Hi Girlfriends! Yes! I had a wonderful birthday, thank you so much for all your well-wishes! I’m still having it! Friday is a Girl-Party Lunch on opening-day-for-the-season of a restaurant at the golf course and all the guys are coming too. The birthday that will not end! MUSICA → I heard this on my birthday in the car on the way to lunch and I haven’t been able to stop singing it since, thought I’d spread the wealth.
Spring has sprung, bo-yo-ying around here! It’s so wonderful to have an April birthday! Look at my flowers! Gorgeous! This is why I love birthdays. My mom called, my dad, my brothers and sisters, my friends. That’s my favorite thing, those calls. ♥ My cup runneth over.
These parrot tulips are from my friend Marjorie. We do have daffodils just about to pop in the garden, but it’s still very very early spring. Lovely sun and around 60* today, but no flowers except on my kitchen table.
Even a gerbera daisy for my little vase ~ still can’t believe Joe found this little blue bottle in the hole he dug out back for our dogwood tree. People ask me where I got it, I say it came with the house. I don’t know which I like better, the dogwood, or this little bottle! (OK, the tree, but only by a hair.)
We went for a walk on my birthday and it was gorgeous out there. This probably doesn’t look that great to you, winter worn 
and still no leaves, but it was heaven ~ cool breeze but nice warmish sun. When you’ve been indoors for a long time, there aren’t words for how fresh it all seems. Smell of ocean, thawing ground, blue sky, and the birds have lost their little pea-picking minds! Chasing each other through the trees ~ singing so loud, we have to stop the whole way out and look to see what they are up to.
My walk is my best “thinking place.” I try to remember to carry pencil and paper with me so if an idea pops into my head, I can write it down and not forget. When I get home I run to the studio to see how it fits into my writing.
This day we ended up laying flat on the cold sand (in coat and jacket, very cozy, it’s not summer yet!), letting the sun bore into us for about ten glorious minutes, listening to the sound of the waves, the wind and the peeps of the birds, watching the sky ~ of course I had a thought I wanted to write down ~ I dug around and found a pen, but neither of us had any paper! (Or phones either!)
That’s when a white seashell comes in very handy!
Progress on the book (because you’ve been so patient about the blogging part which I love you for, very, very much!♥) has been good! This is the longest story I’ve ever written ~ in order to get all the photos in, it has to be two books. I get so excited I can’t stop ~ when I’m in writing mode, I try to stay focused and not do anything else but write. But both books are done and at the copy editor as of April 12th! He’ll have them for a month, in the meantime, I’ll be doing the watercolors for them. I’m trying so hard to get them to you by Christmas, but I still have a ton of artwork to do. My birthday has jumped between me and my paintbrush this week, but soon I’ll be free to burrow down and focus again.
Once I got going, these books pretty much fell out of me. They’re not exactly memoirs because I changed a few things to 
protect the innocent (mostly me of course :-), but they are fact-based ~ on the diaries I’ve kept since I was in my twenties ~ I would say it’s an 87% true story, at least “semi” autobiographical and a novel rather than a memoir, two novels! I think you will love them. Remember Diana, my best friend in A Fine Romance? Remember how funny she was? Well, she and I laugh all the way through the new books. It’s so hard for me not to tell you the whole story. But I want it to be a surprise so tell me to shut up.
Thank you. I needed that. 🙂 And this was waiting for me on my Birthday too. The color preview of the new 2016 wall-calendar ~ also, the mini, the purse calendar, the magnet and the desk blotter calendars came too. Everything bright and shiny and new. We should have them by the end of July if not sooner. And even more good news, Kellee called to tell me . . .
that REASONS TO GO ON LIVING prints have come in and are in the web store. I think she announced it on Facebook, but I promised I’d tell you when we got them.
And, you may be asking, what did I want for my birthday? You can see it was already a Red Letter Day ~ but my special birthday present was . . .
This. I wanted to go to Louisa May Alcott’s house and take you with me. So that’s exactly what we did yesterday. Joe and I packed the car for a day trip along the backroads to Concord, MA ~ a town famous for lots of reasons, probably number one, because it’s where the first conflict of the Revolutionary War took place. And, it’s also famous for Orchard House (c. 1690), the house where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women.
Speaking of memoirs that turn into novels; we learned so much on our visit . . . for one thing, Little Women is 87% true too ~ Louisa changed names, places, and times to make it more of a “story,” but it was truly based on her life, friends and family. It was so much fun learning about her real sisters and seeing how much they had in common with the characters, Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth.
And here at the front door, you can see the perfect reflection of spring . . . tiny leaves about to burst.
In the orchard, one or two of these brave flower souls.
Louisa’s dad made this “desk” for her ~ this is where she wrote Little Women. It was considered quite something in 1865 for a woman to have a desk of her own. I am so glad she did!
“Every few weeks she would shut herself up in her room, put on her scribbling suit, and fall into a vortex as she expressed it, writing away at her novel with all her heart and soul, for till that was finished she could find no peace.” ♥ Louisa May Alcott
But look at this desk, it’s even smaller, this is where Jane Austen wrote during the most prolific time of her life in early 1800’s. At this tiny desk. I don’t know how these girls did it. I always ask, “How did they do it, were there piles of paper all around them on the floor?” But no one knows.
This is where I write . . . I live in the Paperless Society, my trash is full and my floors are always covered with little bits and piles of book everywhere that we all have to step around. With all this space I have no excuses for not getting it done! One thing Louisa and I have in common, until I get it done, I will find no peace either.
My work in the paperless world leaks out of the studio to the back of the sofa and right now, the table in the living room is covered with photo albums! Jack is king of the room, everything he surveys is his. I don’t know how he gets up there!
This was my favorite thing at Orchard House, that owl over the fireplace in Louisa’s bedroom (where the desk is too). Her sister May (the artist, Amy, in Little Women) painted it. When she was young, the Alcott’s encouraged May to draw anywhere in the house she wanted to, many walls are adorned with her art. She also painted the flowers next to Louisa’s desk.
