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 . . . 💝
Susan,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I hope you are taking care of yourself. Grieving is work. We lost my mother-in-law to a sudden and quick illness. We still can’t believe she is gone. A hole is in our hearts!
I’ve loved your work for years and can’t wait to get your new book.
Received some sad, sad news today, but after your post I feel a little better and was able to align my emotions with my faith. Thank you!
Susan, your posts are so uplifting. I often flag them so that I can relax and enjoy them as I read through and gaze at your photos and watercolors. Thank you for what you do so well!
Dearest Susan,
I am wiping away tears and sipping the few lukewarm drops of tea left in my cup; but I imagine I hear my mom, “… another cup would be nice” and so I shall! And I will listen to the song Your Mother and Mine from PETER PAN. Missing our moms together makes us kindred spirits today.
Can I tell you something? The illustrator of Once on Christmas is one of my favorites – Lois Leski! It’s a lovely gift, as is the cozy quilt, as well! On a table, spread with bits of this and morsels of that, or on a bed ready for tucking the grandkids in for a story & nap … the quilt will bless someone’s home – maybe mine!
I love your art, your books and your pictures. It brings me joy and lifts my spirits during these uncertain times. Thank you!
It was so fun reading your Sky Post this morning with my breakfast coffee.
I love, love the last photo of Jack looking out the window at the pumpkins.
Now I’m off to Farmers’ Market to get THE BEST carrots and hopefully an eggplant. And you inspired me to do some pumpkin decorating. Thank you making my morning so special !!
Happy October! We are still pretty warm here in AZ but hopefully “fall” will be coming soon.
I LOVE your Sky Pictures! and the quilt is stunning! Thanks for an opportunity to win it!
This is my absolute favorite time of year, as the weather cools and it seems the nearest to perfection one can get here in Central Texas. When the breeze blows, it feels like balm to the skin and I wish I could soak it all in and store it for the next time I need it. Thank you for your blogs…it is an absolute treat to read every single time. I always make sure I have time to sit and savor the music, your words, the beautiful art and gorgeous photos. Another “soaking” moment 🙂
So thankful that I discovered you many moons ago! You are the best dose of sunshine and happiness that anyone can have. Just lent my ( your) new Christmas book to my big sister. I hope she gets as big a laugh as I did about the toothbrush under the tree. Thanks to her, I had a very similar experience 😂. Big hugs and a happy autumn to you, Joe, and Jack! Sally and cats in Atlanta
Beautiful post Susan. Thank you so much from Peggy in Madison Wi. The seed is out and the feeder is full of wonderful birds. Making Linus quilts to hug some youngster some day. Sitting in the orange and gold glow of the sugar maples in my yard. Hardly gets any better than that:)) Cheers from my warm little cottage to you, Joe and Jack!
Thank you for the lovely sky pictures….and everything else in this wonderful post!
I got the book the other day with the sticker on the mailer! I was able to pull it off and stick it on my notes for a new position I took . When things get hectic or worrisome I look at “ You are going to Love this” and it keeps me going! Just a few years to retirement but I think it was a good choice to change
Thank you, Susan, for sooo many wonderful pictures and uplifting comments! Good for the heart AND soul!
Not only do I marvel at your keen sight shown in your photography of the marvelous sky views, I always like the quotations. Also appreciated are the always positive up lifting comments from your girlfriends that show their kindness, thoughtfulness and love for the beauty You, Joe and Jack bring to the world. Thank you 🙏🏼
Lovely post Susan. Here in the Uk, in our little village we’ve all decided to decorate for Halloween so the littlies will be able to do a Halloween tour. They won’t be allowed to knock on doors this year but they’ll still have fun. My hubby has made wooden witches hat and cat shapes which I’ve painted and they’ll go out with various other decorations next week. I’m almost as excited as I hope the children will be x
I have been collecting your books for years. They are so relaxing to read—the paintings, the words, everything. They are full of magic, calm and wonder. I have also been collecting Christmas books for year, especially children’s books. They are so often full of the wonder of the season. Even as my children have grown, I’ve kept the magic alive. Now we have grandchildren, so it continues. Thank you for giving us calm during these continuing troubling times.
