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 . . . 💝
My community in southeastern Colorado has painted miniature barn quilts (12”x12”) to place along a soon-to-be- built walking path and I painted this very quilt pattern. It’s called Carolina Lily and for the life of me I can’t get a picture of it into this comment. It’s simply a lovely quilt and I love seeing it outside on the clothesline for all the backyard neighbors to enjoy😉.
Thank you for the pattern name! I searched high and low. I do quilt boards here in Virginia 2′ x 2′. Have Virginia Star, Farmers Daughter, and Nebraska (where I’m from originally). It’s so much fun!
Susan, through you I have learned to love and appreciate all the seasons. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your island and the wonder of life. I would love to win a gift from you.
Always great to open my email and see a new blog! Loved the beautiful sky pictures! Enjoy your firepit. Nothing beats a fire in a cool autumn night.
Dear Susan,
I loved the sky photos, especially the ones from England – some many wonderful memories of our trips there.
Your quilt has a sibling/cousin in Pennsylvania! My great grandmother (from New England!) made the patches and my mom had an Amish friend quilt it many years later. I love it on my 100+ years old Sears and Roebuck bed for summer.
What beautiful sky photos!
Something about the saltwater smell…is overwhelming and I cry every time from happiness! Weird but true!
Enjoy the fabulous fall…it’s the best time of year I think.
Stay Well.
I love you more…😘
Laura
Thank you so much for being a ray of sunshine in these crazy times! Your blog is filled with so much positivity 🙂
Wish I could win the book! 1938 was a good year as I was born that year!
Simply love and treasure each and every one of your posts. Oh and your comment about pandemic pounds-I just ordered new sweatpants. I ordered the same size as usual. So aspirational🤣
Thank you Susan! Love your new book, home for Christmas❤️ Sweet & magical as usual! Blessings for you dear❤️ Tell Joe thank you for saying hi on the zoom tea! Lol🥳
Thank you and a Happy Halloween
Glad to see you kids the year Thanksgiving
Love you Mom
Hi Susan,
Just wanted to say that we love our fire pit. It looks very similar to yours. But, a word of caution, the ring around ours gets hot, so check before you put your feet up on it.
I love your sky and autumn photos. I do the same thing when out walking. My husband sometimes has to say “enough, let’s keep moving”, but I don’t think he really minds!
Take care,
Denise
I would love the little book that inspired you. Thank you for your Christmas book!
Jdith
Love all your Autumn photos! I also have a bunch of photos of the sky. My favorite color combination: Blue and White!
I would love to be entered in the drawing! Thank you for offering such lovely gifts. I’m celebrating my first Halloween in the little house I bought myself. It’s sure to be an enchanted one!
Oh Susan! You made me cry! Your blogs are always so lovely, but this one was so needed. I’ve been feeling blue over all of the news I watch too much of and so worried over the coming couple of months with the election and it’s aftermath. You gave me such a respite! I’m going to do the very same thing with a 2020 calendar on New Years Eve(tho not yours, I couldn’t bear it). Thank you for being you and for sharing and caring with and about all of us out here far from your lovely shore! ❤️💖🤗
Oh how I needed this post! I am tired of this world that seems to be mad at everyone and everything. Love is what is missing with people. And I love your nature pictures. I plan to make this month fun with 2 full moons! Next week, we plan to drive out to our little cabin on top of a mountain in west Texas and just relax. I’m taking your books and will reread they again and enjoy!
I always look forward to your blog, Susan. You come into my home for a little while and brighten my day and week. Thank you, thank you, thank you.!
The Christmas book is on my wish list so I would love to have it and the old Christmas book! I love old books. They are great decor AND for reading! I have some old copies of books like Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, and Little Women (and sequels). This old blog post shows you some of my old books in the first couple of photos. kaleidoscopecreations.blogspot.com/2015/09/fall-decorating.html
I love your fire pit!
Receiving your email with the blog post update is a highlight in my inbox! All those sky pictures made me think of the Mary Chapin Carpenter song, “Sometimes Just the Sky.” If you haven’t heard it, I’m sure you’ll love it too! Thanks for the joy you add to our days, Susan. Love and HUGS to you!
Ah Susan! Your blogs always seem to show up just when I need them! My town and surrounding counties are once again on fire and all of us are on edge again.
