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 . . . 💝
I read Home for Christmas in one sitting and I loved it! I grew up in the sixties and had both an older and younger sister, each of us just 11 months apart (hey, my parents were teenagers, lol!). But so many of your memories resonated with me, because my mom was truly the best mom ever, and my dad worked so hard to give us a safe home and a happy childhood. They have now been married for 59 years! They are in Florida now, riding out the virus and I miss them very much because a year is too long to go without seeing your parents or your children (my oldest daughter lives in Ireland and I haven’t seen her since 2019 (as our 2020 plans were sidelined by COVID). Hoping and praying that 2021 is a kinder, gentler year for everyone. Thank you for your lovely books and calendars!
Heartfelt greetings. Uour books have saved me this season of politics and pandemic.
You’re a treasure to be sure!
Thank you Susan for folliwing your heart 💜💜💜
Susan, I enjoy keeping up with you on Instagram and Twitter, and especially through your blogs…thank you for inspiring and encouraging us, and for caring about our country. You are truly a kindred spirit!
I loved settling in with a cuppa and your wonderful post. I also take photographs of the sky and love capturing the colors and patterns of cloud and light. Sending you hugs from Georgia! I love all of your books… they inspire me to be a better mom and homemaker for my family. God bless you dear friend.
I’ve never had a cat before but yours, in the last foto, was full of cuteness and character. I did have a black and white dog once upon a time, and I still miss the fella.
I do love the art of Lois Lenski (and your art and quotations and home-ness), and
give you kudos for ,inspiring artfulness in all things!
Thank you for the cozy post!
Becky
Hi Susan! I felt like I could relate to this entire much needed uplifting post! Thank you for brightening my October already 🙂 The sky is one of my muses as well. I adore how it is always suprising us with clouds, rainbows, stars, even lightning is beautiful! I once had to change my name when a fellow Heather joined waitressing with me. The boss said 2 Heathers was confusing! I figured why pick a common name, when someone else may then become a waitress and have to change her name because I’m using it? Haha. So I changed my Heather to Cloud. And every day I felt lighter going into work, despite fellow staff thinking it funny. My boyfriend and I keep talking about how we are going to cook and make s’mores with our fire pit. Thanks for the reminder 🙂 I love your idea about burning the 2020 calendar and wishing for a better, boring 2021. I think I’m going to join you alongside the firepit and hope for some shooting stars to wish upon! And yeah Van Morrison and Louis Armstrong quotes! The quilt is very inspiring to sew again. I’d love to use it as a bedspread to camp in our tent in the backyard 🙂 There’s nothing better than treasure hunting at a thrift/antique shop. The Christmas book sounds magical from just the sneak peek wow. I used to string popcorn with my twin sister for our tree and you reminded me of being 2 little twins excited about Christmas. We used to string Cheerios for the shrubs as well so the birds could enjoy them. I still turn into an elf every year and would love to see what kind of handmade ideas are in this book! Thank you for your wakeup call to exercise more. I’ve been finding excuses not to do yoga or go to the Arboretums, yet it really is restoring. I loved the Eskimo legend about the stars. I hope a few are peering down and sending love to me, as I hope your Mom is for you. I am very sorry to hear and much peace, love and healing to you and your family. I think stars are also tiny candles in the sky for our lost loved ones, especially on their birthday. I look forward to reading more, I’m glad I found my way back to your words and artwork. I couldn’t agree more about supporting local businesses too. And decorating for Halloween anyways. Love, Heather.
I also love the sky, but especially at night!! One of the lucky side effects of the Covid, is that the sky at night is so beautiful and crisp!! When my husband, Paul and I walk our little dog, Emma, at night, we love to look at the sky and see all the stars!! We live in the suburbs, and usually can’t see much of the sky because of pollution, I guess. But, since Covid and not as many people travelling on the roads, the skies seem to be brighter and lovelier than ever!!! Something nice that’s come out of something horrible. Take care, Susan!!! Please continue to be awesome!!!
Marge
Dear Susan and Joe: I love using your word “dampenic” and always credit you. Thank you for easing our anxious hearts always.
Hi Susan, We sat outside last night with ur neighbors by the fire pit. It’s getting cold in Ohio. I love and miss Summer but Fall is starting to grow on me! 😷🍂🍁🐿☕️
Susan, was curious why some of the names are highlighted in blue throughout the replies?
