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!
I feel light hearted everytime I read your blog, thank you!!!!
I have always felt like I was a cat in another life. In this life I want to be Jack!
I’ve always said I want to come back as one of my cats! 🙂
I love the spring photos of all the flowering trees in your neck of the woods. We are a little behind you in the midwest but it gives me something to look forward to.
Thanks for having the giveaway with such wonderful books
Cheryl
I love your posts – they are like taking a mini vacation for the reader 🙂 I would love to win a copy of your books. Thank you for the time and effort you put into each post. Have a blessed day.
Congrats on finishing your book! Spring time is especially beautiful to me this year as well because I finally get to start all my gardening projects that I have dreamt up over winter. Good luck on your weight loss goal. The pounds sure go on a lot easier than they come off. :{
Dearest Susan,
Here in the mountains in CO, we still have snow in large patches and your spring flowers just make me so happy. I LOVE all your pictures, flowers, Jack, Joe shoveling and inside your home. I have to come to Martha’s Vineyard some day. What a beautiful spot in the US. I, like everyone else, would love to win one of your books. We had a house fire several years ago and I had all your books. They are G-O-N-E. I keep looking in used bookstores and garage sales, but no one wants to part with them!! I wouldn’t either!!
((hugs to you and Joe and Jack))
Bonnie
Your photos are so beautiful. We are having a late Spring and can hardly wait to see all our flowers and trees in bloom. Hope I am a winner.
Hello Susan and Girlfriends, Here in Tulsa spring is settling in slowly. The Bradford pear trees have bloomed their white blooms, the azaleas are blazing, the tulip trees have bloomed, and my beautiful white dogwood tree has burst forth with gorgeous blossoms. It’s just warm enough to visit the nurseries for annuals, so I’m getting my flower beds ready to plant with geraniums and other bright blooms. I’m ready to get outdoors after a cold rainy early spring! Thank you for sharing your life with us, Susan, and giving us a window into your lovely home and family.
Sherry K xoxoxo
What a beautiful, beautiful day brightner! Thank you!!!
Susan: It would be an honor for me to have signed copies of these books from you. Please put me on the list!
So glad you are finished with your wonderful book of the UK. Can’t wait to see it and add it to my collection!
Enjoy the lovely Spring!
I am glad to see spring is beautiful at your home as well. I thought it was all mine. I am in Virginia and the Dogwoods, Apple trees, and Cherry blossoms are all in full bloom in my back yard giving me a excuse to play out doors via yard work.
Here in Colorado, April showers bring snow blowers! I’m insanely jealous of cheery forsythia and flowering fruit trees. Thank you for sharing a bit of yours — it was like a promise of things to come.
As usual, a wonderful post! So happy for you that your book is COMPLETELY done. Thank you for the give away. I don’t have a “Girlfriends” book but have given so many to my best buddies so I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
Ahhhh, Susan. Your blog is such a breath of fresh air. Full of joy, happiness, and peace. I have all of your books that I have been able to locate so far, but I would love to have a signed copy for myself, and my sister, who collects them, also. Looking so forward to your new book, too!
Thank you for bringing so much color into our homes! You have a lovely way of describing things.
Your pictures are gorgeous, Sue. No one does spring better than you! You inspired me to plant more flowering trees last year, and when I saw my baby weeping cherry in bloom for the first time this spring it took my breath away. I can see my little saucer magnolia from my kitchen window and its blooms delighted me for weeks. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that our hot Oklahoma summers won’t be too much for them.
The ability to sustain tunnel vision is a gift and I think you have to have it to achieve really big goals like writing a book. I’m glad you were able to tap into it and I can imagine the joy you’re feeling now. It’s such a wonderful accomplishment and it’s sending your joy out into the world. It doesn’t get better than that!
Thank you for doing a lovely giveaway — I have both of the books but I would SO keep the signed ones 🙂 — and thank you for the light you put into so many hearts every day.
Love,
Janie
xoxo
Look at you Janie, all the prettiest trees! So nice to hear from you, thank you! xoxo
What a wonderful post! I could almost smell the rain and the flowers! It cheered me considerably this wonderful morning. Thank you, dear Susan!
You have such a delightful way of “putting your point across”, as it were. 🙂
“Auntie”
Susan, It was a lovely post. Thanks so much. Our forsythia and our daffodils are gone now as are the cherry blossoms. There are still a few dogwood blooms to enjoy. The world is greening out in Georgia. Summer will soon be here. We have had lots of rain and hopefully it will stave off a drought this summer. Enjoy your day and thanks for the lovely start to mine.
