Happy Monday Girlfriends! MUSICA . . . We’ve been busy-busy, as usual. How’s everything with you? Joe and I are just getting “ready to GO” cross the country and meet everyone . . . doing little things around the house so I can feel proud that when we come home, nothing will upset us. Like dirty curtains or something. Hate that.
Joe repainted the downstairs bathroom, which needed it. We took all the pictures off the wall, cleaned them, washed and shined the glass, and put them back. And then I washed this little dresser scarf we have on a white painted table in there, oooooh, needed it bad.
Spring is for Dust Bunnies.
I love old-fashioned starch you mix with water . . . crisp and white is the name of the game. Starched things stay looking fresh a LOT longer than unstarched things. By about a year I would say.
So pretty. So happy here in . . .
I did the little curtain in the bathroom too. Ancient though it is. But starched, you can’t tell. If this curtain could talk!
When I first moved to the Island I brought lace tablecloths from California and made bedroom curtains from them. This curtain watched me write my first book! It saw Joe and I fall in love! It’s the last survivor of them all and I am babying it.
Section-by-section, I remove dishes from the shelves, put them in the dishwasher, wash the shelves and put them back. The last time I did this was last fall . . . We’ll be gone two months and if I didn’t do it now, by the time we get home, this would probably reach out and slap me the moment I walked in the door. It’s all sparkly now, and I’m a proud mommy.
As for spring, we’ve had a week of anything but, including rain storms, huge winds, and giant clumps of snow.
Can you see it out there? It’s all melted now, but we’ve even had fires and made chicken stock. Gathering in the last bits of winter.
Y U M
With just a soupçon suggestion of spring . . . because my kitchen is my favorite place.
We stopped by the nursery before the rain started . . . very cheery . . . the juxtaposition between the indoors and the out!
Between snow drops and rain yesterday, I ran out and took pictures because oh yes, it is coming. Yellow is the rightest color for spring. ♥
Unless it’s pink. The buds for the magnolia and cherries are fat and swollen and ready to pop on the first sunny day. And we’ll still be here to make one of these bouquets. ♥
Oh yes, and hang some laundry on the line. Fluff the quilts. We are happy!
I do think we will miss this . . . the Beauty Bush will have to bloom without us here to see it.
And likely we will be too late for this when we get home in July. Definitely the peonies will be long gone. But if it gets nice before we go, I will be planting the garden the best I can so it will be pretty when we get back. Home. My favorite place. Home, without a book to write, just a house to clean, a stove to cook things on, and a garden to dig in? Oh, you know, I am so looking forward to that.
And these guys. I will miss them. Hardest thing of all to say goodbye to. Because I’m afraid they will think I’m abandoning them. But I’m NOT.
B E L O V E D
HOWEVER, there is a lovely exchange . . . I get to go see everyone, and put faces to the lovely comments I’ve received from my Girlfriends while creating books . . . As I’ve mentioned, there can be a real loneliness to book writing . . . but you make it much more bearable! So, as usual, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you are going to one of the signings, be sure to wear your Fairy Tale Girl Badge so we can know each other . . . You can get it Here . . .
And Lookit how cute you are.♥ I can’t wait. . . The funnest book signings in the world are what I get to go to. Joe loves them too. And we didn’t get to go for The Fairy Tale Girl . . . we stayed home so I could finish Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. This photo was taken back in 2013 when we went for A Fine Romance . . . so this next book signing adventure is actually a double whammy.
This was from the tea party in Wilamette (near Chicago) in 2013, and we’re going back for another one! Who wouldn’t! These people are so happy because they have just been given the best tea in the world, cakes and everything! I’m telling you, I have the best Girlfriends! ♥
So often, it’s a family affair, mom’s and daughters and sisters come together . . . LOVE it.
You all know Chris Wells from Texas who leaves such nice comments on the Blog? There she is (on the left) in Ohio with her whole family! I have no words for how honored I felt that they came to see me.♥
And some of my California Girlfriends . . . came from Palo Alto to San Luis Obispo. Honored again! ♥
So yes, I’m doing this . . . lots of it. Not that it’s helping in any visual way, but I’m feeling pretty perky on the inside with lots of energy, despite the ravages of time fully developed on the outside. Whatever.
Mas MUSICA
And I got this sent off to the printer . . . It’s the 30th Anniversary Edition of Heart of the Home with lots of new pages and art and recipes. SO exciting. The endpapers in the first book were blank, so I got to decorate them for this book, and lots of other things . . . and of course this one will have a nice bright red ribbon. I can’t help it. I have always loved books with ribbons.
