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
Willard is NEVER too long. Exciting news about two books!
Thank you, for these windows into a sweet world, and lovely
Musica.
Welcome back! Missed you!
Got my Willard today! Loved the ‘catch up’ news and the dreams of what’s to come!
Thank you, as always, for Willard. I wish all my correspondents were as faithful and cheerful in their missives!
Not so sure of faithful, but definitely cheerful!
How fun it was to receive Willard today! Thanks for the bookmarkers!
I so enjoy getting my Willard. It’s like a breath of fresh air. Thanks.
I too now live the simple life and I am much inspired by yours.
Cordelia
Susan, I am a big fan… Your work inspire me as an artist. Thank you for the giveaway. Would love to win!
I would love to win these lovely gifts! Thank you for the chance!
So happy to see such a wonderful post and enjoy your long Willard! Have a wonderful island weekend! Very excited for all the great things happening for you…and Joe!
We have loved your art and recipes for years. Thanks for making us happy!
I awakened this morning and first thing I did was grab a cup of coffee and my new laptop and headed back to my bed. There was Willard! First one in my Inbox. I read from start to finish, while listening first to the nice French music, then Tommy Dorsey. You sure do have the knack for making things nice and cozy and setting the mood.
I love where you live, and your descriptions of it! I want to go there. Then, I got to the freebie bookmarks, so while STILL in bed, I clicked on “Print” and printed myself a cute Fairy Tale bookmark, on my new wireless printer. I love technology. Of course, I did have to get out of bed to grab some cardstock for the printer…
Thank you for your wonderful art, books, freebies, stories, and photos. I have enjoyed all of them for years and years.
Love technology! It’s made all this possible. xoxo
Can’t wait for the new book! This summer has been a difficult one for me. Hoping for better days. I am looking forward very much to Autumn! Happy end of summer, Susan, Joe & kitties!
You always make me smile & remind me to dream! Congrats on getting your new book finished. I can’t wait to curl up with a steaming cup of tea & dream away. Thank you for who you are!
Oh what a special writer you are. Thank you. I can hardly wait for your newest book!
to everything there is a season make everyday count.
I cannot wait for the new book also! I wanted to tell you that because of A Fine Romance, three friends and I are leaving September 9th on a two week vacation to England (and Scotland)!! One friend and I learned we both read and love your blog so, after reading AFR, we said “Let’s visit England!” We asked everyone in our book club if they wanted to join us and two did. We’ve been planning this trip for a year. We won’t visit every place you and Joe did but we are definitely visiting Hill Top farm. I’ve reread Beatrix Potters book so I’m ready! Thanks for the inspiration to see what’s “across the pond.”
YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE SO MUCH FUN!!! I want to be a fly on the wall. Say Bon Voyage to everyone for me, and enjoy! (BTW, who’s driving?)
I love the willard
to everything there is a season make evertday count
It feels like Christmas! Willards and blog posts filled with kitty love and THREE Giveaways also! Oh my! What a delightful beginning to the weekend!
Hugs and Kisses!
to everything there is a season
Thank you for sharing. I am at my desk, directing my day to where my adventures will lead. I, too, am a artist and always love the inspiration you bring.
May this day treat you well
O.M.G. Susan, you just keep out doing yourself…. You amaze me. Keep it up and YOU GO GIRL!
Dearest Susan,
I’m counting my blessings, and one of them is YOU! Got my Willard and it made my day.
I just love how Jack watches you work. Our Merry “works” with my husband, too. Sometimes she helps by rubbing on his leg so he’ll stop what he’s doing and pet her. (She’s just sure he NEEDS a break!) Other times she assists by trying to climb up his leg in the same spirit of altruism. Once, she even jumped on his back while he was bending over the blackberry bushes he was trying to keep in abeyance. (He had forgotten about her for a moment.) There is just no end to the generosity of our cats in devoting so much time and effort to “being a help.”
Fall is in the air–no matter what the calendar says, you can’t fool Mother Nature.
Hugs,
ElFe
I was crying the entire time I read Willard and the blog. Good crying. I don’t know why. Especially when you said you write children’s books for adults!! See there I go again. Love you and Joe and the kitties.
