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
Happy Anniversary! This post and the giveaways are lovely. Thank you for sharing your joy.
What a lovely blog today I so enjoyed the quilts and
your enchanting way with words. You brighten my day.
Happy Anniversary! Love all the give-aways! Are you sure the cats aren’t included?
Yes, I’m sure. 🙂
Best wishes to you on your anniversaries and many many more. You are very kind to giveaway these delightful treasures and make three people very happy.
I’ve had the Autumn book a long time and rereading it has become part of my yearly fall rituals. I think I’ll go put a ribbon bookmark in it! Thanks for
the lovely blog.
I passed up the Autumn book the first time it came out thinking I couldn’t afford it with two small children. This time I will definitely be purchasing one for myself! Maybe an early Christmas present?! Love the fabrics and the quilt. Thank you, thank you!
What a beautiful giveaway! Love everything!!..love the quilts!.I enjoy reading your books and.look forward to your blog. You are such an inspiration Susan!!!
Your blog is so sweet! You are so sweet! I have visited many other blogs and it amazes me how yours is so much better!It is so much more personal than others and it feels like you are actually my friend and I’m not just a subscriber.You put so much love and effort into this blog that it is you that deserve the gifts! Like I have said before this blog is such a wonderful place, I always feel so welcome! It doesn’t matter how old or young you are or where you are from, you are welcome. Just how God wants us to be. Thank you for doing this and for being who you are! May The Lord bless you and make his face to shine upon you.
Thank you Faith … I do think of it as “our” blog … and us as a club of kindred spirits.
Dear Susan,
I love everything about your blog . . .the colors, the dishes, the music, the flowers, the recipes . . . I love it ALL!! Thank you for the reminder that there is a lot of GOOD going on all around the world today. That’s one of the reasons I love your blog so much too, it’s positive and cheerful, happy and uplifting. 🙂 Thank you for all of the beautiful things you share, your blog is one of my favorite things!
Love, Hayli
Thank you Hayli! I’m so glad you’re here!
My grandmother quilted the Kentucky Rose for me in 1972. I hung it on wall for many years, in hind sight, that was a big mistake. I came across a poem I wrote for her birthday in 1990 called Quilt of Love. – My quilt hangs on the wall so wide. The stains of time, I can not hide. I love the colors and the theme, pedals and leafs of pink and green. Oh! I’ve never seen such a piece of art, stitched and sewn, from the heart. This quilt of mine took patience and time, for all the patches have such a rhyme. Every time I look at my Quilt of Love – it’s you I’m thinking of. – In Memory of Mary – I love you.
How lovely Scarlet, you must have made your Grandma cry. xo
What a beautiful blog!
Quilts, dishes, tea cups, fabric and kitties. I love them all! The new York trip was wonderful, thanks for taking us along. You always brighten my day. I was able to get several of your books on Amazon. Looking forward to the new one.
Enjoy your visit to Gladys Taber’s home.
Helen
Happy Anniversary! I have to tell you that the first time I saw and read your Autumn Book at a friend’s house years ago, I fell in love with everything Susan Branch! I loved the watercolor drawings, the penmanship, the wonderful, whimsical quotes, the creative tips and decorating ideas, the recipes for cream scones (the only one I use) and orange butter, and your thoughtful reflections and sharing. I have since bought many more of your books, calendars, and recipe binder. For me, visiting your blog is coming to my “happy place”. It makes me smile to look at all of the beauty you post for us. Thank you, Susan!
It’s the only one I use too Dorenda . . . thank you for noticing! 🙂 xoxo
This was a wonderful post! I am a quilter and love the soft, warm look of the hand quilted quilts. Thanks, and fingers crossed to win!!! Now a question– Are you going to have “Girlfriends Forever” at the FOGT get-together? I’d love to have one signed for my sister (but don’t really want to give up my copy–SELFISH!)
I hate to tell you, because I hate to say it, but Girlfriends is also out of print. We are going to try to have it reprinted next year.
It is a week of bday/anniversaries here too.
Your foxgloves are glorious..don’t think mine loved it here..
June is the very best I think garden wise..it’s our feast after our famine.
