♥ H A P P Y S U N D A Y D E A R H E A R T S ! ♥
MUSICA and flowers for you! I’m just wondering if you’ve been reading your comments? Are you not the most 
wonderful gathering of people you have ever seen? I have enjoyed them so much, all 1,400 of them . . . each comment individually, but when you put them all together, it’s Spring! ♣ It’s family, it’s memories, beauty, l♥ve and creativity and charm and trying hard and making a difference ~ all the things I have always loved about the readers of my books ~ which I learned about from the letters I received from so many of you over the years, but now, here we are, together at last and it’s just so lovely to read!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write! I thought I would wish you all a Happy Sunday — and let the drawing go a couple more days so everyone has a chance to sign up. If you’re not sure what “drawing” I’m talking about, scroll down to the next post ~ we’re in the middle of a Give-Away! ← That’s a hint.
You can leave your comment either here or there (at the bottom of either post where you see the tiny gray letters “comments” just click and there you go) and as many times as you like because Vanna is brilliant and knows to choose only one from each name/address. Until then, from my Girlfriends Forever book, the perfect title for US, this, for all you beautiful girls . . .
Thank you for being here! Keep the home fires burning! ♥ Downton Abbey tonight! Ooooo-La-Wee! xoxo
How absolutely darling…a lambie-cake is the next best thing to a lambie-pie!!
And what a give-away! I have never seen that sweet book, before…so please please enter my name into that frilly little bonnet:)
You ARE the best…and there is no better group of women…of girlfriends…like the ones that gather here! What in the world would we do without each other…I just don’t want to ever know…
Today felt like spring; it was a tease, of course, but walking around outside, I spied the green spikes of the snow drops and there are buds on the dogwood tree in the corner of the front yard. That’ll hold me over…along with your pretty, spring-y posts:)
Hugs and love and blessings,
Christie Ray…your girl from Franklin, TN
That is the Cutest Little Lamb I’ve ever seen. How I LOVE the “personal” quality of your posts. Just like you’re talking to ME!
Love you, Girl Friend,
Carolyn
I’m talking to YOU Carolyn Alverson! 🙂 I am!
Good evening Susan,
A Happy Sunday to you! It was a beautiful day on the Cape. The sunshine and sunset was wonderful. We went down to the canal to make sure the Mass Maritime ship returned home safe. It brings back memories when we waited for the ship to return with our son aboard. It always brings a tear to eyes thinking about all those students aboard.
It was a nice surprise getting your blog today, it was the best! Loved your picture with your lamb cake.
Think spring—–Marion
I truly enjoy your blog. It is amusing and inspiring. Thank you.
I ordered the lamb cake pan the day you posted it on the blog. It came in Saturday’s mail. Wow, that’s fast!!! Can’t wait to use it. So, I say thank you to the girls at the studio for being so attentive to my order. Also, I noticed the cute initial stickers on the package. Too cute! I also appreciate that you use the biodegradable packing “peanuts”. Well I have a date with P.B.S. Masterpiece Theater very soon now. So goodbye to all of you ’til next time. Oh, I almost forgot… Has anyone taken the Zimbio quiz for Downton fans? It tells you who you are most like. I’m Anna. FUN!
Thank you, Kirsten from So. CA, for mentioning zimbio quiz on character you most are like from Downton Abbey. It was fun. I am Lady Edith.
Go get that baby!
Hi Susan,
Your story about the woman you met at the market made me smile. I too met a delightful woman as I was treating myself to a manicure and pedicure. while she was getting her pedicure her caregiver was getting a manicure. Every so often someone in the salon would ask her how she was doing. The woman turned to me and said ” Why does everyone keep asking me if I’m ok? ” I come to find out she was 104 yrs. young! Let me tell you I walked out of that salon with a whole different attitude!
It ain’t over til it’s over. xoxo
Hello Susan……………..Happy Spring to you! I love your sweet little lambkins cake. It is adorable. I am sure that it is going to be a very tasty treat with a cuppa tea…………I imagine you will be busy putting out all of your springtime décor…………time for pastel hues to brighten every corner and vases of spring flowers to cheer dark clouds away.
Just stopping by on the off chance that I might have my name selected in the drawing, but mostly just to wish everyone a Happy Spring and plenty of sunshine to make your gardens bloom……….In the case of Californians……….may we get that extra rainfall! We can use every little drop that falls.
Dearest Susan….
You are such a bright spot in my everyday!
