B U N N Y C A K E ! Fast easy, do it from a mix! A little big band morning MUSICA ♥
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
HAPPY EASTER GIRLFRIENDS! A new Willard starts going out on Tuesday ♥ Sign up sisters and girlfriends for a surprise in their email boxes. Fun surprise here on the blog that day too. Blessings for a wonderful weekend. Love you, XOXO
I have loved reading and learning about you since the 90’s when I was a caregiver for a patient with the diagnosis of “incomplete quadriplegia”. I was dedicated and tired and your book fed me. The beautiful art work, the exquisite hand writing, the colors all nourished a part of me that had to be put on the back burner so that I could do my job effectively. Thank You Miss Aries birthday girl. I am in your debt. Smiling and laughing at the memory of it all.
xoxo thank you for that gift.
Many thanks Susan – this was just the perfect thing to read on this gorgeous Earth Day. I love love love the jingle shells! I’m a died in the wool shell seeker and have never seen anything so beautiful and colorful. Thanks also for demystifying the cake roll. I tried one before and it was NOT a success – although it tasted good, it just didn’t want to roll nicely. I’ll definitely try this one. How can you go wrong really, cake and lemon curd? Some of the best things on earth. Happy Spring and Happy Earth Day!
Dear Susan,
Thanks for your Eastery blog! It was delightful as usual. You say so beautifully what I feel about Spring, Easter, holidays, and LIFE! Thank-you so much for having these drawings for such darling and much appreciated things!
I have been enchanted by your books ever since I happened upon Heart of the Home, at my sister’s home in 1986. I have since eagerly awaited, and purchased, every book you have published. They are dear to me, like old friends. They hold a special corner of my heart, and I’m so grateful for the joy you’ve brought me.
Happy Spring, Susan!
I always look forward to your blogs and wait until I have time and quiet to fully enjoy them. It is truly a wonderful escape to a simpler time. No matter what season it is, it is made better with your stories, pictures, recipes and musica.
You do have an amazing life and I love being able to share it. I am definitely a “lemon” lover so I have to try the cake. Maybe for Mother’s Day…
Hi Susan…Storming here right now and how good would a piece of that cake taste with my cuppa tea ? Years ago I read a book – that now I cannot for the life of me remember so I urge my students to make book journal and write down at least the title of every book they read – about a group of high school students that exchange places between Oregon and Kansas. The school librarian in Kansas makes “storm tea” for the students in the library when storms/tornadoes blow through. That phrase of storm tea has stuck with me and I love a cup of tea while a storm blows by ! Thank you for the recipe, the great post, and the chance to win some wonderful gifts. SPRING….all of sudden everything here is green ! LOVE IT !
Oh, thank you for making me go fix myself a cup of tea before I sat down to read Willard. I needed that!
Hugs!
LOL Bobbi!
Just wanted to say what a dear lady you are. Your Willard writing has brought
back so many wonderful memories of my mom too! She sang or whistled something
all the time. It was a happy household. A product of the war years maybe? She
cooked, cleaned (the hard way!), raised her kids and also worked all week. Saturday was baking day and all from scratch. Oh my gosh, I have it so easy!!!
Thank you so much for bringing those special memories back. It’s something I
want to share with my grandchildren who are old enough now to understand and who knows……..maybe emulate some day.
Have a wonderful spring!
All of your gifts look lovely and anyone,lucky enough to win one, would surely appreciate it. Love your Willards and your blog….you have made Martha’s Vineyard sound really lovely, esp. now, when winter is finally leaving and spring is here.
I love, love, love reading what Susan Branch writes!!
Hi Susan ,I just love to read everything that you write about that goes on in your life. It makes my busy day seem so much calmer .Thank you for all you do! Catherine
Can’t wait to try the lemon roll up cake. Lemon just seems the perfect touch at springtime. We had a Lemon Poppyseed Bundt cake and Lemon Meringue Pie for Easter. Love receiving your blog and Willard. Even my husband likes reading them. We are enjoying a beautiful spring day here in Cambria, Ca., sunny and crispy.
Thanks for the colorful joy you bring to our lives!! Happy Spring.
