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!
Can’t wait, cannot wait, bit I will wait patiently! I have ordered a book but would love yours to add to my collection of signed copies.
I must remember to take my time when it arrives and not read it all in one sitting. MV is my island of dreams too. Every year I anticipate my vacation in September. I just sit and stare at the water after my morning walk too. So this will tide me over till the ferry arrives! You must be so excited and relieved. Safe travels and kisses to your fur babies.
Oh to have your life! I’m still in the crazy-young-kids-running-frazzled-everyday stage of my life and while I am enjoying the heck out of it, I would LOVE to sit quietly with a cup of tea and be able to enjoy it uninterrupted while its still hot!
Love you!
Your posts ALWAYS make me smile and want to get out there and follow a dream! Now what can I tackle next- did my closet and drawers at 8 am this morning…:)
Can’t wait to see the pics from the book signings- and so hope that THIS TIME Vanna will choose me !
Can’t wait to curl up with this book. Visiting Martha’s Vineyard is on my bucket list.
I have enjoyed your books and posts. However, I have two older sisters (okay, they are 77 and 74) who introduced me to your books. The eldest gave me A Fine Romance and Fairy Tale Girl and has pre-ordered the newest one for me – I can’t wait to read it! Therefore, I would love it if one of the give-aways could be for her (P.S. she has two daughters who have homes on Martha’s Vineyard and spends quite a bit of time there during the summer).
Thanks for the joy!
This is my first ever post to you! I just want you to know how much joy I experienced from “A Fine Romance”. I dream (literally EVERYDAY!) of being able to see England in person someday, but your experience of it is a lovely way for me to see and “feel” it. I love to click on one of your mini-movies on You-Tube! I feel like I’m there and it makes my heart so happy! God bless you and have a wonderful trip!
I always love your posts, Susan! Reminds me of home when I lived just up the street from your lovely house. I hope you have a wonderful trip and enjoy meeting all your “faraway fans!” This fan in Michigan sends you warm greetings and love!
Dear Susan, In my kitchen hangs a poster, bought very long ago . . .”A Prayer for a Little Home”. Over the years I found stickers, books,saw the ad for your fabrics, but could not find them, and bought more books. This was before I knew you had a blog and did book signings. Your art speaks from you heart, and I love it. It’s very sweet and inspiring! Thank you so much for staying at it, even when you work alone, and giving to so many of us through your gifts. I pray your kitties are well taken care of. We have kitties also and I hate leaving them. Have a safe trip. Hope to see you at one of the signings!
Yahoo! Hope to see you in Ca!! Thanks for your inspiring blog!!
I have loved your books and things for so many years! I tell all my friends about you too. So excited for the next book. I’ve read the other two twice.
I’m perusing the event listing to see if I can make one of the book signing. Congrats on finishing it and I can’t wait to read it. Your blog keeps me going on this snowy, wet day.
Oh I am so excited for your new book! I read Fairy Tale Girl for a second time so I am ready!
Susan,
Such a happy and exciting post! Spring really has run away here in New England, hasn’t it?!? Snow today outside my window in Tiverton, RI, but just like you we have hints all around us that she is coming – cherry blossom buds, hydrangea leaves, lilac buds, and still the daffodils! We can’t wait to see you again on the Cape in July for your book signing. Good luck and God Speed to your and Joe on your journey ahead, it all seems very exciting and perfectly timed after your winter of projects. Thank you for all the inspiration!
Mindy in RI
Aloha from Maui Susan,
So excited to hear that the books are almost on their way.
I’m so very envious about your beautiful flowers. I’m sure you and Joe will be missing the blossoms while gone on you trip. We have the most gorgeous tropical flowers here on the island but I only wish that the peonies would grow here as well. They are my favorite!
Enjoy your travels! I’ll be looking forward to more post and Maybe, just MAYBE a chance to win a signed book and paint brush! Oh,
and when do you think you’ll be coming to the islands! 🙂
Aloha,
Susan
I’m so excited to come and see you and Joe!! My Mom and I have had it on our calendar for months and will be heading to Cincinnati in May…Woohoo! It’s only an hour drive from where I live in Kentucky. Safe travels and see you soon! XOXO
Oh, my! The excitement builds! Now I know my book will be here soon! Yippee!! Sending you and Joe lots of good travel vibes. I know your trips across the country will be such fun!
