First off, my favorite MUSICA for bringing in the New Year… for remembering, for dreaming . . .
? T H A T ‘ S T H E Q U E S T I O N ?
What would you buy?
D R E A M Y O U R D R E A M S a n d B l o w !
Za world, she is your oyster . . .
M A K E Y O U R W I S H for a
S O M A N Y R E A S O N S T O
Another good reason to celebrate is that we have each other ~ it’s been an interesting year, hasn’t it Girlfriends? Between us in our little on-line city of sisters (and brothers!) that grows stronger by the day, we’ve shared much joy and some sorrow too. We’ve made new friends, welcomed new babies and rescued kittens (or let them rescue us is more like it), we’ve learned new things, have fallen in love with the English Countryside, shared recipes, music and books, 
travels and family stories, we’ve laid our darling friends, our lovely pets and our dearest family members to rest, we’ve seen each other through accomplishment and struggle, because that’s how life is, but always the thing that survives and triumphs is love glorious love, and HOPE. So much to be grateful for.♥
And now, whether you party until midnight wearing a pink paper crown, blowing a horn and kissing everyone in the room, or you sip soup and champagne in front of a crackling fire, kiss the only person in the room, and tiptoe up to bed by ten pm (guess which one is me) . . . I wish you all a wonderful happy healthy new year. We have so much to look forward to. XOXO
We sleep the sleep of the lucky, the grateful and the blessed.♥
Happy New Year dear Susan!
Same to you Becky!
Thank you Susan. You are so right. As I posted on FB yesterday, this has been a year of deep, devastating lows, balanced by joyous highs and at the end we can look around and realized that we have survived. Reason enough to celebrate! And here comes a fresh new year!
We begin again.
Yes, Susan, we do have so much to look forward to, don’t we? A brand new year laid out before us like a blank slate just waiting for us to make our mark. The power of choice is an amazing thing. I think we sometimes forget that we can set the course of our lives and that we’re not just victims in this thing we call “life”. The power to choose. May we all choose to make this the best year yet!! A year full of excitement, full of new things, goals to set and achieve, new friends to draw into our little circle. Happy New Year Susan and all our girlfriends here in our little corner of this great, big world!!!
I love that we do have a choice and I choose that with each new day I will be glad that I’m alive and healthy. I choose to be more sensitive to my fellowman. I choose to be happy. Happy New Year to you, too Sandy!
While each day is a fresh start, a new year is a BIG chance for fresh starts. I am reminding myself not to look back, I’m not going that way. Looking for new dreams to come true in 2014. Thanks for giving us wonderful pictures, stories and recipes. Happy New Year, my friend.
Jane Austen wrote (paraphrasing), “Look to the past only as it gives you pleasure.” Makes good sense to me!
Happy New Year Susan
I am like you and I will be in bed by 10 or maybe even 9 🙂
have a great day today
deezie
Girls:
No matter how old we are – there is always so much to learn! I’m going to learn how to crochet in 2014! With online courses, the world is our oyster! Here’s to discovering something new in 2014!
And the same goes for no matter how young we are, always something new to learn. xoxo
And, oh my gosh girlfriends……close your ears. My granddaughter bought me a guitar for Christmas, and at 75 years of age, I’m learning to play the thing! Talk about learning new things!
Fun!! Next year you’ll be the Christmas Carol girl!
Maureen, go to madewithlovebyjackiemoon for wonderful crochet patterns you can download. She’s my daughter’s best friend and a truly delightful girl. Happy New Year!
..dear Susan , this post literally gives me “goose bumps”.. that “musica” you chose is so lovely.. yes, so much to be grateful for even though we may struggle through trying times.. life is truly a treasure.. “happy New Year to you and Joe and to all of our loved ones !!..and thank you blog friends for always being here !!.. with love..
I’m so glad that we all have each other in good times and not so good times. Happy New Year to you, Mary Spring.
..thank you, Carol !!.. Happy New Year to you too !!
Have always loved your art, but I Really love your blog! Happy New Year!
xo
vivian
Same to you Vivian!
Happy New Year to everyone. May 2014 be good to us all.
Happy, healthy, prosperous and wonderful New Year filled with love to you!!
~ Happy New Year Girlfriends ~ Blessings To All ~ Health ~ Wealth ~ And Time To Enjoy Them ~
Same to you, Lynn. Happy New Year!
;)!
Susan,
Happy, Blessed, Joyous New Year to you and all of yours, kitties too!!
I too got the goosebumps reading your post. I too, like you will not be up until midnight. I’m lucky to make it to 11pm, which means it’s midnight on the east coast compared to central IL!
Tomorrow I celebrate my Dad’s 84th birthday!!! Yes, he’s a New Year’s baby! Very exciting. He lives with us, which is a gift every day! So it’s pancakes (his favorite) for breakfast and dinner out to celebrate him! What a great way to start the new year!
I’m so ready for a new year with endless possibilities ahead. Tonight i will dream of all I wish it to be, then I will make it happen!!
All the best to all the girlfriends! Much love and smooshy hugs to our special-est, that’s YOU!!
Here’s to a fabulous, splendid, enchanting and delightful 2014!!
XooX,
Jeanette
Happy New Year to you, Jeanette – 2014 will be FABULOUS! XXOO Pat from Paso Robles, CA
I got your book for Christmas and have already finished reading. I sat with my coffee and English muffin early in the mornings and let you take me to the English countryside. Thank you for all that you share and for giving me a new dream to dream. Happy New Year to you and Joe!
