Well, there is SO much going on around here ~ I thought I better do our drawing today! Strike while the iron is hot! But first, let’s see, let’s go hang out in 1928 for a while . . . MUSICA!
I’ve almost finished writing us a new WILLARD! It will start going out on Tuesday morning and I hope you will love it! Is everyone is signed up? If not, and you’d like my newsletter delivered to your email box, just go HERE and sign up. And while you’re at it, sign up your mom and your sister too, and your 
BFF, because it’s going to be chock full of good and fun stuff. I’m also updating the blog on Tuesday! Very exciting! Love it when everything happens at once! Between the blog and Willard, us packing to go away on our two-month Book Tour, and the constant Kitty Kissing, there is A LOT going on . . . including, in this new Willard, more Giveaways, and even a Grand Prize Giveaway. Oh yeah. We’re doin’ it up big.🎉
So I thought I better step in now and announce the winners of the SIX books, with paintbrushes and bookmarks . . . so I can get them in the mail to the Lucky Winners on Monday and not get everything all mixed up with Tuesday! Hate it when that happens! Can’t believe how many people we have entered in this drawing. Wild eh, and what fun! Have you read any of the comments? Only the nicest people in the world! 💏 That’s all. You really don’t know how often you make me cry! Sometimes I can’t even answer because I don’t know what to say! That’s how nice you are.
So, just a little reminder . . . our six winners will get a personalized copy of my new book, Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, that one ⇑ up there, PLUS
Each book will come with one of the worn-out paintbrushes I used to paint the watercolors in the new book AND these messy bits made into bookmarks from the blotters where I test colors and try to figure out what is wrong when my pen starts acting up. Little bits of book DNA from the construction site.
But before I announce the winners, I thought you might enjoy a bit of Morning Science. For any of you with a Wisteria, this may be old news, but I find it endlessly fascinating, what a Wisteria does in the springtime, so I thought I’d show you one of my favorite harbingers of spring.🌞
You know what a wisteria looks like in bloom, right? And the smell? Floral heaven. Like the inside of a flower store ~ Ours were planted a long time ago, by the woman who owned our house from 1940 to 1980, the very much appreciated Mrs. Bowditch. They hang on an arbor over the kitchen-porch side of our house and the fragrance goes up through the second story windows (where I am taking this photo) and into the bedrooms, thank you very much.💛
They make May . . . in May the Island air smells like ocean mixed with lilac and wisteria.
Here’s how our wisteria looks right now, not quite as lovely, despite the fabulous blue sky . . . but see all those dangling bean-like things? That’s what I wanted to show you.
Here they are up-close. They are fuzzy like pussy willows.
They drop in the spring in the first days of warmth from the sun ~ the porch and the driveway are covered in them. They make the most delightful cracking noise when you step on them because they are very hard. I go out of my way to step on as many as I possibly can. From what I saw on the driveway this morning, I’m about to be in crunch heaven.
They don’t really drop actually, they kind of split apart and explode . . .
The pods hit our windows, we can hear it happening, little ticks against the glass . . . A few of them get all they way across the driveway onto the lawn . . . they really do explode. We think it might be from happiness.
The daffodils watch intently, as you can see. And see the little black dots on the driveway around them . . .?
The by-product! Free wisteria seeds! Isn’t that fabulous?
It’s our springtime miracle!
And you might wonder, but is there anything actually blooming in your yard now? And I would have to say, Oh, yes there is!
Our Magnolia is in bloom.
The weeping cherry trees too, and the forsythia . . .
And our pear tree . . .
Alright, that’s the end of Morning Science for today 🌷 . . . so here we go dear ones, I do so hope you win!!!!! But if you don’t, remember, there will be more chances in Willard, more chances in the next post, and lots of fun surprises coming. It’s spring, I have a new book, we’re going for a long ride, hill and dale across the country to meet all our Girlfriends, and we’re here to
So here we go!
Vanna . . . darling . . . climb up there and dive into the vat won’t you? (Remember when it was only a basket she had to draw from? Now it’s a vat! Filled with teeny weeny slips of paper, each with a tiny name on it! So exciting! We are gaining Girlfriends, Girlfriends!)
