Hi Girlfriends!!! MUSICA . . . Here we are, in Cincinnati, Ohio, going soon to our Saturday book signing at Joseph-Beth at 2 pm . . . I had a few hours this morning so I thought I’d update you on this lovely trip across country . . . where everything is blossoming and it’s . . .
You should see the wild dogwoods, both pink and white, all through Pennsylvania and here in Ohio . . . they grow wild, and in the Allegheny mountains, they were so thick they almost looked like snow!
Most trees are leafing out now . . .
And so far, our welcoming committees have been outstanding! This almost required a dog-napping . . .
Where are we? I don’t know. But, thank goodness, because . . .
None of this would be possible without my map-man, pathfinder, van organizer, sidekick and love of my life. ♥
Here we are, just pulling out of our driveway on the Island, heading for the ferry in the Fine Romance van, all packed and “ready” as we’ll ever be, because this is it! 
Kisses goodbye . . . 💋
And so it begins . . . SO EXCITING . . . For a little San Fernando Valley Girl, this is beyond wonderful . . .
Meeting all our wonderful Girlfriends, Blog Girls, FOSB’s, and Tweetettes . . . do you see yourself here?
Oh, yes we can!
Sometimes I read from one of the books . . . and I always answer questions . . .
Here I am, ear scratching while talking to our Twitter Girlfriend Georgie @FarmGirlGeorgie (she’s wearing a scarf she just made from her new Spoonflower fabric) and we are speaking . . .
This is Liz, the event coordinator at R.J. Julia’s in Connecticut, introducing me . . .
We’ve been having fun wherever we go . . .
We love our little Independent Bookstores . . .
The Learned Owl is a family affair, that’s Kate Schlademan (who owns the store) in the green, with her mom and dad, Lois and Jim . . .
These bookstores add so much character to their towns, towns that make for a wonderful livable, homey America . . . we celebrate them!
Out of the 23 book signings we’ve scheduled, today in Cincinnati will be our fifth . . . we still have 18 to go . . . Come see us! ← Click there for our itinerary.
But if you can’t make it, we’ve left signed copies of all the books at each of the stores we’ve visited . . . (even a few Autumn books) ~ you’ll find phone numbers for these stores in our itinerary . . .
I’d love for you to meet some of our friends . . . like Barbara and her husband . . .
Yes! Our Fairy Tale Guys have been there too!
And so many Girlfriends!
And twin sisters too . . .
All with so much in common . . .
And perfect timing for Mother’s Day . . . so many Moms and Daughters . . .
The “road” has been fun, as it always is . . . so much to see. This little car parked next to us at one of our hotels . . . we thought, “How green! Only a rubber band to keep this one going!”
I waited until the cart was half empty before I took the photo, to make us look at least a little bit civilized . . . so you didn’t get to see that we really did bring the kitchen sink.
I’m always trying to catch good photos out our car windows . . . Pennsylvania has the most beautiful old stone houses and barns . . .
Not a lot of traffic if you keep off the main highways! Here we are on our way to a tiny town in Ohio called, of all things, and most appropriately, “Willard.”
We wanted to stop there to visit with our printer . . . the ones who make it possible for us to put “made in America” on all of our books . . .
Here we are in the waiting room, looking out the window toward the parking lot on a perfectly gorgeous spring day!
The printing plant was huge, covering over 30 acres, there were even railroad cars parked inside, being filled . . . and SO interesting, a place filled to the brim with books ~ and with them, the hopes and dreams of authors and publishers, that they may have created something to help make the world a better place.♥
. . . I’m sorry, they wouldn’t let us take photos inside, so I can’t show you. We had to walk down little yellow painted walkways (for safety sake) and wear earplugs! HUGE MACHINES . . . and all those trade secrets had to be protected. But they showed us how HEART OF THE HOME was coming along, and gave us the components of the book, pages, ribbon, cover . . . to take with us.
The pages aren’t bound yet, but they’ve been sewn together . . . I’m wild about the color, love the paper, really happy about the new recipes and the new art . . . my baby has a whole new set of clothes! ♥
It was a treat to meet the people responsible and see pages so very hot off the press!♨️
Seems like just yesterday I was doing this . . .🎨
So, let’s see, what other fun things have we seen? Oh yes, we love to visit supermarkets in other parts of the country . . . This is Hienen’s in Hudson, Ohio ~ a perfectly wonderful place, GO there if you can… you will love it . . . It’s Trader Joe’s, times ten, every kind of flower, a real butcher cutting meat, huge salad bar, beautiful already-made salads, gorgeous breads, and then of course, the dessert section! No, we did not JUST take pictures!
