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!
Always such a joy to see pictures of Girl and Jack, along with the happy pictures of so many friends. Wow. Vanna will twirl herself into oblivion with six drawings. 🙂 She’d better fortify herself with some chocolate. (grin) “Happy Birthday”, Fairy Tale Girl. May your year ahead be filled with lots and lots of smiles.
Susan,
I so look forward to seeing you in Pasadena, CA on June 8th to talk about your marvelous new book.
Thanks also for your always interesting blog.
Wishing you an early Very Happy Birthday Susan! Cannot wait for my book to arrive!!! Still hoping to figure out how I can make it to one of your book signings…none here, so I may get a little mini trip out of it!!! Always up for that!
Wishing you and Joe Safe Travels! : )
Totally excited for the next installment of your saga. You write with “seemingly” ease, well, that is what it feels like to me. You bring us into your world albeit on paper which is a rare gift. Thank you for letting me tag along!
Susan, it must be such a proud feeling to sign Isle of Dreams for all of your family and friends! Truly heartwarming! I must say that this is the book I have been hoping for, for thirty years! Our Afternoon Tea is just over a month away now. The Springtime days are flying by quickly, filled with raindrops and snowflakes.
Yesterday I went to a wonderful Quilt Show. I mentioned your exciting fabric news to each of the quilters there. Although not a quilt maker, I have always been a quilt lover. I think it would be such fun to make napkins for tea parties using your fabric designs. Stitching pillows and curtains would be delightful, too!
Sending early birthday wishes… and warm hugs!
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
After trying to think about something positive about seeing it snow on April 4, I was completely positively uplifted to read your blog and hear that Martha’s Vineyard Isle Of Dreams may arrive in my mailbox within the week!!! Oh, happy days! Seems like so long ago when I pre-ordered a copy and now it’s almost here. I was just about to start a new book but instead I’m going to wait for the arrival of Isle of Dreams. My mother always told me that anticipation of an event was half the fun. Susan, Thanks for providing the anticipation and the book!!!!!!
SO excited about the book. and about the potential of having my own copy. Must slip something to Vanna. Re: cleaning. I live further north than you and as the days get longer and the sun gets stronger: Behold dirt and grime suddenly stand out and say- Hey look at me! Wow! I too have been motivated to get into the corners as my dear mama would say!
I recognize the picture of THE LEARNED OWL in Hudson, Ohio. I was able to get A FINE ROMANCE THERE, and now I hope to get FAIRYTALE GIRL and ISLE OF DREAMS. I love your excitement about spring cleaning. It is exhilarating. Is your date for the learned owl set for this trip? I hope to see you there. Perhaps I can get my husband, Joe, to come along, since your Joe will be there. Safe travels!
Yes, it’s set! Thursday, May 5th at 5:30! xoxo
I took a trip to Martha’s Vineyard last fall and fell in love so am now so excited to read your book all about this magical place. Safe travels as you journey around the country. Hopefully the knowledge that you are making people happy as you visit them will make up for the fact that you will be missing your beautiful garden blooms. ( I know I wait all year for my peonies to blossom!)
What a great post. LOVE the bathroom curtain with circle pattern and long history. I’m inspired to iron some curtains that have been washed and waiting for a while now. There is an old quilt top with 30s fabrics hanging over the rod and I kind of like the way the light shines through it . . . . but it’s going to fade so I’ll iron the newer white ones TODAY. Thank you the nudge. That stack of new books is so fun to see and I’d love to win one, even more the paintbrush and book mark 🙂 In any case my preordered book will be here soon. YAY!
I’m trying to imagine how it would feel to figure out who would play you in a movie or TV series. Who could portray love of ironing, making of chicken stock, and placing of pansies, with the enthusiasm you impart? Equally important — WHO would be the screenwriter??? So much fun to think about. That picture of paintbrushes on blotting paper would make a great background for openers, and/or the lovely curtain shot . . . Hope I live long enough to see it happen however and whoever.
Happy Housekeeping AND Birthday soon.
Me too Sylvia! 🙂
Such an exciting time for you, and there is nobody who deserves it more!
Dear Susan,
Always love your posts—can’t wait to receive my signed copy of
“Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams” (my dear hubby pre-ordered it as a Christmas gift for me!) I’ve loved my trips to the Cape and the Vineyard—now I’ll be able to have a little piece of my own MV in-between visits!
