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 cannot believe you have books in Chinese. That is terrific! It would be an honor to have one. Thanks for the giveaway oppurtunity. JMP
That looks like a great salmon recipe! Living in Seattle, out of town guests insisted we have salmon for Thanksgiving one year. My mother in law said she would order it, husband and I would make it. We only knew salmon fillets – and don’t you know mil bought a whole king salmon for us! With no filleting knife, it was quite a massacre. It turned out yummy though. We registered for a filleting knife when we got married, and we will never waste all that good fish by the skin again. 😉
So surprised to see Willard so soon, just as fun receiving him by email as when you used to send them the old way snail mail, which I still love & use alot. thanks again
Love that you a re spreading peace and joy worldwide. We really, really need to share it.
Susan, I love the thought of some women in China reading your book. It’s good to think about our having something in common with women all over the world – never mind the politics!
Dear Susan, I have been sending your books to my daughter and am anxiously awaiting to read your latest. Maybe I will be a winner in this latest giveaway. Anyhow, I want you to know that this old lady of 87 admires all your work. I don’t know how you do it all. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Ruth
I just saw the Emma Bridgewater “JOY” mug in an email. It’s very pretty. I think I’m one of the last ones to get Willard, but looking forward to it is part of the process and the fun!
I eat only a Whole Foods, Plant Based diet (or try to most of the time – I’m not perfect). I have found the Happy Herbivore website to be a wonderful resource and have been successfully losing weight using her meal plans. You might find some of the suggestions helpful in your quest. I would just like to remind that you are beautiful – no matter what you weigh!
Love Louisa May Alcott! Whenever one of my nieces or nephews turns 13, I take them on a trip sans parents. The three oldest nieces always chose Boston. With one we added Plymouth, Salem, Concord and Hancock Shaker Village and Stockbridge with a night’s stay at the Red Lion Inn. With the other two, the addition was Cape Ann and whale watching minus Plymouth. It was great fun to drive through Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and pay respects to the Alcotts, Emersons, Thoreaus and Hawthorns. And the Red Lion Inn is a once in a lifetime (in my case a twice in a lifetime) experience. I had the good fortune of being able to go to both Norman Rockwell’s little museum on the main street of Stockbridge and the newer museum outside of town.
Thank you for sharing your words and your art. I love reading every blog and edition of Willard.
I love the Louisa May Alcott house! It is magical!
I loved Fairy Tale Girl almost as much as A Fine Romance!
Susan, thank you for being you!! Loved your newest book. I read the part about the fallout shelter to my book club. They are all about our age. They said they could listen to me read all day. Didn’t know I had that effect on people. lol
I think it was your delightful book. Blessings, Lee
We’re re-watching Downton Abbey from the beginning. Sounds perfect with next weeks left-overs, right?
Congratulations on your new book being published in Chinese. Life is good!
Oh so overwhelming to receive a Willard and new Blog posting in same day! Scotland, TV, 64 bday, a tour. Yes you are a Fairy Tale Girl, and thank you for sharing your “fairy dust” with us!
Congratulations on your book translated in Chinese!
Thank you Susan for sharing your creativity and life’s adventures with us. It was a pure Serendipity moment when this young College girl came across your Autumn book in Barnes & Noble so…many years ago. I loved everything about it, from the recipes to the colorful creative pages to the fun quotes. I have since spread the love to my sisters and friends. I just wanted to Thank you for sharing yourself and talent with us.
That mug has my name written all over it! 🙂
LOL!!!
Now that all the Thanksgiving plans are in place I’m concentrating on my Christmas details – table settings, center pieces, little changes here and there in decorations. My kitchen garland is underway and will be so much fun! Oh, did I mention that I LOVED, ADORED, LAUGHED, SNIFFLED and VERY SLOWLY ENJOYED my was thru The Fairy Tale Girl? In many ways we are sisters of the heart, my dear Susan! Thank you for two wonderful books I will always cherish.
Congratulations on the Chinese edition – it’s looks beautiful! – and thank you for the cheerful post, especially after this past weekend. I’m with you about the news – I’ve been watching mostly Food Network or Acorn TV (have you heard of Acorn? it’s entirely British TV, so wonderful). The only problem is I keep adding to my list of Thanksgiving dishes.
So absolutely wonderful to take your time and share with your “girlfriends” , and to call them that, your beautiful thoughts and life experiences. Food, flowers, cats, sun, shadows, nature and life in general. It’s real, it’s creative, it’s fun and warm , and it’s a part of so many. Your “girlfriends” are many. We all have a part of you in us. Thank you again for a lovely blog and time spent drifting away from reality here in another world (well across the nation).
