That’s how I feel, lighthearted, dancing down the stairs this morning, did my exercises, played with Jack, went outside to sniff the garden. And if a picture is worth a thousand words, then get ready for my version of War and Peace! A nice cup of tea would go good right now, and then my dear girls, Musica!
I have lots of photos to cheer your heart this lovely morning . . .
Starting with these . . . during a spring rain . . .
the colors make me so happy . . .
. . . my kitchen smells like a flower shop! And I’m all well. My cold is finally gone, I get down on the floor every morning now and do stretches and leg lifts, lift my little weights and feel like I’m starting all over!
I couldn’t help taking a kazillion pictures of this vase full of tree cuttings . . .
But then my perpetual audience climbed on top of the fridge to survey his kingdom . . .
of which I am his people — is it the cat or the vase that is the real star of this photo?
It’s the cat. So regal, such a star . . .
The pink cherry blossoms, heavenly!
Letting me loose with a camera can sometimes be a dangerous thing. You should see the ones that got away!
And here’s where I go to gather the pink booty . . .
I could never do it justice with a mere paintbrush . . . never never never
Because looking into this sparkly pink pear tree is like a prayer.
The smell alone is enough to inspire the sweetest dreams . . .
And the breeze, the island breeze filled with the ocean, the blossoms, the green grass, the violets, the sky and all the good things of nature.
And Jack. Well, my cup just runneth over. ♥
We had friends to tea the other day, and despite the diet (I promise you, I am being very good!), I made something mighty delicious — a blueberry angel food cake with lemon glaze! (Fat free, but filled with delicous sugar!). I’ll give you the recipe for this the minute we reach our goal weight UNLESS there is strong request for it now, and then, of course I will give it to you!
We ate about half of it, heaven’s sugar cake, and took the other half, a quarter-cake each over to Lowely and then to Martha! It’s so nice to have girlfriend neighbors with whom you can share the wealth ♥ and don’t get mad at you for doing it!
I used my pink dishes to match the flowers. And then guess what I found out? A year or so ago Joe and I made a little video called “How to Sift Flour.” Truly one of the greats as the title implies! But I just found out it is #1 on Google in the massive Sifting of Flour category!
XOXOXXOXOX
Yes, if you Google How to Sift Flour, this is what you get, without even mentioning my name. We, my girls, are number one! In the world. On Google! WHAT an accomplishment! I’m kind of excited about it! It’s the little things in life!
Remember a couple of years ago we got a new Dogwood tree for our backyard? Well, we just placed an order for this year’s addition to the springtime floral extravaganza at this house. We ordered a Magnolia x soulangeana, a weeping Higan Cherry Tree, and a Honey Crisp apple tree. Also seven new forsythia bushes to put behind the fence in front of our house. Not sure if they will be in stock, but it’s a good time to plant them, so we’re hoping our nursery can find them for us. It’s so gorgeous out there, why not make more beauty if we can, so it’s almost silly crazy romantic over-the-top beautiful? Nothing wrong with that.
Flowering trees are so special — something magical about them after a long cold grey winter. Here’s the dogwood last year — it’s not in bloom yet this year, more to look forward to! One of the reasons this is all especially beautiful to me this year is because . . .
I’ve had a sort of tunnel vision, like looking at the world through a straw, for a long time.
My concentration on our book, the single mindedness it takes, made the world look like this to me . . . here’s Girl Kitty.
Here I am making tea first thing in the morning. I had other things on my mind at all times: What could I say, do, paint, dream up, remember, include, make happen, so that A FINE ROMANCE will be something you will love.♥ I wonder if other authors see the world like this when they are deep in the throes of a project? If ever I was going to write something called “How to Write a Book” I would have to try and explain this.
This is what the kitchen looked like to me at around 4 am.
And here’s a snowy day — it registered because of its beauty but in “real life,” I was looking at the sea from the rail of the ship, or in England walking through wildflower meadows, looking at maps, touring castles, driving narrow backroads, and drinking ice cold peah ci-das in pubs!
I would look out and see Joe shoveling the snow out front and it was vaguely confusing.
He came in every day and made us a cozy fire, but my focus was always always always on something else . . . this was my background music, snap, crackle, and pop . . .
Believe it or not, even this guy never got all the way through . . . but he sure tried.
Ahhhh, here we are . . . this feels familiar . . .
Determined daily to make a movement toward the finish line . . .
One tiny brush stroke and pen mark at a time . . .
Every moment, the pure joy of creating . . . combined with the agony of wanting it to be done . . . but not too quickly, because there was enjoyment of the moment, as strange as that may seem.
Until I got to this, page 8 of A FINE ROMANCE . . . The other 259 pages went to print as of last week, but I had to wait to do this last one. I needed to get legal permission from several song writers in order to print excerpts from their songs in our book, because what would our book be without MUSICA? The last permission came through on Friday, and I was able to do this page. The last one! Oh MY!
