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
I think of you every time I see them talking about Downton Abbey. The last season! What will we do?
Thank you for the new post…so fun reading about all and seeing the pics! I was in a funk because my Granddaughters and daughter…visiting from NH left today (I’m in Montana) and you made things “all better”! Thanks Susan…
Dear Susan,
So happy to have you back on the blog! I missed you terribly, but am so looking forward to reading your latest “Fairy Tale Girl.”
Enjoy these last weeks of Summer and the lovely Autumn to come!
Best wishes from Cheryl in Western New York!
P.S. I do so hope you have the chance to visit Scotland on your next trip across the pond. It is a breathtaking and stunningly beautiful country with the warmest people you could imagine. My husband and I spent our honeymoon there and hope to one day return.
What a perfect, evocative image of summer: white wicker furniture on the porch, fresh roses in the vase, and a kitty cat looking through the screen door! You can hear the crickets and feel the ocean breeze just looking at the peaceful scene, which is what this unhappily transplanted Cape Codder needs right now in the Texas heat!! Bless you for capturing the essence of summer!
I like to watch Poldark too ! What did you think of the season finale??
I’m enjoying my very first “Willard” Thank you, Thank you!!
I have followed you and purchased your books for years. Thank-you for continuing to do what is so wonderful for the rest of us to read and treasure.
Thanx for the lovely post and the genetous give a ways…please, Vanna, pick me!
Just received my Willard. I use to receive them by snail mail and didn’t know I could receive them by email until I found you blog. I’m addicted now, I check the blog and facebook everyday.
Thank you, Susan Branch for sharing all the fun and wonderment you are experiencing now.
Love, kay
I love, love, love getting your Willard, blog, free stuff!!! I love reading all of the comments from your girlfriends, your dad and you!!! Thank you for all that you do but most of all, thank you for YOU!!!!
Susan, Thank you for a pleasant time this VERY warm afternoon. Love you blog and facebook page too. It brightens my day.
Warmly, Viola
Oh, I so hope I win the Fairy Tale book. It looks wonderful!
Have read your A Fine Romance 3 times! Sure hope I win one of the new ones!
Karen
I just received my very first Willard- thank you!!! It came just at a moment when I needed to decompress a little bit. 🙂
Thank you for the ray of sunshine your Blog/Willard brings to me! I look forward to each one and enjoy all the beautiful pictures and of course Girl Kitty and Jack! It has been fun hearing about your newest book…Whew! it’s a long process for you but total enjoyment for all of us once it’s published! Thank you for all the joy you share.
Eagerly waiting for MY Willard to come! I love it so much.
And also, keeping my fingers crossed that I am one of the lucky winners of your generous giveaway.
Diane in North Carolina
Susan, thank you so much! You always make me feel so happy when I read your blog. I love your watercolors and kitties! Your home is charming! You are an inspiration to me through your kindness, appreciation of beauty, and love of life!
How I’d love to be on the coast right now enjoying those salt water breezes and just watching those mesmerizing waves rolling up to shore……….so ready for fall weather in Texas. Loved reading your travel journal when you were in England last time and know if/when you make your next journey, it will not disappoint!
Oh Susan … Can’t wait for the arrival of your new book and 2016 calendar! I’ve journeyed with you since you started to write and get more excited with each new blog, Willard, book, etc. that comes along. You and your fans are sistas of the heart and soul! We’re your encouragers and cheerleaders! Looking forward to traveling with you via your blog on your next trip. Rest, relax, recoup and gear up for pumpkin season right around the corner! Kudos for a job very well done! Cheeryo girlfriend! Wendy xoxox
Susan,
Love the “starry night” photo; having a cup of tea (or two) while reading the blog post, as well as Willard! What a wonderful way to spend my somewhat rainy afternoon. Thank you for the wonderful sharing of your life!
Ann
We can just hear the joy in your words, Susan!! So happy that you are making Summer magic every day now. There are still plenty of summer days ahead! I’m so looking forward to Willard arriving in my inbox and The Fairy Tale Girl popping into my mailbox. It won’t be long now!! A whole new fairy tale is on the horizon… and we couldn’t be happier for you and Joe (and us!). ♡
Sending summer smiles!
Love,
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
Hooray, you’re back good and proper! So many nice things covered in your post. Flowers, kitties, pretty apple cores, gorgeous night skies, and a lovely photo of Joe. He’s gorgeous too 🙂
So grateful and happy you’re back with all the wonderful news! All of it makes me smile and feel happy, but oh THE news telling you may be sailing the sea again to England. This news really makes me happy and smilely! I read A Fine Romance over and over and over…..so you understand my anticipation.
