WEARIN’ O’ THE GREEN

Of course our blog is wearing green today, it would not like to be pinched!  But I am now on my fourth try to write a new post!  The first three failed because important memories or perfect descriptions have been crashing into my best intentions demanding to be added to the new book before I forgot them.  I will try my best to stay focused here!  This will help . . . MUSICA made in heaven.  First a little something to make your mouth water . . .

susan-branch-irish-stew Happy Saint Patricks Day Everyone!    How’s it going for you so far?  I don’t know if you have a special something you like to make in honor of the day, but this ↑ is our favorite recipe for stew.  It’s very different, it has raisins!  Irish BlessingAnd orange juice!  And cayenne!  And nutmeg of all things!  That’s because I got my hands on it, and thought, those creative Irish, they would forgive me for messing around with their stew.  Yummy, egg noodles, with butter.  Yes.

I know, it says Irish and the only potato is a sweet potato and there’s no Guinness but I would wager you (and that is Irish) that the flavor of this stew will make you jump up to do your own version of  Riverdance, from happiness.  

For more wonderful Irish things that don’t make total sense to us go HERE and laugh.  And HERE, for a wee taste o’ some things that make Ireland so wonderful.  And here’s to a day of love and blessed luck for you all! ♣

jack in the basket

Had to show you Jack this morning!  He is in a very feisty mood.  Jack is never in any danger of getting pinched on St. Patricks Day because . . .

jackie

. . . he brings his green with him wherever he goes, he is always Wearin’ the Green.

JackHe knows what the camera is now, because he makes me chase him around and he rarely holds still anymore . . .

JackI get the camera and he begins to jump about or roll around so it’s difficult to focus on him.  I have to take LOTS of pictures before I can get one that isn’t totally blurred into oblivion . . . It’s those green eyes I love so much.

IMG_3930He gets bored with me very quickly though . . . Get that thing out of my face, he yawns  . . . (and please, WOMAN, stop kissing me, I am BEGGING you.  You’re messing with my DIGNITY.)

Bye Bye

Or else I will just leave.  Very spoiled, very sure of himself.

Gladys TaberSo I say, OK, be that way, and go into the kitchen to get my newest Gladys Taber Newsletter to show you.  I wanted you to remember that third thing down, in case you’re interested, and remind you to make your plans because I would love to see you there.  

Jack 'n GladysI was trying to show you the article in the Newsletter about the Reunion where I will be speaking and signing copies of A Fine Romance, but of course the minute I don’t pay 100% attention to him, he is back.  Now he wants to play!  I take it any way I can get it.  Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets . . .Stillmeadow

And Lola wants to drape himself on just the parts I would like you to see . . .  

Friends of Gladys TaberI hope lots of you are already a member of the Friends of Gladys Taber?  She has been one of my favorite authors for a long time.  The quarterly newsletters are always delightful, interesting, informative, fun and evocative,  I save them … ↑ here are a few of them from years past.  If you’d like to read more about Gladys Taber, find out how to become a member of her fan club, or get better information about the Reunion in June (and tour her house Stillmeadow),  I did a post about her HERE and put the dates and times at the bottom.

Jack the display catI finally got the Newsletter out from under Lola and on top of him.  He took it rather well before he tore out of the room and up the back stairs.  Like a nut.

spring tea

Let’s see … oh yes, well!   I asked my little-old tea-leaves blender for something Cinnamony and Green for spring, and preferably Caffein Free and they sent me a few packets, some more cinnamony than the others, some more flowery, but I think they got it just right with this one . . . it has body and balanced flavor and smells wonderful . . .

spring tea

Only three more days until the first official day of spring.  Last night after dinner, I sat in front of the fire (because spring-schming around here is the real truth) with a cup of my new Spring Tea and read my Newsletter and I almost didn’t care that it was 28 degrees.  (Ridiculous.)

Spring!

