Welcome! So much excitement here in Smallville! If you just came from WILLARD, you are going to need another cup of tea and some more MUSICA! (If you haven’t gotten your Willard yet, don’t worry, it will be going into your mailboxes from 9am eastern time Tuesday Aug 18, through Friday 
the 21st.) But you should know, our Giveaway has grown, now there are three! If you haven’t time to read the Blog just now, scroll to the bottom of this post where you can sign up for the drawing by clicking on the word “comments” and leaving a message. For the rest of you . . . I can only hope you agree that
I love this quote by one of my favorite authors. Wonderful things ARE happening. I used this quote in my new book, and asked Kellee if she would make it into computer wallpaper for you . . . and she did! Click HERE ~ it should be up by now, along with some gorgeous new stationery . . . As you’re about to see, things are getting back to normal!
You really know I have a little more time on my hands when you see this.↑ I’m finally giving my poor Beatrix Potter people a bath . . .
Filthy piglets, hadn’t bathed since Christmas! It was the very first thing I did to gain control over my house again after so many months in book writing mode.
Now they’re back in their places, all sparkling and happy, and the little vases are filled again and I am saying . . .
If I ever missed taking a closeup photo of a rose in the summer, then it just wouldn’t be summer, no matter what else I think I have to do!
There is nothing like roses from the garden, they look and smell like no other roses.
One of the first things Joe and I did when everything was turned into the printer was go to the nursery for these: ↓ Our garden needs help! Better late than never!
We also decided to celebrate our newly-found freedom with a long leisurely lunch at the restaurant at 
the golf course ~ “leisurely” is difficult to find here in August, with the Island so packed with vacationers. But we thought this place was a little bit out of the way so we’d have a chance. Well, it didn’t work out quite as we expected because we accidentally went on the day that Presidents Obama and Clinton were both there playing golf!!! We sure know how to pick ’em! So much for the quiet lunch. There were dogs sniffing the FINE ROMANCE VAN, believe it or not, and we were wanded (that’s what the secret service called it) before we could go inside. But after that, everything was normal until the two presidents became visible on the 
golf course, then the entire restaurant stampeded outside to watch and take pictures. All except us, because we had seen them before. Yeah, we’re so cool ~ it’s old hat to us! But we did put our flag on the front of the house! Afterwards we went to the nursery, also my first visit this summer . . . and no presidents were there! Yay! We’re replanting around the poor neglected bird bath right now . . . Once again, it’s Domesticity City around this place and we are happy as clams.
Out go the fluffy, healthy, quickly reproducing weeds, making room for actual flowers.
We also stopped at the farm stand and got our first corn of the season, hot, buttered, salted and peppered, it just popped off the cob! DELICIOUS! I’m sure you’ve done this ~ now I know it’s really summer!
We went out at 7 am this morning and have been walking our walk through the woods out to the water every day. This is the place where Joe and I hash everything over . . . from the habits of cormorants, to the unknown idiot who figured out how to move the huge rocks protecting tern nests so he could park his car there, to what’s for dinner and future travel plans/dreams. And we stood at the water and said a prayer for the victims of the terrible fires out west, that they be showered with love from their families, friends, and communities. My heart breaks when I see the ruin the flames are leaving behind.
We’re ooohing and ahhhing every night, and counting our blessings.
Coming home after a walk to the harbor to our little greeters . . .Jack’s looking at Girl who is waiting out of reach, on the kitchen table . .
Then back out with the camera because the sky at night has been wonderful, filled with stars. I’m a big believer in ladybug magic and there was one in the bathroom last night. Insert five exclamation marks. Second floor, hot crickety summer night, brushing my teeth, and there she was. A lucky omen. Believe me, I look for them every day!
Jack thinks our starry night sky is wonderful too, because it seems like it’s dropping . . .
. . . yellow cat toys!
Joe’s birthday balloons were tied around a bouquet of giant sunflowers that Kellee and Sheri sent from the Studio and within 10 minutes of arrival, Jack’s scissor-like teeth had severed the ribbons and all balloons were floating free.
Just the way Jack understands life to be. All about him. Which it is.
Yup. He’s our guy. Aren’t they adorable?
Busiest cat I ever knew. Floor water is no good anymore, he wants sink water.
Grass, he loves it. I take him out and sit with him while grazes. He’s really not an outdoor cat at all, I never let him out alone, and he is so good, he never tries to get out the door. He likes me to sit next to him the whole time.
On Cat patrol, sitting on top of the ironing board in the pantry, watching out the screen door for any possible trespassing by anything, bunnies, turkeys, neighborhood cats.