Louisa collected owls. Isn’t this just the most wonderful thing?!
Besides line drawings, there are also some amazingly beautiful framed pieces belonging to May. She was quite highly regarded. BTW, Those are needlepointed foot warmers on each side of the fireplace; the tops come off and you fill them with coals!
Almost everything in the house actually belonged to the family. You are seeing the real thing when you go to Orchard House.
A cupboard in the kitchen.
They made the house so homey. It opened to the public in 1911 ~ keeping all of the history and originality has been a work of love for over a hundred years, for generations.
This quilt was on Marmee’s Bed, she made it. And they did call their mother Marmee.
Louisa’s sewing box, with needles and thread.
And Beth’s piano. Not really. But when I came in this room, tears came in my eyes. The piano belongs to Louisa’s real sister, Elizabeth. Like Beth, Elizabeth died very young at only age 16.
That’s Elizabeth in the picture. It’s all seems to come alive.
I think I will stop there. Next time I want to show you some of the houses in Concord because they are GORGEOUS. This scene is actually a model made in 1930 . . . we saw it in the Concord Museum, so there’s lots more.
This is the birthday game my girlfriends and I play ~ we call it the “Ring Thing.” We drop our rings over the candles, light them and then everyone gets to make a wish. Let’s do that girls, let’s all make a wish. Think of a wonderful wish, I’ll count to ten. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK, now very slowly, close your eyes and make your dearest birthday wish . . . and send all of your lovely thoughts right to heaven along with mine. XOXO
I recognize the cameo ring! I remember during the book tour you wore two cameo rings. I’ve loved cameos since I was a child and gave my grandmother an inexpensive cameo necklace, which I now have.
I’m missing England ever so much so I try to find anything English on Netflix/Acorn TV/Amazon Prime/I-Tunes. (Cut cable in September and was very happy to bid adieu to Comcast). I go to sleep with the last episode of season 5 playing and the sleep timer set for it to go off in 30 minutes. The last thing I see and hear each day. Last night I watched, “Paddington.” Guess who one of the stars in the movie was, Earl Grantham. Also Julie Walters and the incomparable Sally Hawkins. It was absolutely charming and oh so “beary” endearing. (twee pun, pardon)
Season 5 of Downton.
What an eye Carrie! Us too, we’re always looking for something English! I liked beary endearing. xoxo
Carrie, have you watched Midsomer Murders on Netflix? It’s so marvelous! It takes place in the most charming villages in England. And John Nettles plays the Cheif Inspector. I’m certain you will fall in love with this series!
❌⭕️❌⭕️
It is so much fun to read the comments from one and all about their Concord, Orchard House memories et al. Thankyou to everyone for sharing. You struck a rich vein with your wonderful pictures and description of your birthday trip Susan. I remember reading Little Women as a young girl and I had that book — now where or where did it get to . . . . ??? Maybe my daughter has it. Wouldn’t I love to make that trip with my two daughters to Concord. Dreaming . . . . . It could happen . . . . . 🙂
Glad that your birthday is at least a week long celebration this year as I am late sending my birthday wishes along to you. But what a way to celebrate….a walk to the beach and a trip to visit Louisa May Alcott’s home. Looking forward to part 2 of your trip to Concord. Hope your birthday still has a few surprises for you.
It’s been quite a nice one! The best ongoing surprise is the unfolding of spring!
Happy Belated Birthday Wishes, Susan! Your special day sounded perfect and I loved the tour of Louisa Mae Alcott’s house. It is so wonderful that so many articles from the family are in tact and available to see.
I am so curious about your new books and can’t wait to read them. It feels like we have been waiting and hearing snippets forever!! LOL!! But we all know, all good things are worth waiting for, so waiting it shall be. Good luck wrapping up all of these final details. It must be so exciting to see your long hard work finally reaching the glide into completion. Maybe Santa will have them ready for Christmas???
It took me a long time to figure out how to write this – since, I think, around 2006 I’ve been trying to write this book(s). I have two other “starts” — it’s very different from my other books. It was hard to do, but I think I got it, and I’m very happy! I’m trying for Christmas, but I want to do it right. You only get one chance!
I wish you the very, very best with your work and I know it will be wonderful when you are done. It is hard for a non writer like myself to even imagine taking on such a project. It seems quite overwhelming so I can appreciate everything you just mentioned. In the interim, I will be joining all of the other Girlfriends in cheering you on and wishing you a smooth sailing to the finish!!
I have to say, it’s a little overwhelming to me too! I am SO close to done with the writing, and yet, not! I have sort of stopped everything but work, thinking I’m so close! It will happen soon I believe! Thank you so much Winnie, I think about you all here on the blog every day!
Oh Happy Birthday Month! We have to celebrate all month long because the days whiz by so fast.
Hope your whole next year is stuffed to the gills with all joyful, happy, creative, healthy and prosperous things!!!
Thanks for all the wonderful vignettes you send- they fill my heart with happiness. 🙂
xoxoxox
Thank you Gabi! xoxo
Happy Birthday Susan 😉 Blessings…
Thank you Kimi!
How in the world does Jack get up so high?? Please let us know if you should ever see him make that giant leap! Obviously, he waits until you and Joe are out of the room.
Smart Jack cat!
Thank you for taking us on your trips be they near or far. We all enjoy your travels!
I try to look away if I see him going! Thanks Becky!
Hi Susan, just wanted to share with you that my sweet angel Tuggs passed away last Sunday. It was /is heartbreaking and I miss him more than words can say. That Sunday in some way brings me comfort for it was The Divine Mercy, your birthday and the date my grandfather passed away 40 years ago. He was the most beautiful, smart, loving sweetheart anyone could ask for. I miss his soft fur and beautiful smell….he really smelled like heaven. I know you understand so I feel to share it with you. Thanks xoxo
Thanks for all the beauty you share….it helps lift my spirits xoxo
Happy to have you here Darlene.
