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 . . . 💝
Another wonderful blog post…especially love the fall and pumpkin photos…like many others, my favorite time of the year! Please include me in the quilt offering.
I just love that fire pit, if I were to have one that would certainly be it. So far there is still trick or treating in my town, but who knows if that will change in the coming days. I like your idea about burning your pages of the 2020 calendar, but there are a few days I would keep–the birth of a new great granddaughter and the wedding of my oldest granddaughter among them. I have always thought I could live the life of a hermit, but with pandemic I have found life without being with others hard. I miss the spontaneity of getting up and going somewhere. I just love your newsletters. They lift my spirit up.
I felt the same way, very hermit-like, but like you, it’s not great! I miss the hugs, just in passing, the ones when you see a friend on the street or at the supermarket.
Hi Susan…LOVE LOVE LOVE your newest blog with all the sky pictures, the colorful leaves and pumpkins and your vase full of “fall’s free finds”. Also your kitchen cricket, your awesome fire pit and Jack too. Last, but not least, your generous giveaways…keeping my fingers crossed. Happy fall days to you, Joe and all the girlfriends near and far. Thank you, Susan, for all the love and insparation…you make my ♡ sing…
🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵♥️
So many goodies in this blog! I’ve gained some of those dam panic pounds too, but I got myself back on track. We can do it girlfriend! I love October 🎃 And I’m a Halloween baby!. Sad to hear that those kiddies won’t be trick or treating, but I’m sure they will figure something out. Oh Susan I would love to receive any of those blessing giveaways… XO
My mother and I had a wonderful time at the Titcombs tea party!!! You were wonderful, Susan! Just the sort of pep talk we needed to get going with the beginnings of our holiday decorating!
My son turns 1 on the 22nd, and we have gone all out decorating for our October baby! We have cheerful looking ghosts out in the front yard…and every time we go out the front door and he sees them, he says BOOOOO! Melts my heart!! It’s his second “word”…his first was “b-d” for bird. We have lots of bird feeders in our backyard, and he is already an avid little bird watcher 🙂
Memories still being made! Even if we don’t get to go trick-or-treating!
Susan, Thank you for sharing your happiness!! ❤️🌈 🌟 🎃
Susan, thank you so much for filling my home with fall! I moved across country this year, from the Pacific Northwest to Charleston – a place where fall doesn’t make herself quite as readily known. So I knew I absolutely HAD to find my copy of your Autumn book (which, incidentally, I purchased during the last fall that I previously lived in Charleston!) So I went to our storage unit where all of our books are still living in boxes until we find our dream home, and rootled through several before finding my treasured book. It feels like the biggest, coziest, falliest hug! As does this lovely, lovely blog. Something we all likely need in this upside down year. Thank you for always generously offering so much comfort and love. <3
Yippee this is a wonderful giveaway! Yearning for Fall here in warm California! Love your blogs, actually love everything about you!
Dear Susan,
Your blog gives me a sense of peace during this different time in our lives. I absolutely loved your Christmas book, such enjoyment. It completely reminded me of Christmases past with my sisters and the traditions we did as a family. Especially that one precious gift to open before the big day!
Thank you!
I always feel like I’ve had a virtual hug when I read your blogS, Susan. I love reading about your cozy life and you inspire mine.
What a wonderful blog posting, and as it turns out, I read it on my birthday! Such a gift you are to me and so many others with your beautiful words, pictures, paintings and perspectives. Life giving! So thankful for you and your love and light you so freely share with the world and your girlfriends. I was able to be part of your zoom for the Titcombs virtual Tea Party and loved it! Just finished your Christmas book last night and it brought such joy, will be gifting to many this year to spread the love!
With love and gratitude, Pam
Susan, thank you so much for this Long letter! We all deserve it! I believe the Best! Beautiful skies, beatiful pictures, beautiful quotes and I love old books! And please don’t throw your 2020 calendar – throw it to my address in New York instead! 2020 has nothing to do with the pandemic, it’s God’s will! Prayers to all and Love! salve
Susan, the quilt is absolutely gorgeous! My handmade quilts from my mom and grandma are my prized possessions. Also, the little Christmas book looks adorable. I believe you said it was from 1938, the year my parents married! Either one would be so special. Thank you for sharing with us!
