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 am so excited to be able to get your book early! It was so fun to follow your trip last summer and now we will have it to look at whenever we need a little armchair trip! You are such a gift! I look forward to one of the Book Signings Love You.
Thank you for yet again…helping us to feel that same excitement and butterflies in the tummy feeling as if…. “CHRISTMAS IS COMING !!! “…so thrilled and anxious for the new book to be available…loved all the house and yard photos but…of course…no matter what the weather…..KITTY PAWS are always my f a v !!!
My daughter is going to a study abroad program in London this summer ~ Which has intensified our interest in all things British even more (if that is possible)…. Cannot WAIT to see this lovely book on my nightstand 🙂 Cindy
I just love the photos of your hubby and you, a priceless romance in this day and age where so many fall apart. I love how you said you dove back into winter, I did the same because the snow fell where I live and I like winter to be winter! Spring will be here soon, but in the meantime, the beauty of the snow is also priceless.
I would love to be the winner of your new book if I am so lucky <3
Writing to you from snowy and cold Minnesota. Your writings and paintings are a breath of spring.
Girlfriends, I wanted to send this poem on Valentine’s Day but I couldn’t
find it. It is one of my favorites. After all, it’s me.
Portrait of a Neighbor by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Before she has her floor swept
Or her dishes done
Anyday you’ll find her
A-sunning in the sun !
It’s long after midnight
Her key’s in the lock,
And you never see her chimney smoke
Till past ten o’clock !
She digs in her garden
With a Shovel and a spoon,
She weeds her lazy lettuce
By the light of the moon.
She walks up the walk
Like a woman in a dream,
She forgets she borrowed butter
And pays you back cream !
Her lawn looks like a meadow,
And if she mows the place
She leaves the clover standing
And the Queen Anne’s lace !
I check my email everyday looking for a Susan blog and the
I read what all the girlfriends have to share.
I wait NOT with patience for the new book.
I’m looking for a location near me for a book signing
and maybe a spotting of Susan.
Does this make me a groupie at age 65????!!!!!
With a poem like that I would say you are ageless!
This has reminded me to visit this outstanding poet once again, PRONTO. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Yes, 1947 was a very good year, right?
Fashion, movies, kids born, it was good.
That was the year! Mine too!!
Julia, I love your delightful poem! It makes me smile. I wait NOT with patience too! 🙂
Oh Susan….how you take me away! I received my Willard email this week. Such a wonderful treat full of so many fun surprises! I’ll be going back and reading it a few times to take it all in!
Wouldn’t it just be grand to win a copy of your new book. Such a work of love for everyone! I will be purchasing it for sure even if I do win a copy : ) I have many special people that will adore a copy!
I received some special tea items from your online store for Christmas. I feel very spoiled and love them to death! I think of not only the person who gave me the special gift, but I also think of you everytime I use them…which is often!
Thank you for all you do for us!
Cindy
I would love to win a copy of your new book! I know it must be beautiful! I would also love to get that valentine Willard! I still have not received it!! Help ! I am so looking forward to it!
Cara from west chester PA
I would love to add this latest book by Susan to my collection! Hopefully, I’ll be lucky to win a copy! I’m so fortunate to already have a collection of almost all of the books and calendars! Even though I’ve never been to England, Susan’s photos have brought England to me! I’ve been a fan for many years and look forward to anything and everything SB! 🙂
I would just <3 receiving your book – chances are slim,but hey,somebody has to win, right?
I love your blog – the way you can put your thoughts down on paper & make me feel that I am right there with you. The quotes (I'm a big quote freak!), the photos of your lovely home & island, your artwork – just touches my heart.
Thank you!
I’ve been following your Willards for a very long time & have all you books so far & am joyously looking forward to the newest one. Absolutely love your artwork.
Bonnie
Love all your blog entries…going to preorder three copies of the new book…two for “special people” gifts…one, of course, for myself!
What can I say – I pray Vanna picks up my name! Thank you so much for your freebies!
