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 always love hearing about your new adventures and plans. Can’t wait for The Fairy Tale Girl to arrive. Great to see Jack and Kitty Girl too!
Absolutely love you and your many talents! Thank you for your willingness to share everything and being so sweet and genuine! Btw….your picture of corn is making it really hard for me to not get out of bed and go to the. Store…maybe tomorrow if I survive the night. Visions of corn on the cobs dancing in my head!
Thank you, Susan for sharing your creativity and stories with us. You are an inspiration!!! Your books, calendars, website, and virtual England have been a great source of joy and cozy comfort. Thank you!!!
Cannot wait for a cool fall day and a good book:) I ordered 2016 calendar yesterday – just couldn’t wait!
So wonderful to hear all the latest news from your home and see those adorable kitties again! Can’t ever get enough of those cute little faces! Also celebrating along with you on the completion of The Fairy Tale Girl – a dream realized! You must be so elated. Continue enjoying this beautiful summer and don’t work too hard playing catch up. There’s time for everything. 🙂 Looking forward to reading Willard when it comes my way and I would love any one of the new giveaways!! Thanks for sharing your heart. Take care and God bless!
Susan, I was so excited to get your latest Willard in my e-mail box today. Of course I devoured it from beginning to end. Enchanting as always. I love this post as well, with all of the kitty-ness and these little journies you take us on over the Island. The photos, the music, just all of it. I am so glad you have finished your book (s) and will be with us more often now! Whew! I am probably as relieved as you are that you are done and for completely selfish reasons! I can’t wait for it to arrive through my mail slot! So excited. I wish I knew how you do your bookmarks for people to just download. I often paint bookmarks to share with my readers on my blog, but I don’t have a fancy smancy way of giving them to them like you do. I am so tecchy challenged! Anyways, I did not plan to write a novella and here I have done just that! Enjoy, enjoy the rest of your summer! You deserve a rest now after all that hard work. xoxo
Dear Susan,
thank you so much for sharing! As a german girl who loves everything british I really enjoy your books and blog for years now (still keeping the old snail mail willards – my daughter loves them so much, too) and look forward to everything you share with us girlfriends in whole wide world! For many years now I visit England in the fall (especially the Jurassic Coast in Dorset – by the way: Do you know Mary Anning? An amazing life she lived as a fossil hunter in the time of Jane Austen, beautiful books are written about her…) and I can promise: England in the fall is really beautiful!!! We´ll enjoy it “together”, perhaps on the same island!
Oh Irina, so nice to hear from you. I’ll check out Mary Anning, thank you for the tip. Excited about my first fall in England, and loved hearing your thoughts on it. xoxo
dear Susan,
Love your blogs and most of them your paintings!
You make my day!
Glad you are back, Missed you and Willard!
I cannot wait for your new books!!! I just love you, your art, and your kitties!
Dear Susan,
The roses are indeed lovely-thanks for sharing–I’m most eagerly anticipating your new book!
Thank you for the new Willard. I always enjoy it!
Hi Susan! It was wonderful to receive my Willard today!!! And I cannot wait for The Fairy Tail Girl!!! WOOHOO!!!!! It’s almost here. And thanks for sharing your wonderful photos and a bit about your life with all of us! HUGS to you!
Almost Sharon! Thank you!
Dear Susan…..thank you for your uplifting blog….it is always a pleasant visit & I, like all girlfriends, look forward to it. So exciting that the book is soon to be delivered…cannot wait. Glad you are back…missed you.
Wow, and double wow!….nay, treble and quadruple wow….to start with a Willard! A huge one, full of fab pics and giveaways, news of your forthcoming and long-awaited bookie wook, to cap it all brilliant musica! Then I calm down, go get another cuppa and there’s the blog to catch up with! Full to the brim with Branchy goodness!
Can’t believe how much trouble you go to with everything and forward planning the trip over here next year, in the autumn! Can’t wait and will be looking to see when you will be here and where etc and will desperately try to get to your picnic!
