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
Warm greetings from my Smallville to yours! So glad you are back. I keep a pile of your calendars next to my table and reach for one whenever I am looking for a creative spark. Thanks for years of inspiration and I can’t wait to see the new book and calendar!
I’m so excited about The Fairy Tale Girl! Can’t wait to see it!
Too much of a good thing IS wonderful, and there is a wonderful amount of “Susan Branch” to enjoy! Loved reading your new Willard, and will wait to read this latest blog so I can savor every word, picture, quote, & drawing. Just pre-ordered The Fairy Tale Girl~ very excited! It’s all just too wonderful! Enjoy these last few days of summer.
I want a cat just like Jack. We have Izzie who is a brown/black tabby.
Must feel wonderful to complete a job well done. Can’t wait for the new book!!!!!
Happy that you are finally back writing your blog. I have missed you so! But very excited to hold your new book in my hands when the California girls package it up and send it out with love and fun to me!!! Please sweet talk Vanna into picking my name as one of the winners to your give away. Aren’t I bad? Thanks a bunch Susan for your stories and your wit! So enjoy them!
I’ve been wondering where you have been. I’ve missed you! Thanks so much for always lifting my spirits. The fairies must have smiled the day you were born!
Thanks again.
Blessings!
Lynda Sharrer
830 Lenox Ave.
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
( just in case I win!!!!!!)
Thank you for all of the tips on where to go on Martha’s Vineyard! My sister and I made the trip early this month and had a wonderful time! It truly is a wonderful “fairy tail” place to be! Also love to read all of your blogs – thank you!
It’s “fairytale” :~)
She probably got “fixed” by the computer! 🙂
Susan, I am so very looking forward to your book and the new Willard. I have just retired from working in an elementary school library. It was my favorite job but home was calling. I have been “spring” cleaning the house. It is a new beginning and I want things to be clean and fresh for the fall. I am sharing your domesticity and enjoying it so much. There is sewing and quilting and embroidery to do. Not to mention knitting and painting. And people wondered how I would spend my time. Ha ha! Enjoy the end of summer and into the glorious fall.
Another beautiful blog…I’m still waiting for Willard, but I did receive all your calendars – Yay!! It is wonderful to have you back with all your lovely photos and illustrations.
So happy to have Susan back. You are a special treat in a perfect summer day!
Thank you, Susan, for a wonderful WILLARD and new Blog post as well as your fantastic give away! Can’t wait for The Fairy Tale Girl to arrive at my door!!
Love you! Barbara S. in Cumming, Georgia
Just so excited for the new book I’m counting the days. It’s been a long summer but what a treat today reading the blog, we’ve missed you!
Love reading your blog and seeing pictures of your precious kitties!!!
I love everything about Susan Branch: The kitties, the drawings, the stories, the musica, the love for Joe, the excitment of good books and little statues of bunnies!! Can’t wait for the new book! I’ve got my order in already!
Wanda Susanne
A cup of tea with honey and Willard is a great start to any day. I’ve loved your writing and artwork for oh-so-long now…it’s a special treat. A day without nature and art and tea is like a day without sunshine! Looking forward to all the new books and art and BYOPB.
I love your blog, I love your work, I’d love to win your books!
So glad to hear from you Susan! So excited to get the new book. I love the way you teach us to take joy in everyday. Sometimes we get bogged down and forget. No matter what is going on, when I read your blog it takes me to gratitude. You are a positive force my friend! Love.
You just brighten my day! Thank You!!!
So glad you are back. Have missed your blogs & pictures.
Cheers, Susan!
Thank you, thank you, for the new post and for the wonderful “Limited Edition” Willard that arrived in my inbox this morning! I am one of the lucky fans who has each and every one, dating back to the beginning of time! (or at least, the beginning of Willard!)
You will have to let us Girlfriends know how long we will be in England and Scotland next year; I imagine it will turn quite chilly, and I have to start buying my traveling wardrobe! Oh, I cannot wait! I have wanted to go across the pond my whole lifetime, and your taking us with you is the way I have been lucky enough to go! So, thanks to you and Joe for taking us again.
It’s important that we have the right clothes, so the sooner the better on getting back to us with our wardrobe requirements!
From the bottom of my heart,
Patricia
I think it’s raincoats and wellies, sweaters and socks! We’re looking at a possible 2 month stay!
I’m so glad you are back. I really look forward to your posts. Oh, and Vanna, pick me!
Hurray for the finished book! Hurray for another trip to England! Hurray for Jack and the Girl Kitty!
So delightful to have you back!
So exciting to read the new Willard! Sounds like you have been very busy! Can’t wait for t he new book!
