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
I too love Autumn
I love to find a message from you in my email. Brightens my whole day! Thank you!
I absolutely love reading your blog. It’s a bright spot during this gloomy COVID. I work for a school district teaching our vulnerable little ones. Parents show us no mercy so I come to your website to find my smile. Thank you for being you and sharing with all of us. You are truly one of a kind!
Happy autumn….love everything about it, the colors, the smells!!! Bring it on!
I’m going to go right now and get my Autumn book. Looking forward to cooler, less smoky days here in NorCal very soon. This will be something to read until it’s safe to spend time in the garden!🥰
I share your letter each month with a different friend to spread cheer during this difficult time. Thank you for your letters, they brighten my days and for others also.
Susan, heard the first cricket last night so your favorite season is not far away! Enjoyed the Zoom chat and looking forward to more. Enjoy your dinner party. Thanks for your thoughtful and wise political postings and please don’t stop posting. It’s reassuring to read your thoughts and know I agree and am not alone. Hi to Joe and hugs to Jack and love 💕 To you.
Kindness is infectious! Thank you for leading the way! ….happy EARLY Fall!!
A delight and JoY in the inbox today !
Newly retired OB RN!
Looking forward to staying home and puttering !
Almost FaLL her in Minnesota 🌻🍂🌲🍁🐿
I am SO excited about your plan for a book(s) of quotes! That is often my favorite part of your work and when I scrapbooked (long ago…) I would use your quote stickers like crazy!:)
Thanks for also reminding me that fall will come regardless of the current heat and humidity here in PA too.
Best wishes and stay well.
I love the cups!
Love the Zoom party you did. I saw it recorded, but for the next one, I have my ticket! Your positive words are just the encouragement I need to keep smiling in these times. Thank you.
So glad I discovered you many moons ago! You are one of the most delightful people “ I know”😀💕
Loved your zoom presentation!
Thank you for the Jane Austen quote on fall leaves! I hope you include lots of Jane in your new book!!
I’ll be praying for that Spring just as you described. Thank you for your uplifting words.
Sincerely,
Mary Parsons
What a lovely Zoom adventure you took me on! Initially I couldn’t watch it, you’re too popular and too many of us were trying to watch simultaneously. But I was patient, waited a day and tried again with happy success! Thank you for your boundless and infectious enthusiasm, so needed these days!
Thank you Susan for your post. I just moved my mother into nursing care, so this was an encouraging boost for me! Where does the time go, indeed. mind how you go, YvonneJ
Can’t wait for the Home for Christmas tea and to get my book! Thank you for bringing me joy in the midst of all this yuckiness, Susan! Sending love!
I had the most lovely time at the book talk – which was a book talk tea for me! I made my own tea party (lots of baking so I had to make carryout tea parties for my nearest neighbors, safely left on doorsteps). I wore my gramma’s hat, used my mother’s china and my sweet daughter took the grandkids outside so that I was uninterrupted for the highlight of my summer!
I thought your presentation was so professional, and Andrea was just terrific, too. I know we are all thankful for Duxbury for sponsoring all this and getting us together.
The only thing that could possibly be better is a CHRISTMAS tea party! I am registered!!! Hmmmm, should I make some Christmas cookies?
So Susan, after reading your blog above, I realize you’d be one of the few who wouldn’t look at me like I’ve lost my mind when I say that I am SO looking forward to Fall and Winter! Yes! Winter! I am with you, my friend… I am done with this heat and humidity. I know the humidity part of it here is nothing like what you experience – as I know what that’s like, having spent several weeks every summer as a child on the Cape. I remember the fog in the morning, the mist that we waited to burn off every morning so that we could get to the beach, the heavy salt air, and how my hair looked like velcro five minutes after I stepped out into that thickness! But yes, even here, most of this summer has featured very high humidity and many, many days of temps in the 90’s. With that said, I feel as you do – I always look forward to Fall. For me, it begins a period where I am happiest – from mid September through Christmas, and even into January and February. Cool nights, blankets, snuggles with my loved one, soups, stews, baking, candles, relaxing on the couch with a cozy throw and a good book and cup of tea, the colors: orange, browns, golds, deep yellows – pumpkins. the smell of cinnamon and spices, falling colorful leaves, Thanksgiving… Then watching the first snowfall of the year, the quiet sound of snow falling and draping the trees, the sound of the heat coming up in the radiators, mittens, scarves, and warm winter coats, then the wonder of Christmas. I’m 62, and to this day, I find Christmas magical. I think back to Christmases with my brothers and parents, trimming the tree, the presents, and how special my parents made the holiday. Of course, there were mom’s delicious holiday meals and goodies too! Love the Christmas movies and shows, no matter how many times I’ve seen them! So much to look forward to – and by the way, I have ordered your Christmas book! Only thing is this dampanic! I wonder what Christmas will look like this year with it lurking around every corner… : (
I guess, as we have done for the last five months, we will continue to make the best of a difficult and sad situation, and surround ourselves with the love of good friends, family, and neighbors to help us through these tough times. Thank you for the lovely blog post, I truly enjoyed it, and look forward to the first 55 degree night, (so my AC can finally switch off for awhile) which I know is right around the corner!
