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!👏
It’s so hard-losing your mother.I’m always thinking of things I want to share w/ mine-& I lost her in 2005. Prayers for you tonight.
So sorry you lost your mum she was very special to you. I am so happy your Christmas book is ready to be shipped out to me, cannot wait to get it.
Love all you do. I miss my mom and I do love all the sweet memories. Sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I know you can feel her presence with you and what peace to know she is in Heaven looking down on you. It is so difficult to lose a mother! One never gets over that!
Susan….Hi!
Thank you for all the joy and wonder that you pass along to so many. Love you lots. Many good wishes to you and Joe!
Hugs to you across the miles, Susan. Congratulations to the winners!
Saying a prayer for you so sorry about your mom
Susan: A wonderful blog–actually they are all wonderful! But I was so
touched by your words about your Mom. It’s been about 18 years ago that
both parents decided it was time to go forward, within 5 weeks of each
other too. But it was so peaceful, as my Mom, Eve, did not want to live with-
out her “Joe”. I think of her almost everyday, and my Dad too. Also wanted
you to know I got a ticket for your Tea Party through Titcomb’s Bookshop
on Sept 20th. So looking forward to that–hopefully I’ll be able to Zoom it
properly. Looking forward to my HOME FOR CHRISTMAS book very soon. Thank you for all your lovely inspiring thoughts and photos.
Connie Castle, in very cloudy, cool Michigan
So very sorry about your Mother. I lost mine in 2009 at the age of 93. I so treasure the memories, as you do with yours, and think of her every day.
Can’t wait to receive the new book. I just learned I have breast cancer, so I’ll have new happy reading material as I recuperate. Fortunate that it is very early and surgeon says completely treatable. Just made 2020 even more stressful! Hopefully we all get a gift in Nov. and can at least end the national nightmare. Thanks for all you do to speak out.
Oh, Joyce, your second sentence made me viscerally relax. I’m so happy that the genius medical community will take care of you.I hope it’s easy, big deep breaths, for stress, and remember 🙏 are coming your way.
Can you believe the Holidays are so closed, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New year! I ordered the Christmas book for myself and the Go Be Love postcards for family and friends. The Holiday Cooking Greeting cards will be perfect for between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I ordered that ones too but what left me surprised was to find “Winter Cup” available, Thanks! I hope you bring back Garden Cup… Please!
Extra hug for you Susan, as the weather gets cooler and we remembered loved ones; as you talked about your mom, I remembered my dad.
Thanks for your blog xoxo
Johanna from Utah
So sorry you no longer have your Mom with you. I’m still missing my Mom, too. Blessings.
I can’t wait to get my Home for Christmas.
SUSAN!
So sorry about your mom passing. Sending hugs!!!!
I hope to be on the Zoom Tea.
Thank you for all you do for us girlfriends ❤
Linda in PA
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing! Thank you, as usual, for a beautiful blog post. You always make my day!
Hi Susan, condolences about your mother from me to you! Five years ago this past April I lost my mom, too. So April is a tender month for us. My mom died a few days after her 92nd birthday. You will miss her forever until reunited in heaven with our Lord.
Take ❤️ my friend.
Very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She will be in your heart every day♥️ Your blog is always such a treat. Still very summery here along the Cali coast, & so smokey. Looking forward to 2021 & a better year for our world.
Your Mom must have been there in spirit as you opened the boxes with your Christmas story. Her love of life lives on in everything you create. Sending you a heartfelt virtual hug. We are surrounded by fires on all sides of our a County in OR and the ashes in the air are so thick it’s like a reddish yellow fog. The surrounding communities have been evacuated and we are still blessed to be a few miles from them. I wanted to transport myself to your back yard and breathe the ocean breezes. I can almost smell the freshness of those beautiful tablecloths. Your arbor and Joe’s picnic table are so beautiful. Will have to try your chili. Thank you for brightening my evening tonight. Love and hugs …..Sherry
Lovely post! Congratulations to all the lucky winners! The Christmas book is wonderful…..it’s inspired me to get out my Susan Branch Christmas and dream, along with the Autumn book. You are so uplifting Susan….thank you!