I also made us some “Celebrating Spring” cards (2nd row from top) that can be used as Greetings cards for spring or Earth Day, as postcards or Easter Dinner invitations,  or even recipe cards — they’re lined on both sides,  are 4″ x 6″ on nice, heavy, uncoated card stock and come in sets of 25.  Happy Spring!

spring bunny

but not least

Best of Stillmeadow

Even if there is no spring (yet) at your house, I can’t tell you how lovely it is to read about a New England Springtime through the eyes and heart of Gladys Taber.  I think this is my favorite of her books, probably because it was my first, but also because it takes you through every month and each season of the year.  Especially good if you can’t make it to the Friends Reunion for Gladys Taber, this is a little

surprise!

because I am going to sign this lovely book to the lucky one of you whose name is drawn as the winner of this vintage copy (in almost brand new condition) of this out-of-print title published in 1976.  Oh yes!  I found it on a back shelf in a dark corner of a group antique mall on our trip across country and have saved it for today.  Just leave me a comment and you will be automatically entered.

pink

One Last Thing, almost a PS:  There are always lots of fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s day, delicious recipes, lots of parades, prayers at church, and bagpipe music; they even dye the Chicago River green.  But for those of you that would like a more sober look at a piece of Irish history, this lovely MUSICA is practically an Irish National Anthem.  There was a story this Sunday in the New York Times  … my girlfriend Lowely (Finnerty) from two doors over, brought some of her famous (still warm!) Irish Soda Bread to help Joe and I celebrate this morning.  We smeared it with butter and ate it while we prayerread the article and listened to the words of this song together.  Then we cried.  I felt like I wanted to add something meaningful to the celebration, so here you go ~ it’s history we never want to forget.  (Spoiler alert: I must say I don’t agree with those that would politicize this subject as was done with this article, just so you know. There is nothing political about hunger and the story is important; as my mom used to say, there is a difference between right and wrong.  I try and think about it the way St. Patrick would wish for me to do and toss in a bit of common sense for luck . We can’t change the past but as Oprah put it so perfectly, “We did then what we knew how to do; now that we know better, we do better.”)  Blessings to us all dearest Girlfriends. XOXO  (Don’t forget to leave your comment for Best of Stillmeadow!)

BACK TO BOOK WRITING . . .

clapyourhands

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1,483 Responses to WEARIN’ O’ THE GREEN

  1. Mary Pacey says:

    Thanks again for brightening my computer and day. I would love to win the book as I’ve heard bits and pieces about Gladys from several very creative women (you included!). Maybe she would be the inspiriation for something great to change in my life.

  2. Naomi says:

    Dear Susan,
    Just wanted to share this bit of info with you of what is going on in SLO today! I wish I had known earlier to spread the world. Also, the new “Happy” song has a version with Cal Poly Students! On You Tube? Quite cute! Here is the info of today’s event! Happy International Day of Happiness to you for making so many of us just so “Happy”!!!!
    _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

    March 20th, is the second annual “International Day of Happiness” and we will be celebrating this holiday all day in Downtown San Luis Obispo!

    Stop by the Mission Plaza to share your Happy Acts on the Happy Wall! The wall will be there from 8am – 5:15pm, then making it’s way down to the west end of Higuera for Farmer’s Market!

    With each happiness post, either on our Happy Wall or on our virtual wall at actsofhappiness.org
    , $1 will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

    This campaign aims to gather stories, images and share inspiration about how people are making the world around them happier!

  3. miss winnie says:

    Love Gladys Tabor, love Jack, love your recipes & artwork. However, I must say I am a little confused that you have a link to an article that touches on the Irish famine but is obviously a political statement against a Republican politician and you state that politics shouldn’t come into the subject of hunger. I totally agree that the subject of hunger shouldn’t be politicized. So why promote an article that does exactly that? Please don’t spoil your blog with politics.

