I know, Groundhog Day isn’t until February 2, but it started early for me. In fact, this is me. That is what has happened; I am forming to chair shape. And that is my fork. Sometimes I use it, and sometimes I just use my hands. We need sophisticated musica for this one!
“What if there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today.” From the movie Groundhog Day, which, if you haven’t seen it, you should RUN to get it; it’s wonderful.
Today I thought I would write about what it’s like to be a writer deep in the throes of putting together a book. They always say “write what you know,” and for sure, right now, this is what I know. Most people think that being a writer or an artist is a romantic way to live. You get to work at home; you get to take a blank piece of paper and give it words and color and change it completely so it’s not even just a piece of paper anymore, and you get to make it all up. Like 
permanently dreaming, or like playing house as a way of life. And it IS a lovely thing to do, a wonderful thing to do. Every morning I come down the stairs, somewhere between three and four o’clock in the morning. I wake up, excited, thinking, “Oh boy, I’m painting Beatrix Potter’s clogs today,” or, “Oh boy, I get to paint a bunny today,” or whatever it is that day. Morning is when I seem to have the easiest time concentrating. Because figuring out what I’m actually going to put on that blank piece of paper requires that I 
think, and make decisions. I don’t mind the thinking, but I could live without the decision-making. What shall I paint for a border? Does it look good enough? Does it make sense? Is it too little? Too much? Will the girls (that’s you!) like it? I never know for sure. I really don’t. How could I? I rely on faith. And try to write what I want to read. So down the stairs I come, with two little furry creatures leading the way. And, very often, the happy gene has kicked in and I’m singing on the stairs. Which brings me to this quote… 
Because even I can see that it’s a little pathological to sing on the stairs at 3 am. I’m glad Joe doesn’t like the morning the way I do; I enjoy having all the quiet to myself. Of the two of us, Joe is definitely the normal one. I take him his tea around 7 am and then spend about a half hour shooting the rubber band for Jack so he can leap over Joe and off the bed to chase it and bring it back to me. Girl watches calmly from her blankie in a chair. It’s family time. 🙂 (although I’ve been asked by Joe to quit referring to him as Jack’s Dad!). Until 7, I have the house to myself; it’s me, the kitties, the hum of the furnace, and the scratch of my pen and this — the morning view at dawn.
I make myself a big cup of tea with honey and half and half; I cut up an apple and put it on a plate; I wrap myself in a shawl; I put one pair of clogs in front of the furnace 
vent to warm, and later, if my feet get cold, I change shoes and leave the cold ones to warm up. And then I head to my studio, through the dark living room, counting my blessings as I go because it’s so quiet and nice, where I write and paint all day. When Joe gets up, we put on a mountain of clothes, and go for a walk, as long as it is at least 32° and the ground is not icy. We come home, he makes a fire, he cooks us breakfast. I don’t know what I would do without him… he is making me Punxsutawney Pudding for tonight’s dinner (recipe to follow!). I go to my studio — then I blink, and suddenly, the sun has gone down, and another day is gone. Because writing is like playing racquetball. When you play racquetball you don’t think about anything else. You are too busy thinking about the game. Time goes by in a flash. And then it’s bedtime. In between, for entertainment, I have this:
I have no idea how it works for other authors, but for me, writing a book requires a kind of concentration that, it becomes more and more clear, I actually don’t even have. So I have to force it out of myself, it’s in there, but it’s down deep; if I was a country, it would be in another country, that’s how deep it is. I can lose that concentration if I go away from it for any time at all, even out to dinner. When I come back, I often find that I no longer know how to write a book, I can’t think of anything to say, I have to start over; I’m grateful for William Wordsworth’s words …
Aha! Now I remember. Of course, I can do that! Then I sit in my chair and wait until it all comes back to me; sometimes it takes as long as a week before my heart is once 
again breathing out loud; trips to the refrigerator provide the needed exercise while I wait. So, I’m careful and I try not to go anywhere. Hence, Groundhog Day. Tomorrow will be the same as today, because that’s how it was yesterday. Up, sing, tea, shoes, shawl, apple (for wild and crazy variation, maybe English muffin), paint, Joe/tea, Jack/rubber band, Girl/Kiss, eat, walk, paint, sleep. It doesn’t make for much of an exciting blog life, but at the end, a reward of a fat, cute little book and a long trip across country, the slow way, hopefully to meet many of you! The other thing is, sometimes (and this requires a stretch but it’s worth it) I feel like Diane Keaton in the movie Something’s Got to Give … remember, she’s a writer, and she’s in her bedroom writing, crying most of the time because Jack Nicolson is breaking her heart; it’s not the crying part for me, but the writing part! She makes it look so cute!
OK, back to work, but now, to celebrate my groundhog life, here’s a delicious little winter-night dinner I have no doubt at all that you will love! Makes the kitchen smell like heaven tastes just delicious. Defraptious as my mom would say.
I’m on page 157 of A Fine Romance! Could someone please say, You go girl?” xoxo Uh oh, I just noticed — the two cups of pineapple juice that goes into the Pineapple Spareribs is missing on the recipe! That groundhog probably drank it! You just mix it in with the rest of the ingredients! Sorry!
I want to chime in with my *YOU GO GIRL!* too ! And keep on going to your heart’s content. Can you feel us all peeking over your shoulder every morning? We would if we could, and we all love the previews you’ve shared with us. I’m rooting for a visit to a bookstore close to Long Beach. A girl can dream!
Susan, whenever I am done reading your posts, I feel like I can accomplish anything creative or otherwise. Thank you so much.
From the outside looking in, seems like you’ve flown through those 150+ pages! Which movie was it that said, “writing is easy, you just open up a vein.” ouch.
You Go, Girl…it’s shorter than birthing a baby…right? -smile-
I hope it will be!
I feel almost guilty that you are taking time out from writing your book(which I have a feeling is going to be wonderful), to blog to all us ladies. These blogs are so well done, you could almost make a book out of them too. Write away and do what you love, I think we will all understand if there is a lull in blog land now and then. Keep up your good work. God bless.
YOU GO GIRL!!!…Thank you for sharing your writing routine and rituals…I too am anxiously awaiting your next book…I do hope you will think about coming to the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island or our two local bookstores~Between the Covers in Harbor Springs MI and/or McLean & Eakin bookstore in Petoskey MI for book signings…I will mention your name and new book to the powers that be at both bookstores…until then…if I am up at 3 AM like I was last night, I will certainly be thinking of you wrapped in your shawl, drinking tea and doing the wonderful work that you do…xoxo…
Freezing here today in Minnesota…can’t WAIT til this football season is OVER…sheesh…my eyes are bleary and my ears are hurting from listening and having to watch with my hubby today…I am counting my blessings and thinking wonderful thoughts because we can sit in the same room together, right???…
Thank you Rae Ann, I wrote them both down!
XOXO…
“You Go Girl” ~~~~ Susan ~~~ Your books are some of my most prized possessions. I have a lovely little stand on my kitchen sideboard, and I switch them out for each season…will soon get out my adorable little “Love – from the Heart of the Home” book. We all are cheering you on and hope you know that we don’t just enjoy them when they are new….. I’ve cherished them year after year!! I have my new calendar on my refrigerator and will say a prayer for your writing to *FLOW* from your heart each time I see it!!! Hope you know and feel how much we all love you 🙂
Susan ~ thank God for you, your awesome books & your creations! You make the world a better place. I love your blog,… it made / makes me forget the craziness of the day. Not to mention, my one & 1/2 year old little boy is all snuggled up against me in bed as I read your blog right now & he is loving the photo of Jack as he points to it saying “meeeow”. Don’t ever stop creating those amazing books!! 🙂 Have a great & happy wknd. xo ~Cindy*
Love the picture you made of you and your little boy!
Susan, you are almost finished! It is soooo interesting to read about your creative process. Do you ever listen to musica while you are working on our book? Knowing the LOVE that you put into each page makes us just want to savor all of the little details even more. Whenever you have hard decisions to make on a page… just think of all of us sitting quietly in your studio (in our jammies) “helping” you create! You inspire us all of the time, so we are most happy to be there for you, as you work on A Fine Romance. You go girl!!!!
