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!👏
Hugs and more Hugs Susan. 💕💕💕 Your blog always brightens my day! Can’t wait to get my copy of Home for Christmas! We have been sitting out enjoying the cool mornings and evenings and I am loving it. Thanks for all you do. Love you!
This year has not been for the faint of heart in so many ways.
I know your mom has her hand in your hand always and forever. Patricia gave us YOU, and we are thankful.Think about how her thoughts,ideas, sayings,strength and grace have been spread all over the world!
Just came in from a full day of garden chores, deadheading,weeding, trimming…it was good to just get out there and sweat, get dirty, listen to birds, things just get so simple in the garden. What a sweet surprise to find a new blog post! Thank you. It’s getting a little harder to be cheerful these days, but we must ,if we can, find ways , find magic, you help with that!
Hugs from the NC mountains.
Oh, Susan… May you find much joy in the precious memories of your mommy. It’s an achy happiness when our loved ones are no longer suffering, but whom we can no longer see. My own dear grandma passed away just two weeks ago. As my mom and aunt were going through my grandma’s things they found a collection of lovely old handkerchiefs, 30 of them in total! I’m going to make them into a special quilt…. I know how much you love special old keepsakes. May all of the ones you have of your mom’s, keep her close in your heart and mind ❤️❤️❤️
I lost my Mom too. I miss her every day. Hugs to you❤️
My heart is overflowing right now. First, I logged on and there was a new post from you. It is so inspiring and we all need some cheer right now. Next, I just got word that my grandson was hired for a new job. Dropping tears of joy mixed with tears for your deep sadness. Thank you for always spreading joy no matter what!
Hi Susan
I am so sorry to hear about your precious Mom* You sure were blessed having her on earth with you so long. My Mom is in heaven also* its so hard. Can’t wait to get your new book. The outside dinners look magical* And your sweet kitty is going to be 10 years old. I remember the day you wrote about taking him home. Seems like yesterday. Enjoy this glorious day Susan
deezie
Susan: Thank you for your sweet blog. So sorry about your Mother. Love the wind video! Our comforter was washed this morning and hung on the line to dry because it’s a perfect Autumn Day with a lovely breeze blowing! Your blog is always a touch to my heart! Hugs to you and Joe and Jack! Stay safe & to all the girlfriends, stay safe & well!
Big hug for you and thanks for sharing the news about your mama. She seems like a lovely soul. I lost my mama early, over 30 years ago, but we still visit in dreams and I still ask for her guidance and protection. ❤️
Dear Susan,
Sometimes words just don’t seem enough….I am certain that you take great comfort in your loving memories of your mom… what a wonderful legacy she left….she lives on in your heart,
you’re never alone. Sending warm hugs…
Love,
Cindy
So sorry to hear about your Mom, Susan. I always loved hearing about her. She exuded happiness and was one of that best generation like mine. Weren’t we the lucky ones to have them. Loved your blog! If I can figure out Zoom., I’ll try to join you on the 20th. You are producing so many delightful things these days. Well done! Jane xoxo
DamPanic is inspiring… make more light!!!💖 Hope you can make it Jane, takes a couple of minutes on Youtube to learn the TWO buttons you need to push to come to Zoom … 🤣 Although it does get tiring all the time having to constantly learn new things!!!💘
Sad to hear you lost your Mom. Sounds like she gave you the gift that keeps on giving –precious memories. The very best gift.
Forever blessings.
Lovely post! Moms, what would we be without them and their love for us! I checked earlier today and no post but suddenly there you are! Thanks so much . We are the smokey red skies near L.A. But it has cooled down. Be glad when the fires are over. It is so very sad. Waiting for blue skies!
Dear Susan, (My mom died April 1st, 2020. I’m sorry for your loss.) I can’t wait to get the new book. I ordered my 2021 Calendar yesterday. You inspire me so much and I can’t live without it now. Last year they were almost sold out so I wasn’t taking any chances! Thank you for your wonderful words as always. I hope you know how much you mean to me and I’m sure all your readers/followers.
💞Kindred spirits!
