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 never tire of reading your blog, so upbeat and beautiful!
Makes me happy to hear that!
Guess what I got in the mail today, hmmm? You already know!! I’m nearly done rereading Fairy Tale Girl and I refuse to rush it just to get to Isle of Dreams. Next week I am on vacation–good timing, huh? So I will likely start the new book then. In the meantime, I enjoyed paging through the new book and caressing the smooth cover and pages. Can’t wait to see what happens next! Have a safe trip. Hope to see you in Hudson, Ohio next month at The Learned Owl bookstore. My husband loves and collects owls and when I told him the name of the bookstore he said, “That settles it then. We have to go!”
I like his thinking! See you there Linda!
Wow, Susan! Another lovely post packed with wonderfulness! The book looks wonderful. I know this is a special time for you, and I celebrate it with you!
Thank you Mary Ann, very sweet of you!
Susan! Your book came today! I picked it up and handled it just like it was my own little baby! I love it, all bathed in blue with a blue ribbon and snow on the cover!!!
Sign this NJ girlfriend up for a chance with Vanna! She will have to dive deep!
XOXOXO
Georgie from NJ
PS I was right there with you when you open the door to Holly Oak. #tears
What a moment. I’ll never forget it. Much more fun to have you there with me!
I love love your blog…your house…your garden…your kitchen…your kitties..your books! Spain seems to be so far from Martha’s Vineyard and at the same time so close!
Just across that li’l pond! 🙂
So so sooooo excited for the new book! Keeping my fingers crossed for a Pittsburgh visit in the future. Thank you for your beautiful words and art! Your books are pure joy.
Thank you so much Kelsey!
Your new book arrived today and my daughter and I are thrilled. I can’t tell you how much we continually enjoy them. Thank you!
So happy to hear that . . . hope you like it!
I love my kitchen, too, the open shelves with beloved dishes, the “white” collection above the window and the window above the sink where I watch the trees, the birds, the clouds, the sky. And there is a bonus…I can see ships coming and going into the harbor of our seaside town through the sliding glass doors. Your blog touches my heart, every time I read it.
Beautiful bonus Carolyn, we are lucky girls. xoxo
Love reading your blog; I don’t know of anyone who shares so much of her life — home, travels, and All Things Loved — with her cyber girlfriends (well, mostly girlfriends, not trying to exclude any gents!) And it’s always obvious that, although it takes a lot of extra work on your part, you are so happy to do it! Now that’s a generous heart for ya 🙂 I remember at the end of “A Fine Romance” the heartbreak at leaving England mixed with the thrill of going back to your beloved home and kitties. (Btw, “A Fine Romance” is one of my favorite books about England, full of new inspiration – people, places, and gardens to read about, flowers to grow, recipes to cook, sweet animals — sheep and the birds playing chase! — and villages to visit or dream about. And even if one can’t actually visit, there are ways to bring what’s loved into one’s own heart and home!) I am so excited about your book signing in June at FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, Georgia — just about 45 minutes south of my abode — ticket & book ordered! Late June, so our awful summer humidity may or may not hold off, but even if it doesn’t, you’ll find relief in gorgeous Asheville, N.C. next! (I loved Thomas Wolfe’s “Look Homeward, Angel,” and read it about a million times when I was younger — I think he found out the hard way that you can’t write a thinly veiled autobiography and not expect your hometown to notice; anyhoo, go to the Biltmore House!) Happy ironing and spring cleaning! In our part of the South, it’s USELESS to wipe down interior walls, paint, or clean exteriors until the awful, horrid pollen is gone. I’m not allergic, but a steady coating of lurid greenish-yellow powder covers everything for about a month, and there is no sweeping it away. I have to wait a few more weeks before my beloved clothesline is back in commission. Be glad it doesn’t “snow pollen” in gorgeous New England!
Loved your comment! I’ll see you in Georgia!
Hi, Susan! I am still missing your Downton Abbey Synopsis and comments on Mondays! Too bad Downton Abbey had to end! But now, I have your new book to look forward to! Your Kitchen looks so cozy and warm! You are lucky to have “weather” where you live! In Southern CA it hasn’t even rained like it should have during the “El Nino”. We are always stuck on Hot and Drought!
I cant’ wait to see you in Pasadena! Bon Voyage!
Laura Marec
See you at Vroman’s, Laura!
Yippy Skippy! It came in- M.V. Isle of Dreams. Right now I’m knee deep in mulch, pavers, and plants trying to get my yard in order before the Texas heat kicks in, so I won’t be able to read Isle of Dreams until next week. It will be a special reward for all of my hard work in the garden. A cup of tea, some PF gingerbread cookies( which I love ) , and your book- what a delightful treat for next week. I paint , so it would be really great to win your book and ONE OF YOUR PAINT BRUSHES. If I win one of your brushes, I will use it to paint ( in acrylics) and try to channel your creativity and sweetness.Thanks for making us feel special. Oh yes, Happy Birthday.