Thoroughly enjoy your posts.. Look forward to receiving the next one. We have something in common, the Betrix Potter collection, I have all the ones that you have posted, love them. Looking forward to your new book.
Hi – I was so excited to see a “Willard” in my e-mails this morning! It reminded me to take a minute from my busy summer and check your blog. Can’t wait for the new book – looks wonderful!
Martha from CT
I would be thrilled to win your books! Thank you.
Loved your latest Willard – welcome back! Your art, quotes, and writing always make me smile. Can’t wait for your new book!
Love you!
So happy to receive the newsletter. I read your book “A Fine Romance” and loved it. If I ever travel abroad, I’ll be sure to take the book as my guide.
I love all your cookbooks. Just looking at the artwork makes me happy.
Love all your books! Just found your blog! Excited about your new book and giveaway!
Dear Susan, Thank you for the Willard and for the blog and sharing your wonderful adventures. Love the kitties and you and Joe. You brought a smile and lifted my spirit. Have a joyful day.
This blog is a true breath of fresh air! Thank you for the chance to win something to hold in my hand from you! Laurin
Thanks for always putting a spring in my step and a smile on my face with your pictures and writing! Love it
oooh … I’m feeling lucky today! Thanks for the opportunity to get a jump on the new publication – I can’t wait to enjoy the Fairy Tale.
Susan, I LOVE your books! The words and artwork are so uplifting, they are a joy to read, and when I find myself needing to be cheered up in our long winter months here in Canada, I open your “Book of days” and remind myself of summer….
I would love to win your newest creation! Thanks for being so creative and sharing your talent with the rest of us.
You are so sweet! Welcome back to the land of the living! Looking forward to reading the new book. Enjoy the rest of summer!
Always makes me so happy to see your name in my inbox! Wonderful reading the new Willard- you have been missed! Excited for the new book-yay!!
Your blog is amazing. Thank you for the time and attention you give to it…and, of course, thank you for the opportunity to win one of your fun surprises:-)
So excited to read about your trip to England/Scotland. You mentioned it at the FOGT reunion last year and I can’t wait to go along via your blog. I was in NH last week and felt (briefly) fall in the air — it’s hard to describe, but you know it when you feel it.
Susan, your blog is so uplifting and inspiring. It always brings a smile to my face, which means a lot because the past couple of years have been really rough for me. I can’t wait to read your new book!
Hope things are better Tara!
My summer has slipped away, as well, but it was fun to get back in the groove with Willard. It was a great one. Just one hopeful suggestion. Any chance your next book tour could land you in Florida (to warm your bones in early Spring?). We live in the Sarasota area…but would drive to a city on the Gulf Coast….just a mini-wish from me. We do have so few independent book stores in Florida.
Okay, good to see the cats, the book, Joe, and know that you are doing well, and loving your work and life.
Cynthia
All we need is a book store to invite us to come, and we will schedule it! Thank you Cynthia!
Dear Susan, I have been patiently (make that impatiently!!!) awaiting your return to the everyday world after book writing, calendar making, etc. Can’t wait to read your latest book and send one to my dear friend Helan, who also adores you. Being an artist myself (long time hobby), I would love to have your paper of paint marks and pen doodles! I would frame it and hang it in my little studio. Big hugs to Jack, Girl Kitty, and Joe, who, I’m sure, are glad to have more of your time now. Looking forward to going on the next trip with you via your blog. Warm hugs from Minnesota, Ruthie
Hello Susan….just finished reading the newest Willard…it is my birthday today and I consider it my first present of the day! I love reading about you and your life on MV. I have visited there once and it is my hope to travel from California to visit again one day. I am looking forward to receiving your newest book very soon!
Happy Birthday Paula!
Your timing is always so perfecto for me! Probably saw this a little late as I am just finishing up attending a conference in beautiful San Diego! Flying home today. Just a short jaunt back to the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. Reading this made me more eager to be back home and settle and snuggle while preparing for fall and praying for a wet winter! You inspire me and bring joy to this nervous about traveling heart Susan. So delighted to see you !!
Delightful WILLARD! Thanks Susan. You said, “Make you suffer with my dingbattedness. Not in this alone. Dragging in victims where I can find them. Wallowing in the doneness and taking you with me. ” And I say, “You can take me on that trip any time!” Inspired me to keep working in my journals.
XOXO Pam!
Susan — I’m so glad you’ve come up for air — I’ve missed your blogs and just read Willard —
I’m glad I got my morning’s cup of coffee first — it was a lengthy one to savor! I always enjoy
hearing about life on the Vineyard and I loved the Illumination Night photos. We have solar globes and dragonflies alongside our patio and Koi pond, and when evening arrives, the affect
is magical! The pond is also lit so we can sneak a peek into the night lives of our pretty fish.