Warm hugs,
Dawn
♡♡
YOU GO GIRL FROM THE SWELTERING LAND “DOWN UNDER”.
You wouldn’t want to be trying to concentrate with our 40C+ days of late. I keep looking at your snow pics – ahhhhhhhhhhh.
Dreaming of cool days and nights and your book.
Hard to imagine right now!
hi susan… ygg!!! and remember…even in her most desperate moment..she writes yet her best play…… have faith…we do!!!!!! xoxox love, cindy
p.s. here’s to the pudding!!!
You definitely do rise and shine early! What time DO you go to bed?!! I thought I was a happy person in the morning but I definitely do not sing! It is so interesting to see how you write; the mood, the interruptions in your concentration, it really is not a sweet and simple process, although your books make us feel otherwise. However I think this saying is so true about you…if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.
I just ordered your calendar. I simply do not know what day it is! Hubby is still home from work ( never mentioned he was diagnosed with cancer last summer…I hope no one I know reads this because I have not made it an issue in the blogging world…some things are best left unsaid). However, I keep up with you and Sharon (Lovejoy), so I feel comfortable. Soon he will be back to work and I will miss him!! He’ll be 60 in July and closer to retirement and I no longer have those crazy fears of being together 24/7!!! Anyway…he asked the other day what day it was and I said, “You are asking the wrong person!”, so I’ve been using one of those nifty cardboard calendars you get from your insurance company until yours arrives! lol!!
Sorry such a long comment. Next time I visit I want to tell you a hilarious story about the time we visited Martha’s Vineyard a few years ago that involves you and Joe. Just crazy!!! And if you have time, stop by, I did a year in review and it was quite fun.
Big Hugs…
XO,
Jane From Chicago
You go girl!!!! Looking forward to the new book! In the meantime, I’m looking through Heart Of The Home and my Full Moon bookmark is at the Kale Soup recipe. Thank you for the new recipe! Can’t wait to try it.
Speaking for myself only, BUT, I have not seen one word or picture of yours that I have not fallen in love with totally….your touch is golden on my computer. Can’t wait to get home each day to see if you have posted, look at photos or listen to music. I talk about your kitties, recipes, trips and daily life to the point that my son thought you lived close to us…I just told him that we were Girlfriends. Thank you so much for sharing with us all…and you go girl!!
LOL, love your son!
You make everything seem better! Remember “Hearts can inspire other hearts with their fire”… You inspire me daily. Thank you! Go girl go!
You go girl!!! Does it count if I’m not a girlfriend?
You’ve just described, perfectly, exactly why I want to spend my life as a writer and illustrator!
One clarification… In the bit about the rubber bands for Jack, I almost get the impression that you are shooting the rubber bands AT Joe… Please don’t give my wife any ideas…
No, he is a laughing bystander! Til I leave the room, then he takes over! You’re a girlfriend Jake!
From you, Susan, I consider that a high compliment!
You Go Girl!!! Recipes look great and love the morning story. I’m NOT a morning person but can respect those who are. I’m awake in the morning but go to sleep when everyone else is getting up. Then my sleep cycle stays messed up, especially the last few weeks of the holidays. I got up at a fairly good time, 12 noon, and went to the Getty Villa Museum in Malibu. It was a lovely day!
What font do you use for your blog? Or do you hand write it? Or is it a font you created? Just curious! Thanks, Katharine
Some of it is handwritten, the rest is ariel.
Hi Susan
Gosh! How do you do it? I go to bed between 8 & 9 o’clock but I don’t surface until 8 & 9 next day. Wow I admire your determination and dedication to your work and what wonderful work you achieve. I have woken early today and I have got my iPad on my bedside table so just checked my emails and your blog and I feel tired so I am going to put out the light and go back to sleep and dream about my quilt that I am laboriously trying to do a little work on but the light is so bad at the moment with all this continuous rain and grey skies that I am lucky if I complete one block. I need to make 70 blocks just for the top of the bed without the sides. Dresden plates in one block and then an embroidered block it’s looking good but I have only achieved 17 finished blocks so thank you for all your inspiration, I will keep going and one day it will be finished like your book which I am awaiting with great anticipation.
Yes Pam, just a matter of time, just keep going and one day, voila!
You go, girl!! The dedication to your work (?) is half the challenge and half the celebration. I know that you are writing to all of us who were fortunate enough to take that trip with you and Joe. And, yes, you are putting memories on paper for you as well. You are writing a book about a journey that you took. I am trying to get started writing about the wonderful life I shared with Fred – for my children and grand-children and great-grand-children. Gettingstarted is the difficult part for me. But I will get there soon. Sounds to me like you need to do “toe Fairies” in the front yard – in your bathrobe – including a song in your heart. I tried that once in my driveway and my neighbors are still talking about it! (weren’t they lucky to watch???!!!) Breathe, girl – and remember – YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! Tons of love and hugs and “toe Fairy” dances at dawn XXXXOOOO
Pat, what a really nice thing to do for your family. I would have loved it if my mother or grandmother had done that. My grandfather died when I was only 6 months old, and I never knew him. I think of him often and have always believed he watched over me. My very own guardian angel.
You are still healing from your loss. One day it will all come flowing out. Keep pen and paper handy!
Much love, Chris
I have read everything you’ve ever written and seen everything, well, most of what you’ve painted. You don’t ever have to worry, because I know, I am a writer and also an artist. It’s like breathing, you just clear your mind and let the natural flow of things begin. And let’s face it, above all, as much as I love your pictures, you are a very, very gifted writer. Why do we like what you do??? Because we love you, we hang on every word you say….so don’t worry sis, it’s all good.
ps. just had my last grandchild around seven last night, a boy, number 8. if i had my way i’d have grandbabies and animals running all over the place!! oh well, 8’s a good number, 3 girls and 5 boys. life is good.
Oh Karen! How exciting! Congratulations!
I am that night owl in California who is going to sleep around 2 or 3am, and I think of you just starting your day beginning to write at that time. It sounds like it works for you, and you are really getting that book written fast!! I can’t wait to read it like all your other fans.
No pressure, but in addition to that England calendar could you do a daily desk calendar too? Maybe an English desk calendar? When you have the time! Oh I almost forgot…….YOU GO GIRL!!!!!
You are doing GREAT on the book!! I am soooo excited!!
What an awesome photo of Jack!! He’s always so photogenic, tho’!
So enjoyable, knowing how you are spending your days! To you, you are just “you”, but to us, you are SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL, so we are fascinated with your life! 😀
I bought the brown bird teacup for my daughter for Christmas and one for myself. I LOVE it!! And I bought the Christmas one for my son’s girlfriend in the Czech Republic. She just received it and loves it, too!!
I can’t remember if you have mentioned it – have you been watching “Downton Abbey”? We are in the middle of Season 2 (I got it for Christmas) and I love it so much!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Oh yes, I’m watching … tomorrow is the big day! I love those cups too!
Susan your “happy gene” reminds me of the movie Patch Adams when he is accused of “excessive happiness” …what a lovely way to be!
Hi Susan
YOU GO GIRL!!!!
I am so excited to get your new book when you are done, I have all your books and cherish each one. I Love Susan Branch!!!
Love the squirrel at the bird feeder, looks like my bird feeders:)
I get up between 3 and 4am also. Gee I thought I was the only one. I love when I am the only one up and have the house to myself and its all quiet. Love it
I didn’t know you were writing a pancake book also. I can’t wait to get that one also.
Happy day to you Susan, happy writing!!!
deezie
Hello Dear Sue:
I can’t speak for anyone else but anytime someone says “Oh you are so talented or gifted” I say, well I am neither really, it is just sheer determination and perseverance to get something done that I want to do that is really the crux of it all. Because I have to work ten times harder at doing something than the next person really. If they only knew how difficult it is to get to those goals in the end. aw……….and Sue you are right, it really is akin to giving birth! It is very gratifying to get to the finish line and be able to clear the mind and take a deep breath again………..so my hat is off to you in countless ways! Hang in there and know we are all waiting in line to see this wonderful gift of yours that is forthcoming. the Book! Gratias! P.S.
