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
Love your kitties, and love hearing about your doings! I hope I am one of the names drawn!
So glad my college roommate told me about you. Especially love the cats and books!
Love, love, love your blogs-every little thing about them, down to the finest detail…the words, quotes, thoughts, water colors, photographs, and giveaways! Hurrah! Thank you ever so much!
I’ve enjoyed your books and calendars since one of my girlfriends gave me your Christmas book in the early 90’s. Annie Hall’s butter cookies are the holiday cookie in our family. I loved A Fine Romance, and I really am looking forward to reading your next two books. Thanks for the wonderful books full of great recipes, beautiful pictures (paintings and photos) and all of those perfect quotes!
Thank you for my Willard wonderful reading as usual and I am very glad to see you back on deck. The new book looks great, can’t wait to read it. The give-aways also look great. Maybe this time I will b lucky.
Thank you, Susan, for bringing us along on your adventures through life. Your posts always make me want to get all “domestic” and enjoy all the beautiful things I already have in my life! It’s time to put away the patriotic/beachy decor I’ve loved all summer and think about apples and chalkboards and beautiful books with leather embossed jackets. I LOVE your idea of putting on wonderful MUSICA to decorate and clean by. Thank you for the inspiration.
Kristi
I can’t wait for ‘The Fairy Tale Girl’ and I am hoping that I will get mine with the give away drawing. I love ‘A Fine Romance’ and I think it is about time for me to read it again. Love the Willard this issue, and of course, the blog. It is so much fun to read from a real kindred spirit!!!
I loved a Fine Romance. It was a comfort to me, to escape into while my father-in-law was dying. I am looking forward to Fairy Tale Girl!
thanks for blog
*Fairy TaLe* DREAMIN!
I just knew you had to be a fan of Susan Wittig Albert’s Cottage Tales. I’ve read all of them and was sorry when I was done.
Now, will my name be drawn?….
LOL, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised! 🙂
My dear sister Donna who just passed away loved everything you wrote and read all your blogs. One of her last gifts to me was your book A Fine Romance, and now I am an ardent fan of your writing. And every time I read something you have written, I think of her with love.
Such a touching thought Gayle, thank you. xoxox
Looking forward to your new books. Loved a Fine Romance………….always look forward to Willard and your blog posts.
It was great to read your update, and a Happy Birthday to Joe! Thank you for the give away opportunity. I’m sooo hoping I’ll win one of them, they all sound awesome!
Enjoyed reading the Willard today! And thoroughly enjoy your blog.
–Vanda
Your new book sounds wonderful! Would love to win the book and then share it with my daughters! Thanks.
loved catching up on the blog and Willard. Excited about getting your new book….I so enjoy your writing and art!
Seems we have grown up at the same time. I was born in 1950. What an exciting time to be alive! Can’t wait to read how your life has evolved! I’m looking forward to your new book. Thanks for sharing!
Dear, dear Susan!
I’ve been s-a-v-o-u-r-i-n-g your blog post and Willard. Can’t say just how many times I’ve read them through already. Over and over. So many treats and newsy bits you share… and that apple core star you posted — oh my, loved that! A person just never knows where a glimpse of heaven will show up. Even in a compost bin. That’s why you gotta keep your eyes open.
Heard from Sheri about with an estimated date of when my copies of The New Book will be heading from the Studio all the way to my house in Alberta, Canada. Now that’s joy and bliss! We’ll be counting down sleeps now, just like Christmas.
As for the Giveaways… generous to a “Tea” as always. Wouldn’t I just love, love to be the winner of that colourful ‘test’ page. What a fun idea. I know just where I’d be hanging it too in my little office overlooking the garden.
On that note, I’m sending you joy bubbles extraordinaire….
Brenda
xox
XOXO Brenda!
Such a great giveaway once again…I’ll keep my fingers crossed that Vanna picks me. Lol
Oh Susan, you are a fairy tale girl! Thanks so very much for sharing your wonderful life with us! Next week we are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary at a remote lodge on Kodiak Island! Need your new book in my hands! Guess Will take “Fine Romance” for its third reading! You are the best, thank you for your generosity! Blessings to all! Cathy in Idaho
Thank you for making an international collection of virtual strangers feel like one big family of girlfriends! I look forward to each new blog telling of your adventures with Joe and the kitties on the watercolor island. Simple pleasures are wonderful!