And when I finished, the tunnel vision went totally and completely away, and the bright world came shining through . . . all new like I’d never seen it before.
Colors are brighter and prettier than ever . . .
The world is a lovely place! Time for my fake tap dance!
Our walk to the water is more beautiful than ever — it’s 68 degrees on Martha’s Vineyard right this moment and as soon as I finish saying hello to you, we are on our way to our walk to this very spot to see the sparkle on the water.♥
But first, you have been so patient while I was looking at life with blinders on, you cheered me through and were with me the whole way — so, so wonderful . . . isn’t it about time for a giveaway? YES!
It’s possible most of you have these two books . . . but maybe you have someone who you could give them to? Or you could save them for birthday gifts.♥ Spanking new lighthearted copies of The Summer Book and Girlfriends Forever, and isn’t spring the perfect time?
The SUMMER BOOK is filled with delicious recipes for the season, barbecues and picnics, my picket fence garden, and stories such as “Library Days”, “How to Go to a Tea Party”, and “The Raft”.
GIRLFRIENDS FOREVER is a celebration of US — everything we love, Girl Parties, healthy recipes, decorating, clothes, beauty, exercise and a Spicy Mango Salad on page 82 that is to die for. This one also has the story of How I Met the Beatles (when I was “Just Seventeen”).♥
I would love to sign them, to whatever name the winner chooses: her own, her daughter’s, her sister’s, her mother’s, or her best friend’s! Just leave a comment here to enter the drawing at the bottom of this post where you see the tiny word “comments” — (and if you don’t see it, click on www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/, scroll to the bottom of this post, squint because it’s tiny, and there it will be). In a few days we’ll pull Vanna off the tennis court or out of her bubble bath (such a lady of leisure) and let her choose the winning name. And I hope with every fiber of my being that this time, it’s you. xoxo ♥ Hope this makes your heart take wings! Bye for now Girlfriends!
LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU! Thank you for all the special visual presents that you leave in my inbox, and for all of the delicious meals that I have made from your cookbooks for over 25 years now!
My pleasure Cheryl, thank YOU!
Earth Day was my daughter Mary’s 49th birthday. I felt it was just yesterday when we were in the backyard enjoying flowers and the wonderful spring day. Houston Texas is enjoying the best spring ever in the 70’s. Your books makes those past moments seem right now and so enjoyable.
Thank you for sharing your days, and your talent.
Happy Birthday to you for Mary!
hi susan…i know it’s getting late but i just had to share i got my A/P of your giclee’ back from the framers and it turned out beautiful. just a gold frame with a little carving, white beveled mat, (all musem and acid free of course) and it looks exquisite. of course it’s the beautiful picture of the flowers that really is the winner.
Oh Karen, that is so nice to hear! I have them here too, but I love to think of them venturing out into the world. xo
What wonderful books! I can just picture a chaise lounge, a glass of iced tea, and me enjoying every page. My daffodils and hyacinth are finally blooming – spring has arrived at last!
Because I have both of your “giveaway” books, I want to GIVE THEM AWAY! (your copies, of course). I have so many people who need a little Susanizing in their lives -a reminding to look around you for the little things to inspire joy. Joy is everywhere for the taking. Appreciation so encourages Joy to bust out and chase the blues away, don’t you think?
I have loved all your book starting with the first one I owned “Heart of the Home”. I would love to win either of these books as I don’t have either one.
The summer one would fit into my summer color scheme. Love reading your blog and always get so inspired by it. Thanks for offering such a generous giveaway.
I do not have these books but would love to have them. I love your drawings and looking at all your collections. Your blog is always refreshing and inspiring. Beautiful flowers.
Zana
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN YOUR BOOKS YOU ARE LIKE FAMILY TO ME
HAVE PRE ORDERED YOU FINE
ROMANCE.
waiting FOR ENGLISH DISH TOWEL OF THE FINE BRITISH FLAG hAVE AN OUT DOOR MAT IN THE FLAG MATCHES MY PAINTED FRINT DOOR
We are kindred spirits Peggy!
Loved the spring pictures! Glad you are feeling healthy now. 🙂
Hello Susan,
I love flowers just as much as you do, except we don’t have that much here yet. Although, a couple of days ago I saw big fields of daffodils. All I could see was a yellow splash with green dots (grass) everywhere. The weather keeps changing…today it was 86, summerlike. In two days the high is to be 35 with a chance of snow flurries. Poor plants don’t know what to do. Thank you for all of the beautiful pictures.
Thanks,
Lauren
Hello Sue,
I have already left a comment but am in need of a favor from you or any of the girlfriends if you could please help me out. A dear friend of mine asked me if I knew of a recipe or where to buy: Old Fahsioned Spice Cake made with raisins and had a white frosting.