I’ve been wanting to get a fire pit too! I love the one you picked out and might have to copy you. 🙂 And, I’m a quilter and the one you’re giving away is awesome. Thank you for being you.
Such a lovely fall post! It’s all cool and rainy and colored leaves here today, too. Dark purple wild asters on the table and a fall mug of steaming coffee. Re-reading your new Christmas book. It’s like going back to my own childhood. So sorry about your Mom, I still miss mine , too. Thank heaven for wonderful memories. Keep up the good work!
What a lovely basket quilt! An everlasting bouquet. ❤️
Autumn into winter, my favorite time of year. No Trick or Treating here either so I plan to send my grandchildren a box of candy! Love the book Home for Christmas so much that I ordered 2 more for my daughters. It so reminded me of Christmas when I was a child and I want them to know what it was like. You are the best! Take care!
I’m sorry for your great loss. When I miss my Mom, I close my eyes and there she is! Psalm 37:9-11 & 29 comforts me as well. Condolences to your family.
Your heart is full of love, Susan…..and I know (true) love never fails. Thanks for sharing all your abilities with us. Barb
Susan, I can just see you making s’mores over your new fire pit! The perfect all activity!
Hi Susan,
Loved your inspiring post. The pictures and beautiful sayings made my day full filling. Thank you so much. Happy Halloween! 🎃Take good care❤
A new post! Just what I needed today! xo!
What a beautiful post Susan! Thank you! We too here on the shores of Lake Michigan have enjoyed wonderful skies these past few days. So inspiring!!
Traveled two weeks ago from Fl. to Pa to visit my mother and took my copy of Autumn from the Heart of the Home to reread during my travels. I’ve been missing the seasons, apple picking, pumpkin patches… Your posts are always so cheerful and festive. Thank you for that.
Okay. I finally figured out the Rabbit Rabbit thing. November 1, I will be Rabbit Rabbiting with all my might. Thank you for the silhouette of Jack at the very end. I was afraid I wouldn’t get my Jack hit. Sometime during the year, when I am feeling down, I go to YouTube and find Glee’s rendition of We Need A Little Christmas–the long version and my spirits lift. Thank you for all the gifts you give us in every post and for the giveaways too. Hope you and Joe and Vanna and Jack have a wonderful October. Trick or Treat!
Thank you Susan for this beautiful post…. we all need something like this these days!
Your mention of stringing popcorn for the Christmas tree brought back a dear childhood memory. Our dog Kelley would eat all the popcorn off the strings he could reach through the branches of the tree. Such a terrier personality! So much fun to recall!
Your words and photos always lift my spirits especially in these troubling times. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I look forward to your newsletter. It is a walk down memory Lane. You always bring some forgotten time to mind. And that remembrance brings a smile.
Autumn is here!! I love it! I’ve decorated inside the house and have most done outside. Just need a couple of pumpkins. This year is going to be so sad and dark. No trick-or-treating~~~~ and the porch light will be out. There are quite a few adults in my sub division are deciding to still have trick-or-treating. Most say they will have a large bowl of candy left on the porch for the kidos. I was thinking of doing that, but the more I think the more it’s not a good idea.
I’m looking forward to the give-away. Some lucky person will get those books. One of these times, I hope to see my name.
Thank you Susan for a little sweet solace! I know just where to go when I’m feeling down. Your books are on my shelves and your news is only click away.
Happy Fall!
xxoo
Suzy
Good to hear from you Susan. Your photos help us transcend and breathe. I’ve been enjoying David Dunlop landscape painting on PBS. He is fun and relaxing to watch. He’s also a wonderful sky painter. The pink and blue photos remind me of Turner’s work. Thank you
So enjoyed the Zoom tea and receiving your book! Tempted to read it now but am going to wait until we deck the halls in order to be full of the spirit!!
Love the quotes you always have in your blogpost and website!!💝
It would be great to have these together in a little book with some of your drawings.
It makes a great present to give to a lovedone!
Have a great weekend!
