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 so enjoy your blog and your books. I have spent the last few months in doctors offices getting chemo treatments for cancer. Your writing is so up beat and up lifting. It is so wonderful to be transported to some place beautiful through your words and pictures. I can’t wait to read the new book. I hope to someday come to Martha’s Vinyard and walk past your house and go out your walking path and see all the other places that you tell us about. I do hope that your book tour brings you to Georgia. I would love to meet you and Joe. Thanks for all you do to lift our spirits. Brenda
Wishing you a swift and complete and TOTAL recovery . . . you go girl!!!
How EXCITING!! I just love the book in Chinese..that’s wonderful!! You will bring even more joy to this planet!! Thank you Susan for ALWAYS brightening my days. I am trying that salmon recipe tonight!! Thanks for the details!
Beautiful art and beautiful photos of everyday life – thanks for sharing both with us. Your blog is a real port in the storm!
Such fun giveaways too! I hope I win the Christmas book! 😀
Incredible photo of Ms Alcott’s home too. Doesn’t it make you just want to hunker down and drink tea and be cozy and warm inside. I love November, and the coming of Winter!
Warm wishes to you Susan,
Lindsey
Hello Susan! Thanks for another blog “chat.” It’s always fun to sit down with you. Today I actually waited for lunchtime and had my lunch with you! Just so you know, we enjoyed our lunch together. So good to hear of the exciting events in your publishing world. Have to go get some salmon out of the freezer for tonight…what a good dinner idea!
That Chinese version of your book is CRAZY! I love how it looks like someone hand lettered it in Chinese just as you did yours in English. That is so amazing. So in the absence of Nora Ephron, I vote for Nancy Meyers to direct your movie. The houses in her movies are lovely, and she would do you justice. 🙂
You are right, she is great with houses! 🙂
The Chinese book is just TOO COOL! I’m sure one of the girlfriends reads Chinese and hopefully will investigate it for us all. 😀
Please enter me in the contest. Love everything that you write and would be so excited to win a prize. How nice that you sent your Chinese book to the Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy. I’m sure they will be so grateful. I live in Braintree (one town over from Quincy) and libraries are my favorite place to go.
Susan, reading your blog is always a delight. congratulations on the Chinese printing of your book- what an honour! it would be such a great pleasure to win this drawing. 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS on your book being published in Chinese Susan! Now that beautiful book can be read by more people. And thank you for spreading beauty and happiness in our troubled world.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for bringing me a minute of calm and peace of mind!I love your blogs.
Love Karen
I was so excited to see Willard in my mailbox this morning and a blog post as well! Doesn’t get any better than that after sinus surgery!
Thank you for your friendship all these years. Even though we have never met
I so enjoy everything you have done. Please keep it all coming. Happy Hollidays.
So much to be thankful for as that season draws close … and you have added another one … a wonderful Susan Branch drawing! Thank you. Congratulations on your book in Chinese. You speak to the heart and that translates well in all languages. <3
Can’t hardly wait for my Willard! What a lovely giveaway and how very exciting to be translated so lovingly into Chinese! Good on you, as my relatives would say! The beauty you bring into this world is something I cherish. Thank you.
Congrats on the book in Chinese! Delightful!
And you are a scream; I laughed out loud: “I’ve always just naturally gathered healthful winter fat to protect myself against wolves and starvation in the freezing cold…” HA!
Thank you for such a joy-filled post. OMG did I need it…when everything else I seem to be reading is nothing but disturbing. But, oh, we’re cooler down south here of Arroyo! I’m in heaven when it comes to the weather after so many, many months of nasty heat. It was 63 degrees (F) and sunny about 9:30 a.m. – can hardly believe it!! And down to 40 last night; amazing. We only got two seconds of that recent little rain but it really whipped up the ocean in the aftermath with strong northeast wind; lots of whitecaps and big waves…and, wow, yesterday, around 8am, the sea was the most incredible blue/green, sort of teal, and I was so rejuvenated! I love a windy beach in the mid-50s temps (I’m weird that way).
I preordered ISLE OF DREAMS from your shop last night. Can’t wait…
Have a wonderful day, Susan!