It was wonderful to hear Judy Garland sing, what a voice! And the perfect song… Thank you for sharing your sky photos! My fella is a cloud collector, they are as unique as snowflakes! I know these posts mean a lot of work for you, but I sure enjoy them! xxxooo
Dear Susan,
My heart is joyful when I read your beautiful and uplifting blog with such incredible pictures! Fall is my favorite time of the year! I’m so happy that you purchased your firepit! Our daughter (the Vet who is doing her residency in Oncology at Kansas State University) purchased one when she was located in Idaho last year. It has been such a beautiful fire to (socially distance) sit around with others during this very difficult time! When her dad and brother moved her this past July all the way to Kansas I packed a whole lot of outdoor lights into the truck before my husband left. He worked on putting the lights up so they were “just right” and adding her firepit , and outdoor seating. It has been a source of comfort and joy for her just like the one we have here at our home.
Next week it will be a year since I lost my mother. I so feel your loss and know how difficult it is every day! Although I never had the opportunity to meet your mother I actually have….. through you, your books, art, pictures, and blog! Stay Well!
What a lovely vintage Christmas book! Can’t believe you found a copy. I read your Christmas book cover to cover when I received it and it brought back a lot of very similar memories of Christmas from when I was growing up in Maryland. I just HAD to order another copy for my sister as a Christmas gift because I know she will feel the same way. Thanks!
Thanks Susan for another great post. I look forward to these more than ever now! I’ve been using your Autumn recipes and have your new Christmas book but are waiting to savor it when it gets closer to the season <3
Susan,
Beautiful words, pictures, and inspiration! Thank you! Happy October 🙂
Dear Susan
I just finished reading your newsletter, it’s always kinda sad when I get to the end because I can never read too much of a good thing and what you send is always a good thing🍁❤️
I did receive my Christmas book in the mail and I’m digesting every page and every word.
I have to tell you I loved the lady photo of Jack looking at the pumpkin, it was the perfect Halloween scene 🧡
Have a lovely October and be safe a d just know that Jesus loves you and so do I❤️🤗
Hi Susan,
Love the pumpkin pics. One can never have to many pumpkins I say.
Happy Autumn, Happy October and Happy Halloween!
Kellie from Indiana
Your mother knew her children loved her, and I think being well remembered after we are gone is the best we can hope for. Thank you for another lovely post, I look forward to them so much. Don’t forget to show my favorite Halloween decoration – your vintage ghost that peeks out of one of your top floor windows. I’m always searching eBay for one like it.
What a lovely post! I believe that the quilt pattern was called Potted Posies. My grandmother made one very similar to what you have and she used scraps of material she had on hand to make the flowers. I study the sky too and am in awe of how gracious God has been with his colors and shapes in the clouds.
Blessings Girlfriend. -Donna H.
Love your new fire pit! I enjoyed all of the sky photos and thanks for sharing the pics of your woods changing with the seasons. Fall is the most beautiful time of year. Enjoy and thank you for another uplifting blog post.
Wow! Your post has been an actual balm to my soul! I have been on the edge of having a panic attack all day because two weeks ago we survived Hurricane Sally and now Hurricane Delta seems to be barreling toward us. Seeing all of those beautiful sky photos that you have taken calmed me more than anything else has been able to do! I felt myself relax as I read your post and saw that all was well with you! I love how you find beauty everywhere and how you share your indomitable spirit. Susan, you are a treasure!!! The love that you share makes such a mark on the world!!! With love from the Gulf Coast, Rachel
That is exactly why I put them there Rachel, a beautiful sky inspires awe, and peace, and trust, and I love that it helped you. Stay safe, you must have some sort of a hurricane magnet there in the Gulf Coast these days.♥️🙏🙏🙏 xoxo
Wow! Just Wow! It’s fun to imagine the dear soul who created this.
♥️ ♥️ ♥️
October 1st, hubby & I were getting ready for the long-postponed inurnment of our 37-year-old son’s ashes at the VA cemetery in Riverside. Friday at 6a.m., paramedics took him to the hospital with a heart attack, so all that had to be cancelled. After surgery, he is home and doing excellently…truly a revived man. So today as I checked e-mail for the first time on the computer in days, I was so pleased to find the new blog and especially the pictures of heaven. For we know God is so merciful, and we are blessed to be reminded of His presence in and over and through our lives…expressed so gorgeously in His creation which you shared. Thank you for a timely and beautiful post!
