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
Dear Susan, I love reading your blog and Willard too! And I love ❤️ my English hubby from Salford (I’m American), he served 7 years in the British Royal Navy. We try to visit England yearly for reunions.
oh! my goodness! Salford is a place of importance to me…my Nana was from there! soooo glad to meet you (& your hubby!!)…..I’ve never had the pleasure of knowing anyone who knew of this place. I do know that “Eccles cakes” (a wonderful Eng. pastry) came from quite nearby….in Eccles, of course. anyway….do, please, send me a reply…maybe I could learn something of Salford. i’d love that. chris, @cons.tds.net thank you.
Hello, Susan! Thank you for this lovely post AND Willard. I cannot tell you how your words cheer me.
I am just back from visiting my daughter Elizabeth (Lizzy Miller) in NYC. She and her friend performed a cabaret at The Duplex theatre on Christopher St. this past Thursday. Such a thrill for me. Now I am back in Ohio It is hard to part, butI am counting my blessings and you are among them!
I would love to win anything!
I love your posts! They are so uplifting. Love the story of the poppies. I for one will be wearing one on 11-11. What a beautiful tradition.
Enter me please
lovely post
Hi Susan!
Another lovely blog to brighten the day… your little tea plates look adorable! I especially love the one that says “things taste better in small house”. So endearing and so true! ☺️
Hello Susan! Thank you for the recent Willard! Your oodles of new dishes and tea cups and heart plates and cross-stitch kits are ALL ADORABLE!!! So very pretty! The tea cups cross-stitch kit is a “must have” for me!!!! (Along with the red work embroidery, too!) The little heart shapes dishes are ALL precious!!!! So happy to see you are so happy this Autumn, and doing all that you enjoy!!!! Where do you get all of your energy Susan? When I saw Jack’s close up picture on your October 26th tweet, I have to tell you Susan, that furry face would be the cutest done in a cross-stitch!!!!! Can you imagine that? Take care! God Bless! Happy Halloween from crispy and chilly Dearborn, Michigan!!!
What memories this brought back to me! I’ve been there, many years ago and nothing has changed! In Canada we remember with poppies, too, and have little parades with veterans and lay wreaths at cenotaphs. A very sweet read.
Greetings from California ~ I have the Martha’s Vineyard cup and just love it.
We’re big fans of the various series on our PBS station and have watched for years. Currently also watching Poldark and we remember the previous one with Robin Ellis very well. Appreciate all you do! Keep up the great work and please enter me into your giveaway. I keep trying … one day perhaps I’ll be lucky! Nancy
Thank you so much, dear Susan , for your way of “inspiring us” to
remember and relish autumn the way you do, and not only just the way we do.
When my husband and I were first married, he talked me into moving from my part of the world in Ohio (where I was born and had always lived within 20 miles of) to Florida.While I did love Florida for its “special” things, I so missed the changing seasons. Always. After 25 years, we moved back to Ohio (now going on 11 years ago,) and I soooo enjoy the seasons…and the Fall and Winter especially. There is nothing like it!! Add in the smell of burning leaves and burning fireplaces at night and a cool glass of fresh pressed apple cider and my sweetie pie… and then YOUR adjectives and memories about it…and I think that is about as close as we can come to Heaven here on Earth.
Thank you so so much for reminding us.
There is always something to be thankful for!!
<3
I agree! If we adore the little things in life, the seasons are filled with them! More little things, more joy!
Please enter me in the drawing!
I have been waiting for your wonderful tea dishes to be finished. Ah, your dish with the quote from Hans Christian Anderson would be perfect for this 50% Dane’s heart (my Dad immigrated from Denmark). Then, it was added wish list dream with the other beautiful, touch your heart plates. Yes, please enter me in your drawing. I hope Vanna hasn’t already dived for the winner. I have been busy hosting a tea /early Christmas craft party with my four year old granddaughter. We had so much fun creating crafts with my grandchildren, daughter, nieces, and sister-in-law.
