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
Your post is right here on time. Had an accident a month ago and
broke 5 bones and about the same time my baby beagle Dolly Rose
got sick and I had to say goodbye to her yesterday but there was
no better for her so I’m going to try to go to my art lesson and I’ll read
every word when I get back. Congrats on the book – huge accomplish-
ment. I’m better with painting with a needle and thread but I’m
giving paint a try, just so I’m having fun with it. Lots has happened
to all of us girlfriends while you were working so hard but we have
something to look forward to – your books. Julia in SC
Too many bad things at once, hope this is the day of turn around. SO sorry about Dolly Rose, sniff. sad.
As much as I love fall…I’m a bit sad to see summer slipping away this year. You’ve inspired me to go buy corn, throw something on the grill, and savor these last weeks. Hey – I might even plant something new to spruce up my bird bath area! As always – you’re an inspiration Susan – glad you’re back ~
An excess of riches-the most lovely pictures and all with the anticipation of the moments yet to arrive. I just loved your night sky- a treat that we cannot enjoy here in the City.(some might argue that our night sky-with the Empire State Building and so many others lit up and the lights of Broadway is equally captivating) However, I ache for a view of the wonder of the night sky. Thank you Susan!
Enjoy everything in these golden days of waning summer. Marty.
love your kitties!!
Dearest Susan,
Looking forward to you new book & all of your charming posts.
Happy summer to you & yours.
Jeanne Murray
I’m so excited that you are back to writing blog posts and Willards and sharing your Martha Vineyard’s magic with us! I have missed seeing your little glimpses of life, but I know it is for a good cause — I might have to take off work the day my Fairy Tale Girl arrives — lol! Is that an excused absence, I wonder? 🙂 And I am all sorts of happy to think of you taking another England trip (pick fall, pick fall — I bet it is beautiful with all the leaves turning and crisp days — apple cider in a British pub — how could you resist???!!!). 🙂
It is excused, special dispensation, from . . . me. Was going to say the Pope, but then I thought, no, probably not! 🙂 Please, your last sentence gave me goose bumps!!!!
So enjoyed reading your blog this a.m. Lingered over the “starry night” pic. Lights from the metro area here mask that kind of lovely display, so really appreciated the gorgeous view you shared. Another QE2 adventure? Can hardly wait for more vicarious travel thrills with you and Joe across the pond; thanks for always including us “girlfriends”.
The world is so lucky to have you, Susan !!! Thanks for every little word you write, picture you paint, and photo you take! ~.~ jen
Enjoy your blog so much. Maybe I’ll win one of the prizes. I’ve been seeing a few dragonfly’s during my days recently with one landing on my leg. So pretty and delicate.
Hi Susan,
Willard and a new blog – cheers! My mom was saying again last night how many times she has read A Fine Romance – how happy and comforting it is. My dad and mom talked about cruising on the Queen Mary, but never did. We are both looking forward to the new books and hope your book tour brings you to a bookstore nearby. Enjoy the day.
Dearest Susan,
I have been a avid reader of yours, and fan-girl, since my early 20’s. I am now 40 years old, and am raising a 12 year old daughter. We both love your books. Our favorite are your Christmas books. I keep it out all year long, because it just makes me smile.
Loved your recent Willard. I have always enjoyed reading what you are up to. Your daily life is so full of joy and the little things… God bless you and your family, and may you always see the little joys in life. I know you will!
Hello to you Julie, and hello to your daughter too! xoxo
Aw, thank you Susan! She will be thrilled! 🙂 She has a heart for design and cooking – I think you would be the best of friends!
So glad you are back full force.You always remind us of the immense beauty to be found in our individual Smallville which n the end is Bigsville.
What a terrific Tuesday!! I love your Lucy Maud Montgomery quote. I love her also. I still remember the wonderful trip I had with my Mom to Prince Edward Island to visit Lucy Maud Montgomery’s house. It was a dream come true. You should definitely put that on your bucket list. I know you would love it.
I’m glad things are returning to normal for you. We are so lucky that you put your heart and soul in everything that you do. You deserve a big hug and kiss XOXOX. Love you to the moon and back!!!
Feel the same about you Karen! xoxo
Dear Susan,
So good to have you back on the blog….my mornings are better with a dose of your positivity. I count you as my very favorite small treat as in the quote about life is a series of small treats. You are a treasure.
Welcome back to your Summer, too. But Fall is coming and we know how you like Fall.
