Hiiii! We’re home!! MUSICA? Yes! It’s great to be here, and we had a WONDERFUL time in California! It was soooo good to see everyone. And I did bring home that special giveaway I promised ~ you’ll find it at the bottom of this post . . . but W A I T, don’t go yet . . . because getting home was the BEST. Here we are racing toward New England in our train room with awesome view . . .
. . . Hoping the whole way that we might still have some leaves on our trees. It was the end of October and normally by then they’re gone. But the way things were looking, we were thinking m a y b e . . . 🍂 🍁🍂🍁
Speeding through upstate New York, I was heartened by the color! Nothing like leaf-peeping from a train window.
We got off the train on Sunday in Albany, rented a car (so we could make the last ferry to the Island that same night) and drove through the gorgeous Berkshires, feeling more and more positive there would still be leaves on our trees at home.
We made the last boat but didn’t get home until after 10, so we couldn’t SEE the trees! Sleeping that night, when we finally got in our very own bed for the first time in a month, was as exciting as the night before Christmas! Would there still be fall when we woke up?
Dawn, from our bedroom window, assurance, and every dream come true.
I raced from window to window upstairs . . .
And down . . .
Then out to the side garden . . .
And around the house to the back . . . soooo
Then all the way back for the long view! Fall waited for us! Leaves blowing down, chill in the air, smell of the sea, sound of the ferry horn, church spire to the sky, sturdy house that has seen it all, everything that says Home. Thank you God. Ommmmm.
My own kitchen, and no noise or rocking, just me and the benevolent ghosts of time gone by. And since I’d done a lot of decorating before we left, we were pretty much ready!
AHHHHHHHH…. Home ~ our bed is pure heaven, cold rooms at night, snuggled under covers, mooshing the comforters around my ears, dragging my cozy flanneled legs out in the morning, stuffing my feet into wool slippers, throwing on an old sweater, padding down the stairs, Jack leading the way, tail high in the air, filling the tea kettle, deciding which cup. We are sitting, and we are staying. So this was Monday, our first day home. On Tuesday the dining room curtains came. On Wednesday it was Halloween. So let’s start with the curtains! Ready?
And of course, I know what you’re waiting for, in the category of “everything that says Home,” Jack, furry soft petty-pet and perfect decor. He seemed really happy to see us. Presented himself upside-down, in wiggle formation, for belly rubs, and gave me a very Loooooong forehead butt, a meeting of the minds, the brain exchange. So here are the new curtains for the dining room. And where does Jack choose to sit?
On them. And why not. King of the World can do no wrong. Reunited and it feels so goooood! 🎶 He’s still my shadow, he still brings back the hair ties, he still cuddles next to me when I read. Now Joe and I aren’t going anywhere for the next year and a half, we are 
I peeled Jack off and we hung the new curtains . . . (Jessica, who made them, with Lowely, my darling friend and neighbor)
And so voila, here they are! What do you think? I’m thinking the flowers make up for the ones we lost when we took the wallpaper down.💞
I’ve wanted “real” English curtains for sooooo long! They make you feel like you live on the inside of a marshmallow! We are now padded head to toe. I couldn’t wait for dark so I could light the candles!
They’re extra cozy because they’re completely lined in heavy flannel (just like the ones in England). They keep your house warm too.
Okay. So here was the problem and the reason I waited so long to show you the living room. I know you won’t think of this as a “problem.” With problems like this who needs enemies? Or whatever that phrase is. These are the curtains we got before we left and I’ve been pondering ever since. They are also very beautiful, thick and cozy, but for me, for the House of Creativity, for US? They feel a little much.
A wee bit too Duchess of Devonshire. I adore the fabric and love the pillows Jessica made to match, and I love the curtains too, they are glorious, but I was afraid after a while I might start doing the circular queen’s wave when I leave the house.
So we tried to tone it down (ps, they look pink in this photo, but they are really a soft beige with pink hydrangeas) . . . the first thing we did was take the decorative trim off the hems of the valances. Which softened things a little and took away some of the formality. This old house is your basic farmhouse with a barn and uninsulated pantry, the bathroom used to be a “three-holer,” and there are rooms you have to walk through to get to other rooms (i.e., no hall). It’s not a fancy house. It has “good bones,” as a dear friend said a long time ago, and also that New England simplicity I love. You have to give a house what it wants. And I try. But I think my imagination was bigger than my stomach, or what ever that saying is.
So next we tried removing the valances all the way. And I liked it SO MUCH BETTER. Back and forth we went, throwing out ideas, me, Joe, Jessica, and Lowely, with the tape 
measure, up the ladder, down the ladder, measure and pin and hold it up, stand back to see what it looks like, what if we get rid of the floral chairs? What if we change the lampshades? No stone was left unturned . . . and what we sort of decided is to keep the valances but bring them down so they aren’t all the way up to the ceiling, and then shorten the valance skirt by about 6 inches so it just covers the wood trim at the top of the window, to the first panes of glass. Make the valances lower and shorter is basically what we decided. And the other end of the room?
Here they are, the same fabric, but these are simpler and quieter.
Maybe I’m just bad at change! But I have to say, we’ve now been living with them for six days, and they’re growing on me. Most of my life I’ve made my curtains, so I’m used to unlined, crooked, half finished, a bit wrinkled, mostly made out of tablecloths, which is probably the problem! These are too good!
Jessica also made me a curtain for the guest room . . . Which I LOVE. Just a simple little thing, and pillows to match with a tiny blue and white stripe piping.
Just sweet and simple.
So then it was time to get ready for our Halloween party!
It was a pot-luck Halloween neighborhood Open House we were having, after the trick-or-treaters had gone home. Lowely brought cold slaw, Martha made a big pan of Corn Pudding, Carol brought a bowl of Dry Bones, Jaime came with a big green salad, and Barbara brought Brownies. I made Touchdown Chili and
A Pumpkin Trifle
Broken up chocolate cake on the bottom, then pumpkin mousse, then crushed oreo cookies, whipped cream, more chocolate cake, and more pumpkin mousse with a Hershey’s Syrup spiderweb on top!
