‘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!♥
This last Sunday, my mother-in-law hosted a tea party for her daughters, granddaughters, and daughters in-laws. So lovely were the scones with devonshire cream and jam, chicken salad, layered tea sandwishes, and a luxurious fondant cream cake. Earl Grey was the tea but the Susan Branch Lavender and Rose Petals variety would have made the sipping even more special. I should have made the Lemon Butter cookies because the Coconut Rosewater Ladoos that I made and brought to the party were very pretty in pink with a light coating of white flakes but tasted like soap! Aghh, I guess I must have been a bit heavy handed with the rosewater extract.
I so look forward to reading about your creative endeavors and adventures in this blog. I find myself visiting everyday to see if there is something new posted. Thank you.
That party sounds wonderful! Mmmmmm!
Silly me, I can’t figure out how to post a comment, but I found the Reply button. Love love your blog, takes me to a sweet and whimsical place.
I forget the question for the drawing, but Go PATS!!!!!!
It could be love day, everyday!
Oh, Susan…You silly, silly thing. That’s not Vanna. That’s me! Can you believe that dress?
No, that was quite something…very smart in the design, darker in some places to make her waist smaller, curvy to make her curvier. There was a mastermind behind that one!
I’m not sure if my post worked on the previous blog entry (I only saw that half of it was showing after I hit enter 🙁 ) so I hope its okay if I try again! I was mooning over some Burleigh teacups and some Emma Bridgewater ones online the other day so I’m so happy you are putting the teapot in the giveaway. 🙂 .
I love all of your posts, but wow did I love this one. What a wonderful gift that painting will be for your friend. And, I would really love to meet Vanna some day. You are a creative person who always inspires me to be more creative and I am grateful. Would love to win this latest contest, but reading this blog is really a great win in and of itself. Thanks once again!
This post was so much fun to read and the art and photos so fun to look at over and over. Happy, happy!
I have loved your cookbooks and art for YEARS. I still keep in my address book, a card I wrote to you that’s dated 1/11/00! It was just a couple months after we moved to WI and I wanted to update you on our address so I wouldn’t miss any issues of your “Willard” newsletter! Inspired by your book illustrations, I painted my daughter’s nursery as a garden of pansies. The things you create & share (like your adorable tea pot!) exude warmth, and coziness & contentment to me; they never fail to soothe my stress and bring me comfort! I’ve loved you from the day I stumbled upon the “new release” of Heart of the Home at a book store, and although I never sent the “change of address” note, I just wanted to tell you what a HUGE fan of yours I am! Stay warm and cozy!
And look, who would have thought that all these years later, here we are!
Dear Susan
I would love to to be entered in the teapot drawing. My grandparents were from Wales and we had tea time at around 4pm whenever we visited. I of course am still a tea drinker. I told my son how much I loved Emma bridgewater cups, and he gave me one for Christmas. Thank you so much for all your thoughtful posts. It always brightens my day when I click on your site and there is a new one. I live in upstate New York and thought of you when you were on your train trip, you went through the middle of my town. Lucky you didn’t go in mid November, or you would have been delayed for days because of the blizzard. It caused me to cancel a trip I had planned. Look forward to your next adventure to the UK…. Love Sue
I hope my next trip will be to Martha’s
Paul looks splendid as does the beautiful card you painted. And guess what? He and I share a birthday! Happy Birthday, Paul!
Right now I am enjoying tea in the Cath Kidson cup my daughter
brought back from a trip to London. Would love to win the tea pot and other
goodies!
I just love your heart-warming blog posts. They make me feel as if I’m one of your personal friends living at “Martha’s” just down the road and I’m going to pop in at any moment to have tea with you with that gorgeous teapot on the table. Right now I’m making a heart-shaped wreath for my front door with crocheted small flowers all around! Isn’t life fun?!
It is always a delight to come here. Your cheerful disposition and genuine kindness are such gifts at the beginning of year in which the world already holds its sorrows.
What a lovely give away! I simply adore anything and everything from Emma Bridgewater. This delightful teapot and your divine tea are a perfect match. Of course, I was one of the very first to preorder “our” book about “our” travels in England, but I would love another copy to give to my daughter as a gift. Please, Vanna, dig deep and pull my name!