My friend also said this was sold in the grocery stores in the late sixties …to early seventies. My friend also said sometimes they referred to this as a Spiced Bar. It was sold with like cellophane wrap and came on cardboard. I researched it a bit but really am not sure, never had this……..and I really could use any help anyone can give me. Thank You. Barb J.
I think I remember such a thing — with like a half inch thick layer of frosting? I think it was in the shape of a loaf cake? Could that be the one?
Hi Sue,
Yes….that could be the one. My friend Brenda has a craving for this very much so and is trying to find the original recipe or where to buy if you still can buy it. My husband said he remembers this as well. Unfortunately, I do not recall this. Yet I have heard of Poor Mans Cake and that resembles it as well. I am doing all the research to find this recipe and figured if anyone would know……you may with all your wonderful knowledge. Thank you once again. Barb
The one I’m thinking of may just be a Sara Lee or something like that. I really don’t know — maybe one of the other girlfriends can help! Sorry!
I recently ran into a recipe that sounds like that–was it spices and also maybe raisins? I’ll look through and see if I can find the recipe…did you try googling “raisin spice bars”?
Hello Barb,
I remember a cake that sounds just like that. It was called Spanish Bar Cake and sold at the grocery stores back at that time you mentioned. It was my dad’s favorite. That might be what she is looking for. You could probably find recipes if you Google Spanish Bar Cake. I hope this helps you out.
Sandy
Pat & Sandy,
Thank you both very much for the help. I am thinking it may be the Spanish Bar Cake and yes I did google this after reading your replies. My friend will surely be happy. Have a great weekend ladies and Thank You both once again.
Barb J. 🙂
Oops…… typo error………should be Old Fashion Spice Cake
So glad you’re feeling better. I didn’t know you had a video of sifting flour (so fun it’s #1) which I haven’t done for many a year, but I always liked doing. It took me back to my Mom’s kitchen. She always sifted flour before baking and I helped.
I have your book on pre-order and can’t wait to see it! I know it is going to provide me many nights of warm tea and dreaming! My best friend needs some cheering up–I would love to win the Girl Friend book. She is so special and it would be a gift from my heart (and your talent!)
When I need a good daydream off I go to your blog- it takes me to a world that’s full of beauty and no worries! I can smell the flowers and taste the treats. Yes- even if it’s just a five minute break from reality it’s always worth a visit! Thank you!
So glad you gave us your “blueberry angel food cake” recipe. That cake was sooooooo yummy!!!!
My first victim. 🙂
So glad that you are FINALLY finished with the new book Susan! and Just in time to get back to the “real world”…. even with all of its sorrow and heartache, you just can’t help but feel renewed and a fresh faith in the World and any good that may be in it– when you see the signs of SPRING!! I have been watching Phoebe (the hummingbird, she has 2 new babes now!!!) and it has been a real delight!! The last few days I have actually been able to get outside and freshen up my birdhouses, and even put out the hummingbird feeders, as I have heard that the ruby throats are slowly coming back into the area!
I have several of the “Summer ” book, as I sell them on my website, but I don’t have the “Girlfriends” book, so I would love to have that one for me, and a signed Summer book to give to a friend or one of my sisters…. 🙂
Hope your Spring is fantastic!
Phoebe is a wild thing in more ways than one! A prolific little bird girl! I think you are the first person I ever heard of that sells my books on their website! That’s so nice! Thank you Amy Lynn!
*sigh* I just love coming here.
Love having you. xo
Your yard pictures are truly lovely! We have finally hit 80 degrees here in s.e. Wisconsin. We have only flower ‘buds’ so far on our flowering trees. Loved the ‘how to sift flour’ video. I saw a cameo appearance by one of your kitties who strolled through behind you. I laughed at the ‘it’s a thrill a minute around here’ comment! I sift flour with a sifter as you do, but my sifter is not a beautiful vintage model like yours. I also only sift once which is just the laziness coming out of me. Thank you for being you and always thinking of all of us girlfriends. It will be very hard for me to wait for the blueberry angel food cake recipe but I will because I know you will reach your goal.
Thank you for sharing your life with us, you brighten an otherwise drab day.
I love the “spring” photos. We are just beginning spring in Michigan after a way too long winter and chilly-rainy March and April.
You books are amazing…I have several..and a calendar..and….not near all I WANT!
thank you for sharing your lovely art and home!
“Because looking into this sparkly pink pear tree is like a prayer.” Those words and that picture, Susan, spoke directly to my heart. That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling this spring! The beauty of nature is the lovliest of gifts and all we need to do to receive it is to open our eyes, our ears and breathe it all in.
One of my favorite quotes about nature is “Life is the Spring name of God; Warmth is the Summer name of God; Color is the Autumn name of God; Silence is the Winter name of God.” When I look out my kitchen window and see the forsythia looking like it’s been plugged into an electric outlet, the purest white of the flowering dogwood, and the swollen buds of the redbud tree just beginning to show pink and all the many colors of green against the blue sky…I can’t help but let out an audible sigh…such beauty…so much LIFE!
