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 . . . 💝
Oh yesss, the sky. Our endless beautiful sky. It gives me hope. I look to it and forget about everything around me for just a few moments. I live in the mountains and the moon and stars just seem closer here. And, with all the fires around us, we are getting smoke, smoke, smoke . . . and as bad, and oh SO sad as that is, the smoke makes for incredibly beautiful sunsets.
Susan, I just sent a copy of Home for Christmas to a friend of mine who lives in Connecticut because I think we all need a reminder of what Christmas was really like for those of us growing up in the 50’s. It is a beautiful book and I cherish my copy with your signed bookplate delivered to me in Northern California from your store in Southern California. Thank you for all you do to cheer us up during this crazy time we call 2020. I hope that we will be able to travel again in 2022…I’m also looking forward to the book lovers puzzle arriving this month. Thanks again and virtual hugs!!!!
Susan, I’ve been a fan of yours for many years and I read and reread your cookbooks. I have my Autumn book out on my cookbook holder turned to page 95 because tomorrow I’m making your “Cranberry Apple Crisp”!! And I can’t wait until it is baking in the oven giving the entire house an October moment. Please keep sending your newsletters which are so soothing!
I so look forward to your blog posts .
For me it is a time of peace from this crazy world and especially this year of 2020. Your photos, art and quotes bring a special peace and joy to my world.
What a wonderful post! I pulled out my Autumn Book yesterday as I have for years but each and every time I am inspired. Love decorating this time of year and everything else that goes with it especially cooking. If you are thinking of making a pork chop dinner this season I highly recommend wild rice from Minnesota by the Red Lake Nation; it is delicious!
Oh Susan…that quilt is so beautiful! I know whoever wins it, will cherish it forever. Happy Fall!
Susan, once again thank you for a lovely blog! You always have such a wonderful way of transitioning us into each season and getting us excited for what it holds. We love you!
Happy fall, Susan. Have fun with your new fire pit!
Another lovely post. This one I read cuddled with my tuxedo car, Belle, and my cavalier dog, Cassie. I am recuperating from serious muscle strain (when will I learn that 72 is NOT the new 19??!!), and this was just the calm and peaceful read that I needed. Thank you. – Alana
Such incredibly beautiful photos. It’s more important than ever to appreciate the beauty that is above us, below us, in front of us and beside us-it’s there, even during these days. We have no local bookstores were I live now-so sad, but I shall continue to support Titcombs as for 15 years, I lived not so far from that treasure of a store. As a teacher and mother of five, lots of my hard earned $$ we’re spent there. I didn’t much believe in giving my kids toys “in between”. They still quote me: Is it your birthday? Is it Christmas? But books, well, that was a different story!
I love your dear Christmas book and though I was fully alive in 1956, I don’t have an memories until ‘57! But all the things—just tool me back to those sweetest of days.
I live in the south now but I sure miss New England fall. The colors are richer and the apples crisper. Fall is my favorite time of year. One November I made my way to find a sister that I had never met. She was adopted and raised in a different home. I found her on Martha’s Vineyard and I traveled all the way up north from Tennessee to meet her for the 1st time. It was a beautiful fall day. The trees were still in color and it was warn for a fall day on the vineyard. My heart was so full that day! I was 40 years old and she was 35.
Happy Fall Susan 🍁🍂💛🧡🤎
Enjoy all that it gives you.
What gorgeous sky photos. I especially enjoyed the beautiful skies over the ocean. I recognized the dramatic stormy sky photo from Colorado, since that is where I live!
Thank you again for a bit of sunshine coming through the computer to remind us that there is still a lot to appreciate and celebrate.
The hexie flowers are so cute on your quilt!!
I love your blogs & your books – your positive attitude means so much. Your pictures and drawings are wonderful. My thoughts and prayers have been with you at the passing of your mom. My mom passed away on my 7th birthday. I have always loved hearing stories about loving moms and daughters. I am glad you had that.