While I was doing that, my boyfriend for life was outside in the driveway on that perfect fall day, carving away!
Making my favorite star pumpkins for our front porch.
offering me pumpkin seeds . . .
I came back in and did the dishes . . .
. . . then watered plants to stuff into baskets for arrangements for the house, swept the leaves off the porches . . . made sure all the votives and candle holders were filled . . . put Jack’s food and toys upstairs and locked him in our bedroom where no Halloween Cat thieves could find him . . .
We lit the fire,
And lit our ghost in the upstairs window . . . Casper is our “neighborhood watch,” he has a great view all the way up the street.
Bowls were filled with candy ~ We had hot spiced-cider for the moms and dads. We were READY! Bring on those kids! And here they come!
I love this tradition. Parents bringing their kids, waiting behind them, most of them in costume too … Look at this pink princess . . . Adorable or what?
We have friends who live so far out in the country they don’t get any trick-or-treaters ~we invite them to our house to give out candy at our door ~ we share the wealth ~ because, we definitely get kids! From all over the island . . . we are one of the few neighborhoods where the houses are close enough together for kids to get to without walking a mile in the dark! Halloween is huge on our island.
Is it ever! Early in the evening, at dusk, they’re very young, some even babies, in the cutest costumes, cows, and trees and bunnies, oh my!
As the night gets darker, the kids get older . . .
We stop them to take their picture, and they put up with our 10,000 questions!
By 6:30 our neighborhood is in full Halloween mode. The police close down the streets to cars. It’s not just us, up and down our street and around the corner, its a mad house! 🍁
I got my camera and came around out front to take photos of the door … loved the tree shadows on our house from across the street, whoooo! To see the pumpkins Joe made, I had to wait until the everyone moved aside . . .
Which took a little while . . . everyone running in the dark, superheroes and angels, clowns and unicorns, with bags of loot, laughing, chewing tootsie rolls and eating M&Ms!
Other than the one partially finished pumpkin I saw when Joe was doing them, I hadn’t seen what he’d done. I looked at that one in the middle! Whaaat?
And I got closer, laughing all the time. Went inside and Joe got a big KISS for this good surprise! Doing his part to make a cuter neighborhood, and a better world!
We had about thirty people for Chili dinner, and I was so busy eating and talking (receiving compliments on my new curtains!!!) I forgot to take pictures, but it was wonderful seeing everyone (remember, we just got back!) and it ended in the living room, where a girlfriend with a ukulele played while the dregs of the party (which would be us and some neighbors), had a sing-along. 🎃 It was a wonderful ending. And since it’s party season, here are a few ideas to make giving a party a bit easier. No matter if it’s a small party or large, formal or casual, Thanksgiving, tea party, book club, or election night party.
And, speaking of election night parties . . . Here are some delicious recipes, all tried and true, perfect for a roller coaster ride which this night is bound to be. Won’t it be FUN when
it’s over? Then we’ll all live with the results and can stop thinking about it for a while. And then we’ll get to do it all over again in two years! Politics seems to be America’s newest sport! I remember when I was in high school, I didn’t even know what I was! Or anyone else. I think my mom was a Republican and my dad was a Democrat, but they never argued and they both LIKED IKE! ‘Course the two political parties were 100% different then, and we didn’t have as much to worry about as kids do now, we were safe at school. It was a simpler and I would say a rather happier time. One of the many, many things on which we are all in perfect agreement, we all LOVE to eat . . . so let’s start HERE:
Yummy, from my Autumn Book . . . in case you have it at home, otherwise you can print this out!
These recipes are from Heart of the Home . . .
Wonderful spiced nuts from my Autumn Book . . .
. . . which I just made! I use them all season long!
Deliciousness from Heart of the Home. We’re going to my girlfriend Lowely’s house on Tuesday night to watch the results come in, I’m bringing Cheese Bites!
Opened my eyes from meditation, and across from where I was sitting, Jack was asleep on the sofa. 
I got the evil eye when I put the camera close . . . I SEE YOU, it says in green technicolor.
When we were in California, I picked up a box of my mom’s papers to bring home ~ I went through some of it this morning ~ it was a treasure trove! Saved birthday cards, old letters my grandma wrote, yellowed birth certificates and fancy engraved marriage licenses, hand-written report cards, and certificates of baptism, priceless to my mom, and priceless to me. Above, is a 91-year-old brushed LEATHER ribbon-tied folder with gold lettering, four pages of names and this . . .
. . . my Grandma’s Sioux City, Central High School Diploma from 1927. That’s her, below, on the left. Her class graduated only three weeks after Lindbergh flew the Atlantic non-stop to France! Those 
kids must have felt like their generation was going to own the world! Just a few days after they graduated, Lindbergh’s ticker tape parade was held in New York, which they listened to as a family on a radio the size of a refrigerator. I’m sure my grandma and all her 18-year-old girlfriends shortened their skirts, bobbed their hair, and danced the “Lindy,” . . . they were teenagers during the Roaring Twenties, Calvin Coolidge was president, F. Scott Fitzgerald was the literary star, The Jazz Singer came out in 1927, the first movie with sound! Only two years later, when she was 20, the Great Depression started. She’d already had one World War to deal with as a child. The cards were being dealt. Life was unfolding. And before she fell asleep in her house with a music room on the 3rd floor and nine brothers & sisters, she listened to the most popular song of 1927. I love history, and picturing people in their times. My Grandma shared the planet with Mark Twain for two years. She shared it with Anne Frank, and then she shared Anne Frank with me.💞 Now I have her diploma.
