Just a little Valentine mood MUSICA for some of my very favorite people . . . ♥
Yesterday most of our snow had melted, the grass was green, and I was having little pangs of Spring Fever . . . and today, as the sun began to come up, I looked outside to one of the prettiest snowstorms I’ve seen in a long time.
Just a beautiful day on the island. My girlfriend Margot called at 6am to say, “You have to go look at the sunrise!” One look and I burrowed right back into winter . . .
And now, the wind is blowing clumps of snow off roofs and trees and making it look like it’s snowing, but it’s not.
It’s just adding to the romance of an already romantic day…
As does this . . .
It’s the feet I love the most.
I took Joe his breakfast a while ago. His Valentine’s present.
I made it in a cookie cutter.
Happy Valentine’s Day Girlfriends! I hope you’ve all received your Valentine Willards! Just as you read, we’re having a drawing for a pre-publication copy of my new book A FINE ROMANCE!
To be entered, just leave a comment (click on the tiny grey word “comments” just under this post). Sometime after the 20th, Vanna, our resident chooser-in-chief, will pick the winning name! When the book comes in, I’ll sign it and send it to the lucky winner. Until then, especially for today, I’m sending you virtual chocolate kisses and red roses and hope (sweetheart or no sweetheart, no one needs a sweetheart to celebrate Valentine’s Day) that your day includes something special just for you. xoxo Make all your Valentine dreams come true no matter what and be your own darling sweetheart! Love you, THANK YOU! I’m thrilled about the book, you just have to know … yesterday, I wrote the ending and I made myself cry! Thank you for joining me on this book-writing adventure! xoxo P.S. Just in case you need it, you can view WILLARD here!
I look forward to reading your blog, the pictures, words, and your life!
Susan, your blogs always make me feel so happy (and a little jealous that we can’t all have a Martha’s Vineyard life)! I hope you keep writing and painting forever! Just charming!
Can’t wait to obtain a copy of our memories in England. Thank you for the many happy days you bring us. Karrie
O Susan you have truely made me happy today! First Willard & then this! You just spoil us! The sun is shining here and today we are celebrating as we always do..A romantic meal for four! Hubby myself and our two children. (well teenagers now actually!) And once again I shall be making the most of having them with us because all too soon I know they will be having romantic valentine meals of there own..but not just yet I hope!
The book looks fabulous can’t wait to have one! Hope you & Joe and the kitties of course have a fab day! xxxx
Happy Happy Valentines Day! I was just going to your website to pre-order your book, when I noticed a very new blog post, very new like 1 minute old! We have that beautiful snow/frost in Minnesota today too. Just a lovely lacy valentine from Mother Nature.
Hope you have a very special day, keep up all your good work, I am so excited for your new book! MP
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan & Joe
Love your “snow” pictures. They are just beautiful; look like a Christmas card. I have had quite a bit of snow also (east coast). I am looking forward to your new book with baited breath! When will you leave for California? Have a great and glorious day. Have to check my email for Willard. Blessings always.
Just checked my email and there was Willard waiting for me! After reading all the exciting news contained in Willard, I pre-ordered your book. It will be such a lovely surprise when it arrives. Have a lovely day.
Hi Susan,
Well you know I want to be entered in the drawing. I can’t wait to see the book.
Did all the “willards”go out? I still didn’t get mine. I have in the past I hate to miss one.
Love the post and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe.
NANCY jO
PS,
I just pre-ordered your book, love the cover.
Yay! Thank you!
Happy Valentine’s Day! So jealous of your snow! 🙂
Oh, Susan, I am so excited about the new book! I have enjoyed the journey and I cannot wait to see the final result! Sort of bittersweet to finally have it completed, maybe? Congratulations. We are all celebrating with you today.
Leslie
Marysville, WA
Oh – how exciting – you finished writing the book. Congratulations! A very Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Joe, Girl and Jack.
I would love to win your new book!
Enjoy your blog, too!
Congratulations on writing the last of the book!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and to Joe!