How can I be anything but grateful?
I love you for always bringing those little nuggets of wonderfulness into the spotlight where they belong. You’re awesome, Susan!
So glad you’re feeling better…
xoxoDebbie
Beautiful, beautiful pictures! Thanks for being you! I would adore winning the books because I don’t have those 2! Here’s hoping- but since I’m the 1256th post it’s pretty much like the lottery- love ya anyway!
Hi Susan! I’ve actually always wondered if you were supposed to measure out a cup of flour, and then sift it, or sift and then measure, and now you’ve answered my question! Can’t wait for the new book! I love all your books and would love to win these ones for some dear friends! I brag about your books to all my friends 🙂 I think I can hold out for that recipe but it looks delicious! Lemon and blueberry desserts are some of my favorite, I have a great lemon blueberry cookie recipe, it’s super soft like the Lofthouse sugar cookies in the stores and so yummy everyone loves them!
All the best,
Allison
If you come back Allison, I’d love to have that cookie recipe!
Always my inspiration. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
And you and all the girlfriends, have always been mine. xoxo
Your photos are just beautiful! Your watercolors are even more beautiful and combined with your words…they make me smile! Thanks for the many smiles I’ve had reading your wonderful blog. It’s like coming home to stop by here. Thank you for that!
The cake looks scrumptious! I do hope you share the recipe with us when you have time. And, lastly, I would be thrilled to win your books!
I love love love your pictures of your trees! Spring has had such a hard time making an appearance here in Kansas this year! Old Man Winter must be a cat, because he definitely has nine lives this year!! So, your pictures cheered me up and gave me hope that Spring is going to win out soon!! I’m completely addicted to your books, so that is my favorite give-away that you have!
I will have to do more of that Gina!
Question for you, Susan: Do you cut your angel food cake with a serrated edge knife or one of those angel food cake cutters with the long comb-like side? Just wondering, it looked so smooth… 🙂
I use a serrated knife … easier for me.
Thanks for answering. I finally bought one of those angel food cake “knives” but always use a serrated one, too. Haven’t tried the new one…gulp…
I always thought they looked fun, but I couldn’t convince myself that I “needed” one. Tell me how it works!
Love love love your books and i don’t even cook
LOL, this is what I love! xoxo Girlfriends!
I love all the pretty pictures of blossoms. We are to get MORE SNOW tomorrow! Unbelievable on May Day!!!! Your spring flowers give me hope! Hope you will share your your recipe – that cake looks amazing! Hope I win the your books. I have both but love to give them as gifts. They are always so loved and appreciated. HAPPY MAY DAY EVERYONE!
Seems my typing is all gobbledygooked! Sorry! 🙂
Susan, thank you so very much for giving me something to look forward to each time I read your blog postings!
TTFN,
Kimberly
I am so blessed to come and savor the lovely words and pictures that abound on the website. It is a wonderful and cherished part of my day!
Oh please please please tell us how to make that lovely cake!
I love all of your photos, I’m sure your new trees will be as lovely next spring. Do you know the story behind the Magnolia blooming near your house in H.A.’s back yard? It was planted right after his wife passed away and every year it blooms on their wedding anniversary. Isn’t that romantic!
Happy Spring!
Dear Susan,
Oh My Goodness! Please forgive me for taking so long to write back to you. Thank you so much for answering my questions about publishing your book. I was wondering if you had to send your priceless stack of beautiful pages by mail to the publisher. I am so glad you can now just scan them. and keep all your precious originals safe at home. I know so little about the process of writing and getting a book published and yet that is one of my dreams. I have the beginnings of a children’s book started, but just don’t have the time right now to make it a priority….but someday….
I did make one attempt to write to you, but somehow got interrupted in the middle and it either got sent to you or disappeared… I hope disappeared because it may not have made much sense…When I went back to look for the original post, I couldn’t find it.
I love all your beautiful pictures and have been trying to compare your weather to ours in DC and it seems we might be one or two weeks ahead, at least this year, as our azaleas are now in full bloom and the leaves on our trees have all popped out as well. Along with all the little brown twizzlers the oaks sprinkle down on us. Everything is looking very green around here. Just love all the seasons!
We loved traveling with you and Joe on your little airing around your beautiful island . We love MV too! We have been vacationing up in your area for years and have been looking for a little cottage there and in Cape Cod, so we ‘ll have our own little place when we retire in a few years. When we drive around we miss a lot….You know all the best spots! So , I am trying to make notes so we’ll know where to go next time when we visit. We have some of our own favorite places, but I can see there is a lot we are missing.
