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 your giveaways! Also, excited to have Orchard House as a screensaver. Thanks.
Soooo exiting!!!! What an absolutely fabulous Christmas giveaway. I would be sharing with some very special people. Looking forward to the new Willard. Thank You for being You.
Congratulations on your peaceful link to China. That is wonderful. It should be very interesting to see future responses and communications from our fellow sisters (& maybe brothers) from across the Pacific – hope you will share. Have a GREAT Thanksgiving with your favorite loved ones.
What fun to have your book translated into Chinese! Hope you are planning to come to Denver on your upcoming book tour.
JSG
Just getting cozy inside with cooler air outside and wondering if I should start reading Fairy Tale Girl for the third time or should I read A Fine Romance for the Fourth?? I really do have lots of other books and many I haven’t even read once but I can’t wait for Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams! Also can’t wait to hear what special plans you might have for Beatrix Potter’s birthday next summer…
Oh, Wow! A new post, a Willard and a give-away! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Susan and thank-you!
Chinese written out is such a beautiful language. Congratulations on being published in China. I think that is quite a feather in your cap. It just goes to show that a good story is appreciated everywhere.
Wonderful blog! Wonderful Willard! Wonderful you! And a Gladys Taber quote thrown in for good measure. Thank you dear Susan…everything you do is great…loved Fairy Tale Girl and am so looking forward to Isle of Dreams!
What a delightful surprise to find Willard in my email inbox. LOVED the arf and arfy!! Im gonna teach my boys!! They will love it. Happy Fall!!
Thank you Susan for your beautiful self and your enchanting blog. Every time I read one of your posts or receive your always delightful Willard – it suddenly feels like everything is ok. Thank you for this rare gift – this magic you share with us all. I believe that magic is all around, but you have such a special way of sprinkling it into the everyday fabric of life which you then so graciously share with us all. xoxo
What Fun to have your book published in Chinese! Sure wonder how they will like it! Would Love to win the drawing for your three books plus the mug! Would give them all as gifts, since I have them all, already,except, I’d have to keep the mug! I Love it! Not sure what I’d do with the Chinse copy of A Fine Romance, but it’d be fun to browse through it! You’ve been Busy, writing a New Willard, as well as your blog! Always enjoy both so much!
Blessings! And Happy Thanksgiving!!
Beautiful! So want the new books!
Beautiful! I so want your new books!
Love your giveaways! Pick me!
What a wonderful year you have in store. So much excitement, I think I would pass out! I really hope your books get made into a wonderful movie or two. Who would you want to play you and Joe? How about Tom Selleck for Joe and Jennifer Aniston for you? Nora Ephron would have done a wonderful job on your story. Anyway, your give away is wonderful, as usual.
I never get tired of reading your E-mails, or your books.
Keep up the good work.
Lynn S
Lovely!! I just love it when Willard arrives–such a beautiful newsletter!! Thank you for the chance to win, but also for all your excellent news!! I just adore your work and love enjoying all your adventures vicariously!! I am hoping to see you at Powell’s in Portland next year!! (It’s only an hour or two away from me!) Cheers!
Chinese!!! How exciting! Wonderful photos as usual. Great post! Congratulations
Christmas From the Heart of the Home is my favorite Susan Branch book (so far!). It’s the one that started my love of things Susan Branch.
I spent 5 weeks in China in 1995 on a Fulbright-Hayes summer fellowship. Their writing is beautiful. I would love a copy of the book!
Thanks for the Willard today. Love the salmon that Joe cooked. It’s nice that your book is in other languages. Makes it that much more special don’t you think. Glad to hear from you. Looking forward to your up coming blogs. Love the holiday ones. Christmas is just around the corner. My shopping is done and time too wrap. Keep up the fantastic work Susan B….. Hugs.
Love seeing the book in Chinese! How wonderful that they can share in our joy! Would love either of the give always! You are always so generous!
