Yes, we made it home. But I thought you might enjoy some New York MUSICA and a few big city scenes before we go back to small world reality.
We caught the Island Home for our return trip on the MOST beautiful day. I must say, the weather for our whole trip was brilliant! Cool enough for a sweater, warm enough for basking.
Here we are tooling along, we’ve just turned out of the city onto the FDR Drive going north past the east river toward Connecticut.
Lots of I-95, the Connecticut Turnpike is very very ugly, which I’ve always found hard to understand because Connecticut is so beautiful, how did they let this hideous road run right along next to the shore??? I don’t know! (venting time) But since Joe was born and raised in Connecticut he has this other “secret” road to take us on instead. It’s not a very big secret, and it’s not a very big road, it’s called the Merritt Parkway.
It’s famous for the beautiful bridges and overpasses built beginning in the 1930’s. Each one is designed in a different architectural style, all designed by the same person, and all built by the WPA — which it would be nice if we had again! This country got some of it’s prettiest roads and buildings because of the WPA.
My favorite part about the bridges on the Merritt Parkway is that they are all too low for trucks. Wizardry in bridge building is what I call it. Hence, no trucks on this road!
It’s so civilized, 37 miles of just-beautiful ~ it’s actually in the National Register of Historic Places!
Like a street in Central Park.
That’s not to say there is no “nature” in The City. Just the opposite. Besides the miracle that is Central Park where the city goes to drink in the trees and the sky and have picnics and play ball and run and walk, we had our own little miracle of nature ~ Joe took this picture of a dragonfly that landed just over our head where we were sitting at the time on the 16th floor of our hotel (the Affinia Shelburne, at Lexington and 37th, BTW). That is some wandering dragonfly.
See the string of lights? That’s where the dragon fly alighted. This is the top floor of our hotel, where, on beautiful evenings like this one . . .
They serve cocktails in this “room” with a view.
Joe loved it up here and so did I. Next time we want to bring our binoculars!
From our stools we could feel the breeze (remember, we are still on an island) and look off in all directions, and down onto “roof gardens” such as this one. These people must have worked late or were out of town, because no one in their right mind would have been indoors on an evening like this if they could have helped themselves.
Just across from our rooftop was this interesting old building, with open roof and arched windows and green growing up inside the walls and lots of people inside celebrating TGIF.
Even though we’re on the 16th floor, we had to look up at these two. It’s so wonderful to see the old architecture alongside the new.
Even more interesting when the sun goes down and the lights begin to come on.
And of course, right from our stools we could see the Empire State Building, all lit up. Green this time. The building lights up in all colors depending on the event being celebrated at the time.
Green was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Police Athletic League, but they change it for the Fourth of July, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, for almost any celebration imaginable.
Saturday we had lunch in this wonderful French restaurant called Les Halles (pronounced Lay Ahl).
The food was wonderful!!! I had a Salad Niçoise and Joe had Steak au Poivre and both could not have been more delicious.
We took the whole day off.
After lunch we hopped into a taxi and went to . . .
One of my favorite stores in New York called ABC Home ~ which is seven stories of gloriosity ~ everything you need to help you remember what a wondrous world this is.
It’s like a museum because everything is so artsy and special and one-of-a-kindish, but better than a museum because if you see something you simply can-not live without, you don’t have to just cry inside, you can buy it!
They have beaded horses, elephants and lions, which I know everyone needs. But that’s not the point, the point for me at ABC Home is looking and ooohing and aaaahing and taking pictures, and these fanciful colorful creatures are perfect for that! I may not need them, but I still think they are wonderful and appreciate the creativity that made them.
Everything is artistically and carefully arranged. Someone really cares about the details in this store. This lamp is so fun, little pricks of light come out of it as you move around it. The copper pots? Yes, I know.
They even make timers, whisks, and potato mashers look good.
There’s all kinds of beautiful bedding and towels, a whole floor of it, and lovely fluttery curtains too.
And every so often, for no reason except to pleasure the eye of the beholder, eye candy like this. They are real roses and smelled wonderful. The eye and the nose were pleasured to the nth.
Vintage dinnerware! Silver candle sticks and serving pieces. They have kept away from the dull, the humdrum and the mundane.
