Hello Darling people, I have new news for you, but . . . first off, delicious MUSICA!♥ Every once in a while, everything starts to happen at once, and June seems to be the month, for more reasons than one . . .
. . . the roses are finally blooming on the Island, something we wait for all year, making today a total red-letter day, despite the fact that we’ve been FREEZING here all week! But, even the strawberries in our garden are ripe and juicy!
I love them because they come back every year all by themselves and I don’t have to do a thing! Even after a winter like the one we just had. And, in the vein of everything happening at once, some of the work I did over the winter is starting to come in . . . like this:
Oh yes, the 2016 wall and mini calendars have arrived at the Studio! Kellee called to tell me a couple of days ago, and, because she wants to announce it to everyone on Facebook, she told me that if I want you to know first, I better hurry up! Luckily we are three hours ahead of California, time-wise! Ha!
You’ve seen some of the artwork for this calendar already . . .
Laundry baskets and aprons!
And most important . . . Mr. Jack himself, complete with pony tail band.
Here’s the cheery April page . . .
But, I think this is my favorite page of all the calendars I’ve ever done . . . kitties and pink pumpkins! Who could ask for anything more? I want October to last all year! (This photo is a little dark because it’s still not full light outside, but you get the idea.)
Jack gets the idea too. You want to photograph the calendar? Here, let me help.
Bo-bo baby. My shadow.
FYI: The blotter calendar is still on the way, supposed to arrive at the end of the month.
And another surprise in the mode of everything happening at once . . . Remember these? Our Secret Notes? We have them again! These are tiny matchbook-size cards, in fact, the box IS a matchbox, the drawer slides open and inside are thirty-two, 1¾”x 2″ love-notes you can tuck into suitcases, lunches, cards and letters, jean pockets and under pillows.
And now, back to my regularly scheduled programming . . . checking diary reminders for the new book! My dining table has all my photo albums laid out, the book is coming together and more fun than I can tell you.
And Painting, painting, painting . . . And exciting news! I’ve 
never tried for much publicity in my career, mostly everything so far has been through word of mouth, which I have always loved, because obviously, what’s better than something your best friend, or your mom or your sister tells you about? ♥ Nothing. But one of our Girlfriends wrote to tell me she has her 
own publicity agency, and guess what? I hired her yesterday! I talked to her on the phone and she was a total kindred spirit who had read A FINE ROMANCE three times! So now we’ll see if she can figure out ways to tell new people The Fairy Tale Girl is about to exist! I’m excited. I’ve never hired a publicist before. It feels like I 
have a “team” — besides Joe and Jack and Girl Kitty! And Kellee and Sheri and Alfredo ~ and YOU! Actually, I have a pretty wonderful team! ♥ But I’m working so hard on this book, I don’t want it to just go Bang, then disappear the next year. I want people to find it. So I’m putting my best effort into helping that happen. I’ll let you know how it goes . . . because it’s all new to me too!
Until then, don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers . . . I promise, I won’t forget either! XOXO P.S. If you need a little laugh, Google “youtube baby lambs” ~ or watch THIS ONE. Too adorable for words! ♥
SO much excitement, Susan! Exciting everything!! 🙂 🙂
I know! Scary! 🙂
Good Friday morning to you, Susan!
How exciting to see October for 2016! Jack and Girl Kitty will want to autograph their page!:-) Jack already seems to be right in the middle of it all!
Great that you have a publicist. I hope it works out well for you.
Our few strawberries didn’t last through our cold this winter.:( However, we have new plants that give us promise of berries for next year. That is, if we are able to keep the critters from enjoying them first.:-)
We have sunshine and 79 degrees here this morning, so it is like a summer day ahead.
It is always a cheerful start to the day to read your post!
xo Nellie
Nice to hear from you Nellie!
Hi Susan: What a happy surprise to find your flowers, Jack and your GREAT NEWS about your wonderful calendars arriving and a new adventure (scary) of a publicist to spread the word. Life is an adventure in itself, but trying new things can be very exciting. I wish you the very best with your new book(s) and hopefully a sunshiny summer.
You’re a doll, Bev, thank you so much! The same summer for you too!
This is exciting, Susan, your personal publicist! Your books are wonderful and believe me, they won’t disappear or be forgotten because they are beautiful, heartfelt and you draw the reader in with your kindred, loving and authenticity. I’ve loved everything you’ve published–stickers, calendars, fabric, dishes, jewelry, whew! your talent and creativity is limitless. You have a humongous team of publicists. You’re the real deal, Susan. Thank you. Oh, BTW, what’s the latest on your lighthouse? I read where it’s being moved at a very slow and careful pace to protect it from the erosion. That’s an amazing feat. Toodles . . .
I do, LOL, have a humongous team of publicists . . . you are wonderful! I saw pictures of the lighthouse in the paper, they are going very slow! You are so right, it’s amazing!
Oh, I love roses and strawberries and your news!
Roses, strawberries, new calendars!! How exciting!! And of course the prospect of the new book at the end of August!! Just wonderful!!
This is such a special time of year! We have been blessed with a wonderfully beautiful spring, and more cool weather than hot – who could ask for more?!
Have a great day painting, arranging, and reminiscing! XOXO
Thank you Sandra!
What a lovely, happy post! Thanks so much for sharing. I immediately want to go find some pink roses, and I cannot wait for your book. Best wishes to you in your work and new endeavors, Becky in still soggy Oklahoma
Thank you Becky, hoping for dry sunshine for you soon!
So happy for you Susan! it makes me feel like all this is happening to me, can’t wait for your new book to come out, as for A Fine Romance, I read it all the time is my happy to go book,never get tire of it! June sure is a wonderful month! well is my birthday month,so what can I say!
Sending you love and wishes of much success. 🙂
beautiful morning here in So Cal. cool and cloudy just gorgeous!!
I know what to say . . . HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR PATRICIA! xoxo
omg! 🙂 a birthday wish from you?
Thank you Susan. xoxpxo
Yes, for the happiest EVER!
Hi Susan,
Will the blotter calendar have a Jack and Girl Kitty page? (She asks hopefully!)
I have wanted one of your blotters but am often late and they go fast.
The blotter calendar does have a page with a kitty on it, but not like the wall calendar — I like to keep them different so anyone who gets them both won’t be bored!
I see, that makes sense. That means that I will have to one of each. Yay!
Well, just so no one gets bored . . . have to change it up. Maybe next year the blotter will have the kitty art!
Susan– Your calendars are my go to Christmas gifts. Love the ducks with their coffee mugs (tea too). You don’t need an ad for me to shop! Pam
Thank you dear Pam!
Hi Susan,
Those strawberries look luscious! And isn’t it amazing how they come back every year at around the same time, no matter how dark, cold and snowy the winter was.
I’ve spent the morning deadheading the pansies and geraniums and watching a bluebird dart in and out of the nesting box in the back yard – so exciting and may go check to see if there’s a nest with eggs in it a little later.
Coming in to see your post made me glad – especially since the calendars are in.
And so happy that you have hired a publicist. As a writer myself with lots of years working at newspapers, I think you will find it a wise move. She’ll make many contacts for you and spread the word on your new book. But believe me, Susan, even without a publicist, people will discover your wonderful books and become fans, just as my mother in law and I did in 1993.
Take care and enjoy those strawberries and roses! A well-deserved treat, for sure!
All best,
Nancye T., Wells, Maine
PS – I am making your Corn Salad recipe from the Summer book for a neighborhood cookout coming up soon. Your recipes are the first ones I turn to when I need to make something good to enjoy at home or share. They never disappoint!