THE WINNERS of the SIX BOOKS AND ETC. ARE:
I hate this part. Up till now everyone is a winner, as well it should be, since that is the bottom-line truth, but now all of a sudden, it’s narrowed down considerably. I always say this when Vanna is diving into the vat, and I always feel it. Oh well. Must. do. my. job. She’s UP!!! Handful of names are flapping in the wind. Here we go . . .
Happiness abounds, joy bells ring, honking horns dinning, awesomeness reigns for:
Janet Johnson!
Celia Reusch!
Sylvie from France!
Diane P. from Northern California
Rachael Anna
Kenna Morris!
I’ll send you each an email and you can write me back with your address and who you would like the book inscribed to . . . you, or perhaps you have someone else in mind! I will love to do it, and Joe will get them in the mail to you on Monday (or as soon as I hear back from you). We have our first French Person winner! How exciting!🌎We are the world, Girlfriends! 💞
Off I go, but I’ll be back so soon it’s almost ridiculous. Please don’t get sick of me! Have a wonderful day, a wonderful weekend, breathe in some of that fresh spring air and know you are loved. XOXO
Susan:
Congratulations to all the winners! I feel like I won also after just receiving confirmation from Amazon that my “Isle of Dreams” book will arrive tomorrow.
Can’t wait to start reading it.
Loved the wisteria pictures and memories and information from you and the other girlfriends. I was reminded of the very old wisteria pergola in the Conservancy Gardens of Central Park. The old vines are as thick as tree trunks. Many weddings are booked in the gardens at the time the wisteria vines are in bloom. There are also two allees of cherry trees earby. My husband and I used to pack a lunch and sit in the benches under the trees when they were in bloom. (The benches were recycled from the 1939 World’s Fair
in NYC.) Check out the pictures on the website: “Central Park Conservancy Wisteria Pergola.”
The gardens are located on the northeast side of Central Park along 5th Avenue. The large wrought iron gate (a work of art) at the entrance was rescued from the old Vanderbilt mansion that used to be on 5th Avenue.
Looking forward to the Willard and to your cross-country adventures.
Best wishes to you and Joe for a safe journey.
Lois from Westcehster
Congratulations to the winners! We have Orange blossoms blooming and roses galore! it is being very fragrant and pretty here in So. Cal. Love my book! I have an extra for my friend who has a birthday at the end of this month! Thank you for your gift to us!
I actually do read the comments, Susan, after I read your uplifting blog, and they are an an absolute testament to all the goodness in this world. You are blessed with some amazing ‘girlfriends’, as we are ever-so-blessed with your words and spirit. I always look forward to reading each and every one!!! You are a treasure…for sure ;))
Oh Susan! Please give Sylvie from France my e-mail!!! She sent me a message on Facebook to be pen pals and it went into my spam. I feel so bad I never received it until recently 🙁
I would love how be her pen pal. Thank you!!!!!
Congratulations to all the Winners! Yay for you!! What a lovely Spring blog post. It is so fun to see Spring in MV. You make everything beautiful. Just checked out the FABRIC online . It is awesome so excited for you!! I am getting MV toile. Love it!!!!! It’s spring here and it is coming in like a lion… lots of fun storms. I weeded the front while it was still wet this morning and a big fat squirrel sat near me in the tree eating lots of acorns. I moved slowly and talked to him… Felt like Snow White:)
Also… For your birthday I forgot to say… I always think of us as exactly the same age. I am 43:) and I think I am 7, 16, or 21. That makes you the same:) I loved how in the book you referred to your age as years past your 12th bday. So darling!!!
Hello Lovelies,
Happity Spring!- love the wisteria and magnolia and all the other bloomin’ things. 🙂
We’re going through DAWS around here. That’s Downton Abbey Withdrawal Syndrome, in case you wondered. Sunday night, at dinner, Rick sighed loudly and said, “I MISS Downton Abbey!”, I laughed and said I was going to have to share that with you all. Yes, he’s a keeper. <3
We've got our ticket to your signing at The King's English. So excited! Rick is going to brave it with me even though he suspects he'll be representing a minority "Y' chromosome there. I told him that Joe would likely be there and maybe other supportive husbands. Hope so!
Looking forward to the Willard too!
Well, back to work- have a lovely day dearies!
xox
Gabi
I’m about mid-way through Isle of Dreams and it is wonderful (of course). I love how you don’t sugarcoat your first few years on the Island and how lonely for California you were. It’s so hard for adults to make true loyal friends! I wonder why that is…
As always, your optimism and bravado is inspiring.
