“Hello,” as my dad says, “from Smallville!” ‘Cause that’s where I live too. And I like it 
here. Sometimes the world just seems too big ~ but the bigger it gets, the smaller I get ~ because here in Smallville, it’s always a nice day. There’s plenty to do in Smallville too … it’s not a boring place.
Things that don’t count in the big world are EVERYTHING here. When the world tries to get into Smallville and upset the smallness, I shut it out, turn on the MUSICA (listening to this now), light a fire (hearing it crackle), watch the birds busy at the feeders (peep-peep), and do what needs to be done.
Like cleaning shelves. Nothing more common sense than this, sometimes it needs to be done. I give myself a sense of purpose and accomplishment by getting the cooking juices off 
my shelves with a hot soapy cloth; washing dishes (I wash the ones with gold trim on them by hand) and putting them back on the shelves, shiny and clean. Standing back and looking at my handiwork and saying, “ahhhh, look at that sparkle!” I’m always happiest when my corner of the world is clean and organized and a new year for me always includes organization, which my mom says, is the key to success.
Some of the dishes are washed by hand, and these just came out of the dishwasher.
It’s before dawn and my audience is very quiet, just waking up, she pussyfoots around. No loud applause. Just purring.
And speaking of organization . . .
The other thing I wanted to share with you is an organizing thing that has turned out to be SO GOOD I had to tell you about it. I had this old (no longer in print) unused address book lying around, so I grabbed it and turned it into a brand new thing.
It’s now my “Internet Address and Password Log Book.” Before I thought of this, I had all my 
websites and passwords written, but not alphabetized, on four pieces of paper (adding more pages all the time) that got limper and more tattered and worn by the day; torn on the fold and messy with additions and pencil smears ~ I would have to “re-do” the whole thing every so often.
Now I have a real book I can put everything in. Like here, under C, the phone number and email address for Customer Service at my Studio.
It’s a hard-cover book with alphabet tabs that keep everything I need right at my fingertips.
For instance, under M, for Mom, here are all the websites, user names and passwords I need in order to pay my mom’s bills online. There are copies of her two credit cards, in case I need them. (These pages look a lot better in real life than they do in these photos ~ I didn’t think it would be very smart for me to show the world my passwords so I sort of squiggled them out; I knew you would be proud of me for the quick thinking.)
Under G is my Google Password, and all my contacts with the people at Gladys Taber, my Gmail and Goodreads Passwords too. Under S, I have web addresses for all the online places I like to Shop, passwords and usernames for shoes and sweaters and art supplies (sometimes I cross-reference and put art supplies under A, or U for Utrecht); under P, I have my Pinterest and Paypal account numbers . . . under C I have my Computer fix-it people, my Credit Card account numbers and contacts, and so on. I can pack this book up and take it with me no matter where I go! Very handy don’t you think? SO much better than my previous way of doing it.
I thought maybe this was something you might want to do. And, just in case you don’t have an old address book lying around . . .
I do! Two in fact, you can choose! You like yellow? We have yellow. You like blue? We have blue!
Both come complete with alphabet tabs . . .
They’re both in full color, binder style, they come with lots of pages. I blow on my fingernails, polish them on my sweater, say to myself, Brilliant! It makes me feel good to be organized.
And if you like it too, I have something for you!
A new drawing for these two “Internet Address Books,” one for our lucky winner, and one for the lucky winner to give away to her lucky friend! All you have to do is leave a comment and you’ll be entered into the drawing. (NOTE: If the blog is mailed to you, you might not see a place to leave a comment, go directly to www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/, scroll to the bottom of this post, look for the tiny word “Comments” at the very end in tiny grey letters, click there to comment so you’re entered into the drawing.) Vanna (she’s our virtual in-house Game Girl and “random number generator,” although she would hate to be called this) is on high alert, ready to do her job in a few days, to choose the winner.
So here in Smallville, all is well, even though it’s freezing outside . . .
And everything is coated in this crisp frozen-on snow crust . . .
