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 . . . 💝
Thank you Susan! Your blog post brightened my day, and brought to mind the quote from LM Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”.
It’s October and every day well over 100 degrees. “They” claim next will will cool off into the 90s. BUT that hasn’t stopped me from quilting. Eight completed so far. Put a quilter in lock down and look what happens! Of course I don’t keep them, but gift them to others. I love to see your fall photos, at least it is cooling off somewhere!
Hi Susan! Nothing like reading your posts and feeling cozy by all the pics and quotes! I love the picture of your kitty looking out the window at the pumpkins-adorable!! The quilt is full of joy and Lois Lenski has the most darling illustrations! Happy, Happy Autumn! Sheri xo
A wonderful post. I love watching the sky too because the changing sky gives us the best paintings. really enjoyed the tea party. Many thanks!
Thank you for the fun post. I am enjoying your Christmas Book…. lots of fun memories. Fall is my favorite season and I am looking forward to all the color to come . Take care and stay safe.
Susan, thank you for your lovely books! I have them all and cherish them! I love your writing style because I feel like you are right there speaking to me!
Thanks for your lovely posts, too! It is a calming pleasure to read them in this crazy world!
This long time Tasha Tudor/Trina Schart Hyman fan just discovered you on IG! I loved Autumn: From the Heart of the Home so much that I sent my
Mom a copy for her 10/1 birthday.
Love your posts ! And the quilt is lovely. Can’t wait for the book to arrive!
Thank you Susan! Love all your beautiful photos and this post reminded me to get our “Autumn” book out! Loving your new Christmas book too!
Beautiful sky pictures…we are so blessed to have all these gifts from God.
I enjoy your blog so much. Love the sky pictures and autumn decor. I got your
Christmas book, love the story and brought back good memories of my own.
A friend of mine passed away recently and they sent cards with the following
printed on them.
Life is short,
and we do not have too much time
to gladden the hearts of those
who travel with us.
So be swift to love
and make haste to be kind.
– Henry Amiel
Beautiful!
Love your blogs, Susan! They always make me smile. Thank you for your lovely sky photos. We have been experiencing some magnificent sunsets here in the midwest and I stopped the car the other evening to take some pictures. So thankful for God’s beautiful artistry.
Dear Susan,
I have been waiting since Friday for a chance to set down with a nice cup of tea to read your blog.. They are a form of art that is filled with magic and lots of love. The pictures of the sky are breath taking. I try to take a moment each day and watch the sunrise and the sunset.
Autumn is such a beautiful time. I got all my pumpkins, mums, fall pillows and wreath set up on the front steps so now I am ready! I think you and Joe are really going to enjoy your new fire pit. There is just something so cozy about setting out under the stars all bundled up and watching the flames dancing up to the sky without a care in the world. Have a lovely fall and I look forward to your next blog. Hello to Joe and Jack!
What a beautiful post. So much beautiful sky from all these wonderful places all over the world. Love your photos and they have matched so many of the most gorgeous bright blue skies these past few days. Love all the decorating for fall and Halloween. Which has not been cancelled in my town, but have made the difficult and sad decision (love the little ones in their costumes) that our house will remain dark this year to protect my compromised immune system and to err on the side of caution. Doesn’t mean no decorating, that’s going warp speed. Love the picture of Jack…wondered what he was so focused on. Enjoy fall!!
Oh, my! October, and beaches, and skies, and beautiful nature scenes! A mini-vacation while sitting at home. And Christmas! Love the new book and I’m so glad we are getting to see Santa early this year. And Jack helping out. Happy Fall, y’all! Love seeing my favorites featured here – cats, pumpkins, fire pits, and every little thing!
Dear Susan, The sky pictures really brightened my mood during the latest smoke-filled days here in California’s Central Valley. Thank you for the much-needed vacation!
Susan, Love you right back! The nightime picture you posted( I think number 17) is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for another special blog during these difficult days. I’ve noticed several girlfriends who have commented have birthdays later this month and so do I ! Will we really be able to wait until our actual birthdays to open our Susan Branch stash??? I try so hard not to open your calendars until time to use them. Take care and be safe. Kisses to a beautiful Jack in the window.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bridget!!!🎉
Dear Susan,
Thank you for being an inspiration to so many, including myself! You have such a sweet, positive attitude that makes everyone’s day brighter by reading your blog and books. Your pictures are beautiful!
