Gotta say Rabbit-Rabbit first, because that’s a whole October of good luck for all of us which we will need if we ever hope to get through 2020 in one piece! Then must pass out the luv-lee MUSICA because it is in charge of lifting hearts ~ but, really my very first words to you this morning are
Yes, I do, so very much And you probably know why if you read the comments in my last blog post. “I hope the angels know what they 
have . . .” wrote our Girlfriend Annie in Sydney, Australia about my mom.😢 Dear, kind, loving words AND thoughts (because you knew I knew) from ALL of you, meant the world to me. Teary-eyed, I read every wonderful word. Then I went to my art table and painted that ⬆️ because I was thinking it the whole time I was reading. Big, tall, skinny, and watercolory, it had to fit on the page. This connection between us was what I felt even when writing my first book, and look at this, it happened!👏👏👏 So, a little gift for you, a small token of my great affection, I give you, The Sky . . 
Just like I label some of my photos by color, I have a huge number labeled “The Sky.” You can see why . . .
It’s one thing that follows us wherever we go and gifts us with works of art like no other. The orange on the water! Dark at the top, dark at the bottom, both moving toward the center and the light. And all free, a gift from God.
In this photo we’re driving across England. We pulled over and got out of the car for a deep breath of this soul-expanding open space that smelled of grass and freedom.
Delicate, soft, flittery, blue and lavender and peach … a calm sky that says Forever, adding Hope, Truth, and Beauty.
And this! Where the clouds are chasing the sun into the sea… a reminder that at some amazing moments in our lives, there is no better place ON EARTH for us to be . . .
Stormy skies at sea . . . a parting of the clouds, where the sea and the sky are like a bowl . . . and we were the toy boat floating in it… I love looking at these pictures and thinking about being here again! Lots of foreverness out in the Atlantic . . . you feel small and so so so so lucky.
This is moonrise over our harbor . . . rocking boats . . . lapping water . . . cry of gulls . . . smell of saltwater . . .
Streaks of white contrails made by water vapor from airplanes, turn to ice that slashes through this Scottish sky. (There’s a little checked-upon Morning Science for you!)
Green and pleasant land . . .
On our way to Boston, Storm and sunset made beautiful music together . . .
Sun peeks through the clouds . . . the last warm rays touching the water . . .
The Shenandoah is a wonderful addition to our harbor . . . see how the light touches on everything white and makes it glow? That’s what happens here sometimes as the sun goes down, especially wonderful against that dark sky.
Doris Day’s voice soars in my mind, 🎵 You sigh, a song begins, you speak and I hear violins, it’s magic . . .🎶
Pink halo over Stonehenge under the same sky since it was built 2500 years before the birth of Christ. And yes, we are a part of this.
This sky was right outside our kitchen door … Yes, Toto, in our very own back yard.
We pulled up to this rock wall for me to take a photo of this rainbow over Galway Bay in Ireland . . .
and snow flowers
The discussion here, driving from Colorado to Utah, was, “Look at that sky! Yikes! Is this the right way? Should we turn around?”
And just down at our own beach where we walk every day, water and sky, all pinky blue, if you were painting this scene you would also use blue when you painted the sand . . .
We get lots of gorgeous skies from our room with a view when we’re crossing the country by train . . . here at a Kansas crossroads . . . look at all those choices!
Rich colors of purple and orange, mixed with the wind and sound of the waves are beautiful together in this Menemsha sky.
Lambs tails . . . look at them all running away!
Sometimes the sunset in our rear view mirror grabs my attention . . . I never want to miss anything!
I almost missed this picture of the sun, it almost slipped away! We were just getting on the ferry to home . . . I had to take it right through the rigging, but I GOT it!👏 And now, to
Oh yes, and last night was the Harvest Moon, our sky, filled with moon which woke me up this morning when I caught it trying to break into our bedroom through the cracks in the curtains!
We can feel the summer going, but we are stretching it out as long as we can. The flaming candles in the “bug buckets” make it cozy. But time is passing, September is gone, we’re already wrapping ourselves in blankets when we sit out late … so we just did the MOST wonderful thing. I’m so excited!!! We finally broke down and ordered one of these:
Yes, we did. A fire pit! Look at it! Isn’t it cute? I can’t wait! It’s supposed to be delivered October 6th. More stars! More sky! Now that we finally did it, I don’t know what took us so long. We celebrated 31 years in our house last month ~ It deserves a little something new and hygge for good behavior.💞 
It comes with a screen and a poker … all for around $200, I think it will be TOTALLY worth it. Fire pits come in all sizes, 
shapes, and styles; HERE’S the one we chose. See the ring around the top? I hope that’s for our feet! I think I might light a fire on December 31🎉, bundle up, and take my 2020 calendar outside. I see myself scanning the sky for stars on the last night of the year, staring into the flames of a cozy wood fire, burrowing under my blanket, saying prayers to go up in the crackling sparks and smoke, as I toss the pages of 2020 into the fire and BURN IT UP, while praying for a peaceful, healthy, boring 2021 filled with hugs.💞 So MUCH to look forward to, holidays and decorating and cold weather and blue skies for all our West Coast Girlfriends . . . I just turned in the art for the cover of 2022! This is the year we think we’ll get to go back to England!
