HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

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!

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2,234 Responses to HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

  1. Cindy Stierhoff says:

    Just loved your cozy Valentine vignettes around your home. Black and white cat with pink toes, he is really a hot shot! Please sign me up for some Romance,when does the book reach our stores? Off now for our Valentine dinner, Borgia Salad and Isolde’s Feast with Cirano’s Serenade for dessert. May every day be a chocolate day for you and your sweetheart<3

  2. Lou Ann Schrotter says:

    I have loved your work since I first laid eyes on The Summer Book! XXOO

  3. Carol Maurer from Eureka, CA says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day to you Susan~~~

    I’m all for having a contest to see who the lucky ‘girlfriend’ will be to receive your new book when it comes out!!

    A part of my tea group got together this afternoon at my house for tea and some gift exchanging. What fun we had and the food was delicious! Always fun to get together. This evening our ‘old house’ group will be descending upon our house, but don’t think very many will come. Will have to wait and see. I know of 3 couples that are doing their own thing tonight. Don’t have to have a crowd to have fun though.

    We have been enjoying sunny weather of late. Hardly any heat from the sun though. We worked our side weeding, lawn mowing and porch painting yesterday. You see, we put the house on the market again. Will give it another shot to see so that we can move back up to WA. The market has changed a bit….. starting to become a ‘seller’s’ market.

    Must get going for now. Don’t you just love it when the trees blow the snow all around and you feel as though it’s snowing again, but not really?

    Until later on,
    Carol M

  4. Bev watkins says:

    So glad my daughter introduced me to your blog….I enjoy it very much!

  5. Maria in Long Beach, CA says:

    I love the ribbon tied around your ankle. I never actually knew that was a style in the ’70’s(I was born in ’65.) Maybe I’ll wear one to work 😮
    Happy Valentine’s Day. My love and I will also be sipping a bit of bubbly…yum!

  6. Marita says:

    What a thrill this St. Valentine’s Day is for you this year! You truly poured your heart out and made a memorable milestone for all of “Susan Branchies”. What a labor of love for us to enjoy and share w/ our loved ones. Thank you for staying so busy Susan Bee!

  7. Helen says:

    I can’t wait to get A Fine Romance for the girlfriend I first went to England with. I know it will remind us of that wonderful trip – thank you so much for organizing the pre-order option – I would hate to miss out!

  8. Gala says:

    Oh, and would’n it be loverly to get a copy!

  9. Deborah says:

    May the force be with you, always Susan B!

  10. Rosemary says:

    A Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe…on a snowy day. Willard was wonderful and thank you for that. Have a great weekend!

  11. cindy berry says:

    Happy Valentines Day to our favorite sweetie in blog world. Have to say that when I wrote that first line I looked up to see bologna where the word blog should have been! SO funny!

  12. Susan Scheer says:

    Thank you Susan for your beautiful illustrations, photos and musica! Happy Valentines Day!

  13. Jo says:

    Thank you for the gift of your cozy home and home fires, much appreciated. Glad to be part of your lives and anxiously awaiting a reiteration of “our” trip.
    Happy St. Valentine’s Day to all of you.

  14. Vicki M from Locust Grove, VA says:

    Wow! I can’t believe the England book is within sight! I would love to get one early…please, Vanna…pick me! 🙂

  15. Susan says:

    Thank you Susan for your beautiful illustrations, photos and musica! Happy Valentines
    Day

  16. Diane says:

    So happy to hear the book is done..I have been looking forward to it and telling my friends about it. Congratulations!!!

  17. lynn coulter says:

    Cant wait for the new book! Happy <3 day!

  18. lynn coulter says:

    Hay for the new book!

  19. Susan Clark says:

    At present a 772 to 1 chance of winning the book. I would love it. I grew up in a tiny village in Suffolk, England. I could daydream of days gone by and plan my next trip “home”.

  20. lynn coulter says:

    Yeah for the new book!

  21. Barbara T, Wolverine Lake MI says:

    I just knew that you would have to have a new post on Valentines Day!!! I pre-ordered your new book and am hoping that you go on a whirlwind book tour and come to the Detroit area so you can sign my book in person!! Love your darling little heart shaped egg, served on that darling plate. I made up cute little Valentine gift packages to give to the ladies who work in my department with me – the packaging was over-the top, everyone oohed and aahhed over them. Inside was just a little Valentine mechanical pencil, 3 pink hershey kisses and a small hand lotion. it’s the thought that counts however and I wanted them to feel loved and they did 🙂 I had fun making them extra pretty. Having a birthday in Feb, I’ve always been especially fond of hearts and Valentines.