PS: Forgot to say, thank you for the link on the science of real books. I have to say, I’m a very stubborn person, maybe to my detriment, but I’ve militantly refused to read on any hand-held device and I continue to buy ‘paper’ books, recycle books, much to the criticism of relatives and friends who say that I’m wasting a tree. I once worked for a lumber company who went into the packaging business and we reforested, practiced conservation, reprocessed ‘board’ and didn’t decimate old-growth trees. As I think you once said, books…real ones…are the best wallpaper/decor and maybe when you walk in my house it smells like a bunch of old books but, frankly, I LIKE that smell and my books are my friends; I’ve hauled them around for years and I read/re-read them. Give me a book; not jewelry! I was at my local Goodwill store yesterday and it was heartwarming to see adults thumbing through the used books for sale, with children at their feet collecting some from the lower shelves. And our community library has regular sales to benefit Friends of The Library which are immensely popular, with people carrying out armloads of books with big smiles on their faces. I remember reading storybooks at bedtime with my parents when I was a tiny tot…the bigger picture books you could get at the dimestore…and going over all the large pages with my wee fingers, pointing out a figure like a house or a woodland creature in the colorful illustrations…sort of like the fun of teen years with the big record albums (vinyl) from the 60s & 70s, when bringing home a new one was a ceremony, reading all the liner notes and studying the cover art/photos (sorry, but a small CD in a case just does NOT have the same impact!).
There are a lot of ways of wasting trees, but I don’t believe books are one of them. xoxo
I agree with you on real books! There’s hardly any enjoyment reading something on a device! UGH!
Zero fragrance, where’s the L O V E ? 🙂
Oh, I just got my Willard!! I poured over it twice. Thank you for going to so, so much effort to make such a wonderful newsletter. It’s a gift of a mini-book, truly! I don’t do Facebook (another thing I’m stubborn about) but I will write to one of the bookstores you’d indicated and wax crazy-fan to them about having you make a personal appearance. SO MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO FROM YOU IN 2016; thanks for taking us along every step of the way. (I wondered if you were a white knuckler on a ship like a plane…I’m both…but it’s sorta hard to get to Scotland any other way, isn’t it? Sigh. You’ll be fine. On the one end is the British Isles and the other, Home Sweet Home. Win-win.)
I’m pretty good on a boat except for some possible seasickness, boy do I sound wimpy! I’m NOT. I’m strong! LOL, “wax crazy fan” — can’t tell you how much I appreciate it! 🙂
Susan, coincidentally about motion sickness…I was just talking to one of my doctors today and he’s a competitive bicyclist at age 65; he revealed to me that he ‘throws up’ even if he’s looking at wave action thru binocs, while he’s standing on land; seriously! He says he can’t be on a train, plane, boat, or in a car on vacation … or even on his racing bike sometimes … without getting ‘sick’ and it’s been that way his ENTIRE life! He’s this medical genius; a jock, athlete, tall, vibrant and strong guy … don’t know why exactly, but this ‘news’ from him just sorta blew me away!
I’ve been thinking so much about you getting approached about the book rights. I mean, we all knew you’d get somebody out there in the film/TV industry wanting to make your books(s)/life into a movie; The Fairy Tale Girl particularly is just too tantalizing. (OMG, who would play Cliff??!!) I know of course that you’ve said TFTG is ‘part fiction’ but, you know, it’s still a lot of your life and I can see where weighing an offer for the book(s) to go to the big screen is a real heavyweight decision for you because…okay, I’ll step in here; it’s absolutely none of my beeswax…I don’t want them to trivialize your whole-entire, fascinating, substantive life story in some cheesy Lifetime movie on cable (I don’t mean to be uncharitable about Lifetime, but…); it’s gotta be the right offer with the right people behind it, and how can one know? Of course, you’re a smart cookie, you’re probably ‘connected’ with film people in the art-filled Cape/Vineyard…maybe you really need no other perspective and know precisely how to wheel & deal it with a good handle on what kind of control/promises you’ll require as part of the contract! I think Debbie Macomber books have gotten play on the Hallmark channel. Author LaVyrle Spencer’s books got optioned for TV movies back in the day. But these were full-fiction books … whereas you’ve got real people and real stories. What does Blog Daddy think about it? What actor would he or wouldn’t he like to portray him in a movie of your life? Would you get any choice on casting? Would you be a consultant, or help write the script? SO much to think about but, the main thing is, did I say congrats… CONGRATS!!… because it is VERY exciting to think of a book turning into a movie; what a fab time for you, Susan! I’m feeling a lot of fan-pride for you!
