Well, it’s a miracle, I still remember how to do this! Including even MUSICA! I still got it!
I just wanted to say hello to you all, send a thousand kisses, and tell you how sorry I am for being away for so long. But most especially I wanted to thank everyone who’s been sending me positive messages via the blog and email.♥ You will never know how much they’ve meant to me. They’re like verbal backbone strengtheners! And I’ve needed every one of them! There’s an element of guilt you know, locking yourself away like I have. Your words tell me you forgive me.
Especially on the days when the blank page just stares back at me. If you wonder where I’ve been, I drew you a picture ⇑ . . . I’ve been doing this and this and this and this for all these weeks and months. And I am so close now. And when I get done, I will do my best to make up for lost time. I know you wonder why I don’t just put up a little something to say hello, but it’s the concentration thing that I really need to write a book, and almost everything breaks it.
Pay no attention to me . . . I have these little guys on my side now, one of them sits on my paintbrush just like in the picture below . . . and I’m almost done! I probably should have started writing books like these when I was 28 rather than 68 — I’d be so much better at it by now! ‘Course, then this would have been a much shorter book! (But that could be a good thing!) You do what you do when you do it I guess.
I think it’s turning out good ~ I just want to set it free and let it fly by itself and very soon, I’ll be able to do that. I just underestimated how much time it would take. But you know I couldn’t turn it in until I felt like I’d done my best on each 
page. You scrapbookers know what I mean! Also, I’m VERY boring these days, you would have been sick of me by now anyway because it’s all this, all the time. I’m a broken record living in Groundhog Day. Yes, you’ve heard this song before! 🙂 But soon, I will get interesting again. There will be food and gardens and home grown tomatoes and farmers market and walks and ocean pictures, maybe even a train ride and a Willard! Lots more Jack and much more Girl Kitty, and maybe even a little Joe.
One of the big excitements this week was when I remembered my baby book and thought how cute the pages would look as end papers for the book. That’s one of them up there. With my baby hair still on it! (What I ought to do is take that hair in and see if they can make a clone of me from my baby hair and have the clone finish The Fairy Tale Girl! Good idea!) Remembering those pages put me in a good mood for two full days! On one of them my mom writes about my birthday and says I received squirrel slippers for a gift! She is going to LOVE this book! BTW, she is healthy and happy and so is my dad! I spoke to him this morning and he says, Hello Girlfriends!
Pookie Boy! Even though this is short, and just a hello and big thank you, I know you would maybe never forgive me if I didn’t include a photo of my sidekick who is always right here beside me, just like you, through thick and thin ~ Jack will also be glad when I’m done working, he’s ready for MUCH more playing.
But he still loves me. And look at those paws. OMG I want to eat them.
I promise I’ll be back soon. Your generous words of encouragement, here and on Facebook and Twitter too ~ they’re what I’ve been leaning on to get through this. You keep me sane, and that is saying something ~ XOXO and see you soon! Back to work I go . . . I’m writing the words for the copyright page now! P.S. don’t get me wrong, this is a labor of love. I would do it no matter if anyone else wanted it or not. It’s been in me forever and has always wanted out. It’s actually more of an exorcism than a book writing adventure! xoxo
I’m so looking forward to your new book. Good to see you back in blogland. x
You were missed . Take your time and can’t wait for the end result. My daughter and I are headed up Arroyo Grande way next week. We miss you and your store come back.
Good morning Susan~~~ What a surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I check out your post each day to see if there is anything new. Loved the surprise this morning when I saw your new post. We are all waiting to see the book finished up and in our own hands. I know that you have poured your heart into the book! I, for one, am impatiently awaiting the post that says “I’m finished” 🙂 Not really…. I am patiently waiting. You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A fair sampling of positive girlfriend thoughts and feelings … Ought to give you a boost to
Climb that final hill and slide down the other side , to happy times and a normal life of not getting up at 3:00AM to start composing , drawing , painting and writing for the next 16 to 18 hours every day , every day ! I think each book will come with a discernible slightly pink halo , reflecting the effort , blood , sweat and tears that went into making it !
Congratulations on coming out alive …..and somewhat , normal.
Dad, between you and the Girlfriends, how could I not succeed! “Normal” is something else again. XOXO
I have always loved your work, but never knew you had a blog. I found your blog through a co-worker. She had cancer since 2012 and loved blogs like yours to bring the fun, sentiment and beauty to her everyday. I figured i would follow you now, to honor her and to add a positive to my life. She sadly passed away June 1st.
So sorry. Thank you for being here.
With such a neat day, no wonder you turned out so well.
