Welcome! So much excitement here in Smallville! If you just came from WILLARD, you are going to need another cup of tea and some more MUSICA! (If you haven’t gotten your Willard yet, don’t worry, it will be going into your mailboxes from 9am eastern time Tuesday Aug 18, through Friday 
the 21st.) But you should know, our Giveaway has grown, now there are three! If you haven’t time to read the Blog just now, scroll to the bottom of this post where you can sign up for the drawing by clicking on the word “comments” and leaving a message. For the rest of you . . . I can only hope you agree that
I love this quote by one of my favorite authors. Wonderful things ARE happening. I used this quote in my new book, and asked Kellee if she would make it into computer wallpaper for you . . . and she did! Click HERE ~ it should be up by now, along with some gorgeous new stationery . . . As you’re about to see, things are getting back to normal!
You really know I have a little more time on my hands when you see this.↑ I’m finally giving my poor Beatrix Potter people a bath . . .
Filthy piglets, hadn’t bathed since Christmas! It was the very first thing I did to gain control over my house again after so many months in book writing mode.
Now they’re back in their places, all sparkling and happy, and the little vases are filled again and I am saying . . .
If I ever missed taking a closeup photo of a rose in the summer, then it just wouldn’t be summer, no matter what else I think I have to do!
There is nothing like roses from the garden, they look and smell like no other roses.
One of the first things Joe and I did when everything was turned into the printer was go to the nursery for these: ↓ Our garden needs help! Better late than never!
We also decided to celebrate our newly-found freedom with a long leisurely lunch at the restaurant at 
the golf course ~ “leisurely” is difficult to find here in August, with the Island so packed with vacationers. But we thought this place was a little bit out of the way so we’d have a chance. Well, it didn’t work out quite as we expected because we accidentally went on the day that Presidents Obama and Clinton were both there playing golf!!! We sure know how to pick ’em! So much for the quiet lunch. There were dogs sniffing the FINE ROMANCE VAN, believe it or not, and we were wanded (that’s what the secret service called it) before we could go inside. But after that, everything was normal until the two presidents became visible on the 
golf course, then the entire restaurant stampeded outside to watch and take pictures. All except us, because we had seen them before. Yeah, we’re so cool ~ it’s old hat to us! But we did put our flag on the front of the house! Afterwards we went to the nursery, also my first visit this summer . . . and no presidents were there! Yay! We’re replanting around the poor neglected bird bath right now . . . Once again, it’s Domesticity City around this place and we are happy as clams.
Out go the fluffy, healthy, quickly reproducing weeds, making room for actual flowers.
We also stopped at the farm stand and got our first corn of the season, hot, buttered, salted and peppered, it just popped off the cob! DELICIOUS! I’m sure you’ve done this ~ now I know it’s really summer!
We went out at 7 am this morning and have been walking our walk through the woods out to the water every day. This is the place where Joe and I hash everything over . . . from the habits of cormorants, to the unknown idiot who figured out how to move the huge rocks protecting tern nests so he could park his car there, to what’s for dinner and future travel plans/dreams. And we stood at the water and said a prayer for the victims of the terrible fires out west, that they be showered with love from their families, friends, and communities. My heart breaks when I see the ruin the flames are leaving behind.
We’re ooohing and ahhhing every night, and counting our blessings.
Coming home after a walk to the harbor to our little greeters . . .Jack’s looking at Girl who is waiting out of reach, on the kitchen table . .
Then back out with the camera because the sky at night has been wonderful, filled with stars. I’m a big believer in ladybug magic and there was one in the bathroom last night. Insert five exclamation marks. Second floor, hot crickety summer night, brushing my teeth, and there she was. A lucky omen. Believe me, I look for them every day!
Jack thinks our starry night sky is wonderful too, because it seems like it’s dropping . . .
. . . yellow cat toys!
Joe’s birthday balloons were tied around a bouquet of giant sunflowers that Kellee and Sheri sent from the Studio and within 10 minutes of arrival, Jack’s scissor-like teeth had severed the ribbons and all balloons were floating free.
Just the way Jack understands life to be. All about him. Which it is.
Yup. He’s our guy. Aren’t they adorable?
Busiest cat I ever knew. Floor water is no good anymore, he wants sink water.
Grass, he loves it. I take him out and sit with him while grazes. He’s really not an outdoor cat at all, I never let him out alone, and he is so good, he never tries to get out the door. He likes me to sit next to him the whole time.
On Cat patrol, sitting on top of the ironing board in the pantry, watching out the screen door for any possible trespassing by anything, bunnies, turkeys, neighborhood cats.
He also watches me working . . .and I watch him watching me. Sometimes I can’t believe he’s real. I don’t get as many photos of Girl Kitty these days, but never doubt that she is still our Queen. She just likes to keep her throne in the back of the closet most of the time, so she’s hard to get in action shots!
But they both were with me the whole time I was wearing these pencils down to the nubbins, and now they watch curiously as I reorganize the studio. I’ve been cooking too, filling the fridge with August-type healthy goodies we love, ice cold Gazpacho and . . .
