‘Morning Girls, here’s your MUSICA for today. ♥ This is a very good song for memorizing ~ it’s delightful for singing at the top of your lungs in a Smallville shower, nice while cleaning out cupboards, fun while driving in the car, even good if you have to be in bed to wait for your new knee to heal (or something like that).♥ Sing it into the ear of a child, or your better half, and life gets really good.
Speaking of Smallville; here is a little thing that will make your frozen mornings 
a little less so. I have two pairs of these darling sexy shoes you see above,the most comfortable shoes in the world . . . this pair is in the kitchen in front of the heat vent getting warm, while the other is on my feet, slowly (but surely) chilling up. Soon I will exchange places with them and my cold feet, as they slip into the deep warmth of freshly heated shoes, will purr the immortal words: Ooo La Wee.
a little less so. I have two pairs of these darling sexy shoes you see above,the most comfortable shoes in the world . . . this pair is in the kitchen in front of the heat vent getting warm, while the other is on my feet, slowly (but surely) chilling up. Soon I will exchange places with them and my cold feet, as they slip into the deep warmth of freshly heated shoes, will purr the immortal words: Ooo La Wee.
Some variation of these two old cashmere sweaters and that brown shawl are my daily outfit for working at my art table. Not pretty, but cozy ~ works perfectly in Smallville. I took the picture pointed at my lap (sucking in my tummy to protect the innocent).
As you know, I’ve been doing lots of painting for my 2016 calendars, but I took a little time out and did something just for fun I thought you might like to see.
This is Paul Lucas, he is the darling husband of my good friend Rachel. It’s his birthday at the end of the month. And it’s a big one.
That’s Paul on the left, Ray in the middle,(we’re in Maine) and who’s that other guy in the picture with the beret? Oh, yeah, that’s Joe!
Some of you know Ray from Twitter, some know her from Sugar Moon Brownies, and others from her own Blog (she’s more famous every day, another hardworking girl in Smallville) . . . and,
Here’s where they live. You might recognize it because I wrote about Ray and Paul in A FINE ROMANCE; they are English and live in England and part of the reason we went over was to see them. You might remember that wonderful recipe for Ray’s amazing Lemon Butter Cookies on P. 139 of A FINE ROMANCE? (One of our Girlfriends made the cookie HERE in her Blog, in case you don’t have the book but need the recipe!)
This is Paul with Ray’s darling nephew Will. Paul is doing a one-of-a-kind birthday cello recital for Ray’s mum on her sun porch. See? he’s wonderful.
♥
Just ask the love of their lives . . . this is Ray’s and Paul’s “dog” Alice. I use the word “dog” only because I know Alice doesn’t look at blogs.
Her collar says it all.
You may have noticed that Paul is the picture of sartorial splendor, he always looks darling. As you know if you read A Fine Romance, he sometimes wears an ascot. He’s one of a kind. I love his new beard and mustache.
It’s men like this that give me hope for the world. (He’s in my pantry ironing his pants a couple of Christmases ago.) So I decided I wanted, even though I’m much too far away to do him total birthday justice, to help him and Rachel
So I decided to paint him in all his dapper charmingness, or at least as much as I could muster onto a flat piece of paper. Including the dog pin on his lapel and the brilliant scarlet handkerchief in his pocket.
The colors in that photo of him made it easy to make the decision ~ I had fun painting every single stripe, plaid and eye sparkle.
I’m almost done!
I added a few descriptive words, put on a little border, watercolored his name and then signed it. Paul is funny with words: instead of Vineyard Haven, he calls where we live “the Haven” (no one calls it that); and instead of Martha’s Vineyard which many people shorten to “The Vineyard,” not Paul, he calls it “Martha’s.” He calls Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, “Kimmie.” And now, so do we and all our friends do too. It’s catching . . . if you like Kimmie, you’ll probably call it that from now on too. It will go viral!
Witty, Talented and Cute. Oh yes, and he raises bees in their garden.
So, while Joe reglued an old frame we had lying around Smallville, taking out all the teeny nails and framing it for me . . . I wrote a card, and went looking through my sticker collection for something Birthday-like to put on the 
envelope. My eye landed on a three-dimensional pink polka-dot birthday hat, with a real, red-yarn pompom on top (no longer being made if you can imagine that sad state of affairs) I tried it on Paul. It fit perfectly. So him.
envelope. My eye landed on a three-dimensional pink polka-dot birthday hat, with a real, red-yarn pompom on top (no longer being made if you can imagine that sad state of affairs) I tried it on Paul. It fit perfectly. So him.