But of course that doesn’t stop us from finding magic in the here and now . . . it’s in us, and around us, no waiting required!
Our woods are turning gold, leaves dance like fairies in the trees, magic abounds this time of year! We dawdle here every day.
Cool wind and the smell of leaf mulch, Joe and I walk to the sea, do our Morning Science, and solve all the world’s problem . . . 
So exciting out there watching everything change, so much FREE stuff!🍂
Better than any florist ~ we bring it all home . . .
For the ultimate in a homemade happy life, don’t forget your health darling Girlfriends . . . make sure you are MOVING. Too 
many things can go wrong when we don’t! And our energy levels get so much better if we DO. This dampanic is making me fat ~ we got a little too good at lockdown around here (I mean what’s a donut in times of trouble, or two, or a bag of potato chips to soothe the spinning head? Tater-Tots and ice cream and peanut butter on toast to tranquilize the bewildered soul) ~ when the pants got uncomfortable, I decided to do something about it … will tell you in the next post!
I’m so glad you’re all getting your books! I’m receiving lots of cute photos like this one from our Girlfriend Cynthia. Looks like Santa’s traveling around the world early this year! For our UK Girlfriends, Amazon UK has the book now, and I’m hearing many nice things from our Girlfriends on Goodreads and Facebook. Thank you all so much … I love writing books for you!💞
And look at this photo I borrowed from Facebook posted by Karen K. . . she took a picture of our Titcombs virtual Tea Party! She’s in my kitchen and I’m in hers! Love Karen’s red!♥️🌹💄❗️📕🍎
Look at my homemade set up! Proving, no, I do not know what I am doing. But it all worked out, it was so much fun! I know not 
everyone was able to make it, so I’m going to do two more mask-free Sunday Teas this month! The first one will be via Zoom on Sunday, October 18, at 4 pm EST for Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood, NJ … you can sign up HERE. Yes, there will be signed books and door prizes (Puzzles!)! The very next Sunday, October 25th, we’ll be hosted by the wonderful King’s English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, Utah, for a Crowdcast event …. you can register HERE. It’s a great way to get out and about without leaving home! And where else can Girlfriends from Hawaii, England, Texas, and Australia all meet at the same time?
I know you’re probably not coming to every one of these events, but I do want to thank you for helping me support these lovely Independent Bookstores who need us all the time, but especially during these days of the Panic! These bookstores are a tradition, they’ve been serving communities 30 and 40 years! I’ve visited and fallen in love with them in real life … I can’t wait to go back someday in PERSON! Do you know that for every $100 you spend at an independently owned business, $68 will stay in the community? Keeping our small-business economy alive is part of what we need to do. I do love seeing the patriotism of dampanic as we get through this thing together, sea to shining sea.❤️
See what I have? A cricket singing in the kitchen.🎵 Yesterday, on the same day as full moon and rabbit-rabbit, making October a red-letter month already!
Is this quilt cute or is this quilt cute? Do you love it? Well, so 
do I! But I think I will love it even more if it somehow ends up getting a new home! Maybe yours! What do you think of that? A new giveaway as a special thank you and extra connection for all we are to each other ~ all aired-out and ready to go! I found it in an antique store many years ago. I don’t know the name of the pattern, and it’s not signed, but it was obviously made by someone with a joyful heart!💖 You know what to do, leave a little comment so you’ll be entered in the drawing.💝
Yes, we do . . . so maybe even something more? Make my life a little happier? 🎄 Why NOT?
So if you were at the Titcombs Tea Party event, or have had a chance to read Home for Christmas, you know my book was partly inspired by this little book called Once on Christmas, published in 1938, which I found a long time ago in a used bookstore and mostly used each year at Christmas. It looked adorable on the coffee table in front of the fire. But it gained new meaning the afternoon I read it out loud to my two young nieces.
It’s a sweet little memory of Christmas at the turn of the century…❤️
… illustrated with charming line drawings by Lois Lenski.
A book made extra special because it’s out of print, and the vintage ones have become very hard to find.
