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!
Dearest Susan,
So excited about your new book. Wonderful new posts !
I can’t wait for June 8th. You will be in Pasadena, a day before my birthday !!
What a treat 🙂
Sending love from rainy L.A. 🙂
Be sure to have me write Happy Birthday in your book, Patricia!
I love reading your blog and though I’ve missed reading it for a little bit, I always know that when I come back to it, it will delight and make my day and I usually read it all at one fell swoop. (Did I just say one fell swoop?) 🙂 I was reminded to get back here, pronto when I found two ads for your new book in the magazines that came in the mail recently. One in my Victoria Magazine and one in the Teatime magazine that was a Christmas subscription gift from a friend. Just wanted to wish you a good and safe journey as you travel and God bless you!
Thank you Barbara, I do love those blessings! xoxo
Oh happy day my new book came today. I almost hate to read it because then when I am finished I will start wanting a new one to be on the horizon. You are just the best. I love your art work. Thank you for being so generous with your stories and sharing with your many fans. Thanks to you I have birthdays and Christmas gifts covered for the rest of the year. I hope you and Joe have a wonderful trip to Scotland. It is one of my most favorite place on Mother Earth.
I’ve heard that from others . . . doubles the anticipation! Thank you Barbara!
Hi Susan,
Just wanting to wish You and Joe clear, safe travels as you cross the country. And enough hugs and love to smooth the bumps in the road.
Happy Trails,
Bev
Thank you Beverley! Joe and I are at our best in the car on a road! We are really looking forward to the escape from reality!
My birth year is 1947 also—I have been a fan since you wrote your first cookbook. Your writing, art and view of life is happy and beautiful-much appreciated in this crazy and chaotic world of today. I have just received your latest book and have started to read it-so wonderful. I also live in Massachusetts and came here after my divorce in 1971. Shelburne Falls is a lovely village and I feel lucky to have “landed” here. Thank you for the joy you bring to so many…
Warm Regards-Anna Morey
Thank you so much Anna! I’m happy you found your sweet spot!
Susan ~ I just have to add here that Anna gave me my first Susan Branch book, Girlfriends Forever, when I turned 50. I loved it and the rest is history.
Well, isn’t this wonderful . . . xoxoxo
I have my crackling fire (in a fire-pit outside because it was EIGHTY in Boise today), a glass of chardonnay, and The Fairy Tale Girl. I’m doing this right, and setting the scene for your The Isle of Dreams. YAY!!! I have to say, I am impressed with my self control-havent even peeked into the new book! Looking so very forward to this treat Susan Branch! You are a beautiful inspiration. Thank you for sharing so much of YOU with us! Safest of travels and best of wishes on your adventure across the U.S. Meanwhile, I’ll be here in my neck of the woods, enjoying -yet another- treasure from you. 🙂
Many thanks!!!
Eighty in Boise. What’s wrong with this picture? Joe and I planted baby daffodils yesterday wearing hats, scarves, giant jackets, two sweaters, and gloves . . . like rotund people working in the garden. Your fire sounds perfect! Thank you!
It came today!!!!! I cannot bear the thought of reading it because then it will be OVER. The book is so beautiful. I did have to skim thru and hold it for awhile and gently caress the cover and pull the ribbon lightly thru my fingers. Please be a movie! We want more, more, more……..
xoxo Thank you Suzanne, I hope you like it!!
so exciting you have the new book!!! can’t wait to read it!! 💜💜💜
I want one of those signed copies! Tell Joe that I love his idea of the paint brush! I love my paint blotter book mark that we got when you visited Ohio. We will be there again to see you in Cincinnati. Go Vanna!!
See you soon Connie!
Hello Susan,
Thank you for another beautiful blog…absolutely love the picture of Jack & Girl Kitty together, their feline expressions are priceless!
Kathy
St Augustine, FL
Love the blotter bookmark idea!
Sign me up.
Can’t wait to read your new book!
Can’t wait to get the book and read it!
So, what did you tell the lawyer about who you want to play you? 🙂
Wanted to let you know, too, that I’ve been cooking through your first cookbook as a “therapy” or coping skill to help me through a family health crisis. I just made the Chicken Salad and everyone loved it! I’ve never really liked chicken salad, but really enjoyed this one. I may reward myself with your new version when I finish. This one is getting a bit tattered and splattered so it’s perfect timing for me!
Much love to you, Susan! <3
Cooking is wonderful therapy! All those oohs and aaahs and yum-yums make anyone happy!
I said Zoey Deschanel! But the Girlfriends here have had some very good suggestions too!
Oh, good! That’s my pick too! You’re both adorable.
Well, she wins for adorable!
