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. Monica D. says:

    I can’t wait to read “A Fine Romance!” I followed the blog posts while you were on the trip and can’t wait to see your lovely paintings, try the recipes, and take my own trip to Beatrix Potter’s home through the pages of your book!

  2. Sandy Fox says:

    Happy Late Valentines Day to you Susan and Joe! Hope you had a wonderful day!
    We did! Was so excited to give my Mom (who has Alzheimer’s) a hand stitched Valentine I stitched and stuffed for her! I signed and dated it on the back and hope that I will have her next year to pull it out and give it to her again! Had a wonderful dinner with my sweetheart husband. Life is good!
    Can’t wait for your new book to be published and hope I win it! I share your blog with many of my friends and they love you too!
    Have a great day!

    • sondra fox says:

      Can’t believe there’s another “Sandy Fox” on this blog! My name is Sondra Fox & I sign off as “Sandy from Chihuahua Flats.” I was amazed when I saw your name. Even though my name is Sondra, everyone calls me Sandy.

      • Pat Mofjeld from St. Paul, Minnesota says:

        Sondra, I got the same feeling when I saw a Pat Williams on there–that was my maiden name. It does give a person kind of a jolt… LOL! 🙂

  3. Meryl says:

    Hi Susan

    Just pre ordered my copy. Can’t wait! I have been reading your blog religiously getting snippets of the book.
    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Meryl

  4. Kimberley King says:

    Good Afternoon, Susan 🙂

    I stumbled upon your blog actually whilst searching for more information about Emma Bridgewater, as I too am a fan of hers. Dear Ol’ Google took me to your writings on your visit there, and on seeing your artwork as I read on, I have to say E.B. may well have been bumped to #2 of my favourites 🙂
    I read on about your trips around England, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all about your adventures ~ I live in England, in Devon, and every year my husband and I go camping in the Yorkshire Dales, and visit the Lakes, so reading about your visits there brought back lovely memories, (and I lost a few hours of indulgent reminiscing through my own photos,) so to read your book with detailed musings from your time here would be wonderful!
    I also have enjoyed seeing your snowy photos ~ to see the beautiful cardinals on your feeder, against the snowy background is delightful!
    As the little snow we get in my part of Devon is only a dusting and lasts hardly any time at all, to see such gorgeous blankets covering the ground where you are is pure nature at one of her most artistic times.
    I have bookmarked your site and will be checking back frequently to hear more news from your part of the world.
    Thank you so much for letting me (and the many, many others that follow your blog,) share in that world.

    With love,
    Kimberley
    (Devon, England.)

  5. Patricia says:

    Wow – what a day, finished the last page, served up the best-eggs-on-Valentines-Day I’ve ever seen and your little kitty feet are the cutest on record – not to mention my thank you for Willard, haven’t read it yet but I saved it for when I’ve a nice cup of tea and a warm kitty in my lap.

    I want to be picked but if not, then that is life, you win some, you lose some and every once in awhile, you get picked. (Big smile from the edge of the icy Hudson River).

  6. Susan Dasse says:

    Loved the latest Willard (of course)….and am so looking forward to your book on England. England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – the most beautiful of islands.

  7. Rebecca Kendall says:

    I love England! We celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary there, several years ago. It is my dearest wish to go again – for longer than the 10 day tour we took. It would be great to win a copy of your book! But , I’ll happily purchase one, if I must… Wonderful lead-in to intro the book.I so enjoy reading this website. You have so many neat, creative ideas that I want to emulate. I love your artwork and all the photos.
    Have a creative day,
    Becky

  8. Roxanne Schuster says:

    I received my first Willard yesterday and I loved it! Reading you blog and newsletter is like sitting down for a cup of tea with an old friend. <3

  9. Jill says:

    You live the life I dream of. Your trip to England will be the closest I will ever come, and you really brought it to life for me. What a beautiful country. I accidentally came across your posts because I had bought one of your calendars and looked you up on line, I am a fan!!! Love your art, love your attitude to life and living it!! Thanks for the lift in your art and posts.

