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 . . .
I love the picture of Orchard House in the snow. We have snow flurries in the forecast and I would like to see an accumulation, but the family will be traveling here next week and I want them all to be safe instead.
This morning I marked the page in my Autumn book with your grandma’s stuffing recipe. I have been making it for a few years now and it is a tradition now, along with your hot cranberry sauce. My favorite part is drying the bread on the ironing board for 3 days!
Just about time to get the bread!
Susan, Your books are always a treasure. I own The Fairy Tale Girl and A Fine Romance but would love to give them as gifts and keep the Christmas Book for me. I am looking forward for seeing my Willard in my in box.
May you and Joe have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Why am I not surprised that your book is in Chinese??!! Everything you do turns to gold!! So blessed to be able to enjoy your creative talent! I read somewhere that you would be at a book signing in Austin, TX……….do you have a date yet for that? Would so love to meet you some day! Hugs to you! miriam
Susan, I had come to dislike winter in Northern Wisconsin until you have helped me enjoy little bits of loveliness in it. Fun Willard and blog. Happy Thanksgiving!
As always, you have brightened my day. Thanks for the opportunity to receive your books. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Hi Susan!
I’m Chinese AND random. Does that double my chances of winning your Chinese translated book? Would I be pushing my luck to ask if you could personalize it to my Chinese name? :o)
Feeling lucky already to have received Willard!
Too funny! xoxo
That salmon looks wonderful – I don’t care for salmon, but prepared so fresh and looking like that might change my mind! FOGT is on Cape Cod this year and, if I go, and since MV is is so close…..may need to make a side trip to Martha’s Vineyard before I go home – perfect chance to do it………..thinking thinking….it could be my retirement gift to myself 🙂
I am so excited about your next book – I can’t wait to find out what’s next! How exciting to see A Fine Romance in Chinese – you’re right, it’s beautiful with the artistic Chinese characters and all of your illustrations. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Yes, please come to Elliot Bay Bookstore in Seattle. I will send them a request right now. If they don’t come through for you (us), consider Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park which is a wonderful independent bookseller about a dozen miles north of downtown Seattle.
I’ve been a Susan Branch girlfriend since I discovered your very first cookbook in Carr’s Grocery Store (now Stop & Shop) in Orleans, Cape Cod, – so many years ago now that I don’t even remember! You continue to be an inspiration of living a life devoted to the things that really matter – family, friends, and a gentler way of living. Thank you!
I love all your work! I hope to get to see you when you come to Tennessee!
Can’t wait till your next book comes out! I am now pulling your Christmas book off the shelf and getting ready.
Loved the blog post and loved the Willard. Why does a visit just make everything calm and beautiful? Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Susan! I’m so happy you are trying to come to Tattered Cover in the Denver area, where I live! One issue with Tattered Cover….as they have it set up now, in order to get a ticket to a live book event, you have to purchase the book at Tattered Cover ahead of time. With your books, I always pre-order from you to make sure I have a copy! Do you have a choice in this when you schedule at Tattered, do you know? I would hate to not pre-order your book and risk Tattered Cover selling out….you know what I mean? I’d love to see you in person, though!!
It’s very rare, but once in a while a bookstore will ask this and I really don’t have a choice about it. I didn’t know this was their policy but I understand … it costs a lot to put on a book signing, and I think lots of time people come to listen and not to buy. I’m not sure how to answer your question though. I would think they better not sell out!
