HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE! MUSICA first (we have our priorities) ~ I was going to announce the winner of our teapot now, the tea tin 
and Fine Romance book ~ and then I thought, “it’s the weekend, let’s make sure everyone had a chance to sign up.” Right? SO, if you haven’t yet, this is your chance! Scroll down to the next post to read all about our Giveaway, leave me a comment, and Good Luck! And P.S., Yes, more Swedish Hearts are on their way to our web store!
But while I’m here, I think we should get a little fun out of life! One of our Girlfriends asked to see a close-up of Ray and Paul’s Terrier collection that was glimpsed in one of the photos in the post below . . . so here they are! On a shelf in her kitchen. (Ray’s version of Beatrix Potter figurines!) When we went to visit Ray and Paul in England, Joe and I brought the little dog on the far left. He’s made of iron and very heavy for his size. Aren’t little collections like this wonderful? No two alike!
It’s not in my DNA to do such a short post, I’ll be back soon, but here’s a little food for thought for your Sunday . . .
Weather-wise we’ve had it all this winter on Martha’s Vineyard ~ sheets of ice on the kitchen porch, sleet and snow that “chill and bite,” wild winds beating at the windows ~ the temperature fluctuates wildly: 
yesterday it was 20° with a misty ice-fog in the air, the foghorn blew all day; this morning it’s 40°, grey and raining. Cars drive by, I hear their tires slapping the road. Joe made us a fire; he’s reading the paper in front of it with crackle and pop and ashes falling, tick of wind-up clock, rustle of pages turning; Foreign Correspondent with Joel McCrea is on the TV in my studio; Jack is giving himself a bath on my art table, Girl is curled on the back of Joe’s couch, and I’m saying hello to you and getting ready to spend the day painting; wending our way through life ~ “God’s in his heaven, all’s right with the world” here in Smallville.♥
O’ Winter, King of the MOST Intimate of Delights . . .
And tonight, Girlfriends? For frosting on the cake and “continuous small pleasures?” Downton Abbey! Be there or be square! Wob you, Me.♥
Hello Susan and Girlfriend’s!
After a soaker all day yesterday, it was nice to be outdoors in the beautiful sunshine today. To top off the day…a Susan posting. Can the day get any better? It will only be better if I share this wonderful book with you…O’KEEFFE & STIEGLITZ by, Benita Eisler. Great read.
Merry Monday!
Marie xo
Thank God for old letters! I think the future is bleak without these wonderful intimate pictures between faraway people in times when communication was so difficult ~ in real handwriting, or clunky typed letters. They’re like diaries, only better. Two-sided!
I always feel like a winner whenever I see anything new posted on your site. Winning would be icing on the cake.
Love your blog Susan–it always brings me joy and happiness! Tell Vana I’m ready for my new teapot to greet me for my morning tea! xoxo
I have followed your progress with bated breath—-both your trip to England and the great response to your book. Continued good luck!!
Leslie
Brrrr! Getting colder here in Ohio and more snow is supposed to be on the way for the week. My daughter and I watch Downton Abbey faithfully every Sunday night, hmmm, Granny and her past! I hope we learn more about that.
Of course I would absolutely LOVE to win all of your cute stuff! But I enjoy reading and dreaming, even if I don’t win. =) You are always positive and upbeat and that is what this world needs.
Much love to you, Dearheart!
Sinead found a gorgeous felted wool terrier at a new shop on Rte. 6A in Dennis called Scout…tiny place and very lovely. Check it out next time you’re down that way. I think she is closed for the season but maybe Spring…
Love from the Cape,
Marybeth
I just printed out the Birthday & Anniversary Yearly Planner…thanks for the “freebie”.
My pleasure Melissa!
Sure am glad I went to your site today. I thought it would be a lost cause to find a new post from you, buy “YAHHH,” you surprised me! LOVE the terrior collection! My dog Jack is the same kind of terror, Short Haired Wire Fox Terrior. Jack’s my pal alright. I wish he could meet up with Alice. I think they’d have fun playing with one another. Must look for some miniatures of Jack & Alice. I’d like to start a collection. We’ve had two Dalmatians in the past. I’ve got a lot of miniatures of Dalmatians.
Looks like a new romance in the future for the Dowager & the Russian, in Downton Abbey. What do you think. Wouldn’t that be comical. She gets the most wonderful looks on her face & you know instantly what she’s thinking. Oh, this could get even better!!!! (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Hi Susan, I feel I’ve found a long lost kindred spirit in you. Thank you for being you and inspiring the rest of us to do the same!
