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
I just love your blog and your books! They do inspire me and let me get lost in the reading of them for a while. My husband and I are caretakers of my mother and although we feel blessed with the privilege of having her here and watching over her, it is also quite stressful at times. Your blog and your books help me more than you could ever know. I am almost finished with Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams and I really hate to see it end. I am loving reading it….just as I did Fairy Tale Girl and A Fine Romance!! You are so talented. Thank you for sharing your life. I received my first Willard today and after spending a very stressful evening at the ER with my mom, I was so delighted to see the email and then to read the wonderful Willard. I am still listening to the music…I love it. Thank you so very much!
Dear Susan,
I just read for the second time, A Fine Romance, staying up waaayyy too late to do so and finish it last night. I just loved reading all about your trip to Hill Top and wish I had been part of your girl friends back then, so I could have had a chance at winning one of the self published first books that Beatrix Potter wrote – I laughed so hard when I read about how you sometimes scare yourself as in the first time at Hill Top when you didn’t buy the book! BUT most of all, I loved and love the chapter at the top of page 158 where you wrote about how Joe seemed to enjoy being at Hill top almost as much as you. Since he does love you so very, very much! Aaaah…. such true love.
I just received the Willard today -also Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday and am very concerned that you didn’t mention it! But I will not make a big issue of that with my hope of being placed in the drawing for your trilogy.
LOL, I’m celebrating! Loving the photos of her and the family! xoxo Thank you Caroline!
Happy Birthday Susan! Loved listening to the fun music while enjoying the Spring Willard! Have fun on your book tour!
I have garden chairs like yours! white wrought iron, I love them too. I have red and white dishes and an orange kitty named Tucker. Marthas Vineyard is a vacation spot I loved also .xoxo sherry
Hope you enjoy your book tour. I wish you were coming to Portland!
Congrats to all the winners! And feel we are ALL winners because we get to interact with Susan and each other via this blog.
For those who won, you’ll love the book! I read them all within about a two week span–kind of out of order, but no matter, it worked out just fine. I don’t want to give away any secrets, but you’ll feel like you are right there, experiencing life as Susan does.
And let’s hope another book is brewing (like tea) in her brain, so we, “Girlfriends”, get another chance to explore Englad with Susan and her Joe.
Congrats to all and hope to see some of you at the bookstop in Ohio…
“Like tea” perfect description!
Just received my very first Willard! I can’t begin to express how much joy you have added to my life. I am reading your blog from the earliest posts forward and all through the day while I am at work I look forward to reading your beautiful words when I get home! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Love your books, your artwork, your kitties, basically everything! The wisteria looks gorgeous! I miss hanging quilts on the clothesline – we live in Florida, in a community without clotheslines! 🙁
Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Hi Susan – my best girlfriend; Karen Stefanelli, introduced me to your books. I am in love with them and you! The first book I read was “A fine Romance” and I gave it to my daughter “the Anglophile” as soon as I finished it. I am now reading “Fairytale Girl” v-e-r-y slowly–I don’t want it to end!
It’s so nice getting to know you.
And vice versa, Gina!
I love heirloom tea towels and aprons. I wonder who wore them, what they cooked or baked for their families. It feels like a friend in the kitchen with me when I put on my favorite apron and take a fresh tea towel out of the drawer.
Yay!!!! I just received my first “Willard” letter. I was feeling left out, but this letter made me feel all better! What great fun and full of updates. Spring hasn’t been as efficient here in our part of Idaho as it is on your island. I love all your yard pictures. I especially love your clothes line pictures. Sweet, sweet memories of my childhood. I would love to win one of your books. Winning the quilt would be over the moon exciting!
Have loved your art and outlook on life portrayed in your books and calendars. I’ve saved your calendars after having them hang in my small office all year. Your artful scenes make me happy!! I am from a large family of 5 brothers and 2 sisters….sure hope a movie is produced of your life. I’ve told your story many times….the parts I know. Looking forward to hearing more myself! Oh and if you ever need someone to house sit in your home while you’re traveling, my husband and I are available.😍
Thank you Catherine!! I’ll remember that!