Anything with blueberries in it is the best summer treat! Also, thank you for the reminder: during my flea market trips, I need to find a vintage flour sifter. Just love your blog……
Oh what fun to read your blog – a bit of sunshine on a rainy day. (It is raining here in Lancaster as I type this.) 🙂 I would love to win your books. I have borrowed your books from the library, but do not own any. Shame, I know!! Thank you for allowing us to share a bit of life with you. Oh, and I would love your recipe for the blueberry angel food cake. My hubby would adore it, I am sure! I hope you have a wonderful week!
*.¸.*✻✿✿¸.*✻ Hello Happy Girl! 🙂 It was Fun to See You In Twitterville This Morning! I Just Read & Re~Read This Glorious Blog Filled with Magic & Joy! I Love Polka Dots & Moonbeams Musica! Yay! Makes Me want to Twirl! 😉 All Those New Trees & How Wonderful You planted a Honey Crisp Apple Tree I Finally Bought a couple of Honey Crisp Apples & Shared them With Herbster We Both Agree They are the Most Scrumptious Apples! 🙂 & Now You & Joe will Have Your Own ! Amazing! (& Very Smart!) & Jack is of Course The STAR amongst all those Beautiful Springtime Flowers! 😉 (Meow & a Little Tickle behind his ears for Me) & This Give~A~Way Fabulous! Vanna must Be ready to Pick The Lucky Winner very Soon! (Wings~Crossed) Of Course! 😉 I see Your Comments are Climbing! 🙂 We All Love The Chance To Win one of Our Sweet Sue’s Contests! Yay! Good Luck to All of Us! Wishing You Sweetest Sue a Week Filled with Lots of Springtime Magic! Pixie~Dust Everywhere! xoxo Poof! *.¸.*✻✿✿¸.*✻
Hi Angie!! xoxo
I understand exactly about tunnelvision! I have spent the past two weeks in our basement, making a “This is Your Life” scrapbook for my sweet husband’s 60th birthday. Not only have I been lost in his high school years, but have been watching old black and white VCR tapes of 1940’s movies to keep myself entertained. Have you seen “Since You Went Away” with Claudette Colbert? It is so sentimental, so patriotic, and very sweet. I’m almost finished, and am ready to come out of my confines to enjoy what is a very late spring here in Minnesota! Time to take the blinders off and dig in the dirt!
Oooohhh!!! I love looking at the beautiful flowers from your yard… I can almost smell them 🙂 You have the most wonderful, heartwarming blog ever!!
XOXO Thank you!
Susan,
Your “Girlfriends Forever” brought back memories of my first trip to Maine. My daughter, her two young children, and I were on our way to Mount Desert Island to visit two of our dear girlfriends who happened to be aunt and niece to each other. Our lives were very intertwined, so my daughter and I stopped at a bookstore in Freeport en route and purchased your “Girlfriends Forever” to take as our hostess gift (along with a bottle of wine). It so perfectly expressed the joy of our double friendship.
I love looking at spring through your camera lense (and winter, and fall, and . . .).
Thanks for always brightening my day.
Love and hugs,
Judy
Such a nice story Judy!
Good morning Susan from very warm, there went Spring…now it’s Summer, Northern Ca!
I giggled atthe tunnel vision shots of your darling blog. I had major foot surgery in January, and I’m STILL in the mend. It has impacted every last aspect of my life, so I feel just like I’m looking through a straw at everything. And weight gain…eh hem, four months of barely moving around, while friends bring DELICIOUS yet NAUGHTY meals and snacks and treats…let’s just say, I think swim suit season will pass me by! Thank you for always being a bright spot. You are a gem!
❌⭕❌⭕,
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi, Ca
It’s good you wrote your lovely book in the middle of winter. Now that you’re done Spring is doubly wonderful! It’s blooming like crazy in our neck of the woods too – such a beautiful time of year – thanks for sharing your posies! Forsythia makes my heart flutter – such a happy color 🙂 Angel Food cake recipe PLEASE! Everyone knows angel food cake doesn’t have any calories (HAHAHHA). Thanks Susan – happy day xxoo
I can’t believe the beauty of your flowers and blossoms. Here in Holland we have gone from March to May in a matter of days but I fear that most of our tulips won’t be in their grand regalia by the end of the week which begins our annual Tulip Time festival. Last year we had a stem festival as they all bloomed in late March/early April. Will we have a bud festival this year? I am praying the weather dudes and dudettes in the area are correct in their projection of 70 degree days. We may make it out of the woods and into the sunshine yet.
Absolutely loved your beautiful spring flower pictures. Can not wait for the new book. Am glad you are feeling better.
