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, for the past year I have purchased nearly every book you’ve published that I can get my hands on. Nearly every day, when I write my dearest friend, I include a little “cut/paste” of a photo or drawing from your blogs to make her happy. She and I have been inspired by you, your words, you beautiful home filled with the right “homey-ness” to make you comfortable AND your gardens and the atmosphere you create inside and out. It’s the thoughtfulness and love from you that is such an inspiration for both of us to turn around and make our houses HOMES. Most of all, thank you for allowing us to see inside of you and be blessed by it nearly every day!
You are such a wonderfully talented person. I have admired & bought your fabric to make a quilt. Your scrap books are great. Used one to create a wonderful remembrance for my BFF and her 40th wedding anniversary. All aspects of your creations are wonderful, your drawings, your store Tea time is one of my favorite times. Having a cup of tea and wishing you a happy anniversary. Thanks for making our lives happier by your blog, Willard and all you do.
Hi Susan,
You are always my inspiration and my first source for anything creative. Thank you, thank you.
Wow, I can’t decide which would be the most delightful gift to win. Thanks for the chance — you’re so generous.
Hi Susan! I am a longtime fan of yours. Love your books especially the latest and greatest..A Fine Romance :). I’ve driven in England too and still have nightmares about it! My girlfriends gave me your teapot for my big 50 th birthday and it is very special to me. Thank you for all the recipes, calendars, books, stickers, ideas, and joy..I met you at a book signing in MA once and was delighted to see that you are just as lovely in person as you are on paper! Keep creating….it brings joy to so many! Thanks for the giveaway whether I win or not 🙂
Quilts, isn’t that a lovely word. I’m so lucky to have two that my grandma made. Last year, I was at the bank and I bought a hand sewn quilt from a lady parked next to me (she said her Mother made it and she had too many) TOO MANY, how can anyone have too many quilts. I bought it for $25. Maybe it was hot, I don’t know, but it looks great hanging over my bannister. Thanks for being you. Big Hugs Linda gram
Susan, thank you for years of inspiration. I first found you when staying at the Apple Farm and found 2 of your books in their mill. I was lucky enough to visit your charming store on Branch Street (loved that!). Your writings have meant so much to me and my mom (I lost her Easter Sunday). I will miss sharing your adventures and inspiration with her.
your give-away is amazing, but i really wanted to write to say THANK YOU! & CONGRATULATIONS on your 5th anniversary–i love your books (have all of them! 🙂 and am loving your blog just as much. you give so much joy to the girlfriends around the world with your art. not just your actual artwork and words, but i think they convey your joyful spirit to us, your loving fans! so thank you for all that you do–know that it’s spreading a little light in our world 🙂
Hi, Susan!
I read your latest blog and couldn’t catch my breath, thinking of actually winning your amazing “everything goes” prize!! OMgoodness! I have always, always admired your style, your love of preciousness, which expands from A to Z. Pick me, pick me!!! I know…I am being obnoxious, and honestly, I usually am not. BUT, I’m doing cartwheels inside knowing just the possibility of receiving that package in the mail!!! But, if I don’t…it is okay. I love reading your blog and books. Your calendars always bring a smile to my day and, well, I just need to say thanks. Thanks for using those gifts you have been given by God. Thanks for not only using them, but sharing them with us “less talented” lovers of the same things you love. You are the PINK in my day!!!
Happy Anniversary!! I wanted to thank-you for all that you do. I’ve been a huge fan for the longest time and your books are a blessing to me…I own many of them along with other items. I always follow F.O.S.B. and your blog! When I’m feeling a little blue you bring joy into my life therefore thank-you for that 🙂 Enjoy your week-end!
Congratulations on both Anniversaries, Susan!
Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway, and for extending the deadline for all of us who had an extra busy week!
I loved the posts that explained the connections between quilts and your watercolors. No wonder I am so enchanted with your artwork. And the dish connection, too. I hope you will put that dish quote on a calendar…the one about the dish offering to come home with you from a flea market, when you say “I couldn’t agree with you more.” I intend to post that one in my kitchen!
Finally, best wishes at the Gladys Tabor event! maryellen
Loved living “A Fine Romance”. Thanks so much for the experience.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures, products, and ideas with all of your devotees! Just browsing through your pages brightens this gloomy day in Massachusetts and makes me wish I were home sewing something special instead of taking a late lunch at work! I’ve always loved your artwork, and since the chances of winning today are slim (you are one popular lady!), I would love to see your fabrics back in the stores again, too! Your books are a treasure, thank you for sharing your talent! Happy Anniversary!!
Your blog always makes me so happy.
Hi Susan!
