I can’t believe it, here we are, at the end of August already and all I can say is, tick-tock, how did we get here so soon, and OH GOODIE!
MUSICA! 
I have been suffering from this hot and sticky August that seemingly will not end . . . I’m ready to move on! Love the quote, “There are only two seasons, Autumn, and waiting for Autumn!” Fits me to a T, especially right this moment. And then, a couple of days ago, at the top of my suffering, I accidentally did a happy thing . . . 
I opened up my Autumn Book, just to take a look. As I turned the pages a thrill went through my heart, and I realized, it’s almost here! My favorite time of year!
So I went and got some sunflowers . . . and cut marigolds from the garden for little vases . . . because
It perked me right up! Changed everything! Sweaters are coming! Leaves! Crisp air! Corn Pudding! Makes me almost want to go on a diet. That’s how perky I feel! (“Almost” being the operative word, I am not done with toast and peanut butter yet!)
I know, not everyone looks forward to cold weather, but I love having a reason to heat up the oven and bake something! And in my 
glee, I planned the rest of the year: first a long breezy, colorful autumn (and can we 
have a normal Halloween? Why not? Everyone wears masks anyway!👺 That will cheer everyone up! The kids will be thrilled!), leaves blowing through the woods on our walk, crisp salt air off the water, quilts airing in the breeze, more cozy covers on the bed, church bells ringing and boat whistles blowing, and then a short, cozy, snow-white winter around the fireplace, with a new Christmas book and a new puzzle to do during the winter, which will be SO short I’ll have to hurry! And then, an early burst of the most flowery spring ever ~ in a brand new world filled with fresh beginnings! Covid gone, children going to school, everyone back to work, Easter egg hunts! Kitchen table Tea with girlfriends, with new remembrance, respect, and deep gratitude …
While all these nice thoughts were brewing in my head … My cups arrived on the kitchen porch!!! I’ve been waiting! I hope you got yours too … if not, you should soon. We had a little slow-down at the PO, so if you ordered one, and don’t have it yet, it’s definitely on the way!❤️
And then there’s this happy thing. Joe is outside building us a 12′ picnic table, in two pieces, one 8′ and one 4′ … so we can have a party of six for dinner, a couple at each end, and one in the middle for starry September evenings! Just planned our first one for this Friday Night!👏 I’m cooking! Joe’s grilling! Keeping our sunny-sides up.💖
Now what’s this you may be asking. It’s a surprise! Another unexpected book! It will be called Distilled Genius, Wisdom of the World, Words to Live By, (or something like that) and contain my forty-year collection of brilliant quotes from the ages, gathered into categories as I have them here in my Studio, such as Courage, Tea, Gratitude, Gardens, Happiness, all onto pages like these . . .
. . . whole genius sections about Love, Dreams, Time, Girlfriends, Cooking, Creativity, Earth, Fairy Tales, Beauty . . . so on and so on… Look how cute it’s going to be! I have about 40 pages done so far. I’ve been asked to do this for years, and I do think it needs to be here for the future! Everything that has ever mattered has been beautifully said by someone whose attestment has teeth,
from Marcus Aurelius, to Mark Twain, Black Elk, Rumi, Langston Hughes, C.S. Eliot, Churchill, and the Bible, to Louisa May Alcott, Toni Morrison, Shakespeare, Dickens, Anne Frank, Lincoln, and so many more … plus, plenty from that prolific genius, Anon… and lots from people with less familiar names, whose smart, funny, wise, and touching words inspire curiosity, and open whole new worlds that lie beyond them. I’ve always read quote books like novels! I hope this book will be finished for that wonderful spring I’ve been thinking about. More hope in a time of need. May have to be two books, might even be three, still waiting to see! I know, I have next year’s calendars to do, and my wonderful book, Enchanted to work on, and lots of blog posts and Zoom events and dinners to cook, and Joe and Jack, and the House of Creativity, and all those other ideas, but here I am, Girls, 73, and there is still so very much I want to do!
Some of you will remember that I did my very first Zoom Webinar last week. First I had to learn how to do a Power Point slide show. That about killed me. But at the last moment, it sunk in, and I found out just how easy it is to do. All about pushing the right buttons. Then I had to write about the photos, ⬆️ that’s me reading over old diaries to make sure I had the details right ~ it was a Calgon Zoom Party, took us far, far away, back to the English Countryside!