Oh dear Darlene, I’m so very sorry. Our little petty pets bring us such joy, they know us like no one else does. I have tears for your Tuggs. Sending love to you. XOXO
Thanks sweet Susan, it’s just so wonderful to have shared and been blessed with such a precious gift for almost 16 years. I am grateful for that but I miss him dearly. He is a part of me always and safe in my heart. xoxo
A while back I posted a pic of Tuggs on th FOSB facebook page and your book Heart of the Home is right behind him which is so fitting because he truely was and always will be the heart of our home <3
ohhhh. xoxo
Darlene Im so sorry about your beloved Tuggs. I have lost furry children before that have torn out my heart so my heart goes out to you . May God in heaven ease your grief. They told me when we go to heaven we do see our animals truly i do believe , i pray its so. just reading your message makes me cry for you .God Bless you and may you feel much better soon. Cheyenne from Henderson Nv Love to you Darlene dearest
Thank you so much Cheyenne. Time heals and love stays and he is safe in my heart. Thank you for your kindness xoxo
Happy belated birthday! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Thank you for the tour of Orchard House. I have seen it from the outside, but did not get a chance to go inside. Someday! Can’t wait for those new books. Again, happy, happy birthday – hope your wishes come true.
Thank you Troy!
This is a little (a lot) off the subject, but wondering if you would do a post about things to do in Martha’s Vineyard, from a visitors perspective? I love all your pictures of the island and your home is beautiful, but I’m not really sure what the “must see” or “must do” things are on your lovely island. My daughter and son-in-law are going to New York for honeymoon/business trip (sounds crazy) and are considering a side trip to Martha’s Vineyard. I asked if I could go…they haven’t responded yet!! 😉
It’s really a place where you almost do nothing but be with nature. Long walks, the ocean, farmer’s market, things like that. Bring a book! The things to see are all listed in the newspaper every week. Each of the six towns has its own character ~ they’re all interesting to visit. I love the graveyards. In August there are three traditional events, the fireworks, Illumination night, and the fair. You can Google them. You can easily rent a sailboat for a 2 or 4 hour cruise in Edgartown harbor, that’s wonderful! And, you have to eat lobster!
Thanks so much for the suggestions! I will pass it along!
Have a great day!!
Did you feel as if you needed to remove your shoes…Holy Ground there, at Orchard House. Standing over that desk where she wrote Little Women…you have to remember to breathe. Overwhelming. Tim and I visited there last fall, during our adventure to New England. What a Birthday Present, Sue!
Wishing you belated wishes…for it is still April…and celebrating can go on for the entire month, right?
Diving in until it’s finished…and then there is peace. Yes!
Much love, dear ones…
Christie
Sometimes, when I am in a room like that, I feel like I did when I was a child whirling on a lawn, and all the colors were going past me so fast, it’s really kind of overwhelming.
Yes! Perfect description …. thankful for moments like that, that make all the colors go by fast. xoxo
Loved the entire blog as usual….thank you for once again taking the GF’s with you! I loved the pics. I promised myself that I wouldn’t buy any more books since I have far too many “friends”, but when I read that you have TWO new ones coming out, I think I will have to break that promise! Oh well…what can I say? Life is a journey…and I just have to read yours….. 🙂 . Xxxxx
It’s a journey Diane, you are so very right! Aren’t we lucky!
Happy belated birthday, Susan! What a wonderful trip to Louisa May Alcott’s house! Her mother’s quilt is to die for. Looking forward to the rest of your Concord visit. Thanks, as always!
Thank you back Carolyn!
Dear Susan, I’m so happy you had such a wonderful Birthday, complete with many celebrations!! I firmly believe in celebrating for as long as we can! 🙂 This is actually my first time writing to you, sadly, but I hope you will remember me! I met you on your book tour. ( I know! Me and how many others?!) But, when we talked at the book signing, I said I think you’ll remember me, and you agreed. 🙂 I’m the tall, blonde former international flight attendant and two-time cancer survivor. I live in North Carolina, but I brought my flight attendant friend Stacy and her Mom to your book signing in Kansas City at Rainy Day books in September of 2013. They live there and I visited so that I could attend the book signing and take them as my guests. I wanted to thank you because you posted a picture of Stacy and I with you at the signing. We were thrilled, and really appreciated it! Now that you hopefully can picture who I am, I wanted to tell you that my husband Brad and I are going on our first major vacation since my recurrence of cancer. And, (you will love this!) we are flying to London to spend a few days, and then making our way down to Southampton to take the Cunard transatlantic crossing to New York City on the Queen Mary II!! This has been a dream of mine for a long time, and I’m taking your book with me to share as we go along! Also, when I flew, I had lay-overs in London all the time and I miss it so much, so that will be so wondrous to spend a little time there with my husband before the crossing. New York City one of my most favorite places on earth, and since I was based there, I miss it too! I’ve flown in and out of there so many times, but this will be my first time sailing in! I’m beyond excited, and so grateful to get to go and to follow in your precious footsteps! I just had to share this with you Susan, and I will be sure and write to you again after our trip. I shared with you at the book signing that your website brought me so much joy as I recuperated, as it still does, and you signed my book with “joy” as well. Thank you for spreading and sharing so much joy, it means so much!
Of course I remember you Diedra! So very nice to hear from you! Your trip sounds fantastic . . . remember that Jane Austen’s house (in the village of Chawton in Hampshire) is very near Southampton ~ you could go, as we did, on your way to the ship. I wrote about it in A Fine Romance, so you can check it out. It’s a perfectly charming little town and the best possibly way to say goodbye to England before you leave. My love to you and Brad, and best wishes for your returning good health, your wonderful attitude shines all the way through your message. I wish you the bonniest of bon voyages! Love and xoxoxo, Susan
Susan, I was thrilled you wrote back, and so happy you remember me! Thank you for the Chawton suggestion! Did you and Joe spend the night there or just pass through? I couldn’t tell by re-reading your account of it where you spent that Saturday night before the crossing home. We will be in London staying with friends Thursday and Friday night, but were planning on staying in Southampton on Saturday night. But, now I’m thinking maybe a B & B in Chawton? 🙂
We just passed through, which was a big mistake! I’d stay there if you can! There’s so much to see in that one small space.