The wind whistles and the shutters bang and ice crystals grace all our upstairs windows ~
Inside Smallville, it’s 72°, it’s organized (within reason) and as flowery and summer-like as I need it to be while I paint for our new 2016 calendars.♥
Last but not least, I realize there’s not enough Kitty Love in this post, in case you need a fix, go HERE, for full and complete inundation.♥
And a reminder of the best of the little things in life:
A kitty will make you laugh every day and that is simply priceless. Love you Girlfriends. ♥ Don’t forget to leave your comment. Have a wonderful day! All my love from Smallville, USA. XOXO
INSPIRED!! Off to do the very same thing in my very own book!!
Just finished watching a DVD gift: Tasha Tudor “Take Joy”. Also watched “Take Peace” again over the holidays. Speaking of Smallville, she made a whole small world that was so charming for herself, her children and for us! Keep up the good work, Susan.
June
Such a good idea, using the book for all of those website passwords and internet info! You’ve inspired me too, to tackle the shelves in the kitchen! Not a fun job, but made lighter when I have “kitty help”, from my furry babies! Happy New Year to you and Joe!
Happy New Year! Thank you for the idea to help get things organized. I love all your 2015 calendars – they make me smile every time I look at them. Thank you for all the joy you add to all our lives. Susan in Georgia
I love your idea of a book for email addresses and passwords. Now, why don’t you publish a specific book next year for Email addresses, etc? That would really be handy and of course beautiful if it is your design.
I too love my Smallville. Sometimes I just hunker down at home and do my own thing, and try to let all the world’s worries go. It is not that we don’t care about the wider world, sometimes it is just too much, and we are constantly bombarded by way too much info.
Have a good New Year. What photogenic kitties you have!
What a great idea! Absolutely brilliant way to repurpose and re-use! How can anyone hack one of our passwords when we can’t remember them ourselves? Thank you for the chance!
Hi Susan, Love your idea to organize passwords. I have scraps of paper littered with passwords and invariably have lost many. Great idea. thanks
We just bought a home in Smallville, CA aka Magalia, CA. We should be moving soon. I won’t be Sheryl from Chico anymore. I’ll be Sheryl from Magalia. It is still in the tall pines. So, maybe I need a housewarming present of some new address books. Thanks for the bookmark. If you don’t have a heavy paper, I use a manila folder and it works very well. I already printed two. One for moi and one for my daughter. Bye for now. Love You………..Sheryl
Ooo, that’s a good tip Sheryl! Happy new house!
oh, Susan!!!! wow. what a treat to have you visit again this year!!!! you surely must know how our hearts do jump up-and-down when we see new messages from you!!! I KNOW I speak for all when I say this. the organizing began here last month, but have not gotten to passwords, etc. I even had to forego checking on an order placed @ qvc…can’t BELIEVE I actually order from qvc (they’ve been great so far…but, it’s a crazy concept for we “of-a-certain-age”…isn’t it?) …but I couldn’t recall or FIND my password or whatever….putting them all together, logically, would be quite helpful. and…your precious books would do the trick!!!! vanna…pick me…pick me!!! well, gotta go back to tv to check on “our” patriots…even tho we’re in va., we’re born and bred new Englanders, soooo pats are our team…forever!! do keep warm & cozy and happy, healthy new yr to all !!!!!!…especially to your beautiful parents, Susan!!!!
Thank you so much Chris!
Hi Susan and Vanna,
Happy New Year!
I also love the idea of all the organization in your two pretty address books! Thought to throw out . . .
wondered if maybe for next year you could make a “tech” book for all the numbers, passwords, e-mail addresses, etc. that we have in addition to the address book for”normal” addresses. (whatever normal is!)
I love the idea of a “Smallville” atmosphere. I am so lucky, as you are, to live in my own “Smallville”. I live in the same state, MA, I call where I live, “My little house in the woods”. I always feel like I am on vacation living here, and I hope that no one will come someday, knock on my door and tell me my vacation is over!
Thank you for your wonderful BLOG!
Kathi
Susan, that is such a great idea. Thank you. Also, thank you for sharing your lovely pictures and awesome music… always brings a smile to my face.
