Beautiful cool morning here, quiet, foghorn and boat whistle . . . I’m in my studio, listening to the birds drinking my first cup of tea … How are you? I’ve been missing you! This post is a book, prepare yourself, go get tea and get comfy, while I rev up the MUSICA ….
Joe and I left home for our cross-country book tour on April 30, and last Sunday, we drove off the boat and made our way through the familiar streets of home, and finally, into our own driveway, with 9,800 brand new miles on the Fine Romance Van ~ and wonderful memories of an amazing trip we will never forget.
First thing we did was hang our 4th of July flag, and ever since then we’ve been unpacking, stepping over piles of stuff (and THIS ⬇️ was just the beginning!),
Taking naps💤, walking the dirt road through the woods to the sea, shaking road noise out of our heads (it’s like the rocking you can still feel after getting off a boat), collapsing boxes, rearranging, cleaning, making lists, filling the fridge with deliciousness🍒🍊🍓🍉, and putting our house back together.
We couldn’t wait to get into the garden, trimming back dead things and filling in the dark spots with blue and orange flowers and peach Brandy roses,
Because, after all, first thing’s first. Ahhh dirt. How I love thee. Pure road-noise expunger.
And tomatoes and marigolds and roses and lots of other things . . . it’s July, the Island is in bloom, green and lush . . . and we can’t let this season escape us!
I put out my favorite garden decor . . . I even had him at Holly Oak . . . he seems to feel a lot like I do about life.💞
Flowers accidentally broken off during planting . . .
Come inside for the little vases . . . 
This is what I call bang for the buck, takes less than a minute to pop a flower in there, easy to change, and looks just wonderful ~ perks up everything! Even the Queen is enjoying it!
But mostly, it’s undivided attention for you know who! We unload the car and Jack makes himself King of the Mountain. Who? he asks looking at me with wide-eyed innocence, What did you say your name is? He might not recognize me, but I’m sure he recognizes the camera.
The children. Don’t they look happy? LOL. I look in vain for a change of expression. But no. It’s just me. I’m the only one doing the happy dance. They keep their feelings buried deep inside. But I know they’re there.
Jack was on the ironing board in front of the kitchen screen door, watching the world go by when I came in. I walked up very slowly and reached out, he 
sniffed my hand, then furrowed his forehead with quizzical eyes and sniffed me again, what could this be? With each sniff, he seemed slightly more interested ~ that’s the best I seem to get from this puff ball that I adore from the tips of my toes to the ends of my hair! But for me? No problem. I touch foreheads with him, I circle him in my arms and whisper sweet nothings in his ear.
I pick her up and cradle her in my arms like a baby and walk around the house rocking her and cooing to her . . . She’s 15 years old now . . . I always worry about her when I leave the house. She never likes it when I’m away. And shows it by not eating. Very scary. Do I go or do I stay. But ever since I walked through the door she has been STUFFING herself, 2 or 3 cans a day! Plus taste treats.
And here was my first view of the house from the car window as we were turning to back the van into the driveway. The excitement was tangible. Opening the car door, putting foot on terra firma, getting out of the car, was surreal. It all smelled exactly the same. Mixture of boxwood, linden trees, and ocean air. The house has been here since 1849. Nothing about it had changed. My house since 1989. 😘
But before I go on with the future, and all the news I’d love to share, and will, when I can, I need to celebrate a little more of the recent past . . . this book tour to celebrate the completion of this … my memoir trilogy of books. 
Four years of concentration (or something like that) to write the story of my first little house on the Island where I tried so hard to figure out who I was and how to make my dreams come true, and when the writing and watercolors were all done . . . for better or for worse . . . there was a reward:
R O A D T R I P !
I chronicled about half of it in the last post, so we’ll start here, with sweet kitty “Sasha” on top of some of the art binders on a shelf above Kellee’s desk at my Studio in California. It was good to be at our other-coast “home” and reconnect with our faraway friends and family, and meet our wonderful west coast Girlfriends.
And see my garden out there . . . and just settle in for a week after a month of serious country-crossing to get here . . . Seeing this photo makes me think of changing my Vineyard garden from blue and orange back to lavender and pink next year . . .
Loved meeting my good friends for lunch, darling Elizabeth on the left, her sweet aunt Marion and dearest Diana (Elizabeth’s cousin, and daughter of Marion), in Danville California, perfectly apropos because almost every bit of this book tour has been a family affair 👩❤️👩 . . . sometimes mine but for sure, everyone else’s! Moms and daughters, grandma’s and granddaughters, husbands and wives, sisters and best friends, aunts and nieces have all come to the book signings together . . . and I have to say, it was a total Love Fest! Right? I saw lots of YOU there, was it NOT a Love Fest??? Oh it was!
Speaking of which, for starters, here’s Aunt Susan with her two beautiful nieces, Karis and Trisha, in Morro Bay, California. Love fest.
