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
Hoping I will win this wonderful package after reading this amazing post last night! Always enjoyable – like taking a vacation.
Looking forward to some good reading! And nice to know I am not the only one who still hangs onto old letters, books, links to the past………..
Just sat down and read your Willard. Just beautiful! Now I am ready to embrace all those happy, enthusiastic students that start their first day of school today! Thank you for putting me in the right frame of mind for September!
I’ve just received my very first Willard, and LOVE it — but, how did I not know about these before, and awful to think about, what have I been missing all these years??
I’ve been going on for years, you have a lot of palaver to catch up with. You are going to LOVE the Girlfriends you’ll meet here on the blog! Welcome to the neighborhood Ann!
I love ladybugs too.
I look forward to winning your new book 🙂
I enjoyed reading your blog just now >^..^< made extra special with kitty pictures!! My first Susan Branch purchase was a box of notecards perhaps 30 years ago. Since then I have rarely seen your notecards. Are they still being sold somewhere? Thanks Ellen
We have a few things in our web store . . . as for where things are sold in the real world, I never know.
Loved reading your Willard this morning. Now I’m going to pick bouquets and clean my house. Curtains are already in the wash so when I rehang them they can billow in the wind with the fresh smell of laundry soap. Thanks for a great start to my day.
Thank you! You words were just what I needed, along with a cup of tea. Feeling a little sad because my kids are headed back to college soon, but a little Susan Branch helped to chase the blues away. SO appreciated!!
Reading your Willard is always a treat, especially a long one like this, packed with so much fun information about you, your life, and your new products. Looking forward to it all!
Love your work Would be over the moon to receive a copy of your new book.xo
I DO feel Autumn in the air! Just a tiny nip in the midnight breezes that keep my two “boys”, Tuxedo (a duplicate of your Jack) and Midnight, (a cannonball of a feline) ventilated at night. Thank you for this lovely Willard. I would so love to see where you are through my own eyes, but for now, your descriptions feed my imagination!
Pam Aronson from Salem, Oregon
Susan,
I do so enjoy hearing about your writing adventures, and idyllic life in general. I too, feel very blessed to live in an old cottage on a hill, just a skip from the northwest Arm in beautiful Halifax, NS. If you are ever up this way, please drop in and share a cup of tea. I know you would fall in love with it too! All the best of health and joy to you, your man and your kitties!
I so enjoyed meeting you at your stop in Iowa during the book tour and hope that you will return.
I loved this recent “Willard”! It just transports me to a magical time, and I thank you for that. I plan to set aside another time to read the blog thoroughly with a nice cup of tea. I ordered the book. Can’t wait for that!! Thank you for the bookmarks!! May all your days be sunny with that little whisper of Fall!
Living through enchantment is my favorite way to conduct my day. Walking through an episode of “Willard” with you not only brings me back to one of my favorite vacation spots, Martha’s Vineyard, but to that little place in my heart called happiness. Thank you for making my morning a delight. Now it’s time for my bike ride down tree lined paths where a cool creek, it’s graceful bridges and soft green picnic spots await this Colorado girl’s summers bliss. God bless you! With a big hug, Mayre Lynn
I am currently in the process of reading A Fine Romance. I go slow so I can make it last!
Waiting patiently for my signed copy of your beautiful new book.
Loved your current Willard. Enjoy your new found freedom. Those walks to the beach must be utterly amazing.
We are dreaming of travelling to Marthas Vinyard or Nantucket this Fall.
So wonderful seeing all the magic around us through your eyes. It is like being in a fairy tale! Thank you!
A Fine Romance has been given as a gift to every friend heading to England! The most recent was just last month. I have just pre-ordered your new book and just can’t wait! Thanks for being in my life these past 25 years!
Thank you for having me. xoxo
I have missed you! I haven’t been visiting many blogs this summer. I missed the singing birdies! I just remarked yesterday about the fall smell coming in the air and the sounds of fall outside. I will miss the summer but am looking for more days with the windows open and the glorious smells outside.