Hi Susan,
After reading your second book I saw that you are part of the Orr family as I am! Could we possibly be related? Hope to meet you in SoCal at the book signing.
Karen (Orr) Riley
I have loved your work for many years, I enjoy reading your blog and feel so blessed that you are willing to share so much of your life and yourself with us!
LOVE you SUSAN 💞XO
Susan:
Loved seeing the pictures of your last tour, especially those with your Palo Alto girlfriends! I live in the town next door, Los Altos, and I tried to arrange a visit for you in our area. Alas it was not a possibility for our independent book store. So I will look forward to getting a copy of your book instead. I will be visiting Martha’s Vineyard in June (while you are away) but I will tour the island and think of you!
I’m so excited to receive “Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams! And can’t wait to meet you in New Hope, PA – yay! (My picks for the movie – Jennifer Lawrence in your early years and Annette Benning in your later years).
Your book arrived last Thursday! I tried so hard to read slowly and savor every page – didn’t work – read it in 2 days. When finished I sighed, took a deep breath, closed eyes, hugged book to chest, and said “ahhh” (few tears too). It truly is a wonderful book – now I have the trilogy and can read them all again at my leisure. On another note, is that an old quilt that you use as the ironing board pad? If so, what a great idea! I usually buy the silver, slippery pads that never seem to fit right.
First off, thank you. “Hugged book to chest,” just make my day. xoxoxo And, yes, on our last cross-country tour I found this ironing board cover made from an old quilt in an antique store. I love it, it’s the perfect thick padded pretty thing! Would be really easy to make too, even from a new quilt. Have a wonderful day Linda! Thank you again!
OMG – it all sounds so great. I am trying to figure out a way to come and see you at one of the Calif visits! I can’t wait for my book to come in the mail – so this WOULD just be a bonus. I have given several of “The Fairy Tale Girl” books as gifts and gotten other hooked on your story and amazing art. So happy for you and all your success, Sue
xxoo
This post made my heart rate go up, haha. I am so excited now! For Spring, for the new book to arrive, for the chance to win one of your brushes, and for the book-signing in Hudson. I can’t wait! You’re the best.
As I prepare for a 45 day visit to England ~ leaving in two days!! ~ I have often thought of you and the preparations you are making for this book-signing trip (sad there are no dates for signing in Virginia), as well as your VERY exciting trip to Scotland in the Fall. Have been busy doing many of the same things you have been undertaking ~ preparing the house for our extended absence so I don’t have to face those things when I get back. Boy, would that take all the fun out of the homecoming! Please do sign me up for the book drawing! I have it on my “wishlist” and purposely left it there so I could press “order now” the minute I return. By the way, your book on England has been a wonderful added resource for our travel this time (we’ve been over 6-7 times) in fact, per your recommendation, we are staying at Weathericks! Will be journaling all along the way, reviewing tearooms and such but, sadly, without your lovely illustrations… May you have joy-filled travels across this great land of ours! ~ Marsha
It’s all so exciting! Can’t wait to see you in Memphis this time. And to read the latest book!!
Quick, Quick while there are only 30 comments. Dear Vanna, please put my name at the top of the bowl, so you will not have to break a nail finding my name. Goodness, I am ususally some where in the 100’s of reply.
Susan, a very happy birthday next Tuesday, I will follow you on Saturday and if I have been a very lucky girl, your new book will ship and arrive by then. Spring is sprung in Denver, only a little bit of rain/snow predicted for tomorrow evening. We even sat out last night by the chimayo (fire pit to other folks) which is a new early record for us. Dined on a wheat-free pizza and wine. Yummy. See you soon at the Tattered Cover.
Love this!
Susan,
Also planning to attend the Gladys Taber reunion during that trip to MV in June. It will be held in Eastham on the Cape! My first reunion! I know you will miss this one but looking forward to it.