Happy June!
I already feel a sense of relief and comfort knowing I don’t have to worry about that part of things. Thank you for your insight ~ makes me happy! Thank you Nancye!
Thank you, Susan! Can’t wait to see the book. I will definitely get the word out on my blog, too.
Take care and enjoy this beautiful weather!
Nancye
Thank you so much Nancye!
I LOVE Maine!! We usually stay in Ogunquit, but eat at many places in Wells…..
Hi Mamey,
We love living here in Wells, moving here following 37 years in Massachusetts.
Lots of good places to eat here, for sure. I do some writing for The Weekly Sentinel, which covers York County and just did a write-up on a new place in Ogunquit, called LaOrilla, which is Spanish for “the shore.” It is located on Shore Road and owned by a young brother and sister – Matt and Alex Haight, whose family owns Clay Hill Farm in Cape Neddick. It’s a tapas eatery and they grow much of the veggies and herbs they use in a small garden adjacent to the dining area – can’t get much fresher than that.
I have a few favorite places that I love including Billy’s Chowder House in Wells for great seafood. If you want something more upscale for a special occasion, I can’t say enough about On the Marsh in Kennebunk. We just went there for my birthday last week and the food, service and ambiance were all incredible.
If you come this summer, be sure to get in touch with me and I can share other great restaurant finds in the area. I’ve also done quite a few write-ups on Trip Advisor that you could check out.
Isn’t it wonderful how Susan and her wonderful blog gets all “the girlfriends” together? Such a gift!
Take care and hope to hear from you when you plan your next trip to Maine!
All best,
Nancye T., Wells, Maine
How great! Thank you Nancye . . . nothing like personal recommendations! Love you Girlfriends!
Hi Nancy
So true about Susan bringing girlfriends together! We are actually going to start looking for a “getaway” house in the Wells area. I would love to get some recommendations from you about where in the area we should look. You obviously have great taste since you are a Susan Branch fan!!!
Hi Dawne,
Great to hear from you! I’ve been a Susan Branch fan since 1993 and have at least 8 of her books, maybe 9, plus numerous calendars, day books, stickers, etc. When we moved to Wells two years ago – from South Acton, about 10 minutes from Stow – I had to downsize and give away many of the over 200 cookbooks I had. But I kept all of Susan’s and use them regularly. Also had the wonderful opportunity to meet her and have her sign my books when she visited the Best of British gift shop in Newburyport last September. What a thrill!
Not sure what you are looking for in terms of a getaway place but there is much on the market and many open houses all over the area every weekend. Also numerous condo developments, both seasonal and year-round. We looked for a couple of years and went the condo route because we both are getting older and don’t like shoveling or mowing. We found a wonderful year-round community Riverbend Woods, about 10 minutes from the Kennebunk and Wells beaches and five minutes from great shopping. A new section is under construction now. Your best bet is to connect with a realtor. I have several good names. Or just come up, pick up copies of the papers – Weekly Sentinel, Kennebunk Post, The Villager – that all have real estate ads and poke around. I did it for a couple of years before we found our place and made the decision. Had a blast, since I love going into houses and checking them out. It was a bit stressful doing the downsizing, but making this move was the right decision. Living here is a joy and there is always something to do – even in winter! Good luck and be glad to send you some real estate ads if we can somehow connect with addresses privately.
Take care and happy house hunting –
Nancye
Such a happy post! Thank you! I am tickled to see the match box-sized notes available. Years ago I bought a few of your little 3×3 boxed sets of “Joy” and “Girlfriends” love notes, and I can’t bring myself to use them. Rather defeats the purpose, right? I apparently am a little bit of a happiness hoarder. I’ve opened them and thumbed through them all; in fact I do it often, but I can’t part with them. Are they still/ or will they be available in your web store? Have a wonderful weekend. Mine has begun on my patio swing watching 7 little baby kitties tumble and play. Adorable!
I think it would be easier to use things if we knew there was at least a little chance we would be able to get more! We’re going to do Love Notes, and Joy Notes too, even Quilter’s Notes. Seven baby kitties, how lucky you are!
Quilters notes?! Be sure to keep us posted. I’d love to order some for the store!
Fun Suzanne, I’ll send your comment to Sheri and she’ll let you know.
How exciting!! It is always amazing to me when I share one of your blogs or books, that some people have not heard of your work! I educate them quickly. The calendar looks wonderful as always and cannot wait for the book. The island looks lovely with roses and strawberries – what can be better than that! Glad Jack has final okay on the calendars – he should put his pawprint on it.
Yes, we are sneaky underground sort of kindred spirit club. 🙂 Hmmm, I like that idea of a “Jack Seal of Approval!”
What wonderful news – a publicist! Perhaps she’ll tell you that you need to go on a book tour and then you can come to Denver. How delightful would that be? Have a lovely day!!!
Very delightful!
I noticed today’s musica came from a movie entitled ‘Susan Slept Here’!!! What fun. Very sunny and to be in the 80’s in SE Illinois.
80’s ~ sounds almost normal where you are!
So happy the new calendars are almost here! I will buy more calendars early this year. Love the roses. Mine are just now blooming too. So happy for you and your path to success, you deserve it. I started following you back in the early 90’s – I think and have loved everything you do! Happy summer!
Thanks so much Kate!
My birthday is in October and I just love next year’s page! And I don’t even have a cat, but I am an Aunt to two adorable ones in MA. Great news about your new publicity agent. If she is one of us, then you will do great!
She’s one of US!
Isn’t “US” wonderful?…..like the Secret Garden. Congratulations on your new news Susan. How delightful to be working with one of the Girlfriends. Sounds like a good fit for you. Btw, I read in a magazine the other day that Prince George’s nursery is decorated in the Peter Rabbit theme, so he has a Peter Rabbit room too. Hugs to all….
Us is wonderful! 🙂
Such exciting news and wonderful you found a Girlfriend
to be your publicist! Kindred hearts are always the best. ♡
Enjoyed your little video…that is how I feel when there
is a post from you. xxoo
That’s what she said, “we are kindred spirits!” Perfect! Thank you so much Mar!
Hi Susan! Glad to see the beautiful roses blooming. Yes, we are freezing on Long Island too. It is June, isn’t it? Jack is such a ham. What a cutie patootie face. I cannot wait for your new book. It is so exciting!
Yup. Yup. June. Hard to believe here in sweater, shawl and hot tea world.
Forgot to add to my post: Sorry to share that I did not win that beautiful HGTV Martha’ Vineyard home so I won’t be your new neighbor…(she says still shedding a few tears). It was so much fun dreaming about it though! 🙂
Oh nooooo, I didn’t know the contest was over . . . Oh well! Love the fun dream!
MAYBE another Girlfriend won the HGTV Martha’s Vineyard home and will invite us all over for a big party!! 😀
Hoping we hear which one of us it was soon Sharrie!
Always love reading about whats happening with you and your creations! I always love your calendars. Each page unfolding is so exciting! Thanks and love the publicist idea!
Thank you Christine!
Wonderful news! You GO, girl!! Hugs 🙂
Thank you Shannon!
Aren’t cats hilarious? Set something down and they’ll come lay on it! Cute little Jack – i love him! I watched the frolicking lamb video. Isn’t that the cutest thing ever? And baby goats are the same way, they’re so incredibly funny! oxox Love from Mary S. In Fresno, California
Or else, I get out the camera to take a picture of him, and he leaves the room! The goats kill me . . .
