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
I have been so worried! I am glad to hear that you’ve been doing something fun. I would dearly love to have a copy of your new book! I love your blog and would love to live your life.
It will be so awesome to immerse myself in another one /two of your books. Slowly turning the pages one at a time to savor each and every little sentence and artful brush stroke. It’s going to be a wonderful visit. Take care.
What wonderful news! So anxious to read your new book. I never miss one of your books and blogs. They always make my day!
I am sooo excited about your new book! I have missed your “sunshine” this past month! You are such an inspiration and a bright spot in my day! Thank you, thank you!
Thank you back Nancy!
So good to hear from you again and I can’t help looking at the beautiful flowers over and over again. Living in my part of Florida, we don’t have lilacs or many of the other flowers you are so blessed to have-too darn hot! I can’t imagine the fragrances all around and I agree with another ‘girlfriend’ who said she’d be outside all the time-I think I would be, too. But you deserve it, after the winter you folks had this year. Can’t wait for your new book-it’s been fun watching it come to life.
We do, I almost can’t believe this is the same place it was in February!
It sounds like “The Fairy Tale Girl” may be like an “Anne of the Island” type book! Wonderful. I can hardly wait to read the new novel. What a leap for you to go to fiction stories … or s it based on YOU and it is a real story of YOuR fairy tale life? Inquiring minds want to know. Kind regards and best wishes. EJC
I went to Louisa May Alcott’s home and saw a little movie about her. I found out that Little Women was about 85% a true story, and so it had to be called a novel, and not a memoir. That’s how mine is, except of course, it’s not Little Women! 🙂
Susan,
You have no idea how excited I am to hear that The Fairy Tale girl will be making her way into the world so soon!
On a side note, I write author interviews for Huffington Post Books and would LOVE to interview you for the site to help publicize the book!
best,
Jocelyn
That is some side note you have there Jocelyn, 🙂 I’d love that of course!
Just drop me an email and we can coordinate an interview and feature to coincide with the release date. 🙂 (I’ve already pre-ordered my copy!)
I’ll write! Thank you Jocelyn!
Oh yes! These books look to be wonderful! Pls add my name to the basket! We love spring and summer with all its beauty! My five year old exclaimed Mom this is the best summer yet!
Don’t you love it when they say stuff like that? I once tweeted with a hundred-and-three-year-old English woman who, on her birthday Tweeted: “It’s my birthday. I just LOVE my birthday!”
I love fairy tales!!!!
So happy to see your post this morning. I look forward to your new book, I so enjoyed a Fine Romance. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
I was worried! Yesterday I thought, hmmm, it’s been a long time since Susan has posted. This morning I thought, I wonder if she is okay? Then I thought, am I not getting the email notices, so went to your site and here it is, a new post! Can’t wait for your new book, this fairy tale girl will enjoy it. So glad you posted today.
Oh, Susan! I loved seeing your beautiful trees; we moved into a new house late last summer and have been so pleasantly surprised this spring to find ourselves surrounded by flowering trees! 😉 Best thing ever! I would so love a copy of your new book and will be sure to order a few more either way to give as gifts–always a treat to see your lovely pictures and words. Thank you for the inspiration!
What an excellent surprise!
2 books! Oh I can’t wait!
Glad you are back Susan! I missed reading your blog – you always lift me up
When I’m feeling down. Can’t wait for your new book – Love the title also!
Great picture of the kitties together!
Dearest Susan,
Did you here the WAHOO!!! all the way from Texas? Almost 700 pages and 2 books….what more could we ask for!! I pre-ordered this morning at 3AM, but of course, would love one hand picked by you (ok, Kellee). I have missed your posts, but am SO delighted that your book will be out so soon….a super treat to look forward to at the end of summer. I’m sure you have worn out several of those 2-haired paint brushes! Ha!
Lovely post….we had a lovely spring here also. There has been lots of rain in the hill country and the wild flowers have been spectacular. But, it doesn’t compare to all your delicate flora. It’s good to have you back, even if we know you may “go away” again to finish everything. Happy writing, happy painting, happy choosing photos! You are the perfect author….to share so much of yourself with us….an inspiration. Thank you!
Rachel
I thought I heard something Rachel! Sending LOVE to you in Texas! xoxo Thank you!
