✔ Write Book. Check! Provide MUSICA. ✔ Check!
Not going to check celebrate off my list ever — but my cup runneth over this week.
XOXOXOXOXO
This is how I feel inside. Giddy. Grateful, relieved, joyous, and I have to say, I feel proud. And you know what else?
It’s my birthday on Friday! And it’s Gladys Taber’s birthday too! Makes me so happy to share my birthday with her!
I can’t believe, only a year ago today, we were plotting our course across the sea . . .
Here we were, off to England! Remember? Looking through the photos this morning gave me that same little quiver of thrill I felt when we were doing this! I had to look at all the little videos again too. Here we were, on our way, with lots of blank diary pages to fill in, and no real idea what was going to happen.
And now, all the pages are filled in with stories and watercolors and I just finished writing the flaps for the dust jacket for our book, the diary of our journey! And that’s it. A Fine Romance is done girlfriends! Eleven months later, our book is done! And the truth is, as you know (this book is proof positive) that nothing happens unless first we dream. And if we do, we can do anything. And now I have an all new To Do List. The first thing on it: Show the girlfriends what Jack has been up to! So let’s put a big ✔ mark next to that one too.
Hi Jackieboy . . .
Here’s the little darling. Yesterday. Such a beautiful day, springtime on Martha’s Vineyard, I thought I would give him a front row seat to the great outdoors.
I opened the door in the pantry and moved the ironing board in front of it, which he loved and spent almost all day lounging there.
He didn’t lounge the entire time. He started looking around seemed interested in this new viewpoint. What’s up THERE? It looks interesting up there. I’m going up!
One leap and there he was. No, I’m fine — I don’t care that the door is only two inches thick, I was born to do this. It’s my special talent. Calm down little mama. Mmmmm, smells wonderful on the top of the door. Purrrrrrrr.
Here too … this plate! Marvelous! And my sense of balance is outstanding! Look Ma, no hands!
Up up and away! Ha-ha, you can’t reach me! I wish you would quit calling and making those kissing noises to try to get me to come down, I like it here, leave me alone. You are not the boss of me. (that’s what he thinks!)
OK, happy now? This is where I, the human, took back over — I put my camera down and reached up on my tip toes and got his legs and mooshed him off the door. I didn’t want him to jump — if the ironing board collapsed he’d scare us both! I have to say, he 
lets me hold him and he wiggles and I pet him all over and roll him around, he’s so soft, and he lets me hug him and sometimes he even cuddles back and we are cheek to cheek and he gets kissed about a thousand times. There’s a window he loves to look out that he can’t reach, he knows I will hold him up to look out, he jumps into my arms in front of that window. I adore this kitty with all the fiber of my being. I’m a goner. He’s never getting outside! It would be like sending my heart outside to play! ♥
We still throw and play with his ponytail bands every day, which could never be enough for him. He just loves it. So there you go, show the girls what Jack’s been up to. ✔ Check! (It’s a red letter day, getting so much done! 🙂 )
Jack can’t go out, but I sure can. Yesterday was an amazing sunny cool spring day, and suddenly, I had no book to write! I hung our forsythia wreath on the front door, then Joe and I went over and got Martha and we all walked past the picket fences and the old white New England houses, under the budding trees down to Main Street where went out to lunch to Moxie for the first time in months! Yum, pulled-pork tacos and we didn’t even have to make them or do the dishes! Afterward, we wandered through Bunch of Grapes, our bookstore, and then across the street to Nochi (you would love it there); we bought soap for Joe and earrings for me and Martha bought cute new glasses (round!). Doesn’t that sound like the perfect day? It was. So, Play. Badda Boom. ✔ Check!
When we got home I worked on the Peter Rabbit Room, put clean sheets on the bed and made perfect hospital corners, fluffed the pillows, opened the windows and let fresh air blow through whistling “good bye winter,” because tomorrow my darling friend Elizabeth is coming from California. Today I fill her room with cuttings of forsythia from the garden. Get Peter Rabbit Room ready. ✔ Check! Tra la!
Before we went to lunch yesterday, I went and had the yearly check of my birthday suit by my dermatologist … making sure all my freckles are still behaving themselves. Got a clean bill of health, for which Lunch was my reward, and another ✔ mark on the list: Freckle Check. Done!
I hope you all put this on your To-Do-List — it’s so easy. I am queen of the human chickens when it comes to medical stuff, and this is really one of the easiest things to do to make sure your bikini years aren’t catching up with you.
Ahhh girlfriends, those were the days!
♥ ♥ ♥
It’s my party and I can cry if I want to!
No, I am definitely not crying. Happy is what I am. And lucky. There’s so much more on my list of to-do’s which I will be happy to share with you soon. House stuff, book stuff, diet stuff, cooking stuff, garden stuff, and at the top of the list is write a new WILLARD. I love my to do list, there’re so many good things on it! Until then, I will leave you with something that makes absolutely no sense . . .
I had to do it, because this girl is just so cute, so adorable and was such a nice part of my childhood … my mother loved her, so she introduced her to me when I was little. I’ve given you this one before, but some songs deserve airings in each season and this is one of them . . . You go Shirley (in Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. If you haven’t seen it, you should, and show it to all the little people in your life — it might work for them as it has for me and give them a lifetime of happiness — I know not every day is sunshine and roses . . . but even in the worst of times, when the world seems out of control, I slip in this DVD and everything feels better)♥.