Your blog is like a Valentine, to your Dear Readers, with every post.
Yes, please enter me.
Gentle hugs,
“Auntie”
I love your books! Can’t wait for this new one!
May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.
An Irish blessing for you…..Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Congradulations on finishing your book, we cannot wait to read it, and the chance to win a copy is spectaculiar! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe, and the kitty’s. Love Love the sheep bookmark, my favorite by far.
Making your heart bisquits in you heart pan. Isn’t today a wonderful day!
What a beautiful post- you are surrounded by such beauty! Wishing you and Joe a wonderfully romantic and cozy day 🙂 <3
Wow! Was I the first to Comment? How exciting is that??? Very!!!! -clapping hands- -doing a little jig- -smile-
Gentle hugs,
“Auntie”
How excited I am for your book to be published!! It is hard to wait – winning an early copy would be a dream!!
Thank you and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Another Day to celebrate all the Love in our Lives.
Thanks for the lovely happy wishes and treats!
I have enjoyed the book writing adventure. I find endings a bit sad also.
But there are more adventures to experience.
Thanks again!
I was not only crying because it was over (which it actually isn’t!) But because of how it ends, sort of happy-cry!
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan!
Here’s wishing you “A Fine Romance” each and every day!!
Looking forward to “Willard” today – what perfection, on this, Valentine’s Day.
A.F.R. forever!!
Carrie
Hi Susan, What a beautiful post. Isn’t Love Grand?!? Happy Valentine’s Day to you girlfriend! I preorder your new book yesterday……but now I would like to preorder another. (how do I go about doing so, without adding on postage as two orders?) I’m also hooked on Emma’s mugs and adding to my collection, I love to gift myself!! Enjoy every moment of today ❤❤❤
xoRobin❤
Lovely post, great music and the kitty, what more could you ask for? Congratulations on the book completion. I have just booked a short cruise on the Queen Mary!!
I would like to be registered, and I can’t wait to read your “book-writing adventure” = I love your style! and your artwork is so pretty…..
My husband gave me a potted tulip bunch for Valentine’s Day. This is in tribute to the anonymous tulips I received while at work 19 yrs ago on Valentine’s Day. I did not know whom they were from for almost a month. I called the florist they came from and they stated that the flowers were from someone at the place I worked. I worked at the time for a rather large retail catalog company and had been at a few locations. Obviously I figured it out. 4 yrs later on Valentine’s Day he asked me to marry him and then 9 months to the day later we got married. We have now been married 14 1/2 yrs and we still have a great time together and enjoy the tulips that come into our lives.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan!!!! Sending our girlfriend lots of LoVe and cozy hugs today and everyday. What a lovely post, as always! I’m sitting on the edge of my seat until the book is printed and out – it’s simply too exciting for words. I have my copies on pre-order and will do everything I need to do to pre-occupy myself until it arrives!
By the way, Kellee is an absolute gem!!!! I’ve spoken with her before with previous orders and had a great conversation with her yesterday and I placed my current order of goodies, including the BOOK!!! Sent her a big virtual hug. She’s a keeper! 🙂
Hope your day is filled to the brim with every little thing that makes you burst into a smile and brings you unabashed joy!
Sending my love!
XooX,
Jeanette
Susan,
A Happy Valentine’s Day to you (and Joe). Thanks for brightening our days… Can’t wait to see the book!!!
I love to travel in my mind until I can go myself. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures.
Happy Valetine’s Day Susan. I like how you made Joe’s breakfast egg.Sweet. I get to have lunch with my husband today. Sending hugs and kisses your way. xoxox, Susie
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY–THERE’S MUCH TO CELEBRATE!! JUDY IN NASHVILLE.
Susan,
A Happy Valentine’s Day to you (and Joe). Thanks for brightening for days… Can’t wait to see the book!!!
