Welcome! So much excitement here in Smallville! If you just came from WILLARD, you are going to need another cup of tea and some more MUSICA! (If you haven’t gotten your Willard yet, don’t worry, it will be going into your mailboxes from 9am eastern time Tuesday Aug 18, through Friday 
the 21st.) But you should know, our Giveaway has grown, now there are three! If you haven’t time to read the Blog just now, scroll to the bottom of this post where you can sign up for the drawing by clicking on the word “comments” and leaving a message. For the rest of you . . . I can only hope you agree that
I love this quote by one of my favorite authors. Wonderful things ARE happening. I used this quote in my new book, and asked Kellee if she would make it into computer wallpaper for you . . . and she did! Click HERE ~ it should be up by now, along with some gorgeous new stationery . . . As you’re about to see, things are getting back to normal!
You really know I have a little more time on my hands when you see this.↑ I’m finally giving my poor Beatrix Potter people a bath . . .
Filthy piglets, hadn’t bathed since Christmas! It was the very first thing I did to gain control over my house again after so many months in book writing mode.
Now they’re back in their places, all sparkling and happy, and the little vases are filled again and I am saying . . .
If I ever missed taking a closeup photo of a rose in the summer, then it just wouldn’t be summer, no matter what else I think I have to do!
There is nothing like roses from the garden, they look and smell like no other roses.
One of the first things Joe and I did when everything was turned into the printer was go to the nursery for these: ↓ Our garden needs help! Better late than never!
We also decided to celebrate our newly-found freedom with a long leisurely lunch at the restaurant at 
the golf course ~ “leisurely” is difficult to find here in August, with the Island so packed with vacationers. But we thought this place was a little bit out of the way so we’d have a chance. Well, it didn’t work out quite as we expected because we accidentally went on the day that Presidents Obama and Clinton were both there playing golf!!! We sure know how to pick ’em! So much for the quiet lunch. There were dogs sniffing the FINE ROMANCE VAN, believe it or not, and we were wanded (that’s what the secret service called it) before we could go inside. But after that, everything was normal until the two presidents became visible on the 
golf course, then the entire restaurant stampeded outside to watch and take pictures. All except us, because we had seen them before. Yeah, we’re so cool ~ it’s old hat to us! But we did put our flag on the front of the house! Afterwards we went to the nursery, also my first visit this summer . . . and no presidents were there! Yay! We’re replanting around the poor neglected bird bath right now . . . Once again, it’s Domesticity City around this place and we are happy as clams.
Out go the fluffy, healthy, quickly reproducing weeds, making room for actual flowers.
We also stopped at the farm stand and got our first corn of the season, hot, buttered, salted and peppered, it just popped off the cob! DELICIOUS! I’m sure you’ve done this ~ now I know it’s really summer!
We went out at 7 am this morning and have been walking our walk through the woods out to the water every day. This is the place where Joe and I hash everything over . . . from the habits of cormorants, to the unknown idiot who figured out how to move the huge rocks protecting tern nests so he could park his car there, to what’s for dinner and future travel plans/dreams. And we stood at the water and said a prayer for the victims of the terrible fires out west, that they be showered with love from their families, friends, and communities. My heart breaks when I see the ruin the flames are leaving behind.
We’re ooohing and ahhhing every night, and counting our blessings.
Coming home after a walk to the harbor to our little greeters . . .Jack’s looking at Girl who is waiting out of reach, on the kitchen table . .
Then back out with the camera because the sky at night has been wonderful, filled with stars. I’m a big believer in ladybug magic and there was one in the bathroom last night. Insert five exclamation marks. Second floor, hot crickety summer night, brushing my teeth, and there she was. A lucky omen. Believe me, I look for them every day!
Jack thinks our starry night sky is wonderful too, because it seems like it’s dropping . . .
. . . yellow cat toys!
Joe’s birthday balloons were tied around a bouquet of giant sunflowers that Kellee and Sheri sent from the Studio and within 10 minutes of arrival, Jack’s scissor-like teeth had severed the ribbons and all balloons were floating free.
Just the way Jack understands life to be. All about him. Which it is.
Yup. He’s our guy. Aren’t they adorable?
Busiest cat I ever knew. Floor water is no good anymore, he wants sink water.
