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 just love your creativity! thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing it with us all. I just finished reading your second book, it was wonderful. I can’t wait until the next one is completed. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
LOVE LOVE LOVE you Susan! How exciting about a Fine Romance. My daughter is taking Chinese in school! I might, maybe, pass the book to her Chinese to BORROW to read, if I win. Thanks for making our gloomy days bright and our bright days brighter!
So excited you are coming to Scotland next year!! As an American living here for 15 years, it’s just beautiful, and you will love it! I especially recommend Plockton!
Lovely post as always and I got my Willard, thanks!
You have a magical way of transporting me to a place of happiness. I love it, and YOU! Thank you for sharing your talents with us. Mas musica! I am keeping it on for the rest of the day!
When I see “Susan Branch Blog” in my inbox I know it’s time for tea! The last of the pumpkin spice in my mug, a seat by the window looking over the creek, and life is good….and your blog is filled with good news. Congratulations on the Chinese edition! It’s beautiful and a work of art!
Love your blog & Willard, too. Most of all, I love the Gladys Taber quotes with your artwork. What could be better!! I have read and loved Gladys for over 50 years, and think of you as filling the hole she left. Love your books, etc. Thank you for always brightening the day of this great-grandmother.
Ni hao! Congratulations dear Susan. Now the Chinese speaking people of the world can be blessed as much as those of us who try our best at english 😉 Please give your Jack and Girl kitty an extra schnuggle today. Monday night we had to say goodbye to our black lab, Macduff, aka Scnoops, after 14 years of unconditional love. So thankful for all he gave us 🙂
I saw Heartbroken in Seattle and then I saw why. 🙁 so very sad. xoxo
I so enjoyed your wonderful blog post and Willard this week! The temperatures have turned much cooler so I’ve unpacked my sweaters, poured some Earl Grey and have spent the morning enjoying your lovely thoughts and images. Thank you for this gift!
Congratulations, such exciting news! Betcha it’ll be a bestseller in China. 🙂 I’m so glad you’re representing the BEST side of Americans over there – important diplomacy! Best wishes!
PS Thanks for introducing us to Al Bowlly, what a wonderful voice – the best of the Big Band era, IMO. 🙂
I million thanks…You really do make the world a better place. You make us all stop, pause and reflect on God’s greatest gifts.
So excited that you’re coming to Austin, TX. Will make the drive!
[email protected]
Love hearing from you. I must, must, order my book today, love the ‘Fine Romance’, now look forward to this one, full of love and enchantment I’m sure. Thank You for sharing your joys, your days with us.
Ruth
Susan, you are such a gift! You give to us an abundance of joy, enthusiasm and delight which inevitably transforms our demeanor and outlook on the day! So very, very happy for you that your book is in Chinese. What a thrill! The salmon looks divine and how lucky you are to have Joe prepare it for you. Thank you for sharing so much with us. You are an angel on this planet earth and there is absolutely no doubt about it!
Many blessings to you!
Chris
Ohhhh, love thinking about Chinese women making Rachel’s cookies. We just made fortune cookies for the first time (although one guest said they really originated in Japan…..who knew?). Thanks for brightening our lives!
Congratulations on your book being published in Chinese! I visited there earlier this year and had a wonderful time. I know the chinese people will love your book as much as we do! I would love to win a copy of the book in Chinese to match my copy in English! On another note, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Susan … Always a super day ahead for me when I open up your emails … you are a true delight to read (and I’ve said it over and over … would love to walk in your shoes for just one day) and I can hear the “squeal” in your voice as you shared your excitement over the CHINESE edition. I would LOVE to be in your drawing … I miss my CHRISTMAS book so much … you may remember I lost my home in a fire 7 years ago (this week as a matter of fact)! So many treasured keepsakes were lost, and my Susan Branch books amongst them … wishing you and Joe and kitties too, happy holidays … no WAIT! It’s MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!
