MUSICA Rabbit Rabbit 2016
to 2015
We had a lovely Christmas . . .quiet and filled with all the gentle reminders of what Christmas is supposed to be. Food, friends, family and
But now it’s time to . . .
Turn your calendar over and
Because, for the New Year and always . . .
HERE’S TO US . . .
I love having you here . . .
Time for
I remember last year around this time . . . out my front studio window, it looked like this!
And here, from the kitchen window . . . it was birdland!
and the wonderful world of Cardinals.
Beatrix Potter people were warm and toasty on the kitchen window ledge . . . despite the blizzard . . .
And it was so Beautiful! Every morning I would jump up to peek out this window in our bedroom to see what the morning would be.
Pristine and white, I could never be thankful enough.
Deep dark and delicious
Magical Fairyland
And even though we have no snow now . . . it is still very beautiful, and getting colder every day. Today, in fact, is a three sweater day. . . that’s what I am wearing right now. I took this picture yesterday while we were out walking . . . I’m looking into a rain puddle with the leaves at the bottom and the woods and the sky in the reflection. Is this not gorgeous?
In this one you can see where the puddle ends
And here, where the woods begin . . .
Overhead fly the swans . . . so I painted this one for my new book . . .
And out at the end, the waves come on shore and it smells fresh and wintery and like a garden of composting leaves . . . and way back you can see the ferry crossing . . .
Sunday! Be still my heart . . .
Our last season . . .I will love every moment . . .
Downton will make our winter very cozy, Downton, the kitties, Joe Hall Guardian Angel Extraordinaire, and me, with a book project and my paintbrush. It will be a nice winter. MAS MUSICA
Just about to start putting away the old year . . . dreaming of the new one coming and all the good things I hope will happen . . .
The table is cleared . . .
Christmas dishes are all put away . . .
My Days Book is next to my bed with all the lovely empty pages inside and the future yet to be known . . .
And me?
You know where I am. Every day I add more pages to the new book, Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams ~ finished pages. My goal is to have it done by, at the latest, Valentine’s Day . . . not printed, but off to the printer by then. I thought you might like to see a few new bits I’ve painted for it recently . . .There’s a little story behind each watercolor, but I’m saving them as a surprise for you.♥
Yes, there is singing in this book!
And Kitties!
And Jack, who is constantly with me, proudly helps, thank goodness, I could never do this alone.
my first house
You remember the little cottage I bought when I first came to the island? It was called Holly Oak.
Well, in this new book (which should be coming out right around April), we go inside the house, I want to show you around, it’ll only take a minute, as you can see, it’s not very big, but it has a really cute stove . . . I’ll show you both with watercolor and with lots of photos, before and after photos too. I think you are going to love this book.
It’s totally tied with heartstrings. And this is too . . . wishing you all the very best . . .
Happy New Year! Thank you for another wonderful year of connection, of knowing we are not alone. I’ve loved every second of it . . . XOXO
I always love your posts. I relate so much of your love of MV because I lived in Maine for a long time and miss it daily. Your beautiful posts remind me so much of Scarborough and the beaches surrounding it. Can not wait for your new book……it is all ordered and I am now just waiting. Just filled out my new calendar…..love each month….as usual. Thank you for always making your pots sooo beautiful, interesting, and fun. Pats to Jack and Girl kitty, and hugs to you and Joe.
Smiles,
liz
Thank you, Susan! I am anticipating Sunday and DA too! Will try to drink it in slowly and savor it!
Happy New Year Susan and cheers to all the many joys that lie ahead. Thank you for sharing Jack trying his paw at water colors and all your lovely little poems and blessings. Can’t wait to buy and read Isle of Dreams, even more so after the adorable paintings of Holly Oak. There is snow here now at the Adirondack Foothills, it’s lovely and peaceful and those warm, fuzzy feelings of dreamy days spent quilting and sewing are here …………. I guilty feelings about yard work and gardening. Bliss.
Happy New Year, to you and Joe! Have loved your blog this year, ever since buying your book. I live in Devon U.K. so glad you enjoy our beautiful country!
I look forward to the coming year, and reading your new book!
Take care love Gill x
I adore your beautiful country and can’t wait for next fall when I get to go back. Maybe I will see you there!
Oh that would be wonderful! I shall keep my fingers crossed for your get together, I do hope I can make it!
what a wonderful way to spend New Years Day…..putting up my new Susan Branch calendar and reading your blog…….it is so hard to let go of Christmas so I will keep it in my heart all year long…..we had such special moments with our sons, their wives and our grannies…..they live close by, usually are very busy with work, school, dance and sports but at Christmas everyone makes time to be together. I hold those moments close to my heart. Happy New Year girlfriend….I so look forward to your new book as I dream of a visit of my own to your island this summer………..with gratitude
, Nettie
Oops. It should read …… No guilty feelings about yard work and gardening. XX
I got that! I know what you mean, there’s a quote that says thank heavens the weather has changed and I don’t have to go outdoors to enjoy it!
