Happy Anniversary Girlfriends! MUSICA
Today is the day we’re going to begin our June celebration for two wonderful events ~ It was June 11, 2009 that we started connecting with our wonderful Friends on Facebook. Two years 
later, on June 9, 2011, the Blog went live (still quiver when I think about it) and our connection to our Girlfriends began! That’s pretty good! But it makes me wonder, why June? I didn’t plan it that way, in fact I was kind of surprised to see how close the dates were. Maybe we were inspired because it’s such a pretty month. I’ll tell you one thing, it smells like heaven here on the island. The Beauty Bush and the Mock Orange are in bloom (to name just two), I picked my first four strawberries today and look at the foxgloves!
Magic.♥ One more reason to celebrate.
Three years ago, when I first started blogging I had NO idea how it would go ~ “going live” was so scary! I wondered how people would find me, and if they would even come. I knew how I wished it would go and tried my best to make it something 
everyone would like, hoping everyone liked dishtowels, dishes, and old movies as much as me! Any of you with a blog knows exactly what I’m talking about. Saying to yourself as you are writing a post or putting something up on Facebook, “I hope they like this!” then letting the chips fall where they may! Scary! And first time you’re “liked!” Or, then, to be “shared!” How wonderful it is to get your first comment! How amazing to have your first give-away! And that excitement and amazement really hasn’t gone away. Traveling to England together put the frosting on the cake. I loved it so much, we’ll definitely do it again (yes we will!). I just wish there were more hours in the day for blogging. Such a creative way to connect with kindred spirits. So how do we celebrate? Easy: By saying “Thank You” to everyone who helps to make this dream come true. Which would be YOU, thank you very much.♥
As many of you know, it has been my dream for years, way before there was any such thing as a blog or even the Internet, that the people who’ve written me such wonderful personal 
letters (since 1987 when my first book came out and I started getting mail), could meet each other. The letters were so nice, so full of love, I always thought it would cheer people up to know that despite what we see and hear on the news, the world is filled with wonderful home-loving, creative, family-adoring people, in all countries, all parts of the world, and even in countries where we might think our “enemies” live.
Even there, the cities and towns are filled with regular tea-drinking, flower-growing, music-loving, tender-hearted, 
soup-making, peace-loving kinds of people just like you and me. You just don’t hear that much from them because the other kind are so obnoxious and loud. But there are many more of our kind of person in this world than of the obnoxious ones. Truly. No matter how different we may look from each other on the outside. And we need to band together in our appreciation for beauty and a gentle way of life. It must be scary to live in a land where the maniacs have the keys to the castle. You would probably feel trapped and worried about your children all the time. Let’s pray for them, and then give them this 
place, and each other, to meet and celebrate the little things that make life sweet ~ and especially, all the ways we are so very much alike. They like apples, we like apples. They like gorgeous blue tablecloths ~ we like gorgeous blue tablecloths. They like picnics and the sounds of nature and going barefoot, and we do too! They like starry nights and big moons and us too! It’s an amazingly wonderful beautiful world.
Imagine all the people, living life in peace ~ You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one . . .
So, to celebrate all of this and all of us, we are having not One, not even Two, but Three Give-aways in this blog post, and this contest is open to everyone everywhere on the planet! If someone in a faraway land is chosen in this drawing, we will mail their package to wherever they would like it to go. Because it is true, we are the world. What the Internet has brought has surpassed my wildest dreams . . . I thought it would be good, but I didn’t know it would be this good! So here we go, let’s start off with some inspiration! Mas Musica? Frank? Oui!♥
You should probably get a cup of tea or something cold to drink . . . this could be a long one! The inspiration for this giveaway came from a request in a Girlfriend’s comment a couple of months back ~ she asked, “Could we see more of your quilt collection.” Oh boy, yes, you can! Here we go!
From the very first quilt I got, which happens to be the one my Great Grandma made for my Grandma who then gave it to me, it’s always been the colors. I love the old-fashioned fabrics, the soft pastels and simple patterns and I love that they used lots of white. These are the colors that inspired my watercolors.
A little worn, a little faded, and never signed. Just so lovely and artistic, and humble and oh, if they could talk. You know they were made by creative women, and often in groups. Could we please listen in on one of those conversations, oh dearest back-in-time genie?
All those tiny little hand-made stitches. I have so much appreciation for this art.
It’s easy to relate to the hearts that made them.
I made a few quilts when I was young, never as beautiful as this one, but then I learned to paint, so I painted quilts instead, and I learned to go to antique stores and there I found old quilts . . . which I’ve collected for years . . . now I drape them over sofas . . .
It’s not a huge collection, and I don’t have all the scientific information on them, I just like to drape them on bedroom chairs . . .
at the ends of the beds . . . so I can look at them and be charmed and feel happy.
