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 . . . 💝
Today, October 4, would be my dad’s 117th birthday. This morning while I was sipping tea on the patio, a cardinal came to its sunflower feeder and looked right at me. I know that was a sign from heaven. Now inside on my comfy sofa I read your lovely post. It’s a good morning!
I always look forward to an email that announces a new blog from you ~ it’s like a little present that arrives unexpectedly! Love all the sky photos, the sea and UK vistas. I must say that although I’ve always been a summer kind of girl, I’m actually looking forward to a cozy, hunkered-down quilt-covered winter. Time for reading, puzzles and art. And maybe I’ll get a fire pit as well!
Thank you!
I love you Susan. I love your joy, your warmth, your loyalty, your kindness. Partly because of you your mom’s life was so very worthwhile. Thank you for sharing your beauty. You make my world a more hopeful and happier place.
Hi Susan, Really needed this comforting post today. A lot of scary and uncertain things in my life right now, good to have a reminder that the important, sweet, beautiful things remain, no matter what. Blessings to you.
Please don’t tell about a vegetable filled, low carb diet next time or how much weight is lost – boring! You sky pics were lovely, though.
Hello Susan!
Your beautiful blog always takes me back to a time that fills me with such happiness, nostalgia and peace. It reminds me of when I was a little girl, and seeing generational glassware sitting around, croquet dollies across the armrests, tablecloths that was changed our for special occasions, the smells of homemade cooking and my mother in our small kitchen with an apron around her waist and humming a tune that always made me smile. So much more lost memories. Keep doing what you are doing. It’s magical and I love it! Thank you for your wonderful talent.
Dear Sue and Joe
I’m so glad that you are staying well and enjoying the fall weather. You have had a beautiful fall so far. You had asked on a post about using the fire pit in the winter. A thought would be to entertain earlier in the day when the sun is still out. That would add some warmth. As the island does not have as many lights as a town on the mainland, a clear moonless night might be a fun evening to have a stargazing party with friends, they could sit, or lie on cots socially distanced all over the lawn, and have hot cider or coffee to keep warm. I well cooled ashes and sand could be scooped out with a small shovel to dispose of in a metal bucket.
I have been collecting children,s Christmas books for decades, and I have never seen that one, probably because I have been looking at new ones in book stores.
I love your new Christmas book, especially the part about your Grandmother on Christmas eve…I have a very similar story that happened yearly. I also love what your mother said to you about wishing on a star. If I were you I would paint that and frame it and hang it on my wall. I may use your book as a guide to writing down my childhood Christmas story for my grandchild ( whom I have been unable to meet yet due to Covid….. Booooooo Hooooo)
Thank you to the joy you bring to all of us who can travel through your pictures and videos from the safety of our homes. Stay safe and wear a mask.
With love from Sue who has also gained more weight than I would like to admit to.
Just made your recipe for applesauce. I got a lovely basket of Mutsu apples and made my hubby a pie…then today I had to make yummy applesauce. I love it so much.
Hi Susan. I just finished reading your Home for Christmas. What a delightful little book. Also growing up in Southern California, I was able to relate to so many of your experiences. Reading your book slowly and often reading a memory, it felt like a warm Christmas hug in the midst of this crazy world. Thank you so much for sharing your precious memories and awakening my long “almost” forgotten memories of my own. Happy Halloween 🎃, Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 and Merry Christmas 🎄
Dear Sue
I just tried to send you a comment and it disappeared…did it go thru
I love when I “see” you in my email inbox…I know that I will be uplifted looking at the world through your eyes and reminded how very blessed we are! You inspire me for sure!
Hi Susan,
I love sky pictures and even better in person. The storm clouds near Boston was most impressive. Years ago my husband and I drove from PA to Oregon and saw some beautiful skies and storms in Omaha, Neb. and all over this grand country of ours. I also like to paint skies and clouds in watercolor and/or oils.
Happy Autumn to you and Joe (Jack too).
