Hello from Smallville!

“Hello,” as my dad says, “from Smallville!”  ‘Cause that’s where I live too.  And I like it lit the firehere.  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.

toxic world

doing dishes

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 yellow glasswaremy 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.

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doing dishes

Some of the dishes are washed by hand, and these just came out of the dishwasher.

doing dishes

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 . . .

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address book

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.

address book

It’s now my “Internet Address and Password Log Book.”  Before I thought of this, I had all my notewebsites 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.

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address book

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.

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address book

It’s a hard-cover book with alphabet tabs that keep everything I need right at my fingertips.

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organization

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.)

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advice from mom

address book

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.

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address book

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 . . .

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address book

I do!  Two in fact, you can choose! You like yellow?  We have yellow.  You like blue? We have blue!

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Both come complete with alphabet tabs . . .

address book

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.

address books

And if you like it too, I have something for you!

word

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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 . . .

frozen garden

And everything is coated in this crisp frozen-on snow crust . . .

ice feathers on the windows

The wind whistles and the shutters bang and ice crystals grace all our upstairs windows ~

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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.

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kittyLast 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.

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And a reminder of the best of the little things in life:

kitten

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

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1,885 Responses to Hello from Smallville!

  1. Kate Taylor says:

    I have so many log ins and such I started an excel spread sheet for them all. But all it takes is one Em pulse and we are all toast. But I guess if we get hit with a EM it wont matter what our passwords are! As much as I love the computer life, a lot of things were simpler without it. I got your address book a number of years ago for my mom who still writes everything down, Im hooked on my phone! Thanks for the chance, and stay warm!

  2. Pat W. says:

    I, too, live in a Smallville and I am blessed. Only in this type of town can a complete stranger overhear you say a doctor appt. did not go well & offer to pray for you. Thank you for your great idea & I hope I win the books.
    Happy New Year to you & yours.

  3. Ren T says:

    Have just ordered your book “Girlfriends Forever” for my daughters 35th birthday. Love your work!!! Please enter my name in the drawing. Thank you!!!

  4. Kathryn Huettner says:

    and here I was organizing for the new year, planning a trip to Staples for a plain Jane address book knowing that a Susan Branch was not for the having….perhaps now it is!

  5. Rhonda Cooper says:

    Susan,
    Thank you for the much needed mental break from CNN and wondering how in the world things will get better. Your blog brought me right back to where I need to be, breathing normally again.
    Just the other day I was thinking about my address book that is filled with decades of my life and is so desperately in need of an update or a permanent retirement. It was a beauty in its day and I am not wonderful at parting with things just in case I may need something in it, someday, somehow. I would, of course, welcome yours in a heartbeat. You are a treasure.

  6. Kathryn Huettner says:

    I have been organizing for the new year which this year requires replacing my 15 year old address book….knowing that the Susan B. address books are out of print I was about to journey to Staples for a “Plain Jane”…..butperhaps my wish will be granted!

    • sbranch says:

      You should wait until you see if you won, but if you don’t, then remember, we do have some of my address books left in our webstore.

  7. Donna Hamilton says:

    Love the idea of using an Address Book for all of my passwords. I seem to be getting more and more and remembering is getting harder each time. I am trying to get more organized to start off this new year right.
    Happy 2015 to all!

  8. Rosanne Murphy (Oregon) says:

    Every time I catch a glimpse of your wonderful old dishes I put a hand to my heart and sigh with a smile. I have my great grandmother’s china, which lucky for me is cream with garlands of little pink roses, and a scalloped gold rim. So pretty, and so nice to think about all the Sunday dinners when they were used. I have been spending time on Ancestry.com, and what it does it make you realize how connected we all are, and that we are each a part of a vast web of souls. It is humbling and touching and quite wonderful.

  9. Shirley says:

    Just finished your book hated to see it end. Hope there are future plans for more of the same as you travel..Thanks for oportuity to win. Shirley

  10. Elisabeth Olijnsma (the Netherlands) says:

    Hi Susan,

    I still have the old address book and I still use it whenever I need an address! I don’t have a “fancy” phone, so I really need it. And turns out it’s usually better updated than my husband’s phone 😉 The book has travelled around the world too, but I can’t do that anymore. The binder came a bit loose on one of our travels, so the addresses I need to send vacation cards to (yes, I still do that) are in my husband’s phone. And it’s also very handy for writing Christmas cards… There’s no way I’m giving it up soon! 🙂 Have a happy day!