  10. Sharon Byars says:

    So excited book is ready!! Love to win as it might arrive before our trip to England coming up!! Thank you beyond words for turning me on to Kate Morton. Suffering from this horrible flu and the best part was finishing “The House at Riverton”. Felt like Downton Abbey in book form. Loved it till the very end. Also, will be waiting for you at Madonna in SLO at 2pm…it is a date!

  11. Martha B says:

    I’ve ordered two copies, one for my pen pal in York, England. Can’t wait!

  12. Pamela says:

    PomPom sent me to this lovely spot. I’ve been a lover of your artwork for years and never thought about you having a blog. Can’t wait to read your new book!

  13. Cindy says:

    I’m already daydreaming about where I will open the pages to “A Fine Romance”. In the den with the sun streaming down the hillside into my lap? In a deck chair with the lake spread out before me? Sitting on the end of the dock? (oh no, a book could spill into all that wet water!) Well, wherever I decide I plan to be comfy and fortified for a long, lazy perusing. One can’t rush a trip around England, you know!

  14. Jenifer says:

    Susan,

    I’ve been enjoying your blog for a few months now. I’ve even been to the Vintage shop in your store which inspired me with the Beatrix Potter figurines. I found some of my own at a thrift store in the Twin Cities! They are so cute and fun. Have you watched the movie with Renee Zellweger as Beatrix Potter? I don’t know how accurate it is but it was very enjoyable.
    I’ve always wanted to go to England, ever since I was a little girl and read stories with “shan’t” in them~LOL! It will be fun to see it through your eyes and make notes of where to visit when/if I ever get there. I’m not a fan of flying so that is the hindrance for me :/
    Lovely, lovely blog 🙂

    Warmly,
    Jeni

  15. Christine says:

    Happy Valentines Day Susan and Joe!
    Enjoyed your pictures of you and Joe. Isn’t the snow pretty?! Here in Michigan it’s way too early to be thinking about Spring, so we enjoy those snowy days. Nice to be able to stay inside and putter or read Willard with a cup of hot chocolate.
    Looking forward to A Fine Romance. Will be putting in my order soon. Thanks for your blog and books Susan. You make my day!

  16. Laura says:

    Oh Goodness! Can’t wait for that new book! I hope you come to the Chicagoland area for a book signing, I’m in the northern suburbs & would surely come & find you and give you a big Illinois hug!!! Happy Valentine’s Day!

    Laura

  17. Kay - North Central Texas says:

    Congratulations on being so close to finishing your book. I can’t wait to read it and revisit all the places you took us along last summer.

    It’s easy to see you and Joe are the perfect couple. Cupid’s aim was on the mark when the two of you met.

    Enjoy your weekend staying warm and cozy!

  18. Kristen says:

    Oh Susan, I just read the Willard and I’m so excited for your new book. I was traveling along with you on your blog while you were in England and enjoyed every entry…the book will be one that I will treasure. 🙂 Hope your Valentine’s Day was the best ever!

  19. Chrissy says:

    Generous you are. Thank you for this opportunity to receive the fruit of your winter labor and last year’s memorable trip on and across the pond.

  20. Ann from Virginia Beach says:

    Waiting with baited breath for A Fine Romance to come out. I’ll have to have just the right setting when I sit down to read it– I’m picturing a nice warm spring day, curled up on my porch with a cup of tea and my kitty on my lap. Maybe a little plate of lavender cookies-um, biscuits- to nibble on……
    A Very Happy Valentine’s Day (a day late) to you and your Sweet!!

  21. Brenda Kincade says:

    Happy Valentine’s day to you, too! Love your blog and your Willard and would love to win your book on England. Oh, please pick me!

  22. Nancy says:

    Thanks for making the Willard available via your blog post! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it (as always). Have a great day!

  23. Pat Santner says:

    I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t run out of books – you’ve gotten us all so excited to see it! I’m going to go order my advance copy now.

