Today we’re going to mix it up, a snow walk and a garden give-away all in the same post! MUSICA for slow dancing, Girlfriends. . .
Yesterday, for the first time in weeks, maybe even months, we had 
a sunshiny, lovely 42º. We scrambled into our boots and RAN ourselves out the door, for the first walk in all of that time!!! Our lawn is still covered in snow, but it’s quietly beginning to melt making a continuous little river down our driveway, joining the slightly bigger river on the street, and heading down hill to the harbor. We weren’t sure what the dirt road that takes us out to the ocean would look like, but we were willing to try, especially when we saw what was going on in the maple tree outside the kitchen window:
The photo isn’t clear, but that’s OK, those orange spots are Robins! If this beautiful day is good enough for them, it’s good enough for us!
so here we go
. . . walking very gingerly . . . It was melting, like a slushy in some parts (the good parts) but there were long lumps of shiny wet ice, and some nice stretches of mud. . . We plot which direction we should fall in case we need to, realizing no one brought a phone, if he breaks his leg, he lays there while I “run” for help. It would be sad.
The birds were singing, Joe’s trying to figure out where the sound is coming from . . .
See him? Way up top in the middle of the picture? He looks white but he’s a goldfinch, he can’t clap his hands so he shows his happiness with song.
The goldfinch has a really nice view! When we walked out of the canopy of the woods, we had our first view of the pond ~ we could see it was still partially frozen . . .
But I have to say, despite how cold it looks, the warm sun on our faces felt as much like spring as breathing into a bouquet of daffodils! Off came my hat and gloves, unzipped goes the jacket. THAT’S how nice it was out there!
I’m always behind him . . . he waits, as the ever-patient guy that he is, hands on hips . . .
Can’t just walk right by this little red fisherman’s shack and not stop for a photo . . . crazy man.
See those broken square-looking things on the ground (talking mostly to the Californians and Floridians right now)? They are giant ice chips. When a car goes through a partly frozen puddle, the ice breaks up and scatters. That’s something you don’t see all the time. See how patient Joe is while I take pictures of them?
We made it to the water, and I have to tell you, it wasn’t easy…. First we had to go through the deep snow in the yard of our friend’s house, then across their deck . . .
And down that very furthest set of stairs ~ see it back there? After that, finding a high-ish tide, we had to climb over each rock-piled breakwater, maybe five of them . . . yes, you’re right, I know what you’re thinking, it was heaven out there. (BTW, while we’re away from home, we had our bedroom windows wide open (for the first time this year); the ceiling fan was on full blast blowing out winter air and exchanging it for fresh spring air, and we knew we were going to sleep like babies after our walk to the sea!)
We discovered that others had been there first.
And then, beach booty! Big piece of dark blue beach glass!
More ice chips. I kind of love them. Like to break them with my toe. Makes a good noise. Two nature things happened out there that I didn’t take pictures of: A.) (Pat, you should probably skip this part.) Because some rather large animal was dead. I didn’t look because in my accidental half-second glance I could see it was all elbows, knees and feathers and other less identifiable furry parts, and despite my well-known interest in science, this was really not my cup of tea. Joe looked, he decided it was a coyote AND a turkey, entwined together on the beach. Wow! We skirt by it, my eyes covered with my hat, and we fall immediately into Morning Science discussion: First off “are there coyotes on the island?” I didn’t think so. Otherwise I’ve been living in a fool’s paradise thinking we had no kitty-eaters on Martha’s Vineyard. So, let’s say it was a deer. A deer and a turkey? 
“They don’t fight, they don’t eat each other.” So then here’s what must have happened: That thing (whatever it is, but it can’t be a coyote) killed the turkey, then, sadly, but deservedly, choked on a bone, fell over and died on top of it. (I just realized, this is kind of like talking about Downton Abbey.)
Anyway, lovely leaves embalmed in ice. The other nature thing we saw was a pair of birds mating on the road. That was a first, I have never seen birds do that. As a scientist, I had never thought about what those little devils did when we left them alone. We thought they were dead at first, they weren’t moving at all, we didn’t even know there were two of them, till Joe looked closer to figure out which side was up, because this was one weird looking bird. More Morning Science ensued when all of a sudden, the girl escaped! OK, I did get a picture of the chase . . .
This is the little father, in hot pursuit! Ah, spring. Quite the adventure!
Tire tracks become puddles . . . Look around, where is the best place to put your foot? Safest would probably be IN the water.
Time to go home . . . so far we have 100% not fallen down!