Welcome back Susan! We all check everyday to see what you’ve been up to! It made my day to see you were still up and about…loved all the spring flowering trees..my favorite aspect of spring. Can’t wait for new book! Thank you!
oh happy day….a nice long post, an exciting new book and an opportunity to win a lovely little something. I’m walking around with a smile on my face. Thank you!
Thank you too Esther!
Love your photos this morning. Think I’ll get my sharp pencils and water colors out and do a little playing. I’d love to win your book.
Hope you do Jan!
Missed you but just thought you were busy with Jor skipping through the spring flowers
That, too!
What a perfect title! We all believe we are living a bit of a fairy tale as we come along with you on your adventures through the blog. It matters not if it is a simple walk to the pond or off on the train or ship, you impart such a sense of wonder and delight that is infectious and we can’t help but feel a part of. Here’s to living the fairy tale! Can’t wait!
That’s such a nice thing for you to say Darcy! xoxo
Oh, we were getting so worried! And then “POOF”, here you are with such big news. Love, love, LOVE the titles of the new books. Congratulations on work well done because we already know they are truly the best! I cannot wait to curl up outside on a sunny August day with a glass of iced tea made with garden mint and start reading, “The Fairytale Girl.”
XOXO Thank you Lynn Marie!
I’ve been checking back each day and how wonderful to find a new post from you this morning! We’ve missed your posts but have been cheering you on knowing that you’ve been hard at work for US! Your posts are always like a breath of fresh air and can bring me up from the lowest of lows. Thank you Susan for sharing your gifts and talents with us! Can NOT wait for the new book(s) to come out! Have a blessed day!
Thank you dear Karen! xoxo
Can’t wait for The Fairy Tale Girl. Love all of your books and blogs!
Can’t wait for the new book!
Oh I’m so glad all is well Susan, and nice to have you back. I CAN’T WAIT for your new book!! Yay!!!! If I’m able to win one, great, but I will be getting one either way. 😉
I love the titles too!! They sound magical. A Fine Romance is still one of my favorite books and I’ve read it a few times over. Keep up the lovely work dear Lady! It feeds the soul, just like the flowers do.
xoxo
ohhhhh, thank you Carrie!
Thank you for the sweet taste of things to come !
It is always fun to have something to look forward to !
linda k.
It’s the little things in life!
Congratulations! Dear Susan! When I am looking for inspirational, creative, practical, colorful and fun, I turn to your blog, books, recipes and shopping. All these I “need” everyday. Your new book will be right there on top!
So nice to hear that Sylvia, thank you!
Novels with pictures – brilliant! I can hardly wait!!
Me too! I can’t wait to see it all finished!
Hi Susan! Yes, you were missed terribly! I just knew you would have a good reason and by golly you did. Glad to hear and see Spring has sprung so beautifully around you and that Girl and Jack have mustered up courage to co-habitate closer. So cute! I now have another reason to go on living: The Fairytale Girl!!!! Oh goodie! Oh goodie! I cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on it and savor each page while drinking tea from my precious Charlotte tea mug. Life will be total bliss once more. Welcome back to us girlfriend! xo
Happy to be here Susie!
I’m so glad all is truly well with you! I was wondering, but am now relieved since you’ve posted and invited us in to your little corner of the world once again. I am eager for the release of your new book and am delighted to have the chance to be part of ‘The Fairy Tale Girl’ giveaway! Blessings to you, Susan! Thank you! Mary
Thank you back Mary!
Oh Susie Q! It’s been so long since you’ve written, I actually was getting worried and even checked twitter to make sure you were still with us. I can’t wait to read your new book! How exciting- A Novel! I think it will be amazing because everything you do, simply is. The spring pictures were gorgeous we don’t get much in Cali especially with our drought situation. Can’t wait to pre order my book and the sequel, when will that be out as well? Have a wonderful spring day and stop to the flowers today.
xo Tiina
I hope the sequel comes a month or so after THE FAIRY TALE GIRL. That’s my plan, but we’ll see how it goes.
Missed you but it was worth the wait! Spring is beautiful here, as well, on the shores of Lake Erie. Cedar Point has opened–let the tourism season begin! I, too, am captivated by Princess Charlotte, who was born one year to-the-day after my own darling granddaughter, Isabella– who is a princess to me. I love the title to the book and am looking forward to it.
