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
It’s always a good day when one of your blog posts pops up in my Inbox! I can’t wait to receive my Willard and my copy of your new book!
Look so forward to your blog and keeping up with your new items, books, calendars, etc. The give-sways are wonderful. Hope I’m one of lucky ones Thanks
Oh, how I have missed you! I was so happy to see such a nice, long, blog post today. That’s truly the only gift I need! (Though I won’t send a prize back, should I happen to win one… No, THAT would be ungracious!) 😀
Welcome back – how exciting to be planning another trip – and to be thinking of renting a cottage… Ooooh – please go to Cornwall. After watching Poldark, we all want to see what it’s really like!
What fun you have been having. I thank you for sharing your delight art and photos. I am in love with your cats as they are amazing and so good looking. Thanks for thinking of us out here in the west (WA) we have been doing rain dances to no avail. I know that sounds strange for WA but we have had one 3 hour rain in 4 months where I am at. Enough said. I love all your posts , books, art ,etc.
Why did I wait so long to buy a Fine Romance? Just read it this year, it’s my favorite book to loan to my girlfriends now! So the promise of reading about another trip around the lush UK countryside & learning more about it’s people….sheer bliss and fuzzy anticipation. Will NOT wait so long to get your Fairy Tale Girl book, so am ‘keeping my eyes crossed’ 🙂 instead of my fingers, much more powerful! “TA” for the latest island photos & glimpses into the lives of SB+JH, always a positive, cheerful, friendly addition to my day. ♥
Welcome back girlfriend! I have really missed your blogs. Cannot wait to get your new book – plus I order copies for all my friends for Christmas and I will feel so ahead of the game when they arrive. As always you have fantastic giveaways and I would be thrilled to win any of them.
Your walks with your Joe sound lovely – my husband I and do the same thing every weekend and it great to have time just to talk about anything and everything. Glad the Queen of the house put in an appearance – I have been wondering about her. Looking forward to the Willard showing up in my inbox!
Enjoyed the Willard, thanks for the tip about Poldark… I LOVED TURN and ended up buying it on Itunes, I can’t WAIT for Downton Abby to start again, maybe I’ll watch seasons 1 thru 5 to get ready for the last season. Hope I win the book, but if not, I’ll buy one I need a fairy tale to read 🙂
Love peeking into your life. I’m especially fond of those kitties [and Jack’s sink. That’s a real beauty!]. Thanks for sharing with us……….patti
I love your blog and everything you do. Your talent is amazing. My Homemade Recipe binder is in use every day, and I think of you.
Thank you!
Roz in Texas
I really enjoy the Willard. Wishing you a happy day.
Have missed your blogs immensely!!!!! They bring that extra oomph of JOY into my day and I feel as if I’m sitting there right with you!!! Am with friends in southern CA enjoying the sunshine/Pacific Ocean for a month……………….fall will come soon enough when my husband and I return to the east coast beaches……………. Anxiously awaiting your WILLARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A Willard and a blog, Oh My! What fun!
Congratulations Susan! I cannot wait to read your book. I have really missed reading your blogs. So happy to have you back. You really cheer and inspire me so much! I can’t wait to read Willard! Thank you!!!!
I’m so happy to be getting your wonderful blog entries again (this one was typical exquisite!). And anxiously awaiting my copy of the new book! And then we may get yet another travel book in the future?? Joy, joy……
Hello! So excited to receive the new Willard. And I am anticipating the new book an news of a possible new trip to Lovely England. Thank you again for sharing your life and talent with us. It makes my day to hear from you.
xoxoxoxo Sherry
YOU WERE MISSED!!!!!
So nice to have you bring such beauty back into my days! Love it all, especially the Musica!
Thank you Sue!!
I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish of things delight! 🙂 Thank you for this opportunity – I believe in magic and am convinced they prizes will end up in exactly the hands they were meant for! Happy pre-Autumn, Susan!
Looking forward to reading your new book! Life is the best fairy tale!
Looking forward to the Willard and new book. Glad you are now able to enjoy the end of summer.
