For starters, you need some . . . Frank! MUSICA Only Five Minutes more . . . or maybe we’ll take the whole weekend!
How are you? Everything is good here . . . this music makes me so happy! I’m still chugging away on the new book. The first one goes to the printer on June 15 ~ we’ll see if I make it! I’m still painting and adding photos and art to the pages. I decided yesterday it’s a very good sign that when I find the perfect quote for the perfect spot, I get tears in my eyes (sort of like I do at the end of a really good movie). I can’t wait to show it to you! ♥
But in the meantime, I thought we’d let our drawing for the giveaway go for a few more days . . . we have lots of books to give away! I just want to make sure everyone’s had a chance to sign up. So, if you haven’t, be sure to leave a comment, we’re giving away 10 of my new book, coming in August called THE FAIRY TALE GIRL ~ you can read all about it in the post just below this one. By the way, did you catch it ~ on the edge of the new cover? That the flowers are all missing a petal? “He loves me, he loves me not . . .” It’s a little clue.♥
In the meantime, I thought I’d share somemore Vineyard spring. Birds are frolicking in our birdbath. So fun to watch. Only one out of three of those is real ~ the one surrounding himself in water drops.
Joe’s favorite flower is in bloom, the Lily of the Valley . . . thank you again to Mrs. Bowditch, the woman who owned our house from 1949 to 1980 ~ she left such a treasure for us. Funny how you can get to know a person like I’ve gotten to know the Bowditches, from the things they’ve left behind.
I always have to bring in a little bouquet for the kitchen table . . . so we can bury our noses in them every so often.
Like little bells . . .
Yes, when I get a good subject, I take a zillion photos!
Today is the official start of summer here on the Island, no matter what the calendar says. It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and literally overnight our town turns from a quiet little country outback into Vacation Central . . . people come from everywhere . . .
Boat after boat arrives . . .
We like it . . . it’s a wonderful change from the quiet winter. Plus we know it isn’t a year-round thing, so it’s always fun to see them come, and it’s always nice to see them go! The best of all worlds. We have a weekend guest of our own to welcome off the boat today! The guest room is ready with Lily of the Valley as a welcome greeting.
And this is the event that happens every year on the Friday before Memorial Day ~ today! A wonderful old tradition called The Children’s Walk to the Sea ~ it’s been going on here since the 1870s. The Vineyard Haven Grammar School is just up the street from our house, so we get a birds-eye view of the parade every year as it passes by our house. Isn’t it adorable? First comes the kindergarteners, followed by the 1st grade, on up to the 8th graders, and all their teachers too.
And it comes complete with a marching band and George M. Cohan musica!
And, adorable children, carrying flags and bouquets of flowers. They march through town, down to the water, where they throw their flowers into the sea in memory of those who have fought and died for our country.
Girl Kitty keeps an eye out for the kids!
And here’s our kitchen garden . . . Joe’s been raking and getting it ready while I’m inside “directing” from my studio window! We’ll have strawberries soon if the catbirds leave us some! Time to plant tomatoes and lettuce and lemon thyme . . .
Our garden, though small, always makes us happy ~ it’s just enough to give us that “thank goodness it’s spring” feeling. You can read more about it HERE: Here are the basic elements that made it happen:
And look at this perky little goldfinch outside our kitchen window. Hmm, he says, I taut I taw a puddy cat.
Oh yeah. No doubt about it.
Jackie keeps a watch.
So a little reminder for the holiday weekend, be spontaneous and keep it simple and have a WONDERFUL time. Here’s a delicious potato salad recipe made with roasted potatoes you might like to try . . .
I’m going back to work in Fairy Tale Land ~ and guess what’s coming on TCM in about 10 minutes? Pride and Prejudice! The old one with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier! Perfection! So lucky! Have a great day Girlfriends. Don’t forget, if you haven’t signed up for the drawing, be sure to leave a comment . . . we’ll do it next week. Let Vanna frolic for the weekend! You too! XOXO Bye for now!