Would love to be the lucky winner!
xo xo xo Raenell
Hi Susan, I HAD to tell you how much I loved the picture of your vintage sifter and Jack! And your caption just made it all so cute and funny! You crack me up! I just enjoy your blog SO much! Oh, also, your lamb cake is something I would love to make for Easter this year. I made your bunny cake last year and it was a huge hit, especially with the kids. Well, not really, the adults loved it too! Anyway, we just returned from a weekend in Seal Beach. The weather was wonderful, great for a long walk ending on the pier. Thought of you! Have a good week. xoxo
My mom and I love walking on that pier and do it every time I’m out there. Must have been gorgeous, that long sweep of sand and water.
When I was just a kid I used to ride my bike from Belmont Shore, buy a dime’s worth of razor clams for bait and go fishing off that pier. Sometimes …. make that once, I stuffed half a used clam in my pocket and forgot it — my Mom had a fit!
Nice little surprise!
Susan,
I received your first calendar book as a gift. To this day, I never wrote in it because I didn’t want to ruin it! I was going to bring it and show you the day the shop was having the tea in Illinois on your book tour. I bought a ticket but wasn’t able to go at the last minute. Anyway, I still enjoy looking at that book. And your blog is one that I absolutely love. It really brightens my day and I’m not just saying that. It really brightens my day!
Ginene
XOXO Ginene!
Hi, Susan. My daughter and I, like you, adore lambs and sheep. What did you use for the nose and ears? I bake a lamb cake every Easter and serve it on a bed of green colored coconut to look like grass and scattered jelly beans. My daughter insisted when she was little that I attach a large marshmallow with a toothpick for a tail!
Also love rabbits, especially Peter! I am a Member of the Beatrix Potter Society and have baked mini bunny cakes for some of our teas! Happy Spring…soon!
Hi Susan. A loyal fan from Germantown, TN. I just read A Fine Romance, for the second time! A trip to the English countryside is now on my bucket list. My fingers are crossed to win your lamb mold but none the less I must try your lemon cake recipe. Sounds de-lish!!
I love your name! Scarlet. And my last name (too) Stewart. Beautiful!
What a great ending! Can’t wait for the next season.
Yes, it was lovely.
I received your book “Heart of the Home” as a birthday present in 1992. I have been a fan ever since. My home would not be complete without your calendars. The best thing is your blog! I look forward to seeing your wonderful art and hearing your stories.
Cheers, Candy
I just found your web site – thanks! I’ve been collecting your books since I was a young mother; still cook with them and find the joy you so obviously put into them refreshing. Again, thanks!
Hi Susan, my husband Michael and I just finished watching Downton Abbey. We can’t believe we will have to wait a whole year before the new season begins. You have made me fall in love with everything English! I am planning to have a Tea for friends this Spring and the Lamb cake will be the perfect thing to serve. I would love to win the Lamb cake tin and the Betty Crocker book, so hang in there SPRING is just around the corner! Thank you for all you do for your fans. Give Jack a kiss for us! Kathleen in Avon, NY.
I have read A Fine Romance twice in a row, and I thoroughly enjoyed it each time! It looked interesting to my husband, who gave it to me for Christmas, and now he is reading it and enjoying it too! That’s a first! My next book is the Beatrix Potter Gardening Life book, also a Christmas book. Keep up the wonderful books!
Thank you so much Jean … and say Hi to your husband for me!
Thanks, Susan. My husband says Hi to you too. We just printed my message and your reply for him to use as a bookmark as he reads the book! 🙂
Fun!
Your posts are breaths of fresh air, little glimpses of happiness!
I was so happy to find your post…I hope hope hope every day that you might have time for just a little note…so glad you wrote today…the violets you painted are my very favorite. It has been a long week for me as a nurse…one of my dearest little patients passed away and I am heartbroken … such is the way of life…but so painful…It is such a blessing to be able to b a part of someones life..Your blog has given me many blessings…keeps me focused on the “happy” of every day. Blessings to you and yours…….Happy Monday
Evangeline, what would the world be without people like you. ♥ I would never want to know.
…dear Evangeline..(‘can’t help but notice that the middle part of your name says ‘angel’ )…my heart goes out to you !!..I’ve always had a great admiration for nurses and all that you all do !!.. (both my dear daughters are nurses and the two little boys that I care for every day’s mommies are both nurses as well..so, indirectly, I understand your heartbreak in ways) …thank you for all that you do !!!..you nurses are so special..with love
I second that emotion Mary and EvANGELine. I just had a run-in with many nurses at our local hospital (colonoscopy), my own grandma could not have made me feel any more cared for and loved than they did. I love nurses.
Mary Spring…I appreciate your words so much…thank you for taking time to send kindness my way….may you continually be blest…on behalf of nurses….we do it because we love to make someones life better…..hi to your nurse daughters and friends..
