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!
To Susan from Susan : Wow, almost 2,000 comments. So many love you and your blog. I almost got a chance to travel to the UK in August/September but medical problems have thwarted this. So, I will just have to live it vicariously through your new book! Maybe I will get really, really lucky and Vanna will pick my name to win a pre-publication copy of your much anticipated book; fingers and toes crossed! Oh, and I agree – the paws are the best 🙂
Susan,
I have enjoyed your blog so much and cannot wait for each new entry! Congratulations on finishing your book. I enjoyed following your trip to England and can’t wait for the book so I can experience it all again and again. Enjoy your snow. We have not had any this year and I have missed having a snow day! Have a blessed day! Kelli
I have your calendar at work and it always makes me smile! I would be so thrilled to win your new book! It sounds as if you put your heart and soul in it…as you do all your sweet things.:)
Sending a BIG congrats to you Susan on the completion of “A Fine Romance”!!!
Eagerly awaiting it’s arrival & SO excited about you possibly signing my ordered copy…SWEET!
Getting ready for major snow storm that’s due to hit on Thursday. I’ll have my iPad charged and ready to go so I can sit by cozy fire, with cup of coco in hand and re-read all your wonderful posts.
Doesn’t get much better than that!
Just curious, but do you prefer to be called Sue rather than Susan?
In one corner of my life, I’m called Susie … so it really doesn’t matter, lots of people call me Sue, my Dad sometimes calls me Sueie, but even some of my best friends call me Susan. The only thing I don’t like is when my mom says “Susan Anne Stewart!” Because then I know I’m in trouble! 🙂
Cracked me up “Susan Anne Stewart”! I’ve almost typed Susie so many times, then hesitated! I’m typing fast, you have our book to finish – just want to say how much I admire the Branch Hall team! You two really share your work, fun times, & dreams beautifully, it’s truly “A Fine Romance”! xoxo
He’s my guardian angel!
I discovered your blog just a week ago and I love it so much already! ♥ It inspires me to turn off that computer and to start doing something creative (which I love, but I’m kinda addicted to my laptop). I feel somewhat ashamed because I don’t know if I’m ‘old enough’ to visit your blog… I mean, I’m only 16…
I hope I win! ‘Cause I don’t live very nearby (the Netherlands) and I don’t have that much money either ;).
The magic of the internet, hi G from the Netherlands! Twelve year olds visit here, and so do ninety year olds, cause no matter what our age, we are girlfriends, so you are perfect. And money, that’s a big long story, but putting a couple of little flowers in a vase doesn’t cost very much, but does make you happy. Shop for everything you love in yard sales too. OK, have a happy day, bye for now.
My husband and I will mark our forieth anniversary with a return to the British Isles (we also spent our first anniversary there) We would like to go by boat this time…. and your dear, wonderful book, will be such a treasure for us as we plan this great adventure. Thank you so much for sharing your world……your every day life, as well as the travels that take you to enriching new places. I eagerly await your book publication!
Happy to see you replying as that means you have power. Wondered how you “weathered” your last storm. Have a cupcake sprinkle day:)
Good Morning Judi! We have a few fallen branches in the yard, but really, we’ve done pretty well. Cold, that’s for sure, but it’s OK, still winter. I’m still painting and working on the book, so it’s actually better. If something was blooming, I’m afraid it would be all over for me!
So much fun to read your blog, as always!…and can’t wait for your new book!! So excited that it is close to being available. 🙂
So exciting Susan that your long awaited book will be out soon!! I’m sure I’ll never be able to make a trip to England but having the book will let me visit it through your eyes. I haven’t preordered yet, but am planning to do it today. But of course, I would just LOVE to win the signed copy, it would mean so much to me! Do you know yet where your stops are on your book signing? I would love to meet you and I’m SO hoping it will be somewhere nearby. I’m a huge Downton Abbey Fan, too, and not sure if you have seen it, but one night on the PBS station they did an hour long show with the real owners of Highclere Castle pbs.org/programs/secrets-manor-house/ and it was really fun to watch and learn about the estate. It seems that letting them film Downton Abbey there has helped them quite a bit financially with maintaining the estate. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Vanna will be on my side this time. Loved the pictures of you and Joe! Thanks for all you do for us Susan! Hugs from Sharon
My favorite space in Downton Abbey is the dining room — that huge oil painting on the back wall, so beautiful there!