I live in London and can’t wait for ‘ Island of Dreams’ to arrive from a certain universal mail order supplier. ‘A Fine Romance’ and ‘Fairy Tale Girl’ fill me with joy and nostalgia- they are like magic pathways to the stories of my own life- and the music, oh the music. I have to wait until summer , oh I wish I was there and could order from you ! I have all your beautiful recipe books too, now I want the updated editions but can’t bear to give away my much loved and used originals . I spent my honeymoon in New England 20 years ago, partly because of your beautiful books.
Thank you too for all the wonderful illustrations and in ‘A Fine Romance’ rediscovering the country that I love through your eyes. It’s a map for my ‘ Joe’ and I to discover the wonderful British Countryside all anew. A film? I hope they can do it justice. Are you really coming to us for a grand picnic? That would be marvellous. Good luck with your book tour- I hope we catch a glimpse of you in the UK .
I AM! A grand picnic with my friends on the other side of the pond and I just can’t wait! I hope you can come. And thank you so much for all your kind words, Janet! I bet that certain mail order supplier will get them earlier. And if you don’t mind postage (which is very mindable these days) you can always order it from my studio. xoxo Hope to see you in the fall!
I can’t wait for the new book!!! Would also love to have the paintbrush and bookmark 😉 I hope you and Joe have a safe and very FUN trip!
I would loooooove a signed copy of your awesome new book. I won’t be able to attend your book signing in Austin.
I’m planning to surprise a girlfriend with a gift of your “Girlfriends” which I found in an antique shop.
Thank you for bringing so much joy to so many !
Received my book and started reading. Oh Susan I can hardly wait to meet you in Salt Lake City my home next month. I have followed u for years and have enjoyed everything u have published. Would love to host you and Joe in our home. Just let me know. Keeping my fingers cross that Vanna picks me.
Joe has made us quite a tight schedule, into town, off to meet the Girlfriends, back to the car and on to the next place! But we’ll be away from home for two months, so I think that’s why he did it like that. I do so look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City! Won’t be long now! And thank you so much for the lovely invitation!
Thanks for the motivation! I’m heading back to my Michigan home after snow birding in Fl. Your blog got me fired up to get out the scrubbing bubbles and whip both places in shape. The plan was to leave in time to greet our new grand daughter due to be born the end of April, however she arrived early yesterday morning. I’m so bummed I didn’t get to see her on her first day, but I’m so excited to be going home to greet the greatest gift of Sping, my first grand daughter Katelyn Marie. Enjoy your trip and all the adventures it will bring Susan, I’m so looking forward to meeting you on one of the stops near me.
Congratulations to you Barbara, that is so exciting!!! Katelyn Marie, I love her name! Travel safely!
Hi, Susan, your love of the home, writing, seasons and life just inspires and lifts me up!
Joy shared is so contagious! Have a lovely book tour and stay in touch.
Your grateful reader,
Sally xx
I loved the blog! I can’t wait to read the “sequel”. Ah, the quiet time for reflection, reading and a cup of tea. 🙂
Oh! You are so creative with your bookmarks and paintbrushes! Who DOES that?…oh, that’s right, YOU do. Of course you do. Can’t wait to read the books. Loved A Fine Romance, as did my daughters, who read it the winter before traveling to England last summer for 3 weeks. Your book helped them enjoy it immensely. Thanks for all you put into life and domesticity….you are such an inspiration!
How nice Joy! Tell your girls I said hello! We’r going back in the fall, and will take the Blog along with us . . . so be sure to watch for England and Scotland and Queen Mary 2 photos!
So very happy for you! Best wishes for a wonderful book tour.
Xoxo!!!
I love visiting your blog! It’s the place I go to for beauty in both watercolor, photos, words and spirit. Thank you so much for all the work you go to in order to provide such a delightful little corner of the world! Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable tour!
Thank you Terri!
My Isle of Dreams arrived yesterday…and here I sit, well into it, sad and happy by turn, but knowing you do get your Happily Ever After, makes me smile…thank you for sharing…and thank you for being a kind of Poster Fairy Tale Girl-cum-Woman for so many 🙂
Nice of you to say that Sheila . . . Isn’t it funny, we all know how this ends! 🙂 Most books, you don’t get to know that! I’m so happy you like it anyway! xoxo
Hubby and I are on a month long holiday in Spain and guess what I’m really, really looking forward to? Returning home to California where I will have your book waiting for me! (Why is hubby shaking his head at me and talking about priorities? Men are plain clueless.). The huge gardens at the Alcazar in Cordoba were soooo gorgeous today – you would ❤️ them. Safe journey, girlfriend, and the happiest of birthdays.
Clueless, even in Spain. Well, what can we say. 💋 “Getting” us is just a bit complicated! I have a girlfriend who just returned home from a month in Spain! Must be the place to go this year!!! She loved it too. Safe journey to you and the clueless, but doubtlessly adorable, hubster. xoxo
Wow! After fortification of coffee and tea, I just finished your new book. This is your best yet and I will put a review on GoodReads saying so. My favorite part was the Epilogue-knew there was a reason I like Diana so much, mama/baby nurses recognize their own. Well done, and I look forward to meeting you at Malaprops in Asheville this summer to tell you in person!
