Blessings

The month for

And guess what? YES! They’re here!Blessing #1: The new cups started shipping out to you guys last week! If you haven’t gotten yours yet, they are on the way!!! They crossed the pond using every form of transport, plane, ship, train, truck, and slow boat to China … we don’t know how because no one would tell us, but the miracle is, all the way from the luv-lee potteries in Staffordshire, England, to Arroyo Grande, California, they have arrived! And for the most part, in one piece! Thank you for your never-ending patience! Reward? MUSICA!

The color turned out great! Here’s what the backs look like. As you can probably guess by the slow pace of the all-of-a-sudden infamous “supply chain” … unfortunately we will not be getting more of them before Christmas!! I THOUGHT we’d get these by September!!! If you were waiting until you saw the whites of their eyes, your time has come. They are here! And if this is the first time you’re seeing them, you can read more about them and see other designs we still have in stock HERE.

Blessing #2: Fall has come on very slowly this year.👏 A long fall is what I hoped for, and a long fall is what we’re getting! Usually, by this time, the leaves have turned and fallen and we’re raking them up . . . but right now the colors are at their best, and when you look out the window you see them, orange and yellow sparks twirling past in the wind. This was our walk in the middle of October! Green as green can be. Note the smooth and leafless road…

Then came a wild nor’easter! Worst winds I’ve experienced since I moved here! Wind gust was clocked at 96 MPH in Edgartown on the other side of the Island! This was our walk the day after … lot’s of visible wildness!

Tattered and torn leaves, branches, and pine needles carpet the dirt road to the sea ….

And a lot of missing sand, carved out and taken away . . .

I noticed this leaf on the ground, stepped right over it, but after a few more steps I felt I HAD to turn back and get a better look. WHAT was that? And take this picture. Right? The perfect cut-out “eyes” in the leaf were enough, but it wasn’t until I enlarged it that I saw the eyes had EYEBALLS!!! I’ve been saving it to show you. A wee note from nature!🍁

Storm was raging when I woke up and came downstairs in the dark, flashlight flickering around the kitchen like a lighthouse beam … the wildest of winds knocked out electricity for a lot of the island, including us … but our good old gas stove saved the day! The kitchen was warm and smelled like last night’s pot roast.

I lit myself a path through the wood room, flickering flames into the living room to my studio beyond … time to paint. It was a storm, but it was cozy and like a step back in time. No TV, no computer, a moment to just BE. Just like Gladys Taber said it should be!

Threw on a jacket and went outside to check on things the next day … at first I thought the wind had chipped the paint off the arbor! But those marks are tattered leaves plastered to almost everything, the arbor, the house, the car. The storm prematurely blew lots of leaves right off the trees! But our house stayed strong, as she has done since 1849. Knock on wood. These new type of storms we’re getting pack a wallop!

Lost one big tree behind the arbor … which was kind of good ~ it didn’t hurt anything, not even the picket fence, and it had shaded-out the roses on the arbor for years, so now, I get to grow roses again! A win-win! Blessing #4.

This is over our back fence behind the barn to the neighbor’s yard. They lost a tree too. This one is actually schmooshed right up against the windows of the house, but still no damage. Lots of huge old trees down all over the island…but we were lucky, no injuries that I’ve heard of, and all is back to normal. Blessing #5. Blessings galore.

And now? Thank goodness the storm didn’t take ALL the leaves! And they’ve finally turned color . . .

I took this picture of the back garden from an upstairs window… when the sun comes up and goes through the trees, we get warm gold light inside the house… Blessings just too many to number…but I think you can see them!

And here we are out walking in the woods …

Which are now ablaze . . .

Even the beach grass is on fire!

Lots of wild bittersweet . . . Mother Nature decorating earth. Just for us! How blessed are we?! I’m losing track!

This was today . . . the crows are having a field day!

Leaves coat the bottom of this puddle on the road, and trees reflect in the water. Isn’t it gorgeous?