Oh, my, Susan! I’m so very happy you are once again well. I’m packing a teeny wicker basket with hot water, PG tips, sugar and milk and my darling friend and I are boarding the ferry this morning to go to the neatest yarn store on the planet! – Churchmouse Yarns and Teas. Check out the website. They sell Emma pottery and it’s the happiest place on knitting earth, on Bainbridge Island, Wash., across the water from Seattle. Just lovely.
question: Would you remind us how to read your website AND have musica continue to play from YouTube? I remember you explained it once and I’ve tried many times but can’t make it happen — but I don’t still have your instructions . . . Thank you!
Enjoy this fabulous Monday.
I found out it can’t be done on an iPad — just in case! Otherwise, you just click on the MUSICA, when the new screen comes up, move it over with your cursor, and click on the blog again, and it will come on top, and the musica will play while you read. I hope you had a wonderful day, loved the teeny wicker basket!
Thanks for sharing the island spring awakening with us, I was blessed with visiting Martha’s Vineyard on our 50th wedding anniversary and I am counting on a return visit on our 60th ( only 7 more yrs ). Congrats on completing “A Fine Romance”. I will look forward to reading my copy as soon as I am able to purchase it and dreaming of our returning visit to the Island with the love of my life these 53 years for our 60th Anniversary.
OH YES, I would truly love to have copy of either book, I always read your book and then gift it to someone I know that would enjoy reading it as much as I, I sign the book and date read and ask that the book be read foward by passing it on, alwys wondering how far it goes, some have been received by friends who will let me know they know have the book and it always gives me a heart happy feeling to know they are traveling well. Thanks for all you bring to so many! Happy Spring!!
Dee From Kansas.
Oh My!
You have no idea how this ministers to my soul! We still have snow on the ground.
Everything is just CoZy and divine!!! Quilts on the line, oh how wonderful, I can smell them now! YES please do share that delightful cake recipe!!
With JOY!
Lori
I have checked out the Girlfriends Forever book forever from the public library. Tried to purchase it on Amazon forever but of course it is not still for sale. If I could win it my dreams would come true.
Debbie, try abebooks.com. You should be able to find a copy……just in case you don’t win:)
Wonderful post Susan, as always. It always is a great way to start the day. Good luck with your diet. I also am trying to shed some pounds. Hope you will share the angel food cake recipe.
Spring has been so elusive this year, but the sun is shining today! Your pictures really are beautiful. I know we cannot all be winners of your wonderful book giveaway, but I sure would like a peek at that angel food cake recipe. Lemon glaze sounds delightful! On May 16th, its my turn to provide refreshment for the Ladies Council meeting. Ahem. *blink* *blink* 🙂
Dear Susan,
I have missed you! So glad the book is done – I am hoping you will blog more often now. It does make my day to read your cheerful, happy spirit musings and the lovely photographs and see the beautiful Kitties – and your wonderful Joe!
I already own both of these, but would love to give them to a kindred spirit.
Fingers crpssed! Would love to keep one and give one to my Mom!
Thank you for such a cheerful start to my day! It is gray and chilly here in the Berkshires today. You have inspired me to get cutting, and bring some of that beauty inside! I always go to your books for a dose of inspiration and now this blog inspires me too! I can’t wait to see your new book ~ I am sure England will have an increase in tourism!! Congrats also on your #1 google position ~ yippee!
When “Girlfriends” was published years ago, I gave several to special friends and they just raved about it! Our women friendships are SO important to all of us and this book ties our heartstrings together so delightfully, so sweetly and so significantly. Would love to give it to one of my new friends now, and would also love to see it reprinted for all the girlfriends of the world to enjoy. Reminds me of the Girl Scout song “Make new friends, but keep the old….one is silver and the other gold.” I know you remember it, too!
I do!
Hello Dearest Susan,
So glad to have you well and back in full force again!! I miss you so!! The blueberry angel food cake looks amazing..recipe please please please!! 🙂 I love the pictures of all the flowers and sunshine..your quilts flapping in the wind is a wonderful picture. The one of Jack on the frig is priceless!! He is sooo cute!! Thanks so much for sharing!! Glad to hear you are getting fit!! Good for you…I just recently (Well, over a long period of time) lost 50lbs!! I am so proud of myself and if I can do it anyone can!! Yay!! Just in time for my birthday this weekend!! Woot! Woot!! (I don’t mean to brag or to be show-offish.) Just happy as a clam that I could do it. 🙂 Thanks for always brightening my day!! Love and Hugs to you!! XOXOXOXO Tricia B. 🙂
My comment seems to be stuck in “Awaiting Moderation!” 🙁
Yes, there are actually about 300 waiting right now! It’s hot and heavy out there! 😉
You should be proud! WOW! So great Tricia! Must feel amazing! Cute outfit on your Birthday!