And I did a cute ad for Yankee Magazine . . . for the May-June issue. AND, I got an entertainment lawyer to work out the details on the option for the three books for either a movie or a TV series! Remember that? It is still sort of happening! I don’t think it WILL happen, because it’s just too crazy, but it still could! It hasn’t fallen through yet, and until it does, I intend to enjoy the heck out of it! The first thing the lawyer asked me was who I wanted to play me. That’s how I knew I would like him. Those are the fun questions!
And I invited my Island girlfriends to a TGIT (uesday) Birthday Party next week ~ because it’s my birthday and I get to give THEM presents, which they deserve for having such a terrible MIA girlfriend like me for so long. I promise to be better (as soon as I get home!). 🙂 Oh well.
And look, somedays I even find this on Amazon. Not always, but sometimes, and it definitely cheers me up! And this is because of you too, don’t think I don’t know it. We are all word of mouth Girlfriends, this I know. And I love that we are selling the book for less than they are! And ours our signed. Ha! And we have them, but they don’t! Oh the power. Proud mommy. And then, yesterday… this happened:
Oh yeah . . . the books came to the Island. And today, the books arrive in California and the mailing BEGINS!!!
And this is the first thing you will see when you open your book . . .
Here they are on my table . . . I’m signing them for my brothers and sisters and best friends, and Tuesday Girls, and Diana, and Publisher’s Weekly and Little, Brown and everyone I have known for the last half century.
My kitchen is now complete. It’s a strange feeling to see the book actually here. But a good one. And the other thing I’m doing is signing SIX of them for giveaways to YOU, right NOW. So this is your moment to leave a comment. ♥ If you already bought a signed book from us, that’s okay, this one will be personalized to you, with your own name, and you can give the other one to your best friend. It’s a win-win!
And Joe had a good idea . . . he said that I should save my worn-out paintbrushes, the ones I used to paint Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams with and give them away with these books, along with one of my paint-blotters-turned-bookmark. So each book in this Giveaway will have a paintbrush and a signed bookmark . . . So sign yourself up for the drawing by leaving a comment below . . . I already warned Vanna about the extra workload of drawing SIX names this time, poor girl. She’ll need a vacation in Cannes after this one! Love you Girls, Happy Spring! Still working on fabric and Willard! . . . talk soon!
Congrats Susan! You should be so proud! Happy Spring! Oh yes, I think the main goal of life is to be happy at home… :-).
So, so excited to read more about your start on the Island and with Joe.
So excited to see you at the Tattered Cover in Denver! You’re such a wonderful inspiration to so many… Especially my forever friend, Gail Halper & me💕💕😘
I feel like I’ve been MIA too, it’s the first time I’ve almost missed a post..and I haven’t put in my order for the new book. Need to get on the ball.im planning on getting to the book store here in Cincinnati when you visit.feeling honored that your coming here please add me to the drawing on your book. Have a happy Birthday
Hugs
Pat Beckman
Ps I’ll make a polenta cake and take it to the book store when you come
mmmmmmm. 🙂
Free, free, free at last. Congratulations Susan! Can’t wait to get my copy of “Isle of Dreams”
Have you ever thought of visiting Toronto, Canada? We would love it! BTW Happy Birthday.
We sure would, Diane.
Susan,
I would be so honored to win a copy of your latest “baby”…it would have a
place next to several of your other books that I’ve collected over the years.
Happy birthday!
Pat from Lebanon, PA
Having only recently “discovered” you through your art and writings revealing your refreshing and completely charming outlook on life, I must say I am completely smitten by you and your wonderful world that you’ve so bravely and generously chosen to share. So much of what you write about seems so familiar to me, like finding a treasured keepsake I didn’t even know I’d lost. Your favorite morning walk is mine also, I too have flung my arms wide exalting in the beauty of a perfect day, I understand perfectly the way you feel about your kitties, and I know you know the importance of celebrating everyday the things that give you joy. Thank you for being a breath of fresh air amid the flotsam and jetsam of these sometimes troubled times. Best wishes to you and Joe for a safe and memorable journey across America.
Oh, I’m so excited!!! Please, dear lovely, gorgeous Vanna, who looks centuries younger than you really are, and, my, your blue dress makes you look terrifically slim, and, golly, that tiara is the cherry on top… Please pick ME!!!!
But it’s ok if you don’t. I’m still looking forward to buying the book anyway! Plus copies for special people.
It must never get old to have that box arrive on your doorstep, Susan. Many best wishes to you!