Can’t wait for the new book!!! One of my wishes was to be able to paint like Susan Branch! I messed around with some water colors, but alas I can’t hold a paintbrush to you! I’ll have to be satisfied to read your books and look at your pictures. 💕
Susan,
I cannot wait for all the road trip pictures! It’s so fun that we girlfriends get to watch from the backseat. So excited for the new books and then calendars!! So happy you’re doing an update of the cookbook because mine has turned egg yellow from well, eggs! I tend to cook over opened cookbooks! Kiss the furbabies for me and have a wonderful trip!
Happy Spring to you too, Susan!! Isn’t it great?! I’m sorry that the East coast is getting hammered with WINTER still. But, perhaps it’s better to finish up all you have to do before your trip in. I’m sure it has been spring weather most of the time. I love all your pictures that you’ve taken of your yard. I’m going to look up “Beauty Bush”, as I’ve never heard of it, but sure is pretty! I’m looking for a couple plants to plant next to the back fence. I want something that will get large.
I’ve been a silent girlfriend for a few months. I do look forward to reading all your new posts though. Been very busy with yard work, etc etc. All is done now but the maintenance. Our irrigation water is to be turned on in a couple weeks. Can’t wait to use that instead of house water.
I’m looking forward to seeing the girlfriends that win this next drawing. It’s so much fun to cheer them on.
xoxox,
Carol M
Can hardly wait to read your new book, Isle of Dreams
. My sister and I have have read the other two books and loved them.
Thank you!!
Joanna Taylor
so excited to get the new book. My cousin, friend and I always end up talking about each new one when we are all finished – almost like a Susan Branch book club! and I can’t read it just once!! Gotta read it for the story, then re read to look at the artwork AGAIN…such fun. Have a wonderful time on your travel adventure!
I would love to win one of your signed books. I have followed your blog for awhile but never read one of your books, though they look delightful! The artistry intrigues me and I plan to buy them and get started! I am at a stage of my life where I can slow down and smell the roses and I plan to start right away. Have a great trip book signing, and be safe! Thank you for providing us with these great books!
So excited to receive your books, one for me and one for my daughter. I like the print in the latest blog, so much easier to read and like it used to be Happy travels to you and Joe.
Counting down the days til the tea in Wilmette, Susan!!!! May 10!!!!
Good news to hear “Isle of Dreams” will be here really soon. I’m so looking forward to this.
I immediately thought of Meg Ryan to play you.
Hi Susan! Two things: One, I am in love with your beautiful bathroom curtain and Two, I CANNOT wait to receive my book in the mail. I am SOOOOO excited to hear “the rest of the story”! Safe travels to you and Joe!
I am around your age…sort of ‘vintagy’ but plenty of fun left…am from a fam of 5 sibs and I’m a mom of 8. I LOVE your blog, all of ‘our’ trips and the stories you’ve shared with us, your girlfriends…I pass it all along to my 83 year young mom! We are all excited for the trip across the country …. have a blessed and awesome journey! <3
Always love your posts. Happy trails to you (& Joe). Stay safe.
Sandy in KY
Love that word FABRIC in the last sentence of your post! I bought a bundle of fabrics in a quilt shop a couple of years ago…all folded into triangles and did not realize until just lately that they were SB fabrics and I loved them before but really love them now! They were in my stash so now they will hopefully turn into something wonderful.
Love seeing your wonderful curtains and how you care for them so well. It is a job to spring clean but the sparkly glass and crisp, clean everything makes it worth it.
Looking forward to your tour…and for the book to come out. Oh boy! That is a long time to be away from home but I am grateful that you take the time and effort to meet your girlfriends around the country. See you in Austin!
Yippee!!! Looking forward to seeing you at the Tattered Cover in Colorado soon!!!!!
Have a wonderful trip! Can’t wait for the new book! Hopefully one day you will make it in to Michigan! Take care!
I have always been an admirer of your work and have quite a collection. I can’t even throw away the old calendars because I can’t part with the art! Looking forward to your newest works.
I’m so excited to receive your latest book in the mail. Since I missed seeing you the last time you were Iowa, I was just sure I would see you here in Iowa next month! Wouldn’t you know, my granddaughter’s graduation celebration is on the same day; she selected her date over a year ago. On the bright side, I will always have your book to enjoy reading over and over! Thank you for sharing your writing and artistic talent with me and so many others. Safe travels to California; wish I were going to San Luis and Morro Bay this summer! Many wonderful memories there!