And we manage to keep it that way! Usually our walk is 45 minutes, yesterday it was an hour and a half. That’s from making sure we didn’t break our necks.
Front row seat to the melting of the snow. (OMG, is he not the most adorable thing in the world?)
So we all know the snow will go . . .
And waiting for us, under all the ice are our little snow drops (these are from last year, this year’s crop is frozen stiff right now, but soon). Because, it’s coming, only another week until official . . .
And in honor of the moment, when we are all teetering on the verge of spring, I would love for one of you to enjoy my favorite garden book of all time . . .
It’s called Kitchen Gardens, an unassuming little book wonderfully written by Mary Mason Campbell with illustrations by Tasha Tudor.
But it’s by far the most inspiring garden book I’ve ever read. There are other books with much more detailed information, and definitely glossier pictures, but no book has ever moved me into the garden faster and happier than this one.
It was published in 1971 and I was lucky enough to happen upon it as my first garden book. “I love how Mary Campbell wrote about the “sunshine, fresh air, and privacy of our gardens. . .”
I thought I would sign this book for you and also add a watercolor bookmark (I’ve been cutting up the bits of paper I use for testing my pen or watercolors and making bookmarks out of them).
If you want to be entered for this giveaway, all you have to do is scroll to the bottom of this post and look for the tiny word “comments” — and leave a comment. Your comment can be just one word if you like; that will be enough to enter you for the drawing. For those of you who get my blog via email, you will have to go to www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ and scroll to the very bottom of this post and find that tiny word . . . “comments” ~ for some reason, they don’t seem to send a “comment” button in an emailed blog.
Last but not least. I told you I finished the new calendars for 2016? I thought I would give you a little preview . . . This is “October” for the wall-calendar, and don’t worry, there are pink 
pumpkins on the bottom part.♥ For thee, from me. ♥
Something else for thee: click on “shopping” at the top of the blog, scroll to the bottom of the column on the left, click on FREE STUFF! Spring-themed stationery, bookmarks, tags — and computer wallpaper!
And just one more thing I wanted to tell you: My (our, because I’m always thinking of you when I’m writing) new book is being edited even as we speak. That means the writing part is almost done, after that I’ll paint it and add the photos and hopefully we’ll have it in about six months, maybe by the time we make our first fires next autumn. I know the title. But I’m afraid to say it out loud yet. So let me get used to it, maybe next time! You’ll be the first to know!
Until we meet again . . . Love you, love us.♥ XOXO
P.S. Don’t forget . . . St. Patrick’s Day is coming!
I would LOVE that garden book!! my husband has just bought me a metre square raised garden bed…so exciting!! it’s long odds…but you have to be in to win!!!
Hi Susan,
My husband and I so enjoy reading your letters. We love seeing little snippets of your side of the US. I used to live over there and miss many things, but right now I am grateful to enjoy this fine weather we are having in the Pacific NW! It was warm enough for t-shirts & shorts today! Your Jack is so cute in that picture!
mind how you go, Yvonne
Hi Susan,
Lovely post. Enjoyed seeing all the pretty pictures. Can’t wait for the new book to be published!
Thank you for the free stuff. Would love to be a winner of that lovely book illustrated by Tasha Tudor!
Happy Spring!
Lucy in California
I would love to win the book. I so enjoy your blog and your books!
Dearest Susan,
I can’t believe you found that book!! I collect Tasha Tudor books and have been looking for that one! I hope I win!! If I don’t can you give me tips on where to find it? Thank you for always having great giveaways!
I always look no matter where I go (antique stores, flea markets, etc) . . . because I love to give them as gifts. I’ve found a few over the years which I give to Kellee to put in the Vintage part of our Store . . . there may be one there, but I don’t know for sure.
Love this book
LOVE your blog!
Would LOVE the garden book! Please! Please! Please!
Very little snow for us this year on the West Coast…feels like we skipped right over winter. I have enjoyed seeing pictures of your snowy winter, but am content to wait three more seasons until experiencing that white stuff myself!
Dear Susan, thanks for the sneak peek of next years calander. I’d love for Vanna to draw my name so that I may add that charming garden book to my collection. I love anything that involves Tasha Tudor. We in the Chicago area are enjoying the thaw – it hit the mid 60’s here and we didn’t know how to act! Keep thinking spring!
I too am waiting for spring to arrive
My garden is on a balcony, but I’d be thrilled to have a Tudor book. She was a childhood favorite.
We went from single digit temps to the 60s over the weekend. I am ecstatic that the sun has been melting all our snow away. There are only a few remnants of the mountains left. I think we’re in the clear now and no more shoveling or scraping ’til next winter.