I’ve missed you ! It was so fun to catch up on everything in your life! A movie??? Most definitely needs to happen! 🙂
You are such an inspiration and hope for so many, Susan. Thank you so much for listening to your inner spirit to bless us with your gifts. You are much appreciated.
Whoopsy, I think I left a comment for you in a different comment place on your website. Typical me!!!!!!!! I just discovered this one, so here I am (smile)
So look for your Birthday Poem, I guess it’s in some other comment section!
Tossin my hat into the ring for you gracious kind giveaway. Your a PEACHY KEEN GIRL Susan Branch!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I found it, and loved it! Thank you Michele!
Love those wall calendars! I resist the urge to flip the page and take a peek until the first of every new month. (And of course I save the old ones.) Today is my sister’s 65th birthday and I can’t wait to hand her The Fairy Tale Girl and watch as she gets drawn into the wonderful world of Susan Branch. I’ve still got my 1986 copy of The Heart of the Home in my bookcase – congrats on the anniversary!
Happy Birthday to your sister, Susan!
I did not receive Willard until today and when I went to enter the contest for the three books I see that it has already happened. Is there a reason I did not receive Willard in a timely manner to enter your contest?
I have followed you since 1986 when you published your first book. Your artwork has been a great inspiration to me, even though I am not an artist. It is whimsical, beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for being a part of my life for the past 30 years 🙂
BF (from Alabama) and I (from Raleigh) are meeting in Asheville to hear you read !
Long day at work, finally home, check email….mail from Susan Branch…..what a wonderful way to end my day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the delightful Willard. You take such good care of us!
I just want to tell you how much I love your books, your calendars, Book of Days, fabrics– I could go on and on but you always find beauty in the simplest of things and all of your lovely drawings, delicious recipes, and inspiring writing makes me happy! Thank you so much!!!💗
I just got my Willard and dropped everything to read it. Wow, you are a very busy lady. So inspiring. I wondered, how long does it take you to cross “the pond” on the Queen Mary 2? I think I would love to take that trip.
It’s six glorious days from New York to Southampton . . . unless there’s a stopover in Halifax or something like that, then it’s seven glorious days.
I bought your first book all those years ago and all the others between then and now! So looking forward to this new island tale! Thank you.
Love your new book. I have all your cookbooks and books. Thanks I have enjoyed them all!
I was so happily surprised to receive a newsletter in my email-box! Love the newsletter… the blog… everything! I’m so happy I discovered this site. Thanks!!!
Thank you for sharing the Dream of your life!
Thank you for sharing your blessings in your beautiful art!
So excited to get your blog posts by email! I won’t miss a thing! Thanks so much! Have a safe trip! ❤️
Very excited to be part of the group. I have loved your books since my oldest sister, who lived in the Bay area, gave me a copy of Heart of the Home 30 years ago. I have read your blogs, and every time I see you it reminds me of my sister who I lost a few years ago. Your picture is so like her, right down to that sweet smile. Thanks for sharing yourself joyful self with all of us.
Just lovely as always! 🙂
Susan, I’m beginning to find that 2 cups of tea don’t quite get me through your Willards!
Your blogs and your Willards are so full of wonderful art and great stories that it takes me forever to take it all in, roll it around and finally digest it all!
Have a safe trip across this beautiful country of ours and across the Atlantic Ocean to England.
I love being one of your girlfriends!
I know, I think I need to learn how to shorten them up … but I get started and keep thinking of things, and there you have it!!! xoxo Love having you here Becky!
I love your books, the blog and Willard. Im nearing the end of Isle Of Dreams and Im quite sad about that thought! Safe travels!
So love reading your blog
Susan, you make me SO nostalgic! I cry sometimes for no reason when I’m reading your blog or Willard. Don’t worry, they are happy tears. (Maybe a little bitter sweet sometimes) Have a wonderful summer!
xoxoxo I cry writing them, so it is only fair. 💛
I am inspired by your watercolor paintings and love your books. Thank you for sharing your talents with all of us.
Kerry
So happy for you Susan! Can’t wait to see the movies and or series.
I always feel like I have been on a vacation with all the beautiful pictures, music, and you writing about all the things I love. Thank you! Enjoyed all. Thank you for the book mark.