You and your Mom were both blessed. Love transcends through heaven and earth. Peace to you and Joe.
Oh, Susan. I’m so sorry about your Mom. My condolences to you and your brothers and sisters And your family. She is so much a part of your body of work that you’ve shared with us. Hugs, dear girl. I just received my bluebird mug and I love it! Did I need another mug? Non. But secretly, yeah, I did. 💕
I think your quote was right about having a mom like yours. You never get over it.
So sorry to hear about your mom.❤️
I lost my mom 7 years ago already! ❤️
Wondering if you make a planner! I already bought your large desktop calendar, But I need a planner too!
So sorry, no planners!
Dear dear Susan,
Heartfelt hugs and love. No other words are necessary. ❤️
Your mother is happy and healthy again with her Savior in heaven. For her we rejoice.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Because of your books and blog, I felt like I knew her. Hugs and love to you!
As soon as the sun comes back out, I’m making a batch of Sunshine Tomatoes!
Thank you for the recipe 🥰
I am so sorry about your dear Mom. My parents are both gone now too. It is hard but the way things are supposed to be. I am glad you have your Joe, as my hubby is in dementia care and I am in my home with my 2 doggies. Thank heaven for them❤️ Love to you. I find it hard to be alone- cannot believe how many books I read.
Dear Susan…I also lost my sweet mom this past spring at 99 years young. She was, like your mom, also ready for heaven. So many wonderful comforting memories we’ll have won’t we? I had a wonderful childhood with 2 brothers and 2 sisters and great parents. Aren’t close families such a blessing? And thank you for another great blog. Uplifting as always!!
💔
You, dear girl, are a joy and a treasure and one of the gifts that is getting me through everything these days. I look forward to each of your blogs … I click the link and play the music … I loved the Duxbury lunch and am looking forward to the Titcomb tea … I appreciate your Tweets … I even ordered the “Autumn” book, which arrived on the same day I realized I already had a copy. (LOL. I will gift it to a friend.) Hoping the love and pleasure and peace you give to others comes back to you tenfold. Sending good thoughts … Jane U. from Austin, Texas
Dearest Susan, your darling mama will always be remembered with love when I make grilled cheese and listen to Shirley Temple, thank you for sharing her with us. And I can not wait to
Love from Norway, Emma and my little black poodle Sasso.
Ohhhh Emma, me too, just a little grilled cheese and Shirley Temple and I’m right there, Home.😘
Susan my heart goes out to you but I know you will see Mom again in heaven. I’m so glad that you share the awesome love of your mom and family with us in words and beautiful artwork. You inspire me to use the creative gifts God gave me and share them with others. Blessings 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss Susan —May she Rest In Peace . I think of my mom every day , we lost her 11 years ago in January . Forever in my heart ♥️
Penny from Mt. Rose
Thank you, Susan…this was just what was needed today!…. well, other than hearing about your sweet mama. As a retired hospice social worker, I hope they did a good job for your mama and family! You’ve written so many wonderful memories about her already….prayers and COVID-free virtual hugs!
My deepest condolences to you and the family on the loss of your beloved mom. I nursed my mom with hospice and it was truly a blessing when she left to join her loved ones in the Great Beyond.
……Sigh 😢❤️🙏
Dear Susan,
I
Deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother. Memories are your cushion.
Sometimes it’s hard to be joyful, too many losses this year. Thanks for doing what you do to help make it all less sad inspite of your own traumas.
I so look forward to your postings! I am sorry for your loss!
Moms are the best ! Love how she was with you in spirit as you wrote your Christmas book.
I’m sure I will cry as I read it too. My mom has been gone 16 years. She is always in my heart!
Thank you so much for writing your books and your blog.
🍁 🎃
FALL….. my favorite time of year! I can’t believe we made it……it has been a year……thank you for always brightening my day. Zoom you on the 20th…….can’t wait.
Smiles and hugs ,
Liz
( so sorry for your loss 😢 )
🎃🍁
Susan I am so very sorry about your loss of your sweet mom. 💖 she did a great job with her beautiful family. I know you are blessed in all your sweet memories of her and your dear dad too.
