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!
Oh my goodness! Almost 1800 comments already! Vanna must be thinking she will have to buy a new swimsuit to dive into the barrel for this giveaway. Good gracious, where will you find such a huge barrel? Will it have to come on a special ferry?
Your blog was beautiful (as usual) full of the beauty of doing the basic things. Who else could make ironing, cleaning cupboards, and doing laundry so inspirational? You bless us to let us see how the everyday “ordinary” of life is extraordinary.
BTW my thigh are getting a workout with my jumping up and down and squirming waiting for Isle of Dreams! Happy Birthday!
Joe’s out back making the barrel now! 🙂
What a wonderful accomplishment!!! I’m so excited to read your latest book and I’m looking forward to your revised book later in the year. Yippeee!!!
I love hopping in your suitcase and traveling the world. You’d be a great travel director, along with Joe. I would sign right up!! All the best for a Happy Spring and a wonderful Birthday. Thanks for being YOU!!!
Susan!
I am so wonderfully excited about your new book and have been waiting with bated breath to see what happens to the whimsical Fairy Tale Girl! My husband and I live in Alabama and haven’t decided which state to come visit you in yet, but are looking forward to planning a fun little get-away around it! I am so glad you are taking the time to meet your many fans! Thank you!
Today Professor Ray Yeager, from Charlestown spoke about Creativity and Business. Lots of good ideas he’s gathered and shared. “creativity is the most important leadership skill”. Five common misconceptions of Creativity (forget brainstorming is number 5). Create confidence-“believe in your ability to change things around you”. Innovation – the hardest thing is getting people to accept that the way they work may not be the best. Great thoughts while munching on lunch. Now how creative do I have to be to get a new book from you that is signed by you? Hmmm …Mr Yeager said “You can’t bribe people to be creative”. Creativity needs an incubation period, let it sit. I’ll have to think about being creative in my response to winning a book. Hmmm
Your comment alone was SO creative!!!
I’d be honored to play you in your movie or TV series, Susan! How fun would that be?!! Perhaps that can be Vanna’s next drawing (te-he).
Thank you for all of the beauty and inspiration you and Joe bring to this world. My mom and I are looking forward to your book signing in Hudson, OH again. The last signing was on my birthday (September 3) and this signing will be a wonderful early Mother’s Day gift for her.
Godspeed for your travels.
In 4 days, my friend and I are flying to England for the trip of a life-time! I can’t thank you enough for the inspiration your trip gave us! When I come home, your Isle of Dreams book will be waiting for me – looking forward to hearing the rest of the story! Also looking forward to your upcoming trip to Scotland and England. The travel bug has bitten me, the next trip on my bucket list is Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Happy Travels!
Bon Voyage Polly, have a WONDERFUL time!!
I dearly love your books and can’t wait to meet you at your book signing in Madison, Ct on 1 May!!!!! You’re such an inspiration!!!
You will miss home, garden and kitties…but just think of all the beauty you will see on the road! I just took a vacation and was sooo happy to pet every island cat that I met along the way because I was missing my own fur babies. Have a lovely trip-travel safe.
Dearest Susan, I just love your books! I have pre-ordered, but would be over the moon with a personalized copy and one of your used paint brushes. Happy Happy Birthday to you! Safe travels to you and Joe. Look forward to meeting you in St. Charles, Mo. at your book signing!
Hi Susan, so happy for you and your new Book. I do know how you love to Travel the Country to the Book Signings…I have been to a few. I will try
to come to the one in Pasadena at Vrooms Bookstore…its the closest since
I live in So. Cal a hop skip and a jump away..Happy, Happy Birthday to you, we share April Birthdays…I have always loved having an April Birthday, I think you do too. You know me, and we have met a few times, Remnants, etc. Safe Travels to you, enjoy and I hope I finally win. LOL..Carol Oliver in So. Cal across the bridge from Seal, with your Red Toille Gravy Boat,used at Easter!
Hope to see you in St. Louis, Missouri! …and thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your book!
I enjoy your blog posts, books and illustrations so much! I’m so looking forward to reading this book ♥
I can’t tell you how much I would LOVE to receive one of your signed books!! AND the paintbrush because I love to paint . . . but I warn you, I may use it! 😉
My mom bought me my copy of Fairy Tale Girl for Christmas and boy, did it come at the right time! Funny enough- or not funny, hard to say- I am in the middle of my husband of 18 years up and leaving . . . off to greener pastures of course. You can only imagine how much your story has encouraged me. Thanks for being BRAVE and writing it! It’s a win-win for all of us! Love you so much, Susan Branch!