My oh my, but Jack is a sturdy big boy isn’t he? He used to look so kittenish to me, but now he looks so grown up! Love him, Love you, Love pink roses and strawberries, Love you most of all. I’m off to my garden to go plant and dig and play with worms. Have a wonderful day!
He is a heck of a sturdy big boy now! Love you back Mary!
Gorgeous roses in your garden and lovely new calendar for next year! Jack knows he’s the star! We’re going through a heatwave here in Switzerland and I’m
m-e-l-t-i-n-g…
No air-conditioning – it’s not so common over here! So the secret is to stay quiet at the hottest times of the day and rink plenty of water and do very early morning walks!
We never think of Switzerland as being hot! You are always swishing down the alps in our dreams! Our movie theaters are air-conditioned . . . are yours? It’s a very good place to go on our hottest days. Stay cool Sandra!
Of course, that should read DRINK plenty of water! I can’t get used to my new flat keyboard where my fingers slip around and type crazy letters or even leave some out!
We have something called auto-correct around here . . . if my computer doesn’t “Like” the way I spell something, it just willy nilly changes it to a completely different word! Sometimes it’s funny, but mostly, it’s irritating.
So happy for you, Susan, that everything is going so well for you! It is a wonderful world indeed and it is always very special to hear that a friend’s world is indeed that! I preordered your new book yesterday and can hardly wait to receive it. I can’t think of no better summer gift to give myself!
xoxo Carol!
Oh Susan, congrats on the publicist! Why am I not surprised – and stumped that this hasn’t happened sooner?! I was just thinking this morning of you visiting the homes of Louisa May Alcott and Jane Austen and Beatrix Potter – maybe one day our little girls will be making a pilgrimage to your beautiful home! (Treasured books in hand!) Congratulations, Sweetie!
I do everything upside down and backwards! But thank you so much Lori!
I see that you pick your strawberries leaving the stem on. I just learned two weeks ago that this prolongs their freshness! We have a herd of deer that passes through our yard/woods every day. This morning I saw my first fawn of the season! They love to bounce about when they run, too. Your calendars look fabulous!
It also helps the plant to keep producing . . . Happy fawn sighting! Thank you Cathy!
Good morning Susan. Something new about strawberries! I feel like I’m a part of your morning science lesson. 🙂 I’ve posted on Twitter a photo of the fawn nursing!
I went over there and didn’t see it yet — I’ll keep looking.
Hi Susan, just got back from a pedicure, made a little lunch, checked my FB page and saw that you had a blog……my day is complete! I absolutely love that you have a publicist because the whole world needs to know about you!! It also takes a lot of pressure of you and Joe, I’m sure. Roses, strawberries, kitties, books, and new SB calendars to order…………..LIFE IS GOOD! xoxo
You are so right about that pressure. For A Fine Romance, Joe and I addressed something like 500 postcards to different stores to announce it! It took forever, and we didn’t hear back from any of them! This will be much better! Life is GOOD!
You just make me smile! Do you realize how special you make us girlfriends feel when you personally answer our comments? Some don’t really require answers, but you do anyway……and when you don’t, it’s okay, because I just assume that you are so, so very busy that you can’t think anymore! When I look at your calendars, your blog, your books, your pictures of your beautiful home, kitties and gardens………..”I think to myself, what a wonderful world” you have created for yourself and us, your public girlfriends. I feel so darn lucky that I am part of this blog of girlfriends and part of your public world! xoxo
Do YOU realize how special you make ME feel? It’s only right and good that the feeling is returned! Love having you here Ann Jane Koerber!
Susan,
This is the reason I love you so…is because you are one of us….You get scared and have pressure and if it needs to be done and done right, you do it and you do it until it gets done!!
So many of us girlfriends really do feel that Kindred Spirit with you…and I know what you mean when you say, you do everything upside down and backwards. Many of us live that way…but it is kind of fun and more interesting and above all very entertaining and exciting and allot of laughs. AND MAYBE IT IS SOMETHING YOU CAN SIT DOWN AND WRITE A BOOK… OR TWO ABOUT !!!!! hhhmmmmmm haha
We Love YOU Just The Way YOU Are!! Enjoy your journey and then Enjoy the rewards of your upside down and backwards, wonderful and beautiful world. Love YOU, Susan P. xoxo
Thank you Susan! I’ve always felt I was “in this together” with my Girlfriends! It’s great!
It’s all so so wonderful! Congratulations.. I am always in such awe of your hard work and beautiful creations. You’re such an inspiration. Your Jack is so sweet. 🙂
Best wishes for all that is to come!
Tamara <3
Thank you Tamara, it would be nothing without all you Girlfriends to share it with. xoxo
Oh my you are the #1 GIRLFRIEND that is getting out into the world once again!! Good idea to hire the person who I am sure will give you a reason to “sigh” and say “Thankful I did that!!” What a blessing! I have to tell you that the HGTV Home contest is for a house in Martha’s Vineyard – isn’t that interesting!!! I don’t think signups are yet but I will jump on the bandwagon just for the fun of it! The sun is shining here in Paso Robles an that would be oh-so-nice except that we still don’t have rain and lots of stuff is just dying. My yard that I took such good care of is looking like “BAD & DEAD!” So discouraging. Oh well – it is what it is – we either live in an area that has flooded and lost everything or we are in an area with no rain and things are dying. Such is life – so I try to find something to be happy about each and every day. Today YOU SUSAN BRANCH were to top vote-getter for HAPPINESS!! Keep up the good work and once again I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!! My best to kitties and to Joe!! XXXXOOOO
That contest has gone on for a very long time — does it last for a whole year? I was wondering if they’d gotten a winner yet. But I guess not — if you hear who wins, be sure to tell us — there are several of our Girlfriends entering! Hope one of them wins! Thank you dear Pat! xoxo
Congratulations on your FIRST publicist!! That may make a huge difference in your life! And the roses — so gorgeous! Just love them, and of course the strawberries! Nothing better than fresh strawberries unless it’s a tomato fresh off the vine! And the lamb video is absolutely precious! Years ago I had a mare who was a thoroughbred/Frisian draft course, which translates into HUGE horse! One year the neighbors next door had a bunch of baby lambs and she took a shine to one little black lamb in particular. They used to run up and down the fence line next to each other, both kicking and prancing. The lamb could not have even come up to her knee, but they had a blast!
Looking forward to your new book –Thanks!
Margie
Cute!
I knew your post would be extra special when I saw that beautiful rose at the start! Wishing you all the best!
Thank you Debbie!
Love the “hula-hooping” goose on your April calendar page……he even appears to have his party hat on……delightful ! Can’t wait to read your new book !
That time of year inspires hula hooping!
I am off to Paris tomorrow and on the long plane ride I will be re-reading……….A Fine Romance…….Thank you Susan !
Oh Wendy, what a wonderful thing to be doing. It must be all in bloom in Paris!
Susan seeing your little garden and all you have shared about it, inspired me to try a few things out…so last year I planted a blackberry bush and it must have been very hApPy there because it came back! Hooray! I have had tons of blooms (thank you rain) and yesterday I was able to start picking blackberries! If you were my neighbor I would share with you. My sweet 86 year young grandmother is going to show me how to make some blackberry jam. How exciting it that?! Oh and I have to tell you this…we have recently been adopted by this beautiful grey kitty with hazel eyes. My husband calls him Kitty Boy. We gave him a pony tail band and he acted uninterested then the other day I caught him with it in his mouth. It made me laugh. Who would have thought hours of enjoyment! 🙂 Hope you are are able to get outside and enjoy this beautiful SPRING. Look for Sunny Skies coming your way this Sunday! Bye for now…
To learn how to make blackberry jam from your grandmother is one of the priceless events of a lifetime. So I am very happy for you both! Kiss Kitty Boy for me!
