Hi Everyone! Between WILLARD (which starts going out this morning and finishes Wednesday night) and this post, I think I’m going to wear you out! But in the Willard I promised you a recipe, I promised “make-up gifts.” (Too long since last Willard, should call them welcome-back gifts). But first, we need MUSICA . . . and I need to show you what my dad, better known as “Blog Daddy” and his darling wife Jeannie sent us for Easter.
Is that cute or what? I get the bunny with the bow and I’m seven again. It’s got green peeps, it’s filled with those 
little chocolate eggs with the thin crispy crust and my favorite dark chocolate-covered coconut bars. Thanks Dad, thanks Jeannie! There’s me and Blog Daddy → . . . Such a cute surprise! (We were so young!)
I hope Easter weekend was as beautiful where you are as it was here! We’ve been getting amazing doses (as in medicine) of spring, drinking it in, making it almost impossible to stay inside, stay home, stay down. We want OUT! We pop this music into the player and off we go…
The island is coming alive and it’s fun to drive around and look at it. You can see we are still waiting for leaves on the trees, but the air is filled with the sweet smell of thawing earth, the light is new, and the sailboats are coming back. It’s perfect timing . . . Happy Earth Day! It’s today! Pretty smart of the powers-that-be to tuck Earth Day into this beautiful time of year! For extra enjoyment, for frosting on the spring cake . . . Check out the Washington DC Cherry Trees in bloom! They will put a song in your heart.
And now, here’s the recipe for the cake I wrote about in Willard, an old-fashioned lemon-filled sponge cake, soft as a baby’s hiney, perfect for spring birthdays, and gorgeous as a Mother’s Day Tea Cake.
And since I made this cake for Easter, I thought I’d show you just how easy it is to put together. Making this roll is much easier than you might think if you haven’t done it before.
So set your oven for 375° and here we go . . .
Butter a 10″ x 15″ cookie sheet that has a rim (jelly roll pan), then lay down a piece of waxed paper (allowing it to go over edge), smooth it into the corners and into the butter, and then butter the paper too.
Put the yolks of three eggs in one bowl and the whites in another.
Beat egg yolks a little bit then add a cup of sugar and . . .
Beat them until they’re thick and lemon colored . . .
Sift a cup of flour together with salt and baking powder . . . (don’t worry I’ll give measurements at the end)…
And stir it in to your batter along with six tablespoons of hot water . . .
Beat the egg whites until stiff and glossy.
While you’re doing that take a peek outside . . . oh, my, what a DAY!
And LOOK!!! I begin calling for Joe . . . we have robins by the herds, we have gaggles of cardinals, whole families ~ (not that I will ever take them for granted), but see that bird on the right? We never see that bird. ever. Got out the bird book where we find out it usually likes woods and thickets. This is our driveway . . . he is a “rose-breasted grosbeak.”
We ooh and aaah over him for a few minutes . . . He must have spring fever, coming over for some dessert seeds.
OK, that was nice, but back to “work” ~ folding in the egg whites . . .
And then the zest of one lemon . . . Now spread the batter evenly on your well-buttered cookie sheet and put into oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
While it’s baking, lay out a clean dishtowel and sift over a sprinkling of powdered sugar.
When the cake is done, and wafting fresh cake fragrance to the neighborhood, bring it out of the oven and use the edges of the waxed paper to turn it out onto your powdered-sugar covered cloth . . .
Voila! While still hot, carefully peel off the paper. Then take a pair of sharp scissors and cut off the crispy edges of the cake all the way around . . .
You can eat those crispy edges immediately, but from experience, if you eat them all now, you’ll have nothing to dip in the lemon filling you’re about to make. Just sayin’ . . .
Now, using the dishtowel begin to roll up the cake. It’s fairly malleable while it’s hot so you can make a nice roll, just pull out the towel as you go . . .
Once it’s all rolled, just leave it there and let it cool while you make the filling. Essentially it’s in training now to be a roll.
LEMON FILLING: In the top part of a double boiler, put two whole eggs, a cup of sugar, the grated rind of two lemons . . .
The fresh juice of two lemons and two tablespoons of melted butter.
Pour the juice into the double boiler through a fine sieve if your lemons are like mine and filled with seeds. Stir over simmering water for fifteen minutes until the filling is thick. Cool slightly. (Más MUSICA Girlfriends?)