Thanks for the heart-warming post and Willard! It’s been a long winter, and now there’s something to look forward to – your new book! Thanks for the beauty and inspiration your wonderful thoughts and artwork bring!
Love the look of your new book! I spent a month in England just over 30 years ago, and while there I shopped for the fabric and lace for my wedding dress from London to Edinburgh and back. Now my oldest daughter is engaged to an Englishman. Fun times.
Katie
I’m so looking forward to your book. It’s so beautiful and I cannot wait to have my own copy when it’s released. Your art is so beautiful and just draws me.
Can’t wait for the new book, never had any desire to go to England until I followed your posts from your trip.
Hi Susan! V Day is my favorite holiday of the year! Have always loved anything hearty and they are everywhere in my house all year round. I love your idea of using a heart cookie-cutter for Joe’s breakfast!
My sweetie brought me apricot roses and glazed donuts for the day – he’s a keeper!! (married 43 years this June!)
So excited to see that your new book is moving right along – cannot WAIT to see it! Hugs!
Can hardly wait to read your beautiful new book Susan!! I have to tell you, when I saw that bookmark with the cutest lamb ever, I thought Oh, Susan, I want one. THEN after browsing your last few posts, (I’ve been away for awhile, spending my days with my new grandson 🙂 I checked my emails, and right there in Willard is the printable bookmark!! Thank you so very, very much! It’s just what I wanted. 😀
Hi Susan,
My first love was my Daddy, and he died suddenly on January 1st of this year, from a stroke. I will miss him forever.
I am enormously sad and trying to absorb and accept this huge void in my life, and worried about my Mom who misses him so….. yet I am quietly here reading. xo
Thank you for the Willard newsletter, as always Willard is the cherry on top!
Blessings. XO
Erica
I’m so sorry Erica, terrible terrible. It’s truly a one day at a time thing — sending love to you and your mom. xoxo
Thank you.
One day at a time it is.
xo
Erica, It is so sad when you lose a parent. Sending sympathy to you and your Mom..
Erica, I lost my Dad a year ago this very week. And my heart is still so very broken. What keeps me going are the memories. Susan always quotes “God gave us our memories so we can have roses in December” (February for me – that’s a good month for roses anyway). I’m finding my healing through writing, journaling, digging into family history and connecting with his relatives I haven’t met. It helps me to keep his memories alive. Despite all, it has been wonderful. Thinking about you and your Mom and sending sympathy.
Thank you Sandy for you sympathy.
I could not have imagined just how sad it is, even though I tried to prepare myself for this day to eventually come around.
xo
…also, I think it’s great what you’re doing to keep your Dad’s memory alive. I am looking forward to many, many ‘roses in December.’
Oh, Erica. something unspoken made me stop by here today and I saw this. My deepest sympathy to you. I lost my Daddy three years ago so understand where you are, how you feel, and the added worry of your Mom too. Sending you light and love to help you through the darkness. xo
Thank you for you understanding and sympathy, Deborah.
I’m feelin’ the love and light in your message. xo
I still miss my mom…
Hugs and love to you Bernadette.
xo
It would be so fun to see an advanced copy. I’ll be putting in my pre-order soon. Thanks for sharing.
For two days now, I’ve searched for my reply to you , in your blog, & cannot find it. I wrote it on Valentine’s Day. Maybe I didn’t hit the right buttons & my message is out there in space floating around wanting a home. Anyway, in that lost message, I wrote about the boys I’d met & dated before meeting my wonderful husband of fifty-three years. Those boys were so kind & sweet & left me with a little of what they were made of so I could go on to know what I wanted in a person to spend the rest of my life with. Like the movie I love says, “It’s a wonderful life.” Hope you all enjoyed Love Day. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
I loved the Willard! And I am so looking forward to “A Fine Romance”, whether by winning it or purchasing it! Thank you for showing us some of the pages–they are wonderful!