What a joy you are, sweet Susan! I’m so grateful for your beautiful home-y paintings and snuggly words, right when we need them (which is pretty much always, now!) Your quilt is so beautiful; what a sunny and fun gift. And also that book is DAH-LING! I’ll go on a hunt for another one, too! Happy day to you.
Hi Susan, I’m glad you’ve discovered how nice a backyard fire can be. You didn’t waste any time putting your personal spin on it! I enjoyed your tweets by my own firepit while watching the stars come out. Happy Fall to you and Joe!! Jean
“Pal for life” that’s for sure! So many happy thoughts and inspired memories made after reading your books, emails, Willards, posts over the years. Fell in love when I was 10 trying to paint hamburgers from your Summer Book with my brother. Now my three little daughters and I, look forward every year to open up the Autumn book and be inspired for the most magical season of all! Definitely need to put the new Christmas book on my wish list! Thank you for being you!! You are golden!
Pumpkins over the front door, would not work here in earthquake country, as you know, but what a friendly greeting. Will Joe carve one wearing a mask this year?
Susan,
I love reading your blog , your sky photos are spectacular and give us hope that the world is a Beautiful Place even though we are in the midst of this unusual year. I received your Christmas book and read through it in an afternoon not able to stop ! Loved it an read Isle of Dream the next 2 days! Your stories are addicted and I can’t wait to read The Fairy Tale Girl.Thank you for your beautiful drawings and lovely home ideas!
I grieve with you on the passing of your dear Mom. She is smiling down , winking through those gorgeous clouds seeing her Amazing Daughter!
Hope October brings you sunny days and crisp ,cool nights sitting near your new fire Pit!💕🎃💕
It is always wonderfully and a delightful joy reading your blog. I might be a little late in reading it but I always make sure it is a perfect time to sit, read and sip a cup of tea. To enlighten my soul with your photos and your way with words. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us.
Hi Mrs. Susan,
Hello from Texas, it is FALL now and lovely and wonderful. I am still in school, 10th grade, and when I walk out the doors I get to feel a lovely breeze blow by.
Love this post, this blog, and YOU! Thankful for your contribution to my life. I would have gone crazy without your calendar this year to see us thorugh 2020!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Dear Mrs.Susan,
Hello from Texas! It is becoming cooler now and we are all loving it! When I get out from school, I am in 10th grade, I can feel a little cool breeze. 🙂
Another one of your fans who loves you back! You bring such joy, sweetness, color, music, hope and comfort food into our world. What’s not to love about that? Thanks for all you are and all you do. Oh – my birthday is October 1st so it’s always fun to read your Rabbit-Rabbit post on my day! JOY!
October blessings and virtual hugs to you for this lovely, lovely post!
Seeing the world through your words and lens is a real treat.
Susan,
I always love seeing a newsletter from you in my inbox. I know it will be a red letter day!
Regards,
Kathy
Love the beautiful quilt! Hope I win. Thx for all your Tweets today about you know who. Surreal!
I so enjoyed welcoming you into my home for the Titcombe Tea Party! You did a wonderful job and I truly felt as though you were just close by, chatting away to us. And Joe too!! Your fire-pit looks fabulous – hours of flickering warmth, comfort and dreaming to be had there! Happy October, love and hugs xxxx
Old quilts have a special place in my heart and as a quilter myself, I know how much goes into the making of one. It’s a true labor of love for me. I would love to add that beautiful quilt to my collection! As a child I read Lois Lenski books, my favorite being Strawberry Girl. I didn’t know about the Christmas one, so it would be wonderful to win it! Thanks for the fabulous giveaways!
Your blog always manages to make me smile. 🙂 Thanks for bringing some cheer into my day.
I would love to win that quilt! I’ve never owned a quilt and I’ve had it on my Christmas wish list for 5 years. Just too pricey I guess. But this would make me giddy happy to win! Either way though, I hope you find a great home for it!
When you wrote about Stonehenge being under the very same sky as it was built 2500 years ago, I sat in amazement at that comment and how it shook me to my bones. Because YES ! YES! it was, and how we never think of that…. how many amazing and wonderful slices of history and magic have been built and experienced under the VERY SAME SKY that we are all under at this very moment! So thank you Susan for the lovely post and that very important reminder to all of us.
