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!👏
After my darling little Irish mother passed, I have found that she is with me more and more as I inch toward joining her. How I appreciate and look forward to your sharing your life with us. I am always overwhelmed and impressed with your family of readers. In this world wrapped in sadness, they take the time to share their love with you and with us. Thank you for fulfilling the purpose you were given.
My Dear Susan,
I knew at the start of your letter that something so very sad was coming but I wasn’t quite sure what and now that the what has a name, I am so very, very sorry for your tremendous loss. Anyone who read your blog would know how much your mother meant to you and how much you loved her. It seems like only yesterday that your dad passed and now we, who have lost both parents are orphans. Not in the real of the word but in the feel of the word. Your family, with all you rambunctious kids and with 2 loving but firm parents, was something that I have always envied. There is beauty in the fact that you have each other to cry with, to laugh with and to share precious memories with and I understand completely you wanting to keep that time for yourself until now. Being an only child I have always missed that feeling of sharing with another person. I am so glad that you have that. When I do my daily gratitudes, my parents are always there. They will always be there, in the good and the bad too (because life is real and not a Hollywood musical), until the day that I die. You have given each of us so much love and happiness so please allow us to give back that same love and wishes for happiness to come to you and your entire family.
All of my love to you, Joe and Jack
Patricia
I feel it every day Patricia. You can’t be an orphan because you have us. 💝
Thank you Susan.
I’m so sorry to hear that you have lost your Mother. I have difficulty talking about things closest to my heart so I understand. Fall is my favorite time of year but is also the hardest. Our wedding anniversary is the last day of this month & my husband’s birthday is Oct. 15. We would have been married 65 years if he had lived. I look forward to your Christmas Book & love to receive your blog. Thank you so much. Sending hugs & you & husband & to Jack!!
Dear Susan and Joe. Deepest condolences for the loss of your sweet mum and mother-in-love! While she was ready for heaven, it sounds like she actually brought heaven on earth to you in your growing up years and beyond. What a treasure. Blessings, Karen from Milton, WA
God bless your heart, Susan.
(Excited to receive my books!)
Thank you for sharing with us about your mom. I’m so very sorry. What a gift she gave the world by being your mother. Through you she shares with us so much beauty and creativity. Can’t wait to read the Christmas book! xoxo
Susan, much condolence to you and yours at the Homegoing of your precious mother. What a tribute to read all of these sweet messages of praise and love. My mother died just days before our daughter was born, a child for which she had prayed and had bought so many things. I know that your mother was an earthly angel, and now she is singing in a celestial choir!! May your precious memories sustain you and bolster you as you wait for that ultimate and glorious reunion promised to Christians by our Savior!! What a promise!!!!
Sometimes words are hard to find. Sometimes words aren’t even necessary. Sometimes hearts connect; love is shared. Just by being there and listening.
xoxo
Debbie
You will see your mother again one day so be happy! I lost my mom 21 years ago and sometimes it’s still a surprise and I will want to talk to her or ask her something and she’s not there. Still sending love and best wishes. I have already received my Santa cups and cannot wait to use them! Love, love them. Just found out the book has been shipped to me and I cannot wait to read it. I have loved everything you’ve done since I first discovered you and your goodies. Bless you.
Love your tablecloths and bubbly spirit!
Deep sympathy on losing your Mom. There’s never a good time for that but – my Mom also had Alzheimer’s – there does come a right time. As my Grandma Hall used to say, “Tears show clear what the heart holds dear.” So very true.
Big hugs from afar, downhill (globally speaking) in Virginia.
Oh dear Susan, of course we have to comment about your mom your loss! Sorry seems such a meager word. 2020 is such a crap year AND APRIL was THE worst month of all. Like you i lost someone very special in April also. I lost my husband of 44 (!) years. I feel like I am hardly connected to the world still. Our daughters and little grandkids are so grieving too. You were so blessed to have the kind of mother you had. Not all of us are so blessed. I understand about not being able to talk of it for a long time. If i speak of this loss, i just cry. I know your mom is still right next to you, even if you can’t see her. so much Love to you. xo
I saved your lovely blog posting for tonight, so I could savor your words and photos that create such joy and peace. I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. It doesn’t matter how old we are or the age of our mothers, when we lose them, it is very hard. Many years after my own mother passed away at 92 years of age (she was a woman before her time, had a career and married later in life), I wish I could have one, more talk or one more hug. She was my best friend as I know your mother was to you, too.
Hard to write this through my tears…..I am so sorry Susan. I lost my Mother in 2015 –she was born in 1915…..but I got to take care of her the last 10 years of her life. She got dementia and was in a wheelchair but the 2 of us managed living alone together with no help. I miss her every day and you will miss your Mom every day as well. Sorry……..
I can’t believe Jack is 10 already..it seems like yesterday that you got him. Remember how miffed Girl kitty was? She was not happy with him at all!!
Thank you for all your positive blogs through this wretched year. Linda from Idaho where the weather is perfect—dry, warm, sunny blue skies and nice people.
Thank you Linda … It’s true, I’ve missed my mother every day even when she was here. Dementia is so difficult, for them and for us, just a slow going away that doesn’t stop. Love hearing from you Linda from Lovely Idaho ….
Dear Susan, when I lost my mother in 2012, a dear friend reminded me with the hope of heaven , she was more in my future than in my past. Eight long years I’ve yearn to call her but instead I find joy in things that she found joy in. Family , nature , friends. It’s beautiful to have had a mother who is dearly missed💙. Many hugs to you.
Dear Susan.. saddened to hear about your mama passing away… I lost my mama 38 years ago, much too young, and not a day goes by I’m not thinking about her and knowing she’s always close by. Our mamas were very much alike and I know my mama welcomed your mama to Heaven… there are girlfriends in Heaven too, you know! Love every bit of your Autumn in this post🍂🍁🌾🐿 my favorite time of year! Congratulations to all your lucky winners! So much to look at… I’m going back to read it all again. Excited to get my Christmas book. And I subscribed to Yankee magazine this year so I’ll love seeing your feature there. Hello to Joe and Jack. Thank you for bringing such joy to all of us always always… love you xo Julie Marie
Dear Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. You always write so lovingly about her. In late July we celebrated my mother’s 100 birthday with her – through a window. She, too, has dementia but still recognizes me and my sister and brother. I’m so grateful that I listened to her talk about her life; as a very young girl, twisting pretzels in her grandfather’s pretzel bakery in Lititz, PA (first pretzel factory in the US!), living through the war years on an army base with my dad, dancing with the big bands in “ballrooms”. She no longer remembers any of this, but I remember for her. ❤❤❤
We remember for them forever, and carry on in their honor, as they would wish. 😘
Oh, dear Susan, your sad news was delivered with such love and grace, and those of us who’ve lost a mom, however long ago (7 years, 8 months for me), received your news with deep understanding, a little twang of the heartstrings, and a tear. Sending you love.
