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 . . . 💝
The fire pit is so pretty. I imagine the cutouts with the fire shining through at night. And fall, 🎃 pumpkins and beautiful leaves. Not to mention the fragrance in the air. Elixir ♥️♥️♥️
Hi Susan,
Loved all the photos of the many skies you have viewed but that last photo of your cat looking out at the pumpkins was priceless! Your blog never fails to make the world look brighter and to lift my spirits.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hugs!
Chris
Your posts always lift my spirits but oh especially during this hard time of the damnpanic! This was so nice to read. I love the fall.
I love all the sky photos! It’s different every day!
What a fantastic present to win either one❤️
Always such a happy day when I see you have posted. Particularly today as I am missing my husband who passed away this winter. I hope you can truly know how much your words, drawings and pictures soothe an aching heart if just for a little while. I hope someone can do the same for you as I know your heart is aching as well. You truly have created a community of love and happiness. Blessings, Anne
I always enjoy reading your posts. You have such a wonderful perspective.
Thank you for the wonderful pictures. I am wishing for clear blue skies as the smoke has come back to the central coast along with triple digit temperatures. SLO and Los Osos have been hotter than Paso Robles and Atascadero. I can’t wait for cooler weather. I am hoping when I move to Kansas next month that I will see more blue skies than I have this past few summers in CA.
Also thank you for your Christmas book. It brought back a lot of good memories of Christmas’s of my youth and the anticipation of Christmas day. Just what I need in this crappy year.
Loved your Christmas book and have shared it with my mom and sister! ❤️ Cherished memories of loved ones and Christmas past.
I love, love, love all your sky photos. A favorite thing of mine to photograph. How fun to have a collection of them! A bit jealous of your cooler weather, the fall decor that looks like it belongs, and a chance to sit on a cold evening around your firepit! Enjoy! (I am in California which has been near 100 all week.) Thanks for always bringing some joy into my inbox, Susan!
I can’t wait to make a pot of tea and come to your tea parties. Please bring Jack too if he can bear to leave this lovely view.
A dear friend introduced me to you a few years ago and I just love your positive outlook, charming sketches, and amazing penmanship AND fabulous books! You are lifting my spirits through a second round of chemotherapy! I wish you a wonderful October 💕😊😷🌻! Judy
I collected Romantic Homes magazines for years, and today I came across an article that featured you on March 2001 issue. What a coincidence that your new blog came in as well. It’s a Susan Branch Day today for me. I live in Northern California, and sadly, we haven’t had blue skies for many days. Thank you for thinking of us here in the west coast.
Dear Susan,
Happy Autumn 🍁🍂. Please consider me to win one of your lovely give a ways? They represent a warm cozy feeling. Thank you! Linda G.
I have that star and moon fire pit! Have had it for years and it is going strong! Just had s’mores with it the other night. I know you will enjoy yours! ❤️ Had my tea from my (your) moon cup yesterday. Celebrating that harvest moon!
A great posting, full of hope and joy– badly needed at times like these! Keeping fingers crossed that you two can get to England before too long– lovely pics!
The quilt is darling– someone had joy in their heart when they worked on that!
Sitting here reading another beautiful blog and watching the Harvest moon rise over the lake. The only thing missing is a wonderful fire pit! I hope you, Joe and Jack spend many magical evenings watching those mesmerizing and hypnotic flames dance and flitter away into the cool dark fall nights. Enjoy!!
You have me dreaming of traveling again. My heart is yearning💖🍁🍊😷beautiful photos📷
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your blog post and for all you do to brighten our lives and remind our hearts to hope! You are such a sunny spot in my life! Happy October!!
Oh your blog always seems to come at the perfect time. I love your words, your drawings and your positivity. They go so nicely with a cup of tea! Just like that darling Christmas book would. P.S. I received my VOTE post cards. I can’t wait to mail them.
Lovely fall blog, as always. I adore the quilt. The flowers look as if they are reaching for a hug.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved mother( I was running a fundraiser last month and am just now catching up on my followed blogs) Last week was 10 years since I lost my mom-it still seems like she was just here, that if I open her back door she’ll be sitting at the kitchen table having a cup of tea. Of course I’d just get arrested for trespassing as her house was sold long ago. On a cheerier note, I was so excited to receive my copy of Home for Christmas, however I am not allowing myself the pleasure of reading it until I have caught up on all of the things that got pushed to the side because of the fundraiser. That way I can thoroughly immerse myself without the “I need to dos” hanging over me.
p.s. I made your chicken in phyllo last week for my husband and son who was home for a visit. I has been a very long time since I revisited that old favorite. As delicious as ever!
