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
Reading Susan Branch…sigh…after a long work day….sigh….. 🙂
Oh Susan! I can’t wait until I am able to go barefoot in the grass as I putter away in the garden. Looking at your photo of the special guy in the garden makes me realize what a lucky girl I am too! My special guy looks after my garden and baskets when I am away on business and I always come home to a”happy” home! Thanks for the recipes…..mmmmm lemon!
I can’t wait to make this beautiful lemon roll! I made your quinoa salad for potluck and it was a huge hit — your blog is such an inspiration — thank you for all the joy filled ideas!
I love your blog! Happy Spring…
Now, I want to go to Martha’s Vineyard and England. 🙂
Thanks for the lemon roll recipe , it’s so pretty & looks delish <3 … Enjoying the art , music , quotes & shared thoughts . Everything's a breath of fresh air !
Thanks so much for the lovely email, recipes and link to your blog. It is a breath of fresh air after this long cold winter.
Your recipes are so beautifully illustrated and demonstrated it makes me want to bake and cook them up right away.
Happy Spring on a warm day in Texas. Love the jingle shells glistening in your sunny window to match the delicious golden lemon roll. Enjoy reading “Willard” and thank you for all you do to help us all enjoy the simple things of life. Just relax, take a deep breath and enjoy SPRING now that it is finally here!
I can see that your Easter was delightful. Ours was very special too. A granddaughter makes everything special! I still can’t get the egg dye off my fingers! Your Lemon roll cake will be my Mother’s Day dessert. I’ve never rolled a cake before but your instructions are very clear. Who doesn’t love lemon? Those jingle shells are just the sweetest ever. Have a good week.
Your writing and painting make Spring look like ….. well, Spring!
Thanks for making our world so “Springy!” I have a date with Willard after supper tonight! Now that seems like a really good dessert to me!
Hi, Susan. It would be A Fine Romance and enchanting for anyone lucky enough to win the drawing. I keep meaning to ask you if you have ever seen the movie 84 Charing Cross Road? Also, have you seen this magazine: Daphne’s Diary ?? It is wonderful, full of so much fun and really neat things to cut out and make. And the movie is about a wonderful antique/used bookstore in London after World War II and the friendship that grows over many years with an American looking to find books she can’t get in the United States. Anyway, thanks for sharing so much with so many. You are the best. Hi to Jack and Girl Kitty.
Cindy
Loved reading with music in the background. We are experiencing the same wonderful weather and your blog post and email made me happy for Spring.
Thanks so much. I’m taking music out to the yard and read.
Kerrydi
Dear Susan, I adore your Willard, your drawings, your recipes and your Kitty! I have such a lovely, refreshing time perusing the newsletter. I believe I will make a lemon cake roll!
I was really looking forward to the Willard and was not disappointed.
Thank you for a wonderful afternoon. Can’t wait to try the receipt.
Peace and Blessings
Martha McDaniel
I love the way you make everything have a old time whimsical feeling. I love reading your blog and looking on your website. You have such wonderful things to share and I know I am glade you share them with the world.
Why do I love your writing?…because my family, cooking up something delicious, reading, and the beach center me in a world that moves at break-neck speed.
I love the way you make everything have a old time whimsical feeling. I love reading your blog and looking on your website. You have such wonderful things to share and I know I am glad you share them with the world.
I think you are the cat’s meow! I adore your books. LOVED A Fine Romance…couldn’t put it down! I am English and spent so many memorable holidays up in the Lake District, and of course, am a Beatrix Potter devotee! Your writings fill me with joy and inspiration. I’m hoping to make a kitchen garden just like yours with a picket fence around it so the deer don’t eat it all! I live in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont near the Canadian border, and yes, we still have piles of snow dotted about the fields by the edge of the woods! My Mums cupboard was filled with Emma Bridgewater mugs…my favourite is the ROBIN redbreast!
I finished “A Fine Romance” and loved it! We’re hoping to go to England next summer and will use many of your suggestions from the book. I love reading your blog and am so happy Willard is back!
Ahhh Spring and Susan Branche’s Blog…. Just what my soul needed! Thank you for the inspiration. Mother’s Day won’t be the same for me this year, as I just lost my mother 2 weeks ago, but her beauty is all around me in her flower garden. Thank you!
XOXO hugs Julie.
It says to say “anything sweet” to be entered! I <3 your blog and your books and receiving Willard in my email!!!
