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!
😊💖🌸💙🎂💜🌷💚🎁💝🎶 Happy Birthday To You…Happy Birthday To You Happy Birthday Dearest Sweetest Sue… Happy Birthday To You…Close Your Eyes & Make~a~Wish….I Woke Up Very Early Today & Tweeted You a Bunch of Birthday~Tweets….I Hope You Got Them & The Birthday~Card in The “Real~Mail” & At 5:00 pm Monday Our Mail~Man Delivered “The~Book” Right Into My Hands!!! I Almost Passed Out…Then I Hugged Him Then I Twirled….Wishing You A Magical~Birthday~Celebration Darling~Sue! We Love You! Hugzzz & Love & Kitty~Kisses & Lots & Lots Of Birthday~Pixie~Dust!!! xoxo Poof! 😊💖🌸💙🎂💜🌷💚🎁💝🎶 P.S. I Have To Pick The Perfect Day To Begin Reading…. My Wings Are All~a~Flutter….😊💖🌸💙🎂💜🌷💚🎁💝🎶
I got all of your wonderful Birthday wishes yesterday Angie . . . I couldn’t keep up with everything, it was heaven!
Hi Susan. I received Isle of Dreams last week but haven’t read any of it yet! My husband brought it in from the mailbox and asked me about the book and I told him how this was a sequel to Fairy Tale Girl. Now he is reading that!! Safe journey as you travel and a very Happy Birthday.
When guys read a book called The Fairy Tale Girl, I feel like the world is topsy turvy in the best possible way! Pet that boy’s head for me will you? xoxo
Will do. We both got a chuckle from your reply. Love you back.
Happy Birthday, dear Susan! Wishing you a wonderful day and a beautiful year to follow.
Hugs!
Thank you! It’s been wonderful so far. I have all my girlfriends coming at 5:30 . . . there are lots of comments on here “waiting for moderation” which I can’t do right now . . . so I will be back, tomorrow, to make sure they get done. I love them, and I love you all for sending them!!! XOXO
Susan, I have let time slip by and have not ordered your book yet. I have been down with an autoimmune disorder, but your new book will surely help lift me out of these doldrums. Enjoy your trip!
Sending love and blessings Robin.
Oh my gosh! I saw the package coming through the door in the postman’s hands yesterday and nearly jumped out of my chair to collect the mail! It was like waiting for the last Harry Potter book! I couldn’t wait to get home from work to be able to start reading it; which I did for the rest of the evening! Half-way through!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! I suspect many of us go through a similar journey of self-discovery (lots of pain, self-doubt, fear and feeling of wanting the world to stop so we can get off-which it never obligingly does) as we travel through life. I certainly am! And, just as you did, I’ve been read the stories of others’ journeys to try to gain insight and wisdom to help figure out my own. I have loved reading your story! Thank you!
Wishing you a blessed and joyful birthday Susan!
Wishing you a very happy birthday, Susan. Have a lovely day!
From Toni in California 🎂🎉🎈
Happy Birthday Susan from New Hampshire! I had the pleasure of meeting you at a book signing in Meredith.You’re such a wonderful, talented person and I can’t wait to read your next book.
Happy, happy birthday, Susan! I am trying (unsuccessfully) to read “our” book verrrrry slowly, but I just can’t put it down! You are a wonderful writer, and thank you for sharing your writing and your art with all of us.
Big Birthday Hug!
Susan
Happy birthday susan. My four books arrived yesterday afternoon and I have three very
Happy girlfriends who were surprised and thrilled. I saved mine for today to have as a reward after a nasty medical procedure. I laughed out loud at the illustration on page 38, the
Sweet version of “leave the gun , take the cannoli “. That guy has a lot of nerve. You
Had joe, unknown to you, waiting in the wings and you saved the best for last. I love
Everything about it. Enjoy your well earned success. Wish I had mini versions of your
Books to put amongst my Beatrix potter people. They could have a little book talk
Tea party. Love,nancy
Happy Birthday Greetings, to you Susan…and many happy returns of the day. I so look forward to seeing you in May in Danville, CA….tickets are in hand for my friend, Helen and I. We first met you in SLO @ the Remnants Fair.
Have a joyful day with your sweetheart and friends. xoxoxo
Happy Birthday fellow Arien! Thank you for wishing me the same on my birthday two days ago. My best wishes to you for the happiest birthday ever! Celebrate!