Hello Susan! I just spent the past few hours reading over 600 of the 779 comments (so far), hoping to find an answer to my question…..didn’t want to pester you if it had already been asked over and over. Much to my disbelief, only one other girlfriend (“Helen”) mentioned the subject: your beautiful rose chintz dishes. I absolutely adore them, and wondered if you would mind sharing the name of their pattern? They look so familiar; I had a cup and saucer very much like that, however I gave it away years ago as a present to someone who had shown me a dear kindness. Also, my heart jumped when you mentioned the drive from Cambria to Morro Bay…….I was fortunate enough to have a life-long dream come true years ago; I was able to live in Cambria for nearly 6 years, way back in 1987-’89 and 1991-’93. I cherish the memories of those years, and wish I hadn’t had to leave (circumstances beyond my control). I so appreciate everything you share with us; this was a lovely post. Your Jack has really grown into his own, hasn’t he? Glad to see Girl Kitty graciously allowed him to share her territory! Congratulations on completing your book; looking forward to it!
The pink dishes are “Rose Chintz” by Johnson Brothers. Thank you Lisa!
Our fabulous library has your books, but I’d so love to have one in my own library.
Oh, Jack! What a charmer. 🙂
Tunnel vision isn’t just reserved for writers – I’m getting my quilt store ready for a big event this weekend and have been spending every waking moment there fluffing and puffing and getting ready for my company (just as I would if YOU were to come here). This morning as I walked through the house and stepped over piles of clothes and moved stacks of dishes I thought, why can’t I be more balanced? Why must ALL my attention and energy go to the big task at hand? As I sat down for my morning coffee and read your post I see I’m not the only one. (Comforting). I think us creative types just eat, sleep and dream our current projects. I know so many of my ideas come to me as I visualize what displays I want to do. I build and arrange in my mind before I ever start. It’s a full time, tiring job and it takes all my energy. I LOVE it!!
It’s called P A S S I O N . . . and it just can’t be helped. ♥
Ain’t life grand! Spring is a new beginning…. can’t wait to get my vegetable garden started! Your enthusiasm is catching… wish your new book was in the mail today…. but, I’ll just have to wait.
Your blog was lovely – I’m inspired to grab my new camera (a Christmas gift to myself) that I still haven’t broken in yet and find some works of art! God is still the best artist I know!
I would love to win the books as well – I have a dear friend that I would love to give the signed copy of the Girlfriends book. I would have to be a little selfish, though, and keep the Summer one… =)
I loved this blog, spring is so highly anticipated after an especially LONG hard winter here in CT, and after reading your blog I decided spring is truly HERE !
Thanks ever so !
Holly
Thank you Susan! This post DID brighten my day!!! I LOVED your “tunnel” pictures, too! (I am dying to see the book, by~the~way. Might have to ask for it for my B~day :0)
So glad you are feeling better.
XoXo’s to the kitties
I love all the spring photos! And it was really interesting to hear about the tunnel vision you have when writing a book. I know there have definitely been times when I’ve experienced that but I never conceptualized it as clearly as I did after seeing your tunnel photos. I’m so excited for the chance to win the books! I stumbled upon the autumn book at the library this fall and absolutely loved it.
Thank you Ruth!
We drove from Indiana to North Carolina last weekend and it was awe inspiring to follow the progression of Springtime as we drove south. I love the flowers and buds in the Midwest but there is nothing more beautiful than Southern azaleas.
Loved your “spring-y” post! I’ve made little bouquets of forget-me-nots, violets and bleeding heart (just starting to bloom) all over the kitchen so I can revel in the beauty of these small miracles! As much as I love roses and other larger species, these “little” ones have a special place in my heart….don’t you agree? I would love to be the winner of your lovely books….more enchantment! I was sure I heard your big sigh as the last of the book was completed….now it is time for you to enjoy all the other aspects of your life!
(Waving hand enthusiastically!) Pick me. PICK ME! Pretty please . . . I don’t own either and so very much want to. Thank you for sharing your springtime blossoms and of course the purrrty cat.
You have been given a beautiful gift and I thank you for sharing it. I look forward to reading your blog each morning. It is so uplifting with your beautiful pictures, upbeat words and quotes and sharing your hopes and dreams with all. I can’t wait for your new book!
Jackie
Everything is beautiful in your little corner of the world right now… isn’t God grand for giving us so much beauty in our lives. Jack is still as adorable as ever and love seeing pictures of girl kitty also. Thank you for sharing your life and loves with all of us. Judy C thanks you for your generosity always.