And this! It’s my great grandmother’s 1925 application to join the Martha Washington 
Chapter of the Daughters of the American 
Revolution in Washington, DC. Four pages of family names, births, and deaths back to 1710, all in her lovely handwriting … with “Ancestor’s Services” that tells that her 5th great grandfather (and I guess my 7th), Captain Asa Foster of Andover, Massachusetts, was appointed in 1765 to “oppose the arbitrary measures of the British Government.” Eeeek. My grandma had given me a copy of this when I was in my 20s (part of my dreamscape for New England before I’d ever been here), but it was very different to hold the real thing in my hands. After recently reading a biography of George Washington (Ron Chernow), I 
realized just how dangerous it was to come out against your government back then. If they’d lost (and there was no reason on EARTH they should have believed they could win against the British Empire!), they would have all been hanged! But hey, ya gotta do what ya gotta do and he believed in his cause. His son Abiel graduated from Harvard in 1756, was a minister who represented New Hampshire in the first Congress. I could write a book about these people! We found both of their graves, in Old North Parish Burying Ground in North Andover and in the Canterbury Cemetery in New Hampshire.
And this little slip of paper was in there too, written in my great grandfather’s hand, showing the 
dates of birth for his parents (my great, great grandparents), and their children. I met Merrill James 
Orr, born in 1871, the man who wrote this, the father of my grandma ~ that’s him holding me, my mom’s on the right, my grandma’s on the left. I feel the generations behind me, and I see younger members of my family going on into the future. Such a connection. And the threads of that connection go on and on, out in all directions. Pretty soon, as you research your family tree, you start thinking you’re related to EVERYONE. Then you get your DNA done and find out you absolutely are!
And now it’s my turn to save little old pieces of paper, tiny fragments of a lifetime of memories. I guess I got that from them! 💞 Like here, in the England diary I’m now illustrating and rewriting in my “good 
handwriting.” You can just imagine how much I revel in the magic I feel when I write, spellbound in the dream of it (hours and clocks mean nothing), about the history we found in Enchanted England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. My pages will be peopled by spirits of the past, Winston Churchill, Beatrix Potter, Jane Austen, hill forts, stone circles, and fairy winds . . . all that and Rachel too! I’ll do it as the leaves blow, as the snow flies, as the cat naps, and when the daffodils come again, I’ll still be here in my old house, fireplace glowing, shawl pulled tight, pen noises scratching, paint brush ringing on the side of the water dish I bought in Disneyland before I knew I could paint, Jack at my side, living the dream with my boyfriend for life, loving the road, because
I kept Joe’s pumpkin for our front window . . . like keeping a light on! Never forget our fathers and grandfathers fought for this right, so that today, no matter how we came to this country, we get a say in the kind of government 
we want. It was EVERYTHING to them, their lives were on the line, and there’s nothing quite like it in the world. The right to vote. Honor our ancestors. Go vote, and take someone with you. Don’t think you don’t know what you’re doing, because believe me, you probably know more than most! The world has fought for civility since time began, fought to overcome human nature prone to barbarism, it hasn’t been easy, but despite all, we keep bringing it forward, so families everywhere can live in peace and prosperity. They’ve told us that we have nothing to fear but fear itself, and proved it time and time again. Because we can solve all problems when we come together. I know they’ve made it hard to tell truth from 
lies, the water has been muddied, even on Facebook, where we put our family photos, and share recipes! But it’s not impossible. No source is perfect but we can find a balance. When I have specific questions, I go to websites like Politifact, a Pulitzer Prize-winning fact-finding website. They can answer almost any question, “Did such and such REALLY happen, Did he REALLY say that, Does America have open borders, What is the Caravan made up of, Which members of Congress take money from the NRA, Who IS (fill in the blank)” ~ even old questions, like “Did Iraq have weapons of mass destruction, what was the Fairness Doctrine, what happened when the banks failed?” On and on, they have researched it all. Huge help for lovers of history like me.
“All shall be well, all shall be well, all manner of thing shall be well.” 💞Julian of Norwich, the first woman in recorded history to write a book. And aren’t they the perfect words!
SO, we’re going off for a walk to the water, but before we go, as promised, last but not least, NEXT Saturday, Joe and I hop on the ferry to the Mainland for the day, where I’ll be at the West Falmouth Library answering questions, signing books, and reading the first chapter of Enchanted, just like I did at the Apple Farm in California. If you’re coming, or even if you’re not, click here and please print out this name tag/bookmark. Write your name on the bottom so we’ll know each other! And yes, for everyone who’s going to be there, you each will be getting a copy of your own first chapter. I’m sorry tickets for this event are sold out, but I promise I’ll be out again in the future, and we can try again. And if you remember, waaaaaaay back when I started this post, I promised YOU a giveaway! So here she is! To win, just leave a comment at the bottom of this post (you’ll see tiny gray words that say, “comment” ~ click there and say hello, and you will automatically be entered. And if your name is chosen, you will receive your very own signed copy of the first chapter my new book!
In fact, Kellee made me FIVE 23-page booklets, all just for you💞 . . . so, this time, there will be five winners! Yay!!! I hope one of them is YOU!
I wanted to start at The Beginning with a love story, like I did with A Fine Romance, so I did! I hope you enjoy it!
That’s it for today darling girlfriends. I shall return! Have a luv-lee evening. Keep the home fires burning!
So glad you and Joe had a safe train ride across the country to find your trees still ablaze with Autumn colors. Welcome home. Enjoy all the upcoming holidays.
Welcome back Susan and Joe – so glad you got back in time to enjoy the beautiful fall colors 🍁🎃🍂 my favorite time of year . I love seeing pictures and hearing all about Jack – makes me miss and reminisce about my 19 year old Peak- A-Boo whom I lost two years ago 😢
Enjoy being home 🏡
We never get over it do we. Every time I walk past the kitchen door I automatically look out the window to see if Man Kitty is waiting to come in!!! He went to heaven almost 20 years ago. I had him for 20 years. A very close friend of mine. I hope you have a new kitty bringing you joy. xoxo
“Home” such a lovely word after being away. Glad you got your curtains figured out. I had to chortle to myself because it reminded me so much of myself. Can’t wait to read the new book!