These comments have wrapped us all up in a cocoon of compassion and love. Thank you Kathy…💞
In the time of COVID, a loss of a parent is especially hurtful. We were unable to see him before he left this world and there was no funeral or church service, no gathering of family and friends. A final goodbye is waiting until it is safe again. I am so sorry for your loss, Susan. I know how hurtful it is, particularly this year. I find consolation in the best of memories, and in conversations I have with him (I can “hear” his answers in my mind’s ear) that make me laugh and give me courage. Despite this wretched time, we are blessed for having their care and love, which is eternal.
Susan. I am sending you big, soft, fluffy, squeezy, warm hugs. We girlfriends all know what it is like to lose our mom. I’m sure she was very proud of you. Sending love. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Susan,
No matter what is going on around me, I can read your words and for a moment, all is well. I live vicariously through your writing, and beautiful illustrations. You don’t seem to waste a minute, and it is inspiring.
I am sorry for the loss of your Mom.
Tears…. Many caring thoughts are with you.
Thank you for continuing to take the time to share yourself with us all, and bringing smiles in this crazy world.I
Take care! ❤
Susan dear, we are indeed Kindred Spirits of Clotheslines. Me and my momma hanging clothes together on warm California mornings. May you have a double portion of memories of your precious momma. I look forward with joy when I meet mine again and she will be singing to me, “Playmate, come out and play with me”. Sending you love and hugs.xo
And bring your dollies three . . . 🎵😘
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mom…..~~~the loss of a mother is such a profound loss……please feel this prayerful HUG.
I do feel it Lori. xoxoxo
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Everything you ever wrote about her was lovely and what a mom should be. It is really hard to lose your parents and especially your mom. Wish we could all go back to the hood times with them.
Prayers and hugs
Hi Susan…
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Losing a parent is difficult, for sure, and with God’s help and in time, we learn to live in a world without them. She’ll always be with you in your heart and in all those beautiful memories she’s given you. I know you’ll find peace and comfort…. beautiful Martha’s Vineyard and all its wonders will surely help. Take care💕
You are the best medicine for us all – especially this year!💕
Delightful. Thank you Susan.
Marybeth
Losing our Moms is one of the biggest hurts in life. Mine went to heaven a short time ago. Every time I hang laundry on the clothesline I think of her and smile. When I was a little girl we had lots of our chats there on sunny days. Memories are the connection that stay with us. Big Hug.
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us, Susan.
I pre-ordered your Christmas book for me and also got a copy for my dear mom. She was born right before the end of WW2, a mother of 5, and a resilient, loving, and creative woman. She is going to LOVE this book, and I cannot thank you enough for writing it through the pain and bittersweet memories of your own childhood and wonderful mother.
Hugs to you from smoky California.
I also appreciate the fact that you acknowledge that so many across the globe don’t have the privilege of backyard dinner gatherings, and your kindness and generosity speaks volumes.
You are such a loving and compassionate woman, and I appreciate your ability to celebrate the little details in life like shadows in the kitchen, fluttering linens on the line, tufted cat paws, the twinkle in a loved one’s eyes, and so much more.
It’s so hard to stay positive right now with so much injustice in the world (injustice that has always been here), so I continue to teach my 6th grade students in CA (via Zoom) how to care, make a change, be anti-racist, and eco-friendly, in the hopes that some of it pays it forward to make the world a more inclusive and healthy place.
Love and support to you and Joe.
I’m so glad you decided to be a teacher. You are the perfect person to teach kids how to walk in someone else’s shoes … a bit of a missing ingredient in today’s world. Blessings on you … hugs to your mom!
Sweet Susan,
Even in the midst of unspeakable loss, you inspire all of us homekeepers. I think every one of us wish we could jump through our computer screens and give you a big, heartfelt hug. You are such a jewel of a person. Thank you for sharing your inspiring talents! I’m a Texas girl living in South Carolina, and am keeping my eyes open for the day I can meet you at one of your events. Can’t wait for this “dampanic” to be over. We all need girlfriend time. 🙂
I’m so very sorry for your loss. We are NEVER to old to need our Mamas. I lost mine years ago but if I’m careful to notice…. I see her signs to me so often! Our favorite shape together was a heart. I find hearts in nature ALL the time now. I KNOW she is with me, and I KNOW your Mama (and ALL our loved ones) is too. What a beautiful gift to have been given such a loving mother. I thank God for mine and I know you do too. I bet they’re having quite a tome in Heaven!!!💜💜💜💜💜
Susan,
I am so very sorry about the loss of your mother. I was so overcome with emotion by your post and some of the comments that I couldn’t comment when I initially read your post. I too am like you in that I find it very difficult to talk about certain things for a while, a long while. I just returned from visiting my parents in WI a few days ago. I know I am extremely blessed to have them at ages 86 & 88. And I know it won’t last forever and that alone can make me cry. There is a special love we have for parents, especially if they’ve been good parents and we’ve had decent relationships with them. I know from what you’ve shared over the years your mom was one of the best. Thank you as always for sharing your life and lifting all our spirits, especially during this trying year and while you are grieving. Prayers and hugs to you and Joe.
Your video of the wind drying the table linens soothed my soul. You filmed long enough for me to take in the senses and listened to the wind. You see, I live in AZ [and I know you have visited here]. In the Valley we don’t get wind like that. I can sit under a tree, but the leaves are not rustling. I tried hanging out laundry, I only got a wrinkled mess. Thank you for the respite. P.S. I am sorry for the loss of your mom. I need to find ways to connect with my mom who lives in MI and the pandemic kept us separate this summer…
My deepest condolences on the passing of your wonderful mother. We truly did feel as though we knew her. And we are forever in her debt for giving us the gift of you. Take extra good care of yourself. XO
Oh, Susan, I’m so so sorry about the passing of your mom!! She is certainly in a better place now. I pray for you and the rest of your family that God will bring you peace.