This one should be deleted, please
Happy Valentine’s Day Sue and Joe <3 Hooray, the book is nearly here. I went into town today to get a little gift for hubby and whilst looking round saw a plaque with a saying: when it rains look for rainbows and when it's dark look for stars. I thought that was lovely. Really enjoyed reading how you met. I met Dave when he was in the Royal Navy and I was in the WRNS. We were both stationed in London. That was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 1969!!
I love love stories! Whenever we’re out with another couple, I always try to ask how they met, I love how their eyes light up!
Hi Susan,
Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope you pick me for the new book drawing! Love all your books. Think spring!
Cynthia
Pick me! Pick me! So looking forward to your book. How can we wait until September? 😉
Love isn’t love until it is given away! You give it every day!
Can’t wait for the book to come! I hope it is when I am on summer break so I can find a quilt under a tree and read it from cover-to-cover.
Thanks for the memories!
I have always received my Willards…disappointed cause I didnt get mine this time. So now I’m wondering why? Keep up the good work, love your blog!!
Susan your book cover is wonderful ~ Oh, to be in England!! Jack looks so cozy this morning. My Willard has not arrived ~ where o where could it be???
Happy Valentines Day!
This was a very sweet blog. I have not received my WILLARD, though. I hope I will soon!
The last bunch started going out this morning at 9 am est, so it should be in your box very soon if not now!
Dear Susan,
Such a “loverly” post for this romantic day!
I can hardly wait for this day to begin, and today’s post was a wonderful way to get it started.
I’m looking forward to being with “my kids” at school ( we teachers always call them that, even once they’ve grown up and gone away) as they always show us teachers such love on this day. Also, after spending time with girlfriends this afternoon, I’ll have the wonderful privilege of having supper with a very dear group of friends this evening.
My DH has been gone just over two years now, and he will be in my thoughts and in my heart. it will be with fond memories of the 35 Valentine’s Days we had together and the love and laughter we shared that I think of him today!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan and Joe!
I understand what you mean when you say “privilege” — I got an email from one of my girlfriends the other day, it was also addressed to my other 6 best friends (on Martha’s Vineyard, I just have to say!) — and I wrote back to say that I felt so HAPPY to see my name with theirs . . .
Hope you and Joe have a “sweet” day together. Can’t wait for the book to come out.
My mother’s name was also Mary Martin. Are you also a
Peter Pan kind of lady? She always enjoyed being JR’s
mother !
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Just saw my Valentine off for work…. It’s wonderful how after 37 years you can still be in LOVE! Hope that you and Joe and kitty’s have a warm and wonderful day! Love your new book can’t wait to get it! XOX
It’s dark and gloomy this morning Cheyenne. Just on the outside not on the inside. Another day to love my husband of almost 55 years. Couldn’t be happier.
Enjoy your posts. Each and every one.
Awww, thank you for the lovely blog & Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe & all! Vanna is so talented, she always chooses the right name for your drawings, she’s amazing! Thank you for your generosity! Have a lovely day! ♥xoxo
I would love to be reading your sweet new book at this very moment. I know it will be especial treat of a book!
Loved reading about your new book. (It would be awsome to win a copy!) What a wonderful trip that must have been!
Susan, oh how I have enjoyed keeping up with you all these years. I have all your books, stationary, scrapbooking and rubber stamp goodies, calendars, and now I’m looking impatiently forward to your beautiful new treasure. I can’t wait!! Thank you for adding creativity to my world. Love Willard too!! All the best to you. Hugs, Monica
Love you for sharing your adventure’s with all of us! Happy Valentine’s day! My favorite fun holiday to be super mushy with my family. I create a valentine each year ! LOVE your blog, hoping each morning to read something new!
Happy Valentine’s Day, dear Susan! Thank you for the joy you bring us every day! I’m excited for your new book, too, and would love to be entered in the drawing! I noticed on your website that we can pre-order it, so I will get a copy for myself and for my daughter, Emily, one way or another!
What a wonderful Valentine’s Day present, I’m going to order the book today!