I put the tea kettle on as you suggested (good idea) ’cause I’ve been reading Willard and your blog for quite some time. It is time well spent. It is a happy part of my day to connect to you and all your friends. I do forget anything that’s been bothering me and I escape to never never land and it feels so good. Thank you, Susan, for being our sweetheart.
Just discovered your wonderful blog, makes my heart happy! Love your kitties, I am a mom to four furry ones myself!
I loved reading Willard, the recipes look so yummy, and I can’t wait to read your new book!
My daughter and I were just talking about jelly roll cakes. This one looks delicious and lemon is a favorite of mine! I might just make a treat for myself:) Your stories and descriptions get me so homesick for the East Coast! Thanks for taking me along!
love love love spring after a long hard winter cake looks so yum cant wait to try
Happy Spring! Love, love, love your blog and Willard!
Susan, thank you for seeing beauty in everything and sharing.:)
I was recently introduced to you through your wonderful book, A Fine Romance. What a delight.
How wonderful to receive a new Willard on this lovely Spring Day. Thank you for your delightful outlook on the day, the season, life!!!! Love, love, love your books, blogs, postings. Don’t ever leave us!
As always I love hearing about your weather changes and the pictures you share. As much as I love the California beaches where I live, I do miss “seasons”. So hence, I love seeing your pictures. Looking forward to your new book also. And love you “makeup gifts” ideas that I hope to be lucky enough to win.
Happy Spring Susan and Joe. I love to see the pictures of MV.
I absolutely LOVE your blog and I’m sure I would love these books too. Please pick me 😀
Happy Day! Happy Spring! Smile…..it will make someone’s day! 😉
I have everyone of your cookbooks and love them all!! I always buy your calendar to keep me uplifted all through the year. I would love to win!!!
I want a piece of that RIGHT NOW!!! Might just have to whip one up! Spring has sprung here in Kansas too!!
Dearest Susan, seeing this Willard today seemed heaven sent to lift my spirits. I was really feeling pretty “down”. I just can’t express enough how wonderful and FUN it is to read it, listen to your “MUSICAS”, see your darling and inspired drawings, and of course, the recipes!! My daughter is a fervent SB fan, too, and we just love doing some of your ideas together when we can. Thank you so much for all you do to make life happier – just by your being in it and doing all the things you do! We love it, and YOU!!
You and Joe and the Kitties take care.
With love and hugs from Terilee (and daughter Cheyenne) 🙂
I am so excited i can barely wait for the new willard!!!! I just put away the Easter things and getting out the “regular” spring things and garden things! Ahhhhhhhhhh finally!
Willard is every bit as delightful and sunny as your uplifting Blog posts! Reading your writing is always a joyful event! I’m guessing there is an interesting story behind the unusual “Willard” name, but I don’t believe I’ve heard it.
Love the artwork and the recipes!! Would love to win the very special and creative gift package! It would surely make my day ! Blessings!
I just got through reading your latest blog. I am so inspired and can’t wait to play in the dirt in the great outdoors. I am also loving this new recipe and may have to make it tonight. Thank you for your sweet generosity.
Roseann Copeland
Overland Park, Ks.
P.S. I am so looking forward to my first Willard!
Hi Susan,
Love your blog! The lemon cake looks scrumptious…I should try it.
In reading the recipe I noticed the knob on your stove. I worked @Robertshaw in North Long Beach California for 29 years! How funny to see that knob on the stove.
Loved reading a FINE ROMANCE. I will be looking forward to reading your new book you are working on.
Take care,
Barbara in Long Beach
This looks yummy ~ I want to try it. I have a couple of your cookbooks and just love them.
I love this sight. Everything from the graphics to the fastenating stories!
I loved your post – we have bird feeders in our yard that my Son made at club scouts & I think I enjoy watching the birds every morning more than he does – love to walk on the beach & collect sea shell we live far from the beach now & miss that so much ! Your post made my day – will have to make the lemon roll cake sounds & looks so yummy ! Thanks so much for sharing it make my days a little happier !
I don’t see my comment so I will try again.
Just wanted to say that the anticipation of Susan’s new book makes fewer blogs and Willards totally acceptable. But I’m so grateful for every communication because they are all full of light and joy.
Thanks so much for all you share, Susan!
You are very dear Gale!
I love your books an so enjoy reading your blog. My mom used to make a jelly roll with lemon filling too. You always bring such sweet memories with your stories. Thankyou!