He also watches me working . . .and I watch him watching me. Sometimes I can’t believe he’s real. I don’t get as many photos of Girl Kitty these days, but never doubt that she is still our Queen. She just likes to keep her throne in the back of the closet most of the time, so she’s hard to get in action shots!
But they both were with me the whole time I was wearing these pencils down to the nubbins, and now they watch curiously as I reorganize the studio. I’ve been cooking too, filling the fridge with August-type healthy goodies we love, ice cold Gazpacho and . . .
. . . my favorite Coleslaw Recipe ~ stuff to munch on. Look at that apple core in our compost pile! Isn’t it beautiful? (If you click on the recipe you’ll also see us repainting the kitchen a couple of years ago . . . just scroll down for the Coleslaw recipe, I promise, it’s there).
Nature. Just wow. I realize we are finding wow in the compost pile, but I can’t help it. I had to dig this guy out and take his picture. I almost put him on Ebay.
I can already feel fall coming and we hear it in the woods, we’ve even seen a couple of bright red leaves out there! And what’s back to school without book things? I know there were two Fairy Tale bookmarks in the Willard, but I thought, considering the time of year, some of you might want our wise old owl once more. Just click there, cut around him, and he is yours.♥
And now for the Giveaway(s) to celebrate my new book which I can barely believe is really finished! The first one I mentioned in the new Willard ~ it’s my 2016 Wall Calendar, plus my AUTUMN book, plus my new book, THE FAIRY TALE GIRL, and, for the cherry on the top . . .
a fairy tale banner! I’ll sign the books ~ and it will all go out to the winner the minute THE FAIRY TALE GIRL 
gets here, which should be about three weeks at the latest. (But who’s counting? Me, I am!) All you have to do to enter the drawing is scroll down to the bottom of this post and leave a message ~ just click on the tiny gray word under where I sign off that says, “comments” and leave a comment and that automatically enters you in the drawing. And the good part (or the bad part, depending on how you look at it) is that you have a lot better chance at winning this than you do the lottery!
Also, another surprise! Something else for my Girlfriends, Giveaway #2, because when I think of fall, I think of three things, delicious recipes, books, and old 
movies ~ and this Giveaway covers them all. My Autumn Book, filled with fall recipes, and a wonderful old movie called Hobson’s Choice. I think you will LOVE this movie! I have it, but I have to keep it, so I bought you a brand new one. It has everything going for it: It’s old, it’s English, and it’s pure charm. And it makes you feel good. What more could anyone ask for?
And this strange item, for good measure, will be Giveaway Number Three. I was cleaning up my studio (WHAT a mess!) and came across this. I saved it because I think at one time I was going to cut it 
up and make bookmarks out of it. It’s one of the little bits of paper I use to test watercolors and my ink pen before I paint or write something for a book or a calendar. As you may notice, my pen was giving me all sorts of trouble — I didn’t want it 
to blob onto the “good” paper, so I kept playing with it, making squiggles until it started behaving. Anyway, I thought one of you might like the results of the squiggles . . . the originalist of the originals, stream of consciousness without the consciousness, no rhyme nor reason for it ~ but I did sign and date it … it’s about 6 ½” by 9″ and would make a fun little piece of kitchen art for your fridge or bulletin board. And it does have fairy magic in it. And you can win it.
And that makes it three Giveaways on this blog today. Leave a comment, and Vanna will draw three names in a few days and I HOPE SO MUCH that the name she draws is YOURS!!!!!!!!!
In the meantime, I will be watching for the UPS 
man to bring me my first stack of The Fairy Tale Girl. I wait ever so patiently, but I am as excited as Christmas.
With the new book and the new calendars, Kellee and Sheri have been shaking in their boots about the WILLARD and asking me to make a special request to remind you how tiny their four little hands are. The phone has been ringing off the hook at the Studio about the calendars and they want me to tell you that they 
will try their hardest to get everything out as quickly as they can . . . if it takes a couple of extra days to get your things, you can blame it on the dratted calendars, but have faith, they’ll be there very soon. And so will your books!
And then soon, we might be doing this again, sailing out of New York harbor on the Queen Mary 
2!!! We are dreaming big time. Anything could happen between now and then, but we’re going to try. We took all our travel books with us to our leisurely lunch at the golf course the other day ~ looking for cottages to rent, pouring over maps and plotting our possible course. Figuring out whether we should go in the summer or in the fall . . . we’ve only ever been in the spring, so there will be new things to see. And we’ll bring the Blog along, so get ready Girlfriends!!!
And there she is ~ our beautiful in-house Queen joins me to say fare thee well for now. Thank you for your support and friendship.♥ Joe thanks you, Jack thanks you, Girl Kitty thanks you, and . . .