Grass, he loves it. I take him out and sit with him while grazes. He’s really not an outdoor cat at all, I never let him out alone, and he is so good, he never tries to get out the door. He likes me to sit next to him the whole time.
On Cat patrol, sitting on top of the ironing board in the pantry, watching out the screen door for any possible trespassing by anything, bunnies, turkeys, neighborhood cats.
He also watches me working . . .and I watch him watching me. Sometimes I can’t believe he’s real. I don’t get as many photos of Girl Kitty these days, but never doubt that she is still our Queen. She just likes to keep her throne in the back of the closet most of the time, so she’s hard to get in action shots!
But they both were with me the whole time I was wearing these pencils down to the nubbins, and now they watch curiously as I reorganize the studio. I’ve been cooking too, filling the fridge with August-type healthy goodies we love, ice cold Gazpacho and . . .
. . . my favorite Coleslaw Recipe ~ stuff to munch on. Look at that apple core in our compost pile! Isn’t it beautiful? (If you click on the recipe you’ll also see us repainting the kitchen a couple of years ago . . . just scroll down for the Coleslaw recipe, I promise, it’s there).
Nature. Just wow. I realize we are finding wow in the compost pile, but I can’t help it. I had to dig this guy out and take his picture. I almost put him on Ebay.
I can already feel fall coming and we hear it in the woods, we’ve even seen a couple of bright red leaves out there! And what’s back to school without book things? I know there were two Fairy Tale bookmarks in the Willard, but I thought, considering the time of year, some of you might want our wise old owl once more. Just click there, cut around him, and he is yours.♥
And now for the Giveaway(s) to celebrate my new book which I can barely believe is really finished! The first one I mentioned in the new Willard ~ it’s my 2016 Wall Calendar, plus my AUTUMN book, plus my new book, THE FAIRY TALE GIRL, and, for the cherry on the top . . .
a fairy tale banner! I’ll sign the books ~ and it will all go out to the winner the minute THE FAIRY TALE GIRL 
gets here, which should be about three weeks at the latest. (But who’s counting? Me, I am!) All you have to do to enter the drawing is scroll down to the bottom of this post and leave a message ~ just click on the tiny gray word under where I sign off that says, “comments” and leave a comment and that automatically enters you in the drawing. And the good part (or the bad part, depending on how you look at it) is that you have a lot better chance at winning this than you do the lottery!
Also, another surprise! Something else for my Girlfriends, Giveaway #2, because when I think of fall, I think of three things, delicious recipes, books, and old 
movies ~ and this Giveaway covers them all. My Autumn Book, filled with fall recipes, and a wonderful old movie called Hobson’s Choice. I think you will LOVE this movie! I have it, but I have to keep it, so I bought you a brand new one. It has everything going for it: It’s old, it’s English, and it’s pure charm. And it makes you feel good. What more could anyone ask for?
And this strange item, for good measure, will be Giveaway Number Three. I was cleaning up my studio (WHAT a mess!) and came across this. I saved it because I think at one time I was going to cut it 
up and make bookmarks out of it. It’s one of the little bits of paper I use to test watercolors and my ink pen before I paint or write something for a book or a calendar. As you may notice, my pen was giving me all sorts of trouble — I didn’t want it 
to blob onto the “good” paper, so I kept playing with it, making squiggles until it started behaving. Anyway, I thought one of you might like the results of the squiggles . . . the originalist of the originals, stream of consciousness without the consciousness, no rhyme nor reason for it ~ but I did sign and date it … it’s about 6 ½” by 9″ and would make a fun little piece of kitchen art for your fridge or bulletin board. And it does have fairy magic in it. And you can win it.
And that makes it three Giveaways on this blog today. Leave a comment, and Vanna will draw three names in a few days and I HOPE SO MUCH that the name she draws is YOURS!!!!!!!!!
In the meantime, I will be watching for the UPS 
man to bring me my first stack of The Fairy Tale Girl. I wait ever so patiently, but I am as excited as Christmas.
With the new book and the new calendars, Kellee and Sheri have been shaking in their boots about the WILLARD and asking me to make a special request to remind you how tiny their four little hands are. The phone has been ringing off the hook at the Studio about the calendars and they want me to tell you that they 
will try their hardest to get everything out as quickly as they can . . . if it takes a couple of extra days to get your things, you can blame it on the dratted calendars, but have faith, they’ll be there very soon. And so will your books!