Sure would love to win this drawing! You put together a fine package! Enjoyed your latest Willard and the blog, too! It really is a wonderful thing to be able to smell the earth again. I love it! Thanks for bringing us a bit of Spring from Martha’s Vineyard!
Pamela Jo
Hello, Ms. Branch,
Can a guy be a Girlfriend? Have lovingly followed you online for a couple of years now ….
Best,
Tom
A guy can be a girlfriend! 🙂
Hi Susan….
So happy about your “Spring fling” back there in the Vineyard. As you well know, we Californians don’t know a thing about what’s spring and what’s winter. It’s all the same. We live vicariously through you, you know.
Love all the pictures of Jack….my best girlfriend, Mary, in North Carolina just lost her cat, and we’re all so sad!!!! Jack perks me up.
Another girlfriend in Diamond Bar has an African Gray Parrot named Jack, who’s a real talker. I’ve known Shirley since we were 6 years old, in the early 40s…back then, she had a doberman named Jack.
How did I ever get on that chatty jag??? I just wanted to say “Hi”….and “Thank you for the Willard”. I have never gotten one, so it’s another little joy that you send us. Thank you for all your hard work of love.
Hugs and Squishes…..Carol.
Aloha and Mahalo Nui Loa for all the warmth and happiness you spread with your newsletters and blogs! I live on the other end of the US where we have only 2 seasons (Hot and Hotter!!!) and I love that I can vicariously enjoy all of the seasons on your end as I read your writings and feast on the beautiful pictures you share. Keep writing………
Thanks so much for the granola and Mother’s day cake recipe. I can’t wait to try them. Happy spring to you!
Hello Susan,
Thank you for having such an open heart and sharing your love and abundance of joy with all of your girlfriends. You have been blessed with a wonderful gift and thank you for your generosity of sharing it. I have b
Dear Susan,
I have been a fan for years! This is the first time I have written and after reading your newsletter I just wanted to thank you. I feel so happy reading your newsletters. Thank you for sharing your sunny part of the world!!!!! Thanks!
Always love your sweet updates!
Hello Susan.
Thank you for your wonderful gift of an open heart filled with love and joy to be shared with all those who admire and love you. You are so blessed and the joy you give to others is so appreciated.
Glad to have Spring in the midwest too.
HI, Susan….what a wonderful story today! And oh………..that cake looks so yummy!! Can’t wait to try it!! Thanks for the recipe….and all the great pics of the yard, birds your spring day! Here is Calif. we are having very warm weather….but I hear rain may be on the way for a couple of days. Take care…and thanks again! Loretta/Santa Nella, CA.
Love the Willards. I have every single on of them since the first one you sent by snail mail many years ago.
Always enjoy hearing about what is happening on the Vineyard and about the new products. Happy Spring from the Lone Star State. You should visit in mid-April. The bluebonnets are out and are everywhere. They are absolutely spectacular. BTW I live in the town next to Grapevine, Texas and am familiar with the British Emporium.
Hi Susan,
I have just recently discovered you! I absolutely could not put down “A Fine Romance…”! Loved ‘traveling’ with you to the heart of England. You clearly have a gift of making others happy with all the wonderful things you write and draw! Thanks for sharing your gift with the world.
Hi Susan,
I’m sending greetings from Terrace, British Columbia. Today we had heavy Spring rains but I saw a beautiful deer walking along the side of the road.
I love hearing about what is happening in your neck of the woods and what you are reading. We could easily swap book shelves and we would definitely be book buddies. I hope you had a wonderful Easter.
Susan,
I look so forward to being able to take some time this weekend to make the Lemon Roll you posted for my wonderful family! I think it deserves a nice cup of tea along side of it as well. That gives me something to look forward to this weekend. Thank you.
I am absolutely over the moon reading your book. I went to school in England for four years as a teenager and haven’t been back since. (its been a few decades!) So I am living vicariously through you and your wonderful writing until I can once more return. I have all of your books and made many terrific dishes thanks to you! Happy Spring!
A truly wonderful blog touching on so many of my favorite things. So fortunate to have found you. My mother loved you and I do too!! Thank you…anxious to try the lemon roll.