Susan I voted! I few months back I wrote you an email about a blog post you had written and you encouraged me to go vote this year. So I researched it and found that we don’t have a polling place in my little town so I got my ballot in the mail and I researched all the candidates and the amendments and I filled it in. Then me and my two daughters (4 and 3 years old) walked to the post office and mailed it off! Thank you for your encouraging words and sweet reminders! Thank you for being such a wonderful role model to me! I love you Susan!!
I love you Danielle. That was beautiful. You teach your daughters well. xoxoxo
As always, the arrival of your blog post brought a smile to my face and a lift to my spirits. I am sitting here with my SB England cup filled with my favorite tea watching the election returns — Democracy in action! As for your decor dilemma, you came up with some good alternatives to tweak your pretty floral curtains. Pity you had to remove the fringe from the valances, but maybe you could reuse them on the lampshades or the pillows. As for your floral chairs (which are so cute!) if you think they are “too much” you might try putting plain colored throws over the back or the arm to tone them down a little or a large plain colored textured decorative pillow to cover a bit of the floral. (I’m a real fan of throw pillows and like to change them out with the seasons). Or re-upholster just the seat cushion in a plain color. Love the minty wall color — I have the same color in my LR and also have mostly creamy white furniture — very soothing. Your petal pink DR is a nice complement between the 2 rooms. So pretty and comfy and very English Country House-y. My favorite! And let’s hear it for long walks through the falling leaves! Life is Good!
Love decorating talk! We actually reused the fringe from the old curtains we took down! That fringe has been around! We’ll see, someday I’m bound to need a change and will probably sew it back on!
Like Care above, I posted earlier and don’t see it now! Here’s my second try! Glad you are safely home and I so enjoyed your leaves and draperies!
Welcome back Susan and Joe,
Felt like I was part of your homecoming and HALLOWEEN after enjoying your post. Thanks so for sharing your fun! Look forward to more as you enter the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. So Fun!
Thank you for sharing. I love reading your updates and try to savor them. You’re helping me get through this crazy election season without losing mind!
Hello back to you, you darling girlfriend! Thank you! We are having a luv-lee evening and we have the home fire burning. It’s cold in southwest Missouri. Thank you for such a lovely post, full of curtain details, home improvement, the Halloween party, and Domesticity. And for keeping us posted as you travel America from the East to West coast and back home again. It is an absolute joy to follow along electronically. We hope you had a wonderful time. Enjoy Jack and your HOME for the holidays! We are SO looking forward to your new book!
ox
Debbie
PS. I am learning to paint with watercolors… wish me luck!
Good LUCK Debbie, I hope you have fun with it!!! xoxo
Happy Election Day and welcome home! I’m glad the leaves and Fall waited for you to come HOME. Thank you for taking me along your amazing journey. You inspire me every time I read your blog or book or Willard. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and I look forward to reading all about it. 😊
Yes, go and vote – the world needs YOU! Thank you for your influential posts, as always Susan!
Thank you for this post! Curtains…well they are very pretty. The shadows cast on your house from the trees on Halloween….priceless. Thank you for all that you share. Just makes me smile. Thank you for your give aways too! I hope I win one someday 🙂 Thank you.
Susan, I’m so glad you’re safely home! Thank you for sharing your wonderful life with me. Warmly, Julia
Happy Election Day 2018! Watching the returns and reading your blog. It’s so full of goodness for Fall, th pumpkins, the Halloween costumes, recipes lovely curtains and party ideas. I had a girlfriend party last night. It was so much fun, great conversations and great food. Thanks for all of your wonderful ideas. I just love reading your blog and tweets.
Happy Fall.
Joanne V
Best parties ever! xoxo
Love the new curtains!! Joe’s pumpkin is absolutely fabulous! Halloween looks like such fun at your house. That trifle looks scrumptious as well!
Love that vote pumpkin and show up they did! I am watching the results right now and there are triumphs and disappointments but what a turnout to vote! Happy for that at least.
I am beyond excited to make the trip to West Falmouth on Saturday and to meet up with a friend I haven’t seen in a while. We met at your event in Brewster years ago. Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.
Oh goodie Elaine, be sure to say “cafe chatelaine” because then I’l know you! See you soon!
Welcome home and happy Fall! I love all your curtains and thought the “over done” ones looked just fabulous before you “down sized” them! You, our regal girlfriend, are queen of our hearts and it is fitting that your “palace” would reflect your royal status!! Love you Royal Highness!👑❤️
LOL, love you right back!
Hello Susan. I’m glad you and Joe are home safe and sound. How nice to hear about your Halloween evening. You do have a lot of “beggars” at your house. I love the pumpkins carved by Joe, especially the “vote” pumpkin. Your curtains are perfect…proper English. I hope you pick my name for the drawing, I would love to read the first chapter of you new book!!!!
Joy…joy…long awaited…the next book!
Its so good to be home, isn’t it? I love the curtains, they look very English and ‘homey’. And Jack, that little impish face, love him too! So much joy in reading your posts.
Fall is my favorite too !
So cozy!
Love the curtains.
Susan, your trips away sound very wonderful. But, your home is beautiful and full of love. Your decorating, new curtains, furniture and everything else are awesome, I wonder how could you leave it for so long. I could live there forever.
Thank you for everything you share.
I love the thought that we are honoring our ancestors by exercising our right to vote! Thanks for all your thoughts -God Bless us all!
They did it for us!
Hello Susan!! Loved seeing the gorgeous curtains and how they created the room atmosphere. Flannel lined curtains, now THAT is luvlee!! The pics of your train room makes travel by train seem so cozy and home like. I would love to try that someday. Glad you’re home and able to gather yourself to be ready for the holidays. And Jack, how good it is to see him. Thank you for the joy and ideas and thoughts you share. Enjoy the holiday season.
I always love seeing your email pop in, feels like a letter from a friend.
It is!
What a newsy post full of delightful simple pleasures that make a house a home:)
Thank you for sharing, it is nice to know so many others enjoy creating happy spaces in a world that thrives on a frantic pace.