    • sbranch says:

      There just has to be away to separate the politics from the issues. That easily could have been a political statement against the president and I would have felt the same way. I saw it as a story about how a people with their heads buried in the sand can allow it’s leaders to deny food to starving people. Because that’s what happened to Ireland. I’m sorry they used any political side to make a point that was already so poignant . . . but the issue of starvation and poverty is important. I feel like politics has taken almost every important issue and made it political in order to turn us against each other, and that article was the perfect example! To heal our political chasm we have to learn to separate the issues from the controlling way they are used. Does that make sense? Because when an issue is made political, they don’t get discussed at all, and nothing gets done. One example is with banning assault weapons. Crazy people can get them, babies aren’t safe in school, malls and movie theaters are scary, they are using them against us, common sense says get rid of them (or at the very least, reduce the numbers of bullets they can use at one time), most people agree, but because of all kinds of crazy fear stuff like someone wants to do away with the First Amendment, we can’t have it. It has become so politicized that we can’t even talk about it. There just has to be a way to separate the politics from the issues. In my book AUTUMN you will find a phone number to call to express your feelings about food additives. In the back of my calendars (since 1993) you’ll find the phone numbers for the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. I don’t like “politics” but I do feel like a caring citizen and not one side owns that; I think we’re all like that, we love the history of this country and want to make it the best it can be.

      • judi says:

        Yea, Susan. I agree 100%!

      • Laura says:

        A common sense, practical reaction to this article would be to go into our pantry, choose a can of fruit, soup or box of cereal and take it to our local food pantry while out running errands today ( if you don’t know where the closest one is…call your local police or fire dept or public library…they all usually take food donations). Not political, will help someone else and will be your good deed for today.

        • sbranch says:

          Lovely idea, Laura. Our food pantry box is right in the supermarket, so we get things when we shop for ourselves.

      • Mary in Phoenix says:

        Bravo! Well put. It isn’t about politics … it’s about doing the right thing for the greater good of our country. You stated that in your “spoiler alert”. You have a voice that reaches hundreds. Informing us about atrocities of hunger and poverty is the right thing to do. Your blog is all bout kindness, giving, helping … and doing the right thing. I have always noted the phone numbers you list on your calendars. Brilliant. Thank you for filling your blog and our lives with Good.

        • sbranch says:

          I’m glad you understand . . . I have no desire to make this blog (o’ my heart) a forum for politics of any sort. So. anyway. xoxo

      • Jackie says:

        Beautifully put, Susan! And thank you for bringing us more information than I personally knew about the Irish famine. It’s nice to see something other than drinking discussed on St. Paddy’s day!

  4. Kelley S says:

    Loved, loved, loved this post. Can’t wait to try your stew recipe. Tonight, in honor of the first day of Spring, I am trying your spinach soufflé for something green. It is doing it’s thing in the oven right now! I don’t know how you’ll top A Fine Romance, but I eagerly await your next volume. Your books continually delight me. If I’ve had a bad day, I just browse one of your books and reclaim my joie de vivre. All those adorable pics of Jack don’t hurt either. Hoping Spring appears at your door soon!

    • sbranch says:

      It’s kind of A Fine Romance meets the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s, then moves to Martha’s Vineyard.

      • Phyl D says:

        Um, I hope this doesn’t sound toooo dopey but I would so love to see your next book made into a Hallmark Movie, maybe call it “Heart of the Home: The Susan Branch Story”. Have it start when you are on the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard for the very first time with everything ahead of you and unfold from there (inserting flashbacks to your childhood and teen years with your family) as you first get settled on the island and then start making new friends, first job at the gourmet food store, first house there, start to write your first book, get it published, meet Joe for the first time, etc. I just want to thank you and your darling Joe for sharing your life story with us because it is truly inspiring and could teach others how it is possible to positively reinvent one’s life at any time. And thank you for sharing your optimist’s gene with the rest of us….now who would you cast to play you and Joe when you were just a couple of sweet young things? (Diane Keaton and Robert Redford aside)….wink!

      • Mary in Phoenix says:

        My mom just asked if I knew of a good biography. I told her I would soon 🙂 Great description … AFR meets the epoch decades of your life. Happy Writing!

  5. Christine Aschbacher says:

    Enjoyed St.Patrick’s Day at school with my students . They were all dressed in green, hair dyed green, crazy socks and the list goes on and on. It isn’t warm here in northern Illinois yet, but at least the Worm moon was beautiful. I am so happy to have my daughter home from South Korea, She was teaching over there for a year. So I guess I consider myself one lucky gal!