And so dearest darlings, time for us to head out on our walk. Lovely to see you here! And Blog ✔ Check! Bye for now! xoxoxo
Susan, Congratulations on finishing A Fine Romance! Happy Birthday, and have fun with Elizabeth.. I have seen two robins, my daffodils are up, and I have been out walking, enjoying the spring air.. And I bought new dishes! Spring is the perfect time for a change! From Attleboro, MA
New dishes, how fun! Good for you Sandy. Looking out my window toward the garden, sun is barely up, and I can see the grass is scattered with wild violets. Wonderful to see them.
yes, spring is here in Massachusetts!
Susan, Your wonderful blogs bring back so many cherished memories……….like when I was a child, we played in the woods across the street from my grandmother’s house. We’d pick those little violets, put a lovely ribbon around a few & sell them at our violet stand. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
I would buy those in a minute!
A violet stand!! My favorites [OK, sweet peas & petunias too]. Can just picture you little girls sitting there with precious teeny bouquets. :>)
Oh, loved the Jack pictures. My kittens love to be up high too, on narrow things.. I think it is in their blood.. Mine have run out the door a few times, and have turned around and came right back in too.. So glad!
Hooray!! for finishing the book! I’m pretty sure I heard fireworks all across the skies of Western NY last night. Some may have thought it was thunder and lightening, but we know better! So now do you have “book withdrawal”? Love the adventures of Jack. Does the chap ever break anything? Lucy has only slid across my standing China plates once and I think she knows from my gasp that it’s not a good idea.Seeing your Violets in bloom made me very happy. I’ve been known to cry at the sight and scent of purple violets just because they are overwhelmingly beautiful to me. Just another crazy flowers person! Have fun today with all your free time. Glad you get to share it with your friend. Perfect timing!
Elizabeth comes on the noon ferry, so I haven’t had time for “withdrawals” yet. We’ll see after she leaves. So glad she is coming, made us clean up the house! After she leaves, house will be clean and full of flowers, then we’ll see!
The weatherman just called these past days~Sprummer!
Cute!
It was 89 degrees in VA yesterday!!! I was wilting with my flowers. LOL
Lucky you!~ I would love to be wilting right about now!~
I am sorry about your storms. Did you get rain or snow Lynn? We are supposed to get the rain tonight and we need it.
CONGRATULATIONS!
YOU, my lady, are AMAZING! I mean it. What an inspiration you are to us Susan.
Thank you for sharing your adventure (with Joe) to England, and for writing it down. A dreamy trip. And now, WE get to go to England too – by way of A Fine Romance by Susan Branch! How happy does this make me and my fellow girlfriends? SO VERY HAPPY! We celebrate for you, girlfriend. And we celebrate with you. Sending you lots of joyful birthday wishes! Have a wonderful birthday weekend!!!
xox
God’s Blessings to you,
Your Missouri Girlfriend
Thank you so much Deb! xoxo
Oh my gosh, my birthday is this Friday too! Happy Birthday to my fellow birthday buddy 🙂
Happy Birthday to you Marilena!!
First off HAPPY BIRTHDAY…tomorrow, but happy day, today. So much to be proud of, so many accomplishments, so many check offs. Thank you for sharing open doors and spring breezes, here in Maine it is still deary. No green yet, but I can see from your pictures that green is just around the corner and that makes my heart sing!
Congratulations, you’ve finished the book! It was thrilling and fascinating to watch the process and I thank you for including us. I’ve enjoyed it so much and I know that I’m going to love the book so much more because I watched it from start to finish. Have fun with your friend from California and Happy, Happy Birthday. You deserve a nice long time for rest and relaxation and FUN!!! Enjoy the spring weather!
Our town’s annual Azalea Festival is this weekend and the azaleas couldn’t be more beautiful. The whole city is covered with beautiful blooming dogwoods, redbud trees, cherry trees, pansies, tulips and more. It is so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes. Makes you glad to be alive!
I understand the feeling!
Happy Birthday tomorrow Susan!!! Congrats and YIPPEE! on finishing our book…I will be on pins and needles until I unwrap it ,hold it,smell it and will probably cry when I see the first page! Such a wonderful adventure you took us on…so awesome of you to share with us girls! Spring is here in southern Indiana…Jack would just love all of the birds singing here before daybreak..”let’s go out” he would say…that is what my doggy boys are doing,before sunup! Daffodils in bloom, my one tulip the deer didn’t munch this year, myrtle,wild violets all over the yard, forsythia,tulip poplar, everything greening up! The last two days it has reached the 80’s…….I loved the snow all glistening ,but now I’m planning my garden,already tilled by our community garden guy! Been on the Thrive Wellness diet (healthy eating plan) diet has a bad word in it…lol….lost 9 lbs .in 8 weeks!I’m on a roll and don’t feel deprived…so I might even let my legs out this summer! No bikini though….It’s not the 70’s anymore! lol Bye for now…enjoy the Spring! Mary
Good for you Mary, 9 lbs, and the slow way, the “keep-it-off” way. Proud of you, you must feel wonderful!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Now I will be able to remember your birthday as my friend’s birthday is on April 12 and our 44th anniversary is also that day.
Hope you have a delightful birthday .
Congratulations on finishing the book — can’t wait to get mine!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
…OH YEAH — thanks for sharing Jack with us! He’s so adorable.
Congratulations, Susan! I can’t wait to see the new book. And thank you for more of Jack’s adventures – he makes me grin from ear to ear.