Hi Susan, I couldn’t tell if my comment was read because it said ” awaiting moderation” yet appeared along in the comments. So in case it was not received and read , I just want to say I look forward to reading MV Isle of Dreams. Thanks for sharing .
Thank you Cora!
Thank you Cora, happy gardening!
Oooooo! I just got my book! So thick and heavy in my hands! I love to open it and smell it! I love the blue! I am savoring each page and taking my time to read it! I want to make it last!!
Thank you, Susan! Thank you!
Glad it found you Hilda!
Cannot wait for another installment, you are a wonderful writer and so glad to have you around! Keep up the great work! Best of luck in your travels and hope your hand keeps on writing after all those book signings!
Me too Alysia!
Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams was in my mailbox this morning and I’m afraid not a great deal else is being done but reading and enjoying this wonderful book. Your accomplishments are great and such a gift to so many. Thank you, Susan Branch!
Thank you Kristi!
I received my book yesterday. Thank you. I keep saying only 10 more pages and I will get busy. Oh well, I’ll get busy tomorrow. As I read I feel like I’m living my life somewhat as I have dreamed it. I would love to live with seasons again. Hope to see you some day. Tell Joe hello for me. Gail
Thank you Gail! I’ll do it!
Your beautiful book arrived a couple of days ago and I’ve been happily burrowing into it at bedtime ever since. I think I am up to page 67? Talk about a page turner! I look forward to curling up in bed at night with it and my cup of tea. Thank you so much for the gift of insight into your private world. I can really relate to a lot of it. By the way, if you haven’t done that drawing for the paint brushes, watercolor test pages or an autographed copy of your latest book, please include me in that one! One of those brushes may just end up on the Antiques Roadshow someday! You never know!
You’re in Lauri! LOL, he Antiques Roadshow!!! That would something!
Just found out that my book has shipped!–Can’t believe it–I ordered waaaay late, and figured it would take at least a month for the gals in Ca. to get it processed.
You’ve got an amazing crew at the store!!! Can’t wait to read it!
I do, they are the best. So happy your book is on the way!
Thank you, Susan, for all you do — your blog, your lovely books, and giving us a piece of you, of course! Have fun on the road, be safe, say hi to Joe!
I’ll do it Elizabeth, thank you!
Oh, Susan, I am so very excited to be able to come to your book signing in St. Charles,Mo, in May! I have been a fan since the 1980’s and am bringing my original copy of Heart of the Home purchased back then to have you sign along with Fairy Tale Girl and A Fine Romance. Bring lots of pens..LOL. I have two girlfriends coming along with me so it will be a wonderful weekend. We have our name tags cut out and ready!! I received my copy of Isle of Dreams today and I have your signature in that one, but not personalized. I would so love to be a winner in this drawing!!
So fun when you bring your girlfriends! I hope you win Pat! xoxo
So excited for your book! I just looooooove the illustrations, and you always make me cry (in a good way) with the stories of your life!
Thank you Lisa!
I was late reading this time! We have been spring-cleaning here in Southern Illinois as well! The new books look fabulous!! So much going on in your world 😊 it will be nice to have a break and some time for kitty cuddles!! Enjoy your book tour! I wish I could make one! 😩 Maybe next time!!
Yes!
I can’t wait to read Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams! It might make up for no Downton Abbey. Have a safe trip around the country. Thank you for inspiring me to dig into cleaning. My problem is I love doing the sweet things like changing the special Easter things to the lovely spring ones. I have a child-size cupboard with glass doors, which I found at an antique shop years ago. I painted it white and replaced the hardware with tiny brass hinges and glass knobs. I gather small treasures from the cabinets in my kitchen and my laundry room to arrange in my little cupboard. In the winter it holds a tiny gift card you created years ago, a picture of your Martha’s Vineyard house in the snow.
Oh how sweet, I love being inside that darling little cupboard with the glass knobs. xoxo
Hi Susan,
I just got “Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams” out of my mailbox. I am so
excited, can’t wait to start reading. It smells so good…just wanted you to
know. I hope to see you at a signing, keeping my fingers crossed.
Christa
Smells just like a real book!!! Very exciting. Thank you Christa.
Dear Sue,
I cannot imagine the joy you must feel after finishing your books! I am reading them slowly so I can savor each page. I know your time away will be sweeter knowing you finished well.
Rest up and enjoy all the wonderful experiences to come.
You bless us in so many ways!
