It’s a very quiet, very warm summer morning ~ I’m in my studio, the windows are wide 
open, I feel like I’m on a porch. It’s still dark, insects are cricking and shisking, birds are just now beginning their morning song, I have my tea, Girl’s asleep on the pillow, Jack’s on the ironing board in front of the pantry screen door, peering out into the dark (ever vigilant) . . . foghorns are blowing over the island . . . and in the background, softly wafting from our windows into the breaking morning light . . . MUSICA
Today I get to design advertising for our new book for Victoria and Teatime, two of my favorite magazines. Believe it or not, I’ve never put an ad in a magazine before! It’s exciting to think about how I want the ads to look. It just seems to make sense to have our book in the September annual “British” issue of Victoria, don’t you think? And Teatime? I can’t think of better places for a book about English charm. ♥
I had an idea the other day. When I paint, one of the things that’s always at my right hand is a little square of watercolor paper that I use to try out color — you can see it in the back of this photo . . . the little blotter with wisps of paint color. I couldn’t work without one of these nearby.
I use them to test my pen; I mix colors on them. This one has the stick on it that I picked up in the yard of Norman Rockwell’s studio.
Sometimes I will paint or write something I don’t care for, it’s not quite good enough, or I don’t like the colors I used, so I’ll want to do it over, but I don’t want to waste the paper, so I cut it up and save it and use it to dab my paint on. So that’s how some of the art and words show up on these paint daubers.
On this one I practiced pencil drawings of women’s hair. I tried drawing with pen and filling it in with color — these cards come in very handy.
I’ve done this for years, and when the card is covered in paint and squiggles, I throw it away and get myself a new one.
Until A FINE ROMANCE. About halfway through the painting of our book, I decided maybe I should start saving these squiggles. So I did. I was surprised on how fast they piled up.
And yesterday I cut them all up.
I got quite a handful of them. They look so festive!
They’re all on card stock and every one of them is covered on both sides with all the colors of the English Countryside; the colors of teatime, long walks, cottage gardens, the Yorkshire Dales, Jane Austen’s house, ocean liner sailing . . .
They’re kind of a little story all by themselves. Now I wish I’d never thrown any of them away!
But at least I have these . . . and there’s quite little pile of them. I thought, what good bookmarks these would make.
Not all of them have discernible art on them, but some definitely do, and no matter what, each of them is one of a kind. I never made the same mess twice! So, you know I’ve been setting dates for my book signings? I thought what would be fun . . .
. . . is if I would bring these bits and pieces that helped to make up the original pages of the book and give them away at the signings. ♥ The bookmarks will match the book!
And just in case you can’t get to a signing, or in case I run out before I get to your town (it’s bound to happen, but I promise, only one to a customer!), that big BOOKMARK in the middle is for you. You can print it at home, cut it out, and tuck it in your book when it comes.
I love planning these book events. The people at the bookstores are such hard workers and make me feel wonderful about coming to them. My first two book signings will be 
on Martha’s Vineyard, beginning with Bunch of Grapes Bookstore, on Julia Child’s Birthday ♥ (I just love that), on August 15th. You can keep track of the dates and see where I’ll be going as we begin adding new events this month. On the right side of the blog you’ll see COMING SOON, EVENTS. Scroll down for dates, times, links for directions, etc. I hope to see every single one of you somewhere on our long drive across America. ♥
And just a few more Small Treats: Did you notice that Kellee put up new summer computer wallpaper, stationery, and postcards you can print out? She did! Kellee changes everything for the season; you can always check for her updates if you go to “On-Line Shopping,” and then click on the left on “Free Stuff.”
Oops, I almost forgot to mention. This time, one of our continuous small treats include a giveaway . . . you see that Beatrix Potter Bookmark in the pile below? The little girl with the bunny?
Leave a comment, I will sign it and date it ~ in a few days I’ll send it to the winner of the drawing, to the lucky name that Vanna pulls from our giant top hat. ♥
Hi Susan,
What a lovely idea for your book signing tour! Brilliant! And so very colorful. After our city’s Black Forest Fire of the past month in Colorado Springs, a bit of color is just what we all need and thank you for providing that. Its hard to see blackened trees and forest right now, but we all know it will come back, slowly but surely. The hummingbirds are back so that must be a good sign!
Can’t wait for the book to come!!!!
A very good sign! I’m so sorry, and yes, nature’s way, and it will come back! xo
Even sans the giveaway, I wanted to tell you I added the kitty (Jack?) and beach ball wallpaper to my computer yesterday. It makes me smile every time I fire up Phyllis (my pink notebook computer)!
LOL! Phiyllis!
What a clever idea saving those paint test paper and making book marks. I would LOVE to win the girl with the bunny. Before you said you were giving it away I was thinking how fun if you copied it to make for a free bookmark we downloaded to use in our books. I get Victoria magazine so will see your ad for sure. You know it is almost July. Only 2 more months to September and your book launching. 🙂
IknowIknowIknowIknow!!!
