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!
No Susan, thank YOU for taking us with you!
And I can’t wait to revisit via “A Fine Romance”!
I, too, did not receive Willard. Hmmm…where oh where can he be? Never mind,I will find him on your website.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Joe, and the kitties!
Oh no!! I can’t find Willard on your website either! What am I doing wrong??!
I put the link to Willard at the bottom of this post Josie, go check there!
I went online last night and pre-ordered all of my copies (1 for me, others for my sister and a few friends). Fixing a romantic dinner for my hubby for Valentine’s Day, just the two of us, and the dogs of course.
I pre-ordered your book the other day when Willard arrived, and cannot wait for it to come out! We got a white Valentine’s Day today, too. It started snowing here last night and it was beautiful this morning.
Happy Valentine’s Day! <3
Happy Valentines Day!!
My grandparents are from England…. have never been there but heard lots of wonderful stories! Also, being Canadian – England is very dear to our hearts with our Royal Family etc. 🙂
As Always, thank you Sue for your sweet words and lovely photos. Here in Salem, Oregon, it is 50+ degrees and the sun is shining and the little birds are singing. Spring is coming and we are all so glad! I spent a couple of hours cleaning out some of my raised beds in the back yard, feeling like I am getting a head start. The little purple reticulata iris are starting to bloom and there are primroses blooming in the front and it won’t be long until the daphne starts to bloom. You will see when you get to California! Even tho you are enjoying winter I am sure you will be glad to see Spring. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Ohhh, I hope Vanna chooses me!
What a fun website. You are so sweet to share your life with us readers~
Hi Susan! Ohhh how I would love an early version of your book. Please, please. I have all of your books and want to be the first one to own “A Fine Romance”! Thanks for all you do…all the hard work and difficult days. The end result is always perfect and an enjoyable read over and over and over again. Your books always remind me of falling in love..and sigh…nothing is more perfect 🙂
I BOUGHT THE BOOK!!!! I’ve never pre-ordered a thing in my life and was TOOOOO excited to wait and possibly not get one since that’s my luck!!! Now I’m set! And soooo freaking excited lol. my husband just rolls his eyes and laughs. He says I’m one step away from being a stalker hahahahaha you’re name is mentioned so much (from me of course) that I’m sure some would think you’re a family member. I like you more than some family members anyway so there ya go hahahahaha
Thank you so much for your wonderful blog and your kittie’s feet! Please enter me in the drawing…if I win, it would make me deliriously happy! Have a super Valentine’s Day!!!!
It’s snowing here in Colorado this Valentine’s Day, a perfect time to curl up in front of the fire with “A Fine Romance”!
I’m so excited for the new book. Can’t wait for it to come out. I live in Maine and
we had a lot of snow last Saturday, it was blowing and whirling around, it was quite beautiful. I think we had a total of about 24 inches. Because of the blowing, we
actually had some bare areas, showing green grass. Crazy. I love your blog, and I have been making the little banners (like the one at Christmas) for all the holidays.
I give them to my girlfriends, its a lot of fun to make them and they love getting them. Thanks for sharing your stories with us.
I was feeling a little sad today ..spring cant come soon enough for me. I gotta tell you I always feel good after ready your blog posts and they just keep getting better! Thank you Thank you. Cant wait to see your garden in the spring!
Dear Susan,
I am really looking forward to your new book. England is the only place I have visited across the pond and I loved the Lake District too! England is a long ways away from the West Coast but I hope to go back some day. Thank you for the opportunity to enter your drawing.
Love and Happy Valentine’s Day ~
Julie
Wonderful Willard! Suits Valentine’s Day to a Tea!!! You are such a blessing to us! Thank you! xoxo
Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan!!!
Hi Susan,
I haven’t been to England for 22 years, so it was such a great adventure to follow you and Joe on yours! I will definitely enjoy your new book, as soon as it is published, or if I’m lucky enough, even sooner! I’ve been busy baking cookies and brownies to deliver to my neighbors and girlfriends who need a boost for Valentine’s Day. A big job, but I know it’s appreciated. Enjoy yours…I know you will!
Dear Susan,
I absolutely can’t wait to read your new book! I have been watching and waiting for news! Thank you for sharing!
Susan, I so look look forward to your blog posts. I love your house, your kitties and mostly your attitude about life. You embrace it all (as I try to do). I am right there with you enjoying the winter “quiet”. People think that I am weird but there is nothing better than being snowed in with a pot of soup on the stove, cookies in the oven and candles lit everywhere (sadly, I don’t have a fireplace).