This is the reward at the end of our walk . . . this little sandy salty windy beach…

We are listening to the book The Overstory right now, one ear-pod in Joe’s ear, one in mine, so we can listen together … it’s a Pulitzer-Prize winning novel and love story to Nature. Could NOT be in a better place to hear it . . . had to stop and smell a tree at one point, put my nose right ON it . . . so inspiring! Did anyone read A Gentleman in Moscow? That was our last read. I’m still not over it! My sister is reading it now; she calls me and we become the tiniest bookclub in the world hashing everything over!

When we got back to the car this was waiting. I PROMISE with all my heart we did not put that leaf there. It came on it’s own, just like you see it. Another blessing. Madly in love with nature . . .

Today it’s only about 48 degrees! Cold. Joe (Blessing extraordinaire) made us a fire, and now he’s outside putting on the storm windows . . .

While Jack investigates the mantle. All is well!

For those of you who read Fairy Tale Girl or Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams, you might remember Elaine? She had the dog called Boxcar, was my boss at the record store, and fired me too? (Not her fault, she had to, I had become useless which you know was NOT MY FAULT!) She’s been my dear darling friend since 1971. She lived here on the island for 10 years, moved back to California 20 years ago but kept her house here ~ and now she has retired from working at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and moved back here two weeks ago!!! I couldn’t be happier. She was born in Boston, so New England is really her happy place.

Elaine drove across country with her darling Westie, Ripper! He’s standing on his back legs in order to get a better look at Jack. Isn’t he adorable?

So, we now have Jack and the Ripper. But I have to say Jack is not that fond of the Ripper. Ripper would just like to lick Jack all over. But Jack is saying, 

“Don’t even think about it.”

I’m just happy to have a cat that goes so well with the decor! Would hate it if he clashed!

But how could you go wrong. This is the secret to decorating. It’s like a movie set. Plain and unadorned. That way when the season changes . . .

I take the summer decorations upstairs and put then away until next year. . .

Then all I have to do is stick in different pillows, some fall flowers, quilts, and voila! It’s fall! Same thing and suddenly it’s Christmas! Joe, Elaine, Ripper and I went off-island a few days ago. The first time any of us had seriously gone into stores for three years. We went to Pottery Barn. OMG.

Every Christmas thing was out, sparkly, red and white, candles, and fluffy throws, perfect pillows, glass chandeliers … everything to set your heart on fire. The whole thing went to the happy zippy part of the brain. I was as excited as Ripper when he goes after Jack! We threw money at the cash register, bought tiny end tables, white felt and red sequin Christmas trees, napkins, candles, and star shaped pillows came home with us.

And this appliqué tablecloth! Needs to be ironed, but I wanted to see it on the table the minute I got home. I am going to LOVE Christmas this year, and I think I’ll just start now and have Thanksgiving and Christmas be a dynamic duo! Lights Camera Action!

We got our greeting cards back in!!

William Morris would be proud, recipes make them useful!

All about love . . .

Feeling the blessings! Especially when you think that this year we are going to be together. Fingers crossed it stays this way!

What else? I’ve been painting! Heading for my studio with Jack and my tea in the morning. . . listening to old movies while I do my watercolors …

Practicing people ~ I love painting people, but I’m still so nervous, I do the drawing, but putting on the first bit of paint is scary! The cup, you ask? I have that cup in real life only the shoes are blue. Isn’t it funny? Had to paint it.

This is my newest one… I love her … she hasn’t been scanned yet which is why the picture is so dark, it’s only a photograph. The book? My 8-year-old niece was reading it; she was OVER THE MOON about this series of books ~ so I thought, in her honor, I should include it in the new calendar.🧡 Normally I don’t have to turn in calendars until the first of March, but due to “supply chain” issues, the fact that everything is taking so much longer, they need them this year by January 1. So that’s what I’ve been doing. 2023! Eeek.

Something lovely happened. Erin, bottom left, called me out of the blue … she said her book club was reading my book Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams and said they loved it so much would I would come to one of their meetings so they could talk about it … I’d never met any of these girls, and yet they all live here on the island! So of course I said yes… And here we are!