Big deep breath to the bottom of your soul, brings you right back! xoxo
Hello! I am so jealous of your four seasons, I am stuck in southern Arizona for the time being but counting down the years until I can move back to four seasons.
Enjoy your leaves (and future snow) a little for me. In the meantime I am content with my leaf garlands strewn throughout the house. Snow is harder to simulate, any ideas?
A little ride to adorable town of Prescott? xoxoxo
Hi Susan, I enjoyed your Nov. blog of course! I would like to win your great giveaway!!! Wow, that would be oh so special! I’m excited about your new book…you have a way with words and love your artwork. Have a blessed Thanks-giving. Love and hugs from Linda in Boise, Idaho.
I enjoy all of your stories, and can’t wait for your new book. I love the cozy feeling I get when looking at all your fall activities in New England. Still warm and sunny here in Arroyo Grande.
Yes indeed, our gratitude and appreciation to the founding fathers of our great country, God bless America! !
😘🇺🇸
Wow! 1554 comments already! I was thinking I was the only one waiting for you to come back and update us on your travels, curtains and life on the island! Whew, we were not disappointed! Thank you for this reward after navigating and worry about voting day!
I am glad you are safely home. Enjoy!
We’ll have a happy holiday season together Daralyn, so good to be home!
Election night and we voted, hoping to help right this worrisome ship! Love Joe’s most apt jack o’lantern and hope it inspired your neighbors to vote, too.
Love your new curtains and isn’t in lovely to have options of up, down, do without that, and such?
I’m happy you have your mother’s family things. How precious.
Hugs!
100 new women in congress! It HAS to be a good thing! xoxo
Love your house, old houses are the best!!!!
Hello! What a lovely blog! It’s like getting to sit down and listen to a friend describe her wonderful adventure. Thanks you for opening up your world and sharing it with us.
You look very much like your grandmother.
Yes, I agree, Barb.
Debbie in Tampa
You always seem to know just when to click on that little send button to share beautiful, fun and delightful things. Thanks again for bringing your corner of the country to mine.
Hello! Such a lovely blog. Thank you!
Hi Susan, I enjoyed your Nov. blog! Would be oh so thrilled to win your new giveaway! Enjoy your books and artwork! Have a blessed Thanksgiving! With love and hugs from Linda in Boise, Idaho. This is my third try to post this…hope it goes thru this time!!???
I had too much to do yesterday and needed quiet time, like this morning, to read comments . . . I’m sure your other comments are here somewhere, I hope! xoxo
Welcome home from all your travels! Love all the fabrics you chose for your windows.
Thank you for another delightful, thought-provoking, relevant post! Can’t wait for your new book!
Love the curtains and how sweet and homey they make the house. They will surely be a warm addition when the snow falls – possibly even this week for us!
Welcome Home! Thank you for another “cup of coziness” in your writing. I always get excited when I get an email telling me Susan has written another blog. Your pink dining room is to die for, I just love it! Wishing you a warm, cozy Fall and early Happy Thanksgiving! Carla
Thank you Carla, the season is closing in around us here in the coziest of ways!
Hello,
Welcome home!
Loved the Halloween pictures,,, I live in the country and get no one… going to the neighboring town next year to see the excitement. Thanks Susan
Just stopping by to say hi xxxooo and LOVE what you’ve done to the place 😃👏🏼👏🏼😃 #englishcurtains
Wow, Carrie in Oxford
what a blog you have with fantastic photos of overseas….
I am glad you posted on Susan’s blog- many thanks to you both!
😘 xoxoxo
Glad the fall color waited for you Susan!! Thanks for taking us with you wherever you go! 💕💕
Susan, I am so happy to have discovered you — and it was through your friend Carrie in Oxford! My husband and I stayed at the Holywell B&B this summer on our (my very first!) trip to England. When I told her how much I had always loved England (tho’ only from afar) and how magical it felt to finally be there, she said, “ Oh, you must read my friend Susan’s book!” And so as soon as I got home, I did — and it took me right back there. It now lives on my nightstand and I often just pick it up, let it fall open to a random spot, and escape back to the countryside that I can’t wait to return to. So thank you for that gift :). It is such a blessing to discover kindred spirits.
Allison in Athens, Georgia
Your posts inspire me. Happy Wednesday. XOEllen
My journey with you began while reading “A Fine Romance” that I received as a Mother’s Day gift in 2015. It truly has been a gift that has kept on giving! Following you through your books, blogs, travels, recipes, nostalgic music, vintage novelties, beautiful home, art, photography, heartfelt tales of family history and the magical experiences of everyday life… (I could go on and on) have brought me such joy! I look forward to reading many more enchanting stories of your life in the years ahead. Thank you for so graciously sharing your amazing talents.
How lovely Diana, thank you for saying hello! xoxo
The election is over, and the ads (!), and the results are in, we’re all glad you’re home and safe, and that it’s still leaf peeping time on The Island. After reading about your curtain dilemma, I relooked at Jack’s expression of him sitting on them. I think he’s asking if you really want to do this? He seems to have a way of knowing. I’d say yes, love them all from the trim and high valence to the simple guest room curtains. But, home is home is home, and when you walk into a room, it has to feel like it. You’ve made it yours and cozy. Thanks for inviting us in!
Can’t wait for your new book to be published! BTW- any news on a movie featuring your other books?
News, but too long to tell . . . so I need to write it in a blog post! Keep forgetting!
Welcome home dear sweet Sue (and Boyfriend for Life and Jack), I always feel better when you get home, isn’t that funny. Love Love your new paint and Curtains, lovely. Thanks so much for sharing all your pictures too. The kids and wonder and excitement on their little faces is so precious. I don’t get any trick or treaters, I live at the end of a dead end street, nice and quiet all year but I do miss the Halloween little ones! LOVED Joe’s Vote pumpkin, Good Job, Boyfriend!! I have a question, I was wondering if you have Fall desktop wallpaper, I’ve been checking but haven’t seen it. Well have the coziest of Fall and soon to be winter, can’t wait for next post, lol. xoxoxoxo
I asked Kellee to put one up just yesterday, so check back and see if she’d done that yet! I’ll remind her!
