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 . . . 💝
Your blogs always come along exactly when we need them most!
Thank you for sharing your skies with us, there is nothing like looking up to the sky to be taken out of yourself! We’ve just moved into a new community where we see the sky laid before us from our wonderful screened porch…a screened porch has always been my dream……..now I have one and sunsets as well….lucky me!
Love your post on the sky. It’s a free show everyday, if we just remember to look up. One of my favorite quotes is “I believe that if one always looked at the skies, one would end up with wings.” – Gustave Flaubert
We will make it through 2020 together! Thanks for your upbeat blog! Let’s all burn our 2020 calendars on the last day of the year!
Hi Susan! So good to hear from you again. My heart and thoughts have been with you, as always. Your photography is right up there with your painting/writing artistry. That last photo of Jack and the pumpkins……. perfection! Here you go being sooo generous with us. Thank you for bringing such beauty and love into our world. Ever on – Diana
Always love your newsletter. Don’t you love the word ALWAYS. It is the perfect word. I have known that for such a long time now.. Your little Christmas book looks delightful. I adore little books. That is why I own all the Beatrix Potter books. They are so yummy just like you and what you share with us every month. My biggest problem is that I LOVE everything. Teddy bears, dolls, hooked rugs, white pitchers, antiques, re-purposed things, old china, dollhouses, flowers, autumn & my 57 years with Ray. Thank you for filling my senses once again.
Your friend,
Becky Ross in Kansas
Susan, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. My Mother is 96, I can’t imagine being without her. Your memories and your Christmas Book are a tribute to her and your mutual love. Now for our love of Fall, I love the pumpkins on top of your door. You didn’t mention Casper, but I have my own Casper now and just love him. Let’s make Fall last as long as we can. You will love your Fire pit! Can’t wait to hear about it
Love your blog posts so much, especially during these stressful times. ❤️
Always a pleasure to receive and read your Blog, Susan. Best wishes from your fan Sherill Anderson
Susan, whether you knew it or not, you became my pal for life in the early ‘90’s. Your calendars and books, stickers and notecards have cheered me through the years. I loved reading your trilogy of memoirs since it filled in so many blanks!!! I cried when I heard your mom was in hospice care. My mom died unexpectedly of a stroke when she was only 63( we didn’t see that coming!) but she was a lot like your mom and made life better for everyone that knew her but especially for our family. I’m so glad you had wonderful parents and knew that kind of love!!!! I’m waiting on my copy of your new book. Thanks for this uplifting entry of lovely skies, good thing, beauty, and not one mention of politics. Fall blessings to you and Joe!!
So ready for Halloween and all the upcoming holidays! I have been decorating for the past month, because why not?
Dear Susan, I love your blog and I have many of your books. I just finished reading your Home for Christmas! I Loved reading about your family memories! Thank you for sharing them!
We have the exact same fire ring/pit. Can put your feet on the ring depending on material of the bottom of your shoes. Grandson Carson found out the hard way with a pair of sneakers.
Sharing the harvest moon with you on this side of the sound. Susan from Falmouth
Dear Susan,
What a beautiful way to usher in the fall with such awe-inspiring sky scapes that remind us how wonderful it is for the soul to dream…and to dream big…for the sky’s the limit! And what a dream one of us lucky Girlfriends could win! So here’s to dreaming big…and all the wishes that may come true in 2021…2022 (England?!?)…and beyond!
🍂🍁 Happy Fall! 🍁🍂
I read many Lois Lenski books when I was young, what a blast from the past! Thank you for the memories!
Thank you Susan, as always, for bringing sweetness and beauty to my day with your newsletters. Happy Autumn season and pumpkin time! xo
Happy Friday, Susan! Thank you for another post that has so many pretty pictures. You always uplift me with your thoughts, drawings and photos. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Thank you for sharing that happy-go-lucky quilt! The best part of having a quilt is letting it go to another! And thank you for today’s letter to us, your Girlfriends. Happy October, which is my birthday month, my son’s, my grand daughter’s and my two sons-in-law……five of us celebrating us, together! Stay safe and well.
