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
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THE DRAWING! HAPPY FALL TO YOU AND JOE! I LOVE YOUR BLOG – YOU ARE SO INSPIRING!
HAPPY DAY!
Love your art and your work. Thank you for your quotes, inspiration and friendship! Yes
So lovely, thank you.
Dear, dear Susan… I do believe this is my most favorite post of yours ever… everything in it touched my heart so… my daddy was a Colonel in the United States Army and WWII Vet… I miss him terribly as he is now stationed in Heaven… growing up, it was always called “Poppy Day” here and the veterans handed out poppies as daddy dropped his donation in their little jar… to THIS DAY I have my little poppies!… they live on my desk… by a photo of my daddy… we all wore them proudly, and oh, how this brings tears (happy tears) to my eyes… it will always be Poppy Day to me… thank you for sharing it with those who did not know… I am also so excited for all of your new treasures and cannot wait to visit your shop… loved getting my Willard in my email today and will linger over it time and time again with my tea in your Autumn mug… love and happiness to you in this beautiful Golden October, xoxo… Julie Marie
My husband’s grandfather was a WWI veteran. We have pictures of him in his uniform, the small chess set he took to France, and a journal he wrote about his experiences during the war. A friend of his died in France near the end of the war, and he kept a copy of Te Deum that the friend was reading when he passed away. Every Thanksgiving, our family reads the Te Deum (the kids call it “The Tedium” because it takes quite a while to finish) before we eat. I always buy a poppy when I see them!
LOL. Kids!
What a lovely and inspiring post, Susan Branch. It always brightens my day to rad your blog. I especially like the quote that God gives us memories. . .
May God bless you this day!
I too hate the thought of leaving my furry family member when we travel.
Thank you for another great post. Just finished reading the latest Willard. Thank you for making life more fun. 🎃🐿🍂🍁🍂
Wishing you the same warm comfort your blog brings to all of us. Gratefully, toni
Dear Susan,
Finding a new message from you always makes my day. Love the musica too! Love the pictures of Jack but wonder why we never see Girl Kitty. Thank you for brightening my day.
Girl Kitty went to heaven a little over a year ago. 😟 It was her birthday yesterday! I was just thinking we need more photos of Girl!
Susan – it was so wonderful to hear about your trip. It makes me want to wear my poppy pin every day now!! Love to you and yours!
Love to read your blog. I have the In Love With Nature which I use every day. You are a very creative lady.
Thank you so much for your blog about remembering our Veterans. My husband is a Veteran of the Vietnam War and each year we attend a Veterans program given at our grandchildren’s school in honor of all Veterans. I applaud all educators for the work they do on presenting these programs. They are not only honoring our servicemen and women, but teaching their students a lesson in history as well as a lesson in showing respect.
Trying again…I don’t think my first comment got posted, so I’m crossing my fingers that this one does! 😊
It’s a 55 degree, blue sky day here in Southern Pennsylvania…your Fall newsletter was a perfect way to celebrate the season! Thank you for your inspiration, humor and love. <3
DEAR SUE
Thank you for the lovely post. I think I remember seeing poppies in the moat area at the tower of London when I was there one fall, but it wasn’t in November. They were probably starting to fill the area for remembrance day. We still can buy poppies in my area every November. Veterans sell them outside of our local post offices. Any girlfriends interested can try going to the post office before veterans day, or call their local veterans legion to find out where they may get them. Here they ask for a donation.
Please enter me in your giveaway. I would be thrilled to win. Looking forward to following your next trip.
Love Sue
I think I will be making some poppies to wear and display. Your story was lovely and a grand reminder of what we have to be grateful for and who fought so we could! One year I sat down and made a list of the veterans in my family. One fought in Cuba! Two were in WW1, five uncles ( one horribly wounded) fought in Europe ,another one in South Pacific in WW2, two in Korea (one captured and died as p.o.w.) ; one in Vietnam and my brother died in service in Germany during Vietnam.; brother-in-law and a nephew in gulf wars.
This is my poppy list. We shall not forget. ( I even have one who fought in the Great Swamp Fight in RI) thank you.
Amazing, you deserve all those flags with your name. Blessings on your family Barbara.
So enjoyed your remembrances, beautiful words, photos and art. I want to win some of your beautiful things!