Take some of those wisteria seeds and drop them all along the way as you travel across the country. Wisteria blooming everywhere! Hoping to see you in Cincinnati in May.
Your book was wonderful! The tiny sleeping house! Meditation:) Arf Arfy:) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your beautiful inspiring story. What happened to Holly Oak? Hope you left it in the National trust!!! Way to go spreading love and hope and good cheer all over the world. Feel free to spread some wisteria seeds down here in CT! My girl friend and I are excited to see you at RJ Julia’s!
Dear Susan, I just finished Isle of Dreams and loved it! I would love to read more about you and Joe and how you came to live in your current home etc. What became of your original home? I need a Carleton!! LOL! I hope you will write another book with more about moving r current house etc. And another travel book about Scotland! All Your books touch me with the truths they hold. I laugh and I cry (at different parts) … I just love you! Thank you for being you, you’re the best!
Congratulations to the wonderful winners!!! Springtime JOY!!
Of course after I finished Isle of Dreams, I HAD to read A Fine Romance again, and I then HAD to read The Fairy Tale Girl once more…you know what is next…of course you do…I am back to reading Isle of Dreams!!! I’ve carried them with me everywhere. So many Girls have asked me about them, I have wanted to reach into my pockets and give each one a set of books for her own! Thank you for the stories! You are gifted and talented for certain. Love, Becky in Oklahoma
Thank you Becky!!! I have to go off-Island today and I think I’m taking books with me. I’m not ready to let go!!! xoxo
Hooray for the winners! I’m reading my new book as we speak, I’m loving it! See you I. California!
You do not have to post this note, but I just had to tell you to thank Joe, (Oh yes, for sooooo many things however this is special). At a used book store I recently came across a copy of The Black Dog Summer On The Vineyard Cook Book and tonight while we are pretending it is summer in Western Washington – 85 degrees!, I made the Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Marinade. The whole family loved it! So easy and extremely tasty. Thanks, Joe and the rest of the Black Dog people. I’m eager to try more of the recipes.
Joe did a wonderful job with that cookbook! So glad you found one Vickie . . . if you’re coming to any signings, bring it and Joe will sign it for you! xoxo
Susan–Now that Downton Abby is over, do you have another favorite TV show?
I do love Turn! About the Revolutionary War. Third season is just about to start on AMC. Has too much violence, but I’m able to look away . . . the story is based on truth and very interesting, up-close view of those years.
Susan, are you really bringing me an envelope of Wisteria Seeds from your garden? I love planting seeds from other places! Just love it. And I’ll be in MB to see you! Love having Willard again. Can’t stand waiting for my new book and the continued story. Thanks you
I don’t think I’m going to have time to get those seeds into envelopes before we have to get on the road . . . I’d actually LIKE to . . . but the days are getting shorter!
You are WAY TOO GOOD to us !!!!! Such an absolute joy reading your lovely words and seeing the enchanting pictures you add – photos and artwork!!! I just finished your new book (have them all now) and it was hard to put it down! You did a GREAT job on this one too!! Hoping to see you in Austin this summer! Have a very safe and fun trip across the country! : )
Thank you Wanda!
Susan, Joe, California Girls & your special parents….THANK YOU!!!!!!
I think I can speak for everyone (since I’m the only one here right now) you are more than welcome!
To say I am a fan… Is an understatement….. I have loved and followed you since your first book. You are so positive, uplifting and inspiring! I am thrilled to have even the tiniest chance in winning a prize…..💕
Hope you win Debora!!!
I am enjoying this book so very much! Its beautiful and so very perfect. Congrats to all the winners!
Hi susan! Even though I have never met you in person… I feel that I know you… You have always been a very positive and uplifting inspiration!
I have every book you have written and refer to them often….I am a fan and proud of it!💕
Congratulations!! I got my first Susan branch book thirty years ago, I have such a connection with you and all your books and all your beautiful things you can express how I feel because I don’t have the gift of words! Your the best!!!
That was pretty good Brenda! Thank you!
Oh, Susan. I received my book in just a few days after I ordered it. Began reading it Thursday night, finished it on Saturday afternoon, all in between caring for so many formerly sorrowful little cats who are now a part of our lives. So many! And eight goats and a goose, too. I am just about without words to describe how much I LOVE all your books, don’t know how you do it, but this one is my favorite. Everything you write and paint make me feel a part of something I needed right now very much. Thank you for letting all of us who were once strangers into your world.