Susan, Mom’s are one of a kind. I had the great kind and so did you. Hugs and kisses. Also, we have a Fall Family Retreat with our 3 kids, their spouses and our 10 grands. All in one house for 2 nights with no cell phones!!! We celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. We take turns reading from a book. Everyone reads a page or two. This year we are getting together in mid October (it hard to find a weekend). I am so excited that I can possibly have your book in my hands for us to read this year. This makes me so happy and excited!!
Wishing you blessings and healing Susan. Our Mom’s are with us forever, always watching over us.
Take care of yourself.
Love and hugs! XOXO
Oh Susan – SO sorry to hear about your Mom – my Mom passed away Christmas Eve 2003 (her last name is Claus too). I still have her Hens and Chicks succulents from her garden and they travel with me! And a few weeks ago my younger brother passed away – not expected! He used to work as a project manager at the Beltsville, MD greenhouse. He retired several years ago, but his house and garden look like a botanical garden. We gave out rootings he had made from succulents and gave away tomatoes so everyone could keep the seeds to plant next year and keep his legacy going! HUGS, HUGS, HUGS! You never really get over a loved one – but the memories are cherished everyday!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Linda, for sharing this lovely story about your brother and his living legacy. Hope the memories…and the succulents…soften the blow of his loss…..I actually moved some of my succulents today, I love tucking them into any crack and cranny in the stone walls and in the stone steps.
Debbie in Maine
Life is changing for all of us and I eventually hope that it will change for the better. Your loss is particularly felt at this time and of course our love is with you. There are signs of people being nicer and kinder to each other here in England but my husband and I are still shielding ,as they call it here, he was sent home from hospital with “C” at middle of March. So we are not seeing anyone except visiting EPP clad nurses and occasionally our son . I am grateful for the internet (for shopping, Zoom parties ,you tube tutorials etc) and, the BBC news, your newsletters and lovely music choices, my quilting, and the Amazon Portal my son bought for my 70th lockdown Birthday this year so I am able to see and wave to the grand kids.. I’m looking forward to your zoom party and hope others took note of the pumpkin in your last newsletter.
xxxx love to all and stay safe and be kind xxxxx
My same words back to you, Stay safe, take good care Janet. Love hearing from you. xoxo
What a lovely tribute to your Mom your new book is. I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs and kisses and prayers to you and your siblings.
I just lost my mom 2 weeks ago today and it is awful. So sorry for your loss, as well. Memories are our lifeline right now.
Lisa
😪
Hi Susan, nice to share a cup of tea with you, I had hibiscus. I lost my mother this June so I suffer with you. Not to Covid, she was 88 and got pneumonia. Your books and blog posts cheer me, mom loved cooking and baking, sewing and decor. Can’t wait for the Christmas book. My sympathies, dear.
So sorry for the loss of your mother. She is never loss. She lives on forever in every breathe you take. I loss my mom 15 years ago, I wake everyday wanting her back. We are so fortunate to have been raised by such wise, loving women. I am forever grateful that she was my mother, and the woman that she was. Time will make you love her more. If that is possible.
My deepest sympathy, Susan, and much love. I can’t wait to add your latest book to my collection! Everything you write is so uplifting and gives me joy.
Thank you!
Loving the picture of you and your Mom! Blessings to you as you grieve. I am so looking forward to the Zoom meeting on the 20th. I registered right away. I enjoyed the last one so much and this will be great I’m sure. I received my Santa mug a few weeks ago and excited about the arrival of the book soon! It’s been crazy weather here on the coast of California – smokey days and chilly, foggy nights lately. Lots of prayers going up for our firemen and first responders.
Take care Susan. Everything takes time…enjoy Autumn!
Beautiful, wonderful post!
Thank you Susan!!💗💗💗
Susan, my heart hurts for you. We never have enough time with our moms. You were so sweet to share your mom with us and she lives on through you for us to love. All her brightness, love, talents and compassion shine through you and now you have passed it to us! Lots of prayers and love for you sweet friend! ❤️
I’m not sure my first post went through, so I’ll try again. What a wonderful tribute to your Mom your new book is. I’m so sorry for your loss. Moms are one-of-a-kind. Hugs and kisses and prayers to you and your siblings.