I envy you that you got permission to take those wonderful closeup pictures at Orchard House. I hope you don’t mind that I downloaded them just for my own personal collection, I won’t post them. I swear, everything in that house is alive!
I LOVE your writing room, complete with cat. 🙂 And I can’t even imagine writing on the teeny tiny writing tables of Louisa and Jane.
No, neither can I! Love how you love Louisa, Susan. xoxo
Happy Birthday! I am an Earth Day baby so today I am celebrating by helping plant a beautiful California Coastal Redwood named Sequoia Sempervirens in our school garden. It sounds like your birthday has been well celebrated too!
Feliz Cumpleanos ~*
Happy Earth Day Cindy!
Hi Susan!
I don’t know if this is the right place to do this, so just don’t post if it’s not. I am hoping that the girlfriends can help… Especially Miss Read fans.
In several of Miss Read’s books, she mentions an Orange Trifle. Now, I can’t think of much that would be better and there ARE some pretty good recipes out there. However, none of them are QUITE what I was looking for. Before I try to create one myself, does anyone have a really good recipe for such a thing? Is there an “official” Miss Read recipe that I am just not able to find?
One last thing… For the number of books she wrote, and the number of people that imagine love them, why, oh why are there no Miss Read websites or clubs? For that matter, why haven’t the world’s of Thrush Green and Fairacre been brought to the screen? I am seeing a whole new Masterpiece series!
You should start one Jake! It looks like there are others wishing for a Dora Saint fan club!
Have you read “Miss Reads Country Cooking ” published in 1969? It doesn’t actually have a trifle recipe, but does have some delicious orange dessert recipes.
I think that in England at that time a trifle was generally made with sponge cake fingers soaked in sherry or fruit juice, often from a tin of fruit that would then be layered on top of the sponge. This was topped with a layer of jello and then whipped cream or Birds custard. If you used a tin of mandarins and orange jello, it would be quite authentic.
I already posted a comment, but I just wanted to say… the gall of Candace Bergen calling her book A Fine Romance. I am outraged ;). I know it’s free country and all, but still… No matter, I guess because your was the first and the best. I left you a glowing review on amazon and got notified that it helped people in their decision to buy 😉 we all should do what we can to support you for bringing us so much joy. Are there other places reviews would be most helpful?
LOL! Yes, the nerve of some people’s children! You are SO sweet Charissa, you don’t know how much I appreciate that! XOXO Thank you!
When i went to the library and Candace Bergens book came up i told the Tim the resourse desk afficinado thats Susan Branchs title to her book she was first, and he put in their computer that way so she is now second and well noted. He is a really handsome guy at the Las Vegas Library desk Tim , i told him all about your books he i anxious to check into it since i told him how much time you take to paint each page etc. so you have a handsome Library fam named Tim at the las Vegas Lib on Harris near the Mormon Temple , so he will share your books with alot of people who love beautiful work and he cant wait to see the England Book, i also told him your comming out with more so there. Love to you as always Cheyenne from Henderson Nv until we move back to Newport
Beach Ca hope fully in Oct of 2015 we need the water so badly since my husband surfs daily normally near water sand is just too hot n wont roll ha ha love you all Cheyenne
Thank you Cheyenne! I need my guardian angels out there, xoxo
I noticed that too! Don’t the editors or someone in the process have to check if a title has already been used??? Similar to names for businesses.
I just read on a feed I follow on Instagram from the isle of purbeck that he calls going out to the ocean getting his “vitamin sea” looks like you do the same!
LOL, like it!
Happy belated birthday!
I have that song in my head now….
Love parrot tulips..and the reasons to keep on living…
Enjoy this spring..ours isn’t quite here yet..
Ours is here, sunny, but it still hasn’t gotten much past 50*. We have daffodils, and some of the trees are coming into blossom! Very beautiful. Enjoy Monique!
I toured the Orchard House a year ago and was mesmerized by the thought that I was in Louisa May Alcott’s house! The idea of it. Gives me chills every time I think of it. I love visiting artist’s & author’s homes on vacations, it is a thrill. Maybe this passion is trying to tell me something? : ) I’ve been to many…
Off the top of my head: Robert Frost, Gladys Taber, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Alice Walker, Steven King (outside only), Andrew Wyeth, Edith Wharton, Charles Dickens, Nora Ephron (outside only) and many, many others, my imagination works overtime; they sat ‘here’, and created ‘here’, and entertained ‘here’, and cooked suppers “here’, and gardened ‘here’ and this was what was happening out in the world then, and who they were living with, and what they believed in, and what was outside the windows as they wrote, painted, breathed, dreamed. As I walked through the home that Andrew Wyeth painted from, and looked across the field where he painted ‘Christina’, well, let’s just say it made my heart stop a beat. Love, love the Orchard House, I hope your readers will be able to experience it one day. Little Women. Simply a masterpiece. The Alcott Family & home. Lovely.
I’m like you in the way I love to “know” the authors themselves through their things and their surroundings.
Loved seeing the Alcott home and how it has been lovingly preserved. It seems folks of long ago got along so well on less……such as very small desks and look what Louisa and Jane accomplished! I have way too much furniture, food, and plain old stuff to dust and take care of. Life was harder in many ways but there is something wonderful about living simply. Even food shopping can be exhausting with all the choices….just how many choices of cereal and bread do we need? Don’t know why I’m on a soapbox today. Anyway, here’s to Spring Housecleaning and simplifying my life …..at least trying. 🙂
I know, living on the island, there isn’t a lot of shopping, when I go to a mall, I’m so overwhelmed by all the lights and gorgeousness of everything it takes me two days to buy anything!
Such a lovely look at Orchard House – Thank you for sharing your birthday with us. I truly enjoyed it. And Jane’s desk, of who my husband is distantly related too was such a sweet surprise! Happy Birthday!
How fun for your family!
Love the vitamin sea comment. LOL Love your luggage tags! Just what I needed. My hubby took pics of my backyard deck garden. I wish I knew how to send them.