Then it’s time to unroll your cake; carefully peel it open until it’s flat ~ it goes very easily . . .
Pour over the lemon filling and spread it almost to the edges, but leave it thick in the middle. (Don’t forget to save a little bit of filling to dip your cake clippings in if you have any left.)
Roll the cake back up, not TOO tightly, because you want the lemon filling to stay inside. I roll and lift the cake a bit as I go so as to keep the lemon from squeezing out the sides. Move the cake to an oval serving plate.
Sift over a little more powdered sugar ~ the cake is beautiful, but I decide it needs a little Easter decoration . . . so I run outside to pick some of my pretty yellow (non-toxic) forsythia flowers . . . any excuse to go outside is a good thing.
And voila! Like little butterflies. Your cake would be just as pretty with wild violets, pansies, johnny jump-ups, or roses . .
Now, soak the dishes, while you’re at it, notice the guy in the garden . . . that really good guy in the garden? Doing the aphrodisiac-thing women love?
Mulching and getting everything ready . . .♥
Go ask him if he would like a piece of Lemon Cake . . . Tell him you will bring it and he can eat it in the garden.
He deserves this . . . tender soft sugary cake with the most lemony of lemon fillings . . .
And while you’re out there, find reasons to stay . . . Hang up your bird houses . . . because you LOVE the serenade of birds in love . . .
Go take a picture of your old bunny crossing sign … take note of good mulchy dirt . . .
Give up looking for more to do and go on a walk! Such an amazingly gorgeous weekend.
Remember these Jingle Shells I found on the beach . . .?
. . . and then arranged on my window sill?
Well, one of our Girlfriends mentioned how much she would like to have some of these genuine Martha’s Vineyard jingle shells . . . so yesterday, out on our walk, I collected these . . .
And I put them in this Emma Bridgewater tin as a surprise . . . because I thought they might be a fun giveaway for spring, to celebrate the change of season, a box from the sea.♥
Jack agreed. I tied the box up in a little bag. Then I thought maybe not everyone wants shells, but I bet everyone would love an original 1900 copy of the wonderful “Elizabeth and Her German Garden,” the first book written by one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth von Arnim (she also wrote “Enchanted April” which you would love if you haven’t already read it). So I added that . . . Look at the beautiful raggedy edges on the pages of this old book . . . (Of course, If I’m doing anything different at all, Jack is immediately involved. He has an inquiring mind that wants to KNOW.)
So I put them together and thought, that looks nice, but something is missing . . .
A Fine Romance! Yes, must have that in the package. I hope you like it! I’ll sign my book and the Elizabeth book to whomever wins the drawing . . . All you have to do to be entered is leave a comment; right here at the bottom of this post you’ll see the tiny letters “comment” ~ click there and say anything sweet and you’ll be entered.
But is that enough when it’s been almost a year since your last Willard? Don’t you owe the Girlfriends something else? Maybe not “owe” but “wish to give?” Oui! I think so! So Vanna will choose TWO names this time, and the second name drawn will get these two Keepsake books (guided “life story” journals with lined paper, places for photos, sewn-in ribbon bookmarks ~ and lots of fun questions to be answered in their own handwriting by mom’s, grandma’s, aunts, sisters), more Mother’s Day festivities! xoxo We are starting early because we know that the best way to remember Mother’s Day is to forget it once, but we never want that to happen!♥
Here’s the recipe Girlfriends!
CAKE:
- 3 eggs, separated in two lg. bowls
- 1 c. sugar
- 6 Tbsp. hot water
- 1 c. sifted unbleached flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- grated rind of one lemon (zest)
- sifted powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 375°. Butter a 10″ x 15″ cookie sheet or jelly roll pan, one with a rim. Line it with waxed paper leaving some to hang over edges (an inch is fine). Set pan aside. Separate eggs into two large bowls. Beat egg yolks, add sugar and beat until thick and lemon-colored. Stir in hot water and dry ingredients. Beat egg whites with electric beater until stiff; gently fold into egg batter. Fold in grated rind. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake 12-15 min.