  6. Lynn says:

    I love Gladys too, only thing keeping me away from the reunion is my oldest daughter getting married. Have fun!!

  7. Sally Jenks Roth says:

    Thank you for another lovely blog post. I so enjoy them and constantly marvel at the things we enjoy and have in common. So blessed !!! I would love to be entered in the drawing for Gladys Taber’s book, and look forward to being present in Danbury in June. Happy Spring, my favourite season…

  8. Autumn says:

    Oh, how I LOVE Gladys Taber! What a great giveaway! Thank you for the chance to win!

  9. Mary Jane says:

    Spring has arrived here in my little corner of the world. Everyone is SMILING!
    Sending some your way, Susan. Loved every little bit of your post.
    So many things to ponder.

    The best book I have ever found in a thrift store was a beautiful vintage copy of The Secret Garden illustrated by Tasha Tudor. I did a little dance of joy and ran right to the checkout counter with it. Don’t you just love that
    feeling when you spy something on a bookshelf and know that it a treasure
    waiting for you to take it home with you? My sweet niece found it on my shelf
    when she visited me for a tea party one day and read the first line and was
    very intrigued. She has always loved to read but I think this is the book that
    has made here even more of a bibliophile.

    Thanks for sharing the Book Love.

    Mary Jane

  10. Rebecca says:

    Love your reading suggestions! Just finished The Scent of Water and waiting for Goldfinch 🙂 I’m a library girl…trying to be patient.

  11. Sharon says:

    Would love to win one of your giveaways!

  12. Nancy says:

    Susan, thank you for your cheerful comments helping us all get through this endless winter. You have such a wonderful way of finding the best in all the seasons. I had not heard of Gladys Taber until I became a fan of yours. Now I feel like I must track down her books to begin my own collection. What a wonderful way to start, with a signed copy from my favorite author/artist who never fails to draw our attention to the little things which are really the important things. Happy Spring!

  13. Lydia Alejandro says:

    Good Day Susan!
    Thank you again for such a lovely blog. I swear we are kindred spirits, as Anne Shirley of Green Gables would say. I have read about 2 books of Gladys Taber,
    they are enchanting. Love them. I hope Vanna will pick my name (he he).
    Take care!
    Lydia Alejandro
    Fremont, Ohio

  14. Susan in TX says:

    How can I not put my name in the hat after that description? 🙂

  15. Veronica (Sumerduck, Va.) says:

    ‘Sweet Susan’, how you make my heart so sing . . . . You are Spring ! Thank you for enabling me to read such simple,blissful glories of life. Happy Spring to You,Joe,and kitties . . . .

  16. Jana Jopson says:

    Lawns sprinkled with white Bradford Pear flower petals, tulip popular petals, too. Daffies still looking good and the precious fragrance of hyacinths perfuming the air. We had two nights in the 30s this week, but spring is bursting on through no matter what! After the cold winter here in the southeast, spring never looked so good! I guess that will be true for many girlfriends once it arrives where they live. Springtime = Good! (smile)

  17. Ann says:

    Gladys Taber remains one of my treats to this day. When I found her in my early twenties, I set out to find all of her books to add to my library. Now, close to sixty, she still lifts my heart when I sit on my porch and dream of my own little white picket herb garden. I must say that Susan Branch also caught my eye in the early days of Country Living. This book would be a jewel, and I will keep my eye out for it during my thrifting forays!

  18. Sondra D. says:

    After you introduced me to Gladys Taber, I now always have one of her books on my bed stand. I like to read a few pages each day to see the changing seasons of life and the farm through her words, even though I’ve read all the books. One day I would love to visit Stillmeadow – and of course what a treat it would be to see you there.

  19. annie says:

    love her books, read every copy our small library system had, always wanted to go and live with her, still do :), and would love to win the giveaway. enjoyed your post so much, love the green eyes, wow! what a yawn!