So I left it there, stuck to the outside of the glass, thinking it was kind of the cat’s meow. Joe wrapped it up in 3 lbs of bubble wrap and it’s on the way to England even as we speak.
So that’s what makes Smallville special, we’re in charge around here. We make our own fun.
And speaking of fun . . . it’s your turn! You know I can never just come out and announce the winner of a Giveaway. Oh no, must drag out the suspense like my dad used to do at Christmas, thereby almost doing his children in with the hysteria of the thought of what Santa might bring them!!! Unbearable! Hope I can do the same for you. (No, I know ~ it’s not quite the same thing!)
OK, anyway, Vanna, unlike her usual self (usually she sleeps in late, resting up because of the many Euro Trash parties she loves to attend), is actually already UP, and dressed and ready for her big moment. She wafts by me in the palest whisp of Chanel #5, wearing a gown that looks suspiciously JUST LIKE the one that Kate Hudson wore at the Golden Globes, (Vanna has no idea how she freaks out the people who live in Smallville. But her joie de vivre is so compelling I can’t bring myself to put a damper on her. I just let her do what she needs to do and get her out of here before Joe gets up!)
Our Vanna is named for Vanna White, the most well-known Game Girl of our times. Our virtual Vanna is a professional when it comes to 
drawing the winning name from a huge vat of names. Nobody does it better. She’s the double-oh-seven of the Game Girl world and we are proud to call her our own. This is one of her bedroom slippers.
drawing the winning name from a huge vat of names. Nobody does it better. She’s the double-oh-seven of the Game Girl world and we are proud to call her our own. This is one of her bedroom slippers.
And so. While I was writing about her, she was busy digging deep into the well with all your names ~ she actually dives in, a graceful high dive (especially in that dress), and swims through them to mix them up, she’s like the Little Mermaid that way, a little silver fish. And she just popped up with teeny piece of paper. Let me get my glasses . . .
Ohhhh, how wonderful! Here goes: The winner is . . . drum roll please . . .
J A N H A M M O N D !!!
Congratulations Jan!
You are our LUCKY Winner! Please look for an email in your box, write me back and send me your home address so I can pop your books in the mail to you. I hope the new books help organize you and Gale (in her comment, Jan mentioned that if she won, she’d give the other book to her girlfriend Gale).
But that’s not all, there’s more . . . first of all, here comes Valentine’s Day, and Janie made us some adorable new banners! I wanted to let you know before they’re all gone . . . Kellee snuck them into the store last week and they’re already flying out.
Janie always makes the cutest envelopes to go with the banners ~ these little banners make the perfect Valentine’s gifts.
Janie made these Swedish hearts for us too, they come in both white and red and in darling envelopes of their own.
Sooooo, I hope everyone is feeling festive and organized and no one is too disappointed ~ the hardest thing I do is announce a winner! But I really wanted to thank you for the lovely, wonderful comments you left on the last post. You are an amazing bunch of Girlfriends!
I feel like we’re on some sort of roll, I hate to see it come to an end, so, because it’s almost Valentine’s Day, I thought . . . maybe . . . we should . . .
have another. . .
another what? ~ another what? . . . another cup of tea?
La-dee-da . . . la-dee-da
GIVEAWAY!! After all, winter is long, and the secret of a happy life is continuous small treats, right? . . . and a tea pot really isn’t very big . . .just the perfect size for Smallville.
Remember, you saw that teapot in A Fine Romance?
I’ve had mine for a long time ~ remember how well it mixes with my mismatched dishes?
And how cute it looked at our Valentine’s Breakfast party with the Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz dishes? I think you would love having one as much as I do.
And there’s even more, it’s a really BIG Giveaway! Because I thought it would be nice to include this ~ a tin of our own private label Earl Grey tea with Lavender and Rose Petals. Yum!
Oh yes! And one more thing, since it’s Valentine’s Day we’re talking about . . .
I thought, even though most of you already have it, A FINE ROMANCE would make a good Valentine’s present because 
you could give it away to someone you love. And if you don’t already have the book, if your name is drawn, you would now have access to the recipe for Rachel’s Lemon Butter Cookies. It’s a win-win! And I hope you do! Win, I mean. My way of saying Thank You!
you could give it away to someone you love. And if you don’t already have the book, if your name is drawn, you would now have access to the recipe for Rachel’s Lemon Butter Cookies. It’s a win-win! And I hope you do! Win, I mean. My way of saying Thank You!
Kitties love it too.♥ And vice versa.