Happy, happy new year! Can’t wait for your book. Thanks for the tease. 🙂
We Stewarts, if nothing else, are wizards at the art of the tease. I speak for them, not of course for myself. Me? I’m just splainin’ things.
Hi Susan! So glad you had a lovely Christmas. We did too and under the tree was my new calendar and “The Fairytale Girl”. I read it in two days so now what am I going to do?😀Can’t wait for the continuing story! Of course I loved it. One of the things I appreciate about you is your love for family. I too, am the oldest of 5 and have such wonderful memories of my childhood. I am very sentimental, my youngest sister is Shelly too😀 Somewhere my mom bought us (used) the “One of a Kind Family” books and I thought they were wonderful! I am the lucky one to have them now. I too, am kindred spirits with you in that a fun, loving childhood and plenty of cherished memories are some of the most important things in life to be very thankful for! What a blessing! I was sad reading about your difficult times, but this is life. All of us have trials, storms and heartache to weather. Seems like times of adversity are sometimes when we learn and grow the most! I am glad your story has a happy ending and am so excited for your sequel! Pictures of Holly Oak? I can’t wait😀
Thank you for sharing so much. In doing so you touch our lives with joy, laughter and inspiration, time and time again! Happy New Year to you and Joe! Hope it is a great one.
P.S. I love your gorgeous hutches! Such wonderful pieces of furniture to display pretties and be creative with❤️
Love hearing from you Ruth . . . we have so much in common! xoxo
Happy New Year Susan! I love the book already and April does not seem that
far off. Well, it does, but I’m trying to be patient and in the meantime I have
your wall calendar to look at every day. The paintings, so far, look so darn
cozy – the house, you in bed with kittens and quilts, you singing. Keep feeding
us tidbits to keep us going when you get the time and for the love of God, I
wish one of the girlfriends will know the pattern on those gorgeous wing chair.
Downton music made me cry, always does, so I’m ready for Sunday with
tissues nearby. I hope they are all happy tears. Wishing everyone happiness and health for 2016.
LOL Nancy!
Rabbit, rabbit and Happy New Year! 🐰🐰Love that you shared some of your book’s art with us to start 2016. (2016?? How did nice Baby Boomers like us get to this point?). Holly Oak looks like a lovely, cozy first home. Hmmm, I see 3 kitties at home there, too! Will be fun to learn more about them when my copy of the book arrives. And it IS a blessing to know we’re not alone! XOXO
New Years is my favorite! Looking forward to a blank slate of possibilities and new adventures and experiences! Thank you for the warm welcome into this next year, 2016! I love the sound of it!! Looking forward the the continuing story of my dear friend online, Susan!!
A Happy & Blessed 2016!!! Thank you for your charming sharing, of what our lives should really consist of. I love each and every post as it encourages me to always, focus on simplicity, intention and gratitude. Many,many years ago my dearest sister-in-law got me one of your first books for Christmas; little did she know how much it would come to mean to me!
That’s so nice to hear Diane! Thank you.
Your blog was just what I needed to day. Our much loved mother passed away right before Christmas, and today, Jan 1st, would have been her 86th birthday.
Your art and writings always fill me with joy and today was no different. Thank you for the magic you bring to all your girlfriends lives.
All the best to you and Joe and kitties in 2016.
Oh dear Mary Pat, I am so very sorry. I still celebrate my grandma’s birthday, January 8th, I don’t think we ever stop doing that. All my very best to you and yours, and to a peaceful 2016.
Susan, I always enjoy the quotes you use. Here’s one I shared with FB friends …and now with you: “And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.” (Rainer Maria Rilke) Happy new year … I can tell it’s going to be exciting.
Lovely Brenda!
Happy New Year Susan, Joe and the Kitties! Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!
Deb xoxo
I like your language even better than Arf and Arfy, somehow I feel a little bit elfy when you do that. xoxo
I would love to know how to pronounce this greeting!
Me too!
Well, I’m not very good at phonetics, but this would be close enough ~~~
Blwoi~then Neh~with Tha
As dear Martha Ellen told me, Welsh doesn’t seem to have many vowels!
Wish you had sound on here! Wouldn’t that be fun?
Happy New Year!!! Thank you for the wonderful blog to begin 2016. You are always such an inspiration. The pictures of last years snow reminds me of my childhood days. I always loved the quiet peaceful nights. They were so special.
