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!
Susan,
Thank you for writing from the heart!
I appreciate your writings and love the gifts you share with us.
Blessings to you,
Georgy
Dear Susan,
I admit it! I am happily addicted to your delightful Blog, “Willards”, and
Books! All are born of such wonderful creativity and imagination with
layout beautifully done, and those ingenious little side trips to click on
scattered through out the Blog and “Willard” like buried treasure. All are
so well written with a feeling of appreciation for LIFE and JOY in the living of it!
Celebrate your wonderfully creative Self!!
p.s.
I don’t know how Vanna chooses the winner of the pre-publication copy of
your book but please put my name on the list of possibilities…..
Dear Susan,
Thanks for the beautiful work that you share with so many.
ok vannah, you knew i was playin’ around on those other give a ways – this one i really want!!! pick me! pick me!
My ‘Joe’ (whose name is Ron) and I just half an hour ago arrived home from a week’s vacation in Southern California. Had lovely weather while we were there and now must brace ourselves for a couple more months of wet, grey Canadian west coast weather. After first phoning to let everyone know we had arrived safely home, I was delighted to find not only your blog but Willard as well, a most welcome treat for sure. Thank you for being so generous with your time and talent. My spirits are lifted every time I read your lovely messages. Stay warm!
The first book I received of yours was the Christmas cookbook. My mom, sweet Mom, gave it to me for Christmas and I’ve worn it out. It inspired me to write a cookbook and I have written several…..not published….just wrote down our family favorites and found pictures to illustrate them. One, I gave to my two brothers years ago with their genealogies and old family pictures included. Then, I asked my husband to get me your books for Christmas and I gave him a list. He got several different ones, including your small recipe binder. I wrote ANOTHER cookbook in it. My recipes have changed over the years, so I’ve had to keep writing new cookbooks. None of my cookbooks were really pretty, though, until I got your little binder. Then, I bought the big binder…..I haven’t launched into it yet, seriously. See, I collect recipes. Once in a while you’ve shown us a stack of books and, every time, I go looking for the books. Consequently I have almost everything Gladys Taber has written (I love her) and some other unusual cookbooks; hers and others. I love Gladys’s desserts which are rich in protein and low in fiber. People our age appreciate the wonderful world of the egg and its many parts (yoke and white or custard and meringue), which Gladys opened up to my eyes; thanks to you. I’ve begun to cherish cookbooks written BTM (Before The Microwave). I loved every minute of your visit to England as it has been my most longed-for place to visit. I’ve always loved Beatrix Potter and made sure my daughter had all her books. The figurines are so wonderful and beyond, usually, my retirement budget….but I’m saving up. Your visit to her home was just wonderful….I had to go get the movie, again, and watch it…..Miss Potter….oh I loved the dance scene and the juxtaposition of watercolors and real colors; animation and moviation. Lovely. I was totally inspired by the English vegetable gardens. Those weedless rows and perfect pole tripods for the beans. Inspiration! I weeded and “poled” with wild abandon through the summer, thanks to you. Well, this has gone on and on, hasn’t it? We had lots of snow, off and on this winter, too. I wish it were still here so I’m glad to visit and see it at your house. Spring is just around the corner, brave hearts. Thanks, again, Susan, for many moments of warmth and color. I’ll love your new book to pieces….just like all the others. Take care, Kathie, in the dry part of Washington State…..
I sooooo enjoy all of your books and especially looking forward to your new one.! You are an inspiration to me I am going to retire the end of this year and I am going to take up water coloring you are immensively talented.
I read over the blog once again and understand the tears having completed the book. I was vividly remembering the trip “we” took to England – the pics and descriptions of each journey taken. I shed tears of amazement and joy many times on that trip. I found you to be “amazing” once again because you were so faithful about sharing so many events that you and Joe took on that trip. And to imagine that now I will have the chance to share in it again through your book. What a gift!!! Sue, you are an amazing woman!! Congrats!! XXXXOOOOPat
Hi Susan & Co 🙂 I was so excited when I saw Willard – your little book will be my inspiration for a very long dreamed-of trip to England with a kindred-spirit daughter in September. I hope-ity-hope I just might win your give-away in time to have a peek before I venture forth. I’ve already bought a little watercolour kit to sketch and paint on my travels. with blessings from Australia!
LOL, I hope-ity-hope you win too!
