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
Congratulations on your Anniversary! Your blog is always a treat to read!
Happy Anniversary! I always thought that June was the best month – it is my birthday month also, and so I get presents every 6 months (when Christmas is added in)! Thank you for inspiring me!
I have loved your blog, Willard, e-mail updates, your COOKIE recipes… for 5 years!???!!! Time flies when you’re having fun, here’s to many more years of enjoying the talent and love you share with the world. Thanks, Susan!!
… well, dear Susan and friends… a good Saturday morning to you all !!.. this post has literally left me near speechless… Susan, you have given us so much and for that you make us feel so much gratitude and love for everything !!..what a connection of kindredness you have created !!..I have to say that what you said about”it must be scary to live in a land where the maniacs have the keys to the castle” really got to my heart !!.. all I can say is thank you Susan for all that you do and thank you, friends for always being here !!..this “blog” means the world to me..with love, as always..
…p.s… Happy Anniversary dear hearts !!
Such a wonderful giveaway! Any of the prizes would be welcome, but. All that horgeous fabric just waiting to be made into a quilt! How wonderful is that? Happy almost summer.
Sincerely.
Dear Sweet Susan,
Happy Blogaversary and FBaversary! You must be a very proud mother giving birth to these two wonderful creations. You have brought so much joy to so many people through these two sights. You have brought so many smiles to my face, joy to my heart, good books to my reading list , good movies to my movie list and wonderful recipes for my table. How could I ever repay you. My first introduction to you was at a Fairfax County library book sale when I bought a copy of your Christmas From the Heart of The Home. Several years later I gave a friend Summer for a birthday present. Little by little I have collected most all of your cookbooks. I just discovered your blog about four months ago. Oh joy joy joy! Well it was fun to come home tonight from a Sergio Mendes concert (yes ,Brazil 66 from the 60’s- The Girl From Ipanema) and find your post from tonight. Celebrate Good Times, Come On,!!! I think we would have a better world if everyone would be required to live a year in another country . What lessons to learn about tolerance, ways to do things other than just “your way”, how much we all have in common and seeing your own country from someone elses view. Thank you for sharing your beautiful quilt collection with us . It is just beautiful and all the colors go together so nicely. I have two quilts that are very special to me. One my grandmother gave me when I was twelve and is so special because she made it with love in every stitch. It was the Sunbonnet Sue pattern. The other quilt was when we were stationed at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. I had signed up for a quilting class and had gone to two weeks of classes on post with a lovely group of army wives. I had three miscarriages and was expecting again and was put on bedrest for the remaining time (6months). Needless to say quilting classes were ended for me. We had all agreed at the first class that at the end of the course we would put all our names in a container and whoevers name was drawn would get the quilt. About 8 weeks later the whole group came to my home and presented the quilt to me. They had all decided to give it to me. I almost drowned them all with my tears of gratitude. To this day (37 years later) I can ‘t look at my red, white and blue quilt without tearing up at the thought of those dear friends. I had a healthy baby girl who is the joy of my life. I think there is love in every quilt that is ever made because it takes love to make one as well as skill. Your gifts for the celebration drawing are spectacular. The Hearts and Flowers quilt is so beautiful. The bolt of fabric and fat quarters would make so many wonderful things. I love the binding that they are tied with that has your name on it, it is so classy looking. The calendar pages are very special too. Vanna, as in Three Coins In The Fountain, make it mine, make it mine, make it mine. I will be rooting for whomever wins them. I do wish that Jack and Girl Kitty went with the gifts too, but I couldn’t bear to make you sad if I won them. They are just adorable!!!!! The flower pictures were so pretty. Well, I wish you many happy years of bloggging and facebooking for the future and much success in you first self publishing venture of Autumn. It is a beautiful book with great recipes. Will have to order some for gifts. Lots of hugs and kisses.
I love me some Susan Branch…..Such a feast for the eyes! I didn’t know there was enough time in a day to be this creative. I’m hoping to retire soon and could put that fabric to good use. Vanna, I’m counting on you.
