How can so much happen in so short a time? But first, we go ommmmm, we take a deep breath and we make tea. Then we turn on our MUSICA ~ Did I mention that I’m going to tell you the story of where the “MUSICA” came from in the new book? I think you will like it almost as much as the MUSICA.♥
Now that we are all kicked back and relaxed, do you remember this gorgeous spot? Isn’t this the most magical view in the world? I can hear the lake lapping at the shore and smell the pine trees from here.
Have you figured it out where we are? Yes! You are so smart! It’s Meredith, New Hampshire, in 2013, where we went for one of our very first book signings for A FINE ROMANCE.
And I was taking these pictures from the deck of our room at the most wonderful hotel called Mill Falls at the Lake . . . LOOK at that moon!
And that was how it looked over Lake Winnipesaukee . . . Wasn’t it amazing? One of my best moons ever! Well, we’re going back! To the same hotel, to the same bookstore.
The wonderful Innisfree Bookshop called and invited us (and all of you) and THE FAIRY TALE GIRL for our first planned book signing together! New Hampshire in October? Be still my heart!!!
I hope you can make it. ♥ I hope I’m giving those of you who live nearby enough time to plan a 
little getaway. I made name tags for us again so we can recognize each other. The book signing is Saturday, October 3, from 11 to 1 p.m. and I’m sure it will be very festive! Please come! Put it on your calendar! It’s very pretty there! Innisfree Bookshop is in the Mill Falls Marketplace. Just CLICK here to print out your name tag . . .
Here are some of my favorite people, wearing their name tags from A FINE ROMANCE … that’s Sheri on the left, her daughter Maddie and our friend Bonnie (both of whom came to help last time when all the books came in), and Kellee on the right. They’re standing in the garden of my California Studio ~ I know many of you have spoken to Sheri or Kellee on the phone, so this is what they look like!
By the time we get to New Hampshire the hills and woods of New England will look like this! Even after all these years, I still can’t quite believe the colors are real! We’re not going to do 
a lot of signings this year, we’re going to save ourselves for a cross-country tour next May after Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams makes its debut. We’re going to stay home and enjoy fall and Christmas on the Island this year and cook and paint wonderful things for my second new book! I promise to take lots of pictures in New Hampshire so if you’re too far away, you won’t have to miss a thing . . . we’re also heading up to Lake Champlain, a place I’ve never been, for an actual vacation!!! Unheard of around here! We are so ready! I’ll tell you all about it, we don’t go until the end of the month.
I couldn’t think of going anywhere until that book gets here. If I see a UPS truck, my heart falls into my feet. But so far, we are still waiting. Kellee and Sheri are on pins and needles too, the studio is all ready to get a whole lotta books! IN THE MEANTIME ~ I had a party and promised to show you, so here we go! We’ll just have to take our minds off that UPS truck !
While I chopped, squeezed, measured and sautéed, the sun shimmered through the wisteria onto the wall, which I just LOVE. Pretty darn fairy-like if you ask me!
I have a thing about that kind of light . . .
The way it lands sort of willy nilly, and puts those lacy shadows on the wall, I just have to take pictures of it. It’s such a moment in time.
Even in the laundry room . . .
Another moment in time. I adore dappled things, even these big blotches of light through the trees. We decided to have cocktails and bites of cheese and pickles and smoked fish and olives and gin and tonics with crushed ice and lime wedges in the Adirondack chairs while the sun slowly slipped out of the sky . . . it was just cool enough for a little shawl, and when it got dark, we had this to look at . . .
All lit up and so pretty. . . But we decided to be comfy and totally bug free, and eat indoors . . .
Dish Playtime! This night I wanted everything to be light and airy, end of summerish with just a TOUCH of fall…
And Jack, my little shadow, totally agreed with me! Just a touch of fall, he meowed 
while I got out the silverware. Most of my silverware came to me over the years . . . a little from my grandmother and lots was collected from flea markets like Brimfield in MA, and from antique stores all across the country . . . it’s very mix and match, but very romantic too.
See summer? See fall?
But of course, you can’t get people to look at your table settings UNLESS you include food!
I made spicy Mango salad, with red peppers, chopped mint and cilantro, lime juice and sesame oil (from p.82 of the Girlfriend book). Joe made a brilliant saddle of lamb with rosemary and garlic that was melt-in-your-mouth juicy and delicious.
I also made basil ice cream, to serve with wonderful summer tomatoes that were salted and peppered and drizzled with olive oil and left to sit for a few hours. Then I put a spoonful of tomatoes with juice in a small dessert bowl,
. . . a scoop of basil ice cream on top, then a drizzle of balsamic reduction, and voila! Tastebud heaven. This is the dessert that reminds us that a tomato is a fruit. It’s a different kind of dessert but easy and fun. I thought we might reprint Heart of the Home next year and add a few new recipes like this one.
I made our favorite bean salad too, with sage and little bits of cauliflower for crunch. I also made a quinoa salad with fresh ginger and currants, green onions, water chestnuts and roasted 
peanuts. All was served with hot crusty raisin rolls and butter. My goal was to make everything ahead and I did and I was so glad I did! I got to spend the entire time outside talking with every one . . . it was so easy!
It was wonderful, dinner for eight, and all my favorite MUSICA was playing. . .
All very simpatico and charming, catching up with good friends. Made me think . . .
A little credit where credit is due. I wrote this in my Autumn book in 2004 ~ it was in being printed when she passed away.
I really didn’t mean to get into Julia today, but there is hardly a dinner party I have where I don’t say a little thank you to her for her inspiration. ♥ It’s like she reached out of the dark when I was around 22, took me by the shoulders and said, WAKE UP! I’ve loved her ever since.
And look what was watching over us during dinner! The MOON! Or was that Julia?
And so now, it’s cocktail time somewhere, right here, it’s now, and this is my little excitement for today, my new British Country Living just arrived, so that’s where I’m going . . . Hope you’re remembering to give yourself a little treat, because I know you and you deserve it! ♥
Rabbit Rabbit Girlfriends, Happy September
YOU!
Whoot! I was just working on my blog and saw your link blink with a brand-new post. Yipppee-kadoodles. I’m off to enjoy a visit with you.
Thanks, Susan!
Huggers,
Brenda xox
Good Eye Brenda! Nice to see you here!
When you brought up the way sunlight dances over things, it soooo unexpectedly moved me to tears, the good kind of tears. It brought back a rush of memories of rooms and pieces of furniture and rainbows in the corner of a mirror….thank you. Enjoy a lovely holiday week-end.
Oh, you said it perfectly, Esther. That’s how it hits me too. It’s something about that fleeting moment. xoxo
Dinner sounded perfect! Life is good and soon that UPS truck will stop and it’ll be Christmas in September.
Can not wait. Your words are very soothing. xoxo Cindy, thank you.
Oh dear Susan, I feel the same way about Julia and You! Thank you dear one for all the joy you spread in this crazy world! xoxo ♥
Cur-A-zee world. xoxo Love being here with you.
New Hampshire in the fall sounds wonderful, but a bit too far for us this year. Next year, however, we have our eyes on Scotland. 😉 Meow!! from my cats, Samson and Rose, to yours.
My eyes are on Scotland too. We have made reservations in our very first place. We seem to be meaning business. Meow. back to you xoxo.
Love Scotland! Can’t wait to see where you go!
Me, either!
Wow what a lovely and varied post! It was all great but I especially appreciated the pictures of getting ready for and enjoying your charming dinner party. I mean things like Jack and a pile of sterling silver. For me it doesn’t get any better. And the recipes! I could gush on and on but if we all did that you would be reading for hours. Suffice it to say–wonderful!