Oh, I’m like that too, love a good happy cry. XOXO
I love your letters! They are very positive and give me the creative “punch in the arm” to get making something. Thank you for all your time and talent you share with us.
Well, the comment count is up to 2405 as I write this!! Probably will be about 10 more before this posts. However, I would just love to be the winner of ANY one of your sweet giveaways, so I will keep all my fingers and toes crossed! Can’t wait to read this new book and it’s sequel, Susan!!!
I was so happy to see Willard in my e-mail today. It was a delightful read! A thought occurred to me as I was enjoying the musica. If anyone asks me where I get my music recommendations I’ll tell them from Susan Branch of course! Can’t wait to see the look on their faces. Then if they don’t already know, I’ll tell them all about your blog, your books & the musica!
And now, in my new book, I get to tell everyone how “MUSICA” got its start! SO fun!
SO excited for the new book! I’m ready to curl up with a cup of tea and your lovely new story!
Sitting here in Indiana, listening to the cicadas sing their hearts out, I never knew they were announcing the end of the summer season! Your books inspire dreams. Thank you.
You and Willard brightened my morning out here in California! There’s something about bathing Beatrix cuties and seeing beauty everywhere, even in the compost pile that makes you realize all of life sparkles and is a joyous gift, if only you slow down enough to notice and appreciate it. Have the best day!
Just read the Willard! Can’t wait for my book to arrive!
Your blog makes my day, you, Joe and the Kitties have became part of my family. I have given your books away for gifts so now more of my girlfriends know who you are and they are just as hooked as I am. Can’t wait for the new book, I’ve already asked for it for Christmas. Love Willard too! God bless you all!
Can’t wait to read your new book….loved EVERY single page of the last one. Your bits of wisdom on so many subjects and your joyful nature are the gifts that keeps on giving! Thank you!
I just love Jack and Girl Kitty! Such precious babies you have. Can’t believe summer is flying by so fast!
Love your kitties. Love Martha’s Vineyard (and Cape Cod!). Love your books and love you!
Charlotte
What a thrill it would be to win this generous giveaway. Enjoy reading your blog and Willard. You have a great talent.
Love you girl. Your art work, writing and passion for life inspires me!! Keep on keeping on. And be good to Joe. He is a keeper. (Aren’t we both lucky that we married fine men??!!) Blessings! Dorothy
I’m good to him, always within reason of course. xoxo
Thank you so much for WILLARD today. What a great way to start the day, so cheery! Your writings have cheered me up for years, starting with books I have all over my house! I would love another set of all occasion greeting cards, yes I still mail cards and I still have a few of yours in my arsenal. Thanks again. Can’t wait to read the new book!
I love all your books! I just made your Salade Nicoise the other day for company and it was SO good!!
I haven’t made that in a while, it’s so good, and so healthy! Might have to start boiling water for artichokes!
Love your picture of the apple core. All of God’s creation is beautiful — even the garbage!
Waiting with bated breath for the new books – congratulations!
Kathleen
You know how you get your hands on a really good book and you don’t want it to end? That’s how I feel when I read your Willards. I particularly like the starry night photo. If I lived where I could see that many stars I would install a skylight so I could lay in bed and count stars. Thank you!
I’m a huge fan of yours and look to your art work and books for a lift on many a day! Congrats on your new book! I too have a beautiful black and white kitty[sweetie] along with 2 other partners in crime. Thank you for sharing your life on Martha’s Vineyard.
I have read “Willard”, ordered “Fairy Tale Girl”, and am looking forward to book #2 to be ready to order. I am also looking forward to your trip back to England and Scotland. I also printed out two book marks to get them ready for the new books.
XOXO Pat!
Just read my very first Willard and loved it, especially the story about Jack. Am looking forward to enjoying your trip to Scotland like I loved your trip to England. And may all your writing endeavors be successful.
Just a short hello and please include me in the giveaway. Awesome news for the upcoming trip to Scotland..