What a wonderful treat all the sky and cloud pictures are in this mail! Often,
we just don’t take the time to look out and look up at the sky. Night is just now
falling here in Mountain Home, AR, and I am going out to look for that beautiful
harvest moon. Your letters bring such joy to me, but this is the first time I
have ever sent a reply. Been reading your stuff for many years, and love all
the books and cookbooks I have collected. BTW I am 87 years old, and I am
a quilter. It would be luv-lee to add that antique quilt to my collection
Such a joy reading your posts! The wonderful pictures! I have “known you” for so long and loved you for so long! Such a wonderful friend! I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!
Seeing things thru your eyes is so precious. I thank you many times over for being you!!!
My love goes to you, my friend!
That little Christmas book is adorable! I would give it a good home 😊
Your blog always cheers me up, Susan! You love so many of the same simple things that I do! Kindred hearts, I believe! Thank you and Happy October!
As always you hit my home spot with pictures of New England. I love the fall. In Oregon the smell of smoke was so horrible. It seeped into the house through unknown holes. And this year has been the Worst. But the rain will come, the snow maybe. Trying positive thinking for the dreaded pox to be done, fires put out in all the places it has been burning and that families get to hug again. May you,Susan, be comforted in this time of the loss of your mom.
Oh my, two give a ways. Thanks for your generosity. The sunset pictures are beautiful. It’s my favorite time of day. The cloud pictures are nice too. I love looking at clouds and I’m always looking for angels in the clouds.
Have a nice evening.
Thanks for always inspiring me to look for the beauty all around me and for being grateful for life’s gifts!!
Dear Susan,
So wonderful to receive your post today…a bit of cheer after the news of the day. Supporter or not a supporter, a bit unnerving to see our president helicoptered to Bethesda with Covid-19.
Your photography is sensational, rivaling your painting. You do have the EYE!
Loved seeing the first full moon of October on your blog, as we had rainy skies last night and there was no moon last night.
Stay safe.
Gail
Hi Susan!
Handmade quilts are hard to find!! That is wonderful that you are willing to share! I am sure someone will appreciate it with Winter just around the corner! Sorry you will not have trick or treaters this year!!
Thank you for brightening the day!! The skies are beautiful and I have been noticing them too during this dampanic. Sunrises. Sunsets. And sooo many rainbows. Been busy here arranging pumpkins and prepping to enjoy the fall. Love both of the giveaways and would be happy to win either. Take care!!
Hi Susan ! I am always so lifted up by your Blog ! I love to see it arrive in my email ! Things are so chaotic this year and you just float me away for a bit ! Thank You so much for doing what you do. Hugs
Oh Susan, Joe. and Jack thanks for making life bearable during the 2020 pandemic ugh. God Bless ❤
Susan I haven’t even read it all yet, that takes sweet time. But I wanted to say I love the book and the bookmark. Really so wonderful of you to share all this goodness with us. We need it so much. You all stay safe and cautious.
Linda from Gainesville, fl 🍁😍🍃🍂
I am so glad to get the chance to join a zoom meeting, missed the first. I look forward to receiving my new book as well. Thank you for helping us through these trying times by focusing on what matters. Nature, family, cooking, lots of walks, and my pets!
Loving your posts always. They are reminding me that I need to live more. I have been working so much during this time as a nurse taking care of the sick that I am missing out on what is coming up to my favorite time of year: Halloween and Fall. I’m going to make every effort to enjoy this month.
Thank you so much…always!
This is a time we should all be thinking of others, but you’re making it very hard. How can I not want both precious Christmas books and that wonderful quilt?!!! Thanks as usual for the lovely pictures and happy thoughts. I look forward to every posting. Please stay well!
Oh Jack wants to go play in the garden! ( Is he allowed outside, I won’t let Pheona, to much danger with cyotes and bears! and other wild stray cats that may not be vaccinated.) Love your picture of the boats on the ocean with the moon. lovely. and I LOVE pumpkins with warts! and colorful leaves and sweater weather! I just love FALL.
Just got a text from my granddaughter asking if she could call.
Important you know…will catch up…🥰
Our youngest grandchild ,of 13, will be five on Halloween. He said his birthday doesn’t even need a cake as he gets so much candy 🍭! I hope he isn’t disappointed as they won’t be going out for the usual haul. So many disappointments this year but so many good things I keep reminding myself. You reminded me of many of the good things with your uplifting blog today. Thanks for that as always.