It’s always so fun to come by here and see what you’re up to! In Chinese even! And thanks to Joe for the simple salmon recipe. I was just making my menu/grocery list. I’m gonna need some salmon! Happy Thanksgiving!
I love seeing our world through your eyes!! You are blessed with such a special gift to see all things beautiful!!
When we were in China several years back, the traffic was crazy – whole families on a motor scooter, a man balancing large amounts of luggage on a scooter, our bus driver going in reverse on the highway because he missed the entrance ramp to the expressway etc etc. So, I think they will get the part of the book re: driving .
Thank Joe for his recipe – will definitely try.
Charlotte
Hi, Susan! Such exciting things happening! I can’t wait for your new book, tales and pictures of your Scotland trip, and maybe even a Susan Branch movie! Can it get anymore awesome?! Thank you for sharing all this with us and wishing you a most happy and ever grateful Thanksgiving.
Love your blog. It’s so beautiful to look at and read. Thanks for the giveaway.
Read Willard and luvved it! Or larvfed it (I tharfinked) I’m Nonnyluv from TX and I think I saw you are coming to Austin (90 miles So. of me) so just a hop farf us ( butchered that) or nailed it whichever you prefer! Frankie luv is singing so I’m a lil bewitched, bothered and bewildered****
Read Willard and luvved it! Or larfved it ( tharf finked) I’m Nonnyluv from TX and I think I saw you are coming to Austin (90 mi. south of me) so just a hop forf us (butchered that) or nailed it depending on your outlook! Frankie luv is singing so I’m a lil bewitched, bothered and bewildered**
Susan, wow…I have had the most wonderful morning reading Willard (LOVE), and this new blog! 🙂 I tend to write very long-winded, and there is simply so much to love and comment about….but I will contain myself and just say a huge THANK YOU! I am so thrilled for you about the book in Chinese….the new book …the book signings coming up next year, the virtual trip to Scotland with you and Joe, the holidays upon us….but I must just say that I am extra thrilled at the chance of your story going viral…going Hollywood…!!!! 🙂 Here’s to hope and dreams and luck and all that!!! Cheers! xxxxxx
art is art in any language, congratulations! I think Chinese is the only one that comes close to your beautiful handlettering.
carry on. cheers. BW
Read Willard and luvved it! Or larfved it (I tharf finked) I’m from TX and I think I saw you are coming to Austin (90 mi. south of me) so just a hop and a jump foarfed us (butchered that) or nailed it depending on your outlook! Frankie luv is singing so I’m a lil bewitched, bothered and bewildered**
Dear Susan,
Lucky me as I chose today to take time out for me , go slow and do things I love not things I must. First thing on my list was to enjoy your post and Willard. I’m pretty sure this Willard was your best yet but I may say that each time. Please try hard to make a stop in Michigan on your trip across the country. It is beautiful here and we would love to see you. Thanks for all the cheer you bring though your words,water colors, spirit, and pictures.
Barb Kuzdzal
A Chinese version! Very exciting! I don’t know why, but for some reason the peeking in that book made me think about my earliest exposure to Chinese food-canned (!) chop suey. It came complete with the separate little can that held the crispy noodles. More novelty than taste. I am so grateful to have had my horizons broadened since then!
Thank you for sharing the salmon recipe. I am inspired! I live in Kansas and tend not to eat much fish even though I know they can fly it quickly anywhere these days. Hope you have a lovely day, Susan!
Today I am giving thanks for you and your kindness, talent and ambition. Thank you. Love the blog and Willard! I have pre ordered the next book and I cannot wait! Its fun to have that to look forward to. Love.
Thank you so much for sharing your Willard with us. I love everything about them. The photos, hand painted pictures, the quotes and of course the musica. I save your email for last. It’s like my dessert.
Lovely all the way through. It’s raining and windy here today, and Willard brought cheer and sunshine into my room this morning!
