You got to have a dream, if you don’t have a dream, how you gon-na make a dream come true . . . Happy Talk, South Pacific
I have news. It goes with Musica.
My news has something to do with this enchanting little English cottage. But first we have to get into the way-back machine. Are you in? Comfy? OK, here goes:
Twenty-six-ish years ago, I was sitting on a red leather stool, talking to my girlfriend, at a clam bar in a wonderful restaurant here on the island (gone now) called the Ocean Club. I sat at the bar, across from an aproned bartender who was shucking oysters, placing them on a plate of crushed ice, in front of a huge gilt-edged mirror that went to the ceiling, reflecting tall open windows that went all the way around the room. I was wearing a long, narrow, pin-striped skirt with a wide leather belt, high-heeled boots, and a white linen, high-collared shirt. I know what I was wearing because the person I met that night remembers; he’s one of two guys who sat down on the empty stools next to us. I leaned past the tall one to say hello to the one I already knew; he said hello and, over restaurant clatter of silverware, conversation, and music, he introduced me to the stranger.
His name was Joe. We were sitting almost shoulder to shoulder and were rather instantly simpatico; he seemed to be a very nice person.
For a little background, this pleasant encounter took place at about the same time I had decided I was finished with men forever. My heart had become so tattered by life; a sad divorce that left me feeling identity free and minus any personality; and then, from years of trying to find love again in all the wrong places; I had finally given up. It was all just too fraught with danger. No more, I said to the wall in my kitchen, toasting myself with my teacup in the reflection of my kitchen window. It wasn’t the way I’d thought my life would go; but obviously I was meant to be alone. I’d come to terms with it. I had a tiny little house in the woods with a wonderful garden where wild blueberries grew; I was painting a cookbook; it almost substituted for love.
Joe seemed nice, he was very friendly; it wasn’t long, that first night, before he was feeding me from his plate, which is what he does. He seemed harmless too. He was five years younger than me for one thing. A baby. A very cute, tall, baby, but still, a baby. Even though I had been told by two different forseers of the future, a palm reader and an astrologist, that I was going to fall in love with a tall man with a beard; I did not recognize him. I discounted what they said because I was not a beard person. Even though, years before, I had asked my diary for a 6’2″ Leo who could cook and even though Joe told me he was a Leo and he ran a restaurant and cooked there, still, I did not recognize him.
Our conversation, that night, went everywhere. I learned that he loved Fred Astaire, (have I told you that I love Fred Astaire? I do!!) which was unheard of in any of my relationships with any men ever, they didn’t even know who he was. Joe had Fred Astaire albums! He’d sailed on a ship to England with his mother when he was twelve. I dreamed all my life of sailing to England! All the Fred Astaire movies had such things in them. We talked about that a lot. The conversation was fun, but he was still too young for me; I had completely convinced myself there was never going to be any more love in my life; I felt secure because of it, my heart was now safe, protected from the ravages of caring about someone too much. It was another five months before Joe and I had our first date. Even then, I was surprised he asked me out, and almost didn’t go. Then I thought, he’s a nice kid, he comes from a big family, he cooks, I have nothing else to do, it’s winter, OK; I’ll go. I thought these were probably the same reasons he asked me out! Nothing else to do. Just a friend. Blah blah blah.
Luckily, that isn’t at all what he thought, and pretty soon, neither did I.
Which brings me to my news. It’s almost my birthday. Joe and I had our 25th anniversary in February. That’s when Joe said, dreamily, “Let’s go back to England for your birthday.” No! Silence. Can we? More silence. Thinking noises, ticking of clock, sleeping on it. We’ve been trying this idea on for size ever since, mulling it over; doing the pros and cons. There are big cons: we absolutely should not go.
We have kitties; our newest kitten is only eight months old; how can we leave them? It will kill me.
I have to finish my Breakfast Book!
It’s too expensive, we shouldn’t be spending money right now.
If we go anywhere, it should be to see my parents, I miss them!
BUT, we thought pragmatically: we are healthy, my parents are healthy, the kitties are healthy and life is short. Maybe next year my knees will give out, or Joe’s back, or Girl Kitty will get sick; something could happen. We should go now, and go out west afterwards.
So, we are. We called the Kitty Babysitter and asked what he was doing from May through July; he said he would love to come live in our house; he promised big love and ball-throwing for the kitties; so Joe bought the tickets at Cunard last week.
This is me on the last trip we took to England in 2004; we dreamed, saved, and planned for this trip since the day we met. I look calm, but inside, every fiber of my being is jumping for joy because I’m standing on the deck of the QEII (which has since been retired). We are about to sail down the Hudson, past all the twinkly-lit-up buildings of New York City; that’s the Queen Mary 2 in the berth next to us. And come this May, we’re doing it again, for two months, from New York to Southampton, this time on the Queen Mary. We have unfinished dreams to fulfill in England. I haven’t been to Beatrix Potter’s house in the Lake District! I want to fill my inspiration cup; to see all the gardens we missed the first time, to visit loved ones over there. It’s been a long time since we took a vacation, all we seem to do is work. We need a moment to meander with no particular place to go!
For example, look at this place we found sitting on the side of the road last time. We pulled in, drawn like magnets; stayed the night, had tea, then a room-service breakfast on a tray, propped on feather pillows in the flowery wallpapered, high-ceilinged room; afterwards we wandered through the garden listening to the bees . . . it was all serendipity, an accident. If I saw a picture like this, I would think it wasn’t real. But it’s real all right, just sitting over there, in clear view of anyone passing by.