Hugs to you and Princess Isabella!
Missed your blog posts this past month, but figured you were hard at work on your new books. I like both titles and can’t wait to read them. Also, loved today’s musica–it has a strengthening, uplifting quality to it.
Yes, like a march!
Welcome back from the vortex of creativity,join the rest of us for a bit.
For the day anyway! 🙂 Then back into the vortex!
I am so relieved you were “just” busy and nobody was ill or all the other scenerios in my head while your post was missing! The book sounds exciting & we all will be happy to read it. Love the gorgeous blooms in your part of the world & the birds & the view, etc. Enjoy the warmness and know you’ve made us delighted to be a part of the world of Susan and her talents.
Thank you Gloria!
What a perfect title for your book! It sounds like a wonderful outlook on a beautiful life. I love your blog, so I know it will be an enchanting read!
Thank you Caroline!
Dear , Dear Susan,
You were so missed and checking this morning and finding this Blessed blog post was wonderful. Yes, I WANT that book/books!!!! Spring is so lovely there 🙂 here at 8400 feet in Colorado we only have tiny buds on our aspen leaves and a few lilacs. But a beautiful still white Pikes Peak out our window.
Trust I am included in the drawing now!!
Blessings as you finish the book and take time out to enjoy Spring there!!!
Yes you are, Irene!
Welcome back, Can’t wait for the new book to come out. Truth be told I thought you were on the QE2 on your way to scotland to write your book on Scotland. I’m also looking forward to that book. Try to go through northern Wales on your way up to the highlands.
Boy, that sounds just wonderful!
I was getting worried about you dear Susan, no word for so long! I, too, was thrilled about Will & Kate’s new baby girl, she will have a charmed life! I am going to go into my library’s “request a book” & ask them to purchase “A Fairy Tale Girl” right now. Isn’t is wonderful it is finally spring? Of course, here in Ohio, the weather just can’t make up it’s mind = 80 degrees one day, 40 degrees & frost that night! Sigh… 🙂
We have that too!
Welcome Back! Thanks for sharing the lilacs for us southerners . Glad to see you have been a busy bee and we will soon reap the rewards if your hard work!
So enjoyed all the lovely pictures. I just saw my first dogwood in bloom this spring. I wondered what all the hoopla was about and now I know. Thanks for this opportunity.
LOL, hoopla! Yes!
Oh, I love the title of your novel!
And I love that you have pictures, too!
This is a must for me.
Congratulations and well done for all of your hard work and dedication. So wonderful to have a new blog and happy to know that all is well. So, new blog read, musica heard, book pre-order submitted. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for providing us with such pleasure.
My pleasure Elizabeth.
Thank you for this wonderful blog! I am excited for The Fairytale Girl!
Marlene
What a glorious giveaway! Please, I need a fairytale in my life! You are always such a kind and giving girlfriend! P.s. I love folded kitty paws too, swoon!
sweetest things!
Happy Spring and CONGRATS on the new book!! I have that one dream too (ok fine, many!) that just absolutely needs to get done in order to feel “complete!” I am looking forward to checking out your new book. Like you always say—it’s always such a treat to find things in your mailbox! Congrats again, and thanks for always being such an inspiration to many!
Thank you back Jamie!
Susan, you had me at “Fairytales” because you’re right, we should never be too old for them! I met you at the Gladys Taber reunion last year and was charmed by both you and Joe…it was a wonderful, dream-come-true event for me. I know your fictionalized story will be just as much fun and filled with the same wisdom and laughs you provided that day. Thank you for filling our world with kindness and gentleness. It’s sorely needed!
Thank you Kathryn, so nice to hear from you!
I hold a tea party every Tuesday at the nursing home in town, called “Tuesday Tea”. I read your blogs to the residents every Tuesday and we have really missed you! So glad you are back! Happy to hear that there is a book on the way. Thanks for all the goodness you bring to our teatime.
Caroline
Please tell everyone I sent a special Hello! Happy Tuesday!
