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 have always wanted to go to England! I will have to wait till my five young children are grown and hope I am not too old to get around!
I can pretty much tell you, you won’t be too old! 🙂
I am 56 and planning a trip now. Enjoy your babies. They grow up so fast. But you are never too old for England!
L- longingly looking forward each day to sweetly shared Susan Branch surprises!
O- obsessions with glass, original art, old dishes, opposite kitties, ONLY Joe!!!
V- vineyard valentines that come in all colors and sizes, including red cardinals!
E- ecstatic expectation in the debut of A Fine Romance…!!! Euphoria!!!
Smoochieroo and Cheerio, Susan!
xoxo
Hi Susan,
I am so excited for your new book! I just can’t wait. I love the collection that I have of your books and right now am re-reading “Sweets” and “Love from the heart of the home” perfect for this season. Although I am constantly leafing through all of my other books by you. I am inspired every time I look at them and I feel as if I’m reading them anew each time! So cool.
Thanks!
Jonna
Someone shared this post yesterday, and I wanted to share it with all of you. It’s from Dylan Thomas in his “play for voices”, Under Milk Wood.
“I am a draper mad with love. I love you more than all the flannelette and calico, candlewick, dimity, crash and merino, tussore, cretonne, crepon, muslin, poplin, ticking and twill in the whole Cloth Hall of the world. I have come to take you away to my Emporium on the hill, where the change hums on wires. Throw away your little bedsocks and your Welsh wool knitted jacket, I will warm the sheets like an electric toaster, I will lie by your side like the Sunday roast.”
Dear Susan, What a lovely post! Enjoy seeing the pictures of a “cozy winter” on Martha’s Vineyard…Cathi
Thank you for the lovely Valentine wishes,,I too love my kitties feet,,they look so soft and vulnerable,,would be great to win your first book,,looking forward to it,,,,,Judy
How wonderful that you’ve finished A Fine Romance…I have pre-ordered but would love to have one that I could gift one to someone special. Thank you so much for sharing your trip to the English Countryside with us…we lived vicariously through your eyes. -r-
Susan,
You have a great way of picturing a setting and getting us to visualize and enjoy it, too. Thank you. I look forward to your book
Cheryl
Since I have been to England four times, I certainly relate to the wonderful time you had. I REALLY REALLY want your book. I have collected your calendars and books since the first ones. I had a small shop in an antique mall and sold your cards. I have been a fan from the beginning of your career. If I don’t win the book, I will be buying one. Congrats on all you have accomplished! You make this world a better place!
Love you,
Jo Ann
I love it when *Willard *arrives, always puts a smile and a little magic in my day, so happy I found you, Willard has been arriving
in my In box for a year now.
Looking forward to reading A Fine Romance, will add my name to the pre-order list.
And like all your readers I too will have my fingers crossed … smile)
sending a Hug ~ from sunny Tasmania, Australia.
Happy Belated Valentine’s Day. I had to work at my local bookstore that night but I brought chocolates for whoever came in and had the first four CD’s of Rod Stewart singing the American songbook on the store’s music system. I may not have had a date but I made the night most romantic as I swayed though the aisles tidying up the magazines and placing the newest books on the shelves. Even alone one can experience “a fine romance” until the real thing comes along.
Susan,
Just reading your blogs about the writing of your book, I have already fallen in love with A Fine Romance and can’t wait to read about all your English adventures!
Best Wishes ~ Patricia
Loved the pages from the new book. Can’t wait to try the “pudding” recipe. We just celebrated Valentine’s day with a tea party–heart shaped tea sandwiches, maple oat scones with homemade triple berry jam, and yummy desserts. We let the kids eat first, and then it was a fun time with the “girls” while the kids went off and played. Thank you for the Willard and your romance blog.
Loved this blog and Willard! I just ordered A Fine Romance because I feel a tiny part of it after following you and your work days in the studio! So excited to see the finished book and treasure it. Another special girlfriend and true FOSB and I are already planning our trip to San Luis Obispo in November, it’s about 2 hours from here and love that area. We wouldn’t miss your day there! See you in November, Susan. Perfect time of year to be up there too. The Apple Farm Inn is a joy to shop and their food is delicioso – not far at all from Madonna Inn. We’d love you to come to dinner with us if you get hungry that first day!!!