Everything is ..well..gee..that would be fun!
It is our feast! No wonder there are so many June brides, our neighborhood is covered in flowers . . . first roses are blooming too.
My a girls and I have loved your books and calendars for years. Your carrot cake and rainbow jello are important parts of holiday and birthday celebrations in our home and are being continued with a new generation.:) We appreciate the beauty and joy that you add to our lives.
A very happy celebration of your anniversary Susan! Thank you for always brightening my day with your artistic creativity, fun photos and inspiring words. Just love what you do with your life and your generous spirit is a blessing.
Hi Susan,
So excited about these giveaways AND the return of the Autumn book!
Valerie
you are so very sweet to have these drawings <3 i would love to have any of these 🙂
debbi
Happy Anniversary! Great Blog. Loved the pic of Jack on the quilts with is little tongue sticking out. Beautiful quilts. I made my first quilt last year. Maybe this will get me started on another one. Kisses to the Kitties!
Love that you let Jack on everything in your house. Nice to see your home, so beautiful, knowing you are sharing it with kitties just like i do 🙂 Thanks for the comfort and relaxation of reading your blog.
My first time to visit. Certainly an oversight on my part. I LOVE it…….keep up the good work….the world needs you
Well, dear Susan, you have outdone yourself with homey charm this time. I’ve been a reader of your books since you started writing–and painting–them. Naturally I also have a fascination for dishes, quilts and all things vintage; my home is a bit of a tribute to my Grandma, with many of her things on display. I love the memories and hope to be able to always find a place for her things and her meager yet lavish sensibilities. When I was a child and lived in her house for a few of my earliest years, she had jelly jars and little juice glasses with the charming little painted flowers on them on her kitchen windowsill, catching the light. Those little things made a big impression, apparently, because I seem to be ever in a quest to recreate the magic.
At present, I am helping my mother adjust to assisted living, and am her personal secretary, so my creativity has been a bit on hold. But you make me want to try to incorporate more beauty into the absolutely urgent!
Reading your blog and your books always make me very nostalgic. Especially loved A Fine Romance. My family kept having to ask me why I was giggling, and I explained that you just have to read it to find out.Thank you for the calm in a stormy world.
Abundant blessings to you, Susan.
Kristi
Those little glasses! I know the feeling. xoxo
I LOVE each of your blog posts, especially your posts about your life on Martha’s Vineyard. I am a beginning seamstress and would love to get my hands on some of your pretty fabric :)!!
Happy Anniversary! I’m so glad you started this blog! I enjoy reading it as soon as it is updated! Love the quilts, old movie references, watercolors, cooking ideas, etc. Just everything!
Hi Susan,
Happy Anniversary! So many things to celebrate! Nice to go back and see the wonderful fabrics, and have a chance to win them, to make some gorgeous new quilts. I have some of your other fabrics, and take my time using them, to make them last! Any of your calendars would be so appreciated as well! I have saved every calendar of yours that I’ve bought over the years!
Enjoy your Gladys Taber event!
Hello Susan
I’m entering this contest for my wife who loves your books and your fabrics. She makes your delicious recipes all the time which of course makes me very happy! She just loves you and talks about you as a friend! Congratulations on the anniversary 🙂
Aren’t you a sweetheart Greg! Thank you!
Hi Susan, Would love to win any of the great prizes. I always love seeing your collections and inspirations. I have many of your books, starting with the first, Vineyard Seasons. I love the red and white quilts as well as the more pastel ones.
Looking forward to the Autumn Book!
Your fabric is incredible! Loved learning the inspiration for your drawings.
Susan, This post was saved for a little quiet time on Sunday night, because I could see it would have “a few of my favorite things”. Thank you for the chance to win from this selection of pretties. I especially love the lamb fabric. We just drove to Kentucky and purchased two English Southdown sheep for our little Arkansas acreage. The are adorable just like the ones you draw.
Fondly across the miles,
Rebecca
You got lambs!!! Lucky!
Congratulations on your Autumn book…It looks fantastic!! I noticed blanket stitching on one of the pages, and I’ve always wanted to try it…so…I know what’s on the top of my list for the month!