I enjoy quilting and I am so excited to see your fabrics ! ” One yard of fabric, like one cookie, is never enough! ” I just love seeing the beautiful quilts on your clothes line dancing in the breeze.
Hi again🐦Susan, I went on line this morning and ordered a few pieces of your line of fabric. The Spoonflower website was so interesting and easy to use. I think that all your girlfriends are going to love what they see there. Your artwork is so beautiful. So nice that you found another way to share yourself with all of us.
Nice to hear that Amy Lee . . . they’re site seems so sophisticated and carefully planned, happy to hear that it was easy to use!
Wow! I loved reading Willard and always, always love everything you write. Thanks so much for all you do. Hope to see you in Morro Bay, CA
I’m so excited about your new book and new fabric! Just today I was sorting through my quilting stash and found some Susan Branch fabric with teapots.. I need to piece it into a quilt one of these days! I just want to say how much I enjoy up writing and following you on your blog. I hope someday I have the privilege to meet you…..bucket list :-). Safe travels Susan!
Been following you too many years to remember! I have saved all the “Willards” mailed to me in the “early” days! You are such an inspiration on so many levels! Thank you for being a part of my life! SO HAPPY for your continued success! Much love! –Linda
Every time I read your blog or get lost in one of your books I feel like we had a little visit..You can not imagine how much joy you bring to our lives.. Love your talent and personality that comes out in everything you do.. Thank you so very much for sharing your life with all of us.
Oh, Susan, your wonderful new book came perfect time. I have been nursing a badly broken wrist since early December. Since I cannot knit, I have been catching up on my reading…what better way than with your wonderful books!
Sorry it’s so heavy, Barbara! Get well soon!
Dear Susan, Happy belated Special Day! And congratulations on all the excitement .. books, fabric, movies, movies, movies! Zooey Deschanel is a perfect choice to play you! I love her too! She seems magical like you. I hope this is the right place to leave a comment, because I do want to leave one!, and because I would like to be entered into your drawing too! Mail from you is such a special treat. Like all the other girlfriends, reading your posts settles me into that happy spot, being transported to MV or where ever you may be and I am engrossed in every word and so sad when it ends. You could never post too often for me! You really are living a wonderfully charmed life and the best part is you are sharing your experiences with us, your girlfriends. I feel so lucky to be one of your girlfriends 🙂 I am looking forward to following you on your travels but my favorites are your posts from home. We haven’t been to Martha’s Vineyard but I almost feel like I have! I hope you will do a post of your antique quilts someday, that would be fun! My mom had quilts that my dad’s mom made. My mom let my sisters make a treehouse with them and they (the quilts!) didn’t fair well. They pinned them up in the tree branches with clothes pins. Sounds like fun and I’m sure it was, and probably looked really cool too! Quilts hanging around in the tree with giggles behind them! I don’t know what happened to those quilts, by the time I came along they were pretty well worn. If only quilts could tell their stories, or tell you their stories so you could write a book about them too 🙂 You make the world a magical place, thank you for that. I wish the world would get on board and be a magical place again. Thank you for all you share, there is a lot of hard work behind what you make look so easy and enjoyable. Luckily you do enjoy all you do! Best wishes on your journey across America!
Your quilts could tell the charming story of just that one day and it would all be worth it!!!
Dear Susan, I have been read a chapter of ” Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams”, every night before I go to bed. I love it and am savoring every word. It is like my daily allowance of dark chocolate. Thank you for sharing your story. I am still hoping that you will take a detour to Delaware on your trip. Have a wonderful time!!!! Sincerely, Eileen Nieli
I just got the lovely Willard newsletter today and hope the drawing for your books is still open. I would love to be one of the winners! How exciting that would be!
I love every part of your blog site. Being pretty much house bound you bring so much
excitement,outside inside,I just get lost in your little world.I just love exploring
every bit I feel almost giddy when I sit hear reading and enjoying.Thanks for the
joy you share!
Love love love all you do! Blessings on your book tour!