Nothing cozier than a sleeping cat! We sadly don’t have the fireplace, though. Oh I would so love to win this book – I can hardly wait to get my hands on a copy! Have you read Deborah Crombie’s books? She is American but has lived in England and goes there frequently – her books are exquisite! Such a good personal story going on between the main characters and well-done emotional and deeply complex characters.
Joe is so handsome! Thanks for sharing your fun love/romance.
Armchair travelers unite. A Fine Romance is on my list for my next trip.
I first began following your blog when you took your trip to England. I’ve quoted so many parts of it to friends. My ancestry is English. Thank you for bringing the English countryside to life for me because I don’t think in this lifetime I’ll get to visit for real.
Thank you for the beautiful pictures! We have been having the most beautiful snowfalls here in northeast Ohio this year!!! I just love winter!!! And I am so over the top excited about your new book!!! I have enjoyed reading about the progress along the way and can’t wait to actually hold it in my hand!!! My husband is a Kindle guy but me…NEVER!!! I love everything about a book, the smell, the feel, the sound the pages make when you turn them over!!! And I know I will love yours. And I’ll remember when you were there and showed us some of those places. Time to preorder!!! Can’t wait. Something fun to look forward to in the fall!
Thank you so much,
Sandy
Thank you so much for some sunshine this early mornin! You will never know how much it is appreciated! Congrats on getting your project of love finished!
xo
Hi Susan,
Willard is not in my spam folder; not sure why I can’t get it. Let me know if you have any ideas. Can’t wait for the new book and will tell everyone in my Herb Society Unit Meeting today to pre-order also!
Deborah
I really don’t know … I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone not getting it … the only thing I can think of is that somehow it’s being blocked, because if you’ve signed up for it, it has to go out! Course there’s always the gremlins, you never know what they are up to. I wish I had a better answer for you, but sadly, this is all I know! We’ve started publishing a link to it after it’s gone out, and we’ll be sure to continue doing that. You are doll to tell your Herb Society, that sounds like fun, are there recipes involved, or is it gardening, or maybe medicinal?
Hi~
I had to re~sign up~ I got it the other day in my spam!~Why do I get the ” junk” but the good stuff goes in the spam!?~
Isn’t that the truth! Like buried treasure in the dump!
Exactly! ~But that sounds kinda funny to say that~ Way to good for the dump~ Should be obvious!
Just saw the Willard–THANKS!!! What about older ones?
Hmm, I never thought about that, we don’t actually have them all in one place! Kind of shocking to think of it, we’ll have to do something about that!
Neat idea, although I did buy the book of the older ones! Love it! xo
So exciting and waiting to view the copy…please place my name in the drawing…and have Vanna dress warm for this drawing…so cold today. Received my order confirmation…can’t wait…but we must…patience…patience.
It will be here before we know it Olivia!
traveling on the queen mary…visiting the lake districts…yes, definitely on my bucket list! congratulations on the upcoming book. can’t wait to start planning little fine romance of my own…!!
So excited for your book! Can’t wait for the movie 😉
Me either! Who shall we choose to be Joe? 🙂
Ryan Gosling… And you be you:).
LOL! I’ll have to see what Joe says!
That would be a hard one to choose…or you, either… 🙂
What a great idea…..”Susan Branch / A Fine Romance” on the movie marquee…. starring Diane Keaton and Kevin Kline (to represent the present-day scenes) and Kate Blanchett and Ryan Gosling (for the flashbacks to the past.) How much fun would that be???
Susan could become the female Nicholas Sparks…..a love story of a book, becomes a love story of a movie….of course with an extra bonus the Susan Branch movie contains recipes and travel directions too!
A girl can dream…………………………………………
Deb,
That is perfect. I like the casting.
Chris
~Sean Connery~
I forgot to add~In a kilt!
OR….Jake Gyllenhall….and you still be you.
Or…….
In a pinch….George Clooney…and OBVIOUSLY….you be you!!!! a FINE romance!!,!!!, xo
Obviously! 🙂
Top o’ the morning, Susan!
I cannot wait to read your new book.
I can’t remember… did you ever go to Ireland?
Between your trip to England and Downton Abbey,
this little homebody may have to travel across the Atlantic
one day. Of course, a trip to Ireland would have to be included!
Please let me know if you are ever visiting down South. We have a darling new bookstore called Parnassus here in Nashville. May you have a beautiful day!
I have that bookstore on my “try for” list!
I just love all the things you do! Please enter my name in the drawing and keep up the awesome work!
I hope you and Joe had a wonderful V. day!
