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
My FIRST WILLARD!! All this delight in one place, and such lovely things to see.
Amazing colours that fill me up entire, like sweetest yellow cake.
As my Mammaw always said of unexpected lagniappe: “Too much Sugar for a Dime.”
rachel
I have missed you SO much and I am so happy to have you back!
So good to wake up and see your photos and comments on your website this morning. Could feel your happiness and relief after meeting your deadlines and being able to do regular things again. You are so inspiring! And it would be so much fun to win one of the prizes!
Oh, Susan! I would love to win any of your giveaways! I can’t wait for Fairy Tale Girl to be released. I enjoyed A Fine Romance so much and read it slowly, hating for it to end. And now two more books to enjoy! Fall is my favorite season! Thank you for all the time you put into your work. It is enjoyed by so many, including ME!
Love, love, love all your work. I’m always happy when I open my email and there is a blog update from you or even more, a Williard! I’m still waiting with great anticipation for the latest and for the Fairy book.
Happy Travels
What a beautiful portrait of your Queen, Girl Cat. She’s so majestic, just as a queen should be. Regal in her pose. And those eyes of Jacks, as he’s being held with by Joe. There are question marks in Jack’s eyes.
Know what you mean about the chaos the visiting presidents bring to an area. Obama comes out to So. CA for money, on a regular basis. Talk about the havoc he brings with him. Frequently travelled streets/freeways are closed to traffic when he comes to town. Can you imagine what that does to the daily routines of the citizenry? And, now Hillary’s following Obama’s lead, by coming out to So. CA. You can almost hear a moan emitting from homes across So. CA, when the 5 o’clock news announces that Obama will be in town. Daily schedules & alternate routes are discussed, getting ready for street/freeway disclosures. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats, where the street is always open)
sorry for the error……that one sentence should read, “as he’s being held by Joe.” (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Oh how wonderful it would be to win some Susan Branch wonderfullness!! Fingers crossed!
I love reading your blog posts. Missed your words, quotes, pictures.
My cat sits on the printer table and I feel sure she enjoys the pictures as much as I do.
Hi Susan, I just went browsing in your shop and noticed you have a charming Beatrix Potter music box for sale. It’s “The Tailor of Gloucester”. I have a small collection (seven) of them along with the little figurines. It was fun to see bath time with yours. Do you still collect them? I have 35 and they all fit on a shelf in my dinning room. No room for more and I’m sure there will be more, lol. Will have to figure something out. Waiting for Willard. Hugs.
Wonderful to read you again! Okay I am officially entered, now it’s off to buy a lottery ticket! Crossing my fingers in smokey California…the sky is hazy and it is so difficult to breathe! Have an awesome day Susan, take time to refill the pixie dust jar!
Thank you for sharing! I’m thrilled to be entered in your giveaway!
You have already given us the best prize yet ~ blog-joy! That is not to say that I am not quivering in excitement at the thought of throwing my name in the book prizes hat ~ thanks so much for sharing the fun and your talents.
I was just thinking last week that I hadn’t seen a Willard in a looooog time, and much to my surprise, I see this today! I am actually on Martha’s Vineyard( from Calif.) this week, so I really enjoyed reading what you had to say.We sort of started off our week with the Vineyard Sound…they were great, as usual! We are excited about Grand Illumination tonight, and the fireworks on Fri. …it’s my 60th birthday, so I thought it was so nice of the Vineyard to help me celebrate!!! i can’t wait for your new books to arrive, and just maybe I’ll be one of your lucky winners!
Perfect! Happy 60th Karen!
Susan – you are one of my blessings that I count! I’ve ignored the laundry AND the dishes today in order to read your blog (top priority, of course, would anyone argue – no!). My life is a cozier, sweeter, gentler and more magical place with you in it! Thank you for sharing your gifts which have become treasure for so many – me especially! Yay!
Susan, I am so glad you are back with your blog! We’ve missed you & so excited for your new book to arrive!!
Susan how I love your giveaways! Count me in. Can’t wait to read Fairy Tails!