But, and you know what I’m going to say! We did it! We found one. And now, drum roll, this little book will be going off to one of you!💖 At the bottom of this post you’ll see a whole bunch of tiny words in grey letters, and at the end, the word “comment.” That’s what you click on to leave one. I love reading them, and I often comment on your comments! But something tells me this might be a busy giveaway, please forgive me if I don’t get to comment . . . I’ll be reading though!❤️
We just found out they don’t want the kids to Trick-or-Treat here on the island this year. I was hoping, masks seemed so perfect for this time of year. But no. But that doesn’t mean we can’t decorate and be festive and lift the hearts of others with some pumpkins on the porch!
Or in the garden . . .
They make so many cute ones these days!🤣
They look good on the fridge . . .
And over the front door . . .
Or on the kitchen table . . .
Because it’s that time of year, and no dampanic can tell us what to do with our pumpkins!
I’ll tell you about the new fire pit in the next post, with pictures! I have a new recipe for you too, all kinds of good things, but I’ve gone on long enough. Remember to leave a comment if you want to be entered in the drawing. No matter HOW many comments we get, you’ll still have a better chance of winning than by playing the Lottery! Plus, no numbers, and no money!💝
Love forever, your pal for life . . . 💖 
I’ll leave you with THIS . . . 💝
Love this post! Reminding us all of the beauty that surrounds us! ❤️
Loved the Sunday t
Loved the Sunday tea at Titcombs book store. Had already read your new Christmas book and enjoyed all the wonderful memories. You really are a joy….thank you Susan for embracing us!💟
I just received your new book in the mail today. I quickly made myself a cup of tea and put on some peaceful Christmas music on Pandora and sat down to enjoy. And enjoy I did! What a wonderful story, what wonderful memories! It made me recall some Christmases of my past and how “wealthy” we were, too. Thank you, Susan for this exquisite book! Even though it made me cry, I will treasure it always! (it was a good cry!)
Hi Susan,
There is something so special about an outdoor fire pit! The smell of wood burning mixed with the smell of pine and fall leaves is a warm and cozy sent! A cup of hot cider and making smores gathered around the fire with family and friends will become a favorite pastime. You will now have a new vocal point to paint pictures of for a new book! Happy fall!
Wonderful Post Susan. Perfect clean blue skies to help clear the mind. I’m sitting in my quilt room, eating home made italian wedding soup, reading your blog and listening to Music. Ella Fitzgerald is singing Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered. I have sky lights and I can see the blue sky and clouds drifting by. I’m trying to stay positive and happy and get my creative juices flowing. You’ll be happy to know that I am almost done with my little quilt. Having a bit of a struggle with the math for the borders and making things fit well, but my hubby is good at math and he has been helping me thankfully. I found a new project that I am excited about trying. It’s a wool feather tree. Have you ever seen them? I wonder if any of the girlfriends have tried their hand at it. I have ordered my pretty green wools and floral wire and anxiously awaiting their delivery. My gosh….wools is expensive!!
I am very excited for you getting your new fire place. We love ours. It does extend the season nicely and it’s perfect in the early morning with coffee when everything is still quiet. I wish i was sitting next to you looking at the stars and sharing stories.
I love my new little Christmas book. It will have a special spot somewhere for all to enjoy when Christmas rolls around.
Happy Fall, be well and stay happy.
Love, Me <3
Oh!! P.S. You won't believe it!! My little sweet peas have burst back to life…I guess their final swan song before the season ebbs away. Be still my heart!
Hi, Mary! PeggyW from Twitter here.
I have never seen a wool feather tree. Please share it with us on Twitter when you are done. Excited to see it.
I too always struggled with the math when i was planning a new quilt❤
I feel like this is my lucky drawing. Pick me, Vanna! Happy October, Susan. You are such a blessing to us all.
Thank you for always finding a way to lift our spirits. I received my Christmas Book and absolutely love love love it! And I participated in the tea a few Sundays ago. Brought me so much happiness in these troubled times. ❤️
Since you mentioned Bruce Springsteen music, watch Blinded By the Light, a tender, sweet coming of age movie. Lots of The Boss’s music in this. We loved this movie….which is actually True. Watch the after pictures on how this young kid followed his dream and gained strength and courage through this music.
Another one you may enjoy is Heat of the Sun, the Brits in Kenia. Over 4 hours of great drama, some funny spots and subtle reminder….You treat people like trash, they sometime act that part. The star models kind, respectful behavior toward indigenous people…in this case Kenia. Oh, and it’s filmed on location. I got it included in my Prime membership.
Mars is just amazing all this month. Full moon and Blue moon on Halloween! So much to enjoy. And I’m much calmer by staying away from the Talking Heads on TV.