Lots of love to you Susan.
❤️ to you and your family.
Beautiful post, as always, Susan. Thank you for the cheer you bring to us!
Love your posts Susan. Can’t go out in the smoke, but I am dreaming of the day I can!
While it isn’t at all the same, all of your rich memories of her will keep your mom alive for you. I’ve missed talking to mine this past year, but I can still hear her in my head every day. Once this summer we tried entertaining on the patio, following the guidelines (only two other couples, everyone brings their own food, drink, and dishes) but it just wasn’t the same. Felt bad I couldn’t feed everyone from my kitchen.
Dear Susan, Thank you for this breath of fresh air. First off, I am so sorry about your loss of your precious Mom. I lost mine when about 27 years ago, and miss her daily. I will be thinking of you as you go through the “firsts” without her. Here, on the west coast, we are dealing with terrible tragedy with all of these fires, loss of homes, beautiful countryside, and even the loss of lives. A fire is threatening a small town nearby that is very special to us – antique shops along the main street and a beautiful small nursery. And now, those of us in Western Washington have been told that a massive cloud of smoke is headed our way from the fires in Oregon and California. We need all the prayers we can get. So when I say thank you for the breath of fresh air, I really mean it! Your post has put a smile on my face and I thank you. Take care and stay healthy.
So sorry , the loss of a wonderful mother never really goes away, but neither do the wonderful memories and all she taught you. They were a gift. She will still be with you in so many ways.
So very sorry to hear about your Mom, Susan. It made me cry right away. I lost my brother, my only sibling, in March, 2019, and it is still hard to believe and makes me so sad. I’m glad you have lots of family members. And lots of wonderful books to write and mugs and other things to design to keep you very busy. May your Mom’s memory be a blessing to you.
Susan,
So sorry about your Mom’s passing- but oh the memories. They are such a comfort and will be forever.
Your words and books are always uplifting, so dear in a year of great difficulty for me. Thanks for being you❤️
May your heart be surrounded by all of your beautiful mom memories!
So sorry, the loss of a loving mother is something that we never really get over, but the memories of her and good lessons of life she taught will also be with you going forward.
A wonderful mom is a gift–you have been blessed.
Dear Susan–My heart is broken for you to learn of the passing of your Mother. Of course, all of us “girlfriends” feel like we knew both your Mom and Dad from your wonderful stories of them in your books and blog.
May the universe pour blessings upon you and your family, and grant you all the peace of nothing but happy memories. And may your Mother rest in light and joy forever.
I know you said we do not have to say anything, but I would like to express my condolences to you and your family. It’s difficult to lose your Mom, so sending you a virtual hug.
And on a happier note, Happy Birthday to Jack! Congrats an your new book! And thank you for your update. I always enjoy them.💕
I feel like I knew your mom. You have said so much about her. She was so kind and wise. You are a lucky girl to have so much love, so much family. God Bless you and grant you peace.
Sincerely,
Mary Parsons
Sorry for your loss Susan. Sending you hugs❤️
Sorry about your Mom, Susan. Glad the timing was just right. What a wonderful gift you gave your Mom, in sharing with the world her joy and spirit. She must have been bursting with pride and happiness to see all you are doing to make the world a better place.
Thanks for bringing us September breezes and fluttering laundry! Oh how I miss clothes lines. I’m watching the shadows too and thinking of all the fun photos you have posted of them in the past. Almost time for pumpkin bread and apple cider donuts!
My calendar is marked and I can’t wait for the Zoom party! See you then. I’ll be “Ginny”–moved from Nova Scotia Canada to Texas 4 yrs ago, but grew up in So. California where/when you did.) Honestly, Susan, your books, paintings and blog mean so much to me and have brought me SOOO much joy. You are such a blessing!