I am very excited about your new book…can’t wait to read it!
So good to hear!!! Was just thinking about starting to “worry” that the computer had dropped me from your list!
Excited about the new book(s)–looking forward! …and, during your “signing tour” wouldn’t it be nice to make a stop “back home” in good ole SLO County?!
I enjoy your kitty pictures, etc. Have some of my own, including one who holds the longest eye contact of any cat I’ve known! They bring much pleasure, don’t they? Enjoy your rest.
How do I enter the drawings? Just tell you I want to enter? Well, I do!
BTW, while you’re in Scotland, if you pass by Castle Stalker give a wave for me. Some of my ancestors lived there!
Will do it! Oh yes, stop back home! The Fairy Tale girl takes place there almost exclusively!
Love the pictures of Jack and Girl Kitty! Our house is “ruled” by a “herd” of orange cats….Jasper, Ziva and Lulu, and life is never dull with them around.
Jasper(he’s my “reader” cat and is always there to sit on the edge of any book I read) says he can’t wait to see how comfy your new book will be.. :>)
What a treat to get this today……I really needed it! I have been a fan for a long time and I thank you for everything you do. I love the life you live and you inspire me.
Trying patiently to await the new books arrival. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us all.
Hi Susan! I can’t wait for “The Fairy Tale Girl,” but in the meantime I enjoy your blog! Love your kitties and the beautiful apple core (stars inside!). I never win anything, but who knows, this might be the time! And oh, I can’t wait for fall; I live in northern California and fall is NOT just around the corner here, but I’m still anxiously awaiting the first cool days, and praying for RAIN!
All the best,
Karen T.
I am right there with you on the prayers for rain out west. xoxo
I just finished re-reading A Fine Romance. It was just as good the second time around. It really was a trip of dreams. If you dream up another I would love to read that story too.
Wow, so much to look forward to, with the book and calendars to come out soon! And you are finally able to stop and smell the roses of summer and enjoy the nice weather. I can’t believe fall is just around the corner, my favorite time of year. It’s been too hot and dry lately, I long for the cooler days and nights fall brings, the turning leaves. Our garden has about had it for this summer, but I think I’ll gather enough tomatoes for that Gazpacho. I can’t get enough garden tomatoes and the season is over too quickly here. Good luck to all girlfriends on the give aways. My daughter said she’d eat her hat if I won something, and I said “which one?” She just has no faith in me being lucky. Have a great week!
Susan, love your site, especially love your quilting fabric! I love quilting especially appliqué quilting ! I’ve done Peter Rabbit quilts for each of my 6 grandchildren! Loved A Fine Romance and can’t wait to read your newest book! Keep up the great writing!
You remind me of me after various cycles of doing heavy paperwork (Special education teacher) during the school year – free at last and out in the world again! So good to “see” you and Joe loving summer. I laughed because even though I live in the Washington, DC area, I think we still stampede to see Presidents and others! One day while my friend from California was visiting, we saw the First Family’s beloved puppy, Bo, happily following one of the grounds keeper around the WH lawns. We tried to call him over to the fence with sweet puppy sounds but he’s too smart and stayed close the grounds keeper who was collecting dead tree branches. So even Presidential pets aren’t exempt from public attention. 🙂 Loved the pics of the starry MV night, Jack and all. Gotta go and purchase your fairytale banner and luggage tags. Hope they’re still some left! There’s still lots of summer left – enjoy!
Wow Susan a posting chock full of great things…so great to see you come up for air. and three giveaways? Count me in…any or all would be such fun to add to my Susan Branch collection. Take Care Suzy
Have loved your books and your creative artistry for years~ Looking forwards to this latest addition~ Good Luck everyone (of course I hope I win, who doesn’t?)
JUDY
Love, love, love my first Willard! Thank you so much.
Reading this at work..now I have some sunshine in my cubicle!
Thanks! ( I think I want a black and white cat)
I love seeing pictures of your kitties. I miss having a feline in the house but my husband is allergic. Sigh!
Love your blog! Love your art! Love your books! Love you!