Hang on all you Sloopys, it’s going to be a Bumpy Ride due to the news today. I was awake most of the night due to over indulging in chocolate coconut cream pie, real whipped cream on top, great Graham cracker crust. Waaay too rich for a gal with no gall bladder. Duh!
Mucho love, dear people,
Debbie in Maine
Today’s blog is a soul saver. My goodness, much of the world has gone mad but your posts help steady me, help me catch my breath, help me remember what is immortal and good and true. For that I am thankful. Hugs❤️
I just don’t know what to comment on first! I choose Home for Christmas, which I had to read through as soon as it arrived!! I’m also the first born of 8 siblings and so I share many parts of your story. I just loved it, Susan, and the photographs were icing on the cake! I’m thinking I might use your book as a springboard for my own, something that my grandkids might enjoy some day. And then the sky pictures! Oh my! Maybe a coffee table book featuring those stunning photos. What do you think? Thanks for a wonderful post! Blessings to you, yours, and all of the GFs. 🧡🎃🖤
Thank you for another wonderful blog post, it made my day! I’m trying to soak in the views of the beautiful leaves on my way to work before they blow away. Beauty, beauty, everywhere!
Sue and Joe love radiant. Love you back so so much.
Lee and Genie
The Get Along Gang
Susan, THANK YOU sooooooo very much for the breath of fresh air and beautiful skies on your travels. A most wondrous warm feeling would be to know that a quilt is waiting on my bed for me to nestle under and into dreamland of what tomorrow will bring as I rise and shine to a brand new day full of more wondrous things to discover on our journey throughout our day and again, to know, there will be that warm quilt just waiting to wrap around us as we drift off to sleep………
What a life of discoveries!! Again, thank you for sharing the beauty of it all!! You inspire all of us!!!! Virtual hugs!!!
The sky is beautiful, wide, wild and free. It soothes and it inspires us. Right now we on the Central Coast of California are seeing in the sky the effects of the wildfires terrorizing our state. They make for uncomfortable conditions outdoors, but the sunrises and sunsets are amazing. I feel that they are a promise that life will continue, although it may be very different for many, and the sun will rise and set in all its glory each day.
Thank you for gracing my heart with your photos and your words of encouragement and hope.
The quilt is beautiful, and I cannot imagine the generous heart it takes to part with it! And the book is a treasure for anyone who loves to take a trip to the past every now and again.
Thank you for all you do to brighten my days! Let’s all remember that small gestures done with love can produce great blessings to ourselves and others! <3
Just like in your post, I’ve been watching the amazing fall sky from my 6th floor windows. Beautiful fluffy white clouds, dark storm clouds, and the spooky black clouds just after sunset. What an amazing world!
When it comes to Jack – a long Ahhhhh is breathed! Thank you again for such a heartfelt and lovely post.
Received my copy of Home for Christmas yesterday. It was so lovely I am ordering another one for a friend. It is so, so sweet. In a time of such anger, fear and hatred, it was truly a joy to sit down and immerse myself into a gentler time. Thank you.❤️
Dear Susan,
Not only are you a wonderful artist, you take outstanding photos!
Tricia
Loved this post! Best time of the year!🎃🎃🎃
You’ve done it again! Given us just what we need. Beautiful pictures of God’s creation, all free to us. We just need to “look and see”. Thank you. xo
What a wonderful post!!! Thank you for the magic you share! Love the last image, and so glad Jack is doing great!
Around my neck of the woods still very, very hot, thank goodness for a/c! but in my “cottage” there’s pumpkins and leaves, Autumn in the heart!!
Sending love to all the girlfriends out there and you of course!
Patricia 🙂
p.s.
two things 1) waiting for my Christmas book, that my hubby got for me as a surprise!…can’t keep things from me! 🙂
2) I send a private message to you on Instagram about something I believe you need to know!
Love the new post and all the fall fun!! Wob you!
I always feel so content after reading your blogs! Thank you so much! I especially enjoyed all the sky pictures!
Got the Christmas book and adore it! For decades I have bought one illustrated Christmas book for children each Christmas. I have several different versions of The Night before Christmas and many other Christmas tales. A pile of them sit on the coffee table. he kids come home and read their favorites and the others too and now grandchildren as well.
So Grateful for You. ✨💖✨
Thank you for the news and wonderful pictures. You always bring much joy.
Love, Peace and Blessings from Levelland, Texas.
Martha McDaniel
Beautiful pictures and post, as usual. These make me happy and I am thrilled each time one comes out. I hope you have a wonderful autumn!