And THEN, there was a week of daily Zoom practice with the encouragement of Andrea, the wonderful person who had extended the invitation for me to speak. We got to know each other pretty well! She was very patient!
We ended up doing the same program two days in a row, because the Zoom Room had gotten so full. I knew lots of you were there, because I got pictures! This one above is from our Girlfriend Mary Brehm! She has sweet peas!
This one came from Karen England and her Kitty . . . so fun to be in everyone’s houses!
This one is from Trahlyta! I got so many wonderful photos from you guys! Thank you! The program lasted about an hour and 15 minutes. I know some of you wanted to join in, but could not ~ so, as promised, here’s a link so you can see it yourself on Youtube. In the beginning, it’s just me staring at the screen, watching the names of attendees scrolling by really fast … such a fun thing to see, so many I recognized. I wish that part showed so you could read them too … but instead you just have to watch me staring at them and saying them out loud. Might want to skip that part!
IN THE MEANTIME. Guess what? There are going to be more Zoom parties. In the column on the right of this Blog
you’ll see EVENTS. Here is the Link for it, but you can get there yourself when you need to check back for new event dates. I’m about to add more, so watch for them so you can register and receive an invitation to join.
The next one will be a Sunday Afternoon Christmas Tea Party 
presented by the wonderful people at Titcombs Bookshop, just over the water on the Cape, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm EST on September 20 ~ BYO Tea because you’re all invited to my first virtual book event for my new Home for Christmas book! Here’s where you can sign up! If you don’t know how to do Zoom, you can Google “Youtube how to use Zoom” and they will show you. It’s just a matter of which buttons to push ~ it’s easy. When you sign up, they will send you an invitation to our zoom party … which will have a link for you to click on the day of the event. Put it on your calendar!
One flower stands out on Martha’s Vineyard, it’s the hydrangea… they are everywhere! Drive up and down the streets and that’s what you see. We moved these from another part of the garden last year, and I’m so glad we did. Aren’t they romantic? They’re just starting to turn pale pink, something they do in the fall . . . and now we can see them from the kitchen windows from this dear old house I have loved for so long.💞
We’re still going on our walk everyday … joy of life.
It’s been very warm . . . sometimes we have to cut our way through the air, it’s so thick . . . but it’s nothing like what our California Girlfriends are suffering. We pray for them every day. You too, Girlfriends in Iowa, we know about that crazy storm that shot through your state. And now, 11′ storm surges in Louisiana.😢 🙏 2020 is some kind of year!⚡️ We were spared the other night, we were told to hunker down and expect one-inch hail ~ it got very dark out there, but it never came! Thank God. Deep breath, ahhhhhh. Remembering how much we have to be grateful for.
The woods are still green as Sherwood Forest, but every so often there are tell-tale signs that change is on the way with bright spots like this one!
And now, look, I had to show you this sweet letter I got from someone writing about our DamPanic, Go. Be. Love. postcards! Made my day!
Dear Susan, Several weeks ago I purchased a package of your “Go. Be. Love” postcards and sent them to a number of friends. Oh, my gosh! I send lots of cards and notes and have never received so many oohs and ahhs over a card I sent. My dear friends loved the postcard and just showered me with compliments and thanks. You deserve all of the credit. You created the perfect greeting to send during this pandemic and I am so grateful to be a longtime fan and follower and saw them in your online shop. Stay safe and well. Sincerely, Marge
Just in cases YOU might need to be “showered with compliments and thanks” I thought I would share this!
And the New Pumpkin Go. Be. Love. postcards came in too …
I had this pumpkin postcard printed in honor of what our Great Grandmothers did for us only a hundred years ago this August 18th!💖 Joe carved that Halloween pumpkin a few years back for our front window ~ I thought it would be a good way to celebrate those brave and determined women, mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and best friends (and men too), who put themselves out there in a very big way for US! We should never take it for granted … they went through some very difficult and dangerous years, to make it happen!👏
Yes, Jack . . .
And one more thing . . .
In case YOU too need something sweet and homey to inspire you with my wind-in-the-trees formula for cozy, Kellee just put my Autumn book up at 25% off until midnight on Labor Day! You probably already have it, but maybe not, and maybe you need a gift for a friend!🍂
And for you?