Susan, Sydna and I are anxiously planning our trip in June to see you
(and dear Joe) at your Austin whistle stop! We have booked a lovely
room at a bed and breakfast very near Book People for Saturday
night and would love to visit with y’all after the signing over dinner
if you are available! Can’t wait, girlfriend!
Long drive deep into the 💛 of Texas and a long drive back out . . . but we’ll try Sherry! Would love it!
It’s a sunny morning here in Nova Scotia and I’m inspired by your blog to return to my garden and later to continue my quilting project. Thanks for all your news; I love imagining I’m in Martha’s Vineyard. Maybe one day I’ll get there. If you ever travel north please visit me and my lovely yellow cottage near the ocean!
You inspire and bless me with JOY and beauty and wake up all my passions. I love nothing more than discovering your Willard in what are otherwise boring emails. You take me to a world of imagination and creativity and love of life.
Thank you!
Families are like Quilts, lives pieced together. Stitched with smiles and tears. Colored with memories and bound by love. I love Quilts!
I so love the blog!! I can’t imagine Heart of the Home being THIRTY this year. I’ getting it out today and read it cover to cover! I have five sisters, and we are all Susan wanna-bes,,from cooking to decorating to living a good life. Thanks for what you do to make our life’s better.
Say hello to your sisters for me, Angie! xoxo
A movie of your life! That’d be great!
Thank you Susan for hours of enjoyment and friendship. We recently moved to our enchanted little retirement spot and reading your books helped me thru the move. To top it off, recently, my delivery of Marths’s Vineyard- Isle of Dreams came..(first delivery to our new home!).
We spent our 40th Anniversary on Marth’s Vineyard in West Tisbury. It was your lovely tales of the island that brought us there, thank you. It was easy to fall in love with the island. My husband came back and carved two signs..Menemsha (with pebbles from the beach) and Martha’s Vineyard. We have them hanging in home here in Wisconsin and bring a smile to our faces and warm remembrances.
Lovely, Karen!
Everything you offer brings a smile to my heart:-)
I love your drawings, photos, writings and designs for everything! I own A Fine Romance purchased at a book sale. Because it was used it came with an added bit of charm – infused with a delightful spilled perfume! I will be purchasing the other two books once I have a budget for spending after my house is sold in Liverpool New York. I moved to Connecticut to be near daughter and family.
Your cheering notes and Willard are great encouragement for me!
Happy to hear it and lucky the perfume was a good one! xoxo
Hello from Croatia! I found out about your work when I searched for the perfect calendar at the beginning of 2016. After scrolling through tons of pages of various calendars on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Book Depository, I chose yours! It hangs in my room and I just love looking at it every day, it’s so pretty and positive and it just makes me happy 🙂 I am looking forward to reading your books as well, would be great to win them here, though 😉 Also, I LOVE gardening and I’m planting some 30 various kinds of flowers, fruit and vegetable this spring. It would be great to plant some seeds from Martha’s Vineyard as well 🙂 I have a little book club with my best friends that we called “Ladies’ Club for Literature and Chocolate” and I’ll print your bookmark and give it as a gift to all of them on our next Club meeting, they will be thrilled 🙂 Have a great spring and thank you for sharing your lovely view of life with all of us!
“Ladies’ Club for Literature and Chocolate” That is the best name for a book club I’ve heard of in a long time, dear Klementina from Croatia. You all could write a book about yourselves and call it that! VERY nice to meet you! Happy gardening! xoxo
I also have a weird fascination with light. I love our clear bright southern spring mornings here in Georgia. I enjoy your house pics also. Lovely!
I discovered your book, A Fine Romance, and website several years back and have fallen in love with everything about both including Willard, which I just finished reading. I love your style, it’s so romantic and what female wouldn’t want to be you. Thanks for sharing your life and @of being female with us.
Dear Susan
I have all your books and just love reading your blog and Willard newsletter.
Oh happy day when I see a post on the computer from you. 🙂
Travelled to Cape Cod on my 50th wedding anniversary and was able to finally meet you at the book signing. Can’t wait to say Hi once again in N. Carolina at Malaprops.
you are truly an inspiration. Thanks for being you.
