HAPPY MONDAY GIRLFRIENDS! MUSICA
Those are words from my new book, THE FAIRY TALE GIRL ~ I’m designing bookmarks for it now, I think I’ll put this on one of them . . . I am so excited . . . the book is at the printer ~ it won’t be long now! I just received the color proofs . . . and thought you would like to see.
The printer sent these sample pages so I can check the color and the cut-lines and make sure everything is being printed inside the borders. They looked pretty good to me! They wouldn’t let me keep them, wah, I had to okay them and send them back! Thank goodness for cameras or I might not believe it happened.
I had to paint fairies for the new book, here is one of them, I love her. We have these tiny blue butterflies here on the Island that come for only a couple of weeks in the spring and float down the dirt road with us in the mornings, two or three at a time. Like magic. So I modeled my fairies after them, except of course for the hands and feet! ANYWAY, I just wanted to say . . .
I’m still trying to catch up and get life back to normal. I just finished designing the covers for the 2017 calendars. The manufacturer always needs those first, for their catalog. I have to say, painting “2017” was shocking. I had to go check, I couldn’t believe I had the right date, but 
I did! So they are done, and right now, I am deep in the throes of writing a new WILLARD ~ I figured it was about time! You have all been so patient. I checked with the Twitter girls last night and everyone said they wanted a long one, so prepare yourself. You might have to take the day off. After that, believe it or not, I will have nothing on my plate. N O T H I N G, I can empty my trash and it will stay empty! How do you like the sound of that? I’m pretty excited. I even got the title for the cover of book two of this Fairy Tale painted:
That book is all written too, I’m way ahead of myself ~ I can work to finish it with art and photos more slowly and over time. Right now, it’s time-out for fruits-of-labor enjoying! Already there’s more time for appreciating the little things that make life sweet, taking the camera out on our walk, having naps with old movies, eating lobsters, taking Jack out to the garden so he can munch the grass and I can admire things like this:
The island is frothing over with hydrangeas these days . . . this one is growing under our bird feeders.
We went out to dinner the other night and watched the sun set over the harbor . . . such a gorgeous evening. Now you know why I call it Isle of Dreams.
Hard to believe you can sit right there and have all that just for the price of a glass of wine and a plate of deep fried oysters. Wow. Right?
We went out for a walk after dinner last night, just as it was getting dark . . . middle of August and quiet, summer nights in our neighborhood, crickets cricketing. You should hear what I hear right now, at 6 a.m. . . . . Not a sound from my studio window but birds singing, cool air flowing in and just the barest light in the blue sky beginning to show outside. My favorite time of day.♥
That’s what I’m doing! There’s one of my blessings drinking out of the sink!↓ ♥
It takes me about four days to write and design a WILLARD, then I send it to Kellee so she can work her magic on it, which means we 
plan to have it all ready to go by August 18th. Once we push the “send button” it takes about three days for the whole thing to go, it has to be sent in batches (so we don’t destroy the Internets), so if you know anyone who would like to have a WILLARD, they’re free of course, and all you have to do is sign them up and boom, it will show up in their email box (if you don’t see yours, always check your spam folder because some computers might (rudely) block it). And FYI, there will be a mighty fine Giveaway involved in this WILLARD ~ and all kinds of other surprises too. I’ve warned Vanna she might actually have to work when it comes out so she should plan for it! I’m a real tyrant with that girl.
Blog Daddy had so much fun with all your comments and best wishes for his birthday. Thank you for letting him feel how special he is. ♥ You are a power for good. You can take pride in having totally MADE someone’s day. ‘Course you do that for me all the time! So, there you go. Spreading sunshine.♥ Love you ~ have a wonderful day! XOXO
Your wonderful new book, the calendar, the Autumn book, even your scribble-dabble sheet all have fairy dust on them. Thanks for your blog and happy late summer to you!
I really enjoy your blog posts. I feel like I’m right there with you!
Willard feeds my soul!!thank you
XO. Nancy
Cant wait for the new book! Welcome back!
I LOVE your giveaways. So exciting, in a fairly mundane life. Thank you so much!!!
I imagine you almost feel like a new person getting back to your “normal” life. I’m happy for you that you finished your book and accomplished your goal, and happy for me that I’ll get to read it very soon. So glad you and Joe are planning a special trip. What a great way to celebrate! You both deserve it.
I love everything that you write about. Its very calming to read at the end of a workday.
This was amazing. I wish I had just a drop of your talent – please don’t ever stop writing. Can’t wait to see the newest book. Enjoy the rest of summer – I’m looking forward to fall (my favorite!)