I suggested, on a previous posting, I thought Danica McKellar could play you (from The Wonder Years and Hallmark Channel Christmas movies).
I look forward to attending the tea and book signing event in New Hope, PA with some of my “Girlfriends” . Safe travels—and we’ll be happy to come along!
~Happy (early) Birthday next week!~ xo
Love the spring cleaning – when I was a child in Indiana, we used to spring clean like crazy – the starched curtains, everything scrubbed and shiny. The house smelled fabulous. And our enormous lilac bush would scent the whole house – a breeze would bring in the heavenly smell, through the open windows, and the curtains would gently wave in the breeze. Heaven.
Now I’m in California and we don’t really clean like that – is it the place or the generation/time that make it different?
Anyway, loved your post, as always. I’ve only been to Martha’s Vineyard once but I am often homesick for it. Need to go again, this time in fall, maybe.
As Anne Lamotte says: ‘Traveling Mercies’ for your trip. Stay safe and have just the best time!
I just may have to reread the first (really third chronologically) book after reading the third (really second) book. Please, Vanna, pick me.
Susan, you inspire me to be a better homemaker. You move the domestic arts to a new level. I have a few lovely old linen and lace pieces, but I need to be kinder to them. You’re also inspiring me to do a spring cleaning. I’ve already bought the book but would love to give it to my sister and keep a newly-won book for myself, so thank you for the opportunity. Enjoy your trip!
Susan,
Congratulations on accomplishing so many wonderful things! I am so excited to receive my book because next week I am on vacation! Just the ticket for a good vacation. Can’t wait. And I am looking forward to the 30th anniversary edition of Heart of the Home. So many great things happening at once!!!
Have a wonderful trip across the country – I know you will.
Blessings, Nancy
looking forward to the new book
Oh, Susan – I love to read about your domestic life – the starchy lace and the gleaming china! It’s what I would love to have, but don’t have the energy to do, hahaha. Such a treat to come here, listen to the Musica! and see life through your ever-cheery eyes. Some days the world seems such a dark place, but your little corner is always lit up and brings such respite. Thank you, for all you do to ease my heart and soul.
So thrill to hear from you today! I can imagine your packing list is long and very detailed! You are so kind to us that feel so close to you …even if we have never met face to face. BUT, I so hope nothing dampers our plans to be in Asheville, NC. Hope to have 2 daughters, granddaughter, grandson, sister and niece. Safe travels! See you in a couple of months! The paintbrushes shared is awesome.
I’ve been trying to be patient as I wait to read “The rest of the story”–as Paul Harvey used to say! Congrats on the new book & traveling mercies. ♡
I sooo can’t wait to read the new book and then I will gather up my others, start at the beginning and read them all again – with a nice cup of Lady Gray Tea – and an afghan, if this snow persists. My poor, poor daffodils! Be strong, ladies!
With my budget being ‘not’ – ‘twould be above & beyond to be able to win a New book of yours. Usually I’m content to wait & find you in the local used book store, tho for this book…….
Can’t wait to receive Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams!! Looking forward to seeing you at Book People in Austin.
Darlene
We think southern Arizona is our “Desert of Dreams” but I love to read about your part of our country too. Thanks.
Oh, I am soooo excited to receive my book. I absolutely loved the last one and felt so sad when I finished it. I am ready for THE. REST. OF. THE. STORY!!! 😀 Have wonderful travels and I hope to see you out there on the road.
Hello from Kansas City. Squee! So excited for the latest book!! Thank you for sharing these amazing adventures with us — they (as well as you, sweet Sue) are appreciated more than you could ever know.
Looking forward to our luncheon in Plainville! Can’t wait, what a fun getaway. Love your rose dinnerware. Aren’t you just something having all your spring cleaning done before you go!
Hi Susan! As always such a delight to open yr email especially on a snowy/rainy day like today! Thx so much!
Susan, I just finished reading Fairy Takr Girl. I loved it! I already ordered Martha’s Vineyard, Isle Of Dreams. Can’t wait ’till it comes out. Don’t know why I waited so long to read Fairy Tale Girl. Over the years, I have collected every book you have written. I loved every one of them and the wonderful illustrations and recipes. You have given all of us countless hours of pleasure. Thank you so much for your wonderful blog. Each one is like a visit. Do your road trip, come home and relax – and then start writing another wonderful book, with the illustrations only you can do. We all appreciate what you have added to our lives.
