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
I have been so busy this summer helping with the 8 grands of two of my daughters that I have been missing your blog and everything that has been going on in your beautiful island home. So I have came to catch up and will hope to win one of your wonderful and generous give-aways! I have a newer e-mail so I hope to be able to get set up to receive Willard again also.
Thank you Susan. I love all the lovely things you do…your beautiful artwork, your writing and the wonderful experiences we get to share in your daily life are so special. Thanks for the opportunity to ” bring you ” into our homes with your giveaways. Enjoy the rest of your week!
It’s good to see Jack again. I think it’s a national movement with Kitties requiring water directly from the sink rather than a bowl. Two of our kitties are now requiring it to be running cold water from the faucet. Congratulations on finishing your new book. I’m looking forward to reading it.
I was reading your blog whilst my kitty, Lucy, was flopped beside me. I love seeing pics of Jack & Girl Kitty. My hubby & I have been inspired to look at going to England on the QMII in a few years – so grateful that your book inspired us! Who knows what the new one will bring to our lives!
Hi Susan! Hubby and I just got back this afternoon from a trip up the coast to your neck of the woods….SLO, Morro Beach, Cambria and all the other wonderful little towns and hamlets in the area. It was a fun road trip and the weather was delightful, but there was news of fires occurring in SLO and surrounding areas. Hopefully the firefighters have put them out by now, because it is very worrisome–the news was talking about people being evacuated. Maybe someone else with more recent info can update us on this blog about the firefighter’s progress. At any rate, when I turned on my pc just now, was so happy to see a Willard waiting for me to read and your latest blog post. Sign me up for the wonderful drawing. Hopefully our Vanna will pick ME! (Are you listening, Vanna???)
Fondly, Carol
Love your blog, love getting my first Willard! Thanks!
I know what you mean about cleaning your BP collection. This summer I’ve found myself doing lots of odd chores – meaning the ones you don’t do weekly or monthly. But once they are checked off the mental list, I feel lighter and more organized. It is so exciting to be having a new book come out – for you as an author. And me as a reader. All the best ! T
Your giveaways are always the best, Dear Susan <3
I luh, luh, love that you mentioned this line from P & P. Melts my heart every time!
I wondered if anyone else noticed the way he said that! 🙂
Can’t wait to read The Fairy Tale Girl!
Love to read your blog or email … Always enjoy all the whimsy in your writings and beautiful illustrations!!!
Your blog posts are such a treat. And that Autumn Book . . . oh my!!
Thank you, Susan, for never failing to bring me back to CENTER.
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your life and adventures with us. I’m glad you get to plan a new adventure on the Queen Mary 2. We will enjoy reading your planning updates. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your life and passions. So excited about your new book! Recently pared down my personal library to keep only books I really love. Donated 10 huge boxes. Kept all of yours!! Love them all!
feeling under the weather a bit, so nice to have your visual words waiting for me to read in bed! Thank you.
Feel better soon Stacey!
I can’t wait to get your new book! I plan to order it soon- unless I win it!
I’m looking forward to the Willard!
I love that you reward yourself after finishing a big project! So many people don’t! I gave myself a lunch treat on the water after finishing my first Kentucky card with a watercolor of a bobcat for the A in “Cats Rule”. Given that I’m a Michigan State Spartan fan, this was quite a stretch. Such fun and I have you to thank for inspiring me to try my hand at lettering 🙂 Thank you for that 🙂
I’m so eager to read your new book!
Thank you dear Susan for brightening my day in every way…
Although I’ve already ordered your new book for me, I’d love to win one to donate to our local library.
What a lovely giveaway! Thank you so much for the chance!
Love the owl bookmark!
Your posts always brighten my life! Thank you!
Carol
Thank you for your blessings for all of us in the west dealing with fires. I so enjoyed Willard and this blog post. You are definitely a blessing yourself!
Your blog always brightens the day. So much joy to share – thank you, Susan!
Looking forward to the new Willard, and your new book!
I am SO happy you are BACK! Have missed you, Susan. Can’t wait for your book to arrive in my mailbox! And maybe another trip coming up on the Queen Mary 2! Be still my heart!
With over 1,200 comments from your Girlfriend fans, I’ll gladly take my chances and SHOOT FOR THE STARS at being a lucky winner. After reading that Isle of Dreams will be coming out in April, I was overjoyed, no ELATED is more like it, that I don’t have to wait a WHOLE year like I do for Downton Abbey! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for a delightful read after a long, tough day.