Wow! I could be very happy with that beautiful quilt, oh yes! And….Lois Lenski has been one of a list of favorite artists/illustrators for a long long time, and you, Susan, are on that list as well! I was not even aware of this Christmas book with her illustrations! My heart hurts for you at the loss of your special mom! I miss mine still after almost 30 years, gone way too soon at 68. Love your fire pit, I hope it brings you and Joe much joy in this season of crisp leaves, steaming soup and cooler weather! This summer during COVID restrictions I reread Fairy Tale Girl and then Isle of Dreams….soooo good! I can’t wait to read Home for Christmas! Continue to share your lovely talents with all of us. As for me, I enjoy it all! Thank you Susan!
What lovely heartfelt messages! And fantastic skies! Thank you Sue. Hope your firepit brings much joy.
Oh, Jack and the pumkins! Doesn’t it just sound like the title of book/ A perfect October vignette.
How I love the Fall and am so greatful for you and Joe! You mean so much to make and thank you for loving “us” as we all love you!
You always show up just when I need you! I was on my knees scrubbing the grout in my kitchen. I decided to get off of the old knees and take a break. I sat down at my computer and saw your email! I love your thoughts and sentiments! The sky pictures are wonderful. My Mother was an artist and when I was very young she said “Look at the beautiful sunset! God has his paint brush out and he’s painting for us!” I have always thought of that when I see the beautiful sky.
I don’t think I’m ever going to delete this post from my email, all these wonderful pictures are just too beautiful and inspiring. Thanks For the lift!
Dear Susan,
Your newsletter is always so uplifting! Today I was feeling sad for absolutely no reason at all, just the news I guess. The President and First Lady have tested positive, the children aren’t going to be out Trick or Treating, everything just seemed sad today. I have copies of Home for Christmas for gifts and I’m saving mine for December along with my mugs. Christmas is always such a special time. I hope that we can have fun this holiday season. I’m incredibly tired of this pandemic. I’m blathering again. I love the quilt and I’ve always loved Lois Lenski. Her books were always so special. Have a good month. Until November. Hugs.
I loved seeing you the last two vitual bookshop events. I have your new book.but I am saving it till christmas..so that I have one more thing to look forward to. Right now I have the autumn book and am snjoying all that this season is offering. You are an inspiration in so many ways…such a open heart and down to earth with the rest of us. Thank you for that! Xoxo sending hugs.
Thanks Susan for your words and pictures that are uplifting in this strange time we live in. I would love to win either of your give -a-ways. Thanks. Please know what an inspiration you are to so many.
I love this slow turning as Autumn begins to pick up speed in the Fall Department. And YES to firepits! Perfect with a marshmallow, a hot dog or just a cup of cider! I just realized that I’ ve just about read through my entire collection of your books over this pandemis season. Thank you for helping me maintain a good attitude and a lighter heart!
Have a magical October!!
Tomorrow is my son’s birthday. Jacob will be 9 on October 3rd! I always adored October because of Halloween but having Jacob’s birthday in this month makes it even sweeter and magical.
Wishing you a wonderful October, Susan. 😊🎃🍁🍃
Btw great pictures…what camera do you use?
A Canon, maybe 10 years old… Rebel T6i.♥️
Love your pictures of the skies. Reminds me I need to look up more often. I would love to win the little Christmas book as I have been collecting Christmas books for a long time. Sad that there will be no trick or treating.
This letter made me “homesick” for England even though I’ve been there only once. You and Joe see it exactly the way I would. I also loved the scenes of your New England Fall. We are in record temperature days and I don’t think we will have Fall, my favorite time of year, in this year of 2020!!
So love your blog and books and all the lovely things. I’ve been trying to talk my husband into a fire pit but so far no go. ☹ But I will not give up and hopefully soon he will give in! Pumpkin picking tomorrow and antiquing with dear girlfriends! Hope you have a lovely weekend!
P.S. The little Christmas book is so dear and the quilt is so very cute!!
I always love reading your posts and get really excited when my email box reveals you shared some of your time with us. I am a quilter and that quilt is lovely. However, I’ve not been doing much in the way of quilting as of late – have been making lots of masks. When did I ever think that my sewing skills would be useful in a health crisis? Answer to that one is never! But I have about a dozen charity quilts cut out and ready to sew once this batch of masks is ready to go out my door.
As always, such a treat to read your blog, and see your beautiful pictures. Thank you, Susan! It was so much fun to see and hear you at the Titcombs’ book launch.
Happy October! xoxox
I enjoyed the tea and read my book the day it arrived. It brought back so many childhood memories. Simpler times for sure. Thank you.