Things are greening up here!
You could send them to FOSB, I’m not sure how exactly, but others do it. You could ask [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/.
Thanks. I just thought I would share.
Susan, good morning! My birthday prayer for you was more prompt
than my written wishes for a wondrous year ahead. Diedra’s comment
has set me on fire for another trip to England. The LMA house was
a delight to see. I’m glad that they let you take the photos. They
are wonderful. So amazing that the “real” collection is still there
and the house was preserved so well. On the outside it could have
been built yesterday. I was surprised when I saw the inside. Also
love that quilt. I see browns in my future! Julia
Susan, I just saw a new book by Candace Bergen titled “A Fine Romance”! How is it possible that she was able to use the same title as yours?
Titles aren’t copyrighted, although I think most of the time publishers try not to use ones that are recent, but not in this case I guess! 🙂
I was so excited to see this blog.I too have be to Orc house but it was Christmas time so we only saw the out side but still I was in heaven knowing she (LMA) had once lived there!also had always had wanted the Little Women Dolls and recently got them @ estate sales net!
Your big Fan!
Tre
What a wonderful experience to share with all of us.. that trip to Louisa May’s house was superb, and since I live in the UK one that I would not have seen before. It is so uplifting to see where they wrote their stuff and were inspired.. thank you again. I have just discovered you, but I am going to be returning again and again.. hugs from across the pond.. and a belated Happy Birthday and many more of them**** J
Thank you Jeannine!
Happy Belated Birthday, Susan. I haven’t had time to read blogs in the last couple weeks, so hence my late wishes. It looks like you had a wonderful birthday. I love the ring that looks like a bow. Very pretty! I do believe that someday, way down the road, people will be visiting your house to see where you wrote all your books!
Wonderful blog. I love the little table by the windows with the pretty glass lamp, with the checkered shade. Writing on a shell? Who would have thought! I also want to thank you and your staff in California for the lovely way the items I order are packed. Opening the box is my favorite part, as it like someone has sent a gift. Very special.
Claudia
Hello Susan!
After reading your birthday post I was thinking about trying to make a trip to Martha’s Vineyard for my 40th birthday this September! I have no idea where to start. If you had any recommendations I would greatly appreciate it! I am married with five children so we haven’t done much traveling. We would be coming from Pennsylvania. I currently am finishing up a Ph.D program and need to take a final exam May 15 to know if I can go on to write my dissertation. I feel like I am falling apart and can’t focus (notice how I am writing to you rather than studying right now!). I wish I could work as well as you do each day. I thought this trip would be a great reward! Thank you for being such an inspiration and I thoroughly enjoy all your work as does my 13 year old daughter!
There’s lots to do, google Martha’s Vineyard and you can see things virtually, also when you get here, get the local Vineyard Gazette. All events for each week are listed there!
Appalachian Spring
Aaron Copland
youtube.com/watch?v=xDRWdNn_nLk
Listen
My cherry trees
Begin to unfold
Opening
In the arabesque
Of April
Giving way
To May
Just found your blog and I absolutely love it! Thank you for sharing a glimpse into the Orchard home… I love Louisa May Alcott! Your home and writing area is lovely and reminds me of me… we share a similar style and I love to write. While technology is here I still love a handwritten note and a good book in my hand! Looking forward to visiting you again. Take Care!
Blessings,
Jill
Hi Susan,
Love seeing Orchard House. I have watched Little Women many times.
I can understand how you are completely engrossed in your new book, but 15 days without a post, we need our Susan fix. I don’t do Facebook.
Hope to see a new post soon.
Rabbit, rabbit dear one. Hope all is well with you. xoxo judi
What a lovely post. 🙂 Happy Belated Birthday. Is it awful for me to admit that I had never heard La Vie En Rose until i read it in your artwork and then went immediately to youtube and listened to it. *dreamy*.
I ‘stole’ some time today to check in with you, already feeling pressured to go to the bank, pay the mortgage, make cookies and a cake for a party tomorrow, take the kids to school, chiropractor appointment, etc and sitting down to one of your posts reminds me SO much that there is more to life than just rushing all the time.
You always remind me that home is a haven and to treasure it.
I love the birthday wish idea…. are we allowed to share the wishes? I would love to see a post where we all share the wishes and you post some of them. That way we could all add our positive thoughts and hopes and prayers and love and light to our Sister’s Wishes.
I had to check the website this morning once I heard about the new princess! How delightful to have a sister!
I’m thrilled!
Hi Susan! I thought for sure a royal baby girl would spark a post from you! Haha!
I know you’re petal to the metal with your new books. Know we are cheering you on and excitedly (is that even a word?)awaiting what is certain to be a treasure!
❌⭕️❌⭕️,
Tawni Urrutia
I am pedal to the metal, but I am THRILLED we got a new baby girl! xoxox Love you Tawni!
…’read on “facebook” that you are so immersed in your book – painting..as I had already thought…we miss your posts yet you are totally worth waiting for; you are often in our thoughts and prayers… “you go, girl”friend !…with love, as always……
Lovely post Susan. Happy belated birthday. My daughter and my sister Kate share the same April 10th birthday so April has always been special to me. Me the December baby who always competed with Christmas love the other times of the years birthdays. Oh and I’m taking notes for my next trip so thanks for the piece on the Louisa May Alcott home. I think a New England trip would be perfect for my first excursion on my own.
I’m late, I’m late, I’m late for a very important date! Happy belated birthday, Susan! Sounds like you had a wonderful time and thanks for taking us along with you, to yet another of my favorite authors’ homes – hurray! Growing up, I read and re-read Little Women – and Little Men too – though the first book was my favorite, even though it made me cry.every.time. Still I loved it. Thanks again for the peek inside Orchard House. Happy birthday, happy day after May Day and happy full flower moon, tomorrow night!
Be still my heart….when you speak of your calendars, I get very excited and look forward to when they are available….love, love, love them! As a history major in college, I also love the wonderful history you provide for us on your blog and Little Women is one of my all time favorite stories. Thank you so much for sharing this bit of your birthday present…HUGS:)
The new princess is beautiful. We are all thrilled. What a beautiful family they are. Thank you for working on the book we are all so looking forward to. I looked for a new post ,but totally understand.