You are always such a sweet friend! I’m SO excited about your new book and love all of your old ones, too. They are like comfortable old friends! Happy Valentine’s day! Sweet hugs and kisses, Diane
I simply cannot wait to read your book!!! The trip you took was a dream of mine I hope to make come true one day, and I know your lovely book will bring it even closer to me.
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan and Joe!
blessings,
Niki
Happy Valentines Day dear Susan, Joe and kitties!… oooh Susan, now I am crying because you cried as you ended your book… I hope they were happy tears!… maybe a bit bittersweet?… please enter my name in your giveaway… I have not received my Willard yet… sitting at the computer with my Robin cup full of tea… waiting for him to arrive (Willard)… your photos are all so pretty today, as always… I loved hearing your stories about falling in love… one of my first loves was because he had a powder blue 64 Mustang convertible!… Joe and my Jack would get along great too… Jack and I both love trains, real and model trains… Jack has built a fabulous model train layout downstairs fashioned after the 40’s, my favorite era… I think it must have been sooo very romantic back then… (I was born in 1949)… much love to you on this Valentines Day… xoxo Julie Marie
I didnt receive my Willard and wondered why? I’ve never had any problems in the past getting them.
The last ones went out this morning at 6 am west coast time … usually, almost always, when willard is lost, he can be found in a spam folder — check there, and let me know!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Sue! I love the LOVE story of you and Joe.. Gives me hope I’ll find my own “Joe” someday!
Your snow, crackling fire, Jack curled up and sleeping and breakfast sure set a cozy mood.. I feel like I’m right there with you! I hope you both have a lovely day 🙂
P.S. It would be heaven to receive a SIGNED copy of your new book. I am so looking forward to its release!
Congratulations on finishing the book! 🙂
And happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe and the kit kats. xox♥♥♥
You have made my day just as you do every time I read your post! I wish every one could be as content and happy as you seem to be, I certainly am! Thank You!!!!!
Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope it is filled with laughter, love, and yummy food. I’m so excited about the book. It was wonderful to experience England with you and now we can relive it through the book! I can’t wait!
Oh My! How wonderful of you !! Please enter me!
Today is my 25th wedding anniversary! What a nice gift that would be! Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan, Joe and Kitties!
Happy Anniversary Tammy!
Beautiful snow, a fireside and romantic food to warm our hearts. Thank you for the picture gifts today and everyday.
Happy Happy Valentine’s day Mrs. Branch! It is always a treat to peek into your world. I can’t wait to see your new book and get to explore more of the little island that I live on through your eyes! Coincidentally in reading a few of your posts, I realized that at one point in your trip, you weren’t too far away from my little cottage, that is just magic to think YOU were near me! Jennifer x
Magic for me too Jennifer where are you?
We live in the London suburbs, in Gerrards Cross. A cute little town that is just a 20 minute train ride from the center of London. The best of both worlds, the city and the countryside!
It sounds perfect.
It is! We are truly lucky!
Thank you Susan. So excited about the book. Your blog brings peace to my soul..
Yay!… I just clicked over to my email and Willard just got there and is waiting for me… gotta run… I am sooo excited!… my first Valentine of the day!… xoxo… Julie Marie
Here’s your second Julie! ♥
Thank you!!!
Happy Valentine’s Day! The perfect time of year to unveil A Fine Romance. Enjoyed reading your latest Willard and I pre-ordered two days ago. What a fine looking pudding.
Lovely way to start off my Valentines Day, a new blog to read! Thank You, Julie❤
I’m excited your book is finished. i really enjoyed all the pictures of your trip. As my traveling days are behind me, I have to have adventures through others’ eyes. My daughter loved everything Susan Branch, and i always think of her when I read your blog. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours. Teri
Dear Susan and Joe…Happy Valentine’s Day to you !!..’having just received Willard and being so happy for the upcoming delivery (birth) of A Fine Romance, I just had to write again ! I feel such a connection,as alot of us do,with this entire journey !… When I first found your on-line letters to us about a year ago, i was going thru the most difficult time in my life, having to deal with such great losses…and then you invited us all along on your adventures to England !!!… that trip was a literal life-line and a great reminder of how beautiful life still is !!!…thank you, Susan, from the bottom of my stitched- up hearts !!!…with love…
Ah Mary, So good to have you here! xoxo
Hi susan, happy valentines day. Long time fan, I have all your books signed.