It is my pleasure, and thank you for returning the favor! xoxo
Hope to see you on tour! Also – soooo looking forward to your next vacation blog. I am savoring the book – only allow myself a few pages each day 🙂
That’s what I did with Downton too….. I am holding off on season 6 because I just can’t face reality!
It’s a terrible thing to face when it comes to Downton!
Susan, thank you forever for all the brightness, fun and love that you bring into people’s lives!! You are a wonderful blessing!!
I just love starting my day with a Willard email or anything Susan Branch!! It inspires me every time 🙂 to enjoy my day a little more, to add a pretty touch to my home, to revisit my beautiful cookbooks (including the first one!), and to take in the sunshine!! Congrats on the new books!! So exciting!
I have been a fan of yours from the beginning. I just celebrated my 50th birthday so it would be wonderful to win a set of your new books. I will keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for your lovely Willard email. It has made my day.
Reading my first edition copy of Heart of the Home again. It’s been a long time since I bought that book. Love it and all of Susan’s other books too. So Inspiring.
I am still visiting family and friends in the Southeast. I hope to catch you in Cleveland. I SEE the new edition of your cookbook!!!
OXOX
Margot
Looking for Willard today…
You are a very talented person. I’m just amazed at that being your natural hand writing, how lucky you are. I always think to myself, why can’t I do that? lol. I especially love all of your quotes you use and your whimsical drawings. God has shined upon you!
Congrats to the winners! What a blessing for each of you. Thank you Susan for sharing your gift with us. You have brightened so many of my days. Good luck with your tour and hope you get some relaxation along the way😊❤️
Your such a talented woman!!!! Everything is so adorable!!! Love looking and reading about everything ❤
I savor every book you have ever written. You are one cool lady!!
Susan,
I bought your first book 30 years ago and have bought many more through the years. I love following your road to fame. thank you,
I just got your email this morning at 8am. The one about your 3 book contest. I’m so sad I couldn’t throw my name in the pot. I do want to tell you that I love your writing and art. I tend to enjoy looking at the drawings in your cookbooks as much as using the recipes. Have a wonderful 8,000 mile drive.
Vicki
‘Just finished Isle of Dreams. I’m looking forward to meeting you in Salt Lake City. Happy travels with Joe.
Your work is as amazing as you
I thank God for you
Susan Branch is a comfort and refreshes my spirit
Thank you for waking me up with Cliff Edwards and Wisteria this morning, Susan! I first became a fan when I purchased your calendar in 1993. I still have it, along with every cookbook and many of your books. Thank you for continuing to write/blog/draw/share with all of us. Have a wonderful rest of your April!
Dear Susan,
I have followed you for years and have your Christmas book from YEARS ago! Love your artwork and your ” sayings “.
We have an English Tudor home and I would be so honored and delighted to have some of your wisteria seeds to plant!
I have a beautiful garden, although it gets harder to take care of as I age.
Please consider me for some of your precious seeds.
Thank you for adding sunshine to so many lives!
Blessings to you!
Something fun to do. Ask a person her favorite season. Then ask her birth month. Often her birth month is in her favorite season!
Lucky winners. I’d love to win the Trilogy or the beautiful quilt!
Had read parts of a Fine Romance, but waited for the other two to start reading them all together. Finished the first (loved it!), now reading Isle of Dreams (both responsible for not getting spring cleaning finished…), then will re-read A Fine Romance.
Happy Belated Birthday, Susan! Near to mine (April 17), and you were born a year after, so I especially liked Fairy Tale Girl’s references to all things, growing up in the 1950’s and 60’s! Brought back memories.
Have a safe journey (can’t wait to follow the blog), then back to England in the Fall, too.
My heart is full of song! You made my heart sing! What a wonderful and refreshing sight. Thank You!
Your work is so inspiring for me as I struggle in my own efforts of watercolor painting. Your art was in part the reason I started watercolor painting. I have followed you for years, loving your art, your books and recipes. I have never been to Martha’s Vineyard, but would love the seeds from your garden, it would feel like a piece of the island is with me here in California. Excited about the new fabrics too-I love to sew as well. <3 Safe travels. I'm hoping to get to one of the bookstores while you are in So. California. Would love to meet you.