Einstein said, “Creativity is the residue of time wasted.” We need some of that residue.
You need more Musica? How about this one . . .
I’m not going to tell you where we are going this time, because I want you to be surprised. Yes, we talked it over and we thought we’d take you with us! Through the magic of the internet, a travel blog! Maybe you’d like a little arm-chair view of the Atlantic Ocean over the ship’s rail? Thought you’d enjoy seeing the English tea they serve everyday at four o’clock on board the ship? Hoping you’ll like old houses and walking through very old and gorgeous English gardens (the bluebells will be in bloom!); and enjoy pictures of pub food, and probably pictures of English dogs and kitties; maybe some of you would like to go to the Lake District for a visit to Beatrix Potter’s house too? Maybe even a weekend in London? Joe’s been working it out so we’ll have as much wireless service as possible (there will be places where there isn’t any; it’s going to be spotty, but I’ll do the best I can to update the blog with photos and video). Our only real drawback is not being able to send fragrance through the internet. The sea, the gardens. But oh well; the Flower moon will be full the day after we sail; I checked. Moon over the water. Oooo la weee.
Remember this diary I kept on our 2004 trip? To make up for the fact that the Breakfast Book is going to be late, I thought I’d keep another diary this time, sort of like it, only cuter; one that will go to print and be published just as soon as we get back. In it, along with photos, watercolor drawings, recipes, garden views, and stories of this trip, I thought I’d tell the whole saga of meeting Joe, our first date, and how we decided to throw our lot together and try to make a go of it, since without him, who knows if this dream could have ever come true.
Now. Dream. Part II, the sequel.♥ The countdown has begun.
Join us, on the other side of the bridge . . . for this story is proof that somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream, really DO come true. XOXO
Such a great story Susan!!
Your Diary inspired book sounds fabulous.
I was born in England {Sussex} moving to Canada as a child ~ looking forward to stopping by your {travel} blog 🙂
Bon Voyage Susan and Joe!I’m soooo excited, it brought tears to my eyes ,to be invited to virtually go abroad with you! What an awesome birthday trip! Can’t wait for the adventure of a lifetime! Aren’t we lucky to be living in the era of the internet? And still be able to enjoy Fred Astaire and all of the other wonderful art and entertainment of the past….Happy Spring…Happy You…inspiration is at your beck and call…Hurray!
That made me cry!
I’m so excited for you and for us! Can’t wait to go on this trip with you!
Oh how wonderful!!!! Are you certain that you really want us all along? I’m excited already!!!! I so needed inspiration today, Susan, and now I’m smiling from ear to ear! I’m sure my coworkers think something’s up – lol – you’re so special to send out this exciting news – and I can’t wait to go!!! ♥♥♥
p.s. big, big hugs to Joe, for his wonderful surprise and planning ♥♥♥
What a Happy Monday!!!
What a wonderful, romantic story, and what a wonderful man Joe is! What a wonderful trip you are so generously planning to share with all of us! I hope that the trip will be all that you dream it will be, and more.
Ooooh, a fairy tale in the making … I am SO looking forward to the posts of your travels! My fantasies of visiting England include the England with the quaint shops and storefronts with many little windows and all those cottages and gardens. Lucky you, I know you will have the most wonderful vacay there!
We’ll be your scouts!
I’m glad skies are blue somewhere. Yes, yes a travel blog to England, please! I am researching my family; some of my greats lived in England, north of London. One was an elephant keeper for seven years at the London Zoo, in the late 1800’s. I have a picture of him on “his” elephant! I’ll enjoy your blog tremendously. Pack light!
Elephant keeper! That’s wonderful!
Well…I had never heard the Joe story before! I enjoyed reading it and will just LOVE reading about your excursion to England. My dream this summer is to go to Texas…it’s my 60th birthday in July so maybe it’ll happen (but won’t it be unbearably HOT?!). I love dreams that come true and will look forward to being a part of yours, too!
Good for you Susan!! Thank you for sharing with us!! You and your handsome Joe are very special!!! I hope you both have the best trip EVER!!!
Hi Susan! This made me cry from the loveliness of it all!! I have my cyber passport ready for the trip! xoxo Debbie
Love that, cyber passport!
What a beautiful romantic story ! My story is almost the same I was married for 18 years with two boys , it was a verbally , mentally abusive and controlling marrage for me ! I finally got a divorce and I went on dates and had no luck finding love again till I met my Ken on a dating site , the thing was he went through the same thing as I did and at the time we were both ready to give up on it all , then I saw his profile and sent him a message , he responded and ever since then it has been wonderful . I to am older then Ken by 3 years and he to is 6’1 its funny cause I am only 4’10 lol the beard came later lol . He is a lovely gentel man with so much understanding and is fun to be with, we complete and compliment eachother ! I have been to England as I have family there and love the country side and cottages . A few years passed for Ken and I then we found this beautiful farm house in a country village and fell in love with it so we bought it and the following year we had our country themed wedding in our back yard in August just after we had done all our gardens and they where full of flowers. Yes dreams do come true ! We are yet to take a trip to England as Ken has never been there but does love what he has seen and knows about it. We both have British backgrounds , Kens dad is British as where my mum and dad ! I also have family in Scotland which we are to visit in the near future as well ! Great post and photos . Arent happy endings wonderful !