And Jack, I have to say, the minute I get out the camera, he is ready to figure out how to photo bomb it!
I just fell into those sunbeams and shadows, they are so magical. Like fairy trails, and they beckon me to follow. I went to camp on Lake Winnipesaukee as a teenager, thought I’d died and gone to heaven! I can almost smell the air and the water, all those late night swims in the lake…bliss. And I’m dying to try that ice cream/tomato dessert, who knew….I would never have thought of this combo. Please share recipe…even if our tomatoes are done for the year now here in the Pacific Northwest!
Loved your pictures of the sunlight. I love watching my 3 kitties move around all day from one sunbeam to another for their naps. Makes me wish I were a kitty sometimes!!
Looking forward to your book. Actually, I can’t wait 🙂 Glad to hear you are staying home for the Fall and Christmas -that means we may get lots of beautiful pictures of your home and MV during my 2 favorite times of the year
I adore your living room – it looks soooo inviting.
Now I have to go back and look at it! xoxo Thank you Linda!
Lol lol!!!
Your post reminded me of meeting Julia Child here in Charlotte in 1972 when she gave a talk and demonstration at one of our downtown department stores! I can’t believe now that I had the nerve to take my baby daughter in her stroller to this talk but I loved Julia so much and she signed my copy of The French Chef and even her husband Paul Child was there and signed it, too! My daughter was good and quiet the whole time…I was very lucky! Always love your posts…thank you! Enjoy your upcoming vacation!
From what I’ve read about Julia, I think she would LOVE to see your daughter! You’re so lucky!
Good Morning Barbara,
With a cup of coffee drenched in pumpkin creamer of course 😊, I just hopped online to catch up with Susan’s blog and saw your post. I’m just right down the road from you in Rock Hill. In the early 80’s when I was a senior at Winthrop College, I did an internship with a retail buyer at Ivey’s (now Dillard’s) in downtown Charlotte! Wasn’t that such a wonderful store?? A copy of The French Chef signed by both Julia Child and her husband? What a treasure and wonderful memory you have!
Martha Jean
I do so agree that happiness depends on continuous small treats 🙂 I drew a little hummingbird on it’s lovely nest this afternoon to treat myself. It brought back such wonderful memories.
I can’t wait for your UPS truck to arrive – so eager to read your new book!
Oh boy Oh boy! This must mean the book will soon be in the mail. I’m all aquiver. Loved everything about this blog especially the Musica, can’t wait to read about the origins of this, your lovely dinner pictures and thank you so much for sharing your diary notes with Julia’s picture. I made a Salad Nicoise for my son who had been to France this summer and made him watch my DVD of Julias’ old cooking classes with her making this salad. He seemed to like it quite a lot – both the salad and seeing Julia again. Laughed when she referred to “little old Swiss ladies in tennis shoes” that she got her lettuce dryer machine from. He had been to Switzerland as well visiting his father. There are just so many connections Susan that come with reading your wonderful blog. Thanks for everything. I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT GETTING THE BOOK. 🙂 Wheee . . .
Hi Susan, your mango salad is so pretty. Happy you and Joe will be home to enjoy the fall and celebrate Christmas. TFTG will be here soon, never fear. Love the cover on the British “Country Living”. May just have to treat myself to a copy. Basil ice cream – such a lovely shade of green. Have a lovely holiday to Lake Champlain. Lots of leaf peeping. Hugs.
Of all the YEARS of posts, blogs, books or media I’ve read of yours…..
my MOST FAVORITE are those you share of your Dinner Parties!!! I LOVE every detail of them! I feel so invited and encouraged!
The simplistic and authentic BEAUTY of your gatherings with scrumptious healthy dishes, sparkling tablescapes, warm flows of wine with shared stories of friends make my heart leap!…and I cannot imagine being able to replicate those ideals. I dream and imagine where to begin.
But you offer the same Gift given from your great Mentor…
…I also feel the Inspiration from your words as if you “took me by the shoulders and said, WAKE UP!” You can do it! Susan, THIS is Inspiration!
And I will tell you where to begin. First you invite people, probably 4 or 6 to start, a HUGE inspiration once you know they are coming, you HAVE to DO something! You are suddenly VERY inspired! Then you look through all your cookbooks and decide what you think will taste good together,and make a shopping list. Try to make everything ahead. A roast or a casserole could be in the oven, but everything else should be done. Then you clean the house. The day before the party, you start to cook. In-between you watch the birds or see the shadows on the wall. You get everything ready, and if you feel nervous you write everything down that you want to do before they guests come. Make sure you know the dishes you want to use for dessert and get that already, put the butter on the table to slightly soften. Then take a nap. Because the rest of it is a piece of cake …xoxo
Wow! Thank YOU!!! See what I mean?!! INSPIRATION!
OK, advice taken!
Would you and Joe like to come to dinner next week??? hahaha!
LOL! xoxo (I forgot, of all things, to say, don’t forget the MUSICA!)
In my house I have to keep the butter covered when out to soften…ms. Lucy the Calico loves butter!
Now I know where to begin! Just do each item as if on a checklist. Never had a real dinner party before, but I am inspired now. You do make it sound so easy. I have always been a little intimidated to have one. Thank you Susan!
It’s easy, it’s SO creative, it’s fun, and it’s a true gift you give to the people you love. It’s like being a kid, playing house. Enjoy!
Oh, Susan! What a treat… every word! I just love the new Fairy Tale Girl name tags. There will be so many happy Girlfriends wearing them in New Hampshire. Fingers crossed that you might be passing through Chicagoland next Spring!! One time you mentioned Woodstock as a possibility. I’m so hoping to see you and Joe again!
Your dinner party looked fabulous! I just love how you stop to appreciate the dappled sunlight, Susan. One must truly be ‘present’ in the moment to notice such fleeting beauty. (‘Present’ is my One Little Word for this year. So, I will try to catch those moments of dappled sunlight, too.) Enjoy many well-deserved, relaxing hours with your new magazine! 🙂
Happy hugs!
Love,
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
Oh, Susan! I couldn’t be more excited for your book signing. The Innisfree Bookshop is my local bookshop, as Meredith is just the next town over! A great little place, and so happy to have you in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire in October! I so hope to get to speak to you, and look forward to my favorite time of year…..Autumn. *sigh*
xoxo
I do get to talk to everyone at the book signings so I think we are destined to meet! How nice, see you there!
Oh Susan! What a lovely time you had. I Love your table setting with the little bits of summer and fall. I have that exact same candlewick bowl…it’s one of my favorites and it makes anything i put in it look elegant and special. ( I found it at the City Mission for 69 cents!) It’s so much fun finding treasures like that. and it’s more fun to say I payed 69 cents for it instead of 20 or thirty dollars! I even found “From the Heart of the Home” there. I was so excited i was shaking when i saw it on the shelf! I am so excited that you are going to Lake Champlain. It’s one of my favorite places. Actually all of the Adirondacks are. You should go to Lake Placid as well. It’s wonderful. Are you going on the Vermont side of the lake or the NYside? Both are wonderful. The view of the Adirondacks is gorgeous from Route 22A and route 7 on the Vermont side, Oh yes! Take the ferry to Burlington. It’s a fun town too. lots to see and do. The Shelburn Museum is wonderful and they have a gorgeous quilt collection. my gosh I’m getting all excited telling you about it!
I’ve heard we’ll be in the middle of the lake! The Shelburn is a definite. I love going places I’ve never been!