Oh you are so right, if this comes through, it would be a whole new world. I promise to get good advice! Thank you Vicki!
I hope my Willard comes soon. Loved the post. The Chinese writing is beautiful. Please let me know what kind of salmon that was. I want to make that. It looked mouth wateringly delicious! Thanks for the opportunity to win your amazing books.
Oh Joy! Thanks for another wonderful Willard!
I am over the moon to see The King’s English on your map. I will send them a note about it. 🙂
It must be surreal to have your book printed in Chinese. So extraordinarily cool!
xxooxx
It was such a pleasure meeting you at Strawberry Patches in Bakersfield, a fun afternoon. Thanks so much for sharing such joy and inspiration!
What a special way to start the day…….both Willard and a new blog post! Wow on all your 2016 plans and dreams!!
Thank you for sharing the Secret Language!! I’m going to try and learn to speak it! The pictures you share as such wonderful “get-aways” from the normal schedules of life…thank you, Susan.
Dearest Susan,
I was thinking today of how many wonderful people you have introduced to me through your blog, “Heroines” I may never have found on my own; Gladys Taber, Margot Datz, Nancy Luce, Emma Bridgewater to name just a few. I would never have seen such beautiful places as Orchard House, England or even Martha Vineyard. I join the many admirers who have tried to express the sentiment we all share when it comes to the gratitude, it’s just so stinking FUN to come to your blog and to have your wonderful books! This will always be “my happy place”! XOXO
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with ME…thanks for spreading your joy and happy genes with everyone and Viva La France!
Hi Susan,
That was a nice post. How exciting about your book being all the way over there in China. Would love to see who buys it and what they think. I know I read it twice, but then I read all your books more then once. Now, I won’t be reading the one in Chinese just looking at the pictures if I had a copy. Looking forward to the new Willard, I keep them all. Also looking forward to winning your drawing.
Your best friend in the world Nancy Jo
Thank you for inviting me into your world today, dear Susan. A Fine Romance in Chinese!!—Wow—That must be thrilling for you to see your work in a different alphabet. You must have Chinese girlfriends give their reviews! We love salmon at our house and we will try Joe’s recipe. I always bake mine in the oven, but that crust looks divine. Thank you as always for bringing sunshine to the world. xoxo ♥
I am currently reading A Fine Romance, and love it. I am currently raising 3 rowdy young boys, and a husband, but having read this book it has lit a fire inside me and I find myself yearning for England. Thank you for rekindling a passion I use to have before my life became so hectic!
Thank you for the new “Willard”! sooooooooo fun! I check your blog almost daily to see what fun you have for us each day. Thank you for it ALL.
I would just love to win “A Fine Romance in Chinese”. One of my daughters’ lives in Shanghai, we would have fun reading it together. Renminbi is the official currency in China, and it is also called yuan. Louisa May Alcott’s home in the winter, just beautiful.
Oh, that salmon looks wonderful! I usually poach mine in blood orange juice and season with fresh thyme, then reduce the juice to a glaze for the fish. But Joe’s salmon, I think, will be even better. It’s that crunchy crust!!!
I’m so excited to hear that you’ll be “hitting the road” again. SLO was a blast!
OMG!! East meets West indeed! Wait….are you breaking some barrier here?! I think you are! You are boldly going where no (wo)man has gone before! This is so exciting I can’t stand it! Haha Are you able to fall asleep?! I’m staring at a quote I copied off one of your books or blog so long ago. I keep it on my desk: “Nothing happens unless first we dream.” (Carl Sandburg) Thanks for reminding us all that dreams really do come true! XXO I’m so happy for your, Susan!
**Congratulations, Susan!!** How exciting to be published in Chinese. What an accomplishment. You should be so proud of yourself. Your “girl friends” are!!! The printer did a *beautiful* job on the book. — Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for.
Good Afternoon, Dearest Susan,
What wonderful posts of late…..all yellow, orange, and red…leaves and sailboats, moons, and quilts airing on the line. And, all the talk of grandmothers. I was so lucky to have 2, both of whom lived in our house when I was growing up….lots of good spoiling….and food. One made cookies using the butter from our cows; the other, THE BEST blackberry cobbler and cornbread.
Congratulations on the Chinese version of Romance. Since the Chinese are traveling more, they are going to love having your version of England….wonder if any will take the ship to America?