Lovely story and yes the poppy lives on … every year the American Legion Auxiliary (for a free will offering) places them “Poppies” around towns all over America to remember those lost in our wars. God Bless America
Love your blog and this wonderful chance of a super giveaway. But must gently mention that poppies and remembrance are UK wide, not just in England.
Of course, you are so right, and Australia and Canada . . . I just happened to be in England when I came upon the poppies . . . I didn’t mean to leave anyone out!
And New Zealand!
John McCrae had a beautiful way with words, much like you, dear Susan! Thank you for such a beautiful post on Remembrance…was not aware of the significance of the Poppy; have always loved it, but even more so now…love the beautiful pieces to be given away! Would love to be a lucky recipient!
I just feel like I am there with you and Joe in England, I will definitely add Churchill’s grave to my next trip. Thank you thank you thank you
Thank you for writing about the poppies and sharing you phtotos. It’s inspired me to accumulate my own little red bouquet. Each time I see someone selling poppies in front of the store in Nivember I’ll purchase one in both honor and memory of those who have served.
Thinking about you out there with hurricane force winds, 82 mph in Mashpee, MA. Hope you don’t lose any trees. We were supposed to depart Maine today, but power is out all along the coast and trees down all over. All the girlfriends are chewing their nails, waiting to hear from you. And that’s hard to do with your fingers crossed.
Love to all who may be dealing with this
Debbie, still in Maine
Sorry for what you’re going through ~ we’ve been lucky. We only had a bit of wind, and electricity has been on the whole time (at least as far as we know, Joe’s clock was blinking when we woke up, so we’re not sure, but everything was working when we got up). Drive carefully Debbie, it should all be okay by tomorrow.
Knitting socks in the wind and the rain and blessed to be here.
Growing up in New York I remember seeing the paper red poppies.Then
I moved to California and forgot all about them until I read your blog. Thank
you for the nice reminder. Your new products are delightful.
.
Love, love the beautiful new dishes! And love, love your posts. xox
Thank you! My husband and I almost moved to MV twice years ago. We both still harbor regrets that we didn’t! Would it be pure magic to bring our children (10 & 8) between Christmas and New year?
Yes, I do believe it would!
That’s what I thought, looking for a place to rent! Thank you !
Thank you for the lovely background information and pictures about the significance of the poppy! Beautiful!!
Enter me please, I would love them forever!
Dear Susan,
Again a ‘erg mooie’ blog. Lots of love from the Netherlands! Vanna pick me! smile smile. love from Willemien
This brought back lovely memories when our small town in the mid-west held a memorial every Novemeber 11th and red paper poppies were worn. Thank you for the memory!
A beautiful post. It is good to remember and give thanks to those who gave so much. As a military mom and Nana I thank you.
I don’t think my comment came up. I searched for it, so here I am again.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for just being wonderful.
Oh my, what a beautiful set of dishes that whisper “snuggle with me and some tea” 🙂
Oh Susan, what a glorious blog and Willard! Jack does not look happy sitting on that map, thinking, NOT AGAIN!!!! Pete is certainly having an intense conversation with bunny! Love your cups and dishes, and the warmth coming to us from your cosy home on the island!
Love to you, Joe and Jack!
Jeannie
Chirp chirp!
Thanks for sharing all your kitty pictures!
Yes I do want to enter! Pretty Please!!!
Love the blog. Can’t wait for the new Willard. Happy fall!
Loved your blog! We visited the English Countryside last May and wish we had
seen Winston Churchhill’s grave! What a treasure! Thanks
I love the new embroidery kits!! Adorable. Enter me! 🙂
I love to read your blog and the Willard newsletter as well. Thank you for offering a giveaway of your beautiful dishes and treasures.
I just opened my order of your cups — 4 in all. I received them months ago, and wanted to savor the experience of opening them. They are so lovely on my bookcase of cookbooks.