As Patsy Clairmont once said (and wrote a book by the same title)…”normal is a setting on your dryer.” Can’t wait to see the finished product. It will be fabulous. Lots of encouragement for the “final lap.”
xo
Great to hear from YOU too!
what a wonderful world it would be if all Dads were like you Jack! xox 🙂
I second that emotion!
SO HAPPY to see you come out of your “vortex” for a spell!! I know the new book will be fabulous!!
Miss Marion
I’m so glad to see a new post from you, and hear you are finally getting close to being done with the book. I have missed your posts but knew you were hard at work finishing your book, which I can’t wait to get my hands on once it comes out. (I have one ordered from here.) Hope you’ve taken a little time to enjoy the summer, since it finally did arrive, but late summer and fall is a great time too so you’ve much still to look forward to. I’ve never written a book but can understand how important it is to stay focused on what you are writing, the story you are telling without distractions. We would expect no less from you but that you’d give this book your best, and we’ll have the privilege to get to read it when it’s done. Keep up the good work!
So nice to see your new blog-post—Gosh, please don’t feel bad about being gone, I for one am so looking forward to your new book! The last one was so special, – and I’m guessing this new book will be likewise.–As for me I have been enjoying going through the archives, I simply go to an old post of the same month and re-read, and since my memory of what I read 4 or 5 years ago is a little hazy, it all new again to me. (almost anyway) – Bye for now…
I have missed your timely blogs but always find a way to get my SB fix every day. Calendars, recipe books, past blogs (which are always wonderful to reread)
FB and past Willards. It is so exciting to know that you are coming to the end of this precious and personal project and then we get to enjoy the fruits of your labors. Susan Branch you are the best! Blessings to all, Joe, kitties, and you.
Dearest Susan – As always you inspire me. Good things take time and focus. Take all the time you need! We love you and can’t wait to see what you have been up to.
Sharan
Dear Susan,
It’s so good to hear from you. You have been missed! Reading your blog just brightened my day! Thank you so much. My, how Jack looks so grown up….I love his beautiful eyes. I too had a black and white precious kitty, but he passed away last year.
Thanks again for coming up for air. Looking forward to reading your new book.
xo
Oh yay! So glad you ‘came up for air’ and said hello. I’ve been a little worried.
I was just spreading the ‘Gospel of Susan’ to someone this week, and said –
“She usually posts more frequent messages than this…”??? !!!
Smiles and love and heaps of encouragement coming your way…
Glad to hear all is well! Thank you for working so hard for our benefit!
Well hello, sweet girl! We HAVE missed you but we know you’re working hard and we are sooooo very excited to get “our” book so carry on! Love the idea of your baby book pages for the book’s endpages! So adorable! Soon you can set the book free to fly to us and we will be waiting to catch it! Have a great week. ♡…. Karen P.
It is very sweet that you think you need to apologize to us for a gap in your “girlfriend” writing. Please don’t. We all get busy with projects, especially ones with deadlines such as yours. Susan, all the heart that you put in your books or anything else you do is worth the wait. Just enjoy the journey. We are not going anywhere. Thank you from my heart.
So happy you are well and happily working away at another treasure for all of us! Be good to you!
Susan,
You are an inspiration! Although I have missed your blog, and I was very excited to see it in my in-box today, I so love your books, it is worth the wait. I have pre-ordered my copy. I hung a copy of the receipt on my bulletin board, and when I find myself missing your blog I look at that receipt and remember what you are hard at work preparing for your girlfriends. I am abundantly grateful that you do the work that you do.
With gratitude,
Terry
Hello Susan! We girlfriends are not unhappy with you. We know how hard you are working and are so excited anticipating the finished product! Keep up the good work!
Happy to hear all well! Glad you are almost completed with your new book, looking forward to it!
Hi Susan,
Thanks for taking a break and thinking of us. I am happy you are almost finished and am impressed that you are so disciplined. BTW, Jack seems so grown up now. Not so much kitten in his looks but am sure its still in his spirit.
Enjoy your float to the surface.
Cecelia
We are all giddy with a few words and pictures from you! Glad you took a short breather- that helps sometimes. The hardest part of any project for me is finishing to the end, so I feel your pain! It will be glorious though when you are done, done, done!
The end is so hard. Part of you doesn’t want to be done so you sabotage yourself. It’s totally crazy!
Susan, I’m not sure but what we all have experienced that in one way or the other. It must be some part of human nature–this almost fear of finishing up something or obtaining or achieving a long-awaited goal and then finding a seemingly contrary sabotage of oneself at the final stages. We’ll all heave a sigh of relief with you when it is done! 🙂
It happens to me every time. I just have to step over it like a giant mud puddle, but you’re right, it’s very strange!