  22. Maria says:

    I am SO looking forward to your book. I’d love to follow along your road map and make that same trip someday. Ah, to dream….

  23. MICHELLE says:

    VALENTINE’S DAY ALWAYS COMES AT THE RIGHT TIME OF THE YEAR !

  24. Susan schieffer says:

    Happy Valentines Day to you also from a HUGE fan of yours for years and years.
    God bless you.

  25. Marianne says:

    Oh how I enjoy your blog! The photos and the thoughts make winter especially wonderful and romantic. I love love love Willard! Keep making our days so special with your beautiful artwork and thoughts on the seasons. Love to you, Joe and the kitties.

  26. Karen Hoffman says:

    Susan,
    All your books, calendars and writings bring a smile to my heart. I am so excited to read “A Fine Romance.” Thanks for sharing your story with us.

  27. Grace Borbe says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day Susan! I am looking forward to reading your new book while I sip my own cup of tea. I love England too. God bless you!

    Cheers,
    Grace

  28. Suzanne says:

    I’m looking forward to following your adventures on the Queen Mary II – they will bring back memories of my time on the Queen Mary I!

  29. Joan says:

    Got back this afternoon from a wonderful B&B outside a small town near Austin, TX–so small that the B&B serves dinner as well as breakfast (and has lunch available as well)! It was my husband’s mea culpa for not giving me a card or even wishing me Happy Valentine’s Day last year! He did an excellent job of redeeming himself. Delighted to know our wait for your book won’t be much longer.

  30. shara says:

    Thank you for sharing your artistic gifts with us. You are a blessing.

  31. Nancy says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
    Congratulations on finishing “our” book!!!
    I have pre-ordered….can’t wait!

  32. Lynn Marie says:

    I can’t wait for the book—ooh please Vanna, pick mem pick me!

  33. dana burton says:

    Thank you for this chance to win you new book. And “Happy Valentine’s Day!”

  34. Loretta Perkins says:

    I love your blog, totally warms my heart!

  35. Jo Ann F. says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe! I’m traveling to England at Easter and I’m very excited after reading your trip reports.

  36. Barbara S. says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day Susan! Thank you for my copy of Willard. I loved reading it and look forward to your new book. I’ve collected all your books over the years and I LOVE them. Thank you!
    Hugs from Barbara S. in Cumming, GA

  37. Christine DeGraves says:

    Awe love you heart eggs. My son and I had heart toast today with Peach Raspberry jam .love those Kitty paws too cute Kitty feet are so cute!

  38. Rosemary says:

    I hope I win the book! I would love and treasure it always. Thank you, Susan, for all the hard work and love you put into it. God bless you and your beautiful family.

  39. Joanne says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day to you! You always make me smile!! So exited about the new BOOK!!

  40. Laura M. says:

    It’s been a lovely Valentines Day here in beautiful Northern California…a sunny 70 degree day, lunch with my sweetie and chocolates! It doesn’t get much better than that…

  41. MarySue says:

    There you go again, making me feel within your circle of friendship. I’m appreciating your gifts, talents and loving heart. AZ is sunny and seventy, Meyer lemon in a pot is gifting me with heavenly, truly heavenly, fragrant blossoms. Will admit to being envious of your popping fireplace you’ve shared through your posts. Best wishes Friend.

  42. Cindy Spikowski says:

    I can hardly wait for the book to be published! I really enjoy reading your blog.

  43. Melinda Mull says:

    Oh, your blog is pure magic to me. My friend Wilhelmina KNEW I would love it and made a point of telling me about it. I am thrilled.
    I too thought I was signed up for Willards but don’t see one in my box. I’ll have to check it out.

  44. Pat Holland says:

    Happy St. Valentine’s Day to you and Joe. Your post was so dear. I am excited about possibly winning a copy of A Fine Romance. I already have a number of your books and love every one. In fact, I am about to get your Love book out and read it, which I usually do this time of year. Thanks for brightening our days with your beautiful photography and heartfelt writing.

    Pat Holland

  45. Teresa from Lancaster, PA says:

    Sounds like you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day. What a cozy day. I’d be so honored to win your book. Have a wonderful weekend!