Love your blog posts and “Willard”! Always look forward to something new in my inbox!
Thank you for bringing in the excitement of Spring! A bit chilly still in the mountains of Colorado but the bird house is out for the Wrens!
Just entering the contest.
It is always sweet hearing from you. I spent the winter in Florida, your emails
made me miss the snow. Call me crazy, but I always enjoyed when my husband and I were snowed in. When nothing was moving but the plows. Your photos
brought all my memories back. Thanks.
Hi Susan,
I must have bought two calendars from last year. I took the new one apart and taped the pages inside the doors of my kitchen cabinets. Now I see your beautiful art work everyday! Thank you for your lovely words and drawings! They brighten up my kitchen and my day! Blessings, Linda
Dear Susan,
I love everything about your blog!
What a joy to see Willard in my in-box! I’ve been enjoying and sharing Willard since “the olden days” when it would arrive in the mail. I’ve been enjoying “A Fine Romance” this winter and dreaming of a trip across the pond.
Happy spring to you!
Hi, Susan~
Love your newsletters and blogs! I always look forward to reading them. They are full of such great things. Happy Earth Day….and Happy Spring!!
Hi, Susan,
I was just thinking about Willard the other day, and to my surprise, there he was in my mailbox today! Thanks for sharing your beautiful scenery and art. Just like visiting your home!
I hope you had a lovely Easter. Loved your blog post today. Beautiful give away…shells are always wonderful….and a book!!! WoooHooo!!!! 🙂
Lovely music and loved seeing Lamb Chop, I still have mine, too. Thank you!
Hi Susan. I just love to read the recipes and look at the spring springing up. Here in Florida we don’t have seasons. I thought it was so neat when I moved here so many many years ago but I still miss those lovely four seasons. I miss them very very much. I collect shells and love the jingle bells shells. Your blogs always brighten my day. I’m pretty homebound with all sorts of yucky things so when I open my email and see Susan Branch, I smile. You are truly blessed in every way with Joe, Jack and Girl. I used to live on Cape Cod for awhile so when I see pictures of where you walk and the homes it brings back lovely memories. Thank you again and God bless you and yours. Romy
You’ve really brightened up my being today … reading Willard really cheered me up and I feel inspired to sing, bake, read, drink more tea, and get out there and garden. Susan, you are such an amazing person … Thank you also for writing A Fine Romance ! I couldn’t ‘t put it down! Oh, one more thing—My sister and I had the privilege of meeting you here in Southern California years ago. We waited in line a very long time and our new husbands were stranded in the parking lot getting to know each other for the first time and also were eating ice cream cones! It was a warm and happy memory for us ! Look forward to future Willard’s and your new book 🙂
Sometimes as I’m reading through these lovely comments I have to stop and just feel (ooops, no words) so amazingly grateful.
I love all your posts. You make everything look so fun and beautiful. I love your watercolors; I am inspired by them. Thanks for it all.
Susan, you are the Best girlfriend ever! Thank you for all the joy you give to all of us! You are a Gift! Can not wait to read your new book! Love your Happiness and zest for life. Looking forward to visiting your beloved Martha’s Vineyard some day ! Hugs to the kitties too!
I haven’t been to New England in the spring but this blog post and Willard have made me feel like I’m there! Thanks for a lovely visit!
Always dreamed of visiting Matha’s Vineyard…ahhh…someday! 🙂
I so enjoy your lovely drawings & yummy recipes! Thanks for brightening my day ♥
I have been reading your books and following you on he computer for years. Thank you for the opportunity to win the shells and the books.
Receiving your email posts is like a gift and I so appreciate it.
Thank you for this magical, happy-filled start to my day ! I just need to go into the office/department now and spread some sunshine & cheer ! ( And I’ll be singing ! )
Feeling happy this morning. Clean crisp air after a spring rain. So motivated to enjoy every moment after reading your post.
Susan, thank you for your drawing of the little girl with the blue sweater and blue socks…sooo sweet!
Wonderful start to my day. I think I will survive the teeth cleaning this morning now that I have had this wonderful experience to keep my positive outlook glowing-just as my teeth will glow later today.