When I went to your very first book signing for AFR at Bunch of Grapes … I already had my book(s) … but they had a Susan Branch display right next to the line and I couldn’t help but buy more items from them 🙂 It seems like a bookstore would realize YOU bring revenue! ♥ xo
When our Girlfriends call them, they begin to see the light! 🙂
Hello Susan! Wow, wow, wow!!!! Oh my goodness Susan, so much to read, so much to look at, and so many goodies you are giving away! You have given us Girlfriends so much eye-candy at once!!!! Thank you for the Willard, though I must confess I have been so busy trying to get my tulip bulbs planted, the leaves raked, and cleaning up last minute details in the yard, before the snow flies here in Michigan Saturday, I have not read it entirely, yet. (did peek at the pictures though!). Yup, we’re getting that fluffy white stuff called S*N*O*W*!!! My son Steven finally returned to work from being so ill, so I now have to play catch-up before Turkey Day arrives. You are truly an inspiration to me Susan, and I feel your energy each and every time you post your wonderful world on Martha’s Vineyard!!! Thank you to JOE for his great salmon recipe. I’m going to try it, as mine is always BLAH 🙁
Have a great weekend Susan, and take care of yourself!!! God Bless!
Susan – Loved the Willard and reading about “A Fine Romance” being published in Chinese ! ! You go, girl!! I always enjoy your posts. I love your books and have them all! Can’t wait for the new one to be released.
I don’t mind saying I felt quite exhausted after reading your plans for the coming months. What a whirlwind. Quite a change for you after sitting for so long writing your books. Please throw my name in the hat as I would love to add to my Susan Branch library.
Hi Susan,
As a follow-up to your response to my earlier comment, here’s the e-mail that I sent to Politics & Prose Bookstore. I’m on their e-mail list of book recommendations and events. I hope this is helpful! Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration!
To: Director of Events, Politics & Prose Bookstore
Please consider inviting Susan Branch for a book signing event at Politics & Prose Bookstore in Spring 2016 to coincide with Susan’s book signing tour across the U.S.A. On the book tour, Susan will promote three publications:
“A Fine Romance – Falling in Love with the English Countryside”
“The Fairy Tale Girl”
“Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams” (new release Spring 2016)
You may contact Susan via her blog: http://www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/
My collection of Susan’s books began with “Christmas from the Heart of the Home” — a charming handwritten and illustrated Christmas gift from a friend. Susan, a talented author, has a wealth girlfriends/fans in the Washington, DC metro area (Maryland and Virginia) who are excitedly anticipating supporting a local book signing event.
Susan Branch is an American author, watercolorist, and designer. Her works include the Heart of the Home series of cookbooks in which she was also the illustrator. Eldest of Patricia Louise and John Patrick Stewart’s eight children, Branch grew up in the San Fernando Valley outside of Los Angeles, California. Her first commercial success manifested in 1978 at the Red Door Gallery in Beverly Hills, California. In 1982, Branch moved from California to the island of Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts. In 1986, the first of eleven volumes, Heart of the Home, Notes from a Vineyard Kitchen, was published by Hachette Book Group. In 1990, Branch’s book, “Christmas from the Heart of the Home” was nominated for the James Beard Award. She lives on Martha’s Vineyard with her partner Joe Hall and runs Susan Branch Studios.
Thank you so much TJ!!!
Here’s hoping you have a signing at the Joseph-Beth Bookstore in Cincinnati next spring. Happy Thanksgiving!
Susan, I cannot think of anyone I’d rather have using up a chunk of my day. Please have a wonderful season and know that you are so loved!!!! I posted a comment upon starting Fairy Tale Girl, with tears in my eyes, but I think it got lost in cyberland. That was Oct. 16th. Anyway, the book touched me. They all have from the first way too many years ago, but this one is special.
I just love your posts and the Willards!! Please include me in the drawing, if you will. I’d love to receive the books and the mug! And Jack has a very special place in my heart for kitties. We had two who looked just like him, but sadly they have passed on. My heart skips a beat when I see his sweet face, reminds me of our sweeties! Thank you for such a great time I have on your blog…I smile everytime I read your posts. Hugs and love, Jane
OMG! I can SMELL that salmon cooking, it looks delicious. I know your Chinese book will be popular, we saw a lot of Chinese and Japanese visitors at Hill Top.
Love your blog – new posts are like Christmas gifts!