  46. Karen B. says:

    Whenever I see your name in my in-box, it cheers me! I don’t know if I’ll ever travel to England, but have enjoyed every bit of my armchair trip with you.

  47. Mary W. says:

    First time to leave a comment, but I have been buying and loving your calendars for years. Thank you for your positive view on the world. I think I’ve found another person who wakes up with pink (rosey) glasses on…. pink has always been my favorite color.

  48. Amie in CA says:

    What a sweet post! I saw Willard in my inbox. 🙂

    I spent my sophomore year of college abroad in London, and spent nearly every weekend out and about exploring new places. I told myself the day I left that I would be back soon. That was 20 years ago this April! Where do the years go? Sigh. I would love to win a copy of your book.

  49. Tamara Davis says:

    Thanks for your sweet Valentine’s Day blog Susan. You always give me a lift!

  50. Mary says:

    Happy Valentines Day to you and Joe. The snow looks beautiful – but glad I live in So CA.
    Love all your blogs – my friend gave me a box of your cards, Christmas and a Grandma Book for Christmas and I love both of them. Hate to give the cards – want to keep them all LOL
    Regards,
    Mary

  51. robin g says:

    I will be knocking around the UK in May-June and your book posts have got me fired up and ready to go! Many thanks for your lovely work!

  52. Angela Camacho says:

    Thank you for your humor and positive outlook on life! I love reading your posts and newsletters!!!

  53. Julie Cavrich says:

    Happy Valentine’s day to all the girlfriends! I can’t wait for our book! I loved the picture with Beatrix and Peter Piper. I could just reach in and give Peter a big hug. Great post and Great Willard. Kisses to the Kitties!

  54. Susan Kellam says:

    I’ve pre-ordered your book and CAN’T WAIT till it arrives! You see, my sisters and I are planning a trip to England the Summer after next and we want to go to some of the places ya’ll went to. We lived in England back in the late 60’s and also want to visit our old school and the city where we lived. But the highlights will be going to Hilltop Farm and Jane Austen’s home–we’re huge fans. If I win a pre-publication copy of your book, I plan on giving it to one of sisters.

  55. Chris Lawson says:

    I’m very excited about your book ! and possibly winning a copy too.

  56. Sandy Manning - Plano, TX says:

    So excited about your new book. It looks fabulous! It has been so much fun following you from the announcement of your trip, THE trip and now the near finishing of the book. What an accomplishment!

    Happy Valentine’ Day – the egg you made Joe looked perfect!

    Sunny and mild here in TX today. I did enjoy your snow pics!

  57. Susan Cobb says:

    My day is always a little rosier when I open my email a d find a message from you. My husband and I are looking forward to your new book since we took our dream trip to England back in 2001. I scrapbooked our entire trip as we meandered our way around via train. Car and foot. Lovely memories and we look forward to comparing our trip to yours. Enjoy your posts so much dear friend, Susan

  58. Carin from Central California says:

    Thanks for the Valentine post and Willard. I read both of them today and they made my Valentine’s Day. Your book looks lovely and one would be a lucky duck to win it. A prized possession for sure. Thank you for all you do.

  59. Sue Miller says:

    Happy Valentines Day Susan! You touch so many hearts (including mine) in so many ways. Thank you.

  60. Jackie P says:

    I was hoping there would be an opportunity today to wish you Happy Valentine’s Day! Your blogs are so inspiring and speak right from the heart, so could there be a better day to tell you how special you are? (I almost cried reading the last two lines of this blog without even seeing the ending of your book! ) Sweet dreams!

  61. Linda C says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day! Thank you for sending Willard! I have been receiving them forever and love them. I can’t wait to see your book this fall. What a fabulous trip that was and one I am hoping to make one day. You have an enormous talent and you include all of us in all the fun! Thank you for sharing, I enjoy everything you create!

  62. Leah Brooks says:

    Happy love day to you lovebirds!!

  63. Kate McLaury says:

    Your joy, creativity, and enthusiasm fill so many happy hearts.
    Your trip to England is just the spur I need to start the planning.
    Thank you,
    Kate
    Would love to win an early book and go next spring: – )

  64. Nanc says:

    So looking forward to you “A Fine Romance” and would love to follow you route through the countrysides of England.