I love anything Susan Branch! My daughter, now a wife and mum, has been willed my Susan Branch cookbooks and faithfully collects family recipes in her Susan Branch recipe book. They are all handwritten and a wonderful way to remember family members and the stories that go with them.
All the gifts are lovely. This Grammie would especially love that Grandma book!
Hello Susan! I just adore Jack and his “inquiring mind”! His antics always make me smile. My home is also filled with fun kitty moments, as I have 18 rescues, most from a local feral colony. There is never a dull moment here!
I sooo loved reading your book, A Fine Romance! I tried to read it very slowly, to cherish every divine bit of it, and when it had to end…I literally had a lump in my throat! You and Joe are truly an inspiration! Thank you for sharing the stories of your life and for spreading happiness everywhere!
Hi Susan,
I love seeing your pictures of the Vineyard. I grew up on the Cape so they always remind me of home!
Hi Susan! I have always loved your artwork! I have several of your beautiful cookbooks and treasure them!
I was so happy to see Willard this morning. I have missed him so!
A day with a broken car….gloomy, wanted to go shopping (real bad)…and then my Willard arrives…then the sun came out – (car didn’t get fixed) but still having a less than gloomy day! Thank you for all your “fun” !!
So lovely to read this springtime post on this grey and blustery day on Long Island. Thank you for the lovely recipes, and the lovely link to the handwriting post, as well. I would love to win this gift!
I enjoy reading your “notes” – even though we have never met – I feel like they are just a between us “girlfriends.” Your writing and artwork always makes me smile and I so enjoy receiving a note from you. Thank you!
I’m an East Coast New Jersey girl living in South Central Colorado. The San Luis Valley doesn’t have Spring. We go from Winter, to Wind, to Summer. Your blog makes me homesick for the East Coast Spring. Thanks for posting the instructions on the lemon roll cake. I can’t wait to try it!
Hi Susan,
My best friend and sister of my heart led me to your website last year and I have so enjoyed reading everything about you that I can. Everything about you is just so “all of us”. Thank-you for sharing yourself!
Deborah
Hi Susan~
I’m familiar with your work via your books, etc. I am fairly new to your blog and just signed up for WILLARD (which, by the way, was the name of the small, small town in NC that I grew up in). I love your outlook on life and your generous nature and that you share so much with us “girlfriends” via your writings, drawings, pictures, recipes, etc. It is truly amazing so one can only assume that you are an amazing person as well. Thank you for the chances to win the shells and books. Winning either would be awesome. And thank you again for sharing so much with us. I look forward to each blog email in my inbox and I am eagerly awaiting my first WILLARD.
Oh me Oh my! What darling gifts! Since I can’t come to Martha’s
Vineyard I would love those shells! (books too! cause books are truly my 1st love!) But someday I am going to Martha’s Vineyard!! 🙂
Susan, you brighten my life everyday!
My Spring hasn’t sprung until I read my Willard from Susan!!
Susan, you make my sister and I hang on every word, recipe and beautiful picture you share with us! We love to share your latest find(s) with each other and are “Branch” buddies for life!! May the joys of Spring be forever on your windowsill and it’s essence forever in the breeze! Love you Susan!
Dear Susan,
Long ago my best friend, Denise, bought me your very first book and I loved it and still do. It sits proudly, many years later on my book shelf along with it’s sisters and brothers. There is something so incredibly endearing about all the things you write and make. I wanted to thank you for staying like you always have been: true to yourself. You are deeply loved for who you are. BTW, I am on a new lemon kick (thank goodness for Starbucks lemon cake) but there is no way I could make yours. I can barely bake banana bread!!! Love and blessings, Laurie
Hello Susan! Thanks for the new Willard! We are finally seeing some signs of Spring here on the Canadian prairies, too. Very welcome after a long, cold winter. Thanks for the special thoughts about Mother’s Day – this will be a special one for me this year, as my youngest son will be married this May. It will be a happy time for all of us, as we remember the long way he has come after being adopted as a 2-year-old from Romania. So happy to see him grow into a happy, healthy young man.
Oh, how I wish you lived next door! I know we would be fast friends forever!
