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
Thank you for a wonderful Willard. So much to catch up on – you have been so busy. I too look forward to Fall and hope that you, Joe and the kitties have a great Fall season. Thank you, Susan
So many people “look but do not see”. You, my dear Susan, take it to the Nth degree. But when do you get any rest?! Love you.
We all feel your excitement Susan and we, your GIRLFRIENDS, could not be more delighted for you!!! Thank you for all the inspiration, blessings and love you shower us with. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent for expressing your joy in all that you say and do! With love and best wishes for a MOST SUCCESSFUL new book launch! Pamela Hoops
Hi Susan! Can’t wait to get my Willard! Today I got out my Autumn book, and am feeling excited for fall-my favorite time of year. Looking forward to reading The Fairy Tale Girl, too!! Enjoy the rest of your Summer!
My mom said, “If I am going to pay to watch a movie, I want to come out of the theater feeling happy!”. Thank you for the Willard and for creating such delightful snippets of happiness for us to enjoy.
You’ve been very busy. Can’t wait to read your new book. I visited Martha’s Vineyard last month and had a wonderful time in Oak Bluff and Vineyard Haven.
So glad to open my Kindle and find you there. Have missed your posts. Can’t wait to get the new book. Re-read your first book this summer.
Love the black&white kitties..I had six of them once upon a time. ..now, we have one orange Maine coon, love him but still have a longing for b&w’s. LvE
I’m SO glad you’ve returned to blogville! I was beginning to feel like Pavlov’s dogs waiting for a treat when I checked every day and you were nowhere to be found! But I do feel like a “fairy tale girl” also. I am so blessed. My children are all doing well, with families, faith, educations, meaningful work, homes, health and happiness. My husband is the best. My flowers, woods and yard are an inspiration every day. Our June trip to Ireland was more than I ever could have imagined. What more could I ask for? Blessings to you…..
I guess the gremlins go the rest of my comment!
I have already preordered the book! And have scheduled a “me myself and I weekend” to read it cover to cover! Added a few other goodies from the store in my order. Like a little merry Christmas in hot Houston August! 🙂
Susan I have been a huge fan of yours for a long time, I can’t wait to read fairy tale girl and add it to my collection, you see I feel like fairy tale girl myself, just this May I lost my beloved Mother, I just didn’t know how you go on without my Mother in my life . Then a wonderful surprised happened, my only child, my daughter, is going to have a baby, a little girl, what joy, a gift from my Mother. I feel like a fairy tale girl too…
I am so happy for you Jeanie, it must have been very hard. Sending love, and Happy New Baby!
Enjoying the blog while I wait so patiently for Williard! A trip in the future is very exciting and I look forward to hearing all the details.
What a wonderful post. Looking forward to your new book!
There is SOOOO much bad news in the world that your blog and books are so VERY much appreciated. Love, love, love all you do for 20+years. Hug to you ❤️
OH you are soooooooo good to us! I love it when I open my email and there you are! and a Willard coming too! Just too much. I love the owl bookmark and put a new desktop picture. All the fun things that fall brings! I can’t wait for my Willard. Every day is a fun day when your emails arrive. Thank you so much!
How exciting for you — a new book and a new trip! I hope you enjoy both and looking forward to reading more about them.
Congratulations on achieving your goals. So loved your lengthy blog post and all the lovely pictures…I can share your pain of expecting a quiet lunch, a little. I made the mistake of going to Nashville on the day a new venue opened and major, major stars were in town…I can only remember that Dolly Parton was one of them because the others belong to another generation. Trying to get home, it took over an hour to travel 5 miles to reach the interstate. I’ve ordered your book, but am very excited about the giveaway. All the items are wonderful and if I win the book, I’ll share with a friend.
Oh how I love when I look up your blog and I see HAPPY news! SOOOO excited for another special Susan Branch book! I have treasured them for 25 years….and I imagine myself on your beautiful island and share the beauty there from Northern Idaho! Thank you for all the Happy!
Wendy Rohs
We’ve missed you. Glad you’re back.
A wonderful, welcome blog today! You bring sunshine and cheer every time you blog, and I click everyday to see if another one is there. Can’t get enough! Loved looking at your kitchen “redo” a couple years ago. That would be my favorite kitchen–no modern stuff for me!