Thanks for the positive joy you bring. So refreshing. I love the joy in your pictures and it brings me joy to look at them. I love clouds, stars and sunsets too. The Ocean is joy to my soul. A little flower, a rock or a seashell finds its way to my home on my shelf. Oh the memories they bring. You are a treasure.
Thank you.
Beautiful post, Susan. We’ve always had a fire pit. It’s been the place the family gathers, in good times and not-so-good times. For example, I vividly recall my husband’s entire out-of-town extended family clustered around ours the evening of my mother-in-law’s funeral a dozen years ago. My sons got to visit with cousins they never see and the adults got to reconnect and reminisce. It’s how we visited with our kids this summer outside. Probably will be sitting around the fire out there with them on Christmas too this year.
Susan, such a joy to read your uplifting words. Life is turned upside down right now and it is all so overwhelming. Reading your blog is a sweet little escape from all the craziness. I enjoy them so much I often read them over and over again!
Beautiful October. Prepares us for snow and cold and a Covid winter. Many projects to work on!
Oh such a warm and lovely post! Yes! Look up I say! 💫🌛 happy 🎃
Thank you. I needed this today! We won’t be trick or treating either though I’m afraid some of my neighbors will be. My kids (6 & 8) are going to dress up and I’m making popcorn balls and caramel apples for an old fashioned happy family party. We told the kids we could make a fire and watch a spooky movie. I hope it’s enough to make some happy memories. Dampanic!
I have enjoyed your art from “way back” with recipes pages in Country Living Magazine. I bet you have to pinch yourself, occasionally, when you realize how much your life and art have grown!!! My girls just purchased one of your mugs for me for my birthday….oh joy! Maybe I’ll WIN the Christmas book….I grew up with Lois Lenski and have purchased some of her reprinted books to share with my grandkids (who I miss dearly during this pandemic!!)
Thank you Susan Branch for all you give us!!
So excited for your fire pit. I recommend toasting marshmallows and sandwiching them in between LU little school boy cookies. A dear friend shared that with us and I hope the girlfriends out there will try it. It’s quite a wonderful upgrade on the classic s’mores. I hope you enjoy many cozy nights by your fire. Thanks for the beautiful sky pictures. It’s a good reminder to look up and enjoy the beauty that is right there. Happy October!
Thank you Susan, So lovely to see and hear you in your kitchen via Titcombs.
My Granny would have been 100 years old last week on her birthday. She loved to quilt, like her Momma before her. Beautiful quilts made by hand, each little stitch as unique as the one before it. I have a couple of them. I love to sit and look at those tiny stitches and “wonder” what they were doing or thinking about that day. Memories, for sure. Love this quilt and I thank you for the artwork you created in the 2021 calendars!
Oh those glorious photos of the clear and stormy skies were so welcoming to me here in smoky California! A New England girl at heart I ❤️ love your blog. Fall was my favorite time of year! How I long to shuffle through some colorful leaves!
Hello Susan,
I come to you from “Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain. I am in love with your blog it’s like a weekend
road trip I always look forward to where we’re going and what we might see along the way . The rainbow picture was my favorite , my sewing / craft room is all Wizard of Oz. Also love all the recipes!
Diana
What a lovely post to read while soaking in a lovely bubble bath. Ahhhhhhh.,,,,,
October gave a party
The leaves by hundreds came…
–George Cooper
Please enter me in the drawing, I love quilts and would love another one…and I love books, especially Christmas books! Thank you for the post.
I loved Lois Lenski books from the Brooklyn NY public library around the corner from where I grew up in Bay Ridge. I may have even read the book you featured with her illustrations. Your blog is such a treat in these very difficult times. Keep up the good work. Stay well!
Thank you for creating such a happy and cozy corner. I hope you know the joy you’ve brought me.
I am sorry to hear about your mom. Thoughts and prayers with you 🧡
I love your positive outlook and how you see the beauty and adventure in life!
Hi Susan,
I love your Christmas book and felt as if I were reading about my own childhood! It brought back the most wonderful memories. Thank you. Also, I will fall asleep tonight with visions of the most beautiful ‘skies’, which invoke a plethora of feelings. I know that you and Joe will get a lot of pleasure from your very celestial fire pit this fall. We too have one, but it’s made of stones and we enjoy it so very much, especially on these recent chilly nights where we can cozy up around it. When our granddaughters are around we make Inside Out S’mores. Just take 2 chocolate covered graham cracker cookies, toast the marshmallow, then place it between the two cookies. Voila! Chocolate inside and out!