You will love it! Electra Havemeyer Webb , the woman who founded it was a fascinating woman. Have fun!
Ditto Ladies! I’ve stayed on both sides of Lake Champlain and it is lovely, however, my preference is the VT side. I had two very special friends that lived near Middlebury, VT, and I was up there twice a year – around the 4th of July, then again in the Fall. Their house was in between the Adirondacks on the left, and the Green Mtns on the right. Gorgeous! I explored every nook and cranny of the towns along Rt. 7 and Rt. 30. Shelburne Museum was a favorite place to visit. Susan, you will absolutely love it! Be sure to visit the gift shop. Be sure to go into Shelburne Village also. Cute, quaint, and some lovely places to grab a sandwich or a piece of quiche and a salad. Unfortunately, they no longer live in VT, and I haven’t been in a few years. I miss it so! As Mary mentioned, be sure to take the Ferry across Lake Champlain. Enjoy!
We are staying on an island in the middle of the lake so I hear! It all sounds wonderful!
Wonderful BLOG!!!! I will be in New Hampshire, so glad you let us know……..I’ve been looking for a place to visit this Fall and that is a great area. See you then! XOXO
YAY, Ann, that makes me so happy to know I’ll see you again!
Hello Ann, I hope we can talk Susan into another book signing at the Westfield library.
We probably can!
It is so nice to be included in your dinner party! Thank you for inviting me. If you are going to Burlington VT be sure to go to Church Street and there is a nice outdoor market too. Lovely place, my daughter and son-in-law live there so I get a lot of chances to enjoy the prettiness of it all. Enjoy the vacation!
I think I may have done a book signing there once a long time ago. xoxo
You need to check out The Phoenix bookstore in Burlington. They love to have authors visit and do signings. My nephew Erik works there.
I think we were there once a very long time ago!
Hi Susan, How do you get UK Country Living delivered? Thank you! Angela
I went to Amazon and found a place to sign up… just Google it. And I probably don’t have to tell you how exciting it is once a month to have it show up!!!
Thank you!
I can’t wait for the boooooooook!
Your dinner party looked FUN and elegant. Jack is a funny helper!
Can I really categorize what he does as “help?” Not so sure! But I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I haven’t had a dinner party in forever. I love it when the house is full of friends and good food. Thank you for the wonderful pictures that let me visit your home for a few moments. I want to go play in my dishes right now! You have a gift. God bless you.
Thank you so much Penny!
Thank you…thank you…thank you for so much BEAUTY and somehow bringing me back to a splendid place in my mind/life…even though it wasn’t in MV…that brought so much joy and peace!
Happy to hear that Maria! xoxo
What a lovely, lovely dinner party! Such a smart plan to do things ahead of time so you are able to enjoy your guests.
It is exciting to plan a vacation. We look forward to you telling us all about it when you return.
That Green Corn Moon was a beautiful sight. We were walking the streets of downtown Lebanon, Ohio with the moonlight as our guide on a bit of a trip ourselves!
I’d truly love to be in New Hampshire for that upcoming book-signing, but no plan for that travel this year. Perhaps you will be within good distance of us when you take that tour next year.
Thank you for continuing to spread joy to all of us!
xo Nellie
I’m sure we’ll be coming out that way Nellie!
Loved your post. We are heading into fall rapidly. Have your Autumn book handy. Planning a nice family weekend. Daughter-in-law bringing her sewing machine and project from Seattle and I’m finishing up a sweater, starting socks, and canning applesauce. What fun! Happy Labor Day to you, Joe and kitties.
XO
Jackie
Sounds like the perfect weekend!
You know Julia was a cat lover? Nothing speaks more clearly to me of her character than that! There’s a book out about all the cats she had during her lifetime. You already got your Country Living??!! We on the west coast don’t usually see the new issues until around the 21st of the month. Will you give us the recipe for your quinoa salad? I am also breathlessly awaiting your new book too!
Quinoa salad is in the Girlfriends book — I just left out the chicken. Hope you have that, Mary!
Susan, your blogs to me are maybe like the UK Country Living is to you: special treats that transport me to fresh views, new projects– always (Always) leaving me with a smile. And I like reading the comments, too, because a Girlfriend often asks my question before I do. Like this one. So now that I have the receipt, I’ll be having quinoa salad this weekend! XX
Perfect!
Oh my gosh…you’re going back to Meredith! I wonder which inn you will stay in…..and will there be another moon for you and Joe. So I have to ask a favor. Please give my sister, Jodie a big hug for me? Isn’t she the nicest hostess? After 23 years in Florida I really miss New Hamphire and would go back in a heartbeat. Your posts always take me home. Thanks, Sweetie.
xoxo
Chris
Such a small world! We’re staying with Jodie! Joe was talking to her yesterday! I put a link to the hotel in that post . . . SO excited, just love that place. I can see why you would miss it. That lake and that moon, I even think half that moon would be good on that lake!!!
Dear Susan I too love the way sunlight filters through every room. Your dinner party was lovely. I think we girlfriends love you so much because you are so willing to share , many of us will never get to come to a book signing or go on a glorious trip but you make us feel like we experienced it all. Thank you Susan
Since the very beginning I’ve always felt a connection and that’s what friends are for! xoxo
Reading your post today feels so magical. Just reminds me what a charmed life I live. Our lives and everyday coming and goings may seem mundane to us sometimes, but reading your descriptions of so many things I take for granted helps me to look with a different eye. Even the 100+ degree heat of Texas can take on a new light. Love you like you are my personal longtime girlfriend. Thank you for what you do. I am so forward to receiving our new book!!! Warmest wishes.
Thank you Pamala! xoxo
Susan, dear Susan, you are the best travel agent! I must see if I can make arrangements to visit Mills Falls Hotel. That lake looks so inviting. I’ve been home bound for a long while now. Anxious to take a trip to somewhere beautiful. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
It’s always nice to get personal reviews of places from your Girlfriends! Hope you can make it Sondra ~ fun to put faces to names you see all the time!
Oh Susan, you forgot me! Just kidding, you can’t possibly recall everyone you’ve ever met at your book signings. I met you at Vromann’s in Pasadena, about a year back. I was so happy meeting you. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Now I remember! I did forget Sondra! So sorry! You’re right ~ I met so many people on that last trip. But it is always wonderful!
Another dinner party vicariously through you 🙂
I have a bit of a hoarding issue to conquer (I like to say,
I am three boxes short of being a hoarder)…. This year
is the year. Then I will begin to enjoy entertaining my friends
and family at my home…
thank you for sharing!
I like stuff too . . . and I KNOW it’s getting in the way when I can’t have people over because there’s too much junk in the dining room!! 🙂
Oh, Susan! Your dinner party sounds perfect…and that moon, perfect too!!
(And perfect timing for it!!)
Great ideas…thank you! I AM inspired!
So much going on these days…for you and ALL of us, it seems!!
I have printed out my name tag…even though I am fairly sure I will not be making the trek to NH and so will not be attending your gala booksigning party. But never say NEVER! After all, all fairy tales are FULL of POSSIBILITIES!! 🙂
I am sure it will be a wonderful time!!
Last week,(a week ago today, as a matter of fact) was my brother’s birthday (#61)…but also would have been Tasha Tudor’s 100th birthday!!