🌺
Susan ~
Your books have given my eyes a visual feast, my family’s tummies wholesome, delicious food and my heart a peace that I’ve not often found. Who would have thought that mixing your art, your recipes and your writings would be such a wonderful gift …but they are.
Thank you, Susan Branch.
I’m giddy with excitement for you. And to be honest, I will be ordering all three books for my summer reading if I don’t win. I’m a teacher, so summer is my time to catch up on things I love. Like reading for pleasure!!
Have a wonderful holiday, stay safe and come back to us!! ♥
Hi Susan, I never win anything so I rarely even submit anything toward that end. But just receiving your Willard is a awesome gift in and of itself. I love to see your artwork (and yearn to be able to do that myself) and so much enjoy your words and stories. You and I like the same cats (I had two beautiful tuxedo cats named Harley boy and Suki girl…..they were older and both died within 3-weeks of one another, the last one on New Years Eve this year. Cried my eyes out and still do as I think of them. But, my son gave me the most adorable black and white cocker spaniel puppy last Friday. I’m having trouble naming her. She has such a face and she is so sweet. Shall I name her “Sophie” or “Sadie” or “Sosi” ?? I end up calling her “Sugar Pie” just cause she is so sweet, affectionate and rather like velcro, sticks to me. Thank you again for being you and sharing yourself with all your reader girlfriends! What a treat you are in this time called life. xoxo Love, Nancy (p.s. I’m much older than you at 73-years young) If you come up toward Santa Rosa (Copperfield Books), I’d be sure to be the first one in line to see you!
Love your writings and drawings. Have a safe book trip and sailing!
Hi Susan:
I’ve been following you since the 1980’s when I bought your first book and some pretty Christmas notepads. Have bought many other books and lovely things since then as I love your creativity and unique style. Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us and best wishes always!
I love your blog, FOSB, everything Susan Branch! The art… The books (from my first Heart of the Home….
I am grayer than I first was when I got to know SB, and finally retired last week after being a nurse for more years than I can count. I would love to take your wisteria seeds with me on my next journey, relocating from Colorado Springs to St. George, UT to be closer to my granddaughters! I want to plant those seeds and watch them grow! I will paint a little fun marker for them. As you said via Shakespeare: “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin”. Thank you for the sunshine, Susan!
Happy April Birthday — mine is the 20th. That makes me feel close to you. Love everything you do – such an inspiration.
Good morning, Susan! I just sat with a cup of tea and read every word of the lovely Willard! I am so happy that your new book is now available, and FABRIC?! I make quilts, and I can’t imagine a more perfect quilt to make than one using Susan Branch fabric! Have a wonderful book tour, and enjoy your time in England and Scotland (how could you possibly not?). And thank you for brightening my morning with your post!
I still have bits and bobs of your fabrics in my stash. I love happening upon them. Spoonflower printed a panel for me in their early days. It seemed like a small wonderful miracle. My own picture of an inn in Maine set into a quilt and then thread painted. How excellent your fabrics are now part of their family.
Well….got my Willard and what could be more perfect!! I told you I have moved every 5 years of my 68 years and finally moved into my darling little cape codish style house for the last time in my life and I would so LOVE to plant some of YOUR Wisteria for my newly built porch. We had to practically gut the house and redo it but it turned out so wonderful and I feel so blessed……no more packing and unpacking!!! I have a studio now with one full wall of bookcases for all my books including almost every book you’ve written…room for your set of fairy tale books!!! Have a safe trip.
I wish I could get in on these drawings before they happen! I rec’d my email at 5:01 am today and the winners were already posted 🙁 I’m sure it has to do with my email provider, but it is frustrating!
Regardless, I love you emails and all of the information and drawings. Brightens my day! Thanks!! Love the new b-day fabric too!!!
There’s a new one today!
Loved my Willard and all the news. Can’t wait for all your blogs as you take off across the country to visit all of us and then later England and Scotland. So much to look forward to along with updated Heart of the Home and the gorgeous quilt!! Belated birthday wishes, sounds like it was wonderful.
I remember when your first fabrics came out. My quilting friends and I were so excited. We bought a bunch and made a hat quilt of various hats that I think was your design or based on your designs. Just recently I came across that quilt having had to store it while living in a small condo. Such memories. Posted it on FB and loved how all the original peeps who sewed along remembered it too! Love that Spoonflower is carrying some new fabric. Love the birds! Thanks for making life prettier and reminding all of us to enjoy the journey! Love from the Central Coast, CA, Robin
I hope your next road trip includes Maryland.