You also have all of my fingers “itching to get stitching” with the beautiful fabrics as well as all of the crafty things dancing around in my head for the calendars. Thank-you for being the special person you are to all of us..and inspiring us with your cleverness the way that you do. Wishes..we need lavender-silvery glittery wishes..for peace, hope, love and continued friendship here on the blog..and mountains of continued success for you. <3 🙂 <3
Beautiful quilts! I have a few quilts from my grandmother and I love using them.
What a fun way to celebrate an anniversary! There is so much to comment about that I didn’t I know where to start. Love the quilts and the fabrics. My grandma used to do some gorgeous quilting unfortunately I only have one of her quilts. As a little girl I loved to be under the quilt frames admiring the beautiful stitches. I think all three of the giveaways are fantastic! I’ve had the Autumn book since it first came out. I love to bring it out every fall, just starts the season out right.
Finally I loved your writing on the fact that we all want the simple things. The picnic picture drove it all home. Thank you
I have always loved your art. If I were an artist, I would want to paint the things that you capture so wonderfully! However, my creativity is expressed rather through sewing, which I so enjoy. I would be so blessed if I were the recipient of your wonderful fabric give away…but that will be whomever has their name chosen. Please continue to allow us to see things with such creative sweetness. Happy Anniversary!
I love your books and calendars, and now have found your blog…love it as well!
Happy Anniversary…..I really enjoy your blog, and I always listen to your musica. What a fun way to start before reading your stories. Thanks, for your great giveaways. Your blog always perks up my day.
Can’t wait to meet you next week. Everything you’re doing looks wonderful. Looking forward to 2015!
Susan, just looking at all the colors in the giveaway made me hyperventilate and my heart pound!!!! What in the world would we girlfriends who love the 30s, 40s, and 50’s do without you to carry on our cause and passion?! Thank you for being a friend to all of us.
Love reading your inspiring blog.
I would love to win anything!!!
What a joy to have discovered your website! I am from a family of 10 and can remember the mountains of laundry,foods, and parents that made, and still make our lives a joy and a blessing. May your anniversary be a blessing as you have blessed me with the delight in your work.
Happy Anniversary.
I remember years ago when I was into scrapbooking I first came across your name on stickers I used in my scrapbooks, especially my Tea Party book. I loved your style of stickers. They were so unique fresh compared to what was out there at the time. Still love your style.
-Christine
I loved them too — would really like to do them again. We were licensed to a company that got them into Michaels on a beautiful display, but what I didn’t know was that it was for only one year! That was sad.
I love the fabrics and all your drawings! Your blog makes me smile. Thank you!
Susan,
There are 2,144 comments already, so the odds are not in my favor. But I want to get my name in the hat and hope and pray that I win one of these three lovely giveaways. 🙂
I CELEBRATE your blog, and your Facebook page. I enjoy them both very much. Your blog is a peaceful, lovely place to rest for a while after the hurry-scurried week. Thank you for sharing all your lovely quilt pictures. I enjoyed seeing them. And the Facebook page is a fun place to visit. Peg does a great job posting.
I also want to let you know that I made three pillow covers for my husband’s white wicker chair on the front porch. I made them with my Susan Branch fabrics I bought a few years ago. I am happy with the results. He is too. 🙂
xoxo
Deb
I really want to know what your trick is for keeping cat hair off of all of your beautiful furniture and linens and such. Oh, and also how you keep Jack from tearing up your beautiful comfy chairs and sofa with his claws. I have 3 kitties, but I have one who is an absolute holy terror! She’s beautiful and adorable and I love her so much, but she is a one-cat demolition crew!! lol She loves my hair elastics–but she loves to eat them, not play with them like your sweet Jack. And, incidentally her name is Jackie, but I call her Jack or Jack-Jack. She’s named in part after my father because I acquired her on his birthday, and also in part for the infant child character, Jack-Jack from the movie “The Incredibles.” Because, well, if you’ve seen the movie, then you’ll know that at the end the baby turns into a little hellion! That’s my Jack!!! Sweet and loving and hell on paws!
Thank you for letting us all have glimpses into your lovely little corner of the world, Susan. You always brighten my day!
