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
So very glad you are back. You were missed!
Beautiful WILLARD! Thanks for being so creative and talented.
I haven’t visited your blog for a while and had forgotten how charming and fun it is to read… Summer ends early here in Northern Indiana. We started school August 11th… earliest ever and I am missing summer…
So happy to get my Willard!What wonderful activities you have been doing.
My husband and I took a July cruise to celebrate 20 years and one of our stops was Martha’s Vineyard–absolutely charming! I fell in love with it.I had to chuckle at the hilarious bus driver (on the most ancient of buses ever) who(when I asked if she knew about where you lived.) ” Oh no! she left our island” . I said I believe you are mistaken. I have loved Fine Romance and look forward to your new book.
Fondly,
Noni from San Carlos
How anxiously I have been waiting for a new post, and then a double whammy! A Willard too!
Ahh…. Just what this mama needed after dropping her son off at college 1200 miles AWAY!
Isn’t it grand to get back of the swing of things?! I do love routine, and the days in Minnesota have been perfectly fall like ! Flip flops and sweat shirts !!
Many Blessings~
Hello Susan, so much excitement and so many things to look forward too. I can’t wait to read your new book, and hear about your travel plans to our little part of the world. Good luck with it all,
Bertie x
Susan,
So excited about your new book! And I just love your blog. Thanks for all you do!!!
I can’t wait to read your newest book filled with all those scrumptious bits of ephemera.
Hi Susan-good to hear from you again. I missed your posts this summer.
So many beautiful things in your post. Other than the kitties my eyes really fell on your beautiful homegrown roses. I would love to smell them! They are exquisite!
Thanks for the deligtful blog, Susan. I’m off to brew a pot of tea before I sit down to read the long anticipated Willard.
Patricia
P.S. Congratulations on finishing your new book!!!
Welcome back, Susan!! You have made my day! I have devoured my Willard and your blog post as I sat on my porch relishing this gorgeous end of summer morning here in Missouri. I, along with all your other followers, can’t wait to hold your new book in my hands and be captivated by your magic! Thanks for your dedication to your task, and now…Enjoy your freedom!!!
Evelyn
Your blog and yesterday’s reading of Willard are both a wonderful breath of fresh air during this smoky, hazy, scary summer. Thank you! I can’t wait for the new book to arrive!
Thank you for the Willard respite…ahhh! I was beyond thrilled to read that you are considering a family planner addition to showcase your talents. I have grown to love having a planner with me at all times to not only stay organized with work and family,but to record little blurbs and funnies throughout the week. Now, knowing that I may have your beautiful watercolors and encouraging quotes to hug my organization attempts, I am uber excited! Have you ever contemplated creating an annual calendar towel? My darling 93 year old grandmother always loved receiving these as gifts and hung them by magnets on the front of her refrigerator and I have the warmest of fuzzies just thinking about them. But, I’ve had no luck finding one for several years now. Food for thought. Thanks for sharing your calmness in this tempestuous thing called life; what a gift you have!
I’m not sure they make them anymore, except for the National Trust in England . . . check there, I think they might still have them.
Susan, your blogs, posts, newsletters, photos, products just make me smile! You have the “fairy tale” life so many of us dream about. I am so looking forward to your new book “The Fairy Tale Girl.” I’ll devour it as I did “A Fine Romance”! Thank you for making me smile!
Susan
I wish I could express how much JOY your writings, photos, art & stories bring to my life. I feel like you are a real friend. Thank you my friend!!
Love & ((Hugs)) all the way from Waukegan, IL!!
Laura
love reading and seeing photos about your home, kitties, book…future trip!
The L.M. Montgomery quote reminds me of my childhood heroine Emily of New Moon and her “flash”. I can tell that your home and the world you create is a place where the veil between this world and the Enchanting Realm is very thin! ~ I hope you come to Vermont on your book tour~
So enjoy reading your Williard and Blog too. Would love to win the prize!