Sincerely Gail
Spring is arriving in Michigan. Am so excited to get back in the garden and living on the porch! Love your books, can hardly wait to read the newest ones…enjoy your road trip..be safe…see you on Facebook!!
Would so love to meet you on your trip, but will have to settle for following along on your blog. Thank you so much for sharing with us! Have a wonderful time and drive carefully!
I truly appreciate the beauty and inspiration you share with your readers. I hope to attend one of your upcoming events. Road trip!
Good Morning Susan, I have been a ‘girlfriend’ from a distance for awhile…enjoying your art. Now, after reading the last of your 3 fairy tales, I’m making it official. The joy that you bring to everything you do makes my heart sing and dance. You are my kind of friend.
P.S. I have instituted ‘twine’ with my sisters and friends. (Although, I do have a friend that would rather do it the other way around. Start with wine and end with tea. What you call that, I wonder?)
Have a wonderful book tour.
Wint? A Pint o’ Wint. 🙂
Would love to have the pleasure of enjoying wisteria from your lovely home-I have heard you speak of it so often.Never had the chance to grow any such beautiful smelling trailing vine!
I fell in love with you many years ago, when I got your first book as a Christmas gift, and I am so glad I found you again on Pinterest. I enjoyed my first Willard this week, and loved reading your blog today. You are an inspiration with all that you do – you are blessed with creativity and it’s wonderful that you share it with all of us! You summer tour to small bookstores just sounds like so much fun……a great way to see the country, and stopping at some quaint bookstores. Well, all I can say is have fun this summer, and so glad I found your special kind of charming again!
Thank you Gerri, it’s wonderful to have you here!
Hi Susan. So happy to get Willard again! I was starting to worry but it seems that you are super busy. Enjoy the spring and your trips.
I just finished reading the new Willard. I read it after talking to our CPA about a letter we got from the IRS. A cup of coffee (Sorry! Not a tea drinker!) and Willard was the perfect antidote for the stress of that. As I read I clicked on the link to download the Martha’s Vineyard bookmark when I got to it; read some more Willard then clicked on the link to preorder Heart of the Home; back to Willard then clicked to the link to get here. To say that the word “comments” is tiny is an understatement! But I finally saw it and got here! I waited to read Fairy Tale Girl until after I received Martha’s Vineyard and I’m so glad I did! Reading “Girl” first then waiting to find out what happened next would have worse than waiting for the next season of Downton!! We are close to the same age and it’s been wonderful reliving those ancient times with you! I’m sorry for the pain you went through but it’s made you an inspiration to me and to many others, too, I’m sure!
LOL, ancient times, ah yes. And “tiny” is an understatement. Why do they try to hide it? Thank you for your perseverance Judy! xoxo
I love my original Heart of the Home and to think it is available again in an expanded
version!☺️ Love that!
All of my other Susan Branch books have a special place in the kitchen. They look beautiful and really do warm and nourish us and our home!
The new fabrics at Spoonflower are an inspiration to behold, party time, gone dotty, poppers, cupcakes and ribbons are just a few I want to buy……❤️ So amazing! Can’t wait to see all the new stuff!
I cherish a very old quilt my grandmother made with scraps left over from making her and my mothers dresses. Mom would tell me how the little pieces reminded her of each dress. It is a little reminder of my grandma every day, every time I see it.
I would love to win the drawing for these lovely prizes. Please give a good word to Vanna for me!
I adore you blogs and Willards!! They brighten my day and cheer my soul!
Linda Blake
Osage Beach Missouri,USA
Dearest Susan
Good morning from south central Missouri. Lovely spring morning, cool,damp,and smells of wild honeysuckle and Sweet Williams. I’m a Missouri Master Gardener with a particular interest in wild flowers. Well,you can only imagine my enthusiasm at this time of year. I so enjoy reading all your many notes and books. I many times use your moments to spawn a break during my day. Thank you for all that you do to put my life back into perspective as to what is real. You are not just an elf, because you are OUR ELF, and you make the magic real.
Thank you
Linda Blake
Osage Beach Missouri,USA
I am your elf. This is a true thing. xoxo
Love your books and your blog! I think Zoey Deschanel would be perfect playing you!