P.S. We will also be in bed by ten!
Happy New Year, everyone! And God bless us, every one. xo
Happy New Year to you too, Catie.
Happy New Year, Susan & Joe!
Meeting you (twice!) in September was one of my highlights of 2013. Today is the perfect time to look back and remember… and look ahead, hoping and dreaming! There are so many exciting possibilities awaiting in the New Year! Wishing all of our Girlfriends a healthy, happy New Year! I just love the time we all spend together here!
Warm hugs,
Dawn
♡♡
Was wonderful meeting you too Dawn!
We certainly do sleep the sleep of the lucky, the grateful and the blessed – Bill and I just survived our first night with a four legged baby in bed with us and she did just great! I want to thank you and Jack for encouraging me to adopt. We named her Lucy (as in Lucille Ball). Zany, fun loving, affectionate and never a dull moment. I love Lucy and She love Me!
Thank you dear Susan, you were a big part of 2013 for me. Love you lots!!
xoxo Suzanne & Lucy
Oh Boy Suzanne. So fun… Cuddle Lucy for me too please. Happy for you and Bill (and Lucy!)
🙂 xoxoxo’s
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda~~~Happy New Year~~~to Susan, Joe, and All The Girlfriends~~~may your year be filled with wishes and dreams come true!
Waving From Across The Pond~~~Debs xoxo
p.s. I’ll be toasting in the New Year at midnight {hopefully I shall still be awake} listening to the cathedral bells ring out across the valley and raising a glass of Babycham {sparkling perry}
Deee lightful Debs! Here to you!
Happy New Year to you too, Debs! I won’t be staying up til midnight…. 10:00 is the latest that I like to stay up, regardless of what is going on. I have enjoyed reading your entries and have tried a couple times to get onto your blog, but so far I have been unable to. Perhaps next year.
Before this summer, I had never heard of you or your blog. My friend recommended “A Fine Romance” to me because she knew I loved all things England. I am fortunate enough to have a niece that lives there who lets me come and visit whenever I want. I went to the bookstore, bought the book, signed up for your blog and have been reading your posts ever since. I want to thank you because your words can provide me comfort when times are bad as they are now. I feel soothed, cared for, and peace enters in. Thank you.
Happy to hear that Katie xoxo Welcome, love to have you here.
Happy New Year to you, too! Wishing you a wonderful year full of blessings.
Happy, Happy, Happy NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for your beautiful house art! My mom had a stroke right before Christmas and is really down in the dumps. I’m posting this in her rehab room so she can see it every day and hopefully take those words to heart. Reading your blog makes my day each time you post! Love that there’s kindred hearts within your bloggie circle. Have a terrific 2014, Susan! (although I don’t know how much better it could be for you than 2013 – wooo, what a year you had!) XXXOOO, Lynn
I hope she likes it too Lynn. Nothing like counting our blessings to make things seem right.
Susan, Happy New Year to you! It has been a glorious year for all of us Girlfriends riding along with you on all of your adventures and sharing what makes our lives tick tock away. There is great solace reading comments of friends never met but who come here and share their ideas and stories. This blog is a unique forum to provide a way that so many of us can join in and also have a sense of each other. Your art, your wit and love bring us all together in ways that we cannot do any other place. This is “our special community” of friends and I, for one, cannot believe how lucky I was one day when I just clicked on your blog in April 2012 and read the invitation to join in! Just in time to ” pack my suitcase” and be at the dock to jump on board. It has been an unbelievable adventure because when do you ever get an invite from a nationally known artist to tag along???? I wasn’t going to miss that opportunity and I am so glad I got on that ocean liner despite that I get seasick and HATE rocking boats! Lol!!
Thank-you Susan for all that you give. The friendship, support, laughter, and inspiration that only Susan Branch knows how to give!! It is going to be a fabulous 2014!!
Thank you for the wonderful optimistic reminders of what makes life
wonderful! The “house list” is perfect and holds all of the things that
are dear to me. Wishing all of you a wonderful New Year with lots of
good surprises. Good for the girlfriends who have found the treasure
chest of Susan and Gladys books! I’m still looking. I did find some
really nice vintage ornaments this year. I found enough to share! YIPPEE!
Happy New Year Susan and Joe! Enjoy the snow we may or may not get. 🙂
We just saw the news, we’re looking at possible a blizzard with a foot of snow. So they say.
Well…. as long as you’re planning a small together at home, that’s okay, right?
And it’s not until Friday … today it’s simply freezing, but sunny and blue skies!
you lucky duck!!! We are picking up friends at the airport tomorrow who went to MN for Christmas…he said he just got in from shoveling and it was -5. I said it had cooled off here – in the 60’s this am. Send the snow down here – but keep it in the 50’s:)
Looking forward to the coming year, & ” a new beginning”! Love your house of inspiration, dear sweet Sue! Our little “on-line city” is a wonderful place to live, & I thank you, all you citizens for making it so! Happy New Year & a giant group hug! xoxoxo
Can’t you just picture all the little houses in our city? A little bit Teletubby, a little bit Mary Engelbreit, and very much small English village!