Sooo glad to see Willard, and I can’t wait for the new book.
I’m out here in Idaho, and the smoke from the wildfires is awful. My eyes burn and my throat aches, and I’m in Eastern Idaho, and the fires are in Western Idaho; that’s how bad they are that the smoke has traveled clear across the state! The brave and wonderful firefighters are getting the numerous fires under control, but it breaks my heart how much has been destroyed and worst of all, the wildlife. At least two herds of wild mustangs have died. Keep praying for us out here. Thanks.
I am, it breaks my heart. What are we going to do?
Loved receiving Williard in my inbox today, and equally happy to see that the calendars are out! My sister and I trade your calendars every year–I send her one in October for her birthday and she sends me one for Christmas. Characteristic of our personalities–she plans much farther ahead while I’m finalizing at the last minute! Thank you for hostessing such a generous giveaway!
I loved the long Willard! I loved A Fine Romance so much, I told my mom and my aunt to read it too! I can’t wait until your next books <3
I poured myself a mug of tea with honey and milk and sat down to enjoy reading the latest Willard which arrived in my in-box this morning. So delightful. So pleased that you are back. So happy with the thought of a new book. The world is full of loveliness!
Just for you, Susan,
♫♪ “Fairy Tales can come true. They can happen to you if you’re young at ♥” ♪♫
Frank Sinatra
Thanks for the updates. I really missed this blog while you were so busy! I enjoy reading it while I’m eating lunch. Can’t wait to see the new book!
My morning is so filled with sunshine because of Willard! what a perfect way to start a perfect summer day…..It is so AWESOME to have Willard back again. Thank you, Thank you….from my island to yours…….XOXO
Dear Susan,
You’ve been gone (not really) way, way too long. I’ve missed you, but can actually imagine you and Joe taking your walks in the morning, thus inspiring me to keep doing the same.
I have to admit that once I was lucky enough to visit Martha’s Vineyard and visited the bookstore, where I was able to buy the original Autumn book. Lucky me! Then I walked the streets until I found your house, just stood across the street and marveled at the fact that I was lucky enough to stare at the home of one of my favorite people.
I have collected most all of your books, hither, thither and yon, for each of my three granddaughters to give to them at their wedding shower. Along with my best wishes that they follow you, on-line, as I have followed you through the years.
Best wishes,
Janet Vickers
Reno, Nevada
Thank you for sharing your world. I have always loved your style! It inspires me to enjoy my own life even more.
Dear Susan,
I look forward to Willard and your new book, can’t wait, have preordered and have on my calendar to make sure I preorder Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams in late fall. Keep up all of the beautiful work.
Janet
I’m so glad you’re back amongst us! You make so many people happy (a wonderful gift!), and I’m glad to be one of them. Your blogs are a lifesaver some days. Thank you for sharing your time and talents, and your beautiful self! =^..^=
Lovely art and inspiring message, as always. Your writings are a source of joy and inspiration, lifting our hearts through the telling of your everyday life experiences. What a wonderful and positive impact –God bless always!
oh how I missed your blog this summer. You always make me smile! Can’t wait for you to go on another trip so we can come along. Congratulations on the new book.. I loved A Fine Romance. I’ve been to England and hope to return one day! Hugs, Janet
Just received Willard, and must say, “Thank you!” How you are able to put into words the very way that I believe life was meant to be lived, I will never understand. But I will always be grateful that I found you.
Hi Susan – glad that everything’s moving into place for you. Thanks for putting in the photos of the kitties! It’s time I washed my Beatrix Potter people too! I’m afraid mine have gone longer without a bath than yours!
Just curious – can you tell us about the cover pic of your new book? And why no heads – ha,ha!
Mary
I wanted to keep a few secrets for inside. . . .