Everything is blooming here north of Chicago also!!! I am so excited summer vacation has started and I can be outdoors more often. I will definitely be ordering the cards, I still have the little box of Girlfriends Forever cards. I rotate them and put them on my card holder and of course I have given some away! Here’s to long warm days, spending time in Chicago with my daughter, my son’s upcoming visit and hanging out with friends!!! And best of all no alarm clock ringing until the school year begins once more!
No alarm clock!
Roses are GORG!!! I can’t wait for the calendars!! I like to buy the bundle of them….Also can’t wait for the new book, as I’ve read A Fine Romance 3 times!! I just LOVE it…..I’ve said this a million times before, so forgive me if you get sick of hearing it but you have the best blog on the internet!! Thanks for uplifting all of our lives….might I add, anyone who is new here, you must go back and read past posts; they will make your day!! Please come to upstate NY, I would LOVE to meet you!!! Do you ever do a “meet my fans” gathering on Martha’s Vineyard?? I know I could talk the hubby into coming if he knew a dream of mine would be fulfilled……Have a great day!!
Don’t worry Mamey, I will never get tired of hearing that! 🙂 I do book signings at Bunch of Grapes bookstore here on the island sometimes. I will always announce it if I do . . . would be lovely to meet you.
Surely the only person happier than you to have a publicist is the Girlfriend who is going to be your publicist! How wonderful. I am going to be quick off the mark this year and order my calendar in plenty of time. Love those strawberries! X
Well, it’s already mutual admiration! xoxo
We just came back from our own Dutch Martha’s… called Vlieland. I said to my husband: “If Susan Branch should ever come to the Netherlands, she would have to go to Vlieland!” I’m sure you would love it. But, if you can’t make it any time soon, here are some pictures to give you an idea:
Vlieland
Love, Elske
Loverly! I have to go there!
Oh, I loved seeing those photos; I’ve never heard of this island. My grandfather was born in Friesland (the west/north of Holland on the North Sea) but I didn’t find it out until AFTER I had my one-shot (so far!) trip, barely out of my teens, to Amsterdam/Rotterdam on one of those “If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium” (speedy and confining, due to time constraints) budget tours of Europe. (That “If It’s Tuesday…” was a fun filmed-on-location movie I loved when I was a kid, from the 1960s.)
Beautiful roses and strawberries….love the cat page on the wall calendar…hope there’s one on the blotter calendar. Cute, cute lamb video. Happy June!
Happy June Nancy!
I am always so jealous of your gorgeous roses. My fave is the one you posted today! Love that Old English variety! I try….I fail….our winters don’t like them, I guess, even with covering them? 🙁
BUT, I always get excited about your new calendars! Not to rush the year but it IS the highlight of each new year! And each month….a fresh start with a gorgeous page to look at every day! Thanks! xo
Thank you Karen! Isn’t there a rose that works locally? Seems like they try to make varieties that will work in difficult areas.
Oh! And I’ve pre-ordered The Fairy-Tale Girl! Cannot wait to “meet” her when she finds her way to my mailbox!! xo
Won’t be long!
Susan, I have to admit, Jack is one cute cat. I adore your art work. Wishing you a pleasant June. xoxo,Susie
Thank you Susie, you too!
Hi Susan,
Aaaah, such a happy post. Of course, they always are. The roses and strawberries ~ amazing. Jack is so cute. I’m so happy that you’re happy.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs from Genesee Co., NY.
PS: My “Little Lamb” will be 11 on Monday. Where does the time go? First birthday without his Father, though. We’ll get through it. We have to, right?
xoxo
Mmmm. Hard. You’ll do fine. ish. Sending birthday love. xoxo
So exciting whenever I see a new post from you! I know there will be book news, surprise news and joy and lots of fabulous cheery artwork and photos! Can’t wait to order the new calendar – October is my favorite and birthday month – seeing handsome Jack ♥ artwork for the month put a big smile on my face 🙂 Love the love notes also, and thank you for bringing them back ♥
Remember your beautiful and creative artwork is your first best publicist! Everyone I know that “discovered” you did so by your fabulous watercolors and book and calendar covers – just one look inside and an instant fan was born – including me! Now that you will have a publicist to get the word out, enjoy the benefits and success that you certainly deserve, lovely lady. Thanks for sharing your heart and joy and home and colors of life with all of us! ♥♥♥
Thank you back Mari, for your wonderful support! xoxo
WOW! Susan, so many exciting things! This is just WONDERFUL!!! I love it that you are having a professional publicist handle things for you. More time to create!! I agree with someone who said you have hundreds of publicists!!! US!! In fact, I was very thrilled and proud to introduce you to a brand new person on Wednesday night. We had some new friends over for dessert and coffee and “talk”! My new friend, a seasoned librarian and not seen your books. I showed her A Fine Romance and she just LOVED it. She is going to get a copy and sign up for your blog, she said!!
I hope you saw my personal email I sent you. I know you don’t have time to read it! But I just wanted you to know I sent one!!
Can’t wait for the next chapter in the saga!! Go girl!! xoxo 🙂 <3
There is just nothing better than that Jane, so Nice! I can’t thank you enough! Makes me proud! I’ll look for your email! 🙂 XOXO
Such wonderful treats for our eyes and ears. Thank you sweet Susan. Strawberries are definitely the best the first of spring. Yours are gorgeous. All the girlfriends spread the word, but just in case we cannot get to everyone, a publicist that is a kindred spirit is just a gift from above. Congratulations. We are so happy for you. The first Friday celebrating the beginning of summer is tonight. Fireworks. Imagine, we do not have to wait until the 4th of July. Grandchildren coming and recipes made from your summer book waiting in the fridge. They never fail to please. Thank you and have fun creating, we will try to be patient.
Love and bunny hugs,
Shirley from Aledo, Texas where the rain has ended and the temperature is rising FAST
Yes, all of our kindred spirits are a gift from above! xoxo
I bought the Secret Note Cards years ago and loved them! I just tried to order the “new” ones and it says Out of Stock… Already????
Yeah, but more are coming! I was worried this would happen!
What a cute video…that silly lamb was having such a good time.
Oh my, Susan, so much has happened since I first found you. How happy and blessed you must feel. Congratulations on all the wonderful news. Your berries look so yummy. That’s the first thing on my agenda for tomorrow, is to go out and pick strawberries. I want to make syrup this year to put in our lemonade and iced tea. We are having a bridal shower for my oldest daughter next Sunday, so the strawberries will most certainly be part of the menu! Hugs!!
MMMMMM, sounds wonderful!
Dear Susan
So looking forward to the new calendars. I have the wall and blotter in my office at work . Every month when I turn to the next month I do a little happy dance, that’s when I’m especially glad to have my own office with it’s own door 🙂 I know you and the girlfriends would understand though! Each month is it’s own gift from you, thank you!!
Love,
Donna xo
xoxo Thank you back Donna! I love your happy dance.
Can’t wait to see the new calendar in person!
Me either! I think I’m getting mine today.
