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
Hello, Hello, it is so peaceful to visit here and I love seeing the kitties and the scenery there where you are and hearing of your adventures…..now to catch p on some of the ones I’ve missed.
Mama Bear
‘Love your Blog. I’ve been a fan of yours for several years, and met you in person about 2 years ago in Hudson, OH, at the Learned Owl Bookstore. Our birthdays are very close. Mine is 4-11-46, and yours, I believe, is 4-12-47! Sure hope I win your latest giveaway!
It was wonderful to see that you have a blog post up, while I am waiting for my Willard. You sound so happy in this post! What an accomplishment to have written another book, Susan. I can’t wait to get my autographed copy and start reading! And then, you announce that “we” are going on another trip – be still my heart 😉 It is so generous of you, and Joe, to take your fans along with you. Have fun planning it!
I just love reading your Willard. Your writing just takes me away. Thank you for all you do for all your girlfriends. Can’t wait to read your new book.
Warm regards,
Gail
Love your book A Fine Romance I’ve read it twice still love picking it up and looking at the wonderful pictures I felt like I was with you! So lovely! Can’t wait for The Fairy Tale Girl!
Good Morning, Ms. Susan. What a wonderful post, with wonderful photos, wonderful words, and wonderful give-aways. Your are just the best! I’m so glad for you that TFTG is finished and you have your life back. And, shame on me for asking for the possible published date for MV-IOD. We just can’t get enough!!
And, while I have your undivided attention, let me recommend the movie Mr. Holmes. It’s wonderful too….from the acting to attention to details of post WWII, such beautiful settings, city and country side. And, the wonderful British accents. May you and Joe enjoy the last days of summer and into your favorite time of year…autumn.
One last question….where will you next over seas trip be….Scotland?
Thanks for all that you do for us. Love, Rachel
Hi Rachel! Undivided attention! You have it! Going to look for Mr. Holmes! Thank you! MV, Isle of Dreams is slated for Mother’s Day 2016 … though for our Girlfriends, I think we will have it early April. If I do everything right! I’ve decided to keep the particulars of the trip a secret so it will be a surprise, but yes, I do believe Scotland is in the picture!
I was so excited when you came to Kansas for your book tour..the best was getting to talk & get my photo taken with you…Hope you return again,looking forward to Willard & your new book…
Nice to hear from you Rose! xoxo
Wonderful pic of Girl Kitty 🙂
Great read ~~super pics~~and just fantastic ”give~a~way(s)”…makes ones day just to be a Friend along with so many girlfriends… smiles and sparkles to all !!!
I have already won one of your new books but giveaways #2 and #3 sound just fabulous!!
Yes I know you did Miss Jean . . . it will be coming soon!
Thank you for our wonderful “Willard” !!! I know you have been extremely busy with your new book so thank you for taking the time to send us our gift of “Willard”. Enjoy your amazing fairy tale life Susan. Hugs, Carol
You always amaze me with your enthusiasm for life! You accomplish so much in the same 24 hours we all share each day! Be well and enjoy planning your next adventure!
Can’t wait to get the new Willard……My friends husband was one of your
Secret Service wanders : )
I have to say, they couldn’t be sweeter!
Oh how exciting! All new Willard in the mail! Yippee! And a wonderful L O N G blog as well….thank you sweet Sue!
So good to catch up on all your latest news! I’ve missed your wonderful sunshiny outlook on life. I can’t wait to receive my Willard and so excited for the new book! It sounds just like something I would love to read. All the best to you, Joe and the kitties!
All such good news here all the time! I am throwing my summer sunbonnet into the ring in hopes of winning one of your wonderful prizes!
I love the watercolor sheet!!
Congratulations on your new found freedom. Loved the LONG blog as an update on all you are doing!
xox
Especially today, I needed the smile that your blogs always bring to my face. Thank you!
Thanks, Susan, for another wonderful post! It’s wonderful to have you back with us!
What a wonderful post! I am awaiting the delivery of your new book, and I am anxious.
It’s so nice to look at your beautiful photos and drawings.
I so look forward to your newsletter Susan. It just cheers me right up! Love seeing your kitties , Jack & Girl Kitty <3 I can`t wait to see your new book! Enjoy the rest of this sweet , delicious summer! 🙂
Missed your blogs, Susan. Glad to have you back again and your beautiful photos, paintings and words. Looking forward to the new book.
Your blog is the cat’s pajamas ’cause it’s a soothing, beautiful balm for your readers. I’d treasure forever one of your giveaways !!!