Thank you for going to do much trouble with the paintings, and wallpapers and owlie bookmarks too…and Jack and Girl Kitty look fabulous! And Joe too, of course!!!
Love
Karen
xoxoxoxo
Won’t it be fun? A strangers, but all kindred spirits, in a park, with trees, and picnic baskets?
Didn’t get my Willard yet but so enjoyed every word, picture, painting and thought you put into the blog this time and every time. I think we all want to be you. You touch a part of us in every good way. Homespun, positive, loving, caring, creative gifts you share with us. Thank you, Ruthie.
Thank you dear Susan for this lovely new post.
Groetjes,
Wow,three terrific gifts, but if truth be told I’m hoping I win the scribbles. I have Fairy Tale on order and own Autumn…but an original and one of a kind scribbles would make my day. I have a scrap from your Fine Romance tour, it hangs on my inspiration wall in my sewing room. I think if I won the scribbles I would frame them together…representing two wonderful books. Oh I know I haven’t read Fairy Tale yet, but I have no doubt it will a wonderful book and a favorite of mine. Anyway, thanks for the chance to win. So glad you and Joe can now enjoy the rest of the summer. Getting back to “normal” life after a journey like you have been on must be right at the top of the list.
Haven’t gotten my Willard yet…can’t wait, a special treat to greet me soon.
You take good care now and don’t make Vanna work too hard prior to the drawing…diving into that pile of names three times is going to be tough on her slim self.
So glad you are back.
She’s thin, but she’s wiry!
Susan…so wonderful to have you back again! Another trip to England…how exciting is that? We just took our first cruise to Alaska and it was the trip of a lifetime for me, as I have wanted to go ever since I was a little girl in the 50’s. It fulfilled all my expectations and more. Enjoy these happy summer days that are left and thanks for bringing some “Susan” magic back into our lives again. We missed you but know it was for a good cause. Deanna
I just read my first Willard and loved it as much as your blog! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful slice of your life with us.
I’m going to try and do more WILLARDS!
Love reading your updates! Always puts a smile on my face. Thank you~
Can’t wait to read your new books!
Thanks for the update! Enjoy the tail of summer before fall is upon us!
Oh, here’s my “pick me” comment, I’d love to be a winner. I enjoyed this post and look forward to getting my Willard. Those roses…how lovely. Enjoy the last days of summer, for fall is coming.
Willard tells us of another new book in 2016? CAN’T WAIT!!!
Susan,
I love your blog! It’s such a delight to have such a talented person share with so many people the wonder and joy you find in simple pleasures. Can’t wait to read Fairy Tale Girl!! Hope Vanna picks me!
Theresa
I’ve done it. And, I have you to think for it. You’ve inspired me. I’ve started my writing/research project. It has nothing to do with the archives or my blog. It is just because! Feels good. Love the little girl with a hat taking a bow. Maybe it was for the presidens who were passing by in their golf carts!
Yes! So happy to hear this! To begin, as they say, begin! xoxo
And, of course, by “think,” I mean “thank.” Or, do I?
Hello from Russia! I’m a recent subscriber of Willard, but an old (but not too old) fan. Congratulations on your new book! Your talent is an inspiration.
How fun. You just may be our only Russian! We need more! Love to have you here! XOXO
Dear Susan,
Love the coming home picture of Jack and the screen door. I love to look at houses while driving by when lights are on and shinning out the windows hoping all inside are cozy and happy. Can’t wait for Fairy Tale Girl! My life needs a dose of Fairy Tale right now! Take Care dear one and thanks.
Perhaps add some “Musica:” “An-ti-ci-pa-tion!” from Carly Simon would be appropriate while we wait?!
I’m looking forward to reading your new book! I have it on order. Have a great day!
Still haven’t received Willard. Should I be concerned by now (Thursday)? I hate to miss out on it!