I love the October page with the kitties–Girl in meatloaf position looking so sweet, and Jack with his hair thingie looking for trouble!
I once had a “garden” in a 2nd floor apartment window box ~ I had a tiny rake for it, it was just a few herbs and flowers, but it made me feel so much better. That’s when I learned it really doesn’t have to be much!
Thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication to your art and blog. I look forward to reading your latest entries. I love Tasha Tudor’s artwork and style. I first became acquainted with her work after Victoria Magazine did a huge article dedicated to her life (she was still with us at that time.)
What struck me is how she dressed and lived in that little cottage/farm and garden. She actually wore clothing dating back to the 1800’s, if memory serves? I saved the article and will now go dig it out to dream over. She spoke of how she liked a home lit only by candlelight and how it softens an old face in its glow. She said she liked a dark home because it reminded her of a chipmunks nest. I guess you could call her a throwback to olden times. Truly amazing what she was able to do all by herself at her age on a farm. I can’t forget the picture of her in her print kerchief and something like a pioneer type dress and apron. I think she was leaning over while holding a sheaf of wheat or some kind of flowers, perhaps. Truly memorable. And of course I love her charming artwork. So innocent. I can see why you would reference her work in your blog. How fitting! Susan, I would dearly love to have the book if I am lucky enough to win it! Thank you for being you! Best wishes, Lauri Hyde
Hi Susan
I’ve missed the snow, we haven’t had much snow here. But it’s SPRING over here now, lovely sunny day and the crocuses are blooming, and the little snowdrops so quite!
About a week ago, when we had visited (kraamvisite) a friend of mine who’s has had a darling babygirl, on the way back home,we went for a heerlijke wandeling/lovely walk by the sea, and collected seashells. I’ve put them in a weckpot/ large glass jar.
With this nice sunny weather I feel like going at work in the garden. But unfortunately first we’ll have to attend a funeral of an uncle tomorrow.
So sad,he and his wife, the’ve been so happy for about fourty years, and all at once it’s over. Makes you stop and think, and enjoy the days even more.
My youngest son of 2 years, nearly 3 is getting a bit ongeduldig (impatient) he want’s to see tractor movies on youtube. So I’ll stop.
Sending lots of love from the Netherlands! And some zon/sunbeam too!
Love Willemien.
I love your blog! I live in Jamestown, RI while my daughters live in California. I have introduced both of them to your blog this winter so they can see how their mother is living through your beautiful photos!
What a wonderful walk. I am a serious TT fan. My Mom started a collection of her illustrated books for me as a baby…so, it is something that has always been a part of me.
You are an amazing story teller, seeing and sharing all the parts of your walk, the broken ice as a focal- just stellar!
Thanks for the trip down the lane.
All my best,
Jena
We have been blessed with a few beautiful days, too. Just in time! Love the preview of the new calendar and I also love the birdie banner under the pear in the cup. Is the banner part of your new calendar, too?
Hopefully it is not too late for the garden book giveaway! My wonderful Mother, who lives and plays in Vermont, adores Tasha Tudor AND gardens! What a nice gift it would be for me to give to her. Thank you for recording your early Spring walk. It gives us northeasterners hope for snowdrops, green grass and robins.
I enjoy your blog so much Susan! Thanks for the giveaway!
~ Good Morning ~ I’m hoping Spring has Sprung here too! ~ Snow is melting birds are singing! ~ but in the Midwest we know we can still get snow… But for today I’ll enjoy the predicted 60 degrees and dream about my garden which is sleeping under the snow!~ Happy Friday!!~
Love your pictures and posts of spring on the way ~ now/not yet.
You are braver than I am walking on the ice and slush. You go girl. As always love your blog, Jack, and the island.
Hi Susan,
My BFF, Kathy and I met you in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is still our “claim to fame”, and we share our books with our other friends. Heaven help the friend who forgets to return it! Pat
Hi Pat, and Hi to Kathy too! You put a smile on my face this morning!
Maybe I’m strange (who am I kidding, I know I am!) but it was fascinating reading about the coyote/turkey thing. You just never know what you’ll find on a walk, do you? If it was a coyote, then I’m happy to know that Girl Kitty stays close to the house and Jack stays inside. I had an outside kitten (the last one from a litter I found homes for) and one morning I went outside and saw coyote tracks all around the house and no kitten! Two days later, my kitten came back…he was really hiding somewhere…and that was the day he came into my house, never to go outside again. He loves it inside and I have peace of mind.
