REMEMBRANCE

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

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2,908 Responses to REMEMBRANCE

  1. Victoria Montani says:

    Susan, Loved reading and seeing all your wonderful pictures, artwork and stories! Just love your work< you know that by now! Id love to be entered into your give away. You are most generous! I too love the fall and enjoy it so. I am a native New Englander. I was in MV this summer and the owner of Nobnocket sent you my pic with the newest of the items I bought of yours! So much fun!! OK too much for you to read! Have a great day!

  2. Robin in New Jersey says:

    I just finished reading your Wonderful Willard. Hear my happy contented sigh…. Thank you, Susan. 🙂

  3. Julia Grayson says:

    Please enter my name for the drawing ! Loved reading Willard! Happy fall to you Susan!

  4. Eileen says:

    Hi ! Please enter me for the drawing. Hope you are well. It’s a sparkly day here.
    I’m off to try and catch a leaf in the air.

  5. Wendy DeRoche says:

    Pick me!

  6. Mary Ann, Southbury CT says:

    Dear Susan, thank you for the poppy remembrance. I will buy several this year and give to friends.

  7. Beverlee Aylmer says:

    Hi Susan
    Enter me !! Thank you for awesome photos and transporting us to a beautiful places 🙂

  8. JudyB says:

    Thank you for the history of the poppy – and for the reminder to believe in “Sure and certain hope”, Susan. Happy Fall~ Judy

  9. Barbara Lassiter says:

    Received my Willard while I was sleeping and found it this morning. I was supposed to go out to lunch with friends today, but one was sick this morning and we decided to wait ’til she could go. Instead, I’m enjoying my tea and reading Willard. This weekend, I will make Grandma’s Frosted Molasses Cookies. My family has a thing for Molasses Cookies and I have several recipes, but these sound even better than the ones I have. Instead of Grammy cookies( which all my cookies are called), we can have Great-Grammy cookies from you!
    Love your poppy stories. Let us remember and honor always! Thanks for always getting to the heart of things! 🙂

  10. Shirley Gidley says:

    With more than 2,000 comments already ahead of me, here is my entry for the Big giveaway! Love the wonderful cups!

  11. Danielle says:

    Hooray for the return of your poppy with the lovely book from your friend!
    I’m visiting England soon, for the first time. I love to read about your experiences there. 🙂

  12. Peggy Harris says:

    I love them. I would love to win. Thanks, Peggy

  13. Clare says:

    Susan, thank for you for a lovely blog entry. As usual, after “visiting” you, my vision is a little teary. xo Clare

  14. Shana says:

    I am so excited to enter for the big giveaway! I love all the items!

  15. Jeannette says:

    Love to get Willard!

  16. Sandy says:

    I’m so blessed to still have my 97 year old WWII veteran dad with me and I am so proud to be his oldest daughter!! He was the radio operator on a B-29 plane during the war and still knows Morse code!! This past Saturday he was awarded a Quilt of Valor and to say that emotions ran high would be a huge understatement but it was a day I will never forget. God Bless America!!!

  17. Pat W says:

    Happy Autumn! Would love to be sipping some tea in a brand new artsy cup whilst reading the next installment of Willard! Cheers!

  18. Georgia in Kona says:

    Hi Susan & as usual Aloha from the Big Island.
    We don’t have changes of seasons here & my years in Pennsylvania as a child, yes we had the fall & spring change of clothes. I so remember my mother saying “If only we had larger closets we’d not have to do this”. Then came California & we never did that again. She always had fall & spring cleaning though. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane about the poppies. That too was very big in Pennsylvania. They gave them out at stores & corners for a mere donation & everyone wore them. Schools also had such a respect for Armistice Day. And the city always had a parade. Such joyful memories. I so miss those mircles at this time of year with fall leaves everywhere. We’d press the pretty leaves between wax paper to seal them so we could decorate with them & they stayed vibrant for longer.
    The cups & plates are adorable & if I’m lucky enough for Vana to pick me I will cherish them all with my girlfriends. Not certain if you remember me but here’s a hint. I gave you that greenish lei in Pasadena a year ago when you were traveling the county. Joe took a picture but I have some as well.
    Well Happy Fall, Happy Halloween & blessings from my Island 🌴 to yours. 🌴
    Georgia