Susan,
I am so sorry for your loss. We lost my dear father-in-law in May. I lost my mother when I was 8 years old. I always say that it doesn’t matter if you are 8 or 88 you are never ready to lose a parent.
Much love,
Terry
Susan,
Your comment about your Mom wanting to go to Heaven made ME cry. I lost my mom in November of 2017, and she also wanted to go, to join my dad, and after 97 years, she was ready. Thank you for understanding, sometimes it’s not a sad loss, even though we miss them so much.
Susan H.
Dear Susan, I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. You were so lucky to have such a great mom and a really close relationship. I’m like you about sharing news that strongly effects my emotions. I wish you healing and peace. XO
I think these three pictures of Jack are the sweetest I have ever seen. I am looking forward so much to reading my pre-ordered Christmas book and may just read it aloud to myself (with a cup or two of tea of course!).
Autumnal love and a gentle hug,
Jana
Susan, I bought a package of the masked girl postcards recently and sent them off to our main LOLO (Ladies of Leisure Association) group. It is a group of retired teachers and staff that all worked together at an elementary school. When 4 or 5 of them retired in the same year they decided to meet on the first Wednesday of each month for lunch and have been doing so since about 1999. As others retired they have joined the group. There is a core group of 8-10 and 5 or 6 others that attend occasionally. We last met in early March and haven’t since because of “you know what.” Everyone was just tickled with the postcard and I received emails from almost everyone as soon as they got them.
Thanks so much for drawing her and putting her on a postcard. It was a big hit!
I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom. It’s never easy to lose one’s mother, no matter our age.
I enjoy your books so very much. We read them for our bookclub in the Seattle area , and enjoyed a few of your recipes for our luncheon.
Blessings from…
Another Susan who is just learning to watercolor at age 63!
I’m so sorry to read about your mom. My heart is with you… and I have teary eyes. But I can’t wait to read your book!
Hopefully the weather is fair enough for you and your friends to have many more dinners at the Teahouse of the August Moon (such a romantic name… this house certainly knows how to find the right souls to inhabit with as you could have named it this way!).
To know her, is to love her. Our house. Wraps its arms around you the moment you come through the door. xoxo
Susan, my mother, age 94 left us in May. She went on hospice care at 2:30 in the afternoon and died at 4:30 am the next day peacefully in her sleep. I like to think she somehow knew we were ready to let her go. I’m sure she has a new friend in your mom.
Mom was among many things, a poet. The last lines of her poem Midsummer Eve (which was printed for her private funeral) were:
But this too we know: Love never topples to ashes
Even when a dance is done.
Like your mother, she was everything. Let’s keep their dance going.
So very sorry you lost your Mom in April. It seems as if you have many, many happy memories and your generosity in sharing them with us in your writings helps many people through their loss, including me. Thank you. I lost my mothe 4 years ago in April and I too believe she was ready. She would have been 93 on September 7, but we lost her long before she passed due to Alzheimer’s.
Dear Susan,
You talked about your mom recently in a way that made me think you might have lost her. I thought you might have mentioned that to us girlfriends and I had missed it, so I didn’t want to write condolences to you and I didn’t want to pry into your private business by asking if she had passed. But now that you did mention it I want to send my sincerest kind thoughts to you. It is so difficult to lose a parent, no matter how old they were or how old you are. Moms are such special people in our lives. There is no way to ever replace them. But thank God that we have our wonderful memories of them and all of the great things that we have learned from them and can put to use in our lives to honor them. It’s obvious that you have done that your whole life to honor your mother. I’m thinking of you and your siblings now and saying a prayer for your peace and happiness. xoxo, Carol
Thank you Carol … I knew some of you probably figured it out … it was dear of you to wait, I wanted to share, but just couldn’t. Seems just right now. xoxoxo
I was filled with joy as I listened to Susan Boyle and enjoyed the beautiful tablecloths blowing in the wind…then sadness came when I read about your mother. I am so sorry but your mother lives on through you and every word you speak of write.
Hello Susan
Thanks for the blog- always love your photos. Happy you and Joe are enjoying your home. I’m so excited to reach your new Christmas book and the 2 cups that I ordered.
