‘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!♥
Always wanted a “sister” and imagine our enjoying so many of the same things, thoughts, and simple joys. Such kindred spirits might mean we are TWINS
Thank you, Susan, for all the beauty you continually share. I so enjoy. You are such an inspiration and full of so much creativity. I adore visiting your part of the world.
Love your blogs…thank you for sharing your life with all of us…..the heart teapot is adorable.
I really do enjoy reading your post..they have so much life in them..The things that you share also remind me of a time when “home and hearth” held one’s attention more….and like you say (in not quite the same way)…a place to move out of and away from the craziness of the world..”Your blog really is a warm cup of tea with friends.”
Many Blessings,
Drema
Love your site and art. This is only my 3rd time visiting though! I WILL be back more often!
Love the little teapot. It is such a thrill to discover a new blog post from you! Kiss those kitties for me
That is such a beautiful painting of your friend Paul. What a wonderful, wonderful gift, Susan. Truly from the heart and it shows! (The party hat is great!). Happy New Year, dear Susan:)
You warm our hearts on the coldest days with your sunny thoughts. Thank you for sharing these joys…..
What a beautiful teapot! I hope Vanna picks me!
Dear Susan, I loved your latest post–thank you for always brightening my day!
Ooh! I’ve never won anything…this would be a perfect first! Thank you!
Would love to win the teapot and tea. I already have your book and thought it was terrific. I would give this book to my daughter for her to enjoy.
I love your blogs and that teapot would look great with my mismatched assortment of red transferware and some darling mugs i have with hearts all over them.
They are made by Queens and they say Made with Love in England. You would like them.
I absolutely LOVE everything you do! Your quotes, your art, your appreciation and love for all things great and small speak to my heart. Thank you for what you do and for sharing your joy with all of us!
Susan I have loved all your illustrations and writings since the very beginning. I would rip your page out of one of the magazines (can’t remember which one) that it was in. Then I saw your Christmas Book. Got it home and realized that binder I had with those pages from the magazine was YOU! Love your work.
Wow, what a wonderful giveaway. I just love your work! ThAnk you for sharing your world and talents.
Hi Susan!
I have enjoyed your books for many years but recently introduced my daughter to your blog. Now we are both smitten! You have a way of making the daily little tasks and rituals so much fun!
I would love to be entered in the draw and surprise my daughter with the teapot, tea and book!
Hi Susan! Love your posts – keep warm and enjoy the fire
What a wonderful personal gift for your treasured friend on a very special birthday! Thank you for capturing it in process and sharing with all of us. Many blessings to you and Joe.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for having such an awesome giveaway! I just started collecting teacups & saucers (I don’t have a proper teapot yet). I always enjoy reading your posts & seeing your artwork. Thank you for sharing! You make our world much happier & brighter!
My husband & I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary on Valentine’s Day!
Would love to win that sweet tea pot and other goodies. Susan thank you once again for an inspiring blog.
I have been away for a bit…always love checking in and seeing what is going on here! Life looks so cozy and wonderful! The birds singing across the screen when I open the site always surprises anyone around at the time! I haven’t gotten the book yet…would be fun for a nice winter peruse! I love how inspired I am when I visit here…thanks for that! Happy Valentines all!
OMG! The glorious, stoke-on-trent-made, beautiful, English, Emma Bridgewater heart tea pot!! And the super yummy English tea in pretty tin!? And your most wonderful book ever!!?!?!? I can hardly stand it! You are a generous spirit indeed! Take me away fantasy world I welcome thee! I dream that I am winning these most spectacular of prizes and also going to England this year! Love to dream! thanks for you help along the way!
Your painting was so delightful, she looks so comfy in her slippers reading her book.
The teapot looks adorable, thanks for the opportunity.
So love your blog.
Your blog a delight. Thank you.
Nothing perks me up during my 3 p.m. slump, like a cup of hot tea…and sometimes a cookie. 😉 I have my favorites, of course, but I also keep an eye out for new teas that just strike my fancy.
Paul Lucas is without doubt one lucky fella! As for the giveaway…Emma Bridgewater, Earl Grey tea (to be served with Rachel’s Lemon Butter Cookies–yum!), and A Fine Romance…well, you can’t get much better than that!
Oh please choose me! I have a copy go A Fine Romance so if I win, I promise to pay it forward and give my (unsigned) copy away. I desperately need that teapot of Emma’s!!!
Your tea sounds delicious and the teapot is lovely. With Valentine’s around the corner, a cup of tea with my mother seems like the perfect thing to look forward to. Thank you for sharing your corner of the world with all of us girlfriends!