Did you ever read “The Little House” by Virginia Burton….a picture books that tells the story of a little house that gets crowded out by the big city ? It is precious…the story of someone who loves a home. It is probably out of print, but I bet there is one at your library. Your posts reminded me of it…read it if you find it….you will love the cover ! 🙂
I will look for it … love the idea. Reminds me of the San Fernando Valley, all those open spaces and weeping oak trees along wide roads that were taken out for “growth” —
We still have that book & yes the cover was what sold me!! And, yup, Susan, that’s the way I’m picturing our houses in our little city! 🙂
Virginia Burton is the same author who wrote “Mike Mulligan and his Steam shovel” and “Katy and the Big Snow”. These are must reads in my first grade classroom. And I know my kids connect when, at the end of Mike Mulligan, they ask, “Is that a real story? Is there a real Popperville??” Love it!
As we stand on the door of 2014 may we all see how special we are and how important we are to each other, every day. Here’s to Peace, Health and Joy in little things in the new year!!
Lucy
And, Lucy, wherever you are, you are special to me and I wish you a simply grand 2014! We all deserve the best we can capture. XXOO Pat
I have a feeling, Susan, that every girl/guy friend who reads your words to close out 2013 will think the same thing I’m thinking, “How did she know? That’s exactly how I feel!” I read somewhere that to be an inspiration, one must be inspired, which sure applies to you and the words you arrange on the page to remind us of what is good in our lives.
I’ve only ‘known’ you since September when I met you in Goshen, but I feel like I’ve known you my entire life–and even more, that you know me, that we are, as Anne with an ‘e’ would say, Kindred Spirits. It is a rare gift you have, Susan, to welcome all of us into your life–to laugh with us and cry with us, to spur us on to welcome not only a new year but the simple joys waiting for us at the dawning of each new day.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Susan, for just being you.
Sara
I’m so happy to have found you Sara! Such sweet words, Happiest New Year to you and yours xoxo
Beautifully said, Sara. Susan, I absolutely love what you said about sleeping the sleep of the lucky, the grateful, and the blessed. That’s going to be my bedtime mantra for the new year. Happy, happy new year, girlfriends. Blessings to you all.
Beautifully said, Sara. Susan, I absolutely love what you said about sleeping the sleep of the lucky, the grateful, and the blessed. That’s going to be my bedtime mantra for the new year. Happy, happy new year, girlfriends. Blessings to you all.
Yes, beautifully said Sara.
I agree with the others Sara… thank you for putting into words what I’m sure we all feel… I have been truly blessed to have all this in my life..to “know” you all and Susan and look forward to more adventures in 2014! God Bless Us Every One! 🙂
Love your sense of life and the important things. Loved you years ago and moved on… Rediscovered you in 2013 thru A Fine Romance and feel like I have come home. Many thanks for the inspiration. Happy New Year to you, Joe and the kittens!
Happy to see you again Susan! Thank you!
Thanks for the good wishes and the lovely message. I have printed “The Reasons to Go On Living” to share with someone who will find the reminder helpful. I have a copy for myself as well – it’s always good to have a positive point of reference.
Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!
Happy New Year to all. Robyn
And to you, Robyn – may visions of fun things dance through your head on this New Year’s Eve! XXOO Pat
Beautiful post, Susan. Your posts are the ones that I save till last, make tea for, turn music on during, and enjoy most the art with the words. Happy New Year 🙂
That’s quite a compliment — thank you so much!
A bountifully blessed New Year to you and Joe and the kitties, Susan. Thank you for your constant inspiration on this site and through your art.
By the way, I too am one of those folks who goes to bed at a sensible hour no matter what. My husband, bless his heart, stays up to see the clock turn. I haven’t done that in years!
Thank you, Susan, for all your uplifting words and thoughts throughout the year.
Like most of our girlfriends, there have been highs and lows for me in 2013. I am always striving to make things better.
Happy New Year to all the girlfriends and to you and Joe.
Wishing the best for everyone in 2014.
Keep striving, Isabel, because just around the corner of 2014 will be sunshine and happiness and wonderful butterflies! Sending hugs & love. XXOO Pat
Thank you so much Pat.
Just saw your comment today. It is not always easy to find my comment with sometimes between 400 and even up to 1000 comments for Susan. Thanks for the encouraging words. It is always so amazing to me when I read all the “girlfriends” comments, how many wonderful people there are all over. Too bad we can’t have a gigantic “girlfriend” get-together, hosted by Susan. Wouldn’t that be wonderful.
Happy, HAPPY NEW YEAR to you & Joe as well and to all the girlfriends & guy friends. God Bless us everyone 🙂
HAPPY NEW YEAR SUSAN! So blessed this past year and looking forward to 2014! Thank you for being you:)
Dear Sue,
I wish you and Joe a healthy, happy New Year! xo Tracy
Wishing you happiness, good health and many blessings in 2014. Hugz!
Happy New Year my BFF on Martha’s Vineyard!! And to all the amazing girlfriends everywhere. We truly are a blessed, “intimate” group. Looking forward to 2014. I love Maya Angelou and that quote will be posted in my home where I can see it every single day!! You are the best, Susan 🙂
Love and best wishes to everyone….Becky
Happy New Year, Becky – you are correct – we are a special group – and the support that “floats” thru the air, filled with hugs and well wishes makes each one of us FEEL special. I am honored to be your BFF. XXOO Pat
Happy New Year to you and those you love… with and without fur. 🙂
You have greatly blessed us this past year. The new Susan Branch calendar is residing behind the old year, ready for tomorrow!
Happy New Year to you and Joe and kitties, too! Loved the sweet post today and we do all “ebb and flow” as we go through life. On your list of touching things we can enjoy, you mentioned driving with the windows down, which reminds me of a funny cartoon—a man and a dog are riding together in a car, but the dog is driving and the man is riding in the passenger seat with his head stuck out the window feeling the wind. He says to the dog, ” Hey, you’re right, this IS really FUN!” Tee, hee! Also, Susan, all the books you left at the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree, AZ are sold out to lucky recipients! Love from Bev and Jo and all of us who so enjoyed meeting you and Joe!