Thank you Denise . . . I always wonder how the books compare to the others. That makes me happy to hear. 👏 I saw you on Goodreads, can’t thank you enough, you know what a difference those stars make! I just spoke to Diana yesterday, a nice hour-long conversation. She’s coming out here in August to help us celebrate Joe’s birthday. See you at Malaprops! We’ve never been to Asheville and are really looking forward to it!
Oh my! You are going to be at Malaprops in Asheville! How did I miss seeing that? I guess I thought you would probably never get close enough to South Carolina, so I stopped looking at the Events page. My son used to live in Asheville and he actually worked at Malaprops. I am making plans now.
Can’t wait to read the book and am keeping my fingers crossed for mini-series or movie!
It would be pretty fantastic!
Susan & Joe, thank you for you. 💕
Got my book! So excited to start reading it.
Carol
Troy, MI
Finished the book about a week ago & loved it as I knew I would. Been a fan for years. Can’t wait 4 the New Heart of the Home. Love your illustrations, quotes and the way you hand write it all. Hope u come to Michigan next time. Keep on keeping’ on & inspiring us all.
I just hung up the phone with my mom; it’s her birthday today and during our conversation (as she often does) she told me about your latest blog happenings and mentioned this blog post/contest. So I thought I would enter for a chance to get her 74th year started off right…
But, as an aside, as longtime lovers of the Cape and Islands, this book looks absolutely dreamy. Whenever my husband and I are on the Cape – the off-season is our favorite time to explore – we talk about selling everything and setting up shop somewhere on the lower or outer Cape….
Well, if you dream it, you can make it so! Please tell your mom I said hello! And thank you Mary, I hope you win for her!
Loved your England book and now I must read the other two!! Best wishes on your Book Tour and hope next time you get to Virginia!!!
PS I collect bookmarks and think that Joe’s idea is fabulous!!
I have to agree!
Susan and Joe,
Best of lucky on your new adventure and journey. I cannot tell you how much you have all brought such enjoyment into my home. Your blog, books, and website are just amazing. It would be so delightful to win your new book and a paint brush. It is amazing all the talents that you both have and the solid unity, love, and friendship that comes through your life everyday. Have a wonderful 2 months and know that your clean house will be welcoming you as you come off this dream come true and back into its arms. Congratulations!
Thank you so much Deb! xoxo
Hi, Susan! Received Isle of Dreams on Friday and finished it on Saturday! I hated to see it end but know I’ll read it again and again, as I have A Fine Romance and The Fairy Tale Girl. I talk about you often to my friends as if I know you personally! Best wishes to you and Joe for a safe journey. Wish you were coming to South Florida! 😎
Someday we will. Joe’s dear brother lives down there and we owe him a visit! Very happy you liked the book Patricia, thank you for telling me! xoxo
Thanks Joe for such a special give away idea. What a wonderful treasure that would be. I would have to pass it on to my daughter who is an artist and Susan Branch fan.
Please tell her I said hello!
Dearest Susan, Oh how I would love to own one of your “scrap” blotters with all the imaginative musings that spilled out of your wonderful mind! Enjoy this upcoming book tour. I only wish you could come close to me on Long Island, NY. But I have all your books and calendars and want you to know how much your “friendship” has meant to my Mom (who is 88) and myself, by just being YOU.
Thank you so much Jennifer, and give your Mom a hug for me!!! xoxo
Susan..I’m so excited!! I received my Isle of Dreams yesterday!! Going to begin reading it this afternoon. Can’t wait to see you when you come to k.c during your book tour.Blessings for safe and fun travels!♥
See you then Barbara! Glad the book arrived! xo
Your blog looks more springy than around here in Michigan – 35′ and snowing. For my daughter’s two “spring” bridal showers we had a lovely snowstorm for each, but the sun pushed it’s way through to make it sparkle. We are hoping for spring to arrive for the May 1st OUTDOOR wedding. I used your idea of flowers in little vases to decorate our table for the shower that was at my house = pussy willows, forsythia, and pansys, the only things blooming in my yard.
Sounds beautiful and springy and perfect for a wedding shower. Fingers crossed for May 1 . . . really should be a lovely day for a wedding! 💛
Your book came Sat. afternoon and I finished it at midnight Sun. You are an “enchanting” writer!! The quality of the book itself is beautiful. If they don’t make this into a movie, something is just not right. You are the Fairy Tale Girl. Thanks for a great read.