Time for a good Giveaway, don’t you agree? I think this is the perfect place to thank all of you for sticking with us through thick and 
thin and dampanic too, for me and for Kellee and Sheri, your kindness has meant the world to us over the years, going to work is a gift because of you, but especially these last months, you have no idea what a positive force you are. All you have to do is read the comments to know what lovely kindred spirits visit here. No matter where in the world you are, we have so much in common, I’m very proud of us.💖 Thank you.
So we’ll start here . . . 3 cups, 3 winners! As you know, these cups are mostly sold out now, but we saved these to surprise someone(s) ~ I hope one of them is YOU! Just leave a comment right at the bottom of this post, click on the teeny grey letters that say “comments,” leave a few words, and you will be automatically entered for the drawing . . . I’ll let you know who won in the next post, then I’ll send an email to the winners, who can write back with their mailing address, and voila, your cups will be on the way, either for you to keep, or perhaps to give away as a Christmas gift! And more . . .
Shipping from the printer is still on schedule for August 26th, which means we will probably have to wait until the day after Labor Day, September 8 to get HOME FOR CHRISTMAS delivered to the Studio! So, 3 more winners in this next drawing ~ and for each, a signed copy of my new book, hot off the press! If you’ve already ordered it, then Boom! You’ll have another one to giveaway! A little bit of “pay it forward.”💞
Leave a comment as suggested above … and now we will have six winners! Makes my day!
Okay dear ones, that’s all she wrote for today! I hope you’re giving yourself those hugs I talked about at the Zoom Party. They do help, and you do deserve them.❤️ Petty-pet hugs are good too! XOXOXO
Thank you for the beautiful post. I’m also ready for fall to arrive, and have pulled out your Autumn Book to glean some new ideas for this coming fall. Thank you for your beautiful encouraging words. Hugs to you and Joe! 🤗🤗🤗.
Nancy ❤️
I am in love with that darling bird mug. I hope it flits it’s way to me. Bless your heart for this joyful post. I cannot wait to order your quote book(s)!
My daughters and I will be joining you on your Titcomb’s Tea Party Zoom on the 20th, and we are having an elegant (and fun!) “Susan Branch-themed Tea” to go along with it!! Can’t wait to FINALLY see/hear you “live”. Thank you for all of the beauty and happiness you bring. I am so please that I have passed on my love for all things tea…and Susan Branch…to my daughters!
That sounds so fun! 🎉🎉🎉
I love your books, tips, ideas, art!! Thank you!
Oh, I’d LOVE to see those hydrangeas. They’re my absolute favorite flower. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
You touch our hearts!
Love from Santa Barbara…. Harry and Meghan’s new home!
Oh HO, that’s where they went. Poor babies, sort of lost out there. So famous, so difficult to be normal. 💞
I am so thrilled to be on the good list to be able to read your new blog. All that you share is so uplifting🌻Be well and stay safe!!!
Thank you for brightening my day and my life all these years.
Delightful reading on this blog. Smiles abundant. Love your art work and am very anxious to see what comes of quote books in progress. Hugs.
Oh yes, I share your passion for Autumn! Looking forward to the virtual tea party at Titcomb’s! Ordered the Christmas book!
Dear Susan
When working on your quote book, please add some blank pages
so we can add our favorite quotes. It would have your drawings
around the edges. I think that would be fun !!
Pippi J
Brilliant idea, I will do it! I should put a blank one in every section!
Yes, excellent idea! I have a page of quotes that I save in a notebook.
I have a friend who is always sending me postcards. Maybe I should send one to her. VOTE speaks to me.
I so enjoy your emails! I started following you years ago after I spotted your calendar set for daytimers, I believe. As a busy (and stressed out) lawyer, I loved the little sayings and drawings they contained. Every morning as I reviewed my daily schedule of clients and court appearances, they were a nice source of peace, calm and inspiration. Was sad when they were no longer available, but now I’m retired and still enjoy reading your postings.
I so look forward to reading your lovely words and seeing the beautiful art! And I’m looking ahead to cooler days!
I’m all signed up for the Christmas Tea. Soooo loved your Zoom event! I sat & watched it in the Coeur d’Alene Resort Lobby as we were taking a granddaughter off to college there 💕. I hope to go visit the English countryside some time, too, in my life!🐑
Yes, I, too, love fall. We in Tennessee must wait a little longer for it than you, but when it gets here, mmm.
Always such an uplifting treat to get your email. Especially knowing it comes from one of my favorite places on earth! The Vineyard💕
Your Willards are so uplifting and a joy to read. Thank you for them and all the wonderful, creative things you do that brighten our world!
