hearing all the wonderful accents. They do sell the poppies there also for the soldiers fund. I don’t this this special day will hold the same meaning for he younger generation that it does for us war babies.
I just love you, Susan Branch!!!
Thank you Susan for this lovely post! I’ve had the pleasure and honor of having several in my family (like my father, my husband and my son) serve our nation in uniform and it is easy for me to appreciate some of the price that they pay (such as separation from families, missing special milestones in spouse’s or children’s lives, etc. which social media has helped mitigate somewhat these days). I am so grateful when I see others who want to honor the men and women who have served in the past or are serving and defending our nation and our freedom now. I love how they call it Remembrance Day in other parts of the world. Thank you for the wonderful ideas you’ve given me about decorating for Veteran’s Day/Remembrance Day. I need to get busy!
What a wonderful post. Bring’s back memories of the poppies I have bought in the past.
I loved learning more about the history of the poppy. We see them here but not nearly as much. I can see why they have more meaning to England as it was touched by the war so much more than America. I can’t get enough all things English so I really love when you include it in your blog. My DNA test says I’m 85% Great Britain so I guess that is why. It’s great to be able to experience it through your eyes and photos. So interesting about Churchill’s grave. Glad you were able to see it. I’m happy to see that all the funds from the poppy sale goes to veterans. I wish our county would take note and do more for our vets. I also love your new dishes and mugs. What great Christmas presents but they would be hard to part with if I won. I would share though. 🙂
Sue in Fl.
Oh Susan-just devoured your 3 books in a few days. One better than the other. I love them!! I have always loved your work. You lead a charmed life. There are a lot of us kindred spirits out there!
I love to get a red poppy when the Disabled Veterans groups are asking for donations-similar to the tradition in England. They just don’t do it often enough. its sentimental for me since I remember them from when I was young.
Thanks for all the memories!
Always love whatever you write, but today was special. So glad to know there is someone out there who can feel and express these things that I think are important to say now. Thank you, Susan.
Good morning Susan,
Love all your new dishes and would love to gift them to my daughter, in-laws, friends and sister.
I am enjoying my drinking my morning coffee in your Autumn mug right now as I’m reading your blog and Willard. I’m so glad I have it and look forward to it these lovely fall mornings:)
Cindy
Good Morning,
What a beautiful story to start the day, I love the story of the poppies, I knew a little about what they were, however the details you gave put a whole new meaning on it. I will be sure to look for one this year, to honor not only my daddy but so many others.
Thank you for always adding a touch of joy to my day.
How beautifully done this post was. Thank you for making the importance of the poppy and it’s meaning for Nov. 11 at 11am real for us.
Just love all things England! Your photos are remarkable and I love the poppy story. Have been to England several times but never to Churchill”s grave. So interesting whenever you take us with you on your visits. Thanks Susan.
I think you are quite right about having a different relationship with war when bombs have fallen on neighbors’ houses. ..your remembrance and appreciation for sacrifices made for you stays alive.
And you see more than flags and fireworks. xoxo
Thank you for the Remembrance Day History lesson. Love your blog, learn something new and interesting all the time. Can’t wait to purchase the dragonfly dish. I love dragonflies. They come out at the end of June where I live and are so beautiful and graceful.
Just one more reason to get myself to England…
Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing so much of your time with all of us, you are just the best! ♥
I visited Winston Churchill’s grave years ago and I can remember feeling a truly deep sadness and now today the respect for our military is so low. I feel like our country is “sad.” I always try to buy a poppy from our vets on/near Nov. 11. There are usually veterans outside the grocery stores with poppies. Thank you for the reminder.
Reading these wonderful comments, I don’t think respect for our guys in uniform is low at all . . . Maybe they are being used as pawns in a political game, so the waters get muddied (and that is sad), but for us, the real people, they are amazing. xoxo
Thank you for your post. I’m reminded of my grandfather who died and is buried in Normandy, France. He believed with all his heart that “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”. I never had the privilege to know him but will honor him with poppies from now on. Just love the idea!
Too young and missed so much, especially you Diane. xoxo
Bless your heart,Susan! Your kind words brought me to tears!
xoxoxo
💞
The American Legion in my area sells poppies outside the supermarket every year, and I always buy them. One of my memories of driving through England were the miles of red poppies and white daisies growing together along the roadside! (But, I think I prefer the white Queen Anne’s Lace and blue chicory along our New York parkways! It’s wonderful to see how the state maintenance workers will mow around them while they are in bloom!)
Thank you!
I hope to see poppies too
Susan, what a wonderful Willard! It is like a big juicy letter that you like to read over and over.
Thank you so much for showing us that people still remember and honor those who gave everything so that the world could remain free of tyranny. Bless them and their families!
Visiting England is now on my bucket list!
I am a late comer to your blog, but am catching up with your books and artwork.
Hello dear Susan!
This was the first year that I grew brilliant red poppies in our garden among the veggies. They were so precious and I am hoping they have re-seeded for future years! I knew a little bit of the significance of the red poppies, but you have filled in the gaps with this lovely, rich post. Thanks as always, for making life sweeter, richer, and more FUN!
This was the sweetest post!! Last Fall when we visited England, we got a poppy for Warren’s lapel and I wish I had gotten one for me. We never saw the paper ones but maybe it was too early at the last of September when we visited. WWI was a terrible war with loss of life. One would think the world would have learned something!
Isn’t the tradition of pot roast on Sunday the very best! When we were there last Fall , I was so taken back by this tradition which was exactly what was served up at our home growing up on every Sunday lunch. Mom would get it all started in our cast iron dutch oven before we left for church. When we arrived back home, the house smelled so delicious and we were all starving. There is something very reassuring and comforting about Sunday Roast Dinner for me. When I got home last Fall, I immediately purchased a cast iron dutch oven for my home and resurrected the tradition again. Sundays are a perfect time for such a meal with family and friends any time of the year!
Looking forward to my Willard!!!!
PS. By the end of this week, my Autumn Mug should be here and I will be able to read my Willard in style!!!
Please add me for the giveaway. The new china pieces are just darling.
Thank you for my trip to England this morning. It was both beautiful and sobering.
I especially enjoyed seeing where Churchill is buried.
I, too, must look for poppies to honor our veterans on November 11.
Here in our village we remember all who fell in all wars at the Memorial Day service. Flanders Field , Gettysburg Address, etc are read and then taps is played- always brings a tear. Many have come home but are hurt in mind or body. Veteran’s Day is 11/11 – to honor all who have served our country.
Susan, So Grateful for all your loving thoughts and recalls of such tender moments for all of us to look back on what has happened and to look forward to a future filled with HOPE!!