What wonderful gifts you have to share….thanks so much for sharing your talents and thoughts with us. I am always glad when you post something new for us. -r-
Thank you so much for sharing many of your adventures with us all and being so inspirational in all you do–even the simplest things, like noticing and taking a picture of the apple core. It always makes me smile!! It’s the little wonders in and of nature that make each day special! Such talent and heart!
I’ve missed you!
Oh Happy Day! A drawing. . . sign me up and may Vanna pick me. Smiles 🙂
Rosy sunsets. . . apple stars. . . yellow balloons. . . playful cats. . . pencils. . . corn on the cob. . . starry nights. . . dreams of England. .. you inspire like no one else. I love the way you live your life and savor the pleasures of every season. So excited for your new book! Thank you sweet Susan!
Glad you are back to the daily ordinary things that make life so pleasant. Love your books, though!
Hi Sue! I just flew in from Michigan and Boy are my arms tired! ba dum dum!
Ha Ha actually we drove, almost eleven hours and it’s my knees and bum that are the most sore from sitting so long in the car. (I honestly don’t know how you can drive all the way across the country!) We moved my youngest daughter, Sarah , to Ann Arbor where she will be studying for her masters/doctoral degree. My husband and I bawled our eyes out for the first hour of the ride. Then I spent the rest of the ride reminiscing about all of our happy times with our sweet girl. I am so gosh darn proud of her and yet terrified and heart broken to be leaving her. So now we are home and what a treat to come home to your lovely post. Doesn’t it feel good to nest and make things all sparkly again? You have motivated me to do some sparkling myself. It will do me good to keep busy. You had mentioned maybe going to Scotland on your next trip across the ocean…is that where you plan on going? How exciting! Thanks again for your wonderful blog and for making this girlfriend happy <3
Welcome home Mary! Joe and I only drive about 6 hours a day when we cross the country, because otherwise we’d go crazy! The rest of the time we go antiquing!
Very anxious to read the new book! I have to say that Girl Kitty is just the most beautiful girl, (next to my Tess)! I am awestruck when I see her. I always enjoy seeing Jack too. SO glad to have you back again and in touch with us! I missed you!
Looking forward to the blog and maybe another WILLARD for fall!
Thanks for refreshing my inner soul! Your delightful words and wanderings are a breath of fresh air that keep me inspired day after day, year after year. Hugs to you from my little art studio in Missouri 🙂
Wishing you Sunshine and Smiles!
Vicki Schreiner
Oh Vanna, pick me, pick me, pick me!
I’m so looking forward to your new book and it makes me happy to know that you are so excited about it being delivered soon. Enjoy the last 1/3rd of summer!
I love all your books and hope you will do one about your Scottish holiday!
I am looking forward to reading your new book!
Thank you so much for the owl bookmark printout. I love owls and I love reading… and I love that quote! It is perfect!
I will be looking forward to finding out about your next trip to England as your Fine Romance book is one of my absolute favorites. I am going to England for the first time next Spring!
I can’t wait to read The Fairy Tale Girl.
So glad that you are back, Susan! Missed your blogs, art work, and photos — especially those of Jack and Kitty Girl. Looking forward to the new Willard and “The Fairy Tale Girl.” Have fun planning your next trip across the pond.
xoxo
another adventure that you take us with you? Fabulous. I just watched a travel thing on Netflix about the water canals all through the british isles. why don’t you and your adorable travel mate do this? Thanks for the mention of the fires in the West. I don’t think I have ever wanted rain so much as I do now.
I couldn’t believe the picture of the Beautiful stars and the rooftops………soooooo many. Great Pic!!
Love these generous give-aways- perfect way to wrap up summer with a bow!
Can’t wait to get the New Willard, and your new book !
But it’s so much fun to be reading your blog posts again. I love everything about your blog…your writing, artwork, and photography ! XOXO
So good to have you back Susan, Joe, Jack, and Girl! I missed you so, but in the meantime I went to England and Wales with my dear sister Patti! Patti read your England book while we were there! She read to me out loud whenever she was reminded of something we actually saw and you wrote. Can’t wait for Fairy Tale Girl! So much to look forward to! Autumn, new books, and your wonderful blog!