Have sent two posts to you earlier this month and I pray you got them. My heart is so full of wanting you to know how much your blogs and books and art mean to me. They are love, hope, happiness all put together in such simple, homespun beauty that I love reading and rereading them over and over. You are a treasure. I believe the beautiful skies in this new blog are sent from heaven from our loved ones who are on the other side to give us hope and courage to strengthen our hearts and give us hope. Keep calm and carry on – with a song in our hearts. There is such beauty to thrill our soul in everyday nature. How can we despair in the face of all this. I cannot and will not.
Your new firepit looks great. I’m sure you’ll enjoy many nights around the fire. Get the smores ingredients ready!
Thank you SO much for this beautiful, uplifting message! Today I’ve removed myself from almost all media because it’s become too hard to see so much meanness. I always feel so much lighter after reading and looking at all the nature and joy you write about and share! It reminds me that, no matter what, there are still happy things to lift my spirits!
As always, you have lifted my day and I am ready to tackle anything. Love, love, love the quilt and the wonderful book. Happiness to whoever is lucky enough to win them!
I, like you, will be burning this year’s calendar (but NOT yours!) when this year is over! It’s been a year and a half, maybe longer, of loss. I am so very sorry for your loss of your mother. I lost mine when I was 33, and I was never hit so hard. Maybe until this year. My husband fell ill over Memorial Day weekend, an ambulance took him away on May 28th, and I wasn’t able to see him again until September 11th!! 15 weeks, and we’ve never been apart so long since before we were married 39 years ago in May. Dampanic, indeed. No, he didn’t have the virus, but he’s had a spinal cord injury since 1966, and this time, digestive issues made him very sick. Fortunately, now he’s doing better and I can visit him now, but he’s still not home. 😢
I lost my sweet Chester kitty boy last October 30th, and couldn’t face my empty house and lap any longer… I went to the shelter and got a new kitty boy! He is definitely livening up this quiet house with his antics, and jumps into my lap and “head bonks” my face! But I haven’t decided on a name yet. What was your orange kitty named?🐈
Praying for a better year next year for ALL OF US!!
Nothing in the world like a kitten!!! My orange kitty was William T. Aristocat, III. Bill, Billy, Beanie…
Thank you so much. The sky photos were stunning and I always love to see Jack. Most of all, so sorry about your loss. My Mum died in 1996 and I still think of her everyday. Thank you again for making my day a little brighter.
Your blogs are such a bright spot in my day! I live in Texas and I’m busy fighting voter suppression so it’s nice to take a moment and enjoy your writing and pictures! Nature is such a gift. I have pumpkins everywhere too! So bright and cheery! All good things to you!
Hello, Dear Susan, from Carol Schlerf in Santa Barbara!!
Thank you for the skies and seas and pumpkins! My heart is swelling.
Sending you hugs and love.
I think the reason I love getting anything from you is because I feel we are soul sisters. I love anything old, love New England area, love tea, love to craft, love to read…. see our connection? I love old quilts and have some displayed in my sewing room. And love, love old books! I just was given my friends’s mother’s old singer sewing book. I shared with her an odd thing about me; I not only love the book, but I love opening them and smelling them! My mother was an antique lover and I grew up shopping for them with her. That started my love of old things. So, I would love to receive the quilt or book from my favorite author! Happy Fall❤️
These days, I often feel the only things we can take for granted are that the sun will rise in the east and set in the west, and there are days that even that doesn’t seem too certain. My tiny, Welsh cottage faces due west, and I am often treated to the most spectacular sunsets. I like the subtle, pale ones, streaked with teal and emerald best of all. They’re quite rare. Sometimes the sky calls me to take pictures, and like you I have taken thousands over the years. I am always amazed at how quickly they change and within minutes you get a fresh view. You gotta be quick with that camera! My neighbours cut down some beautiful trees that made a magical foil for sunset snaps. So sad to see them go.
My Christmas book arrived, and sits quietly and temptingly in its quarantine. I can read it on Sunday. A possible gale forecast to be billowing outside, so with hot chilli chocolate to drink, homemade cake to eat, snuggled under a quilt, and burning candles, I’ll be on my comfy chair with my new book. Bliss.
Waving~~~Deb~~~from wildly windy wutheringly withering wild wonderful wintry wet west Wales xoxo
Deb, I enjoyed your entertaining alliterative last line. And I like your blog, too. A kindred spirit! I love it that Susan has brought us all together.
Joan, I love your Hydrangeas. A skunk is nibbling on mine. Mine are purple. Love all the different colors you have!
Thank you, Susan for the beautiful sky pictures! One of my favorite things to do is observe changes in the sky during any given day. Now that I’m lucky enough to be retired and spending oodles of time outdoors recently, it has become a favorite pastime. I received mu copy of your Christmas book and it brought back so many wonderful memories. Anxiously awaiting my puzzle when that becomes available. Pre-ordered! Hubs and I have done probably 15 puzzles since the dampanic began. Love 💟 and good health!
