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
Love the new items! I especially love the “Blessings” ! Glad you are always creating and full of wonderful ideas!
One November many years ago my grandmother was visiting. She took me and my sisters shopping “downtown.” It must have been Veterans Day, because the Amvets were selling poppies. She bought one for each of us. It is a good memory. I always think of that poppy on Veterans Day. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month in 1918, the WWI Armistice was signed. I used to tell my U. S. History students to remember 11-11-11. We should never forget.
Our local library is hosting a 4 part series on WWI. So interesting and now I have this wonderful story to share. Thank you.
Perfect!
So lovely about the poppies! Enjoyed Williard and all the new goodies, too!
Just love this (above). Perfection. Happiness.
Susan: What a beautiful post. Thank you for reminding us to remember & be grateful. What a inspiration you are to all. Enjoy your fall.
I love your post about the poppies, Susan, I don’t think I would have ever known about those! Happy October Autumn day to you! 🙂
Thank you for your sweet reminder.
When I was young, we used to see veterans selling poppies everywhere in town, and then there would be a parade through town to the cemetery, to remember the ones who have given so much, but nowadays, I don’t see us doing very much of anything to remember our fallen. I do hope to see some vets selling poppies this Nov. 11th. I just finished Georgia Hunter’s book ‘We Were The Lucky Ones’, which is a timely reminder of how war affects us all, and the gift to us of the brave men & women who fought in unity. Thank you.
Loved learning about the poppies – thanks for explaining that!
Ann
Would love to win some goodies! Your longtime fan, Emily
Hello Susan:
I had lunch today with your Blog. I just love anything that you do! Today is my Mom’s 90th birthday.
She is out to lunch with my three sisters, my Aunt from Mississippi and two cousins. Unfortunately I was not able to take the time off to join them. My Mom and Dad had seven children and there are 40 of us just in our immediate family. I have made many of your recipes over the years for our celebrations.
For all you do, many thank yous!!
Happy Birthday to your Mom, Sharon!
Just beautiful, Susan. ❤️
So excited for you new items, but mostly the Cross-Stitch Kits! So excited for those. Thanks for the best e-mails in my inbox most days!
This post brought tears to my eyes………..I love Remembrance Day. I lived in New Zealand for a while in my childhood and well do I remember our tradition of wearing the poppies! I loved how the people of England gather in the public square at 11 on the 11th day of the 11th month for a moment of silent respect. SO touching! I also enjoyed seeing Woodstock in your photos……..I loved visiting this little town and Blenheim Castle when I was in England years ago. Such fond memories of the town and it’s people. I live only a few miles from Woodstock, Alabama………..a constant reminder of our friends across the sea! Thank you for the lovely post, Susan!
Oh the poppy.On veterans day I make sure to buy my poppy.I wear it proudly.My daddy was also a veteran.My heart swells with pride and sorrow.We visited the American cemetery in Normandy.I cried my eyes out.All those darling boys much too young.My heart swelled with pride as we put the ashes of my sister in laws father in his brothers grave.Separated for so long finally together again.Thank you for giving us such a wonderful blog,to remind us that freedom is never free.
NEVER FORGET!!!
why is it called Willard?
Thanks ,Annette
I love the poppy story. Thanks for sharing
Love them all want any one of them😘 Happy Fall
Your artwork and newsletters are a inspiration to me everyday!! Keep up the great work Susan!!
Good Day Susan
Lovely as always, your the best. PS my husband enjoys the photos of Mr. Kitty!
Looking forward too more……😘
Good Day Susan 🐝
Lovely as always, your the “Best”. P.S. My husband enjoys the photos of Mr Kitty !
Looking forward to more…….😘
Thanks for the lovely post! Always brightens my day.
Such a lovely blog. We have a poppy sticker on our kitchen door to remind us always. Thanks!
My dad fought in WWII too and Inbuy poppies every year from our local veterans and wear them proudly…thank you, Susan for this post🌺
Oops! I buy poppies every year…
Great little saucers for tea bags that have given their all! Very, very cute. My poppy is still on my car visor from last year.
As I have said before, you lead an enchanted life….. and I do. too….vicariously through you. Thank you!
I always enjoy your visits to England. Someday I’ll go there myself.
It was wonderful to read!!! Love your writings! Thank you for all that you do!!! You are wonderful! xoxo
Our Veterans and their families sacrifice so much for our country. I wish for love and peace for all of us and I am so grateful for all who are serving and have served. God bless them!