This year for Halloween I’m planning to do a Spooky Egg Hunt. Full Easter *ahem* Spooky Eggs with candy and fake bugs, then hide for the kids. Outdoors if weather permits. That plus Zoom costume and dance parties will have to tide us over this year.
Thanks for sending us some happy thoughts and lots of love, the things you can never have too much of. After the hot and humid days of summer have gone there is nothing quite like the blue of an October sky! When I was little, I said fall was party time, because the trees dressed in their best and went to a party before winter came. So enjoy the party!
Thank you Susan! Thank you for providing a place of comfort during these difficult times. I know I can always look at one of your two calendars – one hanging in my kitchen and one in my bedroom – breathe deep and drift away to lovely memories of summer vacations in Vermont and New Hampshire as a kid. The colors, the smells, the home baked goods. And when I need a little something delicious, I whip up a batch (or two!) of Best Biscuits to eat hot out of the oven with butter and honey. My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother – we are forever changed by our parents’ presence and absence. ❤️
Thank you for always showing us the positive in the world. Your blog posts are so uplifting and so appreciated😊
dear one, thank you for lighting the way into each and every season! I decorated, me deck FIRST this year, cuz that’s what I see! This week I’ll decorate the porches everyone else sees! Happy leaf crunching! XO
Reading your posts always lifts my spirits. Oh how I’d love to cuddle under that quilt with my two little girls. These are scary times but you always help us to see the Happy. Thank you Susan! Xo
Thank you Susan, for the lovely sky photos, such amazing colors and every imaginable scene. I can’t wait to read Home for Christmas, and loved Lois Lenski as a little girl. She inspired my drawings, and I feel a little warm rush seeing her pictures again.
I saved ;your post for a relaxing evening read. It was so soothing I could feel my heart rate slow a little. Such a nice thing you do for all of us in
these strained days. You’re a God send! The quilt reminds me of my grandma. Her quilts were similar and plain and how I wish I was wrapped in hers now. Thanks for bringing that snippet of her back just now.
I am not a traveler but yearn to travel when reading your blog. Love vintage books, quilts, and people (like me!).
Susan 🤍
You once posted a picture of your stack of Christmas books. I zoomed in as far as I could and scribbled down the titles. I began hunting for old copies of them, beginning with “Christmas Bells are Ringing”. I’m hoping to find more as I go along at bookshops and thrift stores. Would you please add me to the list of hopefuls for the Once on A Christmas book? Our three boys love read alouds and this would be a wonderful surprise. All my best, Melissa 🤍
Susan,
You are a touchstone for so many of us who reach for your blog every day for inspiration, companionship and wisdom. You truly are a kindred spirit and a source of joy and comfort in my life as we share so much, having been born in the same era and experiencing the same family values honed in childhood. I have all of your books and a few mugs, which I treasure.
I loved knowing your dear mother through your words over the years and shared a similar relationship with my own precious mother who died in 2003~ but her spirit remains with me.
Love and gratitude for sharing your gifts~~~
I bought your little Christmas book, it should be coming soon.
I was so delighted to find you had written. Today I guess I have been a little “blue” because I have a lung condition where I cannot be out during this pandemic. Your post was better than medicine!!! I have always loved clouds and enjoyed all your pictures. Last week I got my new “Heart of the Home” calendar which I look forward to each year. I will order the Christmas book soon. Thank you for being a ray of sunshine to all of us and for sharing your wise words and wonderful talent. Usually I am an encourager but today you encouraged me and I thank you!! Happy Autumn!
A beachy hello from Cayucos Calif. Near your old stomping ground. The minute Home for Christmas arrived I read the whole thing. Wonderful as I had the same 50’s Christmas memories with my four brothers in Glendale Calif. You bring such joy to my life 🥰
Dearheart Sue …. am in the middle of your 🎄Christmas book and thinking of you and your Mom … I lost my Mom two years ago and am feeling for you … I know while you were writing your book, memories of your Mom were such a comfort 💝🎄💝
Alo-Ha-Ha from Evie in San Diego
Love your posts! Have been saving the Autumn book to savor this fall. Now it just needs to get here.
Thank you, Susan, for your fantastic blog! I look forward to hearing from you every month! I have received both copies that I ordered of “Home for Christmas.” I had looked up “Once on Christmas” after you mentioned it, and you were correct, it IS difficult to find!
