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!
Oh yeah – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I am also an April baby – tax day- ugh.
My favorite part of your post
Was the beautiful white curtains
No matter how old—
They are always BEAUTIFUL
I look forward to your posts, they are such a joy. Looking forward to Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams.
Can’t wait to read it! Will you be coming to Grand Rapids Michigan on your tour?
So excited to receive my book….. Can’t wait to read it. Have been doing spring cleaning so when the book comes I can sit down and read it cover to cover and not feel guilty about our house!!! Wish you and Joe a safe trip!!!
You and Joe should make it a real warm and sunny holiday one day and come to Hawaii for a book signing. You would love our beautiful ocean. Lots of girlfriends here. Have a safe and wonderful trip. Looking forward to your travel log. Can’t wait for the new books. A big Aloha…
Now I am really inspired to do my spring cleaning, thank you!
It’s so wonderful you are coming to the Tattered Cover and I can’t wait to read Isle of Dreams.
Wishing you a safe and fun journey.
You inspire me to get busy and finish my Spring cleaning!
Can’t wait to read your latest book, but a signed copy would be even better.
Will not be able to see you in a bookstore but will have to be content reading your blog.
Safe travels. Thanks for your writings and paintings. You bring much joy.
I’d love to win a copy of this book. All of our books are in storage for the move so having my name drawn to win the book might help keep me sane! 🙂 Won’t make it to your book signing in Iowa as we’ll be in the middle of moving then so will miss seeing you and Joe, I’m sorry to say…
Your starching of curtains and such made me remember when I had a swarm of bees in my basement – I didn’t really know what I was spraying at them I just grabbed the first thing I could spray – a can of starch was what I grabbed – it stopped them!
Hi Susan! I just wanted to say how much I love everything you create– your books, cookbooks, calendars, notecards, sweet little inspirational notes from awhile ago, stickers– I’ve been such a fan for so long and your beautiful drawings always bring a smile to my face! I’m looking forward to reading your new book and seeing your exquisite drawings!!! Take care and safe travels!!!
Oh, Susan, I hope I win one! Can’t wait to see you in Atlanta!
Congratulations on your new baby – your newest book now out here in the big wide world! I will becoming up from San Diego to see you in Pasadena in June. You know we all love you and would travel far to share your joy and have a wee visit with you. My book is ordered and I can’t wait!! Thanks for all you do for us! Wishing you and Joe safe and happy travels.
Your enthusiasm and continued productivity has inspired me to do some spring cleaning too! Thank you for the chance to win your latest
‘baby’. Wishing you happy and safe travels. Enjoy your long awaited get away. Kris
I’m thinking Rose Kennedy Schlossberg as you…darling, funny, a true MV lover and, apparently, a good kid. And, of course, a strong connection to family. Killer combo.
This could work! 🙂
I can’t wait to get my book! And fabric… Yay!!!!!
I’m holding off until I can get both new books at once. That’s a fun idea about giving away your used up paintbrushes and paint blotters. I have a stack of those too, and have wondered what to do with “retired” brushes.
Your trip sounds like a blast. Do you have a posted itinerary so I can see you if you’re in my neighbourhood?
Yes, look at EVENTS in the right hand column of the Blog . . .
Hello Susan, I am looking forward to the new book, it’s been lovely reading bits of it come together on your website. I’ve been hanging your wall calendars for years in my home to bring extra happiness & charm, and beautiful countryside scenes. Have a merry time on your travels! Your pictures and messages dash away the darkest winters to bring cheer & dreams of wonderful wishes coming true! Blessings! ~ Karen
Congratulations on your new book Susan! It’s such a wonderful feeling to see your “baby” in the flesh after all the months of hard work. I’m so looking forward to reading it! Wishing you and Joe a safe and blessed trip. Natalie xx
It is all so lovely, Susan….I especially like the pansies on your windowsill. They look very cheery on this SNOWY April day in MA. My cat eats any pansies I bring into the house. My last cat did as well. Yours don’t like pansies? Lucky you. I will have to wait for the snow to melt to have my pansies.
Am so looking forward to receiving your next book. I loved Fairy Tale Girl and A Fine Romance. I have been an anglophile forever I think so it was great fun. I have just discovered your blog and website and am really enjoying exploring there. So many kindred souls.
