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
Another book! Cannot wait to purchase and enjoy it! Thanks Susan Branch!
Thanks for the Fun Giveaway and for the wildfire prayers. I live in one of the towns affected by a fire, and it’s nice to know people far away are thinking about our community. So excited to read your newest book!
I think the whole country is thinking of you. It’s so sad to see some of the people and the homes they’ve lost. Easy to put myself in their place.
Well, we have had a “hellish-like” summer so far in Idaho. First we had weeks of over 100 degree weather (104 etc) and now fires. The largest wildfire in the US is almost in my backyard still burning several days ago it had over 278,000 acres burned …smokey eyes, burning nostrils but luckily it has turned southward now. My Sister had to evacuate her home several weeks ago (she lives right next to the Olympic rainforest in Washington state) and when they grabbed her from her home they made her leave her 4 Tibetan Terriers in the house!! She is on oxygen and couldn’t fight them but later got some high school boys to go rescue them………she lives on 5 acres and the fire was right across the road from her but her home survived!! NOw my beautiful oak tree has died and the huge five story tall tree in my backyard looks like dying today.leaves all falling off!!! Then a massive swarm of bees left their hive and swooped into my tree and had to be rescued!!! AGGHHH!!! What a summer bummer.
I can’t believe you can still buy flowers..our nurseries ran out months ago.
Also shocked to hear that you are finally letting Jack out…….be careful!
Happy trip planning!! Linda from Idaho where the sun has a huge orange ring around it.
Oh my, Linda, this is TERRIBLE. Leaving the dogs? Unbearable. And your tree! Awful. Praying for all. This really is too much, it’s like all those predictions about global warming are happening . . . did you see that cyclone or whatever it was filled with hundred foot flames??? Good grief! OK, all we can do is force-click rain, as a group, we put our prayers to it. XOXO sending all my best.
Wonderful Willard and blog post. Sure would love to attend your picnic next fall!
I’m going to do my best to make it happen!
You are right- yesterday here in England there was also just a tiny whiff of Autumn in the air.The trees are parched from lack of rain and some are already beginning to show a faint autumnal hue. Like you my husband and I love the Autumn, especially for all the delicious goodies to be found in the hedgerows- blackberries, nuts and of course sloes for the comforting tipple of sloe gin!
I imagine you are feeling so ‘free’ after your hours of writing, but also have a tremendous sense of elation and pride. Congratulations!
I’m in for your draw…have loved my gift of your 2015 calendar from my daughter as well as your Autumn book…have A Fine Romance and would love, love your new book.
Also will have my case packed for ‘our’ trip again with you on the Queen Mary !!. So happy you are back in all the ways we girlfriends love.
Merci,
Sylvia Faye
FOR THE DREAMERS IN ALL OF US. I LIVE MY HOPES WITH YOU, AND THE ISLAND. WE ALL CAN’T HAVE, BUT YOU SUSAN, HAVE ALLOWED US GIRLFRIENDS TO HITCH THOSE DREAMS, TO YOUR WAGON. KEEP GOING FOR ALL OF US, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW TO THE DEPTHS OF ONES SOUL, THE TOUCH OF FRIENDSHIP, NEAR OR FAR. WE CAN ALL FEEL THE CONNECTIONS. THANK YOU
Domesticity is my favorite. Well, except for dusting, which is like the plague for someone who enjoys vignettes. Being employed full time takes the fun out of it so at least one vacation is spent playing house. It’s nice to see someone else enjoy cleaning,hanging out laundry, digging and planting. I thought your take on the Presidents visit was a hoot, too. I’m so glad you are planning another voyage and time across the pond. Love going with you as you include us! Thanks for your generosity!
Love seeing the Beatrix Potter people getting a wash and flowers being planted and hearing about your trip planning. O Boy! And Yes, we are really HOT and DRY here in WA, and the fires are fearsome. Not our usual scenario in these parts. I think we are becoming more like CA. I want to get my name in the running for a fun giveaway, but mostly I’m just so glad that the FairyTale Girl will soon be in my mailbox 🙂 YAY!
Pick me, please, Vanna!