Hi Susan, So happy you are all better from your cold. Now its springtime and your flowers are just absolutely beautiful. I must tell you how much I miss the forsythia (we had some big ones in MD) and the daffodils and tulips. They don’t grow in our area. We have lots of other beautiful flowers but we all have our favorites and I do especially miss those so thanks for sharing those pictures!
Now to sifting the flour……….I had seen that video before but had forgotten. I love sifting that way………….so easy with the 2 pieces of waxed paper. I have always used bowls and then have to wash them and this is so neat and so much easier. I will definitely try it this way next time so much thanks to you and to your Mom for sharing. I just made a cake yesterday and had to sift the flour. It was for my bunco group and Joe took it over because I am home getting ready for a colonoscopy. No one likes them but they are very necessary especially since two of my sisters passed from colon cancer! So happy they can check this out and hopefully all your readers won’t procrastinate getting one too. The great thing is that you do feel squeaky clean inside and out! haha There is always a “BRIGHT” side to everything, isn’t there?
Thanks for the opportunity to win one of your books, and I can’t wait till my “A Fine Romance” arrives in the mail one day. That will be such a surprise. Keep enjoying each day. With hugs, Gail Buss, Fl
Good Gail, yes, always a bright side. Thank you for mentioning this, it’s such a good thing to do! Good in a different sort of way, but definitely good!
Thank you so much for your beautiful site. I love having Jack updates. One of these days I will win one of your drawing. Hey, Vanna! Pick me!
Hey Susan, Yellow flowers are my favorite so this post made me very happy…I came late to the Susan Branch Party so I don’t have either of the books. Thanks for the opportunity. Also I vote for receiving the cake recipe sooner than later! Thanks Susan
Good Sweet Beautiful Morning to you ! Wow Congratulations !!! Just got back from a little wandering down South, along Sky Line Drive. What a wonderful world we live in, ohhhhh Spring ! Stopped by Monticello and to a historical park to honor my husbands great grandfather. We had the best little walk-about and visits,only 4 days but that was just enough. This country is amazing and the people in it are beautiful ! We love coming home to our own little “Monticello”. Going is so much fun but coming home is the best. Now out to see what is new in my yard and to feed my birds and make a list of what to plant next. Down south they are about 2-3 weeks ahead of us, here in No.Mass., we have so much to look forward to ! Thanks so much Susan for your Brilliance ! You shine so much I can see a beacon of light from MV. oxoxox to you and Joe and kitties to!
Welcome home Wendy Louise!
Oh I have to go there too!
You have no idea how much you brighten my days! Thank you for being you and for sharing yourself with us.
Dotty Buchanan
Raleigh, NC
Susan,
I am so glad you had tunnel vision, so you could be finished and truly enjoy Spring! I am so glad you have great self-disipline, so WE could enjoy a new book in the Fall!
Since I have found almost all of your books, I have been rescuing some more for gifts. I LOVE the Summer and Autumn books!!! I am so sorry that your Honey Crisps are so…expensive! (One would think you lived in Hawaii!) I should have sent you some for your Birthday.
While re-reading the last blog I saw your directions for SoCal driving. I have always wanted to go out there and look around (especially Long Beach), as we left when I was two years old. I have two female cousins out there, but they live further north. I am torn between the coasts…I can only visit CA. Yesterday we looked at a house in NC with beautiful blooming trees and bushes, but we looking in TX too OR my husband may take a new job somewhere in Europe. I NEED the vacation to CA!!! I need directions and HELP!!!
You should try to go Margot! I can tell you the prettiest parts, which are really above LA and Long Beach, up on the Central Coast, but if your heart is set on Long Beach, that’s good too, just more citified and busy, but lots to do!
My cousin lives outside Sacramento, Fairview. I just wanted to go to Long Beach to see if I recognized the beach area, but maybe memories aren’t so good from 2. I do know that I really like bayberry scented soap and candles, which I always thought strange. One day my mom was talking about pushing my stroller and the wheels were crushing all the bayberries on the ground and the smell just about gagged her. Smells bring memories I guess. So is that why I unlike my sisters HAVE to live near water???
Maybe. Two has memories. Even if you can’t remember them, they have to be there. I love bayberries. You should go.
So you were talking about Routes 1 and 101, does one of those highways go all the way up the West Coast???
They intersect in some places, we seem to lose 1 every so often — it becomes 101. Sometimes both 1 and 101 are there. 1 is the “old road”; usually two, sometimes four lanes (like near Malibu) that include stop lights — 101 is the freeway. 1 is more interesting, 101 is faster.