Oh, what another lovely post! Your joy comes right through! Love, love those pictures of Jack and Girl Kitty. Everything looks so wonderful in your “Smallville”!
I’m so excited that the book will be here soon!!! I’ll be watching for my Willard, too. Thank you for another day-brightener! 🙂
Vickie in Cleveland
So very generous of you! Just finished kitchen cleaning myself. No Potter figurines but other bowls and treasures needed cleaning. Now relaxing and enjoying your post!
Thank you, Susan, for the lovely long post. Great to know you have returned to domesticity city, at least for a while. Keep on dreaming!
I am using your good information from A Fine Romance to guide my husband and I through Kent for the next two weeks. My husband And I lived in Europe many years ago and when we left, I made him promise that he would bring me back. He kept his promise and has taken me to the UK many times to ease my longing for a wonderful place. We always book a cottage and I can pretend that I live there for a week or two. So thanks for the good advice and I will raise a glass of pear cider in your honor.
Thank you! Enjoy a magical time in the Garden of England.
It is always magical to be there and I try bringing it back but it is not the same….so I reread your A Fine Romance to try to restore it.
Next time you go, try keeping a little diary, you would be AMAZED at how much that will bring back to you.
It is interesting that you say that because I have kept a life journal and a travel journal for the last twenty five years. I started when I lived in Europe and it has been so helpful through the years when I needed to know information about where we have stayed. It is a wonderful way to record my memories, such as the destination weddings of my sons and the birth of our little grandson last year. A journal helps you to count your blessings big and small. Here’s to journal blessings as they have given us your wonderful books.
Oh, then you Know! My diaries are more like reference books these days!
Vanna will know for sure, but I’m not sure if I somehow cleared my post earlier in the day and I wanted to make sure I’m in your contest. So enjoy your blog and the stories you have to tell and looking forward to the new Willard. I’ve given at least 10 (I’m loosing count) of your 10th anniversary Autumn cookbooks as gifts. Most recently (August 16) to our nephew and his bride. The summer is going by so swiftly. School started yesterday in some districts surrounding us. Our district starts the 25th. Happily awaiting your new book’s arrival at our post office asap.
I am having a hard time finding my post too! Contest seem to get lost in my drooling over my Willard! Still don’t know if I am entered into anything. But, I am so please to see the blog pick up speed with interest. Oh I do tend to pant in excitement for my early pre-order. Any day with doodles and tales on Susan’s input is always fun, regardless if I loose my own emails! =-)
So, I am thinking happy thoughts and say I AM in the contest.
Ginny
You are IN Ginny!
I love that you have more time now and we are the recipients of your enjoyable blog. I would be thrilled to receive anyone of your give aways. Thanks for bringing much needed sunshine, laughter, and beauty into our lives.
Simply marvelous. You amaze me with all you do. I have a picture of you and 3 of my girlfriends in London, Ohio on your A Fine Romance tour. My book is signed and would love a signed copy of your new book. Thank you for bringing us into your busy life.
Say hello to everyone for me Lisa!
Waiting (im)patiently to read The Fairy Tale Girl. Prayers for speedy UPS trucks!
Enjoyed seeing photos of the waning days of summer in Martha’s Vineyard. Looking forward to seeing more photos as the colors of fall begin to make their appearance.
What a wonderful day…and an incredible post! I am soooo surprised to
see you here today!!! I was thinking WILLARD would be arriving today (and mine DID!!)…but when I just had a thought to check your site this morning and found you had been here too (much like the tooth fairy…or Santa Claus…during the night) I was so excited! (What a pleasant and welcome surprise!) I was at my desk, however, and only had a couple of minutes…and so I had to come back this evening..and now there are already 1, 219 comments!!! >Yowzaaa! That’s fantastic!! VERY well done!!< 😀
We are all so excited that you (and Joe & Jack & Girl Kitty) will be able to enjoy the rest of your summer…in a different sort of way than you have been doing…and we will be looking forward to all of your adventures!
Thanks so much for your wonderful post! (I am sure the presidents missed seeing your bright & shiny faces…but maybe they will have better luck with that next time!)
Looking forward to your next adventure…and hoping that Vanna has been resting …so that she can be telepathically feeling my will for her to choose MY name! 😉
Take care, dear lady!
<3
I know, all these wonderful comments, I can’t believe it, but reading them has been SO MUCH FUN … we have the smartest most creative Girlfriends here! Best of luck with Vanna, dear Judy!
Summer has flown by! So many friends to still spend time with, so many walks to go on! the sun is setting sooner, but I won’t believe summer is nearly past, I won’t!