Hello Susan!
I love your artwork and look forward to your blogs. I usually forward them on to my daughter and my sister as well. ❤️
I can’t imagine living in an area that you live in.
Your home;your yard;the weather. Everything
sounds so dreamy. I would Love to live in a place like
do. The way the seasons change.
I live in Southern California.
Corona to be exact.
I am from Whittier grew up there.
I grew up in the SF Valley, yes, very different here … xoxo
Susan,
Reading your blog is a highlight of my day! Thanks for all you do! ❤️
Thanks for your Fall insliration. Indian Summer is our favorite time on cape cod Ann Meads. [email protected]
Your zest for life and all its lovely bits always comes through in your blog posts and is much appreciated more than ever. Your upcoming quotes book is absolutely brilliant! It would be wonderful if someone would make matching stickers, then my daily journal could look like your posts!
I am eager for Autumn, too–no more frizzy hair, doors and windows open, afternoon leaf peeping drives through the countryside, hiking in the woods, all the wonderful scents that Autumn brings. Yes!
Dear Susan,
I loved visiting with you in your kitchen during the Zoom get together. It was fun seeing your excitement over all of attendees. How grand to be whisked away to England plus seeing Sweet Jack “in person” was the icing on the cake! =D. I have a sweet black and white kitty (Kiko) with half a mustache and a little black chin. I can’t wait for the next visit – I’ve already registered for the Christmas Tea, LOL. Fingers crossed that there are many more planned!
Thank you for the giveaways but especially for your blog posts. They are such a blessing normally. Nowadays, it’s like a breath of crisp, cool air and sweet sunshine during these crazy times. A true gift of peace and happiness that I cherish and appreciate so much.
Love and hugs!
=D
Hello Susan, Went for a walk with my granddaughter and we also saw some hints of autumn. I enjoy the anticipation before a season or holiday. Love the mugs! I can see the Santa mug filled with candy canes! Thank you for your delightful artwork!
Hi Susan, you reminded me that my mom’s favorite season was also Autumn. She loved the cooler weather and the fall colors. And she always made some bread pudding to celebrate. A sweet memory. Thank you for the “feel good” blog today !
Susan it was such a joy to attend the zoom meeting and I look forward to the next one (already signed up). Looking forward to the a Christmas book. Thank you for your inspiration and joy!
You and I are kindreds when it comes to fall, Susan! It’s been so humid and hot here in OH this summer, after such a beautiful spring, but we’ve had a break here and there with no humidity and cool breezes, which has put me on the Fall bandwagon, too! I’m a cardmaker, and have been making fall cards almost every day the last week or so, and enjoying it so much; “pathological enthusiasm” is the perfect description! Thanks for reminding me about your Autumn book – will go get it as soon as I sign off here. I have the Summer one, too – would you consider doing a Spring one and a Winter one, just so we have a nice set? Pretty please?
Love your posts!
Hi Susan, I’ve already started playing my CD of Charlie Brown music. That’s when I know I’ve had enough of summer!! And now your “Autumn ” book will be on my nightstand for me to read tonight. 😎
Oh Susan, you were just what I needed today, joy, love, friendship. Thanks for being you.
Mary Ann
Fall is a bit farther off for those of us in the Southwest (San Diego) but thank you for the joyful autumn thoughts and pictures. Just finished knitting a wool scarf and looking forward to a chill in air.
I have several of your books and they are my go to picks when I need a pick me up. I just love your illustrations and the pictures of your home and your walks. You just made me realize that Autumn is just around the corner – hard to believe.
Thank you! I bought your note cards and started sending them to dear girlfriends when these crazy days at home began. So little time and energy from me and it seems to bring huge smiles to those I love. Are you familiar with Ella Wheeler Wilcox? This is one of her quotes I repeat often, “Love lights more fires than hate extinguishes.”
I am familiar with her … love that! Love is all there is!😘
Susan I always love when your letters come; it’s like a much anticipated letter from a dear friend and a mini vacation rolled up in one. So looking forward to your book of quotes! Stay well friends.
Susan, thank you for sharing beautiful things today! It was such a calming, sweet, respite away from the daily, deep concerns, today, living here in Kenosha, WI. I have struggled for a few days, now, esp. this morning. But, reminders of beauty that God has given us, friends (and beautiful talent of friends ;0) has helped tremendously for a few moments, today. Thank you. (I couldn’t mean that more sincerely ❤️)
I must have missed the message of the zoom chat! Looking forward to checking that out later today. Thank you for sharing love, beauty and care for others. You know we all love you 🥰
Thank you for the lovely post. I so look forward to them as they really make my day. Jack is such a beautiful tuxedo kitty. I too have a tuxedo kitty named Bobbin.
