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 am soooo happy for you that your book is “real” now (and you have time to post your blog again!!! I’ve missed that as it always brightens my day). AND got my notification today that my pre-order book is on its way. As excited as you are to have it in your hands after so many months of working on it (a labor of love), I think I’m that excited to get mine! I have all your other books and must say I re-read A Fine Romance and The Fairy Tale Girl and now a new one👏👏👏. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents!
I received the email yesterday telling me my copy of your book was on it’s way. I come home from work today and THERE IT IS!!!!!! My husband just looked on with a grin on his face as I did my HAPPY DANCE!!! Oh, Susan, it is just lovely…and so thick! You must be so proud! It is beautiful. Thank you so much for taking us on your journey of writing it…it has been a joy and an honor. Plan for Tonight: Fix a nice pot of tea, curl up in my comfy chair, and dive into your book!
So happy for you, working so hard and now you can relax and enjoy your road trip. Can’t wait to read your newest book. Still waiting for spring here in Illinois!
Susan,
I am sooooo…. looking forward to meeting you in Hudson, Ohio.
And to reading your new book! YOUZA!!!
Congrats! On your wonderful publishing of two new books! I am glad
you picked up that paintbrush and painted that geranium. The rest is history.
I hope I can still get in the VANNA DRAWING!.
Blessings to you!
Lydia Alejandro
Susan, I loved meeting you in Wichita, Kansas during the last book tour and I wish you and Joe safe travels on this new adventure. Can’t wait to finally get my hands on the last book in the trilogy.
Thanks for all of the beautiful things you do for all of us!!!
Happy birthday and wishing you many, many more!
Happy Birthday dear Susan🎂🎁🎉! So glad to hear you are coming to Madison CT for May Day! My best friend and I can’t wait to meet you and receive our copy of your newest book! We love your purely sunny, positive, blog – especially the kitties – especially from MV (where we love to visit every September)!!
Thank you so much for all you do to brighten our days😊☀️!!
Carol
Dear Susan-Wishing you a joyous book tour…take care and thanks for being wonderful you! Love, Carole
Can not even wait to see you at The Tattered Cover!
I am on a trip to Michigan. Just got notice my book is on the way. Now I can’t wait to get home. Thanks Susan. Happy Spring by the way…
You are my sister from another mother. I’m convinced. We even share Signal Hill and both live on an island now!! No coincidence, I don’t believe in it 😘
I can’t wait for the new book and the new Vinyard Seasons. I will pass my old one to my daughter to cherish. I am making a quilt out of your Vinyard seasons fabric that I’ve been hoarding for far too long. I think of you when I work on it! Enjoy your spring and your clean house!
thats such a great idea Joe had!! I love that!!
I am really looking forward to your new book,,I first found your books when I was recovering from a brain injury from a fall while working on an island one summer,, your books helped me to regain my reading skills. They weren’t available in Canada so I had the book store order them for me, one by one I managed to collect them only to have the whole bo of them stolen while we were moving two years ago,, the movers set them down in the lobby of our new apartment building and someone walked off with them,, I only hope they needed them more than I.
So this new book will start my collection all over again,,
thank you for sharing the beautiful blossom photos,, we are still buried in snow here!
oh my gosh I just had to share this with you,, our world is truly much smaller than we realize.
Someone that lives in our building reads your blog and read MY comment,, she managed to connect with me,, my box of books was put in lost and found and were returned safely to me this very afternoon, they have been there all this time,,
so because of your blog my books were returned!
I now have my whole collection of your books safely back on the shelves,, lol,, I just wanted to share that,,
Amazing. I can’t believe it . . . isn’t that wonderful? I’m so glad Laurie! What a world!
I know,, its crazy lol,, apparently the one box was mistakenly left behind outside the elevator and the cleaning lady not knowing people were moving in set it in lost and found,, because the supers were unaware of this it was never mentioned.We had assumed it was lost at the our other home, maybe on route but no it has been two floors below us all this time, until she happened to read this blog,, she was the cleaning lady at the time we moved in,, we didn’t know each other then, anyway,, thanks to you and your blog I have them back,, dog earred pages, stick em notes and all lol,,
Things like that just don’t happen! Gives faith in the world! xoxo Tell her I said hello!
Please, oh please, can we be friends?!!! You can come for tea and animal crackers. I’ll read your books to you. We can watch my chickens peck around for bugs and pet my kitties. I have dogs too and a bird and fish. Won’t it be fun?!