. . . my favorite Coleslaw Recipe ~ stuff to munch on. Look at that apple core in our compost pile! Isn’t it beautiful? (If you click on the recipe you’ll also see us repainting the kitchen a couple of years ago . . . just scroll down for the Coleslaw recipe, I promise, it’s there).
Nature. Just wow. I realize we are finding wow in the compost pile, but I can’t help it. I had to dig this guy out and take his picture. I almost put him on Ebay.
I can already feel fall coming and we hear it in the woods, we’ve even seen a couple of bright red leaves out there! And what’s back to school without book things? I know there were two Fairy Tale bookmarks in the Willard, but I thought, considering the time of year, some of you might want our wise old owl once more. Just click there, cut around him, and he is yours.♥
And now for the Giveaway(s) to celebrate my new book which I can barely believe is really finished! The first one I mentioned in the new Willard ~ it’s my 2016 Wall Calendar, plus my AUTUMN book, plus my new book, THE FAIRY TALE GIRL, and, for the cherry on the top . . .
a fairy tale banner! I’ll sign the books ~ and it will all go out to the winner the minute THE FAIRY TALE GIRL 
gets here, which should be about three weeks at the latest. (But who’s counting? Me, I am!) All you have to do to enter the drawing is scroll down to the bottom of this post and leave a message ~ just click on the tiny gray word under where I sign off that says, “comments” and leave a comment and that automatically enters you in the drawing. And the good part (or the bad part, depending on how you look at it) is that you have a lot better chance at winning this than you do the lottery!
Also, another surprise! Something else for my Girlfriends, Giveaway #2, because when I think of fall, I think of three things, delicious recipes, books, and old 
movies ~ and this Giveaway covers them all. My Autumn Book, filled with fall recipes, and a wonderful old movie called Hobson’s Choice. I think you will LOVE this movie! I have it, but I have to keep it, so I bought you a brand new one. It has everything going for it: It’s old, it’s English, and it’s pure charm. And it makes you feel good. What more could anyone ask for?
And this strange item, for good measure, will be Giveaway Number Three. I was cleaning up my studio (WHAT a mess!) and came across this. I saved it because I think at one time I was going to cut it 
up and make bookmarks out of it. It’s one of the little bits of paper I use to test watercolors and my ink pen before I paint or write something for a book or a calendar. As you may notice, my pen was giving me all sorts of trouble — I didn’t want it 
to blob onto the “good” paper, so I kept playing with it, making squiggles until it started behaving. Anyway, I thought one of you might like the results of the squiggles . . . the originalist of the originals, stream of consciousness without the consciousness, no rhyme nor reason for it ~ but I did sign and date it … it’s about 6 ½” by 9″ and would make a fun little piece of kitchen art for your fridge or bulletin board. And it does have fairy magic in it. And you can win it.
And that makes it three Giveaways on this blog today. Leave a comment, and Vanna will draw three names in a few days and I HOPE SO MUCH that the name she draws is YOURS!!!!!!!!!
In the meantime, I will be watching for the UPS 
man to bring me my first stack of The Fairy Tale Girl. I wait ever so patiently, but I am as excited as Christmas.
With the new book and the new calendars, Kellee and Sheri have been shaking in their boots about the WILLARD and asking me to make a special request to remind you how tiny their four little hands are. The phone has been ringing off the hook at the Studio about the calendars and they want me to tell you that they 
will try their hardest to get everything out as quickly as they can . . . if it takes a couple of extra days to get your things, you can blame it on the dratted calendars, but have faith, they’ll be there very soon. And so will your books!
And then soon, we might be doing this again, sailing out of New York harbor on the Queen Mary 
2!!! We are dreaming big time. Anything could happen between now and then, but we’re going to try. We took all our travel books with us to our leisurely lunch at the golf course the other day ~ looking for cottages to rent, pouring over maps and plotting our possible course. Figuring out whether we should go in the summer or in the fall . . . we’ve only ever been in the spring, so there will be new things to see. And we’ll bring the Blog along, so get ready Girlfriends!!!
And there she is ~ our beautiful in-house Queen joins me to say fare thee well for now. Thank you for your support and friendship.♥ Joe thanks you, Jack thanks you, Girl Kitty thanks you, and . . .
. . . I thank you . . . ♥ Have a wonderful day Girlfriends! XOXO
..wow..’counting my blessings out loud this morning and coming here is one of them !!.. ‘love the photos, quotes, the inspiring feelings I always get from you all, and ‘love all of you !!..thank you, thank you !..
Thank you back Mary! Love all the inspiration provided by the Girlfriends!
Susan, so much to savor with your post today. But what I zeroed in on was the washing of the Beatrix Potter figures. Just last week I did that to my daughter’s Cherished Teddy collection (she left them behind when she moved out) and they were horribly dust-covered. I washed them and set them outside on the wire mesh table to dry in the gentle breeze. and yes, there IS a feeling of back-to-school. My husband and I took a leisurely pontoon boat ride after dinner and wondered how many more excursions before we pull the boat out? I found 2 red leaves in the driveway. (a sign of thousands more to follow).
Love these first little signals . . . have a beautiful day Barbara!
Hi Susan, Thanks for everything you do. Your writing and art is just the best. I’d love to win a giveaway. All the best Arlene
I hope you do Arlene, fingers crossed!