Susan, does anyone throw you a party for a book launch? If you have never had one, I think this one is definitely worthy of celebration!!! 🙂
My girlfriends were just talking about that last night. I’m thinking I might do it myself and make it a combination Tea Party, celebration for William and Catherine’s new Baby, 4th of July, and my new book! Under the rose arbor.
I love the bookmark idea……I have a thing for bookmarks….special ones for each book, or season……roosters bookmarks for my cookbooks…..Christmas ones for my Christmas books…..etc..etc….lol.
Good morning Susan! You inspire me to get out my watercolors. All of my work at the library is done on a computer now. When I first started this job, I used to create my own graphics for posters — I’d draw the original picture and then photocopy it onto colored construction paper. After a lot of cutting and pasteing, I’d have posters for all 6 branch libraries. I can’t even imagine doing that now ( I worked 2 extra hours yesterday just to keep up with our Dig Into Reading Summer Reading Club theme.)
Considering your artwork, I was surprized that your brushes weren’t smaller.
When I watercolored, I always used pen and ink and then watercolor. My brush was always tiny — I’m looking at a “0” right now. I loved creating my own pictures and I’ve always loved the artwork or others, like a creative springboard. I’m always saving pictures or putting a file folder together of ideas I can put to use later on…sometime I actually have!!
I would love to be the lucky recipient of the girl with the bunny. I already have my “official A Fine Romance” bookmark….waiting to be at home in my copy of A Fine Romance!
Have a wonderful day and keep cool!
JoAnne
Those are all my brushes, but the one I use every day is either a “0” or a “1”. You are right JoAnne!
This makes me feel better about being unable to part with any of my watercolor scraps and doodles. Yours are treasures and I love how they combine to make something beautiful. Very symbolic of a good life, I think!
I’m so thrilled that Full Circle Bookstore contacted you and that you’re considering OKC for one of the stops on your book tour!! I’ll be watching your itinerary for updates — so amazing that I might meet you! xoxo, dear Sue!
Oh I’m pretty sure, unless something happens, that we will be there on the way home Janie!
Yay!! If I can do anything at all for you, just let me know! xoxo
OK Janie, thank you!
Beauty in the simplest things 🙂 Love them!!
Love the picture of the red headed girl at the beginning if this blog. Reminds me of my daughter when she was little! She still has that beautiful red hair! And what cleaver bookmarks. So colorful!
Bookmarks…what a splendid idea! Sign me up for the give-away. Please.
Thank you!!! Susan, you need to take every chance you get to relax this Summer. The schedule you have coming up with all your stops and book signings sounds positively exhausting to me, and I will keep you in my prayers that you have the strength/energy to endure the process and remain healthy!! Blessings
Thank you, I do love prayers! xo
This would be a great accompaniment to my signed bookmark from Susan Wittig Albert from her Hilltop Mysteries series.
Thank you for the glimpse into your artistic practices. You had a super idea about the bookmarks, I know all your girlfriends would love to have one. Can’t wait for the book!!! Can. Not. Wait. But must wait, so the chance to win that sweet bookmark helps! How can I bribe, I mean, appeal to Vanna to select my little name as the winner?!!! Very hot, humid here in Central New York/Syracuse area. Ugh. Would love some of your ocean breezes!! Take good care and hugs to the kitties.
LOL. I would think she would choose you based on your beautiful name alone!
Robin – you were born in July by any chance? [I was] and larkspur is July’s flower. Just wondering – have always loved your name too! :>)
Yes, Janet, I was born in July! July 1st. Thanks for the nice compliment.
July 1 – you and Princess Di! Perfect. Canada Day too! Have a very Happy Early Birthday! :>)
Good Morning Susan! What a great idea for a bookmark. I am so hoping that you will be coming to Washington State for a book signing!
Happy Summer!
Good morning, Sue~
The past 6 weeks have been filled with the saddest of times…the loss of an infant in our family and the too-early loss of a dear family friend. It’s taken a bit of the wind out of my sails. I’ve continued to read your blog and it’s helped me more than you’ll know to recognize the everyday blessings around me. I haven’t commented in so long…seemed to have lost my voice. But with the end of the school year, my summer break begins and life feels lighter. I’ve had time for reflection the past few days and realize that in the past 6 weeks, some very wonderful things have happened, too…I’ve gotten to spend every day with my precious granddaughter, Izzy; My daughter and SIL found the perfect house (and it’s only 15 min. from us instead of the 15 hrs. we used to have to travel); and I’ve been able to attend graduation celebrations, birthday parties and girlfriend get-togethers with the people dearest to me.
I guess I realize more than ever that life isn’t perfect. I have to embrace the good times ~ be grateful for all I’ve been given and have faith that the rough times will make me stronger. Surrounding myself with positive people like you 🙂 helps me carry on and get back to living. Thank you for your giving heart!