  20. Janet B. in PA says:

    Hi Susan – I recently started reading Gladys Taber on your recommendation! I bought several books on Ebay and they were PERFECT “snowed-in” reading material this winter! I have family near the location of Stillmeadow, so hope to get up there for at least part of the Friends of Gladys Taber reunion this summer, where you’ll be the guest speaker. I enjoyed meeting you at Titcomb’s Bookshop in Sandwich in December. I was the one who told you that I enjoy your books even though I do not cook. When I added that I turn off my smoke detector before I attempt cooking because of the inevitable alarm, you responded – “oh, don’t worry, some women use the smoke detector as a timer!” Thanks for your great website and blog!

  21. Charlene H. (S.F.Valley) SoCal says:

    Hello Susan! Please count me in! I do not have this particular title by G. Taber. I would love it! I hope that the book writing continues to burst out of your journals, your memories, and your clever fingertips!

  22. Sherrill Kerbaugh says:

    This would be a lovely addition to my library. HAPPY SPRING!

  23. Suzanne says:

    I would love to win a copy of Gladys Tabor’s The Best of Stillmeadow.

  24. janet from Texas says:

    If her writings are anything like yours – I would love to read them along with the seasons : )

  25. Vicki S says:

    Hi Susan … I’m Vineyard bound this weekend with my husband to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary! Can’t wait to visit some of my favorite haunts and am secretly hoping I’ll walk into Bunch of Grapes and find one of my favorite authors browsing in a corner! I’m also hoping they have a few more signed copies of A Fine Romance as I’ve given away my whole stash … it’s my go-to gift for girlfriends!

  26. judy from connecticut says:

    Good Morning,
    I am so excited, I just clicked on the link to join the Gladys Taber Club. How could I have lived in Ct. all my life and not known her !!! Thank you so much for introducing her to me !! I can’t wait for June !!! xo Judy

  27. Ricki says:

    ]Susan, some years ago my younger brother was struggling with business decisions and came to stay with us for awhile. One afternoon he picked up one of my Gladys Taber books and leafed through it and later I saw him in an old lawn chair in the back yard reading every word. No words were spoken between us but I knew Gladys had spoken to him through her writing and brought some peace. Later he said, “We just need to keep things in proper perspective don’t we , Sis. Yes we do.

  28. Carol from PA says:

    Gosh, I purposely wait to read your current blog entry as an end of the week treat to myself after a very busy week and what do I find…over a thousand comments! I think you just might be the queen of all hearts…if not the four leaf clover!

    • sbranch says:

      xoxo Carol!

      • Roseann Copeland says:

        Yes , I noticed that too! How wonderful to know that others are seeking some warmth and sunshine in their lives in more ways than one. What a wonderful gift you are sharing with a portion of the world. I am so delighted that a dear friend posted your website on her Facebook page. Roseann Copeland, Overland Park, Kansas

  29. Mary Jean Price says:

    Good morning!

    I start each day with the peacefulness of prayer and the joyfullness of Susan Branch!
    I would love to win the copy of Gladys Taber’s, “The Best of Stillmeadow”.
    Enjoy every moment of the day!

  30. Janet Conn says:

    Thanks for a lovely post. I wish I could make it to the reunion, but I am unable. I am sure it will be a wonderful time. I would love to read the book, though. As always, thanks for such a nice give-away.

    P.S. Happy Spring! It is finally here. : )

  31. Sheldon Church says:

    Thank you so much for your wonderful blog. I look forward to reading it everyday. I check first thing in the morning and then later in the day just in case something is posted. It makes me feel good and gives me something to think about during the day. I look forward to your next post.

  32. Dolores says:

    As always, what a delightful way to celebrate! I cannot wait to make the stew and order your new cards with the precious and much loved lambs!
    Thank you!

  33. Patricia Fisher says:

    Tried posting a comment yesterday to tell you that I’ve become a Susan Branch fan since receiving “A Fine Romance” as a gift from my niece. Also, I’ve printed the Irish Stew recipe-sounds so good. Not sure what I did or didn’t do to post, blogging is new to me!

  34. Diana says:

    Oh another chance for an awesome give away!! Thank you for the new caffeine free tee blend. Can’t wait to try! Jack. Adorable!

  35. karen martindale says:

    I would love to read her books. You make them sound wonderful
    Karen

  36. Ann Jane Koerber says:

    Have joined the F.O.G.T. just to go to the annual meeting to get my Susan Branch books signed! However, am anxious to read my first Gladys Taber book…..would love to win one!