And just one more “reason” to celebrate: The fact that we lived during her lifetime (and Julia’s, thankfully) and we had these awesome ladies to inspire us
and forge a path for us to follow …in an area that had been, until they arrived, untouched! How lucky could we be!!!?… Then add Susan Branch to that mix…F’get about it!! I would liken the chances of these things happening all in one lifetime to…I don’t even know! Planets aligning to form a new constellation of a little cat with a little nose with a funny little black spot on it?…
Anyway, just stellar, in any case!!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Always great to learn what you have been up to …and the details about your goings-on there in Martha’s!
Hope Joe had a wonderful birthday, too! 🙂
Please wish him a belated “Happiest” from all of us girlfriends!
Have a nice holiday weekend!!
And thanks again so much!!
<3
Thank you so much, loved your “planets aligning to form a little cat with a little nose with a funny little black spot on it!” xoxo We all get the benefit from that kind of alignment in one way or another!
😀 You know it!!
Good Morning, Susan, from Wales!
~~~ we did not know Julia Child, but we did have the doyenne of wartime cookery, the late Marguerite Patten. The one you need to look up on Youtube, though, when you have a moment, is Fanny Cradock. Prepare to roar with laughter. She is entertainment personified, and what she does to buttercream at Christmas has to be seen to be believed ~ piped into a tree and decorated with tiny nuggets of chopped candied peel. The music to her Christmas special just makes me want to prance around the living room.
Light twinkling and sparkling every where is just so magical. I often sit, mesmerised, watching light make those magical patterns on the walls of my cottage, and I’m thankful to see that I’m not the only one who captures them with her camera.
I’ve truly enjoyed sitting here, in the quiet still of the morning, before the rest of the house wakes up, sipping on my Gingerbread green tea from an Autumn themed mug, sharing your memories past and memories in the making ~~~ Thank you for your company ~~~
~~~Waving~~~from Across the Pond~~~Debs in Wales xoxo
Fanny is so serious! The bows in her hair tell another story though!
Dear Susan,
Early morning here, across the pond, and what a treat to find another post! Thank you for sharing/inviting us along to the dinner party! The food sounds delicious, and I love the glass bowl, with the dots across the rim…I have a similar one, and it used to be my grandmothers. I think of her when I use it.
Oh, you’ve booked a place to stay for your next trip to the UK, how exciting! Were you seriously considering a book signing when you are in England? If you, could you possibly let us know? I’d love to come and see you!
Happy weekend and thank you for making the day brighter!
Nicoline
Yes I am! I wrote about it about 2 posts ago, and I will talk about it more when it gets closer, but it will be at Stourhead in Wiltshire next year, in the fall . . . I would love for you to come. It’s BYO Picnic Basket!
Oh Susan, that will be so lovely! I am already looking forward to being there. I can’t wait to hear more about your plans, and I’ll start looking for a cute picnic basket to bring along!
Have a lovely weekend, and best wishes from Holland
Nicoline
Oh Boy, so far I know we have about five people. I hope it stays small, and I think it will, but no matter what, I know it will be a day I won’t forget.
I don’t believe i have commented before, but I bought A Fine Romance for my mum for Christmas last year, I couldn’t stop myself reading it before wrapping it up (slightly cheeky.. but I couldn’t put it down).
I recently discovered that after my mum had read it (twice) she lent it to her sister who loved it AND her mum has also read and loved it. We all have very different taste in books and are drawn to different writing styles but you very much hit the spot for all of us! I’m looking forward to this next book a lot!
I love that, Clare, all the places that book has been, dipping in out of all the people you love! Thank you so much, say hello to everyone for me!
Beautiful table setting <3 beautiful natural light <3 beautiful moon <3 ….just lovely 🙂
Lovely blog entry! Are they ever not lovely?! I used to follow Julia Child on her TV programme: “The French Chef”. I also have her book and have followed many of her recipes. I’m sure you’ve read her book too called: “My Life in France”.
Your welcoming table and menu for your guests looks wonderful!
Julia’s book, “My Life in France” is exceptional and one of my all time favorite books!
Susan, thank you for this post! I don’t have a lot of experience with Julia Child other than knowing some basic information about her life, her role in cooking and helping others to enjoy cooking. However, as you described your feelings for her, your experience with her and how she has inspired you I realized that you were saying words that I might say about you! I find inspiration from you when you share the details of your food, your home, your dinner parties, your outlook on life. Thank you! PS–how might one begin to “experience” Julia as you have?
And see? Because of Julia, I had that to pass on to you! The best way is to get one of her cookbooks and just tell yourself you are going to make five things from it (for starters). Then you will understand the importance of Julia Child. The other thing to know is that before her all we had was macaroni and cheese, canned asparagus, and onion dip made with a package of dried onion soup . . . luckily, and mostly because of her, those days are over. Except for the macaroni and cheese!
Wonderful idea! Sounds like a good fall resolution–I’ll accept the challenge. Do you have a favorite recipe of Julia’s? another PS: did you know the Great Brittish Baking Show is returning Sept 6th?
So many, but there is a Caramel Apple Mountain in THE WAY TO COOK that is just ridiculous. Also, in her first book, MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING, there’s her Charlotte Malakoff au Chocolat, also ridiculous. All her meat preparations are wonderful too! Actually you just can’t go wrong with her.
So exciting to have dinner parties that you can be relaxed in and enjoy. It just makes everything better! The light casting in the living room is magic. A very special place for a fairy dream. I can just see the excitement and activity around that little brown truck when it arrives!
Lovely! Thank you for sharing – and the other friends whose “notes” to you I’ve just read – and to think that I thought I was the only one who had to stop in awe at the way certain light (seems mostly in fall here) comes thru the window – or the trees – somehow it’s like a message – from a “better place”.
Is there a way to view responses from you – other than going thru the hundreds of messages?
Not that I know of Kedra . . . this thing is still a bit of a mystery to me, maybe one of our other Girlfriends can answer that !
What I do is to make note of the time (and day) that I responded and that helps to find it quicker.
See? I knew one of you smart girls would come up with a way! Thank you Ann!
Kendra, usually I can do a (for “find”) on my computer while in the last blog posting and then type my screen name and it will find my last comment. This works only on a my desktop computers. If anyone has a good trick for the Ipads, let us know!
Another sure way….I note who’s name is at the top of the page that I want to get back to. Then the date and time….it makes it very fast to get back to your comment. But I love reading all the comments…I find out so many things. Susan P.
If you hit ctrl f and in the search field enter sbranch, it will tell you how many comments from sbranch are on that page. There is usually an arrow that you can click on to bring you to her next post.
On my cell, in the upper right corner of my android (not sure about Apple or Blackberry) are three dots. I click on that and scroll down and select “Find on Page.” Then I enter a search word or, if you are looking for SB’s comments, enter sbranch.
Hope that works for you.
Very helpful Carrie, thank you!
The beginning of a perfect Labor Day Weekend: tea in hand, Susan Branch blog on the computer, black and white corgis at my feet, and a new book called “The Fairy Tale Girl” on order. It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Have a great weekend yourself. My husband and I are headed off to Lake Michigan for a wonderful three days on the lake shore.
So fun! Enjoy!
Terrific , informative blog posting , kinda gave several GFs the chills … Jeanie calls getting chills ” getting the goosies” a derivative of “goosebumps” left over from childhood .
September is pouring itself allover us here in Ariz. Big change in weather , sun-up and
sun-set , plus the monsoons are blasting away like mad . Poor Phoenix , buffered to the ground and washing out to sea – however it will all soon be forgotten as we get ready for the big Punkin , trick or treat and a great thanksgiving with Grandma’s dressing covered with
Jeanies turkey gravy . Quoting your kitchen we all say, “YUM”….!
