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!
Ah, it always makes my day when there is a new post from you. Spring comes slowly to this northern Maine community. I am still waiting for daffodils, and forsythia and such. Leaves are up on the tulips and daffodils, tiny buds are coming along, but it gives one pause for hope. Your photos gave me a smile while I wait.
Thank you so much, Susan, for bringing the seasons to a California girl. I attended college in the Midwest and have longed for the seasons ever since. Happy Spring! Suzie
Jack is so cute can you ship us one of his offspring?
(My husband wrote that. He kinda likes your cat a lot. :))
sure, we ship! But Jack, I’m sorry to say, will never have any offspring. He is one of a kind and will have to stay that way! Fund to have your husband chiming in Kathy!
Oh Happy Day! Yay for #8, all done & gone! Gotta say the tunnel vision picture of G.K. is gorgeous! Have you painted that? Jack, as always is such a charmer, love his views of the world! I’m thinkin’ the blueberry cake is really quite healthy & I should include it in my quest for better health! The blossom pictures are so beautiful, thank you for thinking of us & sending them! It’s hot here & my mini roses burst into bloom so fast, I almost missed seeing the sweet buds! If I were to be so lucky as to win your books, I would want to give “Summer” to my darling granddaughter who is getting married on Father’s Day! And “Girlfriends Forever”, umm I might have to keep it because it would be coming from you dear GF, BFF! Love this blog, you always make “my heart take wings.” xoxo
You are dear to say that Joanie!
Hello Susan! This is the first time I have ever commented on your blog or any blog for that matter! But, I am a big fan of all things Susan Branch so I thought it was about time!! I am at my very core…a hopeless romantic….also, a scrapbooker, a world traveler, a wanabe gardener, a wanabe gourmet, and a wanabe writer. I am a former teacher now stay at home mom of nearly grown kids that have one foot out the door! I have most of your books and have been reading and re-reading them and cooking recipes from them for years! (we make Annie Hall’s Butter Cookies every Christmas)(I often give the Star Croutons as gifts) Your books are my go to source for jump starting my creativity for cooking, gift giving, collecting, decorating and just plain changing the way I am looking at the world around me! Thank you! I use your scrapbooking supplies and I sleep in your PJ’s(sure wish you still made them!) I have always used your Calendars(and save them). All that said….I JUST FOUND your blog as you were finish the new book, about two months ago or so. LOVE! and the Musica! What a treat to sit at my computer and have a little visit with you! (ps….I pre ordered my book!!! I can’t wait!) My mom passed away this year…..I had been caring for her for the past 6 years, the last 2 in my home. She was a dancer, artist, teacher….and the BEST mom! She could quote poetry till the cows came home. I miss her! Reading your blog makes me think of her….the way she looked at life….”every cloud has a silver-lining”….it helps me remember the things (that aren’t really things at all) ….the simple things that bring joy to ones heart. Again, I thank you for sharing your gifts with the world.
You are so lucky to have had that time with your mom! What a wonderful daughter you are. Sorry that you lost her, but something tells me you will never really lose her — you did it all just as well as it could be done. I’m honored you picked my blog for your first comment! xo
Tammy,
I’m sorry you lost your mom and I know how you feel. My mother
lived with me for 4 and a half years after a cancer diagnosis and
I’m glad she did. It’s nice to hear you speak so lovingly of her.
My best memory is how much we laughed together. My mother was
a career woman and I am a flake so she thought I was the funniest
or dumbest girl on the planet. I could always make her laugh!
The most important thing she taught me was “if I wants it, I needs
it.” I follow that advice as often as I can! I know you have lots of
good memories, too. Welcome to the girlfriends.
Sweet memory Julia!
So happy you are feeling better and sharing your beautiful blossoms and darling kitties with us again. Would love to have Vanna chose me! And, that cake looks heavenly!
I love your Spring days and Jack up above.
I don’t have either book and would just LOVE having either or them.
PICK ME, PLEASE!