Evangeline…….I was blessed with your email. I was diagnosed with cancer in late 2012 and thank God for all the wonderful nurses who have assisted in my care…..through 6 hospital stays, 2 surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and now chemotherapy again….these beautiful “angels” of mercy have indeed been heaven-sent. So to you on behalf of nurses everywhere may you know that you are a blessing and appreciated far more than you will ever know! I like when you mentioned being focused on the “happy” of every day! I thank God for every day and as I take life one day, one week, one month and one year at a time am blessed by the opportunities given to me daily to uplift and encourage others. Thank you Evangeline and continue to let God’s love flow through you to others for it makes all the difference in the quality of life both for you as the giver and others as the receivers! Bless you this day!
To “sweet Sue”, my heart is with you…Thank you for the kind words and sharing your life, it blesses me and makes me want to be a better person. May you wake up each morning with “sunshine” for the day ahead….no matter if the weather has rain! Enjoy the “happy” that day holds for you….blessings always…evangeline
Susan, I love your thoughts on self respect. I feel so sad for so many people in the world today who have lost their way and don’t have any. The world trys to teach us to be something other than what we are.
I always love reading your thoughts on things. They so often echo my own. Kindred spirits? I think so. I can remember back in the 1980’s and seeing your illustrated recipes in the Country Living magazine. You seemed like a person I wanted to know. I love all that you share with us. I have just one complaint. You don’t blog near often enough! haha I know you have a life outside this page and I am grateful for the little snippets of it that you share with us.
Have a wonderful week. March will soon be upon us! Will it come in like a lamb or a lion??? I hope a lion so that we have the lamb to look forward to and I know how much you enjoy lambs! xxoo
A dear friend shared your blog with me. I’m hooked. Thank you for your consistent cheery attitude. I will be sharing you with others that may not be aware of your blog.
Thank you Marlene, so nice to meet you here!
Hi Susan! I have been thinking so much about your darling little lamb cake and I really think your lamb needs a name….and like so many names of high standing in England, definitely needs mulitple names of honor…So this is the name that I have been thinking about naming her..(somehow I think it is a girl lamb!)
Lady Beatrix Diana Gweneth Victoria Lammy Pie!…..
If it is a boy how about: Prince Stewart Jack Winston Lammy Britches!.
I have been hoping with fingers crossed about the Betty Crocker Kitchen book..Oh, How I would enjoy that!!!!
ThAt Is AlL fOr ToNiGhT….mY fInGeRs are CrOsSeD!!! ByE fOr NoW*♥.:^*:.♥
LOL! Love your names!!
Oh my gosh that cake is darling. And the book! I’ve never seen that book; it looks so charming. Thank you for being such a bright spark!!
I found one in a used bookstore. Check them out. There is another one in that group too, but I can’t find it.
Did not watch the season finale of Downton yet as my husband (who is also hooked 🙂 ) and I had an early Monday morning, 4am, which from what I have read is not a unusually early time for you, lol. I hate to see it end, the season always goes way too fast. However, I do enjoy Mr. Selfridge and Call the Midwife which will soon follow. If you have not watched these programs, both on PBS I highly recommend them, especially Call the Midwife.
Love your lamb cake! The mold is also wonderful on it’s own and would make a lovely kitchen decoration. Possibly serenely peering down from the top of the fridge.
Blessings!!
I haven’t seen it either Jody! Too late for me last night — but as soon as I finish reading the comments I’m going to the “ON DEMAND” on my TV clicker and bring it up, get comfy with blanket my Grandma knit and revel in two glorious hours.
I enjoy your blog so much!! Having that vase of beautiful pink flowers pop up on my desktop made my day. Our lows will be in the zeros this week in Ohio so I need a little cheering up. Thanks~Susan!
Oooo stay warm Sue . . . won’t be long now!
I am new to your blog, but bought your charming “Baby Love” book back in the 1990s when I was getting ready to become a new Mom.
Have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your life, mixed in with your recipes, beautiful artwork, photos and lovely quotes. I especially enjoyed the spring fever photos you recently posted and your inspirational quotes–it made my day, especially since it’s still winter outdoors. I also very much appreciated your words of wisdom about self-respect….a gracious reminder to all. And finally, your lamb cake looks adorable and delicious, and I enjoyed reading the recipe and perusing the photos–and now I hope to bake it for my boys!! Thank you!
So nice to meet you Pam!
Another kindred spirit and a mother of sons! God bless you!! Snips and snails and puppy dog tails. And bugs, frogs, and muddy sports uniforms!!!
I’m in the mood for Spring! Thank you for the right words always.
Your posts help us look forward and enjoy coming days!
