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!
May you have many blessings in 2012!
Now I’m off to have some eggnog 😉
Your socks made me chuckle ! Thank you ! Happy, Healthy, New Year !
Dear. Susan,
Thank you for your heartwarming message—the perfect way to start 2021. Clearly, you already are spreading your little hearts filled with love. The cat-paw socks are great, as is their real-kitty inspiration, Jack!
I hope that the new year will be filled with vibrant health and happiness for you and for all of the people (and Jack!) whom you hold dear.
Once again a beautiful post. Happy New Year to you and yours. A fresh start, a chance for new dreams. Thanks again for sharing the beauty of your daily life and wonderful creativeness.
So good to start off the year with a note from you Susan. Just what I needed. Thank you and a happy and healthy New Year
Thanks Susan for all your thoughts. I am certainly ready for a new year. I am about half way through Home for Christmas…..just love your family stories💝
I was just thinking about you earlier today! I made a loaf of Cranberry Orange Tea Cake before Christmas and and we loved it…hubby lightly toasted his slices and spread them with a little butter, he especially enjoyed them with his late morning cups of tea.I found 3 wayward oranges in the fridge this morning and decided to make another loaf. There are usually a bag or 2 of cranberries in the freezer and the cake is so quick and easy to put together. Thank you for posting the New Years Day blog. 2020 was dark and terrible but it was always a little boost for my soul to read your posts❤️. Here’s to lighter, brighter, better days to come. In PA the traditional “good luck” food for the first day of the new year is pork and sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. We’re having it for supper tonight. It’s not my favorite meal, but this year I may have a second helping. Not taking any chances! ☺️
Happy New Year! Happy 2021! Personally I love dancing kitties! And I have those socks from Santa too. Love the photos of Jack enjoying the sunshine. Here we go…..prayers of thanksgiving to be here and for a brand new slate.❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Happy New Year, Susan ,Joe & Jack! Yay 2021!!!
Dear Susan (and darling Jack),
I have had to quit watching the news for a bit as it is too stressful. Your latest post is a balm to our psyches. Thank you from the girlfriends….
PS. I can’t burn my 2020 calendar-it’s one of yours!
Happy New Year! ❤️ We had snow!! Real snow! At least 3-4 inches of wonderful white stuff that covered the trees, blew onto our front porch covering most the Christmas decorations. I think it has been 5 years since we have had snow and it wasn’t this much! As you can tell I was very excited, it was such a beautiful snow. But not to be deterred from the duty at hand I had a fire going in the fireplace and just before midnight I began to burn the 2020 calendar, month by month. And my girlfriend from the east coast joined me via FaceTime, even though she had already welcomed the new year. At the stroke of midnight December hit the flames and was gone in seconds. Goodbye and good riddance.
I guess my only resolution will be to do better. I have such hope for 2021, the vaccine is coming I plan to get in line and get rid of this virus. The death and the grief is just heartbreaking. We just lost a cousin today to Covid. And she told us at Christmas she was being so careful. We need to get this behind us.
Thanks for the eggnog tip, I like the idea of adding some milk. Give Jack a tickle and rub and please stay safe. ❤️❤️❤️
Happy New Year Everyone
Yes, the milk thins it a bit … yummy! I’m so sorry about your cousin. It’s just relentless isn’t it? Stay careful, we’re almost there. Congratulations on your snow . . . makes things so quiet and pretty, we need a LOT of that right now! xoxoxo❌⭕️
Happy New Year Susan! I am tapping my feet to the music as I read the lovely blog. How I look forward to it, though I do miss Wilbur in the email. Your rain yesterday and our ice storm today makes me wonder what Mother Nature is up to already in the new year. Things that make you go, hmm…….
For now, we will just stay tucked inside with a blazing fireplace and hot cocoa! Blessings to you in the new year, stay safe and until next time, smile and enjoy life’s little surprises.
Happy New Year! Keep spreading joy… you are sooo good at it!
Happy New Year, Susan – Wishing you and Joe everything good in 2021! Putting all the birthdays, etc. in my new SB calendar, New Year’s dinner ( my mom’s recipe for cabbage rolls or as we call them “halupki”, a cup of coffee, and then I see you have a new post! Love the pledge for friends. I have been friends with 5 girls who all happened to live on the same floor in our college dorm. We have been friends since freshman year in 1973 at Kutztown State College – now Kutztown University. We call ourselves The Kutztown Girls…and sadly, we lost one of us last year. But, we all realized – as we did our weekly Zoom – that before Covid we got together maybe every other month or so…and phone calls in between were hard to arrange. Since Covid we meet online each week for about one hour…and it has deepened our friendship more than we could ever have guessed. We hear about health ( 2 have had Covid), what we are reading, kids and grandkids ( they all have them, I don’t, so I love to see and hear about them – and when I learned one of the munchkins is a great reader I just printed out the Moon bookmark and sent it to him), and end with “what are you making for dinner”. We realized this was a GIFT that Covid gave us…we are closer than ever. Yes, we can’t wait to lunch, and shop, and chat , and hug….but we are grateful for the gift of getting closer than we could have imagined. Thanks for the beautiful pledge…I will read it to them next week. OK…2021….it’s going to be GREAT!
