Rabbit-Rabbit, Goodbye 2020, HELLO 2021, and Hello all you darling people ~ Happy New Year! We made it!!! MUSICA for a new Beginning! (I need to paint dancing rabbits!) A short but sweet hello from me to you with LOVE.💖
Breathe out 2020💫, let it go … breathe in Hope🌟, breathe in Courage💫, Breathe in Peace🌟, Quiet💖, and Love💞. Breathe in belief✨, that you are safe, and we are safe, and soon, because so many have worked so hard, we will be safer. Breathe in Gratitude🌟. Personally I’m breathing in vaccine! I can’t WAIT. And breathe in prayers for the suffering of families and all we’ve lost in these difficult times we’ve been living through, and joy and peace in heaven for lost ones the world over.✨ Hold them in your heart, and breathe out 2020. . .
This beautiful photo of our last full moonrise over Martha’s Vineyard 2020 is by local photographer Jeremy Dreisen from the Martha’s Vineyard Times ~ you can still make a wish on it!💫 (And btw, the perfect way to keep up with Island goings-on (in case you’d like to) is with a daily update from the Martha’s Vineyard Times called “The Minute” …It’s free!)
So you can just guess how I felt when I opened my favorite Christmas present from Elizabeth! So me! 👏👏👏🤣😂
I could be like him!
Aren’t they wonderful? (Socks! There are two!🤣) Who could ask for anything more!
I loved this too… my niece Jessica finished her puzzle and sent me this Christmas Eve photo! Took her 2 hours and 41 minutes! Isn’t she cute? She’s the mom of the two darling girls (the oldest will turn 18 this year!) I wrote about in Home for Christmas.
Here they are … Liza and Maggie all those years ago when I was reading them a Christmas story! Little inspirations!
And here’s another wonderful photo, of the family room in the Holy Nativity Covent sent to me by Mother Seraphima. The Sister’s stockings were hung by the chimney with care! This is a very lucky Covid-Pod. They can hug whenever they want and never feel lonely while in their creative workshop! This house is more like Santa’s Village than Santa’s Village is!💖
Here I am, talking to Kym just before we started our Crowdcast webinar with Unlikely Story Bookstore … Making sure I could get on! It was fun, I loved every moment of it, but it would be even more FUN to see you in person! I hope that time is getting closer.🙏 If you missed it, you can watch it Here.
Kym got so many nice emails thanking her after our Tea Party, including this darling card that came to her from our girlfriend Maureen Carmichael ~ thought you’d like to see it.♥️ Just some of the things we talked about . . . As for our New Year’s Bonfire to burn up our 2020 Calendar and say prayers for our planned Hugfest in the starting-over period of 2021? It rained yesterday (so 2020⚡️), which makes today the day! It’s all planned: Hot Chocolate with whipped cream, stocking-stuffer hand-warmers, and Joe’s making a big ol’ bonfire! The sun is shining, there’s no wind, and it’s 41º! Perfect way to welcome the New Year. And here’s my pledge for 2021 . . . for you and for all your best friends too …
One gift from 2020 is our forever-knowing of how much we all need each other!💞 I don’t think we will ever forget.
And speaking of friends, about an hour ago I walked into the dining room to see that Jack had found a patch of sunlight on the floor… and was making hay . . .
while the sun shined, stretching…
and wiggling…
letting it shine warm on his face…
rolling back and forth…
Then he saw me, and said “Hey! You lookin’ at me?”
And then he started to pose . . .
. . . beautiful green eyes, pink ears, curled paws . . . Just one more blessing to count.😻I moved all my birthdays and anniversaries from 2020 calendar onto the 2021 calendars and hung them up this morning. The art calendar is in my Studio, and is all about Stress Relief. Good timing! The one in the kitchen is my photo calendar … and the first month, I was happy to see (I forgot!), is all about having a dream . . .
I’ve been mulling over my New Year Resolutions. Have you made yours yet? Days are growing longer . . . before we know it, Valentine’s Day will be here and we’ll be halfway through winter.👏 Might as well have something to show for it!💞
From me to you, until we can do better, please give yourself a hug for me, arms around yourself and hold tight for a minute.💞 I think this should be a New Year’s Resolution, to do this daily. Hugs are soooo healing.💖 
This is my New Year’s Resolution, plain and simple:
To be better, to do better.