I love the new seasonal fabrics!!
Such beautiful fabrics and quilts. Thank you for sharing.
I just love your designs. I have your cookbooks, calendars and stickers. I LOVE stickers – wish you would make more. No one gets a piece of mail without one of your stickers. I have a group of college friends that meet for lunch every month (we graduated in 1962) – I always give them your pocket calendar at our Christmas luncheon.
I will see you in Danvile CA at the end of May – looking forward to it.
Hi Susan,
How do you thank someone who has brought so much joy into your life? I find so much delight in reading your books, like all the other readers. 🙂 There are many times that i am reading one of your books that i roar out loud with laughter, or bust out in tears when the lump in my throat bursts! My sweet husband has to hear me say,” Susan this and Susan that.” Thank you for brightening my days, and thank you for sharing your life with all of us! You are a real treasure! I hope to meet you at one of your signings one of these days, unfortunately it will not be this summer, my grand-daughter is graduating in June, and our foreign exchange student/daughter is returning to Germany. Perhaps next year if you tour again. If you would, please enter me in you current contest! Thank you!
I love living vicariously through your adventures! You are so giving to share your life and all of the goodies that go along with it! You are an inspiration!!! Blessings to you!
I am so thrilled with your new fabrics! I bought some of your early fabrics and coveted them immensely, and was heart broken when I could no longer find them. I loved the gingham plaids and my favorite was one with adorable hats on it. the colors were just perfect and my sewing rooms was happy! I cannot wait to start collecting for my stash! So many thanks for all you do and how much you inspire!
Hi Susan, I hope you and Joe have a wonderful and safe journey. If you decide to come to Long Island I hope you can pop into one of the bookstores as I would love to finally meet you. I went back to A Fine Romance to re-read about your first date with Joe, a trip to Boston! My friend Clare in the U.K. is hooked on your books and she’s been ordering them from Amazon. I have a copy of Isle of Dreams waiting for her when she visits us in September. 🙂 It is very true; a person’s birth month is usually in their favorite season. My birthday is in November and my favorite season in Fall. And, I have my Autumn bead from your website! I miss the scrapbooking things that used to be in Michael’s. I usually can find some on Amazon, though. I LOVE all the fabrics! Thank you for being such an inspiration and brightening the day. Many blessings to you and Joe and the kitties!
I have been following you for 30 years? OMG I just love everything you do. I wish I could afford to buy one of everything and keep it for myself. I have been to the store, when it was closed unfortunately, and the farm stand, also closed. But I am so grateful for the blog, Willards and the web site Your work brings me joy. Thank you!!!!
I am totally ecstatic reading ” Willard ” and just want to say congratulations ! ! ! Wishing you joy and happy trails ! ! !
Susan,
LOVE .. LOVE.. LOVE your books… but they really are like your first comments about cooking like Julia Child… all that work and devoured in minutes !!!
Keep it up !
Lisa
LOL, I was thinking the same thing!
Hi Susan….I would soooo LOVE to win a set of your fairytale books! This is my first time on a blog(ever!), and I’m thrilled that it’s yours. 🙂 I have loved your work for many, many years, and have collected your books, and notecards – which no stores sell anymore, at least not that I’ve been able to find – and stickers, and scrapbooking albums, and those ‘little notes’ you created, and I can’t think of all the rest(one can never have too much Susan Branch). My best friend and I attended a book signing at QVC(Pennsylvania) many years back, and thoroughly enjoyed meeting you, and having our pics taken with you. I hope you and Joe have a wonderful road trip – local/independent bookstores are the best! – and a fantastic trip to England and Scotland!! Be safe, have fun….Thanks, Gail
Greetings from Minnesota where Spring has sprung early! What a blessing–the beginnings of green grass and flowers and more to come!
For your next book please write about traveling on the train. I’ve always wanted to take a trip on a train, but for some reason it intimidates me??? Oh, and while I’m at it, triple please make me a winner of your three books and the Wisteria seeds. OH PLEASEEEEEEE !!!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful, whimsical and sometimes wacky life through your books! I love dreaming through your adventures.
I’ve been a fan since Heart of the Home. So happy to hear about spoonflower.com, I’m off to look at fabric choices!