I have been purchasing your wall calendar for myself and a friend for years! Love all of your art work! Looking forward to your new book.
So very glad you are back to us girl friends! Boy, I sure have missed you!! Looking forward to reading Willard.
Thank you for all the great works you do…I love it all!
Hugs,
Debbie from Southern Cali
What a treat to sit and read Willard again! Thanks
Susan,
Love your blog! Am impressed that your cats do not knock your Beatrice Potter figures off the windowsill.. I only keep my sea glass and broken plate fragments up there… Cannot wait to see your new book!
It was wonderful to “hear” from Willard again and then to continue the conversation here! Just like you and he, I am eagerly awaiting fall…altho’ summer has been wonderful! Thank you for making my inbox such a happy place.
Hi Susan. So glad that the blog is back to its old busy self!
***Goodevening dear Susan and sisters !
Wishing everyone a nice and peaceful evening!!! Are you all so excited about this sweet giveaway, just as much as I am???! 🙂
Loving greetings and blessings too,
from faraway Belgium ***
I am so excited about your new book! I can’t wait to get a copy!
I am loving your blog and emails. I was given your book A fine romance for my March birthday and LOVED it. Felt like I traveled to England myself. 🙂
I have loved your art and little books and calendars for years but now I feel like I’m getting to know You!
Three giveaways!!!! Wow! How exciting! I surely would love to win one of them. Looking forward to receiving my Willard. You have been busy indeed!
Love the blog! Especially the cute kitty photos. Thanks for including 3 giveaways. I love the giveaways. So fun!
besides having a Joe in common Which I have mentioned to you number of times I appreciate it when you said that you treated yourselves to lunch after working so hard on your book. My Joe recently had a heart operation and we said if everything goes well we’re going to celebrate at our favorite restaurant and treat ourselves to surf and turf!! I am happy to Report that we were lucky enough to have our special dinner together. Today while Joe was in physical therapy I was so happy to check your blog and be able to read the Willard. It was so relaxing to sit back and enjoy it. I’m a calligrapher and enjoy Spencerian script so I appreciate your artwork trying out your brushes and pen work. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Joan
You have had quite a productive year, my friend! I’m glad to think of you back in your yard, digging and pretti-fying! Isn’t that the best thing, when you’ve been tied to a desk too long-to do something physical? I find that I process som many thoughts and come up with the BEST ideas when I am scrubbing floors or washing windowsills or digging in the dirt.
Love,
Mary Jo
Having a Joe in common which I have mentioned to you number of times I appreciate it when you said that you treated yourselves to lunch after working so hard on your book. My Joe recently had a heart operation and we said if everything goes well we’re going to celebrate at our favorite restaurant and treat ourselves to surf and turf!! I am happy to Report that we were lucky enough to have our special dinner together. Today while Joe was in physical therapy I was so happy to check your blog and be able to read the Willard. It was so relaxing to sit back and enjoy it. I’m a calligrapher and enjoy Spencerian script so I appreciate your artwork trying out your brushes and pen work. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Joan
Please give your Joe and hug for me Joan!
You’re back! You’re BACK! Oh, how I have missed you and your adorable crew. Thanks for being so generous and so very clever. I’m so happy to say “hello”.
Hi Susan! So excited for your new book and for the giveaway! Reading your blog, books and receiving WILLARD in the email is the best feeling ever when all else melts away and at the end of it, everything feels right in the world. It makes me want to bake something yummy and go out for a walk with my little boy who is turning one in 2 weeks! Thank you for reminding us of the simple joys in life and giving us hope and fairy magic 🙂 Love you!
It is always a wonderful day when a new Willard shows up in my inbox! Thank you for sharing. I am so looking forward to your new book and am happy that you can now “relax” for a bit. BTW…I have always wanted to try painting with watercolours…do you have a specific brand that you can recommend? Many thanks, Enjoy this beautiful late summer!
I love your blog! Thank you for sharing your happy with us!
You are living my ideal life and I’m a little jealous!