. . . I thank you . . . ♥ Have a wonderful day Girlfriends! XOXO
Your blogs make me feel good. They spur me on to be more creative with
my life!
Hi Susan,
One of the most satisfying things I can do is to curl up in my chair at day’s end to immerse myself in your blogs. Your watercolor work is an inspiration to me. I have taken a couple of classes so far and trying to find “me” in there somewhere. I don’t want to be a copycat. That takes no imagination whatsoever, and I do believe you take the cake in that department. Your blog is a “Work of Heart”. And if you want to borrow that expression, you are welcome to it! One of these days I might try my hand at a blog. A very dear friend has accused me of possessing writing abilities, so maybe I can bundle up a few of my skills, I might be able to do something with it. In the meantime, many, many thanks for your hard work and dedication and perseverance to finish your wonderful new book! That’s the secret to success, so they say! And if in the process you happen to turn my name up in the giveaway, I would dearly love to have your watercolor test page. I do those myself when I am painting and to see how another artist’s mind and hand are working in symphony, especially since it’s YOURS, it’s a masterpiece! In the meantime, I will be looking for your new books with happy anticipation! And I am really looking forward to what you do in your upcoming voyage! You’ve earned it!!! Best wishes, Lauri Hyde
Good luck Lauri with all of your artistic endeavors. It’s a lovely thing no matter what you end up doing with it!
Hi Susan – it’s such a treat to get on and see postings from you, I can feel my heart beat a little faster as I look at all the beautiful pictures and read the happenings of Smallville. All the giveaways are super and I’ll put my hat in the ring but the owl bookmark is just the best so I thank you much for him.
Just wanted to mention my computer woes, I’ve gone the last few months sharing my husbands since mine finally bit the dust (the ingrate after spending good money for a tune up) I put off buying a new one for as long as I could but now I have a new lap top which is proving to take some getting use to. My son’s patience was truly tested since I forgot ALL my passwords except my banking one (luckily I used my husbands gmail as a back up though I don’t know how I managed that – a happy accident!) I’m up and running and using your beautiful picture of the pink and white flowers for my screen,thanks for that too! Much love to you all!
Welcome back! I have a suggestion for you. I put all my passwords in my address book. It has ABC dividers, so my Google password is under G, and my Netflix password is under N — and so on, so even if I save them, I also have them forever in hard copy. I’m quite happy with this little “invention!” Hope it helps!
Susan,
Sound advise and I’m going to put it to work, I just order your yellow address book along with a few other goodies, my fav sis-in-law recently gave me a gift certificate to shop your store for my birthday which I happen to share with your Dad. I’m so looking forward to putting it to good use especially since I forgot the password to simply sign on and order even from you, LOL!
I totally know the feeling!!! Have a wonderful day!
Hi Susan,
If I wanted to share some pictures of my watercolors with you, what would be the safest and best way to do that? I have a Flickr account.
Thanks!!
Lauri
I bet you could leave a link to them here?
Susan, it’s good to have you back with us. We missed you dear. Take care, and enjoy the rest of your summer ❤️
Hi Susan, I have been following your art and books for a long time! I would love to win your new book or most anything from you! Keep spreading JOY I will continue to be your long distance girlfriend!
Hi to another Susan! A friend sent me your newsletter. I love it, and had to come enter — thank you for a lovely site 😉
Oh Susan,
How nice to “see” you again. It’s been awhile!! I love the owl bookmark–thanks, as always, for your generosity. Can’t wait for the new book to be released. Enjoy your summer. 😉 Betsy
So very good to read your blog and imagine how very happy your life seems to be going along. Would love to win a book but if not I will see if I can order one. Need some fairy tales in my life.
Last day of a stay at home vacation and I was so happy to find Willard and your recent post. Have missed your words of encouragement and pictures of your surroundings. It takes me to a quiet place and is refreshing. Now I’d better get going onto the house cleaning which I’ve put off til now.Thank you Susan for sharing so much!!
Hi Susan,
Ok, I just pasted 3 links below for your perusal. Any questions or comments, feedback would be most welcome! In the odd event that you are able to see the whole album, enjoy! I have nothing to hide. There are some watercolors in there that are not mine. If you see them, just ask. 3 of them are of my best friends mom’s work, who unfortunately passed away late last year. Let me know if you are able to see anything.
Thanks a million!
Lauri
flickr.com/gp/26888536@N07/DB7PEG
flickr.com/gp/26888536@N07/5yY2Kw
flickr.com/gp/26888536@N07/w1z1q2
Fun! I got to see the three you sent . . . but I guess I don’t belong to Flicker because they wouldn’t let me see more. You have a lovely loose style!