Susan C.
We really have to put 2020 behind us. It’s been a cruel year for so many of us. Very much looking forward to a twinkly Christmas and a happy New Year. Be well Susan, I am so happy your husband is safe at home!!!
Deepest sympathies Susan D. Peace be with you. Happy your hubby is well too! Susan B, you are so correct about leaving 2020 behind! Amen!
Susan, I love your new fire pit! We had one when I was a little girl. My Dad dug it out in our backyard next to the brick patio and lined it with fire bricks. It was so lovely to sit around that fire on a cool autumn night and watch the flames dance.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for the fun post. I have the same fire pit, but due to all the fires here in the Bay Area, we have enough smoke and unable to use it this year. I put real wood logs and intertwined tiny orange and white twinkling lights as if they were burning. It worked great! The punched out stars and moon just glowed.
I know you will enjoy your new fire pit and your beautiful skies. Thank you for the uplifting blog. Blessings 🙂
I always love your photos of the world outside your windows but those skies! This beautiful post is just what I needed today – all your posts are uplifting and joyful, a bright spot, especially now. Thank you!
What amazing sky pictures. It makes me want to take my camera out and become a sky watcher too! Thank you for sharing your photos.
Fall is my favorite season and because of this, I always enjoy getting out your “Autumn” book, rereading it and making my favorites to celebrate the season.
I am also a quilter who especially loves old quilts. If my name is drawn by Vanna, I will treasure this gift.
Thank you Susan, for always providing joy in these discouraging times.
Susan, I wanted to let you know that my Teahouse of the Mountain Moon (I live in a small mountaintop community) is about to be finished. It was inspired by your Teahouse of the August Moon and the people who built my house were charming people who were always throwing parties and having wedding teas in the backyard, so it’s fitting to say the least. I’ve loved your work for years.
My mother passed away unexpectedly last week and I feel so sad. It has helped reading about the losses that have occurred in other peoples lives to believe that the hurt spot will eventually heal. “Thank you” to all of you.
I’m so sorry Connie. Heartbreaking. Yes, the edges will be less frayed, but the empty spot clings on. Thrilled you made yourself a teahouse, and love your name for it. Moon names are always the best! xoxo
October is so special, but especially for the birthday of a senior citizen, who was once a red haired, freckle faced, hair in braids, little girl (who still lives inside me)!
Dear June Ellen,
Is your hair white as snow now? My hair was red too, and freckles. I still have some of the freckles, but my hair is white now. I am 65, just turned, and it slowly got lighter and lighter every year until a few years ago it became the color it is now. I like it, so I don’t die it, and wear it very long. God bless and Happy Birthday! —dezi
Hi Susan…I am a 26 year old “old soul” who loves reading your books and blog for inspiration about getting back to the simple things in life. Thanks for sharing your art and mindset with all of us. My next skill I would love to learn is quilting.
26 is the perfect age for adding new skills … and quilting is something you can GIVE your whole life long!
Susan,
Again, I love your Christmas book…..I too had a Terri Lee doll! 🙂 And we have a great-grandmother Christmas bulb too! So many good memories you are sharing.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Mary Barany
Love your Blog. Thankyou for reminding all of us to stay active, a walk outside is good for the body and soul but if you are unable to get out, some yoga or an exercise video is good too.
Oh the Joy! The simple , true joy of life!! Thank you! sweet Sista!
Happy Pumpkin Season everyone! They do bring color and joy! The full moon looked like a pumpkin in the sky! I didn’t win biggest pumpkins at our neighborhood contest this year, but I had the tallest sunflower!! We all wore masked made out of harvest season fabric! The ARE ways to gather!
I loved your sky photos, it’s amazing, the colors the sky can have. I especially love when there is pink in the mix. Happy October, one of my favorite months.
Dear Susan & Joe too☺
I simply LOVE,LOVE, LOVE YOUR blog & YOU
I can’t get enough of your beautiful things which adorn my home. I do so enjoy seeing each room filled
with so many of your precious items I’ve purchased over the years for different holidays & occasions. They are the memories which fill my ❤.
I lived for a time in London with our son while my husband worked for a shipping company. We made dear friendships & I relive many through your blogs.