Loved the architecture there too . . . and these charming spring wreaths . . .
And the tree lined streets . . .
And the signs of spring everywhere we looked . . . I had to take pictures for you, flowers to wish you the very happiest . . .
To all you wonderful mothers and nurturers everywhere. While we’ve been on the road, we’ve had Teacher’s Day and Nurse’s Day too, nurturers all! Be sure to reward yourselves . . .♥ Make that milk cake you see on your May calendar page, or go HERE for the recipe . . . And then . . . do this . . .
B e c a u s e . . . .
And you deserve it! Okay, off I go to the exercise room to ride that bike and read my new book . . . We’ll keep in touch . . . thank you for coming along. Hope we get to see some of you along the way! Thank you for your wonderful, tear-inducing, comments about the new book ~ and, well, for everything! XOXO
Thank you for keeping us blog girls up to date. We love to see what’s happening. xoxoxo
Love to have you here Betsy! xoxo
I was lucky to be in your company on Tuesday…….of course I felt like I could sit and talk to you for hours……with the kettle close by of course. Safe journey!
Susan,
If you can’t come to Washington State at least we can follow along with you! Safe travels to you and Joe. Mary Alice
Counting down the days until you come to our Malaprops Bookstore in NC! Safe travels until then 🙂 <3 xoxo Jacqui G
Happy, happy Road Trip! Just for today, I’m so regretting having moved from Lexington, KY – only an hour’s drive to Cincy. I’d SO be there right now! Still hoping one day you’ll swing WAY south to Alabama’s Gulf coast. Enjoy!
Sharon in Alabama
What a cheerful way to begin the week-end!! Such a lovely post today! It makes me want to become a “roadie” and follow you across America!
Can’t miss out on checking the super markets, either. While I’ve actually not done much traveling, what I enjoy most is trying the local cuisine. So good to be able to get off that Interstate, catch the scenery, and be welcomed by both two-legged and four-legged creatures!:-)
The printing process would be very interesting to see. Thank you for being able to have that “made in America” designation.
Many wishes for continued enjoyment as you forge ahead spreading joy!
xo Nellie
Every one is smiling, even the dogs, in all your photos! 😊 I ❤️ your last painting of the lamb and little girl. So Sweet.
Thank you so much for sharing your travels with us. What a joyful time. The world needs just this kind of heart-swelling happiness. Thank you, thank you. xxxooo
Look at you–crossing all of those miles, while bringing all of those smiles. And you’ve only just started–YAYYY! for you, Girlfriend. Thank you for taking the time to share the marvelous scenery of your trip. You’re creating such sweet memories for all–not only the beautiful Fairy Tale Girl nametag-wearers, but the blog readers and us Twitterinas as well. We’re all enjoying the ride. xoxo
Hoping to see you in California! Travel safe!!!
Thanks for the “Road Trip” along with you and Joe. It is fun to see the country and all of the girlfriends along the way! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us!! You are happiness personified and we can’t help but smile when we read about your adventures! Oh, how I wish you were coming to Canada!
I second this most wholeheartedly!
Laurie in Alberta
One of these days! We’d love to come see you!
Yay!!!
Loved seeing you at R.J.Julia’s, Susan! I finished the new book this week and it made me so happy. Thanks so much for sharing so much of yourself with us. And, so great to have a moment to chat with Joe too. You’re both, obviously, so lucky to have each other. Enjoy the road trip, but remember, Massachusetts is waiting for you to come home!
Ahhh…Spring!!! Another trip of a lifetime and when everything is dressed in its’ freshest Sunday finery. I can hardly wait for the new HOTH to arrive but until then, I will see you on Tuesday! (EEEK–squeals of joy here)
How excited I was to see a post with your trip pictures…all those sweet faces of the “girl friends” and a few “boy friends” as well. I laughed when I saw the luggage being loaded in your van and thought, “Susan travels the way I would like to. If you think you want to take it, take it. You MIGHT NEED it.” That’s my plan…not always my husbands. So happy that you are off to a good start and are enjoying yourselves. I made a note of the HIENEN’S grocery in Hudson, Ohio. We are often passing through OH, and will make a stop there if possible. I don’t know if I can make the Asheville,NC, book signing but I’m going to try. Happy travels!!