How I love to see your blog in my email, which means an immediate sit-down with a cup of tea. May the love you send out come back to you in bushels 🙂
Oh, Susan! A dream of a giveaway for a quilt lover, collector and maker. It is an adorable quilt and I would love to add it to my collection. Your Christmas book is a planned Christmas gift for my sister-in-law.
I love and appreciate your continued sharing of joy. Always uplifting to read your blog. And thank you for all the lovely sky pictures!
I love that the sky is constantly changing and it’s ours to enjoy…….for free!! The sunrise is my absolute favorite but the moonrise is a close second. Thank you for the beautiful pictures 🙂
I live that quilt. It is so very sweet and would look so adorable in my future granddaughters room,
Thank you for a chance to win. I love all your books and drawings. I also look forward to all your posts, they brighten my day in a time we all really need it. Thanks again
Lovely Susan, just lovely. Fall is moving in fast and yes, we can look forward hopefully to a better 2021. Never want to wish a single day away because each day we have is precious. So I can wait. I am a sewer and quilter. What you’re offering is a fantastically beautiful and wonderful quilt, but even more so because you have your warmth and heart in the gift. Thank you.
Susan –
I enjoy how you enjoy the change of seasons! How you keep your lovely photographs labeled and organized is beyond me!
Such a cute quilt to turn a plain bed into a cozy safe haven.
Best wishes,
Jacki
Dear Susan,
Thank you for always sharing your happy heart with us! You words and your pictures are always a gift. You are a true artist in every facet of life.
Wishing you happy October days!
❤️🍁🎃
Dear Susan,
I was so happy to see your blog link arrive in my email today. Thank you so very much, as it brightened my day!
They are allowing Trick or Treating where I live in NYS, but I’m not sure how many children will be participating. I have two families who have promised to bring their children here. So, I guess you can say that I’m importing Trick or Treaters to my house, lol. I have decorated the outside beautifully so that it will entice the parents and children to come and explore. I’ve already told neighbors they can take photos of their children with the decorations whenever they like.
Oh, yes, how I would love to be a winner of one of your lovely prizes. That is so very kind and generous of you to do this. However, even if I don’t win, I am so very happy and grateful for your beautiful, sweet soul and all the joy you bring to all of us.
With Love, Light and Peace,
Janice
Wow! Thanks for the great giveaways! I’m looking forward to the next post with a report of the fire pit and new recipe!
Autumn is definitely in the air here in Warwick, NY. A cold and rainy start to this day…but by the afternoon the sun came out and brought some warmth to the afternoon. Your photos of the skies are so perfect for this time of the year….just a beautiful reminder to always look up! The quilt is lovely, also! You have such an eye for beauty and colors. Thank you for your blog…I loved reading today’s after a long day at work. It brings me peace.
Gosh, this was such a beautiful blog. Loved the sky pictures, that darling quilt with the six-sided scrappy flowers. the books – really wonderful and so much fun for some lucky girls to win. Thanks for the fun blog. I’m in such a good mood now.
The sky…with puffy white clouds; OR a lovely sunset over the beautiful ocean. Two of my favorite things. Thank you for showing us so many options of this beauty that beholds us. I’m ready for Fall…just wish the temps would drop in Southern California. Hot, dry day and we definitely do not need that. With all that will be missing during the coming holiday season, i.e., kids not trick or treating, people not being able to travel to be with loved ones during the holidays, we need to bring up our spirits and that of our neighbors and friends. SOOOO let’s decorate. Our community is doing just that…the more the better. Happy Fall to all the Girlfriends out there.
Laying in the grass watching the clouds used to be a favorite pastime when I was growing up. “Look at the dragon-Look at the elephant! See the fairies! ” we shouted!! Thanks for the cloud pics!
The neck of Jack is just begging for me to reach through the screen and softly kiss it.
Brooklyn, my youngest stray, is missing —I have searched all over and so have my friends but I guess that is what happens with strays. Have had her since she was 3 months old and now my little calico at 15 months has mysteriously disappeared. Now I only have 5 strays plus 1 in the house so hope they will be okay.