  24. Kim DeMichele says:

    Happy Belated Valentines Susan!!! I already pre-ordered 2 of your lovely books, so I don’t need to enter the drawing!!! My daughter and I can not wait to have your books in hand!!!! Thanks for sharing your love of England and your talents!!! Fondly, Kim D., Dublin, OH

  25. Sue Kowal says:

    Susan, Congrats on finishing!!! Thank you for the lovely “blog”. Enjoy it so much!!!

  26. Mushy says:

    I look forward to your blog daily. It gives me such inspiration! I HAD to show you something I found on Pinterest since you’re always traveling. It’s a thrifty watercolor travel kit. Thought it may be useful to you. It might also drive you to make more books for us!! :)!!
    myrnawacknov.blogspot.com/2008/05/watercolor-travel-kit-set-up.html

  27. Melissa D. says:

    Thanks for the Valentines Day peek into your snowy wonderland.I so look forward to and enjoy the musica!

  28. Love all the quotes you put on your blog. Love the picture on the book. And love the bookmark!

  29. Laura says:

    Oh, I can hardly wait to read your new book. Have I ever told you that every one of your books is like a cozy home…something I didn’t really have growing up. It’s largely due to your books that I’ve always desired to make my home with my husband and children a welcoming one…you’ve given me a great example to follow. So thank you so much!

  30. Florence Rozler says:

    The weather in Buffalo,N.Y. is snow & cold, but you pictures and letters warm things up.[re-read all the time].Thank-You.Have a great day!!!!!

  31. Elizabeth Shepler says:

    Thank you for making my Valentine’s Day! I love your blog and Willard! Looking forward to reading your new book!

    Elizabeth S.

  32. Erin Perry says:

    So excited about the book! Our England trip in 2006 was our trip of a lifetime – and it’s been such a joy reliving it with you and Joe.
    Erin in Morro Bay

  33. Cyndi in NC says:

    My Valentine Jim and I spent the day apart. He has a new job and had to go to Arizona for a month and a half, hopefully, and that’s ok. He has been my Valentine for 39 years and as far as I’m concerned everyday is Valentine’s Day. Sure we get cards and/or the other things that go along with the day but we stay home and I cook something special. The restaurants are usually packed, you have to wait a long time and we don’t really enjoy that. We go either before or after. But since he was gone I put on my red top and new red Valentine’s watch, the candy Kiss necklace he gave me several years ago for Valentine’s Day and off I went to Target and then the movies. Now I went to see the new Die Hard movie because it opened yesterday and we were going to go see it. We didn’t think he’d have to leave for a while so watching previews at the movies we decided to see it. The movie was Die Hard what can you say, cars smashing, the good guys getting blow through many more buildings and car crashes than any human could live through but I did enjoy it. I had my popcorn and except for my honey being there with me what more could I ask for. *L* I talked to him several times throughout the day and we opened our Valentine’s cards on the phone together. So even though he wasn’t here he was. When he gets home at the end of March, maybe, he’ll get his Valentine’s dinner, his favorite Shrimp and Grits!! So whether we’re together or across the country we’re still together. If I’d have gotten snow yesterday I’d have been tickled and just I’d have gone to the movie later. *L* The pictures of your snow were so beautiful, I’m enjoying them so much. So whether you’re with your honey or apart make sure to tell the ones you love how you feel about them while you can!! Hugs to all of you. ~*S*~

    • Cyndi in NC says:

      Just heard we might get some snow tomorrow night!!!!!!!!! Ok, so we’ll probably only get an inch or inch and a half but that’s a lot for us. *L*

  34. Frannie says:

    How happy I am to stumbled across your site!

    I have loved your artwork ever since my dear marm gave me one of your calendars for Christmas. I am escpecially excited to read your encouraging words are trying to paint . . . I had to write and illustrate a small children’s book for a class and since then I’ve been aching to put into pictures what I think.