Greetings, Trijntje Huppel
Dear Susan…I love your posts! You make me smile with your positivity…and we all need to look on the up side these days…after all…we can still find happy things to celebrate if we look hard enough. So thank you for that…
Oh, how I needed this today! I love seeing the leaves changing and falling, the pumpkins and the fluffy fall clouds rolling in! We are still a bit warm yet (in AZ, but in a mountain, so we get season changes..or I would not make it…lol) but I am decorated for fall and longing for cooler weather and that fall smell! LOVE the kitty! I have 2 who both love watching the leaves swirl around outside.
Oh, Susan, I am enjoying Home for Christmas so much! My hubs is too. It is such a precious reminder of childhood and prompts us to tell each other stories werecall of growing up. It will be so special to share with our daughter and her little family when they come, we hope!! for Christmas.
I love reading all the other girlfriends’ comments!!! So many shared loves and thoughts and feelings. Wonderful post for the Autumn season and such generous giveaways. Susan, you are truly our Heroine of Hygge 🤗! Love to you & Joe & Jack 💜💚💛
you have such a gift,,to be able to put into words the thoughts and feelings in my heart,,your sky pictures are spellbinding,,and I love that keepsake quilt. I took up quilting after I retired after 35 years of nursing,,quilting has kept me sane during all the sadness this past year,,,
Oh Susan, always love ur posts, a bit of normalcy & laughter during this chaotic time.
Thank you, Shelley !
Dear Susan,
For awhile I got out of the habit of reading your blog…for some reason it stopped coming. But it came last month and then today, and I feel like I am back where I belong! I already have your latest book and read it on a day I needed an SB fix. I bought 5 packs of your wonderful Pandemic postcards and have been sending missed friends a cheery message during these days. You have become a part of my life again and I am so happy about it.
I loved your cloud pictures…my mother always loved the clouds, and I so wish she was still here and I could share them with her. Love the lamb tails and the cute comment of them running away…
Take care and enjoy your new fire pit!
Thank you for continuing to be a bright spot through 2020.
What a wonderful way to start the day……
a post from you!!! Cheers
Great blog. Fun to read on an Autumn morning!
My wife and I decided a month ago that we needed ’a little Christmas now!’ (MAME is one of our favorites!😉😍) However, we decided that while the beginning of September was too early for Christmas decorations, it was not too early for us to bedeck the house with our collected & curated vintage Halloween decorations. So, we have been enjoying our cheerful jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, and witches for a month already.🎃👻🧙🏻♀️
We would love to win the giveaway too, but this post has already been a gift as your words are always a balm for our spirits! Stay safe & be blessed!😇🙏🏻
Dear Susan…so, so sorry to hear about you losing your mom……May God’s love comfort you…….thanks you for your post and I especially love your beautiful sky pictures!!!!I love to watch the sky, day or night , wherever I am!!!! Happy October, and Happy Fall !! Take good care….Love , Donna from Montana
Thanks again for the lovely post, My husband used to drive trucks and he has collected many beautiful and exciting sky pictures over the years. He is a real sky affectionado! These pictures of yours are so fun to see and he enjoyed them! We have our pumpkins out and the smell of cinnamon fills the house, It is close to 100 degrees but fall indoors! Can’t wait for our real change in the weather! Love to you too!
And oh how I loved the Christmas book! Brought back many familiar memories!
One can never have too many blankets or too many books! Love the picture of Jack looking out the window at the pumpkins. Happy Autumn to all!
Susan, You inspire us all to find the beauty in the world even as there is so much to weight us all down. Thank you for that! Stay safe, healthy and hopeful♥️
Such beautiful pictures! I’m always looking for the daytime moon. A few years ago when I kidsat our principal’s little boy, we read an Eloise Wilkin poetry book for young children. We both loved The poem Day-Time Moon. So if I’m out at recess time (I tutor and volunteer at our congregation’s school) I always look and point it out to any kids I see.
Lois Lenski is a big favorite of mine! Her books and illustrations are wonderful! What a neat giveaway! And that lovely quilt is a treasure!
Your posts always come at the best time because they are SO relaxing and full of the best kinds of escape. Even the sad ones—Girl Kitty and your Mom—are comforting and full of great memories that never fade. Blessings and comfort to you dear Susan!