Dear Susan,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You will think of her everyday and give thanks that you had her for as long as you did. I was only 35 when my mom passed, and only 30 when my dad passed. My children never got to have grandparents (you may wonder about my husbands parents as grandparents) unfortunately his parents banished us. I am so happy that we have six wonderful grand children. So all of you no matter what age give thanks and love each and every day for having your parents. Especially in this strange world we are in now.
On another note I am so excited Home For Christmas is in. Will be waiting anxiously for my copy. Best regards to you, Joe and Jack. Keep well and safe.
<3 <3 <3
I lost my mom in 1995 unexpectedly, but you know what, she is there with me every time I look in the mirror! I am 61 now and realize that I am so much like her. I’ve never gotten over losing her, even after all these years, my memories keep her right with me until I see her again in Heaven. I am so glad for you, that your memories are just as sweet. There is no one like MOM!
By the way, that cat of yours makes me laugh every picture you share. He’s got an incredible face!
I know how you feel as I too have a Mom in heaven. Mom’s our very special people! My heart goes out to you at this time.
God bless.
Susan,
Ten years ago, I took early retirement and moved to Florida to care for my mother. It was a great privilege to spend the last five years of her life caring for and loving her. She died two days into 2015. I miss her. I’m sorry you’ve lost the physical presence of your sweet mother. But you are so fortunate to carry her love and memories within you. She has left you the most precious legacy.
Dear Susan, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Mine is still here at 95 years old and I cherish her every day. I can’t imagine what it feels like but know that I will pray for you and your family.
So sorry to hear of your loss, Susan, I have not had either parents for a long long time, so I know your feelings of loss all to well. You were blessed to have so many years with her. I expressed this once before to you, but I enjoy reading your books because you have the family that I always dreamed of having, so it’s my way of having that comfort, especially around the holidays. I ordered your Christmas book, but have not received it yet. So looking forward to it! I’ll probably re-read it many times as I do with all of your books. Have comfort in knowing that you were a wonderful daughter to her and showed your love to her in so many ways. God bless…
So sorry.
Blessings and prayers to you, Susan. Our mothers are always in our heart. They are truly our first gift from God.
Another beautiful, beautiful blog-message. Susan, your mother has brought such joy, through you, to so many people. When a life such as hers is past, one can also, beneath the sorrow of her passing, realize a great joy that her life was filled with so much love and fulfillment. And what a blessed life it was…if nothing else…to have had you. Such a loving daughter is wealth beyond measure. I have an incredible daughter, too, who has enriched my life. We can only give heartfelt thanks for having them.
We carry our loved ones in our hearts and memories so they are always with us. I’m so sorry about your mom. ❤️
Dear Susan and Joe,
So sorry for the loss of your mother, Susan. After 35 years I miss my mother more everyday. My heart goes out to you both.
Susan, I am so sorry. How dear our mothers are to us. As you have told us so much about your Mom, I can’t help but think of mine. Both Iowa girls. My mom said the things your mom said and sang what she sang. Wonderful memories to comfort and encourage you.
XOXOXO💕
Oh my, I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. We all know she is in a much better place, and if you look over your right shoulder, she is there. They never really leave us.
Big hugs to you -I feel your loss.
Carol
Your news brought tears to my eyes. I felt like I knew her through all of your books & blog posts all these years. And, we shared a middle name. My Mother has been gone 38 long years & I miss her every day. May your Mother Rest In Peace. ❤️
Dear Sue,
The loss of a beloved parent is an ache that never goes away. On September 11th I celebrated
my 74th birthday as well as the 26th anniversary of the passing of my father. I pray that the
memories you have of your dear mother as well as the sure and certain knowledge that she is in heaven, will give you and your family comfort in the months and years ahead.
Blessings and prayers,
Bonnie Porro
Susan, with every passing decade, now half-way thru the 80s, I learn more about my mother who left for Heaven in 1994, her common sense, her love, her ability to take care of all six of us. I keep asking, how did she do it, through the depresson, WWII, war after war, kid after kid, a husband who became disabled, kids that needed to come back home here and there and she somehow kept us from knowing how poor we were growing up! I can’t wait to one day tell her how much I admire her, how much I love her always.
They all seemed to come from some sort of place of abundance and at the same time, had a really healthy thriftiness … Made us feel like we had it all!
Uh-oh. The lovely Tom has a sore throat, stuffy nose and is sneezing. No fever, thankfully, but we canceled going next door to sit outside by their fire pit. Better safe than…..
I made a reservation for Tom, our 3rd leg, Anne and I to take a carriage ride over in Acadia. Anne and I will go, unless Tom is worse in the morning. Then it will be off to get a Covid test. My biggest worry other than the fact that he’s going on 81, is that he had open heart surgery 3 years ago to replace his aortic valve. I shudder to think of that getting infected.
This has been one of the most beautiful days I remember in our 26 years of coming to Maine. It was a bit chilly, so I continued working on cleaning windows. Our downstairs living area is almost more glass than wall. The views Are the Art!! Took a break to sit out in the sunshine and watch all the critters we feed and water. Tonic for a Very worried Me. Talked to Tom’s brother and his wife last night. They live in West Lynn, a suburb of Portland, Oregon. They are packed and ready to evacuate if the fire crosses the river. Another gal I know had to evacuate from their new home in Cougar, Washington. The film on the tele is surreal, but when you know those in danger, it becomes very real.
I am constantly aware of asking…Please, Please, protect everyone, those we know and those we don’t. And my God Daughter’s husband, who is fighting these fires in and around Jackson, Wyoming, or where ever he is sent.
Now, I’ll spend some time re-reading some of your beautiful words, looking at beautiful pictures and wonderful paintings.
Thank you so much for all that you do for us. We Love You Mucho Grande,
Debbie in Maine, where we have a few bright red maple leaves
I’m sure it’s just allergies! Joe and I go through this too … and we stay so far away from people I can’t imagine how we could catch anything!! Fall, and the wind, and the leaves, all beautiful, but dusty! Yes, I have friends and family who are packed to go just in case. In my prayers daily. I wish all this would just stop! Lovely day here too Debbie. xoxo
I’m so very sorry, dear Susan. I always hope that death is a going-home, a homecoming in the best sense. But oh grief is difficult to weather. When my grandmother died, my stepfather said, of her, his mother, “I’ve never known the world without her in it.” Everything is the same but simultaneously brand new territory. Sending you loving thoughts. Keep your light shining.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Mine was taken away too soon now almost 19 years ago and I will miss her forever, as I am sure you will too. Hugs from across the miles.