Hi Susan,
Such exciting news for you and Joe! I bet you’ve made a countdown calendar, from now to May, so you can do a little happy dance each day you cross one off! It’s so wonderful when two people meet, fall in love ♥ and enjoy life’s journey together. Your idea to do a diary of all your travels in England sounds wonderful. You’ll have a book with all your memories and so will we, win win! Bon Voyage! ♥
I am so excited for you and Joe! But when I saw the first photo and what you wrote my heart skipped a beat. I thought you were going to tell us you are moving to England and that would make me sad. I don’t want you to move, so please come back in July!
Priscilla in SD from CA
OK, it would be lovely to live in England, but we have too many things here we would be homesick for!
I am remiss to acknowledge my selfish reasons for wanting you to stay in USA and not mention that your story of meeting Joe is lovely and heartwarming. The whole post brought tears to my eyes for many reasons. All the best to both of you!
WOWSERS! I’ve got my suitcase all packed! This is so weird… Cowboy just sent off for my birth certificate so I can get a passport. The number one item on the Bucket List is ENGLAND! Remember, there is no such thing as too many pictures! You and Joe are perfect for each other. We can see and feel it through your writings. “You can’t be with Mr Right if you’re married to Mr Wrong” 🙂 Good Choice on both your parts!! xoxxoox PS THANK YOU!!!! Give Joe a Big Hug and Kiss from the girlfriends for taking us with you!
I’ll do that!
Dear Susan,
Your post brought tears to my eyes. A celebration of love and life with a grand adventure. You both deserve every happiness! Of course you must go! The bravest and wisest people discover what in life fills their hearts and spirits and then work toward making their own dreams come true. I am so very happy for you….the beautiful memories you will make will be a part of you forever. A toast to you and Joe….Bon Voyage!
Thank you Laura, and everyone! So excited.
My only question is: Can I pre-order the travel journal TODAY? 🙂 Enjoy your trip! We still have young children at home, but sure hope to take a trip like this in years to come. I know your journal will help me fantasize and plan!
I might talk to the printer about pre-orders, so we be sure to print enough.
Good idea – put me on that list.
Count me in for pre-order!
hI Susan,
This sounds very exciting! I will be first in line to buy the diary book. And, We are the same age, and Richard is five years younger then me. Such a baby.
Nancy Jo
Go to England with your sweet hubby & enjoy yourselves to the max! Love how you met Joe…..what a sweet love story! Go! Go have fun! 🙂 chm
Oh wow!!! that is tooooo excitings!!
To have your soul mate and to have your hearts♥ content in one life-time…..how blessed you are!
I’m sure Miss Kitty and Mr. Jack will miss you terribly, perhaps they can get their own travel blog to keep tabs on you…. :0)
blessings,
Cindy♥
p.s. I know the world will benefit greatly from the creative inspiration you will absorb through every pore of your body……. can’t wait to see England through your brush.
What a GIFT! Thank YOU!!!!
Kim, in Indiana
Susan,
Love this story…you paint such a vivid picture of meeting Joe. How wonderful that when you weren’t even looking and that’s when you found love. I am so excited about going along with you on your trip. England, Scotland and Ireland are at the top of my travel list…mainly to see the gardens and enjoy the old architecture and I have always wanted to have high tea in England! The diary will be wonderful and so beautiful!! What an incredible birthday present!
Miss Bloomers
Love to take you along, we will scout out the tea places for you!
I am sooo excited!!! I have never been to England and here we go!!! I would write more but I think I will dance around the room for a bit.
LOL!
Oh Susan!!! I’m so excited for you and Joe…for me and all of us. To think, you would take us with you. Thank you!!! I dream of going to England more often than you can imagine. Maybe not more than you. “If you don’t dream, how you gon-na make a dream come true”. I love that!! I would love to have your book, when you get back and plan on it too.
Thank you for today’s post…..you give me a smile and a happy day!!!!
Have a happy day too!!!
Bobbie
Oh what a story of love and falling…..its wonderful! I would love to go with you on your trip, but I will wait patiently to go with my love…who I met when I had just about given up on love too!! Yay!!! I am so happy for you!
Excuse me…so excited about the news, didn’t reread You gave me a smile and a happy day!!!! Thank you!!!
Oh, Susan and Joe, I’m thrilled for you…….for finding each other and for making each other so happy. Making dreams come true is what life is all about. I have an old postcard with this saying which was engraved on the tomb of Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devonshire in an old English churchyard: I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being,let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.
Hooray for showing us the kindness of letting us tag along on your birthday trip. I’m not quite packed…..can’t decide which hat to wear as we stroll through the gardens and drink tea in wonderful little spots. I probably should take both. As our dear Nanny once said, “It’s better to have it and not need it than to want it and not have it.” She was referring to the larger cu. ft. refrigerator we were thinking about buying but we’ve been able to apply her advice to a zillion other decisions!
As always, DonnaRay
I know exactly what you’re saying. Best, as Joe has always said, to take everything!
Oh how wonderful, Susan! I’m so happy for you both! Thank you for asking all of us to “come along” too!! We can’t wait!