So happy the tunnel vision is finally gone!
Please, please enter me in your giveaway for one of your books!
love ya!
Jacqueline VH
I want to win but I want everyone else to win too! I feel like you have brought us all together as friends – all sharing a love of all things Susan Branch. We have so much in common and we come from all over the globe. Thank you Susan for this virtual gift of friendships!
It’s amazing isn’t it Michele — makes me so happy that we can find each other so easily these days!
I would love copies of your books, and would love love love the recipe for your blueberry angel food cake with lemon glaze, it looks like a perfect springtime party treat!
I meant to add that my mother was an ardent fan of yours, and loved all of your books. She passed away at the beginning of February, and so now I’m trying to start my own collection!
Susan, Thanks so much for sharing springtime in New England! All the flowering trees is one of the things I miss the most, living here in Florida. It’s definitely a time of celebration! I just reached my 14th anniversary of breast cancer survivorship! It’s such a good feeling. Would love to win the new gift giving contest. Kisses to Miss Kitty and Jack. Love, Kathy
Happy anniversary Kathy, how wonderful!!
i have always thought it is a great deal of work to put out the books that you do…all handwritten and hand painted. it was not until i read in this post what you said about it being “one tiny brush stroke and pen mark at a time”, that i really really imagined ALL the work that goes into your books!!! wow, when you put it like that it makes me appreciate the books i have of yours even more than i already did! have you ever heard of dallas clayton? look him up on google…you will love his story. i have always dreamed of being a children’s book author/illustrator, but have never taken the risk…that inner voice that tells me, “i can’t do it”, or asks me, “why would anyone want to read what you write?” has always won out over my dreams. you have so inspired me though. i have watched and listened to what goes into your books. and now have seen with my own two eyes, that you started and finished a book in less than a year! so maybe, just maybe i can do a little 32 page picture story book (still an undertaking i know), and so what if no one wants to publish it! i can publish it myself on any number of self publishing websites that are available today, and give it to my little boy as a gift. not just to give him the gift of a book, but to also give him the gift of knowing that whatever he wants to do in life he can do it as long as he doesn’t give up on his dreams, and remembers that anything is possible with a lot of faith, hard work, and a little perseverence. so thank you for reminding me of that with your 259 page book. we are very lucky girlfriends indeed, to have been able to witness first hand through your blog the process it takes to write and illustrate such lovely and inspiring books. sending you much love and admiration…
Yes Sandi, everything you said is right, but one more thing, if you don’t try, you’ll never know. For SURE if you don’t do it, it won’t happen. That’s what got me going originally. I don’t think anyone says to herself, hey I’m the greatest most brilliant writer in the world, I think I’ll write a book. More like exactly the way you felt; like, who me? — no way, not me. That’s true for me even after all the books I’ve written. Me, myself and I, we are my biggest obstacle. And I believe that’s true for everyone. That’s why writing is so hard, because every day you must fight yourself to keep going, and ignore that rude little voice of uncertainty.
Love your photographs, especially the ones with Jack. He is a real charmer.
Love the photos of your dogwood tree! Just bought 2 smaller ones for Hubby to plant. They are my favorites! I would love to have either of your lovely books for myself as I am just getting started on my Susan Branch book collection and have neither of these yet. Can’t wait for the book to come out so we can use it to help plan our trip to GB this fall! Enjoy the Sunshine!
HI! lovely photos as usual! ah spring…there is nothing like it; as I write this (at work, do not tell haha), I have a heavily scented rose in front of me…just a single rose that I picked before work – it was just a bud, but then quickly ‘blossomed’ out in a couple of hours. They grow up so fast….LOL.
Have a wonderful week enjoying your beautiful yard and the warm weather! May I be entered into the drawing? thanks!!
Rae
Love the spring pictures and would love to be able to add the books to my collection – Happy Spring!
Hi!
Just a note to let you know that my family is enjoying the merchandise I purchased from your shopping site. The cute ceramic lamb always has a fresh flower in it. We all like the beautiful pillow and rug, as they make our home so much more “homey”!
Best wishes, Jenny
So nice of you to let me know Jenny! ♥
It felt like summer here in central CA yesterday – 95 degrees! Our almond trees are heavy with its fruit, the fruit trees are no longer in bloom, and I think the heat finished off my sweet peas that have been blooming since February! But you have lengthened my spring – thank you for the show and tell. I would so love to win your books, thanks for sharing with us. Can’t wait for the next! When are you coming to see us in CA?
Happy Monday Morning. Have a great week!