I have a Shirley Temple doll that was my mom’s (who is also a Shirley). I grew up watching all those movies with Mom – still love her to this day.
xoxo
Claudia
Oh, my goodness, I forgot – Happy Birthday!!!
Congratulations, Susan on finishing the book. I just pre-ordered my copy the other day. Yea! Can’t wait to get it. Just a side note, the person I spoke to in the California office was SO nice. Felt like I was speaking to one of the “girlfriends.” Missed seeing Jack while you were so busy. He is as cute as ever. I just want to hug him every time I see his picture. Happy Birthday tomorrow. I know you always have a wonderful time. How can you NOT with Joe, your kitties and friends around you.
You actually were speaking to one of the girlfriends! It was either Sheri or Kellee, and they are both wonderful people that I love knowing and feel so LUCKY to have working for me. Thank you Isabel!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY SPRING! And I hope your visit with Elizabeth is pure heaven, with beautiful weather for her entire stay! Once again, congratulations on the book. You definitely deserve a break, after such a surge of creativity.
Congratulations on getting the book finished!! Now, I can’t wait to receive my pre-ordered copy! I think Jack has grown!! Naughty boy, scarring mommy like that. He’s all boy and all cat–so curious. Shirley Temple–I so loved her as a child and listening to her sing Come and Get Your Happiness is a trip down memory lane–I LOVE nostalgia and I LOVE Susan Branch–happy birthday (my sweet sis has a birthday the very next day after you, and she is a real sweetheart too, and my BBF has one a few days after–SOOO many wonderful people born in April!!) Love you and yours SB…from the hills of TN.
Glad the book is finished. Now on to other fun things, including a Happy Birthday tomorrow. Hope the sun shines (though it sounds like rain here in NH….)
Heartfelt Congratulations to you! APPLAUSE…APPLAUSE! You “razzle-dazzle” us! Standing ovation from all over the globe! You worked so hard and soon we will enjoy the lovely, most anticipated, joyful book ever and we can open our copies and “escape” for a time to your wonderful world so beautifully presented to us. Thank you! P.S. Can we be greedy and have the publisher do a “rush order”? Tee hee. Happiest of birthdays to you, Susan, and all the days beyond!
I’m trying on that rush order idea! But I think they think they’re already rushing!
Congratulations on finishing the new book! Can hardly wait to see it. Thanks for the Jack update too. What a character! So glad he’s an inside guy. There’s a kitty outside our house right now, that looks a lot like Jack, only dark gray w/white, rather than b&W. I’ve been trying all morning to lure him to me. He’s wearing a collar but I can’t get him to let me near him long enough to read it and find out where he lives. I think he’s not quite ready to end his big adventure outside, yet. So that’s the big one on my to do list, today. Get this guy back to his home…wish me luck!
Wishing you the happiest of happy birthdays!
Good luck Terri! Thank you!
Came back to say, when I went back out to try befriending him again (I’d been trying for two hours and he was just getting more wary of me – “She’s trying too hard…What’s her agenda, anyway?,” so I was trying to give him – and me! I must admit – a little break), but he’d gone on – hopefully towards his home, wherever that may be… I’m assuming he’s a ‘he,’ since he had a blue collar, but who knows? Anyway, hope he knows where he’s going…
It seems like a very long time since we have “talked” but I can certainly read delight and joy in your post. The book is done and I can hardly wait to get my hands on it. We are considering a September trip to England and am wishing and hoping that the book will be out.
April is definitely the best here in Texas…bright greens of the new grass and leaves popping out. It is tricky, though, as I have planted all of my geraniums and of course, last night there was a light freeze…unusual for this time of year. Covered all and they seem to be all good. Having a brunch for a bride and her attendants tomorrow a.m. and so it is fun getting ready for that.
Kitty is just a hoot! Her uppermost point of exploration made me a little nervous. What I love is your ironing board cover! Quilts and more quilts…never too many in my book.
Looking forward to more news from MV! Have a lovely day!
In my first little house on the island, I made my living room curtains out of old quilts — to keep the winter cold from coming in for one thing, and of course, because I love quilts.
Another Happy Day ! Love the idea of quilt curtains.
I made my first quilt block when I was 12 sitting with
my grandmother on her front porch. I’ve been thinking
about making crazy quilt valances for my sewing room.
How does that sound? I paint with a needle and thread.
Not too good with a brush !
Sounds darling!
Oh! I forgot to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Susan! Have a glorious day!
Woke up the other day and looked out the back door to the patio and an old peat pot had tipped over (just filled with dirt) and Pansies were had come up in the spilled dirt. It was sooo cute!!! (I didn’t know Pansies came back??!) Anyway, I scooped them up and put them in a pot.) It gladdened my heart!!
Just wondering, will you have books we can buy at the Madonna Inn?? I’m getting excited!! karen
Yes, I’ll bring books with me. How lucky you got free pansies!
PS…..another ‘thought’…..(why do I keep having those?) You should think about a children’s book with Jack and Girl kitty, hand written. About his journey from the shelter, all his funny quirks, etc. It would be alot shorter than 260 pages!!! and FUUUNNN! (Like it’s all of our jobs to plan your next venture… 🙂 k
Good idea Karen!
WOOHOO!! Congratulations! I can’t wait!
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY Susan, for tomorrow 🙂 I hope your day is beautiful and fun and filled with lots of yummy food and goodies!
Congratulations, Sue!
Time to celebrate a job well done…and you saw this through with such grace and dedication! You almost make it look easy…(but we know better :)). I’m looking forward to your book and signing tour and perhaps a chance to meet you in person. Keeping my fingers crossed that you travel through central NY….