Today, Monday Feb 24th, is Ed’s and my 47th anniversary. I am up before he is, to see what treasures you may have posted! We are planning a day trip to Nashville for fun, shopping and lunch at a favorite Mediterranean cafe…but first my Susan fix…Thank you!,
Mary~
Happy Anniversary Mary — and to Ed! Have a wonderful day!
A lambie cake! Love it. I have my grandmother’s lamb cake pan and now I am inspired to make it again.
I love the primroses at the top of the page. Maybe we will have spring after all.
Hi Susan, I’m a long time reader of your books and I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to find your blog. I treasure your thoughts and drawing. I save the blogs in my inbox at least until the next one comes out so I can read it over and over! Each blog lifts my spirits and inspires me to do “happy things”! Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Thank you Sue, so nice to meet you!
Susan, I loved your little reminders of what self-respect is all about. My mom taught all of our family these same sort of simple values. I would add one more to your list from her: take care of your things and they will stay nice for a long time. Back in the 1950s, we did not live in such a disposable society and big families, like mine, had limited resources. When a birthday or special occasion gifted me with something very nice, Mom was the person who taught me how to treasure and care for it. I still find that habit to be most valuable and it has helped me keep precious things for many years and save me countless dollars on buying the same thing over and over (like clothing).
Yes, I do love to come here and read all of the comments. It is such fun to hear what everyone is thinking and doing all over the place and across the pond!
Speaking of across the pond, I was so sad to see Downton Abby close the 4th season last night! Relieved to hear there will be a 5th Season, it will be such another looooong wait till next January! But Ms. Hughs and Carlson holding hands at the seashore as the last image was just the most beautiful memory to hold on to till 2015. Don’t you agree???
Saying “we can afford to live a little.” Adorable, wiped away tears. Just the best show!
We had a Happy Sunday!!! We arrived in our Motherland (WI) around 10:30 AM. We were invited to have brunch with the church girlfriends of my mother-in-law. Arnie says that they really want to see me. Can I help it??? LOL
Today we head to West Bend to see my mom in hospice and my Aunt who just had surgery in Grafton. The end of my parents generation, except for my Aunt Margaret that I am named after.
Good Morning Lynn, can you hear me??? I am only 20 miles from you! LOL I will shout out to the Grafton girlfriend later. So many girlfriends, so little time!
And Margot, are you happy we got the blizzard over with last week before you got here? I was thinking about you–hoping you would have decent roads to drive on while home…all glare ice here at the moment and too cold for the road chemicals to work. And more big snow predicted for next Sunday/Monday. I’m telling myself it is too far out, they can’t know that. It is called “Denial”… 🙂
My mom used to make lambie cakes just like that with the coconut and jelly beans all around it. Your cake brought back many happy childhood memories ofspring and Easter. She made the cake for my sibs and me and then for the next generation – my nieces and nephews also. I don’t know what happened to her cake pan. Hopefully, one of them inherited it.
Thank you for that happy memory!
Would love to win the cute lambie pan…how sweet is that!
Love your quote above about beauty and aging…not an easy task, but so worth it!
I think your girlfriend book is the only one I don’t have. I’ll sure look for it.
Bless you,
Carolyn
The signs of spring are starting to show 🙂 I even have laundry on the line and little lettuce sprouting! A few of the trees and lilacs are starting to bud leaves! It is time for some pep in our step my friends! And to my Northerner friends, it is coming, I promise 🙂
I love your comments about self-respect. We all need a little reminder about what really counts in life, and not get so hung up on the daily grind.
In the comment from Kathleen Jerry, I got a laugh about the 104 year old lady. I will be passing that story along.
Hope you have a great day!
Hope you enjoyed Downton. I won’t be able to follow your blog for a couple of weeks 🙁 I’ll miss you. x
I just this moment finished watching it — have wiped away the tears of happiness, called my girlfriend to hash it over, and now I’m back! Will miss you Pam — I hope you’re off to have fun!
Love the cup with the beautiful pink flowers. Looking at them makes me happy.
I have been reading your blog lately and it has lifted my spirits alot. We live in the Great Lakes region and what a winter we have had. I am so looking forward to spring and spring flowers. Love the Lamb Cake it is adorable. Have a great day.