Charming to see that others admit they live in the “real world” of unkept gardens, dusty bits and bobs and sweet felines:) Taking time to dream, enjoy and connect with the simpler things is a “special tonic” isn’t it?
Thank you:)
Squeeeee! A scrummy new book! Everything you do is an inspiration Susan. Your happy cheery way of writing makes my day and I actually laughed aloud twice while reading your new Williard. My daughter & I carried your book to England in 2013 and loved visiting some of the places you did. it was our very own special tour guide. Would LOVE to dream of popping over to England again for your new book signing picnic.
Hugs from Australia xo
Would be wonderful!
May I appropriate the word “dingbattedness”? I have someone to whom it applies. Also, I LOVE “Hobson’s Choice”, almost as much as I LOVE “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” Have a happy and blessed day!
Willard letters ( I remember those!) always makes one happy. What great fun to have a new book to look forward to, as reading is my favorite pastime. My Grandchildren and Greats are equal Joy! Thank you for beauty and delight in everything.
After a difficult day of recovery from a medical procedure on my back, I stayed up very late to read Willard and find the peace that I so needed. Ahhh! You bring me back to my happy place, which is life, love, home, & contentment. Looking forward to the two new books. Can’t wait. I plan to preorder as soon as possible. Maybe I’ll win the drawing. I would love that! Thank you for being you, Deanna B
Hi from Kansas City! SO happy Book No. 1 of Two is getting closer to being in my hands. I cannot wait. I know I’ll love it…just a certainty. Love all things Susan! I really hope to see you again at Rainy Day Books when you are touring. Enjoy your new-found freedom in your little bit of paradise..you deserve some down time. 🙂 (And I cannot believe we all get to go on another trip with the two of you [well three..I assume Pete’s going!] YAY!!!)
The book sounds fabulous! I have my paper Willard’s saved! They are in my treasure book with multiple Book of Days!
Love reading Willard and looking at the pictures on your blog. Looking forward to reading your new book.
I adore you.
I so enjoyed Willard and this post!!!! I’m waiting with ‘Knotted fingers’ for Vanna to draw my name. You are so creative with your giveaways. Thank you so much!
Fondly,
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
I have just finished reading your wonderful Willard and you mentioned feeling Fall(Autumn in Australia) coming on. Well today we had a lovely Spring feeling day even though it is still Winter. Our days are getting longer and warmer. Spring and Autumn are my favourite times of the year.Thank you for talking about your lovely island . You are very lucky to live there.
Hobson’s Choice?!?!?! I LOVE that movie!
Have you seen the modern version with Richard Thomas? Not as good as the original, but still interesting.
Cannot wait to read it…pre-purchased it from your web store a while ago! Yay! It’s almost here! Read A Fine Romance at the beach on vacation last summer. Love your books!
Cannot wait to read it…pre-purchased it from your web store a while ago! Yay! It’s almost here! Read A Fine Romance at the beach on vacation last summer. Love your books! Correction! Summer before last! 2013!
So glad for the recent posts and the Willard!! That Jack is just too cute- what an expressive face. I love that you are including your “dabble” sheet in the drawing. What a unique and wonderful idea. I was finally able to give my friend the copy of A Fine Romance that you signed for her in New Hampshire. Now, if I could just talk her into crossing the pond with me. She’s so excited about the book; I’m keeping my fingers crossed that she’ll want to want in your footsteps- literally.
Oh my! My comment must be lost in cyberspace, as my post did not show up here. So excited to once again receive a Willard- I still have all of the ones I received via snail mail. Your blog is such a ray of sunshine- even on the darkest day. I love that it opens with the sound of birdsong. And Jack. What a cutie- such an expressive face. Including your “dabble” sheet in the raffle is such a wonderful and unique idea. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for prize # 3. Will I be able to wait until next year to have a copy of your newest book signed- in person, that is? I always hope that some of the fairy dust will rub off when I meet you so that I can spread sunshine as you do.
I’m so excited about the new book! Can’t wait to read it and review it too!!!
Just read the new Willard. I had to come back to tell you it was GREAT!!!!!!! I especially love the last photo of Girl and Jack together. Love all the news too.
I’m so glad you are back to blogging as I’ve missed the photos and chats. Congrats on the upcoming book.
Got your letter from Willard this morning! Love being pulled from my ho-hum world into your fairytale! Thanks!