Fall is here in our Pacific Northwest and it’s time to gather a few fallen branches of our twisted larch to bring inside for decorating. The cozy begins!
Susan I cannot express how much your blog means to me. I can be having the most challenging day, and I open your blog and exhale. I take in all of the glorious pictures of your lovely island, home, and travels and I instantly feel a sense of calm. Everything that is going on in the world today we need to feel a sense of “togetherness.” I take your “Autumn” book down off of the bookcase and sit on our front porch when I need to turn off the news. So Thank You for giving me (and I am sure 1000’s of others) a sense of relief and calm, if only for a short while.
Thank you for including everyone in your posts! You are a very blessed gal! Thank you!
Beautiful photographs. I love my trees, but I miss a clear view of the sky. Thanks for sharing yours.❤️
Thank you for all that you do for us. I look forward and enjoy reading each and everyone of your posts!
Dear Susan,
I bought the book and the “Joe Santa ” cup for my girlfriend of 61 years. We met the summer before kindergarten when I was 4. I haven’t read it yet but hope we will read it together at Christmastime. I love you!
>
I love your “words” on your blog and in your books. Makes my days a bit sweeter.
I absolutely love your blogs! I look forward to each one. You have such an artist’s eye for all kinds of scenery, whether it be beaches, sunsets or sunrises, old roads or paths, or your comfy, cozy looking home—-and Jack! Your inspiring words and poetry always make me smile too. I live in Arizona, but I would love someday to visit your part of our wonderful, beautiful United States. Keep up the good work for all of us to enjoy!
Love your blog posts, Susan! Fall is such a wonderful, colorful time of year. Best of health to you. -Donna
Thank you for the beautiful cloud ⛅️ pictures. Brings calmness even when you’re in your own house and not outdoors.
Susan,
I fell in love with your cookbooks when I bought your Autumn book, then your Summer book, then your Christmas book, and gave copies of them to friends who I knew would enjoy them as much as I do!! A year ago in August my son married a darling Danish young woman and I went over to help with the wedding and spend a little time in Copenhagen! I learned a wonderful word, “hygge”, which certainly fits with my outlook on life, and it was fun to see it mentioned in this month’s blog!! Noah and Kitty gave me a dear little book on my leaving, “The Little Book of Hygge”, by Meik Wiking. The Danish Way to Live Well. It is from the Happiness Research Institute, Copenhagen. You will love it!! Happy Fall and stay safe!!
I’d love to win the quilt. Thanks you so much for your blog entries. They are beautifully rendered and inspiring.
As I read your posts, I can feel the tension in my shoulders disappear and my smile come back upon my face! Thank you for your lovely words!!
oh Susan, those sky pictures were fabulous. I can’t pick a favourite. I love the way you signed off…your pal for life. Well, you know what…we’re YOUR pals for life. Thank you for lifting my day.
Susan,
I thank you again for having your blog show up at just the right time! I’m always in need of a quiet moment , time to reflect, or more of your inspiration! Fall has me busy getting the garden ready for winter. I’ve received your Christmas book but plan to read it a little closer to the holidays. When your puzzle arrives it will be part of my “stash” to get me through the long winter! Thank you for providing me with all those great gifts to myself!
Deborah Burket
Hi, Susan–I wish I could feel more celebratory for my favorite time of year. It’s been a tough go of it for us this year just as it has for everyone else. My parents are in a nursing home. We haven’t been able to go inside since early March. I miss being able to give them hugs and kisses. I miss holding my mom’s hand. I miss helping her pick out clothes to wear. And, I miss not being able to decorate their room for the seasons. This time of year there would have been an autumn wreath for their door. Also, there would be a corn husk scarecrow holding a pumpkin, a cute witch with striped stockings and several other things that I have in a seasonal stash for their room. This meant so much to them. It brought a little bit of joy. I could cry. For now, window visits and video calls will have to suffice. I love them so dearly. Thanks for your uplifting post.
Your autumnal photos are beautiful as always, Susan. Thank you for your wonderful blog! I always print it out in color for my mom to read after I do.