I would ♥ to win a copy of your new book, Susan. You are awesome!! And I just ♥ Great Britain. My father’s family came from North Wales many years ago. Thanks!
Mary
Love the first sneek peek you gave us. Makes me want to go Right Now!!
We spent Valentines Day in our cabin in the woods of the Ozark Mtns. All cozied up with a fire & good books. Kept wishing for snow & today as we were packing up to head back home to the real world we were kissed with a few flurries. We welcomed 4 brand spankin’ new baby calves into the world this week…what a blessing to watch them discover their new legs…jumping & running & playing…Oh My! Can’t wait for the new book…gotta get my nest all cozied up & ready to delve into it. Thanks, Susan!
Thank you Susan for being the “very best girlfriend ” I have yet to meet in person.
My wonderful husband is indulging my desire to see the Vineyard this fall with my own eyes, since I have been seeing it for so long thru yours. Your creativity and bubbly spirit come thru the pages of your books, blogs and Willard. I treasure each and every one I have been blessed to find. A most heartful thanks for being ALL of our Valentine ! Joe must be a dear to share you with all of us !! Happy Valentines Day to you both !! Jeanne
How lovely, your husband is bringing you to the island. You will love it Jeanne!
This book contains all that I love and will give me an armchair tour of a place I want to visit, in the unique style of Susan Branch.
Love a good winter storm with wet snow… beautiful. Afterward the sun always comes out.
Looking forward to your book, of course it would be wonderful to win the pre pub. copy.
Blessings
Just me again…I forgot to ask, what’s the name of the dishes your heart shaped egg is on? I’m a hopeless dishaholic! Thanks!
I have only one like that, it just says Bavaria on the back. Such pretty colors!
Sitting in my wheelchair still…but soon to be walking again! I had a thought! With all the Valentine’s greetings that you have collected on this blog page..and there are tons, (you lucky girl)…..Maybe your next book should be a Valentine Book…it is such a wonderful day and would be filled with all the people and things that we love……For you, with all the love inside you, this would be a fun book to do also……….You are so ambitious, you never stop amazing me………When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life………………….xoxo
This is true! Soon to be walking, good girl!
I am so excited that you are publishing a new book! It will be perfect presents for my four great neices at Christmas time. They are 9♪,10♪,11♪and 12♪ years of age, two sets of sisters! I always try to get them something similar to tie them together towards the future. As soon as I saw your email and description of your book I visualized the four of them getting the book from me as a gift – one each and they would read, hopefully fall in love with a dream and just maybe, someday, sail across the seas …. together perhaps! What fun that would be!!! Thank you for years of reading and re-reading your books! I look forward to this new adventure to share♥
What a wonderful dream for your four musical nieces. I hope it all happens!
Susan, I want to take this time to wish You and Joe a very Happy, Belated 26th Anniversary Blessing. I’m trying to catch up by reading some of the 3 blogs you wrote while I was away and I can’t seem to get caught up. I have no idea why I am so exhausted and can’t seem to feel rested; but, I think I could sleep 24 hrs. straight and still would feel tired?? I am sad today because Angela came to visit on the 1st and went home today…sigh…it has been years since she has stayed longer than a weekend and it made me relive all the fond memories of her when she lived at home, and we sure shared a lot of laughs and made more special memories of our trip we took together. I feel like I could hibernate but need to get well and back to the real world. Maybe I’m missing all the warm sunshine?? I have “summer clothes” to wash and put away it is way to early to have pastels and flipflops sitting about maybe I will save that chore for Monday!!! Winter blues…ever wonder why they aren’t called Winter whites?? hmmmm ok time for a nap!!!! Zzzzz
I envy your snow! (Just rain here in the NW.) Your blog is comfort food–warm, friendly, and inspiring! I always end up giving my husband an extra kiss and my cats extra pats after reading about your adventures.
Liz
That makes my day! xo Thank you Liz!