I know how you feel about your cats. There is always ‘thee’ one of all your pets that is special. Mine was Waldo. A beautiful Siamese kitten, given to me by a beau. He was pure white with black points and eyes so blue it was unbelievable. I got him when I was on Waldo lookout and I wanted to give him an exotic name befitting his beauty but alas, my grandfather named him that and it stuck! That cat and I were inseperable. We went to the drive in together, for walks, he was my constant companion. To this day it is my stipulation to God that when I reach heaven I want him at the ‘pearly’ gates to greet me…..and so goes the craziness of an animal lover, (but I don’t really care if it sounds crazy to ya’ll…) btw…who are those lovely peeps on the cover of your new book. They’re so pretty!!!
Doesn’t sound crazy to me!
What beautiful roses and JACK–always my favorite. I wish I could hug that little fur ball. I know Chuck, my Siamese would be a little jealous if I did but still give him a hug for me, please. Must get to the shop and order my calendar before they sell out. Enjoy your roses, strawberries and Jack!
Jack and Chuck, what a pair!
How exciting! It’s wonderful to read all your happy news. It’s been a good Spring. I just got back from almost two weeks in Scotland where, among many other wonderful activities, I got to pet border collie pups and feed a bottle of milk to an adorable, fluffy lamb. Life is good! 🙂
I managed to buy some of the note cards last night (yay!), and I ordered your new book, too. And the blueberry tea set, because I couldn’t resist. 😉
Happy Friday!
The blueberry tea set is irresistible, I agree. Scotland, lambs and border collie pups! How lucky you are!
So glad to hear the new calendar is out. Mine hangs in a prominent place in my kitchen so I can enjoy each month’s pictures and thoughts. But I have a hard time of letting go of each month so I just turned the page from May to June today and I love it. Pink flowers and flowered teacups and lots of interesting thoughts. Love the idea of collecting bridal photos from all the family. What was I waiting for?
All my friends comment on the calendar so I think you have made more girlfriends just by hanging on my wall. I just can’t write anything personal on it as everyone reads it!
Hahaha, you have to hide one! xoxo
Exciting news. Your new publicist must be thrilled to get the job. I’ll be keeping my eyes and ears open . . . and Quilters’ Notes!!! Oh boy. I can hardly wait 🙂 The leaping lamb was fun 🙂 🙂
Happy to hear from you Sylvia!
Roses and strawberries what beautiful pictures. We’re on the chilly side here in central NJ too. I don’t mind because it keeps the hot flashes at bay. LOL Got to get the jump on every one and pre-order your 2016 calendar, it looks like another big winner. And, while I’m waiting for Fairy Tale Girl to arrive in my mailbox I’m reading all The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert that my library has. Chilly, rainy hugs from NJ…..
Perfect for the rain!
I can’t wait to get my 2016 calendar. It looks amazing. I love that October page too and love seeing a glimpse of April as it is my birthday month!
Mine too! And that hula hooping duck is just the way I feel in the spring!
Dear Susan,
What a grand day with so many wonderful things come together! I am waiting the last hour or so for friends to arrive for the first First Friday Patio Party of the summer. I open my back yard to my neighbors on the first Friday of the month from June through September. It’s a great way for us to connect, have a little happy hour, watch the kids run around my backyard….
So happy to hear someone else will also be tooting your horn. My mom had a funny saying, “She that tooteth not her own horn, shall not be tooteth!” Not sure about the spelling of her made up word but I love that she believed sometimes a girl has to get the word out on her own. Still, I can also say it is great to have someone else in your corner who has the skills to spread the word a bit farther. I wrote a memoir titled, Graduation: Making a Life after Teaching after a dear friend/poet encouraged me to put my seasonal letters into book form. I fleshed them out – month by month- to follow my first year of retirement from 26 years of teaching at the high school level and then another friend knew an editor/publicist who recently moved into the area from the east coast and voila! She read it, loved it, got it published, got it on Amazon, got me the radio….It was so wonderful to see the huge box of books delivered to my house. I stacked them up on the kitchen counter and took a picture of them, all fresh, crisp and waiting to be sold. I’m sure you felt that way when your first book was published.
The peonies are in bloom while the lilacs are already beginning to fade here in Michigan. Asparagus and rhubarb are overflowing at the farmer’s market and hopefully we will have strawberries within the week!
I like your mom’s thinking, but it’s hard to toot your own horn and not sound like an idiot, at least for me. I like that someone else will do it! I know just how you felt about seeing your book! xoxo
I love to come here to get my sunshine! We returned from England Wednesday evening so happy after our adventure of a lifetime! Thank you dear Susan for your inspiration and guiding us through this trip. You must know that you have made two grateful souls happy to have followed some of your footsteps from A Fine Romance! The Queen Mary 2 was amazing and England just knocked our socks off! Thank you for the suggestion of joining the Royal Oak before leaving —we were able to see 30 sites in ten days! The Lake District is just one of the most beautiful sites on the planet. It was absolutely wonderful! xoxo ♥
Look at you! What memories you’ve made, I’m so happy you got to go!
Can’t wait til that 2016 calendar is available. My 2015 calendar is already full of wonderful things waiting to happen. This weekend I am going to Stratford, Ontario and attend the Shakespearean play “Hamlet” with my eldest daughter. Next Wednesday my sister and I are making a two week trip to our homeland, The Netherlands. It will be so fun to see family I haven’t seen in years! After I get back my other daughter, husband and three grandkids arrive from Edmonton, Alberta for a monthlong stay. The kids are especially looking forward to our newly minted “annual” tradition of going to Saugatuck, Michigan, a small coastal town, where they still celebrate with a wonderful Fourth of July parade every year. The kids call it the “candy parade” because of all the loot they gather. It’s almost as good as Halloween!
I love the sheep video you shared! I have seen it before, and it makes me laugh every time a bit more! Too Funny!
Have a wonderful weekend Susan! Summer is finally here! <<3
You have a fantastic summer ahead of you Elly!
I went to Stratford once! We took our Girl Scouts to see Romeo and Juliet and Megan Follows played the roll of Juliet (AKA Anne Shirley). It was lovely.
How fun Susan! I’m excited to see everything!!!!
I love the idea of the little love notes. Just wondering, how many different designs in the packet?
I’m glad you are working hard, yet taking your time to enjoy all of it. Enjoy the journey.
Blessings
Nancy
They’re all different, no two are alike! Yay!
Yay is right! Thanks
I tried to post but I’m so computer I savvy at times. If it went through and I missed it well then you get to be doubly appreciated today. Haha! Love the new calendar. And October is my favorite month too. I am really looking forward to it this year as I will be retired. Only 7 more days. Ahhhh! I will miss the elementary school I work in but not getting up every morning to go. I look forward to inventing my new life. I have told you before and I will tell you again that you are my lifestyle heroine. I just a love how you celebrate the art of HOME. Thank you! It is so nice to have a kindred spirit actually a whole network of kindred spirits that know the importance of a solid home life.
Wow, 7 more days! That is so exciting! Thank you for your years of teaching . . . such an important job! xoxo
So happy the calendars are available for ordering. I was waiting to order your book so I could order the calendars at the same time. I’m ordering 5 of each so that will be one big beautiful package when it gets here. It’s our 39th wedding anniversary today. Must say it was much sunnier and warmer 39 years ago. Of, course, I was much younger and prettier back then, too, lol. Loved =^..^= pictures. He is your good will ambassodor for sure!
Happy Anniversary Elaine!
How blessed we all are to have you in our lives….you are indeed very special Susan! I have already pre-ordered 2 Fairy Tale books and know they will be everything I had hoped for 🙂
My fingers are cross that that will be true, I’m trying!