When you have a minute, could you see if your china, in the photo of your recipe box, has any markings? I just love the floral design and the shape of the plates!!
I’m looking forward to Willard and hope mine comes today or tomorrow or Thursday or Friday…ha!…as long as it gets here, I’ll be happy.
Thank you so very much for all the time you spend making our world a better, “more funner” place. We are blessed to have you share your life with us.
Love, Rachel
It doesn’t have a name Rachel … nothing at all on the back. I just love it, I think I got it for about 35 dollars quite a few years ago. Square plates! Love you!
A giveaway, so generous. I am eagerly awaiting my Willard to arrive. Thanks for such a spot of cheer in a sometimes dark world. We have much to be thankful for, so looking forward to Thanksgiving!
Dear Susan,
Your happy personality just shines through your drawings and writing. I always feel my joy more fully after reading your blog. It is a gift to the world to be a happy and joyful person. I truly appreciate your work!
Have a sparkling day,
Lorraine
I just love getting my Willard in my email box! I hope you will be able to make it to the King’s English in Utah. I would love to see you there. Although, if it is in April I may be in England for the first time with my mom during your visit.
That is so exciting that your book is in Chinese now. What a wonderful accomplishment and it looks so great!
How special to have your work published in Chinese. I have only been following your web site for a couple of years and I feel like I’ve known you a long time. Thank you for sharing so much with us gals. I am another fortunate gal with a hubby that likes to cook. He makes great turkey dressing while I make the pumpkin pies. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Sharon S
Hi Susan;
Always nice to check your site and see a new post from you. You are so uplifting, which we all need right now. I think I will also turn off the television. That is pretty darn “neato” having your book printed in Chinese! Must be thrilling for you, really! Anyway have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, I’m going to go check my email for “Willard”. God Bless us Everyone. xoxo
I am savoring this newest Willard and all of your delicious enticements! I have all of your books but would so love to have the 3 books listed in your giveaway! And my Christmas book is old and torn, so a new copy would be so appreciated! I think I found the perfect gift for my Chinese-speaking sister for Christmas. Susan—-you think of everything for us lucky readers! Thank you!
Such exciting news on such a dreary day! I loved reading A Fine Romance, and hope to be reading The Fairy Tale Girl in the near future. The salmon looks delicious, thanks for sharing the recipe!
Susan, you, combined with the holidays, really get me cooking! I carry your cookbooks everywhere in case I have a minute to read, plan, and get inspired. I am lucky enough to have a twin brother in the fish business in Alaska who sends me salmon, halibut, and crab to cook and share with neighbors (& my lucky kitties!). I will try Joe’s method for salmon next. Thanks a million!
I had to think twice about that sweet pic of you in an air plane—-I’m so proud of you facing one of your major fears ! I’m thinking that the Chinese edition would do well in USA—at least here in Ca.—-we have had a lot Chinese move here—-our new neighbors are Chinese! Lovely people & they are Doing really nice improvements to their home !
Oh Susan – I am recently back from a wonderful trip to England with my dearest friend. We took the train from London to the Emma Bridgewater Pottery factory and spent hours and hours there! Thank you so much for suggesting that wonderful, magical place. We had the best girlfriend time!!!
Julie
Love it!!!
It must be fate! I was feeling a bit of a “happy place” withdrawal so I headed over to your blog and just as I was reading……..PING! My email alerted me that my Willard had arrived! Oh Happy Day!! Never too much of a good thing! Thank you for always bringing a smile and warming our hearts with your words and art! Love the screen saver too! Anxiously awaiting our first “measurable” snow fall predicted for this weekend. I hope the weather man isn’t wrong! 🙂
So very exciting to have your book published in another language! You must be over the moon. I shared your blog link with three bookstores in Arkansas. I am hoping they will hear my plea and have you here for your book signing tour. If not, see you in Kansas City again!
How exciting to see your book in Chinese! I love all the little details they kept in. I’m glad to hear that reading “real” books keeps you smarter – at least I’m doing SOMETHING right! 😀
Thank you, Susan!! Loved it all!! Especially the salmon! Well done, Joe! I do it that way, too! Feel pretty proud of myself emulating the pro, but will tweak it a little with the timing and seasonings! Looks wonderful! Thanks for the Alcott house, too! A touch of Massachusetts for the winter. That’s a good thing!! Count me in for the drawing! How generous!! Hanging in there with you as you keep whaling on the book!! xo
Susan, what a tribute to you to have your book published in Chinese. “Love” translates in any language, but I think we all may need it more right now than ever.