When are you going to be at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo for your book signing? I read the date somewhere but can’t find it now that I want to put it in my calendar. My daughter and I are great fans of your.
Martha Huggins
mhuggins23@yahoo.com
Thousand Oaks, CA
It’s November 9-10th — see you there!
I’d love to have a good read while cozing up to a winter fire. Thanks for a great blog!
Wow! Over 1600 comments. Is that a record? I have been printing your bookmark today, playing around with the size. Now I have bookmarks in five sizes! I also just printed the full moon marker. I REALLY love them. I just had to send you a really big (((hug))) & THANK YOU!!
Big hug back to you Holly! xoxo
Can’t wait to curl up with your new book. It sounds like a fairy tale journey. Thanks for letting us tag along!
I’ve preordered and I can’t wait for “A Fine Romance” to arrive in my mailbox. Super, super excited for you. Loved your Valentine post…I have a wonderful “Valentine” too. Have a great weekend!
Your posts make all my days a Valentine.
Love the blog! Happy V Day to you and Joe!
Thank you for such a lovely Valentine’s Blog Expression! I still have the original snail mail Willard from years ago. It was during a particularly difficult time in my life that your creativity, choices, and personality was blessing so many of us. So much about you resonated with me. Gave me hope, joy, and inspiration. “The Journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Well, here I am….five thousand miles later. I and both my grown daughters are safe, new healthy lives, creating our new worlds while paying it forward. Thank you for being such a HUGE part of our Journey. We are all a team and connected when we are open, joyous, be ourselves while offering our hearts and arms to one another. You still inspire me every day ……. kudos to both you and Joe!!!!!!! Joyfully, Donna
Hi Susan,
I’m so glad you posted a link to Willard since I haven’t received mine yet!
Am going to print out that precious bookmark for each book I pre-ordered, 10 so far.
Can hardly wait to re-live your (our) trip. Loved being on it the whole two months.
But so looking forward to reading the love story of you and Joe. And also reading all the extra that you couldn’t put in your blogs and see all the photos that we maybe didn’t see.
Happy Belated Valentine’s Day to you and Joe and kitties.
Jacks sweet paws remind me of that poem “The fog creeps in on little cat feet.”
Your blogs make every day wonderful!
Sure hope to meet you on your book tour. Wish you could bring Jack and Girl too!
Suzanne Talbot, Carmel, CA
Oh my, ten! That thrills me to my toes! You are giving them as gifts? Little cat feet, that’s Jack!
It thrills me that the book is finished!
You have worked so hard for so long.
The books: two for me (one to read, over and over; one to keep pristine), and the other 8 are Christmas gifts, or Thanksgiving or before. I’m going to want to give them right away!
I have all your books in a nice little row, from way back to the beginning. My girlfriends and I met you at Where Women Create and our photo is on your blog, it was the highlight of our trip. You really are a big deal! thank you Bjo
LOL! I keep trying to tell that to Joe!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan 🙂 I so love your paintings! Beautiful <3
Love the little white hearts in the windows too 🙂 They match perfectly.
Storm getting ready to hit us again. Hoping for snow and no wind this time 🙂 I want to keep my snow!! 🙂
Have a delicious evening,
Love,
Denise of Ingleside, PEI
We’re with you Denise, snow on the way down here too!
love your work..would love to win a copy of the book!
So excited to see the book! Bit by bit I’m falling in love with England! Thanks for the “trip” and now the “diary!” WOW!
Sherry
I can’t wait til you see it Sherry, I’m pretty sure you’ll fall head over heels!
So excited for you and this amazing accomplishment. And, of course, equally so for all fortunate enough to read of your travels while enjoying your wonderful artwork, memories, recipes, etc. A million thanks for all the goodness you share.
I love your bird watching video. They do look cold but are at least well fed! The robin looks like he has been sleeping right in the snow. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of your book. It looks amazing and will fuel the fire of a trip to England.
Keep warm – more snow ahead – maybe the power will stay on this time!