Oh my goodness!!!! Wondering if you “savor the experience of opening” your Christmas gifts by waiting until the first day of spring?! I have a friend who won’t open my Christmas gift to her until Christmas morning even when we are having a pre-holiday lunch celebration together. I must admit that I have NEVER searched for hidden Christmas gifts or peeked into wrapped gifts…not even as a child! Special packages ARE special packages. Cheers to your Guinness-book-of-records patience and joy while waiting to open the treasures from Susan Branch. Unbelievable!
LOL, Joe will do that sometimes too, I end up having to open his presents, because I am the opposite!!! I’m terrible with curiosity! Christmas almost does me in!
Your blog always brightens my day. And, that I live on the central coast in Arroyo Grande makes it even more interesting. Still miss your little store in the Village.
Very interesting to learn about the poppies. Please do enter me in the drawing.
This was a most beautiful post to remember and honor those who have sacrificed. Thank you. I am excited about your new dishes; I would love to win. Please enter me into the drawing. Williard was wonderful as well. Thanks for all that you do.
Lovely Willard! Please enter me as well
Wishes for Dishes!!!
Churchill was a man born for his role and the world owes him a debt of gratitude. Yes poppies and they are everywhere, I always buy one in honor of the men in my family who have fought for the USA since my Grandpa fought with G. Washington at Valley Forge.
Did you know Churchill once referred to his wife, Clementine, as ““She-whose-commands-must-be-obeyed”? Amusing! What a formidable couple!
This is the sign of a good husband! Also, he built a playhouse for his daughter with his own hands. Thats 2!
Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks.
Love all your stuff and would be thrilled to win anything!
Susan—–
I love your blog and Willard.
I miss your old shop in Arroyo Grande, Ca, However, I do plenty of shopping
by phone.
Please enter me in the drawing.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for this beautiful tribute to all Veterans. I loved learning about the poppies. I visited England last April 2016 for the first time and spent time in London, Oxford and North Hampshire. Your books and blogs have inspired me to want to return and visit more of the English countryside. I’m also following you on Twitter now and enjoying your words of hope and encouragement. Thank you.
Willard was a joy to read. Your Musica adds such a sense of nostalgia and relaxation to the moment. And the recipes are sweet gifts! Autumn is truly my favorite time of year. You capture its essence in your writing and pictures. Yay!
I had a wonderful experience ordering mugs from your website in September. I received a phone call from a sweet young lady who was able to improve my original order beyond my wildest hopes. Wonderful customer service!
And finally, my sisters and I stopped at the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo again and found more treasures of yours to spoil ourselves with (calendars, Christmas cards, an adorable print called “Reasons to go on Living”, and more).
Thank you for sharing your talent and for helping us to continue to see the beauty and whimsey and love all around us.
Stephanie
Thank you so much Stephanie!
Susan—–
I love reading your blog and Willard.
I miss your old shop in Arroyo Grande, however I manage to do plenty of shopping
by phone.
Please enter me in the drawing.
Double, Double,
Toil and Trouble.
Fire Burn, & Cauldron Bubble.
-William Shakespeare
Happy Halloween!!!
round about the cauldron go; in the poison’d entrails throw, toad, that under cold stone, days and nights has thirty-one. swelter’d venom sleeping got, boil thou first i’ the charmed pot. double, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble. fillet of fenny snake; in the cauldron boil and bake; eye of newt and toe of frog, wool of bat and tongue of dog. adder’s fork and blind worm’s sting, lizard’s leg and owlet’s wing; for a charm of powerful trouble, like a hell-broth boil and bubble. double, double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble. Shakespeare, Macbeth act IV scene I Happy Halloween. my favorite play and quote…… trick or treat hugs…. 🙂
Lovvvvve it!
I couldn’t resist, Kimberly started it by quoting the beginning and I had to throw in my favorite part, wouldn’t have been Halloween otherwise. 😉
Thank you, your Willard’s always put a smile on my face!