Marjorie
It’s joy, and it’s scary. Mix it up, and you have quivering! Thank you Marjorie! xo
Oh my, I can’t wait to read your new book! I love seeing and hearing all the details of your life on your blog, and this book is the icing on the cake!
Your book arrived today in the mailbox of one of my sweet daughters. The rest of us are envious and waiting for ours to appear. We so much enjoy your blog, your books and your bright happy sunshine view of life. You make us happy and inspire optimism. Blessings and travel mercies as you buzz around the country on your book signings.
Hope you have them now! Thank you Janet, hi to the girls!
I received my book today, sat down, looked at all the photos and started reading. Five hours later, I was through and going back through it to look at sayings I wanted to mark and paragraphs that I wanted to remember. Why I did not do it as I read through I don’t know. Can’t wait for the next Trilogy book and Heart of the Home in July this year. I have used my old Heart of the Home many, many times. There are not enough words to express the feelings your books bring, the warmth that someone else loves the same things you do and values the same things in their lives.
Joyce H. TN
How nice of you to say that Joyce. I’ve been on pins and needles waiting to see what everyone thinks. Thank you so much. xoxo
Received an email that my book was on it’s way! So exciting! Wonderful blog as usual and a Happy Birthday Susan!. You make my day!
Have been re-reading Fairy Tale Girl, love reading about how you came by your love of cooking. Inspired me to get back to cooking more, and feathering my nest again!
P.S. I love to iron , instant gratification and aromatherapy❤️
“Aromatherapy!” You are so right.xoxo
Oh Susan, my book just arrived in the mail!!! Woo hoo! And God willing and the creek don’t rise…I’m hoping to see you and Joe in Denver! And now girlfriend, I must start reading! 💖
Oh, and wanted to mention a restaurant in Edinburgh just in case you go there on your trip. It’s called Maison Bleue, I know, French restaurant in Scotland, but we sat at a little table for two overlooking the street and my husband thought it was his favorite meal of our trip. He had something like stuffed peppers that he would ordinarily not order, and he loved it. Uh oh, sorry to ramble on!
That was a great ramble. I added to my list!
Love your blog and happy to have the chance to win your new book! And just wanted you to know that I patterned my vegetable garden here in Southern California after yours. It has a white picket fence and two gates but I put a arch over the front gate and it is covered with star jasmine. The jasmine is budding out now and in a week or so it will just smell heavenly!
We have that at my studio in California and what a smell, it’s heavenly. I love my garden every day no matter what season, and I am sure you will too! Like a little toy out there!
Can’t wait to get my book and I am excited for you and Joe and all your travels and book signings:) My sister lives in Ipswich, MA and she plans on going to your book signing not far from her–only wish I could be with her! Can’t tell you how much I look forward to your blog..it just makes me happy!
It makes me happy to hear that Sheri! I will miss you!
What a lovely surprise to find this book giveaway on your blog! And the “extras” that Joe suggested are charming! I love reading your books, and this blog, and being reinvigorated about the seasons in particular. We are enjoying our first Spring on Whidbey Island in WA, but we’re working so hard to recover the garden and landscape in our new home, that I often forget to look up from the dirt and take in the wonder of it all. Thanks for the reminders! 🙂
So happy you are remembering now . . . it must be gorgeous there!!
So happy to receive your book today. It was a busy day and I needed to sit back and just read your book, I am three quarters through it, it’s so interesting and wonderful. I rented a small house in Eastham just like your first house. Thanks so much for all your books, my bookcase is happy. I am happy.
And that makes two of us xoxo
Just wanted to tell you that your book came in the mail today and I love it. Only wanted to read a few pages but it was really hard to put down. Felt like I was there.
I hope so Cindy!
What a joy to receive your new book today! I am counting the days until your book signing in St. Charles, Mo. ! Happy Trails and Safe Travels to You and Joe!
Please excuse my being late to the party, but I’ve just discovered you through your blog, and now I can’t wait to read all your books! I love getting a glimpse into your life — you are a treasure!
I’m happy to have you here Ann!
I finished Fairy Tale Girl last week — it was wonderful and I can’t wait to readM Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. I’ve also been revisiting your cookbooks and have so many recipes marked to try!
Thank you Geri, so happy to hear from you!
I save reading your blog until night time, when all of the chores are done. Puppy is in her crate, my older dog is sleeping on her bed in our den, waiting for me to go upstairs to bed. The radio is playing softly, the dishes are done, plans are made for tomorrow. Then, I sit down with a cup of tea, and go to your website and SMILE! I am in my Susan Branch world, in my happy place.