    Blessings to you!
    Frannie

  35. Loris Mills says:

    What a sweet day! Happy Valentine’s to you and yours with a special head scritch in their for Girl and Jack 🙂 Can’t wait to see A Fine Romance!

  36. Jan says:

    Susan,
    Read my Wonderful Willard. Wonderful! Thanks for the bookmark and recipe!
    Just to let you know – the Chocolate Eclairs were wonderful!! My husband loved them! ( wonderful: exciting wonder,unusually good)
    Jan

  37. Kady Fielding says:

    Susan –
    I received “Willard” and was very excited to read all your lovely news. I have bought all of your other books because I bought them whilst I lived in Indiana in the USA. I moved to Nottinghamshire, England this past May and all of your books and stickers came with me. Now, I am wondering how I will get your latest book, A Fine Romance. I don’t think you will ship to England. If you do, please let me know. I always would buy your calendars but this year, I had to do without. I was very disappointed because your beautiful artwork isn’t available over the pond (although I have done an extensive search in all the bookstores that are available to me). I love the English countryside myself. It is so beautiful and calming to me. We brought our 2 cats and 2 dogs over here with us. I love my kitties paws also. We just adopted another cat that came to our door as a stray. She is solid white with huge blue eyes and she is such a sweet soul. I named her Lily. I hope to win your book because I can always have you ship it to my friend that still lives in Indiana. She is such a good friend that she will ship it over here for me. Please never stop writing and drawing because you are my companion in this foreign but amazing country that I live in now.
    With kind regards,
    Kady

  38. Laura says:

    Thank you so much for the wonderful Willard…just perfect for Valentine’s Day ……am looking forward to your lovely book.

  39. Lnda says:

    I am sure that you are both excited and a bit sad about having your new book finished; congrats. What project will you be beginning next? Thanks for the chance to win a copy of your new book. Romance…what a wonderful subject.

  40. Linda in Scottsdale says:

    Yesterday morning I woke up to the new Willard! What a wonderful surprise. The joy carried me through the day. I am so looking forward to your new book! I’ll be preordering a copy soon. Have a wonderful day.

  41. Sylvia M. (CA) says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day to you too! I just love it when I see a new post on your blog! Thank you for sharing with us!

  42. Cathy S. says:

    Good Morning Susan,
    I so enjoyed following along with you and Joe on your trip through England and would love to be the winner of a copy of your book, A Fine Romance, and then I could relive your trip again and again! Thank you for this opportunity.

  43. Julia D. says:

    Goodness Gracious! So thrilled to be in the running of being able to have the chance to receive your lovely new book. It certainly looks devine! I just love your blog of wonderful stories and treasures you share with us all. Thank you for the opportunity for your beautiful new book and also for giving us your delightful talents to cherish as well.
    Happy Spring!

  44. Hi Susan:

    I enjoyed hearing those great 1950’s songs so much, I sang along with them. I live in Southbury, CT. — home of Gladys Taber — and always enjoy it when you use a quote of hers. (Yes, I belong to The Friends of Gladys Taber.) I look forward to reading your new book, and like everyone else, would be delighted to win a copy. From Stillmeadow Country, Fran L.

  45. Janie Phillips says:

    Happy Belated Valentine’s Day, Sue! I tried to stop by yesterday, but the lines must have been too long and I couldn’t get in. Big congratulations on the book! I’ll be pre-ordering very soon and I really can’t wait to see it! xoxo

  46. Love your photos of the blizzard — especially Jack and the birds. Your book is going to be GREAT and to think I’ve been along “the ride” since the QMII sailed out of New York !! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. But if Vanna picks me, I’m out of town from Feb. 17 – 24 so don’t give up on me !! Thank you Susan (and Joe and Jack).

  47. Sandra Wright says:

    Susan,
    My sister has several of your books and recently she informed me I needed to check out your blog, saying I would love your house. She is right. I also love how it always puts me in a good mood when I read of what you, Joe and the kitties are up to.
    My husband and I recently had our own English cottage built on our Kentucky farm. We are still settling in and dream of someday having a vacation, just as you and Joe did, in the beautiful English countryside. Your new book will definately be one I’ll be searching for.

