‘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!♥
Dear Susan,
I would love for you to enter me in your tea pot give-a-way. I am also recovering from a total knee replacement and I so enjoy the warm wood burning stove with a cup of tea each afternoon. Looking forward to decorating for Valentine’s Day’ just love your new heart banner, I think it would look great hanging from my mantel. Keep warm.
I knew someone was . . . that’s why I wrote it, I must have “felt” you out there! Get well soon Chris!
susan, you always bring joy when i read what you write. i am grateful to my friend liz for introducing us.
susan, you always bring joy to my life when i read what you write. i am grateful to my friend liz who introduced me to your writing.
Thank you for the Heart Reminder. My Rosie Cat with her Gray Fur Heart keeps us ready for Valentines and Romance all year long. You have reminded me to get the pink china out and all red and heart covered out for enjoyment!
Love the Birthday picture/card/gift for your friend Paul. Happy Wednesday!
We have Sunshine today so beautiful!
Paul Lucas is the luckiest friend, ever. Love the birthday painting and, although I have been using your stickers and papers for years, the new addition of your blog into my life has brought me such delight and cheer. Thank you, Susan Bee!
Hi to Susan and Joe from all of us at the English Rose Tea Room!
Love red! Love hearts! Love “A Fine Romance”! Love tea! Love Valentine’s Day! Love doilies with strawberries and freshly baked treats placed upon them! Love Susan Branch who is like a Valentine gift every day!
I think I’d lose my mind if I won the teapot AND the Earl Grey (love it!) AND the book! I’ve always loved your calendars, but I’ve only just discovered and enjoy your blog. Such creativity and lots of smiles whenever I need it. ♥
How cozy and yummy Valentine’s Day will be!
I love Valentines Day. Every year I have a party with my granddaughter daughter and Mom. This year I have a new granddaughter so I hope to have her and her mom. I make a little cake. cream cheese and cherry sandwiches your cucumber sandwiches all cut out with a heart shaped cookie cutter. Lots of fun little presents heart shaped soaps candy lipsticks Anything with hearts on things I shop through the year for this day. We love it!
Love reading your blog! Happy valentines day!
Katherine
Greetings to you Susan, on this cold and chilly morning. I always enjoying reading your heartwarming posts of your family, friends, and your special pets. What a wonderful birthday gift for your friend! Stay warm and a wonderful week.
Tea is my favorite thing, I would love to have the teapot with the hearts!!!
Hi Susan,
Well you really have done it this time! What a great give away. I can only hope to win, but I will be happy for who ever does. {I’m a nice person}. At least there are a few people that have told me that. What a beautiful picture for your Birthday friend. Wish I could paint. My little stick people come out pretty good. Thank you for being you.
Nancy Jo
LOL, you are a VERY nice person! 🙂 You will go to heaven!
I’m quite certain that I did leave a comment on the internet address book post, because I remember hoping I would win. But just in case, I will post again on this one. (I’m up to my ears in eldercare and sometimes I become as forgetful as my elderly dad does.)
The hearts teapot and this whole generous giveaway is just love-ly! Thanks so much for the opportunity!
I adore the Emma teapot. I would feel like the Queen sipping my tea. How fun. Love reading your blog … it is a bright spot in my day. Thank you Susan!!
Would so enjoy that beautiful teapot in my new home. We just moved in 2 months ago and as we are in a bigger space, I am having trouble making it feel like home. Not enough “stuff” around yet – need to go collecting! Thank you for your wonderful posts and drawings, they are a daily pleasure!
I’m sure there are many people here who wish they had your problem! Enjoy the hunt Lynda!
Dear Susan, I am having a Valentine’s Day Tea, and would love to include your beautiful heart tea pot at the table! And if you are in Stockbridge, you are invited to come, sit, stay! Warmly, Ann
Oh this would make Winter so much more bearable!