It’s anything but. They had antique and new drinking glasses in every color, some of them paper thin. See the ceiling? The whole building is in an old warehouse.
They believe in art . . . these little salts! Everything is so different.
And if you need a wooden-handled pestle and mortar or a sparkly carafe, you have come to the right place.
Lots of furniture too, in all styles, sofas and chairs, everything . . . useful and original too, like this cart on wheels.
Yes, they have a baby department that is truly hard to get out of.
I just wished I could squeeze into one of these little girl dresses! I would take the one with the big red polka dots.
Of course, they have the dinosaur division.
I know you want to know what we bought. The only thing I needed was to fill up with inspiration and beauty and there was plenty 
of that. I just so enjoyed looking at everything and taking pictures. The jewelry was made by designers, it was delicate and just gorgeous ~ I could never have chosen just one thing. But, this ↑ is what I bought. It’s for asparagus and pasta among other things and we needed it. Did I tell you I am pretty practical (not very practical, but pretty practical)? Unless I need it, or I can’t live without it, I try not to buy it.
But I needed this hipster charcoal onesie and could not go home without it ~ for our new baby boy (my great nephew) Xavier. The pottery X has a hole in the back; it can be hung on the wall. A cool hip New York baby outfit for my Central Coast of California Baby is on it’s way.
We had drinks at King Cole Room, at the St. Regis Hotel, a place we accidentally discovered one lovely rainy night many years back when we could not find a cab. We’ve always come back to see the amazing Maxfield Parrish Mural over the bar.
We spent the morning at The Morgan Library and Museum. Saw lots of paintings of romantic landscapes and other amazing and beautiful things ~ such as this. This IS George Washington! This life mask was molded right on his face in 1785 and the miracle is now we could stand in front of it and take a picture of it. That’s George Washington! Can you believe it!?
One of the ceilings in Morgan Library. Talk about filling your inspiration cup . . . there is nothing like beauty and history and . . .
the music of the night.
Mas Musica? Cuz we’re goin’ home . . .
And here we are on the boat, heading home . . . passing our sister ship . . . skirting Old Cape Cod . . .
The light was especially beautiful as we drew closer to the island and the sun was getting low.
Here we are arriving into the harbor. You can tell the season has changed, the sailboats are coming back! (They put them away during the winter and the harbor is empty. Sailboats with flags flying are a harbinger of the summer season.)
Yes, we had our people waiting for us. As we are emptying the car, they watch. They were adorable, wriggling around on the floor to be petted, which we did happily. Elizabeth and Diana took such good care of them. While unpacking, we turned around in time to see the moon coming up . . .
The next morning, Sunday, real life, we walked along quiet shady streets over to Elizabeth’s new house because they were having a yard sale in her driveway. From left, that’s Daisy, she’s the darling daughter of Mimi holding the whale, then Amy in the stripes, I’m behind Amy, then Diana, and up front, that’s Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s new house is on the left.
We walked downtown to have breakfast at the Waterside Market . . . then we window-shopped up Main Street. I heard Mimi say, “Hey isn’t that your house?” And I looked in the window, and by gum, yes it is! Someone had painted it and the painting was for sale in the window of this gallery! Pretty good eh? We thought so!
So then we went back home. And put the flag away until Independence Day, once again making ourselves incognito.
And played with Jack, watered the garden, did laundry, made tea, and sat down to write to you.
And here we are, ready to begin life again. Only twelve days from today and we go back out to Connecticut to Gladys Taber’s House! Can’t believe it! And the next time I post, it will be the celebration for our three years of blogging, five years of Facebook with fun giveaways for my Girlfriends!
Hope you enjoyed New York! It’s always fun to have you along. ‘Course I think of you with every click of the camera! Rabbit-Rabbit Girlfriends. Happy June! XOXO
The quilts remind me of my grandma. I have one of hers that is shredded a bit but still useful for the back of my car. Quilts give me a sense of peace. Thank you for sharing,
Rhonda
I love using your inspirations for making my house a home. I just started quilting a couple of years ago and adore (and treasure) the beauty of the vintage quilts – so I can totally understand your love for them. And, I think we all feel blessed in having your beautiful artistic talents to look upon in so many things. I wish you many more years of success!