It would be very fun! xoxo
Hi Susan! As always, your post is filled to the brim with inspiration, color, and JOY! Thanks for sharing your sweet spirit so generously. Happy birthday! And bon voyage as you tour with your beautiful new book! I’m so eager to read it! (Your artwork is such fun.)
Thanks so much Gigi! xo
Dear Susan,
You leave us in awe of your talent, drive, and hard work. Congratulations on completing all of your “projects” in your studio and then tackling your household spring freshening. Loved the starched curtains and other linens. I always loved it when my mother did that each year when I was growing up.
Best wishes for a splendid birthday celebration and safe travels on the road.
Lois from Westchester
Thank you Lois!
Susan- Can’t wait to read your next book!
Hoping to see you in CA. Safe travels!
I so enjoyed “A Fine Romance.” Can’t wait to see you on your visit to Georgia for the tour.
Wow, what a wonderful thought to win one of your paint brushes….and a painted bookmark, and a personalized book….could give the one I ordered to my dear mother…..here’s hoping!
Hello Susan, good morning from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia…..Happy Birthday and many happy returns . Best wishes for the book signing trip….cant wait to read all about in your blog. Wishing I’m in California right now!! Used to live in Davis for two years , 1997- 1999. Lace curtains are beautiful, very feminine and very English. Your house looks lovely and cosy too. Have a pleasant and wonderful trip….
Hello so far away! Thank you for stopping by! Do they call you Nor? Thank you! xoxo
Happy New Adventures to you and Joe! Looking forward to reading your newest book! Birthday blessings! Deb in AR
I am so looking forward to your book signing at Vroman’s. This post has given me inspiration (as always) to do some spring cleaning which always makes me happy. It is a way of thanking all of our little treasures for a job well done.
See you soon – safe travels Susan!
Happy Birthday, Susan! Safe and wonderful wanderings through our glorious land that we love as you attend your new book signings!!! Enjoy yourselves and keep in touch!
Susan, you are so generous! I have almost all your books, and look forward to more! I’m watching for you in California!
Have a wonderful Birthday! I just celebrated mine at the tulip festival in WA state. It was so beautiful, our country has so much to see and I’m looking forward to following along with your trip! Safe travels
Dear Sweet Susan,
So happy for your new found freedom to do the things you like to do after giving it up for months on end to make things for us to enjoy. You must be so excited about your upcoming cross country roadtrip to travel this beautiful country. Know you and Joe will make it so fun. Look forward to your reports from the road. I’m sure that the Kitty Babies will miss you two terribly and vice versa. Can hardly wait to read the new book when it arrives, but would still like to be a winner in your drawing at the hand of “Miss Vanna”. To have a brush and a color test bookmark plus a signed to me book would be “thrilling”. Looking forward to the roll out of the 2017 calendar and the new “Heart Of The Home”. So enjoying this beautiful Spring in Virginia even if it is a bit chilly. Enjoy your Tuesday Girls get-together. Hugs and Kisses to you four XOXO.
Dearest dear Susan,
It is so amazing you do what you do. Do you wonder sometimes how you do it ? I can’t do all I do or need to do at times, so it is unbelievable you answer every single mail here, draw, paint, write books, take pics, walk long and winding trails, plant, garden, cook, wash curtains, iron, starch, wash shelves full of glassware, and more and more and more. Do you absolutely pass out at night ? You are extremely blessed with talent and sooooo much love and admiration from all your “girlfriends” who just cannot wait to meet you and laugh and chat with you. I confess I’m one of those if I am so fortunate to get that chance. It would be in Danville Ca if it works out. Otherwise our paths will only cross on this impersonal form called the computer, ugh, not as fulfilling as in the flesh but exciting none the less when you answer our pedestrian convos. And perhaps you are on the road to Hollywood stardom. I picture Ali McGraw playing you. A young Ali when you were young and maturing to your youthful glory now. Who did you think would be good ? She has to have those classic beauty qualities.
Well I do go on now but will bring it to a close as I know you have some cloth napkins to iron and fold , or some kitty who needs a scratch behind the ears and under the chin. (it can’t all be work. I know you balance it out or you wouldn’t be so lovely). Hope you read this and know that it is only with genuine sincerity that I say what I feel. You are the epitome of what we all inspire to be. Not perfect but perfectly who we are.