Whether you post about your art, your writing, your home, your garden, your family, your friends or your feelings…it inspires me to be the best I can be at being ME. (I feel better now that I found my voice again).
Love you, Sue!
xoxoDebbie
I love hearing from you Debbie. I’m so sorry for your losses. I love the way you’re going through it, with the sadness and the joy and recognition of your blessings. You are an inspiration ~ we are all going to have to face this part of our lives. We need to see how it’s done. xoxo Thank you for including us.
Your amazing Debbie.. Your post meant so much to me you have no idea..
xoxo Linda.
We’re all in this together, Linda…all connected. Sending you a hug <3 .
Big squeeze of support coming atcha from Rochester, Deb. PS – my college roommate’s hometown [Moravia] is near you & because of this you were one of the first Girlfriends whose comments I looked for after reading Sue’s posts every day. Thinking of you now and rocketing all the good thoughts/vibes/blessings/wishes I can your way. xoxo :>)
sending you a hug Debbie. 🙂
Also sending you a hug, Debbie!!
I am sorry for your losses and happy for your sweet happenings….all blessings if we allow them to draw us all closer together. I so agree that it is wonderful that we can come here to help us realize that we are not alone. Peace and love to you, Debbie.
Debbie, your post touched my heart. You are a wonderful example of how to survive the storms of life. Kindest thoughts and good wishes to you!
The edges of life fray at times…but, we must continue to stitch them up. May you continue to find small miracles in every day. Sending a big, tight hug your way. judi
Debbie~ so beautifully stated.
Prayers & Hugs!
Marie
Debbie Thank-you so much for your wonderful wisdom, you are a smart woman. Thank-you for touching my heart and all of us here. We are all kindred spirits and so connected by Love.
Debbie, admire your strength and insight. Virtual hugs have to be enough for now.
Glad you are back with The Girlfriends
XOXO
Chris
Thanks for sharing and offering inspiration to us all.
I can’t begin to tell you how much your kindness and your sweet comments have touched my heart. This is a very special “place”! At one of the services, the minister spoke about finding blessings in our lives ~ not the tangible blessings that we often think about…a roof over our heads, a new job, food on the table, etc. He said that “blessing” actually means to belong. To feel blessed is to feel that we belong; we are part of something. What a blessing you all are to me! XO
xoxo Debbie.
How I would love to be sitting near a window with a lovely ocean breeze! We are hazy, hot and humid in Baltimore…but the tomatoes and squash are doing very well! I just love your idea of the day….a perfect remembrance of you and your work!
OH MY HEAVENS!! Be still my “reading” heart….to have one of those bookmarks would be beyond amazing! As we shared our summer reading program memories recently, I told you that I STILL had my book title listings and certificates, well one your bookmarks would be the icing on the cake for my grown up summer reading program 🙂 You are awesome!! That is SO something that I would have done…kept all the bits of paper and reused somehow…LOVE IT!! Can you tell how tickled I am…lol
As always…blessings to You and The Girlfriends….Becky
Thank you Becky!
Fun idea! What beautiful confetti-painting those bookmarks are! I’d love the bunny bookmark…reminds me of my baby Peter Rabbit that left his nest this week.
From your art and your blog…it is evident that you are a kind and happy person. I am delighted that I found your blog, as I have always been an admirer of your watercolors and books. Thank you for a chance to win your original bookmark!
Counting the days for A Fine Romance…..and hopefully finally getting to meet you
Having just discovered your blog and books in the past few weeks, I wanted to let you know that you have been a breath of fresh air! Being a woman is such a special blessing, and I so enjoy the feminine aspect of your work. Congratulations on your new book!
Thank you Betty, welcome!
Just loved your post about making bookmarks. I love bookmarks! Can’t seem to get enough of them. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Reading your blog is the perfect way to start my day!
Hi Susan,
I love waking early in the morning and listening to the birds start their day. Such sweet good morning chirps. Love your idea for book marks….color coordination adds to the charm. Does Jack ever spot anything in his watch out the window (other than birds!)?
Have a wonderful day
xoxo Pam
Yes, other cats!! He goes wild, yowls, knocks things over to get away from the screen. He just can barely stand other cats in his yard!
lovely as always Susan! I check in about once a week to see if you have updated your blog and very much enjoy each written word—takes me to places I have never been before! Thanks for sharing your journey with us! <3
My pleasure Mary. xoxo
Love this post~ Can’t wait to have your new book in my hands 🙂
Love your blog…as always! Love that Jack is on guard and ever vigilant!! Love your bookmarks! Made some for my girlfriends–we’re all Anglophiles too!
What lovely bookmarks your practice doodles make! I love to collect bookmarks and keep them in one of the drawers of my Singer treadle sewing machine. I choose a new bookmark for each new book I begin and enjoy that process almost as much as starting the new book!
Lovely Susan, What a sweet little face! Put me in the drawing!