It’s great to be back! pam
It’s hard to come up with new words to describe how happy and uplifting your posts, books, artwork, just everything you do, makes me feel. Such joy. Thank you. Being English, I’m in love with Beatrix Potter, tea, Fine Bone China, scones with clotted cream and jam, I could go on and on. Sharing your kitties is a great pleasure as my pretty black and white kitty named Sophie (short for Sophisticat) went to Kitty Heaven last Christmas having lived a full and happy 20 years. I haven’t yet found a new kitty friend. My six miniature goats walk with me every day through the woods, Should one of my little Mommy goats give birth to baby boy kid I’m thinking of naming him Willard. Much love and many congratulations for Fairytale Girl.
It’s amazing to me that all these comments are so different but we all seem to have so much in common! Thank you Elaine! I mean, miniature goats! Who could ask for anything more!
Loved all the fairy tale gifts and would love to win to have a fairy tale party for our seven grandaughters.
Looking forward to your next trip to England and Scotland.
I tried to get your Fine Romance before going on a trip to England, France, and Ireland a couple of years ago, but couldn’t get it until the trip was done….but just loved it when I finally got my copy. And what a trip. My husband (now) planned a surprise riverboat cruise for my birthday where he proposed over dinner and wine. I said yes…the violins played…the lights went down…and the Eiffel Tower lit up!!! No kidding….what a planner! There were also Pearls for Paris involved that chased us all over Europe and finally landed on my neck back home in Oregon…but it makes a very romantic story. I paint watercolor too and so appreciate your beautiful artwork. I am anticipating the arrival of your new books. They are a delight for the soul.
Thought I would probably order “The Fairy Tale Girl” because I enjoyed “A Fine Romance” so much. But finding out that it is being printed in the USA sealed the deal. Thank you for that!
It costs exactly twice as much to do that, but being able to write “made in America” on the inside of the book makes it all worth it! xoxo
I love receiving your email/Blog. It is like being outside on a breezy, refreshing day.
Aloha Susan, It’s always so nice to wake up to your morning messages.
Smiles from miles away! Hope you have a beautiful day!
Aloha
Susan
Reading you is like a fresh breeze on a stifling summer day; refreshing! I enjoyed A Fine Romance so much and am looking forward to your new offerings. From one Susan to another: You are as special as the season’s first firefly.
Hello Susan, I love this little quote from Ash Sweeney – Life is like a flower, you don’t realise how beautiful it really is until you take a closer look. Whenever I pick up one of your books or read your posts I am reminded of so many flowers that I love. It’s hard to choose a favourite as it is with all that you share with us. Although, as I am from England, anything to do with tea, scones, clotted cream and jam, Beatrix Potter, you get the idea, is favoured by me. Congratulations on Fairy Tale Girl, looking forward to reading it. Much love, Elaine
Soooooooooooo glad you are back!!!!! You are such an inspiration and make it so much fun!!!!
I am so glad you are back! I must say my summer was missing that touch of whimsy and inspiration I get from reading and viewing your blog.
Loved the Willard as usual!!! Really looking forward to The Fairy Tale Girl…glad you get some time to slow down and enjoy the end of the season on the island.
You make me want to paint again….thanks for being so entertaining as well as
inspiring. Have a good time during your “break” wherever that may take you. You are a delight!
Susan, can’t wait for your new signed book to arrive. Love love love all you create, you are an inspiration to everyone who reads your precious words. Thank you, Joe and the kitties.
Marilyn Young
I just had to pop back in to say ” I am enjoying the Turn!” I needed something new to watch on Netflix, I have just finished Dancing On The Edge a BBC production. The series is about Jazz music coming to England, it was very good.
I love it because basically, it all really happened. You can find the characters and events on wikipedia!
I just received my first WILLARD, and want to thank you for the “me-time”. I needed it! Blessings to you on your Isle of Dreams!
I have been in love with all that you do for many many years, I look forward to many many more.
Hi Susan! Please forgive if this is a duplicate. Just want to be sure to get in on the fantastic give away! Just got my first Willard! Awesome, Wonderful, Exciting!!! Need I say more??? So happy you are back with this wonderful blog and Willard! Love ya! ox
No problem if it is Asha, Vanna is very smart and knows to choose from only one of each address! Nice to hear from you!
I order your calendars every year…already got my 2016 ready to go. I am so looking forward to the new book!! Both my kids have just gone off to college and I’m feeling a little lost. I think a new Susan Branch book is just what I need!! In the mean time the new Willard will keep me company 🙂
So many of our Girlfriends seem to be doing this same thing, sending their kids off. It must be so hard. I really hate it that my twin nephews get older every year. They are 12 now and I wish it would stop.