Asha
I decorate with pumpkins everywhere including real ones, original artworks, linens, pillows, etc! I’ve always loved yours on that ledge and the ghost in the window, of course.
So sad that trick-or-treating isn’t going to happen there this year. I’m hoping we can still do it down here in Florida. I’m going to get a long piece of pvc and turn it into a candy chute, the kids will have fun with it and it will be safe. Thanks for the post, I always enjoy reading them 🙂
Love you too Susan ❤️ and your beautiful October blog 🧡. Thanks so much for brightening my day as usual. I also love your idea of burning the 2020 calendar, but just don’t think I will be able to do it. Your artwork is just too pretty. 😍
Susan,
Sending warm hugs to you on this cool October afternoon here in Michigan. Just loved your Christmas book. Read it as soon as it was unpacked. Love you right back!! DeLynn
Dear Susan,
On the days your new blog comes out, I promise myself I will slowly read it and savor every bit. What happens? I zoom through excitedly running from item to item like it will disappear if I don’t! Silly, right? Well, needless to say, I go back and take my time to notice every detail and feel the feels. 🥰 Thank you for keeping up our spirits and making a place we can all meet. Oh, and a chance to win a treasure, too! Fingers crossed☺️🤞🏼
Love,
Linda Hull
Thank you for continuing the virtual book tour! I plan to follow along; I have enjoyed the Duxbury Senior Center and Titcomb’s Bookshop zoom sessions. What a wonderful way to connect in these uncertain times. Sending love your way.
Love love ❤️ your little Christmas 🎄 book and so enjoyed Titcomb book get together! Happy fall Y’all from Virginia!
I read your comment about a joyful heart and it reminded me of one of my two best friends. She’s been living in a rehab center for many years and when she first went there she said she made “had a little talk” with God. She told Him that if he let her be free from pain, she would try to live with a happy heart. I must tell you that even during this Covid time, she has done that. She loves the fall and we often reminisce (now on the phone rather than in person) about walking through the woods down to the firehouse to vote – kicking up the leaves as we went. Thank you for this lovely October blog. It is delightful.
We use our fire pit a lot. You will too. Start picking up sticks for kindling. I have inexpensive plaid blankets rolled up by the back door to take out when needed. Don’t forget yummy fall drinks. I too have started with my 🎃.Enjoy!
I am always excited when there is news from you. I still have the
Willards you used to mail to my home. Thank you for always being uplifting and positive.
Hi Susan!
I’m leaving my comment, as instructed!
Happy Autumn 🍂 and Happy Halloween! 🎃
Just the perfect pictures and message for all of us today. Dampanic is right! Just opened my package of your Home for Christmas. Love everything about it, including the bonus bookmark. Charming is a word to start with, but there are so many other complimentary words clamoring to be recognized. Beautifully done. Thank you!
I love you too! The sky photos and your text for them are fabulous. As I read your blog all I could think was what a natural talent you are and how glad I am to have you as a kindred spirit in my life. Thank you for brightening my day with your amazing blog.
I knew about you but just recently became devoted. Your words are magick! Just what my heart needed. What a gift to share. Thanks so much! Happy Fall Y’all!!
How uplifting at a dark time, just joy.
Thank you, Susan, for you kind words. Reading your posts always lifts my spirit and makes me smile. And your drawings inspire me to take out my pencil and paper and play!
Happy Autumn and Happy Holiday Season!
Those sky photos are everything! I try and take time to go outside at dusk, look up at the sky, and just breathe. I can feel my heart rate going down just thinking about it! My Christmas book arrived, as well as the beautiful recipe Christmas Notecards (which are beautiful, but honestly, I just wanted the candy cane bookmark!).
I was looking over your older October posts, and the VOTE jack-o-lantern inspired me to make my own this year!
Hugs to you, Joe and Jack-kitty!
I love vintage Christmas books. So cosy. And this one looks lovely.
Hi, Susan! 🎃 Happy October! Another picture and love filled blog. Thank you.
I couldn’t sign on to your last tea because I failed to open the email that gave me access. Titcomb’s helped me out and I caught the last 15 minutes. Then they refunded my $5. We also had the sweetest exchange of emails afterwards and they made sure I saw the recorded tea. Wonderful people.
My family filled subdivision agreed to go ahead with Trick or Treating. Rather than have kid hands in bowls, I am using sandwich bags each filled with bubbles, lollipop, small chocolate bar, & a spider ring. Each bag will be laid out on a table and from a friendly, safe, masked distance I will tell them to just take one bag. I love seeing the kids on Halloween.
So much beauty all around us. Thank🍂🍃🌻🍂 you for sharing. I love the idea of more teas.