Susan, Your precious parents live on in your books for all of us. What a great testament of your love 💖 you have shared with all of us. My own dear parents memories are in my heart forever and grow ever sweeter. Our beautiful fall here in the Blue Ridge Mountains is blessing and renewing our souls with cool fresh mornings that wipe away the sticky humid summer memories. Our steps quicken to bring out favorite cozy sweaters, make spiced cider to enjoy with Grasmere gingerbread (recipe found online) while perusing your Autumn cookbook for recipes to warm our kitchen and fuel our walks through crunchy leaves down country lanes. Thank you, Susan, for all the joy you have given us in so many ways – stories that warm our hearts, recipes to make us kitchen stars🌟and show our love to our families, calendars that make each day special, puzzle works of art, dishes that make our tables works of art, and so many accessories that bring beauty to the simplest chores like writing a grocery list or wiping a dish dry. You are greatly appreciated and valued! Thank you!!!!!
Thinking of you and your whole family.
I love what your wrote
❤️ Pippi
Dear Susan,
Reading about your mom brought tears to my eyes. I’m so sorry…I’ve been through it, and it is a very hard loss to process. You’ll always be grateful that you were there with her at the end. She’ll be with you in spirit, and in the lovely traits that she instilled in you.
Your teahouse looks so lovely! Glad you were able to enjoy dining with your friends! And your new Christmas book looks so cheerful. The time is flying too quickly, and Christmas will be here before we know it. Can’t wait to try your mother’s Snippy Doodle!
Take care, dear,
Linda
Hi, Susan: I am your Atlanta girlfriend! 🙂 I am thrilled that my son has purchased a home on Cape Cod and wants us to visit a lot! So much exploring to do there…Years back I mentioned to you that I had visited Still Meadow with my mom who was obsessed with all things Gladys. May I briefly just say…my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I, too, lost my mother recently and I can just say to start each day with a grateful heart and it helps the grieving process. You are one of the lucky ones, as am I, to have such a wonderful example to follow. So, I have a photo album of maybe 50 pictures of every nook and cranny of Still Meadow my father took on one of their visits (maybe in the late 80s, early 90s). Would you like it? I am happy to mail it to you and you can then send any to the Friends of Gladys Taber but I am sure they have all of these pictures. Just let me know…thanks!
The end of summer and the leaves begin to color red and orange against a true blue sky! So much to be grateful for!!
Mom stays in our heart forever! Whenever a hummingbird is chipping and buzzing nearby, it is my Mom, saying “hello” to me. 💜
So sorry on the loss of your Mom. My Mom was the best and I continue to miss her, so I get it. Peace and comfort to you.
Susan, thanks for the beautiful video of the breeze, the tablecloths, the trees, the house! How wonderful. Here in mid central fla we don’t get this kind of breeze so you brought back such fond memories for me from when I lived in Michigan……your Mom is in everything you do
And That is lovely. I’ve to you💕 Linda
Cried like a baby. I am an orphan, too.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful Stewart family all these years. I am thinking of your Mom playing jacks in heaven. So much love.
💝
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet mom, Susan. I’m sure she would have been a kindred spirit with mine! Maybe now they can be together singing “Mares Eat Oats”….. no one ever loves us as much as our moms did… 💕
No, I was her baby. Sometimes even now, I find it comforting to rock, and pretend I am in her arms. What good place to be. Moms will never know what they are to us.
Dear Susan,
I’m sending a note for the second time, as I briefly lost my internet connection at the moment I submitted my first note! So you don’t have to post both of them if you get two from me!
First of all, I’m sending my heartfelt sympathy to you. Reading about your mom brought tears to my eyes. I’ve been through the same thing and I know what a hard loss it is to process. You’ll always be glad that you were able to be with her at the end. And she’ll always be with you in spirit, and in all of the lovely traits that she instilled in you.
How did you take the amazing shot of the night sky and all of the stars? Your teahouse looks so beautiful. Glad that you were able to dine with your friends after so long.
Your Christmas book looks so cheerful! The time is flying, and Christmas will be here before we know it. I can’t wait to try your mom’s Snippy Doodle, it sounds delicious!
Take care, dear,
Linda
I just pointed the camera at the stars and pushed the button! It doesn’t always happen that way, but I got lucky!
I received a note yesterday saying to expect my order. Yipee!