Immediately turn finished cake onto clean dishtowel lightly covered with sifted powdered 
sugar. Carefully peel off waxed paper. With sharp scissors, cut off the crisp edges of the cake. Using the cloth, roll up cake pulling out cloth as you go. Leave it covered and rolled, set it aside to cool while you make the filling.
FILLING
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 c. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
- zest and juice of 2 lemons (strained if necessary, no seeds please)
Put all ingredients into top part of double boiler. Beat well and stir til thick, approx. 15-20 min. Cool slightly.
FINISH
Unroll the cake, spread on the filling, and roll back up. Cool completely. Transfer to serving dish. Sift over a tiny bit more powdered sugar. Add flowers if you like, edible and unsprayed, violets, pansies, roses, johnny jump ups. Here’s a list of edible flowers.
Now something everyone needs the week after Easter, a delicious recipe for:
These make the most delicious just-home-from-work treat, on the porch while you watch the green things growing. Which is what I hope you’re all doing these days, just as crazy with spring fever as we are. ♥ Deep breaths of the gorgeous outdoors, that’s the only “cure.”
Happy Spring, Girlfriends . . . I’m off to work on my book, my new addiction, a few hours every morning, trying to figure out what our heroine is going to do next (she seems to have a mind 
of her own) . . . housekeeping, gardening, normal life in the afternoon. Don’t forget to leave a comment for the seashells and books. Also, if you have any trouble with WILLARD, be sure to let me know. He goes to lots of addresses now, it takes a couple of days for them all to go out, but if you haven’t received him by Thursday morning, check your spam box (because I’ve heard he can take a detour) and then let me know . . . you can write either here, or on Twitter, or on FOSB (Facebook), and we will be paying attention!
XOXO
These would add nicely to my shell collection. What little treasures from the ocean. Happy SPRING. spring seems to be such a short season. Have a good one.
So happy your long winter is over! Do we even have those shells on the Pacific Coast? Very pretty. Hope this is a great year for your garden. Fun picture of your handy helper. Really looking forward to your new book. Always look forward to your blog postings. Thanks for remembering us!
xxoo
Thanks for the granola recipe! Can’t wait for your next book! I have a premonition on how it ends. We’ll see if I’m right.
xo
Don’t forget to tell me after it comes out . . . I want to know if you’re right too!
I have an idea too
A*N*T*I*C*I*P*A*T*I*O*N
Ahhhhhh…..there…..now I feel better….Willard is back!…And a wonderful Willard it is!…Always little morsels of wonderfulness…Love the lemon cake recipe…and oh, those deviled eggs!…We also, on rare occasions, see the rose-breasted grosbeak..beautiful little puffy bird, isn’t it?…Hi to you, Joe, Girl and Jack….Happy Spring to you all! …
Sherry Winchester
@sambawoman
You had me at “jingle shells”, but you put it over the top with the metal snipe box! Willard made my day
Thanks for sharing your spring…
Thank you for the photo’s of winter to spring on Martha’s Vineyard….and the fact that you appreciate all seasons….and thank you for the Tommy Dorsey music…my dad used to play piano in the Sammy Kaye Orchestra, so big band music is our soundtrack in life! Happy happy spring to everyone…
Regina
Hi Susan: I don’t know how you have time to write all this!
Your great comments here (I went out and bought all the ingredients for the lemon roll cake — it looks absolutely divine); and then today the Willard; and. . .you are writing your book. You are putting me under the pile! But I love it, and I’m so inspired with all your spring things. Thank you again, and now I have to get back to writing, too! So long for now! xo
I’ve never seen such lovely translucent shells!
I cannot wait to make the lemon cake! It looks amazing……love your graffics!
Love these books! I would hope I a story worth telling!!
When life gives you lemons, make Susan’s Lemon Roll
Willard was such great fun to read. I needed a break… and I have my “June 7th Day” inked in on my calendar. Thank you for sharing YOU. ~TV
This Willard was the first one for me. I love your recipes, drawings, and quotes. You give me hope as a young woman that life can be beautiful if pay attention.
Susan, you add so much sunshine into our world. I love reading your blog. Please enter me in your drawing. Thank you. Carol
Hello dear Susan,
I just love you!!
Thank you for sharing your pictures and joyful words and musica ! It all makes me so very happy =D
Susan, you are an absolute delight. Thank you for sharing your world with all of us. I’m a huge fan! xo Jen
Hi Susan, I’m still eating Easter eggs and now I have the lemon cake to drool over!! It looks delicious. I went to zumba today and all that extra chocolate made it very hard work.
