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!
PLEASE share the recipe for the blueberry angel food cake!!!!!! I must bake it at once! Oh, and I’d love to give the summer book to a friend (already have a copy) and keep the Girlfriends Forever to savor myself.
Anxiously awaiting the new book but would love to win these older ones! I love EVERYTHING you write! Have a great day!
Love everything you do.A new book would be wonderful.
Thank you for the lovely pictures of all the wonderful Springtime flowers! My husband and I took a drive around into the hills just past the mountains near our house just this morning, and it was so nice to see the flowers and blossoms coming out. I love this time of the year, new life! You are so generous to your readers, first with pictures, then the chance to win some of your wonderful books, thank you for the opportunity!
I would love to win your books. Although I’ve pre-ordered ‘A Fine Romance’, I don’t have any of your other books (even though I’ve been looking for ‘Autumn’). I love the pics you’ve posted today – we’ve had a few spring rains, and I’d like a few more before the heat moves in. I love the rain – it makes all of the flowers and green things happy, which makes me happy. Have a good week, everyone!
Hi Susan, so glad you are feeling better. Thank you so much for the pictures of all the spring flowers and flowering trees. I live in Florida and do miss the changing of seasons. I too would love to have the recipe for your blueberry cake. Happy Spring to all!!
Hello Susan, so glad you are feeling better! Thank you for your beautiful photos, it really made my day!
Well, we just melted the 15 inches of snow we received for the month of April. 3 blizzards later, is an awesome gift of moisture.
So, the flowers are all just breaking the ground. We are VERY EXCITED to see your beautiful bounty.
Windy Wyoming has shown us who’s boss and we all bow to her mercy.
Jena
Hi Susan,
It’s going to be really hot here this week in Northern California. We always seem to skip over spring and go from winter to summer. My garden is in full bloom and my Japanese Maples just came back from the dead and look absolutely beautiful. Hope you are having a wonderful day.
-Kathleen
Susan, Thanks for the chance to win your books. Love the flowers—we have been getting so much rain in St. Louis the flowers are not lasting very long—sad. Love the blog, the musica, and can’t wait for your book. Glad you are feeling better.
Aaah, beautiful Spring. I’m so ready for it. Your flowers & book pages certainly brightened things up today. So generous of you to give away 2 books. And you rock in the flour sifting department! xxoo
I rock! 🙂 LOL
That does it! I’m going to stop watching the forsythia bloom out the window…after seeing your pictures a/o 4/28, by golly, next year I take the clippers outside and bring those sunshiny blossoms inside! You are pure inspiration!
AND you can bring them in before they bloom, force them inside, and make spring in your house before it comes to the still-cold outdoors!
Susan ~ I just love reading your blog. It always cheers me and inspires me to make my little corner of the world a prettier, more special place for me and those around me. Thank you for sharing your gifts (all of them) with us.
Makes my day to hear that Coni ♥
Dear Susan, I would love to win your lovely books. I am always delighted to find your charming blog in my inbox. It makes me smile. Enjoy your springtime!
Marilyn
Happy Spring Susan! Can’t wait to see the finished product (your new book); I love all of your books and look forward A Fine Romance especially because I have often thought of going to the UK and the Lake District in particular. So pleased to hear that you are feeling so much better!
I would LOVE to win the Summer & Girlfriends books. I have preordered A Fine Romance and am looking forward to it. Please please please I’d like your blueberry angelfood cake recipe at least as a consolation prize if I don’t get the books!
The least I can do!
I love this blog! Always makes me happy to see Susan Branch in my inbox. Thank you for brightening even the rainiest of days. Happy Spring, Susan!!!
Thank you for sharing the beauty in your world! Being a victim of Hurricne Sandy this spring is extra special to me. The light green on the trees, the suprises that are coming up. Thought we lost everything. Not spring! Every tree/bud is more beautiful than the next.