Fall is my favorite season too. I have already decorated my house. Love your blog.
I just got my fall things out today, including your Autumn book, it always goes above my sink on a glass shelf I have there. We were hit with that storm here in Iowa…..what a mess and hardly any warning. I got two alerts on my phone about a strong thunderstorm, but nothing to the seriousness that it turned out to be. We were on the north edge of it and had 100 mph winds for 20 min. according to my neighbor who has a weather station. We lost 16 trees, but had no damage to our home and buildings. We live on a farm and the corn crop looks terrible. The farmers are going to have a mess to get this stuff combined. We lost power too for 24 hours is all. Some family south of us about 35 minutes, had no power for 2 weeks. The farther south you go the worse it gets. What a mess! The crop loss alone will be in the billions! So it’s a very serious situation! Thank you for your blog! I always enjoy it, but seldom write! My husband and I met you in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. When you were here…..we had a lovely chat, I am a quilter and the hubster is an RN and works in surgery at the local hospital. Take care! Hugs to you and Joe!
SIXTEEN TREES!😢 Horrible. It sounds like no one really saw it coming. Poor Iowa, I heard it cut through 4 of the largest cities and destroyed, like you said, billions in crops! Oh dear! But if I know Iowa (which I do as that’s where my mom and grandma came from) you guys came together Iowa Strong. Be sure to give your husband an extra hug for the work he does in these scary days. 💖 Take care Sheri!
Oh, my. Sorry about the losses and damages, Sheri. Thank goodness your home and family are physically OK…the psychological hit may be a different story. Take care of each other.
I have been thinking about Mother Nature’s wrath on top of this Covid-era. Fingers were crossed for Girlfriends in Texas, LA, and the other states that had remnants of Laura. My heart goes out to anyone who is now in the clean-up mode. Take care and know that this community of girlfriends has many, many who worry and carry you in our hearts during this HORRID 2020!!
Your blog is a wonderful little break in my day – I love it! And I really like the bluebird mug – if I don’t win one, I guess I’ll just have to buy it!
Susan,
So glad I can catch a repeat of your Zoom event! I had signed up early and then Grandma duties were needed!
So enjoy every word you post! It never fails to lift my spirits and bring some cheer! Thanks for you and your gifts!
Fingers crossed for the bluebird mug! They bring good luck and happiness, you know! 2020 needs both!
Such fun on a super hot day in Arizona. We are so tired of this weather, but glad it’s not flaming. Thoughts of Autumn bring some Peace. 2020 can’t be over soon enough.
The new puzzle and desk calendar are on my “please Santa” list. At least 8 years of Susan Branch calendars are stored in a closet. They are too pretty to get rid of. I look forward to each new blog entry. In fact, I have copies of the Willards that were mailed to me years ago. You send out happy, hopeful and inspiring “letters” and I, for one, am a grateful reader. Thank you!
I just signed up for your virtual book event! I am so excited! You are a bright spot in this whole dampanic and have shared your blog with friends who are in need of cheer. Thank you for brightening our days with your wit, charm, and loveliness! Sending lots of hugs from Michigan!
Hey Susan, Kellee and Team,
I go to your website throughout the day to get a boost of positivity and beauty. Thank you for the loving energy you put out into the world. It makes a difference….more than you know.
Thanks! 🙂
So looking forward to your book of quotes! Some of the time, when you post a quote on line with a pic, I’ll print it out and put it on my bulletin board. Thank you.
Roasting here in hot, muggy So CA and decided to spend the day reading and so enjoyed your always thought provoking email. CANT WAIT FOR AUTUMN 🍂 and cooler temps.
Have to tell you, you did great for your first webcast last week. So enjoyable…it’s definitely a new way to wrap your brain around communicating, isn’t it?
Keep those emails a comin’, dear Susan
We are camping in the mountains with our Scottie pup. On the way we noticed a few red leaves, hooray! Autumn is my favorite season too. It can’t come soon enough for me. I can’t wait for your book of quotes, all the best ones in one place.