To say that finding your “Willard” installments in my inbox brighten my day is an absolute understatement!! Susan, you are such a lovely person and it shows in all the care, detail and sweetness of each and every word and creation that you share with your audience – we are lucky and blessed to have such a ray of sunshine out there sending us warmth and happiness – “just because”! 🙂
This spring is lovely, back in Carolina after 5 years away. Home again jigtty jog. Willard did the trick again brought a smile to my day. Thank you
Perfect day for sitting back and reading Willard…the sun is finally shining.
Hi Susan, I am new to your blog and website. A friend of mine, Sara, introduced me to you through your new book , A Fine Romance with the English Countryside”. My hubby and I are traveling to England and Ireland next month, and she thought that I would enjoy reading about your experience. I was blown away – oh my word, what a wonderful, beautiful and romantic story! I cannot wait to see some of the places that you wrote about. AND – I would love to win a tin from the Emma Bridgewater Factory – how charming to put sea glass in it. It would be like a hug from you!
That should be “A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside” (oops – I hit “send” and should have proofed it!)
Have a fantastic time on your trip Deb! Thank you!
I have loved you simply forever! You were
my “go to” place with the books I owned when life
got too stressful. You taught me to get off my feet
and drink tea! You inspired me to start doing watercolor after my kids were all grown
and gone! We just bought a 100 year old house and am
loving it and getting all of my plants in and at home!
Just read “A Fine Romance” and was transported!
I have been a Beatrix Potter fan for years as well!
Kindred Spirits!
Many thanks and do many blessings to you!
My first Willard made my day!!!!
Lovely to hear from you Beth! xoxo
Your Willard and artwork is like eye candy for winter weary eyes!!! Reading your blog is a breeze of spring air wafting through my home. I love your whimsical banners!
I am reading,”Elizabeth and Her German Garden” just now. Thank you for recommending such a lovely book!
What a glorious week! Spring has arrived along with your newest blog post AND a Willard!! Always look forward to the read, and special gifts you tuck inside each post. Be it a recipe,quote, or an actual mailable gift. You are so generous, you just make my day. Thank you
Hi Susan!
So happy to hear from Willard and your blog post. Miss you and never get enough!!
Pam
I love reading Willard. I make sure i have a cup of tea at hand as I read and savor every word. This is my favorite time of year. Spring. A time of rebirth of the earth.
Your Willards make me feel happy and hopeful: a dose of good news. Positivity!
I’m someone who still makes Easter baskets for our 6 adult kids (ages 22 to 33).
Clearly I enjoy that probably more than they do. Another great book recommendation is “River of Doubt” by Candice Millard -nonfiction about Teddy Roosevelt’s journey up a tributary of the Amazon. WOW I think he and his kind were the original Indiana Jones,
Happy Spring Susan!!!
Your lemon cake looks scrumptious!! Can’t wait to read the latest Willard with a cup of tea!!!
Kathy Nagel
Happy Spring Kathy!
I love how you are always connected to nature! How perfect for Earth Day! Thank you for always being you!! Annie
What a breath of fresh air!! I so enjoy your blog posts and they always lift my spirits, but this Willard was the next best thing to being on MV in the Spring. Wonderful and full of so much promise. Thank you many times over for sharing your optimism with a world that could surely use it!! XOXOXOX
Your books, your blogs, your calendars big and small are all like precious gifts I adore over and over again. My husband gives me your pocket calendar in the fall and always tucks the big one under our Christmas tree. I’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard and can easily imagine your charmed life. In my secret day-dreams we are neighbors and BFF’s. =) (Well, we can all dream, right?!)
Have you ever given or considered holding art/watercolor classes? I think it would be a wonderful retreat/event in your neck of the woods!!! (Of course you are welcome to come to South Central Pennsylvania, stay with us and hold your retreat in our stomping grounds…we might even take you to our delightful retreat, a cabin in the woods near a small lake!)
Be well,
Sharon
Maybe later in life if I get to a point where a. my brain is still working and b. I’m not writing books. xoxo
living in new zealand, its now beginning Fall! eeks! i will enjoy the spring views and comments on your website and hope for a quick winter season. i’m american living in the beautiful new zealand, and i do so enjoy your website! i’m married to a lovely englishman, we have a beautiful home (the money pit) lol
LOL! Enjoy fall, it must be gorgeous down there!
Hi wonderful Susan, you always make my day a
happy one…no matter how I feel. Thank you,
This post lifted my spirits and reminded me of the small things being the happiest and most treasured.
And that cake is so appropriately named!
🙂
Just finished reading my Willard! Thank you so much for all you do to keep us involved and feeling good. Your friendly blog posts are often the nicest part of my day, and set me up to be happy all the day long!