It’s Friday and still no Willard in my box !! I must be the only one left without. :- (
So sorry Judy, check your spam folder, see if it’s there. Otherwise, if you scroll to the bottom of this post, I’ve put a link to the Willard there.
Thanks, Susan, this worked–Willard at the end of the post, that is. JA
Congratulations on finishing the book! What a wonderful feeling! Can’t wait to read it!
Hi Susan, as usual, Loved your Blog! Look forward to being entertained as our weather keeps us indoors too. Wish someone had made me a heart-shaped egg for breakfast yesterday! I can’t wait to read your new book….just ordered it! Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll bet you do the same for a sale at the Mall! What are girlfriends for! Stay warm! BTW, if I happen to win a copy of your book, my Sistee would love it, too!!
We all want an autographed “A Fine Romance”! I’ve already signed up for it but having Vanna draw my name would be a special treat!! I am an anglophile thru and thru and was ecstatic when you and Joe took me on the Queen Mary II.
Maxine in Stow
Hey Susan,
I just bought A Fine Romance. Can’t wait to enjoy reading it.
I also bought the heart cast iron pan- love it. And, the heart cup – use it all day long. Plus I bought the trailer birdhouse for a friend (if I can bear to part with it). Shopping on your website is fun but dangerous. 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful love notes and photos. They help make these dark Chicago winter days seem brighter!
Best wishes-
Boo Hoo! It’s Friday and I still haven’t gotten my Willard :o(
OH darn, have you checked your spam file? They often hide in there. If you don’t find it, you can scroll to the bottom of the post, I put a link to Willard right there.
Thanks Susan. It wasn’t in spam, but I remembered my daughter gets it too, so I had her forward hers to me. Now I’m happy!
Adding my comment here to say i hope i win the book b/c we went to the cotswolds last summer and fell in love with the area! If i don’t win, I will have to buy my copy! Thanks for the chance!
Well, Susan, you made my day as always…love the pictures too. We had a pipe burst on the 2nd floor and had a major flood! All of the hardwood floors downstairs are coming up–what a mess. But I came upstairs to the computer & read your Valentine’s blog–now I’m happy again! Thank you! Kisses to Jack and Girl Kitty too….
mmmmm…..heart shaped fried egg…..yummmm 🙂
Nothing like the sweet feeling of accomplishment! Congrats and can’t wait for your book Susan!
P.S. Do you knibble on Jack’s adorable little paws? I would !
I don’t nibble, he does put those paws in some rather inedible places, but I sure would LIKE to.
Just finished reading Willard and this new blog post – I am full of good feelings! Congrats on being sooo close to done! Hurray! I can’t wait to read it! Glad you are enjoying the snow because I understand there is more on the way! Gaaah…
Really enjoyed Valentine’s Day this year and looking forward to trying that recipe! Are there many recipes in the new book?
It’s not really a cookbook, I only put in recipes that either someone in England gave me, or ones that I tasted and figured out what was in them and made it — if it was delicious, then I put it in. I haven’t counted them, maybe 10?
Sounds lovely! I wasn’t really expecting any, but then you surprised us with the toffee pudding, so I wasn’t sure. I haven’t tried that toffee pudding – yet – I figured with a cup of butter, a cup of cream and 3 cups of sugar, I better save it for a special occasion! LOL – I am getting rather “fluffy”, as you so sweetly call it, this winter already. If ewe know what I mean… ;0D
OH believe me, I sure do! Am going on a huge fluff removal program soon! 🙂
I thought I was the only one with a weakness for “kitty feet”…I also love “furry cheeks”! My secret is out! The photo of Joe, sweeping you into a swoon is wonderful! Isn’t it Romantic? I’ll have to try the heart shaped eggs — never thought of that. I got flowers and chocolate covered strawberries…ummmm.
Thanks for another delightful blog. It’s always a grace note to my day.