Sad to read of your mom’s passing. I know we all realize that we can’t keep them with us for ever, but it just doesn’t feel right not to have one’s mom just a phone call away. We were blessed to have our mom live to celebrate 99 years. She was tired and ready to go, our wish being that she would go peacefully in her sleep, which is just what she did a little over a month after her birthday. Still, when I got the call, I couldn’t comprehend that she was gone. I know your heart aches. Sending you a big hug of comfort.
Thanks for being you, sharing your joy through your words, your art, your being.
Stay safe and stay healthy. Hello to Joe……Sarah and Sadie in Austin, TX.
I send you my condolences, Susan. Losing one’s parents is so sad. You must have made her so proud. I love all the dear words you used in memory of her. Keep your chin up My Home for Christmas books are coming to me as I ordered them a while back. I cannot wait. I plan on giving one to my dear daughter and I may just keep the 2nd for myself. Thank you for your post. Your dinner under the stars sound wonderful, especially bugless dinners.
Losing one’s Mum is one of life’s saddest benchmarks. Sending prayers and affection to you, Susan. xoxo
Your comments about your wonderful mom’s passing made me sad and happy at the same time. I always enjoyed reading about your magical mom and the thoughtful things she did with, and for, everyone. Great memories for you! Take care.
So Sorry to hear about your Mom.
My 97 year old Mom passed away last March. I miss her everyday. Wish I could just pick up the phone and chat. Blessings to you.
Dear Susan,
My mom was also in hospice care for a few months until she too was called home. That was seven years ago in November. The pain of loss is gone but I miss her every day. I am so sorry for your loss and I do know what you are feeling.
I’m excited and cant wait to receive my copy of Home for Christmas, which should be arriving any day now since I was just notified by email.
I ordered two so that I could give one to my girlfriend for her birthday, which is in November. I’m so glad that I dont have to wait until Christmas. She too is one of your ‘girlfriends’. Oh dear, I hope she doesnt see this comment because it’ll spoil the surprise.😯
PS
I love to hang my linens on the line too.The smell stays in them for so long!!!!
Happy fall! God bless you.
💖💖💖
Sorry for the loss of your Mom. 💓 I know your feelings….I lost my Dad on March 29 and them my Mom on June 12. Both gone in a blink of an eye…. I truly know they’re in a better place & they’re still together after 67 years. 💕
Take care & stay safe,
Luanne
😪😪😪💞
Sharing your loss – wow, I burst into tears reading your mother had passed. You are right, I felt I knew her. I’m so sorry.
I just lost my dad in April. I had him in my life a whole 84 years, and I loved him with everything I am. We were so very lucky Susan – we each had the best parents on earth.
You are your mom’s legacy and I know she was proud of you and your siblings. She lives on in your books and in all the stories of your childhood.
Hugs and prayers ~
Oh Susan. I had no idea. But, I have been so distracted moving into a new home of my very own. I, like all the girlfriends I am sure, felt like she was my mother too. God Bless you and Joe and all your siblings, plus the nieces and nephews too. I am sure Patricia is singing and playing tennis in heaven. – Sharon in Pawleys Island, South Carolina
😘
Susan,
You were so lucky to have had your mom all these years; she lived a long and happy life. I know the pain of your loss and will say, it does get better and the memories are priceless. I wish you peace and comfort.
Cecelia
You ALWAYS touch my heart! That is my favorite word; ALWAYS…. our mothers never leave us, ever. My mother talks to me every day, ALWAYS with love. Thank you for your continued inspiration, Susan. Happy Autumn!
Your friend always,
Becky Ross
Losing ones mother is such a devastating loss, lovely memories will sustain you always. I am ecstatic waiting for the new book . Something wonderful to look forward to in the time of the dam panic. Thank you for writing it ❤️
I lost my mom back in 2000. I was only 29. I felt I was far too young to lose my mom (as a young wife with a 2 year old, and desperately needing my mom to help me sort out all of these new responsibilities). Are we ever “old enough” for losing our moms?
You’re right; there aren’t words. Those of us who have watched a piece of our hearts fly off to heaven just **KNOW**, don’t we? Much Love from a neighbor to the north.
There is never a good age for it. Yes, we do know.💖 And that is perhaps the very best part.