Fall is my most favorite season. It’s my birthday 🎉 this month and I’m soo glad I live in a world with October’s 🎃
I wish you warm 🌟- y nights ahead to enjoy your darling fire pit & make memories and smores! Stay safe, healthy & virtual hugs.
Andrea from NJ🤩😘
Susan – can’t thank you enough for all you do to keep us upbeat and just keepin’ on. Your Mom and mine…..sometimes sighs are too deep for words. Hugs.
I am enjoying all the cloud and sunset pictures!! Our sunsets on the Central Coast have been hit or miss lately…we have had a lot of dense fog…but when we can see them the sunsets have been great and the sun and moon have been orange due to all the smoke coming down the coast. It was clearer the last couple of days..hopefully the worst is over. California has not been a wonderful place to be lately. Enjoy your fall! Sending hugs! PS,,,I love drinking out of my Santa mug!!!
We love you here in Raeford, NC!!!!! I’m so sorry about your mom. The only advice I can give you is that Time heals all wounds and eventually your grief will turn into pleasant memories of the times spent together with her. That is what happened to me when I experienced the loss of a parent. It is not an easy thing to go through so be sure to give yourself credit for that fact. You have my sympathy. Best Wishes to everyone in Martha’s Vineyard.- MLC
Always love your posts Susan 🧡🎃🧡 the quilt is so beautiful! 🌿🌸🌿
I loved Lois Lenski books when I was little. I remember being so excited when my mum would bring them home from the library for me. I learnt a lot from them. 🌿🌼🌿
Dear , dear Susan! Again I had the feeling that it was time for a post from you and when I went to look, there was a new one! Thank you SO much! The SKY photos are just amazing, and so heart-lifting. It has been a week that battered my heart , and then I had to get up and go to the dentist’s to get my teeth cleaned. Hard to take off the mask, really!! But that is done for 6 months, and now tonight I can put my name in for a drawing! I feel lucky to have found you and all your wonderful books. Thanks for being you! Suzette in Oregon, where most of the smoke is gone…
Susan I just received your Home for Christmas book today and I read the whole thing. The end brought tears to my eyes. It’s a beautiful book. Your mom sounds so lovely. I can’t believe she had time to make clothes for your doll while doing everything else a big family like yours would require. That’s a mother’s love right there ❤️ I’m currently in the midst of raising my own three kids that are all four and under and your story made me so excited for all the Christmases we will still have.
I’m sure you’re a wonderful mom Tatiana! Most important job in the world! Blessings on you all!
Good job Tatiana! I was a stay at home with our daughters. Made their clothes, and their doll clothes. Precious memories. But I was lonely and depressed some days, as was only stay at home mom in my neighborhood. Feel like I didn’t hug my kids as much as I should have! So HUG them lots! They grow up too fast! God has given me a 2nd chance and now have grand daughters! New adventures and opportunities! And more hugs! Keep up the good work! ❤️
It’s not easy being a mom! Too much loneliness, and too much guilt! But you were a gift to your children, I’m sure they know.👏💞
Oh Susan, what a beautiful quilt and as always, a beautiful blog. When I read your comment about the quilt being made by someone with “a joyful heart” it made me smile. My “slogan” for my art business is “Art for a joyful heart.” ❤️😊 That quilt is fantastic and if I’m so blessed to win it I want to gift it to my mom as I know she would love it. You and your art and your kind heart are just so wonderful Susan and I’m so thankful for you and your sweet generous spirit. God bless!
I so love reading your blog and admiring your artwork filled throughout. The sky pictures were a very impressive collection. I will have to scan my Alaskan sky and check out the clouds. If there is one that would be good for your collection I will try to get it to you. I will have to get looking up sooner than later since we are losing our midnight sun. I also loved the colorful and whimsical quilt design. I have a few antique quilts I have salvaged over the years. Happy Fall!!
Susan~
You will love having a fire pit. I love the stars and moons.
We have a plain fire pit…My granddaughters love it when we use it to make s’mores. They know Mimi always has all the ingredients for s’mores in the pantry so we can make them whenever they want to 🙂
I think I need a new fire pit with the stars and moons!!! Way too cute!!!
I just got your new Christmas Book!!! Yea! I love all of your books…
Thank you for being you!
All the best!
Dear Susan,
You are such a delight and inspiration to me! I love reading your blogs, they make me so happy! 🙂 The sky pictures were beautiful.