And happy early birthday, too!
She laps up that kind of talk, like a kitty with milk! xoxo
Happy spring! Happy (and safe)Travels! Happy Birthday! Happy feeling and smelling all those beautiful new books! So very excited anticipating reading MVIOD. Amusing little story…1981, ordered a Gunne Sax wedding dress from Jordan Marsh or was it GFox at the time? at any rate, went in for last fitting 2 weeks prior to wedding and there was no dress. There WAS a dress but now it was missing.I pleaded to find it, find another like it, search all stores high and low for it.Bottom line, NO DRESS anywhere on the planet. Honeymoon on Martha’s Vineyard…..Driving down Main St Edgartown, MV featured in the front window of a dress shop is MY dress, just hours after the wedding.Unbelievable craziness. Looking forward to this book as I’m sure it will bring back many fond memories…providing there are no pictures of that dress!!
Was it your real dress, or one just like it? I promise, no wedding dress in a window in this book! You are safe!
Oh, I bought a Gunne Sax dress for Easter in the late 70’s. I had just started working, & that was the most expensive dress I had ever bought–but also the most beautiful! Gunne Sax dresses made you look & feel like a princess. So sad about your wedding dress.
So excited to get the new book; just wish you were coming to my part of the country; i go waaaaay back with you; well maybe someday! sonya
Happy Birthday, dear Susan!
Safe journeying to you and Joe!
Thank you for providing me with something happy to look forward to in your blog and your books and your ‘Willard’….treasures, ALL!!!
Happy Birthday!
I hope it’s wonderful🎂 Looking forward to seeing your new book!!
AWESOME!!! so excited to be getting my book. Ready for a new read!!!
see you at Vromans Pasadena!
Susan,
I love the pansies and violets on the windowsill…I’m so doing that! Ready for spring but remembering what my mama taught me ” Grandma always said wait until after Mother’s Day to do your plantin’.” I must say I’ve always followed that advice and never feared about young plants and frost bite!
Hope I win a book!
In honor of your new book coming out I am re-reading “The Fairy Tale Girl” AND “A Fine Romance”! And may I add, loving every sweet moment! Can’t wait for your new book, and keeping my fingers crossed for a series or movie. Thanks for being such an uplifting person!
I can’t wait to open the mail an find my new book! Then I have to wait for the perfect no husband and no kid weekend so I get to enjoy it without anyone bothering me!
Happy Birthday!
So enjoy the happiness you place in your home…do have a happy tour..happy birthday xoxo
I cannot wait until your new book comes out! Reading your other two filled me with joy. I love how you write and of course, the artwork is wonderful. Thank you for creating such beauty 🙂
I plan on seeing you at your book signing in Cincinnati. My Mom has been a huge fan and she is the reason I am a huge fan. We both can’t wait to meet you!
Hip hip hooray for new books and new blooms!! So hoping can catch your visit to Ohio next month. It’s a BIG note on the calendar. This is even more exciting than opening of flea markets at last.
Congratulations girlfriend! The day is here! The books are in! The road trip awaits…as does England. You are truly blessed as all good folks are. Thank you for sharing your life with us and taking us along for the ride!
Now, seriously, when are you doing the train book…that’s what I really want to know!!
Thank you so much for the giveaway! So many treats!
Have a wonderful trip!
I am so excited to be getting a copy of Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. As a child, I spent a month every summer in Oak Bluffs at the Methodist gingerbread house sites. The quaintness was so memorable and riding the merry go round and catching the rings each time hoping to get the gold ring! The last time I visited was in 1973 with my husband showing him that magical place. Safe travels on your tour and looking forward to more adventures with you and Joe.
Susan,
I haven’t read it yet of course, but I have a feeling this is your best book
yet. Just looking at the lovely watercolor drawings on the few pages you have shown us in blues and greens on a white background is so completely enticing.
And your story about moving to a beautiful, magical place like Martha’s Vineyard
is so life affirming for a fellow artist. Thank you.
