I knew you were coming so I got ready! First off, click here for my new theme MUSICA (which you will understand if you’ve read the Willard ~ eeeek!). 🙂
And now, HELLO WILLARD PEOPLE! Welcome to the Blog! 
Since I wrote the Newsletter, guess what!? So excited and happy to tell you, that the Giveaway I mentioned has just been doubled ~ because look what showed up ↓
Do you know what this is? It’s
in Chinese!
Here are my two children meeting for the first time.♥
Yes! It’s the just published (but only in China) Chinese version of our book A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English 
Countryside. Now I have the extreme privilege, among other things, of taking the Chinese people up to Hilltop to see Beatrix Potter’s legacy!
Who would have ever thought it possible!? I’ve been pouring over the book, looking at all the details. They did such a nice job. They even kept the watercolored first letters on every page because they thought they “looked pretty!” Even when I mentioned that it might not make sense in Chinese because those first letters have nothing to do with the text ~ they still wanted them which is one reason I really like this publisher!
It’s almost, page for page, exactly like the English version…and it’s a real book you can hold in your hands, because did you know, studies are showing that reading “real” books is healthier and increases intelligence? They are!
See the little writing around the poppy? And the captions? They made sure all the movies were there and the music too! And where there are English words,they used a cute little handwriting font.
I’m trying to see it through their eyes. I wonder if they say the same stuff to each other in China? I bet they do.
Now they know more about us than I ever imagined. They know that there are idiots all OVER the world. Isn’t that funny? I am happy to be an idiot in the quest for world peace.♥ 
Like this, now they know this! I signed the contract for this book over a year ago, but I didn’t realize how I 
would feel when it actually arrived. I’m honored, but not used to it yet. None of my other books have ever been in any language except English . . . But as the song goes, you are my lucky star . . .⭐️
Here’s the recipe for Rachel’s Lemon Butter cookies! There 
will be people in China eating Rachel’s cookies! I wonder if they changed the part about how Joe and I met and all of that ~ the one hotel room, the robe like armor, etc. Maybe one of you reads Chinese and can tell us!
I get to take them to Siobhan’s house too! I wonder if they have fairy lights and pink sofas in their kitchens the way Siobhan does? Probably they do! I hope some of them write me!
Notice the little bits and pieces, some of the English writing is still there, all the hearts, the captions, the watercolored underlines, the little arrows, are all still there. They took such good care! What a small world it is.♥
Here we are about to discover King Richard’s childhood castle, remember? And the arrows pointing to the castle ruins are still there! That Chinese lettering is so cute! If I would have been born in China I would have LOVED that handwriting. It’s like little pictures. They must all be artists over there!
Here’s the part in the book where I saw the Irish seagulls as the Queen Mary 2 passed under Ireland . . . in Chinese! I immediately sent a copy to the Thomas Crane Public Library because I was told they have a very large Chinese population in the Quincy (near Boston) area . . . it will be a surprise, I hope they like it!
And the rest of the books I kept. So far. I mean it’s only been a couple of days.
Oops, there’s one right now!
Look at that watercolored title! So my thought is that we might have a little east meets west as our second 
Giveaway, and include, with a signed copy of our rare Chinese Romance book, a canister of that delicious Gingerbread Tea I mentioned in the Willard, perfect for the season! So even if you can’t read Chinese, you can have a cup of tea and look at the pictures! So now when you leave a comment, you’ll be entered for Two Giveaways, not just one . . . there will be Two Lucky Winners. We just doubled the odds!
A LIFE SHARED IS A JOY DOUBLED. (OR QUADRUPLED, OR in the case of this Blog? MUCH MORE.)
All the books in both of these Giveaways can be personalized just the way you’d like, including the out-of-print Christmas from the Heart of the Home. Which means you might have some pretty good little gifts here ~ a mug and some fairy tales are always appreciated at the holidays!
And you might be asking, will we be selling the Chinese book in our web store? And the answer is, yes, kinda. We got a few of them, not very many, they are in our web store 
right now . . . but they are expensive which probably has something to do with our dollar and their (what is it? Yen?). Plus, they cost a LOT to ship them over . . . so we don’t figure we’ll run out of what we have too soon. But IF we do run out, and IF you don’t get one and IF you still want one, the new plan is that we will then take preorders so we 
know how many to get, and do a one-time purchase just for our Blog Girls. We’re not going to carry this book because of the cost, which is something around $40 each, but check it out if you think it’s something you might want to have. I don’t think there will be too many of them here in America, and they can always be an interesting conversation piece!