Your books are my faithful friends, quietly waiting on the shelf until a day comes when I need them to reach out and do their job: on a sad day, they remind me of all the beauty around me. On a lonely day, they remind me of all the kindred spirits in the world, even if I’ll never meet most of them. On a happy day, they remind me to be kind to others; my smile might be the only one they feel that day. On days when the people in my life leave me shaking my head in bewilderment, my book family is always there to soothe and calm. Besides Susan Branch, my book family includes Lucy Maud Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Pat MacLachlan, Louisa May Alcott & Victoria Magazine, to name just a few. Peace is never more than a cup of tea and a beautiful page away! Thank you, “cousin” Susan, for your place in my family!
Love your work and looking forward to your new book! Thanks for all you do! Thank you for holding this contest!
Oh Happiest of Days when Willard arrives in my emails! Loved catching up with you & all the fun things to come!
Just finished reading “Fairytale Girl” and just starting “Isle of Dreams”, I have laughed out loud and cried like a baby. I think we all appreciate and can relate to your life’s journey, you are one of us and that’s why we love you. You inspire us to always find the good and forgive the bad, there should be more books like that. So you know what that means you may have to keep writing, because if you keep writing I will keep reading.
Love, love, love your books and your artwork. THANK YOU for giving us a part of you!
I love you, Susan! Been following you for over 20 years! Thanks for all that you do ❤️
If only I could win! But reading your books is prize enough (ten exclamation points)
LOL. You GIRLS, so fun to read what you write . . .
I’m excited to see the new material. I made a small quilt a few years ago using the older material with the little triangle edging. Thanks for giving us an opportunity to be so much a part of your life!
Love all of your books and love Willard! And the kitties and Joe oh well guess just everything!!
Thank you for years of joyful inspiration! I love all your books and goodies.
Love, love your books, I have collected them for years and have almost all of them. I will now be ordering the new ones and would love to win one of your beautiful quilts and some of your seeds also. Loving your books so much, I had to gift some to family and friends so they could start their own collections! Keep up the great works and sharing with us.
Oh, choose me, choose me, choose me (with hand waving frantically in the air!) for the give away! Ok, if I am not chosen, I love you anyway!
Dee
Choose me! What a wonderful offer. Thank you in advance
Oh my. You out-did yourself on this one! What a treat.
Very excited to peruse your fabrics. My stash always priority #1.
After we meet and greet at the book signing, I am heading to the quilt stores in the quaint little town of Prescott AZ. See you then.
I am looking forward to your new edition! I was so surprised another book was released already. You’re spoiling us lol what will we do when you decide to take a break again 😂
You’re my idol and inspiration to create daily. Thank you so much for sending out the Williard again! I miss those emails randomly popping up in my “mailbox”.
Congratulations on your new ADVENTURE!
Hi Susan
Wow! I can’t believe books and fabric and travels – oh my! You and your guardian angel and kitties are amazing. So very happy that many of your dreams have come true. I look forward to buying …Isle of Dreams and some fabric even though I don’t sew, I know people who do.
Everything I have bought from ‘you’ I treasure. Thank you, Susan, I am one admiring girlfriend!
Happy Spring
I heard of your contest too late-woe is me! Still want to tell you that I have loved your drawings and your books since you first began. You inspire me and I have to ask, “how do people like you DO EVERYTHING?!!!” I love to draw and write and make things and love animals and the Beatles (and the Gilmore Girls),like you, but life always takes up so much time and then here you are at 57 (and beyond!) wondering where did the time go??? BUT! you give me hope that I can still do all of the neat things I haven’t done yet! Thanks for everything and “rock on”!!!
I know, so many beautiful things and only a mere 24 hours in a day!
Dear Susan….
Aha! We meet once again, here on the page.
How I do LOVE the Internet as you do….maybe too much! I have talked my sister in law into a wonderful new Mac, she’s never had a computer, simply so that I can teach her to love it, too.
I was into Counted Cross Stitch for many, many years, until the Internet. I should get back to that one day.
LOVE quilts, have made 2 end table quilts and 1 quilted throw…that’s it, but I do think they’re the coziest things.
See you in Pasadena at Vroman’s……
Love, Carol.
So happy for you & this new journey! You are such a wonderful inspiration for all of us! I enjoyed meeting you a “few” years ago at a quilt show in California! I wish you much happiness!