Happy, happy day! So excited to know that my book might be on its way from CA right this very minute!!❤️ And now I’m off to print out two name tags for hubby and myself for our New Hope visit😊
Hi Susan,
I am beyond thrilled that you’re coming to the Learned Owl in Hudson, OH! It’s a two hour drive but my BFF (since 4th grade) lives near there and she and I are coming again to see you and Joe, even though I’ll be leaving my darling Doug back home on our 31st Wedding Anniversary! That’s how much you are loved!
As a reminder, I’m your girlfriend who corresponded via email about Pinterest several years ago. I’m happy you’re on there with your own account to take ownership of your work and leverage it broadly! Many follow Pinterest for the recipes, so keep that in mind with your new/old book coming out! XXOO <3 Diane Marie
Susan,
You are so generous, giving 6 books away, PLUS brushes… I’m looking forward to the book, which I’m recieving via my darling pen-pal Rachel, who ordered it for me, as a Christmas gift!! I wonder when it will reach Holland?? It would be just perfect if it arrives before the 20th April, so I can bring it along to the Lake District, where we are going, yeah!! A whole week, plus another week in York, I can hardly wait!
Oh it would make my day to recieve a personalised copy…
Have a wonderful trip, and be safe,
With love from Nicoline
I could see Zooey Deschanel playing you. And you know a young Diane Keaton looks allot like you.
She was my first choice until we almost got to be 70!
I can’t wait for this book. Loved the 1st one and already ordered the 2nd. I always read your books straight through and then savor them for years. Will be ordering the new Heart of the Home too. Such comfort reading. Thank you!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
You are so going to get slammed with comments!!
Can’t wait to see you in June!
Chris
Hi Chris!
Congratulations ~ so wonderful to have (one) of your dreams come true! I’ve ‘known’ you I guess for 30 years now and I have fallen in love with watercolors, too, thanks to you! and have taken (and still am) watercolor classes and online classes… but you’re right, it’s not classes but doing it!
Looking forward to this book and the new reissue of “Heart”!!
Hi Susan, I’m not looking past your “Martha’s Yineyard, Isle of Dreams” book but I am so looking forward to the new “Heart of the Home.” Every change of pace, when I plan menus, I take out your book and read and plan. Even though our nest is smaller now that the birdies have moved on, I still plan my menus with your books in mind.
Spring has sprung here in Texas and the beauty of the bluebonnets cheers as do your beautiful flowers. Have a safe journey as I’m hoping your inspirations are around each corner of your travels ahead.
Oh dearest Susan, I cannot wait to receive my book. I have all of your books and cherish them all. Sending you 💕 from Wisconsin. I need your book to shutout this crazy election nonsense 😩”
I’m so happy for you! Have a safe trip across country and back.
WOW! The possibility of a paintbrush and bookmark with the book is just almost too fantastic! As far as who might play you in a movie…..that must be just loads of fun to think about. I have no suggestion at the moment!
You are pure sunshine on this very rainy day!
Safe travels on your way to share you wonderful book with all of us who love you dearly.
Oh, my, SUSAN! It’s whiner Jane from Washington State — I’m the one coming on the Amtrak to see you in Morrow Bay. Do you UNDERSTAND how excited I must be?! I received your first book when it came out and my friend wrote a poem in the front of the book. I’ll copy it and send it to you! I’m so very excited to receive that book — and I will add it to my collection that I adore. I just re-read Fairy Tale Girl to be reminded of the ending and where my mind will pick up when I read the new one. I remember waiting patiently years’ ago at the Barnes and Noble while they unpacked the Girlfriends book so that I could buy a copy. I’m doing a little spring cleaning today too and I don’t think there’s anything more lovely than a quiet day at home to freshen and iron and wash a floor or two. You inspire me always and I thank YOU from the bottom of MY heart! See you soon!
See you soon Jane!