Reading Willard was like relaxing in a bath tub and letting Calgon take me away. Thoroughly enjoyed. I have poppies hanging from my visor year round (one is blue and white) the others are red. I look at them every time I’m in my car and quietly give thanks to those that served.
Please enter me into your contest to win some of your beautiful things!!!
I’m so grateful you never run out of fascinating recollections and stories to stir our souls.
Cheers, Marguerite
Susan, Have you ever been to Hyde Park (Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s home in New York’s Hudson Valley)? They are buried on the property in much the same way Winston and Clementine Churchill are. You will be charmed!
I love the Hudson Valley, but I’ve never been!
Do you live in the Hudson Valley? I do too and I spell my name with 2 n’s as well. It’s a small world!!
Oh, I so look forward to your blogs! Cheers to you Susan.
Hi Sue! Looking forward to the drawing! Love Love Love all the pictures from England I would love to be able to see it all. Right now your blog is the next best thing. Have a wonderful day and hopefully we’ll get some nice Fall weather coming our way after all this rain. xoxo Kerrie
“…and is there honey, still, for tea?”
You can visit the town of Grantchester, just outside of Cambridge, and sit in the very sling chairs under the apple trees that Virginia Woolf and the WWI poets sat in. It is absolutely peaceful, and the walk along the river to the tea rooms and back to Cambridge is beautiful.
What a lovely post….I just finished reading a book on Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt during the war years, and it talked so much about the relationship forged between Roosevelt and Churchill, complete with descriptions about Churchill staying in the White House…and to see his grave just really hit home. Thank you for always sharing such lovely photos of your adventures, I’m sure we all feel like we are somehow there in some small way looking at them.
A beautiful post – thank you! I am, however, as the English say, gobsmacked! to hear your amazement about the Nov. 11 poppies. I grew up in Canada, where it has always been just like that – everyone wears poppies – they’re sold on the street to raise money for veterans… and I guess I just figured they’d do it here, too. I know I’ve seen people wearing poppies here in Seattle, and I’ve usually been able to buy one to wear. And since I’m retired, I’m not actually out and about at 11 a.m. most days, so I I don’t know if they stop to commemorate a minute of silence (though I suspect they don’t). Growing up, we always stopped in school, and a few years we went on what passed for a “field trip” (not a common thing in my day) to the town center where the cenotaph was to hear taps being played and be with the whole town to stop. I truly thought this was universal, not just England and “her commonwealth countries”, but maybe it is. Maybe because it’s for WWI and there have been other wars since then, but maybe it was really just a British thing. Now you have me thinking….
What a treat! Please enter me,
I LOVE the tradition of the poppy! How glorious!! I think I may just have to make myself on to wear on November 11th, and in turn, also do something nice for someone!!
I thought I’d replied, but just went through as many replies as I could, and couldn’t find mine. so I’ll post this one. Sorry if it’s a repeat.
I cried when I read this blog post. I’m not sure why.
I wish we could buy poppies here is the US, with proceeds of sales going to help our Veterans. So many suffer so many horrible things in the war; we should make their life here better than we do!
Thank you. Your post and Willards are wonderful. I look forward to them.
Poppies dot our little house. Every year we buy them from our Veterans and they wind up wrapped around a cupboard knob in the kitchen, or stuck in the spines of books all over the house. There is one in my Treasure Box, several pressed in the hoard of scrapbooks, in a china cup in the hutch. I am a soldier’s daughter and I will never forget. This November, when a different war is raging, we need to remember most of all- the Fallen, the Cause and our Sacred Duty to “…pick up the torch and hold it high…” Thank you, Dear Susan, for remembering. You are your Father’s Daughter.
Beautiful
what can I say….. Love your blogs, reminds me of all that is truly good in the world. So refreshing !
Please, please, please enter me in your drawing!
Susan, thank you for the poppy story and the Willard. How wonderful! Your dishes are delightful and oh so lovely. Sure would enjoy winning! Deb
Love every blog and Willard! Beautiful painted China!
We need something like this to raise money for veterans here. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Judy! In the USA the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion sells poppies as well. Contact your local post or chapter and look for the Vets at grocery stores and malls nationwide. National Poppy Day is in May, but you can always donate directly or on the official web sites of these two fine organizations.