Ah, my kindred spirit! I am a watercolor artist. I am about to move into a house built in 1830 ( yes! ) and you have inspired me once again. I thought that was coincidence enough…until I got to the Volvo part. Yes, I have an old dark green Volvo as well. Perhaps we were separated at birth?! 🙂 What you have posted today is my favorite one so far. The fan of test papers is inspired and inspiring. What amazing, incredible gifts those will be to your readers. Hope you come here to northeastern Ohio as you tour the country. I have already ordered my book, and will most definitely be in line should you come my way. Thanks again, Soul Sister!
Thank YOU Diana!
It IS fun to gather and collect things like your paint cards! SO PRETTY!
Oh, all the book promotion doings are so lovely and exciting, Susan!
I saw that you are reading a Beatrix Potter bio. I savored that book for about a year!
I think savor is the perfect word. I am doing the same. Still learning . . .
I live ~ 60 miles SW of Chicago – so I’m hopeful that you will be somewhere south and/or west of Chicago while you touring… However, I am not opposed to coming into the city. There are a couple great independent bookstores – Anderson’s in Downers Grove and Naperville – that I think would be a fabulous venue for you. Looking forward to meeting you. My book is pre-ordered and my sheep bookmark already printed, but I would love to have any of your “scribbles” bookmarks – but that little girl is a charmer. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.
Oh yes, Chicago for sure! Anderson’s is on our list, and so is the Book Stall and maybe Town House.
Good Wednesday morning, Susan! I loved your description of your early morning! It is easy to visualize you at work!
That would be a very special bookmark to receive!
It has been a tough week here. On Monday, at the exact age of 21 years and two months, our Shadow made his final trip to the vet.:-( It seems very strange, for the first time in 28 years, to have no cat to feed in the mornings. On his good days, he could be found “keeping watch” over “his” territory. In the past year, he had definitely shown signs of declining health and body.
We have clouds here, even a brief shower earlier. It should be a milder day, such a difference from LAST June’s extreme heat.
Enjoy your Wednesday!
xo Nellie
21 years, what a good run you had with Shadow, how lucky, and how sad. xoxo I’m so sorry Nellie. Losing an animal is a terrible thing. Sending love to you.
Thank you, Susan. I was hoping I would just find him lifeless some morning. It seems odd, after caring for his welfare all these years, that I would be taking him for that last vet trip.:-( We have no plans to add another cat. Our grandson is allergic, as is our son-in-law. While we didn’t find Shadow another home upon learning of our grandson’s allergies, it seems to be a better plan not to bring another kitty into the family.
I subscribe to Tea Time, so I will be looking forward to what you have designed for advertising there.:-)
Sure enough! We’ve had thunder showers come through just in the past few minutes. The air definitely feels lots cooler.
xo Nellie
Nellie
I am so sorry. I know how painful this is for you. What a wonderful and full life for
Shadow, thanks to you, his human.
Thank you, Chris. All will be well, though I suspect all tears have not yet been shed.
Have a happy Thursday!
Hi Susan, What a wonderful idea that was to save those test papers and cut them up, looks like quilt material. Sometimes creativity goes wild – in a good way. I would just LOVE to have the girl with the bunny book mark. Thanks again for a happy start to my day!
The bookmarks are beautiful….all the colors
The Women’s Home Companion cover is you : )
(I thought maybe so) 🙂
Hi Susan,
What a lovely post this morning and thank you for the bookmark to print!! I love your paint doodle bookmarks too; such a fun idea and I would love the Beatrice Potter one:) Be blessed this day! This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24
Your post is always so positive and a blessing too,
Hugs,
Irene in Colorado
Dear Susan,
The artist in my just wants to say how much I appreciate the idea of saving the scraps!
My art takes me paper crafting and I do a lot of cutting up of pieces… So there are often bits and pieces leftover; these are often put into a scraps pile from which I often make stuff, or let my third graders make stuff. We did collages last year, all with leftover bits!
And indeed, they make the best bookmarks!
However, to have one, signed by you (!) would be incredible!
I would be honored!
Thanks for this peek into your methods! Love it!
Marsha
A few days ago in my kindergarten room, we took our scrap paper bucket [picture a box about the size of a bay of hale] and paper-punched it to smithereens [in June, we teachers will do just about anything to keep the little creatures occupied :>)]. Anyway, everyone had a great time & went home with a brown paper lunch bag full of confetti for the Fourth of July parades and picnics! :>)
I should probably add that we punched all the scraps of colored construction paper, glittery paper etc etc – not the actual scrap box. Though the kiddos would have been game for that too – paper punches are “way cool” toys when you’re 5 or 6! :>)
I don’t think you’re ever too old for paper punches!
Ah Ha! The ulterior motive revealed! 🙂
Busted! You got me! :>)
It always starts a good day for me when I drop by and see you’ve updated your blog. I can’t wait for the new book to come out. The bookmarks are beautiful and what a thoughtful way for you to share them. Thank you for being you.