Thank you for always reminding me of the small (but important) joys of Smallville. It’s S’Mores month and I’ve yet to make some — it’s been a little hot for a campfire but it’s on my to-do list!! I’ve got to make my lemon chiffon pie too, before it’s time to switch over to apple crisp. I’d love to be a lucky winner of a give-away — maybe this time! Happy Birthday to Joe and give Jack and Girl a kiss on the head for me.
JoAnne — in N.W. rural NJ where the sunflowers grow in happy, yellow fields
I’ve been with you from the beginning — can’t wait to see the new books!
Oh, Susan, how I have missed you! No blogger’s blog can hold a candle to yours when it comes to taking me away from the hecticity of my summer life for a few coveted moments of scrolling through the delights of your (and Joe’s) life. I never fail to find my smile when I bask in the refreshment of your winsome words and delightful brush strokes. You, my girlfriend, are just amazing! And now, I shall read ‘you’ again and then tackle the batches of vegetable beef soup and beef hash that are waiting to be canned today. 🙂 Sara 🙂
It is so good to have you back. Thank you so much for your concern for the people affected by the fires here in Washington state. My husband and I are booked on our trip to England next July! I can hardly wait. I am studying A Fine Romance for guidance on places to visit. You are a treasure!
Hi Susan! Your post inspired me to get up and dust off my paint brushes this morning…I so enjoy reading your stories and seeing your pictures. I love the magic and creativity…it puts a smile on my face. Thanks for the sunshiney inspiration…have a lovely day! 🙂
I am looking forward to the Fairy Tale Girl and fall!
Hello Susan, I’m writing from ‘the garden of England’, or Kent as it is known in the UK. How lovely to read of all you have been up to recently in Willard. Such beautiful photos and heartfelt words. You are a treasure. Thank you for all you share. Thank you too for the generous and fun giveaways.
Sheila
Always have to take a deep Sissinghurst breath when I talk to someone in Kent! xoxo
That Willard today was glorious! And I am so envious of your roses, I really must find a home that allows me to plant a flower garden. xo
So enjoyed your blog. Missed you. I love the way you find beauty in little things (like the apple core) as well as the grandeur of the starry skies. What a wonderful Creator who filled the earth with beauty! Eager to see your new book; hope I am a winner. Joy
You made my morning! So pleased to see Willard in my inbox and read it first thing! Looking forward to the new book.
Dear Susan!
Oh no! I can’t find Willard. I always read the latest when it comes out. I have looked in my email and everywhere.
My spam is not keeping it out either, What should I do? Missing Willard.
The Willards are still going out . . . the last of them will go Friday afternoon Robyn, hopefully yours is still to come. Let me know if you don’t get it!
How happy are blog posts that begin with tea cups and a Lucy Maud Montgomery quote! I love Susan Branch POSTS and then this…giveaways! Thank you for making my day. The cole slaw recipe looks divine 🙂
GranJan
Started my day out just right by reading your new post. Already ordered your new book – one for me and one for my sister. Can’t wait to see what the new calendar looks like. I love having such positive inspiration hanging on my wall.
You make my life happier! Looking forward to everything new
Good Morning Susan, I was having my first cup of coffee and reading my e-mails when I saw I had one for you. It was a joy to share coffee with you and catch up on all that you have been up to. Looking forward to reading the new book.
Have a Beautiful Day
You cant imagine how I have missed you this summer?
It has been a bit of a Challenge Summer with chemo treatments and lots of scary things. But Two more treatments and Im done. Results are great. Some surgery soon and Im ready to get back to my sweet life. My Hubby has been the best home health care person ever. Dont we have the Best Loves?
It will be fun to read your new book. I think I will save it for recovery time. I just pulled out my Autumn book. It has been on the shelf waiting for just this kind of rainy Oklahoma day. It isnt Fall here yet but I can drink a hot tea and pretend. Dropped my Granddaughter off at her first day of Second Grade and thankd God for the happiness of new beginnings.
Glad you are back. Glad you are well. Be blessed.
Glad to hear you’re doing so well Vida! xoxo
I needed this today. Your blog and music lifted my spirits. Thank you and congrats on your accomplishment!!! xoxo
Thanks, Susan
For always brightening my day. I am painting my entire 80 year old house and waiting for the plumber to come fix my 80 year old bathroom sink, lol. So, totally needed to relax with you for a few minutes.