I can’t wait to read your book. After reading about it on your blog, I will feel like I am right there in England with you. It is my dream to go there one day. My maternal grandparents came from there and I would love to see where they lived and meet my relatives (who I have connected with on-line after doing genealogy research). It is high on my “bucket list”.
OK, enough of my ramblings. Take care and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan to you and Joe 🙂 I bought your books before I became vegan and I gave away most of my other cookbooks but couldn’t bear to part with yours as they’re so beautiful to look at!
And something rather interesting — for eight years of writing the cookbooks, I was a vegetarian!
I loved your post and Willard also. Your book sounds just wonderful I can hardly wait to read it!
How my husband and I love England! We have wonderful memories of a trip we took there with our 2 now-grown children. We hope to return there when we are able, and I can’t wait until your book is published. How exciting and fulfilling for you! I hope you enjoy your train trip to California.
Your blog is always so inviting to visit, and I loved your Valentine post. You and Joe obviously have such a loving relationship. Aren’t people like us so lucky?
Happy Day to you! I look forward to reading Willard.
Happy Valentines, I am so excited about the book!!!
I am loving hearing about your book as you have been working on it. I can’t wait for your book to come out! I have been loving touring England through your eyes. Thank you ever so . . . .
Thanks for the happy valentine wishes. The sun was shining here in Latham, NY.
I brought valentine decorated pots of red tulips to my friends at a local nursing home.
It made me happy to see the smiles on their faces.
Jeanie
Wow, it’s all done?!?! Congratulations!! I can’t wait to see it!
Pick me, pick me!!
I’m hoping we’ll get over to the UK in a couple years after my daughter graduates high school. She really wants to go, too. We have several British tv shows on DVD.
Susan, Thank you so much for making my day. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe. Please register my name to win the autographed copy of your book. Judy
Susan, your book sounds wonderful. How fantastic to be able to record your adventures in England with prose, poetry, photos, drawings and watercolor. Congratulations! Please enter me in your drawing.
Joan
Today is my grand-daughter’s 10th birthday, but I won’t see her until the 23rd. She has 2 little friends staying for a “sleepover” ( was anything so misnamed!), so I hope she is having a wonderful time. Our snow has melted here in England & it is getting a bit warmer. I can see snowdrops at the end of our lawn, so maybe spring is coming soon. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Can’t believe the timing of your new book! I’m traveling with my 25 year old daughter to Great Britain in late May for a twirl through the countryside – Cotswolds, the Lake District and beyond. As we are planning we’ve been following your England blog from last summer, finding charming places, especially Hill Top farm being grand fans of Beatrix. But you had us at polka dot tea cups ala Emma Bridgewater. We are corgi lovers too so we hope to spy a few trotting along all wiggly bottomed. Looking forward to what appears to be a delightful new publication. So enjoyed last summer’s journey with you. Happy Valentines ~
Love the pages of your book that you share in Willard and cannot wait to hold the real live book in my hands. Having you as the author is the next best thing to taking the trip myself because I know that you have done and seen everything that I could have wished for. I am with you on loving the cat’s feet the most. I have always had a fascination with the feel of the little pads on the bottom so I always like touching their feet. I hope that is not too weird.
I enjoy your blog entries so much! Your beautiful pictures and descriptions of your dream trip made me feel like I traveled right along with you! I can’t wait to read your new book and plan my very own dream vacation! Thank you for sharing your talents with us!
I never met my maternal grandfather, but I know his family came from the Yorkshire Dales. I cannot wait to take an armchair trip there and imagine what their lives might have been like.
Hi, Susan!
Hope you’re enjoying Valentine’s Day! I enjoy your books, blog entries and Willards (not necessarily in that order! :0). Please enter me in the drawing for new book – I look forward to its publication! Thanks for making so many days for so many people brighter!
A long-time fan, Sue
Happy Valentines Day! I have been a fan of yours for years. I have all your books, and I can hardly wait for the new one to come out. Thank you.
I love reading your blog entries and I so enjoy your designs. Can’t wait to see your new book! thanks for sharing your home and thoughts with us…
Thank you, Susan, for the Valentine gift – both Willard and the blog notice arrived today. Love the Valentine breakfast egg. So looking forward to the book.
Love the photos, both Martha’s Vinyard (where I have always wanted to visit)and England. I must admit I am a little jealous of all the beautiful snow, being a California native and having spent very little time in snow. And I am so excited to finally see your book! A very Happy Valentines Day to you and Joe, a couple made for each other!