So now, let’s change the subject and do a little
Shall we? With Mas Musica? Oui! I’ve always just naturally gathered healthful winter fat to protect myself against wolves and starvation in the freezing cold, but already 
this year, from all the sitting, I’m afraid I could feed an entire wolf pack all by myself. So I’m looking to get a little healthier so that when I finish Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams (BTW, that’s a new little piece of art I did for the book yesterday ~ of me, ←on the plane, landing in Boston, singing my fear song ~ it’s dawn outside that window, on a very stormy day ~ but I digress big time), I can go out on the road and you will still recognize me! So in the quest for that, I thought I’d give you Joe’s recipe for the most delicious, crunchy tender salmon steaks in the world!
And just in case you’d like to make this, but good salmon is hard to come by in your neck of the woods, call Louie at the Net Result here on the Island (1-800-394-6071 and tell him Joey sent you) and he will overnight you the most delicious fresh fish imaginable, in a box also filled with Martha’s Vineyard sea air for which, believe it or not, he charges NOTHING ~ and they have everything, including oysters, clams, and Lobsters, fresh cod, and this delicious salmon.
The magic in well cooked salmon is in the crust! And no one does it better than Joe.
If I was the one making this, I would ask Louie to cut off the skin for me. But Joe knows just what he’s doing . . . gets his sharp little knife under there and wastes not a shred. You definitely want the skin off so you can make it crusty on both sides.
Then he rinses it in cold water and pats it very dry with paper towels.
And cuts it into steaks
which he liberally peppers and sprinkles sea salt over . .
He put the tiniest bit of olive oil in the pan — 2 tsp. — and heated it over high heat until, as he put it, the pan was “shimmering.” This is what a shimmering pan looks like.
He added the fish to the shimmering pan, with the skin-side up, he then salted and peppered that side. The salmon cooked, uncovered, over medium high heat for about eight minutes until they were toasty brown. For good browning, none of the pieces should be touching each other. And if you have a thinner piece, like we did, make sure it cooks for a shorter amount of time.
When he turned them over, they looked like this. Already I want to pick off a piece of the crunchy crust, that little piece hanging off the left end of the piece in the front would be perfect thank you.
But I didn’t have long to wait. Another four minutes on that other side, and voila! Once again, Joe B. Hall shows 
his cooking genius, totally up to the magic.♥ Tender in the middle, crisp on the outside, healthy all over! Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a crisp green salad and you will go to bed laughing at how healthy you are.
Alrighty then! I’ve now managed to swallow up a large chunk of your busy day! I hope I’m satisfied. I COULD actually go on! I have tablescapes to show you, light and shadows, quilts! Oh yes, there will be more.
OK, I hear you, but one more thing, please don’t worry if you haven’t gotten your Willard yet, they take four days 
to all go out, if you’ve signed up, but haven’t gotten yours by Saturday, let us know ~ be sure to check your spam folder first.) ~ And be SURE to leave a comment at the bottom of this post (click on those tiniest letters that say comment) so you’ll be entered in the drawing for the GiveAways!
Oops, one more thing ~ I found this wonderful photograph I thought you might like to use as a screen saver for the season. Just click there. We’ll put it up in the web store under “Free Stuff” soon along with lots more festive things for the season ~ it’s that time of year!
Isn’t it gorgeous? We were just there a few months back ~ it’s Louisa May Alcott’s House, Orchard House, in the snow. So, romantic. Can’t you just see her and her sisters throwing snowballs in their long skirts? I’ll leave you (finally, whew!) with that lovely thought. Enjoy your day Girlfriends! God Bless our world, and especially beautiful Paris. ♥ XOXO
And don’t think I did this all by myself . . .
Thanks for Willard and the blog post! Windy, crazy days in Wisconsin. Yesterday in the 50s today in the 30s and WINDY (have to yell above it). I have a like new 120 year old house that’s been spiffed up with new siding and fancy work on the gables, and a new color, blue! Can’t wait to see it in snow….and we may get that this weekend.
I have my fingers crossed that I win. I love your books – thanks! Jere
How do you do it all? Every post, every blog, they are all amazing and I just love the creativity, thought, love…everything that you put into your work!
So much excitement in one Willard! I had to come check it out on the blog, too. I’m so glad you’ll be coming to Powell’s in Portland, can’t wait for the chance to say hi. And of course I would love to be entered in the giveaways. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Hugs,
Jane S. in Oregon
Fabulous news about your book in Chinese!
Margaret Meade wrote “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For,indeed, that’s all who ever have.”
A Susan Branch feast — wonderful blog, wonderful Willard! I will be at Powell’s Bookstore in downtown Portland next week and will personally deliver my request for a visit from you! Happy Thanksgiving —
I love the new book, and shared it with a dear friend who is also a fan. Thanks for revealing such intimate facts about your life. I’m so happy that things turned out well for you in the end. Joe seems like your perfect match.