If you find an effective and do-able way to lose the stored-up body poundage, please share with me!
What a wonderful surprise for you. It is really unique to see a book originally done in English now published in Chinese. Thanks for sharing with us.
I love seeing your blog posts in my Inbox! I especially love your drawings and the photos of your island. Congrats on the Chinese book!
I’m so looking forward to Martha’s Vineyard!! (and Willard) The Fairy Tale Girl took just a couple days to read, enjoyed it so much! Now time for some tea from your special stash. Thank you for all you do! And here in Michigan mid November and no snow yet! amazing!
Thank you for your part in making the world smaller and bringing people closer by showing different cultures how alike we really are. I truly believe that most people around the world want peace, and to be able to travel the globe safely. I hope “A Fine Romance” will be published in many more languages, and it will inspire those who read it, to go and see the English countryside for themselves. It’s a wonderful, wonderful book!
Hello, Susan! I love it that the some fortunate Chinese readers have the opportunity to share the joy of “A Fine Romance.” You truly are a goodwill ambassador. Have you ever read David Kanigan’s blog , Live & Learn? There is a very touching entry from November 16 written by Naomi Shihbab Nye: poet and Author. Can’t resist sharing.
That is SO beautiful, I’m going to put it here for people to read. Thank you Anne. That’s the world I love too.
Gate A-4 By Naomi Shihab Nye:
Wandering around the Albuquerque Airport Terminal, after learning my flight had been delayed four hours, I heard an announcement: “If anyone in the vicinity of Gate A-4 understands any Arabic, please come to the gate immediately.” Well— one pauses these days. Gate A-4 was my own gate. I went there.
An older woman in full traditional Palestinian embroidered dress, just like my grandma wore, was crumpled to the floor, wailing. “Help,” said the flight agent. “Talk to her . What is her problem? We told her the flight was going to be late and she did this.”
I stooped to put my arm around the woman and spoke haltingly. “Shu-dow-a, shu-bid-uck, habibti? Stani schway, min fadlick, shu-bit-se-wee?” The minute she heard any words she knew, however poorly used, she stopped crying. She thought the flight had been cancelled entirely. She needed to be in El Paso for major medical treatment the next day. I said, “No, we’re fine, you’ll get there, just late, who is picking you up? Let’s call him.”
We called her son, I spoke with him in English. I told him I would stay with his mother till we got on the plane. She talked to him. Then we called her other sons just for the fun of it. Then we called my dad and he and she spoke for a while in Arabic and found out of course they had ten shared friends. Then I thought just for the heck of it why not call some Palestinian poets I know and let them chat with her? This all took up two hours.
She was laughing a lot by then. Telling about her life, patting my knee, answering questions. She had pulled a sack of homemade mamool cookies— little powdered sugar crumbly mounds stuffed with dates and nuts— from her bag and was offering them to all the women at the gate. To my amazement, not a single traveler declined one. It was like a sacrament. The traveler from Argentina, the mom from California, the lovely woman from Laredo— we were all covered with the same powdered sugar. And smiling. There is no better cookie.
Then the airline broke out free apple juice and two little girls from our flight ran around serving it and they were covered with powdered sugar too. And I noticed my new best friend— by now we were holding hands— had a potted plant poking out of her bag, some medicinal thing, with green furry leaves. Such an old country traveling tradition. Always carry a plant. Always stay rooted to somewhere.
And I looked around that gate of late and weary ones and thought, This is the world I want to live in. The shared world. Not a single person in that gate— once the crying of confusion stopped— seemed apprehensive about any other person. They took the cookies. I wanted to hug all those other women too.
This can still happen anywhere. Not everything is lost.
..awww…thank you for sharing !!!..there IS, still, Faith, Hope, and Love in this world !!!
This brought tears to my eyes. It’s the human experience I always want to have. Thanks for sharing this, Sue.
Thank you for sharing this, Miss Beautiful Light, I thought that you might….this is evidence that we live in a beautiful world. Peaceful Girlfriends UNITE!
Susan Love your books! I want to visit the home of Beatrix Potter now. Took your books to the Pearl S. Buck home and snapped a picture of them with her Noble Prize and her Pulitzer! Need to figure out how to send them to you! Can’t wait for your next book! Hugs!
