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 cannot wait for your new book! Everything you do is amazing and joyful! You, your books, and your blog (even before there was a blog) have been in my life for many years now and it all has brought so much fun and pleasure. Thank you!!!!
Wow! Great Willard! Please, oh please pick me!
Just read Willard and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. So looking forward to your new books! And I saw the Willard book in your store. I think I need to put that on my Christmas list!
I am soo excited for your new book. I have been collecting your books and gladys taber books for years. Thank you Susan you make many a day for me .Then I read Lucy Maud Montgomery is another favorite of yours I as so pleased—I just finished reading her Anne of gen gables books yesterday. Thanks again for being You!!
“Stars are the windows of heaven, where angels peak through….” your heart- stopping photos of the starry night sky brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Miss Beautiful Light.
Thank you, thank you for the inspiration to be creative and the example you show of how to love life and all its beauty!
I love love love that the kitties are in so many of your pictures (and I really smile when I see them on the counter tops!). I think that’s one of the many reasons I feel so at home here. Love you, love your work and can’t wait for the new book…yay!!
Hi Susan!
It’s so good to read your posts once again! Congratulations on all of your hard work. The title of your new book reminded me of a dear old one of my mother’s called “Silver Pennies”. It was full of poems and had wonderful little black and white illustrations of fairies, many of which she had colored in as a young child. Thank you for reminding me of it; now I’m off to look for it downstairs!
Susan, your art work inspires me to create. I am sooo looking forward to reading the next two of your books.
My two favorite things — Autumn and CATS. Both of your cats are so happy, healthy, and beautiful. I think I’ve figured out what makes Jack so especially appealing. He has such a poofy little muzzle. Makes you just want to kiss it!
My son’s mother in law who lives in Austin told me about your blog, since we love the Vineyard (have family there).
Ooh I would love to win!
I am so looking forward to your new book! I have all you others, can’t wait!!
Hi Susan
Never a dull moment around your place!!! How exciting a new book! Soooo looking forward to reading it.
Thanks for the chance to win….
Cynthia
Wow! Fall is coming, my favorite season, and new calendars,
new books! I can hardly wait!!
It has been so long since I have received a Willard! So glad to read what you have been up to. I would so love to win any of your giveaways. I love Jack and Girl Kitty, they are adorable. I love your art and a glimpse into your life. Thank you.
So happy to see “Willard” and read all the exciting news. Can’t wait to read the new books!!! Enjoy the your well deserved freedom.
Wow what a great prize. And a possibility of us traveling again! Yay let’s go. Your rose is beautiful as is the kitties. 🙂
Thanks for the latest Willard, like catching up with an old friend. Work life for me is great but I am at a desk, a phone and computer all day long, so I love hearing about what keeps you so busy through the winter months and on into spring and summer, and hearing about your delightful island life. I am so looking forward to your next book! While we often read or hear sad news each day, it is life affirming and calming to lay my head down on the pillow at night and spend a few minutes with a Susan book and be reminded of all the simple joys in life, the people and places!! Then, only sweet dreams can follow.
All the best to you Susan – and thanks!
I am looking forward to reading your new books and following your journey from California to Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve made the journey often from Ohio to the Vineyard. My favorite visit was in late September early October. The days were sunny and warm and the evening cool and clear with lots of stars. Reading your blog and Willard brings the island closer.
It was so lovely to read the latest Willard. The new books look wonderful!
oh my how I would love to win your book. Such an inspiration when I read your work, much like what Gladys does for me also. Nancy
I’m so happy to be reading your blog again, Susan, and look forward to receiving your new book! I look forward to your blog coming from England again…maybe?
I had a tea for ten women friends May 31 and made it an English tea with little vignettes all through the living, dining and kitchen rooms. I feel peaceful reading your words and seeing your photography and drawings and quotes.
Thank you for it all!
I love getting lost in Willard, and now I blissfully lose myself in these blog posts! Thank you for the mental vacation!
I am anxiously awaiting to hear of you sailing plans to England. Have sailed to Europe once and would love to hear about your sailing.
I so enjoy reading your blog and love all of the pictures and photos!
I hadn’t checked your blog in a bit because we’ve had house guests and when I came back it was to this great and fun post. Loved it all….so happy your book is finished and will be available soon! Thanks for brightening my day with all your sunshine and stories!