I have every one of your books you have published. Loved all of them!!! Have a special shelf reserved just for your books. I love to read all the comments you have written about your “babies” the cats. I posted a comment to you about our cat that was 27 years old. We just lost him and I thought I would let you know. That is why pictures of your cats are such a comfort to me. We miss him so much. Always expect him to crawl up on the couch by me like he always did. Our children and grandchildren really miss him too. Just writing about him still makes me cry. That is why I will have to order your new book so I can,hopefully, read about your cats. Thank you for making everyone’s lives so bright with your books. They are wonderful!!!!!
Hello, Susan! Your posts are always so uplifting! Can’t wait to receive my copy of MV, Isle of Dreams!!!! I still dream of taking the ferry over and spending a week (or two now that I’m retired haha), and I am framing last month’s calendar page because 10 years DOES go by so quickly, so we must keep dreaming!!!! Enjoy Spring, your book tour, meeting the girlfriends. One day I and my friends will be close enough to a tour city to do just that – meet you 🙂
And thanks for sharing that gorgeous lace – wow! Would love to win the brushes and/or even a doodle sheet ♥ Aren’t we really the lucky ones in this sisterhood?
Hugs & Happy Trails! mari ♥
p.s. Persistent me – any hope on the horizon of the MV charm? ♥♥♥
I would say . . . yes!
Susan, Real starch? I thought I was the only one left! So nice to have company.
You and Joe be safe on you “road trip”, have a BLAST! and laugh lots ;).
Dear Susan, I am so excited, because I am going to have lunch with you on April 30th- the beginning of another beautiful book tour for both you and those whose lives you touch. I have already ordered your book from the bookstore, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I might win a copy for my friend. We have worked together in ICU for almost 30 years, and I can not begin to express what her friendship means to me. She’s a lot like you- always a smile, always a cheerful word. Even now when her husband has just undergone quadruple bypass and her daughter (mother of 3) has just been diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer and is undergoing chemo prior to radiation and surgery. She still manages to add a little zippedy-do-dah to the days of those around her. She follows your blog faithfully and was THRILLED when I presented her with a calendar signed by you. Although I can always purchase a copy of your book for her, I think that winning a copy would make her day. By the way, my friend’s name is Joan, and she is one of the most beautiful and sunniest people I’ve ever known. Looking forward to seeing you soon and wishing that I could see you again in England in the Fall. Unfortunately, my trip to England has to wait until I finish grad school. I do plan to take both my niece and great-niece along and to travel on the Queen Mary. I may have to take my sister as well, because my niece wants to fly. I’ve always wanted to do a crossing on the Queen Mary, as my mother (English) and my father (American) returned to the U.S. on the original Queen Mary after the war. I’ve now read A Fine Romance 3 times. It’s perfect, because I can read snippets between studying. Now, if I could just find my “Joe”. I’ll have to take my copy of British Country Living to a local restaurant
It’s always a happy day when I see one of your Blogs waiting for me! I know there will be happy images and music to go. My husband always know when I am reading “you” because of the music and he’ll wander out and guess who is singing. So sweet. We’re still waitng for Spring to really arrive- very cold and snowy (again) here in the Upper Peninsula after a tantalizing taste of warmth.
Oops! I forgot to wish you the happiest of birthdays surrounded by those you love. P.S. Have you ever included the starch recipe in your books or blog? I don’t remember seeing it, and I think that I have all of your books. I remember mixing Argo starch for my nurse’s cap. I’m not even sure I’ve seen it in the stores lately. Make a wish and blow out the candles!!!
Would love to be “one of the winners”! When will the revamped Heart of the Home be available for presale? Can’t wait for the Isle of Dreams – since I live in CA am hoping it will arrive soon! thanks for all you do 🙂
How delightfully you see and share your beautiful vision of the world with us!
Susan..I am over the moon about your upcoming book! I loved A Fine Romance and Fairy Tale Girl and have loved so many of your other books…Summer..Christmas Joy…Heart of the Home…and look forward to each season. Sharing your books with my Mom and girlfriends remind me of some great memories we have had living in New England and many more to come. Thanks for sharing a beautiful gift! Would love to give your new book to my Mom since she loves your books as much as I do! Safe travels and see you in CT! Megan
Dearest Susan~ I hear your excitement in your book delight, so you must hear my disappointment you won’t be signing in Williamsburg.