Caroline,
What a nice thing to do . . . sharing Susan’s Blogs with nursing home residents. I thought of doing this too as my aunt is in the nursing home and she loved flower gardening so much. My mother and I had lunch with her about four weeks ago and it was such a nice, peaceful place and the food was delicious. You have inspired me to work on this idea again. Do you take the Tea and teacups with you or does this nursing home staff help with this? Do you also serve tea sandwiches/cakes/scones with the Tea? Do you show the Blog on a widescreen?
Hi Sharon,
So glad we think alike! The tea cups, teas and hot water are all supplied by the very grateful kitchen staff. I serve tea sandwiches and a sweet treat every Tuesday. When my tea party was small, we read Susans blog on my lap top. Now we have grown and I have requested to move to a larger “cozy” space with a widescreen TV. I love my Tuesday Teas with the residents and Susan Branch. Best of luck and enjoy every minute of your teatime.
Caroline
I’m so happy to see your recent blog entry! I was getting a bit worried about you and I’m happy to know you were diving into The Fairytale Girl! I’m anxious to read and view your new creation. Continue enjoying the beautiful season of spring! Rebecca
Thank you Rebecca!
I’m so happy your fairy tale came true and that you are sharing it with us in such a beautiful way. I’m very excited! The cover is gorgeous. Ain’t life grand?!!!!
It’s grand!
I was a bit worried when I’d check to see if there were any new blog entries day after day only to find zippo! I’m relieved to know you’ve just been busy! I would be thrilled to win your new book but now I don’t know if I should pre-order too!
If you win, you can give it to your best friend!
Welcome back Susan! I’m glad you are OK. I was beginning to wonder.
Looking forward to the book. If I don’t win one, I’ll buy one!
Happy Saturday,
Barbara
How enchantingly magical 🙂 You have once again followed your heart ~ Can’t wait to read your books.
Some of the comments here today, it sounds like maybe they already took a peek inside the book! 🙂
That beautiful Bradford pear reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, and the white way of delight. So perfect!
I am all pre-ordered, and ready to read. I’ve been hoping and hoping that we would be getting our new book soon, and my wish came true.
I love that my book will go to Twain Harte! 🙂
So glad to see you back here. Exciting news about your new book. I love everything you do, and truth be told you could probably write a grocery list and as long as your drawings/paintings were on it, it would be beautiful 😉
I have some pretty bad looking grocery lists! 🙂
Hi Susan,
I was excited to see that you posted today. I was starting to get obsessed with checking for a new one! I’m so very excited about your new books. I can’t wait. Love you, Karen
LOL Karen!
Hooray, you are back! Your blog is just always packed with beautiful things and this entry is no exception. Beautiful garden flowers, thank you for sharing. The new book sounds amazing as only you can make it. Pictures in a novel or two from you….woo hoo! Yes, I want to read them and would love to win one. Thank you Susan for your paintings, your words, your photographs, your music and as someone else said, the kindness you bring into our world.
I read comments like yours and I’m just so touched. xoxo
Your New England springs are so lovely. Here in VA our spring was beautiful but is quickly jumping into summer. Can’t wait for the new book!
I am so excited about your new book! I have every one of your other books. I’ve collected them since my teenage years. I eat up your art, words, quotes, and charm like it is cotton candy! Can’t wait for the next feast! (:
Thank you Gina!
Oh so glad you are back! Missed you terribly. ❤️
Yea, you’re back! Since I never knew when you would return I checked your blog site a lot! Never knew when the “treat” would show up… so I kept checking. Glad spring finally arrived. Your book looks wonderful…
A new book! How wonderful! I can’t wait! One of your readers wrote in her post that the cover is gorgeous and she’s absolutely right … it is gorgeous! (Notice how many exclamation points I have in this short paragraph. That’s how excited I am!)
I know what you mean! I can’t seem to write a sentence today without one!
So Fairy Tale Girl,
Weren’t the Magnolias magnificent this year? Best I’ve ever seen. I attribute it to the long, long winter that did not freeze out the blooms for once! I’m so happy your new one is identical to the old one and I agree it’s important to see the blooms to make sure the tags is correct. Those pesky tags dance around nurseries at night playing games on us gardeners!
So happy you’re working hard for us! I cannot wait to see this new creation and applaud your courage dear friend, which is saying something at this decade of life. Courage comes easily when one is younger and not been beaten up by life. So a pre-thank-you for creating more beauty for us to savor in the winter months ahead!