I’d love to be entered into the drawing for A Fine Romance. I live in the Sierra Foothills, and am thinking I’ll make a road trip to San Luis Obisbo November 9th for the Remnants of the Past Show. I’ve never been to the show, but absolutely love San Luis Obisbo and the surrounding areas. Thank you again for a delightful Willard. I still have not received mine, but read it at the end of your blog post.
The show is truly great, the location is beautiful, there’s food … and antiques, what more could we ask for! Hope to see you!
Susan, Please enter me to win a copy of your new book. It looks so wonderful-England is one of my favorite countries. Thanks for the chance.
I already pre-ordered two copies but I could certainly use another!
What a special treat to find your latest Willard’s letter on Valentine’s Day! A wonderful surprise to start the day off with. It was a thrill to take a peek at your new book which we all are excited about. Your blogs when you were in England made me feel that I was along for the trip as well! Have printed out your Willard because it is so much fun to reread it. You bring so much happiness to so many of your “girlfriends.” Thank you so much. Hope you had a great Valentine’s Day!
Michele in Vermont
I just ordered your book “A Fine Romance”. I’m looking forward to reading it – can’t wait !!
Rosemary
I’ve bought all your books over the years, kept them for myself and given them as gifts. I will be delighted to either win a copy of your newest or find it on the bookshelves next fall. The wind is howling like a banshee along the Hi-Line in Montana with snow promised by this evening. The week of Chinese New Year/Mardi Gras/Lincoln’s Birthday/Valentine’s Day is now just a memory … with St Patrick’s Day just around the corner. That’s always been a favorite. And then spring will soon be upon us – hooray! Your postings as always are a treat.
Dear Susan ~ I found your first book in a small kitchen store in Newport, RI in 1986 or 87. I love your watercolors and all the wonderful quotes that you sprinkle through your work. I was so happy to find your blog last year! Kathy
..Oh, I can’t wait for the new book to be available!!!!..My husband & I want to copy your trip (…well, as much of it as we can) for our 35th Anniversary next year!…we have talked about going over since we met in 1977 … ~K~
Susan~~todays mail brought me a new book for my collection that I wanted to ”ask ” if you’ve had the chance to hear about…. I was online ordering for my grand”girls” a new book..and found this one for me …It’s “The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson”(2012)..also it includes a CD recording read by Emma (which I’m making myself wait til the grandkids get here so we can read and listen together) It’s really a fun book and will sit next to my 2 beauties..The Classic Tales of Beatrix Potter the Complete Adventures of Peter and his friends (1994) and The True Story of Peter Rabbit by Jane Johnson. (1999) found at a yard sale… Maybe your library will have the Emma Thompson book so you can have a look~see…or that you’ve already heard about it…I’m usually out of the loop and not all that current but do get excited about items about Beatrix Potter (love the movie too!) Thanks for letting me drop you a note. I so enjoy your blogs and Williard VERY much!!
I haven’t seen it myself Sandi, but Emma Thompson is pretty wonderful, I think I would trust anything she did!
I just read about your upcoming book “A Fine Romance”. What an amazing combination of artistic guide book and armchair travel. I look forward to reading it soon and planning my own trip.
I just purchased my copy of “A Fine Romance” and I’ll be doing the Happy Dance when it arrives!!
love the heart in your window so cute!!!! and the egg for your hubbie was the sweetest, would like to win your new book, but if not, looking forward to buying it!! I always look forward to reading your post
Dear Susan,
As always I soooo enjoy your posts. When one of them shows up in my inbox, just seeing it lifts my spirits! Thank you for all you do to encourage all of us ladies. Thank you, too, for sharing the thought that everyone can have a happy Valentine’s Day, even if we don’t have someone right now. I am thankful that I do have a wonderful husband; he got me maple syrup for Valentine’s Day. That was so sweet of him! But truly, feeling loved need not be dictated by our circumstances. Have a blessed day!