There are two mailings going out today, one in about 12 min, and another tomorrow, if you don’t have it by 3 pm tomorrow, let me know and I’ll see what I can do, okay Annie? We won’t let you miss out!
Welcome back! Your latest blog and Willard are great! I’m looking forward to reading your newest book! The Fairy Tale Girl sounds absolutely delightful!
“Happy rest-of-the-summer”!
So grateful to you and your gang on the Vineyard for cheering my days!
all the best – Valarie
Hello! I just read my Willard and I was not disappointed! Wonderful, just wonderful.I also learned that the new book is being made in Indiana … that is where I am from. Now, I feel even more of a kinship to it and can’t wait to get my hands on it. Yay Susan!!!
Hi Susan,
Your creativity inspires me and brings me to a sweet place. Thank you.
You are so centering for all of us and you bring us joy. Those of us who love
the home arts best are so very grateful and happy to read your blog
and your books.
Can’t wait to read “The Fairy Tale Girl”!
I’m adding a new kitty to my life today- a little orange boy with the most
adorable white paws and sweet face. Haven’t thought of a name yet.
Congratulations to you both!
How about naming him Willard?
may I suggest a name?? I had a little cat, a little orange boy with the sweetest face possible, he looked like fresh marmalade so I named him Marmalade, and I offer that name to you as a suggestion. I have some very happy memories of Marmalade, he was quite a character and quite the love bug!!! 🙂 a long and happy life to you both, many purrs and pleasant afternoons cuddled up together enjoying the day.
I just read an adorable story about an orange tabby in Oregon named Snorri on yahoo. he steals peoples shoes, toys and whatever else he can get… he is quite a character, and he especially loves flip flips. its an adorable story. be prepared for years of funny collections and gifts, seems to be a trait in orange tabbies!!! mine stole candy wrappers that crinkled and were shiny. he loved those. 🙂
Pumpkin would be a cute name or Spice. Enjoy your new kitty.
how about popsicle??? we have an orange tabby running around here and we call him popsicle. looks like those orange/cream popsicles.
Welcome back! I’m so excited to receive my WILLARD yesterday, and to hear about all the good things happening with you and yours. Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Blessings,
GiGi
GM, Susan 🙂 I posted here yesterday, but that was before I received my Willard! Oh my! What a joy to read what you’ve been up to these past months – along with Joe, Jack and Girl. So excited for the new book and it’s companion down the road. All the photos, artwork, smiles – I can’t imagine how much time, energy, creativity and love you put into each book you write as I have some idea of what it takes to get out a newsletter this chock-full of goodies – and for us, your girlfriends – I can only say a humble “thank-you” from my heart to yours. ♥ It not only brings a smile to my days, but it’s something that I can share with my 88 year old mom who currently lives with me. She read it from beginning to end and had a good chuckle or two. It has enough pictures that even with her dementia she can enjoy all the beauty and joy you share, and I’m grateful for that – she has always loved your work. Thanks again, Susan – enjoy these days of late Summer – they are flying! Almost time for Apple Crisp and pumpkins!
Makes me feel good to hear that Mari, please give her a hug for me. xoxo
I love Willard! And I long to visit MV!
So great to have you back! Missed the blog posts and the Willard. Looking forward to sharing autumn with you Susan and all the girlfriends!
Hi Susan,
Thank you! You always help me to feel grounded and calm. Your sweet photos of Jack, the island and your lovely art are so very inspiring. Now you are offering a fun set of prizes as gifts…I have to comment and thank you again.
XXOO
Janet
So HAPPY you are back! Thanks for sharing your adventures with all of your “followers” out there. I love everything you say, touch and design.
I am still using little snippets of some of your darling fabric (the one with the little sayings) on sewing projects that I do. (quilts, journal covers, potholders, and even little purses for my granddaughter).
Regards,
Nettie from Spanish Fork, UT
Thank you, Susan, for jobs well done! You’re a treasure!