Susan, I so enjoy reading your Blog! You have such a way of making even simple things special – like choosing curtains and decorating your home. I love the way you honor your home and honor family with love and treasured memories. I am inspired to do both more. Thank you for sharing your life with so many – those near to you and those who you may never meet!
Blessings and Autumn Joy, Victoria Melvin
Same to you Victoria, Happy Autumn! xoxo
Welcome home!
I’m so glad autumn waited for you, it seemed like it would never arrive! Then BAM!! Color everywhere!! 😀 I enjoy your blog immensely and have read several of your books and have started a collection of sorts. And I have a youtube playlist of 40s music, thanks to you – it is so calming and just makes me feel good.
Although it seems we are on opposite sides of the political spectrum, I appreciate your civility, gentle spirit and kind heart. You’re a gem and people could take a lesson from you on how to treat others (friends, family and perfect strangers) with the respect that all people inherently deserve.
Blessings and peace!
We have waaaay more in common than not. 😘 If anything I pray that my words bring us together. I’ve been deeply interested in politics ever since Anita Hill, just can’t help it, I care about our country. But me caring is no better and no more important than anyone else’s caring . . . we’re all in it together. I’m just happy to see more women in office because lately the men in our government, all of them, have been getting on my nerves. XOXO Thank you for your kind words. Sending love!💞
Thank-you so much for your wonderful blog post. I look forward to each and every one.
So happy you are back in your lovely home. I am starting to love all things English. I look forward to your newsletters and can’t wait for the book.
Thank you for the continuing joy,inspiration and insights. I’m already a winner!
What a wonderful thing, to make your neighborhood cuter! My husband teases me about my insistence upon decorating so much; he says, “My goodness, the neighbors would have no idea what season it was, if not for you!” 🙂
I cannot wait to read your newest book! Visiting England this year was a dream come true for me, and it’s just as wonderful as you always share. Have a fantastic holiday, friend Susan!
Your lucky neighborhood! xoxoxo
Dear Susan, Glad your home and love the new curtains. Sounds like they will be warm and cozy this winter! Jack is adorable as ever. I was just wondering if you picked up yarn in England to knit with while sitting around the fireplace when it’s snowing? I’m planning on knitting a few Xmas gifts and trying a new cowl pattern with a pretty big button You should check out the rosewood and ebony needles on Etsy! Very pretty and very good prices. I even found some birch needles from England!!!❤️ Oh yes, also knitting washcloths. Very quick easy and fun little project. Would go great with your heart shaped soaps I have!!! They also make great dish rags!❤️🍁🎃🌈. Happy knitting 😻😁
Knitting needles can be so gorgeous, I’ll go check them out! Love all your inspiration Dewena!
Entered once; entering again – just in cases!
I love your final decisions on the curtains (all of them). The matching pillows are lovely too! When do you anticipate your new book being released?
It’ll be a while, I hope maybe a year if I get to work! xoxo
Susan,
I’ll be getting your cookbooks out today to plan Thanksgiving dinner and in just a few weeks spreading my dining room table with different breads to dry for my dressing:) Happy fall.
Cindy
I love the living room curtains! Dorothy Draper would adore your fabric choice! Welcome home dear people.
Charlotte
😘 🙂
Dear Susan my 4rd attempt to leave a reply, seems it wont work lots of love from Willemien
Welcome back to New England and all of our wonderful seasons! I wanted you to know that your books decorate my kitchen. Each season I put your book for that season in my cookbook holder. Not only does it look great, but it reminds me of the recipes that I want to try…or serve again and again!
Just pulled up your blog, and oh how I needed a boost – – you never fail to help me recover my “happy”. We just retired this spring and the deluge of sour and hopeless news, events, unrest, and the hate filled comments I have seen – – all left me with a desire to seek the light. Of course it was here all along, my home is my anchor and my little “peace” of heaven because the love of it lives in my heart. The little “worries”, – although many are not unfounded or invisible, they just need to be sorted into what can be done about them. Let them all slide back and move the joy of our home and hearth with friends to the front – – a good place to cultivate what I can and should do. Thank you Susan – – my friend I have never met, but I know by heart. – – Kathy B
You are so sweet Kathy, I’m so happy you’re here. xoxoxoxoxo
Welcome Home! Loved the trip to California, all the pictures, Twain Twitter so fun! Thanks to you & Joe for taking us along, armchair travels are blessings for those of us who stick close to home! Fall is beautiful here too, although not as much color that you get! When we replanted trees here a few years ago, we went for Maples and Chinese Pistache….pretty colored leaves! Thanks for the contest!
I can hardly wait for your new book….I know it’ll be another HUGE success! Take care! Hugs, Joan
Hello Susan! So glad you are truly HOME for the holidays…in time for Halloween! Jack also happy to have you home for his own♥️ Love your choices for drapes, and cannot wait for ENCHANTED to come out!
Wowza! You look just like your Grandmother! How wonderful to preserve your families’ history! Thanks for sharing ( and inspiring!).
Your decorating is simply divine, Susan – I wish I had more money to re-decorate. I adore your new curtains but think they don’t go with your STUNNING!!! wing chairs. I wouldn’t get rid of them – I’d get slip covers for them of a neutral color. — Just my opinion. I simply love your TwitterFromTheTwain & your Tweeting all your trips. You do such an excellent job! I’ve had more than my share of travels in my life and enjoy yours very much. Thanks for that! I’m more than heartened for the election results of yesterday. We couldn’t have it all, but we got a massive foothold in the House. I was really hoping we’d do better in the Senate but whatever. I have 2 chapters to go until I’ve finished Martha’s Vineyard – Isle of Dreams, which I’ve simply loved. My recent purchase of Fairy Tale Girl & an Isle of Dreams mug have me relaxing in our newly rearranged living room (shocked! how lovely it turned out!) and anxiously anticipating Fairy Tale Girl and reading about your earlier days. Thanks for the new blog! Happy Holidays!
