Welcome to Happy Land . . . with Musica . . .
You might be wondering where I’ve been . . . I’ve been right here . . .
And I just finished page sixty of our book, the English Diary! Only two more gazillion pages to go, but we are getting there!
C R E A T I V I T Y
I’ve been focused like a laser, not letting myself get led down the primrose path; getting up really early, making tea, going through the house, flipping on lights, throwing the ball for Jack, and watching the sun come up, sometimes turning on a little French music to get me going — smoothing out a clean piece of watercolor paper, and in my imagination and through my paintbrush, I stand at the ship’s rail looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, or wander through English cottage gardens. Before I start work I draw my Angel Card and find out which wonderful word should guide my day. I loved this morning’s word!
I try to put my very best on every page . . . I want it to be something I can be proud of and something you will love. It is a little strange when you think that at one time these pages did not exist and now, here it is, slowly but surely, taking shape and becoming a book. Making something out of nothing. Kind of like cooking!
I thought you might like to see a little bit of it, although I hope you don’t mind if I don’t show it too close! I want it to be a surprise! But I also think you deserve to see that it’s really happening! You are so patient!
I’m handwriting it, like I’ve done with all my books, which is the thing that takes the longest. I actually kept the diary every day while we were in England, but I scribbled it 
quickly (and sloppily) so I could get it all down and not forget the details — I took my writing with me everywhere, always had it in the car, took it to pubs, even brought it along when we went on walks so I could write or sketch if we stopped for tea, and in the different gardens we visited; I painted too, especially in places like Beatrix Potter’s house where we weren’t allowed to take photos, so I would have it when we got home. Now I’m copying the words over neatly, in my “good handwriting,” painting borders and illustrating the pages, adding souvenirs and photographs. It’s pretty darn cute if I do say so myself.
My studio is filled with inspiration; especially books. I believe™ in the concept of “Book Osmosis,” where, if you surround yourself with the creativity and brilliantness of others, it will rub off on you; plus, I want to be sure I’m giving the correct name for the flowers we saw, the birds and the trees . . . And of course, wherever I go, so goeth Beatrix Potter. ♥ Because love is as love does. ♥
I’m having fun choosing and laying out the photos . . . more opportunity for the imagination to stay in England!
Lately the book is all I think about; I love it so much, I’m probably getting a little compulsive about it (this is where Joe would look up and say, “probably?”); I think about it all the time; that age-old question, “what do they want to know about, what can I give them that will bring them there?” I wake up every morning, with my foot wiggling, by brain clicking; sometimes, it’s the “AHA” ideas of things to add to the book that gets me bounding down the stairs. My life, in all other respects, has narrowed to the essentials. Eat (we still have lobster on beach every so often; this is not a forced-labor camp), sleep, walk, knit, read, and create. Notice what came first? (Not necessarily in that order, I should add!) I watched Miss Potter again last night, and knit. See, not all bad!
My “true treasures of home” . . . here the children are this morning, a rare moment in peaceable kingdom; and I did not order them into this position (like I even could) — But, this togetherness won’t last; already you notice Girl’s face is saying, “Take him back, I’m begging you; look at him . . . he’s looking at me again. Make him stop.” And he is repeating the same question over and over at a thousand words a minute, “What’d she say, what’d she say, what’s she saying? Tell me what she said!”
And while I’m consumed with my work, and Jack is consumed with Girl, the world continues to turn; fall arrived yesterday, and was crowned with a sunset rainbow last night, right outside our front door! I think I have never seen brighter colors on a rainbow! It’s supposed to be cool and dry for at least a week; I’m wearing a sweater right now; we had to put a down comforter on the bed last night (windows open, crisp ocean breeze coming in, heaven)! Joe and I just planned a leaf-peeping, four-day getaway for the end of this month for a surprise for us, since we have been working so hard. Meanderment (meandering wonderment) in the van . . . no plan! Back roads! New England!!! Leaves! Ponds! Oh my. Dreamy.
And, on the other side of the house from the rainbow, this was the sky . . . everything so beautiful on Martha’s Vineyard in the fall, everything except our kitchen.
Which I won’t show you, it is too much of a nightmare. Having an old house with lots of nooks and crannies, wainscoting, chair rails, window trim, scalloped aprons hanging from the ceiling and the like, are, 99.9% of the time, so wonderful I have no words. That other .1% — is when you have to paint them. Joe is doing a great job. He has the patience of Job.
It will never be done. But I don’t care . . . he does that; I paint; we plan our getaway; Girl plots revenge; Jack keeps us laughing; everyone is staying out of trouble. Life is good in the Heart of the Home. Hope it’s the same for you! ♥ Have a wonderful day!
P.S. Leave me a little message (be sure to mention where you’re from! Inquiring minds want to know, right Girlfriends?) and you’ll be entered into a contest for a FREE, signed copy of my (out of print) AUTUMN BOOK! You may already have it, but wouldn’t it make a wonderful gift for someone you love? ‘Cause it’s that time of year! ♥
We actually had fallish weather this past weekend in southeast New Mexico. There was a bit of much needed rain and the temp was below 90. Although, with the smell of roasting green chili in the air, can fall be far behind. Love the blog and love the kitty reports. Alas, I have a dachshund, Miss Millie, and cannot have a cat since she has such kitty issues. So I must enjoy kitties vicariously and Jack and Girl Kitty do fit the bill.
I am in San Juan Capistrano, CA. It’s a beautiful town but it has been very hot and humid lately. Your weather in Martha’s Vineyard sounds heavenly. I would much rather sleep with windows open, ocean breeze and a comforter on the bed than with windows open, fan on and no covers.