  37. Carol says:

    Love your blog ! I sure enjoyed watching you in that interview! I thought your comments were great. Your stare, vellum, etc. It’s always good to get a good laugh at yourself but I thought you did a great job. I am your #1 fan. Would love to win the Gladys Taber book. I am not lucky enough to own one yet.

  38. Carolyn Dickson says:

    Making your stew NOW! Smells so yummy:). Thank you xo

  39. JoAnn Wasden says:

    I have been following your website for a few months now, and open it each day to see if you have posted anything new and also to get inspired. These last few years have been hard (losing my soulmate and beloved son, Jake). Lost interest in pretty much everything I previously loved. Your site has kinda made things in my life open up and seem a little brighter each day. Am even getting back to my cookbook I started and wanted to publish but sat in my closet all this time, because of lack of desire during this hard time. Thank you for being so down to earth and someone alot of women out here can relate to. Please never stop posting!!!! I bought your book about England and read it in one day–couldn’t put it down.

    • sbranch says:

      I’m so happy to hear you are seeing light again. Devastating loss seems to require its own space. Good for you, getting out that cookbook!

  40. Tora says:

    Thanks for the oportunity Susan! Your posts always make me smile!

  41. Hilda C. White says:

    I’d be so happy to win the Gladys Taber book! And that’s no Blarney!!

  42. Janeen says:

    I was not familiar with Gladys Taber until I began reading your blog posts. I want to thank you for sharing her with us. One of her books would be a nice addition to my library.

  43. Roseann Copeland says:

    Dear Susan,
    I am so inspired by your blogs & your books mentioned here. I just purchased my first copy, A Fine Romance. I am savoring every page. I don’t want it to end. My reading list is growing thanks to you! I do believe we are kindred spirits. I would like my name added to the drawing for the Gladys Taber book. I hope I am not to late.

  44. Susan, you are such an inspiration to me. I am on my second reading of A Fine Romance. Each time I read a page, I get taken in by the splendor and I am right with you on the beautiful journey. I have been ill and am home bound, but you have awakened a dream in me to want to make that same journey. That is my inspiration for getting better. Hopefully one day, I will be able to walk out of this house and take that same beautiful trip. Thank you for the tour of your lovely blog and for your generosity in posting your give away book. God bless you and much love!

    • sbranch says:

      When Beatrix Potter could no longer move about very well she wrote, “Thank goodness I have the seeing eye” because she could imagine the paths and fields where she used to roam and feel herself there. I hope your seeing eye takes you to England until you can be there in person. Prayers for your improved health. xoxo

  45. Jennifer Essad says:

    I love scouting out shoppes for books that I would love-thanks for being so kind to your friends

  46. Jackie Ransome says:

    Hi just trying to see if this comment gets through

  47. Karen Cunningham says:

    I’ll try again….loved the interview-really!!!!

  48. Rose says:

    Loved your St. Paddy’s post. Speaking of great Irish music, try “Kilkelly, Ireland” by Peter Jones. It is taken from actual letters from a father in County Mayo to his son in America. A poignant and personal perspective on the Irish Diaspora, Green Fields of America does my favorite version.

  49. Jan from Northern CA says:

    Luck of the Irish? Maybe ?

  50. Susan Williams says:

    I’m a great fan of Gladys Tabor, also. Discovered her in Woman’s Day back in the 50’s, when I was growing up. May have been the only 10-11 year old girl who spent her 10 cents on a copy of the magazine! Also loved Faith Baldwin in Family Circle. Have always appreciated the sweetness of old homes, calico aprons, puppy dogs, and nature! Did you know Gladys wrote a novel? As far as I know, only one, and I can’t recall the name, but it was the sweetest, wittiest romance ever. Always wondered if it were autobiographical. Keep the flame burning, Susan 🙂