Can’t wait to see the inside of your first house! I love looking at the outside of houses and trying to figure out the floor plan. I haven’t had a clue with your first house! Happy New Year, Susan!
I just know it’s going to be a super year! Especially with your newest book to look forward to it has to be a spectacular 12 months. Here’s another reason: my husband and I retired in 2015 and we are planning a move from California to North Carolina. Can someone say “ADVENTURE”? I figure if you did it..and by yourself….I can do it with my husband’s support. Wish me luck!
I definitely do Jerri! xoxo
Happy New Year Susan!!
So many wonderful things to look forward to! The return of Downton and the release of your beautiful new book Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams! I knew Jack was clever, but painting water colors … that’s impressive. Such a helpful little fellow.
Big hugs to you for making our world a much happier place.
Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit!
Rabbit Rabbit – Happy New Year to you and Joe ! Yes, it’s going to be a great year. Doing the same here, opening the new calendar, Christmas dishes packed away, tree down, cozy time ahead as the wind picks up and Sherlock is on tonight…ALMOST as good as Downton ! Getting my tea cups ready and settling in for a cozy winter. As much as I love the holidays, the peace of January is so delicious ! May this year hold much health, happiness, and peace for you !
Happy New Year Susan! Many blessings in the new year. Looking forward to you new book!
Oh, thank you for a wonderful post to start the new year. I thought of you first thing this morning as I changed the kitchen calendar (yours, of course) from 2015 to 2016. I save all of them to look thru now and then, too good to part with.
Love the picture for January and it will go perfectly with my blue and white winter decorations when I put them up. But it’s still Christmas here and will be til a week from Sunday, the baptism of Christ, which marks the end of the Christmas season. It is so peaceful here, with nothing to do but enjoy the decorations and music and even, finally, snow on the ground to make it look like Christmas at last.
Love your New Years post and look forward to all the one in the New Year!!
Rabbit rabbit, Susan!
I am tucked into a cozy wintertime spot in Denmark for the New Year… Helping my darling daughter move here for a post-doc at one of the Universities. I just want to say, my girlfriends who each received the Fairy Tale Girl are so delighted! Thanks for being such an inspiration!wishing you much love in 2016!
How fun for you Marsha! Congratulations to you and to your daughter, what a wonderful adventure! xoxo
Dear Susan, Thank you for putting a smile on my face each time I read your blog, look through my collection of your cookbooks, or glance at your calendar.The happiest New Year to you,Joe and those adorable cats.xo Annette in Northern Ca
Delightful New Year’s Message and makes me feel grateful for all of my blessings,
Wishing you a wonderful 2016! Lots to look forward to this year including the last season of Downton Abbey and reading your new book “Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams.” Hoping for lots of positive surprises throughout the New Year as well!
That good old LaBarque Creek did rise and we are “stuck” at home as 2015 slides into 2016. Warm and cozy, what better way to spend “trapped” than with my sweetie and a grand? We have board games, movies in the DVD, fresh baked bread, walks in the cool crisp air and lots of books to read. In a twist that 9-year-old grand now reads to me! And to make it all the sweeter, I actually dozed into a nap!
Though we are high and dry and “stuck” on our mountain, many around us are deeply effected by the surrounding floods. My niece’s house is under water and it will still be a day or so before they will be able to get in to assess the damages. Please keep our neighbors and friends in your thoughts and prayers as the flood waters recede and the work of cleaning up begins.
I haven’t been paying attention to the news lately, I’m so sorry to hear about your nieces’s house, and of the others. My prayers are with you Audrey . . . Sending love…
love love love your illustrations photos and everything!!!!
Today is my 71st birthday and what a way to start the New Year…..a magical post from you!! I cannot put into words what your books and blogs bring into my life, but they are the very best gifts ever!! Thank you for your kindness, your humanity, your imagination, your ability to see and share the best things of life. YOU are a gift to us all. Happy New Year!
Happy Birthday dear Carol! 🎵 Thank you!
Happy New Year Susan and Joe! Loved it, so beautiful with words, pictures, paintings and music. Always lifts my spirits. Thank you. CLW
How lovely to read this…it doesn’t feel Christmassy or New Yeary at all here in the sun and heat of Australia to me! We have it all ahead of us, I love these days of wonder and possibility. Love YOU dear friend and looking forward to sharing 2016 with you and the girlfriends xx
You’re still there! I need a Rachel fix! Will be in contact soon. When do you go home? Sending all our love to you and Paul XOXO Love to Esther too!