Did I read Vacation? You certainly deserve that…go…go….go! and have another “time of your life” experience.
It’ s great to have you back!
And great to BE back!
What do I mean saying….”small treat”.
You are “BIG” treat!
……We’re talking BIG!
….as in Diane Keaton saying in “Baby Boom”…
“We talking major big!”
You ARE, according to many responses on the blog. Susan Branch.com is THE first and BEST thing we turn to on the Internet!
I can not close without saying something to you, ” Do you know this….and read this slowly and take it in….”you’re best Art is the way you live your life.”
Thank you. I feel I know you and I’m proud to know you.
If you could only hear my voice, reading and going, ohhhhhhhhh. So very sweet. XOXOXOXO
I am always so pleased to see another of your joyful blog posts as it starts out my mornings with so many happy thoughts. We just found out we’ll be grandparents for the second time and are counting our blessings – wish we were younger as we’re in our late 60’s so we’ll have to do quality not quantity time . Thanks for the giveaways.
CONGRATULATIONS Linda!!!
Oooohhhh, what a wonderful surprise!! Checking my email this morning, and then right there under my very nose, appears your wonderful WILLARD!!!!! It is beautiful and brings so much joy and peace. THANK YOU, THANK YOU Susan, Joe, Jack, Girl Kitty and Isle of Dreams!! I will read it over and over. Take care. Continue to enjoy every day, as you do so well!
Thank you for another lovely beginning to our day. So good to have you back with us again. Joy, Lani
How could I resist? It all looks gorgeous!
Ahhh….you are BACK!!!!! So lovely to chat again. I am a LOT jealous that your kitties do not eat your flowers. My Bailey never did….now there is not a vase she will not push over for a flower munch. My fingers are crossed and I am filled with hope. Wishing you and Joe a peaceful end of Summer. Oma ( soon to be 93) is waving hello. She ADORES you!!!! XXXX
Blowing kisses to you and Oma! xoxo
So happy to see a new blog post today. Looking forward to your new book. Excited that you will be taking another trip on the Queen Mary to the UK.
Waiting in Dallas airport for departing flight to Shanghai. Then Saturday it’s on to Hong Kong/Shenzhen. Finally back home Aug 29… The timing of Willard is perfect to enjoy during these business travels!
It’s long enough! Probably keep you busy the whole trip! Bon Voyage Susan!
Congratulations on the new book. I bought the last one for my mother and mother-in-law, and am now buying previous ones. I love playing with watercolor, too!
Would love to see those stars and sunsets.
Love your blog and Love you! What a wonderful way to start the day.
I’m glad you are finally back! I have missed you. I have an orange kitty, Boo Radley, who loves to keep me company like your Jack does.
Precious name.
I’m so excited after reading today’s blog!!! The giveaways are amazing – thank you for giving us this opportunity to win these great prizes!
Good morning! What a fabulous way to start the day.
Thanks for giving me some inspiration….and of course, I always love
to live vicariously on the island.
Congratulations on completing your next books…I look forward to them.
Enjoy the last days of August…and September!!
Thanks for your giveaways.
So happy you’re back!! I’ve really missed you. I always like to read your blog and have coffee in the morning. It always makes me feel creative and special. No matter what is going on in my “smallville” after reading your blog I feel I can face up to anything with grace. Thank you for everything you do!!
That is the nicest thing Arnette xoxoxo
Oh! Poldark is wonderful, isn’t it?! But you MUST watch Grantchester too! Mystery in an old small town after the war and the vicar solves the crimes. It’s just wonderful and usually starts airing in January. 1st season was last year. Check it out if you can. And best of all? While they’re running on TV, if you miss an episode just go to PBS.org and you can catch up (or watch them again!). So grateful for good shows. 🙂 Comgrats on the books and now time for you and yours. Fall is coming!
I have watched Grantchester. . . it’s still on? I didn’t know.
LOL! Not on now, but will be again in January. Sorry! I didn’t explain that very well, did I? 🙂
I might be reading too fast! 🙂
It’s always such a special treat to be able to start the day with a new blog post! I’m watching for my Willard too! It’s wonderful to know something will appear in my e-mail that I actually WANT to read! Can hardly wait!!
You inspire me to make a trip to the nursery. I have neglected my yard this year and it’s time to sneak in a little bit of color to welcome the crisp cool fall days – always my favorites. Of all the seasons fall is truly the one I love the best.