Sooo many nuggets of goodness heading your way…enjoy the ride!
Warmly…Marie
YES!!! I’m so excited! Have a lovely trip! Thanks🙂
Love all your books, calendars, appointment books, blogs and sweet goodies for sale….Thank you for being a breath of fresh aire for us all. You are simply adored!
I tell myself it’s all in the name!
Thanks for making us proud!
Thanks for being such an inspiration.
You help me remember what brings me joy.
Happy early birthday! It’s my daughter’s birthday tomorrow (the 6th). She will be 18–not sure how that happened so fast!! Good luck on your book tour. I am sad you won’t be making it out my way (Seattle area), but maybe some day our paths will cross.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the story! Thanks for the fun drawing! (Meant both meanings!)
Still thinking…
Dear Susan,
I am so excited to see the books are coming in. I know your birthday is coming up soon, so I wanted to wish you an early happy birthday. I hope you and Joe have a lot of fun on your travels.
Your Friend,
Alice
Dear Susan,
I love the idea of giving the copy I’ve ordered to my best friend who loves you too. My friend Sandy, who is an artist has cut up what she calls her “little messes” little pictures and doodles and color tries, into strips which she gives for book marks to lucky friends like me. I think your paint brush idea is a good one, thanks, Joe!
Best regards,
June
Ah to have another copy to give as a gift to my neatest girlfriend and a paintbrush used by you would be the icing on the cake!!!
Hope that my book that I ordered arrives before I head back up north, or, that it is forwarded. Shall see. Love your frequent missives and of course the art work, but, best of all, Girl Kitty and Jack. Have a safe trip out and back from CA.
Take care, Suzy
Hi Susan, Happy Birthday, Happy Spring!! My favorite time of year! You have much to celebrate and we are celebrating right along with you. Happy Girlfriends, we are! I would love to be the recipient of one of your new books and wonderful little paint brushes and ink blot bookmarks. I would cherish them all forever. God bless you for all that you do and give away. You truly are a blessing to the world!
Forever grateful, Joanie
I love your blog, saving it for a time that I can savor it. I have been a fan of yours for many years, and own the first Heart of the Home cookbook. Would love to win your latest.
Hi Sue – so excited the books are here!!!! Looking forward to reading it and meeting you. Thanks for all you do for us!!!!
Since you are one of my muses, I thought I should leave a comment. I don’t always let my muses know that they are more than friends, writers, or just someone who inspires me in some way. I hope to see you when you come to Denver, and I’m looking forward to running away to Martha’s Vineyard when I read your new book!
Eagerly awaiting my copy of your book, AND your visit to Austin!! Excitement abounds!
Happy birthday & safe travels.
Have a wonderfully exciting and fun book-signing tour Susan! Then delightful summer relaxing back home here in New England! Hurrah! Can’t wait for summer!
Love your books. Just purchased A Fine Romance, am reading it slowly, savoring every delightful morsel. Happy travels.
You make my day happier! 🙂
Love Joe’s idea of a paintbrush and a signed bookmark…kinda’ completes ‘the package’! Your paint blotters and brushes have taken the journey as you ready your heart and hand to write, and paint, your thoughts on paper ;)) xoxox
You inspire me Susan! I can hardly wait for your new book…just in time for
spring here in Indiana. I can sit under a shade tree with a cup of tea and savor every page of Martha’s Vineyard – Isle of Dreams!
Hi Susan,
I am so excited that after all these years, it looks like I will get to meet you in Georgia in June! We will also be visiting family in Atlanta, but getting to see you will be the icing on the cake!
Wishing you a safe and fun journey. I think everyone should drive across our country at least once. Being a navy family we drove across 4 times!
I would love to have a book. Nancy
I am so excited to receive this book. I love reading your posts and enjoy your lovely pictures of your cats. Have a safe trip.
Happy, happy birthday, sweet Susan!! Fairy Tale Girl saw me thru a 4 day hospital stay in October! Your wonderful blogs and other books saw me thru recovery from surgery in January. And Martha’s Vineyard is arriving just in time to see me thru recovery from what is, hopefully, my final surgery this month!! Can’t tell you what a blessing in my life discovering your sweet self has been!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents with all of us “girlfriends”!!! Have fun on your trip! “Hi” to Joe!
Just love all your cheery posts. So excited to hear all the news about the book and your trip. Love your “homey home”….have to get off here and do some lovely “homey” things in my nest too!