Can’t wait to see you next month in Hudson, Ohio. I saw you the last time you were in and can’t wait to see you again! I met the nicest people waiting in line to see you. People that owned tea houses, people who have enjoyed your books over the years, all kinds of interesting people. You sure do attract some of the nicest and most engaging people waiting in lines to see you. Not like the people you meet anywhere else 🙂
I can’t wait to read the new book. When I read the first one, I purposely did not read it all at one time – I did not want it to end! So I savored a little bit each night – I looked forward to reading all about your adventures in England, and felt as if I were right there with you.
Thanks for sharing your life with all of us. You warm my heart and put a smile on my face!!
The line is always the best . . . I hear everyone laughing and talking and sometimes want to jump out of my seat and go be in line with the Girlfriends! They are the best ~ I love them meeting each other. Thank you dear Lorraine. xoxo
Can’t wait to give my mom your newest book to treasure on Mothers Day! Thank you!
Your books have brought me so much joy! Thank you!
Hello! I just received an e-mail today to say my book is on its way, but I would love to win another and give mine away, as you suggest! especially because of the paintbrush and bookmark. Thank you for the inspirational blog (and the opportunity!) — I will be washing and starching my lace/net curtains and purchasing some violas post haste. And it is rainy here today in Southern CA, thankfully, so there may yet be flowers this Spring…
Hope to come and see/meet you in Pasadena when I get back from my tea room tour next month in England!
Happy travels to you,
Susan
P.S. Are you aware of this in Stoke-on-Trent? maybe while you’re there!
Exhibition: Beatrix’s Animals at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Sat 19 Mar – Sat 1 Oct 2016, free entry
Thank you for that Susan! I will check it out!
And Happy Birthday! I imagine you are dining in grand style with friends right now! Many more to you, and blessings in your new year.
Susan,
I am looking forward to reading Isle of Dreams!
And thank you for inspiring me every day! I made your carrot cake last Sunday for my father in law’s birthday and everyone loved it!
Makes me happy to hear that Gloria!
Well, heavens, have to cross my fingers and jump in, hoping for an autographed book from you! And – safe travels, dear! 🙂
Thank you Rose!
Your lovely pictures, writing, and blog are such wonderful comfort and reprieve from the stress and pain life can bring us. Don’t ever stop giving us and the world your beautiful gifts. Thank you!
I love that you’re here Kristi. Thank you for the sweet words. xoxo
Thx, Susan! My only complaint is that I wish you could post so much more. You are missed during the “inbetweens.” Have a lovely visit 🚐🚊✈️
That “only two hands” thing is something I rebel against!
My two best friends (from first grade and we’re turning 61 in April and May) will each be getting your books for their May birthdays. I gave them A Fine Romance year before last and they absolutely loved it as I did. We felt like we had been to England right along with you. Love your style of writing, the art, EVERYTHING!
Thank you so much Kim. . . you are so lucky to have such good old friends to share things with! And they are so lucky to have YOU! xoxo
Your new book has arrived and it is gorgeous!!! Can’t wait to start reading it! I love all of your books and your blog. I am looking forward to seeing you at Book People in Austin, Texas in June!!
See you there Wendy!
I love your books! Can’t wait to meet you!
Here’s to happy endings! You are always a joy.
I am so excited to see you in Morro Bay, CA in May! I have the first ticket and feel like a lucky duck! Can’t wait to read the new book when it arrives (which should be this week!)
So glad to hear that Sarah! I am looking forward to getting home to my old neighborhood!
Susan, Have you ever considered doing a Page a Day Calendar? I think you should~ (Like you don’t have enough to do!)~
Happy Spring!
Maybe someday!
Hi sweet Susan!
I have big plans to clean and tidy up my cute little apartment today, and the pretty pictures you posted of your starched curtains and sparkling dishes are just the motivation I needed! That is…after I finish this cup of coffee. I can’t wait for your book to arrive!! Have a safe trip, and thanks once again for the morning smiles. XOXO
Enjoy your cute-making!
P.S. — I hope you had a wonderful TGIT birthday party — how sweet to give your besties gifts, though I’m certain they would all concur the Birthday Girl is a treasured friend indeed 🙂 Gosh, the cupcake looks good (although it’s hard for a cupcake not to ^_^ ) Happy, happy birthday! My mom believes in “the birthday week”, so hope yours is full of love and happiness!
I believe in it too, Birthday Month, and so far it truly is. Thank you Frances!
Your book arrived at just the right time. I was laying on the couch, recovering from the flu, feeling extremely sorry for myself. Feeling better already! 🙂
I’m so glad! Get well soon. xoxo
Oh, how I love your blog and books and everything. Thank you for always giving us your best, can’t wait for the book tour. Be safe and know we will be waiting for you upon your return.