So nice to hear that. Meeting often does so much to keep everyone current … Tell them I said hello! You’re so lucky to have them! xoxoxo
I love your blog; the beautiful painted borders of flowers, sweet pics of your home, family, friends and precious kitty! I received your signed Christmas book this year as a gift from my sister in law and enjoyed reading it and enjoyed the beauty of every painted page. I also received the Kitty mug a few years ago from my sister in law, as she knows I love all things cats! It is my favorite mug. I hope to meet you one day, poss. at a book signing in California, as I live in Washington state.
I just sat down with my New Year’s prosecco to read your blog. Took some decorations down but left white lights up for the winter. I really liked your girlfriend pledge. I have 3 very close friends and a sister. We have all leaned on each other thru out this year. Many phone calls and masked walks. Trying to have hope for the New Year. Really miss my kids and grandkids who live in Virginia and California. My wish is to see them all hopefully by the fall. My husband bought your yearly calender, puzzle and christmas book from Titcombs, so I am all set! Stay safe and sane.
Love your post!
So uplifting as usual Susan. Love your words of courage, hope and friendship. Happy New Year! Thanks for your part in keeping us girlfriends sane & the hug felt so good! ❤️🤗
I was simply amazed that our words or motto for 2021 was exactly the same: Do Better. This has been running through my head and popping up everywhere (even here) for the last week! So it is meant to be!! Striving everyday to do better will make it better! Having no goal gives you nowhere to go! Happy New Year Dear Susan Branch. 😘
I forgot to mention the puzzle! Your niece is amazing! I have been at it for two days and it is a pitiful attempt. I am a puzzle assistant, my granddaughter and her mother are the puzzle people, I just assist. Doing this one on my own and all I can say is that as much as I always loved those little hearts you do on everything, I am not very fond of them now!😂
LOL! You’re getting the good part, it’s really just about sitting around, doing nothing, TOGETHER.♥️♥️
Oh Susan, your blog was just what I needed after taking down a lot of Christmas decorations (I put them up early November! Needed a pick-me-up) But now the house looks so blah. BUT my beautiful tree is still up; all sparkly and shiny. Maybe I’ll leave it up and just redecorate with Valentines! I hope you and Joe have a fabulous evening. Sounds heavenly. CHEERS to you! Sayonara, 2020.
Thank You Susan, Just replaced my 2020 Calendars..The ‘Art’ one goes in my room where I am Greeted every day by your Happy Creativity and the ‘Photos’ is in the Plant Corner. I have learned to ‘read’ thru the whole Calendar before I hang them, so I don’t miss anything..lol
Blessings to you, Joe, and Jack..Stay Well ….looking forward to your next Book Store Tea Party. Dixie
Happy New Year, Susan! Here’s to a healthy 2021 where we can hug and see our family and friends! This past year taught me to take nothing for granted and cherish even the smallest joys of life!
Dear Susan,
Happy, Healthy New Year to you, Joe, and Jack the Cat❣️ Loved your reminder of what’s important as we start a brand new shiny New Year. Now that we know what we can do to combat the awful parts of 2020, we must also remember to be thankful for what we have and for where we live. We hear about how awful people think of California. I was born and raised here in this beautiful state and will not give up on it. Good changes can be made by good people to make it golden again. The sun is shining on this beautiful day and I can see from the snow capped mountains to Catalina rising out of a sparkling sea. We are blessed.
I know exactly how you feel Kay. I love California too and I ALWAYS stick up for it. These are people who don’t know what an amazing place it is, they just hear stories and believe them. Too bad for them! ♥️ Happy New Year Kay!
California is a wonderful place! I grew up going to Laguna Beach every summer for family vacation as my dad did every summer when he was young. As an adult, I meet my mother in San Francisco every year for a fabulous week of fun. Pre-covid, of course. I also lived in Roseville when my kids were young and had the best friends and kindest neighbors anyone could ask for!
A WONDERFUL place!👏👏👏
I grew up in sunny California as well. We always said that shot of the mountains down Colorado Blvd during the Rose Parade (how we missed it this year😢) was good for another million people 🌹🌹🥀🥀💐💐💐
Oh, I love California too! My husband did his grad work at Biola in LaMirada so after our first anniversary (36 years ago) we spent four years there. We met some of the nicest people who were so kind to those two young, starving newlywed students. We saw some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and went to the most exciting tourist spots when loved ones came to visit from our home state of Michigan. I left part of my heart there and will always carry a torch for that wonderful state.
💖💖💖
Native Californian here who has never lived anywhere else. Our kids and grandchildren live in MA so we get the NE fix when we visit. (Make that USED TO VISIT. 🙁 LOVE Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket…Eastern woodlands, Colonial architecture. My heart wants to move there, but I HATE humidity and am too old to learn to drive on snowy roads!! Wish I could have a home on each coast!!
I truly dislike that many people lump all Californians as Hollywood-types and off-the-charts liberals. I am a moderate and just want a common-sense, decent, functioning state/federal government. WAY past time to acknowledge humanity and our differences in the spectrum of life. Looking forward to the days ahead when we can see kind and thoughtful work in DC.