Oh my gosh Susan, a possible movie and/or TV show – wow – wow!! You’ve worked so hard all these years, that would be just so amazing, and so deserving for you! Oh yes, I would absolutely love to win one of your brushes – maybe some of their magic would rub off on me! haha! On another note, I’m not sure if you will read this comment or not, but if you do, I was going through some of my old Victoria magazines, and there was an article in there about Emma Bridgewater! I didn’t really know who she was back then, but after becoming one of your girlfriends, of course when I saw the article again this time, I knew right away who she was. I don’t know if you’ve ever read the article, but I found this post on Pinterest and it shows the magazine I’m talking about. pinterest.com/pin/504895808205879238/ Okay, I’ll stop talking now so you don’t have too much more to read. Congratulations all the way around. A big hug to you! Sharon XXOO
Susan, I just got a lovely present on your birthday! My copy of “Isle of Dreams” just arrived !! It is beautiful !! It is gorgeous !! So excited to go and start reading it … make a cup of tea first, of course. Happy, happy !!
Barb
It’s me again Susan. Real quick, the Victoria magazine I mentioned that has the Emma Bridgewater article is from April 1995. It also mentioned she was in Victoria magazine in November 1992. Hugs again! Sharon
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY,
SUSAN!
APRIL 12TH!
Sending birthday hugzzz your way and remembering Gladys Taber, too!
My book just showed up at my front door. I ripped off the mailing material and was so tickled to see how delightfully FAT the book is!
I plan to savor every sentence, every drawing, and every emotion it will stir. Even though I’ve had wonderful experiences with all the other Susan Branch books I own, I have a feeling this one will be the topper. (Well, maybe until the next trip to England book is released!)
Happy reading, Everyone, and to Ms. Susan Branch, a big hug for sharing yourself with your fans so very, very well. I plan to see you on the book tour.
And loving scratches behind the ears for Girl Cat and Jack (if they like that sort of thing).
Happy Birthday, Birthday Girl! I hope that you have a great day.
I’m looking forward to the new book. I haven’t got it yet, but am asking for it and hope to get it for Mother’s Day.
Aloha Again,
It’s Georgia way over here, I think almost 6000 miles & a 10 hour flight…. Yikes.
The house is getting dirtier but I don’t care cause your book/ story is wonderful.
Of course I want to wish you the most Beautiful Birthday.
I so look forward to meeting you in June. You & Joe have a safe & wonderful drive across country. Their are a lot of crazy drivers out there.
Hugs & Aloha, from Kona,
Georgia
Thank you for the warning! 😳 We haven’t been out there for a while!!!
Hello Susan!
Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday and a Joy filled year!
Love and Blessings,
Terry
Happy Birthday, Susan!
As with your other books, I enjoyed your latest book tremendously…
Good Luck!
Joanna Taylor
Hello Susan,
Will you and Joe still be traveling in the “A Fine Romance” van or are you getting “new” wheels for your new trip?
We love our Romance van, and that’s what we’ll be driving!
Happy Birthday Susan🎂
Your book arrived and I’m just a few pages from the end. Had to stop and tell you I adore this book. It was just lovely how you turned that cottage into an enchanted cottage. I’ve told you before you and I have so much in common! You certainly are always in the right spot at the right time. Definitely a fairytale life. I met you years ago at Edna winery for “Girlfriends ” and my darling niece Leza met you at women’s business conference in Arroyo Grande. Hope I can make it to your Iowa book signing 💖
Holy cannoli! Over 3,000 comments! I’m not surprised. Everyone loves you and how wonderful that it’s your birthday today! Just stopping by here, too, to wish you the happiest of birthdays with all your lovely girlfriends! xo
Still savoring “A Fine Romance!” Can’t wait to dive into (a la Vanna) the two newest! Thanks for all you do…and a belated Happy Birthday!
Ordered ‘Isle of Dreams’ from The Book Depository as I live in England, UK, and have heard it will be posted soon. Can’t wait! Just wish it was a signed copy!!
I’m coming over in September to meet my European Girlfriends at a place in Wiltshire called Stourhead. If you come, bring your book, and I will sign it there. xo
Will do all I can to be there! We have a campervan so will be able to camp near Stourhead. What fun!! Jan
Have a safe journey and congratulations on your latest book. You continue to amaze me with everything you accomplish. I bought my first Susan Branch items in Lee Ward store in the Twin Cities years ago. I still have a few of those embellishments.
Oh Joe, what a wonderful idea. I would treasure such a unique and special bookmark & brush!
Your books make me happy! Thank you for bringing beauty into my world!
Wishing you & Joe safe travels on your book signing journey. Hope the weather isn’t as crazy as it has been for the last few days. And Happy Upcoming Birthday! Have a lovely celebration!