Susan, a funny thing: When I read Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams there was a page where you included a picture of a recipe card from your grandmother. It looked familiar, so I looked through my saved stuff, and sure enough, I have the same one! I bought them from Current probably 40 years ago!
I love your books. I read them every night before bed, so I felt like I was living on Martha’s Vineyard. Thank you for sharing how you grew and became you. It inspires me and helps me to know that I’m never too old, actually, never too anything to do what I want.
I love the cross country pictures! Spring is a wonderful time of year to travel. SO glad we get to come along! =^..^=
What a treat! Thanks for letting us feel like we are riding along and getting to see all the JOY!!! The beauty of nature and sweet smiling faces and Musica and quotes and your lovely art and recipes. My cup runneth over. I hope I am a new one that’s fit to make an old one out of;) I am starting a Tuesday Girls teaching thingy w my friend. I am sure it will inevitably turn into just twine after a while, but we made list of everything we want to learn from each other. Fun! SUSAN BRANCH… I LOVE YOU!! You just make my life better by inspiring me in so many ways. Also, saw on FB that a cute store in McKinney, TX (near me kinda) The Crystal Cloche, started carrying your whole line!!! I have shopped there before. It is a darling store. XOXO
How fortunate I am to have seen you speak for the second time in New Hope, PA (1st at FOGT Reunion)! I just want to thank you and tell you how amazing you are and so patient. There was a really LONG line for book signing and you were as gracious to the last person in line as you were to the first, and always with a hand shake and a smile! I don’t know how you do it. Don’t forget, you must think about the Channel Islands when you go to Scotland. Enjoy the rest of your trip and thank you again for being the kind, funny person you are… Best, Kathryn
Have a wonderful time, Susan! Spring seems to be the perfect time to go on a book tour!
I can’t believe with your busy fun-filled schedule, you always find time to let us be with you wherever you are – you are so generoususan! Love salve
Dear Susan
This post is actually for your beautiful Mother,
I want to wish her a Happy Mothers Day. After reading A Fairy Tale Girl, I was so struck at how extraordinary she is to have been married at such a young age and have had so many children one right after the other, and still give all of you such a nurturing , and magical fun filled childhood makes her a hero to me. You are so lucky to still have her, and I wish her all the best life has to offer. Her beauty shines through you and all the joy you are bringing others.
Love Sue
thank you susan for being a great mom, sister, friend and motivator to all the girlfriends! can’t wait to come to your book stop in Asheville,, NC!
LOVE that we can come along with you and Joe via Twitter and Blog. It really is so fun to see these places I’ve never been through the Susan Branch lens. And the smiles on all the lovely Girlfriends faces are contagious! I see the Fine Romance van trekking cross country with little pink hearts coming out the exhaust, and every bookstore on your map has rainbow confetti and stars shooting out the doors and windows during your visits. This is such perfect timing, too – we NEED your happy messages, books and recipes during this crazy year. Thank you Susan. xoxoxo
Susan thank you for taking us along..just love it❤️When Larry and I travel we also check out markets. One of my favorites is Vintage Grocers in Malibu and Westridge Market in Ojai..deliscious tri tip sandwiches. Oh both in California. I hope to catch when you come back home❤️❤️
Thanks for the blog update, but also for all the tweets you post. It’s such a treat for all the girlfriends that you share your travels with us. Love all the pix, tweets and posts. Also, Love Joseph-Beth. It’s a wonderful bookstore!!! Safe travels, xoxo
I’m in the photo at RJ Julia, front and center! 🙂 such a fun day!