Two last things… we have new Free Stuff in my web store💞 . . . AND we’re watching something fun and “English” I think you might like (we’ve only seen one episode and there are 7, but others have been touting it and so far so good) …it’s on Netflix and it’s called Bridgerton. I also watched the new 2020 version of EMMA. For me, it could never replace the Jeremy Northam-Gwyneth Paltrow version…
BUT, totally redeeming feature: the costume designer and fabric person in the new version deserves an award. Best EVER. Even the lining on the inside of the carriage! And all the little details, the dresses, the linings in the hats, the luscious dinner-party scenes, the houses … and Bill Nighy is dressed to the nines and is darling in this, as always.🎬 So it’s worth it.🤗
P.S. Delicious for movie watching: small glass, 2/3 store-bought eggnog, 1/3 milk ~ pour over crushed ice . . .
add a goodly drop of Bourbon. Lightly sprinkle with nutmeg, stir well, and tra-la! Yum!
Okay, off I must go. Almost time to formally say our goodbyes to the year that would not end! Love you all, hope you’re staying well and safe. It won’t be long now. Be brave, be strong, and together, we shall prevail! I LOVE being surrounded and forever-inspired by the creativity and positivity of YOU!💖 XOXOXO 
Happy New Year to you and Joe! I just know this year of 2021 will be a very good one! GOODBYE to 2020!!!
Perfect way to start the new year…still on winter break from teaching, fire in the fireplace, lights still up on the Christmas tree, and reading your blog! Thank you for helping me start 2021 off in a most positive way, Susan!
Happy New Year, Susan!!! I woke up and the sun was up too. My first thought was, we made it, yay! I have been going about my normal routine, but trying to do it with intention and thoughtfulness, and a bit of gratitude. Thank you for everything, Susan. I love having your art in my kitchen to look at everyday. Please give Jack an extra pet from me, he is so sweet.
What is it about cats in the sunlight, such a wonderful sight!
Dear Heart Sue … Happy New Year w/good health…am still reading your Christmas Book and thinking of you and your Mom💕♥️💕Al-o-ha-ha, Evie in San Diego
💞💞💞 Thank you Evie! Alo-ha-ha!
Thanks again for being a beacon of light and love. Happy NewYear! We burned our calendar last night in our firepit! Good riddance!
“A goodly drop of bourbon…” 🙂 You’re my kind of gal. 🙂
Jack’s green eyes are GORGEOUS.
Happy New Year, sweet friend!
😂💖💖💖
Susan…do NOT get that vaccine!!!
This virus is not going away by itself. I got my polio vaccine, my smallpox and measles and flu shots . . . even though I’m not that excited about needles! 😂 But I have every trust in our scientists … I watch the doctors and nurses, and hundred year olds on TV getting their shots, it makes them cry, and me cry too, to get this terrible thing away from us. See the part of the world that gets vaccines? Now look at the part of the world where they aren’t available.😓 We are SO lucky. xoxox
Amen to that Susan…..I will be happy to line up for it.
Happy New Year, Sue & Joe and Jack too!
Thank you all for helping make life sweeter!
Melin
xoxo
Your words give me hope in this new year. I so appreciate your sharing of thoughts and your beautiful art. I have been a fan for many, many years. I wish for you a healthy and blessed new year.
I LOVE YOUR SOCKS!
Wishing you and Joe a fulfilling and healthy 2021. Tonight I shall watch the New Years Day Concert from Vienna’s Golden Hall. I went there a few years ago with my husband and it was magnificent. This will have ballet too, to transport us with delight.
Thank you so much for keeping in touch… a big hug for you and Joe!
Happy 2021 Susan and Joe! Your hot chocolate fireside sounds delightful. It is cold and sunny here as well, after two days of intense rain. Beautiful way to begin a new year.
Thanks for your uplifting post. Perfection for welcoming a new year! I love the Pledge for a Best Friend. I want to share it! Will you please create a card for all of us? This issue so beautiful and just what friends do!!!
Happy New Year…..Maybe I will be the first to wish you this because I jumped forward without reading the blog….I will read it now with a cup of tea. Love you, Sheryl
I always breathe a happy sigh when I read one of your blogs. Happy New Year!
How wonderful to get this message that is at once comforting, artistic and
intelligent. I hope that you and your husband and Jack will be looking at
a year that will be a giving one, as you are a giving person. Thank you.
Happy New Year, dear Susan!
Thanks for being a bright spot and a regular silver lining in 2020. Bring on 2021 with hope, peace and love in our hearts. And be kind to others and yourself!
Cheers and take care!
