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!
I stumbled upon your site a year ago……luv, luv, luv it all! I hope to visit Martha’s Vineyard one day. Thank you for a chance to win one of your signed books and paint brush. Peace.
Oh Susan, I would love to have a second copy of your book and one of your worn out paint brushes. What a great idea Joe! Can’t wait to see you in May in Kansas City!
Looking forward to reading the newest book and seeing you in Prescott AZ in June.
So much going on….Busy, busy, busy. I am on vacation for 2 weeks and that makes life extra good. You are an inspiration to me for so many reasons. Keep doing what you do and you will continue to touch many lives.!
Cheers! ~tink
Have a great trip. As always, I will look forward to your adventures on these blog pages. Thanks for sharing!
“The story of”… and… “the glory of love”…
is a friend (like you) who hears the song in my heart
and sings it to me when my memory fails. :>)
Happy trails to you!!!
Bunny XO
What a beautiful post! Thanks so much! I am so excited about your new book. I noticed your beautiful ad for it in the new issue of Victoria magazine.
Can’t believe it is still winter up in the north east. We have had daffodils come and go. Camellias and forsythia in full bloom and irises and dogwood on the way…all in our own yard. Of course, I do live in the South!
Happy happy times wherever the wind may blow you 🙂 And Vanna—-pick me pick me
Susan
Our Family friend is staying with us as she relocates for her new job by us! Shawn has has 3 long years of an ugely seperation, moving back to Penna. from Az. With in months her Dad was diagnoised with cancer and became the primary care giver. Today is about her and a much needed pick- me up! Shawn is moving on with her life and taking it back. A wonderful job opened up at my husbands company which she was a perfect fit!! She is now 3 weeks in and the world looks bright again! I’d love to giver her your island of dreams book. So she knows she is loved and the world is good and it’s ok to step out again!
Just reading all the comments from these dear girlfriends makes my heart happy. To know that we have such good, loving and beautiful people in our world is such an encouragement in these times. Dear Debra V. who is battling breast cancer and many others, we stand behind you. One of my own sweet daughters-in-law was diagnosed last fall and is through chemo and ready for surgery. We are blessed with her positive outlook and attitude. Our pastor’s mother was diagnosed with stage 4 over 15 years ago and is leading a normal life. There is hope! Thank you Susan, for being our cheerleader as we take the bad with the good in life. (And the good will always triumph!) Happy Birthday and Happy Spring traveling!
Oh Boy you’re coming to Pasadena, marking my calendar! I think a movie would be such a fun idea, who would you like to play you? Have a safe trip!
Happy birthday, Susan! Gee, I wish I would get the cleaning bug like you do. Just six months ago you cleaned, and you’re cleaning again!
I loved your cookbooks for the beautiful works of art that they are, and the delicious recipes! But then you write from your diaries, and they are so delightful, even if some events weren’t happy ones. Can’t wait to receive my copy of MVIoD! But a personalized copy sounds even better!
I think you are so important to us because no matter where we are in our day, your words, photos, paintings lift us up and replenish our spirits. We look at things differently. We enjoy things more. We value the little things. Anyone who can make me excited to wash, starch, and iron my curtains has a special gift. I thank you for sharing. Wish you and Joe safe travels and the making of wonderful memories! God bless.
Dear Susan, thank you for the blog and the giveaway. I love the pictures of Jack and Girl you include. I hope you and Joe have a wonderful book tour. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Barb
Reading your blog brings such joy to my day and lifts my spirits! I know I go to all the places you live and visit, through you! So thanks so much!!!
Ann
You and I are the same vintage in time. I too love our home, the garden, cooking in the kitchen, dishes and glass ware, numerous items from the past, and the peace and love within our home. To me there is nothing more rewarding than this.
Happy Birthday Susan! I look forward to reading Isle of Dreams, as I have your other wonderful books.
I love your wonderful and very exciting email of April 5, 2016. You are fabulous, and you and Joe know just how to create excitement and Joy! I am looking forward to your trip. What thrills everyone will have in seeing and hearing you speak! It is very kind and thoughtful of you to spread the happiness and joy of your marvelous books, and your wonderful spirit of life! Your emails make me so happy. What fun! Thank you for all the super things you do. It is very hard work, but what a creative genius you are! And, your sharing that stupendous talent with all of us is a wonderful gift that lifts everyone to a happy, creative place. Can’t wait to see what’s next, excitement and joy abound!
Have a GREAT TRIP, we will miss you till you return ! Thank you for always thinking of us, and taking us along (vicariously), on your travels !!! I LOVE it!