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. It is wonderful that you wrote a book that encapsulates your love for each other. I look forward to reading and rereading this one like all the other Susan Branch books I own. Thank you for making the days and seasons special.
Hi Susan, wonderful newsletter as usual. I so enjoyed the video with your Vineyard breeze blowing your clothesline. My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Mom. (( Virtual hug to you )).
Love, Kate in Atlanta
Sorry for your loss, Susan. My mom also went home to Jesus in April, so I feel your pain. She was six months shy of 100. It has not been a good 2020. Mom was an artist who encouraged me to practice painting. I promised her now that I am retired I would get back to it. I love your blogs and count on them to spark my sketching urge. You are a very special friend that I no doubt will never meet, but feel close at heart. Best to always!
Dearest Susan,
Thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Mom with us, all of these years. Thank you for sharing your wonderful Dad. Thank you for sharing your siblings. Thank you for giving us ALL a place to go when life in the “real world” gets so crazy.
Thank you to you (and Vanna) for picking my name for the “Little Things” cup. I cannot wait to wrap up in a quilt with a cup of Bedtime Tea on our Porch in the country.
A big hug to you, your Joe and the rest of your family.
XO, Amy
So happy for you Amy! Loved seeing your name come up! Thank you!❤️
Hey Amy!
This is Margot from Sister Bay, WI. What town are you in? Hope to meet you someday!
Hey Margot, Doreen Peterson here. I too live in Wisconsin now. We’re moving from Waterford to Beloit. My husband Greg and I were just up in Door County. Such a beautiful place.
I am watching “To Kill A Mockingbird” and tears are gathering for a downward slide. I’m not exactly sure why, but it is for a variety of reasons. The top of the list is your saddened heart, Susan. The black/white film, the solemn and heartfelt need for righteousness, the father – a gentle teacher, the innocent children in an era where running outside in the dark was OK and fun…all bringing my heart to your mother and father…you. I can’t shake it…
…your writings of childhood memories, love of family, innocent days with a fun-loving, hard-working mother full of song…a father who took his family’s welfare in easy stride with strong shoulders to carry the weight of his responsibility with plenty of room to piggyback 8 children, one at a time, for free rides with giggles of love.
Your family’s legacy, planted through your words, is a dream for many….a rosy, real view through windows of a happy home filled with a happy family. The windows have been opened by your memorable words throughout the years and I can hear the laughter and see the joy. I can witness the light steps that your mother took through her VERY busy days. I can smell the baking as I stand outside peering in. I can feel the anticipation of Christmas, birthdays. I can see you all…Grandma’s smiling eyes and the love she had for each of you. I can sense the love that filled every corner of your home. (I don’t know how I will read “Home for Christmas” without crying!”
The seriousness of “To Kill A Mockingbird”, the sadness of current injustices, the CA, WA, OR fires…losses of nature and families, uncertainties every day that shouldn’t be…Covid. “To Kill A Mockingbird” should be a classroom requirement. It shows us that people have stood for justices that we still haven’t conquered. It shows us the power of good script writing and child actors so superb that I watch with respect and awe. It is all so poignant while my tears wait…and my mind drifted into your childhood memories for refuge.
Your mom welcomed me and invited me to dinner. You and I set the table together while your mom took the pie out of the oven. Your childhood haven of memories continues to provide so much for so many.
Your family waits for a time to honor your mom’s passing, but this Blog is a virtual memorial/testimonial attended by Girlfriends…Girlfriends who knew your mom through your words. Our respect and virtual love continues to flow from our hearts to yours. Hug yourself for us! We are right beside you. The fact is that your home is overflowing…many of us are on your front lawn, sitting at the new picnic table, and slowly driving down your street! And you know what, your good friends and neighbors are handing out cookies from one of your recipes!
Thank you for lightening my afternoon and providing so much warmth and support. Blessings to a daughter who looks to the night sky for her mom’s bright star. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
OMG! You won’t believe this, but it is TRUE! My husband just handed me a package from you and I am holding “Home For Christmas”…I gotta go…gotta start turning pages and soaking in your deliciousness. Can’t believe the timing…perfect for this afternoon after dwelling in your spirit. I’ll get back to you after I read your soon-to-be New York Times #1 best seller. MORE kisses blown your way.
After you read it FayE, come back to your last paragraph !!!❌⭕️
“Home for Christmas” is a lovely, loving signature book to add to my shelf of SB books. Your style with sweet borders, appropriate quotes and art, wonderful paper and memories flowing together with invisible heartstrings is a treasure, thank you. What an absolute gift for your family!! The “seasoned” Girlfriends will appreciate the blast to the past with familiar product names, cars, traditional recipes and 50’s visuals.
This new book makes me even more excited to add your upcoming books to my SB book shelf. I think that the quote book will be beyond beautiful.
I read “Home for Christmas” to my husband and when I saw the pics of your gorgeous, young parents my voice choked and eyes “liquified”…but, when I got to the Afterword my voice choked to the point of not being able to read out loud and the tears finally slid down my cheeks. Two hours later I read the Afterword to him.
I see what you mean about my last paragraph…before the OMG paragraph. Uncanny, huh?!! Girlfriends are truly in-sync with your spirit.
I laughed about the teasing, taunting and disappointing gift awaiting Christmas morning. I cried when you opened it, but I knew it!!
My Grammie gave me a package one Christmas to go with a gift from Santa…like your favorite Christmas gifts. I didn’t have Santa’s or Grammie’s gift after I got married at 20. I presumed they were packed away in my parents’ garage, but when I asked Mom to send items to me, she didn’t have or know what happened to them. To this year, I am saddened that I didn’t have the items o pass on to my daughter’s childhood…she is almost 50!!
Well, here’s to your family. You were a gang of beautiful, cutie pie kids thanks to your parents genetic pools!
Cheers!
👏👏👏👏
Oh, FayE, Your letter to Susan is among the most beautiful things I’ve ever read. I think I’m sitting here with thankful tears on my cheeks, because it speaks to me personally.