So looking forward to your new book, having just finished A Fine Romance and thoroughly enjoyed it…there is something to be said about looking at drawings and photos while reading about them at the same time. It must stem back to my childhood…..
I have no doubt, our favorite books came with pictures and stories. I don’t think we forget that. xoxo
I can’t wait for your next book…my grandchildren and I have been making fairy houses…we started at their spring break when we gathered supplies from nature while taking walks…we made more outdoor fairy houses and a gnome home for only grandson James when the grands visited in July…we’ve been reading lots of fairy books so of course I can’t wait for Fairy Tale Girl…enjoy every single minute of the rest of summer…there is a hint of fall here in Michigan…the sky has a different look and the maple leaves are beginning to show red leaves…
I can’t decided which part of the blog I like the best. Love the photo of Joe and Jack, Jack with yellow balloon, and the first rose pic. I guess this is the reason your blog is my favorite ! Thanks Susan!
Dear Susan, It is so good having you back on the Blog!!! So proud of you finishing your book!!! I have truly missed your everyday appreciation of things!!! You inspire me to just look around and notice the beautiful things right under my nose!!! Thankyou Dear Susan, you are a gift!!! Fondly, Kim D. from Dublin, OH
How lovely to hear from you and to see that you are enjoying the rest of your summer. Can’t wait to see who will win the giveaways! In the meantime, I think I must go and make some gazpacho!
So happy you’re able to get back to enjoying summer! And looking forward to getting my Willard! <3
Hello Susan! Wonderful to have you back, I’ve missed reading your longer posts. Would love to win, I hope my name is picked! 🙂
It’s wonderful to see you back to your blog, relaxed and happy. Can’t wait for the new book to arrive. I’m really loving those pink flowers on the gorgeous cover. And what a thrill to see that you and Joe are thinking of another trip to England. I think the fall would be a nice time of year to visit. Hopefully not much rain, but lots of green fields and perhaps some fall foliage.
It’s been very dry here on the west coast (British Columbia) with lots of forest fires and bad air quality. There is, so far, no rain in the forecast and so the fires rage on, and many people have been displaced and lost everything.
Anyway, your roses are beautiful and so are the kitties. Thanks for the wonderful giveaways you’ve posted. So generous of you.
I am so excited to hear “we” might be going back to England! Can’t wait to see the new book also. And the thought of fall makes my heart sing!
Susan,
Loved the blog and so glad that you are enjoying the last days of summer. Your roses are beautiful…..even though we are in a drought out here California….my roses are doing quite well…not as many..but the ones that do come up are sturdy and smell so great. I cut about 10 different yellow ones and put them in a brown glass humadore (sp) from around the early 1920’s….. from my Aunt Agatha’s treasures….it looks like fall is right around the corner…also some of the leaves from our liquid Ambers are starting to fall. Which can only mean…YOUR BOOK WILL BE HERE SOON. Also so happy that you are planning another trip….you both so deserve it. Love, Susan P.
what is it about kitties? I cannot live without them!
Thank you for such a delightful post! Actually all of your posts seem delightful to me – but I love how your posts include your artwork, candid snaps from your life – the flowers, the kitties, your world there on Martha’s Vineyard, and all the newsy bits that make for a pleasant interlude with a cup of tea or coffee and a visit with you! You’ve just finished a significantly large creative endeavor and yet you made the time to create another “masterpiece” to share with us! Thank you ever so much! Know that you are greatly appreciated! You are a blessing to us and we pray you are greatly blessed in return! xoxoxo
I feel appreciated, thank you so much Rebecca, it means so much to me. xoxo
I’ve been doing quite a bit of counting my blessings lately and it makes for much happier days! So good to see the kitties! I always think of my two waiting at home for me when I see Jack and Girl Kitty! Who was it that said a home isn’t complete without cats and books? Whoever it was they are spot on!
Excited for another possible trip for ‘us!’ Can’t wait to see the new book!
Thank you for elevating the bits of ordinary daily life to gallery-size works of art. Your romanticized viewpoint helps strike a much-needed balance in this crazy world!!! Enjoy the rest of your summer on the island.
It’s the little things that make life sweet! 🙂 Thank you Carol!
What a way to start the day, Willard, Musica, a cuppa tea and thee. Thank you
Glad you are back!!!
I did include my email address and name, what did I miss that it won’t post?
Help!
Just needed a boost from me!
Hello Susan! Thank you for the simply beautiful pictures! Yes, I love corn on the cob too, and it’s beyond description this year…Your rose pictures is breathtaking, I love it..
I haven’t gotten the Willard yet, but am anticipating it soon, I love to take my time and read them. Your starry sky picture is so pretty, and I always connect August with the best of starry starry skies.