  65. Georgie says:

    E-X-C-I-T-E-M-E-N-T is in the air! A Fine Romance from start to finish… Your NEW BOOK will soon be ours to read cover to cover! Even when we reach the last page we will realize that… A truly Fine Romance has no end… just new beginnings!

    Thanks for all the new beginnings you’ve shared with us. A Fine Romance is never ending!

    WILLARD was such a treat! The BEST Valentine ever! Vanna, work those muscles! This drawing will be one for the record books! Count Me In!

    CONGRATULATIONS SUSAN!
    XOXO Georgie
    Yardville, NJ

  66. Judy Johnson Parkman says:

    I hope you have had a beautiful Valentine’s Day overflowing with all kinds of ‘special-ness’. Any time I check out your blog, my day becomes more special!! Thanks! And let’s all continue to celebrate love every single day!! <3

  67. Darlene says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day Susan, Joe and everyone!!! Jack’s a sweetie, I love the paws too!! xoxo

  68. Amy C in NH says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day Susan! I love reading your blogs and Willards – they always make me smile – receiving a special letter from a friend. I am really looking forward to A Fine Romance – England is near & dear to my heart. Will you be doing a book signing in New England? Hopefully Vanna picks me:) Take care, Amy C in NH

  69. Jennifer Behen says:

    Oh, happy day! I would love, love, love to have your (sure to be) totally wonderful book before everyone else! How awesome would that be!? Can barely wait to read it however I get my hands on it…..would love for Vanna to speed things along. 🙂

  70. Beth Keser says:

    I cannot wait to read your new book!! Happy Valentines Day to you and Joe 🙂

  71. Barbara Weaver says:

    I am soooo excited for this book to be published! It’s going to be so hard to wait … patience is NOT one of my virtues. What makes this book extra-special to me is that I visited a lot of the places you did last year too — I left the UK just before you and Joe arrived. It will be fun to see Sissinghurst through your eyes. It was pouring down rain the day I visited so never got to see the outer gardens. Always love to read your posts — they make the day special!
    Barbara W.

  72. Suzanne says:

    Reading your blog is such a sweet ending to Valentine’s Day. ♥

  73. Robyn Genau says:

    Susan,Can’t wait to look through your new book!I am well on my way to having your entire collection.Autumn was a little tricky but I finally found one.Looking forward to the new one. Robyn

  74. Sharon M. Hemmer says:

    Anxiously awaiting the release of your book “A Fine Romance”. We are going back to see our friends in England after 13 years for our 50th anniversary and planning on bringing your book as a gift. So you see, your story will be traveling across the pond . I know they will love it and so will I! Loved the pix of your snowstorm. Sharon H.

  75. Susan: I cannot wait to read your book. I will go to your store and pre-order. It looks wonderful. I want to go there (English countryside, not just London as usual) and this will be an outstanding travel guide.

    I also love the heart shaped egg. Why didn’t I think of that! I have like a zillion heart shaped cookie cutters.
    And I have noted your book signing in November in California. Now that we live in Utah 🙁 we can drive there —(there is a silver lining to everything I always say) I think it will be fun for my 14 year old daughter to meet the woman whose books I have collected and used for every holiday of her life. You don’t get to do that in many lifetimes!

    Anyway, thanks again for your blog and Willard and your books. I love them all.

  76. Hi Susan and friends!
    Happy Valentines Day! Just returned from Richmond Virginia where my grown daugthers and I attended the Billion and Rising Rally to end violence against women. It was an awe inspiring day! Dancing, singing and inspirational speeches and a nice dinner waiting for us when we got home. Just had to share…and wishing all the same peace and joy!

  77. Jan says:

    I can’t wait to read your new book!!!!!!!!!! Love, love, love England!

  78. Karen Pierce says:

    I have been buying your calendars for years and have all of your cookbooks! Love your blog and always look forward to receiving it by email. If I don’t win a copy of your book, I would love to buy one!!

  79. Arnette says:

    Can’t hardly wait for your new book. I would love to win this book. It’s my 50th birthday on the 25th of Feb. What a great milestone gift that would be. I always love to read your blog. Take care

  80. Eileen F says:

    Your books bring much love into my life! Anytime I cook from them, I feel it is with extra love, because of the beauty of your illustrations and the script you so expertly write.

    I will order your book for a friend whose son’s family will be going to England for two years.

  81. Stacy says:

    I love your blog and your paintings. Your new book looks fantastic. I love England and all things British from afar, but enjoy your blog posts from your trip. Happy Valentine’s!