Nancye T., Wells, Maine
Happy New Year, dear Susan! Funny, I was hoping you would post a new blog today. What a happy surprise to see this pop up just now! As soon as I saw your photo of your new calendar, I thought – – how funny, she has the exact same calendar I just put up in my kitchen this morning. Then, DUH. All of your calendars have been wonderful to display, but I especially like this one, which looks a lot like your website and blog. A great combination of artwork, photos, and text. Many blessings to you and yours for peace, robust good health, and joyful hope for 2021! From Diane in Bend, land of huggable, ancient juniper trees
We saw Emma in the theater,early last year.Loved it last movie in theaters for 2020.I plan like you to burn my 2020 calendar tonight.Opened all the door and let the old year out and the new year in.Love your socks,what a darling gift.Jack man of our dreams,so dapper,so handsome,lover of sunshine.I pray this year for all of us will be full of wonderful things. My mom has tested positive for covid even after getting her first dose of covid vaccine.Her nursing home has 72 cases,poor darling in isolation for over five weeks.God be with all that lost family during this horrible epidemic.I pray we will all soon have our vaccines and say good riddance to covid19.Happy New Year!
How old is your Mom, Mary? I hope 🙏 she’s okay . . . xoxoxo
Happy New Year Susan******
Hope this is the best year ever for you*
I adore all of your blog posts and photos, always have. Love the photo the (sister) sent you. such a cozy place
love deezie
😘😘
Happy New Year Susan, Joe, Jack and Girlfriends~ All the best to you today and each day ahead. My puzzle arrived! I’m actually going to ‘save it’ for the next snow storm. I need every help to get me through the winter months. Jack, all I can say is: you little charmer, you. Hugs.
Oh I love the idea of receiving updates about Martha’s Vineyard. Visited years ago when my parents and I would go every three years to Cape Cod, mostly Falmouth. I just love your inspiring words and treasures. Happy New Year from little old Owego, NY, a few years ago, “Coolest small town”
Lovely welcome to the new year. All the best to you and your family.
Ahhh…..I’m dying- “burn my 2020 calendar”??????? I just can’t…..I’ve had some hard years in the past and never dreamt of burning the days.
Those days in between the hard ones were the ones that got me to the next year. Little moments that make up a life. This may be the one time I must agree to disagree, Dear Susan.
Happy New Year you bright, beautiful bold Light!
Much love and great Joy for us all in 2021!
♥️♥️♥️
Happy New Year Susan, Joe, and Jack.
My resolution is to not forget 2020. And all I have learned from it.
My favorite way to have eggnog…perfect! (My Dad makes it for parties in a punch bowl, and floats scoops of vanilla ice cream on top!) Happy New Year from CT!
Thank you for the words of inspiration, I need that today. There are many things to be thankful for, and sometimes we forget those and only think of the missing things in our life. Two small granddaughters , a warm house and a full refrigerator, who could ask for more?
Happy New Year to you Susan!
Happy New Year to you Susan from Sunny Laguna Beach CA. Wish I could sent you a picture from my deck of the gorgeous crystal clear blue ocean and view of Catalina Island that is welcoming in a brand new year.. Just breathtaking…….God sure had his hand in creating I’m sure!
Just praying that all of us stay healthy and that is Virus is over soon.
We have lost so many but so many are still worried about this Covid Virus and trying to stay safe.
I wish you the best in this new year and I know God has great plans for us all. Hugs dear friend. Madelyn
.
I can picture it! Beautiful! Take a deep breath of California for me, Madelyn!💖
Ahhh such a sweet read and just what we all need to start they year of in the right way!
I just love your kitty socks and Jack looks so happy now you match, sending all good wishes and love from across the pond with Yorkshire sprinkles on, Krissie x
Ohhh, thank you, I NEEDED those Yorkshire sprinkles! 👏👏👏❌⭕️
Here’s to new beginnings! Happy New Year!
Hi Susan,
Happy New Year to you. I just want to say Thank You for sharing each word, idea, hope, gifts, love and joy in every newsletter. I look so forward to them and read every word; sometimes two and three times! I love your creativity. Blessings in 2021.
Warmly,
Linda Smith (Tallahassee, FL)
You are the best beginning. ♥️ Blessings and vaccines for everyone.
Dear Susan, lovely as always! I rush to read your words and see your art. Thank you for this start to the New Year! The BEST to everyone! Marybeth
Happy New Year to you, Joe and Jack! Wishing you all the very best of health, prosperity and good times going forward. Your post was exactly what I needed on the first day of 2021! Thank you for thinking of all of us and posting your blog today. I am also working on my calendars (created by you) and looking forward to the dates later in 2021 when we may be able to give those hugs again! I have been re-reading all of the Jane Austen novels and just finished Persuasion. No matter how many times I read them, I marvel at Jane’s deep insight into human nature and the mechanics of relationships that hold true for any time period.
