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
Another delightful post! Thank you Susan for sharing parts of your trip once again with us all.
The poppies that I always buy on Veteran’s Day in America aren’t half as cute as the ones you got in England. Ours are probably mass produced, and most likely in China. 🙁 But it doesn’t detract from the significant meaning and reason for the poppies.
I live in the suburbs of Kansas City, MO where we have the only WWI Museum in the USA. In the museum there’s a replica of Flanders Field. It’s a wonderful museum, well worth the stop if you or your readers are ever in KC.
For sure, next time we go through Kansas City, we’ll be stopping!
Beautiful post. I remember the VFW selling poppies around here in Arkansas when I was a little girl. My Mom always purchased one for me and herself. I have not seen anyone selling them in a long time now but that would be a great way to raise money to help in support and health care for all of the U. S. Veterans. Just $1 each would raise millions. Thank you for the history behind the poppies. Your new dishes look great and I will have to purchase those tea pot plates. You have outdone yourself – again. Lovely.
It really would … look what it raises for England! I’m not sure who’s in charge in this country, but they could put a bit more energy into it as we are waiting!
You might find the art installation of 5,000 knitted poppies interesting 5000poppies.wordpress.com/
Enter me! Thank you for the reminder remember.
What a gentle way of rememberance, so beautiful. Would love to see that kind of gentility here. I bet this will be a big Veteran’s Day coming up. Love the thought and beauty put into your posts. Thank you.
I just love these comments. This is the first time I read your blog. It makes me smile just to read it. I’m sorry your marriage is over but you will find that there is so much to love in your life anyhow.. Enjoy every day and keep sharing your thoughts with us.
Oh that was a very long time ago! Joe and I found each other over 30 years ago and all is well in la la land!
Whenever I enter the world of Susan Branch; no matter whether it is reading your latest blog/newsletter or a favorite excerpt from one of your trilogy books or to challenge myself to try a new recipe from one of your cookbooks….I see the world around me with brand new eyes….through the eyes of kindness, humor, integrity, creativity, history, friendship, kinship, with a little bit of magic thrown in for good measure. Your art, your words, and your photos allow me to look out at my own world with a new perspective, brimming with potential and possibilities. What gifts you continue to give…thank you.
You make me cry Terry, thank you so much. xoxo
I remember as a child seeing men on street corners with poppies in hand. When we put money in the cans they held, we got a poppy. I am not sure if I understood what those poppies were all about, but I remember. Thanks for sharing your memories and jogging mine.
Always love your posts!
Whoops…I confused info to Willard with Blog…came the same time…both were
lovely…Kathie from Limerick
What a beautiful, beautiful post. Indeed, a civilized existence. So blessed by reading this. And yes, do enter me in the most generous giveaway. I would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity.
‘ello Susan! Such a joy reading your blog and the pictures are fantastic!! I have followed you since well before the introduction of online communication, loved getting Willard via snail mail. I have every book and calendar you have put out. Would LOVE LOVE to be the recipient of your beautiful pottery…………you have such a gift!!! Love to you and Joe!
I hate to play the “sympathy” card but I’m hoping Vanna will pick me because we had to let our beautiful dog, Ivy cross over “the rainbow bridge” on Mon. Age and arthritis finally took their toll and we knew that she needed to find peace and be out of pain. It so very hard to lose a beloved pet. We adopted Ivy when she was about 10 and we’ve had her for 4 yrs. She really loved riding in the car and meeting and greeting her doggie and human friends while walking around our retention pond each day. My husband and I and Chuck, our Siamese keep looking around the house hoping to find her. It’s a sad time. Thanks for the lovely blog. It helped to cheer me a little. Winning a prize would cheer me a lot, Vanna.
I hope you win Kathryn, in honor of Ivy. xoxo
Susan, Love all the new items and Thank You for the lovely Autumn Pictures and Willard. May you and Joe and Jack enjoy your Autumn. Blessings, Brook
Love the post – as always! Please enter me in the drawing! Much love!
What a lovely post Susan! Your new line of dishware is beautiful! I look forward to collecting it! Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip to England with your readers! I hope to go some day.
Here in Canada we also wear poppies on November 11th, Remembrance Day for those who have served and who continue to serve our country in times of war, conflict and peace. It was so kind of your friend Carrie to mail your poppy home to you!