I love walking on the beach of the little fishing village and we loved the beach with the big rock. I was wondering if that was the same rock where your picture was taken years ago? For some reason that particular picture sticks in my mind, there ws something about it that is most interesting, you sitting there like a beautiful doll on a shelf ….maybe it is also your expression ….not sure what… but it just popped in my mind and I never got to ask you about it when you posted it awhile back.
I’m sending you, your Dad ( he makes me laugh) and all the Girlfriends a Big XO! for always giving me something to look forward to when my work is done….Well, it’s never really done, but you know what I mean… You are the Gold at the end of the rainbow!
XO!
Victoria
That photo is in the new book! And you have an amaaaazing eye, because I do believe that is the same rock! All those years ago! Thank you Victoria, so nice to hear from you!
Hi Susan
Pleased your are feeling much better and that the sun is shining once again. Fleur is going to take me for some sunshine to Ibiza for my birthday. My mouth watered as I looked at the lobster which I absolutely love. I have three memories of eating lobster as it is very expensive in England. The first was in Southern Ireland years ago when I chauffeured my German friend Heidi and her husband and Reinhard and I had lobster with an ice cold glass of Guiness, perfect! The second time was in Sydney whilst visiting Fleur and her husband when they were living there. I treated myself to Lobster Thermidor at a restaurant overlooking the sea and I watched the world walk by as I ate, and finally the last time was in New England again with Fleur and her husband perched on some rocks at a small restaurant on the east coast again overlooking the sea. I love your blogs, they always seem to evoke memories for me. Thank you so much Susan.
Rabbit, Rabbit 🙂
Oh I would love to squeeze my name in here amongst all the others for a chance to win your delightful books! my fingers and toes are crossed!!
have a wonderful flower filled may day!
xoxo
I’d love the books. Your bright spirit and jolly outlook are such an inspiration to me!
I love being Jolly, and I love the word jolly! 🙂
That angel food cake looks heavenly (no pun intended). I love anything blueberry, so I will definitely make that one.
I just love your website, it is always so uplifting.
Susan, your blog makes my day! Whenever I need a lift at work, I click on your website and my mood is lifted! Thank you for all you do! I live in Maine, and I do appreciate all things New England! Thank you! 🙂
Happy Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit Day! Thank you so much for sharing. It’s good to feel part of something, especially something so special. Hi, Jack and Girl Kitty, too.
Such beautiful flowers! Makes me homesick for where I grew up in the Northeast. Florida is great but I miss the change of seasons most when spring arrives. Nothin’ better!
Your website and blog are like a breath of fresh air. I look forward to reading everything you write. The photographs are great! I really enjoy them because I live in the south and have no idea what it is like to live in the eastern states. I love your books as well.
Fun to hear from different parts of the country and world! Thank you Carol!
Delighted to find your blog and plan to bake that blueberry angel food cake for Mother’s Day Dinner!
What a wonderful post Susan! It had so many of my favorite things..rain, pink flowers, quilts (on the line too!), ocean breezes, dessert, pink flowered china, A Fine Romance/England (can’t wait!), snow, fires, walking, water, and books.Thanks for such a delightful post..but then they always are. 🙂 I would so love to win your books!! Hugs…for sharing your life with us! ~ Lori
Reading your blogs ALWAYS makes me smile. Thank you, thank you!
God Bless You!
xoxo
Oh, I just love your books and would love to have my name selected!! Thanks for the lovely springtime flower photos!! They make my heart sing 🙂
Susan, Your blog is a dream for me. I’m in my 60s and when I was in grade school I had a pen pal, remember those?. We wrote until her family moved to Long Beach, California from Scotland in the 50s. Then we still wrote but could also call once in awhile. Anne & I finally met when we graduated high school in 1962 and that first meeting we knew our friendship was a sure thing. We have been like sisters for over 50 years now and see one another off & on. Her and I traveled to Scotland in the 80s and I was delighted to meet her family and partake in fun traditions. Your wonderful friends who write on your blog bring me so much joy as I read their comments along with yours. I feel like a whole lot of pen pals stepped into my life and love reading such heartwarming stories. You bring so much joy & inspiration to all that need it. You take us back to comfort and love of all that is around us, family, friends, nature and food. Speaking of food, I’m planning on baking that lucious sounding Blueberry Cake along with a pot of tea. Bye for now & I can’t wait for your new book and you sharing with us your tales of upcoming success with it. Cheri
What a wonderful Pen Pal story! My longest pen pal friend is from 1990 … pretty good, but your story is amazing!
Looking at the beauty of about 10 ins. of snow that fell last night. Everything is laden down with it. From the trees to the barbed wire. Love springtime in Wyoming!!! You never know what the next day will be like. This snow is especially pretty because of no wind. It just came straight down. Sometimes the icicles on the shed are hanging at an angle of west to east instead of down.
Always enjoy your recipes, photos and artwork.
Must be positively beautiful! And hopefully the last hurrah of winter for you Charmayne!
Good Afternoon everyone! 🙂
I hope the weather where you are is as beautiful, blue and sunny as it is here in Devon!
