Hello my friends … First … deep breath, and a cup of something ~ go get it, I’ll wait. I’m no good without you anyway. I promise not say a thing of substance before you get back (and maybe never🤣, we shall see). Perhaps some fine olde MUSICA to send you on your way? MUSICA…
You back? Okay, here we go . . . Ahhhhh, these bewitching late summer nights are what I live for. They are the thing that made me stay here forever. Doors and windows open, cool air blowing through, leaves beginning to drift, talking into the night accompanied by the songs of crickets, with bug buckets glowing . . . Know what a bug bucket is? It’s that ⬇️ … a big candle in a bucket that burns citronella to keep bugs away … we surround our chairs with them.
Darkness falls streaking the sky in pink and lavender, bug buckets and twinkle lights lit . . . quiet voices in the night . . . making some summer souvenirs . . .💞
Stars shining bright above us🎵 . . . and for a while we forget the troubles of the world . . . and lose ourselves in the hearts, memories, and laughter of our friends . . .
You can’t solve all the world’s problems. Now go wash your hands and come to the table. 💖My Mom
So basically, that’s what we’ve been doing, coming to the table. Definitely a thing of substance, you can tell by the way the trees are leaning in to listen. We did it last night and we’re doing it tomorrow night. I feel like I’m trying to grab onto a speeding car! September being the car.🍂🍁🍂
I’ve been wandering through my recipe books. We’re making Chili for tomorrow (p.78 in my Autumn book or right 
HERE), in fact it’s cooking on top of the stove right now. I’m sorry to all the other chili makers out there, but this recipe is the BEST in the world. Please give it a try. Deep, dark, and delicious. The other night we put fresh littleneck clams in our linguini, tossed a spoonful of pesto on the top of each dish … and served it with my dad’s delicious buttery garlic bread, so so so good, you can read about it HERE.
And of course my shadow hangs out in the kitchen while I’m cooking, he is always where I am. Next to me now, I reach to pet him, on your behalf, big round eyes look up ~ tiny mew! This is his birthday month! He’s almost ten! How can that BE?
And this, because NOW is the time for juicy, sun-ripened garden tomatoes ~ pop them into a jar with basil, garlic, and olive oil, and then into the sun for a few hours. It’s one of my favorite summer recipes.
And corn? Have you had your allotted amount of fresh corn yet this summer? Now’s the time, those little kernels are popping off the cobs … and, do not forget this wonderful recipe for Corn Chowder … put it in a mug for a cool evening in the garden . . .
Joe’s homemade picnic tables turned out great … We had our first sit-down dinner for six since last winter! It’s been a dinner-drought during this DamPanic! And everyone was at least 6′ away!
So many memories under this arbor … not only ours, but for the people who lived here before us.
Especially the Bowditch family. Mr Bowditch built this arbor, Mrs. Bowditch named it the Teahouse of the August Moon . . . we love these people so much, I’ve told you before, they owned our house from 1949 to 1980 and left us so many gifts. Like their forever-foundation of rose arbors, creaky wooden floors, old trees, and a fireplace that can talk. They are gone but not forgotten.
“O’ thou who has given us so much, grant us one thing more, a grateful heart.” 💝 George Herbert
The other blessing of these summer nights . . . the beautiful moon we share with the whole world. But, this moon is not seeing the same thing everywhere it looks. As it drifts across America this year, it sees less and less twinkle lights and more and more hungry, isolated, and homeless people 💔, NOT enjoying 
linguini in Clam Sauce, wishing for a big bowl of corn chowder, longing for a breath of fresh air from a pure breeze over a clean moon, and no smoke, and no heat, no orange skies, and a peaceful end to this 
crazy year that Michelle, one of our girlfriends, described as “the new cuss word,” as in “I don’t give a 2020.” But we DO give a 2020, don’t we? I’m showing my gratitude, best I can, by donating an early Christmas present to Feed America and the Red Cross. And we can’t forget our darling animal friends who make our earth a brighter place to be. When humans are in trouble, animals are in more trouble. We can’t do everything, we can’t all be nurses or firefighters or teachers, or first responders, heroes all, but we can do something, don’t ever think a dollar doesn’t matter.💞 They need us, and we need them and . . .
So what else magic people . . . ?
This, me, painting for the (OMG) 2022 calendars. You know I did my first calendar in 1993? Almost 30 years of celebrating the days! With a few time-offs for good behavior! But I love every moment of it. Writing out the words of distilled genius, painting these little letters . . .