And then soon, we might be doing this again, sailing out of New York harbor on the Queen Mary 
2!!! We are dreaming big time. Anything could happen between now and then, but we’re going to try. We took all our travel books with us to our leisurely lunch at the golf course the other day ~ looking for cottages to rent, pouring over maps and plotting our possible course. Figuring out whether we should go in the summer or in the fall . . . we’ve only ever been in the spring, so there will be new things to see. And we’ll bring the Blog along, so get ready Girlfriends!!!
And there she is ~ our beautiful in-house Queen joins me to say fare thee well for now. Thank you for your support and friendship.♥ Joe thanks you, Jack thanks you, Girl Kitty thanks you, and . . .
. . . I thank you . . . ♥ Have a wonderful day Girlfriends! XOXO
I get sooo excited I get on your blog when something new is posted. And now I get Willard too! Oh happy day.
hope to enter to win any prize -enjoy everything you show us online -thank you
I get sooo excited when I get on your blog and something new is posted. And now I get Willard too! Oh happy day.
Dear, Dear Susan………
Exciting times with your new book almost here and our little Erie Village in Colorado celebrates Illumination Night this weekend for the second annual occasion………It is so exciting and I have spent countless hours going over your account of Illumination Night in Martha’s Vineyard for all sorts of inspiration………we have 200 homes each one with a front porch and this year will have horse-drawn carriages to take people around to view the homes……..porch parties with tacos, margaritas, smores and all kinds of loving sharing………..sovery exciting………and tgen to even get to toss my name into the hat for a possible prize is too much fun!!! Thank you for your overwhelming generosity………you are this nation’s treasure!!!
Kathleen
That is wonderful Kathleen, how exciting! Did you get the idea from the MV version, or was it something else? I love it, and I bet everyone else will too. And thank you for your kind sweet words!
What fun- a Willard! in my inbox this afternoon!
Of course, I immediately settled in to catch up on some fun news, lovely photos and paintings, complete with musica –the PeRfEcT extra surprise birthday treat for me today. Thank you, Susan, for always bringing a smile and a spot of inspiration!
Ohhhhh…… I would so love a book!!! Please please please choose me!!!! ❤️
Susan, your work makes me smile, makes my day, and takes me to exotic places!
Beautiful. . . Amazing colours that seem to speak to us all.
I am not alone in saying, “I wish I could meet you.”
So excited that The Fairy Tale Girl will be arriving soon.
Audrey.
I was so excited to see Willard in my mailbox.
Always love to read about the kitties. We have a “tux”, too. Sounds like our Riley has a personality similar to Jack.
Please add me to your drawing.
Thanks.
Would love to be picked. I love your blog and all your books. Enjoy seeing the beautiful Vineyard. Enjoy, Enjoy your time to relax.
Hello Susan! Is Vana the Fairy Girl? I love the bubbles on Peter Rabbit’s mother rabbit! Thanks for being you!
I love to read through your sweet blog each time you post something. Today, I made myself a cup of tea, just as you suggested, before I sat back to read your thoughts. I am presently fighting cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. It really helps me to enjoy some peace and beautiful artwork – thank you so much.
Sending you all the mean vibes you need to beat this thing. xoxoxo
I’m 24 years old and have been raised on everything Susan Branch! I love your website and blog. Would absolutely love to win these goodies! (and I promise, I’ll share with my mom)
My sister and I have a collection of the Beatrix Potter statues. She collected all of the mini ones, and I had the big ones!
Love my generations! Hi to your mom and sister!
I just love your blogs! So wonderful to see your beautiful photos making everything seem like a mini miracle! I can almost smell the roses and I love the kitty pictures since I have two of my own! Can’t wait for Fairy Tale Girl to be released. Your books (all of them) make wonderful gifts.
Susan it is such a joy to read and view your blog entries. I just received my wall calendar and pocket calendar, both beautiful. Have also ordered a signed copy of your new book. Can’t wait to read it!
Karen
What a happy post ~ the photos of your kitties always make me smile!!! I would LOVE to see/read your Autumn book so I’m keeping my fingers tightly, tightly crossed. Congrats on the new book too! I can’t wait to read it…. XOXO
So good to have you back and know your new books are on their way. Thank you, too, for the beautiful photos of your neighborhood & your part of the night sky. Lovely!