I was so excited to see this in my email box…Of course I was a little late in commenting because I have been running to the doctor. I was diagnosed with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, nasty little ticks! I loved seeing the pictures of Jack and summer around your place.
So happy you caught it . . . hope you’re feeling better!
So glad you’re getting caught up and blogging again. Summer seems to fly by and I really enjoy your news. One of my favorite summer treats- I always make 2 of your Christmas morning coffee cakes in December- freeze one and have a little Christmas in July! Delicious. 🙂
Such luvliness of words, photos, art and appreciativness (is there such a word) of all that surrounds you. So glad to see a photo of Queen kitty. How does one know if you answer their comments, not that I really expect one, but just in case.
Just received my Willard. So fun. Thanks for the chance to win
I have been so stressed and harried and depleted at work and in life. And seeing your blog today brings me back to center – it really truly does. There is something about your writing and your pictures and your art that just sits with my soul and speaks to me and reminds me who I am. So biggest thank yous to you dear lady for all the beautiful treasures you share with the world!!
Thank you once again for your pretty blog post. Love every bit of it!
Hello, Susan,
Reading Willard and your blog was a lovely way to spend this very cold rainy day in Minnesota! Also, reminded me a phone call was do to my 87 year old aunt in Fall River, Mass. so it was indeed a wonderful day. Now, Susan, winning one of your prizes would really make it an over-the-top top 10 day! Come ooooooon Vanna!
Thank you for writing your new book for all of us to enjoy and, of course, for our free gifts…such welcomed treasures!
Your for always fan,
Elaine
The musica is perfect — I’m letting youtube take me where it will! Right now, “But Not For Me” from Artie Shaw is playing. Take me away, Vanna, and blow on my lucky dice — I wanna win! (You’re a peach, Susan! Thanks for a lovely evening with you and Willard and Joe and the kitties!)
So excited to learn you are going to Scotland! We belong to Clan Chisholm, tartan and all!
I’m a Stewart originally! But too far back to have any relatives I know . . .
Oh please, Vanna, let it be me!!! So glad to read your blog again. I missed you while you were ‘gone.’ Enjoy your happy comments and joy of life, seeing magic even in the compost bin.
So looking forward to getting your new book. So glad you and joe are becoming more free to get back to do all the things you love to do. And what is one of my most wonderful things to do is read you blog. What a joy it is to me. Put my name in the hat, and I can dream of being a winner. Thank you for enriching all of our lives – c
Dear Susan,
I am DELIGHTED to know you’re headed back to the UK and so pleased to know you’re considering Scotland! I was writing on this blog from there a few Christmases ago, perhaps you remember? It is so lovely, I know you’ll have a fabulous time. If you get to Edinburgh, try to make a stop at Deacon Brodie’s tavern along the royal mile, just down from the castle… Great food and charming, charming atmosphere! It is the City of Books, you know…with so many authors coming from there…
Ok, I’m just so excited about the book, and would love to win it! I already have the small size wall calendar, having bought it at a local shop the minute I saw it.. Barbara Cheatley’s in Claremont… You know, your books and blogs and Willards just fill up our days with joy!
Thanks for all your hard work,
Marsha
I do remember! TY for the tip on Deacon Brodie’s. It’s going to be fun to make all new discoveries!
Love your blog-reading A Fine Romance again-since we can’t vacation this summer. Hope I win
Becky
Love your blog-Re-reading A Fine Romance again since we aren’t going anywhere this summer. Love it
Becky
Summer FLEW by, but it always does for teachers like me! School is back in session and the beaming smiles of my students make me less sad to see the season end. Your enthusiasm for fall has me looking forward to candles, apple crisp, and curling up under a quilt to write lessons.
Dear Susan … sorry to say I have been waiting for a Willard email for 2 years;
I keep requesting but no luck …. it is not in my spam … can you help?? I am totally in awe of you … you invented yourself and I so admire all you do …
I decided to read A Fine Romance again … it will sound like a brand new journey for me and I thank you … again! Keep well …anxiously waiting for the Fairy Tale Girl to arrive on my doorstep! Love and Aloha from San Diego, Evie
Hopefully it will come today or tomorrow, they’re still going out Evie. If it doesn’t, let me know!