I like them in the kitchen in the winter, folded over the back of a chair, even though it really doesn’t make any sense, I just like to look at them . . .
At one time I had a “Heart of the Home” store on the Central Coast of California where I sold a few vintage quilts whenever I could find them (or part with them). These were in a pile in a corner of the store, they weren’t for sale, only for inspiration, so my shopper Girlfriends could see how pretty a stack of quilts can be and begin the search to get a stack for themselves.
From the beginning, my watercolors were influenced by the beauty and the colors of these quilts. I painted what I loved. I don’t make stitches so much anymore, I paint them.
You can kind of see quilt-influence in the things I’ve made in the past . . . everything feels a little like a 1930’s quilt.
The other big influence on my watercolors was the dish variation of the quilt. To me quilts and dishes have everything in common: home, practicality, love, beauty, history, delicacy and most of all, that color again. They also reach out when I walk by at a flea market, take my hand and say right out loud, I’m going home with you. And I say, thank you, I could not agree more.
I love painting my own rendition of pattern ~
Almost as much as I love finding and collecting old dishes…
You see? Dishes ↑ and Quilt fabric ↓ ~ See the resemblance? Kissing cousins.
Especially when it’s me choosing the colors.
This is fabric from my long extinct “Tea Party” Collection of fabric.
And lots more than quilts was made from those designs. These were made at the wonderful embroidery studio at Crabapple Hill. They sell the great old-fashioned embroidery patterns you see here and in the photo before this one and lots more.♥
Even this Tea Tin is a “sub-unit” (made that up, like it) from the design of quilt fabric.
And because of the fact that all of this fabric is now gone from the market place, and there’s no more available anywhere . . . except right here in my hot little hands, the First Give-away turns out to be everything you see here . . . except of course Jack. He is not included. He is a sub-unit of me.
I hope everyone likes yellow, because the words “everything is included” means this bolt of several yards of “Honeybee Yellow” fabric.
In addition, I found a yard (or maybe a little more) of each of these three fabrics, from my “Sweet Baby” collection, the dot, the check and the lambs with the hearts. In they go!
And yes, “everything” includes a complete set of the “Tea Party” Collection in “Little Fat Quarters.”
Little Fat quarters and the bolt of bees (and the little lambs), and also a gift card from me to the winner of the drawing with love.
You can see better some of the fabrics in the pile of Fat Quarters. I hope someone out there can put them to good use! OK, so that is Giveaway # 1! This officially puts us on . . .
. . .’cause here comes the rest of the Give-aways!
Next? OK, this is Give-away number #2. Again, the cat is not included (but try taking a picture without him in it!). What these are are the unbound proofs for our brand new 2015 Wall and Mini Calendars ~ you can’t hang them, but they’re just too nice to throw away. The color is beautiful, they’re on heavy paper so I thought possibly, someone would like these, maybe to do some scrapbooking with?
Here is Jack with the Mini Calendar, you can see, the pages aren’t hooked together . . . every time I try to take a picture, he jumps into the middle of it, he makes me laugh. Kissing occurs.
But here’s more of the inside of the Mini Calendar — lots of bookmark-making or card-making possibilities here too! Knowing you, there are a 1000 possibilities!
And here’s some of the art from the Wall Calendar. Both calendars have been approved and the finished products should be arriving at the Studio any day now. So this is Give-Away #2, both of these brand new calendars, and both signed.
(Oh, don’t worry, in case you were, the big Blotter Calendar is still on schedule for shipping in late August.)
And Now, Number Three Give-away to celebrate our FOSB Girls and our Blog Girlfriends, this 53″ x 74″ quilt made with my “Martha’s Vineyard” Collection of fabrics, also quite extinct and no longer available (except for today, here).
The pattern is called “Hearts and Flowers” ~ I designed it and it was made and presented to me by the fabric manufacturer.
And I signed it with the year it was made . . . this little quilt is behind door #3 of our Drawing. I hope one of these doors suits your fancy!
And FYI, we still do have a few bits and pieces of some of the fabric collections, still have a few patterns for aprons, pillowcases, and appliqued dishtowels, many of which are free (especially our really cute gored apron). Just go HERE.
Girl Kitty thinks it’s all just lovely. She likes quilts too.
One more rather exciting thing! My AUTUMN book went to the printer yesterday! I’m so very proud to announce that the Tenth 
Anniversary Edition of AUTUMN from the Heart of the Home will be in stores by October first! Autumn will be published in the USA by Spring Street Publishing, and just so you know, this new edition is exactly like the first edition in every way except this one comes complete with a ribbon bookmark and will have a different publisher. (We weren’t completely in charge of the ribbon the last time, this time we are, so voila, we get one!)
All my most favorite recipes and most inspiring ideas for Autumn fun, both indoors and out, are there. Pumpkin Cheesecake! Corn Pudding!