Thank you for writing Home for Christmas and for sharing your wonderful life story with us.
We are all truly blessed to have your in our lives! Happy Autumn/Fall!
Hello Susan,
It’s been a while since I read your blog, but I just want to say that I love those pictures of the skies you posted. The Christmas book looks wonderful. I’m going to order one online.
Many, many thanks for sharing so much beauty.
Have a great week
Lucy
Dear Susan,
Home for Christmas arrived from Amazon in the UK and I was delighted. I planned to put it to one side to read in December, however I opened it up and started to read…I could not stop! I cant tell you how much joy I felt reading your story of your childhood family Christmas…you write so beautifully and make it impossible for me to leave the page….I may have to return to The Fairy tale Girl now while I await another wonderful book…
Take care, love Jacqui❤
Thank you dear Susan for lifting me up with this blog! I was feeling rather down about this dampanic! I was also cheered up when I got the wonderful Christmas book I was so looking forward to that and it has definitely lifted me up also! I loved all the beautiful pictures in this blog post! The quilt is lovely and that special little book that helped inspire your little book looks so sweet! I love little books like that! MI have found a few myself and cherish them. I hope to take part in the zoom event on the 25th! I may be traveling just up the hill to our mountain house on the 18th. I really need a little time up in the mountains to breathe some really fresh air as we’ve had so much smoke down here in my Valley I live in, in Modesto! Enjoy the fall on your special island! Hugs😘Sherri
Dear Sue ~
What a wonderful thought: That we’re under the same sky that was there even when Stonehenge was built, 2500 years before Christ. It’s humbling and hopeful and an awesome feeling all at once! Quite often, when I’m out for a walk, I think of those who may have walked the same path hundreds of years ago and I wonder what they were thinking about. Hmmmmm….
Your photos and the memories attached to them are beautiful! I’m sure we all have appreciated the beauty of the sky but to see such a collection pulled together and enhanced with just the perfect quotations is fantastic!
Thank you, once again, for your creative mind and giving heart.
It seems over-the-top to also give away such a sweet quilt and book. I dream of learning to quilt someday but for now I just love and collect them. I have a quilt top that my great-grandmother made that will become my first project when the time is right.
Thanks for the chance to win one of these treasures! Oh…. and I LOVE YOU, too!
Debbie xoxo
Hi Susan and all the girlfriends!
Here in SE coastal Carolina we are having our typical autumn: crisp and cool one day and 90 degrees the next! We never put our shorts and flip flops away here! I loved the sky pictures, they remind me that nature is beautiful, powerful and unpredictable! We had a beautiful sunset last night, unfortunately I didn’t take a picture, Susan you are so good at always grabbing your camera to capture something special or just beautifully ordinary.. A life goal for me!
Happy fall everyone!!
Thanks for the inspiration Susan as always ❤️❤️ Couldn’t sleep at 4am last night and pulled out your autumn book. Sifted through it, totally captures the magic of autumn and filled me with good thoughts. Love to you.
OH MY!! I must have my head in the sand!! I just happened upon your name looking for quilting labels and suddenly I was captivated by your designs, your humor, your inspiration, your insight, your encouragement, etc. etc. Where have I been all this time??? I so needed to see and hear all things positive today and here you are! I have made a new friend and will visit often. THANK YOU.
How nice Pam! You will love it here, many many kindred spirits!
Hi Pam! That is just the way I found Susan’s Blog! I have not followed blogs before, and I never went on Facebook, or the others, I opened Twitter in 2015, but then lost interest because my bestie didn’t join in too. In March just as we were going into lock-down here in AZ, I decided I was going to sew, sew, sew, whenever I wasn’t arting in my studio. I found Susan’s blog and was compelled to check it out, not something I normally do. I think my guardian angel pushed because this blog is a life saver in this “Dam-panic”! (If you cruise the archives, you will learn who coined the “Dam-panic”) Welcome to the GOSB from a new comer too, who also wishes I had found her a long time ago. —dezi
😘😘😘
Such a delightful autumn post – always uplifting and with perfect timing! Beautiful photos!! You inspire me to pull out my good camera rather than using my phone.
Thank you Susan.
So happy to hear from you. HAPPY autumn to you!
Always enjoy your photos but the skies were special since we too see some lovely skies from our CA home.