Oh what a joy to see your blog! Just Mmming and Ahaaing over the beautiful pics of the flowering trees – Oh, wish I had a bigger yard to add them to my garden, also! Thanks for sharing your joy! Hugs, Marie
I can hardly wait for the new book! I’ve enjoyed the journey…. xoxo Bobbie
I adore your books and would love to win them! My library only has one of these and I have read it about a million times. I would just love to read the others! Thanks for posting – your blog always brightens up my day 🙂
So gorgeous – your photos and your joie de vivre! Both books are special to me: The Summer Book was when I first discovered you and your bright spirit. It was a red letter day! Girlfriends Forever is special because on its release I took a day off work and drove 50 miles to meet you at a book signing. So exciting and fun, and so special to be able to give my two best girlfriends copies perfectly inscribed (“To Rosanne’s girlfriend, Vicki . . .)! The ocean liner to England, always my dream as well. Because of life circumstances travel in not in the cards right now, but no matter – you have taken me there already, and now with A Fine Romance I can savor it all again. Thank you, Girlfriend.
Love having you along Rosanne!
I dont have either of these books! I do have a few of your calendars that I look forward to changing the pages each month.
Thank you for the opportunity to win such a great prize!
So glad for spring, it’s my favorite time of year. Forsythia…daffodils…dogwood, lilacs…the blooms and scents make such beautiful air to breathe. Thank you so much for sharing your breakthrough of tunnel vision into the bright light of spring. -r-
Your post gave me a wonderful idea…when I get home from work I’m going out to cut some forsythia branches so I can force them to bloom at work and in my kitchen!!! Thank you for cheering up a dreary Michigan day!!! The only thing better than a cheery Spring day would be a warm Summer day in the hammock with a good book to read (hint-hint-hint)!!!
Really won’t be long now!
Thank you for this lovely blog post today! Happy, Happy Spring!!
Oh I would love the books, I already own Girlfriends Forever and know just who I would give this one to, actually today is her birthday! I do not own and would love to posess The summer book….such fun you are. So glad you are feeling well and enjoying spring just like those of us in upstate New York are.
Wonderful pictures to help us look forward to a summer of fun! Love all you share and always excited to see what new things you are going to share with us. It brings such joy to our hearts & souls. Keep up the great blogging and inspirational sharing! Always love ALL your books with so many inspiring tips, recipes and charming ideas.
Have a happy day
What a wonderful post. I love forcing tree branches into blooming and nothing says spring quite like forsythias. This past week end in Massachusetts was absolutely gorgeous. We had our annual girls softball and boys baseball team parades and cook outs. Such a great event in spring for our young ones. They have so much pride, walking together as a team down to the baseball fields. My sons are much too old for Little League but we always go this this event because its become a town tradition. I would love to win the books as these are two that I don’t own, yet. Also, so glad your feeling better.
Spring Greetings Susan!
What a lovely way to begin the last week of April and beginning of May seeing all your gorgeous photos of flowering trees, daffodils and forsythia! They bring a smile to my face and feelings of happiness.
You are such a special person to share your life with all of us and I want to thank you for all your endearing blogs.
Enjoy the week,
Michele
Love the giveaway…
Thanks for your beautiful blog to start the week! I have enjoyed “Heart of the Home” and would love to be lucky enough to win these treasures.
I can totally relate to the tunnel vision…in the process of studying for finals and can’t wait to rejoin the rest of humanity in just a few short weeks. Tra la la!
I have been a fan forever, and I would love a signed book!
I just recently discovered your website but have loved your artwork for years! I’m looking forward to the release of your new book.
Good morning Susan and to all ‘girlfriends’ everywhere ~~~ I loved your blog this morning! Well, I love them all, but this particular one was soooo “springy”! I need these lovely pictures of the colorful flowers and the sun so that I can forget for awhile that we have fog outside our window. Thought it was going to clear off, but now it’s one solid mass. It’s early though so I’m not worried. Have alot of my garden weeded and hope to finish up this week. I especially want to weed all my containers so that I can buy new, fresh flowers for them. I am going to make a trip to Michaels this morning as well to buy a couple vases. I have all my other ones packed away. My “Cecil Burner” climber is starting to get roses and I NEED to have a few in the house. I love the fragrance that they give off.