What a lovely birthday present for your friend…you are so very thoughtful!
Oh my goodness!! So much tea goodness! A girl can dream!
I have never won a contest or drawing. I would surely love the heart teapot. I love all things “England”. My great grandfather came here from England. He met a girl in Chicago and married her. Then he took her to South Dakota and they had babies and were successful in not getting killed by the Indians. After four children, they moved to Michigan and became strawberry growers. They had eleven children and left us with a legacy of farming since the late 1800’s. My grandfather was called Sonny for almost a year while they waited for word from Gramma in England. She got to name him!
Lovely story Penny!
Susan, just read your delightful post this evening! The perfect ending to a cold grey day:) Am so excited about the latest and most generous drawing of the adorable Emma teapot, tea, and copy of A Fine Romance! I just purchased your 2015 wall calendar and am already enjoying it, also have the small one hanging in my preschool classroom. Thank you for the newest 2015 Full Moon bookmark too!
Love you to pieces, and keeping my fingers crossed that I am the lucky winner!
I going to plan a Valentine Party – you make it sound so wonderful! I love to have friends over – don’t do it often enough. Thanks for your cheery posts. We need them!
Valentines Day is my favorite holiday as it was my Mom’s birthday. Her middle name was Valentine. I celebrate everyday with tea in the afternoon and that beautiful tea pot would make a very special tea event at my house. Mostly I would love to see something in my mailbox from your house to mine. Thanks for sharing your “happy gene” with us all. Your blog posts are always so uplifting.
Reading your blog always takes me to my happy place where whimsy stirs little tickles in my tummy. I’ve recently learned to knit and I’m thinking I need to learn to make a teapot cozy! Thank you for putting a little bit of sunshine in this cloudy, cold winter day.
I have been loving your recent posts Susan…so much love in each one. I’ve not seen a teapot like this one before and I have to say, it is love at first sight. <3 I would be tickled to have one just like it in my home. It would be the loveliest reason to throw a first-ever tea party here in my own home (with a collection of the Musica you share with us in your posts, running in the background). Ah sweet l'amour! xo
Your posts are like a little vacation for me. Thank you for the inspiration and the kindness you send out to us all .. <3
Was catching up with your blog and smiled to myself when I read about the address book as I had just pulled the blue one (that I bought a while ago) out of my stash of goodies so I could get organized…great minds think alike? Don’t have a teapot in that stash drawer but I do have the tea in my cupboard! Thanks for taking me to Smallville with you 🙂
Good morning, dear Susan! What a blessing it must be to have two such friends as Paul and Ray. Such a beautiful card/painting too!! You really did capture him very well! I am sure he will be very happy…A lovely birthday surprise!
Again, you so inspire me…and there is just nothing quite like that feeling!
Thanks so much!
Having you here and doing what you do, as you do…is such a blessing to all of us every day! I hope we inspire you in some ways too!!
Make it a GREAT day!!
And thanks for the possibility of winning such a lovely teapot!! 🙂 (And tea!!)
<3
Adorable painting & teapot. For some reason have not been getting you post. So glad to see this, been missing them.
Try signing up again Diane . . . they do update-type things every so often that throw a monkey wrench into the works.
Lovely to see another post from you today. Always a pleasure to read. You cheer me up on such a foggy, dreary winter day. But spring IS on the way! And a tea party would be just the thing to enjoy on a chilly afternoon. Have a wonderful week.
Oh you do have a way of making my spirit soar!! The dashing pic of Paul – pardon me while I dab my lip – the drool you know (!) and the thought of Valentine’s Day and the dishes (so fabulous – I have some you know) and just the thought of the wonder of LOVE! Since my kids are living with me, I have had to put most of my prize pieces of china away and I MISS THEM SO MUCH. BUT who is more important do you think??? You may wonder why I put them away – because they are my special treasures and they (my kids) aren’t quite there yet. I think this year my VALENTINE’S will be my grandchildren and my GREAT-grandson! Perhaps I will make something special for each one. They are my blessings!! It still amazes me when I look at Felix and we laugh together and he runs to me for kisses and I realize he is my GREAT-grandson and I am alive to enjoy!!!! Have a grand day, my dear……you are another one of my treasures!! XXXXOOOO
Love how you count your blessings Pat!