You are such an inspiration! We are the full time Airstream couple from a couple of years ago. I have been a fan since Heart of the Home came out in the eighties! I couldn’t read your blog for the last couple of years because it made me homesick for a “home.” I am happy to report we are closing on our new home this week!!:-)
We are putting the Airstream in a nearby storage garage and will continue to travel, just shorter trips. My Dad turned 95 last May and is in an assisted living facility ten minutes away from our new place.
My husband is planning to copy your picket fence garden in our backyard. I appreciate the many good ideas you share! Can’t wait to be a homemaker once again!!:-)
Thanks and safe travels!
I can hardly wait to get my book.Spring is trying it’s best,but winter is giving her a run for her money.The daffodils are blooming,dogwood,redbud.Snow in the forecast later in the week!Have a safe trip and thank you for you! Mary Lawrence.
CONGRATULATIONS on ALL your accomplishments, Susan!!!
AND….HAPPY Early BIRTHDAY! How Fun…a Party with your truest Girlfriends!
Isn’t it wonderful to have people in your life who LOVE you no matter what you do…or don’t do!…books or no books…movies or no movies…even dirty bathrooms!
Enjoy your gifts and CELEBRATE all Springtime!!!
xoxo
PS I’m betting you’ve never been BORED for a second in your full fun lifetime!
Another Montana girl here! Spooky the cat and I just read your new blog post, which I always enjoy so much. You are the most cheerful person and your uplifting posts and books are rays of sunshine in an often worrisome world. Thank you for all that! Eagerly awaiting the new book.
Can’t wait to read Isle of Dreams. And thank you for the crisp pictures of beautiful lace. Now I must get busy but first have to buy the old fashioned starch. You have motivated me! Have a safe and lovely trip as you travel to your book signings.
I should feel so lucky if “Vanna” were to choose me! Congratulations on your newest book, and have a wonderful time at all the signings…..Life IS good!
From your first-ever “Days from the Heart of the Home” to your huge and spectacular 2016 desk calendar, your delightful drawings and wise words have helped make every year special for me. May this year be your own best yet. Safe travels and happy landings! (((Hugs)))
Hi from Oregon. I would love to win your new book! I have several of your books have enjoyed them a lot.
I am SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The last book was my most favorite of all, and I think this one shall be my very new favorite.
I have not purchased a book yet as I was thinking I would get one when at one of your signings—- but maybe I’m wrong. Should I wait?
OK, I would love to win one of these. Then I would only have to buy 4 more for all the family/friends I get a book for!!! xoxo
I LOVE your blog and cannot wait for the new book. Me and my oldest girlfriend (length of time, not age…since 5th grade!) are coming to your book talk at Rainy Day Books in Kansas City. Yipee!! Too excited! Safe travels. Godspeed!
Can’t wait to get my hot little hands on your new book! If you could choose…which adorable brunette would you want to play yourself? Allison Brie? Ginnifer Goodwin? Anne Hathaway? Just the idea of it is sooooo exciting!
Can’t wait for my copy of Isles of Dreams to arrive…And someday soon, fabric. 🙂 Heaven..
Of course I want to enter even though I’ve preordered. I also wanted to comment regarding “real” starch… I recently bought 5 beautifully embroidered matching dresser scarves and doilies at a vintage shop. They also have lovely finely crocheted edging. The proprietor seemed amazed I intended to use them. They are even more lovely starched. What amazes me is I only paid 12 dollars for this exquisite embroidery. Thanks for the giveaway and happy trails to you and Joe.
I can’t wait to see this book and meet you in Salt Lake City!!! 🙂 I first fell in love with your work the summer of 1997 when I was a nanny on the Vineyard for a local family. My friend worked at Bunch A Grapes bookstore and while browsing one afternoon I saw “Love” and I had to have it! I took home a signed copy of Love and “Baby Love” to put in my hope chest. I finally got to pull it out and start writing in it when I became a mommy in 2003. I would love to win a personalized copy of Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams! The Island is one of my favorite places! We moved back to Idaho (where I am from) from Maine in 2004 when my oldest child was 15 months. He had a couple trips to the Island, but was too little to remember anything. Of the few trips we have taken back to see family, sadly MV was just a bit too far away to squeeze a visit in. 🙁 I hope to be able to take them someday and experience the magic of Martha’s Vineyard! From the moment I would step on the fairy for that 45 minute ride it would feel like eternity would come sooner than the boat docking on the other side. I always loved to sit on the deck with the sun on my face and the breeze blowing my hair and just breathe in the salty sea air and leave all my cares behind on the mainland! Sorry for the long post girlfriend, guess I’m feeling a little nostalgic at the moment. 😉 Prayers for safe travels on your journey to see all of us. Love from Idaho!