I’m excited for the next drawing for the books. Some lucky and deserving girlfriend will be holding it in their arms very soon.
Tallie Ho ~~
xoxox
Carol M
Susan, Reading your stories fills me with joy and happiness. I live in Maine, so am a bit behind you in blooming times, but am anxiously looking forward to spring blooms soon! Thank you for inspiring me!
P.S. I also think Blog Daddy Jack is a charmer & I love his views of the world too!
Wow. So many wonderful comments. I love the energy that spring brings. I can see it in your words and photos. Just lovely. What a great giveaway.
I am a relatively new “girlfriend” having just found your blog within the last 6 months. I am loving all things Susan Branch and have ordered your new book (can’t wait for delivery). You inspired me to bring in forsythia cuttings for the very first time, and love how it is bringing our winter weary home to life.
Oh good Kathleen, I love it too, starts the season earlier, just when we most need it!
Refreshing to see spring again in the early blossoms of New England. Here in Texas the dogwoods have faded, but now the roses are bursting with blooms. Thanks so much for sharing your garden and your inspiration with your readers!
My birthday falls on the first day of summer, so I would be thrilled to own that Summer book! What a treat and a fabulous birthday gift from you & Vanna to me!
Long Island seems to be a little slow to bloom this year, but we had a lovely spring weekend and plants are ‘a poppin’ now.
I must go to the nursery soon and look at flowering trees!
xorobin
My favorite part of these pictures is the spring rain. Being in Southern California during what will be a very dry year, I so want rain! So I enjoy your pictures immensely. Very grateful to vicariously share in your rain!
I have The Summer Book, but would love, love LOVE Girlfriends Forever! I even know a friend or two that would love them as well.
Can hardly wait for “A Fine Romance”. I hope to meet you at Remnants of the Past show in SLO this year!
I’ll be there!
Lunches at my desk with your blog are like mini vacations! Oh Vanna, pick me, pick me!
Susan, your photos inspired me to buy a new camera…..it’s a few steps up from my point-and-shoot. I’ve been “shooting” everything in my house, trying to get the hang of it. Can’t wait until we have some posies blooming here in PA. Thanks for being such an inspiration to all of us.
In the spirit of “spreading the wealth” I will not put myself in the running for this awesome giveaway but wish all the girlfriends luck in winning these Super Susan books! Still feel so blessed to have won the Emma mug for my mum … which she uses everyday for tea. So … I’m just curious if the great Ella quote you used on “Page 8” was already there or added after I included it in my blog response a few weeks ago? Great minds think alike you know … just sayin’ 😉 “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ~Marcel Proust
Love gazing through your windows into Spring! Always a good day,when you post your blog.
Love, love, love ‘THE SUMMER BOOK’…gave all the girls in my family one for our trip to the beach together several years ago!!! they all had to bring a dish from the book to the beach house the next year!
But believe it or not, I don’t have the Girlfriends Book!
Have almost all the others…would LOVE to have either of these!
Thank you for the beautiful springtime photos! They were a breath of fresh air since we keep having RAIN here in central Illinois. I love your books but don’t think I have these two titles. I know I gave a good friend the girlfriend book so I would love to win!!
Such a wonderful way to start a new week as I read your blong. It always lifts my spirits and pricks my brain to be more creative. Thanks, Susan.
Susan, my precious Dad passed away at age 87 on April 19. Over the past eight weeks I’ve had the immense honor of caring for him so have been looking at the world with tunnel vision of a different sort. He LOVED nature and instilled that love in each of his four daughters. I feel like I am seeing God’s world in a thousand new ways now as I emerge from the sick room. Your writings, especially the one you posted on the day he died have cheered my heart. Thank you for blessing me in this part of life’s amazing journey. Your Reseda friend, Chris
Oh Chris, how lucky you were to have that immense honor and be the way you are about it. Lucky for you and so lucky for him to have you. What a life! xoxo Thank you for blessing me with those beautiful words.
