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!
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU AND JOE!! I wrote in all caps…that’s excitement, not anger!! LOL
I cannot wait for your book to come out – have been following each step along the way – I had the good fortune of spending the month of April(many years ago, haha) in England (a pre-wedding gift from my mom-the both of us had a blast) so your trip this year brought back some wonderful memories. I would love to go back some day; such a beautiful country.
have a wonderful day with your honey!
Rae
Wow wow wow! Willard finally found his way to my kitchen and then there’s a new post too! Happy Valentine’s Day to me! I read both quickly because I just couldn’t wait to see it all and I’m quite sure I’ll go back and savor words, ideas, pictures, SUSAN over and over. Thank you again and again, Susan, for sending the world such beauty and love! It all seems so personal and precious, just what a friendship would bring. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and to Joe and to all out there in Susan Branch-land. XO
Dear Susan,
Pardon me for addressing you like I know you in “real life”! I have been coveting your books for over 25 years now…and enjoying each and every one. I am SO looking forward to your new book about England. My husband, Dave and I went to England on our honeymoon 25 years ago this coming July. We totally fell in love with the west country and made it all the way out to Clovelly (near Tintagel and the mystical castle of King Arthur). I did meet you at a book signing in Sandwich, MA many years ago at Titcomb’s where the owner made your chocolate dipped macaroons — and I was with my very dearest friend — who was just as thrilled as I was to get our books autographed. Your calendar looks at me everyday and gives me tons of joy! It reminds me of the gentler, nice things we can do for ourselves, our friends and families.
Jeanne, from Marlborough, MA
Happy Valentine’s Day! I would love to win a copy of the book as I would love a visit to England some day! Until that time arrives, I’ll just have to live vicariously through you! Thanks for the opportunity to win such a great work of art! Love the kitty pictures, Jack looks just like my husband’s childhood cat, Sam! He is a cutie!
Happy Valentines Day Susan and Joe! I love seeing each of your new posts and also getting my Willard! I still have the originals that were mailed out! I loved traveling with you to England last year and can’t wait for the book!
Judy
Congratulations on finishing your book! I know it took a lot of hard work, even if you enjoy painting and writing. I can hardly wait for it to be published; it will make great Christmas presents this year. Happy Valentines Day and enjoy your freedom from this huge task. I just got my Willard–my first Valentine of the day. Thanks so much.
Happy Valentines Day to you and Joe and for beautiful thoughts and photos to start our day. I can’t wait for your new book ,so appropriately titled “A Fine Romance” . And a special thank you for reminding us that “True Love Stories Never Have Endings”.
happy valentine’s day!! i made a red sprinkle heart on my grandaughters toast this morning and a heart made out of cranberries for my husband of almost 35 years…and pink milk to drink! it is snowing here in michigan…again! rj in michigan
Oh Susan, I just know my Willard will be here today and I’m so excited! and to think I have a chance at winning a signed copy of your new book makes me “giddy”! Musica going off in my head! Happy Valentines Day to you and Joe, Girl and Jack. Judy in Arizona
Happy Valentine’s Day from North Carolina. I’m very excited about your new book!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you both!
Mary
My husband and I lived for three years in the UK, 18 months on Scotland’s west coast and 18 months on England’s east coast, and went site seeing every weekend as Jim was working during the week. I must have your book it will bring back such wonderful memories. Our favorite pudding…Sticky Toffee Pudding. Thanks for the recipe! I’d love to win your book for me. I’m preordering one for my parents who have cherished my writings and pictures of our time but I’m sure will love a more ‘polished’ travelogue than mine could ever be. Happy Valentine Day!
Susan, what a wonderful Valentine treat, to read your blog entry and get our romance juices flowing. Heart shaped egg will be coming up for breakfast for hubby, fell for his Dutch accent. I had to laugh about my first love in 1950 at age 6 trying to act helpless paddling with the neighborhood kids in the canal starring at the cute 12 year old boy who didn’t know I existed. Funny how that era was the helpless female and I was acting the part. Loved the kitty paws, Jack’s are adorable, I’m in love with him.
Hello! Happy Valentine’s Day! My husband and I were married on this day 37 years ago. Still in love and loving each other more and more. Love Love Love Willard! Your drawings are so sweet and wonderful. I have scrapbooks full of your drawings beside pictures of my children.
Wishing you a wonderful day of love and romance.