So, we’re going to have another drawing ~ after all we don’t want that silver manicure of Vanna’s to go to waste, 
and she adores Valentines Day more than any other . . . so, to sum up: if you left a comment on the post below for the Internet Address Books, you are already entered for the teapot, book and tea! But if not, leave a comment at the bottom of this post and tell your mom, your sister, your grammie, your BFF, your great-aunt Mary, your Twitter friends, Pinterest Peeps, and Facebook pals to come on over and enter too. 
The prizes: one of our dear Girlfriends is going to get a 4-cup, Emma Bridgewater Heart Teapot, my “Come Sit Stay” tea tin with delicious Lavender and Rose Petal Earl Grey Tea, AND a signed copy of A FINE ROMANCE.♥(And you think YOU’RE having fun! HA! When people talk about “the power of the Internet” I think this is what they mean! At least here in Smallville.)
Rubbing hands together in attack of pathological enthusiasm.
And P.S. if just thinking about this inspires you to envision having a Valentine’s Tea Party, the first thing you will need are invitations . . . so here you go! 
Click there and you can print out as many as you need on card stock or heavy paper (one of our girlfriends said she used a cut-down manila envelope and it worked perfectly! Probably an interesting color too, quite creative!) ~ 
invite your best girlfriends, your sisters, your mom, your best guy, or someone who simply needs an airing (as Joe would say, usually about me when I’ve been in the house too long), and celebrate as we do so well here in Smallville. Make Rachel’s cookies and some cucumber sandwiches, light the fire and a candle or two, talk, talk, talk, solve all the world’s problems, hash over Downton Abbey, and watch the cold and snow fade away to nothing.
Click there and you can print out as many as you need on card stock or heavy paper (one of our girlfriends said she used a cut-down manila envelope and it worked perfectly! Probably an interesting color too, quite creative!) ~ 
invite your best girlfriends, your sisters, your mom, your best guy, or someone who simply needs an airing (as Joe would say, usually about me when I’ve been in the house too long), and celebrate as we do so well here in Smallville. Make Rachel’s cookies and some cucumber sandwiches, light the fire and a candle or two, talk, talk, talk, solve all the world’s problems, hash over Downton Abbey, and watch the cold and snow fade away to nothing.
Ah yes, here’s Nature’s Valentine, out on our feeders . . . making the world more adorable one little birdie at a time.
Love you Girlfriends, have a wonderful day!♥
Loved this post (and all the others). What a lucky friend Paul is, to receive such a birthday card! I hope Vanna picks me this time; the teapot would be such a special addition to my collection. Thanks for the giveaway, whoever is chosen.
I love the pottery. I haven’the purchased any yet. I would love to receive the teapot.
I love all the beautiful floral patterns :o) Not familiar w/Johnson Brothers rose plates but will track them down now. Please enter me in the contest. Do you have any computer wallpaper or screensavers? :o)
Oh! A wonderful giveaway!! Your teapot is the cutest ever. Happy January to you, and Paul’s drawing is brilliant. Your friends are lucky to have you!
Thanks for the beautiful photos of the Emma teapot and red and white China. Now I have ideas of how to use my red and pink transferware collection! And thanks again for the lovely blog and always wonderful artwork. You are one of a kind.
What a great giveaway! The heart teapot is adorable! Thank you for a wonderful blog. I love your paintings and quotes, too. I just finished your book, A Fine Romance. It was a gift to myself before Christmas and I loved it! Keep warm. Hugs!
It would be such a treat to win the teapot,tea tin, and a fine romance.I love reading your posts about life etc. Keep them coming.
Dear Susan, I’ve always accepted the reality that I could never be a fine artist like you. And I was okay with that. But then you show how you created the lovely birthday painting of your friend and I look at my little hands and I feel a wee bit sad. Sigh. I just love your work. Hugs t
Ohhh, well, do remember all the years of practice . . . It does make a huge difference!
I love your art, I love your blog and I love that tea pot. Please consider me entered in to this drawing!! Thanks
Hi Susan,
You are an absolute charm. Love the musica on all your writings. I even keep them up on the computer and play them again from time to time. My favorite is Perry Como. I have all my parents “old” 78’s and, right now, I need to get a phonograph! I can’t believe I said that. lol I also enjoy all your art work. My mother was a commercial artist in the 30’s and 40’s, and wished I had more of her work. Going to the library today to get another Gladys Taber book. Love the way she writes about the seasons. Time to read about winter with a cup of tea. I found a box of Christmas tea last year and I love it each year. Thanks again for all you do…………..Pats to Jack and Girl Kitty too. I have my “Bugsy” to keep me warm.