Loved this blog. One of my favorite roads in “all the world” is the Merritt Parkway. I went to college in Wash DC and driving home for holidays were somewhat of a drag. Six hours on very heavy traffic highways with masses of trucks etc BUT when I would reach the Merritt I felt like I was just turning down my parents driveway. I would utter a deep sigh of relief and truly enjoy the last hour of travel. I’m glad you have a similar appreciation.
I feel like I took a vacation with you. I want to water color like you do, but I haven’t the talent, so I live vicariously as a water colorist through you. I love your kitty. Thanks Susan. Nancy
Summer is coming and life has so many anniversaries. My youngest grandson was born in summer. My best job began in the summer. My daughter was born in the summer. So here’s to Summer and everyone’s anniversaries and many more years of Susan and Facebook and Girlfriends everywhere!
Fingers crossed to win!!!!
Hi Susan,
I fell in LOVE with you, your cookbooks and your watercoloring 25 years ago when I purchased “Heart of The Home” as a gift, and HAD to have a copy for myself! As the years went by, I bought stickers, notepads, more cookbooks, calendars, fabrics for my quilts & things for my garden – anything that I could find that was “Susan Branch”. I tried so many of your recipes, which have become family favorites! Then, last month, my eldest daughter forwarded “Willard” to me and I realized that I was not receiving your newsletter anymore. I read it thoroughly, and I actually fell in LOVE with you again! I ordered “A Fine Romance” and read it in 2 days…I loved every minute of that wonderful book! I plan to read it again now, and this time, look up all the footnotes online as I read. Then I will pass it along to my daughter, who is waiting impatiently to read about your travels in England. I cannot believe how CUTE YOU ARE!!! Thank you for the inspiration.
Elizabeth BLEECKER
P.S. Do you think you will ever travel to Italy? I’d love to read that book as well!
One thing I know, anything is possible! Thank you Elizabeth! 🙂
Quilts – takes me back to summers visiting my grandmother & snuggling under
one of her homemade creations.
I look forward to your blog every week and I’m so excited when I get facebook notices when you have a new post. The quilts are soo beautiful. Can’t wait to see who wins!!!
I love old quilts and am also inspired by the textures and colors! I take vintage embroidery, quilts, etc that can not be saved and sew them into pillows, purses, tote bags, pin cushions whatever I can salvage!! Been a long time fan of your work and would love to win any of the give aways!! XOXO
Quilties and Hooked Rugs…
Music and Candles…
Flowers and Small Gardens…
Something delicious in a pot…
Tea Kettle Whistling…
Friend coming over for tea..
and Kitty curled up on her bed….
and Oh how she would Love a new Quilty!!! Susan, Thank You for your Wonderful Self!
Despite living in Florida for the last 26 years, when someone asks me where I am from , I always reply that my home is Long Island, but I temporarily live in Florida. Growing up in the Northeast allowed me to see and appreciate the beauty of New England and in the last few years, my sister and I have made trips to Cape Cod, Maine , Vermont, and Connecticut. The greatest compliment that I receive when someone comes to my home is that they never think they are in Florida; the warm and cozy feeling that surrounds them when they see my quilts, tiny lights, antiques and cats make them feel like they too are back in New England. Your blog sustains me, inspires me, and allows me to dream and hope that someday I will get back “home”.
I hope you will too Chris, we miss you up here!
The quilts are lovely and make me want to learn to sew
Susan, it’s always a special moment when I see your blog in my inbox. Everything stops while I read it and enjoy the pictures. I always hope for pics of the kitties! You have a way of making the day brighter. Thank you for always making me smile!
I’m crying
You are a joy!! You make us all happy!
Thank you! You are a blessing!
Annie
XOXO Thank you Annie!
I love getting your blog in my email. You make me so happy! I was really happy to see the new drawing items!
Love Love Love everything you do! And especially the photos of your Kitty. Always learn something from your blog and wish I could paint like you! You touch my heart with your books and drawings!
These are a few of my favorite things: vintage lace, baby deer in my backyard and nesting birds in my trees, bees in my blossoms, moonshine on the ocean, yellow glassware, yummy recipes and anything with a Susan Branch signature!
Wow, that is the nicest possible company I could ever hope to be in! Thank you Alynn!