Congratulatory Hugs,
Diane Marie
Courage in youth, and I speak from pure experience, comes from the idiot gene! Not speaking for everyone, but definitely for me. Was telling Joe this morning about me and snow skiing. I go with skiing like fish go with bicycles. But there I was, sloping away! (Till I broke my ankle!)
Very cute analogy! Keep up the courage! I’m taking some inspiration from you on this level as I ponder my next phase of work life.
I love the title of your new book. Can’t wait to read it. So happy to read your blog today. My sister and I have been wondering where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing. Now we know! 🙂
Thanks Ellen . . . say hello to your sister for me!
The title is great. Your house and garden are incredible. I’m sure the new books will be a real success….congratulations! Thanks for the giveaway and all the good energy you put into the world.
Thank you Ginger!
Hi Susan,
So good to have you back! Nice to see that Martha’s in full bloom now, looks like the island has some catching up to do after that winter! Our lilacs are in bloom to, here in the Netherlands. Looking forward to your new book!
Love, Elske
Nice to be blooming with you!
Oh my gosh Susan, I’m so glad you’re back! I also love a spring garden! I have so many beautiful things in bloom right now it makes me HAPPY! I can’t wait for your book … I’m so excited!
Yay!! After patiently waiting and checking, here at long last I see you finally resurfacing with such a beautiful flowery post, and some lovely literary news as well! 🙂
And today is our 23rd wedding anniversary, so we’re having a small all-day friends-coming-by type “party.” Your post is just what I needed to help me take a break from prepping food and cleaning around the place. Thanks so much! ♥
Happy Anniversary Rosie, have fun!
Exciting news. Even more exciting that there will be two wonderful books. Please Vanna …. pick me! 😉 😉
Romance? Love? Martha’s? I’m in!
I know, I mean what else is there!?
I knew it. I am not patient but I just kept checking back on you, finally the news, the most exciting and wonderful news. My pre-order for the fairy girl and the Princess mug are in. Too slow to purchase the Autumn charm- hymned and hawed, too long. After all these years, I should know better.
Congratulations, I’ve been very melancholy lately, but today I celebrate your wonderful news.
hugs and kisses, little e
I celebrate you celebrating, Eugenia, keep up the good work! xoxo
Welcome back, Susan.
Yes, it has been way too long with a post from you and like the other girlfriends, I was hoping everything was OK and missed reading your blogs.
Glad to hear that you have made such progress. It is true, it will soon be August. Sometimes, time goes by too fast. But your books are a treasure to look forward to. Can’t wait.
Thank you Isabel!
I have missed you and your blog so very much! What a wonderful surprise to see a brand new blog this morning! Loved all the info, pictures, and the update on your new novel… The Fairy Tale Girl! I can’t wait to get my hands on it so I can disappear into the fairy tale. I’m so blessed to have someone like you in my life… you add that extra bit of happy to my life. ♥
Thank you Marie!
Hi, Susan~ I was so glad to see your blog this morning. Honestly, I think I was having separation anxiety because it had been so long since your last posting! We’re all so proud of your finishing The Fairy Tale Girl. I preordered mine and am sure I’ll need to order more for my girlfriends for Christmas presents. The island flora looks absolutely beautiful. Enjoy those morning walks.
Thank you Kathy!
What lovely, lovely photos! And how wonderful that you were able to find the same kind of tree to replant. It looks a lot like what we call a Japanese Tulip tree down here in the south. Beautiful! I am beyond excited about your new book–I can hardly wait. Have a delightful weekend.
Well, no wonder it looks the same–it is! I just Googled it and Japanese Tulip tree is just another name for this kind of magnolia–the Magnolia liliiflora. 🙂
Aha!! Thank you Amy!
I seem to get lots of names for it, but tulip tree is one of them! That’s why I had such trouble getting one.
Oh, how excited I am to be reading a NEW post!!! Each and every day I’ve been checking to see if you put out a new one or not. I know that you’ve been swamped in finishing up your book. “The Fairy Tale Girl”….. I love it! May I be so bold as to hope that I am one of those 10 lucky girls that Vanna picks?!