Thank you so much Coraleen. xoxo
Wow! Blotter bookmark sounds even better than a new book! Authentic paint blops from Susan’s brush-oh my! What a great idea for otherwise trash. An old paintbrush is a pretty nifty idea too (Thanks Joe). 🙂
Always the “otherwise trash,” has gone to the trash, billions of those blotters I would guess, but then comes Joe!
Congratulations, it’s been a long road.
Yes, it has. Thank you so much. ❤️
Susan, I got my book! So excited to start reading it this weekend! If I win one in your giveaway, I will give the one I bought to my favorite aunt in the whole wide world. We have been fans of all things Susan Branch since we bought Heart of the Home and Vineyard Seasons so many years ago. We both love to cook and entertain and you give us such inspiration. You give me “every day” inspiration too! Love you Susan!
Thank you so much Sharan . . . I love your relationship with your Aunt. Tell her I said hello! xoxo
I cannot wait to order your book.
Just called Malaprops in Asheville, so excited to see you June 27th. Loving, loving A fine Romance. Savoring every word with a cup of tea at hand. Can’t wait to read your newest book.
We’ve never been to Asheville, very much looking forward to it!
I can’ wait to complete my collection of the trilogy you have lovingly shared with your many admires and faithful followers and friends.
It is always like opening a beautiful gift when I read your blog,books and see the variety of your imagination.
Thanks so much, Melinda
Thank you back Melinda, that was so sweet of you!
I was working for Time-Life Books when you wrote Heart of the Home. Since Little Brown was a sister company, we had a drawing and I won Heart of the Home. I fell in love with you and your books, art, fabric. In my move cross country, I lost my book, so I’m really excited to get a new one. Keep up the fun and good work. When ever I’ve had a bad day or someone has made me feel bad I just go to the library and find one of the books I worked on. Aren’t we lucky to be able to do that!
What a nice story! Thank you Jayne, I loved it. All connected . . . right? xoxo
Oh I would be so over the moon if there was indeed a movie or TV series! I would probably love it as much, if not more than, Outlander and Downton Abbey! Oh no, Downton Abbey…now I’m crying again! I love and adore your writings and your artwork. I remember as a very young stay at home mom saving my money so i could pay the most loverly Susan Branch address book that I saw in a sweet little local store. I bought and stiill use it to this day!!
So nice to hear from you Mary Beth! xoxo Thank you so much.
April 9, 2016~ SO! Yesterday I came home with my dear husband from the doc’s office, after hearing that I must have surgery on my knee with a torn meniscus, and there in the mail was a package addressed to my husband David! He said, ‘Hey! This is from Susan Branch!” ( He bought it with his PayPal account, you see…) And so I sat down and immersed myself in ‘Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams” , the “rest of the story”, as Paul Harvey would say! I read until my eyeballs were ready to fall out, and I closed the book at page 306, to wait until today. This morning I got up in the quiet and finished the book, sipping my tea and thinking of Ellie and her tea leaves , and fireflies in the woods, and how much I love seasons, too! You are so sweet to open your heart and your diaries to all of us girlfriends, Susan. Thanks from my heart to yours, Suzette in Oregon
I don’t feel like it’s my story alone. xoxo Thank you Suzette, so much, so sweet of you.
Susan, I am so excited about meeting you at your book signing in Asheville, NC on June 27! Wishing you safe travels! I know you will be seeing lots of smiling faces from all your girlfriends out there! See you before too long!
Almost there Beth!
My treasured girlfriends and I are so excited to see you in May in SLC! Thank you for the leaving your lovely home to come and share with us! Safe journey to you!!
Thank you Kathy!
My Martha’s Vineyard book from you got here yesterday. THANK YOU! It is better than my
wildest dream. The book is bigger than I though it would be and thicker too. I loved the feel of the silky paper plus thicker paper than most books. The pictures are bigger and easier to
see with space around so not a jammed up appearance. Loved all your art work and all the pages full of wonderful treats. THANK YOU. I did skip though and peek trying to be quick
before starting the delight of reading your precious book. That all sounds corny but I am just
so happy for you, your Joe, Martha’s Vineyard your home base and most of all your willingness to put it all down on paper for all of us to share. Have a lovely summer meeting all your friends and they meeting you. Back to reading your pretty, cozy, happy book.
It’s just what I do with new books too, so it doesn’t sound corny to me! It sounds normal! Thank you so much Roma!
Dear Susan,
It has arrived! I am so thrilled! It was shipped on Thursday and I didn’t think it would be here till next week. So it is Saturday morning and I have my brand new book from you. Cold and miserable here in No. Ky so I know what I will be doing. Thank you Susan.