Thanks for sharing your garden. We planted lots of flowers this weekend for cherry color in the yard.
Glad you’re back! I’ve missed your posts!
So HAPPY I found your lovely blog!! You are such an inspiration! Love your nature, home, and kitty cat photos and all of your wonderful words! I have almost ALL of your books, recipe cards, note cards, stickies, address books, etc. but not “The Summer Book” or “Girlfriends Forever” books hope to be the LUCKY WINNER!!! to add to my Susan Branch Collection!!! 🙂
My last day before I have to return to work and there is a new post from Susan! My day is already off to a great start! Thank you for the beautiful Spring photos of your garden….it is magical. I have not been on vacation, just had a few days off to have some minor finger surgery, my left hand is all taped up with a splint making it difficult to type. I have been working on some projects around the house. My youngest son Michael has been helping me. Today, if the humidity ever goes down, we are planning to spray paint an antique garden (metal) chair and a wrought iron decorative piece that will hang on a brick wall near back patio. Found this wonderful hammered paint by Rust-Oleum. You can even spray over rust and it covers imperfections. Love it!
I also moved my china cabinet from the dining room into my huge living room. It was wasted in the dining room, now it can be seen and enjoyed! My collections of English china plates, cups, saucers, vases and such. So colorful and delicate, it gives me such joy to look at! An English friend of mine suggested moving it to where people can see it and she was so right. Sometimes, you just need to spend a few days at home for your head to clear so you can “see” what improvements can be made. Normally I work a 40-55 hour workweek. I’m 65 and wish I could retire, but I love working too and as long as I can I will.
My garden is looking good too. Have roses in bloom, iris, peonies, some purple and white daisies, daylilies, an African daisy, a fiber-optic fern (I love it) and geraniums. Also have big pot of asparagus fern which gets so full and lush in the summer, and a hot pink lacewing? hydrangea covered in blooms ready to “pop”. On the lattice out on the deck is lavender colored Wisteria in big long blooms, coupled with a white/purple clematis that has joined forces with it. They have twined together in the most natural fashion and the result is charming. Wish you could see it!
Please enter me into the drawing for the giveaway. I have the Summer Book already but have been unable to find the Girlfriends book. Would love to have one signed by you Susan! What a treasure! So glad you are feeling “normal” again, want to thank you over and over for bringing so much joy into our lives and helping us to appreciate the little things and to make our homes as lovely as we can for our families. I sometimes look at parts of my house or garden and think “Susan would like this”! Keep up the good work. Love you all!
That’s so nice to hear…hope that finger is better soon!
Judy,
We are so close to the same age. Like my job……but….love my home. And as I tell people, I have worked, and I have not worked(stay at home Mom) and I like not working better. And you will love it too! You will NEVER be bored, I promise!
Don’t be afraid to retire if you can afford it! You will be so busy, you won’t remember how you had time to work:)
Chris
I loved the pictures of the flowers,Jack and all the pretty things you posted. We had a glorious weekend here in Wisconsin, allowing us to bike, sit outside and break out the grill for the first time this season. Heaven! I’d love to have the signed books- please enter my name. Happy Spring!
Susan, I would love to win your books!! Here in MI spring is finally waking up. The birds are singing, flowers are opening and the grass is going to need cutting this week. Love your blog and am looking forward to your new book this fall. Enjoy the awakening of the earth!!
Spring is definately here in Eastern panhandle of WV – my plum tree
bloomed – then 3 days in the 80’s and it was over in 4 days, bradford
pears are all over too – grass is so green and my peonies are budded
and lilies of the valley are just starting to blossom – today is cool and
rainy. I sift flour just like you do and as my Mother taught me.
So glad you are over your cold. Looking forward to “A Fine Romance”,
what a huge accomplishment.
I can’t wait for the blueberry cake recipe! It looks absolutely yummy!! Thanks for the chance to win the books. Your blog is so very inspirational.
Thank you so much for brightening up every day thru your posts and the beauty of your messages. I’m collecting your books to pass on to my granddaughters (3) as I want them to enjoy them as much as I have.
I will be lighthearted today…I will be lighthearted today…I will be lighthearted today….deep breath! Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
I love the pictures of the cherry blossoms and pear trees. I can almost smell them. Your artwork is a treasure too.
Susan, your post let’s me revel in an East Coast spring even while here on the West Coast we have moved on from the daffodils and wisteria. And I drool over all the flowering trees. Love them!! Here in Southern Cali. we have planted our tomatoes and pepper and the squash and watermelon seeds have even started to sprout.
I would L O V E the books!! ( even one would make me happy happy) as I never got a chance to get them when they were originally published.