Please please choose me!!! Since I own A Fine Romance already, I promise to pay it forward and give away my (unsigned) copy if I win. I desperately need that Emma B teapot!!!
So lovely to find you have a blog! And even better to see that you are a fellow Merrell wearer! I raved about them so much that all my bestie got them, too, so when we travel together, it looks like a centipede has parked his shoes at the door 🙂
I absolutely loved your book, I pre ordered it so I wouldn’t take the risk of it selling out. My husband and I are planning a trip to England and Ireland when he retires next year and we can’t wait to enjoy some of the places you visited on your trip. Thank you so much for sharing your life and wonderful gift of your artistic ability to bring joy and inspiration to our lives, you are truly blessed! Terry
Thank you, Susan! I always look forward to seeing your name in my email and hearing the bird sing across the page as I settle in to read your sweet updates, encouraging words and beautiful artwork and photos you share with us girls! It is like a refreshing breeze at the end of a long day! Blessings to you and yours! ~Anita
A dear friend introduced me to your blog and I’ve loved it! I love to visit New England, especially in autumn and I’ve visited Martha’s Vineyard and found it beautiful and very charming! I especially loved all of the colorful gingerbread trimmed houses.
Oh Susan, you are a sweetheart.. Thank you for such wonderful givaway opportunities..
Did I say how incredibly sweet you are???? Your too much fun.
🙂
Awww Susan…such a special birthday gift you’ve made for clearly an amazing friend. I want to thank you for the Valentine’s Day tea party nudge…I think it’s going to happen around here. I have a favorite set of these amazing tea cups that actually are hearts. Here’s a link to their amazingness…it was a birthday gift from a friend. pinterest.com/pin/184436547215771600 Such fun!! Loving your January page of your 2015 calendar…look at it everyday. Thanks!! ~Beth
Blog Daddy sent me a set of those teacups for Valentine’s Day a couple of years ago! He’s a true romantic!
Just in case my comments didn’t make it to you, I just wanted to thank you so much for brightening each and every day! I have been a fan for a very long time, and so love your creativity! I have given “A Fine Romance ” to each of my retired teacher friends for their birthdays as of last year! It is such a lovely keepsake! I don’t know how you do all that you do, but I sure admire your many talents!
Thank you Marie. xoxo
What a delightful giveaway. I love that little teapot. Also the rose dishes are like the ones my mother used to have. Wish I still had them.
What a cozy way to end my day…so enjoyed your blog this evening. Thank you for sharing your life and your art with all of us. And of course the little gifts too.
A song to you from Maine!!”Blessed be!” Thanks for the opportunity to dream!!!
…she’s adorable!…i can’t say whether she’s bashful or bold…
with her sweetly pink cheeks and hearts all a flutter..?..demure for sure…
but then again (?) she is very colorful…maybe she’s cheeky!
…one of the Girlfriends is going to have an intriguing new tea companion…
(hope it’s me!…well, actually, I hope it’s any one of the girlfriends!)
Thanks Susan! Love U
OK Vanna…Come On Down and pick someone quick! We all can’t wait to hear who will be the Lucky Chosen One this time round!
The Emma Tea Pot is darling! It would be perfect holding my favorite tea while reading A Fine Romance!
Your beautiful table and Valentine’s decorations inspire me so…Thank You, Susan!
Only if…Love your book A Fine Romance and a nice cup of tea would do just fine 🙂
Would love to win one of your give always!
Wondering if I missed the giveaway! Love your blog and your books! My sister reminded me about the beautiful teapot last night and I would love to see it and even give it to her!!!
Good Morning….
For Christmas, I received my first ever Emma mug and would love to have the sweet little teapot too!
Your post sounds cozy and wonderful. It’s cold here too and dark !
Lorilu
Hello Susan!
Your blog is so uplifting especially when I am in a funk in January! Luv it! My 3 year granddaughter and I love having tea parties – favorites of hers are gingerbread cookies with
Lemonade-orange juice while I have my tea varieties. We have a few stories to tell – LOLA.
Thank you for your giveaway.
All the best,
Joyce
I know I’m too late for the drawing for the amazing give-a-ways, but I still wanted to make a post. I have been following your blog for a bit now, and I still love to see it pop up in my email box every time. Such lovely stories and photographs!! I have actually been quite a fan of yours since I was about 8 or 9. Ever since I saw your stickers for scrapbooking – I still have most of them, because they were always too pretty to use 😛
What a beautiful painting for your friend, Paul! I hope it’s a surprise.