Even the grownups love them. Fall is a fun time for sure.
Thanks for all your posts they make my heart sing.
xoxo
Nancy
Susan I have loved your books for years but only this year have i taken time to indulge in your monthly blogs which have made all the difference during this difficult 2020. You are truly a God send. The Tea at Titcombs took me back to our one wonderful week in Cape Cod in 2007. I’m delighted you have scheduled more. And the Fall leaves pictures you posted this month are exactly as I remember them there – especially the Sassafrass leaf. A favorite tree of mine from home in Indiana. Miss them here in Arizona. We have always hoped to return to Cape Cod in the Fall someday. The quilt is delightful and I would love to give it a good home. 🙂 It would be perfect in our cabin in the forest of northern AZ. I just received 3 copies of your Christmas book today and can’t wait to gift two of them to special friends. One of my favorite things to decorate with at Christmas time are vintage books found in quaint little shops or handed down in our family. The Dorothy Thompson books would fit in perfectly. My husband Mike and I share your great love for England and for Beatrix Potter characters. My late father was a gifted wood carver and for many years made delightful figurines from wood of a majority of the Beatrix Potter critters including of course Peter but also Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Squirrel Nutkin and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle to name a few. I will try to send you pictures of them. like you, we were so pleased to spend time at Ms Potters home on our original trip to the north of England in 1995. Please know you are a special gift to all of us who treasure your writing, your artistry and just who you are! Thank you. Mary
I stopped reading your blog a while ago, but came back to it today. So glad you’re still writing and painting! Your work is beautiful and inspiring. Thank you ❤
Love the sky pics! Especially the rainbow on Galway Bay. Growing up near a lake, my favorite night beauty was when a full moon shone across the water. There should be a special word for the way the water sparkles and looks soft in the moonlight.
I stopped reading your blog a while ago and came back to it today. I’m so glad you are still writing and painting! Your work is inspiring. Thank you ❤
Thank you for being a ray of sunshine, Susan! 💛
Dear Susan, thank you for all the beautiful smiles you’ve given me over all these years, I too have just had a huge loss, my dear husband and best friend of 38 years lost his battle with cancer, leaving my whole life and heart broken,and my world shattered. Christmas Day would have been our 39th anniversary and will be especially hard for our family, but memories and a new dear sweet kitten named Ellie will keep us all going on. Thank you for all of your sunshine and happiness you continue to bring to my life, I need that more than ever! Thank you from the bottom of my ❤
I have the new Christmas book. I haven’t read it or looked at it yet. I’m saving it for Christmas reading. That’s anytime after Thanksgiving. I’m savoring the thought of reading it just as I’ve done with all your books!
Looking forward to the next blog!
THANK YOU, SO UPLIFTING, IT PUSHES THE CLOUDS AWAY.
Dear Susan.
It is 3:45 AM and I can not sleep. Shiloh my Old English Sheep dog is snoring and the house is dark. I picked up my iPad and for some reason looked to see if there was a new post. There you wee. What a wonderful post. Loved all your sky pictures. My kids are always laughing at me because I am constantly pointing out the clouds or the moon or the sunset. Someday they will remember me by those images. This dampenic has really taken its toll on me but I continue to look for the good in this world and it can be found. Hugs. We all need hugs. Again you are giving of yourself with these wonderful giveaways. That quilt is the happiest thing I have seen in a long time. And the books! Maybe my luck will change. I love your fire pit. Can’t wait to hear your reviews. It’s so cute. Enjoy your walks. Enjoy your life. Warm thoughts to you. Thanks for who you are.
