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!
Yay! Congratulations on your book and upcoming travels!
Greetings from beautiful central PA. I loved starting my Monday with a letter from you and so happy to know that the Martha’s Vineyard book is ready to be mailed. Safe travels.
Hi Susan! I really enjoy seeing your pictures and reading the latest bit of news. The weather has been crazy here in CT too! Oooh I hope I win your book;)
Hey Sue! I got so absolutely mesmerized by all your beautiful house, spring yard, adorable kitties, and sweet girlfriends images that I forgot to read the captions! But, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of going back this post for a second look! I know who should play you in your movie or tv series! Michelle Monaghan! She is so down-to-earth, so real, so smart and so cute! She is the perfect you! I hope ya’ll have a safe, but exciting trip and don’t forget to take lots of photos to share with us. We love to travel with you and Joe!
I didn’t know who she was so I looked her up… so cute! I’ll take photos and blog the whole way. It will be fun!
10:00 pm on the day of this post and already 1020 responses! I hope your blog site doesn’t crash!
I am so excited for your book to come! Wish it would come today …in a snow storm…praying the magnolias, daffodils, and hyacinths make it through. We are planning to come see you on May 1st at RJ Julia’s! Have a wonderful and blessed trip. Pretty please write and create another gem of a book about your trip to Scotland!
Your books sit on my bedside table within easy reach…just open to any page, read a little and smile a lot. Your books make me happy. All cookbooks are very well used with splatters of food here and there…what a joy! Now my daughters and granddaughter are cooking with you! Thank you
I have known you would be coming to Barnes & Noble in Iowa City, IA, in May 2016, for a very long time. Within the last week I received an invitation to two great nieces’ high school graduation party and my friend’s son’s wedding on that same day. Do you think I’m obligated to attend those gatherings? After all, you and I are close, too, after all we’ve shared in the last few years, especially the Downton Abbey heartaches. I’m not hoping the graduations or the wedding get called off, but I would really like to see you and the girlfriends of the heart. I suggested to my husband that he represent us at the graduation and wedding, but he hasn’t agreed yet.
I am eagerly awaiting my copy of the book. But, if I win one of the personalized copies, I might feel a teensy bit better if I don’t get to attend your book signing.
No, as your Dear Abbey, I say, “First come first served.” “Oops,” you say, “Already have plans! 🙂 We are too close to miss each other. Everybody graduates! LOL, you are in a spot! Too many fun things to do! xoxoxoxo
I love you Susan Branch! Your blogs make me smile, your books bring me joy, and I can’t wait to get my pre-ordered new book when it arrives!
I am also a Susan and I live on a beautiful Island clear across the country in Washington state🙂It is called Whidbey Island and we have the pleasure of looking out at the Puget Sound, and Olympic Mountains. We are very blessed.
We visited, your Island, Martha’s Vineyard, in September. We had to two glorious weeks in Cape Cod.
Thanks for all your wonderful books, your love of cats, and love of the English Countryside. Two Favorites of mine too!!
XXOO Susan from Whidbey Island
A Fine Romance was the best! Through it I relived all 3 of our trips to England, and though we never made a Trans Atlantic voyage, I sure would love to. Now I am working on Fairy Tale Girl and so far I am liking it too, but I think I will like Isle of Dreams even more because New England is near and dear to my heart! Thanks for motivating me to wash white curtains, and make my kitchen shelves sparkle! Unfortunately my English chintz and a few other of my “loves” can’t go in the dishwasher, but I shall have time to do them by hand, I am retired!
A few of my dearest ones don’t go into the dishwasher either. They are worth it because of the beauty. Yes, you will love being on the Island in the new book . . . plus I’m older, and so there are more complications.
Hate to sound stupid but what kind of starch do you mix with water. The only starch I have used is the stuff you spray when you iron and I am not happy with that. It doesn’t do the job I want. Can you tell me the name of the starch you use so I can do my curtains again? Thank you so much.
Yes, it’s called Linit Starch. SO easy. Like making oatmeal. 2 c. water, 1 c. starch, mix, dip in item, let it almost dry, and iron.
Sign me up for the drawing!! Cant wait to read all about your road trip! Driving across the country and to the national parks is on my life to do list.