Happy New Year! I just recently finished reading The Fairy Tale Girl. In one of the books pictures, I noticed a calendar hanging on the wall. I think I had that same type of calendar in my kitchen at the time, but now I have your calendars on my wall. I love your sweet artwork. Thank you!
Yes, Charles Wysocki, I used to always get his calendars until I got to the point where I could make my own!
I liked his art too. As well as others.
I noticed the Charles Wysocki calendar too when I read ‘
The Fairy Tale Girl’ last fall. I bought his calendars from about 1976 to about 2000 when I started buying yours. But I did smile inwardly when I saw the photo in your book and thought what kindred spirits we were, even way back then before you made us all girlfriends.
I, too, prefer Susan’s calendars, but also enjoy Charles Wysocki’s art – on his puzzles!! For years our family gatherings included putting together a Wysocki puzzle. One summer day when visiting Truro, Cape Cod, we were walking the crest of a sandy path from the bay when I looked up to see a familiar view of beach houses and tall grass meadows, and suddenly realized where Wysocki had found inspiration for at least some of the puzzles I was so familiar with.
Susan, I just returned from a trip to NYC. I know there are people who thrive on the hurriedness of folks there, but as for me, give me the quiet rural life of my Central Virginia home.
Upon my return last night, I was thinking that I need a Susan Branch “fix;” you always put things in perspective…and today, there you are! Thank you for helping me usher in the New Year with your blog.
Happy 2016!
I have been saving “Fairy Tale Girl” for weeks and weeks, just waiting for some quiet time to savor it. Christmas Day arrived, and after the opening of stockings and the eating of breakfasts, I curled up with my kitties, a soft blanket, and a cup of tea. Before I knew it, I had reached the end, the sun had set, and my kitties were stretching their furry paws out and letting me know it was time for their dinner. Thank you for posting the update on the next book, you have been on my mind these last few days of the year, and I eagerly await your next chapters. My copy has been sent off to a dear aunt, as she is also a fan, and adores you too. Happy New Year!
Lovely post! Hanging up your 2016 calendar today. A yearly ritual, but always fun!!:-)
Rabbit Rabbit, too. We are building a home in Fairhope, AL this winter. Time to move out of the Airstream and enjoy the pleasures of home (as you so frequently remind us). Will continue to travel, but take trips that are shorter in time and maybe distance. Thanks for all of the inspiration and cheerfulness!!:-). Love you and your blog!🎉❄️⛄️
Happy 2016 to you, Susan, and thank you for all the joy you bring into our hearts and lives. I get “warm fuzzies” every time I read your blog or pick up one of your books. Cold and sunny here in the Puget Sound on this first day of the new year. Think I will leave my holiday decorations up for just a few more days–they are so comforting with a cup of hot tea and cookies!
Many blessings for all good things in 2016 to you and Joe and of course the kitties. I love your little helper Jack and the beautiful Girl Kitty. We had a super Christmas with our family in the Toledo, OH area. Just got back home yesterday to spend the last day of 2015 in our home and welcome the new year in. There were many bad times for us in 2015 but the largest blessing also. The life of my dear husband who I love more than life it’s self. He was spared to spend what I hope are many, many more happy years together. I send love, health, happiness and hopes for peace to all! Happy 2016!!
What a perfect perfect ending to what had to be a scary year. Hooray dear Cyndi!!!! All my very best for the coming year!
Thank you for sharing your letter, your paintings and sayings, and your heart. God bless you this 2016! Beth Barnat
Happy New Year Susan (and Joe, and Kitty, and Jack) — I hope it’s a great one! I recently spoke to people at Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, NY about having you do a signing at their store for your next book. I do hope they contact you and you can include it on your travel itinerary. I’ll be first in line (or I’ll try) if it all works out! I just finished Fairy Tale Girl and loved each and every page so I’m anxiously awaiting to hear the rest of the story. I met you at the Gladys Taber Reunion two years ago and you were such a wonderful speaker–I thoroughly enjoyed your remarks. Thank you so much for so humbly sharing your art, your quotes, and really your life story. Best in 2016…Hugs, Kathryn
Thank YOU Kathryn, happy to have you here xoxo
Happy New Year … have a wonderful year. I am looking forward to 2016 as a wonderful year
Thank you Susan. Love the quotes, photos, watercolors, thoughts and wishes. Happy 2016! Onward to a great year! Darlene
I wish you, Joe and the kitties a blessed and happy new year.
Thank you Janet!
Blessing showered upon you, your family and your cozy home. Happy 2016.
I gave myself The Fairy Tale Girl for Christmas and just finished it. I loved, loved, loved your story. Thank you so much for sharing. It is so heart warming to know the dreams I have carried around inside for so long aren’t crazy….other people think, dream and hope the same way I do!