Keeping everything crossed (which makes it hard to type,) that I am a lucky one for this competition, but whatever happens, I wish everyone Good Luck! 🙂
Typing with crossed fingers, that takes talent Kimberly!
Loved the beautiful pictures of the flowers…Now just hoping the weather finally takes a turn for the good here in Ohio.
Keep up with the great work!
Oh, I want to paint your cherry blossoms! So beautiful, when we in the north are still looking at tired crusts of snow and bedraggled brown fields.
I had to google “how to eat a pomelo” to see if I made number #1 on google, but I’m not even on the front page. So congratulations on your sifting flour video!!
I have to say I’m surprised. I would think you would have very little competition (just like me with the flour) for Pomelo eating!
I wasn’t going to enter because I have both of your wonderful books already but you are adding to the Pot, your new one!
So Vanna, count me in!
These shots of spring are killing me! It’s May 1 and snowing here in Colorado Springs. Grrrrrr.
LOL, soon, soon, it just has to come soon!
HAPPY MAY DAY TO ALL.. I am a little late coming to this edition of the blog, but what a beautiful post it is!!.. Glad you have recovered from the crud…so awful to be sick, but to be sick when it is so beautiful outside is kind of a cruel trick, except that you get to just lay there and stare at all the prettiness!… Thanks for all you do and for the give-aways!!! Oh, and can’t wait for the recipe. my honey will LOVE that.. two of his favorite foods.. lemon and blueberries.. oh and cake!! LOL… We have started forsythia by just snipping twigs and sticking them in the ground here in the midwest… so easy and it works!!! Have a wonderful day/week all!!
Love, love, love Susan Branch!!!
Love, Love, Love your flowers. Here in Cali the flowers are blooming but nothing like that. May Spring put spring in your step and your garden be bountiful.
Hi, Susan!!!! Glad you’re feeling better – it always helps to be surrounded by flowers and sun! Please enter me in the drawing for the books and the journal! I would love to have them. And, thanks again for these little opportunities for goodies.
Susan Branch, you are an absolute joy to me. My entire desk is filled with Susan Branch items. I have 3 of your calendars (wall, desk and smaller wall calendar that I made to stand up on the corner of my desk). I also copy parts of the calendar and make scratch pads out of them. I LOVE your drawings and all the products that you have. Your artwork makes me and my co-workers smile each and every day! I also have all of your artwork at home as well. Keep up the great work that you do.
Thank you so much Lisa! xoxo
Hi Susan,
Thank you for the beautiful color of spring in your post today. Just what we need up here in Northern Wisconsin. We are to get hit with a snow storm today, 10 inches!!
When spring comes…we will be doing real tap dancing for sure. 🙂
Love you! Thank you for the wonderful encouragement you give us.
Carla
Hi Susan,
I just love your blog, unfortunatley i don’t get to get on as often as i would like, but i have many of your books to peek at over and over again. And the days i get to go on to the blog, it lifts my spirits up even higher. thank you for sharing with all of us!!!
fondly,
Rachel Ramos
Nice to see you here Rachel!
Oh Susan your pictures are so beautiful I truly think I could smell the flowers!!! This is just the most refreshing and calming place to come and visit! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas, pictures and well just everything!!!! My exclamation point key certainly gets a workout whenever I write to you!!! 🙂 I can’t seem to help it!
Thank you!!!
Sandy
I have the same problem!!!!
Susan,
When was the first year you published your Heart of the Home calendar? My nephew, who will be 30 (egads!) in a few months, gave me one as a gift oh so many years ago. I continue to buy them as a Christmas gift to myself now and love the monthly ritual of turning to a new month – a moment to savor the promise of something new. Thank you so very much for your words, drawings, and pictures. They are truly joyful.
All the best to you and Joe.
Jen
1993 was my first one … although there were some missing years between then and now, but not too many!
I love looking at your beautiful flowers and your beautiful cats (your husband ain’t bad either!) I also like looking at your life as an author. It is so far removed from mine. You satisfy some of my curiosity.
Good. I was always curious about creative people when I was young, wanted to know all their secrets, which was sometimes hard to find. So, although I don’t have a lot of secrets, I do like to share what I’ve got in case someone needs that information like I did.
Absolutely love your blog with such great pictures and your books and calendars. You brighten my day with the beautiful pictures in your blog and your wonderful artwork. Of course being a cat person, I love Jack and Girl Cat.
Jack’s furry black self is laying right next to me on my art table, he’s purring in his sleep!
My husband and I just returned from vacation and there were three blogs waiting for me! I was in heaven! It was bad enough having to go back to work after such a lovely vacation, but having the blogs there waiting for me was a real treat! Believe it or not, I print them and read them while soaking in a bubble bath. Now, that’s the true definition of relaxing. Thank you, Susan Branch, for what you add to my world.