My Dear Girlfriend,
Your letters are always a welcome respite from the fast paced world we live in. You have a way of slowing time with your writing and it is so comforting. I am transported into another window of time when reading your posts.
How divine! Who doesn’t adore sweet sentiments around Valentine’s Day? I would just be tickled pink if that little mermaid swam up with my name 😉 Really, no pressure! I think if I were to be the very lucky winner I would host a surprise Valentine’s Tea with husband and children, complete with specially mailed invitations as you’ve provided – I just LOVE surprising others. Our daughter is five years old and is Lady Mary of Downton Abbey in her younger years, I tell you. She would love nothing more than a special Valentine’s tea to share with her sweet baby brother (1 year old and devilish!) and handsomest Daddy around – sighhhh, as you can see, I am already one lucky Lady.
Cold here in PA but I am enjoying the season more and more as the years pass. I plan to invite friends over every other weekend to keep the home warm with laughter while the winds howl beyond the window panes. Your lovely teas will surely be enjoyed at these gatherings too! Hint, hint 😉
And every gal needs escape during these cold winter months, so your book, won or not will be mine! I can’t wait to read it. Yippeeeeee!
Look forward to your next letter. Best wishes to you, Joe and the kitties for a wonderful winter up North!
JoLynnH
Couldn’t pass up a tea prize. Thanks for the chance and the five minutes of fun and serenity!
Sue, your blog posts always bring sunshine to my day! It’s so nice to hear from someone who loves the same things you do! (You’re are a friend I’ve never “met!”) Thank you for the beautiful words and generous give-a-ways to your girlfriends. You always inspire me! Blessings always!
Thank you so very much, Susan, for your enjoyable blog posts and this wonderful opportunity to put my name in for your special drawing. Whoever wins will be so happy, and I know if it is me, I will be happy and grateful. 🙂 Thank you again!
Thank you for brightening my day, and for inspiring me in the new year. A life lived well–generosity toward others and kindness to self–is the curative for all sorts of ills we face. I will get and share your rose and lavender tea with a friend because it will lift us both. Thank you, Susan~
Susan,
The teapot is adorable! My sister collects them, so It would be a wonderful birthday gift for her. Reading your blog is very uplifting & makes me want to visit the UK.
Blessing in all you do,
Judy
I’m not sure how it happened but there aren’t dreary days anymore!
Just love everything you do! My sister gave me “A Fine Romance” for my birthday last year..been a fan ever since!!
I love your blog and the tea pot! Your blog always feels so cozy! Thanks for the opportunity to win such lovely prizes!!
Oh, Susan! Your teapot would be ever so wonderful to share a cuppa with the new man in my life! He’s from Scotland originally and he loves his tea! I can think of nothing more romantic that having tea with him, with a lovely new teapot!
That was a wonderful present you made for your friend Paul. Happy winter and happy Valentine’s day >^..^<
Susan, I so enjoy reading your blog. You are a good storyteller and your pictures are wonderful!! I also enjoy a good cup of tea, so winning sure would be awesome! I’m crossing my fingers!!
Can’t even begin to imagine life on earth without Susan Branch to remind us with all her sweetness. I just love when your name pops up in my email!!!
Thanking you in advance….
I just love all things Susan Branch. You inspire me. Most of all, I think I love the ribbons in your books. Blessings to you.
a sweet blog and precious teapot!
My toes are cold they never thaw, my fingers are frozen too.
I hate to venture out of doors, I know I will turn blue.
So I stay inside and go online, start a fire for my feet,
find a blog from Susan Branch, now there’s a real warm treat!
As usual it is a delight to meander through your art, your photos, your words and your warmth. I’m glad to be one of your girlfriends!
SWEET, Debbie!
Love everything about your blog. Thanks, Susan.
Thanks for a lovely post to brighten a wintry day! How exciting to have another contest so soon! I’ve gotten the heart plates and bowls on a spree at your site and would jump up and down if I won the teapot and other lovely treats! Fingers and toes crossed, and I’ll make sure my Boston Terrier, Lucy (Lucia), crosses her paws for extra good luck! Thanks for being so good to us, Susan! Stay warm!
I love reading all your books and LOVE your artwork. Every book I have of yours is in a treasured corner where I can see them as I am stitching away on a cross stitch project. Thank you for all you create and bless you for sharing your life with everyone.