I loved the musica today also, it really set the mood. 🙂
I’VE ENJOYED YOUR ARTWORK AND BOOKS FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS. I’VE BEEN IN A STRANGE TRANSITION IN MY LIFE, AND HAVE BEEN READING FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE LITTLE BY LITTLE. IT’S AS IF IT’S A VACATION AND I JUST DIDN’T WANT IT TO END. EVERY TIME I OPENED UP YOUR BOOK, I WAS TRANSPORTED TO MY DREAMS. I’VE HAD A LIFE LONG DREAM OF GOING TO ENGLAND. JAMES HERRIOT’S STORIES WERE A STAPLE IN MY CHILDHOOD, SO THIS GLIMPSE OF ENGLAND WAS JUST THE CLOSEST I’VE GOTTEN TO ACTUALLY BEING THERE. I HOPE ONE DAY I WILL BE ABLE TO SAIL ON THE QM2 AND SEE THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE, THOUGH I’M WORRIED I MAY NEVER WANT TO COME HOME! YOUR PICTURES AND PAINTINGS AND ENTRIES JUST MADE IT COME ALIVE, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I HOPE I CAN WIN, SO I CAN SEND MY BOOK I HAVE ON ORDER TO MY MOM. SHE IS DISABLED AND I AM SENDING HER MY ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE BOOK TOMORROW, IN HOPES IT WILL BRING HER CHEER, LIKE IT DID ME!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO! YOU TRULY HAVE BROUGHT MY A LITTLE RESPITE EVERYDAY AS I HAVE LIMITED MY READING TO JUST A PAGE OR TWO, SO AS TO MAKE IT LAST LONGER. <3 I JUST LOVE YOU AND YOUR HEART, YOU BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK, AND THE BEAUTIFUL PERSON YOU ARE!!!
It makes me so happy to think that something I wrote could be a comfort to someone I haven’t met — it means everything to me. Thank you for telling me. . . blessings on you and your mom, and thank you!
Love Love Love all the excitement and the garden and the joy of a bright new season! Most of all…..thank you for the message to everyone in the area of the fires…..I am in the middle of it all right now and the smoke is TERRIBLE. However I can handle it because I know there are those who are in the thick of this horrible event and also those who have lost everything….. makes me cry. Finally got planes and National Guard to help fight the fires. Before that, there were some of the big fires that were being fought by volunteers – very few firefighters because there are so many fires going on. I have my little bag of things I must take should anything come our way. However I believe I will be alright. Pray for ALL of the people involved and experiencing this unbelievable event!! Thank again for the “eye candy” and your amazing talent that you share with all of us. Looking forward to the book and the thought of another trip is wonderful!! Hugs to all of you…….
Oh Pat, I just found out about the fire near you . . . I’m worried about everyone. I wrote friends this morning to see how everyone is. I’m praying for all, praying for RAIN — happy to hear you feel you’ll be OK. Keep in touch!
Your blog really brightens my day!!
Happy Birthday to Joe. My husband’s birthday is today (August 18th.) Those Leo men are the best!
I am really looking forward to your new book.
Love the photos of the kitties.
Happy almost Autumn.
They are wonderful, I have to agree! 🙂
Oh, let it be true …that Fall is on its way! Thank you for the hint that it is coming.
So glad you’re back Susan! Such a happy post. Everything just says “happy”. Love it all!
I am always so glad to see a new blog post from you in my Feedly reader. And you have 3 giveaways! Oh, how I would love to win one. Thanks for the chance to win (all three sound terrific).
Fairy Tales can come true….it could happen to you…..if I win a Susan Branch drawing! Thank you for the new bookmarks; I love them; my collection is growing; all thanks to you and your gift of artistic talents.
Hi Susan, so glad to have you back. I thoroughly enjoyed the latest Willard! I’ve been a fan of TURN and Poldark too. Our local PBS station just started showing The Forsyte Saga from 2002. It’s quite good and it’s helping this Anglophile get through the dry spell, waiting for Call The Midwife and the final season of our beloved Downton Abby to start up again. I just finished watching the final season of BBC America’s Atlantis ( nice eye candy ) and can’t wait for the next season of The Musketeers ( more eye candy ). Glad you and Joe and the kitties are doing well. I pre-ordered the new book months ago, so I’m eagerly awaiting its arrival soon! Speaking of books, did you get a chance to read Harper Lee’s latest, a prequel to To Kill A Mockingbird? Go Set A Watchman was a wonderful read. I’d give anything to meet Miss Lee and pick her brain! Me and thousands of others!! Well, I’ll be crossing fingers and toes hoping Vanna picks my name. Enjoy this end of summer! It’s hard to believe September is right around the corner!