Dear Susan:
Its summer time in Argentina, but still can´t wait to read your blog. Now more than ever I´m in need of your happy, down to earth, peaceful words… I was living happy with my dogs, far away from the city, until last month: a deranged woman moved right next to my house. Since day one, I´ve been bullied, insulted and bearing her throwing rocks at my dogs. I´ve felt (literally) like Nancy Luce! Until the other day, I couldn´t take it anymore, and I responded like a LION! (a lion I never thought I had in me… don´t mess with my dogs (they have been rescued from terrible fates, they are MY FAMILY…) Never insulted, never threaten her, but yelled my lungs off to make her stop! It was horrible, but I felt so relieved! Now, she stopped (hopefully forever…) To tell you the truth, I don´t need a “lamb” cake anymore, I need a “lion” one…LOL. But that´s why I´m reading your blog more and more… I need to find peace in my life again. You have an unconditional fan in me. Thank you for sharing, God bless you!
How awful Barb! I hope it stays better. Yikes! Nice to see you here!
The lamb cake is so darling. I’d love to bake one for “my Coasties” this month or next. (I ‘adopted’ the local Coast Guard Station young’uns and bake them a birthday cake each month. They call me their “Birthday Cake lady”) Thank you for your columns- they always remind me to slow down and be present, enjoying each day as it unfolds. That is a true gift- both to give and receive.
Love thinking about spring – thank you! It’s still cold in the woods of the Ozarks after a very long cold,snowy winter!
You are loved, too!
Love the quotes in your blog, among many things. Reading your posts are a bit of sunshine each and every time.
Thank you for giving me a touch of spring! You truly lifted my heart!!!
I would love to be the winner of your wonderful lambie pie pan! I am going to bake a cake today!!! Yeah!!!
Hi Susan
I was thrilled to catch up with your post and smiled big when I saw the lamb cake you made. I have been doing lamb cakes for my family for over 30 years. As we celebrate Easter our focus has been on Jesus the Lamb of God. It is just one of those traditions that goes on over the years. Now the grandchildren are enjoying it.
Fun to be a part of your world through your blog and books. Thank you for all you share with us!
Love from Carrie
Love that tradition, Carrie!
Happy Monday Susan. It seems that spring is still a long way off here as I look at our snow covered landscape in west Michigan, which I might add has been white since November. However there is always hope and that is what the thought of spring brings to me.
Loved the ending of Downton last night. We have tickets to see Highclere Castle on September 15. I am so excited. Did you and Joe see Stonehenge when you were in England? I don’t remember if that was in your book or not. It takes a ticket to walk the circle around that wonder and tickets are sold for hour slots so I don’t know if we will get up close there.
Love all the wonderful colors of flowers you draw for your blog. It is a pop of color for the eye. Have a wonderful week…..Joan
Hi Susan!
I am writing this while looking out at yet another blizzard in Cleveland! We had a little taste of spring, and in my heart I’m just not letting go of that. My 7 year old daughter mentioned to Daddy that Mom’s getting weird – she put up Easter decorations this weekend! I couldn’t help it – I needed some spring on the doors and put up a spring flag outside. Oh well, it’s coming, RIGHT?!?!? Thank you for your blog inspiration. I would absolutely love to win the lambie cake mold and the book! Help us take a step closer to sunshine! 🙂
Dear Sweet Sarah!
You are certainly not crazy putting up Easter decorations the end of February! My husband and I just went up the Central Coast of California and I went thrift store shopping in the Santa Ynez Valley. This area abounds with magnificent thrift stores and I did some “spring” shopping. I got some charming vintage portraits …. a little girl with bunnies and a mom and little girl with feeding geese as well as a homemade quilt of a goose, a beautiful painting of spring in the country with an old barn and fields of green grass and flowers and even a lighthouse with spring trees in bloom. Upon arriving home I put them all up and voila…spring in our home! Also treasures found were soft and cuddly spring animals….bunnies, chicks and lambies and even a set of angels in blue each with a different spring bug…ladybug, butterfly and bees. Also found some darling bunny rabbit porcelain statues and some “meri-bells” with girls holding spring animals. So along with other wonderful treasures our home is now a spring wonderland and awaiting the time change in a few weeks, the uplifting season of lent and the soon to be anticipated celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
So come on Spring! It is indeed a reason to celebrate life!
Thank you also for being here. For bringing us all together, for loving us and bringing beauty into our lives. We are blessed to know you!
I just read your post this morning. It’s a stay-at-home-sick-day for me, so it was a bright spot in my day. I’m fortunate to have a sweet hubby who will be my tea slave for the day. 🙂 I love your thoughts on self respect!
Feel better Paulette!
Hi Susan, Happy Monday! It’s cold again here in Ohio and supposed to get colder. I’ve had enough of snow and cold for this year, but one encouraging thing is that our blue birds have returned, though they may be wishing they had waited. The last few years they have beat the robins back by several weeks.
I watched Downton Abby last night; great episode and still we’re left wondering how some things will turn out.
Love the lamb cake and mold, would be so perfect for Easter! Have a good week!