I may already be in the drawing from previous posts, but I want to be absolutely, pawsitively (!) sure!!! I don’t know what I would be more excited about, the darling teapot, or the copy of Fine Romance! I keep giving my copies away and have not yet read it myself! Thanks for the ongoing giveaways! Such fun!!!
I loved hearing “A, You’re Adorable.”. I gave my granddaughter the picture book version for her first birthday recently. I enjoy reading your blogs. They are always inspirational. Thank you.
I love, love your blog and especially your paintings! Thank you for showing the process of painting your friend with all his plaids and stripes! I’d love to know how to watercolor better and you are very inspiring!
Hello Susan!
Thank you again for a wonderful post. I love to see your paintings in progress!
Happy winter to you, I hope you get lots of snow. As you know it’s dry here in California.
When will your next book be out? It seems to be a bit of a mystery, I’m looking to it!
Barbara
Haven’t been able to work on it since we went to California . . . now I have the calendars that have to be done by the end of February and THEN, I can go back to work on the book!
A nice hot cup of tea is made whenever I receive your emails, I love sitting down and taking a few minutes to relax and have a cuppa with you!! Thanks for the chance to win such a special give-away. I don’t have the book yet, it would be wonderful ☺️!!!
What a wonderful post! I always put off reading your blog posts until just before bed when the fire is roaring and candles are flickering. It truely relaxes me
I’ve been thinking of hosting a Valentine tea for a few friends, and here comes your post to my inbox! Love the little banners! Thanks for brightening this gray NC day for me. I’m layered up too while I work in my sewing room. The big picture window that looks out over the backyard does not keep out the cold, but I love the scenery. Thanks for the give-away!
I love, love, love your blogs. Reading them is like taking a mini-vacation. Thank you Susan.
Years ago my nephew was here visiting with his family. The adults went off to the beach for the day and left me with their lovely little girl who started getting quite fussy as the afternoon went on. I didn’t know what to do. I called my sister (her Gramma) and she said “Sing , A Your Adorable.” It worked like a charm. She looked me right in the eyes, relaxed and fell asleep.
It’s a little miracle song. It cheers everything it touches.
Happy Birthday Paul!
What is better than hot tea from an Emma Bridgewater teapot? I love her pottery, Earl Grey tea and anything that comes from you. Thank you for how you inspire us all and for the wonderful outlook on life that you have!
What a special birthday gift for your English friend! Love it; love the Valentine’s teapot; love your blog.
Come back and see us again at Watermark Books in Wichita, KS!
Well, you know I’d love that!
I have been a fan for years but only recently found your blog. I am a recovering workaholic and its the right medicine to cheer me up. Gives me ideas to do with my time. I would love to win that teapot and goodies. I have a tea with my friends to show it off and would curl up with it full to sustain me while I read that wonderful book. Keep drawing and writing..you are truly a gift to us all!
Oh, I hope Vanna in her cute bedroom slippers and maybe helped by the adorable Girl Kitty (only because Jack is busy with his rubber bands), picks my name for your generous drawing!
Swedish hearts, tea pots and a beautiful quilt! How exciting! I love them all!
I enjoyed your recent blog post so much….I adore most anything you write about…you have a way of making me feel like your a long lost friend and I hang on every word. Love your outlook on life…your art….I get excited to see your post come into my email box. I own several of your books…but would love an opportunity for a signed copy…and the teapot is precious!
oh how I would love to win! I drink tea every morning and am “starting over” in life and wasn’t able to take most of my teapot collection. Earl Gray is my fave! Thanks for such a great blog!
You do such a wonderful job of reminding us to enjoy the little things in life! Thank you! I have your book myself, but would love to give one to my sister, if I would win!
it’s always the ‘little things’ that make everything sooooooooooo much better….
thanks so much!
I have to tell you, I find your website absolutely delightful! It’s the cheeriest blog I know, and I’m always smiling when I stop by! Your talent and creativity are simply amazing!
I would dearly love that tea and teapot – and I think and afternoon tea or T’wine would be the very first thing to do. Sip some tea, nibble a few lemon butter cookies while rereading A Fine Romance for the umpteenth time – heaven!
Susan, I have been collecting tea pots since I was quite young. My grand mother had several and got me started. What a great addition this would be. My older sister got me started reading your blog and your books, which I just love. We were so excited to meet you when you were here in Ohio. Thank you for the chance to win this lovely tea pot, tin with tea and book.
Love love the heart teapot and the tea, and a signed book, how generous of you!!I would love to be chosen, and I am on my way to look at the invitations!