You used my favorite word! And about my book! XOXO Thank you so much! 😂
Oh Susan! I just finished Math a ‘ s Vineyard. Thank you for sharing your self with all of us. An inspiration to say the least. As a thank you I will do my best to share and sell as many copies as I possibly can at the bookstore. (IN Cedar Rapids). I have had calls from people across the state that are coming, from Minnesota , and even Louisiana! Thank you, thank all of your guardian angels, the kitties, everyone. Dreams can come true. We all need that so much.
I’ve heard that too Diane, that Girlfriends are coming from everywhere! I am so thrilled that YOU, as the person who has managed the Barnes and Noble in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the last 20 years (pretty wonderful) liked the book! Thank you for everything, I can’t wait to meet you! xoxo
Oh, ditto ditto ditto! (Don’t tell anyone, but I cried all the way to the end, good tears!)😃
😂
Susan, I thought of the perfect woman to play you on screen. Bear with me for a moment because she is English, I’m pretty sure she could learn to do an American accent, and if you put one of her photos up next to one of yours you will see it would work with slight alterations to her hair. How about Michelle Dockery who played Lady Mary on DA??
She has to fatten up and be more sloppy to play me! But I like it. I would like me with an English accent, perhaps she can keep it and we will just add a new dimension to the story! xoxo
Ok,when I got the The Fairy Tale Girl I wanted to savor it,go sloooowly and absorb every detail.Never read a book so fast!!!! Loved it all.Love everything about your books,the hand writing,the paintings,the feel of the paper,the stories and recipes…everything,loved A Fine Romance too.I just started to read Isle of Dreams…I have a feeling it might be my favorite.I am trying to go slowly this time because I don’t want it to be over.Then I am going back and reread them all.Thank you for doing such wonderful work…you make people happy.So glad you will be back to The Learned Owl..can’t wait!!!!
Oh good Ruthie, yes, I’m really looking forward to it! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the book so far, thank you for letting me know . . . XOXOXO
Oh,and Diane Keaton would make and awesome Susan Branch!
She would have been my first and number one choice if we really were back in 1982. She would have made me look so cute!
What a special place you get to live! I will watch to see if you ever come near Sacramento, California!
I’ll be in Danville on May 27 at Rakestraw books at 7 pm. Kinda close!
My book is suppose to arrive tomorrow – can’t wait!! But like some of the other ladies wrote, I don’t want to read it because I don’t want it to be over 🙁
But I will read it since I can’t wait!!!!! Also, hoping and looking forward to meeting you in St. Charles, IL on May 15th!!!!!!
Wonderful Karen . . . see you there!
Hi Susan!!
I am SO happy that I get to travel with you and meet all the girls through this blog. Your ideas and books are inspiring!
Don’t worry about the kitties. Absence makes the heart grow fonder!
Donna
I hope so Donna!
What a wonderful idea – my BFF will really enjoy receiving the book I purchased!
Come on Vanna! So thankful for your blog and the smiles it brings! I feel like a pup having just heard the words “Go for walk?” even though it’s a rainy day!
Cute, Robin!
Yay, Zoey Deschanel was my first thought! I’m so very excited for you and so grateful that you allow us all to live vicariously through you! I think I can honestly say that you have created the life that so many of us dreamed of living. Waiting anxiously for payday so I can hopefully order the new book– but winning would be amazing! Also hoping to get off work to come see you in Pasadena!
Thank you Becca! I hope you win and I hope you can come!
Congratulations. I hope you have time to relax on the road. Enjoy yourselves and if you need a cat sitter…
I have a friend already moved in, acclimating the cats to her now, hopefully the transition for them will be easier. But I love your offer! xoxo
I’ve been reading Isle of Dreams all weekend, stopping to make food, eat, do laundry and make a quick run to the store. If it were just me here, I’d be reading it straight through, but it’s probably a good thing I have interruptions because it will last longer that way. I tell you, when I started reading on Friday evening I felt like I was right there with you on that first fairy ride to the island, and then all through the book as you settled in to your cute little house and made it a cozy home. You describe everything so well I can smell the cold sea air and hear the sea gulls cry, and every chapter is a joy to read and I want it to just go on forever, but I know it won’t. Your drawings and pictures are wonderful and just add to the whole experience. I’ll probably finish it tonight as I’m about three-quarters of the way through now, and then I’ll probably go back and read A Fine Romance again! Just had to let you know how much I’m enjoying this book, your journey to finding your true self and true happiness and contentment. Such an inspiration you are to us all, and we are all the richer you’ve shared your life story with us. Have a great week!.
Tears in my eyes Barb, really, that was so nice. I so wanted to take you girls along with me ~ you couldn’t have said anything better than that you could hear the seagulls cry. Life is such a road of discovery . . . only now, looking back, could I see how it unfolded. Veddddddy Interesting. I learned a lot by writing it. Thank you again, xoxo
Susan!