Loved all the pictures of “spring” in Martha’s Vineyard! We’ve been in spring here for a while now. Only downside is that the wind blows quite a bit. That, I don’t like at all. The “city fathers” in most cities in Washington and most likely Oregon ad California are anxious about the fire hazzards this summers. The fires are so out of control with this drought that these states have been experiencing with each passing year. We didn’t have much snow pack to speak of this winter and that’s scary.
I think that I should pre-order your book to make sure that I get one. Don’t want to miss out!
I’m off to finish getting the house ready for my Bunco group tonight.
Have fun Carol, say Hi for me! 🙂
So glad you’re making your dreams come true! Just keep on truckin’, Susan.
I’ve missed you so and was a little worried so glad to hear you have just been busy with the novel.. That’ss a good reason for not hearing from you and something to look forward to. I’d love your book to wing it’s way to the Emerald Isle. I really enjoyed A Fine Romance and intend to use it to plan an itinerary when I travel to England.
Have a wonderful trip!
Thank goodness you re-surfaced, Susan…I was ready to pay the ransom!
I’m thrilled we’re so near to having your latest book in our hot little hands. Add my “yee-haw” to that previous ya-hoo. (We Texans are nothing, if not enthusiastic.) I would love to win a copy, but will pre-order one just in case. Besides, you can’t have too many copies of something magical, as I know your latest and greatest will be.
Enjoy your lilacs extra-well. Those and peonies are my all-time favorites, and neither grows in Houston. It breaks my heart, so I’ll have to live vicariously through you.
Sue
My peonies buds are getting fat! xoxo
They should be on schedule for Memorial Day then. That’s about when ours in Ohio (those gorgeous pink Sarah Bernhardts) bloomed. Now I’m REALLY nostalgic! I’ve been known to pay $5 for a single peony stem here at the store, just to have one.
What a wonderful surprise! Welcome back, Susan 🙂 I was so excited to see your new book up today for pre-order – yeah! Pre-ordered and muchly anticipated ♥ Thank you also, as always each year, for including your lilacs. There’s nothing like northern lilacs, and they are the one flower I miss most since living in the south. Roses, check – peonies, check – practically everything else you can stick in the ground, check – but lilacs – we cannot do 🙁 So thank you for showing us those beautiful flowers – the memory of fragrance completes the picture for us here ♥
Thank you for everything – so glad to see your post! O Be Joyful!!!
So happy to know you all are well and getting your new books done! I cannot imagine how you do it all along with your delightful blog. Our spring in Michigan looks like yours in the Vineyard. Our flowers are out too and oh, how beautiful they are. Your pictures are breathtaking. When we view these lovely flowers, God is everywhere! Thanks so much, it is a lot of effort to put all this loveliness together to share! I shall be among the first to get those two new books. Now I must rave on and on about “A Fine Romance”. My son gave it to me for Mothers Day and what a gift it was…I read it in a day and a half. Couldn’t put it down. A simply wonderful book and so personal….I felt you wrote it just for me! I am reading it again as I speak. Love it and love you, dear girlfriend. Keep up the good work! (As if we would let you stop) Lol
I did write it for you Lin! It feels that way anyway!
missed you so much but so excited to hear what you’ve been up to thanks for returning to us and sharing ❤
I’ve missed you, Susan! Had wondered where you were, but knew you had a good reason, and guessed this (a book!) must be most of it. Or, if perchance Vanna really IS to blame, then it will serve her right to have to pick ten names. Making the punishment fit the crime!
Thanks for the generous giveaway and for all of the surprising info about the new book! A novel …. two novels … good for you!
That’s right, the punishment fits the crime! LOL 🙂
Oh how I miss lilacs. My neighbors cut down all of their bushes last fall and I cried. I have no idea why they did that. And now those people moved out! I need to take a walk and find some lilacs to visit in the neighborhood before it’s too late. And I am so looking forward to your new book : )
Cut down lilacs? Isn’t that a punishable offense?
Susan
I have always loved your stickers and was overjoyed to find your blog. I love, love, love your A Fine Romance. Gave one to my sister too. I cannot wait for your new novel/autobiography. Your work inspires me!
Very honored to hear that Jan. xoxo
Welcome back, Susan! How great to know that everything is A-OK with you and your world. I love your pictures of spring, especially the lilacs. They’re my favorite and not too plentiful in southern California. I can just imagine how MV smells with all of those beautiful blossoms. Yum!