Love love the heart teapot and the tea, and a signed book, how generous of you!! I would love to be chosen, and I am on my way to look at the invitations!
Love, love, love the painting of Paul! To have such a talent! Love the little water bowl you are using to paint with, do you have them in your shop? I will have to go see!
I bought that in Disneyland in California probably just a few months before I started painting. When I did start, I thought, this is the perfect water jar and I’ve used it for that ever since.
~ Good Evening~ Another give~away how nice!~ your tea pot and tea would be great to have for my girlfriends “Downton Abbey Tea Party” that was postponed due to the frigid weather we’ve had~ Everything in this post is too cute! ~ Lynn~
Oh, Happy Birthday to Paul, I remember them from your (our) trip! What fun and what an awesome picture, He is going to love it!
My granddaughter would go CRAZY over the teapot! She is 6, and she and I have been having tea parties with the little sets I find for her. This year I found a special dish at an antique shop in Hendersonville, and another one at an estate sale, they will be so grand to set our little cakes or cookies on. They remind me of my grandmothers dishes, that I have a few of. The teapot would fit right in, and Kaitlynn LOVES pink!
Happy winter everyone, be safe out there!
Jeannie
Hi Susan! How funny, we did something like that in my house recently. My sister found these silly crab stickers and started “crabbing” us, by sticking them on random items in the house (the remote, my senior portrait, the car rearview mirror, the half and half…etc). Your little birthday hat reminded me of our fun!
I’m entering the drawing for my mom, Mary, she adores you and is constantly telling me about the funny thing Susan said the other day (as if you had called her up yourself!). That little teapot is adorable, we may have to share that if we win…thanks for the smiles!
Ah yes, Mary’s daughter, Hi Jessie ~ very nice of you to think of your mom!
What a wonderful experience to read your blogs and see your lovely things. Please enter me in the giveaway for your teapot, luscious tea, and your wonderful signed book, I have a copy but would love a signed copy. Thank you
What an amazing birthday card for your dear friend! He is going to cherish it. I have adored your work for many, many years and am a big fan. Would LOVE the teapot to add to my collection – thank you for the opportunity to win one!
Happy New Year!
I’m thrilled at the possibility of winning this give away. Thank you for your generosity and your sweet spirit. A lovely day to you, Sue.
I’m a new girlfriend! How I love your postings! You speak to the romantic heart of so many us, Susan, and I must thank you so sincerely for that! Your postings have it all, the lovely quotations, esp. Gladys Taber, musica, watercolors, books, sartorial splendor, bird photos….I could go on and on! I love it all!
So much fun on this site, love living in Smallville on the Jersey Shore! Hibernating & catching up with friends 🙂
I love reading your blog, it just makes me smile. Im sure Paul will love his birthday card, you are an amazing artist, it looks just like the picture. Thank you so much for the chance to win. I collect tea pots and would love to add that little beauty to my collection. Stay warm.
Michelle
You are so generous! It’s always a party when ever I come here! Boy would I love that tea pot and loose leaf tea, it sounds so tasty! Thank you for reminding me to savor life!
Thank you for the wonderful, warm post on such a cold, grey day! Your blog is one of those “continuous small treats” I so look forward to!
I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate you blog, your books, your art and your thoughts. All are a gift in themselves. Thank you!
Oh, please, please pick me! Such a perfect give-away.
I just have to say… such a BEAUTIFUL post today…oh yes Teatime is my favorite time of the day as it warms me up on these very cold days where I live! How lovely it would be to pour Lavender and Rose Petal tea from your Heart Tea Pot. You are so thoughtful to your British friend. He will love your heartfelt Birth Day gift! So unique! The Valentine banners are darling. I enjoyed reading all of your wonderful quotes…each one is so special.
Wonderful watercolor. What a thoughtful gift.
What a lovely prize! I have been drinking tea for as long as I can remember, my parents were both tea drinkers so that’s where I get it from. I think it actually runs in my veins now.
Love your blog posts. I connect with using all my senses- music, visually, emotionally and creatively. When I am reading them it feels like everything is right and as it should be, even if only for a moment. Thank you!
Susan, I can’t explain how much I look forward to your blog. Your blogs and creative “everything” puts a smile on my face and I come away so happy and relaxed. And I absolutely love your sense of style and have admired the tea pot so many time as I browse through your pictures. You are amazing. I would love to receive the teapot and “A Fine Romance”! What a wonderful give- away. I have to tell you that I also love your dishes! And your Merrills look like mine! I barely wear any other shoe so I enjoyed looking at the worn Merrills!!! Thank you for making my day evertime you write on your blog.