I do so love all of your work! Anxiously waiting to read Fairy Tale Girl. Thank you for all you do
I can’t remember if I posted anything yet…it’s been that kind of a week, or I’m beginning to lose it altogether!! Hahaha. I love love love your blogs…never fails to take me to a happy place! Bless you, Dear Susan for being you!
In the stillness of early morning, with coffee in hand, I read your wonderful blog and WILLARD… both so charming — filled with magic and love. Thank you, dear Susan… I am grateful for you and our quiet time together. ♥ ♥
Isn’t that how getting a letter in the mail used to be? Sitting down with a cup of coffee to share time with someone you care about. xoxoxo
My mom and I live far away from each other, but every year I get each of us your Heart of the Home calendar and it connects us in a beautiful way 🙂
Hi Susan! It is so wonderful having you back, your posts always make me feel warm and fuzzy inside! I am so excited about your giveaways. I would love to win
your test paper because when I went to your Michigan book signing 2 yrs ago, we got to talking and I was so excited to see you, somehow I didn’t get your test paper bookmarks with my book. Haha Of course, the best part for me is getting to meet and talk with you! I pre-ordered my Fairy Tale book a couple of months ago and can’t wait to receive it! Congratulations on another accomplishment! Carla
Thank you Carla! I know, when I met people, we got so busy talking I forgot to remind them to take a bookmark! That’s just the way we are. xoxoxo
What a delightful surprise this morning – a brand new Willard – jam packed with lots o loveliness. Congrats on finishing your book and good luck with re entry to life
Enjoy the last bits of summer and thanks for sharing your gifts!
Oooooh Susan all of your news is so exciting! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your Roses!!! I was able to see the Dresses of Dowton at the Biltmore in May and the gardens there were a little past peak, but still quite wonderful. I had to smell all of the different kinds of roses, one kind was so delicious I just wanted to carry one around with me! Your photo skills are fantastic….that starry night and Jack in action pics drew me right in! We are the lucky ones to be touched by your magic abilities! Looking forward to your new book! Janie :- )
Can’t wait for the new book to come out so I can wear it out with re-reading after re-reading!
I just got and read my Willard. Man I love those! Thank You!
This giveaway is too sweet for words. I would love to be able to share the “spoils” of this giveaway with my Little Free Library audience here in Canada, by reading and then reviewing The Fairy Tale Girl. I would also be so glad to share Hobson’s Choice with the ladies in our neighborhood book club and coffee group.
Dear Susan,
I’ve been in the shadows for years now. Eagerly watching and waiting for your wonderful blogs and reading the wonderful comments to them. Today I’m taking the plunge, my first time ever to do this (and we are contemporaries) so I can let you know how much I love you and all your people.
Sharon P.
Dear of you to take the plunge, happy to say hello!
Enjoyed “catching up” with you through your latest email. Looking forward to more news soon as Fall arrives! Would love to be a winner of all your sweet goods!!!!
How exciting!! Two new books to look forward to! I have just been looking for a copy of your Autumn book to add to my collection…somehow it was missed. And I too love Autumn! I love “home” and the way you describe it and paint it and live it…I just love!!
Reading your blog posts is like sipping a cup of tea at the end of a long day…soothing! Love all of the pics, but can truly appreciate the Ticonderogas…they’re my favorite!!!
I truly love your blog and have read and own many of your books. Oh yes, I would certainly love to win your new book or any of the other give-a-ways but even if I don’t win I’ll still purchase the new book. You are an amazing lady and so talented. When I sit down with my cup of coffee and see that you have posted I read your blog first, always!
Hi Susan, I enjoyed your most recent Willard (guess what, that was my dad’s name!) and blog very much. I also have two kitties <3 (that's a sideways heart). Welcome back from your writing seclusion. We are all so glad you have resurfaced!
Fondly,
Noreen
Hopefully – dreaming – would love to win. Judy C
So enjoy mornings, with a cup of coffee, your blog, and a chance to win a giveaway! Life is good. 🙂
Wow, lots to read this week! And, as always, lots of beautiful pictures also. Thanks for sharing all your beautiful work!
Glad you are finally “OUT!”
I loooove the fairy tale theme….so pretty!
Love the blog, & visiting with you and the GFs! Yes, adorable guys! Great pictures! And, thank you for your generous prizes – always – so generous! Thank you for the wonderful start to my day! Have a lovely Saturday! xoxoxo
Hi, Susan. Just finished reading “Willard”. Your writing makes me feel so comfortable. You have a gift. I especially love seeing your “walks” to the beach.