Happy Birthday Susan!!! Absolutely loved your book…it came Friday and I tried not to read it too quickly but I did! I couldn’t put it down! I did have a question…I loved your cute little house and all that you did to make it yours but was wondering what became of it? I hope you are having the best birthday ever!! I am so excited you are coming to St. Charles, Missouri next month and I will get to meet you!!
What a refreshing “vacation”…to get lost in your book(s)! I can’t put them down. They inspire me in my journal keeping and dreaming. Thank You…and Happy Birthday to You!!
What a lovely journey I just enjoyed reading and viewing your blog post! Thank you and wishing you happy travels!
I have an old sign from my grandmother, a little card/poster that she bought from a little neighbor boy who was selling them about 85 years ago. It says, “To know how sweet your home may be, just go away, but keep the key!”
So sweet!
Happy, Happy Birthday Susan! I hope you have an awesome day!!!!
I hope it was a fabulous birthday! How I love the rabbit ears’ shadows, those kitty lovelies in your home and never forget you have great friends all over the world because you were so good to share your life with us. Have a grand ride.
I’m so thankful your book arrived! I can’t tell you how much I needed it! I’m desperate for a kindred spirit, and your books sure as anything gave me hope last year. ((Hugs)) So thankful for you, Susan!
Excited to read this book. LOVED a Fine Romance. Read it before 4 of us went on a British Isles Cruise and it was perfect.
Started reading the wonderful book this weekend! You said it might be delivered early & it was! Just have to say I am only on page 78 & I have a favorite quote: “reading is dreaming while wide awake” (which is exactly what I’m doing reading your book!), another is Albert Einstein’s about intelligent children and reading fairy tales, and the third is when you were explaining about “dry” towns & how you had to stock up and plan ahead, & finally basements made sense to you! I’ve laughed, daydreamed and cried in 78 pages so far!
Paint brush, blotter paper, AND a book!? Sigh…
The most HAPPIEST of Spring Birthdays to you, Miss Susan! May your life continually be full of God’s richest blessings!
Susan, A very Happy Birthday to you! Wishing you a glorious and blessed day! You just made me want to wash my curtains! Spring is coming slowly in Michigan! All the best to you.
I am absolutely loving your new book…………I do not want to finish it because then I will have to read it all over I love it so much. I hope to see you in Sandwich this summer gotta get on line and get a room.
best wishes……….
Happy Birthday, Susan! Just a suggestion when you come to Asheville at the end of June, the Biltmore Estate will still have their exhibit Fashionable Romance: Wedding Gowns in Film. Beautiful gowns from beautiful movies exhibited around the house. I think you would enjoy it very much. Hope to see you in Asheville…and thanks for 30 years of wonderful books…I’ve enjoyed every one!
“Today is a blessing, brimming with opportunity!”
Happy Birthday, Susan. Thanks for all you give.
Pick me Vanna pick me.
I started your book last night & had to make myself put it down to sleep! I can’t wait to pick it back up again!
When reading your blog, I love the warm homey feelings of curled up cats and things in their places, of vintage lace and favorite red dishes! Hope your journey is filled with the warmth of friends and comfortable lodgings!
Hello Susan.
Many happy returns of the day !
I received my book just yesterday & plan to delve into it tonight.
Love, Love,Love your books & your blog and you have made of me a Gladys Tabor fan too. 🙂 In reading your and Gladys’ books is like being wrapped up in a cozy comforter. 🙂
Happy Birthday! Hope your day is delightful in many ways and filled with lots ofspecial birthday moments. My copy of your book is on its way. Patiently waiting……
From Mary in Missouri
Unbelievable, how many girlfriends you have!
Wishing you a Happy Birthday and thinking of Gladys too!
Happy Birthday to you! Thanks for making our lives oh so cute 💜
Oh’ Vanna, please pick my name. Susan- you said in your blog that you use old fashioned dry starch for ironing: could you give me more info. If like to buy some (what do I look for), and how much water do you use, and what do you use put it in to use it? I collect old laces, curtains, tablecloths, and napkins and would like to iron them with this.
Thank you so much. I love and collect all of your creations.
Much love, Melissa Phillips.
It’s actually a liquid, and it’s in the laundry aisle at the supermarket . . . you mix it with water like it says on the outside of the bottle. It’s good for everything you mentioned. You’ll love it.
My second book came the other day. Can’t put it down. You’re the best!
HaPpY BiRtHdAy, Susan!
Looking forward to meeting you in Asheville, NC this summer.