Including crafts and sewing, because Autumn is the most creative time of the year, all that good Back-to-School energy never goes away! First whiff of September and I want to make something! And Yes, we are having a Pre-sale for the book, beginning TODAY. 
We have ordered an early shipment of books to be sent to the studio just for our Girlfriends. We always seem to run out of everything (no matter how carefully we plan), it seems to be our M.O. but if you have ordered a book in our web store, you are guaranteed to get it the minute they come in, before we begin shipping to the bookstores and Amazon. Although the publication date is October first, we will start shipping your books by the middle of August and maybe even sooner if we get lucky! Perfect timing, because by then, we are going to be yearning for those fall breezes. (But not yet.)
And one more thing, if you are the kind of person who likes to do their Christmas Shopping early, here is a combination that will give you something to give away and something to keep, a win-win. To celebrate our Anniversaries, we’ve bundled the two books for a very special, limited-offer, thank-you-for-being-here price.♥
You all know how to enter the drawing ~ it’s easy, just leave a short comment below and in a few days we’ll draw names. (For those to whom the blog is mailed, you should click here www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/, scroll to the bottom of the post, look for the tiny letters that say, “comment” ~ click there and leave your comment. I don’t know why, but the senders of the email blogs do not include a way to leave a comment.)
I will warn Vanna to exercise a bit more this week, clear her head, get that arm pumped ~ she has a big job choosing three winners! The first name chosen will win prize number one (fabric bundles) the second name chosen will get the calendars, and the third will have the signed quilt. And I’ll email the winners and let them know the minute I know.
I’m going back to the garden. I’m reading Gladys Taber in preparation for next week! Very exciting! Makes for a very nice life, reading this book, and smelling the flowers. Hope the same for you. Love you, Girlfriends. Happy Anniversary! XOXO
Susan, your blog posts are always so wonderful and your give-aways so generous… you could write a book on how to do a blog. (But no one else could *ever* do it as well!) Crossing my fingers for ANY of your three lovely gifts, treasures all!
xoxo!
You have such amazing talent, thank you for sharing it with us! ❤️
Oh my goodness! What a plethora of goodies to hope for! I too, am a quilter, and also believe one can never have enough fabric….or inspiration from your lovely art work. Summer was the first book of yours that I bought, and more than the delicious recipes (and they are delicious), I was drawn to your paintings and how they brought summer to mind so perfectly. I hope it’s not asking too much but I am hoping you will complete the set someday with Spring….and Winter……pretty please? I love all your books and I think I am going to have to order the new version of Autumn for my daughter who has a home of her own now and can’t easily access mine. One last thing, my son just graduated from college and moved to a new city and a new apartment last week and I asked him what he wanted me to make for dinner on the last night before he left. Without hesitation, it was “Chip Chicken” (AKA Crunchy Chicken, page 30) – his favorite!
Take care, and thanks so much for these fun contests!!
Patty in SLO
LOL Chip Chicken!
We have had a black and white kitty;they’re the best. And been using your cookbooks for years. But never had a calendar or your fabric. How fun that would be!
Oh my, I am quivering with excitement about the give away. So much fun with 3 gifts.
Susan……the quilts are soooo lovely. I really enjoyed seeing the photos of all of them. I have only two and they aren’t very old but they are special to me. Jack is such a cutie and it’s fun to see all of his various poses. Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful thoughts and ideas with us…….you have surely brightened my life and that of many others.
Nettie
I would just love to win any of the three delightful giveaways. Susan, you are creative and generous and I’m so glad you started blogging!
I love the quilt u are giving away. I saw u when u came to visit Strawberry Patches in Bakersfield.
So in love with that quilt store, you are lucky to live near it!
Happy anniversary! I have been so blessed by the sharing of your talent! I hope I win!
Dear Susan, I don’t even know where to begin. Your blog soothes my soul. I come here to feel refreshed, to remind myself to love the little things, for ideas of things I can do to make my house feel like home for my family. That’s what I love most about you and your blog … I leave your page with a renewed sense of love and appreciation for my kids and husband 🙂 I know that probably seems silly, but my goal in life to see the little things and to show my kids a sense of awe for this world and I always get that feeling from your blog, your love of the little things that make life beautiful! So thank you 🙂
xoxo My pleasure Shanon, hug your kids for me. xoxo (You don’t have to tell them it’s me, they might think that was strange!)
I will definitely do that! xoxo
Congratulations on this wonderful celebration! I love everything you do. You are such a marvelously creative person! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to win one of your great prizes!