I enjoyed your comments about “Turn” — it is such an interesting time in our history but we only seem to learn about the major battles in history classes.
I so look forward to your new book.
Willard is wonderful! I enjoyed it with a glass of iced tea – it’s over 100 degrees here. I can hardly wait until September rolls around!
My daughter and I are so looking forward to reading your new books!
What a wonderful page you wrote today. I just loved reading it all! Am always looking to see what new words you write. Good luck with the new book!
I was so happy to get your latest Willard! I can’t wait for the new wall calendar.
Wow so happy you’re getting back to normalcy and having time for Willard and blogging. Waiting oh so patiently (not really) for the book (already pre ordered) I Can’t Hardly Stand It.
How happy it is to read your blog today and see my favorite dishes on your shelf. Thank you…..
It was so-o-o lovely to read your blog again! You were missed. Thanks for entering me in your 3 giveaways. Hope that Vanna picks my name!
I can’t wait to read the new book and of course the giveaway is so generous!! cheryl
Hello Susan!
So glad you’ll still be able to enjoy at least part of this summer! Thank you for sharing .
Be still my heart! A finished book and another trip to England??!!! How can we contain the excitement? Oh yeah and a couple of presidents but really what’s that to a trip to England! 🙂
Oh happy day! I so enjoyed reading your email. I loved the roses, mine didn’t do well this year so I’ll just share yours. I hope you know you made many people happy with your blog and Willard. I’m glad you are enjoying all the things you have been too busy to do.
LOVE <3 LOVE <3 LOVE your blog and especially all of your pictures. I picture myself back on my beloved MV whenever I see that I have an email from you. xoxo Thanks for keeping us longing for the Vineyard!
Oh, how I love my Willard! Thank you for carrying on that tradition, what fun to listen to musica chosen to accompany such a fun, bright little letter! It truly brightened my day, thank you, thank you, thank you, Susan! Oh! And what a fabulous giveaway! I’d love a chance to enter, and win or not, I can’t wait for Fairy Tale Girl! Thank you for spinning your magic for us! Oxoxo!
How great the new book out! The prospects of a new trip on the horizon is enticing indeed. Is Somerset on the agenda?
Our agenda is just beginning, so we’re collecting ideas right now.
looking forward to your new book!
Thank you for the wonderful blog post. It has been a long, dry summer – in more ways than one. I understand and am so happy you accomplished so much and are able to cook, clean, relax, and blog again.
I have pre-ordered your new book and am anxiously awaiting it’s arrival. If I win it, I will have a lovely gift for someone. All the giveaways are amazing. Thank you so much. It’s always so fun, regardless of whether I win or not. It’s all about the anticipation and excitement.
What a delight to go to my email and find Willard waiting for me! Next year, I will take my first trip to Martha’s Vineyard, and see all the delights you have pointed out for the last numerous years! I can’t wait to ride the ferry.
I also have a collection of Beatrix Potter figurines so it is fun to see yours sitting on the windowsill. Love reading your books so it would be lovely to win. All the best, Nancy
My husband and I took a trip to England and Scotland in July, which was totally inspired by A Fine Romance. We did part by train and part by car and what a ride that was! Such beautiful gardens, green hills, stone walls, and the sheep, oh the sheep. We just got a taste of Scotland and plan to definitely return to see more of it. So looking forward to following along on your blog as I did last time, thank you. Already ordered your new book!
Were you happy with the trains? Just wondering.
Love the calendars every year. I wish you had one that had hours during the day. Then I could use it for booking clients. Love Jack the kitty!
The Blotter has a side column for “notes” you could put times in, it’s very big. Just an idea.
We just got home from spending a month in Europe and followed your FINE ROMANCE book for part of the trip. I have to say that of all the places we went seeing HILLTOP FARM was the highlight of the trip for me! It was too beautiful to describe with mere words. Seeing the house just like Beatrix left it was like being in a fairy tale. I didn’t want to ever leave. The other highlight was taking the SECRET COTTAGE TOUR through the Cotswolds. If you haven’t done that, put it on your list for the next time you go! It was like going back in time to be able to see villages of thatched roof cottages off the beaten path. Now I have to go check all my Peter Rabbit figurines to see if they need baths! lol
I agree, very difficult to describe the feeling of being at Hilltop, except, one word does work: magic. Love the sound of the cottage tour!