So in love with life and Spring! Thanks so much for taking your time to share with us!
Hi Susan. Like everyone else I just wait for a new posts, wondering what we will talk about today. I still just LOVE the color blue with the white white woodwork in your kitchen. So cheery. Add Jack and spring flowers into the mix and wow, just a winning combination. Thanks again.
Susan,
Your books and your website have made me smile for over 20 years – ever since someone gave me one of your cookbooks as a wedding gift in 1990! Your latest posts have really made me appreciate nature! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win the book give-away!! But even if I don’t, thank you for all of your beautiful drawings, photography, words and recipes!!! Love them all!
Congrats, Susan! What an accomplishment! Enjoy you Spring and Summer! You deserve it!
Silently cheering you on as you work on your books is such a small thing when we all get so much from you Susan! I can’t wait until A Fine Romance wings it’s way to my mail box! xoxo Beth
Such beautiful pictures!!! Your blog just makes me feel so good about the world even when things aren’t so great at times. Thank you for that!!
Hi Susan,
It’s so nice to come out of the fog and see the beauty – just in time for srping!
This winter seemed especially long and hard. But just the right weather for writing! I was so happy to be out in the lovely sunshine this weekend, weeding and preparing the gardens for the new year!
I hope you make your goal weight soon or at least by early August – in time for the Maine blueberry harvest. I would love that recipe.
Have a lovely day on the island!!
Nancy
Susan – you brighten my day, lighten my heart and encourage the artist within me.
I get giddy with every new posting 🙂
I have a very large box of art supplies coming in the post. I shall practice my
watercolors each day so in one year, when we fly off to the lake district, I will feel the freedom to paint the hills sides like you and Beatrix Potter (!)
Looking forward to your new book!
Nancy
You are smart to get ready for that, I loved painting in England.
I am soooo glad you are back in fine form! Happy finished A Fine Romance, Happy no more cold and Happy Spring!!
Happy, happy, happy! Spring is finally here in Montreal, but you are just that much ahead of us. So nice to see all those luscious blooms. The forsythia reminds me of my grandmother’s garden, who had huge bushes in the back garden. When all the lily-of-the-valley bloomed and we brought vases inside with that gorgeous perfume, we knew Spring had truly arrived!
Btw, Jack KILLS me.
Pam, in about-to-burst-into-bloom Montreal
Dear Susan,
Thank you for going into that “tunnel” for us! I am glad you are at the other end now and able to enjoy the wide world again.
Love the pictures! Would also love the books!
Hi Susan,
Loved the daffodils and forsythia. I’m reminded now of daffodil bread from years ago. Does anyone else remember it? Wish they still made it.
I grew up in Westchester County, N.Y and really miss the lily of the valley. No such “a m i n a l” in the S.F. Valley. Maybe sometime you could take a picture. I can truly understand why you enjoy both worlds: east and west. #1 on google is no small feat. I loved the video..especially the ending. Cut. S.m.i.l.e.
I live in blustery, still wintery northern Canada and the sunshine in your posts makes me smile. Thanks for writing another book for the world to share. It’s like spreading sunshine.
Hey Susan,
I have had your girlfriends book for awhile but would LOVE another for my best friend Tami who is one of the most wonderful women I know. We have been friends since high school, many moons ago. We are both single now after a few marriages between us and lift each other up during lonely and depressing times. If it weren’t for her support throughout the years I don’t know if I would have had the strength to get up and get my day going.
I do not have the summer book, It may be one of the only books of yours I don’t have. Anyhow, welcome back from your hibernation and I CAN’T WAIT for my copy of A FINE ROMANCE to come!
Kathy
Gurlfriend Susan! I call your blogs my Daily Sparkle! Just like a healthy dose of sunshine and joy and nature and kitties all rolled into one big happy! And we can never have too many happys, ya? Just like perk-up medicine for the soul. Then if you had a cup of tea on top of all that — oh my, pure paradise for spoiling oneself. Thank you for bringing these bright moments into our hearts…bless you! (Hug Jack and Girl Kitty and Joe for me -ha!)