Always enjoy your newsletter. That is a beautiful quilt!
Well, of course one always wants to win (and thank you for offering such lovely treats for us) but to be honest, just being here is gift enough. Oh, to see those beautiful skies and happy pumpkins and all the joy we so sorely need these days. A visit here is like a vacation away from a world that has begun to feel so alien at this time of year, with Covid and political craziness. So, thank you for the joy, the colors, the promise of Christmas and so much more.
Thank you for helping me get into the spirit of the season. Looking forward to reading your Christmas book!
I love taking photos of the sky, too. Yours are beautiful. I actually have one of a rainbow on Martha’s Vineyard taken just outside the Black Dog restaurant. It was a double rainbow and people were just standing around in awe watching it. The only sounds were the camera shutters clicking.
A bittersweet posting for me as I read the Eskimo saying about our lost loved ones shining through the stars to let us know they are happy. I used that passage at my own Mother’s life celebration when we lost her last year. It was somehow very comforting.
I share your fascination with sky/clouds photos. The most memorable sunset I ever saw was in Chatham on Cape Cod in October several years ago, deepening each moment from gold to orange to red to burgundy and streaks of magenta, all reflected across the water. Stunning, and me with no camera! I must say that my memory has preserved that sunset with crystal clear accuracy.
With gratitude for being able to enjoy your art and photos and comments every few weeks — makes my day brighter. Lord knows we need the uplift! Enjoy the colors !!! XOXOXOX
Hi Susan
You brightened up my afternoon with all your cheery words and photos! I just returned from babysitting my brand new baby grandson! So fortunate they live close by, with my sweet granddaughter too! My granddaughter Leila loves flowers, like me. If I won the quilt I would give it to her! It’s beautiful! 💕
Thank you once again, Susan. I so enjoyed the tea party, and the new book is lovely, and a blast from the past for me, as I grew up near you in Canoga Park. JJ Newberry’s was one of our favorite stores. We loved buying pets there….turtles and such, maybe hamsters too. It really was an all-purpose 5 and dime. Thank you for sharing your family love with all of us, and your mama.
Hello Susan. Your quilt reminds me of the appliquéd quilts that my grandmother used to make.
I had twin girls and gave them each one of a matching set.
One of my girls is recovering from a head/spinal cord injury in Denver, CO. I brought her your
“Home For Christmas” book. It reminds me of my childhood growing up in the 50’s. Lindsey is reading the book to me! So good for her speech therapy. Her goal is to be HOME FOR
CHRISTMAS. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Beautiful words, beautiful photos! I love reading your letters ❤️
Hey, Susan, I loved attending your Titcomb’s tea. While watching I had an idea for you to share with all of us. Would you consider having a zoom party for us called Heart of the Home and take us on a tour of your lovely 1849 home? Of course we have seen many photos over the years but I know I’m not alone in wanting to see more.
Please give it some thought.
Darlene
I have a collection of Christmas books including an early printing of The Night Before Christmas. I would love to add your books to it.
Thank you so much for sharing your Autumn pictures. I really miss New England this time of year.
I never see any of your beautiful work when I am out that I don’t think of your Mom, Pat. She always talked about you and how proud she was. Most of us that worked with her at McDonnell Douglas in Huntington Beach started looking for each book you came out with. Keep up the great work. I enjoy it all.
Sweet Jack, kitty cats are the bet! We bought one of those fire pit unit years ago, the screen didn’t last very long, rusted and too much heat broke the screen, but we kept the bottom and made a planter out of it (we have a real in ground fire pit with stone sides now).
It’s always so good to hear from you Susan! Our Sassafras Trees are turning too here in Virginia (the one with three different shaped leaves on one tree like in your photo). Waiting for the Ginkgo to go golden! Take care, stay well!
I enjoyed reading your post today. The sun is shining the breezes are blowing through the house since the french doors are open to the wonders of the back porch, the windows are open so the breeze with blow through. My favorite month, October! Wish I could visit your island. You make it sound so lovely.
Enjoy the new fire pit. It is adorable!
Thank you susan! Your posts are so full of joy! I look forward to hearing how you like your fire pit!
Hi Susan,
I LOVE all the pictures of the sky, clouds and rainbows.
I take a lot of sky pictures too, especially clouds. It’s so fun to “see”different pictures.