Hi Susan! You are always so good to encourage us girlfriends is so many ways with things around our homes! I am gonna go wash all my dishes in my china cabinet right now so they will sparkle and shine 🙂 Then I am gonna build a fire in the fireplace and sit near enough to feel its warmth with my furry little dog by my side as I organize all my addresses and internet addresses!! What a wonderful idea:) …can’t wait for my new address book to arrive 😉 Love you! Kiss the kitties right on those tiny little mouths … And Joe too, of course!
Hi Susan,
Smallville is wonderful….just like your books! I thing we are all in organizing, decluttering mode. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Leonardo Da Vinci
Thank you, Cyndee
Happy New Year! Just got done reading the story of Jack. Love the baby pictures! Kitties do make a bad day good. Our “baby”, Mia, is nearly 13. She lost her mate, Merlin, in the fall. Keep looking for him when I’m making lunch for work. 🙂 He was ever alert for the opening of the refrigerator! Thank you for all that you share.
Been in an organizing mood since the beginning of the year. Yesterday sorted my various linens and towels and such, giving away quite a few, discarding others, and just keeping the things that give me pleasure. Now I grin like a fool when I look at the shelves. It would be great to do that same with those pesky usernames and passwords, and in something pretty to boot.
Hi Susan, My daughter and I love your address book and have been wishing that you would publish it again. We would love to win one and use it for passwords. What a great idea! Thanks for your cheery blogs.
Cold and blustery here in Connecticut! Under a warm blanket, candles lit with a new book – Simple and Smallville sound heavenly.
Gaynor
I actually have the blue address book for addresses and phone numbers! I re-purposed your daybook last year; I keep inspirational ideas for poetry there. I always use a 1.0 black gel pen, never anything else inside! (I am such a geek. Sheesh.)
I know what you mean about internet addresses and passwords and such. I finally put mine in a nifty spiral notebook. And yes, everything’s in the same fat black gel pen ink!
Anyway I can add more of your bright artwork to my day is a VERY GOOD THING.
Just lovely- thank you for making my week every week! You make me smile and give me encouragement in life– You make me feel as though I am on top the world–Your small ville is simply the best even though I live miles away. It is still so much fun to hear about your world– Your artwork is simply grand and I love your blog and all your posts through time and kitty’s. Wow your the most special friend– thanks again for letting me see into your wonderful life.
Winter is the best time to get organized!! Makes being indoors so much more comfortable!
Susan, you make me smile. What an inspiration you are to all – words of wisdom and wonderful ideas – to warm our hearts. Hope you have a Happy Day!
Thanks for the great idea.
I have the white address book, and I use it all the time. I think it’s beautiful.
What a great idea! I have post-its stuck to 8×10 sheets of paper not in any particular order.
A brillant idea, Susan!!! BTW…. Good late afternoon to you and all girlfriends out there from the west coast. I never would have thought of putting all the contacts into an address book. I, too, am going to have to redo, again, my contacts and passwords. Have done it once and really needs to be redone. I keep adding blank post-it notes full of writing. I’m sure some can be weeded out as I no longer use some of them.
Love the picture of, I’m thinking it is Girl Kitty. She is so little! Also, looks as though you don’t have all that much snow. Is this how it’s been this winter for you? We only had the one time of a couple inches and that’s it. They say that’s all for this winter. Well, I don’t mind not having to drive in it, but it sure does brighten up your day when it’s sooooo gloomy out! We had it for a grand total of 1 1/2 days.
Haven’t been on the computer this past week much. Am so glad that I didn’t miss out on the drawing! It would have been a shame not to wish the recepient congratulations for winning.
Hope all is well with you and Joe. There is a nasty cold going around the state, along with the flu. Don’t want any of that! 🙂
Carol M
I recently started following your blog and wonder where you have been all my life! I bought your book, “A Fine Romance” and am enjoying it so much! I have visited the UK and Ireland several times, but I see from your book I have missed so many things and places. I would love to go back and live over there for about 6 months to take my time and see what I have missed. It is so beautiful and so full of history. Less materialistic there I believe. I have always been on tours and not too many opportunities to veer from the course. I loved Grasmere, especially the gingerbread! We did not see Hill Top, which is unbelievable as we were so close. I did buy a set of the Beatrix Potter books for my grandchildren. I cam re-live some of my travels thru your book and thru the many blog friends I have found who live there.