Thank you, thank you, Susan, for sharing your joy of life and your talents with us. I have been a fan since your first book came out. I will always remember that I was able to share it and many of your others with my mother-in-law, also a talented artist and calligrapher. The sky photos are so meaningful to me, with the continuing smoke issues from the west coast fires. The sunsets have been stunning, but, oh, at what a cost. As a maker and collector of quilts, I have to admit that I covet that charming quilt. But just seeing it and trying to figure out how it was made is part of its appeal for me. It would be wonderful to recreate it with the stash of Susan Branch fabric that I have. Thanks for your inspiration and sharing of your talents. Stay safe.
Thank you oh thank you, Susan! Delightful post and those skies, oh my…
It always makes my day a good bit brighter when I get a new post from you! Thank you for all the morale boosting you do.
Thank you thank you Susan for this wonderful, warm, cozy, colorful and comforting blog!!! I loved it!!! And I am loving Home For Christmas too!!! I don’t want to read it too fast so I am taking my time, looking at all the wonderful details on every page❤️❤️❤️!!!!
My husband just finished A Fine Romance! It was so great to discuss it with him and laugh together. We love your humor, openness and honesty! Bless you for sharing your many gifts with us.
Your sky pictures were glorious! Made my heart sing. Thank you.
Thank goodness fall is in the air and we are zooming (and Zooming) to the end of this crazy year! I appreciate so much the beautiful things you remind us of and show us—helps the jitters go away for a moment. Still thinking of you and Joe, and your siblings, with the passing of your dear Mom. Enjoy chilly nights and your new fire pit. We’ll be right here, snug and safe if we are very fortunate, awaiting your next letter. ❤️
So enjoying your writing and photos….lived in England for a bit and had my daughter there….such a wonderful peaceful way of life in the county of Suffolk.
What a beautiful post! Our Harvest moon looked just like yours!😄 I 💛🧡 autumn. Your fire pit is the cutest! May you and Joe have a wonderful October🍂💛🍁🧡
Enjoying lovely fall and reading your lovely blog! Received my Christmas book. Tucked it away for a sweet treat in December. Gave a copy to my niece. She couldn’t wait. Read part of it now and saving the rest for December!
My mom, daughter and I enjoy reading your posts so much. Thank you for all of the beauty and love you add to the world.
Thanks for stopping by, Susan! LOVED all the beautiful sky photos! And the inspiring October decorating ones. Good grief, I know what you mean about those donuts and tatertots! The dampanic has gone on too long, say our pants 🙂
I also loved the virtual tea party at Titcombs! It really was fun. It felt like I had dropped over for a quick “kitchen table” visit with you. So glad you love writing books for us–your forever friends–because we love reading them.
Following your blog with my best friend, who now lives across the nation from me, gives us something fun to share about. We both love your creativity and the fact that you celebrate homemaking. You’re the best! Have a beautiful October dear Susan and thanks again for bringing so much positivity and joy to my (and all the girlfriends’) lives. Bless you. Love, Ginny
I always get happy when I see your name come through my email. You and your husband are very fortunate people to be such life long friends as well to each other. Dale
Pumpkins and painted leaves. October charms! And so did this post! TY
Oh Susan,
I saw that wonderful full moon last night too, and so did my daughter! We’re waiting for October’s 2nd full moon–the Halloween “Blue Moon”. I love sunsets, and have passed that love on to her. And love clouds, and she does too. Just looking at the sky reminds me of all the Good Lord gives to us each day, if we take the time to look and then really See. I loved the Sunday Tea and seeing you, and your kitchen, and listening to your stories. Please keep your blogs coming, with your photos and lovely art and thoughtful words, and everything. We need the love you give to us through your postings more than ever. This year may be close to the bottom of the crummy years list, but the good news is: It Will Pass! Give hugs to everyone at your house from me and my house. I’ll be looking for the next post, to give me smiles and hope. Fondly, Rosemary
Dear Susan, I want to thank you for being your delightful creative self! You have brought so much joy and beauty to my life and my girlfriends but I want to share how you are helping my sister. She is caretaker for her husband who has Parkinson’s caused by his tour in Vietnam. Some of her days are very heartbreaking and difficult. She lives in a different city and I have been able to brighten her weeks by ordering books, cups and who knows what else for her to receive and enjoy. I am so grateful for your heartwarming, beautiful work and products! Love and happy Autumn to you!
A sweet welcome to October – thanks so much. So fun to know others have the rabbit, rabbit tradition. Happy Fall!