I was able to visit England through your travels! Thank you! It was a great trip! Debbe
I’m so happy you enjoyed it Debbe!
Looking forward to READING your new one Susan!!!
That is a cute collection. It must be challenging to find figurines of a particular breed of dog. Perhaps I should have a look around.
Antique stores, yard sales and flea markets!
Have you ever seen my love–bassets? Judy
Not that I know of, if you were speaking to me . . .
your posts always brighten my day and ”make me happier than a bird with a french fry” 🙂
I’d love to win. It would make my day. Thank you
As always, wonderful! You made a lonely Sunday, much more happy! toni
I’m happy to hear that Toni!
Susan, your blog is where I go for some cheer and to feast my eyes on beautiful and homey things. Thank you!
I am always so happy to visit. I live in central NH, the trees have been popping from the cold as their sap freezes. We have had more ice than snow, more cold and gloom than sun shine.
waiting patiently for the month to pass to be one month closer to spring.
Cathy
I am fortunate to have inherited from my mother-in-law the Spode teacups and saucers that are pictured with your Heart teapot. They complement each other beautifully, and I would be so pleased to set this tea tray for my guests. I have my fingers crossed. Lynne
Actually, being here on Bainbridge Island which is in the Seattle area, our WHOLE focus today was the Seahawks and then recovering from that AMAZING game. Oh my! And today it it so sunny and mild it feels like Spring.
Susan Branch…your blog makes my day! Thank you for the music, the pictures, your artwork and the love you pour into your words! Have a happy day! Mary McCatherine
Thank you, Susan, for all the beautiful pictures you share with us! I feel like I’ve been invited to your tea parties, etc!!
Susan I would love to win. Only won one thing in my life and my Mother gave it away without asking me. Ugh!!
Stay warm by your fire,,wish we had some of your cool Wet weather here.
Thank you for all of your uplifting comments,,we need them,,,Judy
I just bought a beagle doorstop for my 5 year old granddaughter! Sound crazy?? Well, my 90 year old mom lives in a senior retirement apt building and all of the resident’s doors have cute little decorations. Some have puppies or kittens like the (largest) terrier in the picture sitting outside their doors. My granddaughter always stops to pet them. I found this one in an antique store in Havre de Grace, Maryland. Thanks for the blog, thanks for the calendars (I missed out, they’re gone), thanks for brightening our days!
How fun for your granddaughter, Lucia, her own!
Love your. Blog and look forward to every posting. Have a new year filled with joy!
Susan:
I love your spirit about winter. One of your earlier blog posts where you wound through your year, starting with winter, was just wonderful. It’s so important to enjoy the little moments and your posts always remind me to do so. Thank you!
– Alma, The Tablescaper
I have wanted your beautiful book since it came out!
You have like 2500 comments on the giveaway. And all I read these days is how comments/readership are down on blogs, which are making blog owners question whether or not they want to keep up their blogs at all.
Interesting hearing about your weather. I just wouldn’t know what to do with all of that icy stuff. I’m sure I’d just want to hunker down, keep the pantry full and have a calendar empty of appointments. I know the island is small but, gosh, what a hassle to get kids back and forth to school every day, or go to a job outside the home. Glad you can stay warm by the fire. Not to rub it in, but we were 75 degrees today here on the SoCal coast; kinda hazy and somewhat humid, so it felt even warmer. I went to the park and it was fun to watch the kids play on the swings. I played on those same swings 50 years ago. It was the best part of the park!
It’s a lot of work, it feels good to think there are actually people reading what you write, so I understand how people might feel. As for snow, the thing I love most is change . . . it’s like a festival four times a year . . . everything changes, what you eat, what you wear, what you do, how you decorate your house, everything. I love that. It makes everything more special, because it never lasts forever. But when I go to California and sit outside to have lunch next to the ocean on a winter day, I love that too!
I love hearing the four seasons described like that!
Good morning dear Vicki!
Love you to the moon and back! Thank you for being you, sharing, and being “my” /our best girlfriend! xo
Hi Sue! Happy Monday!…almost Tuesday! I love reading your blog and seeing your photographs. They give me a little sneak peek into your lovely home and your life. Every cup of tea comes with thoughts of you!
Hugs to you,
Sharon
Hi Susan! Your giveaways are such a treat. Thanks for thinking of us! All the best to you and Joe and the furry family. Hope you can stay toasty warm in the snow and sleet. Chilly, but so beautiful.