So far we are safe, although some friends and acquaintances have not been so lucky. You always manage to lift my heart. Thank you and do stay safe!
I love the Once on Christmas story. I too have a favorite old book, The Christmas Flower by Joseph Henry Jackson, about the Mexican legend about the flower now known as poinsettia. (1951), Cheers!
I too have a collection of Christmas books that I have kept since I was a child ( just a few years ago 😉😉). There are some that I read every year, like Tasha Tudor’s, and others I put out because of their adorableness and vintage feel. But you have inspired me to read those adorable little books, and out loud too! Thanks so much Susan! I loved joining you for tea with the Titcomb’s Bookstore zoom get together ♥️
Hello from Maine! Thank you for all your inspiration, it never gets old!!! We appreciate all that you do. <3
I wanted to order few things but realize I do not have Pay Pal & do not know how to order otherwise. If you can I would appreciate letting me know if I can order with credit card. Thank you.!!
You can … it should be right there, but if you don’t see it, contact [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ and she’ll help! xoxo
Susan, I just bought Home for Christmas at Titcombs. I enjoyed it so much. We are about the same age and it brought back Christmas memories in Detroit for me. My husband and I have a second home in Sandwich on Cape Cod and the quilt would look absolutely perfect in it. I too have collected old Christmas books,so it would also find a good home. Enjoy your blog and all of your books!
Happy Autumn Susan & Joe! I’m sitting with your Autumn book (my favorite) with pumpkin bread in the oven and enjoying your latest post!
Happy Fall!! 🍁🍂🎃
I always love your posts! But most ESPECIALLY at this time of year. I’ve never visited New England, but hope to someday. So, I live through the photos and the words and pictures you paint of the beautiful place you call home. Until next time….
What a pretty quilt! So joyful. Enjoyed reading your charming Christmas book. I, too, hope everyone patronizes the little, independent bookstores. I hope they can hang on forever. 😍
It’s definitely fall in South Dakota – we even had our first snowstorm a few weeks ago! If we leave pumpkins on our porches the deer come and munch on them. = )
I love taking pictures of the sky too. So now I don’t feel so unusual. If I won that pretty quilt I would give it to my one and only sister because she’s a quilter/collector and I love her very much. I also have a small collection of old Christmas book that I display every season. So special, aren’t they. This social distancing is finally getting to me. I miss antiquing and hunting for things that remind me of better days. Happy Autumn to you, Joe and your fur-kid….
All of your books and all of your blogs have made my life more full. I love your recipes and all the artwork. Of course every year a new calendar. Thank you!
What a wonderful post today, Susan. Bringing joy to all. Thank you, thank you!
Happy Fall!
Diane
What fun it would be to have a book published around my birth year! Thanks for all of your beautiful art work and messages.
Thank for for a lovely bright spot after a long day! Such a beautiful kitty at the end, and perfect for Halloween. Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks again for writing these 🙂
I appreciate and love all the wonderful quotations! They are so on point right now…
Love my little Christmas book, bought an extra for a friend!! Looking forward to the next post!!
Thank you, Susan, for being there for us today! I especially enjoy the little poems and verses you quote.
What perfect timing your post is! My Hubbie and I are down with the Covid, thankfully it seems mild for us. Kisses from a kindergartner caught up with us! 🌝 Sorrynotsorry. Anyway it was more than cheering to see this in my email and I would be honored to be entered. Hugs to you!
Dear Susan, I received my Home for Christmas book and love it! During the pandemic my husband and I have been trying to find small businesses, farm stands, craftspeople, outdoor markets, and out of the ways places to support and have been loving it and finding so many wonderful items while trying to support others. Love the quilt, it is gorgeous! Can’t wait to get your next post with firepit stories and recipes! Best, Jonna
I LOVE your black kitty looking out the window!
Oh, how this post made me excited about the Fall and the coming holidays. Everything is so different these days, but I have managed to take the time and write what I am grateful for every day. I live in San Francisco and a few weeks ago our skies turned Blood orange, it was terrifying to not know if it was day or night. It was terrifying knowing so many people, animals and trees were so affected.
So every single day, even the smoke-filled ones, I am so grateful for blue skies and fresh air. I am grateful for beach walks and ocean breezes. I am grateful for our mighty trees and our wonderful birdies that sing their hearts out. No matter what.