  48. Donna from Kennett Square says:

    I cannot wait for the book to be available. Congratulations on finishing, quite a task-but I know how much love you put in to it. I am so excited to be able to go on that journey again…

  49. Peggy in TN says:

    You have such a kind soul.

  50. Melissa says:

    Happy post-Valentine’s -Thanks for the blog and the Willard-double treat! Can’t wait for the NEW book!! Just left “Girlfriends Forever”on my BFF’s nitestand as a hostess gift for having us as houseguests in Sun Valley! Enjoy each day as a special gift! Love M

  51. Sheryl from Chico oo says:

    Girlfriends,
    It looks like we are all lining up for the drawing of the new book. I am excited as I read the enticing parts you shared with us, Susan. Thanks for being the special person that you are.

  52. Alice says:

    Thank you for reminding me to be conscious of the beauty and romance around every day. So glad I found your blog. I have many of your books and can’t wait for the new one. xoxo

  53. oh! i am so happy to beable to pre-order your wonderful travel book..
    please add my name for a special pre-signed copy… love love your blog.
    .hugs and smiles.xx

  54. Beth from Wyoming says:

    Today we are having a beautiful “fairy” snow with delicate snowflakes trickling down covering all the trees and adding new fluff to our already piled high snow. No wind today. All we hear is the crisp sound of crunching under feet as we go on our walk around. Time for tea and your Sticky Toffee Pudding! A heavenly day!

  55. Liz Weske says:

    Susan, So excited to read about this new book- it sounds so interesting and I can’t wait to read it all- taking my time. Love your blog this month and photos are wonderful as ever.

  56. zooperson says:

    Am so looking forward to this book. How lucky to be the winner!

  57. Joan Ramseyer says:

    Susan….I wrote a comment at 8:45 a.m. and for some reason it didn’t go through as it says it is waiting moderation but many notes have been posted since that time so I’ll just try again. I have already prepurchased a book, but would love to win the one you are giving away. How wonderful you are just about finished. I know that is a good feeling for you. We are thinking of traveling to England next year, but for this year our destination in September is Norway. We’ve been to London but after teaching English literature for so many years I would love to see the Lake District and my husband wants to see the Yorkshire Dales….James Herriot country. Like you we are watching Downton Abbey and loving it. Had to catch up on the first two seasons. Wishing you and Joe a good weekend.

  58. Julie Templeton says:

    Here in the southwest we are enjoying sunny days and cool nights. Its’ 57* outside at 11:00 AM and we desert dwellers are bundled up against the ‘cold’. Your book on England shows the one thing I miss the most GREEN!

  59. mary boyer says:

    even tho it’s the day after heart day my wishes for everyone’s heart to be in love with anything is the same! for love really is what makes the world go ’round!
    one day i may even decide to try a winter on the island. it was wonderful in the fall. i can only imagine how great a snowy winter would be. hooray for snow!!!!

  60. Carolyn Cunningham says:

    I would love to win “A Fine Romance”! I treasure all your books and a signed copy would add so much to my collection. I’ll send this off for now and keep my fingers crossed Vanna pulls my name. Love ya, Carolyn

  61. carol says:

    Love everthing about your blog, looking so forward to “A Fine Romance” being available………….I did pre order…………can’t wait. XOXO Who knows I just may be the lucky one to get to read it before anyone else!!!! You’re the BEST!!!!

  62. Diane says:

    You little pill, you can do anything. Thanks for all the fun. Love to your family of four. From a kindred spirit.

  63. Polly says:

    I’m so excited for A Fine Romance to come out! I’m planning for a trip to England with a friend from work in the next couple of years – something I’ve dreamed of for so long, and I’m so excited to see more of where you went and your tips on where to go and what to see. I followed your travel blog through England with envy, and I’ll travel vicariously through your book until I can save up enough to make the trip myself!
    And I’m SO in love with Jack! I love the photo with his sweet little feet all in a tangle! There’s nothing more peaceful than watching a cat sleep, with his feet all tangled up. Mine sleeps like that alot, and lately he’s started snoring! Very adorable. Happy Valentine’s month to you!