Love you, Susan! 2021 will be better; it has to be-we need GF time, hugs, laughter, and smiles not hidden by masks!
Hi Susan. What a giveaway! You are so generous. Hoping I win. Hoping I actually remember to tune in live this time to the zoom event, despite numerous reminders. ugh. : ) Thanks for those replays!
What a beautiful quilt. It makes you smile just looking at it.
Thank you sharing for your beautiful pictures! It’s been just over a year since I visited your beautiful island! Wish I was on the ferry now headed back to see the pumpkins above your door!
Hi Susan! My order of three copies of your new Christmas book have arrived! Two will be gifts and I read my copy from cover to cover right away. Just LOVED it, and your words and cozy illustrations brought back so many memories of Christmas growing up in the same era as you. 🙂 Thanks for the memories!
Loved how you have just put all of us in the Halloween spirit, too! It’s so wonderful how you transport us from one season to another with words and art work. Happy October!
I love your blogs! And all the sky pictures are amazing. Thank you for sharing with us. I cried while reading your Christmas book…..could not wait until Christmas. Glad I bought two so I can share!
Susan, I just love reading your sweet letters. I feel like we are old friends catching up. Thank you for all your positivity and for always find the good in everything.
One of my favorite posts. Every morning, I look at the sun rise & thank God I’m here to see another one. There is nothing more beautiful than looking up at the sky, the home of all of our loved ones no longer with us. At least, that’s what I feel when I look up. Always welcome a new post from you. Always uplifting, always so hopeful, even in these scary times. Thank you! xo
Oh Susan, I just love all those glorious pictures of the sky! Nature brings me so much joy and being a Pisces, the ocean draws me in and makes my heart full. Also, I am a big believer in clotheslines!
Love your baby boy and your blog. Beautiful, simply beautiful. Thank you. Marybeth
I can NEVER ignore old books wherever I find them! I’ve gotten some excellent old herb and Christmas books too that have entertained me every season since. So much charm and innocence, always good for an easy smile! Something we dont see much of of these days, except maybe in YOUR art and writings. Thanks for reminding me to gather my books to me and re-enjoy them as often as possible😻
The quilt and the Christmas book put a smile on my face. Let’s wrap ourselves up in friendship and love and share words of kindness with each other.
I love you, Susan! You are such an inspiration to us all. I have actually read all your books three times! Am waiting for another. Thank you for all you do!
I felt as if I were hurting this week, but now your lovely long letter to us made all the difference and I feel better. Thank you, Susan, as always… I love the sky and the clouds and I can smell the sea by looking at your photos, mmmmm. Your drawings are exquisite and I love the quotes, especially “Perhaps they are not stars but openings in Heaven where love from our lost ones pours through”. What a beautiful thought, thank you!
Back to the clouds, did you know that there’s a book about them written by a man who was in hospital for a very long time? He had nothing to do but look out of his window and he began to see patterns that helped him predict the weather. The local weather station even realized he had a gift. Eventually his son persuaded him to write it down for the rest of us. None of us needs to think we don’t matter.
Take care, be safe and keep on keeping calm and helping us enjoy your world and ours…
Hi Susan, loved all the sky pictures. I borrowed a few to use as screen savers! Here in the deep south we are actually getting a fall. Temps in the 70s during the day & chilly at night. Not a lot of leaves turning yet but it feels like fall & there are pumpkins on our front porch. Enjoy October on your island!
Love, Kate
I love your emphasis this month on sky, something that each one of us has in our life if we will only stop and look. We just saw a magnificent and ever changing sky when we hiked up a mountain at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, here in Maine. When we got to the top the clouds were moving all around the grand lady, Mt. Katahdin. It as if the clouds just couldn’t stay away from her.
I LOVE your upbeat blog. It always puts warmth in my heart. Thank you, Susan!
Sigh (happy, happy sigh) . . . Another wonderful blog post. It took me away from sts and worries for awhile and for that I’m grateful! You’re right about 2020! We’re all going to want to burn our calendars and move on, but I refuse to burn your calendar! Too cute.
Chin up, all fellow girlfriends. We’re getting through this best we can.
I love how your firepit has a moon and stars on it. Only good things will come of this. Starry nights, cozy blankets, hot chocolate. I love it. Happy Fall!
Love all of you books, they remind us how lucky we really are to see the beauty and love in nature. I have been held up at home after some back surgery, but books and the beautiful skies and summer flowers were there for me to enjoy and be thankful that I am recovering, my family and pups keep smiling.
