ANTICIPATION

A N T I C I P A T I O N

spring

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 . . .

Home sweet home

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

flowers

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571 Responses to ANTICIPATION

  1. Tracy Nassau says:

    Susan,
    Thank you for all of your wonderful posts. You have been inspiring me for years!
    Happy Spring, dear heart!
    Hugs, Tracy

    • sbranch says:

      Good morning Tracy! Thank you!

    • Judy in Ohio says:

      Am I too late? Is Vanna’s work already complete? :/

      Hi,Susan…I am “new” to your blog and “Willard” and your books and much of your works…but I feel like I have known you my whole life now that I am here!

      I have so much catching up to do!

      A dear friend of mine gave me your 2014 Heart of the Home calendar for my birthday (January) and I have been so excited ever since! You love all of the same artists, the same writers, the same peoples that I do…I am so taken aback!

      Thanks so much for all you do…I hope you KNOW all that you have done for people! (I am sure you are too humble to even fathom the actuality of it all…But mark my words…there is a special place in heaven for folks like you!!)

      I am very happy to meet you this year! (At least here at your site!!)

      Thanks again SO MUCH!! 😀

      • sbranch says:

        If you only knew how lazy Vanna really is, you’d know you are in plenty of time! You are so sweet Judy, I’m HAPPY to have you here! xoxo

  2. Lorraine from White Plains, NY says:

    Love the little vase! Are those pears or quince on the window sill??

  3. A day without your blog …..is a day without sunshine. thank you ….for you make our days brighter.

  4. I did not see my email, so posted another. Loved Willard. You have such a way with words. look forward to any and all of your future projects. have a lovely spring. Mimi

  5. Georgie says:

    Dear Friend!

    Sending Spring wishes on this beautiful morning 🙂

    I must look for the Glory of Snow Flowers! Such a pretty shade of blue. Are they native to your blessed MV?

    My mailbox is all ready for a sweet package filled with delights. Vanna… stir up the entries… we are ALL anticipating!!!

    XOXO Georgie from NJ

    • sbranch says:

      I’m not sure, but they’re definitely native to our lawn! We didn’t plant them! Vanna is working up her energy!

  6. katherine says:

    Okay Susan…sometimes I worry that I look forward to your posts with too much anticipation – My life is so blessed beyond belief, but there is something about your posts that bring such joy to me. I have always loved art – In my youth I loved Beatrix Potter and wanted to be like her…then I fell for Tasha Tudor as a young mother and now as an almost Grandma I have fallen for you! And what amazes me is that I can actually connect in some little way with you – that was never possible with Beatrix and Tasha. So thanks so much for your sharing so much of YOU with all of US!

  7. Mary Lou Cummings says:

    Love the Glory of the Snow photo !! I tried picking a few of my own for the Easter table, but they didn’t seem to last too long. All done blooming now.

  8. Pam Sclafani says:

    Like coming home…safe, warm, always inviting!

  9. Laura says:

    It’s a rainy morning here in northern Illinois & browsing your blog this morning while enjoying my first cuppa is bringing a nice dose of sunshine! Have a great day Susan!!! Hugs, Laura

  10. Vicki S says:

    What a wonderful photo on this post, Susan! All the wonderful yellows with that pop of the purply-blue of the Glory of the Snow. Love it!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful gift of capturing the perfection of small domestic moments … you remind me to appreciate the little magic that happens all around us every day. Have a great day!

  11. Pat Santner says:

    Isn’t Spring just the BEST?! Love the little blue flowers!

  12. Ann Waddell says:

    Dear Susan,
    Speaking of anticipation, I am eagerly looking forward to your next book! I love the bits that you shared with us!
    Love and Pixies,
    Ann

  13. dawn ledoux says:

    it makes my start to the day all that more joyous when I hear that bird tweeting across my screen! Thank you for starting my day with a smile….

  14. Lori from Florida says:

    Love your blog!

  15. Sandy Kipple ( Short Tract, New York ) says:

    Susan, I was just going through the comments and I couldn’t find mine! ( I went through twice….hope I didn’t just miss it! )…….anyhow……..I don’t want to miss out on the drawing, so here I am again.
    I check your website every day so that I don’t miss anything that is going on with the “girlfriends”. I have followed you since before you had this website, and I have collected your books since my daughter gave me my first book by you “Christmas from the Heart of the Home” over 20 years ago!
    Such fun ! and I love those “Willard” letters and the story behind them.
    Can’t wait for your next book to come out.