My dearest Susan, Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy of your newest book. Have you any idea how “us girlfriends” are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to get our little mitts on that book? We want to drool over it, hug it to our chests, let the cat walk on it and the bird chew on the corner ~ NOT ~ and just devour every gorgeous page, over and over. We are just on pins and needles waiting for it! And to have a chance at “first dibs” ~ priceless.
Love from MY heart and home, Barbara in South Carolina
I hope I do you justice Barbara! xoxo
I just love your posts! It’s like a mini vacation any time of day/year! You bring romance to my soul and joy to my heart! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful views!
After I posted my comment above, I thought you might like to hear my wonderful Valentine story… I had planned to make a delicious tortellini soup for dinner but had to take my oldest daughter on an errand after work first. When I came home, my youngest daughter surprised my husband and myself by making us a delicious dinner (parmesan chicken and pasta alfredo), setting the table in the dining room with a beautiful gold tablecloth and white lace overlay, china plates, crystal champagn flutes, the flower bouquet my husband had given me, red candle holders, and even red satin napkins! It couldn’t have been more romantic! I was thrilled – You would have loved it as much as I did!
Hi, Susan: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog. I received your Christmas book about 15 years ago and it is my “go-to” book every year. It was my mother who mentioned your sweet blog to me about 3 months ago and I immediately looked you up and have been hooked. She was a HUGE Gladys Tabor fan and I even accompanied her to Gladys’ home in CT, where I lived at one time. I know that discovering your blog just takes her back to a day and time that brings her so much happiness…so for that, I thank you. You are so amazing and inspiring and have rekindled the fun of home arts for me. So much so, that I have weaned myself from the computer doing senseless things (like Facebook) and am devoting more time to those things that truly bring joy and happiness to me. I wish you were my next door neighbor!!! Growing up in the midwest and now living in the south, I love going through the snowstorms with you and reliving my childhood memories of being cozy inside with a fire going and everything quiet and at peace. Thanks, Susan!!! Have a wonderful day.
Good for you Debbie … I think a little needle and thread, a little shelf arranging can go a long way. Flower planting and apple crisp making, happy home making. ♥
WOW over 2000 entries! I bet they all are like me and hope Vanna picks them. I would LOVE to add to my cherished collection your new book. All of your books are special, but I have a feeling this one will be the BEST yet! Love Willlard and your blog.
Today I traveled to a place and time that hasn’t been visited in a very long time. While reading your blog and looking at your artwork I found myself traveling back in time to my childhood that was carefree and timeless. I love your artwork and your blog . Thank you for giving me the chance to escape my wonderful but sometimes hectic life for only a few moments! I can’t wait to see your new book!
Can hardly wait for the new book. Having been lucky enough to live in the UK for nearly 2 years, a few years back, I can barely contain myself. I so love the UK….the rolling green hills, quaint villages, beautiful cottage gardens, the sheep and so many minis!!!! Fingers crossed I am a lucky winner. Either way I will have the book when it comes hot off the presses.
Hello Susan! Glad to hear you and Joe had a wonderful Valentine’s Day 2013 !!! So excited that your book is finished!!! It will truly be a treasure for now and future readers!!! I have been on Harsen’s Island, Michigan since last Thursday visiting with my elderly father and came home Sunday. Just catching up on your blog today……hope I am in time to enter your contest……I would be sad to miss the opportunity! (Our ferry ride home to the mainland included lots of big ice floats coming down the North Channel of the St. Clair River. Quite pretty to see!!)