So signing off now. Tomorrow is another day. Blessed as always to wake and love nature and family and my own little “peace” of the world and happy to know your world too. Hugs to you. Hope we get to meet !
Marilyn from far up in northern CA. Redding where the 3 Shasta’s reside.
We never have to worry about perfect with me. I have lopsided cakes and dead flowers around my house just like everyone else! As for the “movie” 😉 I’m afraid, the way the wheels of movie-making go . . . (and what do I know) but anyway, that the person to play me probably hasn’t been born yet! Lots of people think Sally Field would be good, and I would love her for me NOW, I should be so lucky! But she can’t be 30 . . . and so, if it was right now, I would say maybe Zoey Deschanel, but there are so many good ones. Dark hair and bangs is the only prerequisite! I hope I get to see you at Danville! Thank you Marilyn! xoxo
If I get to Danville (the good Lord willing) I’ll wear a pink carnation on my name tag so you’ll remember me. haha Isn’t that funny. Like you could remember all the girlfriends who have ever clammered after you. I won’t clammer , I’m sorry, that’s not even a word is it ? Here’s a way to not forget, in England there is a place, castle, town, called Hatfield. My maiden name is Hatfield. I’m sure we are direct descendants of England.
My brain has not quite the capacity for that, woe to it, but I don’t think anyone clammers, I’m the clamberer!!! Pink carnation, Hatfield. Got it. Maybe. xoxo See you there Marilyn!
Just got your email that your new book is in the mail for me. Can’t wait until I receive it!
Very soon!
Oh how I enjoy your upbeat posts, they set me up for the week 🙂 Spring is trying to arrive here in the UK but hasn’t quite got the hang of it yet! I’m so looking forward to meeting you and the other girlfriends at the UK girlfriends’ picnic in September. My friend and I have our overnight stop booked already – our girls’ weekend is all planned 😄 . Let’s hope for a dry day! X
Yes! We need a dry day. But right at Stourhead, just across the lawn, is a 13th century church all open where we can go if it rains. So I think it will be wonderful no matter what. I’m so looking forward to it! So you haven’t seen the bluebells yet? xoxo
Dear Susan,
Warmest wishes for a Happy Birthday and a joyful year ahead. Thank you for allowing us a peak into your busy, creative mind…..we are lucky indeed. Anticipating a cozy read of your latest book. Thoroughly enjoy reading your blog and can almost be guilted into spring cleaning after this latest blog. Have a wonderful trip.
No being guilted!!! 🙂 Thank you Marilyn!
Susan –
I see you will be in New Hope Pa and North Jersey this time around. Sigh. While both of those places are closer than your prior signings, they are still just a leeetle too far for me. And now New Hope is sold out and the date of the Ridgewood event is particularly inconvenient. Sigh. Maybe just maybe next time around…Philadelphia or South Jersey? Fingers crossed.
As for what actress to play you? Diane Lane!
Sending all good thoughts and many blessings for safe and successful travel.
Marcia in Sewell
Gloucester County, South Jersey
Wow!! You have certainly been busy!!…
I don’t know what you eat to keep up with
everything you are doing and have been doing,
but if you could please put that on your site in
the “Shopping” area, I will buy it!!
I hope that you have a wonderful summer and a great
adventure traveling across the country meeting everyone!!
And please, if you would be so kind…between now and the drawing for your books…make sure Vanna eats whatever it is you have been eating…and doing whatever you have been doing so that she is in tip top shape to pull MY name out of all of the names…I will so enjoy your book ( though I’m not done with “The Fairy Tale Girl” quite yet)…and I really want one of these paint brushes, too…as surely there must be some of your magic lingering there that I can certainly use on my watercolor paintings!!! 🙂
Take care, dear girl…And thank you so much for all you do for all of us.
We can probably never really repay you…but that will not keep
us girlfriends from trying!!
HAPPY TRAILS!!
<3
You do a darn good job Judy, all of you, no “repaying” necessary . . . xoxo
P.S. Happiest Birthday, Susan!!
Wishing you ALL that YOU wish for!!
<3
P.P.S. Also…I think a fantastic actress to play you in the movie/series
is an actress by the name of Ginnifer Goodwin…PERFECT!!
coming to New Hope, PA for book signing in May with my two daughters. can’t wait. Have a Happy B-Day!