My copy of “A Fine Romance” is loaned out, so another copy would be a perfect addition to my library. It has it’s own carry-bag: a narrow jute bag with the union flag on the side, purchased in ……England! My husband and I travelled to the UK in September 2014 for three weeks, our third trip since 2008, and having read your book ahead of time (BOTH of us) enhanced our enjoyment of the places and countryside we visited (Cornwall, Bath, the Cotswolds, South Wales, Newbury, Chatsworth House, Thirsk in Yorkshire, London). A little shop in Bourton-on-the-Water carried Emma Bridgewater, Cath Kidston, Portmeirion—so hard to choose! Love the Emma Bridgewater designs so I bought fancy tissue! Oh yes, and a mushroom eraser/pencil sharpener at the V & A in London (like in your book!). Am looking forward to new posts and your next book! —a fan from Nova Scotia, Canada
I love that lovey-dovey pink table setting for Valentine’s Day! My parents will be in town this year for valentines, and I would love to make a batch of those lemon butter cookies to go with our cuppa 🙂
Thank you for another wonderful blog post… it’s really the best way to start my morning!
xoxo
Heather
Love, love that wonderful teapot! Love your blog and all the wonderful ideas you provide. Most of all love that you share your many talents, your daily life and travels and your kittys with all of us.
Dear Susan,
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years. I actually have it as my start page when I go online! When I first found you, I went back and read the entire archive!!! I can never get too much of your adorable artwork and stories of life in Smallville. Thank you for all the joy you spread (and for offering the Emma teapot). xxoo
How delightful of you to think of all of us with a Valentine’s Day gift!! We love
that you care about us so much and have so many wonderful things to bring us. I love your gift for Paul, he is very lucky to receive such a Birthday greeting from you and Joe! I’ll cross my fingers ( and maybe toes, ohh! that might be painful!) and wish my best for a chance to be Vanna’s pick for that perfect teapot! Thank you, Susan!
I’m clapping my hands. Congrats’ Jan! Enjoy your new “wins”. I’ve had the blue one for ages and it makes me smile just looking at it.
Susan, what a great gift for Paul. Most importantly, what a great friend you are. I’m sure he’ll treasure his portrait forever. Happy Birthday, Paul!
What do you do when you make Wednesday a “pajama day”? Watch the magical icy landscape outside your window, eat pancakes for lunch, and curl up with a “page turner.”
Stay snug and cozy Girlfriend’s!
Warmly…Marie
Sign me up for the drawing! I am anxious to have another tea party with my friends and that darling teapot would be lovely on our table. I know the perfect girlfriend to give the book to. I have read it twice and am going to read it again starting today, I love it so much and am looking forward to your new book too. Stay warm. Sheila
Oh Susan…. love how the gift turned out, not that I had any doubt at all. It’s just perfect, but I adore how you put the sticker of the birthday hat on the outside of the frame…what a cute touch!! It’s time for me to make these cookies, I think!! Rachel and Paul are precious folk—warm and wonderful! Happy Birthday to Paul….and continue with the joyous task of creating your 2016 calendar! Happy January!! xoxo
You are the sweetest person doing all these giveaways! Thank you and bless you!
Susan, I LOVE this teapot and would love to win it, the tea, and your book (which I already have, but I could surely find a recipient for the one you’re giving away). I was given an adorable personalized Emma Bridgewater mug for Christmas, and this teapot would look SO nice with it! My mum and I are less than 60 days away from our second journey to England (going to Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall), and winning something from you would just be icing on the (Victoria Sponge) cake!
My darling mum and I have an expression we use when we see someone wearing a dress that is rather too revealing ‘I don’t know if she’s inside trying to get out, or outside trying to get it’. It makes us laugh every single time, but I expect it’s a jealous laugh really…… Adorable birthday painting for your friend, what a wonderful surprise he will have when he unwraps it! X
Oh Susan… what a delightful post (as always). And just when a person thinks the wrap up to the post is coming, there’s more to read (clap your hands if you’re happy). I’ve already popped over to meet your friend, Rachel, on her blog. And the birthday card you painted is just so much fun!!