I just love this post, the flowering trees are so beautiful. while listening to the little bird singing, I realized it was singing longer that usual. Then suddenly realized it was a real bird singing along outside my window!! How lovely is spring in the Spingtime!!! LOL
Love your blog! It brightens my day! Thanks for sharing your kitty and flowers and quilts with me. I’m sitting in Sunny San Diego with the little birdies outside my office window chirping away and my puppy sleeping at my feet. It’s great to start the day with you!
So glad that you are no longer in tunnel vision mode and that your cold is no longer, as well! I remember when I got The Summer Book and sat for about two days to devour it! It was like taking a relaxing vacation! I am eagerly anticipating your newest endeavor, A Fine Romance. Blessings to you today!
I can almost smell the cherry blossoms! I love this time of the year! The lilac bush outside of my front window is in full bloom and the smell is heavenly! I made a huge bouquet for my kitchen table and another for my incredible mother – I surprised her with it this morning. Just a few more days and the lily of the valley will also be blooming – my absolute favorite! Happy Spring, Susan!!
What gorgeous flowers in the trees and those quilts on the line – my oh my!
Would just love to own these books.
Hi Susan,
I’m so glad you made us as excited as you are to be able to read and enjoy your book soon. As the song goes, “Anticipation, anticipation….is making us more interested.” Or something like that.
Also, thanks for mentioning the sifting of flour directions. I didn’t know you should sift twice and really wasn’t sure about the measurements afterward. I’m sure I’m not alone. We didn’t all have Mothers who were real cooks. At my house my Mom used margarine, not butter, Miracle Whip (ugh!) not mayonnaise, and only made boxed cakes. I didn’t know differently until I taught myself.
Happy Spring. Love, s.
It was kind of the same in my house — but that’s because Julia Child had not yet been invented!!
Hi, Susan
I have just started my collection of your books…I have the Autumn and Christmas books. I would love to add the Girlfriends and Summer to my collection. I always look forward to your blog!!!
Paula
I too await the new book…what a gift to connect so many of our hearts with such joy!!
Thank you so much for your lovely views of the island – the photos, the paintings, and your musings. I feel like I’ve had a mini-vacation everytime you post them. I discovered your blog while I was teaching a high school class/book club . We were reading Jane Austen’s novels. Kismet! I’m working on building my recipe collection in one of your 3-ring binders; so elegant and homey all at once. With many thanks for making the world a little more beautiful by sharing your gifts and talents, Amanda
sigh…
You, Joe and Jack are the “Bright, Happy Song”
of friendship all rolled up into a beautiful Blog
you share with me.
Thank You so much~ Jody (*J*)
So generous, sharing your gorgeous pictures and your story …… And now a giveaway!! Just the thing to brighten my day!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your great spring pictures it’s finally here. Your blog always brightens my Monday! Enjoy your walk with Joe. That cake looked yummy, would love the recipe, when we get all slimmed down:). Hope I win your books, but whoever the lucky person is she will love them.
Have a great day!
Jackie
Hi Susan,
Another beautiful blog! I just read the comments from Tammy M about losing her Mom and your comments as well. You are certainly right…….I “lost” my Mom over 50 years ago as a teenager and she is very much still with me. You love of the flowers and antique things certainly keeps me reminded of her loves as well. Thanks for your blogs…..they are great!
Oh these are the only books of yours that I don’t have. Would LOVE to have them! Fingers crossed. ♥
Hi Susan! I would love to have the recipe for the Blueberry Angel Food Cake.
It looks really yummy! I love your artwork and would love to receive those books. I think your photography is just spectacular! Hugs Debi
Are you having trouble seeing my comments??? They haven’t been getting moderated with the others around them the last two posts. 🙁
No it’s just me, there’s something like 200 comments still waiting for moderation — I’m getting there.
Congratulations Ms. Susan on finishing your new book!