How exciting! I can’t wait to see your new book. I think this should be the first of many travel journals and Italy would be a good subject for the next one. A travel journal on the US would be really neat too~ I love, love, love all your creations.
Susan, I can’t wait to get your new book, I love all your books and look at them all the time for ideas or recipes, or just to relax. I also wanted to mention that while watching the children’s station-Nickelodeon- today with my 7 year old daughter, we saw a new Peter Rabbit show that is starting tomorrow February 19th at noon. I’m not sure what it will be like but we’re going to check it out! Enjoy the rest of your winter.
Amy
Ooooooooooh what a pity to live on the “wrong” side of the ocean to order your book! How can I get it? (I live in Germany) I would love to get it, because England is my second home and I´d love to see it through your eyes, Susan!
Hi Irina, just go to my web store and there’s a customer service contact at the bottom of any page; click there and Kellee will help you get it in Germany!
Thanks for the Willard and Valentine blog:) It’s so good to know someone else loves winter as much as I do! Sometimes I feel a little weird about liking the snow when everyone else is wishing for spring! Enjoy the cozy days by the fire:)
Looking back at your trip to England, you were so lucky to have such an uneventful trip over and back! After the news of the last few days, maybe your trip really was a trip of a lifetime! I am happy for you that the book is finished. Just before spring, when it’s time to get outside and start with your flowers. Sounds like you maybe in for more snow! Have a beautiful day!
“A Fine Romance” indeed. This is the feeling I have with everything created by you Susan. Your endless creativity knows no bounds & you will forever inspire all of us who truly treasure your gifts. Thank you, Love! <3
i fell in Love with a rascal whom i watched while he joyfully wrapped his retiring bosses car in Saran Wrap, then rode off into the sunset on a motorcycle with a really strange thing attached to his helmet. It was a sight to behold. He looked like a Roman Centurian.
i found out later it was…
GARFIELD!))
LOVE that Wild Man! Yah!!
Thanks Susan for spurring this great memory!
Blessings,
~kare
Sunday, in the Hill Country in Texas, the whole day was singing, “Spring’s a-comin’, Spring’s a-comin’…” I even went wading! But today is a winter day here so it is a wonderful treat to be cozy and read your blog and Willard and enjoy your beautiful snow pictures. What a perfect title and cover for your book!
I just LOVE you, Susan Branch. Just adore your blog, Willard, your books, and your sweet fun self. I and my daughters think you are ‘one of us’ …. one of ‘our people’ in this world! Keep being you.
Janet
Oh, Susan, how I love your stories!! My Love No. 1, was because he chased me under the back porch steps. 🙂 I can’t wait for this new book!!
I saved the Willard and this post until today – my day off when I could read them with my hot chocolate in my Emma Bridgewater heart cup! What a fun surprise to find out that I can pre-order your book. I do look forward so much to your blogs and the reminder of the simple joys of a life lived well. Thank you for sharing with us Susan.
Hope you are not too snowed in – in MV. Looking forward to the book!!
Martha from CT
Of course your new book is tops on my list to add to my library.
I want to thank you for your art and writing and also helping me appreciate Valentine’s day evermore with your blog.
Congratulations on your book, Susan!!! I am so excited- one of my favortie things in the world – your books, blog – the inspiration you share with all of us! I am really going to try to get out to San Luis Obispo in Nov. I fell in love with the area when I went to college there and that is where I first discovered your books! I went to Remenents of the Past last year for the first time. It was amazing and so fun! Can’t wait for your book to be here!
Hello Susan – Really looking forward to your latest book being published! My husband and I would just love to take a trip through England like you and Joe have done but for now, we’ll do that through your thoughtful writing, pictures and illustrations. Thank you for being such a good friend to all of us reading your blog. Kindest regards, Jill
Well, I had read that the actor who played Mathew in Downton Abbey wanted out but it was a sad way to write him out…Guess Norm and I like happy endings. It was a real “downer” last night at the end…Probably it didn’t help that Sat. we went to the funeral of a coworker’s husband who died of a massive heart attack at age 59–totally unexpected. Left behind a wife, 9th grader, and 12th grader. I knew her from years ago as she had dated the Best Man from our wedding. This is just a reminder, girlfriends, that life is short and the unexpected can happen any time…cherish each day and tell your loved ones that you love them…
I haven’t seen it yet, I go to bed before it starts, so I’ll see it later … but I read this and called to Joe in the next room, who did see it, “Are you kidding me? Joe! Did Matthew die???” He won’t tell me. I have to see this. But that sounds like a terrible kind of cliff hanger. I kissed him, in honor of the rest of your comment Pat, I’m so sorry about your friends.