Hi Susan,
My comment posted but it still says awaiting moderation. Are you having trouble with your web site?
Hope to see a new post soon.
Hi Susan,
Thinking of you as the garden is awash with spring colors! You must feel the same joy as you happily paint in your studio each day!! Cheering you on with a huge “You Go, Girl!” I’m really excited about the new princess, too! Perhaps they will name her Victoria Diana!
Sending warm, hand lettered, watercolored wishes for a wonderful week!
Love,
Dawn
♡♡
Dear Susan,
Hoping you will be able to “come up for air” soon. Having a bit of a withdrawal from your cheerful words!
Actually in need of some of your cheer. Just about the worst possible thing happened to my bracelet with your lovely charms. It is lost! Perhaps at a rest area while we were on a trip, or (grasping at straws here) in the grassy area where we parked the car at our destination. I had all of them (except Autumn), and they are all sold out except for Kitty Love and Be An Elf. Is there any small chance the others will be issued again in the future? I’m so annoyed with myself and my carelessness! Sigh!:-(
Looking forward to the new book!
Sending happy spring wishes!
xo Nellie
Seeing your photo of Orchard House reminds me of our visit to Massachusettes, in particular Concord. We loved the area, the history, the food and the people. One of my fondest memories of our trip occurred on the day we saw Orchard House. We went to Waldon Pond that evening, sat near the edge of the water and watched the sun go down. It was such a peaceful beautiful moment we will never forget it. Since then we kind of make a point of enjoying a sunset at someplace special when we travel.but none will compare to our special moment at Waldon Pond.
Hi Susan;
I always check your blog and your twitter to see what’s up. Have been missing you, then saw on F.O.S.B. page someone had commented saying they hoped you were alright. So me the worry wort started worrying about you and Joe. Sounds silly since we have never met, (no I’m really not Crazy, lol), but the older I get the more I worry about things, and it seems as if I know you anyway, certainly care about you.! Glad I decided to look here and very glad you are fine and just BUSY!! Of course you are, you’re working on another wonderful book we are all excited about and of course there is that “life thing”! Take care. Loved your post too, now I want to go to Orchard House. See you make people dream of going places they never thought of without you sharing them. =)
Dear Susan
I must admit I have been checking your blog nightly. I have been a little worried. I even told my husband I was worried you might be ill. So glad to know you are well and busy on the new book. Hope you are taking time to walk and take daily inventory of the springtime growth in the gardens.
You are such an inspiration and friend to so many. For this I’m sending a great big thank you.
Carol melville
looks like you had a lovely birthday, can’t wait to get my 2016 calendar, let us know when they come out or we we can purchase from you, today i bought one of your books( MY STORY) to give to my daughter-in law for mothers day, so she can write her story , and later give to her 2 daughters. HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT MOTHERS DAY, down her in New Orleans we have a crawfish boil , and the husband does the cooking !!!
I am concerned about you Susan. It has been almost a month since your last post. Is everything all right? I check every day. You’re special to so many of us and you often “set the tone” for our day.
Missing a new post from you!!! Trust all is well at your house!!!
Blessings,
Irene
I am soooooo missing your posts on your blog. I am sure you are very busy. Looking forward to your newest book. Take care.
Good Morning Susan
I hope that everything is well with you on your little island. We miss you and your blog here in California! I hope you are just very busy with your books and other things,and that we will hear from you soon!
Take care!
A very belated happy birthday to you, Susan! My husband and I have spent the past few weeks in a third world country, hence the belated greetimgs! It has been a joy to see the beauty of your post and to share your birthday joy! You have the gift of including just the right photos and interesting tours and daily life tidbits and paintings and quotations in a blog post! I, also, am thankful to have an April birthday, though I barely made it! I was due on March 31, and I arrived at 1:30 AM on April 1~~No foolin’ !! 🙂
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and rereading A Fine Romance, and I am eager to read your new books. You are amazing. It seems to me that you have completed the writing quite quickly.
Hapoy painting and much love and appreciation,
Paula
Hmmmmm……new royal princess, May Day, Mother’s Day and SPRING! You must be working your head off with the new books…I hope you do find a little time to relax and breathe during all of this work…I know the end result will be so worth it…Take Care Susan…..I am thinking about you…….from my island to yours! susan xoxo
Oh, thank you for taking us to visit Louisa. She has been one of my favorites ever since I was young. I didn’t have a middle name and decided to use May as mine, hoping some day to be a writer like her. I do so love you for your kindred spirit that seems to ring so true to my own. Can’t wait, can’t wait to read your new book(s)! A very Happy Belated Birthday! Love you, Eileen
I’ve just finished reading A Fine Romance a second time. I had to get it out especially to read about your visit to Beatrix Potter’s home. I’ve been reading a series by Susan Wittig Albert, The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter. I wonder if you have heard of them? I know you would LoVe them! If this is the first you’ve heard of them do look them up! I’d love to know what you think – they absolutely deelightful! I want to crawl in and live there.
After reading AFR again I am wondering when you and Joe will be making your next trip to England – maybe lead a tour??
Dear One, may we please have just a word from you so that we know you’re well and just busy? I’m sure others are getting as uneasy as I’ve been. Just a note to tell us you’re fine. I don’t Facebook and Twitter, so I’m reduced to peering anxiously at my emails each day to see if you’re there.
I’m being revisited by that biting-my-nails feeling I used to get when my teen was late coming home.
I know you must be busy, but I hope you are okay. It has been a while since you posted and I miss you! Happy Mother’s Day to one who nurtures so many of us!
Good Morning, Susan: We all miss hearing from you. Hope all is well. Know you’re busy with new book, and sure your days are filled to the brim from sun up to bedtime. Spring has sprung here in California, but a wee bit chillier days than usual as we head toward Summer. Okay with me, I love it. Enjoy your day as you honor Mom. Kathy Thompson
Is all okay there with you, Joe, or parents?
