PROUD MOMMY

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.

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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.

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Spring is for Dust Bunnies.

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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.IMG_6952So pretty. So happy here in . . .

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I did the little curtain in the bathroom too. Ancient though it is. But starched, you can’t tell. If this curtain could talk!

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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.

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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.My houseIMG_3098

As for spring, we’ve had a week of anything but, including rain storms, huge winds, and giant clumps of snow.

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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.

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Y U M

IMG_6928With just a soupçon suggestion of spring . . . because my kitchen is my favorite place.IMG_6916

We stopped by the nursery before the rain started . . . very cheery . . . the juxtaposition between the indoors and the out!

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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. ♥

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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 happy day

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Oh yes, and hang some laundry on the line. Fluff the quilts. We are happy!dreams

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I do think we will miss this . . . the Beauty Bush will have to bloom without us here to see it.IMG_4992

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.homeIMG_1043And 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.

Girl Kitty

B E L O V E D

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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 . . .

Girlfriends at the Learned Owl

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.kissing boring goodbye

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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! 

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So often, it’s a family affair, mom’s and daughters and sisters come together . . . LOVE it.love

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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.

get-attachment.aspxAnd some of my California Girlfriends . . . came from Palo Alto to San Luis Obispo. Honored again! ♥

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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.

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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.RibbonMVYankeeAdAnd 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!Birthday game

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.

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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:IMG_6959

Oh yeah . . . the books came to the Island.  And today, the books arrive in California and the mailing BEGINS!!!

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And this is the first thing you will see when you open your book . . .

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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.

IMG_6961My 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!art things

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!come see usstripofflowers

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3,555 Responses to PROUD MOMMY

  1. Candace Hostetter says:

    Happy Birthday Susan! You bring all of us such joy. I wish you oodles of joy and happiness in return! Hugs!

  2. Gail Rose says:

    Well, I finished your new book and now must get to work. My house is a mess. but my husband said he would help me. Isn’t he great !!

  3. It seems like ages since I’ve visited your blog, and I’m feeling ever so grateful tonight that a Facebook post reminded me to check it out. Reading the posts here, and reading your books (just ordered the two most recent) are just the kind of self-care needed for someone trying to pick up the pieces.

    As always, thank you for your uplifting words and cheerful spirit. They’re good medicine. <3

  4. April Bailey says:

    Happy Birthday to a lady I have admired for many, many years. When my children were small, I was always drawn to your artwork and cozy style. Now, that they are grown and gone, sigh, I have rediscovered my love of your books, art, humor, and general zest for life. It has been a great joy to try watercoloring and journaling because of your inspiration. I have ordered all your books, but I still haven’t finished A Fine Romance, because I don’t want it to end. I just keep admiring the pages. It may be years before I finish the others. 🙂

    • Roseann Copeland says:

      Hi April I just read your post! I totally get what your saying! I feel the same way. I have all three books too and I am savoring Isle of Dreams too! I am A newcomer to Susans work. Not sure what took me so long to discover her work! I am playing catch up now!
      P.S. Love your name!

  5. Jan Stricklin says:

    I saved Fairytale Girl till just last week. Oh my. I loved every word and can’t wait for Martha’s Vineyard. I ‘m a San Fernando Valley Girl too 😉

    Thanks for being YOU!

  6. DGreene says:

    I am soooo excited! I need a new good read and you never let me down. 😄 Congratulations on your completion of one of your life’s dreams. hope you find much happiness and satisfaction in your success now and in what is they to come.🌙⭐️

  7. Rhonda D. says:

    Chiming in along with all the Girlfriends to wish you a very, very Happy Birthday. Hope your day is filled with everything you’ve been dreaming about. Have loads of fun with your girlfriends this evening….lots of laughs, giggles and fun. The perfect way to spend your special day. I’m beginning to wear a path between my house and the mailbox waiting for my book, but I know it’s very close and I’m trying to be patient. It’ll come, yes it’ll come. Birthday hugs to you. xo

  8. DGreene says:

    PS Happy Bithday!🎈🎂

  9. DGreene says:

    Birthday…lol

  10. Martha Franks says:

    Susan, Happy Birthday! It is such a joy to read a book where it is evident that the author is absolutely in love with her story! Would love to win the book. Even more, I look forward to receiving your old paint brush and paper. I will be seeing you in Woodstock GA in June at Fox Tales. Can’t wait!