Oh Susan, I just read my Willard (having read this blog earlier in the week) and came back and read AGAIN, and am so looking forward to FAIRY TALE GIRL !!! Even though I still love my cute little sheep bookmark you gave us from A FINE ROMANCE, I’ve printed off your newest offering 🙂 . Thanks for all you do for all us girlfriends who admire you and are in appreciation of your creativity!
I love your blog posts – they always make me feel a little calmer, and too many things in my life have been in upheaval this summer. It made me smile to see the photo of your windowsill with the Potter figures. I have the very same aqua vase!
Just finished reading Willard and am looking forward to your new book. I loved sharing your trip to England with you via A Fine Romance. Looking forward to part deux. 🙂
Your new books sound wonderful!!!! I’d love to read them!! How exciting to find a new Willard in my mailbox today! It was a wonderful surprise! Thank you and thank you for the wonderful give-a-aways!!!!! You are very kind and generous!!!
Oh Vanna- PLEASE choose me this time! If you don’t, I understand I will have to wait my turn, but I HAVE been waiting ever so patiently to be chosen…
Looking forward to reading the new book!
Love Willard…….love YOU…..I feel like I AM you! I have 2 cats, too, and we can’t wait for the new book and 2016 calendar!
Sue, I absolutely love your blog, your art and your books! I discovered you when I read about ” A Fine Romance” — a book that I recommended to all my friends. Your book and blogs cover all the things I enjoy and allow me to vicariously live on Martha’s Vineyard, travel to my favorite spots in England, etc.,etc,.etc. Now I see that “Hobson’s Choice”, a marvelous movie, is being offered in addition to all the other wonderful things and just had to sign up for the giveaway. Thank you for the delight that you take in life and bring to other people as well.
Greetings, Susan : )
Anxiously awaiting the arrival of my “Fairy Tale” book. In the meantime, your blog postings and the new Willard certainly brighten my days.
With Warmest Regard, (and “hello” to Joe!)
Hilda
p.s. PLEASE offer the Autumn charm once again in your online shop!
Beautiful! As usual. Thank you for your beautiful work.
Hello Susan,
Can’t wait to get the desk blotter, your quotes and illustrations make me smile and now I can see them in front of me all year:) Congrats on the newest book! I am a new fan have just finished the Autumn book and excited for cooler weather to come visit so I can try out some of the recipes. Have a great day!
Jaci
LOVE your books, blog, website, goodies and YOU! This is the third year in row that I have not made it to our time share at the Harborside Inn. Your photos always make me realize how much I miss being on island! Have you ever thought of creating a font with your gorgeous penmanship? I realize it is YOURS but I’m a teacher and oh, how I’d love to send my notes home typed in that font…or my lesson plans…or my lessons….or, well, anything!! :O) Thanks so much for the opportunity to enter the contest to win one of your lovelies!!
Welcome back Susan!! Oh, how I’ve missed you but I knew the wait would be worth it. And it was! Wonderful blog and a Willard to boot. LOVE them both! I’m anxiously awaiting my copy of the Fairy Tale Girl. Can’t wait to sit down with it and a cup of tea. Glad you will get to experience at list a little of the summer but Fall is around the corner and I have to say it’s my favorite time of year. Have a wonderful day. Enjoy your newfound freedom!!
Magical is how I describe reading about your artwork, your island and your life. Thanks for making me dream.
Just read my Willard. Can’t wait for the new book!!!!
I can’t wait to get home this weekend to print out your lovely printables. I have been using your stickers since I was in my early 20’s and have been enjoying your blog for years now. I turned my mom and sister onto your blog, books and products and. It’s been a great bonding experience for all of us to share together. Cant wait for the new book!!!!
The Willard showed up in my email today and what
a refreshing jaunt it was for me. My summer
did not follow my scripted plans and that left me feeling
gloomy. Thank you Susan for lighting up
my day and poking my remembering towards knowing
that life is wonderful.
I really enjoy how you paint your words.
The changes in color to match the mood/season of the saying make such an impact with me.
I am always printing them out for the side of my file cabinet at work. (That is my secret spot that only I see!)
Thank you.