I am always looking forward to seeing what is happening on your post! You artwork is delightful! Your recipes are yummy.( I have a Christmas Cookbook) WoW! three opportunities to win! Thanks!
I can’t even imagine a day without seeing any of your treasured artwork/gifts:
calendars, books, drawings, anything… thanks for sharing this wonderful time with us. Looking ahead to what is next to see/experience. Also from our kitty to yours– a pet just makes your day better !! Love/hugs from Debbie in Washington (green and not too hot)
Love your books!!
So excited the book is finished so you can pop out of your hole and bring us such lovely notes!
Autumn is my favorite too. I can feel a bit of it in the air here in Ohio too.
Hi Susan,
I can’t wait to read my Willard! I sure do love reading your blog and hearing about your wonderful life. It would be so cool to be a lucky winner in your drawing! My fingers are crossed!
I thank you, Susan and all the girlfriends who are praying for the firefighters here in the NW. It’s a sad sad time with all these fires going on. We have a deep red sun during the day…. sunrises and sunsets are beautiful…. why does it take smoke from a fire to make these so? The smoke is so thick…. when the sun CAN get out from the smoke, it’s an erie sense of I don’t know what. I’m not walking as it’s dangerous to be outside in this thick smoke, but plus it smells so bad.
To top it off, our a/c finally gave up. We haven’t had more than lukewarm air coming from it most all summer. They came out last Thursday and charged it up. Well, by yesterday it was all gone. Today, they are putting in a new a/c. Do you realize just how expensive a new one is?!!!!! We were planning on paying off the house in the next couple months, but we are postponing it for a few more to save back up what we are spending on the a/c.
Loved the post today and now I’m going to read the new Willard!!! Good day all and stay safe.
xoxoxox,
Carol M
So very sorry Carol. This too shall pass xoxoxo
carol I hear you on the smoke, its positively horrible. some days its not so bad, and others it is so thick it is unhealthy to be out there. holding out good thoughts for a long and cooling rain storm to come and out them all out and clear that smoke out of here. it will pass, in time it will pass until then we must be patient.
Oh, I know, Pat!! Today is windy so for the first time in 2 weeks, we have a normal sun with NO smoke at all. Of course, who knows just how long that will last.
You may have read that we had 2 firefighters die and 4 other hurt by the latest fire yesterday. Two towns had to be totally evacuated. Haven’t heard anything yet today if the fire has gotten closer to them or not. Such a sad sad thing that the NW is going through right now. You guys are getting slammed as well. Lets pray for rain!!!
Carol
Congratulations on your new books! I loved A Fine Romance and can’t wait to read the 2 new ones. Enjoy the rest of your summer on your beautiful island and thank you for the give away.
Dawn R.
So very glad to have you back. Counting the day until I receive your new masterpiece.
Thank you for your blog and also Willard!! So wonderful that you are FREE for a while! My hubby and I had a recent trip to the UK and I thought of you! So happy you are planning a trip back. Ahh…afternoon tea!!
Hugs, Emily
Your blog always warms this Grannies heart!
Finally to hear from you again! love to see the kitties and all at the Vineyard.
Thank you for opportunity to win a prize!!
Lovely to see you back again !
Simply put…….
You brighten my day
Thank you!!!!!!
Welcome back! Your book is already my book club selection for the next time I get to choose. Can’t wait! xoxo
Oh how exciting… a new book on the way…good for you. And thanks for being so generous with 3 giveaways this time!
Hi Susan, this morning I finished a rough dummy of a written and illustrated children’s picture book I’ve been imagining for the past 6 years. Your blog post above was the first thing I read in my email box. It was so much fun to share in your happiness to finally have a life again. The first thing I too wanted to do was get out into the garden and plant something. Unfortunately it is in the nineties here in California and the air is smokey. At least we aren’t burning up. Thanks for your prayers for the families that are !! xoxo
I can’t wait for the new book!
It’s always a pleasure to get your blog and to be reminded that it really is the simple things in life that make it worth living. Thank you!
Such an enjoyable post . . . a smorgasbord of delightful things. 🙂
So many wonderful new, exciting things happening. Can’t wait for the new book and well as all the wonderful new items. Puts a big smile on my face.
Big Hugs!
So glad to be getting regular posts from our Susan!! Happy Birthday Joe!!