PS- don’t forget to take that package out of the Turkey ….. :-)~ snork…..
again, YOU. xoxo
*Happy sigh* Always a treat to visit with you, dear Susan! You are so good for the soul! I love Julia, too, and cry even now at the loss of her. Such an amazing woman!
I enjoyed this post, Susan. When you share your thoughts and dinner parties, I want to jump up and cook, decorate, and ask someone to dinner! Speaking of Julia, I made a Juliaesque Salade Nicoise for us and our friends when we vacationed in Maine this summer. I used what we had on hand and channeled Julia. A little tuna, some asparagus, potatoes, some romaine, dressing, etc. It was so much fun and a success. I love times like that, don’t you? I just returned from my 50th high school reunion! 50 years, can you believe it? I had the most wonderful time connecting with old friends and the people who meant the world to me when I was growing up. We took up where we left off and the 50 years just melted away. Now I want to ask all of them to dinner! Don’t think everyone would fit in my little dining room, however! But reading your blog makes me think how lovely that would be. I could make a Salade Nicoise for everyone! You’re invited, too, you know! ;-D
Everything perfect in this dream!
New Hampshire in October sounds perfect! I wish I lived closer but will enjoy the photos shared and hear about all of the fun, What is it about Fall that is so compelling? Your comments on light, color, shape got me wondering how are these elements so different in the Fall to make us all go head over heels in love with the season? When you think about the tastes of a good Julia Child’s hearty recipe, with colored leaves, cool air, the unmistakable smell of the air, candlelight, and pumpkins, it just turns magic to me.
What is that all about, Susan? We are not all artists like you are but we all understand that same language of Fall. You have placed in writing and picture much of the mystique in your Fall book and posts, but where is that kernel of magic reside? Can anyone actually put their finger on it??
Thinking about that myself and I think we all have the same childhood yearning for beauty. Same people who never give up on hope for the world. Same people who have fairy tale hearts. Which is many more people than we would ever imagine.
You know, that might be the essence, now that you mentioned it! The one thing about Fall that I do love is that it is very tactile. You can see the colors, feel the cooler air, touch the pumpkin in the patch, smell the wood smoke andcinnamon wafting out the window while you rake some leaves, and taste all the flavors of slow cooked foods while you savor some fresh apple cider. Fall, to me, comes after a long hot Florida Summer and the change is so welcomed and awaited for more than any other season of the year down here.
I feel encouraged that there are more loving and gentle hearts out there than we can imagine!!
Loved to see your Blog- all the inspiring photos, the memories and quotes about Julia Child-she was one special woman! And the dinner party-gorgeous.
Thank you for making my day-music and all!
Glad to have you here Judy!
No photo really does the New England fall foliage justice. Lucky you and Joe to be able to view it all in person. My families cabin, the Hyde cabin, is near Lake Champlain. It was occupied by the Hyde’s for well over 100 years. If it’s on your route, perhaps you can visit it. One of my favorite photos from New England trips was seeing a steeple jack working way up on one of those white, New England church spires. New England memories.
Is it open to the public Nancy? Oh yes, New England would not BE New England without the church steeples!
Yes, the Hyde cabin is open to the public. Just google it and dates, times etc. should come up. It’s on the National Historic register. Built in 1783 by Capt. Jedediah Hyde, Jr, who was a captain in the Revolutionary Army. Lake Champlain is my very favorite lake
The Hyde cabin was built in 1783 by Capt. Jedediah Hyde, Jr. who was a Captain in the Revolutionary army. If you google it, times and dates when it is open should come up. I pine for New England each fall as I have spent more than one September birthday there. Enjoy, enjoy.
Love the way it looks Nancy! Hope we get up there, we are actually going to be there with another couple so I’ll put it in the suggestion box! 🙂
What a beautiful dinner party!! Beautiful table! Tasty food! I’m sure everyone had a glorious time!! Just right for a late summer evening.
As I read about the up coming book signing in New Hampshire I kept thinking – is it really THAT far from Pennsylvania?! But I guess it really IS. And just maybe you will stop somewhere within driving distance on the cross country tour after Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams comes out. Then I will be able to bring both books along – and maybe a friend or two. Fingers crossed!
Have a wonderful vacation! I’m sure you and Joe are both more than ready for some rest and relaxation after such a busy, busy year. Can hardly wait for the fruits of that busy year land on my doorstep!! Any day now!! So excited!! XOXO
I couldn’t imagine NOT going somewhere in Pennsylvania!
Good morning, Susan ~
Thank you for sharing the photos from your dinner party! I especially relate to your desire to incorporate both Summer and Autumn in your plans. The transition time between seasons is just the best, isn’t it? I love remembering all I did this summer…all the wonderful memories made at the beaches of Cape Cod; the lazy days, poolside with a good book; our gardens bursting with color and fragrance. But then, I found a pretty little orange leaf on my walk the other day and I HAD to pick it up and bring it home for my kitchen windowsill! So much to look forward to….pumpkins, mums, hearty soups and stews, corduroy pants, Thanksgiving… and The Fairy Tale Girl is right up there at the top of the list 🙂 .
Your tribute to Julia Child was beautiful! She would be so proud and honored by your words! But you do it one better….you live and inspire US, like she did….paying it forward…the best compliment ever!
Enjoy this awesome transition time… and your much-deserved vacation!
xoDebbie
I can hardly read some of these comments without crying and this is one of them. Thank you Debbie. xoxo I would love to pay Julia forward if I can. And us too, lots of little red leaves were suddenly on the dirt road on our walk this morning.
Hi Susan!!
Lovely!! The dinner party, New Hampshire and the light!! There is nothing like the light of September. Maybe it’s so special because we know it’s fading fast?? I don’t mind winter, but I miss the light!!
So excited for The Fairy Tale Girl!! Happy Travels! xoxo
I think that’s why all the leaves fall off our trees, so we get more light in the winter!
🙂
What a lovely tables setting and meal you planned!
Isn’t it a treat to set aside quiet time with the new issue of Country Living? I have just been doing the same with my Country Living, but lucky us in England – we are now into the October issue. It won’t be long before we are all setting aside special time to read your new book…
You are lucky in England for so many ways. I just found out the guy who does the cartoons for “Simon’s Cat’s” on Youtube (Google them, there are so many and all of them adorable!) is, of course, British! You people!
I love your blog. I feel like I’ve gone on a wonderful-mini vacation with the reading of each one. We get to walk through your home, yard and road to the beach and enjoy your lovely meals. And I thank you for being so generous with your time and talent.
One question, was Joe a chef and if so or not, does he cook as much as you?
Thanks again for being you.
love,Kay
Oh yes, Joe was a chef at the Black Dog before he became part owner and managed it for 25 years. He is a WONDERFUL cook. Much better with meat than I am. He can tell if a roast is done by touching it. He kind of nudges me out of the kitchen. But I get the dinner parties!
Susan,
It’s always a good day when it starts with a blog post from you! The words “book signing” is musica to our ears!!! Hope to catch you again somewhere on the circuit!
I so love your photos, and recipes, and quotes, and dinner parties! And a shout out to Julia…..for giving you that inspiration to do what you do! That’s a win-win for all of us right there! Enjoy Lake Champlain! What a beautiful time of year to do that travel….I think you and Joe are going to love it!
Happy End of Summer! Wishing you an Autumn abundant in deserving blessings!
Tina xo
Blessings on you too Tina . . . love that we meet in two places . . . here and Twitter! Love getting your Tweets too!