Looking forward to your new book – need something FUN to read.
Thanks for the give away opportunity.
Happy Nearly Autumn 😉 I have missed you. So glad to receive my Willard yesterday And a new blog post! Blessings! Xo!
Sitting here on a rainy day with a cup of tea, reading Willard and listening to your Musica. Just a wonderful way to start the day. Thank you for your words that always bring a smile to my face.
You write the best blogs, and love your illustrations and photos. Can’t wait for my 2016 calender. Thanks for the chance to win!
Just love your artwork – so pretty. Congratulations on finishing your book.
Charlotte S.
More years ago than I can recall, my oldest sister introduced me to Susan Branch, your blog, cookbooks, etc. As a result, I have become another of your faithful followers and friends. Your writings and art bring me such joy and remind me of all the good and beautiful things – no matter how small – that are there for us to enjoy every day. Please don’t stop doing exactly what you are doing – spreading the “magic”.
Already pre-ordered a copy, would love to win another copy… one to keep and one to give, what could be better! Congratulations on finishing, and enjoy these hard-earned days of freedom!
I REALLY should know better than to stay away too long from a place that lightens my spirits as does your wonderful blog. I am already feeling better and that is a huge step — you have NO idea how huge — at this point in time. I will survive and all will be well.
Oops that 6 doesn’t belong in my name — yikes.
I am so happy to hear that Dottie, without the 6!
So much cuteness! Love it.
Could use a little fairy tale magic right now!
xoxo hope some shows up soon Kate!
I cannot wait for your new books!!! Would you consider hosting a trip to England? I would love to go with you as my guide!!!
I think Joe might have a bit of a fit if I start taking everyone with us! Although I know it would be so much fun!
Your blog makes me feel so happy. I had a tough week this week as I lost a friend to depression. Your photos and writing remind me of all the simple joy mixed in with the sorrow in life. Wishing you many blessings.
That’s so sad Laura, I’m so sorry. xoxo
Thank you, Susan, for your beautiful books, blog and Willard–and your fun giveaways!
Oh, Happy Days! You’re back!! I know you are so busy, but I would love to ask you a few questions about the Queen Mary 2. I have gone back and viewed all your blogs about your trip, but Nicole and I still have a few questions. We leave in May and will be following in your footsteps. Can’t wait. Also, can’t wait to receive your new book. I have p;reodered it and can’t wait. The only trouble is, I read it in just a few days, then I will have to wait until Spring for the next. Glad you are back among the living. Your blog is how I start my day!
Have a wonderful trip Bernadette!
I appreciate and enjoy your works!
I love the new Willard and can’t wait for the new books! Thank you!!
susan love your blog and am so looking foward to Fairy Tale Girl!
Such a happy Willard and post. I feel like I’ve had a miniVineyard vacation. So looking forward to your books!
I can’t believe how many years it has been since I first started enjoying your art and humor. I’m sure you are aware of how many lives you touch with both. I for one am grateful. Thanks for all the memories.
Thank you for sharing your view of the world. It’s lovely and kind and exactly what I needed today.
Wonderful Willard, wonderful blog and a wonderful (pre-ordered) new book to follow. So much wonderfulness! Thank you.
Hi Susan! Here’s to my one in 2,766 (so far!) chance of winning one of these giveaways! Lot’s of goodies to be had. Thanks for being so generous to your girlfriends 🙂 Thanks also for acknowledging the fires out west. I live in Washington State and my husband, Todd, is fighting those fires. He says it’s hell on earth. Hopefully they will get a break soon.
Have a lovely day and enjoy your new found freedom from book writing!
~Paula
Blessings for Todd, what a brave man you have raised. xoxo
I’m SO SO excited – Fairytale Girl will be here just in time for my birthday 🙂
ALSO I’m so excited you’ll soon be making planners – every year I get a planner, and I can’t wait for yours to be created.
Thank you for your wonderful Willard <3
Actually winter in England is gorgeous, but I think fall would be lovely!!!! Congrats on finishing the book, can’t wait to get my copy!!!!
If I didn’t worry about my kitties, I would go live in England for a few months or a year. But I don’t want to leave them, and I don’t want them to have to go away from home! Would love an English winter too.
Thank you for the prayers for those under wildfire siege out west. The way you feel about Martha’s Vineyard and it’s magic in the summer is how I feel about north-central Washington. Sitting by Lake Chelan on a summer evening, under a million stars, is heaven. When this firestorm is over, one day you should come experience how wonderful this place is!
