A N T I C I P A T I O N
Hi Girls & Boys . . . Just a couple more days . . . I want to make sure everyone gets a chance to sign up for our giveaway! Isn’t anticipation fun!? Sometimes better than the real thing ~ right now, everyone’s a winner! I thought you’d enjoy some of my “Glory of the Snow” flowers while you are waiting . . .
If you haven’t already . . . scroll down and make sure to leave a comment! Listen to that delicious MUSICA one more time, and have a wonderful weekend! (Close eyes, deep breath, count blessings, ahhhhh) Love you, your comments are beyond anything ever . . . XOXO
Count me in! Hope I win!
I just joined the Gladys Taber Society…maybe I’ll make it to Connecticut for the annual meeting and get to see her house (and meet you)!
See you there! Can’t wait!
Your “Glory of the Snow Flowers” are beautiful, as are you and everything on your blog! I so look forward to the sunshine you send, even in the snow and rain. Sign me up, love a give away.
Have a beautiful day!………sun is shining, birds are singing….life is good!
xo Raenell
Hi,
Love the picture of your kitchen window, but of course I wanted more!
Beautiful spring days here in Southern California.
Aloyce
Just sat down this sunny but very windy afternoon in Colorado with a cup of tea and was greeted by your springy pears and blue flowers…they bring a smile to my face! Thanks, Susan!
Hi Susan! I had a spring cleaning day and the house smells like lemons! Which reminds me that I have made your lemon sponge twice in the last two weeks. So good! My new fav cake and so easy. I really enjoy your blog. It is a ray of sunshine and a splash of inspiration. Thanks for being you!
Laura
Hi Susan,
Another blog so soon after a Willard, thank you so much we all look forward to any and all things you write. The weather here today is very much rain. Think you are probably getting the same. Stay dry if you can. Thank you for all the joy you bring to us all.
Susan, I really love the colors and subject of the opening picture today. I always enjoy your photos, but this one is extra special. I look forward to each new email/blog from you. Happy Spring. Karenn Juhnke
Have loved Susan’s work for ‘ages’!!! Reminds me of all the little joys we have right at our fingertips if we’re willing to slow down and take notice! My life rushes so quickly – don’t know where I’d be without Susan’s beautiful drawings and words to remind me to slow down and focus on the beauty and the sunshine!! What a treasure!
Would be thrilled to win anything ‘Susan’!!
Love you Susan! And all your posts, books, calendars and Willards! It’s a beautiful day here in middle Tennessee…perfect day for my daughter’s soccer tournament ⚽. Have a wonderful weekend!!
Love your blog! Opening one is like a smile from a friend. I love those blue flowers!
Good Day Susan, I love all of your notes, pictures, musica, everything. I have one folder I save every note you send and save the pictures for my screensaver! I wish wish I had the talent you have, to paint, print…. I just do not have that creative freehand side you do…. wishes wishes!!
Thank you for making my day always brighter and a joy. I will look through your books even to boost my spirits!!!
Have a wonder weekend!
Amy Baldwin
Susan, great looking pears, beautiful flowers and loved Willard. You can make the sun shine on a rainy day. Have a wonderful weekend. Brenda
I get your E-mails late in the afternoon – don’t know why. If I had my way, I would print all your E-mails and frame them. Your art work is absolutely beautiful and I would love to save them all. Incidentally we have 2 cats and 2 dogs (pit bulls) and the dogs and the kitten get along well. The older cat – Gertie – rules the roost and they are all afraid of her.
I’m going out right now to pick some grape hyacinths and scilla and put them in my hummingbird vase – my ‘tuxedo’ cat called Puddy says ‘hi’ to Jack ! I’m also going to plant some Antique Apple Green Bells of Ireland – they are just lovely with softly coloured flowers in my little garden – don’t we all love Spring !
Thank you Susan for giving us more time to comment. I look forward to your wonderful blog. It’s uplifting. I love the beach and to read so I’d love to win the new goodies you are offering. Thank you for the chance. Have a great weekend.