Dear Susan: Wow, I was reading your Willard and read that Last May you traveled across the Sea so blue all the way to England. I did not know about this kind of trip. I have researched it and maybe it is something I , too can experience one day> Thank you for broadening my horizons! Sincerely, SHiela
We lost our 10 year old black and white kitty, Bennie, last summer and, somehow, seeing and reading about Jack and My Girl helps make our loss seem less painful. What is it about black and white kitties that makes them so special?!? My husband and I have travelled to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales and absolutely love them all. Can’t wait to see your new book – the preview “tidbits” are totally tantalizing!
Do you think you might get a new kitty Anne?
Hi Susan!
I so enjoyed this post and willard! Read willard the moment I got it on V-day, and it was wonderful! 🙂 (can’t wait for A Fine Romance to come out!).
Then all the busy fun of the day swept in and I’m only now getting to enjoy your valentine blog post . . . I had to save it for a quiet moment and a cup of coffee! Oh my- your heart breakfast for Joe was INGENIOUS! I MUST try that myself. As always, you bubble with inspiration- thank you for being so willing to give yourself so that others are blessed!
We’re all in this together xoxo
Dear Susan,
Your blog is the first one I read because of the artwork, your attention to detail, the unselfish way you share so much with us. I really felt that you did take us all along on the Queen Mary II. Thank you so much for brightening my days! May I please be included in the drawing for your newest creation?
Linda White
Susan–Already 1,705 comments! Everyone wants to win a book. I can’t wait to read it. I was never a big fan of “everything English” but your trip definitely helped me look at it with new eyes. But I am a big fan of yours, & thanks for just being you.
I am one of your biggest fans; own all your books and now I’m thrilled to be pre-ordering “our” trip to England. I was fortunate to go to London and Paris in April of 2011 but your travelogue will be the trip I wish I could have experienced. You make me happy and child like……Thaaank you!!!
Carole
Love reading all your posts…and of course Willard.
Thanks!
Dear Susan,
Your wonderful blogs always brighten my day even in our often very grey and gloomy Vancouver winter. What a wonderful gift you have to help us notice and appreciate all the wonderful things in our homes and in nature that we are blessed with if we will only open our eyes. Please know that with your exquisite talent and exuberant and positive spirit you brighten many lives, even of this chronologically challenged 🙂 girlfriend in Canada. Can’t wait to see your new book!!!
Love and hugs,
Ruth
OH it’s better late than never. After I read the Willard on Valentines Day I flopped down on the couch and fell asleep. I had my card ready to reserve my copy of the Fine Romance, but I forgot my password, fell asleep, read the blog and ate a salad (I think.) and fell asleep again. Oh, dear.
I hope ALL of you had a nice Valentines Day. I have gotten the BEST flower arrangement EVER! I sound like a Richard Scarry book. LOL I will be glad when my Hunny comes home from sea.
I was referring to my response to you and your Willard and Blog. Too much running around last week between VA and NC, while watching out for bad weather.
PS I did order THE book. I just reread the Willard, so I must say thank you for the recipe! I LOVE toffee.
I am so excited to see your masterpiece! Congrats! Kit
thanks again for entertaining us with your blog and Willard. Just makes my day. I would be over the moon to win a signed copy of your upcoming book, but if not, I hope you will keep us informed as early as possible when they are available for purchase. Having gone through the “labor” pains with you on your blog, I can’t wait for the “birth”…lol!
Thank you, Susan. I have just recently found your blog and oh — how much I LOVE it. I just know somewhere inside of myself I have some “Susan Branch” waiting to come out. I bought some watercolors and some pencils and I hope I can make a little beauty in my corner of the Midwest. You are inspiring. Love how you love — your husband, your animals and all around you. Thank you!
Hello! I would love to be entered into the drawing for a pre-publication copy of “A Fine Romance”! My sister and I are planning a transatlantic crossing on Queen Mary in the Summer of 2013 to celebrate my 50th birthday! We’re going to study for a week at an Oxford extension program and then travel around for another week. It’s only 16 months away! Wheeee!