After spending so much time working diligently on “Fairy Tale Girl” you are very thoughtful to spend these precious days working on a Willard and a new post when you could be drinking tea and relaxing in the corner of the garden. We all appreciate your thinking of us, and taking the time to share your world with us. Enjoy these late summer days, and put your toes in the edge of the ocean for me! XOXO
You were all so patient and I missed you . . . so we’ll get ourselves back on an even keel soon. xoxo Toes in the ocean!
So glad you’re back! Can’t wait to read your new book!
Your blog this morning is wonderful, Susan, and I can’t wait until Willard pops up in my email. So nice to have you back in our world. We missed you but truly appreciated all you were creating. Can’t wait to read the new books! Thanks for the give-aways and for sharing so much of your life with us. Happy planning and dreaming!
I like winter
Spring is nice
Let’s skip summer
And do fall twice
~Rusty Fischer
Agreed!
Oui!!
Susan Branch…YOU are FABulous!
Thank you for reminding me to nurture my soul, spirit, and senses! I’m so busy taking care of patients that I forget…uhLOT!
As always, WILLARD is a work of love and art….a combination that you have perfected and we are fortunate enough to be privy to. What a gift and an inspiration.
Enjoy your much-deserved freedom as I hit the “refresh” button on MY life (wish I had a glass of red in the other hand but it’s a little early in the day!).
P.S. I still treasure a hand-written envelope that you sent me 20 years ago with a bookmark and stickers enclosed. Hmmm. An early original piece!! 🙂 Carpe Diem!
With you on the red, enjoying granola and banana instead! Thank you for the work you do, you know you are a guardian angel to so many xoxo
I’m so glad you’re back! Love all of your pictures and words of inspiration. I am so excited for our book to be delivered! Enjoy your free time!
Sooooo happy you are “back.” We missed you Susan. Enjoyed Willard earlier and now your action-packed blog update. The picture of Joe and Jack takes the cake. Totes adorbs!!!
I’m so excited for the new book. I can’t imagine anything better than A Fine Romance though. I’m sure we’re in for a treat. My Autumn book is somehow MIA so a replacement is definitely needed as the season is upon us!!
The banners are waving with kitty cat kisses,
Sue’s fairy tale dreams, wrapped in rainbow wishes…
Branch memories are painted with pixi-dust tales
of a beautiful journey; now she’s setting her sail!
Happy Trails to You!
Bunny XO :>}
Same to you Bunny, so sweet!
I love your Willards, your blog, your style and would love to win any of the prizes. If I received an Autumn, I would keep it with your signature and give away my current copy. All your things make me feel good no matter how gray the day.
Only 104 comments! I may have a chance… Glad you’re back and looking forward to receiving the latest Willard. I love the quote from L.M. Montgomery!
I absolutely love your blog and your work. Thank you for all the good things you do.
♥ Good~Morning Sweet Sue I Saw You Tweeting in Twitterville 🙂 OMG!!! I Love This Blog~Post! Thank~You! I~Shall~Spread~The~Word….All The Kitty~Photos ♥ Truly~Scrumptious! This is The Last Week of Summer~Vacation for Our Kiddos… Back~To~School This Coming Monday! The Summer~Flew! There is a Huge~Smile~On~Me~Pumpkin~Face 🙂 I’m So Happy You Really Are Back & So Much News!!!! I’m Anxiously Awaiting “Willard” (I’ll Be Patient!) Sweet~Anticipation….. 😉 ♥ I Had a Dream Of Your Ghosty~Boy & My Ghosty~Boy They Were Saying “Tis Almost Autumn & Time To Put Us in The Windows~~~~~~Booooooooo!” 😉 Oh Happy Day Sweet Sue! xoxo Poof! 😉 😉 ♥ ♥ ♥ P.S. Ya Think I Can Bribe Vanna with a Pair of New Shoes? lol 🙂 😉 OMG What a Give~Away! My Wings are All~a~Flutter! 🙂 ♥
Love you Angie Tink!
♥ 🙂 ♥ & You Know That I L♥VE Y 🙂 U Sweetest Sue!!! ♥
So glad you are back.!! And Jack and Girl too. Can’t wait to read the new book. And see the new calendar. I love when I get to turn the page on a new month and enjoy the beautiful artwork and lovely things on the page.
Congratulations on all your good work Susan. And thank you so much for sharing it with us. I enjoy your blog and Willards and books – your writing and beautiful art-work always inspire me. Enjoy your late summer!