Susan-
Please ask Vanna to stay at home the night before your next drawing. That way, she just might be good and rested and will find it in her heart to pick my name.
Pat Bates
I will do that Pat!
OMGolly, I am so intimidated by so many comments! I love intimacy, this is a mob!!! Am pre ordering your book for my 80th Birthday. Hasn’t 80 gotten younger? Never fear ladies it isn’t bad at all, we old darlings still love to cook, READ, paint, pet our kitties and puppies and just enjoy life………………….maybe even more due to the mellow lovliness of aging. What a treat to look forward to next August!! Life is good!!!!
Yes, it’s very young! xoxo
Could Jack be any cuter? I think not!
Let us all remember the reason for this weekend and take a moment of silence to remember the brave men and women who bravely fought for our country.
God Bless America!
Hi Susan,
I’m thrilled at the prospect of a story with such an enticing title. You have the best bird visitors…such pretty species
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.
xo,
Karen
I love lily of the valley – what perfectly small charming flowers. I’m so looking forward to your new book. I treasure each one of your books!
I love Lily of the Valley !
brought some plants from my parents home and now have my own wonderful bells growing at the side of my house…….
wonderful memories.
It is a wonder … to feel connected to a person we have never met … to be entranced and captivated by her world … which adds beauty and peace and joy to all of ours … to be inspired and uplifted in our daily lives … it is a happy wonder.
Just can’t wait for your new book! We are kindred spirits!
Susan, I can’t wait to read your new book. Congratulations!!
Looking forward to your new books. I’ve been enjoying your illustrations and text since “Vineyard Seasons”.
I was just checking – and it looks like the message I posted before didn’t go through? I don’t know. Anyway, I just said I was happy to see you back with your pretty spring things. I was sure you were working on your book. I am working on my spring kitchen garden too. Rather do that than be inside. Funny how if one is used to checking up on you, it’s like you’re family! Do you ever feel surrounded by invisible spirits?
Hello Susan – I so enjoyed reading your recent post, looking at all the beautiful flowers – the lily of the valley, the lilacs – they are so fragrant. We are in the midst of painting the outside of our home – fresh white – one more side to go! After we were through for the day I strolled over to take a look at the freshly plowed garden, which is waiting for me to drop in seeds and plants – I can hardly wait! And the raspberry and marion berries are on their way . . . exciting! Lookng forward to receiving and reading The Fairytale Girl! We appreciate you Susan!
Hi Susan, ordered the book just in case. Should I win I would give the book to my dearest friend, Elisa.
Thank you Susan for all the beauty that you share! You are such an inspiration!
I finally planted my garden today…it is very late for the South. Three birds visited, a robin on the ground, a cardinal and a dove perched on either side of the wrought iron arbor!
Saved a fledgling from drowning, scooped it up with my hands, it held tight to my finger and would not let go until I placed my hand into the window box between some begonias. Hope my new little friend sticks around. Looking forward to making your Potato salad for Memorial Day dinner with my 90 year old parents. Happy Gardening, Susanne
I have already ordered my copy but I would love to have a signed book to give to my friend! Come on Vanna!
Hello Susan,
Yes, I am a Stewart by birth as well. Perhaps that is why I feel such a homey kinship with your creations. You are so very talented and inspire us all to be the best we can be.
Thanks so much for the warm potato salad recipe – my husbands favorite!
Look forward to your newest book – it seems like A Fine Romance just came out. Wow, you are working hard-you go girl,but don’t burn yourself out…we love you!
Hope I might win a copy – what a Fairy Tale that would be! All the best, Wendy
I’m trying very hard not to! I will need a long vacation after these two babies are finally born!
I love your blog. It is always so special. Thank you for thinking of us.
Thank you for sharing all the soft colors and your sweet words with others.
Hello Susan ~ so excited like everyone else to read your new book ~ and would love to win one ~ how splendid!
Not sure my comment on your last post appeared. There are bleeding hearts and lily of the valley blooming in the place where I’m living. Lots of change in my life-Mom departed for Heaven in January, divorced in February, moved last week. I would love to be put in the drawing for your new book. I have most of my SB books here with me, except for A Fine Romance.