 Look at Erin’s table! Isn’t it gorgeous? I wanted you to see it for possible Thanksgiving inspiration! That blue and orange together was spectacular! I didn’t even know it was going to be dinner! They all brought recipes from my cookbooks! I was so honored I was almost (stressing on that word) speechless! I got to hear about how they met! You know I have this closeness too with my girlfriends, but it was wonderful to be in the bosom of that same thing with a whole different group!

I love seeing other people’s houses! Erin’s house was wonderful. I loved how they put their library of great books all in colors!! Cute! And yes, Joe was there too, along with Erin’s husband, they ate in the kitchen and only came out to pour wine and wait on us! Men can be so adorable!💞

Yes! Second printing of Home for Christmas has arrived!!! In the Saint-Nick of time … considering the “supply chain” ~ we got lucky! Big help that we had it printed in the good old US of A!

If you need to be taken back in time to a 1956 Christmas, this true story will do it for you … in detail! I had a wonderful time writing this book. It was especially good during the time I was losing my mother, my first and forever best girlfriend, to be immersed in the warmth of her love every day as I wrote and painted this memory. Definitely a blessing. Like a dream. ♥️

And speaking of home and the generosity of girlfriends . . .  I got the best thing in the mail the other day… and it wasn’t even for me, it’s for you!!! Yes! 

You’ve seen my autumn decorating for years now . . . and something almost everyone comments on that you can see in this picture is…

my Pilgrim candlesticks! They come out every year . . . I found them in an antique store about a thousand years ago and have never seen another set.

They are just perfect this time of year!

Aren’t they wonderful? The black is the best! But guess what? These aren’t mine! These are going to one of you!!! Yes, our girlfriend Bunny Perkins from Ohio spotted them on Ebay and sent them to me to give to you! Wasn’t that just the sweetest thing?! You know Joe hates having to stand in line to pick up packages at the Post Office, but this one, he forgave me for! Leave a comment at the bottom of this post (you’ll see a whole bunch of tiny words and near the end, click on “comments.” Just a word or two is all you need to leave in order to be entered for this giveaway!) Thank you Bunny! You’re a blessing, so very kind and thoughtful of you!

Have you guys seen the pictures of families reuniting at the airport now that they can come into America from other countries again?😥 It’s just like Love Actually (best movie ever made). After all these months, people are throwing themselves into each others arms and sobbing with joy. Sisters hugging sisters, couples hugging grandchildren. Makes you cry … makes your heart soar.

We get to have Thanksgiving at our house this year! I’m so excited! I was just reminded by one of our girlfriends that it’s the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving!!!!🍁 The chicken stuffed with my grandma’s dressing was delicious last year because of course it was just us. But this year we get to have the real thing, with good old friends, light the candles, bake a pumpkin cheesecake. I already ordered the turkey! Yay yay yay yay!💃🏼

Here’s the guaranteed-to-please recipe from my Autumn Book . . .if you need it to be gluten free, all you have to change is the gingersnaps … get the gluten-free ones and voila! If you haven’t made this recipe I highly recommend it. Easier to make and more delicious than pumpkin pie, in keeping with the season!🍁Well, the clock keeps ticking and the hands move closer all the time to when we’ll be heading off on our trip to England on board the Queen Mary 2. I think about it all the time! May 1. Here we come! I got my booster, yesterday we got our flu shots! Staying healthy! First requirement for getting on that ship! Where are we now … oh yes, must be around blessing #757. ♥️

Bye for now girlfriends. Going out on our walk with our book! I hope you are doing well and feeling festive. Both the quote above, and this one below, are very nice to read at our 400th Thanksgiving dinner! With all my love . . . .🎃  And don’t forget to sign up for the giveaway!🧡

🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡🍁🧡

This entry was posted in Blog and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

2,139 Responses to Blessings

  1. Pam in SE Michigan says:

    Your take on life always makes my heart feel full, and shines a light in the darkest of times. Thank you.

  2. Chris says:

    Love your work and this site is so fun. My kids all have your baby books. ❤️ Thank you!

  3. Becky from Plainfield, IL says:

    Beautiful post Susan! I just received my my red velvet coverlet and shams from Pottery Barn. It looks so beautiful with my white chenille bedspread. It’s the little things ya know.
    Becky

  4. Jennifer says:

    Thank you for the joy you bring, and thank you to Bunny for such a thoughtful act.