I am not connected to a party as the end-all to everything. I want to be connected to good leadership that steers Good Ship USA to
a prouder place in history. I believe in tearing down the brick wall and moving forward for the collective good. Elect Jack, The Cat, if we must…just move forward to better our world! Let the cat’s affiliation be country, not party! I don’t think that makes me the perceived CA stereotypical liberal. I think it makes me an inclusive, caring CAlifornian American! (AND! A crazy cat lover who would vote for the gentle soul, Jack!)
We all have to share our planet, so why not unite for respect, recognition of commonalities and learn from our differences? Why not work towards a humanity living in harmony? Open our eyes to see that differences shouldn’t be barriers, but new ways to share? Compassion, empathy, partnership for the greater good are stars to reach for in 2021 and NEVER give up on. Those goals don’t make me a stereotypical CA liberal, but a citizen of the world that craves a societal shift to common decency! I want the world to reflect the sharing/caring of Susan’s world of Girlfriends!!
CA does let me down when it comes to weather!! Rain is a rare luxury. Sunny CA could use diversity. Sun, sunny and MORE sunshine doesn’t help our environment!! I got my best Christmas present last week…TWO inches of glorious rain in a 24 hour period. Too bad I can’t create a ground hog day and repeat, repeat, REPEAT. My granddaughter was aghast when I told her we hadn’t had measurable rain since Covid began. She could not believe me!! (Sorry, Susan, love the calendars Santa left under my tree, but RAIN was my favorite gift this year.)
Good riddens 2020!! Gather up the spirit of love in 2021 and pass it around. Vaccine and love will heal us all. OH, and the anticipation of “Enchanted,” a quotation anthology, and Susan’s ever-glowing encouragements on how to enjoy a domestic love affair with home!
Best wishes to Girlfriends’ 2021 journey. A squeezy CAlifornian hug to you, Susan. Hello to Joe and shoot some pony tail bands to Jack…then praise him with several LONG pets from me. Grayson, my perfect cat, says that I can donate pets to Jack…he likes Jack, too.
I think they just “use” certain states, California is one of them, to try and turn us against each other. We’re all the same in every state, and togetherness needs to be our middle name, but there are forces fighting against us, and all we can do is say NO. We’ve driven coast to coast so many times, and I have to say, every single state is beautiful, and filled with wonderful people. I totally get your love for California rain … I wish there was an on-off button we could push for it! Keep those lakes and rivers flowing, flowers blooming. xoxoxo💖
Won’t it be fun to ride the flying horses again?
Beautiful post, Susan! ….and thank you for the wonderful free stationery, etc…love it all. Stay safe and healthy and Happy 2021 – it will be a GOOD year!
Christina from Bucks County, Pa
Happy New Year to you and Joe!
Wonderful blog for the New year! Thanks!
Happy New Year to you! Thank you for your good wishes to us all. As I was padding around the kitchen early this morning, fixing the coffee, finding the cream for my perfect cup, I heard these words in my heart, “this is the year of my recovery”. May it be so for us all! Best wishes to you, Joe and Jack, to all the wonderful girlfriends! And to 2021!
I too so enjoyed the costumes in Bridgerton (when they weren’t naked). Who knew Regency England was so unencumbered by clothing? Ohhhhh, but wouldn’t it be lovely to be in Merry Ole England again? Happy New Year, Susan!
Wishing all of us a Blessed, Happy, Healthy, Safe and a Fabulously WONDERFUL New Year. We had a huge bonfire last night and burned all the old 2020 calendars. Since, there was snow on the ground and a few flurries in the air no worries about burning the barn down. LOL! I think the cattle and my horses thought I’d lost my mind.
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl.
Happy New Year, Susan! Your words are so encouraging as always! Loved the moon over Martha’s Vineyard photo…Last night we watched “Fisherman’s Friend,” filmed in Cornwall in the same village where Doc Martin takes place. Very pleasant and fun for the New Year.
I love, love, love your cat socks! I would like to buy them as a birthday gift for a dear multiple cat owning friend. Do you know where I can purchase them? Wishing you all the happiness in 2021 that you give me, and all your readers throughout the year. ❤️
I don’t know where Elizabeth found them … but I googled and got THIS!
Happiest of New Years to you, Susan, and Joe and Jack. My husband and I will definitely check out Bridgerton – thanks for the tip!
Happy New Year, Susan! My new year has to be better. I had both my knees replaced this winter !!
You’ll be ready to GO!
Sharon Hermens, Sounds like you picked the perfect time to take care of those knees. Now you’ll be ready to conquer the world in 2021 when we all get released from self isolating!
I would never burn my old calendar! Instead I cut out your pretty pictures and sayings and make them into little bookmarks so I have one for each of my books. I did that yesterday morning and remembered every month. And then I hung my new one! Thank you for all the beautiful artwork!
My goodness, it took me at least two hours just to find all the puzzle edge pieces! Well done Jessica! It is a great puzzle, having such fun with it. Dear Jack…a kitty in the sun is the best. I too hung up my new 2021 calendar – a whole year of possibilities. I’ve been watching Bridgerton too, mainly to hear wonderful Julie Andrews but also love the way it’s unfolding, you can tell it’s from Shondaland! I confess I only just saw Emma for the first time this past year, with Gwinneth Paltrow, looking forward to seeing the 2020 one. And Susan, just want to let you know I have a wonderful penpal due to posting a reply here on the blog more than a year ago, maybe almost two now, somehow a Girlfriend in Canada and I had a mix-up of emails and she reached out to me, and we’ve been corresponding ever since! A very very happy accident! I love that Movie Nog recipe…I wonder if there’s a way to make it WW friendly 🤞🏻 Thanks for a great blog post Susan. Happy New Year to all! ♥️🎉🌻
Happy New Year to you, dear friend. The festivities are over and time for the daily to begin. Lots of lovely things to do and plan for. Thank you for your encouraging words and art. Good health, strong faith and boundless joy in this new year.