Jackie Boy has matured into such a handsome, handsome young man…errr, cat, I mean. I enjoyed the pictures but as I scrolled down, I thought for sure he would be seen jumping into one of those hanging baskets! What an acrobat! It’s clear to see how he’s completes your family…so much love in such a cute little bundle of fur!
I have to share with you what’s going on at our house…. Our daughter, SIL and sweet granddaughter, Izzy arrived late last night from Charleston, SC and will be living temporarily with us while they search for a new home of their own! How happy do you think George and I are??!!! Our SIL starts his new job on Monday after serving almost 10 years in the US Navy. Of course, the move includes their 85 pound dog, Bowe, as well; so our almost empty nest is now overflowing again. It’s all wonderful and we’re approaching it like an adventure…that’s what it must seem to Izzy, who’s 16 months old. Having her here for just 1/2 a day so far has blessed my life beyond words!
I hope your birthday celebration is fun-filled…enjoy your family and your friends and toast to your beautiful life. I’ll be looking for a little follow-up on your Dad’s gift to you…still got me guessing!
xoxo Debbie
You have your baby(s) back! Have fun — 16 months, such a sweet age!
Don’t mean to be “nosey”, but it wasn’t your friend Elizabeth who moved to Martha’s Vineyard recently? 🙂
She bought a house here that she’s working to fix up, that’s why she’s here right now. But she really lives in California — she has family (and me!) here and wants to spend more time.
That’s what I was just going to ask! Gotta keep track of “our” GFs! How were the outfits she brought? And, Green Gift from your Dad? Maybe a new gardening hat? Hi Elizabeth, have fun on your visit & redo! We can hardly wait to get a tour! Sue will be queen for a day tomorrow, probably shouldn’t be working, just sitting being Queenly! xoxoxo
My dad got me an outfit too, it was green! Skirt, jacket, top … he did a good job! I think he might have had help from his darling wife Jeanie! Elizabeth did good too! I’m awash in colors and styles! (This isn’t work — Work is the thing I do when I’m not here– 🙂 )
Ah…smart of her. Nice to have a “home away from home” when there are two places one wants to be. Have fun, you two, while she is here. Aren’t you glad the book is “off your plate” and you can help! 🙂
The way I met her, she bought my old house! She’s been coming to the island since she was little. Her family went on vacation here, so she just can’t NOT come here. Two of her sisters live here to — maybe I already said that.
Always a treat to find your blog in my inbox. Congratulations on finishing the book. You have many reasons to celebrate. Enjoy YOUR day. Hope the day is wonderful. Happy Birthday!
Congratulations on finishing the book!! Oddly enough I joined you in the sense of relief of a task done…I’m sure all of us who follow your blog, vicariously felt we accomplished something to 🙂 So looking forward to seeing it. Early Happy Birthday, glad to have you back writing in blogland, a new post is like a little gift.
We’ve been in it together, that’s what I think!
CONGRATULATIONS SUSAN!! I can feel the weight lifting off your shoulders! We are all waiting with excited anticipation to receive the book and savor each handwritten page.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I hope you & Joe and the kitties celebrate YOU on your special day, and thank God for your life. Enjoy with family and friends!
winnie*
>^..^<
Congrats Susan on checking off all your “to do’s”! I love checking things off a list and will occasionally add things I’ve done just for the satisfaction of checking them off!
Have a wonderful birthday tomorrow! I hope you do something fabulous and wonderful!
Nancy
PS: Just wondering what kind of paper you use to paint/write your books?
Thanks
Normally I use Bristol Board, but for A FINE ROMANCE I used a lighter-weight more textured warmer paper, like diary paper, a mixed media acid free vellum.
I was wondering the same thing about the paper. Thanks for the question and thanks for the answer!
I love that you have so much to celebrate ! ! I can never get my fill of kitty pics. A sweet story about Shirley Temple…in the 70’s she had a home in the San Francisco Bay Area…My father worked on a re-model at her home…he said she was so warm and welcoming to the work crew and even brought Cokes and refreshments to them….you’d think a World reknowned movie star would send “the help” out…but…not Shirley Temple ! …
I met her when I was little, she was all grown up, but the dimples were there!
Oh my g’ness! You MET Shirley Temple?? Wow! Sue, someday you have got to do a post about all the celebrities you’ve met slash run into in your travels… Presidents, beloved child stars, “Sabrina” movie-shooting folk etc! PS – Happy Birthday and BTW – what are you doing here “working?” You should be off having birthday fun with Joe and your friend Elizabeth and the kitties etc… There’s cake to be eaten and presents to be opened. Now git!! :>)
Oh so happy to see a new post!!! I was getting worried there, but knew you were soo busy right now and now you can really let your hair down and celebrate your birthday!!! How awesome to have a good friend to join you and all kinds of time to enjoy each other!!! .. My favorite birthday would have to be my 29th because that is the year my third baby boy was born!!! He turned 30 this year and I can’t believe how the time has flown but it is awesome to share a birthday with someone you love!!!.. I think I will bake you a coconut pound cake with pecans and yummy vanilla icing with coconut and pecans sprinkled on top!!! Life is for celebrating and we all have much to be thankful for!. ENJOY ENJOY your birthday and thanks for your gift to us of the new book! Can’t wait.. fall is my favorite time of year and now a new treat to look forward to!! Oh, I have my forsythia wreaths on my doors and we had our first big spring storm of the year last night.. so I think it is official.. and my hydrangeas are sprouting out with green… can’t wait!!! Love to all! D
Dearest Susan,
Hope you have the merriest of birthdays. Spring is a perfect time for a birthday! We had wicked rain here last night. …broke down alot of my beautiful daffodils. Had to pick some of the remains for a lovely bouquet for the table. I am so excited that the book is done…can’t wait for the release..I have my pre-order done. Remember the lovely sheep bookmark you had on Willard the last time? I tried to print it but was unable to do so…I hope that picture is in the book…it was so adorable.