I so appreciate your writing style and you! Thank you! You have no idea how happy your books make me.
as always a lovely respete in my day to catch up with yours…springtime… such beauty surrounds us… safe travels… looking forward to new books…bappy trails to you❤️🎵❤️
I’m putting in my name for your books!! In the back of my mind……waaaaay back, when I hear how excited you get when you visit like Beatrice Potters house and Gladys Tabors house and was it Emily Brontes house? Anyway I keep thinking that is what they will be doing to your house!!! (Not for a very long time!) But women of all ages will be wandering through your house and thinking…’This is where she wrote all her books!!!’ Someday I hope one of my granddaughters will be as excited as I always have been about you and make the pilgrimage to go through your house. You know Susan…..there are those of us that have followed you from the very beginning and made the journey with you and have laughed and cried and cheered but you will go on forever!!! I will never forget what you did when you got your first fan letter! I can just imagine how thrilling that was!! And having your first book published….lots of us live through you……because you are so filled with joy about life and your wonderful family and special Joe and kitties. This world can be so sad and you’re not. I just wanted to thank you for that….from the bottom of my heart!❤️❤️❤️
Oh Karen. I just sit here with tears in my eyes. I love you all so much and feel so blessed and lucky that this has all come to pass. xoxoxo
You did it Susan…you are so incredible! I know how you feel to leave your little ones…I’m not sure when i will be able to order your book through my bookstore but my heart is pounding with excitement! I want to read about your little casita on the island….you are so brave and i wish the best for you and Joe and your little ones…you work hard and i truly hope someday to meet you…what an honor that would be…dianab
I am so excited about the new book coming soon. Can’t wait!! Best wishes for a safe trip to you and Joe.
Hello Susan,
Can’t remember how I discovered you and all of your wonderful life happenings but all I know is that I have discovered my self through you. I love all that You do and write about and draw and the collection of treasures…..it is everything that I love too. It feels like I am looking into a mirror…minus the talent that you have of course. I get so inspired and happy every time I read something you wrote. Thank you and big hug and happy wishes for a safe and happy trip. So sorry you are not coming to Maine. I will look to travel to Masssachuswetts to find you! Love you, mp
I’ve been reading your blog for years now… ever since you started one and I’m so excited that you are going to so many places. I ‘met’ you at a book signing in the fall of 2014 in MA and I’m still so happy about that… I can’t wait to ‘meet’ you again! Congratulations on your books all prettily piled up on your table. Dream come true for you! Enjoy the packing and the ‘getting ready,’ and the looking forward to coming home to no projects. Oh how I love your blog. Congratulations again, tara
Have a wonderful time, we all look forward to your newest of children, that you’ve nurtured and poured your heart into…I’m warmed by each book I’ve received. As your calendar always has it’s special spot on my kitchen wall with it’s charming thoughts and drawings I add my important ‘things-to-do’, and keep each years copy because it’s a part of you, a good friend for several years, and sweet memories of my year too.
Ironing is my zen activity and linens are my addiction. Had no idea that old fashioned starch was still around! Must find some-is it a specific brand? Your curtains look lovely, nice job!
It’s called Linit and I got it at our grocery store!
Love reading your blog – always a highlight of the day when there is a new post. It is comfort “food” for the soul 🙂
Would love to win a book – I enjoyed your other books.
Joe’s idea to give away the paintbrushes is clever. I’d love to win it and the book, which I can’t wait to read. I just re-read Fairytale Girl.
I can hardly wait for my book to arrive. I know you guys will enjoy so much!! Your so thoughtful.
I would love to win your newest book! The actress I would choose to play you in a movie would be Sally Field. Have a wonderful and safe trip. Linda Gordon
Hi Susan, So nice to have a new blog post from you! I love all the linens you were ironing, but the bathroom curtain made from a tablecloth, lovely. My house has no bathroom windows (crazy I know!) But that’s just what I would want if I did. I have guilt now seeing how busy you are and I think you’ve inspired (or shamed, lol) me into washing the curtains. I know I will feel as good as you do once I get going on it. Cannot wait till I can get the new book, I think I will read Fairy Tale Girl again. Have a wonderful safe trip. I am hoping to go to Vroman’s, if I can take the excitement. Hope that doesn’t sound too silly but the thought of going and meeting you is very exciting.
Well I was going to leave a comment to Linda AFTER I posted a regular comment……..not sure what I did Susan! See I told you I was excited. Anyway, I do agree with Linda that Sally Field would be a great actress to portray you in the movie.
I feel the same way about you!
You are the sweetest girl, you bring tears to my eyes sometimes too. You are very thoughtful and being kind as you are can make a difference in our lives. Thank you.
We do it for each other. It’s the least we can do. xoxo
On this snowy day here in Stoughton, MA this was the sunshine! What a beautiful sight to see that stack of books! Going to be stalking the mailman every day! I hope this crazy weather missed the island, we have over 6 inches. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and congratulations on your gorgeous new book! April 30th your first signing in Plainville, MA lunch and signing! Can’t wait!