If you ever want to see even more wonderful springtime flowers, come to Rochester, NY for our annual Lilac Festival! This year it’s May 10 – 19. My husband and I drove over to the venue, Highland Park, today and the pansy bed is already planted and ready for visitors. The almost 1000 lilac bushes are well on their way! Thanks for all you do! ♥ Alice
You’ve inspired me on many a long winter’s day and had me putting up more bird feeders. WOuld love one of your books linger over!
~Good Evening~
Your flower pictures look so pretty! ~ I’m glad to be admiring them from afar as my allergies have kicked up and now I have a sinus infection!~ this time of year is a mixed blessing~ I guess I must take the good (flowers) with the bad (sinus/ allergy issues)~ it’s been sunny these last few days~ getting my vitamin D~ so I know I’ ll be back to my old self soon~I’d love to win the books to share with my girlfriends ~just as you are sharing with your girlfriends…..us!
Blessings~
Lynn
Feel better soon Lynn!
Hey Lynn! We just got over the pollen thing down here. I read your jean diet thing, which I use too, because my mother’s nursing friend was told by the Dr. she worked under, to throw out the girdle and buy a pair of blue jeans. I have always remembered that since they told me back in the 60s.
I will be running back and forth to WI soon, as things are not looking good for my mom.
Good evening my friend, Loved all your pictures of SPRING! I think our cool
Spring weather here on the Cape has let our spring flowers last longer than
usual. Glad you are feeling better and your cold is gone. I always hope we don’t have rain and windy weather when all the trees are in bloom! It makes me so happy seeing all the flowers and neighbors out working in their yards and gardens. It’s nice catching up on all the news as neighbors chat while leaning on thier rakes. We have a bit more cleanup this year because of that winter storm. It’s funny to me how it can be still cold and all these flowers grow and boom anyway My pansies had snow on them and it never hurt them. Usually when that happens the leaves get a red look to them. Not this year!
It would be wonderful to win your books!!! And Oh My, autogragphed!!!
Whoever wins will have hours of enjoyment.
Enjoy all the smells of Spring in your home and in your garden!
Would love to enter the drawing. The summer book is a favorite of mine. Would love a copy for my daughter.
Hi Susan, your message today just highlighted our first day of 70 degree, sunny spring day…finally! I wish I had a piece of that yummy cake right now! You always brighten all of our days with your pics and stories. I would love to win either of your give away books. And I count the days till we each receive our copy of your new book. Can’t wait. I know it will be my most favorite book of all!
Take Joy! Nancy
Your words and pictures are as charming as ever, Susan. I would love to receive the gift from you.
Kansas is marching towards spring…finally! I love watching our flowers and trees blossoming as they do each year!
I hope with every fiber of my being that you choose me! I would love to win a copy of your book.
Susan, thank you for sharing your cats with us. I can’t have one because too many people in my family have cat allergies. That nasty cold/flu made the rounds down here in Tampa. It took me three weeks to get over it. I would love to start collecting your books. Congratulations on completing your labor of love.
One of the girlfriends here was telling us that there is a medicine you can put into cat’s food that stops them from causing allergies!!! Your vet would know. Miracle. And supposedly it doesn’t hurt the cat!
love all your books and the blog. always so uplifting, colorful and encouraging. would love to display itin my home. thank.you
I love the pictures of your flowering trees. The blueberry angel food cake looks so tasty! Thank you for the opportunity to win your books.
Susan! So happy that you are back in the “Pink” (and the yellow too)!! So the book is finally done! I’m doing a little dance in my chair to celebrate! Already have our reservations made for next fall for the signing & Remnants adventures!
I have the perfect sister (July birthday) and girl friend (May birthday) to receive those books (if Vanna draws my name)!
Can’t wait to hear about the nursery order – you’ll be so spoiled with your own honey crisp apple tree! I can’t wait for the season again! You were so right about those apples! I’m hooked now & don’t really want other apples!