Cheers, Barb
<3 Everything from your beautiful words to your delightful paintings and pictures bring me such joy and peace. Thank you for sharing your life with us.<3
Good morning, Susan! It IS good to get back routines, whether from writing s book or returning from a vacation. You do have such a charmed life, with your work schedule, your daily walks with Joe in the morning, and always a cup of tea.
Your giveaways sound wonderful. I am looking forward to reading The Fairy Tale Girl when it arrives, but will settle for reading Willard later this week.
Sometimes, especially in those moments when life falls down around your ears, it is so wonderful to be reminded of the bounties we share…the fresh air, the beautiful sunshine, the blessings of a free nation…and you! I appreciate so much all that you write for us…love shared in every stroke of the pen and brush. Thank you. <3
I loved reading Willard this morning (missed it while you were working on the book)! Thank you for sharing the beauty of your summer with the rest of us. 🙂 Looking forward to reading Fairy Tale Girl! Blessings! Catherine
So happy you are back and sharing your life with us. Rest up, ’cause it sounds like you are going to have lots of traveling in the future…can’t wait to go along!
So happy to see a new post! I’m still waiting for my Willard and hope it arrives soon. Also hope my copy of your new book arrives before we leave on a little trip. Would love to read it at the beach!
LOVE the new Willard! Love the Blog, Girl Kitty, Jack, Joe (my husband is Joe too) and of course YOU. You have been my inspiration for years now and I look forward to many more. And of course I have preordered Fairy Tale Girl – my three sons constantly tell me I live in a fairy tale world and I tell them there is no place else I would rather live!
Hello Susan,
wow…so good to hear from you…I missed Willard…Your Book sounds soooooo fabulous, I cannot wait.
I already ordered and Have your Calendars, Big and Small…Lovely…
I also enjoyed reading the New Blog…so want to come there someday…
I have been collecting the Rose Chintz for a long time…ever since you…have come into my life…many years ago…but it was probably easier to collect way back when you did…
I have several pieces…to have a dinner for about 6..but really hard to find…
there is a lady who owns an Antique Store in Ocean Beach…and she has been getting rid of a lot of it…she has so much…and she actually called me and told me she had pieces to sell…Really good prices too…I was lucky…oh, Ocean Beach, Ca. San Diegoish…
I hope I am lucky…with the giveaway..
talk soon Susan,
Carol O. in So. Calif. just over the Bridge from Mom, with your Red Toille Gravy Boat…xo
How wonderful! I was going to say that they also mix and match really well with other pinkish or blueish china. Until you can fill in. Nice to hear from you Carol!
so nice to hear from you too Susan…..Love the photos of the House at your Dinner Party….a Familiar Country Home…like mine…very much the same…again…thanks for answering my comments, and wondering if there is an easier way to get to it after going thru about 4,000 comments, to see if you did have a comment back to me..?
Love, Carol O. in So. Cal….with your Red Toile Gravy Boat…xo
I would absolutely love to win! Thanks for the owl bookmark and just the sweet life inspiration from Martha’s Vineyard.
I sure have missed your posts…but am so sure the wait will be worth it when the book arrives!!
Fairy dust on all you love,
Laura
Good morning Susan, its nice to start the day with you today! I am looking for Willard anyway now too! I’m going to try the coleslaw recipe soon. Looks delicious. I have ordered your new book and it would be nice to win the fun giveaways!
Thanks for being a bright spot in my day!
Susan please count me in for the draw!! So excited hearing about the picnic here in UK next year. Hope we can join you!!
Me too!
You’re one of those bright spots I look forward to. All I can say is, I want to be you when I grow up! 🙂
XOXO and I’d probably want to be you!
Susan,
I can hardly wait to see the first of your two new books. I love “A Fine Romance” and have it out all the time on my side table in the living room. Every time I walk by it just makes me happy. I enjoyed meeting you in person and I hope you will come again to Rainy Day Books in Fairway, KS. Your blog is always so much fun to read; I just feel I am right there. The pictures are gorgeous. It is a beautiful day here–unseasonably cool. Can hardly wait to decorate for fall which I do September 1. Have a great end of summer. Sharon
Just had to add…LOVED Willard. Thank you!
Wonderful post Susan. Love those kitty pictures, keep them coming! Please count me in for the give-aways! Thank you! Mary Keenan
Willard has arrived, and all is right with the world! You bring hope and cheer and the sense of infinite possibilities with your words and art, Susan. Thank you so very much!