Stay well. Be safe. 😷 Love to you, Joe, Jack. ❤ 🎃
Your sky photos are everything! Every evening I try to go out at dusk, look at the sky, and breathe! I can feel my heart rate go down as I look.
I love your Christmas book, and also ordered the beautiful Christmas recipe cards (although I’ll admit I really wanted that candy cane bookmark!)
In looking over your old October posts, I was inspired by Joe’s VOTE jack-o-lantern, and will be making my own.
Love to you, Joe and Jack-kitty!
Just the boost i needed.So,very weary of the virus.Love a firepit,we have burned through several.lol I know you will enjoy yours,but pine cones make great firestarters,quite sure you already know that.lol Love your Christmas book,brought tears to my eyes of my own childhood.God bless.Mary Elizabeth Taylor n Gloucester,Va.
I have so enjoyed the tea parties! I get all dressed up (and for the Titcomb Party, my 4 year old granddaughter dressed up too!) I make tiered tea trays and special sandwiches, brew some Susan Branch special blend tea and enjoy the most exciting visits with girlfriends since last February.
Two more parties! I can’t wait. And the lovely quilt and book you are parting with? You are such a generous friend!
Hi Susan! I’ve enjoyed your blog posts for years and I’m especially glad see them during this rough year. Your posts are a special kind of escape that lets me forget, for just a few moments, the hard things that we’re going through right now. Thank you for that!
I so enjoy reading your posts. You transport me to a magical place where “all is right with the world.” Happy Fall!
How lovely is Annie from Sidney’s comment. 💖 You are loved, Susan.
Oh yes Susan! I will be joining you on New Year’s Eve to leave the months of my 2020 calendar in a roaring fire. I’m old enough to have witnessed many unhappy times in America, but, never so many times as the last four years. Joe and Jill Biden will be the fresh breath of air coming into the White House come January!
Love your blog Susan❤️ What have you heard about your movie? Love ya!
Janie
Your post is a gift – no matter when it arrives, but especially these dark days of covid, thank you. The Harvest Moon brightened the sky and your post today carried more light, thank you. I practice Gratitude every day since the pandemic arrived … it has made a better person of me.
The quilt is lovely. I am a quilter for more than 40 years and in all of that time have never won one nor been gifted one! So I am happy to be in your drawing.
MANY THANKS!
Saying hello from Wyoming! Such weird times, but thankful for the “normal” things, like your posts.
Dear Susan, I want to tell you what I’ve been doing this Fall. My husband lost his job in August, which meant that we had to put aside our goal of moving us and our 7 children out of our 900 sq ft house. So in order to make this less sad for him, I decided to redecorate our little house! We built a new shelf, bought a new throw blanket, and I’ve been knitting little pumpkins to display everywhere. How lucky we are to be in this little house together with our children ❤️❤️
Love, Shanon
Oh, Shanon, you should write a book about you family and experiences, so our younger generation can see how lovely a large family can be! God bless you all. 🍎🌾🎃🔥🍂😋🍁🎃
Susan,
Always look forward your monthly post. You are so upbeat it makes your soul feel good to read.
Love the fire pit. Many happy fires.
Happy October.
I really enjoyed the tea party hosted by Titcombs and love your Christmas book. It brought back such memories for me! Your pictures of the sky are beautiful-thank you!
Susan, thanks again for your posts . .they are the best! I have your new Christmas book and loved it . . .brought back so many memories of my childhood . .Stay well
Beautifully done .
Thanks for that cheer up when things seem so …weird.
Annette
The quilt is beautiful!
Almost gave up hope of seeing a photo of Jack in this one (you saved the best for last) – your last blog was EXTRA special because there were three adorable pix of him! I look forward to seeing his cute kitty face – love his mustache! Hope you and Joe stay safe and healthy during these dampanic days!
What a lovely, lovely quilt! I treasure quilts from my grandmother and my husband’s grandmother. How precious are these reminders of the past? <3
Hi Susan,
Thanks for bringing a little happiness during this stressful time. I’m from the Bay Area and we are still suffering through some terrible fires and our air quality is horrible. I’m a preschool teacher and we’ve had to close school 4 times already due to bad air quality because we can’t have all the kids inside due to Covid. It’s all too much sometimes. I’m trying to look on the bright side and I’m counting down the days until the election and when we VOTE HIM OUT!!! Can’t wait to get our country moving in a better direction. Happy fall!