Have a wonderful sunshiny blossom-filled week ahead! 😉
Cheers & hugs to all!
Susan—I’ve enjoyed your blog so much, and am actually disappointed on days when there is no new post (I’m spoiled)! Love the pics of Jack; we’ve just rescued a little brother and sister set of kittens–Earl Grey and Miss Tiger Lil. I’ve had the Summer book since it hit the shelves way back; didn’t ever find the Girlfriends. Thank you for sharing a bit of spring with us!
Congratulations on your kitties! How wonderful for you — love their names!
Your Girlfriends Book looks like everything my friends and I love. This Sunday has been made perfect by reading your blog. Today was a gorgeous day in New York and the other part of my favorite day of the week, Sunday, was spent sitting on a bench in a lovely park filled with beautiful and colorful tulips finishing Elizabeth Berg’s new book Tapestry of Fortunes. I would like to recommend it since it was a wonderful story about love, loss and the friends we make along the way: a great read. Thanks for being my blog friend!
Springtime Sunday in New York — and Central Park! It’s everything anyone could hope it would be! Thank you Joanne!
Susan, you are such a delight, your artwork, your musica, your friendship, your soul, your outlook on life, your sweet gentle humor… You always make my day! Thanks for the chance to win your boOk! Margy
What a fabulous German name you have!
Dear Susan,
I have LONG been a fan of your books (some of my family’s favorite recipes!), I share your love of quotes AND Martha’s Vineyard (52 beautiful summers in Menemsha), and I have just discovered your blog (ecstatically). But there is one thing that I am more grateful to you for than any other, and that is your inspiration and encouragement to follow dreams and make art. I do little animals (mostly) in pen and ink and watercolor, and your words of encouragement mean more than you know. Thank you for your giveaway, and thank you for sharing your gifts. <3
Discovering rather late that I could draw, and then paint, and then learning how much practice helps make it better, and how happy it made me to learn of all this, I couldn’t help but want to encourage others. I’m glad you felt that encouragement — I had encouragement too, from life stories of Beatrix Potter and Laura Ashley. What goes around comes around. ♥
Love all of your blogs… The pictures of your beautiful home and garden remind me of my grandparents home when I was small. Lots of flowers, and all of the comforts of home. Makes me remember that life is filled with memories and no one should guilt us into “simplifying” so much that we lose all the special pieces that make a home special. Would love to win your books, so glad I have your calendar in my kitchen to keep me company until your new book comes out, can’t wait!
Maribeth
Love reading your blog. I especially loved the Zelda Fitzgerald quote- I’m reading “Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” right now- a great read.
Judy
I read ZELDA by Nancy Milford years ago, have loved her ever since. That is one of my favorite quotes too, especially when you think what the words were to the popular songs in her day — I’ve never had a place to use it before, so was happy to include it in this book on the music page!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for such a beautiful post. I am enjoying seeing all the flowering trees come to life here in Pennslvania. I would love to win the books that you are giving away.
Pat Holland
So glad to hear that you are feeling better and are out of the “tunnel”. Here in Waco my wisteria and roses are blooming at their loveliest, and the weather has been delightful. The corgis and I send our best.
And best to you and your Corgis xo
412 comments already! Oh, dear, everyone wants the books (including me!). So glad you are feeling like your old self again, & thanks so much for the beautiful spring flower pictures. They do make a person feel so light-hearted & have that ‘all’s right with the world’ feeling, which we all need right now. And please, I think we need the blueberry cake recipe right now!
Hi Susan!
Spring has finally sprung here in West Michigan! We have been waiting for it a long time. I’m sure those in our region who have been impacted by the recent flooding are glad for the sun and the warmth, and to help dry things out. I can’t even begin to imagine the work of cleaning up the aftermath.
It is so wonderful to see the yellow daffodils and the blue grape hyacinths blooming together in the garden. The forsythia is just beginning to show tiny bits of yellow.