Hi Beverly! So nice to hear from you! Please say hello to everyone for me … that was just a wonderful day! xoxo Happy New Year!
Ahh..so perfect to wake to this. Thank you for your encouragement to face another year…I am glad you will be a part of it. Your words of inspiration and friendship are so special! Happy New Year to all of you!
Happy New Year, Susan and all the girlfriends (and boyfriends).
It has been a wonderful year full of life learning lessons. Looking forward to next year. I feel change is in the air!!
Like you, it will be a early night.
Dearest Susan… thank you for putting into words the fantastic year we’ve all shared together. Your blog is a beautiful gift, it makes days brighter and hearts so much happier. I am one of the luckiest and blessed people I know. I have a wonderful husband who is also my best friend, two precious kitties, a warm and caring family and girlfriends, all of which make me so happy to be alive. Life is crazy good. Wishing you, Joe, Jack, Girl Kitty and all your family and friends, a very happy and healthy 2014! ♥
That is a beautiful, heart-stirring version of Auld Lang Syne, Susan. It drew me in, as does your “homey” Reasons to Go on Living painting. One treat I have to look forward to is reading “A Fine Romance”, a present I gave myself. It arrived in my mailbox and I want to savour each gorgeous page.
Happy New Year to you and those you love (two and four footed).
Happy New Year to all!
That traditional rendition of Auld Lang Syne is one of my favorites. I even have one like it on my iPod playlist. You always know what the Girlfriends treasure! Here’s to a year ahead full of more joy than sorrow. Good health and happiness to you and yours! Cheers!
What a lovely blog for the new year… true, all of it. By the way, I received your new book for Christmas and so enjoyed it, like being on a journey myself. Happy New Year to you, too.
And what a year it was … Bringing girlfriends around the world together so gracefully in a way you never could have imagined. Your kind words, encouragement, recipes, creative ideas, travel tips, etc. etc. filled our hearts and thrilled our minds ♥. Just think of what the New Year will hold and how many more lives you will touch! I am grateful to be a part of it … and especially grateful for the wonderful dinner my friend Mary and I shared with you after Remnants … a “pinch myself” moment in time I soon shall not forget. We will ring in the New Year tonight with a quiet gathering in front of the fire … and memories of not so quiet New Years past when my mom would hand us kids all pots and pans and wooden spoons to run around the neighborhood with at midnight 🙂
Happy New Year and God Rest Ye Merry Everyone … xoxo. “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” —Brad Paisley
Perfect Mary!
Susan, How much can I buy from the town crier?
I would buy time….to slow down
I would buy peace…within me
I would buy my list of people I would love to have for Tea (You would get the first invitation) The others are unbelievable but amazing…hhhmmmm
Then I would buy a Hot Cross Bun
Happy New Year to you and Joe…..Thanks again for starting my morning off just right…..Love, Susan P
Nice list Susan! xo
Happy New Year Susan, and to Joe, the kitties, and the Girlfriends too. Like you I will probably be in bed before midnight, but it received your book for Christmas and will start the new year out right by reading it.
Happy Happy New Year to you and yours … furbabes too!
Dear Susan, your blog always brings joy an inspiration to my heart, thank you for a wonderful 2013 and the very best for the New Year.
Even though I could not meet you when you were in California, I just walked around silly happy,knowing we were sharing the same time zone. XOXO
LOL! I know that feeling!
I really enjoyed reading your “Reasons to go on Living”. At this time of year, I too often look back with regret and forget about all the good things in my life. Your list has given me hope for 2014 and inspired me to make a list of my own. Thank you! Best wishes for a Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Debbie – this BFF vows to pick up my “Gratitude Journal” once again – jot down 5 things you are grateful for each and every day. Don’t forget to include yourself! 🙂 You are my special BFF. XXOO Pat
Pat, the gratitude journal is such a great idea! I’ve done it this past year and will continue with it. It makes you think of all the small ordinary things that you can be thankful for.
Linda
Pat, Thank you for a wonderful way to keep things positive in 2014. My goal for the new year will be to write in a Gratitude Journal at the end of each day. Best wishes to you! Debbie
What a lovely way to end 2013 – with a thoughtful post and a cup of tea. My husband and I fall in the category of staying home and in bed by 10…. But we have good food and drink in our warm, cozy home, in front of the fire. Life is most definitely good – and yes, we have much to be thankful. Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy 2014!
Happy New Year Susan, to you, Joe and those adorable fur bags. My husband and I will be doing what has become a tradition the past few years. My parents make reservations our favorite fancy restaurant and treat us, my brothers and their families to a nice early New Years Eve celebration. With snow forecasted later today it’s perfect! We will be home in plenty of time for a cozy nap with our fur bag, then we will celebrate quietly with a bottle of Asti, crab dip and a decadent chocolate torte, watching the crazy people in Time Square and our own Chicago festivities which are shown locally. Oh and before that I always enjoy the live concert at the Met courtesy of PBS. So a happy and healthy New Year to you all!
Here is wishing you a happy and healthy new year.
Happy New Year to you too sweet Susan!! Thank you for making the past year another wonderful one to keep in touch with you! The things you share brighten our days and we’re so grateful for you! ❤️ Happy 2014! Love, Cynthia xo
Susan,
Thank you for being a daily piece of the joy in my 2013. I look forward to spending 2014 with you, Joe, the kitties and the adventures ahead.