  16. Diana Baca says:

    good morning susan! hoping you are having a wonderful day….if this comment goes through I just wanted to thank you for you….
    db

  17. Jayne Harmon --Fresno, CA says:

    Willard is the greatest–springtime is wonderful.

    Happy day…………………….

  18. Nancy says:

    Hello Susan,
    I love everything about your blog and posts and artwork! You inspire me!

  19. Claudia from Huntsville, AL says:

    With Spring comes tornadoes in our neck of the woods, and this year looks like in much of the Central and Eastern states! Yikes! Lots of prayers for a SAFE and glorious Springtime for ALL.

  20. Karen P. says:

    We’re still waiting for Spring to arrive in upstate NY! I’m jealous that you already have a vase with fresh flowers on your windowsill!

  21. Julie (Omaha) says:

    Susan – Thank you for introducing me to Gladys Taber! Oh my goodness, just finished The Best of Stillmeadow, wonderful!!! Signed up for her fan club!

  22. Margaret "Mickie" Bennett says:

    I agree with Sara. Susan you make us feel like we are all your girlfriends, that is what I like about you. You make me feel like I have known you all of my life. I enjoy everything about you. Your love for life. Thank you for letting us be a part of your and of course Joe’s life. Oh! we can’t forget your furry friends.

    Mickie

  23. Rae Lange says:

    Hi! thank you for the reminder to sign up for the giveaway! it’s a little daunting seeing how many comments are posted – eeeek! but….ever the optimist….I am here posting! LOL
    (someone has to win, after all, right?) right!
    pick me…pick me…haha
    I must say I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog and that is the truth, not just to schmooze a better deal for the contest!! really!! (really).
    have a wonderful spring week!
    Rae Lange
    sadly, I do not have my own blog yet but when I retire, watch out…this woman will be out there! LOL

  24. Mary Beth says:

    Morning Susan, Love everything you do 🙂 Thank You for sharing your Sunshiny self with us… Sweet Hugs to You and the Kitties 🙂

  25. Kay Swanson says:

    Thank you, Susan for always making my day brighter! What a dainty and beautiful bouquet of spring flowers. I love the color! As I look out my kitchen window, I see a large circle of May flowers blooming in the garden, surrounded by tulips and daffodils that are looking for more sunshine and warmer temps. The rains have awakened the grass, so there is a carpet of green between the house and garden. Our birdfeeders have been full of goldfinches which are such a delight and so beautiful. My husband and I are fortunate to be retired and can actually sit and watch all the activity in the trees and garden without feeling guilty! Thanks again for sharing your many talents!

  26. Cindy B says:

    Happy Spring. Nice posts!

  27. Mary says:

    Waiting on Vanna while we all enjoy these fine flower filled spring days.

    • sbranch says:

      We still have so many girlfriends signing up . . . but Vanna got her hair done today, she’s getting ready!

  28. Sweet Sue says:

    My, my looks like the bin of names to draw from has gone over 3,000.00! You must tell Vanna that for a drawing of this size she needs a special outfit….I hereby give her a new spring outfit …..a purple hat with yellow flowers, a flowing purple top made of silky chiffon material, cute new jeans with purple flowers on the back pockets and of course, purple feather mules. And for this special drawing maybe she will have on her nails a sparkly lavendar/purple nail polish. Okay Vanna…now you are ready to draw those two names….drum rolls, flashing lights…….Susan is about ready to say “draw Vanna”!
    Have a great day girlfriends and enjoy those “Glory of the Snow” flowers Susan has given to us ….think I will have fresh ripened pear that is sitting there on the windowsill as well.
    Okay I’m ready Susan and Vanna! 🙂

    • sbranch says:

      I think Vanna would adore that outfit!

      • Sweet Sue says:

        🙂 for You!! 🙂 for Vanna!! I bet Vanna from Wheel of Fortune would envy your Vanna’s wardrobe! What do you think? 🙂

        • sbranch says:

          Especially the pink slippers!

          • Sweet Sue says:

            You are fun……what is there not to like about you…..and Vanna well, she makes me smile……and realize there while there is probably a child in all of us there is also a laughing, joyful not to mention stylish Vanna! This “anticipation time” is just as much fun as the drawing itself!! Life is indeed worth the living and laughter and joy well…..they are priceless! 🙂

  29. Marian says:

    I know it’s going to be a good day when I open my email to find you waiting there! So happy to be one of your girlfriends!