Acts 24:15.
An encouraging Scripture to check.
Really enjoyed learning about the poppy tradition and seeing all the amazing photos. Thank you! Looking forward to reading the Willard.
As always, a beautiful post. Thank you.
It’s a great comfort to be with so many women who feel this need to remember, honor, and continue to live the simple rituals and traditions …that so keep us connected in uncertain times…just like our mothers did.
thanks a million for providing us the place,
Laura
Thank you for making me smile today!
Always beautiful and inspiring words and pictures
Thank you, Susan.
“Pray you, love, remember.” Shakespeare
My Mom taught me In Flander’s Field when we prepared for the Ventran’s Day parade when I was 8 years old (51 years ago, now!) My family loved sharing poetry with children. Thanks for these fine reminders!
I wish we did that here…Memorial Day isn’t quite the same. My dad fought in WWI. My brother in WWII, and my husband in Vietnam. All are in Heaven now, but never far from my heart. I love your posts, your blog and you, Susan! Thanks for all the wonderfulness you bring into my world!
Your blog is always a warm spot in my day, especially now as I am on my lunch break serving on jury duty.
I love the red poppies in England, it honors and respects our soldiers in a quiet yet strong way.
I always love gazing at new stuff in your shop!!
Did you get to see any of Mr. Churchill’s artwork? We were privileged to hear his great-grandson Duncan Sandys speak about his grandfather’s painting and then got to see some of the paintings themselves at Hillsdale College here in Michigan last winter. We understand he painted as a way to deal with stress and feed his soul. I thought you would like that!
Oh yes, his art studio was open, we got to walk all through it! Just adds to the who he was of it all!
Wonderful remembrance story. It should be in a little sweet booklet to give to all the school children! We buy a poppy every year and I didn’t know it originated in England! Thank you so much for telling the story. Our kids, grandkids and their kids should all know. Marilyn in Oregon
I have always loved the Remembrance Day tradition in the UK. We will be heading over on Sunday to visit our daughter at university in Chester, and will be there for November 11, wearing our poppies with pride! We were in Bladon last summer, and Consuelo Vanderbilt is also buried there near Winston Churchill. She had a fascinating life story.
Just love the English! They do everything right!
When my husband, Tom, and I were visiting family in Kansas City a few years back we went to the WWI monument and museum. It was a touching experience and poppies were also highlighted as a way of remembering the fallen soldiers. I, of course, had to pick up a poppy pin and seeds … my grandfather served in WWI and my father in WWII (Normandy and the European theater). Thank you from my heart for this blog.
I loved Willard and the BLOG post today. Thank you for sharing the story of Remembrance. I LOVE your beautiful new dishes! As always, thank you for making us beautiful things & writing beautiful thoughts. XOXO
Just returned from England! We loved it and like you can’t wait to go back. I would love to win your darling prizes! Pick me, pick me! Thanks and happy Fall.
I wanna win !!!!!! Everything is lovely and your art work and photos make me smile.
Love your blog and I travel with you in my heart. I’ll be with you also at 11am on 11/11. Maybe a red paper poppie from my art room..:and for sure a cup of tea afterwards. Thanks for every drawing and photo. You scatter joy! Love. D
What a wonderful respite from the busyness of today to find your blog post – always a great read. Thanks so much for sharing.
What a beautiful post of peace and remembrance…we need that! Hope I get to journey to merry old England this spring and picnic with you. Fingers crossed. xoxo
What a touching, wonderful post. Thank you so much.
Lovely post! Have always bought little red silk poppies outside my grocery store from a vet usually set up with a card table and folding chair, his hands holding a couple of dozen poppies eager to give out along with a toostie roll candy. Makes me sad to watch people walk by trying not to notice or part with a single dollar. Do they understand it’s importance to wear them? That the money goes to our local vets! Well at least it’s assuring that the English people remember and show their respect in overwhelming numbers, I only wish Americans could be more respectful, all be wearing red poppies on 11/11 and bowing their heads at 11, what a wonderful sight that would be! I’m going to make it a point to talk it up, remind people the date is coming up, try to be enthusiastic about wanting to showing our gratitude and if that fails, buy the poppies and hand them out to all my fellow associates insisting they put them on, it’s the least they can do if they want anymore homemade breakfast bars and cookies!