Well girls …have a good weekend….and Susan…enjoy you special day!
Kathie from Limerick, Pa
It is, you will have it.
Thank you for sharing your happiness with us. You delight in all the little things in life, which is important. We never know what life will bring. My husband and I had two little get-aways and a wonderful Easter with our grandchildren. A few days later a tree branch punctured his eye. Now we are dealing with surgeries and an uncertain future. Friends, family and prayer sustain us. God bless….
God bless you Judy and your husband — I hope it’s all better soon. Yes, you never know.
..O.K….Susan, Elizabeth is there with you right now and did you open your present from your father yet ?!?…
Yes I did!
When will the book be out (I’ve forgotten)? I need to schedule vacation time so I can sit on my porch swing and savor every single page. Happy Birthday Susan!
We are expecting, if everything goes as planned, that it arrives around the first of September. It will take us a few days to get them all sent out, but we’re ready!
Have a wonderful Birthday and a very blessed year, Susan.
Happy Birthday Friday! Great news that “Our” book is finished. A breeze of waiting is now in the air that we wait with anticipation for. It will be great to add it to my collection that is growing.
Enjoyed Jack! I share him with my sister Judy, who has three of her own. She has Morgan, Luke & Lei!
Temp hovering around 32° here, with rain, sleet & snow. No spring flowers for us in the Twin Cities yet. But Spring will come and linger with time to enjoy those little crocus popping up. Recently went with my Red Hat group to Como Park Conservatory for a Spring Flower Show and that gave us a fix to tide us over.
Enjoy your day!
Hi Susan!
Thanks so much for your recent post- as usual, so inspiring! We just got our electricity back after being without since Tue. evening! It is amazing how life stops when that happens. We had a freak April ice and snow storm. Your post was waiting for me when we got power back this afternoon. I loved the pics of your beautiful spring day. It reminded me that spring IS here- we just need to get rid of some white stuff first. Now, the laundry and dishes and cleaning await! (Still gonna do takeout tonight, though : )
Congratulations on getting your power out…that’s too long!
Thank you, Susan, for sharing such joyful thoughts and memories on your blog! Love that Jack cat of yours! Has Girl gotten used to him by now? So fitting that you finished your (our) book just in time to relax and fully enjoy Springtime and your birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thank you for taking us all along on this happy trip to England – and for your book about it – Congratulations that the book is finished!! And…
Happy Birthday to you…
Happy Birthday to you…
Happy Birthday, dear Susan,
Happy Birthday to you…
And many more!
Happy happy Birthday, Susan — I hope you have a lovely day and may this year be the Very Best for you ever!
Yippee! The book is done! I’m glad you’re enjoying spring! We have had days of heavy rain and strong winds and cold! Enough! Happy Birthday to you! And enjoy your visit with your friend!
You have inspired me to make a “check off list” – I am so glad you let us pre-order your book – it will be here before we know it. And, I have a small story being published in a Gooseberry Patch Hometown Cookbook coming out in June and I get a free book!!! The snow is gone, the rain has come and everything is turning green. The birds are singing when I open the front door to get the newspaper and it’s time to spring clean the house! Life is very good in Muncie, Indiana. Happy Birthday, dear Susan. Enjoy your visit and your freedom for as long as it lasts and you find another project.
Hi Ruth, you must be very excited about having your story published. Bet you can’t wait til June. Congratulations, you’re a published author!
Its your Birthday **Congratulations** and you are giving US a present! your BOOK! All the good wishes we are sending will fill the Island to overflowing!
Love seeing what Jack is up to, Kitty Girl is still tolerating him?
My cat ‘Niddie’ always has been an inside cat, she is 15 years old now. Loves to sit in the windows, but hides when the door is opened to the outside, I think she is telling me ‘don’t go out there!’.
Warm weather brings on ‘Spring Cleaning’, I have been busy washing Venetian Blinds, taking them down, laying them on a tarp, washing them with a brush, and hang them on my clothes line, (the neighbors really think i’m nutz). So glad I have you to help me keep my sanity!
Again Happy Birthday Girl Friend!