Such a delightful post, full of beauty and inspiration. Such rich abundance of generosity you have in sharing your treasures! Thank you, Susan Branch. Especially, I love the pictures of light dappling the world! Makes me think of one of my favorite poems, Hopkins’ Pied Beauty. And Julia Child is absolutely a hero for me! And now Jacques Pepin.
You make the world feel full of wondrous beauty and energetic, skillful, happy people, even when the news is pretty sad.
xoxo Thank you Kristi!
Beautiful post! I, too, love the British edition of Country Living! I get it delivered to my iPad. Great minds! (I also noticed in one of our older blog posts that we have the same pink-and-green sneakers. Well, you probably HAD them. I can’t part with mine even though they are REALLY old now.)
Great minds! 🙂
Thank you for reminding me of all of the of the beauty in the every-day-small things. I so look forward to your posts. They inspire me to enjoy life and all that it has to offer (plus, I love the MUSICA.)
I live in a tiny 2-bedroom bungalow with my husband and two kids…the size of our home has never deterred me from having people over for dinner. The cleaning beforehand is always the hardest part, but there’s nothing that makes me happier than creating an environment where people can relax and enjoy themselves with good food and drinks. Always such fun to read your updates and get inspired!
Susan,
Can not start the day any better than finding a new post from you, Thank you.
This is the truth…I was up at 4:30AM to make some scones for a tea party on Sat. I was just going to check the recipe, to make sure I had all I needed. Oh what the heck, I will just look in to see what is happening in your world….. Well, guess what did not get done?????? Then I had to rush get to out the door to be at the littles ones to play with them all day. I did get my walk in…at the park across from the grandchildren….and it was chilly for So. California..not quite sweater weather yet. But you know Autumn is just around the corner. Also enjoyed the sun peeking in and through your windows….I also take pictures of the sun making my home look so warm and inviting. For some reason it brings memories back from when I was a child….things I saw then….now just a little dimmer and put in a soft yellow…even just black and white light. It gives me so much joy… and just a special time… to just sit there and watch it fade
away. Mark, my husband, just read this…said it sounds like I am going blind hahahaha He really is nice and special. and yes fun and funny…..he always make sure I see the full moons and make sure the curtains at night are pulled back for the moon beams to come in …just for me. (I will not show this part to him until later) hahaha Susan, Have a nice vacation for you and Joe surly deserve it. Love, Susan P.
Be still my heart!!! I almost killed myself trying to get to Google maps just now. My hubby and I and our good friends are headed to New England on the 26th to see the ‘Fall foliage’. I knew we were in NH on the 3rd and had to see how close to Meredith we would be! Not close enough to be able to drag the husbands that way. We are headed to Bar Harbor from Whitefield that morning and its quite a drive in another way. SO DISAPPOINTED! Maybe we will run into you on MV on the 28th, we’ve planned a trip to the bookstore. Can we buy the book there that day? Oh, I surely hope so! If we don’t get to see you on that coast, perhaps we will be able to meet you here on the central Cal coast, we are from Bakersfield. Have followed you for years and have most of your books. So loved the post today, am going to walk out to enjoy the dappled sunlight in my backyard now. Keep up the good work, you are such an inspiration.
Oh happy day! I so enjoyed your post Susan and seeing the beautiful dappled sunlight throughout Smallville. So, Jack likes getting the silver ready for you? He is such a little butler, in his tuxedo and all. Smush! I got so excited to see the Swedish hearts hanging in your dining room. I finally forced myself, and I use the word wisely, forced, to take mine down around June. I always say “What would Susan do”? And there it was in your picture. By golly, her hearts are still up being enjoyed by all. Mine will come out again today and hang back proudly. I cannot tell you the joy they bring to be each and every day. I place mine on my handpainted Degas ballerina secretary in my living room. I call it eye candy. Have a wonderful day!
Oh my, your music, your table setting and your delicious food was amazing! Yes, Julia Child is an inspiration! So glad you’re going to be able to take a vacation, if anyone deserves one, it’s you! Can’t wait to see all your amazing photos! Blessings to your day!
Good food, Julia and Susan. Oh, and the British Country Living… A grand slam for the weekend!
Hi Susan! That basil icecream sounds oddly delicious…and over tomatoes. I ll have to try that someday. We have an arbor on our deck with lattice on top, and the dappled light has always made me so happy. When I mention it to my husband he just nods and smiles, but I know he doesn t get it.Glad to hear others take joy in that simple gift! Your home is so beautiful, thanks for sharing. Love.
what a nice treat to see this latest blog entry from you…..
fall is coming………..crisp air, brilliant colour AND TFTG!!!!!
bliss
Dear Susan – What a feast for the eyes and the heart! Thank you so much for sharing such an important piece of your life; you can’t imagine how much you are a motivator for me.
Happy September to you!
Robin
Among your many gifts, you have the ability to inspire me to notice the smallest details in my everyday life.
Putting it on the calendar, and hoping to meet you this time around in NH :-)! Don’t want to Think Fall quite yet, still some summer days to go…
Hi Susan: Taking a break from composing our monthly newsletter — actually, taking a break from taking a break!! Loved every bit of your magical evening — especially the light — and the “pinkish summery cast” to everything inside! The food sounded wonderful!! You’ll be in my old “stomping grounds”! A cousin of mine owns a “cottage” on Lake Winnipesaukee, and I spent many a summer in the Adirondacks on Schroon Lake, NY — crossed Champlain, from VT to NY, and in those days, on a ferry somewhere around Ft. Ticonderoga — not one like the MV ferries! No, no! A little flat wooden raft-ferry that took about 4 cars at a time with a chain draped across each end to keep the cars from rolling off! LOL (Like, really???!!) It was lots of fun and creaky and reminded me of the Bucklebury Ferry crossing the Brandywine River from the Shire to Buckland in The Lord of the Rings!! Anyway, I digress!! Enjoy, enjoy your October trip north! You will LOVE it, and not be disappointed!! We’ll be watching from afar! If I lived in New England, I would come to the book signing! But we’ll catch one near us at some point later on!!! Thanks for another exciting post!! Now. . . back to work!! 🙂
Love the break from the break! 🙂 xoxo
Another great blog! The food looks delicious. As soon as my SB cookbooks arrive (en route via Mexico), I’ll start crackin’. I, too, love dappled light. It’s mesmerizing. I also love dusk. Everything looks romantic and dreamy. I have to seriously think about subscribing to Country Living British Edition. The covers make me swoon. Have a wonderful holiday!
The cover is just the beginning! You will love it. Best magazine, maybe in the world.
You know, Susan, how Julia Child woke you up and you thank her for her inspiration well you are Julia Child for me. My Mom introduced me to you and your books many years ago and you have inspired many parties of your own for me and my friends and family!! I say a silent thank you to you for your inspiration on decorating, recipes, parties, diaries and girlfriends and so much more! I have learned about so many other inspiring ladies and places and made new friends all because of you! Love you bunches! xoxoxo
Lisa Hay (Texas Transplant from California!)
What comes around, goes around, and around! Aren’t we lucky! I have no doubt you are doing your part and adding to this!
I’m staying home in bed with a tummy bug today 🙁 so a visit from Susan B was just what the doctor ordered! I grew up watching Julia on PBS. Had to do a speech in third grade, so I titled it “Cooking with Julie Adult”. Made a “sponge cake” using a real round sponge my mama had! I was a shy kid, and so nervous, my shaking hands dropped egg shells in my batter, and I spilled the little carton of school milk. The kids all laughed, but instead of being embarrassed, I loved it, and hammed it up! Best school memory ever! Love you SB ♡
Feel better soon Julie! That was darling!