JoAnne in NJ
Hi. Someone posted a comment earlier that said she had just read a new book, Wednesday’s Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton that was about 3 sisters who live in a cottage near Beatrix Potter, a mystery. Well, I tried checking this out at the library and there is a book by this name by that author but it is NOT set in England and is NOT a mystery! Is this a mistake? If whoever wrote it sees this, would you clarify? Thanks! 🙂
There is a series of mysteries by Susan Wettig Albert that has Beatrix Potter as the main character. They are charming books–the animals talk among themselves and understand humans and involve themselves in the stories. Anyone who loves BP and England would enjoy them. Sadly, the series is ended but there are about 8 books in all. Possibly Wednesday’s sisters was mistakenly written as one of these.
My local library has many of the series by Susan Wettig Albert, written about Beatrix Potter and her animals and friends. Her life before she bought the farm and after as well. I loved them. Try the library.
Well, the librarian just called me with more info, if anyone else is interested. The new book is titled The Wednesday Daughters and is by Meg Waite Clayton, who did write The Wednesday Sisters. The new book is coming out in July 2013.
Isn’t Valentine’s Day the best? Thanks for your beautiful post. I loved your latest Willard. Also, loved your beautiful snow pics & that darling Jack, who wouldn’t love seeing his cute feet? Thanks for a chance to win your wonderful new book. XOX
Dear Susan – I’ve been meaning to write to you to tell you how much I appreciate your blog and how wonderful it is to visit it from time to time to connect with you and your lovely, peaceful, creative and romantic life.
I also really want to express my appreciation for how true to your heart you’ve stayed all these years. I have been a fan of your work since the beginning – have all your books, new calendars every year, your address book, albums, Christmas Memories books going back 15 years now. I even have your first Willards, and have a letter you wrote me in response to a letter I wrote you decades ago, when people first started learning about you.
I’d lost contact for a while, entranced with all the beautiful blogs that lead you from one enticing page to another.
Last year, a friend commented about your blog and I started visiting more regularly and realized how little has changed. You still have your lovely home, with its modest kitchen and your romantic little stove. Your style has stayed so reassuringly consistent. Your garden still has that endearing charm. And most of all, you still celebrate the simple pleasures we can all share and experience.
It is so wonderful to come back again and again – like reconnecting with an old friend who hasn’t changed a bit – and it’s such a refreshing change from what I see on other blogs.
From time to time, I started following a blogger who had a great eye, or would serve up some creative posts about a do-able little project that still had a lot of style.
Invariably, though, you can see them change before your eyes. All of sudden, they are posting less and less, and when they do post, it’s all about the great opportunities they are having – so little regard for their readers. They really want people to tell them how wonderful their lives are and how fortunate they are.
Then they are moving – building monuments to themselves – massive structures that lack charm, comfort, warmth….but merely signal how successful they’ve become.
I just want to convey how much I appreciate your genuineness (is that even a word?) and your warmth and your generosity – all your posts are so giving and so heartfelt, and your communication with your readers is equally warm. Just checking in here and seeing something new to read and gaze out is like a true gift.
You deserve every ounce of happiness and fulfillment you clearly have in your life, and you are so generous to share it with all of us, and to encourage to find it in our lives.
Thank you Linda, how nice to hear from you! I appreciate your kind words, xoxo
Another Susan Branch book for the collection, can’t wait. So sad that the recent cruise ship passengers had such a dreadful time. I know that your cruise was blessedly a success as was your entire trip!
Oh, I would love to go back to England again…I had the best baked potato EVER in a little pub in Bath, got chills standing in a graveyard in Stratford on Avon (although that could have been because it was November and I was woefully under-dressed) and I think I even saw the ghost of a Beefeater on Basil street at midnight! He was carrying a lantern and disappeared into the fog…Sigh…
Thanks for sharing, Sue. It’s like I’m there again!
Kitty feet and fireplaces – two of my favorite things! <3
I am buying the new book for my 89-year-old mother who loves Beatrix Potter (since she was a child) and England. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Happy Valentine’s Day – a little late. I can’t imagine a Valentine’s Day without snow!
Happy weekend to all! Between the blizzard and Valentine’s Day I’ve been busy busy busy but checking in on Susan’s blog every few days always brings a smile to my face! Can’t wait to see the new book.
I love your work. Always makes me happy! Thank you
Those are some of the cutest and coziest kitty toes that I’ve ever seen! I also loved your valentine egg, so romantic! I’m so excited about the England book, already ordered my copies, but I’m probably going to end up giving them as gifts (I already know of a few girls who would love them!), so it would be wonderful to receive an early copy, especially signed by you! Hope you enjoyed the lovely springy weather that we had today! (well we did here, maybe you had mild temps on the island too?)