Love your new firepit!! Happy Fall Y’all! From Linda in Idaho where it is sunny and in the low 80’s–perfect Fall so far!
Your blog is SOOO refreshing! especially during these strange times we are in.
I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see it because for a few moments it makes me forget all the weird things going on in this world.
THANK YOU thank you!!!
Soaking up your🍁autumn🍁inspiration all the way over here, Susan. It is pretty wonderful how strongly your harvest decorations, and the sunlight on golden leaves in the MV woods, and the photos of your changing seasons surroundings add to the autumn atmosphere inside my California Shire hobbit hole 3,000 miles away! How powerful is THAT!?! Just seeing your storm windows framing that fall-in-New-England view, snugly installed and ready to defend you and Joe and Jack from the coming cold weather, gave me a sense of cozy security. So now I’m lighting pumpkin spice candles, stringing silk leaves with orange-gold lights around the room, reading your Autumn Book and other HOTH cookbooks, and planning the yummy stews and soups and casseroles and puddings I’m going to bake and stir and roast. And any time I need some extra cozy homey encouragement, I’ll just come back here and soak up some more Susan Branch of Vineyard Haven magic. Thank you, Susan ~ we love you, too🧡🧡🧡
PS The ZOOM events were so much fun!! Looking forward to the next ones!
Just what I need, a break! I’ve been visiting my sweaters and sorting their importance. Some need a hug because they are old friends. Thank you, I’ve almost forgotten about the pandemic as I view this season with hope and much love. The peace which passes all understanding to all.
Win a quilt or a book,
I just can’t go wrong,
Wrapped-up and reading
as the nights get long!
~Here’s hoping~
I just put our pumpkins out around the house yesterday too! Never mind that it was 103° outside! I loved all your sky pictures. Thank you so much for sharing them! Especially the one with all the stars. I’ve only seen stars like that a handful of times in my life (we can’t see that many in Southern California), but they’re still so vivid in my memory. Truly extravagant (yet free!) gifts from God. And now I can’t wait to get your new Christmas book!! I already associate your books with Christmastime because I received my first Susan Branch book on Christmas Day years ago (A Fine Romance). I gobbled it all up from bed and loved every second of it. 🙂
What a way to start the weekend! Thank you for giving us the sky! WE LOVE YOU TOO!!! Stay safe and healthy and keep hope alive! A better world is worth fighting for! Lots of crossed fingers and toes and even more prayers that 2021 will be a Red Letter Year!!!
Dear Susan,
What fantastic skies! You always do such a wonderful job of reminding us to appreciate what’s all around us everyday if we just remember to look and really see! The fire pit looks perfect. We have a great spot for one, just waiting…maybe this will spur us into action. Love the last photo of Jack looking out onto the pumpkins in the yard😃! Thank you for another uplifting blog, as always.
Dear Susan……first, “Hello Joe and Jack”……we need to see more of Joe. I was hoping he and Jack would put in an appearance at the last book signing. Thank you so much for sharing your skies…..oh how wish I could paint those clouds! I have tried and mine never look like I want….guess practice might help. Ha! All those pumpkins. I bought mine today, 3 small ones to go with the big chrysanthemum, to put on the front porch. Love the painting of you and your mother looking up at the stars. She took a sweet moment to teach you the constellations…a good mother in many more ways than just this. I know you miss her, but the memories help soothe some of the missing. I love that you want to burn September 2020….funny girl!! I could probably add a couple more months before the year is over. Love ya, Rachel
Love your little kitty! ..and your pumpkins! ❤️
I loved the Christmas book! It described my childhood Christmas’ s to a T. It brought back so many wonderful memories. I love the quilt too. I collect quilts and it would fit in perfectly with all my others. Fall has arrived in south central Kentucky and it is my favorite time of year. Thank you sharing your wonderful stories and pictures with all of us.
Absolutely loved the sky and Fall pictures!! You are the best photographer!