I don’t know how you can bear to part from your little Island Paradise for that long. Especially leaving the kitties. We’re going through Downton Abbey withdrawals here. It doesn’t matter how many Grantchesters or Selfridges they throw at us. It just isn’t the same.
I so enjoy reading your newsletters. Wonderful travels!
Sweet Joe ! How lovely of him to think of us too — What a darling idea!
You’d be surprised how often he thinks of you!
You did not say WHO you wanted to star as you if they make a TV series! Have you posted a schedule of your cross-country trip stops?
Yes, it’s on the right hand side of the Blog under EVENTS . . . and I’m thinking Zoey Deschanel!
Just finished Fairy Tale while vacationing in Florida (escaping Michigan for a bit) and couldn’t put it down! I missed the preorder for Isle of Dreams so guess will have to order through Amazon!
Did the same as you – spring cleaning before our 6 week getaway! Love coming HOME to a clean house, and boy , there is no place like home!
Safe travels!
Nancy Kilner
Oh how I would love to win your wonderful new book, signed by YOU and with a brush and paint blotter that helped in the process of making it!!! What treasures!!! Thank you for your uplifting posts, and beautiful photographs and your view of the world, Susan!!! Enjoy this Spring and Summer, and know you are appreciated and loved.
Susan!!! You have done it again! You made me want to hide away in your suitcase!! I want to go with you on your book tour, and then to Scotland, too! I would love to win a book. I already ordered 2, one for me and one for my mom, but I could give my auntie one of those, so Vanna! Pick me!!!!
And I think Sally Field would be purrfect to play you!!! (just sayin)
Can’t wait to see your Martha’s Vineyard book, Susan. I’ve ordered one from you direct and I’m also going to get one at your book signing in Wilmette, IL on May 10th. So excited to meet you. You have no idea how happy your blog makes me feel….Love every minute of reading it. Thanks so much.
I’m soooo excited for you…Godspeed on your travels! I’m all for the movie idea too! I have never written to you, but have been a huge fan for many years and have all your books and hope to get to see you at the Peregrine Bookstore when you come through Prescott, AZ …
another one of your girlfriends, Debbie
I can’t wait to read this newest book. Everything about you, newsletters, book, etc. make me happy. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
Thank you for such Fun Inspiration in so many ways !
My mom is the only one in “real life” that i knew who actually, really used STARCH !
Have a trip full of “gloriosity” !
I am hoping to treat myself to your trilogy! (Of course, winning would be nice, too!) I’ve always wished we could be neighbors!
I can’t wait to read your new book! Congratulations and safe travels with your book tour!
What a wonderful trip! You and Joe are going to get reacquainted with all of your old friends and make new ones. I love all of your books! Wish you were coming to the Houston area!
Susan, you are such a joy! I’ve hung your calendars for years and years and treasure my cook books. They were the first of my many cookbooks that I now own. I will have an empty nest come August. I’ve bought paints, brushes and paper and hope that I’ll allow myself the pleasure of learning how…A new start so to speak.
Thank you for your inspiration. May you have a safe and amazing trip!
Julie G.
They just look so lovely in your gorgeous home! I hope I win one this time (and I will use the pre-order for a special gift this year as well). I am so encouraged by your spirit and see-it-to-the-finish attitude. I have always had a dream of publishing and your encouragement is just beyond it all for me. Happy Day!
See you in Pasadena. This will be my first time seeing you & Joe & I’m very excited. I do wish the kitties were able to come. The would be so darling lounging on the books. And would increase sales I’m sure!
Oh! So excited waiting for your book…just can’t wait! So sorry we in the Northwest will miss you on your book tour but it gives you an excuse to write another book, right? Hope so! The movie/TV show, that’s beyond exciting. Have a wonderful trip!
So looking forward to the new book! I have all the cookbooks, Emma Bridgewater China, lots Beatrix Potter bunnies and even a copy of The Kitchen Garden. Hoping to meet you at the Brewster Ladies Library. Winning a paint brush would be such a treat! Safe trip and return home to the flowers and the sparkling sea! Madaline
Your blog posts are so fun (although I do miss your comments on Downton!). Can’t wait to get a copy of your new book. Here’s hoping for a movie, too!