I can’t wait to check out the Valentine items on the web site….the hearts could bring some cheer to my kitchen. Stay warm. My yard and driveway are a sheet of ice and I must safely get myself out to the barn. Your blog made me smile this morning.
love love love the teapot
yes please! what a fun giveaway!!!
I think I’m too late for the drawing but that’s ok. I love your blog. It’s just a bright spot in my day. It requires nothing of me except to enjoy it and life. It really is a gift. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you for making my days even brighter with your posts! I too, try and live most of my days in “Smallville.” It’s a warm and cozy place to be, particularly during these beautiful winter months in Michigan. Nothing satisfies as much as reading in front of the fire and watching the snow gently fall. My copy of “A Fine Romance” is showing some wear, and that’s just fine with me!
Thank you Susan, for always bringing a bright spot into our days! You are so gifted in writing how you “talk” to each of us as if we are your best friend. Thank you for your kind and loving heart. We welcome you into our hearts and homes. : ) Helene
Thank you for the beautiful post! I so look forward to them & had really missed you during Decembers!
I so love your sharing with us your Smallville! The tea pot is so darling, I would love it. Thanks, Mary
I would love love to win that tea pot. Win win at long last win
Hello Susan… There are not words to tell you how much your blog means to me. One of my favorite things is a cup of your tea in the afternoon in a pretty cup while sitting in my own little house in “Smallville”!
Susan, did you visit Highclere Castle on your last trip across the pond?
No, it was closed to the public, they were filming the whole 2 months we were in the neighborhood. Good. Something to look forward to next time.
Susan, I love your dishes. I come from a very long line of dish collectors. Emma Bridgewater’s hearts is one of my very favorite patterns. Of course, I adore Valentine’s Day so it stands to reason! Thank you for all the beauty you bring to the world.
What lovely items! It would be a delight to win!!
Many years ago…14 to be exact, me and my best friend Christy fell inlove with one of your books! It inspired us to take a trip to Martha’s Vineyard – stay in a bed and breakfast Joe owned and eat at the Black Dog 🙂 years later we finally got to meet both if you at a book signing in Chicago while enjoying a tea party 🙂 thank you for the memories and inspiring a girlfriends adventure!
Would LOVE to win!!!
Susan ! Thank you so much for taking the time to cheer our hearts !
I heard you are possibly reissuing your first book : Heart of the Home, this year……is it so ?
Yes, but I didn’t know anyone knew! Did I say something, or are you a mind reader?
RE: Reprint of Heart of the Home first book 1986.
Susan….Looks like you mentioned reprint on December 12 on Twitter feed. YAAAAY ! Can’t wait to get mine. Thanks again for being you !……you do it so well ! Wendy.
The best I can! 🙂 xoxo
Susan you are such a lovely person. Life can be hard but your books and blog always give me joy. 🙂 One of my dreams is to visit England. Just looking at the cover of your book gives me a thrill! I would love to join you on your journey, inside the covers of A Fine Romance, while sipping on a cup of lavender and rose petal tea. The teapot is so adorable. It would get lots of use between me and my 5 daughters.:)
I am sorry that I am so late in responding to this wonderful post. I have been sick for over two weeks with H1N1 and walking pneumonia. I have felt like doing much of anything, but I loved reading all about the comfy clothes that you wear as you paint, all about your friends – Ray, Paul, adorable Alice and their home, and that pretty little teapot. I am not a tea drinker unless it is the ice cold southern sweet tea with lemon. I drink coffee in the mornings, but I am not sure why because I really do not like the taste of it. I wish I were more of a hot tea drinker, so maybe if I am lucky enough to win this little pretty little teapot . . . I can make the switch.
I discovered your books this last summer in my library, been trying to buy all of them, I did the stuffing for Thanksgiving it was amazing! I love your work, your recipes and we’ll just everything in general! 🙂
Your talent is amazing. The blog uplifts me and puts a smile on my face.
I just love your artwork! I have most of your cookbooks, I read them like a novel filled with yumminess.
It would be so special to win one of your giveaway’s.
Love all your graphics – have collected as many books of yours as I’ve found!
Susan, I am a long term fan, just can’t tell you how your blogs brighten the long grey days of British wintertime and make me smile whatever the weather or time of year! Your love for life is inspiring – thank you for making our world a happier, lovelier place to live in!
Love, love, love that teapot!! I love everything Emma, really. And, thank you Susan for posting the pic of my Mom and I at Downton (Highclere, but we all know it’s really Downton Abbey don’t we?). You are a gem! Love you!