Please enter me in the drawing. thank you.
hi susan- Gale Bradley speaking: you know I love your blog and all that you do. You sure have god’s gift …..we all have many gifts from god that he gives to us and us alone….that is why we are all different and his children..i feel we should show his light within us to all around…A hug costs nothing , a smile costs nothing, a kind word cost nothing, and really listening and looking that person in the eye costs nothing , and to say hello to a stranger costs nothing….and they smile and say hello back….I love that…..so there are things that are free….
can I also be entered for the drawing, thanks a lot.
When my husband and I visited Arlington National Cemetery a couple of years ago, we were each given a poppy for our lapels and the story behind them. Up until a few weeks ago when we visited Gettysburg have I ever felt so much sorrow, pride, admiration, and beauty all wrapped up in one place. To this day we keep our poppies visible year long. My pen pals from England have shared this event with me and I just absolutely love it. I hope to visit them all someday and November 11 would make a great day to visit I’m sure!
I would sooo love to purchase all your fun and adorable dishes! I hope you have them for some time because it looks like I’m only going to be able to do one at a time! Might have to drop some birthday hints for next month to the family!! 🙂
This post (as always) was just delightful. I have England on my bucket list and will need to go in November for sure. Or maybe the spring. Or the summer. Maybe several trips!! Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I love “Poppy Days” here and in your lovely story as well. Dad always bought one and put it in his lapel. Willard was wonderful, as usual; can’t wait to try the frosted molasses cookies.
Lovely thoughts on poppies and the remembrances that go with them- sad and sweet. Speaking of sweet….Willard came today and I’m anxious to bake the molasses cookies!
I remember as a little girl seeing veterans selling poppies around Veteran’s Day. They were on streets everywhere, selling them.I wonder why we’ve gotten away from this, at least in my little corner of the world, and I wonder how we can get back to truly honoring and remembering in this fast-paced instant world? I know it will start with me and with Susan Branch Nation. Let’s all wear poppies this November and always keep remembrance in our hearts. My dad, a veteran of WWII and my brother, a veteran of the Vietnam era –now both gone–deserve our remembrance, as do all of those who are gone and all of those who have served our country, whether in war time or peace time.
Good Afternoon Susan and Girlfriends. a nice warm day today, but boy was it foggy the past few days. I just love old English churches and especially graveyards, so many etchings to make and interesting dates and history to see. yes I know, a somewhat ghoulish hobby of mine to go nose around old graveyards, but I love looking at the tombstones and the carvings on them. I also like to think about the person and the date they were buried and what those times were like back then. I’m a history nut and I admit it. but I managed to learn one thing, never ever visit a graveyard when the fog is coming in, you will never be able to find your way out. happened to me up in Half Moon Bay a few years back when I was there visiting family an enjoying the Pumpkin Festival. a good friend, Carol, and I were admiring some really old headstones and commenting on the carvings on them when we noticed the thick fog coming in. very spooky feeling. it got cold and damp and we were somewhere in a graveyard and we forgot our way out. we sort of stumbled around looking for the gate but instead we found an old shack with tools in it, sort of the caretaker’s shack I guess. we went inside and both of us went running out and found the rest of our friends while running. they told us we both looked terrified and wanted to know why…. we told them it was because of what we saw in the shack, a shovel with fresh dirt on it. that was all we needed to get us moving. LOL that and our overactive imaginations. LOL!!! so never ever before or on Halloween get lost in an old graveyard when the fog rolls in and go into a spooky old shack…. you never know……. BOO!!!! LOL. Happy Halloween!!!! hugs….. 😀
Busy, busy you. Loved the post and Willard, too.
Love the poppie story!
I love reading Willard. I would love to win !!
Thank you for your lovely blog. I have a poppy here in my office for from the American Legion for remembrance. Never forget.
How lovely and inspiring!
Happy fall!🍂🍁🌾
Aaah, (that’s me sighing with pleasure). Susan you’ve done it again as always. Making me feel so good. Just love looking at the pictures of England and imagining I’m there. And I love their “Poppies”. Quite different from the ones we have here in Canada. But worn with the same gratitude.