Good to hear from you! It’s been awhile!!
What a lovely surprise to find Willard waiting in my in box! Very exciting news!
Never get enough of Jack an Girl Kitty..you are so talented and love seeing your work..
Susan,
I have just discovered you and your magical style of creating books. I recently purchased A Fine Romance and I have fallen in love with this book! I am ever so carefully trying not to devour it too quickly! It is such a joy to just sit in my favorite chair by my window and slowly savor each page.
Since my discovery of…you, I have preordered The Fairytale Girl and I am receiving your Willard newsletter. Being a painter myself, I thoroughly appreciate your watercolor illustrations and lettering style.
You are on my list of “What brings me Joy” and in my Gratitude Journal!
Thank you!
Chris
So nice to meet you Chris!
So much to see and read on WILLARD, love love love it! I am curious why you are using a photo on the cover of your new book vs just your amazing artwork? Thank you for sharing so much with us, it truly brightens my day.
I did it for A FINE ROMANCE, and since these books are actually part of a trilogy, I thought they should look pretty much alike!
This is a first for me….reading about you, the blog, the photos ….loved it all!
I recently fulfilled a lifelong dream when my husband and I retired and moved to the Oregon coast from Arizona….yikes!
At any rate, your writing, painting and ebullient attitude have inspired me.
Thank you so much….
I so look forward to discovering your books and learning more….
Best regards,
Maureen
I recieved your book “A Fine Romance” Falling in love with the English Countryside from a friend and fell in love with your writing, pictures and style! You are like a modern day Beatrix Potter and such a breath of fresh air. Reading your book I was able to visit England all over again! Thank you for all you do and do know that you uplift our spirits in more ways than you know!
I enjoyed every word and every painting and photo! Love your cats! Jack has the most attractive black and white markings and love his white bib. Girl is also beautiful!
Looking forward to your book! Hugs, Patti
Can’t wait for this new book. Can’t wait to pre-order the next new book, quite frankly!!!
Thank you for You ! I do enjoy our visits.
Susan:
The lord Jesus, has blessed you with the beautiful talent, that is anointed in your writing and coloring the wonderful books you write. I have a collection of of your books and am looking forward to getting your new ones. keep on keeping on. blessings and love, joy kordos
Love your books, artwork and can’t thank you enough for bringing the New England I remember back to me. Live in FL. and get homesick. You are a wonderful lady and bring such joy to a lot of people. Can’t wait for the new books. Thank you and I am so glad I found you.
Susan,
Your blog posts make me so happy to read. I wish you could post every day! It was wonderful to get all the news from the blog and the bonus of Willard. I can’t wait till the book tour in 2016 and hopefully you return to Watermark Books in Wichita! I read my copy of A Fine Romance as slowly as I could, but sadly it eventually ended. I can’t wait for a new book to enjoy with a cup of tea!
So happy to read about the coming release of your new books. I’d very much like to be included in the drawing, please. Thank you for always brightening my day!
Dear Susan Branch,
Your “Willard” and this “Blog” are such very special “treats”. You
have literally changed my outlook on life from “partly cloudy” to “sunny” today.
Appreciate your imaginative writing, the glorious photographs,…all of the
wonderful contributions, which you have compiled and sent out to those of us, who are fortunate to be recipients. Am thrilled to learn that you share my enthusiasm for, and love of, the season of Autumn. Fall has been my favorite for as long as I can remember, and will be, until my last parting breath.
I truly feel an abundance of gratitude to you, for all of the lovely gifts you have imparted. Thank you for sharing! You are an extraordinarily beautiful person.
Rosemary~
Please come back to Watermark Books & Cafe in Wichita, Kansas, when you go out touring again! I’ll buy you a chocolate chip cookie that you’ll love. =D
You have always brightened my day. I live a Scottsdale AZ and todays high is 106. Not too bad. As I was reading you Willard, I felt that cool breeze of your Autumn. Thank you so much for taking me to you beautiful island.
Amanda
I hit enter too early sorry about all the mistakes.
Amanda
I just finished reading the latest Willard and I have missed it all this time.