I so enjoy reading your email and seeing your beautiful artwork! Thank you!
Love this catching-up. Always so nice to visit the island with you.
What a wonderfully nice long blog! We’ve missed you!
I love reading your blog and books!!!
Willards! I feel young again. This is wonderful. It is magical and we all need wonder and magic. You also make me want to take out the old paint box and gather the brushes and that is a lovely feeling indeed.
Looking forward to the new book and I am sure it will be also an adventure in itself.
Thank you, Susan.
Joy, Linda
Delightfully delicious for mind and spirit!
So happy you are back to blogging for us and taking lots of kitty pictures. Miss Jack and Girl Kitty and what they are busy doing. Can’t wait for the book to come. Enjoy getting back to doing all the wonderful summer things now that you have the blessed time to do so.
I feel as if I’m reading and seeing stuff I’d say or do or paint or photograph when I read Willard. Love!!
Glad to have you back Susan. I’ve missed hearing about life on the vineyard. Hope the remainder of your summer is sweet.
Love, love, love your work. Whenever I see any of your artwork I smile. Thank you.
Looking forward to your new book. I especially admire your tenacity while writing it . You must be so happy to be able to relax a bit tho. So enjoy your blogs and happy to have them to read while enjoying tea and crumpets! Sharon
Hi Susan…
So delighted to open my email and find a Willard! So much fun to read all your news! Your new books look beautiful, I cannot wait to read them and see your charming drawings! I have been so busy at work, summer is just sailing by! You are right though…sweet fall and all it’s warm colors, delicious food and sweater coziness is right around the corner! Oh and I too enjoyed Poldark! Thank you for sharing your wonderful life with all of us!
I just spent my evening tour of my e mails with you, Susan, and loved it all. I cannot wait to read your new book. Love all your comments and how you view the world around you. Thank you. Hope to win one of your delightful prizes! You gotta have hope, you know.
Fondly, Ruth
Ok…I don’t know what happened. I left a comment early this afternoon and it said it was being reviewed (or whatever). And I almost went to sleep and I had a lightbulb moment…”check the computer to see your comment with all the others”. I don’t see it, I must have messed up somewhere. Oh well, here I am to try again. I hope this doesn’t eliminate me from the drawing 😕
No matter, I still love all your books and contacts with us ‘girlfriends’. Thanks for being so gracious~and thanks to all your staff who keep all of this seeming like simple work! *Hugs* to all
Ok..I really am a dummy! Just found my FIRST comment, after giving it another look!
Thank you again, I know you hear that all the time. But some days it’s the kindnesses others extend without knowing, that keep a body going. Susan Branch, you are a treasure! *hugs* again.
Yay! Success!
Oh, Susan, I do love your kitties!
I loved “A Fine Romance” and can’t wait to read the next one. Your book made me want to go back to England and drive around the countryside like you and your husband did. I have a collection of Beatrice Potter figurines and the whole set of her books. Thanks for all your emails, I really enjoy them.
I love it that you gave your Beatrix Potter guys a bath! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
So happy to see the Willard in my morning email!! Yes, I do still have snail mailed ones too!! I love the cover of you new book “The Fairy Tale Girl”.
As always, I love everything!!
Chris
a delightful Willard! Thank you
Susan always enjoy reading your blog & your updates. They remind me of what is important in life. Plus they make me happy!!! Peace & happiness to you always!!!! Patricia
Thank you for all the years of wonderful books, stories and beautiful art…you are my all time favorite artist ! Can’t wait to read The Fairy Tale Girl…and glad you are enjoying the last of summer days on the Island..You’re so lucky to live there, Martha’s Vineyard is on my bucket list.
xo Kathy
I’m honored Kathy, more than you know. Thank you. xoxo
How delightful to take a step back in time through reading your blog!!! Your artwork is fun, colorful, light, carefree, and joyous — I just love, love, love reading your blog and discovering all the wonderful artwork that accompanies it!!!
Thank you very much, sending you back joy and happiness!!!
Our cat, Bella, would scoff down those beautiful roses and any other live flowers we’d bring into our home. Nice to see how well behaved your feline friends are!
We missed you, Susan, sign me up for the giveaway!!
Susan, can’t wait to read The Fairy Tale Girl! and so glad to be reading your blogs again!!!
Your blog makes me feel like I’m a neighbor. Thank you for such a great visit. The Willard was exciting to get. Best wishes for the book launch.