P.S. I have owned your Autumn book since it first came out, and I must say, it is probably my favorite of all your books. It’s on my coffee table every year when the leaves begin to turn…
Today was my 1st day of vacation and what better way to start it by opening my email to find your post!
Oh, I REALLY hope I get that Sunday off! I admit I haven’t a clue how to use Zoom (no remote work for me) so it will be…interesting to learn, lol. I love reading your blog and dreaming of Autumn, a season we do not have here in Florida. I usually just close the blinds, turn the A/C down, put a blanket over my lap and watch ‘The Trouble with Harry’ while drinking a Chai Tea Latte. A girl can dream.
Can’t wait to get the new book for Christmas! It’s my favorite time of year.
Here in Southeast Alaska we have had nothing but rain and we are 4 inches away of an all time record of rain fall! Wish we could send some of it to the wildfires in California!!!
Good afternoon, Susan! Thank you for another wonderfully uplifting Blog! I so enjoy seeing what’s happening on the island. I am thrilled that you will be adding another book about England. I loved the first one! We were supposed to go to the UK this year, but the dampanic came between us and a lovely vacation. Alas, it was not meant to be! But we still have the dream! Please stay safe!
Love from Peoria, Arizona
Cyndi Vossler
Love the post and look forward to the new books.
It is a bittersweet autumn for us this year. After an mild winter, our fruit trees were covered with blossoms! We were dreaming of apples, peaches, plums and pears….only to have a late frost kill them all! Thank goodness we aren’t pioneers counting on the harvest to feed the family over the winter! It makes you really admire the strength of those early settlers. Guess we will be visiting the farmer’s market this fall! Have a happy autumn Susan.
So nice to read your fun blog! Tick Tock indeed. Time is racing forward towards fall and than Winter and the hope and belief for better times in the Spring and next summer!
Love you, Susan! Thank you for your endless love and enthusiasm for life
Vanna, pick me!
Hey Susan, did you see the piece on Vanna on CBS Sunday Morning last weekend? If not, here’s a link: cbsnews.com/news/vanna-white-wheel-of-fortune-a-woman-of-letters-8-23-2020/
Thanks for your always-uplifting posts! Much needed these days…
Love where you take your walk — I miss the ocean; living in Arizona now where it’s 120 today. And I love the bird cup! Maybe I will win. 🙂 And your blog is so full of wonderful things to feast my eyes on and fill my spirit.
Fantastic post, I believe we are all ready for autumn 😀 Your new book sounds lovely!!!
Hi Susan, I am thinking of all the people who have lost homes in the fires and sending blessings to them and to all the first responders. Weather has cleared enough for the firefighters to get some traction on the fires here in No California. So scary for all of us who have gone thru this before. Take care and keep cherishing every day!
As Donkey said in Shrek, “Pick me!” lol. I’m looking forward to autumn too, but we had a spectacular thunderstorm last night. Laddie Cat was between my husband and me, on my pillow, and he jumped at every clap of thunder…but I enjoyed it.
Hi Susan. I’m a long time follower and shared your blog with so many of my friends. I live in SE Massachusetts and have been going through a very similar summer…hot and humid. Looking forward to some cooler weather and colorful fall foliage that we enjoy in New England. I’ve enjoyed your books and given so many as gifts. Looking forward to your new literary efforts that are so beautifully written and illustrated. Your watercolors are charming!
What a lovely give away. I so love seeing when you put up a new post. They make my day, especially when you write about fall. I have been waiting for it to arrive for weeks! Thank you for spreading the “happy”!
Thanks for another delightful and encouraging post!
Looking forward to Fall also! ❤️
Was feeling exhausted tonight and came to my computer and read your blog, Susan, and whoosh, a burst of energy and smiles 🙂 Thank you!! I feel renewed!