I have so enjoyed your artwork but now knowing your beginnings you have endeared yourself forever. I can hardly wait for Isle Dreams, I have preordered.
Thank you Susan, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Ohhh, Kimberly, thank you back. xoxo That’s what these books are, a “we’re all in it together” kind of story.
Happy New Year to you! I received Fairy Tale Girl for Christmas and read it all in two days. Delightful!!! I can’t wait for Isle of Dreams!
Happy New Year to you Susan!
Yaaaaaayyyy, kitties! I was so excited when I hung up the new calendar today and saw the adorable drawing of the orange tabby wearing a bow! Normally I hate to mess up my calendars, even old ones, but I think that little kitty that looks so much like my Chester boy, belongs on a charm or in a locket! And I’m seeing more orange kitty pictures in this post! Can’t wait for the book! I treated myself to “Fairy Tale Girl” when I ordered my calendars (plus a couple other pretties I couldn’t resist! Kitty tea cup? Why, yes, a must have!) and devoured the book before Christmas! With relaxing cups of tea, of course! Can’t thank you enough for the beautiful inspiration, helping me learn to take better care of me. As a long time caregiver and mother, that’s something I’ve never done well. But I’m improving! 😉
Thrills me to hear you say that Sheila! xoxo
Love everything you write and everything you paint. God’s blessing upon you and your loved ones this New Year!
Susan, it’s always so nice and I feel so grateful to read your Blog! Happy and Blessed New Year to you and Joe and the rest of your Family! Now, my sisters in the Philippines are enjoying your Blog too! One of them worked in Boston, so she enjoys the seasons! Looking forward to your new book where I will see your first “cute and cozy” little house, which I love so much! Thank You Much!
Isn’t that wonderful! Tell them I said hello! xoxo
Sue, I still have all of my christmas up. I don’t have the heart to take it down just yet. It Snowed here today! Big fat, beautiful, feathery snow flakes. It looked like a giant snow globe outside…so pretty. My hubby started a fire in our pizza oven out in the yard and I can see the fire from the kitchen window through the snowflakes. It looks wonderful. So, tonight we feast on wonderful wood fired pizza and share it with my daughter and her guy. Dim lights, candles glowing, bubbly pizza and good wine…doens’t get any better than that. I can’t wait for your book. Enjoy the process…it’s the journey not the destination that is the best part. XX OO
Thank you Mary, you are so right about the journey, and scattered with snowflakes and wood-fired pizza, who could ask for anything more!
Many thanks for the lovely post. I appreciate all the good wishes and I especially love the painting of the girl (should I say, woman?) in the cozy bed. Heaven! Yes, I remember your first home-Holly Oak. I think it had 1 bedroom and you made a comfy guest room in an adjacent little building. Can’t wait to see the paintings/photos of the interior in your next book. Also, thanks for the opportunity to wish you, Joe, your family, kitties and of course the wonderful blog girlfriends a new year filled with goodness and enriching adventures (an adventure can be a little one in our daily lives too). Despite the difficulties in our world, I have a strong feeling and hope that we will all have a really good year.
I pray that you are right Carmel. xoxo
Happy New Year!! Just about finished “The Fairytale Girl” and looking forward to your new book!…………….and yes Downton Abbey will soon be here………Will Carson and Mrs Hughes really get married? Will Anna and Mr Bates be able to have a baby? Will Mary be able to find someone to love as much as she loved Matthew? So many questions and many more!! Our small hope for the future is that Julian Fellowes does make a movie as rumoured! We can only hope!
Oh they have to get married. Or my heart will break. It’s Mary, I can’t wait to see who she picks. I still want Tom. I can’t stop myself. None of those sophisticated guys she dates have half the heart that he does. But I’m sure there are other plans, oh if I was only in charge!
I’m on Team Tom, too! Who else would love Downton as much as she? I’m so excited for the season to begin! After months of procrastination, I finally began my Downton Abbey- athon about 3 1/2 weeks ago, all 5 seasons. It was a quite a whirl, but such fun.
Good! A kindred spirit, Team Tom! It would be so perfect, two characters we love, somewhat snobby Mary, with the chauffeur because of L O V E and they both have two children and they both love them, and yes, they would be perfect to run Downton. It’s just perfect. I donated to WGBH this year and I got all five seasons sent as a gift! Eeek!
Wow, I need to look out for these types of gifts when their fund raising time comes around again! The mystery for me is who killed that man who attacked Anna. I want to see Anna and Mr. Bates happy and not in jail. I thought it was implied that Mr. Bates did it. I can’t believe that will be the outcome. And yes, Team Tom.