Happy Halloween!
Love this blog. All happiness for the season.
Happy October! It is good to read your positive words. I am going to get out my well-thumbed copy of “Autumn” and enjoy it again. Thank you!
Hello Susan! I was telling my Mom just yesterday how I hoped we’d see a new blog post from you soon – wishes do come true 🙂 I attended your zoom tea party with Titcomb’s Book Shop and loved hearing more about your inspiration for Home For Christmas! Thank you for being such a source of positivity and happiness in this Dampanic! Happy October from Franklin, Tennessee – Alexandra K.
Thank you, Susan❣️🎃 The abundance of love that goes into each and every email is just so absolutely wonderful. Always thinking of others with so much joy❣️❣️ Love this time of year. 🍃🍂
Absolutely LOVE YOU and all the joy, light and happiness you bring into the world!!!
Hi Susan,
I love connecting with you on your blog. I’m so excited for you that you now have a fire pit!! I’m a New Englander who has been transplanted to Florida and have had a fire pit for many years. Of course we have to wait for the cooler months to use ours down here. It has become a tradition in our family to have a fire in our fire pit on New Years Eve. So many wonderful memories. This New Year we will especially miss my 98 year old mom who passed away in June. Loved all your beautiful sky pictures you posted. Beauty is all around us and we just have to see it. Love you,
Susan M
October 1st (yesterday) would have been my Mother’s 96th birthday. We lost her 8 years ago and I, of course, think of her often and miss her so. I was her only daughter (I had 4 brothers) and she and I were especially close. Last weekend my own “only daughter” married the love of her life after a roller coaster year of Covid wedding planning. My parent’s lived in our home and helped raise my daughter and her 3 brother’s. My mom would have been so thrilled about this wedding and we definitely felt her presence and support throughout the stressful month’s leading to and the amazing day itself. For my daughter’s bridal shower I gave her a gift my mother had given me for my own wedding. A handmade quilt her grandmother had made from her childhood dresses from the 1930’s. I know my mother would have loved that the quilt had been passed on to her precious granddaughter. Quilts tell a story. This one is gift of mother’s love that lives on through the generations.
Gloriosity is your middle name !? Right?
Thank you!
Although this never works, I am trying again!
My Mom passed away about five years ago. She was born and raised in Gloucester, England and was about 18 during World War II. Although forbidden to even look at the American military men, she did and married our dad who was in the navy. They honeymooned in Truro. She loved to play the piano and we always had one in our apartments (she and dad only remained married for about 12 years). One of her favourite songs, to which I would sing, was “Penthouse Serenade.” “Just picture a penthouse way up in the sky with hinges on chimneys for clouds to go by. A sweet slice of heaven, just you and I.” I don’t know what in your writing today made me think of it, but I thought I would share my remembrance with you. I was last in England in 2013, in Gloucester, Cornwall and Brighton visiting family.
Ohhh, what lovely sky pictures. Thanks for sharing in the giveaway. A new quilt is just what I’d love to have to decorate for the holidays.
Your email always brightens my day . I had been out side and it’s a beautiful day here in Missouri ,came in and there you were for a visit . The Eskimo legend about the stars is my favorite . I love looking at the stars and thinking about my family looking down on me. It’s very comforting . Thank you for a the beautiful sky picture . I’m a sky and cloud watcher. Happy Fall to you.
Hi Susan…Thank you for your lovely letter this morning,I do so enjoy reading your wonderful letters each month. More so now because if being sequestered during this pandemic..They bring me joy and tears each time I read one,as they are so spot on.!! Thank you, too..for my Christmas book,so many fabulous childhood memories brought back to life. Stay safe and healthy
Hugs
Sandra in California
Fire pits are the best even in the suburbs! Happy Fall!
Oh how I love reading your newsletters. So very cheery and full of joy! That’s also what I see when I look at that quilt. I have the perfect spot for it on my guest bed.