I hope to be reading one of your wonderful books on our vacation in Lake Tahoe. Thank you Susan you are a swell gal.
Thanks for the LOVELY photos!! It’s always a GREAT day when I see ‘SUSAN BRANCH BLOG’ in my Inbox!! 🙂
Thank you for two lovely reads and a chance to win more. Books to hold in my hands and reread over and over again……
What is it with those of our name? We’re always busy! Doing totally nothing is not in our nature. I blame me on my Mom. She had me on a Saturday – Saturday’s child must work for a living. Thanks Mom! Everyone else my age is planning retirement and I’m starting a business!!
=>¡<=
I am Saturday’s child too!
I love the watercolor sheet too!!!…such great creative inspiration. : )
So delighted to have your blogs again – have missed reading them!! And now that I am back in MI, it appears that fall is right around the corner. I will not miss the humidity & will welcome the cooler days, along with the trees changing colors. Wonderful picture of the Queen Kitty!!
I so love reading everything you write,as well as your beautiful illustrations. . I bought the beautifully done A Fine Romance for myself and 3 girlfriends, we all lovttted it. Looking forward to Fairy girl and to the new Island Dreams. Missed your posts,glad you’re back!
Looking forward to Willard, and to your book. Enjoyed the photos in your post (as always.) I wish we could see signs of fall here in Southern California. It’s 95 right now.
Your art and your writing, your photography and your stories, all make me feel like I have a friend. Thanks for that. Have a beautiful end of summer.
I have just discovered your blog, Susan. I spent a whole afternoon reading all of your past blog post. It is such a treasure! Thank you for sharing your wonderful life and beautiful art! I especially love the photos you share of your cats. They look like they have a great life too! I checked my local library to see if they had a copy of “A Fine Romance” and sadly they do not. I am going to put in a request that they order it. I think other people in my small Indiana town would thoroughly enjoy the book!
I love to be in libraries! I almost lived in my local library when I was a child.
Just love everything about you!! Thanks for sharing your talents and life.
Thanks for all you do!! Some day I plan to come the Martha’s Vineyard! It looks like an awesome getaway spot!! You live a life I would love to live! May God continue to bless you and Joe!!!
I can’t wait for your new book! And so excited for your latest blog and Willard.
So excited to see a new update from you Susan! We have suffered your absence but will be rewarded soon when your newest book arrives! Thanks for sharing your sweet self with us all.
I love your Willards! And today was the perfect day to hear from you again. (Second day of school and the offices are crazy!) What a great stress down for lunch. You are such a gift . . . . but it would be amazing to be selected by Vanna.
(Personally wishing summer was longer, school starts too early these days, but like you, my husband loves the fall too.) Excited to hear about your next voyage. Will you be tying in any Outlander sites on that visit?
So glad you’re back!
So happy to hear from you! Thank you for adding a bit of extra joy to my day.
Glad to hear from you! Sounds like wonderful things are brewing, plans are hatching, great expectations! You always have something terrific for us girls to look forward to. I’m dusting off my suitcase in preparation (just in case). Thanks for all the “happies. 🙂
Hurray, Susan’s back and posting on her website. What a treat to come home from work and find a new post!!! We missed you. And now we get to look forward to your new book. Soooo much fun!
So looking forward to The Fairy Tale Girl and MV Isle of Dreams!! Congratulations on completing The Fairy Tale Girl! Go Susan Go!! And, thank you so much!!
I love your kitties! I have an old boy kitty who is 14, and I just finished babysitting an adorable girl kitty named appropriately “Baby Girl”. She reminded me of a female version of Jack. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Soooo glad you’re back, Susan!
We missed you!!
Tricia in CT
So glad that you caught us up, girlfriend! Missed you. But I do think of you every day when Iook at my fairy lights in thekitchen window. Thanks for the idea! There is an ever changing collection of treasures–right now some air plants and a Einnlaf figurine I found in Japan while visiting my son and his family in June.
I drooling over your squiggles paint/sketch, so please enter me on the contest! Y suggestion is to make it into a print that we could all purchase.
Peace and love to you on the Cape. So lucky I’ve been there 3 times, but never to Martha’s Vineyard.