I’m so excited about Isle of Dreams! I received The Fairy Tale Girl for Christmas and read it within two days. Thank you for continuing to be such a fun source of encouragement and things to look forward to!
I’m making this next one maybe a hundred pages longer, but I still think, maybe 2 days at the outside. 🙂
I JUST LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS E-MAIL!!!! I THINK IT’S THE BEST ONE YOU HAVE EVER SENT. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. IT MAKES YOU FEEL SO WARM AND ALMOST LIKE WE ARE RIGHT THERE IN YOUR LOVELY WARM HOME. I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR YOUR NEXT BOOK TO COME OUT. I LIVE IN CHARLOTTE NC AND WISH YOU WOULD COME HERE FOR A BOOK SIGNING. NO ONE ELSE HAS A BLOG THAT EVEN BEGINS TO COMPARE WITH YOURS. I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR YOU TO SEND ONE AND GET GO EXCITED WHEN OPENING IT TO SEE WHAT YOU HAVE SEND.
HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR AND I WILL TRY TO DO LIKE YOU SAID AND WITH THE FRESH NEW YEAR.
BARBARA
A wonderful 2016 to you too Barbara! I’m so glad you are here!
Loved the musica! Here’s to a wonderful 2016! I don’t mind saying, goodbye to 2015…not my favorite year other than the birth of my beautiful grand-daughter!! Then again…that made it the best year ever!! xoxo
Love the painting of your house. The spider made me laugh. You make it all seem so simple! A good start to the new year!
Wishing you (and all those dear to you) good health, continuing friendships, and much joy!!
Happy New Year to you dear Susan and to all the girlfriends out there in cyberland. What a tease! You gave us a tiny taste from your box of chocolates (the new book) and now we have to wait before we get to savor the whole box. Wait for it…………wait for it……………Jersey hugs to Everyone
Won’t be long. It’s as hard for me as it is for anyone — I’m very excited. Happy New Year Carol!
Love all your drawings and pictures, happy New year!!!!
Susan, that first poem is so cute! As I don’t have subscription television, I’ll have to wait until the 6th Season of Downton Abbey comes out…it’ll be worth the weight to be sure. I did find the first four seasons, a very fine sale, and sent them to my BFF…squeal…so I suppose I’ll just give myself a treat and start watching Season One on Sunday night.
Did you know there’s an Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook? I’m giving away a copy on my blog while waiting, somewhat patiently, for MV Isle of Dreams. Then, I’ll, somewhat patiently, wait for your travelogue book to Scotland. So much to look forward to…Happy New Year to you and yours. May you be blessed with good health and happiness!
Okay, I’m glad you wrote Sandra, watch out for me, because I will probably talk about Season Six on the blog, so squint your eyes and skip over it if you like to be surprised!
Blessings to you and all your wonderful efforts. Looking forward to the new book with anticipation, although I need to finish reading the other one first. Holidays leave no spare moments, as you well know. Your welcome blogs always settle my nerves and ready me for whatever life’s challenges may be…thank you for that! Happy Happy 2016…
Sharon
This is why winter is good, lots of “spare moments.” Relatively! Happy 2016!
Happy New Year Susan!
“And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
Looking forward with such anticipation to Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams!
love and prayers, jep
To you too Judy!
Happy New Year Susan, sorry you’ve not got snow, but your woods look ready for winter as does your lovely home. May 2016 bring you art to feed your soul and friends and family to share your joy.
Thank you Elaine!
I hope you and Joe had a wonderful Christmas and a Glorious New Years Day. I changed my calendar from the 2015 to the 2016 Susan Branch calendar before I left work on Wednesday. I have ordered my copy of Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams and I’m looking forward to reading it. Here’s to a fantastic year!
Here’s to a fantastic year!
I was so excited to get an e-mail announcing a new blog post. I actually checked yesterday, just in case I’d missed one. I am getting beyond excited for your new book. I’ve already pre-ordered a couple of copies. I always order 1 for me, and one for my sister who is almost as big a fan as I am. Well, just wanted to say thanks for the post, and wish you a very happy and blessed 2016.
Blessings for you too Mary Ann, say hello to your sister for me!
Happy New Year! It is great to hear from you! I loved all the pics and wonderful quotes! Can’t wait for the new book, I know you are working hard on it! Blessings to you, Joe and the kitties for the very best 2016!
Thank you Gail!
Have a very blessed 2016! I’m looking forward to your newest book. Can’t wait to read the next chapter of your wonderful life journey.
What a wonderful way to begin a new year ~ thank you! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Happy New Year to you, Joe and the kitties and all your friends and family! 🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊
Happy New Year to you Susan and Joe.