I will try to remember to send you photos of the Parrots of North Beach that come to our window and eat from our feeder, and on rainy days, there are dozens of them on my fire escape. While everything is upside down, there is still so much to be grateful for…oh the best things in life really are free.
Thank you Susan for your uplifting post.
Loved your blog! I take lots of pictures of that great big beautiful sky also! Quilts have always had a very special part in my heart because my mom made quilts! I love your new Christmas book! It will become a new tradition to read it every year!!!
Love all your letters! It’s like a visit from a long time friend!
Yes, put me in the drawing. I love quilts. Oh, your pumpkins and black kittie. I need more pumpkins.
And of course all that sky is just spectacular! Thank you!
Thank you for reminding me that every season is beautiful and that fall and winter can be cozy!
Love Lois Lenski and her Apple-cheeked drawings of people in her books. I have kept my childhood favorite books and have several of hers, but not this one. The last few years I have collected vintage Christmas books to put out for the holidays. Would love to have this one, Thanks Susan!
I keep a list of my childhood books in my purse and check at antique shops, yard sales and rare bookshops in hope of finding yet one more of those old favorites. Yes, I would love to have this little book!
I needed this today! This pandemic stinks.
kathy
Thank you for your soothing “sky gram”. We needed it after the news of the Trumps virus announcement. Such sad news to further the chaos in America. Your positive writings make everything better and tolerable. Would love to win your Christmas book with the happy Santa face. It’s a hug full of love from you to us. As my dear mother-in-law always said, “Love you more💕💕💕”.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for the sky! We here in the California Bay Area will never take it for granted again. We have spent many days where the sky is undetectable due to the smoke. We had one Twilight Zone day where the sun was a red ball and it was so dark we had to keep the lights on all day. Much as I love your new, cute firepit, fires are not an option for us. So once again, we thank you for a lovely visual we would not otherwise have.
I have so enjoyed your two virtual visits so far, and look forward to the next ones.
Stay safe and take care girlfriend,
Melody
Ah Susan, thank you for blogging today (it’s my birthday). With the life in the time of dampanic its rather subdue, I enjoyed your pictorial travelogue and moon pictures. Complete with the musical stylings of that NW boy Tacoma’s own Der Bingle what could be nicer? Fall for me is the most wonderful time of the year and despite covid (small letters only) I am determined to enjoy it. Thanks again you made my day! Alllooohhhaaa!
ps you mentioned tater tots, I knew I was forgetting something at the store!
Love your new post. Jack, looks like he is also enjoying the season.
When I see him it reminds me of my cat that I had for 20 years.Sure do miss her.
Enjoy your new fire pit. Will look forward to the next post and recipe.
Gong to make your Apple Cider donuts, from last fall. They are delicious
Love your new post. Jack, looks like he is also enjoying the season.
When I see him it reminds me of my cat that I had for 20 years.Sure do miss her.
Enjoy your new fire pit. Will look forward to the next post and recipe.
Gong to make your Apple Cider donuts, from last fall. They are delicious
Dear Q-T-Pie,
Thanks for the ever so bright note to start October. I love the sky photos- every one unique and beautiful.
I am so glad the ominous, darkening one didn’t stop you from coming to Utah. We loved meeting you at The King’s English and enjoyed your wonderful talk there. I agree about supporting local bookshops- oh the books I would never have discovered if I hadn’t haunted mine.
I have read and re-read “Home for Christmas”- thank you for the injection of childhood anticipation and joy. I has been a real spirit lifter during the dampanic.
Wishing you many lovely, crisp and mellow Fall days!
Returning your love forever- your pal for life!
xxooxx
Gabi
Autumn, a magnificent gift from God that always inspires and delights. It is my favorite time of year. Thank you for helping to celebrate its beauty.
Awe, I’m sad for the kids not being able to go trick-or-treating! We just got notice that Halloween is still going here so more and more neighbors are going the extra mile to decorate outside. It’s sooooo festive and fun!
And the book???? Oh how it would go so well with the other classics I have displayed at Christmas to hopefully be able to read to a grandchild or two some day!! (Fingers crossed!)