Susan, You are wonderful and all the blog girlfriends are always excited to hear the latest news and see your beautiful pictures. Joe, Girl Kitty, Jack and your fabulous staff will always see you through anything. The lovely paintings are inspirational. I wish I could do watercoloring like you do! And no one has a web site like yours. Yeah for Susan!!!
Yeah for you too Claudia, thank you so much!
Thank you. Love the calendars. Ordered!! No Secret Note Cards..boo hooo…Ah but you say more coming!!! Yay!!. You remembered someone asked for pink “punkins.” Lovely. A publicist, wonderful. I found out about you last yr. Loved Romance. Love every book I have of yours. I hunted relentlessly. Looking forward to the new book.
Yes, pink punkins, was genius suggestion I think. xoxo Thank you Deborah!
Bless your heart, Susan!! I was hoping to hear from you soon and here you are!! I am so excited to find out next year’s calendars are ready…for years and years I have gotten my baby sister an “I Love Lucy” wall calendar for her birthday and this year she told me she would LOVE to have one of yours for 2016! She admires mine every time she is over and now you are going to have a new “girlfriend”! Love you bunches…until next time!
That’s great! Tell her I said hello!
Always a treat to read a new post. Our strawberries have faded, but now we have blueberries! Roses past first flush, but now I have lilies! And, in two weeks I will be on the island with my family in two rental houses in Oak Bluff! So excited for my first New England vacation! Too many exclamations, I know, but I am excited.
How exciting! You are going to love it!
I called my daughter this afternoon to tell her that you have hired a publicist. I know we are jumping WAY ahead, but we sure hope that she can arrange a book signing or two for you in PA this fall! We’d love to plan a road trip for that. We both attended the FOGT reunion at Stillmeadow last June and were delighted to hear you speak and meet you in person and have you sign our books…and my tea tin. Its hard to believe that was almost a year ago. Doesn’t seem that long ago at all.
No it doesn’t…what a beautiful day. Seeing Gladys’s house after all these years! And you too Shannon!
6-5-15:
OH! Those adorable notes! I put them in my (now 28 year old) daughter’s lunches. Sigh. Def gonna buy them again. Yay.
Marcia in Sewell, NJ
Yay!
Lovely roses and yum strawberries and slurpy pics of dear Jack.
So happy you have hired a publicist yea! I’m sure you will see great results. There is a new audience out there every day and so happy you can work on your arty side whilst the publicist does the “leg” work. Hope to see you on national TV ! Xox. judi
Don’t say that out loud, it makes my stomach flip!
I am so happy to see the new calendar!!! I just love having your wall calendar in my kitchen where I can see it all the time!! I just ordered the Little Dinners book from Amazon! It is so cute, I love small books, especially yours!! But I can’t wait to read your novel!! Soooo exciting! Your work always brightens my day! Congrats on the publicist!
Thank you Vita!
Your excitement is sooooo contagious!!!!
That is awesome news!!!! Congrats:)
Do you know the name of the gorgeous rose at the beginning of today’s post? It kind of looks like A Shropeshire Lad, but it may be too pink. I would love to know it’s name. You blog makes me happy every time I read it. Thank you!
I think I would recognize it if I heard it, but I forget what it was. I probably have it written down somewhere!
I saw the note card posting on FaceBook and zipped right over to your store to order some. Then I got two boxes of note cards and a chicken mug for a friend that raises chickens—what fun! We all cannot wait for the new book. Have a lovely summer there on your “Isle of Dreams”. 🙂
Thank you Lynn Marie!
Hello Darling Sue, I could feel your excitement right through my iPad!! The calendar is adorable and so is the video. I needed that! Jack is looking quite handsome these days. Do you miss his kitten ways? I’m so looking forward to your new books, so keep on writing away. Enjoy your summer.
Fondly,
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
He still really has kitten ways. He is constantly on the move, his eyes are still mostly round, the first thing my foot steps on when I get out of bed is a ponytail band! Now I take him for walks outside. I don’t put him down. And he LOVES them. We are such a partnership. Happy summer to you too Nancy!
Oh my! OH MY! Quilt notes, you say? I can’t even think how I will love those along with the other notes you will have. I laughed at the friend who says she cannot give them away…it is so true. I pull them out every now and then and just love to read them. Some have been used, though and they are so perfect. Your duck with the hula hoop….too cute! How many calendars can a person have? Possibly every room in the house…and some for gifts.
A PUBLICIST! That will be interesting and helpful, for sure. It will be fun to see what she does for you. Wonderful!
We met the most wonderful people on our small tour of England and the most amazing one was an 89-yr.-old lady from The Norfolk area of England. She has traveled everywhere but did this tour by herself and my husband and I adopted her and had the most wonderful time with her. Part of her address: Old Farm House Back Lane…. and then the rest. Oh my goodness, it is the best and she was so interesting. I miss her. This was just a little aside because i know you would appreciate the charm of it all. I would go again tomorrow. Hilltop Farm…the sheep in the meadows all over the countryside….with stone walls going all the way up over the hills. Makes me want to jump for joy.
That is all….Thank you for this post.
I do so appreciate the charm of that little story . . . thank you Rosemary! Was she American? Hilltop — heaven!
Good hearing from you Susan, spring is such a busy time of year for all of us…
hi susan!! I don’t know how you find the time to write and new blog post with everything that’s going on…… but I am happy you did!! I use your calendars everyday of my life and absolutely adore them. I had your blotter on my desk at school and many of my darling students would ooh and aah over the cute paintings and quotes… Now that I have retired ( yippee!!), I brought the blotter home and it graces our desk in our home office/computer room/ media center/grandchild play area/ TV room/ guest room…and it’s not even that big!!!!! Pulled out my Summer book and have already reread much of it….the suspense of the new book is just about to kill me!!! I am sure it will only make the debut of “The Fairy Tale Girl” all the more sweeter!!! Glad to see that you have a solid team in place….both animal and human!!!! great support group getting stronger!!! take care and don’t work too too hard…. smell the roses!! love, cindy xo
xoxo thank you dear Cindy!
Calendars, strawberries, flowers…oh, my…I always look to what is happening in your corner of the world because I know in a few weeks we will have strawberries and flowers…my lilacs have just bloomed and bunnies think my hosta is/are a salad bar!!! Any ideas for the bunny hosta challenge? Are the purse sized calendars available yet? I want to make sure I get mine and will order the desk calendar, purse calendar and new book at the same time…I just saw baby goats~just about as cute as baby lambs~in pajamas jumping around inside a house…they were darling and you can probably find them on u tube…I saw them on one of the morning news programs…we celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary tomorrow…seems like yesterday my hubby found me at a high school basketball game…xoxo…
Yeah. Bunnies. I know what you mean. But they are so darned cute! I haven’t noticed them at the hostas — they seem to graze over the grass. We put chicken wire up about 2 feet all around the inside of the picket fence to keep them away for the strawberries and the lettuce in the garden. Happy anniversary Rae Ann!
Thanks, Susan…
Susan, delighted to see the blog today. I just love reading all your news. I tried to order the little secret notes, but you’re out already. Will you let us know just as soon as they are available? Does putting it on my “wish list” make it a sure thing that I’ll get them when the next ones are ready? They are just perfect for anyone, any day, any occasion — what a wonderful idea! Don’t worry about your wonderful book being forgotten. Even my little grandchildren know who you are and recognize your art. I write to them on your stationary — a quote for my eight-year-old grandson, the flowers for my five-year-old granddaughter, and the purple cow recipe for the three-year-old little one. They love receiving and writing letters. They are home-schooled, and I shared your letter-writing blog with them. You are an inspiration to so many. Thank you!!