What a lovely blog Susan….such a joy to sit and read your writing ~ makes my day! Beautiful in southern California today where I have thoroughly enjoyed the beauty in my yard , especially the baby hummingbirds in their nest. So cute to watch momma sitting on her nearby swing and guarding her young. They are so cute now with feathers and growing each day; hoping I will get to see them try to fly! Flowers blooming everywhere I look, the Plumeria giving off a scent that is indescribably yummy 🙂 I believe there are Mockingbird nests above me in the ficus trees, for their chatter has been amplified these last few days; I think they are just a bit overprotective….lol Thanks again for taking me on a journey with your writing. xo Raenell
Oh to curl up with that lovely quilt, sip tea, listen to purring kittens and read a good novel–heaven! Thanks for the chance:-)
I love the Tranquil Birdsong musica! I’ve been a fan, a follower and feel like you are my personal friend. You bring me joy and a true sense of beauty and calm. I would be so thrilled to win any of your give aways!
Thank you for sharing your talents with us in so many mediums. Your grace and eloquence is always an inspiration. And you have the luckiest kitties in the world!
Susan, you are most amazing. I love your blog and every little thing you do. Thank you for sharing with us the joy of life. I become most appreciative of the simple everyday things, people and animals in my life. Thank you again!
I must say we have a lot in common. A love for quilts, cats, and dishes.
Thank you Susan!! Your creativity and generosity never cease to inspire me. Blessings to you from Kansas City.
Happy Anniversary! I just love your blog! I would feel so blessed to win any of the three, but if that does not happen you certainly have given me color inspiration for my next quilting project. I think a black and white kitty theme would make a great quilt. 🙂
That would be adorable!
This is absolutely the best give away ever on my favorite blog ever. Thank you for offering the fabrics and special treasures.
If I could only read one blog the rest of my life, I’d choose yours, Susan.
Who wouldn’t be inspired to spiff up their nest, cook a wonderful meal
and share the joys of life with loved ones and friends after reading your blog.
Thanks for the inspiration you share.
Aren’t you a sweetheart! Thank you Jo Ann!
When i was 12 years old i fell in love with quilts and wanted one of my very own. My aunts asked if i was willing to save to buy one—and asked which pattern did i want.
I did not know names of patterns, but among my choices was a double wedding ring quilt that caught my eye.
I saved an entire year of babysitting money at 50 cents an hour…..
and bought my first quilt.
Thank you for sharing some of your beautiful collection. More “gloriosity” …..a feast for the eyes to enjoy over and over.
Linda
Wow . . . and do you make them now? Or have you kept on being appreciator in chief?
When i was a young mom i started a cathedral window quilt…..when anyone asked about it…i would say it was a gift for my son’s wedding. The response would be…oh my…you look so young to have a son getting married! I would quickly tell them…oh my son is 2 years old but i am sure it will take me that long to finish it!
When it was big enough to frame….i considered it finished!
I then had a much deeper appreciation for all the time and creativity invested in quilts. I fell in love with the authors and finishers of such beautiful and comforting art work!
Me too. In love.
You are amazing, as is your quilt collection. Please check out the Wisconsin Quilt Museum in Cedarburg, Wisconsin! Quilts from all over the country(world?) are on display. You can document your quilt or hooked rug so future generations know where these pieces of ART came from. I look forward to every post!
I’ve asked myself just what it is that I like so much about your artwork and when you said you were inspired by quilts I knew that was it. I love quilts too – my mother, aunts, grandmothers and great-grandmothers all quilted and when I was little my mother would tell me about the dresses that some of the patches came from. My family quilts are old, faded and fraying but I love them all.
I was moved by your hope to bring people together through your blog. When I was young I was quite an adventurous traveler and it never failed to strike me that most of the people I met were so much like the ones I knew at home, just with a different accent. Last year I had to go to China for my work and the job I did there was frustrating and difficult and I hated every minute of it. But at the end of each day as I left work and walked out into the city I met wonderful friendly people who wanted the same things that we all do. Now when I think of China I forget about the frustration and remember the people who welcomed me so warmly and wholeheartedly. A lot of western sites are blocked in China, but I hope your’s isn’t because I think you would have plenty of fans there (and in Japan too!)
That’s so interesting to hear about Mesclun, thank you!
I have been searching for those fabrics for a long time! They came out before I started quilting!!!! I used to paint and hated sewing because it seemed so confining but then we adopted 2 girls and painting required no interruptions. So as they have gotten bigger I started sewing quilts and love it!!! As. Follower of yours for a long time, starting with a book bought at the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo, then using your stickers and papers for scrapbooking, visiting your store in Arroyo Grande, and on to loving “A Fine Romance” and much, much more, I would love to have any of the amazing prizes!!!
When I saw “Happy Anniversary!” in my email, I thought “How does she know?” It is actually my 39th wedding anniversary today 🙂 Anyway, all 3 of your anniversary drawings are quite wonderful. Thank you, Susan, and good luck to everyone~
Well then, I should say that one more time, Happy Anniversary Susan!