Well that cheered me up no end! Thank you again for always ‘looking in the bright side of life’.
All the best to you and Joe in this year of which we have so many expectations ❤️
Leslie in Maine
Love, love, love! You are such an inspiration. Real and honest but always finding your way toward the light, the bright, the best in life and sharing that with us. Thank you. (And, just an aside, I’m with you no matter where you are, up, down or anywhere in between. 😉)
What a great way to welcome the new year — with inspiration and lovely pictures from you! Cheers!
With all the “terribleness” of 2020, I’ve tried to concentrate on the good things that have happened. My daughter completed her Master’s degree–completely online, of course. In April she is giving us a granddaughter who will have the middle name Elizabeth, just like me and her mama. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, we received so many texts telling us of life going on–weddings, new jobs, new grandbabies. Breathing out 2020, breathing in 2021!
I loved Bridgerton and I totally guessed who Lady Whistledown was sssh I won’t tell! The costumes were fabulous and everyone was beautiful!
Happy New Year, Susan! Best wishes to you, Joe, Jack, and all the Girl Friends as we enter 2021!
I began a project today on the first day of 2021! I started my puzzle! MY GIFT TO MYSELF FOR CHRISTMAS! I can tell it will be a challenge! But so much fun. My other gift to myself was your SANTA book. (Also one or a friend❣️)
Since I lost my husband, I have to learn to live again, to live without him. So I think Christmas gifts From: Me To: Me will be one of my Christmas traditions! Also to try to bring just a little JOY to someone who needs it! Happy New Year!
A BEAUTIFUL tradition to start … to honor of your new life. Brave girl. Joy to you with love from me.💖
You do not know how much it means to me to receive a reply! I have a little notebook full of “notes to self” just for me. The title of the notebook is “Learning to Live Again.”
One of the things that helped me was to make plans. That way I’d be living in the future and not the past. Not to forget, but to “Learn to Live Again.” I love how conscious you are about it. ♥️♥️♥️ Wishing you the very best!
Happy 2020…I want more happy than just for the new year! lol
Hi Susan = Happy New Year! I wish you the best for 2021! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping us happy, inspired and creative this past year. Your emails are delightful! I have read all your books and look forward to the next one. Janet
Let’s make 2021 the Year of Many More Kindnesses….and Adventures! And much Better Health for all! Happy New Year to you, Joe, and that handsome boy Jack! Thanks ever so much for all the sharing you do! You’re a GEM! Sparkle! Sparkle!
I ordered my calendar that you designed. It will be here January 7th. Then I can fill it with birthdays and happenings! Thank you for the positive vibes!
Rabbit, rabbit right back at you Susan. Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring post! I think most of us are jumping up and down as we bid 2020 a “not so fond” adieu and look forward onto the horizon of a better and brighter 2021. It’s not going to happen right away, so we must be patient, but IT WILL HAPPEN! My prayer is that we come out of this better people than when we entered it and that we all do good things with what we’ve learned.
Your Pledge for a Best Friend brought to my mind, “A Bridge Over Troubled Water” and they are both beautiful anthems to friendship. You are blessed with many wonderful friendships mainly because you ARE a wonderful friend and you choose wonderful friends to be in your life. I am blessed with some but not nearly as many as you and this time of distancing has made me think about this. I am not a person who has ever had many “casual” friends although in retrospect I wish I had. I went right in for the “forever” friends and sometimes that just doesn’t work out. All sorts of reasons why but that’s for a much longer tome then even I usually write. After I moved to Iowa from California and left friends of 30-60 years it has been hard to re-establish that closeness. I miss it but am in the process of redefining what my idea of friendship should encompass. It’s a work in progress. For now I will live vicariously through you if you don’t mind (maybe kind of like a remora fish that swims alongside a shark – WAIT, I am not equating you with a shark, just the relationship of the smaller fish beside the stronger fish for safety, did I talk/write myself out of that possible faux pas?) Maybe what I wanted to say is that when I grow up (and at 70 I don’t know how much more growing up I am allotted) I want to be just like you.
Enough of my introspection. I love the pictures of Jack in the sunlight, I would like to be like him for a minute. During this time my salvation has been my dog and 2 cats. Watching them brings me joy and often makes me laugh. Thank God that Noah didn’t leave animals off the ark. I love the play of sunlight as it plays around the room as the minutes progress. I hope during this difficult time that people have been able to appreciate the beauty that is right in front of their eyes and in this world. I also love the recipe for, and the intensely inviting picture of, that glistening glass of eggnog (do you like the “g” thing I have going there). I haven’t been able to smell or taste for over 2 years so I have to use my eyes and the memory of the taste to fully take in the wonderfulness of that picture.