Letters that go perfectly with now. So, dinner at the Teahouse of the August Moon requires tablecloths! Which gives us this wonderful thing I wanted to share with you in case your dreamy fall-wind ration is wanting . . . here’s some of ours…
XOX
Laundry is the very best way to catch the wind . . . (Ah, but I may as well try . . .🎵)
First little leaves are floating out of the trees ~ this one got caught in a clothes pin!
Mmmmm, line-dried laundry . . . even folding it smells good.💓
For us lucky ones, these are lovely days of noticing the little things in life . . .💓
Good morning sunshine . . .☀️
What’s on the porch? Oooo, heavy … oh my!!! Could it be? Little heart flutter …
Yes! Home for Christmas has come in for a landing! The little baby is born. My first view of it. 💞
Hello Baby! We think the rest of the books will arrive at the Studio tomorrow, or maybe Monday, but SOON… and then, off they 
go, to everyone who preordered, first come, first serve! 💝 With all my heart.💖
I should tell you, even though I do not like to say it, and I’m sure you do not want to hear it, but my precious mother went to heaven in April. I’m sorry. I’m one of those people who can’t talk about such things for a long time, it takes me a while to learn how to live with it if that’s even possible. But from the moment she went on hospice care, I began writing this Christmas story. I wrote all through late winter into spring. I was with her the entire time 
and she was with me. It was the perfect place to be. She’s the “Home” in Home for Christmas. I knew a lot of you had figured it out, and I was sure that when you read the new book you would ask, so I’m sharing it now, because in so many ways, you knew her too. She was in my right hand at the writing of every book, the hand connected to my heart that connected me to you. It’s her spirit of love you read on every page. Dearest person, mom of eight, wise beyond her years. She said the simplest things, like, “You know the difference between right and wrong.” And she convinced me I did!
Patricia Louise Smith Stewart, a girl after my own heart.
I immediately sat down and read the first book out of the box and made myself cry. You know I’m okay. My mom WANTED to go to heaven. It was the right thing at the right time. Thanking you ahead for all your kind thoughts. You don’t have to say a thing. Because we both already know.💞
And because I have it now, guess who gets the next three copies from my box of Home for Christmas? Oh yeah, YOU! Let’s draw the names of our winners!! Our random number generator, the famously wicked and charming Vanna, named for another talented Vanna, is ready for the pick! I say, You go girl! And she does! Down, down, down, deep into thousands of names she dives, scissor-kicking to the bottom, crinkled slips of paper like from a fortune cookie flying through the air, each one has a name, and here she comes … her green eyes are sparkling with success as she hands me the three bits of paper, and back down she goes, into the melee, on her next quest: to find the winners of the cups! SO, let me see, I’ll give you the names and a bit of identifying something from their comments, so there won’t be any mixups … the winners for the Books are, drum roll please . . .
Katie Craig! She’s one of our heroes, a teacher working very hard to make things right for her kids during Covid!👏🎉
Number two, is Karen Giordano! She wrote that my Autumn Book is her Labor Day tradition!👏 🎊
And last but not least, Susan Karasievich ~ she appreciates fairy tales!👏🎈
Kindred spirits, all!💞 Congratulations! I will send you an email soon and you can send me your address and what name I should write in your books and off they will go!
And Next? Three cups . . . fingers crossed, Girlfriends, I hope you win one of them!
And here we go: For the Bluebird cup . . .
The winner is …. Marie from Chester, Oh! our girlfriend in England! Hi Marie! Looks like you’re going to surprise your sister! xoxo 💝
Next is the Santa cup . . . are you ready Linda Beck? You better be! (Perfect because she has been “coveting” cups!)💓
And very last (except we’ll do it again someday)… the winner for the Little Things cup . . . Here we go! It’s Amy from Wisconsin ~ Yay Amy! (she moved back to Wisconsin in 1979 and she’s been happy ever since)!!!🎉
So happy for you all! 👏
Here’s the full-page ad I did for the Nov-Dec issue of Yankee Magazine ~ it tells more about Home for Christmas … look for it and a smaller version in Victoria Magazine!
I hope I’m going to see some of you in my magic mirror on September 20th, at 3:30 pm EST, for Sunday Tea with me and Titcomb’s Bookshop. It’ll be on Zoom, so easy if you haven’t tried it yet (believe me I don’t know what I’m doing either, but let’s not let that stop us!), you can Google “Youtube, how to do Zoom” and they will show you how. It’s going to be another BYOTea, just like today, except with zoom-a-vision … Go HERE to sign up.