Loved the ride along with you and Joe through Ohio! Looking forward to the rest of the states as well. All the girlfriends look so happy while they stand in line waiting for their turn to talk with you. So fun to meet others with the same interest. Well, one of these times, perhaps I’ll be in line too. That is, when you come to the west coast 🙂 Continue having a safe and fun trip!
xoxox,
Carol M
Love your blog! I have the first Heart of the Home – maybe I “need” the new one?😄
Fun, fun, FUN! Love hearing about your travels! The photos help us ‘be there’ too! Safe travels and I’ll see you next month at Vroman’s! xoxoxo
What fun! Thanks so much for not forgetting about us and sharing all that charm, beauty and warmth from your in-person girlfriends. I’ve been down with a awful respiratory infection for the past few days (we’ve had so many students and teachers out for the past couple of weeks with something yucky) and this sure cheered me up today. And big wow – the bookstore sure knows how to book guest authors! You were right there with Anna Quinlan and Anderson Cooper. I love independent bookstores too and you gave me hope they are thriving and providing enriching activities in their communities. Joe is such a dear. Be safe on the road and all the best!
Looks like you and Joe are having a wonderful springtime adventure! I’m so thrilled your book signings are off to a great start. Enjoy your journey!
Just love your new “up do” hair style… Traveling with you is such fun… Stay safe!
Susan, what a lovely account! Loved the pictures along the road. Your photos of all the girl friends brought the blog girlfriends close in a special way. Their smiles cheered me on this drizzly NY day.
Thanks much for all your inspiration, devotion, and decency at a time in our nation’s history that begs for goodness and civility.
Best to you and Joe for continued safe travels.
Lois
Your photos are so beautiful Susan! I feel like I am traveling right along with you…what fun 💙
Thanks for keeping in touch, Susan. You and Joe are enjoying your book tour, what fun! The dogwoods are gorgeous!
Sally
Just finished Fairy Tale Girl, Isle of Dreams and are on page 132 of A Fine Romance. Loving these books and brings so much meaning to all your other books that I have. Enjoy your book tour and hope to see you in Pasadena. 🙂
Thank you so much Anita!
Hoping so much to get to meet you next weekend in “St. Chuck!”
So sorry to have missed you in Hudson. We were all set to go then an ER trip with my Mom sidelined us,but…it’s all about priorities. She’s ok for now but is still in the hospital and will be coming home to stay with me for a while. Have a lovely trip enjoying the springing of Spring, stay safe and enjoy the ride. Perfect time of year for a road trip !!
Oops, so sorry Cindy, but happy to hear our mom is coming home!! Next time! xoxo
I felt like I was right there with you all. It looks like everyone had such a WONDERFUL time. One of these fine days Susan I will get to meet you. But you blogging about your fun travels truly helps to feel apart of your delightful world. Many thanks. NJ
You just gave me the most wonderful Mother’s Day present. It’s your blog especially the one I just read. I’ve got Musica on while reading it which put me in the mood. From one of the first pictures of you and Joe leaving the island in your van, I can see the excitement and happiness in your eyes….. just you and your fella trekking across this USA in your cool painted van and having Fun-to-Do times together.
Seeing pictures of so many of your fans especially all the different ages, which mean your books are going to live on from generation to generation. I so wish you would be coming to the Fairhope/Mobile, AL area but maybe another time.
So girlfriend, thanks for the pictures and words….you just make my day. Happy Mother’s Day!
Donna
Happy travels! Wish I could be on the road with you and Joe. Hugs to you both!
” For a little San Fernando Valley Girl, this is beyond wonderful . . .” INDEED! Much good comes from the S.F.V.! I tried to Google Earth the location of your parents’ home. Could not find it. Seems like its developed right over! 🙁
As always, thank you for including us in your travels! Love seeing AMERICA through your eyes! Lord willing, I’ll see you June 8th in Pasadena!
❤❤❤
It’s still there!
Thanks for the vicarious trip, Susan and Joe. Can’t travel right now for health reasons, so I really appreciate you taking me along with you. Don’t you wish kitties were better travelers though? I miss my butterscotch kitty, Pumpkin, when I’m not home. Thank you both. Clairellen in Michigan.
Dear Susan, I’m so sad to be missing you here in Cincy but I’m not feeling well. Seeing your blog just now made me feel better. Thanks! I hope there’s a good turnout at Joseph Beth. I’ll try to get there soon to get one of your signed books. Take care and have fun! Blessings, Julia
Hi Susan
What fun that was seeing so many girlfriends and fabulous pictures. Enjoy this sweet time with Joe on your book tour. Such pretty pictures of flowers and people and buildings, Loved it all. Happy Mothers day Susan, I bet your kitties are missing their Momma. You are the best Kitty Momma
deezie
Thank you for your lovely updates. I am reading Isle of Dreams after I went through each page enjoying your artwork. Sigh. I love it. I will soon be ordering your soon to be new releases. I have all your books, but if you update oldies but goodies, well, I have to keep my treasured collection complete. I’m just that way.