I hope you come to Phoenix for a book signing!
Hi Susan, I love your description of the summer island morning. It’s like taking a mini vacation. I hope to actually visit the island someday. Your blog is wonderful and thank you for being such a bright light in our lives.
Vickie
Susan:
What fun! A bunny bookmark to for your new book! Beatrix Potter would love it. I collect bookmarks and would be thrilled to add this one to my collection. I’ve pre-ordered A Fine Romance and will be twice as thrilled when it arrives! Have a great summer.
Oh what a beautiful bookmark! I would love to have it for sure. Last weekend my husband and I traveled to Alexandria, Va. to visit Mount Vernon for our 20th Anniversary. The home was lovely but the gardens were a real treat. I came home with several varieties of flower seeds. Then we went to The American History Museum and I was able to see Julia Child’s kitchen taken from her home and preserved for all to see. For someone like myself who enjoys cooking it was a thrill to see. I wish I could be at your book signing on Julia’s birthday. However, I ordered your book and can’t wait until it’s arrival! Have fun traveling around and meeting all of your true followers. xoxo
I saw her kitchen and was thrilled like you…I’m so happy they saved it.
Susan, thanks for sharing your “scrap” with us. I think sometimes that the “leftovers” of creating are so beautiful!!!
Enjoy your morning! :0)
It’s wonderful being the first one up in the morning with only the cats for company. Unfortunately, here on the south end of Vancouver Island, we’ve had nothing but cool temperatures and lots of rain so the doors and windows don’t stay open for long. Good for the gardens, but not very inspiring. Hopefully, things will warm up on what is for us, a long weekend.
What a brilliant idea, those bookmarks, and I would love to have one. It’s so interesting to see the process that an artist goes through to get to the final stage of a project. Somewhat like making a quilt where you have to audition the fabrics and the patterns before you find just the right combination.
Dear Susan and Girlfriends!
I am back from vacation with my best friend, her sister, and her daughter in Long Beach Island off the coast of NJ. And how fun to read my first official Summer Message from you, dear Sue! I love colors so I am going crazy over all those uplifting and cheery bookmarks! And I just thought–now that’s something that I can do!–Just doodle and dip and make squiggles with different colors and I, too, can have lovely bookmarks! (But, still, having one of yours to put in your/our new book would be the icing on the cake.)
About my vacation, Long Beach Island was one of the islands in NJ that was hit by Sandy. And I was saddened by houses and businesses that didn’t make it–BUT the good news (!!!) is that the island looks wonderful! Amazing, b/c it ALL was under water. The dunes are rebuild, the beaches are lovely, and many of the businesses are up and running and looking better than ever! I went to sleep every night to the sound of the waves (loved it!) So this is a little plug for LBI–if you usually go there or are thinking about it–GO! You will love the charm of this lovely island. They came through Sandy looking better than ever!
Making gazpacho today so I must get moving!
I know I often say this, but it is TRUE–thank you for being a Girlfriend to all of us!
Love,
Linda
Very nice to hear Linda, and a good plug for a beautiful place that can use some help! xoxo
I received a gift of a pre-ordered book for my birthday 3 days ago! I am so excited to receive A Fine Romance!!! Love your work and words, Susan.
blessings,
Niki
Happy Birthday Niki!
What a fun way to use your test papers! Perfect! I’m having my tea and looking forward to Our Book. I just am so excited. When will the pre-ordered books be flying out to all of us, your devoted fans? Oooo now I’m really looking forward to it!
Hi Susan,
Oh now wouldn’t that bookmark look perfect in your new book when mine gets here. I think thats such a nice gift to win.
How cute all your paint drops look all folded up. I mean what a great idea! Ijust know you will be selling lots and lots of books, and those are really nice and perfect magazines that you will be advertizing in.
Nancy Jo
Susan, you are all kinds of inspiring. LOVE your bookmark idea SO much!
Awww~what a clever idea you have there!! I never win but it’s fun just being able to post on your blog site!!! Have a fabulous summer Susan!!!
Dear Kathy, Your name caught my eye. From one city to another, Happy Summer! Kathy Phenix
What a lovely idea! And thank you for the free imprintable. Darling! Your work is always so inspiring and cheery. 🙂
Such creativity; all those bookmarks to give away at book signings; you are so gifted with creativity! And you know what…..I’d love to get that ‘special one’.