I absolutely love reading your posts – I feel like I am right there with you! My great grandparents, Minnie and Herman, made quilts together for each of their 8 great grandchildren – what a true treasure it is! There’s a photo of all 8 of us with them and we’re holding our quilts. Thanks for bringing this memory back to me!
Congratulations, Susan,
One of my favorite things is my Gram’s handmade quilt. I treasure it. Thank you, for all that you are and for your appreciation of lives simpler pleasures!
Happy anniversaries!
I remember the first time I saw one of your books — it was Love from the Heart of the Home (my response, AND the title of your book!). I was drawn in by the art, recipes, and hand lettering, but searched out more books because of the wonderful, magical positive energy. I love seeing the world through your eyes, Susan! Thank you.
such a beautiful blog and you live such an enchanted life! thank you for sharing so much sweetness with us! I need to live on an island! lol! Happy Weekend!
xoxo
vivian
Congratulations on your anniversary!! Love reading your blog and seeing all the gorgeous pics of the island and of course receiving the “Willard’s” in my email box, they make my day. Please don’t ever stop, you bring a piece of ‘your island’ to my little corner of the world.
Thank you!
Happy anniversary, Susan, and thanks for the joy you bring to all of us! We are indeed the world! My yoga teacher ends each class saying that “the light that shines within you is the same light that shines within us all.” You’ve captured that in a way that should be proclaimed on the front page of every newspaper! Love the quilts and dishes, too… Beautiful post!
Thank you Susan for all your blogs, I have enjoyed them all including the comment section. Your choice of giveaways is, as usual, fantastic. Fingers crossed for the draw!
Comments are the BEST! I’m reading them all … it’s very hard not to reply, but right now there are 437 waiting for “moderation” so I have to get going! 🙂 Thank you Jane,
and EVERYONE! ♥
So glad that you are a blogger, I always loved your Willard letters and your lovely brings those to mind.
Aways lovely…always beautiful
WOW, be U tiful:) How lovely to have three winners. Quilts are a perfect prize from you – who cannot feel loved with a quilt wrapped around them. Congrats on the Autumn rebirth too:) xoxo judi
Susan,
You are an inspiration to me. It makes me happy to look at all the beautiful things you do.
It is like you have been reading my mind! I kept wondering where or how I could get my hands on any of your fabric – this is like seeing a shooting star and making a wish or seeing where that rainbow ends and getting the pot of gold!
Your comment – you hope someone could put the fat quarters to good use? YES I could – making little tote bags for all my friends!!! I found a simple pattern – and your fabric line would be absolutely PERFECT! (Am I groveling enough to get Vanna to chose me? 🙂
But aside from all that — I too feel that your ‘art’ reflects quilting and that 1930’s fabric – You see, my most valued quilting possession is the wedding quilt that was specially commissioned for my in-laws in 1939 — pink floral flying geese on a white background – can’t get any more 1930’s than that! So yes – Susan Branch is right up my alley when it comes to all things beautiful!
Hope that Vanna chooses you Rosanna!
Susan, I love your blog and have enjoyed your books for years. Your enthusiasm for life inspires me and cheers me. Thank you for your contribution to all of our lives.
Ohhhhh, love your words about the common thread of humanity. A few years ago we met a couple, Veronica and Richard Naylor from Kent, England who were biking the WORLD! They came through our village here in upstate NY as they followed the Erie Canal path to NYC where they connected with our daughter, then flew to London to bike the final miles home.
They wowed us with stories of their adventures. The common theme was that people are people the world over. They just want to love and laugh and raise their children in peace and joy. The Naylors met only kindness as they rode through parts of the world we often think of as threatening, especially to westerners. They were openly vulnerable on their bikes, but were always greeted, given tea and food and often bedded down in homes…..once in Iran under a blanket with words of hatred for Americans and Europeans…clearly a gift of propaganda to the family who, with the most gentle kindness invited the “enemy” to sleep in their home!
Meeting the Naylors encouraged us to commit to always greet others human heart to human heart, not white to black, Muslim to Christian, old to young, Liberal to Tea Party, ……not any of the labels that might interfer with our common humanity. That, we believe as I think you do, too, is the essence of world peace.