Sharon
Cloudy with wind, rain & a few moments of sunshine. I’m picking lilacs now. Started with the daphne, my Spring is coming flower. Love filling the house with the parade of fragrance. Roses budded & just waiting for some warm sun.
Look forward to more of your writing.
I picked up a copy of “A Fine Romance” for a birthday present for my sister. It looked so lovely, I had to “pre-read” it while drinking Earl Grey tea with a li’-o bi’ o’ milk on this rainy Saturday. Thank you for a pleasurable afternoon!
Your description of waking up to Spring is spot on! I enjoy the exhilaration as well as the exhaustion and good open-window sleep Spring brings!
I just discovered Glory of the Snow flowers last week for the first time in the woods here in Michigan. I love them and will have to have some for myself. I love the name of the flowers too.
It’s so much fun to read your messages and see how you embellish them. Your artwork is so beautiful.
Love everything you do here Susan. You always seem to make a bright and cheery day for me everytime I get your e-mails.Thanks much.
Question: How do I enter the contest?
Oh my goodness….can you believe over 2000 comments on your last blog. That is so totally awesome. How nice that you can look in the mirror every day and just know how many of us adore you!!! I am loving watching my spring garden come alive..it is such proof of how life survives so much. My blue bells or star flowers are now fading away to make room for all the daffies and tulips, forget me nots and so many other glorious flowers are on their way too. I love spring!!
Yay something to make a grey day sunny!
Susan, I just discovered your blog and Willard and signed up for both! My daughters and I have been huge fans of yours for years!! Your Bruschetta and Salsa recipes are among our favorites, especially when our tomatoes are ripe……there is nothing better!! Thanks so much for a chance at your giveaway!
Gladys Tabor has always been a voice if encouragement for me and now I will join her fan club!!!Susan you are a Gladys too maybe we should get a Gladys pin to where to tea?
Great idea!
Susan, luv your blog, makes me smile.
Pick Me!!…Pick Me!!! ok ,so I’m not very subtle lol…
Anticipation is the right word! I, too, love getting a letter in my inbox from my friend Susan Branch.
What a cute little duck vase and so lovely next to the yellow pears. Mmmmm I can smell them. Still on my diet plan so no fruit for me just yet – but 15 pounds gone 🙂 🙂 I’m lighter than I’ve been for a couple decades. VERY happy about this.
I received a package today with your apricot tea and a yard of your pink-with-tiny-cups fabric – more smiles. Hand quilting today and playing with fabrics to go with yours for as yet unknown project using old blocks I’ve gathered hither and yon. If I ever get something done I’ll send you a picture.
Such fun reading this smaller post with amazing graphics and poems already . . . . Such clever commenters.
You should be Sylvia! That’s a feat! Congratulations!
Hi Susan ,
You are is such a special gift. I am very grateful to your extraordinary blog and all of the precious books you have put all your heart and soul into. I am a stressed out teacher, mother of two wonderful college students, overachieving wife and animal lover. I have very little time for myself. I have many of your books and this past December while recouperating from gallbladder surgery, I read your latest book A Fine Romance. Your work is so uplifting and inspiring! I have your calendar, and during March, I made the forsythia wreath and Irish soda bread and coffee.It is you and your gifts that get me through the rough times and bring light into my stressful days! You are an extraordinary person who shares her positive and beautiful perspective on life. It is contagious! Thank you, Julie Broom
What a ducky little vase and that lemon cake is calling my name. Sure enjoyed my first Willard!
Susan,
As usual, you’ve brightened my day with images of beauty. Facebook this morning had one of their “new” features below your daily message, you know, the sort of message “If you like Susan Branch, you’ll like…” And it mentioned Ina Garten, Mary Engelbriet and Country Living. It was then I realized, they are all fine and I have enjoyed their works from time to time, but you, Susan, are unique. You are a very loving person who makes us readers feel like you truly are a friend. You share memories that are so common among those of us who are your contemporaries, and it is a joyful reminder to be grateful for the small things in life that fill our days and years. Many people are having a hard time staying positive in today’s trying world, and I must say, you remind me of the many things for which I can give thanks. I send my love back to you for making the world a better place <3
If I could, that little artwork that is a bowing person being grateful, I would put it right here. xoxo
Love the little duck vase. I have a little green one that I put my lilies-of-the-valley in, but it doesn’t have the character of the little duck! My poor flowers are planted at the front of the house which get hit by the north wind. They are not happy flowers this year and are proving this by giving me a lot of greenery and very little flowers. Ah, but there is always next year and so I must ooh and ahh over your flowers, Susan! As always, thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the pictures of the beautiful blue flowers! I have them growing outside and never knew the name of them before now. See? Not only are you a best friend to all of us, and over all “cheerer-upper,” you are a professor of life, too. Have a very lovely weekend!