    Marian
    Seattle, WA

  30. Jody from New York says:

    Hi Susan –
    I visit you website daily and look forward to your blog. It really brightens my day. I thought your book was amazing and didn’t want it to end! I am looking forward to the next book and for the sneak peaks that you might give to us 🙂
    You are truly blessed with many talents. Thank you for sharing them with all of us.

  31. Bj says:

    My goodness…here I am at the very back of the room with my hand held high……I hope you can hear me when I tell you how much I love your blog.
    Xo bj

  32. Terri says:

    A perfect spring inspiration photo! Thanks for sharing!

  33. pat addison (cave junction,OR) says:

    Good morning, how is everyone doing this fine spring morning??? I just love that little duck vase, my grandma has one just like it I think, I know I have been looking for it for some time now. peeps are doing fine, baby ducks, geese, turkeys and chicks are all doing well and are out in their pen for the day to enjoy the sunshine. for its laundry day and that means clothes to hang on the line, yes I got my clothesline back up, and be ready to chase the turkeys if they get too nosy and yank the things off the line like they do at times. hope you all are having a good day today. take care.. hugs……. 😉

  34. jeanne kern says:

    Can’t wait to try that lemon cake roll thingie. I adore the step-by-step! Especially the rose-breasted grosbeak–just saw one myself.

  35. Brenda from NC says:

    Hi Susan,
    Thank you for sharing your gift of creativity with all us girlfriends. You show “spring” in such a lovely way. Beautiful photographs, words that evoke feelings as well as scents of awakening earth and its freshness….ahhh, I can imagine walking your lovely path to the sea. You are so fortunate to live near the ocean. My husband and I do get to breathe in refreshing sea breezes for a few days almost every winter at Jekyll Island, Ga. (a lovely time to be at the beach, by the way), so I am thankful for our ‘beach trip mutual gift’ to each other as our birthdays are only 5 days apart in February.

    While on our stay there this last birthday week, I enjoyed perusing my favorite bookshop on nearby St. Simon’s Island. I was so excited when I found a lovely new book about Beatrix Potter, one of my favorite authors/artists since discovering her enchanting little Peter Rabbit world as a child. This new book is by Marta McDowell, and is called “‘Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life’…the plants and places that inspired the classic children’s tales.”

    I bring it up because I remember the quandary about the name of the lovely climbing rose on the face of Beatrix’s home when you visited it. I don’t remember if you or any of the girlfriends ever came up with the definitive name for sure, but there is a Beatrix Potter quote in this new book that makes me think that maybe even she might not have known the exact name of that particular climbing rose herself, as she seems to refer to it as only ‘the old pink cabbage rose’….. ?? The quote I’m referring to is printed alone on the page just before the Preface, and it reads:

    “THE FLOWERS LOVE the house, they try to come in. The golden flowered great St. Johns wort pushes up between the flags in the porch, it has peeped up between the skirting and the flags inside the porch place before now. And the old lilac bush that blew down had its roots under the parlour floor, when they lifted the boards. Houseleek grows on the window sills and ledges; wisteria climbs the wall; clematis chokes the spout’s casings. Wall flowers and cabbage roses in season; rosemary and blue gentian, and earliest to flower the red pyrus Japanese quince—but nothing more sweet than the old pink cabbage rose that peeps in at the small paned windows.
    –Beatrix Potter’s description of Hill
    Top, part of an unpublished
    sequel to The Fairy Caravan”

    I haven’t read the whole book yet, so the author may clarify more about that particular rose further along inside the book, but I hope this helps, or at least might be a little interesting insight into the thinking of Beatrix, one of your kindred spirits. She would have loved knowing you, Sue.