Thanks again for sharing your magical life. Patti
They haven’t been interested yet. As far as I know!
I’m a Brit, living here in Virginia, and your book “A Fine Romance” made me fall in love with my home country all over again! Thank you for that! I’m excitedly waiting for my copy of “Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams”, because hubby and I just bought a motorhome and hope to travel your way in the Fall, and your book will be an inspiration for our trip. Happy travels to you both!
That’s a very big compliment Anne. But it’s so easy to fall in love with your home country. xoxo
Can’t wait for the new book! I’m so excited that you’re sharing this journey with us. I already ordered one but ….pick me! pick me, Vanna! I always have to clean the house too before we go away too. It’s so nice to come back to a nice, neat home.
Your blog is a delight, and I can’t wait to read this book. Thank you for sharing your talent and your life with us.
Thank you for keeping my dreams alive! I love you large SB!!!!
Oh, can’t wait for my book to arrive. Hope you and Joe have a safe and wonderful trip across the country. If all works out I hope to see you at one of the signings. Thank you for sharing your days past and present. They make mine go better too.
Can’t wait for the book!! Use to live on the Cape and made several trips to the Vineyard, so the book will help take me back there, with the added bonus of seeing it through YOUR eyes! Have a fun, safe trip!!
Can’t wait to read the new book! I enjoyed reading your blog on this snowy day in Boston. I don’t think our weeping cherry tree will have flowers this year.
Why not?
Hi Susan, I am newly retired and thanks to you I am loving my home again! Can’t wait to meet you in Austin!
Emma
Dear Susan,
Do PLEASE give Vanna a vaycay in Cannes, she works SO hard for you! And I look forward to meeting you in Danville California on May 27, though they do not have tickets out yet. What on earth are they waiting for? Don’t they know????
BTW I’m the girl (ahem) who contacted you while I sat outside your house waiting for the ferry last October, the definitely-not-a-stalker friend.
Sorry about that snow, it’s beautiful here in Napa.
Barbara
Easy to do, since Vanna is virtual, a virtual vaycay in Cannes is totally affordable and I don’t have to worry about her landing in jail, because if she does, poof, I will un-invent her! And then re-invent her, shopping, for lime green clothes. 🙂 Call Danville and Bug Them. xoxoxo
I’m looking forward to seeing you in Danville, CA along with my daughter from S. Calif as she is coming up for the event. Love your blogs. Enjoy your trip across country with your honey.
I wish I had your energy for all that cleaning! See you next month in Iowa. 🙂
Oh, wow !! I can just picture the smiles a mile wide on the faces of those lucky six folks who receive a personalized copy of Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, a painbrush, and blotter-turned-bookmark!!!!!
Good luck to all of us!!!!
Wonderful post! I hope for a TV series!
Can’t wait until you come to St. Charles, MO in May! You will love the quaint little shops and cobblestone street. Quintessential Susan! 🌷
I’m so looking forward to reading the New book. Have a safe and fun journey. You’re art work gives me so much pleasure. Thank You
I am so excited that my book will be arriving soon!!! So happy! I am going to try to read it more slowly than I did the other two before it. Or maybe I will read it quickly (as I can’t help it) and read the other two in order! I’m also really excited to hear what you have planned for fabric as I am a quilter. I will be watching for that. I hope you and Joe have wonderful travels and I hope to see you in Austin. That is the plan! All good things to you……
Congratulations on the new book…looks great from what I can see. And don’t worry about Spring…it’s lovely these days in California! Hope to see you there soon. Have a great trip.
Oh, I would just cry my eyes out with happiness to win a signed copy of your book (although I have already pre-ordered it, too). AND a paint brush and bookmark of your blotter paper? I’d feel like I was holding something as precious as that of Beatrix Potter’s own hand! Best wishes on your wonderful trip. Can’t wait to see you here in Austin!!! We finally meet after DECADES of living in your precious world on paper and in Willards.
So exciting! Love your happy posts! 🙂
Hi there, Susan!
You made my day! I’m looking forward to receiving my book soon. A movie based on your life would be great to see! I have my fingers and toes crossed for that event. You deserve all the goodness that comes your way. YOU GO GURL!
Jerri Ellen of San Juan Capistrano, CA
(moving to Southport /NC very soon)
Safe travels for you and Joe. Happy birthday early Susan from Aries to another.