Your giveaways, too, are always so much fun. Oh yes please, do enter me in your Valentine’s giveaway. And for whoever wins, it shall be the treat of the week!!
With bunches of heart thanks and roses….
Brenda
xox
What a whimsical post! We need laughter right now during the deep freeze. Actually, here in Minnesota this is our first day out of the sub-zero siege which is a perfect reason for a celebration via tea and party!! If I would win this marvelous Emma gem I would immediately pay it forward and give it to my dear friend and Downton Devotee Elaine, who saw me through the aftermath of an accident. I’ll give her a mini-tribute right now in front of the Girlfriends. She was ALWAYS there for me with humor and understanding over many months. Thank you Elaine, and all the other Elaines out there who enrich the world immeasurably with their love. PS Susan is an honorary Elaine!
What a nice compliment. I agree, thank you to all the Elaine’s like your wonderful friend, who come in and save the day!
Oh, Susan, how you brighten my day! Each time I see that you have a new blog post, I can hardly wait to read it! Sometimes, I read an old one again…if you have been too busy to blog. Thank you! “YOU are adorable!” Oh, yes….Valentine’s Day IS coming soon!! Such fun!
A lovely peaceful happy post.
I adore that tea-pot! I also adore your red & white table. Thank you for all of your “smallville” inspiration! Perfect for this cold Berkshire weather when we are all cozied up inside!
Just the ticket (or cheery blog) for this morning! We had snow flurries and then freezing rain, so it’s looks like a pretty little snowfall until…you step outside and discover it’s a sheet of hard ice and 15 degrees – too cold for here in Richmond =:-O So we are in and cozy and tea drinking and watching the flocks of birdies of all kinds and sizes at the feeder and on the ground…I did venture out to fill feeder and throw food on the ground 🙂 Guess it is my old Girl Scout training, but the ground is too frozen for them to find much.
Stay warm, love the splendid teapot & etc. offer! And what a fabulous birthday painting – wow! Thanks, Susan ♥♥♥
Just love it! There is nothing like a pot of tea shared with good friends.
I love that teapot, it would be so fabulous to win. It would go perfectly with my Emma Bridgewater Love mug, and Roses mug. Perfect set for a Valentine’s Day tea party.
Susan, you are such a generous person to have two giveaways in a row. We are all lucky to have you in our lives. I’d love to win. Haven’t done anything special for Valentine’s Day in so long…it would be fun to invite my daughter for tea and spend the day with her and your tea and tea pot. Thank you for this opportunity.
Valentine’s Day is my absolute favorite time of year since it is the time my darling husband Harrell and I were wed 49 years ago. Even though he is no longer here, but drinking tea and eating his cookies and cucumber sandwiches on a fluffy cloud up in the heavens, he is still in my heart, filling it with love. I do decorate with hearts and flowers and spend my time in happy memories of our love. xoxoxo to you Susan and to all the girlfriends out there!
Good Morning, Susan,
What a wonderful birthday card for your friend to receive!! And tea from the beautiful heart teapot would be a huge blessing. Thank you for that giveaway. Your blog writings are always so cozy and heartfelt. 🙂
God’s blessings on your day!
Hi Susan,
Loved your post today ! You are such a national treasure! Enjoying everything …..Susan! Especially the giveaways!! Thank you for loving all us girlfriends and sharing your world with us.
Greetings from western Pennsylvania, Tina
Your birthday gift to Paul is just wonderful! I want a colorful scarf and dog pin just looking at it!
Oh Susan, how I love your writings and art.. your very playful mind. You are such a bright spot in my days.
ooh wee—I’d love to win. Such wonderful prizes!! Count me in. Love to you and yours!! PS: wonderful painting of Paul, and the wee hat is adorable….. From the hills of TN
Dear dear Susan,
How do you do it? 3 posts since January 5…..which are WONDERFUL; reading 1755 comments….and I know you read everyone, and commenting on so many (I try to read those comments…..to learn little secrets about your life…ha!); paint portraits of dear friends; watercolor and write books; design and paint calendars. AMAZING!!