Hello Susan,
You are SO talented! Your paintings are wonderful! Love your porky groundhog…. He just makes me smile! The Bunny with Beatix Potter’s name on it is adorable too …I really like the way you left part of her name white so it could be read on the bunny. So creative! Thanks for another delightful post!
YOU GO GIRL!!!!
Blessings and Love from Maryland,
Terry
You go girl! You’ve never let us down yet!! I’ve hung your calender in our new home. I knew something was missing now its beginning to look a lot like home! Can’t wait for your new book about my homeland keep up the good work Susan! xxxx
You go girl!
Of course, YOU GO GIRL!
We’re with you in spirit as you write this treasure of a book for us. Christmas shopping will be so easy this year.
My hubby has breakfast started, but I’m the Wheatena maker. Off I go downstairs to get some tummy warmth.
Susan, thanks for the recipes. They will be perfect for this weekend.
Bliss!
Marie xo
Susan, bless your heart and thank you for fighting through the writers block you have from time to time. Does it help that you are writing your book through the “dreary” months vs SUMMER?? Now, I would think if it were sunny and beautiful outside you really would be daydreaming…..so, every morning when you are sitting at your desk with tea in hand just imagine that ALL of us are wishing you “creative mojo” and so excited that you are writing OUR TRIP so we always can remember that wonderful journey. WE APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR DAILY SACRIFICE. Stay on course and take some time out for yourself (bubble bath, longer walk)…..stay refreshed and never worry that WE won’t like something……these books are your children and heaven forbid we wouldn’t think “A Fine Romance” isn’t just plain beautiful!! Blessings
Dear Susan, I can surely see why you go to bed so early and get up so early to get your “book things” done for the day before Joe gets up……….yes, I can see how that works and this way you get your “work” part out of the way (with no distractions) before your family part starts for the rest of the day……super……bravo…….not so easy……..but it works out well for you even if it does seem like Groundhog Day. I know what you mean about making all the decisions, and I find as I get a little older, trying to make decisions sometimes seems a little harder, and I’m wondering why! I can’t put my finger on “why”. All of this will again go through my mind as I’m reading “A Fine Romance”. Then I will look forward to “Pancakes”. I will have to try your recipes as soon as I get to the store for some spareribs! Yummy, and can’t wait to smell them cooking. Well, heres to page 157 and before you know it the rest of the book will be completed. Wonder how you know how many pages it will take and how you will end it? Hope you have a fun weekend. I’m thinking you do this on the weekend as well. You go girl! Hugs, Gail Buss, Fl XXX
I already wrote the end. It’s all written, I’m just putting it on the pages with pen and ink, and painting the little pictures. I don’t know how many pages quite yet, but getting closer to being able to figure it out. It has a good ending. Happily ever after!
Because I enjoy reading the comments (not ALL because there are so many!!!!), everything I want to say has usually already been said, but I will add my YOU GO GIRL, and thank you for keeping us all up to date on your progress. I’m glad to know that you go to bed early, because I had already guessed that you get up super early! Explains how you accomplish so much in a day (blogging, reading & replying to same, WRITING, PAINTING, and hopefully having a life somewhere in between).
Really looking forward to A Fine Romance; my only experience in England was a day at Heathrow on our way to Ireland a couple of years ago. I hope your tour brings you within driving distance of south-central KY (we trust you will give us a schedule ASAP!), but if not, the book itself will be a treat. Back to work, dahlin’!
The squirrel picture is way too cute. I love those little creatures. Unfortunately, when you have a herd of Bloodhounds there are no squirrels, no bunnies, no fox, no nothing. I have bull elk that live in the mountains behind my ranch, but they only come to visit at night when my babies are sleeping by the wood stove. My Bloodhounds are typical “track-never attack” so they just chase creatures they never kill them. But, those little creatures don’t know that so they just stay away and I miss them.
I did laugh myself silly last spring when two bluebirds attacked my babies and they stared howling and running for their lives. My Bloodhounds each way over 100 pounds so I think you understand how funny it was to see a feathered creature that weighs ounces causing them to tremble. Of course then each of them needs to be cuddled to feel safe again.
I can’t wait for your new book. I have everything you have written even your Snail Mail Willards (one of my favorites) so you go girl! When are you looking as a publishing date?
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl
Takes four months to print, so I think the end of August.
Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Susan~
Aren’t you glad your groundhog day life is in January? What better time of year to curl up with warm shoes,shawl,tea and hibernate with a project than winter? It would be MUCH harder to keep focus if the apple trees were blooming, methinks!
Loved the blog this morning…the dailyness of a writer/artist is something we don’t get to see very often, so thanks for sharing.
~Joy
PS…oh to have a husband who cooks…love my guy,but a man who can cook is a treasure!
Yes, in January I’m often a groundhog anyway! 🙂 Yes, I wrote in my diary that I wanted a 6’2″ Leo who can cook. That’s what I got!
The first time I didn’t ask (maybe that was the problem), but this time I got exactly what I asked/hoped for! And love is lovelier the second time around!!!
My story exactly!
Susan, I have always wondered what it must be like for you to write your books. They are so beautiful and full of wonderful stories, recipes, and ideas! It is fascinating, however, to get a glimpse of what it is like for you the artist. The effort is not romantic, but rather Herculean! For someone like myself, who is not an artist, it is hard to imagine how such amazing books and other works you have created happen. Thank-you for sharing this Ground Hog view of some of what it takes to make this all come together. Who would ever know it was so complex and at times vexing? For me, it just makes me cherish your books even more and your new book WILL be EPIC! Thank-you for bringing us along on your journey both inside and outside. I, for one, am all the better for tagging along!! I am joining all the other girlfriends in wishing you God Speed as you continue on!!
Makes it much more fun to have you along! xoxo
XOXO–You go girl!! Can’t wait for the book……will be amazing, as always!!
You go, girl!!
I am continually in awe of your creativity! I also know that an artist must work when there is inspiration and the ability for concentration! It is not something that can be turned on and off like a timer on the stove!
It certainly sounds like a lovely dinner planned! Enjoy your day!
xo Nellie
I do love that ground hog. He looks the way I feel after eating my way through the holidays!
Bless your heart. You really ARE a morning person! Singing on the stairs? I’m awake between 5 & 6, but up? And singing? Now that we have an IPad, it’s coffee in bed and read Susan Branch and all the girlfriends. Jack and Joe…what a team! If you have never read The Autobiography of Foudini M. Cat you must. He names his owners Warmth and Pest. You can guess who is who. Thank you for taking time out to write to us AND send recipes. I have been so hungry for stuffed peppers, so now that has been moved to Saturday night and it looks like ribs for Sunday, MIT pudding! Go Girl Go! We will all be at the book signings with bells on….and name tags!
P.S. Thanks to the girlfriend who mentioned Abebooks.com. OMG! 4 Susan Branch books are on their way and a Gladys Taber. Probably by pony express, you know how slow they send books but they are coming…..yeah!
So glad to hear that! I didn’t know!
I bought 3 of your books from Powell’s in Portland, OR. I’m on a waiting list for Autumn from the Heart of the Home. As soon as they get one, it’s gone! They are very hard to find. No one wants to give theirs up!
Love Powell’s!
Chris– Ha, ha ah!! I love your image of all of us girlfriends standing in line at one of Susan’s book signings with bells on AND name tags!!! OMG, I wish that could happen! Wouldn’t it be so much fun to meet each other and get photos of all of us together getting our books signed??? As soon as location schedule is released, I will be making every possible effort to get to the one closest to Florida.
Susan, can’t you just see us all giddy with excitement at the chance to meet you in person and each other? I am tucking away this sweet image and writing it down. After all, you were just saying that writing things down help to make them happen. I am writing it down in my computer notebook using BOLD! How about you, Chris?
I like that!
Winnie, I was on my IPad when I posted a reply to you and I don’t think it ever loaded. But I thought about what you said about all of us girlfriends getting a group photo. The image that popped into my mind was that we would have to be someplace like Jerry Jones’ football stadium to get that shot! The field would just be filled with Girlfriends!