Now I am anxiously waiting for your puzzle!!! It will be great to work on that during the cooler months this winter as we continue to stay in!
Thank you for so much for sharing all that you do!
Oh, love the new fire pit. You always INSPIRE!
Hi!
Oh I’m so glad you got a fire pit! And it’s such a cute one!
At the start of this whole pandemic/lock down mess, I ran to a big box store to get ANYTHING to make our summer a little more exciting. There were only 2 fire pits left! So I grabbed one. And it really made a difference. We could go out, in the evening, in our own backyard, roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and talk and laugh, and forget our troubles for a while. We made good memories for us and our kiddos ❤️ I hope enjoy yours too!
I’m so sorry for your loss of your mom. It really has been such a difficult time, but the loss of family, well I don’t have to tell you how hard that can be. I just want you to know you are in so many of my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for always being such a light in this dark world ❤️
Dear Susan; I am always looking forward to a new blogpost! It warms my heart and soul to read your lines and see your beautiful pictures! Is n’t it beautiful that here in the Netherlands we see the same beautiful moon as you do in America? So we are all children of one world! Autumn is my favourite season… but I also say this when winter,spring and summer arrives! Loving the seasons!
I hope I win the beautiful quilt: as I am an a brandnew grandmum I could use it for my little granddaughter to lay on when she is at my home each wednesday… many Greetings from the Netherlands, from Arjo🥰💕👶🏼🍄🍁🌽
I woke up tonight and couldn’t get back to sleep so I decided to read our blog! I am also getting used to my dear mother no longer with me and she is the one who got me onto your blog! She made Christmas the most magical time for my brothers and me and now your book will be so perfect to read…I got it from Titcombs and am waiting until just the right moment in early December. Thank you, Susan, for everything you do! All your pictures of heaven now will hopefully let me drift back to sleep…
Your blog makes me happy every time I read it. Just bought a box of your cards, love the drawings. I always loved to read Gladys Taber and you remind me of her. Thank you for making the world so lovely. Anne Lamont does this too!
Enjoy your Blog very much… lovely pictures and endearing quotes💕
Happy Autumn! Thank you for each post. Each one a day brighter!
Oh my, I love that quilt! Love how you decorate with pumpkins… darling!
Reading your posts and seeing your photos gives me a boost of happiness.
Oh I would love that quilt!!!
Dear Susan;
Your blog was like a hug that I really needed. I will sign up for the King’s English meeting. I am originally from Utah and love and miss the King’s English Bookstore. I got your Christmas Book and am trying my best to save it for Christmas time – just something to look forward to. Thank you for being someone that can be counted on to comfort or cheer us up. I’m so glad to be one of the girlfriends!
I feel very happy to share my great and wonderful testimony with everyone on this site..: I was married for 4 years to my husband and all of a sudden another woman came into the picture. He started hating me and he was abusive. but i still loved him with all my heart and wanted him at all costs…. He filed for divorce and my whole life was turning apart and i didn’t know what to do, he moved out of the house and abandoned me and the kids… My very close friend told me about trying spiritual means to get my husband back and introduced me to a spell caster so I decided to try it. although i didn’t believe in all those things then when he did the special prayers and spell, after 2 days, my husband came back and was pleading that he had realized his mistakes I just couldn’t believe it, anyway we are back together now and we are happy. In case anyone needs help here is his email address; [email protected] or connect him through website http://dragumbasolutioncent.wixsite.com/spell
Do you remember
I see the moon and the moon sees me and
The moon sees the one that I want to see.
God bless the moon and
God bless me and God bless the one that I want to see.
g
A lovely quilt and Lois Lenski. I adore your reminders of what is right in our lives. I read each comment and realize that Anne of Green Gables’ kindred spirits are many. But still feel that you are my very own doppelganger. Our lives have paralleled in so many ways. Thanks for the uplift.
I was over the moon crazy about this post. Please get the audio version of the book Gift from the Sea from the library. I reread this comforting and inspirational book. The audio version has an intro by Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s daughter. This is the 50th anniversary of the book’s publication. So good. Hugs!
Oh how delightful October is! So good to hear from you and the sky pictures – words do not suffice! I was sad that they are not encouraging trick or treating this year too. Ce la vie. Much love from Oklahoma!