We enjoyed Bridgerton and hope Season 2 will come soon again this year. Thanks again for your lovely post of hope and inspiration!
Oh my, am I the first to post? Or maybe not – can’t see if anyone else has posted. Just sat down to take a break from making Chinese soup dumplings. And waiting to hear from my son who is going to do a Zoom family Mass before the Notre Dame game – hoping it isn’t too bloody! We are having an ice storm. We are sad to not be with our five children and 6.5 grandchildren. But have done Zoom package opening and Christmas dinner. This is a favorite quote for the New Year: “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier’…” Alfred Tennyson. We are blessed with relatively good health – but I had a small stroke just before the shut down so I have been very cautious to not be out. My husband retired in November so we are trying to adjust to one another and figure out Medicare. I have been reading my Susan Branch books (I think I have all of them!). Thanks for making my seclusion comfy and cozy. Bless you and your lovely family!
Love the quote Pamela . . . keep staying safe. Shouldn’t be too long now! 💞
I absolutely loved Bridgerton, loved the caracters, loved the clothing and the surroundings for 1810 England. I loved the nuances and mystery presented by Julie Andrews voiceover, what a pleasant surprise to find after Christmas. So sit back and enjoy the show 😉
Hang on dear folks, cuz here we goooooo!!!!
Happy New Year Susan,Joe and Jack
Wishing you all good health and love for the new year. Thank you for always keeping our spirits up during this difficult year. Praying for a better years to come. God Bless
Happy New YearHung your calendar in my kitchen Thank you for sharing your talent
Oh Susan. You are a dear person who makes each day better. Thank you.
Happy Happy New Year to you and Joe! This sounds trivial but my resolution is:
2012 IS THE YEAR FOR FUN! Last year was too serious, straining, and so going
without hugs, friends, and family! I need fun, creativity, and looking to the horizon for a better day. Just heard this one: What is a line? It is just a
dot going for a walk!! Where is your line going to take you this year?
As always your words and artwork are made to savor. May your new year be blessed with good health, special friends, and continued creativity.
Thank you for all the calendars over the years! I am a retired graphic artist and thoroughly enjoy your work. Just got my new desk pad out this afternoon, love it. Plan to make my own journal, so I can condense 2 or 3 notebooks down to one. Going to look at the free stuff on your website for added fun. Have you thought of making a journal every year? Think I have almost all your books!
Happy New Year and thanks again for happy, homey, friendly artwork for rejoying!
oops enjoying!
I hope that you and your fans have discovered on You Tube “The Chateau Diaries.” It has helped so many get through the dark days of the pandemic…and is such fun, to boot!
Happy New Year to all!
Susan, I just knew we’d hear from you today! It’s absolutely beautiful here in Houston…low 50s and sunny. It really feels as though there’s hope once more as we very gratefully bid adieu to that miserable, accursed 2020. I burned my calendar at midnight, with a touch of sage added; Native Americans believed sage would purify, or rid a place of bad juju. Seemed worth trying for sure.
My year ended on a great note with a phone call from my Italian friends that I met when they got trapped here during Hurricane Harvey while vacationing in the US. Fortunately, they — and their loved ones — are all well.
Loved all the photos of Jack. He’s a definite scene-stealer (or blog hijacker) and a grand part of all that is wonderful in your life, as my little Tuxedo is in mine. Aren’t we lucky they put up with us?
The best of New Year’s to you, Joe, and Jack! Sending Texas love…
Oh yes. They say we can sweep our floors counter-clockwise with a broom made of sage to take away all leftover bad ju-ju and start anew. I did it to Holly Oak when I first moved in. Luckily it was small, and empty! xoxo
Thank you for the wonderful New Year’s message. Reading your letters always gives me such peacefulness. The quotes you share are so meaningful. Happy healthy New Year and blessing to both of you.
Happy New Year Dear Susan! Rabbit Rabbit!
Your writing is like a big warm hug 🤗 ❤️
❌⭕️❌⭕️
Rabbit! Rabbit! (in our house, it is ‘ribbet! ribbit’, but that is a Fairy Princess story for another day). Hello from the damp and foggy Pacific Northwest and the little hill where we live! We send the very best wishes for a new year and remind everyone not to give up! The cavalry is on its way, but don’t stop defending the fort! The new Year does not officially start at our house until the 20th, which is my husband, Kent’s, birthday (and, oh yes, other things). Love the kitty socks, how better to enter a room “on little cat feet” al la Carl Sandburg! Better New Year!