How wonderful to “hear” from you – I was worried but did not want to intrude on your privacy. The book sounds so wonderful and I am positive now that it is a labor of love. Did you really mean that you are 68 and writing this book? We all should take inspiration from you and write down about our lives, so others will know. I definitely am not doing a book however. Thank you for all you give to us. Judy C
So very, very glad to hear from you. Like all your friends, I was getting very worried about you–health, accident, any of many things that can happen. I am not on Facebook but kept checking thru Google and finally saw last week that you were ok, just very hard at work.
You are absolutely doing the right thing in taking the time to make the new book just as wonderful as we know it will be. But please do forgive a small suggestion–next time, please do post “All ok–just working hard.” No photos, no drawings, no replies, just those words.
Stick to it, Susan. Don’t let yourself be hurried or you will always regret it. Again, so happy you are well.
Virginia
It’s probably a good idea, but I feel so guilty to just go say hello and goodbye without at least one photo, so I run away and hide my face in shame instead!
Your kitty buddy. I volunteer with a rescue and want to take most home still. But with time, they get adopted. Black and whites….tuxedos..you have a SWEET one! What a grand buddy to have by your side. You truly are a special artist!
Was so very happy to read your blog and glad all is well on the Eastern front! Book still set for August 30th? That’s my Birthday…what a present that would be. We will be thrilled whenever it arrives then take a long break, you deserve it. Love all that you do…..
That’s why I’m racing to finish . . . I hope it will be ready for your birthday!!!
Dear Susan,
Oh, thank you for your post, what a lovely end to a sunday, and a cute smiling Pookie boy/Jack as well, you have made me very happy!
Knowing your love of lambs, I need to share the following with you….
I just watched a funny thing on BBC TV. (even though I’m in Holland)…They showed a huge county show, in Kent. Maybe you know what I mean? It’s where they have all sorts of things on show, like fruit from the area, delicious home made foods, like jams and cakes, there are all sorts of old proffesions, like basket makers, weavers etc, and all kinds of farm animals. Well, besides being judged on their looks, this time there was something different!
Being Brits, they thought of something new, they had a ” Lamb National”, a funny version of the Grand National, which is horse racing.
So, 5 lovely lambs, dressed in different colored ” shirts”, complete with tiny knitted “rider” on their backs, ran a round, jumping over several hurdles!! Such fun to watch…Only in Britain:)
Another thing I’d like you know know, a few days ago I tried your Zucchini Loaf…Didn’t have walnuts, so used almonds and sunflower seeds, and oh my, my boys and I enjoyed it VERY MUCH! Great recipe, just like your carrot cake hmmmm
Sorry this is such a long message…
with love from Holland
Nicoline
SO adorable! They just reek of charm — we’re so lucky to get to watch the show they put on for the world! We are good appreciators! xoxo Nicoline!
So happy you sent a post today,we have missed you. Love to you and your tribe.
Ooooo, so nice to hear from you!! I have been checking almost daily for a new post. I knew you were busy on your book, but it’s just nice to get a confirmation that you are alive and well and living in “book world”. Keep having fun! Don’t worry about us, we’ll be right here when you’re all ready to come back to us!!
Oh, and thanks for Jack!!!!! You know us so well! lol
We’re happy to have you back and know that you were just too busy, but everything else is fine … and also that I wasn’t imagining that I saw a Zucchini Bread recipe show up on your blog one day !! I don’t know how that happened and haven’t seen it since …but glad to know I’m not ready for the ‘home’ yet !! Also, I’m reminded to order a couple of your books !
O, Susan, I thought of you just the other day and wondered what had happened. I so miss your lovely and uplifting posts. While I understand having to Really concentrate on a project just know you have been missed and I look forward to reading about what you have been doing. Thanks, too, for the pics of Jack. My own dear Jack, a black and grey tabby, died a few weeks ago; just a couple of months after Peaches passed. Having two go so close together makes the house is so empty and I was touched by your comment about your Jack’s paws. I used to tell them that their paws too wonderful for words. They would sit here on my computer desk, sprawling on the keyboard tray or sitting smack dab in front of the monitor or sleeping next to me. Anywhere to be close. Soak up every ounce of it, Susan. What I would do to cuddle them and hear their purrs just one more time.
Thanks for bringing such joy and beauty, Susan. This seems like a day for some mint tea, iced. Wish you and Joe (and the kits) were here. 🙂 I would share.
Oh joy, to see your blog today. And, reading the comments, I am not alone in enjoying what you’ve written. Jack is so beautiful. Thank you for including him.
Keep writing, we love you. Barb
Write on, dear Susan, write on!