  11. Angela says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us!

  12. Linda Joan says:

    I am so thankful for you!

  13. Sam Morris says:

    Happy Birthday Susan. Hoping your day was as totally awesome as you are.

  14. Laura Pereira says:

    Happy Birthday! It made me smile that you are thinking about who might portray you on screen because my husband loves to pose that question to me.

  15. Karen Elkins says:

    I would love this new book!! Keep up the amazing work, Susan!💕💖💕💖💕💖

  16. Karen Elkins says:

    Happy birthday Susan!!

  17. Nancy says:

    Looking forward to the new book!

  18. C.Mary says:

    Susan….”Wishing you the happiest of Birthdays!” Enjoy your special day!! ~C
    I’d sing “Happy Birthday”…but it would be very bad Musica! LOL 😉

  19. Kathleen LaBernz says:

    How I would love to win a copy of Martha’s Vineyard Isle of dreams! I live in Central FL now but used to live on the Cape. I worked at Woods Hole Oceanographic and my office looked out on the Vineyard. How I miss watching the ferries go back and forth. I would also cherish your paint brush and blotter as I struggle with watercolor and greatly appreciate your artistic talents.

  20. Susan from Bainbridge Island,Wa. says:

    Happiest and I mean Happiest of Birthdays Sue…..What a spectacular year to celebrate so much in your wonderful life…You created an AWESOME life for yourself and it is time to truly CELEBRATE… Everything is coming up Roses!!! So happy for you and Joe….a nice home with those two 4 leggers!!! Sir Jack and Princess Girl Kitty…..Enjoy your Birthday …. Love and blessings from my island to yours! xo

  21. Cindy Costanzo says:

    Really really looking forward to this book. Hope your day is lovelier than usual…Cindy B-)

  22. Nele from Michigan says:

    Oh, I sooooooo WISH that you were coming our way… Some day, I will meet you.. But for now, I am enjoying watching you flutter across the country.. SOMEDAY I will be one of them; standing in line with an armful of books! :-).

    Wishing you the very happiest birthday’s ever!
    You are SUCH a huge blessing to SO many!
    Happy trails! 🙂
    Nan

  23. Elizabeth Winterbone says:

    Happy Birthday, Susan (and Gladys) and me! We all share the same birthday! I find it amazing that I share a birthday with a couple of my favorite writers! I just received my new book so my birthday treat is to head off to my comfy bed with my new book and a cup of tea. Thank you for sharing your story! I’m so glad you were born!

    -Elizabeth

  24. Bethany Crowell says:

    Happy birthday! Thank you for sharing your talents & stories with us! You are a gem.

  25. Donna Money says:

    How I’d love to win! Love your books and art work! 🙂

  26. Andrea P says:

    Hello Susan! You are such an inspiration! Your attitude, your talents, your ideas, your willingness to share your life with us and make us feel like we are friends – I love it all! Your blog always brightens my day! Thank you very much – Andrea, Boyertown, PA
    P.S. Hope you had a wonderful birthday!

  27. Joan Lesmeister says:

    Golly, just getting on to wish you a very Happy Birthday Dear Susan! Whew, made it before your midnight…..I hope! Hope today was glorious and the coming year truly fahbulous!!!! xoxoxo

  28. Pamala B says:

    Happy birthday!!! Blessings for many, many more!!! Received my new book !! So excited to read more! Not enough time in the day.