Hi Susan! I cannot wait to be included in your trip!!! Thanks for sharing! We have many things in common. You and I are the same age, with birthdays near each other! We both have or will be married 25 years shortly. And I too had been divorced, when I gave up on men, but through tears one night I said and if I ever meet anyone, let him be a teacher so we can have summers off together (I was a school secretary). Well, I’ll be darn the next night my friend called and wanted to go out and I kept saying no! I’m done, but she insisted I go with her. And there he was across the room…..we talked, and he was a teacher! He walked me to my car the end of the night, he asked me out and said I don’t know what it is, but something tells me, I love you! Ha! I thought! What a jerk! But here we are almost (July) 25 years later! I just wish, wish, wish, he hadn’t had that damn massive stroke!!! But I do love traveling through you!!! Thanks so much!
I wish so too, although you just gave me a LOL out loud laughing for your Ha! What a jerk! We just never know do we?
This is so exciting! It will be so nice to go with you via the wonderful world of the internet. I loved your story of meeting Joe. Just goes to show, you never know what’s around the corner! I’m really looking forward to this trip……it will brighten my winter days!
Yes, the only thing I know for sure is that nothing ever stays the same forever! That’s the good news and the bad news!
I am so happy for you! That sounds like a dream trip. I also married a man who is 5 years younger.. I too had given up on men. We’ve been married 28 years this year. Dream come true! I can’t wait to follow you on your adventure! xo
Miracles do happen don’t they Pam!
I’ve been checking your blog since the wee hours this morning..I just knew you had something good to share with all of us!!! Happy April birthday surprise,Susan ! I love England and I’m a big Beatrix Potter fan as well !!!So good of you both to include us on your journey !!
Hi Susan,
I burst out laughing at your story of being alone for life because your sentiments were exactly the same as mine just before I met my husband. What is it about not looking at men anymore?
Any way, what a thrill to be able to go on this trip with you both. It is so generous of you. Thank you. I am looking forward to having tea.
xoxo Pam
I am happy for you that you get to go back to England and on a cruise ship too. And I am happy for me because I get to tour England and the cruise ship through your photos. Have a great time! and happy birthday soon… 🙂
What a lovely post! So exciting! What an adventure!
A trip to England-GREAT news! I’m sooo happy for you! Look forward to your post.
I love every one of your words!
One of my french writter friend did a wonderfull job with the diary of a trip to england and of a visit to the museum of Béatrix Potter… she got first price for it!!! (at a french contest!)
( http://catibou.canalblog.comarchives/2008/01/24/6655167.html)
I wish you just as much pleasure and postive result with yours!
Bon voyage!!
I must add that one of our dreams is to visit each place where the pictures of our english calendar has been taken…
This is such a touching, inspirational, wonderful story. Thank you so much. I know we will all be looking forward to reading your new travel diary, what a good idea. Did your Joe decide you needed another “airing”? He outdid himself this time!!!! He is a very special, caring, thoughtful man.
I’m so excited and happy for you.
Yes, a great big airing!
Wow ~ What a wonderful birthday gift! Can’t wait to tag along. This is going to be a long wait for all of us. 🙂
Your blog gave me goosebumps today as I am an uncureable romantic…..your happiness comes through so totally! I can’t wait for the London trip and all that you will share with us….hope to get there myself someday.
Oh Susan! I’m so excited for you AND Joe! What a fabulous trip to take…again! My family is from Scotland and there is a family castle there. I’ve only seen pictures on the internet BUT someday I’m going to see it!
Have lots of fun! Take lots of pictures! Are you sure there’s no Smellovision?
Working on that!
Hello Susan. I am so excited for you! I can hardly wait for the photos! The travel book sounds lovely as well. Bon voyage and a safe return to you. I love your blog posts and am looking forward to all of the exciting adventures that are awaiting you and Joe! God Bless.
Thank you!!
What a fabulous story! Then ending is my favorite part – I’m so excited for you! Have a great trip!
Oh I am soo happy for you …and me too! I get to go along! I was a bit sad as I started to realize you were going to be gone for so long, and then you said I would get to go too, Happy am I! I love the pictures and your story! Reading your Blog is like a novel I am slowly reading…and I do Love it!
Nice to hear Patty, see you on board (if not sooner!)
The secret to having it all is believing that you already do! That just popped into my head when I was reading! I’m so thrilled that you’re returning – having read how much you loved the previous trip!! Can’t wait to follow you and Joe on your journey! Is a trip to Bridgewater Pottery also on the itinerary??
Happy pre-birthday!
Oh yes!
When we were there we discovered an “outlet mall” (I’m told England just doesn’t have outlet malls but there it was!) in Bicester! And now, Emma Bridgewater has an outlet store there. (We went in search of Cath Kidston treasures….Emma wasn’t there yet when we went)
Oh!!!!!!!! I was sooooo excited for you!!! Then you said, we get to come too!! Now I am just plain giddy!!!!!!! AND then a book to cover it all!!!! Oh I am full with anticipation!!!!!
I love a girl with a good exclamation point!!!!!!!! 🙂
Did you hear that big collective “YAY!”? I am so happy and excited for you! With all of your unyielding kindness and generousity that you sprinkle in each of our lives with your books and fab blog, I can’t think of two people who deserve a beautiful fairy filled trip more than you and Joe. Happy planning and replanning and planning some more…what fun!!!
Thank you Tawni! We have been a little beside ourselves since we decided. . . it feels like a big deal to go away like this!
I cannot WAIT for the trip to begin!! I am especially eager to read all about Beatrix Potter’s place. The movie that was made of her is one of my absolute favorites. It never fails to inspire me. Like you inspire me.