Oh I was so happy to see a Willard in my mailbox this week. I missed you!
I feel LUCKY that I have found your wonderful books and blog site! Reading those are the very BEST way to brighten my day! May your creative juices keep flowing, dear Susan! LOVE the tuxedo kitties (I have one too, along with two black beauties)..we are a black and white household!
Susan
Reading your blog makes me so happy! I have been a fan of you and your work for so many years. I remember before I had a computer receiving Willard in the mail and just being so excited. I have saved every single one! Thanks so much for the joy!
Hugs!
Angie
XOXOX Angie!
Looking forward to your new book! And I am also excited for Fall……love the “back to school” feeling in the air!
Thank you for the Willard, the blog, the kitties, and the new books!!! So happy you are in this world!
Hi Susan!
You have been inspiring me for 34 years. You inspire me to embrace life. You inspire me to never stop dreaming. You inspire me to follow my bliss. You inspire me to be abundantly grateful.
Thank you!
With gratitude,
Terry
I really enjoyed this post. You were so busy having a good time. I visited your island about 20 years ago in the fall. Of course, timing was everything and a huge storm came through and we were literally blown sideways with the wind! It still was a fun vacation and bought my favorite earrings in one of the little shops. Please enter my name in your give a way, and I hope I win. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing these precious snapshots of your world…your life! They are a joy to read…and they are truly inspiring to get going and do!….Blessings to you and yours dear one!!!
Just finished my Willard;didn’t realize how much I needed that! 😉 Thank you!! xxoo
Loved reading your newsletter and popped on over here to check out what else you have going on! Now off to Amazon to check on your book.
So happy that you’re back from the long journey to get Fairy Tale Girl to the publisher. Love seeing your daily walks, the little touches you add to your home and the joy you so readily share with us. Thank you ever so much.
I read my first WILLARD ever! It’s divine (there’s a good word!), and now your great blog (also a first)! TWO HOURS of Big Band is playing and it’s turning in to quite a delightful day. Thank-you, Thank-you!
Reading Willard, and your blog always makes me feel grateful for the beauty of day to day life, that we sometimes miss if we aren’t paying attention. Thank you so much for this gift!
Thank you for the new Willard and here is hoping I am the winner of your amazing giveaway, wouldn’t that be a great way to start the autumn season ?
As usual as only Susan can do … great, wonderful, glorious, fabulous, inspirational are the blog and Willard. Everything Susan pleases me beyond measure. My day has begun on a beautiful note!!! Thank you for that, Susan . Judy C
I love my Willards, and I love hearing about the new books, etc. I know my chances are slim, but I hope I win!!
Love and adore EVERYTHING you do!
Susan Branch…you are a GEM! Multi-faceted…a bright glow in my day…so happy you are back! You are MY fairy tale…I live vicariously through your daily life and all your adventures! Willard was amazing… (NEVER too long)…and this blog completes the dream. You are a blessing to us all!
A wonderful new post and a Willard…I can hardly contain my excitement! I’m only reading snippets of my Willard, saving it like a box of candy – but I know I will not have the willpower and binge shortly!! Thank you for sharing “you” with “us”:)
I reveled in your blog, as always; we are so very near the fires here in forest-y mountains near Grangeville, Idaho where the fires are just down the canyon in Kamiah (Kam-ee-eye) and are vexed daily by the smoke, wrenched of heart by our dear friends’ loss of homes, animals and property. So, I thank you for mentioning them in this blog and thank you for your prayers!
Love your work. It must be very satisfying also for you….you are so talented and the sweet love just pops out of your heart. I’m have been a fan for years and the Internet sure helps me keep up with you!
Cheers for a great fall!
Pj
Love your blog and a cup of coffee! Love all your pictures and flowers!
Just received Willard – always enjoy reading about your happenings. Thank you – you are an inspiration!