Please enter me to win!!!! Thanks, Sharon
What a lovely post. I remember my Dad always buying me a red paper poppy from veterans selling them. My parents were both veterans of WWII.
Thanks so much for this lovely post.
I left a comment on the wrong blog…please enter me in a chance to win your dishes…..so love reading Willard!!
Thank you again for this blog and Willard! I so enjoy reading them; tea, old movies, kitties, needlework, old books – you speak my language! And I am so enjoying my Bluebird of Happiness mug.
Thank you again!
I love your new cups and dishes.
Enjoy your blog and Willard.
Enter me
Autumn & England! Two of my favorites!
I love that you had a Maxine Kumin quote in your post today. I love her poem, “Making the Jam Without Her.” I have looked everywhere for a copy of the book that includes it, but no luck yet. Still searching!
Another favorite of hers: “When Sleeping Beauty wakes up she’s almost 50 years old!” She had a great sense of humor, not to mention words!
You are making me want to go to England and New England! Especially since we are having a California heat wave. Not very Autumn like.
It’s always a pleasure to be “with” you, Susan ~ But especially at this magical time of year! ❤️
Oh I love this post, well all of them! I am certainly going to find a poppy this Veterans Day, dad was in WWII as well.
You always inspire me to travel to England again, this time to the country. OK it is now on the list for sure!
Thank you for your loveliness, kindness and inspiration!
From another Sue fron Long Beach.
The poppies are beautiful! I’ve never seen any like them, only cheaper looking ones in the US. Love your blog, love Willard…..you are amazing!
Thank you for this lovely story. Very interesting. I will never look at poppies the same way again.
I love your story about the poppies! Everything on your blog is just the best!
I’m with you susan, autumn in new England is truly amazing. I don’t think that i would live anywhere else.
Please enter me in your next drawing. Everthing that you create is beautiful and i want it all.
Thanks for being you, chris in Connecticut
Please enter me in your contest and please pick me! Love your blog and Willard! I always print them out for my Mom to enjoy!
Thanks from your biggest fans in California.
Dear Susan,
I love reading your blogs. They make me very homesick, as I am from England, but now reside in the USA. My father who also lives in the USA will be celebrating his 98th birthday on November 9th and he was in the Royal Navy during World War II. We were at a remembrance ceremony at Westminster Abbey 3 years ago with him. The poppies were everywhere, and at the Tower of London in the moat. So many memories for him. I truly share in your love of England and all things British. My heart will always be there. Thank you XOX
How lucky you got to share that amazing moment with your dad! I think I may be as homesick for your homeland as you are! Maybe not quite. xoxo
Thanks for the chance to win🍁🍂🎃🕸
Your blog is my favorite! Thanks for brightening my day and making me want to be a little better!
Yes, enter me
Hello Susan, sitting here in my “Irish Room” reading Willard and feeling happy and cozy and wonderful. Hope all is well! xxoo
Lovely reading your newsletter!
OMG, fall weather is finally coming to Texas, and what could be cozier than a new Willard, musica, and a cup of tea? Let the Autumn-ing begin!
What a sweet giveaway! Thank you Susan.
Enter me, I pray to win, as much as I already pray to be thin!
After reading “Fairy Tale Girl” and “Isle of Dreams” last year, I have given the books as gifts and told everyone about them. I am chosing “Fairy Tale Girl” as the pick for my February book club!
Well, thank you Tara! I’m honored!
I appreciate your blog so much and the giveaways that you let us participate in. Thank you!
thanks for fabulous fall colours, would love to win those things, can’t wait,thanks Carolyn
I loved your story about Rememberance Day. Both of my husbands grandfathers fought in WW1. His father’s side of the family is from Scotland. We have photos of them dressed in their kilts going off to WW1. An uncle was killed and buried in Flanders Field. We have such a strong sense of connection to him. He was so young, my heart breaks for his suffering and the family. We remember him often even though we never met him. Google the Tower of London commemorative poppies. It is absolutely beautiful. Too bad we don’t celebrate Veteren’s Day here as they do in England.
I think that war was a total shock to everyone. The boys marched off with such high hopes and idealism. So much was lost.