Excitement “reigns” in my homeland of the Netherlands, as the population anticipates the abdication of the throne by Queen Beatrix, to her son Prince Willem-Alexander, which is to take place on Tuesday, April 30, which has traditionally been “Queen’s Day” for the last 50 some years. The country hasn’t had a King in about 150 years! Pretty exciting!!
Love your Spring time photos; makes me excited for the soft spring rains upon the earth once again to bring everything back to life!
Don’t want to rush Spring into Summer, but I can’t wait to get “our” book, “A Fine Romance”. Seeing some of the pages in your blog post again, makes me eager to have it in hand. I LOVE books~ no Kindles or other ebooks for me. Nothing like a good old fashioned book to savor.
Have a wonderful week~ with love <3
OH My, I didn’t realize that was happening. How thrilling to be there for that, Elly!
It really IS exciting, Susan!
One of my cousins has received an official invitation from the Queen, to attend the actual coronation of the new King! She is one of “only” 500 invited guests to witness this event first hand. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Happy Spring! May Day is just around the corner!
I enjoyed all the pictures of your “blooms.” Here in western Washington, we have a lovely young crabapple tree, an experimental peach tree, as well as plum, cherry, and pear trees and blueberry bushes blooming away. Some of the petals are falling, so we now have “petal snow.” My fingers have been “itching” – some relief came with being able to get the garden plowed and some vegie seeds into the ground. Always enjoy your blog-fun to see how the seasons on the other coast of the country are coming along!
Petal snow, the best kind of all!
Thank you for a lovely and cheering blog….how wonderful to be able to enjoy spring in all it’s glory..cheers
It’s been a long frustrating week topped off with a pesky temporary crown that just pecks away at my few remaining reserves. Thank you for the escape into a Vineyard spring and a reminder that lighter days are ahead.
Ohh Susan…sooo happy for you to be back into the LIGHT!!!
It’s just like Dorothy when she walked into the Land of Oz and COLOR appeared…everything glowed and glistened with the vibrancy of “technicolor”, remember??? Your kitchen looks like it is exploding with Springtime! And it sounds like your heart is too!!!
And is there anything BETTER than GIRLFRIENDS???
I met up with childhood friends (we are now almost 60!!!) this past weekend for a weekend of rendez-vous, reconnection, and rememberance after nearly 40 years apart! Neither time nor life’s detours could erase the foundational bonds of early girlhood in the 1960’s…sharing the “first” Barbie dolls, Brownie Scouts, trading and swooning over Beatle cards, being called in early from recess learning that our President JFKennedy had been shot, playing in each other’s bomb shelters, and the usual “girls only” experiences (slumber parties, curling hair with orange juice cans, reading “Tiger Beat” magazines!). We were witnesses to each other’s lives during a turbulent time, though we didn’t know it…and today still affirm the history that we shared. It’s been decades spent apart–but these girlfriends share a part of me that I cannot even put into words. And we laughed like we were young silly school girls all over again!
Not even Blueberry Lemon Angelfood Cake with Lemon Glaze Icing can trump that! :)))
My favorite thing about aging, so far, is this beautiful long path of memories!
Hi Susan!!!! So glad you’re feeling better!! Amen to that. I’m sure you wore yourself to the bitty bone writing, painting and creating THE most lovely book ever!!
Thanks for sharing your Springtime splendorous photos with us, gorgeous colors!! We’re getting snippets of spring here in central IL, although we’re about to molt from all the rain we’ve had lately – a blessing compared to the drought from last year, but this girl needs some sunshine, blue sky, warm breeze to go along with the delightful cacophony of birds.
Sending you hugs and love and renewed health in abundance.
XooX,
Jeanette
Susan, Darling, I have both of these wonderful books but want my Grandaughter, Madison to have one for her Birthday on June 27th! I hope I’m the very lucky winner!