I can’t wait to see your new kitchen and your new book!
Here in Cicero, Illinois we have also had hints of Fall lately with beautiful breezy cool days and crispy nights, although I am sure summer is not totally done with us yet! I am lucky to have your Autumn book, but I would love to have one to give to my daughter-in-law Lisa. Her favorite season is Fall and she loves to decorate for the season. I am looking forward to your English Diary and I wondered about the Breakfast book you had been working on . . . .is it close to being published? Have a great day!
Your blog posts are like a mini-vacation in themselves — I love to fix a cup of tea and settle in and read them in a leisurely manner. Here in Memphis, TN it is still late summer — although we are finally having some cooler nights in the 60’s. Our days are still in the 80’s, and will be back up to 90 later this week, which is pretty typical for mid-September.
Hello Susan…This is Nancy in Aurora, Colorado. It is very warm here! I continue each day looking for little bits of autumn …my favorite season of all. I am a retired second grade teacher, and always had such fun with my little ones searching for fall. This morning I awoke to find three beautiful blue morning glories peeping back at me…which definitely says that autumn is very near. I really enjoy hearing about your diary! Can hardly wait till you complete it. Just love your work!
I do have the Autumn Book and I read it at least once a year if not twice, as it is my favorite. The leaves are already changing in our neck of the woods. I live in Lakewood, Ohio – a suburb west of Cleveland, right on Lake Erie. We have a city park nearby, right on the lake, where we take our Shi-Tzu/Poodle, Coco, (or “Miss Happy”) for her daily walk, after work. Soon I will be leaving work and night will have fallen, so our daily walks will be relegated to the weekends. So sad. I love all 4 seasons, but spring and fall are the most exhilirating and inspiring. Love the books, blog, writing and art you create. Truth be told, I believe you stole what should have been my life, and now I’m a nurse (42 years already!). Are you sure you didn’t want to grow up and be a nurse?
Writing to you from Farmington, Michigan. We’ve had a little glimpse of fall weather here too. Perfect for some garden rearranging. Can’t wait for The English Diary to be complete. Take your time…we don’t want you to forget a thing! ♥
I fear for a 500 page Gone with the Wind!
That would be just fine and I’m sure most of the girlfriends would agree! 🙂
I agree with Pat. The more, the better, as far as I am concerned! Yay!
Here in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin the nights are turning cooler and we have getting some rain (which we really need).
Really? Menomonee Falls? Do you say it three times fast? It’s very pretty! Sounds like a place Jimmy Stewart should be from!
Barb a–is this near Marinette, WI? We always visit our friends there every fall…the countryside is gorgeous there…
I’m as excited as everyone else to see the Diary. What do I want to see in it? EVERYTHING!!!! Naw, I know that it’s not possible to see every minute so as long as there are lambs I’ll be happy. *L* I know the kitchen is a pain to get all done but it will be so wonderful to have fresh paint on everything and the floor redone. It’s a mess while you are doing it but it’s so worth it in the end. Plus you have the satisfaction of knowing it won’t have to be done for a long time and that it won’t be on your to do list. As always love seeing the kitties. I know she thinks he’s a pain but I also think she’s glad he’s there atleast some of the time!
Ooooh yes, there will be lambs!
YAY!!!!!!
Sending greetings from Seattle, where it has finally rained after 49 consecutive days of gorgeously relentless sunshine~ Hubby and I are celebrating our 24th Wedding Anniversary today! 🙂
Happy Anniversary Michele!!
Hi Susan Ann…nice to “talk with you again”!! Still hotter than Haities here in Arizona, but starting to cool down to 100 to 103 degrees this week. Love the new book you’re working on…
Thanks Saundra!
good afternoon susan…a perfect day here on the eastern shores of lake erie to do some yard work….sunny and temps in the upper sixties and low seventies..enjoyed your comments on the fall weather that has arrived in your hometown….have a wonderful rest of the day
I’m from Loveland, OH. You should visit us some time. Small town charm right on the edge of thriving Cincinnati Ohio. Surrounded by our own river, the Little Miami.
Hi Susan,
It’s sunny and crisp here in West Seneca, N.Y. (about 30 minutes from Niagara Falls) My new little kitty Chris is next to me in my big comfy chair. He reminds me of your Jack, but the white on his little black face is an exclaimation point. He is a playful and loveable boy just like your guy. I just love your blog, you are so talented. I’m happy to hear that we will be able to preorder your book on England..Enjoy your little getaway, sounds like a wonderful adventure…
Anne Shirley….My name…. Enjoyed the quote you wrote last week…I just said to myself “hey,that’s my name”.
Hi there,
I am from Richmond Virginia. I love the
look of the book. You are just so talented.
But most of all I love your cat pictures.
Im a cat lover with many cats and 3 5 months old
boy kittens. The adults are scared of them.
You have a huge following ;-)! Me too, me too! I am from a little town near the Canadian border in the middle of WA state; Oroville. I was born here but lived away for 50 years, (mostly Seattle) until 2 years ago. Yes, you can go ‘back’. Bless you for sharing your whole self and family.
Hi Susan! I’m Sue from Nebraska. Your new book sounds just wonderful and I know we will all love it. This has got to be my favorite time of year. We have had such a HOT, dry summer and I am craving some cool fall weather. Today, I am using up some of my huge crop of Roma tomatoes and drying them to save. I think they are so wonderful when dried and then reconstituted in olive oil. Make great pasta!
