Hi Everyone! Here I am, better late than never! But first, yes, MUSICA. . . “. . . Starts you asking a daisy, what to do, what to do . . .”
Well, shall we get right to it? I think we should. Because we have so many names to choose! Vanna isn’t fooling around today; she’s wearing a chartreuse leotard diving outfit, she’s covered from head to toe. (LOL) On her it looks good (that LOL would be if I was wearing it). There’s also a thin matching cape, of course, being the fashion icon that she is, a cape would be de rigueur. Plus her green bathing cap is covered with daisies and she’s barefooted with green polished toes. I love her. She looks like a luna moth. So here we go, the 
very dramatic moment when the human moth dives high and makes the perfect jack knife ~~~ which has JUST turned into a corkscrew before my very eyes (she’s wrapped in her CAPE ~~~) and she’s DOWN! Scissor-kicking to the bottom! Applause! Applause! OK, give her a second, she has some gathering to do. She’s never had to get ten names all at once before!!! Aaaaa-nd! Here We GO! Thank you Miss V . . . Our Number One Winner IS ~ from Scotland! Well, That narrows it down a bit doesn’t it Girlfriends? Her name is PENNY! Yay for you Penny! #2 Winner is CAROLINE, of “Tuesday Tea” fame! Vanna keeps going back down, grabbing slips of paper, and handing them to me . . . Aaaa-nd, 
Our number Three Winner is . . . CARRIE, of Northwoods Scrapbook! Oh LOOK! Our number Four Winner is also from across the sea, from the Netherlands! Her name is JESSE! Hi Jesse!
We are the world, we are the children . . .
This is so exciting! Almost like traveling! Our Number Five Winner is much closer to home ~ ALICE IN WISCONSIN~LAND! YOU GO GIRL! AND, WINNER Number SIX is DONNA BRADLEY! Hooray for Donna! Oh MY, I can barely catch my breath from watching Vanna work so hard! Winner Number Seven is . . . SNAP! From Twistylane! (That’s the name she gave, so I assume that’s her name :-)). Only three more to go Girlfriends ~ fingers crossed one of them will be YOU. Winner Number Eight is . . . a Farmer’s Daughter by the name of CHERYL! Our winner Number NINE lives in a House in a Thicket and her name is KRISTI JALICS! And . . . last but not least, get ready for our Lucky Number Ten. Ohhh, It’s one of our darling Dawns! The one with margowski in her email address! Hooray for Dawn!
Well, I sure do hope one of these lucky people was you, this is always the hardest part, because you are all so wonderful . . . But, I guess that’s it, Gir. . .
Wait a minute . . . that good-hearted Vanna! You might know she’d try to sneak in another name. She just handed me a slip of paper with one more Girlfriend on it!
Well, she went to all that trouble, I guess we can give away one more book! ♥ Let’s see, our very, VERY Lucky Number Eleven is probably out in her garden, it’s “MISS JEAN!”
All of you Lucky Winners will be receiving, hot off the press, signed copies of THE FAIRY TALE GIRL, the very moment they arrive, 
sometime toward the end of August. Watch for an email from me tomorrow ~ I’ll write each of you so you can send me your mailing addresses so we’ll know where to send the books when the time comes!
And I should also add, because I read every one of your comments, WOW. Plain and simple. I am so lucky because I have YOU on my “Go-Girl Team,” you are the best cheerleaders in the world!!! With the emphasis on the cheer! ♥ I love writing books for you! You warm the cockles of my heart. Thank you so much for all of your kind words. You’ll never know how much they mean to me. I feel like we’re in this together!
So here’s another tiny clue in the unfolding of The Fairy Tale Girl: Remember Diana in A FINE ROMANCE? Remember how cute and funny she was over the phone? Making me go on a date with Joe, telling me the bathrobes were like armor? I don’t think you’ve ever really met her ~ so here she is, my dearest darling best friend, Diana . . . .Mas Musica
That’s her on the right, with short hair, which she NEVER has, her hair is always long ~ but it’s so cute! I’m going to write her and tell her she’s on the blog today so she can see how cute she is. She’s a big character in my new book. One of the funnest funniest people I know. I thought I should introduce you! You’re going to love her.♥
So, one more little thing before I go . . . can you BELIEVE this weather we’re having now? Wasn’t it just yesterday I posted this photo?
Remember the little red cardinal in the wisteria?
The house buried in the snow . . . the 14º days and the -10º nights? Wasn’t that just yesterday?
Well, Baby, look at us now! The next time we see all that snow, it will be Downton Abbey time again!
But now, we’re watering the garden . . .
And, eating fresh juicy fruit salads . . .
Walking our dirt road through the trees to the water in the morning! My very favorite thing to do.
This wild thing growing out there, subject of Morning Science, same old answer, we don’t know. We’ve seen “Sleepy Catch-Eye,” but we don’t think this is it.
Wild thing, you make my heart sing . . .
More wild things . . . these are Lady Slippers . . . related to Orchids. Rather amazing that they sleep under the snow, just waiting for a little sun. Too much.
Here she is . . . on the endangered list because people collect them (not us, heaven forbid!) and they take a long time to grow. We leave them right where they are. They are so dusty-rose colored, they are hard to see, we think they camouflage themselves on purpose, for protection. (Morning Science in action.)
This, we can pick all we want! Spirea. My new favorite bush, great in vases.
It grows even bigger than this, and has red leaves in the fall! How could we not love it!
And this photo, just because.
My book has me reviewing so many years and times of my life, I’m reminded of this sunset on the beach with the boys, Blog Daddy and Joe. The Fairy Tale Guys. (I’m sure they would love to hear themselves called that!) I know my dad will love seeing this. Look at his skinny legs! Ha ha ha ha ~ Oh, the power. Love you all, thank you for everything, Happy Week! xoxo Moi.
Oh lovely Susan! <3
Congratulations to the 11 amongst thousands (WOW!)
Just sending some springtime love out there through the rain. My garden is a riot of blossoms and I just had tea on the porch with my sweetie and a rousing game of chess and then came in to read your post. What a lovely day!
xxooxx
Love your art
Aw, congratulations to all the big winners! Susan I made a huge bowl of Gazpacho this afternoon, because it is so hot now here on my island! It made me think of you, thank you for that recipe. 🙂
I’m making it for this weekend, an old friend is coming! Isn’t it just the taste of summer? YUM!