Susan,
I really enjoyed your post today. It reminds me to savor every last bit of summer.
Michelle
Yes, it ain’t over till it’s over! Enjoy Michelle!
Susan, what a great way to begin this day. Love reading about what you and Joe are up to! I just love your life! So looking forward to your latest book. Thank you for the giveaways. Each one is wonderful!
My pleasure Patty! Have a wonderful day!
I have missed our regular visits so much! I say ours because I always feel like it is you and me sitting down to a visit! You are such an inspiration to me! Thank you for being YOU! XOXO
Oh thank you so much Diana! I’m feeling more blog regular all the time! It’s a great feeling.
So glad to see you blogging again! I have missed you so much! Thank you for sharing your life, kitties, yard, recipes, excursions and so much more. I am sooooo excited about the book I can hardly wait!!! I feel like a kid at Christmas. I am also sooooo excited about coming to the Island in a couple of weeks! It’s been 18 years. I do hope the President’s are gone by then.
Fall is my favorite time of year and I am so ready to welcome in the season. Pumpkins, soups, sweaters, camping, bonfires, leaves, apple cider…YUM!
I would love to win the drawing! Thank you for your kindness and for always brightening my day!
I think they’ll be gone. They’re exciting, but they plug up the works a bit! Eighteen years! Well, welcome back, Stephanie! You are going to love it . . . I’ll love to hear about what you see as changes.
I am so excited to see you “blogging” again! You are an amazing inspiration! Thank-you for reminding me to count my blessings, cherish the simple things in life and to never give up dreaming! Cannot wait for your new book to be released. Enjoy the rest of your Summer and the beginning of Autumn….
Thank you Amy, you too! xoxo
So glad to find you here this morning! I have been watching everyday for the mailman(mail person?) They must think I am crazy, but I can’t wait for your book to arrive! This is almost as good!! Thanks for making me smile this morning,
Kathy
I feel the same way. Never before (except when I was seven) has three weeks seemed like SUCH an eternity. Ommmmm. Talking myself down. xoxo
Nice to have you back Susan! All is right in the world 🙂 can’t believe how big Jack has gotten….he’s not a kitty anymore! So handsome. Can’t wait for your new book – if I’m excited can’t imagine how you feel!
Thanks for the Tuesday morning calm 🙂 Happy Day!
He’s a big healthy boy, although, not that big. He is still very interactive though, hasn’t gotten into kitty naps much yet, he just wants to play.
I’m curious, do your kitties try to eat the flowers you have in the house? My kittie does and it’s maddening! I try to get her to just go to her catnip but she loves them all.
I’m lucky, they aren’t interested. I’m sure it drives you crazy, but it makes me laugh a little! 🙂
What a lovely way to start the day. Thank you, thank you.
My pleasure Melinda! Thanks for being here!
always love to see your posts and whats new….. I have asked friends ” Did you ever hear of Susan Branch”?….of course I love sharing all about you, your great calendars, cookbooks, new recipes.blogs, Willards….the list goes on….thank you for being so special for me to share …. Lori Ragalis
And vice versa Lori . . . thank you!
Thank you Susan, yours is a generous heart! And thanks for the pictures of the kitties. They make me smile.
Good morning! I have a day chock full of appointments and errands, but coming back to this will be my reward when it’s all said and done! Hugs!
Always a JOY when I open my computer in the morning…and find a note/pictures from you. A real day brightener! Thank you.
It was breath of fresh air to see your posting today. I get a daily picture everyday on Facebook called Vineyard Colors, beautiful photos of one of my favorite places, but as your blog reminds us today, there is so much beauty all round us in the least likely and most ordinary of places. Speaking of beauty, just returned from Ireland, a beautiful, magical place. Looking forward to hearing about your travels.
So happy to read your blog! You are the best and have the best blog!
Thanks!
So wonderful to see that you had a new post this early morning. I am so happy that your book is finished and on its way. Thank you for reminding me to savor each and every day. It gets quite busy here in the summer when friends and family come visiting and I find myself looking forward to the slow pace of winter. Crazy thought because it seems like I wait a long time for summer! Carpe diem!
I have missed your blog posts Susan, but I know it will be worth it when the new book comes out! Always a pleasure to read your blog. You see the beauty in everything – thanks for the inspiration!
What fun to see a Marigold quote starting off your blog ~ it looks right at home here, and wouldn’t LMM love it! She is definitely a Girlfriend, too! What a happy, joyful sharing this blog is with a morning walk and a garden (and kitchen) full of flowers and a starry night sky and scrumptious kitties and so much more and all with a hint of wonderful Autumn in the air…and there is still Willard to look forward to today! And the sun hasn’t even come up here on the Pacific coast yet! Ooo, thank you for such a bright beginning to the day, Susan!! xo
Not Marigold….Little Elizabeth! (Well, they are kindred spirits.)
Thank you for another wonderful blog and lovely pictures. Following your adventures is more fun than reading a book. Waiting for Willard and would love to win a prize.
Love, love, love your teacups with “Come, Sit, Stay”. In that black sky last week we saw the most amazing meteor. Lucky us!