    Love, Elske

  11. Laura Craun says:

    I’ve been cleaning out cupboards myself! It gets super dusty in there too!

  12. Jean W says:

    What a brilliant idea! I love your idea of Smallville sometimes it all seems too much to take in. I really enjoy reading your blog it’s so inspiring. I’m trying to get organized this year too.
    Keep the great ideas coming our way 🙂

  13. Joanie Cain says:

    Hi Susan,
    What a brilliant idea to make your address book into an Internet address and password book. Love the idea!

  14. Jill Cristao says:

    Susan – Your creativity is so encouraging! I was just looking at my bedraggled password lists this morning and wondering how I was going to straighten them out. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Also want to say thank you for sharing such warming, homey pictures of your life. The bowl of sudsy water and sparkling glasses drying reminds us all of the simple pleasures in life. Since the late 1980’s I have been turning to your books and more recently your charming blog for the comforting reminders that making a home cheerful and pretty is indeed worthwhile. The pleasures of home need not be costly or glamorous, but meaningful to us and those we love. To know that there are kindred spirits out there, intent on being true to how God made us as we create warm, inviting humble homes, is quite comforting. So grateful you share your gifts with us – thank you.

  15. Deborah T. in NY says:

    Love the yellow address book! Smallville, here I come…
    My cat, Cleo had to go to sleep the day after Christmas,….the kitten picture is so cute…

  16. J Hruska says:

    Just love your idea for the address books, which look so cute, btw!

  17. Christina ♥ says:

    Oh Susan, what a clever idea! Thank you. Happy 2015! ❤︎

  18. Jo P says:

    What a great idea!! My passwords on on a piece of paper that keeps getting crossed out or lost!!

  19. Marie (Williamsburg, Virginia) says:

    Susan, what a wonderful reprieve today, from the present chaos of the world. I’ve been scrubbing (and polishing), too. The quietude of the house (no world news) makes you think only happy thoughts. I’m so over the bad guys of the world.

    Peace and warmth to all.

    Marie

  20. Margie says:

    Smallville — I LOVE IT!! I live in Smallville, too — in California’s Central Coast that is!! Yes, it is good to live in Smallville where the most violent thing we experience is when Barney Fife and Otis Campbell get into a fight! If only — but reading your blog gives a sense of peace and beauty each day — thank you. And I love the photo of the snow crystals on your window — don’t get those out here, so they are fascinating to me! And thank you for the drawing — that’s an excellent idea; I’m ALWAYS forgetting my passwords for Amazon, Costco, etc. Maybe if I write them down it will help. Keep warm and snug in Smallville, East Coast!

  21. Tracy Byers says:

    OOOH! I am so in need of a new address book- thank you for holding a drawing!

  22. Maureen Flaherty says:

    Hi Susan — I need to get organized. This address book would help and give such pleasure throwing away all the little scraps of paper with notes.

  23. Bebe says:

    Love this idea! So practical, and yes– so Brilliant!

  24. Gina Davis says:

    This is a great idea, Susan. I have had the same problem. I have two pages of passwords and the paper is tattered and worn. Thanks for sharing! I love your books, your blog, and you! I love Smallville, too!

  25. Lindy Hebel says:

    Smallville is the place for me / us too. May I say, very nice job on the glassware? Great sparkle I can see from here. Your address book is a great idea and I hope to be a winner because I love SB “stuff”. It makes the everyday tasks fun to do ( most of the time).
    Gorgeous winter day here on the shores of Lake Michigan. Enjoy your day on the coast.

  26. kathy Trivison says:

    Yes getting a jump on spring organizing sounds good. Tell Vanna I’m ready.

  27. Melissa says:

    What a fun giveaway for this cold dreary month! Thank you! Also thank you for being such a wonderful inspiration on living in “smallville”. Sometimes it does get very overwhelming, doesn’t it? It makes sense to hold our loved ones and our kitties close to us and just live in the here and now. Planning little birthday surprises and cooking delicious treats….and let the world go around and be big and bad and “out there”.

  28. Mary Beth McGrath says:

    Love the idea of organizing passwords and account information in an address book! There is no substitute for pen and paper!

  29. Pam C says:

    Certainly looks handy!