What exciting news! Makes me want to get out my Chinese paintbrush kit and have a go! Waiting patiently for Willard to reach the Gulf Coast. Always fun times at Branch Hall …
Sharon in Alabama
Oh the inspiration! Thank you so much for the opportunity to be a winner! Enjoying your Autumn book I borrowed from my library…bliss 💞
I am always so excited when I get an email or Willard from you, makes me happy and content!
How wonderful that people from all over the globe can be united in the beauty of words, art, travel and recipes…. Thank you for sharing your gifts with others
What an honor to be published in Chinese!!! It is so cool!
I hope Vanna chooses me. Would love to introduce them to my niece. She is a young kindred spirit.
Thanks for the chance to win prizes again!! I am the one who suggested you use your paint “swishes” for book marks or interior binding pages.
Oh, how I love to see a new “Willard” in my inbox! Can’t wait to read the new book. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thanks for the give-a-way!! ♥ Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
CONGRATULATIONS on your Book Printed in Chinese!!!! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! …AND ALSO HAPPY FOR THE CHINESE PEOPLE!!! They are in for a DELIGHTFUL TREAT!!!…just like I was when I bought that book !!! ( and all of your other books!!!) it was amazing to see that even though the book is printed in Chinese, they left your cute little illustration captions and some other things in English. I can only imagine how proud that you and your family must be!!! Again, Congratulations!!! I am SO LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEW BOOK!!! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
What a wonderful blog post! The Chinese version of your book looks beautiful!
Happy that Willard day is coming soon…haven’t gotten mine yet but am anxiously awaiting its arrival. Love the Chinese copy of Fine Romance, Susan. I know it will be loved there as much as it is loved here.
Congratulations on being published in Chinese! I love all your illustrations. would love to win your giveaway
Oh it is autumn with a side of winter outside in Chicago, expecting sn … oh I can’t type the word…ok, be brave, expecting snow on Friday. Whew! That wasn’t as bad as I thought – lol. Thank you Susan for another giveaway – glorious! Can’t wait …maybe my name will be the one! lol Take care – stay warm and I will do the same.
I always get excited when I see your name in my email list. Congratulations on your Chinese edition!
Happy Thanksgiving, Susan!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your enthusiasm and great art. It is a pleasure to follow your trails/blog. I love the beauty of it all.
The book in Chinese is really awesome.
I’m so happy you’ve shared your story (LOVED IT) and cannot wait for the rest of the story! I’ve loved your illustrated cookbooks for many years and you’ve been the inspiration for me to begin illustrating my own recipes! Thank you, Susan!
What a lovely blog! I so enjoy losing myself in your blog. Thank you.
I’ve loved reading your Willard and your blog today! So much good news in both! I love your giveaways also! I haven’t won yet, but I felt like I won when you put my picture of my special reading spot, with A Fine Romance sitting on my chair, on your blog!
I need to tell you, because you asked about The Great British Baking Show, that there is a holiday version, The Great Holiday Baking Show, with Mary Berry, scheduled to start on November 30th! It is on American television (ABC) for 4 weeks. I hope this makes you happy, it does me! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Strong winds are trying to blow us away, just wiped out the cute message I wrote with my left hand due to a recently broken right wrist. Whew! Need another cup of tea to try that again!
Dear Susan, your life is the sweetest fairy tale straight from heaven! Your blog makes my heart smile, sing and dance! It thanks you for sharing wonderful ‘you’ with us! Your book in Chinese ~ too special! You have the best giveaways! And the most adorable kitties and hubby! HAPPY EVERYTHING!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent and life adventures!
What a doubly delicious day – Willard arrived in my email box today, and this lovely post showed up in my feed. With a giveaway! If I am the winner I know EXACTLY what I would do with the Chinese copy of A Fine Romance. I’m a high school teacher and we have several international students – from China! There are a couple of really lovely girls I’m getting to know and I know they would LOVE the book.
The salmon looks delicious – and I cook it the same way, except I use a bit of butter along with the olive oil. So yummy!
What an exciting thing for your book to be published, with such attention to detail, in Chinese. Congratulations!