Sigh. Your book is so lovely. I’ll just have to catch up on back episodes of Downton Abbey while I wait to hear if I’ve won. 🙂
Susan,
I love your valentine roses in the above photo!! Like you, I also have valentine roses and am interested in a way to keep them for remembrance. I thought of pressing them, but multiple petal roses seem too bulky to successfully press. Have you ever pressed roses? Or is there another method of preserving them that is better?
Jerri
I have pressed them, you just mash them down with heavy books! Some roses dry beautifully, and I’ve never been able to predict which will do that. But some of them don’t lose their petals, just dry up and hold color and you can keep those. I have never “preserved” in the scientific way, but if you go to Michael’s Crafts I think they would have some sort of powder or liquid for that.
Jerri – I think I remember some method using “silica gel” – supposedly available in craft stores. You immerse the flowers in this powdery, dry silica and it absorbs all the moisture – something like that. You can do whole roses [or any flower really] still on their stems if I remember correctly. But don’t quote me – I could be remembering something altogether different! :>)
Oh Susan, “your” Joe is a handsome man and I know he is just as sweet as you. Have your books, read them often and use the recipes also. Can’t wait for the new book and keep on giving us so much pleasure with your “Branch” of the world.
Hello Susan,
We can’t wait for your new book! Your watercolors are so beautiful! Thank you for all the photos too – you bring your experience to life for us. Thank you for all the joy you give!
XO, Lucy
Hi Susan, I never received a copy of (Valentine’s Day)Willard. Will I have to sign up again? Thanks.
It couldn’t hurt, if you get two next time, you can always click on one and have yourself removed, it’s very easy at the bottom of the Willard. I have heard this more than ever before with our Valentine Willard, and we can’t figure out why. On our side it shows that they were delivered. But somehow there seems to have been a block — not for everyone, most people got them — but so many didn’t and that’s not good. I’m sure you checked your spam folder, but if not, be sure to do that. Also, in case you didn’t see it, I put a link to Willard in the PS on this post — you can click on it and get Willard there. We’ll keep trying to figure it out and see how we do next time. Hope it was just a gremlin.
Cannot wait for anything new ! But I have a great collection of your books I can delve into (I love that word delve ! ) when I am looking for something to fix in the Kitchen. Nothing warms me up quicker than reading a summer recipe of yours ! Plus even though its snowing we are having lambs…twins and twins and twins. Its natures way of telling us the snow and cold will end,,,,
Cheers for you Susan Branch
It’s a joy to read your blog AND Willard on this cold morning! The shining morning sun and favorite beverage of the a.m. (coffee with a little frothed sweet cream ~ yummy) make all things cozy 😉
The next best thing I will be looking forward to on these morns will be, paging through and reading your new book ‘A FINE ROMANCE’! I can hardly wait –
I will definitely put my order in, in case I don’t get picked as the winner of the drawing!!
I remember rushing to the computer while you were on your wonderful trip to see what new things you would share with we girlfriends for the day. To actually hold the book with all the drawings, pictures, wonderfully worded memories……ahhhhh
I know, it’s going to feel like full circle …. I can’t tell you how much fun it was doing this with all of you along!
Dear Susan,
I read and reread your blogs and I save every Willard. Thank you so much for your wonderful light heart and lovely thoughts. They lighten my own heart and thoughts. You remind me so much of Gladys Taber and how much she appreciated all the little things of every day. I have every one of your books and am so excited to see your new book. I love England and love to read books that take place in the UK and your adventure certainly lets my imagination dally.