Jo
Your fan in Michigan
Hooray!! Sooo much going on!! I’m truly mind boggled! I can only imagine how much you are!! I love the way you are cleaning up everything and getting reorganized!! I can feel the relief in you! You are all troopers, you, Joe, the kitties, Kellee and Sherri! This is all so exciting and so inspiring.!! I’m ordering your book next Tuesday — getting in just under the wire!! I would go without lunch to own this book!!! Can’t wait to get it!! And if I win one I’ll give it to someone I know will love it. This will be an exciting autumn for you! You’ve worked so hard and steady, and you deserve it!! And Joe, too. I just know he’s been plugging away with you behind the scenes. I’ll be watching each and every move of team Susan!! Can’t wait to get Willard and to see where we are all going to end up next!! Another sailing trip across the ocean!! Doesn’t get better than that!! (Having my own little set of miracles, and can’t wait to share more of that, too, when the time is right!) Thanks again, so much for your inspiration, and this wonderful blog post!! Hope you can get that rock moved back in place!! xoxo
Waiting patiently for my Willard to arrive. I have ladybugs in my front yard, and a collection all over my house! My little people call me Grandma Ladybug. Thanks for all your latest news. You certainly deserve another sail on the QE2!
Hi Susan,
Have loved you and your books since I was young girl and “took over” my mom’s copy of Christmas from the Heart of the Home given to her by a friend. My sisters like to come to my house and point at cute things like my little sap bucket hanging on my split rail fence and say “Susan Branch lives here!” <3 The ultimate compliment! xoxo
Oh to live the New England life. You live my dream.
And the kitties……such loves.
I became a fan of yours back in the Country Living days. And your artwork has made me smile every since.
I look forward to your new calendar every year and your blog posts.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the luscious late-summer post! Can’t believe Fall is just around the corner!
What a lovely surprise….a new Willard in my email today. This made my “resting my tweaked, bad back day” soooo much better. Thank you, Susan!
So nice to read such a nice long post! Makes me long for fall, but that is a long way off in Texas!
I love your blog, always makes me happy when I read it!
Today I stopped by the library and noticed your autumn cookbook which I haven’t seen before. I decided to look it up online which lead me here! My mom who has since passed used to make desserts from your sweets to the sweet book. I love how your illustrations bring me joy and encourage me to whip something up that will be absolutely delicious. I’ll be joining your newsletter, your posts are so cheery. Thank you for the chance!
Xoxo Jennifer
So looking forwards to a trip to Scotland;) and to my Willard, which is surely on its way to Norway already! Happy days, now, at the end of summer.
Welcome back to Blogland, Susan! Loved your post, with all the details of your own Fairytale Life…I hope we’ll being seeing them more frequently now that things are getting back to normal for you. Thanks for the opportunity to win a little treat! Have a great day…M
Well, I got out that iced coffee and sat down and had a nice visit with you this afternoon. I have enjoyed the tour of your area so very much and only wish you could come sit on my dock and put your feet in the water and enjoy my view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Can’t wait to get my calendar and start making it my own. I’ve enjoyed summer, don’t get me wrong, but I’m so ready for October. It’s my very favorite color. Enjoyed every single photo of your fur baby too!
Oh my gosh! So many things to be excited about! The Willard, the giveaways, the bookmark, it’s almost overwhelming! I always look forward to your blog posts, especially the photographs. We’ve had quite a difficult month with family members being ill and hospitalized. What a delight to see your new post in my email today! Definitely lifted my spirits! Thanks so much.
The music says TWO HOURS of Big Band ~ Love it! So I let it play on as I read your wonder (as usual) blog. It reminds me of my mom and dad dancing around the living room as the radio played and me sitting on the upstairs steps so happy to watch them. BTW, that pink sky picture is delicious ~ my kind of picture. Why do I always think about food when I read your blog? So Dear Heart throw my name into the pool so I’ll have a chance to fly into Vanna’s little hands when she does her deep sea dive. Jersey Hugs……..