I run the library in a large retirement community and bought your wonderful England-trip book to share with the residents. It’s never back on the shelf for very long — everyone loves it!
So nice to hear that Susan! Thank you!
Spring, a time of new beginnings, seems the perfect time for the release of your new book. I cannot wait to receive my copy.
Happy Birthday. Just had my birthday and threw myself a party! So happy seeing all my people meeting each other. Looking forward to my vacation to see you in Falmouth and James Taylor at Fenway. I am a lucky women. Have a great trip!
Your books are all so wonderful….through them we can all dream! And possibly a movie???? How wonderful!
Yeah! The new book is out! I know you are proud of this newest baby.
I wish you were stopping in Arkansas on your book tour, but I see that you are stopping in Memphis which is only a 2 to 3 hour drive from my part of Arkansas. Happy Birthday to you and safe travels to you and Joe!
Hurray the new book is being shipped. Great day indeed.
Happy Birthday and Safe travels to you and Joe!
Susan,
Once again I woke up and there was a wonderful blog post from you. I am on vacation right now and I hope the new book will be at home when I return. I am very excited. I love your books and everything about you. Thank you for being the inspiration that you are.
I hope to see you on your tour this time .It will be the light of my year.Congratulations on the new book coming out -excited about getting my copy Judy
You have inspired me to really spring clean!
Also, I can’t wait to read your new book! It looks beautiful.
Happy Birthday, dear Susan, Happy Travels and just……..Happiness! Because you make us all happy 🙂
See you in Wilmette, Susan. My sis and I are so excited….we have been fans for years. You are always an inspiration. But did you have to mention the dirty curtains? Now you have me looking at my window dressings very seriously!
So sorry, my bad! 🙂
Susan,
I am always happy when I can open your blog and see a new entry. You really bring me into your world and I am amazed at how giving you are of yourself and your world. I do wish you and Joe the best as you travel through out the country and I will be looking forward to seeing you in St.Charles, Mo. Be Safe….
Thank you Bev, see you there!
Hi Susan.
Wishing you love and prayers as you start on your travels.
I had read somewhere that you had published a Spring Book once. If it could be re-released or you could write one that would be such a delight! Although, it is great having you around more now the books are finished! I do miss you!
Love Jane
I haven’t done a Spring nor a Winter book. Yet, anyway! Thank you Jane!
Are you going to do a Spring book?? I was hoping so….
Maybe someday.
I just love sinking into your domesticity (another city word!) when I open your blog. thank you for inspiring me to starch and dust and polish! It is so theraputic!
My girlfriends (the FAB FOUR) and I are doing something very brave. We are coming to see you in Iowa! An overnight away from husbands and responsibilities and worrisome things! Thank you for setting our hearts right whenever we read your thoughts. Kindness. Thoughtfullness. Joy in the everyday.
-Mary Jo
Have been enjoying your blog so much for about a year now, thanks to a California friend who told me of it. I’ve already ordered my book but I, too, live in a large Senior Center so if I win another, I’d put it in our library as another of your friends was going to do. Safe traveling!
Oh Susan you know how to help us girls bring in Spring and with a new book. Life just gets better and better. Hoping your tour is exciting and fun!!
Cindy!
Glad to hear the books have arrived! Can’t wait to get mine!
Happy Birthday Susan !! I’m looking forward to your new book.
So exciting. We’re hoping to see you when you come over to England later in the year. I have your book on order but don’t think I will receive it until next month. Can’t wait.
The spring cleaning bug got to me too. I’ve been cleaning all the windows and trying to tidy up some cupboards. Got waylaid slightly and still lots to do so have to get back to it. There are just so many more exciting things to do!
Hope you enjoy your travels, I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun. x
What a delight! On a rainy grey day in Arundel, West Sussex, reading your blog is a ray of sunshine. Thank you for the inspiration and joy of celebrating simple pleasures. I’m planning my own adventure to come and discover Martha’s Vineyard and being ‘on-island’ within the next few months, but your beautiful new book isn’t available yet on Amazon here in the UK (until 1st June), so if Vanna happens to choose an English Girlfriend to spread some love of the island, I will be totally thrilled. PS. I couldn’t agree more with Carl Sandburg’s beautiful quote you’ve featured: “Nothing happens unless first we dream.”
Just received my book!! Going to start reading NOW. Btw Susan, when can we pre-order the 30th anniversary of Heart of the Home Cookbook?