Spring! Spring! Spring! I love counting blessings…you are one of my blessings. Thanks for the fun and colorful blog. 🙂
Enjoyed your posts.a. As usual you always manage to make me feel so good. Thank you Susan.
Karen Carpenter
Susan,
I love the blues and yellows in this post. That’s my favourite colour combination! Thanks yet again for feeding my soul.
Susan, I so enjoy your blog and newsletter and Willard. Love this one today….yellows and blues are my favorite colors. This looks so cheery. Enjoyed the music, too. Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Hi Susan~~~
Just love your flowers! OK Vanna, work your magic!!
xoxo,
Carol M
I love your blog, love your books and love you too!
Susan,
Just read my Willard and as always it was wonderful. Just wanted to tell you about a great score I made at an Estate Sale a couple of weeks ago. I was still missing two of your earliest books – Vineyard Seasons and Christmas from the Heart of the Home and I found both books at the sale. I was sooooo excited. I had been checking bookstores and now that they are not in print any more – the hunt was on….They are both in perfect condition and even the paper jackets are completely intact….They look as if they’ve never been opened. Don’t worry I’ll take care of that!!!
My next purchase will be A Fine Romance – then my collection shall be complete till your next book comes out….So you better get busy writing. (HA-HA)
Have a wonderful Spring and a Happy Mothers Day, too!
Hey Susan ! Loved the new Willard. Also love the yellow pear & blue flower picture. Just stunning. You are so cool!
Do so love the way the purple/blue flowers and yellow pears look together! Fabulous!!
I love the Glory in the snow. They are all through my flower bed…..so delicate and sweet
Love your beautiful blog. It is always so cheerful, pretty and informative. Spring is slowly working its way to Maine! Happy Spring!
Dear Susan,
Your books have been treasures of mine since my “twenty somethings”and I still feel twenty when a new one is out ( in my 50’s). I still get excited to look at your beautiful drawings as well. So being an avid reader, a Susan Branch admirer, and an Anglophile I can hardly wait to read A Fine Romance!
Thanks for being an inspiration to us all – have a great spring!
Courtney
Orlando FL
What beautiful flowers! Our ground is still frozen… it will be awhile before we see anything here in the Northwoods! So thank you for such a lovely treat!
MY spring is 3 days of 60’s &70 then 3 days of 40’s, it’s trying. Summer place opening May 1st. hope the sun shines.I’m wintered out. Have a great weekend.
Good Evening Susan,
How wonderful your recent blogs have been! Loved the lemon sponge cake and will try it soon. Your beautiful pears and bluebells are so cheerful to see on this dark and rainy day. Did you have rain today as well?
The rose breasted grosbeak that you had in your yard looks like a baby. We have them here in So. Woodstock every summer and when they feel so inclined, they will sing a lovely, sweet song.
Am rearranging some shelves in our kitchen and your jingle shells would be soooo adorable on them. (Along with my Emma B. mugs and eggcups. Don’t you just love her pottery?)
Thank you Susan for such uplifting blogs – they are always a treat!
Happy Spring to you and your little family.
Michele, S. Woodstock, Vermont
I love everything Susan Branch. I’m going to fly from Phoenix to London then take an Insight Bus Tour of the Lake District. I plan to see much of what I read about in your book. This is already scheduled for June 2014. Can’t wait.