Pat 🙂
Happy Anniversary, Pat! My husband and I will celebrate 33 years on Saturday.
Happy Valentine’s day to you and your hubby Pat, and Happy Anniversary!!!!! hugs…. 🙂
Happy Valentines Day Susan, what a lovely post. I just pre-ordered your book and printed off the lovely bookmark..I would still love to be put in for the drawing.
Devon
How wonderful! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe! My sister got her valentine early from me, a preorder of your book! She’s ecstatic, but I am too since I had to get one for me, too! Your post is a reminder that love is just a lot of little things that turn out to be big things. Here’s my cute idea for all the readers and you, Susan: Cut slices of cantaloupe and with a small heart cookie cutter, cut out a piece in the middle. Replace it with the same cookie cutter piece that you cut out a piece of watermelon. It’s so cute and screams, “I love you!” (So excited for your generous book give away, too!) XXO
I can not wait to see the new book. I love your work. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Happy Heart Day to you and Joe!
I hope you have a great day.
I am excited to hear about your new book.
Your books and art bring a smile to my heart every time I read or look at them.
Am looking forward to getting your new book.
I would love to have a first copy.
Thank you for everything.
Kindly,Pam
PS.Thanks for introducing me to Gladys Taber. I am slowly getting her books.
What a lovely way to start Valentines day… Willard was in my e-mail and the announcement of your book! Congratulations to You and thank you for bringing all your happy thoughts to all the rest of us!
Awwww, its so nice to see two people still so much in LOVE!
Today is my son Ray K’s birthday and I love telling him he is the best present his father ever gave to me. (Ray is 45 today!)
His Father died 1994, and was the Love of my life!
I made my current ‘significant other’waffles today for breakfast after viewing your post, he asked why didn’t I make them heart shapped! He did give me a large box of candy and a coffee mug that says ‘I Love my sailor’ with a teddy bear in it! such a romantic!
You don’t need to put me in Vanna’s box because I pre-ordered my book yesterday! Can’t wait!
Stay warm by snuggling often!
Happy Valentines Day!
Happy Heart Day to you and Joe!
I hope you have a great day.
I am excited to hear about your new book.
Your books and art bring a smile to my heart every time I read or look at them.
Am looking forward to getting your new book.
I would love to have a first copy.
Thank you for everything.
Kindly,Pam
PS.
Thanks for introducing me to Gladys Taber. I am slowly getting her books.
I am having a hard time getting this to post. Happy Valentines Day and thanks for the chance to win your wonderful book. I have relatives in England I have never visited so this is of special interest to me.
Shawn in Michigan
I think our server has been blinking in and out . . . I haven’t been able to get on for the last few minutes.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Joe and the kitties! Can’t wait for the book to come out!
Happy Valentine’s Day to Susan, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack!!! I enjoyed your Willard today and I’m jealous of your snow. I’m very excited about your book coming out and as always your blog and Willard’s brightening up my day!!!
Blessings from Missouri,
Nancy M.
I mentioned to my husband a few months ago that I would love to watch all the little birds from our kitchen window. This morning as I took our little furry kids out I noticed two bird feeders outside our kitchen window.one of the feeders had two red hearts. My husband is such a gift in my life. He must of put them up at the crack of fawn…because he leaves for work very early. Thank you for the special reminder of the importance of living our lives each day to their fullest.we have traveled through England, and was familiar with some of the places you mentioned. The weather is Betty different here in California. I have invited a about 16 ladies over for a Valentines cupcake decorating party. Sharing love. Happy Valentines to you and yours.xoxo
Marcia
Don’t you just love it when our husbands pay attention to what we say!? That was very sweet, Marcia!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I am really excited about your book and looking forward to the publication date. I noticed the hearts in your windows. That is a great idea! Have a lovely day.
Good eye Ginger!
I can’t get this to post. Arg…Happy Valentines Day
Happy Valentines Day to you too, Susan, Joe and those precious kitties:) I loved reading the Willard you sent. So excited for you to have another book and I am so excited for me to be able to add it to my collection;) I felt your emotion when you said you wrote the ending yesterday and cried. You have put your heart and soul into this project, as you do with everything you create…and that is the essence of a true writer and lovely person. Here in PA we got snow too….as I was reading about your snow falling from the trees and the gorgeous sunrise, I knew exactly what you were talking about because it is here too in my little world. The kitchen chairs are pulled up to the windows, one for each cat, so they can be comfortable while watching the activity outside. Have a wonderful day, Susan….Hugs, Erica
Oh – I so can’t wait for your book! I’m going to give it to my 83 year old mother who always wanted to go to England, but never made it. She considers herself a bona fide anglophile. She can’t travel now and needs to live vicariously. This will be the perfect way for her to feel like she’s been there! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us all!