Dear Susan,
Godspeed on your cross-country journey – with wishes of the best laughs and memories made possible!! I wish I lived in the States so I could attend one of your signing! Nonetheless, I am certainly looking forward to enjoying your book. Can’t wait!
:o)
Oh, my stars! How in the world can there already be over 2,000 comments ahead of me? Oh well, HOPE lives eternal and I refuse to despair….besides, who can resist freshly starched linens, books hot off the press, precious kitties and the anticipation of a BIRTHDAY PARTY? HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR SUSAN! I wish I could send you one of my homemade cards but I will just have to bring it when I get to meet you in July! Safe travels and blessings galore to you and your man!
Happy Birthday Susan! Proud Mommy, the baby has arrived in Philadelphia!!!!
Sooo very excited! xoxo Kathleen
So of course I started the book right away. Four chapters flew by and I had to stop myself or I’d be done before bedtime. All the talk of your little MV cottage made me feel very domestic & I was inspired to bake something, so I made some buttermilk scones to have with tea once I sit down again. Love, love, love the book so far!
Oh SO happy to hear that . . . our little domestic world is where so much goodness and light is born. It doesn’t get the credit it deserves. xoxoxo
Dear Susan,
Joe is a genius! I would love to win a personalized, signed copy of your newest book along with an authentic paintbrush and bookmark. I’ve already pre-ordered a copy (and just got the email that it’s been shipped–so excited!), but I’ll put my name in for this drawing (no pun intended) as well. Safe travels…Your Sister in Creativity, Dianne
Hi Susan, thank you for all you give to us, your far-away but near-at-heart girlfriends! In 1986, I treasured the splurge to treat myself to your “Heart of the Home, Notes from a Vineyard Kitchen” book with every page a work of art to savor. So I’m a long-time fan, and now I can’t wait to see book#3, “Isle of Dreams:” I especially loved the background info of your life growing up in CA, and what led you to break away to try something new on the Vineyard so long ago, in “Fairy-Tale Girl.” Congratulations and best wishes on your upcoming book tour! ~Judy Cole
Dear Susan,
Forgot to wish you the happiest of birthdays and to suggest a series of your life (like Downton Abbey) instead of a movie, this way we can enjoy it each week. Have your lawyer contact PBS!
Dianne
Happiest of birthdays to you Susan! I also share an April birthday and pre-ordered Isle of Dreams as a birthday treat to myself for my SB collection. Looking forward to the 30th anniversary edition of Heart of the Home as well. Happy Spring to you, Joe and the kitties.
May I recommend Sandra Bullock with bubbly, bouncy personality? She would be purrrfect! The question is – who should play Joe? Ryan Reynolds, perhaps?
Susan,
I love the post where one of your readers shares your book a A Fine Romance with senior citizens. I think I will do the same, I work in a skilled nursing facility.I’m sure it will stimulate many memories of trips they took to the British Isles, Also several of them grew up in the British Isles. I’m sure they will also enjoy your mew books. I hope I win one. Looking forward to following your trip this fall. Wish I could be going with you.
Love Sue
I also think Ginnifer Goodwin would be a good choice to play you. She is a good actress and looks very much like you/
Oh Susan!! I’m dying laughing at what you wrote beneath the picture of the little leg-lifting “Susan”!! That is just exactly how I feel: not so much improvement on the outside (where all y’all could appreciate it, sorry), but small and meaningful inner “lifts”! Hahaha Question: in the photograph beneath the one of the Beauty Bush, is that dark pink ball a peony?? My grandmother grew those on her farm in Missouri many years ago and they became my favorite flower. Can’t grow them in Texas tho. Don’t think I’ve ever noticed a picture of yours in bloom. Love you! Happy traveling!
That old-fashioned starch smells soooo good!
When I was in high school, I used to do ironing for a neighbor who paid by the piece, and she used the spray starch. Then, many years later when I was a SAHM, I did ironing for a neighbor who used the “homemade” starch. What a difference! Thanks for bringing back that memory!
Safe and fun travels!
Hi, I’m hoping that, even when you hit the road to go cross country and meet all of us, that you will find time once in a while to post entries in your wonderful, uplifting blog!