I love all your beautiful things and I would love to win any of your fabulous giveaways! Congratulations!
Hugs,
Debbie
Hi,
I am just learning to quilt and appreciate great fabric.. Excellent choices!! Thank you for the colors and this post!! Lovely!! You are such an inspiration!
Kathy from Wisconsin
Hi Susan,
I have followed you since my best and dearest friend, Linda, gifted me your cookbook “Vineyard Seasons, in 1989. You are very kind and generous to do this giveaway, Thank you.
I just wait for each “newsletter” on my email and of course catch up in between on facebook page FOSB !! Currently enjoying my tea from your tea tin ! Thank you for making my life a nice place to be !
Holly
I love everything about your blog, your whimsical pictures, your stories, your collections and most of all your cats. They are just adorable.
Happy Anniversary and thank you for all you share. I look forward to your posts and slowly let each word sink in and inspire. Thanks for the giveaway!!!
I treasure the patchwork quilt that my grandmother made me many years ago. My grandmother subscribed to Family Circle, and I used to curl up in a comfy chair and read Gladys Taber’s column, “Butternut Wisdom” in the magazine. Thanks for bringing back happy memories!
My grandma said that June 13, on a Friday was her lucky day. She fell in love. Thanks Susan for your wonderful books!
Wonderful blog…love everything about it…but the best thing is Jack ! :):):):)
Happy Anniversary !! Have fun and celebrate !!
Pick me, pick me! Thank you for 5 great years online, and many more of Wilards!
I’m a huge fan of all things Susan Branch. I would love any of the lovely prizes, but the thought of actually owning the fabric…..well, I can’t put it into words. Squeals of delight, yes….but words, no. Sincerely, Alice
A little rain never changes the sunshine you bring to everyone. Thank you for your inspirational blogs…they brighten up the gloomiest of days. I sure look forward to them.
Well, Vanna… please pick me! ;o)
I was in Paris the last several days – ooh-la-la and told a new friend about Susan. Can’t wait for the new book to come out!
Thank you for all the moments I refer to as “air head time”. This is when the only thing I think about is how wonderful all the colors, patterns and words that fill the blog. I personally miss your shop in A.G. loved being able to touch and talk to your great helpers. This latest blog made me rush to my stash and fine out how much of your fabric I have left. Whew! Yes I am a hoarder. Love it.
So, what the heck. What’s the chances of me winning from 3600+ comments. But you never know when you’ll get lucky. Love your stuff. All of it. My gardens are
the best this year going into summer they’ve ever been and I think I have you to thank. You, your blog & all of your inspiration. BTW, my birthday is June 25. I’ll be 55, and pleased as punch. A fine romance would be such a birthday gift. Gotta put a bug in someone’s ear. Love you
Happy Anniversary Susan! You have been an inspiration to me for years! Everything you create makes my heart happy. Looking forward to many more years of your stories, paintings and “heart of the home” love. Blessings to you!
From chilly northern Michigan – what happened? we arrived 2 weeks ago and it was hot..oh well, it is beautiful and my internet connection works so I can read SB missives. I love the pictures of the quilts, and, Jack, of course. I miss my cats and hope I can have another one, or two, someday. Have a wonderful summer and stay safe, happy, and warm (or cool, as the case may be).
Hi Susan,
I can’t even image the delight I would be feeling if I won any of your lovely giveaways but the feel of your fabric between my fingers would be heavenly.
The yellow fabric is darling with the cute lambs, one of my favorite things and even have a Pinterest board devoted to them (and one devoted to you).
Hugs and happiness to you GIRLFRIEND!
Lynnie
I love your fabrics. They touch my heart, they make me go ahhhh. Love the colors and designs. Your quilt is so precious. I love the cookbooks that I have, not many but so treasured. When I see a new blog post or FB post I have to stop and read. If I ever met you I would have to give you a hug. May your inspiration never end.
I love everything Susan Branch! Especially watercolor pansies.
Sandy
Happy Anniversary! I’ve been following along with you right from the beginning. Loved getting my Willard & little surprises in the mail from you back then ~ and Love my emails with all your surprises now!
What wonderful giveaways, Susan! I just love quilts and would love to add this one to my collection! Have a wonderful time this weekend!!
Happy Anniversary! Have not been here for a while, trouble with email account. Wow, would love any of the goodies you are giving away. I have used some of a baby print fabric, loved it. I also have a Cookbook/scrapbook of yours I hope to work on soon, now that I am retired, for real. Quit work 10 yrs ago, been babysitting Grands for 10 yrs, plan to get caught up on some projects now. Hope your trip to CT goes good, enjoy your time there.
Always enjoy getting your blog!