Have a lovely fall and enjoy that new fire pit. Making memories around a fire with s’mores is time well spent. 🧡🎃🍁😊
Yes, Once on Christmas is hard to find! I’ve tried and tried so I’m just going to cross my fingers and hope you pull my name for it! Keep the blogs and books coming – we need you!
Hi Susan, I really enjoyed your Zoom talk last month via Titcombs in Sandwich. Love the pictures and your words in this blog as they are just so uplifting and comforting to me.
Wishing you and hubby good health !
It’s my favorite time of year. The trees get beautiful with leaves all a flame, the light turns golden, a bit of chill to to mornings. Time to make cookie dough for the fridge to have a few fresh baked anytime cookies, hot chocolate mix and think about the holidays. It’s all going so fast.
Years ago, I heard someone say that when someone close to you dies, you have an angel you know. I am certain that that is true of your mom (and your dad, too!).
Thank you for the beautiful skies! I paint, also, and love skies. And trees! And, of course, many other wonderful things!
Please say well and safe. You are a gift to this world.
Thank you for sharing the beauty of your words, art and photo’s! Happy Octobering🎃
Thank you Susan for always making sure “the good old days” are remembered. I love thinking of those times. Someday, these days we’re living in now will be someone’s “good old days”. Thanks to you, they will have lots of music and lovely things to see to show them the way it used to be. I am so thankful that I have memories of my own of those times. The quilt is beautiful. Don’t you love holding in your hands something someone made with theirs. The book is an absolute treasure, so sweet and innocent. Thank you for the opportunity to win such precious little treasures. Stay safe. Iris,SavedbyGrace
That quilt is just darling!
This is the first year ever we will turn off the porch light and not answer the door for Trick or Treaters. We are old and don’t need to be swapping germs with children.
I so envy you your beach!
The fire pit is fabulous and you’ll spend many happy hours around it. Your sky photos are just as wonderful…don’t you love being able to see to a far horizon? I’ve never been to Stonehenge, it’s on my “go” list but I have been to the Armenian site “Carahunge” which is more than twice older than Stonehenge. Totally amazing!
Get ready for the October Blue Moon which is Oct 31 and the next won’t be until August 22, 2021!
Autumn: a feminine word meaning fall. Bring it!
May your October days be filled with joy. Stay well.
The quilt is lovely, and now is the time they are cozy to look at and to use. I am glad to know of this book. Lois Lenski was one of my favorite authors when I was growing up, and I never outgrew the children’s section of the library. ❤️
Your posts always do my heart good! I am saddened by the lack of Halloween this year… I have seen very little of it in the stores (but then, I’m not going to hardly any…) I told my husband last night that we a Halloween Rudolph! When Christmas was about to be cancelled by fog, Rudolph came and saved the day! My husband answered, “We need the Great Pumpkin!” Perfect! Sending warm and cozy thoughts to you <3
Susan, thank you for a wonderful blog post! I enjoyed your sky pictures so much! I take pictures of the clouds – I love them so much! I hope we have big, puffy, blue clouds in Heaven!
I hope you and your husband Joe get to go back to England. My heart wants to go back so much. Maybe, maybe, I’ll be blessed to be able to do that. I loved it so much!!!
Have a blessed weekend.
Sharon Hermens
Love fall most of all…!!!
I also got a small fire pit this summer and we have had 4 fires and they were great. S’mores and reading the kindle until too dark to see. I also got the Home for Christmas book and read a little before bed. Trying to not read it all at once is hard!! Love the stories and drawings. Enjoy October. Love all your books and everything you do
I am so eager to see you on October 18, Susan! My dear friend Pat, who introduced me to you and your work, is from MA, and her family has a house at Cotuit. She has talked about Titcomb’s book shop, and I guess I missed your September missive, so I didn’t know about that gathering. But I am delighted to “be” at the one from NJ.
I know your feelings about your mother…I feel mine’s presence all the time, and it’s been 16 years! She is with you all the time!