I am sooooooo looking forward to reading your new book and would love to win any of the giveaways. Also glad to see you may be coming back to the UK again soon 🙂
So glad to have you back. Can’t wait to read your new book! We appreciate all the time and hard work you put into all you do. Blessings from the “west coast” where we wake up to to the sights and smells of the ocean and know how wonderful Gods world is.
Susan, everything sounds wonderful. glad your life has settled down a little and i’m sure your kitties do too!! enjoy the rest of your summer.
Good morning …..it is a grey day outside ,the cars are zipping passed on there way to work as I drink my morning tea …….thought I’d see if there is anything sunny to lift my mood …..and there you are with a giveaway aswell . Nothing ventured nothing gained .
Just to ask if anyone knows fly talk? I have one that has been trying to tell me something all the time I have been sipping my tea ,….very persistent
I’m afraid I always answer flies in the same way, and not with words 🙂
Welcome to summertime! Just out of curiosity— do you and Joe still planning on going to Scotland eventually?
OMG … 1300 comments before bed on the first day!!! You’re amazing girlie ♥ And I know from printing off your dad’s birthday wishes that the number of comments do not include all the responses to them! WOW! What a nice post 🙂 You can feel the lift in your step and the joy in your heart ♥ Just bask in the glory as you plan your next adventure. So, is the thought of planning another book signing overwhelming or exhilarating? Will there be a FTG van? Or train travel? Perhaps you choose one location in 6 regions of the country to simplify the process. You know the girlfriends would travel to see you … and you need to get back for that QM2 trip 🙂 Thanks again for the “post of contentment” … your talk of fairies reminds me of our fairy tea party and the pixie dust they left in our garden 🙂 … and your star photo reminds me of the amazing milky way time-lapses my son is photographing. Life is good. Enjoy Christmas when it arrives on your doorstep 🙂 I know your dad is greatly anticipating it too! xoxo
When you get your WILLARD you’ll see our plans for a book tour . . . thinking it might make more sense to wait until next spring when the second book is out and everyone gets the end of the story ~ otherwise I’m bound to give it away if someone asks! And, btw Mary, I got the book you made for my dad yesterday . . . again, so thoughtful of you! I love it! Thank you a million times! xoxo
Happy to do it ♥ Easy Peasy 🙂 “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” ― Maya Angelou
Your cheery blog always brightens my day! Wish me luck!
Thank you for the cheerful delights you share, really enjoy your talent.
What great giveaways! Please enter me in the draw……I’m so pleased that you can have a little break from all that writing and can enjoy the rhythm of your summer days. Enjoy!
I’d love to win your books,I always buy your calendar and have several of your books.Love your newletters and am looking forward to my first Willard.Cannot comment like I used to since I had the second stroke,but am lucky that I can still read.
I’m so happy to see you here Rosemary xoxo
Ooooooh, love traveling in your beautiful world with you. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
It does feel good to finish a project! Congrats! Looking forward to reading-admiring your latest. ……and the drawing would be lovely as well!
Hi Susan!
Lots of love from Holland!
Here vacation is nearly over, and then school starts again. I’m busy in the garden, beans-plants, beans, beans, yummie! Getting them in the freezer and eating them ofcourse! Hope Vanna picks me, couse I’d love to read your new book!
Love from Willemien
OMG! you have done it again! You have given me so much to look forward to. I bet I am as happy about you going to England again as you are, can’t wait to follow you there by blog. I have pre-ordered your book and can’t wait for the day I open my mailbox and there it is! Your give aways are so nice and something to hope for. I have to say that my biggest smile while reading your blog post may have been seeing the photo of Joe and Jack. I love their expressions. It almost made me as happy as the tea bag photo! Oh, also I like the crow you painted on the post. I keep a small stuffed toy crow on my desk at work, I think crows or very neat looking. Thanks for spreading so much happiness.
Good day to you Susan, Joe and Kitties!
What a treat to find your blog this morning. Love all your posts!
My daughter just returned from a trip to England. (Lucky her!)
I spent four delightful hours looking at all the wonderful pictures she took on
her phone, while she described her adventures. Almost like being there.
Looking forward to your travels!
Reading your posts always leave me happier and more grateful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us
Im sooo looking forward to the new book!!! I love your water color art!
Hi Susan,
Hello from Georgia!
Always love it when you have a new blog post ~ your adventures on the Island are grand! Would love to win a copy of your new book 🙂
Smiles, Bebe 🙂
This was another fun read. Hope to win the movie ~ it sounds delightful.