Dear Susan
It’s so wonderful to have you back. I’m glad you have finished the book and
can cross it off your list. I am hoping of course to win the prize package but
if not my husband and I will be vacationing in New Hampshire the fist week of October and will be on the lookout for the book. Enjoy your well earned downtime .
Sincerely,
Kim (girlfriend)
Susan I love starting my day reading from your blog. It always perks me up for a good day! The mornings here in Western Colorado are cool and it has been staying cool till almost 10 AM. A sure sign that summer will come to an end and fall is on it’s way. I’m trying to savor each sunny, warm day because I know the snow won’t be far away. (sigh!) I will hold off purchasing your new wall calendar till I see who the winner will be – crossing my fingers and toes it’s me 🙂 . But then I look at all the Susan Branch followers and I know I will be buying my own wonderful calendar soon. So grateful for your talents and that you share with the world. oxoxox
So happy you are back and just filled with so many exciting new things!
This post was truly a breath of fresh air. I eagerly await all three calendars !
HOLY COW!!!! THREE Vanna moments!!! I can’t believe it!! (EXCLAMATION ALERT!!!!!!)….. LOVE the blog post, must check my email for Willard. I should put in my expert (HA!) Opinion that Fall is perfect travel time, at least for me and my hubs. Glad that you have re-entered the world a bit, but sad that it has taken so long for you to have your wonderful summer corn.. Here in Illinois we have been enjoying it for a while now and that makes summer bearable for this Autumn/Winter kinda girl! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the opportunity to win such treasures and for keeping our little group so happy!! Happy Summer Day to you. It is a beautiful one for us here today…. high in the 70’s and low tonight in 50’s WHOO HOO!!!!
Autumn is my favorite time of year! Cooler weather, sweaters, pumpkins, falling leaves, and Halloween. Have a lovely day.
Willard! New Blogs From Susan! Fairytales do come true! Loving it all and cannot wait for more! XOXO Nancy
LOVED the Willard! So glad you are going back to the UK next year; will look forward to this virtual trip. Thanks for a good LONG Willard! Enjoy your free time!
I sure enjoy your blog Susan. have a nice day.
Eagerly awaiting my pre-ordered copy of The Fairy Tale Girl. You have inspired me for years and continue to do so. Thank you for being YOU!
2132 — is that it for the comments ?
Not yet . . . why? Are you tired of reading? xoxo
..hah !!..your father is a hoot, as my father is !!.. good morning, btw.’love reading all these comments..one of the main reasons I love your “give- a- ways” is that we hear from so many !!.. also, ‘still patiently waiting for Willard to show up !!.. ( I’m kinda worried because I neve received December’s; I even re- applied , ‘so hopefully Willard will show up today! )..have a great day !!..with love, as always
Good Morning Mary! Please let me know if you don’t get Willard — the last mailing goes at 9 a.m. my time, and it’s pretty much instantaneous to everyone at the same time. I love the comments to, they give a perfect view into the hearts of everyone who leaves one . . . they are a joy to read, just difficult not to say thank you to every single person, because that’s what I WANT to do, and have to stop myself. Or I’d never get this house clean!
o.k…thank you Susan !!.. xo
Oh I cannot wait for both books!
I love reading about your kitties, recipes, life on the Island, and your beautiful art work. Thanks for adding sunshine to my day! Enjoyed reading my Willard today.
How wonderful to have you back to blogging! I know we all missed you so very much! I am so excited to read your new book I can hardly stand it! And how exciting to be planning another trip to England! We are planning a trip to New England a year from this October. I’m really excited about that as we have never been to the east coast, and we are going to follow your advice – we are going to start up in Boston the first of October and travel down the coast to see all the Fall colors and all the historical sites. Love from Mary S. in Fresno, California
Ooooh Mary. You are in for it now. Get ready to fall in love! You might actually want to travel UP the coast . . . to Salem!!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful blogs. They make my day! And your gorgeous books, calendars,etc. Think I have them all.