  19. Sidney Milstone says:

    Winston Churchill was the favorite 20th century figure for me. I admired his intelligence,
    Wit, and his compassion for the British people.His wartime speeches inspired his nation and all the allies. His portrait was on the wall of my classroom to motivate my students to “go forward together.

  20. Julie Dyle says:

    WOW! Such great inspiration! We love the art & creativity and sense of humor! We hope to win! 🙂 …The world is a better place, because you are in it, and you are using all of your creative gifts to bless us all! Bravo!

  21. Cathy Shepherd says:

    Your watercolors inspire me!

  22. Leilani says:

    What a lovely story! Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us.

  23. Nancy Fenemore says:

    Loved your “poppy” story……….As a Canadian, we too remember with the Poppy! On Nov 11th….or “Remembrance Day” as we call it, you will find in small towns and large cities all across Canada services at 11 o’clock as you witnessed in England. In Ottawa, our Capital, after the service, people take off their poppies and lay them on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.. a very beautiful and moving site!

  24. Suzanne G. says:

    Hopefully I’m not to late to register for the wonderful give away I have been a Susan Branch lover since forever. I am working on my girlfriends to follow Susan too. How can you not love everything..

  25. Julie V. says:

    Hi Susan,

    I already left a comment here for the contest….but didn’t realize until the Willard exactly what the prize was so I just had to say, thank you, and W-O-W!. And that today’s Willard hit me just right. It was sweet, beautiful, dreamy…all the feelings I want when I read what you write. Ahhhhh, so pleasant. That is all.

  26. Marilyn says:

    Your dishes look lovely. 🙂

  27. Wendy Conger says:

    SO CUTE! Pick me!! <3

  28. Jan says:

    Susan, I always feel blessed when I see a blog post from you or Willard. Please ENTER ME! Winning would be delightful, not just for me, but also for my friends! God bless you and yours! 🙂 <3

  29. Vikki says:

    My take away, your comment, “Everyday take steps towards making it happen” I love how you “make it happen” and inspire us to do so. Many Blessings!

  30. Lisa says:

    Regardless of whether I would win these wonderful dishes you have inspired,
    I already win by reading the Willard and the Heart of the Home blog.
    I am grateful for all the joy and love you bring. P. S. My BFF Karin bought me the Autumn and Vineyard cups because she knows how much I enjoy what you do.
    I am so lucky! Thank you!

  31. Deanna says:

    I’ll be wearing a poppy! Count me in!

  32. Fran says:

    Love your blog and Willard, and would love to win your beautiful dishes.
    Thank you for all you do!

  33. Tracy Kerr says:

    Oh I love when you tell us your travel stories. I saw many poppy wreaths when we were in England, even in July. Also, at the Tower of London they had a video showing how they filled the moats with ceramic poppies that people had donated, including the Royal Family. Such a beautiful remembrance…

  34. Susan P says:

    Please don’t STOP telling/writing your stories! I collect all your books and have them displayed in my guest bedroom. Because who wouldn’t love to relax with your books!!
    I do not own any China pieces you have created but would enjoy any along with giving a few at Christmas. Like you mentioned wouldn’t it be cute to make a plate of Christmas cookies on the tea pot or a piece of jewelry in the heart plate! Soooooo CUTE! I also have a male black cat with just a dot of white. He never leaves my side. Thank you for reminding all of us ,It’s a beautiful world we live in.