I had to write, I’m suppose to be making dinner, I promised I would as soon as I finished your book BUT I had to write to you first. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it!! I will probably start reading it AGAIN tomorrow after work, thank goodness it came yesterday afternoon after I got home or I’d have to call off tomorrow to finish BUT it didn’t and I’ve finished and it’s so LOVELY and so REAL and so FAIRY like, I’m so inspired, I’m so happy, I’m thinking of how to include “dots and dashes” into conversations and wondering if Laura Ashleys dresses with lace trim and work boots would come back because I loved them and remember the time and how wonderful life was when wearing them. You are one of my heroines and I’m SO happy you have shared your talents with us, truly it makes the world a MUCH BETTER place!
MUCH LOVE!
Ginette
P.S. I’m off to order the revised “Heart of Home” cookbook, I know I’ll love it too!!!
OH Ginette, you don’t know how happy I am to hear that! Every day I get a bit more confident that you are all going to like it. It’s normal to worry, but you are helping so much with that! If you are talking to our Girlfriends, you probably can always use dots and dashes . . . even since then, I watch the sky for them! Thank you dear, from the bottom of my heart. Have a wonderful day (and PS: Heart of the Home should go up for presale next week, more about that in the Willard coming out on April 19th). xoxo
I wish I may, I wish I might … remember that ditty from our childhood? Well I wish you were signing close to us here in the Hudson Valley of New York. So since you aren’t going to be close by, I’ll begin by … I wish I may, I wish I might win a book to read by moonlight…
Here’s hoping, Patricia!
Susan, So excited about the arrival of your new book! Your blog is always a bright side to my day… It’s a joy to read. Have a safe trip. Enjoy meeting all the girlfriends! 😊
SO looking forward to it! Thank you Kelli!
Your new book arrived on Saturday and it was a surprise because I didn’t think it could get to Ohio from CA so quickly. It arrived at the end of a very hard day and it was greatly appreciated. I put on my nightgown, fixed a glass of tonic water+ lime and started to read. It is impossible to just read a few pages, trying to make it will last longer!!! Of course most of us will want to get the first plane for CA and smack Cliff! But why waste our time? It is so enjoyable to see all the little decorations to the pages. Surely your books are the only adult ones we have ever read that the author has taken such care to feast our eyes with your art and photos, share your struggles, give us help in figuring out our issues and letting us know what it would be like if we could go somewhere and start all over. I can’t wait ’til we see you in Cincinnati. Be safe and hurry.
Yes, I have always thought that maybe I write children’s books for big people! Who hasn’t thought about running away sometime in their lives? I only did it, as you’ll see, because I didn’t feel like I had a choice. But luckily it all turned out good. Thank you Rose, and see you in Cincinnati!
Can’t wait to see the book! Thank you for the chance to win!
Running to the mailbox every day! So excited about your new book! Dreaming about the possibility of seeing you and celebrating Beatrix Potter on Cape Cod at the end of July, too. Fingers crossed!
Fingers Crossed!
So excited! I got my book in the mail and can’t wait to find a COZY CORNER TO CURL UP AND START READING! Love. Luann
Hope you like it Luann!
Dear Susan, Wishing you and Joe safe travels.
Happy Birthday and tell Vanna to please pick me.
I will tell her!
The 2 books I pre-ordered arrived yesterday – which was my birthday! What a happy coincidence! The second book is for my mom who will turn 90 on April 22. No, I didn’t make her wait for it (that would be so mean). Looking so forward to seeing you and Joe on May 10th at the tea!
Is your mom coming too? xoxo
In feel like I am in a dream land when I read your posts. They are the best!
Thank you Pam! I love my blog . . . how could I not with people like you reading it!?
Keeping this short and sweet—love the dainty lace curtains that you washed and starched for your bathroom—reminds me of doilies or pretty dessert plates. I noticed one of the wonderful ladies who works for you in CA has a Tee shirt with the saying “Don’t quit your Day Dream” (from FB). Lucky for all of us that you never gave up on your dreams!
Hi Bev! Happy Teatime to you! xoxo Thank you!
I can’t wait to read your latest book; you are such an inspiration to me. I have followed you for years and your beautiful personality always shines through. How fortunate are the women who can meet you in person.
My personality isn’t always beautiful, you should all know that. I’m snarly too sometimes. 😇
Just so you all know “snarly” didn’t have much of a chance at our house — with eight happy kids — we had a ” snarly overide” going at all times ! ! ! BDl………
Blog Daddy Himself. xoxo❤️
HI Susan , I just finished Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams this afternoon, I read it cover to cover enjoyed each and every word, quote , photos , and especially your wonderful drawings. Thank you for share your amazing journey with us.
My pleasure Darla, makes it all so much more fun if you can take your Girlfriends along!