Thank you for the chance at the giveaways! (yes, I see a few red leaves on the burning bush in my yard, and the nights are becoming a bit shorter…love autumn)!!
Looking forward to your new book and reading with a cup of tea in a Emma Bridgewater mug.
My days are complete now that Susan is up and running again. We missed you but are thrilled with your successes. Can’t wait to read The Fairy Tale Girl!
Love your artwork. Look forward to reading more blogs. Just discovered it!
It’s so hot and dry here in Texas right now but your beautiful pictures of your island life really make me feel like relief is on the way. Can’t wait for fall! And I would love to win your new book!
Just discovered your blog. A fun read!
It’s good to see Williard again. Can’t wait to read your book. Thank you for always sharing and taking us away to someplace magical.
Can’t wait for Isle of Dreams to come out – AND!!! – you’ll have to do a NEW book for your upcoming trip to England and Scotland! Woo-hoo! No pressure or anything – but you, know … LOVE you – adore your books!!!
SO good to have you back for a ‘regular’ post. It seems like it’s been an age! Although I doubt you meant it would be THAT soon, the perfect time for Scotland is supposed to be September. 🙂 I get my information from Rosamunde Pilcher’s novel ‘September.’ I’m not much of a novel person, but there are a few of hers that I love. My favorite is ‘Winter Solstice.’ Have you ever read her books? I digress. I am THRILLED at the prospect of another cruise and trip through England……. and Scotland this time? You DID mention a possible detour to the north of the border at one point?
Looking forward to getting your new book. Your work always makes me smile. Thank you so much.
Kindly,
Pam
thank you, Susan, for being so generous with your talents. Nice to see you gardening, cooking , and getting out and about again. Would love to win a giveaway, but am content to patiently wait for your new book.
Happy summer,
Suzi
I loved A Fine Romance so much, and I can’t imagine anything topping it, but I’m sure Fairy Tale Girl will do the job nicely. Blessings to you.
I want the scratch paper! What a treasure that would be. Has everyone seen the little teases for Downton Abbey that are out? My husband sent me a link, he’s a secret fan. On PBS I think.
Put Dorsey and Sinatra on Spotify so I had them for background while reading your whole blog. Loved the cat pictures especially the back view of Jack. Aren’t cats funny and finicky about what and where they eat and drink?
So looking forward to the fairy tale book.
Another trip to England, wow can’t wait for the blogs and then the book to follow!!
Susan “Welcome Back” I missed you! First thing every morning I go to my
computer and go to your blog. Its a daily ritual for me. I was over joyed to
see you back and I could not wait to read every word and see every photo
the photos are beautiful as usual and I wanted to take a bite of that mouth watering corn in the cob. Looks Yummy. Can’t wait for the new book. Kitties
are adorable as always.
I always love it when you have a new post up. Just like having a chat and hearing stories from an old friend. So looking forward to the new book!!
I love that you are planting flowers in August. That makes me so happy. Love the starry sky picture, the sudsy Mrs. Rabbit, and Jack waiting at the screen door for you. Bliss.
This post reminds me of something you wrote last year in August. It’s called “window of opportunity”. I love it so much I wrote it out and taped it up on my wall. “So, the window is still open, but barely, this is the fleeting moment, the five-minute opening in summer when the peaches are ripe and juicy, the plums are red and dripping, the cantaloupe is sweet and melts in your mouth…”. Ahhh!!!! Did you write this? This is incredible! Please hand-letter this and illustrate it and sign it and then we can all print it out and elevate it to frameable wall status. This is poetry at its best. seriously.
You are so sweet, and making me remember, that window is open right this moment!
Susan! You have been so busy! And … planning another trip on the Queen Mary! Did you read that one of the crew member’s of the Q.M. was presumed dead? He must have fallen over board. Please be careful, you and Joe!
I just ordered my 2016 calendar last week along with the pocket/purse calendar. I can hardly wait until they arrive. Thank you for all the delight that you provide us.
Love, EJC
Just finished reading the latest Willard. It always relaxes me to read your beautiful words and see the peaceful photos and your lovely artwork. Awww, bliss! So looking forward to the new book!
I just received my 2016 wall calendar and now Willard is on the way! I’m one happy camper YIPPEE!!!! I’m so looking forward to reading your new book. Thank-you for all that you do and for always leaving me with a smile on my face! Have a wonderful day 🙂
Have to say, you bring cheer & happiness to me every post. You lift my spirits with your words and joy of life. Thanks for that! Big prayers for those out west, that beautiful countryside being devastated, along with lives being in jeopardy. My thoughts are with all. Bless the firefighters risking their lives, and their loved ones who worry.