So I am going to take my name tag…put little bells on it and I am prepared to travel as far as I need to go to get Susan to sign my book! I feel like a groupie….. Chris
Oh dear…forgot to tell you WE GOT SNOW! It’s been several years. We got about 2 inches. Shut the whole town down! They don’t know what to do when it snows. Very funny. But I took many pictures. It was the wet kind and stuck to all the trees and fences….so beautiful.
People do the same thing in my town! Ha! The hear about the coming snow, run to the store for bread and milk(why those two items, I do not know!), and then hide in the house when it only snows half an inch. But it is very pretty to see since it rarely snows here as well. 🙂
Snow! So jealous–we were so close too. My brother had snow in Dallas for Christmas Eve….I was so jealous! The Hill Country had snow this week, but only drizzle in Austin. Sunshine finally today. Aren’t Texans funny–a tiny bit of snow and everything comes to a halt, we make soup and watch movies and pretend we are in a winter
blizzard. Enjoy!
My granddaughter lives in Ft Worth. She really wanted snow for Christmas. They were here with me for Christmas and it snowed in Ft Worth. Then they went home and it snowed here! She felt like she was chasing snow and it was running from her!
We call that being in “Storm Mode” (going for milk and bread–but we get stuff for making soup or stew, too, and staying inside until the storm is over…) 🙂
Oh, Chris, fun for you! Snow always makes the day so exciting! We got a coating on Christmas Eve and it looked so magical at night! Then several days after Christmas it snowed, but only about 2″. I am glad you got some. I bet the kids were excited!
Linda
I can remember when I didn’t care if I ever saw snow again. It sure is beautiful and a lot more fun when it only lasts a day! Even people at work were building snowmen. The snow was gone today and tomorrow will be in the 50’s! I really would like Christmas in Ohio again. Some day after I retire I plan to spend Christmas with my son and his family. And even if it doesn’t snow I can count on it being cold for Christmas! Hope you had a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year Linda! 2013! Wow…can it be already?
Hello Linda! You are so lucky to live where you do….such a beautiful area. We spend Christmas Eve with my son’s family in Morgantown and they have a big picture window. We could see the snow coming down and we all got excited, the young and old alike. Everyone there was like a kid!
Betsy, Whenever I go to see my oldest son and his wife I take Route 23 to his home in Phoenixville so I travel through Morgantown! The entire trip through the rolling countryside is just gorgeous! Such a peaceful drive! I love it! I bet you had a great time with your son! Where do you live?
Linda
Hi Linda! We travel Route 23 all the way to our son’s but coming from the opposite direction. We pass St. Peter’s Village, have you ever been there? It’s a lovely little spot. We live in Worcester. When my husband and I discuss where to live when we retire it’s a toss up between Lititz ( so we can be near Wilbur Buds) or Ronks so we can get our hands on Zook’s Homemade Pot Pies. They sure know how to make a mean pie! Our son was married last year in Phoenixville at an old factory. It’s a lovely town with great restaurants. Oh my goodness, you are going to think all we do is EAT!!! Have a great week.
Dear Betsy,
Yes, I have been to St. Peters Village! It is very quaint and lovely. As far as restaurants in Phoenixville–haha! my son and DIL always have another restaurant they are talking about so I know what you mean about good places to eat there.
Lititz and Ronks are very close to each other. I live in Rothsville which is right beside Lititz (Lititz is my mailing address). Lititz is an adorable community to live in–with its own weekly newspaper! Lovely little shops, including Wilbur Buds which I also love!
I’m so glad we made this connection on Susan’s blog!
Linda
My son is in Frisco Texas at the FCS Title Championship game today…cheering for his NDSU! Yesterday he sent me a text…..I can’t believe I am in Texas! Someone is mowing the lawn, there are leaves on the trees, it’s green out and I am wearing shorts!!! It does look beautiful there, as I watch the game and try to look for a cowboy hat attached to my Tommy boy! Chris, have you ever been to Fredericksburg, Texas? The town is featured in Jan/Feb Midwest Living…..would like to take my Mom there this summer. Gee haw…you are a lucky girl to find all those books! Have fun!
Dawn, I would imagine that Frisco seems balmy compared to North Dakota or Minnesota! I just went to Fredericksburg this past April. My daughter-in-law and the grandkids were visiting. I had not been there for probably close to 18 years and I was a little disappointed. All the wonderful shops, little unique stores that I remember were gone. But the physical setting of the town itself is just beautiful. Lots of restaurants and the Nimitz Museum are there. And don’t miss Wildseed Farms on Hwy 290 just E of Fredericksburg. It has really grown over the years. And since you are that far continue E on Hwy 290 to Johnson City. It’s on the Pedernales River. President Johnson’s boyhood home is there. It is very scenic. I am sure there are some SBGF in the Hill Country that could give you some great tips on places to visit. Nothing like going straight to the source! The Hill Country is really beauiful and really worth the trip! Chris
Chris, You are so sweet! My Mom has never been to Texas and it would be a fun road trip with her. My inlaws lived in Dallas years ago…so it has been a long time since I’ve been there….and it was always beautiful and balmy! I went to my nephew’s wedding in Austin…is that Hill Country? It is 10 degrees today but the sunshine makes it feel warmer! 🙂
Hi Dawn, I think Austin would be considered the very Eastern edge of the Hill Country. I consider it more Brady, Mason, Fredericksburg, San Saba.
I laughed at “beautiful and balmy”! Last two summers we have hit records for the number of days over 100 degrees! I would skip July and August as far as a trip to Texas! April or May is beautiful, if we get rain, we will have wild flowers blooming. Come visit as late as June, but after that “swelter” would be the word for the day. 🙂
One more time, you go girl! Can’t wait for your new book, we are saving for our trip to England, on the Queen Mary, in 2015! One of my dreams 🙂 Loving your posts as always. They are so inspirational.
blessings to you and Joe and the kitties,
Niki
You Go Girlfriend!! Can’t wait for “A Fine Romance”! You’re so sweet to take us along for the journey. Think of the scene in “SGG” when Diane Keaton finally finishes her play – how exultant she felt! She threw up her arms and pitched the tissues! That’ll be you (minus the tissues!) Thanks for the picture of Jackie-boy – I missed him 🙂
Thanks for all your musings. Youve allowed us to peer into your life! What a gift. It is so inspiring to know that others struggle with their everyday routines yet in the end the process makes them strong and grateful. Its not easy to see a blank page and create like you do but the joy you give must be worth it. Keep it up!!!! You lift me to a higher level.
Hi Susan! My mother always repeated to us, what her nun told her class, ” A job worth doing is worth doing well”. (I say these words to myself quite often). Please know that I feel you do everything well!! I have been a fan of yours since before you sold your scrapbook kits on TV. I bought your kit and still love it! I have bought your stationery, stickers, rubber stamps and certainly your books since the beginning. PLEASE keep creating!! You are doing a fantastic job!! You are sharing your gift from God with us in your new book and on this wonderful blog! Thank you for making the world a happier place by sharing your talent with us!! MS NJ
January Greetings Susan!
As usual, I always look forward to finding your newest blog. Susan, your blogs are like little gems packaged in beautiful wrapping. Each one is filled with something special that we all enjoy. It’s fun to see your house and all your decorations and your little family and get updated on your new book.
We are all looking forward to your new book and can’t wait for you to finish it. To give you a little winter boost, you and Joe should take a few days off and visit “the mainland” and tour around some place new. Investigate some antique shops, (don’t you need a few more pieces of etched glassware?) take some long walks, visit a real bookstore, try a new restaurant or two and, find a craft supply shop to pick up some craft items for Valentine’s Day which isn’t that far off! And, while there, think about picking up some materials and try your very capable hands at needle-felting. Have just started it myself and it is alot of fun and have made some little birds. (Am sure Jack would love one to play with.) In other words, you just need a change of pace and recharge your batteries. You supply all your girlfriends with encouragment all the time with your blogs, now it is time for you to find some time for yourself!