Thank you for brightening my day!
Wishing you a fabulous birthday, Susan! Nothing like girlfriends to help make the celebration spectacular! Loved this post, a lot! I have to tell you, the picture of Girl, looking up at you, almost broke my heart. She is just too precious… of course, so is Jack especially in that basket! My fingers are crossed to win one of the personalized, hand signed books. Then I will give mine to one of my girlfriends, who haven’t already bought your book. ♥
Hi Susan, thank you for brightening my day!
I purchased a book for myself and one for each of my best girlfriends. We are so excited that soon we will have them in our hot little hands.
Hope to see you in CA! Happy travels!
Happy Happy Birthday Susan 🎂! I hope you & Joe have a fabulous trip around the country; I have to admit I was very disappointed that you couldn’t arrange a stop in Seattle or at least Portland so I could meet you. Thank you so much for your beautiful artwork & books; and any day when there is a SB blog in the inbox is bound to be a great day! I can’t wait to read Isle of Dreams & get the new edition of Heart of the Home ❤️.
Safe & happy travels,
Debbie
Thank you for sharing your books with six wonderful girlfriends!
Love your “Domesticity” pictures. I just added a lamp, by the window, to our Dining Room table, love that you have a table in your kitchen, so cozy looking.
Susan,
I love your books! I have every one. From your first book on! They bring me joy! Do you think you will ever make it down to Florida for a book signing? I am going to try to make it to Georgia for this next book signing! Would love to say Hi in person.
Angie
Happy Birthday!
I started my collection of your books with the first (Heart of the Home) 30 years ago and can’t wait to get my copy of Isle of Dreams in the mail….very soon! Also looking forward to getting the anniversary edition of Heart of the Home. Enjoy your book signing road trip!
A book, a paintbrush and a signed bookmark, oh my! I have already preordered my copy of Isle of Dreams, but will happily share a prize book with a girlfriend should I be the lucky winner in the upcoming give away. 😊
Love those photos of the approaching Spring and your ironing board too.
The last thing I do before leaving for a trip is vacuum. I know you will
have a marvelous trip in your van, meeting all your girlfriends. Happiest Birthday Susan.
Happy Birthday Susan! I’m so glad that book is finished! Selfish, I know. You were too long away from the blog but I know you were obsessed with finishing it but I know I’m going to love it!
I’m going to miss seeing you in Wilmette, IL this year because we’ll be out of town…..Ugh! Why does this happen???
Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
My husband just sent me the address to your blog…..how happy am I? I didn’t know it existed. I have read A Fine Romance and am in the middle of Fairy Tale Girl, and now I find out there’s another one!. I know that doesn’t sound like a great endorsement of your books, but I AM NOT A READER…….AT ALL! I am a doer. I would rather create something out of paper, than sit and read a book, any book, but your written creations have captured my heart and my imagination. I read the first one sitting on the beach in New Jersey. I picture all of the wonderful places you’ve gone and things you’ve seen, because of your delightful word pictures. I want to go to England and see all the sights you’ve shared with your readers….and I HATE TO TRAVEL & I GET SEASICK! But if I could do just what you did with Joe, I might consider stepping out of my comfort zone of scrapbook paper and mini albums. Please include me in your drawing. I will be forever grateful.
It does require leaving the comfort zone, I know that for sure! But you get so much for it! It’s like a very good trade-off!
I would love to win a book. I enjoy your blog very much.
I remember reading your books oh so many years ago and always wishing there was “more”…and wishes do come true…now there is “more!” Happy early birthday to you (and Gladys). Traveling mercies for you and Joe! xoxo
I am very excited to read your book! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. I received your Christmas keepsake book as a Christmas present from a co worker at my first job after college in 2000 and I absolutely loved it. I didn’t realize you had more books until 5 years later when I was at Borders and found the Autumn and Summer books in the cookbook section. I was going through a difficult time and they were a balm to my soul. Thank you!
Enjoy your time touring and meeting new and old friends. I had hoped to make it to New Hope, but they were already sold out. But I know there will be other opportunities.
Susan, thanks for your inspiration all these years.
Can’t wait to read your new book! Have a wonderful trip. Kim
This post is so full of ideas, i don’t know where to start. Spring! Love your pictures. Love the ironing! Love the books! Well, you get the idea, I just love it all. One more, would love to win the drawing,especially the bookmark!
Happy happy birthday! Praying for safe travels and looking forward to seeing your new book!