Love the pictures of your beautiful flowers- thanks for sharing with us.
Look forward to each of your blogs, such a treat.
Thank you for a chance to win one of your give aways. I am new to quilting and enjoy your blog very much.
What a wonderful giveaway, complete with magical, strategically placed kitty fur. My kitties would love to investigate that! They said they would cross their claws till Vanna draws. Who knew they could rhyme? I will just try crossing my fingers and being hopeful. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent with us. Happy Anniversary!
Wow, three chances to win a prize. That is so special. I really like all of the prizes so I will keep my fingers crossed!!! Recently I told two friends, one in a different state, about your blog and now they are both fans!!! One is in the process of reading A Fine Romance and loves it of course, just like the rest of us!!! I look forward to each new blog. You bring much happiness to all of us kindred spirits:) Wishing you the best, always and thanks for helping us see the good things in life!!! It’s contagious!!! Joyce
Dear Susan,
Congratulations! I’ve been a fan since your first book was published and you were interviewed on a Boston MA radio station! Inspiration comes from many sources and you always manage to be at the top of the list. Thank you for everything…and hello to Joe!
Your entire blog is a feast for the eyes, Susan. I’ve always loved how you accessorize your house with quilts and I love your reasoning–because you enjoy them so! I have my Grandma Powell’s quilt frame, and now that I’m retired, it’s time to start quilting. My mother pieced quilts for my sister and I and one for each of her 6 granddaughters. She always said she didn’t have the patience to quilt them, so an Amish neighbor did all of them for her. We have a huge quilt auction every year in Goshen, the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale. This year’s is Sept 26-27. You would love it, Susan. It is amazing! You will never see as many quilts in one place as you do there.
My new sectional couch is arriving Monday, and I’ve been a little worried about Boo and Diddy laying on the back of it, but no problem now, I’m going to drape it with two of my favorite quilts. So you see, you solved that problem for me!
I’m on the search for some PenPals from anywhere overseas. I like what you said about people really being the same everywhere. Walls come down when we’re willing to establish relationships with people of other cultures. I loved living in the Southern culture for 10 years and really benefitted from it. One of the things I enjoy most about Twitter are all the girlfriends I’m ‘meeting’ across the pond. Kind of cool to follow and have followers in Australia, Canada, France, and the UK and see the similarities and the differences in our lives here in the States.
On another note, I’m so glad we can pre-order the Autumn Book, and thank you for bundling it with A Fine Romance. One less Christmas present to buy for a very special person! Thank you for your generosity in offering three giveaways! I know whoever wins them will treasure them just because they’re from you.
Sara
Sara, I live in the UK and would love to be your penpal.
How wonderful!
Marie, I love your blog too! “And Then We all had Tea”. It’s wonderful and your photos and recipes look scrumptious. I have to try that Magic Custard Cake soon!
Susan,
I would love to be a winner in your giveaway. I was volunteering at a charity yard sale today and there was a huge box of scrapbooking items. I was poking through it and zoomed in on a package of stickers and was very excited to find they were yours! I had to explain to a co-volunteer why I was happy and who you were and that I read your blog all the time. Winning something else of your design would make may day.
Thank you for the smiles.
I’ve enjoyed your blog so much over these last 3 years! It’s a great source of inspiration for me. Autumn was the first of your books I read! I came across it in a library, took it home and I’ve been a fan ever since! : )
Your blog is my favorite thank you for all you do that just makes my day!thanks for the chance to win those beautiful prizes!
I hope you keep blogging and creating for a very long time. We are all winners since you began sharing your love and talents with us. Three giveaways at once. How wonderful!
Thanks for the lovely post full of quilts, which I love! Since my children have grown, I’ve had more time to sew, and have made each of them a quilt! Now we have a lovely granddaughter, who, of course, NEEDS a quilt ASAP! Please, Vanna, choose me! And Congratulations on the double anniversary…love love love the blog!
I love reading your blog. It’s so fun to see the flowers, dishes and surroundings that inspire your wonderful art and books. I sure wish RJR would reprint some of your extinct fabrics. I am a quilter who would love to add your fabric to surround my embroidered and appliqued quilts. Thanks for these three great giveaway chances.
You can suggest that to RJR if you like — they always listen to quilters more than they listen to designers! xoxo
Love your blog and so do my daughters. We would share if we win. All together one wins,we all do!
This was a great blog with all the quilts pictured. I love all kinds of linens and especially quilts. My mother was a quilter all her life and I have many of the things she did. I love the colors and the feel of the old quilts. I have made some myself, but like the old ones better. I never find many old ones that are in good condition to buy. I absolutely love the bundle of fabric you put together for the giveaway. I would love to make a quilt from those fat quarters! Why did you quit making the designs for fabric? I have always liked Lynette Jensen’s fabric, Thimbleberries, and now she has quit making the fabric. I will just keep looking-never know where it will turn up. What a find it would be to find something made from your fabric at a flea market or garage sale!