Thank you Susan, you are an inspiration .
Oh Susan- your new post always brightens my day….thank you! Love the doggie collection- i have a small one of my own- only pugs and boxers so far- for my now deceased pets…..but i still will pick one up if and when i see one…..your day sounds so nice and cozy. Here in Kentucky- we have had cold a tiny little bit of snow but for the last few days i have been walking around without a coat or jacket…..i think we need at least one month of real winter….to kill off all the germs floating around. I am thankful that i haven’t had to drive on ice yet.
I hope today you are having a great day……and Joe too…..
can’t wait for the new book!@!@!
Hugs, Kathy
I love my pocket calendar for the new year, and now the birthday calendar is a free download. So helpful! Thanks, Susan. I wonder if you have even the smallest idea of how much joy and color you bring to people’s lives. You are a blessing indeed!
Hello SusieJ! How did you print out Susan Branch’s birthday calendar, as a free download? Interesting! Hmmm…I guess I’m in the dark, as when I look under “Free Stuff” I can’t find it…..HELP ME PLEASE! I would love to have one, too!!! Thank you sooooooo much!!!
We put that on Twitter this morning, can you get that?
can you put it on your blog? not all of us Twitter…..Please…..pretty please!@!@!
Got the link for you Kathy here you go!
Love all of your things Susan. I have your lovely calendar for my desk right where all can see it! It is lovely. Hope to read your book soon!
Love all the terriers! They must have been collectng awhile ! I have always thought they were so cute its there sweet curly fur! I found a vintage terrier at a thrift shop and scooped him up quickly!
He now finds his way into all seasonal displays he’s so darn cute.
Hi Susan,
I love reading your Blog and your daily experiences! Down here in Arkansas we have been having a very mild winter. It has gotten up to just about 60 for a few days. It does drop at night to below freezing but the sunny days make one forget Spring is still a bit far off.
. I would love to win the tea pot and your lovely tea. I will keep my fingers crossed!
Love and hugs…
HI! Where is VANNA! She go to Boston? Just heard my Apricot Jam Tea is on it’s way! Still loving the heart tea pot !
We still have lots of people signing in, BUT, I’ve been preparing for her imminent return . . . soon, tomorrow morning at the latest!
as hit the musica button I always fill I’m teleported to Martha’s vineyard! I love your post about the fire, jack and girl kitty! I find myself in a chair with my feet up having a cup of tea! thanks again.
Foghorns! How cool, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard one, here in the Midwest. How snuggly you sound, wish I was there. On my “bucket list” = tea with Susan Branch!
Oh Susan you are right about Downton being the frosting on a lovely day! I love snuggling up in a cozy blanket with my two Cocker Spaniels and savoring Downton. I thought this one was especially full of great quips and quotes!!!!
That terrier collection looks surprisingly like mine! I had no idea that there was another terrier-smitten baker in the world. Thanks for showing the closeup and for introducing your English friends, Susan.
I love the sign about “Plan something wonderful for June”. I’ve been debating for weeks if I should spend the money to travel to England and Scotland this June. Isn’t this some kind of sign I should finalize the trip? I’m going to do just that…..
I see it as a sign too! You go girl!
Love the teapot and always love your blog!
Will there be more 2015 calendars coming to stock?
No, I’m sorry, they are all sold out . . . I think Amazon has a few left, try there (the wall-calendars).
Susan – Currently, I am re-reading “A Fine Romance” at night before bed. Such a pleasant thing to do before nodding off. I loved the picture of Ray and Paul’s terrier collection. I have quite a few dog figurines as well, ranging from golden retrievers to shih tzus. Some from my childhood, so inherited and all well-loved. And today, I celebrate the birthday of my TWO children, born 3 years apart. Both the reasons I laugh and cry as much as I do – I love them both! Hope Winter treats you kindly from here on out!
Happy Birthday to you and your kids (truest Birth-Day was for you!)
I love you…you always give me sweet happy moments. You have a very special talent and I’m thankful that you enjoy sharing.
I love dogs especially black and white collies. I miss my dog. She got ran over when I was 12. I am a calligrapher and I really enjoy your posts and your art.
It would be a joy to win this contest too. I love rain and I love winter, but don’t
get to enjoy snow as I live in Phoenix.
I’m late in signing up as I have had emergency surgery and am just now
checking your blog. Longtime Susan Branch fan and follower.