Love you and take care,
Lorraine
Oh, Susan, I simply cannot WAIT for your new book!!! Fall, 2013–YAY!!!
good morning Susan,
Has it really been a year? makes my eyes water. Well anyway heart felt congradulations on what I know is a job done with love and care. I am getting a lesson in the time that it takes to bring a bookdream to
reality. My heart skips a beat when I thing about it. I am going to read some books that I picked up from my local library about the life of Beatrix Potter so I will have better ideas of what her life was like before I read your book. Just a way to pass the time while we all wait.Thank-you does not say
what I feel about your blog but somehow I think you know. P.s. my spring flowers are popping out of the ground so its all right around the corner.
I love reading about your home and lifestyle. I grew up in an area where snow was commonplace and miss it here in SC where we seldom get any snow of consequence.
soooo excited about A Fine Romance!!!
I ordered A Fine Romance on the day it was announced…and i am so excited…can’t wait to get it…..i know- patience is a virtue….but i can’t help it- i don’t have it….patience for the book that is…hahaha-i love the Willard….love the Valentines day pictures….and I hope that you and Joe and the kitties are having a wonderful day…….enjoy and know that we all love you and your blog and the Willards- – and all the books and artwork and just everything…you are the best!@!@! Thank you.
Kathy from Kentucky.
My friend and I are hoping to travel England and Ireland for our 60th birthdays. This book will be a great tour guide. Thanks for you’re sweet spirit that brightens all our days.
Oh Jayne, you are going to have WONDERFUL time! So exciting!
Long ago a girlfriend gave me a copy of “Heart of the Home” as a hostess gift, and I have loved anything “Susan Branch” since then. I especially like SB wall calendars, and have our family “doings” written on days to remember from year to year. It is a good way to keep a journal!
When I was born my grandmother brought flowers to my mother in the hospital in the very same lamb planter shown on the last Willard, and I still have it to this day! Thanks for sharing so many positive and encouraging thoughts…
I think I had that lamb planter in my bedroom too, I haven’t even asked my mom — but it feels like something I’ve had forever. How wonderful that you have the very ONE!
I’ve loved your work for a very long time. However today is my first visit to your web site/blog. I don’t know why I didn’t look for one before for you. Your designs make me so very very happy. Thank you. You are very gifted and I am so thankful for your talent. I do have a question but it’s a bit hard to explain. I find myself in a very difficult position right now and am trying to stay positive and cheerful and not worry and stress so much. I’ve read that keeping a journal would be helpful during this difficult time. I wonder if you would do a post with some tips for keeping a journal – not just a dear diary kind of thing but something happy and colorful, etc. I really don’t know how to describe it. Except to say something in your style…. I’m sure I’ll be here soaking up the happiness and beauty often. Thank you again for sharing your talent.
I would love to do that Sherry. In the meantime, every morning when you wake up, sit with no noise around you, just nature noises, uncross your arms and legs, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and relax deep into your chair. Probably there is a little negative voice you aren’t quite conscious of saying worrying things, so you need to contradict that incorrect voice, with positivity. Make a list of the great things in your life before you sit down, keep it next to you. And say some of them to yourself, count your blessings, and tell yourself what a good, loving, caring, kind, and wonderful person you are … it will help. xoxo Sending love.
Sherry, you might enjoy Susan’s January 1, 2013 post about the Care and Feeding of Dreams; in it she offers a very positive approach to overcoming negativity (as well as procrastination)… 🙂
Sharon in Alabama
Hello Susan~
Such a beautiful tribute to Valentine’s Day…one of the many special days to celebrate LOVE! I so enjoy your blog. It is such a refreshing way to spend a few moments reading about your love of HOME and HOMEMAKING. Your new books looks just wonderful! I enjoyed an unforgettable visit to England with my parents and siblings when I was 22 years old while we were living in Germany. That was 35 years ago and I still remember each detail of this lovely country. How I love the British accent and the storybook countryside. I am happy for you that you could record your visit in this most special way of a forever keepsake book for all to enjoy~ Debbie
Susan,
I almost feel like a stalker with how much I look forward to checking on the latest news on your blog. It’s such a treat and you inspire me again and again.
Thank you!!