Dear Susan, I just read a quote recently that said joys are always traveling to us, and you are certainly one of those joys! Thank you for your blog and how you share your magnificent gifts of art, writing, and a generous, tender heart.
Congratulations on a great blog I look forward to it sooooo much. I did not know you made fabric and sorry there is none left so hope I get a prize!! Thanks
Thank you for all the years of comfort and joy! I have all your cookbooks and just opening them makes me smile.
Such wonderful prizes, would love to win and feel spoiled by Susan Branch! I’ve been a follower of your books and artwork from the beginning and your blog makes my day when I se it in my inbox. Thank you.
I made a queen size pinwheel quilt from your fabrics and I love everything with your art on it!
Hi Sue,
You are the sweetest to do a drawing with not 1, but 3 winners! We are triple happy girlfriends today. Thank you for all you do to make us so happy.
Hugs,
Jerri Wheeler
San Juan Capistrano, CA
You live in the cutest town, so filled with history!
Oh, MY!! Such wonderful drawings!!!! I would love to win ANY of these prizes-but if it’s not to be, every time I see a new post from you, it is a prize for me. Happy Anniversary!!!!!
Oh my goodness! Yes, please! Such lovely goodies!
Lovely giveaways! I lovingly remember your fabrics. I’ve been a quilt fan forever! The tea sets… The books!
Years and years of enjoyment – – even long before your blog – – your work has always been an inspiration and a wonderful source of joy. And, even my Father cannot wait to have the blotter calendar again. I gave my parents one each year to post appointments on and plan their month. We lost Mom last November and Dad still keeps all those pages to remember dates and events they jotted down each day – – priceless.
Your dad is going to like it even better this year, because it’s bigger . . . like a real full-size desk blotter. Give him a hug for me please.
Your pictures of your beautiful antique quilts were so inspiring today. Thinking of all the time and stitches the crafters put into them years ago and to know someone is still treasuring them today feels so special. A connection to the women of the past. I love your fabric and wish it was still available to make new treasures with so to have the collection of fat quarters would be amazing as well as any of the giveaways.
Susan, this has been one of my fav blog stops since I linked in early on. All your give aways have been exciting, but this one made my blood rush! I am a quilter, and love the 1930’s look. It would be too much to hope to win the fabric, but I have used your tea party fabric a lot and have one bit of scrap left for something special. Happy Anniversary and many more to come!
Thank you, Susan, for the sweetness you add to our lives!
Susan,
I share your love of old quilts and antique dishes. Love the pastel
colors and definitely see the similarities in them! Your enthusiasm for
seasons and all the glory that comes with them is very uplifting and contagious.
Life is truly grand when you appreciate God’s amazing creations.
OOO fabric! OOO scrapbook supplies! Tough (but wonderful) choices!
Thank you so very much for sharing your artwork with us!
Thank you for such a beautiful blog. I look forward to reading them…. I also love your books and calendars!
Thanks for all you do, Susan! Don’t know how you have time to do it all!
Congratulations on many happy years on Facebook and your wonderful live
Blog! I look forward to it popping up in my email!
I love getting a glimpse of your life and all your wonderful pictures!
I’m always interested in seeing what antics Jack is into!
And Girl Kitty always makes me laugh because I can always tell what she is saying!
Congratulations again!
Susan 🙂
Happy Anniversary!
I am so glad I found you in 2011 when my brother handed me a copy of the paper, “The Country Register” which contained an ad about you and your website 🙂
You are talented and inspiring and I thank you for having a place where I can go and feel at home.
Happy Anniversary! Susan Branch fabric, calendars, and quilt; so special from such a special lady! “Who could ask for anything more.” Thanks for being you. Take care, Cindy
I honestly don’t know how you can read all the comments you receive! I love everything in this post. Really. I follow a quilting blog who recently mentioned how much she loves your fabrics. She had a small stash of unavailable fabrics and finally after several years decided to make a quilt with them. I love the quilt and have serious envy. I know it’s not right,but there it is….I’m so excited that you have a small stash to give away. I could go on and on but I will leave time to read all the other comments. Blessings.
I do, they are so nice, and I learn things! 🙂 xoxo
May day is made when I see your blog in my e-mail – thank you for sharing your life with us!
You are absolutely right. We live in a big world, but we are all connected in so many different ways. I believe the ways in which we are alike are truly more than the ways we are different. And, as you said, the obnoxious people seem to get most of the attention. The rest of us live our lives loving our family and friends and work at getting through each day, one at a time, no matter where we reside.
(p.s. The give-aways are amazing!!)