I’ve been right here, in beautiful downtown Smallville! Thank you for the comments about A FINE ROMANCE, ~~ you take me back for a moment, visions of narrow roads, little lambs and beautiful gardens dance in my head, and I love it. Happy 2015 Linda!
Would LOVE to have one of your address books for my passwords which are currently on MANY slips of paper in my desk draw. Oy! Great idea Susan. My kitty love is napping right beside me as I write this. I agree with you– Miss Bunting was very rude to darling Robert! I don’t think she’s right for Tom at all. And I thought Thomas was going to be booted out once and for all–he really does make your skin crawl. Can’t wait to see what Edith does to be near her darling little girl. When we have a bad day all we have to do is to think of poor Edith–she just can’t catch a break, poor thing. Many blessings to you in 2015!
If Tom went with her, well, honestly words fail me. I THINK he is smarter than that, but I’m not so sure about those rabble-rouser writers for the show! After Mathew, I can see they shouldn’t be fully trusted. It’s tonight you know, the second in the series. Can. not. wait.
Me too ! Ohhhhh isn’t the anticipation worth it. What a beautiful day to cozy in for the night. I just love these winter days of snuggle ! Had a nice long walk with Tuck, breathing in all that crisp clean air and the comming in for home made chicken soup ! Doesn’t get better than this, honestly ! 😉
Your site just makes me happy. Thank you for all your positive joyful posts and pics!
Linda
I love this Idea…I have a book but not alphabetized and including all the info as you have done. I also love your cat pics and stories. I am catless for the time being but I love them and dream of when I can have another. I have names picked out for all different kinds of cats. thank
you for sharing yours
Great idea for an address book! Would love to win yours!
Great idea! As always enjoy the escape while reading your post.
Such a gorgeous way to be organised. I love your artwork and I’m enjoying your 2015 calendar. I always find reading your blog so inspiring and beautiful to look at.
What a brilliant idea! Right now my passwords are helter skelter in a notebook and I’m flipping through pages and pages to find what I need. I would keep one for me and share the other one with my daughter!
I love hearing about the kitty’s, I have a big yellow Manx named Ginger. He’s fantastic too! Your address books look lovely!
What a terrific idea – having all that info in one place! Brillant!
Happy winter weekend to all!
Perfectly perfect idea.
I need to be organized. Your organization brings a smile to my face. For some of us organization is a hard thing. But your mom is right organization is the key to success. Thanks for making me smile. Stay warm in Smallville.
Susan~
Thank you for your heart of kindness, love and encouragement. Your responses to so many comments feel good to anybody reading them. I love your address book for organizing. I wrote our once in a lifetime FAFSA pin in mine years ago, but didn’t go for the brilliant extension like you have done! I would love to record the rest of mine in one of your pretty books. Thanks for your many gifts everyday! ~Kari
Hello Susan,
Nothing better than Smallville. I love our little corner of the world and our New Year’s resolution is to enjoy more “Smallville” moments. I have your discontinued address book and love it – I bought it at a bookshop on Martha’s Vineyard when we were on our honeymoon there in 2003. It is very loved and used – scotch taped and whited out- but I continue to treasure it. Thanks for the continued great ideas….I love organizing and taking care of what we have. It’s home.
XO Mary
Susan,
I have that very same address book, but I still use it 🙂 I would like one of the others in order to turn it into a internet password book. I teach computer classes and I recommend keeping a password address book. Yours are too cute!
Clara
Love your idea of organizing email addresses, etc. in an address book! I’m like you were, papers I keep writing on in random places and scraps by the computer with email addresses. I always wanted to organize them but wasn’t sure of the best way. Thanks for the giveaway (I hope I win, I will get them organized for sure!).
I love your blog! I just discovered it and have been happily surfing through the pages. Your beautiful stove makes me want to go out and buy one too!
Nice to meet you Jennifer!
This is a great idea! Please put me in the drawing.
Hi Susan…How did you know of my need to get organized this year? I am so impressed!!! Thank you for this opportunity.
Dear Susan,
I so enjoyed your post, & have been motivated to get a little bit more organized this year! I also enjoyed perusing everyone’s comments. I almost forgot to post a comment, so dear Vanna could choose me!