So looking forward to receiving my book. Wish the bookstore in New Hope, PA was larger so they could fit me in.
Enjoy your trip, hope it’s safe and superb!!!!
Susan, you are such an inspiration to me in so many ways. I bought a new ironing board cover so that I can starch and iron my grandmothers’ and mother’s linens. Normally I don’t iron at all. And the biggie–my husband thanks you–I finally agreed to take a train trip with him from Chicago to Seattle. He said, “Susan and I love the train and you will, too.”
🙂 sweet!
Susan, you are so generous. Who wouldn’t want a paintbrush and paint blotter from you. This is a great giveaway. Hope your travels prove successful. Maybe some inspiration for yet another book. You know the girlfriends can’t get enough of you. So sorry I won’t be able to see you on the tour, the nearest city to me here on Vancouver Island would be Seattle, and it’s not on the list. Maybe next time, and I’m sure there will be, how can you stop now?
This is so exciting! I’ve been following your career for so many years. You are such an inspiration! I’ve recently taken up calligraphy with the belief that 54 is definitely not too old for a new hobby. Best wishes on your tour.
I love reading your blog and look forward to a new blog!
Oh happy day!! If you come anywhere near St Louis, I will surely find you and cant wait!!!! You are so like a “mom” to do all that prep work before you go!! I do know what you mean though-the relief and peaceful homecoming feeling when things are in order when you walk back in the door to home! I feel for Jack and Girl though. My poor Bitty-Kitty paces and suffers anxiety when my errand trips run too long! I cant imagine how they manage with you gone so long!! Have a glorious time and much deserved break!!
Can’t wait to get your new book – I cherish the England one, thank you Susan!
Can’t wait to read Isle of Dreams!! I devoured the other two books and will be watching the mail daily. And, thank you for the spring cleaning inspiration! We are in full-spring mode in Atlanta and I can’t stay out of the yard. Now I just need to get indoors…:)! Safe travels!
Your are so talented! I feel so inspired reading your post! I am going to get out of storage my dresser scarf that looks similar to yours. I am excited to have an opportunity to get your book and your paint blotter bookmark!! I am an artist too and will start saving my paint blotters! God bless you. You have blessed me today reading you post!
Yea, another adventure is about to happen for you and Joe. So happy for you. So sad you will miss some of your blooming spring flowers. I just love spring. We open our windows and let the fragrance of Jasmne blossoms waft through into the house. I just love this time of year. It’s a renewal of the earth and if life. I’m so looking forward to being at your book signing in Morro Bay in May. Hey that rhymes-Morro Bay in May. See ya soon.
Susan, All your cleaning will make you so happy when you return home after your big adventure. Yes, starch makes fragile, old but loved linens stay clean longer and look ever so nice. But of course, you know that. Clothes are the same way, although rarely done now days. I loved seeing your special curtains repurposed in a new room and the story behind them-well not all the details just enough to know they are special. Walking in there will make you smile without realizing it.
A magic brush to have forever and ever. What a treat for 6 lovely girlfriends. How clever of your Joe to think of it.
Enjoy your moments at home before your trip begins. We will be watching for glimpses of the fun once it starts. But until then, love your little home with your whole being doing the little things that make you happy.
The kitties caregivers will give them extra attention. They know you will be back. You have never broken a promise, not one.
Much love and bunny hugs,
Shirley from Aledo, Texas
Looking forward to reading Isle of Dreams..your books are truly a great escape for the reader with all the visuals! ..have fun on your travels..I know what you mean about missing your little kitties!😿
So happy for you and Joe that you will soon be setting off for great adventures on your road trip! I hope you have a splendid time and safe travels! I want to make sure that I thank you for sharing your beautiful words and art with all of us over the years. You bring sunshine every day!
Always uplifting to read your blogs. And we get to live vicariously through you and Joe! I am ordering for myself, sister-in-law and a couple of friends because they are such great gifts. Thanks for being the “upbeat” you, always!
Congratulations Susan on your new book finally it is here! I know it will be a great hit and that is sooooo exciting about the potential, pending movie. I read the Fairy Tale Girl and loved it, it has a special place on top of my coffee table to inspire me! Hoping to see you in California 🙂
I’m so excited for this book!
Your generous heart continues to inspire me. Bless you good lady!