Dear Susan,
I’m so excited about all the wonderful things you wrote about in your Willard!! The contest, news about your book signings, “Heart of the Home” being revised and expanded. I have the original but can’t wait to order the revised and expanded copy. I really, really want to win your contest for the books and other items but especially for the Wisteria Seeds!!! I know you have lots of fans but I still believe I’m one of your oldest and biggest fans!
Love you!!!
Carolyn from Michigan!
I got my book and printed my bookmark! Love you and your creativity! hope there is a movie too!
Susan,
Your blogs and emails always brighten my day. I love living vicariously on Martha’s Vineyard through your writing! And someday, I hope to actually visit some of the places you describe in A Fine Romance!
That you so much for sharing your vision, your passion, your travels, your dreams, your family/friends and of course your cats. I love reading what has been going on and what is to come. Keep it up!
Susan, I must say I have just finished reading your blog and newsletter and it leaves me with such a wonderful and calming feeling after a very tough week at work. I so enjoyed your book A Fine Romance (which I received as a gift) and have loaned it to many good friends who enjoyed it as much as I did. I look forward to reading your other books. I loved the pictures of your wisteria as it brought back fond memories of a trip to the Reading area of England and a stop at a local pub where they had (as they claimed) the oldest wisteria tree and it was stupendous! You and your husband are taking a trip that I hope to take sometime in my lifetime, just a leisurely trip through the English countryside, visit family and immerse myself in the experience. I look forward to reading your blogs about the journey. I wish I could see you on your book tour, but I live in Michigan and my vacation time is about used up. I look forward to buying your books that I have not read and of course to your newsletters and blog! With fondest regards, Nancy
Loved, loved, loved Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams! Hope you have more stories for us.
I visited Martha’s Vineyard this past summer and fell in love! I have been a fan of yours for years– so double love! Would really be excited to win your new book and all the bits of “Susan realia!” Wisteria is one of my favs, brings back sweet childhood memories!
Where have I been? I just realized that you have beautiful fabrics! I can’t wait to get quilting with them!
Susan–Safe travels on your cross-country adventure. You will be fabulous and, I’m sure that everyone is looking forward to your appearances. I’m pretty positive that you will fall in love with Scotland when you visit–I know I did!
Hope to be one of the lucky winners!
Take care and enjoy the magick along the way!
Enjoyed the latest Willard … thank you so much for sharing your amazing talents with all of us!
I pray that your upcoming trip to England and Scotland will be amazing – wishing you a safe journey. ♥
I hope that the book giveaway is still going – I got confused! This has been my status for the last several weeks however, so don’t worry I am sure that others were able to keep up. Rather out of the blue my mother passed away on 3/3/16 and it has been a challenge to get her apartment cleared out and furniture stored. My husband is starting to feel the spring breezes and wants to get outside to till the garden, mow, etc. etc. but his Parkinson disease (and an additional injury to his arm that severed nerves) should prevent him from working outside. He falls almost daily, trying to do things that he knows he shouldn’t be doing. Most days I struggle with letting him try to do what he can, with trying to talk him out of enjoying the terrific weather!
Life requires us to go outside as often as possible for as long as we can. I’m sure you worry, I would too. Hug him for us dear Tamara. xoxo
Just finished reading the latest Willard. I savored each word as I do anything that you write. Be it books, blogs or Facebook posts, you truly have a gift of bringing sunshine and fun into the lives of your readers. THANK YOU!
You and your family are so very special to me! I really feel we are best friends
chatting & drinking a spot of tea together. What fun! Thank you for being
you!
Godspeed you two sweet travelers! I’ll just bet there will be (when the time is right of course) another fab book taken from your next sojourn to the UK and Scotland. So many of us will attend the picnic in the park vicariously through the blog, FOSB, and Twitter. Thank you in advance for bringing us all along! Hugs and kisses, Karen
thank you for…being you.
and sharing you, with…us.
in all sorts of ways…willard, calendars, fabric, books, too many ways to list.
you always add…a smile, a happy thought, a wondrous idea, an ‘oh wish I had thought of that…’ in otherwords – JOY – to every time we meet.
Thank-You!