Happy New Year to you Susan and to all the girlfriends! My wish for all of you is good health, abundance, friendships, and lots of love and laughter! God bless everyone! ~ East Longmeadow, MA.
Dearest Sweet Susan,
You are the “musica” to our life! 🙂 – some days you are the background music and other days you are the theme song! You are our go-to girl whether it be for gentle thoughts, a pretty picture, a great recipe, a place to travel to, a new something to learn, a moment to catch our breathe. You have provided a “place” for us hopeless romantics who relish “vintage” – not only things, but preserving those old values, mindsets, and way of life. And it’s all so wonderful!!!!!! You live a charmed life – but it’s a lot of work and you work so very hard at it (none of that goes unnoticed!) – but you are soooo good at it! We appreciate you for it and love you for it! You guide us, inspire us, fill us with happy….Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! All the roads you have travelled in your lifetime – even those that were once so difficult at best – were all meant to be because it brought you to “here” and to us….and we just cannot imagine life any other way. 🙂 In the past we can now see what the future held of which we were all meant to be a part. We just love sharing life with you! 🙂 One of the treasured highlights of my year was finally getting the opportunity to meet you earlier this past month – that meant more than you can ever know! Happy New Year to you – may it be deservingly filled with everything that means the most to you. I wish you and all those you love God’s choicest blessings always. xo
xoxo Tina ♥
So beautifully said, Tina! ♡ Wishing you a lovely New Year!
♡Dawn
Dearest Sue and Joe, Happiestof New Years, We wish you all the best for a Happy New Year. Knowing 2014 will be a great year , a year to start all over again. I want to Thank you for all the wonderful joy you give me n all the other lady friends. I love seeing Jack n lady Kitty , ilove all the recipes it gives me hope on sad days, When i read your blog and see ur art work i instantly become happier n know things will get better, some how some way they will , My faith keeps me well also . But wanted to thank you for all your kindness u ooze out of your life to give to us your true friends. I have kept up with you since before you started the blog or friends i have handwritten letters n you put me in the Willard , it makes me feel so special. Sending my love to you both and to Peg she is great too , love her too . I want to get your book and i will when i can . I would love to have you write some thing nice in my book when i am able to get it, still in Las Vegas area . Would love to hear from you some time my temp addesss is 4125 Boulder Hwy # 209 Las Vegas Nv 89121 , we are inbetween moves so until then this is my temp add my hubbys email is added mine is not working ive had it for years so have to find the problem with it. If i can ever do any thing for you or Joe please let me know. Wishing you much love health n joy for 2014 also for your families too , Hers to loving you n Joe Cheyenne of Las Vegas Nv XXX please post the recipe for the pancakes u made not but a few days ago love u ,miss you Happy New Years and Happy Days to come XXX
Thank you Cheyenne, all the very best to you for the new year ~ wishing you every good thing. xoxo
Happy New Year sweet Susan! We celebrate the new year with the grandbabies while their parents do whatever grown-ups do on New Years Eve…the babies and I never see midnight but if I did I would step outside my door and wish everyone a peaceful new year!
Reasons to go on LIVING…why the pure anticipation of what you will share with us next of course! Looking forward to what all 2014 will bring and forever cherishing 2013. Happy New Year to you Susan!
Have a Happy New Year, Susan! I love opening my SB 2014 calendar every year and starting with a clean slate! I try to write neatly but by the middle of the month, there are scribbles and cross outs everywhere! Let us know what’s on your agenda for the new year…lots of creativity I’m sure!
Making those lists now!
Susan — Happy New Year to you, Joe, Girl, and of course, JACK!
You haven’t heard from me lately but I’ve been checking in.
We sadly had to put our 14 year old love of a Basset down just before
Christmas. She was steadily going down-hill for months. It’s such
a hard decision to make, but eventually, you know when it’s time.
On the bright side — we were talked into getting a new puppy —
a yellow lab we named Ellie. She has helped to brighten our hearts
and home and definitely lifted the spirits of our other dog, Dandy.
Now I’m a new Puppy Mom — heaven help me! 2014 promises Puppy
Kindergarten and basic obedience…for her or for me??
May 2014 bring happiness and good health to all the girl friends.
(I plan to make your Christmas Coffee Cake for New Year’s Eve…yum!
JoAnne in frigid northwestern NJ
I’ve learned the same thing, not to wait after losing a pet … although it’s hard, but still, the life needs to go on.
Thank you Susan, and how wonderful that two girlfriends
have taken the time to express their sympathies.
I feel encouraged by their words and Ellie has already found
a home in our hearts.
Just wondering if you ever had a dog?
JoAnne
Growing up we always did. Then when I got on my own, I had dogs then too, cocka-poos and other assorted rescue varieties, along with kitties. But when I moved to the island, I got three kitties and that was it. They just seem a little bit easier to me, I was never that good at potty training, and kitties take on that responsibility for themselves.
Just a note of condolence JoAnne. I happened to read your post and felt compelled to offer my sympathies. We love our pets so much. We had a darling Basset years ago, who left us too soon. Not long after, we also found new puppy love with a very sweet, lovable, darling Lab who is today 14 1/2 years old. We know our time with him is passing quickly, but wouldn’t trade those years for anything. Pets are so special. Bassets and Labs are both wonderful breeds. I’m sure Ellie will be just as much a priceless family member as your Basset was. I wish you all the best…and yes, puppy classes will be in order. Labs don’t seem to ever grow out of the “puppy brain” it seems. Enjoy!