I just love reading everything you write…it is always comforting! Have missed you while you were busy writing. Welcome back!!!
I’ve missed your Willards! Thank you! xo
I can’t believe summer went by so fast … and you, Susan, have been sooo busy! Truthfully, I’m looking forward to winter. I’m going to read, cross-stitch and do everything I haven’t been able to do over the last seven months (it’s a long story but let’s just say I’m getting cataract surgery next month – yay!!). Have a good end of summer.
Loved your post today and can’t wait to get my Willard. I am so looking forward to getting The Fairy Tale Girl. It’s still hot here in Texas, but, I’m looking forward to getting my Autumn book out soon.
such a beautiful post! so glad you have finished the new book and I am looking forward to it so much. xoxo
Oh, Susan…thank you so much for the chance to win. Feel like a winner reading your blog and can’t wait for my Willard. I have already been asking at my favorite store “when are your calendars coming in”??? – so glad to hear they are on the way. Can’t wait to read Fairy Tale Girl…you must be bursting with pride and enjoying playing house again. Here, it’s back to school…but that’s ok, because I get to share books with young people and work with fabulous, dedicated teachers ! Can’t wait to print out the bookmarks…THANK YOU !
Another Willard…I’ve been missing Willard. It seems like it’s been a long time. And thank you for the opportunity to win…
Everybody needs a little fairy magic! In the autumn (my favorite season) it’s every better. 🙂
Your Guys ARE Adorable … Be Blessed
Love Jack. Enjoy reading about him. Would love to win. Have collected your books since I discovered you way back.
Looking for Willard but loved this chatty blog. And waiting too for the book! Hurrah!
Thank you for the opportunity to win the Susan Branch lottery!!
Pick me, Vanna!
Such a treat as others have said..everything..that rose close-up & the offers and the possibility of a new voyage…AND that ROSE!! aaahhh….such pleasures we have to thank you so much!!
love love all your ocean pictures! I go to Carolina Beach! NC
Yay…it’s almost time for The Fairy Tale Girl and a new calendar to be released! And yay…another trip to England 🙂 You’ve inspired me now and I need to give my Beatrix Potter kids baths too! xo
Susan, thank you for coming into my home with your big heart and bright smile!!
Congratulations on finishing your huge project — I cannot wait to read your Fairy Tale life…
And thanks for the picture of all your stars… where I live, we see about 4 or 5 dots in the sky… sigh. I wonder if you do as our dear friend Gladys Taber liked to do before going to bed each night… she would step out on her little porch and look up to the sky and thank her lucky stars… and God.
Be blessed, our talented and happy girlfriend!
Hello again – I missed your blog!
So wonderful to have you back.
Cannot wait for the new book.
Revel!
hello Susan, girlfriends.. guess my first posting got chewed up somewhere, well its another hot dry day here in Oregon, well in southern Oregon.. 103-106 degrees today and 100-102 degrees for tomorrow. tomorrow our county fair, Josephine County, opens up and on Thursday the Knights of the Realm will be showing their jousting competitions and skills. seems that the Knights of the Realm are all from Oregon… well they all reside in Oregon, I looked them up on google under Knights of the Realm, Tournament of Champions and got their website… very interesting and watched a video that also came up under the website, a video of their tournament at Roseburg Rodeo a few years ago, its on you tube and very interesting to watch. I am definitely planning to go see that, these knights are the best horse riders and stuntmen around. they even perform at Medieval Times, the restaurant and show and do parades and compete internationally. well the barnyard crowd is surviving this heat, all the water buckets, tubs, containers and pools were filled with nice cool water and ice cubes to help keep that water cool awhile and the hens and ducks happy. hopefully we will get a wet Fall this year and lots of rain to put out these fires and clear out this smoke. nowadays you can’t tell if it is partly cloudy, smoky or both. well off to go start the dinner preps.. well actually its breakfast for dinner.. biscuits and gravy. its fast easy to do and barely heats up the house. we have all the fans going to keep cool and outside in the henhouse and barn the fans are going full blast to keep the birds happy and cool. I can’t wait for Fall to get here, I am so ready for cooler days and sweaters. so where are you and Joe going on the Queen Mary 2?? England, Scotland or Ireland???? I hope you have room enough in your trunk for all of us to go along. and love the pictures of Jack going after the balloon, of course now our cats love chasing balloons and popping them, but they really love chasing hazel nuts and swatting those under the furniture… I shudder to think of how many are under the couch. you all have a great day, stay cool. talk to you all later…. HUGS 🙂
It cannot wait for your next book to come out!!