LOL! xo
I’m so looking forward to your new book. It looks so wonderful. Thanks for this great giveaway.
Can’t wait to receive my copy of the book. IF I don’t win it, I am for sure pre-ordering it. My husband is ready to take a trip to England and it looks like this will be the perfect companion. Just wish we were going by ship… what fun that must be.
Look forward to A Fine Romance’s publication! What a fabulous trip you and Joe enjoyed! (We happened to be there the same time last year.) I have pre-ordered a copy for my daughter who lives in England; I am sure she will enjoy reading of all your lovely experiences in her new “homeland.” Thank you again for your fun, interesting and informative blog. Please send some snow to Northern Virginia.
Susan,
I have followed you for so many years, have all your books, love all your wall calendars (I use them in my scrapbooks each year…you are like family). I so enjoy reading all your posts and have kept many of the Willard emails. I thoroughly enjoyed you bring us along on your trip to England and I have also enjoyed the train trips. Keep sending us happy posts!
It’s a bit past Valentine’s Day and just missed President’s Day; well, Happy Everyday. I just found “Vineyard Seasons” at a vintage-y thrift store; I found “The Summer Book” last year at a different vintage-y thrift store. It’s such a nice surprise when I see one of your books. I’m very much looking forward to “A Fine Romance”; I followed your adventure on the blog.
Best wishes from Riverside, CA.
Susan:
Many Congrats on finishing the book! It looks lovely & sounds inviting. I’m hoping Vanna will pick my name for the pre-publication copy. I would feel so honored.
I’m a newcomer to your website/blog/newsletter & welcome it all as it is so pleasant & creative. Keep it coming to me….and thank you.
By the way, did you receive my snail-mail letter?
Can’t wait for the book. Vanna pick me please!
The “snowy” pictures are more perfect that ever — that deep blanket of snow everywhere. Thanks for sharing.
Love your blog! Can’t wait to see the book. I know I am going to love it. I love England too.
A little note …..I must have seasons in my life. My Favorite is the Fall !!
Loved your view from your window with all the snow, just gorgeous.
Receiving each new Willard is like getting a wonderful surprise gift. I wait for a quiet time to read it thoroughly, no interruptions. Your new book has rekindled a dream to make a similar trip. Why not try to make it happen?
I thought I’d enter the drawing, just in case I do win. Either way, I am definitely planning on getting myself a copy of A Fine Romance. It’s sure to be wonderful! 🙂
This Willard is one of my favorites! I love everything you do, but this one is awsom. I am going to fix the Sticky Toffee Pudding – can’t wait.
I have always wanted to visit England. My youngest son was stationed there in the Air Force and I tried so hard to get over to visit then, but it didn’t work out. It is still on my wish list, but I relish every picture and description you make. I am purchasing two of your new book – one for me and one for my best friend’s birthday next November. Great timing! Hope you will enter me in the drawing….look forward to the book. Thanks for all you share!
I just finished reading Willard with a cup of tea…
How exciting! I can’t wait to devour your new book!
Thank you for the sheepie bookmark…I spied it on this blog and am glad you shared it with us…xoxo…
I have been following your blog on your English adventure and can’t wait to read the book and see all the pics! We hope to have our own English adventure soon! 30 years this year on our Fine Romance!
pre-ordered 2 of your books and looking forward to
reading your love story
Barbara
Hi Susan,
Been waiting for Willard to show up in my email and was getting worried I fell off the list. So HAPPY Peg posted the link on Friends of SB FB!! Got to enJOY it! I will be pre-ordering my Fine Romance shortly.
Thank you for all your beautiful pictures, words and artwork. I know I am one of MANY who just Love it all!
Hugs,
Debbie
Dear Susan and Girlfriends,
Oh! So much love here at the Heart of the Home!
Thank you for sharing and spreading love and all your warm coziness with all the beauty of winter…and summer spring and fall too!