What a glorious WILLARD! I loved reading every single word and enjoyed all of the amazing pictures. I do SO love your kitties!! I often start laughing out loud at some of Jack’s adorable antics! I always remember the picture of him sitting in the mixing bowl – I laughed so hard! Thank you for all that you share with us and I am SO excited for your new books – I have mine ordered!
Congrats… xoxo
Susan,
SO,SO,SO….. HAPPY ! you are back.
Thank you.
Dawn
So happy to see a new blog entry…especially when there are giveaways involved!Looking forward to the new book.
Hello, I want to get some lace curtains for a french door. I remember you telling us about some you ordered, but I have looked and looked but cannot find the post. Could you tell me maybe what year that was? Thank you, Lynne
I think those folks may have gone out of business because I looked for them a while back and couldn’t find them. Now, I’m sorry, I don’t remember that name.
Try calico curtains lots of country selections great catalog.
Try Country Curtains – (based in Massachusetts) have ordered from them for years. You can search their catalog on-line. You can find the lace curtains for French doors if you put ‘French door panels’ in the keyword search box at the top right. (They will also send you fabric swatches if you request them.)
Susan.. So very excited by your newest book! Loved waking up to your post this morning :0) Please count me in on your marvelous giveaway! Have a lovely day dear Susan! ~ Marge ~
😀 Such a pretty blog post, it almost makes me like summer! But yay! Fall is coming! Haven’t seen any colored leaves here yet, but I’ll just believe in the ones you saw to get me through. xo
Love to read your posts. I think you would enjoy southwest Michigan in the summer too. We are enjoying the beginning of the fall harvests and our favorite meal is corn on the cob, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, peaches and a little barbecued chicken. Absolute heaven. All freshly grown here. I have been working on designing new quilt patterns and getting ready for shows. I can’t believe it’s the 19th because I have had every waking moment dedicated to quilting. It does seem like freedom when you are done! The first of August the air changes here. Just little hints of fall each day. We love to sit on the deck in the evening watching the bats fly for the fruit flies and the stars twinkling so clearly at our hilltop home. My grandmother taught me to enjoy the wonder all around me. Looking forward to your book and lots more blogging. Thank you!
Received my first Willard! Loved it! Thought you should know that my youngest son gave me A Fine Romance as a gift. Sweet eh?! He’s a keeper. ; ) So are you! Have a wonderful day Susan!
Very thoughtful boy you have there Annie!
Hello:
Not sure if my previous comment made it through ~ thanks again for your blog ~ it’s so uplifting and good to be among so many kindred spirits! Appreciate all you do Susan!!
So good to have you back again – with all your gorgeous words and pictures. We all missed you!
Just loved reading the new Willard and your latest blog. Your talent amazes me so much and I look forward to everything you do or say. God Bless!!
Hi Miss Susan! My sisters love you and your precious artwork!I am so glad that I finally listened to them and started to read your blog. It makes my day.!! I love your fairy! Must grab my cat now!!Love to you and to your fuzzy cats!!
Oh i am so very happy to see a new blog and Willard is back!@!@!@! Made a real crappy day so much better!!!! Thank you so much and please enter me in your contest……i would appreciate it very much! Thank you – you really make my day better!
I love your enthusiasm for returning to all things domestic. It does feel good after a big creative endeavor, or a trip. My husband and I spent a delightful two weeks in Scotland at the end of June and early July, driving all through the countryside, visiting the Orkney Islands, castles, Edinburgh, Glasgow, all delicious! I enjoyed trying Rose Lemonade and Apple Rhubarb juice, and thought of your adventures in England and the yummy things you discovered along the way, and your comment about everything you saw in Yorkshire being handmade. Thanks you for all you share so beautifully!
Sounds just wonderful Claudia!
Oh my…sooooo good to have you back!!! I’ve missed your blogs but I am proud of all your hard work and excited to see the sure-to-be-awesome results. blessings,
Debbie
Loved the latest Willard, I have missed him. But, so appreciate all the efforts on the new book. Cannot wait to savor each page. Just reread A Fine Romance. I kept stopping, laughing and reading passages to my husband and he kept saying, you read that to me before! Still delightful reading.
Enjoy your respite.
Thank you Donnie! You tell your husband I said Hello!
Susan, Susan, Susan!
You inspire us, You inspire us, You inspire us!
We’ve missed you, We’ve missed you, We’ve missed you!
(when something is repeated 3 times, you know it’s especially heartfelt!)
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Robin (Robin, Robin)
I hear it I hear it I hear it . . . XO XO XO
Not only do I love your postings, but the music in the background is the icing on the cake. I picture my mama doing her ironing, on a warm summer day, with all the windows open. She loved her music. Sigh…. Thank you, Susan!
I loved my parents music too.