Hello Susan and happy anniversary to you! I adore your blog and it always makes me smile and adds happiness to my day! Thank you very much for all that you do!
Thank you for sending beauty, loveliness and inspiration into our lives!! Everything Susan Branch just makes me smile!!!!!!
What beautiful quilts. And I love seeing Jack. I think both cats are very lucky to have you.
Hope you have an awesome weekend.
How special and giving that you take the time to write all your “girlfriends”. My friend Pam and I found your 1st book together and through all these years have given each other a Susan Branch gift each birthday and Christmas…it is the special bond that we have with each other:it has tied us together through babies born, weddings, and life’s bumps in the road. I am glad to have the chance to say “thank you” for enriching our lives through the books, calendars, stickers, etc., and sharing your life and enthusiasms on your blog. Sweetest thanks…….
I thought I would be to late to enter your amazing anniversary giveaway. I have loved your art work since your first cookbook. I can’t wait to see what amazing things you will create next.
Anniversary wishes to you. Thank you for the many blessings I receive from your blog and books. We share a love for many of the same things. I am glad you are a part of my life.
Wow!! So many fun things we have loved and so many to look forward to! We love, love, love all your creative beauty!
Dearest Susan,
My friend Peggy came to see you at Book Expo in my stead and brought me back a signed copy of A Fine Romance. I was so thrilled to virtually meet you – and you even drew hearts just for me and sent love… This was the day after I followed you and Joe on your NYC advenutre (on the blog of course).
I love you and what you do! Thank you for bringing beauty, joy, love, comfort, caring and Jack to my life. (Actually, that’s a short list – I can’t count all of the warm fuzzies I get from your spirit!)
Thank you Lisa, so happy to almost meet you — maybe next time!
Hi Susan,
My friend Sara V. has shared your blog with me a couple of times and now I’ve shared it, too. I love your quilts!! And I’ve loved your art before I knew you had a blog. You represent the “home” feel I have missed from my “down home in Texas” days. Love your garden… Loved your trip to the Peter Rabbit world.
Thanks for giving me a place to go for my breaks at work and a place of peace when at home.
Hope I win a “give away”!
What a treasure that would be.
Wish I could hear your brothers song. Keep working on him to post it on YouTube.
Best Wishes,
Tricia Ladd
I love you artwork and blog. The fabric and quilt is beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this beauty!
Blessings,
Laurie
I can dream!
Happy Happy Anniversary! Oh dear sweetness, be still my heart! Each door is amazing. Even if I don’t win, just seeing and reading about everything was fun. It’s a rainy day here and I am now filled with color and flowers and fun. Thank you! Bethie
wow what a beautiful post, it would be wonderful to win any one of the beautiful prizes, such beautiful photos, eye candy for sure, thank you for the wonderful treat!
Hi Susan
Wanted to tell you how much I love logging on to your website. You lift my “spirits” with your “positivity” and “love” of life and people.
Your are an inspiration to us all. “Thank you”
God Bless…cherish time with your dad…how wonderful, and what wonderful words you wrote about him!
All the best and lots of “love” sent your way…
Barbara
Trail, British Columbia, Canada
Have enjoyed your artwork/talents for many years!!
Oh, Susan, I’m quivering at the magnitude and deliciousness of the items in your giveaway! I LOVE all your fabric. Besides the designs, the colors are always wonderful. Love reading all your posts and look forward to many more!
Happy Anniversary!! As always your blog entries make me happy, thanks for putting a smile on my face with your pictures and positive attitude towards life. 🙂
Greetings all! Susan, you have always been such a blessing! Love the lambies fabric. Pastor Jude.
Happy Anniversary! I LOVE your fabrics! I treasure fabrics too, and have several that were made by my Grandma and Mom. I also have quilts all over my house. I truly enjoy them every day! I have your Autumn book and love it; use it for inspiration each fall. What wonderful giveaways!! Would LOVE to win, especially the quilt! Have fun with your Dad this weekend! Enjoy him. I was a total “Daddy’s girl” and my Dad passed away 7 years ago (after a lengthy illness), and I still miss him every day. Thanks you for your blog. It’s always uplifting and brightens my day!
Love, love, love, love this!! Would love any of it, I don’t care, just throw my name in there. Would really like Jack or Girl Kitty, but my Callie Sue probably would not appreciate them anyway!! Happy Anniversary!
Dear Susan,
Happy Anniversary – such a wonderful time to celebrate this June! I loved learning that your painting was inspired by the colors in quilts! I love all the colors and the patterns!
Happy Anniversary from a new friend!