My little brother and I did not have a loving, safe home. Very little in the way of hugs and approval, even abuse, though we had all the material things. But I am not to be pitied. I learned to find for myself the things that gave me comfort. I learned to read early and through that incessant reading, “traveling” all over the Earth and through History. I had a lifetime of knowledge to share with those little people I taught. I also think I was quickly able to spot a child in my classroom who was suffering from lack of nourishment, or even abuse. I did not have children of my own, but I think may have helped others
My solitary life came to an end when a new family moved next door when I was 13. Sarah and Norman and their only child, Nell. They all but invited me into that warm, loving home for all of my high school years and beyond. They were the template for what I wanted my life to be. I had a false start in my first marriage, but now I have that wonderful extended family that I used to dream of.
Susan has done the World such a service, and I wish all girls and women the beauty that are in her books and blogs.
I’m still reeling from the news that my dearest Nell died 2 weeks ago. Her son, my God son, wrote to me with the news. So typical of her, she didn’t want even the closest friends to know she had cancer. She was still writing as though all was well, and it was, as she was loved by all that knew her as a newspaper woman, editor of a small town weekly, editor of a large daily, and a leading light in Phi Theta Kappa, which is for Junior College students that excel.
So, FayE, through the medium of Susan’s blog, you have shown me again how my guardian angel gave me the gift of love, of belonging, so I was not Lost. Thank You, Girlfriend.
Debbie in Maine
I am so glad that Sarah, Norman and Nell came into your life and gave you some love that was missing. Love and joy are building stones for a happy life, but sadly they are not givens in some children’s lives. A joyful life can be built without the foundation, but a child’s need for loving parents will always remain a dark pit in their adult heart. Your initial lack of love and compassion grew empathy and action for many students!
Peace to Nell and your aching heart, Debbie. She is your eternal friend and thank goodness for your shared, happy memories.
Beautifully and kindly said FayE … 💔❤️❌⭕️
God bless you in your grief, Debbie in Maine, my heart goes out to all those who have lost dear ones in this time of social distancing. Hard to say good-buy to loved ones alone. XOXOX
And look you now dear Debbie, so full of energy, generosity, and goodness, so full of love and life …. I’m so sorry about Nell… 😥
Susan, I’m so sorry about the loss of your Mom. I miss my Mom every day, but even more so during this pandemic. There’s comfort knowing they are ready to go, and we can be happy that they’re getting to reunite with the ones they’ve missed for so long. But it’s hard to let them go. On a happy note, looking forward to Home for Christmas. Take good care!
Susan you are a beacon of happiness with everything going on. You make me grateful for the
Little things in life but when you think of it they become the big things, the things that make us happy.
Dear Susan,
I share your sorrow. It is so hard when our Mother must leave us. It will soon be sixteen years for me, and, I miss her each and every day.
I have enjoyed your books and thoughts since the 80’s, and now enjoy these posts.
Thank you, and God Bless!
So, so sorry on the loss of your mom. You are not alone in this sorrow as evidenced by the lovely notes ahead of mine. You are the fourth person who has lost their mom that I know in the last few months. Two of my oldest and dearest friends lost their mom’s within weeks of one another and one of our neighbors hers as well. All having that blasted disease, dementia/Alzheimers which is a far longer ordeal and just as heartbreaking to have to watch. So you are not alone…. and so blessed to have had such an amazing and loving woman in your life to guide you and help shape you into the wonderful person you are today, so in turn that blessing has been passed along to us with you. The only good part in all this is I know all of those moms are in heaven, whole again memory intact watching over all of their families below. I just know they have a special place in heaven for moms like yours and my friends and they are all telling each other about the wonderful family they left behind. So very glad you and your siblings have one another to comfort and share the memories and your Joe and Jack. By the way Jack adorable as always and he ages well, doesn’t look a day over 3!! Hard to believe it’s been 10 years since you saw that paper collar with the name Jack on it and you knew it was meant to be.
Take care of yourself, prayers and hugs to you and Joe .
Happy Birthday to Jack lots of loves, snuggles and cuddles. our girl, Tabitha, is also 10 years old and still a little devil when she wants to be. mostly she has some type of schedule made up and makes her rounds everyday at precisely the same time. i found Tabitha at the vet’s office, i went to get a flea treatment for my 2 cats and saw her in one of the cages and she was meowing for attention. i went over and played with her a bit while the nurse got the flea treatment, and asked why she was in the cage. the nurse told me her people had brought her in for shots and then just left her, she had been there over a week. poor little girl so i told the nurse that if no one came and claimed her by 4 p.m. that day, i would gladly give her a home and told her her name was Tabitha. seems like Tabitha liked that name and liked me, come 4 p.m. i returned and Tabitha could not wait to get into my arms, so my husband and i took her home, she rode home in hubby’s big coat pocket and made herself right at home, she has been our little love ever since. and we adore her!!!
Dear Susan, I’m so very sorry to hear about your mother. May all your precious memories and the deep love you shared (and continue to share) sustain you. Sending hugs from across the ocean! xx
💖💖💖
I loved reading about your mom in your memoir trilogy! She gave you so much; a bilingual environment (Arf – Arfy,) an appreciation for good nutrition (eat your starch, fiber, and protein,) as well as an appreciation of good musica! And you gave back to her; you were her first real live doll and her best helper when the other dolls arrived! So “Baby Take a Bow.” (Yes, I’ve read all three books more than once.) I can see clearly her hand in your writings. Maybe she will help you write about your last experience together. She was there when you took your first breath and you were there when she took her last. What gifts you were to each other!!!!!
“A piece of her soul broke off and rolled into mine …” true then, true now, true forever. Thank you Linda.💞
I’m so very sorry to hear about your mom. Mine was very special too and she taught me the homemaking skills I use every day. It’s been more than 5 years and I miss her deeply. Yesterday my best friend and I had to go say goodbye to a friend, she was diagnosed with liver cancer just 3 months ago. It never gets any easier, the saying goodbye, and it was also my best friend’s birthday so that was hard. Lots of tears, but to come home and find a new blog post from you was a bright spot in the day. I bought 4 of your smaller calendars the other day and am looking forward to gifting them (of course, 1 of them is for me!) Blessings to you and make sure to take care of yourself-Elizabeth
I’m sorry Elizabeth …💔 ~ it’s like sadness and beauty and heartbreak and joy all at the same time, and all with tears.
Dearest Susan,
I am so, so very sorry for the passing of your Dear Mother. xo
Just as Woody Guthrie has been the ‘Poet of the People’, you are the ‘Voice of our Heartstrings’. You voice the words so hard to express and which connect us all, so full of substance, binding us together with love…Love that is forever.