Your New York trip brought back lots of great memories and a desire to see the city again. Thanks, Susan, for taking us on these fun journeys. We look forward to them. You are indeed a very special person. Queenie
Love all the pictures and thanks to Joe for letting us see him once in awhile ;-). Great give aways and thanks for all the work you do to post the blog. Always fun and lovely!
Love, love your blog, your letters and your book of England. Would I be a winner? sigh
My question was the sigh! I so enjoy all your writings – keep on sending out such wonderful ideas of inspiration.
You are a soul sister. I also love cosy quilts and handmade linens, brightly coloured pottery and mix n match china…..Knick Knacks and dust collectors…….I love the feeling of being surrounded by the treasures of the past. My favourites of course are the ones that have been passed down by family members and dear friends. It is nice to know that there are a lot of folks just like us out there who appreciate the little things in life.
The Heart of the Home, all that bespeaks of love and kindness……..Your blog brings it all a bit closer. Thank you, Susan.
Very cool ideas on this very hot California afternoon. The beautiful 30’s colors (both the old quilts and your designs) provide a gentle rest to the eyes and a “hush” to the harried mind!! Thank you for providing these gentle spaces (your blog, books and artwork,etc.) and for appreciation of the beauty surrounding us and within us. Happy Saturday afternoon, to all!
Dear Vanna and Susan,
I am the quilter you might be looking for to love and use those fabrics! Susan, your drawings and pictures are wonderful, your kindness and sharing is so inspirational. Congratulations on the Autumn book with a ribbon. Soft sweet pats to Jack and Girl, and a warm ‘Hello’ to Joe!
WOULD BE THRILLED TO WIN ANY OF YOUR GIVEAWAYS
LOVE EVERYTHING SUSAN BRANCH
Susan…thanks so much for all your beautiful postings, books, calendars, etc. They have made my life so much more colorful, richer and fun. I still miss your Arroyo Grande store… Love from Santa Barbara!
Wow—so many comments.So many SB fans.I am fairly new to your email & blog & so happy when i see you appear.
I am an avid quilter(for almost 30 years).So i machine sew & hand quilt(all the little stiches i love too)…It’s not a quilt until it’s quilted!!
I would be honored to win such beautiful fabric.
I really look forward to you blog each week. I first connected with you through your book, “A Fine Romance”. Since I’m a bit of an anglophile myself, I found it thoroughly enjoyable. I love quilts and dishes.
Thanks.
Your quilts, dishes, and dish towels bring back so many memories of visiting my grandmother at her old home in Kingston, MA. My sisters and I loved snuggling under homemade quilts made by our great grandmother. We were mesmerized by all the tiny print fabrics, and stayed up late studying them. We loved to peek in the pantry to marvel at the old dishes with flowery patterns, lined up on the shelves. We appreciated the hand embroided table cloths with matching napkins. Susan, when I discovered you, I found a kindred spirit. Thank you for sharing your collections and letting us peak into your world. You are right, there is a whole world of gentle, home and family loving people out there. Thank you for reminding us!
Love to read your blog. Really enjoyed your NYC blog, since I use to live there. Wish I could win the quilt. I would really enjoy having it.
I’m 76 years old and love anything to do with sewing and crocheting and quilting. I look forward to your blog and appreciate all the beautiful things you do. Please enter my name in your drawing.
Everything you do gives me the warm and fuzzy feelings. Your blog and emails puts happiness in my day. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us! I would love to make a quilt for my granddaughter from Tea Party, it is really special! It would be wonderful to see you design more fabrics.
I love the beautiful fabric and your decorating and gardening style.While living in S. Cal, I still enjoy my porch swing and my pink roses and gardenias. I pretend I live on Cape Cod. As we were married in the Old North Church in Boston. Just can’t get my hubby to shovel snow in the winter.
You were married in Old North Church? How wonderful!
Dear Susan
Another wonderful blog from all points east! How much I enjoy your offerings coming into my Thunderbird in-box!
I’ve been working on my iTunes this afternoon…I have over 2,000 songs, which need to be re-filed and re-typed. Musica!!!!!!! Can’t live without it! Thank you for your new melodies.
AND……….
Thank you again, for all your hard work and sharings of life, in real time.
Happy June 7th…….
Lots of Hugs and Blessings……Carol.