Thank you, Susan, for reminding us always enjoy, and kindly share, the simple pleasures of life. As always, DonnaRay
P.S. Those fabrics have my fingers itching to stitch a baby quilt!
How great, DonnaRay. xoxo
Susan, happy anniversary, first of all. I love your paintings so much and now that you have told me about the quilts, I see why I love them. I am a quilter and even though I don’t come from a long line of quilters, I do have a couple of quilts that belonged to my grandmother. Those faded colors make my heart sing. I totally get why you love to just look at them. I feel the same way. And as for the cute kitties in your photos, they are just being the Vanna White, showing things off to their best advantage. Jack is particularly good at this, since colors look so well against him. Thank you for a lovely post with lots of lovely pictures.
Thank you so much for the awesome giveaway!
I love it all you are so talented!
Thanks!
You artwork just makes me smile and be happy. The colors are wonderful and the subject matter is always perfect. Thank you!
Oh Susan, congratulations! Your work, your spirit, your great capacity for joy are to be celebrated. This blog is to be celebrated! Thank you. I never miss a post!
xo
Claudia
Wow Susan I loved the New York blog update & then you give us this one too! So beautiful & colourful just looking at it cheers me up! It would be absolutely fantastic to win anyone of those wonderful prizes so I’m hoping I get Lucky this time but if not we still get this wonderful blog so its a win win situation! Have a great weekend Susan! xxxx
What beautiful eye candy this morning! I love all those quilts 🙂 And I would just love to win that beautiful fabric of yours. The colors are perfect, as is all the little drawings. Thanks for some great giveaways.
Oh, Susan, how do you put into words exactly how I feel!!?? We are indeed kindred spirits. Your words about the people of the world all loving and wanting the same things…..perfection. And oh so true. My dear husband is a FOX News addict and I can hardly stand watching the hours upon hours of horror that they present with such enthusiasm. I much prefer to concentrate on all those dear people in those countries who make the soup, tend the gardens, stitch the quilts, kiss the boo-boos and do all those things that make home a joy.
Thank you for the beauty you present to us every day. You are such a gift to all of us.
Happy Anniversary!! We are the better for having you in our lives.
Blessings~
Carol
It reminds me of the days I used to listen to soap operas (all the troubles!) and the news all day long while I painted. I noticed I was kind of depressed and then I realized, well who wouldn’t be if they listen to this stuff all the time. I cut it out, got old happy movies, old music and started over! Started worrying about normal things, like what kind of fertilizer is best for my tomatoes! 🙂
Indeed! You’re a very wise woman. And now, I must go fertilize my tomatoes:-) Oh, yes, and my roses. Ahhhhh,they are glorious and blooming their little hearts out for me.
Blessings~
Carol
Same to you Carol!
The best thing I ever did was “pull the plug on television.” Literally. I stopped subscribing to it and not only saved the money, but a lot of the programming was just not for me. I do have the internet and a laptop, so I can watch anything I want, which tend to be PBS or documentary type shows. I use the television to watch movies from Netflix and other movies which I have bought. No more paid for junk programs! One can only watch one channel at a time anyways. You know what I save? About $1000/year. It’s not for everyone, but I found after 3 months I did not miss it at all. I did it in the summer months when I was not likely to watch it much anyhow. One year became 2, then 3, then 4…and now it’s been 6 or maybe 7. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Happy Anniversary!!! I just love all of your books and the blog! I get all kinds of excited when there is a new post, so I hope this is just the first five years of many, many, many more! Those quilts are just gorgeous!
Happy Anniversary, Susan !!
Thank you so much for all the beauty, joy, and happiness you put out into the world. You’ve enriched my life more than you could ever know.
Hugs from Mary
Happy Anniversary! I love your quilt collection! I use quilts myself, with several made by my Great Grandmother. I love them!
Happy Anniversary! And a toast to many, many more!
Diane in North Carolina
You are such a talented artist and inspiration! Best wishes for MANY more anniversaries in the future!