Dear Darling Susan! “CONGRATULATIONS!” It tickles me to think of all this exciting news! How fun to see your artwork next to Chinese writing! The Chinese letters look like bits of art themselves. Magical! Have a hApPy Thanksgiving Susan! Always imagine you outside your home, peeking in the window, to see your friends and family gathered together. I thought I was the only “normal” one to do this! May your heart feel fuller than your tummy this Thanksgiving as you are so loved!! XoX Dawn
Susan~
Your salmon looks so good! How wonderful and sweet that Joe is your “salmon-chef!” Funny, because whenever I make it for us, I tell my husband, “I feel like I just splurged!” ….and then I realize that I really did, but in a super-healthy way!
From one salmon lover to another (smiles)…
Blessings from MO
Julie
P.S. Thank you 🙂 for sharing the link to Amazon with your darling cup that you displayed the birdie in, on your past blog entry. I wasn’t able to get the little, white “love” cup with the spout, but I did get the small bowl that said, “amour.” It is sweet as well. “Amour!”
Susan, I believe yuan is the chinese currency. Since you mention yen I thought you might see about having the book printed in Japanese it has the “kawaii” factor which makes me think it will sell well in Japan. I was talking with a gal from Canada who said there is a rather large population of Chinese in Vancouver British Columbia so if you two plan to be up Seattle way its just a ferry ride away ( you could go to the Empress and have their wonderful afternoon tea). Also the University Bookstore in Seattle might be a place to consider going to for a signing. It’s not just a place for textbooks and my late aunt who used to work at the UW years ago always bought books there as they have a wide selection.
Susan & Joe, Wishing you continued success in all your endeavors…sounds like your road trips across this great country would make for another great book…the continued story of the Fairytale Girl and her Prince. I think book four would also be a success, and yes let me be the first to say I would buy it…sorry Susan, no rest for the weary-but-happy:-)
I’ve always wanted to visit England, Ireland and Scotland. Well, I got to visit England with your book A Fine Romance. Loved it! A mug of tea and your book in hand would make my day.
Glad to see you’re a Gladys Taber fan, too. I have finally acquired all of the Stillmeadow books and go through them all month by month. I would put you in the same league with her. 🙂
When I was a single mom on a very limited income, one of your books each year was my treat to myself. Each lifted me out of what were overwhelming challenges. Today I have not been feeling well. Your description of the salmon reignited my appetite. You are a blessing!
I hope you feel better soon Deb.
Susan, You are utterly delightful and charming! What would life be without you in it? Thank you for dedicating your life and your incredible creativity to make our lives so much better! You are a blessing to us all!!!!
Well, I am not ashamed to say I kicked all my little boys outside to clean the horses’ corral while I got a fresh cup of coffee for your Willard! I love visiting your world, borrowing a little of your zest for life when the laundry gets to be too too much, and sprinkling a little of that old time magic in the dusty corners of my house!
May I comment on your Willard post here as well? May I share how excited I was to learn you’ll be at the Brewster Ladies Library on July 28th? May I share not only will I be there (crossing fingers for tickets) to hear you reading from A Fine Romance, but I’ll also be celebrating my birthday, which Beatrix Potter shares with me! Oh joy!
How perfect!
How incredible to see your book in Chinese! They picked a great font for their characters. It looks very in keeping with your sweet drawings! Have a lovely Thanksgiving.
Loved your last book … your blog and newsletter bring “JOY” to the World … at least mine. The time I spend reading them is my treat to myself. Thank you Susan.
Of course, Hollywood wants to make a movie orTV series of your books!! How exciting! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Susan and Joe! What a blessing you are to all of us!
I love everything you’ve ever written, every calendar you ever designed and wish I could have you as my next door neighbor. I truly feel that we are girlfriends. I’m sure all your fans feel the same. Oh, it would be wonderful if they took your last 3 books and made them into a movie or TV show. It would be a classic for sure. You are an inspiration!
I cannot wait to try salmon your way, Susan. I love it so much. I prepare it frequently at home. Then order it also when we dine out ! As always, I enjoyed this post.