I’m so glad that you decided to do a blog so we all could be a teeny, tiny part of your life.
Sorry, don’t mean to sound so corny. But it’s all true.
Very sweet Jennifer and not a bit corny! xo
What a great post– loved your story (and Joe’s), and what exciting news! Can’t wait, for the trip or the book!!
I am so excited for you guys..Looking forward to the travel blog.
Why . . you’ll be right next door! I adore this blog entry . . so full of romance and your beautiful journaling . . and musica . . Dame Vera singing my all time most favourite song . . OMGoodness . . I’ve just realized that, as I read everyone’s happy comments that I actually live here (well, like I said, next door 🙂 ) I’m really quite lucky, aren’t I? Even so, I will truly enjoy, and look forward in eager anticipation to seeing England (and any bits of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland you visit also) through your eyes . .
On a more practical note, if you are here for two months, it might be worth looking into the National Trust’s Royal Oak Foundation, but then you probably already know about this from your previous trip. Just in case you don’t, here is the link, and others might be interested also . .
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/membership/joining-from-abroad/
We do belong to the wonderful National Trust and have stayed in some of their amazing cottages. Thanks for the link!
How wonderfully nice for you! I made the crossing on the QE 2 once, from South Hampton to New York. My daughter recently moved to England because Mr. Wonderful lives there, so I’ll have good reason to go again. I’ll look forward to seeing the UK from your perspective.
Oooo- this sounds so loverly ( as Eliza Doolittle would say)- can’t wait to read that travel blog and get that journal when you come back. I went to England many years ago and I too did not get up to the Lake District….so will especially look forward to your time there!
Enjoy the anticipation !
As I read your blog today this came to my mind…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aafpos35u-s&feature=related
with Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards) singing “When You Wish Upon A Star.” Love the lyrics, so your wonderful blog today will keep me singing with Jiminy Cricket! Dreams do come true! Big hugs to you and Joe! Can’t wait to go on this trip with you guys! Smiles!
One of the most brilliant and touching blogs ever! I am so very delighted for you and Joe and cannot wait for the blogs and diary! You and Joe have made the right decision to go NOW and you will never regret it. England is lovely anytime as each season has its special uniqueness, but this will be an especially good time to go for your birthday and the Beatrix Potter experience. And I can just see the both of you walking arem in arm and hear Fred singing, “A foggy day in London town……!” What a dream!
Oh .WHAT A NEAT LOVE STORY you have! meantime…..I am so so excited! I really had not planned on doing anything special for today, but ..now..I am packing my bags…….so I will be all ready to go on this trip! How exciting …I cannot wait! Seriously, Susan, we can always find a hundred excuses not to do something…..go now while you can make the time because life is way too short and you need to do these things WHILE you are both together, and healthy and can enjoy the trip together……so many of us did not do that ! Oh and by the way, The printed travel log will be an absolutely Fantastic Memory for us to share with you. and to have…..is the B-Book still on for September?
B Book is going to be late because of this . . . but it’s still coming . . . I’m about 3/4’s done!
Oh goodie, perfect timing for a two month delay – just in time for Christmas! We girlfriends can live with that! Thank you Sweet Sue!
Ohhhh! I am so HAPPY for you and all of us here in your virtual world. Paul has travel more than I through work and has promised to take me places soon. So one of my places is England. He has been there, my parents have been there many times and secretly I want to go there and by boat. So, you are sailing the way for us to go someday.We have so much in common and I couldn’t be more tickled for you and Joe. We’ll all be a long for the trip and that is so beautiful. You’re making the world more beautiful just by being you ! OOXX
xoxo back to you Wendy!
How wonderful. I’ve been to England a few years ago with a friend. It was a gift from my husband for my birthday. I can’t wait to go back, so until I can, I am looking forward to hearing all about your trip. Have lots of fun and take lots of pictures. Safe travels.
Thank you Laurie — and you know, I grew up, partly in Woodland Hills. Went to Taft High for a while!
I am hoping to go home to England this year, it’s two years since we saw family and friends and I miss them!! You are so right to go now, we have an old dog (she will be 19 in April) and we won’t leave her now, so we haven’t been away anywhere for two years…. I may go over for a week this year, hubby will stay home and look after the dogs. You have made me homesick now!! So excited for you, there are some beautiful placed to visit. Linda
Yes, there sure are, it’s an amazingly romantic country!
Just Lovely! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Sigh. What wonderful news! I LOVE that you are going to England and I LOVE that you are taking all of us too. I will look forward to it and the journal to follow. Blessings to you and Joe. <3
Oh, how absolutely wonderful!! A trip I have always wanted to take but probably never will; so thank you for taking me along!! Take lots of pictures and if you get a chance to she the Queen with her Corgis send a picture. I love those little dogs and have one of my own!! Lots of pictures of food and tell us what it taste like, yum!! Will enjoy…such a wonderful gift.
A great story Susan. I do hope our English weather behaves!! Will you be here for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations? I can recommend a visit to Norfolk – the coastline is awesome and there are some lovely villages, try Burnham Market, the Hoste Arms is a fabulous place to stay. I live near Cambridge, also a city steeped in splendour and history. Enjoy!
I love your weather whatever it does! I love the roses that climb the apple trees!
Susan, what a big heart you have to share with all of us GFS. Thank you! Love your love story. My birthday is in May, I will so enjoy your present as well. The pic of Jack looks like he is saying, “Your going to do what?” Be careful, he could hop into your suitcase.