Thanks for another happy visit. How do you manage to be so relaxing and so inspiring all at the same time?
So glad to have a Willard and I am patiently waiting for your new book (I
pre-ordered it). Thanks for the chance to win a prize.
Willard was so good to read this morning and I felt just like I was chatting with a girlfriend.
Thank you so much for bringing your beautiful life to our homes to share together. I can’t wait to read your new books as I treasure the ones I own already. Hugs from upstate New York!
Hi Susan – Very excited about your new book! I enjoy reading them so much. Happy rest of your summer, Alison
I feel so warm & cozy after reading your Willard & your blog! We are having a cool & wet day in Minnesota. I already have 1 of the free wallpapers on my computer & love it. Of course I will have used it all over the course of the Fall…. I was really excited to hear that the
book is at the printers as I preordered mine quite a while ago!! What a perfect end of the afternoon having a Willard to read & surrounded by my sweet dogs it feels wonderful. Thank you for being you!!!!!!
Once again I can read your blog and look at your pictures at the end of a work day, and it relaxes me before I head home in the traffic. Thank you for being my stress reliever! I know you must be a little less stressed now that you have accomplished so much. Congratulations! Thanks, also, for providing three giveaways! Would love for Vanna to draw my name. Looking forward to getting my Willard.
So happy to have you back with us! Your posts make the humidity go away, the sun shine and the birds sing. So excited to get your book (soon) and so excited to hear we may be going along on another trip on the Queen! So happy to see your bright and sparkly kitchen – you may be inspiring me. So happy to hear about your visitors on the Island, too. Happy late summer days!
and WE THANK YOU!
Welcome back to the world, Baby Girl!
You are dearly loved and you’ve been missed! To have you back is a “prize” for all of us!
Well, I decided that before I started cleaning the kitchen and watering all my indoor plants I would check my mail. I didn’t get too far because the very first mail was from you! That was about 2+ hours ago. I followed every link and read every post attached and back again. I have now finally finished today’s post and alas I have not cleaned my kitchen nor watered a single plant! And the post I loved best was Domesticity City and I had to listen to Polka Dots and Moonbeams while I was at it! I was swept away reading about all that you accomplished while I accomplished nada. Oh well. I enjoyed every minute! And all those links make me want to repaint and clean to a sparkling shine everything in my house! Thanks bunches 🙂
So excited for your new book! I’m just about ready to read A Fine Romance AGAIN!! And another vicarious trip to England sounds delightful. 🙂
I’m so glad to have you back! Missed reading your blog. Can hardly wait for your new fairy book to come out. Love your kitties! Cutest things ever!
Hi Susan,
So glad you’re back! I’ve missed your blog and beautiful photos. Congratulations on your new book an I can’t wait to add it to my collection of Susan Branch books.
Brenda
What great gifts again! Can’t wait for “our” next trip!
Dear Susan, such a satisfying visit! Thank you so much for sharing your life and home with all of us. I so look forward to your posts and now I’m looking forward to my wonderful Willard!
So excited for Autumn!! My favorite time of the year!
Can’t wait till The Willard gets to our Willard household! I won’t let anyone check the mail this week because I want to open the box and feel the excitement of seeing the letter! 🙂
And please Vanna pick my name this time.
Susan thanks for spreading sunshine!
Now with another request. How hard would it be to make a blotter calendar for the school year, August-June? Somedays I think a blotter filling my desk would be a saving grace! Thanks
I love getting lost in your blog posts…looking forward to the new edition of Williard!
I have pre-ordered your book….can’t wait! I have loved you for years!
I am so excited! I can’t wait for everything to happen! Hopefully, one at a time so we can savor them all!
Loved A Fine Romance and I am lookin forward to Fairy Tale Girl!
Glad to see you are all well and enjoying the Summer, I say ruefully as it was 48 degrees here this morning. Colorado!
Hoping to have my Willard soon!