Desperately tried to get in to your event in Plainville. Am on the waitlist, keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks for all of the beauty you bring to the world. Besides being beautiful, your books have given me some great recipes. Many favorites, but the absolute family favorite is Annie Hall’s Butter Cookies-
Can I blame my hips on you…..?
Congratulations from Provincetown, the end papers on the new book are lovely. It’s been snowing here all day. I love your books and would love a warn out paintbrush
I love all the pictures. I don’t know why, but spring cleaning always looks like fun, when you do it. I know why you want your house all spic and span before you leave on your trip. I’m the same way whenever my husband and I travel. Also, I adore the picture of Jack in the basket. I love kitties, especially my three.
I am so excited that you’ll be in Danville, CA in May! Can’t wait! I saw you (what seemed like) a million years ago at a Scrapbook Expo in Pleasanton, CA. Still have my ticket. Happy Birthday to you! Just celebrated my big 6-0 on April Fool’s Day!
How lovely to have a breath of spring from you brought here to Greece, NY where winter has re-emerged — temporarily only, I hope! Enjoy all your preparations. Alice
I”m so excited to read your new book
To hear “the rest of the story”. Your are such a hard worker and we appreciate it. Blessings on your book signing trip and safety too!
Hi Susan! Can’t wait to see you at Bookends in NJ at the end of June! I’m so excited to finally meet you! You must have a great sense of satisfaction and pride holding YOUR new book in your hands! How wonderful! I’ve loved all of your books and I am really looking forward to reading the new one.
Have a wonderful trip and be safe! See you in June!
Josephine Gadaleta
So June 22 you will be in Memphis — hope to see you there! And early Happy Birthday! 🎉🎁🎂👑
When I find one of your posts in my e-mail, I can’t wait to dive in and enjoy! Thank you for sharing so generously your lovely life.
I am anxiously awaiting your new book (and spring … lol). Have a wonderful and safe journey over the next few months. I will not be able to see you during your stop in Illinois (sniff). You and Joe are such a delight.
Brrrrrrrr…It’s freezing and snowy here! But, your post is warm and cheery and that’s a wonderful thing. Twinkly dishes and glasses, freshly pressed curtains and dresser scarves and beautiful pictures of spring flowers, not to mention adorable kitties! It’s all so lovely. You really do inspire. I had to go out and clean a house this morning in this yucky weather, but it was so nice to come home to you, a nice big slice of applesauce cake with cream cheese frosting and a big hot cup of coffee! I even treated myself and jacked the thermostat up to 68! I am so excited for the book and I wish like heck that I could get to one of your signings. I hope I can, but I have a feeling it’s not going to work out for me. One of these days, I’ll get to meet you and the girlfriends as well. They all look like they are having so much fun. Well, I’m going to sneak in some quilting time for a bit ( good lord it’s three o’clock already??) before hubby gets home and wants dinner. Thanks again for all the loveliness <3
See you in Madison on May 1st. I’ll be too nervous to actually say anything but I can’t wait to meet you !
Don’t be nervous . . . it’s just us. xoxo
I look forward to reading your book one day (hopefully sooner than later) and Joe knows just what the girlfriends could hope for, when suggesting keeping the paintbrushes and paint blotter bookmarks! I hope you have a wonderful day and I look forward to your next post!
You must be very excited to be getting ready for the trip. I so wish I lived closer to one of the places you will be so I could meet you. I read A Fine Romance 1st and then Fairy Tale Girl and loved them both so I just know that Isle of Dreams will be just as good. Can’t wait to receive it.
Yeah, I’m can’t wait to receive the book! I pre ordered but have a sister that would love it too!
Can’t wait for my copy to come, and will read slowly and savor it. Have a blast on your tour, and thanks also for all the lovely blogs.
You are a girl after my own heart- I too have the nesting instinct. Love it when something’s in the oven, something simmering on the stove, crockpot is bubbling, and washer and dryer are humming away. I love to bake and cook- so love your cookbooks! Have bought them for years. And I think I need to be in therapy since Downton is over!
So excited my book is in the mail . . . but will happily share it if I am one of the lucky six. It was great to see you and Joe with my daughter and grandchildren in Sandwich, MA in the fall. Another wonderful blog and happy and safe travels.