I just discovered your blog. What a joy to read. I signed up for your newsletter and bought a copy of A Fine Romance which I just started reading. I visited England 15 years ago and always wanted to return. Your book has started me dreaming again.
Thank you
Lynn
Willard is so enjoyable to read. I can’t wait for your new book!
Thank you, for all!
I really enjoyed reading Willard…..I missed it but am so excited about the new book. You just make my day happier. Thank You !!!
I ordered “Fairy Tale Girl” a few days ago. I have my fingers crossed that it arrives before I leave for a trip in mid September. Nothing like the pleasure of a good book for a long car ride and evenings in the motel. But even if it doesn’t make it to me before I leave I know it will be waiting for me when I get home.
Susan, so enjoy your books and products. They are among my favorites to go to with a nice cup of tea when I want to feel calm, relaxed, thankful, rewarded. Looking forward to your next creation of joy!My husband and I spent a few days of heaven on Martha’s Vineyard after our wedding May 1981. It was our most special adventure together(outside of our life together raising our son)!! You bring joy, Thank You!!
welcome back! Have missed your posts! Anxiously waiting for the new book!
Susan,
Rest well, keeping that smile of yours for a project completed that will make so many of us very happy.
I envy your walks yet thankful you have that as a saving grace for all your hard work.
Now I must go back and read Willard once again, as I rush through it with excitement when I first get it. My second time around I wander through as if I’m sitting there listening to all the adventures across the table from you with a cup of tea. May I have another biscuit please? :- )
Enjoy your peace of mind,
Cheri
My dear friend Judy Quinn turned me onto your blog and I just love it. All of it. I want to scoop it up with a spoon and savor every bit. I love your art, your writings, Jack, Girl and your sweet Joe.
Thank you for making your pieces a bright part of any day I am fortunate enough to have.
Sherry
P.S. Please enter me in to win your calendar and book and every other little thing. You are adorable!
enjoyed your email, looking forward to your new book. Cheers!
Vice Versa… moved from Martha’s Vineyard to Arroyo Grande!
Okay we have balanced the country! 🙂
I am so delighted to hear you will be at Stourhead next year – one of my favorite places. Bluebells won’t be in bloom in the autumn, but plenty of other lovely flowers and things to enjoy.
Susan:
Just wanted to say how much I love/enjoy your work. You are truly inspirational! Also, just wanted to say in response to your “fairy tales do come true” – I married mine. He is my knight in shining armor and our life together (48 years) have truly been amazing. Thank you for your beautiful and inspirational work and words. They (and you) are so uplifting! Donita : ))
Love your creativity!! thanks for sharing!!
I love that your blog & newsletter takes us from place to place in your heart, like a hummingbird in a garden! Your fans eat up every word and little drawing! Thanks for being a great girlfriend to us and bring your book tour to Dallas, just not in July or August, lest you melt! 😉
I am one who has kept the original hardcopy Willards and they are safely tucked inside some of my fave SB hardbacks!
My favorite part of each WILLARD is your artwork and the photos of your kitties!!
Hi Susan! Thanks for recommending independent bookstores. I couldn’t agree with you more. I’d sure love to go to England and Scotland with you, especially Stourhead.
Hi Susan! I have been following you for years and LOVE you and your delightful creations! I was so happy to see Willard! It’s been a while! Just looking at anything you create makes me happy…don’t ever take a break! 🙂
Ok so… I’ll try this again – my posts keep getting deleted.
Those cats of yours! Way too funny. You may have to write about THEM!
Susan: Never get tried of your work, so calming and heartwarming. Reminds me to cherish the simple and beautiful things in life! – Cathy
Thank you Susan! I feel like I just received a lovely fresh breath of air. Makes me feel so good and warm inside! Your paintings and writings are so inspiring and I just love all that beauty. Thank you again for all your hard work! Janelle
Thank you, thank you for such inspiration. I have loved my copy of “A Fine Romance” and hope someday for my husband and I to make the “crossing”. I look forward to reading your new books. Enjoy the magic!
Just sat down and read your Willard. I love receiving and reading to my 75 year old mother (as she loves it too). It was refreshing and beautifully written! Thank you!
Dear Jack, Girl and Joe (order of names bears no preference)!