Oh i can’t wait to read your new book! if i don’t win it i’m going to wish for it for Christmas!
Here you go, bringing delight to an entirely new arm of the human family!
Hi Susan, it has been a while since I sent in a comment, loved the Willard and this blog. Would you please ask Vanna to pull my name for the Chinese language version? My sister lives in Hong Kong and reads Mandarin and this would make a perfect Christmas present for her. By the way, the money is the RMB or sometimes called Qui (probably mispelled that one).
Sending you thought of snow from Denver .
Hello from the Central Coast! Many, many congrats on your Chinese version of A Fine Romance!! It’s so lovely that people in another country can read this lovely book in their own language. I’m sure they will devour it just as we have here.
Thank you for providing some brightness and cheerfulness — we all need it and your blogs give it. Prayers for safety for all the world.
Wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving.
Margie
What a delightful post, and I loved the issue of Willard as well! You have put me right into the holiday mood, and I would love to receive your giveaway just in time for Christmas 😉
Mary
Congrats Susan and thanks for sharing with all of us!!
Hi Susan! That salmon looks delicious! Will definitely be making it! Plus your book looks wonderful in Chinese! Can’t wait to read your Willard. It’s sitting in my inbox but I need to put some special quite time to read it uninterrupted. LOL! Looking forward to it!
Love to read your beautiful words, you are so kind to us. I would love to win this book to read too my granddaughter. I have her every Friday night and we have so much. She is 5 years old and time goes so fast, I try to get every minute I can.
Susan that salmon looks delicious ! I’ll have to try it that way…I usually put it in the oven. How cute…your book in Chinese ! I bet it will be a huge hit in China. I love the Emma mug ! I have 3 ~ ~ Holly, Hearts, and Charlotte ( learned about them from you !) Take care, and Happy Thanksgiving to you, and Joe ! Kiss the kitties for me ~ xoxo
Reading Willard is like taking a mini vacation right here at my computer. Thank you for the time, creativity, and love you invest and so freely share. You always remind me to pursue the simple joys in life, the things so often forgotten in our hectic, screen-driven culture. You make me want more of the “finer things” in my life! Blessings to you and Joe this holiday season!
Oh my, the Willard and blog post all on one rainy day! Certainly brightened a stormy day for me. Loved seeing your book in Chinese!
Thank you Susan for your very entertaining Willard and blog post. For me they are too short, so glad we have your books to enjoy too! My daughter and I very much enjoyed meeting you and Joe in Iowa at the book store, so much fun! Have a great Thanksgiving!
I am only part way through my Willard, but I’m so excited about our movie! I have the perfect actress for the “current” you—Annette Benning!!
I should be so lucky! 🙂
Or Sally Fields!
Love reading your posts!
A Chinese book!! How exciting! And how nice of you to supply one to that library! We couldn’t have the Chinese without a copy of your book! lol!
Joe’s salmon looks awesome, too bad I don’t care for salmon. I once had a meat man at the grocery store give me a big hunk of salmon for free with instructions on how to prepare it, and I still did not like it. I’ve tried it many ways, and nothing works. It’s too bad cause I hear it’s very good for you! I will have to settle with eating it with my eyes only!
Oh, Susan, LOVED the Willard! Or should I say the Warllarfard? Is that right, lol? Would love to meet you at a book signing. Can you find a bookstore in Arkansas??? Please say hello to Jack and Girl Kitty for me!
Warfillarferd. willard. 🙂
Hi Susan ~
My Willard arrived today! I must confess, a friend forwarded me hers that she received Tuesday, knowing it was too hard for me to wait. I told her even though hers came sooner, you didn’t like her better 🙂 We’re both heading to The Cape next year with other friends from land-locked CO, planning a day trip to The Isle of Dreams. I’m hoping to pick up a copy of the book at Bunches of Grapes Bookstore, making it even more special from “the place where it all takes place.” My ONLY request? PLEASE don’t be in Denver at The Tattered Cover while we’re in MA. It would be the WORST Murphy’s Law EVER!! We want to be among the oodles of girls waiting for you in LoDo – you’ll LOVE it!!!
p.s. This may just be final straw to get me to join Facebook, so I can “like” you at Tattered Cover.
Let’s try not to miss each other. . . I’m figuring Denver will be around the week of May15 ish.
That’s perfect, we don’t head east until the end of May – see you in Colorful Colorado! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
You just made my day! Reading your blog and Willard takes me away to a magical happy place every time! I loved Fairytale Girl and can’t wait for Isle of Dreams, just pre-ordered it. I will absolutely need to have salmon for lunch, that looks so delicious I can almost taste it! Thanks again for sharing the fun, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
I love Book People in Austin. I don’t live there, but I don’t mind a road trip! I will become FB friends with them and beg…
Thank you for the begging!