“…leaves dance like fairies in the trees, magic abounds…” aaah…magic abounds whenever I hear from you! Thank you!
First time commenting, long time reader….really long time. I love your outlook on life and have always found comfort and happiness in simple things. I am loaning your books to my sister who has lost her way in the true joy of living in the hopes that she too will find what I have found in your writing and heart.
Dear Susan,
I loved hearing about your beloved old book, Once on Christmas. I have a beloved old book of poems that belonged to my mother. Its called Dreams by Day by Barbara Ellen Shoemaker published in 1933. it’s charmingly illustrated. There are fairies! flowers, wishes and the moon. I wish I could send you a picture, you would love it! I colored all the pictures with my crayons as a girl, but was able to find another copy to buy. Here’s one of the poems appropriate for the season:
“Beware the garden ogre and always pass him by, Though his home is made of silk, he has an evil eye. Beware his cheery welcome, beware his magic spell, For once within his clutches he locks you in a cell. And there he leaves you all alone until it’s time to sup. But do you ever dine with him? Well-yes-he eats you up!”
Thank for another wonderful post. Loved your sky photos and sharing your walks.
I would love a beautiful quilt like that one! And by the way, I have a cricket in my room, I’ve named him Jiminy (of course).
Your posts are always so lovely and something to look forward too while we are all stuck at home just eating ice cream and trying not to go crazy!!! 🙂
Dear Susan,
Your posts always bring me much joy and inspiration. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photographs. Mother Nature has so much to offer and her beauty is boundless.
During this “dampanic” I’ve been keeping a nature journal: drawing and water coloring things I see in my natural world, and learning some facts along the way; from birds to insects, flowers to trees, toads to turtles, and much, much more. It’s been a wonderful way for me to find peace and calmness during these crazy times. Thanks again for reminding us about all the “free stuff” that is right outside our door. ❤️ Cindy
Hi Susan, Here in Minnesota we have been enjoying the world splashed with God’s paintbrush. What a beautiful time of year. Wishing you a happy fall and sending thanks for your joy-full post.
Is the little ghost in the window yet? I was looking for it.
I love the beautiful quilt. Happy Fall
Hi Susan, Your blog is always so cheerful and uplifting-and I needed that tonight. The firebowl is so cute. I love old books too. I buy them to read to my grandchildren. Happy Fall
The name Lois Lenski brought back many happy memories of reading her books. October is my birthday month for 84 years now. Your blog lifts my spirit every time. Thank you.
So loved the sky photos! God is such an artist. Glad He has given you such talent. Enjoy your fire-pit this season.
I love your posts. Everything always feels so comfy and cozy and welcoming. October is such a lovely month. I can’t wait to see more of your fire pit. Makes me think I might like to have one, too.
Hi Susan, it is always a pleasure to read you, my heart gets happy with your words and music. Receive a big hug from Guadalajara Mexico.
Guadalajara!👏
I love that picture of Jack looking out the window. It is precious. Please pick me as the winner of the quilt. I just love it. Have a wonderful weekend.
I agree. I am all decorated for Fall and will leave it all up until Thanksgiving and then more on to Christmas. I do love all the colors of fall and those amazing leaves.And I did get my copy of your new book. Life is very good.
Thanks for sharing your sky pictures. Kindred spirits in that regard. I take pictures of sunrises (when I’m up!), sunsets, stormy skies, clouds, rainbows and the prisms you catch once in awhile in the sky. I’ve always loved these things. And yes I often see things in the clouds, mostly animals. This is my favorite time of year. We are beginning to see our fall colors here in AZ but still waiting for that crisp fall air to arrive.
Such lovely pictures!! So delightful – thank you for sharing them with us.
Yes, it is October – a super great month!
Much love,
Carol
Lovely pictures, especially of the sky…pieces of heaven! Bless you!
Happy October! I spent the day getting my Halloween decorations out and deciding where to put them. So much fun.
We were able to enjoy our fire pit this evening. So glad we did as it’s going to rain tomorrow in eastern Iowa. Loving the cooler temperatures. Our maple trees have started to turn and they are gorgeous.
Love this time of year!
I look forward to receiving your blog every month….the photos of your home and the island make me long to visit! Coziness everywhere inside, flowers and the sea outside. Perfect.
Susan, Your book could have almost been written by me. So, so many similarities, even though I only have one brother.
Your new Christmas book is beautiful!! It made me cry as I read it in the middle of the night. I will treasure it always, Thank you for the gift