Thank you for the sweetest blog post, it’s just what I needed today ❤️ Loved the fall woods pictures because it’s still in the upper 90’s here in SoCal but we are supposed to get our lovely fall temps this coming week! I love your idea for December 31. I think it’s safe to say most of us will be happy to say goodbye to 2020. Lots of us may be joining you in the burning of our 2020 calendars (but not yours). ❤️That last picture. Happy, healthy fall everyone!
Happy, Happy 🍂 Autumn! So very happy to hear from you! Thank you for all the inspiration!
I’d love to be entered in the drawing for the quilt or the sweet little book!
Awww! Jack is longing to go outside and hang with the pumpkins. Or, maybe he wants them to come inside so he can inspect each one? Happy Fall, Susan! 🎃 🍎 👻
Fall is so wonderful isn’t it??? Here in Iowa too! We had a little frost when we woke up this morning! Although I am not so sure I am ready for winter yet! Although since I am a quilter…..winter is a good excuse to stay home and sew a lot every day…..my happy place! I have a nice collection of old Christmas books, but do not have the one you shared! And the quilt would love to come to my home and live with a lot of “consin quilts”. I might have a collection…..just sayin! What can I say we like the same things and obviously have very good taste! Sheri in Iowa
Beautiful blog! I am in the mood for pumpkins 🎃 and black 🐱!
Hi Susan! Love your post as always! Thank you for the beauty in everything big and small♥️
Thanks for another wonderful post!! Beautiful pictures, wonderful quotes, heartwarming thoughts and feelings. Feels like “all is right with the world”!!! Thank you for being you!!
Thank you for sharing your quilt!
Sometimes I pretend you’re all mine….
Kindred spirit….
I know I have to share, but everything about you and your life speaks to me.
There is nothing to compare it to.
It ‘s being understood by someone else. You get me. You understand me. And vice versa.
Hugssssss
LOLOLOL!🤣 Hugssss right back!
Very excited for your new fire ring! Get some cast iron hobo pie makers! My favorite is to put apple pie filling between two slices of homemade bread and put into the fire. Yummy on a cool night!
I received your Home for Christmas book, and I am saving it for the holidays! Thanks again Susan for keeping our spirits up in your blogs and everything else you do! I hope I win the quilt, I collect them! Happy October!!
Happy October to you! I am afraid to think what might be lurking around the corner. I am going to assume it will be a good thing! Enjoy that fire pit!
Warm fuzzies are much needed. Beautiful quilt!
Isn’t the fall wonderful?!
I always look forward to your posts!
Enjoy!🤎🎃🧡🍁🤎🐿🧡
Autumn was my mother’s favorite time of year. And although she has been gone for two years, somehow I still feel her here. With every painting she did which hang on my walls, and with every leaf that falls, I’m grateful for the time we had. Your books, blog and art help me get through tough days. God bless and thank you.
So sad that children can’t go house to house this Halloween, but decorating will have to do this year! The quilt is lovely! Enjoy your special island this fall!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your beautiful writing, art, and the goodness of your heart that wrap around all of us and bring comfort during a difficult period of time in our history!
Blessings,
Karen
Makes me excited for the holidays in our new home we moved into this week.
Fondly,
Glenda
Happy Autumn to you! Your posts make my heart happy!
Dear Susan, thank you for making our favorite season -Fall- even more special with your blog and twitter posts! Your tea was wonderful and I am so looking forward to reading Home for Christmas as a special treat this Christmas. You know just what we need to lift our spirits. Enjoy the crisp fall evenings around the fire!
Warm regards form a girlfriend in Cary, North Carolina,
Cathy
We saw the Harvest Moon from a wonderful Oregon State Park, that we feared would burn, but it is still there! So thankful for firefighters, rain and Mother Nature!
YOU inspire us all in this dark, dark time!
Your posts are always so calming and your illustrations are beautiful and remind me of books from my mother’s childhood. Ones where I would look for tiny details in them and usually involved elves. Thank you
We love you Susan. You are blessed with the gift of bringing joy to all you come in contact with. Thank you❤❤❤❤
Ski-scapes, seascapes, & a new book to get us looking forward of Christmas’ past! All beautiful things to escape to! Lovely thoughts of Autumn, pumpkins, leaves turning colors, and a beautiful quilt to snuggle with! Thanks for all the fun & cozy thoughts!