Hi Susan,
I don’t have any of the BP figurines but I do have a big collection of PM (Precious Moments). You gave me the suggestion of giving them a bubble bath – they are soaking as I write.
I’m looking forward to getting the new Willard.
Oh, so so SO happy that you are done with the book! And back to sharing tidbits with us! Always such a flush of contentment for me to read about all the wonderful goings-on, especially if my boy Jack is featured. (Pick me, Vanna, pick me?)
I read the other day that ANTICIPATION often gives even MORE enjoyment than the actual event you are looking forward to, so we all need to have something to anticipate with exuberant excitement. The more often, the better! And I am already looking forward to seeing your book in print, and news of your new adventure. xx
I so agree! I love the anticipation, it makes every day better!
Dear Susan, I left a comment this morning, but my computer is having some issues so I hope this isn’t the second comment. Just wanted to say how happy I am that you are up for air after working so hard. I’m so excited, dear Fairy Tale girl, to get your new book! And the thought of you going again on the QM2 again gives me goosebumps. You, dear one, gave us the inspiration to travel that way this past May to England. I hope you are travelling to Scotland this time! Love to you and your family! xoxo ♥
Thank you Martha Ellen … and don’t worry, Vanna knows to choose only one from each entry, so you can write as much as you like.
Hey Susan and Joe…..Simply put, you just make me smile! Thanks for the joy of YOU! xo Raenell
How can one express THANK YOU to you for all the beautiful moments of grace that you inject into our lives, via Twitter, Willards, or this blog, not to mention the books, or each and every little SB bit of bliss you put out there for us? Thank YOU for letting us share in your grace. May beauty and peace continue to be with you and yours.
And you all do the same for me. xoxo
Broke my foot. Hobbling around in the steamy August heat, trying not to grumble, trying to count my blessings. Up pops a new blogpost and now the sun shines again! Thanks for your positivity, your love of life and sense of adventure in the little home-y daily things. You have no idea how much love and happiness you share with us!!
Susan, Thank you! I can tolerate the late summer heat knowing soon I’ll have your new book to read. Thank you for sharing your life and Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve made your Gazpacho and shared the recipe all summer. So very good.
Thank you Susan for a bright spot in my day.
Happy to have you here, Cynthia!
Hi Susan!!!
Oh my, so much excitement today!!! Willard, your blog post and giveaways! You’ve made a simple Tuesday, extraordinary!!!! Thank you for that and for the opportunity!!
Glad you can breathe in the remaining splendor a of summer before autumn sets in…sending warm rays of sunshine to illuminate your path and oodles of squishy hugs of congratulations!!!
Much love~XoXoX
Jeanette
great to have you back – missed your simplicity and joy of life thank you
How I wish I could walk with you and Joe on your walk to the beach. It sounds so lovely, no matter the season. You’re livin’ the good life, for sure!
My daughter, SIL and 2 grands are at the Vineyard this week renting a house in Edgartown. They have enjoyed 3 beaches so far and made seafood dinners. They will be joined by his mom, sister, niece and GD’s bff tomorrow until Sunday evening. They feel the need for a week there every August. I just love reading all your pieces and love your photos and paintings! I’m looking forward to these two new books and wish you a wonderful end of summer and autumn!
I just washed my Beatrix Potter animals too.
Oh — my very first Willard! And a new book coming! Pick me, pick me to win the give-away. But don’t worry, I’ll order one too. I love seeing your beautiful kitties and all the doings in your life — the setting so different from mine here in the dry, dusty desert of Oregon. We have just moved to a new — brand new! — hours, after 37 years in the old one. Starting a garden from absolute scratch and finding new homes for beloved books and old journals. A big adventure, this summer of my magical 66th birthday. So grateful to have Susan and co in my life. Here’s to the ‘girl’ and all her clan.
Thank you for all your beautiful work
“Aren’t they adorable?” you ask, and I have to say, “Yes, they are!”
Oh Vanna, pick me pick me! I would love to own something from Susan. It would be a treasure to me!
Your pictures are wonderful, but the one of the ear of corn especially is fantastic. Makes me want to reach right through the monitor screen to take a bite. A GREAT giveaway!
Eager to receive my new book, and thank you for the books and authors you enjoy and then recommend to us!
So excited about both of the new books. Glad to read a new blog entry, too! You and Joe deserve another lovely vacation, full of leisure and romance!