Congratulation to all the lucky winners! I looked high and low to see “Susie” but to no avail. Not to worry. My book will arrive and my smile will beam from ear to ear. Thanks for creating such fun for us girlfriends Susan. My best to Vanna. She outdid herself. Loved seeing the Lady Slippers. Gosh, I used to have them in our neighboring woods growing up. Always so striking in beauty.
Congratulations to all the winners! But I won anyway because I pre-ordered my book on the first day so should be one of the first to receive it, too. So, Susan, are you going to give us a clue as to who the couple is on the cover of your new book? I’m guessing it’s you and ??
No clues on that one . . . You have to discover on your own. That’s the fun part!
I just love you, Susan!!
XOXO Thank you.
Congratulations to the lucky, lucky winners! I will just have to get my order in ASAP.
Right now my dear man and I are on his bucket list trip around the USA visiting the last of
the continental states he hasn’t set foot in yet.
We visited Biltmore House in North Carolina yesterday and discovered they are showing the costumes from the 1st season of Downton Abbey! They are gorgeous! So tiny the ladies are! The amazing amount of handwork that was needed to create them. And my gracious those Vanderbilts had to be shape to do all those stairs everyday.
(While wearing a corset, yikes!)
Yikes is right, we have it so made!
Sue. You are quite simply, wonderful. The way you take joy from the simple, lovely, everyday stuff of life is infectious. We had a big thunderstorm here in Up-State NY. You would have loved it. It washed everything clean and now the air smells fresh and everything looks greener.
I have a lovely plant in my garden called Solomon’s Seal. Have you ever heard of it? I remember seeing it the floral arrangements at William and Kate’s wedding. I planted a lady’s Slipper a few years ago. It’s a yellow one. (no, I didn’t dig it up from the woods. I bought it at a nursery!) That Darned thing just won’t grow for me, But I am ever hopeful…
I love the picture of Joe and your Dad. I noticed his skinny legs before you mentioned them and they made me smile. He reminds me of my Dad. I lost him a year ago this June and I miss him every day.
I’m so excited for the new book. Love, Mary B
My dad’s skinny legs are one of the things I inherited, it’s a running joke as to whose are the skinniest. I’m sure you miss your dad. I miss mine, and he’s only just across the country. Yes, we have solomon’s seal growing here . . . I love it too, perfect for the shade garden. Some plants just have to have their own spot . . . like gardenias, we can just forget about them here! Not that we don’t still try . . . 🙂
Wishing I was chosen, but so happy for those that won. I have already ordered my book. Sending you a hug, just because!
I’ll take it!
Oh, my goodness!!! I am so excited and humbled to have won one of your books! When I read my name I cried! Thank you so much!!!!
Yeas, Miss Jean, wasn’t that exciting? I’m thrilled too, I’ll send an email today!
congratulations, Miss Jean, and to all the other lucky winners !! …actually, we all are winners to be able to get another book from Susan !!.. yaaaay..
Thank you Mary!
Yes!! Congrats to you Miss Jean!!!
My guy and I are living the fairy tale and had our 50th wedding anniversary last Nov.
Can’t wait to read your new book.
Am looking forward to your new book! I loved A Fine Ronance!!!!! Reminded me of great times in England and inspired me to return!!!
Thanks so much for more pictures of the beautiful flora and fauna in your “neighborhood”. The Lady Slippers are charming and I didn’t know they’re on the endangered list – good to know.
A belated thank you to your absolutely wonderful Dad, Jack, for the May Queen song verse in the last blog posting. As with one of the girlfriends, it brought back sweet memories of May Mother Mary flower crownings for this Catholic school kid.
It does seem like a moment ago, snow was everywhere. Now it’s 89′ here in Bolton, MA hot and humid. My son Vaughn was in the pool today, water was a bit chilly 70′, but he is 5 years old and it didn’t seem to phase him in the least. Too cold for me, I only had my tootsies in. Enjoy the sunshine and the flowers, Happy Happy Spring.
Well, congrats to the lucky girlfriends that won the new books…..glad I pre-ordered mine. This blog is a great treat just before bedtime. Sleep tight, dear Susan…….night-night!
Oh well…happy for those who won…I will order my copy…will they be signed as well?
Yes, all of them that are preordered will come signed. xoxo
congratulations to all the lucky gals but we are all lucky today to see the beautiful spring you have in your world, best wishes!
Delightful. We’re right there with you. Thank You. Many smiles and a warm sweet heart, you make.
Congrats to ALL the girlfriends …that Vanna picked ..that blog was a fun read!!
Love seeing summer making it’s way to MV and love your quote at the end. How true! Congrats to the winners but I think we’ve all won just getting to follow along. Sweet dreams!
With all those entries, I thought I’d better just order the book, and I did so. Now, since my name wasn’t chosen by Vanna, I’m glad that I’ll get the book another way. I didn’t know there were lady slippers in your area of the country. They are lovely in Minnesota, although sometimes a person comes up from the ditches, where they grow, with wood ticks crawling all over one’s clothes.
We have deer ticks here, but luckily Lady Slippers grow right along side of the road, we don’t have to mix it up with the local irritants.
Congratulations to all the lucky winners of the Fairy Tale Girl. What an awesome thing to have happen in the run of an ordinary day! Cheering you on Susan as you finish up your new book. Just too darn exciting. The spring things are blooming here now and I find I just stand in awe of spring this year. I find myself going outside just to look around. I know it’s because we had such a long, hard winter that I really can’t believe all this beauty was laying underneath the snow and ice. Always enjoy your snapshots of home and nature…it keeps me grounded, wanting more out of life, and keeps me pressing forward.
Yes, “more out of life” is a wonderful theme!
congratulations to the winners!
Hoo-rah for all the lucky winners! Since I was not one of them, I am on my way over to the Shopping icon to pre-order one. Thanks so much for the fun give-away!
You’re welcome, it was my pleasure! We’ll do it again!