Wow thanks for the wonderful give away celebration. I love the fabric colors and enjoy your blog, art work, and photography!
Wow! What a great give away. Beautiful things as always, although I would take Jack in a minute! I have 3 old quilts but I’m always afraid to use them. Just stacking them up looks pretty so maybe I’ll give that a try.
You are so giving! My life is so full! I would be thrilled to win a treasure but will be just as happy to hear about another winner. I’m sure Vanna will choose friends who could use a smile in their life! Thanks for be ing you!
Susan, I love your blog, especially when it features quilts, Peter Rabbit, or England! Thank you!!
Could do those over and over, really — the colors with them are the best, and dishes too. But I have to sneak in some reality as “filler” until I can get back to the basics of quilts and England!
Susan, I have loved following you via your books, your Willards, your scrapbook & other products, and now your blog and Facebook, since 1987 or 1988 when I first visited Martha’s Vineyard (my husband worked in Michael Jacobs’ office during the summers before we moved back to California in 1990.) It’s been wonderful getting to know you and Joe through your writings, photos and book signings, and living the creative life vicariously through you. I have been inspired to try so many new things, to work at my crafts and needlework, and to beautify my home. Thank you for all you do, and congratulations on the dual anniversary!
We know Michael! He is a Doctor to pay for his real love which is sailing!
Hi Susan,
Oh to be entered in your amazing drawing would be a thrill!! I squealed with excitement when I saw what you were giving away!! I quilt a little but but have been lucky to come across some wonderful antique quilts at an animal shelter that I volunteer at. You see, people clean out their houses or houses of deceased family members and tend to bring us their bedding, towels, linens, etc and since I do laundry at the shelter, I get to scour through these donations. I have acquired about 8 beautiful quilts this way. In turn, I bring in a blanket to replace what I have “rescued” so it s a win-win!! I have no older family members that had quilts to pass onto me so this is the only way I could acquire them. Its a thrill when I come across them.
Anyway, thanks again for all your love and warmth that you reflect on your blog!! I cant get enough!
Jill
You volunteer, and that’s hard work, you deserve your booty — I bet you see all kinds of lovely things. And not so lovely too!
Thank you for your blog it is so enjoyable. I love when I receive an email that there is a new one.
Wow congratulations on you Facebook and Blog Anniversaries….I love seeing what you post. My husband and I leave on June 26th for England with your book and all the places we want to visit. I would love to be a winner of any of your wonderful treasures. Cheers!!
Oh Boy, Lucky you Janine! Have a most wonderful time!!!
Now I know why 30’s quilts and old dishes are my favorite things to collect–they are related! Thank you for the beauty and joy you share with us. Many a day your posts have put a positive glow on an otherwise dull day. Here’s hoping for many, many more blogiversaries!!
Happy Anniversary! My daughter and I just went to Joann fabrics. We both love looking at all the different fabrics. It’s very hard to choose. We also like dishes, often comparing them to things we’ve seen on your blog or in articles we’ve read about you. Love the way you write. It’s easy to picture it in my mind and it brings up memories of long ago and all but forgotten. Thank You
As I looked at each pile of quilts, I was imagining which one I would choose if you said to me, “pick one” (of course my jaw would be on the floor). They are all so beautiful. I was so touched by your reminder that no matter where we live on this planet, we are all just people.
Congratulations on your anniversaries, Susan. Thank you for continuing it inspire us. 🙂
I enjoy your blog postings so much! Always so much inspiration for all to enjoy-thank you for sharing your creativity and homemaking joys.
So much fun! Quilting is on my “bucket” to-do-after-retiring list! Thank you for sharing the joys of your home and all things homemade with all of us!
Vanna, Pick me!! Pick me!! Pick me!! I’m a fabric adorer, a scrapbooker and a quilt collector so I’ll love whatever you want me to have. Just pick me!! XXOO
Diane Marie
Happy anniversary! Your blog and Facebook page are wonderful! I would be honored to win any one of those three incredible drawings, thank you!
Hi Susan:
I would love to win any of those wonderful gifts, all the more special because they are from you… I love antique quilts and have always had one on my bed. I am wondering: how do you launder your old quilts? Mine are tucked away so don’t get must dust/dirt on them, but just wondering the best way to launder these delicate fabrics? The first antique quilt I bought was in an antique store in Vermont. It was blue and white in a wedding ring pattern. I fell in love with it immediately. Love your red and white quilt. Great to have out on the sofa’s during the holidays! Happy Anniversary Susan!
I don’t do it every often. Not taking any chances, but I have … in the bathtub with Biz. It’s hard work, squeezing it and getting it out of the house to dry on the back lawn, dripping the whole way, but it did make a difference.
Thank you for sharing all the gorgeous photos of the homemade handmade beauty! Congratulations on your anniversaries!