One other thing before I live, ( whoops, possibly a Freudian slip) I mean, leave you – Have you ever watched “Shitt’s Creek” on Netflix? Some people don’t like it but I do. It has its comedy but I often find myself crying for its different interpretations of family and friendship. Just a thought.
Anyway, I just want to thank you Susan for sharing yourself, your family, your beloved Joe and Jack and your glorious artwork with us.
May God bless you and yours, the girlfriends and all of the world.
Much love, Patricia, Livvie, Bix and Silas (my precious bundles of joy)
So much easier to make those close friendships when we’re young and caught up in school or work or girl scouts or volunteering, or wherever we are placed side by side in some preoccupation and our kindred spirits rise to the top. Harder when we get more separated. And even harder when we MOVE. Maybe when this THING is over, you can JOIN something? xoxoxo LOL! Shark!🤣 So funny Patricia! Lovely, as ever, to hear from you. Everything good for 2021.♥️♥️♥️
Sending warm hugs and good wishes from another California girl. I am struggling with grief today for all we have lost this year. Thank you for reminding me of all the blessings. We will soldier on. Jack’s shining face always warms my heart😊
That grief we feel is going to make our reconnection feel like VE Day! Dancing in the street. ❌⭕️❌⭕️
Happy New Year to you, Joe, and Jack!
I think that “to do better” and “to be better” are perfect resolutions for the new year, thank you. A good reminder for every day.
Isn’t Bridgerton delightful!?! We’ve been rationing the episodes and just watching one per night. It’s almost like 2020/2021s answer to no more Downton Abbey.
Enjoy your calendar burning!
Thank you for the fun and joy you give us in this upside down world.
Happy New Year Susan , Joe and Jack,
Your beautiful post just now brought tears to my eyes.
I am so grateful for your beautiful words, drawings, quotes and sharing of hope you give us.
Enjoy your nice cozy fire. One of my favorite things.
Cheers.
🎉❤️🙏🏻
Cheers Wendy.❌⭕️
Well Hello Gorgeous! What a most lovely wonderful Welcome to 2021🥰 Every bitty bit of it. Your Words…the Music…the photos…That Puzzle!…Your Jack socks, Jack with his Hercule Poirot moustache…wishes n reminders…
And boy am I sobbing at Puff the Magic Dragon 😭
We’re still settling into our Cozy Rose Cottage. The folks that bought our Rose Creek Farm love it so much that there’s no pain.
“We don’t cry because its over, We smile because it happened.”
So…new email address.
Sending y’all Love n Hugs n Hope
n laughter n glitter n sparkles
Btw…tights covered in pink roses, fluffy pink socks with flamingos
Pink n black striped long tee under a Minnie n Mickey in love nightshirt.😜
LOL, “btw” … thank you Kat, a very cute picture!😂 Isn’t it true … when someone LOVES your old house, it makes it easier.♥️
Happy new year! Every time I get a newsletter, I secret of to my quiet place to read it, because you never fail to transport me, through your writing, to a mixer wonderful and warm, loving place – whether it is your homey kitchen, your lovely backyard, the tree lined path you walk with Joe, or a quiet new England beach!
I always smell the places – warm cinnamon smells from your oven, the spring flowers, the wet leaves on the path, or the salty, briney air!
This edition brought such lovely pictures and smells from the Holy Nativity Convent. That family room with the beautiful tree, the stockings hung above the fire… You can smell Christmas in that room!!!
Thank you for bringing me along in a journey of the senses each and every month! I always love an adventure!
Once again, a beautiful post. Happy New Year to you and yours. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home and wonderful creativity.
Good riddance 2020!! Thanks for your post! It’s always a pleasure reading them. I did the same as you and wrote in all the birthdays, anniversaries, etc. in my new 2021 Susan Branch calendar. I’ve been binge watching Bridgerton which I shouldn’t do because now it’ll be a long wait until season 2!
Happy New Year 2021!!
Happy 2021! We took three days to do our puzzle and it was so fun! My hubby whined “this puzzle is too hard” but it was not. We usually let puzzles linger for a few weeks as we do them together so three days was a breeze!
👏👏👏
Happy New Year, Susan! Blessings to you, Joe & Jack. I love your blog and always feel encouraged by all your positivity. Nice way to start the year! We have much to be thankful for and even though 2020 was not stellar, sometimes a bad thing can turn out to be a good thing. As I reflect on the past year, I am actually grateful for the isolation and quiet times that at first were terrifying. It’s been nice to slow down and learn to be at peace in the midst of these extraordinary circumstances. Although, just like everyone else, I do look forward to getting back to the way things were before. Hopefully, we will be there again soon!
Yes, ALWAYS something to be grateful for.👏♥️ Love hearing it Julie!
Happiest New Year to You! I was wondering what new decadent libation we might enjoy today and poof from my favorite email this morning comes your delicious eggnog bourbon concoction! So very thoughtful for you to share! Sweet!
POOF!🤣❌⭕️
Happy New Year! Always look forward to your blog posts!
Your words as always are inspiring. Just the way to start a new and we hope better year! Thank you with much love.
Hi Susan, not related to this specific blog post but I just finished your puzzle & it was one of the most fun puzzles I have done in YEARS (and surprisingly difficult). In a good way! I hope you will do more, the quality was superb as well. Happy New Year!