Love all your cookbooks and have every one – I even gave them to my son who loves to cook (Summer Book is his favorite)! A Fine Romance was wonderful – can’t wait to go to England even though you made me feel like I was there already! So excited about any new book you come up with – count me in!
I have a lambie cake pan that was my husband’s mothers. Just remember to not make a strawberry cake because it looks like you murdered the lamb when you cut into it (speaking from experience). I love what you wrote on self-respect. I’m going to print it out and save it to remind myself.
Oh, Cori, you made me laugh. Reminded me of the possum cake from “Steel Magnolias!”
Oh, Susan, That Lambie cake is adorable as well as scrumptious, I am sure. Would love to win!!! Cookbooks are so fun.
Blessings to you and thank you , again, for such an uplifting blog. I have GirlFriends Forever, ordered from Abe books.com and it is inscribed to Irene and that happens to be my name. I love it!!
Irene in Colorado where the sun is shining brightly today!
Hi Susan, I visited an antique mall yesterday afternoon and came away with a little treasure – Jemima Puddleduck – Beswick 1947 stamp. I know how expensive these little figures are and I was almost afraid to ask the price. $30! It is the first Beatrix Potter figurine I have ever bought and I just love everything about her. Another find was a gorgeous book called “Queen Mary 2 the birth of a legend” by Philip Plisson. I bought it for a friend who has sailed on the Queen Mary four times. I gave her your book for Christmas and she really enjoyed it. She grew up in the lake district. She said how spot on you were with your description of sailing on the Queen Mary.
Fantastic Elaine!
Love all things lemon – have to make this cake!
Good morning Susan and Happy Monday! You are the closest thing to spring right now! I’m hanging on for it. Not quite here. Enjoy your week. Thanks for inspiring us.
Good morning, Sue ~
Just poppin in to say hi….I love the music and the way you tied it all together with your artwork and your sentiments. You weave your blog together so beautifully! But my favorite was “This bud’s for you.” You’re too funny!
I was so lucky to have little Miss Izzy stay overnight and spend the day with me yesterday….she is Mimi’s (that’s me) little helper extraordinaire 🙂 We baked banana bread and washed dishes….her favorite activity…played in the snow, built a snowman, played with our baby dolls and cuddled with stories….a full, wonderful day!
I always felt that my greatest boost of self-esteem came from my grandmother and it means the world to me to have the chance to pass that along 🙂 Women caring for women….so very important.
Thanks for caring/sharing so much of yourself, Sue!
xoDebbie
Happy day to Miss Izzy and Mimi!
Good morning Susan! I so enjoy reading your blog and the girlfriends comments. We all appreciate the happiness that you add to our lives!
Susan, You never cease to amaze me! The lamb cake is beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
Rain is coming to Arroyo Grande this weekend!!
Yay! Rain dance!
Already did it –rain this weekend
I can’t believe that the Downton Abbey season is over…now what to do 🙂
I adore your lamb cake…what a lovely give away.
Easter dinner will be at my house…lamb cake would be perfect…hint, hint to our darling girl Vanna 🙂
Wow, I just love your blog…it always cheers me up. I live alone so it is nice to get your emails. I received you beautiful note cards that I ordered. They were simply beautiful!! You are very talented and a nice people person. It is so nice for you to reach out to people and share your blog and life on Martha’s Vineyard. I am going to be there to visit soon…I haven’t decided which month. When does it start getting warmer there? I was thinking in April or May. I can’t take to much hot weather anymore. Hope you have a wonderful blessed day! Love the little poem you had on today…Love from me to you from Tennessee. HUGS!!!
May is pretty good, but fall is best.
That has to be the most adorable lambie cake ever! I’d love to make one…and eat it too!
Confession: I’ve had “A Fine Romance” for months and haven’t even cracked it open. Not even a peek. I’ve been saving it for the perfect time, perhaps when the mister is away on a fishing weekend. It’s been a busy 9 months since we moved to our new house (by the Pacific) and I want to read your book on a sunny, unhurried day, a little vacation for one. Soon!
Oh Susan..I hope I’m not to late to have my name added to the pot! Life has been crazy and hectic around here…so please forgive me for not posting sooner…you know I always love reading your posts! They are so inspiring to me. Thanks to you I do know spring is just around the (snow laden) corner! Hope you have a blessed week!
Whew, glad to see you made it Gert! 🙂
I LOVE reading your blog! I just started reading AFine Romance for the 10th time!!! Wow! When I read about your tooth pick and stick technique I had a “I really should have figured that out” moment!! Thank you so much for the JOY I feel after reading your books and blog!!!
Just order another A Fine Romance to give s gift. Love your work and words.