  5. Lisa marin says:

    Oh gosh these would be so nice to have for our autumn table in anchorage Alaska. Thanks so much in advance!

  6. Carolyn Scarbrough says:

    Thanksgiving is such a wonderful day. Spending time with family is always special. A very busy time in the kitchen but the leftovers are definitely worth it!

  7. Dorothy says:

    Thanks for your warm, wholesome content. Helps me center in a somewhat turbulent time in my life.

  8. A Southwest Missouri Girlfriend says:

    I’ve been way to busy to keep up with your blog and many others that I usually follow. Suffice to say, I was rewarded with your Willard notification in my email and I decided to just stop … and relax for a while. What a delight! 😉 You are such an inspirational artist and writer. When I retire, I will definitely get in touch with my creative side. Thank you for being the wonderful YOU that we all love.
    Love & God’s Blessings

  9. Dee Baker says:

    Coziness overload!

  10. Lucia Ann France-Bryant says:

    So happy you are back! I spent Thanksgiving with my daughter, my 12 yr old granddaughter, and her girlfriend. We went to the beach! (Ocean City, MD) So much fun! We had dinner at a restaurant because last year I thought I’d be fancy and brine the turkey, but failed to read the fine print on the wrapper. It said “This turkey has been brined”! Needless to say, it was very very salty! ;{ So… we went to a restaurant. Bad idea. Next year I’ll be sure to read the directions.
    Your posts and blogs inspire me. Thank you for being there for all of us.

  11. Nancy Payne says:

    Your blog posts are always a treat to read. I appreciate you sharing your lovely art, home, garden, adventures, recipes, and great stories. Happy Holidays!

  12. Molly says:

    I love your blog and your books, especially the Christmas and Autumn ones. My dear mom, who died in April of 2020 used to buy me your books. Looking at them now reminds me of her. So lovely and homey. 🥰

  13. Linda Freymark says:

    Thank you Susan and Bunny Perkins for the candlesticks giveaway!!!

  14. Patty volner says:

    Love the Pilgrim candle sticks, thank you for sharing with us all Susan.

  15. RUTH A HUSMANN says:

    I love reading your blogs .They are so full of beauty ,hints and hope. Born in the north and living in Texas,I miss all that goes with Autumn You are so talented and a joy to read.

  16. Cathy Dziadul says:

    Thank you for your continuous inspiration through the years!

  17. Julie Holz says:

    I look forward to hearing about your Thanksgiving–I hope it was as lovely as this post!

  18. Suzan Smith says:

    Hi Susan! What a wonderful blog post so full of be-you-te-ful things and yummy recipes! Here’s to hoping the pilgrim candlesticks choose me!

  19. Lorraine Zahnen says:

    I’m focusing on the crying about the beautiful world instead of crying over missed loved ones. It’s time to move forward. Blessings to you (well, even more!) Time for some Snippy Doodle!

  20. Layla Palmer says:

    Hello, Susan!

    I was reading your (wonderful) post and when I got to the part about the candlesticks, I *immediately* went to eBay and searched for “iron Pilgrim candlesticks”- LOL! How fun to come back and read the part about Bunny sending you a set to give away! Hope all is well with you and yours this week. Is the Queen Mary trip all filled up? Still thinking about sailing away with you!

    Layla

  21. Janet L Bangs says:

    All I can say is that your posts make my heart sing and my feet do a little happy tap dance. (I like to pretend I am dancing in a movie with Fred Astaire).

  22. Virginia Kwiatkowski says:

    Beautiful post! Happy holidays to you and Joe.

  23. You are a wonderful; inspiration to me. Please enter me into the candlesticks drawing.

  24. Amy Varnell-Miller says:

    So pretty! Thank you Bunny and Susan!

  25. Christy says:

    As always, such a lovely post 💜

  26. Karen says:

    They are so charming! 😍 You bring so much joy to so many lives.
    Thank you for such a wonderful giveaway!
    ♥️🕯♥️🕯♥️🕯

  27. Mari Elizabeth Webb says:

    Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Susan. I can’t wait to make that pumpkin cheesecake – looks delicious.