Thank you so much Lynn! I tried not to make it too easy, but didn’t want to make everyone miserable! ❌⭕️
Happy New Year Susan and Joe (and Jack!…Who could forget Jack???!!) Thank you so much for posting a link to watch the Zoom meeting at the Unlikely Story Bookstore. I bought my Christmas book from them but then was out of range (wi-fi) on the day of!! I was terribly disappointed and so grateful I can still watch (and imagine…sigh). Thank you for being you. XXXXXOOOOO
I’m so glad they gave me that link! ❌⭕️♥️
Oh, my goodness! how is it that I am so lucky to be in the top 10 responses?!? Wow! Usually I visit and there’s already been 14 million replies before mine!
LOL. Thank you, Susan, for this post and while I’m at it, thank you for every other post on your blog. I have been an avid follower of yours forever! And, I love your blog and everything! With this new year, I wanted to tell you how blessed I feel to have you and your blog in this crazy world! I love how I feel after seeing & reading your posts: your beautiful artwork, your pics of the most amazing things like clouds, shadows, sunbeams, Jack, Joe, Christmas lights, sunsets, English anything, but most of all feeling & spirit of real authentic love that you put into everything you post. Thank you so very much for that, and thank you for all, well, everything you bring to all of us. Happy, happy new year. Love & hugs, Corrinne PS of course it’s Covid times so “air” hugs! LOL.
Corrinne. 💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫❌⭕️
Happy New Year! Looking forward to a wonderful year!
Happy New Year fro Michigan!
Happy New Year from Northern CA Susan.
I was reading your Dec post, came upon that yummy cranberry orange bread recipe and off to the store I went. So funny, when I got back to pull up the recipe…. You had posted today’s New Year letter. Yea! So, the timer just went off on the cranberry orange bread, I made myself a cup of tea in my cute “Life is Good with books and cats” Jack the kitty cup….. And life couldn’t be better.
Thank you for all your positive thoughts. We all need to be reminded off how blessed we really are. 2019 and 2020 we’re not my favorite years without the virus….surviving breast cancer and losing both my Dad and Mom. They were 90 and 85 and lived wonderfull full lives. 💞
Well….have to get my new wall calendar up….but my desk blotter is already in place. I’m looking forward to a great new year.
Cheers
Jan from Northern CA
Very tough times Jan😘 . . . but thank God for your survival, and thank GOD for our memories. 💖
Dear Susan….and Joe….and Jack, Happiest of New Years!!! 2021 MUST be better than 2020. So, “Rabbit, Rabbit,” for luck and I love the idea of dancing rabbits…they would be perfect, great for the blog and for the next calendars, even a cup and stationery. Just put them on everything…ha! Jack looks perfectly happy…did you share your toddie with him? Cute socks, great gift for you….Elizabeth knows you well. So glad you put in the photo of Liza and Maggie…makes Home for Christmas more personable. What cuties they are!! Christmas at Holy Nativity Covent….picture perfect!! Love seeing and hearing you on Crowdcast, but hoping when Enchanted come out, that you and Joe will come to Austin for a book signing. I put up your two new wall and photo 2021 calendars today…..have to have both. Stress relief and dreaming for January….good choices, especially this year! I will have to run off some Mailbox Stationery to write Nicoline. We are watching Bridgerton also and have seen the new Emma…..anything British and from way back when. LOVE the last quote….the way so many wonderful things are made or done, because someone had a courageous heart! Bless you and yours during this “must be better” year. Small package on the way….”Sorry, Joe!” Love ya, Rachel
I hope we can take a ROAD TRIP for the next book!!! Zooms are fun, but there is nothing like the in-person connection! I remember you and your cookies from the last time we were in Austen! Wasn’t that fun? xoxo Happy New Year Rachel! ❌⭕️❌⭕️
Excuse me, but your niece must be a puzzle wizard. It took me far longer to complete your puzzle and by the end I was saying “Yes!” every time I placed another piece. I don’t think I’ve worked on a puzzle since kindergarten (those big 6 pc specials). I told my husband I thought you diabolical with your multiple piles of books, clusters of hearts everywhere and then at least 5 different styles of script. The completed puzzle is still on the coffee table and we think the cats stole one of the edge pieces. I now have the only Susan Brance 999 piece puzzle. It was fun though.
LOL, diabolical! 😂 xoxoxo
I lived in Monterey California for a couple of years. It was beautiful. My favorite thing was to drive to the beach and eat my lunch there. Received one of your calendars and your book “Home for Christmas” . I loved them they reminded me of. Growing up in Phoenix Arizona. My mother would make all kinds of candy and we would deliver them to our neighbors. A simpler time. Hoping for a better year in 2021. Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year Susan, Joe, and Jack! May you all prosper in health, happiness, and peace this year. Xo Karen H.
Kay and Susan,
I agree, California is beautiful. I’m in Oregon and I love our beautiful State and am so saddened by the continual rioting, destruction and whatnot going on in the Portland area. I too believe in beauty and the hope of things changing for the better. Susan, we’ve been watching Bridgerton and I’m not giving up but eeek! They are leaving NOTHING to the imagination! That part is a a little disappointing. Otherwise, the duel had me on the edge of my seat! Happy New Year to you, Joe and the kitties and all the Girlfriends out there. xoxo
Becki
Eeek!🤣 I had a feeling they were going off into more of a “reality show!” People cheating on people is not actually my most favorite of things to watch!😅 I like to WANT to live inside my fairy tales!