It’s a very fine day indeed when we receive a Willard and a blog. Thank you for sharing all of your Martha’s Vineyard walks and explorations with us.
I first found you when I bought a calendar years ago. I love them every year.
So happy to hear your joy as you write, AND three gifts to your girlfriends to help celebrate your joy! Susan is Happy, Kitty Girl is still Queen, Joe and Jack are still handsome as ever, ain’t Island life wonderful! Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you for the Willard! I also can’t wait to read A Fairy Tale Girl, and part 2, Isle of Dreams. I love all of your art and everything that you put into your work. I also love how you ended your Willard, “You’re never too old for Fairytales.”……Makes it feel like anything can happen 🙂 Congratulations on all of your creative work that is coming to fruition…I am excited for you.
Take care,
Holly
Good afternoon Susan,
Just finished reading “Willard”. A good read on a hot afternoon. Will read your blog tonight. After reading Willard, I ordered “The Fairy Tale Girl”, now
the wait begins.
It’s been a hot summer here on the Cape with very little rain. I haven’t felt the Fall breeze yet. I take my walk very early in the morning, always hoping for a cool breeze.
Our Grandson has started his two week orientation at Mass Maritime. I so
enjoy reading the info on the web and seeing pictures of the youngies learning
to work together. What wonderful training they all will receive. Our son
graduated from MMA 29 years ago. Our grandson looks up to his Uncle and
it looks like he is following in his foot steps, A VERY GOOD THING.
Look forward to the day the mailgirl delivers “The Fairy Tale Girl”
Marion
would you be the Marion Rose who had a friend named Lillian Page….from Peabody, Mass.?? wow. if so, you would maybe remember me as her nephew Eddie’s wife. we had a “five and dime store” in Alton, NH when last we met. i’d LOVE to know if you are who I think you may be. hugs to you. chris consentino
Hey Susan, how nice to open up your blog and just like old times there you are. Can’t wait to receive your new book and can’t wait to see if I am blessed enough to win (sometimes I really wonder) I am so happy you are sooo happy!!
Oh, Susan, I love all your posts! I’m so excited about your new book…
Just finished reading Willard. Wish you could see the smile on my face. I do remember receiving them in the mail but this is nice too. Enjoy the rest of summer but like you fall is my favorite season.
So wonderful to open my email and see such a lovely Willard Newsletter!
The photos are beautiful. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new
book..
Susan, I’ve missed you but I am very happy about the new book. Can’t wait to read it. Welcome back dear friend.
I can relate a tiny bit, I was buried for three months scheduling nature walks for elementary school children in my “woods” of Tecolote Canyon Natural Park through emails with local teachers. Don’t know what 2016 will bring as our grant funding hasn’t arrived yet. Still… reading your new book around Thanksgiving will be a sweet treat. Thanks for writing and illustrating your “escape to another land” books, I love them!
The arrival today of your delightful Willard was so timely – after a long day filled with so many stresses I lost count…your gentle reminders to pause, take a deep breath and seek out the beauty of our day – the delicate drawings & mentioning our favorite Downton Abbey – the anticipation of new books and cooler crisp Fall evenings. My spirits are lifted. Thank you.
I’m so happy to hear that Patricia.
I have had the most wonderful summer, and I like your word ‘exquisite’ as it so describes it! We have had guests from all over the country and even out of the country….how about Dubai?!! My nephew and his family including a precious new adorable baby girl who immediately stole our hearts! I am making up for last summer when I was in the middle of a very long recovery process. Just love reading your blog; you write like I wish I could, and your photos are just the best. Of course, I would love to be chosen as a winner; your drawings are full of such true treats! Enjoy these waning days of summer……….:-)
So glad to get your post. Wonderful as always!!
How exciting to be waiting for your new book!! I just know that it will be as wonderful as all of the rest of your books.
Loved seeing Jack and your “Queen” kitty girl. They just make my heart happy. But I have to keep that to myself as my Henry would be quite put out…
I just had your Autumn book out this morning, (I know that it is still August, but I’m beginning think thoughts of fall leaves, pumpkins & wood smoke. Maybe because we just got our wood delivered for the woodstove)!