Oh, my word – there are over 1000 comments already. But I’ll throw my little hat into the ring, too. Scraps of paper with passwords and codes litter my desk drawers. Several years ago I realized that if the internet went down, or blogs disappeared, I would have no way to contact many of the bloggers I consider friends. So I began an address book with their snail mail and email addresses. It’s a mess, too.
Smallville is a lovely place to live. Everyone is so very friendly here.
You meet the best people in Smallville!
Happy New Year, Susan — you are such an inspiration to A) clean my china cabinet;
B) organize my passwords — my steno-pad is tucked in a kitchen cabinet and probably looks much like yours did; and C) keep looking at the kitties at the shelter. I’d convinced myself that a new kitty was out of the question, but boy, on these cold winter days, sure would be great to have a buddy to chat and snuggle with. Thanks for the chance to win an address book! Question: have you read Running out of Night? Just got it at the library and it will be my read tomorrow.
Stay warm!!! Ethel
Not yet, but soon!
How can I come up with a new and original comment, when all 1,108 previous comments said something of the nature of what I planned to say? Oh well, even if I am not original, this comment will give me a slight chance at winning, won’t it? You can be happy you are not in Iowa right now. We have been in the deep freeze all week.
Every single one of you is individual and different, and I’m just amazed at how much we all have in common, love for all the special little things in life. Aren’t we lucky?!
I love your beautiful work and amazing blog! I think the password list idea is fabulous, because I’m always forgetting my passwords. I also need help getting organized and one of your gorgeous planners would be perfect!
Hello,
This is a great idea! We have a Mac and there’s a “keychain” app to store your passwords, however, my husband doesn’t know how to use it. So this will be great for him and will look pretty sitting out with our computer! My three kitties say hello!
January is such a lovely month for clean dishes and extra organization. It always feels like a nice fresh start.
I live in a “smallville” of the north woods and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. The cold is all about but I’m staying nice and cozy in my nest too.
Blessings to you for 2015 xo
Love your idea about using an address book for passwords and love the address books you have shown. But most of all I love your Jack and Girl because both remind me of our precious Chloe who is no longer with us. It is freezing cold here too and your blog just warms me up
What a “wonderful” idea. I love starting the new year getting organized. And the cold weather is the perfect time to do it. Thank you, Susan!
HI Susan, I LOVE this idea and now all I need would be a Susan Branch address book!
Hi my favorite person who lives in my computer that writes me wonderful things to think about !!!!!
Can you see me ? I am sitting in the middle row, four seats from the front. I am waving my arm and holding it up with my left arm. Oh, and I am saying ” Ohhh ohhh, me me me please !!”
I am so glad I found you years ago… YOU are the first one I call on when I get my coffee in the morning. I WANT TO BE YOU !! ( meantime, I will keep waving my raised arm. Love you , dear heart !
I do see you Judy, you look adorable!
Susan,
Your idea is brilliant! I was just trying to solve the same problem, but using an address book never occurred to me. Thanks for the tip. If I win yours, I’ll be happy. But if I don’t, I’ll get one somewhere and STILL be happy!
Still wishing for a book signing in the metro Denver area! Keep us in mind.
Kristi
I will do that!
Good grief, I am blown away by the number of comments you have already! No wonder, though, this is a popular place you’ve got here. What a great idea you’ve given us, so I’ll get in line and try my luck with Vanna. I wanted to ask you a question about your time in Long Beach. I’m hoping it won’t get lost amid all of the other comments, but here goes: I’m living in Long Beach now, and in reading your older blogs, discovered you grew up here. I thought I saw that you grew up on Park Ave., but I can’t find where I read that. We cross Park almost every day as we come down 4th Street. We live off of 4th, on Ohio Ave. ( I loved that – when Bill and I got married, I left Ohio to live on Ohio! ) Did you grow up anywhere near close to 4th? (Hope you don’t mind my asking!) One more question, if it’s okay – did you attend high school here?
I was only on Park Avenue until I was 7 . . . I went to Minnie Gant grammar school, but that was about it. Them we moved up to the San Fernando Valley. My mom still lives in Seal Beach. I hope Vanna pulls through for you!