I also loved your “tea” party at the Titcombs bookstore. That hour went by so fast. Enjoyed meeting Joe!
How can I join the next one without buying a book as I bought/receive my copy of “Home for Christmas” already?
I would email them … I suggested they have a way for people to do that, either they didn’t hear me or they didn’t want to… you could call them… they should make that possible!
Love the sky snaps! What a beautiful world!
Love your posts!
I love the drawings of Lois Lenski! Seeing that book cover took me right back to childhood and my little town library. What a lovely and generous offering! Happy Autumn!
love the pumpkins over your door and yes the kids should still be able to see all the decorations around the neighborhood with mom and dad. take care
I’m envious of your fall color on the island!
Thank you for sharing the sky, the Harvest Moon, your soon to arrive fire pit, morning science, a touch of Christmas, the beauty of autumn, Halloween, and your magnificent Jack with us! We are all blessed!
Hi, Susan, you lovely person, you! I really enjoyed this blog (you included a photo of a Kansas sky [my home]..double YAY!!)..fall is my favorite time of year, so the pumpkin part made me especially happy. I absolutely loved “Home for Christmas”! It was sooooo familiar, it was cozy….so cozy that I had to share it, and I ordered a copy for a very good friend who I’m sure will love it just as much as I do. A wonderful read, just like all your other books. What a darling, happy quilt! Thank you for sharing it with all your girlfriends. But the book has my heart. I have a collection of Christmas books that I reread every year..and they’re always part of my decorations. I’d love to be lucky enough to win the little book you sought out to share with us. Fingers crossed! Take very good care of everybody under your roof….love to all.
I have a quilt that my mother-in-law donated to a Camp Fire Girls rummage sale years ago in San Luis Obispo. The person coordinating the sale brought it back to my mother-in-law and said, “I don’t think you meant to do this.” Embroidered around the edge at one end was the date Dec. 6th, 1895. Mom realized it was a quilt her grandmother had made, though we’ve never been able to confirm the significance of the date. The quilt eventually made its way to my home in Oregon, where it hangs as the treasure of time that it is, with my deep appreciation to the woman who returned it to my husband’s mother. Your cheery quilt would fit right in!
Your blogs are always so uplifting, your words remind us to enjoy the simpler things around us. My grandmother made many quilts with her church lady friends, as she always called them, in the church basement. But, alas, we have no idea where any of the quilts are. However, I do have a photo, which I treasure, of them all around the quilt frame…working away and chatting, I’m sure.
Aw, there’s our Jack peeking out the window! Thank you for all those beautiful skies. Wow! I, too, always have my ‘head in the clouds’ ~ so lovely to see. How did you know my favorite quilt was beginning to fall apart? I’ve loved it to death I’m afraid. Can there be such a thing? I cannot wait to see you and Joe warming yourselves by the fire pit. Marshmallows and all. It is the only way to ease into Fall and enjoy all of its beauty. I have a birthday coming up this week and for the first time thanks to the dampanic, I am starting to enjoy the early festivities and am full of gratitude. I am starting to decorate the home for Fall and finding delight in it, all thanks to you, Susan, and all these wonderful girlfriends. Hugs.
Happy October, Susan! One month closer to being done with 2020!
Love that happy quilt ❤️
Oh I needed this! I’m at home recovering from COVID and pneumonia! It’s a terrible thing. Slowly but surely recovering. Please stay safe.
It’s a terrible thing, I’m so sorry DeAnna, but thrilled you are home and better!
Susan: what a joy it is to read your posts. Thank you for all you give of your talents, your heart and your little gifts. I just received your new Christmas book – actually 3 of them (for myself and 2 girlfriends). We are going to start the Christmas season with a tea and reading from your book. And “Yes, that quilt is so cute!” Blessings to you, Bea
Fantastic October newsletter!!! Thank you for the gift of gorgeous photos!!! Thank you for the gift of your words!!! Make it great and Happy October to you all!!! A Susan Branch fan since 1994!!! 🙂
Thank you for the pretty fall picture’s. I got my copy of Home for Christmas. What a great little book.
It’s autumn and my Autumn from The Heart of the Home book is on display! The leaves are just beginning to turn golden and rust here in Tahoe/Truckee and the days are still warm. Loving the crisper nights too! All decorated inside but the best is seeing nature’s color dance from the windows.