Have a wonderful productive day! (your fall book sounds like just what I need!)
Your leaf-peeping trip sounds so glorious!
I loved this peek at your desk and book. So inspiring. 🙂
Love ya!
xoxo
Cider mills opening here in Western NY, soon Letchworth Park will be a blaze of color, great place to go for a drive.
Hello Susan,
I have to tell you I finally ordered a copy of your Heart of the Home book and I am thrilled. I keep flipping through it, and I am so glad I finally allowed myself to buy one. Now all I can think about is why did I wait so long… and now I would just love to have your autumn book…
And since you are so curious… I am from Zandvoort ( a coastal town) in the Netherlands
Oh! That’s very far away! This is why I love to hear where everyone is from; I feel like I’m on a mini vacation to everywhere! Thank you Kim!
Hello Kim — Netherlands jumped out at me too. I just found out from ancestry.com that my family originated in the Netherlands (Lucas and Bomgaars are the last names). We had no idea! Are you interested in a pen pal from Southern California? It seems that those of us who love Susan’s work already have a lot in common.
Arline in LA
Your red nails look really cute in the picture of you painting. 🙂
Fall came to Virginia this weekend, as well. Today the sky is so clear, you can see why they call them the “Blue Ridge” mountains. Such beautiful, crisp, and blue peaks. And as Bob Ross used to say, “happy, PUFFY little clouds!” 🙂
I look forward to readibng your blog entries. I am enchanted with the antics of Jack. Fall is trying to show it’s face here in Northern California, in the Sacramento area. But our temperatures are still in the 80’s. Someday, I hope to see the New England states.
Susan, I have been a fan of yours for years. I would love to visit Martha’s Vineyard one day. My son, daughter-in-law and grandkids were there this past Summer and loved it.
When I see that you have a new entry on your blog, it makes my day.
A million thanks for sharing your world.
By the way, I’m from Cicero, Illinois, suburb of Chicago.
The Autumn book! How lovely! I have a very busy fall this year, but am bound and determined to make the most of it anyway. No leaf will fall without my knowledge! Well, I’ll try, anyway… Christy from Green Bay, Wisconsin
Your heart is in the right place!
I so enjoy your blog, and loved your entries from England. I would love to win the copy of your Autumn. Waiting for your new book too, the glimpses we’re getting are so enticing. Cooler weather here too in Effingham, IL
I’m sitting in the airport waiting to board our plane, but… I’m also in Happy Land. A sneak peek at your journal! What a treat! From dreams to reality. A journey of the heart and you brought us along!
We all can’t wait to hold the finished book in our hands and read it again and again…
Good Luck with the rest of the gazillion pages. ENJOY your mini leaf watching vacation!
Georgie
Yardville NJ
Oh, I can’t wait to see more pictures of this book. I can already tell it’s going to be wonderful! No wonder you’re so into it. I would be too!
I hope Girl likes Jack more; it took about two years for my 14-year-old to like the stray we took in, and then we got a Silky(Yorkie/Australian terrier mix). Oddly enough, Baby took to the dog quicker than the other cat. Ha!
-Merry(Red Bay, Al)
They touched noses the other day . . . so that’s one nose touch for every 300 hisses!
We are from northwestern New Jersey. It is not Autumn here yet but it is a beautiful day today. Cool for a change. It’s funny, I was taking pictures of the evening sky yesterday, too. The sky was beautiful here, too. Love reading your blog!
A big ole HoWdY from East Tennessee, Knoxville to be exact. I came in here to my computer and got so caught up in your beautiful blog … I can’t tell you how much I love everything you do, write, paint, share … can’t get enough!
I have no idea now what I was going to look up but that is not important now. I just had the best time looking at all the detaisl in your photos. My husband just yelled at me, “Are you alright?” ♥
Cant wait for your book to come out–and for your kitchen to finish–I am sure that you are ready to start baking and cooking for fall–would love to see the pictures of the new kitchen with the chosen colors–have a great fall day–
love your creativity. nina
Joe just got out the roller and put on the color for the first time — up until now he’s been doing the unending trim — so I got to see it for the first time, and I LOVE IT! Whew!
Oh, yay!! I LOVE that first glimpse of the paint on the wall, especially when it’s Just Right (how do you spell R-E-L-I-E-F?? :-))
Exactly!
Also, I think it gets lighter as it dries.
WHEW IS RIGHT….Could you imagine having to go back and tell Jack that he was right and it was too GRAY!!! OY UGH! So happy you love the new color AND Joe is working his fingers to the bone and both of you deserve a “get away” without your computer!!! ENJOY
No I would have to secretly repaint, then lie! 🙂
HAHAHA…..so funny!!! Got to love our Dads, and how no matter what “our” ages we always want to please and have their approval!!!!
That is so true!
I’d love the Autumn book! I’m in KS where it’s cooler but not chilly for sure. Can’t wait for cooler temps.
Dear Susan, You are such a JOY to me and all the other girlfriends, like them I can’t wait to have it in my hands!! What a wonderful gift to me. So LOVED our trip to England, my heart is calling me there sooooooo in 1 and 3/4 years hopefully all being well my dear friend Jo and the husbands later will be going with your book as our guidebook. I live on an island too, its Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada and the city I live in is Victoria. God bless and keep you dear one you are such a blessing to soooooooo many gals.
Greetings! from Cumming, Georgia! Loved your post today and look forward to your new book. I can’t wait for it to be published! Thank you for the chance to win your Autumn Book.
Hugs from Barbara S.