Vanna did a Great Job!! Congrats to those Girlfriends. I can hardly wait for my copy….I ordered early. We are all in for a treat.
From what I can see..That looks like our photinia bushes you are showing. We have them all over as privacy bushes,
Congrats to all the winners. I’ve ordered my book. Can’t wait for it to come and yet I can because I want to enjoy spring and summer with that as a bonus for the end of summer. 🙂
Perfect!
oh….another wonderful visit!! what treats I am getting tonite. and…I see someone else (besides me & hubby) has made a lovely fruit salad!! mmmmm. perfect for the HHH weather we’re havng!!I’d LOVE a plié of snow like you showed here!! I’m just NOT a hot-weather girl. NEVER have been. and, toss in humidity…….help!!!!!!……ever so glad to see the note from your dad in the last set of comments!!!!! he is worried over, you know. well, gotta go eat some of the fruit-salad we crafted. mmmmmm. thank you. xo
Sisters parted at birth . . . give me cold days, cold nights, no humidity, sweaters at all times, socks too . . . otherwise melting takes place . . . as in Oz. My dad climbed up and put in a ceiling fan yesterday. Yup. That’s what he did! I have NO control over him! 🙂
oh! a ceiling fan. oh, dear. well, let’s just say….it’s something I wouldn’t have tried…..one HAS to know one’s limits….at the age of twenty. eeeeek. wow. and…I, too, wear sox-to-bed even in the hottest of hot!!!!! have to. and….I am THANKFUL we have ac. I’m thinking you need it, but probably can’t put the duct-work in your home? for this, I recommend the “split-system” ac. we did it in our nh home…. and it saved me!!!! there is just one (or, 2…depending…) good size compressors outdoors, and then you have cooling units mounted on the wall of whatever rooms would be appropriate. mmmmmmm. we had “fujitsu”….marvelous. also worked as a heating unit to gently send warm air to you when needed. nice. didn’t add too much to elec bill. WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!!! keeeeeep coooooool. and…..THANK YOU for the wonderful compliment….sisters….wow…..yes. oxxo
We have three small air conditioners we put in the barn at the end of every summer, and back into the windows in the summer. They do a good job downstairs, where we really need them. Upstairs, there are ceiling fans in all the bedrooms, and they work amazingly well.
ps:….one way we are not sisters…..your message shows the time of 4:00am. nope, not me!!!! I know….”best-part-of-the-day”…..quote from my mom…..I just never got the hang of it. I’m NOT proud of this…..just another case of “knowing-one’s-limits….” hehe. zzzzzzz.
Everyone has to fit into their own unique time zone! It’s the only way to be happy!
umm….one more ps:….sorry, but just have to…..just saw you mention “windows are all open”….well, I have to say….I am a TRUE sister in that way….and, esp in our present home….I LOVE opening it all up, and the breeeeze, tho lacking smell-of-ocean is AWESOME. one day over last weekend, (when it was cooooooool and breeeeezy) our son called and his 4 yr old awesome little fellow wanted to ask grandpa-farmer for advice on “how do you plant watermelons?” and when I spoke to his papa , I said our house was like a “wind-tunnel”….our grandson immediately piped up and told us they had a wind-tunnel @ his school. wow. anyway….I PREFER, deeply, the all-open situation, but in HHH….ac, for sure. just sayin’. xo
Last year we only needed the ac twice! I couldn’t believe it! I love going without it.
Congrats to all the beautiful winners of the new book! Woohoo! What fun you’ll have in August when you find your copy in the mailbox.
Dare I admit I was just a wee tad disappointed you know, that my name wasn’t selected, Vanna, but then I remembered (grin), I’ve got four on order — one for me and some for giving away to loved ones. So I’m happy others got these in the giveaways.
Hugs, Susan, and thanks for your generosity and for giving us another wonder-filled post to enjoy as consolation prize.
Brenda xox
I don’t seem to have a corner on generosity Brenda! 🙂
Hi Susan,
I’ll be buying my own birthday gift I see! 8/18 Can’t wait -but will have to.
That is an orchid by the way pink lady slipper or moccasin flower. Orchid cypripedium acaule -what a great plant – I’ve only seen it maybe twice. Haven’t tracked down the fruit tree looking blossom yet but will give it a try.
Happy, happy spring from Peggy in Madison Wi ps the white orchid with rose on it is called Showy lady slipper
Happy Wednesday evening, Susan! Congratulations to all the winners! One of these days perhaps “Lady Luck” will come my way.:-)
I love your Morning Science walks to the ocean! Beautiful flowers!
Great to see Diana! How wonderful that you have been able to maintain such a close friendship through the years.
Yes, winter will arrive again – just as Downton Abbey makes another appearance for us! Perhaps there won’t be as much snow the next winter.
Love the “Fairy Tale Guys!”:-) Perfect!
Your cheerful words always add a good mood to my day! It is sure to carry over into Thursday now!
xo Nellie
Don’t give up Nellie! Love having you here . . . xoxo
Congratulations to all the winners! . . . sooo glad I preordered mine. 🙂
Oh my – Oh my, the blessing of wonderful, beautiful and warmer days! Surely you had enough winter and it makes me feel all warm inside to know you are walking down to the water once again. You need to remember that I live in Paso Robles, California and we have no water so sharing the wonderful flowers that you have is VERY special. Keep doing this because I don’t have enough water to keep anything I have alive. I have chosen my north front lawn (which is small and by the front door) and the back yard lawn (which is small) to keep alive – all else is not dormant (like they told me and should come back next year) and brown. It is so very sad. The glory at my house is the beautiful Oak tree across the street that I say “hello” to every day. I am looking forward to my trip to the Inland Northwest of Washington in order to enjoy the GREEN TREES and FLOWERS and the beautiful RIVER! Thanks for sharing the pic o Blog Daddy and Joe at the sea shore – I loved it. Looking forward to the book and I have already ordered two. Also got two Beatrix Potter cups that were older. Must go for now – am condensing ALL of the dishes that I have – hopefully can find someone at the antique mall in Paso who can place them so someone else can enjoy them. It is time to reduce the inventory. Hard to do but I have enjoyed them for years. Sending you hugs and love…….take care!