We have already ordered more Secret Notes, they will be in soon — plus, we ordered more again . . . so we are going to keep them in stock as best we can. Thank you for telling your grandchildren!!! 🙂 My twin nephews write me too . . . they are 12, and I just adore their letters!
Susan! So much wonderful news! Congrats on your progress with the calendars and the book; I so especially love the blotter calendar. But I just love all of it; everything. Very thrilling to have a publicist (isn’t life serendipitous?!!); made me have goosebumps, sharing your excitement which I can ‘hear’ thru your words. Everything’s coming up roses for you and you SHOULD have publicity because your art is terrific. By the way, I’d already spied those Secret Notes and I expect tomorrow I’ll receive my always-beautifully-packaged box from Susan Branch’s online store, which I’ve become addicted to; just ask Sheri. Oh, that Jack…he is SUCH a pretty boy. Have a great weekend! (I’m SO envious of your strawberries; I tried to grow them in pots this year here in SoCal to no avail. My friend nearer the beach has a blackberry patch in raised-bed planters and she gets an enormous crop each year. I would LOVE to be able to have a bowlful of my own organic strawberries, though. Another reason among MANY [a long list now] of why I need to move to Martha’s Vineyard [grin]!!)
I love that you know Sheri! The girls are always telling me how wonderful it is to work with you guys . . . of course I knew that!
Boy-oh-boy, there sure is a lot of continuing conversation on this blog…I have to check back often to make sure I haven’t missed anything!
I’ve already gone thru more-than half of the Secret Notes and need more. I’ll keep checking the store for when I can reorder. So fun to tuck them here and there, especially when you know of someone who needs a little love. I also wanted to compliment you on the 2016 calendars. I ordered what’s available at the shop and so far have the wall calendar and mini. Great work, so fine and so fun; can’t wait for my blotter calendar when that day comes, too. You’ve been a very busy girl (factor in writing a book…or two…wow…).
A question off-subject: What made you decide to live in Vineyard Haven as opposed to Edgartown or Oak Bluffs? I continue to be intrigued with Martha’s Vineyard and always have been from afar, ‘way out west here in So Cal. I don’t know WHY it has kept my interest piqued…maybe when I was younger, it was the whole Kennedy idolatry or something; but I think from seeing so many photos and art depictions or maybe even TV/movies of the locale over a long period of time is maybe part of why I’m continually lured (in my dreams) to the beautiful place where you’re planted, Susan! (Even considering Winter of 2014-15!!)
I write SO MUCH about that in the new book (s) — I think I’ll wait and let you read it there, so you get the whole story. The winter is one of the secret things about this place that makes it so magical. xo
Okay, goody, can’t wait! Winter with snow is something I know nothing about but what I do know is that your book(s) will be awesome! Thanks for answering when you’re so busy. I early-on preordered your first book!
Love hearing from you Vicki . . . xoxo
Yes everything is going very fast! But looking at that window sill is very calming and peaceful….
Can’t wait for the book. Love the pronking lamb video!
pronking, new word! OR, as I suspect is so, Mr. Ruinous Spell-Check put in his two cents on “prancing.”
♫☆♡❀✿☆♡♬ I Just Flew~In (My Wings are So Sparkly this Morning) 😉 Good~Morning Sweet Sue! Musica…Roses…Strawberries….& Kitties & Pink Pumpkins OMG! 🙂 You’ve got Me Twirling till I’m Dizzy With Joy! Weeeeeeeeeeee! 🙂 I Must Calm Down & Catch My Breath! Whew! 🙂 Sweet Sue… Hiring a “Publicity~Agent” Now This is a BRILLIANT Idea! 🙂 Bravo! With All The Social~Media Now……Us~Girlfriends…..& All Your Thousands & Thousands of Readers……Oh My Goodness! 🙂 Now You Can Breathe a Little & Keep Creating….Let Your Artist’s Magic Flow It’s Amazing! I Love The New Calendars & Those Secret~Notes! Oh My Goodness! Thank~You Sweet Sue For Everything! I Hope Your Magical Island Warms Up a Little….It Will Tis Early June…..Wishing You & Joe & Girl~Kitty & Jack & All The Girlfriends A Delightful Summertime Weekend! Stay Safe & Enjoy! xoxo Poof! ♫☆♡❀✿☆♡♬ P.S. Sweet Sue I’d Love to Stay in October All Year Too! (With The Kitties & Those Pink~Pumpkins!) 😉 🙂 ♫☆♡❀✿☆♡♬
I’m sorry. Unless you can force yourself to get a little more enthusiastic about life, I just want nothing more to do with you! LOL, you are so fun Angie! xoxo
🙂 ♥ 😉 I Love You Sweet Sue! xoxo Poof! ♥ ♥ ♥ lol (From One Fairy Tale Girl to Another) ♥ 🙂
🙂
Hi Susan,
A publicist!!!! Bring on The National Trust’s wake up call to AFR and SB. They are in Swindon. Also, I’d love to hear you on the Beebs! England has certainly had a boost in their economy with all the girlfriends and their travels…largely inspired by you.
Now that you do have a publicist, more time for a B&B in England perhaps 😉 ? I know a hard working girl who would work in any capacity at that B&B, pretty much for free. I can see girlfriends in the droves booking into your B&B, just sayin’.
I’m guessing the lovely white top and skirt are from Laura Ashley…you should google Laura Ashley dresses, yours truly (YOU) comes up several times in google images.
So I had my 30 year anniversary as a nurse on May 26. As other nurses can attest, my nursing practice has gone beyond my professional realm as I have been the family nurse with much active duty over the years. I’ve been ogling a stunning blue and white cameo necklace for about 18 months to sort of mark that milestone. Each time I get close to making the big purchase I think about how that would pay for a flight in Virgin Atlantic’s Premier Economy section with money leftover. (I’m a new devotee to Virgin Atlantic, will only go Virgin from now on)
So I close with this hypothetical question, should you be in this unique position and were forced to choose, would you choose a cameo or a diamond? I think you know my answer.
I lied, one more thing. My sweet little Tuppence, aka Tup, Tuppy, Tupperware, Tuppy Wubby…got her haircut about six weeks ago and when while I was in England, she went to holiday at the Folsom Dog Resort. When I picked her up they wanted to keep her as they dubbed her the little lamb. She is largely poodle with just a pinch of Maltese so her hair is growing out soft and curly, very lamb-like. She is pure white and it is a very bright white. She’s a doll.
**Book tour possibly this fall or waiting until the 2nd one is finished before touring?**
Anything that gets eyed for 18 months wins! Thirty years ~ wow ~ thank you Carrie! Diana, who I write about, just retired from nursing! So I know what you mean by “family nurse!” Kiss the Tuppence for me!
oh the cameo, I would go for the cameo. and congrats on 30 years that is truly amazing. congratulations.
Oh, Susan, I love your October kitty page on the calendar too! I hope you have included the same theme on the blotter calendar, since this is the one I purchase for my desk at work. 🙂 I am eagerly awaiting your FairyTale girl book. I will be promoting it at our library just like I have done with your other books. Take care, and, exciting news on your new publicist.
I try to keep the calendars different because so many get both and I don’t want them to be bored! Thank you for being my secret publicist Melody! XOXO
Loved the bouncing lamb and looking forward to your new book.
Thank you Kathy B!