I’ve loved your previous books and am so looking forward to this next one! You never know where life will take us. I made a fresh start while in my forties and my own “Isle of Dreams” has taken me to a nice town outside of Chicago – love it here! Best of luck with the book tour.
Hope to see you in Brewster! I have May 1 circled on my calendar. That is the day tickets go on-line. Figures crossed my cousin and I can snag two 😊
Susan I am thrilled to be a part of your girl friends! It is a joy to read your blog. I loved seeing your starched linens. I still reminder all that starch while wearing those petticoats. Loved seeing them on the lines, drying stiff as could be in 1956. Thank you for helping all of us enjoy our homes more than ever. Can hardly wait for my new book!
Lots of love,
Jane Alexander
Katy Texas
I love EVERYTHING that you write and paint!!! Can’t wait for this one to add to my collection!!
Can’t wait to get your lovely new book! I’ve been waiting with baited breath since I finished part I! Wish I could see you when you criss-cross the country on your travels. Have a wonderful time!
I have every single book you have produced. I am probably one of your oldest (in age and time) fan. All my friends and family know I am a Susan Branch lover of illustrations, fabric, books and all the other things you’ve had your name on. Looking forward to the newest book!
Susan, You’re posts are always a delight. You make everyday life seem so special and filled with moments to cherish. Thank you for making me stop and smell the well, not roses, but daffodils anyway. Have a wonderful and safe trip.
Hi Susan! I’m rereading Fairy Tale Girl, so that I can get straight to how the story ends as soon as my book arrives! Can’t wait to see all of your beautiful paintings in Isle of Dreams! Enjoy all of your adventuring with Joe and come to Colorado someday!!!
Ahhh just saw you ARE coming to Colorado! Wahoo Wonderful!
This is the first time I have put a comment on a blog but wanted to say thank you for sharing your lovely talents and writings.
I have my new book already reserved but of course would adore having one personalized just to me 😇 I would treasure it. I love everything about you Susan and especially that you cherish the “mundane” and that you realize those things we do routinely are in fact the ways we show our love. ❤️
Hi Susan,
I’m so bad! I haven’t read any of your books, however, they are at the top of my wish list! I can only imagine that they are just as wonderful and cheerful as your many posts and probably much more. Always love to hear about your new adventures – I wish you safe and happy travels!
Oh, I can’t wait to get my new book!! I am so excited they’ll be on their way shortly. ♥
How exciting Susan!! Best of luck in your travels!! I am so happy for you and your new books! I would love to be a lucky recipient !! You’re so inspiring ! Happy spring!!
Very excited waiting for your new book to come! It’s like hearing from an old friend who updates you on what she’s been doing. Enjoy your trip with Joe. Safe travels, Susan!
Congratulations on your newest arrival!! First one is pink for girl, this one, blue for boy! Intentional….or happy accident! What a delightful pair!! (The books, you and Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack!) And what a wonderful Spring gift for us!! Excited!! Cheers!!!
I can hardly wait to have the new book in hand. I know that I will sit down and start reading and not be able to put it down until it is finished. It will be wonderful.
Oh be still my heart! The books will be mailing soon? And maybe I could win one here? I already know who will get the one I already pre-ordered if I win one here – my dear sis-in-law Laurie Branch (yes, that’s right – BRANCH – she is married to my wonderful brother Ron Branch and I used to be a Branch before I got married a hundred years ago). Laurie is practically my twin separated at birth. We love SO many of the same things . . . flowers and cats and cozy homes and BOOKS and antiques and . . . Susan Branch. And I will get to meet you in Hudson, OH! OH OH OH I can’t wait!
We will be the Branch girls!
Almost here! The long wait is soon to be over! 🙂
I asked our public library to order both books, and they did! The first is already in and the second is on order. I’m so pleased that they take the suggestions-to-order items I give them seriously. I’m a retired librarian, and I like to think I have some knowledge of what would be a good title to have in a public library!!
I love it when I hear I’ve made it into a library. Wonderful thing. Thank you Beth, for making that happen!
Happy Spring! Have a wonderful trip!
That cliffhanger you left us with has been brutal, so I am looking forward to finding out how it turns out. I think I know the ending, but I look forward to finding out how you got there. 🙂 So excited!
Was brutal. 🙂 I felt so guilty.:-) Worked to overcome time and space to make it up to you.:-) xoxo
Such an exciting Life! I wish you were coming to Lynchburg, Va !