Those sea shells are so pretty. The ones in your gloved hands look like little potato crisps which have been salt and peppered.
The gift from your dad and Jeannie made me laugh, but where had your happy gene gone in that photo with your dad?
I was chewing on a pencil!
Ah, that explains it
I love spring! I got to read my Willard as I say waiting for my kids at the dentist!
A breath of fresh air!!love
Springtime on the Vineyard truly depicts a rebirth of the earth! Your Lemon Roll Cake awakens our taste buds…thank you for sharing both with us!
I would adore winning! Your stuff is SO cute!
Willard was well worth the wait. Thank you for the yummy recipes. Hugs, Joyce
The cake looks yummy! I might have to make it this weekend
Jack wants his own Jingle Shells! Tail wags ~moose
Dear Susan, I have literally ached to see a new WILLARD! I have started many ladies on the reading of your WILLARD’s in my little town of Katy, Tx. So glad to see you and know you are well!
kim
Loved reading Willard’s newsletter, and your blog, it has been some time since your last one, so was so nice to see all that has happened, love the birds, springtime, and thank you for the lemon cake recipe! Everything put me in a chipper mood, and it’s been a sadder season since my mom passed last Oct. Blessings to you for bringing a happy joyful reminder of life!
My daughter makes wonderful pastry – now I can give her this recipe, and “hint” that I want it for Mom’s Day. Spring is definitely here in California, so I can eat it on the deck looking out at our wonderful mountains – “Chief’s Peak”. You are an inspiration, truly.
Happy Easter
Love the earth day heart and quote!
I’d love to be entered… Your blog is simply a breath of fresh air!
Susan, simply love everything you do!! Received “A Fine Romance” for my birthday in the fall and my Christmas wishes were most of the books on your recommended reading list. A 1900 copy of “Elizabeth and her German Garden” would be the sugar on my lemon cake.
You’ve also created an Emma Bridgewater lover! On rough days…I just pop on the website and drool.
I really enjoy your newsletter and blog.
Just found out our daughter is expecting our first grandchild. What a happy Mother’s Day it will be! We live on the Cape and have pretty scallop shells on our window sills, but love the look of the jingle shells, too. Something new to collect!
Your lemon roll cake looks delicious! Happy Spring!
“comment!” Ok. Real comment: What fun to get caught up! It never happens in my life, but tea and books do. My favorite tea is Fortnum & Mason’s Royal Blend, brewed strong, with cream or whole milk.
Hi Susan!! I absolutely love your blog!! your books!! Jack!! your figurines!!! You have inspired me immensely. Thanks for the fantastic recipes. I would love to be part of the drawings you have going on.
Will be checking back here again…Love, Christina
Hello Susan,
What a generous gesture, to offer us these amazing goodies. I do love the blog and thank you for my very first issue of Willard. All of your art work is just beautiful and inspires me. All the best from California for a great spring and summer ahead!
Susan, I love that photo of little girl you with your Daddy (so dang cute). Thanks for the granola recipe, I look forward to trying that this weekend.
Reading about MV in the spring must make everyone want to live there. But springtime is good in MO too. Love going out on deck and smelling spring and hearing the birds when everything is just starting to pop out of the ground. I think spring just about anywhere has to be good. The way you write about your spot in this world just makes me thankful for everything I have and that I’m able to enjoy it. Thanks so much for giving us all a bright spot!
Oh Susan – what a treat – opening my e-mail and finding Willard. Thank you for such a lovely inspiration – I come from a singing mom too – and love all your Musica = reminds me of her.
Can’t believe it’s almost been 2 years since you and Joe went to England and then you wrote that lovely, loving book. Think I’ll get it out and peruse again – I’m sure like most of the girls – I have my favorite days.
My first Willard – really enjoyed it. Must tell you that my bird feeder is filled in the summer with yellow finches and red breasted grosbeaks. My feeder is right outside my kitchen window. They make the joy of cooking perfect! Thank you for such relaxing reading.
Loved the “aphrodisiac” pictures!
Hi, Susan!