As I put my new desk blotter out this morning and saw the month of January, beautiful art work and a fresh start, it brought a smile to my face and joy. Thank you for sharing your talents with us all.
It’s my pleasure truly Terri, thank you!
Hi Susan
Happy New Year*** We had a very nice Christmas also.
Can’t wait till the new book comes out.
happy day Susan
deezie
Me too Deezie! xoxo
Happy New Year, Susan! I’m so looking forward to your new book. I really identified with Fairy Tale Girl. I had some similar circumstances, such as the era in which you grew up. Oh the music! It was hard to put the book down, but I did, somewhat, because I didn’t want it to end! Thank you for the joy and magic you bring into my life. 🙂
That’s so nice to hear Debbie! Thank you! XOXO
A wonderful new year to Joe, the kitties, and you, Susan. Your lovely post increased my excitement that 2016 will be a good year, if we have peaceful hearts and are eager to do what God calls us to do–as much as possible, live peaceably with others, as well as ourselves.
I am praying the winter goes quickly and safely because I so love Spring and because your book will arrive. Thank you.
XOXO All wonderful thoughts Milanya. xoxo
❤️❤️❤️❤️
I must admit I have have really enjoyed your illustrations for quite some time, but only within the last year have I begun to read your books. They’re wonderful, by the way. I have a copy of the Days Book and am eager to begin writing in it this evening. It is so nice to be among kindred spirits on your website. Wishing all the best the new year has to offer. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from Pennsylvania!! Enjoying bean soup with cornbread. Kerrygold truffles for dessert. All the best to you and yours on that pretty little island. Lemon lift tea is helping to thaw me out So looking forward to the next book. Sunday will bring us our beloved Downton soon CHEERS
Thank you Susan for all the quotes, insights, sharing your life and fun things Looking forward to the next exciting new year with you!!!
Happy New Year! 🙂
Happy New Year, Susan. It looks like an exciting one for you. Waiting until April for the new book is going to be hard, but at least, we have Downton Abbey to pass the time. Love Jack on top of the quilts. I have a cabinet almost identical to the one the quilts are on. Quilts on top of mine as well, although no kitty. My kitty is quite portly and she could not jump that high. It’s very cold here on the south end of Vancouver Island, but blue, blue skies and no snow. I’ve noticed shoots of snowdrops breaking through the ground, and a few primulas. Keep well and enjoy the scenery all around your beautiful home.
Too cute: “portly kitty!” We discovered a blue flower on our periwinkle/myrtle today! Amazing, but not comforting. I like everything to come in its correct time. xoxo
🎉Happy New Year! I just started reading one of my Christmas presents “The Fairy Tale Girl” and I’m loving it, 💗just like I so love your posts. ( I often save reading them until I have a nice cup of tea and I quiet few minutes to truly enjoy it!) I see that we share the start in the San Fernando Valley-I grew up in Northridge but now live in Bellingham, WA. What a fun coincidence. Thanks for all your wonderful creativity and joy in all that you do- writing, art, photography…all of it!🎉 Have a wonderful 2016!🎉
Same to you Diane, fellow Valley Girl . . . Thank you!
Just lovely photos! Had to laugh when you said you run to the window to see the snow….us Cali raised girls still find it a novelty after decades living elsewhere, don’t we?! The sunshine is deceiving though, we just went for a walk & it’s C-C-C-old out there in Seattle-land but no snow, just frost. Can’t wait to Downton on Sunday! PBS has been giving us little peeks to whet our appetite (as if!). Will look forward to your charming wrap-up after the show airs in your next blog 🙂 A bientot!
I’ll never get used to it … yes, after decades, still a miracle!
Happy New Year, Susan! No better way to start off the new year than with your first blog. I love your pictures of snow. Even though we only had rain and wind here, it felt more Christmasy with the stormy weather. I was in the mood for Christmas, and then – we all got colds! AARRGH!!! But our tree was beautiful, the decorations were up, and eventually I got to make our Christmas treats.
2015 was a rough year, but getting your blogs made the days special. You share so much of beauty and spirit and inspiration – you really encouraged me. This year I have all new goals (always goals, never resolutions) that are all accomplishable, and some are even fun.
I’m looking forward to the new book, and going with you on your next trip. :)Thank you for all you do and hope you have a wonderful year to come. =^..^=
Happy New Year! Dear Sue and Joe. Can’t wait for the new book. Perfect way to start the new year.
Here’s to a healthy and Happy New Year
Debbie R from Valencia, CA
Happy New Year Susan!
I was hoping that you would give your girlfriends a warm and fuzzy treat today with your blog. Thank you.