Yes, no one gets everything, but that’s the way it’s supposed to be! I do love checks and balances, the framers didn’t want any one party to have too much power, it was brilliant planning. SO happy you like the book! Thank you Sue!
I so enjoy your posts and how you share your adventures with everyone. Fall is my favorite season. The colors and crisp air are such a joy!
Dear Susan,
Home Sweet Home! In autumn its the best! Those colors, every day when I bring the kids to school, It’s a feast: driving along under the trees with great color leaves. Today we have Dankdag ( kind of Thanksgiving) and as it happens my dear husband is having his birthday, all the more reason for gratitude! Our new house is coming along very nicely, the outside is finished. My husband is building the barn. I’m so exited to start with the interior. Your curtains look beautiful! Gives me ideas, if the’re is still some money left when whe’ve finished the house:)
Lots of love from Willemien and a hug from our little boy 2 years old, who’s playing outside with his brothers: I’ll think I’ll better have a look, it’s been raining and there’s a muddy place…
Happy Birthday to your husband, Willemien! I LOVE that hug! I hope I’m not muddy now too! 🤣
Dear Susan,
I had just typed a comment, but it wont apear…it was kind of long. I’ll have another go…
Lots of love from Willemien
Dear Susan, my 3rd attempt lots of love Willemien
Welcome home Susan.
So glad you’re back!
Mary in NYC
What a joyful pleasure it is to read your post (belatedly) on this day following the elections. Thank you for the reminder of “BALANCE”. Thank you for sharing your voice on so many life-topics and for gifting us all with your cherished art and creations, quotes, photos, books, blog and tweets. You offer and inspire such a sense of grounded strength and integrity, history, beauty, comfort, hope and HOME. ❤️
Absolutely love your posts – the graphics – your ideas – photos – everything – so glad that I found you!
So excited to see your blog post this morning !!!
It makes my day ❤
So happy you arrived in time to see the leaves 🍁 since we moved down south for my husbands job, I miss the leaves terribly !! I miss the chill in the air, warm sweaters and socks, just the ‘smell’ of fall. I’m so ready to move back up north. I need cool weather and changing leaves. Thank you for your beautiful blog and way with wirds . Happy Fall 🍁🍃🍂🍃🍁
Welcome home Susan! Glad you had such a fun trip but truthfully missed your postings! They always brighten my day no matter how gray and rainy it gets out there… Hope everyone went out and voted yesterday!
Thank you for the inspiring me with your lovely blog, news letters, and books!
Really enjoyed meeting you Susan at the Apple Farm, thank you for sharing!
~patty
Lovely, lovely cozy curtains. But yes, I do think you should get rid of the floral wing chairs, and I’ll be right over to pick them up!😁 Those chairs and me – love at first sight! Doing a family tree and DNA is an eye opener, and I ended up feeling connected to a vast network of souls. Discovering an ancestor from George Washington’s mother made me squeal! Seeing all the women elected last night made me gleeful as well (with a few notable exceptions😖). They can’t help but make things better. Can we just write in Oprah in 2020?! Thank you always for your unfailing optimism and generous love.❤️
George Washington’s mother! How fun is that? I love Oprah’s common sense! Love hearing from you Rosanne!
Oops. I meant to say he was from the family of George Washington’s mother. Her first cousin actually. Yes, very fun!
I’m still laughing over your comment about picking up the chairs!
Hi Susan,
I woke up happy today after reading this late last night, election night, when I realized I’d never go to sleep if I didn’t take a break from following the results on TV or online (at least I didn’t do both at the same time). So thanks, as always, for giving us a needed break from the whirling world.
Chili for lunch today!
Cheers,
Jann
I love being your little sleeping pill! 🤣 xoxo Have a wonderful day!
Hi Susan,
I meant to write before but life got in the way. Our sweet friend Brandie -my dear close friend for over 20 years- passed in June a year ago. We both loved all your writing and art… she gifted me with your books and calendars over the years. I miss her so. But every time I read or see something of yours she is close again! She would love that I am writing you and that you are finishing a new book. I will be hoping so much to own one in her honor!
Cheers!
Awww Gaye, losing a friend must be awful. I love that you live in her honor. Beautiful thoughts. xoxoxo
As always, your sweet positiveness (spellcheck says that is not a word:) has “made my day” in a time of great turmoil and frustration. Your Halloween fun was so happy and a joy to read about! I’ve lived in Sioux City, IA for many years, as my parents have been here for 45 years. I was living in Maine and Vermont and loved it, however family is here in the Midwest so time to venture home for awhile. Seeing your Mom’s diploma from Sioux City Central High was a great surprise! Enjoy every word and picture and of course, Musica! And Jack…..love that kitty! Thank you for sharing again!!
All connected Lin! Thank you!
Welcome Home! I found myself slipping away from all the stress of the world as I read this post. Think your curtains will look fine however you hang them – it will become part of your home and you!
Love your blog! You cheer up my day.
Didn’t get a chance to read much of the blog yesterday but commented on your beautiful curtains. The rest of the blog was absolutely wonderful!! It was an absolute treasure chest that you brought with you from California! So wonderful that all of those special treasures were saved to be passed on. Beautiful heritage!!
Also, WELCOME HOME!!!
Hi Susan, I shed a few tears when I read your message regarding past generations and genealogy. I love researching mine as well. I don’t want any of those special people to be forgotten and when I discover someone new I get so excited. Thank you for all your lovely messages.
Hi Susan,
I could feel your excitement as you traveled toward home hoping the leaves were not gone yet. Recently I traveled from Southern California back to my roots in Chautauqua County, New York hoping the whole time that the leaves were still there. They did turn later this year and I’m so glad they waited for me.