We are all so THRILLED to have you back on our favorite blog! So excited for the new books that you have been working so hard on. I know they are going to be just as darling as A FINE ROMANCE ( the MOST darling book EVER!). Thank you for being so brave and sharing your life with us.
What a lovely Willard and Blog to read as I sit on my last day of vacation, looking out to Block Island. Someday… Martha’s Vineyard.
How exciting to get another willard in my e-mailbox! I still remember th every first paper Willard I got in the mail… And the little stickers… What joy!!
Thank you for sharing those pictures of beautiful Martha’s Vineyard.. It made me feel like New England isn’t quite so far away!
I haven’t received Willard yet. Looking forward to that and can’t wait for your new book to come out! We almost always go to England and Scotland in the fall and love it. We’ve been there in all the seasons except summer. You would love Scotland, and with a name like Stewart, you’ll feel right at home.
Your blog is delightful as always. Lovely pictures!
I would love to be entered in your new give-a-way! I do so love to read about your life and experiences…just everything about it. I walk my puppy Emma everyday around the trail by my house and wish I had your view. I just go to where you in my mind as we walk.
I almost hesitate to add another comment for you to review…but as it’s the only way to be a winner here I am. I have ladybugs on my porch – ever since I lost my dear kitty to kidney failure last Saturday. I think she sent them to me. I still have my very first kitty – she’s 11 and doing great! Your diligence with writing your book is inspiring me as I work at writing mine. You can’t get results without putting the effort in – something you live every day. I’m so happy you have time to stop and actually smell the lovely flowers! Thank you for the bookmarks. I print them and then use laminating sheets on them so they last longer. Happy day to you, to Joe, to Jack, and to Girl Kitty! Also, thanks for the Musica!
I can hardly wait for your book. I ordered one for my daughter-in-law, know she will love it too! Thank you for years of warm and encourageing reading!
Loved waking up to Willard this morning. It’s been a particularly challenging few weeks (a sick husband and my beloved dog living out his last days at the lake amongst other things) so I just want you to know how much your lovely letters and posts and photos mean to me, and so many others. Thank you SO much for brightening my day.
PS Knowing you love All Things British, make sure you check out Last Tango in Halifax on Netflix (here in Canada, anyway.) It’s a story of late blooming love and it’s wonderful.
Okay, thank you! And best of these days to you, and yours. xoxo
Hang in there Kellee and Sheri, we shall be patient!
I adore you! Always have!!! Would love to win the movie…but no matter what, I’m crazy about your kitties and your drawings and your wonderful outlook on life. Thank you, Susan!! XOXO
Great post Sue, glad you are back, hope you are having some fun and not all work! Goldenrod is blooming here already-almost time to get the SADD light out. Yikes But on to fall biking and camping yea!! Fall color -love it so much.
Hurrah! Can’t wait to see the new book. It’s on my fall reading list, along with Autumn. Thank you for all the creativity and beauty you bring to the world.
Thank you for brightening a rainy Seattle summer morning Susan! It is always fun to hear & see what you have been doing. I love your kitchen & it was a treat to see the renovation you did when I checked out the coleslaw recipe. I hope the rest of your summer is filled with fun!
Absolutely wonderful. Thank you for your inspiration!
Wow, what a morning! A Williard and a blog, all in one day. And then, 3, yes 3 giveaways—be still my heart. You, Joe and the kitties are too generous. While reading the beginning of Williard I suddenly had the thought–Wouldn’t it be wonderful to go to The Vineyard in Sept? I’d be a non-scarey stalker and search out your house and wait patiently for Jack to sit in the window. Don’t think I can make it happen this year–maybe next year. Oh, wait, you’ll be in the UK. Oh, well, Jack won’t be. Surely he’ll still be available. Making plans right now.
So happy for your feelings of freedom. Enjoy. Happy coming Fall.
Susan dear, where do you get your energy?! Just reading your blog and Willard inspires me all over again. Just what I needed mid-August — a breath of fresh air!