Wow! Congrats Susan! I hope you and Joe have a fabulous train ride west. I always think about the pioneers who traveled so far across in wagons and prarie schooners. How brave! How trusting in Gods providence they were! I’m afraid I’ve been a MIA girlfriend too, but my excuse has been just as good, I’ve been busy planning my daughters wedding and it’s getting closer everyday! So much excitement ahead for us both! Congrats again, and dear Vanna, PLEASE PICK ME!!
I am So Over the Moon happy about getting your latest book and now I need to order your revised Autumn cookbook, the one with the ribbon YAY I Love the ribbons… Your books, your blogs, your Willards are just so indescribably deliciously, wonderful and as soon as I get them I can’t stop reading ( I actually think I stop breathing while I’m reading them) and don’t want them to end… So thank you Susan and to Joe and the kitties for doing what you do !!! You are such a beautiful, bright shining light and my most favorite of all authors! P.S. Can’t wait for your movie, or tv show… Woo HOO! You go girl! I wish you had a reality show so we could just follow you around on all your adventures … XOXO 💋💕💋
Susan, do you hire out? Just kidding, but as soon as school is out I will be cleaning my house like crazy and I have a pile of linens to be ironed. Just waiting to work in my garden – equated to my sanctuary. Pansies and primroses are in bloom, but we have a freeze warning for tomorrow night. Yikes! I brought some of my favorite plants in this evening. My birthday is April 8 and I would LOVE to win one of your books! Wishing you a very Happy Birthday next Tuesday! Don’t you love having an April birthday – new life in the garden, spring colors and flowers on my birthday cake. Safe travels!
Oh Happy Day!!! Congratulations on making your goals happen, Susan! I’m genuinely looking forward to reading … savoring is more like it! … Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. I’ve loved joining you on your journey in A Fine Romance and The Fairy Tale Girl! Can’t wait for Heart of the Home anniversary edition, too, red ribbon and all!!
Happy Birthday next week!!! Here’s to lots of laughing, story sharing, yummy food, and dancing! Have a great time with your Tuesday Girls!
Safe travels to you and Joe on your book tour! I’m excited to meet you and visit with you when you arrive in Salt Lake!
Suzie
That stack of your books looks soooooo nice! I just love the cover of this book ( I have said this several times already). This might just be my favorite book. Can’t wait to find out! Hope you have a wonderful time on your book tour! Would love to get to one of them!
Happy Spring, Susan! Would love to win a signed copy <3
I have pre-ordered a copy but I already have a friend picked out – just in case. My fingers are crossed. Susan, you make me so very happy. I’ve loved your books and calendars FOREVER! Thank you for you!
So enjoy your blog….always so positive and uplifting!😀 Can’t wait to get Book 3 for the rest of the story. Also looking so forward to seeing you in Denver! What an exciting trip for you and Joe. My husband is an author and he said all books should sell for at least $700 each because of all the work that goes into writing them . 😁 Have a great trip!❤️
Twenty years ago, a friend gave me a copy of Heart of the Home that she bought second hand. That special gift got me started-I now have all the cookbooks and your other books as well. And now I am sharing them with my daughter. Your art work is so cheerful, the quotes are inspiring & you have a way of making every reader feel like a friend. Thanks for all the joy!
One of those books is coming to me and I am so excited! One of my favorite days ever was when you came to Michigan and we got to meet! Exciting times again for you, Joe, and us girlfriends!
Oh so many treats in one post. Thanks for the opportunity to enter to win a book! I told you before what a pleasure it is to read your blog after being outside in the weather checking the cows. I come in turn on the computer and there it is, the most cheerful love filled post. You always remind me to look for and see the beauty that is in each of my days, if I choose to see it. Thank you again for making life more beautiful!
Your latest blogpost is wonderful, Susan! Spring is such a blessed time of year, in so many ways! You might not see the flowers on the island while you’re gone, but you’ll be blessed with seeing Spring and Summer flowers on your book signing journey. Wish you were coming to Grand Rapids again! Praying for wonderful and safe travels for you and Joe!
I think it’s going to be tough for Vanna, picking six winners! Glad I preordered my copy!
Can’t wait to get it into my “hot little hands”!
❤️ and (((hugs)))
Congratulations. What an accomplishment. I can’t wait to read the rest of the story.
My sister introduced me to you over 20 years ago when her boss gave her Heart of the Home. I then purchased the Summer Book. Every year when my summer break starts the first thing I do is read the whole book again. I do the same thing with Autumn and the Autumn Book. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to have such great traditions. I always loved art in school and your books inspire that creatvity to return!
excited to read your new book!