Ohhh… I can’t wait to see your new book. Thank you so much for the opportunity. <3 Happy Valentines Day
Susan,
I am a new blog subscriber even though I have been loving your art and reading your books for a looooong time. I love getting the blog post in my in-box now, though. Loved the quotation and am another person who loves my man as much for the way he loves me as anything else! (Although, our mutual affinity for old movies, traveling, English mysteries, and all things Christmas doesn’t hurt at all.) I am so excited about your new book! I can’t wait to get a copy. As a fellow artist, you inspire me. So thanks ~ and blessings!
Christi
Happy Valentine’s Day. I love your post for the holiday. I’m so excited about your new book. Can’t wait to see it.
It looks like an absolutely beautiful book. No one appreciates the beauty of a book like I do–I’m a librarian!!!
I am looking forward to reading of your adventures in England because of your absolute faith in humankind and the wonderful sense of adventure and beauty you seek in everything you see and do. I can be a totally different world traveler when reading your accounts of your travels. It makes me jealous that I am not opening my eyes enough! Good luck on the sales- I’m sure they will be great.
Love your “valentines” Susan. Thanks for making all your girlfriends happy!
Wish you could send some of your snow to TX.
<3 happy valentine's day <3
Thank you for the chance to pre-purchase A Fine Romance plus the bookmark! What an inspired Valentine’s gift to us 😉
It must be satisfying and yet sad to finish the book! It sounds like you and Joe have a lot planned to ease out of the revisit to England!
Wishing everyone love & friendship on this special day!
I have a bit of spring fever, but now I can’t wait for fall to arrive and have your book in hand!! So excited!! Thank you for ALL that you do Susan!! (Inspire to dream, hope and believe!!) Happy Valentine’s Day!! Much love and appreciation to you!!
My valentine today was receiving Willard in my inbox. I always brew a cup of tea to sip while reading my monthly moment of joy and laughter and relaxation and inspiration, all in one. You never disappoint me and I can’t wait for your new book! Why must those fussy publishers make us wait so long? Happy Valentines Day Susan and Joe. 🙂
Hi Susan,
Happy valentines day. I am having a wonderful day. We are off to see the play Love Letters.
Ok tell me I am not crazy, I was thinking last year you were working on a book that had pancakes in it somewhere. Did I dream that? Lol I have looked high and low at the bookstores and can’t find anything about it.
I am looking forward to your English book. I look anything British,
XXOO
Elizabeth Q
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!! I haven’t checked my email yet, so hopefully my Willard is there waiting for me. My Honey is taking me to a fancy restaurant for dinner – he’s spoiled me all day long! Thank you for all your beautiful blog entries; I enjoy them so much!
I can’t wait for your new book! It is going to be so wonderful….thank you for taking us with you on this journey!
I guess, after reading all of these comments, that I am not getting a Willard Newsletter. Mine has not arrived so what can I do to get one? Judy
Whoop! Whoop!@ I just ordered my copy of the book!! Yay!!!!!!!Thank-you Susan for giving us a chance to make sure we have a copy at the first release!
your stories always brighten my day!
My two Valentines (my boys) are in California today – one went out to visit the other. The nicest thing is….we will always be Valentines, my boys and I, whether together or not. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe (and the kitties).
Susan, I’m so happy to hear you have written the ending of “our book.” I ordered mine and am anxiously awaiting its’ arrival. My hubby and I spent a wonderful day in Colonial Williamsburg celebrating Valentine’s day. We are so lucky to have each other. Forty-five years of marriage–I am the luckiest girl in the world. I married very young…not recommended.. but it has worked for us and for that I am grateful. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe and here’s to ” A Fine Romance.” xoxo ♥
The 2 month vacation you and Joe took has been my dream vacation! I would so love to win this gorgeous book, but if I don’t, I will be purchasing it as soon as I can! Thank you for all you do. 🙂
Paulette
Just signed up for your newsletter. LOVE it! Would love a copy of your new book. Hugs and stay warm!
Oh, GOODNESS! 772 comments…. I’m always a bit anxious when I add one more to a pile like this… I’m afraid that my wee comment will be the block that will send the whole tower of blocks tumbling. The straw that broke the camel’s figurative back! 😉
Hm! What would happen, then? Start over?
Oh, my! Now, I’m being silly but it’s because of your wonderful, happy post! it’s got me giggling and laughing. 🙂 (and…. nooooo…. I don’t THINK it’s all of the chocolate that I’ve consumed, today.)