  28. Melissa says:

    You have the loveliest blog! Hope your Thanksgiving was everything you wanted it to be.

  29. Jocelyn Devaney says:

    I would love to see those candlesticks Grace my table next year please! I have admired them on your table for years 🍁🧡

  30. Katy says:

    So beautiful! ❤️

  31. Debbie Boerger says:

    Wow, over 2 thousand comments!! I have lots of catching up to do. Been extremely busy getting done what we can do on our own to rid our little place of the mold and mildew. Have scheduled people to do various remediations ($$$$) under the house. Ordered new deck doors that are pretty water tight, cost almost as much as a small car!! Have to do it, and I’m so thankful we have savings. They will All be gobbled up, but we’ll be safe and healthy in our old age. Picked out hardwood flooring for downstairs, so no more wall to wall carpeting to collect yucky stuff. I’ve accepted that we won’t be going to England in May, 2022, but that’s OK, as you will share it with those of us at home.
    Have any of you read the new thriller by Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny? I’ve begun it, but I’ll keep my final opinion until I’m done. Also reading another book on the very deep ocean, The Brilliant Abyss, by a lovely English woman marine biologist, Helen Scales. Yep, I’m strange, always have 2 books going. Grasshopper Brain!!
    Thank you for all you do,
    Debbie now in Sunny Tampa

  32. Michele O’Loughlin says:

    I enjoy your blog, it is always fun and inspiring! I just celebrated a wonderful Thanksgiving with my children and grandchildren. The candlesticks would add something special.

  33. Loren Austin Matze says:

    Such a lovely gesture from Bunny and you! Thank you!

  34. Elaine says:

    Thanks for posting! Love to read all you write. Aren’t those candlesticks just lively!

  35. Nancy Goldstein says:

    The candlesticks are such a treasure ! Thanks for sharing

  36. Amy Johnson says:

    I love them!❤️

  37. Heidi Henkelman says:

    It’s the little things that hold back the fear and uncertainty…candles, essential oils diffusing frasier fir, and George Winston on the CD player!

  38. Dearest Susan, I love your blog! I adore your photos and stories. I own several of your books! Your work has always brought joy to my heart ❤️. Please include me in your giveaway for the adorable candlesticks. I promise you that they will be cherished if I win!

  39. Bunny Porter says:

    I just love reading your blog, Susan! I hope to get over to the island again!

  40. Maria K Brow says:

    Lovely candlesticks and Susan Branch stickers are all over my photo albums’ pages. Love your art so much, Susan. Thank you for the candlesticks give-away. Merry Christmas! -Maria

  41. Regina says:

    Oh how I love reading these posts; it’s truly like visiting with a friend! Hope your Thanksgiving was delightful in every way. Thanks for the WONDERFUL giveaway offering. I’m crossing my fingers!

  42. Marilyn says:

    So lovely!

  43. Anita Jahner says:

    This post is full of delights of all kinds! Can’t believe I put off reading it until today. Life just gets so busy. I was excited to see your giveaway, and I’d love to win the candlesticks!

  44. Jacquie Sandone says:

    I’d love to show off those beautiful silhouettes in my window!

  45. susan leary from falmouth says:

    Don’t know how I missed this post, but better late than never. We lost power in Falmouth for four days. It was quite a storm.

  46. Claire Earley says:

    I will never forget the feeling I had reading ‘Isle of Dreams’. I believe I did a similar thing to you, and struck out one day, alone, and made the reverse trip to California. Years later, a friend gave me your book and I was overcome by the memories and feelings you wrote about – sitting alone in a little house, in a little town, getting a little job and wondering who you would meet -I didn’t put the book down until I was through. Somewhere Jo March is beaming with pride … It was so vivid and wonderful. Thank you for writing it, and thank you for reminding us of the dreams we all share.

  47. Cecilia Beasley says:

    You are such an inspiration! Happy Holidays to you and Joe.