I love the artful life you share with us.
Thank you!
Congrats on the new book! So much inspiration in your blog post, a real feast for the eyes! Thanks for the owl bookmark, going to print two now (one for me and one for my daughter Isabelle (8) she loves owls too!). We’re just back from a trip to Scotland, our first one, it’s just beautiful there! Greetings from Ireland!
Susan,
So glad you’re back in full-length form. NOW…all is good with the world. 🙂
Susan, you’re an absolute delight in so many ways.
Happy Everything to You, Joe, and The Girlfriend’s!
~M
Susan you inspire me so much! I can’t wait to see the new book! Thank you
Welcome back Susan. So glad you crawled out from under your book to enjoy the last bits of summer! And sooner than we know it, it will be September. I am sad to see the shorter days and the cooler nights because I know an end is coming to my swimming days at the lake. Would love to win your book and your scratch paper original. xo
I was so excited to read the newest entry. It is so nice to have you back, Susan. Can’t wait to read the book!
Dear, dear Susan…Another exciting giveaway!! Thank you for being you…we love you to pieces!!
And I love you back!
Good morning, Susan, birthday Joe & kitties 🙂 What a wonderful, uplifting put a smile on your face & a song in your heart post ♥ And your generous giveaways – wow! Waiting on Willard to arrive, but that’s a good thing since I have company, a very dear friend whose birthday is today! We are heading out for breakfast in a bit and a trip to the one Christmas Tree Shop here in Richmond – how lucky did I get ? 🙂 So, here’s my name entered for the drawing, and I’m wishing you a wonderful day on beautiful Martha’s Vineyard ♥ Thanks, Susan!
Say Happy Birthday for me, and have fun!!
Susan, I am so happy that your fairy tale is coming true. Congratulations on finishing your book. I cannot wait to devour it! How I adore tagging along with you thru your words and pictures. Thanks for always bringing the magic!!!
Hi, Mommy! <3
HAHAHA!
Have loved your art or years, Susan. This blog reads like a gratitude journal and is so inspirational! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Susan!
My Willard isn’t here yet, but I am glad to have caught this post! Loved Jack’s action photos. So looking forward to your new book…
Love your blog, so chatty and warm! Looking forward to your new books. I never win anything , I just break even, but I have my fingers crossed.
Thank you for your wonderful wisdom words! I love reading about your adventures and seeing the bright colors – right away I’m smiling and counting my blessings too!
Great to have you back! I always look forward to escaping the mundane through your posts.
I so enjoy your blog and getting a new Willard in the “mail”! I always enjoy hearing about what you, Joe and the kitties are up to!
Hi Susan! Missed you so much! Thoroughly enjoyed this blog. Pictures of Joe & the kitties are wonderful. Congratulations on completing your book. I’m sure you are ready for some R & R! Awaiting my copy of Willard. It will be my first so I am so anxious! Have a wonderful rest of the Summer! Cheers!
Hi, Susan! Thanks for another wonderful give away:) It’s always exciting to dream of being a lucky winner! I adore your blog and I have collected your books and calendars for years. You are inspiring!
Thanks for that wonderful, long post! Welcome back!!
Glad you’re back in circulation. So am I!
It’s so encouraging to be able to tidy the house again. I love what you’re doing:)
Welcome back! I read your newest post while sitting on the beach, and it made my day… I’m so excited for your new book! Enjoy the rest of your summer. Xoxo Erin
So happy for you to be finished! Looking forward to all the new items. Please enter me in the drawing.
Oh, Susan, it feels so good hearing from you and waiting for a Willard. Happy all the work is done and you can play for a while. Enjoy!
Cecelia
Susan, your blog posts are really the loveliest little gifts to our busy harried lives. I’m sitting here, in a little B and B on the shores of Lake Michigan, in the tiny town of Stevensville, for an overnight getaway from reality. Just took me, myself and I on a little jaunt, an hour and a half from home, with a bottle of wine, a few good books, a beach towel and chair, and a sense of adventure and gratefulness to be able to see such loveliness so close from my home in the middle of the Indiana cornfields. Last night I sat on the sand, on a little-known stretch of beach, with Lake Michigan at my feet, and just felt so lucky. Got back to the room at dusk, was ready to curl up in bed and read, and a sudden storm knocked the power out! My host brought some candles, and I fell asleep in the pretty glow of candlelight as the rain pelted the roof. So what a treat it was to wake up this morning with the light on the nightstand on from last night, and a new post to read from you! Thank you!