I would love to have the new book! I look forward to all your posts and drawings.
Love, Diane
I just love reading everything you write. I can’t wait to get this book and relive my trip to England, oh too long ago. Thank you for writing it!
Willard’s arrival made my day during another “light” snowfall in Iowa. I’ll add “A Fine Romance” to my will when I win it. My granddaughter will love all things Susan Branch as I do.
Oh, Susan, thank you! Can’t wait to see the book (and the new Willard…maybe I’ll get mine today! Yah!)! Happy Valentine’s Day!
P.S. One of my favorite things about our “fur~baby” (Our Border Collie mix) is her little toesies, too! (and I tell her often :0)
P.S.. I meant “heart”…just one …LOL…
I’d love to win your new book-always enjoy your books so much-a feast for the senses!
Susan, I cannot wait to get lost in the pages of your new book! Will be ordering
4-5 copies for mother, sister, friends! Thank you for sharing your love for life!
A happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe. I got to celebrate yesterday as my guy has flown away today and won’t be back until Saturday. Please enter me in the drawing; I would love to see the efforts of your year-long project early.
Happy Valentines!!!! I cant wait to read your book. – and see the beautiful illustrations. You and Joe and the kittens have a wonderful , warm day. Nina
Happy Big Red Heart Day to you and Joe! My Hubby and I will celebrate 38 years of love and marriage in June. Love has always been in the air for us!
So looking forward to your new book. Have loved reading about your trip to England. HUGS! Barb
It’s always a delight to see a notice in my email that you have posted something new on your blog….a fun way to begin the day. Here in warm, sunny Florida, it’s beautiful to see your wintry photos and cozy home. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with the rest of us! I am eagerly looking forward to reading your new book.
Happy Valentine’s Day Sue and Joe!
Susan,
Just pre-ordered your new book. Thanks for the sneak peeks. It looks so inviting and lovely. Can’t wait!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan .
It has been a such a wonderful week. A Willard, the pre-order of “A Fine Romance” and now Valentine’s Day. Can’t get any sweeter than that.
Have a great day filled with much love and romance.
oh Susan and what a Fine Romance it is and learning about it. How can we possibly wait now till Sept. to read this book so I am asking please please consider me for one of the brand spanking new books and sending it my way to my little seaside cottage to dream of the trip you took.
I wish you a very Happy Valentines day even though we all know you don’t need that you live Valentines Day EVERYDAY. I just wish in your catalog you bottled your energy and your niceness, we could all use a gallon or so of that. Wishing you even more peace and love, Nancy Settel
Opened my email to your lovely Willard and then pre-ordered my copy of the new book. A delightful Valentine surprise! Since your blog posts last year, I have enjoyed tagging along on your trip and reliving my own 3 weeks in Britain on a trip with my then teenaged son. Your posts are always bright spots in my week and I am re-reading all your published books and awaiting the new one in anticipation.
Happiest of Valentine’s Day!
Same to you Wendy!
Happy Valentine’s day Susan! Reading Willard was a great treat this morning. I was all snuggled in bed with my kitties watching the snow fall out here in Montana. I can’t wait for the book. Your stories and pictures on England make me want to jump on a plane or four. 🙂
I too am blessed with a terribly wonderful husband. Rick is all the fun,crazy,happy and joy I will need on this earth. Thank you for just always making my heart smile with your writing.
Happy Valentine’s Day to Susan and Joe and also to everyone who reads this blog. Take the time and show a little kindness to someone you don’t even know. It might put an unexpectant smile on their face.