I’m sorry to hear about your mom, it’s not easy to say goodbye even when we know it’s coming and is the best thing. Thank you for this blog especially today, we are surrounded by wildfires and our sky is orange from the smoke. An escape to Martha’s Vineyard was just what I needed. xoxo
Your sweet Mama will live on in your heart. You’ve shared her with us so she lives on with us too. love = immortality
Oh no.
Feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach. Over these years your family blended into my family too. So so sorry Susan. I’ll write another happy post after a while but this one is all I’ve got right now.”
I wrote this to you back when your dad went to heaven: I have 3 bunnies. When they are very happy they jump in the air and twist around. (You can google this!) This is called a binky.
So when a bunny goes to the bridge we say, “binky free” knowing that they will
binky at the bridge because they are happy while they wait or us there. No pain and no prey animals and lots of bananas. so:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Binky free, Susan’s Mom.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With love from my bunnies and me.
😢💝
Susan,
I can so empathize with you about the loss of your mother. I lost my 100 year old father last month. Even though it happened in a beautiful way, there’s such a feeling of being adrift…
Judy
Blessings to you with loss of your mom. What nice way to remember her with the Snippy Doddle card.
The video of things drying in the breeze with blue skies was such a comfort!
Here in Portland we have very smoky air and are all to stay indoors.
It’s good to focus on fall with all its traditions .
Looking forward to the Christmas book too 💞
Oh Susan… I’m so sorry. I always loved your Mom. She felt like she was my mom too! I loved her sense of adventure in everything she did! Many blessings to you. We here in Washington State are waiting for rain to stop all the fires. My daughter is in SLO where there’s also lots of smoke and fires but headed back to Washington soon. Smoke, smoke, smoke! Ugh. But this too shall pass and the rains will come again and autumn! I have pulled out my Susan Branch “Autumn” book like I do each fall and put it on a cookbook holder in my bedroom and turn the page every few days to see the next lovely picture or poem or quote. Time for pumpkin everything! ❤️
Susan, Hugs and prayers being sent your way just because.
`Thank you Susan. I really needed this chat tonight. It was a hard day, but you made my heart smile, as always. Looking forward to my books arriving. Happy Thursday.
Thank you for sharing your Mom with all of us over the years.❤️
Susan when I read your words about your mother, I got a lump in my throat. I lost my mom November 18, 1997 .. she was 68 years old and I turned 68 this year. She is always in my thoughts – as I’m sure you well know with your mother – but this year has been a hard one for me. Moms are so intwined in our lives .. from the beginning of our existence and saying a temporary good bye is so difficult to do. A friend of mine once told me how glorious my grief for my mom was because that meant we had a wonderful relationship filled with love. It took me a few years to really appreciate her words of wisdom. Take good care of yourself… cry when ever you feel the need and be grateful you had your mom, (I know you already do). Sending you my love in a cyber message oxoxoxo
😢 I feel so very blessed.💞 Because of her, because of your kindness.
I’m going to read every word here, I hope others do too, it’s such a celebration of the love that we share simply as women, as human beings who know the meaning of the word empathy. Like my mom said, “Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes.” Brilliant advice, and here we are, kindred spirits. So grateful.
Oh, my heart. I will NEVER forget the day I lost my mom.. I know that pain. I’m so sorry. I will say a prayer for you tonight that even though it’s been nearly 5 months and all of these notes of sympathy and the arrival of your beautiful book will bring back the pain a new, that God would give you the kind of comfort that can only come from Him. She sounds like an amazing woman, just like her daughter. Blessings. Nan
Such a lovely woman, your Mom. For you to have so many memories is such a gift. Bless you Susan.
I am so, so, sorry that you lost your mom. I feel I know her after reading your books. Rest in peace lovely lady.
I’m in the middle of Isle of Dreams for the SECOND time! It gives me faith and courage as I learn to navigate living by myself, so unsure but wanting to find that self love, magic, and following my dreams. Thank you, Susan! I’m getting out that clothes line and pins tomorrow, time to get the fresh air into this house of mine!
Sending love and best wishes. And thank you for your inspiration. ❤️
Blessings Jane . . .💖
Deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother. May she rest in peace.
I celebrated my 73rd birthday with my Mom, she was so happy to see me. Then, two weeks later she passed. We laid our Mother to rest the day before her 97th birthday, July 26, 2019.