I have not seen your blog for a long while, summer was upon us, in force! Then Willard arrived, and I sighed and wished for a cup of tea and a soft cushion while reading about your new book! And then I tried to order it, and I even put in my credit card numbers, but i felt I had somehow done something wrong, as it seemed not to finish> sob! So, is there some way one of your helpers can see if I did actually order the new book ? I LOVE ‘A Fine Romance” and am ready to re-read it! Thanks so much for being YOU! Happy Belated birthday to Joe. Hugs, Suzette in smoky Oregon
I’ll ask Sheri to check on it Suzette!
Can’t wait to receive Willard. I’m amazed that your creativity continues to provide us with beautiful words and art!
Oh, sweetest dreams to me! I just finished reading your happy, sunshine filled, toes in the sand “Willard”. Thank you for being “you” and sharing with all of us “girlfriends” out here! Pleasant dreams!
Williard gives me such enjoyment! It’s a welcome treat for me! I love every bit of it! Thank you! Donna
Wish I could meet you when you come to England! We could go to the “Country Living fair” in London, if you came at the right time! You would LOVE it!
Read the Willard, we just might meet in England! Since I ADORE British Country Living, I can just imagine how wonderful their fair must be. What time of year is it?
Love your posts, pictures & art work.
Hi, Susan…I’m so happy for you, that your book is done! I can’t wait to get mine! You always make me feel so good, when I read anything you’ve written!
We’re off on an another train trip, soon, to Colorado, this time (thanks to you, getting us started, with your train trip adventures).
Enjoy your new free time and your vacation planning, and have a wonderful fall.
Love, Candy
Looking forward to receiving my Willard this week! MW, today’s blog goes well with my muggy morning coffee…..a real feast for my eyes! Thank you.
Enchanting!
Good Morning Susan! What a lovely treat Willard was this morning as I sipped my tea and watched the sun rise over the clouds. Fairytale for sure:)
I’ve not had time to check in! Been on a beach vacation but would just love to enter! Please Vanna, choose me!!!!!!
You must be thrilled! What a sense of accomplishment! I missed the posts while you were so busy, but then again it seems like a short time to get so much done. Please enter me.
Love your blog and your newsletter. Love everything about you!
Susan, your illistrations are so delightful. I love your blog and Willards.
Loved the new Willard and your fairy tale descriptions! So grateful for your gifts and willingness to share them!
I always feel like I have gone back home when I read your BLOG.
Have always loved your posts and your calendars.
Love Willard TOO! Always makes it a special day.
I love all of your handpainted books! I am excited to read about how it all began!
I just love your books, calendars — everything about your blog. You express how I feel. One more note….we visit the Vineyard for at least one week every summer to get us through the year!
I always feel energized after reading Willard. I thought that I had somehow missed receiving them and then read that it has been a long time since sending the Willard! Really enjoyed reading the book you wrote pertaining to your trip to England on the QE2. Looking forward to reading your new books!
Your illustrations are a delight….
I love your work so very much….and your giveaways!
Good morning, I woke up to Willard in my inbox. Got my cup of tea and so enjoyed Willards inspiration. Thank you for sharing your joy of life with all of us. You’ll never know the true wonderful rippling effect you have made as we share the love and dreams you’ve shared with us. Thank you for all your hard work.
Joanie
Summers been so busy for everyone! Would love to have Vanna pick me! pick me!
thanks for your post Susan. It’s good to have you back…
I just love your beautiful quotes….. so inspiring and uplifting. thank u!
Love everything about you, your artistic talents, your blog….Please pick me Vanna!
I enjoyed this so much, thank you!
Just love Willard thank you, thank you, thank you! Can’t wait for the new book so excited!
Thanks for the wonderful update, Susan. You live a charmed life!
Whimsical and so lovely!
I wish I may, I wish I might!
Thank goodness for your blog posts & Willard – how else would I be talked into a cup of tea, a deep breath, & some good clean fun, reading your kindred words. Thank you, Dear!
You feed my soul… I have been listening to the Charles Aznavour and reading Willard… wonderful morning!
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the Willard….I loved it! Your excitement shines through it and put a smile on my face. We just came home from Scotland and went to Sir Walter Scott’s home Abbotsford. I have been wanting to go every time we visit, but didn’t have time. It was worth the wait….scottsabbotsford.com/. Enjoy the rest of summer…looking forward to Autumn too!
Maureen
I can get all the “Free Stuff” to print except the Growing up bookmark. Is anyone else having a problem?
Loved the Willard, the fairy tale banner and ideas for tv watching ! Thanks, must get myself a book and hope to see you at a signing …thanks
I was wondering how you could leave the BEAUTIFUL island after summer is over.
LOVE you website.