Thanks for all of the joy your blog & Willard bring. cheers,maggie
(sigh) reading your words, seeing your photos and devouring your art make me feel like I’m right there…in the moment appreciating all of those beautiful, simple things. Perfectly delightful. Thank you so very much!
So wonderful to enjoy a nice, long post from the magic-maker, Susan Branch! Looking so forward to your new book, but it was also nice to read about your full swing back into domesticity! Enjoy the cooking, cleaning and gardening- and of course, the kitties!
So good to know that you’re “back in the saddle again.”
And I am again glad to be reading ALL of it.
Thank you!
How wonderful to read your blog again, and then, this afternoon, another treat–Willard’s arrival! I so enjoy hearing about your work and the process of writing and illustrating. Your happiness always shines through, and it is an inspiration to read your posts. When I start to lose steam in my own work, your writing always serves to get me going again. Thank you for spreading your joy to us all. and thank you for being so generous in your give-aways! I can’t wait for your book–real life stories are always the best!
My favorite too. xoxo
Thrilled to have you back and thrilled to enter this contest.
I want to win but I won’t if I don’t enter!
So, here is my comment/entry.
Pick ME!
Susan, I am soooooooo happy for you and very selfishly happy to have you back in Blogland! Of course, I have my book pre-ordered and hope it arrives on a day when I can drop everything and “enjoy the magic” of your life and words!
Friends of mine, that met you at the Learned Owl, in Hudson, Ohio, for a book signing, feel I look like you, (Or, you look like me…which is it?) Anyway, you might want to tell Vanna to look for your “Twin’s” name. Just a suggestion….
Can’t wait for “The Fairy Tale Girl”! Thanks so much!
Adored, ADORED A Fine Romance, and now am looking so forward to The Fairy Tale Girl! Thank you for sharing your life in such a meaningful and creative way!
So happy your back and that your books have been completed. JOY!
Thanks for the Willard Susan! I was missing it for sure 🙂 I can’t think of anything better than a new book from you, bookmarks, cookbooks, old movies, and of course, your “squiggles”! Looking forward to reading both of your new books!
I can’t wait until your new book comes! I may have to stay home from school, so I can read it!
Susan, I can’t wait to read your new book! I am so looking forward to it and the ending. : )
Your Willard and your blog are true pleasures. I always look forward to them.
Can’t wait to read “the rest of the story” in your new book Fairy Girl.
I’m so happy you are back writing your blogs more frequently- they add sunshine to my day!
good golly…over a thousand replies! So good to hear from you and happy you are footloose and fancy free for a bit :). Congratulations! Xo judi
Thank you for this opportunity, I so love your posts they’re just so happy all the time
Hello from Virginia! I had to give a little squeal of delight when I got my first Willard in my inbox! So much fun to read and a welcome distraction from my day. I am pleased to hear that you are ‘back’ and hope you are able to do all of the things that make your heart happy. Along with everyone, I am very excited for the Fairy Tale Girl!
I wish the skies where I live looked as starry as what you see–so awe inspiring! Thanks for all the wonderful photos and drawings!
They aren’t always like that, but every so often, we get an amazing display!
Hi Susan! Willard arrived in my mailbox today – and I loved catching up with you! Sounds like you are keeping busy, but a good kind of busy, doing the things that feed your soul and make you happy – keeping close to hearth and home and family. The most important things… I wish I felt a sign of fall, but unfortunately for me (not a fan of the hot/humid weather) it’s been so hot here, the A/C is cranked up full time. I long for the cool nights of late September, October, (my favorite time of the year) when you put an extra blanket on the bed and snuggle in, can get the oven humming again with comforting, rib-sticking dishes, and you feel refreshed by a morning walk. As you also pointed out, we have Downton to look forward to in January, although with a heavy heart, since it the last series! : (
I would love to win all those goodies, and whether I do or not, I will look forward to reading your new book. I believe you may have mentioned it before, but where did the name “Fairy Tale Girl” come from again? What an enchanting name for your book.
Will you have another calendar after next year to replace the little magnetic fridge calendar? I love mine – I have a teeny tiny galley kitchen, so no wall space for a big calendar, and that fits the bill perfectly on my fridge. If not, I guess I will have to find a way of rigging up a larger calendar on the fridge!