♥ Good Morning Sweet Sue! I Saw You In Twitterville Earlier! Yay! 😉 I Love Your Idea for All those Beautiful Bookmarks! Amazing! & Thank You for The “A Fine Romance” Bookmark! & Thanks for all The Magical Summer Wallpapers! (Thank You to Kellee too!) 🙂 & I Think it’s Spectacular that Your First Two Book~Signings will be On Julia Child’s Birthday! (Goosebumps!) 🙂 We Need a Little Champagne! Twirling into all The Celebration! I Love the Norman Rockwell Stick! Amazing 😉 & The Beatrix Potter Bookmark Signed By You! (You Know My Wings are Gonna Be Crossed!) 😉 Summer Pixie~Dust Everywhere Sweet Sue! xoxo Poof! ♥*¨`*.✫*¨♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫*¨♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥ P.S. I Also Love Today’s Musica! Skylark! Twirling! 😉
What a great idea to save your “scrap” paper to share with all of us. I would love to have an original “scrap” paper bookmark straight from you. Can’t wait for the book to come out!
Love looking at all your art and reading your inspirational comments! I would love to win the bookmark, thanks for the opportunity!
What a thrill it would be to own one of those special water-color-blotter bookmarks!! Thank you for always inspiring me to find the beauty in each day.
What a lovely idea to make giveaway bookmarks with those sheets of paper… love it. I can only hope to see you at a book signing – for now I’ll wish on this giveaway.
Susan, I love those paint squiggle bookmarks, I hope you bring some to California this fall at the” Remnants of the Past” antique show. I pre-ordered A Fine Romance; and I’m looking forward to receiving it in the mail. I so enjoy reading each of your post, I find myself reading them several times over and taking in every detail down to each little flower or birdie painted. Have a wonderful day, Oh by the way you’ve made me a “moon watcher” this month’s Strawberry Moon was awesome! Take Care Darla
Great idea about the bookmarks. They all look like works of art to me!
You certainly have the gift of being able to turn the simplest things into special treasures. The bookmarks fanned out all together are like a kaleidoscope of your book! Of course, I’d love to have that one special one, but if not, hopefully you’ll come to Michigan so I can see you and have a chance for one of the others.
Creativity and color, what a happiness blog you share with all of us.
Bookmarks, yet another “inspiration cup” for me.
Thank you
XOXO Patricia.
I love the bookmarks!! Thank you for being such a blessing-giver and dear friend.
Such a beautiful example of God’s grace and goodness.
I am so touched reading these wonderful comments. Thank you Sandra.
Hellooooo~It’s been a looong time…I’m in Michigan now and the sawing and hammering is still going on in our forever home…it was suppose to be done almost a month ago…what doesn’t get done by July 1st will have to wait til September 1…fingers crossed they get done…I just got back online a few days ago…have tried to keep up with you and all the girls as much as I can~in between cleaning dry wall dust, washing everything…one more comforter to go…whew…the weather has been beautiful and so I’m happy…even though there is so much to do…it shall get done, right???…so glad you were cleaning your porch railing too, Susan…I hope I can find our flags for the 4th…xoxo…
So Cute! Love your art work and your pictures and stories of Jack! Hope I win!! Doris
What a wonderful idea, I love bookmarks and I collect them, I keep them on my bookshelf they act as inspiration much like your Norman Rockwell object. You are very inspirational to me you’ve lead me to Gladys Taber, Beatrix Potter, countless books, movies, cooking, sewing, I could go on and on!!!
Such a clever idea! All together they look like a party.
I can’t wait for this book to come out! It has always been one of my dreams to visit England. I would love to win the bookmark. What a wonderful idea. Thank you for the joy you bring to my life! Kim
Good morning to you…I am looking out my office window where I just hung my little summer banner…I just love it…My birdies who eat from my bird feeder love it too!! Wish I could send you a photo!!!!
Dear Susan,
I can’t wait for my book to arrive. Your bookmark is waiting !!! Thank you for taking us all on your magical trip.
XXX OOO
Dear Susan,
I can’t wait for your new book to arrive. My bookmark is waiting to find it’s home. Thank you for taking us all on your magical trip to England !!!!! Oh…… I almost forgot…..my salt and pepper chicks just arrived, they are adorable. Thanks for selecting such great treasures for us.
Hugs, Carol
XXX 000
I’m so excited that your book delivery date is getting nearer and nearer!! I can hardly wait to get my copies! As always your blog today was so inspiring and beautiful. Thanks for giving us something wonderful to read and reflect on. And thanks too for the opportunity to win the beautiful bookmark. Keep those blogs coming – it really makes my day!!
Love the way you used your tester pages! I checked the events page and see that you will be in CA – San Luis Obispo in November – is there any hope of a book signing in Pasadena so those of us in southern CA can come?
I’ll be at Vroman’s in Pasadena — will let you know the date asap!
The book mark idea is great…I love recycling and making due with what we have on hand! Tea Time and Bliss Victoria are a highlight for me each month,…love them! Perfect venues for a SB advert! Can’t wait to see them~
I love all my SB bookmarks and look forward to being entered in this cute giveaway! Happy Summer to all the SB gf’s and Susan and Joe!
ps, I have Jack and the beach ball on my work computer..just to keep things sane and not so serious! love it.
Trash to treasure! Brilliant! Thanks for the chance to win a “bit” of Susan Branch.