  30. Kathy Kennedy says:

    Hello long lost twin 🙂
    So far doing same things in January. Cleaning, organizing and looking forward to Downton Abby.

  31. Jen says:

    Love the address books! My passwords have been in a bright red Long’s Drugs “hot numbers” book since I first got a computer. Many of them have changed or become obsolete and the pages are beginning to look like a real nightmare. I can’t imagine trying to remember all that stuff, and I do not see the security in storing sensitive data in my computer. Time to update!

  32. Donna says:

    Great idea!

  33. Shelley Palmer says:

    I was down and out with one of the 24 hour bugs. So nice to feel well enough to read your blog. Love the address books.

    Shelley

  34. Ann Jane Koerber says:

    Susan, we’re vacationing in sunny Naples, FL and so excited to get your blog! I cannot print until we return to MA, would you pleeeease keep the moon bookmark and winter ones available? Your blogs bring such a peaceful, serene happiness to my life and I send you a great big THANK YOU! xoxo

  35. Barbara Welch says:

    I have that address book and still use it but I love the idea of a new one just for passwords and email addresses. Great thinking Susan.

  36. Jan says:

    Susan,
    (Seems my comment disappeared? So will try again.) Had to ask you if you have seen the new EB cat mugs?!! They are sooo cute!! Had to leave another comment because when I saw them I instantly thought of YOU.
    Jan

  37. Diane says:

    Looking forward to using the book to keep web info in. Great idea.

  38. Cindy Bailey says:

    I have four scraggly pages that would love to be transferred to one of your beautiful address books! Let’s have the Luck O’The Irish Vanna!

  39. Clair Lambright says:

    I LOVE contests…what a way to brighten the day!! Thank you!!!

  40. Bea Tapparo says:

    I so related to your post today. Thank you. The idea of using one of your address books to get our household organized is exactly what I needed to hear. Love, Love, Love it! This will be my next project! Thanks, Susan for all your creativity!

  41. Carin from Central California says:

    Scathingly brilliant idea! I’m in. I, too, have ratty pages of user id’s and passwords that I would love to put in one of your pretty address books.

    • sbranch says:

      Scathingly! Who wouldn’t love hanging out in Smallville with the kind of girlfriends that say Scathingly?!

  42. Jo says:

    Hope Vanna can find mine in the huge number of comments that have been made so far. May I have the yellow one please?
    Love all of your suggestions and dream starters, thanks.

  43. Geri says:

    I love the address book idea for organizing passwords! Getting all that in one place is one of my 2015 resolutions. The other is to keep reading this blog!

  44. Mary Eldridge says:

    Organization is the Holy Grail! Tools like your address book will surely help those on the quest.

  45. Sandra says:

    My daughter gave me your Grandma’s Bowl print for Christmas. It is beautiful.
    Wonderful memories I have of a bowl just like thatbelonging to my mother. Also love the address book for websites and passwords. Thanks for the memories that I can enjoy everyday when I look at your print in my kitchen.

  46. Jean says:

    Just what I needed – a new address book. I have looked for one ever since Christmas and haven’t found one to buy. Would love one to match my Sunsan Branch hanging wall calendar in my office space.

  47. Lesley from California says:

    Yes, yes, yes, the best way to keep track of those so easy to forget passwords…the address book! And your address book makes this even nicer to start organizing.

  48. Paula B. says:

    I love all address books, but no longer buy them since I’ve gone digital. The idea of organizing my usernames and passwords in an address book would simplify my current system of scribbling inside the separate bill files in my desk.

  49. Ann P. says:

    Great idea! Organizing is one of my 2015 goals. Thanks.

  50. Claire says:

    Love, love, love the calendar books I bought from you last year. The address book would be a great addition. Claire

  51. Susan Ekins says:

    Looks so cozy at your house, Susan. You inspire me to make my home more comforting. Would love to win an address book.

  52. Lee Rose says:

    Great idea-passwords in a address book. Nicer than my ratty notebook, and more organized. I’m in.

    I love – Get a Kitten just do it. Be sure it is a kitten from a shelter. And don’t forget the grown up kitties there. They need loving homes too.