Love salmon. My daughter and I love it but not the men in our family. That looks soooo good, Mr. Joe and I adore that pan you cook it up in. Looks like it’s been used well. For a man to cook for his wife is a treasure indeed.
Stay warm and well as fall brings chill to the air. Blessings to you both and those kitties !
I thoroughly enjoyed The Fairytale Girl, Susan! It was such fun to read about your childhood adventures and growing up. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel. Your trip to Scotland sounds wonderful and I will have to take notes since my husband and I are also planning to travel there within the next few years. Thanks for your delightful blog and Willard! Happy Thanksgiving!
I agree with the comments before mine. A safe place in the world when we visit with you. The salmon sounds amazing. One of my favorite foods. I live in Maine so it is sometimes a toss-up between salmon and lobster~ especially the lobster at Re’s Eats in Wiscasset (A lobster and a half of pure lobster meat~ drawn butter on the side.) Thanks for inviting us in for another visit.
Ha~ Red’s Eats. Need to tap these keys a little harder.
Oh, how lucky you are to have this in another language! I hope you hear from someone in China about it! I too, am trying to stay focused on my own little world in the midst of grieving for Paris. It’s hard but your Willard and blog posts make it easier, as does reading your books. xo Tracy
How wonderful! I love seeing the Chinese characters representing your English text. A Fine Romance is the perfect book to cross into many languages. It puts me in a dreamy mood and makes me smile every time I see it or pick it up. Our book club all loved it and it led to a fine discussion!
Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us!
Patti
Congratulations on the beautiful Chinese edition! Love the pic of Orchard House too.
Susan I thought of you today at MACY’s BIG SALE –they have a Darlene blouse that says –FAIRY TALES DO COME TRUE❤️ Perhaps they have it online .Just has your name all over it.
How exciting to have your book offered in Chinese ! Such a lovely story ✨
Keep eating healthy Susan –the world needs your endearing spirit more than you know 🌠
Penny
Susan, I visiting your blog. Seeing the world through your eyes. What a wonderful perspective.
Another lovely give-away! Thanks so much, everything looks beautiful!
It’s been a while since I’ve read your blog. How exciting for you to have your book ‘A Fine Romance’ translated and printed in Chinese. I received my Gingerbread tea on Saturday and am trying it tonight since we had a big snowstorm over night. I received my Willard today and was excited to see you plan on coming to the Tattered Cover in Denver for your next book, ‘Isle of Dreams.’ Off to make my gingerbread tea…
I love the idea of Willard – just looked at why you call the posts ‘Willards’ & saw the wonderful photo of Grandpa Willard – made me recall lovely times with my Grandpa Albert. Albert minded me when I was small – took me to ballet classes where I would hide behind his legs & not participate. When I got home I could repeat all the steps taught by recall. Albert looked just like Santa, round & jolly – he is so missed. Thanks for the memories & congratulations on your wonderful book translation into Chinese – looks very exotic!! xx Jessica in the land of Downunder (Australia). ps: love the Salmon recipe & going to cook it tonight – thanks Joe.
How exciting to have your book published in China! Congratulations! I finished reading the Fairy Tale Girl a few weeks ago and just loved it. I will probably re-read it to get me through until May 🙂 I have also been reading your book Autumn that I picked up from the library. So many great recipes and ideas for the season. Have a wonderful Tuesday Susan!
Thanks for reminding us of our many blessings and the beauty of our earth. Your blog is filled with such kindness and love. It gives one such a feeling of peace.
As always, thank you for the treat in the in box! A pleasure to stop and relax with a friend. Happy Thanksgiving Susan! (I must confess to already listening to Christmas music, satellite radio is great!)
Susan,
How exciting for you that your book is being published in a second language! Thank you for the chance to be in the drawing for such a nice collection of pretties. I just thought it was about time for a re-read of my Fine Romance book this morning when I put Miss Read away. It shares a place on my nightstand shelf with three of hers and the Little House Sampler. Felicity sits reading with a robin on the arm of her little bookend chair holding them there for me. Thank you for all the beauty and joy you share. I appreciate it in my corner of the world in Arkansas. God bless you.
The photograph at the end reminded me of an image from
LITTLE WOMEN, the movie…then I read it was Louisa’s home!