First time going thru your and I love it!
Just love you page!!
Though I was participating in the other draw already and thus in for this wonderful new one, I’d like to tell you that February 14th. is my birthday and, it may be coincidence, I love anything heart shaped or decorated. So, my dear… that teapot… and the other loveliness…
Thanks for offering a chance to win.
Hope the draw is also welcoming people from abroad since I am from The Netherlands.
Cheers,
Jeanneke.
Yes, very much welcoming to everyone where a package can be sent!
Oh my! I have never commented on a blog IN MY LIFE! But your wonderful giveaways have drawn me out! Who knows where this will lead? I have loved you and your work for a very long time. You make me smile and remind me to see past what is usually considered ordinary to all the magic that’s just there in abundance! I sit with you every afternoon for tea, and even though you may be in book form, we have the most marvellous time!
Nice to see you Lorene!
Paul will be thrilled to have such a customized, full of love and fun birthday gift! Your paintings inspire me because I recall that you taught yourself; that gives me a lot of hope! 🙂
Your drawing offerings are very generous! I just ordered more Earl Grey/lavender/rose tea. It is delicious and when I choose it for my morning tea, it makes an ordinary day extraordinary! The way I go through it shows that I have a lot of extraordinary days! 🙂
Thank you for sharing Paul’s gift with us, Susan! I loved the picture of him ironing his pants!
Blessings and joy to you and Joe~~
I have a lot of extraordinary days too Paula! 🙂
Congratulations to Jan!
Keeping my fingers crossed for this give away!
Love your blog as always Susan.
After getting the kids to school thismorning, I’m having a nice cup of tea. Sitting here with a big sjaal ( scarf) around my neck, I’ve got a sore throat and ear.
Reading your blog was just the vitamin I needed!
Lots of LOVE from the Netherlands!
xoxo Willemien
Stay warm Willemien! xoxo
Dear Susan,
Oh thank you once again…For yet another give away, you are the most generous person…! I wasn’t sure if I was meant to enter again, so just thought I’d put in a reply….
A question…Do you know when your “Fine English Romance” book will be translated into Chinese? We are travelling to China in a few months, and I would like to take a copy to our son’s foster family….
Love from Holland
Nicoline
It will be available in September! I’m so excited, I can’t wait to see it!
Oh wow! It will be so exciting to see it printed in Chinese….! It’ll be too late for me to bring a copy along, but I’d love to know where to buy one, to send in the post (or take along, on our next trip) Will you travel to China to see it in the stores ” in person’??
Nicoline
I’d love to! I’ll definitely ask them to send me some!
Oh Mrs branch!I just discovered your lovely work last fall and I felt in love immediatly…I already have your 2016 calendar and it´s really fun to follow your advices!!!Do you know that I take a deep breath of fresh (and cold) night air Every evenings and I love that!!And as a destiny “sign” my husband just told me a few weeks ago that We Will move to england next summer for a new job!I’m so excited! So I need your new book, and a lovely teapot to train me for the tea hours of my new life!!!
Can I tell you that I just love your world!!!
Thank you so much!!!!!!
Love the deep breath . . . that is so sweet. What a wonderful adventure you are about to have Julie!
What a wonderful gift for your friend. That conical hat totally makes it, too!
I love your red and white china. The heart teapot is perfect for a Valentine’s tea party, but the transferware and chintz are gorgeous, too. Very happy-looking.
So… Dearest Susan (and dearest Girlfriends!)
I did send you a tweet yesterday about finally (Finally!) getting a copy of “A Fine Romance”. The book is .. well, wonderful. It is perfectly charming, and lovely, and so romantic. Each page is darling. There really is nothing else like it… I’m so glad I have my copy. Thank you for your sweet book and for a sweet look into your world. (And yes… I do agree that the QM2 chart room needs kitties!)