Thank you for sharing your gifts and your spirit with us all.
dear susan,
as always i love your post and loving photos
and would love to have the little christmas
book you’re giving away!
it would be a wonderful and heart warming
addition to my collection of all your
books. kindest regards and stay safe!
nancy bivona
Happy FALL to you Susan! I’m sharing your words “praying for a peaceful, healthy, boring 2021 filled with hugs.💞 ” in my Christmas letter this year (giving you credit of course). Those very words echoed my own heart’s desire. Thank you again for sharing your heart & life with us. I wish you many cozy nights around your new fire ring! We have one too.
haha! You are too funny! “Dampanic”…love your new word! And your Halloween decorations. And your house! YOU always lift my spirits! I found out yesterday I DO NOT HAVE CANCER! Perhaps not a proper place to make this announcement, but it has been a trying 2 months! I started a new diet 3 days after my surgery (6 days ago) and I’ve lost 10 lbs! What’s not to celebrate!? “Happy October & Fall”, Susan, family and staff. You always make my day!
Always love your posts,Susan. This one was special. Just what I needed. Thank you so much. Love You!
Thank you for sending us pictures and words and drawings that make a day brighter and more hopeful.
Thank you Susan for another dose of big-as-sky good cheer. It was wonderful having tea with you at Titcombs. The bookshop mom and daughter were delightful too. Book lovers have a special bond.
Oh Susan…having so many feels! Reading about your sweet mom going to heaven, sure wish I could give you a big hug. My mom was my first best friend too. Have to say the little Christmas Book is the sweetest and it’s your young life shared with us…made me remember how it is to live with Christmas magic. Almost one year ago we made our trip to Cape Cod, driving all over and seeing with my own two eyes what you share in your pictures and drawings, it’s been a memory that’s helped me through this “dampanic!” And I have one very important question – what is Snippy Doodle?? Did I miss the story and recipe somewhere? Sounds like SnickerDoodles…my fave Christmas cookie…And dear Jack, the gears in his kitty mind going “heeeeyyyy what are those???” You will love the fire pit! Excellent move! Much love and hugs to you, Joe, Jack, all the Girlfriends. Everyone stay healthy and safe 🙏🏻♥️🌻
Thanks for the Titcomb’s tea talk, enjoyed with a fresh cup of tea in new “favorite things” mug-just love it! Your new Christmas book is the first present under the tree (if it was up yet, but it awaits on the side table!)
Precious momma passed (then dear dad a year and a day later on my April birthday.) Had to look at it as though having extra special blessings and angels looking down on us to help ..
Blessed precious April girl that you are, and MUCHED LOVED😻JulieD
Once again, you’ve brightened my day. And I didn’t even realize it could be brighter!
I especially like the idea of Stars being openings for our Loved Ones to shine their love through. If you think about it, there are so many stars, the love of everyone is able to shine on all us, whether they are OUR loved ones or someone else’s. That’s lots of love shining down on everyone every night.
Happy October! Another fabulous post! BOO! I love the last photo of your Halloween perfect kitty staring those pumpkins down! Onward march towards Thanksgiving & Christmas and fingers crossed we all have a better 2021!
Thank you again, Susan, for your posts and sharing all the lovely photos of sky! Cheered me right up! And yes, we all need a little Christmas right now! mind how you go, YvonneJ
Love the pumpkins over your door!!Always look forward to your posts.Would love to give your quilt a new home.
I do truly smile when your blog post comes to my email. You have that way of making a day bright. Oooo… speaking of which the quilt in your giveaway could make a salty ol’ sailor smile! The handiwork is so colorfully charming! Thanks for the nice respite from daily turmoil to sweetness and light!
A pal, you’ve yet to meet…
~ Shari
Loved the Zoom event with Titcomb’s Bookshop! So happy to have the new book! Always enjoy your blog!
Just got your new book yesterday and couldn’t wait till Christmas time to read it so I sat down and devoured the whole book in one sitting. I loved it !!! It brought back so many of my childhood memories since were almost the same age. I’ll read it again at Christmas time .