. I hope you have been able to keep up with Outlander, the new season. It’s sooo romantic! You would love it. The scenery, the costumes, everything is eye candy, ala Downton. Fab. U. Lous!
Enjoy your trip, love your photos, it’s wonderful going along the road with you and Joe….
. Your friend,
. Randi —<—<-@
I love your travelogue! Looking SO forward to seeing you on Tuesday in Wilmette, IL with my wonderful sister, Cindy. Safe and happy travels to you and Joe! (p.s. Where did you find the “Joe Knows” sign?! I expect we’ll be seeing that again along the way. You should frame it for him!) xoxo
I’ve been saving that for a long time!! Finally had the perfect spot for it!
I had planned to see you at the Joseph-Beth Bookstore today, but we have had a death in the family. (My mother-in-law passed away Thursday night. She would have been 92 tomorrow so lived a long life.)
Also, on top of that, I came down with a bad cold which I wouldn’t want to pass along.
I hope to catch you on your next book tour.
Enjoy your journey!
Counting the miles until u arrive in St Charles, Mo
As you travel across the country, I am lapping up every bit of MV Isle Of Dreams!! I don’t want it to end, so I am reading ever so slowly!! You are the first person tha I know of, who has put into words my exact feelings about the Vineyard. I think we must be soulsisters!!! Thank you for writing so eloquently and putting what’s in my heart into words. I just love every part of this book!! Oh and by the way, enjoy your tour 😊!!!!
Thanks for checking in! Looks like a magical journey.,,so happy to be along. Travel safe!
It was so wonderful to have you in our little corner of the world in New Hope, Pa. It was a pleasure to meet you (and Joe!). If you ever make it back this way, you will have to visit Ocean Grove, NJ, one of our many beautiful beach towns and as a “Jersey Girl”, I would say “down the shore”! Within Ocean Grove is a Methodist community that sounds similar to the camp meeting you have in Oak Bluffs. The exception on Illumination Nite is that the folks there have little cottages for the summer season that are really medium sized tents placed on a wood platform all surrounding the “Great Auditorium” where concerts and religious services takes place. All this just about a two block walk from our beautiful ocean. Safe travels, Susan. Christina
Thank you for the lovely photos and update, Susan. It’s always cheering to see another blog entry from you. I’m the girlfriend with the bunnies that live indoors with us. Sadly, I had to put our little Andy to sleep yesterday. That makes two in just six months. It wasn’t a surprise, as he had a lot of health issues, and was far from young, but it’s still very hard. I’m very happy I have my remaining five to keep me going. Sorry to be a downer on your big road trip, but I wanted to let you know what a difference you make at times like these. Thank you!
Laurie
=:3
Your words made my heart sing today! Thanks for sharing. 💝
Thanks for the update on your trip! Happy Mother’s Day to the best kitty mom ever!!! I’m sure Girl Kitty and Jack agree!!! Hugs!!! Donna (Idaho)
Finally there is an indie bookstore in Winter Park, Florida which is just outside of Orlando. I hope you’ll consider a stop here on your next tour. You could visit England at Epcot and meet Mary Poppins, herself!
I am recovering from shoulder surgery…so when I opened my inbox and saw your post I was so happy to have something FUN to read…then I fell asleep half way through, woke up and was so happy STILL had more to read! And since the pain meds I’m taking are strong, I’ll probably read and re-read many more times. Thanks! Love it every time I read it!
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Nan. Hugs xoxo
Nan, I hope your recovery is coming along well and that soon you’ll be as good as new again!
I have never written to you before, but I must tell you how much I enjoy all your blogs and books. You have such a unique way of making all of us readers feel like personal friends. I spent summers at Martha’s Vineyard as a child (in Chilmark) and sad to say, the last time I was there was over 50 years ago. I had so hoped to make it to The Learned Owl in Hudson, but, alas, scheduling did not allow. Isn’t Hudson just the cutest town? – very much like New England. Settled by people from Connecticut, if I’m not mistaken. I have also been to R,J, Julia, as my sister lived in Conn. for many years. A wonderful bookstore. I still subscribe to their website and get many wonderful suggestions for books to read. I am your age, so perhaps, that is why I am so drawn to your writing and art. Now that I have retired I am developing my “creative side” and taking water color classes and writing classes. Safe travels and keep those wonderful words and pictures coming.