Oh, Boy! So much to take in on this post. It needs to be read 2-3 times. Welcome back was missing you.
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl.
What a way to start the day, a long walk with my husband and a wonderful new post to read!!!
I’m looking so forward to your new book!! Enjoy your day!!!
Thank you for the uplifting blog posts. The lovely pictures and details of your home and garden are wonderful. Have a great day!
Would love to be blessed with winning any of these cute items! Thank you for the opportunity!!
Dear Susan,
Oh happy day! When there is a new blog entry in my mailbox! Wonderful, I must read it again and again. And then there is the new Willard to savor. What more could one ask for in the morning? Thank you Susan!
So happy to see this long post this a.m. Have missed you but am excitedly waiting for my copy of the Fairy Tale Girl! Would love to have my name drawn for a giveaway!
Shirley
So glad to see a new post from you today. Welcome back! Would love to win one of the giveaways, thanks for the opportunity.
I’m going over to read my Willard now, so exciting to read your words, thank you for sharing with all of us!
So glad you’re back ! ! In July my husband and I took a trip to the U.K. for the first time. Our first stop was the Lake District — it was so lovely! And mostly due to your influence 🙂 And now I’ll get to go again with you through the magic of this blog ( and I do mean magic!) — how exciting! I will take notes all along as we can’t wait to make a return trip ourselves!
Just an amazing place. . . tears in my eyes knowing you got to see it. xoxo
Wonderful to have you back Susan!! I check everyday for a post and am sooo excited when the little bird goes chirping across the screen and I see a new one! My poor dogs look around every time to see where that bird is, but they haven’t caught her yet. lol Your posts put me in such a peaceful happy place while I sit for a few minutes and drink my coffee and enter your wonderful world. All the while thinking to myself “don’t end yet, don’t end yet”! Eagerly awaiting my Willard and my birthday as I have asked for a Fairy Tale Girl! And another Queen Mary trip?! Be still my heart.
Hello and Good Afternoon Susan!
Oh, now I am shamed into it too. All my Border Fine Arts Beatrix Potter figurines could all use a wash and now I am shamed into doing so. No duster can ever do the work of warm soapy water, and it is how I always clean my glass ornaments too, and then how my heart sings when they sparkle in the sunlight!
I confess, the last time Her Majesty came to our village city {that is what I call it, for it is a village of 1,600 souls, granted Royal City status} I didn’t go either. Mind, a lot of that had to do with my back not being up to standing around for hours on end waiting, for I love Her Majesty dearly. Did you hear that come September 9th this very year she will be the longest reigning monarch ever? What an achievement, for sure, that will be. Long may she continue to reign {although sometimes I think Charles wants his turn!}
I’ve pre~ordered my copy of The Fairy Tale Girl, on Amazon unless I can secure a copy elsewhere with an independent, in the hopes that Amazon doesn’t let me down as they did with the calendars {which I did secure elsewhere} Too complicated to contemplate on this fine, sunshine~filled day in the Shire!
~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
That’s why I’m here, for shaming ! 🙂 Your BP People will love you for it!
Hi Susan, welcome back! Like you, I need to head out to the flower nursery to replace the dried plants in front porch pots. However, the perennial verbena planted last year is now a gorgeous purple carpet threatening to cover the porch steps if I slack off the weekly task of clipping it back. Looks beautiful with the Limelight hydrangeas…reminding me of MV gardens in Edgartown.
Hi TJ,
I wanted to say hi and tell you how much I enjoy your pins on Pinterest. You are a true animal lover and they always make me smile!
Chris
Hi Chris,
I think your comment is intended for another TJ since I don’t have any animal pins in Pinterest.
I do love pinning recipes and home decor ideas!
TJ in VA
How funny, because the TJ I know from Pinterest lives in VA!
Happy Birthday, Joe! I know you to be the person whom God sent to bring a new world to Susan so many years ago.
Happy Summer, Susan! Yes, plan your next trip. You have worked so hard for it. I ordered your new book so many months ago and cannot wait until it is in my hands!
Best wishes to both of you! And, the kitties too, of course! candy
I see him as that person too. Thank you God! 🙂
wonderful post, Susan – and will have to look up the movie recommendation – love all things English!
Dear Susan
I read your latest post at about a hundred miles an hour ( which is, I sense, how it was written )
Your excitement at getting back to some form of domestic routine plus the soon to be delivered new books and calendars reminds me of a child coming home from school and simply HAVING to relate every single minute detail of their day and doing it all in ONE SINGLE BREATH…adorable!
I love your zest for life!
I felt some exitement myself yesterday; I logged into the UK version of Amazon and there it was; your new book ready for pre-order! YES! *I actually did a little jigg around the room shouting YES YES YES very MegRyanesque of me but I just couldn’t help myself*
This is not NORMAL behaviour in this household whilst perusing the internet *we have filters for that sort of thing* 🙂
All the best to you, Joe and the kitties.
I was shocked and HAPPY to see they already put it up for you guys! XOXO P.S. Read the willard, cause I’ma comin’ over there!