Thank you for all the books; I’m looking forward to the one in progress. You always brighten my day, and you inspire me.
Just want you to know I love your drawings, writings, recipes, all the wonderful things you take so much care in doing. I am forwarding Willard to my daughter Sally, who I’m pretty sure will be a Susan Branch fan as well. She is all about tea and cakes and bunnies and recipes and flowers and writing, writing, writing and drawing, drawing, drawing. Her home is full of little boys, but kept in the style you have. It is lovely to visit. I can hardly wait to share your lovely works with her.
You, my friend, are a breath of fresh air. As the pollen-filled winds blow around our town, this morning, causing it’s inhabitants to be stuffy and miserable, along comes your newsletter in my box. Thank you for brightening my morning.
What a glorious start to my Wednesday! Your recipes are inspiring, must try the lemon cake, my sisters will be here to warm Lake Havasu next week, one from LA and the other from just up the road from you, NH! Love your book recommendations, have never been disappointed!
Looking forward to reading your latest endeavor!
This is the perfect way to start my day! It has been a long cold winter even here in Texas. You are as welcome as the sweet birds and flowers in spring. The sweet mother of my three beautiful granddaughters will love the lemon cake recipe but I think I’ll make one first for my wonderful “gardener” like you did.
I look forward to reading your blog & the Willards! Such a sweet pastime, reading your quotes of inspiration & information as well as looking at your beautiful watercolors! It is my “Me Time”!! As a mother of 5 and a Gigi of 2….I look forward to anything from you, Susan Branch!! I have all your books, and your calendars grace the walls in my home and in my office!! I sometimes get a cup of tea or coffee just sit & read all the goodies on those calendars! Many times, it’s the best part of my day!! Thank you for making all our lives a little sweeter!! Love you, Susan Branch! <3
“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” ~Helen Keller.
This describes my sentiments of Willard. I look forward to reading my email when I see Willard, just sitting there waiting to be opened, my heart opens wide and rejoices! I love my ‘letters’ from Willard. I’ve recently moved to Mexico, and I live here about 11 months out of the year, I keep in touch with my friends back in the States via email, but I have one friend who loves to handwrite letters and cards (so do I) and she sent me the most beautiful handwritten card. It took a while to receive it, but it made me long for the little things that I miss most–simplicity. Susan, thank you for taking the time out to remind us of how enjoyable the simplicities of life can be–by stopping to look for the flowers, and to notice the birds and their song. Sometimes, life can get to be just too busy. But then, Willard makes a surprise appearance and reminds us to smile, take a break and enjoy! What a nice treat to look forward to.
So nice to hear from you! Reading your post felt like a good rain after a long drought and just what I needed. Thanks!!
Dear Susan –
What a delightful visit I’ve had with you this morning! I love how you make me remember so many wonderful memories from my youth – you are a kindred spirit!
So glad to hear that you have another book in the works!! I look forward to all the songs in my heart that will reawaken!
Thanks for sharing your world with your girlfriends!! Shoot a couple rubber bands to Jack and Girl for me! 🙂
I am so anxiously waiting for my Willard to arrive in my “inbox”! I follow your blog everyday and love all of your ideas and recipes! I would love the sea shells along with any or all goodies, who wouldn’t! Thanks for sharing spring!
Dear Suz,
Boy do I relate to you about the LONG, COLD winter. I thought it would NEVER end here in Md! We had several really nice days, and then, BOOM, more snow! What on earth!? Happy Earth Day, by the way. I went out and got two Gardenia standards to perfume my front porch and enchant friends when visiting.
Thank you for collecting those lovely shells. Reminds me of our family vacations in the Outer Banks of NC! And I love the books, too. My mom had told me I needed to see Enchanted April, so I did, (what good girl, named Susan, doesn’t listen to what her mother tells her?) It’s a SUNNY, BLUSTERY day here on the Eastern Shore of Md and I look forward to getting out in the dirt, how fresh it will smell and planting ALL of the many plants I’ve ordered.
Blessings to you, Suz, for all of the peace, love and happiness you send our way!
We had HAIL today!