You are like a breathe of fresh air on a hot day! It has been a hot summer here in lower Michigan. There are a few leaves scattered across the lawn. A sign of things to come. Tick tock, Fall is coming! But it is one of my favorite times of the year! Thanks again for a chance to win!
Just ordered another mug along with my calendars as my husband loves soup in MY mug, so we needed 2. I love teacups too, but the mug is my friend early in the morning! Thank you for the beautiful quotes and fun art.
Dear Susan, you are a breath of fresh air so badly needed to lift this isolation fog!!!!Yes! Autumn is coming and I’d never met anyone else, up until now, whose favorite season It is!🍂🍁🍂🌻 ENJOY!!
Love the blogs! Sharon Suzanne
Have always loved your recipes & drawings all the way back to your country living magazine days! Looking forward to your new christmas book. Hopefully you can visit Brewster, MA one day
A beautiful post as always! I am always so excited to see these in my inbox. Love your thoughts on the next year.
Dear Susan,
Thanks for another fun post. Your Summer cookbook is still front and center as the produce keeps coming and the sun keeps shining.
It is the humidity that does me in every time. Hang in there.
Anne
Your blog posts are so much fun, Susan! I especially enjoy all of your lovely drawings and quotes. I’m looking forward to the release of your Home for Christmas book too!
I can’t wait for the quote book Susan. Believe it or not, one of my long term projects has been to organize the quotes and sayings I’ve clipped throughout the years, so I could easily choose an appropriate one to include in a card or letter. I’m so glad I procrastinated! Thank you Susan for picking up MY slack! I owe you one!
LOL, you SURE do!🤣
Susan ~ Your words and tidings of joy always cheer up an uneventful day. But current events are mostly disturbing these days so dull is good. Thank you for the sweet breeze that fluttered through my home and heart today.
So happy I found you again. We lost connection but with some work got reconnected again. I have ordered all your books so have lots of reading to do this winter. I love reading about our life and your wonderful art work. You are a delight and joy to my soul. I had to laugh when you said 73. I am 83 and still have so many projects yet to complete – reading, knitting and watercolor!
I suddenly feel I’m in a hurry! 🤣 Like the old saying so may men, so little time!
Yep, same feeling
Your new blog post made my day! I love Autumn also! It usually doesn’t feel like fall here in NC until October though! But I have your Autumn book and think I will go pull it out now and look through it! So excited for all your giveaways! Thank you for what you do!
I’ve been noticing that the light is changing, which means school is starting and fall is coming! It’s my favorite time of year too – it’s been hot here in Texas, so I am dreaming of cool weather. Makes me want to buy argyle socks and corduroy pants! And new manila paper and crayons. And a new lunchbox. Although I still have my old Mickey Mouse lunchbox from 1966. The thermos though, broke in a tragic tree-climbing incident. Why in the world did I have to take my thermos up in a tree!? Wish I could go back 54 years and whisper in my 6 year old ear, “Don’t do it! I know it seems like a good idea right now, but you will regret it for the rest of your life!” I probably wouldn’t listen though…
My guess is you forgot you had it with you!🤣
Loved your Zoom!!! Can’t wait to see more!
The postcards are amazing!
Hi Susan,
I am looking forward to your zoom event on September 20. I helps keep us all conn voted, don’t you agree? Thanks for inviting all of us.
See you then!
I loved this post – so much inspiration and positive spirit! We all need a positive spirit and hope and something to look forward to: autumn and all of its riches, Christmas and the spirit of giving, and more posts from you!
🍁“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.”🍂 -Emily Bronte
I’m with you, every crunchy step of the way.
During this time, my husband and I have been rereading books from our home library and just today I pulled off the shelf the book The Wisdom of the Native Americans edited by Kent Nerburn. I opened the book up randomly and read: “It does not require many words to speak the truth.” Chief Joseph Nez Perce. I look forward to your quote book(s) being published!
Some of my favorite quotes come from Native Americans, the old ones, so wise, about us, our part in nature, honoring what we have, what God wants for us, and stories from “the Grandfathers of the World,” and I like to think what the Grandmothers of the world might have added. ❤️
As always, your blog posts are the breath of fresh air we need so badly right now. Every time I read them I find myself taking those delicious big breaths that make me feel refreshed and peaceful. Thank you for being you and for sharing you with us!
Sincerely, Judy from Solvang, CA
Thanks! You made my day!