I don’t know where to start but I just wanted you to know that my two sisters and I collect, or give one another, your cookbooks and calendars. I have kept all the calendars and they make fun of me but I adore the artwork and sayings. I just can’t toss them as you bring me such joy and kindness looking at them.
Thank you for sharing your life and exquisite imagination! Oh, and those delicious recipes, memories, etc. See, now I can’t stop!
Also, just love your drawings and artwork, and as one who aspires to paint, can you point me the right direction as to how you learned, books that were belpful? Or are you self taught? Thanks!
My new book, the one I’m writing now, is going to have all of that in it. I’m self taught, and there’s a post about it at the top of the blog where it says ABOUT ME …. hope it helps Priscilla!
I’ll be looking forward to it! Thanks!
I can just smell the fresh spring sea breezes in those perfect little shells
Thank you for that lovely new Willard and a little respite from a busy cold rainy day! Love from England xxxx
I love reading everything you post on line and A Fine Romance was wonderful. I couldn’t put it down. I read a great deal and I really, really, enjoyed your book. Thank You.
Willard was worth waiting for! Thanks for the recipes (and tips). I followed the lemon cake recipe and it came out perfectly (sans flowers, unfortunately) Spring has been well worth the wait also as it has been a long, cold winter in NY….. but your website keeps the romantic in me alive. Thanks for sharing Springtime in Martha’s Vineyard
So happy to hear from you again!! I thought you might have forgotten me but from time to time I ‘d visit your website to ensure all was well in your corner of the world
Your Willard was chock full of info and pictures-love it and the happiness you bring into our lives. I’m excited to hear more about your new book. Please do not let another year go by without another Willard!
Spring here in California started several weeks ago and I have loved every day. We feed the birds and enjoy the lovely symphony they are so eager to give to us. Our black-headed (orange and black) grosbeaks sing the most beautiful melodies. Perhaps your rose-breasted grosbeak has a lovely song too, you must listen. Thank you for all your wonderful shares….so special for all of us.
Your Willard was very inspiring. Thank you for putting it together and for sharing your granola recipe–can’t wait to make it.
So happy to receive the latest Willard. Spring is lovely in Martha’s Vineyard.
Hello Susan!
So nice to share in this beautiful Spring time weather with you! Enjoy it as you write your new book….it sounds wonderful!
Kelly from eastern PA
What a “lift” your messages give me and I love your recipes. But the biggest boost comes from your pictures of Jack and Baby. They make your “house a home.”
Willard just arrived – just in time for lunch
and now this wonderful post. Lunchtime got better and better. You are so generous – the seashells are beautiful all by themselves, but then all the wonderful books too – thank you for the chance at such goodies! p.s. Congratulations on ‘A Fine Romance’ going international! How exciting – looking forward to you sharing a peek at the printing when it comes out. And happy day-after=Earth-Day! (but then everyday should be Earth Day, shouldn’t it?)
1500 plus comments! Wow, you are our favorite girlfriend!
Thanks for sharing things we all love.
Emma
Such a beautiful gift your posting was for me today!
I’m fighting off an awful cold, this all has lifted my spirits. Thank you
Missed you! glad you are back Willard. the lemon cake is calling my name.
What a great post. The cake looks wonderful and so yummy. So enjoyed reading your post.
Ohhh, how lovely those shells would be in my little collection! I have some great new paper I am using in my crafts with a seaside theme and one or two of these in a shadow box would be just perfect! Thanks for entering my name in your drawings, Susan! Hope Vanna picks me!
Loved your entire post, but especially enjoyed seeing a close-up of the Robertshaw temperature know on your stove. From other pictures I’ve seen of it, it’s exactly like the one I grew up with in my mother’s kitchen.
Just read the new spring Willard and it was so delightful. The lemon cake in your blog sounds so delicious I cannot wait to try it. You gave me spring fever with the photographs. And now you are writing another book. It will be hard to top A Fine Romance but if anyone can do it you can. So looking forward to it. Thank you so much for being you. You are truly a gift to all girlfriends!
Hey there!! it is SPRING!! hope I am lucky..
Mmmm can’t wait to make and indulge in some of that granola! What a lovely Willard….I think I’ll have to read it at least once more! Happy Spring Susan
Thank you for being my special “girl friend”. Your blogs always make for a “Happy Day” in my life.