Fall, so looking forward to fall here in Palm Coast, Florida. We are having a cold front this week so they say. Morning temperatures in the low 70’s but the days are still in the 80’s. I look forward to the coolness and smell that comes from our fall. I can close my eyes and imagine the season when I lived outside of Cleveland Ohio and walking the Emerald Necklace park system. I still miss fall and spring but I am too much a floridian and can’t take the cold weather now. I am closing my eyes now and I will think about the crunch of the leaves and smell of the woods.
I looove Autumn and your little book. I beleive I purchased it when you were once in Indiana visiting Conner Prairie and signing precious copies.
From me to you in Westfield Indiana.
I often head to the cape to visit my author friend Joan Anderson (E. Harwich)
Here in Post Falls Idaho fall is in the air also. I’m very happy, it’s my favorite season! Your Fall book is a fixture on my counter top, standing up on a plate stand each fall! I have daughters who would love one tho! It seems like all the flowers are doing their best to be bright and cheerful right now before the frost gets them. We’re going to go on a beautiful fall bicycle ride on the Hiawatha Trail this coming weekend—down a mountain side and through tunnels with beautiful scenery in every direction. Our “fall get away” is to the Oregon coast, staying in a condo next to friends, walking on the beach, sharing meals, playing cards afterwards, and listening to the ocean at night through our open window. This is our dog, Reilly’s vacation also—he gets to go on alot of walks. We spend a night in Hood River Oregon, going to and coming home, to attend their Harvest Festival near the Columbia River. All kinds of wonderful crafts, produce and food! Wishing you a wonderful time on your get away!
Can’t wait for the English Diary, & you’ve made so much progress on it, yaay. Please make sure to print lots so we each get one!
It is a lovely day in San Carlos, California!
Susan….I am wondering if it is possible to get on a waiting list for the new book….if not please ask the publisher to print lots and lots and lots….I surely want one! nancy from arkansas….
We’re going to have a pre-order for just the blog girls first ! I’ll let you know when it’s coming.
Good! I was thinking about a mad dash to Amazon! 🙂 Thanks for thinking about doing a pre-order.
Hi Susan— Thanks for another chapter in the Continuing Saga of the English Diary. . .and the Kitchen Remodel (can’t wait to see more pictures!). . . and of course the Kitty Diaries too. 🙂 Beautiful picture of the rainbow, the colors did look incredibly bright. They’re always so special—a reminder that God’s in His heaven and watching over us, no matter what happens down here on this old Earth. . . I’m delighted to report that we had a little rain last week, and it’s cooled off enough to have windows open and A/C OFF for the past couple of days here in the Chicago area. Love that fresh air! Enjoy your week—– 🙂
I love it when you make the kitties pretend talk. I like to do that too! It’s so fun to make up what they are thinking.
I wish I was making it up! 🙂
Did I miss it? What was the word on the angel card? What a nice way to start the day. So fun to get a glimpse into your creative process. Looking forward to the English Diary. Anticipation is part of the fun!
Just above where I wrote about the angel cards is a picture of them in a little dish, the word is CREATIVITY!
Hello Susan, busy as usual, I love you!!!!! You are so lucky to do what you love and live the life that you do. nooks and crannies oh my just more places to hide and have the goodies. But also more places to clean. Hope you have all the energy in the world to continue with the house project and your Autum book. No I do not have one but I feel the need for a copy.
Living in beautiful ventura county!!!!
Greetings from Calgary, where the leaves turn yellow practically over night in the fall, and due to the raging winds, we do not have them on the trees for very long! However, we do have the beautiful rocky mountains! Just think of the Banff Springs Hotel and Lake Louise…you would love a little holiday here!
I have always wanted to travel to Martha’s Vineyard. Maybe one day.
Susan, I always look forward to reading your blog. It is so sweet. You are a blessing to those who follow you. Just maybe your Autumn book will find its way into my mailbox :).
We have a ‘catgirl’ in our home that torments her sweet sister. Miss Elinor has to sleep under covers to get rest sometimes but she endures it like a champ. We live in Cambria,California where summer seems colder than winter and autumn is our best season. Can’t wait for it. It’s my favorite anywhere.
Hi Loris, what a great hometown you have! My best friend and I found our way, serendipitously, in Cambria the summer of ’09. We stayed at the Fireside Inn (Best Western) and just recently were strippin’ our gears to come up w/the afternoon clerk’s name, he was such a doll. We spent time combing the beach for moonstones; I have quite an affinity for these as my father bought a string of them for my mother on their honeymoon in 1949. Cheers to you in Cambria!
Cambria, one of my favorite places! Love the antique stores, and the tea room, Moonstone Beach, and just the quality of the light there . . . Say hello to Miss Elinor for me!
While you listen to the sights and sounds of the sea…..I am hearing the rustling of dry corn leaves outside my window. It is a beautiful day in the middle of Iowa today. I relish these days of wonderfulness, because around here they don’t last and it becomes a tad bit ugly, if you ask me, in a couple months. Not my fav!!!
Make something for the snow to “grace” this year, a view from your window, even if it’s a design with string on a fence . . . the snow will lay on it and it will be pretty . . . don’t cut plants all the way back, leave some tall things, and round things, let the snow make lace out of them — it will help. Plant something with red berries that last all winter … or not, just an idea.
what timing! just took out my copy of “Autumn” ( I save it for September to November!!!!). would love to have a copy for a sweet freind who is just like a beloved sister. Can’t wait for the “England” book but the sneak peek is helping to tide me over!