Sorry…thought you and everyone else must have seen it by now. Well, all I’ll say now is to have the kleenex box handy when you watch it… 🙂
Hello, everyone! Tis a hulking great Downton cliffhanger but I must say Matthew looked very gone to me. Also I’d heard the same as Pat – that this was supposed to be the last year for Dan Stevens who plays Matthew & has apparently become quite the heartthrob back in jolly olde. On to bigger and better for him I’m sure. Now the family has a motherless baby girl and a fatherless baby boy to look after. If the writers really want to give the Earl heartburn, they’ll plan a romance between Mary and Tom… Gulp! Whatever they do plan it’s sure to keep us watching…
Happy National Chocolate Mint Day! :>)
I’m not convinced about the ending of Downton Abbey…it may just be a cliff hanger until the next season starts and M. will recover, but have other health issues to deal with…maybe…just maybe…
That’s what Joe says. But last night with my girlfriends, everyone was positive, no question at all, that Matthew was gone.
Well, I’ve been called “Forever Polyanna” and even I think his eyes didn’t blink for too long a time… 🙂 Yes, it will be interesting…and we have to wait all the way until January 2014! 🙂
I’d love to have your book. It would be my first. Also love the picture of your neighbors yellow house in the snow. And of course your sweet kitties.
Little kitty paws really are the best, aren’t they!
I’m waiting with great anticipation for your book!
Because I like to keep my possessions to a minimum, I have only a small collection of books (we have a great library in my town!), but yours are keepers and I’m always on the lookout for more. More! More!, More!
So blessed to have found your website. A breath of fresh air it is!
Cannot wait for a “Fine Romance”.
Glad to have you here Donna.
Wondering if you got all that snow that the weather channel was predicting…I know you have a fire going and a cuppa cuppa…stay warm and cozy…xoxo…
It’s piled up outside, I think we must be blinding the eyes of the sputniks, it’s so bright outside with the sun glaring off the snow!
We’re getting a small amount–just enough to slick up the roads–this afternoon/evening. The weatherman is predicting a big storm for Thurs/Fri./Sat.–more like 10″, depending on “where the storm tracks…” I start loving the storms this time of year as I know they will melt fast and that we are running out of time for the cozy feeling we get with snowstorms… 🙂
Hi Pat~
It looks like either you are going to get it or us in SE Wisconsin~or both~ who knows?! Ah….February in the Midwest!
Have a safe weekend!
Our piles of snow in west central MN are NOT melting…they just keep getting taller and taller…you are down “south” from us…must be warmer in your neck of the woods…-37* wind chill here right now!!!…
Hi~
In my neck of the woods~way south and west of you~the snow we got a few weeks ago ~ has melted substantially.
We have had probably more rain this winter than all summer long!~ the ran we got Sunday night into Monday morning would have been 3-5 inches of snow~ go figure!
The rain not ran!
Ohmygoodness I would SO love to win that book!! This is my comment entry. ^_^ <3
Oh, how exciting! Please enter me, I hope I win, fingers crossed. Thank you Susan, you’re a delight!
I can’t wait for your book release… Traveling the Queen Mary II to England is high on my Bucket List!! Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Susan! Your art work (Baby Love was the first of your books I purchased because of the art and book design at the birth of my first son.) and writing have been had such a lovely influence in my life! I’m looking forward to your new book. It will be a pleasure I’m sure!
Good Morning Susan – Thanks again for the great blog and Willard. Just a few things … If you are ever looking for your 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd original, snail-mail Willard’s – I still have them. I THINK I still have some stickers from a Family Circle (I think that is where I discovered YOU)!. And “no” I am not a hoarder, but I am a scrapbooker! Need I say more? Six months before Charles and Diana got married, I took an Engish Garden trip with my mom. She needed a traveling companion and I was available! It was fabulous! My mom can’t travel anymore and your new book will be the perfect gift for her! She will read it cover to cover five times over! No worries if I don’t win a book from Vanna. I will be purchasing 2 copies and will be there at the Madonna Inn. Cathy, Gail, and I will make it a Girl’s Weekend! It has been too long! Thanks for sharing! xo
See you there Janet!