Just finished reading Willard and your latest blog entry and it feels like I’ve had a nice visit with a friend. Thanks for taking the time to share so much with us. I particularly got a kick out of seeing the Chinese version of your book. What fun to compare the two books. Let’s hope the Hollywood angle happens, too! You mentioned the British Baking Show…my husband and I were sad when it ended, but happy to learn that a holiday version starts November 30th on ABC! Did you know that? Mary is one of the judges, but we didn’t hear Paul’s name mentioned. At any rate, we’re looking forward to it. Joe’s tasty-looking salmon has inspired me to put it on my grocery list!
Oh, Susan, what an amazing achievement, your book in Chinese! I feel I know you so happily through your books and blog. I am English, my husband American and we met in my home County of Warwickshire (Shakespeare’s birthplace) whilst he was vacationing there. Two wonderfully romantic years of trans-Atlantic letters, phone calls and visits resulted in 21 (and counting) years of happily married life in a cottage by a brook at the foot of the Adirondack Hills. His name is Joe and I, like you, was born in 1947. I first discovered you when a one dollar purchase of the cutest-little-book-ever jumped into my hands at my local thrift store. I was hooked. How could anyone let such a thing go? I have been buying your books ever since. Thank you for the knowledge, comfort and joy I get from knowing that you delight in all the same things that I do and to have friends and the love of my life to share them with is truly having it all.
You have a wonderful love story!
Me again. I didn’t name the cute little book. It’s LOVE from the Heart of the HOME. So very pleased I have it. xoxox
Greetings from Minnesota where the snow has just begun to fly…
Willard arrived yesterday, the 18th, on my birthday! Thank you!
Blessings,
Laurie
Happy Birthday Laurie!
Love the mug! If I don’t win I may have to buy it!
Loved reading your Willard!! So happy for you. I think that Jennifer Garner would make a great “you” if your books are made into a movie(I hope!) Happy Thanksgiving!!
Susan – A Fine Romance looks grand in Chinese…you rock! Your beachgirl fan. Terry SF from Avila Beach
Hi Terry, so nice to see you here!
Susan, I have followed you for years and I love everything you write and draw. Everything you do is a breath of fresh air and an oasis in this complicated world. My favorite book so far is A FINE ROMANCE…a masterpiece! Keep doing just what you do so well knowing there are so many of us “out there” who love and enjoy every bit of it and thrive on your simple but elegant style!
Hi Susan, I had decided not to enter this time but I just love the Red Robin Mug and I changed my mind. I am excited about the new book and will be ordering soon.
Please enter me for the give away
Hapyy trails to you,
Connie
Hello Susan, Joe, Girl Kitty, Jack and all Susan fans!
First I read my Willard and then came here to read the blog! I loved them both!!
The Chinese book is so beautiful and facinating! I would love to win this giveaway!!
Joe your recipe sounds delic!!!
Loved the map for your upcoming book tour too! Does it seem I loved everything? Lol
Love, peace and good luck to all!
Doreen
Your book in Chinese! How wonderful. I’ve used Chinese newspapers for decoupage, not that I can read it but it just looks sooo interesting, don’t you think. Congrats and Happy Holidays!
Love the Chinese lettering. Just came back from a birthday weekend in Kennebunkport Maine. We always go to a used bookstore in Wells. My husband asked me what I would look for and I said Susan Branch books. I scored 3!!!! The best part was the sweet notes inside written by the “giftors” to the “giftees” (are those proper words?). Hope I win another book!
Just ordered “Isle of Dreams”! Please come to the Monterey Bay area!!
Hi Mimi,
San Francisco’s “City Lights” is on Susan’s map of bookstores she hopes to visit. That would be an ideal location for many of us in central/northern CA. Not too far from you, either. It is only 1 1/2 hrs from where I live in the Sacramento area. It would be great if girlfriends in the area would encourage “City Lights.”
Hope to meet you at “City Lights.”
I have just discovered your blog thru another, whose name escapes me at the moment. So happy that I did! I’m absolutely smitten. So sweet and wonderful, I feel blessed to be here.
Aloha Dear Susan …. I am thrilled to hear that Falling in Love is in Chinese …
I can’t read Chinese but I can manage a few phrases and order food in a restaurant! But I think I would love a copy in Chinese … do you read Lisa See?
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe … we’re counting our many blessings and mostly knowing your inspirations and lovely thoughts … Hugs, Evie in San Diego
Visited Martha’s Vineyard for the first time early this past summer, only a quick day trip but I fell in love!
Loved my Willard! Hope to see you in Nashville!
Beautiful pictures and as always I love the stories you share. You make so many people so happy.
What a treat after a long day at work. To come home to find a new Willard! Thank you, thank you!!