Another heartfelt post Susan – thank you. Memories of my Dad when the poppies appear around Veteran’s Day. He wore his proudly and served this country bravely in WW2. He and Mom encouraged me and my siblings to always have a poppy of our own. A tradition to this day.
Your new pottery items are lovely!
Because of your wonderful blog, I got up the courage to DRIVE in Ireland! My daughter and I spent 10 days in October, and it was so much fun. We saw so much of the beautiful countryside and could stop whenever we wanted. We even experienced Hurricane Ophelia, snug in the Trim Castle Hotel.
Cannot wait to follow you and Joe next May!
Good for you Lynn! Brave girl!
Lovely, Lovely- both the blog post and the Willard (and the new dishes!).
Yes, please, if it isn’t too late for an opportunity, I’d love a chance to win!
Please enter me! Yay! Happy fall!
I’m entering for my Mother in Law!
A centenary year! Many poppies for all! Please enter me in the drawing for the lovely ceramiker!
Susan~ Willard arrived just when I was in need of “him.” I sat down the other day, with a cup of tea, and warmed my heart and tummy. And. NOW. Today. Love the start to my week!
Oh, I so do remember wearing poppies on Armistice Day/Veteran’s Day when I was younger. I MUST go on a search this year.
Sweet post!
~Marie
Love your post! I would love to see Winston Churchhill’s grave. I love seeing all the poppies. I especially love the poppy wreath someone made. Please enter me if it’s not too late!
Not too late, right on time!
I finally got to sit down and read Willard. Loved it! Love all the beautiful creations. Requested the Winter mug from Santa. Beautiful. Being from Canada i enjoyed reading about Remembrance Day. I must catch up with a few entries on your blog. Happy Halloween Susan and all girlfriends!!
Here in Phoenix it has been in the high 90s. Not very fall like. Today it finally dropped to the mid 80s and honestly, I feel like putting up my Christmas tree just to make my space feel cozy. Willard was a welcome read and helped create a little bit of autumn spirit. Thank you!
I just love reading about your stories, seeing the pictures. Your illustrations are so beautiful.
A wonderful post, Susan. I did not know about this tradition. Have you ever been to see the California poppies in the Spring? They are orange here, not red, but the fields of them are amazing. Thank you, as always, for sharing your amazing adventures.
I have, especially one memorable time at Montana de Oro when they covered the hills and were mixed with lupin … it was so beautiful I never forgot it.
Lovely, It is October 30th and I just had my last chemo treatment today! I have a great support team of husband, son and his wife, family and the best girlfriends, we call ourselves THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF OJAI, and we are – some of friends since school days others….well we are “empty nester Mira Monte PTA Moms” who have children now in their 30’s that felt they needed to become adults! ahahahaha…….. You are an inspiration of happiness that I have visited over these long months of treatment! I have my 2018 calendars and cant wait to start filling in the clean boxes!!!!! I have been a fan from Ojai since my sister in law sent me your first cookbook, first edition, how many years ago, from Falmouth Mass!
I’m so happy you are DONE, you must feel like the weight of the world is lifted. Congratulations Debbie, YOU DID IT!!!!
Oh how I enjoy receiving Willard. It is a bit of sunshine in my day. Enter me….I missed the Autumn mug made me sad. I love all things Susan Branch. Happy Harvest to you and Joe.
I loved your pictures and information about the poppies to commemorate WWI in England. Someone may have already mentioned this, but in Kansas City there is a WWI museum. Inside, visitors cross a glass bridge suspended over a symbolic Western Front poppy field. There are 9,000 poppies, each representing 1,000 deaths in WWI. It’s a beautiful and sobering sight. It made me recall my mother reciting the first few lines of Flanders Fields when I was a little girl in New York and asked about the veterans selling paper poppies to wear.
