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!
What a wonderful spring surprise to receive your email full of glorious flowers, foods, and fabulous felines. I so want that cake recipe. I need delicious, sweet help to make me lose weight. And if I do lose it, to keep it from finding me again! Thanks for brightening up our rainy, cool Sunday.
Thank you Susan for sharing with us. I’m in Southern California where it has been in the 90’s the past few days. I’m wondering where spring went? I wish it was 68 degrees!
I grew up there, I remember those last weeks of school, so hot sometimes!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all the beautiful flowers and flowering tree and bush pictures. Spring at long last and my most favorite pictures of all; Girl Kitty and Jack! Nothing better in life then kitties and flowers in the same post. Your blogs always brighten and lighten the day. Thank you so much!!!!
Love all you do!! Thanks for the tunnel vision version of your life while writing and painting. I get that too but never realized it until I read your blog this morning. Now I understand why the world seems to have gone on without my notice while I’m drawing a project. Whew, I thought I was just losin’ it!!
I have only one of your books and that is the Summer book. I got it as a gift many, many years ago and then never got another one. As you have said, they are hard to find :o( My heart is hopeful to win your books, signed!! Yay!
Have a beautiful day in that beautiful place you live.
Melissa
Your blog posts and Willards are an inspiration. It is always a happy day when I find one waiting in my email inbox. Thanks for making my day today!
Hi Susan,
I love your post today!!!! I was so happy to see kitty in the photos, love that cat! I wish I had one of your flowering trees in my yard, maybe this year I will buy one………It was wonderful to hear your voice again today, but on the other hand, I CAN NOT WAIT FOR YOUR BOOK!!!!
Kathy
Those beautiful yellows! Pinks! Colors we cannot duplicate no matter how we try! Congratulations on your last page done! I cracked up watching the ending to your sifting demo…the difference between men and women right there in a nutshell! Lol! Cut!! Oh and those books! I have two sweet artistic granddaughters….Time to start their library like Nana E” Thanks for the inspiration today Susan! xo E
So glad your tunnel vision has gone away 🙂 Spring is beautiful, refreshing, invigorating. We are ahead of you, here on the banks of North Carolina. Our dogwoods are abloom right now. Please do put me in the give-away, if you will. I don’t own any of your books yet … I’m hoping to buy “A Fine Romance” for my birthday in June. They’re lovely!
I just love reading about your Island life! I can almost feel that lovely breeze and smell that refreshing ocean air! The blueberry angel food cake looks so delicious! Blueberries are my all time favorite. The dogwood reminds me of my childhood home. We had several dogwoods, one of my mother’s favorites. Spring was always beautiful when the azaleas and the dogwoods were in full bloom. I do not have those books and would love to be the home they go to. But I know lots of girlfriends feel the same, so good luck to all 🙂
Ahh – I just can’t quite get over your darling cat! He is such a charmer and his star quality jumps right through my computer screen. I have an 18 year old kitty – she is the dowager queen of our household. But in her day she had the same sort of star power as your charming Jack! Thank you for always brightening my day – especially on a gray gloomy Seattle day like today 🙂
Thank you so much for all you share with your ‘girlfriends’. It always transports me to my happy place when I read your blogs, listen to the musica and enjoy your fabulous art and photos. I know that writing a blog can be a lot of work and I’d like to say how much it enriches my life and how I appreciate that you take the time to share your creative life with us all. I’ve pre-ordered your book and can’t wait! I’ve never been to England, but through your blog when you were traveling – well, I felt as if I were truly on vacation with you. Thank you!
Always love to read what you have to share. Your ideas and art inspire me and have encouraged me in the development of my cooking and baking skills. I would love to pass on your books to my daughter. Take Care
I’m so glad for Spring also! Thank you for posting such wonderful photos. It’s always a nice surprise when I click on your blog and there’s a new post. Makes my day!
Your Blog is the best ever! The cake looks wonderful as do the two wonderful cats….Jack and Kitty Girl have captured my heart…..he is such a character. Thank you for wonderful books, blogs and colorful illustrations. This Weekend I saw all of your books displayed right by the entrance to a big chain bookstore in the California desert ….the Summer Book, the Day Book, The Address Book, all the cookbooks….and there was one little space for your new book! I can hardly wait… Thanks for always making my day better.
Love your artwork. It is so pretty. Would love to win your books.
Thanks for sharing your sunshine!