So happy to know that, according to Mark Twain, you and I are friends and comrades indeed!
Yes, one thing about nature, it’s real. What is, is. xoxo Comrades!
Can’t wait for your new book!
Treese
Me either! 🙂
Thank you for writing and posting your photos and paintings. Always brightens my day and I often share with my daughter.
Thank you for letting us tag along on your morning walk! Everyday is quite the adventure when you pay attention … a feathered romance, a murder mystery, a treasure hunt, and so much more! Thank you for always reminding us to enjoy the little things in life. As one of my favorite quotes says … for one day we’ll look back and realize they were the big things after all. ((Hugs))
Regarding the Mark Twain quote on the October page of “our” 😉 new calendar… Someone once told me, “If you like cats you are guaranteed a place in heaven.” If true, I guess I know where our ‘walk’ will take us.
Works for me!
So looking forward to (y)our book! Yay!
Well put, DiAnn!
Hello, Susan. I’m a “First-Time,” long over-do poster. I first saw your work about ten years ago in a Jo-Ann’s store. I stood looking at the various items, thinking how very sweet they were, but several references to “Girlfriends” made me think they were made for a younger audience than me; those whose “hearts were young and gay.” Yet each time I was in Jo-Ann’s, I always looked over Susan Branch items and smiled. Then, sadly, they disappeared. I don’t remember when I reconnected with your work, but I do remember saying to myself. “Nonsense! My heart is young and gay, and the work is charming!” I then purchased the first of many Susan Branch items. It ‘s funny, because I’ve always treasured friendships. (“Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver, the other gold.”) I keep in contact with all my childhood friends. Just yesterday I drove an hour to meet ‘MaryLu Edith,’ ‘LuLu’ to me. We’ve been friends, through thick and thin, for over 60 years! It turns out, Susan, you and I are the same age!). So nice to have another special girlfriend! Keep your wonderful, life-inspiring works coming! Love your blog and the wonderful pictures of Sweet Joe, your lovely home, beautiful Martha’ Vineyard in changing seasons… and adorable pussycats! Keep brightening our days. With sincere wishes for continued success and happiness! Susan McKenna
Yes, there’s this thing: Girlfriends Forever ~ It knows no age. ♥️
Thank you for the uplifting post, while we all wait for spring. I love it when all the girlfriends give a weather update from around the country. It is warming here into the 70’s, fruit trees are blooming……but no leaves on the mesquite trees yet…..so we could still have a frost. The hummingbirds are due back any day, but I haven’t seen one yet, as soon as I do the feeder goes up and we begin the daily sugar water routine!
Loved the robins, it is rare to see one here. And morning science was great! Had to search out Pat’s comment……and there are a bunch of comments here….can’t read them all this time!
It’s very heavy at our house. We are losing our beautiful 10 year old Golden and we are spending as much time with her as we can. It’s going to leave a big hole in our hearts.
Chris
Oh Chris, I can just imagine. Big hugs for all of you.
Thank you.
xoxo
Need a little face icon with big lower lip xoxo
Yes we do……….and a like button, please.
xoxo
Oh, my heart sang when I saw “the book.” I’ve been looking for this for a long time. Keeping everything crossed…Spring is almost here in the south & we are having warm days bookended with rainy & blustery days. But my daffies are popping, the hyacinths are smelling sweet, & there are bunnies galore roaming my yard. Happy days!!
Let’s do that walk again in summer, Susan. I loved it
Susan,
I love your blog! Any garden book with Tasha Tudor illustrations would be a bonus for my library!
-Sara
Lovely post! Jack is just the best kitty ♥♥♥ The snow is mostly melted here, the birds are beginning to sing in the early morning hours before dawn, baby chicks at feed store were delivered yesterday – OMG – they are so cute! – AND the best sign of Spring are the “ornaments” in your trees 🙂 About a week ago, in the morning and still with much snow on the ground and cold, it looked just like Christmas in the trees outside – on the roofs, on any bare patch of ground, on the fences, nothing but robins! Hundreds, if not thousands just converged on our area during breakfast – they truly looked like ornaments in the trees! Stayed for a while and then off they went! Amazing sight! Spring!!! (Of course, I had to immediately call my sister in frozen NY to tell her that they were on their way north 🙂 )
Did you ever see the little poem FORSYTHIA? “Forsythia Out Race Spring’s Yellow Telegram Hope Insists Action” I can’t quite come up with the word for that sort of poem, but someone did a drawing of it – the letters spelling across the bottom, and the words waving upward like forsythia branches. I never forgot that! Happy Spring to you – please enter me in your drawing – what a wonderful book! Thanks, Susan ♥
Hi Mari,
It’s an acrostic.