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan! 🙂
I received my Willard and went zooming over to your shop so I could get my order in for the pre-sale of your wonderful new book! In fact, I ordered two and I’ve printed off several bookmarks which I just said AHHH to my self when I saw the lambie with the Union Jack kerchief and read the quotes. It is just perfect to display on my hutch along with my other British keepsakes. I am also printing out the Sticky Toffee Pud recipe too, I had it on one of my visits to England and it is to die for! You just think of everything!! Thank you so much for all of your time and love that you have put into your book, Willard, and your Website, you are such a Dear, what a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift! You and Joe deserve to have the most romance filled day!
Hugs,
Candice B from OHIO
P.S. I like little kitty feet too!!
Happy Valentine’s Day! Wishing you much success with “A Fine Romance”. Love the bookmark with the adorable sheep!
Bella in New York
Happy Valentine’s Day to All !!
I’am new to your site, blog, etc. ( 2 weeks now) Wow, how exciting !!
Welcome Mary!
Your love for you work just “sparkles” through your blog. I never get enough of your writing/musings, artwork! I could spend the entire day just reading your delightful stories. Because I don’t live in your country, it has been impossible to pre-order your newest book. I even called Chapters and Amazon and they have no indication of whether they will be distributing it in Canada, at present time. I have tried calling your client services tel and cannot get through. …always busy. Will have to think of another way to preorder your book, or..just wait to see if it appears in our bookstores in Canada at some future date. Meanwhile, I’ll be happy just reading your delightful blog. Many years ago, i happened to discover one of your Cookbook binders to fill up with family recipes. It had a bright green ribbon on it. Just so happened that my nephew was marrying an Irish lass and “BINGO”….i just knew this little binder with the bright green ribbon….would be for them. I filled it with family recipes and little notes and pics of family….along with stories of how the recipes came to be. It was the first project on such a “grand” scale for me. I filled it with over 100 recipes….and went through “so much ink.”….i should have bought stock in it. It took a long ….year’s worth of work…to gather it all and put it all together. I loved it so much it was hard for me to part with at their bridal shower. They both love it and I hope they will cherish it and take care of it. I do digress. I wish you much success, more than you can ever dream of. An idea…..I love teatowels as well. I always look for them when we travel . Images of the countryside, flowers, old cottages, castles, would be nice …tee shirts….on tea towels…. aprons..place mats..Happy Heart’s Day. Jwli.
Hi Juli: I hope you see this, but if you like, I would be happy to pre-order a book for you.. we could work something out… email me @ [email protected]. Hope you are having a great day!!!
Diana
So sweet of you Diana! Our phone was so busy after Willard, but I’m sure it’s getting better now … and we can ship to Canada, so don’t give up!
Dear Susan,
Congratulations on your new book!!!
Thank you for your lovely blog on this Valentine’s Day!
One Valentine’s Day my husband, being a cop, asked a local baker to make a heart shaped donut for me. The baker tried for several days to “get it just right.” He finally made one that was acceptable and it was huge. The baker presented it to my husband to give to me and said that he had never had a request like that and her never intended to make another one! Needless to say my husband comes up with unusual things. We will be married 45 years this coming May.
I can’t wait to read “A Fine Romance!” I love all things English!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I felt in love with England many years ago. It is almost like falling in love with someone. I am waiting for your book with anticipation and pleasure!
Happy Valentines to all joe you and kittys
My husband received a cornea transplant
on Tues wed was his birthday today valentines
the gift of sight are we not the luckest people in the world
today
can hardly wait for your book
have a great day with those you love Iam
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan! Today is extra special to me because it is also my husband and I’s 26th wedding anniversary!! I made truffles yesterday using the truffle recipe out of your “Love” book! They are soooo GOOD! They are going to be my Valentine’s gift to the girls I work with! Very much looking forward to your new book!! Have a great day!