Hello Susan, thank you for sharing your story! I recently painted poppies on a whitewashed frame for a wedding gift, so I can understand the attraction to poppy flowers. Take care!
The veterans in my childhood town in MA still sells poppies to wear on your lapel on November 11. I did not know the significance until I visited the WWI museum in Kansas City and looked across the field of Poppies. Thank you for the great tribute.
The lovely poppies…such a symbol of remembrance…all Britons showing solidarity in their respect for the fallen and the history that it all represents. We visited the Churchill War Rooms in London when there a few years ago…and learned a lot about the man. Thank you for this reminder to pause and reflect.These times are so different…in the lack of traits that make a person have character…am waiting for someone to wake up and help our country.
It’s got to be us. xoxo
Just saying hello and entering. Thanks for the chance.🌹
Hi Susan,
As you might remember, I’m the Ginny that moved to Texas (and you helped me survive), from Canada where we had lived for the last 35 years (but are native Southern Californians like you). Anyway, in Canada, they are big on the poppies too and everyone wears one in November. We called it “Remembrance Day” in Canada and all the kids learn the Flander’s Field poem in school. Canada participated earlier and longer in the First World War and being so recently part of the British Commonwealth, I think they feel more aligned with England. (People still have pictures of the queen in their living rooms there!) Anyway, I loved how you shared about it. Good to keep these heroes in our collective memory!
In sure and certain hope, Ginny
Thank you for your wonderful post. So good to take time to remember the sacrifices and service of so many. I always appreciate learning more about history. It’s so interesting!
My Scottish grandfather was so very fond of Churchill. He quoted Churchill often. He had a whole set of “Churchill’s Memoires” that he had read from cover to cover. Sadly they were left behind in Scotland when he moved to Canada. Many times over the years I’ve thought about how I wished he had brought them with him and that our family still had possession of them. He moved to Canada in the 1960’s, so the books would have been quite old. His father was in the 1st world war and died of the Spanish flu, leaving behind a wife and 7 children. I think she may have been pregnant at the time. My cousin in Wales talks about the hardships my great grandmother endured and how she had such a strong faith to get her through. Thank you for showing us Churchill’s gravesite. It meant a lot to me.
Family history is SO interesting, so wonderful. You are lucky to know so much … it’s so much easier to see who we “are” with that kind of foundation. xoxo
Thank you Susan for the wonderful post about Rememberance Day and significance of the poppy. Growing up I remember the poppies being sold on street corners. Sadly I don’t recall this happening in recent years, because of my lack of attention. This Veterans Day I will be looking for them to buy and will take the time to remember those who fought for us.
Hello from Southern Calif. Love the little dishes; they look perfect for a few cookies or snacks for sharing. I sometimes add a few small dog treats on our snack dishes to be handed to our dog so he feels included.
Also, I am really enjoying my Autumn cup. I was able to get one from the second batch thanks to one of your customer service girls who was so helpful. I love the design on this cup and the smaller size works perfect for me.
Will be looking forward to future holiday blogs. But first…Happy Halloween !
I love reading your blog and Willard! They are like a letter from a friend!
I just love trips to England with you!
Thankyou so much for taking me with you and also for your Willard. They bring so much joy. Xxx
This writing is simply gorgeous, if writing can be gorgeous. Loved learning about the poppy fundraiser and the “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, and silence is observed to honor those who were lost.” Wow — could you create something like that for our country to contribute to the care of our veterans where ALL the funds go to the USA for that? Think on what USA symbol would be, every one who reads this and send your ideas along to Susan Branch!!!!
Thank you Cindy … I Googled the Veteran’s Administration to see what they did with the poppies, and apparently as of last year, they have assigned it to Memorial Day, in May. I did write them and say, Poppy = Flanders Field = 11th hour, 11th day, 11th month. But so far, I’ve heard nothing back. No matter when it is, I will love it, but I wish they would hold to tradition … sometimes I think we forget what tradition does for the human spirit. xoxo
sooo beautiful..My Dad fought in WW11..Normandy and Battle of the Bulge..They still give out poppies in my little town. You are such a Blessing! Hope I win!!