Yes, save a little corner of green, there is always enough water for a little corner.
Congratulations to the “Lucky Eleven”! But we’re all winners, aren’t we, girlfriends? To be part of this awesome blog; this unique connection we’ve found here with our dear Susan!
I love this blog so much! Such a happy place to go to!
Thanks, Sue, for all you give of yourself…can’t wait to get my copy of The Fairy Tale Girl. It’s hard to imagine that you could top all that you’ve already done but….I have a very strong feeling that this new book will do just that!
xoDebbie
I hope so, you know, when you’re in the throes of writing a book you always worry — I did during A Fine Romance, and now, I’m doing it again!
And you saw how that turned out 🙂 Of course you’ll worry but I wish I could convince you otherwise.
Because you’re putting your heart and soul into this and enjoying it so much, all of us who love you will enjoy it also 🙂
I have complete faith in you!
Yes, I was listening to an author interview on the radio yesterday and she was saying that in the middle of a project she worries constantly that she’s incapable of “making it good.” I know just how she feels! Made me feel much better!
Love seeing Spring. It is my favorite time of year, except then Fall comes along and I love it too.
So looking forward to the new book. Such gifts you have been blessed to have.
Hello Susan! Congratulations to all eleven lucky ladies!!!! Your white Spirea is gorgeous!!! Never knew they came in white! (My Spirea has light pink blossoms.) Can’t wait for your new book, I pre-ordered it last week, so August needs to hurry up and come!!! I’m enjoying all of your photos from your morning walks, thank you for sharing them, as the wild flowers are so pretty!!! Take care Susan, and enjoy the the rest of the week!
Oh you are such an amazing lady! Congratulations to all your winners! Sure looks like you’re enjoying an amazing spring on the island!! Love…Love…Love…the last picture of your Fairy Tale Guys!! Can’t wait to hear east Blog a Daddy has to say!! Blessings….
I’m so happy for the winners! You are so generous and such a talented friend! I just returned from a week in Maui, so I have some unpacking to attend to. It was a wonderful vacation and I hope you have a great day! Until we talk again….
Susan ~ I love your blogs, Willards and products. I’ve been ordering items from you for a long time now, since I couldn’t find them in the store in PA anymore. Have all your books and grew up with Beatrice Potter books, still have them and I’ll be 60 years young this August. Are you still doing the Willards because I haven’t gotten on in ages?? Thank you sharing all your talent with us for all these years; can’t wait until your new book gets released!! <3
I haven’t done one in a long time, I want to, but there are always so many other things that need to be done “first!” I hope I get to do a special one when the books come out.
So happy for the lucky winners! Guess it’s just as well that my name wasn’t picked. I couldn’t wait to preorder the new book, so I will have one as well. My sister Kathy and I both read “A Fine Romance” not long ago. I loved her answer when I asked if she had finished reading the book yet. She said that she read only a few pages at a time because she couldn’t bear the thought of finishing it. She wanted to savor every moment of your lovely story and make it last as long as she was able! What a wonderful compliment to an author!
This is a true thing ~ a wonderful compliment. xoxo Thank you Becky, and hello to Kathy!
Just lovely. Congratulations to the winners!
Susan,
Congrats to all The Fairy Tale Girl winners….they are going to LOVE it! How could they not…it from your heart to ours.
I think the flowers may be hawthorne. I looked them up to make one of my cards and those pink stamens look very similar. Love the lady slippers….all we have are mushrooms due to so much rain. ha!
Diana, Jack, and Joe….all cuties…and you too, of course.
Oh! how I have enjoyed these latest posts….knowing you are returning to your studio for painting marathons….just for us. Paint on, my dear, paint on!!
Rachel
I’d love it if they were hawthorn — we saw so much of it in England, but ours isn’t near as frothy as it was in the hedgerows and hanging over the rivers . . .
Lovely! Congratulations everyone!!!!!!!!!!!
That book is going to be so much fun to read. Can hardly wait!
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
Such a joyful blog entry and such joy for all the winners of your book! That l
luna moth is so pretty on the green fern!
I agree that it’s wonderful to be in late spring and enjoy all the flowers again – especially the wild ones! The plants are getting to look so pretty in the window boxes on my balcony – they are my little corner of garden living in the town!
You make everything groovy 🙂
Congratulations, lucky ladies!! What fun to know that The Fairy Tale Girl will be sent off to so many different countries. Such a great way to spread the magic! I just love the little clues you have been sharing along the way, Susan. Enjoy every moment in the Studio as your illustrations come to life. Heartfelt thanks for the lovingkindness you share with the world!
Happy hugs!
Dawn (a different Dawn)
♡♡
Top o’ the mornin’ to ya, dear Susan! Welllllll…I am NOT a winner and that is at least partially because I waited until right now to get back here to write & say “Hi!”. But no problem…there will be other times…and other possibilities.
I do want to thank you however for another gift that you gave me today.
My husband had to go to the big city this evening for a few hours and so I was doing a few things outside as I often do when he goes out and there is still daylight left (he leaves around 5:30 pm, normally). I had already done some weeding and swept out our garage and had just filled the bird feeders when I thought I would sit down on the bench in our backyard and just take a little break. I got so engrossed in watching all of the wildlife out there: the bluebirds, cardinals, robins, sparrows, blue jays, gold finches, hummingbirds, butterflies and all of the activity…It was just truly amazing all that was going on out there. That is when I thought of you, dear friend, and realized that part of the why for my being able to sit still and watch and truly enjoy this time is BECAUSE of you…and the positive and care-free attitude(I call it insouciance ) that seems to be contagious since last February when I first started coming here to your world.
I must have stayed out there sitting and watching for a good hour…and just LOVED and ENJOYED it so much!! So, I wanted to come here and write (to be in the contest) and mostly to just say THANK YOU so much!!! 🙂 There is no real way that I can express it adequately…so I hope that you can just somehow know how you have impacted my life. The gratitude that I have is immeasurable.