JoAnn
Oh, Downton! The clothes, the Palace, Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes! Oh, my heart! And now we wait. But in the mean time, we have Susan and her wonderful Spring-in-Winter drawings and thoughts! Thanks for brightening my day!
Susan,
I love, love, love your blog. My Hubby, and youngest daughter and I spent 5 years in the Midwest for his work. Straight from southern California. Having moved back to California, I miss the seasons now. The snow, the spring, the fireflies, the bonfires. Reading your blog makes me feel cozy all over again. Today’s blog on self esteem was lovely. And I laughed out loud at the “This buds for you” comment! I check your blog everyday for my dose of cute and whimsey. Thank you for that! Hugs, Alisa
Two words: Carson and Mrs. Hughes!
☛ ♥ ♥ ♥ ☚
No surprise –She smelled me from across the room……
You mean with that old half-gone clam in your pocket? I guess so!
Just love all of your things. So many bring back childhood memories~
The first book I got of yours was from a dear friend for a Christmas gift. She told me that it made her think of our friendship. Up until that point I, unfortunately, knew nothing of your books but since I have enjoyed getting them and reading all the interesting stories that are intermingled amongst the recipes. Everything you write makes one feel like you could be a great friend to any of us. Thank you for making us feel like we can relate to what you say and thank you for putting together some great recipes! YUM
I live in FL so our spring is here. I have been enjoying pots of pansies all winter.
I gave A Fine Romance to my book group ladies and my 4 sisters-in-law for Christmas and it has been such fun to hear their (glowing and positive) feedback. Like reading it all over again through girlfriends’ eyes!!!
Love this, word of mouth, the most perfect thing. Thank you Lynn!
The book sounds so sweet. You are my artist inspiration and I love reading your blog!
Your artwork is lovely–I’ve enjoyed your work for years! My youngest child’s nickname: “Lambie-Pie” 🙂 It would be nice to give her this baking pan should I win. She has been married for more than five years and enjoys baking. Looking forward to spring with you!
I tried a few times to leave this comment yesterday, must have been a busy site. So I copied and saved it to try again today:
Happy Sunday Susan! I typed up a comment to leave the other day and lost it totally. It was long. I am borrowing a laptop from my mom-in-love until I can buy myself a new one. She is 70 and a lot more computer savvy than myself. So I will sum the long post up as quickly as possible. I just received my Christmas present from my best friend. It was one of your Girlfriend charms. The best thing about it was that I got her the very same thing for Christmas. BBF. Thank you for such a pretty charm for us to both think of each other when we saw it. She also found a copy of your Girlfriends Forever book, one for me and one for her. The music has finished so I guess that a sign it is time to wind up my comment. Blessings from my home in the woods!
How great that you two are kindred spirits!
Thank-you Susan for all that u share with us. When the world gets so crazy, & depressing we can always return to normalcy & inspiration & most of all happiness & loving words from you. Thank-you from us all. Gail Deery
In honor of my best friend forever – Janie – who turned me on to your blog and blessed me with “A Fine Romance” for my birthday (February 25, 2014 – and yes she gave it to me early!) I hereby am entering your contest Susan!!! Have a great day.
Happy Birthday tomorrow Kathy!
I love this blog — it is just beautiful. Thanks for having a give-away. :o)
I have two adorable grandchildren who would oooooo and aWWWWWW their hearts out if their Grammy could make them such a darling cake!! I love making memories with my little ones and would like one to be about this adorable lamby cake!!
Pick me as a winner – I love your things. I have several.
The love birds are still on the mantel from Valentine’s day – but I have also been working on a quilt using your fabrics. I would love to win!
I hope I get to see that!
Thank you for always giving us a “sunshiny” thought filled with smiles for the day.
Oh how I love your story on self respect. I needed that reminder today. With our, sooo cold, winter and snow and gray days it was easy to fall into pajama days and then hurry like mad to dress before my guy got home from work.
Thank you for reminding me what the women in my life taught me about self respect and looking our best!
I came from a long line of “ladies” who wore white gloves to shop downtown, and heels!! New Easter clothes were a must, and dressing beautiful for church was a habit. I rarely saw my Mother and Grandmother in slacks…always a dress.
I do miss seeing that more often, but I have the knowledge of how to pull that together and look, feel, and radiate my best. We are never too old. I am 69 and plan to be around many more years. I have so many grangirls to teach!!
Love you Susan, and love the picture I have taken with you when you visited Watermark Books in Wichita. I was the one to ask you if you wanted to go have a glass of wine with us.
Happy day to you.
It’s amazing what the little ones pick up from us when we think they aren’t paying attention! All my best stuff I got by seeing older people do things and thinking, wow, I want that! I remember you Sharon — such a nice time!