What a wonderful tradition “Children’s Walk to the Sea”, such a lovely way to honor our past veterans! I do love red,white and blue, so much pride in those colors! The “feel like” temperature here has been 100 and I dare to say unless a parade marches by my window in lovely air conditioned splendor I’ll be missing any such local events although we have been braving the mosquitoes at dusk to watch dozens and dozens of bats drop into flight from our royal palms out for an evening of pest control. Unfortunately our grass and non-drought resistant annuals are drying out, water restrictions keep only the hardiest until the summer rains and thunderstorms come which should start soon. I’ve planted a great deal of perennials throughout our yard so there’s lots of color even now and the bird bath and feeders keeps the cardinals and finches around for entertainment, actually the squirrels are the clowns of the backyard feeders. We have the same feeders as you and to watch a fat little fellow on top try to shake and balance all at once to have seeds fall to the ground is pure laughter. We did have a corn feeder for the little darlings but after almost a year my husband discovered one night that citrus rats were at it, our neighbor set up traps and we retired the feeder, so unfair I thought, but necessary! I’m so looking forward to your new book, thank you so much for being a trooper and marching forward with all the little details, it’s what makes you so special to all of us! Much love!
Happy Memorial Day Susan!
Thank you for the all the blogs-always a treat to read, and see your artwork-very inspiring 🙂
Always enjoy reading your blogs and seeing more of your artwork. It is an inspiration to me.
Just perfect for the perfect spring! Thanks for your delightful posts.
I just love parades especially the Red, White and Blue ones. Spring is here. Can summer be close by? Hey, Vanna, hope you pick my name.
I can’t wait for your new book! Your blog always inspires me – So Thank You!
Thank you for your beautiful posts. They are always so uplifting for both the spirit and the soul. I was going to preorder your book, but will wait and pray that maybe I will win one instead. Thank you again for putting a lot of happy and positives into our lives!!!!!
Nancy
New books, garden plans and picnics, it’s all so dreamy!
Dear Sweet Susan,
Loved the birdbath and Lilly Of The Valley piictures. Someday I want to be one of those tourists coming off the ferry. Love the tradition of the Childrens Walk to the Sea. What a beautiful salute and honor to our veterans and a way of teaching our future generations the importance of honoring those who have sacrificed their lives defending this country. Especially loved the kitty pictures as this past week we had to part with our beloved grandkitty Boudreaux whom our family loved for 17 years. What a precious gift from God we got to enjoy. Our hearts are broken but what wonderful memories he left behind for us The picture of Jack looking over the table edge was hilarious. The garden picture and your garden painting were beautiful. I pictured myself in an Adirondack chair in the yard enjoying it. The goldfinch picture is priceless. Can hardly wait to try the recipes. I am so excited about “The Fairy Tale Girl” coming in August so I can imagine how you feel writing it. I hope that it will be everything that you have hoped for when it is finished. I can hardly wait to read it . Oh Vanna , we have everything crossed for good luck on this drawing. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. I will be enjoying mine with my Purple Heart veteran of 26 years in the Army. My husband and I felt honored to serve our troops and our country every day of those 26 years.
Love and kisses to the four of you.
Oh Mary we crown thee with roses today
Queen of the Angels ,
Queen of the May…..
Imagine hearing about 150 kids (1st to 6th grade ) singing while marching through the halls at school……
XOXO what a lovely thing to imagine, Dad!
Oh Blog Daddy! You bring up lovely memories for all of us Catholic school kids! It’s always a treat to read your comments.
So much fun to see, as always…. Looking forward to the new book(s) 😉
Love the blog and can’t wait for the new book!
Can’t wait to read your new book! I absolutely LOVED “A Fine Romance”. It’s always been my dream to spend some time in England. I look forward to your “Blog” and seeing all the wonderful pictures of your home and garden. Thanks for brightening my day!