I
Willard!! This is the first Willard for me; what a treat! Today has been one of those trying days in a trying week and your blog and newsletter have been deliciously distracting! Thank you so much for this unexpected balm today!!!
I am definitely looking forward to making that tempting lemon cake! Yum yum! And one more thing, is your font available to anyone? I just want to use it for emails, letters, text messages, well, everything!!!
Where has spring gone today? Hopefully, not far, but it is 47 degrees, windy and damp right now. And to think I almost took the fleece sheets off the bed!
Love the pictures of the birds and the spring gardens. Thank you for the happy and spring yellow lemon cake recipe too.
Thanks so much for thenew Willard received today .
Lovely post, as always, Susan! Thanks so much and happy spring to you!
What wonderful gifts! I especially like the “My Story” one that I could fill in for my granddaughter. I had my mother do a similar thing for my son. I saw one of yours in the bookstore the other day and stopped and read all your prompts….wondering how I would answer them. Would love to own it!!
Susan,
My dear friend has been raving about you and I’ve just entered your world and absolutely love it!! Please include me as one of your “girlfriends” as I continue to learn about your talents! What an inspiration you are to me!! Thank you!
Barbara
Oh my. A wonderful new SSB blog, not one but two giveaways, and my Willard just arrived ..just as I was beginning to worry. All within hours. What a morning, what a way to welcome spring! I too would so love to read Elizabeth and Her German Garden. My copy (and those of all my gifted friends and family) of A Fine Romance is now well worn and soft around the edges …as any old and dear friend would be. But have I missed something, Susan? I thought your next book would be about …breakfast? But it seems not; are we eagerly awaiting something other, something ..mysterious? No matter, we – your close Girlfriends – will devour it when it arrives. With gratitude. For you. For all that you are. And all that you do.
Happy Spring, Susan. From all of us. And thank you, Mary
Not breakfast yet, but God willing, I’ll still do it, but I want to do this one first. It’s so “us” I just know you will like it.
To tell you the truth, Susan, if we SSB Girlfriends could pre-order a “pre”-written book of yours? You would have a flood of orders, so much do we trust your ability to speak from the heart to virtually all of ours. And I would be the first line. <3
I think I better wait until I’m a little closer to it, just to make sure what I think it is, it really is. But I’ll definitely, just like last time, do the blog Girlfriends first! xoxo Thank you Mary! I love your faith, makes me stronger!
Thanks so much sweet Sue! Between the delicious cake and the darling birds, it sure feels like spring!
Spring has sprung with an abundance of gifts!! Thank you Susan for a delightfully delicious post and new Willard!!! Happy, happy, joy, joy!!!
I love everything about “Willard” and this blog…I look forward to reading about your life on Martha’s Vineyard and seeing the pictures of your home, Joe, Jack and anything else you add…thanks for the great lemon roll recipe…
It was my first Willard and I love it.
Beautiful Give away’s.Perhaps…….
Keep my fingers crossed
I love the seashells. Living in Oklahoma my whole life, I have always loved and collected seashells by asking anyone who goes to the ocean to bring me some shells back. I enjoy seeing your walks on the beach and I dream!
HAPPY SPRING, Susan! It is so nice to see the beginnings of Spring in your yard! I always look forward to the new Willard! So exciting to have a new one! I loved your post and your pictures are wonderful! Was nice to see Joe working in the yard and then getting rewarded with some of your delicious, yummy cake! I, too, love the singing of birds in love in my own yard. I love the shells you have collected for one of your girlfriends and the sweet way you wrapped them along with the EB tin and books! You are so sweet and generous with us! Have a wonderful spring day!
The shells are beautiful! And I love how you end your recipes with the photo of the soaking pan. My sink always seems to have a soaking pan in it.
Dear Susan, Thanks for the tea and musica. What a nice treat on a cold and dreary New York day. As usual your timing is impeccable — You always seem to know when I need a cup of tea with a friend
Susan,
Your sweet blog posts brighten my days. I learn so many wonderful new tricks to “cuten” up my life. You are so generous in all of your thoughtful drawings. I hope you know how special these treasures must be to your fans. I think if I were to ever win a drawing, I might just faint from excitement! I especially love that Jack is such a star in your blogs:)
Keep shining and making people happy-
Lisa
what afternoon-delight!!!! thank you, Susan. I especially loved the part about your mom!! very, very much like mine!!!!!!!!! what blessings these women have been to us!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Little flower petals from the sea … each one holding a story of its own. Thank you for the yummy recipes and lovely photos of SPRING!