  53. Hilda C. White says:

    I have the ‘out of print’ Address Book pictured on your blog and use it almost daily. It is well-loved!
    Also, I adore my ‘Full Moon’ bookmark and was so happy that you have given this gift again. I use it to mark my daily journal page and will now use my new one for the New Year! Happy, happy 2015, dear Susan! : )

  54. Cathy from Golden Co says:

    BRILLIANT idea for the phone book. And that kitten – PRECIOUS !!!

  55. Heather says:

    What a great idea! Please enter me in your drawing! I just love reading your blog! It warms my heart! Love those beautiful dishes! Thanks! Heather

  56. Linda Wattier says:

    Why is January such a good month to clean out and get organized? Been doing that myself. Love the address books.

  57. Monica Duenes says:

    Oh Susan, you artwork is beyond beautiful!!! I would love to get organized with your beautiful yellow address book (because yellow is my FAVORITE color) and bless a dear friend with the blue one!!! Thank you for for offering this gift to your readers!!!

  58. Deb says:

    You are my Smallville Susan! I look forward to each and every one of your lovely posts. You always remind me to treasure and enjoy the simple things in life. I too have a tattered piece of paper with all of my passwords~~ one of your address books would be so nice to have!

  59. Carol Leatherman says:

    Looks fabulous – and very needed! Thank you for this –

  60. Shannon Parnall says:

    My husband laughs and calls me old-fashioned because I still use an address book instead of my phone. I figure at least I’ll never have to post a Facebook message that my phone has died and lost all my contacts. I love the idea of recording passwords as well.

    Thank you for your wonderful blog. It always lifts my spirits.

  61. julie allen says:

    2015, My year to organize!

  62. Sheila Fuesting says:

    Ah, Susan, I so look forward to your posts. What a clever idea to keep your passwords in, mine are all scratched out and added to…and, and, and. I live in Smallville too, with my knitting, quilting, books and cuppas, it’s a lovely life.
    Hope I win the books too. Stay warm.

  63. Susan Martin says:

    Just love all that you do!

  64. ann in E. oregon says:

    Hi Susan and Happy New Year! I would love a new address book………..I still love to write letters, send cards and stay in touch the “old-fashioned” way. My address book is quite ragged and would love to be replaced! Thank you! :-))

  65. Gloria Groza says:

    I would love to win the address books! I’m currently still using the first one that is now out of print. It is full of scratched out and written over addresses. I really need a new one! Love your blogs! Gloria in California!

  66. Steph says:

    What an awesome idea an adress book for logins and passwords! Mine are all on sticky notes or rolladex cards clipped together, needless to say they dont always stay in the clip and get lost. So I am going to steal your idea and make anotebook for them. Oh how I love to be organized. As for kitty love I normally sleep with one on each side of me and my other canine baby who takes up the other half of the bed. Needless to say I am unable to move much in fear of disturbing the sleeping babies. My children and family think I am crazy but they are my furbabies. Thanks again for the fabulous idea.

  67. Debbie Noyola says:

    I love things organized too, makes me feel so much calmer. I’m old fashioned too. I still like to write things down & I’m famous for jotting down ideas on various scraps of paper & different notepads here & there. You’re address books are not only practical, they’re also very pretty. Thanks for a chance to win them. Good luck everyone.

  68. Joy Rose from Oregon says:

    I love your Mom’s quote “Organization is the key to success”! I will use it as inspiration to get organized in 2015!

  69. Rosemary says:

    This is on my list of “to do”s” for this busy mom. Oh vey, my mom (88) never had to deal with this stuff. So much easier back then.

  70. Kathleen Carini says:

    I too wander in the early morning hours putting my world in order. What a perfect way to put the necessities in a beautiful package!

  71. Frankie Ann says:

    I get the bug to Spring Clean and organize after I have put all the Christmas decorations away. My big project is to clean and paint my walk in pantry.

    This year I gave my oldest granddaughter, who is 10, her very own address book, some stamps and stationery. Letter writing is such a lost art. I have already received one from her and mailed mine off yesterday. Thanks for a chance to win!!!

  72. Sharon J. says:

    Bliss just pure bliss is what I enjoyed this morning here.

    Thank you!!

    Sharon J.

  73. Anne D. S. says:

    I’m still using my Heart of the Home Address book, so will let others have a crack at it. I love the idea of a nicer book for web addresses–they are now in a small notebook–random order, and that is a time waster. I have much better thing to waste time on! It is cleaning time in my sector of Smallville, too, and it feels good! These ice cold days are perfect for indoor nest cleaning! Thanks for the inspiration!

