My dad says I should blame it all on Vanna. It’s her fault I’ve been away so long! I love the way that sounds. But first thing’s first . . . we need MUSICA to go with our Fairy Tale.
Don’t be mad at us ~ we come bearing gifts . . . I’m sorry I’ve been away so long. I hope I didn’t worry you, I missed you just as much as you missed me! Everyone is happy and healthy around here and keeping out of trouble the best we can. You can see we are surrounded with mini-miracles, Girl and Jack in the same photo!! Yesterday! (Look at his cute folded paws!)
‘Course the whole world is a miracle now that the lilacs are in bloom . . . this is my view out the window from my art table.
Here’s up close and personal, a bee’s-eye view.
Here’s the sky view, lilacs are everywhere on the Island right now ~ it smells wonderful outside!
So here’s more of what’s been happening around here. Besides the fact that we have two new baby squirrels coming to the feeders ~ who won’t hold still for six seconds so I can take their picture, but they are adorable! The tiniest ears in the world.
Our tulips and daffodils bloomed, so perky after that cold winter. You have to call that a miracle!
And then there’s this . . . our ornamental pear tree. I’m very big on spring flowers, I like the shock of it! This does it for me!
We still have a few of these Angelique tulips in bloom . . .
My birthday was perfection, thank you all so much for your well wishes! My dad and his wife Jeanie sent me this darling birdhouse!
And the dogwood did its part by blooming soon after . . .
Heres another photo of the dogwood . . .
When Joe was digging the hole to plant the dogwood, he found that little blue bottle in it. I celebrate that little bottle all the time. Buried treasure! Kind of a fairy tale, don’t you think?
Here’s another picture of the pear . . . I can’t get enough of it. I could live there.
Here it is again, showing off with the weeping cherry and forsythia . . .
And more forsythia, not to be outdone . . .
When we bought this house in 1989, there was a wonderful magnolia in the garden that bloomed every year and made the perfect spring picture for all passers by. In fact, long before I bought this house, I used to drive past it in the spring, just to see all the wonderful flowering trees in bloom. The woman who owned the house before me, Mrs. Bowditch, was a garden lover.
This was her tree, and the legacy she left for us. But one day, this beautiful 
tree up and died, and I’ve mourned it ever since. I know Mrs. Bowditch was looking down from heaven saying, “Susan, Put it back. It’s your job.” It took three years to find the right kind here on the island to replace it with. I wanted the exact same variety. But they didn’t seem to carry it in our nurseries ~ only other varieties, with different flowers. In addition, I find it hard to trust the name tags on the trees, I trust them more if there is a flower I can see.
There was exactly one flower on this one when we found it last year at Vineyard Gardens, but it looked like the right kind!!! So excited, we took a chance and brought it home.
And prayed that it wasn’t some sort of trick. I waited for it to bloom this year, and we got lucky, because it was the right kind! It still has a way to go before it reaches the glory of the original tree, but I am so happy to have this view back! A pure pleasure. Happy Mother’s Day, Mrs. Bowditch.♥ Thank you for the inspiration!
And here we are in the way back . . . enjoying more . . .
Oh yes, we’ve been celebrating by walking through the woods out to the pond and the ocean every day . . .
The leaves are back! We watch seagulls, terns, finches and osprey flit, dive and prey and we do “Morning Science” which always starts with the words, “I wonder why” . . . Big breaths of this air soothes the winter soul. A blessing.
Speaking of blessings, here’s one of the things I missed ~ well, I missed sharing it with you ~ was Princess Charlotte’s Birth Day! Weren’t you thrilled they had a girl? How perfect! And isn’t Kate’s dress adorable?
William and Kate must wake up and pinch themselves every day! Now Kate can shop for baby dresses! Of course we non-royalty types celebrate in our own way, by drinking tea from our new Emma mugs! Not a bad way to go! Too cute! I hope everyone got one . . . Kellee announced their arrival on Facebook . . . I know they’ll sell out from Emma soon, if not already. They always have a limited supply of these special event mugs which is the good news and the bad news!
Another thing I missed with you was . . .