Christy in SoTex
I don’t know why but unless the kitties are going to the vet, they really don’t shed much. They drop a lot of hair when they have to go in the car, which they don’t love. Girl is our furniture destroyer. But Jack is perfect, because we gave him a scratching post on his first day home, we played with him on it, he loves it and only scratches there. I wish I would have done that with Girl, she’s pretty much taken care of all the corners and edges of our furniture!
I love the beautiful quilts and pictures u posted . I have enjoyed your blog tremendously. Thank you for including us in your life.
Love tiina
Happy Happy Day when your email comes. Just the joy of seeing & readying everything as it comes to you – simple things that I’ve known & loved all my life – quilts made by my Granny and my Mom – just useful items when I was small, but cherished keepsakes now. Dishes that were Mom’s first when she married 68 years ago – now found in antique stores. The ones she still has & like the set she gave me, a connection even thought we live miles away. Two daughters, now grown, but with memories of tea parties & a granddaughter to party with – ah Bliss! Thank you again & again for the reminders of those sweet gentle days.
Oh, Susan……You have inspired me once again. How I love your messages of loving all homemade things, old dishes, colors in pastel paints, and really all colors, cats, flowers, and a peaceful, kind and gentle life. Not easy to obtain, but you inspire me to keep trying. My latest passion is to make a quilt. And I would be thrilled to win any one of your three “giveaways”. Thank you again.
Delightful. Happy anniversary!
Happy Anniversary Girlfriend!
Hi Susan! Happy Anniversary!!! I can remember how excited I was when you started blogging and look forward to each new adorable post. Thanks for creating such a happy place for happy people!!!
I am drooling over that fabric. I make quilts to help pay my bills and would love to make a quilt just for me with that luscious fabric……
xoxo
Happy Anniversary! Susan. Your fabrics are so beautiful. Always enjoy your “pretty” blog. Here’s to many many more Anniversaries!!!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! What a lovely thing to do give away such inspiration and share with so many. Thank you for the delightful work you share. The blog has such an uplifting spirit it is a joy to read.
Happy Anniversary to YOU SUSAN!! Thank you so much for making the end of my day a wonderful one! I too love everything you like! I too have quilts, collect dishes, tea towels (my Mother embroidered for me!…..how lucky I am! 🙂 )…….and we have 2 kitties too!! I love your fabric and painting and would be happy to win anything!
Have a great week ahead and thanks for making a lot of people so happy!
Fondly,
Sandy
I enjoy reading your blog so much and all the wonderful water colors that you embellish it with! I love the fabric since I am a quilter and a cross sticher. Thanks for sharing your love of home made goodies with us!
Susan your blog is wonderful! I always leave it thinking about a piece of china or quilts or books or linens etc. I love all your quilts and fabrics. I am a quilter and sewer and would love your fabrics! Your other give aways are great also. I love your artistry. I have the Autumn cookbook. All of your cookbooks are beautiful with delicious food! Congratulations on your anniversary. Thank you for the chance to win such great prizes.
Sharon
Another one of your awesome giveaways – what fun! Also, I love the pic of Jack with his little pink tongue tip sticking out. He’s just darling! Have a great week, Susan. 🙂
Love those kitties! Happy, happy anniversary! Can’t wait until the next book gets published!!
Happy Anniversary!
As a new quilter I was inspired after viewing you awesome collection of vintage quilts and your Heart and Flower Quilt. The pillow cases with hand embroidery and rick rack brought back memories of learning hand work by my favorite teacher, Grandma.
I am tickled pink to have a chance to be a winner!
Karen
Dear Susan,
Love your Anniversary Post. I was looking at my scrapbook supplies the other day and discovered I’ve been using Susan Branch stickers for years. The magical stickers have added so much joy to the pages of my scrap books. I would love to win one of your giveaways.
Joyously,
Betty @ My Cozy Corner
Happy anniversary, I found your blog today for the first time from a FB link. Lovely colours, paintings, fabrics and, oh! The quilts… Keep up the good work and have many more blog-anniversaries.