My sister always shares your blog with me, and I love it. I have never been to Martha’s Vinyard, but you make me want to visit.
Hi Susan,
I’m traveling from MI to the IL tea to see and hear you plus have my 2 books signed…I’m sweating it though as I purchased “Isle of Dreams” from Amazon and I am leaving May 8th by 11:00am! I so hope it gets here in time, or I will be hunting everywhere Monday for a bookstore! I can’t wait to see you again on your travels. You are a true inspiration, YOU GO GIRLFRIEND!!!
Hi Lynn!
Last time at our Afternoon Tea with Susan at the Westmoreland Country Club, a local bookstore had a table set up to sell books, if needed. You might check to see if they will do the same thing again. We are going to have an amazing afternoon on May 10th!! 🌸🌸
Yes, to answer that question, Book Stall Bookstore will be there to sell books and I’ll be there to sign them!
What good timing! You completed your duties in time to shine up your nest before you leave. May the love you receive on your trip make up for missing the peonies. 🙂
You are amazing. Your energy is never-ending. Enjoy your book tour. I wish you great success. Hugs, Judy
I love all of your books and look forward to reading this one!!! My mom and I both love you!!! Give your sweet kitties a pat for me.
Congratulations, Susan! So looking forward to the new book.
Susan, you may not be sure your life story is going to become a movie, but I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t happen sooner or later! You are an inspiration. 🙂 Have a great time on your tour!
So much excitement! Can’t wait to get that pretty new book!
(And see you in CA)
Fingers crossed regarding the movie/series!! (only positive thoughts!) 🙂
I can’t wait for this one! Thank you for all the joy you share with us 🙂
I would be so thrilled to win. You have signed several books and calendars for me when you came to Meredith, NH. very fond memories for me and my mother, Nona!!! Can’t wait to get the new book and hear the rest of your story. Love your blog and all you do. Have a wonderful trip seeing all that love your work…. Say hey to Joe.
Hey to your mom too Leslie!
Hi Susan!
It truly must be spring with books soon to be on the wing, forsythia blooming and freshly starched curtains! I’m a teeny bit jealous about your trip as I love to travel, but I will be riding along via the blog. I’m trying not to get too crazy excited about my book coming, I know the postman will deliver at the absolute perfect time, but I’m between books right now and am ready to start something new. Tell Joe hello and pat Jack and Girl from Elizabeth in Wichita, Kansas.
I’ll do it!
Oh, I love this post! YOU are so inspiring. I like the idea of starching curtains and I shall starch my white living room valances. Does the starch bottle tell you the starch/water ratios?
Yay for nice and clean, all ready, before you depart! God be with the kitties.
I am SO excited to get my book! What a day that will be. I’m going to celebrate!
I THINK you said you’ll be at the Tattered Cover in Denver. I’m coming.
love love love
Yes, the starch bottle tells you what you need to know. It’s basically two parts water to one part starch for a fairly strong starching, like curtains. Yes, Tattered Cover, for sure! xoxoxo
I’m so looking forward to reading your Martha’s Vineyard, Isle Of Dreams…and coming to your book signing in New Hope, PA. I’m hoping to bring my daughter for a fun-filled day…happy travels!
Thanks for sharing your life with us all!
Hi Susan, thanks for “Proud Mommy”. Loved the pic of Jack & Girl Kitty. How about a short video of you with your best Julia Child voice? I’m sure we would all enjoy the fun of it. Safe traveling for you and Joe. Enjoy!!!
Can’t wait to receive my book! Giving away paintbrushes is such a great idea. Safe and fun travels.
Susan,
One of the posts mentioned Sally Fields.Have you seen her wonderful funny,heartbreaking movie,Hello, My Name is Doris? She would be a lovely today you.I am a techn no so I hope you see my comment.
Well, dear girlfriend, I am so very proud of you, so you it stands to reason (as my Grandma would have said) that you should be proud of yourself.
I know it’s hard, but please don’t worry too much about leaving the sweet kitties behind. They don’t have watches, can’t really tell time, and know deep down how much they are loved. When my sweetheart had to go on business trips that lasted for months, it broke our hearts, but our dog and cats were always sure of him. When he came home, they were delighted every time, but not shocked. That always thrilled me–their joy combined with their certainty. (The dog showed it more than the cat did, naturally, but I could tell.)