It’s wonderful to see a blog from you, and we can’t wait to receive the Willard (we hope we are one of today’s recipients, but if we aren’t, we don’t really mind waiting- the anticipation is half the fun!)
How wonderfully sane to find a new post this morning. It calmed me down as I drank my coffee. Life just took a flip (remember those changes!!) and Jim is having emergency surgery, gall bladder and appendix!! Problem is, he is in Dallas and I am here. It was a sleepless night to say the lest, much texting back and forth with his daughter. So I am outa here and making the 4 hour drive to Dallas as soon as I drop “the girls” off at the kennel, and my self reliant cats will have a friend check on them!
Your lunch with the Presidents ( let’s call it that,) was delightful! I could just imagine the entire scene! And that picture of Joe and Jack is a keeper. Get it framed!
I am off. I worry because Jim is 85, but he is a tough guy and I’m sure he will be fine.
Thanks for the moment of sanity and I hope I get my Willard soon, it will give me something to read in the hospital.
Love you!
Chris
Good luck Chris, I’m saying a little prayer, he’ll be fine . . . xoxo
Sending healing light and prayers, Chris for Jim’s speedy recovery and for your safe travels ~~~Deb xoxo
Love you guys!
Sending prayers and big hugs for Jim’s surgery and recovery, Chris. We are keeping you both in our thoughts. ♡♡
Awww, crossed off my bucket list last week – went to Aquinnah on rainy Tuesday, August 11th. So beautiful – can decide where I want to live now, Aquinnah, Marthas Vineyard or Sconset, Nantucket – dreaming of course.
Drinking my coffee reading your blog. Doesn’t get any better than this~~ What a lovely way to start my day! I love seeing glimpses of your precious life and seeing how you cherish all the simple things in life! Xoxo!
I know you were busy getting the new book ready, can’t wait for it! But am so glad you are having time to blog again. Love to start my morning with you.
Thank you so much for the updates, Susan! As always, providing tidbits to make my daily life more cozy, and the inspiration to keep working toward my “tomorrow.”
PS – Gorgeous vase of roses! We just planted our first rose this year, my namesake – Queen Elizabeth.
That’s a gorgeous rose!
I loved this post – everything from the bubble bath to the possibility of another trip on the Queen Mary 2, but what I loved most was seeing Jack in the yard! I have been following the “recipe” you shared about raising an indoor kitty with Lucy and now that she is two we may venture out for a bit – together of course.
Thank you for just being you Susan. You are such a treasure to us!
Much love,
Suzanne
Yes, you could try it. Jack isn’t trying to run away ~ even though it’s very exciting and interesting to him, he likes viewing it under my care. In fact he doesn’t even like me to put him down in different places, always just the one. I’m still not going to let him go by himself. Thank you Suzanne! xoxo
One question about letting the kitties go outside: Do they ask to go out more often than you’d like. One school of thought is if they don’t know what’s out there they won’t ask to go. For a while we would carry Lucy out in the yard to see the birds etc. but she started asking to go out so often we had to stop. I’ve never had a strictly indoor cat before and these are unfamiliar waters. Thanks for your help. You and Jack are the reason we adopted Lucy and chose to keep her inside.
Now Jack does. He doesn’t come into my Studio and meow, but maybe 3 out of 10 times I pass the door, he asks me to take him out. Yesterday I did a really stupid thing. But luckily he never caught on. I held the door open to let him walk out by himself. Thank goodness he didn’t do it. Because then he’d be trying to escape all the time. We kitty lovers need to be careful what we bring on ourselves! And we have WINTER, which will go a long way toward making Jack forget about grass and the outdoors. So you have to be really careful what you do, for your own sanity. Lucy sounds happy!
Oh joy! A lovely Susan Branch post to surprise me and ,as always, brings such JOY! A Willard too, our cup runneth over. So much to take in and as usual the post over flows with your uncontrollable generousity. Enjoy your new found freedom and change of pace. Belated happy birthday greetings to your Joe. Hugs and kisses to kitties for their supporting roles in Smallville!
Lisa
Is that a fishing pole I see in your bathroom?! If I get to choose what I win, could it be #3? 🙂 As much as I’d love the other options, those I can purchase. #3 is an original and the vibes I’m sure it gives off would help me a great deal in living out my dream….so that’s what I’m wishing upon a star for. Thank you for being yourself. You’re such a wonderful example of someone who is living out her authentic self.
Fishing poles, wellies, all the wet stuff is there. Thank you Cathy for such sweet words xoxo
Always leave your blog with a smile! Thanks for a lovely start to my day 🙂
Loved the Blog…can’t wait for Willard to arrive…So good to have you back!
It is a joy to read your blog. You are always so upbeat and happy. Hope you have a lovely day in Smallville!
God bless, Kathy in Illinois
PS My dog Annie can’t wait to get your new calendar for my daughter for Christmas!!
Annie is so good to your daughter! 🙂
So glad you’re really back! But.. I used to always receive Willard but don’t anymore. Do I need to sign up somewhere? I do hope I win some wonderful prize.
I haven’t written one in way too long. Maybe you’ll get this one. If you want to make sure, go to the Blog and look for the Willard signup in the column on the right.
I loved reading your blog this morning. What a wonderful surprise. Thank you for the chance to win the give always.