Susan, I love your snow falling on trees on your Willard. Just wondering if there is anyway you could make it into a screen saver and offer it to buy in your online store? Also, just another thought, I love your gift certificates too! ( amoung all the other things you do). At first glance, I thought they were checks and was ready to order them right then! I know people don’t use checks as much as they used to, but it would be so wonderful if you could take some of the art work you’ve already done and make it into checks, sometime when you get time.
You have worked so hard on your beautiful book, I just can’t wait to read it! I know I will cherish every single page. Whenever, I read your books I have to begin by reading them twice, once, to read the print and another time to really look at your beautiful script and
artwork…and then I just keep reading them over and over again and again . Each one is part of you. All the love you put in all you do, lives forever!
I am in hopes that you and Joe can swing by Wash. DC on your book tour. I would love to meet you both! You bring so much joy to me and so many!
Love,
Victoria
Thank YOU for all the sweet comments Victoria! This is the reason I love the blog, the interactions with everyone … thank you! I’ll keep your suggestions about checks and screen savers in mind for when I get a bit more time!
I love receiving your Willard newsletter. I recognised the Union Jack tea towel on your stove. I received one 28 years ago as a wedding present!
Wow! I can not believe how over the moon with excitment I would be to be the recipient of your new book signed by you! My oh my! I ordered my copy asap once Willard arrived. (PS: Love Willard!!). You bring so much joy and enlightenment into my life Susan. Your work and love of life’s simplest gifts are what I am grateful for. Wishing you all the best!
Susie
Hi Susan – if the timing works out, I might be able to read A Fine Romance while on my first cross-country train trip this Autumn. Can’t WAIT to get my copy. So glad you are letting us pre-order.
-Connie
That would be fun!
Hello Susan! Thank you for the cute lamb bookmark! Thank you for the new Willard! And, thank you for the contest opportunity! Feels like Christmas in February!!!!
Congrats on following through on a matter of the heart. Have you watched Romancing the Stone recently? Check out what Joan Wilder does when she completes her book. Fun! I’m cleaning off the bookshelf in anticipation of the newest by Susan Branch. Marsha
A friend shared the information about your new book with me. I loved reading about you and seeing the pictures of England’s countryside. Our son lived in Coventry for a few years and it brought back memories of our visit with him. I look forward to reading your book.
Nancy
Dear Susan, I would be over the moon to win your new book! I am fairly new to your blog and I am trying to catch up..I still need to read about your trip to England. I will be seeing it through your eyes and savoring it..you see I have an illness that keeps me from traveling and I am praying daily that I will be healed so that I can see England..the country of my dreams. Until then I want to see and live it through your eyes..I know it would make me feel as though I was there…hugs, Lori
I’m praying for you too Lori! Happiness is a really big help for curing!
Thank you so much Susan for your prayers, that means so much to me. Hugs!
Hello Susan, I have a question about my cat, I have had her since a baby, she is now 11 months old, and now all of a sudden when you try to pet her she will take her front paws and grab your hand and try to bite you, not hard at all so I’m know she is just playing . Should I continue to allow her to do this and is this normal behavior, this is my first indoor kitty, and yes she is my baby, its just me and my other half so we spoil her cause she is our baby. Her name is Pepper. You have been a part of my life for many years, I can remember when I use to cut out your recipe from country living magazine. I have everyone of your books,calendars, and other items from your srore, and read your blog every day, you put sunshine in my day no matter what the weather is outside. Thank You for allowing us your fans to be a part of yours and Joe’s life. We are the ones BLEESED.
Thank you Terrie! Very sweet to hear from you. As for your kitty, I think a little bite, as long as it is definitely gentle, is OK. If you feel like you’re not liking it, you can tap her nose and say NO firmly. She’ll learn. Whatever training you feel you need to do, try to do it all while she’s young, bad habits are hard to break. Some things that are cute at 11 months, are not so cute at 8 years, so just think that way. Have a wonderful day!