Hi, Susan, I have always loved Autumn but over the years the reasons have changed. When I was a child, it was the start of a new school year (I loved school!), when my twin sister moved to Maryland (from CA), as a young adult, it was spending time with her and enjoying the splendor of all the fall foliage and now in my senior years, I love wearing sweaters and enjoying all things pumpkin! I received my Santa mugs last week and I’m so proud of myself that it isn’t even Christmas Eve yet and I’ve started my shopping! I ordered your Home for Christmas book but having one to share would be wonderful. Looking forward to your Distilled Genius book/s since I love collecting ‘words well said’ and particularly, seeing them in your artwork. Your “pathological enthusiasm” brought a much-needed lift to my day. Thank you!
Hi Susan,
Your Blog picked-up my day.. This is all starting to get old but we will make it together. Thank you for the give-aways. I will keep my fingers crossed for any one of them.. Take care and stay safe..P>S> I too am a Autumn person. Cant wiat for cooler weather. and color changes..
Thank you, Susan, for recently helping me get through 5 weeks of radiation for breast cancer.I rewarded myself each of those 25 difficult days with 10 pages of your delightful book, “A Fine Romance…..Falling In Love With The English Countryside“. You transported me to a delightful, beautiful place! I can’t thank you enough for your inspiration!
You GO girl! I send my prayers and love. You did it!👏👏👏👏
Hi Susan, I can’t wait for the new Christmas book….and I love the cups…I really wanted the one with Jack on it but see it has been sold out for quite awhile…I did buy another that I liked and got one for my daughter that is over in England. Love reading your blogs! I am looking forward to the book you are doing on quotes!
Hi Susan! Your Blog is like a little Ray of sunshine! (Autumnal) I love hearing about your daily walks and beautiful island hone. I may never have the opportunity to visit there, so I visit vicariously through your stories! Thank you. Have a wonder Fall……. 🍂
Susan, as usual just a lovely, charming newsletter! I too am so anxious for Fall and Winter and for your new Christmas book!❤️
Thank you, Susan for the joy and inspiration that you have brought me for many years!
Happy, happy fall to you!! ❤️🥰
Your letter today makes me so eager for Fall. Oh, I love all your cups. I have the Corgie Queen cup and would love another one.
I always enjoy hearing from you. I, too, am looking forward to cooler weather.
Autumn is also my absolute favorite and bring out your autumn book every year for reference of all good things that I’ve forgotten about from the previous year. Thank you for the opportunity to win something special from you! What a treasure for the lucky winners!
Hi Susan. I get so excited when I see you’ve written again in my email. Right now it’s the little things that count. Hope you and Joe are well. Enjoy your new picnic table and your friends around it.
“Taking delight in the small things” by hugging my own kitty. Your blog is always the highlight of the month and I thank you. Hugs!
Susan, I would so love to have one if your cups!!
Fall, Autumn is lingering. The air is changing as well as the leaves are starting to show changes. Absolutely the best time of year!! I am looking forward to receiving Home for Christmas..its a bit tricky right now as I have a post box in Sumas Washington BUT as we are not able to cross the border I have requested it to be sent to Canada I have shared many recipes over the years with friends I will be sure and let them know some books are available.
As always Susan you shine a bright light on us all.
A bright spot in the day to read your blog.
Would love to win your wonderful mugs…just love them ❤️
Donna
I love your “damn panic” term! (and I’ve used it.) 🙂
Would love a cup as I can never make up my mind which one to get, so perhaps you could choose for me! You are amazing Miss 73 year old! I’m full of admiration for you. Thank you for these past 30 years of domesticity.
Susan-I too can’t wait for Fall. I have already been reading your Autumn book. LOVE!
ooooh! Nice fall thoughts, and can’t wait for your new book! Even though I love summer, you give some good reasons to embrace autumn.
Book and ticket bought, I’m ready for the tea party! Really, really need this right now-hugs to all!
I sooooo look forward to your blog posts! They are always a treat 🐱 and now more than ever! I’m looking forward to the new Christmas 🎄 book and going to get another Autumn as I keep giving mine away! Love 💓 to you and yours from me and mine. 🤗🥰
My husband and I are sitting on the back porch in the twilight, listening to the cicadas and crickets. A hummingbird visited the feeder and the doves are cooing goodnight. I fixed chili with tomatoes from the garden. There may be a dam-panic but it can’t touch us here. Looking forward to autumn, that nip in the air, and pumpkin spice!
Susan, your posts are a joy to read . .thanks for brightening my day!
You help me find the light in every day. Thank you
Thank you a Susan for your encouraging blog! I love seeing bits of the island especially after being there last October. What a beautiful place! The cooler mornings are here with the warm days. Fall is coming!
Oh the delightful anticipation to my favorite season, FALL! The *ber* months are coming, the *ber* months are coming!