I love your England stories! I do hope I can visit there someday. And your new merchandise is beautiful as always! Happy Fall 🙂
Lovely way to be reminded of Remembrance Day, here and in England. Thank you Susan for writing about the ways to remember the day.
Thanks for the little vacation jaunt to England during my lunch hour in Chicago!
Your blog just came to me just when I needed a lift. My husband of 40 years just passed a week ago so very sad I am but your house printed with all good things I will able to look forward to reminds me that I can and must go on and hopefully will find some happiness again. Bless you and thank you for being you
Claudia
I’m so sorry Claudia, words could never say. The only thing that helps me in loss is lots of deep breaths, nature, and one day at a time with love. xoxo😘
Thank you, Susan, for this beautiful post. You always remind us of the important things as we go through our daily rounds. I love “touring” with you and love all your quotes…but today’s especially….”Go. Be. Love. The Word Needs You.”….so very important in today’s world!
This is a beautiful and very touching post. It is so special that EVERYONE remembers. In our town, the American Legion sells poppies but for Memorial Day, but it’s not the day that matters, it’s the remembering. Thanks again.
Lillian
Thanks so much for a good dose of the “warm fuzzies” today. Love everything about your post .. the stories, the art, the pics, and quotes. I especially loved the quote “Feed your life from the well of sweetness” in this one. It’s obvious you do that on a daily basis which inspires us, your girlfriends, to do the same. We love you!
I go to the post office every Veteran’s Day whether I have something to mail or not. The table is set up outside with our flag attached to it. I always buy a poppy and thank the gentlemen seated at the table. My eyes fill with tears and gratitude. Most of the time it’s elderly WW11 veterans and they love to talk. I’m grateful because I appreciate what they have to say. I’m so disheartened by what is going on now in our country. I want all veterans to feel as though they haven’t served in vain. Thank you Susan for honoring them all.
Thank you for sharing this, Susan. I wish we had a tradition like that in our country. Maybe we should start one – I know it can’t be the same as theirs, but we could choose a different flower or a different symbol. What a lovely blog this is – so peaceful and full of love. Thank you for this gift today.
Every time I see a new post from you I get excited. Remembrance is so important. Thanks for reminding us.
What a beautiful and thoughtful post. As a daughter of a Korean War Veteran, I am grateful for the sacrifices made by those past and present. My Dad taught me the importance of “Armistice Day” and I shall wear my poppy in remembrance.
I definitely remember poppies being handed out on the streets and at businesses on Veterans Day when I was young. My mom still called it Armistice Day all her life.
Lovely post about the poppies. They pass them out here also, and I always get one to remember my dad (Korea), my father-in-law (WWII) and my uncle (WWII).
I loved Willard this go around and am so excited for you to visit Ireland this time, my personal favorite place in the whole world. While Joe is researching all the must-see places, have him look up Kilcullen Seaweed Baths in Enniscrone Co. Sligo. I promise if you go and do this, you will thank me! And the best meal you will ever have….at O’Neill’s The Point at Renard Point overlooking the ferry to Valentia Island. Tell them Thelma and Louise sent you! Serious!
Susan, your creativity never ceases to amaze me! Thank you for bringing such beauty into my life.
The poppy tradition is wonderful!
Susan,
WOW, what a profound post and message…I scarcely know what to say. Poppies, yet poppies – we can never forget and I hope today’s youth take this to heart to, for we need to pass this down for them to carry on too!
Thanks for your generosity with the giveaway, the plates are gorgeous and I can’t wait for the cross stitch patterns too. Thanks to a magnifying and led light, I can stitch again!!! Definite cause for celebration!
Sending oodles of love and squishy hugs,
Jeanette
I loved reading about the history of the poppy. The photos were wonderful.
I love ,love,love the poppies,and the dishes,oh my.Bless you Susan, Dawn E. Brown
Love reading the background of the poppies.
I am going straight to Pinterest, and figure out how to make red poppies! As the daughter of a Korean Conflict Air Force veteran and wife of a Vietnam War Air Force veteran, thank you for this beautiful story of Remembrance Day. Love you, Susan!
A beautiful message today. i remember buying poppies as a child from veterans who sold them outside of our church. sadly, a tradition somewhat forgotten here in the US.
Beautiful post! I tried to comment earlier on another post to be entered, but this must be the correct one. Either way, I’d LOVE to win! Have a beautiful day!