Hello sweet Susan! I would love to be in the drawing for the Autumn Book. I just picked it up from our library on Saturday. It is on the coffee table in the living room, just waiting for me to go out back in the garden on a crisp evening with a cup of tea. Oh my goodness I cannot wait. the cover is so sweet. I love fall.
Oh, and the diary; it is going to be over the top wonderful. You will take us there, to all those special places you have been, and we will feel like we were right there with you…..oh wait. We were!!! We were in the suitcase. I forgot. 🙂
Autumn means a new school year ( I’m an elementary art teacher). I get the chance to start over every year….and nothing beats the smell of a new box of 96 crayons and a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils. Happy Fall from South Milwaukee, Wisconsin!
A lifelong Mpls., MN girl now nesting in SW FL. and missing dearly, hills, rocks, black dirt and ….my favorite upcoming season Autumn. Loving your blog which brings many happy gifts to me.
Love the “meanderment” that you have planned. A perfect time of the year for it. You are to be complimented on your commitment to your craft. I wish you had a “typewriter” with your personal lettering fonts to make your job easier:) I have your “Girlfriends” and your “Autumn” books on my FIND list. Please add my name to the exciting drawing. Have an amazing happy creative day. Hugs & kisses to the “kids”!
Few days ago I was wondering how your working table and supplies looked like, I love being able to take a pick! Everything looks beautiful and inviting.
I’m from Colombia but have been adopted by New Zealand, I live in Dunedin.
We have New Zealand friends here now… it’s a small/big world!
Happy Autumn weather Susan! I am about to burst with anticipation for the new book!! We want it All in there….every tidbit…lol……Saturday night we finally had our 4th of July Fireworks show….due to the county -wide burn ban we had all summer….sweat shirt temps made it extra fun, as did the Flashmob about 50 of us participated in….lots of fun….here in Nashville, Indiana, we are the Fall Colors capitol of the mid-west…..our village becomes packed with tourists coming to see the artist colony and the leaves….can’t wait for the big reveal of your “new” kitchen , Joe is a keeper……”hug” the kitties…..Mary….”Barefoot Sparkler”
Hi Susun. Well I live in San Diego which is beautiful, but, we do not have fall. Thus, I love your pictures and announcements on the arrival of Fall and all of it’s beauty. I can’t wait for your book as I followed your journey through England via your blog and decided I must go to the same spots…..someday. Love the antics of Jack and Girl. We just lost our kitty……she had 19 1/2 very good years…….ruling the household. I would love to win your Autumn Book as I know it would be a treasure.
I so admire your dedication to creating your new book. I love all your books and bought my very first one (your Christmas book) more than 20 years ago on a weekend visit to Carmel. What I enjoyed most was that it was so much more than a cookbook. I loved reading every word. And being originally from Boston, you touched my heart with your stories, traditions and memories.
Here in Southern California we are enjoying hot summer weather even though the calendar says it’s Fall. But living in Huntington Beach, I think it’s just perfect and am enjoying the sun and warmth.
I am curious…do you and Joe live full time in Martha’s Vineyard now? I sooooooooo envy you!
Thanks for sharing all you do with us!
Yes we do live on the island full time. You and I must have changed places … keeping the balance!
Hi Susan I am Susan too and I live in the Historic District of the North End of Boise, Idaho in a sweet cottage that will be celebrating it’s 100th birthday next year. I cannot even imagine what Boise must have been like in 1913, but my house was here. It’s a beautiful day today with low humidity and sunny skies in the low 80’s. Heavenly! I would so love to win your Autumn book because I have checked out our library’s only copy about a million times!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Susan, years ago we lived in the North End of Boise but not in one of the charming historical homes but a six-plex on 8th and Lemp. We would often walk to Camelback Park or walk down 8th all the way to downtown Boise. Our first son was born while we lived there. Good memories of a beautiful city!
Dear Susan, I want you to know that the arrival of your wonderfully descriptive & entertaining blog posts in my inbox always makes me WAIT to open it until I’ve read all my other emails & answered them. I get a cuppa hot tea & settle back to drink in both the soothing liquid as well as your special words. I savor them, like a really special dessert & I am truly transported each time!
Your artistic talent is amazing but its your WORDS & the ability to make even the smallest detail come alive that touch me so. Your appreciation for the simpler things in life make me more aware & grateful for those occurrences in my own corner of the world.
Thank you for sharing funny little Jack & Girl & Joe with us! Pat the kitties for me, please & hug Joe for being such a good husband. Or you can pat Joe & hug the kitties, which ever you prefer! LOL
fondly,
Rett
How exciting to see the pages of the new book! I’m excited Girl Kitty and Jack are in it, too. I keep thinking of the beautiful blue color for your kitchen. So calming and serene and a great backdrop for everything Susan Branch. It’s wonderful being married to handy men, isn’t it? My hubby is doing touch-up paint on the outside of the house. We are getting it ready to….gasp, gasp, sell! We will be leaving our beautiful home in beautiful Mexico and heading back to the US after 7 glorious years in San Miguel de Allende. I can’t believe it, but it needs to happen. Life changes, we get older, and other things become important/necessary. We look at it as an adventure. I have no idea how long it will take to sell. Maybe we will still be in Mexico this time next year! I am so looking forward to your new book. I think I have all of the Susan Branch books, and it will be wonderful to have the new one, too!
Seven years in heaven, what an experience, how lucky you are!
Hello from Highland Park in St. Paul, MN ! It looks like there will be no Creative Connection this year to try and spy you at, so your blog will have to do me for now. We had a wonderfully cool autumny weekend and now today we have returned back to summer, boo! I am done with the heat.