Hi Susan! So excited for you with the new book/s and adventures that await you and Joe on your travels! Wonderful pictures of the kitties – love those – and the happy, smiling faces of the girlfriends you’re getting to meet as you travel! Thanks for the tip about starch. I’d forgotten.
I’m waiting on pins and needles to get my package in the mail with my long-awaited book! Be ready to give your “my-toe-huts-Bet-tee” imitation in Austin in June — safe travels!
Your starching is bringing back lovely memories!!! My grammy was an only child, niece, etc, and my grandpa was one of two, so……they inherited a few households as their parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, passed. My grammy has 5 granddaughters and she was always so wonderful at passing things on. I have so many delightful tablecloths, runners, doilies, pillow cases, etc. that were made, crocheted, tatted and loved that she has passed on. And she was a starcher!!! Everything was always so pristinely pressed! She always saved paper towel rolls and would roll the starched and ironed items onto those before she stored them. They stay nice for years!!!!
I can not wait for this book!!!! I just gave my daughter “the Fairy Tale” book for her birthday last week 🙂 (She gave me mine for my birthday last Sept.!) We have such a love of “everything Susan Branch”! It’s so fun to share that with her!
Blessings and safe travels on your tour!
I can’t wait for my book to arrive. I love your books and your blog. Always brings a smile to my face. Have a safe and wonderful trip! Will be looking forward to hearing all about it.
Can’t wait to read the new book. ..have a safe journey cross country. Ooh. ..would love to have a personalized copy…and who should portray you in the film? I think her name is Jinnifer Goodwin. She plays Cinderella on Once Upon a Time on TV.
Snowing heavily in NH today! April…did someone say April?
Susan, your blog came just in the nick of time to get me through the afternoon and to motivate me to iron, iron, iron……..and when I’m done with that, I shall read your blog again with a cup of tea at hand, to peruse your words and pictures that simply delight me. Have a safe trip and we’ll be here waiting for your return. xoxo
Can’t wait for the book and your visit to Cincinnati!
Sooo exciting!
I’m so happy for you!
Hi, Sue ~
You really are something. You know that, don’t you? I love to hear from you and see what’s going on in your little corner…but the 6 book give-away?!….over the top! So exciting!
All’s quiet at the moment in my little napping house. Listening to some soft music and the sound of the snowplow while my little ones sleep. Snow, ice and wind have put a halt to daffodil blooming for a while. I just hope their stems make it through this heavy stuff. Love your pansies in the kitchen. Aren’t flowers just the ultimate pick-me-up, wake-me-up, make-me-smile thing? And instant decorating!
We’re getting ready for a little escape for a week to SC and I feel like I need to get in gear and get packing soon. I can’t even imagine how you face the daunting task of packing for a cross-country (and back again) book tour! God Bless you! Hmmm….that might make an interesting blog topic for the future….”Tips on packing up for a trip.”
Enjoy your last weeks at home before you take off. It IS such a warm, wonderful home that you and Joe have created! And it will welcome you back with open arms when you return.
Anxiously awaiting my beautiful, new book….
xoDebbie
PS: I just adore that white dresser scarf!
I’m in the Pacific Northwest. Wish your trip was bringing you here, but I’m sure the kitties think it’s long enough as it is! Have a wonderful time. Thank you for all the inspiration you send out not only in your books but in your blogs as well. So much appreciated.
Well here I am at home with my kitty, Sabrina. Broke my leg on Valentine’s Day and would love to have your beautiful book to perk up many “sitting hours”. Have a wonderful trip across our exciting country.
Thanks for the new blog, Susan, and it’s so nice to see you have pots of flowers in your kitchen. It really brightens up the dreary weather we New Englanders have had over the last several days. It was 70 degrees here last Friday, then we had a hailstorm on Saturday and then snow the last two days. It seems we had Spring all Winter, and now we’re getting Winter in the Spring!