Hello Susan,
I spent the morning working in my flower beds after a little adventure of discovering our neighbor’s horse in our yard. My husband, in his robe, and I (I got dressed first!) herded the horse back to his own house and opened the gate for him, but only after some galloping in the opposite direction (the horse, not my husband). And now it is raining here and I’m enjoying my own lovely view out my window, listening to A Fine Romance. Is there a way for you to make a bit of money by putting a link to that song on Amazon.com on your website when your book comes out? It would make a lovely compliment to reading your book!
That cake looks too delicious. I don’t think you should post the recipe until we’ve all lost 5 lbs. whether we need to or not!
What kind of tree does that darker pink flower in your arrangment belong to?
That’s the weeping cherry, the lighter one is the pear.
I love everything “Susan Branch” and especially your love of all Spring flowers! My house is filled with pussywillows and forsythia; things that make me smile. Thank you for writing such uplifting, happy blogs!!
Dear Susan,
Thanks again for the lovely blog, always makes me smile. Good luck with the new trees. The Honeycrisp apple was developed practically in my own backyard, by the University of MN horticultural dept and some of their gardens are within walking distance of my home. Best apple ever! I hope your tree gives you lots and lots 🙂
A dear friend just sent me the precious little spring banner from your store…..so happy (same friend who ordered the blue/white friendship plate for Christmas:)……Those small thoughtful treasures add so much to an ordinary day!……I have the rose chintz dishes, as well, so always fun to see them in your photos…..
We actually paid $3.41 for TWO (2…..not 2#!!!!) honey crisp apples here in ca a couple of months ago……made the most of each delicious bite (just like life:)))
Happy Spring Susan….you picked just the right time and season for coming out of hibernation!
Susan,
You amaze me with all your frequent posts, even when you were so busy working on your book. I love hearing about your adventures in the East. I don’t think I could live where it gets so cold.
I have been a long time fan, and used to receive your Willards by mail.
Although I have most of your books, including these two, I would love to give either of these to my daughter to add to her collection of your books.
One of my best friends, Diana, lives in California and thinks I’m insane to live where there’s winter! She prays to the god of heat and dreams of the beach.
Here in Michigan we have lots of gray skies and rain today (I know it will be worth it when all our flowers start to bloom–but today it’s yucky) so you’re beautiful, full of spring time post was a delight to my heart. Thank you!
As always, love the photos of your Kitties…so pretty and full of personality.
Thank you for offering up your two books! Would love to see a recipe of your Blueberry Angel Food cake sometime. It looks so delish!!! Enjoy your Spring!
Cindy
I love reading about Jack – he reminds me of our cat Leo. So curious and convinced that everything you bring in the house is just for him. And please, please post the recipe for the blueberry angel food cake…it looks wonderful!
Dear friend,
Wonderful post! You included two of my favorites–pink flowers and cats. I am happy you are feeling better. Have a wonderful Sunday.
What a lovely post , as i sit here with my cup of coffee and imagine being near those lovely trees and flowers, i think i can even smell them , what a marvelous place to live and see that kind of beauty. Would love to visit martha’s vineyard one day. Through your post i feel i have. I’m in love with that stove!!!! You’ve got to give us the recipe for that cake , it looks so yummy! I have all of your books, and reread them often, But would love to have the two books to give to my daughter to enjoy, because i can’t bear to part with any of my copies. thanks for your lovely post i look forward to them , they brighten my day.
Hi everyone, Happy Sunday! Susan, so glad you are all well and enjoying the Spring! Your garden additions sound wonderful. Enjoyed the photos. I love the chance to win one of your books. I have them, but would love to share with my sister — my best friend for 49 years!
Dear Susan, Your work on your blog is a strong beam of sunshine into our souls. Winter has left; my new-this-this-year pink tulips have finally opened this past week, right beside some daffidols. Some forsythia are blooming down the road and the apple trees are going to be sparkly soon when they have more buds open. It’s raining, 53 degrees in NW Pennsylvania- a good day to curl up with a good cuppa and a book. Wish your new book was right here in my lap so I could go read and shut out the gloominess! If I was lucky enough to win these books, I’d send them to my daughter in California. She works very hard, runs hard (did 18 miles yesterday) and she needs to relax a bit and watch the world sparkle more! Tommorrow’s my birthday and I still look forward to it. Glad your cold is history!
Happy Birthday Susan!
Thank you for the touch of spring! Can’t wait for A Touch of Romance! Have mine ordered. In the meantime, would to have these two books to bide my time!