Dearest Susan,
It feels like Christmas even if I don’t win the book! I love the recent Willard–looking at the pages from your book make me soooo excited! I love maps! When I was in school, Geography was one of my favorite subjects b/c I got to draw maps–(stars for capitals; ocean is blue; use your very neatest lettering for all the cities; mountain ranges; rivers–all that good stuff!) and there are four maps in your new book! A bookmark to print out! You are so good to us. I’ve already pre-ordered my book! But I just want you to know that YOU are the best prize this Girlfriend could ever win! Yay!
Linda
Your blog fills my heart with peace. Thank you.
Susan, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I received your wonderful Willard email! ever since your wonderful trip to England that you took us on, my friend Linda and I have been waiting with anticipation for your book!!! I couldn’t wait to get to work to let Linda know about preordering your book. You see, I’m ordering your book for Linda’s b-day and she’s ordering your book for my b-day crazy huh!! I’m so excited about your book and thank you for including us
in the whole experience it has been so exciting and fun. And soon we will have our copies of your book, Linda and I are so excited. I’m looking forward the drawing of your book I would love to win that and meeting you at your book signing Thank you for the toffee cake recipe I plan to make that for our St Patrick’s Day potluck at work. Oh! HAPPY DAY!!!!!
book looks wonderful would love a copy
thanks
sse6@juno.com
The best thing about winning this book would be that you’ve signed it because, of course, I will buy it and several more for friends.
June
Thank you so much for Willard. I have been getting them for years and it has brought so much happiness to me. I can’t wait to read your new book.
Wish I was on the Vineyard and can’t wait for the new book! Stay cozy and thank you for another wonderful posting. Heart shaped eggs for breakfast tomorrow!
I am looking forward to your new book! I will be purchasing through the presale. I am, also, pleased to be entered in a drawing for the pre-publication book! Thanks for being who you are! You are special and delightful!
I just read about your newest book, and am soooo looking forward to reading it. Thanks for all of your hard work!
Looking forward to “A Fine Romance”! I am, also, pleased to be entered in the drawing. You are so special and delightful! Thanks!
My daughter and I toured England for 3 weeks several years ago and we fell in love with the UK all over again while following you and Joe on your adventure. Can’t wait to see all the details in the new book. Love the title too!
I’ve just read Willard and am glad to see your sticky toffee pudding recipe. It looks better than the recipe I use so I’ll have to try it.
Oh Susan! Congratulations on finishing the book! It kind of feels empty until we receive it. I cannot believe it has been almost a year since your trip. What a wonderful adventure. I can’t wait to receive one. Hope it is the winning book, but I have on one order just in case 🙂 You and Joe were just made for each other, and I know I don’t have to tell you that. Every day is Valentine’s Day in your house. Here’s to a “Happy Spring” to you both.
Love,
Connie
Congratulations on your new book! I love your drawings and the talent you have to make the simple things in life so special. It helps to remind me that each day is a gift that I need to appreciate to the fullest. Thank you!
I’m so glad you got snow ~ I love seeing it in the pictures outside your window! Being a Texas girl, in a town that has no policy for removing the stuff from the streets, I REALLY enjoy snow in pictures! And the kitty toes…that’s the best part. Rosemary’s toes look kinda like that! Hope your sweetest day was just that <3
Just received my FIRST Willard . . . loved it . . . then clicked on all the links . . . I plan to revisit those links and purchase SOMETHING! I am so excited about your book . . . felt like I was able to amble through the beautiful English countryside with you and breathe the fragrances in the gardens and sip the ubiquitous tea at all of your stops! Thank you for the visual journey in photographs and for them combined with your wonderful watercolors in the book!! Just THANKS for being able to “step away” with every blog 🙂 We have had NO SNOW this year . . . but I have through your blog 🙂 May I say, “Pick me, pick me” to Vanna?? 😉 Carol
Hello Susan, I am a big fan, and I love all of your books!!! I cannot wait for this new book to come out!!!