Enjoy your home, the kitties and Joe!
I love it too, but the manufacturer doesn’t want to do it, and they are in charge of what get’s made . . . I just sign to do what they want me to do. So sorry! I have a mini calendar, it’s only 8×8. Maybe that would do? There is a story about the name, The Fairy Tale Girl, and it’s in the book. I won’t ruin it for you . ..
Thank you for the “sweet” giveaways 🙂
Thank you, hope I win 🙂
love your artwork – always purchase your stickers and I always give my 8 girlfriends your purse calendar. It’s fun when we go to lunch, when everyone pulls theirs out of their purse to make a date for our next get together.
LOL, the next time that happens, please be sure to tell everyone I’m saying HELLO!
Thanks for the “sweet” giveaway 🙂
I can’t wait to see your new book! Everything you do is so wonderful.
I love imagining that I’m taking morning walks to the sea with you and Joe, and just being in Martha’s Vineyard. I hope to be able to visit there some day.
So excited that you are through writing. Been missing you and your posting. Thanks for all your wonderful writing and books.
Just lovely!
I so enjoy reading your blog and Willard! And, of course, more books to look forward to!
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the latest edition of Willard. I love hearing from you!! Quick question…my husband wants to know what type of camera you used to take the picture of the starry skies over the rooftop in this blog post. It’s a beautiful picture.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Just a Canon T2i — no tripod, no flash, just the miracle camera.
Thank you!! My birthday is next month…..I’ll drop a couple hints to my family for my own miracle camera!
So looking forward to reading your new book! Love the illustrations and fairy tale messages. Jack’s pictures with the yellow balloon are priceless!
Can’t wait for you book to come out. Your cat’s are awesome.
I can’t stop smiling! What happy news all through Willard AND the Blog! You are the Queen of Girlfriends and the Princess of Smiles! Enjoy your nesting!
Glad you can enjoy the last of summer. I guess I should be glad we were on the island in June, although I would love to see Illumination Night. I look forward to the new book, and for the arrival of fall.
I find myself in need of a fairytale these days. Thanks for such a lovely few minutes. And for such a special giveaway.
What a treat to find Willard in my Inbox! Can’t wait for your new book, and I am looking forward to a virtual trip to England!
So happy to have you back in circulation! I have roses on my dining table with other snippets from the garden. They were the centerpiece for an afternoon tea for a young friend who is headed for her first year of college soon. Her mother, sister and a family friend joined us for iced raspberry tea (It is very hot and humid here in Maine) First time we have done a tea without bringing out my collection of hats, gloves, pearls… just too hot. I am so excited that you doing another trip. Regards and blessings!
Hugs & smiles 😉
Oh, Susan, what WONDERFUL prizes. I would LOVE any one of them!!! So happy to see your posts again. I missed them when you were so busy. You bring JOY to my life with your wonderful photos and stories. Joyce
With sooo many wanting your give away, do I even have a chance? Eyes closed, fingers crossed, OH, I wish, I wish, I wish!
Hi Susan,
I love reading Williard, somethings actually hit home. I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who can’t wait for fall. I’m a cool weather person, so by this time in August I have had enough. I have pre ordered Fairy Tale Girl and can’t wait. Thanks for being you!
Welcome back. So good to see you again. Love the apple core star!
I am so ready for your new book! I love all your postings but there is something special about sitting down with your book. Thank you for all your hard work on them.
This blog was all about Jack for me….and the new book, too! Omg….he is such a funny boy. I also love the pic of Joe holding him because they are so adorable together. That pic of Jack going wild while he was playing is just too funny! I am so happy you now can enjoy the freedoms and joys of summer! Xxxxxx
Your new book sounds so good. Looking forward to reading it. Summer has been wonderful this year. Don’t want it to end. Have a good day.
Hi Susan! Can’t possibly tell you how much I enjoyed this post and tbe new Willard! The pictures and descriptions are both delightful! Makes me even more anxous to receive The Fairytale Girl! Sending happiness your way from So. California!
So looking forward to your new book – can’t wait!!
I am so looking forward to the new book. I know it’s a long shot, but I do so hope to win one of the three lovely prizes!!
So happy to see you have re-surfaced 🙂 Enjoy the fresh air!