  29. Clair Lambright says:

    I just received Fairy Tale Girl and cant wait to dig in. I am even more interested in your move to the island. When it is 100 here in July, I want to move too!!! *Gets hot in Texas*

  30. Donna Hardin (Iowa) says:

    I just finished your latest book this evening. You did it again…the book was ‘enchanting!’ I loved every part of it; was sad it was over. Already anticipating your next book! Lol. Until then, looking forward to meeting up with you at your book signings and will reread the other two! Lol. You are such a gifted writer and artist…so inspirational! Thank you!

  31. Linda Rohner says:

    I love that we share our birthday! Happy birthday to you, Susan! Love, love all of your books (and artwork)! I try to get all of them and I always get your calendars, too. Can’t wait to get your newer books. Thank you for your inspiration and sharing your talents all these years. God bless you!

  32. Manette says:

    Thank you for the chance to win your lovely book. Can’t wait to see you at the Tattered Cover in Denver.

  33. Jen says:

    I got my book on Saturday and made myself wait until today to open the package. After spending the bulk of the day reading it from cover to cover I am just so impressed with what you created. Visually it is a treat, and you touched on a whole lot of similarities in our separate lives. (Now I know why my New England born dad would call people “chowderhead” — I guess it came with the territory.) We share a birthday month, though I am a year older than you. Happy Birthday to you!

  34. Cynde says:

    First Happy Belated Birthday Dear Susan!!! I hope you had a amazing day… I’m down in sunny Florida helping my hub get his brothers condo for sale & wondering if my book arrived in IL & is waiting for me to return!!! I keep telling my kids ( they’re college students & very responsible….I didn’t want you to think I left youngsters at home alone…lol), but every nite I’m like did you to check the porch…did my book come…make sure you look around for it…but as they pointed out since I’m here anyway.. I’ll just have to be patient… I’m hoping to see in when you come to Chicago…I didn’t sign up quick enough…so I’m on the waiting list… 🙁 fingers crossed… I’d love to get one of your brushes..you inspired me to work on creating a craft room just for me in our basement….it’s a work in progress…I saved my old calendars & decided to frame the pictures & hang them around the space…got the idea from TFTG…when you hung your paintings in the office/your new studio!!!! Ok have a safe trip Susan I’ll be checking for tweets from the road….crossing my toes too in hopes of seeing you in Chicago!!!

  35. Amy Warren says:

    Oh boy, am I looking forward to this beautiful book. I hinted and I hinted and I hinted some more, but something tells me my husband didn’t pre-order the new book for me, so if Vanna could pick me, that would be just divine. Thanks for sharing your life with us Susan… all of your creativity, humor, skills, art, COURAGE..You are an inspiration. Enjoy your trip, meeting all the fans, have an awesome time. You deserve the best in life!

  36. donna babbitt in so ca says:

    You have a very strong will……..talk about stating the obvious! To be able to leave
    those precious kittens.

    Traveling mercies be upond you!!!!

  37. Ivannia says:

    I’m looking forward to read your book!! You are a beautiful soul!! 🙂

  38. Sue says:

    I am rather new to the concept of direct interaction with an author through a blog. It was delightful to read this post, and get a “feel” for the person behind the art I so enjoy. May your trip, though long, be joyful, and may your return feel like a welcoming embrace.

    • Roseann Copeland says:

      Lovely comment! I ditto your comment Ivannia! She is coming to Kansas City and I am praying for her safe travels to and fro! The girlfriends here are VERY thrilled!

  39. Diane from Poulsbo says:

    I was out of town yesterday, but still want to wish you a very Happy Birthday!

  40. Donna H. in Arkansas says:

    Your post was a delight to read. I wish you a Happy Birthday and many more to come with good health. Have a safe journey across this beautiful country!

  41. Lynda Slattery says:

    I would LOVE to get the book. I’ve been looking forward to it since the day I finished your Fairy Tale Girl book. I have discovered you rather late and I love your stories and illustrations, since especially I am an illustrator myself, illustrating school textbooks, reading stories for a local company. Thanks so much for your positive, uplifting views on life.