Like everyone else, I’m so looking forward to “Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams”. We all so very much appreciate everything you do … all your hard work, sharing, inspiration, humor, encouragement … I could go on and on, and I usually do! You bring joy into a world so troubled, and light into our lives showing us the little things matter and “the best things in life are free” !!
Please pet the kitties for me. I adore that photo of Girl and Jack together on your desk!
Barb
Susan,
I love the blue of your new book!! That shade of blue is fabulous! which is “the best word of the week” in my world! Can’t wait to read it! Thank you for writing and painting and slaving away to bring it to life for us! I can’t imagine how wonderful it must feel to see it and hold it and smell it and have it on the kitchen table! Again fabulous!
We are cloudy-windy with flurries and forty degrees here in sw Wisconsin. Yesterday was seventy-five degrees.. so it goes! Happy Spring and safe travels. See you in Cedar Rapids!
Looking forward to the book !!!! Enjoy your travels !!
Dear Susan,
A P.S. – Do enjoy a beautiful, blessed and fun birthday!
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY” special lady!
Can’t wait to receive your book and start reading! Happy travels!
Hi Susan, I just got back from a week in South Harbor Michigan. One of my daughter’s best friend has a cabin on the lake. Spring has not sprung up there yet. My daughters and I had a great time just hanging out at the cabin reading, working puzzles, cooking some good food and staying up half the night talking. Loved it. I took this time to reread the Fairy Tale Girl so I would be ready for the Isle of Dreams to arrive. Can’t wait. My daughters and I plan on coming to your book signing in Cincinnati Hope to see you then. Enjoy your free time.
Jayne
Hello, Susan! I am looking forward to seeing you in Hudson Ohio. Your work “fell out of heaven” for me when I was in my mid thirties. (I’m 62) You really do provide light. I will be sending prayers and energy for safe travels and JOY
as you begin this next adventure.
Anne
Oh Susan what a delightful post. Well done on all you’ve achieved, writing your follow up book, can’t wait to read it. Safe journey to you and Joe, on your travels across America. Counting the days till we get to meet, on MY Island of Dreams! In September.
We are definitely on the same wave length, I too have to leave my little bungalow, ship shape for my return from holidays. I get so excited turning the corner, and seeing my home after weeks away!
The return makes one love the farewell, Alfred de Musset
Love Gill xx
Hi Susan,
Living on the Gulf Coast of Florida, the sight of your early Spring pictures and yard brings back nice memories of my years in the Midwest. Pansies on the windowsills – great idea!
Have a safe journey throughout the country and can’t wait for your book to arrive. I’m also looking forward to following you through the blog postings.
Elaine (in Bradenton, FL)
I can’t believe your newest book will soon be in my mailbox! Hooray!! I hope to meet you when the book tour hits GA–looking forward to it! Happy Monday!!
Hi! Can’t wait for your book!!! Ask your girlfriends if they don’t think Heather Lind who plays Anna Strong on Turn looks like you back in the day. Those big eyes! Have a great spring tour!
So excited to read this book! Happy travels.
Susan, I’m so very excited! I get to meet you 5 weeks from tomorrow at the tea party in Wilmette, IL. I’m so excited that I’m crying! Thank you very much for all of your hard work on these precious books. They mean a lot to us. Take care and I’ll see you sooner than I can imagine!
I don’t know where you get your energy to be on the road and meet so many people and book sign and talk:)
Just read the Fairy Tale Girl..will have to read part 2.
I agree about the above comment re the paintbrushes:)
I like to sparkle up in Spring too..and I love home made starch.
Sometimes, Susan, you wear me out! hahaha Besides everything going on now, aren’t you going back to Scotland and England in the Autumn? (If I remember right.) Have a good book signing trip and can’t wait to snuggle in your luggage when you cross the Pond again!
Oh my, the joys keep coming. So thrilled to see so much hard work turn into reward for you and all of us!
Thrilled to hear about the entertainment attorney and wish you many great days on your trip across the country–and many more happy surprises in store when you return. You are the sunshine that makes all of the flowers bloom and put smiles on everyone who sees them. Marty