Willard and a blog! I feel like we hit the jackpot!!! Love the picture of Louisa May Alcott’s house. Charming! She is among my favorite authors. Thank you for all you do for us, your girlfriends!
Thanks so much…that is REALLY something, your book in another language.
Thanks for the giveaways!
Happy Thanksgiving Susan! FYI: British Baking show comes to America Nov. 30th on ABC! Can’t wait!
Happiest of Thanksgivings to you and Joe.
OKAY – OKAY – So Who is going to play you on the big silver screen????? Do YOU have any suggestions? That is SO fantastic!!!!
Dear Susan, I can’t wait to read your new books. I have always loved everything you do.
I love your giveaways…Happy Thanksgiving!
Susan, thanks again for a lovely, fun post to read on the 3rd rainy, dreary day here in Minnesota! I look forward to getting my Willard! Congrats on your new Chinese book! It’s fun to look at.
I love how the Chinese lettering on the book has the same look as yours – it’s so pretty! It was fun seeing Joe make salmon (mmmmm!). Not having any on hand, we had your lemon noodles and lemon chicken for dinner last night. It is one of our favorites, warm and filling on a cold night. And thank you for sharing that lovely winter picture of Louisa May Alcott’s house. She is one of my favorite authors.
I figure you must have a clone or a time-turner (ala Harry Potter) to be able to get so much done! Blogs, that wonderful Willard, writing, painting, touring…. You are amazing and inspiring. Love to you and Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving! =^..^=
Once again I just read your post and am continually smiling. You always bring a smile to my face and a good feeling in my heart. Thanks so much.
How happy I am to get your Willard this morning!! Always makes my day to see what you have created for us to read! You add a special sparkle to peoples lives!
Blessings this Thanksgiving season!
Thank for another lovely post, another lovely Willard, and a bit of cheer! Can’t wait for the new book!
Wow!! How exciting to have your first Chinese published book! Congrats! So kind and gracious of you to donate a copy to that library. I am sure it will be a HUGE hit with the Chinese people! Joe, that salmon looks delish! Thanks for sharing Susan! My mouth is watering!! I am sooooooo looking forward to reading Willard. Mine usually hits my mailbox on Friday! WOO HOO!! Thank you for such a SWEET giveaway! CONGRATS to the lucky winner. I am taking your books by our independent book store here this week! I so want them to invite you. We have so many girlfriends in this vicinity. Angie, Theresa, Doreen, Paula, Vicki and myself just to name a few! Florida is calling your name!?! Do you hear it!?!
We really wanted to go to Books and Books in Coral Gables, but it would add an additional thousand miles to the nine thousand we’re already going. We looked at each other and said, maybe that’s too much. But look at all those Girlfriends I will miss!
That’s fine! I totally understand. I am thinking there may be a road trip to HotLanta (as my Grandfather used to call Atlanta…:o) ) in our future!! What do you think girlfriends!?!…a modern day Thelma and Louise trip! We would have a BLAST!!!
Oh, Susan, how enchanting and thoroughly delightful, and I have to have one–well, really two, because I know a wonderful Laotian couple, who both speak Chinese but very little English. I am SO looking forward to showing up at their door to present them with your book for Christmas!
And thank you SO much for Louie’s phone number. I can get fresh Gulf shrimp from Dulac, LA, the same way, but I haven’t known who to turn to for Atlantic seafood fare. By the way, Joe is a wonder, but then you knew that! Ha-ha!
I’m off to grandson Landen’s kindergarten class to volunteer, but, of course, I’ll spend a considerable length of time (and loving it) reading all the responses to Willard this evening.
Blessings on your day! 🙂 Sara 😉
That salmon looks heavenly! Yum, now I am hungry for that exact way to fix it and I will!! Love receiving your emails full of cozy goodies! Happy Thanksgiving!