So glad you are nearing the end of the trail. Then the sense of accomplishment will soothe the rigors of the the long trek. Anxious to share in your accomplishments as are so many others! Just had to take a moment to share with you my “find of the year”….a 1986 Peter Rabbit Cookery Book, complete with Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations! Adorable…it’s like getting a Christmas present. I love the recipes and the sweet illustrations. A small book of 48 pages, but so, so cute. Hope you have this one, it is a treasure, as are YOU! Love and blessings for you, Joe and kitty kids.
Susan, thanks for the blog! It was much needed to know you’re okay and getting that book out of you – whew! I thought that Jack looks like his fingers are laced in the 2nd picture. It made me want to eat them up as well! Take care and be good to Susan. She’s a nice girl and deserves the best.
So good to hear you’re well and focused on your book, which we are all looking forward to getting into our hands and devouring. Best wishes for serendipitous inspiration (squirrel slippers!) and for memories that flow freely from heart to page.
Your work inspires a host of other artists so we’re all glad that you’re working on another book. My husband once asked me if I ever look at my hero’s work and wonder why I paint. My response was: “My heros won’t paint my dad, grandsons, cats, etc. as magically as I who love them will! 🙂
Keep at it: can’t wait to see the result!
Barb Bromley
I have to say, this is why there is room for everyone — our art is as different as we are. xoxo
I am SOOOOO glad to hear from you!!! I have missed your bright and shining face (virtual, that is,) and all your cheery happiness. You have made my day…no, week! Hugs and kisses!
So wonderful to read your blog!! And wonderful that you took time out from your book to write you blog. Thank you!!!! Can’t wait for your book, but know it will be well worth the wait. xoxo
So happy to see a blog post today and super excited about our trip to MV in September. I snuck in a little nose rub on Jack…hope you don’t mind.-:)
do what needs to be done, the rest will be fine…
Susan, I was so happy to see your post in my inbox today! I’m glad everything is coming together. Love the paintings you included, love your joy for life, love Jack! I can’t wait to get my copy of your book!
And Hello back to Blog Daddy!
And right back atchoo SusanA , be good to yourself and have a nice day — BD!
Hi Susan
So so glad to see your back, even if its just for a quick Hello. I have missed you and your wonderful blog posts. I just can’t wait to read your new book once its done*** Enjoy the day today and hopefully see you soon back on here
deezie
I will NEVER complain about the missing gaps on your blog whilst (is that Englishy?) you work on your book.. The sooner its finished the quicker we get it so git thee to thy table!!! Wha-SHOOP!☺️ (That’s the whip cracking). I’m witcha….!!!
🙂 Need the whipage too!
I am certain there has been a huge collective sigh of relief,
from all of the Girlfriends. We knew you were immersed in
creativity, but it is a relief to know all is well.
We shall be cheering you on quietly, so as to not disturb. Just
know you are loved and missed.
Oh I really think you should carry through with the idea of having your baby hair cloned!!! ha ha..I got a kick out that line.. Oh my, can you imagine what we could tell our new cloned self so they wouldn’t make the same mistakes! But then life wouldn’t be as adventurous if we took that away from them.
What a wonderful book we will all want to read when you are all finished with it Susan! Such a cute idea using your baby book pages for the end pages. Hope you are getting time outside in the sunshine some while writing your book. It was good to hear from you today.
♥Lee Ann
Yippee! “The best is yet to be!” You stick with it Susan. We are so glad to be of some encouragement to your creativity and perseverance and thrilled that this book just had to come out of you. Cannot wait to read it. And, yes, I could just eat Jack’s paws. Don’t ever set that brush and pen down for very long. All your girlfriends (and boyfriends) would be so sad.
So good to hear from you, Sue, and that you are very close to the “prize”! I am also 68 and I don’t know how you are able to do so much. Keep up the great work!
XO
Jackie
Susan,
I have missed your posts, but I’m so happy to know that you are well. The mixed joy and agony of a writer, especially wanting each page to be perfect! I took time to go to your blog archives and read past posts – three years worth of Octobers, Novembers, Decembers and Mays. You unselfishly share so much of your life with us and I am forever grateful for the words and photos that give us a glorious glimpse of your world. I always leave your blog with hope in my heart for a new day and ideas for my home and garden. Thank you – thank you – thank you!
Thank you Susan for letting us know you are still writing and almost done. You have been sorely missed, but I certainly understand the need to focus. Hope you will soon have the book just the way you want it and be able to do some fun things with the kitties and Joe. 😉
A day with a pic of Jack is a good day! Girl Kitty too! *L* Now back to the grindstone with you!!! Just kidding. Have a great day.
I better say good night and hurry to make sure you’re all posted before I go to bed . . . so I’m going to do my BEST not to comment . . . Thank you Cyndi — and all of you wonderful people!