Stay strong Christine, so much beauty around us . . . dampanic can’t last forever! xoxoxo
Hello Susan
Enjoy your books..love the artwork and the stories…read them all over and over💗
…once again such a calming post in the midst of such difficult times … I love the photos you’ve shared of the brilliant skies ! …’so happy you have the new fire ring !!…btw, I loved reading you new Christmas book !!! It took me back to my precious memories…somewhat similar to yours, being that I am from a family of ten children !!…and my Mom’s birthday is Christmas eve so you can imagine the magic flying !! may God bless you and your loved ones, Susan !!! and once again thank you !!!..with love, as always…
Can’t beat a kitty looking out at pumpkins~Took a screenshot I love it so:) Happy Autumn 🍁
Ohh, Susan… How I love you <3 FALL!! Autumn!! (deep breath) Our souls are tied to Oct. Nov. Dec. 🙂 Well, the fire pit looks amazing, and your house most definitely will appreciate the gesture <3 Lots of memories to be made 🙂 The giveaway ~ I felt a connection. I absolutely adore all your giveaways and take my chances for them; but this quilt ~ and this book… LOVE. I think I may have to put a spell on the drawing… It is October… LOL! No, seriously.. 😀 Welp, I wish you, Joe, and Jack (and all the girlfriends/boyfriends reading this) all the best and lots of fall serendipity <3 Love ~ Cassandra (your little lamb) <3
Seeing the Lois Lenski illustrations brought me right back to my childhood! I would gravitate to her books anytime I went to the library. As always I love how you capture the beauty in our world and seek out the simple things in life. Thank you for reminding us what is truly important. Happy Fall! Xo
Dear Susan. I love your posts. You make all of us feel like we are your best friend!! Your words, your photos, your artwork… I love it all! Oh and I would also like to win that beautiful vintage quilt. ❤️
Happy October to you too, Susan! We just spent a couple days in the western mountains of PA. What beautiful colors God had on display. Gave me just the bit of anticipation needed for what’s in store in a few more weeks here closer to the eastern side of PA. Halloween will look much different here but my kids are still thinking up what they’ll be and it reminds me that much of this “new normal” is in our heads. Kids don’t seem to be bothered that much at having to imagine new ways of being & celebrating. They suggested a costume party with close friends and I think that is JUST what we’ll be doing! Costume contest, yummy eats and a Halloween pinata to boot! Your letters (I consider them as such even though they are digital) are always a comfort and a joy to me. Thanks for writing! God bless til next time : )
Every time I read your posts I think it’s my favorite and every time I have a new favorite! Thank you for your kind spirit, it is a gift to the world.
Thank you for another inspiring post. It’s like a little visit to Martha’s Vinyard. I’ve never been there but feel like I have from your posts. Much love for a happy fall 🙂
Susan, thank you so much for your inspiration to slow down and savor all the small joys of life.
Beautiful as always in spirit and heart
Ah, October! My month (bday Oct15th) and I adore the colors of autumn. One of my all time favorite times of the year. Ohhh – and love the firepit! Love your sunsets – so gorgeous. I haven’t painted in oils for many years and then did a few abstracts for my Mom about 10 years ago and then 3 for my nephew. I used to oil paint seascapes, particularly in sunset / sunrise. Seeing all your pictures makes me want to do one again. Been 30+ years since I painted a seascape. Oh goody ! A giveaway! And that book is awesome. Wouldn’t that be lovely surprise? Your blog brings a smile to face whenever I read it.
Happy Fall season to you, Susan! Your Autumn book is displayed in my kitchen plate rack and it never ceases to bring me cozy joy.
I just learned from another commenter that your (and hers) mom’s birthday is Feb. 27. My mom turned 90 this past Feb. 27. All of her family met her in her assisted living facility to celebrate and as soon as we all got back to our various states we learned we were in lockdown. I haven’t got to see her since but I may just have to drive one state over and talk to her outside her window!
We have Friday Fire here! Fire pit, friends, food, and fellowship. You will love Fall Fireside!!!
Thank you for your warm inspiration.
Oh to think i almost missed a new blog post-Heavens forbid…..i am usually stalking but have been working and got a bit caught up. Thank you Susan for a new post, it renews my heart and lifts my spirits. Right now in “The Rona” times, we all needs our spirits lifted and you have done such a wonderful job at doing it.
I hope you are having beautiful weather like we are in Kentucky. Fall is my favorite time of year, i call it Sweater weather….cool days and crisp nights. I read my new Christmas book and loved it so much and even shed a few tears as it brought back memories of the days when things were better and remembering those that are no longer with us. Thank you and biggest hugs sent to you and Joe and Jack too. Oh- and please enter me for the quilt drawing….i need that! LOL! THANK YOU!@!@!
I absolutely love your blog post. I just received a copy of your Christmas book, but I’m waiting to read it in December! I love the quilt that you’re giving away!