What a joy to see that Ms. Susan has posted a blog! A wonderful way to start my day with a cup of coffee in my hand. So refreshing!
I am itching for All Things Autumn, and although neither by husband nor myself are in school any longer, this time of year always makes me want to get a Bouquet of Freshly Sharpened Pencils! (Name that movie!)
Thank you for sharing!
You’ve Got Mail! Ha ha I remember!
Thank you for your blog post this morning. I’ve been missing my frequent dose of Susan. Your way with words and positive outlook start my day in just the right way. Thank you for sharing your journeys with us. Anxiously looking forward to my new edition of Willard and your new book.
I love the little faerie flitting across your post…tell Vanna I am sure ‘The Fairy Tale Girl’ would be very HAPPY at my home in Nebraska (I talk about the Seashore so much the lady at the garden shop asked me if I was born there…I wasn’t and I should have been)…glad you and Joe are planning another Excellent Adventure.
My girlfriend made an “island” room in her house and painted it blue and green and filled it with seashells and other beachy things! Sounds like the perfect thing for Nebraska!
So happy! So lovely! I clicked on the blog list on someone else’s favorite blogs which brought me to you! I will have to subscribe! Love you kitties, your whimsical work and bright and merry spirit! Thank you for sharing your talents with the world.
Thrilled to read your blog this morning. I have missed you so much and you have honestly put a spring in my step this morning to savor the day. Thank you for your gifts you give us.
An accomplishment of another milestone is reason for celebration. The new book and all the excitement that comes with it is something to hold in your heart. We have been sitting close by like Jack and Girl Kitty watching and waiting. “Good on you, Mate” as a phrase from Australia comes to mind. The Blog Folks are glad you can continue to share and bring us along for the “ride.”
Oh I’m totally envious that you are planning another trip to England! DH and I finally went for a week — just to London. And I was in heaven. The dream of a lifetime for me, dream trip for sure. To be there for real. So wonderful! And we didn’t even go outside London! I have my book ordered from your website (ordered it on first announcement.). Can’t wait!
Glad you can enjoy some of the summer before fall arrives. Looking forward to all your new works. Take care, happy summer. Cindy
I love your blog (and your books) because they take me back to that “young wonder” I so love to feel about the world. It’s a feeling of awe and thankfulness and joy just at the sight of the ocean or a leaf or a road to somewhere.
The fairy tale banner just did me in. Will they be available to purchase?
Yes, we have them now . . . but they are handmade so go right away because we can’t get hundreds at a time, although if we run out, more will be coming.
I can’t wait to read the new book! Welcome back….
Oh, how we’ve missed you, Susan! I kept telling myself, “Shhhh….she’s creating….” Fall is my favorite time of year, and your Domesticity City posts are my favorites. I look forward to seeing how you are getting your home ready for fall. So funny to see you just washed your Beatrix Potter figurines, as I was just noticing the other day that I need to wash all the little farm animal figurines in my own kitchen windows. 🙂
Love it when everything sparkles in my kitchen. Need to do the glasses on the open shelves now, and the glass on my pictures, and the silver things too. Fall is so good for all of that!
I awoke early this morning and what was awaiting me? A “hyacinth for my soul” … !!!!!
Ohhhhh, I LOVE that!!!
hi Susan!!! Oh yay! yay!! yay!!!… what a wonderful, fun, this-is-what-is-going-on post today! I loved every single word and am looking forward to spotting WILLARD…. another gem… I was raised on “ladybug magic” as my mother was a firm believer… I have since spread the good news to my children,grandchilren, friends and especially my students many of whom never got the message… same with eyelashes, pinky swears and wishbones… life is full of wonder…your pictures are marvelous.. really love starry night.. amazing how well they glimmer in that photo… AND…great giveaways..especially #3.. a treasure for certain!!so pleased to see you in such a happy moment Susan…and looking forward to so much…well-earned for sure…you bring so much to so many…until next time…
love, cindy
PS… oh btw… don’t joe and jack look alike !!??!?!
Just alike! Full of fun and curiosity! xoxo Thank you Cindy!
Friendships grow us in so many ways and over the past three years since I’ve “known” you I have grown in my perspective of the huge amount of work that true success requires of ourselves and those around us. The rest of us “ordinaries” live in that fairy tale world that you speak of imagining ” the cobbler’s friends” might come and bring that success to us. You are a good example to the fact that success doesn’t come “to” us it is us moving towards it and our input to it with its sacrifices and labors. Thank you for the sacrifices your family makes in order to enrich our lives with innocence and beauty.
It’s true for all the things we have. So many hands and hearts go into the making of them, but it’s all so invisible. Imagine a camera for example, and then think of all the good they provide. Miracles!
Hello Susan! What a treat … a blog to catch up with you and your world, a Willard coming and your book(s). It just doesn’t get any better! Thank you and if you could please have Vanna put my name in the drawing. 🙂
Wow, Susan, your blog has arrived with that satisfying thud you hear when you get a magazine in the mail. But oh so much better than a magazine. There are give-aways, Jack and Girl, sunsets, cute little critters having baths and a glimpse into a beautiful summer day in your life. And a beautiful starry night. And a trip to plan. Oh, my. And a new Willard. Mine usually gets here around 5:00 pm. Thank you so much. Hugs to you and Joe.