Hi Susan, congratulations on your anniversaries. I don’t know when I found your blog, but I’ve been hooked ever since. I found 2 of Gladys Taber’s books at a local antique show….., jackpot!! They are Harvest Of Yesterdays and Stillwater Calendar. Thank you again for all you do for us Girlfriends AND for bringing us all together in “the heart of the home”. <3
Jackpot! 🙂
I can’t wait for the reissue of Autumn –so exciting. Thank you for offering so many treasures in your giveaways. I bet you can hear the squeals of delight from all of us. Special thanks to Jack and Girl Kitty for showcasing all of the delightful giveaway prizes.
Happy Anniversary, Susan!
Your blog is an inspiration to so many. Thank you for sharing your beautiful things, home and thoughts with us. Keep going while I continue to quilt and sew. Your fabrics and books are beautiful.
I love, love, love all your pictures, quilts, cats and beautiful paintings! You are a lady after my own heart! Thank you so much for sharing!
Well, I THOUGHT I posted a comment last night, but after going cross-eyed trying to find it, I’ve come to the conclusion that, since I was making yesterday’s attempt on my phone and that miniscule keyboard, it didn’t really make the comment page. If it did, please forgive the double comment, and don’t disqualify me! Happy Anniversary! Today is our 45th wedding anniversary. On June 7, 1969, the weather was beautiful, like today. We started on a journey that has had many hills and valleys, but here we are, 45 years later, still making each other laugh. Any one of the prizes would be wonderful to win – quite a nice anniversary present!
Happy Anniversary! You would never be disqualified … maybe your other comment didn’t make it, but even if it did, our random number generator (Vanna) knows to only choose from one of each email address!
Hi Susan and all — the Hearts and Flowers quilt took my breath away — what dazzling colors! You must love pulling out your treasures and bundling them together and creating such perfect gift packages. Fun, fun, fun! Enjoy Gladys — both your current read and the forthcoming celebration. It will be such fun to hear all about it. Hugs, Ethel
What a lovely giveaway from a lovely person!
Thank you for many years of yummy cooking and uplifting blogs. It was a very serendipitous day when I found Heart of the Home in a bookshop. It was just the kind of cookbook I had always wanted but couldn’t have imagined until I saw it on the shelf.
Happy-Happy-Happy Anniversary!!! I can’t stand the excitement!!
Congratulations for all you do! Love your blog. Your giveaways are fabulous. Would love any of them especially the quilters’ fabrics. (Love to quilt!) I have enjoyed your books, blog, recipes…everything! Thanks so much for coming into my home.
I’m always excited to see a new post…whatever you do makes me smile, my heart sing, inspired to copy the look. I love and collect old linens, mostly family..I’m also a quilter so I don’t have to tell how I’m coveting that fabric! Love looking at all your cookbooks, calenders and everything you design. Thank you so much for a chance to win!
I just love the vintage fabrics and colors. The quilts are so honey and comforting. I look forward to each of your blogs and even pictures of vintage dish towels!
Hi Susan,
Thank you, for bringing sunshine in your wonderful blog. Love your fat quarters… Would
love one bundle… Would treasure forever, like your books, cookbooks & calendars, I have
in my collection. You, have me hooked on reading English novels, Beatrix Potter books &
movie of Miss Potter. Even have a map of England, to follow the towns, I read about.
I’m working on collecting, the Beatrix Potter’s figurines. Never would have had an interest,
in all this stuff…if it hadn’t been for your book…A Fine Romance! Looking forward, to
your new book, Susan! A fan forever, Donna
I am new to your Girlfriends having read your new book. Loved it! And I am so enjoying your blog. It is so wonderful to read such pleasantness, it makes me happy.
Thank you,
Swoon! Love it all because it comes from your heart to ours!
I have saved all of the Willard’s that used to come via USPS… hoarding my treasures and anticipating more! And I promise to share!
Hearts & Hugs,
t
I love your quilts! Thank you so much for showing them and inspiring me to get back to quilting! Yellow is my favorite color and I would love to have all your fabrics!
Happy Anniversary Susan! I love all the fabric, artwork, books and, of course, Jack and Girl Kitty even though they are not offered in the giveaway. Thanks for your blogs and the chance to win!
It would be great to win any of the three give aways. You are too generous. Thank you for your wonderful blog and great cookbooks.
What exciting gifts! Thank you so much for the blog. I look forward to each new post. Keep up the great work!
Your blog is such a breath of fresh air! I so enjoy looking at your beautiful photos of quilts, dishes, flowers, cute kitties, birds and everything else you post. As a quilter myself, I really appreciate the quilts in your collection. I plan to start making some of the more traditional patterns in the coming years. God has blessed you with such wonderful gifts and talents, thank you for sharing them with the world.