  42. Suzanne says:

    Happy Birthday Susan !!!🎂🎈🎈
    See you in Kansas City next month 😊

  43. Pamela Lusk says:

    Love seeing all the pictures. Thanks Susan for brightening my day! 🌝
    Happy birthday, and many blessings for the year ahead 💐

  44. Roseann Copeland says:

    I am loving Isle of Dreams and savoring it slowly! Definitely pacing myself! You have me laughing and crying! I want to win a copy for my daughter. She at 27 is getting over a broken heart. I let her read my copy of A Fine Romance. I may have to buy her Isle of Dreams. It is so encouraging! Thanks for sharing your gifts and talents!

  45. Tana G says:

    I am now two books behind! Just waiting for my bank account to look better. I have all the rest, and some more than one copy! You and Joe have a great trip.

  46. Lora says:

    I am already reading your new book~because my mom preordered and got it for me back at Christmas 🙂 I’m loving it!! It would be awesome to have a signed copy though and share this one with a friend!!

  47. Diane Patrum says:

    Happy Birthday to you!!! Your book arrived day before yesterday and I finished reading it yesterday evening. Oh my goodness, I so loved it. I have been a collector of quotes for many years and your book gave me some new ones. I found myself looking back at the floor plan of your wee cottage many times as I was reading – imagining myself walking through each room. I don’t want to spoil the book for those who haven’t yet finished reading it, but I do want to say that the last few pages were exactly what I hoped for…enough said.

    Can’t thank you enough for your book. I have a million things I want to say to you, so I think I’ll just write you a letter. I’ll use my brand new ink pen – a handmade gift from my brother for my birthday this coming Friday. What fun to use a real ink pen instead of a ballpoint one. It may be a little while before you receive your letter…as I say, I have a lot of things I want to say, girlfriend.

    Love from Diane in North Carolina

  48. Roseann Copeland says:

    P.S. Happy Birthday Month!
    My birthday is April 20th! It’s so cool we share the same month.
    Beautiful things happen in April (to counter some bad things that have happen). We girlfriends are very thankful that you are converges earth to make this world a better place and to inspire so many of us❣👏👏🙏Happy Travels

    • Roseann Copeland says:

      P.S.S. Oops! Aw awful spellcheck😩. “Converge” ? No I meant “were placed on this earth”

  49. Debbie Winston says:

    Thanks for being a fan of your fans! Love your work!

    • sbranch says:

      Love that ~ “fan of my fans!” I never quite thought of myself as having “fan’s” But there is NO doubt that I am a fan of my Girlfriends!! xoxo Thank you Debbie!

  50. Diedra Lanphear says:

    Hello dear Susan! First, let me say I’m sending Happy, wondrous, JOYful, FUN, magical Birthday wishes to you! And, as always, I loved this last blog posting! It brought me joy! And speaking of Joy, I received “Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams” in the mail this past Friday, and I read it in 2 days! I was going to read some each morning as part of my joyful, inspirational, healing morning time — but — I absolutely couldn’t put it down!! I loved it so much, it made me laugh and cry, and brought me so much JOY, which I really need right now! I’m sorry I didn’t write you after my husband and I took our trip on the QM2 last May. It turned into a difficult year. However, I took “A Fine Romance” with me, and we took pictures of me reading it around the ship, which I will send you soon. We’ve had a challenging several months since then, which I will tell you about later, but I hope and plan to see you soon either with my Flight Attendant friend in Kansas City again, or in Asheville, as I live in Durham, North Carolina. I gave my Mom a copy of your latest book as well, and she is enjoying it immensely as I knew she would! Thank you again for blessing my life in so many ways, and I am celebrating You!

  51. Patricia Ihde says:

    Happy birthday, Susan! I am thrilled to have this opportunity. I will never forget the day almost 30 years ago that I discovered your Heart of the Home book while wandering in my favorite bookstore. I became one of your fans that day. Since then, I have added each new Susan Branch book to my collection to be read and reread. Many are the times that I’ve enjoyed curling up with a cozy cup of tea and one of your books. Thank you.