Also…(I don’t know if you will remember this)…a few months ago when you all were “talking” about Season 5 of “Downton Abbey” (I am fairly sure I called it “DOWNTOWN Abbey”…embarrassing) I had gotten quite interested in seeing it (as I never had) …and so I went on eBay and managed to find all five seasons for about $50!! I am now up to # 7 of Season 3!! 😀 WOW!! I just LOVE this story!! (I am just beyond where Sybil has had her baby and all that ensues)…The sets and clothes and the scenery outside…amazing! I have quite a few more to go, but I cannot remember what the date is that Season 6 begins, as I want to be done with these by then…I am SURE that YOU know the date…so can you please let me know?… And I will then write it on my Susan Branch “Heart of the Home”calendar, of course! 🙂
I am so glad that summer has almost arrived at Martha’s (along with all of those people, I guess!) It does seem that the snow was not so long ago…but
we will enjoy our time in the sun now and it will be back in its time, I am sure.
Thanks so much again, dear lady…for your site, your incite and your excite!!
<3
Hi Judy, so happy to hear from you and such a nice note . . . Downtown Abbey (because that’s what I called it too :-)) starts somewhere around the middle or end of January — you have lots of time for gathering more incite to excite! XOXO
Thanks for the info…I will put it on my calendar!!
Looks like I do have quite a bit of time to catch up! I really enjoy looking forward to watching these episodes every day or every other day or so…Not sure what I will do when they are over…Wait on “pins & needles” as you all are doing I s’pose.
“For some reason” I am having difficulty sleeping tonight & was doing absolutely toooooo much thinking (I think I drank some iced tea a little bit too late today) and had a thought…I think your calendars (because of your site) should be called
“Home of the Heart” rather than the other way around. 🙂
Just an idea!
Have a great day!!
<3
LOL, that’s a very nice idea!
The Lady Slippers are out of this world. Who would want to pick them! Also the Spirea is fabulous too. We had spirea on our farm when I was growing up but I don’t think I appreciated the mounds of flowers then – do now! The flowers bring a lot of joy.
Thanks for another lovely post, Susan! I love your flowers. I hope you are making magical progress on the book. Congratulations to all the winners!
hi susan!!! Yay!! to our winners!! This is very exciting!! Congratulations to everyone. It is amazing that just a few moments ago, MV and Boston were under a record snowfall with no end in sight!! Yet… here we are … June is bust in’ out all over!! ( well.. almost June!!) maybe that’s why this spring has felt especially rich…. love the Spirea too… makes beautiful little nosegays…. Love the pic of the fishing expedition…. that’s quite a fishing pole Blog Daddy has there…,looks like he is going for the BIG one …. bet there’s a story or two on that day!! Have a great week-end Susan…,we are headed to the Lake to join in my husbands’ “undistinguished alumni”yearly college reunion… and yes.. it is exactly as it sounds !!!!! 🙂
love, cindy
LOL! Have fun Cindy!
Gosh Susan! I think I might be the Penny from Scotland?! How amazing! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read my name! I am not usually one of life’s prize winners, so this is a real thrill! Plus I have a fractured foot at the moment, so this is a very cheering event to help me along. How delightful, thank you a thousand times! And of course please thank Vanna for me, I hope she is resting in a dimly lit room, on a velvet covered couch, scattered with rose petals, sipping Earl Gray tea from a translucent porcelain teacup after her exertions this morning?! X
You are so HER!!! Yes ma’m! How did you know about Vanna? You have eyes across the sea! I’ll write soon so you can send me your address! Congratulations Penny!
Thank you So much. V excited! X
It was you Penny!! So excited to know a famed winner in real life. Enjoy your new read.
Fun!
I was so excited Susan when I saw Penny’s name on the list of winners and knew it had to be her. A wonderful blogger and friend!
Makes it even more fun!
Good morning! Susan you DO brighten my day! I don’t think you could be any cuter! Happy to hear about all the winners…lucky Girlfriends! Sitting here drinking my coffee and listening to the birds chirp. Better hop in the shower. Thank you for sharing all of spring’s (oh I guess it’s summer now LOL) bounty. Have a happy day!! <3
Me too, tea, birds, Jack, and of course . . . working on the book. Very quiet here this morning, but all the windows are open and the sun is barely coming up. Happy day to you too Vicki!
Great big congratulations to all of the winners! YAY! And thanks for making losing so much fun, Susan! Your blog is simply amazing – I love your photos and words each and every time I visit!
Love having you here Sharon! Have a wonderful day!
Thanks!!! You made my day!
Just want to stop and say Hello enjoy the blog
Thank you Phyllis!
🙂 Good~Morning Sweet Sue! Morning Vanna! (Bravo!) Hello Dearest~Girlfriends” I’m Popping The Pink~Champagne For All You Very Very Lucky~Winners! Oh My Goodness! You LUCKY Fairy~Tale~Girls!!!!! Yay & Congratz!!! 🙂 Excellent Musica Once Again Sweet Sue! Thank~You! Can You Believe It’s The Last Days of May? OMG! lol Wishing Everybody The Best Day & It’s Almost The Weekend & JUNE! (Rabbit~Rabbit Early!) 😉 Love & Joy & Sumertime Pixie~Dust! xoxo Poof! 🙂 😉 🙂
We blink and the month is gone! Enjoy the day Angie!
Happy Lovely Sunday Sweetest Sue! Yay! xoxo Poof! 🙂 😉 🙂
Congratulations to the winners!! Sure wish it was me, but I will definitely have a copy of the book in time. I am coming to the Island this fall!!! Can’t wait!!!Thanks Susan for brightening my day:)
Fall is the very best time here!
Oh, Wow! Yep! That’s me! I won! I’m doing a happy dance. Thank you Thank you Thank you (and to Vanna, too).
Hooray! Snap! Congratulations! I write you soon!
Still so excited about the book! Isn’t spring/summer wonderful! Love the lady slipper picture. when I was three or so I accidentally picked one (I lived in Vermont then) and my dear, very calm mother freaked out. I’m sure this is why I remember the event. We had to take the flower back to the woods and everytime I see a flower remotely similar I remember never to pick a lady slipper!!!