Like all these women before me, I am a BIG fan of everything that you do. I have all of your books, calendars, scrap booking supplies, fun things, etc. I “discovered” you and all of your fun things many years ago. When I got my iPad, I was very excited cause I can now lay on the sofa, bed – whatever- and read your blog and website. ( obviously, I don’t have a laptop!) I journal in many of your books including your baby books and such with “Letters to Abigail” and “Letters to Mollie”.- letters to my 2 granddaughters, documenting many of the fun things in their lives (to give them before their weddings, hopefully). Anyway, I am a big fan of ALL that you do and enjoy living vicariously through you and your fun life. Keep up the good work and thank you, thank you for all that you do to share your life with all of us. Your work is incredible and brings so much joy to my life. Thank you for being you and sharing!
LOVE what you’re doing for your granddaughters — and they will adore it when they grow up! What a wonderful gift!
Thank you. It has been so much fun to do these “letters” to each of my granddaughters. I started my writing when my first one was born with stories about many of the fun, cute, special things that she did. I continued it when my second was born and have enjoyed it so much. Your books, stickers, scrapbooking materials, etc make it so easy and fun to do. I have overlapped into a second book with my first granddaughter and will soon do so with my second. The coordination of your books and supplies makes it all so easy. I hope you know that all that you do and have given of yourself brings so much joy to countless women everywhere. Because of chronic pain and back ailments, I am not able to get out and go as much as most of my friends. I spend a lot of time at home and, therefore, enjoy your work and all of your writings immensely. Keep up the good work, bringing sunshine to myself and many, many others. Thank you.
My pleasure, Sharon xoxo Thank you!
I would LOVE to win a copy of The Summer Book !!!!!! I will be keeping it for myself. I don’t think we will be able to vacation this summer so it sounds like just the thing to cheer me up.
Barbara
Hello Susan, love to read your blog because I share your same interests. I love Beatrix Potter and England too! My grandmother (my Mother’s Mother) came to America from Bristol, England when she was a teenager. Love your flower and bird pictures and the pictures you post of your two kitties. I especially enjoyed traveling with you to England. What a treat! I had to order two of your pottery cups for my afternoon tea. Thank you for giving me a glimpse into your world. Dolly Yarborough, Broadway, NC
I was so inspired by your post today. Thank you for sharing your flowers and pictures with us! With spring there comes such a splash of colours! Have a wonderful day.
Your blog is a “treasure” that takes me away everytime! Would love a copy of either book and anxiously await “A Fine Romance”!
Loved reading your post this morning—things are beginning to pop around here too, and I’m loving my bright happy yellow forsythia bushes out in front. 🙂 The lilacs and bridal wreath have a little way to go, but it won’t be long now. . . Our whitespire birch has been unhappy for years now (planted too close to the south side of the house where it gets HOT in the summer); it has put up a noble fight for nearly 20 years, but we think it’s finally time to put it out of its misery. You’ve just given me some wonderful ideas for what to replace it with: a dogwood, or perhaps a cherry? Definitely something flowering. . . We’ll consult with our arborist and see what he says. I read a lovely quote the other day, from Confucius, I think: “The best day to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best day is today.” I could not agree more! Thank you, Susan, for a lovely read—and listen—and do continue to revel in your blossoming, budding garden! 🙂
What beautiful spring flowers to cheer the world!! I love to receive your blog as it always cheers me and makes me smile!!! I would be so excited to win these books as a gift for my Granddaughter who is setting up her own first home, a room in a great old house with 7 other young ladies beginning on their own!!
Have a sparkly spring day!!!
That sounds like a house of FUN!
Susan, I have enjoyed your illustrations since first seeing them in Country Living magazine years ago. Your blog and photos make me feel like I’m there. Please consider this an entry into the book giveaway. Thanks!
Oh, I look so forward to your blog and all the pretty pictures and comments. What a wonderful giveaway!
Fingers crossed!
It was cold and raining here this morning and your blog and pictures sure helped to brighten my day! Your blog so inspires me to remember to enjoy “home”. I sometimes get so busy with things that I need to be reminded. Your books also inspire me so being able to add to those I have would be wonderful. Enjoy your day.