Awe~some way to start my day …Willard arrived …I pre-ordered your book and a special ”SweetTea for One” my Valentine gift to meeeeee !! And then clicked on your blog from today …and started smiling all over …It did feel so much like you ALWAYS think of all of ”us girlfriends” and it’s just so special for all of us ..I sure hope you feel the ”love all of us girlfriends” feel from YOUR blogs!! And I’m excited to think that Vanna just might pick my name ~~that would be a hoot 🙂 !!!!
Such a delightful way to begin Valentine’s Day . . . reading your blog and knowing the book is almost wrapped up! Have a wonderful day!
susan I can’t wait to read your new book so I want to pre order it today. Even though I’ve never been to England I have 65 penpals, mostly from there, so I feel like I have. A few of them have been to visit me. Your descriptions are so real, I can imagine myself in the midst of it all. My husband gave me a dozen red roses today and I feel so loved, like you. Happy Valentine’s day to you and Joe.
Willard amazing! what a delicious boost on a winter’s day!! I am just giddy to buy your book and watch re-runs of Downton Abbey what more do I need???
Bless your heart for such devotion to your craft.
Happy Valentines Day to you & Joe! What a fun day to sit in front of the fire with the one you love and take in the beauty of the snow outside your window! I am so looking forward to receiving my valentine willard! Have a wonderful day!
Happy Valentine’s day, Susan and Joe! Hope you are all warm and cosy with Jack and Girl-Kitty!
Please enter me in the contest to win a pre-release copy of your wonderful new book! I so love your blog and all your books!
Janie Campbell
A virtual box of chocolates and a hug to you today Susan. I just read my Willard and it’s so wonderful – full of so much cheerycozydeliciousness. I am so excited for “A Fine Romance” to come out but mostly I’m just excited to know that I don’t have to wait between books and calendars to get my Susan fix because of this blog and all of the effort you put into it.
Thanks for being you.
Jenny
p.s. just pre-ordered . . . so excited!
Susan and Joe… Happy Valentine’s Day..
I am so excited about the new book and just ordered it..
My friend Janet and I are planning on taking a trip to England in a year to celebrate our friendship of 56 years. We are so looking forward to it and your book will certainly help us to make plans. Thank you so much for writing it.
My excitement for the new book continues to build, and I’ve preordered my copies. Yay!
Happy St. Valentine’s Day! No sweetheart anymore for me, but a day filled with love here nonetheless. As the sparkly Valentine garland drapes across my kitchen window, I just made heart-shaped pancakes for my 3-year-old grandson while he sang me his own version of a Valentine song (to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb). Later, my daughters will be here and I’ll gift them each with aprons sewn with love from your pattern as well as some other Susan Branch kitchen stuff. (They both love you too.)
Hugs and kisses. Have a loving day!
Love to all this wonderful Valentines Day.
It makes the world go’ round
Woodies Mom
Hello Susan,
Love the posts and special Willard a real gift. Thank you
Hello again,
Saw this and thought of you and all your friends with cat’s.
20 cat hugs for Valentine’s Day, it’s on YouTube. Hope you like it.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you too! I’m off for 2 days, parent teacher conferences, and I don’t have to work those days. We had our Valentine parties on Tuesday and there is nothing more fun than being at school that day. As Mr. Chips said in the movie “Goodbye Mr. Chips” you will never grow old when you are in a community of youth. (I’m paraphrasing) So true. So I have today off to get the house cleaned up and to spend the evening with my hubby. Enjoy the day!
The year was 1966. I was 18 years old ~ a senior in high school ~ when my sweetheart asked me to be his wife. Of course, I said yes! This year we will celebrate our 47th anniversary! Happy Valentine’s Day to us!
Susan,
Happy Valentine’s day! We had heart shaped bacon and heart shaped cinnamon buns…eggs are a great idea…next time.
I can’t wait for your book! I’m getting extra enjoyment out of the February page of your calendar today. The other day, my daughter Rowan (12) noticed the Edwin Markham quote and read it aloud. She mispronounced “heretic” but declared that she “loves that quote.” Most of the time I assume she’s not paying much attention to my stuff but she is! I love hearing her appreciate a beautiful, sophisticated sentiment. She didn’t even read it off from her i-pod! Yay! Thank you.
Lisa
We went to Scotland and England last September and saw a few of the same things you saw. I too keep a journal when we travel but with far fewer sketches than yours. I won’t take a chance on not winning a book but will order mine today. If I do win, I have a special friend in mind to give the book to. She loves England but because of some health issues has not been able to travel much.
Thanks for the Valentine Willard!