Yes, I know just how you feel! 🙂
Hi – another early morning gift — your blog! And it didn’t even matter that I didn’t win a signed copy of your book — I still feel like I’m a winner because as I read your newsy note, I smiled and smiled and smiled … yup, big ol grin on my face by the time I was done. Now, that’s winning! Thank you for making us all feel so good and want to go out and enjoy the beautiful gifts that the good Lord has sent us. Have a great day — looking forward to August’s reading. Hugs, Ethel
I was happy to see that Spirea….we had it in our yard when I was small.So many years ago and I can still smell it!
Congratulations to all the lucky winners! I’m so excited about your new book!
The pictures of your spirea bush are gorgeous. The scent the flowers give off is unique. Growing up we had a large spirea on the side of our house. My Ginny doll and I spent many hours in a little hide-away I created under the bush. Now, every time I smell a spirea it takes me back to warm summer afternoons in my childhood . . . . . . . . . . hiding from my pesky twin brother under the spirea bush!
Congratulations to all the ladies, that Vanna is a sneaky one pulling out an eleventh winner :).
I hope Amazon is going to sell your book. I preordered A Fine Romance last time but the postage was more expensive than the book so this time will have to settle for Amazon I think. I’ve already ordered the 2016 calendars.
I’m sure it will, but it just takes a little time for that to happen. The postage is ridiculous for everything. I can’t believe the bills we get for it at the studio every month!
Congratulations to all the winners!! And thank-you Susan for early purchase option so we can be in the queue for some of the first books to fly out your door to us. I can’t wait till the end of August/September! Just in time for some apple cider and a comfy chair outside. Don’t you love the smell of late summer and early autumn? And how fantastic to be looking forward to a good book to read while being lazy on an early evening that is noticeably a bit cooler?
Another beautiful, fun blog from you and a great big smile from me. Thank you!
I’m so excited, for all the winners – congratulations! Almost as excited as the moment you made your new book available on pre-order & I ordered!!! Good thing!
Enjoyed our walk to the sea, & the lovely flowers & all the rest! I had to stop prepping for my 3 BFFs coming today for Sewing Club, & let you know I had peeked on your blog last night, but too pooped to say thank you for your generosity & charming words & pictures & hello to your BFF, Diana!!! XOXO!!!!
Elaine, one of my best friends forever arrives on the Island today!
Well, helloooo Elaine! How fun for you all! New friends & old friends – blessings from above! Enjoy your precious times together!! Yesterday, with my friends, our hugs were a little tighter & longer, as it had been awhile….then the chitchat & chuckles began, with a little stitching thrown in! XOXO
Happy for all the girls that won! We’re all winners because of getting in on all the fun. I would love to see Vanna’s closet….she has wild taste! I love the luna moth….just like a fairy. Happy Day to you. xo
Oh the joy I receive from reading your writing and viewing your photos! Thank you over and over again – cannot wait for “The Fairy Tale Girl.” On another note: my husband and I along with five other couples (with whom we have traveled to France and Italy previously) leave for England and Scotland in less than three weeks. Our travel plans have been greatly influenced by “A Fine Romance” and we are thrilled to be headed out on our own journey. Just trying to decide which little mascot I will bring along to add to our adventure photos! Love and more love!
Mascot: small, light, indestructible! 🙂 Have fun Christine!!!
Another great post. So happy for all of the winners. I will pre order my own copy now. Looking forward to my vacation on Matha’s Vineyard in a few more weeks! Ahh, summer!
Congrats to the winners. Go Vanna! However, ALL the Girlfriends are winners because we have your book to look forward to. Go Susan! 🙂
It’s a good thing being a winner is not the most important thing in life since it seldom happens to me, but “Oh Bother!” on we go… It’s always exciting to read the names of those who are- winners, that is. And to know that some of them are living their lives on other continents is so special. Isn’t it amazing how we are able to share our thoughts with “friends” around the world so easily?! Such a short time ago that was absolutely impossible!
It DOES seem like such a short time ago that we were in the throws of winter – paying for snow removal and spring clean-up in the same month – and now the world is a gloriously beautiful green! Such a joy! Happy Springtime! Happy painting! XOXO
I love that we are from everywhere, and yet so much in common!
Susan–When I was in grade school, we had a May crowning. An 8th Gr. girl would put a crown of flowers on the Blessed Mothers Statue. Here in the mid-west spirea was flourishing in May. I remember those days everytime I smell spirea. They are out of fashion, but we find them all around older homes.
They are so wonderful, hardy, easy-care, and return every year, I can’t imagine anyone not loving them!
Thank goodness I didn’t win. Don’t get me wrong… I LOVE LOVE LOVE you and would have been thrilled and done the happy dance, but I am lucky enough to be able to order your book and happy enough because of your blog that I didn’t need to win and somehow I began thinking that my entry might be taking it away from another girlfriend who couldn’t afford it or a girlfriend who really needed a pick me up. I’ve decided I am not going to comment on the contest posts anymore unless my circumstances change because I would be happier if someone who needed it more than me got it. I don’t think anyone else should do this because I love seeing all the posts that come in on contest posts as I am sure you do. It’s just my VERY SMALL way of giving back to the girlfriends. You never know how some little act of kindness like winning something from Susan Branch might affect someone:) I was so happy there was an eleventh. I so love all of your pictures and comments and everything you do. You make me so happy:)) and you made me happy when I really needed it over the past few years and now I am back to my old self. It sounds weird to say, but thank you for sending me back to myself and picking me up on the days I was so low. You will never know what you did for me and all from just being you:) I am so grateful xoxo
I’m just happy you found your way back Charissa ~ it can be difficult sometimes!! Your good heart needs to shine it’s very brightest, the world needs that from you!
How dare you disparage my “cute” legs (as commented on by an unknown lady ) as I approached the tennis courts in Sedona , at the Poco Diablo Resort.
Dad, you are ADORABLE. No disparaging! Since I have them too, what can I say.
You and Joe both are so very cute in every way and all that you do. I can see where Susan gets her cuteness from. And your wife is cute and your other children are cute and your grandchildren are cute. Just a whole pile of cuties over there:)
Lovely Blog, love everything you do!
Congrats to all the winners. Your flowers and morning walks seem lovely. In central Mass were we ever hit with snow storms but Spring and soon Summer are upon us. Go smell the roses, girlfriends….