Loved your 30s quilts and your watercolors! Its always so inspiring to look at your blog to see what’s going on at your house. And I’d love to win one of the prizes. . .
Hi, Susan. Oh, all the quilts brought back so many memories. My grandma used to make quilts. She had stacks and stacks of fabric…and boxes that her friends would give to her. Many of her fabrics looked like yours. She taught me to sew and make pot holders, as well as how to embroider. I still have the first piece of embroidery I made. I am hoping my name is drawn for one of the prizes. I too scrapbook, so the calendars would be great too! Thanks for sharing so many lovely days of your life too…have a great day! Loretta/calif.
Oh dear. I always agree with you (love NYC’s ABC Carpet and Home, for example) but not this time. There is nary a place in CT one could refer to as ugly, as you suggest, and I while do admit driving through a few New Haven exits on I95 is not particularly scenic, most of that highway is lovely (and best of all, it leads to our beaches!). The Merritt, of course, is the beauty queen of highways, but hardly a travel substitute for I95. Now the traffic on I95-THAT is ugly. Maybe I am agreeing with you…this is so confusing.
Soooo, next week I assume you’ll take the MassPike to Rt. 84W to Danbury (where I am a teacher) . A pleasant enough drive, as far as destination drives go, as opposed to journeys. A little honk as you pass through my precious Southbury please, and I’ll see you at the FOGT event. If you and Joe have the time, and haven’t been, a tour of the Mark Twain House in Hartford is simply wonderful.
Will see you there Susy! Yes, loved the Mark Twain House, just what I hoped. We went about five days after I finished reading the autobiography! Jump into the car, let’s go!
Thank you so much Susan for your inspirational ideas, the musica and for sharing your positive take on life – discovering your blog a few months ago was like meeting a new friend and I hope we will go on to be “old friends” one day ! Have a brilliant summer on that beautiful island………Gill xxx
I have never designed nor made a reproduction quilt and this would be a perfect opportunity to stitch one up just for me! I so enjoyed reading “A Fine Romance,” especially since my husband and I purchased an RV (recreational vehicle) in London and traveled throughout Europe and North Africa in 1979-1980; we love the whole idea of slowing the pace down to really see the sights, meet the local folks and make new memories. I hope I win one of your prizes!! Thank you, xoxo
I just introduced to you by a friend for my birthday in March. Since then I have ups and downs in my life but you have brought me so much joy. Thanks
I loved seeing your stacks of quilts. I love quilting. One reason is how it makes me feel like my Grandmother is closer to me. I only wish I would have been able share this craft with her. You are so inspirational in many ways. I bought your 1st cookbook and it is still my favorite cheesecake recipe ever. Hope I win as I would put these fabrics to good use.
I want to WIN anything. This is the FIRST time I think I have gotten to the right place to ENTER!!!!!!! Thank you, Susan. I believe I am attempting to win a quilt! Yeah…………………………..
I am so happy you found it . . . I still get emails from people who can’t find it! I wonder what I am saying wrong when I give the directions!
Love to read your postings. It would be wonderful to win anything you are giving away. Thanks for the chance.
Love your blog. I’m just beginning to quilt and hope to win!!! Thanks for sharing your lovely blog with us. You are awesome!
I love your blog! Everything about your house, love of dish towels and quilts and choice of colors is ME. I also love cats. 🙂 I usually don’t enter contests, but the quilt is so adorable…why not? Maybe my name will be drawn…if not, I will still enjoy hearing from you!
Thanks for the inspiration!
I have a just a few of my grandma’s quilts that look exactly like yours. Always looking for ideas as to how to use them without abusing them. I also have a set of tulip bowls which belonged to my other grandma — they bring so many memories of childhood. Absolutely priceless!
I love the quilts in this post. I collect quilts and have one that my grandmother made for me and one that was passed down from my other grandmother. They bring back such good memories.
Susan, would you please tell me the color of your kitchen?
Yes, it’s Benjamin Moore “Woodlawn Blue.” Wonderful color! Would be great in a bedroom too.
Loved reading/seeing about the WPA Merritt Parkway; those WPA projects are wonderful! I’ve got a small, 36″ loom that has a brass plaque on it that says “1934 WPA Project” and it’s one of my joys.