Susan, as always I enjoyed your blog and now today Willard!! Thanks for always giving me a wonderful bright spot in my day! It would be great to win the special books! Austin is a nice drive for me so it would be so fun to see you on tour!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love Willard.
Your news is always a joy to receive and your books a joy to read. I grew up in England but now live in Australia. So lovely that you are creating a little bit of England in the USA as I am also doing in Melbourne. Happy Thanksgiving – I really love this celebration. X
Congrats!
That’s so awesome, seeing your treasure of a book in Chinese!! Love from Mary S. In Fresno, CA. P.S. I cry every day, too, Susan!
Great post! Always enjoy reading your blog & receiving the Willard mail..Great giveaway this month 🙂 Wishing you & your family a wonderful & HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Oh Susan, please whisper into Vanna’s ear that the Chinese version of our book would be the perfect Christmas present for my darling niece-in-law Anna. She is a treasure in our family and their two little ones are perfectly bi-lingual. What fun for all of us to compare the pages and learn some of the words. And thanks for the Willard full of inspiration and exciting news! Happy Thanksgiving.
Loved the Chinese book. Happy Thanksgiving!
Dorothy
I just finished reading “Fairy Tale Girl” and I loved it. I can’t wait for the next part of your story! I love salmon and always cook extra so I can have it in a sandwich or on crackers the next day—just flake it and mix with a bit o mayo, lemon and dill. Yummy!
As usual, your words and pictures always make me happy (or happier). Can’t wait to try my hand at Joe’s salmon recipe. Love the pictures — then I know I’m doing it just right. I didn’t see SC on the map of places where you’ll be doing book signings. You’ll not regret coming to Charleston or Mt. Pleasant in the springtime. It is heaven. Please tell me what I can do to convince “your people” that you and Joe need a trip down here. You will love it! The SC girlfriends love you, and Atlanta will be quite a road trip to take — 5 hours and no one likes driving in Atlanta traffic! I guess if Joe can drive on the “wrong” side of the road in England, he can handle Atlanta. 🙂 Charleston will be easier and calmer though. Thanks for Willard and your wonderful blog!
We are the “your people!” We’re trying to get to sort of centrally located places . . . we’ll be close, maybe we could meet you half way in DC? We’ll be coming through Atlanta on our way home.
Atlanta is closer than D.C. to me in Mt. Pleasant, SC, but I love Washington. I’m going to make a real effort to see you at one of those signings. I guess I do see a road trip in the very near future. FUN! Loved the Thanksgiving pictures and the white sofas in the living room. A really great idea; the pillows and throws, rugs, flowers and art on the walls give the color. Just beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving!
So happy I have a copy of Christmas from the Heart of the Home! Use it all the time during the holidays.
I so enjoy reading whatever you write! The whole experience …words, music, art, color…is so charming and delightful. Thank you! 🍁🍂
I’m so happy to hear that Jacki!
How exciting! I can only imagine the surreal-ness (is that a word?) of it. Looking at words YOU wrote, but yet having them look so different…and knowing that people will read them a world away. Congratulations! We are all very, very proud of you! 🙂
How wonderful to see your book in Chinese. My oldest son married a Chinese American woman and my young grandson just started Saturday afternoon Chinese school. I have asked him to teach me some words. I would enjoy having your book (I read in English-and have the 2nd one) in Chinese so my grandson and I could look for words he is learning. What fun that would be! The salmon recipe looks delicious. I will make it for my mom who is from Massachusetts. As always, thank you for your wonderful writings-it makes my day when I read a new entry!!
Congratulations Susan! Thank you for sharing all of this lovely good cheer with us! I love Willard and your Blog. You always brighten my day. 🙂 Thank you! Thank you!