Dear Susan: I am sniffling after turning the last page in your new book. I loved it and obviously couldn’t put it down. Of course I immediately went to my bookcase and out came “Heart of the Home” now that I know the story behind it. And there on the title page was “To Lynn – Happy Cooking! Susan Branch 2004”. Even better. Think I must have gotten at a MV book signing when the stars aligned. So I will now add your very special book to my collection and feel as though you are part of my family. I enjoyed it so much. l will be away for the CT book signing but will catch up sometime. Can’t wait for your next one! Safe travels. XO
Thank you Lynn, I’m SO happy you enjoyed it! xoxo
Hi Dearies,
Thanks so much for the book- I thoroughly enjoyed it. Found so many more
“co-inky-dinks” in things you like and have gone through that are so similar for me. Are you sure we aren’t some kind of cosmic twins? 😉
Glad you are making things ready for the tour and having some home-ly time before you start the trek.
I just want to say a special thanks to Joe and the kitties for supporting you through this and for sharing you with us too!
Be well and happy!
xox
G
P.S. I have about 3,000 Italians moving in with me soon.
Bees that is. 🙂
Rick is making a new hive for me and the wee bees come at the end of the month. I am going to be a “beebee” momma. Finally. 🙂
I knew this story wasn’t just my own . . . all of us went through similar feelings, trials and errors ~ that’s life! Congratulations on your bees. It’s a good thing you are doing, and lots of ways! xoxo
Hi Sue! I just finished Isle of Dreams…I never wanted it to END!!! I loved, loved it. The pictures, the paintings, the recipes, the stories…fabulous. I’m wondering though…is Holly Oak still yours? How could you bear to leave it?! Precious memories in addition to all your creative touches. So happy for you that your fairy tale came true… Thanks for sharing it with us!
Holly Oak was too small for Joe . . . his head almost touched the ceiling, so we had to move, but we moved into a beautiful old house that I never imagined I would live in, so it wasn’t as bad as you might think. However I do wish I had Holly Oak now. I think it would be a very fun play thing for my next years. First I sold it to my girlfriend Elizabeth (we call it “our house” now), and later she sold it, so there is someone else there now . . . I just dropped off a book to the owner of the house this weekend. She’s added on and changed it quite a bit. I’ve told her to offer it to me first if she ever wants to move, but she really doesn’t seem interested in doing that!
I love this update. I love Agnes. I’m loving the book. 🙂
Yes, and now the “new” owner will know all about Agnes! Which she should! Thank you Sylvia!
I guess it’s too late for you to insert a Nashville visit into your schedule?
Judy in Nashville
Yes, but we will be close by-ish in Memphis!
Hi Susan! I love reading your blog and have recommended it many times to my girlfriends, my sisters and total strangers! Your musica is a special treat and I leave it on after I’ve finished reading your post, just to keep that warm & fuzzy feeling a little longer. I have many of your early books including A Fine Romance and The Fairy Tale Girl. They are my mini vacations, lol.
Have a safe trip across this beautiful land of ours, I hope to see you in Prescott Arizona!
Hugs to you and Joe, Denise
Hope to see you there Denise! Thank you so much! xoxo
Hi Susan: A too-busy month took me away from the blog just after Downton ended and tonight I have FINALLY caught up on all your posts. I’ve gone these last few weeks knowing that I was missing out on the fun and anticipation and yet, promised myself to save the blog until I had a little time to savor it. So glad I did! While I was waiting to have a little “me and you” time, my copies of MVIoD arrived in the mail –and I couldn’t have been happier or prouder for you. Now that I’ve caught up on the blog, I am tucking the book next to my bed and plotting ways to steal hours so that I can enjoy every page. Congratulations to you and Joe) on your new edition/addition and thanks for sharing your magic with us!
Thank you Vicki . . . very nice to hear from you!
Oh my goodness, my heart leaps when I see that pile of books! How fun it would be to win one… You are inspiring me to get all my little odds and ends done and move on with the spring cleaning! Our south east part of the country is deep in yellow pollen season and summer is quickly marching toward us. I will say prayers for your safe travels and still have a little something to send forward upon your return!
Blessed beautiful days to you, Susan!
Wendy Stewart McMillan
From one Stewart girl to another xoxo
Joe had an amazing idea in including those brushes and blotters!!!!
So excited, hoping it arrives this week!!!! Yayyyyyyyy!
I just got your book yesterday in the mail and am so enjoying reading it!!! Truly a gem!
Thank you!
Loved your, ‘A Fine Romance’. And heard of it through word-of-mouth, sort of, from an on-line friend who mentioned it to our Yahoo D. E. Stevenson group. I loved the book and have enjoyed your blog. I think most people would think of living on Martha’s Vineyard as a fairy tale come true. Thank you for sharing it, with all its little beauties, with all of us.
Happy you enjoyed it! We’re going back in the fall, and taking the blog (virtually) along with us . . . I’ll post photos and comments. Love to have you along!
Hooray! Congratulations, Susan. You are an inspiration.
Agnes . . . a guardian angel for sure. Love the little house. It was magic and fairy dust that brought you together.