You shouldn’t be, we have all the normal things around here. 🙂
Susan, I am so glad you are finished with your book. I have so missed reading your blog. As I read about your walk, it gave me such a beachy feeling. I so miss the beach. We did not get there this year. So I can live it through your blog. Thanks for the chance to win such nice gifts. Keeping my fingers crossed !
I just LOVE the beautiful pictures you share with us on your blog!!
I feel like I could stare at the blue hydrangea and the pale rose and the sunset
pictures and the kitty cats for hours!! Thank you for sharing your
heart and soul with us. You have many kindred spirits because of it.
I would like to recommend a book I read — which I ran across serendipitously
at the library one day. It’s: While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by
Wendy Wax. Now — I can hardly wait to read The Fairy Tale Girl!! YAY!!
Love xo, Susan L.
Thank you for sharing the most beautiful things in life with us.
Oh what joy to find you here today! So very happy for you and Joe and the work on the books to be done and fun on the menu. Can’t wait to see what comes next for you! Hopefully another trip to England is in your future…autumn or winter would be grand.
Reading your blog is always so much fun. I also enjoy reading about Handsome Jack, and Girl Kitty is really pretty. Such a poser in that photo! (I miss having a cat. Last night a cat showed up at our house and it’s been nice. I think she belongs to one of the neighbors a few acres over. I don’t know her name, but she’s really talkative so we’ve nicknamed her “Chatty Cathy”).
LOVE the photo of the starry night sky. I need to look up at the stars more, like I used to. I live sort of in the country now, so it’s silly that I don’t but the truth is it’s scary here at night. (A lot of dangerous critters).
Yikes! Well, look but stay safe!
I love reading your blog, you are an inspiration and of course, I would love to receive any of the fun things you are giving away.
How lucky we all are that you have completed another wonderful Susan Branch book. Looking forward to reading it.
So nice that you are blogging again, I have missed you. Very excited for your
new book. Enjoy your summer now.
So happy to hear from you it’s been ages. I missed your wonderful stories.
Thank you so much for the Wonderful Willard! I love reading your take on things, and really enjoy sharing the anticipation of the coming seasons with you … I also can’t wait for the coming apple-fest that is upstate NY where we live! Not to mention Downton Abbey in the winter. (Have you experienced the Mrs. Patmore’s Pudding Tea from Republic of Tea? It is so delicious, really nice after dinner, and a great balm for missing the show while it’s not on.) But the summer joys have been marvelous too — my wife Ann and I just came home from Ogunquit, Maine where we took our three-month-old son, Charlie, to experience the beach for the very first time. He loved feeling the sand between his squiggly little toes, and the ocean breezes in his feathery baby hair! Please do enter me in your give-aways, they all sound so fantastic.
Oh my, memories forever. xoxo
My Willard has not arrived yet so this was a very welcome surprise! WOW…thank you for being so gracious with these giveaways…CONGRATS to the lucky winner. So glad the writing of this new book is behind you and you have a small chance to breath!! Another trip abroad onboard the Queen Mary. How exciting! Planning is always part of the adventure! ENJOY!! Thank you!!
Susan,
Received your pocket calendar last week for 2016-2017. Filling it out for all my appointments:bowling,nails,craft shows,paint classes. I do enjoy your water color pictures especially each month when I turn the pages to see your ideas for that month. Looking forward to your blogs of Autumn. We are still finishing up summer–here in Indiana.
Sincerely, Sharon
Glad you’re back. Time to enjoy life again, the great outdoors, cooking, travel, kittehs, Joe, and every other blessing your life is filled with. And the new book, yet another accomplishment under your belt. A well-deserved Congratulations, Susan!
Love this blog. Looking so forward to the new books. You’ve inspired me in the domestic arts. Thank you!
It is always so nice to finish up a project and tidy up and get back to “normal,” whatever that is! Congratulations on finishing your new book, and best wishes on your new travel project!
Oh Susan sometimes I can’t believe Jack is real either! With him and Girl Kitty, you are the luckiest kitty momma ever!! Love your books, your blog and YOU!!
Joan B.