Love the latest Willard. Such a treat to receive one. My Clementine says “hello” to Jack.
I would love to be entered in the drawing! Thank you for sharing your creativity and daily life! It’s uplifting and joyful!
Oh, I forgot to ask, any chance you’ll be coming to Nebraska on your book tour? I would be so excited!
Not so far, but we’re still working on it . . . somewhere in the vicinity I hope.
Another wonderful blog to be savoured on this chilly but sunny west coast day. Always enjoy your cheery message to us and the comments from your readers around the world. Have a wonderful weekend! Best wishes from the Canadian west coast.
Love your latest blog post! Every time I read a new post, I always feel like it’s a packet of sunshine sent directly to me. I’m looking forward to my Thanksgiving break and want to try out Joe’s delicious salmon recipe. Have a great Thanksgiving too.
Hi Susan – I hope you will post when you hear from some if your Chinese fans! They are so blessed to have your book available to them! I have your Christmas charm that I purchased a year ago and it couldn’t be truer today – Go be love…the world needs you! How beautiful – thank you! Thankful for you and your blog this holiday season!
Your enthusiasm is infectious! So happy and excited for you and all the wonderful things happening for you! You have been in my life since 1992, when I discovered Heart of the Home and started cooking with your recipes as a newlywed. Thank you for warming my heart over the years with your beautiful art and stories–You are such an inspiration! Xoxo
So many wonderful and exciting things to read about! Wouldn’t we just love a movie? Our cups would run over! Your arf and arfy reminds me of something similar that a college friend taught us, only it uses “ob.” Your name would be Sobusoban. I always thought it was fun. I want to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving, and I also want to thank you for all of the joy you’ve brought into our lives.
WooHoo on getting the book translated now a whole new country can love you too!
Oh and PICK-ME for the giveaway 🙂
Dear Susan,
Thank you for all the joy and goodness you bring to so many lives. Reading your blog is so refreshing and a nice break from the troubles of the world.
What an accomplishment to have your book published in Chinese.. Congratulations.
I am looking forward to your next book. My friend Kathy George and I are already planning our next outing around a book signing. Fun, fun, fun!!!
May you and Joe have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
A grateful SB friend,
Carol Melville
Dear Susan,
Leaving my comment amongst the fairy dust hoping the magic will rub off on me! Will be celebrating my giving of thanks that you are on the other side of my window (laptop) sending me letters about all the lovely in the world where you are and helping me focus on the lovely where I am. Exciting times are just around the bend! How fun to have so much to look forward to! And you’re kind enough to pack us up and take us with you! I’m ready! Let’s go!
We are going to have so much fun!
Hi Susan. I got on Left Bank Books Facebook and strongly suggested it would sooooo good if they hosted you on your big tour. This is their reply! The St. Louis area would warmly welcome you!
“Thanks for the feedback! Please join our mailing list (ow.ly/UTesu) and you’ll be notified if Susan reaches out to us to schedule an event! Left Bank Books.’
Wonderful! Thank you! xoxo
Did you miss my little comment Susan? It’s at 12:07am…Nov.20th.
I’m writing again just to make sure that I make it into your wonderful Vanna game.
You are just the BEST!
Audrey. . .sitting by the sea in the dark right now.
So pretty in Chinese too!!
just purchased your book fairy tale girl. totally loving it! thank you for sharing your life with us!
Sue,
What a delightful post, thanks for sharing the pictures of your book in Chinese.
Your books bring joy to so many of your friends around the world.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Marjorie
Susan, Your book in Chinese might be one of the coolest things I have ever seen! Thank you for sharing it with us. I loved seeing the side by sides. You know, I bet you would be very good at drawing all those little Chinese characters.
Blessed day to you,
Michaelene
I’m so excited about your new book. Can you come to Walnut Creek, CA? We have a lovely little bookstore in Danville, CA just down the road. BTW, I have a nice little boy cat just like your Jack, only with a little mustache, his name is MaGoo. I met you once at the Remnants of the Past show, it was such a pleasure.