I am holding my breath for your fabrics. Ok, not really, but anticipation is so delicious. Just like waiting for your books! I want to draw my hand them and be inspired by them. Soon, oh soon, please.
Can’t wait for the next book! Kate Hudson would be a great California Susan Branch for your movie – would she transition to the Martha’s Vineyard Susan Branch? Safe journey . . .
And an “Isle of Dreams” it is! I was fortunate to visit Boston and Martha’s Vineyard 5 years ago with 18 other high school friends for our 65th birthday party. When you write of various stores/restaurants, I think, “I was there!!” It was a magical experience. This group of high school friends visit a different location every 5 years. We started at age 50!! (A lifetime ago). This year, our 70th birthday party will be Tybee Island/Savannah. What would we do without our Girlfriends?! HERE WE COME AND LOOKOUT!!!!
You Go Girl(s)!
What a great idea and how fortunate you are to have such a wonderful group of friends. Wishing you a wonderful vacation on Tybee Island and in Savannah. Have you ever seen the saying- “how old would you be if you did not know how old you were”. That’s what I thought of when I read your blog. When I did the Shamrock Run (I did the walk) recently, I was so uplifted each time a child blew bubbles my way. I love bubbles!! I always think of Pooh- “no one can be uncheered by a balloon”.
Oh, I’m so happy for you and Joe and all your friends around the USA as you take to the open road! I live in Israel, in the midst of orange groves and armfuls of flowers (in addition to passionate people and a daily need for prayer!)…and your writing, art, blogging photos…just fills me up with a heart of gratitude! Thank you a million!
I love hearing from our friends in other countries, Lynn, thank you so much for writing! xoxo
Can’t wait for the chance to meet you on May 7th in Ohio ! I’m planning my trip to England next May and your Fine Romance book is helping me decide where to go and what to see so very much. I read parts of it daily and make notes. I’ve read threw it 3 times. We will also be sailing on Queen Mary The dates for 2017 were just posted and I’m soooo excited ! I hope you have a safe and fun tour around the country.
My daughter and I came to see you in San Luis Obispo. It was my first booksigning. We both love your blog and can’t wait for the new book.
I’m so excited that your book will be here soon. I have been looking forward to it so much! I would love to be chosen to receive another book and will give one to my daughter. And how honored I would be to also have a signed bookmark and one of your used brushes! The icing on the cake! Thank you for all the smiles and good feelings that you bring to me and so many others.
April is the BEST month a birthday…..mine is two days before yours! Happy Birthday….Happy Book Tour…..Happy Spring!
What a wonderful gift! I have preordered my book but could easily give that copy to my mom! You are so thoughtful. I cannot wait to read the rest of your story!
And I have been rereading A Fine Romance because I am going to England in August and am considering going to Bibury and a few other places that you have recommended 😊.
Happy birthday 🎂 to you!
Have a wonderful trip, Susan! Wish I was along the way somewhere.
Barb
After reading about your train trip across country last year, you piqued my interest and my husband and I took the train to Florida. WITH some of your books, of course! Enjoyed it so much – such a different way to travel. We were a bit surprised by the size of the room, but we made the most of it. It was December, I had my laptop, and at night I played musica and a video of a crackling fire in a fireplace. Even the porter got a kick out of that! I would LOVE an autographed copy of your book. (I do not have one already!) ♥ Safe travels……
Susan,
You are simply wonderful…your painting, blog, books are like a visual vacation. It is a true joy to find someone like you in the world today. Thank you! I just bought a copy for my mom…but I’d love another copy for me. Either way we will enjoy every moment of reading about your adventures.
A new fan…Leslie from Maryland 🙂
Can’t wait to read Isle of Dreams!
Safe travels and Happy Birthday!
I am soooooo looking forward to your new book! Joy! Joy! Joy!
Yay! Susan is coming to Morro Bay, can’t wait to see you. Had the joy of purchasing A Fine Romance on MV last fall, read it in 2 days! Can’t wait for I of D! Traveling mercies to you and Joe. BTW, would love a post on how you plan your train travels across the country. Maybe when things quiet down? Hahahaha…
Love from the central valley of CA
Happy birthday for next week,Susan.
Thank you for the opportunity to win such a wonderful gift. I look forward to reading about your adventures travelling around and meeting so many girlfriends.
Your garden looks lovely
Happy Birthday. You are such an inspiration to me. I look forward to your lovely spirit and feelings of joy each day. Have a wonderful trip. I will be with you and enjoying it via 21st century electronics all the way. Thanks for sharing.