Hi Susan,
I simply love your books and blog and thank you for reminding us that there is great beauty and kindness in the world! Very inspiring!
Hi susan Girl kitty is so beautiful what a lovely lady. I haven’t received the latest willard yet I can’t wait to read it I love going to my email and seeing it waiting for me. Enjoy the rest of the summer and have fun! xoxo Sherry K.
Such beautiful things, as always! Thank you!
love the prospect of a new contest!! You seem to live a perfect life and it is such a treat to read your blogs. Thanks for sharing!
Patiently waiting for Willard! Can’t wait for the book and of course, our next trip!
Susan ~ you brighten up SO many lives with your enthusiasm and warm heart ~ We are so lucky you share all your dreams with us! Thank you!
Sandy
so much to look forward to…a trip! Lucky us as your readers!
Heartfelt thanks, dear Susan, from one fairy tale girl to another! Willard is filled with pure delight! Our first look at the cover of Martha’s Vineyard~Isle of Dreams brought tears to my eyes!! Thank you for the beautiful bookmarks to tuck into our new, treasured books. Hoping that the artwork for Book Two will flow like magic from your three-hair brush! It won’t be long until you are designing name tags for book signings, traveling to meet everyone, and then boarding the Queen Mary 2 for a whole new adventure! So much to look forward to, Susan! ♡
I just love fairy tales!!
Happy hugs,
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
I’m so glad you are back Susan! Can’t wait to see your next 2 books – enjoyed “A Fine Romance” so much. Almost time to get out my “Autumn” Cookbook too!
I got some iced tea and sat down to read your post…congratulations on the new book. I can’t wait to read it. Love your calendar also!
My cat, Fanny, usually lays next to the computer when I am online and throws a paw on the keys now and then to make sure I am noticing her. Naturally I tune in to see what Jack is up to and he never disappoints. We will soon be snuggling up with your new book. Life is good.
I love your blog and I want to be a winner too!
What great fun it was to receive Willard today!
Love is a many splendored thing and I love hearing from you! Your writing is a love story to all of us.
❤️Suzanne
I really enjoyed A FINE ROMANCE, and so I am looking forward to your new book!
How I enjoyed readying your new blog! It’s wonderful as always! I am anticipating the new Willard and greatly looking forward to receiving it soon.
Thank you for your generous new giveaways! I would so very much love to win any one of them!
Thank you….thank you! You never fail to make my day!
You are amazing. I don’t know how you do it all! Thanks for the inspiration ~ always!
Loved the Willard! Please enter my name for your give aways. Thank you for your generosity
Love to read your blog! It always puts me in a happy mood! Looking forward to seeing more of them now that the book is getting published. Can’t wait to read it in the fall!
I was so excited to see my “Willard” arrive in my inbox today! My grandmother has been one of your biggest fans–she used to receive copies of the Willard in the mail! Now that they’re only sent via email, I print them out when I get them and bring them to her. She pours over them, basically committing them to memory. I know she will be so excited when I bring her this one, and especially when I tell her you’ve got a new book coming out! She’s got all of your other books, and has gifted many to me!
You have to give her a big hug from me, please!
Pick me, please. Pretty please. Pretty please with sugar on top.
So delightful to see WILLARD again! A great read providing an extraordinary break to an otherwise blah day! Jack is so-so cute! Can’t wait for the new book.
OMG, first Willard, next a new blog post and all with a super-duper-girlfriend-giveaway opportunity! I’m in heaven! And there I was having an “oh woe is me” kind of day. All I needed to do was go on line and find my joy via Willard and Susan Branch! All is well with the world once more. I so enjoyed it all. Jack and Girl Kitty look like they are so enjoying the busy-ness of Summer. Two Presidents? Wow! Exciting! I am going to read Willard again and the blog again and dream about all the fun gifts Vanna will be selecting for us. Thank you Susan. Enjoy August.
Thank you back Susie!
My copy of Willard just arrived and coupled with the blog delivery yesterday, I am in HEAVEN! Had chemotherapy yesterday, so the rest of this week will be spent reading and napping. You not only paint wonderful watercolors, but also paint such lovely words! Perks me right up! So happy the book is done (mine is ordered), and you have time to enjoy your beautiful island for a while!