So, this comment means I’m entering your give-away, but I must confess first. I have your green and white, floral teapot, creamer and sugar bowl….but, I love Valentines Day, so your heart teapot would be so cute on my tea cart. I have the teacup tin, but it’s not filled with tea, so that would be great because my hot drink of choice is tea. And, I have your “England Romance” book and have given several to friends, but have another friend that would love a copy. So, there you have it….confession and wishfulness, all combined.
You are just THE best, my dear.
Rachel
Thank you Rachel ❌⭕️
Hello Dearest Susan!
I love the blog post today!! Happy Birthday to Paul! 🙂 I am always so excited to see that you have another post. I savor every word! It is so nice to take a break and read what you are up to!! I hope you and Joe and your darling kitties stay warm and cozy! Love the Valentine giveaway!! How fun for someone to win such a generous prize!! Have a blessed day! Thanks again for sharing your world with all of us!!
Hi Susan! I would love the teapot or the book or… Anything!
Dear Susan,
You brighten my days in so many ways.
Thank you, for being YOU!!
Cynthia
I love your blog. For many, many years, I have decorated our home calendar with your monthly stickers. Thank goodness for “sticker remover” products. I can now transfer them (tenderly) from one year to the next since they are out of print. I always look forward to your new posts and, of course, the accompanying musica. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe!
Susan, I like YOUR shoes better than Vanna’s mules…hahaha!
I have THREE pair like yours and almost sleep in them!
Soooo warm and comfy.
Your Invitation to HOPE and BEAUTY always lace your every Blog…
…and always encourage me to DO Something!
Today, it’s calling an old friend to reconnect and reminisce!
“Rubbing hands together in attack of pathological enthusiasm.” YES!
P.S. Meant to add that Paul looks like a Fairer version of Mr. Darcy!
…with the Heart to match!
❌⭕️ Beth!
for my birthday(2-12-56)!! Me, Downtown Abby & tea….
You’re killing me Susan! You made me go to England, travel to Stillmeadow, buy Emma, lust for a vintage stove, search for antique books, indulge my love
of lambs and collecting, light a bonfire for beatrix figurines, give tea parties and more. Now this – a teapot with hearts after swearing I won’t bring another piece of china into the house. You must stop it. Please know, each blog
is a gift to us.
Thank you.
LOL! 🙂 “Light a bonfire for Beatrix Potter figurines” . . . I think I love you.
You brighten my days in so many ways. Thank you for being you!!
Yippee! I think I’m going to win!
That card you painted is priceless! WOW! What a treasure!
I would love to have a spot of tea in that teapot! 🙂
Janie
Susan — your lovely teapot would entice me to replace one of my cups of morning coffee with a spot of tea! I’ve been a fan for years — thanks for everything!
Susan, your birthday card/picture for Paul Lucas is wonderful!!
Congratulations to Jan Hammond! And I love the sea caption/fisherman picture in back of your heart teapot!
With love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
I LOVE the Bare Breasted Woman behind the picture of Paul with his wonderful wrap-around scarf! May be because I went for a much dreaded but appreciated Mammogram today! She looks more relaxed than I was! Ha!
I like how you put 2 and 2 together 🙂 Always good when they’re in the rear view mirror! xoxo
YES! Liking that “Rear View Mirror” more and more as I age ON….and pass every Medical Check with an OK!