Wonderful pictures! And so great to get the kids involved in Memorial Day!! That will help make it a special day for them as they get older…and to remember what others have sacrificed for them!
I love all your post but don’t get to come often enough. we lost our internet for a short period of time.. Yuk.. I can’t wait to see your new book. I read the post before and saw so I pre-ordered a book. Glad winter is finally gone for you and things have warmed up. I will be looking forward to Spring and Summer post.. Happy Sunday with love Janice
Love your blog! The awesome pictures and words always seem to make my day.
Cant wait for your new book! Loved A Fine Romance! Happy Memorial Day and thanks for all your lovely photos you share with all of us.
I hope I hope. I’m making a wish. lol
It would be wonderful if I could come to your town someday. OH ! I think I may. I will look for you. Tell Joe hi for me.
Dear Susan, Lily of the Valley are my favorite flowers, too. Wish we could grow them in California. Lovely pictures of them. Congratulations on your new book. You are so talented and energetic.
I have Lily of the Valley that are from my great grandmother’s plants. They were planted at their new house in 1920 when they built the house. Then the house became my grandparents. My Mom took some with her when she moved to the house they have now. She brought some plants to me for this house. They are slowly spreading every year. They are also my favorite flower. I think of my grandma and great grandma whenever I see them and I smile. *S*
Susan,
I love the celebration on Memorial Day weekend in your area! Smallville has come through again!:) I have a few of your original Kitchen Garden note cards left in my “stash”. They are sent to only to those I know will truly appreciate them. So miss my little garden like yours with the picket fence (I copied you:) ). My husband cut out 473 pickets to make mine. Such a fun garden but I had to move and leave it behind. 🙁 So glad you nave shared yours. So looking forward to your new book! I also so appreciate this blog too! 🙂
Hello Susan—my new-“old” friend! 🙂
I so hesitated to write………but just HAD to!!!
Even though we have never met, you feel like one of my dearest lifelong friends!
Thus the “new-old” comment–(somehow, I just know– you know what I meant?!)
After first hearing about YOU (from all the sweet ladies in my Tuesday art class–you would feel right at home in our art class!) I was loaned your book “A Fine Romance” and dove in. After about 8-10 pages I was thoroughly hooked–delighted! elated! excited!… and so DISMAYED!!…knowing that your book would come to an e-n-d! But then I learned you had a blog!!– and I could live “happily ever after” and there did NOT have to be an end– and so I went right out and purchased my OWN copy– and fell totally in love with your writing, illustrations, adventures, humor, kitties, and joy de vivre!
And NOW….(drumroll!) we get, not one, but TWO new books!! THANK YOU!
You have the most natural, precious gift of connecting to your readers’ hearts, minds and souls and this big ole’ world so needs what you have to give— so….thank you sweet “new”-friend… You are a treasure!
Adorable and sweet, dear Gail, thank you!
I love reading about the Vineyard.
The photo of Jack peering over the table is beyond precious. I know that look – it spells trouble! <3
Thank you for your lovely blog. I especially enjoyed the photos of the Lily of the Valleys. They are my sorority’s, Alpha Phi, official flower. I hope that you have a wonderful holiday!
I just love the Lily of the Valley too. My grandmother’s walkway along the side of the house from the frontyard to the backyard was just full of them. Thanks for the pictures! I have always liked your painting of the boy carrying a flag and lilacs, which you had made into a flag. Unfortunately I never got one.
Are you sure the “MV” doesn’t stand for Mount Vernon? Just kidding…LOL
Thank you for sharing, your photos are always wonderful and take me away on a little vacation. I would love to add another of your books to my collection.
Happy Summer!
Hi Susan, I’m a recent fan! I’ve been a Gladys Taber fan since 1980 and when I heard that you were coming to the annual reunion last year, I had to “google” you and I’ve been reading your blog ever since…….such fun, love your attitude, we’re the same age and I relate to many of your comments, would be fun to hangout! Love your book, “A Fine Romance”, looking forward to the next!!☺️
I love all of your books. I would love a copy of The Fairy Tale Girl.