Oh, boy! I am delighted to hear that your book, A Fine Romance, is so close to completion. I pre-ordered two copies the day Willard arrived! I am very anxious to see your lovely work. The progress reports and sneak peeks have made me deliciously hungry for the finished product. I’ve been wondering, what is the phonetic pronunciation of your dear friend Siobhan’s name?
Your book is beautiful! I can’t wait to read it in the fall–perfect for curling up with next to a fire and a cat 🙂
Thanks for sharing Willard. I love reading about your world.
Hello Susan,
I love your little blog. I would be honored to be placed in the drawing for your new book. I was also wondering if you might share the font that you use with most of your items. I recently bought your 2013 calendar and love all the little comments/suggestions that you include. I am completely hooked. So yeah, the font that is on the calendar also intrigued me and I was wanting to utilize it for myself. Would you be able to share?
Thanks,
Mina from Salem, Oregon
Your darling pictures and paintings of little lambs remind me of the song:
“Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy, kids’ll eat ivy too wouldn’t you….?” I think sung by Bing Crosby in the 50’s.
Love all you do, Willard, blogs, calendars, books and am looking forward to A Fine Romance.
My husband and I will celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary this year. “A Fine Romance” would be perfect for us, don’t you think ?
I’m looking forward to your new book. Thanks for sharing your beautiful vacation with all of us!
Looking forward to your new book! And seeing you at Remnants later this year in San Luis Obispo. I love your stories and beautiful illustrations!
Marian from Tempteton,Ca
In my humble opinion……….Susan Branch……you have the most CHARMING Website of anybody out there. It is always a delight to read Willard and your blog and well everything on your sight!!!!! I am a huge fan and appreciate you more than you know…..I love vintage, old stuff and am a huge red and white California girl……..Your home is fabulous!!!!! I love all of your pictures and I am so looking forward to your new book…..can’t wait!!!!
Thanks for all you do and who you are!!!!
Thank you Gail! I never imagined that doing a blog could be so much fun!
I’ll second this!!!
Gail..
A Fine Romance! What a perfect name for your new book. It sounds so English. I’m very anxious to see the finished product and relive your trip with you. It was so interesting to see your creative process as you shared snippets with us… I’ve wondered how that works and now I know! Thank you Susan.
Congratulations on finishing your new book! Will be buying a copy for my Mom, who first introduced me to your lovely work. Thank you for sharing your time and talents so generously!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win a signed copy of your book. With over 2,000 comments I realize my chances are slim … so I preordered a book, just to be sure. Thank you for all you share with us – you’re lovely home, your kitties, your handsome husband, your wonderful trip…it is such a pleasure to read each entry – like visiting the home of a close friend!
Good morning, Susan.
I have finally had a chance to check your blog after spending the past few days grading papers (catching up on work let slide recently).
Thanks to your inspiration, I hosted my 2nd annual Girlfriends’ Valentine’s Day Luncheon for my five BFF’s (all in their 60s & 70s). I experimented with a couple of new recipes, used my grandmother’s fine porcelain china, the white linen napkins with the Battenburg lace, and the good silver, and just generally treated my girlfriends to the special day they all deserve. Just as it was last year, the day was a hit all ’round (in spite of the crab quiche that turned out more like pudding, but was delicious). I have already told everyone to put the event on their calendars again for next year.
Thanks so much for keeping the love of friends and romance in our lives with your blog, Facebook page, and Willards.
Your admiring friend,
Judy
That sounds just wonderful, makes me happy to hear about it! Thank you Judy!
susan…i’m so glad i thought to look at some old scrapbooking stickers i had (as i was making valentines for my loves) that led me to your site!…kelly
I enjoyed so much reading your posts when you and Joe took your trip to England. It was the next best thing to being there! Looking forward to reading A Fine Romance when you’re finished – thank you for writing it!