I can’t tell you how much I would love to win this quilt!! I didn’t have any ancestors that had old quilts so I couldn’t inherit any. But, I just love them, I have a few old ones and I display on an old ladder. Thank you for being you!!!
Happy fall! 🍁🍂 Such a beautiful time of year, especially in New England
Hi, Susan,
Those beautiful skies were just what I needed to start my early Monday Teaching from Home day. Wishing you a similar balm as you heal and always look forward.
Terrie
What an uplifting blog Susan: you scatter joy like autumn leaves. We love you here in England and hope you are able to make that trip in 2022 🤞🤞. What an amazing quilt. How I would treasure that beauty. Or the book: there is something so reassuring in these troubled times finding secondhand books that have been much loved over many years. Take great care of yourself Susan, and Jo of course xxxxx. Your new book arrived on Saturday (From Amazon!) along with next years calendar! What great mail: I do so wonder what will be filling the pages of 2021?? Hope and positivity for all of us I hope xxxxxx
My nephew had his first weekend of his annual pumpkin festival on his farm. Attendance was massive! The weather was great, and the round bales were made into more cute characters than ever. People needed this — This year of all years. There is still good in the world! Look around, as you seem to do every day. It’s not hard to find!
I just want to thank you so much Susan for having the gift of joy! I have had,like many, some very difficult days and all I have to do is see your blog come into my “In box” and BINGO! all those cares just fly away and I feel refreshed and encouraged again. You have a wonderful way of turning our eyes back to the delights that are still in this world. Thank you so, so much! It must be so satisfying to know that you can really brighten someones day by just being who God made you to be!
Susan, I want to thank you for bringing happiness into my life. From the first Willard in the mail, (I was so excited) to the new Christmas book, you have made my life a little sweeter. So sorry for the loss of your mother. A book that has touched my soul is Gift from the Sea, by Anne Lindbergh. Hope it stays with you as it did with me. By the way, I am one of 12, and boy does that Christmas book resonate with Me! Brothers!❤
Susan, I have followed you pretty much since the beginning! Ever since a friend introduced me to your work and said you reminded her of me, with my watercolors and silly stories.
I still have a wee card you sent to me in answer to a letter I wrote to you. (I had a brilliant idea to watercolor a quilting journal…. it never materialized, but your encouragement still speaks to me!)
You’ve been such an inspiration to me over the years, I feel like we’ve been lifelong friends. ❤️
The best part is now we have the internet to share all this loveliness!!! xox
Thank you, Susan. I’m loving your Christmas book…it reminds me of my childhood. And, my Christmas and Blue Bird mugs arrived! I love them all. Take good care. ❤️
Susan,
What a beautiful post. Your photos make me homesick for the New England area where I grew up. I just love the part of this post where you said “It’s one thing that follows us wherever we go and gifts us with works of art like no other.” about the sky.
We are ex military and it always made me feel better when we were separated to know we were under the same sky, stars shining, and the same moon.
Your words in each post are encouraging and inspirational. Thank you for that.
Hi Susan.
You always seem to perfectly capture the joy and beauty of each season. Reading your column fills me with peace and hope. Thank you.
Debbie
Reading your words helps me to appreciate what we do have. The sky, the moon, the beauty of our world and how fragile it all is.
Beautiful sky photos Susan! Thank you always for your lovely posts.
Joan B.
Happy October and thank you for the lovely sky photos!! So happy for cooler weather, pumpkins and turning leaves!
Thank you again for what you do. The moon, stars, and sky have always been what grounds us as we realize everyone on this planet share them. That thought always makes me feel a part of something so much bigger. And reading you and your comments does the same, especially in this time of isolation and the unknown. It’s like a warm hug, and a mug of something hot and delicious, full of warmth and love. Thank you from my beach to yours.
What beautiful sky photos! 😍 Wishing you a wonderful autumn 🍂🧡🍁🎃
Not to be greedy, but does the clothesline come with the cheery quilt? Bless you for this generous opportunity!
Happy October! The quilt is beautiful.
Thank you so much for your blog. I look forward to it every month. Your words bring such joy & so many smiles. I try not to turn the pages on your calendars until the new month so that I have a surprise on the first.