Happy Mothers Day to you! Jack and Girl are so lucky to have you! Xxxxxx. 🙂
Sue? Joe? Jack? Girl Kitty? Vanna?!! Anybody home? We have not heard from you in AGES!!!
Hope all’s well Susan in your world! It’s been so long since we’ve heard from you. Has the book just taken over?!
Hi Susan, Almost a month gone by without a new post from you. Guess you’ve given up your website. I knew you’d have to give up something to get on with your successful life. Miss our chats. Thanks for a very good run. My best to you always. Just wanted to say “goodbye, dear friend.” (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Has this blog now stopped? If so, I will stop checking it.
Okay, now I know that you’re just busy. I talked to Sherry or Cheri or however you spell her name in CA, and she told me that you’re working on your new books. I can relax now. Carry on and HURRY UP – we miss you.
I went to Orchard House yesterday and really enjoyed it. I am wondering how you were able to get pictures of the interior as we were told “no photographs”….. Hmmmmm.
I begged. Simple on knees begging is extremely effective. 🙂
Hi Susan,
So sorry I was remiss on your birthday! Happy Belated Birthday! Mine is right after yours and we are the same age. I was distracted this year but hopefully won’t again. Hope it was grand!
May Greetings Susan!
It has been ages since we have heard from you and I hope it is only because you have been busy working in your gardens, whipping up some special Spring treats and/or working on your new books!
I have been going through some old Country Living Gardener magazines and just came across one from June, 1997 that featured you and it will be an issue that I will continue to keep.
So, here’s hoping all is well with you and your little family. I think I can say for all your other girlfriends that we all miss you very much. There is definitely a void in our lives without you in it! I know we are all looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Hugs,
Michele
Like everyone who follows your blog, I check in each day (somedays, more than once!) to see if there is any new news from your special corner of the world. Hope you are well, Joe is well, Blog Daddy is well and the rest of your tribe. Hope you take some time soon to stretch, get a cuppa and drop us a line. We have been having the annual family gathering with Father in Law’s Birthday the same weekend as Mothers Day (and vice-versa next month, these are such accommodating people) we all showed up at the pot luck with deserts! Five different pies, three cakes. 😎 ) After we stopped laughing, the siblings dashed out for a bucket of chicken. And whipped cream. After all, it was a party! The only thing missing was a Maypole. (does anyone still do that, or am I really older than dirt?). Happy thoughts coming your way!
Dearest Sweet Sue, Where are you ?? Im getting concerned. I pray you and Joe and the kitties are well . You have not posted for quite a while and that makes me worry. Also i miss your sweet self. Watched Sandra Lee on GMA poor darling she has breast Cancer at 48 with no signs no family memebers etc. So go out and get your mamogranms now as per Sandra Lee. She is having a double massectomy. God Bless her. But do list to her advice , im 60 and never had one just too dumb i guess. Thaught i would pass this one since if it can safe one person then its worth it. Thats why she went so public with her cancer. So not one to make a gloomy day but go get one i plan on that too. Though i dont want to but surgery is worse. i know i am a Ca survivor . Love to you all Cheyenne from Henderson Nevada
Happy belated birthday Susan. It was surely a treat to see Louisa Alcott’s house. It does make the book so much more interesting to know it is taken much from her real life. Its my daughter’s favorite book & movie she watches it err very t one it comes on TV. Thank you for sharing.
I meant to say..she watches it every time it comes on TV. (Silly auto word makes up it’s own language if I’m not watching.)
Susan I haven’t seen any new posts from you, is everything OK?
Did I miss something? I hope your doing well and all is well too. Can you be so kind as to let me know… (((HUGS))) Kimi 😉
Everything is great! I’m coming soon, with new things to show! xoxo Thank you Kimi!
oh, whew. I was just getting on here to see if you had returned to us. I thought the worst first (that’s me! ) and the best next. Like maybe a surprise trip to England, a visit with the Queen, maybe a spot on Downton Abbey coming up soon. Happy to hear that it’s all good and we will be so happy when we get to visit with you again. A little break is a good thing. Refreshing. Revitalizing. All that. Yadda yadda.
Anyway, whew. I was worried, too. So happy everyting is great! ♥Deb♥
I’m glad Kimi asked the question and that all is well with Susan. I think many of us have been worried….we are spoiled aren’t we?
Big Smile…
Thank you Susan…and Donna…Yes Susan is loved 😉 Today in Our world we need happy faces and warm hearts…
Hi Susan,
So glad to hear that you’re doing well, and that new things are coming!!! I was getting a bit concerned when I hadn’t seen any new posts on your lovely blog.
Hugs to you,
Sheryl
Thinking of you and Joe, Girl and Jack, and missing your posts. Imagining what wonderful Spring surprises are coming up in your yard and in your neighborhood. Do you have birds nesting yet? One year, we had a Carolina Wren nesting in February. (!) We were so surprised. The hummers have returned to our yard and we hear then whr-r-r-r-ring by when we are out on the deck. Peonies are in full bloom in Raleigh, irises are just finishing their show. Cannas are up about 12″, and the lovely hellebore blossoms are dropping seeds. We’re collecting them and trying to scatter them in other areas of our property. Life is good! : ) Sending smiles across the miles….
Hi Susan, I made your rhubarb crisp yesterday. So good with the orange zest and fresh orange juice. Made it sparkle! All the girlfriends are missing your blogs but we’re a patient lot and we understand how busy you are with your book and that’s worth waiting for. So relieved to hear everything is ok.
Silly me, on the May 2015 calendar, you write of using natural materials in the garden, including stone bird baths and iron b…nies?? I simply can’t quite deceifer it. Bunnies? Brownies? Hmn, don’t think so…just what could it be?
Hi Susan,
I’ve been concerned because we haven’t heard from you. Glad to see your May 13th note that everything is great. We’ll just have to patient…but’s it’s hard!