Hugs from Shirley
You’ve brightened my Monday. A most wonderful post. I’m waiting for my book and I thank you for sharing. Enjoy your road trip.
Can’t wait to read the new book and add it to my collection. It looks so enticing and I know that I won’t be able to put it down!
I am on pins and needles awaiting your new book! I usually end up giving copies of your books as gifts….they are sooo appreciated and loved by everyone! In a hundred years from now….I wonder if people will be touring your home on Spring Street just as we now go through the homes of famous writers!! I am not a betting person, but on this I would bet ! You are so loved by so many, here and abroad. Happy trip to you and Joe! Sending love……
Your home, garden, books and artwork – they all inspire me to try out new projects. They all keep me awake at night planning, planning and yet more planning. But I love it! I have my version of a Peter Rabbit room. (My guest room celebrates the Brambly Hedge books.) And I’ve started collecting pretty China and linen.
Now I’m going to take up calligraphy to improve my handwriting.
Your blog keeps me very busy! 😉
LOL Kay!
It all sounds so exciting! the book tour and meeting your girlfriends. I too have not had the honor and privilege of reading any of your books… don’t be mistaken… I would LOVE all of them! but am retired and on a very very limited budget, so fun things take a back seat…. I can still wish and dream though… sigh…. I saw your Fairy Tale Girl book in a bookstore on the Oregon coast, and just about swooned.. did not have the money for it.. the lady there said I should read Isle of Dreams first anyway, as it is really your earlier life. Is that correct? If so, would absolutely LOVE to win a copy so I can get to reading! I love your artwork and how you write.. it is all so happy and inspiring! Marilyn from Oregon
LUV all the fabulous good news and looking forward to receiving the new book. Did you have a name in mind when asked about actresses? Yes to full steam ahead dreaming! Why on earth not?
Checking to see if S2 (Sandra 2) wants to meet in Asheville for your book signing…that would be sooooo much fun!
God speed and safe travels to you and Joe.
I just loved The Fairy Tale Girl book, being born just a couple of months before you, I was reminded of some of the things that happened during
those times. I can’t wait to read your new book. Thanks for all your cheerful posts. Safe travels to you & Joe.
Well, that was speedy!!! Can’t wait to read the rest of your story!
And just curious…what was your answer to the lawyer?!
I said Zoey Deschannel! He liked it!
Yes, yes and yes. Love Zoey.
Woo Hoo ! Yippee, the books looks fabulous and I can’t wait to order mine when its released in the UK.📚❤ 💚💜
So happy to see that spring is arriving in your area. I love reading all your descriptions of your life and everything around you. It makes me feel like I am walking through your house and yard with you.
Can’t wait to read about your travels.
So excited to read the new book, I can’t wait! I’m planning on bringing some of my girlfriends to meet you at your Pasadena event in June. So happy you’ll be in beautiful Southern California. Hope you enjoy your travels and looking forward to seeing you soon!
Sylvia from Fallbrook, CA
I just love everything you are involved in, your blog, your books, you are special lady and have been a fan for many many years so just wanted to leave a little comment and tell safe travels and looking forward to your future posts and take care my friend!
Dear Susan
I just found you and it’s love at first sight!💕 I saw your Spring ad in a quilting paper and cut it out, now hanging in closet office (I neither quilt or cook). I’m a library lover and my library had 2 of your books. Love your funky style, the sayings and inspiring art, it’s gives me a smile, sometimes a giggle just what I need to brighten my day. I have book club tomorrow and my friends will roll over laughing when I tell them I’m reading a cook book! Surprise you’ll like this you inspired me to make! Bread pudding.
Im your newest fan at age 77…….GO GIRLS…….HAVE A BLAST ON YOUR TRIP! Love Anne Regan
This my third attempt!!!!!
I just found you and it’s love at first sight💕.I saw your ad in a quilting paper about Spring, cut it out, now hanging in my closet office. (I neither cook or quilt!). I’m a library lover and my library had 2 of your books. I love your funky style, the sayings, the inspiring art, makes me smile, sometimes giggle, just what I need to brighten my day. I have book club tomorrow my friends will role over laughing when I tell them I’m reading a cook book! Surprise, you’ll like this……you inspired me to make! Bread pudding!!!