Thank you SO much for taking the time to look at my art. I really appreciate it. Out of curiosity, how do you discipline yourself to paint, even if you are so tired you can’t see straight? It looks like you do your writing first and then the illustration is the fun part, but there are so many times I struggle just to get started. Ah, the blank page syndrome.
Previously I have been so insecure about my skills I would use a lightbox to trace color photo transparencies through so I wouldn’t lose my sense of proportion. So to read your feedback about my having a lovely loose style is a miracle! FYI, that cute little postcard was done without a prior pencil sketch to rough it in. I just held my breath and went for it. I think I get so paralyzed by fear and my own exhaustion (I have MS) that I just can’t move. Any suggestions? Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
Lauri
I’m always my own harshest critic, so it’s easy to suggest to others what I wish I was better at myself, and that’s of course, the age old advice/reminder, of trusting that you are a unique person and that what comes from your heart will be the very thing that shows that uniqueness. When you’re tired, you’re tired and you should rest. When the page is blank, you doodle until it comes, OR, you think to yourself, this difficult period means I’m laying the foundation for the creation. For me it’s all about doing it, when I paint every day, I do better, not so maybe someone else could see it, but at least to my own satisfaction.
Greetings Susan, I just wanted to thank you for all the inspirations that you sent out ways! I love your calendars! ~ As a matter of fact, each month, it’s always an surprise to me to read your work on the calendar pages! And, certainly, I feel all over in Love with England, after, I read your “Fine Romance”; it’s a dream of mien to visit English country sides on day! Much love, Ani
I’m so excited to read the new book! It sounds “Ex-Qui-Site”! 🙂
I love your blog, your watercolors, and they way you say things. I hope I am not too late for the drawing. Thank you for the bookmarks. I do want to order your newest book – if I don’t win the drawing!
I really love to read your blog all the time. Weather now sure is a lot nicer than the blizzard ya’ll were in last winter. Love your cats too. I have one beagle and one tabby cat. They make life interesting. Have a great Autumn soon.
I always enjoy your blog. Jack reminds me so much of a kitty I used to have I love to see pictures of him.
Susan, we are so glad you are back. We’ve missed you. There is really no way to thank you for the magic you share with us through your blog and books. I feel like we are dear friends who’ve never met. It is good to know that there are others out there who value the sweet, simple, lovely things of life. Because of you my daughter and I took our first trip to Martha’s Vineyard this summer and made memories to last a lifetime. What an incredibly beautiful world you live in. I am so glad that you appreciate every wonderful bit of it. Enjoy these last lovely days of summer.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it Debbie!!
Dear Susan ~ simply lovely! Everything about this sweet respite spot just sings (and…..it’s the cheeriest ♫ music of words!)…….thank you for putting the sunshine into my wee ‘sit’ here at the computer screen tonight Susan!
Blessings,
Barbara.
Hello Susan,
I’m getting so excited for your new book, and for fall as well! I bought a pumpkin bread mix and can of pumpkin puree today at the store. It’s early, I know, but I couldn’t help myself. Pretty soon, I’ll put away my summer time decorations and pull out the orange, yellow and brown blanket my mom knit, my fall wreath and a jack o’ lantern cross -stitch I did 15 years ago, plus all my other favorite fall decorations. It’ll be time to hunker down and be cozy. I can’t wait! Thank you for sharing with us all of your wonderful ideas and encouraging us all to make every season special and fun to celebrate.
Rebecca Darnall
Welcome back! We missed you! Can’t wait for the new books to be out, and your book tour. Maybe you can come back to Bakersfield (fingers crossed)? I didn’t get to meet you the last time you were here 🙁
Would love to!
you are a blessing! I had a dear,dear friend named Doodie who lived in a small
town called Russell, Massachusetts. She was so much like you. When I read your blog I am reading from Doodie . Also, thank you so much for giving me the beauty of New England. Iam from Boston and miss it very much.Thank you for being born!
My extreme pleasure, Carol! LOL!
Your posts make me smile. Thank you for sharing. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for your splendid and successful efforts to bring joy, comfort, peace, and inspiration into our lives.
Fondly,
Debbie
thanks for such a lovely place to come while I have tea
Hi Susan
You make me smile and cannot wait for the new BOOKS and tour!!!
I cannot wait and I hope I get to come and see you again this tour, it was one of the joys of my life to see you and have a tea party with you in person!
Thank you for all the spreading of goodness that you do through your art and writing. It is always a special time to see your name in the inbox – as others have mentioned, a time to make a cup of tea and spend some time on Cape Cod!! Many blessings for you, Joe and kitties!!!!
Congrats on finishing your book! I am so excited to read it. I hope my husband took my hint and orders me a copy! Enjoy the rest of the summer — September is fast approaching!