I just have to tell you that after I read A Fine Romance, I thought to myself that it would make a really great movie. I thought the same thing after reading the Fairy Tale Girl, so I was happy to hear the Hollywood news. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
This is my first Willard to come to my cellphone. Lying in bed reading it and listening to the news in the background. Congratulations on your book being printed in Chinese and on the prospect on a tv show or movie! Ready for the new book in April! Happy Thanksgiving Susan.
I’ve been a fan of yours for so many years. I was so moved by your by your most recent book “The Fairy Tale Girl.” Thank you for sharing your story.
I absolutely love your fairy tale life. Thank you for sharing your life, loves, and talent with all of us. Happy Thanksgiving!
I always look forward to your blogs, Willards and books. They are such a positive force in my day. Sometimes life gets pretty overwhelming. It’s nice to have your voice there helping to keep things in perspective. Thanks for that!
I’ve never been much of a fish fan, but Joe’s salmon might change my mind.
Oooh! Susan, did you miss me? Computer glitches and I have not been able to access anything on WordPress for weeks and weeks, but it seems to be all sorted now, which is just as well because {to quote a song} The Weather Outside is Frightful {well, not frightful, but a Rather Blustery Day to quote Winnie the Pooh} and chilly so a perfect Saturday to spend indoors catching up on blog reading. With Christmas cooking shows running on Food Channel UK, new colouring in books I was given for my birthday, a box of new pencils, and some new paints, I’m quite happy to stay indoors and out of the cold winds today.
Off now to make a big bowl of porridge with coconut milk and blueberries, almonds, and milled flax with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, then settling down to read ~~~ and read ~~~ and read!
~~~Waving from Across The Big Water~~~ Deb in Wales xoxo
Stay warm Debs!
With all the tragedy in our world, applaud you for focusing on family, friendships, the beauty and simple pleasures all around us. Having lived in that part of our world as a child, it is not surprising that your book is welcomed and celebrated in China!
I try to follow the Jane Austen model: “Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery.” There are plenty of other pens out there for everyone! Thank you Laurie!
Hi Susan!
I loved The Great British Baking show as well. ABC is airing a special holiday version of the show beginning November 30th. Should be fun! 🍭
Ruby has a cookbook out called “Crumb” and winner Frances’s book
is called “Quinntessential Baking”. Thanks for the heads up on the
special.
Susan, loved the Willards! Bought your last book for myself & daughter for a Christmas present and I have read mine & eagerly wait the next one about Martha’s Vineyard. I think I have all of your books now. I also need to catch up on my charms as I am 3 behind. I am the Sandi from Texas & you won’t believe where I am at the moment with my daughter, son-in-law & the two grandgirls. We finished our 1st day at Disneyland in California and have two more to go. Had a blast & looking forward to the next two plus a visit Monday with a good college friend & bridesmaid in Bec’s wedding. Went to Disney World a long time ago.Would love the give away with the addition of the Chinese book as a table book with good conversation flowing between guests. Happy Thanksgiving and keep the updates coming. Sandi
Hello Sue,
Loved reading the new Willard and your blog, looking forward to following you and Joe on your next adventure – Scotland!
Happy Thanksgiving Susan (and Joe)! Grateful for you, your books, your artwork and your honesty!
It is always such a delightful experience to check to see if there’s a new entry from you and find that there is! As I read through and practically drool over the pictures I keep trying to “Like” them! Especially after a long, pre-holiday week teaching Middle School, it’s so nice to luxuriate in your musings and dream about reading your new book this week when I have 10 minutes to myself. I guess fairy tales DO come true 🙂 Thank you.
Praying for the 10 minutes to yourself!
Got to start my Saturday morning with your Willard and Blog. Such a special way to start my weekend. Thank you so much. . .
Just read Willard!! So good thanks so much you busy little lady. Jumping in on the giveaway band wagon, woot, woot. Wishing all a fabulous Thanksgiving, we are so Blest! Gobble, gobble.