So, Happy Mother’s Day to all of my soul-nurturing Girlfriends. The world wouldn’t be fit to live in 
without you! You are kind of IT. ♥ I just saw a wonderful movie that I think would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift for you. It’s not new, it came out in 2011, so it’s available on Netflix and all kinds of places, even on YouTube. I know you’ll love it. It’s called The Well Digger’s Daughter. It’s French, you have to read subtitles, but it’s easy to get used to and the cinematography is heaven with lovely views of the French countryside. I loved the musica too. And the dad in this movie is wonderful too. Also, the clothes on his five daughters! It’s set just as WWI is beginning. So happy Belated Mother’s Day dearest ones!♥
So where have I been? What is my pitiful excuse? You aren’t buying the Vanna excuse? I didn’t think so.
I’ve been doing this ↑. I’ve been writing our book. I made you a promise to try to have it before Christmas do I decided to put my shoulder into it and make it actually happen. The Musica for today was a hint. I’ve been playing it for inspiration and strength. I think anyone who must march to a finish line would be helped by playing this music.
And this is where I am now. Deep into my watercolors, making new art for our new book, which finally has a name. You’ll be the first to know . . . ready? I’m scared . . . OK, here we go . . .
Here’s the first time I wrote it . . . trying it on for size . . . to be or not to be, that is was the question.
And I liked it! So here’s where I got serious.
And here’s where I started to mean business.
And here’s where there’s no turning back. Yesterday, Kellee posted THE FAIRY TALE GIRL in the web store for presale (everytime I type presale, my auto fix changes it to “resale” and now it’s 
changing autofix to “outfox.” Stop helping me outfox!)
Anyway, this is the book I’ve been trying to write since about 2006 and would not have been happy in life if I didn’t. I had to, even though it’s a completely new thing for me and I had to practice by writing A FINE ROMANCE first. Which was not only fun, but very helpful as far as learning is concerned.
THE FAIRY TALE GIRL began as just one book, but when I added the art and photos and recipes, it was too big, so I had to make it two books ~ The Fairy Tale Girl comes complete with a cliff hanger ~ so very soon we’ll also have the sequel called MARTHA’S VINEYARD, ISLE of DREAMS. And guess what else? They are novels! Based on my diaries.
I know, but it’s true. And this isn’t even all of them! So, of course I’m scared to death! But counting on the fact that
I’m plowing forward despite trepidation. I think you will like it, it’s sort of like the blog only more and longer. For the next month, before it goes to print, I will be digging through old
photographs like this one, laying out my pages in the book with them so you can see what I’m writing about ~ and painting the art so you can go on a little virtual journey with me back to the 1900s. What do you think? A novel with pictures!
For those of you interested in preordering The Fairy Tale Girl, yours will be signed copies and shipped to you first before anyone else ~ as soon after August 15th as possible, on a first-come first-serve basis (because we really never know how many to print of these things). The actual “Publication Date,” when you should be able to find it in stores, is October. That’s so we have time to send books to reviewers.
And now, because I’ve been away so long, and because that was bad, I want to make it up to you by GIVING AWAY the first ten copies of 
THE FAIRY TALE GIRL to ten of YOU! So leave a comment and we’ll have a drawing, and wear poor Vanna out with all the work to choose ten winners! It’s good for her! They’ll ship out the moment they arrive. And BTW, if my Blog is delivered your email address, you need to come here to www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ in order to leave a comment ~ at the very bottom of this post, where you see a row of tiny words, look for “comment,” click there, and voila, leave a comment, and you’ll be entered.
for your support ~ love you Girls.♥ Everyday I’ve thought the same thing as I’ve been writing, “What would the Girlfriends like me to tell them about?” This time it’s a fairy tale, complete with a Prince Charming, a bite of poison apple, and lessons learned! We all have a bit of that fairy tale in us, right? ~ but I’m not telling anymore! Until maybe next time. Previews are only fair. ♥
Have a wonderful day! XOXO
Lovely! Can’t wait!