Love you to PIECES
Carol
…there is nothing like the joy of completing a wonderful project! Your blog today (all of them do) – made me sing for joy! Spring is always so full of hope, rejuvenation and a renewed appreciation for the simple things in life! I am so thankful for all of the beautiful things right in our own homes and backyards; that are ours to enjoy!
I love reading your blog!! I get a few moments to travel to some other place! Thank you! – Lealisa
Susan, you always offer such tremendously wonderful things in your giveaways. I loved this post with your spring extravaganza of flowering trees and daffydils. Not to mention Mr. Jack! I hope I hope I can win one of these books. Maybe Vanna will see fit to pull my name! Take care and enjoy your Spring!!! Blessings from Robin!
Hi Susan~
I so loved your post today! I live in the north country and we have had snow for the past 7 months!!! Your gorgeous springtime photos brought a beautiful light hearted feeling to my northern home this afternoon. Thank you so much for sharing the photos of your beautiful blossoms. Your books are delightful and I would love to have these to share with my grown twin daughters who also enjoy your work. Happy Spring! Debbie
Dear Susan,
What kind of paints do you use? They look very compact.
Do give more about your pretty Girl Kitty.
All best,
Tiah
I use all kinds — tubes and paint sets — even children’s paint sets — I just like having as many colors as possible.
I really enjoyed seeing the photos of all those beautiful blooms. We’re patiently waiting to see some here in Wisconsin in the very near future.
I sent a copy Girlfriends Forever to one of my high school girlfriends several years ago-a perfect gift for a friend who’s been there through the years despite the distance.
Glad you are feeling much better and enjoying the colors and smells of spring! Here in southern Ohio, we are enjoying them, too, especially the dogwood and redbud in bloom.
Would love to win one of your beautiful books – and hope that you will share the blueberry angel food cake with lemon glaze. Looks scrumptious!
Happy Spring to all!
I to am looking forward to the flowering trees I’ve been watching the crabapple in my front yard waiting patiently. I’m also enjoying my beautiful daffodils can yellow look any better? I love Spring!
Hi, Susan,
Spring has finally come to MN (ending Wed. we hear). Someday soon I hope to look out my window and see at least some of the beauty and signs of spring we all enjoy in your wonderful pictures.
Thanks for a chance to win two of my favorite books and I, too, would love your recipe!!!
-Elaine
Hi Susan…..welcome back!!! So anxious for your book to arrive. Looking forward to many more posts on your blog as it always gives me five minutes of dream time.
So glad your feeling better. Can’t wait for your new book.
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for your wonderful blog. Sooo inspiring!! Just brings so much sunshine to my day. Each time I go to the I pad I quickly check to see if there is another blog. I love especially, the beautiful flowers and gorgeous outdoor and indoor photos. Where I live in Australia we don’t have the same blossoms that you have in your backyard. I just love Beatrix Potter ,her art, and her little books. Such an amazing gift that she had. I have just ordered two books from you, and can’t wait to receive A Fine Romance. I think I must have been english in my other life ha ha – just so love everything to do with England..I would love to win the one of the two books that you are offering as a give away.
Anyway, glad to hear you’re feeling better.
Love Shelly
Dear Susan, thank you for a wonderful post is as a friend came over for just a bit but left me so happy and inspired to make my world much happier!
LOVE LOVE JACK.
Off I go to my little garden when at 7;30 have a date with about 20 or so hummingbirds , just before bed time they come to eat , Its magic!
Fingers cross, hoping Vanna picks my name .
XOXOXO.
You scared me girl- I thought you were losing your eyesight! So glad it was tunnel vision for your project and not real life. So glad you are fine and spring is fine and kitties are fine. Spring here in Petaluma is also lovely- so many green leaves all fresh and new; and flowers and blossums and birds. It’s the best time of the year-except for maybe summer, fall and winter. Now rest and enjoy and thank you for sharing such beauty with us.
The flowers are beautiful. Spring is such a delightful time of year. So glad your book is finished. Can’t wait to enjoy reading it. These two other books will be nice to add to my collection. Enjoy your springtime up there.