It’s wonderful hearing from you and your Presidential adventures. My summer has not been the same without your lovely posts, but I am very excited to get my copy of The Fairy Tale Girl soon, so your absence is completely excused this time!
Another beautiful post! That Jack is so adorable and the photo of Girl at the end is gorgeous! I don’t know how people make it without pets – ours are the center of our homes, they make it a home – three dogs, two cats, and this year four chickens, though those are making the yard a homey place. I cannot wait to read The Fairy Tale Girl! Or to get a new calendar. We are so enjoying ours this year. And I am glad you are setting out again for dear old England so I can do another armchair trip – it’s the only kind this single mom can afford! I still linger through the pages of the book from your last trip and dream, as does my travel hungry daughter. She is from China but I have anglocized her so much that she wants to go to the UK more than to China for a visit! Most of the TV shows we watch are from the UK – Downton Abbey of course and Sherlock but also we have Acorn TV and watch many shows from there. Midsomer Murders anyone? Luther, The Fall, Miranda, Call the Midwife, a new one that was good – Chasing Rainbows, Lewis, Vera, on and on. I love them!
Thank you for the giveaways and for sharing your beautiful fairy-tale life. It always brightens up my day and gives me wonderful daydreams.
Dear Susan, I could go on and on rambling about how very good it is to ‘have you back,’ but sufficeth to say: I’ve missed you and yours, and look forward to my own copy of Fairy Tale Girl. The giveaways are icing on the cake!
Thank you for the opportunity to win! I would love to win anything!
Hi Susan,
I am glad that you are back! I missed you….
It is fun to fuss around the house. You call it Domesticity City – I call it Puttering. I love to appreciate my house and enjoy it, organizing and cleaning and making little happy places. Making Happy!
I love your stuff. Every Christmas I ask for some Susan Branch calendars and books. Your illustrations make me feel wonderful.
Hi Susan!
Such a wonderful feeling reading a new blog again! You have a beautiful way of making our days start out with a fresh, carefree look on life. Love the kitty pictures, musica, flowers and even Beatrice Potter people. If I’m having a hard day, I end it with reading your books or watching a movie you suggested. Makes my day! Can’t wait for Willard and your new book! Thanks for the giveaways!
Thank you, Susan. Your blog posts always put a smile on my face.
so happy to read and view everything you write and draw…makes me so happy!
oh, Susan! You have charmed me once again! Your posts touch my heart and today I am on the verge of a new life (at 55!) and you’ve reminded me that a life without creativity, nature, pets and a cozy home is really no life at all. Thank you for being my touchstone and rekindling my lifelong dream of being an artist. I love you my best ‘never met girlfriend’. Cheers!
Thanks for another lovely post. Enjoy the rest of your summer in the Vineyard 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win the prize of a lifetime….at least for me it would be. ..i just love your books, calendars, etc.
Can’t wait to see the new book.
What a wonderful, cheery post. Loved the photo of the night sky and all the descriptions of your daily antics. Thank you!
Thank you so much for all you do…it totally enriches my life!
Just as I was contemplating what to say, I saw a male Hooded Oriole land in the guava tree just outside my window and he stayed long enough for me to get a good look at his brilliant yellow and black colors. I thought, how fitting, to see something so beautiful after seeing and reading all the lovely things you shared with us today. Thanks for another great treat!!
Hi Susan! WOW! So much excitement you must be ready to burst! I know I’m gonna love the new book! I enjoy reading about all your adventures! Been so busy in the garden I just came up for air. This heatwave we’ve been having in S.Ca is
is a challenge with the drought – trying to keep everything alive in this heat is hard on the garden and me! I just love everything SB and would love to win the giveaway! Welcome back to your great life – isnt it great to be home?
My very first Willard ever! What a magical, blessed life you live! When I read your blog post today your enthusiasm and zest and joy for everything big and small in life just jumped off the computer and into me. Your words make me look at things differently and appreciate it all. I am waiting patiently (not) for my copy of Fairy Tale Girl to arrive! And to think we have all this excitement to look forward to a little ways down the road with Isle of Dreams. Oh be still my heart! 🙂
oh what a giveaway ………… hope to win
I’ll be waiting by the mailbox for my “loot”! Can’t wait!
Lottery? In my opinion, ANYTHING from you would be just like winning the lottery. I’m waiting for a ladybug to light on this message. 😉
P.S. And of course you’re an L.M. Montgomery fan…me too! If ever I had a kindred spirit, it’d be you.