Suzy
Just had the joy of reading your delightful Willard and Blog. It was like taking a mini vacation to your beautiful Martha’s Vineyard. Thank you for sharing your blessings with us. One of my blessings is living in another one of God’s beautiful seashore communities on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. We live across the bay from Chincoteague Island, Va. which inspired Margurite Henry’s book Misty of Chincoteague. Would love you to make our local bookstore — Sundial Books — on Chincoteague Island one of your signing stops. Will give them your number. Congratulations on finishing your new book and enjoy some more relaxing moments this summer on your special island. With appreciation, Sarah
Thank you for the bookstore suggestion and for letting them know ~ and for your kind words!
Congratulations Susan! Another book to inspire us all with your sweet illustrations and wonder!
Can’t wait until we all get our hands on it! Thanks for your lovely sweet talent — girl friend — Penny
Dear Susan,
just a note to let you know how greatly I enjoy the marvelous ways you
express your creativity. The beautiful colors, whimsical lettering and sayings, as
well as the lovely drawings. Whenever I come across any of your products I
experience joy and nostalgia of simple, happy times. Thank you for sharing your
self with us and may the blessings you give be returned to you many times over!
Always a fan, Sharon
Hi Susan I am writting to you from Guadalajara Mexico and just want to tell you that I love to hear from you. Love to have a cup of coffee while I read everything that you write, my heart smiles.
Enjoy your free time you deserve it.
Hola Cecilia! We actually go to Mexico in my new book! SO very nice to hear from you! xoxo
I just pre-ordered your latest book and I’m very anxious to receive it! As always, I thank you for sharing all your talents…your work spreads happiness to so many, including me!
I received your wall calendar from a good friend this year. I enjoy it so much I can’t wait to get another!
Oh I hope I’m not too late for the drawing! I know you must be thrilled to see the hard work of “birthing” your new book coming to fruition-can’t wait to see it!
As always, Susan, you bring us sunshine… And fairy tales!
Best of all to you!
I love reading your blog and I’m soooo excited about your new book! And another vicarious trip on the Queen Mary 2… that’s really something to look forward to! Thanks, Susan, for keeping us so delightfully entertained!
Susan R.
I am struggling with Windows 10 and lost you for too long. Today I found “Willard” in the box. Such a nice surprise! I have spent most of the afternoon reading all of the older posts admiring, day dreaming and enjoying your magic !!! Life is good, whether or not I ever figure out the computer! —Thanks to you and Willard.
You’ll get there. Just remember one thing. That screen is only what 10×12, and everything is THERE, you just have to keep hunting. Good luck Laury!
Me, me, pick me!! Thanks for the chance to win a signed book.
I am so excited about your new book.
I have two beautiful, loving black and whites as well- Subi and Dude- so fun!
Thank you for bringing a smile to my face, Barbara
I’m not quite sure which man is the cutest – Jack or sweet Joe?
And I am moving back to Cape Cod…around September 15th and then forever! I hope to see you at that great bookstore in Sandwich (I’ll be living in Hyannisport!) and you can finally see that we actually look like sisters…according to my now-late mother who had you sign so many of your books for me. Actually, we do look like sisters and I look forward to meeting you soon and have you sign your newest books!
P.S. I am not a stalker…truly!
Welcome home Susan! How exciting!
So nice to have you back & be able to say congrats on the books!
Dear Susan: We love books, cats, the sea, secret gardens, wine and romance here in beautiful Livermore, CA. Thank you for sharing your fairytale with us.
I just love your watercolors, they make me happy and at peace.
Susan! Yay! SO HAPPY to see a new post, and thank you for Willard! It is always like a mini-vacation, and such a delight. : ) I wonder if you realize how much good you do for the mental and spiritual health of so many.
Not really, but I DO know how much good you all do for my mental and spiritual health, your comments are just wonderful!
I just finished reading Willard. It took me a couple of days to get to my emails as I’ve been working on a string quilt (new technique for me) and can hardly pull myself away from it to focus on anything else! LOL! Anyway, I love reading your words and being mesmerized by your art – I always feel so swept away! You have a special gift ~ thank you for sharing it with me (and the world).
I know the feeling of finding it difficult to be pulled away … very exciting Shirley!
Congates on the new book, hope you have time to relax and smell the roses
Well there are 2815 comments as I type this & I know my chances of winning are slim but if I don’t comment my chances are zip! You are such a talented lady Susan & so much fun to read about. I must have these 2 books. If I don’t win, I will definitely be buying them. But I am commenting so I do stand a chance. Fingers crossed!
OH I would love, love, love to win a drawing! 🙂 But I already feel like a winner after reading Willard AND the new blog post!! How exciting it all is.