  74. Kay says:

    Love the idea of using a lovely little book for keeping track of passwords, etc. “Smallville” is my home too. Our little town is called Cottage Grove. It is surrounded by tree covered hills and mountains, rivers and lakes. Paradise for sure. Reading your blog is a treat, thank you!

  75. Leigh on HHI says:

    Well rats, darn, phooey.

    I went to your shopping page under ‘Books’ to view your address book. I got distracted along the way with “Decorative Flags”. Ah ha! Just the thing to celebrate the seasons!

    Clicked on that icon and it did go to an address that started with “D” but which proved to be “default”.

    I wish I could draw like you so I could add a sketch of a woebegone me.

    Please say this is a minor goof and that I will soon be able to buy some pretty garden flags to greet my neighbors coming up the walk.

  76. The glowing fireplace is fun… It is 20 degrees here I have your calendars and would appreciate more Susan Branch creations

  77. Laura says:

    Oh goodness what a great idea!! I need one of these. I’m always having to reset passwords due to forgetting them

  78. Christine says:

    That is a great idea, I’ve been using a paper list as well and have to re-do it because of scratched out old passwords and attempting to alphabetize them so I can find it when I need to.

  79. Ann says:

    Thank you, Susan, for another wonderfully inspiring blog post. Just love your brilliant idea for keeping all that really important computer info in an address book and what I really love about yours is that it lays flat. That’s the kind I will be looking out for when I go shopping for one. We are trying hard to be organised here in Thame but it is not easy when one is packing up ones home in readiness to move. We haven’t moved house in 40 years and I cannot believe the amount of ‘stuff’ we have acquired in that time! It’s a daunting task but we are rising to the challenge. Bless your Mom, I will definitely be keeping her saying about organisation in mind in the days ahead.
    With love from, Ann in Thame xx

  80. sydney stocks says:

    I always love reading your blog and take a peek every time I need a little pick me up. This time I see we are both working on the same thing – getting a little more organized, a never-ending goal for me. To help give me a little more incentive – and make it more fun – a friend and I do it at the same time, one little thing a day during the month of January. She lives in another town so we send each other e-mails each day, quick notes sharing what we have accomplished. It helps me stick to it and is fun because I get to hear from my friend daily, like a gold star for a job completed.

  81. What a great idea! I have to do this. My passwords are all over the place on sticky notes!

  82. Love your address idea.

  83. Marisa Montalbano - Sebastian, Florida says:

    Just put up your mini calendar at my desk and receive the nicest comments on it all the time and all want to know where they can buy one. Now I would love to win the address book …thank you!

  84. Michele says:

    Thanks, Susan! Hope I win ;0)

  85. Lisa says:

    Oh, thank you for being on the same wavelength! I had been planning a search for an address book to use just for login id and passwords. I would love to have one of your old beauties! I have said it before, but I must repeat myself. I so appreciate your corner of sanity in this otherwise crazy, violent world. A visit here never fails to bring me peace, slow my breath and lower my BP. Thank you, Susan!

  86. Linda says:

    Wow! What a great idea and now especially since I’m trying to get as much organized as possible before my upcoming retirement.

  87. Linda T. from Maine says:

    Hello Susan,
    Happy 2015. I think it’s going to be a great year. I was thinking of using it for all my exercise helpful hints and morning thunder drinks and green drinks ect. My go to healthy tip book. We all are looking for a way to store all the tips we get from Dr Oz., You, and others to stay healthy. Think it would work for this also. Unless you are going to write us a heathly way of living book by Susan Branch. That would be a fantastic book also. The ways You keep healthy Like walks you take to the beach, minutes you walk., recipes you use to keep good heathly habits, more a less like Dr Oz tips instead tips and all from You and Joe. Just thinking out of the box and use for this address book. Stay warm. Keep up the great work. We all love your books and all. Thanks for the new blog. Linda T. from Maine.

  88. Margaret Guffey says:

    Is the new address book available @Barnes & Noble?

    • sbranch says:

      I don’t know because the people who manufacture them don’t really tell us where they can be found . . . but we do have it here in our webstore if you can’t find it.

  89. Sheila says:

    I have a red and a blue book, but I think I NEED a yellow one, it’s so pretty!