If I could think of a way to bring him, believe me, I would in a minute. But most of the kitties I’ve had have never wanted to travel much. This I found out the hard way!
OMGGGGGGGGGGG….Sweet Sue…I am Covered in Goosebumps…& Tears of Joy in Me Eyes 🙂 ♥… I am So Happy For The Both of You! In that Adorable Photo of You & Joe ClearlyYou Two are “Soul~Mates”…& Oh How I L♥ve Hearing about Your True~Romance… ♥ …& what a Birthday Celebration! May June & July! Your Summer shall be Filled with so Much Magic & L♥ve…& You are So Generous…to Be Bringing Us Along to Share this Enchanting Journey…( My Virtual Bags are Packed) 🙂 I’ve got My Fred Astaire Movies Ready…I’ll make sure to Have Plenty of Tea~Parties…all Summer Long….Two Months in Your Most Magical Place & Out West to Hang with Your Wonderful Family….Perfection Sweet Sue & You & Joe so Deserve This…& GirlKitty & Jack will Miss You but Will Be Safe & Sound with The Wonderful Kitty~Sitter…Meow! (& Think of All The Kitty~Joy When You Return Home) Twirling! so it’s only The End of March & Now You Have Lots to Do with Packing & Preparing…You Still have All of April…on Your Island…Hey This April will Truly Be an “Enchanted~April”…so still a bit Early to Say Bon Voyage…I’ll Just Practice…. 🙂 Bon Voyage Sweet Sue & Joe! ok…Thanks for Sharing all Your Fabulous News with Us…& I’mWishing you The Merriest Monday! Kitty~Kisses & always lots of L♥ve…Every Day! Yay! xoxo Poof!♫♥☼ Muahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! 🙂
Thank you sweetie!! xo
Seeking — The Tea House of the Flower Moon — in Merry Olde England — story to follow
We were so happy to read ” A Year in Provence ” now we can vicariously experience High Tea in an English garden with my daughter Susan Stewart Branch …..ps : don’ t forget to
extend your pinky finger ~~ just so !
Thank you Dad! xoxo Love you!
Oh now there’s a Tea Shoppe sign just waiting to be painted into one of your delightful illustrations, if you ask me — not that anyone did, of course. LOVE it!!!!!
…..and don’t forget, if you want to speak like Queen Elizabeth, just say hair-lair (soft ‘r’) there (hello there) and when you don’t want to sound like the Queen call everyone luv or luvvie!
I have just said Hair Lair with a soft r several times, out loud, am now laughing. That’s Hello There?? I think it will have to be Luv for me!
Yes…you’ve got it Susan! Hair-lair there is…hello there ….. when you have an upper-crust accent. Okay luvvie?
OK Annie, I will try it on people and see if they say hair lair back to me! 🙂
♥♥♥♥♥♥ Swoon! ♥♥♥♥
I feel your words are little whispers of love on our hearts. This post made my heart ache in a good, good way. My best love to you and your lovely man, Joe.
I don’t think my comment came through (11.41am)….it most definitely wasn’t spam! lol
xoxo!
You’ve brightened my day! I’m so looking forward to following along on your trip to England. Thank you so much. (Also, can’t wait to hear more about how you and Joe fell in love.)
My Beatrix Potter figurines had been hidden away for years, but after reading your blog, I took them out and they are now in my dining room window ready for Easter. I love your approach to decorating and life in general. Thanks for the inspiration.
I’m so happy for your Beatrix Potter People, out in the sunlight . . . aren’t they darling?
I’m so excited for you that you get to go overseas again! I’ll actually be over there at the same time (the end of June), except we’ll only be gone for 2 weeks. My husband’s cousin is getting married in Blackpool. Then we’ll visit his grandmother in Scotland for a few days. If I happen to see you, I’ll be sure to say ‘hello’!
We’ll be there in June as well….and going to Blackpool with my husband’s family….we always do a day trip to Blackpool as it was my husband’s favorite thing to do as a child and he wants to give that experience to his children now. Someday we have to go back during the illuminations- though summer is a really fun time as well. Enjoy your trip!
Beautiful story~~~~~Can’t wait to hear the “rest of the story” Jealousy from San Diego 🙂 !!
Dear Susan,
I am so happy for you and Joe and all of the friends that will get to share in your trip to England. I am so excited! Oooooo……..the joy of it all!!! Thank you for taking us along and allowing us to be inspired too. We have a British shop in my city where you can purchase all things tea, books, grocery items from England, gift items, etc. I am sure I will be a frequent visitor there so I can feel even more connected to the trip!
Your good news has made it a very happy day at my house!
Kisses~~Karen
WOOHOO!!…another “road trip” with Susan and Joe…only this time it is a “big ship trip”…Thanks to you and Joe for taking us along for the ride…what a wonderful beginning to summer…and something for all of us “girlfriends” to look forward to…xoxo…
Can hardly wait for you to sail so I can be an armchair traveler. I was lucky enough to go to England on a garden tour and it is in the back of my mind to spend a month there to see so much more and then I thought why not six months, but now I kind of dream of a year so I can see the blooms in all seasons! South Pacific – will look forward to Happy Talk blogs where dreams for you two will come true, love that movie!
oooohhhh congratulations susan, a trip to england, how wonderful. isn’t it going to be a bit crowded with all of girlfriends coming along???? do be careful in London, the olympics will be there along with the Queen’s diamond jubilee!!! always have loved english gardens, and high tea ( can’t wait to see that) and hopefully you can have tea with the queen herself. have a wonderful trip to england, and a wonderful time there. see you on board the ship, i’ll be the one closest to the rail the first few days!!! hugs…… 🙂
S’wonderful! S’marvelous! (Only slightly disappointed that the news having something to do with that little cottage isn’t that the cottage is your next give-away!)