My girlfriend and I sit together on a snowy day and read Susan Branch blogs…giggle at the photos that warm our hearts…and then share our gratitude for each other. Thanks, Susan, for keeping the beauty of friendship alive in your art and words!
Fun! I always love it when a new decorating magazine comes in, or a clothing catalog, and I get to sit and go through the pages with a girlfriend! Doubles the pleasure!
Happy Love Day! Congrats to you on the completion of your book. Like all your books, the beauty and inspiration will call me back to read it again and again and again. Thank you for bringing me joy! Savor the last hold of winter, the changing light and birds are heralding the next great adventure-SPRING!
I can’t wait for the new book, very exciting! It’s been many years since my trip to England and I look forward to a re-visit through your pages Susan. In the meantime I should probably make that toffee pudding for medicinal reasons. Truly.
Quite right! 🙂
So excited about your new book! Hope your book signing plans include a Michigan stop 🙂
♥ Happy V-Day! ♥
Happy Valentine’s Day! The first thing on my birthday list this year is the purchase of your pre-ordered book! I cut the adorable book mark out and have it waiting patiently for your wonderful book to arrive later this year. Have a LOVELY day.
Ok…would you please tell me how to do that egg? My first attempt was very, very sad. Is it in one of your books? How do you flip that rascal and keep it all together???
Can’t wait for the new book! 🙂
It’s not in any of my books so far, I covered the pan so I didn’t have to flip it, I more or less steamed it — just watch it carefully so it doesn’t get overdone, unless you like them that way!
Oh, Susan!!!
Willard was breathtakingly wonderful today!!! Can’t believe it’s almost time for us to have A Fine Romance with your book! I’m going to order my copy today…but if Vanna should pick ME (oh, please, please, please pick ME), then I’ll have an extra copy to tuck little notes, pictures, etc. into as my husband and I ride around in the NC mountains.
What a wonderful Valentine’s Day present from you – today’s post and Willard. Thanks so very much.
Diane in North Carolina
I just LOVE your work and your posting of your daily life!
I am SO excited about your new book! That is a dream trip that I have always wanted to do. I can hardly wait to read your book and have an “armchair” trip through my favorite part of England. Thanks and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Susan, I just read your latest Willard – I can’t believe you quoted Stephen Colbert! I watch him every night – laughter is good for the soul. Did you know that he is from South Carolina? (Charleston to be exact.) I pre-ordered your book, but would love to be able to give that one away if I won your pre-pub copy. I found your blog about a year ago and it is one of my most favorite sites on the entire Internet.
He is so funny, we watch him too! Thank you Cindy!
Happy Valentine’s Day! Would love to have a signed copy of the new book about “our” trip to England. I was traveling along with all the other girlfriends–it was such fun! Off to yoga now…
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan! Thanks so much for bringing all the girlfriends along this amazing journey. England has been on my bucket list for years, but I’m saving it for when I can take the time to really explore and enjoy as you and Joe did. After reading about your trip, I’m sure a one week stay would not be enough:) Can’t wait for your book to come out.
xo, Barbara
PS…..I couldn’t help but laugh at your entry about the pudding. It reminded me of Lady Violet’s zinger two weeks ago about “it being a shame to let a good pudding go to waste.”
I would love a copy of your new book. Hope I am one of the lucky ones….
Your writing and pictures remind me to always stop and smell the roses….
Happy Valentines Day
Happy Valentine’s Day! Just pre-ordered a copy of the book! I don’t think I can wait until the Fall! I am already all bubbly inside just thinking about it! I hope you and Joe enjoy this love filled day! Thank you for always being so lovely to all of us!
I would love to have your new book. Hope I am a lucky winner.
Your books, calendars, and pictures always makes me stop and smell the roses.
Happy Valentine’s Day! I can hardly wait to get your new book. I love England and I love your work, so the combination of the two should be fabulous! Have really enjoyed the glimpses you’ve shared on your blog and in the latest Willard. Thank you!
Your post and Willard was certainly the best way to start Valentine’s Day. Thanks so very much!
Karen in Texas