How wonderfull to see your book published in Chinese!
That’s lovely news after all the bad news from Paris-it’s on and on all day on our tv screens and in the news and makes you feel uncomfortable.
You cheered me up and I love the photo of the winter wonderland house.
Thanks for your lovely post.
greetings Trudy from the Netherlands
Congratulations on your book in Chinese! What a lovely posting! So many wonderful tidbits about you, Joe and the kitties. So nice to read such positive and uplifting thoughts!
Fairy Tale Girl was a great read and I plan to take it to England and share with my daughter who lives there (she already has A Fine Romance and thoroughly enjoyed it).
Thank you for continuing to send out Willard’s! I love them.❤️ I hope I win 😊😘
How exciting to see your book in Chinese! You must be tickled pink! It made me think of two co-workers who might enjoy it! I’m looking forward to seeing you again at Vroman’s in Pasadena! We haven’t had much of a Fall yet here in Southern California, this week it’s supposed to be in the 80’s -ugh! so thank you for posting your beautiful Martha’s Vineyard fall photos so that we can live vicariously through you! Also, how fun is your Arf and Arfy! I am going to work on learning it to teach my granddaughters! Your Autumn book is out and I’ve already made your Cranberry Apple Crisp, Spiced Pecans, and heart shaped Cream Scones are next, as a treat for my Thanksgiving guests who are coming early. Thanks and blessings to you and Joe!
I loved the chinese version ofThe Fairy Tale Girl! I wish I could read it but I guess I will have to take some language classes before I can do that!
Thank you for continuing the Willard’s. I love them. I hope I win❤️😘
Oh, Susan, you’ve done it again!! Delighted us with your wonderful life! How amazing to have a book that you’ve written in another language – especially Chinese!! Who would’ve thought!!! We are having snow here in Western Colorado…. hope that you all keep warm and cozy… hug kitties for me.
So thankful for all you do!!
I look forward to your Correspondence.
I hope someday to visit Martha’s Vineyard.
Have all your books and am excited about the new one!!
God bless you!!
Marcia
Oh how excited you must be to see your special book in Chinese print! Thank you for sharing your excitement with us all.
As I did with A Fine Romance, I am only allowing myself to read The Fairy Tale Girl in little bits, to stretch it all out as long as possible. I make a cup of tea, gather up a cat or two (I have four!) and I cuddle up in my sitting room/office, in front of the big double window that overlooks my rose garden (all fenced in by picket fencing, with a arbor to walk under – oh it’s lovely in June!) and I read every word, every letter, actually, just so joyously, and I examine every photo, drawing, squiggle and dot! I’ve always felt an affinity for you since I first saw your beautiful art. It’s not just that I love the loveliness you create, but my maiden name is Branch – and I always felt a kinship because of that too!
Hi Susan! Such a delight, as always, to receive your latest missive. I am so excited about your Chinese book (I have some Chinese friends I will tell)! It’s gorgeous! And I can almost taste the crunch of Joe’s salmon. I noted the well worn pan – so good for crunch! Thanks for sharing that simple amazing recipe!
I can hardly wait for your next book . . . I devoured Fairy Tale Girl. Thanks for making my world just a little more beautiful and my heart a little more grateful.
Love,
Mary Beth
Every time I receive one of your letters it is just like receiving a note from a dear friend! I absolutely love how you write! I wish you would come to Michigan sometime. And I wish I could win the drawing!
So lovely. So magical! Thanks for being you.
I have SO enjoyed your blog/books/calendars/recipes over the years. I am SUPER excited about the book A Fine Romance in Chinese!!! If I win the drawing, I plan to gift it to my Chinese penpal of 14 years so I can share Susan Branch with her and all the joy she has brought to my life.
Thank you for the lovely post. I’m laying on the couch recuperating from dental surgery and feeling pretty whiny. Then you go and make me want to smile (although that’s rather difficult at the moment!) Thanks for the giveaways, but thank you so much for bring joy to so many of us who could use it!
Susan,
How lucky are we…a new blog and Willard on it’s way…a giveaway…WOW. Thanks for all the wonderful gifts…..it was nice to wake up to good news today. To have your book in China….. CONGRATULATIONS I know your work will translate just as you wrote it…. for anything that is done with a true and pure spirit and especially with LOVE …always comes out just right. Enjoy the journey and I am sure you will hear from some new “Girlfriends” Thanks for the joy of going thru this with you. Love, Susan P.