I know where Minnie Gant is! Neat. We like to walk on Seal Beach Pier – it’s a gorgeous spot to watch the sun set and the moon rise. I’ve taken a bazillion pictures there.
I’ve probably passed you on the pier! We always go there at least once when we’re visiting my mom!
What a perfect organization tool! Passwords. Frustration. The forgot password emails! Yikes! I would love to win and get my internet life in order! I loved what another girlfriend wrote about using one for addresses and one for passwords!
Pick me, Vanna!
It was wonderful to read about Samllville and Jack’s history again. He is just darling.
Hello Susan…from one “Smallville” to another! Love your idea!
Susan, I’ve got a cute little notebook from Michael’s that I’ve been doing that with for some time, but it’s not nearly as nice as your address book. Computers have their place, but there’s nothing like hard copy, especially when so charmingly assembled. And THAT would be one of the first things I’d grab if — perish the thought — a hurricane came my way again. You’ve clearly struck a chord with your ladies — over 1100 comments!
Okay, if you insist, see if I win; I already have the blue address book, however, yellow is my favorite color! Good luck to all! salve
I really need a new address book to organize what is in mine. Thanks for the chance to win.
Your website address book idea is brilliant. Love it.
Brilliant! I’ve been using the “sticky notes” feature on my laptop for user names and passwords, but this is pure genius in case it ever goes pfffffftt!!!
I have a small notebook by Susan Branch dated 1999. I got it on sale somewhere – don’t remember where. I came across it recently, and I have been putting recipes in it from the TV or computer as I don’t have a printer right now. I had recently turned it around and am using the back for websites and passwords. But I like the recipe use best, and want to save the book for that. It stands up nicely for reading the recipes! So, for websites and passwords, it would be fun to have a real alphabetized organized book, right?
I used that same book, backwards and forwards, as a diary when we traveled in England, the front side was tips for gardens, the backside was ideas for recipes I picked up along the way. You can see it HERE . . . two great minds!
Great organization idea!
Genius idea! I came across an unused address book just yesterday and now I know just what to do with it!
Thanks for the inspiration and the motivation!
lovely idea! brilliant in fact…thanks for the chance to win….and become organized!
I always enjoy reading your heartwarming blog. Living vicariously through you on your travels is such a treat. I especially love all the beautiful pictures and reading about your little Jack, Girl Kitty, Joe, and your family, as well as all the happenings in your wonderful corner of the world. Thank you for sharing with your “kindred spirit” girlfriends.
Wonderful ideas.
Lovely seeing pics of the icy days of January. It somehow warms the heart!
Love all of your books, Susan, and I NEED a new address book, too! My spot for designating who I sent out Christmas cards to and checking the box if I received one back has gotten waaay too messy and unorganized. I’d love to be entered to win yours!
Sounds like a great idea.
Yes, I agree with all that your idea of using an address book for organizing passwords, websites, and other important information is brilliant. Thank you for your idea and as always thank you for your inspiring posts and sharing your life with us.
Hi Susan, I would love to get so organized as you and you inspire me. Maybe I’ll start tomorrow!! Please enter me in the drawing Thank you so much.Love, zCharlene Scholey
I’m not sure I posted a comment in the right place! Sorry! I love your work, Susan. Would love to win an address book 🙂
Please enter me in the drawing! I too have wilting pieces of paper or sometimes think I can remember all of them-HA!
Hi Susan! What a great idea! I have little bits of paper scattered all over my desk with notations, passwords, etc. This looks so neat and organized! Thank you so much!
I love the darling address book! Would love to win one too!!
What a timely giveaway! I have been using my address book for passwords and for addresses (imagine that!) and the cover, which was just hanging on by a thread, fell off the other day. It is TIME for a replacement! Fingers crossed! Thank you for letting us sign up.
Oh, a lovely idea for passwords! I am also in “organizing” mode….must be the chilly gray days here in the N.W.!
this is so funny! i just told my husband the other day that after being alive my entire life i finally have realized that to make things happen, and stay on top of the never ending to do list, and to save money a person just needs to be very organized. i love your mom’s saying…it is so true…i just wish i understood it a whole lot sooner in my life. i guess now is better than never. the address/internet book is a great idea!