I know what you mean about having your treasures out where you can see them. Why hide them away in a closet or drawer when just looking at them brings so much pleasure…
Happy Anniversary! I have been a follower of your work for so many years. I have books and calendars that will always be a part of who I am. Your cookbooks are marked as special items that I will pass on to my children. And they can see their progress thru the years in your calendars where I marked our daily happenings. Thank you for providing a wonderful place on the internet to enjoy life thru your eyes ….and heart.
Dear Susan,
Happy, Happy Anniversary! You are such an inspiration to me and I thank you for all the beauty you bring to the world.
Sending warm greetings,
Cheryl
I am in love with your blog, no one in blog land can create such a wonderful atmosphere as you can with words and pictures. You are the best girlfriend everyone desires. Enjoy each of your lovely collections. Your blog is my Happy Place. 🙂
Thank you so much Jackie Ray! I don’t have much time to wander around blogland, but there are many wonderful places out there. I feel honored! xoxo
I have collected and enjoyed your books, collections, and art for years. Thank you,
Rita
Happy Anniversary Susan! Your blog brings me so much joy! You live your life with such style, grace and enthusiasm~I love being able to get a peek inside of it! Thanks for the opportunity to win any of your treasures!
Happy anniversary! Your sweet site is like a little vacation for me each time I click in. I have used your baby book for years; the ones for my children are so special to me.
My days are always made happier when I see a post from you!! Your words, art work, and creativity bring joy to so many. Love, love all things quilting…can’t pass by a fabric shop. All the colors and patterns! Did I say my favorite color is yellow? Many thanks and Happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary! Thank you for your cheerful contributions to true homemaking. Part of my welcoming summer in our home was placing on a freshly painted wooden easel on my kitchen counter your book Summer. I smile when I see its blue gingham border and the suggestions of watermelon and lemonade. Your art answers my pursuit to have only what is beautiful and useful in our home. Thank you, Susan!
Happy Anniversary, you living angel you! How does it feel to bring a bit of heaven down to earth for so many? Bless you, Susan!
Your Blog is my absolute favorite Blog ever! Actually you are my favorite author/artist also! I love everything you do and most of all for recognizing that homemaking is creative and fun and worthwhile…. Thank you Susan Branch! all your books and designs make me happy!
Susan;
Thank you so much for this beautiful blog. Love all the quilts. I am a rug Hooker and am intrigued by the rug in your kitchen picture. Looks like a swimmer?
Quilts and rugs go so well together
Yes, it’s a swimmer. I designed many hooked rugs and pillows for a manufacturer — I think we even have couple of them left in our store, but that is one of a kind — a prototype that didn’t make it to the finals! I loved it though, so there it is in my kitchen.
What a wonderful collection of quilts. I agree quilts always add an air of cosiness to a room. Enjoy your upcoming trip. Marie
Antique quilts and quilting, I love them! Thanks for the chance to win. Your blog is always my favorite.
Happy Anniversary and many, many more with love!! xxxoooxxxooo
P.S….back to England??? Do Tell!!
We need to stay home and earn our keep for a while, we hope in the spring!
Love your blog and that you paint quilts and the cups. Please include me in your drawing and count me a fan:)
I’m so happy you went “live!” Your posts always brighten my day.
You are so generous, both in your time and your giveaways. Thank you.
I love your recipes and drawings.
You always bring a special kind of beauty and peace to my day.
Oh Wow, Susan!! These are the coolest give away drawings ever! You know, I cannot imagine life without your blog. Ever since I found it, just in time to pack my bag for the England tag-a-long and join the other girlfriends in the backseat, it has been one lovely and exciting connection after another. Sharing all of your art, adventures, recipes, home ideas, and KITTY LOVE, has brought together interesting conversations to read and share from so many locations. It truly is a community! I want to both join in the celebration of your blog and Facebook launches and thank-you for reaching out to us and sharing in a real time manner. We no longer have to wait for a book to connect. Instead, we get to share on a weekly basis and talk back and forth with each other! To me, it is the community that happens from a blog that brings so many people together. It is the feeling of belonging and connecting to others, who love the same things, that is the kernel of “family” in the broadest sense. So, thank-you Susan for reaching out to us, finding time in your busy life to touch base with us, and for bringing some fun and sunshine with your art to my life. Let the celebrations continue!!