I thought of you recently as we toodled down the narrow lanes of Ireland. Beautiful there! I know it’s not England, but it’s closer than here! Home is always best, however! Love the bookmarks, esp the one with chickens…I would frame it next to the photo of my own “girls” 🙂
OH I would love a bookmark from you dear Susan, but even more, a copy of A Fine Romance. When will you take international orders for it? Please pretty please can we order it too?
We already do Gill — you can order it now.
The bookmark idea is brilliant. How I wish you were coming to Vancouver Island to sign books. Meanwhile, I’ll throw my hat in the ring for the giveaway.
I’m so looking forward to reading A Fine Romance. I can tell it’s going to a book to savour and return to many many times.
What a wonderful idea! Thank you, Susan 🙂
PSSSSS, I found you on GoodReads.com, and we have a lot of similar books we have read! Love this site! Great recommendations based on the books already read, and a way to list these and see what others are reading!
I love it too, I’m brand new, but it’s fun!
PS – what looks like a very large photo labelled “something blue” is not coming through in this post. Is this just me or are others experiencing this too? This same thing also happened a post or two ago – just the one photo. No big deal – just wondering. I suppose the bleeping gremlins are at it again. How rude. :>)
PS – love how the sliced-up squiggle bookmarks resemble a fan deck at the paint store! :>)
Ohh, wonderful. Have I mentioned I have Flemish bunnies. A bunny bookmark would be perfect. Thanks for sharing.
I have ordered your book and I am looking forward to receiving it. I hope you will do a book signing in Southern CA. I will be there with bells on!! The little book mark is lovely and I would love to be the winner, as I live in the Conejo(rabbit) Valley. Always looking forward to your blog.
Doris
Susan, So exciting about your Yankee article and ads in Victoria and English Tea magazines. I’m so looking forward to them. I’d love to have a special bookmark to go with my copy of your English travel book. Here’s hoping I win. Kathy
What a great idea you had! I pick up free bookmarks from our library, and sometimes they are rather artful, so I hang on to those. Wish I had a laminator to preserve them. It would be lovely to have the girl with the bunny! How cute!
Hi Susan,
Can’t wait to see when you will be coming to either Austin or Houston this year!! Hopefully I won’t be in Hawaii then – LOL!! 🙂 Hope Vanna picks me!
Hugs,
Lisa
I’m not going to Hawaii, unfortunately!
I love that you used all your paint scribbles for bookmarks. I use tiny strips of my paint scibbles on my greeting cards. I’ll have to try to make bigger scribbles, so I can make bookmarks too. I can’t wait for my book to arrive!
Hi, Susan! LOVE your blog and this idea is so perfect! I just wish I could be at a signing, but being here in Seattle means it’s unlikely that even if you do get here, you’ll still have any bookmarks left. I’ll come anyway, of course! If you manage to find your way here, I know you’ll just fall in love with Seattle! Can’t wait to see how the ads turn out!
Julie
We’d love to come to Seattle Julie!
What a great idea!!! Wish I could be at one of your book signings! Will you be in Northern California at all?
Yes, I will!
Yay!!!! This makes me happy!!!!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous idea 🙂 I love your book marks. Please, come to England and do a book signing!!
I will try so hard for that. It’s my dream. xoxo
Now I ♥wish♥ more than ever that I could sail Across The Pond to a book signing to meet you, have my book signed, and hopefully be lucky enough to get a piece of original art as a book mark . . what could be better? . . so, throw my name in to the hat, please, and I’ll take my chance on the giveaway instead. It is such a charming idea, though, to make bookmarks, and a wonderful memory of the day the lucky Girlfriends will get to meet you! So Happy for them!
I have boxes and boxes full of ‘scrap’ paper, for when I was in art college (please note, I cannot draw, but I went for four years anyway) I quickly learned never to throw anything away, which just went to feed my own personal pack rat! Even the newspaper I used to line the paint table with got kept!
It is an unexpected melting 66℉ here this afternoon, which after a chilly 52℉ morning spent underneath a blanket of sea fog has come as a complete shock to us all! I have been for a lovely walk along the country lanes and down into the valley, and had a long chat with the Bishop’s wife, gardener to gardener, in her private garden which I know you would just love to pieces and then some! Next time, I will take my camera!
Thinking of You All from Across The Pond!
Deb C♥ xoxo
Hello!
As I was reading your latest news about the art scraps, I was wishing to myself that you would possibly get some of those to us, and my wish was granted! Don’t you love it when your wishes come true!!!
Happy Spring to you and yours!!!