I’m happy to hear that Mary Pat, and sending all my best for you … you go girl xoxoxoxo
Hello! Got my first Willard yesterday–well not exactly my first, I sent for/received a lovely book of the original Willard’s, before social media was born. Yesterday’s was just as grand, filled with color, art, and good thoughts. That, and your Blog (got my first o-fishal one yesterday too) make for very satisfying reading. I’m in my basement office, dripping with muggy heat (just north of Boston, MA “We’re Havin’ a Heat Wave, a Tropical Heat Wave…” and the pics of the Vineyard are cooling me off a bit. Love the cat pics, we’re doggie folks. A truly great Mini Schnauzer rules our home–Faster than a scampering Beagle, More powerful than a Teacup Poodle, Able to leap into tall car seats in a single bound–It’s Super-Lucky!! Rescue dog of my heart. I’d send a pic of his cute widdle face, but can’t figure out how. Anyway, I ordered Fairy Girl as soon as I read about it and am patiently waiting. Fell in love with A Fine Romance, and can’t wait for more. I am thrilled to wait for your new book, and will order the next installment as soon as it’s available, so please award your first Giveaway to someone who hasn’t ordered a copy. Well, that’s all for now, do please keep us all posted with your wonderful blogs and Willard’s, my eyes feast on the beauty! Thank you for sharing yourself.
Yes, we have joined you in the heat wave. But look at the calendar, it simply cannot last! xoxo
I truly miss your blog posts and I’m always checking for a new one – so happy when there is one.
So many comments already!
Thanks for thinking us western folks – today we have thick smoke from the fire North of us – my heart goes out to those who have lost their homes. Would love to win of course, but the Willard and new blog post are treat enough!! Looking forward to the new book(s) and calendar! I am still loving the 2015 calendar in my kitchen!! :o)
My heart too, I want it all to stop!
Congratulations on a big finish! You must have been in the writing zone if you even neglected your garden. I’m looking forward to this book because I really enjoyed A Fine Romance. I think I’ll start reading it again sitting in the garden on these nice summer days. Thanks for a chance in this wonderful giveaway.
Totally in the zone, trying to keep a handle on the thinking thing!
Hello, Love all your books and can’t wait for your new one! I let my neighbor borrow A Fine Romance when her husband died and she loved it, she read it at bedtime so she would feel safe and she said it was like she went to England! She loved it so much she bought herself one and her dear friend who is from England. So thank you, your book isn’t just a wonderful read but helped an elderly woman live alone for the first time in her life!
That makes me cry.
You are truly an amazing lady. I so wish you’d return to California again and to our Guild, Flying Geese Quilters. Our members loved seeing you and enjoyed all of your “special” items.
I’d love to do that, you know I would. I will try, we should keep in touch.
I love reading your Willard and blog for years. I then share them with my friends! Thanks for including me in your giveaways!
Love, love, love the free bookmarks! They decorate my readings so well. I feel so artsy just laying them down, cutting them out, laminating them…OK, you did do the artwork, but I am doing my small part by putting them together. When I read in public, I casually lay the bookmark aside so others may view it and enjoy. It has actually started conversations!
Bookmark lover,
Cathy L. in California
I so agree, it takes a village to make art!
Its a beautiful cool August day in Nebraska, and I just finished reading your blog and feel as if I’ve been for a stroll in a garden! Your blog is a refreshing break from this fast paced world that I look forward to so much! The quote you shared from LM Montgomery was great, her books are among my very favorite! Thanks for the mini vacation that is your blog!
Hi Susan! I was so happy and enjoyed every minute reading “Willard” and also your blog! I can’t wait to receive my copy of “The Fairy Tale Girl”!! I absolutely loved “A Fine Romance” and I am so happy you will be returning to England and Scotland too. It is a trip I too want to make!!! You have been working so much…it’s time to relax and enjoy!! Loved hearing from you and I am sure you hear this all the time but we all feel we know you!!