Hi Susan,
I hope you do book tours to support BOTH new books. Monterey is waiting!
Cheers.
I’m afraid I’ll be finishing book 2 when book one comes out, I probably won’t get out of here until I send book 2 in for printing! Then, I hope to go to California!
Yes! I missed you on your last SoCal tour and I sure don’t want to this next time. Oh, and it’ll be another incredible train journey post; I so loved reading about your train trip this last time and enjoyed all of your photos from the route. I know now that when my husband and I hopefully start traveling a little bit in retirement ahead (with more leisure time to where we don’t have to get someplace in a wild hurry) that we will definitely be giving Amtrak a try because I’ve developed a wariness about flying but I also just no longer like the confined, cramped environment of a plane…we had actually considered renting a motor home for more comfortable cross-country driving although we’re not campers; just have no experience with that…besides which, by rail, what a great way to see the country and not have the stress and weariness of all that road-trip driving. I was just reading about Joe Biden taking the commuter train all the years between his home (I should know this; isn’t it New Hampshire?) and DC. Actually, for a time in a large city we lived in…the one and only time I left SoCal…my husband took a commuter BUS into the city from the burbs and he came to really like it; he could relax and read the newspaper before going on to his job and then, at night, it was a good way to decompress before he got home after the long day. There was a much-beloved appellate court judge who took the bus from the outskirts into LA every day for years (a 2-hr trip) and I think he utilized the time to catch up on case paperwork so that when he finally did get home at night, it was done for the day, and he could concentrate on his growing family. Did you feel with the motion of the train that you could read and use the computer okay without being too jostled? I can get a little woozy if my eyes are trying to stay focused with a jiggly book; would make me carsick when I was a kid on the family jaunts.
Oh yes, reading is perfect on the train. If you worry at all, get those seasick bands — I wrote about them in A Fine Romance, they really work. But it’s such a gentle movement, most of the time you don’t notice it. There is only one outlet in the rooms, so it you have a teapot with you, or another computer, you might bring an extension cord.
Tips duly noted. Thanks!
Oh this is all so exciting and fun! Will order my calendar today. Love love love October, my favorite month of the whole year. I too wish it would last all year long. (But then would it really be all that special?) Love Jack laying on the calendar. Our golden will always lay in the middle of the board game we are playing. Hard to move the pieces but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
My dear friend Madame Birdwhistle who is 94 years old loved A Fine Romance so much that she has read it through 4 times. I just ordered The Fairy Tale Girl for her birthday in August. Hope it arrives in time. If not it will be well worth the wait. (She was a close friend of Tasha Tudor and loves your work as much as she loved Tasha’s. High praise indeed!)
Off to the rose garden to do battle with the bugs who are eating my leaves. Grrrrrrr……….
Blessings~
Carol
And her name! Madame Birdwhistle! Please tell her I said Hello! I’ll try to get it done in time!
good luck with the battle for the roses, I found a big fat green worm on mine, EWWW!!!! and it was chowing down on the leaves. nasty thing.
I know those worms, usually my face is about an inch from them when I suddenly “see” them — they are so green!
Mr. worm is now lying at the bottom of the kitty litter bucket, buried under a pile of dirty kitty litter, RIP Mr. worm!!! :)~
WHAT a way to go!
well I found the culprits who are munching on my roses, one was big green worm, EWWW and the other was a deer. shooes the deer out of my roses and went after the worm, it is now in the bottom of my bucket… buried under the dirty kitty litter…… 😀
I can’t wait for the calendar and love notes (what a great idea for the little notes)!
Have a wonderful day Lynn!
Such happy new news, Susan!! It’s so wonderful to know that you have a kindred Publicist now! She joins the legions of Girlfriends sharing your books, calendars, and all of the goodies, with friends and family, and through all of our blogs, too. What an amazing addition to our team!! I can’t even imagine the wonders that will come next for you! You can relax a bit now, while focusing on the things you love most ~ painting, writing, reading, gardening, traveling, and most importantly, time with Joe and the kitties, family and friends. The fairy tale will continue… in the most delightful ways! ♡
Love you, Susan!
Dawn
♡♡
Thank you Dawn! xoxo
Beautiful post! I think a publicist is a great idea. To know you is to love you, but not everyone knows you – yet! Our strawberries are great this year, but the roses were hit hard, and I think they’ll recover, but no blossoms yet. Last fall we still had roses and tomatoes in October!!! So when we had a really hard sudden frost in November, it wiped a lot of things out. We think we’ve lost our wisteria – boo hoo.
Animal update. You may remember I took in a feral kitty 3 years ago that was abandoned at about 4 weeks, and she is the evil Miss Katniss Everdeen who hates everyone but me and Bob. Well, it’s happened again. Another little one crying for hours in the alley, with no mother in sight. So we got her, but since we knew Katniss wouldn’t like that one bit, we took her to the shelter. But she’s only 11 oz. and she has to be a pound before they’ll put her up for adoption. So they said if we left her, they’d have to euthanize her. So guess who is sleeping on Bob’s shoulder right now! The Springer Abby has taken the addition in stride, but Katniss is terrified of her, and growls and hisses and bites my ankles every time she sees her. The upcoming weeks should be interesting.
LOL, yes, very interesting! 11 oz. How adorable. xoxo
Well she was up to 12 oz. yesterday, and is not afraid of Katniss one bit. And Katniss seems to be getting used to the idea. Still skittish, but has stopped the growling and hissing, but you can see she is still tense. The little one walks right up to her to sniff, and Katniss can stand it for a few seconds, and then runs away, so we may have a new family member. Now for a name. We’ve just been calling her the little one for now.
Sounds good!!
Pink roses, red strawberries, beautiful water-colors, white-and-black Jack,
flowers and figurines on your windowsill… don’t you love predictability, Susan? I sure do. And how fitting that one of the girlfriends would become your publicist! How cool is that? Love the secret notes… those will be neat to leave for those extra-conscientious waitresses like the one we had last week at Bob Evan’s.
This has to be a short note, because my garden isn’t planting itself, and rain is in the forecast for tomorrow. Potatoes, snap beans, carrots, beets, Swiss chard to plant, plus pepper, tomatoes and zucchini plants to get in the ground. I don’t mind work one bit when the rewards are so yummy. My best to you and Joe and the kids! Wish you were closer so I could unload all the extra zucchini I’ll have in a while! Ha!
🙂 Sara 🙂
Ha ha ha!
So many exciting things in this post! Congratulations! I tried to buy the little notes (they’re so sweet!) and you’re already sold out. Will you let us girlfriends know here on the blog when you get more in? Thank you!
Yes I will Elizabeth, we ordered more before we even put these up, so it shouldn’t be long now.
I love you dear Susan!You are always a constant reminder in this crazy world of all the blessings that God has given us. May the Lord bless you! Since you always remind me of this I want to remind you for a change, stop and take a big deep breath and count your blessings!
I count them everyday. Yesterday we were out on our walk, at the end, at the water . . . it was about 7 am and there was just one other man there ~ I didn’t know him, but I said to him, look at us, at the most beautiful place in the world, only us three ~ aren’t we LUCKY? xoxo
Hi Susan,
Happy Summer!!! I can’t wait to get my new calendar!!! Don’t you just love fresh strawberries? I’m having a tea party soon, and the menu will feature strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Kisses to Jack and Girl.
Happy tea party Sheryl!
I just love that Jack! He’s adorable in every way.
You’re doing beautiful things there Miss Susan! Woop!!!
xoxo Jody!