She still tolerates, but there is no hugging between them that’s for sure. I would LOVE to find them cuddled together one of these days, but so far, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. You are not nuts btw, but you know that 🙂
No, Ro – you are NOT nuts. My mother always hung hers on the clothesline too – but she washed them in the bathtub. After spreading a few big [old] towels down so the metal slats wouldn’t scratch the porcelain. As I remember, a BIG all-day job at our house. We girls helped mostly lugging them back and forth – Mom did the washing. So nice when they were re-hung too – it actually seemed like the spring air coming in the windows was a little fresher afterward! :>)
There YOU are Susan! That Jack sure brings smiles to my face! Such a wonderful cat. Our vet cautioned us to have inside cats, telling us they’d live a lot longer. BUT, I’ve taken in strays that are older. They live in our garage, very content. Why wouldn’t they be, ’cause they have little nooks all over the place, even a cat cave. All their beds are washed weekly, they eat canned & dry food, have their water changed daily, & sleep on heating pads on cold days & nights. They’re so old that they don’t wander. Our Sarah (beautiful Calico Persian) passed two years ago. She was twenty four years old & lived inside. She loved traveling with us in our motorhome. She was with us on three cross country trips, (’08, ’11, & ’12) She even got along with our very peppy Wired Hair Fox Terrior, Jack. I think she got to a ripe old age because she was an inside cat though. There are “some” that say they won’t have animals because they can’t stand the sadness that occurs when the animals pass on. I think I’d rather love the animals when they’re alive, knowing that sadness will come at the end of their life, but the time we have together is well worth having pets. I accept the reality of life, that we’re born, we live, we pass away, just like our beloved pets will do. We can’t hide from reality, happiness, & sadness. It’s how we handle all of this that’s important.
Congratulations on your accomplishments Susan! You should be proud of yourself.
Annnnnnnndddddd, Happy Birthday to YOU Susan, a wonderful person who brightens each day for all of us. I wish I could make you a B’Day cake!!! Many of us GF’s are looking forward to meeting you.
My husband & our daughter & two of our grandsons, have spent two days in the hospital this week, while our wonderful doctors continue to fight the cancer in my husband’s weak body. Our doctors have kept my husband in remission for a long while. I call the doctors, “magicians.” And yes, cancer is not a death sentence. Scary, yes, but not a death sentence.
Friends from WI just went home to WI. They’d been with us for a week. They were so good for my husband. It’s good to be with others. Makes the heart sing to be with friends. Birds of a feather, you know.
(Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Thanks for catching up Sondra … your upbeat attitude is wonderful. Blessings on you and your family and especially your husband. xoxo
Hello Susan,
Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday
and many, many more!
Enjoy your special day!!
Happy Birthday Susan! I can’t believe how BIG our Jack has gotten! And as cute as ever. How is Girl? Maybe you could give us a pic of Girl next time? So glad our book is done. Can not wait to read it. (Already ordered it.) I’m sure Joe is glad to have you back too! Happy Happy Birthday!!! Love to you & Joe & Kisses to the Kitties!
I wondered where you’d gone, Susan. Suddenly, you went all quiet. Thanks for catching up on the happenings on Martha’s and at your house.
Happy Birthday Susan hope you have a great one, I know you will not set down and rest because your constantly creating and thank you for that.
Caroline
Congratulations on finishing ‘our’ book!!! I’m so excited! We are that much closer to having it in our hands to read and enjoy. Thank you. 🙂 I can’t wait for my copy to arrive.
Susan, wishing you the very best birthday this year and always. May all your birthday wishes come true. <3
I can’t wait to read your book! We have two things in common…my kitty Lily jumped up onto the top of my door just like Jack, only I didn’t have my camera handy. Darn! The other thing we have in common is my mother loved Shirley Temple too. I grew up watching Shirley’s movies on Sunday ( or was it Saturday?) mornings. When Mother passed in 2009 I inherited her Shirley scrapbooks, books and the doll she had cherished since about 1933. Mother met Shirley once and even got her autograph!
I met her too, when I was around nine. She was already Shirley Temple Black, all grown up. My best friend down the street had a dad that worked at NBC Studios in Burbank painting sets. I went with them one day and she was there in the hallway. I got her autograph, and that, along with Ed “Kookie” Burns autograph (saw him at Santa Monica Beach) made up my entire autograph book — which I lost somewhere a long time ago. How great your mom saved all those things for you!
By the way, have you opened the gift from your Dad and Jeanne and are you ready to share what your green gift was???? 🙂
I opened it last night … it’s the cutest outfit, a skirt, top, and jacket! Tried it all on and it even fits!
loved your post today! I miss having a new post from you every other day! i haven’t been receiving the WILLARD the last couple months and I have signed up and have gotten them in the past. Is there something I need to do to ensure that I get this new WILLARD?
Thanks so much! Enjoy your Friday!
The last one that went out was in February, for Valentine’s Day. Finishing the book in time has required a big push, but soon I’ll be sending out a brand new WILLARD — If you got the Valentine’s Day one, then you are signed up and ready to go — if not, you can look in the column next to the post and re-sign there. Thank you Emily!
We are all celebrating along with you that your book is finished! What an accomplishment. I can’t wait to receive my copy! Following along on your journey has made me want to visit England….someday. Reading your blog has made me want to visit Martha’s Vineyard, and that dream is coming true! My husband and I just found a home in Oak Bluffs that will let us bring our two little dogs! We’ll be there in September. Hopefully the weather will still be beautiful and it won’t be so crowded. As a retired teacher, I still get a thrill from a fall vacation after living by a school calendar for so long. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and may all your birthday wishes come true!
You couldn’t have chosen a more perfect time! Fall is heaven around here.
All you do – All the books you write for us, “the girlfriends;” All the little videos you send us; All the updates on Jack; and Girl Kitty; All the Williards, All the pictures – I thank you so much for All of the Joy you give! I hope you have a wonderful Birthday!!!
xoxo Cathy.
Happy Birthday, Susan! I hope your special day is filled with cupcakes, flowers, friends and fun!
Hi Susan,
Loved reading your blog this evening. Happy Birthday, sweet person, tomorrow. I had time tonight to browse around and I looked at the menu from Café Moxie. Do you believe how far your ideas and recommendations go? The food had many fascinating combinations. Oh, I wish for a visit to Martha’s Vineyard. I am also one of “your people” waiting for the new book to mailed out.