Love it Debi!
Oh how sweet of you to share with us! Of course, you are always sharing with us of your kitties, your home, your delicious recipes and your heart! 🙂 Many thanks!
Hi Susan, I have been a fan for many years. The very first book I have is your Christmas book. Don’t know why I never have posted before but I just wanted to let you know that you make me smile when I see your email in my in box. Something to look forward to. Thanks for being the sunshine in a cloudy day sometimes.
Cathy.
Nice to hear from you Cathy!
I would love to add these to my collection of your books. So nice to see blooms and color somewhere! It’s cold in MN today.
I tried to enter the other day but I don’t think it went thru so will try again.
Thanks for the beautiful spring images. I loved the quilts on the close line.
Hi Susan!
I love following your posts…and hearing about your kitties too as I adore my two kitty girls also…”Clara” and “Lydia”! My sisters and I exchange notes about your beatiful photographs and I am making a vintage guest room modeled after your sweet “Peter Rabbit” room! I live in an historic home in Medina, Ohio. Please enter me in your book drawing! I would love to have them! Hugs!
Leslie Jane ***
Thank you for always being such a bright spot in my day. I would love to add these books to my collection.
You make my heart so filled and happy every time I read your posts. Thank you! Thank you!
Happy you are feeling better!! The beautiful pictures you have posted, and painted, make me feel good every day – thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing the cake recipe, too. I am bringing a dish to a house concert on Friday evening and, when your e-mail arrived, I had been looking on the Internet for ideas along the Kentucky Derby or Cinco de Mayo theme, since both are this weekend. Now I think I will bring Susan’s Cake instead! Actually, today, May 1, would have been my Dad’s 102nd birthday – I think I’ll go into the kitchen and see if I have all of the ingredients so that I can make the cake tonight in honor of his birthday!
Ann
PS LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all of your books and can’t wait to read A Fine Romance!!!
Happy Birthday to the memory of your Dad!
Happy Spring Susan,
I just signed my 14 year old daughter(Helen) to receive your blog e-mails. She always reads mine and the other day commented on how she never receives any fun e-mails so now she will get the “funnest”! I know she would love your books as well to put in her own personal library for “someday”. We are bathed in snowshowers here, not even a daffodil yet. But the dollhouse people are enjoying an “outdoor” wedding in the living room with baby’s breath bouquets (Barbie likes a baby’s breath bouquet when she marries Prince Charming as well). After purchasing a boy barbie type doll once I noticed the receipt read “Prince Charming $19.99” if only it were so easy! Thank you for cheering up my in box as always, Jodi
We will love to have her! We have 10 year olds and 25 year olds and 90 year olds, we have cats and dogs reading this blog, we will love your daughter!
Susan,
Thanks for bringing us spring and that cake! Can’t wait to try it. I have all your books but would love to start my daughter on her collection, since she now reads and loves your blog. So glad you are fully enjoying your new found “freedom”!
Thank you for the little peek of spring–we still have a bit of snow in N. MN and it will be a while until there are flowers here!
So wonderful to see all the gorgeous blossoms and Jack! 😉 What a wonderful surprise you added with the giveaway!!
Love your watercolors! Every time I see your paints, it makes me happy and inspires me!
I lOVE your books so much! I have been a fan for over 15 years and I continue to enjoy following your blog and sharing your work with others. Thank you for brightening my days! I am a middle school teacher in California, and your website is the home page on my school computer. My 12 year old daughter and some of my students are devoted followers as well!
I enjoy your writing about things in your/my life that remind me, inspire me, and tickles me …Thanks for being here in my life.
I love the day book! I’ll be ordering some. Please enter me in the drawing for the two books – I have read them but don’t own them. Thanks and have a great week.
Here in France, (where I have a wee little part-time home) they celebrate May 1 in
the sweetest way with tiny bouquets of lily of the valley. They are sold EVERYWHERE and it’s charming to see folks carrying theirs around……….
Happy May day everyone!
p.s. I’m going to surprise my book club with your Blueberry Cake….yummy!!
I can just imagine those Lily of the Valley bouquets!
I always, always make my angel food cake from scratch just like you said, except now I’m going to add the blueberries! The cakes in the stores are way too spongy and dry. Thank you so much.
I’m also putting my name in the hat for the Days book. It’s just what I need and if I don’t win, well then, I’m just going to have to order it. 🙂
Happy May Day!
Store bought and homemade are just two different animals!
Love, love, LOVE your blog!! I take time during lunch hour at my less-than-creative job to view these and get some fresh air!! So glad that you are feeling better now — no fun to be sick when Spring is Springing!! Here in San Luis Obispo, there’s no snow (as you well know!) but the lack of rain is making things already brown. : ( Hope to see you if you still plan to hold a book signing this November here in SLO. I also HOPE I’ll be a winner in the drawing for your beautiful books! Happy May Day!