I’m always wishing those things too, but we seem to get it when we get it, if we’re lucky!
I have the pink address book that I use for street addresses. But, one of the other pretty ones would be great for email addresses! Thank you for a chance to win it!
Happy New Year from California!
What a great idea…my log-in and password list is just like your old method, so I could use some updating!
Susan, Your posts are so special, this is the quiet place I go just for me, after a busy day of classes. Your address book would be perfect to help organize my world. Thank you for the drawing.
You are such a great girlfriend to share your ideas and addresses books with one of us! Thanks for the idea and lovely giveaway!
Nothing like being organized for a New Year, (says one who isn’t) so I could really use the new address book! Happy New Year Susan.
I have just begun a complete de-cluttering, organizing and simplifying of our house and my life. I want this house to be our sanctuary and place of wonder. I would love to have anything that you have held in your hands. You are a true inspiration.
I love your aspiration Erin! xoxo
I am snuggled in bed with the electric blanket on and I’m wearing my Susan Branch jammies. I just love them. They’re so soft and cozy. The burgundy ones with fluffy plaid bottoms and the hot cocoa mug on top. My little girl wants a pair too. I’ve had them for years. Will you do pajamas again? But I digress… I Love your blog, your artwork, books, everything. The address book is perfect. XOXOXO Stacy
I would LOVE to do jammies again!
We want jammies..it’s cold out here!!!
LOL Laura!
Can’t wait till the temperature goes up to 32 degrees – a real cause for celebration – maybe I’ll have a tea party for one! Keep warm, enjoy your wonderful home and family, and as always, thank you for sharing so much!
What a great idea!!! I love blue! And I love yellow!!!
What a wonderful idea! I have pages of tablet paper with passwords.
I keep updating but don’t dare throw the old ones away, “just in case”.
Love the sweet yellow address book.
Thanks
YAY! Another drawing! Love your idea. Speaking of Long Beach, I lived there too during the 60’s. Our first daughter was born there. Sweet memories. My aunt also lived in LB, so I grew up visiting there as a child. Oh, and my parents were married there. Long Beach has a special place in my heart. How did I get so carried away?
Please forgive me.
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
Great idea! My passwords currently reside in a small 3-ring binder with a front cover that’s about ready to fall off . It’s a hodgepodge mess with no alphabetizing. Friends’ emails are on paper scraps or post it notes. ARGHH! I need to organize!
Now that makes way too much sense–should I not win, I will definitely transfer all the scribbles on my tattered password sheet into an address book. Thanks for the inspiration.
I love the address books and your ideas on how to use them with our password collections!
Happy New Years wishes to you from me in Los Alamitos (right near Seal Beach).
I grew up in Long Beach too, but only made it as far as Los Al. Thank you for all of the lovely pictures of your home & travels.
I was born in Long Beach, so we’ve been going there my whole life. Happy New Year Ema!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for taking the time to write on your blog, I am an avid reader. My household is getting to know you too. ha ha ha and its lovely that they do. I wish I had found you earlier but as they say “better late than never.” We are experiencing a hot summer at the moment in Perth, Western Australia. Lots of fans and air conditioning happening. Your snow and frosty windows look spectacular enjoy. We saw falling snow for the first time last month whilst on holiday in Scotland…..it was WOW! anyway thank you for your blog Susan. Kindest regards Kirsten.
It truly is WOW, especially the first time, but really, every time, our house squeals (including Joe), it’s snowing! Stay cool down there Kirsten, hello to the family!
I’ve been trying to think of a better way to do this than my piece of notebook paper that is literally falling apart!
They are adorable! And I love blue and yellow. Thanks for the idea!
I’m with you….January is my “organization month”! Closets, drawers, shelves…. look out….I think after all the Christmas doings, I need these occupations to keep me busy after the last decoration is packed away. My other favorite passtime in January is to delve into my new books given by family and friends (They always know exactly what I love )…..yummy reading material! Happy January to you!
This is the best idea I have seen for keeping track of everything! I guess I will put it off until I see if I won first. 😉