So what else might I have in my bag of tricks? Oh yes, because I heard you when you asked . . . here they are, Holiday Cooking Greeting Cards! You’ll see I write about my mom’s famous Snippy Doodle in the new book, so I thought you might like the recipe! And of course, who doesn’t love Cranberry Marmalade! Something to share!
Ten cards with envelopes, and each package comes with a candy cane bookmark! For Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or for any old reason, because the more connection to each other, the better!!💞
This is inside Cranberry Marmalade . . .
And here’s Snippy Doodle.
And here’s the back for both of them! A kiss across continents! Christmas Cards are coming soon!
And another good thing happened, the 3rd printing of Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams has finally arrived . . . in case you were looking for one… they are BACK! And FYI, just so you know, the new puzzle is right on schedule⏰ … they should be in at the end of October. Perfect timing!💓 And so, sweet people, off I go … Until next time . . .
If you can,
Thank you for everything . . .💞 See you next time! I have an idea about the next post. Can’t wait!👏
Well, now I feel ready to inch into fall. Our Michigan weather is certainly pushing me beyond my desire but at least you show me warm and toasty, tasty and yes, windy. (I have plenty of wind here, too. ) I’m so sorry about your dear Mom, Susan. I know what a big role she played in your life and consequently, in all of ours. Funny, how the things we do touch people we never even thought of knowing. Those loss feelings continue for a long while. I know you are being gentle with yourself, and Joe is the best person to have when you need a shoulder on which to cry (or a hug after the big cry!). Jack, too. Love the new book — congratulations!
Thank you for sharing the love your mother gave you. Everything is gift.
Love you Susan! I feel that I am with “my people” when I read your blog! It is wonderful to connect with others like me😊
Dear Susan. My heart is so sad for you. No matter what our age the loss of our mother is shattering. Sending you prayers. Mary
Hi Susan,
I don’t usually comment on your blog but I read every one and always love every one! I’m very saddened to read about your mom and send you lots of love and comfort. I love the stories you tell about your mom, her example is one I wish I could emulate as a mom myself. Thank you for sharing her love with us. ❤️
I’m sure you do Dawn xoxoxo💖
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I have tears in my eyes because I do feel I knew her from how you always wrote about her so lovingly. I am so lucky to still have my mother who just turned 95.
Thank you for sharing your mom with all of us.
Susan- your Mother is the light in your eyes.. take time to hear Martina McBride’s
Song- “In My Daughter’s Eyes”…. I always feel so with my Mom with that song…
Blessings and special hugs,
Winette in VA
So very sorry that you lost your Mom….when we lose our parents, it’s almost like we become orphans for a bit. I have loved reading about her through the years and her love of life was certainly passed on to you, Susan xoxox
I can’t believe adorable Jack is ten!!!!
Thank you for all the beauty and joy you bring to my life.
Christine
Dear Susan, I became a fan when I read the story how you found out about Santa from your wonderful mother. It was so much like my own. I’m the oldest and was way too old and my mom took me for a ride and had a special talk. My world charged in an instant. But my sweet mom told me now I was part of a new tradition making Christmas special for others. She’s been gone long time but she is always with me. Your mom will always be with you.
Patty
You have a way of putting life in perspective that I love! Especially now, appreciating things and being grateful is a lovely way to live. Please never change Susan 💜
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mother, she has been so intertwined in your work that I feel a loss also. 💕. I have no doubt that you were and continue to be a bright warm light in her life. Take time to let your heart heal.
It is never easy to lose a parent . . . but, a mother !!! My heart aches for you. I’ve been there. I will pray for you !
How lovely to have a new blog post from you! I made a cup of tea just for the occasion and sit here watching the hummingbirds enjoy the feeder. I suspect their migration will be coming soon. Congratulations to the winners! Sending my deepest sympathies at the loss of your mother. It was her influence that brought you to focus on the truly important things in life, and what an influence you have been on each one of us! Big hugs! xoxo
I suspected something like ‘that’ had happened by a few things / ways you were talking …so very sorry you lost your Mom, Susan. My love and prayers to you and yours while you all grieve – and I know that loss too. Lost my beloved Dad 8/29/2018 and just 14 short months later lost my beloved Mom 11/7/2019. Dad’s 2nd anniversary just passed, Mom’s 85th b-day was 9/8 and her 1st anniversary coming soon. I know your pain…
From heaven I know your dear mother is looking down proudly seeing how you have used the things she instilled in you about love, family, creativity, kindness, and caring. Surely you can feel her arms around you as you remember the magic of her love. Thank you for sharing the memories.