  52. Carol from Indy says:

    Oh my goodness! What can I say but “That was absolutely wonderful!!” Bless you for sharing this with all of us. I am eagerly reading it again…..and then again. You bring such light into this world.

    Madame Birdwhistle would like to write you a letter (at 94 she has stopped using her computer.) but the only address I have for you is POBox 2463B, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Is that still correct? That was the address I sent the pictures to of Madame and Tasha Tudor a few months ago.

    Thank you again for sharing this wonderful book and your wonderful life with all of us girlfriends.
    Blessings~
    carol

    • sbranch says:

      Yes, that’s still correct. We’re about to leave for 2 months though! But the mail will be here when I get home!

  53. Kathleen Wingate says:

    Thank you for your generous give-aways!! Can’t wait to read this book (probably by buying it since I’ve not been very lucky at winning contests!) I really enjoy your blog… thanks for sharing your life and talent with us, you are a treasure!!

  54. Tammy B. says:

    Thank you for the lovely post and HaPpY BiRtHdAy!! I love all your books and had all mine signed on your last tour in Indiana. Have a lovely book tour. 🙂

  55. Bonnie Schoening says:

    Oh Susan, what an awesome opportunity – thank you so much ! And the paintbrush idea is wonderful also 💗😍 A
    ND Happy Happy Birthday

  56. A happy birthday to you, kindred spirit! Reading your books is like sitting down to tea with a new old friend. Thank you for putting yourself out there.

  57. Diane Waters says:

    I love all your work and hope I am lucky! The bookmarks and used paintbrushes (Joe) are great ideas! Xoxo

  58. Debby says:

    Happy belated birthday Susan, finished your book last night. I was torn between rushing thru and savoring it. Rushed thru! Couldn’t put it down.I have so many questions.
    1. Do you still own Holly Oak?
    2. How far away is your big house from your little house?
    3. Does your big house have a name too?
    4. I know you and Joe walk to the beach each morning, where on the map do you end up?
    After I finished the book, I immediately found A Fine Romance and reminded myself how you and Joe got together. Seems to me there is another book between the asking of you to go to Boston for the weekend and taking the trip to England. Thank you so much for your hard work. And I almost forgot, my studying of Arf and Arfy finally paid off. Laughed out loud when I found those words. So funny! My husband refers to you as “your friend Susan” and I always say, she not really my friend, but you know what, even tho I haven’t met you, you really are my friend. Making your pineapple upside down cake for my husbands birthday, and will be seeing Sir Paul on Friday. I will tell him you said hey. Love, Debby

    • sbranch says:

      I don’t own Holly Oak anymore. About a year and a half after Joe came into my life we decided that Holly Oak was too small for him, his head was brushing the ceiling! So we sold it to my girlfriend Elizabeth (who has since sold it again) and bought a bigger house. It’s called a plain name, Spring Street. It’s only a couple of miles from Holly Oak . . . my kitty Man Cat used to leave here and walk back to the old house all the time, until I finally put butter on his paws like the old wives suggested I do, then he stopped. Our walk is still sort of a secret. I try not to tell that part because we love it quiet and lonely out there. Have fun with Sir Paul, Debby!!!

  59. Becky Nexsen says:

    Hi Susan!
    I am reading your newest book now but I would so love to win one of your free books for a special girlfriend. She gave me my very first Susan Branch book years ago, Girlfriends Forever. We loved your book because we could identify with so many things you wrote about. Even though she has lived many places; usually far away, we have stayed in touch and visited as often as we could. I know she would love this book too!
    Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Susan!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your life with so many of us. Your stories are wonderful!!

  60. Polly says:

    Happy Birthday! Looking forward to reading your new book. As always, your blog is inspiring – love it!