I ADORE seeing pictures of your creative process, thank you so much for sharing it with us. The anticipation of your new book has me (and many others, I am sure) on pins and needles. Do you know yet if you will be doing a signing tour? You graciously signed every other book of yours that I own when you did the “Girlfriends Forever” tour, and it was such a delight to meet you in person.
While my copy of “Autumn” is dearly loved and stained from many cooking adventures, I would love to win a copy to give away. Thanks for the opportunity!
Hi! I’ve been a fan for many years & think I may have the Autumn Book, but would love one for a gift. Any idea when your English Journal will be published? I have a sister-in-law from England & know she would love it! And, I am a Missourian transplanted many long years ago to southern Indiana. We are 18 miles from Brown County. Ever hear of it? Happy painting!
After an evening of needed rain it was such a treat to wake up to a sunny but much cooler day. I still have not taken my daily walk but must do it soon with Autumn in the air I would dearly love to be the winner of your book giveaway…Autumn.
Growing up the falls were so beautiful in Virginia and the summers so hot that one was truly ready for the slightly cooler days. I married in the autumn…Sept. 6, 1952–2012…yep…that makes it 60 years this past Thursday. Another reason to win the Autumn book. A third reason is it would give me an excuse to ‘sit a spell’.
Bless you for this giveaway and congratulations on your new book. I will just have to swoon over the pages of it on your site as our tiny budget allows for no extras since my husbands illness.
Joyfully,
~Sylvia Faye
Oops…I forgot to mention that I’m in Ohio where Autumn has happily arrived. It was a wicked hot summer & I am so grateful for the cooler air & lower humidity.
We’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard & every time I see those shots of the sailboats, I long to return. Very special memories, indeed.
Hello Susan ! I’m a Brit by birth, but raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where I still live now. Many trips back and forth, of course….England still tugs at my heart strings when I read your lovely words and look at your pics of your latest trip ‘back home’……
Enjoy your blog so much……Thank you ! Patricia
You know what the girlfriends will want after we get that darling “English Travel Diary” in our hands? We’ll be wanting ANOTHER travel diary! Most of us have never been to SCOTLAND! Maybe another trip for us all? You gotta think about it!
(And you know that Peter Rabbit is now taking a little trip to Scotland, himself, via Emma Thompson’s pen. He’s going to meet his cousin there. I think we could all enjoy such a trip with a little plaid thrown in for good measure! )
I recently discovered your blog and few days ago I was wondering how your working table and your supplies looked like. It’s great to be able to take a pick! Love your blog!!!!!
I’m from Colombia but have been adopted by New Zealand, I live in Dunedin.
beautiful Fall-like day here too in Canandaigua, NY (Finger Lakes). I love New England-we went up thru Vermont 2 yrs. ago in the fall. This year we are going to N.M. another favorite of mine although hubby has never been. I love the desert colors and spaces and Santa Fe. I guess I just love everywhere. I can see myself in a red tiled roof house with a kiva fireplace(s).
I should be out gardening on this day or at least fall cleaning but since my mom died I have become rather lazy about it all. I hope I get some gumption soon.
I am looking forward to the book-can hardly wait!
Hi, Pam~
I was attracted to your reply as soon as I noticed Canandaigua…what a beautiful area! You’re about an hour or so west of me. I live in Weedsport (Exit 40 on the NYS Thruway). I’ve been to Sonnenberg Gardens a couple of times…is it still open? …and the beautiful lake…aahhh. So sorry to hear about your loss. I remember well the year my mother-in-law died, 11 years ago. I, too, just could not find the “gumption” to get out and spend time in my gardens. I worried that they would get away from me and I’d never catch up with the chores. But, life in the garden is much like our life. It slows down and rests in the fall. While I was focusing more on my family, my garden remained faithful, growing and blooming and then settled itself down for a long winter’s nap. By springtime, I found I had more energy and was able to dig right in and welcome the garden back.
Btw~ that word “gumption”….can’t wait to tell my husband that someone else besides me uses it…hahaha.
I’m a new fan to your blog although I’ve been buying your calendar for years!
I’m in Charlotte, NC now but lived in Plymouth, MA for eleven years and miss it!
Your pictures of the Vineyard take me back to those happy, cold years in our 1812 Cape. I’m so looking forward to your English Diary. My husband and I went in May, 2005 and rented a car (!!) for part of the trip. White kncukles for sure as we drove down to Cornwall – never again. Can’t wait to see your kitchen Mine is pale blue/gray, too! Your cats make me happy…
Ohhh Plymouth, darling town, so historical too, love the Main Street there, especially in the fall.
….double oops…. British Columbia, Canada
Sylvia Faye
Sebastopol is in California, 60 miles or so north of San Francisco. The old Gravenstein apple trees in the area are being replaced with vineyards. The autumn here is beautiful as I think the autumn is beautiful everywhere on this earth. I look forward to your new book the English Diary and the final finish in your kitchen.
Hi Jen,
We live in Santa Rosa and my hubs works in Sebastopol. I think we are blessed to live in the most beautiful county in the country. Here’s to harvest in our beautiful area.
Sivje
I am from Akron Ohio about 30 minutes from Cleveland. Today was a perfect day and feels like fall, my favorite time of the year. I cannot wait till your new book is finished, it looks so beautiful. I loved how you shared England with us. Happy Fall in New England.
Missed spelled “knuckles” – sorry!
oh SCREAM I have been kicking myself for having your Autumn book in my Amazon wish list – then last year when I went to buy it it was out of print.