What a wonderful post! Congratulations on your phantastic achievements. I love reading all about them. Thanks for the giveaways and greetings from Germany
Happy Anniversary thanks for the joy!!
Happy Anniversary! It is truly wonderful how you connect people from all over the world! Thanks for a chance to win your delicious fabrics or delightful quilt or darling calendar pages! You inspire daily and reading what has/does interested you interests all of your girlfriends! Congratulations and many more years of Happy Blogging! ~Kari
Oh wowza!
How darling! I just Love color! Happy anniversary and thank you for brightening my day so very many times – just when I’ve needed a bit of cozy ~ there you Are!
Blessings~
Happy Blogversary Susan!!!
It’s so nice to see all your flowers. Here in Kerala, it is MY favorite time of the year – the monsoon! I’m all cozy in my home while the rain falls in different intensities outside, bringing back all the greenery to exuberant life – sadly, all the weeds too :). Ah well, time to build up some muscle mass!
Happy Anniversary, Susan! How lucky we are that you decided to start this wonderful amazing blog! Love to you and many thanks! =^..^=
You give the most wonderful gifts to your girlfriends! I love losing myself in the beautiful photos on your blog…the quilts, the china, the mood-setting ‘Musica”. Thank you for your blog and your shared thoughts!
Happy Anniversary! I have been following your blog since you first began blogging and am always excited to see a new one pop up. I went to a quilt show this weekend in Birmingham, Alabama–it is an annual event I always enjoy. I also just signed up last week for a day trip in November to go to Gee’s Bend, Alabama, to see the Gee’s Bend quilters at work and to see some of their more recent work. So, your blog and giveaway came at a great time. I would love to win any of the giveaways–love everything you do! You make me want to be creative!
Hello Susan!
Yes, June is a glorious month! Your June 6th Posting is filled with such
wonderful events, enchanting and delightful quilts, a new book “Autumn”
to pre-order and surprises for us all.
The new give-a-way is quite magical. Yes, please do add me to your very
special list of names for the 3 drawings.
Thank you so much.
Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington
Another give a way………so generous. Your blog always brings me happiness and inspiration ~ to dream and do make all things possible~. Keep on doing your good works. Bobbie from Spokane WA
Hello Susan, happy anniversary and greetings from Belgium. Right now I got two lovely ladies from Indiana here, they are my guests for few days.One has already bought your book and read it, she has also some cooking books from you and the other lady is reading it right now. They went on a barge-bike trip from Paris to Brugges and did it ALL on the bike, some 15 days and doing around 30 miles/day. Isn’t that amazing? But the most amazing is, that both are in their 80th!
I’d love to be drawn into your give away, please.
Amazing and wonderful! What fun! You’re doing it the slow way. Be sure to say hello for me!
Hi Susan
WOW what a give a way to celebrate your anniversary. Congratulations. As always an inspiration in everything you do. I am sending a big wish that you have lots more anniversaries. I would love to be included in the celebration of your wonderful work.
Love Nikki x
Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for being YOU and Thank you for allowing all of us to share this blog! Your posts make me so happy and they are always something special for me to look forward to.. I loved Jack, the lambs and hearts fabric, the foxgloves and the quilts in this post… Oh, the quilts!!!
I hope you have a lovely time at the Gladys Taber reunion! I wish so much that I could attend, but when I inquired, it was already filled up 🙁
P.S. This is a fabulous giveaway – Thank you so much for your wonderful generosity! I’m looking forward to the new release of “Autumn” and even more to your latest production 🙂
Thank for such a wonderful blog. I haven’t been here for a while and am so glad I stopped by. I loved the way described people from other parts of the world and I may borrow your thoughts and descriptions when I explain to children or adults for that matter, people may look different and do things differently than us but yet they are still just like us. Thanks again!!! 🙂
What a nice post with such lovely sentiments. The colours of those quilts are so soft and inviting, they speak to my soul and say “home.” Happy Anniversary!
Love this anniversary issue of the blog. Thank you!