Congratulations! This is so-so exciting!!! You are loved around the world!!!!
I just love getting your messages throughout the year. Makes me feel like I’m in Martha’s Vineyard myself. We visited in the summer one year–what a magical place. And now I’m hungry for salmon! 🙂
Susan:
Thanks for the latest Willard. I finished reading Fairy Tale Girl and enjoyed it very much. Can’t wait for the sequel in May. The Chinese version of A Fine Romance looks great! Can’t wait to read the English version.
I always feel like sitting down to a hot cup of tea when reading your blog or Willard! I think it is high time we started the habit of sharing our tea time with others.
Thanks for your everyday goodwill!
Gail
Oh my goodness! My cookies in China! And they will see ME too, in the book…I wish I’d worn more lipstick now…;-) That is really so very exciting!!
Such a lovely post as always, darling friend…and the antidote to a dark week so far, weather-wise and heart-wise. There IS love. There IS goodness. There IS hope. And having you in the world makes that easier to remember, dear heart. xoxo
LOL! They are in for SUCH a treat Ray!! YOU!!!
Susan, You are a breath of Martha’s Vineyard fresh air! Thank you for your beautiful and uplifting blog!
Hi Susan! That mug is too cute. Would love to be sipping some Gingerbread tea from that! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us. I’m always so inspired by you! Shifting gears completely, have you seen the movie “Brooklyn”? You would love it! Have a great week.
I have just started The Fairy Tale Girl….now i can not wait to try Joe’s Salmon. My Hub can’t cook but he eats well–LOL
Anything Susan Branch makes me happy.You are always invited into my home.
Looking forward to your next Willard….Love & Hugs Linda Matera
Woo hoo!! Congratulations – Chinese today …
what’s next?! 🙂
Can’t thank YOU enough for decades of curl-up enjoyable reading! I have every book you’ve written and eagerly wait for the next chapter of your life to unfold this spring. I purchased several for Christmas gifts for my fellow Susan Branch groupee gal pals. The world appreciates your talent and down-to-earth spirit! We have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season! xoxox Wendy
I love your drawings and pictures of your home. God bless.
We are enjoying 60 degree weather here in Michigan and loving every moment of it.
With all the sad news hitting the airwaves…your blog posts are a lift to the spirit.
We need to remember there is JOY also in life and you and your posts deliver that to each and every one of us. Thank You! You giving us a peek into your world is a Gift. So exciting to see your book in Chinese!
Susan, that is such an honour to have your wonderful book translated into Chinese. Congratulations!
That salmon would certainly interest my British husband. He loves fish!
We have had a bit of cold weather at our mountain home in California. Snow still lingers on the rooftops and on the higher peaks. It is time to enjoy Earl Grey and Darjeeling tea in dainty porcelain tea cups.
Thanks for sending your email blogs. I do enjoy!
Congratulations on having your beautiful book translated to Chinese. I hope they enjoy it as much as we have. What a lovely photo of Louisa May Alcott’s home. And yes, I can see the girls in their long skirts making snowballs. Of course, we don’t at the moment, have any snow here on the south end of Vancouver Island, but we do have fresh Pacific salmon and Joe’s recipe will be very handy. Please thank him for me. Waiting excitedly for Willard, which I know will arrive later today or tomorrow.
Thank you, thank you for the Willard! After the harrowing weekend, calm arrived as I read of your excitement about a book being published in the Chinese language. What a delight! It’s the details and small, sometimes unnoticed things that make the world wonderful again. Thanks for drawing attention to the wonderful reminders of the blessings we have: books, cats, good food and homes, just to name a few. Congratulations on the book written in Chinese! That’s a true accomplishment.
Love the adventures you take us on each time you write in your blog, in Willard, or one of your lovely books. You simply transport us to whatever is in your view at that time and invite us to take the journey with you. Thanks for that.
I have loved sitting in my reading chair, all comfy; and devouring you books slowly. Thank you for sharing your world. Your stories, pictures and recipes warm my heart. Sending you and Joe and the kitties extra warm hugs!
Well done on the NEW book – looks fantastic. Looking forward to the new Willard. Marie
Your blog, art, and up-beat sharing spirit are such a joy to me! I love my “visits” to your world ~ thank you.