Thanks, Patty – for the life of me I could not think of the term when I was typing!
Hello Susan! Your deliciously crunchy slushy spring walk is so inspiring! I’m planning to do the same today in Rome NY where we have had weeks of below zero not so long ago…..a few minus 18’s!! I would so very much love to win the book and I too go right to the books at any and all antique/thrift/estate and yard sales! I have found some dear treasures over the years. Have a wonderful day. Sharon (and fellow girlfriend and SB fan MaryAnn)
I love the October page with Gir and Jack. Ever think of doing a book with them? I can imagine they could get into some interesting situations!!!
Let’s hear it for Spring!
I do think of it.
Oh how exciting to see this give-away. Thank you for opportunity.
Awaiting the book!
Good Morning Susan, Blessings and Grace Notes from Binghamton, NY. We’ve enjoyed a very long cccccold winter here in upstate NY and we’re all ready for Spring to arrive. Betty Crocker’s Kitchen Gardens would delight me to no end and my husband Andy who enjoys gardening and creating beautiful spaces. Enjoy your blog daily and have many of your books already, but this would be a keeper for sure. Sunny today but brrrrrrrrrrr, it’s cold outside in our winter garden! Our little Lemon Beagle Emma sees a bunny….gotta run! Last week we had an eastern screech owl on our kitchen windowsil….Amazing!
What a lovely day for a walk! Thanks for sharing it!
Tasha Tudor is such a wonderful artist and I would love to win the book. Susan, your blog is a breath of spring air! Thank you so much for all your inspiring insights into life and darling artwork!
Love your blog! It takes me away and I feel like I’ve been in your amazing neck of the snowy woods!
The gardening book looks fabulous! Can’t wait to get back outside.
Having lived all of my life on the east coast, and most of it in New England, I am still a second grader every time I find a puddle frozen over with ice. I simply must step in it to crunch up the ice. I do this on my walks with numerous puddles, and it always brings delight and a smile to my face reminding me of my girlhood days.
Thanks for taking us on the walk! Spring will come….hopefully sooner than later!
Thanks for the giveaway.
Oh, please………and thank you…for so much.
I loved your walk to the water. We’re definitely seeing signs of Spring in Baltimore, too. My backyard was full of robins yesterday. Such fun.
It’s coming, It’s coming! SPRING IS COMING!!!! 🙂
A lovely give away per usual. Loved your blog, went to the Boston Flower Show yesterday, that was spring with the scents, flowers and bird sounds. So happy that spring is on its way, can’t wait to get out in those flower gardens. Take care, Cindy
this is an amazing giveaway. i have been a tasha tudor fan for many, many years.
Snow still covers the lawn here in western N.Y.
Regardless…..I am reciting an age old poem….
Spring has sprung
The grass has riz…..
I wonder where the birdies is?????
Please pick me , pick me, pick me….warm hugs!
I love the illustrations in the garden book, it would be a lovely book to have in ones kitchen for reference. Some of the pictures remind me of those simple days of spring when I would be contemplating what I was going to plant in my garden. Love Jack, I just want to reach in and give him a hug!
such a lovely book!
So happy to read your post and find that things are finally thawing on Martha’s Vineyard. You always brighten my day and help me to remember that the simple things in life are the most precious. Thank you!
I’d love to add a kitchen garden to my back yard this spring, so the book you’re giving away in the drawing would be a perfect starting point for me. Happy Friday!
xoxo
Ellen : )
I have your free computer wallpaper up and everyone at work just loves it! Lucky me…..
Loved going on the walk with you and Joe! Spring has already arrived at my cottage:)
Great post – I live on Cape Cod so pretty much the same thing is happening here weather wise. I had actually forgotten that spring is so close – officially anyway. Thanks for the reminder. Both of your cats are beautiful and oh so sweet and very photogenic!
The sheets of ice are truly amazing sculptures.
When I saw this little book ( first time ), I let out a little gasp ( a delighted one! ) How did you know that I’ve been planning mine this week in Springlike Chicago?
)
Love <3
When I saw a picture of this little book, I let out a little gasp (the nice type). How did you know I’ve been planning mine just this week in Springlike Chicago?
Hi Susan. On Sunday, I went out to do errands and it felt beautiful. It reached to 50! I could feel spring, finally!!! I can’t wait to hear the title of your new book. I finally found a copy from my library the first book in the Thursh Green series by Miss Read. It is a lovely read. Can’t wait to get the next one.