However.. I must share that when I went to pick up my parcel from the post office, the weather here in western NY has been very winter mix-ery as of late. The roads have been wet, slush-y, freezing since the weekend. I picked up my book on Monday and when I parked, I inadvertently pulled up next to a pothole that could have easily eaten a Volkswagen. I opened my door, put my feet out and… well, lets just say.. my knees didn’t get wet. : ( So… I trudged home.. took off all of my sopping wet clothing, made a steaming cup of Lady Grey and cuddled up with your book. It did make the day much more bearable. : ) And I look forward to reading it again, cover-to-cover this weekend… Thank you again, Darling, Dearest Sue.
This will be funny as time goes by and the memory gets blurred by the insanity of it all! 🙂
I have since heard that this pothole is now blocked off, swimming with carp and open to the public as a modern wonder of the world. So.. at least I can say that I saw it first. ; )
Yes, you Can! ha ha ha !
Whoa Andrea, what a bad/good day–I thought you were going to say “I dropped my book & it was ruined” (hence the bad/good day). Loved your description, I could just see it in my mind (as I head out into the Seattle rain….). Oh, who will Vanna choose for Susan’s treats?!
You are too generous!! I was consumed by joy and awe just scrolling down to see your beautiful drawing of Paul, hearing of his charms and laughing at just how fun your friends can be. Such insight into your world is why I just love coming here and hanging out! I’m usually torn between if I want to draw or bake, you are just that inspiring!! Oh Susan, thank you so much for this haven I can’t wait to come to!
Brilliant idea to warm up one pair of cozy shoes while wearing another. I’m going to have to steal that! And I’m going to have to get some of those Swedish heart banners — warmed my Swedish heart!
Happy (early) “Gal”-entines’s Day to you and to everyone.
-Anne
You know, you are just too much fun!!! This post made my morning and probably late to work lol. Thanks for all the fun and prettiness! I love that portrait of that cute man!
Have always loved your articles and artwork. Would love to win the tea and teapot. Keep your lovely fb postings coming.
hello susan,
thanks for all the recent posts. love your writing and imagination. would love to win a giveaway! thanks for doing them. 🙂
patti
I would so enjoy tea from your adorable teapot while watching Downtown Abby
What a lovely giveaway. I have a mug to match the teapot already, I just don’t have the teapot. Here’s hoping Marie
Wow! What a gift for your friend! The hat was perfect. I hope he doesn’t take it off the frame. Congratulations to Jan for being a winner and I’m hoping I’m a winner for this giveaway! I need something to perk me up. Down here in the tropics (!!!), we just aren’t used to days and days without the sun. My Christmas tree is still up and I’m glad it is. At least it adds some light and sparkle to the day!
The tea pot is so beautiful. I would be honored and elated to serve tea with it. I would plan a tea party for my daughter and her 13 year old friend who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer the day after Christmas. Our community has wrapped around her, and she is strong. Oh, so strong!!! Go Team Megan. Please, add her to your prayers and positive thoughts. Her story is at Megan’s Journey blog. She is a strong, beautiful, kind girl.
Go TEAM MEGAN! My prayers leapt out of my heart the moment I read your words.
I am still reflecting on the living here in Smallville blog. I think it encapsulates something very important, and I will be working on it for a while. BUT did you see the ONE GALLON teapot in the latest Emma Bridgewater catalog? I am sure you can see it on line. I can tell you about it because it is sold out! This is good because it is hard to justify $440 teapots that make a gallon of hot tea, but it is so cute!!! And I get the catalog because I read about it here, just like my Gladys Tabor books, and your books, and so much more. Thank you for blogging and sharing your Smallville with us allville!
My husband and I are tucked inside our house working our way through the dreadful flu. I thought this morning I would have the strength to turn on the computer and there was your most wonderful posting. I know we would be well sooner if we were drinking tea out of the hearts teapot.
Adorable birthday card! Great idea, a Valentine tea. I think I might do that
For my girlfriends around here.
My Christmas present to my daughter, who loves all things British? Of course! A Fine Romance! Now it’s my turn – I bought one for our library and I want one of my own. It’s on my wish list.
Thank you for all your stories, art and ideas, … and giveaways!