Phew! Welcome back Susan! I’ve missed you, as you can see, so have so many others. I was hoping against hope that nothing was wrong (I’m a bit of a worrier) but also hoped it was because you were working on your book. Wonderful name! I can’t wait to read it. How exciting for you!…and for all of us. Happy, happy Spring.
Susan – I was hoping their your absence meant that you were working hard and trying to beat a deadline for the book, but I must admit that I was worried about you. I am very much looking forward to this new book. The spring time photos are wonderful and the portrait of Girl Kitty and Jack is amazing. Ann
I’ve been so excited to see little glimpses of this “in progress” and just can’t wait until it comes in August! What a treasure for all of us who’ve grown to love you, your family, Jack and Girl, your friends, the shore, and the island itself. The artwork always touches our hearts. Thank you once again for sharing your talent and your life to bless us all.
Can it be that there is a Fairy Tale Girl in each one of us? Thank you for helping us shout out “YES!”
Really missed hearing from you. Glad you are back. Can hardly wait for the book!
I was so happy to see your new blog! We’ve all missed you! How exciting that your new books will be coming out soon! I know that you have been working very hard. Happy for you! Looking forward to them very much!
It’s so good to hear from you again…we don’t have to tell you how much you’ve been missed. We’ll excuse you this time, since you’ve been busy as a bee, finishing A NEW BOOK! Woooo-whooooo! And who doesn’t love a fairy tale?
I will wait patiently (and preorder a copy or two or three) with my tea and scones!
Just pre-ordered mine! Congrats Susan – LOVE LOVE LOVE the cover – we’re NEVER too old for Fairy Tales!!!
Hoorah for Spring! Glad your blog is back! Looking forward to reading your new novels! Hope you are having a wonderful Monday! Put me in for your drawings! Ten chances, much better odds. My only wish is to be able to smell the lilacs! Hugs!
Once upon a time…my following Susan Branch all started with “Vineyard Seasons” and over the years the collection of your books, calendars, fabrics, stickers, photo albums and much more continues to grow! The BEST thus far has been “A Fine Romance” which I read and thoroughly enjoyed and the magic began…A trip to England, Scotland, Wales and Cornwall in 2014 and a post trip visit to friends in Eccles and Windsor and my English friends visiting us in Minnesota this past week, such a small world we live in. I shared “A Fine Romance” with my dear friend from Eccles who was uber impressed with your portrayal of her beloved England and the lovely countryside. Anxiously awaiting your upcoming book!
Such a lovely blog post.
Yes! I have decided that at 51 years old you are not too old for fairy tales.
I love the book cover. Very inviting.
I’m so happy you’re back – I was a little worried.
Very excited to see your new book – I’m sure it will be fabulous!
Happy Happy Birthday, Susan! Looking forward to the new book! My Mom and I have never outgrown fairy tales! 🙂
Love Love,
Lisa
I absolutely cannot wait!!! How wonderful!
Susan…..I hope this is okay…..I am going WAY OUT
OOOPPPSSSS see how nervous I am anyway I met a young women at the SLO book signing in Nov 2013…we talked for 3 hours…I got some pictures of her and her name which I believe is Lael…but then I could be wrong…. with spelling… Just wondering if this is her …her dad and my husband talked while they waited for us. If so…I’m just wondering how she is doing and if this is the young lady how her art is coming along? I do not know how to get in touch otherwise…except through your blog Susan…..It is a far reach but maybe if this is her…she will answer Thanks Love, Susan P.
I hope she does!
Sooooooooo happy all is well-actually wonderful!!!! My young daughters and I were worried with the rest of the girlfriends! You bring so much joy and beauty into our lives! Looking forward to the book!!
I have been away on a watercolor painting retreat on Samish Island in Washington state. We painted for 5 days and there were 50 watercolor artists from all over the PNW attending. So I am just now catching up on your letters to all of us…I was so pleasantly surprised to come home to a new letter..I am thrilled for you and your new book and how much work you have done…You are such an amazing person and I cannot wait to read the book of your life…(and later book #2 !!!!) Oh Susan, thank you for being you and doing all the wonderful things you do….From my little island to yours, with love…xo
So excited to hear you’ve been busy working on a book! Love the name and the name of the sequel and can’t wait to get each of the books added to my ‘Susan Branch Library’. Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us.