I love the way you tell stories! It makes me feel like I am there! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Lovely descriptions and photos, thank you.
I would love to win your give-away, Susan! By the way, our dog Annie died this past year at 15 years old, but from Heaven she will still give my daughter your lovely wall calendar for Christmas!
God bless, Kathy in Illinois
Thanks so much, Susan, for your beautiful blogs!❤️❤️❤️
Hi Susan
What a wonderful story about the Poppy. Love it* love the way your sweet kitchen looks now for fall. Such a beautiful post. I loved it
have a great day Susan
deezie
We, here in Canada, celebrate Remembrance Day in November with poppies as well. And usually go to the local Legion to raise a glass to all those unfortunate soldiers. Poppies are usually sold on most street corners by local air cadets. Thanks, Susan, for this wonderful giveaway. You are the best!
War is heartbreak everywhere it happens (way too much). We have a memorial to a son (soldier) who died 2 minutes before the armistice. OMG heart broken parents had a sundial erected at Allen centennial gardens at UW Madison so all would remember. It is good to know whole nations stop and remember.
Thanks for the pics and reminder. Peggy in Madison
Your blog is a bright spot on a dark, rainy day! Thank you, as always for your cheerful outlook.
Your message provides so many good thoughts and remembrances for everyone, when the news offers us nothing but negativism. Thank you for that.
Sharon in Houston
Thank you, Susan for this lovely post. Every family has been touched by war sometime in their past history. It is sad. It is senseless what people do to people. If you happened to hear news in Martha’s Vineyard about the shooting last Thursday at CSU in Fort Collins, CO, this is another example. The lone survivor of that shooting is our granddaughter Megan. We thank the Lord that she is going to be OK. She has had 3 surgeries and is still in the hospital, but she is going to be OK. Hug your loved ones and keep them close. Never forget our men and women who have served our country since its beginning. I’m going to find poppies to display in our home in their honor and continue to do so each November. Thank you again for reminding us. Love and hugs to you and Joe … and Jack.
We are so blessed to have you and your talents and inspiration for all of us. I loved your History information. Fall brings out so much hope and desires to make this land of ours the best it can be for all of us.
Thank you for this lovely blog. I look forward to seeing your name in my inbox, because I know I’m in for a special treat! Thank you for brightening my day.
I just sat down with my cup of “Autumn” tea to read my emails after a hectic morning in the ER with our daughter and one of her babies — All is Well!! I’ve been seeking a new spoon rest and was so happy to see that you will now have some available with SB artistry! Here in America we have traditions, but I think they are more fully embraced in the UK. Everything is so beautifully old there holding memories dear to the brick and mortar of each home and building. Thank you for a beautiful Willard in the UK to bring back wonderful memories!
As usual a beautiful, inspiring post. I will be looking for poppies in the next few weeks
So good to REMEMBER where we have “been” and “the sure and certain hope” we have for where we are going…to honor our heros and raise our voices of Thanksgiving! Thanks for stirring our hearts in this way.
Maybe Janie could create a Garland of Poppies for us…wouldn’t that be lovely?!!
I’ll try to remember that! Good idea Beth!
What a wonderful story! And photos🤗
Just as little bright red poppies pop with power for rembrance so this blog makes remembrance tender, honoring , takes us back yet propels us to somber caring appreciations. So sweet a prose your artworks , photos and charm of person. Gotta luv ya!
I remember my parents buying poppies here is the States too, long ago. And I think Flanders Field is in Belgium. I used to live in Belgium and that’s what we were taught.
What a lovely “Remembrance” reminder. Thank you for helping me brush up on my history that is worthy of remembering.
What a lovely tradition to hold on to and pass along to the next generation. As a child in New Jersey, I remember poppies being sold but I do not remember who was selling them.
I always love reading about your trips, especially to the English countryside.
Be well my friend and thank you for bringing joy to my life.
Loved reading about the poppies! Made me feel a little sad,because one of my Uncle’s whom I never got to meet was shot down in his plane on his way to England and is buried in English soil. So nice that the English remember the heros who fought for our freedom, and my sister Donna will have her 58th birthday on November 11! xxx Linda!
The poppies are a simple idea that causes people to stop and remember all who have gone before. We should do it here. Love your stories of England
What a moving post…thank you! So touching to see the assembled folks paying homage to the servicemen and women who sacrificed so much.
Someday I hope to make a trip to England, but in the meantime, I love seeing your wonderful photos!