Oh Susan … your Willard came today (Friday afternoon) and I am just so thrilled ..thrilled! I did get a cold drink and read and read …. am very excited that after the Fairy Tale Girl there is another soon behind!!! I think of you especially when we use the Rose Chintz on the table; do you have any English Chippendale-Red to compliment them? The salad plates are best … mixing and matching is so much fun! Wishing you a very
happy and fun weekend … Aloha from San Diego, Evie
Susan, I absolutely love reading your blog. Some days life seems to run out of control. I can pick up one of your books or read your blog and I always experience a sense of appreciation for simplicity, peace and a true perspective of how blessed we are in this life.
Thank you for all your hard work and the love you put in to all that you do. I appreciate you ♡
Yes Susan-
Fairy tales do come true. Congratulations on your new book!
Pat Bates
I love to read your blogs, viewing your photography and illustrations is always a treat.
I look forward everyday to reading your blogs. Even when a day , week, month are missed, I still check to see if you have blogged again. Love the music, love the recipes and love your gentle humor and gentleness. You are a life-send. Thanks and even if I don’t get chosen, I’ll still look forward to your fun in blogs.
Hugs, MaryBeth
It was just all too much to come home tonight and finally get a chance to read your blog – mom had cataract surgery, great-nephew (2 year old angel boy) had his tonsils out, and I am finally home in my own chair enjoying your week with you and all our other fairy-tale girlfriends! Thank you SO much – your visits are always SO worth the wait! All the news plus pics of “our” beloved Jack…..AND Girl Kitty, too. What more could we possibly ask for? Thank you for sharing everything with us. You are the sweetest, ever! xoxo
So glad to have re-discovered you.
I can’t believe it is about time for fall soon! It just seems like yesterday when you were showing us all your snowy pictures and cozy ones of inside! Can’t wait for the new book and I loved the practice paper with painted colors on it, so very cool!
xo
I cannot wait for your new book!! I am also so happy to have you back with us. I am sure your new book will have made the wait worth it 🙂 I hope you are getting a chance to relax and enjoy the rest of summer. Happy trip planning!
Can’t wait for Willard and your new book to arrive. Glad you are back!
Thank you, Susan. This was a fun post to read. Wishing you great success with the new book and more happy adventures ahead!!
Come on, Willard! I’m ready for a visit!
I’ve been tucked away from all the heat and I’m ready for some cooler weather. Maybe it will nice enough to read the new book when it arrives! (I ordered two so I can share one with my dearest, sweetest friend who JUST moved back after an overseas, seven year separation) I’m ready to read!
I keep looking for you on Instagram! 😉
I meant “read outside”. Oh my!
I can’t wait for your new book to come out. So very excited!
Oh where to begin! I couldn’t help but notice in the photo of Joe holding Jack, Joe’s white t-shirt sticking out of his black shirt made him look like a priest. I thought that was fitting, because I know Joe is such an angel! It was a cool 70 something degrees here today, and after getting used to it being in the high 90’s and 100’s, I actually got chilly and am wearing a sweater and booties – crazy huh? But I felt that nip in the air you spoke about, and though I’ll miss summer, do still love fall the best. And since it was overcast most of the day, the morning glories stayed in bloom all day – magnificent! You may remember I am the mother of Miss Katniss Everdeen, the feral kitty I rescued from the alley 3 years ago, and Sadie Jane, the itty bitty kitty I rescued from the alley this summer. Well, though Katniss still hates Sadie, I think we are making progress – I think. Katniss is now a very large, very muscular kitty, but she’s still intimidated by the little one. Sadie wants to play, which in kitty terms means biting and wrestling. Today Katniss jumped into my lap as I was reading, and she was purring and wanting to be petted. Sadie jumped up, and at first Katniss didn’t react, and seemed to accept the fact they may share the lap. But Sadie started biting Katniss’ ears, so that ended that, but I’m still hopeful peace will come to the Cooper household eventually. They sometimes will both get on my bed during the day for naps, but the itty bitty one has to stay at a distance for this to work. Do Girl and Jack ever play?
Play .. that word, I don’t think they ever play in a lighthearted way, but I have heard their footsteps upstairs running like mad from one side of the house to the other. Don’t know who is chasing whom or why, is it to kill or maim, or is it “play?” It sounds like their relationship is much like Katniss and Sadie.