I am a quilter so the quilt is of interest to me and also a book lover of children’ books being a former Kindergarten teacher.
Happy Fall
Hi Susan, BOO!!!
What an exciting give away. So nice of you, I’LL be watching my mail.
The sky pictures were amazing. I love to watch the clouds too, nature has so many good ideas. Thank you for being Susuan.
Nancy Jo
Hi Susan, I hadn’t checked this in a few days & was gladly surprised for you that there were SO many responses-1952 so far! We all need the comfort you bring us with your blog. I love the fact that there are so many kindred spirits out there! But it was hard to scroll through them all to find if I had gotten a reply from you as I had written previously. It’s always such a exciting surprise when you do! Is there any way to “search” for my comment a little quicker?
I love quilts and Lois Lenski illustration.:::
And YOURS too, of course!!!! (Wink)
Autumn is my very favorite season, so I especially loved this post (although I love all of them)! Your Autumn book is my favorite, and really adds to the season. Love your decorating and your photography you shared.
Happy Halloween!
Hi Susan,
I am so looking forward to your quote book (but no pressure). Want to share with you 2 quotes:
1. “The best thing is to grieve for the people you loved and lost, and then welcome and love the new people life puts in front of you.” From “Beneath a Scarlet Sky” by Mark Sullivan (true story re WW2 Italy).
2. “Today I will be happier than a bird with a french fry.”
Washington state experienced extremely heavy unhealthy air and sight obliterating smoke in September. Looking out our windows was solid gray. Embracing the dreary I went into full throttle Halloween and fall decorating. Lots of orange pumpkins and leaves. Such a lift! And of course, craving spicy pumpkin flavor food.
I so enjoy your blog; it is all about embracing life, nature, and creativity!
Warmest wishes,
Heather Byrne
Susan, Your blog posts are the very best thing in my email. I have all your lovely cups and have been thumbing through Vineyard Seasons and Autumn, looking for just the right recipe for my family’s Sunday gathering. Thanks for bringing us all so much joy.
Love the starry nights, the harvest moon and the fire pit!!! Today is my BIG Autumn birthday! 🌻🍂🍁(60)…
Reading the Christmas memories…mine are similar with less kids! Things really changed after the 50/60s. Not as homemade.
OXOXox
Margot
Susan, your blog always brings such joy…especially during this “damnpanic” ;)…love how you say that…shared this with several others who now we all use it! I picture me and my hubby taking a daily walk down to the beach just as you and Joe do…our walks don’t have a beach but I treasure our together time nonetheless. I can’t even begin too imagine not having my momma here on Earth with me…my heart goes out to you. Thank you for the many joys you’ve brought me over the years. Bless you!
Thank you, Susan, for sharing special surprises with us like the quilt and the book! What an amazing “cheer-up” to the one who receives it!!!! Thank you for your kindness.
Beautiful post….Beautiful quilt. Thank you for your post!
Such a lovely quilt and books! It’s still pretty warm here in Arkansas, but I’m trying to encourage cooler temps each morning by sipping from your AUTUMN cup! Looking for the colored leaves to begin peeping through soon.
Susan
I so look forward to your monthly blog, it leaves me feeling happy and hopeful. I know we will get through these rough times! I have received my Home for Christmas book and am anxiously waiting to read it on a special December day. ❤️ 🎄 ❤️. I know it will evoke nostalgic Christmas memories for me. I also grew up in the 50’s and 60’s , the best childhood years ever, period!!!
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write your heartfelt blogs. I so enjoy reading the new ones and going back and rereading the blogs from previous years. I love your quilts and enjoy seeing them hanging on the clothesline. Also thank you for writing the darling Christmas book. It brought tears to my eyes as I remembered so many of the traditions your family had that mine also looked forward to each year. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving & Christmas. I’ve lived in Florida for the past five years and can honestly say I miss the snow at Christmas. Take care, Sandy
Hello Susan, Still get so happy inside when you get a new blog out. I can so relate to so much of what you say and do. Just wanted you to know I tried to water color like you do for the first time. Let me tell you it’s not easy. You make it so simple. But I did have fun and I do not give up that easy, I have been making cards for years and scrapbooking. Love it. So enjoy your lovely work. As always. Thanks for the great Blog today. Fingers crossed I win that BEAUTIFUL Quilt or book. Who am I kidding I never win anything but it’s fun trying. I can see me all wrapped up in that quilt. Can we say COZY ? Yup. I grew up with 7 other brothers and sisters also. So much fun. Memories so many. Have the best day ever. Thanks for being you. Say Hi to Joe. Take Care.