Dear Susan – I am mom to 3 Ragdolls and I must admit my favorite part of your blogging is to see what Jack and Girl Kitty are doing in the pics. They seem right at home in your lovely home and looks like it’s right out of a magazine. Keep you blogs coming – especially those kitties of yours!!
Loved your blog about guilts they are all artwork, my mother-in-law has hand stitched a few. She has given my husband and me a beautiful one of all bonnet girls and boys she has signed and dated with stitches which I love and also made and gave to my children each one different. That’s the beauty not two alike.
Welcome home Susan, thanks for taking us along!
Discovered your blog over a year ago and really look forward to your posts. Drove to the Cape last November and stopped in Titcomb’s bookstore where many items with your name were sold. You take me back to simpler time and love the musica..
Thank you
Titcombs, love it, love them!
Oh Susan…what comfort you give us. The quilts, candies, kitty-cats, curtains, cozies, cupcakes, cucumbers, cookies, kitchens, candles, cups, calendars, cook-outs, colors, cruises, cutlery, coastlines, crystal and cooking. You are a national treasure.
love,
michele
I like that!!! K-K-Katy! 🙂 xoxo
Dear Susan, Love your blog, Love your books, Love your cats! Like a ray of sunshine every time I get on the computer.
Hi Susan,
How wonderful to have learned of Gladys’ books from you. I do enjoy your blogs,
kitties and your wonderful books and calendars. You make lots of lives better because of what you share with us.
Judy
I am SO excited for this give-away!! I am expecting my first grandchild and I hope I get to make a quilt out of your beautiful fabric!!
Susan, I LOVE your quilts and your entire blogs. They are charming. Love your kitties. My cat always loved my quilts too. God Bless You!
Loved all your pictures from New York. When I saw the first one of the Empire State Building and you said it was from your hotel my first thought was, that looks just like the view from our room at the Affinia where my girlfriends and I stayed to celebrate our big 50 many moons ago. And I was right, but we didn’t know about the lovely rooftop. Will know for next time. And thank you for showcasing the lovely Merritt Parkway in my state and all the beautiful bridges. Not that highway driving is fun these days, but the beautiful scenery on that roadway makes it so much nicer. All the giveaways sound wonderful, though I am a bit disappointed no kitties come with them. Jack or Girl Kitty would so complete the gift, but you would miss them way, way too much so understand why they are just decoration. Seeing pictures of those two always bring a smile and makes my day.
Fabric, quilts, dishes, oh my! I just love all of this. So glad I’m not required to choose. . . That would be too hard! I got so caught up reading the blog I forgot that I had pasta water boiling. Luckily my son saved the day!
Your words bring to life so many fond memories and future shopping “must haves”. I have several family quilts which I treasure. Wish your fabrics were still for sale!!!
Thanks for sharing with us thru words and pictures
The quilt over the kitchen chair makes perfect sense to me. It makes your kitchen inviting and comforting. What a great place to display a quilt. I never thought to do that, until now. Your quilts are gorgeous. I have mine displayed in a tall, old cabinet with glass windows in the door. Displaying them any way I can. Thanks for having the “three” contest. Exciting. Best of luck to me and to everyone who enters. ;o)
Love following everything you and Joe do. Just makes me happy, like reading your e-mails, and Willard’s. Would love to win, and thank you for bringing joy into my life!! PS Loved your book, and so glad you bundled the two together, great gifts!
Susan, You are such an inspiration in my life. The things you have accomplished and shared with us are a blessing. It keeps me going to read your blogs, books, etc. The quilts are beautiful and you display them so well. I do have a couple but one made by my grandmother is falling apart and cannot be repaired so I fold it and put it on the back of the couch so I can see it everyday. You have so many beautiful items that you have collected and we thank you for sharing them with us. Again, thank you and God Bless You. Judy M.
I love old loving-filled quilts also, don’t we all wish they could tell their stories, who chose these delicate and worn pieces, where did they came from originally, who were they making them for in their always busy lives, creating art, without realizing probably what they would mean to the gifted one later…and to us many years later too. Thank you, Susan, for slowing our lives down when we smile to see your messages and ‘have’ to click on them quickly to warm our hearts as you share yours!