Debbie
It is a happy day here too in Alabama! We had afternoon spring shower and I enjoyed it on lovely screened porch that was cleaned up yesterday for the season. A gentle rocking on the glider inherited from the grandparents wrapped in a quilt from an aunt. I love spring!
I do have a couple of your books and they do make me smile….but I don’t have the two you are offering in your giveaway! Would make me very happy to sit with a cup of tea and browse through my new books! You always bring a smile to me…thank you for that!
What gorgeous pictures and I’m still swooning from seeing Jack, I’m truly in love with him and his soooooo cute mustache. Yellow brightens a day! About 9 years ago hubby and I decided to paint our dining room a soft yellow trimmed in white. It was so cheerful we decided to extend to the kitchen and breakfast nook. It was so much more cheerful we said, “What the heck,” let’s paint the connecting living room the same soft yellow. After all these years we still love it. It brightens a foggy winter day that we often get in the depth of winter in the San Joaquin valley. Early this morning I picked the first blooming peonies and am now enjoying the gorgeous pinks in a room of soft yellow sunshine and reading your blog, a perfect day! Hubby pulls up next to me when I say Susan has a new post! Thank you for the happiness. 🙂
What gorgeous photos, your trees are so beautiful. Love this giveaway, I do have the The Summer Book but it would be perfect for a friend’s birthday coming up soon! xo
Oh how happy reading your blog makes me! I love the photos, the drawings, and your words. I would so love to have these two books you are planning to give away. I don’t have them and know I would enjoy them over and over again. It’s a cool, rainy day here in my area of North Carolina so viewing your cheery photos of flowers and kitties brightened my afternoon. Thank you!
Happy Sunday, Susan,
Spring always feels like a time of rebirth to me and it seems as if you are experiencing yours. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos. You’ve inspired this Master Gardener to get off her butt and go out and find some flowering trees to plant around my acreage. You’re absolutely correct. You can never have enough beauty around you!
Enjoy your walk,
Linda
Just love the flowers and it is so refreshing to see up and about. Hope you have a great day. Put my name in the drawing for the books. thanks! The buds on the trees are just starting to come out around here. Love the smell.
Susan ~ I always look forward to seeing your most recent post. Loved your cheerful yellows this morning. Forsythia and daffodils make such a great bouquet. Glad you are feeling better, tunnel vision has subsided, and you can share some cake and tea with friends. The photo of the Blueberry Angel Food cake drizzled with lemon makes my mouth water! Yum! The two books you are so generously giving away would be a special treat for me. Looking forward to summer and celebrating friendships are right at the top of my list these last days of April.
Sending good wishes for more lovely spring days. ~
Hi Susan
Wow the flowers you have in your yard are amazing. The pictures are beautiful. Lucky you to have so many pretty flowery trees. We lost all our trees and plants in last year and the year befores hurricanes. We are working to get our yard pretty again. So far I think we are doing good, lots of veggie beds and new trees planted already this Spring. I can’t wait till you post the blueberry angelfood cake. Looks scrumptious. I would love to win one of those books. Hope I do win.
happy weekend Susan, glad you are feeling better
deezie
So sorry about your trees Deezie. We have hurricanes here too, so I know the terrible damage they can do!
Jack looks wonderful, Girl Cat looks gorgeous, flowers are so pretty and the cake looks delicious. This post was a treat for the eyes indeed. I love the two books you’re giving away and I would love to win them and start my beautiful daughter off with this collection
I think “Lighthearted” is the theme of the day! The sun is out after 2 days of non-stop rain and it is actually ‘work up a sweat warm’. Glad you are feeling better and happy to know I am not working off the creative winter weight alone 🙂
Oh Susan I would LOVE the Summer or Girlfriends Forever book for myself! I have looked for them for the past few years and they are hard to find. Summers and girlfriends are on the top of my FAVORITE LIST! So hope Vanna draws my name and you can personalize the book for ME! CINDY. Have a friend Nancy who has many of your personalized books when you lived in Arroyo Grande……we hope to see you there in the Fall for your new book signing. Love that Jack, he finds the best places to look down upon you with love in his eyes or that fact he knows something you don’t, yet..