I am just so excited you are back!! I check your blog everyday! I have really missed you! Thanks for your blog. I really enjoy it. I can’t wait to read your new book. The Lord bless you!
Ermetta
Your kindness and love give me happy tears Susan. I love coming here. Thanks for making the world a more beautiful place. Loved Willard! My son gave me A Fine Romance as a gift, wasn’t that sweet?!
Lots of love, Annie
Oh what a great blogpost! Not just because there is a giveaway but I love reading about your home life with your cats, Joe, and Martha’s Vineyard. I do hope it happens for me too that I can live on the Vineyard someday.
Looking forward to your newest book and maybe a book signing?
Thank you! A cup of tea was obediently made when I opened Willard, and then ten minutes of bliss devouring EVERYTHING. My heart is singing and you have made my day. I’m off for a walk in the wild myself now, and a little dreaming of my own… Best wishes to all of the kindred spirits out there!
Looking forward to your new book and also a new Willard. Your blog today was just the best. Thank you for letting us share your life in this way.
Meant to say in Calif. ; )
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your world with all of us. You are a blessing!
I can tell you are WELL loved with all of these comments! Was so fun to read this blog post and hear your excitement. I would love to win any of the three prizes, especially your book! May Vanna find my name nestled at the bottom of the 1300+ names! I just love the place you and hubby walk to contemplate things and discuss things. What a wonderful place to be! I am looking forward to my first Willard too!
Another trip to England? I can hardly stand it. If I never get to go I know I will have a wonderful time going with you and Joe. I am packing already. Your new book looks glorious. Can’t wait to read it.
Welcome back to the real world! I’ve missed you. You’ve been so caught up with your new book, and calendars etc. Glad you have Joe and Jack and Girl Kitty to share all the joys of what is left of summer. With you planning a second QE II trip to England, just goes to show me how my hubby is slacking on the job…we (I) wanted to duplicate your last trip but we’ve been vacationing and cruising everywhere but there! Now we have our wonderful log home in New Richmond, Oh and our wonderful log cabin on Lake Cumberland, Ky. for sale which is going to limit our trips.
Give a hug to Margot for me, I just got the painting I commissioned her to do for me and it is beautiful….thanks for doing a blog on her…XXOO, girlfriend.
That makes me so happy!!! You and Margot! Great!
I can’t wait to read your next book! I so enjoyed A Fine Romance!
Dear Susan, Your charming & beautiful art includes a little sweety taking a bow … I hope she can hear the thunderous applause we’re cheering for you, the liveliness & loveliness that you give to us!!! Well done!!!! Oh, & all 4 of my nearly grown to grown sons enjoy teasing me that they luh luh love me!! :))) They have seen that version on here at home many times; one of my favorites. As are your books & artworks, for many years. Enjoy your polishing, scrubbing, & soap bubbles. Your home sparkles like Mrs Tittlemouse’s!! :))
Those Boys! 🙂
Susan, thank you for the wonderful stories and pictures. Such a breath of fresh air. I can feel the beautiful weather you are having compared to the scorching heat and drought here in CA. Thank You, Thank You .
Always a joy to find a “real letter” in the inbox! My daughter (16) and I love to read your posts and would be thrilled to win a prize. I already pre-ordered your book, but if we win another, then there will not be any fighting : )
Happy Summer from a Summer Mom! ( a summer mom is a mom that cries when the kids get on the bus the first day, who NEVER says “I can’t wait to get back on a schedule”, and loves spontaneity and variety (and going for ice cream in pajamas because its a full moon!)
Ice cream, pajamas, and full moon, ahhhhhhh. perfection.
I look forward so much to your blogs and your tales of Jack and Girl Kitty. Thank you for sharing all you do with us. I envy your home by/on the sea with all the sounds and smells of the ocean life. Enjoy your next trip. I’ll be waiting to read all about it!
So happy to receive my first Willard. Love it! Nothing you do is too long.
hello Susan! What a wonderful newsy blog post! I am also looking forward to your new book! Can’t wait! Thank you for the fun new stationery and computer wallpaper and bookmarks on your website! What fun! Please enter me in your giveaways.
Thank you.
Oh Susan! It is so good to have you posting again! I’m glad your book is finished and will excitedly look forward to reading it. And I’d love to travel with you to Scotland!
Barbara W.
Oh, glorious day when your blog posts! My kind of happy;) please draw my name, pleaseeeee.
Thank you!
Thank you, Susan, for my first Willard. What a delight to read. I also enjoy following your blog and hearing about your love of England and all things British. My sister-in-law is from England. I’ve only been there once for two weeks, for her sister’s wedding, but the memories will last me for many years. Yes, I got to attend a real English wedding. What a treat. Looking forward to hearing about more of your adventures.