I loved your pictures of blossoms and kitties and the new book, but the picture of you stirring the blueberry cake made me stop and stare…the green bowl brought back so many memories from my childhood. I think both of my grandmas, all of my aunts and my mom had that bowl! I helped my grandma make apple pie in that bowl and my aunt make cookies and my mom make cakes. I wonder what happened to all of those colorful bowls.
I NEED the receipe for the blueberry angel food cake! 🙂 I just gave a tea for 9 girlfriends and that would have been a great dessert!
Beautiful blossoms, and the cake looked yummy. Please post the recipe. I also would love to have one of your books. Thank you for bringing beauty into our lives. Take care.
I love your talents! Love your artwork, your books and your blog! Pick me, pick me (jumping up & down hands waving in the air)…. 😉
Susan- I just love your blog and especially your stories and pictures of Jack. After our daughter graduated from high school and flew out of our nest, I filled our empty nest back up with a little boy cat who is my fur baby. I love him dearly and like you I tend to never let him outside. He does slip out occasionally and his mother is frantic until he is back in the house. We live on a large farm in the mid-west and have lots of outside cats, but I don’t want my little kitty to be outside in the big world!
I know how you feel, what if something gets him???? Yikes!!!
I have a signed copy of “Girlfriends Forever” that my sister had you sign for me, but I don’t have “The Summer Book” yet. Thanks for the giveaway and “Happy Spring”!
Pick me! Pick me!
Your photos are simply stunning! After a LONG winter here in Germany (the darkest winter on record!) spring has finally come! The tulips are blooming, the forsythia rages along the highways, and even the dandelions are adding to the riot of color after a long, grey winter! No one can even bear to cut them for fear of losing some of the color we’ve missed so long! Your blog, however, always brings a breath of fresh air!
Always love your blogs! My husband and I own a power equipment business (you know, man stuff) so I’m always happy to see you beautiful photos and read your encouraging words. Thanks so much for just being you!
It’s lovely to have you back from your tunnel! As you were taking blogging breaks from your work, I remember thinking how extraordinary you are, how creative, such a dedicated communicator, how faithful to your craft and to your friends. Here’s my Thank You!
Sweeeet Zona! Thank you!
As always beautiful blog and that Blueberry Angel Food Cake looks so yummy!
I think my comment got lost in the server shuffle :'( Well, the short of it was….Blueberry Angelfood cake with lemon glaze recipe please!
Hi Susan,
I just finished making your 2013 Full moon bookmarks for my daughters 4th grade classmates to enhance their unit on the phases of the moon! They loved them, and she was very excited to give them out. As I was waiting for the laminator to warm up for the bookmarks ( I wanted them to last awhile), I noticed that a frequent bookseller had a selection in our lounge at work. Browsing through, I noted both the mother and daughter edition of your journals !!! I’m so excited, and ordering several! What a darling shower gift for a Mom of a new little daughter!! I’d so love the win the books and present them to my own daughters!!!
Thanks so much for all of the opportunitie your creativity allows us!
angie
Thank you so much Angie!
Thank you Susan for yet another ‘breath of Spring’. While I see all these things blooming around our neighborhood (live in Northern VA) it is nice to see that spring is everywhere now! 🙂
I didn’t comment on your last post – but I want you to know that you have inspired me to move forward with better eating, more exercise – and getting in to a better frame of mind as well – I do find your blog to be a wonderful reminder to stop and look at what is around me – and appreciate it as well – we are blessed with many, many GOOD things – thank you.
Good Rosanna, thank you. And thanks for weather report, loving hearing everyone all over the country (and world!) and how spring is going for them!
Beautiful spring flowers! Thank you for brightening up a cold spring day!
Would absolutely love a copy of your books ( for ME) my copy was fairly destroyed by one of my destructo cats. And please please please give us the recipe for that simply scrumptious looking blueberry angelfood cake.
P.S.
We ( my daughter & I ) have a cat that is almost the spitting image of Jack & she is a little whirlwind ( she doesn’t have quite as much white on her )
Does she have the mustache?
Susan , Saki has a white mustache cause she has more black on her face. But her attitude shines through just as Jack’s seems to. Such a cutie!
Bonnie