Happy October! Enjoy the firepit! We’ve been around out fire (not a pit, just a big fire surrounded by stone) every weekend since the weather changed. This will be our 3rd weekend in a row perfect for a fire, a drink of choice, and story telling/catching up! October=Happy Heart
Thanks, Susan, for your positive messages during these uncertain times. You are loved and appreciated!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful sky pictures! I’m always in awe when I look at the sky on my morning walk and see a beautiful picture… How lucky we are to enjoy all that Mother Nature offers!
Your Autumn book is out on my coffee table with a couple of other Autumn magazines and books. I just love it! This is such a wonderful time of year! I already have your Christmas book, and found it adorable reading and illustrations. Thank you for it! A good year for a charming timely book during all of this mess. Bless you!
Ginny Gaines
I loved sitting in on the virtual tea party, my cup of tea in hand and listening to your stories! Thank you, Susan, for reminding us all of what’s really important in life (especially during these scary times) – love, joy, kindness and family! <3
What fantastic skies you have shown us! I always think October skies are the best, they can be so dramatic, but of course light and water, especially the sea, produce beautiful effects any time too.
Your darling little book has made its way to me in Norway, where I read it curled up in bed with my black and white cat, Dickon, on my feet. It truly is a love letter to your beloved mother, and was lovely to read. I hope that writing it helped to sooth the grief that you feel.
I am sure it is a treasure that all your nephews and nieces will keep and read to their own children in times to come. My copy now has a place on my Christmas bookcase (yes a whole bookcase just for Christmas books!) along with your other Christmas books too, of course. 😊
Susan…dear Susan. For all these many years of friendship I say thank you and I love you too! I always love reading your posts. I feel so drawn to your same sentiments. I hope to someday share a few pictures with you so that you can see we truly are soul sisters. I am excited for your new Christmas book. I would be overjoyed to win the book Once on Christmas that inspired you. What a great addition it would be to my wonderful Christmas book collection. I was born in December and my mom and dad wed on Christmas Eve..so I love decorating and entertaining for Christmas. Blessings, Janie
Thank you Susan for always brightening our hearts when we need it most.
Hugs and Blessings
Susan,
I fell in love with your delight illustrated cookbooks years ago and fell in love all over again when I read your book about your trip to England some years after that. I love your blog for your ability to always find something good in every situation and, of course, for your beautiful artwork. Wishing you much health and warmth in the coming months on your little island on the edge of the big sea.
Bless you for your beautiful posts. 💕💕💕
Thank you, thank you, thank you – so needed this uplifitng, sunshiny, heart touching post. I so share your love of the sky and it’s everchanging story…your pics are gorgeous and SO varied. Now that’s a conversation I will never tire of!
I’m so happy Fall is here! I loved the sky pictures. We moved to Texas three years ago and Texas skies are so interesting, very beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing, as always and inspiring us to be our best!
I am certainly ready for the beautifully colorful days of October. Happy autumn to you and Joe!
Dear Susan,
I get so excited when I see your posts land in my email – I take care of all the work/drudgery emails and save yours as my reward. And you never disappoint!
Susan, what a lovely post! The cooler temperatures, blue skies, and colorful signs of autumn are feeding my soul. I had my virtual appointment with my doctor and hated to tell her my weight {honestly, I thought about lying – would never do that and of course, she could see me with the darn Zoom}. She told me she is seeing an increase of people with weight gain, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol issues. 2020 has definitely taken its toll. So I will be looking forward to your solution to the weight gain. I am walking everyday. That beautiful quilt, along with a cup of hot cider, would be perfect as cooler nights set in. I am looking forward to the Christmas book for my niece. Thank you for this inspirational post!
Thank you so much for spreading your beautiful skies of joy, Susan! And thank you for the give aways. I know someone special will win!