Congratulations on your book, Susan – you have been so immersed in it I can understand why you might need a good cry after writing the ending. Your home is lovely and it is so kind of you to be sharing your life with us through this blog. You always bring a smile to my face and Jack almost always makes me laugh out loud!! Keep up the good work!
xoxoxo
Looking forward to the book’s publication! Thank you Susan for all your creative and dedicated work on the project.
I just read your latest Willard and so look forward to reading your new book “A Fine Romance”. Hope I win!
Love the sections from your new book that I saw in Willard, so I am entering the drawing for it. I am happy that we will all be able to preorder it to ensure that we get a copy when it is printed. I can tell it will be a keepsake!
Hi from England!
Loving the picture of you and Joe….so many lovely memories <3<3<3
Xx
I’m enjoying all the photos of the winter scenes and your cozy house!
Hi Susan,
You know…. I am so very grateful for your blog…. it has such a happy and hopeful vibe to it. I can’t tell you how many times I have come here and it’s made me smile. Especially, after last night’s Downton Abbey… what a sad downer that was.
It looks like you’ve already heard, gorgeous Matthew is out. Just like that. I hadn’t read anything about Downton Abbey and was completely shocked… no way, how could they do that. He and Mary are so cute together and they fought so hard to be together and now she has his child and on and on Waaaaaah!!! Well, I guess one has to move on, Oh well, that was then, this is now. Maybe they’ll get the ship to stop listing in the fourth season, ‘sigh.’
What a charming blog this is. I would love, love to be entered into your drawing for a Fine Romance. What a great idea for a book. I was hoping that your book could be used as a travel book. England is a place I have never been too, but would love to go to someday. I just wouldn’t know where to start. So, this would be a great way to plan a vacation. Thank you so much for creating your book.
xoxoxoxox
The ship must list. It is what happened, that’s part of the problem. Here’s what would save the day, someone has a dream. And off we go, back to the 19th century, where there are all new costumes, snorting horses, and extravagant balls, and the young Queen Victoria stops by. We should meet some of the small cottage people too, like little artists in little cottages with just lambs to keep the house warm. xoxo Silvia
You mean a time where life is more simple and time slows down (probably because we all aren’t trying to do several things at a time?) LOL! 🙂 I was thinking of that one day–just imagine if you were in the “upper class” and the biggest decision you had to make was what to wear that day or what party to attend! Your food was prepared and served without you lifting a finger; your clothes sewn, washed, ironed without you lifting a finger; etc. I can’t imagine but then start thinking that maybe it would be boring? Well, maybe once in a while it would be okay??? 🙂
I would not care for it, I already know. That’s why they are all so into each other’s business! I love clothes, but dressing for dinner every night would be painful!
Susan~I’m with you…and I want to brush my own hair, thank you very much…
I might not mind having someone do up the shoe buttons! 🙂
That would be a very nice dream -for just a day or two- to only worry about what fancy clothes to wear for dinner. Of course, all us SB girlfriends would have to have to be there. The dining table would be very long and full of yummy food – the food would come from your cookbooks -I’m sure. But, I’m afraid, I agree with you, wearing fancy clothes for dinner and being waited on hand and foot would get old. After a day or two, I would probably be very un-lady like. I’d dash outside and run, skip rope and for sure garden (gasp!) Poor, young Sybil (RIP) and Edith seemed to feel that way too.
I do have to say, being an artist in one of those small cottages with only lambs to worry about would be grand too. The Fabriano paper that you use was definitely around during at that time but, not sure what one would use for watercolor paint though.
Well, we have no choice but to await the fourth season to see what becomes of Downton Abbey. That should put them put them in the 1930s, where they may have to do a little more for themselves.
xoxoxox
Oh, I LOVE having someone else brush my hair!!! (now, how to get Norm to find this comment! )
🙂
Pat, just ask Norm he would do anything for you I’m sure….when I was a very young child and we lived with my Dad’s “German” parents…they actually talked in German so “we” wouldn’t understand them when they had “secrets” I’m sure….anyway, everyday when I came home from school (age 6-9) my Grandmother would brush my long hair and she always would scratch my back which always felt so warm and loving. It was very relaxing and as you can tell a memory I will always remember about her. She listened to me rambling on (I was a talker) about my day and she always acted interested (I’m sure Grandpa was wishing for silence) ha I’m with Pat the hair brushing is very nice and when Angela was a little girl she enjoyed “making me up” and she always loved brushing (pulling) my hair and putting ribbons in it which I always let her do as playtime which is what you have to do when you decide to have an “only” you become the playmate!! She is now 25 and talks about those times fondly so now I understand my Grandmother it is all about bonding with family that is important no matter what you are doing. Pat, good luck with your hair brushing you are a resourceful gal I’m sure you can get Norm to do that for you!!!!