Happy Day After Valentine’s Day!! I just placed my pre-order for A Fine Romance and would love for “Vanna” to draw my name. It’s a beautiful, sunny day here in Long Beach, but it’s sure nice to look at your winter wonderland. Keep on sharing your adventures with all of us – love to read your blog.
Oh my goodness! How simple wonderful you book looks and sounds! As I am having my chocolate mint tea and enjoying both Willard and your blog! So many wonderful ladies commenting! Thank you Susan again for keeping us in. Fine romance…with you 😉 I couldn’t resist. Lol. Pre-or ding your new book today! 😉
Just settled in, catching up on my email and sipping my afternoon cup of extra bold coffee! No matter how hard I pretend to be English, it’s still good old American coffee for me 🙂 Looking forward to the new book! I’m in awe of everything you get accomplished in your busy life! Congrats!
Susan, this time for sure we are all going to want a Vanna for each of our names. I have preorder 2 copies but winning this special copy would be way over the top….and I would gift the other 2 copies. I’m headed to England in August and your book will be my travel bible. How excited we all will be for the “winner.”
Oh, the joy you bring to so many of us. It truly is like visiting with wonderful friends, not only with you but the commenters as well. It sounds like you’ll be finishing your book in time to move onto the garden and get some seeds started. We’ll have a new season to explore and enjoy. Take care.
So excited the book is DONE! Congratulations and can’t wait! Have a wonderful weekend!
Hmmm…I sent a reply but for some reason it wasn’t posted. It was pretty lengthy; maybe that’s why. Just wanted to thank you, Susan, for sharing your beautiful winter wonderland with us. I love the snow, and the birds, and the pictures of Jack and Girl and your cozy home. You never fail to make me smile. You are too wonderful for words, Susan. Wish I was your neighbor and could come over and share tea with you! Would love to be the winner of a pre-publication copy of your newest book, “A Fine Romance.” It would be a perfect birthday present (on the 18th)! Blessings to you, Joe, Jack, and Girl, Dawna
I just love reading all your posts….your positivity always gives my day a little bump up on the happy scale! I can’t wait to get your new book. Since we’re living in Europe for a few years, we are able to travel and travel and travel. I hope to use your diary to help me plan our English adventures! So exciting! Congratulations on finishing writing….what an immense joy that must be! Only a few more paintings to go! Can’t wait to see it all!
DearSusan,
When I looked just now you had about a gizzillion responces to this blog entry, we girlfriends are all so excited to hear that you have finished your book. It has been lovely to have been invited along for the ride, first off to England we all sailed and then to have relived the journey as you wrote and recalled and shared with us. Thanks for your blog, it brightens my day, keeps me thinking positive thoughts and often makes me laugh out loud. You are the best, keep doing what you do so well. Cheers on completing your latest book!
Susan, How wonderful that we get to live in this age of technology:-) Otherwise I never would have “known you”! Lucky me!
Can’t wait to read the new book!! I enjoy all your creative work and so appreciate your positive attitude! Keep up the good work! Many Blessings to you and yours. Maybe you will come to the Grand Rapids MI area someday?!
I am so excited to visit England through your new book, I can hardly wait to read it! I would love to win a signed book, so pick me please!!
Susan, I don’t know how you do it. You bless our lives much more than you can know. I don’t comment much because more often than not your posts leave me speechless. If the whole world read your blog, it would certainly have to make it a more lovely, loving place. I so look forward to your posts, but they will never be quite as wonderful as cuddling up with one of your books, and a cup of tea, so of course I can’t wait for your new book!! I absolutely will be ordering it and if I were to win one, I can’t think of a nicer gift to bless someone else with. Since I am in California, I really hope to make it to SLO when you are there.
What a treat it would be to receive a copy of your new book. I not only have some of your books, but I’ve given some as gifts. I love when you quote Gladys Taber — I’ve been a fan and collector of her books for many, many years, so I feel you and I have a connection. (How about the Miss Read books. They too are favorites of mine.) I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I’m a lucky winner.