Hi Susan! So glad to see you back and enjoying summer! Every time I read one of your posts it makes me want to create magic at my house too. I love that it’s “old hat” to be having lunch where Presidents are hanging out. How fun!
I’m so excited to see Willard. You have made my day, Girl! Love ya! So happy you have made such accomplishments. You’ve been a hard worker these days. You will really enjoy a vacation!! Right?!
Marie
Hi Susan! It is so fun to finally be commenting on your cozy blog. I wanted to say hello and hope you are enjoying our Massachusetts summer. <3 I liked what your friend Arnette said up there: your blog assists us in "face up to anything with grace". It is true. Hello to the kitties too.
Very best to you!
xoxo
Nice to meet you Julia!
Hello from sunny Florida…..love, love, WILLARD!!!
I have missed reading your posts, so reading your Willard has helped me get my fix! I Love hearing about what’s going on in your life and what life on the island is like. The pictures are wonderful almost makes me feel as if I’m there. Looking forward to the new books and now to your trip back to England. It was so much fun going with you via your blog last time. Thank you for your unique perspective and for choosing this encompassing way of sharing it with us! Until next time!
Patricia
You sound like a new person. Welcome to the world again. Oh happy day!
Count me in for this great give away, thank you.
Ahhhh, had my cup of tea, read Willard and the blog, and now it is time to get back to work! Thanks for the break!
Gosh, you live the life I only dare to dream about. I am sure it isn’t perfect but it sure seems that way.
Not perfect, because you know, of me. It’s just good.
Missed you so much waiting now for new book!! Thank you
Susan,
So glad to have you back – and that YOU are able to get back to more of the everyday things you love! Funny how you mentioned the feeling of Fall already – I said the same thing to my husband the other night. Just feels like it’s in the air. My favorite season. Have a great day and week!
Jan
Yay!! You are really back! Reading today’s blog made for a wonderful morning. And…planning travels! The most fun thing in the whole world. Just going, without the planning stage is just NOT as good. SO many good things to look forward to! thank you…thank you…thank you
So happy to be reading posts again. Anxious to get my book “The Fairy Tale Girl” and my copy of WILLARD (always wait for them)! Have fun planning your next trip.
Such a lovely way to start my day! Your calendar would be a prized possession. Thank you for such a generous giveaway! Enjoy your re entry into “normal” life.
I just read the latest Willard and as always, loved it. You mentioned Willard’s that used to come in snail mail — it started the wheels turning, and now I’m going to search through all my stashes –I could very well have a couple of these!!! I can’t wait for your latest book!
What a lovely post! I am so happy that you are finally getting to do summer stuff. Yummm…corn on the cob! Love corn on the cob and I love watermelon, they both are summer to me. I bought a yellow fleshed watermelon last week…so strange to eat something that tastes red and looks so yellow.
Comments…Here I am! What a wonderful Willard – a great start to my day. Can’t wait for Fall…having recently moved here to the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC from the tropics of FL, Fall is something I haven’t experienced in 14 years. So excited! Love you, love your blog…waiting for the book to come to my doorstep…all good things. Have a wonderful day!!! Your girlfriend, Jacqui
I’m going to love fall for you especially Jacqui… welcome back!
Always a treat to read your blog….like cookies fresh from the oven !
Willard always comes in the INBOX…except today. There it sat in JUNK. What’s up with that! Yet, on my phone, it’s in the right place. Address contact info is good…will work on that in a jiffy. I’m glad to see you got caught up enough for roses and stars and fresh air! WHEW! It’s been a doozie of a ride getting the book and calendars and life done! Time to sit back and enjoy a bit before you’re off to the races again 🙂
But you found it! Yay!
Thought I’d just “check” to see if you posted something this morning, and Wa-La, there it was. My heart is beating really fast and it’s not just from my morning coffee :)……I would love to be a winner. Thank you for this uplifting post. Have a happy day everyone.
Ahhh, a perfect distraction in an otherwise blah work day; opening up my email to find a lovely Willard to savor! Thank you! I am looking forward to your new book, too! Happy day! 🙂
Happy Day, a WILLARD in my inbox. I also need to check to make sure I pre-ordered the new book. I can hardly wait.
Had not seen Willard for awhile. Wondered about him.
Now, I am on to the blog.
Wishing you all the continued best with your endeavors!