Hallelujah for spring and coming out of the tunnel!!!
And I vote for the blueberry angel cake NOW ! ( I want to make it for a shower coming up)
Good morning, Susan…are all those beautiful blooms from THIS year???…they are absolutely gorgeous…thank you for sharing since we have nothing blooming yet in western Minnesota…HOWEVER~I can report we had MAJOR snow melting this past weekend!!!…FINALLY…whew…I can finally see through your narrow lens that spring has sprung…thank you so much for getting me through the long winter with your lovely posts and beautiful photos…xoxo…
And vice versa! I really can’t quite get over all these wonderful comments. Thank you Girlfriends!
Every year Spring comes to Colorado as a promise of new beginnings. How blessed I feel. I love seeing the flowering fruit trees and spring bulbs–you’re ahead of us! Can’t see green yet, but know it is coming. I have several of your books and would love to see this one too. Thanks for all your posts
The angel food cake looks absolutely delicious!! I would love to win the Summer Book as it is the only one I don’t have and I can gift the other to a dear friend. Waiting patiently for the Fine Romance so that I may finally get to visit jolly ole England. May you enjoy the spring blooming days to come!!
Susan, thanks for sharing your ‘spring on the island’ pics. So happy for you to be able to finish that last page, and BREATHE! And now, the anticipation mounts. Thanks for the chance to pre-order. Can’t wait for my copy to arrive. I see some back porch sitting – lemonade drinking – dreaming of England days in my future! Thank you!!
Love your blog and pictures! Would love a signed copy of your book!
Hey Susan…
So wonderful to view so much of God’s beauty in your yard and lovely surroundings. You are sure blessed by it all, thanks for creating such a wonderful way for me to wake up today! Enjoy your walk with Joe….have a great day. xo Raenell
Perfectly lovely post today…(as always) as so welcome for a rainy Monday..Can’t wait to get my copy of the new book….and see what you spent all winter doing! Glad you are feeling more yourself, Susan, and thank you for the chance to enter for the give away!
Dear Susan,
I would love to see the recipe for the blueberry angelfood cake, with lemon glaze. Angelfood is my favorite cake and this looks delicious!!
Thank you Susan for this lovely encouraging post. You have no idea how you have touched one little person, me, so deeply, enormously! I would love ‘with every fiber of my being’ to win your lovely books! thankyousomuch oxoxox ~P
You lighten my heart each and every day. I just go over the old ones, I never get tired of them when there isn’t a new one. You can feel like you have served a very important purpose in this life!!!! (Not just for me) Love you!
XOXO Such a nice thing to say Mary!
Susan,
So glad that your book is finished and that you can now get out to play. What better time than spring to be have completed it when there is so much out their to enjoy. I do have the Girlfriends Forever, but not The Summer Book. If I should win, I’d give the Girlfriends book to my daughter Mandy because she loves you almost as much as I do. Can’t wait to get my copy of A Fine Romance in the mail though I know it will be a while. It will be extra special because it will be signed by you. I’m anxious to hear about the book signings. but I doubt there will be one near me in South Florida. But a girl can always hope!
Sue in Fl.
I don’t know how you do it. Always lightening my heart and giving me a wonderful way to view the world. I, alas, am a numbers person, and always appreciate your talent and exceptional view of life.
One of the most creative people who ever lived was a numbers person, Albert Einstein, what would we do without our numbers people???
Yes! Pleeease share the Blueberry cake recipe ASAP! We love blueberries, and Angel Food cake – never thought about baking them together! Thanks Susan and Jack for cheering up my Monday morning 🙂 daffodils and flowering trees, and that bright spring green of leaves popping open. I DO LOVE SPRING! (and as a newbie GF, don’t yet have those 2 books and would love to have them!)
What a beautiful post! It was fun to lose myself in it for a while!
I would love to read how you met the Beatles! My hubby reminded me the other day that I got to see them at the Hollywood Bowl when I was 13. What a hoot! I love all the pics of your flowers and Sweet Jack.
1964? Because I was there too!
Hello Susan! Your Springtime flowers are like indoor sunshine amongst the rain!! So very pretty!! Your flour sifting video is adorable!!! I think you and Joe have to start a home baking show on T.V.!!!!! Right? (Jack would be the third partner……a must for top ratings!!!!!) Thank you for giving another wonderful giveaway contest opportunity to all of us Girlfriends!!!!!! Have a great Monday!!!!
I am so excited for Spring to be here. It’s not quite here in the Midwest yet so I love seeing all of your flowers!
Your island looks beautiful in Spring! I don’t like to see time fly by but it is really hard to wait for your new book.