I’m nested next to the window on hummingbird watch as I keep up with my electronic friendships. They love to visit the rosemary bush though April showers keep things wet. The tea of the day is jasmine. I wish you were here to share a cup! Spring is here! Marsha
Ooooh thank you, love the anticipation & beautiful flowers! Been at grandgirls softball games today, they both won games, very fun, ccccold now I’m making chili to warm this old bod up!!! xoxoxo P.S. They were wishing I’d brought your Hot Apple Cider, sweet Sue – it’s so warming & delicious!
Susan, you are like a little breath of Springtime on a rainy day. Thanks a bunch.
Oh, The Glory of Snow! I had no idea that such lovely flowers existed. I woke up to the glory of snow here in Pine Mountain Club, Ca.! Yes! We had a rainstorm last night, and sometime between 9pm and when I crawled out of bed, feeling a bit chilly, the snow faerie had paid a visit to the mountain and transformed our world into pristine white. I love such surprises!
It is probably the last snow of the season. We will have warm sunny days now up until sometime in October. It is beautiful now, with mountain lilacs in bloom. We even have daffodils!
My husband and I went down to Fern Lake and I guess it was too chilly for the ducks to be out. There were a few American Coot swimming about. We call the same a Moor Hen in the UK.
Every day is a miracle…..we must capture the beauty of each day and hold the image dear to our hearts.
April showers bring May flowers!
I love seeing your pictures and comments about New England, as I now live in Florida. Spring is so welcome! Your artwork is so charming and brings such joy, thank you.
I can’t wait for your new book.
You have a way of shining the natural beauty around us, creating beauty in the home, and sharing your love with others. Thank you for sharing!
I enjoy reading all your posts, Susan! I also love to see your photos and drawing, Spring is my favourite season but it lasts few weeks here in Mallorca, the heat comes very soon and dries all the grass, I would love the flowers and the green grass lasted forever, I need to see flowers and color around me, they help me to feel happy.
Thanks for sharing your words with us.
I’m so sorry to bother you. I am having a time reading your posts in the font color you have changed it to. My eyesight is not so good and anything that is lighter in color than black is very hard to see. I do so love to read your blog. Is anyone else having problems with this?
Ok Tracy, I will remember that! I didn’t mean to make it a regular thing, it just felt springy, but I wondered about that. Thank you for letting me know.
I always look forward to your posts about your life, kitties, recipes and celebrations. I am really looking forward to your new book. Hope you know how you inspire so many of us:)
Hi Susan. I have to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed reading your blog since I discovered it last Fall. I have several of your cookbooks and couldn’t wait to get ‘A Fine Romance’ and read it. (which I loved!) Willard is just more icing on the cake. Thank you!
Thank you for spreading a little sunshine our way through your many cheerful illustrations and kind words. I’ve been a fan of yours for years and have a nice collection of your books.
Your work brings joy to so many.
Again, thank you!
Lori
Yesterday was my birthday and today I am printing the journal I kept most everyday last year (just as you have SB since were were girls) I usually posted pics or graphics that expressed my thoughts and mood that day. Sort of my personal Willard. I know that on many of those days it was Susan Brannch be it the calender, cookbook or blog that renewed my spirit, mad me smile and comforted me.THANK YOU! I look forward nother year as an ardant SB fan.
Someone got me a sheep bank for Easter! I was so excited – bunnies and lambs on my breakfast table – a duress sign of spring. Thank you for all your inspiration!
I meant to say a SURE sign of spring!
Hey Susan,
Thrilled to read that you are busy writing and drawing your next book. You know all your girlfriends can’t wait to see it.
Thanks for the spring photos and musica! –And you spoil us with prizes. Good luck to all.
Best to you-
Hi all!
We got our onions, spinach and kale in today…it’s a cool, windy , sunny day here in Pa. The purple buds are coming on our lilacs..can’t wait! Taking a deep breath and can almost smell them…sending a big wiff to you all! Love Willard and thank you for all you share with us, Susan 🙂 Happy spring!! Susie
Well Aloha Susan B,
Sending you smiles from miles away. Hope you have a beautiful day!
Simply Love your site!