As my mentor SB encourages, “Singing at the TOP of my Lungs!” More and More! Thanks, Susan!
hi susan! it is more blessed to give…. such a sweet giveaway and congratulations to our Girlfriend Jan!!!! and now…ANOTHER!!! you are most certainly a DCT!!! there really is not a better gift than one that is handmade and friend Paul hit the jackpot!!that likeness you did of him is fantastic and so special … I am sure your friends will treasure it always..so… I am going to have Valentine’s Day Tea for my two daughters and two granddaughters ( ages 4 and 6)….it is a morning tea party and know it will be delightful.. my mothers china will be perfect and I can bend the rules a bit and serve homemade cinnamon rolls ( their absolute favorite thing ) along with my scones and a lemon tea cake…inspired again!!! reserving Valentine’s Day night for a special dinner and a bit of the bubbly…loved this post..thank you.. stay warm in your layers and air out as needed!!! xo love, cindy
Love all your work. It fills a happy spot in my heart. Thank you.
Hi Susan, I love Valentine’s Day tea parties and would love to have the heart tea pot on my table. Thanks for your uplifting posts!
I love,love,love reading your Blog, Susan. I always tell my girlfriends when you have a new one. The old fashion music is DIVINE and I can’t get enough of it. Thank you so much for sharing your life with all of us. We truly feel that you are are a wonderful friend to all of us as well. I loved your last book and can’t wait for another one, however I didn’t order my 2015 calendar soon enough and missed out on that. So sad. Love teapots and dishes so much and the red hearts are just darling! Wow!!! What an awesome give-away! Wishing you a great 2015 with Health and Happiness!
Mary Ann
Oh Susan you really are so fabulous!!! your posts are just the best thing to read. I adore your painting of your friend and that hat on him is hysterical. I love tea parties and have them often. Happy day Susan
deezie
It would be wonderful to have a friend like you. The drawing of Paul is wonderful, and who wouldn’t enjoy such a gift.
Never been to a tea party, but sounds fabulous and the teapot would be perfect.
oh, Susan!! your visits just keeeeep on warming our hearts…and, that is quite a feat today, in the raw, chilly, now snow-y day here in a very “small”ville in va. wow. nice. I’d LOVE to have that teapot…..I’ve been a lover of tea since I was a wee-little-girl. all my grandparents came from England, and we lived in an “extended family”….grandparents, 2 aunts, my parents, brother and I. each family member “took” their tea differently. sooooo, to have the best-of-all-worlds…I’d go around to each, and “mooch” a sip….mmmmm…..I finally settled on sugar and milk for my favorite, but the fun was in the “mooching”….cause each one also included a little hug. xoxo. sooooo, again I say…vanna….pick-me!!! oh! do pick me!!!! keeeep warm & cozy, dear Sue. and, thank you! oh! thank you for your “visits”. xo
Oh, such a lovely post. I am actually hosting a Valentine Tea next month. I have pondered: my red tea pot? Stick with the Lenox “Winter Greetings” (I love it so, with it’s red cardinal) it comes out right after Thanksgiving and hangs around well into February. And I have toyed with the idea of sending for the Emma Hearts tea pot. Up here in our tiny Northern Maine town, a few of us formed a tea society (all very tongue in cheek: pearls, hats, gloves, linens, giggles, and china cups.) We take turns hosting and I love doing the February tea. Emma and heart-shaped sandwiches. Hmmmmmm. Stay warm, Susan and Joe. -15 when I was up around seven this morning. Hope you are warmer on the Haven.
Susan, Susan, Susan —- you are just too much! What a delightful post. Your sartorially splendiferous friend is adorable; seeing that photo of him ironing his trousers made me fall in love just a little bit.
And another giveaway? Wow. Spelled backwards it’s still woW.
It’s decidedly a tea sort of day here in North Carolina; there’s a little ice on the roads here in our own Smallville. (We live outside of Stem and Shoofly. Yes, really.) So after I clean the donkey barn and tend to the chickens, I’m having a soothing cuppa.
Y’all have a blessed and bountiful day there.
All adorable. Need recipe: Shoofly Pie. xoxo
I feel so lucky that you have been able to do so many posts lately. Although, I have no idea how you find the time and answering some and reading all…. plus keeping up with daily life and still creating. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL!!! I loved your musica… it was an extra long selection.:) I know everyone says this, but I fear I too must add AGAIN:)… what a joy you are and what joy you bring into my life and I am a pretty joyful person so I really didn’t think anyone could top me… But it’s true. You, my girlfriend, have done it!!! The joyfullest!!!