Carol Turner
Happy Anniversary! It’s my 14th wedding anniversary this week too! 🙂
I love the first pick of Jack- his tongue is sticking out just a little…..
Cheers and thanks for always inspiring me!
Susan, your posts make my day when they show up in my email box! You are so creative and inspirational. One of my life adventures has involved spending the last decade helping destitute children in Africa and you are so right about the vast majority of people around the world sharing one heartbeat for good. Thank you for reminding us of that and for all you do to bring touches of simple pleasures into our lives. Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary! You are an amazing artist! We are glad you love to do what you do because what you do makes a lot of people happy!
I absolutely adore your books, blog, paintings, etc. I found your book, “Vineyard Seasons” , published in 1988, first edition. I am ecstatic that I found this book in perfect condition at an antique store in Arroyo Grande, CA a few days ago. I am so happy that I got to meet you at Strawberry Patches in Bakersfield, CA last year. Keep up the beautiful works of art.
Gay Smith
Thank you for the ongoing inspiration and for all you do to make the world a pretty, joyful place!
Quite a long shot, but I would love to be a winner! I’ve loved your art work since I first saw it!
Susan, I discovered you shortly after your first book was published and I’ve loved and been inspired by you ever since! I have all of your books, am cheered up daily by your calendars, and would love to make my first quilt out of your beautiful fabrics! Thanks so much for sharing your gifts with the rest of us and making the world a lovelier place. 🙂
Happy happy Anniversary to you Susan! I hope your day is bright and beautiful. You are a blessing to all of your readers. Love your fabric lines and artwork so much!
Happy Anniversary to You!!! Love seeing all your posts and enjoy your artwork!
Blessings!!! 🙂
Thank you for sharing all your talents with us! No one made quilts in my family so I had to learn how to quilt! My favorites are two color quilts!
I really love your books and artwork. I can’t wait to win your contest. I love anything you post. I collect your books. Have been for a few years. I go to the library and search for your books. Then I borrow them and see which ones I like. Then I search the internet and buy them. It’s so much fun. I would love to creat a quilt with your fat quarters. Then I could post it for everyone to see.
Oh Dear Susan, what a sweet giveaway…I have been a fan of yours since I first laid eyes on a print that I found at a little shop in Ligonier, PA, many, many moons ago. When I picked it up, I knew there was something special about you! What a talented lady you are…thank you for continuing to share your wonderful gift with all of us! xoxo
Happy Anniversary! Your blog inspires me so much! After reading your blog, I want to do everything I can to make my home “homey.” I love how you make everything look so welcoming and warm. I hope one day my home will look the same!
Just checking to see if mine went through.
Dear Susan, I was supposed to be at GT reunion but alas, it was too far to drive. But I bid you a memory-making weekend that honors this special lady. Loved your quilts and gave me the right idea to display my collection! You are a treasure and you really do make life more fun for me. Lol, Becky in South Carolina
Oh, Susan! I think I’m about to die from excitement! What a wonderful give away, how incredible WONDERFUL! I have 6 children ages 7-26, and 4 grandchildren, and I love to sew! I can see my little grand-daughters in dresses and pinafores made from the lovely fabric, and lovely scraps left for quilting! Or maybe aprons and potholders to match, or matching mother/daughter aprons. The possibilities are endless! The fabric is stunning! The quilt giveaway is adorable, ALL of them are! What a treasure these gifts are, and how sweet you are to give us girlfriends a chance to win them! Thank you so much, and Happy Anniversary to my favorite blog! 🙂
HaPpY AnNiVeRSaRy!!!!! i Love your blog…. your giveaways are awesome!
i very much enjoy each post you enter….so much fun! Thanks.
Wow, I love your blog, this is my first time here and its absolutely beautifully done! Thank you!
Nice to meet you Melissa!
Oh, I wish that Jack and Girl Kitty were included in that giveaway! 🙂 Cannot wait to see you in CT this weekend, Susan!
I have enjoyed your lovely books for many years. I gave Heart of the Home to my mom years ago and now have it with my inscription to her. Can’t wait for summer tomatoes to make your Bruschetta recipe (from the Summer book). YUM!
I am on pins and needles too waiting for you to announce the winners of your fabulous give aways! I would LOVE any of the three <3..so adorable, and so nice of you to do this! I have to tell you that because of ordering from your website, I am getting to know the cute UPS man -the last box I got, had a cute little sticker which spelled out 'Queen '.So the cute UPS man says "oh, so you're a Queen now, huh? That's special! You must like ordering from Susan Branch because I see you alot, since the snow and now the hot weather! "Too funny! I Love all your stuff, it is great quality and always boxed so nice! I need to win your give away so I can see the cute UPS guy again too! Haha 🙂
Happy anniversary! Thank you for bringing so many so much joy!