    Love, Brenda from NC

  36. Hi Susan,
    You are such a gift! I have been enjoying your work for many years now and have many of your books. This past Christmas I enjoyed reading A Fine Romance while recouperating from emergency surgery. I took the trip to England without leaving my living room! I also have your calendar and this past March I made the forsythia wreath for my door and enjoyed Irish coffee and soda bread! Life is so crazy and hectic!! I enjoy reading your blog and savoring the beauty of your words and pictures! Julie

  37. Susan Simpson says:

    Hello from another Sue from Long Beach. I have driven by your birth place, St. Mary’s, many times and know where Minnie Gant elementary school is. We are of the same “vintage.” I left LB in my 20’s and ended up in the great NW to be close to grandchildren. I want to join the chorus of Susan Branch admirers! I smile when I see a new post and loved my first Willard! You brighten so many lives, you are such a gift. Thank you many times over for simply being you! You have made my life better! So again thank you, Sue

  38. Lacy Joy says:

    Thank you for making my life a little brighter! You’re sweet nature and artistic spirit inspire me.
    With Love!
    -Lacy

  39. Roma says:

    Thank you for a beautiful happy Blog. I do feel spring and bet your friends do also. It has been fun giving my sister your happy book for her birthday this month. She loves it, of course. Bet she makes your lemon spong cake and thinks about her visits and teaching in England when young. Thank you for what you do for us all. Roma

  40. Stefanie Price says:

    Susan,
    Thank you for a glimpse of spring on the Island…!
    Just finished reading your recent Willard – Having grown up in New England, I so appreciate your portrayal of spring – LOVE your line – “Frozen dirt, in case you don’t know, has no smell.” So remember and understand the smells of spring…as a child I always knew spring was coming when mud was everywhere, the pussy willows showed up, and the green grass appeared beneath the snow on the cover of the septic tank!!! Great memories!! Thank you for the “spark”!

  41. Mary Assaf says:

    I love all your books, calendars, scrapbooking supplies, etc. Thank you for keeping beauty and sweetness in our lives. The only problem with a Fine Romance was that it came to an end. I am so excited to hear that you have another book underway! Thank you for the chance to win such wonderful gifts also.

  42. Marge says:

    Susan, I just spotted our first red breasted male grosebeak of the season in my Elizabeth, PA backyard. FYI the female of the species looks nothing like the male you photographed in your yard a few days ago. She looks like a huge sparrow but her thick beak is what helps to identify her. Hope you enjoyed this little bird watching tip. Have a nice day.

  43. Tracy P., Memphis TN says:

    I love the vase. So cute and feminine. Have a happy day!

  44. Brigitte Sibley says:

    Susan, I enjoy your website & blog so much. It is a place I “visit” when I want to take a break from my daily routine and relax.I’m always refreshed and inspired when I “leave”. Thank you!

  45. sloDian says:

    I can’t wait until you can come and visit in SLO again. Always wonderful to have you around our lovely area.

  46. Susan, While fairly new to your delightful blog, I look forward to every one of them. The art, your words and all the beautiful places your share lift my whole day. I have been caregiving a friend who suffers mental illness and your wonderful mail has helped me through some very trying times. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your dear self with so many. Sitting down with hot tea in a beautiful cup and exploring everything you have posted…from your favorite movies to England and Martha’s Vineyard and back again has served to open my world on these Spring evenings. This photo just makes me want to smile inside.

  47. Gail B says:

    I look forward to all of your blogs…like having a cup of tea together and just chatting!!! Thanks for all that you do to brighten our days!!

  48. Chris Sauer says:

    Beautiful flower Susan! I know it’s your job to make everything pretty…but I actually think it’s just YOU that make every thing cozy and pretty – it comes naturally!!
    Thank you for all your blog posts…I really enjoy them!
    Chris
    California!

  49. Clydene Duran says:

    So enjoyed receiving and reading the latest Willard and can’t wait for your new book. Enjoy reading your daily messages — we think so much alike!

  50. Jennifer says:

    Happy spring!

  51. jamie hopkins says:

    Thank you for teaching me how to love evertything homemade. if i start filling like the world is moving to fast i just pull up your post and reread them.

  52. denni from MN says:

    Thanks for the new “Willard”, amazing a year has gone by already since the last!
    My herbs are growing and the rain keeps coming down so the grass is becoming a
    vibrant green. I’ll definitely welcome the sunshine when it gets back to us! Thanks, Susan for the updates on your writings!!

  53. Margie says:

    Love all the lovely spring pictures of your neighborhood! The snowdrops are such a miracle! Thank you!

  54. Priscilla Low says:

    Hope this posts, last time couldn’t leave a message! Love your blog and just the cheeriness you always bring! Thank you!