Susan, as always, your writing whisks me away. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with the world.
Oh please, oh please, let it finally be my turn to win, Vanna!
Aaah! You’ve written the ending … it won’t be long now and we can all curl up and enjoy a great read! Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Glad you had a happy Valentine’s Day. A belated, but heartfelt, happy Valentine’s Day to you! Loved the Willard – and really love that egg! I will have to look for a better heart cookie cutter, so I can try that (ours’ is plastic – which works good enough for cookies, but probably not so good in a skillet situation, methinks).
In thinking about your your ‘Fine Romance’ with England, I was wondering if you’ve seen ‘Quartet,’ yet? Very British, very funny – and very romantic in its own way.
Congratulations on finishing your book! So looking forward to it (Vanna, pick me, please! 😉
Dear Susan ~ I love the Valentine snow! I moved to AZ 5 years ago & miss the seasons. Thanks for all the beauty & love you share ~ Kristen
Thank you for sharing your trip with us and your love of life.
Hi Susan
Just ordered your book, one for me and one for Fleur and really looking forward to the day they arrive. Joy oh joy I got my tin of M & B bread in a tin and we all loved it. Fleur found it in Palm Springs and she visited me last week so we tried it along with my eldest granddaughter Robyn who was staying with me and we all gave it a thumbs up! Unfortunately she couldn’t find the Yankee magazine in C.A. neither in New York on their return to the U.K. I loved the heart shaped egg, what a brilliant idea. Loved the Willard and a big thank you for all of your blogs and the time you share with the girlfriends. Bless you Susan.
Susan, my neighbor Joanne got me hooked on your blog. Made your delicious corn pudding recipe for Thanksgiving. Gave 2 of my neighbors (girlfriends) one of your cookbooks for Christmas. Your blog always picks me up and your pictures are heartwarming. I understand Lisa’s comment. I never win anything either!
How exciting, your book is almost done. I cannot wait to read it!!!
I’m so excited about your new book……can’t wait!
Dear Susan, so glad to hear about your new book. It will be a great Christmas gift for my bff (but don’t tell her I’m getting it for her.) I loved your valentine eggs for Joe. I make a similar treat for my son, when he is home from college. It is called “toad in the hole”. I use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the center of a piece of toast. Then melt butter (butter is love) in a small skillet and put in the toast and heart cutout. Crack an egg into the heart space and cook until you like it done. Then flip bread and heart for a few minutes of cooking on the other side and scoop onto a plate. Put the heart cutout on top and serve with a kiss. I can’t wait to hear about your love story with Joe. Stay warm. I will dream of my future trip to England while I wait for the books to get here.
I love to make this, too, but always wonder how the name came about…any ideas? 🙂
I always made that for Angela when she was a little one and here we called it “Egg in a Nest”….must depend on what region we live in and there is probably numerous names for this easy fun treat. I never heard of Toad in a Hole?? It would be fun to hear of all the different names for this.
I think the English call it “Toad in a Hole”…
In my family it was “Eggs-Looking-at-You” because the bread used was large enough to have room for two eggs. PS – in Mom’s perfect world, breakfast would have been the largest meal of the day, and supper the smallest… To her credit, all of us now are happy with breakfast foods at any time, day or night.
Hi Susan! Can’t wait to enjoy your “Fine Romance”.
Thanks for all you do!
Your work is such an inspiration to me. I love to cook, I love to read cookbooks, and I enjoy doing calligraphy and you appeal to all of those things – with your sense of humor, your art, and the tidbits you include in your books. I aspire to putting together a cookbook for my family and each time I read something you’ve written, I’m more determined. I also love England and cannot wait to get my copy of your book!!
Susan…I woludl LLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEE the book..Tommorrow is my birhtday a happy 56th y’all..I followed your trip in England every day with on breaks and lunches..what a breath of fresh air and exictment and a definitely a fine romance. I will be pruchasing 2 books one for me and my friend who has her English prince who taught me how to have a proper cup of tea. Have not been able to drink it any other way since. You are such a gift! Thanks for sharing U!!
This contest has more buzz and excitement for all of us than the powerball drawing! 😉 A fine drawing for A Fine Romance…too sweet! xo
As always, THANK YOU for your wonderful blog. I can’t wait to read your book!