You KNOW that when the moon comes out there are fairies frolicking in those sweet Lady Slippers! I am happy for the girlfriend winners, but just as happy that I have a pre-order guarantee for one of your books, so really, I’m a winner too! Movie tip for you and the girlfriends: Far from the Madding Crowd, now playing. It is an old fashioned melodrama from the Thomas Hardy novel. The English countryside is beautiful, and the set and acting just lovely. Now kitty and I must go outside to say good morning to the roses.
I looked at the trailer this morning, suggested by one of our other Girlfriends. The setting alone won me over, can’t wait to see it!
I got so excited when I saw my name! And then saw that it said a farmer’s daughter and since I am not a farmer’s daughter I realized there must be another Cheryl involved here. Darn.
So excited for this book!
Congratulations to all of the winners!
Yes, you would Cheryl who loves Scones! And Crackers!
Congrats to all the winners. What a wonderful surprise!
I am so happy you are writing novels, Susan. I absolutely loved “A Fine Romance”. If I go to England some day (yes, please), I will take it with me as my guide.
Can’t wait for “The Fairy Tale Girl”. Thanks, Susan for everything you do.
Claudia
Good morning Susan!
I am in total HAPPY shock that Vanna picked me as one of the lucky winners! You have made my day 🙂 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity. Now, I have something so very special to look forward to in August! Congratulations to all the other winners!
Love from Texas,
Donna
CONGRATULATIONS DONNA! So happy for you and all our winners! Have a wonderful day! XOXO P.S. I’ll write you soon.
I recognize that Betty’s Fat Rascal cup … so fun! And I love your “I take a teacup from the shelf” quote … perfect ♥ Obviously you are still wearing that invisible crown 🙂 xoxo
Dear Susan,
Once again my heart is so happy after reading your words. I’d gotten out of the habit of looking for you while you were busily finishing up your book and today I read this and the one prior to it. I could actually feel the joy welling up from my belly to my nose as I read each hilarious description, and how you seemingly follow your thoughts as they evolve tumbling over each other with delight at each new thing and memory.
Today, the piece that touched me above all was the Spirea. When I was a little girl, growing up on Goulden Ridge poultry farm. The hill the approached our driveway was lined with Bridal Wreath, and it is in my memory forever. When it was in blossom is was spectacular and showcased our lovely home with an invitation to all that we loved to share. The view of the NH hills from our VT setting is also a fond memory, particularly at night when it twinkled with lights from the city of Claremont and the neighboring villages.
It is always nice to go back to that time and I share your love of Spirea remembering it in a carnival glass vase as it fountains over on our dining room table.
Good Morning, Good Morning, loved today’s blog and the image of Vanna dress like a moth, diving into all those names. I still won, since I have pre-ordered the new book and will be sitting on the front step waiting for it to arrive (in August).
Loved look at other replies and will send my sister to the Biltmore Estate to look at the Downton Abbey clothes. Lucky her.
Thanks for brightening up my day. We may not have rain today in Denver (Woo Hoo). Off to replace some old birdfeeders.
I’ll read the comments from ladies all over our country today, trying to keep my mind off of having to put my little pal, Jack, down. Jack was a Wired Hair Terrior, only seven years old. He suddenly got very ill. Had kidney disease. Jack saw me through my husband’s passing, two years ago. We mourned together. Jack sat in front of the door, waiting for my husband. He’d sometimes get into my husband’s chair & cuddle up. He was a dear dog. Always by my side. Now, it’s my cat who is looking for Jack. Sheba (Himalayan) loved Jack. There are sad days, & happy days in our lives. This is one of my sad days, but I’ll always remember the happy days with my little, frisky dog, who brought me such joy. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Oh dear Sondra, I’m very sad for you and for Sheba too.
Thank you Susan. I know that your animals are true friends to you as well, & that lets you understand what I’m going through today. My home is so empty today.(Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Losing our petty-pets is the worst thing. I’m so sorry Sondra. xoxo
My ♥ is hurting for you today, Sondra. We have a little Yorkie who just turned 8 and had to contemplate his mortality when he had an ER Vet visit a couple months back; fortunately all went well, but someday….how those little beings wrap around our hearts…
Oh Sondra I am so very sorry for your loss. I used to have a pet sitting business and have had many clients pass away and it was always so hard both for the owners and for me. I always found this poem helpful. I hope it helps you and I will pray for your heart and Sheba’s… The Rainbow Bridge…
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Even though the Bible doesn’t mention pets, I know our sweet Jesus will allow Jack into heaven, where perhaps we’ll all meet again. Maybe the Rainbow Bridge is a part of heaven. Thank you Charissa. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
There are many quotes by many people that say they would rather not go to heaven if they can’t meet their pets there. I think in the days of the bible, and sadly, still, in many countries of the world, people are too poor to have pets. Isn’t that sad?
You are welcome. I believe all pets go to heaven. What better example is there of true love than a pet’s love and I think God must respect that:) Sending hugs to your heart.
My deepest sympathy. It hurts so to lose a faithful furry companion.
Sondra,
I’m so very sorry, losing our furry friends is heartbreaking.
There is a wonderful website called Petloss.com , people from around the world, form a support group for dealing with the loss of a pet. Every Monday night there is a candle ceremony to honor lost pets. Thousands of people join in, and I found it to be a very meaningful experience. It may give you some comfort, people from many countries, share and support each other, and I found it to be a very meaningful experience. It may give you some comfort; I know it helped me when my sweet Maine Coon, Pookie went to the rainbow bridge.
It’s worth taking a look at the website, hope it helps.
Sending hugs,
Deb
You’re all so kind to send your condolences. Thanks for your kindness. My heart is heavy. How I miss that sweet, little guy. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
It wouldn’t be Heaven if they were there, waiting for us… 🙂
I just want to congratulate all the winners of this book drawing!!! I’m so happy for them all!
I was just thinking the other day that I want to plant some Spirea. We have several bushes around the public places in Creekstone. The color of them all is pink. I don’t think that we have Lady Slippers around here. At least I’ve never seen any. They may just be a back east plant. I’m going to check in on it though.