Susan,
There just has to be an “America’s Favorite Sweetheart” award and when we find it – ALL of us are going to nominate YOU and there will be NO competition!! Thank you for being the best part of our lives. XO
Happy Valentine’s Day! I am always so happy to receive the newest Willard. And now we have your new book to anticipate. I plan to pre-order one for a friend of mine who hails from Hereford in England. I am sure she will enjoy it as much as I will.
Happy Valentine’s Day! What a nice surprise to see the Willard that arrived today! It’s a clear, sunny day here in California. I sure have enjoyed the storm photos you have been sharing. Thank you for all the joy you bring and the love you share. Congratulations on the book. I am looking forward to it and dreaming of English gardens and road trips and more grand adventures.
Blessings
I, too, have preordered your book. I am so excited to travel with you and Joe to England! Can I bring my husband?? love you much and happy hearts to you both!
Can’t wait to read your book! Love your blog.
Happy Valentines Day! I can’t wait to see the new book- I know you are so proud. I enjoy popping by your blog to see what you’ve been up to. Thanks for sharing glimpses into your day- you really inspire me!
Donna
I’m so glad you have a new book coming out. I have pre-ordered two and can hardly wait for them to arrive. I have all of your other books and love each and every one. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Dear Susan: I’ve been a fan for along time now, and your blog is one of the best!
I loved the pictures you posted on the Queen Mary, and your trip to England. I hope to get there someday. Cheers, and Happy Valentine’s Day.
Lisa in Toronto
Happy Valentine’s Day!
How fitting that your writing should end at this time!
I will be pre ordering ! You are such a “cheerleader” for sprucing up for holidays! I have always loved doing lots of fun things for holidays, and seeing what you do is so enjoyable! Have a wonderful day.
I suppose finishing your book is a bit like when I finish a quilt or teddy bear.
I find myself looking around for something to get on with.
Good morning, Susan!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too. I thoroughly enjoyed Willard today. What a delightful way to start my day. Thank you.
Congratulations on writing the last page of your book! Love the pics of you & Joe. Such a cute couple you make.
The snow is so pretty. The heart shaped egg is adorable! I have two vintage lamb planters. I scour flea mkts. & yard sales for them.
Have a wonderful day!
Oh Susan!! Happy Valentines Day!! I met my husband while I was working at a greenhouse. He walked in..and I knew we were going to be together! I just knew!! Now twenty-five yrs later, the greenhouse is long gone,but we are going strong!! Dont you just love “love”!!!!!
Happy ♥-Day!!!
((((Hugs)))) all around, and thanks for the lovely post today – I knew you wouldn’t let this day slide by without one!
I would SO love to win a signed copy of your new book!
It would have a place of honor in my home.
What a delightful Valentine’s Day message. Love the egg idea – I’m off to get the bacon out of the freezer and make a Sweetheart Breakfast here, too, when Himself wakes up. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe.
I so enjoyed Willard this morning. I think it is the best one ever! I so want to go to England, maybe that will be my dream come true someday. I am preordering Our book today, so excited about it. Happy Valentines to you!
Congratulations on your new book! I so appreciate all the hard work you put into every single project. Beautiful and can’t wait to read about your adventure!
Dear Susan,
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I am so looking forward to your new book as my husband and I are planning our own trip to England next year. As part of my Valentine’s present he gave me little ornaments of a double decker bus, a beefeater, a London cab,and a London telephone booth. Can hardly wait for our adventure to begin.
May you and Joe have a wonderful day. Thank you for all of your inspiration!
Please enter me in the drawing! This is too, too exciting! How wonderful for you that your book is almost done…such an accomplishment. …Hello to Girl-Kitty and Jack! ^..^ ThankMewVeryMuch!
Hello, dear heart!! I just pre-ordered your book and just CANNOT wait to receive it! I just had to share that the caption under your picture ofKitty’s paws, “It’s the feet I love the most” are my sentiments exactly!! I think I wrote you an earlier comment on how pink and soft they look –scrumptious! Blessings to you on your new book and Happy Valentine’s Day! This year’s Valentine’s Day is a much happier one than last year for me…my dearest husband of 33 years and I were having such trouble … I really feared for the outcome. However, with couple counseling, lots of patience and many prayers…we are celebrating a wonderful Day and our love has rekindled. How wonderful is THAT!? I am so happy to share this with you because you exude Love in whatever you do (your watercolors, your writings, Willard, et al) … Love makes the world go ’round! xoxo pam
Good morning and Happy Valentines Day…..I cannot wait for the new book. Have loved every minute of reading about it………
My first newsletter I am having the best morning reading it. Ordered books today and can’t wait to get them and give as gifts. Loved the Velcro story. Thank you.