  35. Diana Brady says:

    Thank you for the poppy information, how humbling that little piece of paper should be. This November 11th I will be wearing a poppy and sharing what it symbolizes. Sad that we have gotten away from honoring our past. Bring back one poppy at a time!

  36. Laura says:

    Susan, I love the English tradition of wearing poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day. Can we start doing this in America? I suppose our closest occasion would be our Veterans’ Day, right? Or Memorial Day? Of course, we wouldn’t want to be seen only as copy cats. Hmmmm… I’m not sure how to properly carry this out.

    • sbranch says:

      It actually started here! But somehow it didn’t go as far as it did in other countries. I went looking this morning and found this American Legion website ~ they are trying again. In their own way. Go Here to read about it. It’s tragic to me that they don’t appear to be connecting it to Flanders Field and the miracle of the poppies after the devastation of war, not to mention they’re not doing it when our allies are celebrating. Tradition and history is more important than people realize. Kind of pulling the foundation out from under it. I’m glad they’re doing it, I get the Memorial Day part of it, but Remembrance Day is its true hearts home.

  37. Jane says:

    Oh, my, Susan! I just discovered your post so I turned off the TV, put on sweet music, and was carried back to beloved England and your wonderful Armistice Day story. One of my most memorable times of our three weeks in London was visiting the Churchhill underground which was locked up after the war and hid away until it was reopened, untouched, I do believe in the ‘80s by Margaret Thatcher. Oh, what a treat. I did not realized he was in such a humble grave beside his beloved Clementine. Now, I MUST go back. I just told my husband I wanted to go live in England but he said that it’s very expensive and that I would have to go back to work — he made it clear that he is done! (We are both retired!). Maybe it would be worth it if I could work in a pub or a bakery somewhere. It’s so very civilized and I long for that. Thank you for the information packed story. Now, I hope I will see poppy sellers in our sweet town. As always, thank you for loving all of us and taking the time to provide such joy to our days. Xoxo Jane

  38. Sharleen Engelking says:

    Thank you for bringing joy and autumn to my heart and home. Loved Willard. Love you, girlfriend!

  39. Judith says:

    Hi Susan! I’m getting ready to make your molasses cookies for a tea I’m hosting next month. My question is, do these freeze well? I will of course hold off on the icing until they are thawed. Thanks!

  40. Vicke Evans says:

    Am so thankful for your blog as it makes it easier to think on all things lovely and of a good report!!

  41. jama says:

    So enjoyed reading the story behind the poppies and Remembrance Day. “In Flanders Fields” was one of the first poems I memorized as a child. Thanks for the wonderful post and the new Willard. Nice to see all the new products!! 🙂

  42. Karen Wills says:

    I love this blog post, and I esp love your latest Willard. It is very nostalgic, and you write and draw and put it all together so perfectly.
    Thank-you for all you do.

    Karen

  43. Betty Ann Ogonowski says:

    I always catch my breath when I see your blog has arrived in my inbox. I always try and leave it for last to read because no matter the kind of day I’m having your words always seem to lift my heart. Your words touch so many of us and thank you for sharing your world with us!!

  44. Libby Massey says:

    Susan,
    Your dishes are the cutest! I’d love to win.😍
    Libby

  45. JudyCinNC says:

    A symbol of celebration in a dignified manner for all things of importance to us. I wish everyone knew the importance of your words – the poppies are our reminder to be proud we are free by giving thanks and time of remembrance to our soldiers for their sacrifice. Judy C

  46. Kathryn jenschke says:

    Please enter me in the drawing. I love to read your blogs and see the beautiful photos.
    It is almost like being there!

  47. Crystal says:

    Dear Susan, Thanks for all your wonderful stories, photos, artwork and inspiration. I am taking notes as we drive between Minneapolis and Winnipeg, Canada.