I haven’t received my Willard yet but am looking forward to it. My grand kids go to a Chinese Immersion school in Washington DC called Yu Ying. They are in 1st and 3rd. And no, they are not Chinese but 1/2 Filipino.
Maybe their teachers would like to see it.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Loved the Willard and the blog. What a special year you will have in 2016. Happy Thanksgiving. I am asking for the Fairy Tale Girl for Christmas. Can’t wait! Comfort and Joy to you and yours. Take care, Cindy
That salmon looks delicious! I can’t wait to try to make it. Thanks for sharing. xoxox Alex <3
Thanks for brightening my Day. What a success you are to have a book about a truly American way of life published in Chinese. I can just see all the those Chinese ladies reading and enjoying it in their language what a treat for them. As well as us.
Thank you for sharing your joy with us…that is an amazing accomplishment having your book published in China for all those folks to enjoy! I just finished reading The Fairy Tale Girl for the third time and have read A Fine Romance three or four times now. Feeling a bit of a withdrawal pang, I got out my Heart of the Home Christmas Joy to read and get into the holiday spirit. December is not far off now and I need to get ready. Thank you Susan for all you do for your readers. Can’t wait for Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams. I will eat some salmon to pass the time…thanks to Joe for the recipe!
“eat salmon to pass the time!” LOL!
😉
Love living vicariously through your travels. How sweet and special that your book was also published in Chinese. Thanks for showing us a glimpse of it. You are so special!
Thanks for sharing the salmon recipe also. I will have to try that!
Your salmon looks scrumptious! Will have to try it. Got my friend a copy of The Fairy Tale Girl for her birthday and she loves it. Got one for me too. : ) Can’t wait for your next book!! Keep them coming.
Thank you for having another contest so we can admire Vanna! As usual another great Willard.
How exciting! I would give the books and cup a VERY GOOD HOME! Promise!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Joe and the kitties! :o)
Oh, Susan, you are the Queen of Cozy! i enjoy your blog and Willards so much — and your books! Sigh. Can’t wait for the Martha’s Vineyard one. Loved A Fine Romance and Fairy Tale Girl. Divine reading indeed.I, too, am an Englnad-loving.Beatix Potter-loving and tea-loving gal. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Patiently waiting for my Willard which always arrives on the third day 🙂 So I was surprised to see this lovely post! I need to show your new book, Chinese version, to my neighbors who have been here from China only about four years. They have a little girl, and we have had lunch together a few times since they moved into the neighborhood. She (Bella, the mom’s English name) would be so surprised to see this! How cool 🙂 Can’t wait to show her!
You sound really great and gearing up for the holidays as are we. Can’t believe it’s only a week away! Thanks for everything you do and share ♥ A blessed Thanksgiving to you, Joe, kitties and all your families! XOXO
I want to win
Thanks for making us all feel like we are sitting in your kitchen, drinking tea and chatting with you! Like a real girlfriend!! Love your books and looking forward to the next one!
and, p.s., you ARE a complete delight, and could never delight us long enough! ♥♥♥ Thanks!!!
I want yo win in moderation
So happy to read all about your world, as always. Thank you so much for everything you give <3
No, you have not delighted us long enough! I want to see and hear anything and everything you have to share with us! Your posts are always so welcome, Susan. They remind me that there is good in the world, and they often show me ways to look for it that I haven’t thought of. Thank you! I can’t wait to get my Willard!
I just love all of your artwork. Have a wonderful holiday season.
Always look forward to your blog. Thank you!
Thanks for the trip to China and England and Martha’s Vineyard! Always a delightful escape reading your posts!
oh, my goodness!!!!! Chinese!!!!! wow. can’t wait to see what your dad has to say about THAT!!!!! you, our dear, dear Susan….have ARRIVED…big time!!!!! oh, you arrived to all of us much ago, but, CHINA….that is something else, for sure. soooo happppy to have your message, your “visit” today….yes, the world is truly in BIG trouble…..sooo much PAIN. I have been heartsick since Friday. you’re right….tv is NOT helpful….my favorite channel…..OFF. thank you….for all of it….mostly…for being you! all love, as always. waiting for Willard….wow….it just keeps on, doesn’t it?
My favorite is OFF too. It’s unbearable really. Thank you Chris, wob you.