Perfect timing . . . I’m working on the post, it’ll be up tomorrow!
Would love to add the teapot to my collection!
Love your art susan and love reading your blog.jo
Woof! I love the charm of that terrier collection. Alice must approve!
Oh boy are you over-run with comments-But -such fun!
Brekkie-jammie night is still one of my favorite indulgences- naturally I wear my green “Brownie” ones with the plaid bottoms purchased from your shop years ago. I also have the “Hot Chocolate” and the “Sugar and Spice” pinkie ones. Love them all! I’ll be wearing them until they are the most threadbare down to the nubbins jammies ever.
I would love some cotton baby dolls (maybe a tank and capris or shorts?) for Summer if you ever do them again. Saw the most darling 30s style pajama styles with cap sleeves and a tie back…hint.hint. 😉
Oh well I know licensing/manufacturing is not easy.
Back to Winter and the cozy-making. Stay well and warm and don’t wear yourself out with us. Much love!
xxooxx
I’d love to do them, but you are so right, licensing is very difficult these days . . . it’s all about money, which kind of makes it not very fun. But, you never know!
Thank you soooo much for the extension!! I haven’t had a chance until now to read the blog!!! Forever hopeful !!! Vita
I would love to win the Heart teapot for my sweet daughter-in-law, while visiting with her last October in California (Pebble Beach)I was HELPING! she and my son were having their first baby. Darling Amelia Leanne was born Oct.24th. what a sweetheart.
Any way helping out like Mothers-in law do! I broke a lovely English mug they had bought in Freeport, Me. whilst there for their wedding in 2012. I have tried with no success to replace it. I am thinking just maybe I could make peace with the gift of the teapot. Karen the dear was not upset with me, I was.
Susan, I have most of your books and have enjoyed each one, always my Christmas one with such loving ideas. You are a sunny gift to us and make hearts smile.
I am Downton Abby fan, wondering does Grannie have a interesting past??
Thank you for your time.—————–Pat
Grannie! Yay! Can’t wait to find out! Good luck with that cup Pat, I know how you feel! Happy New Baby!
For me, there isn’t another place I’d rather visit first. I have become more and more intrigued with your blog and your drawings I honestly love them. I enjoy visiting very much. Today in the mail I was so happy I received my box from your site things I had ordered p, finally able to afford your Autumn. Susan I have to say I’m in love I love every piece of it it’s wonderful. It was a great pick me up I have been sick for weeks now so it truly brighten my day.. Love my Valentine Cards, Recipes Cards and really love my Stickers.. I put some inside my own Susan scrap recipe book they look adorable.. It made my day today. Thank you for sharing such sweet lovely things and your great talent. Hope you make some more Calendars. I really want one. With love Janice
I’m so happy to hear that Janice, and really glad you’re feeling better! You sound wonderful! If you run quickly to Amazon, you may still find the wall calendar available . . . they seem to be the only place where there are any left (if there are). Good luck!
There isn’t a better place to be during the Winter than Smallville! I love being home, with all that implies: tea, slippers, a cozy cat and Downton Abbey on TV! I loved your description of Joe reading in front of the fire, and all of the sounds that made it seem so warm and comfortable! I hope you have the warmest Winter months that you can have, and still have it be the Cape.
Love your blog!! And would love to have the tea pot , tea and your book:) I always look forward to reading your blog. It makes my day!
Happy Winter Warmth to you! Thank you for giving us a bright spot during these dark days! Love your work and inspiration.
What a cute dog collection. I love looking at other people collections. Mine are getting a bit out of control … old wooden thread spools with brightly colored silk thread, old white vases and pots from the 30s & 40s, the original Fiestaware and Bauer pottery & mixing bowls, old sewing machines, old red cookbooks, the old flowerpots with the saucer attached…. Lately I’ve been giving pieces of my collections to nieces and daughters so they can start their own collection. What a great giveaway, so generous! Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Susan it so nice to read your blog and to know there is a whole community out there who really understands the simple joy that can be found in the right at home!
Love the ideas to get through winter. I am a Chopra Center Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga instructor and like seeing your reference to the success book. I am SO ready for spring! Your blog is a such a happy place to recharge and refocus. Thank you!
Great book! Didn’t know there were instructors, but that’s a great message to spread! Thank you!