  90. Julie G says:

    I would love your precious book to help me get organized for 2015. I’m such an admirer of your beautiful work! ALWAYS hanging in my kitchen is your yearly calendar.
    Thank you for being you!

    Julie

  91. Kathy Fletcher says:

    Thank you for sharing such great ideas!@!@ We are all grateful!@!@!

  92. Susan says:

    Not only are you unbelievably talented, you are also incredibly generous. Thank you for sharing this genius idea AND a chance to win the address books. I would love to be the recipient of something that will keep me so organized. A logical fix to a real problem in my life.

  93. Liz says:

    So glad you are posting again – missed you when you were away and busy. Love the address book idea! Happy New Year!

  94. Nancy from Iowa says:

    I start my “Spring” housecleaning on January 2. Usually just mornings. I start upstairs with the bedrooms (usually 2-3 days per room) and work my way down the hall, down the steps and then onto the first floor. I’ve done it this way for a few years now and it really gives the old one-two punch to the Winter blas. I always get a feeling of accomplishment every day and get a diversion from the cold and also “worldly happenings” that depress me. By the time the whole inside of the house is done (minus the basement, that’s my husband’s woodshop and I don’t go down there 🙂 sometime in March, it’s time to think gardens and the great outdoors. Yeah!

  95. Paula A. says:

    I like the yellow- so cheery, especially in the dead of winter! It will be nice to have passwords alphabetized.

  96. Candy Abel says:

    What A Great Idea! Thanks for the tip! Candy

  97. Colleen Sparks says:

    Hi Susan and friends,
    Just received your 2015 calendar as a Christmas gift from my cousin. Our common admiration of ‘all things Susan Branch’ binds us closely together. How I would love to add your address book to my cache. Love seeing the pic of ice crystals on your window glass. We have experienced bitter cold in the Midwest as well in our own Smallville. I have also been washing my cherished glass pieces and love to display them to admire daily. Hope Vanna picks me this time around!

  98. Judy in OR says:

    Great idea! It sure beats the post it notes I have on a shelf above my computer. As you can tell I do not have my login id’s and passwords organized. I have thought about it but that is as far as I have gotten with it. Now thanks to you I have a great solution and think of all the time it will save me once I am done with it. No more sifting through post it notes when I forget a password or logon id. Thank you so much.

  99. Corinna in Iowa says:

    Just saw my daughter re-writing her addresses on another piece of paper yesterday. I think she alone has the spirit to keep the art of hand written letters alive. The beautiful address books would get a squealing arrival if they came to live with us. P.S. My girls and I noticed that your calendar is not as bright and glossy as the past years, just as charming and heartwarming though.

    • sbranch says:

      Love to hear what you think. I like paper that’s not glossy, it seems more real and is easier to write on . . . so we thought we’d give it a try.

      • Corinna in Iowa says:

        Sorry so long in writing back. I was a little distracted. We are having our roof redone this week. My daughter says it sounds like Clydesdales horses tap dancing on our roof.
        Ohhh glossy calendars would get my vote because they make beautiful papers to slide into the front of three ring binder cookbooks (my current cover is the cut out picture of your beautiful pottery bowl & wooden spoon with the Thomas Moore quote about ordinary arts from your calendar two years ago I think. It stays on my countertop and is beautiful. I am piecing together another one for a fall/winter cookbook with your calendar picture of the old stand mixer and pyrex glass bowl. I also cut out a little bird and the big owl that I placed above my girls’ light switches. Glossy is also more striking and eye catching as art as it hangs my wall. Hum… I might cut out Fred Astire from this month when the year is through and list my favorite movies underneath to start on a happiness journal. I am loving your favorites movie list by the way =) Susan, I wish you could get a glimpse into our happiness as my daughter shouts, “there’s a new susanbranch post, I’m saving it for lunch break”. This is code for don’t share anything until I have read it. =)

        • sbranch says:

          The way I do with Downton Abbey . . . here it comes ~ don’t tell me! Tell your daughter I said hello!

  100. Karen D. says:

    I love your idea for organizing all of that pesky information. I have mine in a Word document, but, every time something changes, I have to go in, update the information and print out the updated document. Using an address book (and it certainly doesn’t hurt if it is pretty), I can fill out the login/password information in pencil and simply erase and update as needed!
    Thanks for the wonderful idea!

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