  51. Toni from Sylvania OH says:

    Hi Susan…first of all…THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR THE MAKING OF THE GREEN CHICAGO RIVER!!!! Never have seen it before. It was GREAT and I can just FEEL the green shamrocks floating in my green blood!!! (As you can tell, i’m a wanabeIrish, but there’s no cure for this malady…either you ARE or you’re NOT….so I just keep pretending:-))) My husband is 3/8th…YEA!
    Toni xoxoxo

  52. Toni from Sylvania OH says:

    Hi again Susan…forgot something…sure wish you would do a 2 yr. purse calendar instead of one yr. Many appts. are make into the next year…I even hate to ask, you are sooo busy:-(((
    Toni xoxo

    • sbranch says:

      Guess what? The one coming out this year (for 2015) IS a two year! Someone must be reading your mind!

      • Toni from Sylvania OH says:

        Hi Susan…SSOOOOO glad we will have a 2 yr. purse calendar…you are such a BLESSING:-))) Happy spring to you!
        love and xoxo Toni

  53. Gwen says:

    Time to bring out my Gladys books. They are a real treasure for sure. I keep your book by my bedside, don’t think I will ever tire of it. It is right up there with all of my Gladys books real treasures. Thank you!

  54. Carol Maurer~~~~ Kennewick, Wa says:

    Hi Susan~~~

    So much fun seeing the pictures of Jack. He certainly is something else isn’t he? I loved the video of your first interview for TV. You did a really good job. I was smiling the whole time with all those notes you gave us while being interviewed.

    We went to the nursery today to buy one item and ended up with several plants to plant. I think we have all the plants we need for the back fence. Tomorrow I will do some digging up of the plants out front. I’ve done one side and it sure looks a whole lot better than before.

    I checked out some of the neigborhood while getting the mail today. It’s a huge subdivision with lots of trails to follow, a playground for the kids and some fun games for the adults…. horseshoes, bochey ball (I think), etc. We don’t get our mail delivered right to our homes. There are several community mailboxes around. Ours in up a fairly steep hill. I’ve been driving each day to pick up the mail and have only recently started walking to get it. Now, don’t laugh girlfriends…. I was just out of shape for walking up a hill. Been walking at our mall each day for a couple months now and it shows 🙂

    I don’t believe you’ve ever mentioned what the subject is of the new book that you are writing or else I missed it. I do know that you had several ideas in the pot.

    Til later… xoxoxox,
    Carol M

    • sbranch says:

      Our nurseries aren’t even open yet! The new book is about a lot of different things. But really it’s like a memoir, a novel, a lot about my first little house on the island, stories from my diary, cooking and painting, and leaving home.

      • Carol Maurer~~~~ Kennewick, Wa says:

        Looking forward to reading it. Sounds very very interesting!

        Our nurseries have only been opened up about a month, but still too cool to plant. Not much of a choice at first.

  55. Sharon says:

    This is a really fun blog. I LOVE daydreaming over it. Thanks do much for sharing.

  56. Stephanie says:

    Good evening!! The stillmeadow get together sounds wonderful! Seeing Susan and touring the lovely Stillmeadow! Please take and post lots of pictures so we can be there in spirit! Thank you for a lovely, springy giveaway!! It’s supposed to get down to 1 degree here in Wisconsin tonight. I ‘m hoping for the last time til next fall…

  57. Beth says:

    Susan – Not to be too picky, but Maya Angelou said it first. I will never forget the first time I heard her say it on Oprah’s show on Christmas day in 1997. It made that great an impression on me. Just so you know. And I am sure you have already given the book away. I am a little late getting around to this blog entry, but I do love Gladys Taber and have several of her books.

  58. Kathryn says:

    I would love to wind the Gladys Tabor book! I used to read her articles
    faithfully when she was published in the magazine. Thanks for the opportunity to have a chance at this book. Absolutely love your blogs and the
    Willard newsletter!

  59. Kathryn says:

    I would love to win the Gladys Tabor book! I used to read her articles
    faithfully when she was published in the magazine. Thanks for the opportunity to have a chance at this book. Absolutely love your blogs and the
    Willard newsletter!