-Have to mention… you have absolutely. no. idea. how much it made my day that you took the time to visit my blog and leave me such a lovely compliment. No idea at all. Thank you.
Ha ha ha … would love to own it too! Precious place, do you see the pink roses on it?
So exciting! I doubt you could have expected anything more perfect for your birthday ♥ Loved your meeting Joe story ♥ I am looking forward to your England adventure 🙂
How exciting! Thank you for including us on your fabulous journey!! I am so excited to be included!
You are going at a joyous time in England: Queen Elizabeth’s 60th anniversary! June 3 is the national “have a party day,” while June 5 is the actual anniversary day with celebrations, church, palace balcony appearances by the royals, etc. Even if you are not in London on these days, you and Joe will experience the excitement just by being ‘in country.’
You two are so inspirational in your ‘joy-spreading’ with your beautiful love story, your art, your family, your garden, and your down-right loving attitude toward life. You lift my day each day you write and share with us girlfriends. Thank you. xoxoxo
Thank you back Sherry!
Planned spontaneity! How wonderful! Sounds like so much fun to look forward to – for all (of us) concerned! ENJOY !!!
Hi Susan
I am so happy for you (and also,I admit,envious). My dear sister and I went to Scotland and England in 2003 and had the time of our lives. I am so hoping there is another trip in the future for us. Your husband Joe is one in a million!
Hooray!!!! my mom and I wanted to go to England. We are both anglophiles. She has since passed away and I know I won’t ever make it over the pond, so I am really looking forward to “our” trip. Thank you for taking us!!!!!!!!!!!!
O Susan I love your story of how you and Joe met! Bu I have to say I nearly fell off my chair when I heard you were coming to England!!!! What a great year to come what with the Royal celebrations and the olympics!
Well this is a gen-u-ine offer if you are up in the midlands at all I would love to have you and Joe around for afternoon tea. There are such great places to visit in the midlands and even though we don’t live in the country but in the burbs we are not too far from wonderful places like Strafford-upon-Avon, Evesham, Bridgenorth & Ironbridge and Bewdley all wonderful places! But even if you can’t make it I will be sooo excited to read your book and get your views on This green & pleasant land of ours! The offer is there anyway I hope you both have a truely wonderful trip! xxxx
Thank you Nina! I’m keeping your email address. We are kind of booked, already! How does it happen so fast, but in case we end up in your part of the world, I’ll hold onto your address.
You are more than welcome Susan! I guessed you would be pretty booked up but just incase I check my emails all the time! ; ) xx
Oh I hope you can visit Nina. I would LOVE to see Strafford-upon-Avon!
Soooo excited for you. I love England and would go back in a heartbeat! Thanks for taking us along.
WOW and DOUBLE WOW! What a great birthday present. I am so happy for you and Joe. Do it now; enjoy life to the fullest! It is such a beautiful time of the year over there and I can’t wait to follow your blog and I REALLY can’t wait to see the travel log you create. Travel narratives are my very favorite type of book to read; I love hearing about people’s adventures and learning of their perceptions of the places they visit. I’ve traveled quite a bit and these readings have helped me in my travels. I leave July 23rd for Africa and I really hope to keep a journal; you inspire me. In the past, for some reason, I just haven’t been able to keep it going…but I’m going to try again!
I’m sure you read A Year in Provence? So wonderful!
OH! Carpe diem! Seize the day! Once again I am awestruck and feeling inspired by you. I’m so excited for your trip. Yes, go! Do! I tell my kids often to make your life a verb and here you are doing it. Hurray! I also think most of us can relate to your love story. I had about the same resolution that love was going to elude me and my heart couldn’t take it any longer, and just when my life had developed a happy rhythm of its own it snuck in when I wasn’t looking. Hello, love. So glad you’re here. Once again you’ve left me anxious for the next installment. Love and hugs to you, Susan and your bearded Leo. And they lived happily ever after.
🙂 Big smiling face. Thanks Teresa!
I’m so excited you’re going to B.Potter. When I went to England with two of my friends….the highest priority on my travel list was to see where Beatrice created. Hill Top. But when we got there it was the museum on the other side of the lake and not Hill Top. And by that time it was not as important to my friends to travel across the lake to see Hill Top. It was very sad for me and I was heartbroken because I didn’t know if I would ever be back……so here’s to you and Joe, take a picture for me…(or a few!!) I’m still going to dream I will be able to see it for myself one day….even if I have to go alone!
Oh no, so close! I know how you feel!
“We are healthy, my parents are healthy, the kitties are healthy, and life is short.” And you and Joe are blessed! Now is absolutely, without a doubt the right time for your adventure. Have a wonderful, wonderful trip, and we will enjoy it right along with you!!
This is going to be fun!
ps go to Emma Bridgewaters factory in Stoke on Trent…(I think that’s the right name.) It’s so neat!!!
We made our reservations!