Having just read the latest email from Susan about her New Book (how exciting), I am now feeling as if I went through a cleaning of my mind! The webs of worry are gone as are the dust bunnies that float around inside my head! Thank you Joe for every sacrifice you make allowing Susan the time she needs to create (my favorite word). As for Jack and Girl, I have a feeling you relish in the fact that your loving owner is in a familiar place daily until her creation is completed!
I’ve just ordered your new book and I can’t wait to read it! I loved “A Fine Romance” and have just come from a visit to England. Sissinghurst was one of my favorite gardens we visited and I can’t wait to go back. I also have many of your cookbooks! You are the best!
I love everything about you-your art,your lovely home and garden, and kitties. But most of all,the wonderful unique perspective of everything that touches your life. You have blessed all of us with that special insight.
You now have a new 70 year old fan. I have always loved your creations but after reading your book, A Fine Romance, I finally connected with you. Loved it and looking forward to all that you do.
Fine Romance
Thank you Ginna!
I thought we had a lot of sun in Arizona, but you sure pack tons of sun into your vineyard messages!!!
Just received new calendars. Fantastic.
You are “feel good” Susan Branch! I’m looking forward to your next book!!
Thank you Kassi!
I always get teary-eyed when I read your articles and books…in a good way. Great connection with my heart. I love England and Scotland.
Oh! How I would love to get your book! I really believe in fairies!! ” Small people all around” Best regards from Spain!
Thank you Mercedes!
As you like to say, “Too much of a good thing is wonderful,” and your work is just that!!!
Been waiting a long time for my first Willard…..pure bliss….adore miss susie b.
she feels like a dear friend. Really looking forward to new book relished every page of A Fine Romance…..and many of her cookbooks.
Thank you dear lady for sharing you, and your magic….with all of us. We sure appreciate and enjoy it.
So happy you enjoyed it Linda!
LOVE your blog! And Willard! Beautiful flowers, photos, home, writing, drawings, and cats. I have a “Jack” also…..he’s orange and eats a small plate of lettuce everyday. You have a wonderful imagination and a beautiful mind! Thanks for all you do for us, your girlfriends!
Thank you June, I might give Jack some lettuce and see what he thinks!
I so love to read your blog, Susan, makes me homesick for my beloved Maine, fall is my favorite time of year!
Hello Susan,
I’ve just received your new Willard and I enjoyed it very much for what you wrote about and for your choice of the music. C. Aznavour is one of my favorite singers and “Mes emmerdes” one of my favorite songs ever. I wouldn’t have imagined that you knew him. You’ve excellent taste. He’s a great artist.
I’ve just finished reading “The fine romance” and I’m eager to discover your new book. It’s such a treat to know you !.
Another good news was to know that you’ll come to visit us in Europe next year. You’ll see, Scotland is a wonderful country and its inhabitants lovely people. I didn’t know you when you went to England but this time I’ll be there with you through the blog, for sure.
Thank you for all.
Sylvie
I’ve known Charles Aznavour since the 1960s! I love French musica! Nice to have you along Sylvie!
I can’t believe that I’ve been enjoying your humor and art for so many years. I’m sure you know how many lives you touch with both. I for one am grateful. Look forward to this year’s calendar already. Thanks again for some really great memories.
Susan, you bring us into your world so that we can picture it all so perfectly! I feel such contentment when I read your blog. And then I am ready to fulfill my creative thoughts here at my own home, in the middle of America. Thank you for sharing!
Just read your blog and it’s lifted my heart. My darling mum passed away on 14 th of August. She would have been 95 on the 20th of September. She was a lady who loved fine china, doilies,napkins and flowers even on a breakfast tray. Her favourite flowers were sweet pea they were in her wedding bouquet in 1949 and in our family wreath last Monday. The niceties of life are shown in your blog. I loved your book A Fine Romance and have had goods from your online store shipped to my America friend’s home and then shipped to me in Ireland. Keep up the good work. Edel Mulligan Ireland
So nice to hear from you Edel, and so sorry about the loss of your mother. I can tell she will be missed. I love hearing about her and especially her sweet peas which are also my favorite flowers. Sending love xoxoxo, Susan
Why is it that my heart rate drops and I smile each time I read and reread your blog? In my mind I have visited New England and the English countryside from my . home. Thank you.