Beautiful post!
I love all your books. I have all of them. Home for Christmas was really good. I laughed and cryed… thank you for what you do.
I have all of them. Home for Christmas was really good. I laughed and cryed… thank you for what you do.
Thank you for the beautiful post. The quilt reminds me of my mom. She would hang quilts around our screened porch for our Christmas party. So festive and it made the room cozy and warm. All my best to you, Joe and Jack.
Such a wonderful post! The pictures of the skies, clouds, sunsets, and moon were gifts, reminding us of the beauty that surrounds us every day. I love the fire pit. I haven’t seen one with the moons and stars, but it is perfect. I’ve been wanting a fire pit for some time. I think I’ve decided that it is time to treat myself! So thankful for the comment regarding sand, as I’ll want my pit to last as long as possible.
A possible trip to England in 2022. I imagine that you expect your Enchanted book to be published by then. Maybe, if I wish upon a star, there will be another picnic in the English countryside. And, if I’m very lucky, maybe I will be able to attend with my friend, who now lives in England.
Wishing you, Joe, and Jack all the happiness that Autumn brings. This is my favorite time of year. I’ve just made a pot of homemade soup (the first of the season). The gingerbread will have to wait, as I’m watching the carbs!
Hello Susan,
You are an inspiration Susan Branch!!!!!! Your letters are so full of life and simple pleasures. I always feel a warmth in my heart after reading them.
I love your moon and stars fire pit! It reminded me of my sister! We sit in her yard around a small fire on cool, crisp evenings! It’s the small things that mean the most!
My best memory of all is eating Chinese Moon Cakes under the moon and making wishes!
It doesn’t get better than that!
I look forward to your next newsletter!
Thank you, Susan for the delightful post. I enjoyed all the pictures of your
beautiful Island world!
My sweetheart of 44 years and I enjoy sitting outside and watching the swallows
looking for bugs as they fly over the farmer’s field .
We have a firepit and enjoy the night sky.
Thank you for the lovely blog. These dark days (and Year!) seem like they will never end. Each week is exhausting, Covid threat is exhausting and staying home is getting old!
Fall is the best time of the year, eh? Waiting for cooler temps here in California.
Stay safe,
Deb
You are an Inspiration
God bless you Susan
Love
Corrina…🇬🇧
Have you seen ‘ Anne with an E ‘ on Netflix: is awesome
Just what the🌎needs right now 🌎❤️
Dear Susan…
You reflect your Mom’s love and honor her in all that you do! May you find comfort and peace as you remember her. With deepest sympathy, Pauline (from Wisconsin)
So… every year the Big Lot’s in the area where I live, carries a few of your calendars. It is the blotter, and the smaller wall and the purse size- not many mind you so you have to find them right away. You don’t know how much every year I can’t wait to find your calendars!! My friend just texted me that they are in!! I am going after work. It is so wonderful to have something like this to look forward to. You make my heart happy. Thank you Susan.
It’s always hard for me to see the days get shorter and the leaves fall and head into months of colder, darker-earlier days. I leave early for work in the dark and come home in the dark – very mole-like! Your blogs always bring Autumn and Winter cheer and remind me to look for beauty and positive changes in those seasons – even yummy and different foods for snuggling inside. Thanks so much !
When you get home, light a candle. It makes coming home less like a mole, and more like a celebration. xoxo
Yep! Candles are a blessing on these cooler days of autumn! Just got a vanilla pound cake candle! Mmmmmmmmmm. Enjoy!
Your newsletters certainly brighten my day. I think I will burn my 2020 calendar too on New Years Eve 🙂 The quilt is absolutely gorgeous!
Hi Susan,
Beautiful sky pictures! Everyone of them made me smile. Also, I especially liked the picture of Karen’s red kitchen. I have the same color stand mixer, an apple cookie jar very similar to hers and your Heart of the Home cookbook, both the original and the new edition. The reason I first purchased it back 30 some years ago was because of the basket of apples on the cover, it went with my apple themed kitchen.
Always love reading your blogs and everyone’s replies. Hope you and your family are doing well.