Speaking of flowers, I’m to get a bouquet of flowers from one of the flower shops today as a thank you for making the Thank You cards for the Rose Society Show. Such a wonderful surprise!
xoxox
Omigosh!! I can’t believe I won!!!! I’m so excited! Thank you…thank you!!!! I can’t wait to read your new book. Congratulations to all the other winners, too!
Cheryl (The Farmer’s Daughter)
HAPPY for you Cheryl! Very Exciting! Congratulations ~ I’ll email you soon for your mailing address!
When I finish crying, I’ll congratulate the winners! But right now it’s
just too soon! LOL Happy for you girls! I’m sorry Sandy for your loss.
I’m going through something like that myself and we’ve all been there.
We love our fuzzy babies. I’ll say a prayer. Julia
Every time I sit on my porch now I think of how much snow was out there just a little while ago and how cold and unrelenting this past winter was. Makes you really appreciate the warm weather while you have it! Congratulations to the lucky eleven winners. I’d already pre-ordered my copy when you first made it available and can’t wait till it comes out.
So nice to hear that I am not the only person who is not a “hot weather ” fan. This probably is the reason I feel so at home in Great Britain, where the weather is sometimes blustery and cool and you can wear your cozy sweaters and wellies !! I am pretty sure that “Downton Abbey” usually starts the first Sunday nite in January on PBS… Season 6 and the last…..I am in mourning already…………Nancy in Canada
Let’s not think about it!!!
Will you be posting pictures of the moving the Gay Head Lighthouse ? Just saw the story on the BBC webpage.
I wasn’t up there for that ~ I’m a little glued to the studio these days, except for my walk. But I saw them move a lighthouse years back . . . they used a helicopter to move it, and it was amazing to see that huge lighthouse swinging in the air!
Hi,
Just don’t seem to have luck with Vanna…congrats to all the winners, though. I must sit down and put in my pre-order for you newest book…..it is a double gift…a lovely story and beautiful artistic pictures to compliment it. I always look forward to your
new cookbooks and stories.
It is really hot where I live now! Just put in my peppers and tomatoes this weekend..also planted a lace-cap hydrangea near my shed….it is called. Blueberries and cream. Planted some Green Zebra and Purple Cherokee tomatoes…also a yellow and a red cherry tomato plant. Also a patio size pepper plant and an orange and yellow pepper plant. Cannot wait to eat them. Already have lettuce and radishes to eat…,oh how I love fresh grown veggies!!!
Now we just need more rain around here.
Have a great day…Kathie from Limerick
I’m wondering if your mystery blossom is a type of chokecherry. Is that just growing wild somewhere on the island or is it in your yard?
Congrats to all the winners! Although secretly I am always a bit disappointed when I’m not selected (OK maybe NOT so secretly), I do enjoy thinking about how excited the actual winners are! How fun!
Happy Spring soon to be Summer!!!!!!!!!!
The mystery blossom is out on our walk . . . in the woods, growing wild.
Oh Susan, I missed the drawing. Was so caught up with Matthew in China. He got sick, OMG.. He fainted and couldn’t keep anything down. Was so worried about him. I said to the husband, “Get your passport and get over there and make sure our son is okay !!!!” Well after the hysterical mother that I am calmed down, he was being looked after by the mom that was traveling with the company for that reason. He wasn’t the only one who got sick, so they bring a mom along to take care of those who get sick. Thank you, thank you, thank you… She stayed with him at the hotel and made sure he drank and rested. Thankfully he did get to dance too, so all is good. Except for the fact that I missed the drawing 🙁 No worries, my Matthew danced in China and is well and will be home soon <3 Love ya, Miss Susan
All good news!!!
“Mother nature changes her looks for the same reason any woman changes her looks—to be noticed. ”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Smile Anyway: Quotes, Verse, & Grumblings for Every Day of the Year
Just like Vanna!!!
Congratulations to all the lucky winners!
It makes no matter what kind of obstacles I find before me, you always manage to put a smile on my face, Susan, and make my heart feel light and full! <3
Congrats to the Lucky Eleven!!! I’m so glad I pre-orderd mine. Susan, will they come with the little signed tag, like in A Fine Romance? Can’t wait to get it (with the rest of us thousands)!!!
Yes, in fact I just designed the little book plate, Kellee is getting them printed, sending them to me so I can sign them while I watch TV before bed!
Congratulations to all the lucky winners!!! Thank you for making me smile today, Susan.. You always do! Hope you and Joe have a lovely weekend!
P.S. Diana looks like a kindred spirit for sure!
Congratulations to all the winners! How fun! That Vanna… What a hoot!!!
I got a chuckle from the photo of Blog Daddy and Joe. Mind you, I’m not making fun of Blog Daddy – no siree… But it made me think of my husband. He has very thin legs – but his are rather long too. So, when he’s in shorts, he looks a bit like a stork. A very cute stork… Anyway, because he doesn’t want to look like a stork in public, he rarely wears shorts. So kudos to Blog Daddy!
Good luck with forging ahead to meet your deadline. Thanks for checking in and providing fun with Vanna and Blog Daddy…
Congrats to the lucky ladies! And hello Diana! Glad we’ll get to meet you in the book. Good girlfriends are the best.
The fairy-looking small white flower might be a Mayflower. In the Hawthorn family, sometimes called Trailing Arbutus and related to the Mountain Laurel. Not positive, but would be worth taking to a local nursery for positive ID! Love the pix of the spirea; lived on the Cape years ago and they called it ‘Bridal Veil/Wreath’. Thanks for the reminder of the beauty of New England!
I want to know if anyone has ever seen a real Luna moth like your picture. Beautiful!!!
I’ve seen one, just once, very beautiful, like a flying green ruffle.
Congrats to the 11 winners, which did not include me this time. Maybe next time.
There is a free app for your phone that will identify flowers for you. Search out “likethatgarden. You take a very close up picture of the flower and it gives you pictures and names of flowers it could be. That might help you identify your “Morning Science ” mystery flower. Hope it can name the flower for you.
Congratulations to all the Winners…which include ALL OF US when “The Fairy Tale Girl” is delivered to our doors this summer! Thank you for this opportunity, Susan! And…a sincere and energetic “You GO, Girl!” as your due dates loom ahead!
p/s Hello to the hilarious Diane!