Hi Susan! I cannot put your book down 😄 I received it the day my husband and I were on our way out the driveway for a weekend trip celebrating our 55th anniversary & my birthday..it was in the mail!!! I was so excited I could hardly stand it, but I had to leave it in the car or I would have hurt my husbands feelings 😂 It’s been a few days & I’ve been able to grab a few minutes to read..but he just left to go turkey hunting with my son & grandson & that’s all I’ve done 😄😄😄 I love your beautiful book and the way you express yourself ❤️ I am going to hate to finish your book..it truly is wonderful,,thank you❤️❤️❤️Sally Radley
Happy Birthday, Susan! You bring joy and happiness to your girlfriends (including me!) a so I hope your birthday brings joy and happiness to you! Many more!
I live in Wheeling, WV. I’ve been trying to figure out how to get to one of your book signings. Cleveland isn’t far, but I’m committed every Thursday evening. Cincinnati is further. Would my husband take me? Then, I realize we’re going to Denver and then Salt Lake City in May! But we’ll be gone by the time you get there. Maybe you could stop along the road and we could have lunch together? Let me know if that works for you. 🙂
Thank you so much, Susan. I was on a choir trip with my daughter and upon my return was greeted with your latest book. I can’t tell you how beautiful it is. I thank my sister often for introducing me to you and your books. She has all of them, and I purchased your three latest for her to add to her collection. In fact, we are a multi-generational Susan Branch loving family. She introduced you to her daughters as they were growing up, and now I am doing the same with my teenage daughter. Can’t wait to see you when you visit Cincinnati, OH. Safe travels and many blessings.
It’s Here!!! came in the mailbox yesterday! I couldn’t wait to take it out of the mailer….I LOVE the feel of the dust jacket and the pages inside…I thumbed through a little of it late last night just to take a peek! My schedule is so full this week I have no time to break open and spend time..I know myself well enough that when I start this, I will not stop until fully read….I am one of those kinda people!!!! Totally obsessed with a book so wonderful and I know this is one of those!!!! You did a gorgeous job…a ton of work but you never lost your self or your heart in writing…It is all there. Congratulations to one helluva gal! Susan you are remarkable. Thank you for all that you do…You inspire me and so many others…and that is a wonderful thing…. XOXO
I’m so looking forward to your new book! And I would love to “win” one. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and tour. I’m sorry you aren’t coming to the Northwest!
Happy Birthday ! Enjoy every moment !!
Happy birthday susan! Just got your latest book in and I love it!please enter me in your drawing would love to win
for a gift for a friend.
Received the new book yesterday. I could hardly wait until bedtime (my reading time) to start the book. I read a lot longer than usual, thankfully I don’t have to worry about getting up early in the morning. Thanks for these fabulous books, I have enjoyed them all immensely. I can hardly wait to turn each page to see what will be on the next page!
Happy Birthday to one of my favorite girlfriends! Hope you are having a wonderful day!!
Just got my book last night and posted a picture of the evening’s activities on the FOSB page. Thank you, thank you! Love the paintings. Lovely, lovely book and so….sooo…..New England! One of my favorite places 🙂
Happy Birthday! Thank you for the beauty you add to the World <3
I am so glad I found your page on Facebook, because I now have THREE F.O.S.B. pen pals! I just love finding their notes in my mailbox 🙂
Just want to say “thank you” for all you do. I have, A Fine Romance & A Fairy Tale Girl and love them both! Enjoy your girlfriend time this evening. Sending wishes for a very special birthday!! 🙂
Happy birthday, Susan! I hope your day is filled with love and friendship … and cake, glorious cake!
Just finished the enchanting “Isle of Dreams”. I laughed, I cried, and now I’m sad it’s over…… Of course I could read them again. Brilliant!!! Seriously, I want to thank you for sharing your adventure. I actually learned a lot about myself. Perhaps fairy tales do come true.
I just finished Fairy Tale and am so anxious to read Isle of Dreams! I have a few questions about Fairy Tale, so I might ask those questions in a letter to you! One of my favorite parts was when you tore out the last 2 pages of the floozie’s novel!! I am still chuckling over that! I was once a Cape Cod girl, also living in a little cottage, so I know I will enjoy this book – – COUNT ME IN for your giveaway, please!
Received my book the other day! I was so excited, I just took it out, gazed at the cover & smelled that wonderful new book smell. I know- what a dork! Have not had s minute to settle down to read, but will soon! Thank you , Susan! I am another SLO girl from the time you were there. Went to San Luis High & knew Diana. Best of luck on your tour and very safe travels❤️
Happy Birthday, Susan! Just wanted to tell you how much I loved Isle of Dreams. I haven’t splurged on a real, hold-in-your-hand, printed book in so long, I kept trying to swipe with my fingers to enlarge the photos and art work to see every tiny detail of them! (Even with my glasses and bright sunshine – finally, after all the rain and cold – I can’t see them as well as I’d like to!) I may just have to scan them into my computer and blow them up — in a GOOD way! Thank you for sharing your life with us! We are all enriched by knowing you.