  48. Joey says:

    I wonder why the tradition of poppies on Armistice Day has been forgotten in America. When I was a child and well into my teens, poppies were everywhere and were given to people passing by on the corners of our town on Nov. 11 every year. Perhaps because it is no longer considered noble to fight for freedom or honor those who do. I think I will make myself a poppy to wear this year. Many of Americans are also buried in Flanders Field. Thank you England…for remembering.

  49. Marguerite says:

    Years ago I asked my Canadian cousin to please send me a poppy pin to wear. And I pin it on my blouse every Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day is what I always call it because remembrance and a field of poppies go beautifully hand in hand.
    All wars are horrible, but the sadness and tragedy of World War I deeply haunts me. It was to be over “by Christmas” and an entire generation of young people were lost and the world was never quite the same.
    Thank you for sharing “the wearing of the poppy” and all it stands for.

    • sbranch says:

      SO true. Such a story of loss. Our civil war was like that a bit, men rushing off to the call of the bugle, not quite realizing what they were getting into, what it takes financially ~ what kind of manufacturing of goods and what services are required to win a war. No view to the losses. It makes me happy that today we have videos of real war . . . I want it to NEVER happen again. Every mother’s son or daughter is too precious for a stumble into war. They are not fodder for some maniac’s view of himself. xoxo Sorry, I’ve worried about ww3 since I was in the 4th grade when I first learned about the possibility, ran to the bathroom in my grammar school and cried that I might lose my four brothers. I haven’t changed a bit!

  50. Kisha says:

    I love all the new items!!!!

  51. Patricia Ayala says:

    My heart is so big right now, poor thing he can barely stand it!!! Your Story fills us with so much,joy,love and a constant reminder despite it all ~It a wonderful world!~
    Thank you Susan,
    Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

  52. Edie Frasier says:

    Susan, Thank you for your remembrance of your time in England. Churchill was such a special leader and I believe the whole western world mourned his death.
    The poppies are such a sweet tribute to all who have given their ultimate to the cause of freedom. I will make a poppy for November 11th as a symbol of remembrance for all who have died defending our country.

  53. Karen Lamoureux says:

    I really enjoyed the Autumn Willard. Autumn is my favorite season. I seem to come alive, especially on those cool, crisp days. I love the autumn smells-cinnamon, pumpkin spice, cloves. Walking through the leaves and listening to them crunch under my feet is sheer heaven. I love your tribute to autumn, your art work is so beautiful. I could gaze on your work all day and be totally satisfied with life. I sure hope I’m picked to win a part of you. God bless you, Susan. Karen

  54. Linda Carey says:

    Please enter me in the drawing!

  55. Zona Wilson says:

    Scrolling through the latest delicious Willard, I was thinking how satisfying it would be to gift some of your things of beauty to some young women I’m getting to know and love. Please enter me into your drawing. Thanks for your generosity.

  56. Paula says:

    Dear Susan,

    Love your blog. Look forward to it every week. Please put my name in the drawing. I bought two of your christmas mugs…one for me and one for my sweet daughter who will be visiting soon. Hope your holidays are great.

  57. Jacquie in NorCal says:

    Thank you for the lovely inspirational watercolor at the end of this post! There have been so many tragedies lately, Harvey, Irma, Las Vegas, and our Napa/ Sonoma Fires. It’s sometimes difficult to see the light, and then in my mailbox your blog arrived, and I am lifted! Thank you ever so much!

    • sbranch says:

      I love to see your compassion Jacquie, I too feel the loss so many are experiencing. Prayers and lifting, we do what we can. xoxoxo

  58. Sarah Trayer says:

    Hi Susan 🍁🍂🍁
    Happy Fall 🍁 Thank you for your beautiful pictures and lovely comments. I agree with you that God has made a beautiful world for us to enjoy. 🍁🍂Autumn Blessings to you 🍂🍁. Sarah 🍁 Genesis 1:1

  59. Barbara A Case IN says:

    Sweet Susan,
    What a lovely find….new blog from you…..I guess I’m behind. It’s like a birthday present for me, today being my 72nd. Really made my day,
    Thank you Lord for Susan Branch Stewart Hall. Now to look for pictures of the newest goodies. Love you XO

  60. Ellen Beck says:

    Thank you for your beautiful “Remembrance” Blog! Please enter my name in your drawing, too!