I agree with you about cleaning before leaving, I do the same! Do not want to come home to work after being away for a long time! Do have fun on your journey. And, thank you so much for all you do for us! YOU are a great girl friend!
O’k …trying this again to see if this works!
You have been SUCH a busy bee, Susan!!! Noone is more excited for you about the months ahead than we are! You so deserve to reap all the abundant fruits of your abundant labors! I look so forward to curling up with your latest creation….and then being able to see you again soon! Utter joy! Enjoy your days leading up to your upcoming road trip adventure! The fun has already begun! xo
TaaDaaaaa! 🎵
Yes, yes, yes, please🌺🌺🌺
Oh! I can hardly wait to read the new book! I must tell you! I have loved this blog. It’s so good to know you are having so much fun “nesting” and spring cleaning. Isn’t it the most lovely feeling to see those fresh curtains and just to hang clothes on the line and iron fresh linens! I just love that……….and I love that you love it, too! Happy Spring, Susan!
Hi Susan,
I’m a newbie to your blog and wish I had found you years before. I love how sweet and down to earth you are, I’m now on a quest to find your books. Thanks for the chance for this one! Safe travels to you and maybe I will be able to catch you when you are here in California.
take care
laura
Happy Birthday, Susan. Thanks so much for just being you. Such a lovely, thoughtful and caring young woman. Yes, I said young. I am just a year older and we are both young – at heart anyway. I pre-ordered your book and am so excited that it will soon arrive at my house. Love Joe’s idea about the used paintbrushes and paint-blotters/bookmarks. Vanna will really get a workout on this one. I know you and Joe will have a wonderful trip. Wish I could meet you but I don’t think you will be in Virginia. Maybe next time.
I just finished reading “Fairy Tale girl” all at once, in one evening. Loved it! You have lived a charmed life despite having some hard and heart breaking things happen. We need those hard times really to make us grateful for the wonderful things we enjoy everyday. Can’t wait for the new book!
Thank you so much for all beautiful blog posts. I always get a happy feeling everytime I have a chance to enjoy all the happy pictures and inspirational words. I can’t wait to read this new book.
Love your beautiful linens! Happy Birthday – make it one to remember! Have a safe and fun trip!
Hello, As a person with M.S., who’s in a wheelchair now, I look forward to reading your letters. It’s like having a friend stop over for a visit! I’m looking forward to reading, “Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams”, when it’s for sale. Thanks for the chance to win a copy! Enjoy your vacation, and book signing. Safe travels.
Hi & Aloha Susan,
I too am so excited to get your book. I’ve decided to re-read the first one to bring me up to date mentally. But I’m REALLY EXCITED TO SEE YOU. I’m coming to mainlan & I’ll see you in Pasadena. I wrote you about it on the last blog but not sure if you got the message. I also sent some pictures to Sheri & the girls in SLO but not sure if you got those. They were the orange orchids. Oh well, I’m just excited to see & meet you. Not sure how many you’ll meet from Kona or anywhere from Hawaii, there on the mainland.
I love seeing how you starch the curtains. I can’t get the liquid starch here so I’m stuck w/spray or Best. Both are ok.
I have drawers of doilies & battenburg so I’m so familiar with the spring /fall process.
Thanks for all your talents and the joy you give us all.
Hugs & Aloha,
Georgia
So enjoyed reading your blog….& So excited for how All has worked together for the new book! And as well excited for Spring, cleaning out the dust, bringing crispness again to our lives. I will starch my curtains…, getting ready to entertain young girls to learn embroidery, & hopefully they’ll be inspired to want to learn how to use a sewing machine. Reading your blog helps me to move from the mundane to inspiration..making the best of what I have. Thanks! Meg
Love hearing that Meg! You are giving a gift. xoxo
I really enjoyed Fairy Tale Girl ! It was all things I could identify with. It meant so much to me to know that I was not the only one. I’m really excited for the new book. Hope to see you in Asheville, NC when you come. Love you.
PS Since I’ve read your book I started drawing my thumb. My friends think I’m a little off, but it really was a great place to start learning to draw. Awesome.
I’m all a-tingle waiting for Isle of Dreams! I love having something lovely to look forward to!
Back in 2013 I got to be at the book signing in Bakersfield at Strawberry Patches Quilt Store. So much fun to meet you! My sweet husband took the day off and drove us down there. (Besides Joe, he was the only man present.) We had a great time visiting all the girlfriends. Love was in the room!