I can’t wait to see you at Rainy Day Books in Kansas City next month! It will be my second time to meet you, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Counting down the days! Thank you for providing me with my prized possessions….my SB booms!!!!!
Books…..not booms! 😜
Dearest Susan,
Although I am one of your newer Girlfriends (found your blog just before Christmas), it feels like I’ve known you all my life. I love to read about how you and Joe spend your days and when I read about your stay in Tenterden when you came to England, well I was overcome with nostalgia. You see, I used to work in Tenterden before I retired – such a pretty town. My time is now taken up with homemaking, country walks and quilting. In fact my husband Den and I are planning a day trip and picnic to Sissinghurst soon as it’s only a short drive from New Romney where we live. There’s plenty of room for you and Joe in the back of my Mini, so you’re coming with us too, no excuses! Oh, just before I go, birthday wishes to you Sweetheart on the 12th. We almost share a birthday, mine is on the 15th and I think we share the same year, 1948? Am I right? Hope so, then that would make us true kindred spirits!! P.S. He doesn’t know it yet but my birthday present from Den is going to be Fairy Tale Girl (and a box of tissues)! Safe journey to you both on your road trip, With love Paula x
I am so looking forward to reading your new book. It is April but snow is in the forecast here. Reading your new book would warm me up with cheer… and a cup of tea. 💖
I can’t wait to meet you in Hudson, Ohio when you arrive on May 5th! Bringing 5 of my girlfriends to get our books signed. I’ve been a fan from the beginning; 30 years ago. Also, I would like to know your answer to who would play your part in a movie or television series? Maybe you would have an answer by MAY 5th, when I see you in Hudson, Ohio! So excited to read your next book! You are an inspiration to us all! Lol, Marie
We’ll all vote in Ohio!
I would love to win one of your books! Safe and happy travels to you and Joe!
Susan, you made me laugh when you said your bathroom curtains could sure tell some stories!! I am so looking forward to your new book and meeting you in St. Charles, Missouri… by city of birth! Love you!
I love lace! And I am looking forward t the book. Fun and safe travels
Soooo looking forward to enjoying this book!!
Thank you for adding beauty and calm to my world! : )
What a lovely post. I am excited to order your newest books as I only have A Fine Romance. It was signed by you when I met you at the Sandwich Library book signing years ago.
I do hope to see you at the Beatrix Potter birthday party in Brewster. I have the date to rsvp marked on my calendar.
A signed book and paintbrush? I can’t think of a more precious giveaway. (Secretly or not so secretly hoping I win!)
Hi Susan! I just got back from my first ever loooong train trip! It was so fun and relaxing. And, the book is coming soon! The fun just never ends! Maureen
Have a wonderful birthday, Susan! Enjoy the rest of your home prep before you and Joe hit the open road, and hopefully some more spring in MV before it’s time to leave! Thanks for your gentle, lovely works!
Happy Birthday to you sweet friend! O happy day when my copy of the book arrives! I will be skipping in from the mail box! I must get some yummy treats to enjoy along with a pot of tea when I finally get to sit down and read the book! Can’t wait! Thank you for sharing your life with us! XXOOXXOO
Hi Susan,
I wanted to tell you that while driving from San Diego to LA, my Mother read The Fairy Tale Girl aloud and I would quickly sneak a peek at the pictures when I could take my eyes off the road- it was so much fun and so suspenseful! The road trip flew by and we didn’t want your story to end. We can not WAIT for the new book! So excited and so excited for you. Thank you so much for sharing with us- we really appreciate you!
I’m so looking forward to reading your new book and looking at all your artwork and pictures! Please enjoy your much deserved rest and sleep in until 10am one morning!
Hi Susan. I so enjoyed reading ‘Fairy Tale Girl’. I could hardly put it down. Your blog is such a nice way to spend a few moments each month. Thank you for opening your doors and inviting us into your warm, cozy, and creative home on Martha’s Vineyard. You truly make the world a better place, Susan. Enjoy your travels around America as you meet new friends and rediscover some old and dear.
Hi Susan! I hope to be among the masses to attend a signing. I missed out last time, so cross your fingers! It feels like Christmas Eve an d Santa will be bringing me a gift soon. I can’t wait for my book! I will first jump up and down, then carefully open the priority envelope, then smell that new book smell, feel the ribbon , get a cup of tea and hershey kisses, and melt into my bed with quilt tucked around me and READ and sigh and read some more! Love. I would be honored to win a blotter paper and one of your paintbrushes! And of course a book to have personalized from you! I would give my daughter a copy. Wish me luck!