Anyway, reading your post, suddenly, I’m remembering my sixth grade crush – he was blond and Swedish and often said, “Girls! Yuck!” Many, many of our hearts were broken! However, I really think that it’s simply the whiff of home, the sweet and festive touches and a dash of girly Valentine giggles in your post that’s made me titter away, here! You’re a joy! (as always!)
Smiles and Hugs!!! 🙂
xxo
…and off to read more. I’m a little bit behind but don’t want to miss ANYTHING! 😛
Happy Valentines Day to Susan and Joe.
I would like to be entered in the drawing for your new book.
I am excited and can’t wait for the release of it.
Loved the fried egg in the cookie cutter.
Star
Cypress, CA
More giggles… that last ‘smiley’ didn’t turn out how I expected! =P
How exciting, a new book! Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan! Thanks for sharing your journey, it is always, inspirational!
Happy Valentines Day to you! Thank you for your sweet valentine message to us all and the Willard was so fun.
Susan,
I thank you for this blog!
Happy Heart Day, Susan ! Hope you and your man had a “love-ly” day. I enjoyed your Willard and the peek at your new book……I am planning a trip with a girlfriend to London next year to celebrate her 40th birthday…..and hope to return again one day with my husband and travel some more in the beautiful country side.
Did you know that this year’s Flower Show in Philadelphia is an English garden theme….it’s titled “Brilliant”. If you are in the area….it runs from March 2-10th…the largest indoor flower show in the world…… a beautiful way to welcome spring 🙂
Cheers !
Happy Valentines Day to you and Joe!
I am so happy the book is finished. I know how much you have enjoyed making it for all of us. 🙂
I would love to be entered into the drawing for a signed copy from you. But even if I don’t win….I will for sure be buying one! I have all your other ones. 🙂
Have a wonderful day!
Shann
Well, all of these comments let you know how much we all want your new book! I sure hope Vanna pick’s my name! :o)
Your snow is beautiful.
Really excited about your book and how you already shared the
trip with all of us.
Thanks for your Willard letter each month.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Was in a used book store today and found a copy of The Black Dog Summer on the Vineyard Cookbook. Can’t wait to read it! Beautiful pictures and great recipes.
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan. Excited to know the book is complete and is being offered in a drawing. Count me in!
Just started on your blog, even though I have been a fan of yours for years! Your art always brings me such joy! So looking forward to A Fine Romance! It looks like you are inside my head and visited all the places I have dreamed of seeing for myself someday. Thank you for all the beautiful art, recipies and glimpses into your lovely world.
Happy Sweetheart’s Day to you and Joe…Please sign me up for a pre-order to your new book. Since I won’t make it to England, I’m soooo… looking forward to your book. I’ll be able to travel and live it through your words and eyes. This book will be a special 54th anniversary gift for my honey and me. I enjoy all your books and calendars. They are wonderful gifts as well. Thanks so much girlfriend for all your sharing and fun!!! XO
my “husband to be” and I met when we were 7 years old. I had “cooties” then.
He doesn’t think I do now.
I bet. 🙂
I bet. 🙂
I bet. 🙂
I bet. 🙂
I bet. 🙂
I wish, I wish, I wish that it would be me. And if it is not, I will be first in line to purchase your book. It was such fun traveling with you.
When Willard comes, reading it feels like Christmas. It is so uplifting and cheerful. I am so happy you have a new book coming out. I not only have all of your other books, but have two copies of many of them. They make the perfect gift. Please, please enter me into your drawing for a copy of “A Fine Romance.” I have been to Great Britain and can hardly wait to read and see your impressions. Thanks so much for Willard and your website. With kind regards, Constance
Oh, how I’d love to win a copy of your book, Susan! I so loved “coming along” with you and Joe on your fine romance to England this summer, dreaming about my own trip there someday. Wish me luck!
The thing that I love the most about my two adorable kitties are their paws! Pink and white and black and perfect. Your Jack has given me many, many smiles.
Thank you for Willard. When I see it in my email I quickly make a cup of tea before I sit down to read it. I’m so excited for your book! I know we have to wait a while but it makes it even more fun anticipating it arrival. 🙂 I’m so please that we may order in advanced too. Thank you for thinking of us! Enjoy your Valentine’s day!
Thanks for the wonderful Valentine post ….and yesterday I was thrilled to find Willard in my mailbox !!! Two days in a row…Can’t wait for the new book to be published….Thank you for all you do Susan !!!
Loved this Valentine’s Day post, Susan. Here’s to love!
I still LOVE< LOVE< your watercolour art. Can't wait for the new book to be released! And, of course I hope I win it! Happy Valentine's Day to you and Joe too!