Yes, the world needs more of Susan Branch everything…blogs, fabrics, books, art work, etc. I never get tired of looking at your art. It softens me and relaxes me, it takes me back to my childhood and spending time with my grandmother, it takes me back to places I have been and places I want to go. I guard the Susan Branch stuff I do have, set of three round Christmas boxes that nest inside each other, geranium fabric I stumbled upon, rubber stamps I have used many a time, the original Autumn book, etc……I can go on and on. My best to you, Susan Branch! I always await your next thing eagerly! Happy Summer!
Happy Summer Candy!
Happy Anniversary, love reading your blog! xoxo
Congratulations on you blogiversary! I love seeing your quilts and admiring Jack. I have a cat named Rorschach that looks much like Jack but sadly, without Jack’s cute little mustaches.
Happy Anniversary! Love reading your blog. And giving a gift on your own anniversary or birthday is a very “hobbit-like” thing to do and therefore very nice.
Fitting! 🙂
What fun to see all your beautiful works from the past and present. I love them all. Makes me wish I could take a trip to the past and buy all those wonderful things that you made. Thank you for creating your inspiring blog. It’s such a treat every time there is a new post. It’s such magic to find so many “kindred spirts.”
It keeps me going! Much love and happiness to you and yours….
Thank you Karen, same to you!
Happy Anniversary to all! I have been reading your blog for years but never comment. It is enough just to read and soak up all the calm loveliness! I am always inspired after reading to move this or that around and spend some time loving my home and family! Thank you so very much for all you do.
Happy Anniversary! Love all the quilts and feeling so ” homey”! I still have some of the tea fabric, looking for a special project to use them in.
I love June and all the beautiful flowers. After such a long cold winter, they are especially welcome this year. Blessings for many more years of creating and sharing the wonderful works of homemaking.
Good morning Susan & GF’s!
I’m sitting here with my cup of tea (before I was told) and still started to get the chills, as I began reading this “post.” When I got up to the part…get a cup of tea, or cold drink…I answered, “I have it!” My hubby asks, “hon, what did you say?” Love early Monday morning giggles.
Susan, thanks for making this such a “happy place.” All you do, all you share, and all you are, is much appreciated. Checking-in with you makes my heart sing.
Happy Anniversary!
Marie xo
Too cute!
Happy anniversary ! I am so glad I found your blog. Please enter me in your give a way. Fingers crossed! Thank you.
I think this may be my favorite giveaway, EVER! I am so happy to have found your books and your blog – they are like taking a little vacation. Happy Anniversary!
13 years ago Christopher and I eloped on June 11. Our sweet ceremony was held in the gazebo at Mission Point on Mackinc Island in the middle of Lilac festival. The air was heavy with their fragrance and was the perfect flower for my bouquet. I agree, June is a beautiful month! Every Monday morning Chris calls me at 11:00 to tell me “happy week # “. Today it will be week #678. So thank you for picking June Susan, I think it is the perfect month to start a new adventure! Happy Anniversary to you, we are all blessed because you stitch us all together celebrating the good life. Peace
Happy week #678! Hello to your Romantic Chris!
Wow! I didn’t even know it was your blogiversary – but i was going to tweet you a note – now i’ll do it here instead… yesterday i had the blues something fierce all day long, and i just couldn’t shake them. i promise i’m not making this up — my eye got caught on two of your cookbooks (my oldest ones) up on the shelf & i had to take them down and look at them. as soon as i did, the terrible blue feeling began to lift! really! your stuff has healing properties. ♥ happy anniversary and wishing you many more years of joyful creating. xo
Ohhh Diane, that is so nice to hear!! xoxo Thank you!
Happy Anniversary! Your blog is such an inspiration! It is so much fun to read, wonderful pictures, delicious recipes, beautiful thoughts. I am a quilter and love your fabrics, I wish they were still available. Thank you for the chance to win any of your give-aways.
I love the quilts! I dabble in quiltmaking, and my cats are the cozy and comfort quality inspectors 🙂
What wonderful gifts you are giving away! I adore quilts and Jack is just the most handsome cat ever!! Hope you have a wonderful week! 🙂
So pretty love the quilts
Hey Susan! Happy Anniversary on all accounts. I have always been a fan/girlfriend of yours even though I only found your blog about a year ago. I guess I was too busy at our new home in our new neighborhood/city trying to fit in and make new friends to notice . . . sorry! But, it was my loss for the years that I missed and I am still trying to catch up! I have almost all of your books and I think they are all first editions. I am so happy that I finally found your blog though and I enjoy and look forward to each and every one I get. You really go all out to fill it full with everything beautiful, helpful and just plain nice! Thank you for being YOU! And thank you for sharing with us all your wonderful things in life. One of these days I am going to start blogging so that I can share some of my similar things with you and the other girlfriends.