Now, it’s off for a little morning time at the beach, then to beautiful St. Joseph, Michigan for a little exploring and soaking it all in.
Have a lovely day, girlfriend!
Barb
What a perfect group to be together in a little B and B on Lake Michigan. You three have a ball!
Cheers and Cheerio to you and Joey!! Thrilled to see you are your busy self and are doing well. Jeff sends his greetings and love. Our “little” girl Jess is getting MARRIED next year. Our “little” boy Wes is thriving in Arizona. Can’t wait to curl up with your latest tome.
So glad that you’re back with us! Happy for you and the good feeling of completing a major project. Whew! The girlfriends missed you but it was worth the wait. Happy blog and happy give-aways! The best gifts for all of us!
Oh Happy Day!
It’s so great to have you back. I just enjoy reading your blog so much, it really lifts my spirits.
Thanks so much for just being you.
What a lovely giveaway!!!! Just Can’t wait for the new book!!!!! Also can’t wait for your next journey!!!! Scotland is best in May or August/September! Really, you have to go to Scotland when the heather is in bloom!!!! (Aug/Sept). What is Scotland without heather? 🙂
That’s a very good question, Heather. 🙂
Oh girlfriend you are anything but ordinary.
Love the email … pictures … insight.
Looking forward to reading the next two books…two!!!
Thank you for sharing your world in this unique and creative way.
L
What a lovely post! Thank you Susan for making my day! I have missed you so much. Can wait to get the new book in my mailbox for another adventure!
Wow, what a beautiful night sky! And I love your bird bath! Looks good and heavy. Were did you find it? I can’t wait to read your new book! Thanks for the visit. 🙂
It was a birthday gift for Joe’s 40th. Wow, right? I just love it every day!
Susan you always make me smile. I know all 3 million of us consider you our bff kindred spirit!
I hope you’re right, Ellen! XOXO
Reading the latest blog, sitting on the porch in unusually hot and steamy Millcove, PEI. We saw the musical “Anne of Green Gables” last night (for the umpteenth time!). Perfect serendipity to open the blog and see the quote from LMM!
Hi Susan. Looking forward to a beautiful fall!
Loved the sudsy photo and sparkling Potter animal folks.
I, too, put off cleaning those treasures, but then so enjoy their shiny bright new look!
Enjoy these August days.
Wow, so much awesome beauty in one blog post! Thank you for sharing!
I received my first Willard! Very exciting!
Thank you so much for everything, the bookmarks, the Willard and the awesome give-a-ways. You make all us girlfriends so happy! Glad you are getting to enjoy the end of summer after all your hard work! Take care and love you.
Sunsets, owls, Susan on the prowl. Love it all!
So good to have you back, Susan. Really enjoy your posts.
I hope you will be able to find this comment among the thousands coming in right now —
I just wanted to publicly thank Mother Seraphina and her group of Sisters, for the beautiful birthday card , from all your friends , at the Holy Nativity Convent .
In curiosity , I did a little research on the name “Seraphina which appears to be related to the Seraphim group of Angels. While the root word has several ancient Latin, Greek and Hebrew meanings , Biblically , the Seraphims were of the highest Angelic Order , standing at the throne of God , to do His bidding . They each had three sets of wings , one to hide their faces for modesty , another to hide their feet for humbleness and the third to fly with . They were seen in a vision by Isaiah as a firey group , ready to spring into action at a moments notice …..ergo , a worthy name for any Sister Superior , anywhere !
So , thank you all Sisters , for the remembrance , I truly do appreciate your thoughtfulness.
John Patrick Stewart Jr . :~) Incidentally , I was born on my Dad’s birthday , wasn’t my
Mother thoughtful and well coordinated?
Wasn’t that wonderful Dad? I love those sisters! And you for looking into Mother Seraphima’s name! Your mom was a gem Dad.
Susan, so glad to have you back!
Hi, Susan…… welcome back! The prizes you have selected sound wonderful and I really do hope that I win some of it.
Oh, my, dear Susan – I have missed you beyond measure. I was so thrilled to just hopefully open up your blog this morning, wishing, wishing . . . and THERE YOU WERE! You’ve made my day and it’s only 5:50 am on the west coast. We thank you for your prayers for our Washington state and for all of the joy you bring us. You have a huge heart and a beautiful spirit. I’ll be watching for the Willard surprise and your inspiration of the teeny little but huge joys you see in your compost bin — and beyond! xoxo Jane
Hi Susan!