There is no better way to start a day than reading your happy blog. Everything about it- your words, your paintings, your photographs- simply exudes joy. Thank you for being there for all of us.
Hi Susan,
Happy Anniversary!!! I love following your blog and the FOSB on Facebook…..it always warms my heart and makes me smile. I have a love of quilts and dishes too, they just make me happy!! I love your books too…so glad you are reprinting your Autumn book now my daughters can get a copy of it 🙂 This is your best give-away yet…it’s soooooo exciting!! Thank you so much!!!
Happy anniversary. I love the sweet colors of your fabric. Looking at the fabrics makes me feel like I opened a drawer of linens at my grandmother’s house.
Happy Anniversary!! Beauty, cuteness, inspiration all found here and on FOSB! Always lifts my spirits! Thank you, xoxo
I am so glad my mother told me about your blog. I, too, am so happy when I know there is a new post. I just love everything you do and get really inspired to get back to quilting when I see all of your wonderful fabrics (no grandchildren yet but planning for when I do!). And, I can’t wait to read about your Gladys Taber visit. I was 9 months, 2 weeks pregnant living in Connecticut and my mother has been a huge fan of her for so many years that while we “waited” for little Katie to be born we drove over to Still Meadow….back in 1992! Thank you, Susan, for all the joy you bring so many people…what a gift you have. By the way…do you ever make it to Atlanta?
I haven’t been to Atlanta in a while, I need to go down there!
Great give a way 🙂
Each morning I seat with my cup of tea and iPad looking over your website. I am looking forward to hearing you speak at FOGT in Ct next weekend. Love all the items you collect, after reading and seeing what you find at tag sales, flea markets and antique stores you inspire me to do the same. Just want you to know it’s such fun. Please enter me in your drawing and thanks for being you!
Chris
See you there Chris!
Happy Anniversary! I enjoy reading your blog.
Happy Anniversary! I’m so happy you do your blog. Saturday mornings are my favorite because I get to grab my cup of coffee and read through your blog. Sometimes it’s hard to see the beauty in this world but you have such an amazing way of showing us the beauty in the simple things and I love that!
I know I don’t have a chance in Hell, but I am still going to leave a comment.
I am a quilter and have the same Love of Quilts you do. I could never afford to purchase them, but I learned to make them. That has actuallly given me many hours of satisfaction. I think of quilting as therapy. You probably feel that way about painting.
Anyway I Love your blog.
Donna
I do. And you have a way better chance here than you do with the lottery! 🙂
Happy Anniversary, Susan! Your blog is beautiful and I always look forward to your posts. Thank you for your great giveaway. XO
Happy Anniversary! Thanks for including us girlfriends in your celebration and for sharing your gifts and generosity. So much fun!!!
You are so sweet and so kind to do these “giveaways”, but I am one of those nuts that reads the blog AND all the comments! Whew! You get thousands and it hard to keep tabs on the old regulars…….so I guess I will catch up on the next entry.
I do not sew…I can, but it frustrates me. But I love fabric and collect it all the time, especially a pretty stack of fat quarters. Even I find this very strange. But they look nice in the step back cupboard and I fit them in with dishes that on on display. I even have seasonal fat quarters, winter wools and pretty autumn colors. I love them!
Remembering my dad this D-Day! He never talked about the war, not even when we were studying it in school. But just before he died, he talked to my brother about his time in Germany and The European Theater. They truly are The Greatest Generation and we owe them everything, including our lives.
You are not the only dreamer…….here’s to living life in peace! And it starts with us! One kind deed, one kind word, one smile at a time!
Chris
So right Chris! xoxo
I cannot believe how many of your fans posted comments on Saturday, June 7th Sue, it must be some kind of record!!
It was a very big day, but our biggest so far was December 2012, I think that’s around the time Yankee came to the house for a photoshoot!