Good to see you back, I always enjoy your blog posts. My tuxedo kitty was helping me read your latest. Looking forward to reading your new book.
Margee
A lovely new blog post from you, a Willard on the way, 3 giveaways, adorable pictures of Jack…life is good, and hearing from you makes it even better.
So excited about your potential trip back across the sea! Planning a trip is half the fun, at least. All that anticipation, all those daydreams. I’m heading to Rome for a week in November and couldn’t be more excited about my first trip to Italy. 🙂
When you do get back to the UK, I think you should take a jaunt up to Scotland. Now that I’ve been there myself, I can say without a doubt that you would be in heaven! It’s the most beautiful place.
Kind of the plan . . . love hearing that Melissa!
Hi Susan!
Love your latest Willard! I always read them top to bottom! I’m excited to tell you that my husband and I will be traveling in England for two weeks this year…my dream trip! I have read A Fine Romance and am looking forward to our visit to Hill Top Farm. We are staying literally next door at a wonderful B&B called Buckle Yeat. Maybe you remember it? Looking forward to the next book with all your dreamy quotes and wonderful watercolors! 🙂
I do, just perfection! Happy for you Dana Lynn!
How exciting to see a new post! You are truly an inspiration with all you do. If everyone in the world could read your blog and incorporate a little bit of “you” into their own lives, the world would be a better place. I am so sick of reading all the negative news we are fed every day. It’s a pleasure to come to your blog and get a big dose of positive! Keep up the good work!!
We’re living our fairy tale – trading our ocean view for the green hills of Tennessee!! Will be happy & sad to leave SoCal but looking forward to easier drives and change of seasons!!
Happy August everyone!
I’m so happy you’re back posting again 🙂 🙂 I just thought the other day…I need to order your calendar for next year because I get so much joy out of changing those pages every month! Now there’s a giveaway… Crossing my fingers!
My head is spinning ~ so much color, so much inspiration, so much life in your blog. Roses…and cats…and corn on the cob…and bunnies…and bird baths…and (be still, my heart) No. 2 Ticonderoga pencils. When WILLARD finally reaches my in-box, it will be the icing on the cake. Thanks for loving your cyber-friends so much.
It’s a wonderful two-way street!
It’s always nice to see a new blog from you! I always like to see pictures of frisky Jack, and Girl kitty looks beautiful and regal! What a wonderful idea for a give-away – original Susan Branch art – I would cherish that. Have a great day.
I meant to ask – is that Charles Laughton on the cover of Hobson’s choice? Love him!
It is! Good eye!
Such a great morning with a new blog post and Willard!
Congratulations!!!! So looking forward to these books! And hopefully I can meet you on book tour. Have a wonderful break. Xoxoxox
Your posts are truly a delight to read.
Oh, what a wonderful surprise this morning to see a new post from you!!! I loved every bit of it.. Thank you for making me smile!
I will be on the lookout for the new Willard and can’t wait to see who wins the new giveaways!!!
i am so, so, SO happy for you to finish your book(s)! i can feel your excitement, your grateful relief, your anticipation, your utter happiness….all those phenomenal feelings in every single swollen word you write and in places in between them. i’ve been trying to get my books published and….well, it’s the hardest and sometimes most disappointing thing in the world to even try to do that. i am coasting on your feelings of joy and wish oh wish that some day…SOME day…all that luck and happiness over such a great accomplishment will come my way. until then…enjoy every single moment because you have so earned it. the world is your beautiful oyster and know that you are so loved by so many. what a truly remarkable thing.
You can never give up. It’s the thing that will make it happen. If you do, then you know it won’t happen, and that is just unacceptable! Thank you Jenni! Good luck!!
Susan, glad to catch up on all going on. Can’t wait for the new book to come out!
Linda Kidd
Oh! how I’ve missed you and I look forward to you new books! Can’t wait.
Love to you and your Gang! from Big Sky Country, MONTANA!
So happy ☺you are back, Susan. Love the picture of the two guys in your life,
Joe and Jack (they are dressed alike too). Happy Birthday to Joe. I am eagerly
awaiting your new book. Thank you for all of your inspiration and kindness.
XO
Hi Susan,
I sure enjoyed that post. I pre-ordered your new book a long time ago and I’m so excited that is about to make the scene. This is a nice giveaway, and I’m sure it feels really good to be back to playing house again.