Oh Susan I was so happy to see a new blog posting! I so love fall to but I really am not looking forward to cold weather this year. I live in Pennsylvania and with COVID I’ve been able to have family over and friends but outside social distancing only. The thought of not having Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas with my family has me so sad. I know the research people are working non stop for a vaccine that actually works and that seems to be quite a way off. Keep sending us uplifting blog postings, they make my day. Stay safe. xoxoxoxo
I’ve been thinking too, yes, our Thanksgiving and Christmas, they aren’t going to be right, they will even be sad, but then think what next year will be like.☄️ I can hear the horns📯 and see the fireworks🎉, hear the prayers and gratitude 🙏 feel the love and hugs💋, it will be MAGNIFICENT! 🎉🎈This year we do puzzles, next year we kick our heels up.😘 xoxoxox💖💖💖
Once again I find my heart lifted with your lovely writing and art. Thank you for marking the passages of time as moments for celebration. You’ve put a glow of love, kindness and grace into our lives during challenging times. Thanks for being such a wonderful best friend to all of us.
Thanks for this newsletter! I don’t want summer to end, but I do love autumn as well . . . love all the seasons, and just the fact of seasons makes me happy! I must admit that autumn and winter are perfect for the hot beverages that could fill those beautiful cups!
I am ready to see scarecrows, jack o lanterns, bronze chrysanthemums, and lots of orange!! Fall Is my favorite time of year. Maybe because I was born in October. I love to see the beautiful colors of the leaves! I even adore Raking them! My whole family thinks I am crazy. I like eating supper when it’s dark. I look forward to the first chili of the season and
making pumpkin bread. I love the chill in the air in Fall. It’s invigorating!
The clothes are so pretty and so cozy. I have checked your
Autumn Joy book out at the library several times as I love the pictures, quotations, and
recipe for Cranberry Apple Crisp. Now I am going to order my own copy! Thank you!
I am also looking forward to the Fall and cooler weather. I want to start wearing my sweaters on September 1st, which is never possible. I am a September baby and maybe that’s why it’s my favorite season. Thank you for another uplifting blog post on a day when I needed it. To you and everyone reading this,
stay safe, wear your mask and enjoy the coming cooler weather!
It is a red-letter day when one of your posts comes up! Thank you for your cheering yet realistic guidance through these times. We have so much to be grateful for, yet so many frightening things are newly loose in our world. It is good to know we are not alone in this.
So excited about your new books! Please keep going and please take care to stay well.
Jane
So excited to read on a blog post on my birthday! Happy Birthday to Me Indeed! Thank you, Susan!
Thank you, Susan, for putting a big smile on my face, and several “aaahhhs”, as I see your art and read the quotes you collect for us. I lost my husband of 50 years just 9 days ago, and although I have lots of support from my kids and friends, there are sad moments. There are moments I’m not sure I know what to do next. But, you cheered me today and I’m thankful! P.S. My favorite Susan mug is my corgi mug! So cute!
💔I’m so sorry Tina. I can’t even imagine. I’m sure it’s everything to just put one foot in front of the other. Sending all my love. xoxoxoxo
Bless your heart.
Autumn is my absolutely favourite time of year and I look forward to crisp mornings, cozy sweaters, and everything pumpkin spice. Thanks for your wonderful blog today.
Thank you Susan! The blog is wonderful and like you I so look forward to Autumn. Crisp apples, falling leaves and pumpkin stacks by the door. Your new Santa is so cheery….those cherry cheeks just make me smile. I’m going to get my Autumn book out now and dream.
Cheers!
I love it when I see there is a new blog post from you. You spirit me away for a few magical moments and all can seem right with the world. Thanks for the latest post!
My goodness, your Blog (tick tock) was perfect for today, so inspiring and fun! It took my mind off our valley in Northern California which is full of smoke, so many fires and danger in so many forests, homes, and for our people! And to top it off, quick and short thunderstorms that I hope won’t start MORE fires. Thank you for the upbeat post today!
Susan you are a breath of fresh air no matter what the season. Your blog is very interesting, uplifting and joyful.
P.S.
Autumn is my FAV too!
Although I try to live day by day, I am so happy fall is getting closer.
Thank you Susan for your lovely blog. I so enjoy reading them. Especially, with all the strange things happening in the world right now. Gives me hope! Love your new picnic tables,too👍😚
Dear Susan, I Love your posts ! but when I opened up this one….you had me. It took me away for a few moments to forget about the world. Autumn, Yes ! Yes ! my most favorite time of year too ! ( and winter ) because I love our fires. Can’t wait for your book of quotes ! because I know you will also have lots of beautiful little paintings to show them off !