I did the same thing this morning since it’s so sun-shiney here too. Took pictures of all my blooming plants to post on FaceBook so everyone can see what our little corner of the world looks like today. Our crab apple tree is in full bloom and spectacular! I’ve got violets growing just every where, grape hyacinths nodding all around the deck, bleeding heart showing off as it annually does. The wall of forsythia I cultivated years ago is a riot of yellow. Spring…….yessssss. So glad to hear and see you’ve come out of the tunnel and into full light again…..chickietita. You rock girl!!
Hugs from the mainland…………
I especially LOVE the tree cuttings in the vase…how beautiful they look. AND,
yes please, the recipe for the angel food cake would be nice…strong request…as you asked for! It just looks soooo delicious. So glad you are bouncing through the house, out into the beautiful air and enjoying life to the fullest. That is what it is all about!
I’d love to win these wonderful books.
As beautiful as the rich colors of Autumn harvest are, the vibrant shades of green in the spring bring the abundance of fresh starts to our world. Spring colors do indeed make us light of heart! Happy Spring colors!
So, so glad to hear that you are all well again and that the book is complete. Spring is glorious here in Lancaster County, PA and I understand your joy in the colors that surround you. Now we will all look forward to the publication of your work.
Thank you for sharing all this beauty with us! I love hearing from all the “girlfriends,” too! If I win the Girlfriends book, I’ll give it to my childhood best friend, Dolores. She’s 76 and I’m 75 — how amazing!
I love my blog because it has 10 year olds and 90 year olds and all of us in between! Lucky Lucky! Just like you and Dolores, lucky!
Thanks for a beautiful, spring time post. It really does make you feel “lighthearted”. Thanks also for the opportunity to win the books. I would love to give them to my daughter. She is 10 and is always looking over my shoulder when I read your posts.
Thanks!
When I finished my Girlfriends Book I realized I had written a book for 12 year olds! Please say hello to her for me!
Ooooooh Susan, I would dearly love to win those two awesome books. I already have both of them but, guess what? If Vanna would pull my name outta her hat, I would keep your autographed ones for me, myself, and I and share the other two. Kind of sneaky, huh? But I just feel it’s the right thing to do for moi! Adored all the spring flower pictures today. Here in MN, we have our very first warm days in FOREVER. The longest winter on history, by far. But now we will enjoy SPRING all the more.
Such a lovely, peaceful & fun post! I’m so glad you feel well again and also that you feel like you are “back” again.:) It’s so good to have you here!:) And Jack! And Girl Kitty!
I love the way Jack hi-jacked your photo session. What a sweetheart he is — he recognizes the chance to be in the lime-light when he sees it, huh? Smart kitty that one is!:)
I am so very, very excited to get “our” book when it rolls off the presses! I will think about you and your “stick-to-itiveness” (did I just make a new word:)) when I sit down to enjoy it. Reading about your tunnel vision somewhat reminded me of years ago when we would be doing craft shows all year long — and finally when the last one of the year was over I felt like I had returned back to earth from another planet where I was kept so busy there was little else to be able to focus on except what to make/create next and then to create it to keep our loyal customers happy and interested.
Thanks for your wonderful post and pictures. I always look forward to being able to sit, relax & read your posts when I see them in my e-mail box and will most always wait until that time is available before I even open the e-mail. Because there is no reason to “be rushed along with the rush of life” when it comes to wanting to enjoy your posts.:) They are truly highlights of my day whenever they become available.
I’ve had a dream to write a children’s book about a wonderful experience we had as a family years ago — maybe I’ll get it accomplished someday. Not too sure where to begin though…………I think it would be fun.
Thanks again, Susan, and enjoy the rest of your Sunday! 🙂
Oh and thanks for the chance to win the “Summer” & Girlfriends Forever” books.:) I just bought 2 of your “Days From the Heart & Home” books at Barnes & Noble on Friday evening — one for myself and one for a friend. Love that book!
I didn’t know where to begin either, but I found out … you do a page, then you do another, and after a while, they are a pile. Oddly easy, but never seems so when you look at the thing as a whole. xoxo Sue
I’d love to win your books. Could you include a duplicate of Jack, too? I just love looking at your pictures of him.
I would like to clone Jack so we could put kittens in the web store and everyone could have one!
What a wonderful idea, Susan! 🙂 I have no doubt you would sell a lot of Jacks! 🙂 How cute a thought!
I’m sure we would! And imagine how fun it would be in the studio! 🙂
Ahhh, yes. Just the thought of it makes me chuckle and smile big! 🙂
Hello Susan! This is a beautiful and up-lifting blog and I can hear the joy in your voice. Of course, even when you are under deadline pressures and ill you ALWAYS sound positive. No wonder there are so many FOSB out here. . . we are all drawn to the blessings you share.