Thank you for inviting us to celebrate your latest “work of heart” with you through your giveaway! Your books on my shelves always say, “Welcome Home” to me. My heart would thrill to make room for more!
Thank you so much for the beauty of your art and thoughts. I always enjoy when you share something new or old. The best is the sharing of your books with someone who hasn’t seen them. They make such perfect gifts for so many special people.
Susan, you bring a smile to my day whenever I see a new entry on your blog. You always make me want to “smell the roses” and be more thankful for the beauty in each day! Thank you!
I would love to be the recipient of any prize from you. So glad to get a blog post again. It was a sad summer without them.
Oh Susan, I have so missed you this summer! I know you’ve been busy, but it’s great to hear about how you all are doing. It’s like catching up with a friend reading your blog. 🙂 I hope you all make it back to England soon, loved your Fine Romance book!
Xoxo,
Deanna Cruser
The roses from your garden are luscious, especially the white one! I’ve pre-ordered your new book & time seems to be crawling toward its release. We’ve had a bit of a cooler breeze here in Texas that has me thinking of Fall. Reading your blog is like a mini-vacation on Martha’s Vineyard for me. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
Your writings make me feel as if we were talking while having tea. New book…can’t wait! So glad you share the simple things that give you and Joe pleasure.
I can’t believe you are back! I would check your blog site every day. Then to get a Willard and a new blog post, WOW have I missed you. I can’t wait for your new books and I’m ordering my wall calendar too. Thanks for coming back to us, I really missed your sunny outlook and beautiful posts. You bring more joy and contentment than you will ever know!
Mary Jane
I came here from the Willard (Yay!) love it. 🙂 And I was so excited when I read in there that your publisher is asking for a family planner. Squee! I can’t wait!
I’m overjoyed about the new book!! And you being free again!! 🙂
LOVE the blog today & my WILLARD!! So much excitement & beauty to languish over~~~ :). Thank you Susan for bringing so much to my world. We Girlfriends think you are the best!!
XOXO
I look forward to experiencing the peaceful, yet colorful life on Martha’s Vineyard through Susan’s photos, paintings and writings. It makes me so happy. Thank you!
I look forward to reading Willard and your blog. You have a magic way to bring the pages to come alive! You inspire me to retreat to my sewing room and quilt!
Waiting in anticipation for your new book!
Susan, we have missed our dose of sunshine in our inboxes. Glad your summer has become leisurly!
0h my my. If I could whistle, I would. Mr. Hall and Jack are way too handsome. Thank you for Willard, a blog post and the a giveaway, Oh my. Love, e
Magical moments by the sea. The beautiful sea!
OK you guilted me into letting precious Chloe out this evening, she munched grass, did multiple social rolls and loved her brief frolic in the wild of our garden. Then I said her name and she trotted into the house. A rescue from the pound, Maine Coon marvel of a kitty, best kitty ever and i have had several. She is excited about the drawing. We both know Susan that grass eating = yakking on my best quilt don’t we????
So far, no yakking. But Jack does NOT come when he is called . . . his only (?) “fault.”
Can’t wait for the new book! I always enjoy reading your emails too!
It was so fun to have a Willard in my e-mailbox. I still have “paper” Willards, and remember how excited I was the first time I saw one in my mailbox. And the cute little stickers that came with it…what joy!!
I’m so excited about your next book, can’t wait to read it. And thanks for all the lovely Martha’s Vineyard pictures, they make me feel like these Rockies aren’t quite so far from New England.
Hello Susan, Happy Birthday to Joe!! I am so Thankfull today that you put a link on this so I could find out the Woodlawn Blue paint you used in your lovely kitchen. I have been trying to fine it so I could buy it. I am painting over this year and I want to use it in my master bath room. Thanks again. I am so glad you are back. Going back to England will be fun once again. So love your blog and I have missed you lots. You are my True North in my journey through life. I cherish all that you do and how you guide us all into a daily life of Living closer to nature. I know the Love of Life that you give us everyday makes us happy inside. Live ,Love ,Laugh. I love that moto. My favorite. Be Happy and enjoy the rest of your summer. Look forward to more blogs . From my Heart to Yours LT.