Dear Susan: Losing our moms is so searing and humbling, especially as we process all that our mothers mean to us always and forever. I am grieving for you now. Love, Katha
Sending you love and hugs!
xoxo – Sherrie
I have been wondering about your mom. I’m sorry for your loss, but she is at peace and has shed her worldly body that was holding her back. Sending you and your family love, peace, strength, and healing.
So glad to hear your new tables worked for your gatherings. Tell Joe, well done! It looks lovely. I have been meeting with friends at parks. Yesterday, I met with two friends at a park halfway between us – we live about an hour apart. Today, I met with friends who live close by, so we met at a state park by our homes. We had so much fun, we decided to do it every other week until the weather makes us stop. We also decided to do it at different parks. We all brought our tea/coffee and snacks. We talked and talked, then took a lovely walk and looked for birds. (I’m so lucky, one of my friends is an avid, knowledgeable birder). We’re making the best of our situation, and we’re doing fine. By the way, I recently read, The Buddhist on Death Row by David Sheff. I highly recommend. It’s not just about prisoners on death row, and it not just about Buddhism. It’s about how we handle our “stuff”.
Thanks again for sharing your joy with all of us. It really does make a difference. Namaste.
I’m so sorry about your Mom…blessings to you…
The world is not the same when our moms are not in it…but they are never really gone, are they, when their voices are right there inside of us? Sending you a big hug, sister.
A quick story: My next-door neighbor, the feisty Jane, told me once, when she was in her 90’s, “At least once every day I think, ‘I wonder what Mama would think about that’ or, ‘I wonder what Mama would do’. I think about her every day.” Jane taught me you’re never too old to miss your mama. It was an important lesson to learn and I’ve carried it with me, not at all worried about how much I miss my own dear mom.
You always lift my day! Can’t wait to get my Santa book 😘.
Hello Susan ~
I was at work when your email came, so thought I would take a little break and fix a cup of 🍵 tea while I read it. You are such a ray of sunshine ☀️ to my heart.
I cried when I read of the loss of your sweet mom, am so sorry 💝
I love how you honor her memory and her heart in your work…and am thankful for all of us who carry such dear memories of a mother who showed us such wonderful, unconditional love.
At 61, I still miss mom’s kind voice and advice, but she is always close in heart ~ and now she sometimes visits through a dragonfly or cardinal in my garden🌻
Much love and hugs to you.💌
So want to be Home for Christmas. Will enjoy going there with you in your book.
I know how you feel about not wanting to talk about your loss because I lost my Dad in March. I hope you realize what a wonderful mark you have made on this world. Those of us who are your followers are given so much love and happiness by you just from your blog not to mention your books, calendars and much more. Thank you and take care.
You too Janet.😪💞
Dearest Susan…..the funny thing in your opening sentence about us breathing, getting a cup of something, and that you’d wait for us…..such a wonderful posting…..the way the light changes, both in the trees and the sky, and the light in all of us is changing at the same time……thank you again for the sparkly lights, the colors, the memories, the warm spots, the kitty, the hope you help to share with us…..as we write our Get Out the Vote letters, help kids get ready for school at home, saying thank you to our store clerks, helping neighbors with a chat, a wave, a smile, sharing too many tomatoes and zucchini, feeling blessed that we can say we have too many tomatoes, too many zucchini,
keeping truth at the forefront of all we do…..love you, sweetie…..
Regina, Seattle
😘
My heart goes out to you, Susan. Thank you for continuing to bring such whimsy, joy, and comfort to my life!
Oh, Susan. I’m so so so very sorry that you lost your sweet mama. I have loved your stories about her and have the little Mary statue like what she had in her kitchen. I identify with her since we have 5 kids! I’ve been thinking of you so much this week. We are on Mackinaw Island celebrating our 40th anniversary. I told my husband, Paul, how much this reminds me of Martha’s Vineyard. He said, “How do you know about Martha’s Vineyard?”. I reminded him of how much I love your blog. You need to come visit this amazing place. No cars. I’m hearing the clip clop of horses outside my window. This is where they filmed “Somewhere in Time”. We have a lakeside room filled with flowers and champagne! The town is very quaint. You would love it. Put it on your next road trip back to California! Sending you many hugs. I just got my calendars and mugs. Looking forward to my Christmas book! Take special care.