Enjoy your darling fire pit! Glad you live where you can have warmth in the fall coolness. Here in CA, we can’t have fires, many days not even gas grills. So worth it to try to keep fire from our forest, so much of our state is on FIRE.
Blessing to you and Joe, Sue! Thank you for being so generous of Heart, always! Thank you for the chance of your awesome giveaways too.
Melin xoxo Christmas book is on it’s way, woo hoo!
Thank you for creating such a beautiful and fun Christmas book! I read it in one sitting with a smile on my face and a tear or two (happy tears) in my eyes as I was enveloped in so many memories of Christmas past. It was a gift!
Bless you, dear Susan for all the love you have spread from sea to sea and then some. Loved your Home for Christmas book; reminded me of Christmas from my youth!
Hi Susan–I too am looking forward to a “boring” 2021….pleeeease!!! We sure do “need a little music”–I can hear Angela Lansbury singing those lyrics right now.
I NEEDED this post today! Political worries, 3 surgeries for my Hubby and Children in a few weeks, a paycheck that was smaller than we were expecting so stress on how to make it stretch. I needed the reminder that the beautiful things of nature are free. That being said, I’ll be a little hopeful that beautiful quilt might make it onto a blank wall in my kitchen and make me smile everyday. Thank you, Susan, for helping to remind us that there are things to enjoy and hope for.
As always – your posts are very timely – I wasn’t feeling particularly inspired this year with all the restrictions but after reading this, I’m off for a walk & a quick drive to the pumpkin patch – see ya later!
susan, what a beautiful post of skies! i love the moon in fall. we are in las vegas. it is 95 during the day but the mornings are cooler, thank goodness! i love the quilt. i am a quilter too. i love that so many used solid green so many years ago. we forget the solace of solids. there are so many busy fabric choices nowadays. i looked for that little christmas book when you wrote about it before. i don’t know if i even located one copy at any price. your pumpkin-y garden looks perfect. i hope the children get to trick-or-treat here. i agree . . . it would be so easy for them to do in families or small groups. all the best to you!
Thank you so very much for the beautiful photos and thoughts!! You made my day and month– October is my birth month. The positive thoughts are so reassuring in this dampanic and give me hope. Love you so much. Mary from Wisconsin
I have many of your books and I love them all. I have also read the book about your journey in life. Sorry I don’t remember the name. Borrowed from our local library. Stay well !!
The sky pictures were just glorious, I love the quilt and Lois Lenski is one of my favorite children’s authors and illustrators. Those years in the elementary school library introduced me to many lovely ones. A very satisfying post! Thank you as always!
Hello darling,
The wondrous skies were a good balm for this tired soul and so I thank you my dear for bringing art and joy and all good things to all of us scattered far and wide. For just this moment we’re all together sipping tea and breathing it all in.
So thank you, thank you for your lovely loveliness. My heart feels a little less fragile. ❤❤
Maryann
This post came at the perfect time! Taking a break from my college studies. I decided to go to college as an adult and what a journey it’s been. The blanket is beautiful and we love Lois Lenski in our house. I bought many of her books for my boys, the youngest (7) read through a few of them for his daily reading just today. Happy Fall. 🙂
Dear Susan,
Your posts never fail to add some joy to my day. Fall is my favorite season! I am a colorful leaf lover. We moved recently and I discovered a persimmon tree when I pulled into the post office parking lot. I had to bring home a few of the
colorful leaves that I found on the ground nearby. Simple joys are always the best. May you have a blessed day!
Hi Susan,
Having read Home for Christmas and having never heard of Snippy Doodle, I was wondering if you’d share your recipe sometime?
Thanks,
Susan
Yes, next post!
Thank you again for your celebration of my favorite time of year! We are not having it yet [here in southern California], but we can still pretend.
Susan, you mention Keep Moving in this post. I couldn’t agree more. Recently I was hospitalized with a Pulmonary Embolism(blood clot) and one behind my left knee!! Since I retired last December and my husband is now in long term care, I do tend to do more sitting around, reading or watching tv. Being sedentary can cause blood clots and they are not sure that caused mine. So my advice is keep moving. If you are sitting watching tv pump your feet like you are depressing gas pedals (advice from my doc) or get up and mi e around at least once an hour. I would hate for any of the girlfriends to have something like this happen. Lovely post Susan as always. I love the Home for Christmas book. Are you going to design any more mugs??