Today is a rainy day on the Cape. A perfect time to read you lovely story about love, gratitude , and remembrance. We will never forget.
Looking forward to reading the new Willard. Thank You. Marie
What an amazing tribute! Love Willard, your blog, and you! XOXO
Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world! Always reminds me how much beauty and magic there is in life if we are just open to seeing it. You are my favorite simple pleasure!
Oh Susan! Please enter me, to win you beautiful teacup plates! I have collected your lovely books and calendars, for many years!
Loved reading this blog! Such wonderful memories I have of the small town of Bladon and walking to Churchill’s burial grounds! Hadrian’s Wall too! We also stayed with Carrie and Stewart in Oxford!! I also would love to win!!! Hope, Hope hope! Thank you Susan.
I can read my reply here in our responses but I,m the only one on the page is “awaiting moderation” What’s up with that?! Ha!
LOTS of luv-lee comments coming in, and I love to read them, so “moderation” which is performed by me, is slow!!! Sorry, but here I am!
My husband and I have been in London on Remembrance Day. The parade is something to behold with bands and military groups decked out in smart, colorful uniforms all marching in precision past thousands of spectators. A pub visit followed intermingling with patriotic Brits. Awesome!
Never forget those who fought for our freedom – they are heros and heroines to us. Enjoyed your thoughtful reminder, Susan!
Oh you are such a dear!!!! I just love you!!! I’m so excited for you to go to Ireland!!! We went in June of 2017 and fell in love!!!! To stand on the tip of Mizen-Head and hear the roar of the ocean with the wind blowing my scarf around my head was pure heaven!!! I cried the day we left and my Viking held me close and said “No worries love, we shall return!” Thank heavens!!!! So enjoy your trip!!!
Loved this, I always look for our veterans on Veteran’s Day to buy a poppy or two, it almost always brings tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing this story.
Thank you Susan for this beautiful post. The remembrance poppies take me back years ago in the ’50s as a teen and member of our high school drill team. As a community service project on Saturdays in Nov. we stood in our uniforms on the street corners of our main downtown street with poppies, collecting donations for Veterans. I still see the Veterans collecting around town in November and always donate. Thank you again for sharing something we should never forget!
I loved this post about the poppies. Your pictures are spectacular! Here in Canada, we too have the same tradition. One small comment – the poppy must always be worn over one’s heart. As well, it is considered disrespectful to use a pin other than the one provided at the time you have made your donation. I go through at least four or five a year!
Be still my heart! I LOVE the dishes!! Susan, I am so glad you are making these. And thank you for the history of the poppies – The British are dear, wonderful people.
growing up we always had veterans selling poppies on Veteran’s Day. What happened to that wonderful tradition? Your trip to England was fabulous. Thank you forb always sharing your experiences.
Your trip to England was fabulous. Thank you for always sharing your experiences.
Your post was beautiful. My Dad was in WWII also.In the Royal Canadian Army. In the tanks. In England. We all were originally from Canada. So England has and always will occupy a special place in my heart.It was our mother country. The poppies always mean a great deal to all of us. I love them. I am so proud of him and his generation. He has been gone now since 1989. But, as you know they live on in your heart and memories always. Thank you for this beautiful post. For us and for all the men and women in the U.S., Canada, England,France everyone, everywhere who has fought for and is fighting for our freedom and protecting us. Seeing Churchill’s grave site was so special also. God Bless and Keep Us All.
Mary Jane
This post was truly heartwarming and being a history major in college, I so thoroughly enjoyed this “poppy” trail in England. Thank you so much, Susan 🙂
I remember when I was a child and a time when they sold those poppies everywhere we went! My grandma bought me one but I never knew why
they sold them. I so loved this post. Now I know. Thank you for sharing!
Love it!
My husband always wants to know who “Willard” is. I’ve explained it every time. Sigh. We got our apples as we do every October. Today I made applesauce, apple dumplings and an apple pie. More tomorrow. I love visiting with you.
A beautiful reminder of Remembrance Day! Thank you, Susan. I love “traveling” with you, my friend. We’ve not met, but I cherish the time I spend with you through your writing, photographs, and art. When my spirit lags, you are the perfect antidote!