I’ve looked and looked for a copy even a good second hand copy. You have probably seen my stats trawling looking everywhere.
OOh Please please PLEASE pick my little name from down in New Zealand
Love Leanne
I’m in Nebraska. We are still experiencing a terrible drought so autumn may not be as pretty this year. It will be four years this November we put to sleep our 17 year old cat named Twitter. She was my faithful companion and I still miss her so much!
Have you gotten a kitten yet? Because there is nothing like fall to get a new kitten!
Jeanine,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose one of your faithful companions — especially those who have been with you for so many years. I hope your heart is healing and is filled with wonderful memories of Twitter.
winnie*
>^..^<
What a beautiful visit from you today! I was caught up immediately in the “Happy Land Drawing and Painting” book. I love the drawings of children from that time (whenever it was). As a child I didn’t own many books, but I loved staring at the artwork and imagining being inside the painting–it looks so innocent and happy! Thanks for showing us your studio, your work, the stack of books that inspires you–all of it! Enjoy Fall!
It’s hot and unusually muggy in Southern California today. But this, too, shall pass!
Thank you for this day’s post. Enjoyed your musing. So glad you’re making progress on the book. I can hardly wait to hold the finished work in my own two hands. I will savor every page. Townsend, MA
I loved “Miss Potter” – as well as Julie and Julia! I have both movies on DVD.
It is getting to be autumn here in British Columbia. . .
Hi Susan,
I have been checking every day to see your next blog, knowing that you are SO busy. So excited when I see a new title coming up.
Here in Florida, it is still in the 90s. I am from the northeast and even though I have been here TOO long, I still miss the fall. There is no fall here, or for that matter, spring. Only summer and you can’t even say winter any more. We go from hot most of 9 months to cooler for maybe a couple of months if we are lucky. I decorate my house with all the fall colors in order to fool my brain in to thinking I am somewhere else, with the pumpkin patches, etc. I would love to be lucky and win your AUTUMN book.
Can’t wait to see your beautiful book on England.
Hello darling Susan! Hail from another Happy Land, Phoenix, Arizona. I love this time of the year, so I am happy each and every day. We are looking forward to cooler temperatures, like you wouldn’t believe, so we are living vicariously through New England, which has the true 4 seasons of the year, and boy oh boy, do you do it well! At this particular moment, I am in California helping my mother who just had surgery for breast cancer. I helped you turn the blue moon pink the other day, because we are indeed a sisterhood who has to fight this horrible monster until we kill it. And kill it we will! But dear Susan, my main purpose today is to thank you for your wonderful blog, illustrations, sharing of your wonderful life and travels, your newletter, and just on and on. You have indeed made my life fuller and my days much more fun, just by being you. Can’t wait for the book and would love a chance to win the Autumn book. Love ya soooooo much. Judy
“And kill it we will!” What a perfect attitude! Love to your mom Judy! And you too!
Wishing you and your mother all success in her battle with breast cancer and may your struggles go as well as can be expected! Sending hopes for healing your way!
I just love your blog, thank you so much for sharing with us. I am so looking forward to the new book… it looks like such hard work, but fun !! I’m from the coast of Rhode Island 🙂
It’s just a little sloggy, because in my mind, it’s all done, except that, oh yeah, it’s in my mind, needs to be in my hand!
Hi Everyone! We had a nice cool night here in Indiana — 52 degrees. We are planning a trip East to look at the leaves, stop at the Fiestaware factory, meander anywhere we want (also in a van, just in case we find something very cool and we can’t live without), you know, just meandering! I’ve only been East once, and that was a quick freeway trip to DC. I’m thinking Northern NY will be the farthest we get this time. Next weekend we have a trip to Michigan planned to get apples, and kiss the grand-babies.
Sue, I love seeing your working process & can’t wait for the book! I have the Autumn book already, but I don’t think my sister does. 🙂 Your kitchen will get finished, someday. We still are not finished with our remodel of this old building. Upstairs we haven’t even started on our wonderful master suite, with a staircase down to our someday garden, but it will happen. The main level, we only have to finish the bathroom tile, and moldings around the doors. Almost done! Enjoy the cooler weather!
Susan, I can’t wait for your book! I’m writing from Kansas and we just returned from 16 days in Maine and Mass. going on every boat we could. It was my husband’s 65th birthday and we sailed on a windjammer for a few days and nights, what fun! Also had a tour of the “Bounty” in Gloucester and the “Constitution” in Boston. It was a fabulous vacation and now I’m ready to scrapbook some of the 658 photos I took (and had printed). It’s hard to get back to the routine of housework. I am really looking forward to reading your book. Love, Sheila
My parents were from Amesbury Mass, and love that part of the country. Also I’m a fan of sailing and ships, although I’ve never done it. Seen pictures of The Constitution going out and that was amazing. Thanks for sharing about your trip, it sounds wonderful!
Dear Susan;
Just wanted to say how much we enjoy your blog & the Willards! Love your artwork & your “words”! Can’t wait for your “English Diary” to come out! Will we be able to pre-order it?
Just wanted you to know that your light-hearted words can easily bring sunshine into ones day, so keep at it!
If you & joe are ever in the Zeeland/Holland, Mi area, let us know & w’ll “put you up” for your time here! Would love to have & you & Joe visit!
PS; Tell Jack to stay out of trouble………cause I can see it in his eyes!
Thanks Laurie, and yes, we’ll have a pre-order announcement here on the blog!
Oh goody! I cannot wait for “our” England book! You are a dear, sweet soul Susan!