Ginger
Nice to hear from you Ginger, welcome to the neighborhood!
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time. I just finished your last book and I’ve got to say that I couldn’t put it down.. I actually stayed up until 2 in the morning hating to put it down.. Had to finally go to sleep…. Reluctantly :-).
Thank you again for sharing your story, you are an inspiration to me and to the multitudes who will read your books..
Blessings,
Nan
How cool – I met you in Hudson and I’m pictured on your blog (the lime green girl – my granddaughter is Agnes). You are genuine – in person, on your blog and in your books. How do you make each of us feel we are your BFF? You remind us of the simple beauty in this world, the importance of staying connected to each other and believing fairy tales can come true . Kinda like your life. Thank you Susan.
Susan,
So much fun seeing your tour in motion. I love the photos of all the Girlfriends, everyone looks so happy and excited to be there. I love to see the younger girls you are surely inspiring. You and Joe must be having a great time. Thanks for sharing, I have been looking forward to seeing you at the book stores and still sad that your are not coming to Oregon.
Oh I thought I was the only person who enjoyed different food stores. My husband doesn’t understand it but kindly puts up with stopping for me.
You certainly picked a good week to leave MA. It’s been the most rainy, dark and cold beginning to May we can remember.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us…keep safe and keep us posted.
I so wanted to go to the book store in Clinton CT but I was at Yale/Smilow with my hubby so I couldn’t make it. Hopefully next time. I have always wanted to drive cross country with him and see what else is out there. Maybe some day we will do. Be careful and have fun.
Hi Susan,
Wondering if you are coming to Nashville, Tn
on this trip? Sure would love to meet you!!
Julia Ferrell
Love to travel with you vicariously to all these wonderful towns during the Spring season. So sad I will be on the Cape when you are on the road, but look forward to reading about your book tour.
Thank you for this journey. I so love to travel, especially with good company such as yourselves and ourselves! Stay safe and well. Kathie in Odessa, WA
It’s wonderful to see your progress across the USA in book signings AND travels! Wish we could all be in the back of your van…along with the kitchen sink!! It was wonderful to meet you and Joe at An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA and have my books signed. The copy of Isle of Dreams for my daughter-in-law, Kristin, will be happily delivered to her on her 25th birthday, which is in 2 weeks. I am enjoying my copy right now and loving every page! Enjoy the rest of your trip and we all look forward to more pictures and stories of the wonderful stops you make! Love, Pam xox
Susan, I have recently moved from AZ to Seattle, WA …just in time to miss seeing you and Joe in PRESCOTT!!; an “easy ride” north. And we arrived here too late to recommend a book signing at The Third Place. Ah, me… So I shall do as I always have, order multiple copies of your lovely, inspiring books for my daughter, daughter-in-Love, and young granddaughter. And print your bookmarks on cardstock, covering them with clear packing tape. So that we may read the latest SBB …carefully! …in a bubble bath. On a storming night! OR a moonlit one if all else fails! Do we love you? Both?? Oh yes we do. So:
Until any and all Washington state independent booksellers listens to all your many Girl(and boy-)friends in the Pacific Northwest, we remain,
Mary. And family. With Love. ❤️
Safe travel.
I loved seeing you at the Holly Hedge inn in New Hope and getting to meet your husband, Joe. I can see why you think he is quite a gem. He was so friendly! I enjoyed talking to him about my childhood friend, Rick Karney. Have a safe and wonderful trip across our great country.
Whoa…I’m envious…what a wonderful trip. Haven’t traveled many roads on the east coast and would LOVE to do it. The beauty is spellbinding. And I love that you get to meet so many of the Girlfriends…that is now and always will be with a CAPITAL letter…right?? I’m off on a road journey up the coast tomorrow (from San Diego). May get to your part of the country sometime in the next two weeks. Lake Tahoe is my main destination on this trip, but I have to come back down at some point so SLO or Morro Bay will be my overnight. ENJOY…and Happy Mom’s Day to everyone. I miss mine so much but was fortunate to have her over 50 years of my life…I was blessed.