Pam — thanks for your kind words. We just got Maggie’s ashes back today and it brought all the sad feelings back.
She was our 6th Basset — each one was a love in their own
way. As you know, they tend to have back problems and
I had two Bassets go blind (poor Maggie was blind for 7 years but, being a scent hound, she followed her scent trails all over the house and yard and was a happy girl). When we lost Bogie, about 8 years ago, we thought maybe we wanted a Lab — they always look so happy and seem hardy. But, we thought, what about our dog door and fenced-in area — both are sized for a dog a Basset’s height?!
I looked up “Basset” on PetFinder and found a black Lab/Basset mix — and we said “he’s perfect”!
We drove to Monroe CT to get him and we’ve loved Dandy
ever since. He may be a mix but he is a good ambassador for
the Lab temperment — he’s been wonderful with Maggie
and he is my assistant puppy watcher when Ellie is out of her
crate. She watches everything he does and has already
learned to sit next to him for a treat in the kitchen.
Dandy is going on 9 now and very calm but I know I’ll have my hands full with Ellie. It hurts to lose a dog but they give us so much in return — I hope your lab continues to be a happy
dog and enjoy his doggie life. I’m sure you’ve given him a wonderful “forever home”. Thanks again.
JoAnne
JoAnne, My heart goes out to you for the loss of your beloved basset. I, too, lost my Midge (domestic short hair beautiful black cat) in a similar scenario. Thank goodness for Elly! Hope you have a wonderful new year!
Vicki — thank you for taking the time to reply. I’m so sorry
to hear about your kitty Midge. I have a gray tabby named
Tinkerbelle and she is such a love and very mellow. She is 14 years old now and the vet says she has a spot on her lung and
has about a year. Between Maggie and Tinkerbelle, I haven’t
had much Christmas spirit this year but I try to remember all
the love Maggie gave me and I give Tinkerbelle a hug and a
kiss on her nose everyday, whether she needs it or not!
I enjoy following the antics of Susan’s cat Jack!
I wish you a Happy New Year. Another kitty can never replace Midge, but could find a warm spot to burrow in your heart! JoAnne
Happy New Year Sue, Joe, Jack and Girl-Kitty! Again, can not thank you enough for all the beauty you bring to my life through this blog!!!
What a lovely rendition of Auld Lang Syne! It seems the year went very fast now that I am on the last day of it and look back. It’s had it’s ups and downs but one thing I always looked forward to was coming here on your blog to find some encouragement, enlightenment and good cheer that you always have given to us in your words and beautiful pictures and drawings. It seems you had an interesting and full year and I hope this next year is even better for you.
A Happy Blessed New Year to you, Susan and Joe and Jack and Girl Kittie and to all the girlfriends out there!
Happiness and new adventures to you and to all of the “girlfriends” in our community. Thank you all for the inspiration you share.
Wonderful words – a little cyber-city is so true. I have had an online friend for about 5 years now. We’ve never met, but we chat by e mail almost every day, and have shared many ups and downs. We found each other thru a blog, and three of us just started our own “chat room” from there. The other lady drifted away, but we two stay connected. I doubt we will ever meet, but it’s so nice to have someone to share it all with, and not judge each other! I love bloggers for that – sharing their lives with anyone who cares to read. Thank you Susan, for sharing! Have a peaceful New Year, I’ll look forward to the next bit of your life!
A bittersweet year, sort of like the chocolate…
hard to believe today is the last day!
Where did this year go? One day at a time right? LOL!
Right into the next brand new one…
thank you 2013 for all the lessons learned regardless of how they came…
and welcome 2014 for all the new ones I will learn…
I need to buy some more chocolate! LOL!
I usually celebrate the New Year by staying in (okay, so I always do that) and watching the neighbors popping fireworks starting at least two weeks before the big day. We moved into a new house right before Thanksgiving, so there will be no fireworks this year. Instead, I’ll be wishing a Happy New Year to the cattle next door and come midnight will kiss…. well, my 3 dogs I guess. Lol!
Sadly, my cat won’t ring in the New Year with me this year. (She passed away in July). Of course…. she was always pretty indifferent to New Years. (Unless party food sitting on the kitchen counter tops was involved).
Kristin
Loverly. Happy New Year Kristin!
A fresh year. A blank slate. Time for new opportunities! A happy New Year to us all! Blessings to all the girl (& guy) friends,
.
Happy New Year, Susan! Thank you for all the images of joy and the cheerful words you deliver all year long. I’m grateful!
Sue and Joe, I wish you the best year this new year has to offer! I know you both will have a great one filled with love and surprises. Stay warm and safe tonight!. Wish you the best from Cali!!!
xo Tiina
I have just joined in — Happy New Year to all! And what a treat to have received ‘A Fine Romance’ as a Christmas gift from a dear friend. I read it yesterday — couldn’t put it down. Magical, wonderful, enjoyable, — loved every word.
First of all, love the song. I have been waiting for today all year long. January 27 was a very emotional and heartbreaking day for my family. Words were said that no one really meant deep down but damage was done and lives were changed. And the worst part is that a newborn baby was in the middle of it all. Thankfully we have carefully made our way back together to celebrate that baby’s first birthday in October and made a vow to only go forward with love and respect and repair the broken hearts. But 9 months were wasted and I was the lady with the sad heart. Tonight my husband and I will have dinner with good friends and be back home and in bed by midnight. We will text Happy New Year to our loved ones and be thankful that a new year will let us begin again to love each other and hold each other tight.