Congrats on finishing your (our!) book! I am looking forward to it so very much!
Oh yes there was Ginger and Fred , but also Shirley Temple and Arthur Treacher — F Troop , Lucy , Carol , plus Archy! — Andy Griffith…… why can’t we provide for good shows any more ?………
Is it me or them?
You, with F-Troop, tears of laughter streaming down your face — you with Barney Fife and his one bullet — I will never forget.♥
I liked F-troop too. My dad liked the Navy funny show. “McHale’s Navy???”
Your home is beautiful! All the lovely colors of spring! Always enjoy seeing the kitties. Winning one of the books would be fabulous!! You are so generous 😉 Thanks so much to you and whoever wins!!
It would be so thrilling to win your books as I am collecting them and have 3 so far. I would keep the Girlfriends one for myself and give the Summer one (since I already have it) to one of my sisters. A “win-win” situation!
Look at you tap dancing all around!!!! That made me smile, just thinking about it! How in the world does Jack get on top of the refrigerator? Kitties are pretty amazing, aren’t they???
We’ve had a busy couple of weeks, especially with youngest daughter visiting from California. If you take a peek at my blog you can see her blowing out her 30th birthday cake; that’s what she came to visit for!!!! To celebrate her birthday and try on bridesmaid dresses and have mom and sister time. It was wonderful, of course!!
I just LOVE that you’ve finished your book and that, the girlfriends, have had many little peeks into the loveliness of it all. I can’t wait!! I have some exciting news to tell…………….today, we drove up into the mountains because after TWO BIG snowstorms, we had a glorious weekend of warmth and sunshine and guess what we saw? Elk? Yes. More better………
A BEAR…………it came out of hibernation and was scurrying around for good things to eat and I got it photographed like YOU WOULD HAVE…………….
I dug that camera out of my purse and voila….bear photograph. I’ll put pictures up on my blog soon and tweet about it, but it was so awesome!!!
OK….well, we can’t have a Jack because R is allergic, but we have wildlife and it was a thrill!!
I did weights with you this morning. After tearing two ligaments in my foot, I’ve been a little slow and lazy and it shows, so I’m working on wedding arms (in August for middle daughter’s wedding), so I’m right there with ya sista….on the floor, doing those sit-ups and lifting my little dumbbells, and trying to be pretty good, except with warmer weather, I really love organic yogurt, but OK, I’ll try to be better………….
Thank you for continued inspiration……….as always…..
xoxo
Joann
Hi Susan,
I’m so glad you’re feeling well again.
I have to tell you~ in November someone dumped two little black and white kitties at our farm. For some reason when I was up in the middle of the night, I turned on the porch light and there they were huddled by a flower pot. Tiny little fur balls. We have had lots of wild cats around here for years which is good, they keep the mouse population down. We feed them,but they won’t come near us, hissing etc. All of this is fine.
We have fallen hard for these kitties ~Tommy and Annie. They are so sweet! Motors running ALL the time! They tumble and play together, pouncing on each other, playing hide and seek, my husband says God sent them. So, we had them “fixed” and got them shots, we’ve bought them toys and canned cat food. They love us too! It’s just fun and I thought it was noteworthy that they are black and white. Is there something special about b&w cats?
We are waiting on blosoms of any kind here, it was still snowing here less than a week ago 80 degrs today Yay!
Thanks for sharing your life with us. Carol
I forgot to say~ I would like the cake recipe Please!
How wonderful Carol! Such a little blessing. One thing about black and white kitties, they look great with any decor! They must be making you laugh all the time.
They do make us laugh!
Love your blog. Thanks for a chance to win!
Can’t wait for the new book!! What you have shown us looks wonderful. Enjoy Spring! Thanks for the beautiful photos.
Lovely post. I do own all your books, but now I’m collecting them for my mother. So thank you for the chance of winning!