Wishing sometimes makes it so! xo Thank you Sheryl.
AWESOME YEAR for you this past year was….A once in a lifetime fairy tale!!!! ….Having the love of your life by your side, traveling on a “Dream come true” holiday to a place you have thought about for years together, having Jack and Girl Kitty, AND writing your soon to be released book “A Fine Romance”. Plus all the blogs and Willards, calendars and everything you do….WHAT a FANTASTIC year for you…! And now you are approaching the beginning of another year of AWESOME…all the traveling you have ahead of you, meeting all your friends in far away places across the US….You are a very lucky woman and you have worked so hard, loving every moment of your creativity….Happy Birthday, dear friend, and many, many more wonderful years ahead with many new adventures. May this year bring you good health, a lot of laughter, the love of family and friends and peace within yourself……xoxo Happiest Day on Friday…uncork some champagne and CELEBRATE YOU!
And I do feel lucky! Especially today, with all these sweet good wishes, thank you so much Susan!
Susan-
Wishing You a birthday that brings indulgence, celebration, closure, happiness, and contemplation.
Pat Bates
P.S. Don’t forget the grilled cheese!
All of the above 🙂 Thank you Pat.
Hello Susan, just read the blog and wanted to send Happy wishes on your special day!
Will have a toast in your honor! Have a wonderful day with Joe and the kitties!
Congratulations on finishing the book, I can’t wait to receive it!
Thank you!
Happy Birthday Susan, have a wonderful day! God Bless you.
Thank you.
it’s only 11:18 pm on the west coast..but it’s after mid-night on the east coast..sooo it’s officially O.K. to say…..H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y !!!!!!…and for goodness sake..W H A T DID YOUR DAD GIVE YOU ? !
It was a whole outfit, a skirt, top and jacket, in green! So cute! I really expected edamame beans!
How wonderful to have an adoring Daddy with a great sense of humour as well as an eye for fashion ! Perhaps, we can see a pic of you in your new Birthday outfit lovingly picked out by your dear Dad !
* Hi Susan * * Friday…April 12, 2013 *
It’s a Banner Day…
Celebrating You!
It’s A Cake and Candle Day…
Have a slice or two.
It’s a Wishing Day..
Where Wishes do come true.
It’s your Birthday, sweet Sue…
So… Happy Birthday to you!
* Luv from Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington *
Thank you Dorothy Ann!
Well look at you…..the birthday girl. Hope your day is filled with sprinkles and bubbles and lots of glitter…..a girl can’t have too much glitter in her life. Happy Birthday Susan!!
It’s toast and tea so far, and Girl Kitty on my shoulder, quiet, just me this morning, all my little friends are asleep upstairs. Have a wonderful day Karen!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET SUE!!! Have a “sparkling” day and maybe a few skip and go nakeds:).
Wow, a whole outfit in green – way to go. You will have to “model” it for us sometime. xxxooo ttfn judi
Thank you Judi!
Hi Susan, happy birthday!
It’s school vacation time here and I am spending my days divided between my garden and playing with my kids. The rainy season is coming soon, so I’m hoeing up and weeding my veggie patch. We can’t go outside from 11 am – 4 pm because of the heat, so I have to keep our boys occupied. We do Meccano projects (I can make a mean mobike!), Perler beads, drawing and all sorts of games. I have very little time to myself, but decided to visit with you today of all days.
So here’s my wish for you for a wonderful day and a great year ahead! Looking forward to reading a Fine Romance this September! I love reading about the cool weather you and other girl friends are enjoying – takes off a bit of the steaming sensation here! 🙂
Thank you so much Sreekala, much love to you and your kids, stay cool!
WooHoo, Susan, Congratulations! You are a steady and joyful worker. You make it all sound so exciting and fun, yet Goodness Gracious, to have done your “research” and writing/painting in less than one year!! That’s remarkable, Susan! You’ve given yourself a wonderful Birthday present…..done, check, now on to fun and celebration! I’m eager to re-read your latest posts and ALL the comments, but need to stick to my own to-do list today. We’ve been travelling and I’m now “getting my happiness” settling back into home. As much as I love new sights and adventures there truly is no place like home! You encourage me to fill our home with happiness, so off I go whistling “Happy Birthday to you, dear Susan, Happy Birthday to you!” As always, DonnaRay
Welcome home Donna Ray!
Happy Birthday Susan – have a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday Susan! Love the photos on the post!
Thank you for the countless hours of joy that you’ve brought my way! Congratulations on the completion of “A Fine Romance.” I can’t wait to see it!
I’m wishing you the happiest of birthdays, filled with all the things you love, topped off with sprinkles and a big pink bow! Enjoy!
Who could ask for anything more??? 🙂
Happy Birthday Susan! I hope your day is as special as you are!
Oh My Goodness………..I forgot to check your blog this week……..but I did mark my calendar for your Birthday Susan! Happy Birthday Month to you ! Spend the month hanging on to it! Congrats on finishing your book! That must be so exciting to say the least! How many breaths of relief did you sigh? lol? Happy Springtime to you also! We are getting freezing rains and ice right now here in Vermont but no snow thank goodness……..This should be the last of winter hopefully! Have a great festive day today!
I’m still drinking deep happy breaths, it does feel so good. Like a little new baby in soft little baby clothes!
Happy Birthday, Sue! I hope your day is filled with WONDERFULNESS! And ~ drumroll ~ Congratulations on finishing A Fine Romance!! This is a good week for you!