  82. Dana Burton says:

    I don’t know if my previous comments went through today? I posted and it usually tells me it’s awaiting moderation….tried again and it said my comments have already been posted?? I just want to make sure I get in for the drawing.:) Okay, sorry for the confusion. Oh, but just in case you didn’t get my other messages….Happy Valentine’s Day Susan and Joe!

  83. Cynthia Avalos says:

    Can’t wait for the book to come! I will pre-order!

  84. Laura says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day to a beautiful couple! Here in the Florida panhandle spring is arriving a little early. Today I watched the bluebirds and chickadees arguing over rights to the nest box in my yard… pure entertainment! Looking forward to your new book. God bless.

  85. Laurie in Zeeland, Mi says:

    Susan; Your Rapidiograph pens must be “smokin”, with finishing your new book (which we have pre-ordered), sending out the valentines Day willard & now The Valentines Day Blog! Whew! You need to slow down girl & enjoy some tea by the fire (with Joe, of course)! But, sure glad that you sent them out as we read them as soon as we receive them! So, glad that you’re working hard! HAPPY VALENTINES Day to you from Zeeland, Michigan!

  86. Kathy Oliberos says:

    Susan,
    Can hardly wait to see your new book. Have really enjoyed watching you work on it and share with us your journey. Hope you and Joe had a wonderful day celebrating Valentines Day. My husband and I have been together 42 years and have celebrated many sweet times together.

  87. Brenda says:

    Congratulations on finishing your book!! Hope you can sit back, rest your fingers, and enjoy a little Earl Grey. Bless your little fingers! They have been working themselves to the bone, and I just know the product is a jewel. Cannot wait to see and read the lovely volume. Thank you so much for all the hard work and the sharing of your heart with us. You have a lovely heart, and a generous spirit, and we girlfriends reap the benefits.

    Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe and your furry little kids. What a lovely family you are! You and Joe look as if you really belong together, Sue. Surely you can sense that you were meant to find each other. Your love and care for each other are an inspiration. You are so blessed.

    Thanks for sharing your snow. We had a little here earlier in the winter…. enough to make an itty bitty snow man’s kitty.

    Love, Brenda from NC

  88. ROBIN WRENN says:

    Gosh! so many comments – I’m 830! Hopefully you won’t have to write that many numbers down. But I would just love to have your new book so I’m adding myself to your workload. Love your art and writing, Thanks for the Willard. Keep warm.

  89. Sheri Thurber says:

    You couldn’t have chosen a better Valentine gift to your girls than the opportunity to pre-order your new book. What a sweet idea thinking g of us and wanting us to be sure to receive a copy. We all do love you and thank you for including us in your life.

    Sheri

  90. LindaSonia says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe and the kitters!! Can’t wait till the book is published. You and your blog are true gems!

  91. Marina Solis says:

    Can’t wait to read your newest book! Your other books are so enchanting! Love to read them over and over. Happy St. Valentines Day to you and your hubby. Such a romantic pair!!

  92. Julie H says:

    I was up all night with a sick little boy, how lovely to escape for a short time to read your post. Thank you! Happy Valentines Day!

  93. mary says:

    Hi Susan! I can’t wait to add your new book to my collection. I enjoy all your books all year long! T hank you!! mnj

  94. Hope says:

    Each post of your trip I’d read to my husband – we enjoyed it so much!! I have also started looking for and finding sheep at thrift stores as I result of the lamb pictures last spring!!

  95. Kelley Wezner says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day! Thank you for the time and care you put into your writing, your art, and your blog–your kindness and thoughtfulness shine through.

  96. Carol says:

    As I’ve said before~ You and Joe make a gorgeous couple~ Happy Valentines Day!

  97. Gail Marie says:

    Congrats on finishing what is sure to be a gorgeous book. I hope you make into an enhanced ebook with video too! Best wishes to you & Joe.

  98. judith waller says:

    Susan your new book looks gorgeous. I am having trouble finding your books in Australia. Got any suggestions about how I can get a copy?

  99. melissa davis says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥ I CAN NOT WAIT to read your book! My husband and I want to make a trip to England and go to several of the same places you and Joe went! 🙂 ♥♥♥

  100. Amy from Wisconsin says:

    Happy Valentines Day Susan! I can’t wait to read your new book!

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