What a treat – a nice spring missive, lovely recipes, and giveaways! You just make my day, Susan. I love reading your sweet blog posts and admiring your charming artwork. They’re ♥ a great giveaway, any day!
Love your spring pictures and the cake looks so good!!
“And in July a lemonade, to cool you in some leafy glade. I wish you health and more than wealth, I wish you love”
So I’m now singing it . . . I wish you bluebirds in the spring ~ to give your heart a song to sing . . . xoxo
Love your blog! Thanks!
Susan, you are a complete inspiration. What a joy to receive Willard this afternoon and to get immersed in all that is here…and your wonderful blog. I should mention that for the past 12 years I have been faithfully keeping notes in several copies of your Christmas Memories scrapbooks. From the last Christmas with my mother with us, to the first one with each of my 3 grandchildren, I hope that these books will become treasured keepsakes for generations. You make it so lovely and fun to do these projects, thank you for all you do.
A picture is indeed worth a thousand words
Thank you so much for the “Willard” and the blog! My special time is often filled with reading your special words! And I love your recipes and music choices. Fun!
I LOVE anything “Susan Branch”! You add so much inspiration to me and my home! Thank you for all of your gifts. Would love to have these little treasures as well. <3
Hi Susan, it’s been a while since I have checked in. I just love your little girl picture, you didn’t look happy and I can’t believe it, so sweet and cute. I went back and read the archives and I so enjoyed reading “Tink’s” comments, I love her “poof” when she signs out. I don’t know if she still comments or not. I don’t always have time to read all the comments. What great ladies the girlfriend are. Aren’t we bless to have such ladies in our lives! Susan, I really enjoyed seeing all the wonderful past give – aways . So many wonderful gifts, my favorite was the green birds salt and pepper shakers. Oh my!!!! And I enjoyed our new Willard, I feel so happy being part of the girlfriends. I have enjoyed A Fine Romance so much, currently, it’s on loan to one of my neighbors and I check in quite frequently, just to keep my eye on things! I also have enjoyed my Earl Gray Rose Lavender Tea and I love my Tin. I noticed all the new teas on Willard, there’s some new ones I want to try. Well I could go on forever, but I must stop. Don’t forget to include me in the give away. I am wondering if Sandy Richmond has commented, I wonder how she is doing. Love to the kitties!!!
PS: My very, very favorite page of A Fine Romance is the last page where you and Joe are kissing. I love it, so perfect.
Happy Trails To You and all the girlfriends
Connie from Abilene, Texas
Connie from Abilene
I love that Poof too! She’s a Cutie full of charm!
So happy to find Willard in my mailbox this morning, and enjoyed seeing the photo of Jack on your blog, too. I have a Tuxedo cat named Riley. I think these little guys have THE BEST personality.
Happy Spring.
A
What a sweet and springy post. I smiled the whole time I was reading it!
Very First Willard Was A Lift, Because Weather Has Turned Bad Again.How Nice To See Cherry Blossoms!! And All Your News.Thank You.
Please enter me in this newest drawing Susan. I would love to read this book and the shells are such a wonderful idea. I did something similar one year with sand and shells and sea glass that I’d collected while beach walking along Sugar Beach on the island of Maui. It was a huge success.
Happy Spring girlfriend!
Will Look Forward To Your New Book. Happy Writing!
Ooooooooooooooh, Susan, loved seeing Willard again, reading your recent blog posts and checking out the new items for sale, but OMG!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to read your new book. I have been your loyal fan since the very first book, carried your creations in my store 20 years ago and have awaited every work of yours with baited breath. What a treat this will be.
Happy spring Susan.
I loved reading the new Willard, especially the beautiful photos.
At our lake in NH we wait for the arrival of the loons. Finally they’re back , the ice is out and I can kayak to spy their fun antics.
Reading your blog transports me into your world on Martha’s Vineyard. Oh, how I wish we were neighbors and friends. Thank you for always sharing a slice of your enchanted life with your readers. It is always such a treat whenever I visit your blog. Enjoy spring!