I have bought your other books, looking forward to this one. Have a safe trip.
I can’t even imagine how you are feeling as your books sit so proudly stacked in your kitchen. I’m picturing you bent over, hugging them and running your hands across their perfectly smooth covers. Even the cover colors feel like a breeze in my face when I see them stacked on the table. How is that possible? I think it’s your magic. I’m ridiculously excited for you…and all of us! Happy almost birthday, Happy TGIT, and well done, Girlfriend! XXO
Your mind-picture is exactly what happens when I walk through the kitchen. Perfectly smooth cover, it really is. Thank you for your ridiculous excitement! It makes mine even better!
Dear Susan, I have already pre ordered a book but wanted to enter anyway. My Mom, who has long gone on to her heavenly home, first bought ur cookbook for me as a gift. She particularly liked that u had a sister Shelly. Have followed u for years, & u have inspired many creative endeavors in my life! Thank u, safe travels, Shelley
I named my sister too . . . Michelle. It’s a beautiful name!
I save every scrap of Susan Branch art and thought as I find it on the internet, because it truly makes my heart happy. The opportunity to have an entire book… or possibly a brush…. is just extra special. There are too many things these days that, to put it politely, “give us pause” in a negative way. I am grateful I have as much SB to out weigh that 🙂
With all of us together, we can out-weigh the rest.
Aloha Susan! So much to look forward to: your new book Isle of Dreams to complete the trilogy, sharing your book signing adventures, plus a soon-to-be return trip to England. I’m blessed as it is in my life….and you add the extra blessings to over-flowing! Like Elton John sings:”…I hope you don’t mind that I put down into words….How wonderful life is….while you’re in the world!” Thank you, Susan, from sunny Honolulu!
Elton 🎵 and you . . . thank you Margaret!
You must be so excited about your new baby! I bet it is just as sweet each time. Looking forward to receiving my copy and to meet you in Prescott, AZ! Just bought tickets to the tea with my mom and sisters. So glad you are coming to Arizona, we missed you the first book signing and have been checking each blog to see if you would make it here 🙂 Can’t wait to see the “new” Heart of the Home too–I have my 30 year copy in my kitchen but of course I have to have the new one! I connect with all of your stories and longings for the east coast. I was born in New York and my dad was transferred to Arizona when I was very young (5 yo), but I’ve always felt I belong back east. Maybe one day I will be back but for now I enjoy following you, as I’ve done for so long, and it feeds my soul. Thanks Susan! See you in June.
I am writing this comment for my mother. She is a big fan of yours. She doesn’t have a computer, internet, or an email address, so I will loan her mine. She was at my house to bring me a yellow rose, among other things for my birthday, a few days ago. While she was here I got the computer out so she could look at your website and read the blog. She was thrilled. She and her friend Sue write snail mail letters between Missouri and Arizona. You and your books are often a topic. They also gift one another with your products. I remember my mom marking your recipes in Country Living Magazine. This is for you mom, so I’ll sign your name and hope that Vanna draws your number.
I think it is New Mexico, not Arizona. What a great Mother’s Day gift!!!!
You are a wonderful daughter Sherry!
I can’t wait to get my book in the mail, it will be one of the first I will read this summer. Thanks for the opportunity to “win” one, although I think I would covet the brush and bookmark just as much 🙂 I am wondering if you made a lamb cake for Easter this year, I was off visiting my niece in Pittsburgh so didn’t get my usual lamb cake fix. We just might need to have another “lambcake palooza” for my mom’s 89th birthday later this month! Happy Trails to you on this year’s adventure. Looking forward to reading more about it in the coming days!
That’s the thing about lamb cake . . . Mother’s Day! Perfect for lamb cake!
OK I’m in…and now I hope to win one of your brushes (so as to dabble through you) and paint blotter and book!!! Will you be book signing in Cayucos this year? (We missed you by a week). So excited for you and everything you do. Thanks for being such an inspiration.
I’ll be in Morro Bay this time!
Sooo excited to see all the copies of your book, and even more excited to get my copies!! I’m hoping they come before we leave for CO on April 14th! But if not, they will be waiting for me when we get home! AND so looking forward to seeing you in Morro Bay in May!!! Yay!!
Love the pansies! My favorite flower with their cute little faces!
Just to make sure you know – I am “Mary Shearer – sozo52” on Twitter! 😀
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
How could I not recognize your name Mary! xoxo
What a beautiful home you have! A fire in the fireplace, spring blooms outside-everything cozy inside! It is a wonderful thing to travel, but it’s always good to go home.