I just discovered your blog the other day and have just received my first Willard. I have had several of your cook books (we all know they are so much more than that) for many years. I think I found the first one while living in Massachusetts and immediately identified with you as I was also a transplanted Californian. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes, decor and holiday ideas. I look forward to your new books and the next Willard. Have a great rest of the summer!
I love the night sky too! Your picture was beautiful.
What a delightful post about your summer! Reading it beside my empty tea cup and enjoying both the tea and the post. If only a scone or two had made an appearance, it would have been simply divine.
I just preordered your book! So lovely to read your blog again and hear your joy in your life. Isn’t this a delicious time of year- slipping slowly into fall: our geese are flying and we have a few patches of yellow leaves but summer peaches are here and one more family visit! Pure heaven: a new book coming, a Susan blog and a bit more of summer with fall dancing behind it!
I saved one for the morning read and one for the afternoon. Would love to have you stop in Holland Michigan at Reader’s World for a booksigning. In May it is Tulip Time! You would love it!!
Hi Susan! What a joy to come home from work to a new blog post from you! I’m so looking forward to the fall too, and your blog always helps with that anticipation. Congrats on finishing the book(s)….can’t wait to read them 🙂
Kelly from eastern PA
Thank you for your wonderful post, Susan! You’ve inspired me to give my own little Beatrix Potter people a summer bath! My BP people line a windowsill in my guest room nestled in among some David Winter English cottages. My little tribute to Beatrix and my love of all things England! Though I’ve never been to England, I do so hope to visit one day. Thanks for taking us with you in A Fine Romance! I am so happy to see that you are planning another Queen Mary 2 trip to England! That is such wonderful news!! That is how I’d love to travel to England one day! So looking forward to The Fairy Tale Girl and your new calendars!! Very excited for a new Willard, too! Thanks!!! xoxo
Hugs,
Sue
Susan,
Your posts are always uplifting and inspiring. Your kitties are the cutest. Our Maggie (gone about 2 years now) looked very much Miss Kitty. The nature that surrounds your lovely island always leaves me longing to live someplace along the eastern seaboard.
I hope I win, but either way, I’ll definitely be buying your book.
xo,
Karen
Oh, how lovely and how my heart is warmed with the thought of new expectations, for a new school year is a ‘new year’ in many people’s lives. Fall is my favorite time of year, and I’m sure I’m not alone. I so look forward to the new art, inspirational quotes in your recent publications– something to look forward to all along. You make it wonder-filled and wonderful for everyone.
Kindest regard,
Paula
You have such a great blog. Love the pictures AND your words. I looked back at the coleslaw recipe, which also showed your kitchen project. I love the idea you had to buy a child’s chair, to use for a “boost-up” instead of a step stool. I would like to find one! Thanks for all you share with us!
I bought it at an unfinished furniture store in the 70s and painted it red in my driveway. Still have it.
Loved reading your update! Keep them coming.
Please, please, please enter me in your giveaway, Susan! I’d love to win treasure from you! 🙂 I can hardly wait to hear about your next adventure in England. I spent some time in Cornwall earlier this year, and it was absolutely magical.
So good to hear from you. Looking forward to Willard and your new book. You always remind me to stop and smell the roses.
Hi Susan!
Thanks for the chance to win! Can’t wait til the new book arrives!
Terry in Iowa
Can’t see where you go on your next England trip! Are you thinking of pairing it with another book? Very excited for your next one to come out!!
Hello Susan!
Glad you are finally done working and able to enjoy some Summertime activities!
I am enjoying reading your Fine Romance book. A gift to me from me for my Birthday. Was I the last person on earth to purchase it?
Love from,
Another Susan
I am eagerly awaiting my Willard. Loved the Potter people’s bath and the home grown roses. One of the best smells ever!
Oh goodness. . . my heart is aflutter!! Soon we’ll have another delicious “Girlfriends” book to devour!! Can’t wait to read all the magic that awaits.
And this blog post was just like getting a letter from a dear friend…which you are, you know!! Thank’s Susan for painting our world with sunshine, sea air, and all the lovliness that life has to offer!
Nice to see you back, Susan! I can’t believe that picture of the starry sky….I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sky that full of stars!