Your love and admiration for your Mom that is shared so generously on your blog is a gift beyond measure. I look forward to reading, “Home for Christmas”, as you make us all feel so at Home here.
Sending you bushels of love, Kari
❌⭕️❌⭕️
Dear dear Susan~A thousand beautiful memories of such a precious life…I know your Mom will live on forever in the memory of your heart…just like my parents and my sweet husband Dave who has been in heaven almost three years…I think of them almost every minute of every day…sending love and virtual hugs to you and yours…❤️
💖💖💖
Another favorite quote
Seashells remind us that every passing life leaves something BEAUTIFUL behind. And that BEAUTIFUL is you Susan.
💖
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing the simple joys of what matters most in the midst of sadness. Sending lots of love and prayers to you ~ How special to share your childhood stories of your mom and family in your new Christmas book! Can’t wait to get mine and so thankful to be part of your Titcomb’s Tea! I couldn’t get registered for your Aug. Zoom event and was so delighted to view the recording! Loveliness, pure joy! How I needed that ~ how we all do! And to be in your house with you as we shared Beatrix Potter and England joy and teatime was just soooo special! Maybe one day you can Zoom us to your Peter Rabbit room or through your Picket Fence Garden 🙂 I want to make my own picket fence garden. Like a fairy tale!
My sweet mom and my dear stepdad, “Pop” went to Heaven in April too ~ both from covid a few days apart during Holy Week, my sweet mom went to Heaven just as Easter Sunday dawned. Like you, I couldn’t talk for some time. My heart hurts but is also so filled with the love of my family and I know they are with me each moment of each day. I’m revisiting your lovely books, visiting England along with you in the pages of your book and blog and finding healing in the home-y things that meant so much to my mom and pop. They loved gardening and cooking and kitties and all the sweet, simple joys in life. Taking deep breaths of fresh air and letting nature works its magic in healing. As you shared, not everyone has even that basic joy right now ~ a breath of fresh air ~my prayers are with all. And living near a city where they are trying to evict homeless people! Finding ways to help people now is so important ~ Love your early Christmas present donation idea 🙂 Thanks!
I am a third grade teacher as well and for now, I am so thankful we are starting the year virtually ~ tough for sure and we all want to be together, but I am so grateful we will all be safe. May be back in some way in the coming months ~ sending all my love and prayers for everyone’s safety and joy!
I find I’m revisiting my childhood lots these days and your Christmas book will bring me right back as well. I am rereading my favorite Betsy-Tacy books ~ the loves of my childhood! I have a little guidebook that takes you to all the real people and places that inspired Maud Hart Lovelace’s wonderful childhood stories. I have to go to Mankato, MN one day and wander through my childhood as I played with Betsy and Tacy in the pages of these dear, sweet books. I just officially joined the Beatrix Potter Society (been receiving Pottering About emails and now a real member 🙂 along with Jane Austen and the Bronte Society and renewed my Betsy-Tacy Society memberships. Love connecting with kindred hearts in celebrating the joys of the writers and stories that have become so much a part of me.
And I now have a Pen Pal from England too and love, love writing real letters and sharing goodies with her ~ she’s from Bexhill-on-Sea and she’s so dear! Sent me postcards from the Cotswolds 🙂 Dream of going to England one day and wandering the lanes and Hilltop 🙂 But for now, thanks to you and my pen pal, I can travel with you anytime 🙂
I love reading in your previous post about your quotations book! I love the quotes you share and have thought how nice it would be to have them all in one place and now with your lovely watercolors in a whole book, too! So excited! And of course sooo excited for Enchanted 🙂 Oh, happy joy!
Sending you love and hugs and all the joy your heart can hold and then some! xoxoxo
What a wonderful message, Sue, the way you are living through and with this DamPanic … I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your parents 💔 but so uplifted by your outreach to the things you love. 💞 Thank you for your lovely words.
Dear Sue, I used to teach pre-kindergarten, and I miss that most of all my past lives. I can’t imagine how you teach on line. You must let us Girlfriends know. ☺️
The shortest scripture passage in the Bible is; “Jesus wept.” I wonder at the love in that all-telling two words. He weeps with us and knows our deep grief. He is hugging you Sue, and weeping with you. What a gift you are to speak of such joy in such deep sadness. You’re my hero, —-dezi 💕❤️🥰😂
💔🌻💔🌻💔🌻💔🌻💔🌻💔
Much, much Love to your broken heart.
Blessed by the wishes and prayers of friends like you!💞
Heartfelt thoughts and sincere sympathy as you move ahead in life without your mom. It is never easy to say goodbye. This very day marks 31 years since my mom died of ovarian cancer at the too-young age of 60. As I have learned, you get on with it, but you don’t get over it. Some days, it is just too hard to talk about. Other days, your joy overflows in sharing stories about her and the richer your life is for having had her as your mom. I wish you lots of these. Your mom will live on in the recipes and wisdom that she passed to you, and you pass on to us and on into the future in your writing.
After waiting too long and missing out twice, in July I bought a “Little Things” mug. I cannot tell you how much I love it. The thinness of the porcelain is as wonderful as the cheery messages on the outside. It is a daily smile in this crazy world.
Be well, be safe, be happy.
Stolen goods.💔 Taken too soon. Like there is ever a good time. Thank you Anne … I’m so happy you love your cup. xoxoxo
Dearest Susan,
They say our grief is the size of our love, and so I know your heart must be broken in this year of profound loss. Sending you so much love for the love you give to all of us! Peace and comfort to you, Cindy
Just that I wasn’t done with her yet.💖 Thank you Cindy.
Dearest Susan…I havent commented for a long time, but I wanted to after reading your beautiful blog this morning❣❤ I wont say it, but you already know it…❤❤❤…and yet you still managed to give us joy and sweetness. I loved the video clip of the wind…especially when you pointed the camera into the trees….very magical to me❣ I recently recieved my 2nd Little Things mug…since my first one slipped out of my hands and broke a couple of years ago…and I was sad ever since! I have loved going downstairs in the morning, and carefully picking my mug of the day….and now I have my very favorite back❣❤❤ I just ordered your puzzle, and am so excited❣ I love to frame my favorite puzzles and hang them,as pictures, or give them as gifts when completed…and I will be keeping and hanging this one for myself❣We live where there is smoke from fires, and I cant tell you how much I appreciate your wonderful artwork, words, recipes, mugs, books…etc….they are bits of comfort and joy always❣❤❤❤❤😘
Lovely to hear from you Diane! Thank you, I’m praying for all our West Coast girlfriends and strangers too …. awful days. Stay beautifully positive as you are.💝
Susan, I’m so sorry you have lost your wonderful Mom. You had told us she was slipping away and did not know you when you last visited her, but her final leaving is still so difficult even when it is expected. You will miss her every day, but know she lives on in you and your brothers and sisters, and in her grandchildren.