Have a wonderful Friday the 13th. (I consider it a lucky day!)
Loved your post about your walk about with Joe. The dark blue beach glass is lovely and what a treasure. I have never seen beach glass since I live inland (Arkansas). The little garden book looks to be very lovely and with illustrations by Tasha Tudor make it something to treasure. Around Christmas 2014, I was tootling through my local Library book sale and discovered two children’s books by Ms. Tudor on sale for .50 Cents each. I grabbed those up quickly. When I was paying for my new treaures, I discovered that the books had been taken from the library shelves to be sold because they had not been checked from the library in a very long time. What a shame that younger children are not aware of what a treasure Ms. Tudor was.
I would love to win the garden book. I have been planning a new little kitchen garden all winter. Happy almost Spring!
-Donna Hamilton
Fantabulous! Spring is just an arm’s length away!!! I have one word – John.
Tasha Tudor is the best! I love your October calendar page, featuring cats. We are cat people here!!
Spring is on its way, ya!
Spring is coming! Spring is coming! I can almost smell the new growth from your last-of-the-winter walk. 🙂 Love the sneak peak of next year’s calendar! Can’t wait to see all of it! The Kitchen Gardens book is precious! My 17-year-old daughter loves growing vegetables and herbs — she has started her seedlings in the garage for this year’s spring plantings. Always so fun to see her puttering about — that’s how I know for sure that spring is right around the corner!
It can’t get anymore nostalgic than the old reliable Betty Crocker and the fabulous Tasha Tudor. The best duet ever!
Hi Susan,
I’m from the San Francisco Bay Area and we are in desperate need of rain! It looks like we are in for a severe drought. Send some of that snow our way. We need it!
-Kathleen
Thanks for such a wonderful give-a-way. I love anything that involves Tasha Tudor. I also love anything that involves Susan Branch. I can’t wait for your new book!
Thanks for all you do. You always keep the “Girlfriends” happy! : )
Good morning, Sue~
It’s just so nice to come here to chat with you and all the girlfriends!
Day by day, the sun is moving higher in the sky and Spring is definitely in the air, isn’t it? We still have a quite a thick snowpack covering things here….actually have a snowbank that’s still several feet high in our front yard so I hope the tulips and daffodils will be patient!
Until I see their little noses poking out of the ground, I will have to be satisfied with my beautiful Amaryllis and bouquets from the store each week. I don’t think I could live without flowers! They comfort me when I’m blue and smile with me when I’m happy. Flowers just represent beauty, hope and life….and inspiration! Guess that’s why I can spend hours dreaming and “playing” in my garden 🙂 What a perfect, dreamy give-away, Susan! And so generous! You’re a doll!
I have to tell everyone that I am now the proud “Mimi” of 3 beautiful little granddaughters! Izzy is 3 already, Olivia was born in January and just 3 days ago, Abigail made her way into the world! Our family is growing and our hearts are overflowing! Life is wonderful….and very busy! George and I will have to learn to pace ourselves!
Sending you lots of love and loads of energy as you paint “our” new book. You continue to be a source of inspiration for me as I live each day in gratitude for the gifts given me <3 .
xoDebbie
Love all your baby’s names! Congratulations Debbie!
Oh you NEVER fail to delight us with your wonderful blog, your beautiful art, Joe & yourself, your sweet, adorable, utterly charming kitties, those beautiful photos – the list is endless – but THANK YOU so much. We, as your readers and followers are so very lucky!
Barb
I’m a huge Tasha Tudor fan – can’t resist this – never mind, it will hurry spring along. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your treasured book with us. You are so generous and caring. I so look forward to all your “goodies”.
I have garden dreams but not a real garden. Maybe someday…
Fingers crossed for you Leslie-Anne!
Dear Susan,
Your post is a delight as always. Here in Lyon we didn’t have snow at all and spring has already sprung in our beautiful city. Even if I don’t have a garden I love putting plenty of colorful plants on my balcony, so I’m sure that I’d like this Mary Mason Campbell book.
I’m eager to discover your new book. As for “A fine romance” I’ll take it with me when I go on a cruise in Norway next June. I’ll get myself a pretty nice set up on the deck and enjoy your lovely stories … It will be wonderful !. By the way, are you still coming to Europe next summer ?.
Sylvie
I think we will wait until next spring.
Thank you for taking me on your walk. It was good to be outdoors again. The snow in my area (Chicago burbs) is almost gone. I haven’t seen any robins in my yard so far but the finches are here and also nuthatches, chickadees and sparrows to name a few. Happy St. Pat’s day and Happy Spring.