Wishing you safe travels and joyful book signings. 😍
Happy Trails Susan and Joe! Come on Vanna; I know secretly you can read ( another of your hidden talents) So just look for the name Melissa King and I promise to act surprised 😉
Oh I can’t wait for the new book! I’m so excited!! And, OF COURSE they will make a movie or a TV special from your story!…it’s too good NOT to!! Do you remember Barbara Feldon…?…she played Agent 99 on the old Get Smart TV series. And, in my opinion, she looks so much like you did when you were her age (when she was Agent 99). It has to be a very pretty, very feminine brunette. Still thinking…
I was hoping to get down to Chicago for your latest book signing. But my hubby is recuperating from surgery…so we will be very close to home for the next eight weeks. But I am there in spirit!! xoxoxo
I have heard that before about Barbara Feldon, I don’t see it, but some people do! Tell your husband I said get well soon. xoxoxo
Happy Birthday! Love how you get your house in order before you travel. Can’t wait for my book.
I always look so forward to your blogs!
So Exciting Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. I can’t wait !! I hope to see you in Austin. 🙂
I love the yellow of spring too. The forsythia, the daffodils, the buds on the trees. So looking forward to the full blast of spring.
O wow, I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to win this giveaway!! I already ordered the book 🙂 🙂 but that’s okay. My sister would get that one and I (of course) would get this one!!
How wonderful to read these comments from all the Girlfriends around the country! We are all of the same mind. Amazing. God bless you on your travels. Enjoy the gatherings. Very much looking forward to Isle of Dreams. Thank you for all you do, Susan. Always look forward to your blog. You bring sunshine to the written page. 🙂
Thank you for all the fun music
and
lovely photos…
encourages us all to bloom where we are…
Susan, you make ‘home keeping’ such a joy. Too often we get busy and forget the simple pleasures of loving our homes. Thank you for reminding us to slow down and experience the joy. Enjoy the tour and all the pleasure you will bring to so many places. Be safe.
Can’t wait to meet you at An Unlikely Story in Plainville a week from Saturday…with daughters Susan and Lauren. What a perfect day that will be!
Not a week from Saturday, phew, my stomach just dropped into my shoes . . . I think it’s April 30th!! Please tell me I’m right! xoxo See you there Joyce!
And who wouldn’t love to receive a signed copy of one of your books.
Thank you for your generous spirit.
Squeal!! Birthdays, Spring coming, the delicious thoughts of a movie and books! It doesn’t get any better.
I love how you clean before a trip. I thought I was the only one! Nothing smells better than crisp linens or sparkles more than clean dishes.
Looking forward to seeing you in Denver…another squeal!
Your spring cleaning descriptions have motivated me to get busy in my home. Thanks for the fun photos. Happy, and safe, travels to you.
Oh Susan, your are so sweet and thoughtful!!! And Joe too! I can’t wait to get my book and it would be so nice to win one with my name in it! Fabric!! Oh, I am so thrilled about that. I am going to rent a cabin in the woods with my Mom and her best friend (who’s birthday is the same as yours) next week to quilt/sew all week long!!! So, wishing you a very Happy Birthday a little early!
I love that Carl Sandburg quote. I used it in the front of my wedding album!
I would love more than anything to have time to clean and create great food and garden and not have to leave it all to go to work. What a luxury that would be!! Love your starched linens and china cabinet. You have inspired me to do some serious cleaning, too! Thanks!
Please sign me up for this give away!
My name tag is printed, and I’ll be seeing you in Morro Bay. Yip, Yip, Yippie!
I adore those lace curtains and dresser scarf, truly a work of art.
I’m SOOOO excited!! I will be checking the mail everyday!! When will we be able to preorder Heart of the Home?? Did I read it right? You said fabric?? So much to be excited for!! I better get all my unfinished projects done before you announce your new fabric line is finished. I wish you were coming to Central NY. I would love to meet you! Have a safe trip!! Looking forward to ALL the excitement going on!
So excited to get the new book, and keeping my fingers crossed for a movie or TV series. It would be such a treat!
I wish your tour came to Canada, maybe someday but in the mean time it’s a great idea to include paintbrush and unique bookmarks. I hope you have a great book signing tour.
I’m so looking forward to seeing you in Pasadena. Wishing you and Joe a safe cross country book signing trip.
A tv series! A movie! You go, girl! How much nicer those would be than those horrible, tacky reality shows on these days. We need more joy and beauty!