You paint such a beautiful picture of spring,,love those blossoms,,you lifted my spirits on a rare down day,,,and of course would love to add your books to the couple of yours I already have,,,,,Judy
It’s always a special day when I open your blog and find a new entry. Thank you!
My 23 year old daughter has her 1st kitten now, and I’ve been forwarding your kitty posts for her to enjoy also.
Oh lucky her! New kitties are the most fun thing of all!
Thank you for the spring sharing! I’m breathing the fresh air from here…
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Blog. I am new to reading it and am really amazing with your artistry. You have a real talent, writing and putting all the beauty on each blog. I just want you to know how enjoyable your work is. Enjoy the day!
Renee in Oregon
Thank you Renee, and welcome!
Blinders – the inability to see what make our heart sing! Am so glad to hear you have your full vision back and just in time for the beautiful weather with the fabulous flowers & trees. I have told you this before – but it is never enough – you are truly amazing!! The flour demonstration was priceless and, yes, that is the way my mother did it too. Just a shame that she didn’t pass it down to me! I barely bake anymore. So sad!!!! Love the trees you are going to plant. The world is right with all of us and we need to get out and experience the world once again. I am getting ready to travel to Newport, Washington and my wonderful small cabin. There is a little bite of you up there as well. Unfortunately I will be missing the antique show at the Paso Event Center, but I can’t do everything. I will find an antique shop along the way. Driving up in my new GMC Terrain – just me and the road!! Love it! Keep the good news coming our way. Hugs to you and Joe and the kitties. XXXXOOOO Pat
Have a wonderful drive Pat … I have found “Kokomo” by the Beach Boys, to be excellent road music, especially for that tiny bit, coming down from Cambria, rounding the bend into Morro Bay — but it would be good anytime in your new fabulous car! Have fun!
I listen to the Beach Boys EVERY time I head to a beach!!! I FINALLY got to see them last summer!
The excitement has been building since you first mentioned your trip! I am so excited and can’t wait to see your lovely book and begin your adventure all over again.
Thanks for the sunny day of flowering beauties!
Please put my name IN so that Vanna can pull it OUT! (fingers and toes crossed) 🙂
Great post, so many topics and all just so fun to read about. Glad you are so much better.
I am lucky enough to own all your books but I would love to give one of these to my sister for her birthday on May 16th!! It would make us both so happy!!
You have no idea how uplifting and inspiring your blog posts are to ME!! thank you for being YOU! all the VERY best to you, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack–I feel as tho’ you are all family now! ((((hugs))))
I would love to win one of your lovely books!! I don’t have any of them, and would certainly treasure it. Congrats on finishing the book. I know it had to be a long haul for you and now you are done, just in time for the Springtime awakening!!! Loved your post!
hugs, Sue K
Lovely post Susan. So glad you are well again & feeling your “oats” ! Now you will be able to really enjoy the spring :0). Thank you for another chance to win something wonderful.
XO, Linda
Thanks, Susan for such a lovely blog today. I lost my 97 year old mom last week and I have not been keeping up with a lot of things. But I’m feeling better now and loving the beautiful spring up here in WA. Our lilacs are just coming out and it makes me so happy to see them, they were her favorite flowers. Keep blogging so we can enjoy your photographs and music and thoughts! Can’t wait to get the new book!
So very sorry Francie…;-( happy to see you here. xo
I love your blog! Thanks so much for sharing about your life on the island, your train rides and all the photos you take … oh, and of course, the kitties!
Putting my name in the hat….I WISH my Mom was alive so I could give it to her, and I WISH I had a sister, but I don’t….so alas, it’s just me!! (and for once in my life I think I’m worth it!!) 🙂
So happy the final consent came through! Happy too for you new purchases and how pretty they will be looking in your yard! Thanks for the glimpses of your work. . and, I will love having the recipe for the cake when you are ready to share! <>
Happy Spring Susan! Everything is beautiful in your neck of the country! I’m sure Jack and Girl would just love to frolic and sneak among your “Daffs”….Spring smells and looks delish doesn’t it? I hope I get picked to win your books…The only one I have (so far) is Days From the Heart of the Home and “our” book on pre-order…..would so love to add to my library! The cake looks yummy!