  60. Michele M. says:

    Hope you are prepared for the snow coming this week down on the Cape, Susan. I am hoping for you and Joe and all others on the island that is is quick, painless and we can get this spring thing going! I will not be able to attend the event in CT (shame!) but wil be thinking of all of you!!!
    Please do enter me in the Gladys Taber book contest!! Happy Monday!

  61. Olivia says:

    love the gladys taber book…did get it from our library last year…hope it is not to late for the drawing…just love you susan…you keep us all happy.

  62. Lorna Pyrih says:

    Thanks for mentioning Gladys Taber, whom I’ve never heard of before. That’s what I like about your blog, it’s informative and I often learn something new. I found a store in my city of Winnipeg, Mb., Canada,which sells Emma Bridgewater mugs, so am happy about that. I told the clerk about your book and so maybe you’ll hearing from them. Have a good day!

  63. Lora Congdon says:

    Love everything about you and have for many tears. My Mom was in awe of you as well. I always got her your new calender. Have tried many of the recipes. It is just a nice way to relect …your words and ideas and how they coincide with so many of your own passions. Thank you so much…God Bless!!!

  64. yvonne b says:

    happy spring susan joe and catz 🙂

  65. Susan Roubal says:

    Am I too late to “register” for the Stillmeadow book? Susan, I was in your area of California visiting a childhood girlfriend for 10 wonderful fun days! The weather was Heaven sent! Now, back to Michigan’s U.P. and shoveling snow. There are still several feet of snow out in the yard. :-/
    Pining for Spring, U.P.Susan

  66. Belinda Brooke says:

    Susan,
    I must put a visit to Martha’s Vinyard on my bucket list. I love your newsletter. I also made a beef stew recently that was similar to your recipe you posted. It was so simple. My family loved it.
    I’m am listening to the Irish music on youtube as I send you this post. :).

  67. Ann from NY says:

    still cannot find where to post a blog. I do it here and nothing happens-boohoo.

  68. Carol says:

    Have so enjoyed your blog. So refreshing and enjoyable. Thank you for brightening my day!

  69. Cathy Young says:

    Hi Susan and friends,

    I am reading the ◾Elizabeth and Her German Garden Elizabeth von Arnim and enjoying it immensely and found a book by Gladys Taber that was reasonably priced. I hope to receive it today. I am hope to read her other books to. Thanks for the wonderful recommendations. Cathy

  70. Bev Wiedeman says:

    I have been reading Gladys Taber’s articles in Family Circle Magazine since I was about 12 in 1952. I loved her description of he Beechwood Trees, the dogs, her gardens or plants around her house. I have a few of her books, but would love a copy of the Best of Stillmeadow. Thank you for such a wonderful website and Blog!
    Love, Bev

  71. Saundra says:

    Hi Susan,
    I’m not tech savvy so I hope that I’m officially registered. I love your website. If I feel a little down, I go immediately to your website and I feel better.
    I’m so thankful that spring is finally here. It’s raining today. I actually believe that I can see the grass getting greener and taller.
    I have 4 of your books, but my favorite is “A Fine Romance.” I love everything about it. I savored every picture, very written word, very watercolor illustration and very recipe. It is a pure delight.
    I gave the book to a girlfriend and now she finally realizes why I kept hounding her to look at your website and blog.
    I tried tempting her by telling her that your Jack kitty looks like the Jack kitty that she used to have.
    I know that she’ll be so happy when she finally gets around to checking out your website.
    What could she possibly have to do that is more important than looking at your website.
    Sorry, to have rattled on so much. Bye for now.
    ps, I think I was your 300th 5 star rating on Amazon for “A Fine Romance.”

    • sbranch says:

      Oh that was you Saundra! Thank you for your sweet words!

      • Saundra says:

        Ooops! 300rd not 300th. I’m looking forward to your next book. I hope that you “sprinkle” pictures of your kitties through out your new book. I’m sure, whatever you decide to put in will be utterly charming. Saundra

  72. Saundra says:

    I’m an official crazy person It’s 300th not 300rd…….now neither one looks right. I promise…no more comments on which is correct. Final answer…300th. Saundra

  73. Lori from Florida says:

    Happy spring to you! I hope the luck of the Irish is with me and I win the book.

    Regards,

    Lori

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