We are in southern California so your pictures of the east coast in the fall are so much fun to enjoy. This is fire season for us so not too much in the way of fall colors or fall weather. I decorate the house & turn on the A/C & make a pot of soup though so we can pretend we have fall outside.
I will be sending your puzzle to our daughter up in Portland for those cold rainy winter nights.
Thank you again.
I loved seeing all of your skies- it made for a nice virtual vacation! And seeing that some of the most beautiful skies were in your own backyard reminds me of my very favorite story “The Bluebird of Happiness”. And if you have not seen the Shirley Temple movie of the same name, please do. It is wonderful!
On my early morning walks I always marvel at the beauty of the sky. So many unique colors and fascinating clouds!!! Loved your photos of so many examples of the sky and it’s ever changing skyscape. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your heart
Happy Fall ya’ll!
Thanks for this moment of escape.
Oh my goodness, I just read “Martha’s Vineyard-Isle of Dreams” in 3 days! And I work full time. Couldn’t put it down. Next on my list is “Fairy Tale Girl”. Love the hand printing and the story. Thank you for writing!
Your art and writing is like a mini vacation. ♥️😍Thank you!
I would love to win something during this pandemic. I’m working at home, sitting on the couch with my computer- a quilt would be fantastic. Here in Michigan it’s already feeling like fall is in full force.
We LOVE YOU!😘🤩 You’re the best! So far they are allowing trick or treating here – just suggesting regular masks on EVERYONE. Also asking that we set the treats out in separate bags or cups so the littles don’t rummage around in a bowl. We figure we’ll set a table up on the driveway and wave from the porch. I’m thinking a barricade on the front stairs of pumpkins so they know not to try to run up! Sigh, this will end before we know it and then everything we took for granted will seem EXTRA special!! Keep the faith, stay healthy, and stay strong!
So much fall fun…thanks!
The quilt is beautiful. I’ve been working on one for over 20 years lol!
And one can never have too many books…
Once again, dear Sue, thank you for your lovely blog. Praise God, we do not live where there is no Autumn!
Happy Trails through lovely October.
And, “Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow.”
Your blog always appears at just the right time. So thankful for you all … and for all of the beauty in the world! And you will really enjoy the fire pit ~ we use ours regularly!
I would absolutely LOVE to win the quilt! Your books are my favorites, I re-read them every season! And your book “Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams” is my all-time favorite book. I love everything about it, especially the way you speak of your family. Thank you for writing and bringing us along in all of your adventures!❤
I’ve crossed Galway Bay several times….and always had a rainbow appear to bless the journey. I am in dire need of another visit “home” but that is for another day. Who doesn’t love pumpkins, swirling falling leaves, and the warmth of a fire on a chilly night? My only advice is stock up on marshmallows and chocolate squares before your new firepit arrives. Oh…and you have Grizzly Bear pumpkins! Lucky you! They’ve been hard to find here!
Hi Susan,
We have a fire pit too and use it frequently! When our camping reservations in Sequoia National Park were cancelled recently due to the devastating wildfires, we created our own campsite in the backyard and made a lovely campfire that we bravely cooked dinner on. It was wonderful fun!
Also seeing those sweet illustrations from Lois Lenski brought back a deluge of very happy memories…as a girl I couldn’t wait to get to the library every Saturday and check out a Betsy-Tacy book. Love, love,love those illustrations!
Have a lovely day, Sheila
Oh, if I could be the lucky winner of this beautiful quilt! October is my favorite month of the year (and it’s my birthday month coincidentally!😁) so you never know! Thank you dear Susan for always sharing your time, talent, and beautiful outlook on life with us.💙
I love all your books!!
I loved your pictures of the sky. Wherever I travel in the world, be it Egypt or Vietnam or California, we all share the same sky, sun and moon. Happy October!
Thank you for your beautiful post of sky photos! I love fall and all things autumn. You live in a beautiful part of the country.
I always love to see your posts, and I love you Both your Christmas books. Ihave a pretty good collection of your books.
Susan,
This has been the most challenging year of my life on a few levels. Since May I have been writing verses in your DAYS from the Hearts of the Home book and that’s been comforting.
I was just thinking, Will the tide, and tone change when the year changes to 2021?. Hopefully so, and I can continue from January to the beginning of May, with a whole new wonderful collection of praise and thanksgiving!