And all this talk of FALL….I’m ready to dig out all of my sweaters and find the hot chocolate!
I always feel “smiled at” on your blog, Susan. Just like reading a letter to a beloved friend, and she is me.
I hope to win!!!
*hugs*
Kelley~
Letters Unfolded
Good morning Susan! Just received my “Willard” & so look forward to your new book. Thanks for sharing all that you do. Thank you!
Good Morning Jeanne!
Dear Susan,
You have worked so hard for so long! You continue to be my inspiration in so,so many ways!
Sending You to all my Love and Best Wishes!
Victoria
I’ve just spent an enjoyable 30 minutes+ with you via my Willard newsletter and it really was like reading a letter from a friend. Thanks for all the time you take to write it and to include the fun extras like bookmarks and music. I love them, and your style. Am very much looking forward to the new book!
Missed you this summer!
Dearest Susan,
There is so much charm and whimsy in your writing and lovely artwork! Absolutely love your work!
Blessings,
Juliet
Wow…what a perfect way to spend my Sunday morning! Been busy all week working and finally had a moment to myself to enjoy your blog and Willard. I want to thank you for taking the time to give me a glimpse into your life on the island and all the fun and exciting things you have in the works. I feel refreshed as though I just had a mini vacation… Have a great Sunday!!
Sigh…oh, I love when you write. And draw. And take pictures.
You make my world sweeter, and funnier, and prettier.
Thank you.
I love, love, love your blog and you! I get so excited every time there is a new blog to read. You help bring me back to what is really important in life- love, family and home. It is a breath of fresh air to be a part of your world. Thank you.
Loved the “BIG W”, the starry, starry night, kitty pics, apple seed art, scenes on Martha and just everything else! Thank you for the best of Smallville!
Oh a beautiful Lucy Maud delicious watercolor!! thank you sooooo much, Dear Susan!! I’m very excited for it because The Lucy Maud Heirs have given me permission to write a story for Silver Bush. ..Mauds Aunt and Uncles home. I can’t wait to finish the story 🙂 thank you for this delicious blog. I’m in front of my Susan Branch vegetable garden with our bonfire. ..beautiful night on PEI
Good for you Denise! What a wonderful project to get into! xoxo Bonfires! Love bonfires.
I figured out why I kept getting an error when trying to post since a couple days ago or so…I had a heart and leaf gif or emoticon in my comments…just letting others know who run into the same problem… no emoticons in our comments 🙂
Yes, me too, I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t able to put hearts in my replies!
So good to have you back Susan-all is well in my world now. I love reading your blog and look forward to the 2 upcoming books. I just lent my autographed Fine Romance to my bestie since kindergarten (57 year friendship) so that she can get a garden “fix”. Maybe I can convince her to take an adventurous trip with me?
Enjoy your well earned time off – September and all of its wonderfulness is just around the corner.
The two of you! Yesssss! Thank you Lori!
I don’t which I enjoy more, your wonderful artwork/creativity or those beautiful kitties!
Loved catching up with you in this new edition of Willard. Looking forward to Fairy Tale Girl & it’s sequel….trust they will contain a prized recipe or two like in A Fine Romance. Made your lemon butter cookies this summer…so easy and so good. So inspired by your “fine romance” approach to life and all the simple pleasures it offers.
Oh yes, could not do a book without recipes!
your blog makes my heart sing, thanks.
I’m so happy that you were able to finish all your work- so you could come out and PLAY with all of US ! We have MISSED you and I’ve been lonely! ;<) Looking forward to seeing all the new works. Go now and ENJOY the last days of Summer…… xoxo
You are so inspiring to bring out the creativity in all of us. Love your comments and illustrations. They bring joy to gray, rainy days and happiness for all the good things in life.
Hi Susan,
Só glad to hear from you again. Now enjoy your free time with your husband! After I win the book I will write a review again on the Dutch website who sells your books, as I did last time. Excuse me?….. o….there are a “few” more people who try to win the book…? Really? I hadn’t noticed! No worries, the review is going to get there!
groetjes from Petra from Holland.
You are so sweet Petra — it’s probably because of you we have so many new Girlfriends from your part of the world!
Wow,,I am perhaps 2,887 to comment on your blog,,loved having a willard again,,but most of all I love the pix of your sweet kitties,,miss my alley who left us after 15 yrs,,soon I think we will have a new kitty,but just not yet!
You will be so surprised at how different your new kitty is from your dearest old one. And how it brings such laughter into your house again!
Have been a fan since your very first books—I love your view and appreciation of life.
Susan,
Thank You!