Your blog is a bright spot in my life! Thank you so much for adding beauty and charm to our world!
I love your blog. I love your website. One of these days, I shall visit Martha’s Vineyard, England, and other fun places I have been to vicariously through your most wonderful and descriptive posts.
Thank you.
I love the spring pictures, so refreshing and soothing. Thank you for sharing them.
Oh Susan, your little picket fence garden and your drawings are so whimsical and beautiful, I so enjoyed this post but I was amazed when looking over your sandwich suggestions, lo and behold, I thought I was the only one who loves tuna salad sandwiches with potato chips, that’s what makes them so delish and anyone I suggest this to thinks I’m strange, but the crunch they give is divine. Oh I so miss having a cat, Jack’s look is soo precious, brought a smile to my face. Have a wonderful start to summer. Tory
Jack for President! He’s so adorable – I’m sure everyone would vote for him!
Thank you for all the sunshine you send in your blog. Always makes me smile.
Looking forward to the new book…sounds wonderful!! Getting ready for our Memorial Day picnic…using old quilts as our tablecloths… With old blue mason jars filled with flowers from the garden!!! Love sharing holidays with friends who are our “family”… Have a wonderful day…
Love the “Children’s Walk to the Sea”! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Always enjoy your blog, photos, and paintings. Can’t wait for the new book to come out!
Just drove past Arroyo Grande on our way to Cambria. Thought of you and missed your amazing shop! ❤️
I can’t wait to see your newest book! Love the magical title! You are the best!
I think I have posted a post for your new book, but that was days ago! Hope you don’t mind if I post again…….just in case!
Happy Memorial Day to you, Joe, and your guest!
Can’t wait!
What gifts you are always giving away, gifts of the world as you see it and as you create it….thank you, Susan Branch!
My granddaughter and I spied a women along the road picking Lily of the Valley just yesterday. “What is she picking?” She asked…”The sweetest smelling little flower God ever made” I replied.
And now the fragrance is brought to mind once again! How lucky you are to have your own little patch. It is a sure sign I need to plant some of my own for next year.
Hi Susan! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful memorial Day photos with all of us! I love following your blog and especially love Jack and Girl Kitty, too! Happy Memorial Day!!
Lilly of the Valley is one of my favorite spring flowers. Lovely post – Happy Memorial day!
Cannot wait for the new book ! Will you be traveling through Kansas City for a signing ?
Lol I sure enjoyed your last visit!
Hope your summer is relaxing and refreshing !
Your writing makes me feel like I’m right there with you … always so beautifully descriptive. Would love to be lost in the land of The Fairy Tale Girl!
As always, I love reading your blogs. I must add Lily of the Valley to my new garden. The photos reminded me of the sweet smell I enjoyed as a youngster when they bloomed in my mom’s garden. I, like others, am sooooo anxious to view your new book. Your talents never cease to amaze me. Thank you for for continuing to share your talents with me and others.
Thank you oodles for this post!!! Love every photo. I want to plant Lily of the Valley. We have been East for one year and have been so busy getting settled. Now thinking of a kitchen garden. Have read about yours in the past but love the refresher course on how it is done. The green, the birds, the plants, the trees…….we are here “for good”.
Susan, every time I visit here, it’s like a breath of fresh air! I would love to win one of your books!! Yes, Jack certainly has his eyes on that bird! So cute.
Thanks so much for taking time for sharing the wonders of MV with us. I appreciate your (and your fellow islanders) sharing that magical island with those of us who’ve been so blessed to visit it. I live in the Washington, DC area and think it’s grand for my fellow citizens to visit their Capital city. I hope every one who wants to visit here can do so even tho I admit that during a couple of winter months it’s nice to have the city back for us locals. Lilies of the Valley are my favorite flower too. I love the pics you took of them. And thanks for the laughter. I kept laughing at the pics of the goldfinch and Jack. I’m sure the birdie was happy to be outside with you sweet baby inside! On this Memorial Day, I send wishes for peace and I remember my cousin, Raymond Park, who died in action during the Korean War at age 19. He died before I was born, but I remember his bravery as he wrote home that night patrol frightened him, but he died trying to save others in his troops under fire. Sending peace to all.