Colorful blog. Loved it. Please, please, please redo a few red letter days mugs. I missed them until it was too late. Please.
Hi again, Susan. I forgot to add in my comment about my parents in a nursing home that on Halloween all of the residents would don masks and costumes and family members would parade with them in their wheelchairs around the halls. Mom loved this. Maybe next year.
You’ve done it once again….made the day better just by being you!!! Thank you so much for all you do for all of us!
Happy October! This just happens to be my favorite month. I love the
blue skies, turning trees, the crisp fresh air. We have a firepit and I predict you will love yours. Thank you for another wonderful blog. Each one is a breath of fresh air and a small sea of tranquility amid all the turmoil around us. I especially like your idea about burning the pages of your 2020 calendar on
New Years Eve out under the stars while sending prayers of healing into the universe for all of us. I really like the symbolism of burning the calendar pages. The quilt is beautiful, and the book would be such fun to own. I got “Home For Christmas” a couple of weeks ago and couldn’t wait. I had to read it immediately. LOVED it. Especially since I also grew up in the
1950’s in California. It was all so familiar and I found myself tearing up at times. You are a gift, Susan. one all the girlfriends are thankful for.
Dreamy!! All of it !
Here at OakHill, it smells like pumpkin drop cookies~ the leaves are falling🍁 and our first frost tonight!!!
Wouldn’t it Just be so CoZy cuddling up underneath that quilt while watching Mrs. Miniver?!
Beautiful, beautiful photos. Some actually made me imagine I could smell the fresh, green grass and fresh, clean air. Photography is a hobby for me too, but your pics have mine beat! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful, beautiful photos. Made me imagine I could smell the fragrances of fresh, green grass and fresh, clean air. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my goodness…how can you part with such a beautiful quilt? Crossing my fingers. I received my Christmas book, the artwork is very lovely….and kuddos to your mom and grandma for leaving such a lovely legacy.
Love love love reading all your news, can’t wait to get my puzzle and your new Christmas book. Happy October!!!!
Delighted to see a Kansas crossroads and sky among all your beautiful photos and a quote from my favorite author, Gladys Taber. A shout out to Watermark Books in Wichita, Kansas, where I buy all my SB books and calendars.
Happy Fall from the piney woods of East Texas!!
Susan – I received your Christmas book a couple of weeks ago…..I had to force myself to not read it all in one sitting! I wanted to have something to look forward to, so I took my time (as best I could!). So enjoyed reading about your family celebrations…..I was thinking as you told us about the book that gave you the inspiration for your Christmas story – and I realized that one day, someone else will be writing their Christmas story and using YOUR Christmas story for their inspiration…….how wonderful is that!??
A big THANK YOU for beginning my day in such a special way. I always enjoy a morning that includes a little surprise in my email inbox. It just occurred to me that if I gather my stack of your books on the side table where I drink my morning coffee, I can begin every morning with something cheerful from you. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before ; )
Oh, you surprise us with not only a lovely blog post but more! I have your Christmas book and am saving it to read closer to Christmas to add to my holiday spirit. And quilts…..what could be more appropriate with the colder days fast approaching! You are the BEST!
Also, all the pictures of the sky…….gorgeousness! Autumn is a special time with color, taste, smells, sounds, all senses enjoy!
Susan,
Your cozy home has always been an inspiration to me. I love to see your precious Ghost you put out each Halloween! So fun
Jennifer seale
Your photos calm the heart and give one hope. Love the Eskimo legend and will pass it on. The quilt and Christmas book make one smile. Think of the hours devoted to both in the making. Woman power. Enjoy this most wonderful Fall and all that it offers. Love the silhouette of Jack looking at the pumpkins.
Susan,
Your blogs are like a tonic for me! When I see them I stop right then to read and savor them. The minute you shared the book “Once On Christmas” I immediately searched online for it, but alas, none were to be had. I love books, especially old ones, and love that it’s illustrated by Lois Lenski. I’ve taught children’s literature for years and will retire next year, so books are my love. Thanks for all the joy and inspiration you give us. I’ll “see” you at the virtual tea on Oct. 18!