So enjoying my little Christmas book! Know that it brings welcome relief from daily panics!
Karen
I loved your art work the minute I saw it. It is charming and fresh . You writ about ordinary things and make them sound charming. Thank you.
Such a lovely, endearing post. Thank you.🌹🌹🌹
Love love love the idea of burning a 2020 calendar! I suggested it to my husband and he also thought it a great idea. We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2022 and hope to return to England too. May 2021 and 2022 both be better years for us all.
I so enjoyed our ‘tea time’ together. My best friend was not able to attend as she was in the hospital that week. I would love it if she was able to watch one of the others. She loves all things SB like me!
🍁🍂🍁 Hi Susan 🍁🍂🍁 thank you for your lovely pictures and comments. The cooler weather has arrived here as well, but no turning leaves as yet —- just that beautiful full moon last night 🌝 Ordered your Home For Christmas book at our island bookstore ( Sundial Books) but it won’t be here for a while. Looking forward to reading and enjoying it. Praying you stay well and keep helping us to think on the good and the lovely things in life. Sarah Trayer from Virginia’s beautiful Eastern Shore 🍁🍂🍁
I so enjoyed the tea party at Titcombs! I even called them the day after to thank them for their warm welcomes and having you as the tea party guest. Please thank Joe for popping in but I have to admit I was disappointed we did not see Jack! Maybe he can make an appearance next time. Seeing the blue sky is almost felt like a breath of fresh air. California is in need of prayers and some fresh ocean breezes. So grateful for our first responders. Having tea at three! Air Hugs Kathleen Hansen San Jose CA
Am I the first comment? WOW! Thank you Susan and Happy October! xo
Happy October! I loved all your sky pictures! They are so beautiful! I need to take more pictures of the everyday things in life and add them to my journal. I seem to only get the “important” things, but everyday events can be important too! Thank you for all of your inspiration! I am ready to go work on my diary/art journal now! And I just love the picture of Jack looking out the window at the pumpkins! He is so cute! I think my blood pressure drops 20 points every time I read your blog!
I love all the photos. I didn’t know (remember?) you went to Scotland! My favorite place. Your Scottish sky looks just like the Scottish flag. 🏴. This happens a lot there. “ St. Andrews saltire”. He is called the patron saint of fishermen, fishmongers, textile workers (that’s you!) singers, Miner’s, pregnant ladies, farm workers ( that’s Joe!). …Blessing on you and yours.
My Skye 🐈 says Hi to Jack. ❤️❣️❤️❣️❤️❣️❤️❣️❤️
Susan, Your pictures and words of fall fill me with joy! My favorite time of year…many thanks for your inspiring newsletters.
The firepit! In 2014 Sharon Lovejoy offered this exact same firepit in a giveaway … and I WON! Such fun! You’ll love it!
Susan, I loved your “Sky ” pictures. My Picture files are labeled “Ocean” (big pictures in one, smaller in another.) Plus misc. contains art work or just things that hit my eye.I do not paint (wish I did) One year however I discovered that covering each folder with things that apply to the mo. of the year made doing bills etc. sooo much more fun. I think your blog sparked that thought in me! Right now life in CA is scary. Two more mos. for fire season. Our area is ok but the danger is there-so many dry lawns! Plus we get smoke from fires all over…Thank you for brightening our world and my day:) Gail
Hi Susan!
Seeing that cheerful quilt makes me think of my great grandmother who was born in 1869. She was in a newspaper article in 1965, at the age of 96. In this article, she tell of all the things she had done in her lifetime while in Walsenburg, CO, including making literally mountains of quilts. I asked my father, now 91, whatever happened to all those quilts that she had made. He had no idea. It is so sad because one of her quilts would have been so special and treasured in the hands of future generations. I hope that anyone making any of these beauties today will always have their name attached. Anyways, looking at all your beautiful pictures above makes me think of all the future puzzle possibilities you have at hand- so beautiful! As always, enjoyed your post. Thank you!
Thank you, just what I needed today!