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan ! Ohhhh I can’y wait to see your new book ! I’m excited about it ….please throw my name in the hat to win it. Enjoy your sweethearts day with Joe. Spring is right around the corner…..the robins said so !
Hugs, Sue Ziff
Monson, Ma. <3
I’d love to be one of the first to read your book! Hope you pick me! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Susan,
What a beautiful way to begin Valentine’s Day! Thank you for sharing all your inspirations! Can’t wait for the book; wish I were going to be in California to meet you at the Madonna Inn. (I have such fond memories of the Inn, but at least I can picture you there) Instead, I must be content to wait for the book I’m pre-ordering to finally arrive in my mailbox! That will be a GREAT day! KAY
Thank you for the drawing and hope I am the lucky recipiant of your new book. I am excited to read it.
Hi Susan!
I am very much looking forward to A Fine Romance!! It will make the perfect travel book for me for when I finally get to England 🙂
Oh Happy Day! I knew you wouldn’t disappoint us – and that there would be a new post for us today. I haven’t received my Willard yet, but look forward to checking again this afternoon for another session of happy reading. The love of my life is off to the gym right now, but then we’ll spend a nice day together waiting for the snow to arrive and will have a cozy fire in the woodstove this evening. Staying in for a nice steak dinner and creamed spinach and mashed potatoes tonight.
Would love to win the book. That way I can give the one I’m ordering to a loved one, and keep the special copy for myself. Have a magical day Susan, Joe, kitties, and girlfriends!
Happy Valentine’s Day! I can’t wait to read your new book. I would love to take a similar trip for my 25th anniversary. But that is still six years away, so in the meantime, I will live vicariously through you.
Six years is the perfect amount of time to prepare! 😉
Greta, When I had my 20th anniversary, I said I wanted to go to Italy for my 25th. So I spent the next 5 years saving and learning some Italian, and reading Under The Tuscan Sun and other books about Italy. So when the 5 years were up, we went to Tuscany for two weeks, and were never disappointed. Once I had my passport, there was no stopping me, and I’ve been to Italy 4 times, and England, Ireland, Scotland, and Paris too. I’ve now been married 38 years and we are retired and haven’t had one of those great trips in a while. But we have so many great memories. Write down your dreams and they will come true. Happy traveling!
Happy Valentines day to you and Joe! I love reading your letters. I also like your calendars. You have such a unique style of writing. I am sure your book is great. The pictures are beautiful and I love your recipes and ideas for entertaining. I tell friends about you. Have a wonderful day.
Thank you!
Peggy
I am so anxious for the book to be here but sad for our writing together days to be finished. I loved reading almost everyday of the progress and full of sweet stories and recipes. HappyHeart Day sweet Susan, and hugs around in the warm house in a snowy garden!
We’ll have to figure what else to write!
I have two ideas, they’d take some research but boy would these be fun!
1. Provence, France
2. Tuscany, Italy
or
3. Amalfi Coast, Italy
That could be three years of work/books!
Oooohhh… the Amalfi Coast – second that!! :>)
Or how about a diary of your trip around the United States? There are so many wonderful interesting places here on our own shores… 🙂
I love your blog and have always loved your work! I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. I enjoyed your snow pictures so much. I enjoy seeing all the cozy things in your home and your sweet cats. Keep warm and I hope I’m selected for the book. Oh yes, I forgot, love seeing the pictures of your studio.
I love reading your blog!
I can’t wait for the book to come out!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Beautiful! Those feet! *melts* So excited about the book! *bounces*
I definitely have a touch of Spring fever! Going to clean and decorate on March 1st! Can’t wait!!!!
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!
I’ll get to spring clean very nearly the same time! And boy do we need it!
I love your books. Love hearing about life in your corner of the world. My mom’s from Massachusetts. She married my dad, came west and has lived here for close to 60 years. I’ve always loved hearing her stories of New England. Can’t wait to win your book.
Oh hurrah! I just pre-purchased A Fine Romance, now to wait (rather impatiently – smile) for my autographed copy to arrive. I’ve entered the second year without Dave and your doses of HAPPY helps my spirits and attitude when I’m feeling a little blue. Susan, thanks so much for sharing your wonderful talent, your travels…your life. God bless you, yours and the work of your hands and heart!