Would love to win a mug!
Susan Branch in Chinese, this is neat! Please enter me in your giveaway, those are lovely prizes! thanks from an old fan, i go back with you a long time. Sonya
Good Morning!
Listening to ‘In the Mood’ as I type this! yippee! Thanks Susan! (in case you didn’t notice, I’m a big fan of the exclamation mark, it’s my favorite!) hurray! I gathered all the ingredients for the Cookie Cutter Ginger Crisps, that are a must make every fall, to be distributed amongst family, friends, and neighbors as a little reminder that they are special and loved! wahoo! Plus I will be trying out my NEW marble rolling pin, and I hope it makes it easier, because that is one big batch of cookies, right?! yee-haw! Have a great DAY!!
Sitting here hearing the wind blow, watching it blow the leaves off the trees, and reading my new Williard. I love this morning! Thank you Susan.
I love reading your posts, and especially like seeing what Jack is up to!!
Thank you for the giveaway.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Congrats on all your good news !! AND there is a lot of it. One tip regarding your book tour and hotel accommodations, we do road trips and use biding on Price Line. We never know where we will end up and the close of the day and about 1 hour prior , we go on that site and bid and get a place. You can enter “4 Diamond’ or less , depending on your location. MUCH better price than most other choices. Hope that will be of some benefit. Reading Fairy Tale Girl. Feel like I am re living my SLO days and all the hiking in the area. Even owned a royal blue Corvair !
Handy about Price Line. . . might really help in cross country drive! Thank you!
I so enjoy your work and will come to Salt Lake City to see you if that location works out!
I love the Chinese letters! Thank you for attempting to join our worlds,
I’m excited, but also confused. After your announcement that the “Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams” book was ready for pre-order, I ordered it. One day later I got an e-mail that my order had shipped. Are they available already? Did I order the Chinese version of “A Fine Romance” in error? I don’t know exactly what I’ll be getting, but I know something is on its way. Perhaps I’m just thinking ahead when you announce that I’m the drawing winner! Life is an adventure!
Maybe you ordered something else at the same time?
What an incredible blog! So many happy things happening!
Love your blog & Willard.
What fun to see pages of your book translated into Chinese….thanks for sharing that!
Loved reading the new Willard and am looking forward to your next book in the spring.
Happy Thanksgivings!!!
Thank you Susan, for being the little light I can turn on when life feels bleak. You remind me of what I love, my family and my home. xxoo
Oh, my goodness. Every time I look at that photo of the turkeys congregating in your yard I think they look like students waiting for the bell to ring so the last class will leave the building and they can enter the room. 1,702 comments? Wow.
You always make me SO hungry on this blog! Yum! What exciting giveaways!
I just got to read Willard and had to laugh when you mentioned that Arf and Arfy is not on Google! I know because as soon as you mentioned it in the book I had to google it and could not believe I was finding nothing!!!! ha ha ha!!! I think I’m too tired to try to learn it. 🙂 My kids would love it though!!!They love pig latin.
Oh, thank you for a wonderful giveaway! My future daughter-in-law is from China and speaks English, Mandarian Chinese and Spanish. She’s a bright one and lives in California, where my son met her. This would be a wonderful Christmas present for her. She works long hours as a restaurant owner, but loves to travel when there is time. My fingers are crossed!
Yay! I have finally decided to make the time and space and gift myself with reading your Blog and Willard again, it’s been a bunch of months. And I feel so garfrand! (I think i did that right, it’s supposed to be GRAND!) I loved the language lesson, what an honor to be included in the secret code language of the greats! You and Annie of course! I so appreciate your help in breathing in the beautiful simplicity of life. Nature, friends, family, food, art, literature, cats and comfort! These are the fruits of our existence here, and I desperately needed that reminder. Feeling blessed now, thank you! I will definitely call Chaucer’s Books (my childhood bookstore in Santa Barbara, CA) and will also put a call in to my now local shop in Santa Cruz ‘Bookshop Santa Cruz’ just in case 🙂 Much love and Thanksgiving Blessings to all the Girlfriends out there. Thank you Susan! <3
Thank you Back Brenna! xoxo
I can’t pass up an opportunity to put my name in the hat for one of your marvelous drawings. Now for a while, I’m the winner. Reality can catch up with me later.