Hobson’s Choice! I’m so glad you love that movie, too! Your website, blog, books, artwork, and wonderful self are such a breath of fresh air. Thanks for being lovely YOU!
Hello to you, Susan!! I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Willard and just checked to find it in my inbox! Yay 🙂
I smiled and was feeling all of your emotions as I read Willard.. OH, the excitement! I can barely stand it. And your trip to England and Scotland?!? And a possible picnic? Oh, how can I plan to be there too? To be in England, with my favorite Artist/Author and at a location from one of my favorite movies – It would be a dream come true in more ways than one.
P.S. Is there a way to contact your manufacturer and request they keep the magnet calendars? I buy one every year and don’t want them to stop if I can help it! Would they reconsider if enough of us protested?
They might . . . look on the back of the calendars for contact for them! They don’t really listen to me, but them might listen to you! I already designed it before they told me they were canceling it, so it’s all ready to go!
I always look forward to your posts – they inspire me!
Dearest Sweet Susan,
Happy Birthday wishes for Joe and belated Birthday wishes for Blog Daddy. I hope that they both had a wonderful time on their special days. We too have an August baby in our family ( my daughter ). I am so happy to see you are finished with your book and that you are starting to enjoy some domesticity and free time again. I am really looking forward to reading the new book because I sure enjoyed reading your last one. I loved it because I am as big a Beatrix Potter fan as you are. You made my dream trip and I got to enjoy it through you. I am now looking forward to reading about my favorite “Blogger”. I will wait for the drawing and if I don’t win I will put my order in. Please, please, Miss Vanna! I love Hobson’s Choice but don’t have a copy. Charles Laughton is so good in it. I envy your fun of planning a new cruise. We just got back from a cruise in June for two weeks from Istanbul, Turkey to Athens, Greece on Windstar with stops in Cesme, Kusadase, Kalymnos, Rhoades , Santorini, Heraklion and Naufplion. The Islands in the Aegian Sea. It was our first experience with ” yacht cruising” (only 200 people) and we loved it. We were so spoiled that I don’t think we will ever get on a large cruise ship again. Looking forward to hearing where you two plan on going. It was so good to see new pictures of Jack. He is such a cutie. Your roses in the vase were so pretty and big. Where do you get your rose bushes, by nursery or catalogue? Our nursery only has bushes with average size blooms. So happy to have you back and hope that the final copy of your book will be in your hands soon and you can have the thrill of seeing it fly off the bookshelves. Am crossing everything for good luck for your 3 giveaways and Miss Vannas draws. Have a wonderful remaining summer you 4. XOXOXO
A new book! I am so excited! It’s so wonderful to have your words and art in hand so I can read it whenever I want!!
Visions of summer on your enchanted island,- without swarms of tourists!
Hope you will consider book signing at Moravian Book Store (oldest in the country) Bethlehem, PA when you schedule your tour next summer!
If you go to Moravian Book Store, try to mention you’d like me to come for a book signing — they always love to hear that from their customers. And thank you Claudia!
So glad you are back to your blog! Missed you!
Carol in Minnesota
Susan, my name is Susan too! I love your blog and your books. I am a retired art teacher and so enjoy your watercolors! Your watercolors inspire me to paint. We are also thinking about traveling to England after reading your book A Fine Romance. Thank you:)
Can’t wait for the new book. Loved “A Fine Romance”, love all things Susan Branch!
Just read Willard and loved every minute of it! Thanks
Cant wait for your new books! Thank you for the opportunity for 3 give aways!!
What a good surprise to find you again. Like many others have written, you are a favorite of mine for a long time.
You add such joy to my day when your new blogs and WILLARD comes out. It’s never too long. I read every word. Your life is on a busy journey and I can live it through your writings. Thank you so much.
Can’t wait for the new book to come out.
I cannot wait for The Fairy Tale Girl! And after all the recent tribulations in my life, I’m very happy that you’ve resurfaced and are blogging again. It’s most certainly a most welcome bright spot in my day when I find a new blog from you.
I love reading Willard and your comments about August on the Vineyard! Enjoy the peace and quiet in September. Times like this I miss New England!