Here I am girlfriend…..have been enamoured with you from day one! My copy of Heart of the Home is one of my treasures….along with every other book of yours. My copy of Isle of dreams arrived yesterday and I’m forcing myself to slow down the reading so I can savor each and every page like it deserves. Thank you for 30 years of joy and inspiration. I just might bust out my ancient water colors now. Happy Happy Birthday to you!!! 🎈🎉🎈🎉🎈
Happy birthday Susan. Got the notification that my book is on its way.. Yippee and it’s not my birthday but I get the gift 😊
Oh Susan… What a lovely post and such wonderful give aways. Oh my, I’d love to be included. Sending wishes for a happy birthday, Special Lady!!💐😊🐱💕
Susan. I am a new girl friend and I would.so love to win!! I can’t wait every week to see something from you…I love you and everything you do…thnKs and happy birthday new friend! ❤️
Love your books
Wishing you a wonderful birthday! Reading your new book right now and I can’t put it down. ❤️❤️
Dear Susan,
Thank you. More than a thank you – it’s a treasure. I’ll read it every year. Your book arrived yesterday and I stayed up last night (too late), then finished it this evening. I cried, I laughed, I had some of the same experiences, and I loved reading the different ones. Bravery, endurance, creativity, you are a wealth of it. Oh and do take a short break but then write again please!
It’s been so exciting to watch your books materialize ❤️❤️❤️
I LOVED a Fine Romance and can’t wait to read this one!
Have to read slowly to make it last!
I would love a brush, as well as your book! I also paint, other people’s designs as I am not a designer, and a brush that has been in your hand would be absolutely wonderful!
Love your books! The stories, artwork, and recipes are so wonderful. They are some of the most favorite in my collection, and have been for years. Happy Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, dear, wonderful Susan!
Your wonderful, beautiful, ENCHANTING book arrived yesterday afternoon and I just completed reading it – absolutely wonderful – I can scarcely take it all in!
Keep writing, and painting, writing and painting – so magical – so uplifting. We all just love you!!!
Sincerely,
Lucy
Happy birthday!! You share your day with my SIL Nan-Marie who is the very best SIL/girlfriend/BFF a girl could ask for. It’s a good day. 🙂
OMG! (I never write that). I’m sorry to clog up the works with a third comment but I have to tell you this. I’m reading about the plane crash of 1984 and this is EXACTLY why I’m so afraid of flying. I used to fly…even by myself when I was hired for a private duty case for a family that was traveling. Then, I started having a recurring dream (nightmare) that I’m sitting on a plane..right side looking forward about seven rows back on my way to Florida when I get a terrible premonition that the plane is going to crash. So,I have to decide do I get up and make a fool of myself and get off the plane before it’s too late or do I sit there and take my chances and take what comes. I always wake up at this point so I don’t know what happens but I can tell you…if I have to fly I refuse to sit on the right side and I’d rather drive to Florida. Don’t want this book to end. Happy Happy Birthday!!
Thank you Susan for writing such fabulous books! I am looking forward to reading “Isle of Dreams”.
Susan,
I have several of your cookbooks. I’ve read them over and over and never tire of them. When reading, I feel so relaxed and enjoy your artwork and thouhts. I am so excited to read your trilogy of books! I wish you were coming to Oregon! And I am awed that you take time out of your day to reply to your readers!
It’s my birthday too! Love your books and everything. Makes me happy.
Erin in Alaska
Have a great trip! Wish you were stopping in lower Alabama! Can’t wait for the new book! Have fun
I love your beautiful books! Congratulations!
Have a wonderful Birthday Susan!
Happy Birthday Susan!! I love your writing and all your beautiful illustrations. I would so love to win a copy of your new book!
Oh I understand the kitty hairs in the paint! They seem to be everywhere,but I love my kitties so much. Sometimes I’m the one who jumps thru hoops to get them to play! Looking forward to enjoying your new book! I love stepping into a book! Thank you for each adventure!
I just got my book today!! Cannot wait to read it! Thank you for being the best girlfriend to us and Have a Happy Birthday!
Happy happy birthday Susan! I hope you are having a wonderful day!
Amazon delivered your book today!!! I got home from work and can’t put it down. You are a gifted writer and the illustrations are wonderful. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us.
Love your new book! Only reading several pages a day so it will last.
I’m almost finished with your book Isle of Dreams it is so wonderful! You are so special, I love your heart!