🍃🍁🍂🎃 ~Linda
Susan, I loved all of the sky pictures, giving me inspiration as an art quilter. I also love the antique quilt as I appreciate all quilts.
Thanks for capturing the beauty of nature in your photos —- even the cricket!
😍Judy
Just found your site! So happy, because you are a bright spot in an otherwise iffy world! have known you for years! Another kindred spirit. Almost forgot to comment because I just kept reading blog after blog after blog. But here I am. I love the antique quilt of flowers! I would love to give this to my cousin in Phoenix, Oregon, who lost her home and all possessions in the recent fires. She has had a rough year, the pandemic notwithstanding. Lost both parents and a marriage. Think an old soul of a quilt would give her something to start over with and comfort her. Love isn’t love until it is given away? Yours,
Hello Susan and Joe, think of you often. Love your posts and blogs.
Martha Smith Holley (Paul’s sister)
Lovely post, lovely pictures. 🙂
Your blog always makes my day, encourages and uplifts! Thank you for continuing. The sky photo’s are absolutely beautiful. The Christmas book, lovely, and reminded me of my favorite; Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree.
Thank you for making a Sunday afternoon just perfect.
Happy Fall!! Thank you Susan for all the wonderful works, words, teas and cozy pictures. Love the new blog with all the sky pictures! Wow. Inspiration.
What a cheerful quilt! And I love the little vintage Christmas book! I have a vintage book that my great-aunt gave me for Christmas when I was a little girl. It’s called A Christmas Story by Mary Chalmers. It is just charming, and reading it out loud sometime during the Christmas season is a long-time tradition in our family.
I didn’t get a chance to comment on your last post, so I’d like to share something with you now. After my dad dropped dead unexpectedly just before my wedding 43 years ago, my high school Latin teacher Betty Jane Donnelly wrote me a note. In it she said, “I have learned that we don’t lose our loved ones who have died, but as the years go by, they grow closer to us.” It was such a comfort to me, and I hope it will be to you.
Blessings.
Hi Susan!
I just love your sweetness, and lovely way of treating us all as kindred spirits, and girlfriends. You are such a wonderful example of love, spirit and good. I’m happy to learn from you. I’m currently making my way through the fall book again. I love all the drawings, quotes, and especially the recipes. Thank you for being you. ❤️
We have been thinking about getting a firepit as well. Love the idea of being outside in the dark, cool evenings. The book and quilt are very sweet.
Remember sticker stores?! I still have a big slot in my sticker file folder of all your “rip off the roll” stickers from…circa early 2000? Late 90s? I try not to use them because they are PRECIOUS. I’ll always remember my favorite one: “kiss me you fool!” With the woman kissing the surprised man…my little treasure trove, thank you for your inspiration over the years!
~Jasmine
Hi Susan & Joe~There is a nip in the air here in northern Michigan…I’ll take that “nip” if it doesn’t come with seven more days of rain…like we had last week! It is fireplace, good book, hot cocoa and snuggling up on the couch weather for sure…keep on snuggling🍁
Thanks again Susan for the wonderful blog. Love the pumpkins 🎃 over the door, remember seeing them last year when visiting. Enjoy the fire 🔥 pit! I know it will become very special in Joe & your life.
My mother’s birthday is a month before Christmas and it has been my tradition for many years to get her a new holiday book to read at the beginning of December. I was so excited to order your book when you first posted it’s completion, one copy for me and one for my mom. I was notified that it had shipped about the time she passed away in August. She spent a month in ICU, having never awakened after emergency surgery. I finally opened the package and read my copy shortly after the funeral. She would have loved your story, as she was a kindred spirit for you. She loved nature … we often had acorns and pine cones from all over the world on our Christmas tree. Her home is decorated with seashells, colored leaves, special rocks, and birds. And she loved quotes and books. We are currently giving away a vast collection of books, filled with snippets of paper that marked favorite passages and places she left exclamation marks, stars and underlining. When I saw your last blog where you revealed your own mother’s passing, I cried for both of us. Mother’s are irreplaceable! I pray you are comforted by your sweet memories.