I hope Kent’s Birthday is the MOST WONDERFUL Birthday he ever had in the history of the WORLD!😘😘😘
Another wonderful message from you!
Happy New Year to you and Joe!
I love the Holy Nativity Convent and have ordered from them several times, thanks to you. The Magi candle holder is just beautiful. So glad you told us about the sisters in a blog.
To be better, to do better in 2021. Susan, YES; you are right! I will follow your lead. Happy New Year’s Day to you, Joe and Jack!
I have pinned to my frig (where did I get it? [can’t remember! {maybe it was here!}]):
In 1606, Shakespeare’s theater was forced to close because of the plague.
So he wrote King Lear, Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra.
Wash your hands.
Be grateful.
Get better at what you do.
I received your “Home for Christmas” book for Christmas. Was so excited, but don’t remember telling my daughters I wanted it, but they know me well. Love all your artwork in books and cookbooks. Have a happy 2021.
My new Susan Branch calendar is open & important dates noted. I love turning each page and reading all that you’ve written and looking at all the pictures. Thank you and Happy New Year!
Appreciate all which you do. May God bless you & yours, and keep you in His care…
be safe, well, and content dear Susan.
New Year! May the good things out weigh the bad this year. Hope you enjoyed “Bridgeton” I binged the show this week.
Dear Susan,
Oh, what a wonderful surprise on New Year’s Day! I have Musica playing and I’m just about to get my calendars to transfer dates (You reminded me that I had it on my list of “To Do’s” today). My friend Jeannie sent me your Heart of the Home calendar for Christmas and it’s hanging up in the kitchen, so when I go downstairs, I’ll read January. I promised myself I wouldn’t read ahead so that every month will be a surprise. (Or maybe I will and I’ll probably forget because I’m going to be 71 on January 9th and that’s what I do…)
It’s been a marvelously relaxing day and receiving your blog was like the icing on the cake. Thank you for helping to get 2021 started on the right foot. Can’t wait until the 20th! I may have to hang out streamers!
Susan wishing you a happy, healthy, save, creative New Year with lots of love and many blessings.
Love the pictures of Jack rolling in the sun on the floor.
Have fun and enjoy your walks together to the beschikbaar.
Greetings Trudy from Holland
We have certainly learned to appreciate the small things in life this year. I’ll never forget the day my sister gifted me with your first cookbook. I was enthralled and this year decided to take up watercolor art. What therapy! I appreciate your work in a whole new way, Susan. Thanks for this very heartwarming new blog entry. Here’s to the new year! Blessings in abundance to you and Joe!
Rabbit, Rabbit. Happy New Year. Love to you and Joe and Jack for his darling antics in the sunshine. The socks, the socks, oh too good. Must check out the new free stuff. Thank you.
Happy New Year, Susan!!! Always love your posts! Your puzzle was under the tree. My daughter and I did it in 3 days (a record for us). We both loved it. Sending you and everyone all the best wishes for a happy, healthy, new year filled (eventually) with all the things we’ve missed the most! xo
♥️♥️♥️
Happy New Year, Susan and Joe! Out with old and in with the new! I love your new 2021 calendars. And your blog- so full of hope and inspiration! Any chance we can get the “Girlfriends” poem in a print by itself so we can frame it and give it to our girlfriends? That would be awesome! Take care and stay safe!
I wrote Kellee this morning and asked if she could please do that!❌⭕️
Lovely post today as always, Susan. Happy, Healthy New Year to you and Joe.
Sending you good wishes for 2021~ Healing and Peace for our world.