A pretty spring is prettier because of you!! Thank you! jan
Absolutely the most prettiest blog ever. What wonderful recipes, and everything here is so delightful to read.
This is such a beautifully sweet site–making life more beautiful and meaningful!
Dear Susan,
As I transition from each season, I rotate my Susan Branch books on my cookbook holder. I, too, miss having a Spring book and look forward to the time that you have time to write it. I do have every other book you’ve written, signed, except the Baby Book. I thought it would be going overboard to buy it because I do not have children…. I have loved reading A Fine Romance and I am reading it once again. It’s just so wonderful! My gift wish list is always something from your website and I have my pocket calendar, my mini calendar beside my computer and the wall calendar, also. All the sayings and drawings bring me so much joy! I love receiving Willard, I have saved them all from the very first you ever actually mailed, in the olden days! I’d love to win the Elizabeth and Her German Garden. My mother, at only age 56 died 34 years ago, so the other books would just make me sad! Thank-you for sharing your talent with us!
What a beautiful cake ! I can’t wait to try it. Welcome Home Spring!
Post brought back so many wonderful memories! Thank you
Love seeing your garden taking shape. A little snow in the air here today. Go away! Spring has sprung!
So glad Willard is back. Missed it terrible. Enjoy reading and looking forward to Spring. My basil is flourishing, cilantro right behind it. My flowers are all springing to life. Got to get to Spring cleaning!
Your blog, website and book are like wonderful mini vacations! Thank you!
I am so excited! I just received my first Willard. It is WONDERFUL! I could go on on
, but it is time to prepare dinner and I have been playing on this website for a very long time.
Thank you Susan for sharing your talent with us.
Roseann Copeland
Overland park, Ks.
Love the newsletters!
I ran across you Susan, in an old magazine ad about your Fabrics. You Art work
really caught my eye. When I saw your Grandfather Willard’s Pilot Photo, that
was it…I just had to write to you, by the way, I have never written anything
before on any Blog. My Father was also a Pioneer Pilot in the 1930;s & 1940’s.
Capt. for TWA & Capt. Air Transport Command WW11. I’m also a California transplant. I grew up on a 520acre Ranch in San Diego County. Attened high school in the 1950’s….and thus…..HappyRanchQuilts@aol.com; I’m one of those
people who has fun making more primative than perfect Quilts. I love bright colors, so my Quilts tend to have a Happy look ! by the way we have 10 April birthdays in our family. So here’s wishing you a ” Happy Birthday, a Healthy year & Lots of JOY ” from your new friend ‘ Dar in Indy ‘
Nice to meet you Dar . . . fun to hear how we find each other!
I would love to win the jingle shells and the books. The shells would look great in my guest bathroom which houses my shell collection and my sandpipers. I love those little birds. The books would go in my collection of books that I will read and re-read over and over again, cherished volumes. Thank you for a glimpse into your life. And thanks for the recipes. Have a great day!
your blog is simply delicious! and so bright and inviting…makes me want to keep reading and reading!
I’ve had your books for years and have recently stumbled across your blog. Love it!
It was so fun to read your blog tonight…….I knew that I’d just missed it of late. Your ears must have been burning this winter as I’ve collected eight Beatrix Potter figurines (and told the clerks how I came to the knowledge of them via you!)……..I love them like you do! Your Willard was all things “spring-y” to me today and so I’m anxious to begin making some preparations for the season of rebirth. Here in Northern Minnesota we had near record-breaking snow this winter….over 125 inches of snow where we live above Lake Superior. On Easter Sunday we still had about three feet of the white stuff in our yard. Summer still feels so far away, but seeing your Rose-breasted Grosbeak picture did it for me……….I know that gorgeous bird just got a little “off-course” on his return flight to my summer home in Two Harbors and he’s enjoying your home until the time is right to fly on to mine! Enjoy him/her while he/she is there! Cathy
A you’re adorable
B you’re so beautiful
C you’re a cutie full of charm….
You bring charm into the lives of all your readers. Thank you!!
I have enjoyed your books for years. Very uplifting! I am a long-time Anglofile. A cuppa English tea and some fairycakes would be lovely in your garden! Love the photograph of Sir Paul McCartney holding your latest book! We had a lovely Easter as well, celebrating our risen Savior. Cheerio, Susan.
Oh I just LOVE LOVE L O V E this book. I have it on my ‘cloud’ and devour minutes of it when I need a pickup or shot of green goodness.