Book delivered Saturday afternoon. Started reading that night. Sunday: have read to page 336. STOP! Slow down, I tell myself. Can’t help it. Transported to your world and Martha’s Vineyard. WOW! So engaging, don’t want it to end! Pure Susan Branch. ❤
SO happy you are enjoying it Jackie!!! Every time someone mentions a page number, I find myself turning to it, to “be there” with you . . . and see what you’re seeing, and know where you’re about to go. I like reading along with everyone! Thank you so much, have a wonderful day!
Oh, I can’t wait for your new book! I’m a longtime, second-generation fan–I remember your cookbooks in my mom’s kitchen when I was a college student and then newlywed, and now my own 9 year old daughter has your calendar from last year pinned up in her bedroom because she loves your work, too! I love that your books and art have become one of my family’s things that we love!! I hope you have so much fun on your book signing! 🙂 Sarah
Love it, 3 generations of home-lovers . . . thank you Sarah! xoxo Hello to your 9-year-old and your mom!
Love your books! Safe travels!
Hello Susan,
I am From Malaysia,
Just found your blog,
Its wanderful, I like it,
Your Downton Abbey now showing in Malaysian Tv.
Hove you enjoy your journey.
Thank You
Hope you enjoy it Normah . . . everyone here on the Blog loved it. So happy to hear from Malaysia and you!
Hope you enjoy your journey,
safe travel.
I was so excited when I came home from watching my grandchildren this weekend and found my copy of Isle of Dreams. Tippeee! My girlfriends and I can’t wait to meet you in New Hope in May.
What awesome excitement. I love a fresh, new book, but to have it filled with your art and to see the joy that work brings to others must be wonderful! I’d love to win, and mount that paintbrush in my studio as inspiration, but I’ll be getting that book no matter what. Your art makes me smile and gosh, don’t we need something to smile about nowadays! 💝
Very excited to meet you next month in Denver! The book is 😘!
All the best wishes go to you and Joe as you begin a whirlwind happy time after all the concentrated work of the last year. May all the “welcome of friends” make your hearts happy to be in this time frame of acceptance and love.
Although the “Kittys” are distressed at seeing suitcases they can comprehend your happiness and send you off with feelings of “much success in your travels.”
Oh Susan, I love our book so far! You are an amazing storyteller! I’ve been out of town so I’m just able to sign up for the giveaway. I was so surprised when first reading the blog that there was a picture of me in it! I was in Wilmette and I’m the one in the grey blouse. I started reading our book last night and got up to where Pooh died. Sooo sad! I would love to call in sick for work today so I could finish it … but I’ll wait. Thank you so much for everything you do. I truly love being a part of all of this.
First, happy birthday tomorrow. Mine was March 12 (1948) I plan on reading the trilogy and getting familiar with your calendars and cookbooks. I only just discovered you this week so I have a lot to catch up on!! Safe travels!
Looking forward to September and Stourhead but wishing you many happy miles across the good old USA in the meantime. xxoo
Yes, Carrie, I am so happy to know you will be there!
I can’t wait to read your book! You are such an incredible talent.
I just fell in love with the beautiful curtain you made for your bathroom; what gorgeous lace. Who would ever want to part with it? When the curtains really start to wear you can make them into doilies. I’m a sucker for old lace and it is one of the things that I love to peruse at the Brimfield Fair and antique shops.
We should try not to show up in the same booth at the same time! Could be a Lucy / Ethel moment!
I just finished reading Isle of Dreams. I did not want it to end! Thank you so much for this magical book. For all of your magical books. They bring out the dreamer in me. I eagerly await your next trip and the whimsical delights you will almost certainly share with us. Your anonymous readers. Thank you, again.
Not quite as anonymous as you might think ~ I feel very related to everyone and I knew I wasn’t just telling my own story. Thank you so much Becky xoxo
Dear Susan,
I have just finished reading Isle of Dreams (I forced myself to spread the enjoyment over 3 days!) , and I want to tell you how much I loved reading about your path to a new life. Your book is beautiful– your artistic talent shines through your words as well as your painting.
I have mentioned it before, but I must say it again…. you are so inspirational. Isle of Dreams will provide the inspiration to grasp the courage needed to move forward in life, while recognizing the beauty that already exists in life.
I wish you the happiest of birthdays and safe travel in your journeys.
Thank you Gail! I am so happy you enjoyed it. That’s just was I was hoping for this book. xoxo
Good morning, Susan! Hopefully my book will arrive today. Wouldn’t that be the most wonderful way to start my week! I LOVED the other two, so there is no doubt I will this one, too. I cannot wait to read about your first house and how it came to be. As always, thank you for the joy you add to my life with your wonderful art.