Hello Susan, Girlfriends.. Happy New Year !!! boy am i glad to see 2020 go, what a crazy year. it sure was not a good year for us, first my in-laws were sick constantly, then of course the COVID, and finally last week on Dec 21. a dog somehow broke through the fence between us and the obnoxious neighbor who we live behind, and killed all my chickens, the whole flock is wiped out. my husband shot the dog, but it survived (darn it) and after talking to the animal control and sheriff’s deputies there is not a whole lot we can do. the county will cite and fine the owner, if they can find the owner as they have no address or phone, they live on the property and move around constantly to avoid getting caught. but suing them for our losses is pointless so we start over from scratch. i have placed my order in time for the February hatching and that gives us plenty of time to really clean out the hen house and sort of rodent proof it, concrete floor, new ceiling and fresh soft straw on the floor for the birds, and a good thorough cleaning of the nesting boxes. this way the hen house will be easier to keep clean, and hopefully get rid of the rodents (mice and rats) hanging around. by Fall we will be back in business selling eggs and enjoying the new chickens. and this time we warned those people to stay off our property and to keep their dogs off the property and away from from our chickens, if not they will be shot on sight and we can legally do it. this all happened once before on October 1, 2017, that time i lost 13 hens, 1 rooster and 2 male ducks and it was the same place where the dog came from. i hope for their sake they take the warning seriously this time. the other birds are okay, but 1 male duck was slightly injured. he is doing fine now and the birds are getting over their fright. i finally managed to get the ducks out to swim in their pool and hunt for big fat worms, after the rains they go nutty for the worms. but those poor birds were so traumatized by it all we were afraid we would lose them too. so good bye 2020 and don’t come back, hello 2021 and lets hope you are a sight better than 2020. happy new year everyone. hugs… 😀
I remember when that happened before. Just so awful! Such devastation! But I love that you’re taking the opportunity to fix up the henhouse. They will love it and you get to have BABY CHICKS in your house!!! Seriously something to look forward to.👏👏👏
that is what i am looking forward to, baby chicks to enjoy and watch grow. and an added bonus, went to the bank yesterday morning to put my egg money into savings for safe keeping. i thought i only had a bit over $300 to spend on new birds, turns out i had over $400 so i can really get the birds i want to try and have money left over to really fix that hen house. this new year is already looking pretty good. the post is really going to have fun when the new babies arrive. 😀
Hello Susan, Girlfriends. just got in our order for new chicks and 2 new female ducks and they arrive this June. plenty of time to fix up the hen house, clean out the nesting boxes thoroughly, repair the ceiling, get the brooder up and running, and most of important of all fix the fence so those mutts never get back in there. first its time to rodent proof that hen house… i sometimes wonder if those so-called neighbors ever heard of sanitation removal and know what a toilet is used for, such disgusting people. out to go check on the ducks, they must be feeling better, they just about ran me over this morning going out the door… LOL!!! hugs…. 😀
Post your lands boundaries…
and remember signs when hung within reach can be removed. Would be worth researching the best way to Post and what it states.
our property is posted, and very clearly, these people just ignore signs and warnings and think they are above the law. we have already chased them off the property (I borrowed my uncle’s 2 security dogs, Thor and Viking, and warned those people that these dogs will kill if ordered to do so, and you can’t begin to imagine how tempting it is to give that order.
Happy New Year!!
Looking Forward to the blessings of peace and sanity in 2021!
XOXO!
Happy New Year, Susan. Thank you for a new year blog.
Please check out Jill Biden’s tweet today, 1/1, My Prayer For The New Year. Both of you giving us hope for the future.
Cheers! 🍷🍹🍸 Here’s to a great year for us all!
…and maybe some new mugs??? bunny…spring flowers…
Kindred spirits, I put it up!💖
I love “to be better, to do better.” Great motto for, hopefully, a much better year! I look forward to many more newsletters, posts, items, and inspirations! Thank you and Happy 2021!
Two hours and forty one minutes! Your niece Jessica must be a whiz at puzzles! I have your puzzle, but haven’t started it yet. I actually need to know the names of your books stacked up by your zoom call😉…we certainly don’t have 40* here in northern Michigan…brrr…🥳Happy New Year🥳, Susan and Joe…
So right! Stepping over the invisible line into the new year, breathing in like never before, brought back the “memories” of hope and gratitude! Onward we go! Great health and happiness to you and Joe and sweet Jack for 2021!
hello again, forgot to tell you those are the cutest socks i have ever seen, absolutely adorable!!!! hugs… 😀
What a wonderful greeting to the new year. Thank you, Susan, for the words, pictures, socks, family shots, poems, Jack poses, and recipes. You’ve inspired me to think about the word BETTER as a possible One Little Word to live by for 2021!
Happy New Year Susan! Rabbit, Rabbit! Love from freezing Wisconsin!
Happy New Year Susan. Thank you so much for being such a dear cheerleader through the years.
My husband and I finished our puzzle on the 26th; it was such fun. We loved it.
Peace to you today and in the coming year.
Blessings ,
Anne
Susan, I saved your 1993 calendar for 28 years and it is good for this year! Was it your first calendar? Lora
It was! How fun!
Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit.. We need some extra Rabbits after that year! Here’s to 2021! Going to get my calendars out right now and start filling in the birthdays too.. Stay safe Susan and Joe and all the girlfriends. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel even though it’s kind of far away.. There is finally a light! Xoxoxox❤️
Susan,
I can just imagine your squeal of joy when you unwrapped your darling socks. !!! Jack rolling around in his sunbeam spot, just adorable to the max. And the stockings hung by the chimney, yes, more wonderful than the North Pole. That could be a very elegant Christmas card couldn’t it. Thanks for the message and glimpses of your life.
Happy New Year to the three of you.
Love and bunny hugs from rainy and cold Texas, Shirley
For such a L O N G time I’ve been unable to post a comment to you because I simply did not know how. When I used my phone to read the blog, this site came up. YEAH! I can tell you I’m just another kindred spirit who has loved you a long time.
Nice to meet you Carolyn, thank you for not giving up!!💞
Happy 2021 dear Susan, Joe and Jack! It’s so funny that today I took your new calendar and transferred all the birthdays and anniversaries to this new year also! Kindred Spirits! I will symbolically burn my 2020 calendar (wouldn’t burn your art no matter what we went through!). The year ended at our house with a stove that died along with our living room TV! I’m so glad we’ve rounded the bend! Soon we will all be vaccinated and heading towards health, and yes sending love to all those who were changed forever by Covid. Rabbit – Rabbit and onward and upward! Best to all of you on that island off Cape Cod! PS. I’m sure it’s going to take me a good while longer than your niece to do the puzzle!
Susan, Everything you do is amazing to me and gives me alot of joy!! Your very inspirational with everything you do!! Have been following you since 1999 when I was pregnant with my son who is now 21 and in the Airforce. Happy New Year and keep up the good work!!!
Here’s another suggestion for January 1st that one of my favorite aunts suggested years ago: Right now, before you forget, get out your checkbook and write 2021 at the end of the date line on the first several checks. By the time you use those up, you’ll be in the habit of using the correct year!
Brilliant aunt!♥️
Finding solace the solstice and your blog! Thank you Susan for your positive words, always a comfort. You might like the Amazon Pete Souza documentary The Way I See It. So calming after what we have been thru. Love watching Jack in the sun luxuriating. Another good movie is The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix. My husband’s father wanted him to visit Florence Orr in San Francisco, but said there were a lot of Orrs, so maybe not?
Yes, I answered this . . . maybe you didn’t see it. My Grandma, Florence Orr, lived in Daly City, just below SF! So, maybe so! Thanks for the ideas!
You have been a bright light throughout this terrible past year. I love your posts.
And I LOVE hearing from you. 👏👏👏
Happy New Year Susan! (and Joe and Jack too of course). 2021 is going to be a wonderful year. It will probably be late spring before enough of us are vaccinated to bring life back to more normalcy, but that will give me time to work off the Covid 19 I’ve gained since last March. I can also get to all those things everyone has been talking about that they’ve done while in isolation. I didn’t declutter. I didn’t learn French. I didn’t read a book a week. But now that I see light at the end of the tunnel, I know it’s time to buckle down and take care of things so I can enjoy our new freedom to come. I write a monthly article for a Newcomers group I belong to, and I’m always looking for inspiration as a starting point. The quote by “Author Unknown” sounds like just the thing to get me going while I write about February.
Susan,
How do you know just what I need to hear? Many thanks for your thoughts, pictures, music, poetry, recipes, quotes and suggestions. I just gave myself a hug! The light of 2021 is starting to seep in and soon, I hope, will be a full-blown blaze!
Happy New Year!
2021 Will be a Happy Safe and Healthy New Year🙏 for All around the world. Thank you Susan for your blog and pictures. For myself and others I looked forward to your blog. You provided a wonderful, sincere and whimsical place to day dream and forget (temporarily) about the virus, politics and politicians. I’m going to have a glass of egg nog with a drop of brandy😀. Thank you for the suggestion, enjoy your day and then some 💝.
Blessings to you and yours in 2021….thank you for sustaining us with joy throughout 2020…Stay safe…be well….Hugs…Bev
Happy New Year! From Di and Happy the Corgi
Your quotes about friendship touched my heart. Oh how I miss my dear and wonderful friends! Thank you, and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Susan. Always enjoy your posts. We just cleaned up Christmas and are ready for a new clean slate for 2021.
Happy New Year!
My Darling husband bought both of your calendars for me for Christmas and hid them so well, they have yet to be found! So, he bought two more because, well, I have to have my calendar, and this year, two! I did the reverse-hung the painted, art calendar in the kitchen because that is where it has always been, and The Isle of Dreams photos in my studio (PS This is also an art calendar-just sayin’😉)
LOL! Well-hidden Christmas gifts! Always a fun surprise in June! ❌⭕️
Happy New Year Susan and Joe. I loved al the pictures of Jack. My cat, George, does the same thing, so does our dog, Cassie. Napping in the sunbeams.