Oh I am jelous, because I am homesick, Went home in January and I could have stayed forever. Do visit York Minister and the Shambles and walk the wall.Also the Lake District, and Liverpool docks,, great Museums and great food. The lovely North of England gets ignored and Bolton Abby and Skipton Castle.oh Susan I could go on and on ……just follow your bliss and enjoy it,
Thank you Lynne!
How exciting! You are married to the most romantic man! It must be the name :-), I’m married to my Joe for 34 years now and he is pretty romantic too.
I have always wanted to go to England, Ireland and Wales. My Great Grandparents came here from Wales and England. I want to find my history!
You will have a glorious time and I’m sure the kitters will understand and will be well loved while you are gone.
I really look forward to seeing Beatrix Potter’s home through your eyes!
My grandmother came from Llandudno, North Wales. I visited there in my mid-20’s loooong time ago for just a few days and loved it. Would love to return!
I feel like I just won the lottery! England thru your eyes-OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!! I ca n’t wait. Really! Beatrix Potters garden! I am a Master Gardener, I can’t wait to see your watercolors! Did I say I can’t wait?
You make me even more excited than I already was!!!
I am literally jumping up and down in excitement for you and Joe! And we get to experience it with you! The next best thing to being there myself which has been my dream since I was a little girl. Sailing to England and visiting Hill Top Farm! It’s like a dream or a movie. Speaking of movies, I’ve been rewatching Fred Astaire movies. I use to watch them in the common room in my dorm when I had to be up late working on a paper or studying. This was back when I had to type papers on an electric typewriter! Fred and Ginger got me through many nights. Yesterday I watched Fred sail to England in Royal Wedding. Sorry this so long I’m just so happy for you and Joe! Happy early Birthday!
Thank you Lisa!!
Oh what fun!! How exciting and we get to come along with you. I LOVE England and the country side, Beatrix Potter and Romance on the High Seas movies. What could be more exciting!…I will be first in line for that book when its out in print. 🙂 Sounds like you found your soulmate and together you have been out conquring the world. Looking forward to this trip. What better place for inspiration for years to come.
Gosh, I loved your story about meeting Joe because it is very similar to how my husband and I met. He’s two and a half years (exactly) younger than me; we met in May and didn’t have our first date until September. But after that first date, I knew he was the one I was waiting for. (I was through with men, too!) We just celebrated 32 years of marriage. I’m so excited about your trip because I’ve been to England, but many years ago, so it will be so much fun to return with you and Joe. Have a wonderful time!
I am so very happy for you both. You’re right about the importance of healthy pets and family making it easier to travel. Now Girl Kitty has Jack to keep her company and they will probably bond in new ways while you’re gone. Truly can’t wait to travel with you and looking forward to the diary. The blog is wonderful, but my SB cookbooks, stationery, stickers, notepads, calendars, etc. are the BEST. Enjoy the planning of your trip … this can be half the fun!
I am so looking forward to “going to England” and look forward to every thing you post. I have my own dreams of strolling down lanes of daffodils and seeing hedgerows filled with life . I would like to see the place where Clive Staples Lewis grew up and peek into his rooms at Oxford. He’s right next to Beatrix on my shelf of English authors. Happy Birthday blessings to you.
My mother and I stopped at Beatrix Potters house in England. The Lake District is like a green wonderland! The little shop there is magical. Can’t wait to revisit it and any other places we might have missed. Have a wonderful trip and thank you for sharing with us.
I’m looking forward to accompanying you and Joe on this wonderful vacation adventure. I need a break, so this is the next best thing! Thank you for ‘taking us all along’.
I am thrilled for you both AIN T LIFE GRAND
yOU HAVE THE BEST TIME AND TELL US ALL ABOUT IT
I’m so excited for you and Joe (and for ALL of us)! Your personal stories and observations, plus your travelogue, paintings, photos and recipes … Ohhhh! What a treasure trove you continue to be!
I love hearing stories of “how we met” and how relationships come to be. 28 years ago yesterday, my sweetie and I tied the knot on a remote and rocky beach in (very) Northern California, with our dog in attendance as “best buddy” and a couple of surfers who sweetly stood by until our vows were spoken. They then happily trotted down to the surf, and we went out for breakfast with my MIL and her husband who married us!
Susan,
How wonderful! I love England and just returned from a 10 day trip to London. I’ve never been to the English countryside, so I will look forward to living vicariously through your trip via blog. Thanks for being so generous!
I’m joining those who had tears running down their cheeks…….so heartfelt……and then when I got to “Somewhere over the rainbow”…….well, you did me in…….ahhhhhhh……..what a wonderful love story. Believing in your dreams……makes all the difference, dosen’t it? So happy for you and Joe.
I feel lucky to be able to travel through England and enjoy all the history and beauty with you…..thanks for taking us along……can not wait.
My Mom is 91 1/2 years old…..and her sage advice is ” Do it while you can……go experience and fill your soul……because you never know.”
You’ll have to extra love on the kitties now. I know you will miss them, maybe the “kitty sitter” can send you kitty pics…….so you won’t be so lonely for Jack and Girl…….then you’ll be able to see how good they are being and ……put them on your list for a kitty souvenir…. something with English catnip….LOL ♥ ♥ ♥
Bridget Jones ( just kidding)
I should have a kitty cam put into the house!
Skype!
ah ha! I would probably scare the poor kitties if they saw me on Skype! What a wonderful idea!