Time for me to get out my Autumn Book I love reading it every year and love the drawings
I can taste my new box of Fall tea in that bluebird cup😚🐦🌻It will taste lovely with a piece of the pumpkin crunch cake that I might not make it until Fall..to make..Mmm Happy early Autumn
🏠🕟☕🍵😅
Hi Susan! Are there any people who DON’T think Autumn is the very best season? But then I think of “If Ever I Would Leave You,” from Camelot. (Check out Robert Goulet’s version on YouTube for Musica!!) But still. I’m an October baby, so I’m still biased toward the season of leaves, and wood smoke (the good kind, from fireplaces) on the breeze, and a nip in the air. Thanks for helping to build my anticipation!!
I enjoyed your latest blog very much! You certainly give us strength, inspiration, hope. Looking forward to your future projects!
Love, Susan in the U [upper] P [peninsula]
Oh Susan you are lovely. Thanks so much for all the sharing you do.
From your mouth to God’s ears Susan. HOPE springs eternal & SPRING of 2021 will be a new beginning for all of us.
I’m 72 & just lost my 2nd husband (both named Joe) & I know that I told you last month of Joe G’s death. My wonderful years w/ both of them (32 & 17) just weren’t long enough. So, I’m praying that perhaps by spring I will find a new way to live the rest of my life. I’m taking a cue from you w/ all your many talents that you share w/ each of us. You are a GIFT SUSAN.
Peace & Blessings.
Listen to your words, so filled with hope despite such a sad time, I love you Rose Ann, you are what we are, amazing. xoxoxo
Thank you for this Susan. Some how reinventing one’s self at 72 will not be as easy as when I was only 52 years old when my first husband Joe died. 20 years surely makes a difference, but in the spring of 2021, I will give it my best shot! My beloved 2nd husband Joseph would have wanted me to be brave & strong & to go on w/ the rest of my life.
Stay safe dear friend & I love you too. xoxoxox
He would. xoxoxo
Bring on Autumn! Still over 110 degrees here in Arizona! The nights cool down t0 94! Oh boy.
Dearest Susan,
It was wonderful to see you on zoom last week! You did a fantastic job – you are sooooo good at these things! I’ve already signed up for your next zoom in September…can’t wait!
Thank you for this blog post. I feel your excitement for the coming season(s). A colorful autumn, “normal” halloween, short winter and flowery spring. Love your plan…count me in!!
I can’t believe how prolific you are with your work, how is it you can have ANOTHER book in progress already?! Thank you so much for sharing your world with us. You are so dear, sweet and wonderful.
HUGS to you, Joe and Jack!
Stay well and stay safe!
xo, Christy (@KindredChristy)
Just fun to make things, Christy! xoxo
Thank you, Susan! I always thoroughly enjoy your blogs and savor every word and image!
Was able to watch your zoom from Duxbury the other day. Such fun!! Have already ordered my ticket for the Titcombs’ Zoom and the new Christmas book to go along with it. So excited!! Thank you dear Susan for being the bright spot in this dampanic! You bring such a light into so many lives.
Susan, although I’m normally a SPRING person, you are talking me in to anticipating FALL this year!!! At 71, and after being home so much lately, and enjoying every moment, I’m longing for sweaters, fires in the fireplace, and yummy things in the oven! If only Kansas got more bright white snow! Ahhhh, I love snow! Thankfully, I have many of your books to re-re-re-read! Along with several wonderful Tasha Tudor biographies with wonderful photos. All of these I savour and enjoy thoroughly…thank you!!!
Your girlfriend,
Jackie Pellow
Your lovely post came on the perfect day! So exciting to have things to look forward to—-I am most excited about your upcoming book of quotes. What a great idea; I can’t wait to pre-order!
In celebration of Autumn – Alice Hoffman is publishing a prequel to her prequel of Practical Magic. It’s about Marie. I thought you might be interested. It’s titled Magic Lessons.
Cannot wait for your new book of quotes!
Love this post – inspiring and full of positive spirit that we all need.
What an inspiring newsletter. Thanks so much for your new books in quotations as I collect them in a journal. Hoping I will be one of your winners. Thanks again for your uplifting letter.
Hard to think about Autumn in hot, dry, smoky California but your beautiful words and pictures give me hope! Thank you!
Thank you for all your beautiful artwork. I can’t wait for the book of quotes. It’s a great idea! Your new Christmas book will be wonderful too. Keep up the great work and you and Joe stay safe. Thanks!
What a blessing your books, calendars, and writing have been in my life through many years. I thank you for the joy!
You are always so kind to share these wonderful treasures! Thank you also for sharing your beautiful home and garden. Living in the Southwest I really enjoy seeing all of the flowers and the beautiful beach from your morning walk.
Thank you!