I really enjoyed the Willard! It always brings a smile to my face. Hope I haven’t missed out on the drawings. Haven’t been on the computer lately. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Sunday! Take care & enjoy the end of summer! xoxo
You are right on time Karen!
I can’t wait to read your new book! Also had to chuckle at Jack drinking out of the sink. I have bowls of water set out, that I refill twice a day with fresh water, for my cats. And STILL they cry to me to turn on the faucet instead!
I know. The water on the floor is useless, and yet, we would feel guilty for not “providing” it! Cats! Just the best! They are me in my secret heart!
I enjoyed Willard – thank you!
Wow, you have been busy. I love your handwriting and drawings, now I’m feeling inspired to move away from my laptop and get the pencils, pens and paints out myself. Thank you for such a lovely blog and I hope you make it to England again soon. xx
heart – hand – paper. xoxo We’re coming! Thank you Wendy!
Love your art, recipes and books madly and would love to win! You are such an inspiration and I look forward to each new book and postings of your blog. It has a calming effect for me! Thank you so much!!
I understand A Fine Romance is in its third printing. Congratulations! I received my copy for Mother’s Day. It went way too fast. And I’m glad there will be more from you soon.
It’s because of our kindred spirits, loving England and charm and beauty!
I do love your blog! What a memory creator you are! I can read your books or blog and I am transported to magical memories of my own. I am getting ready to see my mother for 2 weeks and I already have recipes ready for us to bake. The lemon curd and raspberry jam are already packed for our afternoon tea parties! Thanks for your wonderful words and delightful art.
That sounds wonderful!!!
What great giveaways! I’ve always borrowed my mom’s copy of your Autumn book but I’d love to have my own. And I’m about to move into my own place by myself, probably a tiny apartment that will be hard to make homey and not lonely, so I need your Fairy Tale book for moral support 🙂
Even would love your scribble sheet, you’re by far my favorite artist. Hope you get to relax & enjoy the rest of your summer! <3 from Baltimore
One tiny vase of flowers on any window sill, that will do it for you, I promise Kristen. After that, it’s all gravy. xoxo
Thanks Susan, I’m going to try! xo
Just finished the new Willard and Blog and feel renewed and in-joy with the world again! Can’t wait for the new book to arrive! I needed the pick-me-up just now. I lost my husband of thirty years last march right before I finally (finally!!!) graduated college and am in need of solace and some pointers on how to start life over again at fifty. Susan, the beauty and back to basics, simple life gloriously extorted in your works sustains and uplifts me. Thank you.
One thing I can say, besides how sorry I am for your loss, is that fifty is very young and there are a thousand things you still can do. I write a lot about starting over in my new books, in fact that’s what they’re all about. Wishing you all good things, congratulations on graduating from college, a huge milestone! xoxo
Hello Susan,
I haven’t been on the blog lately, been so busy with grandchildren, etc. I can barely wait for the book to become available. I have preordered it and anxiously await its arrival. So good to hear more about MV and all of its excitement. Wish I were there. We are in Morro Bay for the week and enjoying the cool weather away from HOT Fresno. I know you know where it is.
I do Sharon, hope it’s good and summer foggy there for you right now. Nice to hear from you!
I love your blog so much….the photos you take bring me right into your lush green yard. A pleasant respite after all the dying lawns we now see out here in Southern California. But times have changed, like our climate! Time for planting lavender and olive trees, flax and sweet grasses! Our neighborhood is definitely changing. Thank you for sharing your daily walks, photos of Jack, Girl and sweet Joe. Love Willard too. Looking forward to your new book. Coming to San Luis obispo again I hope for signing.
Enjoy a peaceful fall…my favorite season.
Wishing you some cool breezes and some nice consistent rain storms!
So happy you are back and WOW-so many comments! It is a testament to how much you are enjoyed and appreciated! I have a beautiful, older lady neighbor who is from England and she has shared some of her life with me. She also lived in California before coming to Ohio and was a school teacher. After listening to her (and of course reading A Fine Romance) I can understand your longing to return there! Dream on and good luck with all your plans!
Thanks for brightening my day – as always!
Thanks for the new Willard and the new blog post!! Trying to patiently wait for the Fairy Tale Girl. I might have to take a day of leave to read it…shhh, don’t tell! 🙂
Would not mention it! 🙂
Hi Susan, I have missed you! So happy to see Willard. I am so excited for all of the wonderful surprises coming my way! Can’t wait for the Fairytale Girl! Every time I sit down with you, I feel like I have been on vacation. Thank you for being you!
For some reason, Susan, I have never received Willard even tho I know I signed up for it. Any suggestions how to resolve this problem?
HERE’S A LINK TO IT I’ll add you to the Willard mailing list, we’ll try again, be sure you checked your spam box, because they often detour there.