Cocoa from San Diego
Hi Susan!! Like Diana from above, I am crossing my fingers that you will stop in Northeast Ohio on the book tour!! I would love to have an original Susan Branch bookmark…. 🙂 xoxo
What a great idea for your practice papers!! They will make a wonderful extra for the book signing dates too. How fun to get a little bit of the “in process” worksheets of the new book as well. I just love the lamb book mark and have already made myself two of them for various books I am currently reading. Every time I look at , I get excited about getting the book this fall. Thanks for the tip about following along the book signing schedule here on the blog. I am really hoping to be able to come to one. Whoever wins the Beatrice Pottter bookmark is going to have a true treasure to keep!! I will also be on the lookout for the two magazines to see you advertisement too. They both seem like the perfect venues to advertise in this fall!!
One of these days, you and Vanna are going to announce MY name! Can’t wait!
xxoo
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! That’s all that needs to be said! Love ya! oxoxox
good morning Susan, girlfriends. oh how I would love a quiet morning like that right now, seems this morning the cats want to fight with our new cat.. Miss Kitty, she gets along with Tabby and Midnight to some degree, but her and Tabitha… SHEESH!!! been one cat fight after another this morning. of its raining here, last cool day for awhile as of tomorrow the heat wave begins. so I plan to make up gallons of iced tea for the fridge, tons of potato salad and pasta salad, marinate some flank steaks for fajitas for tomorrow night and mix up a batch of beer margaritas for porch sitting, and get out grandma’s recipe for icebox cake and make one for those long hot summer nights. I can’t wait for Fall and the cool nights again. the turkeys are out and about in the back yard, they are watching a group of deer in the yard, one buck and some young does (3-4) munching on the grape leaves and the cracked corn left down for them.. the barnyard crowd is fascinated with the deers, chickens are all lined up at the fence and watching.. chickens are very social and nosy birds. they have to see everything that goes on in their yard so to speak, the cats for now are in the window with tails swishing, for now the battles have stopped in favor of viewing the visitors to the yard. well time to get busy and get cooking, tonight is the last night for awhile I cook in the kitchen, too hot to cook so grilling on the BBQ is the order of the day, and luckily I cleaned the ceiling fan blades so they will really help to keep the house and the barn cool this summer. off to go feed the barnyard crowd, then get busy cooking. you girlfriends have a wonderful day today. hugs….. 🙂
Oh, Pat, I wish I could be with you today (even though it is hot where you are, it is hot where I am also!), watching your cats, feeding the turkeys, helping you eat the pasta salad and drinking something refreshing on your porch. And we could talk the afternoon away!!
Love,
Linda
Pat, I just love it when you write all the news about your various livestock – the barnyard “society column.” So interesting, funny and cute. Plus a little Jane Goodall thrown in for good measure! You do more in one day than just about anyone I know – I get tuckered out just READING about your day. PS – been wondering how your little neighbor kids are doing? Do you still spend time with them? xoxo from Janet :>)
That’s a great idea for bookmarks! I always print the ones you do ! I’d love an original! Hope see you in San Luis Obispo!
What a beautiful gift to give! They are awesome and will make each person feel like they got a piece of the wonderful work that went into your book. Have mine as well as one for my mom & a sweet friend on pre-order….can’t wait!!
I read the comment from Debbie P…what a dear lady. Great way to see life!
I AM SO BLESSED TO BE THE SWEET FRIEND!!
Girlfriends meeting here, how I love that.
What a creative, literary and “green” idea: using small but tangible artistic expressions to promote reading and recycling at the same time. Brava, Susan.
Hi Susan. What a great idea you had for the booksigning giveaway! Of course, I would LOVE to own one of these bookmarks. I’ve printed out the bookmark to go with my edition of A Fine Romance (I can’t wait!) Would LOVE to have you visit Maine for a signing. (Please keep that in mind.) Have a wonderful day. Anne
Hi Susan — we had fierce storms across northern IN, southern MI on the 24th. So many have been without power, have lost trees, and had other wind damage. (And imagine, that was a night Lucy and I were having girlie girl night at the lake cottage — the straight-line winds were blowing sheets of rain across the waveless lake. It actually looked like snow blowing across ice! But we hung in there and hardly batted an eye!) Anyway, this morning we got our internet service back, and what a delight it was to see your post and read all about your fabulous idea to share your beautiful “dabblings”! What a kind, giving gal you are! Lucy and I can’t wait to see how close you come to our area for one of your signings — we’ll for sure make a road trip to wherever we have to go to meet you. Enjoy these summer days with all your creature comforts around you! Ethel
Looking forward to meeting you both!
When I first saw the blotter paper at the beginning of your post I was thinking
I sure hope she saves them. They are like abstract art. Then I thought I had a great idea,
all of the pre published orders could get first dibs on the bookmarks. Anyway, I can
dream ! Lovely post as usual!
I can’t imagine I’ll ever win, in this big crowd, but you never know! Oh, I wish so much you’d come to a bookstore near me, but we live near the sea, far away from everyone. Sigh. Your bookmark idea is so wonderful. I would definitely SEND you a self addressed, stamped envelope, if you’d send one to me … hopefully with some little bit of art on it?? Sigh again 🙂