So wonderful to read your cheerful and loving blog this morning with my iced tea. At 10:30PM last night the electric company came to replace the transformer bringing power to our house, and now I am back on the internet — yay! I have decided that you have tons more energy than I do, reading all that you accomplish makes me weak! A new Willard? I just signed up again becausae my AOL doesn’t send them to me (as we’ve discussed before), but hope springs eternal — maybe this one will come through. I wanted to read this new Willard here on your site, but I see it isn’t there yet — only old Willards through 2014. (Oh, sad, sad, sad.) Thanks, Susan, Happy Belated Birthday to Joe, and hugs all around!
It will be there soon Susan, and this Willard will continue to go out until late Friday ~ if you don’t have it by then, let me know! Nice to hear from you, and congrats on the electricity!
Oh, too much really is wonderful…. if you are anything, sweet Susan, you are waaaay too much! Love it A.L.L !
I love your books & blog. Started reading you in Good Housekeeping years ago. Also love your home – so warm & cozy.
I just received the new 2016 calendar, and it is a feast for the eyes! Now please enter me in your contest, so that I can enjoy more Susan Branch goodies that will brighten my day every time I look at them.
So nice to see you again, Susan. Missed you and “tails” of Jack and Girl Kitty. Excited about your give away, gotta say I hope my name gets pulled. Happy End of Summer!
I would be so blessed to be chosen!
Ahh… so needed to read this lovely entry before heading to work. By the way,
Orphan Annie (my rescued kitty whom had to be removed from my lap in order to comment) I think is smitten with Jack.
So happy you are back in blog land. Missed you terribly. I so would like to return to England. Went one time and sprang my ankle which slowed me down only a bit. I was obsessed with everything there. Met a couple here in N. C. visiting from England. They were obsessed with USA. I told them I can hardly wait to return to UK someday and they said “WHY”? For the Cotswold and the Lake District! Read “A Fine Romance ” twice but will read it again before I return. Huge congrats on your new book.
Can’t wait for your new book!
Ohh how LOVELY to be back in your kitchen again enjoying the summer breezes!
BUT what I’d really like to do is COME SIT AND STAY in that cozy little squiggle house! What magic must lie within…maybe a fairy or two?
What a great giveaway! I would love to win!
Love you Susan, Joe, Jack and Girl Kitty!
I can’t wait to purchase your new book. We will order a bundle. Would love to have you at a book signing in our little bookstore in Fairhope, Al….at Page and Palette Bookstore.
Good morning Susan … wow … three give-a-ways so very exciting! And … to think you’re taking another journey on the Queen Mary 2 which means another book!
I am anxiously waiting for The Fairy Tale Girl … still no Willard in my email but hopeful! Aloha from San Diego, Evie
Thanks for the great blog! Thanks for the new free stuff on the store pages. Love the fairy stationary.
The give aways also sound lovely…I have the first edition of the Autumn Book and it is one of my favorites…it also opened us up to a whole page style painting design instead of just the borders of the page…love the leaves and the figs…. And the recipes are yummy!!!
Waiting patiently for my Willard…has not appeared as of this Am…I will keep checking each day….maybe more than once a day!
I am so envious….another trip to Jolly Ole England…I will be hopping in the suitcase again!!!
Love to see all your beautiful pictures of the Island.
Have a great day everyone!
Kathie from Limerick
So wonderful to be reading your blog again. I am also anxious to see your new book. Already have my 2016 blotter-wanted to be sure I got it before they were all gone. Thank you for your peace- and calm- inducing writings. I just love them!
Loved the starry, starry night in the Vineyard! Our nights are so cloudy we see nothing!
Indiana is Corn country so we have been enjoying sweet corn all Summer long! Haven’t
gotten my Willard yet so am glad you said not to worry. Pls tell Vanna to spin her wheel
all the way to Indiana! Thanks Susan for your Blog and Willard!
PS Happy Birthday Joe!!!
Oh, Susan! I loved reading your latest post..exciting and calming at the same time…sort of “all is right with the world” news. Love your art, your words, your outlook, your “sisterness”.This was a most excellent birthday gift to find in my mailbox! Thank you for all the times I have used your fun stickers and books to create joy for my friends and myself, but even more, thank you for what is to come! Looking forward to the new books.
Happy Birthday LaVerne!
It’s so nice to have a new book of yours to look forward to reading! Anticipation is a wonderful thing!!