Congratulations on your book being published in Chinese! Amazing!
ps:…..your wonderful depiction of you…caught in the clothesline…made me laugh sooooo hard when reading afr……I literally fell off my chair….oh, yes, I did!!!! sooooooo funny. and…funny even more today, thinking WHAT will the folks in china think of it???? they probably do not have clotheslines like that in the first place…..and, in the second place…..well, we’ll be able to HEAR the laughter all the way over here. wonderful diplomacy if you ask me! xoxo
Loved ” The Fairy Tale Girl” and looking forward to your continued story. My Mom (87 years old) is coming down from the Bay Area to San Diego for Christmas. I plan to send her the book so she will have it to read on the train. Will make her trip fly by plus she will be entertained with delightful story. She read “A Fine Romance” when she was down one Christmas and loved it.
Happy Thanksgiving Susan!
Hi Susan! Just love your Blog all year but especially during the Holidays! The long ones are the best…hint, hint. Merry Christmas to you and Joe and of course, kitties. May you have a white Christmas (with pictures, please, lots!) ’cause we want to see a white Christmas (somewhere!) we’re 92 degrees today!
Happy Thanksgiving to you! Can’t wait to get my Willard!
I have to wait til Christmas. My best friend told me not to get any Susan Branch
items when I went shopping in one of my fav stores that carries her items. I’ll be
so excited when Christmas comes this year!! I love your emails and drawings, I feel like I’m there.
Happy Thanksgiving
Hi Susan, How exciting to see your book written in Chinese! I’m sure that there is a person somewhere in China buying all of the ingredients to make your cookie recipe. How lucky you are to have married a person that likes to cook. Yum is all I can say. Can’t wait to try making some salmon just like Joe’s.
xoxo
Pam
Thank you so much for giving me a vacation in my mind! Your artwork & water color lettering is so delightful and reminds me that I need to get creativity back in my life again! Thank you for all the effort that goes into your work and your wonderful blog.
In the middle of typing my comment 4 hours ago, we lost power! Fierce storms here in the Pacific NW! But luckily, power is now back on, makes me feel so fortunate that we have such conveniences! Anyway, just wanted to thank you Susan for sharing so much with us, photos, recipes, stories, we love it all!
A great screen saver!
What an inspiration you are! It has been a delight to watch you go from dabbling with technology to OWNING it and spreading joy through your window to the world. My gifted and talented students love to check in with Mrs. Branch to share nature, seasons, your kitties, and your delightful writing style. It was over 70 degrees in Texas today and not sure our leaves will strut their stuff or just drop in disgust this year. Please know you are loved and appreciated in our little corner of the world. My classroom does not have a window–horrors- so we share yours. Oooohhh…they love the phases of the moon bookmarks! You just spoil us rotten!
Tell your kids I say Hi! XOXOX
I woke up this morning thinking, Willard is coming today. I got to work and sure enough, there it was, among all my other business type emails. I opened Willard first! I thought I would take a few minutes and just scan it…..and then all day long there was this steady stream of customers coming in. So here I sit in my kitchen making dinner and reading Willard and the blog. I really do need to retire…work just interferes with so many things!!
I will keep this short, but I really don’t think we are realizing the world-wide implications of the Chinese version of AFR! It could be life changing! I admit to knowing like to nothing about China, but being able to buy a book like A Fine Romance, I would not have thought possible. We…..You….could be opening doors no one ever dreamed!
Must get back to dinner. Love you all!
Chris
Received a packet of Butchart Gardens English Daisy seeds and this charming note from a friend who passed me back the copy of A Fine Romance that I had lent her: “Thank you for loaning me such a charming book to read. I enjoyed it!” She wrote it on a cute little delicate women’s antique slipper shaped paper,watercolor green edges & pink bow, she is a Kindred Spirit (which is why I knew she’d like this book). So fun to see it in Chinese, kinda ‘unreal’, huh? I thought the same thing you did when I was looking at the page with the drawn letter at the beginning of the sentence, but it’s part of the artwork, that’s why they kept it! so cute! Artistic Integrity! I’d classify this as a “pinch me” moment for you, yes? Now i must get back to re-reading the Fairy Tale Girl….
Hello, Susan!
What a thrill to see and have your book in China. Keep up the good work. I love your art work. Candy
Okay, now I’m hungry again and I already had dinner. That salmon looks so good. I will try to make that way next time.
I love your Christmas mug 🙂
Can’t wait to see what mugs came in at Best of British in Newburyport, MA. That’s the only place near me that carries Emma Bridgewater pottery.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.
When you go there, please tell them I said hello!
Movie!!! I love a good MOVIE!!!!