We are escaping to Michigan this weekend. Headed Saugatuck then to the Cherry Pit restaurant – Sleepy Bear Dunes etc. and then Petoskey to learn about Hemingway in his youth.
I have For Whom the Bells Toll for our listening enjoyment.
Happy cooking and baking- ‘is the season.
Hugs
⭐️
What a wonderful mother you had! Through your books, almost feel like I knew her, too.
I don’t have a clothesline anymore, so I love looking at your tablecloths flapping in the breeze. I think I have one exactly like one of yours.
So excited to get my Christmas book.
Happy Fall!
I’m so sorry about your mom. I’m glad you got to pour your love for her into Home For Christmas. ❤️
Happy Birthday to Jack of the fluffy belly.
First please let me say how sorry I am at the passing of your mother. But I was already crying before I got to that part. You see, my husband is a first responder and well….I guess that is enough said. But your kindness toward those who serve others reminded me that there are people left in the world who don’t hate. And I love the comment that you posted that said What we do matters. Yes that is it. Thank you.
That is enough said. Next time you hug him, make it extra long for me. Most of us wear masks FOR him, FOR him and all of the hard working first responders putting themselves on the line FOR us. 💋💋💋💋💋
Susan, I am so very sorry about your dear mom. What a beautiful family she grew. I know your comforted in all your dear memories of her and you dad too.. blessings 💖🍂🍁
Susan, so sorry to hear about your mom. I know when my mom goes it will be really hard, but at 98, I think she will be ready whenever it happens. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Consider yourself hugged! I know it’s hard – thank heavens for Joe! I’m sure he’s been a rock for you. I’m like you in that I can’t talk about things right away – I need time to understand it myself and then I can talk about it. Thanks for posting and please keep the goodies coming!!
❤️
Thanks to your Mom for raising a daughter who brings much joy to so many.
Sorry to hear of your Mother’s death but so glad that she had Hospice to ease her last days. I was a Hospice homecare RN for over 25yrs and I felt I had really found my calling in life. It’s such an honor to be welcomed into a persons home at such a special time. Be sure to take advantage of the grief counseling that Hospice offers for all family survivors.
Thanks for the great pictures of Jack. He certainly is enjoying his life.
Hospice workers are angels from heaven, that’s all there is to it. Thank you Kathy. I’m sure you eased the pain of so many. xoxoxo
Just what we all needed right now, A little Christmas !! Something to look forward to, I knew in my heart you would find a way to perk us up. The beginning of Sept. to me is Fall and the start of such a wonderful(my favorite) time of year to look forward too. No virus is going to ruin our next season. Being home is a wonderful place to be, especially this time of year. I think all of us will always from now on will appreciate all the wonderful seasons just a bit more. Just remember your beautiful Mom will always be right there with you. I know mine is. It was a truly beautiful post, Thank you so very much for sharing so much of yourself with us. We are so blessed to have you.
Love and a very happy Fall
Mary Jane
I’m so very sorry, Susan. Moms are so special, and yours sounds delightful. What a lot of wonderful memories you have! 💗
Susan, We hope our parents can be with us forever but that is not the case. Fortunately their voice and the memories they left with us are in our hearts and minds forever. Take care and stay safe. xo
So sorry for the loss of your dear mom, Susan. She did her job well, and you loved her well. Thank you for bringing such needed beauty to us always, but especially now! xoxo
Our moms live on in our hearts and everything we do. And I talk to mine in heaven every day. She winks at me through all the coincidences that bring her to mind. Yours will wink at you, too. ❤️
Susan,
I remember a quote from our friend, Gladys Taber, that is fitting right now. “We never lose those we’ve loved.” I feel that applies to your mom’s passing. It’s the toughest loss anyone can endure. They are always our biggest cheerleaders in life and the ones we call first with all our big news or heartaches. God bless you as you navigate a new path.
Love,
Mame
I’m so sorry about your dear Mom, Susan! Sending you big hugs and lots of love.
Thank you Susan for the lovely post! It was just what we all needed.