So excited for you, Susan, and US too, that your book is on its way to the printer! Oh my!!! I can just picture you breathing a sigh of relief and merrily skipping along on your fun day! That picture of the pink wispy clouded sky looks a bit like your fairy butterfly creatures! Love it! And how on earth did you manage to capture the brilliance of that starry night??!! I’ve tried and it NEVER looks like that! Another big of SB magic! Thank you for the generous giveaways….I would be thrilled to bits to win any of them, especially the artwork doodles! xo
Susan,
A delightful read…you were right–wonderful things ARE happening. Thank you for including us in your island life. Your simple pleasures become ours. From seeing your scrubbed Beatrix Potter friends, your garden flowers, your home and Joe and kitties and everything you share, I feel much like your friend. I cannot wait for The Fairy Tale Girl… Just finished A Fine Romance and feel the urge to take that same trip! Glad you’re back and thank you. 🙂
What a lovely post. You are truly an inspiration!
Creativity is just the best….you sound so happy. Congratulations on finishing your book, I know it will be a great success!
Susan, I so enjoyed catching up with your goings on. Your photos always make me feel like I am a part of the journey. Looking forward to receiving my books that I ordered and surprising a friend with a copy too.
So happy to get a new Willard. I probably have read them all. Can’t wait for the new book. Thanks for writing them all for us.
I simply love your blog! Made my day much brighter! Sooo looking forward to the new book!
Oh my goodness! Blog gone too long and read too quickly! More Please! we’re very excited to see the end of Summer posts and the Autumn ones begin!
I’ve been a fan for years. Love all your “stuff.”
Would love to win! Looking forward to reading the new book!
It is so good to hear from you Susan! So glad your book is done and you can enjoy the rest of summer. Great giveaways!!! Thanks so much for cheering me up today! Donna (Idaho)
You make my day. My husband has been ill for the past 6 mos. I wish I could make up some of the trouble we run into. You make me feel loved and hugged thank you Susan.
I have loved all your books but especially enjoyed “A Fine Romance” . . .
read it all in one night . . .just couldn’t put it down and now am getting
a copy to send to a friend who is moving to England. Am highly anticipating
Fairy Tale Girl . . . sounds like your best book yet!!
I just received my very first Willard and it was delightful! Can’ wait for the next one and that goes for your blog, too!
Susan Thankyou so very much for the love and kindness we feel when reading your blog.It is the simple things in life that speak to us all and connect us. the bubbles of dish detergent on the figurines … how beautiful!
Brenda
Your new book, a new Willard and a giveaway, plus anticipation that we might travel with you once again to England. Happy day!
Your posts always make me so happy. I am awaiting back surgery next week, and was feeling down this morning, until I saw the cute stack of teacups. My heart lifted immediately. Thank you.
Wishing you every good luck . . . and a quick recovery. xoxo
Hi Ms. Susan, thank you for bringing a smile to my face 🙂 I’m so glad I carved out a moment to read your Willard and new blog post! Somehow, even though out here in CA it’s months away, I feel autumn in my heart after I spend some time with you <3
Hi Susan, I was so excited to see that your book is complete and life is getting back to normal for you. Your latest post is beautiful and I am loving my new desktop wallpaper! Thank you so much for sharing it. I can’t wait to get the book!!
Thank you for these generous chances to win! So glad your book is finished. It’s a true labor of love and it has been fun hearing about the step by step process.
Hello Susan! So happy for your completed books, your incredible work ethic, and your return to blogland. You have been busy and the Girlfriends are a patient and loving support group! Enjoy the remains of summer on MV, the anticipation of Autumn, and the planning of another great adventure on the other side of the pond! You are such an inspiration! ♥♥♥
Oh to win would be bliss. I look at you everyday hoping for a new post, you are a treasure! Already ordered the new book, but would never turn down another. Can’t wait for our next trip to England, you go to the neatest places.
I love reading your blog! Thank you for making me smile.
It never fails to amaze me that, as I sit here reading your words, it seems we are sitting across a wee table from each other, drinking tea and enjoying each other’s company. And I’d like to add my two cents to those of Chris, above, and hope that the rocks can be replaced to prevent the idiot and his friends from crowding the terns.
We are working on that.