Susan…I was at your signing in Madison Ct and was in seventh heaven. I traveled a couple of hours to get there but I enjoyed every single second. My only complaint was that it went by way too quickly. The staff there was so friendly and helpful and I felt that I had so much in common with the all people that came. I was so touched by your kindness to every single person that was there. No one was rushed or felt the least bit pressured. You gave me some tips on watercolors and thanked ME for being an art teacher to my elementary students. I only have a few pages left to A Fine Romance and then it’s on to Isle of Dreams. (Girlfriends, if you are close to any of these book signings, don’t miss the opportunity, you won’t regret it. SB is just delightful and all I thought she would be and more!!)
Thank you for being YOU! I truly am your biggest fan. Shhh, we won’t tell anyone else. Continued success on your tour and safe travels. Virtual Hug!
Omg..your trip sounds wonderful already!! Can’t wait for the next note from u!! Have a fun and safe trip! Loretta/Calif.
Lovely, lovely, lovely! I even saw someone I know in a photo – one of the twins- at your signing! Hope to see you in Asheville, NC, in June!
😊💖🌹💛🎠💚🌹💙🌟💜✨ Hello Sweet Sue!!! Thank~You For Taking The Time To Give Us a New~Blog~Post!!! Yay! Twirling Hugging~You! & Thank~You For Truly Bringing Us Along On Your (“Our”) Book~Tour…So Far It Has Been Amazing & Bravo To You For Your Twinkling~Tweets!!!! Huge Smile on Me Face!!! 😊💖 I Love Love Love All The Photos!!!!! 😊💖🌹 I Wake Up Each Morning Feeling Like I Am Really With You (I Really Am) Ahhhhhhhhhhh…… Today is Kentucky~Derby~Day 🌹🎠✨ I’ve Picked The Horsie “Whitmore” Victor is His Jockey (Victor Won The Triple~Crown Last Year!!!) My Wings~Are~Crossed….I Am Also Wishing a Blessed Mother’s Day To All Our Mommies…To All Us Moms To All Our Grannies & Aunties & Sisters & Sister~In~Laws To All Here On Earth & In Heaven Above!!! Let’s Toast To All Of Us With An Icy~Cold Mint~Julep….. To US!!! Love & Hugzzz & Joy & Always a Bit of Pixie~Dust xoxo Poof! 😊💖🌹💛🎠💚🌹💙🌟💜✨ P.S. Sweet Sue… Girl~Kitty & Jack Have Something to Say…..”Meowy~Mommy~Day~To~You” “We Love You” “We Miss You” xoxo “Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…….& Kitty~Kisses”….😊🌹💙🌟💜✨
Loved every word and image of this post! You make my day sing with happiness, Susan Branch! I’m eagerly awaiting your Austin visit. It will be such an honor and pleasure to meet you. I feel as if you are a good friend because your books and this delightful blog make me feel as if we have a good visit, just as girlfriends do all the time. Thank you for that and much more!
Safe travels as you and Joe venture on across this wonderful country.
It’s lovely of you to share your travel adventures with all of us. Your photos are really appreciated.
Love “meeting” all the girlfriends who attend the book signings! They all look so sweet and cheery and full of joy to be there! It is such a great time of year to be driving cross-country and seeing the beauty of Spring unfold before your eyes! Continuing to pray for safe travels for you and Joe and looking forward to Tuesday’s tea party. I have the bonus joy of connecting again with sweet Dawn! ♡♡♡
Love seeing all the girl friends, especially the mothers and daughters. They all look so happy to see you! Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Love it all………Will go back and read it again to take all in you wrote of.
OMG!! I can see, smell, and feel all the beauty and excitement as you describe everything to us!! It is always so much fun “being there”
with you, Joe and the girlfriends❣ You have blessed my life in ways you will never know. I can not wait to see you in Asheville. 😍
I enjoyed meeting you in Hudson, Ohio. It was my husbands first day of retirement so I felt obligated to ask him to come with me for the 3 hour drive from Perrysburg. He and Joe had a nice long visit while I waited in the line. Haha. Thank you for all you do for humanity. You are the best.
With love from Ohio.
Ann
What a joy to go along with you as you visit your book stores. The towns and country roads are so picturesque. You bring us so much happiness on this special weekend. I’m spending probably the last Mothers Day with my mother who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Thank you for sharing your lovely trip as it has brightened my day. See you in Kansas City if my flight is on time!!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful travels and thoughts and friends! I wish you could come to Maine!