You and Joe stay well, and stay safe ! Blessings from beautiful Michigan !
Thank you for all of the joy that you’ve shared with all of us over the years Susan! I read your blogs on my lunch hour and I have to say, each time I see a new one, it is like getting a letter in the mailbox from a wonderful friend! Your messages are always so uplifting and that especially appreciated during this strange and difficult time in history. Take care and stay well.
Susan – Winning one of your special teacups or a copy of your new book would be such a fantastic “hug”. While I appreciate your tweets (I’ve learned a lot from them), I also appreciate that you take it easy here, making sure we all remember that we have much to be thankful for AND that the best things in life are free – like love, the wind, the sea, a smile and yes, a hug. Thank you for lifting us up with your words in so many ways ~ Judy
Ah, Susan, that was so refreshing. And a give away to boot! Wowza! You help me because I adore summer so much I start to get sad as August speeds by. I even wrote on the end of my SB calendar at the end of August “Please stay August”. I sure hope it is listening to me…I wrote that months ago because I knew I would feel like this in August. In the meantime I will enjoy my SB posts and girlfriend jottings and count my blessings. Hugs to all (and Jack). xo
I have a dear girlfriend who feels just like you do … saw her this morning, and we decided that between us, we make balance in the world. She said, “Hooray for you, I’m so happy.” And I said, “I’m so sorry Marj, stay strong.”💖
Hi ! I love your newsletter. However, the new font you are using is SO
hard to read. Is it possible to use the old font ? I sure appreciate your
consideration.
Refresh your page Nicki, and please let me know if that helps.
Thank you for the much needed blog post! I am so excited to get my copy of Home for Christmas… would certainly pay it forward if I was one of the giveaway winners, too. I think I’ll take out my copy of Autumn and go page by page, cover to cover. It’s been a while and you’ve inspired me. 😊🍂🍁🍂🏡
All the best,
Samantha Brakefield 💕
You are one busy girl!!! I love the idea of the quotation book, I also love the Santa face. He makes me smile! We on the Central Coast of CA have had nice warm weather, but so smokey we can’t go outside.. It has been like a thick layer of fog. Smells like we are around a campfire! Pray for the winds not to kick up in Northern CA so they can get a handle on the fires and no new ones start So many people hurting right now.. Happy Fall!!
I think Jack gets cuter and cuter!
Hi Susan! Looking forward to your Christmas book. Maybe I’ll win it! That would be wonderful. Saw you and Joe in person in Woodstock GA a couple of years ago and had the best time! Well, you have given me things to do on this rainy day in GA-get your Autumn book out and watch the ZOOM party. Look forward to your every word and picture. Be safe!
I can’t believe the Aug 19th event that I kept going back to check added another day! I guess I gave up checking too early. So now I’m signed up for the September 20th event – not taking any chances! Book, too. Can’t wait to see you and all the lovely girlfriends. xxoo
What a beautiful blog. Cant wait for jour Home For Christmas book. Just the name conjures up happy memories and snow angels with hot chocolate after. Thank you Susan for a bright spot in my afternoon going from room to room.
I am spurred into action.. to learn how to Zoom! See you in the virtual world!
Happy September! My birth month…..my husband’s birth month…..and an end to hot, dry August 2020.
Love the quotes you are putting up in your blogs. Have used these a lot for sending someone a card with a little drawing or colored stamp.
Stay save and healthy and prayers for those who are in danger by fire or the storm in your country.
Greetings, Truus from Holland
Hello Susan!!
Fall cannot come soon enough for me either! I opened your Autumn book the other day and was inspired so I washed a few sweaters and a couple of flannel nightgowns. I live in Maine so cool nights are just around the corner. I am all signed up for the zoom event in September! It’s so fun to have things to look forward to after an eventless calendar for months! Thank you for strengthening my attitude of gratitude with your mindfulness of all the simple and wonderful things life has to offer!
Susan, I love the idea of a quotation book(s)! Thank you for all you do for all of us.
Your posts are always a breath of fresh air! I live in south east Florida, so I envy you your cool crisp fall! I look forward to your next post, and the next one and the next.
I love your autumn post. So nice to look forward to the heat ending and these awful fires thst are burning here in California. Would love to win one of your mugs. I have everyone of your books, they are my escape.