Diane in North Carolina
..wow !.. and good morning to you !!…’so nice to wake up to some great news !!.. “A Fairytale Girl” is here and it’s time to pre order !!.. once again, Susan, thank you for all that you do and you are always worth waiting for !!..with love, as always..( ‘can’t wait for your new post today !!! )
..’needed to add a heart felt congratulations !!!!…your book looks absolutely magical and charming !!
Thank you! I put in as much of those things as I could!
Yay! So excited! I’ve missed everyone! XOXO
…oh, we’ve missed you too !..(and that is quite the understatement..)…I was so excited about your good news that I forgot to share my good fortune.. my oldest daughter is getting married to her truly beloved in a few weeks (on the beach ) , my youngest daughter is getting married this autumn, and my second son (out in seattle area) and his wife are expecting again this upcoming holiday season.. wow !!..this year is a special one, indeed !!..with love..
Woo, you have been busy Mary!
I have an April that is still in mod. It’s your b’day message.
We’ve missed you but we know you have to have time to write
the books we love so much. Julia
Thank you Julia! This is why I love my blog!
I’m thrilled with your site!!. You are living my dream since a very young child. I thrill at the quotes, and the authors you name and the art so clean and fresh. As an elementary student I would sit and day dream of the days of the Revolutionary War and New England. A friend of mine and I would play in the fields. I was the heroine and she more dramatic, always chose the brave, daring soldier. I just knew one day I would travel to all the New England states and decide which one to make my home. Then came Little Women and Understood Betsy to add more fuel to the flame. Reading was a passion and soon my life long dream was to write and illustrate my own books. Ah, but life got in the way. A Registered Nurse I became, a mom with a family and it seems no clue how to pursue my love for art. I enjoy sharing and knowing someone was able to obtain and reach their goals.
Oh, Susan! I do believe you have had us all worried to death – I know I was! So glad to hear from you today – didn’t know what to do; dial 911 or the police there in Martha’s Vineyard! I am so glad to have you back.
Vicki
This blog entry was well worth waiting for! Aren’t lilacs the BEST? Here in the Highlands, our weather is very much like Vermont’s , so lilacs, tulips, iris..are all later to bloom than in so many parts of Virginia. And when they come, they are for a short time, and so appreciated!
The parrot tulips I am not at all familiar with, but they are beautiful.
Thanks for your lovely pictures, Susan, and a magical post.
Happy spring~~~
I was just thinking about you this morning, Susan….wondering where in the world you’ve been! Since we now know you’ve been working on **our** book, all along, all is forgiven, our worries consigned to oblivian, and we wait, content, knowing that your newest offering is in the offing. I cannot wait to get my hands on that fairy tale!
Not forgetting to wish you a Happy Belated Birthday, Girlfriend….
Oops! Thinking about that, I turn another decade in July. I’m definitely elderly!!!!
Moving right along…..
Loving your blog ~ and you, too.
Carol.
I am fairly new to your blog and your books. Having receiving on from a friend for my birthday. I love the title Fairytale Girl. I think everyone should believe in fairy tales. Reading your blog and the one book I have takes me away from my stressful live. Thank you for that.
Love your blog, and can’t wait to read the new book!
I made your lamb cake for Easter for the first time and it was awesome!
Put some candles on it and sang happy birthday to my little nephew and he love it!
Thanks so much for all your great recipes!..our lilac season is just beginning in northern New Hampshire. Lilac is our state flower!
Congratulations on your new book! I am excited to see it with all your lovely paintings Your blog is a happy part of my day. We are only just getting our springs blooms up here in Ottawa. Take care.
Hope I’m doing this right. I am a new reader of your wonderful emails which are like receiving a gift when they come. Love, love the pictures of whatever you post. So, by leaving a comment I have the slight hope of receiving your new book? No worries if not chosen, just wanted you to know how refreshing and delightful it’s been! Keep on keeping on!
Yes, just by doing exactly what you did, you are entered Arlene!
Phew! I was so convinced that something was wrong with you or my iPad or the world maybe when I finally got this brilliant idea to check the comments and see if I could glean any clues to your where abouts. I least I can surmise that you are still kick in’!!
Your blog and photos are a joy – I was just diagnosed with breast cancer and I’m overwhelmed with emotion and uncertainty. I received beautiful bouquets of flowers, friendship and fullness of life in my email box. Living life fully and joyfully in the present and seeing the beauty in all things God provided for us. Thank you.
I would be luck to win a book! Love your art!
Susan, Thank you so much for sharing all the beautiful pictures. I love your blog and like all the others have missed you. I cannot wait to read The Fairy Tale Girl and would be very pleased if Vanna chose my name. Even so, I will get a copy. Bless you. Judy
I look so forward to your blog I feel like I know you when you discuss all your goings on. What a wonderful talented lady you are, you bring so much joy to all who read what you write! I love your kitties and may God bless you dear lady! Georgia
The Thought Of Fairy Tales Really Causes Doubts To Rise, As If They Only Exist In Books Rather Than Real Life These Days. My Cinderella Days Are Long Past, But I Thought When I Read Your Blog, And The Offer Of Your Upcoming Book, That Here Is A Chance To Test It Out To See If Fairytale Happenings Ever Occur Anymore.Thanks For Including My Comment Here, Even If I don’t WinOne Of Your Lovely Books. Sorry, Guess I’M Having An Eeyore Day. But, Happy Spring, Nonetheless.
That’s OK, we all do sometimes. xoxo
Your words and illustrations in all their forms are always special.
Would love to win one of the books.
Thought of you today as I was looking at a plaque in honor of Gladys Tabor at Rock Harbor in Orleans. It was one of her favorite places. Took a photo for you but it is on my iPhone so I will send it separately.Really enjoyed your latest blog and am excited about the new book. What a sense of accomplishment you must have!
Just love the new bird house sent by your father and his wife. Great taste!
If you are in Falmouth, please go to Highfield Hall to see the fairy houses. My husband And I made one which will be inside all summer while the rest of the exhibit will be outside. We had so much fun making it and think you would enjoy seeing it!
Best to you, Carla
I can’t wait to read “Fairy Tale Girl”…..