  61. Martha Lee says:

    Susan Branch, where you have been all my life? I guess I just don’t get out enough. Luckily for me I was introduced to you through the purchase of your 2016 calendar and can’t wait for each new month to arrive so I can experience the joy. You have opened up a whole new world for me, one that I am very ecstatic to live in! Birthday blessings to you and I wish you safe and rewarding travels! ~Marlee~

  62. Lynn says:

    Hi Susan. First of all , I`d like to wish you a belated Happy Birthday! I have all your books & would love to win ” Martha`s Vineyard , Isle of Dreams.Thanks!

  63. Elizabeth says:

    A very happy belated birthday! Thank you also for a marvelous new book…..love it more than words can say. Hope you have a wonderful trip/book tour and visit with your family and friends. Will anxiously await the pre-order of “Heart of The Home” while you are away.

  64. Caroline says:

    I absolutely love love love your book! I am 1/2 way and trying to slow down to savor it. Thank you for sharing your wonderful, touching, inspiring life with us all. Truly you are a great gift to the world and to the heart of so many homes!! Miraculous you!

  65. Deborah Ferguson says:

    Happy belated Birthday Susan! I got my book just a few days after you sent them out~I cannot imagine being gone for two month’s~it sounds so wonderfully freeing~I will be praying traveling prayers for you and sweet Joe~

  66. Charlene H. from S.F. Valley says:

    I have been away from this comment section for a long time though I have kept up with your postings. What a year, Susan! What. A. Year. !. 🙂 The sincerest of congratulations to you. <3 <3 <3
    I am just back into real life after burying myself into the coziness of Isle of Dreams for a few days. Sigh…such closure. Now, onward and upward (!!!), to new chapters of life, laughter, and love!
    Happy Belated Birthday, Sweet Sue!

  67. Helen says:

    So happy to hear about the reprint of your Heart of the Home! I have more people to share you with and this will make a very nice way to do that!

  68. Terri says:

    Only you can make spring cleaning seem so fun – one of the many reasons we all love you and reading anything (everything) you write! Wishing you a (belated) happy, happy birthday, Susan, and a wonderful year ahead! Keeping my fingers crossed I’ll be able to come to one of your book signings when you get to Southern California, this time. Happy travels!

  69. Jen Wells says:

    Great idea, love the one-of-a-kind bookmark!

  70. Sandra Bush says:

    I read your book A Fine Romance right before we were to leave on our firs trip to England. The book made be fall in love with the place before we even got there and the trip was everything I thought it would be and more. Would love to go back someday. Loved The Fairy Tale Girl and am excited to read Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. Have always wanted to visit Martha’s Vineyard…..Love your books!

  71. Diana from Ohio says:

    Susan< Happy belated Birthday. Same day as our anniversary which we spent driving around Ohio.

  72. marjie russo says:

    So excited to come to your book signing in Pasadena, Ca.

  73. Melinda Parkman says:

    You make me want to spring clean and that is no small feat. Hope you have a great time on your trip.

  74. Marian Fairchild says:

    Oh, yes. You have fans!!! I especially love your fabric collections!

  75. Annie Lockwood says:

    I am so excited for your new book!!! I have preordered it and can’t wait! I so loved your story about England, and I have all your other books, which are treasures. Thanks so much for all the inspiration! I have been a fan since your first book, which I bought on a sailing trip to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

  76. Kathy G says:

    Received Isle of Dreams in the mail and just finished reading it. Thank you Susan for sharing your life, your art talent, your serendipity take on life (I call it divine guidance). You are my soul sister through and through. I enjoyed the book so much, now I’m going to go back through it and appreciate every page of artwork. Thank you.

  77. Diana H. says:

    Got my book………..so beautiful!!!! Thank you sooooo much Susan. Can’t wait to visit with you in Wilmette!!!

  78. Mary Pat says:

    OH boy!!! I love the new book. Yesterday I was reading your book and it was your birthday in the book and in REAL life too. That made me smile. Happiest of birthdays to you and many many many more.