Congratulations on finishing the last details of book creating!! I can’t wait to see the finished product after the delicious peeks. I’m also looking forward to the blueberry cake recipe and hope it’s not delayed too long. Thanks for the book give-away opportunities too. One of the best parts of the give-away posts is to read all of the extra comments. Such a supportive community you’ve put together, Susan. I love being part of it!
It’s truly been a joy in my life! Blogs! Who would have thought it!
How renewing to see all those lovely blossoms! It’s been dry in south Texas, but last night we were lulled to sleep with blessed rain–4-1/2 inches of it! Thank you for sharing your part of the world with us.
4 1/2 inches of rain, how wonderful Joan!
So glad you are free now to enjoy . . .count me in on the give away!!
Dear Susan,
I introduced my 83 year “young” Aunt to your cookbooks 15 years ago…I have given her almost all of your collection. My Aunt is blind now but can still make recipes with assistance…pies are her specialty. I can’t think of you without memories of my Aunt Iris. Thank you for the memories!! xoxo Susan
Please put an arm around your aunt and hug her for me. xo
Absolutely Gorgeous pix!
Your statement that the pink pear blossoms are like a prayer paints a beautiful picture of thankfulness to God for springtime. I am so glad it has finally arrived in the Midwest. Please enter me into the drawing for the books.
Happy Spring Susan! Isn’t it just beautiful today?! Today is a perfect spring day. I loved your post and that cake looks delicious. Honey Crisp apples are amazing. We picked them at a farm a few years ago and have been hooked ever since. I can’t wait to read “A Fine Romance”.
Enjoy your week,
Maureen
spring on the vineyard is nothing less than beautiful…in michigan, we are just waking up our flower beds and the small tiny buds are just forming on the flowering trees..we are several weeks behind..but i am always patient. it is worth waiting for…… the fragrance and the enthusiasm of each little green shoot coming up from the warming soil. we cleaned the beds and were surprised at the may apples that were poking up, as well as the butterburr and the entire herb garden.
Happy Spring Susan! I’m so glad you’re feeling better. XO
My daughter, Kylie McKee, turned 22 on Earth Day! Spring is a special season and as she just stated upon looking at your photos – you and your talents have played a pivotal role in seeing the beauty in the blossoming of life that surrounds her day! Thank you for touching and teaching my family with your clever and brilliant voice! Happy, happy Spring!!!!
My best to you…. Kelly Wheeler
You had me at “heaven’s sugar cake”….. Then you had me wanting a truck pulled up to my backyard with a pink flowering tree! Could I have both? Sweet smiling post today. Life is good….
xoxo 🙂
Oh how I would love the two books as I await A Fine Romance!! Thank you for sharing your New England spring!
My daughter, Abby, who lives in Lesotho, would love to have these two books to remind her of “home.” We are undoubtedly your greatest fans!!
Congratulations on the musica OK and the final page of your book. And the last of the soda straw vision. So glad to have you feeling well and back in full force. Love the spring photos, especailly since we dont get much of that here in Az. except what we buy at Trader Joes.
Thank goodness for Trader Joe’s in more ways than one!
Trader Joe’s is the cats’ pajamas!!! so good and all organic!!!
What a lovely post and such a great time of year for you to be “re-entering” the world as we know it!! I tracked down your two give away books on Amazon last year but would love the chance to pass copies on to a close friend who is a new reader to your blogs.
Oh how I would love to spend a day with you…it would be filled with watercolor images and no harshness. You brighten my days, Susan Branch. THANK YOU!!!❤
hi susan…i can feel your “feel good” right through the computer!!! Isn’t amazing how REALLY good you feel after feeling so rotten with a bad cold? So glad you are better!! Dogwoods have always been my favorite spring tree…right after the lilac bush.. spring is running late around here..but I expect a burst this week..sunny and 80’s!!!! That should do it 🙂 thanks for another uplifting post….you are always an inspiration..reminded of this..” the greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but reveal to him his own..” Disraeli and that..you have done my friend… love, cindy
OH MY Cindy, when I think my cup runneth over, I just have to go get another cup, because I would never spill that wonderful quote and your comment. Thank you so much. xoxo
I’ve given so-o-o-o many of your books away that I’d LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to have signed copies of “Summer” and “Girlfriends” to keep forever!!! Can’t think of anything that would be as wonderful. . . .