I just purchased “A Fine Romance” and hope to make the road trip from my hometown of P-Town (Pleasanton) CA to SLO-Town (San Luis Obispo) CA to meet you in person in November. Thanks for working so diligently to provide us all with such an incredible journal of memories.
My “fine romance” and I have a son (and his family) who just moved to Acton, UK in January and plan to be there two years. We plan a trip there the middle of May to visit, and hope to go several more times during those two years! I would love to have your book as our guidebook! We want to visit York, the Lake District, Yarm and Darlington, Windsor, Oxford, and Stoke-on-Trent where my father was during the war. I have already gotten lots of tips but could definitely use a “girlfriend’s” advice. Can’t wait to see your book!
I’ve ordered the book and can’t wait to receive it. We love traveling in
G.B. and hope to go next year. Will take your book as a travel guide.
Just love love love your blog. You always share so much and cheer my life up so. Thank you. You and Joe have such a wonderful relationship and fun too. Happy
Belated Anniversary to you both! My husband and I celebrated a Feb wedding anniversary too….such a romantic month to have an anniversary. Can’T wait for your new book! I have ALL of your others and so many of your other things too. …thank you for sharing your talent. Just maybe I will get a trip to England too! 🙂 love ya!
Pick Me! Pick Me! OoOHHH pick me!! : )
Susan, love the photos, videos and vignettes about your neck of the woods. It’s wonderful to get my winter “fix” through you, here in Louisiana. Your artistic expression of your life is a comfort to so many women. In recent months, I developed reactive airway disease from mold (probably festering since Katrina) at the ballet studio where I taught the “babies” for 20+ years. In the midst of treating for that, I also lost my father, just weeks after which I learned that I need to undergo a couple days of surgery on my nose later this month, for skin cancer (even though I’ve stayed out of the sun my whole adult life). I miss my pop and my teaching (and will probably miss more than a little of my nose, too!), but I’ve been blessed with “Steel Magnolia” friends who know what it is to be there for each other. And — I treated myself over Christmas with a sleeper car on The City of New Orleans, to and from Wisconsin to visit my sisters and mother. I took all of us to the Milwaukee Rep’s presentation of “Sense and Sensibility” — what an AMAZING set, the REAL star of that show. And what a wonderful ride back home, rolling out of Chicago at 8:00 p.m. on January 1st, I turned off the lights in my “sanctum sanctorum” to better watch the city unfold before me – I could see right into people’s lofts, watching couples chatting and toasting the New Year by their Christmas trees. I slept like a BABY on that trip and tipped my attendant to bring all of my pre-ordered meals right to berth, so I could stay holed up with my current favorite author (besides SUSAN BRANCH), Alexander McCall Smith, who makes me long for all things Edinburgh. I’m so impressed that you just put all conflicting reasons aside and made the trip of a lifetime. You took it not only for yourselves but for all of us who have not yet had that wonderful opportunity. Did you know from the onset that you would do a book about it, or did the idea grab hold later on? Well, thank you, Susan, for continuing to share your lovely perspective of life with your fans. Can’t wait to see the book!
Ooh, I am so happy to get in on this! I love your artwork and would love to win your new book!!! Thank you!!
I look forward to the willard newsletters every month and enjoy reading all the recipes and figuring out which ones i will add to my own collection and make. I enjoy reading your books, i have bought them to send as presents and turned around and kept them for myself lol.. you brighten my day and make me smile when i see things that remind me of my life growing up. I love how you capture the ‘essence of each moment’ its like bringing me right into the page that you have written. Susan you have that special talent of making someone feel right at home and home is always where your heart is.. thankyou for sharing that.. I would love your new book to add to my other wonderful collections and drawing i have of yours in my own home..I even use pages from your calender to scrap book with. Have a great weekend.. tylee