If there were no other reason than I have fallen in love with your watercoloring of lambs/sheep . . . sooooo very very dear! … I anxiously await reading A FINE ROMANCE whether it is thru Vanna’s choice or thru purchasing it at your web-store. Continual thanks for sharing your rosy colored vision of the world!
Hi,
I was patiently waiting for my Willard email, but it never came…what luck to be able to view it through the blog page. It was a great one again! I cannot wait for the new diary of your England trip. I went with my son about 9 yrs. ago and it was my trip of a lifetime. It will be nice to revisit the places I went and see all the new places I missed. One of my favorite foods I ate there was Sticky Toffee Ice cream in the Yorkshire Dales region. I can still taste it…cannot wait to try that cake. I want to pre order my book soon…I would not bear it if I was to miss my chance..but Vanna please ..it would be wonderful to have a special first edition copy signed by the wonderous author. Hope eveyone had a great Valentine’s day…a day full of love and romance. Love those old pictures of you and Joe!
Bye for now,,,Kathie from Limerick, Pa
Oh! Susan! What a great blog and a fantabulous Willard!!! What a perfect cover picture for “A Fine Romance”, and what a sweet story behind it! It was meant to be! Your course was plotted before you ever knew! Wow! I dashed over to your store and bought my copy, and printed out 2 bookmarks for my husband and I, that way I can look at the waggley tailed sheep every day and think of the wonderful book I will be receiving in the fall! (Unless of course I just happen to win one, then I will get it sooner! Yea! I can’t wait to make that pudding (cake in the us), it looks delish! I will also keep engredients on hand for when I receive my book, I will make the cake, cut a big piece, grab a glass of milk, blankie and book, and curl up with it, and of course cat sammy will be in lap as well, nice and cozy! I feel like you have opened the suitcase and let us all out again! Woo Hoo!!!~~~~~~~ I too love kitty paws, except when Sammy opens up his claws! I can only seem to be able to clip 2 before he stops me! Ouch! Hope you had a wonderful Valentines day Susan, your roses look lovely, and your snow is beautiful, wow! 2 snowstorms already this year, and we haven’t gotten any, well, just a dusting like powdered sugar one time! Our poor grandson (2), no snow and we got him a sled for Christmas!
Thanks Susan, You deserve a rest, you have been working so hard!
Hugs and blessings,
Tweet tweet
Jeannie
love the valentine’s day pics, especially that pile of little furry feet! Your book is going to be awesome, and of course everyone will want to own a copy!
Happy day after heart day! Susan, your writing and beautiful pictures always make my day. Your new book is going to be fabulous. Can hardly wait to have a copy. You just have a way of making all things beautiful. Thank you for all your efforts to help us enjoy our lives a little bit more! Nancy
Happy Valentine’s everyone….can’t wait to read your book, Susan, and relive the adventure!
Hi Susan! Thank goodness you posted Willard on your blog! I didn’t receive it in my e-mail! 🙁 Willard is WONDERFUL. I am going on the website right now to reserve my copy of “A Fine Romance.” Can’t wait!!!!! I am new to your blog and LOVE it that you respond and even more happy to have found it and you! Thank you, Susan, for sharing your talents with all of us. We are truly blessed you are in our lives. Love ya!
So glad you got it Asha! Thank you!
Looking forward to reading your beautiful new book!
Susan, I know that you and Joe had a wonderful Valentine’s Day. How could you not??? =^^= You are so good to each other!
Our Valentine’s Day was special as well. We have observed the same family tradition on Valentine’s Day since 1969. I may have told you about it before. I’m not sure. Well, anyway, back in 1969 my younger sister Merry was staying with us temporarily while she finished her senior year in college. It was Valentine’s Day, and she said that she wanted to be in charge of dinner. When my husband and four children and I arrived at the dining table that night, she had all the fixings for banana splits. Every person in our family (there are now 22 of us) continue to have ice cream for dinner every Valentine’s Day no matter where we are–and now even our great-grandson, far away in another state, loves this tradition. How can HE not??? Ain’t life grand?
My daughter and I are all ‘a-tingle’ waiting for A Fine Romance! We plan to visit England within the next 5 years!
Blessings!
Congratulations on completing your book. Thank you for sharing your world so beautifully. Allowing us to see it through your eyes. Seems like it is almost better than being there, I know it is better than I could show and tell the story. Looking forward to seeing what we have had just a taste of these last few months.