Hello Susan,
Quick question, are you left handed or right handed or both? I am reading your book and found photos of you painting right handed and journaling left handed.
I’m right handed! But sometimes I reverse the art to fit on the page better!
Gotcha, thanks.
Susan
I’m thrilled to see what I believe is going to be page 1 of the new book! Can’t wait to read about what happened when you got off the ferry… Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe!
Congratulations on your newest publication … in Chinese no less. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Joe, and the kitties. Have a wonderful holiday season ☺
Thank you so much, Susan!! I love everything you write. “A Fairy Tale Girl” is waiting in my carry-on, for my trip to FL this week.
Cannot wait to make that wonderful salmon…..and ending this post with my beloved, Jack, makes everything purrfect!! His face always makes me smile
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe.
Love the picture of Orchard house in the snow!
Peace on Earth. Thank you for spreading peace and joy. There is so much girlfriend love and cheer and the world needs it. Congratulations on the “ambassadorship” to China, pure Joy with sprinkles. Waiting patiently for Willard. Xxxooo
Dear Susan, I am grateful that YOU are the Ambassador to China (for us regular folks!) with your lovely, always charming, creative, and filled with all things beautiful book(s). Just to imagine the Chinese people having a warm fuzzy feeling about us as a people because of you gives me the warm fuzzys! You are sharing through your books, our American dream. A place and time so gentle and sweet .. all peace making! The Chinese version looks extra charming with their lettering! Makes me want to learn Chinese 🙂 Looks like tiny pictures all over each page. What an American treasure you have become! Thank you for sharing your joy with us and with the world. PEACE to all, everywhere. Lovingly to you, Joe and the kitties.
P.S. I am also happy to have Joe’s special recipe for Shimmering Salmon which I will share with my husband the cook 🙂 XO
Congratulations on your book now published in Chinese! So exciting! That Joe… what a guy. The salmon looks so yummy. We must try our salmon that way. It would be a treat to have it right from the island too. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway. I think there are only 2 or 3 of your books books that I don’t have. The Christmas book is one of them. So that would be amazing. Oh, and that mug! Looks like an Emma Bridgewater mug. So sweet. Wishing you and Joe and blessed Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for you! Love to you both! Patty
It IS Emma! I should have said that!
Thank you for the opportunity to win in your Tea Tin giveaway- so generous of you. Your book in Chinese, how exciting! Love the photo of Louisa May Alcott’s house in the winter. I just finished reading her story of an “Old Fashioned Thanksgiving” and watching the movie.
Your book in Chinese is so wonderful. It is truly amazing the care they took to publish it with all of the detail that you have in the book. The Chinese version is just as beautiful as the English version. Joe’s salmon looks so good, I am not that big a fan of salmon, but that looks truly yummy! Have a wonderful Holiday season.
Oh Yes! Put me in the drawing for that lovely mug and those beautiful books. I can’t tell you how lucky you are to have a man that cooks. I’d gladly do the dishes forever just to have meals cooked for me even if its only once or twice a week. That salmon looks out of this world delicious.
It’s great hearing from you again. Can’t wait for Willard!
Looking forward to the drawing……my daughter-in-law would just love the Christmas book and I would borrow it from her!
Hi Susan,
Love your blog and Willard. It lifted my spirits here as my husband was in Paris during the terrorist attacks (he is fine, thank goodness) and he finally came home on Sunday. It’s been a stressful few days. We have actually been on the local news, here is one of the newscasts: http://abc7news.com/news/san-carlos-man-returns-from-paris-shares-story-of-terror-attacks/1087221/
The reporter is standing in front of our house. Thanks for bringing a little bit of sunshine into our lives.
-Kathleen
Thank goodness your husband is ok!! My daughter went to London and Pairs with two friends in April and I was so happy when they got home. Bless all those who were killed or injured. Hugs Kathleen!