I’ve always wanted to go! At one time I had a fantasy about renting the entire hotel just for girlfriends and having a HUGE sleepover! Imagining everyone walking around on the porch with their tea or coffee, in their jammies! Later on, a Picnic Tea on the Somewhere in Time Lawn!😄
Susan, PLEASE sign me up!
I know, wouldn’t it be fun!! Just don’t know if we could fill the entire HOTEL!!! And not sure if people want to see a bunch of strangers running around in their jammies!😊
I believe you would totally fill up the hotel!! I would pay for a room, and would even share too if I’m right and 3000 girlfriends signed up! We could all bring or fav tea cups and saucers, or mugs, OOH, totally scathingly brilliant idea ever!! What a great way to experience ALL the girls!! Only girls allowed? I can dream, right? —dezi
Susan: I found my favorite quote about mothers, from Abraham Lincoln, whose mother died when he was nine:”All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” I hope your many years of wonderful memories bring some comfort.
As soon as I opened your letter, I followed your instructions and got myself a cup of tea, started Musica, and then spent a lovely few minutes enjoying your words and photos. I’m so sorry to hear about your mother–I’m sure she is in Heaven. Blessings to you–
I am so sorry about your Mom. You have brought so much joy into my life all these years and she “made” you. My very first book of yours was the Christmas book. It opened up a world of possibilities to give to others.
Secret to the joy of life. 🎵
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear Mom, Susan. Yes, from your books and blogs, I do feel like I know her. How special that you could work on Home for Christmas in honor of her. May your special memories with your mom carry you through this fall and into the Christmas season this year!
Your blog is always so uplifting and full of hope-just what we need😘 Looking forward to gifting myself with your new book and puzzle!
Now I think I understand why you stopped one book to finish the new one…your heart was telling you❤️Take care!!
“Because we both already know.” Much love, warm hugs being sent your way, dear Susan. When I count my blessings, you’re way, way up there💗💗
💞😘💞
Hugs to you, Im so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. What a lovely woman she was! I’m sure she’s dancing and singing and playing fantastic games of tennis up in heaven, maybe even getting a dance with Sinatra too? I love seeing the photos of your home, and the coziness you create. I hope one day you write a book about the story of your old house! Oh, I’d love nothing better!
I’d love to do it!💖
Sad to hear your mom’s passing! Jan Karon in her book, “Out to Canaan” included this quote from C.S. Lewis: “With my mother’s death, all settled happiness, all that was tranquil and reliable, disappeared from my life. There was to be much fun, many pleasures, many stabs of joy; but no more of the old security. It was sea and islands now; the great continent had sunk like Atlantis…..”
My mom’s been gone 20 years, but a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think of her! They bless our hearts for a lifetime, don’t they?
Your blog is an instant day-brightener, meant to savor and come back to again and again. I can’t help it, I just have to share the quotes and pictures with my husband. He has given me your books and calendars for the past few Christmases 🙂
I am so so sorry….I lost my mom 21 years ago last month. She told me that as time went on I wouldn’t miss her so much…that might have been the one time she knew she wasn’t being honest with me.
Today I really wanted her hugs….so I guess what I am trying to say is thank you for sharing your mom today…
You and I share another thing we both grew up in CA and now live elsewhere…but hard to take CA out of the girl…
I worry right now about my sister and her family who have been evacuated because of the fires…keep good thoughts and prayers for them please.
xoxox
Sue
I do every day. Been so tough for them! Breathing alone has been a problem! Hugs to you too Sue. xoxo
Oh Susan ! How exciting ! I do hope you can kick back now and relish in what this last year has brought. So much sadness for some but many good things too. Prayers.
Precious friend,
I have been nose deep into your Isle Of Dreams book, I received the same day as my Birthday present from my London pen-pal!! Love it girlfriend. Kudos, you did it again! I noticed the huge pot on your stove! Is that the one Agnes Brooks left behind? Wow, I think it’s so cute! Adorable little white speckles all over it. UMMM, chili sounds SO-o-oo–o good!
Here in the HEART of Arizona, we have a quite welcome reprieve from the relentless scorcher of a summer! We hit a high of 80 degrees yesterday, utterly delightful! And it got down to 48 degrees last night, (my tomatoes survived it, thank the Lord). So hubby and I went to the town 18 miles from us where the firewood you buy in bags from gas stations and convenience stores comes from. There is an enormous pile of wood they consider not good enough, and people crawl all over it like the peasants in the 1800’s would climb coal slag mountains to get some discarded coal for their fires. Yeap, that’s us! The wood was the best we’ve ever seen, and the temperature was perfect! We pay 20 dollars for a truck load. We are now set for a cold winter! Bring it on, dear old man winter, we are ready!