Love autumn and love reading your notes and especially the beautiful sky pix… I also take pix of skies and beaches…helps to soothe the soul don’t you think? Stay safe …G
Hi Susan! I loved your Sky Pictures!!! Thank you for sharing them…they brought a sense of peace & calm to me in a world full of even more turmoil than ever today!!! My sweetheart husband & I are leaving tomorrow for a long awaited beach trip to our favorite village on the Oregon Coast. It is a treat for my birthday, October 5!!! I’ve been longing for that fresh salt air, brisk wind , amazing skies, beautiful sunsets, walks on the sand & dipping my toes into the icy water of the vast Pacific Ocean!!! And I am truly looking forward to those big, blue waves!!! ; -) We are also going to visit my brother, who lives along one of the most beautiful rivers in OR, which was tragically one of the areas which was burned during the forest fires. Miraculously, my brother’s house was spared!!! The fire came within less than 1 mile to his home on 3 sides! The property has been in our family since my grandparents homesteaded there over 100 years ago. This is the first really bad fire in all those years…sadly because of climate change, I fear. Anyway, I am ever so grateful that my brother & his home are safe!!! I send prayers out for all our CA friends who are also dealing with fires, and losing their homes. I am glad to know that you are doing well, Susan, and thank you again for this lovely blog!!! Loved darling Jack peering out the window to your pumpkins & garden below!!! Sending you, Joe & Jack much love & hugs, Barbara VV
A note from Susan is always a breath of fresh air–straight from Martha’s Vineyard. Just what we all need. Thanks, Susan
I love when your Blog comes out because it gives me a chance to sit down and have some Zen time. Your photos are beautiful, I am also a sky watcher. Thank you for your words and painted pictures that make me feel at peace.
Hello Susan,
What an absolute treat to read your blog with my afternoon tea, still able to sit out on the porch! (The sunshine is keeping me warm!). This is West Virginia and it’s beginning to be chilly just as it should in October. Magically there are still oodles of green beans coming from the garden. I grow an old heirloom variety called Rattlesnake Beans and they are super delicious, besides growing forever!
Loved all those sky pictures! Mother Nature gives us so many wonderful gifts! Especially needed just now. Our Harvest Moon last night was perfect too! So many of us looking at the very same object. “ I see the moon and the moon sees me …”
Thanks for being you! The Tea was delightful!
Love 💕,
Kaila
Wonderful post,again. It is always a bright day when I hear from you. Everyone needs something to brighten their day and you always do.
Thank you,
Kathy
I love October, the month of my birth — always have. Love it a little less this year with the dampanic, political shenanigans, and remote learning (for my 1st grade son) and teaching (for my high school students). I am hearing over and over that they are stressed, tired, and hate their screens. Agreed, and agreed. Wish I could give them the scent of the green-tomato-Greek Basil tea my son made in the front yard mud pit yesterday — with a healthy serving of silt in the bottom of his play pitcher) and share what my son said: “You might think this is crazy, but every season has its own smell for me.”
Beautiful photos of skies around the world! May we continue to lift our eyes to the heavens!
Dearest Susan, You are such an inspiration in these challenging times! I immediately recognized Lois Lenski’s artwork from your vintage Christmas book! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your newest ‘HOME FOR CHRISTMAS’! You are an ANGEL! Bless you for all the love and joy you share with us all!With much appreciation and love, Barb
I was hoping to find a new post today or tomorrow and — BOOM — request granted! What a lovely bit of tranquility scrolling through all your beautiful sky photos.
I got my Christmas book recently and was trying to “ration” it out, but of course, that didn’t work. I wound up after the first day reading it straight through, and it sounded a lot like my own childhood memories. We always piled into the car and drove around looking at the lights on Christmas Eve. When we got home, it never failed…Santa had been there (with a little help from my grandparents). We were on the first part of his route, so he always came to our house so we could open our gifts Christmas Eve.
Now, I guess the next thing is waiting for your book of quotations to come out. I love quotes and collect my favorites, too. AND — because I didn’t win our $47 million Texas Lotto prize Wednesday night — I’ll cross my fingers and hope I win one of your giveaways.
Sending Texas love back to you,
Oh Susan! You need to go out on a crisp, Autumn morning with your coffee and a cozy blanket, lay a nice fire in your fire pit, and soak it all in! My husband and I do it all the time in the Fall. Evening fires are wonderful but morning fires, coffee, and crisp, cool air are also absolutely soul-stirring!! Sending love your way!
Hi Susan!
As always, your blog lifted my spirits this afternoon. Your photos of the sky are beautiful. I think the beauty of nature is so uplifting! It feeds my soul! Lois Leslie is one of my favorite authors and illustrators, along with you of course! ❤
Anne Nicholson
Rabbit, Rabbit, Susan.
Love your new Home for Christmas book and read it cover to cover when it arrived. Would love the quilt or the vintage book and so love Lois Lenski’s illustrations.
Happy October and thanks for making me smile with your positivity.