Hugs Nancy Jo
Have been missing you so much while you have been busy writing. I have been cheering over the last few posts AND a Willard too? It IS like Christmas. I have also been enjoying the first corn on the cob from a little stand across from my church. All from a wonderful lady’s beautiful garden. And she displays it all so lovely with little banners and a chalkboard. I’ll be she’s a girlfriend too. Your Autumn book is one of my all time favorites. I can hardly wait to see where you (read WE) end up in future travels. Thank you for sharing and blessing us all.
You are always so generous in sharing your words and art with us and then to top it off with 3 giveaways! I can’t wait to see the new Willard I still have all of mine from years ago and remember the excitement each time one came in the mail.Please keep up the great work and know what joy you bring to your fans. Thanks Judy from KY
How exciting! Love Willard soooooo much!
Marie Fluck
Thanks for your blog, the Willards, the giveaways, the books and for sharing your life with all of us! I haven’t ordered my book yet!! Gotta write that on my to do list!
I can’t wait for the new book to come out!
Wow! What a great surprise this morning! Im so excited! Enter me! I’ve never won! Hopeful!
Shelia in Virginia
So excited to receive another post from you. Happiest of birthdays to Joe! And those kittie kids, they become more adorable every day. Blessings, aren’t they wonderful?! Anxiously awaiting arrival of your new book….and a Willard too! I read and reread the Willards you have in the archives. Your talent is so unique, the handwriting, the watercolors mixed in with photos, the messages of wisdom…all make you a one of a kind! There really is no authoress out there who can compete! Your genre is truly special. A super gift…..glad we are the “giftees”! Enjoy your garden, your walks, the moon, the sunsets and your family, you have earned it! Love and blessings!!
Lin, you are so sweet, thank you . . . makes my lower lip stick out! xoxo
It’s so good to have you back on here, I missed you. Am looking forward to the new book arriving in the mail and am glad to see you are going back to England for another adventure. I look forward to “going along” with you. Take care.
Hi Susan…I do love your blog and Willard. Because of your book (which I have read twice), I am dreaming and planning on an English tour (when we are through serving a 3 year mission for our Church). Your writings and art bring sunlight and joy into my already joyful and complete life. Your talents are a gift to me! Thank you!
What a treat! Willard and a new blog. Love evrything. Cannot wait for both books, the book tour, and, of course, the trip abroad. The anticipation is “delicious”! Thanks Sue.
XO
Jackie
oh, Susan….what a WONDERFUL Tuesday-surprise!!!! thank you!! oh, thank you!! it always feels like a visit with a good friend when you show up. MV seems like JUST the place-to-be….what a lunch-event you had!! wow. green-with-envy kind of sums it up. do be having a GREAT Tuesday!!!! our license plates are “2sDay 1” and 2sDay2 as Tuesday is our favorite day-of-the-week!!!! enjoy!!!! BIG HUGS!!!!
Cute!! Now I’ll know it’s you when I see that on the freeway!
Hello Susan – Hello from Northern California. Have a wonderful day.
I was so happy to see the new post this morning with that gorgeous picture
of the night sky. I always feel like a kid again when I look up and see the
stars – still magical for me, even at 70. My Beatrix potter pals also need a
bath before bonfire season. If you receive “Fairy Tale Girl” in about 3 weeks,
does that mean we get our pre-ordered books BEFORE Oct.? I will be
patient though and so happy whenever it arrives. Your blog always cheers
me up and is a happy start to my morning.
YESSSS, that’s exactly what it means. You get yours the minute they come in! Oh the power! Just love it!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for a newsy Willard. I’m excited about your 3 giveaways. I’ve pre-ordered several copies of The Fairytale Girl but would love to have a signed copy!! Enjoy the rest of your summer doing all the things you love.
All three of yours will be signed, but if you win, I get to put your name in it too!
Susan,
Do you get back to your California place much? The area is so brown and dry you may not recognise it.
Once a year . . . I usually like to call it “golden” — but I’m afraid to see it!
Hi Susan
I just adored your Willard you sent out today!!! I am so excited to read your new book, and of course can’t wait till you write the Second one. Loved all the cute pictures. That corn looked so yummy. Enjoy this beautiful free time on your beautiful Island**
deezie
Susan,
So happy you are getting a chance to enjoy summer. Can’t wait for the book, I’ve got my preorder in! Woke up to a very chilly morning here in Colorado, Fall is right around the corner.
So happy to see you this morning! And so excited to get your book, I am counting the days! So thankful for all you do for us girlfriends!