  64. Elizabeth Puchmelter says:

    I just had to tune in to my computer when I finally left my warm bed. Much more important than going down to my kitchen to do dishes and look out on my snowy back yard. My three kitties are waiting for breakfast (the names on my
    email are two of them) I love them to pieces ! I am so glad that I discovered
    you years ago. Our first son came home from the hospital on Valentine’s Day, another reason for loving the day.

  65. Elizabeth Puchmelter says:

    My comment has disappeared. Did you receive it?

  66. julie says:

    congratulations! on finishing your book! i would love to win it!!

  67. Alice says:

    It is always so nice to find Willard has been delivered and enjoy your words and drawings. You have had a very creative long, cold winter. Looking forward to your new book. Maybe I’ll be the lucky one! Thanks for always making my day in beautiful ways!

  68. Mary D. says:

    I’m so glad you’re almost finished with your book. Can’t wait to read it. Thank you for including all of us on your journey.

  69. Lee Rose says:

    I love when Spring teases you just a little in the middle of Winter. That is what it is doing today. Then possibly snow tomorrow.

  70. Karen Saunders says:

    Just curious Susan…..when I ordered my books I asked if a lot of people were ordering, which they were. Did we make a big ‘dent’ and is your publisher surprised at how many girlfriends you have?? It would be neat to know the final count.

    • Janet [in Rochester] says:

      Great question, Karen – I’d love to know that too. I’ve heard estimates that for every one person that comments on a blog there are 100 other readers that don’t. Would be interesting… :>)

      PS – today was National Gumdrop Day!

  71. Minette says:

    Oh, Susan! I have enjoyed reading the latest Willard so very much, and was bowled over by the cover of A Fine Romance! I just cannot wait ( I know I keep saying this, but it is so true!) And your Valentine post was just lovely and so romantic. I know that it had to be a special day at your house! I miss having snow in winter as we rarely have snow here of any accumulation. Your snow photos allow me to remember how beautiful and fun it could be. However, now I want Spring to come as it will mean we are closer to publication of your book!!!!

  72. Laurie says:

    Just pre-ordered two copies of “A Fine Romance.” One is for me wishing and hoping I can take a similar trip some day. And one is for a dear friend who took almost the exact same trip you did a week later (and didn’t have quite the nice weather you had.) And I couldn’t resist ordering the “trailer birdhouse” as a retirement gift for an art-teacher friend who recently bought an old Shasta trailer (with “wings”) to use as her art studio. You have so many lovely things!

  73. jane townsend says:

    Hi Susan,
    Your Valentine post and Willard brought warmth and sunshine to a very dull damp and cold day. Thank you. I’m so looking forward to your “Fine Romance” – even though I’m English, living in England its been wonderful to hear and see your perspective and enthusiasm for our great little country.

  74. VIVIAN says:

    LOVE YOUR BLOG ALSO KITTIES. YOU ARE A VERY SPECIAL PERSON.LOOKING FORWARD TO NEW BOOK

    LOVE YOUR BLOG. ALSO JACK AND GIRL KITTY. SNOW WAS PRETTY.

  75. Tracy Byers says:

    OOOH!!! Please choose me! though I’ve never been it is a dream that I am working towards.

  76. Kristy says:

    The egg is so cute! I had my cookie cutters out making…cookies, but didn’t think to do an egg in one! Now I can’t wait for St. Patty’s Day to make a green shamrock egg! The book looks wonderful! And I wish it would snow again here near Chicago-Winter is so much more romantic when it’s snowing!

  77. Melissa says:

    England is charming and so is your blog! Thank you for sharing your adventures with everyone.