Reading your blog and looking at the photos brings me such pleasure. I have loved New England since I was a kid. I am new to your blog and can’t believe all I have been missing out on. Older Posts here I come!
So excited..waiting for The Fairy Tale Girl.
Yes! A fairytale with pictures! by my favorite blogger Ever!!! Life is Good!
So excited for the new books!
I love everything Susan Branch, we are so lucky to have you. You make our world beautiful and special for us, thank you!
The blogs that you send are real blessings to me. I enjoy them so much!
Have to admit I was getting a little worried, missed your posts and pictures! Glad to see you are back and so excited about your new book.
Hi Susan,so glad you are back! And with such beautiful Spring photos! So looking forward to your new book! 🙂
I CANNOT wait to read these books!! So exciting!
So happy to see your post and that all is ok – you’ve just been very busy.
Cheers!
No worries…. you’re forgiven. It’s only because we love you and your posts so much. You and They bring so many interesting and positive things into our lives and we missed you. Can only imagine how ‘all consuming’ it must be to write a book and do all the artwork. Can hardly wait for the books! (Spring Birthdays are the BEST! )
I can’t wait to see and read your novel! I love your artwork and your story telling. I hope Vanna chooses me!
Thank you for your blog. I just knew you were working on your new book for us! I can’t wait for them and would love to win! Love the lilacs and flowering trees and of course the kitties. Thank you for the joy you bring, and I know your fairy tale books will be great!
Welcome back Susan! You were right, I was starting to worry, but I’m happy you’ve been with “the book”. Can’t wait to get it. I’m preordering next!!!
Wow, Susan! New books! I am excited for you and for us!
Your post made me smile all the way through. Thanks for the heads-up on the Princess Charlotte mug — I’m heading to the Emma B. site as soon as I finish this reply in the hopes that there are some left.
Your Piaf song brought me all the way back to high school French. I’d never even heard of her until Mme. Mc Gookey (yes, her real last name when she married) played that song in Language Lab. Oh, how I loved it and still do!
So thanks. A fun time on your site as always. Sending blessings from here on the farm!
Each day I would check your blog and nothing new — but now I see why! This is exciting news! I can’t wait to see the new book and would love to win a copy. A perfect title and one that fits you perfectly!
Can’t wait to read it! 🙂
All of us girls love FAIRYTALES thank you for a wonderful day of sunshine and daydreams!
It was so good to hear from you again!! I’ve missed you. Glad to know all is well with you, and looking forward to another wonderful creation of yours. I can’t wait!
Megan
Princess Charlotte, dogwood trees, and a new Fairy Tale book, count me in, I cannot wait. We all missed you Susan, but what a dream come true for you, please take a huge sniff of those lilacs for me! Mrs. Bowditch would be proud of you!
Everyone needs a break now and then 🙂 I’m so glad you’re back and doing well. Can’t wait for the book! And doesn’t Charlotte’s little knit bonnet and blanket just do you in?
Oh my goodness Susan Branch! Your imagination knows no bounds and another book is just the BEST news! Cannot wait for the publication and thanks for sharing all you good thoughts and wonderful artwork.
Darn, left a message earlier and don’t see it and not sure what I did, Yikes!! Anywho, so excited the novel is almost done and so happy we don’t have to wait until Xmas. When will part 2 be ready….. No pressure.
You can do it, Susan. We know you can finish the book in time. Go, Susan, Go! Go, Susan, Go! (Hear us cheering you on?)
I’m *so* excited to feel the book between my fingers, read it slowly taking in all of the beautiful watercolors and pictures, and try the recipes!
You truly are an inspiration, Susan.
Made my day to read your blog again. I checked on twitter to make sure you were still alive and well. Looking forward to your new books. Love your garden photos. Gardening in this part of the country is the best.