Susan, blog post and Willard, it’s all too wonderful! I’m excited about touring along with you again! And, so excited about the fabrics! I just know, some will find their way into my home! Travel safely!
…SUSAN BRANCH! HOW LONG HAVE I LOVED YOU? WHEN I STOPPED AND COUNTED THE YEARS…IT’S 31 NOW!! I HAD NO IDEA WHO YOU WERE UNTIL 1985. THAT YEAR MY HUSBAND AND I TRAVELLED TO LOUISIANA. WE CAME UPON A PLANTATION THAT HAD A FEW BOOKS FOR SALE. THAT’S WHERE I MET YOU, CAME TO KNOW YOU AND BECAME CONVINCED THAT WE SHARE THE SAME HEART – ALTHOUGH, I LACK ALL THE REST, MOSTLY YOUR AMAZING TALENT WITH THE PAINT BRUSH AND THE PROSE! I HAVE ALL OF YOUR BOOKS NOW AND IN 2004 I FULFILLED THE LONG HELD DREAM OF ACTUALLY VISITING AND EXPLORING MARTHA’S VINEYARD! WHEN I HEAR YOU DESCRIBE FRESHLY LAUNDERED SHEETS AND TEA TOWELS FLUTTERING IN THE BREEZE, I CAN SMELL THEM! WHEN YOU WAX POETIC ABOUT THE FULL MOON OVER GOD’S ENDLESS OCEAN, I PICTURE MYSELF THERE! MY HEART SOMETIMES ACHES WITH THE FEW PRECIOUS MEMORIES THAT I HAVE, AND THAT YOU BRING BACK TO LIFE, SO VIVIDLY. I’M NOT SURE WHY I HAVEN’T WRITTEN BEFORE NOW, BUT FOR SOME REASON, TODAY’S WILLARD INSPIRED ME. THE OLDER I GET, THE MORE I REALIZE THAT I NEED TO LEAVE NO WORDS UNSAID, TO SHARE WHAT’S IN MY HEART, AND TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS. SO, THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR AMAZING STORY AND JOURNEY! I HAVE YOUR LAST TWO BOOKS ON MY “TO READ” SHELF WHEN TIME PERMITS. I’M VERY EXCITED TO ADD THE NEWEST ONE TO MY COLLECTION. I JUST KNOW IT WILL BE INSPIRING! AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR NOT HIDING YOUR AMAZING LIGHT UNDER A BUSHEL, BUT LETTING IT SHINE LIKE A FIREFLY ON A MARTHA’S VINEYARD AUGUST EVENING!
So happy to hear from you Patty, I love being a firefly. That was such a sweet thought. xoxoxo Thank you!
Susan:
Thank you for writing books that reflect an appreciation of the most precious and simple gifts we sometimes overlook. Nature, family, friends who could ask for more! I love your artwork and quotes, so fun to read!. I have been baking your sugar cookie recipes for years now every Christmas. It was published in Country Living magazine. The recipe is a family favorite!
Hello, I love the books, and the fabrics again!!!whoopie pie do!! Keep up the. Great work- love everything you do!
Hello Susan…I can’t tell you how much your latest book has meant to me because I too went through a broken heart as you did right around the same time you did…I also had a 4 year old little boy & it broke my heart even more knowing he didn’t understand what was happening & why…I moved back in with my parents & they supported me through it all…I don’t know what I would have done without them at the time…But reading about your strength to move far far away on your own away from your support system & home & learn to believe in yourself has just amazed me & just renewed my strength & belief in myself all over again. I love everything you do & can’t wait to read your new book every night. My only sadness will come when I finish it! I think I will start to read them all over again! You are truly a hero to me for your strength & just the way you’ve lived your life! Look how far you’ve come!! Amazing!!
P.S. I also married again to a great guy like your Joe!
Thank you so much Deborah!!! xoxo That makes me so happy. Your PS is the frosting on the cake!
If only wisteria would grow that big and healthy in Colorado! Loving reading aisle of Dreams!So sweet your dad coming out and building your deck!❤️
Susan,
You are such a breath of fresh air! Thank you so much for the fun, magical,
cute and friendly blogs and information you give us on Willard about your
life, your work and your adventures. I feel like I’ve gotten a letter from
home!
Go safely and enjoy your new travels.
Dianne