Oh Happy Day! When I got home from work last night there waiting for me was your Isle of Dreams book and my order from Republic of Tea: Downton Abbey Legacy Tea and Downton Abbey Crawley Sisters Tea. A Match Made In Heaven! I was able to get in a teeny tiny bit before crawling into bed last night – got as far as you buying Holly Cottage. I sooooooooooooo wanted to play hookie today and do as you did when you first landed on MV – curl up with my flannel jammies and sip tea and just read. *Sigh* Love it!!!!!
Happy Birthday! Can’t wait to see you in Colorado!
Ahhhh I just love all your painty scraps. Brush is a clever add-on. Smart Joe 🙂
xo,
Michelle
married to her own Joe (10-years in May, raising three little boys just north of Boston, discovered you in 1990, #plannergirl
Hi Susan,
Oh Happy Day! My book was in the mailbox today. What fun I am going to have reading it! Happy Birthday and thanks for all you do. I’ve been loving it all for many years. You are a blessing…
Karen
Happy Birthday Susan! Thank you for the gift of your books and drawings and all the fun of celebrating the every day parts of life, which are the best parts of life. I am again in a new state finding myself without many girlfriends yet, another new beginning. Your blog and reading all the comments from all the other girlfriends make me feel less alone in my new town. Happy and safe travels and thank you! xo
Jeanette
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
My sis and I looking forward to meeting you in Wilmette next month, Susan. You are so inspiring to us and we loved your first two books. Now I have to go wash my curtains after reading your latest blog!
Just popping in again to let you know how excited I am, Susan!! I’m expecting Isle of Dreams to arrive this afternoon. So, I’ve been rereading The Fairy Tale Girl… and have saved the last five pages to reread the moment the special package pops into my mailbox! I keep listening for the mail carrier’s footsteps on our front porch. I know that the Main Course will be just delicious!! It’s the book I’ve been waiting for for thirty years! 🙂
So happy for you… and so proud of you!! ♥ Sending birthday hugs a big early, so that you can enjoy them longer!
Love,
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
I can’t wait to hear what you think Dawn! Thank you so much!
Our little bundle of joy just arrived!! 💗 Happy dance!! Time to make tea and savor each word!! Huge hugs, dear Susan!! 💗💗
Oh, Susan! It’s the MOST wonderful book ever!! 💕I’m reading slowly, stopping to connect to so many things in my life as I read. I understand just how you felt when you bought Holly Oak on your own. I know just how wonderful it was to have your dad pack up his tools and drive cross country to help you. My parents came each weekend to help me. After they moved to Arizona, my dad would ask me to choose a special summer project, UPS the necessary tools, and we would work together to make my dreams come true! All of the quotations are so perfectly woven into your own story, and, of course, your artwork and lettering are exquisite!! 💕Thank you so much for sharing your story and life’s lessons with all of us, dearest Susan. I feel so blessed to read Isle of Dreams! Can’t wait to bring you a hug at our Afternoon Tea!❤️
Love,
Dawn
❤️❤️
I’m so happy to hear that Dawn. You know how it is, mom’s love it when people tell them their baby is cute. This day is starting off just right! Can’t wait to see you and everyone and celebrate together! xoxoxoxo
I tried to read slowly… really I did! Late last night, I finished Isle of Dreams, tears flowing as I read the beautiful Epilogue. Oh, Susan! It is truly enchanting! Thank you so much for sharing your whole heart with all of us. It was so heartwarming to follow the transformation of both Holly Oak and you, dearest. I never thought I could admire you even more, but now I do! You have showed us, in the most beautiful ways, just how hard you worked for so long to make your fairy tale come true. By sharing your journey, you will help so many others move in the direction of their own dreams.
It truly is a story filled with blessings! I loved meeting Ellie and Myron. As I read, I remembered so many special parts of my own fairy tale. When I bought this little house on my own, my sweet neighbors Mavis (also from England) and Bob instantly became my ‘grandparents next door,’ always looking out for me and offering help. Carlton was such an amazing blessing for you and Holly Oak! He will be so proud to read this book. 🙂
Isle of Dreams is the BEST book I have ever read, Susan!! I can’t wait to start over and savor it again, more slowly. Celebrating your ‘happily ever after’ and sending sparkling Happy Birthday wishes!
Warmest hugs,
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
My gosh Dawn, you are too much, thank you a thousand times. I’m so happy you enjoyed it!!! I’m overwhelmed a little, don’t hardly know what to say. Except thank you! Yes, I took Carlton his book and he came right over with a little present, a handmade antique wooden rendition of the Queen Elizabeth, the old ship! He loved the stories about him. See you very soon, save the hugs for then!