I just sent a poignant plea to Elliott Bay Books in Seattle to include you on their schedule of events in the Spring. I’m excited that you might be on the Politics and Prose bookstore schedule. Love BookTV on the weekends and lots events from there show up. You could be one of them 🙂 Wheee!
Yikes! Book TV? Anyone seen my running shoes? xoxo Thank you Sylvia!
Wow! Chinese! That’s so exciting. I bet they love it just as all your blog girls do!
If Hollywood makes a movie of your life I want YOU to play the part of Susan Branch. Nobody else will do.
I’d love it if I could play a 30 year old, but something tells me that I’m not quite that good of an actress! 🙂 xoxo
Oh what happy email I found in my inbox today!! Thoroughly enjoyed reading it too. Off to like City Lights Books in San Francisco in hopes you will make a trip there in the springtime.
👍
Hi Susan… love this entire post, but I am just DROOLING over Joe’s salmon!… can’t wait to make some!… oh yes, just pre~ordered Isle of Dreams… not sure I can wait that long for it!… I am so excited to read about you and Joe, and how your fairytale really DID come true!… xoxo… Julie Marie
Hi Susan – we all needed someone to brighten our spirits – many thanks for focusing on the wonderful gifts of everyday.
So looking forward to your trip to England and Scotland in 2016. Will you be dropping in to the Lake District on your way North of the Border? That picture of Orchard House in the snow is divine. Best Wishes, Wendy.
I think we probably will!
Oh my. That was fun! Loving that we know in advance about the possible sites for a book signing. It is still early enough to plan a little vacation to come see you. Fingers crossed. Or you could come to Phoenix? Who will be the lucky actress to play Susan? My mind is a workin’ on that one. Going to preorder my ‘Isle’ book now. Again, stunning work as always. A pleasure to read and reread.
Your latest post gave me a warm feeling all over, Susan. Especially nice now that the weather has turned colder. Thank you!!
Finally subscribed to Willard, LOVE it of course! Hoping to see you on your book tour next year!
Before you go to Scotland Sue you need to read “Outlander” and the series by Diana Gabaldon. You will love the romance of Scotland then before you go.
I’ve read it and you are right! 🙂 Jamie boy!
Dearest Darling Susan,
I am so excited for you ! Your talent has just exploded with the sweetest things ever and in your wildest dreams did you ever think Chinese was in your future and your own TV show or movie. Well, I think it is all so perfect for you, there is something so special about you and that is why you are so loved. I just found your “Counting Our Blessings” rug on sale and had to have it. It is perfect in my cottage home and it has a perfect prime spot, so it is shared with all that enters our loving home, Thank-you again ! We have wonderful people that live on our street, one of the couples adopted a girl and boy from China. They are a terrific family and the children are learning mandarin and learning to write Chinese. I had a Chinese roommate in college and she wrote poetry for me and you are right it is very artistic. Sinyen said she practiced all the time, she was a perfectionist and lovely person. See we are all connected somehow and only if people would realize this, oh peace!
One more thing I am going to see if The Jabberwocky in Newburyport will have a book signing for you, I am pretty sure the owner Sue Little would love to! It’s a great book store and has been in business for forty years. Looks like you have a very busy year ahead of you! Sooo much fun and excitement, you better pace yourself 😉TTFN……..Love, Wendy-Louise
When your book, “A Fine Romance” came out in the Fall of 2013, I loved it so much that I bought copies for friends and one for my daughter for Christmas. My daughter loved it and once when I went to her house, she opened the door with your book in her hand. She loved the book and asked me if you had written any other books. Then on August 29, 2014, the unthinkable happened (sorry I have tears in my eyes and can hardly type this), she died, at 51 years of age, she had a heart attack in her sleep and didn’t wake up that morning. As you can see its taking a long time for me to get over her passing, if I ever do.
I love your blog and books….you bring such sunshine to our troubled lives. Thanks for reading my comment.
Oh Vivian, how awful. Such a loss, I’m so sorry. Hugs to you sweetheart. I’m glad you’re here. xoxo
Susan, I enjoyed reading my Willard! I have loved lettering for a long time and some years ago I found your blog and I was in love with your style, your writing, your lettering, everything! I especially love the quotes, sprinkled here and there, with wise words and beautiful drawings. Your recipes always, always prove to be winners! Thank you for the advice on the salmon. I can´t wait to see you in Austin, (I live in San Antonio so this is doable). Kind regards!
Entering the Willard giveaway – pick me, pick me!! 😉
And I would like to say how cool the Chinese version of your book looks. How exciting. Years ago we went to a Chinese restaurant to eat and when they brought the bill, it was written in Chinese! I had never seen that before, so I asked could I keep it, but I couldn’t. But the waitress wrote it out for me on a scrap of paper. Nice to know how to write Broccoli Chicken in Chinese! The characters are just so beautiful.