Your posts are so inspirational. Love the fabric colors and the art work, too. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love reading your blog, it is inspirational, sets you off for a good day. Your quilts are beautiful. Being a quilter myself I love you fabrics and have some of it in my stash. Your calendar is hanging in my sewing studio. Read ‘A Fine Romance’ and could not put it down until finished. Keep on Keeping on.
Yay:) Happy Anniversary!! What a neat giveaway you are providing us!
Someone commented, that she needs to live on an island. 🙂
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But actually, we do get to live on an island… With you… Via your beautiful blog.
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Thank you for allowing us to do this.
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Gentle hugs,
Tessa~
You touch so many people with your lovely blog and your wonderful pictures!! Keep up the Happy Work!!!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! You inspire and touch so many. We, who once thought that our love of quilts, dishes, glassware, old books, Gladys Taber, Beatrix Potter, black and white movies, classic music, puttering in the garden, daily walks, trying recipes, gathering with old friends, vintage linens, tag sale finds, tea time, and on and on, was a bit old fashioned, have connected, via you, and found a vast community of like-minded ladies! (I have mastered the comma!) Thank you, thank you, thank you!
What a great giveaway! I hope whoever wins the fabric makes an amazing quilt and post it ! Susan, I’ve loved your blog from the beginning and still look forward to your post!
I would love to make my summer A Quilt Block a Day challenge with your fabrics. They would be just perfect!
Anniversary’s are very special events, aren’t they? Celebrating it with a giveaway is a generous way to include all of us. Your quilts are treasures. I hope that sometime in the future you will do a book about them, and, include some designs of your own. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed! Best wishes from Idaho,
Rose Huskey
Happy Anniversary! When I read your blog I feel like you are writing a personal note to me! When I read the comments I realize we have many friends with the same loves. Your blog brings emotion and enthusiasm each time I read it. Thanks for the opportunity to win some of your treasures!
Susan,
Oh, for the love of quilts. As a child I played a game with the quilt on my bed. The game was to find pieces that came from scraps my mother had saved from clothing she had made for us.
Fond memories then and now.
Lani
What wonderful gifts/prizes! Count me in…from the hills of TN
How exciting and so rewarding for you to reach these milestones. We are lucky already to be able to share your wonderful adventures and beautiful home with you. I am fortunate to already have your autum book, but would love to find a “girlfriends” someday. I’m heading out now to work in my garden. have a great day. Karen U
Good morning and Happy, Happy Anniversaries to YOU!
Susan, your creativity and your wholesome, positive attitude have blessed my life in so many ways! From the beginning days of your blog, I was drawn to you because of our similar appreciation for the beauty and joy in everyday living; including gardening, cooking, and cozy home making. But the most precious thing to me I discovered as the years went by….Your Heart. You helped so many of us through unspeakable tragedies and losses that shook our world. Your courageous voice of love and respect for all of life has provided a calm, safe haven for us in times of trouble. As a matter of fact, I think you used those very words once while inspiring us to make our homes welcoming, safe havens to come into out of the storm.
Thank you for this most generous give-away! Love your artwork, whether on paper or fabric!
But the real gift is and always has been…the time and attention you pay to us, your friends…always reminding us of the similarities among us and helping us celebrate the JOY of living a life of contentment and connection.
Love to you on this wonderful anniversary!
xoDebbie
You are so dear Debbie, thank you for those beautiful words xoxo
I love all the give aways and would be thrilled to win.
Happy Anniversary Susan!! There’s a line in a movie, (I know you know) and it goes something like this~ “You had me at hello”. Well, that’s for sure the first time I read your blog. There isn’t another like yours, and I’ve loved it from the beginning….. I love everything that has your beautiful artwork. Looking forward to many more years!
🙂
Happy Anniversary! I’ve been with you all along. My wedding anniversary is June 12. 38 years. A lot to celebrate. Love you!
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary and thanks for the chance to win. I love your blog and visit it often.
Happy anniversary and thank you for this blog… it is a constant source of joy to me. My mother makes such beautiful and heart-warming quilts and she loves you, so a chance to make a quilt from your lovely fabrics is awesome.