Hi, Susan! Your post just made my morning so delightful that my heart is singing and I am smiling from ear to ear. I have just been sorting through tea towels, embroidered pillowcases, table cloths and napkins handed down to me from my grandmother, great a grandmother, aunts and great aunts, and I have so been enjoying the beautiful and careful work my relatives put into each piece. Thank you for sharing your lovely quilts and your watercolors. And, well, all of your creative work. I appreciate your contribution to showing us the beautiful and inspiring in our world. <3
Dear Susan, love your website. I have been a quilter since 1976, when I saw the great American quilt contest. I thought it would be fun to try my hand at quilting.
Still love making them and seeing the many antique ones you have collected.
Thanks for a trip down memory lane!!
Barbara
Thank you for all the inspiration. I have decorated my home all around you! I love the colors, and how they take me back to childhood and make me feel. Looking at your things takes me back to the times with my family and all the fun times we had. I think that Susan Branch is a way of life….a wonderful way of life.
Love seeing your beautiful quilts, especially when they include the kitties. They remind me of my black and white little girl named Beatrix (Bea) and all black little boy, who is her brother Bertram (Bert), named after Beatrix Potter’s brother. Now after seeing your beautiful quilts, I have been inspired to try my hand at quilting again!
I especially love your comments about other people around the world who are basically not unlike us except for their terribly tragic political environment that threatens their daily lives. If only there COULD be world peace!
I love seeing all your quilts and some of your home. Thanks for taking us along.
Holly
Dear Susan,
I found your sight at a very low time in my life and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come back to read your blog and found both comfort and inspiration in your writings. Thank you for being there and giving so much of yourself to all of us. I’ve been to England, so enjoyed very much your book on England. Again thanks.
I will miss you at the Gladys Taber Reunion but I am anxious for news of your visit in the upcoming newsletter. I think Gladys and you would definitely kindred spirits if she were alive today. The giveaways look grand! Have a wonderful time at the Reunion!
Susan, I’ve followed you for so long! Since the beginning! I’ve enjoyed all your products and mostly your books! So inspirational! Love you!
Oh, yes, what a wonderful Christmas present for a friend those two books together would make.
What to even comment on? – there’s so much! Your fabrics, your quilt collection, your gorgeous watercolors, your Beatle story, your love of England – everything you write and show is inspirational, beautiful, warm and caring. Thank you!
Dear Susan and everyone,
Happy Sunday! What a treat to enjoy this blog and enter the contest! I just love everything and all of the pics too!!
Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday! Hope I win LOL just so fun for all of us to enter, wonder, and wish upon a star!!
Peace and love,
Doreen
I ‘m always hopeful to win. I loved the trip pictures ,it makes me miss the ocean. Thanks for taking me along.
Love “watching” your adventures…you will be soooo close next week, right here in Connecticut, so sad I will miss you next weekend.
Hi Susan: My twin and I just discovered you!!! What a pleasure reading about your travels, your walks, your flowers, your house, your kitties & Joe. We have fallen in love with Jack the Cat. Since we discovered you – only a couple of months ago, we’ve started collecting Beatrix Potter figurines and decorating our hutches. We’ve found a lot of your books – so exciting. We absolutely love your positive/happy messages. Love, Lindy & Cindy (the twins)
Lindy and Cindy, so cute! Nice to meet you Twins! (My sister has twin boys ~ so much fun!)
Dear Susan,
Cris cross applesauce, fingers crossed, please pick me.
Susan, I have always loved your work. The
tiny details in your art & your stories from the heart make everyone feel like a kindered spirit, especially me.
Donnalee
Love seeing your world from inside and outside your home. I travel vicariously through your photos, and decorate what I can with your ideas. Thanx!
Dear Susan. Thank you for the “Respite” of scrolling through lovely quilts and
dear notes about your trip. My flowers in Michigan are late; but beautiful.
My foxgloves are deep plum, with light ruffled edges…….so lovely. I’m awaiting
my Japanese Iris……..they don’t seem strong enough to stand as tall as they do….
but they remind me of dear friends in Tokyo……greatly missed. I am looking
forward to a cup of tea, and your new book. Thanks for being you! Martha
Absolutely love your blog. So many wonderful ideas. The flower quilt is just lovely!