Sooooo happy to see a new blog. I have missed all of you. So happy too, that you are moving along with the book. Blessings as you ad the final touches. Cold rainy week in Maine. This was just the pick-me-up I needed!
Cold and rainy up there eh? We are in cicada world right now, very balmy outside, and lots of noise!
Oh, Susan, how good to hear from you! I’ve been thinking about you, working on your book, and hoping you have been able to enjoy some delightful walks, and lovely sea air. Thanks for checking in and giving us a breath of Susan!
Happy to do it!
THRILLED you are baaaaaack!…even if just checking in.
Sacrifices for the better good! Keep moving on, Girl!!!!
And I have to say, Jack does look a little “perturbed” in those sweet photos…
…as in, “What the hay is going on…and why is life a bit disturbed!” Haha!
And One Question…. for whenever you have time to answer,
How does your recollection of your earliest years and family memories as you now record them jive with your younger siblings???
We also had six kids in our family…and we have lots of disparity in our specific recollections of growing up in the 60’s…EXCEPT for the unquestionable sense of LOVE and Warmth we felt in our home. (even with the sibling rivalry!)
BTW, YOU are worth all the effort, time, and emotion to do this for yourself!!
Thank you Beth. You are so right about my siblings . . . especially my sisters — it was first me, then the four boys, then the three girls. So my sister Shelly is 14½ years younger than me; and just for starters, from the time I was born, a new child came into our lives every two years for almost the whole time I lived at home. Shelly grew up in a world with disappearing siblings, everyone leaving. SO different! We lived in different houses and went to different schools. She had four older brothers, I have four younger brothers. It goes on forever.
Very interesting subject! Later when you’re sitting around doing nothing, ha ha, would be fun for a short jump into.
Waiting for this wonderful new book is very special. Waiting can be exciting and fun, too. It’s like waiting for the birthday of a new very special delight. Mine is pre-ordered! Anticipation can be lovely, sometimes we need to experience patience! Thank you for your wonderful work!
Thank you back Marion!
I’ve missed you! I have been reading your previous blog posts to get me through until you return! Love you! Nancy
Happy to hear that! I always hope there’s enough on the blog to keep everyone busy when I have to be away!
I was so thrilled to find your blog post in my email inbox just now! My thoughts have been with you, and I can’t wait to see the product of all your hard work! Miss you, but certainly understand where you’ve been. Hope you’re having a fabulous Sunday!
I got the spine painted and lots more, so it’s been a red letter day, art wise!
I just read your post and got a little teary. Obviously I don’t know you, have never met you, have never talked to you…but I think I’m like all of the Girlfriends who FEEL like we know you through your words which COULD NOT be written unless coming from your heart and soul…so, I feel something like real fondness for you, which I guess means I’m one of your loyal SUPER FANS!! I want to encourage you to keep plugging away at it because I think these two books will be perhaps your greatest work! Incredibly cathartic, I’m sure. Also satisfying; self-fulfilling; just such an amazing way to have tied it all together…the stuff from behind, the past, to now.
I don’t have kids and little ones in my life…and have found that, although I’m nobody famous or talented, I’m probably, at this age, the wannabe grandmother with my stories to tell and wisdom from age that I feel compelled to share…and, somehow, putting it down on paper satisfies something in me that needs to be heard…maybe that I existed, I was here, I learned.
Thank you so much for the little post and of course there are so many more to look forward to from you when you have more time. I have often thought of writing a book…I feel like I have several in my head…but, yes, concentration is harder in the 60s (and the days fly with always so much to fill them up). I find I fight a certain amount of fatigue in the day now and need a small rest in the afternoon, if I can wrangle it from the ‘schedule’ even if it’s only the weekend.
And I’ve also realized over time that I personally have had to have a lot of adventures and life experiences (good and bad, heart-felt and heart-ache) before I could even attempt to write about ANYthing when, in my 20s, I was such a baby and not yet ‘formed’ as a total person to write with any kind of credibility. Youth is one thing. Maturity is quite another!
You just don’t know that I feel the same about all of you. Like I know you and I always have. I have to tell you, I’ve made lots of wonderful discoveries when writing these books . . . things I thought were true, I changed my mind about. Writing it down makes you look closer. Quite interesting! It’s what I love about getting older . . . such a better view from way up here!
Hi, Vicki!
Documenting our stories is so important. Although I don’t have children or littles to share with, I also want to preserve and share the small moments of my life, the stories of my home and garden, and the special people who have touched my life. So, just last year, I began writing a little blog of my own. I hope you will think about sharing your stories on a blog one day. It has been a truly rewarding and humbling experience meeting kindred spirits and making new friends around the world! We would love to hear some of your stories! ♡Dawn
Thank you; how nice you are. I enjoyed your comment and Susan’s reply, too.