Hugs,
Nancye T., Wells, Maine
Hello Susan—-I loved the picture of your friend with her kitchen…Looks like mine–I also have a lot of red in my kitchen
Thanks for another joyful Blog….You always make my day!!!
I’m sorry about your mom. I lost my mom this year too. It starts you really think about your own mortality. We need to find the beauty in the moment and the comfort of the home we make for ourselves. I have set aside The Christmas Book to read and savor when there is snow on the ground and Christmas in the air.
Susan – I’m so glad you gave clear instructions for how to leave a comment. I love your work and your blog…I want to tell you how you calm me down in this time of challenge. Thanks and keep up your good work. Say “hi” to Jack for me. sally cornell
Thank you for the Autumn Cheer. Loved the photos of the clouds. They are so full of energy, and so lovely.
We are still having fairly HOT weather here in Calif. In the mountains I can see the beginning of changing leaves. Soon will be time for sipping spiced cider and taking walks in Nature when it is no longer sizzling.
I am looking forward to 2021 and hope sincerely to have no repeat of this year which has not been too kind.
Take care and stay well!
Hi Susan, Happy October!!!! I love Autumn in all it’s glory. I really loved the pictures you posted of the different skies….so beautiful. You captured some really vibrant ones and I especially love the harvest moon. I’ve been taking walks in the park behind our house (we have a hiking trail with a greenbelt with a creek behind the park), and it so peaceful and tranquil…so much to thank God for. I received your book “Home for Christmas” and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It brought back so many beautiful memories of my Christmases as a child with my two wonderful parents and siblings.
You’ve decorated your home beautifully for Halloween and I especially love that fire pit…might have to purchase one. The price isn’t bad at all. I agree with you about exercising during the pandemic…my pants got a little tight too and I am working to fix that….so good luck to you too! Hope you have a wonderful October and it’s on to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Blessings to you and Joe.
I love that we both looked up in the big sky and saw the same moon! Makes me feel closer to you! I also take many pictures of the sky! Made me smile looking through all of your sky treasures. God bless you. Thank you for this wonderful read after teaching all week. It was a very nice way to relax after a busy week of teaching. ❤️
Hi! I wonder if you`ve ever connected for an online event with the Andover Bookstore, not too far from you in MA. It`s the oldest indePendent bookstore in the country – founded in 1809! – and it was suffering even before the damPanic because the local Private school stoPPed having their students Purchase their books there. It had to move from its location of many decades to a smaller building and the original has been demolished. The idea that it could disaPPear is awful. Pardon the wonky tyPing, my keyboard is misbehaving.
Dear Susan. Words cannot describe the pleasure I get reading your posts. If I am a little downhearted these days I only have to see your post in my inbox to perk up a bit. Thank you so much for the effort you put into your work. I loved the picture of your quilt.. To me it says someone with a pure and simple heart took the time to create this. It speaks of a happier time in our country. Please continue to lift our spirits with your wonderful newsletters. Stay well Mary
Your artwork and positive words to infuse every season of nature and of life life with hope. Thank you for lifting my heart year upon year!
wonderful October offering to all of us who are reading this in comfort of our safe homes.
Thanks for the sharing of warm, cozy, positive feelings!
Lee
What a wonderful read to cheer up my heavy heart! You bring so much joy to everyone, and I hope that it comes back to you sevenfold!
Love your posts and I share your love of England. I miss it there.
Looking forward to finishing your recent book, Home for Christmas. The story is great but the illustrations are even better. I love your art work! Thank you for your gift of yourself to me.
Lynn
Beautiful! The sky, the pumpkins, the words! I loved it all. I had to laugh at your line about going on long enough (though, really, I think this is impossible!) but I immediately thought of Mr. Bennett, in Pride and Prejudice: “You have delighted us long enough” ha! There is such a dose of cozy satisfaction when I finish reading your posts. Thank you, more than ever, for that! XXO
Thank you for this post that celebrates my favorite month of the year. I want you to know that my heart broke for you on the loss of your wonderful mother. My own mother is now and I know my time with her is short, I am treasuring every moment with her. I ask her so many questions about her life that I wish I had asked and written down years ago. Thank you, also, for the beautiful photos of the sky. You bring so much comfort and beauty to my life each month. I join my prayers with yours for a much better, blessed 2021. Again, thanks for sharing your gifts with so many.