Thank you again, (as I join the chorus of you grateful fans), God bless and injoy loved ones around your lusious Chili tonight!–dezi
Favorite words are that during her hospice time, you were with your mother and she was with you the whole time you were writing the Christmas book.
That just touches my heart is such a sweet comforting way.
Looking forward to “seeing” you Sunday September 20 for tea and sending you Sympathy. Susan from Falmouth
You have shared so much about your wonderful mother that I feel I have lost my mother,
again.
My Mom’s middle name was also Louise. She actually used it as her “first” name because she didn’t like Marjorie. It’s hard saying a temporary good-bye to our Moms, but we are so lucky to have had such wonderful ones. Hugs.
Condolences, sorry for your loss, thanks for sharing. All the best ~
Thank you, Susan. For the music and the tears. I had a feeling back there, but was hoping you were OK, and you are. You are an inspiration. Bless you.
Jeanne of Iowa
One is never “old enough” to lose a beloved Mother! Especially one as beloved as yours! Marybeth Shreveport, LA
There is nothing like a mother’s love. I’m glad you were so blessed. May your many memories console you.
Terrie T
Prayers and best wishes for a beautiful fall at your home in Martha’s
Vineyard. My heart is with you for peace! Freya Sponseller
My condolence comes from your booklet, “The Right Words for Every Occasion.’When the Lord calls our loved ones home, He leaves a gift of memories in exchange.'” Those memories will bring warmth to your heart and a smile to replace your tears.
I am looking forward to the upcoming tea and the Christmas book.
Thank you for telling us about your Mom. I’ve been thinking about her and wondering. What a gem she was. I see her as an angel, singing in heaven. Thankfully she filled you up with lovely memories . . . . and we all benefit.
Wishing you peace of mind.
Susan, my sympathy on the loss of your precious Mom. My Mom died a week ago today, not even 24 hours after being admitted to Hospice. My heart understands how you feel. Both our Angel Mothers may be in Heaven, but they will continue to guide us, just like they did here on Earth.
I’m so sorry Fran…😪
How precious, how very, very special were our parents, the Greatest Generation! Looking back on their lives we realize now how blessed we all were: Mom in the kitchen in an apron, Dad home from the war rolling up his sleeves and going to work to make a life for all of us. The world was not worthy of them. Hugs and prayers coming your way and to all who are saying good bye to their beloved family. We who are left now have our marching orders: to leave a world a better place because we can do it too…if we all do our part, no matter how little it will make a difference. God Bless!
100%💞
Hi Susan, hard to lose someone who loved you so. What a great influence your mom had on you and in turn, what a great inflence you have had on all of us. Exciting to hear who won your treasues. I was so happy to see that Marie in Chester won. We became friends through your blog. She will be absolutely thrilled. And the Christmas book has arrived. I’ll be haunting the mailbox and then the puzzle won’t be far behind. Oh, my! Hugs, Elaine
She even mentioned you in the comment she left when she won ~ telling me the same thing. Isn’t that fun! Connections!
We enjoyed corn-on-the-cob this evening and I picked up the beef and pinto beans for Touchdown Chili tomorrow. So pleased to know we are kindred spirits in cooking also. 💞 Susan, you are such a blessing to hundreds of us as you write from you heart. Thank you so very much for sharing your gifts.
Please take care.
Until we meet for tea,
~ Janice
Bless your Mama’s heart ~ ❤️ Wishing her peace, and to you and all of your family as well. May you find comfort in your lifetime of loving memories. xxoo
Bless your dear heart.
Saying good-bye to my Mom was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. She had her memory to the end. My deepest condolences Susan! Take care, stay well.
I lost my mom 2 years ago but it might as well have been 2 hours ago. She never leaves my heart. May God bless you with comfort and knowing that she is alright now, and forever more.
My mom went to heaven three years ago and my dad last year. They were known as the “love birds”in their nursing home because they always held hands, Dad in the recliner and Mom in her wheelchair. They would both be sound asleep, holding hands, sometimes, just their pinkie fingers. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry you lost your mom, Susan. I just lost mine two weeks ago today and I was waiting for this blog post because I had pre-ordered a book for her and hoped it would arrive before she passed. She too was in hospice and also wanted to go to heaven, like your mom. My mom’s saying was “we’re all where we’re supposed to be”. And we are. I will cry when I receive my pre-ordered copy that was to be for her but it will mean so much more since I know how and who this was written for and about. She loved you so and was the one that introduced my sister and I and our friends to you. In fact, one of your books “A Fine Romance” led to a first trip for three of us to England to visit our friend who was living there at the time. The idea was hatched at a book club meeting discussing that lovely book of yours. Many hugs to you.