Hello, Susan!
I’ve just treated myself to back to back readings of the new Willard and then the new blog post. What a treat on this rainy afternoon 🙂 Wishing you and Joe the most blessed Thanksgiving, Susan….your books and blogs and Willards give me so much joy <3
Kelly in Pa….
Just got signed up for Willard and received it today. Love reading it and your blog. I don’t see Michigan on your book tour, either. I live near the ‘tip of Mitt,’ as we call it!
Susan, had to write to you again…someone just sent me the funniest video on youtube and I thought you would really enjoy it. go to;
youtube.com/watch?v=scOmiOEi1CQ
It’s a video of cats who are super afraid of cucumbers! Never knew they would be….you’ll have to try it on Jack! Hugs, Vicki
This is all so super exciting! Your books are an absolute breath of fresh air. Chinese speaking readers will love that fresh air as much as we English speakers do! I’m sure of it! Thanks, Susan.
Dear Susan…thank you so much for your blog and Willard….it was a delight to receive this morning!!!It is exciting news, about all your wonderful books coming out….any chance of a book signing in NW Montana or North Idaho?? We live just a few miles from the border of Idaho in the NW corner of Montana.Would sure love that! Thank you for the pretty snowy picture of the Alcott’s home at the end , so beautiful! I also love your kitty pictures…we have 2 as well, and they are definitely special friends…God Bless you all this Thanksgiving, may it be a rich time of celebration and thankfulness for you all…Love, Donna from Montana
Susan I love your books, blog and everything you do! I hope I can go to Austin Texas to see you in person. FYI the Baking show you love will be airing a holiday show on Nov. 30! I love that show too. Love the baking and the accents.
Have a great Thanksgiving! Love from Texas
So enjoy your blog, art, and slice of life pictorials. We’re a generation apart, but I feel you’re a kindred spirit. You’re the aunt I wish I had. The Willard is gorgeous with beautiful quotes. Enjoy the holidays and all the good coming your way! Savor every moment!
P.S. chin scratches to Jack (tuxedo cats are the best)
And he LOVES those chin scratches!
Loved the Willard, thank you! I was going to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving in Arf and Arfy, but I do believe I need more lessons 😀 …Anyway, I hope you and Joe have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving and Holiday Season : )
I’ll help: Harfaparfy Tharfanksgarfivarfing!
Wow you are some lady for one lady. Congrats on the Chinese edition of your book. How about a visit to Ireland. This is my 3 rd invitation so maybe 3 rd time lucky. Susan you and Joe would be so welcome in my home. Think about it.
Edel
Someday Edel!
I saw that the British bake-off show is going to be on ABC on November 30th. Can’t wait!
Just finished reading Fairy Take Girl – enjoyed and love the artwork.
Looking forward to Isle of Dreams next year. Look forward to every
Willard. Thanks Susan.
So much joy emanating from your posts! It’s wonderful to see the beauty in simple things and feel the joy of your positive attitude. Great giveaway packages, thanks for the opportunity!
WOW, you little fingers have been busy with all these comments!!! What a wonderful surprise give-away and so generous of you! Thanks sweet Sue! Thanks for a yummy way to cook salmon.. I’m kind of new to that particular fish except for making salmon patties!!! 🙂
Thanks again and have a WONDERFUL rest of your week!!!
Hi Susan. How awesome that the book is now printed in Chinese. I can’t wait to check it out!
I just ordered the charms. I’m so thrilled that you have them. I also preordered the new book. This will be a great Christmas! I wish you and your family a warm and tasty Thanksgiving.
I think I put my last comment on the wrong page. Wanted to thank you
for the new Willard. Chinese! Can you believe it! Also, hope Atlanta
stays on the travel plans. That’s wonderful. See you in Atlanta! Julia
You are coming to The Tattered Cover in Denver in 2016! I live 1 1/2 hrs. on a good day from there! I will be there with bells on if there is anyway possible!
I’m on my way to Facebook to let them know how excited I am!
Can’t wait to meet you and Joe there, any chance the kittens will come?? Love to meet them too!
I would bring the kitties in a MINUTE. I even think about it, but then I realize, they are not dogs! Thank you for contacting The Tattered Cover! I have always wanted to go there!
You’re coming to the King’s English! Well, yes! I’ll be there. Thank you for making our lives so filled with happy! We used “A Fine Romance” as our guide in our English travels this fall, and I’ve now given it to five friends.
P. S. I, too, snipped a little pink (sweet-smelling) rosebud at Beatrix’s cottage. It is now pressed in my AFR book!
Only one word: Brilliant. xoxo
This book would be as wonderful in any language!!!!!