Again, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Joe!
So happy that your book is on its way! Last week I found two Gladys Tabor books at an antique store, how fun. Fall is coming and I love that it is.
Hello Darling Susan!
What a wonderful feeling to have a delightful burden lifted from you and say “Hallelujah!- it’s finished!”, I am filled with joy for you!
After this long, lost summer of Rick’s broken leg, we are re-planning a trip to England in 2016 too- it would be oh SO WONDERFUL to time it with your book-signing over there. I’m putting it out to the universe for that to happen. Got to grab the silver out of the clouds!
Jack is so like our Poirot- who we call “Mr. Charming Pants” and can scarcely contain our love for him. Sometimes I have to stop myself from squeezing the stuffing out of him. Miss Marple is our Queen too and beautiful and lovely, but there is just something about a little stout black and white cat with a mustache- whose personality oozes out of every pore and who comes and lays a little paw on your hand while you are working to say “come play with me” which melts your heart into a little puddle of happy goo. We are so lucky- we have rabbit’s feet wearing lucky horse shoes!
Go garden and clean and polish your nest- you deserve it and every good thing.
Autumn with come and settle itself about you like a comfy quilt but glean the last few drops of golden from the summer while you can!
Love to you, Joe, the kits and all the great girlfriends out there!
xxooxx
I’m so excited for The Fairy Tale Girl! And, though I know you’ve been working very hard to get it complete, I’m super excited to have you and the blog back! It always makes my day when I see a new post 🙂 I’ll keep my fingers crossed that the next Queen Mary 2 trip happens, because I want to go along for the ride, as well!
If you’re going to Scotland, you MUST go in the fall, when the midges are fewer and the heather is in its second bloom! Be sure to bring home (or mail it home ahead in case they try to take it away from you in customs!) a sprig of white heather – brides put it in their bouquets for good luck! But, whenever and wherever you go, just don’t forget to take us with you! (Maybe one of these days you can run a Susan Branch Tour of England/Scotland/Wales. I can guarantee it would be sold out! You might have to make it an annual event!!)
I might forget something, but it wouldn’t be you!
ohhh Jack and Girl! Love them so! And what a giveaway!! Maybe this time I’ll actually win something…..!
I am waiting like Christmas for Fairy Tale Girl to grace my mailbox, tooooooooo!!!!!
Good afternoon!
Seeing your blog post in my email box this morning was getting a letter from a dear friend. It was nice to hear what you have been doing and see what your fur babies are up to! My life is no where near as exciting as yours. It’s been a long difficult year since my mom passed away last summer. But I feel as if things are starting to look up a tiny bit. Enjoy the rest of summer and I too am looking forward to autumn, my favorite season of the year! Take care.
Takes a while I’m sure, wishing you all the best, Cindy. xoxo
Oh what a wonderful, happy day – a new blog post AND a new Willard! We are in heaven! And the opportunity to win anything from you, Sweet Sue, is waaay better the the lottery! Enjoy the beautiful summer!
Oh those stars from your house! Wow! I don’t see them here in L.A. Wow!
What a wonderful new wallpaper design! Will put it in place after finishing this note. A new blog and a new Willard and it was like a small promise of Fall here in Southern CA where it is still HOT! Just hung my birthday president print of Walt Disney’s 1955 Disneyland Opening Day speech, “Joy and Inspiration” in the hallway where Walt talks about “Ideals, Dreams and Hard Facts”. Kinda like a new Susan Branch blog. The giveaways will certainly bring joy and inspiration to 3 girlfriends. Keeping fingers crossed!
Oh, I am giddy with this new update..all these giveaways!! Very exciting. Looking forward to the new calendars..I may have to buy some extras as I just learned to make my own envelopes and used the sheets from 2015 to make some glorious ones. Thanks Susan! Happy August! Congratulations on finishing the book.
Your blog is a ray of sunshine to me…the artwork fills my heart with joy. Simple pleasures are the best kind, and Susan you provide this for us all. Thank you for sharing your talents and bringing joy to us all.
I loved A Fine Romance and am very much looking forward to the new books.
And, I can’t wait to go back to England with you again!
Your WILLARD has been the high-point of my morning! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. Such a treat!!
Love visiting with you and seeing whats new and also the old. I so look forward to the new book. it is exciting, the anticipation! Thanks for the updates!
I just finished reading Willard. You’ve inspired me to have not just a good day, but a day full of gratefulness for all of the lovely details of life.