Awesome…. I have been missing you! I thought perhaps somehow I had deleted your newsletter from my favorites. I checked back frequently and noticed your last post date was not recent. Whew…. You have a faithful follower here in Ohio. Love your style.
I would love to win, although my book is already ordered. I would keep the signed copy and pass the other on to someone who doesn’t care about such things as signed copies. My brother goes over on the QMary every other summer and this last June and July, I flew to England my first time to meet up with him. We went to Sissinghurst and Hilltop. Both were high lights. We also spent hours in Hatchards (bookseller to the Queen!) and gazing at the window at Fortnum and Mason. We stayed at the lovely Athanaeum right near the Ritz.
Next time you simply must visit Arundel Castle in Arundel (south) as it is spectacular! Also the Mason’s Arms near Grange over Sands will make you feel as if you are on top of the world
And I am still waiting for my Willard with anxious anticipation!
Susan, I am so proud of you. It is a blessing that you share your many talents in such a charming way. I look forward to reading your blogs and the new Willard is wonderful. I am looking forward to adding the new book to my collection of “all things Susan Branch”. You add a little joy to so many of your devoted fans.
So much wonderful news to catch up on! Can hardly wait for the new book to arrive! As always, your photos and sketches are delightful. I especially love reading about Jack’s antics and Girl!
Hi Susan,
I’m so excited that your book will be ready soon as I pre-ordered it as a birthday gift to myself! My birthday is tomorrow so the timing is close to perfect. I really enjoyed your latest “Willard” and I’m glad you are getting some time to enjoy the last bits of summer. I love all the photos too….keep them coming as I will be looking forward to a visit to your “Isle of Dreams” in September. The Cape and Islands is so lovely in the fall.
Have fun with your cleaning, gardening and travel planning efforts!!
I am looking forward to all your new books, Susan, there just aren’t enough SB books in the world for my comfort. Love that we share a love of autumn, also.
🙂 <3
Oh what a joy it has been to read your newest blog posting! My family just returned from 9 beautiful days on the Vineyard. Reading your words about that beautiful island just made me smile. Thank you.
Take your trip in the Fall; it would be so beautiful then.
Can’t wait for the new book!!
So nice to hear from you Susan. Glad to see you out and about on the Island. I am looking forward to Fall also and can definitely feel it in the air here too. Have enjoyed Turn since the beginning. So glad they renewed it for a 3rd season. And Poldark is a favorite also. I think it will be around for a few years. BTW, I just wanted to let you know, I love the winter cover of your new book, Part 2! Can’t wait for both books!
My husband just commented that he had not heard that little bird for quite a while…I told him that you have been busy writing a Love Story…and that soon everything will be back to normal and that your little bird will sing more often in our house in the future.
I am thrilled with the possibility of winning one of your prizes…Hobson’s Choice was one of my father’s favorite movies…he would often say when there was a conundrum “That’s a real Hobson’s Choice” My dad would have been 101 this year had he lived…he died just two months before his 97th birthday.
Love that Mo’a. xoxo
I love your books and calendars, and I’ve been a fan for years. I hope to win the watercolor doodle page 🙂
I love everything on your sites. Looking forward to ordering my calendars and winning one of your giveaways!!
Here’s hoping your book is a huge success! Thanks for all the inspiration!
Dear Susan’
So glad “Willard” came to call! “He” is always a delight and I have many of the snail mail “Willards” I can read over and over again.
“Fairy Tale Girl” sounds wonderful-can’t wait for the release date.
So happy to have you”back”.-Judy
Vanna pick meeeee!!!
So excited for your new book. I look forward to everything you write. Thank you for making my day and bringing a smile.