I just love all your books! Happy Birthday! Y’all have a wonderful trip! I would love to win a copy of Martha’s Vinyard!
Thank you so much Ann!
Hi Susan,
I left a comment two days ago and had to write again….I just went to the mail and found my book!! I had a package from Nordstrom and your book and guess which one I was excited about the most. My husband Rick and I are flying to Florida for a vacation next week and I already put it in my “books to take” pile. As soon as I sit on the plane I crack it open. (I always seem to save your books for vacation time). Thank you for sharing with all of us….we love what you bring to our lives.. Happy Birthday on the 12th…you and my sister, Melinda, share that special day.
XO Mary
Happy Birthday to Melinda, and have a wonderful trip, Mary!
Happy Birthday, Susan! Ignore the rain–makes home even cosier. And to share your celebration, I just got an email that my copy of your book has been shipped so double yippee!!
And now the rain has stopped and it’s just GORGEOUS today! All we had to do was wait a while!
Dear Sweet Sue, Hi!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOPE YOUR BIRTHDAY IS AS SPECIAL AS YOU ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just went out to get the mail and YES BABY # 3 WAS IN MY BOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It,s YOUR BIRTHDAY and WE GET THE PERSENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO HAPPY YOU HAVE TIME TO KEEP HOUSE ONCE AGAIN AND COOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVED YOUR BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!! Wanted to ask if you got the new Emma Bridgewater PATTERNS book yet? I think you would like it. It was fun to read!!!!!! When will there be a charm to go with BABY #3? HAPPY BIRTHDAY and I FINIALY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! found a birthday card special enough to send in the mail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It took a few years to find!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you like !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It may come after the 12th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Six BOOKS, hope one has my name on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BYEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, there will be a charm, and thank you thank you for all your birthday wishes! Hope you win Cindy!
Happy, Happy Birthday to you Susan!!!! I hope you enjoy your day as much as I do when I read your blog!
So far, this is a red letter day! Beautiful clear blue sky and we’re going on a walk in just a little while! Thank you Carol!
It Here!!! And it is perfectly wonderful!! I am sooo impressed! What a labor of love this was for you! The timing is perfect and here is why. I live in CT now but I lived in the Bay area when I was in my late teens and early twenties. My best friend who still lives there in Marin Co is coming to visit next week. I can’t wait to show her the book! I think she will fall in love with it. This is her first visit to New England and I think the book will help her to fall in love with this part of the country as well. Thanks again for all of your heart felt work.
Oh how fun, you are going to get to take her on a “tour!” Tell her I said hello . . . have fun! xoxoxo
We will be taking her to Block Island, my husband’s favorite hangout but there are definite similarities there to Martha’s Vineyard. She might be reading your book on the ferry. Thanks again!
I love Block Island!
OK one more teeny thing to say before I walk away from the computer. You have the BEST GROUP EVER of girlfriends that write to you! I have been reading these wonderful, wonderful comments and I do believe we should all have a giant sleepover and together all of your extended family of girlfriends, led by you, of course, :o) could pretty much solve all of the problems of the world or at least get a good start on them. OK this wasn’t so teeny but I am going now. Love everything you stand for!
I could not agree with you more about our Girlfriends, they are the BEST and bring sunshine wherever they go! Thank you so much Becki! You fit right in!!!
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Susan! I can’t wait to get Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams. I’m having withdrawal!
Soon!
Dear Sweet Susan,
I sent you a comment earlier today but came across something I thought you might enjoy when you were talking about linens in the current blog. Go to the website frenchgardenhouse.com and have a drooling good time.
Hugs and Kisses XXOO
LOVED it and sent your link to three best friends who I know are going to love it too! Thank you Luci!
Can ‘t believe it , but since I emailed you my husband came home and surprised me with the (under antique linens) Marghab strawberry tray mats and napkins from the site to go with my Wedgwood Wild Strawberry dishes for our 44th wedding anniversary. I cannot believe all the handwork that went into those. Can ‘t wait till they arrive. I’m still in shock in a good way!
They are gorgeous!! He is amazing! Happy Anniversary Luci! Hugs to that man of yours!