I hope I am not too late! I just love the cozy optimistic friendliness of your blog!
Hi Susan,
Just love your blog and all of your amazing work! It makes me so happy when I see a new post up and I so enjoy reading and re-reading your fabulous books over and over! Thank you for the opportunity to enter your drawing!
Jonna
I so enjoy reading the comments and replies. How wonderful to be loved and appreciated by so many. Happy Anniversary!
I am new to your blog but love all of the things that you do! Everything has that comforting old time look but with up dated design and uniqueness. Look forward to spending more time exploring.
I’ve been a Susan Branch fan for quite a few years. Your beautiful watercolor art is soothing to the soul. I would so like to win one of your contests and own some more Susan Branch art!!
This is absolutely brilliant!
And each treasure is better than the last . . .
The fabric sends me into a quilty [a q not a g] joy . . .
Thank you for the pleasure you work has given me over the years!
So glad I found you here! And this drawing looks amazing!
Susan, Susan, Susan!!!!
You just bring so much joy and delight to everything you do! It’s contagious. It’s a rare and beautiful gift. It’s something I hope you indeed get back just as generously as you give.
Thank you for being here and delighting us with your charming ways with words and paint and blogging and cats and family and food – to mention just a few of the things we all love about you.
Hoping you have a splendid time tomorrow – can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Blessings,
Jill
Happy anniversary Susan! Love your blog and cookbooks!
Happy Anniversary Susan! What wonderful giveaways…you continue to spread your generous spirit and it is SO appreciated. Enjoy your weekend!
Life is lovelier when lived simply….a good book, garden flowers, a lovely quilt, happily patterned dishware, & of course a VW convertible are some of life’s daily simple pleasures that we share! Thank you for sharing your many talents. Bringing joy to others is a gift, & your work brings much joy to mine! ; )
Once upon a time, there were three ladies who though unacquainted with each other, were well acquainted with the works of Susan Branch. On November 5, 2013 their paths crossed at a Susan Branch book signing at Vroman’s Bookstore. Though each lady had questioned whether she had the time to attend, they all knew they wanted to meet Susan and hear about her travels in England. All three showed up rather late and ended up sitting in one of the back rows. After the discussion and while waiting for the back row to be called to have their books signed the three ladies began to talk with each other…….and the rest is history!!! As soon as their books were signed they left Vroman’s and went straight to Chado for afternoon tea. Since the book signing the ladies have learned they have many things in common, including tea, gardens, quilting, traveling, reading, cooking and Susan Branch. Susan has given these three girls the best gift ever…..Friendship! They have regular tea parties and play dates and are planning a trip to France and England. They want to thank Susan for writing A Fine Romance and for bringing them together. She has changed their lives and they are living happily ever after.
What a wonderful story! See, you’re never too old for fairytales — and you’re going to Europe together. That’s fantastic! Have a wonderful time! Check back in and tell us all about it. I have to tell you, while signing books, I listen to the talk and visiting that goes on in the line and always wish I could jump up and join in . . . that’s where the best stuff happens! xoxo
Okay . . . this comment is about fertilizing your tomatoes! A little old man stopped me at Walmart when I was purchasing my tomatoe plants and told me to dig my hole, put in one tablespoon of Epsom salt and three crushed Original Tums (not fruit-flavored), then put in my plant. So . . . I did that this year, and I am happy to report that I have tomatoes out the wazoo, and the plants are nice and green and thriving! Just thought I’d pass that tidbit along to you for your garden next year. 🙂 I always trust little old men who are in the plant department!! 🙂
Dear Susan,
I can’t quit looking at all your beautiful quilts!
I never thought of hanging them throughout the house, what a great idea! Pure eye candy!
XO!
Victoria
Susan, I would love a signed copy of your book “A Fine Romance.” How do I buy that? You are so very inspirational. I am thankful you think of us and wish us well. My friend, Susan, initially told me about you a few years ago, and I have visited your FB posts since then. Glad to purchase your book, and thanks for registering me for your prizes!! Love your quilts.
You just go to the top of the blog where it says shopping, click there, and and then click on the book. My books in our web store are all signed by me. Thank you Cindy!
Happy Anniversary! Thank you so much for all the inspiration and creative joy you’ve shared!
Wishing I could figure out how to enter your give away. I love all your creations… annually I get your cantata. I have quite a bit of your fabric, and then various other treasures. I actually bought a print (24 x 18 at least) of yours for my bathroom wall…the girl sitting on the beach. Decorated my bathroom around that print.
Thank you for being a ray of sunshine! Happy Anniversary!!!