Thank you for sharing her with us in your books and your blog. I love the photo of her and Joe in “A Fine Romance”, high-fiving after a game of tennis. Her joy and happiness shine through in that photo. Cherish the memories.
Joe is my mom in guy form. All the best things a person can be.❤️
As I was looking through your books and reading your blog posts, I was amazed at your talent and your creativity. Your words and art which inspire us, make us better people, and touch our souls, obviously come from a heart filled with love. I know you were inspired by Beatrix Potter, but by comparison, she is merely crawling while you are running marathons. If she were reincarnated today, you could be HER inspiration.
Well Patsy, you had me reeling with those words. Tears in my eyes … not really true, what she did for the world is so much more than I could ever do, even though in my spirit I sure do wish I could live up to her amazing standard, but your thoughts were beyond sweet. Cant thank you enough. 💖
Oh, Susan…I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. But I can tell you know you never really lose her, she is in you. All of your wonderful recipes, ideas, love for life – all of that was nurtured by her. Her memory is a blessing. My mom passed years ago, but I still feel her ( when I can’t throw out the chicken carcass because “that would make good soup”, when I make one of her recipes, when you put “the moon belongs to everyone ” in a post, because she used to sing that song all the time. The other day my sister and I were talking about her and how so much of what we do everyday is her! So know you are in my thoughts…and take care of yourself. Stay safe. Hugs.
No, definitely, waste not want not. Weren’t they wonderful, our moms? Moms everywhere! What would we do without them!
Dearest Susan, Even though you gave us the sad news about your mother today, I still feel uplifted by your words & video. You are so generous to share your life with us and I thank you again! With heartfelt sympathy, Julia in Cincy
😘😘😘
I’m so very sorry about your Mom. Even though I didn’t know her, I am so thankful for her because she made you! Your blog and books have helped so many people keep positive during these trying times. My Dad passed away March 20 after a long battle with dementia. It is so hard to talk about – watching it was hard enough. Your Christmas book is something to look forward to!
I’m glad your Mom is at peace. Please stay safe and healthy -our world needs more people like you in it
❌⭕️❌⭕️
DEAR Susan ~
My heart felt pierced when I read about your mom. I hope you have been gentle with yourself as you navigate a world without her physical presence in it.
What a lovely gift to be with her, and to write your new book, during her last days here on this still marvelous planet. Both of your parents will always be remembered through your writing.
I loved your last Zoom call and have signed up for the virtual tea and (real!) book. They will both be rays of pure sunshine. (I live in Washington State and due to the wildfires in our state and in Oregon, we literally haven’t seen the sun for days.)
Thank you for continuing to uplift your readers during a time when it is easy to be distracted by the negative. Your ability to see the gifts in this life have inspired me since I read your very first book. (My maiden name was Suzanne Brandt….so I felt a kinship before I even opened that sweet gem!)
Reflecting back the love that you so generously give.
Suzanne xoxo
Thank you SB! xoxo💖
Susan..your sad news touched my heart. I had no idea, but know exactly how you are feeling. I lost both my mom and dad 3 years apart (2007 and 2010) from dementia. I was such a “mama’s girl”, and my heart was so broken at the time, I didn’t know if I would survive the loss or not. But, I have such a supportive husband and he helped me get through it, just as I am sure Joe has helped you. Things will get easier as time goes by, but there will always be “something” that will stop you dead in your tracks and remind you of her. But, the pain in your heart does ease. The Fall always brings thoughts of my dad to my mind and when I smell cigar smoke it takes me right back to my childhood days..lol..As I age now, I have noticed I have my mother’s hands, so I take comfort that she is right here with me. It’s funny (for me anyways), that as a child (and even in my early adult years) , it never occurred to me that someday my parents would be gone. However, I could never wish them back in the condition they were in. Life still carries on…I am sending you a great big hug, Susan. 😘
I know, you never think it. Time, she marches…. ❌⭕️
Susan, dear heart,
Could you do me a favor and measure the dimensions of your linen tea towels? I just got the most scathingly brilliant idea, (inspired by you, of course), for a new daughter-in-law. I have scads of linen, and I want to do four embroidered tea towels, one for each season! Her birthday is coming up, and I have been noodling, then I saw your stove with the adorable towels, and OMGosh!! Perfection! Thank you for the inspiration, and I hope you read thus and answer before I need to finish off the edges. Oh, and congrats to the winners! I am so happy for all of you, Susan’s mum did a great job, you can tell by her generosity! ❤️💕❤️😄. Always— dezi
They are all different sizes! So funny, I went to measure, and they are all different. I bet you have some! Just pick one! LOL! Great idea!
My tea towels are all shrunk cotton, printed, and very small. None are embroidered, but on your stove they look quite large. On your clothes line too. So I just made them twice as big as mine. I’m finished with the Autumn one and half done with the winter. This is so much fun! Thanks for the inspiration. 👍😄😄😄👌
Dear Susan,
I’m sorry for your heartbreaking loss of your mum; we are never ready for it. I lost my mum four years ago and would cry my heart out every day feeling like I was 7 years old and missing her while knowing that nobody would ever love me like that again. Ever. I used to let my tears fall while listening to ‘Dancing in the Sky’ by Danni and Lizzy, a beautiful song that makes me believe ‘mum is dancing in the sky and singing in the angel’s choir and I hope the angels realise what they have, it must be so nice since you arrived’. youtube.com/watch?v=yZrtSDmQOro
Every birthday and anniversary, my sister and I go out and celebrate ‘our mum’. We go to a nice cafe that has beautiful cakes – Mum’s favourite food – and take her photo in a silver frame with a candle on her birthday, then we order a cake each and an extra one for Mum (which we also eat because you can never have enough cake lol) AND we wear the beautiful MOTHER crowns you designed, “All I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” It’s a joyous occasion and you play a part in it every single year. Thank you, dear Susan.