I’m your newest fan at age 77……..GO GIRLS……HAVE A BLAST ON YOUR TRIP. Love Anne Regan
Ll
Oh Yeah Anne, I am so with you! xoxo
I do not have a website
I SO love your books because they remind me of slower days. And your drawings/paintings are just gorgeous. I’ve loved your work since I first saw something drawn by you…
Can’t wait to get your new book in the mail and begin reading. What an adventure awaits me! Happy winter/spring!
Cathy
What a lovely post! It brought such warmth and cheer on this gray, chilly day! Thank you! And, a great, fun giveaway! Cheers for us! I hope you and Joe enjoy a wonderful, stress-free trip! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
I am so looking forward to your middle book and hope I will be able to see you at Rakestraw Books in Danville. It’s a ticketed event, and they don’t have details yet on their website.
Happy Spring, and soon to be birthday! My Mom’s 90th birthday is this Sunday.
Please call them and bug them Shanna! They only listen to potential customers! Happy birthday to your MOM!!!
Excited for the new book and almost holding my breath for the fabric, I love your art in all it’s forms.
How excited you sound to be counting down to your travels. So don’t think about what you’ll be missing, and don’t let those little furry faces make you feel guilty! Hope you and Joe travel safe and have a wonderful time.
I could not put your last book down before finishing it, so I know this one will be the same. Can’t wait!!!!!! I think your books would be a great tv story. We need something to take the place of our Downton Abbey!!!!!!!
Hello Susan!
Thank you for the new post; it brightened my day. I’m looking forward to your stop in Denver at the Tattered Cover Bookstore come May. My best friend of 30+ years will be with me, as will my hubby who gets to do all of the driving! Should I make him wear a Girlfriends badge too? Just kidding!
Yes, the Fairy Tale Girl badge. xoxo He will have so much fun. Joe always does. So many women, so little time!
Loved The Fairy Tale Girl!!!! Looking forward to Isle of Dreams!!! Enjoy your cross country book tour!!! We love a good road trip!! xo
Oh wonderful.Happy travels Susan. Only wish you were coming my way,The Finger Lakes of New York State.Blessings,Dawn E. Brown
Congratulations Susan, I can’t wait to read the book and would love to win a personalized one. Have safe travels and plan a trip to Mississippi one day soon!
Take care,
Dawn R.
Love that you are printing the 30th Anniversary of Heart of Home! Makes it easier for me to collect more of your books! About starch…….I use a spray starch on my quilt pieces to make them sturdier to sew. And my Mom crocheted lots of doilies when I was young. She used a blue starch called Satina (I think). It smelled so good and my job was pinning the doilies to cardboard covered with waxed paper to shape them to their original shape. The good old days!
In honor of the 30th anniversary of your book “Heart of the Home” I found an original copy for sale on Amazon and purchased it. I once had this book (1st Ed) but some how it was lost in the all our moves. I can’t wait to also have the updated version soon.
Thanks for always painting & writing!
Oh Happy Spring! You are an inspiration! I now intend to get out my table cloths, napkins, table runners and wash, starch and iron – a true sign of Spring! And the sparkling dishes – oh my – nothing so satifying as to stand back and see your dishes twinkling “thank you” back at you:). Happy and safe travels, Susan and Joe. May you have a wonderful trip and enjoy every moment of this beautiful country and its beautiful people!
My husband gave me Fairy Tale Girl for my birthday and I cannot wait to read the next phase of your ‘finding home.’ Those are my favorite stories, especially when they are true! And even more especially when they happen near the beach!
PS-Of course it should be a movie. Not even a question, really.
I can’t wait to get my book!! You drawings have truly inspired me to draw more. I just finished a sketch of my dream tree house. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Ooohhh, Susan! This is Mary from PA ❤️. I was one of the Girlfriends that was lucky enough to attend the first book signing for A Fine Romance in Martha’s Vineyard. Then I came to New Hampshire for a signing of the second book The Fairy Tale Girl❤️. Was all set to attend a signing for this book in New Hope, PA, but was heartbroken to learn that the event was all sold out. Maybe I will get to another one. I hope so! Can’t wait for this new book.
Have a great time on your trip!
Susan, I had to laugh at your comment about inviting someone to dinner as a motivation to clean…It works for me everytime, I should do it more often 😀 And of course I want to wish you the happiest of birthdays next week!