I’m new to your blog. I just love it. You are so positive and loving. Thanks for always cheering me!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for the breathtaking Spring colors today! My garden is just beginning to wake up, filling my heart with Springtime joy. After a week of flood clean-up in our basement, I could finally rest and open the special package ~ your Willard collection. What a treasure! I’m only reading one Willard each night, before drifting off to sleep. (I’m trying to make it last as long as I can!) It’s such fun to look back at all of your special highlights of each year. I could just feel your excitement about completing “The Summer Book” and “Girlfriends Forever.” Now that we have shared the writing process of our new book, we can treasure all of your books more than ever! What amazing gifts of the heart!
Love,
Dawn
♡♡
This is my first time posting! Love your flowers! Here in Maine we are just beginning to see the first sign of flowers. There are tiny buds of green peeking out on the lilac bushes. Looking forward to when it is warm enough to curl up on the glider on our screened in porch and sit with my bible and a cup of coffee or tea in the morning with the birds chirping sweetly in the background. My peacefulness before the busyness of the day!!
Welcome Bonnie! Happy spring!
The BEST way to start one’s day!!!
I would love to win your books! I would keep one for me and give one to my BFF.
She has a tender heart and would love your book about Girlfriends. I’m so glad you are feeling better, and that “our” book is finished and your flowers are blooming. Life is good!
Oh I loved this long read this evening, sitting in bed with my dog Spike snuggled nearby snoring gently. Soon we will see all the splendors of A Fine Romance too!
Spring looks beautiful there. I’m lovin’ it in the south too. It is my favorite time of year. Thank you for, once again, having a give-a-way. You’re always so generous. Just go ahead and sign them to “Teri”, I’m sure that’s who Vanna will choose this time. lol
Loving all of your Spring flowering trees, so pretty. Always enjoy pics of Girl Kitty & Jack. The cake looks yummy…can almost taste it. It was a special relaxing visit, as I spent the week at the hospital with my husband who had a brain seizure on Monday. Doing fine now, home, and just gone to bed. So I took a moment to visit.
Happy Spring Wildflower Time from the Hill Country of Texas, near Austin, Texas, where I have been babysitting a few days with 3 of my wonderful grandchildren. This blog and your last one on Earth Day honestly touched my heart. Although a trip to your part of the wonderful USA is definitely on my “bucket list.,” I know there is a possibility I will never get to visit there in person, but your pictures make me feel like I have seen it as it really is, through your pictures. I sure hope I win!
you’re right, i have those books, but i’ll leave a post because it makes me happy to see life through susan’s rosy colored glasses, see the beauty and joy of life and not the sadness and pessimism the papers bring us. i love your take on life! ❤ robin
You can go either way right? Love seeing you Robin!
I love seeing your beautiful quilts hanging on the line getting all airy fresh. A few days ago I went to the Kalona, Iowa Quilt Show and I bought a quilt! A Starry Path pattern in beautiful pastels with white background. I love it and I’m so happy that, although it took a long time, Spring is finally here!
Dear Susan…I absolutely love your blog. You bring sunshine into my days. My mother played piano beautifully and would often play in the mornings to wake me up so I would get ready for school!! She passed away in February at the age of 94…I miss her. So glad you are feeling well. I’m looking forward to A Fine Romance.
Somehow my first comment I tried to send several months ago didn’t show up. Let’s try again. I must tell you I rediscovered your books after many years. I’m 64 now and never thought of painting with water colors, but you have inspired me to try it. I’ve always enjoyed writing long hand and printing, but took it for granted. Thank you for making me appreciate each stroke of the pen. God bless.
Good Judi! Glad to hear that!