You’re a kitty whisperer. xoxo
I’m trying to imagine how it would feel for someone to ask, “Who do you want to play YOU in the movie?” Now, THAT’s a fairy tale! Lovely post, lovely Spring photos, love it all!
It definitely is! The world is your oyster with a question like that. I fear, with the time it takes for these things to happen, that the person to play me is about four years old right now! xoxo Nadine, thank you.
Absolutely love, love, love your books. I would only read a few pages at a time of A Fine Romance because I didn’t want it to end. You have such a wonderful way of making ‘your girlfriends’ feel like they are right along side you on your adventures. Can’t wait for your blogs from your upcoming trip and am looking forward to Isle of Dreams.💕
I would feel honored and a pleasant surprise to be a winner of your new book. Will it be my lucky day? Wonderful travels to you and Jo Irene
Susan,
I’m so looking forward to your book. It would be wonderful including in the rest of my SB collection. Please enter me in the drawing — pretty please!
I am so in love with the first two books! I cannot wait for the Isle of Dreams
to arrive. I love the idea of the paintbrushes. I also do watercolor and how
special would it be to a keeper of one of yours!!
Safe travels and have fun. I look so forward to the blog posts, I sit and read them with a cup of tea. It brings joy to my day.
I’m so excited for this book! I have loved your others and plan on buying the 30th anniversary of Heart of the Home too! Have a safe trip. 🙂
It seems like some sort of Girlfriend miracle that you will be here, right in my backyard, signing books at Chaucer’s BookStore. I’ll wear my nametag proudly. Can’t wait to meet you! Travel safely.
Oh! Oh! Oooooooohhh!!!!
Of ALL the WONDERFUL give-aways you’ve so generously offered, Sue, THIS one is the one I’m hoping for MOST.
I would soooo cherish a signed copy of Isle of Dreams!
AND an original piece of your artwork (bookmark) oh, YES!
AAAAAND a magical wand! one of *your* paint brushes!?!?!
~S~W~O~O~N~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU for a chance, thank you for ALL you share with us girlfriends!
Fingers crossed and hoping to meet you in May 🙂
xoxo
~Diane
P.S. can’t wait to get reading!!
I can’t wait for the new book to arrive. I just got back from a week in London with my daughter, we were celebrating our birthdays (16 for her and 51 for me). Now we’re both working on travel moleskins, thanks to your inspiration. I can’t wait for your trip to Scotland!
Thank you, as always, for the heart felt words. Love your blogs, your art, your books. Thank you Susan.
Happy Spring – I will send some warm sunshine your way! So looking forward to seeing you in St. Charles in May. Wishing you and Joe safe travels and lots of fun. I cannot wait to read “the rest of the story…” when your book arrives. Have a great week! 🙂
What an exciting time for you and Joe. Safe travels! Looking forward to meeting you at the tea in Wilmette IL.
Susan: Love your energy and enthusiasm. Just finished reading THE FAIRY
TALE GIRL, loved it, so I will be ready for ISLE OF DREAMS when it arrives.
I am in very cold Michigan and wish I was closer to where you will be
speaking and signing, but I also wish you safe travels. And look forward
to seeing your Blog when you are out and about.
OMGoodness! So many fun things in this post! I can’t wait to get my book and I will be there in Cincinnati Ohio to see you! With bells on! Because it won’t be an ordinary day for me!
Oh Mama….you have beautiful babies! And I can’t wait to get my hands on the ones hitting bookshelves (and Amazon) soon! Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into your babes!
Enjoy every moment with your hubby and best friend on your upcoming trip. The reason I am “all over that” is because I just lost my beloved, Brownie, after 51 years of marriage. Well, that’s not true. We were married 47 years, 8 months but we went “steady” for 4 years before that. Surely, some of you remember the old fashioned senior ring-on-a-chain-around-my-neck going steady?!? Yup, at the tender age of 16 I met the love of my life and at the wise age of 68 I lost him. Many of you might remember that I told the girlfriends in 2014 that he had a lung transplant. In fact he was called miracle man for the next 14 or so months. His Interstitial Lung Disease was caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis – as in, ‘who knew it could effect the lungs?’ I remember at the time I shared that news we were both over the moon that he had done so well. And Brownie (as I have called him for 51 years) loved reading Susan’s blogs. Occasionally he would come home from work and ask if I heard from my new friend, Susan today? He loved Willard and he adored the blog, especially the ones with recipes and his favorite – how to clean and restore wooden utensils. Honest to goodness – that was my Brownie!