Always love reading your blog-you write like we were having a real conversation together. That is a hard thing to do. Can’t wait to try the salmon-that is what I always strive for when making it myself (after having that way in Seattle-uummm-it was so good) but always seem to over cook it a little! Seeing the Louisa May Alcott house photo brought back memories of reading her books oh so many years ago. I love them. I am going to put that picture on my computer right now. Thanks Susan
how thrilling for you!
i am just getting to A Fine Romance now. I bought several copies 2 years ago and gave them away to my ‘english’ friends for Christmas. I knew i’d kept one for myself but couldn’t find it. Just last week – there it was buried under other ‘still unread’ books. Now i will savour it and imagine someone in China doing the same. I would love to be blessed with winning the christmas book.
Also will be using the free screensaver. I love it! I’m already mourning the speed with which christmas preparations devour these advent days – but am trying to slow down and savour. Hope your days don’t speed by too quickly.
There are supposed to be more English speakers in China than all the rest of the world combined… even so, I can just imagine the women of China pouring over your book and art work, and baking the cookies. I’d love to win a book, but I’m not lucky in such things but it’s worth a try.
Hi Susan dear, the latest Willard came at the perfect time! It’s cold and rainy here in the suburbs of Chicago, the last leaves are barely hanging on with the high winds we’re having. It’s a dark, dreary day made brighter with your latest Willard. Do you know that I have every copy of the snail mail Willards. They’re so charming and fun to re-read. I’m over the moon happy for you on the beautiful Chinese addition of your book. Yes, you and your little book are doing their small part of bridging our nations and keeping the peace that we all pray for. I would love for Vanna to pick my name in the current drawing so that I can expand my Susan Branch collection that started way back in 1987, when Laura Ashley and padded shoulders reigned supreme. Thanksgiving blessings to you and yours as we approach one of my most favorite holidays! And like you, I am dearly missing my sweet grandma who always had on a charming apron and smelled of sage, onions and gingerbread. Aren’t we blessed to have had such magnificent women in our lives?
You always lighten and brighten my day. Can’t wait for your next book……and enjoyed seeing the mandarin copy of A FINE ROMANCE…..bet my daughter-in-law would like a copy. Loved your Willard….it’s like listening to an old friend. I used to get the paper copy long ago in the olden days! I think I have every one of your cookbooks as they are so pretty. I love the ribbons on each book that marks the last time I used them! THanks for being you and making the world a better place.
Congratulations on the Chinese translation of your book! It is beautiful. Your post is the only Ray of Sunshine in central Arkansas today as tornado sirens keep going off and we are inundated with heavy rain. My daughter-in-law has been in the county courthouse vault for cover and my granddaughter detained and sheltered in the back of Walmart! I have to venture out in a few to pick up three youngest Grands from school. May God bless us all!
May God Bless you all. xoxo
Thank you Susan! We are all safe and today was a crisp, sunny November day with a most beautiful blue sky. On another note, I need a SB app!
Loved your “The Fairy Tale Girl” can’t wait for the second book. Keep them coming AND I hope you get to Seattle for a book signing in 2016!!
I can smell that salmon. Oh yes I can. I will definitely give this a try. Congrats on the Chinese version of your book. I’m sure it will bring many smiles to many faces as they read it. Waiting patiently on Willard to arrive. Have a blessed day.
Oh, can’t wait to get my Willard! It is one of my favorite and things. And I always look for your out of print books when I am at our local used book shops.
What a delightful blog post you have blessed us with today! It is very rainy and stormy here and your blog post is the perfect thing to bring coziness to this day. Looking forward to receiving the Willard. The photo of Orchard House is gorgeous and I think I will need to add that destination to my “Must See” list of places in America I want to visit. And the salmon that Joe prepared looks fantastic!
Donna H.
A lovely book in any language! Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with the world! That is what it is all about. That and kittys, of course!! Enjoy this day. Kathy
I had 15 girlfriends over for afternoon tea on Sunday (while displaying 21 quilts we’d made using the same fabric). I’d polished the silver and set out Mom’s china from 1940, and kept the tea kettle whistling. When I was complimented on some detail or other, I told them when planning I’d thought WWSBD, and then knew what to do. What Would Susan Branch Do?, of course.
Oh my goodness. XOXOXOXOXO