Sounds like you and Joe are making the best of these crazy times. Stay safe. ANN M. on the cape
Happy New Year Susan : ) Looking forward to a new and better year ahead! I got my mom the puzzle for Christmas and she started it today, I loved the picture of your niece with the finished product! Thanks for bringing cheer to start the new year!
Happy Happy New Year Sue, Joe n’ Jack! May this be a healing year for our world. I pray for that. Cheers!
Wonderfully inspiring and uplifting AND on January 1st! What a delightful way to start the New Year with something new from you! Thank you for blessing us all with your creativity and talent❤️ Happy New Year to you and Joe!!
Thanks for your positivity, encouragement and delight in all the small things. Your posts always brighten my day. Here’s to more of the same in 2021!
I think they were dancing kitties not rabbits at the start of this blog I had to take a double look to make sure they were kitties! You almost tricked me Susan Happy New Year Georgia
Ha ha … they were kitties, I need to paint bunnies dancing!!!💞
Happy New Year Susan : ) Blessings for 2021 to you and Joe (and Jack, of course!)
🙏Praying that you do your research before accepting this new vaccine. So many injuries and allergic reactions from this never-before studied and experimental shot.
Wishing you all the love your heart can hold ♥️
Love right back to you Lisa! I am afraid, but I have decided NOT to allow fear to take away my trust. We won’t even get the shot here until earliest, March. It makes me cry to see nurses getting theirs on TV, I’m soooo sorry for our separation and the stress that comes with it. I look at the countries with vaccine programs, worldwide, and it looks to me that those doing the worst are countries where there are no vaccines. Over 200 of our medical staff on Martha’s Vineyard have gotten it so far, with no problems. Hundred year olds have gotten it. When I see that I cry from relief. Faith is my guide. You are a dear to worry for me. 💖
Hi Susan,
Happy New and Healthy 2021 to you and Joe.
Hope you had a good holiday season… good riddance to 2020!
Just letting you know .. still no puzzle… have been tracking but last real update was 12/22… ever since then … Indianapolis… only says will be late… in transit… going to post office this week… I fear it is lost… sent 12/7 from your warehouse. The mail is so unreliable anymore!
Be Safe… thanks for the new blog… always a pleasure to read each one
Kathie from Limerick
I’m so sorry Kathie … Write to Kellee@162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ and have her look up your order. 12/7 is too long even with all the lateness of the mail these days!
Kathie, your puzzle may be “lost,” but more likely it is sitting in a post office somewhere, just waiting. The post office started off the holiday season in a bad place: the new U.S. Postmaster General cut staff, removed postal boxes, and removed sorting machines prior to the election. 50,000 temporary staff were hired for the holidays, but 20,000 regular employees either have had Covid or had to quarantine due to being exposed. Plus, so many off us have been ordering gifts and other things, rather than going out and shopping, the post offices are just overloaded. I mailed a package to my pen pal Dec. 2, it is still in Chicago 5 weeks later!! It has to go to the Netherlands….just glad I didn’t send food! Ha!! I really feel badly for those who get their medications, some which are life saving, through the mail. Hope you receive your puzzle soon. Rachel
Oh my, Susan, how can you make such wonderful photos of the moon? Whenever I try to do so, it always looks like a tiny spot in the sky, without any interest. This first picture is STUNNING!
I wish you a happy New Year, filled with hopes that are fulfilled. Take care of you and your loved ones on your beautiful island. Enjoy the winter and the snow… and the eggnog! 🙂
Try and get it while it’s just coming up and still close to the horizon ~ it always looks bigger … but I do have to say, I didn’t take that picture … you’ll see I mentioned the photographer just under the picture. I can take moon pics, but not THAT good!😂
Happy New Year, Susan! I think all of us are ready for a new beginning! The promise of a vaccine gives us great hope for bringing an end to this pandemic! I have to reclaim a flat surface to resume my puzzle working. Love Jack enjoying the sun! Sending wishes for all good things for you, Joe, and Jack in the coming year! – xoxo Nellie
LOL, Nellie! Flat surface! What’s that?🤣❌⭕️
How wonderful to have a kitty to soak up those sun spot carpet stains
“Happy New Year” Susan. And thanks for the eggnog holiday drink!
Happy New Year to all my “Susan Branch” friends! May 2021 be happy and healthy for the whole world!
Happy , healthy new year to you and Joe and sweet Jack. I just have to tell you that I just read your new Christmas book Home for Christmas. I absolutely loved this book so much! It brought back so many memories for me. Thank you for writing this book. ❤️❤️❤️
My pleasure. It was a lovely place to spend a few months when I was writing it! I’m SO HAPPY you liked it!💞
Happy Better Year (as a close friend says)! My 100 year old mother is in a wonderful nursing facility and got the covid vaccine 2 days ago,and has had no side effects, not even a sore arm! My sister, brother and I agonized over whether she should get it, given that it hadn’t been tested on someone that age. So grateful she’s doing well. I can’t wait to get the vaccine! I loved Bridgerton – oh,those queen’s wigs! And I’ve never seen Emma, so thank you for the recommendation.