Thank you always for your encouraging posts,
Susan
Dear Susan, Glad your both home safe and sound. I’m sure Jack feels the same. Love the new paint colors and curtains. Nice to have this all done before winter sets in there I would imagine! I was just wondering if you had brought back any new yarn from your travels to England to knit with this winter?? And what you were thinking of knitting? A new scarf or shawl maybe?? I just bought a lot of yarn to make a few Xmas gifts and try a few new simple patterns. I’ve only made cowls and scarves but thought I would try sewing on a big pretty button. I do like collecting buttons!!❤️ Glad to have you back. Really looking forward to new book and dreaming of all us girls all across America going to the movies to see your story on the big screen!!!🍁🎃🌸🌺😻
I love to knit, love sitting in front of the fire, or in the wood room watching something on Masterpiece with my knitting. I haven’t started anything yet, been away too long, still getting back in the groove of being home ~ but basically all I ever do is a scarf or shawl, so likely that’s what I’ll do!
I probably use it as a relaxer more than an actual means of production! 🤣
Wow! it is good to have you back. Halloween looked like so much fun! The leaves were stunning. New changes to your home – cozy! Lots and lots to share.
I worked on my family genealogy this summer and it really takes you back to the basics. Going through the papers and photos made my heart sing. I come from immigrants – Scottish Prisoners of War….it is humbling and eye opening.
By now, the results of our voters have changed many states….sadly, Florida is hanging on to it’s old ways, but there was progress, and that is good. (a great read: The Hello Girls – Elizabeth Cobb ) Happy Thanksgiving. Still grateful for so very much.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for being a lovely bird of inspiration in this world! I “discovered” you when I worked at the Apple Farm in SLO when I was in college. I saw your cookbooks and I immediately fell in love with your art, recipes, quotes – everything! I share your blog with my daughter, son and husband. They love to see what cute things Jack is up to! Thank you for sharing your joy with us❤️
Nicole
And the same to you Nicole, thank you so much!
Hi Susan( and girlfriends),
Just a short note… I recently had reverse shoulder replacement and it is hard to type with my non-dominant Lt hand.
Firstly yeah blues! Wish we could have won a few more spots but we did good.
Love the final style of the curtains!
Glad to have you back… New blogs welcomed anytime.
No painting, gardening, yarn work for me at this time… Reading lots… Would love to win preview of new book!!!
Have a great autumn and Thanksgiving holiday!..kathie from Limerick
Love the curtains! and the pumpkins! Time to settle in for winter—love this time of year!
Hi…
This is frustrating… My post is lost… For now… Had shoulder surgery recently and it is hard to type… Hope this one goes through.
Firstly …yea Blues!!!!! Did pretty good this time!
Love your final style of curtains… Looks beautiful!
Glad you are back …. More time for blogs
Is the pumpkin trifle recipie in a cook book or just a made up dessert…looks yummy!
It is always interesting finding out about the ancestors in your family…makes you feel more connected to the past.
This is just a short note… Hard to type with left non-dominant hand. No gardening, yarn work, or painting at this time but I am reading a lot… Would love to win the chapter prize of your new long awaited book.
Have a great autumn and Thanksgiving holiday
Kathie from Limerick
I love finding a nice, new fresh blog when I check in!! I also enjoy reading all the wonderful comments. Then as an added bonus, I click on a girlfriend’s link and discover another wonderful blogger. You are how I discover poets, authors & bloggers, like Jama’s Alphabet Soup & Catherine Holman Folk Art sites, thank you for the introductions! Oh the magic of Susan Branch!
Me too, I do the same thing! xoxo
Thank you for giving me beautiful Autumn Leaves! My family in Boston usually send me leaves but I haven`t received any yet. I`m from East Boston and miss this beautiful time of the year. You are a precious gift!! Blessings and Love.
Hi …
Third try … Not typing much my blog posts never go through anymore
Yea Blues
Love final curtain configuration.r
Is trifle recipie in one of
your cookbooks?
Hurts to type had shoulder surgery… No gardening, no painting, or yarn working for me now
doing a lot of reading… Please enter me in the contest for the chapter book!!!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving and autumn.
Sorry if all posts suddenly appear….Kathie from Limerick
Thank you for giving me a little bit of paradise!
So much love to you all!
Welcome home!! There really is nothing like home and yours always seems so magical!! We just moved back home to the States, after being in Nova Scotia for 3 years, to be near family as we’re expecting our first baby!! And can’t wait to find a new house and make it a home. I wish you would do a book signing in the DC/MD/VA area but would love to win one of your first chapters!!
I’ll be down there Allyson, probably when your baby is about a year old! You’re having a baby!!!🍼👼🐥 Isn’t that wonderful! I hope you can nest in your new house to your heart’s content. 💞 Congratulations. I’m sure your family is ecstatic!
Dear Susan,
I have wanted to write to you for the longest time! I just have to thank you for the constant joy and inspiration that you, your books and artwork have brought into my life. From my very first book of yours that I received as a gift, (your first Christmas Book – right when it was hot off the press!) your “magic” began to change my life! At that time, as a new wife and mother, I felt connected to your sense of heart, home and family and knew that I wanted to pour that kind of love legacy into my children as they grew up. And I have! My grown up daughter now loves all of your “Susan Branchness” almost as much as I do! I come from a huge family with 3 brothers and 3 sisters and parents who were around your parents age, so your delightful stories of your growing up years, I definitely relate to. (My own mother even sewed us the VERY SAME Christmas Stockings that your mom sewed for you and your brothers and sisters!) I look forward to each new cup that you design, to add to my “happy tea” collection and am thrilled each time you write a new book and anxiously anticipate it’s arrival. I thank you again, for bringing joy and encouragement to my life and lots of other girls lives, with your creations! You are loved.
You are a darling to tell me Shirley. I’m honored to be a teeny positive part of your family’s life, it’s my dream and you’re making it come true! Thank you dearly. Love you too, and a little hug for your daughter too! XOXOXOXO