Your pictures made me think of a personification my mother wrote for a high school assignment many years ago (she graduated in 1937) She was so proud of it, she mentioned it every spring…”Icicle: Sheds mournful tears and disappears” Don’t you wish they gave kids assignments like this today!?!
That is simply wonderful!
I would cherish the Kitchen Garden Book!! So many ways to have a kitchen garden these days..whether you’re in the city or country! I’ve always loved Tasha Tudor’s work…and with your autograph and bookmark…well..the whole package would be spectacular!
What a wonderful post! Such beautiful pictures… snow, ice chips, beach glass, birds, Joe and stories to match. I loved everything about it. I’m so looking forward to y(our) new book! You spoil the heck out of us girlfriends. Life is crazy good! ♥
Crazy Good!
Hi Susan ~
I’ve been a kindred spirit ever since I saw your illustrated recipes in
Country Living Magazine while I was living in Boston! I’ve saved all of them
and have them in a file, and have used them for many special dinners for
my family. Of course, I have almost all of your books, and calendars. I am
another renaissance woman, who does it all. Garden, embroider, avid knitter,
crochet, petit-point, art major in Univ., calligrapher, cross stitch, quilter,
baker, etc., etc. I’ve taught my daughters how to sew, draw, and make
handmade ornaments for Christmas gifts. I feel SO lucky to have such
a rich creative life inside my heart. This past summer I lost my husband of
40 years to cancer, and I am still trying to get on my feet. Yesterday was
the first time I put my favorite blue and white cotton tablecloth on our
kitchen table, and purchased a bouquet of pink and white roses to try to
spark some hope that life does indeed continue, even when your heart is
aching. We met sailing in Boston, and had “our innings”, so I can feel
51% appreciation for what we had, 49% heartache. So, the scale is tipping
toward healing. I have many of Tasha Tudor’s books (and Gladys Taber’s)
and I am wondering if you know if “Kitchen Gardens” are still in print, as I
would dearly love to own it. I know it would help ignite the desire to put
my hands into our back garden again after 4 years of neglect. Continue in
your work, you uplift more people than you can possibly count.
With kindest regards ~ Sarah Godfrey
P.S. Your gingerbread recipe (from C.L. mag) has been a FAVORITE of
my family and friends since the 80s. My daughters and I have made them
since they were toddlers. They are both in their early thirties, and we still
form a production weekend with friends each December. Last effort, 350
gingerbread men, hand-stamped tags and beribboned! Thanks for your
inspiration.)
I love your tipping scale and your beautiful words Sarah. The garden is a walk with God as far as I’m concerned, and a lovely place to go to heal. xoxo As far as Kitchen Gardens is concerned, I don’t believe it’s in print anymore, but from time to time I’ll find one when I’m shopping and put it for sale in the Vintage part of our Online Store.
Could you possibly share the Gingerbread recipe? I’m always looking for a new/improved version. Making Gingerbread houses is a favorite of my family’s. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
What fun to read about your walk to the sea! Thanks for the adventure this morning.
We are still awaiting the arrival of the robins in Montana.
Oops sorry, we had a meeting at the town hall here on the island last night, we voted to keep them all here this year. Sorry. 🙂
Thanks for the beautiful winter/spring transition blog! I really enjoy March winds and April showers too, and I can’t wait for my son to start planting our garden, getting the compost ready and turning the ground.
I also can not wait for “our” book to be released, and I thought that you might enjoy reading a book that I am reading at the moment called The Language of Flowers.
Oh I have that little book!
Good Morning Susan………we are experiencing some Spring like weather here in Indiana also. It’s so nice to wake up to the birds singing and we’ll finally been able to walk outside. We do still have snow everywhere but the grass is peeking through. The fog was sooo thick on Wed. that the kids had a school delay……it really didn’t lift until around noon.
Mouth watering for corned beef, cabbage and soda bread. The Irish in me loves it!
Thanks for the photos. Especially kitty……….Hugs and kisses to you.
I’d sure love to enjoy that little book!
“I love Spring everywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.”~Ruth Stout
“In the Spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”~Margaret Atwood
“Every gardener knows under the cloak of Winter lies a miracle…a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dreams.”~Barbara Winkler
I discovered Tasha Tudor a while back. I ❤ Her. She illustrates so sweetly and reminds me of my old fashioned storybooks of childhood. You have a lucky
We love Susan Branch.
It’s Friday the 13th today, our son’s 40th birthday.
The sea shore and nature with ice equals a risky “airing” for you both. Well done.