Dear Susan,
You have delighted us once again! Lovely wintery picture of Orchard House, and its on my Bucket list, to visit! (thats getting longer and longer, haha)
I LOVE the Chinese version of your Romance book. Its it amazing, that YOU wrote it, and soon, hopefully, many Chinese people will be able to dream too, of the lovely Great Britain!
I will order my copy right away! Having 2 chinese sons, loving books, well, this just NEEDS to be in our bookcase!
And if I did win an extra copy in the Give-away, well, no matter, we have lovely Chinese friends I can give a copy to.
Have a lovely day!
Congratulations and yes the book is so pretty in Chinese!
hi susan!!! well… I gotta take a deep breath here…. so much WONDERFUL exciting news!!! I am smiling ears to ear as I am sure you and Joe are… but let me be the first to go on record to say that I think the sweet adorable lovable Zooey Deschanel would be a perfect YOU!!! and how about Colin Firth ( sans British accent )….for Joe?!?…. swoon!! A movie!!!!! it’s fun to dream isn’t it?….I am in awe of the Chinese AFR …. a beautiful transcription.. but then again.. look what they got to start with!!! …. perfection!! and SCOTLAND!! you are gonna have to take a man-type “Girlfriend” on this trip… my husbands dream!!! My house is a total wreck as I am pulling out all of the necessary Thanksgiving trinkets, dishes, etc for the holiday feast . What a great time of year….!!!! and….. the book signing map!!!!!!! Yippee !!!! ( again!!)… hope everything falls into place. 🙂 what a blessing to have Joe to travel with…It has been dreary and raining here for two days… what a ray of sunshine you have brought!!!! so very happy for you…love, cindy
ps…. I know you will always feed and need Joe!!!!! 64 and many more!!!!!<3
I’m sure China will love you as much as we do. What a charming version of your book!
Hi Susan,
I know some girls who would love to read the wonderful Chinese version of your book! Congratulations on making our world a little smaller and cozier.
Ann
Congratulations on having your book printed in Chinese. I have already read “The Fairy Tale Girl” through twice since it arrived in the mail. Can’t wait for “Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams” to be finished. I absolutely love salmon and plan on trying Joe’s recipe soon. Thank you for your wonderful blog!!!
I just love getting a Willard. It is the perfect excuse to sit down, relax, and enjoy a quiet moment with a friend. Thank you for brightening my day.
Wonderful Willard, wonderful blog, wonderful YOU!!!! It has been such a joy to be on this journey with you! Thank you for sharing everything that you do! Cheers!
Your giveaways are always delightful! Thank you for this one.
Congratulations on your Chinese connection! This is pretty exciting – maybe other countries will follow. All girlfriends together forever!
Thanks for another wonderful post. They always brighten my day.
Oh it’s just as lovely in Chinese! Thank you for another wonderful, delightful post. And I’m trying the recipe. Yum. XOXO
I love all your writings and cookbooks too. I would love to win your new book and having you sign the books would be amazing. I would love to win and add the beautiful books to my Susan Branch collection.
Joyously,
Betty
I woke up to Willard! What a lovely way to start my day, thank you 😊
We had our first snowfall yesterday, so fire and candle burning times are truly here, and lots of time to spend costly tucked up reading. Now I shall have to trot across to my neighbour who borrowed Fine Romance nearly a year ago ( yikes!!) and get it back. Perhaps I shall have to offer her Fairytale in exchange ( ummm 😕)
If you have Gladys Tabor’s Stillmeadow Calendar, (which I have been reading month by month this year) the November chapter is remarkably current, and I felt especially touched by the last few paragraphs. I just thought that you and the other girlfriends would know and appreciate it too. Somehow good books need sharing, really 😉. Oh and Stourhead? Sept 16?Here I come!!! ( my son was there only yesterday!) thanks for a lovely letter to read with my early morning cup of tea in bed,
Gill, in Norway.
Oh boy, you’re coming! I can’t wait!
I was going to get a bowl of ice cream and watch a little TV, but I remembered I needed to get my Thanksgiving veggie order in for delivery on Saturday and when I was sending out my e-mail, I saw Willard and now it is 11pm and I still haven’t gotten my ice cream. Have a happy time getting ready for Thanksgiving and thanks for making us all smile.