  55. Just so love your site, art and inspiration!!!

  56. diana from ancaster says:

    Happy Spring!
    Tomorrow is my birthday. Just love April days!!!!!!!!!

  57. marisa grindstaff says:

    Happy Spring!!! love the post and wonderful willard you make it all better!

  58. Peggy Mayfield says:

    You are a harbinger just like the snowdrops Susan! Though Spring is rapidly trying to give way to summer here in Central Texas, I think of you every time I see something new in my garden! Thanks –

  59. Connie Turnbull says:

    I wrote you a while back about my parents in MN who celebrated 63 years together of marriage on March 31st, then 3 days later Dad was going into the nursing home. He was only there 8 days, then took a turn for the worse & we West coast siblings were called home. He died on Good Friday with all of us around his hospital bed loving him and praying over him. It was a blessing in disguise – he is out of his suffering and we were all home for the funeral and with Mom when it happened. A joy in the midst of it all – a niece had a new baby girl 3 days before he died. The cycle of life continues….. I have been off the computer and just now catching up on reading. Loved your Willard newletter! I am going to ask my son for “A Fine Romance” for Mother’s Day for me. I bought one last fall for my MN friend and she loves it. Now it’s my turn. 🙂 Thanks, Susan for the joy you bring me!

    • sbranch says:

      I loved hearing you count your blessings Connie. I’m sorry about losing your dad but you are right, it’s the mysterious cycle of life. And a new baby too ~ how wonderful! xoxo

  60. Teri Jordan says:

    Love the little vase and the pears it’s so spring…..thanks for the wonderful blog…….

  61. Carol Oliver says:

    Hi Susan,
    Everyone is right, you are a bright light in my life as well…it is such a joy to hear all your Old Fashioned ideas, comments, in everything you do and say.
    Thank you for being who you are, I so appreciate all of you. It has been a pleasure to meet you at least 4 times, and looking forward to the next. I missed Remnants of the Past and was sad that I missed seeing you again.
    Happy Spring to you Susan…Starting tomorrow it will be in the 90s…again here in So. Calif, at the Port of La Area….you know where, just over the bridge from mom….
    Carol O. in So. Cal. with your Red Toile Gravy Boat. xo

  62. Mary Broshear says:

    Thank you so much Susan, you are such an inspiration. I love your ‘Willards’ and have followed you since first seeing your recipe pages in magazines years ago. So nice to be able to keep in touch with you via your blog and books.

  63. Suzanne says:

    Anticipating your new book and your next blog post . . . and I really do have a life!! Never imagined connecting with someone through a blog and feeling like a kindred spirit. Hope you can feel the love from all of us. ♥

    • sbranch says:

      I definitely do. This has been amazing. And it’s a two way street, I hope everyone feels the love coming through this screen from me. xoxo

  64. Vera Black says:

    Hi Susan–I really enjoyed reading Willard! Looks like a beautiful Spring, looking at your gorgeous flowers! I am really excited about you writing a new book! Happy Spring to you and Joe!! 🙂

  65. Teddie says:

    Thanks, for the Willard! I always enjoy reading them.

    Teddie

  66. Julie says:

    Such a joy, always, to find a new post from you Susan. Here in MN we are patiently waiting out the seemingly unending days of April showers, for we must be destined for a BOUNTY of May flowers! (as long as they are not swept away in the rivers of rain…)

  67. Julie says:

    Here in MN we are working on patience as we wait out the seemingly unending April showers in anticipation of a very deserved bounty of May flowers!

  68. Sheila J. Ferron says:

    Susan, my eight and twelve year old daughters have recently discovered my almost complete collection of your books!(hoping to receive “A Fine Romance” for Mother’s Day this year)
    So happy to share the love for a beautiful author & artist with my girls.
    They loved reading your recent Willard with me on the iPad. Funny we never knew that those gorgeous periwinkle flowers were called Glory of the Snow until now. We pass a house on the way to their school that has a whole front lawn covered in them…and every day we always comment on how beautiful they are!
    Looking forward to your next Willard, and wanted you to know that you have 2 new little girlfriends that will be lifetime fans like me:) God Bless!

  69. Janine says:

    Aack! I almost forgot to comment because I had printed out Willard & blog post and never got back on! Thanks for the reminder and for the Willard! Love your long letters.

  70. Barbie Johnston says:

    I have adored your work for many years, Susan. I used to get your Willard in the “snail mail”.
    I still have them. I have a few journals and two darling notepads from 1999. They both have teasets on the covers. They have been standing in a basket on my night table for years.