EXCEPT for maybe the trip to England that Susan gave me the courage to act on AND to sail on the Queen Mary 2. My sweetheart of nearly 48 years and I plan on having a wonderful time!!! Hopefully, this trip will give his mind a rest from his cancer.
Thanks Susan for TWO musicas this time; LOVED them both!! Good ole’ timie music when one could understand the sweet words.
Does anyone know how to get responses to their comments sent to them via their email address?
Karen, don’t you go really soon? I’m tracking you!
Oh that angel cake with blueberries looks too yummy to pass up!!!!! What’s one little piece? Thanks for sharing the beautiful spring pictures. I have about another 3-4 weeks until trees start blooming here in northern Illinois. We do have a few daffodils blooming though! Ah spring a breath of fresh air! Glad to hear you are feeling like yourslef again!
Loved the spring flowers with the rain in the background, and of course your fur baby on top of the fridge!
A HAVEN OF BEAUTY !!!!! No matter what the day brings reading and devouring the most beautiful pictures and illustrations that you so generously share with us brings me peace and joy. Thank you. Everthing you do is filled with such Love and Care………………you are very much appreciated !!! Would love to have the Angel food Blueberry Cake………………….mmmmmmmmmmmm Good. Bless you and much love…………dee
Great explanation about the writing process, Susan. I know EXACTLY what you mean! I’m looking forward to when the world looks all new again, but right now I’m in the tunnel vision stage. People say things and I only 1/2 hear them! Even my husband says, are you there?! I can’t let go of my “book people”, but I will get there and everything will be sunny again, like you! Thank you for the lovely blog, all your flowering trees and the loveable delightful Jack!
I thought it might be “normal” when working on a big project, to go there!
While I am “dying” to have one of your wonderful books, I would like to take the opportunity to PLEAD for the Blueberry Angel Food Cake recipe too!! How “cruel” to show us the lusciousness and NOT provide the how-to!! 😉 Every recipe of yours that I have tried has been a HIT!!
In all seriousness, I thank you for the lovely “walk” about your home to see the flowering trees etc.! AND, of course, for the kitty pics!! They make the day lighthearted 🙂 Glad to hear you are on the mend too and feeling a bit inspired by your motivation to exercise and eat better (except for that cake)!
NO!! I WILL NOT give your book to anyone else should I be fortunate enough to have my name drawn . . . but I would SHARE it!! Hope that is acceptable!! Happy Spring!!
Blueberry Cake Recipe coming soon, I promise!♥
Wonderful colors, wonderful spring!! Absolutely love the flowering trees! Pink has always been one of my favorites. All the petals so dainty and sweet are absolutely beautiful. So very glad that your nasty old cold is gone and you are feeling good once again. So nice, I’m sure, to get out and smell the wonderful sea air! Please don’t make us wait too long for that cake recipe. It looks wonderful and I love angel food cake and I love blueberries too! Hoping I might just be the lucky one this time when Vanna draws a name. We’ll see!
I have been a huge fan of yours since you were writing for Country Living magazine in the late 70’s or early 80’s. I have nearly all of your hardbound books and am now anxiously waiting for your newest, A Fine Romance. The one book I never purchased was your Girlfriends book and I would like to get one for myself and my daughter, who is my best friend.
Two of our four kitties are just like Girl and Jack. Ours are Anna & July Johnson (after the sheriff on Lonesome Dove). Love all the kitty pictures and stories. Can’t let the names of our “girls” go by ~ they are both tabbies, Hazel & Sylvia. My husband calls them “the orphans” as they are on loan (I think a permanent loan) to us from our daughter as she attends graduate school.
It is 74 here in western Washington today. All your lovely and ‘dreamy’ spring pictures just is the topper to our Sunday afternoon.
Look forward to each and every note you write ~ it just makes my day. Love,
Kathleen
Oh, Susan…”Lighthearted” is such a good word ! Glad you are feeling all better and enjoying this wonderful time of the year. Your garden and trees look so beautiful. I am just in from washing the furniture and setting up the screen porch for another season. As I sit here at the computer the door is open and I can hear a bird singing ( I wish I knew what kind) – and oops, there is another one. It reminds me of the bird singing when your site opens ! Have both those books but would LOVE to win them for my sweet niece…I gave her an SB Days book for Christmas and she is enjoying it so much….this would be a fantastic follow up. PLEASE share the recipe for the cake….I thought you would laugh at this comment – we just came in from washing the porch and my wonderful husband John was peeling an orange for both of us, he turned to me and said ” I am amazed that we are not on the cover of a fitness magazine with all the fruit we eat…and, really – we could be walking for an ice cream cone and we are being so good, eating fruit !”. As you said in your last post…little steps !!! Glad all is well in your world…thanks for sharing it with us !