Michele in Vermont
I’m saving that trip for when I finish! 🙂
You go girl! You are so wonderful to take time from the writing and painting of y(our) book to keep us in the loop of your progress. I love how you and Joe work so well together, taking care of each other and enjoying the simple things life has to offer. My husband and I work together the same way, it makes life so good! I loved every word of this post and the picture of Jack, TOO CUTE! Thank you Susan for all you do, I so love being one of your girlfriends! ♥
Susan! “A Fine Romance” is just a perfect title for the journal 🙂
You Gooooo GIRLfriend!
Thanks for a glimpse into your morning. I enjoy the morning hours as a mini retreat before I have go into my real world of computers and working at the State of NJ. I’m so hoping to use those skills to nurture my DREAMS as you wrote in your last blog post.
I’m sure hoping your train will make a stop somewhere close to NJ! Do let us know when you think the journey will start. I sure wouldn’t want to be away when you come by!
Happy first Saturday of 2013
Georgie
Yardville, NJ
I will!
Good Morning Susan!!!!
You’ve got my “GO GIRL” for sure!!!!!!
I just loved seeing your post today and I love that you share your day with us. You are always such a great inspiration to me and have a way of just making my day better!!!!! xoxoxo
Good morning Susan… I did what you said, and put cotton in my ears last night and left the sock around my neck, and my colds seems much better this morning, thank you for your advice!… just wondering, what kind of tea do you drink?… you always mention getting right up and putting the kettle on and having your morning tea… what is your favorite?…
My favorite is earl grey; I get organic since I drink so much of it … for afternoon, I have an earl grey with lavender in it. Yum!
Thank you for always answering Susan… even with how busy you are, you always take time for us “girlfriends”… and thank you for answering about Groundhogs…
PS I LOVE your Groundhog!… do you have them in Martha’s Vineyard?… if so, have you sever seen one on your walks?… we don’t have them here in Utah… wish we did…
No — they’re in Massachusetts, but not on either Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket.
No you don’t Julie! They invade your yard…. any yard and it’s almost impossible to get rid of them. Have been lucky to never have had any, but you go buy someplace that does and all you see are mounds of dirt all over. Have them reserved for in a zoo, haha.
I kind of thought they might be like gophers, which, no, you do not want! Groundhogs are cuter though.
I agree with Carol. Groundhogs are not cute; neither are they desirable. They can even been mean!! They invade your garden and have more and more babies and then the babies invade your garden. They have huge apartment complexes under the ground where they have riotous parties which I do not even want to speak about.
Okay so everything is true, except the riotous parties. I got kind of carried away.
But I do not like groundhogs.
Linda
Are they similar to Prairie Dogs? We have plenty of those here in the Beehive State! The groundhogs I’ve seen in movies or on television always look fat and healthy with thick shining fur. Much better than your average Prairie Dog.
We call them woodchucks in Minnesota….Or….when my kids were little they came in one afternoon and told me ….we have koala bears in our yard!
We have two groundhogs in our yard every summer. We call them Woody and Chuck. They are really cute… especially when they run up a tree! HOWEVER, they think our flower gardens are a salad bar. It’s frustrating because they find the new plants right away after I finish planting. One summer they ate my hollyhocks so often that we had miniature blooming hollyhocks. People walking by would often stop to ask about these special hollyhocks. I think the groundhogs Susan painted must have just come from our garden!
Woody and Chuck…too funny! I can’t imagine them climbing a tree! Do they climb down too? Or just kinda fall out? The ones we see here just kinda lumber and waddle about. I would just love a garden of hollyhocks…even special ones! 😉
I couldn’t believe it the first time I saw it! They just scamper up and down the tree trunk very quickly. They look like little bears climbing up! They are sleeping now… just waiting for Spring planting time. They are sure to be hungry by then!
“Up, sing, tea, shoes, shawl, apple (for wild and crazy variation, maybe English muffin), paint, Joe/tea, Jack/rubber band, Girl/Kiss, eat, walk, paint, sleep.” I love this. As a freelance writer, I am familiar with how easily my muse will stray unless the concentration and dedication are present, along with the daily routine. For me, I sometimes wish “life” didn’t get in the way so often. I truly admire you Susan. You go!
Oh, and–just curious–what kind of shawl?
I have had a green tartan plaid shawl, very very thin wool with tiny fringe on the edge, since I was in my 20’s — mostly it’s that one, unless it’s colder, then I have other heavier ones.
Also curious — when do you sleep? Getting up at 3 or 4 a.m., do you go to bed at 6 or 7p.m.? I’m very impressed with your work ethic and your discipline!
Between 8 and 9 . . . not so bad!
You Go Girlfriend!!!
Arnie didn’t like it either when I told Mr. Socks to go to Daddy, but the cat did act like a three year old when “Daddy” came home from work. He could hear the car pull in the driveway and waited at the front door! Later in the evening he sat on “Daddy’s” lap.
I like your shoe warming idea. My cut off for runs in WI was 28 degrees. I was pushing the envelope!! LOL
Susan,
Unless I missed it, you didn’t mention the chore of taking “Christmas” down and storing it away. Do you and Joe do it or do you have help for that? It’s so much fun to get it out and such a chore when it’s over and you have so much of it!
Yes, I really am detail oriented.
Judy
Joe did it all! Packed it up, took it to the attic, the tree came down the day after New Years.
I think you can rest assured that there isn’t a “Peggy Lee” amongst your thousands of fans. That’s what I call someone who responds to fabulous things with the “Is that all there is…” attitude! I can sure understand the feeling of pressure to finish, pressure to please, and that super fun daunting feeling of the FIVE other things you ought to get to. Oh, and the 2 minute distraction, “I’m going to run out and clip that one uneven branch I see out my window.” Turns into, “then I saw my neighbor, she showed me her new patio set and three hours later, I’ve lost my groove.” But take comfort in knowing, we all cheer you and support you and marvel at you and love you!!! This book is going to be so special for those of us who traveled with you through the blog. To able to say, oh yes, I remeber this as we’re reading along…what a thrill! You’re close…sooo close!!!❤
❌⭕❌⭕,
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi, Ca
So funny Tawni, but so true. I’ve been trying to unload the dishwasher for about an hour! And as you can see I am back on Susan Branch! I had to print the recipe!
Oh my gosh Chris, wouldn’t it be great if we could “stop the clock” like they do in sports! Then restart it when we get back to work and chores?!
❤ to you in Texas!
Chiming in with another “You Go Girl!” – and giggling at “Jack’s Dad”. My husband doesn’t mind when I refer to the cats and dogs as his kids, but our daughter prefers we not call them her little brothers and sisters. 😉
My mornings are much the same as yours, making the commute down the 120 year old stairs, putting the kettle on for tea, some oatmeal, or apple and toast for breakfast, checking in at the computer, putting some music on, then off to the work table to paint whatever is in progress. Groundhog Day indeed, especially when there deadlines. I’m easily distracted too, which can make it hard to focus (my husband call it”shiny object syndrome”, hehe.) 🙂
So looking forward to the new book!
♥ Carolee
Oh my, Carolee!!
I just checked your blog and my son lives in your town!! And I live about 10 minutes away from you!
Hope January holds many good days of painting for you!
Linda
‘Shiny object syndrome’ I have it, too, and that’s what my husband calls it.
I am sooooo easily distracted! Drives him crazy 🙂 Oooh, bird.
Hi Carolee. I hit the link to your blog in error, then spent 1 hour there! What a fun read and your artwork is charming as well. All the best from Southern California and I’ll keep an eye on your blog updates. Love your witch and cat images! Arline in LA
I’ll add my “You go Girl!” Page 157 out of 200, right? You’re on the homestretch! You can see the finish line! Now just picture all the girlfriends lined up on both sides of the finish, cheering you on, and finish strong! Can you tell I spend a lot of time at finish lines cheering on my son who is a runner? Seriously we are all in amazement over what you do. I can deal with the wait (delicious anticipation) and would sacrifice your wonderful blog posts since this amazzing book will be the end result. Just take care of yourself (or have Joe take care of you) and before you know it it will be Feb. 3 and your personal Groundhog Day will finally be over!
Here is a healthy dose of support and enthusiasm . . .