My new year resolution is to love harder! Happy new year to you and Joe and Jack! xoxo
Ohhh, I’m so happy for you and your mom! That’s the BEST. You were so brave! I’m not a big needle person but I’m going to be BRAVE too, in fact, I can’t WAIT to be brave, even though I know my hands will be clammy! “Love Harder!” Excellent resolution! ❌⭕️❌⭕️
Happy New Year! Here in Missouri year 2020 closed with a ice storm, woke up in the new year 2021 everything outside shiny. I was ready for 2020 to be over so hung my Susan Branch calendars New Year’s Eve. Always one in kitchen and the other in my “Workshop Wonderland” where I sew, create quilts and other projects. Where I make lists, lists, and more lists. And hope for 2021 for all of us peace and the ability to focus and follow through with a forward view. Thank you for your encouragement.
Happy New Year Susan and Joe and Jack! Thank you for always bringing a lightness to our hearts! Xox
Oh Susan…I finally had the opportunity to sit by the fire and read Home for Christmas. I too was 9 in 1956 and your precious book of memories has touched me so…..the same decorations, the same outing to see pretty Christmas lights, and recalling the nieces and nephews sitting on the phone book or Sears catalog to reach the table. Thank you so very much. Happy 2021!
Our little bit of history. 1956, a wonderful year!
❤️
Susan – thank you so much for your uplifting words and cheer!
I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions – I pick a Word of the Year to set a plan or intention for how I’d like to see the year through. My Word this year is FOCUS.
I’m so happy that you included the 2021 Full Moon Book Marks in this Willard! I look forward to them every year, as does my 85-year-old Aunt Kitty. She is currently in an assisted living facility and as you know, they’ve been on lockdown a lot through the year. I’m going to send her the bookmark – she’ll be so delighted!
Love all your pictures – especially Jack Kitty – what a charmer!
Best wishes to you and yours for a kinder 2021 <3
Happy new year , Susan! That glass of eggnog looks delicious !!!!
I will try that tomorrow. I’ve been looking through ” Christmas from the Heart of the Home” the last day or two. I like it not just for Christmas but as a Winter ideas book. Thanks for the sweet blog. Take care. Bridget
Susan….thank you for the gift of your “breathe” words…..so much loss in 2020, including 3 days ago my Maggie Mae, rescue dog, passed away….so saying goodbye to our human, and animal loved ones is heart breaking…..your “breathe” words will resonate, loud, strong, and over and over again…..happy 2021 to you, sweet spirit….
Regina Seattle
Oh Regina, I’m so sad for you! Our critters are everything, they give SO much and take so little. Breathe her in and keep her in your heart forever. 💖💖💖
I am immersed in “Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams,” a Christmas gift from my husband. He knows how much I love anything “Susan Branch,” and lets me read long passages aloud.
Now he understands, too. Thank you for inspiring hope, love and wonder.
Love hearing it Diane, thank you so much. Just what I hoped for that book!👏💞💞💞
Eggnog! Absolutely this time of the year and with that goodly amount of bourbon.Wishing you and everyone health and safety and vaccines in 2021. And definitely Bridgerton!
Happy New Year to you, Joe and adorable Jack!!
Thank you for all the positive, hopeful words you gave us all year to help get us through these awful times. They are so appreciated!! Your Christmas book was such a gift also.
Wishing you good health, blessings and happiness always!!
Love and Hugs!!
Happy New Year Susan, Joe and Jack
I love the way Jack posed when he knew you were watching — so smart. They really do have us in their back pockets don’t they.
I’ve so enjoyed your comments on Twitter lately, especially the one about Chaos leaving for good, you know which one I mean. So we have combined two of your suggestions: bonfire and chaos leaving, and are planning 23 days of Chaos Cleansing Bonfires — until January 21 we hope. We have been having our bonfires in the snow, but they are magical. Thanks so much for the suggestion.
Be well and prosper.
They ARE magical aren’t they? We had one yesterday, no snow, but still HEAVEN … we stayed out all afternoon, testing out hand warmers and talking until it started getting dark.💫
Happy new year.
Happy New Year!
This is the first year in many that I celebrated with someone – my sister. We spent time heading toward the finish line of my unpacking since my move to Minnesota in November. We had our family’s traditional New Year’s dinner of a pork roast with sauerkraut, yum, yum. I never knew how lonely I was or how much a hug meant to me until I was in the fold of family again. I am looking forward to getting through the long, cold and snowy winter with arts and crafts projects. I have discovered cozy means: several layers, fingerless gloves, and throws wrapped around my legs.
Thank you and the girlfriends for holding my middle sister in your thoughts. She is holding her own and perked up having her daughters and grandchildren around her for Christmas.
I am very grateful to you, Susan, and for this girlfriend community. My hope for 2021 is that everyone gets vaccinated, and we can breathe easier throughout this new year.
Isn’t that the truth… I don’t think any of us realize quite yet what this separation has meant. But we will soon, and won’t it be WONDERFUL to feel what you are feeling now!!! I’m so happy for your re-connection! If you get too cold in the house, put on a hat! Big help! ♥️