Susan,
Happy Valentines Day!!! I just finished making your Valentine Cookies with dark chocolate chips, vanilla chips & coconut flakes. My Sweetheart loved them. Thank you so much for you inspiration. looking forward to A Fine Romance, can’t wait to relive it all over again.
Blessings, Kelly
Hi Susan, I hope you both had a lovely Valentine’s Day! I love getting ready for all the holidays, don’t you? They are so much fun. Valentine’s Day is my Mom’s favorite holiday so we do the whole thing, balloons, cards, flowers, candy, all of it. She loves it as do I, but it is even more fun fixing it all for her. Have a great evening.
What a sweet valentine post – you are so inspiring to all of us. Can’t wait For A Fine Romance.
Blessings to you both for many more happy years together. So happy for you that the book is finished!!! Can’t tell you how much pleasure I have each morning when I open your blog to another ‘adventure’ on Martha’s Vineyard. Your household has become my favorite ‘next door neighbor’. Can’t wait to see your book signing schedule and perhaps to meet you in person.
Hugs,
Joyce
Oh how exciting! It sounds very “First Edition”-y to have a signed copy of your wonderful book hot off the press! Love your post today with visions of snowy yards and houses. We’ve pretty much just had A LOT of rain this winter, and I think we’re all getting webbed feet down here in East TN.
Your post today was so sweet. You two are very lucky to have found each other! Happy Valentines Day to you. Can’t wait for the book. I love everything you write!
Can’t wait for the book and thanks for the chance to win! Your Valentine’s Day is a most beautiful winter wonderland. Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
Oh, it must be so hard to come to the end of writing a book. But, oh what fun for the readers to know that the writing is done and soon it will be available. A nice Valentine’s present for us. Thank you. Enjoy your romantic evening. (I know you will!)
Love reading your post, always a bright spot in my day. I would love to win the book. Loved the Willard.
Spending this Valentine Day with two of my grandsons, 8 & 4, their parents are in Dallas. My hubs is in a hospital.
So excited for the book to come out.
Dear Susan,
Today I received the loveliest Valentine from my “Sister” (in law)! Can you guess what it was? It was this beautiful post by a very talented “kindred spirit” named Susan Branch! I WAS THRILLED! It warmed my heart immediately! I just “oohed and ahhed” as I read each entry and poured over the delightful pictures and water colors! You have an amazing talent with words and art! You see art in everything…what a delight! I love how you describe each thing in the most tender, loving way. I, too, love nature and the beauty that is all around us. I see God in all of His creations! It brings me such great joy! You have filled a yearning that I have held dear for a long time…to be drenched in the simple things of beauty that are all around us!
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing talents! I would love to enter your drawing and I definitely want to order your book! I also loved the ‘teasings’ about your ‘fantastic’ England trip! It is a dream of a lifetime! You definitely brought it to life for me in just the few entries you have given us so far!
I am so happy to have found you and your “wonderful Willard” and Blog!
Many thanks from a ‘new girlfriend’…
Marilyn
While you had snowy vistas out your windows, we in the Midwest had a lovely 50 degree day to sit on the porch swing and bask in the sun. We’ve really had a tame winter in Missouri while you have received all Mother Nature can dish out. Happy Valentine’s Day to all. And yes, I would love to win your latest heart’s work.
Happy Valentines Day Susan! Thank you for all you do……this post and Willard were so grand……..oh my goodness pretty soon will all have “A Fine Romance” to read……and I preordered mine……yes indeed! Thank you also for the great Recipe and the Bookmark! Hugs&Smiles 🙂
Love your heart-shaped eggs! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!
I am a recent follower and have so enjoyed this adventure of your new book. Thanks for making me a part of your world…it’s been a pleasant experience for me.
A perfect give away for the day of LOVE. Can’t wait to see the new book. I have enjoyed so much your books over the years.
Thank you for beautiful East Coast pictures. I also enjoy your kitties, even though mine brought a gopher to me in the house today! Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Book Ending Day, too.
Thanks for the lovely birthday/Valentine’s present. Just knowing the book is almost ready made my day. I love the birds. Happy Day to you and Joe
You always lift my spirit, make me smile at the kitties, and appreciate life more when I read your blog! What a wonderful name for your new book – especially because of the reason for the trip / book! We too have a “Fine Romance” – 43 years, will be 44 in June 🙂 Please enter me in the drawing for your book – what a treat that would be! Thank you!
Happy Valentine’s Day, everybody! Susan and Joe, such good people to share their love story with the world! xo t