You have come up for an “airing” today! So glad to see you and so anxious for the completion of the FairyTale Girl that we are all dying to get our hands on! Wouldn’t a clone be just lovely once in a while!! God-Speed as you finish your illustrating. 🙂
Thank you Lynn, I need all the God-Speed I can get. xoxo
You go girl! Thank you for sending a quick note, considering how busy you are! Remember, we girlfriends are 100%, scratch that – 1000% behind you! I know your new book will be wonderful – can’t wait!
I feel it Linda, it’s the best. Thank you!
y’know
i love how you don’t forget us either;
thank you, truly–
x x x
luv u darling
luv u back . . . my girlfriends are just the best!
Hello and happy day! I have been checking here and there and was wondering where you have been? Thought I missed a possible bit of travel you might be doing.
So happy it has been all about your book……..glad there is light at the end of the tunnel. And Yes YOU HAVE BEEN MISSED!
Take care and drink that tea and orange juice! Hugs, Barb
I can’t believe I’ve been away so long! Almost surreal.
Delighted to see that you are well and busy. Thank you for the update. I am looking forward to the new book. I do hope you did manage to walk with Joe and enjoy a bit a sea air this summer. You have been blessed with a wonderful talent. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
I’ve always felt that the things I’ve experienced, or loved, others have and do, too . . . it’s that connection between us I really enjoy, it’s like a light. xoxo Thank you Suzanne.
“It’s actually more of an exorcism than a book writing adventure!” What a funny bunny you are! Glad you’re getting her all out!
Kind of a happy exorcism!
Hope you are having some other fun too, this summer. Especially since my summer is awesome here on the farm, with the perfect ratio of sun and rain, travel and homieness! God bless you! And Joe, and kitties!
I haven’t been out much — but the only thing I haven’t give up is our morning walk, so I hear the seagulls every day and smell the sea and so I feel very blessed.
Can’t wait for the new book! You are doing what you do best…making your girlfriends happy with your creative endeavors 🙂
That’s why I’m here! I try!
I thought I heard someone come up for air! Good things are worth waiting for: babies, brownies in the oven, Christmas, sunshine… and a new Susan Branch book! Can’t wait!
It’s true, it’s like birth, and all good things!
So great to hear from you Susan! I also was wondering… started worrying… what could have happened to Susan? I finally got on the blog and went down to the last comment post, and saw that you had surfaced briefly to let us know that you were OK, just buried in the book and that you would be back soon! Whew! You have been missed by all of us, and I know I speak for all the girlfriends when I say that we look forward to a nice long blog with all the goings on in your world! Be well, and take good care of yourself, Joe, and the kitties!
So very little has been going on, that’s another reason I’ve been away, it really is the same every day as I put one foot in front of the other. I plan to get much more interesting very soon! 🙂
You are locking yourself away working on beautiful things for us to get lost in and enjoy. No apology necessary. We love you and we look forward to all the joy you create. We look forward to hearing about your life story and what made this wonderful woman, who blesses us, who she is today. Hugs!
Thank you dear Heather!
Don’t ever be concerned with being away. Hearts can still be connected in special ways. Inspiration and dedication go hand in hand.
Nothing works without it!
What a pleasant surprise to see your blogpost today! I know you’ve been hard at work on your book and we’ll all reap the benefits of both books when they are published! Hope you’ve been able to enjoy little snippets of summer here and there inbetween painting and writing. And I’m sure Jack has let you know when you’ve ignored him for too long! (and maybe Joe, too?!) so glad to hear all is well with your folks! Take care! Hugs!
I think the second book will go easier, now I’m experienced!
So nice to hear from you! We will so enjoy your finished product all is forgiven. I keep checking back and have been enjoying the other links on your site and rereading them!!
Best to you and the kitties!
Thank you Christine!
It has been so nice hearing from you again. Your writing adventure will soon become our reading adventure. So glad all is well and I appreciate your attention to all of the details you have given to this project. Take care, can’t wait for the book.
I painted the words for the spine today . . . so close!
Love the Harry James song- I first heard it in the movie Hannah And Her Sisters and fell in love with it – great reference
I’ve been singing it all day today!
Hello Susan ! So kind of you to let us know you are doing well…and working hard. Can’t imagine the kind of concentration and love that you are putting into this project. Thanks for keeping us up to date, sharing the process, and sharing your baby book. Don’t you just love seeing stuff like that ? I have that little plastic bracelet thing they put on your wrist when you are born…it’s in my “memory box”. It is so tiny….amazing thing, this life. You are living it to the max….thanks for sharing it with us !
Thank you Ann!