“Move that pencil.
Move that brush.
Create that book for all of us!
Go-o-o-o Susan!
(And thanks so much for the recipe. February 2nd is a major mid-winter celebration for my family, and this year I’ll be serving something new at our Groundhog Feast.)
I need to go get some pom poms! 🙂
Hi Susan! Thank you for the recipes. I laughed when I saw that you forgot the pineapple juice, cos I was just thinking that it was called pineapple spareribs, but there was no pineapple in it. And then next was you remembering the pineapple! Sounds like something I would do too! Missed 2 days of work this week–really sick…am on the mend (finally) and happy to see your post. Love you Girlfriend 🙂
Glad to hear you’re feeling better Vicki!
Thank you. Did you ever think about getting a little space heater for under your desk? When I was going to school on- line, my feet would just be freezing as I was sitting, endlessly studying. The heater was the perfect solution, I have it on right now actually. Just to let you know, ALL of us GIRLFRIENDS, are at the finish line cheering you on!! YOU GO GIRL!
Dear Susan and Girlfriends,
I haven’t written for awhile! But I’ve been reading and soaking in all of your beautiful words and pictures, Susan, as well as everyone’s comments.
I guess you could say I had a case of the Dark Dismal January Blahs. But it is a sunny day today and I woke up with plenty of energy. I’ve tackled some house cleaning and now I’ll reward myself with some Susan Time. Ahhhh.
Okay, now, Susan, imagine yourself in my first grade classroom–with sun streaming through the three southeast facing windows–there is a reading group murmuring in the back of the room; pencils scritching; heater blowing; the smell of chalk; you are done with your work responsibilities and now you are pulling out your Book–The Book–Our Book– and are busy lettering, painting. . . . I come over and whisper in your ear, “Darling Susan (I call my girls things like that)–this page is just beautiful!! I love how you made your Beatrix Potter shoes look so real! I can’t WAIT to read the entire book. You are an amazing artist!! I bet your parents are going to be so proud of you!! And your readers (we talk about readers in Writing Workshop) are going to really get into your book!! You keep at it!!”
And that’s what I would say if I were kneeling beside you, looking at your page.
And now I feel rather bold asking this, but since some of the other Girlfriends did, I will put in a pitch for Lancaster, PA–there’s a Barnes and Noble here. . . . as well as me and probably hundreds of other Susan Lovers who would come out to give you enormous hugs and of course buy your book!
There now, I asked. No harm in asking, is there?
Lots of love on this sunny, brisk day in January,
Linda
Linda
Thank you Teacher! I will put Lancaster on my list, hope we can find something there!
I’ll cast my vote for Lancaster, too!! I live in York County, which borders Lancaster. I agree with Linda, you probably have lots and LOTS of fans in Central PA and we’d be thrilled to be part of your signing tour!
Susan, do you remember the movie Witness from back in the ’80’s? Harrison Ford was in it. The plot took place in Lancaster County and much of the movie was shot there. The Amtrak station in Lancaster was used in the opening scenes–although the station is currently being updated, the last time I was in there it still looked much as it did when the movie was made. Just a little bit of trivia, should you decide to come through our beautiful part of the country! Thanks for your suggestion Linda 🙂
I do remember it, and how pretty the countryside was!
Oh, dear Linda! I do SO want to come live by you!
Thanks for sharing your writing process with us and describing how you get yourself back in the right mood to write and paint every day. As you said, it’s all in “there” but you just have to tap into it each day anew. You are so talented in the way you are able to explain things in your writing and come up with the best descriptions and”truisms” that get right to the heart of what you are telling. Not to diminish the lovely and whimsical paintings that grace each page of your books! I can’t wait to see A Fine Romance finished book and would like nothing more than attending one of your book signings to meet you in person. Hope you have one in or close to Ohio!
I will try Barb! Thank you!
Hi Susan! Well~~~I ECHO everyone’s comments!!! Love to you & the
Girlfriends:0). Happy New Year Too! XOXO, Linda in Chino Valley, AZ.
PS. My calender is filled in with birthdays etc & up as well~~~.
Happy New Year, Susan and Joe! I, too, am anxiously awaiting your book, and would love for you to add Tulsa, Oklahoma, to your list of book tour stops. We have a couple of Barnes and Noble Bookstores in town that would just love to have you visit, and many, many readers who would line up to meet you and buy your wonderful book (I want at least 2 copies: one for myself and one for my sister). Like Carolee, I have permanent “shiny object syndrome,” but I love the writing and drawing routine you have established for yourself. Since I have retired from teaching, I try to have at least one “goal” each day to accomplish. Some days it works, some days I am a complete slug, but I really do like a casual structure to my days.
My high school creative writing students used to write and illustrate children’s books for their semester projects. It was all hand-done, and we even sewed together the pages and made laminated covers with author’s bios and every thing on them. I really had a lot of fun guiding them through that process. Of course, our little books only had 10-12 pages of text and illustrations (as opposed to your 200), but I realize in a small way the immense amount of work you put into a project like this one. Thank you in advance for all you are doing to get ‘our’ book out!
Thank you also for the lovely “Jack” picture at the end! xoxoxo Sherry
You worked hard to earn that casual structure!
Just wondering when the book will be available to purchase? Can’t wait!!
I think we might do a presale the first of February, just here on the blog, if that’s not too soon.
That groundhog looks just like my cat. Her name is Callie and she’s a bit plump (not fat). Writing does take its toll, it’s not quite as much fun as it sounds. However, the end result is so wonderful that you have to keep going. We’re all waiting patiently for your end result, which we know will be absolutely fabulous.
Good Morning…We don’t have snow on the central coast, but have had frost on the lawn the last few days. But we still have roses blooming and the paper white bulbs are blooming.
Your writings are very inspiring. Are you saving them all up to compile in a book?
Is there a way to print the dream blog to give to my granddaughter?
Thanks
If she has a computer, you could email her a link to it. I don’t know if you can print it, I’ve never tried!
157 beautiful pages – you go girl! Please come to Toronto for a book signing. You could come to Indigo Books in The Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto – a beautiful venue. Loved the squirrel at your bird feeder. My husband was puzzled by the number of squirrels in our backyard and I said perhaps its because you feed them peanut butter sandwiches for lunch, lol. The Merry Christmas garlands turned out so well, I’m off to make a Valentine one or two. Keep warm.
You go, Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And may I say how very much your work is appreciated! Thank you for all you do!
I am interested in how your might meet some of us on the way…..I hope it is a book signing or something!!!!!! Can’t wait to find out.
happy new year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You go girlfriend!!
You Go Girl!!!!
Good morning SO early! Since I retired I sleep in until about 8 but have my quiet time, which I love, as my husband arrives downstairs about 9:30 or 10! It is so nice to pamper ones self, hee hee!
I look forward to Each new blog and can’t wait for the book! Thanks for getting up!!!
Love you!!!!!
Dear “Chosen One”,
Divine calling, providence or serendipity must have been responsible for that gift certificate coming your way years ago and then you putting brush to paint, never looking back, umpteen charming books later. Not sure luck had anything to do with it because that seems to suggest a randomness to the innate gift you possess.
What a sport your are to lay out such a clear picture of what a day in the life of Susan Branch looks like – that paints a lovely picture to envision.
So topping the list of dreams is getting to England following closely behind and much encouraged by the specificity of your dream for a 6’2″ Leo, is finding a happy chappy Englishman who utterly adores me, besotted in fact and can’t live without me, plies me with all forms of Cadbury, loves to have a “putter” in the garden and is mad for Baroque music, going with me to hear Handel’s Messiah at St. Martin in the Fields, sitting in the first seat, first row, where the soloists are so close they are nearly sitting on your lap, spitting all over you and bursting your eardrum with “The Trumpet Shall Sound” – heaven I tell you.
So, with enthusiasm swelling from my toes (or is that fluid retention from the sodium one slice of brown bread in a can wields) up through my lungs and out my grey matter to this blog I say:
“Get your glow on, keep keeping on and let your freak flag fly!”
And as in English tradition when cheering someone on for amazing feats…
“Hip hip, hooray; Hip hip, hooray; hip hip, hooray!”