See? This blog is dietetic! Come here and lose weight! (wish it really worked that way!)
Ps, have you read Rosamund Pilcher? Some of her books are set in Scotland and are lovely. There are films made of some of them ( eg September, Winter Solstice ) which I found through my local library. Some are made with a few German actors, but they are in English and have some wonderful stars in them too; Coming Home has Peter O’ Toole, Kiera Knightly and Joanna Lumley. I think you might enjoy them too. I think they were mostly made in the 1980/90s so they need searching out. I am looking forwards to y/our trip to Scotland so much! My parents spent their honeymoon there!
As usual, a most interesting and comforting Willard. :). I am so looking forward to your trip to Scotland, my mother was from there. Have you heard of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon? She has written a series of books featuring a Highlander named James Fraser and his English-born wife Claire. STARZ has created a television series called Outlander and is close to wrapping season 2. Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe portray the two principles.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for the Willard newsletter. It’s always so enjoyable to read and just like chatting with a girlfriend!
What a wonderful giveaway. Exciting as always. Generous as always. Hope I win as always. Don’t think I can learn that language though. lol. Thanks as always.
Connie
P.S. Please come to Utah. I’m friending The bookstore now. Please, Please, Please.
Beautiful in Chinese! Congratulations! Would love to know how it all translates, because as you know, some words just don’t come out the same in another language. We had visitors at our school translating the book they gave us as a gift (won’t say what country; they were just learning English) and a few words were funny and they used a swear word frequently). So who knows what yours might say!
I know! Best probably I DON’T know! 🙂
I loved reading the new Willard and blog. When I was a kid we spoke “obish”. Just switch the “arf” to “ob”. Back then, you were on the west coast. I was on the east. So of course we spoke different languages! We both switched coasts, but we can still speak our native language!
🙂
I just love reading all of your posts. When I saw the old photo of your family thanksgiving I went and pulled out some pictures of our family of eight with the golden turkey on the table in front of Daddy. (that’s what I remember even though it’s a black and white photo!). Thanks for bringing forth wonderful memories. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Oh bliss, a blog post and a Willard. Thanks Sue. Larfoved yarfour barflog. I don’t know if that’s right or not but I haven’t got my head round it yet. 🙂
Perfect! LOL, never in my lifetime did I imagine I would hear arf and arfy from anyone but the people I grew up with. This is so fun!
🙂
Strange -mostly when I am writing a comment it has disapeared the next day,
So here is my comment again.
Congrats with your book in Chinese -it looks wonderfull with the chinese letterdrawings.
Do love the picture of the winterwonderland house with all the snow. The weatherforcast in the Netherlands are saying we will have a little bit of snow in the weekend.
Greetings Trudy from the Netherlands
I’d be a lucky Texan to win.
Thank you! Thank you! A Willard AND a blog post, both full of wonder and pictures and happiness. . . my day is starting out wonderfully!
Thanks for the opportunity to win. I always enjoy receiving your emails and they make my day. Happy Thanksgiving.
You crack me up! I’m sitting here in my cozy quiet house wrapped in my cuddly soft robe sipping coffee from my favorite Emma zinnia mug while reading your blog….I got to your “fear song” and snorted coffee out my nose! Too, too funny! I hadn’t thought about those lyrics for decades! You just made my day 🙂 Hugs!
PS I received the two new charms for my bracelet…I missed the autumn one last year but was thrilled to get it along with the fairy tale girl charm. My Susan bracelet is one of my favorite things.
So funny, Joe will attest to it, whenever I have to do something I don’t want to, like go to the doctor, I sing that song… I thought twice about putting it on that art, wasn’t sure people would understand, so you just made my day Shannon!
Thank you, again, for a lovely start to my day. I laughed at the quote about our bodies being friends with our fat! I have noticed a little extra around my middle lately, and I appreciate Joe’s salmon recipe. I will make that this weekend to make myself feel a little better about all the sweets I’ve been eating. I also take inspiration from your daily walk with Joe and will try to find time to work that into my busy work day. Congratulations on your book in Chinese!!! GAAAA! Ain’t life grand?