Having come back from Windy Wyoming to the tree-lined drive of home has been a blessing. The past two Wednesdays we’ve had snow- a lot. Yesterday my old friends the daffodils stuck out their golden heads and made my heart sing. Oh to be back in my old garden…..reminds me of this book you have hidden so wonderfully under your surprise.
Best wishes and thanks so much for the smile….it is a given when I give myself a moment with Willard.
Happy Spring!
Jena
Picking Posies in a Painted Pennsylvania
A wonderful way to start spring…anything lemon. Love lemon curd on just about
anything. Your blog and stories bring spring right to my door.
Hey there Sue!
Love the new Willard. It was a beautiful Easter weekend.
Hope to get to the Vineyard this summer.
Good luck with your new book.
Carolyn
Visiting your site is like going to Fairyland, where we never really have to grow up and everything is beautiful! Thank you!
Susan, my mom used to sing all the time too. She would sing over the noise of the vacuum and while doing other household tasks. At the time it was just part of my childhood, but looking back on it now I realize how wonderful it was and how lucky we were to have a happy mom who passed a love of music to all three of her children. Several years ago I gave her a Linda Eder CD because it reminded me of the way she used to sing around the house. At 86 she still has a terrific voice. Happy Spring! It has finally come to Cape Cod and we are so grateful for its much longed for arrival.
I recently visited my sister-in-law back in North Carolina and for a gift left her a copy of your book, “A Fine Romance”. She loved it. Every night she and my brother read from your book together – how romantic is that!
Happy Spring Susan! I can’t wait to see more of the island waking up to spring via your wonderful photos and posts (not to mention your exquisite water colors!). Glorious spring has finally sprung!
I always love your Willard and have just discovered your blog! It gives me a few minutes of escape and fun!!! Don’t ever stop!!
Happy Birthday to Shakespeare! (450th)
My mother just passed away in March, and through the final months of her life when I needed a good escape, I rediscovered your blog and Willards and submerged myself in A Fine Romance. My screen saver forever is the free “Reasons to Go on Living” poster you so wonderfully offered at just the right time! Thank you and bless you for all…
Mom’s birthday is June 7, which I firmly know is a Saturday this year, since we four kids and Mom’s boyfriend are giving a garden polka party in her honor that day (a memorial celebration she requested). So I’m mildly scolding you for giving me a temporary SHOCK by suggesting at the very end of your blog that we girlfriends all make a self-pampering date on our calendars for, say, Wednesday, June 7!!! I double-checked, and yes, the accordions and dirndls will be coming out on SATURDAY, June 7 in Mom’s backyard : ) Meanwhile, I’m taking your suggestion and setting aside lots of days for garden tours, tea parties, and lunches with hubby & girlfriends, along with beach walks and books.
Thank you from my heart for reminding us all to live intentionally, gracefully, thankfully, simply, lovingly, and well, as we ready ourselves for heaven…
What a fun memorial you’ve planned for your mom! On just the right day! “Your” day! Have a wonderful time!
Oh Susan!! You are SO DEAR!! What a treat to read Willard after all these months! I’m so excited about your new writing endeavor, too! It’s all Lovely and Amazing!! Pretty shells, Lemon Cake, your book in Chinese! Hurray!!
Thank you for heralding spring, Susan Branch-style. My Kansas girlfriend is here visiting … and we’re grabbing ingredients to make a lemon roll this evening!
I really must start wearing a bib when I read any and all of your recipes…..because I always drool all over myself! The Lemon Filled Tea Cake looks so delicious! I love the sweet little Rose Breasted Grosbeak…..I’ve never seen a bird like that….ever…..until now…..and he’s dressed in my favorite color combination! While peeking at your little “friends” living on your window sill, I noticed your Hamilton Beach electric pot……I have one too…..don’t you just love it? Fired mine up before starting to read “Willard”, and am now enjoying a cup of Earl Grey Lavender Tea. The wonderful gifts you are giving to some lucky winner, will be very much appreciated and enjoyed. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face with your lovely words.
LOL Barbara! The bib!
Looking forward to out trip to Maine in May! Back to my roots and New England!!!
I love your writing, it is so homey which goes along with one of the best days of my life. My dog Hannah was found free of any liver problems in her latest blood test. She is only six and my best buddy, along with Roscoe and Spike who are both rescues. Keep up the wonderful web sight and please try to do more of it
Hi Susan, Finally figured out how to get to by our blog. As I said before I love your calendars. I keep the top pages and frame them for my kitchen and I switch them out each season. You are always with me in my kitchen. Enjoy the springtime!!!! 🙂