Cute John!
Hi Ann Y!
I was wondering if I would know anyone on Susan’s blog, and there I read your comment, and knew it was you and John! I think of you whenever I go to the library or go to Reading to see my mom…hope all is well (and it sounds like it is!)
Susan Martin (Orwigsburg!)
Love this!
Susan………such beautiful flowers and kitties! Spring is just beginning to show it’s colors here in Indiana……..the forsythia is just starting to show it’s beautiful yellow. Our new Whole Foods store just opened and we are in our glory.
Bunches of Hugs……..Nettie
I so enjoy reading your blog. The joy you find in every day really comes through. I think you must truly live by the saying “Enjoy the little things for someday you will realize they were the big things.”
Susan, I’m just back from a trip and was so afraid I would miss seeing my daffodils and forsythia bloom….but I made it back in time and the lovely lemon color cheers me every time I look outside! Linda
I have and love both of these books, but would love to give them to my daughter who will be getting married this June. She will be living in the country, is dying to get a garden started and the Summer book would be a joy for her. Is there going to be any other new books coming besides the one from England? I’m ready to add the next new one to MY library!
I’m going to keep going, but haven’t decided the direction quite yet!
What a beautiful and uplifting way to spend a Sunday afternoon-viewing and oohing and aahing over your beautiful photos!! And, that blueberry sponge cake sounds like a, “let’s try it”!!! Please, please send the recipe. Isn’t Sunday the day to break fast/diet??!!! Hope so!!
Susan, thanks so much for the lovely cherry blossoms and daffodils today, and delighted to hear you are free of your having to be so very focused for so very long and are skipping downstairs and tap dancing (at least in your heart) and savouring spring and all things spring! And sharing with us, as usual! We’ve been celebrating my birthday for the past three days (it was yesterday). Thursday a friend and my son, Michael, took me to The Cheesecake Factory for a birthday lunch, where we ended a lovely meal with three forks and the Chocolate Truffle Torte Cake; Friday, I got the surprise of my life when a man showed up at my door with a brand new bicycle with a lovely detachable straw basket on it: Michael and my daughter Elarka got together and came up with a great surprise for Mom! Yesterday I opened presents and cards from friends and had my own little wine and cake and ice cream, watching reruns of Downton Abbey. Today your post carries the birthday sparkles into another day! Sixty-seven; now when did that happen? “Ain’t it funny, how time slips away….” I’m very grateful for my health, my family and friends, and the beautiful world! And this beautiful blog, and you, Joe, Jack and Girl Kitty; and all the girlfriends, of course. A beautiful day and a beautiful life to all!
Happy Birthday Victoria!!!
Yes, Happy Birthday Victoria!!! 🙂
My copies are worn slap out so I would love shiny,new, autographed copies. I have had a wonderful weekend filled with family,friends and good times . I got online to check in with you and it made me so happy to see those amazing flowers. Thanks for making my world a little brighter!
Sounds like a lovely Birthday! May the happiness continue all year round. I love my bike w/basket too . . . I will be 71 in July :).
“Honey, say something so they know you’re there” CUT! Hahahaha!
Unplanned too … he said it and then he cut! 🙂
Beautiful pictures! Beautiful trees! So far we’ve planted two additional Bradford Pears, two redbuds, one red maple, and one forsythia bush……need a couple of Japanese maples to round out the front bed. Happy Spring Susan!
Gorgeous!
Oh, once again, you have brightened my day! How do you always know the “just right” words and pictures for my personal pleasure? Would that I won those books! I’d give one to my only remaining sister (our middle sister died a couple weeks ago), and the Girlfriends book would sit on my table surrounded by all your bookmarks that I’ve printed! Win or not, I am happy to see your blogs and wait anxiously for each visit with you and Joe and the lovely cats! Thank you always.
Oh Mary Pat, that’s very sad news. So sorry to hear about your sister. Sending love to you xoxoxo
Perhaps they are not stars, but openings in the Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines upon us to let us know they are happy. With my deepest sympathy for the loss of your sister Mary Pat.