Hope to do that one day Shanna!
Oh Susan! How I would LOVE to win at least one of the giveaways!! But the big one with the book and calendar would be the best!! I asked for the book” A Fine Romance” last Christmas and my son and daughter in law bought it for me. I am still reading it tho, taking a longer time to relish it. I sometimes have to read thru the last chapter to remind myself what happened, but hey I havve the time. Problem is…I keep falling aslep!! LOL Well that’s what I get for taking your advise to read it with a warm cup of tea, and the fact that I am reading it in bed before I sleep, well… that doesn’t help any at all. Oh but wonderful dreams and wonderful to fall asleep to such a good story. Thank you!!
I can’t read in bed at all! I fall asleep and end up reading the same paragraph every night!
Love all the kitty pictures, what sweethearts! thanks for the chances!
Hello Susan! Thank you Susan for offering these wonder give-a-ways for your contest!!! Ooooooooh, you make us all winners just by posting your splendid blog and keeping us thrilled by photos of Jack, Girl Kitty, your beautiful island scenery, and your garden flowers!!!!! (Patiently waiting for Willard to arrive…..fingers crossed!!!!) So happy to see you’re fluttering about just as Monarch butterflies do this time of summer, broken free from your studio “cocoon”, book complete and back to your normal routine!!! Your fluffy, fat rose blooms are gorgeous!!!! What type of roses are they? My hybrid tea roses struggled this year, as rose slugs found them and they never seemed to catch up. Blossoms are far and few between, not as abundant as summers past 🙁 Wishing you and Joe and the kitties a wonderful weekend!!!
Hello Again Susan! Silly me, Willard is patiently waiting for me in my emails….I’m thinking new glasses on the horizon!
YAY!
I have been a big fan of your books and blog right from the very start. I love your special talents for writing and drawing. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful life with us. I have pre-ordered two of your new books (one for my very sick friend who also loves you) and we can’t wait for it to come. You are a dear girl and we love you!
Please give a hug to our Girlfriend for me xoxo
You’re back! So great to hear from you. As always, beautiful photos, lovely ideas to inspire us and a Willard! You accomplish so much. I guess it’s getting up before dawn like you do. I like sleep too much! Thank you for thinking of us with such generous and lovely giveaways. Whoever wins will feel blessed indeed. I am looking forward to receiving my copy of “Fairy Tale Girl” which I will read ever so s l o w l y so that I can savour it for as long as possible. Best wishes for the last of summer and the beginning of autumn. Bunny hugs to you, Joe, Jack and Girl.
Laurie
=:3
Truly love your blog…even though your compost pile is more photogenic than most of my meals. Sigh.
LOL! It isn’t always like that! 🙂
Susan I love your post. Coming here and seeing all the charm that you have captured to share, brings back emotions from a once upon a time or me. Times from a chapter when I was a little girl and read a story while enjoying some milk and cookies. You create a life filled with goodness. Thank God for you Susan.
Karen
Oh, thank you Karen! So very sweet. xoxo
Dear Susan…it was wonderful to get your Willard and read the blog and to catch up with you!! Thank you….I appreciated that you mentioned the fallen firefighters out west…we live in Montana and my husband and some of our kids are forest firefighters in the summertime…this has been the worst year for a long time….. it is scary what is happening in some places…and my kids have been all over so far… so hard for those who lost loved ones…..looking forward to fall…take care , Susan….and looking forward to your new book!!…Donna
I haven’t heard anything over the weekend, I hope some of the fires are beginning to clear up. I worry about your kids and all fighting the fires. Kellee’s (at our Studio) husband was a fire fighter for years, although I believe he is now more of an administrator, but some of the things he was involved with were harrowing, I was always afraid for him. Fingers crossed it will all be over soon, and stay over!
Thank you Susan for your kind reply….Yes, our kids saw some pretty bad stuff but have remained safe and sound…there are fires nearby, and 2 of our kids are working close to home now…the worse ones are in Washington state…my husband is also back for now…I think the cooler days and weather changes will help slow the fires down… I appreciate your concerns and thoughts and prayers!!…Take care!!:)… Donna from Montana
Oh! I have such fond memories of the snail mail Willards. They are in a box around here somewhere. Will need to dig them out!
Your blog makes me smile!
Thank you…I live vicariously through you!