The clean figurines are cute, but the ROSES are magnificent! Ah! For the smell of a back yard rose!
My sister gave me a copy of her beloved A Fine Romance and I just finished it as inspiration for a girls trip to England. We won’t be able to walk and travel to all those wonderful places that you did, but it is so much fun to dream about.
Thanks to your wonderful book, it’s almost as much fun as being there.
Susan… I forgot to add a book title for you to add to your reading list now that you have some time for reading. “All the Light We Cannot See” It’s beautiful.
Always a wonderful surprise pleasure to find your blog waiting in my email.
Thank you for sharing.
You are back with us and fall is on the way!!! All is right with our little piece of the world.
Thank goodness you are back, I have missed your visits. My girlfriends and I are going to England in Sept., we were inspired by you, we cannot wait. I will let you know how our visit went by the end of Sept.
Your emails always brighten my day. I love your books!
Your blog is the only one where I feel like I stopped and had a cup of tea and relaxed and took a break when I read it. It’s a visual delight and a joy to read. Thanks for sharing with us!
Please pick me!! Sending peace & joy from me to you!
I have missed you this summer–so happy to have you back–if you go back to England, can we all go too??
Hello Susan, I am almost finished threading A Fine Romance and will be so sad when it is finished that I believe that I will re read it immediately! What a treasure! I am loving everything about your Willards and Blog and recipes…thank you for sharing so beautifully and personally. xxoo
Dear Susan–Thank you for being you and for the joy that you bring to us through everything that you do…heartfelt congrats on getting the book(s) off to the printer!
So good to have you back after a long wait – worth it, but still welcome back:)
Congratulations on your new books. Lucky us. Have my pencil poised on the calendar waiting to hear about Stourhead. Ever grateful, Toni
Hi Susan, have read “A Fine Romance” twice, now can hardly wait to get my hands on “The Fairy Tale Girl.” It will have so much of you in it! Anxious, Anxious!
Dear Susan,
So nice to have you back! I’m very excited about your new book and the possibility of you taking another trip! Thank you for sharing your life, philosophy and photos with us. By the way I will be coming to Martha’s Vineyard in October, and the good news is the the sniffing dogs will be nowhere in sight!
Barbara
Love you, Susan Branch! Can’t wait to read the new book.
Susan,thank you for the ahh moment and the mini vacation. I hope you do get you next special cruise!!!!
Loved today’s blog. I am so ready for autumn. Here in Texas there is yet to be any break in the heat. However, a thundershower is predicted for tomorrow. I am keeping my fingers crossed!! Have a wonderful evening.
What a joy to read your post today! I’m looking forward to receiving Willard and your new book! School began today here in Charleston, IL, but it is still summer, very hot! Hope you enjoy these August days and thank your for your generosity!
Hope you can enjoy the rest of your summer now that your deadlines are met. Looking so forward to reading your new book.
My husband fulfilled 2 wishes of mine….a leisurely trip through England and Nantucket. But after following your blog and reading over all the Willards…even my paper ones, I must add Martha’s Vineyard to my list! I so enjoy reading all the updates and look forward to reading your new book. Thank you, Susan
I came in from this 90’s degree weather with a somewhat cranky three year old. I have to admit I was cranky too. I got to dive into your newsletter and felt a bit more like myself.
I think you and Joe should travel in the fall. It must be beautiful to see England around that time.
Sending you much love, Susan.
PS. I can see the stirrings of Autumn with a few falling leaves. My son loves to pick them up and run around with them.
Thank you for a lovely respite on this Tuesday afternoon. I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new book – and I am one of the lucky ones to receive it quickly since I live so close to the ship point:) How exciting – preparing a new adventure on the QEII…can’t wait to go on another trip with you two! Oh happy day!
I loved your Willard, so fun. So glad to see you are free and enjoying the rest of summer, even enjoying your cleaning:). Love the pictures of your flowers and kitties and I love fall also. I would love to win, but really I am so looking forward to receiving your new book. And a trip to look forward to also. I loved going to England via your blog! Thank you Susan for all you do to brighten our days!
I can’t wait for the fairy tale!