Thank you for the uplifting posts. I lost a dear friend today. She was born in Czechoslovakia and lived through many hardships, including running from authorities, being shot, and imprisonment. She eventually met her prince charming after the war and he brought her to the United States. I hope to someday take her stories I have recorded and write a book. Reading how you overcame your fears to write your book gives me encouragement to not give up this dream!
You are a busy bee indeed! Love the picture of Girl and Jack. I bet the baby squirrels are cute as ever.
Can’t wait!
So glad to see an update to your blog, finally found that you were imprisoned in your workroom painting to make your deadline. I am sure that I will jump over and pre-order your newest book.
Wish I could say we have spring in Denver, but snow on Mother’s Day and hail yesterday, so discouraging for the apple trees that have already bloomed and now the poor flowers took a beating.
Love your pictures that remind us that spring is happening somewhere.
Take Care,
OOOH, it would be just like a fairy tale to win one of the books!!! Crossing fingers, toes, etc!!
P.S. Would you consider a sticker page with your beautiful butterflies?
O my Goodness! So glad & excited for the book! Loved all the spring photos. THANK YOU for coming back!
I’m SO thrilled about the books and the journey that brought you to them. I’m going to be just like you when I grow up … but at age 50, I’m wondering when that will be. I’m going to have to put my ADD down and put my bottom in a chair and do it. Thank you, Susan Inspirator!
Thanks for the opportunity to win your book…that would be a ‘fairy tale’ too!!
….I think I am the last person to sign-up, but maybe Vanna will pick me anyway! Congratulations on becoming an author of FICTION, Susan! 🙂
So looking forward to the new book & another book tour!
I could just smell the lilacs! Wonderful pictures…thank you.
I’m so happy to hear about you new book venture. Fairy Tail Girl is a very inviting title and a novel with photos is a fine idea. Blessings on the venture!
HELLO, “HAPPY WRITING”!
SUCH A NEAT BOOK GIVEAWAY!
I was so happy today to see you back! I do believe in science, but you can never overlook karma, so I believe MY name is will “randomly” be selected! That will be my fairytale ending.
So good to see you back! I can hardly wait for your book to come out!
A Fine Romance was so charming! I can’t wait for your new book. You’ve made me appreciate watercolors—your painting in all of your posts s so beautiful!.
I couldn’t put down A Fine Romance! It was so charming. I have a new appreciation for watercolors. Looking forward to your new book.
Can’t wait for the book. 🙂
Even though you have been very missed, there are always wonderful posts to revisit, and I knew you were hard at work. However, very happy today to learn you had a new post, and, as usual, lovely, lovely, lovely, lovely, delightful, and beautiful! The rare photo of Girl Kitty and Jack is absolutely wonderful. What a great pair they are. Girl Kitty looking so wise and serious and Jack with his devil-may-care, joi de vie attitude and that quirky mustache. And all your beautiful flowering trees, how gorgeous! Very much looking forward to your new books! You are truly one of life’s great joys, Susan! Glad to have you in mine!
Missed you for Mother’s Day and May Day. Glad you are safe and sound!
Have missed your blog – can’t wait for your new books!!!
This is wonderful news! Looking forward to the new books, and I so enjoyed seeing all the beautiful spring photos. I’ll be thrilled if Vanna pulls my name!
Susan, so glad everything is ok with you, Joe, and the kitties. I was getting worried. I can not wait to get my hands on a copy of your new book. I am soooooo looking forward to all the pretty watercolors and your story. By the way, your yard looks gorgeous:)
Cindy
Your flowering trees are just beautiful.
Thank you for the update on the book – cannot wait!
I am so excited for the Fairy Tale Girl!!! I know it will be wonderful! Thank you for your great work!
Can’t wait for the books – glad you are all right!
I love your beautiful blooming trees! I can’t wait to read your Fairy Tale.
How wonderful! I am so looking forward to reading The Fairy Tale Girl! It is such a joy to read your wonderful blog and books! Thank you for the sneak peak!
Sue
I am another of your readers who was getting worried about your long absence. Ah, but you have been a busy girl. I can’t wait to see your new book! I love your art, and your friendly, warm, joyful disposition that shines through all that you do. So thankful there’s a YOU.