Susan, I am way behind on my blog following. Please enter me in the contest if it is not too late. Oh how I would love to go to Orchard house. Little Women is my all time favorite book. To kill a mocking bird was the first book I ever owned.(I’ve given that to my daughter). Blessings for a fabulous holiday . xoxo,Susie
Alas, I am a fairly new “girlfriend” having only discovered your loveliness over the past year! But in that year, have been DEVOURING all things S.B.!! LOVED A Fine Romance and The Fairy Tale Girl saw me thru a scary hospital stay…transported me away from my stress so deliciously! Can’t wait to devour M.V., Isle of dreams! I feel like we are long, lost soul sisters with so many common interests and similarities…right down to misspelling refriDgerator! in the same way for the same reason!! My jaw is constantly dropping…our Grandma and Mom taught us the Playmate song, as we have taught our children and grandbabies!! I’m going thru a scary health thing right now, and your wonderful blog posts, videos, books….all of it have brought me such joy and peace of mind…I could never thank you enough for sharing your joy and talents with all of us…please, don’t ever stop!! Hope your holidays are wonder-filled!
Come to sunny Australia for a book signing, so we can all get to meet you, and you can share your books with us. Congratulations on your new book and I can`t wait for the movie.
Loved reading the latest Susan, thanks so much. I’m trying Joe’s Salmon tonight, I love Salmon and Rock Cod.
Marilyn Young
Bakersfield, CA
Testing 1,2,3
Oohhh, Susan…My good friend Meg and her hubby John with their adopted twin girls live in Shanghai! What a great gift your book in Chinese would be for her/them…I’m still patiently waiting for Willard while battling pesky bitty fruit fly looking critters flying around my kitchen… I’ve removed all fruit from my kitchen and would love any ideas you or our girlfriends might have-we’re having twelve for Thanksgiving week and I would love to get rid of them by then…Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours and all the girlfriends…praying for world peace…xoxo…
Rae Ann, if you have any wine, pour some in a bowl. I promise they will fly into the bowl and they are done for! 🙂
Lovely picture of the Alcott house. 🙂
Golden leaves and golden dreams of a wonderful season of Thanksgiving! Peace to all in our troubled world. Remember to breathe with ease each time you enter or exit a doorway sending blessings as you go. Focus on the little things and delight in the tiniest of details. Happy Day to each of you!
Love, love the new Willard and all your thrilling news that must have you over the moon: Hollywood, and how can you stop wondering who will play Joe and yourself and of course Jack the cat and then, A Fine Romance in Chinese and done so beautifully…! It is so exciting, you must be jumping up and down. I am, for you!
Try that using Alaskan winter white king salmon ~ heavenly!
Loved reading the Willard & blog today. Living in Florida I don’t get to experience the joys of fall, so thank you for letting me live it vicariously. Now I have to get back to work, but will be thinking of falling leaves, a warm kitchen and faraway travels. Sigh
Loved the picture of the Alcott house. I have told three of my children that the only thing I wan’t for Christmas is a copy of “A Fine Romance”. Loved it!!
Thank you Susan for another wonderful blog post. I have the Christmas book in my collection, but would love to share a copy with a friend who has become a SB fan. Good luck to me!
I loved seeing the Chinese version. !
It must be wonderful to see how far reaching your words are.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! You are amazing Susan!
What an exciting year our 2016 will be; watching us watching you watching all those book stores (and Scotland!) roll by your window(s) ! As always, thank you so much, Susan and Joe, for taking us all along with you on “our” exciting ride across this great, wide, wonderful… and hoping for peaceful-world. XO
What a nice Willard and post. I would love to win the wonderful books in the giveaway! That is such a nice thing for you to do. Please do a book signing in Pittsburgh, Pa. My daughter Cathy and I would love to meet you. You and she have exchanged snail mail about 14 years ago. The same sad thing happened to her marriage as your first one and she wrote to you about it. She still has your handwritten letter. You were so kind and encouraging to her. She is also an artist and now makes and sells handmade jewelry on Etsy. Her shop is etsy.com/shop/sparklecityjewelry.
Please go to her site and take a look at her things. They are really great. She would be thrilled if you did. You could leave her a message there, she would love that!