What a wonderful love story. Thank you for sharing. I just love your drawings, recipes, stories and your blog. It is so soft and peaceful and I want to curl up in front of the fire with my kitten and a book. I would love to be chosen in your new drawing.
Just finished reading willard. Can’t wait to get the new book in my hands, get a cup of tea and enjoy your lovely words and pictures. On my way to place my order now.
Susan, I wrote you probably a month ago and asked you to please, please, make a stop near Indianapolis when it comes time for your book signing tour and you did say how much you loved Indianapolis and would try. I would absolutely love to meet you that goes without saying mainly because it feels like we already know each other just by chatting on your blog. I want to assure you if for any reason you are not able to stop by our area I will be a “big girl” and totally understand and no hard feelings. I have already decided some of the “girls” are going to be disappointed and some are going to meet you and be joyous that is the way life happens. So, however this plays out you do what you have to do and go where the “experts” think you will meet the largest throngs of fans!!! If we meet I’m sure we will share a hug and a laugh either way I’m a fan and looking forward to reading and reliving our journey to England. Enjoy the process you deserve it!!!!
You are so sweet Deborah! It will probably depend on which bookstores have a time slot for me — I just had a darling inn on the island invite me to do a booksigning with them, they’re to put on a “Grand English Tea,” and invite everyone to come — next fall. When things like that happen, its very hard to turn it down! I just wish I could do that in every town! I know I’ll get to see lots of you no matter what.
I am hoping there will be a list of venues with times and dates for your book signings so we can make plans to try to be at one of them…sniffsniff…haven’t heard any talk about you coming to Michigan…xoxo…
Well, just thought I should tell you, Susan, that IF you are coming to the St. Paul/Mpls. area for a booksigning and are not making it to Indianapolis, I have already invited Deborah Heater to come stay with us so she can meet you. And I’m sure Dawn would be happy to meet with us, too. So, can you just imagine–it might get the 3 of us together in person–though how I will keep track of those two, I don’t know! I suppose I’ll be trailing them keeping them out of trouble as I did on the trip to England! 🙂
Thank goodness for you Pat! Wouldn’t that be fun!
Pat, once a “Big Sis” always a “Big Sis”…..now, if Susan can’t make MN and CAN make Indianapolis the offer reverses you know!!!! I agree with you when Susan mentioned all of us in one of her blogs where Dawn and myself were straggling behind and fell in the creek and you were delegated to come to our rescue…it was friends forever!!! Thank you Susan for doing something that at the time you had no idea how it would blossom into such a special friendship. I think this book will always be special to “us” because we were part of the adventure in that meadow and I’m sure we will be able to recognize the spot when you are telling your tale!!!
Hmmmm…does this mean that even if I lose weight, I will still be called “Big Sis”? 🙂 Well, is your house big enough for your kitties, turtle, and two visiting schnauzers? LOL! Find us a motel nearby that takes pets? Wouldn’t we have fun if we did get together? I think we should both plan some fun spots to show each other–just in case! Tea shops, antique shops, etc. … 🙂
If you don’t mind the 2 kitties and the turtle we won’t mind the 2 girls!!! Fun are you kidding me this housing division will never be the same….haha Oh, I already have the perfect place for all of us to visit “Little Nashville” such charming shoppes with antiques galore!!! We would have a blast and someday my friend we will meet I just feel it. Now, you know my reference as you being the “Big Sis” had nothing to do with weight you are just a little older than “us” is all…..therefore, Susan felt you were responsible enough to try and “corral” us?? hmmmm
Can’t wait for the new book to come out, definitely pre-ordering (and I’m a major Kindle fan, so don’t buy regular books anymore….but just can’t see enjoying this book electronically the way I will being able to turn the pages, get sticky when I use the recipes, etc., etc., etc.). Throwing my hat in the ring to try and win the pre-copy…..YIPPEE!!
I’m so very excited about your new book! I hope you and Joe had a great V-day!
Thank you so much for sharing your life and passions with all of us. Can’t wait to read your new book.
Hi Susan: How exciting that your new book is almost done !!! I can’t wait to read it and i hope i am the lucky winner !!!! Thank you for sharing your England
trip with us and I plan on buying several books for Christmas gifts. Have Fun !
Thank-you for the wonderful posts on your blog and for the fun Willard.
Looks sooooo cozy with all that snow 🙂
Happy day 🙂
Hi, I am writing again about Willard. Thank you for commenting on the last query about not getting my Willard yet. I re-signed up as you suggested. I don’t know what else to do as there isn’t anything in my spam that would have prevented it coming through. But you can count on me buying the new book. Or maybe winning one with the help of Vanna ,LOL.