I just finished reading Willard and now your blog. What a delightful way to start the day.
How we met stories are great. I was in the Camp Kitchen trying to find some cookies before heading out for a week of backpacking when in walked this handsome fellow, who I learned later was the lifeguard at camp. A day later that same fellow hiked in to our camp. He got someone to cover for his lifeguard duties and “followed me” into the mountains, to get to know me better. Two years later we married and are in our 41st year. Love is grand!
I am sure your book is going to sell out fast. Thank you for that gift to us.
Your new book is beautiful. I feel like it will be a visit for all of us to England. Thanks for sharing your trip, can’t wait to see it. Enjoy your blog, music and pictures. An inspiration for sure.
I’ve enjoyed your books and calendars for years, and luckily found your blog last year just as you were heading for England. I fell in love with things English at about age 9 when I first read Mary Norton’s “The Borrowers”, and still virtually all of my favorite authors are English. Following your travels was like getting to go there again myself, and made me want to go back more than ever! For some silly reason, I always get a little shot of pleasure when you post a picture from your calendar and I look up and see it on mine!
I must also say that your Jack has completely charmed me, even though I’m really a dog person. His funny face and little paws are so precious – I love my chihuahua’s tiny little feet, too!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe and Girl Kitty and Jack and thanks so much for sharing your wonderful world with us!
p.s. I pre-ordered the book, but am not sure it went through. It did say “processing” but then instead of a verification it just stayed on my order page. I hit the button again, and same thing. I hope I got it ordered! Perhaps I ordered several! How can I tell if it actually went through? Hate to bother you with this, but I do want to make sure I get a book.
Happy Heart Day! Your sneak preview is wonderful, congratulations on the title and entire book, please enter my name and thank you for such a grand start to my day! Diane
Happy Valentine’s Day Sue and Joe! I suspect you have the finest romance of all! <3
Happy Valentine’s Day. How exciting that the book is done and than you shared so much of it with us. I am taking care of myself today. My Valentine has been living in the stars for two years now. I miss him, but carry him in my heart always. Here’s to me and thee! Thanks for the opportunity to win your new book!
Happy Valentine’s Day back to you, Sue! We have blue skies and sunshine sparkling over a new snowfall last night so it is beautiful here, too. After Norm waking me early yesterday morning with “I have bad news–the water heater is leaking in the laundry room”, we have the repairman installing a new water heater this morning and the repairman for our water softener coming this afternoon and the part just came in the mail for the dishwasher, which is also on the blink! I think the saying is that bad things happen in 3’s…? I hope this is it for a while!
You must admit that the bouquet of tulips that Norm gave me for Valentine’s Day is a more romantic present than the water heater we are giving each other–LOL! 🙂 I’m going to bake heart-shaped muffins this afternoon after the water is turned back on. Have a good day! 🙂
Susan, it’s a beautiful book and I’ve ordered my copy! Can’t wait to get it! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe and the kitties.
XO
I would love to be chosen to receive the copy of your new book! I will never see England in person due to limited finances, but have always been enthralled by everything English. Your book would be almost a good as going myself.
Reading Willard and your post has been a sweet start to this day. Thank you for that! My husband and I were brought together by his ex (!) and that always makes for a funny answer when people ask how we met. She and I were working in a local bookstore and she kept saying to me (and to him), “I should really get you two together. You have so much in common”. (He’s a veterinarian and I raise sheep.) I kept saying, “Oh, I don’t think so, that seems a little weird”, but when I finally met him, I discovered she was right! That was 17 years ago. Anyway, I’d love a chance at your pre-publication copy – especially since we’re going to England and Scotland in September. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe!
Dianne – I keep stories of how people met – it’s casual, sort of a hobby, I sometimes think there might be a book in it someday… Anyway I just have to tell you yours is one of the most unique [and cutest] I’ve heard in quite a while! Have fun on your UK travels in the Fall – what a wonderful time to go! :>)
Am sooooooo jealous of your snow and your indoor kat pals, husband won’t allow 🙂
Could I be so lucky to win?
First thing this morning I checked my email and there was Willard. What a lovely way
to start the day!!! Then for the heck of it I went to your blog I’m in Susan branch heaven.
Happy Valentines Day & thank you for your beautiful gift of you.