Gods Blessings to you, Susan.
Your mother gave you the gift of contentment.
Your Mom will always be watching over you cheering you on. The warm feeling of her love will never leave you.
Blessings of love and comfort to you,
♥️Sue Saubert
I’m sad for your loss, Susan. Thank you for your beautiful writing and artwork.
Oh Susan, I’m so, so sorry about your mom. 🙁 It had crossed my mind. Oh man, my heart just aches for you. How wonderful to channel your grief into a book that honors the Christmastime memories she made for you and your siblings. What a magical life! Thank you for sharing. Love and air hugs going out to you tonight.
Melanie in Texas
Thank you for sharing about your mom, Susan. I lost mine when I was seventeen. I am now 81 and I miss her every day. I love that you were both so close. 💞I’m sure she was extremely proud of all you have accomplished.
Looking forward to receiving my book soon.🥰
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
So, I get it now, I’m going to spend the day crying!!! I love you girlfriends, your kindness is so touching, thank you Nancy. xoxo
Susan, you capture this time of year so well, thank you!
I’m glad you mentioned the giving you do, so important to remember those less fortunate than we are, and the animals… I’m on the same wave-length because I deliver Meals on Wheels and also volunteer for the local Humane Society, driving pets to veterinary clinics and back. This gives me the greatest pleasure, so I’m not “patting myself on the back”!
You are a tribute to your mother and, of course, you miss her. xo
You deserve every single Pat … And add mine to them. This is the backbone of America, add it all up, and that’s who we are. Helping each other get through everything. Thank you. 💖
It’s been 4 years since my mom who was also my best friend passed. Several times when things happen that I know she would have loved I have wanted to phone her. God Bless you! Melissa Williamson.
Susan Thank you for always bring us out of the forest and into the light! Your down to earth optimism centers us all. God Bless you.
Ps love the pictures!!!!!
Joyce from Northern CA
So very sorry to hear about losing your Mom. I lost my Mom 18 years ago and still miss her every day. It is still hard to talk about losing her (It happened very suddenly) so I completely understand why you couldn’t mention losing your Mom right away.Your new Christmas book is such a lovely tribute to your Mom and I can’t wait to receive my copy. Take very good care of yourself during this difficult time.
Dearest Susan,
Take good care of yourself!!! Your Mom’s big heart and optimism certainly lives on in you -I see it in every post. Sending you a thousand hugs my friend. Some days are just so hard.
xoxo Peggy in Madison
It is the saddest thing, when we lose the anchor of both of our parents, the moms often with us at the last. It feels lonely and uncertain even if we’re mature adults, the feeling of being left behind; orphaned.
(Difficult for me because I was an only child [and also with no children of my own], so I couldn’t really diffuse my grief like I think I could have if I’d even had one sister or brother with whom to share the pain; who felt that same pain; be able to talk it out with each other; derive comfort from each other.)
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, Susan, who I’ll think of now as pretty Patricia, perky and practical from all you’ve told us about her. You had her in your life for a very long time, so this is hard. Really hard. But the work you put out is such a tribute to her. We all benefit from her wisdom. Thank you for that.
My own mother was quite ill at the end, a shadow of the person I’d known, so I choose to remember how she was when I was growing up (and I think she’d be ‘good’ with it): When laughs were easy, her cook-at-home food was so nourishing in my tummy, when we’d watch movies together that came on to the TV before the days of instant-viewing with Netflix and the like (we’d watch for those movies and plan ahead with the paper TV Guide magazine which I very much MISS these days); watching with awe while she played the piano (and listening to her sing to her favorite show tunes/musicals on the ‘record player’; the 33rpm vinyl); seeing her bent over the sewing machine or her fingers rhythmically moving along with crochet; dodging a tickle from Dad; how much she loved dogs and cats; our August jaunts to the stores when clothes-shopping for September school start; planting zinnias for the summer flower garden. When she was a woman ‘in full’ with work, home, family, good health and contentment; living purposefully, always busy as a bee.
Such things; wonderful things to remember and cherish.
All those beautiful memories!💖
Hugs and love sent your way.