See? You guys just make tears in my eyes!
I hope you write a Scottish Fine Romance!
I’ll definitely take pictures and keep a diary, and then we’ll see what happens.
So enjoyed Willard….and so enjoying the thought that you may come to the Pacific NW….Elliot Bay Bookstore is in one of the dwindling historic, cozy parts of Seattle…..your sense of history and uniqueness is needed here in Seattle as it goes through growing pains of knocking down old buildings like crazy, and it becomes harder and harder to see and feel what came before us….Powell’s Books in Portland is wonderful, and there is certainly a respect for history there! Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park (north of Seattle) and Edmonds Bookshop in Edmonds (north of Seattle) are also shops you would enjoy connecting with…..thanks again and see you in Seattle….
Reply
I’m so sorry to hear that Regina! Thank you for the bookstore recommendations!
Growing pains indeed Regina. I live in Ballard which has become unrecognizable from when I moved here 20 years ago. I’m a native Seattleite as were my parents, but feel soon to be displaced – but to where? Sad. I like The Secret Garden Bookstore near me on Market Street, but kinda small for a Susan event and mostly features Childrens books.
I made Joe’s salmon tonight! It really was good that way! We liked it much better than broiling. Thank you, dear, for the recipe! xo
Your books are gorgeous! Looking forward to reading them!
How lovely! And now I really crave a piece of fish.
I love Autumn just as much as you do and Thanksgiving is my favorite holidy of the year
Oh dear Susan,
You brighten every day with your words and artistry. I loved seeing Louisa May Alcott’s house. Concorde is one of my favorite places.
Your book in Chinese is amazing. What a wonderful feeling it must be to know you’re reaching a far away country with the wonderful book you wrote.
xo,
Karen
I was drinking gingerbread tea on this cool morning in Texas although the Fine Romance is my usual. Just love both of them – and just spooning it out of your tin everyday is a little joy of it’s own. I can’t wait to get the next book!
Isn’t that funny, I feel the same way about spooning out that tea!
I am almost finished with “The Fairy Tale Girl”. I’ve been reading it slowly so that I can savor it! You have lived such a rich and beautiful life. Just so you know, The Great British Bakeoff shown on PBS is 3 years old! I’ve been keeping up through You Tube and other means. I hope they bring the other seasons over soon! I’m addicted. I’ve already seen the latest season of Downton and can’t wait for the Christmas finale episode! It’s been another great season! Also, I’ve just been to Scotland twice in the past year and a half. I can’t wait to read about your adventures. I’m certain you will fall in love with the Highlands and the Scottish people! I will be eagerly awaiting your next book! Thank you! x
I just received my Willard tonight, and had to read it through. I am about half way through The Fairy Tale Girl and I am loving it. Please put me in the bowl for the drawing. Thanks.
Please enter me into the give away !!! I have two of the three books so I’d have a jump start on my Christmas shopping. I just found a old copy of heart of the home notes from a vineyard kitchen so I’m enjoying it. Thanks susan love your blog and the Willard newsletter
denise
I just had to respond to the opening rhyme on the Willard…what a thrill to see that little poem! I never knew it was Irish. I knew it from a little hand stitched sampler that hung in the guest room of my great Aunt Suzanne’s and Uncle Sclater’s farmhouse, in rural Virginia. Theirs read:
Come in the Evening,
Come in the morning,
Come when you’re looked for
Or come without warning.
…done in that wonderful spidery hand stitching. I loved it, it made me feel so loved and welcome, and I loved their farm There were horses to ride, and puffer fish to catch if we went out in the boat, and chickens, turkeys, ducks and Bantams to feed, and box turtles to hunt for. All presided over by my magical, pied- piper great aunt and uncle with their two rescue cocker spaniels, Kiwi and Khaki. Guess what colors they were!
So thanks for the trip down memory lane. 🙂
Love the blog. Love Willard. I would love to win
Nancy
One word for your artwork that I have followed for years: stunning! I would love to peep over your shoulder some day when you are working (is it REALLY work?) and watch you perform! How glorious that would be!
Lovely blog entry, as always! I can’t wait to read your books, thanks for a wonderful giveaway!
Hi Sweet Sue! This may be a duplicate message, have tried leaving several before but they seem to be lost (or maybe it’s me that’s lost!)…anyhoo…
long time FOSB…love your creativity & generosity & love & beauty & zest for Life! Finished reading “The Fairy Tale Girl” a few days ago. OMGoodness Girl! I wish there was a Soundtrack of all that fabu 60/70s music to play as I read. Got me groovin’.
Couldn’t believe it when I got to the End & it was a Cliff Hanger!