I was SO happy to see a new entry on your blog this morning! It made me forget how cold it is this morning in my Smallville. Love the party hat! Reading your thoughts and admiring your art & pictures always takes me to a better place! Love the inspiration that you leave me with – always positive. Stay warm. Hugs (don’t forget Joe & kitties)
Ooooh Emma Bridgewater, my favourite. I would love to enter your giveaway, if it is okay from the uk. Loved the post, and I love your book. x
Wow! Paul is not only a dapper gent, but a very lucky fellow to receive your amazing gift! Good for him! Thank you for sharing these photos of your work in progress! I so enjoyed seeing the progression of this gift! I find your artwork delightful and uplifting! It really makes me smile! Thank you very much!!
I hosted A Christmas tea for my residents in the nursing home and they asked for a winter tea. At the winter tea, they requested a valentine tea. They would be ever so excited if I had this lovely tea pot and A fine romance to share!
You are making life wonderful for people . . . thank you Bobbie!
I start every morning by checking to see if there’s a new post from you and it makes my day when I can visit ‘Smallville’ for just a little while! And, I read your post about the address book that you found and said it was no longer in print-I remembered I had it and was afraid I had lost it in a recent move, but I was thrilled to find it tucked into some books on a bookcase and suddenly all was right with the world! Thank you, Susan, for making this ‘girlfriend’ a part of your special world.
Hello Susan! Oh, it has been cold and snowy here in Indiana. We have had wind chill temps at -25. Schools have been closed and/or delayed. I am afraid with all the dark and cold that I have felt like hibernating. Your post was just what I needed – a little taste of Valentine’s and sunshine. Your contest is fun and just the possibility of winning is a day brightner. <3
You have truly outdone yourself! The so enjoyable blog, and the amazing drawing for such lovely gifts. Thank you.
The thought of pouring some lovely tea out of that beautiful teapot makes me sing! I hope I win!
Oh I adore Emma Bridgewater!!!! Lovely lovely lovely giveaway!!!
You did a fabulous job with the painting of your friend, Paul! I have been a painter for about 10 years and worked on oil portraits. Also, tried my hand with watercolour ….it is the most difficult to do! Congrats to you on such a fine job. What a keepsake for Paul and Rachel. We have ice outside this am. Good day to have tea!
Thank you, I would love to do portraits, but I am still learning.
I have been waiting for the copy of a FR from our library for months, but apparently it has been taken. How sad! On a happier note, I have one bowl from that lovely red flower set that belonged to my mother in law. Such a treasure!
Tell me the name of your Library and I will send them a book!
I have hearts all over the house, so an Emma Bridgewater heart teapot will be right at home.
Look forward to each of your charming posts.
Your painting of Paul was inspired! I bet it’s the best gift he gets all year, so thoughtful. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Vanna.
I always look forward to your posts. Up here in northern Maine it’s been so cold, it like a warm fireplace seeing all the wonderful drawings and tables settings. I have bought a few Emma Bridgewater mugs and just love them, a heart teapot would go wonderfully with them
I get so excited when I see you’ve put up another post! Just love all the beautiful pictures, writing and delightful attitude…just makes my day!
Dear Susan, (and you really are such a dear)
I found your website a few weeks ago, and feel warmed and hugged every time I visit you. You have encouraged and affirmed the importance of the little things that make up the fabric of a loving heart and home.
It doesn’t hurt that I am an Anglophile, have a large collection of teacups, and…(you get the picture).
Thank you for your exuberance and love.
Margaret
I think you really must be the nicest person I know.
Probably not. I have my moments. 🙂
Good morning Susan! I have been following your blog since your trip to England. Each post has been such an inspiration. Just found you on Pinterest & Instgram. What fun! This is my first comment – couldn’t resist your lovely Emma & Earl give away. This is so generous. Thanks for sharing.
Nice to meet you Jeannne!
Good morning, Sue!
You’re the best! I so admire your creativity and your talent! And the fact that you are willing to share your gifts with all of us…well, lucky US!!! I think you may have discovered another branch (no pun intended) of your career: Personalized Portraits by Susan Branch. Clients could send you a photo and you do your magic!
Hope the sun is shining on your house like it is on mine! Even the 15 below temperatures can’t dampen my spirit as long as the sun is out! Congrats to Jan and good luck to all the girlfriends…isn’t that hearts teapot amazing!?
xoDebbie
I love your pink hearts teapot! Would love to have one to plan my own Valentine breakfast party.