Thank you, Susan, for a peek into your new book!! I’m looking forward to reading it. I live in New Jersey (South Jersey) and am enjoying the beautiful weather, My family went to the Philadelphia Zoo yesterday and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect!! We already made plans for our annual visit to Linvilla Orchards next month. I can’t wait to pick apples and pumpkins with my son and niece!! I love that this season brings my family together for such fun outings!! Have a wonderful week!!
Hello from Southern California, Wildomar that is…The weather here this summer has been so strange, I grew up here in CA and I can’t remember this type of weather throughout the summer. Isn’t that why we live in Calif anyway?
I usually Love the summer heat, but that is the dry heat I am use to not this sticky stuff. Maybe our Fall season will be more normal, that’s nice too.
I would love to win your Autumn book, by the way.
Thanks, also for the sneak peek at how your books come about. That was fun!
Writing to you from our little hobby farm in the Ottawa Valley, just a wee bit to the west of you, here in Ontario, Canada. We have sheep, and at the moment lambs, (!!!) chickens, gardens, veg and flower and herb here and there, grandbabies, a small sugar bush, open field and blue sky. I love your books, blog, and art. It’s all wonderful and speaks straight to my heart! (And I made a poem 🙂
blessings to you and Joe,
Niki
I just can’t fathom being so diligent…I tried keeping a diary gillions of times and just can’t seem to get past the first week…so sad, for I know there are many details of happenings I would love to remember. They say if you do something diligently for three weeks you develop the habit…what does that say about me?
We are so very grateful that you are as focused as you are… and the book is looking great! I know you have poured your heart and soul out over each detail, for that is WHO! you are. I feel blessed to have found this site when I did (many moons ago) and each morning you are my “sunrise”. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us. Never been disappointed!
Went through a kitchen renovation once, and that was enough!! UGHHHHHH!!!! It was well worth the misery, but it was not one of the funnist things I’ve ever been through. Hang in there, it will be wonderful…can’t wait to see it all fixed up!
Hi Sue from Roaming Shores, Ohio, where I’m visiting my fave SIL at her new house and she and I are right now reading your blog. We love you and want to visit Martha’ Vineyard and stand outside your house and hope you come out. Please don’t be scared, we’re not nutty stalkers. I live in Ashburn, Va, in case you want to stand outside my house and hope I come out. 🙂
I love reading the comments of all of the girlfriends from everywhere! More of the same where I live; never was there a prettier day here in North Carolina, that is maybe until tomorrow…
Sue
Oooh! The AUTUMN book! I just this weekend reserved it at my library! How fun!
Susan, I can sympathize with the reno chaos. We just put our living room back together after plastering (dust everywhere). A good friend helped me paint the walls one day and another full day to paint all the trim work. I’m loving the fresh feeling. Fall is beginning just a tad here in Michigan and I’ve brought out a few fall things to urge it on. Thanks so much for your blog. I’m like everyone else…it goes well with a cup of tea and a time of relaxation.
First comment of which I hope is many more! You have inspired me for (yikes!) 30 years or so and I randomly found you on Twitter. Now I can have some more fun with you and your travels! Happy Monday, indeed!!!
Welcome Deborah!
Sending greetings from down the road. Actually, we’re over near Tashmoo, but it feels like right down the road. I loved traveling to England with you. I sent many people to your blog so they could read about it too. I try to not write on this too much, I feel like I am lurking since you are so close by. Betty
Fall is sneaking its way into Loveland, Colorado … raccoons raided the grape vines last night! Somewhere during the past two years, my beloved Autumn book went AWOL. Lesson learned: keep track of who you lend a Susan Branch to!
Susan, thanks so much for taking the time to BLOG ~ each one is like being there with you ~ your pictures are wonderful! What a glorious life on the Island! AND the new book ~ talk about “like being there”! I’m sure it will provide a vacation anytime we need one! You do awesome work! ENJOY fall! It’s almost here in the hills of north central IDAHO. Heavenly blessings, Cathy
Can’t wait for this book. Today in Lancaster, N.Y. is awesome blue skies, big white puffy clouds, hint of cool air perfect. nice break from the high 80’s- 90’s we’ve had all summer. Can’t wait to see the kitchen. Hope your day is great!!!
Hi Sue- A friend gave me a copy of your Autumn Book. I love it so. Autumn is in the air, here in Ashland, OR. I can’t really wrap my mind about raking up leaves yet, but they are starting to fly. Can we pre-order you book?
Soon we will fix it so we can take pre-orders!
Thank you for giving us a sneak peek of the book! I’m dying to hear more about Jane Austen’s home. She is one of my favorite authors, and I always wonder about her life. (The sunset rainbow is gorgeous! How do you take such wonderful pictures of the sky. I tried to take pictures of the full moon, but I wasn’t succesful.)
I don’t really know, I just point the camera UP, and push the button!
You have amazing luck with husband, cats and camera.
Yes, and now you can add “paint.” 🙂
Thank you for another amazing dose of inspiration for my soul!!!!!! I am from Lee, Massachusetts ~ in the heart of the Berkshires! I just studied my Autumn book yesterday for that magic I always feel when I look at your work! I always believe your magic will rub off on me and spark my imagination, and it always does!!! Autumn is in the air and it’s time to decorate! xo
A little rain this morning in Eugene, Oregon. We love our rainy days, for curling up with a cup of tea and a book !
I know it is Autumn (even though temperature is in the high 90’s today) because I had my first Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks yesterday.
Your England book sounds lovely. I love your handwriting and charming watercolors so I know this new book won’t disappoint me. Looking forward to it bringing England a little closer to me.