Have a wonderful trip! Hoping to see you!
I remember Chris from her postings! I’m in north Texas so perhaps we’ll all meet when we converge in Austin.
My sweet friend, who I’ve given a copy of “A Fine Romance” and “Fairy-Tale Girl” to, may be my traveling companion. I’m looking forward to it. She was living overseas before and is now my neighbor!
Wowzer! How time flies! My order is already in, but I’d definitely LOVE to win one of these lovelies. God bless you and Joe throughout your travels.
Sharon in Alabama
So very excited! I hope to get to see you this time! Thank you so much for all you do! You rock!
I just love all the lace and spring to boot!!
Enjoy everyone all across this great land….it’s so good how much joy you bring with you. I’ll be having virtual tea with you all.
I am so excited about your new book! It is coming out at the perfect time as I am still going through Downton Abbey withdrawl. My comfy chair is ready and waiting!
I fell in love with your work when I stumbled across your very first cookbook. Eeeeks!! Has it really been that long? I love sharing your books and blog with all my girlfriends and sisters. It’s so much more fun when they know what in the world I’m blabbering about after reading one of your works and they actually are able to respond with the occasional, “I know, right?”. Looking forward to meeting you at the signing in Danville, CA.
I am SO excited for the best story yet; rereading the California story so I will be all ready for the Vineyard one🌷 Blessings to you and Joe for a lovely trip through the springtime💐💕
Susan, I can’t wait to read your book. You are so blessed to have found Martha’s Vineyard, Joe, your beautiful home, and your sweet tuxedo cats. Have a wonderful and successful book tour.
Early Happy, Happy Birthday! Please put Omaha or Lincoln NE on your stops next time! And safe travels!
Ooooo, hoping with fingers and toes crossed that I win one of those books!! Cannot wait until the end of the month to finally meet you. My hubby is coming with me…and I didn’t even have to threaten him. I did promise to go to an air show in June with him but that’s okay, I don’t mind watching airplanes (shhhhh, don’t tell him).
It is snowing like crazy here in upstate NY so I really, really appreciate those springtime pictures. Makes me feel hopeful that spring isn’t too far away.
Safe travels to you and Joe!
Susan
I would ❤️To have your signed ” Isle of Dreams” book as my daughter And I visited the Island yrs. ago and we just had to find your house, (which we did) because I had my Autumn and Christmas Heart of the Home books with me so we would be sure to find the right house.
I hope you didn’t mind us snooping!!! Have fun on your travels! SoCal gal, Betty
xoxoxo
Oh I hope the movie deal goes thru, it would be great to see! And I hope Vanna chooses me this time!
I always look forward to your post. Thank you!
Oh, Susan, I don’t know how you do all you do…and still have time for the Girlfriends! I read The Fairy Tale girl sooo slowly! I didn’t want it to end and now we have another book to read and savor. I love your books, all of them.
Thank you for loving us as much as we all love you!
My total pleasure . . . xoxo
Just a quick question- what wonderful color did Joe paint the little bathroom? Ever since you told us about Woodlawn Blue and Swiss Coffee in your kitchen (what was that – 3 yrs ago?)
I’ve become a fan of your wall paint choices.
It’s wallpapered in a brownish-grey (looks good with white trim) with a tiny white star print.
I can’t wait to read this book! Looking forward to seeing you in Pasadena.
I read your blog as ‘luxury’ time in my busy weekly schedule and melt into another world. I so love the change of pace. I finally retired and this is my first week to grab all my Susan Branch books, line them up and see if I have missed any. I don’t think so and can’t wait for the new book to be shipped. I read ‘A Fine Romance’ too many times to count and hope to get to England with hubby within the next year. Enjoy your book tour!
Good luck everyone – I feel something magical swirling in the air!
oooooooh. the book. a dream come true to receive! thank you for sharing. xoxo
So exciting! I just saw something interesting on MSN UK, there is an entire British village for sale, called West Heslerton. I just felt I had to pass that along.
I have always wanted a village! It TAKES a village! We could all move there! 🙂
I love your books and blog. You have been blessed with a way with words, AND a paintbrush, AND you know your way around the kitchen! I’m glad you share your life with all of us.