Wonderful advice, Judy, thank you! Experience is the BEST teacher! Yes, I think I have a few more cups in me!
I was missing you so much earlier today that I googled ‘Susan Branch Fall’ and then your newsletter appeared later in my inbox! We are on the same page today❤️S
Ahh, sweet Susan…and on another day when we need some love and good news. Thanks for all you do to keep the “happy and joy” flowing these dark days. My Christmas books have arrived, one for my bestie and one to cherish. I’m waiting until I gift hers so we can read together, but at a distance, of course. Blessings to you and Joe for always keeping us in your hearts as you are in ours.
I always love your quotes. They are so cute and so meaningful. Thanks so much. Jack is the cutest kitty. He has the most adorable cat personality. LOVE Jack!
Dearest Susan,
Your blog was a much needed hug this morning. Times are very challenging and I am thankful that you can grace us with your words and art.
My favorite blog by one of my favorite people in the world. Frankly, I’m happy we are both alive in the world at exactly the same time…although Im pretty sure your words and art will be read and viewed by generations to come. Thank you for making this dampanic a little less horrible.
Your mom must be looking down puffed up with pride as you bring happiness to us all.
I love reading all of your posts! I have your 3 books and several cookbooks. You are the best!
My favorite line today, “This dampanic can’t tell us what to do with our pumpkins!” Thank you for that lol.
Also what my sweet son said, “What does mandatory mean? Mandatory masks? Madatory mandatory….” I say, “It means we must do it” He says, “well then I don’t like mandatory very much.” Out of the mouths of babes I tell you….lol.
This was beautiful to read with a cup of tea. I love your photography. I am ready for October and ready for 2020 to be gone. It would be quite special to win any of the girlfriend gifts 🙂
Your Christmas book is on my early gift list! All the best to you and Joe. Prayers xo
Your newsletters always brighten my day Susan. I love your sky photos so much. I collect them also. Looking at the ocean and the sky always adjust my attitude for the better. Fall is my favorite time of year. I live in the desert so I do not see many leaves changing as I did growing up in the Eastern US and miss that so much. All of your photos and history of places you travel are wonderful reads for me. Thank you, thank you for making my days special. Love to see jack as well…. I am a quilter as well and love doing applique. I had to sell one recently that I had rescued and finished years ago and I miss it very much . My best to you and your family for a very blessed and happy Fall in this bewildering 2020.
Dear Susan, So enjoyed this lovely October blog post! I too have a lot of “sky” photos. I post them on my FB page. Here in NW Ohio we are enjoying lovely cool almost cold weather and sunny, slightly warm days, if you are in the sunshine. I have been putting my garden to bed, it was so pretty this Summer, I am sad to see it go. But we have enjoyed the fruits of our labor having home grown zucchini, green beans, tomatoes and cucumbers. We have shared a lot with family and friends and I have baked numerous loaves of zucchini bread. We enjoyed a pumpkin picking party at a family members country home with a cookout, being outdoors with just a small group was great. We have become Nanie and Popsie to a gorgeous baby grandson, he is just a month old now, born the end of August. Even though 2020 has been tough, we have had many blessings to count too. I love your Christmas Book, so sweet and full of your growing up heartfelt Christmas memories, it is indeed a precious tribute to your parents and siblings also. Happy October! Stay safe & well. Hugs, Candice
Hi Susan. I love your blogs so much because they recenter my thinking about all the wonderful free little things in life that we should take more notice of, considering the dark and scary times in which we are living. Mother Nature provides us with so much beauty especially in my favorite season of Autumn. I have attended both of your prior zoom get-togethers and have enjoyed them so very much. I love how you express yourself so unselfishly by sharing your thoughts and feelings about everything in your life, the good times and the not so good times. You are truly a treasure 💕 Thank you for being YOU!!
Love that firepit! Will be lovely with a fire going!
I am making the Corn Chowder recipe this weekend. We are going to be chilly here in Georgia and we will need something to warm us up. Susan, I am so happy I found your blog. I have several of your older cookbooks and love the recipes and the art. I don’t know which appeals to me more – your art or your recipes. I collect cookbooks and have so many a lot get “forgotten.” But never yours. Thank you for your inspirational blog – it always lifts me up (especially in this stinky 2020)!
I would love the book. I was born 9/29/1938. It would be treasured in my home and I would read it to my granddaughters. Love how you find such interesting treasures.