  78. Beverly - Asheville NC / Charleston SC says:

    Susan, Congratulations for all your accomplishments. I’ve read your books for years and enjoyed our life with you each day through the calendars. The world seemed to get crazier and crazier – and I have been able to bring peace, joy, warmth, laughter, silliness,civility and love into our home by focusing on what really matters in life…husband, son, family,friends and many Blessings. I have not sent you notes or comments before – simply enjoyed the gifts of your talents – but the time has come to thank you soooo much for sharing ” all that makes up Susan Stewart Branch” – kitties, Joe, brothers & other family members, leaps of faith to try things that freeze many of us in our tracks…so many things, too numerous to mention in one little comment spot !!! You’ve allowed us to share our heart-thoughts with each other through your wonderful web-site and blog (new word over the last ** years !! )…and I’m certain this has brought us through many troublesome times. A friend gave me a print “Friends multiply your joys and divide your sorrows” SO TRUE…You are a gift, Susan, a blessing…and so much joy, laughter and love. I thank GOD for your presence in our world.

  79. Rhonda P. in Woodson, TX says:

    Thank you, Susan, so much for sharing your book with all of us! I have already made my bookmark and pre-ordered a copy of “A Fine Romance”. I can’t wait to have it in hand…it was such fun, traveling with you and Joe thru the English countryside!

  80. Elaine says:

    HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO YOU AND JOE!! My computer acted up all day yesterday everytime I tried to post. Can hardly wait for the book; it will be hard to wait until October. Would be lovely to wake up to snow; don’t get much in MO anymore. Everything looks so soft and quiet. Will be counting until the book is out.

  81. Daena in NJ says:

    It’s so exciting to hear the book is done and the long wait is almost over. It’s hard to wait to order it. Thanks for all the loving work on it and for sharing the process with all of us.

  82. Suzanne Bidinger says:

    I am looking forward to your England Journey Diary. My girlfriend and I discuss your new website entries when we talk on the weekends and we have long been wondering when we would be able to read your journal. Now we can look forward to our pre-ordered copies to arrive! Thanks for sharing all your lovely images with us. Suzanne

  83. Carol Johnson says:

    Hi Susan!
    I live in Santa Maria, CA and still miss your store in Arroyo Grande! It was always in the list of places to go when visitors stayed with us. I have several of your books and so enjoy them as well as your emails and blog. I was raised in the Midwest and am always happy to see your photos of the seasons and even the snow! My husband of 45 years is one of God’s greatest blessings to me — we celebrated Valentine’s Day very quietly but very satisfyingly. He is my treasure! Thank you for sharing your lovely life with us and for taking me to Britain!
    Carol

  84. I can remember ~ vaguely ~ falling in love when I was in kindergarten with a 1st grade boy that I thought was very handsome. That was 48 years ago and even though I never met him I made up things about him, where he lived, how many siblings, what he would be when he grew up, etc… and I always felt like I really knew “him”. 15 years ago, and several cities later, I (and my dog as well) was a crossing guard for the grade school by our house. Every morning I would walk my dog to the corner and we would safely ferry children across a large and busy intersection that included the entrance to the local community college parking lot. It was a hectic corner in the morning and most parents would drive their kids to school so they didn’t have to walk there. So although it was an important corner to make safe there were few little kids that walked it. However, for a while though, there was a little boy that crossed every morning and, I kid you not, he was the spitting image of that little boy I loved in kindergarten! Different cities, different times but if I had been in kindergarten I would have fallen in love again. I always had this feeling like I knew him… Ain’t love grand?

  85. Laura says:

    My mother and I first traveled to England in 1983, the summer of my junior year in college. Mom fell in love with the country and has been back several times since. She will love your book and I will love being the one to give it to her because it will be the perfect gift.

  86. Veronica Fuentes says:

    Dear Susan, congratulation for finishing our new book!! I can’t wait to read it, thank you for bringing so much joy to my life, you’re the inspiration for so many things I do.