True north, oh my, you are adorable. Thank you Linda. xoxo
Dear Susan, what a joy to have the new blog entry, and now the new Willard with all of your news. Can’t wait to get your book, and now a sequel to look forward to next year. And the cruise! What fun. Thank you so much for your writings, your blog and Willard and all that you do to make us so happy.
Hello Dear Susan,
I’m so glad to have you back in our daily lives again, writing blogs and Willards!! We know you were busy doing what you needed to be doing. I’m glad you have such a sense of accomplishment and relief.
How lovely and wonderful! Just snuggled down in bed and read “Willard”. It was a lovely moment to myself.
Love reading about your time on the island, catching up with your lovey summer leisure (?)! Thank you for sharing! xxoo
I look so forward to receiving your blog and Willard, just puts me in a happy place!!
I have never commented on your blog before, though I soak up every single thing you write! I’m a middle 30’s mom of littles who learned about you in my 20’s and couldn’t get enough of everything you do! Thank you!! Your Autumn book made me fall in love with the season! I decorate like crazy for fall and Christmas because of you! It makes me so happy. Anyway, I feel like we’re friends somehow, which is silly, but it’s just the way it is. I have family who went to school in San Luis Obispo and I always remind them that Susan is from there 🙂
This is getting long, but I wanted to comment because I would just love to win these lovely goodies. Enjoy your post writing/painting break!!
Nice to meet you Amanda . . . And so much of my new Fairy Tale book takes place in San Luis Obispo! And it’s not silly, because that’s how I’ve felt, that I know the readers of my books, since the very first one. xoxo
I can barely stand the suspense! I preordered The Fairy Tale Girl long enough ago that it seemed far off in the distance and now it’s almost here!! We’re all so excited and dancing a little jig right along with you, Susan! XXO
Can’t wait for the new book!!
What a lovely post. I have ordered the new book. So exciting….I visited with Vanna, she works so hard, I explained to her to not worry about me.
Goodness, you have so many blog friends! Add my name please for a chance to win! Thank you for your wonderful blog, I enjoy each posting!
Love reading your blog posts! I have several of your books and love each and every one of them!
Looking forward to your new books. I love them all!
I can’t wait for “Fairy Tale Girl” and these giveaways rock! I also enjoyed my first WILLARD very, very much! TTFN!!!
So many favorite things in this giveaway!!!!! Have a relaxing rest of your summer Susan!
What a treat to find Willard in my Inbox! On a day when I really needed a nice break, thank you.
Oh to win a special treat of yours would be so LOVELY
Thanks for spreading so much sunshine
Hugs,
Joy Woodman
from the sunny and hot city of Modesto, CA
What a wonderful post! I relished every little bit of news you had! I really loved the photos of Jack! He is such a sweetie! And that pic of Girl at the end is frameable! Looking forward to the new book!!
Delights to anticipate: Willard, prizes, more blogs and Fall.
Thanks as always.
Congratulations! Your hard work and tenacity has paid off! Thanks for all the beautiful inspiring thoughts, drawings and pictures you share and send our way. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
So much fun to read a new Willard! Looking forward to seeing “Fairy Tale Girl” hot off the press!
Susan This post!! LOVE it. That photo of the night sky is gorgeous. I woke my husband up as he was dozing off to sleep last night and said “you have to look at this picture !!!” 🙂 And now I just finished reading Willard. Wow, so many things to reflect on and to look forward to. THANK YOU for all that you create, for all that you write and for the most wonderful giveaways. All the best, Ange (one of the girls on Twitter who said “go long!”) xx
Yes, I’m going to try!
After 27 years of marriage ended exceptionally badly 5 years ago, my x alienated our then 13 and 16 year old children from their mother and kept or destroyed all of my favorite things, like my collection of Susan Branch books, art, stickers, albums, willards … Just last week I was at garage sale where an older lady had passed a few months prior, and her family was cleaning out her home. And what did I find but SBs first book! I am so thankful to the lady who originally owned it and to God who keeps somehow bringing very specific replacements back to me. I have to have faith my children will one day know the truth about their father and come back to me. And some day I will give a collection of SB books to my daughter in person.
My prayers go with you Jennifer. xoxo
Love your blog and all it’s beauty !!
I would love a chance at winning one of your giveaways.
Thanks for all the awesomeness!