Dear Susan, I am crying. Beautiful post as always! Keep up the good, work you are an inspiration. All I can say is thank you. I love ❤️ you too. 😘
♥️ ♥️ ♥️
The first day of October is when I have it marked on my calendar to get out my Susan Branch Autumn cookbook. It doesn’t matter how many times I flip through it, the magic feels the same as the first time I leafed through it when I was much younger <3
Dear Susan, once again………….I start my day at my desk, make my tea and was pleasantly surprised to see your new post. My goal for today (and I shared it with a few) was to make this day ridiculously amazing. 🙂 Your post just adds to the amazing-ness. Be well, my friend!! Nora
Received my Home for Christmas book….always fun to get packages. Looking forward to sharing it with my young nephews on cold winter night in the future.
I always enjoy your blogs! For a moment everything goes away and I am on the vineyard or in your kitchen. The quilt is lovely and the book is a treasure. I would be grateful for either and happy for whoever is lucky enough to receive these wonderful gifts. I am looking forward to owning a cup of yours one day. Fingers crossed!
Sue, always love, love, love your blogs!
Have I told you lately that I LOVE YOU? Too?! I do, I do! Thank you for being YOU and making life more wonderful…
Susan, love your posts. The sky photos, your thoughts. Just beautiful. And sorely needed. Thank you thank you thank you.
Dear Susan, Thank you for a lovely intro to beautiful October, I love this month!! You are so kind to invite us into your world, it’s such a nice place to be, especially during these trying times! May I offer my condolences for the loss of your sweet mama? I know you have so many memories tucked in your heart and they will keep you going. I love my Christmas book so much, it reminds me of my own wonderful childhood, as you knew it would! Anyway, thank you for sharing your day with me. I appreciate it!! Love and Peace to you and yours~
There really are no words, just thank you, thank you for always brightening my day, thank you for the lovely tea party via Titcomb’s, my favorite local bookstore, thank you for the truly wonderful little Christmas book, which is already on display on my coffee table, I don’t care if it’s only October! I love the idea of sitting by the firepit on 12/31 and burning my 2020 calendar pages, I think it is a definite must this year, so long 2020, onward and upwards for us all, 2021 here we come, keep smiling and filling our lives with sunshine and happiness!
XO
Enjoyed your blog after returning from an outing to take sunset photos of Lake Winnipeg. Those sky photos are beautiful! Thanks for offering the fun draws….. the anticipation is great.
Hi Susan,
I bought your Christmas book for myself and daughters. I put them up in my spot for Christmas presents in my craft room, but my book kept calling my name. I’ll read just a page or two or more. when I came to the spot with you talking about the Ginny and Terri Lee dolls my heart leaped. My Ginny doll was my best friend. She couldn’t be bought in my small home town but 2 or 3 times a year we would go shopping in Indianapolis. I saved all my allowence for this trip. I spent hours in the toy departments at the big departments before I made my choice on what outfit I wanted to buy for her. Happy memories. One year I wanted a Terri Lee doll for Christmas. My cousin had one along with a trunk of clothes her mother had made for her. I loved playing with this doll at my cousins house. I was really worried I wouldn’t get one, but there she was under the tree. My Aunt Vi had graciously made some clothes for her. Oh Happy Christmas. After this, I put the book back with the others to read closer to Christmas.
Today is my 74th birthday. Where does time go. That little girl still lives with me. She keeps me young. Thank you for your beautiful words and pictures. They touch my heart and comfort me during difficult times.
Happy Birthday Jayne, how nice it is to spend it with some lovely memories!
Hi, Jayne, You and Susan really sparked happy memories of playing with my Ginny doll. She had a little dog, a terrier I think. I gave her with all those clothes (many made by my grandma) to one or the other daughter of friends….not having any kids to pass them to. I do have the Madame Alexander doll, but I wasn’t allowed to play with her.
And Happy 74th.
Debbie in Maine
I’m soooo happy I found you again. You were one of my favorite people years ago. I have all of your early calendars and books. Now, I am excited all over again. Thanks for hanging around.
Finally getting to sit down and read this! Of course, it truly brightened my day! You are going to love the fire pit. We have one that has stars and the state of Texas cut out of the sides! So fun to roast marshmallows and enjoy it when we have cool nights! xoxoxo
Lisa! Yes, ours is stars and moons! It got here! Just LOVE it!
I so look forward to your posts, especially as we get into the very best time of the year!
Love love love your posts! So joyous!
Susan – Thank you for your blog. Today is my 78th birthday and I needed something special and this was it. Lovely. Linda Smith
Happy Birthday Linda!!!🎉
Your newsletter is always a highlight. It brings such joy and smiles. Thank you!