Marie, thank you. I had not thought of that sentiment in such a long time. I feel sure my sister along with her husband are peeping down on us always.
Thank you, Susan. My sister was one of those courageous cancer fighters.
Oh Susan, Thank you so much for sharing your flowers and sunshine!! I would love to win your books.
What a generous giveaway! A true celebration of finishing your newest book. It’s a warm spring day up here in NH, too — things are really just beginning to flower in our area, though.
So glad you are feeling better. We have been working out in our yard all weekend and everything is beautifully green in North Texas. In about 4 months though, there will be alot of brown from the heat. But we really enjoy this time of year.
We’re enjoying the dogwoods here in Tennessee. It seems our spring blooming period gets more compressed each year! Love the cool days to savor the blossoms.
Thanks for all your beautiful books–I can only imagine the hard work that goes into each one!
I love the video and please give us the recipe! And pick me, pick me! I’ll be so good!
Xxx/ooo Barbara 🙂
Sweet Sue, loved all the flower photos….we have just a hint of green here and there, but not a forsythia nor a pear blossom in sight — yet! Would love to win your books, but know that you have hundreds of names to select from. Congratulations to whoever it might be! I heard talk on the radio the other day – someone (didn’t hear who) ended up sitting on a 16 hour plane ride next to David Lee Roth – so that got them to thinking, if you had a celebrity sit next to you on a super long plane ride who would you want it to be? I told my friends, Susan Branch! oh the things we could discuss!!! recipes, books, movies, food, tea, England, our husbands 🙂 you meeting the Beatles, gosh we would be best friends after that plane ride! Inseparable BFFs! I transplanted a dogwood tree from a friend’s woods and hope it “took” and survived the winter, time will tell.
I have had wonderful conversations with strangers on planes!
Barbara, I’d love to win a 16 hour plane ride seat next to SUSAN BRANCH too!! What a clever thing to think about today. Thank you.
Pick me Vanna!
So enjoyed your post with all the spring flowers. So springy and cheerful! And, of course, I love Jack!. I would be thrilled to win your two books….I don’t have either one of them so it would be perfect to receive them to go with other books and calendars of yours. Your artwork and lettering is so special! Thank you for sharing your talent.
Love your flowers! You make my world slow down a little and enjoy the simple things in life.
My mouth is watering looking at that blueberry angel food cake! I’m looking forward to the recipe ~ and while I hope it’s sooner rather than later, I don’t want to deter you from your goal! (Can I at least lick the bowl in the meantime?) Keeping my fingers crossed that Vanna selects my name to win the Summer Book / Girlfriends Forever books! I don’t have either one so would be so honored!
I loved your little sifting flour video. I use a sifter like you, but mine is not as fancy! 🙂
Well, you know how you do something the way your mom taught you and imagine that everyone does it the same way? That’s what I was thinking when I made this video, how many ways there must be to sift flour that I don’t even know about!
Everything you do and say is simply beautiful and delightfully awesome. Oh to have a heart that sees the world as you do. You are a blessing to so many! Hugs! LC
Today’s post was a breath of fresh, sunny air. Thanks Susan. I would love to have the recipe for the blueberry cake and of course, would really love to be the winner when Vanna does her thing <3
I loved all the pictures of spring flowers. What was I thinking when I moved to Florida that just because it was sunny all year we would have such beautiful flowers. Reality shock, No just plain no lovely spring flowers! Thanks for sharing and giving us transplants the joy of Spring. We have a little bookstore in our town and only have your books at Christmas on the shelves and in a very limited selection. I will have to make a trip to the city, hopefully in the near future.
I would love to win one of your books to add to my collection. Thank you for being in my life! I have purchased a few of your books and items. Such a joy!
Welcome Ba aack (Insert the “Welcome Back Kotter” theme song here)…. It must feel wonderful for you to be done AND have glorious weather and flowers to enjoy, and feeling healthy again – all at the same time. Congratulations! Well done!
Your photos are fantastic – just the perfect combination of lovely flowers and kitties. Thank you for sharing. I have preordered A Fine Romance and am looking forward to receiving it – and hopefully meeting you on one of your book tours (Chicago area). But it would be wonderful to receive a couple books from this give away… C’mon Vanna, pick me….
Also, I would LOVE the recipe for your blueberry angel food cake. It looks amazing. Thanks again for all you do.