  61. Laura says:

    Thanks for the Poppy reminder, Susan!

  62. Barbara S says:

    Hi, Susan, I’m enjoying my Willard while I drink tea from my “In Love with Nature” cup; I use it almost every day…love the large size and all the details on it make me happy.

  63. Alison Hamel says:

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    Picked up this crochete poppy when I was in London this past September. It was at The Imperial War Room – An underground bunker where Churchill and cabinet secretly hid during WWII and ran the British government . I will wear it with pride on the 11 November. Thank you for the lovely story Susan.

  64. Rebecca says:

    I so enjoy my travels thru your posts and blogs! Thank you!

  65. Jennifer Baron says:

    Susan Branch… you are amazing. I cannot tell you how much you have touched my personal life with inspiration, love, the desire to share ( which I have shared you with family and friends my love of your books, your story, etc!) and just a reminder for me to enjoy life… enjoy seeing a bird, scenery, a walk with a loved one, tea/coffee with a friend, art, and on and on. Thank you! Thank you for being YOU! blessings to you and yours.. jennifer Baron

  66. Kay Bennett says:

    Hi Susan,
    I love your new dishes. Just ordered a teapot plate for me and my daughter. Excited to receive them as a remembrance of your Autumn blog.
    Also a reminder for all the girlfriends out there…..my Willard keeps showing up in my junk mail. The audacity of my IPad! This is not junk! So be on the lookout ,if you haven’t received yours yet.

  67. Georgia says:

    Oh Susan, you are such an inspiration, a bright light in my life. Thank you!

  68. Jennifer Baron says:

    Hello Susan! I LOVE your new products! SO FUN!! You inspire me in that you just keep moving forward with new ideas that women will enjoy! Keep it up and keep sharing your life with all of us!! with love, jennifer baron

  69. Jennifer Baron says:

    PLEASE enter me in your contest!! :o)))) jennifer baron

  70. Becky says:

    Those red poppies! Use to wear red paper poppies when I was a little girl.

  71. Susan Eynon says:

    Thank you for this beautiful post! Your pottery is sweet, it would be wonderful to receive and give. I am now going and see if I can find a poppy! With love.

  72. Lois Rehm says:

    Susan,
    I don’t think my first message was accepted so I’m trying again. Loved your poppy message and all the remembrances and comments of the girlfriends. I’m sure all of us will have deeper awareness and appreciation come November 11th, jump started by your blog
    Peace and lessings to all,
    Loos

    • Julie Johnson says:

      When I sit to read your blog I can feel my heart rate slow, a smile grows on my face and I just enjoy the moment with you. Thank you.

  73. Dee Geroe says:

    Lovely post. I wish that we here in the United States did this.

    • sbranch says:

      I JUST looked it up, and really hardly believe my eyes. You can read about it HERE. Our American Legion just declared May 26 (2017) “Poppy Day” in the US! I think they may have forgotten to look at the history of the poppy. I’m glad they did it, but I wish we would have joined with our allies to celebrate world wide, as something to bring us together in pride. Anyway, its a good thing no matter what.

  74. Diana says:

    I really enjoyed learning about the meaning behind the poppy, so heartwarming. I’m making your Molasses cookies this weekend!

  75. Audrey.(by the sea) says:

    A beautiful post on the English Poppy and other sights of your trip.

    Williard is wonderful. Thank you!

  76. Charlotte says:

    While growing up in Chicago, small poppies would be sold on November 11th. I remember my parents wearing them on their coats. I no longer live in Chicago but in CA., where I haven’t ever seen any poppies being sold. I wonder if it was ever a tradition in CA. (maybe you would remember?) or if it is still done in Chicago. Must ask my sister.