You’ve got it right-The best things in life are free! Thank you for the joy you bring into our lives, it means a lot!
Your blog is just a bright spot in my day! Love seeing it come in my email! You bring such warmth and friendship with your words…I can actually smell the fire pit…its just darling! Enjoy! Cozy times ahead….now I’m off to look for that Christmas book to read! Big Hugs sweet friend…
Thanks, Susan for sharing your beautiful photos, illustrations ,quotes, and thoughts. You make the season so special.
Such a beautiful quilt! Love your Halloween decorations!
Susan, I love how beautifully you see things! You truly uplift me. That quilt is absolutely beautiful!
Susan, really loved your new Christmas book…..heart warming! I too love watching the sky, but especially the moon and stars. Please stay safe and enjoy the October gifts of bittersweet, pumpkins and all that autumn cooking. Love from Maine
Sheryle
Loved this post about the skies and quilts! My husband is a meteorologist, so we have watched the skies our whole lives,…for weather, sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, birds, planets, and anything else up there that is beautiful. And I am a quilter, so trying to make our little world more beautiful, one quilt at a time. I also donate my handmade quilts to senior centers, to be given to those who rarely have visitors or have no family. Hoping it brightens their days! So glad to know you cherish the vintage quilts made by our ancestors, whether we knew them or not.
Thank you, Susan, for always reminding me to look at the sky, look at nature, enjoy the little things in the world, and to always love And appreciate my family and friends. Cheers to you!❤️
Just finished re-reading Isle of Dreams and it’s been such a comfort to me during a rough time. I fantasize about a little cottage of my own, thanks for giving me a respite of imagination.
Always nice to read your positive blogs. God did make beautiful skies for us!!!
Take care
That quilt is gorgeous!!!
I look forward to a new blog post from you each month! Makes me smile and forget my troubles for just a little while. I’m going outside right now to look at the sky!
Sue,
Everything you write soothes my soul in this chaos in our country. Thank you for the phots and words; they make all the difference!
xxoo
Sue from Simi
I love your blogs they bring such joy and teach me to appreciate the small things the important things! The pictures of the skies are so beautiful I’m a sky watcher I love clouds and stars the moon better than any tv show! I hope you stay well and thanks for this respite from all the terrible news in the world!
Hello Susan!
I love your Christmas book. Thank you for writing such wonderful words for us all. I would go crazy for that beautiful quilt. I am reading your Martha’s Vineyard book now, and as usual, taking my sweet time and savoring every word!
Loved all the sky photos, and I’m always a lover of water and beach scenes. Thank you for sharing! My bestie Lucy and I have been fans for years and years, and so enjoy reading everything you write and seeing all your art. You’re a treasure!
Susan,
Your column is such a source of inspiration, especially during the pandemic. You may find the poem, I Am Standing By The Seashore, a comfort. I know that I did when my Mom passed away a few months ago. Be well….
Mary
I think I know it, my favorite to, Here she comes!
Perhaps my mother of 5 has met your mother of 8 in heaven and are exchanging fun stories of raising so many children.
~Mary
such a lovely quilt -thank you for the giveaway and sharing your words & images 💕
Thank you for bringing joy to my life!
Another banner post! We are now officially transported into Fall! 🍂🐿🍁
Thank you for this wonderful post! I just read it while drinking a cup of spiced tea. My cutie pie Miniature Schnauzer Cyrus is curled up asleep next to me and a pumpkin candle is burning. Life is very, very good.
Your October blog cheered me at the end of a dismal week. Thank you.
So nice to know that I am not the only person who will pull over simply because the sky is so amazing; if I can get a good photograph, so much the better!