Reading your posts and Willards is so delightful. I think going to England in the fall is a wonderful idea. I want to come too!
I love the kitty pictures!!! They always make me smile.
Susan you are such treasure and inspiration to all the girlfriends. I love that you are so willing to share so much of your beautiful life with us, Joe, the kitties, your home and your flowers and walks to the water. I pray that you will now get a chance to relax and enjoy the rest of the summer as it transitions into your special time, AUTUMN. I am waiting impatiently for my copy of FTG.
It is like Christmas in August.
Marian
Missed Willard over the past few months. Made my day
Hi – Please sign me up for the drawing. 🙂
Love seeing a new Willard and the pictures of the island are beautiful. If only…. still the hot weather of Northern California and still in a drought.
Can’t wait for your new calendars and BOOK!! Excitement abounds! A good read is something to celebrate. Please go on the QE2 in the fall. And then again go again NEXT summer. That way you’ll have the best of 2 seasons in England. I’m sure you’d love that:)
Dear Susan,
As usual, what a delightful post. You always seem to leave us with a sense of awe, appreciation and inspiration. I’m a transplanted New Englander (lived for 20 years in upstate NY and Vermont) and although I’m now in the south, everything New England sings to me through you. (I love old houses, old dishes, pressed glass, etc.) I just found your blog earlier this year (with the wonderfully addictive Downtown Abbey posts) and as I continue to ‘dig’ around on your site, I constantly find so many jewels. Thank you for your constant enthusiasm for life and all the special things that you share with us.
We have a bumper crop of figs in our yard this summer and there was nothing to do but make a pie. Pure innovation by my talented hubby and tweaked by me – added some sliced seedless red grapes for extra sweetness and texture. (They make grape pie in the Finger Lakes so why not add them?) Another favorite is a fig appetizer; cut an X into the neck, stuff with gorgonzola, wrap with thin strips of prosciutto and warm in the oven until the cheese melts – Yum! I hope I’ve inspired you ~
If you go to England twice, you’re planning won’t be wasted.
Hi Susan and Friends, love dropping by here~ actually my “home page” automatically brings me here so that I don’t miss anything…like a Trio of Goodness, being given away? OH MY! Enjoy what’s left of summer! 🙂
Susan and Joe,
Thank you for glimpses of your tenderness and love for each other as you stroll together on your daily walk through the woods. There is magic between you and a sweet togetherness that is inspirational. May you always continue your “walkie-talkie” time. Love from Missouri!
Thank you … we do feel lucky!
What a wonderful blog! I thoroughly enjoyed all the much-missed news and lovely kitty photos. Hope that you have time now to relax and enjoy the last days of summer.
Yayyy! Every single word, photo and drawing in this post were so worth the wait. You’ve been so busy it makes me think we should all takes naps for you! So….are you tossing around the idea of another book tour? Will you be winding your way around a different part of England next trip? Can you find a way to make Girl and Jack stowaways? Can you get that rock moved back for the terns? Are you back with us for a while? I’m really getting excited about reading the new book. Oh…and is it really two books and if so, how long do we have to wait for the second one?
So full of questions!
Chris in Florida
I’m working on the rock and on the book tour. I’m back with you for as long as possible. It’s really two books, the second will come next Mother’s Day, but to our Girlfriends, April. xoxo
Your posts always make me happy and a plan to get going myself to happiness! Thank you
So good to hear from you. And I’m so looking forward to the new book. Thank you for the enjoyment you give me!
So happy to hear from you. Oh how I wish to live where you do. Your kitties are precious. Can’t wait for your new book to be available! You inspire me so much, I love to draw and write, doodle and tell stories, I just never make or find the time. One day soon I hope!
So happy that you are back! I’ve missed your blogs – haven’t we all?
Such a lovely blog post with lovely pictures. Your new book sounds wonderful and I’d love to be in the draw! Thank you! 😉
Thrilled to see that you also enjoy Hobson’s Choice! My brother is the only other person that I’ve known who knew what I was talking about when I said it was a great movie.
Susan, You mentioned the Queen Mary 2, well, in a few weeks my husband and I are leaving for a trip which will take us to the UK, France, Germany, France again and then we’ll board the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton for a leisurely trip back to New York. I just recently signed up to receive your blog and I absolutely love it. What took me so long?? Sure would love to be one of the lucky winners of your fab give-away.
Susan,
Love reading your blog. always makes me happy and energized to work on projects.
Great to hear from you now that the book is done. I can’t wait to get mine. 🙂
So excited for your new book! And jealous of your possible return to England!