Love all that you create and do.
Yours are my favourite cookbooks. Yours is my favourite and only blog. Yours is my favourite book. So I guess that means… you are my favourite. My brother said I was his favourite yesterday. (not in a mean to others way, just in a “you are special way”) So I thought I should pass it on:) and I make all my friends love you too. (It’s not hard!)
Charissa
A beautiful compliment, for me (thank you sweet Charissa), but for YOU, from your brother, how sweet!
Your posts are such a joy, Susan. I often think Gladys Tabor and Beatrix Potter would have found as much heartwarming delight and comfort in your writing as you have found in theirs. Your posts, books, and products are on My Happy List!!
What a nice thing to say, Darlene!! They are two of the chief people I want to see when I get to heaven.
Congratulations Jan! Today is a good day to pull “A Fine Romance” out of the bookcase and reread it over a cup of tea. Your painting of your friend is just amazing. Lucky guy!
What a great giveaway! I enjoy reading your blog, and I love your artwork (watercolor is my favorite medium).
Hi Susan!! I would love to be entered in the drawing!!
I would surprise my mom with the prizes!! Her name is Marcia Wolff
And she LOVES your blog! You have inspired her to want to visit The Vineyard,
And so my sisters, dad and I surprised her for Christmas with her dream trip (it will be
In August for Illumination night!!) She would love to meet you if you have any appearances scheduled around then! Book signings, etc. Thanks!, ~Marisa
Oh, How perfect, Illumination night, so magical. May I say, go before dark, get your spot, its fun to wander up and down the lanes looking at the houses while everyone is preparing and excited . . . you’ll love the singing too. Not sure what I’ll be doing, but whatever it is, I imagine it will be on the blog!
Oh such a generous give-away!! Thank you for this happy place on the internet! :0)
What a wonderful birthday gift for your dear friend. I know he will just treasure that.
I ordered two Fine Romance books from your first batch. One for me and one for my amazing mother-in-law. She loves England and I knew she’d love your book. She did, and then did a whole presentation of it (with tea, of course) for her Book Club. Then they all went out and bought the book! I hope you do another. It feels like reading someone’s scrapbook, which I love.
Thanks for the drawing. My sweet daughter will be 25 on Valentine’s Day this year. Best Valentine Ever (my husband and I both agree on that!).
One of my favorite things about the blog is everyone’s families . . . and you have a Valentine’s Baby!
Susan.
Just a fast comment..first…. CONGRATULATIONS JAN…second… I saw a comment yesterday on the Smallville Blog about a painting of “PAUL” I thought what did I miss???? I thought you might of painted a picture of Paul (one ofthe Beatles) I searched allot of your blogs etc etc etc….and had a good laugh at myself this morning….Great BLOG and AWESOME PAINTING OF “PAUL”. Third ….because of your love of Emma Bridgewater… I now am the owner of 4 mugs and the grand babies all have their Peter Rabbit and I have given 5 as gifts. So the Teapot would be just at home here. hahaha Thanks for leading me down the right path….or I should say PATHS Love, Susan P.
Oh my, oh my, oh my!!! I’m jumping up and down in my seat. I did leave a comment for the internet address book but in the interest of being on the safe side here’s another one. I ADORE that teapot. It’s the screen saver on my computer. Would also love to have all of the other goodies. Thank you, thank you so much Susan from my little Smallville haven, Anne in Maine
love your blog, always brightens my day!
What a lovely idea for a birthday gift! I have been thinking about creating small paintings as birthday gifts, since I have just move very far away from dear friends. Thank you always, for your creative (and tasty) ideas for others. Of course, the idea of tea in a valentine teapot with a good book….that sounds pretty wonderful too! Always grateful for your blog….cr
Just want to say what a beautiful post this is. You have inspired my daughter to try water colors. I can hardly wait to see what she does.