AND another book to finish! Thank you Elaine!
Oh, you’ve made my morning with this beautiful blog post! And a Willard, too!? Can’t wait! 🙂 Thanks, Susan!
Good morning Sweet Susan!
I’m just thrilled to have you back on your blog! Your excitement is so evident in each word, and it’s contagious. I especially like the “I wanted to put it on ebay…”, HILARIOUS!
I wish you a joy filled day!
⭕️❌⭕️❌,
Tawni Urrutia, in Lodi, Ca.
“Count your blessings…” Amen! Even when I come out the grocery store I am always in awe of what just happened… so much bounty! Always am appreciative of my good fortune. Never take it for granted!
I won my library’s summer reading program grand prize: $100 to spend at Barnes & Noble! Just got my 2016 calendar and A Fine Romance in the mail yesterday.
I just love how you reply to all the comments. Where do you find the time?
Regards, NJ
Look at you! A winner . . . let’s hope you’re on a roll! As Willard goes out and the comments come flying in, I know I will run OUT of time, everyone will want their comments to be “moderated” but it’s fun to answer when I can!
It was delightful tagging along with you on your day :~) …lovely flowers, a view of the ocean and the magnificent night sky! God’s creation is pretty awesome. It’s been a nice outing, I’ll bee looking forward to our next visit…
Kath
Hi Susan,
Glad to hear you are enjoying your everyday life again. I have to tell you I am going to retire on Nov. 1 of this year. I wanted to make it another year till I am 70, but decided its time for my self. I have a million scrapbooks and quilts to make, a beautiful garden to enjoy. How did I get that old? Anyway. I bought a beautiful journal for myself last christmas because I always have intentions of writing down my thoughts and alas never do. I decided to save this one to start on the first day of my retirement. The quote about a beautiful morning will be a perfect beginning for my journal. Maybe now I will actually have time to capture my thoughts. I so enjoy your blog and your books. You make my day.
Thanks, Jayne
“a million scrapbooks and quilts to make” and a journal too! Enjoy Jayne!
Pure JOY….that is what everything on your site brings me. I’m so glad I had a friend who introduced me to you!
Me too, Pam! Give her a hug for me! xoxo
I sure hope there’s an Oxford guidebook in your stack of planning books! Don’t forget, tea in our garden. xxxooo
LOL, of course there is! Hope you get Willard, there are secret England plans in there . . .
Yay! I’m expectantly waiting for Willard to arrive. 🙂 We just had couple arrive yesterday who came over on the Queen Mary II with their beautiful little Sheltie named Shay. She’s upstairs right now, safe and sound in the New College room while her mummy and daddy are out exploring Oxford. That’s one lucky pup!
See? I would travel much more if I could take the kitties with me, but I just know for a fact they would NOT enjoy the trip! How nice you take people with animals! I could stay there and play with everyone else’s since that’s what I miss most when I’m away.
Dear, dear Susan! This is truly the spot to be this morning!
August is a good month for special days! Sending belated birthday wishes for Joe! The 14th is also our dear, sweet granddaughter’s birthday (she is now 9), and the 16th is our anniversary (now 46).
Wonderful giveaways, and someone – or three someones – will be very happy!
Rainy day here – out in a bit to spread some sunshine!
Have a marvelous day!
xo Nellie
I have ordered Fairy Tale Girl but to get one that is signed would be wonderful!! I would share the extra with a good friend. And I have to say that the Autumn book would be a perfect addition to my fall decor! I had missed your blogs and so glad to visit with you regularly again!!
If you ordered it from us, you will get it signed. But if you win the contest, it will also say To Arlene, with love, from me. xoxo
Please don’t post that first comment with auto correct nonsense! I of course meant I can’t wait for my new copy of Fairy Tale Girl. Crazy computers…. Loved all pictures, especially the kitties! Hope I win! Hugs.
Got one from my girlfriend the other day, auto corrected to Fair Tail Girl!!! We had a good laugh over that one!
I too loved your regular visit today about all of our favorite topics: Jack and Girl Kitty, Life on the Island, flowers in the garden, fresh summer bounty in tried and true recipes, upcoming SB calendars, books etc. and the warm and friendly feeling I get when if feels like I am standing in your home or your yard just sharing about the beauty of everyday life. I love, love coming “over for a chat” and just talking life or whatever seems new and exciting. And… I can get my bags packed in the blink of an eye should another voyage on the Queen Mary come to fruition! Oh the fun we had last time all piled in the backseat winding down little country lanes and visiting beautiful and historic places together. My passport was recently renewed too. All of us girlfriends and Blog Daddy piled together for another journey. Now that is the stuff great books can come from, don’t you think? Can’t you hear us laughing and oohing and ahhhhing at all the beautiful and interesting things?
CAN. NOT. WAIT! 🙂
Good morning, Susan and everyone! Your joy and contentment just bubble forth from this page… made me so happy for you and happy for us because we get to share in all of your happiness, joy and your “doings” (as my grandma used to say!)