Today, I want to be Paul Lucas! I am quite certain that your gift will be his stand-out favorite! The hat sticker, well, it really is the “Icing on the cake!” An Emma Bridgewater teapot, Susan Branch tea, and a copy of A Fine Romance (since I have one, it will go straight to my cousin for her birthday) are sure warmers for this -9 degree F morning! Stay right in Smallville, inside by the fire where it is warm!
Another giveaway!!! Just what we all need as we settle into the main grasp of “Old Man Winter”. Here in northern Indiana it is below zero this morning and guess what…….I have Whooping Cough! Can you even believe that??!!! I didn’t know it was still around. Where did I pick up this nasty little bug? Vanessa, the corgi is taking quite good care of me along with her side-kick Frank. I sip many a cup of your wonderful tea, especially now. Have a wonderful winter painting marathon. I am enjoying my new calendar.
Oh, I haven’t posted here in soooo long…my world got very big with new duties at work, the addition of TWO new grandbabies in 2014, and a surgery on December 29 that necessitated giving up coffee but allows tea, and I am now an Earl Grey tea drinker! This giveaway, I hope, is for me!!! Though I haven’t posted in awhile I never miss your new blog entries and vicariously enjoy the seasons through your eyes (I am on the central coast of California, 1 hour south of SLO). I also gave away my copy of A Fine Romance to my sister-in-law who I knew would love it so I need another!! Love and blessings to you, Susan.
Welcome back . . . Congratulations on the New Babies . . . the coffee thing was probably a blessing in disguise (says the tea drinker!). xoxo
Yes Susan…it was! And if I don’t win I’m certainly going to buy some of your special blend!
Your card for Paul is so much fun!!!! What a special gift that will be! And such a lovely giveaway!!! this time of year is so perfect for tea and coziness and HOME!!!
Fun, fun, fun!
Hi Susan! So enjoying the posts – missed you greatly while you were traveling! We share a mutual love of the coziness of winter! I would be over the moon with the teapot and the tea (Earl Grey being my favorite.) It would certainly cause my little girls and I to have a Valentine’s Day tea for the girl scouts! It would be so fun – on Friday before Valentine’s they have a Daddy/Daughter princess prom at school – a follow up tea party would be the bee’s knees!
Please enter me in the teapot drawing. Love the hearts. Also LOVE that you did desk calendars again this year….I missed them last year.
Wow Susan! Your painting of Paul is fabulous! What a wonderful birthday gift! Your talent is amazing and I love that you shared that with all of us. V-day is on a Saturday this year and would be a perfect day for a party. In the past, I have hosted a valentine breakfast for my 7 Garden Club girlfriends and even printed out your sweet valentine bookmark for each of them (the little girl carrying the valentine heart). I laminated it and had one laying atop each of their plates. It was so cute and they all loved it! So now I’m thinking that I need to have a sweet valentine tea party. Great idea! Happy Valentines Day (a little early) to you and Joe!
Here’s another bookmark for your Valentine’s Party Connie!
What a thoughtful giveaway! You are so very kind! Thank you for just being you.
What a wonderful blog! I just happened across it by chance and am now very curious about your book. I love tea and have been to the U.K. once a long time ago. Am dying to go back to have another afternoon tea there, among other things. Love the teapot. I saw lots of Emma Bridgewater when I was in the U.K. Should have bought a piece while I was there.
Yes, you can even tour their factory which was really fun!
Ooh, count me in! My mum is about to post to me a lovely teacup covered in pink cherry blossoms (can’t remember the name of it for the life of me at the moment) and it will be so nice to enjoy tea in it on a chilly winter’s day. Isn’t Valentine’s Day just a treat? What better time of year to celebrate love and lovely things than in the seeming dead of winter?
Blessings,
Jennifer
Your lovely teapot would be a perfect addition to my wonderful collection of mismatched tea cups. Years ago my husband started buying a china tea cup for me whenever we were traveling to a new spot on our weekend getaways. Each and every one of them has some special detail that made me immediately fall in love with the saucer or the cup. What has been especially fun in recent years is that I’ve used my teacups for the Fancy Nancy tea parties that my Cape Cod village musum has sponsored as fundraisers. It’s a very nice feeling to see my beloved teacups adorning the sweetly decorated tables and the little girls drinking tea or pink lemonade from them. Thank you Susan Branch for all you do to inspire traditions, collections and “heart”warming nostalgia through your books and recipes.