Sunday night is British night for me. Our PBS station has Masterpiece on and the repeats of the British Baking shows and other British history shows. Sanditon was on again. I hated the ending but loved the characters. I googled if there would be a second season and the answer was no, ( for now).
Stay warm and safe. 2021 has to be better.
Nancy R. in Penna.
LOVE the kitty. My 2 love seeking out the sunny spots to roll around in as well. Yes, Happy New Year! And a HUGE thank you for positive note on the vaccine. I am so dismayed that people are believing the non facts and downright misinformation that is on the web. Please, get your actual facts from MEDICAL professionals, not google or influencers. We have the ability to bring this virus to its knees, fighting back from the way it brought us to ours. Bless you in this year!
I know, these non-scientists, non-doctors expressing their “opinions” are really getting on my nerves. Especially with our hospitals and the people in them suffering so much. Yup, Bring it to it’s knees. Get it the heck out of here!😘
Happy New Year! Hope this is a great year for us all. Will pray things are better all around. Loved seeing Jack as always. My dogs love to find a patch of sunlight to snooze in, bellies up. Everyone stay safe and take care of each other.
Loved Bridgestone!
Just finished updating my 2021 Susan Branch calendar with all of the family birthdays. My mom always bought the calendar for my three sisters and me, and one for herself, and now that she has passed we continue on the tradition. Happy New Year Susan, my wish for you is good health and happiness in 2021.
I love seeing Jacks antics everytime—he always makes me smile! I have your beautiful photo calendar hanging in my craft room. I think I need to get your other calendar for my kitchen. Thanks for spreading love & cheer, Susan!
I love getting your blog and particularly the pictures of Jack. My cat, Ollie, is solid black with a grayish paw on one foot. He was a stray that walked in a couple of years ago and decided to stay. He also loves the spot where the sun comes through on the floor and stretches out.
I thought of your Mom the other day because I was talking to friends that I used to work with at McDonnell Douglas and she also remembered your Mom. Her and her husband both worked there as well. Susan, please think about making a birthday book, hardbound. The old one I have is almost worn out and I would love to see one with your beautiful artwork. Have a Happy New Year.
Okay. Love that people still speak of my mom.❌⭕️ xoxo
Oh Susan! YOU are my New Year’s Day gift. What a wonderful way to start the new & better (we hope) year of 2021… by reading your always uplifting blog. Where can I get those darling socks? But of course, I would need an orange pair to match my 2 orange marmalade kitties. I love them so much & have way too many (not possible) photos of them as you do with Jack (so cute, enjoying the sun.) How calming & humorous their presence is, correct? An endless source of entertainment! But your puzzle also kept me entertained for days; I was surprised your niece finished it so quickly! I felt it was like a good book- something you so enjoy that you stretch it out as long as you can. The 2 friends I gave 1 to absolutely adored theirs! Looking forward to putting BOTH of your calendars up. I laughed when you wrote WHERE you were putting yours. I too will put the 1 with photos in my kitchen & the other in my “studio,” which is actually our guest room (I have been using it as my art room; I do NOT miss having guests in there!) I will soon be making bread pudding ( as if I need that after all the Christmas cookies we’ve consumed) with whisky sauce so was going to buy bourbon in a few
days. And now you’ve got me wanting to put some of that bourbon in a glass of eggnog which I thought I was done drinking for the season! Your blog is dangerous! It has too many fun recipes that I can hardly wait to try! And to drink it while watching “Emma” sounds delicious! The Emma character is played by the same woman who starred in The Queen’s Gambit, another excellent show! Happy New Year!!💕
MMMMMM, how I love that Bread Pudding recipe! You ARE kindred Kate!
Are you printing more of the pandemic Post Cards? I would love to order some, missed out on the first printing.
Check with Kellee@162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ … I’m not sure, but I think we should! It ain’t over till it’s over!💖
Loved Jack! Thank you. I am presently kitty-less, but seeing him helped ewiht the missing kitty feelings.
Happy New Year! Thank you for this uplifting, cheerful “hello” to remind us of how many things we should be grateful for…hope is what we have to look forward to this year and beyond.
🍀
May we take courage and comfort from those we love, friends and family, for this New Year. And hope for HUGS in 2021!
Jack brings smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. Let’s hear it for all the comfort that our pets have given us this year.
Your words always give hope to so many. Bless you and yours.
Nancy