I also wanted to send you a big “THANK YOU!” for designing such beautiful tea mugs. 2019 was a very difficult year for me personally, and 2020 hasn’t helped by any stretch of the imagination, so I decided to get myself a little mug gift. The bluebird mug arrived a few weeks ago, on a rather bleak day when I hadn’t had a good nights sleep, and right away my spirits lifted! It reminded me of the times when I was a child and one of my family would spot a bluebird (or a couple of times, entire flocks of bluebirds) in the back yard. Whoever saw it would immediately yell to the rest of the family, who would come running from wherever in order to stare out the window at the bright, little creature. We always thought it brought us a little luck, as if the true “bluebird of happiness” had visited us! So now I can revisit that feeling whenever I use my lovely mug. Again, thank you!
What a sweet breath of autumn air. These posts always feed my soul. I sigh remembering happy moments of fall seasons past and future.
Hello sweet Susan! First I have to say I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom. I missed the last post as my Mom passed on Sept 6th. I wasn’t surprised, but there is not a way to describe such a loss. Susan, as she passed I heard the angels sing. I heard them just after midnite and went to ask the hospice nurse if there was a choir ushering a loved one home. She said”No sweetheart, you must be dreaming.” I went back to sleep. Then one hour before Mom passed I heard them again. What a blessing! I think they were encouraging Mom to let go. Your artwork always makes me remember all the things and traditions we have to be so grateful for…thank you for being you❤️ Love.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏I’m so sorry Laurie.😢
In a time when home seems like a prison to so many, your posts, your books, your lovely focus on what home is meant to be, could not be more welcome. Thank you for reminding us to look up at the sky, look out our windows, and at our feet to see the amazing world around us. It’s still here, and it’s still as sweet as we make it!
Many thanks for your kindness sharing your heart with all of us who follow you. 💕 Yesterday October 3rd was my (ahem 67th) birthday and am in Cape May, New Jersey to celebrate. A beautiful place (Exit 0) off the Garden State Parkway. The Victorian homes along the beach front remind me of Martha’s Vineyard. The 1st Edition of Heart of the home graces my kitchen and have enjoyed ALL of your books and everything you create. For my birthday, my sons bought me Gratitude with your beautiful inspirational sayings and The Fairy Tale Girl books. I’m inspired by your wonderful stories, artwork….everything you share with all of us who love you! Still giggle with excitement after meeting you on the Amtrak train home from California in 2017!! My grandson Adam was born and lives in your birthplace Long Beach California and is now 3-1/2 and a joy!! Wish you much love, happiness and good health always.
Virginia
Its like a warm October hug reading your posts. Thank you kindly! It’s everything Fall can be and a long list friend from far away. The quilt is brilliantly beautiful. How very kind of you to give it away ❤️🍁🍂🍃
You’ve been my happy place since I discovered you many years ago. Always a warm spot in my heart when I discover something Susan Branch in a shop or reading a Willard. You are so down to earth you make us girlfriends seem like we could be your best friend. I have so many treasures, from your books to items from your online shop. Thank you for sharing your world and travels with us and may you continue to touch our lives in the happiest way. May 2021 bring us peace, joy, laughter and more Susan!❤️
A quilt is like a warm hug. Have been an admirer of your work for many years.
Susan,
So sorry to hear about your mom. (Big hug).Thoughts are with you. What a lovely post. I love your photos of the skies of many colors. Just beautiful. Hope you and Joe & all the Girlfriends will have a good Fall. I like your fire pit. What a good idea! The quilt is beautiful.
I just love your beautiful photographs and art and writing! Your books are my treasured favorites!
If I win the lovely quilt, I will treasure it and love it during our long Minnesota winters, the flowers bringing the promise of spring.
Much love!
Lisa
What more can I say except the your the best. I hope you have the Best Fall ever.
Thank you for your warm, loving, quote-filled and photo filled blog for October! As a local in SLO since the early 70s, too, I appreciated your travelogue this month. The quote that especially found me is, “Believing there is hope for the world is a way to move toward it”. Our family (well, that means me) begins our holiday decorating in our home in October as well, so here we go. . . Enjoy a cozy October with many more cooler days than we’re having in CA! (And I share your love of Lois Lenski’s illustrations.)