Cold and windy and wild here too, we planted baby daffodils today. Wearing everything we owned to do it! I’m so happy your book is there!
Just a few more days until your birthday! Hope it’s a good one. Maybe you can even let your hair down a bit 😉! Hugs to Joe and the kitties.
Much love,
Laurie
(No longer of the Magnificent Seven Bunnies
Sadly reduced to the Six Pack o’ Bunnies)
Not sure what the PS means, but I am sorry to hear it… xoxo
Sorry Sue. Didn’t mean to be cryptic. We live(d) with seven house bunnies. I quite often signed off with the Magnificent Seven. Little Tess got her wings last fall. Basically just old age. We love our bunnies like you love your kitties. Happy to still have my six. They all live in the house, are litter trained, and spayed or neutered. Wonderful pets for the right person.
Laurie =:3
Ohhhh, dear, I’m so sorry! But, six bunnies, there for the petting, how heavenly. xoxo Thank you for telling me Laurie!
Enjoy your books and cats.
I’m doing that very thing. xoxo
It’s here! It’s here! My book has arrived! I had to tuck it away for fear I might be tempted:) I’m saving it to read during my recoup from minor surgery on Friday. Part of my surgery is a “dusting & cleaning.”(My doctor’s term. Hahah.) So appropriate for this time of year. Your blog is wonderful! Three cheers for Susan Branch. Hip Hip Hooray!
Thank you Asha and best of luck for quick recovery! xoxoxoxo Sending love!
I love reading your blogs and I’m looking forward to meeting you at the New Hope Tea. I was so excited when I found out that you were coming to my area. See you soon.
So glad you got tickets Jackie! See you there!
Love you books and your blog. A chance to win one of your books is not to be missed! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
My pleasure Linda!
I think Sally Fields should play you! Can’t wait for the book!
Sally Fields is too old, Renee Zelleweger is a bit younger.
We need someone who’s 20 right now, so by the time this gets made she’ll be 30, which would be perfect. 🙂
I am so excited about your new book road trip. All us girls are always with you in thought. My fav spot is near your fireplace. Have, laugh, have tea. Love you and Joe
I feel your wonderful presence! xoxo
Dear Susan,
Happy to report that I received my book the other day. I started reading last night and could not put it down. Although I tried very hard today to let it last as long as possible (by taking frequent breaks- cooking, cleaning, ironing my vintage pillow cases) I was unable to stop reading it until it was complete. Congratulations on another lovely book. It is another page turner, where you not only look forward to the ‘story’ but also to what beautiful flowers and borders and photos will be on each new page. So nice of you to always share your life with all of us. (And that we share so many loves- home, ‘cozy-ness’, kitties, cooking, etc.) Think I may have to re-read ‘A Fine Romance’ to keep the happiness going! Also loved the cute inside cover with the map! Thanks again for another wonderful book and always dispersing so much JOY!
Writing a book, for me, is kind of like giving a dinner party. You always try your best to make it pretty, and delicious, and comfy for your guests. xoxo
It came!!! I just knew it was your book when I saw the package. Once opened, I sat it on my table and tho I looked inside, I have not started reading yet. Because I know once I do, I will not be able to put it down. Please tell us this is not the end to your books. 🙂 Have a safe trip! Kit
We’ll have to see what the future holds. But probably not, but maybe, but probably not.
Well, I will continue to hope. 🙂 Maybe one about… Scotland?
One thing I know, I’ll be keeping a diary while we’re over there. . . xoxo
Yay!!! I thought you would. 🙂
Hi, Susan! I’m so excited that your latest book, “Isle of Dreams” came yesterday, and with perfect timing! It is a delight to savor, and I am taking it very slowly: first, I ran my hands across the front and back covers; then I peered to the inside of the book jacket and read your intro; next, I slowly leafed through the pages, just glimpsing at the pictures but not taking in too much so as not to get ahead of myself. A snowstorm off Lake Erie blew into Avon Lake, Ohio last night, and we awoke to a winter wonderland of snow (and half a pear tree strewn in the driveway.) The branches of the tree have been cleared, and I am now settling down to the beginning of several hours of delightfulness! Thank you, and see you in Hudson, Ohio! Marie
Stay warm Marie . . . happy reading!
My book arrived today! I’m flipping through it, reading here and there. What to read first? I want to take it all in! Guess I will start at the beginning! Can’t wait to sink into it. Looks wonderful, Susan. Thank you!
Jackie P
I know, I usually start at the back of magazines, have to fight natural inclination when it comes to books!
Your book arrived in the mail yesterday and I have been reading it non stop! It is better than I ever hoped it would be! After this one we will not allow you to stop writing! Congratulations on a job well done!! Perfect! Charming! Heartwarming! Inspiring! Lovely! Wonderful! Hooray from Texas!