What a great giveaway and an awesome Willard! I’m very excited to read The Fairy Tale Girl! Cheers and Thanks.
Oh! Susan!! You’ve done it again! I do believe you’ve done it again! Reading your blog posts just make my days!!!! I do so hope Vanna will pick me!!!
Enjoy the rest of summer!! (but i can’t wait for autumn!)
Hugs!! ((((()))))
Linda
Linda Lepage from high school? I think so, but just making sure! I hope Vanna picks you too! XOXO
What a great giveaway and an awesome Willard! I can’t wait to read The Fairy Tale Girl! Cheers and Thanks!
Always such a puzzlement — do I stop everything and give Willard a quick glance through the minute we get one, and a longer read later, or wait until I can have a cuppa and can sit for a nice long ramble, going back & forth to re-read this or that, and listening to the musica. I think I need more dilemmas like this one!!
I think Both is always the best way! 🙂
Oh, how I have missed your daily blog posts from years gone bye….when the pace was slow and your daily round was sharing your sweet life with us day by day. How happy I am that you have been writing such beautiful books over the past few years and that the world is getting to know the Susan Branch we know and love. These are gifts that we will be able to enjoy for many, many years to come and share with our friends and family too….just like all of your books from the early years (Pre- Blog World) Ha! However, with your sweet hands being so busy, we have to wait longer periods of time to hear from you, our dear friend. I miss you!!! You have touched my life in ways you will never know….ways that will echo on in the lives of my Mother, Sisters, Daughters and Girlfriends for generations. My heart is thankful for you.
I never win any thing but ya can’t win if you don’t enter, so here goes!
One of the secrets of life! 🙂
Susan, Oh how wish I had known of you when I visited your lovely isle 3 years ago but at least I can envision some of the wonder and beauty you encounter everyday there. So, do you need a teapot carrier on your queen mary voyage? I will promise not to break it and would even “be mother” and pour the afternoon tea. Hah!
That is a very lovely offer! 🙂
I am trying to fine the companys name, You named that you bought thoses beautiful bird lace curtains in a bedroom up stairs. You posted on one of your blogs. Went back through the blogs and can not find it. I think it was spring time and you posted they came and you showed how pretty they are. Want to buy them. Thanks. Keep up the great work.
I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I think they have gone out of business. A couple of years ago, I tried to find them again, put in the name I had, and nothing came up. Now I forget that name, but I think they must have gone out of business. Our loss. So sorry!
Could it have been “Country Curtains”?
It was something like “Lace World” — nothing I’d ever heard of. . . . (insert small ticking clock here) GUESS WHAT? . . . I looked again and I think I found it, it’s called Olde Worlde Lace …I put it in my address book so I never forget again!
It seems like you have the perfect life! I envy you!
I’ve been a fan of yours before I even knew you….Many, many years ago, I would purchase all your types of stationary, etc….(I’m a letter writer)….cause it was exactly like me…Years later, I began collecting your books… I SLOWLY devoured, Fine Romance…Can’t wait for your new books!
Since moving here from Charleston SC I haven’t had the opportunity to get acquainted with many people yet, so haven’t had a chance to get too many women acquainted with your books who haven’t known you yet. So far, the ones I’ve met have been thrilled with the Susan Branch books I could give away to get them started. Can’t wait to get your new book that I had pre-ordered!!! Wish my new hubby and I could join you on the Queen Mary!!! My late husband and I LOVED our voyage; many happy memories.
Hi Susan,
Please come down South on your new book tour. I would love to meet you. = ) My husband says we are true soul mates.
xoxox Alex in South Carolina
I’m really looking forward to the new book.
Thanks Susan for some bright sunshine on this rainy Sunday! Looking forward to your new book. My birthday is in September- perfect timing!
So lovely Susan!!! Really delightful in every way! I have your 2015 cal and your latest book. My sis does MVE tours and I told her to be on the lookout for you and to send my hello & gratitude for your pretty paintings, blog, books & other nice works! What a treat!!!
I bet that is a very fun job your sister has!
Hi Susan!
I have loved all your work/art for years! (I had to introduce you to my daughters years ago but now I always know that one of my Christmas gifts will be your calendar! No secret there!) Maybe this year they will have to think of something else…
I use your cookbooks constantly and have them on display, not in the cupboard with other books. One of my daughters wants these books, so if I win she will be able to at least have the “Autumn” one. (I’ll keep the signed copy!)
I also enjoy reading your blog but have never posted before. The drawing is a big incentive!
Visiting Martha’s Vineyard is on my bucket list so I really enjoy all your anecdotes and pictures.
Cheers to you & Joe!
Nice to meet you Catherine! Say hello to your girls for me!