Prayers for Raymond Park. xoxo Thank you Carmel.
Always such beautiful photos!
The parade is beautiful!
I’m looking forward to your new book.
I am so excited to hear that you are writing another book! I will be looking forward to reading it! I so enjoy your posts, they are like a breath of fresh air!
Your pictures bring such a smile to my face. I took the time, during this busy gardening season, to stop and pick flowers for the house. I made sure that I had a small vase of Lily of the Valley for the ledge of my kitchen window. I take the time, while doing the dishes, to stop and smell them.
Lilacs, peonies, and iris have been brought indoors this year as well; those wonderful fragrances………………..
For the last two years, I’ve edged my sidewalk with curly parsley. It’s pretty as an edging, is a great garnish, and best of all, it’s food for the swallowtail caterpillars. The large Italian flat leaf parsley will go out in the vegetable garden.
Happy gardening!
Good job, Lori!
Susan, A Fine Romance has inspired me to be a ” peah cida “devotee so I will eagerly await a new inspiration from your next book! Loved this blog today with all the treasures you shared with your devoted admirers. Who could feel sad after soaking it in !
Happy Memorial Day Susan,
I loved A Fine Romance and would love a chance to win the new one. You live in such a beautiful place , what inspiration for your work!
I always look forward to your post.
Take care,
Dawn
I don’t remember if I did, so just to make sure…
Happy Memorial Day. Isn’t lily- of- the -valley the best? I am going out now and see if I have any left and cut a small bouquet. Anxious to read your new book. Thank you for all you do for all of us.
Your pictures of Lily of the Valley are beautiful. My mom always grew them so it is a long time favorite of mine. I also enjoyed the picture of Jack’s eye peering over the top of the table–so funny and expressive!
Susan,
Your blog is wonderful as usual. It always makes my day. It would be wonderful to win your new book “Fairytale Girl”. I have by my bedside your book “Fine Romance” and enjoy parts of it often. I just love that book. I hope to someday go to England, one of my heart’s desires. Have a great Memorial Day and cannot wait for the book to come out.
I love your flowers-in-bloom photos. Just peeked out my window to check on my lily-of-the-valley patch.
Not a bloom in sight. A very few teensy-weensy buds. Something to look forward to in a couple weeks. 🙂
Make sure Vanna gets plenty of rest over the next few days. Looks like she’ll have her work cut out for her, choosing from the names of all us hopefuls!!
I always look forward to your blog – brightens my day!
Yay….I’m not too late 🙂
Your blogs always put a smile on my face and a song in my heart. I so look forward to them. Thank you.
I love everything you do Susan Branch! kindred spirits forever!
Another lovely post. I’ve had a few strawberries that just needed another day or two to be ripe, and sure enough, they’re gone. I think this time it’s squirrels rather than birds because the whole thing disappears, instead of there being the stem left like when the birds get them. I may have to resort to netting. I like sharing, but sure would like to get a taste myself. We planted raspberries and blackberries last year, and they look like they’re doing well, so we should have some nice fresh berries while we wait for the apple trees to ripen. Looking forward to the new book.
Susan, so glad you are posting again…missed you! I just returned from England…a garden tour through Kent and Sussex and ending at the Chelsea Flower Show……I have never experienced such beauty in all my life…now I could write a book! I have a million thoughts and ideas running through my brain of all the wonders I encountered. Saw many of the places you went to on your last trip…..loved Sissinghurst but my all time favorite was Great Dixter, just incredible! Good to get home and find new posts from you…Hugs!
Great Dixter was indeed, great!
The Children’s March to the Sea is such a charming and thoughtful tradition. I enjoy seeing the photos you share each year.
A beautifully sweet post, Susan. Folks have made lots of comments, and I’d like to offer another sandwich recipe.