And what a beautiful memory Missy! Lovely stories of love.
Awwww Suse, So, so sorry about your sweet Mama. Mine’s been gone 6 years and I’m still aching inside… and yes, I still burst out in tears at a sweet sound, a special scent or just a warm memory. I loved her dearly! There’s nothing so special as a Mother-Daughter bond!
BIG virtual (((HUG))) girl!
Heartfelt condolences.
I’m 77 now. My mom died when I was 23 very suddenly with a heart attack at 45 years old. Today my heart is still grateful for her and thankful for her loving ways. Moms are a wonderful gift. This letter through and through was so special to me. Comforts of ♥️ And hugs to you Susan.
Can’t wait to see your new book…filled with love, joy and smiles…what a wonderful homage to your Mom and all Moms…I miss mine terribly…
peace:-)
Susan ~
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mummy! No one knows us quite like our mums! My sweet mummy was buried 10 years tomorrow…they certainly leave a special mark on our hearts💕. Just remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. I wish you peace.
I’m ordering your new book pronto. I know you’ve been keeping up with our California fires…we are now entering our 3rd week… such a horrific and frightening time.
Stay well and my sincere condolences. Xo Corky
Thank you for these sweet thoughts. I thought your mom must have passed on as knew you had mentioned Hospice in a comment. I went thru losing my mom over 20 years ago. She was much too young. I did not want to ask you as time is a great healer. Blessings for the upcoming Autumn and Christmas seasons.
I know how you feel, deeply heartbroken yet somehow almost happy your precious Mom is in Heaven now, healed and waiting for a joyous reunion with ALL her loved ones some day. Today, I had to proofread the “one year Memorial” newspaper insert for my Dad, who passed Sept 21, 2019.
I was fine for a while, then tears started. You just miss them so much. Hugs to you and I am so happy to read that she is where she wanted to be…in Heaven. My Dad believed too, so my heart is at peace knowing he is no longer suffering (dialysis and a heart attack). May God always provide you comfort anytime you start to feel sad. 💜🙏🏻💜
Dear Susan,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Not to make you teary any more than you had to be when you wrote about her, but I feel like I’ve known her through every one of your drawings and words. And YOU were HER finest work. So a little sad here for you and Joe, and for all of us, too♥️♥️♥️
On a brighter note, I just signed up and am so looking forward to seeing you at the 9/20 event!
Your Mom must have been so proud of how you turned out. You did a great job at making her happy and I’m sure you must have some great memories to comfort you through this time. Hugs.
Dear Susan, We are all so blessed that you share your life & your family with us ❤ Your beautiful mom was so very special.
I’m sending you much love❤, my deepest sympathy🌹 & warm hugs 🤗 in your loss.
mari
May fond, happy memories of your Mother sustain you, Susan. When I lost my mother in 2006 a friend shared this with me: “My mom is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.”-Graycie Harmon
I read recently that “happiness is an act of courage.” If so, you might be the bravest person I know. I just wish so badly, that you didn’t have to be quite so brave. Sending all of my love, Nina
Dear Susan, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your dear mom. Hold those countless precious memories close, and when you think of each one, know that your mom is there with you. My heartfelt condolences to you and all your family. Your posts about your mom, your dad and your family are always so wonderful to read. Looking forward to your Christmas book!
I am truly sorry Susan to hear that your precious mom has passed. Having lost my youngest son in 2016 I feel your pain. May God guide you and bless you with all the best memories of her.
I just received a notice that my Christmas books have shipped. One will be added to my yearly Christmas Book collection and the second one is for my best friend for Christmas.
You are so fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with your Mom, what wonderful memories you can always hold in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My mother has been gone for 23 years and I still find things I want to say to her. Five years ago, my bestest friend said goodbye to her sweet mother. We share mother stories and “do you remember” all the time. I call it the tough goodbye for now because we will see them again! My sincere condolences to you…..I know your mother will be in your heart forever! Xoxo Cathy
Susan,
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. Our loved ones remain with us forever, in thought and in memory. It is a precious thing to look back and remember all of the joy they brought to our lives…and how blessed we are to have had them.