Lucy
I have loved your books for so long…. my daughter is now 26 and I found you and your books when she was first born! I have been blessed by both! Happy Day!
Thanks for your beautiful post. Can’t wait to get my book Isle f Dreams. If I win another I will give the one I ordered to my sister. I always buy one for her. She deserves some bright spots in her day. I worry about your babies (cats) while you are away. Our lilac is blooming and the sky is blue. Have a wonderful book signing trip. Need to get out and right the crooked Willow!
A month ago, I had the great thrill of visiting Martha’s Vineyard for the first time. I can certainly see why you’ve fallen in love with your island. It was so much fun just looking at the houses…the classic capes, the gingerbread ones in Oaks Bluff, the traditional New Englanders, the mansions (and of course, wondering about all the ones down the private dirt roads you couldn’t see!). I took 242 pictures in the 2 days I was there! Fun. Enjoy YOUR road trip!
Your life feels so magical. I love your optimism and your sense of fun and excitement, about everything! Life SHOULD feel magical!
Looking forward to seeing you in Danville in May! Girlfriend Joan and I made a trip of it to see you in SLO at Remnants of the Past and we are coming together again to Rakestraw Books……much closer to home this time……..can’t believe our good fortune 🙂
So happy to see it finally here! I can’t wait to read it…with a cup of tea and a cookie or two, of course❤️
Wow, Susan! Seeing you cleaning your house has made me feel almost guilty for taking today off from cleaning my attic. Notice I said “almost.” But there is nothing like the good feeling of looking around your house when everything is clean and sparkling. As soon as I rest my aching back a day or so, I will be up there, cleaning and purging stuff. Can’t wait for your new book!
So looking forward to the arrival of my Isle of Dreams book. It is a gift from a dear friend. My mom and I loved Fairy Tale Girl! Wishing you safe travels!
I never win these sorts of drawing things… sigh… but I have to try. I’d love the book mark and used brush… and of course the book… fingers crossed.
Waiting patiently for my book to arrive.
My days are always better when i see you in my email.
Doilies ironed & tea cups to wash.Just like my house.
Almost finished with a bed quilt i am making for our son & future daughter in law.I am the old fashioned hand quilter,but i love it so much.
Thank you Susan for your inspirations! Safe travels!!
Yay! Can’t wait for the mailman to bring me another “present” — your “Isle of Dreams” book! Only… I hope his substitute actually delivers it. The regular carrier smokes like a chimney and by the time he gets to my house, my mail REEKS of cigarette smoke! Yuck! (He makes his rounds in his personal car, so there’s no escaping the smoke.) I’ll have to read it outside to give it a good airing out! Hopefully, it’ll be warmer by then. We had snow again this morning, but it turned to a miserable, cold rain before it amounted to much. My daffodils are not happy. I think I’ll go iron my spring/summer curtains and put them up in the kitchen to encourage the sun. (^_^)
How awful! Oh my goodness! It’s awful, but I can’t help but laugh! REEKING mail is a new one!
My father’s first name (who would be 99 if he were alive) was “Willard”. In some strange way, when I read “your” Willard, I always think of my “Willard”. He loved gardening, carpentry, canning, and beautifying things. He was making a quilt for me when he died (I mean he was in the progress of working on it-at that moment making it!!) the last thing he did – a service for me! I was wondering how you picked the name Willard? Thank you for all the great memories of my daddy.
Willard was my grandfather, and you can read how I named my letter after him on the Willard sign-up page . . . in the right hand column of the Blog. Your Willard sounds wonderful!
YAY!!! so happy the book is here. I’ve been wondering about it. 🙂 Love opening my email and seeing the Susan Branch Blog. (I don’t open alot of my emails, but yours is the one I DO!) Enjoy and have a safe trip.
What a beautiful ad you’ve written for Yankee Magazine! It makes me want to read your book right now. I love the beautiful pictures of flowers, reminding that spring is on the way. Right now in my garden in California I have some lovely white irises that look like orchids blooming right now along with my roses. I hope to see you in Pasadena this year.
Can’t wait to get your new book and see you in May when you come to my area. Hope you have a wonderful birthday! (I’m an April birthday girl, too)!
So excited to receive the new book!Would love to meet you and Joe! Hope you have a wonderful and safe trip! I still hope to meet you someday! I always have and always will love all of your products! Thank you so much for your infectious inspiration!😍