Such a nice tribute for your Mother. She raised wonderful children.
Susan, my condolences on the passing of your mother. I am sure that she will be with you and watching over you.
God Bless
What a lovely pause in a difficult time. Thank-you!
Hugs to you my sweet Susan. Remember God closes a door, but opens a window. You have a life time of memories with your Mom to carry you thru this difficult time. Keep up your writing & painting. . . . . . . . .
Sue, I’m sooo sorry to hear about your beautiful, beautiful Mom. I was so surprised and instant tears when I read your words. I adore the love you have for her, and all the truly fabulous stories you’ve shared with us about her, the pictures of her, her own parents and family, then her children and the beautiful family she created. The amazing love. She was such a treasure, a rare woman, a woman of love. Thank you for always sharing her with us. I know God has his arms tight around her, holding her close. To love.
💞💞💞💞💞💘😘
Please help! I thought when I started reading your newsletter that there was a video of Italian lady preparing stuffed peppers & then the story of Susan Boyle. I have read and re-read your letter but cannot find these items . This is so wierd. Hope you can help me out!
Thank you!
I don’t think so, but if you clicked on the Music, maybe youtube gave you a bit of those things. I didn’t put it up.
I noticed you had a post from one of your fans named Clare. I miss my mom every day. Her name was Clare like your fan and has passed like your mom. Condolences. I can only wish my mom could be as proud of me as I know your mom had to be of you…..your loveliness shows in all your creativity.
I remember meeting you and your Mom at a Women’s Club in Orange County. And looking at all the stuff you had brought with you and your mother, I thought, Wow! That took a lot of effort! You were so sweet to shake my hand and appreciate my comment, I empathized with you because my mother was aging and I knew how hard it was to get her anywhere and do the simplest things. I can’t wait to see you on Zoom and read your new book! What a nice tribute to your mom!
Oh I remember. I loved taking her with me. xoxo
Your books and newsletters gave me inspiration for my ‘ tea ‘ with friends.
I made a teapot and teacup garland from flowered scrapbook paper.
I make my own flowered pillowcases, so I hung those on the closeline. Just a couple of little extras to add to a fun time.
Making beauty. A pure sign of a Kindred Spirit.
Love and hugs…
I am so sorry to hear about your mom as well, and I know she will always remain with you in heart. You were so blessed to have her for so long- always so hard though. Mothers are truly a blessing to us all. As always, enjoyed your post. There are always so many fun things going on. I am looking forward to the arrival of your puzzle. As I read through your post, I look at your pictures and think what a lovely puzzle each one would make- so many possibilities! Thank you for all you do to make the world a brighter place!
~Susan~
Prayers to you and your family, May our Lord comfort you during your sad days.
Love your evenings under the stars , reminds me of nights in the U.P. the sky is full of stars , I bet your name is on one of them You sure shine bright for all of us girlfriends!!
Your kitty is adorable !! he makes me giggle 🙂
Hugs,
Paula
p.s do you have a Christmas cookbook ??
xoxoxo And yes, it’s called Christmas from the Heart of the Home, it’s old, not in print, but sometimes we find a copy and put it in the book section of my website, or look on Etsy! xoxo
Thank You , I will do that !! Hugs again from Indiana xoxo
p.s We truly do not get over our loved ones going to heaven and leaving us behind. We just learn to live with it, and life always goes on, and I know they want us to keep going too!!
xoxox
So very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. We lose a little piece of ourselves when our mother goes, but then she leaves you with oh so much more. You were very blessed to have a kind, smart and loving mother. May all your sweet memories of her console your heart.
Peace and love
As I watched the video of your laundry in the wind it brought back a flood of wonderful memories of my mother hanging or taking down the laundry. She once threw some under her arm only to be stung by a bee caught up in the clothes! I lost my mother a year ago October, I feel your grief and am so very sorry for your loss. Thanks for bringing me some fond memories of my mother. xxx
Susan, Your blog is like a breath of fresh air in these uncertain times. I am an RN and love everything about your lifestyle. One of these days , I will visit the Vineyard. I’m in Western MA. Until then , I will treasure your words, recipes , art and the way you describe the simple pleasures of life. ❤️
Wow – what a great read on this dark California sad sky day. So gloomy outside, but warm and fuzzy inside now that I’ve read your newest post. I kept holding my breath that maybe I’d be one of the prize winners this time! Nope – maybe next time. Hope springs eternal! But the good news is that my husband pre-ordered your Christmas book for me for a Christmas gift. Ask and you shall receive…. Oh, but can I wait that long to read it???