Happy Halloween Susan! Thank you for your blog and your Willard newsletter! You always inspire me with your thoughts and outlook on the world. Thank you for sharing! ❤️Nicole
What a lovely tradition. I love the picture of the house near the end with the fall-colored vines!!
Hello Susan! Love your posts and your latest Willard was especially beautiful. Love your newest cups, plates and dishes, not to mention embroidery and counted cross-stitch kits. I definitely must have the tea cups cross-stitch kit. Thank you for your magic with words and watercolors! Happy Halloween!
I always enjoy your posts! I was inspired to check the Cunard website and see how much it would cost for a dream trip to England. Best be saving up! Thanks for sharing your poppy story!
It’s interesting that you can travel on the ship relatively inexpensively … and what you pay includes everything. Plus no matter how expensive or inexpensive your stateroom is (which you are hardly ever in!) everyone has the same full use of the ship. Hope you can do it someday Jill!
I love this! A simple common flower to unify and remind us of so very much. It’s quite powerful and beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I think I’ll be joining our English brothers and sisters on November 11 with my own red paper poppy.
Happy Halloween Susan, Joe, and Jack!! I so love everything about
your blog and Willard and everything I see on your twitter post.
I loved your artwork of your friend Rachel and her dog Alice. To me,
it was just perfect!! Thank you for a chance for your giveaway. They
would make such lovely Christmas gifts for special family and friends!!
Love you, Susan L.
I think it is wonderful that you are introducing people to sewing with your darling treadcount embroidery kits. Many young women today don’t know the enjoyment one gets from working on and finishing a beautiful piece of hand work, be it embroidery, knitting or needlepoint. Thanks for teaching the younger generations all the beauty and satisfaction of decorative sewing.
It’s the mom’s and grandmas that do the real work . . . what children learn while young, they love all their lives. Such a gift to give. xoxo
Always a happy day with Susan!
Happy~Halloween Sweet~Sue & Joe & Jack! 🙂 Wishing You A Very Magical!Halloween & Have #Fun With All Those Trick~Or~Treaters…. #Tonight! Eat~Drink~And~Be~Very~Scary!!! xoxo #Boo! #Poof & Trick~Or~Treat Tonight…We~Fly~~~~ #Whooooooosh! 🙂 😉 🙂 (& An Early~RabbitRabbit For November….OMG!!!) 🙂
Oh how I L❤️VeD learning more about Armistice Day and the Poppy!
Lovely remembrances, thank you so much! I made a hot cup of tea, sat down with it, was so enthralled with this blog and all the comments, I now have a cold cup of tea! Looking for Joy every day now, and I just found some….here! Thank you my dear! God Bless You, for always being here, especially on needy days! Great blog! xoxo
wishing everyone a Happy Halloween. hope you all have a hauntingly good time. BOOOO 🙂
Loved thus entry. I’ve been on vacation and hadn’t had a chance to read your latwst post. Have a lively day.
Love all the new items! Hope to get some soon!
Hi! Susan!
Just finished reading A Fine Romance and loved every second of it!
Happy Halloween to you and Joe and the House that will make many children happy tonight.
Best wishes and thanks for the inspiration!! :))
Christy Coy
Hilton Head Island, SC
Thank you Christy! xoxo
What a grand idea the English have! Remembrance Day and all those
beautiful red poppies. So unique! I loved this blog, Susan, so beautifully
written and illustrated with photos. Thank you.
Happy Halloween, Susan! 🙂
In Canada, we honour November by wearing poppies too!
So love your blog!!!! Would love to win anything from you!
Thank you !
Thank you for the wonderful, inpiring blog! I love your happy gene 🙂 Please enter me in the drawing.
Love your new line of mugs and dishes. Please enter me in the contest.