Hi Susan;
So happy to see your post always a nice surprise. Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful fall and holidays. I know when you have been so busy in the some of the past falls, I’ve always thought I bet she likes this but she is such a lover of home and dinner parties I bet she misses being home @ this time of year so much (and kitties!). I too love the changing light patterns with the change of seasons. In fact my 16 and 21 year old granddaughters were here yesterday and I was pointing out the shadows in my kitchen and on the patio through the wisteria!! But, unlike yours, for some reason I have only ever gotten a couple blooms on mine. 🙁 But I do love the foliage. Always hope they will appreciate some of the things like that as they get older and realize, “Oh, now I know what the heck Grammie was talking about!” Also thought have I always noticed the light or is this a gift from reading Susan’s Willards and blogs for all these years?? Thanks for all you do.
They will remember Grammie!
xo xo thank you
Such a treat to find a post from you in my inbox. XO
Wish I were invited to that dinner party. The table looked magnificent, the menu made my mouth water, and the music just added to the whole atmosphere. Make me your best friend.
I also learned to cook from Julia. She is unforgettable. Are you selling that quote about Julia? It needs to hang in my kitchen.
I’ve been summering ( is this a verb?) in the Adirondacks since I was born…my Grandparents bought a little “camp” on a small lake near Lake Champlain in the 70’s, and it was our only vacation option, really ever, growing up. It is the most beautiful, wonderful place on earth, worth the 20+ hour drive to get there from the midwest, where we’ve always lived. There is a smell to it that is like none other…we know just where to roll down the windows to take in that scent as we enter the State Park. In some areas the roads sparkle…my mom always said it was leftovers from garnet mining and other minerals. And so much history!!! We frequently visit Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid, and now that I have a little boy…the North Pole, NY! Google it. It has to be just the quaintest, most old-timey amusement park in America…and it’s Christmas themed! You walk around and everyone says “Merry Christmas” everywhere you go! It’s the best. I’m sure Lake Champlain is just lovely no matter where you are. Can’t wait to see some pictures on your blog.
Susan,
Thank you for sharing your lovely blog, and dinner party. This time of the year is very magical. The light/shadows in the garden are different, the flowers are slowly fading away, the bees are gathering the last of the pollen, and even the garden dirt smells different. I loved looking at your silverware, Jack seemed to approve!! I inherited my aunts’ silver for eight many years ago, and over time I have added more pieces. I now have enough for sixteen, and many lovely serving pieces. I entertain often, she would be delighted to see how much I treasure it. Have fun at your book signing. I’m looking forward to receiving my copy soon. Darn that UPS truck!!! A watched for delivery truck never arrives on time? Is that a good expression??? Take care dear Susan.
Sheryl
I love Jack on the table. (Who am I kidding? I love Jack anywhere.)
I’ve preordered my book from Amazon. They also have all of the 2016 calendars available, so those are in my cart. Can’t wait. 🙂
Another inspiring post. I love to read them all the way thru and then go back and just dwell on each photo. Your posts make me appreciate the views in and around my own house and town even more. Thank you so much for that.
Longfellow said of spring, “I shall not go to town when the lilacs are in bloom.” (Think that is in one of your calendars?) And that’s how I feel about fall in New England. Nothing could drag me away from home this time of year.
And your table settings…swoon. When I have company, I like to set the table a week in advance, just so I get to play with different ideas. It’s always the food part that has me flummoxed….and people, as you said, do expect food.
I feel spoiled by your gorgeous posts as of late 🙂 Love all the news, goings-on, beautiful photos and all the things that make our hearts yearn for nestling into Autumn ♥ Meredith NH is a wonderful place – my parents took us there every summer for vacation. I don’t know when I will ever get back to New England, but your blog gives me hope 🙂 And hope, and gorgeous sunlight, mysterious moonlight musica and kitties are all good things. Thanks also for the CL cover shot – when we were out before, we stopped at Barnes & Noble to browse, and there it was!!! I’ve only gotten through the first 20 pages of so. I want to savor it. I especially love the wallpaper and fabrics in this issue – gorgeous ♥ Waiting semi-patiently for your new book and wishing you a wonderful Labor Day weekend – thanks for sharing all your news and creativity – you are truly an inspiration to all of us! If it hasn’t been said before – Life is Good! 😉
Hi Susan, I just love coming to your web site , reading your books over the years always been one of my ways to relax. I have to tell you, I also love your arbor!. I am working very hard to persuade “MY JOE” to get busy and build one in our yard. My birthday is coming the end of this month, and I really would like to have a dinner party ” under the light of the silvery moon”. My question .. what are the measurements of your arbor? Also ,is it on a deck or on the ground? I appreciate your time, hope you reply;) Thanks, Donna
Joe thinks it’s 10 feet wide and about 14 feet long. Our picnic table is 8 feet long. It’s on the ground, no deck. Wishing you the best birthday ever!
Beautiful images today, wish I was on the east coast! P.S. Susan, now I KNOW we’re kindred spirits. I knew we both loved and used Johnson Bros. Rose Chintz for our everyday dishes….but your party table shows you also have a set of Copeland Spode Aster! Don’t they mix and match beautifully? Happy fall!
Sigh……Dearest Susan, how you inspire me!
Happy Autumn dear heart!
Best news I’ve had in a long time:
“We’re going to stay home and enjoy fall and Christmas on the Island this year”
I’m really happy that you two have planned to do this!!!
You deserve to stop (somewhat) and enjoy this coming time of year…Autumn, Thanksgiving and Christmas! Autumn is my favorite…my bride (of nearly 50 years) and I celebrate these times of the year, each year. Really, really happy for you…ENJOY!…we’re only here for a little while…each day is a gift…none seem more special than these seasons.
Thank you Bob, I couldn’t agree more ~ we were gone all last fall, and even the fall before, and we’ll probably be in Scotland next fall, so we’re really looking forward to being home this year and making some good memories. Give my love to your bride!
I’m so happy that you include Julia Child’s birthday on your calendar. It’s my reminder to watch Julie and Julia. Meryl Streep IS Julia Child. So delightful. I’ll watch it every year on her birthday until forever. I put her high on my list of women to love, along with you and Gladys Taber. You bring us such joy.
So excited to see a new post! I love all your little inspirations….little ways you enjoy life to the fullest. The dappled sunlight pictures reminded me of a cute comic strip in our daily newspaper. “Hi and Lois” have a little baby and she has a “relationship” with the sunbeam. I love reading when they talk about that! Reading this reminded me of that. Your girlfriends dinner looks so lovely! You DO set a pretty table! Can’t wait to get the book and so happy that you are staying home and cozy this Autumn and Winter. Such a wonderful place to be! xo
Sweet Susan, I knew your party would be divine and by evidence from the photo’s, It Was Divine. I am so happy for all of you. Also, so impressed with everyone being able to get out of the chairs outdoors. I would be stuck and then everyone would be dissolving with laughter trying to get me out. I would not want to miss out on the lovely indoors and delicious food. Oh yes, I think my mother had some dishes like yours. The one on the left end corner. How sweet.The basil ice cream looks as delicious as it sounds. How clever you are. Thank you, thank you for inviting us to attend.
Love and bunny hugs,
Shirley from Aledo, Tx
You were the perfect guest!
Oh my, I forgot to say, the N’Stitches quilt bee says Hello. I passed on your greeting. You, my dear were the perfect Hostess. As my mother would have said, The Hostess with the moistest. Bunny hugs to all of you.