Congratulations on the new book. I would love to have a signed copy. I love your blog and open it with anticipation every time it hits my inbox.
I’m a children’s book illustrator and I can relate to your comment that working on a book is a lonely task. It is all made better when you see people enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Cheers, and have a wonderful tour!
I just finished The Fairy Tale Girl and am in suspense. Can’t wait to read the sequel. A Fine Romance is my very very favorite. Have a great trip!
What a great post to distract me from working on our library funding measure. Being a librarian by day and an artist by night, the bookmark and paintbrush are right up my alley! Thank you!
A grand birthday to you. I admire those who are organized and motivated enough to spring clean. Can’t wait to read your new book. It would be wonderful to win a copy (even though I have already ordered mine!)
Can hardly wait to meet you at the Tattered Cover in Denver on May 21st! I’ve been dreaming of this for years…since the first book! Safe travels and have fun-you deserve it!
What a joy it would be to win such a treasure!
Julie from Ohio
I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am when I see that a new post is up…it’s like getting a letter from a special friend. I am so looking forward to getting the new book, ( patience is not my strong suit). Hope you and Joe have a safe book tour…and hoping to see you in Ohio.
I just love you to pieces, Susan! You are a real blessing to so many people….thanks for being you 🙂
Have to say, I’m pretty anxious for the new book, and excited…so excited that I had to re-re read The Fairy Tale Girl. I LOVE Fairy Tale Girl, growing up in SoCal, I can feel that book so much, it’s all so familiar. And now, I’m waiting to get lost in Martha’s Vineyard. Thanks for the joy!!
To be able to come home to a clean house is truly a gift to yourself (and you certainly deserve one). What a trooper you have been, finishing both books, calendars, regular blog entries, etc. over these past months. Don’t know how you did it! I’m looking forward to receiving the Isle of Dreams book, which will be shared promptly as soon as I read it–winning a copy would be wonderful. Best wishes to you and Joe as you begin the long winding journey across our wonderful U.S. to visit with your Dad and Mom. Hope you are able to smell the roses as your journey progresses. Sure wish Grand Rapids Mi. had made the list this time.–Anita.
I love reading of your spring cleaning! That’s what I’m doing too, even if the weather here is fickle in deciding whether to truly be spring just yet 🙂
So excited to see that stack of books on your table. It feels just like the stork has arrived. Love Joe’s idea to give away your worn-out paintbrushes. Looking forward to fabric and Willard.
Thank you for your blog! I look forward to it every week and then I read it again just to make sure I didn’t miss anything! I would love to win one of your new books and if I do, I will give the one I already ordered to my friend who is caring for her sick sister and is the one who first told me about you! I will see you in California–hoorah!
Have loved The Fairy Tale Girl, so many times shook my head at similar feelings and experiences, and I’ll read it all over again before I pick up “the rest of the story” !
Must. Enter. Giveaway. I have your book pre-ordered (and am trying not to start checking the mailbox every few hours – it will arrive when it arrives), and I can think of several people to share an extra copy with! And a bookmark and paintbrush, that would certainly add some excellent juju to any painting studio. Mine…? A girl can dream! xxoo!
I first met you in A Fine Romance. I couldn’t believe that someone else loves England as much as I, book reading as much as I, lovely flowers, yummy desserts. I have never come across someone who understood the impossibility of anything being as magical as Sticky Toffee Pudding. I would be honored to get your next book. Cheers, Jessica
Kindred spirits Jessica!
It’s always a pleasure to get a peek inside your lovely, homey home! I’m excited that my book will be here by next week more than likely. It will be hard to top A Fine Romance, but I suspect it will. I sure would love to win one of your paintbrushes now that I’m painting up a storm. Can you imagine what one of YOUR paintbrushes would do to my paintings. If I don’t win, may I send you some of mine to use and then return?? 🙂 ❤️
Really hope a film/T.V. show is made! (A film would be better, unless Netflix does it, as none of us can tolerate commercials).
What I really can’t stand is the full page commercials that are showing up more and more on the Internet. Yikes. I could get run off that way!
Pick me! Pick Me Please! Can’t wait to see you in Austin, (Deep in the Heart of) Texas!
So excited for the personalized tour of your Martha’s Vineyard World!
Hope you like it Fancy!