Ruth
Thank you so much for making us all feel a part of your life! When I read your blog,I feel like I’m hearing from an old friend. May the Lord bless you as you have blessed so many of us.
So happy to have a new Willard! Glad you are able to start getting back to normal a little bit. I can’t wait to get my copy of your new book in the mail! I know it is going to be wonderful. Thank you for all of your hard work!
Oh! My goodness, so ready for your new book to be in my hands! You are a gem!!!
Hi Susan, how great to get your flowers in the ground! I love the blue- yellow- orange combination. Now you can really enjoy them without deadlines hanging over you. Can’t wait to hear details about your trip. 🙂
Hello Susan loved reading Willard and I am going to read this blog as soon as I can. I wanted to be sure and get in on the good giveaways. Would love to have your new book. My daughters and granddaughter are very big fans and have been for a long time. You are such a treasure. We love you , enjoy the rest of your summer.
I can’t wait for your new book. I loved A Fine Romance! Your words and art inspire me and brighten my day!
What a nice newsy blog today! I’m so excited about the new book coming out I can hardly stand it! And a new Willard to look forward to…yay!
[email protected]
So happy you have finished your book. I really am excited to receive it – but I am pleased for you to now have some summer time to yourself. I know how you love your garden, farmer’s markets, the sun on your back, evening parties outdoors. Just worried your work would keep you from enjoying any of these this summer. Now it’s time to relax and celebrate! Thanks for all the joy you send out to us. Be well.
I can’t even imagine how hard and long you worked on your book and even more how wonderful you feel now that it is done and soon to be published. How giddy the two of you must be!! What a wonderful book, can’t wait to read it. So happy to have you back with us, to entertain us and your generosity of the giveways. Please…..I want to win! Hugs, Nancy G
I’m so happy you’re back! I’ve missed reading your blog this summer. Just ordered your new book. 🙂 Can’t wait!
Oh my goodness where do I start? Willard was the best (thank you Grandpa Willard!) I will not say too much, so the girls who haven’t received it yet will enjoy each word with total enjoyment! Those book markers are amazing! Love the quote….reminded me when I was young..on Valentine’s Day Eve… I went to bed early knowing when I woke up it would be Valentine’s Day and I’d get a box full of cards from my friends!! (That’s where writing letters started…lol) And your new book…oh my, I can hardly wait! To see how you came from CA to your lovable MV…then to see what you did with your life (up until now!) Thank you so much for Willard and this post they were AMAZING! (And yes, I would love to win any of those special giveaways!)
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Great giveaway. Thanks. Enjoy your blog.
And WE thank you! Thank you for your wonderful pictures of life on Martha’s Vineyard. Thank you for keeping us posted on your book. And,thank you for all the delightful drawings and funny stories that you always send our way. It is such a pleasure to receive your newsletters!
I have always dreamed (quietly, in the very far reaches of my heart and mind) of writing children’s books and have decided this year to take the plunge. Every time I read your “fairy magic” or Fairy Tale Girl words, it stirs up such fun, interesting images in my mind that I know this will be subjec to of my first effort. My eight year old grandnephew (my Punkin!) is going to guest illustrate a few of the pages, as he is quite an artist with his young hands. Thank you for providing inspiration, even when you didn’t even know it!
Always enjoy your pictures – and the pics of the kitties – just want to snuggle them. I haven’t received my Willard yet, but will keep an eye out for him – they’re such fun!
I am very excited to read your new book! Thank you for the drawings–please Vanna pick me!
Such a nice surprise to see a new post when I checked your website today – thanks! Looking forward to your new book in the near future!
Hello Susan!
So glad to see you back at the blog! The Willard was wonderful to read today too! Thank you so much! There is so much to look forward to – can’t wait to read the new book. Thank you for sharing so much with your readers. It is pure magic.
XO, Lucy
So very happy to get your blog again! Pictures of Jack and Girl and your flowers and stuff simply brighten my day. I’ve been nurking around my house and getting things in order, all bright and shiny – feels great!
BTW, Hobson’s Choice is a wonderful movie! We watched it at your suggestion and enjoyed it thoroughly. Thanks for the heads-up.
Have a lovely day in Domesticity City – I’ll see you there!
Sounds like you have had a wonderful summer. I hope you do take your trip back to England. That is where we honeymooned; 25 years ago this October. Cannot wait to read your new book!