Thank you so much for inspiring us to use our talents and share them, no matter what our age or circumstance. Your posts make my day. =^..^=
good morning Susan, Joe, Kitty Cats and Girlfriends. before I forget, Happiest of Birthdays Susan, I hope you have a wonderful day. also best of wishes for a safe and exciting journey on the road. its been busy here and not just with the peeps and ducks, seems we have the proverbial bad neighbor living next to us and he just enjoys making life miserable for all of us neighbors around him. so to make a long story short we are trying to (legally) get rid of this creep. his yard is a total garbage pit, complete with not only regular garbage but also raw sewage and drug needles and syringes and yes the local enforcement has been there along with the fire dept. due to the hazardous condition of his property. his electric power was shut off last spring due to non payment of his bills, and he has made no effort to pay what he owes and could care less about it. well since we all live on wells and septic tanks the surrounding neighbors are concerned about the sewage removal there ( place smells like T.J across the border on a hot Saturday night…. disgusting) as well as the illegal drug activity and recent thefts due to his drug chums coming around. he has been warned and so have his chums about crossing over to our property, if they are found here, no questions will be asked they will be shot and told to leave and we have let the local law know that. sad we have to resort to that, but in this case so very necessary. our property value has gone way down thanks to this bad neighbor and we want him to leave.. like now so we are looking into how that can be done. wish us luck. well off to go check on the chickens and install the new locks on the henhouse and barn doors, sad we have to do that to keep them safe from the trash living next door, already shot at some of his friends and told them to leave or the next shot would not miss. wish us luck. you have a great day and a safe trip…… hugs….. 🙂
Be careful Pat!
I will Susan, I hate living like this but with that bad neighbor around and his drug buddies, we have to protect ourselves and our property. I don’t want those people wandering around on my property. I don’t want them living near me. but this guy just invites them to stay there its like he is a bum and drug magnet. hopefully the county will do something, especially now with all the complaints that been filed with different divisions of the county administration, like DEQ, building safety, county planning, law enforcement, fire and so.. hopefully we can light a fire under these people and get rid of this neighbor… legally!!! wish us luck!!! hugs…. 🙂
Good luck, be careful. Mad people can be crazy. I don’t want to read about some uprising in your back yard! Get the geese after them!
So love your books and site; if I win, I will give the second book to the friend who told me about you! I owe her big time.:)
Sweeeet!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Susan!!! I always think of you on April 12th and know that you are enjoying birthday fun somewhere on OUR birthday! Thank you for sharing your incredible talents through your charming books, stickers, fabrics, calendars, recipes, garden photos and Blog…all of which I continue to enjoy immensely. You are such an inspiration, and spread so much joy by sharing your incredible talents with us! I can’t wait to read Isle of Dreams!
Best wishes for a marvelous birthday and a spectacular year too!
Love you!!!
Same to you Ilene!xoxo
I know how you feel about leaving your kitties! I end up thinking about them at the oddest times. The ‘hotel’ they go to is probably more luxurious then ours usually are! What a life
Would really enjoy having this book! Thanks!
Congratulations on the new book! I can’t wait to read it. Received The Fairy Tale Girl as a Christmas gift and look forward to reading, Isle of Dreams. Your beautiful illustrations have inspired me to start my own garden journal. I have always loved the art of handwriting. Your books bring such joy. Happy Spring!
Life Is Good, Dear Susan. You Are Blessed To Be A Blessing.
Proud mommy you have every right to be proud!!! Congrats on your latest book so fun and exciting. Please enter me into the drawing it would be a thrill to get picked.
Thanks susan
Denise
Love your blog and everything you do!! Hello from California!
Love your blog!!! It’s always such a cheery place to “visit”. Would LOVE to have a signed copy of your book as we live out in the “boonies” and are about a gazillion miles from any of the places you’re going to be…Wahhhhhhh!!!!!
I thought I was the one that lived a gazillion miles from the rest of the world! 🙂
I love your heart, Susan, and am so thankful that you bless us with such bursts of joy that bubble up and spill over into our day in enchanting words, sparkling dishes, and all things wise and wonderful!
I thank God for you, Susan, for reminding me in the midst of my weeks of believing for miracles for close friends, that I have been given today, a miracle for anyone of us if truth be told. I pause in humble thankfulness that some things never change–the beauty of spring green, the loyalty of my own girlfriends, and the certainty of your joyful words that reach across the miles and soothe my waiting soul.
Sometimes I wonder how such a tiny woman can hold so much passion for all things normal that they magically appear so lovely before our very our eyes. Thank you, my dear friend! 🙂 Sara 🙂
Thank you back dear Sara. xoxo
I am so excited about the new book and the republished cookbook!