Really enjoyed my day of fun in Hudson Susan! I took the day off and even though I came by myself from Pittsburgh I knew it would be ok because I knew the girlfriends would be there and I would be in good company. Hudson is a very charming town and I’m happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the retail therapy damage I did while there and made some new friendstoo–four of whom are pictured above (all of us members of the Susan Branch Fan Club). Anyway, you and Joe are delightful and as I mentioned whenever I had the pleasure of meeting you in person finally your art and books just make me happy. Your books make me feel at home and inspire me to try new things with decorating or crafting or cooking. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Best wishes WONDERFUL tour and for more happiness than you ever thought possible.
Sounds like a perfectly delightful trip so far. Happy traveling. My daughter and I will see you and Joe in Cedar Rapids, IA next Friday.
Thank you , thank you for the pictures of sunshine and flowers. It has been chilly and rainy in our little Delaware beach town for about two weeks and we are afraid we have missed Spring! Travel on….love the smiles on all the Girlfriends’ faces!
I’m sitting here in Josephbeth in Cincinnati waiting my turn to see you when my phone buzzed and said SUSAN BRANCH’S blog is ready to read. How funny. Thought you’d enjoy knowing that.
Another trip to experience vicariously. Woohoo! Have a wonderful time.
Love all odf your pics. And I’m still drooling over your quilt patterns. Thanks and have a safe trip
Lots of fun to see all the people at your book signings! Almost like being there…wish I could be! Looking forward to more news of your travels! I love road trips!
Thank you so much, Susan. Wish we could meet you at one of your signings. But your photos make it seem like we were there! Absolutely love the on-the-road photos, too! mind how you go, Yvonne
Love following along on your travels! Your blog always makes me smile and brightens my day! Thanks for that! One day I hope to meet you! Enjoy your travels!
Thank you for taking us down roads I once traveled growing up in PA. My Isle of Dreams book just arrived today. I must go read. 🙂 Safe travels.
So much fun to be “with” you on the book tour! Best wishes for a FUN time!
Wonderful pictures, keep up the good weather and fair sailing…and selling your beautiful books.
Susan, how many suitcases did you need to pack all the clothes for your trip? And with all the different weather and temperatures across the country, how did you decide what to take? Love reading about your trip. Safe travels and see you in Brewster!
Joe put a closet pole in the back of the van, so I only have one suitcase . . . plus a bag of shoes, and a bag of bathroom stuff, etc. I decided by trying it all on and writing down “outfits,” then adding a bunch more stuff and voila!
Thank you for the travel update. Isn’t Pennsylvania wonderful in the spring. Ohio as well. I like seeing all the happy ladies and gents at the signings. I can just hear all your peeps chirping together in line, passing happiness from smile to smile. (When I get a little blue, I read blogs and comments…there they are, my people, the ones who understand me.)
Sending a little hug and smile from one Girlfriend to another. I know just what you mean :)❤️
Sometimes I wish I do live in America so I too can go to a bookstore to meet you.
Enjoy your tour with meeting all these lovely Fairy Girls.
greetings,Trudy from the Netherlands
Come to England in September . . . join our BYO Picnic Basket Party . . .???
Hi Susan~We didn’t get to Ohio, but my daughter just met you at Joseph Beth! I’m so jealous, but what a sweetie she was to drive and meet you on my birthday…she had your Mother’s Day crown I sent her~she’s mom of a cat and dog~signed by you…thank you so much…my daughter said you and Joe are sweeter than sweet~I knew that all along~thank you for being YOU…xoxo
P.S. Susan~Would you care to share the name of the book you are reading with your girlfriends?
Hi Susan,
Planning to see you in Pasadena, along with the teaming masses of your fans. I’ll be babysitting my nine year old grandson and he’ll just have to accept that his Nana is going to see one of her favorite author’s and artists.
You and I are contemporaries. You grew up in the SFV and I grew up in Culver City. Not sure when you graduated from HS, but I was the class of 1965. So hard to wrap my head around the fact that my 50th HS reunion was last September!
I’ve loved every page of all three of your books and have read each of them with great eagerness.
Thank you for putting your heart in everything you do from books to calendars.
Blessings,
Aloyce