Thank you for the newest Willard, an absolute delight to read. Loved hearing and seeing more about the creation of “A Fine Romance”. I’m looking forward to its publication and will be sending a copy to my Australian friend who I travel around England with.
Your blog is my go to “happy place.” You’ve made me happy tonight! Happy Valentines Day, Joe and Sue!
By the way, I love the cookie cutter heart idea. I’m doing this for my sweet baboo and daughters tomorrow morning. Thank you Susan.
I am envious that you have visited all the places I’ve often dreamt of seeing….someday. (sigh)
I so much enjoy reading your blog and Willard. Now I have another book I plan to add to my collection (I have them all). Thank you for everything you do! XOXO
As a life long lover of books, tea and all things Beatrix Potter, I would be thrilled to win a copy of your book!
I look forward to reading your blog each week and have referred many of my friends to your site. I say the simple things in life are the absolute best and you show this all the time in the way you live your life….from heart-shaped breakfast eggs to cute little kitten feet. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful moments with us!
I am so excited for you…and all of “us girlfriends” far and wide: you’ve just about got the book finished and soon, we will be able to have it to treasure just as we do all of your others. When A Fine Romance arrives next fall, I will read it with Vera Lynn playing in the background!
I am so grateful for your spirit and the absolutely beautiful way you share it will all of us.
I am looking forward to reading A Fine Romance. It will feel like a trip to England without a very long flight. Work hard and get your work done so you can enjoy our warm (FINALLY) central coast weather.
Susan, Thanks for sharing your love of winter, Joe, the kitties, and extending that love to all of us, your “girlfriends”! Reading your blog is a joy! I can’t wait for your book, “A Fine Romance”, to be published. I know it was a long labor, but I am sure your “baby” will be beautiful! xoxo
I came home on the 14th from a quick trip up to help my daughter with grandchildren. it was later than my eta and I knew my man would be home and asleep. and he was. but on the table was a beautiful red rose. my favorite chocolate and a card! what a lovely surprise. after 39 years of marriage he still gives me fine romancing. love is sweet at any age. so I say, love on. love without reserve. love more than you are loved. love more today than you did yesterday and make sure you love even more tomorrow!
Hi Susan. I just have to thank you for the cheerful Valentine. I can’t wait until the book comes out. I need one and so does my god-mother.
Looking forward to your beautiful new book and hope I win. Pick me, Vanna !
Crossing my fingers. Hope I’m lucky! Have 4 of your cookbooks plus the mini cookie one.
Looking forwrd to reading your new book!! I know it will be delightful!
Valentine’s day was even more poignant and special for me this year…..my husband is recovering from a “just in time”…. heart procedure…..we are so grateful! Yesterday was a memorable day for us to concentrate on each other and give thanks for his health and our life together…..appreciating every moment.
I just pre-ordered two of A Fine Romance…. one for me and one for a close friend, but how fun for someone to receive an advance copy…..these give-aways always seem to end up in just the right person’s hand…..so winning or losing….there is happiness either way!
Oh how delightful this blog is. THANK YOU, Susan, for sharing your gifts and kitties with the world! Looking forward to your newest book! ♥
I can’t wait to read your new book! Your books are in a place of honor in my home. 🙂
Love everything you create! You are truly gifted! Thanks for making me smile!
I ordered 2 – one for me and one for my dear friend – I know all
of us gals are excited about “our” book. I am looking forward to
spring. I’m sure you are ready for a rest as you have been working
away for a long while.
Hi Susan,
I so love to read your wonderful posts – they are the highlight of my day! I cannot wait to read A Fine Romance!!
I absolutely LOVE everything that is Susan Branch!!! I am a breast cancer survivor and it’s on my bucket list to travel to England one day! I would love to be entered into your drawing for your new wonderful book. I can at least travel in my mind through you. Thank you for being so creative and lovely in everything you do.
Kind Regards,
Susan McMillan
Two more things we have in common…the love of kitty feet and adolescent love of boys with a silver tooth! I thought I was the only odd one on that 2nd one!
You mean there was more than one? !
Congratulations on the completion of your book! What a gift you’ve given us in sharing the daily process of this work of love. And now it is finished….hurrah! Looking forward with delicious anticipation to the day when I can hold it in my hands!