You bring so much joy to my life with this blog, your books, calendars, etc.
Thank you just for being you!
Happy Birthday!!!
Your books and blogs mean so much to me. They have gotten me thru difficulties by being so wonderful and positive. My Ron and I had a love affair with Carmel, California….you and Jo remind me of the good times…..Ron has now gone to heaven but it still with me so much in my heart.
Thank you for getting me thru the tough times.
Lots love and many hugs….Vivian
I’m sure he is Vivian. You are a lucky woman to have these lovely memories. xoxo I’m so sorry he isn’t there with you.
Susan,
Your books are a reflection of you, very warm, welcoming and inspiring. They make the best gifts! Its with great anticipation that we look forward to your new book and the updated classic “HEART OF THE HOME” one of my favorites!
Count me in for the fun! You are always the highlight of my day!
Carol D.
Love❤️
Friends seem to be reminiscing about when the first “found you”. My first encounter was in a library. That should tell you how long ago it was! It was the 80s, and I was just wandering the isles and happened upon Christmas. I fell in love. I keep this book out as long as they would let me and vowed to buy my own copy as soon as I could afford it. You had the best recipe for dog bones. I still use it. All my puppy friend get boxes for Christmas. I just change up the beef flavor for apple, or brown sugar or pumpkin. Best recipe ever. And by the way, it’s 75 degrees here, feels like 85. But you’ll be here soon enough.
Oh Boy, saw all the snow you got this morning. The Weather Channel showed the little lighthouse covered with snow. I don’t know if you’ll get in much planting before you hit the road. The excitement is building with each passing day because my sister and I are getting to meet you in New Hope. Now throw me into the pool so I can see if Vanna fishes me out. Jersey hugs
Susan, I’m thankful for your beautiful posts and wish you well on your book trip. Perhaps for your next book trip, you will skip the US and travel across Canada! Just saying!
I love reading your blogs, books and looking at your drawings. I feel like we could sit down and have a cup of tea as if we have been old friends forever. Have a safe and wonderful two month journey. Yes, it is always so nice when you arrive back home with all your things around you.
What a wonderful life you have! Thank you for sharing. I think one of the many joys of reading your blog is to have the music accompany the articles. Also, love the quotes from famous people. I always did this my whole life, but enjoy someone else’s joys put on paper. Thank you for your talents, generous heart and love to your girlfriends!
Thank you for all you do , I descover your books a year ago so far my collection has 5 of your wonderful books. They decor my kitchen all year long. As a mother of 2 toddlers your blog its a breath of fresh air and a little “me” time. 😉
I like that your dreams came true. We are all the richer for it!
Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new book!!!! You deserve a big hug for all of your hard work! You spoil us so😊 Wish I could be at one of your book signings, but alas you won’t be anywhere near where I live🙁 I am glad that a lot of the other girlfriends can come to meet you maybe some day I can too.
Loved your blog as usual. Especially the part about starching your old lace curtain in the bathroom as I have an ancient one as well that I just can’t seem to part with! Looking forward to receiving my book, hopefully just in time for my birthday next week, but I’ll enter your drawing too. You never know 🙂 Happy birthday to you and enjoy your road trip.
I can’t wait to read your new book. I hope you have a fantastic trip. I’m sad you won’t be in Wichita, KS this time. I enjoyed your book signing for A Fine Romance very much. It was so fun to meet you. Drive safe!
I would love to win a copy of Isle of Dreams! And a blotter and a paint brush!
Visiting your site is such an uplifting experience. Where else can I get the idea I should go clean my cupboards and that it is going to be FUN to do so! I enjoy this site so much and hope to someday have the whole book series.
Hi Susan – you do such magical things for all of us. I don’t have a copy yet but would welcome a personalized edition. Thanks for being so good to all of us!
Susan, Your blog is the Sunshine in my day. Thank You for sharing your talents, and your and Joe’s cozy home. I Enjoy the fur babies and sooooo enjoy are trips together, looking ahead to our vacation. Friendship and Blessings.
OOOOOOOOOO MYYYYYYYY GODDDDDDDD! I’M SO EXCITED I CAN’T HELP IT!!!! Thank you for making my day!
💋
Once again…just a delightful blog!…who would you get to play you?….I hope you have “Happy Trails”…on your book signing journey….we really need to get you down beneath the Macon Dixon…like the Gulf Coast of FL!….Blessings!!!