I think your Guardian Angel is very lucky! To have a soul as good as yours to watch over. You are a fabulous inspiration and motivation. Thank you for sharing your life.
I simply love reading your blogs. I can see, smell, and feel from your descriptions. Love it.
Is this the right place for the comment for Willard Loves Spring?
Books and fabric! How nice!
Susan, I have long admired your artwork since I found and purchased “Heart of the Home” cookbook many years ago. I have since collected most of your books. I love to read your handwritten pages and look at your sweet watercolor pictures, and love that you share a story along with the recipe. When I sift through the pages of each it feels like I’m visiting a treasured friend. I read “Fairytale Girl” and loved it! I just purchased “A Fine Romance” and ordered “Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams” today. I’m hoping to meet you at R. J. Julia as you begin your book-signing tour, until then, it’s been a pleasure to get to know you through your books and blog.
My girlfriend loaned me your book on Wednesday, The Fairy Tale Girl. Every chance I had I would pick it up and read. I finished it this afternoon, Friday. This may not seem a big deal to you but I have always felt guilty reading and my mind would wander as to what I needed to do and the last book I probably read was when I was in high school for a book report. We were born the same year. So thank you for my wonderful moments reading and relating to what similar memories and laughter that we shared during those years. I also had four siblings and was the oldest so could relate. I won’t get to see you in Madison, Ct but I bought a ticket before I knew we would be going to Nantucket and will pick up my book when I get home and am told I will enjoy it even more.
Thank you,
]Ann Miazga
Susan, I have nearly all of your books and I love them all. My favorites are the Christmas book and A Fine Romance. I will be ordering the two new books soon. One Christmas I had time to sit down and read “Christmas” from cover to cover over a few days…best Christmas ever. I read all the Willards and as many of the blogs as I have time for and enjoy them all. Thank you so much for everything…you inspire and bring joy to a lot of people.
Has there ever been anyone who spreads such good cheer! Nothing feels as calming or as exciting as reading Susan B.’s blog, books or calendars. Every morning starts out with a look at my S.B. calendar to admire the art. I enjoy your talent when ever it’s presented in your clever format. Your calendar’s are my go to birthday and Christmas gifts. My family and friends look forward to there gift every year. Thank-you for being you.
What a delightful post, Susan. I have read both of your books and can’t wait to read Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. I have been buying your books for more than twenty years and treasure each of them. I love getting out your Christmas book in December and enjoying it like it was new. Thank you for all the love that you put out in the world. You are a blessing to so many people. Safe travels and may you have many wonderful experiences on those travels. Pat Holland
Susan, I have to tell you that your blog renews my soul. You speak to me on so many levels. I love watercolors, quilts, great books, travel, etc. etc. Could you possibly be my lost twin?
I came across a Benjamin Bunny, Hunca Munca, Mrs, Rabbit and Bunnies, and The Old Woman That Lived in a Shoe. They make me smile every time I see them. No one I know seems to understand how special they truly are. I have to admit, they are some of the few things that are out of reach of my grandson.
I see that you are having a book signing in Denver in May. I hope that I can make it. I will be traveling from Wyoming and the weather is a bit unpredictable this time year. Good luck on your book signing tour.
From Wonderful Windy Wyoming
You are the best! I so enjoy your posts and have most all your books. How ’bout more stickers!! I use them all the time in my journals…which I have been doing faithfully for over ten years. Thanks for all the lovely graphics and posts, very entertaining!
I wish i could just stay home and quilt all day. Thank-you for your happy,dreamy
website and blog-it puts a smile on my face. I must go now and put the kettle on!
I am so excited to see you at Vroman’s in Pasadena in June, thank you for sharing your life with us.
OMG, I signed up for my Willard yesterday and received it today! Looked at your pumpkikin cheesecake recipe, the illustration is so darn sweet,my oven is broken. I’ll I’ve to send it to my sister. Some of that would make a good dip in the fall! Used to get my Willards in the mail. Still have them somewhere ,really enjoyed them, couldn’t throw them away! Love your books blog, artwork, recipes, Willard’s and giveaways ! XOXO Linda Copeland/K.C.
Yay, you got your Willard again Linda! The new old-fashioned way!