Hi Susan, I still love that heart picture………..so sweet. Hope your Valentine’s Day was super. We were away with another couple last week and it was fun to read this today. I’m off now to read Willard and I can’t wait. With hugs, Gail Buss
Always wonderful to see another new book by a favorite artist and writer, but especially a book about my favorite country. We can not all travel for two months there, but we can enjoy living vicariously through you!
Oh my goodness! Almost 2,000 responses! Is this a record? That is huge and it is all because we love you so much…..UMmmmmmmm Waaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!
Susan, thank you for a chance to win your new book. I also hope to be on the pre-order (web connection didn’t work this afternoon, so I’ll call tomorrow). Your trip was lovely to dream about when you made it, and I would love to dream of the possibilities of English travel again with your helpful links. One thing I will now be able to do is enjoy all of the walking tours–my Valentine’s gift to myself was a needed hip replacement! Willard was happily waiting for me when I got home from the hospital. Looking forward to watching spring bloom with you. xo Donna
Your writing and pictures makes me so happy.
I can’t wait for the new book! I’ve already ordered my copy and two more for gifts. As always, I enjoy your postings and Willard’s very, very much. Thank you!
What did my husband get me for Valentine’s day? A nice, chest cold! *cough*
We did go to the Tucson Mineral show and looked at lots of lovely specimens. So I ended up with a Chinese Fluorite instead of jewelry. Fine by me!
We love your previous books, not only reading the stories and looking at the water colors, but using them. This weekend we had a tea party with our neighbors, and used the recipe for Elaine’s Famous Sugar Cookies from Vineyard Seasons. Those cookies really do deserve to be famous!
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Felicity and Michelle
I have just learned how to keep up with your blog on my iphone Fun! Thank you for the chance to win your book
Oh Gosh – a chance to fall in love with England via your adorable book! Maybe me? Thanks for the chance – Toni in Lakeview Oregon.
Susan, I was re-reading the blog and realized that I didn’t receive my Willard like I always have, so I was grateful to be able to click and view it tonight! I love Willard!! OMGoodness….I had no idea that I could pre-order our book ….so I just now finished placing my order! I am thrilled beyond all reason and cannot wait for the big day. YAY! In my world…and my daughter’s…books are like “friends” to us…we get very excited and keep them forever …and yours are some of my most treasured “friends”!! My Willard was extra special to me this time…thank you!
Hi Susan! Thank you for the Valentine greetings! I love the heart-shaped egg you made for Joe! I love your blog and how you so graciously allow us to be a part of your everyday life in such a lovely way! I think it’s very sweet that you made yourself cry writing the end of the book. I’m quite sure that we will all cry with you when we read it! I just can’t wait, so I really hope I win the pre-publication copy! XOXOXO
PS – hugs to Jack, the sweetest and cutest cat in the world and to Girl too, she is so lovely!
Reading your blog is so inspiring! It always brightens my day. I’m a cat lover too and I enjoy seeing your beautiful kitties!
Thanks for sharing all your creativity. Looking forward to seeing your book.
Can’t wait to read your new book! 5 years ago my husband took me to England for my birthday and we traveled to many of the same places. It was one of our favorite vacations.
Can’t wait to read your new book! Our trip to the UK was our favorite vacation. We traveled to some of the same places. I love England!
Oh dear! Looks like I left my comment at the wrong end (the beginning) of
these posts!
The long and short of it—I am happily addicted to your delightful Blog,”Willards”, and Books, Susan.
Celebrate your wonderfully Creative Self!!
Would I love to win the book? YES!!!
Thanks for sharing all your adventures at home and on the road. Would love to have a copy of your new book. Connie
Absolutely delightful. I smile every time I see your newsletter arrive and the valentine and the info on the new book made my day. Thank you for being a bright light in this world and Thank you for sharing. Janice
I have my book on order – so excited. I am happy for you that the book is done and you seemed pleased with your effort. Maybe now you can sleep past 4am….or not.
Thanks for the adorable photos and Valentine’s Day wishes.
Love to you, Joe and fur-family!
Reading your blog brightens my day and I love keeping up with your acitivies and seeing your lovely home. I also feel like I went along on your voyage to England. I can’t wait to read your book!
Hi Susan,
I love your blog.
I love Willard! And….
I already love your new book.
Can’t wait.
Love and Hugs….
sandy