It’s very festive here in Pasadena, CA. Rose Parade, and Rose Bowl festivities. The Stealth bomber flew right over our house….very exciting!
I hope this year will bring you and your family many blessings, peace and love.
Thank you Susan for keeping your girlfriends smiling!
Xo
Juli
You are in the perfect place for New Years!
Rabbit, rabbit dear Sue & girlfriends! Happy 2016💕 love your cozy pictures and your deadlines will be here before we know it! Kiss those kitties from me too❌⭕️🎉 judi
Happy to do it Judi!
I’m soooo excited! My daughter ordered your signed new book as a Christmas gift to me! Can’t wait! Thank you for writing such wonderful things. Your art and stories truly warms my heart and soul.
Marie
Makes me happy to hear that Marie!
Happy New Year! I received The Fairy Tale Girl for Christmas, and am loving it. I love the painting you posted of the inside of your first house. It reminds me of a little doll house, and I love doll houses! I am looking forward to your next book!
Susan
It really was a doll house! That’s what Joe said the first time he saw it!
Happy New Year, Sue! I’m almost done reading ‘The Fairytale Girl’ (I don’t want it to end, so I’m happy I only have to wait until April for the next installment 🙂 ). So many great memories you have. Loved your Velveeta-stuffed, bacon-wrapped hotdogs – had a great laugh over that merit-badge earner! 😉 Any chance you are related to Ken and Mary Stewart of Fairfield, CA? Just wondering… May 2016 surpass your wildest dreams – blessings! <3
You have to start somewhere! 🙂 As for Ken and Mary, not that I know of. And thank you Liz!
The connections, blessed connections, thanks and Happy New Year.
Susan you always say the sweetest things. Even when using a quote, I always imagine you saying those words yourself or most certainly associating them with you. How lucky we are to have you telling us stories. I love that we have another book coming out around April. I so look forward to it. Happy New Year to you and Joe. I hope the new year brings nothing but joy, good health, and love to us all.
Big hugs to you!
Rose
What a precious post, dear Susan! I have never been to Martha’s Vineyard, but I long to go soon, especially when I read your posts! I too pray that this will be a year filled with goodness, peace and friendship for all the girlfriends. Let us each be the instigators of kindness and peace in all we do…
Your prayer is my prayer too . . .
How on earth does Jack get up there??
LOL. I DON’T KNOW. I never see him do it. I’ve seen him start to come down, but I had to look away! There’s a part of me that just doesn’t want to know.
Happy New Year to you and Joe-may 2016 be filled with happy days full of God’s richest blessings. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jean!
Happy happy New Year to you Susan and all the other girlfriends. Here’s hoping that this year will be a great one. Am excited to start this year!
Took my Christmas decorations down this afternoon. Will take the tree ornaments off the tree while watching TV tonight. Tomorrow we will take down the decorations outdoors.
We’re going to have a cozy dinner tonight of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. It’s sooo cold out today that it calls for hot soup and sandwiches.
Going to make a New Year’s card now.
xoxo,
Carol M
Sounds like perfection to me!
How I love it when you post. I tell my Joe, oh Susan has come and I must have a cup of tea with her. I love visiting with you and yours. May God bless you with good health, much happiness, strength to greet each day, courage to dream of tomorrow, and lots of love. Happy 2016.
Happy New Year Susan! I enjoyed your photos of your “snowier” winters, I definitely missed the snow and colder weather during the holiday this year, hoping we will get a bit soon! I’m looking forward to your new book, I love the cross section drawing of your little house, looks like the perfect first home! Have a lovely weekend and a great start to the year!
Happy New Year to you Susan and family
Thank you for all the sunshine you put in our lives with your poems, pictures and love given to us. I hope you have a wonderful 2016 and will be happy to see your new book.
Ohhhhh Dear Susan,
There is so much to be Thankful for and oh so much to look forward to! I am so excited for Downton and so excited for your next book and everyday I get to wander through this beautiful world. And guess what?… I am getting baby chicks this spring and try my hand at backyard chickens. Following in Nancy Luce’s heart with her chickens.Paul built me a coop and run to keep them safe. I will feed them all the great herbs they like and they can eat my bugs in the garden and field. See the spirit of Christmas is with us always if we just find all little life’s delights. You are extraordinaire at this and for that I am for ever grateful. God Bless us everyone! Love you, Wendy-Louise oxox
Not only do I enjoy reading your blog but I love all the music and quotes you choose to go along with your writings.
Thanks so much.
Happy New Year to you and Joe and your precious kitties.
Happy New Year! Can’t wait for Isle of Dreams!