Dear Sarfu, wow this new ‘language’ will take me a bit of getting used too!! But I love it. I was soooo excited to receive my Willard today, another WOW, I was so overwhelmed (with all good things), it was so exciting to read all about your busy, busy, busy plans for 2016. Book tour, Joe’s Birthday Party (can’t wait for more details on that), book signing trip, England AND Scotland! Not to mention a possible MOVIE or TV series, oh Susan, that would be too much happiness to handle, but somehow I’ll make do, hehe…You are just too good to us with new charms, banner, bookmark not to mention this fantastic giveaway! I know you have heard this a gazillion times, but how do you do it?? Joe’s salmon looked so very yummy. Does he use any other spices or just salt & pepper? Also does he have a good tartar sauce recipe? Oh, one more thing ~ your book in Chinese!! Wonderful, and Congratulations. Just out of curiosity, when Jack is in so many kitchen pics where is Girl at? Does she hang out somewhere else? I was sad too when the Great British Baking Show ended, it was so fun to watch. I couldn’t pick a winner they were all so good. Can’t wait for our beloved Downton. I have been watching Home Fires (also over now, sadly) and Indian Summers, which I have also enjoyed. I think the finale is this Sunday. I just love that PBS! Thank you again for everything. Love as always to you and Joe, Jack and Girl. ♥
I would be one lucky Michigander if I won this prize!
Enjoyed reading your wonderful words and inviting your “girlfriends” into your world. What a wonderful escape for us. Thanks. Your giveaways are wonderful and you share so much with us.
Oh Susan I just finished reading my Willard. A movie….I sure hope it works out for you and for all of us as well !!!! Your fairy tale continues. Wishing you and Joe Thanksgiving blessings.
Love Carol, Daryl and Jack (our sweet golden doodle)
Dear Susan,
Thank you for the wonderful post and congratulations on having “A Fine Romance” published in Chinese. The Chinese characters always remind me of little people dancing across the page.
A wonderful, peaceful day to all
How adorable is that Chinese lettering, in your writing style, in your fabulous book?! I love it! I believe we soon will be having a whole lot more girlfriends here and I look forward to seeing how we are the same and how we are different. Perfect timing with this cheery and cozy post. Paris on my mind. Hope you’re having a wonderful week before Thanksgiving Susan 🙂
Cheers
Your books are beautiful in any language and your blog posts make me feel as though I have walked into a friends cozy home. Thank you for blessing my life!
How cool to see your beautiful book in Chinese! Congratulations. Are you going to be writing any more cookbooks? I love the Christmas book and autumn and summer books. A joy to read and I’ve tried many of your recipes.
Thanks Susan for a wonderful ending to a stressful day.
I also have some extra pounds for the winter. Mine from stress eating, not a creative excuse. Thanks for the cheer you spread.
Holy cow! Wow! Congratulations! From the photos, it looks like they did a fine job of keeping faithful to the feeling of “Fine Romance.” Thanks for sharing the photo of Orchard House. I had a fleeting glance of it during a trip to Vermont and sadly wasn’t able to do the tour. Yes, I could picture the girls playing in the snow in their long skirts – such a romantic photo. I use many of the recipes from your Christmas book. The sweet potato casserole from your other book is now a staple at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter gatherings. I have to leave out the nuts most times, but it’s delicious nonetheless. Peas and carrots Copenhagen as well as the orange carrots are also holiday hits! You will publish your pancake and tea books someday, won’t you? I sure enjoyed the Grandma Thanksgiving stories the girlfriends shared in the previous blog – such warm, lovely and fun memories.
Your books are on my wish list, and now there is one more to add. Love everything you do.
Hi Susan,
As always, your words and pictures take me to a pleasant, wonderful, peaceful place. My son’s favorite meal is with salmon, can’t wait to show him Joe’s recipe. It looks so good.
Congrats on your Chinese book. Your books and blog are universal. You’re sharing your joy of life with the world. Thank you for that, we all need it so much now.
Happy Thanksgiving!!🦃
I always smile inside when I see an email from you. I know there’s joy coming!
Hahaha!!! OH my goodness! I am laughing OUT LOUD in my den recalling the bygone years, times, and lyrics of “Pleeeeeze Mr. Custer….I don’t wanna gooooo! (background voice, ‘Forwaaaard, March!!!’)”!!!!!!! My brothers use to play and REPLAY that dang record song a zillion times! And I still don’t know what it’s really about…But as a young girl, I felt sooo BADLY for that poor guy!
And there YOU are in that painting (and REAL life!)…oh, Susan! How lonely and frightened you must have been on that plane! BUT such a BRAVE and STRONG Girl! Could she have ever imagined THEN that she would have an impact on another culture across the wide sea to China! Crazy!! And oh so GLORIOUS! What a life!!! Hug yourself tightly! xoxo
Makes me think of the Mickey Mouse Club song “Today is a day that is filled with surprises ~ nobody knows what’s going to happen . . . 🙂
I think it’s about General George Custer who led his cavalry into a fight with Indians that ended badly for them all.