Happy Painting!
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
p.s. Your generosity is mind boggling! Thank you so much.
Oh how I look forward to see your posts. Especially when they’re filled with pretty hearts all over! Thanks for the chance to possibly be able to host my first tea party, with such a lovely teapot! 🙂
I love your blog so much. It makes me so happy when I read it. My kids bought me your wall calendar and pocket calendar for my anniversary this year, and I love them.
My husband’s favorite tea that Earl Grey! Would love to have a teapot to make him a pot of it for our very own tea party!
That teapot is adorable! And all the other goodies are lovely too. Would love to win!
Wouldn’t,t be romantic to win that lovely bundle of goodies?! Love your art and your words!
What a wonderful giveaway I hope I win I really love to read your books while drinking tea.Thank you for giving so many wonderful gifts away.
Totally have LOVE everything of yours. Look forward to your emails.
I love your drawings and own so many of your recipe books as well as your address books. I hope I can add to my Susan Branch collection! 🙂
What a beautiful giveaway!! Thanks for sharing your talent and love of life with all of us!
I just love your artwork! I have all of your cookbooks and enjoy just sitting and reading them 🙂 You are a bright spot in the middle of snowy winter.
Charming and lovely are your illustrations, books, blog and sweet words. Thank you Susan for bringing sunshine into our days.
Oh, I have two pr of Merrills almost like those!!! I love them.
Such a cute post. I am sure Paul will love that! The hat is just the icing on the cake. Thanks for the post today. I really enjoyed it. pam
love all your work and stories you share love hand written notes and address books
Good afternoon, Susan,
What a generous give-a-way! And it makes a wonderful Valentine’s present/surprise for all 🙂 If I win I promise to share that lovely tea pot and tea with my girlfriends! Thanks so much for your words on the page. I so enjoy reading your blog; it warms the heart just like a good cup of tea 🙂 Stay warm and dry, and keep those shoes toasty!
Yours truly, Kelly from eastern PA
I drink tea every morning and the teapot would be perfect for me! The rest of the giveaway will be lagniappe. I love your birthday present to Paul. Makes me wish he had one of my handwoven scarves! Hugs, dear Susan, my virtual friend.
Being a Brit (living in Arizona) and of course a BIG tea drinker, I just love the pages with the tea pots and cups – so beautiful. Then when I saw the book title ‘A Fine Romance.’ I was even more in love. In the 1980’s there used to be a UK tv show called ‘A Fine Romance’ which had my favourite actress Judi Dench in. Such a lovely show – is available to watch on you tube if anyone interested. Have a Blessed day. Much love from Denise in Arizona
I’m. an 82yr old romantic and love your work, all of it.Found your work in country living Magazine years ago and have been a fan ever since.Also love tea and teapots.have several.Still would love another ,especially this one.Thank you for the beauty and joy you give to everyone.
Love love love the birthday drawing. I’m sure he will treasure it forever.
Dear Susan,
I look forward to you posts. I have been a girlfriend since 1987 when I bought your first book and have admired you since. I would love to be in the drawing for the heart teapot. I have introduced you to all of my friends and family. Sometimes they think I’m a little too crazy about you and all you do. But you are a wonderful change in this crazy world. 🙂
Stephanie
Susan, your posts are always a delight. I’m going to dig out A Fine Romance today and read and read and read. I thought you’d like to know that when I ordered it last year, I cracked it open, got to about the third page and had to go order one for my best friend. Love your books, love your art, love your heart!
your page always brightens my day i’ve never won a drawing before and would love to curl up with the book and a cuppa
Goodness Gracious but that give away is BODACIOUS!!! I am such a huge fan of all you do and winning these treasures would be a dream come true!!! Please consider this devoted fan when deciding upon your give away plan!!! xoxoxo
That teapot is adorable! Might even convince me to drink more tea 🙂