I’ve done this backwards because I came here first. I’m saving Willard for a little while longer. Anticipation is so sweet.
A happy and blessed thanksgiving day to you and Joe and the kitties.
Awesome job Susan!
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your Willard newsletter! Sounds like you have an exciting year coming up. I cannot wait to see this movie/series, whatever it may be. I will be waiting, just like I cannot wait to read your new book! As always, you are a true inspiration! Thank you!
Dearest Susan,
I am so excited for you!!! All your coming plans for Newest Book, Book Signing Tour of the US and Scotland!!!!! I was just hoping that you would tour Scotland and take us along. Only wish I was joining your tour. Anyway, I have been spreading the word for years and have many sisters and girlfriend in love with you, your blogs and Willard. Then there is your Love affair book in Chinese and the most exciting of all the hint of a TV series or, bless then all, A MOVIE!
I was so happy as a young bride, when I was unpacking my husband’s collection of cookbooks, and there among them was Heart of the Home. I had just found your stickers and scrapbook lovelies at Michael’s Arts and Crafts. I was using them for my yet to be born baby girls baby book, and just LOVED them! When I saw this book with your lovely writings and artwork, I was thrilled that someone had given it to my husband and now I could enjoy it too! <3 I've been a devoted fan for 14 years now! Hard to believe it's been that long! If you come to DC, I have to visit you at the book store! With love, Bekah W.
Hope to see you there!
Hello Susan,
I have not received Willard yet. 🙁 I believe I am signed up to get it)
Will you ever come to Palo Alto, CA? I know you have a friend in Palo Alto
and I would love to see you at a local independent bookstore. Thanks for all
you do and for joining the BP Society.
There is a Books Inc there . . . let them know you’d like me to visit and I’ll try to get there!
Hi Susan. Thank you for taking the time to write a “Willard” update and for all your recent sweet surprise gifts; the “cook”bookmark, Joe’s salmon recipe, and screen saver. Hope to see you here next year in either Seattle or Portland (voting with both bookstores!). Wishing you, Joe, Jack and Girl a very Blessed Thanksgiving! Love, Karen
Another beautiful post Susan. I enjoyed it very much…I always love the photos and your unique artwork. Wishing you a most Blessed Thanksgiving Day and weekend.
Hi Jack. Please Pick me!!!!
Susan, I’ve had your little calendar hanging in my kitchen for almost a year now, and enjoy all of it SO much! Then I discovered your blog. I sure enjoy it, also!
I bought A FINE ROMANCE to pass the time while my husband was recovering from surgery, and am living my dream vicariously through that book! My husband was in the Merchant Marine and went to sea (reluctantly – he wanted to be a cowboy) and I know I’ll never get him on a ship again. So thank you for the sweet dreams in get from reading a little from the book each night before I go to sleep. Is this how I enter your drawing? Just wanted you to know how much I enjoy the beauty you share with us!!
Can you believe it? Just as I am reading the blog today, the ad for Downton Abbey comes on. That means something, I think? Willard was wonderful, as always. Need to read it and the blog again and possibly again. I go through thinking, I need to remember this, and then it is gone. The Chinese edition is just amazing and I can sort of see how overwhelming it would be to see your work in a language as foreign as Chinese is….with the interesting characters. They did a very good job of it.
Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings to you and Joe and kitties. I am coming in at 1,703…I think….people who have commented. Amazing!
My next door neighbors are both Chinese and I know they would love your book!
Looking forward to reading your newest one, Fairy Tale Girl..such a fun and enjoyable experience reading your books …thank you!…
Congratulations! Can almost hear the excitement in your voice from here, about the
chinese edition. Really happy for you…