Dear Susan, we are kindred spirits.
I vacation on Cape Cod every summer
I have loved and collected Gladys Tabor books since the 1970s
We share painting, quilting and rug hooking
We have 2 cats, Hobey and Crosby
I am retiring from teaching this year and am planning my dream trip to England with my husband. Your new book will be our touchstone. Thanks for blog, books and kind spirit.
Have you read the Miss Read books, they are my cozy books! Take care, JLN
Years ago there was a commercial for an antacid to be used after ingesting a portion of a heart shaped meatloaf.
My husband received a heart shaped meatloaf sans the antacid every February 14th.
Sadly, I haven’t made one in seven years now.
I have pre ordered A Fine Romance and am so much looking forward to its arrival. Somehow I feel really connected to this book, I suppose its because we followed your adventures through England last summer “in real time.” What an adventure it was…..Petting sheep, driving on the wrong side of the road, watching the ship leave New York. I can’t wait to see it all again. Thanks so much for including us.
We’re expecting snow tomorrow night right here in Southeastern NC! This doesn’t happen very often. It’s not unheard of, but not a frequent event. I’m so excited! Can’t wait to get started cooking. Thanks again for sharing so much of your life with all of us here in blogland. I love being a part of this wonderful group of girlfriends. XO
I just pre-ordered the book. How can I possibly wait until September/October. I know it will be just lovely!
Got my first Willard and I’m thrilled. I new to all this but I have enjoyed all your books for years. They are always the ones I go to for all your wonderful recipes, paintings and words of wisdom……
Thank you so much……
Amanda
You blessed us once again. Thank you soo much.
I’ve always loved everything you write & everything you draw or paint ! I am sure, that just like everyone else here, we can all relate to your love of the English Countryside, English Gardens, Sheep, Beatrix Potter, etc. I look at pictures of your lovely home and it looks so much like ours……tea cups, bunnies, pretty floral pitchers. It’s like coming home when we read your blog, Willard or any of your books ! You have such a gift, Thank You for sharing that !
Lovely-just lovely! Can’t wait to read the whole book! Thank you, Susan, for sharing your sweet life with us 🙂
So glad the book is finished and can’t wait to see it in person! Luv you, Susan- keep up the great communications!
England + Susan Branch…Susan Branch + England…no matter how you figure it, it simply = DIVINE!!!!
Dear Susan,Love your emails especially the cookie jars with all the recipes Please enter me in your drawing for your Romance book about your trip to England. I will give it to a girlfriend with cancer. I forward all your emails to her. You are like a dream person with your creative writing and drawings. So glad to be able to enjoy your gifts from God!
Valentine Day was my and my husbands 53 Anniversary. Celebrated as only as couples who have shared a life time. Four children. 11 grandchildren and hope with in a couple years a great grand baby. So may you achieve fifty years and still be enjoying romance and valentine day
I’m excited about your new book-it sounds really wonderful. You always cheer me up. Best wishes!
I am so excited about your new book coming out. I have all the others and have been hoping you would be able to create a new one. Can’t wait!!!!
I just went to the website and ordered three copies of A FINE ROMANCE! I need one for me, one for my English friend Ann, and one to gift to a lucky someone! I really want a couple of those Union Jack towels too, being English! WILLARD was absolutely wonderful, I think this one has to be my favorite of all the Willards. Loved it!
Today I received my cast iron “heart” pan and this weekend I will make your orange chocolate chip scones for breakfast. My husband was impressed that the pan was “pre-seasoned”, he loves cast iron cooking.
Wanted to tell you that this past weekend I was shopping one of my favorite antique malls and found The Peter Rabbit Library by Beatrix Potter, the original and authorized editions. 12 books inside a special Beatrix Potter Box!!! They are in terrific condition and all for only $11.95!! In the same store I also found a copy of your little book, “Love” Susan, and it’s one I didn’t have so of course, I had to buy it. Now I can display that every Valentine’s Day, it is so sweet. Sometimes I just get lucky!
I hope being number 1440 is lucky because your new book looks puddle-wonderful, cottage-wondeful, and all around English-wonderful. Cheerio!
So looking forward to all 250 pages of “A Fine Romance”–as a contest winner or not!