Well my post seems to have gone AWOL so I will try again…
Like you, Susan, and so many others, my favorite season is Autumn. I can hardly wait for this humid, sticky hot summer to cease and those dry, cool, clear autumn days and evening to arrive!
I would love to win your “Little Things” mug as I had to pass on the previous sale and adore your miniature decorations best on the mugs – it’s like reading a book while you sip your tea!
I like you idea on the quotations book as you always have so many interesting ones used in your art.
I will be taking a staycation next week in conjunction with my birthday on Sept 4th and will add perusing your Autumn book and watching your webinar will be two of my little pleasures during that time. It will give me something to plan with for a future gathering with my daughter and my only grandchild who are in MA and I haven’t been with since Christmas. I sure hope we will be able to be together before Christmas but of course who knows?
Thank you for this cheery “love letter” to us all and all your time and talents that you share with us in providing your blog, your books, art etc. They are such a welcome diversion during the now tedious days of repeated isolation. I feel like I’m stuck in a “Groundhog Day” movie with nothing to look forward to and no end in sight. It is especially monotonous as I am the soul caregiver of an adult son with special needs and his few weekly activities of course ceased and we have been in such a rut missing the occasional diversion and separation i.e. respite. Especially difficult this summer was the loss of the overnight camp trip which provides us with 2 weeks away from each other. Here’s hoping next summer will be back to normal!
Well enjoy the last few official weeks of summer (we’ll be pining for them come January of course!) and the advent of autumn!
Hello I love all of your books. And I am always excited to get your emails. Thank you, Dale Cynthia.
What a fantastic post! I Love it when you talk so much about HOME, the coziest word in the dictionary! What a HOT summer and Autumn just around the corner, Oh Happy Days! Sending you and Joe and kitty a virtual HUG! Hugs all around! Love, Wendy-Louise oooxxx
Always fun to read a new blog …you lead such an interesting life…
Thanks for your cozy and caring updates! Looking forward to fall here, too. It’s been very hot and humid in Iowa and it will be a relief when the temps drop. Then we can head to the apple orchards in Wisconsin and collect beautiful pumpkins and gourds at farm stands along the way.
Susan,
Once again a true delight for the eyes and imaginations. Today was a hard one, 11 years since I mother passed, so your post was just the perfect picker-upper as she would say.
Thank you for sharing your world with us.
Love and bunny hugs from Hot Texas.
Shirley
I’ve loved your bunny hugs for so long Shirley! Thank you!
I too am so happy to see the end of summer. Autumn is so cozy. However, I have to say that I am enjoying my vegetables from my garden and my son’s garden! Just had some lovely zucchini and eggplant this evening. Tomato sauce canning is coming soon at the Conte’s as well. Fresh pasta with fresh sauce all fall and winter is the best. I wanted to let you know that my friend Annette and I enjoyed the Zoom so much. Can’t wait for the next one!
Just joined your blog group and I am looking forward to signing up for one of your zoom tea parties.
Hi Susan!
Your Heart of the Home book was always on my mom’s coffee table growing up, and now that I’ve moved away from home your blog posts feel like a much-needed hug. I look forward to them so much! Thank you for creating light & warmth during this crazy time the world is having.
I received my Christmas mug last week and The Little Things one today. I LOVE them both. I have a growing collection now! I imagine my pre-ordered Christmas book will be here soon. So excited. I’d still like another mug if I am chosen a winner – a wonderful gift for a girlfriend. Looking forward to Autumn also and hoping a break in the pandemic happens too. I have faith! Just signed up for the September tea on the 20th. I enjoyed the first Zoom meeting immensely!! See you soon…
Heaven is Autumn… year-round
I wanted you to know that I just finished The Best of Stillmeadow on your recommendation of Gladys Taber’s books and loved it. I felt so peaceful and blessed after I came to the end to have discovered her writings. Thank you so much, Jessica
Have been fan for40+ years, your writing and art is amazing and heartwarming, got to visit your previous shop in Arroyo Grande , CA, years ago. Thanks for continuing to add light to the world!
My heart skipped a beat when I saw your pic of the queen on your windowsill. My dear departed mother, a true Brit and Royalist through and through, had china mugs on her kitchen windowsill commemorating not only Elizabeth but weddings and births of all her family. Just as your blog brings a smile to my face, along with my anticipation of fall also, seeing that tiny pic truly made me happy. Bless you.
Yes I have the Autumn Book I will begin displaying it on my Tea Table soon not yet its still Summer but I have many of your Books, Just texted my daughter and told her I just got your new Blog and hopefully it will cheer me up and It did, Thank you…Love Karen Seward, Oceanside, New York