How wonderful for you Ann, a year did not pass before healing began. xoxo
Your blog was my inspiration this year. Thank you.. beautifully written.
Beautiful blog Susan. It really says it all. Wishing you, Joe, the kitties and all your family a Happy and Healthy New Year! Looking forward to 2014 and all your future blogs. Anne
Susan, wishing you and Joe, Jack and Girl a very happy and healthy 2014! Each new year starts out so sparkly, and sometimes by year’s end, the sparkle has dimmed; but what a blessing when we’re given another January 1st 🙂 Meeting you and Joe is definitely on my highlight reel for 2013. Can’t wait to embrace 2014 and live it up!
Thank you for adding beauty, hope, and joy to my life and the lives of people everywhere this year through your lovely art, tender thoughts, and sweet music clips on your beautiful blog. You create a more thoughtful and beautiful world, Susan. Thanks for the follow on Twitter, as well. Much love, joy, and peace to you and yours!
~ Hi again~ I just found the new Victoria Classics ~Tea Pleasures ~ in the store today~ with all the snow and cold we will be getting it will fun to curl up under my woobie with my tea and read it!~ Maybe I’ll get some new ideas to share at our Downton Abbey Tea Premiere!~
A very happy and blessed New year to you!
/Maria
Happy, Happy New Year Susan, Joe, Kitties and all the Girl and Boy Friends!
Hope this next year is chock full of all things good and wonderful, joy, friendship, growth and creativity!
<3
xox
Gabi
Have a glorious 2014! Don’t the years just keep on getting better?!? Always new surprises and pleasures….some we didn’t even know were coming our way….so, dear girlfriend, open those arms wide and soak in all the new joys of the New Year! Hugs!
Wishing everyone a kind and gentle 2014 with lots of happy surprises thrown in and plenty of room for making memories.
On the whole, 2013 was a little too eventful (my 100 year old Dad passed away and I had hip replacement surgery). These were just two of the events. However, I discovered your blog in 2013 and consider that to be a blessing and I found a copy of A FINE ROMANCE, another blessing. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Oh, and I love the book and wouldn’t change a thing. On page 201, you list some movies to see before going to England or any time. I would like to recommend one not on the list that you might like. It’s 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD and it stars Ann Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins.
Happy New Year and thank you!
Oh yes, that’s a good one! Happy New Year Barbara. Hope it’s just good better best of all!
Another movie to see is “Ladies in Lavender” with Judi Dench and Maggie Smith———–Happy New Year everyone!
Beautiful post ! It all rings true . Looking forward to seeing what the New Year brings
Here’s hoping for a really good one for all of us .
Happy New Year to you, Susan, Joe and the Kitties! Tidings of comfort and joy to everyone for 2014! Looking forward to another wonderful “blog” year. 2013 will always be especially memorable because I actually met you and gave you a hug, Susan! I’m reading “A Fine Romance” for the second time and it is just as enjoyable as the first! My sister introduced me to your blog last January. I am forever grateful! Stay safe and warm.
Happy EVE of the New Year Susan!!! I’m so absolutely excited to bring in a new year of fun and positive changes!!! Blessings to you and JOE!!
Such a beautiful post.Happy New Year to our dear Susan,your wonderful Joe and your precious,precious kitties,THANK YOU for…..well…..just being you!!!!!! xoxo Ruthie
Susan and all the girlfriends everywhere!!~~~ I, 100 % agree with you Susan. This has been an exraordinary year of new friendships, adventure, travel, praying for those of us that need prayer, crying, laughter, looking forward to see what our new friends have to say with each post, etc etc. I have found comfort knowing that I can depend upon each of you for whatever the reason. I haven’t been so lonely leaving all my friends in California when we moved up to Washington this past summer as all I have to do is open up a post and there you all are.
I hope that each and every one of you has a wonderful new year…. a new beginning for each of us! Happy NEW YEARS!!
xoxox,
Carol M
Carol – It is January 1st and I just read your blog. Caught my eye because I journey through Kennewick on my way to the cabin in Newport, Washington. In fact, I generally spend the night in K. because they road on my last leg of trip is soooo boring and I am always anxious to get there. Never feel lonely – I so agree with the BFFs impact on our lives. I vow this year to get to know some of you better. Happy New Year and sending huge hugs your way…..OOOO Pat
Pat Johnson…. give me a call whenever you are in Kennewick. Perhaps we can get together for lunch or dinner or something.
(707-362-4925)
Carol M
Happy New Year Susan!! This is my favorite night of the year, I love the idea of new beginnings, new starts, fresh days waiting to be lived! This year on New Years we also have a new moon! it is starting the year new too! I always stay up to midnight playing games with my family! We have sparklers! We have party Horns!
I do get up early the next morning to see the beautiful rose Parade. Plenty of time to rest later!!! Bless you and Joe and the kitties!
Happy New Year! Susan, Joe, Girl Kitty, Jack and Petey! May you have a Blessed one full of Happiness and Great Health! I am Happy I found you! You Blog and Books have made me SMILE so much! and I got Susan Branch Gifts for Christmas!! What could be better than that! Thanks for all the delicious Recipes and sharing such awesome photographs with us! I love my Journey thru your beautiful Martha’s Vineyard via your blog! and “A fine Romance was My favorite Book for this Year!!”
Hugs!