Please enter me! Thanks
Thanks for the chance to win such lovelies! I adore reading about your days and seeing your beautiful little paintings. You’re definitely one of my favorite artists!❤️
What fun it is to read this blog! Even if I’m having a busy day or a busy week, I don’t delete it – I save it – and savor it when I have time. Thank you, Susan.
Just finished reading Willard. Totally wonderful, as usual ❤️
I would love to win your giveaway!
Thanks Susan for jogging my long ago memory of the poppies – ‘twas a pleasant interlude on a rainy autumn day.
I have a new comfy chair with ottoman that lets me sit in my bedroom and look out the window into the backyard. My favorite place in the whole house. That perfect place to spend reading Willard and your blog. The back yard is full of trees and the leaves are changing colors. Ahhhh. Autumn. Life doesn’t get much more beautiful than this. Thank you God. I want to be entered in the drawing. One of your dishes would be a perfect compliment to this setting. Thank you Susan.
Please enter me.
Autumn is here in Arlington Va! The chill has finally come, the smell of wood smoke in the evenings and pumpkins adorn my front porch.
When I read your blog or Willard I am taken back to Cape Cod where my daughter was born in Falmouth! She’s 30 now and it doesn’t seem possible!
We lived in Dennis in a blue Cape Cod house, my husband was stationed at Camp Edwards and I worked at the Chase House if Flowers ( near Cape Playhouse)
I do remember Autumn in Cape Cod as I am from Davis Ca. Originally then Oceanside as my husband was at Camp Pendleton! Thank you for making my day special with your latest post.
Dear Susan,
You bring smiles and joy to so many and I thank you for your inspiration! Happy days to you and Joe and Jack! You are one of my most favorites and I have many (most) of your books! Jeannie G.
My dad was a Marine in WWII and later belonged to the VFW. As a little girl growing up in the 50s I always helped him sell poppies on Buddy Poppy Day. I still buy one every year. Fond memories! “To honor the dead by helping the living”
Lovely read at the end of an autumn day!!
Isn’t Autumn the perfect season for remembrance? The golden light, windy days, cinnamon-appley scents, warming fires, crunchy leaves…they intoxicate me with reverie. And what a vibrant tradition of remembrance and sacrifice the poppies bring to mind. I am so thankful you shared that part of your England trip…such a respectful tradition to discover. Thank you for offering your new creations as prizes…we all wait on pins and needles 🙂
Please enter me in the drawing. On the night of Oct.9 my daughter and her family escaped the Santa Rosa fire in their pjs. They lost literally everything material. I know she would love some of your sweet and charming dishes.
Those fires! Being from California, I’ve seen fires, but never anything like these. Hugs to your family Ginger! xoxo
Always feels cozy, sweet and lovely to get your beautiful art & words…. thank you!
Hi Susan,
I always look forward to reading both your blog and “Willard”. I LOVE you new plates and all your new little dishes, everything! I am planning a tea party for December, all retired teachers. The list keeps getting longer and my little house welcomes them all! I plan on making your zucchini bread. It looks soooo delicious! We teachers LOVE our tea and your goodies!
Happy fall!
Kathi H.
Be sure and thank them for everything they’ve done … what would the world be without teachers!! xoxo
Oh…how I LOVE this beautiful reminiscent blog! It brought back so many memories…. as a young girl during WWll! We bought poppies on the street in Nov for Armistice Day… in Los Angeles, CA. I had several extended family members in the service during that war! A very vivid memory to this day! We went to movies every Sat afernoon…only a few blocks away…and would see the ‘Newsreels” of the bombings in England, Germany, etc. Very scary! You touch my heart ❤️ in so many ways! I LOVE what you LOVE! ALL of it! Every flower…every leaf…every creature, every stream, etc. Nature is such a beautiful thing! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are such a gifted ‘girlfriend!’ And…I would be thrilled if you would enter me in your giveaway! I also tried to enter on your Willard…that came today! But wasn’t sure if it went through…so please don’t think I am trying to ‘double dip”! LoL 😂
No worries Marilyn, Vanna knows only to choose one from each address (she’s brilliant that way!) ~ love hearing from you!
I could not love you anymore than I do. Truth.
xoxox
xoxo 😘 Valerie!
My grandfather used to wear a poppy. Back in the 60’s. 🌺
It just makes me happy visiting here <3
Lovely! Please enter my name for the drawing!