Mahalo from Maui,
Susan B
As I travel the countryside in the Vale of the White Horse amongst the villages with thatched roofs and uniquely named pub, I remember following you on your adventures in the UK. Such a delightful country and I will be spending much time here with my grandson. I am so lucky! Hope your spring is gorgeous—-here the neon yellow of the rape fields dot the countryside.
I have been reading your books, etc for years. You make my days better. I have really enjoyed the last one on your trip to England. It was so great to travel with you. I wish you many blessings and happiness. PS I ended up getting many of the Betsy Tracy and Tib books after you reminded me how much I enjoyed them as a child. Did you read the girls triplets from Sweden? I am having a “senior moment” on their names. I am just remembering the boy triplets Snip, Snap and Snur. They are such sweet stories.
Willard was wonderful! The British Emporium is one of our favorite stores in Grapevine, TX and we are delighted they are carrying your book! Come for a book signing there sometime…folks in Texas are right friendly! HeHe!
I love the reminder to just sit, breathe and count our blessings, for there are many. I forget in the overwhelming times, trying to make good decisions, do we stay in this town home or purchase a detached home in this market? Back and forth and on and on…how lucky am I to even have the option to make that decision? Ok, I get it. And last but not least, can the color of those pears against the snow flowers be any more beautiful? In that perfect light? Taking in Nature’s art. Thank you for pulling me back into the moment and out of the future.
Hi Susan!! I’m catching up on my emails and I’m excited I have both a new blog entry from your website as well as a Willard!! 😀 Oh Happy Day!! It’s been a delightful day with loads of sunshine and fresh spring breezes with temps in the 70’s!! I have cancer/chemo treatments so I move slowly but it was nice to be outside and pull a few weeds, rest, sip on iced tea, pull a few more weeds, just flop back in grass and watch the clouds float by and listen to the birds sing, and then pull a few more weeds….perfect day!! lol!! And now perfect evening with your post entry, possibility of winning a delightful prize….and now off to Willard!! God bless you!!
Lovely – sunny – clear skies day here in Cary, NC! It just added some sunshine to see those beautiful yellow pears on your windowsill enveloping the lovely periwinkle blue flowers. Hope everyone had a great day too!
Like everyone else who has had a rough week at work, looking forward to the weekend. Thanks Susan for keeping sunshine in our cloudy days!
One more comment…… Not sure what to say, but I would love to receive something special from your beautiful Island. Love to you, Joe, and kitties!
A wonderful sunny but cool Saturday. We brought home six chickens a gift from a friend put them in their new coop and went to work in the yard. It’s been a great spring day! I think I have some glory of the snow flowers blooming now under our cucumber tree. I have not heard that name for them before. They sure brighten up spring.
Love the blue in the flowers….made me think of the blue in forget-me-nots. I just planted a package this week in my “Blue Village”, where many little gnomes reside. Our NE Kansas spring has been glorious and should bring you hope for beautiful ornamental tree/shrub blooms. Always so enjoy the pictures you share of your yards at both the Vineyard and the west coast. Oh, and your Fine Romance book has been keeping my attention on our few rainy days and given me inspiration for my art journal. Thanks!
Win something from Susan Branch? Wow, I’d love to! Thank you!
I opened your blog and read “Home was never sweeter than now” and I started to cry. I needed to hear that. I lost my home last year after my husband died. I moved from my big home into a tiny little house and have been trying to fit for the past year. Today I worked so hard rearranging and purging and cleaning and when it was all done I hated it more than I did when I started. There isn’t room for us here. I needed that little bump of enthusiasm. Thank you.
Sandra, don’t despair. Home is where ever you and your family are. A year is not so very long to adjust to the major changes you are facing. I admire your efforts to make your little house a home. Be gentle with yourself. I know what you mean about purging and downsizing – so hard to do. Good luck in the draw.
Dear Sandra,
Remember food tastes better in small houses! 🙂
Give yourself time you have been through a lot. Hugs from the girlfriends!
Chris
Love your site. Makes me feel good.
Good Evening,
I love your blog and all your books, you are a great talent!