I like the four seasons, but summer is just the best. This happened yesterday, and still makes me smile and tear up at the same time. I walked out onto our deck to put bathing suits outside to dry. I turned around and there was a hummingbird enjoying our lavender plant. I gasped, and it turned and hovered right in front of me for about 10-15 seconds. We were literally eye to eye. Made me tear up with wonder… what a beautiful, gorgeous, wondrous little creature. Wow!
Continue to enjoy your summer wonderment, and it’s great to have you back here more regularly. Thank you for sharing so much with all of us! Have a terrific Tuesday!
Thank you Susan, what a lovely start to the day. Thanks for the freebies, bookmarks, stationery and wallpaper, love them. I have to run out to get some ink to print my fairy tale girl bookmark, I can’t wait for my book to come, so exciting, it’s like Christmas. Thank you for always thinking of your girlfriends, you’re so sweet. I got my fingers crossed to win one of the giveaways. Enjoy your day!
What a wonderful way to start my day: my cup of tea with egg, toast and a new blog posting! It is so good to have you back on the blog. Only three weeks until book time?! I can hardly believe it. It is just like Christmas when you are a kid. You wait and wait and wait and before you even realize it, it is right around the corner and then HERE! Thank you and best wishes on planning another “trip of a lifetime”.
Hi Susan. Thank you for the reminder to appreciate the moments. You always see the sunny side and have taught me over the years to do the same. I’m so excited about getting the new book. Will you be doing a book tour? …. would love to see you again. Thank you!
I started my collection of Beatrix figurines after seeing how sweet they looked on your window sill! Congratulations on your new book, Susan!!
Susan, I can’t wait to read your new book, and thanks so much for such a charming post this morning. Flowers, kitties, and books … ah, the best things in life!
It’s good to hear all is well in Smallville. I enjoy your art, your writing and your outlook on life. You encourage and inspire me.
So nice to know that you & Joe have your own time again after working so hard on the book for us! VERY excited that it will soon be here. I love seeing the Beatrix Potter people you have. I’m sure they appreciated the bath. My own collection comes out as a lure for my picky eater grandson, Lucas. I tell him they are “Grammy’s toys” and to be careful, and he is. They bring to life the pictures in the books & I want him to know classic children’s literature. I would be thrilled to win any of the prizes, but I actually think I would appreciate the Susan squiggles the most. You should save them all from every book project and have your West Coast team cut them into strips and insert them in every book, no small feat I’m sure. Like they need something else to do, right? Right now they are saying, “noooo”! Happy August, wish I could get to MV and see it. Thank you in advance for the book. Kathleen
I’m delighted to hear you are planning another trip to England – my home country – and so enjoyed the descriptions of your travels around the countryside. I’ll be there myself part of September into October. Might you think of an autumnal trip yourself?
We are, and you’ll see in the WILLARD, maybe we can all meet!
Love your posts! they are always about the little things that are so important.
xoxo
Ahhhhh – – so good to hear from Smallville again!! Just go ahead and wallow in the enjoyment of being domestic again!!! Welcome home!!
I got up this morning and thought to myself, “Willard is coming today!” I checked my email and its not here yet, but even better– I found a new blog posting from you! Aaaahhh. It’s like a cold drink of ice water on a hot humid day. Welcome back Susan, we missed you!
Welcome back. It’s always good to get back to ‘house tending’ when you’ve been away for a while. If I have had a busy time I begin to get the NEED to bake, which then brings me back to CALM. Enjoy your normality. Looking forward to the book. Marie
You’re photos make me feel cool out here in the so very hot West. And, your stars! I love your birdbath, it’s the second time I’ve really noticed it. I haven’t received my Willard yet, looking forward to reading it, as well as, of course, The Fairy Tale Girl. Ooh, another trip across the pond!
Eeeek! I can’t handle all of the excitement.
You, your books, your blog are a treasure, Susan!
Good Morning from Denver,
First my compliments to the shipping department, I ordered the 2016 calendar and I swear they had it to me in just a couple of days. Now 2016 can start, I have my SB calendar.
As always looking forward to receiving the new Willard (ok be patient and do not crash the server) and now will go read the blog.
Hi Vanna, please pick my name, LOL.
I always feel a sense of peacefulness and happiness when I read your blogs.
Talking about ladybugs and luck, well I must be very lucky because we always have lady bugs in our house. I think they live in the attic and make their way down to visit the rest of us. My hubby doesn’t always appreciate them, but I explain they bring luck and are so good for the garden. I hope they bring me luck in the giveaways you are having. Emily says she loves the new pictures of Jack, and can’t believe he got to go outside. Good for him!
Oh Happy Day! Can’t wait for that new book to come out. Thank you so much for this book, and all your hard work. You are so kind and generous to share your life with us. Becky
What a dream come true…to receive a perfect package from YOU! I would so love to have your new book or something special from you. Thanks for always sharing your success with all of us! Sweet hugs from Florida, Diane
Happiness is truly reading your latest, heartwarming comments! What a fun-filled, blessed life you lead! Would love if you could do a book-signing in Charleston, SC.
I am thankful you work so hard and I do enjoy your blog!