Susan, I would like to sign up for your blog “by checking a box” how do I do this? I clicked on the pencil icon, but I didn’t see it? Ayuda por favor :+)
I’m not sure so I forwarded your comment to Kellee ~ I think she will be able to help you.
What a nice surprise to have your beautiful Willard arrive in my inbox yesterday. Tuesday was a “free day” at the Denver Botanic Gardens so the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day too! I’m a shell collector myself, they remind me of home now that I live in a land-locked state 🙂
I want to be YOU when I grow up! Thanks for the beauty you bring to our world.
What a great day to get my Willard. A little rainy here in the great Northwest and just the day for sitting in my sewing room, with music on the cd player and a cup of coffee at hand. Love u Susan.
Welcome back Willard! Thank you for entering me in the contest, I love all things Susan Branch. My screen saver is always a seasonal download from your site. 🙂
Happy Spring.
What a lovely way to start the day, enjoying the latest Willard! I love your work, heart & art!
I always love visiting SB’s website and receiving her emails. They bring a smile to my face and leave me inspired all day. The bright colors and precious images enliven my desktop, correspondence, and scrap-booking albums. Thank you, Susan, for sharing your art, your heart, and your bright spirit!
Love the post! Lifted my spirits just when I needed it. Thank you so much!
Your long time devoted fan
I read the Willard over my lunch break at work – delightful and heartwarming. A bright spot in the day of a customer service rep. Thank you.
Happy Springtime Susan. I live in Florida now, but am from Massachusetts and remember how lovely springtime is there. Your books, your blogs, your art, your photos are all beautiful and so inspirational. Please keep on doing what you’re doing. Can’t wait for your new book.
Happy Wednesday after Easter on a most beautiful day in Houston. Spring is my most favorite time of the year. I delight in finding the new seedlings popping up in my gardens. Our sweet Japanese painted ferns, which I was certain had succumbed to our frosts this year, are peeking out under the Maidenhair fern in the big clay pot.
I think this current drawing is one of your best. I shall keep my fingers and toes crossed!
Hi Susan: I so enjoy reading Willard, your blog and all of your books!!! So much fun to look at your photographs of the beach and your back yard. I am really looking forward to your NEW BOOK !!! Love the seashell & book giveaway !!!!
Thank You for sharing your God given talent with us !!!! Its been 25 years ago on the 22nd that my precious mom went to heaven. I miss her so much so I really enjoyed reading about your sweet mom !!!! THANK YOU FRIEND !!
Happy Spring. So happy to have tea with you again!
Loved your Easter pictures. I made a lamb cake for grandkids using a lamb shaped pan for Easter. One of them kept calling it a rabbit. Next year will have to let Kenzie help decorate it and it will be better. Love receiving the blog hope I didn’t delete the Willard. Forgot to look in spam!!
What a nice surprise it was to open my email and see a letter from Susan Branch! I love all of the homey things you talk about, indoors and outside. Reading your letter is like a breath of fresh air!
Happy Spring, Susan!
Love your newsy blog…feels like I’m experiencing the beauty and sweetness of the Vineyard’s most beautiful season with you. I have been collecting Willards since you sent them out U.S.mail! Remember? Still so exciting when they arrive ON MY PHONE! Enjoy your garden and writing your new book.
Beautiful! Yummy! Just makes me so happy!
Best,
Holly
Another wonderful Willard and Blog! You never cease to make my day better. From one California girl named Susan to another, thank you for sharing your beautiful, kind heart with us all. We visit the Cape now and then and know why you are in love with Martha’s Vineyard. My favorite place is sitting near the inlet of a
family member’s home in Chatham watching the wild life in the fog before the rest of the world gets up. Also want to tell you that I make the Bunny Cake with my grandchildren every year. We all love it! And I love what you do.
Susan: Thanks for the newest Willard. I miss the old days when it came in the mail box with sweet little gifts like stickers, but I have to roll with the times. The electronic Willard is just as beautiful and still has lovely surprises! Thanks so much for brightening my day with your perpetually effervescent personality, gorgeous art work and lovely words! Enjoy the spring!
Those little yellow shells are like golden sunshine on your windowsill. I hope I am lucky and win them and the wonderful books. They are treasures. All my wishes for your future happiness.