  87. patti says:

    loved your post and the new Willard. i always print out willard and add it to my collection. you have a wonderful gift as and artist but also as a writer. thank you so much for sharing with all of us. you are an inspiration .
    i have pre-ordered my book and i know we will all be thrilled to see it and i will have to force myself to read slowly and savor it :-))

    enjoy the weekend!

  88. Jane says:

    I enjoy your winter pictures of home as I am from Chatham on the Cape but am “wintering” in Florida. I miss the snow but not the cold! Thanks again for a lovely post.

  89. Gail Rose says:

    Please enter me for a free A Fine Romance . Thank you so very much. Love Love allthings you do for us. Gail

  90. Victoria Miller says:

    After a wonderful Valentine’s Day yesterday, I sat down last night with a glass of wine and read the latest Willard and watched and listened to the wonderful ‘A Fine Romance’ clip. I had no idea there would be a Valentine’s Day post, too! Wow! Susan! You really do ‘go’, Girl! I have a big red heart, about a foot high, that is a light. The shade wrapped around the frame that makes the heart is red, sort of rice paper. One year it took a terrible fall out of the storage closet when I was looking for something and, yes, alas….my heart was badly broken. So I put it on a shelf in the kitchen and was going to toss it and going to toss it…but this year…scotch tape. It was a chore, but the heart is in one piece again (for the most part). It’s in the window, where it will stay until end of Sunday. A neighbor told me she loves seeing it, and you can’t tell it’s a broken heart. There’s a lesson in here somewhere. You and Joe have wonderful generousity of spirit! Thank you, and the Girlfriends, for all the light added to my life. Your heart is aglow all year ’round!

  91. Lynne from Mount Hermon, CA says:

    I would adore winning a copy of your newest “labor of love”!!!!!

  92. phyllis davidson says:

    what a lovely beginning to valentines day…..my inspiration to go off and play music at a little pre- school in the santa cruz mountains…..we sang love songs……i love you, a bushel and a peck…..a , you’re adorable…..and love is something if you give it away……and a little poem…

    the love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay…..
    love isn’t love ’til you give it away……

    i look forward to your new book…..and all your blogs…..peace and joy…..phylicia

  93. Sandy Forbes says:

    Oh, it would be a sweetheart of a deal if I won a SIGNED copy of your new book! I truly can’t wait to devour it–like chocolate! Thanks for giving us so much!

  94. Jane in Pennsylvania says:

    This is super exciting. I am so looking forward to this lovely book on which you’ve been working so hard. xxoo

  95. JoEllen Bendall says:

    Dearest–CAN’T wait for A Fine Romance! I shall eat-it-up–with cream and strawberries alongside. Enjoy the snuggling part of these last few months of winter. I have green shoots coming up under snow here in Indiana. Very optimistic, these perennials. Thank you for inviting us along on all your grand adventures! xo

  96. Kathy says:

    I am very excited to see the new book! I have all of your books from years past and have read and re-read them. I just recently discovered your blog and read all the posts in 2 days! I just love it, the pictures, your thoughts, the kitties. Needless to say I check it daily now! 🙂

  97. Angie O'Keefe says:

    How exciting! A new book! Be blessed!

  98. Pam says:

    Thanks for all your energy and creativity you pass on through your posts. I am looking forward to your latest book. I love everything that I have seen so far. Maybe one day it will be a tour guide for my own Fine Romance .

  99. Maile Marquand says:

    Can’t wait for the new book. I have all the others and have been a reader of the blog for years.

  100. shirley burt says:

    THANK YOU A BUNNY BUNCH for Willard———-too lovely for words, your blog so very inspiring and you and Joe——true treasures in our lives. We are celebrating Valentine’s Day today. I worked late yesterday, but started our day with heart shaped biscuits, regret not seeing your delightful heart-shaped fried eggs to add, Next romantic day, I will. Now off to shop for the new treasures you offer, and then back to prepare all things heart shaped for our romantic evening. Love and bunny hugs to all, and rub those sweet kitty feet for me.
    Shirley

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