I hope I win something. 🙂 <3
Wonderful offer for your readers. You are the best most generous blogger person around. I’ll have to tell you how you helped me through a life and death recovery at another time.
God bless you Susan.
I have been away at the big quilt show in Paducah, Ky with high school friends. Girlfriends are one of the best gifts of life. We laughed, bought fabric and exchanged fun stories.
Thanks you, Susan for always promoting girlfriends in your blog.
I love Willard and all the inspiration it brings me. The pears are beautiful along with the bluebells. Even if I don’t win I still am a winner with your blog. Thanks, Jean
I love that photo, it just sings Spring to me!
I’d love to enter your give-away! Thank you!
Those pears look so good–now you have me hungry for fresh pears! 🙂 Our grass is slowly greening but we have rain predicted for every day this coming week. “April showers bring May flowers…”
It is late at night 🙂 and there you had a new post!!! I think I commented for the giveaway but wanted to be sure! Love the pears and flowers; none are blooming here in Woodland Park at 8400 feet. In fact, we are supposed to have snow tonight 🙂
I say Amen to all the girls who say that your Blog and the new Willard are a Ray of Sunshine!! Love your sunshine and whimsey and everything in between on your Blog.
Irene in Colorado
Love the cheerful spring photo! The “Glory of the Snow” flowers are so pretty- but I hope that’s all we see of snow after this long winter.
Just love the cute little duck vase!
Very pretty picture…Love your presentation. 🙂
Susan,
Your lovely birdie photos and lemony cake recipe coaxed me into thoughts of spring! Thank you for sharing ! I loved the picture of golden shells lining your window ledge also.
Leslie from Arizona
Hi Susan, Thanks for sharing your many talents and blessings. A Susan Branch moment, time spent seeing what’s new that you share,is like visiting an old friend. Much Thanks!
The pears look so appealing. Spring has sprung here in Northern Virginia.
A picture or your drawings of spring hold much meaning to a transplanted Californian. Our springtime begins in February when the fruit and nut trees blossom with pink or white blossoms. Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!
Oh how wonderful it would be to have my comment win your most generous give-a-way. My fingers and toes are crossed!
Hi Susan, I wasn’t up with the birds like you and other girlfriends, I got to sleep in but wanted to wish you the most beautiful day. Wish it would rain here in AZ!
Hi dear Susan, I was so happy to find Willard in my mail yesterday! I have wondered if I was missing out somehow! I am new to the land of blog and thought yours was something special for other folks. I have since joined the land of blog as a reader, not a subscriber! And when I read about your blog in the Willard I signed up for your blog right a way! Such excitement when it arrived 🙂 Anticipation for sure! How exciting 🙂 I love seeing all the treasures you share and I love seeing your kitties, your yard, home, garden, kitchen, recipes, collections .. ! Your post of those beautiful shells brought memories of walking the beach in So CA with my grandmother and finding shells and sea glass. Never have I ever seen such beautiful yellow shells like yours! Lucky you, and they look so pretty on your window seal. Like little bits of sunshine glowing there. I love shells, the gifts of the sea. I find great inspiration in all you do, thank you for that. Looking forward to learning more about your new book ..! I anticipate finding your blog in my mailbox again soon 🙂
Oh wonderful. Another try at signing up. As I was commenting the other day I got distracted and never got back to the important “post comment” to complete the task. So I will try again. Thanks for the cake recipe. I could almost taste the lemon filling. Yum. As always, I loved reading Willard.
The pears are nice and the flowers are very pretty, but that vase holding them is just gorgeous! What I can see of it anyways. Anticipation always makes things so much better I think. The all day smell of the turkey roasting on Thanksgiving, only makes us appreciate it even more when we finally get to tuck in! So it is with most things.
I picked up the cutest little book the other day and thought of you. It was published in 1913 and entitled Frome Me to You, a Gift of Friendly Thoughts. It has the most quaint illustration on it’s cover of a sunbonnet sue girl holding a rose and bluebirds, and of course inside it is filled with beautiful quotes. Right up your alley and mine! Have a great Sunday! xx
PS- Of course I couldn’t resist it. I just had to bring it home with me.