Just purchased your Autumn book. I love it!! So glad you had it reprinted. I also love my 2015 wall calendar! It would be great to win the lovely teapot, tea/tin and your book. Since I already own A Fine Romance, I would give it to my girlfriend Cindy in Dallas Texas. I know she would love it as much as I do! Hope I am the lucking one! Cynthia
Hello Susan! Thank you very much for the blog link to the Birthdays & Anniversaries Planner!!! I just printed it out and can’t wait to get going on completing it…..it’s so nice! God Bless you for all you do Susan!!!! (It’s snowing so pretty in Dearborn, Michigan, like a snow globe!!!)
How wonderful for you Carilyn, we have bright blue sky, big ball of ice cold sun, and about 28 degrees!
Loving wildflowers, being an anglophile, your new blog posting had tears welling in my eyes this morning. The past 3 years have had me facing medical issues. “Finding” your website has cheered me up so often. The photos of your path you and Joe walk on make me want to jump on the ferry to do the same thing – many a day I used to stroll on similar areas to experience natures beauties. Am in wheelchair now so fond memories help me face challenges and with your fantastically beautiful books, ramblings and visual pictures helping me along. Thanks so much, Susan
Thank you Maxine. All my very best to you.
Collections are wonderful. They bring with them so many memories. When I was nineteen I walked into a little gift shop and found bunnies. One was a soprano, mouth open, head high, singing. One was sitting, hands raised over a piano accompanying her. Adorable. Irresistible. Pendelfin rabbits made in Burnley, England, and I collected them until the women – one was Doreen Noel Roberts – retired (reluctantly, I think). That’s quite a while ago now, and the women have passed away, but I still have my rabbits and so many happy memories of collecting Pendelfin when I was single, and after I married. I was wondering if you have ever been to Burnley? Or had ever heard of Pendelfin bunnies? I had always hoped to make it over to tour their factory, but never made it.
I went to look them up, no I’ve never seen them before. Maybe they didn’t make it to California ~ but very nice memories for you and the little shop.
Hi Susan…so happy for the winner of your teapot! I’ll keep trying, and someday will also be picked! Have a nice day…loretta/calif.
I hope so too, Loretta!
Hi Susan!
Loved your wonderful winter diversion into the English countryside-just what we all needed with the snowy weekend predictions in the Northeast!
Wonder if those bluebells are similar to the bluebells or bluebonnets found on the prairies in Texas??
Good question, we better get a Texan to answer that!
I so adore your writings, illustrations, and everything you do. I love making a cup of tea, reading your newsletters and clicking on the Musica! It is such a wonderful idea to include that added delight. I am a forever fan!
Oh how fun it would be to have a “cuppa” with you. I have been a fan of yours for many years. You are so refreshing. Your books, artwork, quotes are Devine. I felt I was traveling with you in Fine Romance.
Very nice to hear that Judy! I was truly trying to “take everyone along” while I was writing it!
Dear Susan,
You had me at cheesecake! Have cooked and read and loved your art for decades. Just want to say Thank you and express admiration for your talent and the joy you bring to others. Blessings to you. A friend just sent me some of your notes from 2011, savouring it all. Guessing we grew up in same era in SF Valley, I now live in England. Some British friends do not understand or like this one but “Have a good one”
All best,
Sabrina
How wonderful for you! Do you ever get homesick? Happy day to you too, Sabrina, nice to hear from you!
I didn’t win, but I am a winner every day, with so many blessings.
I love your freebie bookmarks! They are a wonderful consolation prize!
Short and sweet. Is that little house at the end of your post the house you lived in before you met your husband? Kind of looks like it. Love the terriers 🙂
Yes, it is.
Hi Susan…been watchin’ the weather. Looks like you’re in for lots of snow and all that goes with it. Wish we were in your shoes…I LOVE blizzards…if you know what I mean….love them from the inside out…so BEAUTIFUL and cozy if I’m not the one who has to shovel the snow:-))) Blessings to you all…keep warm and enjoy the snow!
Toni from Sylvania OH
I know, I love them too. They are a very soft kind of disaster. But we are lucky, inside and warm. I hope everyone is.
Susan- Hope you stay safe and warm during the coming snowstorm. (I really can’t imagine you any other way!). It looks as though my days away from the computer was just a bit too long to register for the teapot, too bad, I love the hearts on it. I have one that’s a favorite which has ladybugs all over the cream ironstone- Mom gave it to me years ago. She’s 88 yrs. young. I brought over an impromptu “tea party” for her and her friends at Mill Creek Assisted Living center. They were all delighted. What some deviled eggs and a few sweetcakes can do! Susan in the UP of Michigan.