Dearest Susan,
I just checked Friday and no posts, then today I was looking at your shopping website and I did a double take ’cause I scrolled past it and immediately went back! You take all the time you need for Fairytale Girl, because it will all be worth it in the end and I always say, “all good things come to those who wait” and it is true!! We will have this wonderful book in our hands in due time and hopefully you will do another book signing tour and we will meet again! It is a relief to know that you are in the home stretch and will soon be able to do a happy dance across that lovely lawn of yours, stretching your arms to the sun and sky and twirling around like a top, stopping to smell the flowers in your garden and saying I’m back world…I can just picture you!
Keep on truckin’ baby!!
Hugs, Candice xo
You will probably hear the hollering from there!
Fairy tales do come true…….glad you believe in them! With a last name of “Fey” my life has been a fairy life in so many ways. My prince makes all my dreams come true. Celebrated our 50th last month. Looking forward to your book! Just to let you know…..you have brought out the creative side of me at 71 years of age. Thank you, Bobbie
That is so nice to hear! Happy Anniversary Bobbie!
Oh Susan, I was so worried about you! I checked your blog frequently but no new entry:( I figured you were working on the book. And Thank You. I can hardly wait!! I imagine it’s not easy. You have been dearly missed. I hope you will still get to enjoy some summer. I am soooo excited that we leave for the Vineyard in 40 days! Sending you warm, sunny thoughts:)
Stephanie
So glad you’re back! Commented on the first long absence but not this one – just worried that it was something worse than overwork!
I started rereading “Girlfriends” yesterday & today, here you all are!!!! Who knew? Powerful vibes going across this world! Btw, made your “White Bean Salad” yesterday & it’s still a hit & 99 3/4 yr old mother loves it too!!! Thank you!! OK, enough chitchat my dear – love this blog & the music & sending love and good vibes to you to help you get “Fairy Tale Girl” to the printer…yay, can hardly wait! xoxoxo
Love to you Joan!
Plain and simple…..I missed you! So glad all is well and you will be back with us regularly soon!
An exorcism . . . I completely understand! I also completely understand the blank page stares. I have never compiled a book before, so this really resonates. Like other friends, I realized from Peg’s Facebook posts that you were in lockdown and I didn’t want to distract you, but I am so looking forward . . . not only to The Fairy Tale Girl, but also to your freedom . . . to play with Jack, take your walks to the ocean and do all those things that you enjoy on your Isle of Dreams. I am in the Groundhog Days too and Daisy is here with me . . . patiently by my side everyday . . . when I get up from writing or researching . . . she gets up too and when I sit down . . . she just somehow knows that I will be there for awhile and she settles in. It is too hot to do much outside these days anyway.
OMG, happy days are here again. Went to your blog today thinking to read some of your older posts just to get my Susan Fix, and you were there! I know you have been gone do to your hard working self and please do not apologize, I for one, (and I know a galzillion others) will wait forever, knowing a treasure from you is coming! Your book is going to be my special Christmas present to myself. Cannot wait. Loved your drawings so far (the peeks), and loved to see that little guy Jack again. He, and Girl are so missed too. So glad to hear your Mom and Blog Daddy are well. Please tell them hello back! Well I must not take up any more of your precious time reading this, just know how much I have missed you and sending much xoxoxoxoxoxo to you.
XOXOX
Oh Susan, I’m so glad you wrote a little something. I had to ask one of my friends to go on facebook to see if there was an update on why you weren’t blogging and of course she reported back that you were knee deep in writing and painting. Thank goodness because I was getting very worried!!
Thank you for updating us. Can’t wait for the book and of course can’t wait until you’re back to blogging.
Jill
Just think how wonderful you and everyone else will feel when the first book gets mailed out! We are all so very excited! Missed you!
Patti
You go girl!!!! We are always here for you! You’re almost to the finish line and I know I am so excited for you. Have really missed you though.. East Longmeadow, Ma
Hi Susan,
I had stopped checking your blog because I was always so disappointed when there was nothing there. You have never been away this long (1 month and 20 days. Yes, I was counting). But I do understand. You were on a mission and like all the other girlfriends, I can’t wait for the finished product. Glad to see Jack and hear that your dad and mom and are well. I did write a comment in your June 5 blog but it was awaiting moderation for so long, I gave up. I don’t do Facebook. Glad you have kept us up to date and that the end is in sight.
Well Hello Little You………We surely do miss you “Fairy Tale Girl” But glad to hear from you, I/we know how busy you are, I hope its fun for you too, from reading your blogs and seeing your beautiful art I bet you are having an exhausting kinda fun. You make me wish I had kept journals, it seems like it must be kind of like looking at old photos, in that it probably stirs up some sweet memories. So you know how wonderful it is logging on and seeing one of your posts and how you are missed, I am reading “A Fine Romance” for the 4th time! It is just as wonderful as the first reads, but I am savoring it and going slower this time. I can’t wait till I can get your new books! Its like waiting for Christmas……..anticipation. Thank you for your art, your blog, your books, and the way you make me feel better and happy. You are a wonderful person, truly. xoxo
XOXXO You guys are so good to me.