Good~Morning Sweet Sue! Huge Smile on Me Face! 🙂 Morning~Musica….Divine! Congratz to Jan! 🙂 The Photos of Rachel & Paul & Your Painting of The Birthday~Boy…Adorable! & Vanna (So Glamorous! I Loved Kate~Hudson’s Gown) 🙂 & Now…Another Glorious~Give~Away!!!!! The Heart Tea~Pot With Your Tea & Your Book!!!! My Wings Are All a Flutter & Now Will Be Crossed for Luck! 😉 I’ve Put Up Lots Of Glittery Hearts All Around Our Home To Begin The Celebration of Valentine’s~Day Yay! ♥ A Toast…with a Glass of “Kimmie” To You & Joe in “the Haven” On “Martha’s” Thanking You for Sharing Your Magic With Us & A Very Happy Birthday to Paul! Yay! ( I Know Rachel & Paul & Alice Will Be Celebrating in Style!) 🙂 Warm Hugzzz & Always lots of Love Sweet Sue! xoxo Poof! ♥ ♥ ♥ 🙂
Good morning, Sue! And thanks for another chance to win a delightful gift! I have loved Emma Bridgewater’s pottery since I had to travel to Connecticut or Vermont to find it in out-of-the-way shops! And I have had tins with her husband Matthew Rice’s designs on them for nearly as long – before I ever knew they were married. What talented children they must have with all those artistic genes. But, no matter how tempted, I always refrained from purchasing yet another teapot. Now I know why – so I can win one from YOU! Wouldn’t THAT be something! It would be lovely with my PINK Asiatic Pheasant china from Burleigh in England. When the local Conran’s store went out of business 20-something years ago, I took advantage of the amazing sale prices and would buy as much of the blue Asiatic Pheasant as my “moon-lighting salary” would provide! (I had to limit myself SOMEhow or my bills would never get paid, so I only used my “pin money” for these luxuries that have become my everyday dishes now.) My pink dishes are for tea! What fun it would be to add the heart-studded teapot to my tablesetting! I’m sure whoever wins it will love it. Stay warm! (PS — LOVE Perry Como! Did you ever watch his TV program – was it the 50’s or 60’s? He sang a song, “Good Night Dear Jesus” that my mother used to sing to us after we said our night time prayers. Still remember every word!)
It’s Mathew Rice’s MOTHER that’s the real deal, art wise. Not that he isn’t because he really is! He comes by it naturally!
Early morning, reading your blog and what a wonderful way to start the day. Must run to the kitchen and make a cup of tea. Hope you are having a marvelous day.
Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays, partly because it’s a couple days before my birthday. Growing up it always seemed to add to my b-day celebrating – with all the candy & hearts. I love your illustrations and writing, Susan. They feel like home and add much warmth to my home, too. Blessings to you on a cold, cold day.
Reading your blog always makes me laugh to realize there is someone out there who thinks like I do. Thank you for being there. Tea is a most important part of my life, so please enter me in your drawing. Enjoy your Valentine Day celebrations.
I love, love, love that teapot! I have admired it since I first saw it on your blog and in your book! My girlfriend and I have exchanged all things hearts for over 30 years, so there are hearts all around my house, each with a loving story behind it. I love all things Emma, too and treated myself to the Peter Rabbit one from your store…
I would love to win the teapot!
Thank you for being so good to us, and sharing the picture of Paul. I know he will love it, as will Ray! What a treasure!
Your blog entries are the most special treat for us all. Thank you for being a ray of sunshine.
I love your drawing, your friends will absolutely adore it! Their puppy is so cute! Hope you warm up there this week, we got up to 36 yesterday and sunny, it was glorious to walk in!
Dear Friend,
I write today not only to join in all of the fun and excitement of this magical drawing but to thank you again for creating it! Your talents are endless but what makes you a real treasure is your willingness to share them with others. Here’s to tea parties, lovely England and living life with joy!
Happiness to you!