My husband and I will be married fifty four years today. Would be a great day to win this special book. There are so many who have left comments that you could feel that you would never have a chance to win, but if you don’t leave a comment you surely want win. Love your blog and can’t wait to see if there is a new writing each morning when I get up. Makes my day when there is something new.
I am so excited about the new book, I adore England and the Lake District is probably my favorite. But Suffolk is magnificent too!
Thanks Susan for your wonderful blog.
xo Pat
Dear Fine Romance,
I have reserved a very special place for you on my bookshelf!
Cheers!
B.McD.
Thank you for including the Willard link. I have only gotten it once via email so I am thrilled to see it here. XO
A great Willard as always. Thanks for the chance to win!
I am so excited for a new book by Susan Branch! Can’t wait! I am also dreaming of a trip to England, so I especially anticipate this one!!! Hurry!!!!
Lots of love !!!
Good morning Susan, I wanted to share that today is the first day I have heard birds outside with a happy chirp, both at my house and when I got to work! I think spring must be coming..
I love that 16 year old G from the Netherlands has joined us!
Enjoy your day everyone!
Thank you ! for the constant enjoyment of all your creative work. Iam looking forward to the new book.A Fine Romance also reminds me of the tv series from the 80s with Judi Dench and her real husband, it was funny and charming
Denise from Wpg
I love, love anything to do with England so your book is eagerly anticipated. I hope you have had the chance to watch 84 Charing Cross Road – my absolute favorite movie. I loved Miss Potter also as the scenery was to die for. I own all of the James Herriot books so there are so many reasons I’m looking forward to your new book!
I am so excited for the new book I can hardly stand it! I have all of your books and have absolutely loved them all! Thanks for doing a new one for all of us.
Thank you Susan for all of the love and time you put into you new book while thinking of us daily and taking time to blog. We ALL love you, Joe and those precious kitties so much. As with all of your followers, I woul love to win your newest treasure for my Susan Branch library.
I’ve pre-ordered two copies of your new book — can hardly wait to receive them, and I’ll probably end up ordering more for gifts. In the meantime, I’ll keep enjoying your blog — and I keep sending you new readers. You certainly have a unique talent. I just finished reading “The Happiness Project” (by Gretchen Rubin) — I think that would be a good way to describe your life!
Oh, I’ll have to look at that, thank you Pat!
Dear Susan,
Here’s my entry for the contest. Wish me luck. I love reading your blog.
Candice
I adore your books! Your web site makes me smile! The story of your love, Joe, makes me swoon. I can’t wait to get a copy of the newest book, whether I win it or buy it. My “sisters” benefit from your books, stationary, rubber stamps, card making kits, paints, pencils, stickers, paper, all of it. They always ask me where I found these pictures…..Susan Branch of course! Thank you for your work, I love every stroke!
Thank you Susie!
I love your books and your blog! My mom buys me a calendar every year for Christmas! Its a tradition! 🙂 Thank you for the beautiful work you do!
We went to Chatsworth also many years ago and fell in love with the setting. We thought all the animals in the fields were posed just so, and that it looked like they were all part of a live play. They “punched in on the clock” just prior to our arriving and took their places. All so enchanting!
Thank you so much for sharing all your talents and experiences with us. I always love seeing your home and pictures. How wonderful you can use the talents God has given you to make others feel happy. Can’t wait to see your new book!
Hooray for the new book! Can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait!
I go by your home often when I’m on island! Hope I win one of your new publications. Take care.
Oooh I would love a copy! All of those cute sheep!
Susan…Thank you for your beautiful book! My husband and I got to go to England last September. We can’t wait to go back one day. It was breath taking and we loved every minute of our 10 day stay. For sure a dream to go for two months! I will love your book. I have all of your books and love everyone of them!!!
Aloha from Hawaii!!!!! Love your creativity! Always a pleasure to look forward to your emails filled with the cutest drawings, delicios recipes, great ideas, adventures, etc!!! Reading your emails bring smiles to my day!!! 🙂