  71. Barbie Johnston says:

    I have adored your work for many years, Susan. I have several journals and the sweetest
    notepads with teasets on the covers. I keep them in a basket on my night table. I love seeing them daily.
    Your blog is the best. It’s so enjoyable to read you and to read other’s comments.
    And your water colors are so precious.
    I really look forward to your new book.
    Enjoy your springtime.
    Much love…
    Barbie

  72. Greta Jordan says:

    Thank you, Susan, for the wonderful books you have written straight from your heart. Many have been gifts from my husband throughout our years of marriage. I think I have most of them and A Fine Romance was my Valentine’s Day present this year. I look forward to your blogs each month, have read through all the archives and pointed many a friend in your direction.

    This has been a rather stressful year for me….with a January surgery, another to come in early June and the early arrival of our second granddaughter who, even though small, is healthy. I’ve carved out time for fun, too. Last week I invited seven of my girlfriends over for a brunch, and we had a wonderful time celebrating great friendships (some old, some new), encouragement and faith. Don’t know what I would do without them and their support. Thank you for your inspiration to celebrate life, friendships and good food. Looking forward to your next book, and the chance to introduce my granddaughters to tea parties when they are old enough. Thanks for all the great ideas!

    • sbranch says:

      Good for you making time for fun and celebrating. Congratulations on your new grandbaby — and best wishes and blessings for your June surgery. xoxo

  73. Barbara O'Hearn...... British Columbia, Canada says:

    Hi Susan!
    I’m sending YOU and all your blog readers blessing for a very “Happy Spring” from British Columbia, Canada!!!
    My tulips now are just coming out and they are beautiful! I just love Spring. We have a bird feeder at the end of our driveway and it is so much fun to watch the birds in the feeder.
    Spring is such a time of “promise” and “anticipation” …..My most favourite time of the year!
    “Thank you” Susan, for making my “heart smile” whenever I am on your website!
    God bless you and Joe.
    Sincerely, Barbara

  74. Annie Dial says:

    So glad Spring has arrived where you are. This is my favorite season….every day a new bit of God’s handiwork popping up for all of us to enjoy.

  75. Arlinda says:

    Anticipation (one of my favorite songs). Lately I find myself singing it, sometimes humming it, while waiting for the cookies to bake.

    Question Susan, 🙂
    Are you watching Selfridge on Masterpiece? I don’t recall you mentioning it. My friends at home aren’t hooked? :/ Am I the only one?

    Arlinda
    XO

    • sbranch says:

      I watch sometimes, but I’m not hooked in the Downton Abbey way. I’m not wild about the actor that plays Mr. Selfridge. Maybe I just need to see more of it.

      • Tawni urrutia says:

        Oh my, I have to jump in here! The series Mr. Selfridge is good…but Jeremy Pivens is so distracting for me too. I am always thinking…Robert Downey Jr. please!! I am, how ever, in total LOVE with Call the Midwife!
        Have a joyful day girls!
        ❌⭕❌⭕,
        Tawni Urrutia

      • N Jean says:

        My husband and I love Mr. Selfridge. It took me a while to get used to it, but I love the fashion and the store is wonderful.

      • Debs OBrien says:

        I try not to think about how much I don’t care for the actor either, but I really do enjoy seeing all the shop floor and displays, costumes, and such like. We’ve just finished series two, but I don’t think anything will ever replace Downton Abbey in my heart.

  76. Stephanie says:

    It’s Spring in Texas and very pretty.

  77. Peg says:

    Lucky, lucky you Susan…a rosebreasted grosbeak! I haven’t seen one since I was a girl. My mother loved feeding the birds and it was not unusual to have many of them come to the bird feeder every day. I’ve often thought about them through the years and wished one or two would show up at my feeders. So far, no luck!

  78. Judi Vogg says:

    Good morning Susan
    Thanks for all the JOY you spread!! XO Judi

  79. Ann Hughes says:

    Susan, You are such an inspiration, causing me to look at things in a more beautiful way !! Happy Spring from GA.

  80. Peggy Harris says:

    I love your books, blog and Willard. Thanks for a day brightener.
    Peggy

  81. Debbie from Kentucky says:

    I love “everything” Susan! I have ordered some things and can’t wait for my order to arrive, it should be this week! 🙂

    A cuppa tea and a “re-read” of Willard or one of your beautiful books and I will be in heaven!