    By the way, Southern CA is not experiencing any fall weather. So I enjoyed reading about it in the Willard.

    • sbranch says:

      I have a little poppy collection, and one of them was made in Pennsylvania. So I know we’ve had them, and from the comments, lots of places still do, but others have never heard of them, or remember them from the distant past. I think the programs must be run locally rather than nationally. We’ll all be looking for them this year.

  77. Pam Clark says:

    Please enter me!! I really enjoy your musica!

  78. Janet McCarthy says:

    I saw an English program recently and couldn’t figure out why all the characters were wearing poppies. You have answered my question. Thank you and thank you for your words or wisdom and peace. I always feel so uplifted after reading your blog.

  79. Carolyn says:

    Thanks once again for a lovely Willard and blog post. At our local airport, a kind group, welcomes home people who have served our country with flags and warm wishes and car and motorcycle cavalcades. It’s truly a feel good event!

  80. Cecilia Mèndez says:

    Hi Susan, I really enjoyed Willards and all the photos in your blog, they make me dream with the change of seasons. Here in Mexico we don`t have that, but I live all that wonder through you.
    Thank you.

  81. Nancy Elliott says:

    My daughter, Abby, and I just signed up for Willard-we are excited to get our copy. Abby is 19 years old and she is in love with all of your writings as much as I am (her 54 year old Mom). We live in S. CA. Please enter us in the drawing.

  82. Wanda Atwell says:

    Susan, you bring more happiness into my life every time I read your blog or Willard. Also your wonderful books. Thanks

  83. Nancy Jane says:

    Thank for revisiting England. What great memories.

  84. Leann says:

    Always love Willard! Keep up the good job!

  85. I have been in London and seen the Poppy remembrances . So moving. Your new products are amazing! I am so excited you are doing more homegoods. I recently found a sugar and creamer from the Lenox line and snatched it right up!

  86. DeeDee says:

    Love “Willard” and your blog! Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks.

  87. Julie C says:

    Another great blog. Very touching. Love your new dishes. They would make great Christmas gifts. Happy Halloween to all. Kisses to that handsome Jack!

  88. Old Christine says:

    Thank you for your blog. It brightens my day.

  89. Diane Trahan says:

    Thank you for the Willard! Made my day!

  90. Melody A. says:

    So teary eyed reading this post, thank you for reminding us all of such loss and it still goes on, the USA does not take care of its veterans as they should, who have paid such a price for us. anyway, as always, such beauty and goodness for the soul in your posts. Take care from Iowa

  91. Patti Eckert says:

    Ooohhhh, pick me, pick me! !

    Patti 🙂

  92. JSG says:

    I’ve received my Santa mug- love it! Can’t wait until Christmas when I can display it- or use it for hot chocolate!

  93. Nancy Grossnickle says:

    Love your Willard! Isn’t autumn magical? Love your cups and dishes. I would love to win some, please enter me to win! Hugs Nanc

  94. Deanna says:

    I’ll be wearing a poppy. Count me in!

  95. Linda... Gardnerville, Nevada says:

    Love the traditions❣️ Love Fall and all its warm colors❣️ Love your wonderful stories❣️

  96. Cheryl says:

    Loved your beautiful photos, Susan, AND your story!

  97. Ann Mueller says:

    Best to you!

  98. Marian says:

    Enjoyed the blog and Willard. I love seeing the O’Keefe and Merritt stove in your kitchen, I grew up with the same one.

  99. Sandy W. says:

    I was moved by the video you posted of the gathering on Armistice Day. It brought back memories of my great-aunts and uncles, many of whom served in World War II. Thank you for sharing these special moments.

  100. Thank you Susan,

    Appreciated the little bit of history and why we still wear poppies in Nov.

    Thankful for all your inspiration and how you brighten the world!
    ~ Kathleen

Comments are closed.