Dear Susan–I am a latecomer to your world. I came by way of “A Fine Romance” which my friend insisted that I read, knowing that I would appreciate your creativity. That could by the understatement of the year. I have spread the word not only in my apartment building but across a few state lines! Please don’t change; your work brings such joy.
You are so kind to tell me Ruthann. It is my absolute pleasure. Thank you for spreading the good word and a big happy Welcome to the Neighborhood! xoxoxo
It’s here!!!!!!! It’s big! It’s beautiful! Starting to read immediately!!!!!! It has a bookmark:)))) xoxo
Oh my! Happy Day in Texas!! The mail just came and my copy of Isle of Dreams is in my hands! Thanks for such speedy delivery! Can’t wait to read it.
Thanks Susan and staff! Made my day!
Hooray! Yes, Kellee, Alfredo and Sheri have done an amazing job!!!
Hip-hooray! Susan Branch arrived today! I got an e-mail yesterday saying my order had been shipped, and today it’s in my mailbox. Unbelievable! That’s a big book! All the more to read. So looking forward to it.
I didn’t want my Girlfriends to finish it in one setting this time! Hope you like it Annie!
Happy travels, meetings up with new and old friends, and birthday celebrations!
the email saying book had shipped AND the book arriving the next day – what an advantage to living in southern California!!! 🙂 it is beautiful!
Yes, it’s good to be close to the Mother Ship. xoxo
Susan❗️❗️❗️ . Haappyyy Birthdeeee❗️❣❣❣a movie? We need three, I hope you concider Meg or Renee amoung others to play you… I’ m sad you will not be in Mt Shasta ca, for a signing, but, we are pretty dinky here. Soo dear friend, and one aries baby to another, love and biiigg hugs for your BD. I pretend that Im the Diana who is your best friend. 😘
Dinky, perhaps, but one of the MOST beautiful places . . . I went through that area on a train once and have always wanted to go back! This time, with Joe. Happy Birthday dear Diana!
Hi Susan, Hope springs eternal as I leave this comment hoping to win one of your beautiful books. I too worry about leaving my cats for extended periods of time. When I return home and look in their eyes, however, I see nothing but adoring love. Soooo, I’ve come to the conclusion that they live in the moment and aren’t worried about me not returning. That’s how I put my mind at rest so I hope it helps you as well. Love all you do. Safe travels.
I know, we are lucky they don’t seem to have much concept of time. I hope. Thank you for the soothing words Mary Jane!
hi Susan, I have never been able to get one of your books, but do love reading your blog entrys…. and you speak of Martha’s Vineyard in such glowing terms that it makes me wish I could visit! maybe I’ll get lucky and one day win one of your books. enjoy your trip traveling our great country!
I know we will Bobbie, thank you for being here!
Happy Safe Travels and Happy Birthday Susan. I can’t wait to receive your new book in the mail. I love your beautiful lace curtains and the smiling spring
pansies in your window sill. I am going to run out and get some for my own kitchen window and thanks for the idea. Many Springtime Blessings to you,Joe and your sweet kitties.
Cheery spring day to you Sherry! xoxo
So excited for your book. Loved the kitty pictures! Safe travels. Love, Debby
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUSAN!
Travel safe.
Thank you Barbara!!
Happiest of Birthdays to You! cant wait to see you in Austin 🙂
See you in Austin, Debbie!
Can’t wait to get my hands on your new book, Susan! I will also be purchasing the Heart of the Home anniversary edition when it becomes available. I’d love to see you write a book on decorating for each of the seasons.
I would LOVE to do a book on that. Little things to cheer up a house in every season. My cup of tea!
I hope to see you at Vroman’s in Pasadena, CA for a book signing and meet-and-greet. You are the best!
Hope to see you there . . . that’s a gorgeous bookstore!
How clever to put the pansies in pots on your windowsill. I’m going to the nursery after work to buy some annuals and do just the same. Then when they start looking tired, I’ll transfer them to the outside. Happy Birthday to my daughter today and to you Tuesday. Oh, that is right. You share a birthday with Gladys Taber!
Yes I do!!!! It’s a red letter day! Happy Birthday to your daughter and Happy Spring to you both!
Thank you, thank you! How fun that you responded 🙂 It made my daughter feel very special* and me too**
Well, I think you are! xoxo
Hi Susan!
Just got an email saying my book had been sent! im so excited! Safe travels to you and Joe.