And here’s to a a round of “…she’s a jolly good writer, she’s a wonderful artist, for she’s a wonderful writer and artist, that nobody can deny!”
God Save Our Queen, Susan Branch!
Carrie
Oh Carrie, that was inspired! LOL. Your GUY, oh I hope you find him.
You know what Winston Churchill says! Simply so excited for “A Fine Romance”!!! When we all open it’s pages all your love will pour out making the world a more beautiful place and all because of you and your hard work and dedication! Thank you so much in advance! Xo
P.S..if you get time for an entertainment break….”Call the Midwife”, a wonderful new series on the BBC…just watched all of series 1 (6 episodes and a Christmas Special…ordered from iTunes) and series 2 will be shown on PBS starting in March. So wonderful…the heroine is a midwife working in London’s East End after WW. 2. Love it…the starring actress looks like a young Judy Garland :). Note to Moms out there…you will love, but not for children. Love to you Susan and all the girls!! Xo
Laura, you’re soooo right!!! “Call the Midwife” is another BBC gem and I’m glad to hear you, and hopefully others, are enjoying it as well along with “Downton Abbey”! And “Larkrise to Candleford” is another winner from our British cousins. Love the BBC, love PBS!!!!
Hi Marianne…I LOVE Larkrise to Candleford…so sad it was cancelled…a show we could actually watch as a family! Don ‘t you love Chummy on Call the Midwife?? She is my favorite…she looks and acts just like the young Julia Child!!! So happy we love the same shows! Xo
YES — Chummy, I love her! She’s my favorite, too. Can’t wait for the new season, but don’t know when/if it is. If you hear anything, keep us posted and I’ll do the same Laura!
Girls if you love Downtown Abbey, Call the Midwife, and other PBS shows, catch Outnumbered…..British version of Modern Family and/or The Middle. My son has me addicted to this series.
Hi girls….it says that series 2 of call the midwife starts airing on PBS march 31 at 8pm eastern time…. Whoooot! Also, I just found that Miranda Hart who plays my fave chummy has her own bbc show Miranda…I watched clips of it on youtube….HILARIOUS!!! If you need a little laugh…just watch! Xoxo
Thanks Chris Wells! I just ordered 2 Of Susan’s Christmas books from Abebooks.com to add to my collection! Susan, I feel peace and happiness reading your posts, and your New Year’s post was so inspiring!
I might try that recipe. I have a couple of questions though:
1. what kind of rice? is it the instant kind (since it says 5 minutes)? If it is, what should I do to use the long-cook kind?
2. what do you think would be a good substitute for swiss? (I don’t like swiss. LOL)
Thanks!
It’s not instant … it’s regular rice… it just gets more or less par-boiled and finishes in the casserole, but stays a bit crunchy. Why don’t you just try Jack cheese and see how that is … I think you could even use cheddar.
Thanks, Susan! I was thinking maybe cheddar for that sharp taste and jack is a good idea, too! Need trip to grocery store first. LOL
Thanks for always inspiring us with your honesty and creativity–
You remind us how beautiful this world is–simple routines-how precious—-
can’t wait for your book–are you coming to Maryland/DC/Virginia area
someone once described to me creativity as a “butterfly”–if you chase it -it will elude you—–but if you sit quietly in a room with an open window,with a cup of tea, music, warm toes—–it will fly into your room and gently land on your paper-
Wishing you and your family a year of Health, Happiness and Creativity.love Nina
Loved that image Nina!
You go girl! And it does sound like a romantic life! Ha. Don’t fret about what we like. We like what comes out of your imagination…. My 2013 wall calender arrived yesterday and I put it up in my kitchen. Yay! And I’m looking forward to this new book. I have faith it will be wonderful! P.s. You don’t complain near as much as other authors I read about on their blogs. It’s tough work but I for one am so thankful for authors of all kinds. It’s a special talent. Now back to work! 😉
Susan,
Wrote a coment to you a short while ago about our friends daughter who had written a song , etc. It was awaiting moderation and now it is totally gone? Should I try again?
Jan
Oh you are so inspirational! I am a writer. Marketing and advertising by career, but now in and out of freelance projects I am working on my own writing; writing from my heart memoir and fiction. The hardest part is getting myself in my chair and quieting my self-critic. I want to be disciplined like you!!! Something’s Gotta Give is one of my favorite movies and my fantasy is to be Diane Keeton’s character living and writing on Cape Cod. You are living my fantasy :). I have to ask, what time do you go to bed so that you can get up before the sunrise??? Thank you for your creative inspiration.
I go to bed around 8 — but I have to tell you, try to ignore (or get rid of) the self-critic. It is the thing that stops everyone. I also have it, so I know, I have to force my mind to shut it out.
Happy New Year, Susan! I love hearing about progress on your book, what a day in the life looks like. Your life is still very blog-worthy – don’t ever doubt it! Your gift of finding wonder in even small things is a pleasure to read about.
I had to laugh about Joe not wanting to be called “Jack’s Dad” – my husband never thought that was appropriate, either. He had read a book called The Plague Dogs where what the dogs wanted was a boss. So Gerrit was always “The boss” to our dogs. See how Joe likes that – maybe it works for cats, too?
You go girl! I just came in the door to your blog and your “Heart of the Home” book I found at Amazon. A double treat. Ma (who looks a lot like Jack) and I are going to curl up with your book a a cup of hot cider and a head cold (me – not Maui). I do have one question for you…..what time do you go to bed???
8 ish.
.oops…..yes, her name is Maui, not ‘Ma’.
ha….gotta love “muscle memory”! You wrote “bowl’ so many times that your hand just wrote bowl instead of boil! At least, that’s what I read…. bring water to bowl… Thanks for the wonderful posts! Love to escape into your world through them..
Your casserole sounds delicious. I am wondering if it is mostly an onion casserole with a touch of rice or is it more rice-y with the onion and cheese flavors. Doesn’t sound like much rice but maybe it expands a lot?
Mostly oniony cheese with a touch of rice! 🙂
(Pom-poms ready) Go Susan! Go Susan!! Hip-hip-hurray!!! :-)… Hope that will keep you going for a while. LOVED this post and the furry groundhog is so cute!… Thank you for keeping on keeping on with all that you have to do and I was so ready to see your Jack again!! Enjoy these cozy, productive days! I know I am loving the cold weather excuse to be getting busy in the house or just to contemplate and read, watch movies, etc. My hubs is the early riser in our household and he has his quiet time on the weekend day that we are off together, while I sneak a few extra minutes of sleep….then when I get up he has my coffee for me and usually is the breakfast-making guy… and the Sunday cooking guy though sometimes we both do it… He is especially my fire-builder/starter guy, because I seem to not have gotten that gene!!! 🙂 Well, stay cozy and keep up the great work!!! Thanks for all you do!!
After spending just shy of two weeks packing up my home in Connecticut to move to southern Indiana I decided it was time to check my email and your blog to see what I’ve been missing. Well I can tell you that I wish I were a groundhog right now– hiding in my hole for the rest of the winter. Since I’ve been eating my self into oblivion over this move I probably look a lot like one too! But what I really wanted to say was that I was surprised to see a quote from one of my favorite writers, Jessamyn West. Not many people know of her, but she wrote one of my favorite movies ” The Friendly Persuasion.” Thanks, Susan, for your wonderfulness. Your blog lit up my day!
Have you made the move yet, Denise? If so, welcome to Indiana. I’m up north, but travel to the Indy area often to visit family.
I’ll add my “You go girl” with the others. I love the movie Groundhog Day. I like my life to be kind of like that too. There are always things that change a long the way, like you going out to dinner and getting stuck, but I like my life the way it is. I love my home and there are days when I don’t leave it. It’s not because I don’t want to go on adventures outside of it, it’s just that I like it here. I make small adjustments then return to my nest. Yes I’m a nester. I’ve done the have to see everything for fear of missing something, then I found there was not that much I’d miss. I lunch and shop with my friend every couple of weeks or go to the movies with my husband or out to dinner. Small adventures. My husband and I are the opposite of you and Joe, I love to sleep in. Jim gets up and feeds the dog and starts his day then I join him later. I’m with the people I want to be and I’m cozy in my home. So from my nest have a wonderful day. *S*
LOL! oH Susan…..chair shape! I think that happened to me when you were in England….I think it was called spurging! Or did I have a brain spurge? That was such a fun trip! Well, everyone knows how I don’t like to see people Go or say Goodbye….but, for YoU…I will do it….. “YoU GO Girl! Go now. Just Go Go Go. It’s okay Girl, Go. Go on now…Go Girl!”