Love the lamb cake.
It’s a beautiful day here in California! By the middle of the week…RAIN! Much needed!
Lovin’ the lamp cake…so springlike! I love watching little lambs “jumping” around in the pastures! I have a little Miniature Schnauzer “grandpuppy” that runs and jumps around in the yard just like a lamp…she is so cute to watch!
Seeing you with your lamb cake reminds me of my childhood Easters. My aunt would always make a lamb cake but she would make it at least a week before and not cover it very well. It was the driest cake ever! I told her I didn’t like coconut so I didn’t have to eat it! Blessings to you.
Such a fun and springy prize . I have purchased several Girlfriend Books for friends. The perfect gift.
Oh so true! I think it is so very easy to forget about making an effort for yourself in the hustle bustle of caring for others. Self esteem is an important trait to cultivate. “Dressing well is a form of good manners. -Tom Ford ”
I love looking at old movies, partially because of the respect everyone used to show when out in public. Now-a-days we all slouch around in our yoga pants with parts hanging out all over. I love looking back to when people went out in hats and gloves with a smidgeon of powder and lipstick and legs crossed at the ankles. So elegant. I will make more of an effort, because I am guilty of the sweat pants approach to life and really I want “Taffeta, Darling.”
Happy Darling Spring Everyone!!!
xox
Perfect quote Gabi, thank you!
I’ve escaped WA state rain puddles for sunny CA…hoping the sun sticks around til I go home. My Sisterpal and I watched Downton Abbey together with raspberry sorbet and tea. It was Heavenly! How can we exist without Downton Abbey?
I love anything Susan Branch, including you. I just read your new book, “A Fine Romance. Falling In Love With The English Countryside”. I really enjoyed it, and now am hoping to read it again, in case I missed anything. (: . I have always wanted one of those lamb cake molds, so want to enter the contest. Your’s is so cute. The blog is great.
I have a really old lamb cake mold. I’ve never been brave enough to try using it. Your step by step instructions and tips/hints have given me the courage to try it this year.
Thank you!
Iowa
Must be Spring — 60 degrees this Arizona morning and a hoard of wild canaries are in the Rosemary hedge out back, flitting in and out with the honey bees. Jeanie just took off for her walk with the neighbor from next door, dropping off a birthday bag for another neighbor. She got her a drying pad you lay on the counter next to the sink, cute kitchen towels and a refrigerator magnet made from a shell. That pad is so handy ….gives a place to lay clean pots and pans, while you’re finishing up
washing dishes ….
Wow Dad, 60! I would like a little of that here!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for the Sunday post on self-esteem. Most needed and couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I’m ready to face another day. Always LOVE the music you choose. The arctic vortex is upon us again, but you, you’re the best sunshine breaking through it. Pat
Hi Susan, if you do a Jack-A-Day, could you put in a video of one of Jacks hair band shows. I would soo love to see that fun thing! Keeping my fingers crossed. Debby
It’s hard because I need two hands to shoot the rubber band and also two hands for the camera, or at least one. Maybe I can line things up for Joe to do it…but then Jack, he knows when I want to take his picture and he won’t play. I’ll try again!
Keep trying – you’ll get the shot. I tried dozens of times to get one of Lucy carrying her ball back up the stairs for me to throw. Just as I was about to give up I thought, just one more try and viola captured her in mid air running up to me. Those stinkers have their own agenda and are seldom cooperative – guess that’s part of the charm of cats. They do run the show don’t they?
That lamb cake is too much! My husband has me on “kitchen restriction” – he thinks I have too much stuff that I don’t use. But I’m popping over to the store right now and ordering that for my own Easter basket! Can’t wait to try that cake!
My mother had a cake mold similar to the lamb when I was young. I wish I knew what happened to it! Thanks for bringing a little sunshine into our lives with your blog!
Lovely…….Thank you . Janita
Just recently found your blog and am excited. I love your books and I think I might try making the lamb cake this Easter. Have never been that adventurous in baking before.
That lambie cake is fabulous!! I usually make a bunny cake for Easter, but this would sure be a cute as a lambie pie change!! Am definitely trying your lemon daisy cake recipe. I so enjoy your blog, your products and just about everything else you create. Always happy to see you or Peggy on facebook, too. XOXO
Susan, your lamb cake looks so adorable. I used to make bunny cakes at Eastertime when my guys were little but now at ages 22 and 24, the bunny cake no longer gets baked. But, I have been blessed with a 3 year old grandson named Colton and I would love to start a new lamb cake tradition with him. I so enjoy reading your blog and all the girlfriend comments.