Dearest Susan, rain and pansies, lovely linens and sparkling clean dishes, a new BOOK and paint brushes, girlfriends and sweet kitties, paint samples and fire in the fireplace. What more could we ask for? Oh, wait….to see you in Austin!!! And, other cities around the U.S. We are having a hard time waiting. Love, Rachel
Just when I feel that I need “a Susan Branch fix,” there you are in my in-box. I want to plant an idea – I know I am not the first to suggest this – of your creating a monthly or bi-monthly…oh, OK, even quarterly…magazine. I missed the Mary Englebreit one so much when she stopped publishing ME HOME…Might you consider picking up the void there? (And I mean a hard-copy magazine, not an e-zine!) As you are going from place to place for your signings, ponder this suggestion. OK?
Hello Susan, I have read The Fairy Tale Girl three times now. It rests on the table beside my chair and warms me with memories each time I glance at it. I cannot wait for Isle of Dreams to arrive. Thank you so much for inviting readers into your world. Lynne Weliver
I can just feel your excitement over the new book you birthed! Nothing beats that feeling, does it? I’m happy for your success. And SO HAPPY we get to read it! I would love to get a copy signed by you. Here’s hoping! Safe travels!
Are you coming to Minnesota for book signing?? I can’t wait for the Heart of the Home!! I was a teenager 30 years ago, but I now have my own teenagers and love, love, love everything about home! You inspire me so much. I want to be like you when I grow up…LOL! Blessings on your trip 🙂
Hello Susan, I have read The Fairy Tale Girl three times now. It rests on the table beside my chair, and fills me with warm memories each time i glance at it. I cannot wait for Isle of Dreams to arrive. Than you so much for inviting readers into your world. Lynne Weliver
Love the paintbrush and bookmark idea! Joe is a genius! Safe travels across the country!
I love traveling with you on your journeys across the USA & England. I’ve made the cross country trip at least six times and am always amazed by the vastness of our country and the delight of the people within. I will keep you and Joe in my prayers as you travel the open roads this spring/summer.
I am awed with your spring cleaning. I’ve just moved and it’s so fun getting everything cleaned and fresh and pretty so you can sit back and wallow in the joy of seeing your hard work, welcome you as a special guest into your home. We all deserve that!
I just unpacked a box of sheets on which my great grandmother had crocheted lacy edges. They are too delicate to use as sheets, so I will be making curtains for them. Your bathroom window is a great inspiration! THANKS.
As an artist, I love the idea of the little extras you are passing along with the six books. Sharing brushes and blotters filled with love and inspiration and creativity. What a thrill it would be if Vanna found my name amongst all the others – ah dreams. Sometimes it is the smallest, almost insignificant gifts that fill the heart with warmth. Your Joe must be a genius gift giver to have thought of sending a bit of you with each book.
Travel well and stay happy and healthy, Lorna
And I can’t even imagine how much FUN it would be to see your story on the screen~either one! That is so EXCITING!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can’t wait to receive your book in the mail. I wish I were able to come to one of your book signings but it is not to be. I wish you and Joe safe travels. Thank you for all you do to make all of our lives just a little bit more fun. Your positive attitude rubs off. I smile many times when I read your posts. Happy Spring.
I am so happy that the book will be here soon. I am really looking forward to hear the rest of the story. Enjoy Spring!!! Today in Chicago area it is only 40 degrees. Spring was here and left and winter is back for a few days.
When you have time you can come here to do some spring cleaning. I keep thinking about it but never get to it. BTW the town you were writing about is Wilmette, Illinois. It is north of Chicago.
You have such a beautiful home and yard and complete with cozy kitties! If I had to choose a day at the spa or one of your lovely posts, I would choose the latter! I want this book so badly and am out of work now due to heart issues, so thank you for the opportunity to win one! Your England book has seen many a page-turning as I’ve turned my daughter on to the romance of England.
Love your updates and beautiful photos. The kitty cats are my favorite! I wish I could get as excited about cleaning my house. I love it when it is complete, however, not as eagerly motivated. You inspire me to find the joy in the everyday.
Hi Susan,
So excited that I will get my pre-ordered book soon. Can hardly wait! It would be so awesome if there was a movie. Who WOULD you want to play you? Also counting the weeks til we see you in St. Charles, MO. Would love to give my girlfriend your new book. She is traveling with me to St. Charles, but the waiting in line she would only do for me. That’s what girlfriends do! Have a safe trip. See you in May!