I feel like I know you all. Odd to say, but I do!
You have answered a life long question!!!
I’m ALWAYS seeing 11:11 on the clock!! I’m usually in the middle of something, but this little voice whispers, “look at the clock,” and sure enough it’s 11:11!! When I was young my mother told us that when you see 11:11 you should take a moment to pray for peace. It’s always been a nice ritual and one that I’ve taught my own daughter. She seems to have the same little whisper because I can’t count how many times she’s shouted, “Look, it’s 11;11!” We hold each others hands, close our eyes and pray for peace on earth (and pray that those whispers don’t turn into voices in our heads! LOL)
I never knew the significance of 11:11 and now I do!!!! It all makes sense now as I just learned, thanks to you, Susan, that Armistice Day is 11/11!!! What could be more important than to pray that not one more beautiful soul who has loved and were loved has to fall in war never to feel another dawn or see the sunset’s glow.
What a sweet little tradition your mother started!
Lovely memories, yours and the ones of mine brought back by them.
By the by, saw Armistice poppies that were crocheted, not as fragile as the paper ones and good to have if no one is selling them near you.
Lovely to celebrate at any time, but the money the paper poppies bring comes in mighty handy!
Lovely post, made me smile and feel sad at the same time.
People use to sell poppies on Veteran’s Day years ago, but I haven’t seen any for a long time. We should start that tradition here to honor all our veterans who have fought in so many wars around the world. I would proudly wear a poppy for all the men and women who are serving our country. God bless them all. Thank you for this beautiful post.
Love your blog and loved the new Willard. Feel the same way about Fall!
Thanks for another great Willard!
Wonderful post, Susan. You do have a knack for storytelling. Thanks for sharing your gift with all of us.
Love the idea of the Poppies and Remembrance Day. We have military veterans in our area of KY, who offer a red poppy outside grocery stores, and other public places during our Memorial Day weekend each year. Our little town has a program on the courthouse square with the raising of our flag by the local troop of boy scouts. A local men’s quartet performs and a local retired military serviceman or servicewoman give a wonderful patriotic talk. So many come out to honor those who have served. I love your bouquets of poppies, etc. It warms my heart to know soldiers all over the world are remembered and honored. Thank you for this lovely post, Susan.
Beautiful work, as always!! Thank you!
This is such a lovely post!!
I will watch for poppies in our area in the days leading up to Veterans’ Day. American poppies aren’t quite as beautiful as the British ones, and are not as popular. But then our recent wars haven’t been fought on our own shores, and that does make a difference.
Poppies used to be beside cash registers all over town, but I really don’t remember seeing them in recent years.
The British have so many wonderful traditions! Maybe we do too, and we are simply used to ours (but I don’t really think so).
The poppies pictured here seem to be really simple to put together. The crimping on each pedal would be difficult, but other than that it might be fun to try to make some. Off to Micheal’s we go!!
XOXO!!
Yet another lovely post. So very sweet that your friend sent the birdie book & included your “missing” & MISSED poppy!
Remembrance rings true, remembering those who have served and laid down their lives so others may live is the most generous gift one can give. Let’s also remember those who are organ donors so others may live, too. And let us always remember the golden rule to treat others the way we want to be treated. With love. Susan you are one amazing, loving and unforgettable woman! Remembering you and your contribution to make this place a better place is like the balm of Gilead. Love you
You are sweet to say that Diane, I’m honored! xoxo
I’m always transported to a happy place when I read your words and see your artwork and photos.
I remember the poppies here in Texas from my childhood! Someone used to sell them. Church? School? I don’t remember that part for I was very young, but I was fascinated by the poppies. I thought they were beautiful. “In Flanders Field” was in our literature books, and we discussed it in class. I remember it well. I learned the poem by heart. Thank you for precious memories of Remembrance Day.
I would love anything Susan Branch. Please enter me to receive somethings!
What a beautiful post and wonderful memories. I will make sure to hunt down or make some poppies in time for Veteran’s Day this year to honor so many who dedicated so much–often everything. And of course I would love to win the dishes!