I’m teasing …..”YoU GO Girl!” Or like fat Amy says in the movie, Pitch Perfect, with hand movements……”I smashed it!” So, Smash it Susan!!! :). That’s what the youngin’s have been saying around here lately……”we smashed it!”….”I smashed it!” …but, we have also had fevers in the house too! ;). Have a happy day my little groundhog Darling!
Well….uh….just found out …..it’s supposed to be…”I crushed it!” I am so not perfect!
You are cute, Dawn… 🙂 And I thought we did pretty good while on the trip–we all still fit in the suitcase to come home, didn’t we??? Now, “splurging” is what one does when given a tin with Belgian chocolate-covered cookies for Christmas! 🙂
I wondered why your ribs are called “Pineapple” Spare Ribs when there is no pineapple included in the ingredients.
Wow Susan–157 pages is fantastic!!! Can’t wait to see the finished product but are you still going to do a follow up to the Summer and Autumn Books? I know this one is about England . . . have been wondering.
Happy New Year to you and Joe and the kids!
Not yet … I’m doing a book called Pancakes, and then I have an idea for another …
So lovely of you to share your “work days” with us all. It is a labor of love, I am sure! By the way what is that object by Jack’s feet ? Is that one of his toys? He’s about the cutest thing I have ever seen, such personality!!!
Barbara
He has one of Joe’s work gloves!
You go girlfriend! I have been waking up between 3 and 4 too–am not a writer but a quilt-piecer and that is what I am doing in the early morning hours. So good to know you are a kindred spirit in that way…watching the sun come up is the best way I think to begin a day! I have a cat to share my morning with too, but it’s coffee not tea for me! Am so anxious for your book…hope a book signing is near where I live! I have a feeling England will be on my bucket list after reading it! Happy New Year!
So exciting–you’re almost there. I still can’t get past the “up at 3-4 a.m.” to write and paint! I enjoy writing in the evening and can find myself sometimes still doing so at 1:00 a.m., which is the other extreme I guess. Puppy Newton introduced me to early morning writing a year ago, but he is now happy to snuggle in until later. It is easier, though, to get up at 6:00 a.m. in June than it is in December–even in Austin.
When I wrote my book, I felt such a sense of purpose, frustration, and peace each morning as I settled into my small writing space with a cup of coffee and a blank computer screen. There was a part of the world with a blank canvas dedicated to just me…my thoughts….my recipes….my photographs; and for a brief while, I got to play writer in my little corner of the world.
BTW this post reminded me of the photo you shared last summer of Jane Austen’s tiny writing desk and feather quill pen. Just like you, she had the tools and creativity to change the world one page at a time. And I quote you now: “Her books came right out of her brain, through her hand, onto the paper, one letter at a time.” Just like you Susan. So you go girl…..keep painting, sharing, and loving your creative time. And come to Austin for a book signing—Book People is the place! I’ll make you a cup of tea or a margarita–your choice.
I wrote it down Debbie! Thank you!
Hi Debbie — I didn’t see a “reply” on your recommendation for “Outnumbered”, in your post a few above so I’m replying here. Thank you so much for the recommendation. I’ll do a search on my DirectTV listings and see if I can find it. And….you wrote a book??? How wonderful!!! Hope I can find it!!
Marianne,
The first few seasons of Outnumbered are on the US Amazon website. We have to wait for the other seasons until they are released by the BBC for the US market. My son lives in England and he is always ahead of me on their programs. It will definitely keep you laughing and make you realize just how alike we all are–even with our cultural differences. I have a blog recipeas4u.blogspot.com about food. You can read about the book Sacred Spaces there. Thanks for asking.
Debbie — found your book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, looks AMAZING!!! I’m going to B&N tomorrow to pick it up. Thanks for the “Outnumbered” info!
I forget about the book tour you will do when your book is published! Hope you will be visiting Baltimore or DC. I admire your early morning work ethic. These days I can’t help sleeping in til 8 am, but then I don’t go to bed until 11 pm. Some days I miss being up at 6 am getting the boys off to school. That pudding recipe sounds wonderful.
While I’m more apt to work into the night than rise early in the morning, I can sure relate to the life you describe. As a writer, artist, book cover designer and book writing coach, my days are pretty varied and sometimes it’s tricky to keep a bunch if different projects from getting tangled up in my head.
I have no cat, no dog; just the birds at the feeders outside my window but my days are quiet and they’re mine to organize. It is a good life but I wouldn’t describe it as romantic. I wonder what I could do differently that would add more romance. I’ll have to work on that. Any ideas?
Flannel jammies, more popcorn, and, let’s see. No kitty?
How nice to read about how you inspire yourself to put such warm, loving thoughts and pictures on paper! You are truly gifted and what better tribute to you than to know your love of writing is a true love because you give it away! How fortunate the girls who devour your blog are, to have a soft, warm place to come, be soothed, inspired and dream away their cares and woes. And then top it all off with adorable pictures of Jack to make us laugh. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing with us.
Susan in Spokane
My pleasure Susan.
Susan, your books are treasured gifts and even more so now knowing how it all comes together. I hope to one day get to meet you at one of your signings…..you make me smile, always. xoxo
“You Go Girl” 🙂 Can’t wait to see the finished book.
I’m envious of you being a morning person. I just can’t do early mornings, much prefer staying up in the evenings.
I just love you kitty. He is sooo cute. I can tell he likes the camera. I love all the pics you post. And of course the ones of kitty.
OOPS… I am sorry I meant to say I just love your kitty. I’m sorry
OOOOOHHH, I feel (and think I’m beginning to look) like your fat little groundhog…I’ve been eating too many Christmas cookies and chocolates (at least they were DARK chocolate!) I love that saying “Observe your dog — if he is fat you’re not getting enough exercise”…I think my black lab/basset mix, Dandy, is looking a little chubby around the middle. My New Year’s resolution is to walk my dog more and eat less cookies and chocolate! ha ha!!
My husband and I always watch Groundhog Day the beginning of February. I’m usually in my winter doldrums by then and need a good laugh!…another reason to get outside and walk — more sunshine and vitamin D!
It’s interesting to hear how early you rise — I find it difficult to get up when it’s dark. However, I must admit that I do some of my best thinking and writing in the middle of the night! It’s wonderful to have the house to myself in those quiet hours. I use the word “quiet” and start to laugh because I have pets that think the day begins as soon as I get up — my blind Basset starts to bark for treats — she doesn’t know it’s still the middle of the night!
I’m looking forward to the book you’re putting so much of your heart into.
I don’t think there is much you could do that would disappoint “the girlfriends”.
Your art and your way with words puts a smile on our faces … reading your blog is a “grace note” in my day. I hope the girlfriends can make you smile sometime too!
It’s cooold outside, you woodchuck chuckers — dress warmly!
JoAnne in cold NJ
JoAnne
Thank You JoAnne!
Hi Susan! We love the movie “Groundhogs Day” and our tradition is to watch it every February 2. Also every February 2 I turn to my beautiful Susan Branch “Homemade Recipes” binder and pull out my “Groundhogs Day Stew” recipe (no worries, no real Groundhogs of course!). Just a wonderful, winter stew and this year I will serve it with your “Punxsutawney Pudding”. Thank you for sharing and Happy 2013!
Wonderful post and inspiring how Joe takes care of you/you let him take care of you. We have a wonderful new independent bookstore in Hutchinson, KS, that would be perfect for a book signing — Bluebird Books. Warm, comfy, delicious treats, and just a few blocks from the Amtrak station!! Best wishes and loads of inspiration to you!!