You make me happy and carefree reading about your life! Thank you!
Always inspiring, always lovely! Thank you for sharing your heart, your talent and giveaways with us! Happy thanksgiving Susan, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack!!!!
Dear Susan,
Thanks for all the blog posts. They make my day every time they appear in my in-box. Love all of your books. I just purchased a kitchen print ( Reasons to go on Living) to hang in my kitchen.
Another wonderful trip to Happy Land, a safe haven and cozy respite from the crazy world. We are all thankful to be able to slip into this joyous place you have so lovingly made for us!
Thank your Joe for the salmon recipe, my Joe also prepares a delicious salmon but only for my birthday or our anniversary. So glad that China was blessed to get to know you. Your special Christmas book would brighten our Merry Christmas. Can’t wait to receive my Willard. I still have all those you mailed to me.
Starting my day off properly with Willard and tea. Such a gentle way to ease into the day. I just finished “The Fairytale Girl” and loved it Sue. Hope the movie deal works out…….
Your wonderful book in Chinese??? Sooo very cool!!!! It would be a treasure to have one of those, don’t think I’d be gifting that to anyone!! Thanks for the blog and the Willard and the chance to win this lovely book!
Enjoyed reading Willard and your blog this morning!! Not cozy in Florida yet but appreciating vicarious coziness! Interesting about the Chinese translation of your book-they will love it!! And thank you for the chance to win such nice giveaways! Love your blog! S.
Good Morning Susan :0D What a generous giveaway! Your blog always brings me so much joy, love it when it shows up in my inbox.. They always bring a smile to my face. Thank you for an opportunity to win! Have a delightful fall day :0) ~ Marge ~
Very exciting and oh so pretty in Chinese! Such a beautiful print language. I am waiting with great anticipation for my Willard and I love the picture of the house in the snow. I wish I could settle in for the winter and shut the world out for a bit. The salmon looks yummy! I’m going to have to try that. Also, I was happy to read that reading real books is still better for us. I love the feel and the smell of a real book in my hands. Your books have such lovely illustrations. That is like icing on a cake for me.
Congratulations on your Chinese version! What a thrill that must be! I can’t imagine why your books haven’t been translated into EVERY language! Maybe it’s because the words are lovely, but the pictures and illustrations tell the tale very well…
I love your delightful way with words…and pictures…and beautiful letters… My new library ‘needs’ these books to be complete! Thanks for the blog and Willard.
ooohhh (squeal, squeal), another wonderful willard to start my day! lovely books and plans for 2016, but (sigh) no bookstores here in maine on your list (yet!)…and scotland? let me polish off my coat of arms AND heather plaid skirt! and my heart is doing cartwheels (thump, thump) over that beautiful emma bridgewater chickadee mug…the official state bird of maine! it HAS to be mine, simply HAS to be, so draw my name dear susan!
egad! i MEANT robins, not chickadees, although chickadees would be sooo cute!
My maiden name is Stewart. I’m afraid I may have to buy UP Scotland. That plaid better watch out cause I’ma comin’!
What fabulous news for you !! It’s certainly well deserved. I so enjoy your blogs and I am the proud owner of many of your fabulous products. They are part of my treasured possessions. Keep up the good work! We need your inspiration to keep us going on “The Sunny Side of the Street.” Kisses to all and say Hello to Petey for me!
Just finished reading my Willard, & Loved it as Always! It’s my Favorite Time of the Year, crisp days, a cozy fire in the fireplace, & the scent of cinnamon….. Ahhh So Wonderful. I’m determined to not get too caught up in the Holiday Rush this year, and enjoy this Season. Thank you for EVERYTHING, you share with us, it just brightens my day😍.
Always a treat to wake up to a new Willard, then pop over to your blog for the familiar tweet tweet. I’m not sure who enjoys it more — me or our puss! Please enter us in the contest, and happy holidays to you and your crew. Cheers!