I have been a fan of yours for years and was thrilled to meet you at Prairie Lights Bookstore in Iowa City. I consider myself an artist and you have so inspired me through these years. And the blog is so fantastic! Thank you for all you do for us!
Sunday morning, sun is shining, and reading Susan’s blog = the beginning to a great day.
Happy Sunday! xoxo
Dear Susan,
What a wonderful generous give away! I really hope Vanna picks me! Thank you for the blog and being wonderful you!
Thank you back Jan!
What a wonderful post today. I had never really thought about families in countries that are run by unsavory people enjoying the same things that I enjoy. You always think of the bad aspects of life when watching the news, but now I can picture families having picnics and other joyful things in life. As always your blog post is the best part of my day. And Jack, well what can I say about that cutie?!
Some of them are so trapped they only wish they could have a picnic outside, we are so lucky! Thank you Sharon!
Good morning and Happy Anniversary! I so wish I could experience your beautiful island on a day such as this….sounds lovely. Maybe one day. Fabric is SUCH a lovely thing, is it not? Makes you itch for a project. You are so generous with your giveaways….thank you for including all of us in the excitement. Jack is such a ham! Love how he essentially photobombs your pictures. 🙂
Have a great June day!
It’s his job, keeps me on my toes!
Dearest Susan, I was so excited to see the real Tea Party fabric as I just finished making a quilt from that pattern but in different fabrics. How I would love to make a quilt with your real Fabric line. When I look at the various websites today with fabric from all the new young designers they don’t compare with your talent. A lot of the fabric today is computer designed and lacks your warmth and love. Thanks for the chance to win and for all of your inspiring words of wisdom!
Ohhh, you are so sweet to say that…so many gorgeous things in the quilt world these days! But I didn’t realize things are computer-designed. That’s interesting.
Oh Susan, what a wonderful blog. I so enjoyed looking at your collection of quilts, dishes and how you have been inspired by their colors in your painting.
Happy Anniversary, Susan! It is a beautiful morning here in my beloved New Hampshire, and it has been made even lovelier with this morning’s blog entry. Thank you for giving each of us a chance to win. Please say hi to Jack and Girl for me!!
Gorgeous down here too! Hugs to the kitties from Karen!
Aren’t birthdays and anniversaries fun?!!! You’ve certainly made your anniversary fun for us. Loved all the quilts, fabrics, dishes, books, and of course, Jack. Fun! I hope I’m among the winners! 😉
Another wonderful post and fabulous giveaway! Oh to be the lucky winner…. As always, it is pure delight to read and re-read your blog, Susan. Your creative ways of expressing yourself through words and art are an inspiration. Now to hop over to the link to preorder “Autumn”….as I enjoy this beautiful early summer day in SE Michigan.
Thanks for a wonderful blog…eye candy for sure!
Sweet Susan what a delightful post!
You can SEE the love swirling around those magic quilts. So beautiful.
I so appreciate you saying that all over the world, we are the same. It’s so true, we all love our children and flowers and beautiful things big and small. Thank you a million for being the “North Star” of positivity and graciousness, love, courage, and creativity for so many of us!
❌⭕❌⭕,
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi, Ca
It’s just that kindred spirit shining through us all. xo
What a wonderful give-away! Three great gifts!
I so much enjoy your blog. It reminds me of years gone by growing up in a large family and making do with what we had, learning to garden, cook, sew, read, and make music, and entertain ourselves without the “device” crutches of today – So much to appreciate. We learned to treasure things from our past – I still have a huge Christmas cactus from my grandmother’s house – not in the best of health, but still a living connection. Sadly, many younger people don’t have the appreciation for anything that’s not ‘instant and instantly replaceable’.
My younger sister often reminds me that when she was working in the local nursing home, she had a conversation with a teacher all 8 of us had in our elementary school years. This teacher said she didn’t know how, but our whole family turned out great because we never seemed to know how poor we were. It just goes to show love in families means more than money. How lucky we were to grow up in the 50’s and 60’s with love of home and family.
Happy anniversy! I love your blog, books and fabric. All your creativity really! Very inspirational and always makes me feel good :)!! Thank you!