Well that makes me SO happy to hear Annie … what a darling celebration, and just yours. And yes, more cake! Loved the song, just perfect. No, there is never a love like that one… never, ever. I could see myself shining in my mothers eyes. Without even knowing it, but now I know. Thank you for such a lovely story! xoxo
I’m so sorry about your mother passing away. I hope your heart feels better soon.
My new calendar for 2021 came the other day and it is gorgeous. Thank you for making it!
Your mother had been in my mind these past months. So, while I’m deeply sorry, I’m not surprised. All of your readers have received the grave and wisdom of your mother through you. And in that respect, we all share her loss. But all the sprinkling of love and wisdom that she shared go on and on like ripples in a pond. We are so fortunate that way.
My own dear mother has been in heaven 10 years. And my wonderful 101 year old mother in law from Ireland, who always told me that she has no daughters in law, only daughters, died in July. We are so deeply blessed to have them with us this long. But, that doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye.
Thank you for sharing your mom with us. ❤️
The only way to stand it is through the love and total gratitude of ever having them at all. ❤️ Blessings. xoxoxo
Dear Susan,
Because you share your heart with all of us, I hope you feel all of the love and support that we send to you. You have made the world a better place and that means that your Mom will live on forever as you share the lessons she taught you with it.
So looking forward to finding the Christmas book in my mailbox!
Be good to you <3
Susan, thank you for sharing your deeply personal feelings. I have lost my mom and dad, so I can understand how you feel. I really appreciated your video of your tablecloths blowing in the breeze! It reminded me of time spent with my grandmother when I was a child. She lived in one of those sweet “court apartments” built in Long Beach in the 30’s and 40’s. The clothes line was on the roof of the garages. I would help her hang up her laundry and take it down and experience the wonderful smell while folding it! She taught me to iron all the “flat stuff”, no permanent press in the 50’s!! I am anxiously waiting for your new book to be delivered. All things considered, here in SoCal, we are having very challenging times but I am grateful for the dedicated first responders. I always look forward to your inspirational thoughts and messages.
My condolences Susan. It’s not easy losing someone we love. But thankfully, she is still in your heart. You, like myself cherish the memories and remember the good.
I can’t wait to get my copy of the Christmas book! I just love seeing my Susan Branch collection grow on my bookshelves.
Happy Autumn! It’s my absolute favorite time of year…I too love having the windows and doors open instead of the central air. Thank God the humidity has finally lifted. Loving these cooler temps!~
am so happy, I just received my two “Home for Christmas” books, one is for my Christmas book collection and the second book is for a dear friend. Since she doesn’t have access to a computer I share your blog with her, it is the highlight of her day. Thank you for all you do to make us so happy.
😘🙏❤️
May the Lord bless you and comfort you at this sad time. I was 36 when I lost my Mother–I’m now 82–she and my Dad continue to be with me in spirit to this very moment, and I have a blessed assurance of seeing them again one day, as will your dear family.
Hugs from smoky California.
A brief change from my earlier post on loss.
Gratitude for your work:
What is it about your wonderful lettering you shared with the word September? The rich colors, the warm shapes? Whatever it was, thank you. It jumped off the page to hug me, which I definitely needed.
Kristin
So very sorry to hear about your dear mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Susan ~ you say we don’t have to say a thing. But we do, because, yes, though so many of us really do already know, the circle of life is made complete to share in another’s sorrow, to acknowledge their grief, to be able to say, I’m sorry. And though your mom is no longer here on earth with you, yet, she lives. In every quote, letter, comma, period and photo you offer to all of us. She was obviously a wonderful momma, woman and wife. And best friend. My best wishes to you. Thank you for sharing your heart!
Hello Susan, howdy do Girlfriends. we are still at home, the fire is still going on but a bit of good news. 5% containment. the smoke is still thick but not as bad as the past few days, we can actually get a little sunshine through. we are still at level 2 and as soon as i finish here, time for laundry and then go feed the chickens and check the water containers. it is a lot cooler here now, and i have a hunch the inversion layer is lifting a bit and letting the smoke go out of here, which is nice. the cats are not so jumpy, they have settled down a bit so that is a relief. and Fall is almost here, just 7 days away now. i have been seeing some changes around here, the leaves are turning color, hard to spot in the smoke but now that is lifted a bit you can see the changes and more good news… we are expecting rain tomorrow and Wednesday. that should help a bit. if you wish to track the fires, go to: http//.www.kdrv.com scroll down the firewatch page and we are the Slater fire. well time to get the laundry going, and go check on the hens… have a great day everyone, and remember 7 more days and it is Autumn…. my favorite time of year. hugs…… 😀
A lovely tribute to your mom. My mom passed too. I won’t say anything. We both already know.
Dearest Susan—you are so cherished by so many of us as shown in the poignant and heartfelt messages we see here. Through you, we all came to know and love your wonderful mother, just as we did your precious father. Together, they raised their shining star of a daughter who continues to light our world beyond measure. Love always from Bev
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I know too intimately that the loss of a mom is like no other! I pray the days and weeks ahead will be filled with happy memories of your mom to sustain you and give you strength! Just today, I read in my quote book, “A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take!” So true! I don’t know where I got that quote, probably even came from you in a blog, if so, sorry… but it does bear repeating! Will be thinking of you!
My heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your mother.
SUSAN!!!!!!!!!!! I almost peed my pants at “the new cuss word” maybe did a little. It’s possible, I have had three children and Im old now! It worked. You got it out and how right you are right about most people guessing what might have happened and what you’ve been going through this year. I know I was wondering how you were holding up and wanted so badly to send you some love impatiently waiting for you to come to that time when you were ready to hear it. Took me some time too. It’s a confusing thing, isn’t it. You grow up thinking when the time comes that you’ll be sad and needing much needed comfort from everybody but really when it happens for real only very few people can understand how you feel. It takes time. You just did the hardest part by letting everyone know because now you’ll feel like you need to respond to all of the sweet comments coming your way. I couldn’t feel more blessed to have you in my life and will forever love your mama for the gift she has given me. I love you Susan.
I read every one of these, and yes, wistful tears are on my cheeks. Love everyone so much, I did a special little painting to open my next blog with, because I needed to have something to cover it. You’ll see. 💞
Dear Susan
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom… I know too intimately the loss of a dear mother! I pray the happy memories of her with sustain you in the days and weeks ahead! Just today, I read this quote in my quote book, not sure where I discovered it, probably from you in a blog or book, but it bears repeating:
“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take!!” I am so looking forward to reading and re-reading the Christmas book!!!