  48. Angela says:

    I’ve been looking for these candlesticks at antique stores 🤞🤞

  49. Sue Sparks says:

    I have made your pumpkin cheesecake and it is the best!!!🧡

  50. Lisa B says:

    These are so cool!t

  51. Roseanne Hall says:

    I wish I was one of the girls in the book club! Lol, sure looked like a nice time! Have a Merry Christmas Susan! Enjoy every minute of it🎄❤️🎅🏻🛷🤍

  52. Tammy Stewart says:

    Reading your blogs are so comforting. Love, love, love your home.

  53. Jo says:

    What lovely writings! Thank you for all that you do!
    It truly keeps my heart happy 😊.

  54. Heidi says:

    Jack is the cutest cat on the planet!
    The candlesticks are beautiful and would look so nice in our tiny cottage in the woods. Thank you Susan for all you share.

  55. Judith Jackson says:

    I would love to win the sweet silhouette candle stick holders!!

  56. Kitty DeMento says:

    Beautiful blog. I have loved those candlesticks so much for years now.
    I’m so shocked you’re giving them away!!!
    I thought of you today while I was decorating, wi seeing if you were doing the same!

    I’ll see you soon at the Christmas Zoom! Hey that rhymed!!!

    Much love
    Kitty

    • sbranch says:

      I still have mine, it’s another pair donated by a sweet Girlfriend for just this reason that we are giving away!❌⭕️

  57. Breahn Royal says:

    My precious friend! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! I love the picture of Jack Jack looking out of the window! My kitties do the same thing, just hoping for a chance at one of those squirrels. Thank you for being you. I tell you this often when I comment on different things, but I truly hope you believe it. You are a jewel! ♥♥♥

  58. Lorie says:

    Such a lovely post. I enjoy reading about your life and seeing all of your beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing!

  59. Christabelle says:

    Lovely post, as always. And entering the drawing for the candlesticks is an added bonus. I do wish Kenneth Branagh would get on with his film version of A Gentleman in Moscow!

  60. Jennifer says:

    Your posts are always a delight! Like a letter from a great friend. What gorgeous candlesticks!!! Thank you for the opportunity! Best of luck everyone ❤️

  61. Miranda says:

    I love the candlesticks, simply adorable!! But I have to say I love the blog more 😍☺️ Thank you for sharing with us!

  62. Kris says:

    Love reading your blog. It makes me feel like I’m on island. My son just moved there and it makes me feel closer to him.

  63. Liz Bissell says:

    Delightful read, and I would LOVE the candlesticks!

  64. Susan Browning says:

    Happy Holidays

  65. Kathie says:

    Love this post, makes me focus on making my own house more cozy.

  66. Mary Webb says:

    Oh My!!!!

  67. Julie (Omaha) says:

    The candlesticks are so unique just like your artwork and style Susan!! And in case I forgot to say it, thank you for recommending Radio Garden quite a while ago – I listen to some great oldies music (40’s and 50’s) on one of the channels. 😊😊

  68. Karen H. says:

    How wonderful to have your girlfriend Elaine back in town!! Loved the pics of Jack and Ripper…too cute for words. Those pilgrim candle holders are perfect for the Autumn table!

  69. Colleen Vance says:

    Love your blog, love your tweets!

  70. Martha says:

    A wonderfully inspiring post, Susan! I will need to reread it to take it all in! How fun that you visited the book club, they must have been thrilled!
    Enjoy the holiday season! 🎄❄️🌟

  71. Susan Butler says:

    Very inspirational, as always. Searching for the holiday spirit, this truly helped. May we all find togetherness ❤️

    • sbranch says:

      From your voice to God’s ears. It’s what we were, and my prayer, it’s what we will be again… without the need for something catastrophic to bring it on. ♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏

  72. Nancy Brown says:

    So excited that my cups arrived in time for holidays! I especially love the smaller sized winter cup and have made it my go to coffee cup each morning.
    Wishing you a Happy Advent!