That IS a treat. Did everyone wear hats?
Oh, Jack is just too cute with his mustache! And his little white paws make me so happy! 🙂 I’m planning a trip to England and Scotland for next fall (though not by ship, sadly) and re-reading A Fine Romance in the meantime. It always gives me such sweet daydreams!
Oh Emily, I’m so happy for you, have a WONDERFUL time!
My day is made, thanks to you! I haven’t read any of your blogs for quite a while for some reason, (possibly because I have been reading books like MAD), but I was really, really wanting to have a SB fix, so I pulled your site up and bought some items and also read your post for today.
Thanks so much for all you do for us! 😉
What a lovely surprise it was to see your latest, “Willard” letter in my email today. It always brightens my day to read your news & updates. The photos, new products & drawings are so much fun to view. How exciting that your new book is coming out, soon. In addition, we all have a sequel to look forward too, also! Thank you for touching so many of us with your talent!
Susan, your art and blogs are such a source of inspiration! Thank you for sharing.
I love all your pictures – especially the outdoor scenery. Would love to win this giveaway!
So looking forward to reading the new book! You always make me feel like I am actually your girlfriend! Thank you for that!
DARLING! I didn’t know The Fairytale Girl was being born in INDIANA! WAAHOOO! Heading to the promised land of roses next June-July…hmmmm. Bless you for spreading all the joy! xoxo
Yes, that’s the BIRTHPLACE!!! Don’t you just love it!?
Wish I had discovered you before now! I just finished A Fine Romance–delightful. I’m ready for more! Looking forward to The Fairy Tale Girl. It does seem that you lead an enchanted life. Someday I hope to visit Martha’s Vineyard and see it all in person. Found out recently that I am descended from a Mayhew daughter and a Daggett son–and I married a Daggett! Always wanted to see the Daggett house but now I want to enjoy all the magic you write about. Hope to be able to find some of your older books too.
Blessings to you,
Alyene
Those names are some of the oldest on the Island. You’ll find many places to relate to, Alyene!
Hi Susan! I can’t wait to get your new book! I’ve been waiting for months and months and I’m so excited!
Congratulations on finishing your book. I think it will be terrific.
I always love to read your posts because you live with such exuberance. Love the apple core. I just love how God put beauty in the smallest things–Little gifts to us.
Looking forward to the drawing, but until then I have the joy the anticipation. (I like what someone said about that in an earlier comment.)
Have fun with those travel books. How exciting that “we” will be sailing again soon.
Happy last days of summer to you.
I’m trying to post once again…I keep getting a message that reads “your comment is awaiting moderation”, what does that mean?
It means that I have to “approve” all the comments — because of the spam that mixes in with everything. So here I am! Have a happy day!
I love that kind of puttering…washing the knick knacks and making everything fresh!
Please come see my Jack. I posted a photo of him on my blog tonight, too! He’s named after yours…a rescue kitty we got a couple of years ago.
My fingers…and toes…are crossed…feeling lucky for the giveaways!
Thanks so much.
Thank you for your wonderful post. I look forward to reading it very much.
My husband and I love Martha Vineyard we have been there for two visit we enjoyed
Both.
Enjoy your blog! We’ve had lots of Kentucky rain this summer, which has been great for the gardens. Our home has no cats, but we do have one small rat terrier, Brutus. Looking forward to fall, with all it’s color. Then winter with extra time to read….maybe even your new book 🙂
Loved the post as always. I have all your books and journals can’t wait to see all the new stuff. Would love to win something. Thanks Susan take care of the kitties. Phyllis
Wow Susan! Your work is as beautiful and inspiring as it was when I was a young mum pouring over your books many years ago. xx
Reading “A Fine Romance” felt like reading a beautiful long letter from a friend sharing her British vacation. Such a delight, and it’s wonderful to hear that you have not just one, but two new books! Thank you for sharing your magical life with the world!
You and Joe are such kind people… I read your words and they touch my heart…thank you for taking me along on your journies!!
And I thank you for the Willard, the blogs and inspiration for my own day dreams. After an especially long day, it was so relaxing to read both my Willard and the latest blog.
So happy to see you back Susan. Always take some special time to read and re-read your blog. Don’t want to miss a thing. Love those kitties. Smiled seeing the Beatrix Potter bathers too. Happy you can now relax a little more and enjoy the rest of the summer. xo