-Kathleen Morearty
I love you, too! Another fun and newsy letter with lots of fall goodness. I have my house and yard all decorated for the season. Fall is my favorite season to decorate for! I can’t resist picking up pumpkins wherever they are sold. Thanks, as always, for another wonderful opportunity to win a special treasure. ❤
Susan, Love Love Love “Home for Christmas”. It brought back so many warm and wonderful memories of my christmasses (sp)…we didn’t have a lot then so it was always socks or pj’s and one toy. You held your breathe to see if you really got what you wished for. I wanted a doll house so badly but knew we did not have money for one but….but there it was! a modern round two story dollhouse…with plastic furniture …you could turn it around and see all the rooms…oh what possibilities! Thanks for always finding the ways to touch us and connect us all
Your pictures of the sky are lovely (and your Halloween decorations, too)! From my desk I can look out the window at our sky here in the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley. We have a “…skies of blue clouds of white…” day today, with one of the clouds nestled in a gap of the mountains. Looking forward to hearing how you like your fire pit! We made one from stones collected on the property and love it!
Thank you for taking me on a magic sky ride..perfect for today and maybe again tomorrow. I believe in magic, love and lambs’ tails clouds.
Always
Love your Home for Christmas
This was a rather tough day with a teacher’s note and a feeling of being overwhelmed. But your blog came through and reminded of finding joy and peace in the midst of daily turmoil. Seeing how we can just enjoy our homes and the lovely (or not) things we have ~helps to step back and let it all move along and work itself out. Happy Fall.
I love getting your emails… promptly sitting down with one of your mugs with hot tea to escape from the madness for a few moments. Your photos are so lovely! I’m not sure I will have trick-or-treaters either but I’ve had fun decorating my porch and balcony. Blessings to you and Joe and Jack ♥️
oh Susan, the photo of the kitty peeking out the window….just so sweet – tomorrow is theBlessing of the Animals Day in honor of St. Francis of Assissi and his care and love for animals……
we need kindness, and color, and friends, and care, and love. Thank you for always giving us your art, your photo’s, your care and friendship……and for sharing the sky with us….
love to you,
Regina, Seattle
For my outdoor decorations this year…I decided we needed a twinkling tree along with mums and pumpkins..
Autumn equals Susan Branch to me. I get out your Autumn book that I have had since you published it, snuggle under a warm throw, and re-read it again
Susan, you have such a generous heart and give us all so much joy. It’s what we need right now. Thanks for keeping our spirits up!
Oh Susan, what an uplifting post! Those skies… just beautiful. All of it just beautiful… Going to keep this on hand to read daily this month… Need to focus on the beauty, the goodness and all the wonderful people in the world… As always.. thank you for all you do to lift our spirits, especially during this dampanic.. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. Lots of love, Beverlee
The sky photos are so gorgeous…your blog is a breath of fresh air, thank you for helping us see the beauty all around us!
Lovely post as always Susan. You see the best of everything and in sharing help everyone else see.
Oh, Susan! Boy, did I need your newsletter!! (as do we all!) What a crazy, awful, no good, horrible year or however it goes. Take care, stay safe and I would love the quilt for my tiny cottage and the books! Christmas is my favorite holiday and this year I don’t think we will be able to get together. My DIL is a nurse and can’t quarantine beforehand. Trying not to get too depressed over it all. Miss my grandkids. Love ya and all you do for us!!
So enjoying the pictures of the sky ! Those sunsets are amazing !
Dear Susan, I really enjoyed all of your sky pictures. And you’re right, they are free for their beauty from God. I really, really love it how God is in all the details! Thank you again for giving me a smile to my heart today with all your sweet inspirations.
Again, Susan, you made my day! 🙂
Hello Susan, I would love to be entered to win the cheerful quilt. Thank you from the Central Coast of California. Kali
Susan~
We really are kindred spirits! All that you share speaks to my heart. It was first the watercolor art, (which I have tried dabbling in when I can) but then the recipes and stories over the years, they are the best. The way you decorate your house is my favorite décor with tea things and lace and English flowers, crystal, china and silver. I take pictures of the sky all the time too and of the landscape, flowers and plants~ I absolutely love the fall foliage with all their colors and pumpkins galore for decorations. This was an amazing blog post for me.
My heart goes out to you as I know you are grieving and yet you always think of us and share the beauty of your world, making ours a little nicer. Sending you big hugs from the west coast, and wishing you a cozy month ~we have another full moon this month-on Halloween!
Peace be with you and Joe, and of course your darlin’ Jack.
~Maureen
What a lovely quilt. Love your blog Susan! Always so cheery and upbeat. Your home looks beautiful and so festive this Autumn.
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
That is such a lovely quote. Thank you for sharing!
Your writing always brings joy, especially because of what everyone is going through now. After reading, I always have a smile!
Thank you for your beautiful Autumn post! My favorite season! Your blog brings so much enjoyment during this unsettled time.