Thank you so much for this lovely post and the pictures. Today was a very hard day for me so these few minutes of beauty have allowed me to transport myself to another place. The British have always held a special place in my heart….my father was in the Normandy invasion in WW II and was wounded before he ever hit the beach. In the chaos that followed, he was left for dead by the Americans and my grandmother was notified by telegram that he was missing in action. However, when the British came through days later, they found my dad and brought him to England for surgery and rehabilitation. I will always be grateful!
Oh my goodness! What a story! What a miracle. Thank you for sharing that Denise.
Susan,
I love the poppy story. It gives us all pause to remember the sacrifice of so many.
Blessings, Susan……..and thank you for your inspiring post.
Dear Susan,
I don’t know what I loved more your thoughts about the season in the Willard or your thoughts about Remembrance Day.
Thank you Susan….Your blog brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat. I have a red poppy that I brought home from France over 10 years ago…I keep it on my bedroom bureau.
Always a pleasure to find a new blog waiting…….
I look forward to reading your refreshing posts. My father always bought a poppy every November from the fellow veterans who served our country as he did in WWII. I still have the last poppy he bought in November of 2002, before he passed that same month.
I love the heart shaped bowls and would love having some in my home.
Wow! So many beautiful things to pick! All so lovely!
Hugs, Marie Fluck
Love all your photos. Thanks for the information too. I always buy a poppy here in the good ole USA, but didn’t know about the tradition in England.
Please enter me in the drawing for your lovely gift!
You are such an amazing artist. I love all your books that I have. I would love the ornaments to stitch. They would be great therapy for me.
You have such a way about you Susan, I always feel more optimistic after reading your post❤️
Hi, what a joy to find the Willard after a long afternoon of cleaning my summer kitchen/potting shed. I do believe in magic and certainly know there are fairies, had 12 fairy gardens in my yard this summer, some my 4 granddaughters helped to create. Please enter me for your dishes and I am looking forward to tomorrow morning to read your latest blog on remembrance with my first cup of tea, and hear more about traditions, oh where would we be without them!
Thank you for the story of the poppies. I remember seeing them made out of crepe paper when I was little – in Iowa. My uncle dropped out of high school, fudged his age (my grandmother signed fir him) & joined the Navy in WWII. He died within the year. My mother never got over it. My 95 yo father still keeps his picture and keepsakes out ESPECIALLY on his birthday – on Christmas day. He will never forget him and his friends and the many who died in that terrible war. And now I just want to say I love your dishes and needlework kits. I’m gonna have to have them…..one way or another!
Happy Autumn! XO
How could anyone get over it? So young. Makes tears in my eyes right now. Thank you Cathy, hugs to your dad.
A beautiful post, Susan! Thank you so much!!!
Thank you for such a beautiful post!! I’m planing a trip to England in the Spring and would love to see Chartwell!!
The English really are so civilized….lovely page today. Thanks for making my day bit sweeter…not so sweet in this country right now.
This blog entry was simply beautiful and heartwarming~simply and beautifully Susan Branch. Thank you and a big hug,
Paula
Loved Willard and your recent blog post. It’s always a treat to read. Thank you! Bravo for paying such a wonderful tribute to our overseas friends and sharing their lovely tradition on November 11th in celebration of the fallen soldier. Clearly England paid dearly for the horrific trials of wartime. Here’s to “PEACE”!
With your lovely pictures of England and the poppies, you really know how to make the heart pine for a visit to your beloved England. I will look for the poppies on Nov. ll. thanks for this glorious post. Love your music too!!
Lovely post! We buy our poppies every year from the American Legion people standing/sitting outside local businesses on November 11th.
Loved this post about the poppies! I am named for my great great aunt Susan Beaty, a Canadian WWI nurse who was decorated with medals from England and awarded to her by Winston Churchill when he was Secretary of War for her bravery on the French front. I am blessed to have her photos, stories, medals and his autograph! I proudly display them in my living room…now all I need is a poppy!
WOW (in letters ten feet tall) how thrilling for you Susan! Thank you!
Reading your posts and looking at the pictures always makes me happy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Love the new products and your blog.
I love everything about this post and Willard! I can’t believe the give away that you are offering! I hope I win it!
Thank you for your beautiful post. I will buy poppies again this year to remember. The poppy field at the WWI museum in Kansas City stops my heart when I see it.