  79. Donna Cahill says:

    Just received my book, or should I say your book, in the mail. I’m so,so excited to begin reading. I may tell my husband to MYOD, which in our house means make your own dinner, so I can get started on the last book of your trilogy. I’m coming to see you in New Hope, Pennsylvania next month. I will bring all three books with me but I will be happy to get one signed. I don’t want to be greedy. Off to my reading. Thank you for this beautiful book!

  80. Dawn from Minnesota says:

    . . . hAPpy BiRtHdAy to Susan . . . hApPy BiRtHdAy to YoU!! Wishing YoU the Happiest of Days and a Life blessed with Peace, Love and Luck!! You are a doll! xoxoxo. 🙂
    m.youtube.com/watch?v=ToFuxOlI0Lw

  81. Kristina says:

    Oh, I see you are coming to the Tattered Cover in Denver! How delightful! Hope to make it out to finally meet you in person – my mom made me a fan when I was young with all your adorable books and delicious recipes – your corn pudding has become a Thanksgiving must!

  82. Jackie P says:

    Belated birthday cheer!

  83. Margaret Harke says:

    So looking forward to receiving my copy of Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams For my family in the late 1600s it was just that. Now our family is scattered out in most of the 50 states. As a sit here in CA, I sometimes wish that my ancestors had not gotten such itchy feet and had stand on the island.

  84. I’ll be there in Pasadena.I’m thinking of making it an overnight just for the fun of it.I wish You could go to Montclair Mall sometime so I can leave My Husband at home and I’ll just take My time.Your Home is so nice and I love the way You lovingly take care of it.Your giveaway is so generous….brushes and all.Oh how I would love to display them along side one of Your/My books.Please do include Me in the giveaway.I would treasure of course the book but the brushes would be a dear treasure for sure.Thank You so much Joe for the idea,I love it-Hugs and blessings Your way, Denise of Coffeeberry Cottage.

  85. Oh My Goodness-Didn’t mean to leave out……..Happy Birthday Dear Susan !!!

  86. Chrissy says:

    I’m so excited to meet you at Joseph-Beth’s. It’s my Mother’s Day present to myself. PS, Happy Belated Birthday!!! 🎂 Happy travels.

  87. nettie says:

    I can hardly believe how much I am loving your new book Susan. You are a brave woman, my hero and my inspiration. I am at a point in my life where I seem to be facing new challenges and you are giving me the power I need to move forward positively. thank you thank you thank you

    • sbranch says:

      Makes me so happy to hear that Nettie, good luck with your hopes and dreams, not to be flip about it, but you go girl. xoxoxo

  88. Kathryn says:

    Happy happy birthday! Thanks for brightening our days with your cheerful outlook and art.

  89. Charlene H. from S.F. Valley says:

    I apologize for this duplicate comment. Seems like when I comment from my ipad, it does not go through. 🙂 So…
    “I have been away from this comment section for a long time though I have kept up with your postings. What a year, Susan! What. A. Year. !. 🙂 The sincerest of congratulations to you. ♥ ♥ ♥
    I am just back into real life after burying myself into the coziness of Isle of Dreams for a few days. Sigh…such closure. Now, onward and upward (!!!), to new chapters of life, laughter, and love!
    Happy Belated Birthday, Sweet Sue!”

  90. Jackie Cavitt says:

    I’m sure your kitties will miss you, too…but they have a wonderfully clean house to enjoy and lots of dreams to dream till you get back home, sweet home…❤️

  91. Lucy de Leeuw says:

    Wishing you the happiest of Birthday’s Susan! I just made the Rhubarb Crisp posted in Martha’s Vineyard Isle Of Dreams delicious beyond words. You bring sunshine everyday to all of us, so appreciated:)

  92. Mame Johnston says:

    Susan,
    You just never disappoint me in your prose. Thanks so much for continuing your story and delving into the hard places as well as the great ones of your life and loves. We share a love of Gladys Taber. I do so appreciate you also reissuing the blank calendar page for me to add my ever changing birthday lists. It’s helpful to me, for certain. Safe journeys to all your signings. I’ll try to get to Ashville, NC, but it’s hard when you have a Velcro-dog, named Bentley, our rescued golden retriever. He’s like your kitties. He doesn’t understand how we could ever leave him behind for any reason.