Audrey.
Happy Birthday Audrey’s son!
Gardening with Tasha is pure joy!
Ooohh!!! I would be thrilled to win the Kitchen Garden book! I absolutely LOVE to garden and I adore precious little books with sweet illustrations by artist such as Tasha Tudor…and the watercolor bookmark from you, well that would just be the icing on the cake!…SIGN ME UP!
p.s. The “October” calendar page is purr-fect! My girls and I are going to enjoy seeing that displayed on our wall in 2016. We are cat people and currently have 19 cats (all spayed, neutered, and living the good life) that we have rescued, mostly from feral colonies. I love when you promote the wonderful attributes of cat ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering, and adopting from local shelters. Thanks so much!
I love it when you do it too Tammie!
Susan I just Love reading your Blog Posts. Thanks to my very creative Girlfriend: Karen, who must remain nameless, I now am a New Blog Subscriber. Living here in the North Country of Massachusetts, we experienced record-breaking snow fall and very bitter, consecutive, cold days (to no end). But this past Wednesday we experienced our first 60 degree day! How lovely to sit outside, with my laptop, and do some work (while listening to our Black Capped Chicadees signing a Spring Song and watching the snow melt off my roof). My Farmer, I own a CSA Share, is busily planting our Spring Veggies in our (theirs but they share) Greenhouse. Spring will permanently be here soon and I can’t wait! In the meantime I read your Blog, and everyone’s lovely Comments, and I dream. Dreams are what get us through the day and help us stay sane!
Well tell the nameless Karen I said Hello! 🙂 Keep dreaming Kathleen!
I love the mornings when I click on your blog and there is a new post. We are thawing out here in DE. It is nice to see the grass again. Tasha Tudor is one of my favorite illustrators and has been since I was a child. Thank you for the giveaway!
Wow, Susan. We could be living on the same frozen tundra since it is all covered in the same snow and ice! We have also had a long awaited melt-down in Pennsylvania and breaking out of 0-20 degree temps after an eternity of being holed up indoors. 40 degrees is the new warm! The gardening book looks like a good pick-me-up and would revive us ice-age women back to the present. Thanks for all your encouragement and messages to the tundra dwellers!
“40* is the new warm” so true, we are only making it up to freezing today!
So thankful for the spring-like weather and grateful to the colorful 8 cardinals who provided such cheeriness to my family through this long, cold Winter!
Aloha Susan,
I get so tickled reading your posts and following the real world of Susan Branch. Out here on Maui we have such a different life only under the same sun. My world consists of nature and the beauty that surrounds us as well as Family. We are so blessed in love and comfort as I see you are too. Looking forward to your springtime and all the wonderful picture you share.
Aloha, Susan
Aloha Susan . . .
Tickled again to see that you responded! 🙂
Susan,
What a lovely post to read before heading off to Trader Joe’s. I’ve been inspired, too, by the Spring-like weather we’re getting glimpses of, so tulips are at the top of my shopping list.
Happy Everything, Girlfriends!
Marie xo
I would love the Kitchen Garden book. Planning on putting in a kitchen garden just off our back porch this spring. Love, love, love your blog!
Oh dear Susan, giving away your first garden book? and with Tasha Tudor’s illustration’s? and soon to be added a special watercolor by Susan Branch herself? oh dear Susan you know how I have begged for a watercolor! I loved taking a walk with you and Joe. I felt the sun on my face and the water splashing on the shore….oh how I wish I was there…..as I was reading I was taken out of my little office with no window….thank you dear friend…and posting my birthday month from your new calendar! love it ! I will be forever grateful to have a piece of your world. Thank you, Pam, Dexter, MI.
I would love to add T. Tudor’s book to my ‘collection’! Here’s a unique question… I love to read all the comments along with your blog…I like to spread out (savor) the reading of them between your blog postings but am challenged to remember which one I read last (lol). Wouldn’t it be lovely to be able to bookmark a comment or have a number to refer to? Or is this just a silly question and I am on technology overload.?
I love all your ideas! I don’t know how to do them, but I love them anyway!
Dear Susan,
I enjoyed your walk to the ocean. Spring will be here soon!
The illustrations in Kitchen Gardens look delightful. This was not among the Tasha Tudor books my Mom left me. Would love to add it to them.
Thanks for your uplifting blog.
I just love spring and cannot wait to get my feet in my garden and my hands in the dirt. When you live where there are four distinct seasons, I think you appreciate spring so much more. It is such a surprise and gift when the snow melt and you see what is growing under it! LOVE IT!