Margie
I’ll be there. Hope a little rain shows up — usually we get a good drowning out there every so often, not this year eh?
In Central Texas, we are having a long, atypical Spring, and enjoying every second of it. See Spring though in YOUR garden, where the seasons are so delineated is breathtaking. Thank you for sharing – everything – your home, your life, your art, and for the joy your books bring even on the less than perfect days.
Oh Vanna, please pick me!!!! I truly need to add The Summer Book to my collection!
I left a comment a few minutes ago and told you about “My Amazing Gracie”. Did I mention that she is a dear sweet cockapoo puppy? Didn’t want to keep everyone guessing!
It would be lovely to win the drawing for the two books you’re giving away! I’m in the process of turning my daughter’s “old room” into my craftroom and I thought a shelf that would have my “special treasures” on it would be a great focal point.
I find that I not only treasure your books but I also treasure you for taking me along with you on your life journey! Reading about your trip to England, your celebrations, your kitties and your garden plans (to name a few) are an inspiration to me. You remind me that we have to feed our souls as well as our bodies so we can really enjoy life!
Thanks for all you do for body and soul!
Hi Susan, Here in California we are in the middle of spring and so very lucky! Except for beach fog the days are cool, sunny and full of flowers, flowers everywhere. You have inspired me so much that I planted oodles of wonderful perenials hoping they will come up year after year. My colors this year – pink and red – all shades, kinda clashy, very FUN!
HAPPY MAY DAY and thank you for your refreshing spring news!
LOVE,
Dixie from Feminine Astrology (for girls only!)
The e-mails I get from you are delightful~!! You give me a lift every time I open up an e-mail from you~! Thank you~! Becky
I so enjoy seeing photos of Martha’s Vineyard and thought I’d post here to tell you thank you for taking the time to share all the photos you share. And while I was trying to get to the bottom of the posts so I could let you know how much I enjoy the photos, I see that someone else in this very small part of the world has also posted this morning! SO – from our sunny spot in the US, those of us in Anthem AZ really enjoy seeing the green and the flowers you share with us! My BFF lives on one side of the US & I on the other, but I know whenever you send out your emails that she and I are sharing something special together that day! many blessings to you on May Day!
“When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place.”
― C.S. Lewis
So grateful it is true!!! Thank you, thank you, for the many blessings you have that you share!
It is a wonderful circle, isn’t it! 🙂
Kimberlee
Boise, Idaho
I do not own either of those beautiful books and I would love them! I have two daughters to share with. 🙂 Your blog is always a bright spot. Thank you!
You are a very bright blessing to my day!Thank you for sharing with us all!
Hi Susan,
I love your blogs so much. They always make me happy. I adore all things British and can hardly wait for A Fine Romance. The book will be my vicarious trip to England. In the meantime I would be thrilled to win the books. I would share one with my sister who is a big fan of yours, too.
Thanks for introducing me to Emma Bridgewater. I’m collecting coffee mugs, and my sister has had so much fun with the 1952-2012 items as she was born in 1952.
Love you bunches,
Sara
Yes those flowers are spectacular! But then I saw Jack. Jack on the Box, atop the Frig was awesome! He looked so natural up there. Maybe you should paint that! I mean, have you ever seen such a regal sight. He’s the show stopper.
I loved the flowers in the vace and could take a billion pictures of it too, but when I spotted Jack, then that is what caught my eye first and foremost.
Loved it! What a character he is! Thanks for sharing this with us.
So hope I’m not too late to enter the drawing. I already know who I’m giving them to!
Thank you for all of the beautiful colors and the delightful pictures of the 4-legged king of your castle. Put an ear-to-ear smile on my face. You’re the best, Susan!
I remember May Day as a child and had fun cutting a few flowers as there aren’t much blooming yet in our cold country, maybe some flowering weeds thrown in and sneaking to the neighbors to hang them on their door, making it a big surprise in our small minds. Spring is so refreshing as so are ALL your wonderful books. Thank you for each of your loving letters, I always look forward to the next one. HAPPY MAY DAY SUSAN
Ohh that cake looks so yummy, i might have to make that as my birthday cake this year! I love your calendars and books though i only one one book. When i need a fix i can find some at my library.
A cuddle for the kitties from me!
I have 2 of your out of print Days Books. On our driving holidays to visit our grandsons in CA, I filled their pages with full moon sightings, peekaboo views of the jaw dropping Blue Pacific, the majesty of those California Redwoods & tied it up with sweet memories of our boys…and their parents of course! I now like to drive (well I’m not driving actually…) with a book in the door pocket. I pull it out & randomly choose excerpts that I read to my husband as we travel. Sweet memories.
I’ve written before that I’ve tucked away the note you wrote me after I sent a letter to you after settling into your first book…thank you for sharing your words and art. Your presence makes our (my) world a better place.
xoxo, Mary Lou Rossiter