Hi Susan – always a happy day when there’s a new blog post! Loved the Zoom get together and seeing you in your wonderful kitchen! You have a way of making us all feel as if we’re right there with you and enjoying a good cuppa!
Love the Christmas book so much!
Susan…Thank you for reminding us once again that the best things in life are truly free. Your sky photos should be published and framed. They are GORGEOUS! 🌈🌤☀️🌨🌙
Happy October! Just finished reading Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman. It’s the prequel to Practical Magic. LOVED IT! I am so happy to hear that you are feeling the love from all of us. It’s makes sorrow a bit easier to handle as we celebrate along with grieving.
I love your seasonal posts–fall may well be my favorite! One can’t have too many pumpkins 🙂
Thank you, thank you for another wonderful blog. Am sorry about your Mom’s passing. The quilt is beautiful. Am a quilter and do not know many of the quilt names. Happy Halloween, a great Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Just took another batch of cookies out of the oven while listening to my Glenn Miller and The Army Air Force Band. Every time I play it, I can close my eyes and see our parents and grandparents…aunts, uncles and cousins, too…Jumpin’ and Stompin’ to the music. Lots of them in Old Blighty, waiting to go over to drive the Nazis out. My father was on his way to the Pacific for the invasion of Japan when they surrendered. He was in his 30’s and needed coke bottle glasses, so he never saw actual battle.
My mother was 27, with my premature, scrawny self being taken care of by my grandmother, who lived next door. Mama was not a domestic diva, but she was a well respected business woman.
I’m so very glad I went to England in the late 70’s and early 80’s, while there were still many survivors of that war. They loved to talk to us and thank the Yanks for being Over Paid, Over Sexed and Over Here! So many sweet stories.
Time for a quick rest before our supper of left overs.
Mucho Love to every one of you,
Debbie in Maine, where it is raining…Yea!
Wonderful stories Debbie! Thank you!💞
Love this time of year.
That quilt is beautiful! Such a reminder of beautiful summer days.
So love seeing all your lovely pictures of the beautiful area in which you live. Some day I hope to be back East again for the Autumn and see all of God’s grandeur in full display. Love the idea of your fire pit. We have been thinking about getting one and maybe this will be the year! The little Christmas book looks so pretty. Don’t know the name of the quilt pattern either, but it is really lovely. So very sorry about your precious Mother. She will always be in your heart and in your thoughts.
Your posts always leave me in a more positive , relaxed and happier state than when I came on.I have a feeling a lot of your girlfriends have the same opinion. I know you love quotes(I do too) I thought you might enjoy one from my Grandpa. He said,”Never get angry unless it suits you. And it never suits you.” He said once you get angry and start yelling no one listens. I thought that was a great thing to remember, I have used it more than once! I hope your October is a beautiful one.
Mary Jane
Oh Susan, finally…I’m excited to read this wonderful…fun post! The skies continue to amaze me…with all those gorgeous colors. This is where our color pallet comes from. Not us….but God!
How exciting..having more Zooms. I love them..sitting with you in your kitchen is unbelievable. But…here is some good that has come out of this damdemic!
You’re so thoughtful to offer such lovely giveaways to your girlfriends. Bless you.
Enjoy your fire pit !!
Blessings,
Gert
Ohhh I’m sooo glad that magical clip of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” ended sweetly BEFORE the scary music announcing the menacing Miss Gulch’s bicycle arrival😱!!!! “The Witches Theme” still makes my 67 year old stomach lurch when I hear it…and very appropriate for the Halloween season! Scariest Witch EVER!!!
A few weeks ago (during a family crisis) my across-the-street neighbor called me to hurry outside one dusky evening…and when I met her in the driveway fearing the worst news she slowly turned me around and said, “Look! Your home is covered!” There was a Beautiful Shining Rainbow completely encompassing our home from one end to the next! We were stunned…and comforted all at once.
Your 🌈 pics are such signs of Hope and Promise even during this damnpanic…
…and for the Real future of being with our Heavenly Loved Ones again.
Hello Susan, I dearly love your Blogs..Always anxious to read what exciting news and/or adventures you have had since the last one. Really enjoyed the pictures, so wonderful to see the English countryside, the Tall Ships and the pictures of those beautiful sunsets.
Please take good care, until next time, your loyal fan, Lena.