Wishing you a early Happy Birthday! April is such a wonderful month to celebrate. It is the beginning of Spring and all that blooms. The aroma of fresh air and the smell of rain showers. Mother nature waking up , so she can perform all of her miracles of new growth. I too, have an April Birthday and it is on Earth day! April is a magical month! Safe travels as you and Joe make your adventure from Book Store to Book Store for your signings. Wishing you lots of happy memories.
Happy Birthday sweet Susan! I am waiting for my book copy to come-so I can get to the happy bits of your life!
The Spring cleaning looks like it’s going well- the kitties will miss you both- but they will forget when you come home again! Have a safe and wonderful time traveling to all the bookshops and meeting your girlfriends in person!
Now we are looking forward to the English trip and all your pictures and comments!!
Can’t wait Cheryl!
Book, bookmark, brush…what fun to win!!!
Hi Susan,
Congratulations! You have accomplished so many tasks. Now, it time for you to reap the rewards of precious time to enjoy what pleases you most. Just in time for summer fun too!
Thank you for the lovely post and of course, for the pictures of those lovely kitties. I have a Breakfast Club – feral kitties who are on the porch every morning to see what is on the menu. I also have a stay at home cat who lost her companion Big Boy Ernie who was once a Breakfast Club member. I wish you Godspeed on your Book tour and will look up locations to see if you are near or in (could it be possible?) New Mexico. I hope I win a book and a paintbrush! You inspire me and confirm my love of home.
Hi, Susan and Vanna! So excited for you and all the ladies & gents you’ll meet on your book signing. What a big relief for you to have all your babies at the printer and out the door. I am waiting for my copy that I pre-ordered, but would LOVE a copy personalized to me. I really love your descriptions of glam Vanna and what she wears when she FINALLY wakes up and dawdles downstairs to FINALLY start the drawing! What a lovely, lazy little Vanna she is! Have fun on your book tour!
I love her! My alter ego. xoxo
Would love to win it!!! See soon in Ca, Vita
Oh how I love the picture of the Dust Bunny! 😊 I think she’s my favorite of your creations.
Can’t wait to read about your first full 4 seasons on the Isle! Should be any day now. I won’t get to see you on your tour but I’ll be reading all about it on the blog. Can’t wait to see the pictures! Have fun on your travels and Happy Birthday! xoxo
Happy Spring Everyone! I am so looking forward to meeting you in Woodstock, GA at Fox Tale Book Shoppe! WooHoo!
Susan I am planning to reread Fairytale Girl. Then just keep reading into Isle of Dreams. Can’t wait. Travel safely. Lee
Happy birthday, Susan! I do hope I win the book and the other goodies!!! I keep trying to win!!! I would love to have your blotter paper! That is the closest I will ever get to a real piece of Susan Branch artwork. 🙂 I can’t wait to go on the trip with you!!! It will be so exciting. Enjoy your birthday!
I love everything you dream up! Thank you and I look forward to the newest addition!
Thanks for the lovely post. I enjoyed the pictures. Hi to Chris Wells! I know my book will soon be here!! Careful , Vanna….you have a great responsibility upon you….there are a lot of names already. Do those exercises to be to be strong and flexable. Tata for now.
Dear Susan,
Are you taking suggestions for the actress to play vous in the movie?
What do you think about:
The Fairy Tale Girl
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin
Producer/Screenwriter: Delia Ephron
Are you keeping a list of suggestions from the Girlfriends??
PS – This is Ginnifer Goodwin in “Something Borrowed” …
imdb.com/title/tt0491152/
Absolutely perfect, I love her! She also made me remember another one . . . the dark haired girl in The Wedding Crasher and in Midnight in Paris . . .Rachel McAdams.
Yes! Another possibility!
Also, do you remember Nora Ephron? Delia is her sister who also worked on “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.” She always has nice soundtracks – – which will be very important!
My book has arrived and it is just a treasure.
Thank you for everything. E.
Hooray! Yes, I do know who Delia is . . . we shall see how this thing progresses! It’s very exciting!
I am! And she’s darling!
Susan, you truly make this world a better place just by being in it… I am going through a very tragic and sudden loss and your posts are one of the few things that is taking away some of the agony, if only for a few minutes. Thank you.
Oh dear, Laura Anne, I’m so sorry to hear that. God bless you.
Oh my gosh! I can’t wait! I’ve ordered two books, and I have tickets to the tea in Wilmette, IL (just like in 2013). Yahoo!
Fun, see you there Ginnie!
Bon Voyage Susan and I would love to win!