I have loved all of your work from the very beginning when you first published your book and how you have inspired me and touched my life in so many ways. I love your fabric and as a cat lover, columnist on antiques & collectors along with being an appraiser of the same…I thank you for your continued work to inspire others. <3
My pleasure xoxo
This site truly feels like a community, doesn’t it?
Thank you, Susan, for reminding us of the tremendous amount of beauty in our world.
I think so! xoxo
Hello Susan!
Love reading your blog and a few moments to steal away from the hustle and bustle! Wishing you a wonderful week!
Thanks,
Gwen
Dear Susan…I love everything that you love! Thank you for all your writing. I have just started quilting and didn’t even know there was Susan Branch fabric…I would love it, love it, love it
The pictures of your quilts are so relaxing to look at. The seamstresses must have sewn with peaceful hearts! I bought a whole box of Gladys Taber books at a yard sale last summer (the seller follows your blog also!) and am slowly working my way through them. SO delightful!
Thank you Susan for how to find this comment section. You have made realize to take time and sew, cook from scratch as much as can, rekindle my quilting supplies. Rediscovered tea time. Thank you. I think i have reread “A Fine Romance” like 5 times. Please consider me to be put in any drawings you have . You dharing hour life with us all is great. Happy spring and almost summer. I love that yhe kitties are always there to help
Debra
Thank you for a positive post. Yes, there are good people all over the world- they just don’t get much press. Thanks for pointing out how much we are all alike.
Loved your quilt collection! I am a quilter- so of course I love the fabric!
Loved hearing about your trip to New York! What an exciting city. Your quilt collection is very special. Thanks for your sweet spirit.
You bring such joy to your many friends, and I know that brings joy to you. Joy is such a wonderful thing. You share it so well.
Susan- I dearly adore you. My Aunt connected me to you and I am forever grateful. You are an inspiration and I am blessed to have found you!
Michelle
Susan,
Thanks for the sharing of your dreams, your hopes, your travels, your humor, and yourself. When I see your name in my inbox…its like a little gift.
I am new to your blog and sooo very happy to have found you. I have most of your cookbooks from years ago, but they have been in storage for several years…I miss them.
In a time when books and articles dominate on “decluttering” and how happy you can be without things in your life, I find your love of and cherishing of old dishes, quilts, earlier authors (Gladys Tabor) etc. refreshing. I guess I love those things also.
Love your blog!
Marcia
Hi Marcia! Yes, I always love that decluttered look in magazines, but in real life, I don’t think I could put my teapots and quilts away! There’s a quote by a decorator (and I forget who) that said, “Less isn’t more, less is boring.” 🙂 (I always love backup to my philosophies!)
I’m drooling……and definitely, not pretty!!!! Love your blog. Keep it coming, please. It’s like sitting in the kitchen with an old friend sipping tea or coffee. My day stops when the blog comes in. And, yes, I’m a “quilter” also. Thanks for all the hard work that you do to give us all in “blogland” pleasure.
You are so right there is still so much in the world that is good and wonderful! Back here in the woods where we live we only get the news of the closest tiny town and the world news – we sometimes worry that there is nothing good left! Reading your blog is so reassuring – and inspiring. My quilt making sister has passed – from cancer- but if I win the fabric one of the amazing Ozark artisans will create something wonderful – and I will make the “go-with” pillow or apron!
Thank you for all you do,
Kedra S.
Susan: A fan from the beginning. Every year I look forward to your new calendar.
Love the glass jars with red lids…..on the pantry shelves looking pretty cute! Susan, your art just brings big, big grins and warm and fuzzies all over. Wishing you continued success. Thank you for adding joy and laughter to all our lives.
WOW! A friend just sent me a link to your blog and I can see I’m going to be taking some time to play catch-up! Your designs and manner of writing are refreshing! Autumn looks super intriguing – excited to have found you!
When your blog arrives, it’s time for a cuppa and no distractions! Your use of quilts and china are a delight! Of course, the kitties are an added bonus. Baking, writing, painting, feeding the birds and enjoying the kitties are pleasures that bring us all “home.” I have one piece of your fabric that is waiting for the perfect project. It’s the duck with the word “Baby.” It’s in the stash and waiting for a special baby. Someday. Maybe. Thank you so much for keeping me grounded in the best things in life. Oh, and the Willard is such a special treat! Thanks for doing those!