    Blessings to you! xo Debbie

  82. N Jean says:

    As always I love your posts. I look forward to each one. I was doing some shopping in your online store and looking at tea items. I love them all, but I was thinking that a tea cozy would be lovely with some of your artwork on it. It is just an idea and I know you are very busy with so many other things. Something for the future maybe.

  83. Stephanie says:

    Dear Sue,
    I just love your enthusiasm for life, the glass is half full train of thought. I have followed you since 1987 when I bought your first book. Love your blog and look forward to it. You are an amazing talent and it is great that you share with all your girlfriends. Happy spring!!
    Stephanie

  84. Ellen B. says:

    Hello from beautiful western New York State! I love your blog!!!!!!

  85. Joy Wisa says:

    Thank you for the nice give-away. It’s very thoughtful of you to think about the girlfriends.
    Blessings on your day.

  86. Another Susan says:

    Just love the photo of your vase of “Glory of the snow.” Your blog is my introduction to these gorgeous blooms; their color is spectacular. I love all things periwinkle in color! Thanks for sharing them! Now I need to see where I can buy some.

  87. Judi Davis says:

    Susan always enjoy you so much! You are the ray of sunshine! Judi

  88. Judy says:

    I wish there were a scratch and sniff on my screen so I could smell the pears.

    • sbranch says:

      I have wished that so many times with you Girls . . . Pie baking, apples cooking, garlic bread broiling.

  89. suzie says:

    Great time of year no matter where you live….what a blessing to see the rebirth of the grass, trees and flowers…myour home is so very beautiful…

  90. Asha says:

    Hi Arlinda! YaY! I watch Mr. Selfridge too! What about Call The Midwife? I like that one too! It’s a good diversion until Downton comes back!

  91. Kim says:

    Hello Susan,

    Thank you for giving us this chance to win something delightful from you! I love your blog. It always cheers me!

    Kim from Western Massachusetts

  92. Linda Pennington says:

    I just love Willard, what a guy to have in your life. And those sweet little “Glory in the Snow” flowers. We now have 3 baby Peregrine Falcons in Columbus Ohio, one hatched Saturday (my Mom’s 89th B-Day) one Sunday and one today. Life is good. Linda Gram

  93. Ramona Owens says:

    Good morning Susan!!!
    No matter what the new morning brings us wet,dry,sunny or blue…We need to make the choice to be a blessing to people who we are surrounded by. Thank you for surrounding “yourself” with us (your followers). Thank you for being an
    Uplifter!!!
    Love to you… Mona

  94. Amy says:

    Susan,
    You are my sunshine! Thanks for the sharing your beautiful heart with all of us.

    Amy in Oklahoma

  95. deborah Thomas says:

    Those pears look perfect….ready to enjoy, over the sink to not drip everywhere!…or cut up in a salad of spinach and romaine, with pecans, chunks of chicken, cranberries, and blue cheese….

  96. Tina says:

    I am staying home today from teaching, and a dear friend shared your blog with me. What a wonderful blessing this day is turning out to be. I love your blog. Years ago, I bought everything I could find from you…love your art, love your heart! Then I sorta got to busy to enjoy the small things…and got interested in technology…whew! Susan, you are an inspiration and a gem. Thank you Lord for letting me reconnect with someone I enjoy and admire. Blessings to you for a wonderful week!
    Love,
    Tina

  97. Laura Pereira says:

    Springtime is a great time for singing–right along with all the birds outside.

  98. Mary Ellen says:

    Dear Susan,
    Thank You for all you are doing to make this world a better place.
    Your website is a wonderful oasis, I visit often.
    I enjoy learning so many new things. The books, the history, recipes, pictures, little vases, dish towels, Beatrix Potter, music, decorations, moons…
    just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it all! Thank You so much, my dear friend.
    P.S.
    and those MV shells,
    would look so nice on my Michigan window sills.

  99. Jackie P says:

    There is a chill in the air in southern NH. Just a tad too much for gardening (plus it rained all day yesterday and is still damp/wet-ish outside today). So, decided to make your Cold Day bean soup again. Great, easy recipe. Good eating tonight. Thanks.
    Jackie

  100. So that’s the name of those flowers! How lovely!

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