Congrat’s on your book going to the printer’s. I am so looking forward to reading it.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for my first Willard!!! It was so much fun to read all the latest news. I can’t believe the September is almost here. I’ve started thinking about putting all the Summer decor away, and getting the Fall decor ready to go. I’m almost finished cleaning, and organizing my awful garage. I can’t believe that I can find what I’m looking for, who would have thought??? Tell Vanna I’d love to win the lovely gifts, so drive deep!!! Kisses to Jack and Girl.
I looked at this posting first on my iPhone and when I got to the photo of the very up-close shot of the pale pink rose I started to move the phone toward my nose until I very quickly realized I wouldn’t be able to smell it after all! I was very grateful I was all alone when I was doing this. I had to open the post again on the desktop computer (a much better way to view your lovely photos!) to be able to leave a reply, and it was fun to see everything in a more life-like size. Thank you for putting out these inspiring blogs–my stop-and-smell-the-roses moment each time they arrive!
LOL!
Can’t wait for your new book to come out! I hope you get to go on another QueenMary cruise to England in the fall….so beautiful!!!
Glad to see your blog is back. Missed you. I would love to win your calendar. Can’t wait to get Willard. I have my pot of tea waiting. 🙂
WOW! What a wonderful “mail” day – both a Willard AND a wonderful blog post! So much exciting news. I’m really looking forward to the new books. I hope the book tour brings you to a book store in Seattle. Keeping my fingers crossed. . .
Hi Susan!
I’ve been enjoying your creativity and inspiration for several years. Reading through your books and exploring your website, is like being wrapped up in a soft blanket, sipping a glass of Pinot Noir (being from Oregon…this is Pinot Noir country) by a crackling fire, and listening to smooth jazz…mmmmm….cozy!
Thank you so much for reminding me to indulge in the simple ways of life, to appreciate the little things, and that the ordinary are truly the extraordinary!
Cheers!
Claire
today was such a blessed day for me, for many reasons, add to that a new post from YOU….and my day was complete 🙂 Sure have missed you!! I would be thrilled, and honored, to be the winner of any thing in this amazing give-away!! You are the best 🙂
Woweeeee! So much happy news, topped off by the very real possibility of another chance to stowaway in your luggage on the Queen Mary!! I am so looking forward to your new book! The fun never ends when you are an SB girlfriend!
My first time on the blog and three giveaways! I really like seeing the pictures and hearing you resurface to the world. I have one of your books and the words and pictures speak to me.
OhohOh I am so excited for you two going back to beautiful England on the QE II again!!!
Loved this post… love all your posts!!! Thanks for sharing your life on MV!
Please enter me in the contest.. xo Dorrie
OMG! I seem to live in anticipation for your every word! You never disappoint! I have so much to say to you it would be gushing, but let me tell you this dear Susan…..you’ve far exceeded your life’s purpose in keeping us so happy, anticipating and coming along on your wonderful journey! Thank you for being you and inviting us along! Mwah! Sandi from the Cape
You people are killing me ~ your kindness is overwhelming! THANK YOU, one and all . . . It is SO SO SO SO SO hard not to answer everyone, but right now we have 600 comments waiting moderation, so in case anyone reads this, you will know, I am reading, but forcing myself to just approve and not do what I am doing now! 🙂
Everyone understands, you’re a celebrity! Enjoy it and just don’t stop what you’re doing. Blessings to you kindred spirit Susan! I can’t wait to see you again! xoxoxo Love the pics of the furry children….so cute those darlings!
The blog and the Willard are amazing gifts to all of us. Don’t worry about not having time to write a thousand replies! You deserve every bit of thanks you have received here.
Cannot wait till your signed book arrives! Your books and blog are works of art and so much inspiration. Any one of your give-aways would be a treasure and so much fun to win. Thanks for the wonderful new stationery, bookmarks and tags! Lovely!! Looking forward to you and your blog taking us into autumn. 🙂
Dearest Susan, What a beautiful blog post, loved the whole thing. So nice to have your long, this might take 2 cups of tea, blogs, lol. Happy belated birthday to Joe, and what an adorable pair your boys are! Loved your shiny squeaky clean BP people too. So glad that you are now in your ‘planning’ our getaway stage! What fun. Can’t wait to jump in your bag for the trip! Girl is just gorgeous in her wonderful pose, what a queen she is too! (sorry for all the !!) can’t help it. Oh and the rose and corn oh my…Lots of Love sent your way….xoxoxoxo P.S. Oh and Vanna xoxo to you too! (never hurt right)?