It all seems magical to me.
Please enter me in your drawing for you new book.
Thanks,
Sheila
I’m not leaving! 🙂
I am glad you are back’ writing Willard again! I enjoy all of the observations and happiness pouring out! Thanks for sharing!
I love reading Willard!
I love to see the world through Jack and Girl Kitty. Such beauty in nature. Thank you for sharing!
I feel transported away every time I read your Willard. Please enter me in your drawing. Would love anything. Will be looking forward to seeing your books and future Willards.
Could not get thru a year without my Heart of Home Calendar! Have saved every one of them and I believe I have every book you have written. Thanks so much for sharing!
Suzanne Daniels
Happy Summer, Susan! I’m so glad you now have time to stop and photograph the roses, enjoy the corn-y bounties of the season, and plan another journey across the pond (!). Your give-aways are making our imaginations run wild with anticipation, thank you for knowing our hearts!
So excited for the new book! I will have a pot of tea ready when the book arrives! Thanks Susan!
Home recovering from some recent eye surgery and received your Willard! Loved it. Summer has been wonderful this year in Rhode Island and also our little Cottage in the Woods, “Imagine” up in Maine. Gardens are thriving. Met High School friends (one since first grade) at a darling nearby winery where Friday nights they have music where we pack a picnic and enjoy their wine. Happened to be a big Blue moon that night. Blueberry picking, 4th of July on Belgrade Lakes with a Boat Parade and fireworks over Long Pond. Visits to the Lily Farm where I promise my husband I will only buy a “few” but can’t resist the hundreds growing. Enjoying our new Pontoon Boat on the Lake in Maine and still thrilled to spot the Loons. Summer weekends with family and friends and enjoying my first grandchild, 18 month old Nora Catherine. Found her a Girl Scout Doll complete with her own little sash that we can add her little badges. So anxiously awaiting your new book. So happy you share your love of life with us.
Congratulations on your new book–I can’t wait to get it! Love everything you
share with us in your beautiful and charming style! Have all your books except
one, (a Fine Romance) but will get that maybe at same time as the new one!
Your deserve to relax for a while, but not too long, we need you in our lives!
Love, Roni Harley
Thanks for the great email Susan!!!
Thank you Susan for your magical writing!
Welcome back! Great to read (and hear and see and feel) your comments. Would love to be the recipient of a new calendar, but if I don’t win, I’ll buy one anyway! Sorry you have to be thinking about 2017 already — life is short enough without living so far ahead! Happy Summer Susan!
Love receiving Willard – but now I must go put in my order for calendars 🙂
Looking forward to the drawing! And looking forward to more blogs!
What a pick-me-up, Susan! I loved reading about all the goings on and I’m glad you’re out of hibernation! Enjoy yourself to the max!
Karen ~j~
Would love to win your “stuff” you have such talent and bring such joy:-)
been printing your bookmarks…love,love,love them!!!!
Such a wonderful! writer, enjoy everything you do.
oh my goodness…..I just read my Willard………..How did you know that I needed to read it today??? Must be some of that fairytale magic you possess! Embrace the rest of the summer days! Love you girl !!!
Hi Susan, happy for you to be free and enjoy what sounds like a wonderful life in Martha’s Vineyard! Looking forward to your new books! Love, love, love reading My Willard!
Hurray, I just ordered the new book! Put your other books out, seasonally, as part of my decor. Love,love, love.
WOW! What wonderful gifts! How lovely the island and your beautiful home look! And of course your precious Kitty Kats! Hoping to be a lucky winner and looking forward to hearing about your new trip plans and your new book! Going to order your calendars right now!!
P.S. The air is filled with smoke here in Idaho and we’re saying prayers for our fire fighters from all over the country. 🙁
Please add my prayers to the many xoxoxo
Best blog post ever!
Thank you so much for sharing so much of your heart and yourself with us. Truly a blessing to read your news and then discover all the lovelies in it and on your site. Shalom! Kathy Oster
I would love to win “Autumn” but any prize gift from you would be treasured!
I’m a Susan Branch wanta be!
Wonderful surprise to find your blog after this long absence.
Love the Montgomery quote you sent us. It came at an appropriate time for me.
Sure enjoy your talents. Thanks!
Susan, you are amazing. It’s as if you were planning this your whole life. Or is more you have made the most of your life. Thanks for sharing it with us!
That’s a good question. Not planned. But something. xoxo
LOVE reading WILLARD ! Looking forward to your new books.
Really enjoyed this and the Willard. So relaxing! Can’t wait to receive my copy
of “Fairy Tale Girl”!