Love your everything! You lift me up❤️❤️❤️❤️
Love that last photo! What a wonderful Holiday card that would be – painted of course! Inspired to break out our fire pit for the season, and rabbit rabbit luck to all. VOTE LADIES!
What a beautiful post, Susan, full of hope, lovely pictures, and thoughts about the upcoming holidays. It’s the best time of year, even in a pandemic, if we look for the little pleasures around us every day.
Stay well,
Susan N.
Your blog is always the highlight of my day. So much to enjoy. Thank you for all the work you put in to make this possible.
The quilt is beautiful! I love my little Christmas book that arrived and my calendars for next year! Always need one at the office too! ❤️Thank you!!
Thank you again Susan for an ahhhhhhhhhh moment in my day. I always look forward to your words, pictures, sayings and of course your darling art.
It is a gorgeous Autumn here in CO and it just goes on and on and on as leaves continue to fall. The Aspen are late turning color this year so we are enjoying an immense volumn of red/peach, gold and green. My favorite is the gold Aspen leaves decorating the dark green evergreens like special CO ornaments! Each year I say that is all I am putting on the tree this year; but of course then I open up my Christmas boxes and can’t stop at that:) Anyway, that is a ways off and I just want to dawdle in the FALL. We don’t have the ocean and that I miss but we do have the amazing mountains and fresh clean air.
Blessings on you and may the Lord continue to heal your heart from the loss of you Mom.
Sincerely,
Mary
Oh yes, please enter me into these lovely give aways. Your words and pictures bring such joy into a much too realistic world. We need some magic and thank you my love for providing that today.
What a comforting read you’ve given us! You have such a cozy, homey feel with your words – a lovely gift. Thank you for sharing. Love your special name for the pandemic. Think I’m going to borrow it! Here’s to happier and healthier days ahead.
Hey Susan I love your blue sky pink my favorite. Your blog is alway great. Loved your pictures make your feel that I’m there Stay healthy both you and Joe. Love Cynthia
Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures! My husband and I were able to see Stonehenge on a trip we took a couple of years ago. Your picture is lovely. Enjoy your uplifting blog and your books.
Thank-you for this post! I always look forward to an email from you!
Thanks for another good post. Loved the sky pictures. Last Saturday night I was driving home from my brother’s farm and I had the big beautiful moon lighting my way!
I received my calendar, book and Santa cup on Saturday. I LOVE them! I’m planning to use the cup year round…because, why not have a little Christmas love all year long? Your beautiful book made me weep tears of joys as well as tears of loss. The bittersweet memories of past holidays are something that we can all understand and share. Thank you for all that you share with us!
I absolutely love coming to your blog. It just makes me happy! All your pictures and descriptive words take me away to another place. Dreaming of coming to the Island one day. You are amazing! Thank you for being you! The quilt is beautiful!
I love this time of year, covid or no covid! Thank you for the wonderful photos. I loved the crossroads in Kansas. That’s where I am…wave, your next trip through!
I am looking forward to getting your Christmas book soon, it looks wonderful and what beautiful pictures! It reminds of Psalm 19: 1-4 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world.”
Dearest Susan,
I pray for peace in your heart as you grieve the loss of your precious Mother. I hope you are feeling the strength of the multitude of prayers being whispered on your behalf. Blessings on you. Thank you for taking time to encourage us. We all need each other.
XOXOXOXOXO,
Marybeth
Well, with all the comments ahead of mine, I guess it’s all been said! But, I can’t pass up a chance for that beautiful quilt! If you DO go to England in 2022, do you think you’ll have another picnic with the Girlfriends? If so, I’ll have to arrange my own trip to coincide with yours! (I last went in June of 2019, and had perfect weather all 7 days!) (OK, one day was a little drizzly, but no less perfect!)
Enjoy October — my birthday month!
Stay well!
If we go, I think we would NEED to have a picnic … I would put it in a blog post for sure! Let’s hope we all get to do that!
Such beautiful skies! Love seeing the pathway you take for walking! That firepit will be an enjoyable addition. Wonderful, generous giveaways! Great cheer all the way around! Thank you for lifting our spirits….and for keeping us informed! xoxo
Once again thanks for sharing…skies, harvest moon, pumpkins, quilts, old timey books, loved it all. And the fire pit….you will love it!! 🙂
Love all of your posts. They’ve gotten me through some tough times. Thank you!!!
Please hold an event at Barnes and Noble in Honolulu Hawaii one day. I love your books, blog, everything.