When we were at Hilltop we noticed how many Asians were also visiting. We were told that in China people often learn English by reading Peter Rabbit. Then it all made sense. Whether or not this is true, I don’t know, but it sounds like the Chinese love Peter Rabbit and thus they will love your book!!!
Phew! Almost too much to take in, so much is happening (or will be) in your neck of the woods. I guess I am on overload having read Willard and this blog post all in one sitting. So excited for all this goodness that is coming your way, but glad to hear that you still have your daily walk as well as time to savor all that the autumn season has to offer. We are keeping Paris in our prayers as we prep for the big holiday next week. I just “test drove” a new (to me) apple pie recipe and had to get up and sample a slice of it this morning. I may have to tweak it a little more. Thanks for all the updates, hoping I can be at the Brewster library to see you in the spring – still have such fond memories of your talk in Sandwich for A Fine Romance. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe, enjoy!
Your sweet Jack is such a photogenic kitty! Congratulations on all your exciting news and upcoming plans. I have a dedicated “Susan Branch Shelf” on my bookcase for you and our dear Ms. Taber. It has about 6 books-worth of space left to fill, so I’ll anxiously await Isle of Dreams. (I love that it will also be ‘Made in America’.) I hope to be able to see you at Powell’s in Portland, OR. I used to live in Cambria, CA but had to move to Oregon just about the time you first moved part time to the SLO area. I’m very excited that Powell’s is on your map. Thank you for the bookmark and the sweet gift card for the book. I don’t know how you can close your eyes and sleep at night with so much excitement to look forward to in your life! Congratulations!
Been meaning to leave you a note….LOVED, loved ” Fairytale Girl” ! So wonderful, so brave, so funny (ripping out the last 2 pages of dimwit’s paperback- LOL), so you! Thank you for sharing your heartbreak and joy. You’re right, sometimes you have to have one to get the other. You met Tarzan! OMG Did I ever have the biggest crush on him as a kid!
Hurray for Hollywood callin! Nancy Meyers to direct and Diane Keaton to play you present day for sure :-). Thanks for all the good stuff – as always! You’re my”OM”! xxxooo
Wish I would have written this book YEARS earlier because young Diane Keaton would have ALWAYS been my number one! And you guys are my om too xoxo
This was a wonderful post. Yes food, all food, now turns to body fat. Its hard to be short and still consume food. I live in Clearwater, FL now so live half my time in swimsuit. So i have to limit certain indulgences like cookies, my fav, pie, scones, bread. But a gal needs a little padding. Have a great week. Bye
Its hard to be short and still consume food ~ LOL!
A double contest, Yippee! Happy Thanksgiving!
Can’t wait for your new book to come out. Thanks for the Willard and your blog. They make my day and inspire me. Arlene
This Joy would REALLY like that JOY cup!!
Congratulations on your translated book, that IS a fairy tale come true 🙂
You are a bright spot in our lives during these dark days. We look toward Paris, and pray for all the people there. I also wanted you to know that there is a new picture book about Beatrix Potter called Beatrix Potter and Her Paint Box by David McPhail. Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving.
I would love to be the winner of those marvelous books!
I am so in love with Jack — what an adorable face! My kitty, Charlie Chaplin, has a mustache also — his is white with a black face — he also has an adorable face!!
~ Good Morning~ It’s been forever since I commented here on the blog ~ I thought I was a busy girl but…..wow! ~ I love this time of year and had my first bottle of gløgg this past weekend ~ SO yummy! ~ I’ve also been adding to my wooden spoon collection and found a new way to protect them without using chemicals~ such as those in mineral oil~ a all natural chemical ~free wood butter ~makes them pretty and they smell great! ~ Thanks for the great blog and the Willard ~ Happy Turkey Day!! ~
Lynn
Hi Lynn!!!
I have been wondering what happened to you. I was going to call you, because…I am moving home to Wisconsin!
I will fill you in later.
Margot
So happy that your book is now in Chinese! Expand the love! Have a most wonderful holiday season… you help sprinkle my life with love! Thanks for sharing your story with the World.