  73. Betty Murry says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe, Susan! You’re amazing ❤️thank you so much for your kind & giving spirit. I wish you were my mom, lol!! Or even an Aunt😂 sheesh, even a next door neighbor . 😂❤️😂❤️😂❤️ Lots of love your way

  74. Sandra says:

    Love the pilgrim candle sticks and your blog and everything you do! Sandy

  75. Kathryn B says:

    I looked for those candleholders online, too! No luck. Your posts are like reading the yearly Christmas family newsletters, only more often. Thank you.

  76. Keri H says:

    Beautiful pics! Sometimes I miss fall in my home state of N.Y….nothing like it. Lovely stories. I’ll have to check out the Pottery Barn now. 😉

  77. Veronica Pulbere says:

    Love your posts & recipes!

  78. Sharon Caulineau says:

    So enjoyed reading every word and recipe. The candle sticks are lovely and I would love to have them in my home. Wishing you many blessings throughout the holidays and into the New Year. Much Light, Sharon

  79. Jill Smith says:

    This is probably my most favorite Willard. I love the holidays, decorating, cooking, family and friends. I am in SC so fall is more subtle than NE and the Vineyard but lovely still. I loved the candlesticks before you announced the giveaway, how generous of you to share such a keepsake.

  80. Shelly Brundage says:

    Autumn is my favorite season and its nowhere more beautiful than here in the Northeast! Love love love your home , especially at the holidays! So warm and inviting! ❤️

  81. Dee Duncan says:

    ❤Candle Sticks, and Susan Branch.❤

  82. Phyllis says:

    I,too, am reading The Overstory. I am definitely a tree lover.

  83. Lois Altenburg says:

    Love this set of candle holders—they shout Happy Thanksgiving.

  84. Jessica McIntyre says:

    Thank you for spreading comfort, joy and happiness into our home, and so many others. Your words are like tiny treasures, each wrapped with such notable care. Thank you ❤️

  85. I get sooooo excited when I see Willard has arrived in my mailbox! I was thinking of how it used to arrive like 25 years ago literally in my mail box and I have saved everyone of them!!!! I have to admit although I pour over them on my computer the ones that I have saved from long ago are my absolute favorites. Thank you Susan for sharing your art and your world with us for all these years! I have given each and everyone of your books, calendars away for gift on many occasions to many people. You always put a smile on my face each and every time I pull out one your books or see Willard in my mailbox:)))). God Bless and have a Happy, healthy Holiday!

  86. Charlene says:

    Susan,
    Thank-you for sharing your wonderful ideas and traditions on making a House a Home. For years I have enjoyed reading your books and Willard. Please keep them coming.
    Charlene

  87. Sandy Y. Dixon RN says:

    Love to read your letters and see your home in different seasons. I’m a Gladys Taber fan and have been on your island and have seen your house. What joy! Happy Holidays to you and yours.
    Sandy Y. Dixon RN
    ,Gettysburg, PA 17325
    dixonws@earthlink.net

  88. Deborah May says:

    I love reading you writings and love all the drawings and really love your kitty.

  89. Judy DeWald says:

    Your posts take me into a world of “….my favorite things”. My senses are on overload as I read…..I smell the Thanksgiving kitchen, feel the crunch of the leaves and breathe in the salt air as we walk, hear the chatter of good friends, and more……it’s all there and I enjoy it greatly! Thank you! Bless you and yours!

  90. Jo'l says:

    Loved The Overstory, read it after Braiding Sweetgrass, which I highly recommend, another thoughtful connection to loving our earth.
    Was gone when this came, thanks as always for the beauty you point out to us.

  91. Sue Lacerra says:

    Finally finding time to read and enjoy your Newsletter. It’s always a “feel good” event for me. I decorate with candlesticks and doiles on my Christmas table. Love all your cozy Christmas decorating ideas.
    * * * Loving cozy “hygge” thoughts from southern Wisconsin * * *

  92. Linda Chudej says:

    The photos of the woods and the beach are just awesome! Thank you SO much for sharing your thoughts with us. The candle holders are perfect. That was so nice of Bunny to be so generous!

  93. Valia Thoms says:

    Nature and nostalgia at its best!

  94. Judy Carson says:

    Please add me to your email

Comments are closed.