Lovely…. We should remember our history with as much reverence ..Your were lucky to be there during such a special time….. Sandi
Beautiful, beautiful. My birthday is 11 November, and it made me aware of Armistice at a young age. Thanks so much for sharing your joy with us!
Well Happy almost Birthday Su!
I loved the song that Vera Lynn sang and sent the recording to my mom. She remembered hearing it as a child and sent me a recording of her singing it back to me. So sweet!
What a lovely blog. It is always nice to stop and remember all of our veterans. I proudly wear my poppy 🙂
Who knew about the poppy?! Not me! Thank you for sharing!
I want to thank you for these many years of pure joy you have shared with all of us! You are so amazing at drawing, of course, but also writing. I feel like I’m with you wherever you go!
I was blessed to go to college for two years in Colorado where I discovered what Autumn is! Growing up in Southern California, I only watched our peach tree turn yellow and drop leaves everywhere. (Which i was privileged to pick up according to my dad!) I am a HUGE Autumn fan and feel so peaceful when I am lucky to attend its performance! Your writing about getting ready for Autumn and you pictures make my heart sing!
Oh my…..I am in awe and in tears. This was absolutely a breathtaking story. My father was buried on November 11th. He served in Europe in WW11. This story has prompted me to forever from this day honor him with a POPPY REMEMBERENCE everything. Everything you shared with all of us was so wonderfully nostalgic, and wonderful I cannot thank you enough Susan. So many things without you I would never have known or been able to see. Oh to have you right next door to share conversations with over tea. We have more in common than you could possibly know.My beloved sister reminded me of this all the time before she passed away. Bless you once again for sharing your life with me and all those who love you as much as I do. Sincerely grateful, Gayle Hall
Always lovely to hear from you Gayle! Especially such touching words. Thank you so much. xoxoxo
As many times that I have been to England, I have never been there on Nov. 11. Thank you so much for writing about the poppies and Armistice Day.
Thanks so much for sharing this info on the poppy. I did not realize all the history and significance of it! I absolutely love your blogs! Looking forward to following along on your next trip to England! Have a wonderful day! Virginia in NC
Thank you Susan, for your lovely, inspiring post! I love and look forward to every one of them. We will always remember to never forget our fallen soldiers. I continue to pray for peace on earth <3
You Continue to amaze us. Thank you.
Dearest Susan~
Being of a certain age…I remember Poppies being sold, when I was a little girl. What a sweet memory. Thank you for this posting…your words and photos were what I needed today. Thank you.
I miss you posting with more regularity…The world would have to end before I would ever do Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for this.
Joan
I wish I could make blogging a full time job! I love it! But we still need to have an income in this household, so I have to do my other things, calendars and so forth. On the days I’m not blogging, I’m saving things up to tell you for the next one! xoxo
Such a nice story of England.
Enter me!
Thank you for yet another uplifting post. Let us all remember.
Your words and photographs and watercolors take me to a kinder, gentler, peace of mind. Thank you.
Hey. Sorry. Don’t know if my first comment went through.
Wonderful post! Happy Halloween, Susan 🙂
Yay, Willard is here! Enjoyed it so much as usual.
Halloween candy under the piano bench! lol Which piece is Jack’s favorite?
He likes Butterfingers.
I grew up in Canada and England where we always purchased paper poppy’s for our coats for Remembrance Day! You are bringing back childhood memories….good ones!
Love, love, love these!
Dear Susan,
As always I love your posts and Willard too!
I cried reading this touching story of how England honors its fallen soldiers.
Your blogs and Willard keep me sane and uplifted. Thank you for your Sept. post about money in politics. I get very discouraged about our country and our planet and feel overwhelmed wondering how I can make a difference.
Thank you for keeping us uplifted in these troubling times and for encouraging people to get involved and stay informed. It is beyond important! Many of us have children and grandchildren (truly gifts from a benevolent God) and we must do something to save the planet for them if not ourselves!!!
Thank you, thank you!
The only thing I can think of to make a difference these days is to pay attention, find the truth, call and write your representatives and voice your feelings. Other than that, it is all kindness and compassion for the plight of others ~ and feathering your own private world with all good and nurturing things as best you can. xoxo To you Erin. 😘
Gorgeous photos as always! Looking forward to Willard!