I just love looking at your blog. Very relaxing. May even lower my
Blood Pressure, which I’m trying to do. Thanks for the escape from the
hustle & bustle!!!!
Waiting for a long time for your writings, art, and wonderful pics! My poor ol’ hubby of 51 yrs. is ill today, and I needed the Susan Branch beautiful postings!! Thanks for the great photos of the kitty cats!!!!
This reminds me to get my fall book out of the bookcase! I would love to read your new book too!
Can’t wait for the new books! And really looking forward to “our” trip to Scotland. Hope you take a little side trip to Ireland.
Tried to order the book by phone-Friday must be a vacation day,and why not?! I can’t wait for the book to be published(I’ll try again on Monday). I’m not a “cat person”;but I am a Scottish Terrier and Corgi lover. A little drawing of 2 Scotties(Maisie and Mabel) or of Sophie the Corgi would be fun to see. When my husband and I visited Scotland we thought a herd of Scotties would meet us at the border. No such luck-we only saw 1 the whole time we were there! Love to read about the Vine
yard.
No herd of Scotties? Bummer! Oh well. Thank you for the warning! I can lower my crazy expectations now! 🙂
On my way with family to York, ME & Portsmouth, NH for the weekend and read Willard & the Blog post and before you know it an hour had passed & we are at the end of 495N! What a great way to spend the ride! Thank you! Also, on a side note because it made me think of you when I bought them at the Toadstool book store what appears to be a new Beaxtrix Potter book, and 2 other great books, Bee Cottage, and the Gnome Project (had me laughing on page 1). So looking forward to your new books!
Enjoyed the new Willard. Preordered Fairy Tale Girl for my daughter for her birthday. Maybe I’ll win one for myself. I also love TURN and POLDARK
It’s here!
It’s here!
My Willard is HERE!
It’s just what I want and I need!
It’s here!
It’s here!
My Willard is HERE!
I think I’ll flit off now and read!
*<]:o)
You guys are making my face hurt from smiling!
Thanks for the Willard, Susan. Nice to be updated on your goings-on. Enjoy
the end of summer, you so deserve it. Now we wait for the book 🙂
Dear Susan,
Just a line to let you know I did receive Willard after worrying I wouldn’t. It was wonderful. It cheered me up as this is the day my son went back to college and I always feel a little blue. I always enjoy him being here during the summer. House seems so quiet now. Oh well. Will have many fall things to plan and fall is really beautiful here in No.
Ky. Thanks Susan!
Beautiful and inspirational as always. I’m sure that all of us would agree that we would like to have you and Joe as our neighbors! I always said that about Erma Bombeck too but unfortunately she has passed away. Always room for lots of humor. Glad you have finished with the first of the two books and we will hear a little more from you now. Can’t wait to see the new one and add to my collection.
As usual everything is just so cute and exciting. Hope I am a winner!
So looking forward to your new book. Congrats!
Wonderful Willard,…..what a gift you have to chase the sad and lonely, the ugly and bereft out of the brain,…and replace it with these pretty thoughts and comforts…..tomorrow is a better day for sure. Thank you for all you do, Susan….
Your blog is an inspiration and especially today’s theme of “wonderful things are happening.” My heart is breaking as I’m going through a divorce right now and hoping to return home soon and I have to believe that things will get better.
I feel for you . . . really that’s a lot what my new book is about (this is not English, please forgive me!) — but it might help a little xoxo They will get better. MUCH better.
Susan! I have loved your work since I bought Baby Love for my second child’s baby book,and she is 23!! how did that happen?! You are having a beautiful life and I loooove reading about it; so looking forward to The Fairy Tale Girl! Xxoo
Willard. Your Blog. Love.
ALL of this was worth waiting for…………..you are a delight……….and you add so much joy to my life. So does my cat too!
Just got my Willard this morning. Thank you for putting in so much happiness!
“children’s books I write for big people…… ” I’ve never been able to exactly describe what it is I love about your books and blog, but that’s it! Perfection!
I just had a lovely quiet time reading my Willard and then your blog. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us! Reading your writing makes me want to write something, make something, sit in the flowers. Warm feelings all around!