I am thrilled to hear that, you just don’t know. Thank you Paula.😂
Your blog just warms my heart! Can’t wait for my book to arrive! Hope it arrives before I leave on a cruise. See you in Austin.
It should be there any minute!
It’s here! And it’s beautiful. This is going to be a wonderful weekend.
Hooray!
Your book arrived today. It’s just beautiful!! Thank you Susan, you are the best!!!
Thank you Susan!
Good luck on your 2016 adventures!
Thank you!
I was up and dressed earlier than usual because I knew I had to get to the mailbox (where I might be seen) because I just knew the book would be there today and it was! Turned out no one was about, but I did put on my new LL Bean T shirt which is a lovely pale sea-foam blue/green, a color I’ve been craving lately and as I sunk into my rock-n-roller chair fondling your book, I realized why — This lovely color in varying values is all over the book. The maps of MV on the inside covers, the lovely first page with the grandmother’s flower garden quilt surrounding the blanket-stitched poem about seasons, the lettering around the ferry boat, the poem above the flower-topped rock wall, the title page with you holding the cat against your sea green shirt above your signature 🙂 🙂 Well you get the idea, the wavy stripes on the cover of your book are kind of like the vibrations of collective unconscious I feel when it comes to you and all the blog of commenters. Everything I’ve read so far makes me want to write you a long letter about all the life experiences we share — time warp not withstanding — I’m sure I’m not the only one.
The book is such a beautiful package. I’m enchanted with it.
To top things off I got an e-mail from my ex this morning. I’ll spare you the details, but somehow that just fits in with the whole mood here. It never ends. Thank you Susan for putting it all down with your own illustrations and wonderful COLOR!! Just love the COLORS. I’m going to tell my daughters it’s kind of like the Little House Books in a different time – reading your life stories. Okay, I have to continue reading . . . It’s a perfect day.
I have always known how much alike we are and even while I was writing this I was thinking that. “It never ends” LOL. No, probably not! Thank you dear Sylvia! xoxo
Hi,
My book arrived here in Alameda — small island in San Francisco Bay next to Oakland. I just read Fairy Tale Girl for the first time but have held off on A Fine Romamce so I can read them in chronological order (having come to the trilogy late). Hoping to see you at Rakestraw in Danville next month.
Love,
Laura
I’ve been to Alameda, to the flea market there. Lovely place to live! Happy to know the book found you! xoxo
I am really looking forward to this as I have always wanted to know more about the start of your adventure in Martha’s Vineyard and the inspiration you gained. Been to Hilltop this week for a special after hours tour of a inspirational woman we both love who found the perfect place to write and heal after heartbreak. They showed us fans that may have belonged to Beatrix’s grandma and old mutton bones found from the chimney that inspired Samuel whiskers . The sun was setting on Hilltop and all you could hear was blackbirds and distant sheep calling to lambs .. They made us listen to the house in silence to feel what Beatrix would have, she would put the house to bed and keep it company before it got dark. Thanks for being inspirational too Autumn got me hooked on your books . Sophie from Shropshire Uk
Silence inside that house must be wonderful. It would be heaven to spend the night there and have a cup of tea in front of the fire. You are so lucky, love the sound of the birds, what kind of sky was it? Thank you Sophie!
I was very lucky my boyfriend had booked it as a secret surprise! We stayed in Anvill cottage in the village that can be seen in ‘The tale of Samuel Whiskers’ when Samuel and Anna Maria are running up the lane away from Beatrix! It was a beautiful early evening the village was drenched in sunlight and only fine wisps of cloud could be seen. The garden at Hilltop is starting to come to life slowly. There were some beautiful herdwick lambs to be seen near by that are born black and look so hardy already. At Hilltop they shown the torches on the bottom of beatrixs wooden furniture that had been nawed by the rats and the marks can still be seen! As the light was fading the longer we stayed in the house but it added to the astomopshere. They still use Beatrix’s rat catcher to this day placed at the door. They also showed us a french game of illsurated wooden blocks that Beatrix would have played with and one had a duck with a bonnet and shawl the same colours of Jemima Puddle duck and as Beatrix always claimed she had to copy this may have inspired her! The staff were lovely and allowed me to have my photo took against the iconic closed door at hilltop and have a go knocking the door with the beautiful old knocker.
At the Beatrix potter gallery at Hawkshead they had Benjamin bouncers pelt on display that Beatrix kept so she could paint his fur colours later on. They were also parts of her coded diary on display and early drawings Beatrix did. I like seeing where she painted over mistakes or added layers of paper even to her famous watercolours of her books because it makes her seem more human to me. Sorry for the ramble but I know of your love for her and knew you would be interested! Thankyou so much for replying XX
Oooo I forgot to say as we were having a talk in the kitchen two beautiful black and white farm cats drank from a saucer by the door and walked into the kitchen … It would have made your day! X
Yes, it would, you have my number!