My friends and I can hardly wait to get your book! We had a Downton Tea at our previous book club meeting. My friend, Dianne, hosted with a Susan Branch teapot signed by you.
Hello Susan!
And an early Happy Birthday to you! Mine is 3 days before yours. It is fun to have an April birthday, isn’t it? It must almost seem like “fun” to clean the house after finishing all of your obligations! I just finished reading The Fairy Tale Girl and thoroughly enjoyed it. Each page was beautiful. Now I can’t wait for the new book! I hope to win your drawing! I will see you in Wilmette next month! Hard to believe that its almost time for your road trip when it seemed like so long ago that we first heard the plans. Safe travels to you and Joe.
Yes, I love my birthday, and I love that it’s in April, because of the flowers and the newness of the season. Happy Birthday to YOU!
Imagine my surprise to see my picture in your blog! Ethel and I so enjoyed that tea party. We couldn’t work it out this time but I am so happy for all the girlfriends who will get to meet you. I’m looking forward to my book arrival! Safe travels to you two!
I was hoping you’d say hello dear Lucy! Aren’t you adorable in that photo . . . biggest funnest smiles. Always makes me happy to look at that picture!
Hi Susan — Judy texted me and told me to be sure and read your new blog. I had just been online the day before, showing my granddaughter the pix of Jack and Girl Kitty (she fell in love with both of them) so hadn’t planned on checking in for a bit. What JOY to bring back the fun memories of that afternoon tea — and of course the memory of laughter when Lucy and Ethel popped up!
Just finishing up Fairy Tale Girl, so it’ll be fun to see Isle of Dreams arrive in the mail. (It takes me a long time to read each page because I HAVE to take in every detail of your drawings and photos.) Hope you had a happy birthday!
Happy, happy spring! Ethel
So happy to hear from you Ethel! That was one of my favorite pictures of all . . . it caught the entire mood of the day! Happy spring to you too! xoxo
Excited to be getting a book and a chance at another for a friend. Happy Birthday to you!
So, I am curious . . . . who did you tell the lawyer you would like to play YOU in the potential movie or tv program? What a great film that would be! I am so excited that the books are IN! I’ll be watching the mailbox—it won’t be long now!
I’m hoping to see you in Cincinnati. Can’t wait. Loved the first two books and really would love to see them made into a movie or tv movie. Jennifer Anniston should play you. Tom Selleck, Joe.
Drop my name in! 🙂
So excited to read the next edition of this story. Fairy Tale Girl made me feel like I was back in my late teens and early twenties. I could relate to so much. Thank you Susan, you are so talented. I just love everything Susan Branch.
Your old paintbrushes are filled with lots of love and talent! What a special gift to share with your girlfriends. I hope I am a lucky one!
Oh, what an exciting time for you!
It’s lovely to be experiencing Spring on Martha’s Vineyard through your beautiful photos. I can’t believe I was there last summer, among all the other tourists! Will never forget the lovely white clapboard homes, beautiful flowers and so much more about that ‘Island of Your Dreams’.
Looking forward very much to reading this next chapter in your amazing life.
Wishing you happy days and safe travels.
Betty (Down Under)
Susan, Can’t wait to sit down with a cup of tea and begin your story of life on Martha’s Vineyard. Visiting there is still on my bucket list. Enjoy your book tour and meeting many of your “girlfriends”.
Just popping in to say hi. “Hi” Soon we will be saying hi in person! I am so excited to be part of the group that will hear you talk at the tea in the Chicago area! The drawing for the signed book and paint brush, oh how fun that would be to win. But truly we all win every time we sign on and read one of the blog posts. Thanks for what you do, it brings happiness to the world.
I can’t wait to read this book! Happy travels.
My niece shared The Fairy Tale Girl with me….I read it straight through…can’t wait to read the new book and hope to catch you at Titcomb’s on your loop back home….!!!!
Oh my…what a thrill it would be to have a signed book AND paintbrush from THE Susan Branch.
I am so excited for your next book!! I still cannot get over the fact that you hand write them and bless us with your artwork while we read . . . priceless!! And the possibility of a movie or TV series? …omg!! (This world needs an adult fairy tale!)
Happy Birthday Sue, really looking forward to the new book.
Safe Travels to you and Joe across country.
Thank you for all that love you put in each book for us.
Susan,
This is so exciting!! I can’t wait for my book and thanks for this very generous opportunity!!! Safe travels and many happy adventures!!
XoXoX,
Jeanette