Your blog post is a smile in my day, as always. Love the picture of Jack on the ironing board with those beautiful green eyes. Love that the cupcake banner and your calendar look so cute together 🙂 Love the sneak peek at the FINISHED book. Love YOU!
Have a spectacularly Happy Birthday, dear Sue!
Love,
Janie
xoxo
Thank you Janie! Just loved those cupcakes!
Oh my word, Janie! Did you make that cupcake banner, too? I wondered when I saw it. Looks like “you!” Perfect display, Susan! xo
Penblwydd Hapus i Ti
Penblwydd Hapus i Ti
Penblwydd Hapus Anwyl Susan
Penblwydd Hapus i Ti!
Hope you have a wonderful day, full of birthday fun and wishes, lots of cake and ice cream, with something fizzy to wash it down! Much Birthday Love and Birthday Wishes . . Deborah in Wales xoxo
“Happy Birthday to you…..Happy Birthday to you…..Happy Birthday, dear, darling Susan…..Happy Birthday, to YOU!!!! Have a wonderful day! xoxo…Karen P.
~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN!~ Have a great day….
Good Morning Birthday Girl! A new Spring green birthday outfit from the Js, lucky lady! Birthday Girl Gladys Taber thought a “wooden salad bowl” would make a nice birthday gift, & I agree, but Spring green new duds are very special! I’ll bet your Mom has been bornin’ you all morning – oh wait, she’s on CA time too, maybe not yet up! Thank you to your parents for the wonderful birthday gift they’ve given us – YOU! “Oh Happy Day”! Blessings to you for a fahbulous day and coming year. Sending love and hugs, Joanie
She borned me at 9am in California time, Long Beach, in real life.
CA, 9am, a great time to say hello world & start a beautiful new life!!! xoxo
Mothers should be feted on the day they give birth to their children, too, don’t you think!
Definitely!
Happy Birthday to You, Susan! Wow, a whole green outfit from your dad. How great is that! Lucky Girl! (Now I’m wondering what color green it is.) Hope you can wear it today! Hugs, Gail Buss XX
It’s a dusty blue green, really pretty.
Sounds like an “Autumn” color too! Perfect. :>)
Susan, wishing you a very happy, joy-filled birthday! May you make some wonderful memories!
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day playing with your 2 kitties!
Have a glorious birthday Miss Sue!!
Happy Birthday Susan!!! from a fellow April baby (mine was last Friday). Hope you have a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday, Susan!
Hope your day is filled with wonderful delights!
Congratulations on finishing the diary….so looking forward to it!
Oh, and thanks for always being here for me when I need you….a true girlfriend!
Love and Best Wishes to you. XOXO
Yay!! Congratulations on finishing the book! And I hope you have a Gloriously Happy Birthday, today!!
Hello Susan! Wishing you a wonderful Happy Birthday!!!! You deserve the best birthday ever!!!! May God keep you safe, happy, and healthy all year long!!! (Now that you have finished your book you must feel free as a bird!!!)
I do, Hi Carilyn!
Happy Birthday Susan! So glad your book is done. Great Jack update…..so adorable – I just want to squeeze him too 🙂
Happy Birthday, Susan! Thank you for sharing your special day with us,
and for giving us all the JOY that you do! CELEBRATE (there’s that word again!) with Joe, Jack and Girl!
H a p p y B i r t h d a y to YOU! Hope you have a terrific day! And you will – great husband, great cats (oh, that acrobatic Jack!), The Book is finished, it’s Spring…what a wonderful day to be alive!
Happiest of Birthdays to you!
Here’s to one glorious birthday filled to the brim with joy, love and much laughter!! Will be thinking of you throughout the day and I will be celebrating as well, the day you were brought into this world because your presence has had far reaching impacts, I’m sure beyond anything you can even imagine! Here’s to you!
Carrie
P.S. I did my first tweet today and it was to you!
Got it! Thank you Carrie!
“Today is your birthday…
Happy Birthday to you…”~Beatles
Happy Birthday Susan!!!
OXOX
Have a wonderful Birthday and take off outside like someone left the gate wide open! I already feel sure you will savor every moment today, and your enthusiasm for life inspires me constantly. Spring is the perfect time to be finished with your book, now you can be as happy as that adorable little bird you posted singing at your window!! Yep, life is good.
CELEBRATE and rejoice in the day that the Lord hath made just for you!! I think your gift from Dad/Jeanie was a wonderful one and it fit!!! YAY…my sweet hubby is taking me out to lunch (after house cleaning) and I will celebrate your birthday too!!! Enjoy your friends and eat something yummy just have a wonderful day/weekend!!!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Susan! With Elizabeth coming to visit, you couldn’t ask for a better birthday present. Have a wonderful time!
I still love you…xox and still read everything….been working…working …working(that’s a good thing)
I can’t wait for my book in the mail and I want to wish you the bestest of birthdays tomorrow!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR SUSAN!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
(Did you hear me singing?)
My love,
Sweet Pea
Happy birthday, Susan… I am a great fan…have a wonderful year and wish you many many more brilliantly arty years to come..
Beautiful post!! And congratulations on finishing the book sweetie!! I know it’s going to be fabulous!! Just like you!!
Thank you Cynthia!!
Oops, for some reason I think my comment was cut off, lol. But most importantly I wanted to wish you and very very HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!! Hugs and love, Cynthia xoxo❤❤❤!!!