Connie Sue
This post couldn’t have expressed our hearts and our year of 2013 any better Susan. Our “on-line city” has been a source of inspiration and refuge for all of us, and blessed us in so many ways…especially me. I love that our hearts have connected in so many wonderful ways. (I have learned “bondo” and “connectomundo,” a whole new language really…they are still written on my desk blotter). My body took a huge crash about 2 months after treatments, and has only started to come back to normal after my trip in Nov. to your beautiful state of Tennessee. I was told that it had just taken all it could. It’s been rough, I really struggled during this time, so sorry if I’ve ever seemed “off the wall” or “out of sorts.” Thank you for putting up with me as I rid myself of this weird fog I’ve been living with and try to get my life back to normal. Thank you for all you do Susan, it’s been a huge part of my support and healing. I’ve never looked forward to the New Year as much as this year. Loved, loved. loved this post…just what I needed to see and feel. My goal is to give back this year, starting with a Port Mouton Seafood Chowder Party to thank the people that have helped me through this tough year…(wish I could invite you all). Happy New Year Girlfriends and a very special New Year Thank You to you Susan…hope you, Joe the kitties are very well blessed in 2014…no one deserves that more than you! xo
Keep on Keepin on Rhonda, feel better every day and thank you for being here! xoxo
Dear Rhonda,
I knew you weren’t doing well, but you never seemed out of sorts to me! I am just so glad you are doing better. Little by little–that’s how our bodies heal. I know that from the digestive issues I had way back in the spring. It took awhile to find out that I am lactose intolerant and then it took a LONG time to heal! I’ve been praying for you. And, yes, if I could I would jump at the chance to enjoy seafood with you in Port Mouton–so would my husband! I’ll just have to imagine I am with you! So glad we are friends here in our cozy, safe little Susan City.
Love you!
Linda
Linda, I thought about you when I posted that I was making Port Mouton Seafood Chowder. The recipe is my Mom’s from Port Mouton, and I’ve been spoiled by the fresh seafood from that area…I travel with a cooler in my car all the time now. You never know when the “fresh fish man” is going to just drop by my Mom’s house when I’m there. It’s a Port Mouton recipe and seafood, but being made in N.B. So wish you could be here to enjoy it…we’ll be thinking about you. Thank you for the prayers…so much appreciated. After treatments I was left with this strange “fog” about me…couldn’t see, think, speak, drive etc. properly…I was trying very hard to be normal, but I was quite scared as to why it was there. It seems to be lifting, thank God for that. Can’t even put into words how great it feels to start feeling normal again. I’ll set a place at the table for you and your husband, so we feel like you’re here with us…the unseen guests of honor. (Too bad email won’t “do” chowder)! Have a very Happy New Year Linda.
Love Rhonda
AMEN!! 🙂 Happy New Year to you, Joe and all of the girlfriends and boyfriends who share this precious blog!! I wish you all health, happiness, peace, love and to prosper in 2014!! We are all so blessed!! Love and Hugs, Tricia B. 🙂 XOXO
I am so looking forward to a brand new year, Sue! I will cherish the few highlights of 2013, embrace the victories and count our blessings that we are healthy and happy. I especially will remember Bat Boy and the entire population of San Francisco as they came together to make that day a special one…..if only for a few hours, we as a people once again tabled our work, our problems and sad times and celebrated nation-wide, cheering on the imagination of a young boy. Its little moments like these that take the sting out of an otherwise challenging day.
To you, Sue, I send love and appreciation for all you do to inspire all of us…to keep us on the positive road…to give us purpose. I wish you a wonderful 2014, girlfriend. ♥ peg
Peg, in case there is anyone who doesn’t know, has been President and Wrangler in Chief of our Facebook Page, FOSB, for the last four and a half years. How we got so lucky to find her, I do not know. She’s retiring as of today and said goodbye on FACEBOOK — in case you’re interested in reading and leaving a message for her. Kellee and Sheri are going to do their best to take over where Peg leaves off ~ but we are going to miss her very much, for her dedication, her common sense and her sense of humor, to name just a few. She’s a girlfriend’s girlfriend, and we’ve been lucky. I just wanted to say that Peg… no blushing because it’s all just true. xoxoxo
Happy New Year Susan!!!! Wishing you and Joe blessed 2014 🙂
Thank you, Susan, for bringing joy and beauty into our lives this past year. Yes, we have so much to be thankful for. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year, Susan and Girlfriends!
I am so-so blessed by all the friends I have made here. I pray for so many of you by name, including you, dear Susan. In happy and sad we have been here for one another. And the more memories we make together, the closer we all will continue to grow.
I can’t wait to make some more blog GFs in 2014!
I will be warm and cozy in bed tonight, drifting off to sleep far before midnight strikes.
Love to all,
Linda
Happy New Year, Susan and Joe! What a great year. Still can’t believe it!! Met you both, and my cake became famous!! You’ve inspired me in so many ways, and helped me to find my own “voice”! Gene has been blessed, too, by your many tweets, and facebook messages! We wish you both the most wonderful year in 2014 you have ever had! We have great things ahead, too, and some surprises, maybe!! You’ll be among the first to know!!! But, thank you, thank you, thank you, for all you do for the cause of beauty, love, truth and goodness in this world!! (I’m the sipping champagne with the only other one in the room kind, too!) Here’s to you!! Cheers!! Yea 2014!!!! 🙂 xoxo
Happy New Year to You! This post was lovely and so true. It got me all teary…LOL Kit