No, that’s not quite true….I always read the endings of stories & movie spoil my movies so I don’t have to have that nervous tummy of “What’s Gonna’ Happen!?” or bug the people next to me by asking what’s gonna happen?and just enjoy the read/show. So even though I knew what was coming it was still a shock! Kinda like the Titanic…you can’t quite believe it really sinks! My hubby of 45 years says…”What? Your Susan Branch wrote a cliff hanger?” So of course I had to fill him in on all of it!
I had sat up until midnite reading…then had a hard time getting to sleep. About 3am or so an Epiphany struck! Huzzah! I got out “A Fine Romance”…deep sigh* of relief. On to happier times. I had already reread it 5 times so knew that even though it begins 6 years later, it put my heart at ease. I can now wait (what choice do we have! 🙂 ) until May 2016 & the Rest of the Story! Funny thing about “A Fine Romance”…when I was looking at the Bookstore for it…Books A Million in Longview Texas…*spoiler alert* they didn’t have it!…they called me to the counter by announcing “Will the lady looking for a fine romance please come to the front desk” lol…True Story! about half a dozen people showed up to see what on earth that was all about! My dearest & best friend of over 30 years (the friendship, not our age 🙂 ) surprised me with the book for an Anniversary gift. I know this is rambling on…maybe that’s why I can never seem to find my other comments…lost in Rambling Acres. lol Love Book People in Austin! We live on a darlin’ Farm in beautiful Deep East Texas where we raise little goats & chickens & have 6 kitties…our beautiful daughter & awesome son inlaw gave up their lives in sunny Florida which they adore to move onto the Farm with us, bringing their 2 huge Maine Coon kitties when my dashin’ darlin’ of a hubby had 2 major heart attacks out of the blue last year at our booth in Canton Texas (a nurse 2 booths down literally saved his Life!), he’s doing great for having to change his lifestyle completely…but enough of that…that was all to say that it’s a bit of quite a drive, but what in Texas isn’t. My friend & I have already let our hubbies (who are best friends of that same 30 years as well! How cool is that!) know that we four are going to Austin as soon as you give us the Word! Yee and Haw! Quick note…(though honestly…nothing I do is short or quick) back in 1998 for our Anniversary…we saved for 2 years to go to Europe for 5 weeks!…Euro Pass & back packs…LOVED IT! went to Hartfield Village in England to walk in Winnie the Pooh’s footsteps. Amazing! But our favorite was Scotland! Everything about it! Am so pumped to be going with you n Joe! I’ll stop for now. You have a way of making us feel as if we know you personally & are all closest of friends.
Love the Willards & Blogs & Comments & all of it! Keep on Keepin’ On!
Love ya’ Madly! Ever Kat on Rose Creek Farm
I did approve one with your name it before Kat, hope this one makes it to the finish line. Just loved that story of the lady looking for a fine romance!
Well Bless Your Little Heart….thanks for ‘approving’ me 🙂
I will try to keep better track of myself in future. Am having a wonderful time reading everyones comments. Laughter & Tears.
Me too, I just love us!
Kat,
Is your friend Melanie? She mentioned in her reply that she had a girlfriend, Kat. I told her how excited I am to have other Texas girlfriends coming to Austin. I live just north of there and wondered how we could all get together. So, we must see that Susan comes to see us on her book signing tour.
Loved your reply to Susan’s post….you have a great sense of humor. I “lost” my first post also and Susan was gracious enough to answer me a second time.
Rachel
I would love to win any part of your creativity. I only have one of your books and gave one to my mom. We love you, Susan! <3
💞
Dear Susan,
I finished your book, A Fairy Tale Girl, two weeks ago and loved it. I will be buying the next one too. What a brave girl you are for leaving all behind and making a new life. Good guys are worth waiting for, I know this first hand, and is seems like you found a good one, Joe. I enjoy your blog and love the kitty pictures. You have a devil cat Jack and I have a orange devil named George. Please make PA one of your book signing stops.
Delighted every time I visit your blog! I can hardly wait for “Isle of Dreams”…
Thank you so much for all you do, and for bringing light to the world. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
What a treat! A new blog and Willard!
We just got back from Scotland. You will love it. We go almost every year. Saw Downton Abbey while there. Now watching Outlander.
Can’t wait for your new book!
I was thinking of you earlier today so was pleased as punch to see my Willard had arrived ~ happiness! I’m amazed at all you and Joe have on the books in the year ahead ~ more than I could handle, that’s for sure! I’m happy you’ll be home for Christmas, ( though I know your heart will hanker for those in CA) all things familiar feels so wonderful! I guess I’m being a tad selfish as I so love seeing the snowy photos, your tree, your beautiful home, special things prepared in the kitchen, and especially those most happy of creatures, Girl and Jack. Thank you for always painting beautiful pictures in my mind, you’re a special human!