Susan, I absolutely love reading your blog. I too have dreamed of going to England & Ireland. I also want to take a hot-air balloon ride. Hopefully this October the balloon ride dream may become a reality!! I’m still saving for the England trip. But as you have said , you have to dream first….thank you for sharing your dreams with me!!
Susan,
Greetings from Kansas!
Your posts always make my day better! I love your kitty pictures and the flowers. Excited to read your new book, and I love autumn, so maybe I’ll win Autumn. Have a wonderful evening!
So delighted to have your delightfulness back in full swing on my computer screen!!! You have been missed–but must admire your determination to hold the whirring world at bay to let your creativity rule time and energy.
Love that it is almost fall again. Will the I love Autumn glass bead return to the web store someday?
Working on it!
Love your wonderful life’s tidbits..and your book…I spent several years in Rowayton,Conn.as a teen ager…I mean years ago..and you always take me back there…so nice…Also LOVE England in my mind and heart so need I tell you those trips with you are awesome also…
Enjoyed your blog today. Looking forward to getting my Willard. I love Hobson”s Choice also…great old movie! Wish we were getting close to Fall here in California’s Central Valley…still hot and the air is so full of smoke from the fires close by. Please pray for our firefighters and for rain.
I adore your blogs and wait anxiously for each one. I am looking forward to ‘Fairy Tale Girl’ and will order some as gifts. What a pleasant surprise it was to find Willard in my inbox today, what a treat ! Today I am ordering my 2016 blotter calendar and pocket calendars. ( you just can’t live properly without them) 🙂
Susan,
So nice to have you back. I have checked every day. Looking forward to your two new books & ALL of your calendars! I love giving those as gifts. I enjoy your talent every day.
With L❤ve
Love your post as usual- your many talents and the way you describe your life always excites me- Many Blessings.
Hi Susan. I just received my Willard! Looking forward to reading it when I have more time tonight. I am leaving a message (per your instructions) so I can be included in the contest. Hope Miss Vanna picks me!! 🙂 Just received my new 2016 SB calendars (got some extras to give as gifts)! Can’t wait till the new book comes out, I am so excited! Enjoy the end of Summer, Fall is just around the corner. 🙂
Can.not.wait.for ‘The Fairy Tale Girl’ to add to my SB Collection! Newest Willard is delightful.
I can hardly wait for so many things! The new Williard, A New Book, Calendars, and a chance to win a prize! Thank you for sharing all your wonderful writings with us girlfriends! We missed you so much while you were writing your new book. It’s wonderful to have you back! Also missed Jack and Miss Kitty Girl. Such sweet, sweet faces!
Dear, dear Susan, Thank you for the joy and inspiration you bring to so many (me included) through your words and art. Looking at the world through your eyes is pure bliss!!
Dear Girlfriend-
Just received and so enjoyed reading my Willard. But we may have a serious disagreement about to erupt— the 1995 “Pride and Prejudice” was and still is the best version ever. Lovely lingeringly enjoyed — just like the novel; and so much more faithful to the way sweet Jane wrote. No movie stars (at least Colin wasn’t then) and many more lovely English homes and vista. I will grant you that they did not include Stourhead, but the choices included were incredibly beautiful. Are we still friends?
LOL, yes we will always be friends. Love is love. xoxo
I also love to see September arrive. Illinois summers are hot and humid! Love the cool temps and changing colors. Your new book looks like a wonderful read!! Happy fall!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for taking the time to write a new Willard. I read mine as soon as I got it yesterday. It’s so good to get lovely happy mail (or email).
“A Fine Romance” lives on my bedside table because I love it so much. It’s the perfect thing to pick up and read for stress relief. Can’t wait for my copy of “The Fairy Tale Girl” to arrive!
Looking forward to traveling to England again via your blog posts.
Happy last of summer and yippee it’s almost fall!
Rhonda
How wonderful to be planning a transatlantic journey! Perhaps a trip to Scotlannd to beautiful Edinburg and the Highlands? Enjoy the rest of beautiful August.