I can’t wait to order and receive this newest installment of your illustrated life story. In a fit of delayed gratification, I made a vow to myself and was waiting for the “final” installment, so I could read the trilogy in order. It’s been so hard waiting patiently, especially with the SusanSisterhood (and BranchBrotherhood) sending lots of love over SM and the WWW.
Congratulations and THANK YOU for all the inspiration over the years and various mediums.
Safe travels on the book tour.
Dear Susan,
‘Isle of Dreams’ arrived in my mailbox on Friday and I could not stop reading until I finished on Saturday night! I found myself underlining, making stars and happy faces and bending the corners to mark a page. I LOVED it. I won’t say anything here to spoil it for all the girlfriends BUT, this book was absolutely enchanting! You are a wonderful author, story teller and artist and a great inspiration on so many subjects….not just the “heart of the home”, but life in general. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love, Donna
Enchanting! Now, you know how I feel about that word! You are too dear, thank you Donna. Thank you for writing! xoxo
I finished The Fairy Tale Girl in Friday and cannot WAIT to read about your Isle of Dreams. I’ve asked my husband several times if there was a way he could find transfer so we could live on Martha’s Vineyard. He smiles at me and my dream of NE island life.
The smile is a good sign! xoxo
Dear Susan,
I am here, at long last. Life has been…well…life…and not always good, but I am here now.
I love your pictures. We had such a wonderful taste of spring here on PEI Saturday, then woke to a winter wonderland Sunday and then a storm. All is white right now, but it’s a delicious sparkly, dancing white. Spring is out there, peeking around the trees and snow drops. I am sure it will pop out any day again!
I am doing a free lancing job now and starting today, my breaks are with you to catch up 🙂
Thank you for posting the contest on twitter!
Love,
Denise of Ingleside, PEI
Thanks for being here Denise. Sending love and blessings for all good things xoxoxo
Got my book on Saturday. Finished it this morning. Very lovely in every way. I feel so encouraged after reading your books! And I want to come to Martha’s Vineyard and see everything and find you. I started my quilt pattern business by handwriting my patterns and putting them in envelopes and tying with a ribbon. Got lots of compliments but they didn’t always stay nice in store displays. I finally went to printing but you are making me rethink that decision. Maybe it’s time to go back. Your little house is so darling. Thank you for the update about the neighbors and the kitties (I wondered if they were gone.) What lovely memories. A reminder to all of us our lives are really beautiful and should be shared. Looking forward to the new book. Gold Star all the way!
Thank you Penny, you are a dear to write! xoxo Good luck with your business, it does sound beautiful the way you do it!
Great idea, Joe, for the bookmarks. Am absolutely loving the book, the artwork, the recipes, and your well-told story. Dare I say: keep ’em coming?
What!?!?! Joe what a great idea! I can’t wait to get my copy of the new book. Susan I am so excited that you are visiting Georgia. I’ve got it marked on all my SB calendars…with a big pink heart around the date! I can’t wait! I wish you would stay at my house while you are visiting my “neck of the woods”. We would have tea and talk an d laugh and redecorate my house! (Hope that doesn’t sound Deliverency) Thanks for all the love you send to us through EVERYTHING you do:)
LOL! It sounds normal to me! Thank you Bambi!!
Isle of Dreams is beautiful in every way, and is filled with your lovely spirit. I am half way through – this morning reading about your heroes. I love how you made a sort of project of yourself at that juncture of your life. You said what you needed was to be alone, but you didn’t know it, and yet you had the instincts to put yourself in that very position! Life creates situations where we have to reach deep within ourselves, and not just when we are young. At 64 I became a caregiver to my dear husband, and for the past 5 years have also been on a journey of self discovery. I use quotes to inspire myself all the time – and so many other of the wonderful things life offers – family, nature, books, girlfriends, music, massages!, Downton and all things Brit – so much more – always including your happy blog and good books. Once again, Susan, great book, and thank you!!💕💕💕
Self discovery knows no age . . . just needs a quiet spot to be heard above the normal din. Thank you dear Rosanne. xoxo
Just read your section on meditation. It is what got my head straight when my husband was first diagnosed with MS. I went to the doc with heart palpitations, etc, and he recommended a book called Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat Zinn. I bought the tapes and learned to meditate. What a revelation! Thanks for sharing that part of your story.
Such power there. Changes everything doesn’t it? xoxo
So sorry to keep writing – but your book has me under it’s spell. I finished last night and this morning have been going back through it, page by page, appreciating your creativity and each thought and brushstroke. I loved your cozy cottage in the woods, and if my girlfriends weren’t already the best, would try to steal Diana. What a perfect pair you girls are!
Hi Susan! I love your books; they take me away to another place. I felt like I was with you in England when I read ‘A Fine Romance’. Your artwork is so charming and you bring joy to so many people. I can’t wait to read your new book! Thanks!
Thank you back Debbie!
Still reading. YOU are my new hero !!
Oh Cindy, you are too sweet! xoxo