How have I not found your website until today? Your Summer book is always one of the first things I put out to mark the change of season! I love reading all of the beautiful things and enjoying your wonderful illustrations! How did I find you today? I was sad that it is just about time to put the book away (how!) and thought I’d see if you had a fall book I could set out to help me get through until the Christmas book comes out! Looks like you have some wonderful projects coming out…Thank you for your beautiful work! It brings me joy!
I feel like I have just been sitting with you at your kitchen table enjoying some tea and catching up. Thanks for a wonderful post!
Lovely Susan ~ It’s always so nice to grab a frosty sweet ice tea, put my feet up & spend some time with you. Things have been so crazy the last year on the Farm that I haven’t had much time to get in & chat, but, from now on I shan’t neglect those that bring me such joy & giggles. You are at the tippy top of the list. Have read A Fine Romance at least a dozen times. For Real & quite seriously! If you love Pooh (as in Winnie the) try to make it out to Hartfield Village where they all lived. Lovely little place where you can walk in A.A. Milnes & Christopher & Pooh’s steps. Even play Poohsticks at the actual place! All kept quite as it was. Looking forward to reading these new ones. Well, Must go & see to the goats & chickens. The cats are all napping. Thanks for You!
So glad you’re back. Looking forward to new books. Was so happy to read that they are being printed in the USA 🙂 . Thank you….Enjoythe rest of summer because wonderful autumn is around the corner.
I love your calendars and your bookmarks and especially love A Fine Romance be-
cause I went to England my last year in college. I would love to go back. I’m a
calligrapher and I love color. That is my hobby. I am retired. I have printed out many a bookmark and given them away. Love your rose dishes. I love antique
stores too.
The way you share your fairytale life is so sweet and wonderful. It’s a gift every time you have a new blog post. Thank you! 🙂
Congratulations on your new book.. Can’t wait to get one! Thanks for the give away….
Can’t wait for the new book to arrive. And I’m so glad that you save those little pen and paint sample/test papers. They’re too cute to throw away. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Thank you, thank you for all you do to brighten the world and along with it my heart. Such a lovely, fresh perspective. I’m still basking in the glow of “A Fine Romance” and now, two more books! Can’t wait to dive into both of them. Congratulations! Job well done.
How soothing to receive your soothing pictures, thoughts, drawings, etc. thank you
A new Blog post today! How Wonderful!! Haven’t received my Willard yet, but I’m anxiously waiting. So glad to hear life is back to normal in Smallville! Love seeing Jack and Girl Kitty, too! Found your calendar at a local store here and preordered your new book. But I would absolutely Love to win your first drawing of your books and calendar, as I have a dear, sweet friend who is going through a divorce and if I won, I’d gift them to her as I know they would really bless her. She is such an encouragement to me, as she draws and paints, and I’m just venturing out in those areas with No previous experience! So, I’ll keep my fingers crossed!
Blessings to you! Enjoy your last few weeks of Summer!
Your posts make me happy and grateful! I love all the fun details. While you were hard at work on the new book, I started back through the posts from day one. I loved it when someone in the comments picked up something wonderful I had missed. Like the time there was a heart shape in the window from reflection or something the camera just happened to catch. In this post I noticed the tiny dogs lined up above Jack drinking from the sink. I love tiny dogs like that! I love that God put you on Martha’s Vineyard and had you meet Joe! I’m grateful that He put it in your heart to share it all with us! I love getting to read the comments of other people being able to delight in other people’s joy and pass that on to others!
I so enjoyed my Willard today along with a cuppa! You are one busy lady with not only a vision but a tight schedule! Oh, I’d love to win any of your giveaways!
Thank you for your blog and photos; so very enjoyable and relaxing…..
Hi Susan!
Today’s Willard and blog were a definite treat. Can’t wait for the new book; the excitement is building!
Deborah
From ‘the old man in Tennessee’…looking forward to “The Fairy Tale Girl”…and even more so, Book 2…would love to be able to purchase some of the ‘brush blotter ‘ bookmarks, but know they aren’t for sale…and Autumn is my bride’s and my favorite time of year…take time from that busy schedule of yours to really enjoy it this year…thanks for your newsletters/ blogs…they brighten my day, as I know they do so many others…
I can’t wait to read the new book!
So glad that you are back and I am looking forward to reading your new book!
My older kitty spends quite a bit of time in the back of the closet, too. Especially when the younger one is ripping around. So good to see the blog back. I am also a taker of pictures of summer roses…and fall roses…and spring roses….
I especially love this talk about a trip….I have a chronic illness and can’t travel so when you and Joe take to the open road/sea I can’t wait to read about it and see it through your eyes!