I call it “Simply Satisfying”:
Toast a slice of your favorite bread. Spread it with crunchy peanut butter. Overlay it with two strips of crispy bacon and a thin slice of white onion.
Honest. It’s fabulous. The best kind of open-faced sandwich with major food groups except, of course, chocolate!
Thank you Mary Ann!
I’ve always loved peanut with bacon but never thought to add onion. I will try that. Thanks, Mary Ann.
I enjoyed making lily of the valley bouquets this year, too. That is what the little vases are perfect for! I thought, I never win anything so I won’t comment. Then I saw the second chance and if there is one thing you have taught us it is to never ever give up on your dreams. I’m dreaming of getting this book in the mail! We’ll see! 🙂
Fingers crossed for you Beth!
Hi Susan,
I am a huge fan….so what I have to say may seem heresy to your other devoted fans, but, seriously, I cringe at the cover of your new book. Headless woman in white period underwear leaning against headless gent. Reminds me of those 80’s bodice rippers. Would have loved an illustration instead….even just a sweet bouquet of flowers.
Nevertheless, congratulations and wishing you all the very best with your new endeavour.
I was afraid fairy tale plus watercolors would look like a children’s book — but that’s not underwear, it’s a wedding dress. And she’s not headless, although for all practical purposes, maybe she is! 🙂
…oh dear… I have to say, the cover of your new book is magical !!..( I just LOVE that dress..and mystery of the “headless” couple.. and then the flowers on the side with the bejeweled centers..and picked petals)…you do good work, Susan !!..with love..
So happy to hear that Mary!
Susan, it’s the absolutely perfect cover for our fairy tale!! I’m so glad that you chose to use this special wedding photo. It reminds us all of a certain young California girl with big dreams! The photo deeply touched my heart the moment I saw it! It also reminds us that there is so much heart and truth in this most special novel! I know that we will all identify with the main character, in the different chapters of her life. Kindreds are like that! ♡♡ Sending happy hugs!
Lily of the Valley is my favorite flower, along with pretty pansies, Susan. And they are the flower of May, my birth month. My Aunt Jane gave my sisters and me each a dozen sterling silver teaspoons as we were growing up – extras, she said, since you can never have enough teaspoons. I chose the Lily of the Valley pattern. And they are as pretty and useful now as they were over 60 years ago when she started giving them to me…I treasure them.
Happy Memorial Day and Happy Summer!
Nancye T., Wells, Maine
Would love a “special” copy of your new book. Know how hard you have worked on it and can’t wait for it to be available. Happy Memorial Day, Sue and Joe.
XO
Jackie
Love, love your garden. I’m envious. Would love, love your new book too!
Your blog is so beautiful… wonderful Memorial Day tradition. Looking forward to your new books. I love your writing style and artwork, so funny and heartwarming. Treasures.
LOVE all the Lily of the Valley photos and all things of your garden and small town traditional parades! Every time I need a little respite from the weariness of the world, a walk in nature and a visit to your blog gives the ol’ spirit rejuvination! Growing up in Minnesota with my Swedish grandmother and her sisters, I often went with them to visit their cousins (all folks the age of my grandmother) down in Redwing – where my grandmother’s family arrived through from Sweden. One cousin in particular that we always stayed with, well her name was Lily. I was probably 5 or 6 years old and one of my favorite flowers were the Lily of the Valley that grew in my mom’s garden. So of COURSE I renamed Cousin Lily to be “Lily of the Valley”! Thank you for all the GOOD you do, Susan, with your art, your words, your writing, your photos, your outlook on the GOOD STUFF! of LIFE!
I have really enjoyed “A Fine Romance”. Your blog is a breath of fresh air and brings me so much joy!
Happy to hear that Kimberly!
I loved the post, as per usual! Thank you so much for it, I love your bright attitude in the way you write, and all of your absolutely amazing descriptions! Not to mention the pictures! I love it! Also, that is SO COOL about the school’s Memorial Day parade!! It almost brought tears to my eyes to know that they did that to honor those who died for our country! I hope the book is going well, I cannot wait for it to come out!!