Thanks so much from an elderly great grandmother. I always feel good
after reading your wise and happy messages, and enjoying the sweet
kitty photos. Here in California with the orange skies and blanket of
smoke, it is also refreshing to read about the clean air blowing your
old fashioned tablecloths.
I am so sorry to hear abut the passing of your mother. I have never
forgotten mine and her spirit is aways with me, but you already know
how that is.
This is undoubtedly the worst of times to get through, and I pity the
young, who are so constrained in what they can do. At my age we are
already constrained and limited in what we can do, but we do ache
when we can’t see our new grandchildren in person.
With affection,
Lillian Hetherington
Love you, Sue!!! Di and Happy the Corgi
Susan,
Your mother was unique and yet I believe many of us saw our own mothers in her. Thank you for sharing your memories and I eagerly anticipate receiving my copy of “Home For Christmas”
All the best to you and your family,
Linda Zimmer
Susan, I extend my sincere sympathy to you. My mother died this past November and I miss her everyday. I’m sure your mother must have been very proud of you – everything you do is with a great deal of love. Blessings to you as we head into autumn and another day closer to a COVID vaccine.
(fingers crossed and prayers lifted)
Hello Susan,
I smiled at your recipe for Summer Tomatoes. Ours never ripened one jot, shows what kind of summer we have had across the pond in the north west, and now they are maturing as green tomato chutney.
I gasped to realise that Jack is nearly 10 – how can that be?
I wept to know that your darling Mom has gone to her reward in heaven.
I cheered when I saw that the lovely Marie in Chester had won your Bluebird cup.
Thank you so much Susan for this blog post which has been a roller coaster of emotion. You and Joe are often in my thoughts. Take care and stay safe.
With love and blessings from Ann in Chester xx
Dear Susan,
I was so sorry to hear you lost your mom. You have my deepest sympathy.
Denise Reese💞
Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace and is watching over her loved one’s from Heaven. Thanks for the post, so happy to see it. Take care and know people are with you and Joe.
May your heart, soul and mind be reminded daily of your mother’s love for you and may God give you great peace and comfort. My love to you too.
I love these sweet letters. I feel like you are talking right to me! They warm my heart!thank you so much. Our mothers were innocent angels! Love to you!
Susan, I get so excited whenever I see a new post from you!!
Our mothers are always with us! Everything that they said and did stays with us.
My mother, who had always made all my clothes, when to heaven 4 years ago and just today I went to have a wedding dress altered since she isn’t here to do it. She physically can’t do it for me anymore, but just knowing all that she did for me for almost 60 years is SO special!
Mothers are wonderful!!! <3
I know you said nothing needed to be said, but my heart cries for you. She is even closer to you than ever. Not physically of course but in the way that really counts. Prayers.
Deepest Condolences… angels have her safely cradled.
Hello Susan,
I live in Santa Maria and you should have seen the moon here the other night. It was a large orange ball because of the fires but it was amazing. Love all your art etc for decades. Still miss your store in AG.
Judy
My deepest sympathies for you Susan. I’ve been following your blogs and reading your books for many years now. Throughout that time I’ve seen what a beautiful inspiration your mom has been in your life. You were truly blessed to grow up in such a loving home.
The loss of a beloved parent is an ache that never goes away. I lost my father 26 years ago tomorrow, on my 48th birthday. I pray that the happy memories you have of your mother
and the sure and certain knowledge that she is in heaven, will bring you comfort in the weeks and months ahead.
I will eagerly await my book. Happy Fall.
Bonnie
Oh my goodness, I lost my Mom in April also. She was in Ohio and I’m in NC. My sister was there for her until she couldn’t go in the home to see here everyday. But she was there when Mom left to join our Dad. With all of this mess we weren’t there. My family couldn’t even get out at the cemetery! Really? But next year we are going to have a Celebration of Mom next year when all her friends and family will be there. I was sorry to hear about your Mom. They are now both in good hands. Hugs.
We are doing the same thing …. when it’s safe. 💞 I’m so sorry Cyndi. 😪
❤️❤️❤️❤️💔
29 years my mom has been gone. I still find myself on the way to the phone to tell her something funny that just happened. They are always with us. Cherish your memories.
If you are anything like your Mother, then she was very special and an angel on earth.
So sorry to hear about your Mom. She’ll always reside in your heart and your
thoughts. I can still feel my Mom’s presence and it’s been twenty years since
she passed.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️