Welcome back. You were missed, but we all knew what you were up to. Can’t wait for Fairy Tale Girl to arrive in my mailbox.
Happy Birthday, Joe. Love to kitties. Enjoy to remains of summer. I’m sure you will catch up very quickly.
“. . . hot crickety summer night . . . ” Excellent, excellent writing, dear Susan! Can’t wait for the book!
Thank you so much for the free computer wallpaper. I missed your blog greatly, but knowing that your book is coming soon makes me s-m-I-l-e. Hard work, but great outcome. I didn’t get Willard yet. Maybe tomorrow.
So happy you are back, Susan. I missed your cherished company.
Looking forward to your new books and Willard. Enjoy what is left of
this precious summer. A huge “thank you” for all of the non-stop energy, love, joy
and creativity you so willingly share with everyone.
How exciting…a picnic in England! I just may be able to join you. Our daughter now lives in Everleigh, just a short drive away. And I am looking forward to your new book, “The Fairy Tale Girl”.
Once again, Susan, you’ve outdone yourself. I didn’t realize how starved I was for your blog until I found myself reading and rereading it over and over again. Hope you know just how much you lift our spirits by delivering into our lives a peek at yours. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Joanie W.
Susan,
We share a soul you know….I’m so touched by your thoughts, words and pictures….oh yes and music choices! Can’t wait for the new book…you bless so many people.
hugs,
Susan Vicary
Thank you for sharing all that you share! So excited at the thought of following your upcoming journey!
Welcome back. You know you were missed but I know the reasons will make us all glad. In re-reading A Fine Romance yesterday I rediscovered that you and Joe love bagpipes. I hope Scotland will be in the next adventure. It would be wonderful to share an Edinburgh tattoo with you as my dream companions. And oh yes, please Vanna, pick me.
I loved A Fine Romance and I have no doubt I’ll love The Fairy Tale Girl too : )
Just read the new Willard and had to say THANK YOU Susan, it was a joy to read just the ticket to start my day. You are the best and love you so much!
Wonderful joyful dreams!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for so many goodies – you beautiful giving soul! I can’t wait to get my Willard! And I love the peeks into your family and lovely home life.
I’m eagerly awaiting Fall and I’m getting many signs of it already in the northwoods. I can hardly stand waiting for the new book…but impending Fall means it’s almost time! yay!!
Sending you blessings for a beautiful rest now dear Lady!
xoxo
Having been a devoted fan of yours and your creativity, I already have the 2016 calendar and the Autumn book. (I somehow gave my copy to my daughter and couldn’t really ask for it back, so found another copy and bought it for myself – again!) It continues to amaze me how (unbeknownst to you!) we are kindred spirits. I know many of the friends feel that way, so it isn’t unique to me. So many things you share really resonate with me. Thank you so much for sharing your life and family with us (Joe and the kitties!). I look forward to Fairy Tale Girl and if Vanna doesn’t choose me to win, I will purchase my copy!
Jack is a beauty! I too look at my kitty and wonder if she is real. I cannot believe how much I love a cat!
You truly are the fairy tale girl and I cannot wait to read both of your books. It is exciting to have them to look forward to. I know what you mean about fall being in the air. I told my husband just last week that I can feel that fall nip in the night air and it is early this year usually I don’t feel it until Sept 1st. Makes me wonder if we are going to have a cold winter. As for Turn and Poldark they are two of the best shows on tv in my opinion. Thank you for the bookmarks you just can’t have too many of those. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Hi Susan, I always look forward to your blog posts! I love the photos of your home as they always evoke a comforting feeling of home. Almost time to purchase the 2016 calendar too!
Xo,
Jacqueline
Congratulations Susan on finishing not one, but two books! I just got my Willard and read it with my morning coffee. What a lovely way to start the day.
I can’t wait to read your new book. So looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing your life with us.