You are so generous with your life. I always feel like I am a visitor in your lovely home. Thanks for sharing with us.
I am entering for a chance to win that darling teapot~and tea~and another book! I will give it away because I have one and love love LOVE it!
Thank you!
Lynda
Dear Susan: I’ve read FR twice now and am reading it aloud to my Mr. Would love to be entered for the contest esp the tea pot. You are the frosting on my cupcake and the smile in my days. Thank you for sharing such simple joy with me.
I would so love a hearty teapot. And Susan Branch tea!!!! I’ve recently just started drinking tea again. A nice pot would be divine.
Hi Susan, Love your website and all your work. I would love the beautiful teapot. Please don’t stop being you.
Josanne
Your blog like each of your blogs is just wonderful. My favorite moment was your Cardinal at the bird feeder described as “natures Valentine” …that is just poetic heaven…fills my heart with warmth and love. Thank you for those very special moments. Your generous give aways are wonderful and how lucky this winner will be. Oh, how lucky is Paul to receive such a heartfelt gift from you and Joe? What a gorgeous card! Thank you for being you and sharing YOU with all of us.
Oh Susan the Musica today brought back fond memories of my Momma singing the A-Your Adorable song to me too when I was a little girl. She also would sing it to my daughter when she was little and now sings it to my little granddaughter, her great-granddaughter! Three generations and it still brings smiles to us all. Wasn’t Perry Como’s voice as smooth as silk?
It would be so exciting to win the giveaway, please enter my name for Vanna to pick! Thanks for making loads of fun for all your girlfriends!
I love hearts, I love Valentines Day and I love that little teapot!!! I also love your paintings, blog and books! … Keep sharing your beautiful self with us! xoxoxo
Lovely, fun post. LOVE the teapot almost as much as Valentine’s Day (’cause it’s my birthday
Oh, My, Gosh! All of my favorite things! I collect Bridgewater, have wanted the book, and love tea! I so look forward to every new Blog post, Susan! You are a ray of sunshine! The song was “the bees knees”, by the way!
You are just so much fun, and the best blogger in the world. Love the “adorable” musica, your darling sartorial spendour portrait, and your very inviting tea party pics. It’s always a joy to see your name in my mailbox – I put off opening every entry until I can sit and enjoy it. You’re such a gift to all of us girlfriends!
Kathleen from Folsom, CA
It all began 6 years ago when I purchased my first Susan Branch wall calendar at the mall… I fell in love with them. It has become a treasured Christmas gift from my daughter, Jamie, ever since. Of course, I read “A Fine Romance” more than a few times, and continue reading little parts now and then, (always with a cup of tea)! Your blog is wonderful too, and inspires me to make my home a little cozier and life a little happier! Thanks for sharing your beautiful art, charming ideas, and kitty love with all of us!!
Susan, I just love your blogs. I could read them again and again. thank you for sharing. I just adore your work. you are an inspiration.
I so love your blog…it just takes me to a different place. I’ve always wanted to go to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard and now I feel like I’m there. It seems like a little bit of heaven…such a small town feel to it and beautiful. I would love to have the darling teapot and the tea, and of course…the book!! Your drawings and sayings are wonderful and I truly enjoy it all.
A party is most definitely needed to brighten up my world at the moment. My English best friend would be much relieved to see me use a proper teapot, instead of my more instant methods of procuring tea.
Awesome giveaway, Susan!!!
Love your blogs!! Enjoy reading about everything you do!! Love the new Valentine banners but I just can’t decide on which one to get!! Have a great day! Susan
Thanks so much,Susan ,for the Perry Como rendition of A You’re Adorable.I sing it all the time to my two and a half year old grandaughter and if I am the lucky winner I will have a Valentine tea party with her.xo
My heart did a flip-flop when I read you are doing another giveaway! I have been collecting teapots for years, and have some really unique ones, such as “the Radcliffe Camera” my daughter brought back for me when she spent her junior year abroad in Oxford, England. It is a replica of the building there. The first teapot she ever gave me, was the teapot from “Beauty and the Beast”. When she spent a year in China teaching English in Shanghai, she brought me another wonderfully artistically designed one. I also have teapots that were my mother and mother’s in law, who have both passed on. I recently acquired my first Emma Bridgewater tea mug in Stratford, Ontario, with a snowdrop design, and I love it and drink tea from it each day! I think the Heart tea pot would be an awesome addition to my collection, should my name be the one chosen from all the others. Thanks again for your wonderful photographic stories you tell with such delightful glee!