So now my life has changed dramatically. He was in the hospital for two months, beating an infection, when suddenly things took a turn for the worse and on February 9 he went to his new home in Heaven. I know I’ll be ok some day but for now I’m telling everyone that has a beloved to treasure every moment with that person. Be THERE, be soft and loving and forgiving, and giving and enjoy LIFE. Love you, Susan and you all, girlfriends! *willa*
Every word a pearl dear Willa. Thank you so much for your wonderful advice. Blessings and love from me to you. xoxo
Sam will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on June 15. I will be back home in Houston the next day. My plan at this point is to drive to Austin to meet you face to face at the book signing and be able to give you a hug for all you have meant to me and my beloved!!
I will love that Willa. xoxo
Willa, I copied down parts of what you wrote to keep at my desk so that I can read what you said every day and remember how to be. My best and most healing thoughts to you. What you just shared with Susan will help people.
If your Sam was Army, my sister, the flutist/picollo player, is in “Pershing’s Own” Cerimonial Band. God Bless.XO
Big Hugs dear Willa. Your post touched my heart…so true. Thank you for that. xo
Sending you hugs and peace and comfort dear Girlfriend Willa! Xoxoxo
What a lovely, clean home you now have. I have just moved into a new home in Naples, Florida and am having so much fun cleaning and decorating it…we are kindred spirits! Love your posts…safe travels to you!!!
Hi Susan! Happy Spring. Welcome to New England! We are getting 6 inches of snow as I write this and it’s only 24 degrees outdoors. Warm fire going in our kitchen fireplace. Last week we were raking the yard enjoying temps in the 60’s. LOVE this blog as always but especially the picture of the fur babies :). Safe travels to you and Joe as you start your adventure. Anticipating the arrival of “Isle of Dreams.’ Love ya! oxoxox
Hello Susan,
My frie.nd, Candy, and I are looking forward to your visit to Ashville NC. We can’t wait to meet you in person 🙂 Happy traveling to you!
Would so love to get a personalized book!
I love your nostalgic drawings. They add so much to the text.
A Fine Romance was just great! Looking forward to Isle of Dreams.
So glad the books came in. Can’t wait to read the rest of the story!
Hello! Dearest! You said you did not mind my calling you that, and so from here on in I will! I bought your newest book right after you announced it in your blog…believe it was last August? Anyhow, I am on the short list to be receiving it ’cause I bought it as soon as it was available & I know you have it mailed to the people who ordered it first!
Cannot wait to start reading it! I LOVE your artwork, especially when you paint flowers…which are dear to my heart, me being an avid gardener.
Will be eagerly awaiting more news on your new fabrics! Take care.
Just returned from a wonderful trip to London and found out that you will be coming to Asheville on 27 June. I live three hours from there but I am coming and will bring two girlfriends with me. One good excuse to stay at the fabulous Biltmore. Can’t wait to receive the signed book I ordered months ago. See you in June.
Colette
Hello April Birthday Baby! What a grand year this is going to be for you. For your special day, I wish you joy, love, much success, laughter, adventure and safe travels. I’m an April baby, too, with a birthday on the 8th! Can’t wait to see you in Asheville!!!!
Happy almost Birthday Dear Kelley! See you in Asheville!
How lovely to have your work done and be readying for a trip.
It is so kind of you to take us along with you on this next journey as
well as your past one! For every season there is a time….enjoy!
I am so excited about your new book; just finished re-reading “Fairy Tale Girl” so I could make “Martha Vineyard, Isle of Dreams” a seamless read.
For all of us who never had the distinct privilege of meeting The Beatles, your story was just as serendipitous as adventures come! Thanks for sharing the memory with everyone. Yes, color me pea green!
Thank you for 30 years of ‘girlfriend’ pleasure.
I can’t wait until the new arrival is on my doorstep!
Hi Susan, opening my summer place ,first thing I plan to do after opening chores are done is sit on my deck on my swing [which I’ve been waiting to do all winter] and read my book, and re-read all others. It would be so nice to win another with a brush, I try to paint and have many used brushes but yours would be awesome !!! Can’t wait to garden,still a little early in Lancaster,N.Y. Have a safe trip,enjoy all,!!!!!