What a wonderful post. Living in south Florida we don’t see much change of season. So your pictures are especially wonderful, especially the sky’s. Thank you so much – Roslyn
Just read your blog and was listening to the music while I sit on my back porch on this BEAUTIFUL October Saturday!! My favorite time of year! We went out earlier and got our pumpkins to decorate the front yard!!
I know you are going to love your fire pit. We have one and love sitting around it with family and friends!!
Thank you for sharing your stories and photos!! They make me smile!!
Hi Susan!
Love your posts and I have enjoyed the Books and zoom teas!
I could listen to you all day!! 😊
Thanks for everything you do.
❤️Susie
OMGOSH…we just got a fire pit too! :O How funny! 🙂
Ours has a low foot bar, but I said, “Oh dear, that heat so close to the tennie’s will melt the soles!” hahaha Also, ours has a BBQ grid on top that swings away from the pit when not in use, instead of a lid. I will probably only roast marshmellies and meats on a stick(don’t wanna get the grid dirty, don’t ya know)heehee My nephew and I made a big gravel area to sit it on and to sit chairs around. I’m so excited to use it(if it would stop raining). Started sprinkling as we finished up and hasn’t stopped…5 days now! Oh well… ANTICIPATION!!! 😛
Hugs&Squeezles…at a 6 ft. distance, of course!
Love that you found the vintage Christmas book that took me back to holidays that were so simple and breathtaking all at the same time. Helping my momma make a fresh coconut cake for Christmas (I had to crack the coconut and scrape out the meat which was not an easy feat). I can smell the dressing cooking as I write. Thank you for for bringing back such wonderful memories of days gone by.
It’s been ages since I’ve visited your blog, and as always, I’m reminded that I need to do it more often (your work and writing being the perfect antidote to political and pandemic anxiety). 😉
It also prompted me to scroll back to September, and I want to add my belated condolences to all those other lovely thoughts and comments. Processing great loss takes time and self care, and is still just so hard. Godspeed to your wonderful Mother. She did good. ♥
~ Carolee
I don’t often comment, Susan, but I wanted to tell you how happy I get when I see a newsletter in my mailbox! I look forward to them and enjoy them so much. It was because of one of your newsletters that I’ve taken 2 cross country train trips! The first was from MA to AZ and the second one, just last year, was from MA to OR. Both trips were to visit my son (first in Phoenix, then in Portland). Glad you and Joe are staying healthy during the dampanic! Also, because of your newsletters, I got up and got moving in January (also kicked sugar to the curb) and have lost 30 lbs. 🙂 Be well!
What a cute, joyful quilt! I also, am saving the Christmas book to read when I am putting out my Christmas things. I JUST decorated for Fall yesterday–I so hate to see summer go. Hoping for continued good health for you and Joe as we see this year OUT! And won’t we all be glad to see her go!
I love all your sky pictures…we are blessed to live under it! It always has us grabbing our cameras so we can remember these amazing moments.
Your giveaway is sooo exciting! Everything! I’ll hold my breath (just kidding) to see if Vanna chooses me.
Enjoy October in your beautiful world, Susan.
I got one of your Christmas books when I did the Titcomb’s ZOOM and forgot I had ordered on Amazon, so now I have TWO! Needed a gift for a friend; now I have it!
I too am saving your Christmas book to read closer to the holiday. I put all my Christmas books in a cute basket and read them during the month of December. I would so love to add the “Once On Christmas” one to my collection. I have been reading your blog and Willards for years but don’t believe I have ever commented. Definitely remiss on my part. You are a true treasure!
As always, I wait a few days to read your blog, knowing it is there. I savor it. Beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
I don’t see my post. Did you receive it?
Thank you so much for these beautiful “soul moving” photos. Your fire pit is adorable and will be so very welcoming. Enjoy that little beauty. So love receiving your posts and want them to just keep going and going, never ending. Thanks for the breather today.
I agree with the previous comment, we are all winners receiving your posts. Always when we need them most. Thanks for the opportunity to win the beautiful quilt and the lovely book. I attended the Titcomb’s event. It was so enjoyable. Thanks for everything!