What a cute guy! Jaunty dude
Love that super special, one of a kind, personalized birthday card!!! You are a GREAT friend! Speaking of Valentines Day… I have a question for you! My sweet husband is taking me to New York City a few days after Valentines Day to celebrate our 29th Wedding Anniversary! I am so excited …it’s so romantic! (He even wrote a poem in a card and made me guess where we were going!!
Dear Susan,
Your blog is the best way to unwind before bed. After the craziness of a long day and the world outside it reminds one of lovely, peaceful, places. I am now ready for sweet dreams.
Although I commented on the post for the Internet Address Book giveaway, I CAN’T help commenting on this post because I LOVE the tea pot and would LOVE to have the book. My 9 yr. old daughter has been a tea drinker since she was quite tiny and makes sure we have a WIDE variety of tea on hand at all times. I would love to give this tea pot to her for our tea time. :-)) Thank you!
Hi Ann,
My husband and I are planning a trip to Oregon in Spring. He has an aunt in Portland, and we want to check out Newport. I would like your view about life in Oregon.
Susan, thank you for sharing your creatve gift and giving these lovely gifts! Whoever receives them is so lucky. You are awesome!
*~*~*Susan~ Thank you for always sharing your amazing talents with us… Your lovely art & joy filled blog and website are all non-pharmaceutical mood enhancers! Have adored your art for many yrs. Would be honored to relax sipping your fabulous blend of tea from that love filled teapot while reading your book. Have always dreamed of visiting England… Someday… Thank you for always being a bright beacon of joy and light in this world! Best to you!! Happy 2015!! *~*~*
I am from the Philippines but currently residing in Wisconsin and have been, for over 18 months now due to my husband’s work. I have seen a couple of your works in the Philippines, mostly calendars, but never picked up one for myself (I know, I know). I would only admire them from the revolving racks, not realizing until of late, that the lovely illustrations are creations of an even lovelier lady!
2 months ago, I stumbled upon your blog while I was looking for ways to clean my silver cutlery and thanks to you, I have a refreshed perspective on my domesticated life. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a housewife. I honestly feel like I’m so cut out for the job but you made me love it even more. I wish I had met you (thru your blog) much, much earlier. I feel like I missed out on so much! But good thing there is an archive where I could read your past blogs! I am half way thru the entire list plus I got myself a 2015 calendar (yes!) and copy of A Fine Romance, which I just finished and tremendously enjoyed! Your blog is a delight to read. I find comfort in knowing that making a house into a home for all loves ( husband and kids) of my life is a shared commitment with numerous other women!
I have 2 grown kids and though both still live with us (thank God), they leave the nest in the Fall to pursue their University studies. That is also when my husband and I fly back to the Philippines and resume our Philippine lives, this time without them. Will my life then, be similar to yours with Joe (I do a lot of crafty stuff, including sewing and enjoy kitchen work)?! I sure hope so!
I know I am a new comer to this blog but I would like to enter the Teapot, etc. giveaway. Should I be picked as the winner, I would definitely bring back my gift to the Philippines and will, for sure, host a tea party with girlfriends. Who knows, that might be the beginnings of FOSB Philippine Chapter? Just a thought. Thank you Susan for the joy you give!
How nice to meet you and hear your story, Diane! Thank you for popping in, hope to see much more of you! xoxo
What a lovely post, as usual 🙂 Count me in the giveaway!
Thank you for the musica today. I adore Perry Como (actually I LOVE big band music and “crooners” period) and this was a real treat.
I enjoy your blog and photographs of your home along with your beautiful art work. When there is something new, I sit back with a cup of tea and pore over everything.
I am beginning to think we are either kindred spirits or distantly related. I am the oldest of 7 children, we have the same kitchen stove (although mine needs work), and we have the same dining table. However, I like seeing the differences between a Martha’s Vineyard Kitchen and an Oklahoma Kitchen and how we have put our goodies to use. One of these days I will definitely be heading out your way as I have wanted to visit the Vineyard since I was a teenager.
Please enter me in your teapot, tea, book giveaway. Tell Vanna there’s an ol’ gal out in Oklahoma who would really enjoy it and she already has a couple of matching cups.
Thanks so much.
KayB
I am from England myself but don’t manage to get home much anymore, please enter me in your drawing would love the Book for myself and the Tea and Teapot to give to my Mother-in-law here in USA as a gift on her 90th birthday in April. She loves tea!