Thank you for a double dose of happiness today, Willard and another heartwarming blog entry. Great way to start the day :). I cherish all my books from you, especially the Autumn and much loved Christmas ones, they are well used and lovingly bookmarked.
Now to get to that task of getting that bookstore in SF on your tour! 🙂
What a nightstand delight along with a cup of tea!
so nice to “hear” from you and all that is going on. love your work and i know the people in China will too !
LOVE seeing your book in print in Chinese language!!!!!!! Very special……… Looking at the comment prior to mine……..that arf arfy (spell check is trying to rewrite this for me………) talk is still “greek” to me!!!!!!!!!! LOL!
Thank you for the Willard. I love your photos, artwork, recipes, and love, love, love the kitty cats!
Our cups runneth over–you sent us a two-fer! A wonderful way to start our Thanksgiving, being thankful for you. Your arf-arfy reminds me of my Mom and Aunt, who as first generation Americans, were able to talk in the language of their parents in front of the children so that secrets could be spoken out in the open. A very useful tool, until the children started figuring out some of the words.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving !
I read that you might come to Joseph Beth Bookstore here in Cincinnati…please do! I loved the Willard and SURPRISE!….possibly a movie of your books. Hope to hear it is a go in the future- (I’m picturing lots of women’s groups going to lunch and a movie…your movie)
I was just thinking the other day how I hadn’t gotten a Willard in awhile. Thanks so much. Love reading all of your stuff!
Delightful and whimsical – always a treat to get your Willard! Brings a smile to my day. Thanks so much.
I am just crazy for give aways….your blog is the best ever even when my life is at the bottom of an empty peanut butter jar it will always bring a smile to my face. Tell Joe the salmon looked fantastic what a luxury to have him cook for you. Please enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday next week wish I was coming to your dinner!
After many years of wonderful Willards, this one is the best! So much happy news! Get the popcorn ready – a movie or tv series would be so fun! And Scotland!!! And maybe Powell’s in Portland?!! There aren’t enough exclamation marks! Smiling ear to ear! 😍😍😍
Congratulations on the Chinese version! So exciting! Will keep my fingers crossed that Powells Bookstore in Portland works out. I love your work, and appreciate your generosity. big hugs to you!
Your book is beautiful in Chinese, even though I can’t read it. I’m glad that Chinese people will be able to enjoy it. And I’d love to win your give-away! Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to my Willard.
You have the magic gene as well as the happy gene…you have such a touch to everything you do!!! thanks for you!!!
Wonderful as always. You have made up for all the silence. Loved Willard.
What a year you’re going to have! Safe travels!! Have fun!
Congratulations! Your book looks beautiful in Chinese and I know they will enjoy it as much as we have. Loved the “Musica.”
Love the Chinese version of your book! And, yes, the publishers did keep the illustrations and fun accoutrements of the English version in the Chinese version.
Here’s hoping I win the drawing for the books, tea, and mug. xoxoxo Sherry K
Congratulations on the interest of all three books. My question is Who will play Jack in the movie or TV series?
Lots of love!
He’s young enough to play himself!
Oh do count me in.I am so hoping you come to Left Bank books in St Louis!
Let them know Kathleen! Thank you!
It’s always a fun day when I find a new post from you! And Willard just makes it better! Thanks for the double-dose of sunshine!
What a great give-a-way! I would love to win your books! Thanks for the screen saver of Louisa Mae Alcott’s house! We visited it when we took a trip to New England for our 50th Anniversary – which was wonderful – her house and our trip. Just loved it!
Susan, Your book babies are beautiful. Growing up in the same area of the valley as you, I really connected with all you wrote in Fairy Tale Girl. Revisiting that simpler time brought back soft memories of hot summer days and heading to the beach, or walking to the library and playing outside all day long, not going home till the street lights went on! Thank you opening your life to us and for sharing. <3