Thank you for you – for the bright spot that you are in all of this 2020 craziness.
Your mom reminded me of my mom in so many ways! My mom passed 36 years ago and hardly a day goes by that I don’t think of her. Our moms will live forever in our hearts.
They say you never get over the loss of your Mom and I hoped not to test that theory. Sadly, the time came and I found it to be true. Wishing you wonderful memories to for comfort. I’m so sorry for your loss.
One more thing – thank you for sharing the loss of your dear mother. It is in sharing, that pain is halved. We who have already lost our mothers and those who still have theirs here can all feel your pain. All of your life’s memories are at their sweetest right now.
I know that about the pain being halved especially because of the WONDERFUL uplifting kind words I am reading right now. It feels a little like a celebration for the person, the person, the person of my life.
Dearest Susan, What a treasure of memories and sweet traditions your mom created for your family, and you have shared with many. May these thoughts bring you comfort, holding you in love and light.
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your Mom with your readers. You’re right, we just know, but please know you’re in my prayers.
Congratulations to all the winners!
To all, if you haven’t already, please treat yourself to Susan’s The Fairy Tale Girl, Isle of Dreams, and A Fine Romance. You won’t regret one cozy minute.
Blessings on you, and heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your dear mother. Having been championed by my own dear mother, I know they are never far away, and they live in all the good we bring to the world.
All words seem inadequate when attempting to express sympathy for the loss of someone so dear to you. “The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again, but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. Over the years, I had the privilege of attending several seminars given by Dr. Kubler-Ross, but that was long before this quote appeared in her final book “On Grief and Grieving”. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
So sorry to hear about your mom.
I, too, love Autumn! It is my favorite time of year, and I get the book out as well and savor it page by page. We’re still waiting for signs of it here in Tennessee. Still very summer-like.
I’m so sorry to hear that your mom passed. I ordered your Christmas book and I’m looking forward to reading it. Very excited about your Christmas cards.
Susan— hugs to you with your Mom’s passing. She sounded like a very special Mom. It’s hard I know bc my parents have been gone a long time.
Thank you for writing today, I had a feeling it was coming; weird? I hope to see a blog and there one is! It really helps in these strange days to lift our spirits! I love your holiday recipe cards and all your photos, especially the ones of sweet Jack! Enjoy the last days of summer💕
God Bless you Susan ! I am so greatful for you! XXXooo Sara
So much joy and sadness contained in your post. Sending virtual hugs – how lucky you are to miss your mom so much.
I always love your posts. They are a breath of sunshine in these dreary days.
So very sorry to hear about your dear Mother. In your books, she and your Dad will live forever. Take and thoughts with you. Marjory
Susan, Losing a beloved parent is one of the hardest things life asks of us. Words never seem enough but be sure that people who love you, including myself, share your loss and send loving thoughts. Hopefully you will feel your mom’s presence in your heart always and in sharing memories of her with others who knew and loved her as well. With deepest sympathy, Gail
So sad & sorry for the loss of your dear, dear Mom. She is with you…and you are with her…still & forever. Blessings of comfort, love & peace to you & your family!
I’m so sorry about your Mom, Susan. I am particularly sorry that this happened in these times, it makes things much more difficult.
When I lost my mother a friend of hers said to me, “You will think of her, even 20 years from now, when you are grocery shopping, or driving in the car or other random times for no particular reason, that is when she is thinking of you.” She is right, even 25 years later, she pops into my head for no reason and I know that she is thinking of me.
So sorry you lost your mum. I am so Happy that the Christmas books are ready am so ready for my copy to come to me. Cannot wait to read it.