VERY interested. Didn’t you love Hawkshead and Willy Heelis’s office? How low and thick and white the walls were? I just loved that little place. Thank you for the wonderful description. Such a perfect place for all of that. I’ve always been interested in what inspires my heroes, and have also figured out where certain bits of Beatrix’s art might have had their beginnings. Her mind imprints with what is around her, just as mine does. But without Beatrix, that Puddle duck would have just stayed on the block, and I wouldn’t have the darling behatted, porcelain girl on the shelf over my kitchen sink, and my life would have not been quite as wonderful without her. So all is as it should be. Loved your delightful commentary Sophie! “Drenched in sunlight, and fine wisps of clouds.” Thank you!
Wouldn’t this be a fun giveaway to win. A gift that keeps on giving.
A friend introduced me to your writing, and after thumbing through A Fine Romance at her house several visits in a row, she finally just gave it to me to read. I’m in the middle of it right now (you’re just about to visit Hill Top!), and I’m in love.
Can’t wait to read more of your books (and try some of your yummy recipes)!
So nice to hear from you Kelly! Welcome to the neighborhood. Joe and I are taking the ship back to England in the fall, and taking the Blog with us, so be sure to come along! xoxo
I am so excited my books have shipped!!
Have a great time traveling!
Love,
Melissa
Thanks Melissa!
Susan, I’m so glad that you are now able to enjoy the simple things in life a little before you start out on your cross-country adventure. Absolutely can’t wait to read Isle of Dreams! Thank You for sharing your life with us!
Yes, we meandered up-Island this afternoon, to a nursery, in the freezing cold, and bought plants anyway! It was fun, and meandering is my favorite thing! #thincrustpizzainthecar #justlikereallife 😀
I love your blog. I sure wish I had your new book right now to enjoy and relax by after a busy day of putting up deer fences and burning giant piles of winter’s pineneedles. Definitely in need of some refreshment!
Must be on the way, I hope! Good girl for getting so much done. Those pine needles must have smelled wonderful!
Love me some Spring cleaning – you make it look fun! I’m so excited to read Isle of Dreams, I wish you were doing a book signing near me! Love from Virginia!
Aren’t we? Well, maybe it’s a couple of states over, LOL, I forget!
Congratulations! Have been a fan since the original The Heart of the Home. Have a wonderful safe trip.
Cathy
Pumpkin Hook, NY
Thank you Cathy, you live in a town with a very cute name!
Hello….so looking forward to reading this book!!! Thank you for being you and for writing a blog! <3 Well and all of your books to! hehehehe
Thank YOU for being here! xoxo Thank you Kimberly!
TODAY, YOUR BOOK CAME! IT’S WONDERFUL…I READ THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS IN THE CAR IN THE POST OFFICE PARKING LOT. AT 70 I’M LOOKING FOR NEW HORIZONS AFTER TEACHING SCHOOL FOR 45 YRS. . YOUR BOOK …ALL YOUR BOOKS ARE SO INSPIRATIONAL. MAY THE JOY YOU GIVE TO OTHERS RETURN TO YOU 100 TIMES OVER!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat in the PO parking lot reading my mail! Here’s to new horizons . . . xoxo
Hi Susan I really enjoy reading all your posts, it is like being there with you. I can feel the air, the snow and smell the flowers. Also I love the music you put in your posts it make me remember my father, he used to love music.
Receive lots of hugs from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
So nice to hear from you in beautiful Mexico. Thank you for writing Cecilia! xoxo
Hi Susan, I want to thank you, because everytime I read your posts I feel I am the with you, feeling the wind, seeing the snow and smelling the flowers. I also enjoy the music or your posts.
Receive hugs from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
Muchas Gracias Cecilia! xoxoxo
Dear Susan,
Another marvelous journey through the pages of your book. I have only 60 pages left and just don’t want it to end. Thank you for sharing your heart, your life, your talent with us. You pack so much into each page. It makes me reflect on my own life and the path I’ve followed. I grew up in Wisconsin and landed in California in ’73. Still miss the change of seasons, but cherish the memories of snowflakes dropping on my face, the crunch of leaves under foot and the sky full of fluffy clouds making all kinds formations.
Looking forward to seeing you and Joe in Pasadena in June. Praying for safe travel and lots of joy as you traverse the country.
Love from
Carrie
I always knew I was writing more people’s story than just my own. Makes me happy to read this! See you in Pasadena, Carrie!