We are very excited about your books too. Congratulations! Can’t wait to read them. Thanks for the chance to win one too.
Susan, missed you and your blog so much! I knew you were finishing the special books, and you know we are impatient and so looking forward to both of them. Thanks for taking the time to blog for us and share your beautiful Martha’s Vineyard in the springtime. It’s time for a book signing in Mt. Pleasant or Charleston, SC. I do hope you’ll consider coming. A book signing/tea party(or coffee) at Barnes and Noble possibly…..
Would be wonderful!
I would like for Susan to consider a book signing at the Sea View Inn in Pawleys Island set up by Litchfield Books. There would probably be such a huge crowd that we might need to have it at the Tara Ballroom at Litchfield-by-the-Sea or maybe even one of the plantations or . . . . how about Brookgreen Gardens. We could definitely arrange this so that it would be fun for us as well as Susan and Joe. http://www.litchfieldbooks.com/events/
That sounds like a wonderful idea! Do you know folks at Litchfield Books?
I know them because . . . I purchase a lot of books there. I do have friends that know them well. I will send an email with more info tomorrow.
Sounds good Sharon!
It’s always a treat to find a new post from you! I’m so looking forward to reading A Fairy Tale Girl. Perfect title.
I’m happy you like it!
Yay! You’re back! We’ve missed “our Susan”. I’m so excited about your new book. I’ve just preordered a copy, but I’m sure I could find some well deserving soul if I won a copy too!
There’s always a birthday coming somewhere!
Welcome back, Susan! I’m glad all is well with you. I am so excited for your next book. My mom and I loved A Fine Romance, and we both took a long time to read it, savoring it over many cups of tea. I can’t wait for you new book and many more hours and cups of tea.
Thank you Kathy, and say Hi to your mom for me!
Missed your blog. Another book? Looking forward to it.
Susan, I just pre ordered a copy of your book! But if I win I have a dear friend who would enjoy a copy!! I keep A Fine Romance on my bedside table as it is such a pretty book to leaf through and re read at leisure.
What exciting news!!!
So hope you have your landlord story in it!
It was so good to read your blog this afternoon. Your were missed, but of course it was for a very good reason. And I am very excited at the thought of reading your new book!! Can’t wait!!
How lovely your house is! It’s raining here and looks like England or what I imagine England to look like! It smells like heaven! Thank you for your generosity, your books are somthing that I always treasure.
So glad you are back on the blog and all is well. I can’t wait for the new book. Happy Spring.
Hi, Susan!!!
I can’t begin to tell you how much you’ve been missed! But here you are….and all is well once again! Your generosity always inspires me to be more giving and now you’ve really outdone yourself! 10 books! Sweet!
I LOVE the title and the cover…so, so pretty and dreamy. Thank you for sharing it ~ the anticipation is so much fun! I’m sending you as much energy and inspiration as I can send on the Spring breeze to help you finish this awesome project.
Your home looks very elegant and welcoming, dressed in the blooms of Spring. Lilacs are my favorite spring flower but for some reason, my decades-old lilac decided not to bloom this year. Not sure why yet. Hopefully it’s just taking a break from flowering and nothing worse 🙁
Until we talk again…God Bless you and those your love,
xoDebbie
That happened to us, and we realized the tree overhead had become so thick, our lilacs weren’t getting enough sun. Kind of a simple thing, but it did make a real difference when we thinned out the tree.
How wonderful is the anticipation of your novels’ completion and availability. You have always inspired your readers and fans to see the fairy tales in their own life stories by indulging in the beauty of friendships, family, and nature so readily available for the embracing.
That is it in a nutshell Gloria! xoxo
Hooray for a new book! I am so excited. A Fine Romance is one of the precious select books that travels everywhere with me, especially when I moved to England last fall. So thrilled there will soon be another one to add to the collection!
How are you doing over there Kelsey? Where are you?
I have really missed you but figured you were working hard on your new book. It will be a joy to add it to my others. I will preorder to be sure I get one! You are a blessing and bright spot in our days. Your flower pictures are gorgeous. In the Texas panhandle that is the only way we can enjoy them. Blessings, Nelle