Oh Susan, it is so glorious to see you on your blog! And to think you’re almost finished. Oh my gosh it has to be so exciting to know your life will soon be ready for the world to enjoy!! But I know you will enjoy it the most! I’m so happy to hear your Mom and Dad are okay. I thought about her today, then to see what a good Mommy she was with your baby record! And to have a lock of your hair…sweet… We worry about you but are always there for you, especially in thoughts and prayers…smile! Blessings…..
I was getting concerned because it had been so long that we heard from you, but deep down I figured you were busy working on your book. Finally, it dawned on me, to take a look at comments from your last blog entry, and sure enough everyone was inquiring and you have been just been working hard and staying focused. You certainly don’t need to apologize for staying away (but do know that you are loved and appreciated:) – your awesome blog is not something you are required to do…we just happen to be lucky girlfriends that you are so devoted to us. Just a reminder that all your work (and your blog) brings me so much joy and inspiration. When I go out for my walks, I often think of you and Joe on your woods walk down to the ocean:) and how wonderful that must be. Can’t wait for your new book and it was so good to hear from you again! Hope you are at least enjoying a little fresh air and sunshine when you can:)
Thank you for the update and for including a report on your parents and a kitty photo (we worry about these things when it gets so quiet). We are all so relieved and happy that you all are well. I understand how you can get so immersed in a project that it’s the first thing you think about when you open your eyes in the morning (3am – really?) and keeps you awake at night. You wouldn’t want it to be any other way. It’s a sign of how much of yourself you’ve put into it and it’s going to be fabulous!
The reason we love your books and calendars so much is exactly the reason why it takes a little more time. So no more guilt!
❤️ you, Susan. xoxo
Suspected you might be busily creating away but good to have the confirmation and to know all is well. Jack photos always appreciated as well!!
Please stock those little flying guys in your store, because I want to order one so I can paint like you.
And don’t spend your time on blogs. I’ve already ordered my book and I want it, so hurry up. I know it’s going to be wonderful, and I can’t wait!
Forgot to share my remedy.
When I start missing you, I just go back and look at your old blogs. They’re timeless, you know. People will be reading and enjoying them for years to come – just like the Gladys Taber books.
Love hearing from you, Susan. Take the time you need to write and finish. We love you and are waiting patiently for your new book.
Looking forward to your new book! You have such a personal, cozy way with words and paintings! Yeah!
Ha! Love it that so many of us check in on you! Happy writing and take some play breaks also! Thanks for the up date!
Oh! Oh! Such a pretty blog today. We are so very glad to know all is well in your corner of the world. My best friend and I have been so earnestly praying that you, Joe, and your parents are all doing well…….it was so very kind of you to let us know that your parents are doing well, too. Thank you for that. I wish you peace and happiness working on your masterpiece. I know you are going to be so proud to see it in print! What you’ve shown us is pretty and promises to be very entertaining!
Take good care, dear Susan. The girlfriends out here love you dearly and we are rooting for you all the way!
Oh my goodness. I keep checking back, we are cheerleaders.. Just want you to write write write. So selfish, but I cannot wait for you to give birth to this beautiful baby girl. Big cheers for Joe, too.
Oh, thanks for dropping by, SB! I’ve missed your visits, but knew you were working day and night to give us another wonderful and special book. I am in Grammy land right now as my daughter and the two grands are visiting from AZ. They are magical little creatures who fill me with complete joy. Life is good. Your little Jack looks suddenly more mature and grown up!
What kind of wierdo wants to eat cat paws??? Me, you and my sis, the rest of my dear friends just do not get eating cat paws. What is it about them that demands kissing and nibbling??? Have you ever, ever seen a cat pose that was not adorable??? Lord, how I pity people who cannot be filled with delight at the sight of a cat, then add the purring……………….ahhh. The mostly silent but ever present companionship they bring. I just found out on NG I suppose, don’t recall that the adorable twisty roll they do when they see us is called a “social roll” isn’t that just perfect?? Cinnamon rolls, yeast rolls and social rolls………………..life is good!!!
I’m just so happy to you are happy and alive and doing well – as is the whole family! I will be moving back to the Cape soon and will make it a point to see you at every signing I can and I will adopting a sweet little dog of some sort – life is rather empty without one – I’m the woman whose now-late mother went to your signings and told you that we looked so much alike – and we do! Can’t wait to meet you after all these years and all these books!