    Love,
    Mame Johnston

  93. Andrea says:

    Oh Happy Days, Oh Happy Days……my booked arrived to little Rhody yesterday. I FORCED myself to wait until end of day to open and SAVOR. So beautiful. I love the Map, the ribbon book mark, the other book mark, and of course your signature. I carefully teased myself by looking through it, oohing and awwing the whole time. I read a caption under a picture and work myself into a frenzy of anticipation. I go up to bed and start. Hubby comes in 2 hours later and says “you’re not going to read the whole thing at once? You will be sorry. So I reluctantly agree, I want to savor it. Im learning the pieces to your puzzle, I was so curious about. I have already cried thinking of you so sad, so far from home. Loved you making your Cottage a home. Love that you inspire me, who for the first time in 35 years, I am home, no children to raise, no patients at work to comfort, a husband busy with a job he loves. I’ve been lonely lately when I should be happy. I miss having people around every day, all day. Although I am only 1/3 way finished, I know as I redine who I am, I too have my 2 kitties, crochet projects for a new grandchild, books to read, Yoga to practice, a flower garden to tend and new adventure’s surely await. See, I know this book has a VERY happy ending. I thank you for that. And by the way, hubby just said he would sleep in guest room tonight, so I can read to my hearts content. Whose a lucky gal?

  94. Sarah says:

    Susan,
    I rarely win a give away, and seeing that I’m one of thousands putting my hat in the ring . . . well, let’s jus say, I don’t expect to be one of the six. But I do expect to be excited for those lucky readers who do. What a fun idea!
    I’m a fan, a long time fan. Loving your books. Born in 1948, reading Fairy Tale Girl takes me back to my own younger years. You made me smile with each turn of the page. So excited that you will be here in Austin in June. I plan to be there, eager to meet you. What a treat! Thanks, and safe travels as you make your way through the book tour.

  95. Marilyn McDonald says:

    Your new book would be perfect! Thanks for the chance!! =)

  96. Cynthia McFadden says:

    my computer died a few months ago! and I wasn’t able to enjoy your website I went through cold turkey! I LOVE YOU WEBSITE as soon as I had, computer access 1st thing I did was go to your site. It so wonderful to log onto such a caring, positive and kind site thank you Susan for such a wonderful place to come to and realize that the world is still filled with wonderful caring people. Also, Wishing You a very Happy Birthday and can’t wait to receive your new book!!! God bless and hope to see you in Pasadena when you come out.

  97. Maria Shiyou says:

    Oh, I would love to win! I have the other two and I have the Autumn book and the Summer book. I just haven’t had the extra money to order this one yet. Love your books.

  98. Marnie says:

    I look forward to reading part 2. I just love your style and have collected your books as they appeared. I greet you everyday as I check my calendars!

  99. Joyce Mahan says:

    I’m flying into Omaha, from Louisiana, then driving across Iowa, with my Sister, and Niece to come see you next month! We are so excited, and my Sister, and Niece, haven’t even read one of your books, or know who you are!!! Yet, that is. They’ll know all about you, by the time our “Girls Trip,” is over. See you soon. Xxx

  100. Heike says:

    Susan…Happy Birthday! Thank you that you bring so much fun and joy in our lifes.
    I am looking forward to your new book. Best greetings from Germany.

    • sbranch says:

      Good morning Heike! I’m coming to England in the fall, having a picnic on a lawn in Wiltshire, inviting all the girlfriends that can make it to be there . . . just wanted to let you know, in case you are looking for somewhere beautiful to go in the fall! Thank you for the birthday wishes! xoxo

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