This post just made me smile really big <3
Thank you for extending the giveaway! Always enjoy your blog, but try not to be online much on the weekends. Thank you for sharing your art with the world and making it a brighter, cozier and more beautiful place to live!
I would like to join this Giveaway. Thank you Susan.
Ciao,
Miriam (from Italy)
Greetings from my “Smallville” in northern Vermont. It’s a snowy MLK day and a good time to curl up with a mug of tea in my heart design Emma Bridgewater mug.
I loved your recent blogs which I was behind in reading. Your drawings and watercolor paintings are inspiring me to get out my supplies and give it a try.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for always bringing beauty and fun into my life. I love your site and especially your style! I always enjoy your “Jack” tales/tails:)
Keep shining-
Lisa
I look for your blog first thing every morning…you set the tone for a lovely day!
I love the beauty and simplicity of your blog. It refreshes me.
Susan, you are the dear friend I’ve never met – your blog entries bring a peace to my day (like a little vacation to “Martha’s”). I have been coveting that little tea pot….must remember to add it to my wish list for Mother’s Day or Christmas!
I love your ideas for Valentine’s Day! I’m getting in the mood!! Thank you!
I would love to win the tea pot and tin of Earl Grey. It reminds me of the many times my mom and I shared a cuppa together before she passed away 14 years ago. Still miss her EVERY day, too.
I would still love that birthday calendar that you put out in 2011. Mine is so messed up from cross-outs, etc. I need a new blank! Thanks.
Nothing gives me comfort more than reading your blogs! I love your enthusiasm, your style, I want to live in that wonderful white farmhouse with you and stare out the window at the beautiful red bird at your feeder and all my cares and woes will go away. Love you Susan keep up the wonderful good work!!!!
Hi Susan, Thank you for your lovely post about holding a Valentine’s Tea Party! I think that would be so much fun. I have a very dear friend who is my oldest friend’s Mom. Her name is Grandma Jo. She always had us over for a tea party at least once a year. I would love to bring her a tea party using your tea things.
I believe I already commented, but want to make sure I did!!! Thank you for your generosity, not only with your give-a-ways, but with the transparency of your life! You help remind me of what is truly important in life!!,
BLESSINGS!!
Nel E. 😉
What a perfect Valentine trio! Cuddling up with your book, your tea (I’ve ordered it before and it’s divine) and a few biscuits would make a cold day at my home so much warmer.
From one Susan to another-Love your books and could you please draw a sweet(what other kind are there?) Scottish Terrier ? I have two.
Your blog just gets lovelier all the time! <3
What a lovely give away…Susan Branch you are the best. Looking forward to catching up on your blogs while on vacation.
Oh that Valentines day breakfast table setting! So beautiful. I love the pink and white throughout, and the roses. What magic. Valentines day is always special as my daughter was born the day before. This year we get to celebrate her birthday on Feb 14 – oh boy a magical day ahead. But Valentines day was always special. When I was a kid I would get so excited to make my valentines box (to collect cards), then carefully selecting or making my cards and giving them to friends. As I grew older I loved celebrating love, even if there was no one significant in my life. Love takes all forms and that love should be celebrated. Love of fur babies, friends, nature, or even if it is just ourselves (a home spa day) – anything you love can and should be celebrated and Valentines Day is a perfect day to do it. Thank you dear Susan. Happy Valentines Day to all.
I so love your posts. I look forward to them. You inspire me often. Your sweetness shines in all you do. Love it all.
Your blog always makes me happy. I have not been coping well with winter this year and I look forward to new postings. I love the fact that there are no little ads popping up. Just pure blissful reading, humor and whimsy. Thank-you Susan.
I have always wanted that tea pot! Hope this is my lucky day! You are the greatest!
Dear Susan,
You make my morning! Mickey Rooney said “If you smile alone then you really mean it.” Well, you give me that with every blog! I imagine, Paul has a really big smile right about now 🙂 My fingers are crossed! I wish I may, I wish I might!
Lovely day to you girlfriend!,
Lynn
I love your blog. It makes me happy and cheers me up on a dreary winter’s day. I have several of your books and my mother-in-law gets me your calendar every year for Christmas. I would love to win “A Fine Romance” but if I don’t that’s okay. I will buy it. Have an awesome day.
OK, I’m in on this one! It’s too cute to pass up! The tea and book make it extra special and a “just add water” kind of tea party in a box! Super cute! Can’t wait to see who wins!!!
Me either, Vanna is on high alert, just waiting for the entries to slow down a bit and then we’ll GO!
Oooh – what a fun giveaway! SO enjoy your posts!!