Wow, looks terrific. I can’t wait to get one in person.
This giveaway seems to be one of your best! I am about to turn 38, and I have deeply felt lately that I must paint, which I haven’t done in 20 years or so. I am so inspired by you, Susan, and the opportunity to win not only your book, but also one of your brushes and a paint-blotter-bookmark…it’s almost too much! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the good and beautiful things you have shared with the world!
How I would love to go to one of your book signings! By living in the middle of Montana it is probably never going to happen. }( You have been blessed with a fabulous talent and we are blessed by you sharing it with us. I have collected cook books for years and yours are the “Special books” because not only of the lovely recipes but I just spend time some days reading all the fun things and admiring your art work. Patiently (kind of), waiting for your new books and hopefully a movie!! xxxooo
Love the title!
Hello from Australia! Just read your post which was shared with me on Facebook from your biggest New Zealand fan, Brenda W. She bought me your first book about England for my 40th Birthday because we lived in Shropshire for a long time and she knew I would love it! We’ve both read your Fairy Tale second book and are excited about reading the third. We hope it won’t take too long to get Down Under! You probably aren’t sending your personalised copies overseas but if you would consider it then I am asking for one for Brenda- she would be so thrilled! Good luck on the book signing. What a marvellous way to spend the slide into summer.
What fun! I have several of your early books, but none of the more recent ones. Would love to win – thank you for the chance to do so! Sounds like you will have a very busy tour. Be safe!
Happy Spring indeed! Thank you for including us in your adventures! You cheer us up, encourage us and help us reach for our dreams too!
Can”t wait to read the rest of the story. The cliffhanger will be over!!! Thank you for sharing your story with us, Susan. Sometimes you make me cry and sometimes I just laugh out loud. I know the book will be just as enjoyable as the first two. Safe travels to you and Joe. Wish you were going to be in Michigan.
Oh my how wonderful if I could win this… Hope your trip is wonderful and coming home will be wonderful too! I just started A Fine Romance last night as we are going to London in June!!! It was so good I stayed up much later than I should have, I couldn’t put it down. You write every bit as well as you paint, I’m enamoured. And the other book book I’m reading is Gladys Taber about living in Orleans so there is that crossover of the place….I gotta come to Martha’s Vineyard and the Cape (after London!) Have a wonderful trip and do keep in touch with us girlfriends!
Yay! Can’t wait to get my book! See you in Ohio!
i gave my oldest daughter copies of each of your cookbooks when she got married and she still has them today. I don’t think there are any others like them. So beautiful! I have been a fan of yours for all these years but only found your website a few years ago and I’m so delighted to have found it. Your Musica selections bring back so many, many memories. I only wish children of today could enjoy them as much as I did. I love opening each of your emails also for the glimpses I get into life on your island, so beautiful in all seasons. It is truly one of my favorite joys. Hopefully this circle of book signings will bring you both much happiness and when you return to your nest, it will be peaceful once again. Bon voyage on your trip through America and I wish you smooth roads, comfortable beds, delicious meals and sunny weather. With love!
Thank you so much Rosebud . . . You are a sweetheart to write, hello from me to your daughter! xoxo
SOOO exciting to see all the books stacked up on your table!! You both inspire me and put me under the pile with your SO organized spring cleaning. I used to be like that, but care giving can turn you into a dust bunny! Oh, well, I clear paths, and add spurts of flower color, and I’m quilting a very cute nautical quilt for great nephew #4 to keep me sane! And looking forward to seeing them all briefly in early May. Looking forward to seeing YOU & JOE in a few weeks!! KC!! Safe travels!! 🙂
You are so creative Jane, and make lemonade from lemons every day. xoxoxo
The very best days are the days we get a little post from you! My daughter and I call you Suzy Q. We are full force Spring here in the Pacific Northwest. The apple blossoms have already begun to drift down and the lilacs are blooming early. Not to mention the brilliant tulips. Can hardly wait for the new book to arrive and so excited about the new cookbook. Maybe I will order it for my daughter. We are off on a little Spring jaunt tomorrow so better get packing. Leaving our four legged babies behind too. So hard. Safe travels and thank you for all your hard work. It brings us more pleasure than you could ever know! XO