Can’t wait to read the new book. I’ve already pre-ordered mine so if I were to win I would pay it forward and gift it.
Thank you for sharing your story and this wonderful giveaway with us! Hugs ~ Donna W.
Susan, I’m thrilled beyond thrilled that you are writing this!! I’m not sure how I will make it through the summer before it’s published. Love your work. 🙂
Novels! Huzzah! 🙂 I adore everything you do — glad to hear everyone is happy and healthy — Happy Spring! <3
I’m so excited for this book!! Big ((hugs))!!!!
Please Jack and Girl Kitty and Miss Susan, pick my name for your book giveaway. I could use a happy ending! XOXO
I can’t wait to read this!!! Thank you Susan for taking the time to create such beautiful things we can all enjoy.
So glad to hear from you! Can’t wait to read your first novel!!
Oh, so looking forward to this! Not one, but two new books! (Felt a little bit like the Count on Sesame Street right there!)
OH! How Exciting!!! I cant wait!
Thank you for so generously and touchingly sharing all about yourself and your work and your FAIRY TALE for all of us. So many of us have needed a fairy tale in this life; some of us have received one, some are still waiting, some may just live vicariously through reading yours. You are not only a friend, but a helper. Remember what Mr. Fred Rogers said his mother told him: whenever there is a crisis, look for the helpers. There are always helpers. And it is the helpers who give us hope. That is beautiful. I also loved seeing you work through the stages of creating your book cover step by step. I feel pretty privileged to see the magic actually happening…..more of that, please, whenever you feel like it! I can hardly wait for the book. I. CAN. HARDLY.WAIT!!!!
I can’t wait for the new book! I read and reread A Fine Romance. It is a pleasure to read, but also a wonderful relaxation therapy. Reading your book and blog is uplifting and just such a beautiful world to enter.
Pear trees and dogwoods and lilacs – oh my! What a lovely way to perk up my Monday. Thank you. Now, I’ll pre-order your book and have something really nice to look forward to 🙂 You’re THE best!
Can’t wait to read “Fairy Tale Girl”….life is too short not to have some fairy tales!
Susan, a new book, yay!!!! Although I am still loving the last one !
I love “A Fine Romance” and know I will love “The Fairy Tale Girl” too! Thanks for the chance to win one. ❤️
Anything done by Susan is sure to be something very special. Love being able to collect anther book to treasure….
I adore your books and now I can hardly wait for The Fairy Tale Girl!! Thank you for the chance to win!
OOoohhhh, I would love this! Nothing sends me to “vacation mode” quite like one of Susan’s books!
Well, my son Always told me I am older than dirt, think red haired strong willed only child terror turned a man now, who still believes this of his own red haired going gray (I earned them all!) terror of a Mom. This I am, but I am Not too old for fairy tales, and I’d love to win a book from you! Loved the post, loved the photos especially, Thank you kindly, Mrs. Bowditch!! Ah Spring!!
how exciting to have a new book coming out. Would love to win.
Hi Susan -so happy to see you here today. I’ve missed your delightful posts. Your book looks like a fun read. All the best with it. hugs, Deb
Hi Susan,
I did order your book in advance. It sounds wonderful. Thank you for your blog and all that you do. You are an inspiration to me.
It’s great to have you back!
Just perhaps I could win one of your new book!! I have my fingers crossed.
In a perfect world every girl would live a fairy tale life. So glad the book is just about ready!!!
You, My dear Susan Branch are one that always stokes and keeps my fairy tales alive and burning….Just something as simple as perusing your blog and website is….Just-Ahhhhhhh! In my heart, we are very old friends. Thank You! 🙂
So nice to hear from you, Susan. Love the pictures of the kitties, Spring blossoms, and flowers. Happy to hear your books are progressing and look forward to reading about life on the Vineyard for Christmas.
Welcome back. We knew you wouldn’t really leave us. Can’t wait to read the new book. Still enjoying “A Fine Romance” a few pages at a time…to make it last. Now I can finish! 🙂
Hi to Girl and Jack from my Cassie (who looks a lot like Girl)