Deborah
Always love popping in to see what you are up to. Ever grateful for your generous heart and all that you share with us. Rearranging bookshelves today and my stack of Susan Branch books gives me joy! Saving a spot for A Fine Romance. Blessings!
So much to love about this blog! Love the birthday card for Paul; what a good friend you are! Love the giveaways. (Hope I win!) Love the tea party invitation. Love reading your happy thoughts. Your blog made the perfect ending for a busy day! I was helping my 3rd grade grandson make a groundhog in habitat diorama in a shoebox yesterday afternoon, so I had to WAIT until evening to read this latest blog. I had so much fun with him that the time passed quickly, and I was relaxing in the den and reading it soon enough. I must always relax after a grandchild project…takes a lot out of a granny! Last Saturday his twin sister and I worked on HER diorama, a koala bear habitat. His was much simpler…Mars and Venus, you know! Every minute spent with them is a blessing. Your writings added an extra smile to the day!
Did I mention that I LOVE my twin grandkids? No?? How could I skip THAT?
Never the slightest doubt, Barbara!!! 🙂
Thank you for all the hearts and love! I am getting married in the spring and am thinking a lot about love. Your blog put a bright spot in my gray winter day! Thanks for all the love and good energy you emanate to the world from your beautiful world. ♥
After the wedding, please come back and tell us how it was and what your dress looked like, and which flowers you had.♥️
I love your birthday greetings for your friend Paul Lucas. He is going to cherish it!
Congratulations Jan of being selected the winner today. Enjoy your address book to get you organized for the new year.
How lucky we Girlfriends are to have another chance at that fabulous tea pot set. Red is my favorite color and red polka dot is tops! I’ve been invited to a Downton Abby Tea on February Ist and looking forward to the fun. By then, we will know more about all the delicious details of Upstairs and Downstairs life at Downton. I am most intrigued at how Edith is going to move forward with her life and little daughter. I am counting on my heroine, Gramdma Ma the Dowager Duchess, to save the day!
One thing about Violet that overrules everything (thank goodness), she has amazing common sense!
Susan,
Love your latest post! I begin my day with you, reading your latest post or re-reading an older one. Love the painting of your friend. What a wonderful gift! I received the latest Emma Bridgewater catalog yesterday and have drooled over the heart tea pot. Would love to add it to my collection. Thanks for suggesting a Valentine Tea. I think I’ll do just that for my girlfriends. If you would like to come to Lewes, De, I’ll set a place at the table for you. Thank you for starting my day with a smile!
Brenda Brady
I absolutely love reading your blog, it is always the highlight of my day!! I really really really really (well you get the point) hope that the adorable Vanna picks me to win this time. Keep up the great work!
Congratulations to Jan, and so excited we all get another chance to win. You are the best!!
Talk about a gift from the “heart”! Paul is one lucky man. You are wonderful to make such a special gift. I have a dear friend who has vision problems but somehow she made me a cross-stitch tree covered with snow and birds and gave it to me this past Christmas. It’s a work of art and a gift I will treasure forever. Nothing says “lovin like a hand made gift”!
Truest of the true. xoxo
Hello Susan~I just have to tell you, you are just the sweetest! Your blog always makes me smile! It brings such happiness, which in turn I try to pass on to my girls, Ashley and Lauren. (We met you @ your book signing in Meredith, NH….last August!!! *~* -we brought you caramel vanilla tea and sea glass! You may remember us!!) We live in Smallville too! There is no place like it!! The cozier, the better! We had your Butternut Bisque last night! Just the BEST!! Thank you for sharing all your gorgeous photos! I LOVE what you painted for your friend, Paul, for his birthday! Just beautiful! He is going to cherish that gift! Stay warm!! Hugs from Kim, Mike, Ashley & Lauren ps….love the giveaway, fingers crossed
Hugs to you and your family dear Kim! xoxo
I find your blog so pleasantly simple and always relaxing. Whenever I find myself having a troubled day I log onto your blog and find my stress fading away by the lovely sound of the singing bird, the sweet face of Jack and what ever charming pictures you have posted. It is always a joy to read your new post.
I have been devouring your blog posts lately. It is that time of year and they encourage me to move along in this cold tundra I live in. Have a great day.