OH, you are so darling Shirley! I almost feel like I was there!!! 🙂
Oh Happy Day! Always a good day when there’s a new post. I forgot about your trip to New Hampshire, and Lake W, where I got to spend a week when I was a child. Loved the musica and the dinner party. Such beautiful table settings. Fall, our favorite time of the year is right around the corner. Even though it’s still in the 90’s here, we can feel the tiniest bit of fall in the air in the morning and evening, and the light has started to change to that beautiful autumn glow.
All our doors are open tonight . . . cool air and crickets!
Susan,
Thank you SO MUCH for the movie recommendation in your previous newsletter, i.e. “Hobson’s Choice”, which I have just watched 🙂
A delightful movie with a plot and grand storyline…what a pleasant and refreshing change from the current movie fare. I LOVED this movie and now want my own copy!
Thank you again!!
SO HAPPY to hear that. Love that the old movies are not forgotten. They are just too good!
Oh happy day…I can’t wait to see you again in New Hampshire. I’ve already added the date to my calendar. This time I’m dragging hubby along, so he’ll have an appreciation when I carry on about Susan. I ordered my book what seems like eons ago, I hope it comes before the signing. I know what you mean about light and the magic it holds. I’m sitting on my porch looking over “my” lake in Maine and the light on this almost fall night is just beautiful. I wish I could send you a picture, so you could see for yourself. See you in Oct, when the leaves will be near peak and the mountains ablaze with color.
Wonderful, Judy, I can’t wait!
Hello Susan! Oh how you can entertain!!! Your end of the summer table setting is just so enchanting, with the clear crystal stemware and the pretty floral dishes!!! Your coordinating cloth plaid napkins are perfect with the dishes! What is the lavender colored glass piece on the table? Even your roses say “September”!!! Yes, I agree that Julia Child was smiling down upon your dinner party!!!! You’ve inspired my to wash those windows one more time next week, and have girlfriends over for lunch, while the flowers are still blooming in the garden! Today was “Donation Day” and somewhere some little girl will smile when she someday receives a wig from the 11 inches of my hair I donated to the Children With Hair Loss organization. At age 56, I’ve been growing my hair out for almost 2 years (since your “A Fine Romance” book signing in Michigan) and now it’s back to the easy breezy short hair style this postmenopausal lady is used to! Wishing you a restful Labor Day Susan!!!!!
That little lavender thing is a votive candle holder that looks very pretty when it is lit. OH MY, 11 inches. You are so good!!!!!
Can’t wait to find my copy of “The Fairy Tale Girl” in my mailbox. There is a place reserved for it next to “A Fine Romance” on my nightstand.
Hi Susan! Your home looked so lovely and warm, the table so beautifully set and inviting… I’m with you on the dappled sun. I love twilight – it is my favorite time of the day – the way the sun slants in with that golden glow, it makes everything look warm and sparkling. It is even more beautiful when it hits those autumn leaves. They look like jewels hanging from the trees. Can you tell I’m homesick for Autumn? It is my very favorite time of the year. I know it was a lovely summer – lots of beach days, warm – hot actually – but I’m very ready for the humidity to depart, and to breathe in that cool, crisp, Fall air – pull on a blanket at night, crack open the windows, and cuddle in for a good sleep.
Hope you will make it to NY for a book signing!
It’s happening for us right now, we didn’t even get a storm, which is what it usually takes, but suddenly, the humidity is gone!
Face palm! I am travelling from NC and will be in Portsmouth, NH, the VERY NEXT DAY after the book signing! I just tried to change my plane ticket so I could make it, but the change fee is as much as my ticket. If you could sprinkle some of your magic in Portsmouth for me to soak up, that would be fabulous! ONE of these days, I hope to meet you in person! 🙂
(And I LOVED your diary entry about Julia. When I have a hard time sleeping, I fall asleep watching Julie & Julia. I just saw her kitchen at the Smithsonian last month and I didn’t want to leave!)
So sorry to miss you Tammy! Love Julie Julia, and we went to see her kitchen too at the Smithsonian. Wasn’t it brilliant of them to put it there? She really did change the world, and her kitchen deserves to be there.
Julia’s cookbooks are just below your books on my shelf (yours are sitting next to Tasha Tudor’s books). I am going to keep my eye on the plane fares…and maybe some magic will kick in and I can get a one-way ticket at the last minute so I can come meet you in person. THAT would be a Fairy Tale come true for this girl! 🙂
If not, maybe you’ll have a book signing closer to the south next year and that will be the magic moment!
We will work on it Tammy!
Susan, Loved how you described those fairy shadows & light dancing around your home. It reminded me of a little house I dearly loved. With west facing windows I could enjoy the most delightful shadows dancing on my living room wall every afternoon. A good way to take a break with afternoon coffee or tea, I miss them.
Such a nice memory . . .
DID YOU ALL HEAR THE SCREAM????????? ALL OF MY NEIGHBORS DID!!!
ON MY PORCH WAS A BOOK PACKAGE…..I SAID, OH SUSAN IS REALLY TEASING US….. SHE WANTS TO SURPRISE US ALL AND THE BOOKS ARE HERE!!!!!
alas….it was only my son’s school books………. Susan P.
Eeeek!
Inspiring post Susan! Still hot here in Texas but we are all ready for a shot of cool crisp Autumn air. So excited to hear that you and Joe are staying home for the holidays this year, we get to enjoy your posts about it. Can’t wait. The anticipation for the new book is the icing on the cake. Can’t believe you are all finished with writing the second book. I know you have to illustrate it and sort out photos, you have accomplished such a lot in a short time. Like I said, Inspiration! Have a great Labor Day weekend……
Hello again Miss Susan 🙂 Love the party and love the little bits about fall. I am going to cook out on the grill this weekend and pretend that summer is still here. I have to admit, I didn’t do a lot of summertime cooking this summer. Just been down a bit in the doldrums. I don’t even know if that is how you spell it. The farmer’s market has got me a bit motivated and I’m even going to have some corn on the cob. Your life is inspiring and I have been doing some writing. I hope your book comes soon because I need to read it to find out what I’m going to be writing about i.e. fiction or my memoir. Went to another book signing this year. He wrote his memoir and I have to read that one too. So I have a lot of reading to do so I can start writing… Love ya, Miss Susan <3 Blessings
Hope things are better now Patti! xoxo
Dear Susan,
I have saved your blogs until I have had time to read all of them at a
quiet time,,,then I saw a “Willard”,,and I could hardly stand it!!! My husband
left a couple of hours ago to go to our farm in Kansas to go hunting with our sonsand & grandsons,,it’s been going on since my husband went with his father & my father!!! Anyway,,a perfect time for me to “catch-up” with you!!! It’s been
heaven reading your story of writing your new book,,I can’t wait to read it,,I
pre-ordered it,,so just waiting!!! Your life has always sounded wonderful to me
and have loved seeing your home decorated for Christmas,,,and all the seasons!! I have all your cookbooks and your “A Fine Romance”, loved it too. Was so sorry I didn’t make it to Wichita to get it signed when you were there, my friends and I were going up there for the night and I got shingles of my eye and that ruined the trip! Maybe if you get close enough with your new book, we
will make it to see you,,thank you for your blogs,,your Willards and everything
else,,,I enjoy them all!! Sally Radley Claremore, Oklahoma
Hope to see you next year Sally!
Reading your blog was my little treat! Thanks I needed that! Love the music choice!
I used to fear the night except on the Moon is out. Oh Susan, You Made Love the Moon more so now than ever before!!!!