Happy Anniversary! We just got back from Salem where we were attending my husbands 50th college reunion!! Hope I didn’t miss the give away.
Love you!
Happy Anniversary! So glad my daughter found your blog. Look forward to it. Loved your bookAFine Romance. Have read it twice. Jack is do cute. You are one talented lady. Thanks for sharing your many talents with us.
Happy Anniversary! Oh this giveaway is giving me the tingles! I *love* fabric and that fabric just made me drool. Your blog is such a lovely place to visit. Thanks for all the inspiration, Susan!
Oh, I was finally able to get your book from the library. (Finances have kept me from purchasing it.) I *loved* it! I made the lemon cornmeal cookies~~Yum!
Oh boy, can hardly wait. Sign me up. Thank you so much, Susan.
Bless you and all the girlfriends
Barb
Susan! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Aren’t special dates oh so FUN!!! Pass out the sparklers 🙂
Count me in for 1-2-3! Every single “door” is a winner! Your artwork, your blog, your fabrics, your books are all filled with collages of LIFE… Color, Memories, Laughter, Discovery, Reflection. Yes! Welcome Life… Give me everything you’ve got. I may not always be ready, but I’ll get there.
Thank you for sharing your journey and for taking us along for the ride. I loved the QM2 and England, MV and all she has to offer… those FIREWORKS… Oh My! Even journeys through your house to your kitchen in early morning hours to listen to Marshmallow World at Christmas time.
Yes! Please drop my name in the hat, have the kitties stir things up. I’m ready 🙂
XOXO
Georgie from NJ
P.S. I will miss The Gladys Taber Gathering 🙁 but will be reading my books as you speak. What a thrill. You must have goosebumps of anticipation!!! XOXO
I will miss YOU. But we know we will meet again (don’t know where, don’t know when, but we know we’ll meet again some sunny day.)
Hi susan. I agree with the diane who commented above. Your art, writing, watercolor, joy…is magical. I am constantly inspired by you. I live on long island and when I saw your post that you were in new york, I wanted to go see you so bad. I just wanted to be near your energy. Maybe some other time. But luckily I have you with me everytime I open up your blog or reread a post or reread a book of yours. (Which I do ALL the time). Thank you for all you do. I consider you a special girlfriend, like I know you. Happy anniversary! Love, christina
xoxo Thank you Christina!
It’s Monday morning. I opened your latest blog post and am LOVING it with morning coffee in an Emma B mug….a perfect way to begin the week. Thank you so much for brightening the day ….the week…always!
P.S. Ordered the DAD Emma mug for my husband for Father’s Day. Couldn’t wait to give it to him. He is having his morning beverage from it this morning and swears it tastes even better! Sweet talker.
He’s a sweet talker alright!
Good Morning Susan and Girlfriends from Northern CA. 🙂
It’s HOT here….and getting up early seems the best thing to do. Get outside while it’s cool and then back into the cool for the afternoon. Just hope it doesn’t stay this hot for too long. Well, I have to say thank you for inspiring me to not just look and love the little tea cups and quilts and all the little things that make one happy, but to start collecting the really special ones that I find. The hunt is as much fun. I’ve started rescuing them, as my BFF and I decided. I just bought a 4 tea cup hanging rack…..as I’ve run out of space to display…….it’s so hard to leave the really special ones behind. I’ve found some really special tea pots also. My next goal is to get my sewing machine out and leave it out and take a quilting class. I have so much material that is begging to be made into a quilt(s). Well, enough chatting and more doing. Busy week ahead…..thanks so much for the inspiration and color and kitties and just all the beauty you give us.
Cheers,
Jan from Northern CA
Stay cool Jan! Go to the movies!