I just love your blogs and look forward to reading them
1 This is going to be a wild October! Looking forward to leaves turning and cooler breezes, warm nights snuggled in bed.
Hi Susan, Thank you for your fun and inspiring blog. Such a good idea to extend our time outdoors this fall …. even into early winter! We’ll be trying it over here in Albany too! I enjoy your love of all things fall so much!
Cassie
💕🍄🍁
I just love the subtleness of the changing seasons. My family just got back from our first fall trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina – so much fun! The full Harvest moon over the Atlantic ocean was perfection 🌕🧡. The quilt giveaway comes right when I’m ready to get cozy on these cool fall nights here in Virginia. We all love you too Susan.
Hello dear Susan! We finally did it! We made it to Arizona! That’s why I’m late in responding (in the 1,500’s)! The last two weeks have been enormously busy and tiring, especially for my dear spouse! We’ve been blessed with a gorgeous new home , but it is hard getting settled into new surroundings! Nothing is “normal” now! But it will settle down, slowly, but surely. I loved your beautiful “moonrise harbor” picture…it was so lovely. Hope your heart is well. God keep you, Lee
I ordered your new Christmas book(s) last week and already got them-wow!-excellent teamwork you have👌🏻 So excited, his them in my secret Christmas closet, Mom is going to L❤️VE! Thank you for giving us all something happy to look forward to, some things never change-holidays, family& tradition🙏🏻 What a year it’s been!
HoHoHo from Denver,
Joy Lowe
What a wonderful post of skies, Christmas and pumpkins! I always carve out special time to enjoy your blog posts. Glad I found you many many moons ago.
Beautiful pictures! I just watched the video of you at the bookstore. Fabulous ! As soon as I get a job, I have items that I want to order!!
Your blogs always cheer us up! You are so right that your followers are a unique group of ladies that share similar values! And of course we ALL love you! I hope your giveaways go to the person who needs the most cheering up right now! Thank you Susan for being our dear friend for so many years! 😊
A fire pit! How wonderful! So many folks in our neighborhood have them that every night the wonderful smell of wood smoke drifts in through the windows. So cozy! Happy Fall Susan! ❤️
Susan, such beautiful sky pictures. I love my fire pit and I know you and Joe will love yours. Don’t forget the some mores!! And that picture of Jack …. oh my goodness…. I wish I knew exactly what he was thinking!! Happy Fall to you and Joe and a squinch to Jack. Stay safe. Much love, Kerrie
Thank you for the chance to win something so beautiful and uplifting. Love your blog, your words, drawings, pictures, sayings…just everything YOU. Thank you. Susannadee.
Susan, I so look forward to reading your blog! I love all of the positive thoughts and energy you send to us all. It’s like a breath of fresh air. ❤️ We have the same fire pit! Really enjoying it on these cool nights. It’s heaven! I love the new book! Brings me back to a simpler time and happy childhood memories . 🎄
Love your fall post. I hope Santa brings me you’re Christmas book. And I hope you love your new fire pit.
Just finished reading your letter. It makes me happy. Its cool here in South New Jersey , but the doors are open The air is so fresh .. now tofind a quilt to wash up and place on the couch for the cold evenings that are coming . Have a wonderful October Xxx
Oh I get so happy when I see a new you have a new blog posted! Your pictures are so beautiful! Nature sure does wonders to make us feel better. Thank you for a red letter day.
The quilt is just lovely! Enjoy your new fire pit.
Cheryl
Love this post! Love your blog!
Hello Susan Girlfriend
Lovely post as always and bringing a big spot of sunshine into our lives and hearts with your happy spirit. It’s always heartwarming to come and visit a spell here with you. I am going to check out that fire pit as it looks perfect for my heart. Love you too Susan and all us Girlfriends are holding hands across this not so big world together.
Hugs from The Happy Heart Girl ♥️