Karis was there with her husband Henry, and this little doll, the newest addition to our family, Xavier ~ I’m his great aunt, and he is even cuter in person, if you can imagine that! He’s the joy of so many people’s lives!
And there’s Kellee and Sheri from the Studio on either side of me, plus, my best friend Diana (if you’ve read my last three books you know all about Diana💞), and Bonnie who also works at the Studio during moments of supreme emergency (like when books come in and we need strong hands and good hearts to help out 📚). They were my perfect welcoming committee for this event, which was also a benefit for the San Luis Obispo Women’s Shelter (thanks to the great energy of Joanne and Linna at Coalesce Bookstore). 👏
This was on the wall where I gave the talk and did the signing . . .THINK! Is it kind? Good advice, don’t you think?
I have to mention, I could not have done any of this without my beloved intrepid pathfinder, guardian angel extraordinaire who is true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind 💖.
One by one, I got to meet and shake hands with all our Girlfriends who came to Rakestraw Books in Danville, CA … And this, as you see it here, was how it was everywhere we went. Roomfuls of happy, interesting, funny, friendly, kind, people, moms, sisters, best friends ~ if they came as a stranger, they went away as a friend.
Mom and daughters and the Fine Romance Van featured as photo bomber!
The line kept going, we took tons of photos, signed lots of books, and…
By the time we finished, it was dark outside!
Our girlfriends are so cute!
The smiles never ended . . .
I think you can see why we were honored to be there . . .
Mostly Joe took the pictures, but every so often the tables were turned. He loved meeting everyone as much as I did . . . he was always roving around the line where there was always a buzz of talk and laughter I could hear from my seat at the table.
But then, once more, it was time to move on, and look, the California fog is rolling in . . . all those old volcanos are peeking through . . .
It was a constant change of scenery as we traveled from place to place across our beautiful wonderful country full of good and kind faces . . .
See what I mean . . . this is Pasadena, at the wonderful Vroman’s Bookstore where my grandma used to shop! If you ever need a suggestion for a wonderful new book to read, your Independent Bookstore will send you in the right direction! That’s what they do. The caring human touch. Always a good thing.
It would take several blog posts to show you how much fun this was. See the girl in blue standing up in the back, almost in the middle? That’s Kris, I went to high school with her! See what I mean? And I got to meet everyone here!
Mom’s and daughters . . .
And whole families!!!
And husbands and wives.
The guys, I have to say, were a blast! Funny! One thanked me for being his wife’s therapist! He thought the price of the books was a deal! LOL!
I could see “guardian angel” in their eyes.
While waiting, these two made posits to commemorate the end of the long line, and those posits are now in my diary. Kind of what Joe and I are saying to each other now! “We did it!”
We hated to leave the ocean-views, brunch-with-wine, and joie de vivre mentality of Southern California . . .
But onward and upward . . . we were people on a mission. I thought you might like to see how we packed. There is method to this madness, never fear. Two ice chests in the Fine Romance Van, one on the floor between our seats where I could access it anytime, and another one in the way-back for staples and an extra bag of ice . . . plus, we had my favorite earl grey and lavender tea, the tea kettle, cups, spray starch, laundry soap, a zillion quarters for the machines. No stone unturned, we had it all!
Hither and yon we go. At this point heading through Arizona, and for the following month we never saw the underside of 90 degrees again! One time, in Texas, we got in the car in 
the morning and the car thermometer registered 132 ridiculous degrees!! You know how we (in Northeast USA) “warm up” the car in the winter? Well, out here, we’d go to the car early to turn it on to ice up the air conditioner!!! You go from freezing-cold, air-conditioned hotel room to the hideous heat, hurry to the car, and just about the time you get there, you begin to thaw out. In the nick of time, you jump in, slam the door, and ahhhh, saved by the bell.
HOT. But interestingly, the desert was “in bloom.” If that is what one wishes to call it.
But then we went to the High Desert, to Prescott, Arizona for a lovely tea party . . . here is just a tiny hint of the deliciousness that awaited us! They made them!!! And they were gorgeous!
Clotted cream and jam and homemade scones! And sandwiches too!
They set up tables on the lawn of a beautiful old house ~ it was a tea-party, fund-raiser, book-talk and signing hosted by one of our Girlfriends (up there on the porch with her husband), Mary Heiland, benefitting the local library and Hospice . . . and it was so beautifully done! Flowers and party favors on every table.
Everything was in bloom . . . still warm in the mountains but with a lovely breeze through the draped bunting (white, like on Downton Abbey) and the weeping willow that gave the house its name, Willow Tree Manor, swayed gracefully in the wind . . .
They welcomed us, and everyone, royally . . . (and gave us the sign to take home! It’s already hanging above the door in the wood room!) …
Hats! (Hi Dianne, Bev, & Merci!)
These girls knew how to celebrate . . .
Much as I loved ALL the hats, this baby-pink one had to be the winner . . . might have had something to do with that little face . . .
On each side of this group is a Mary . . . these two Mary’s are the best friends who are responsible for the gorgeousness of this party ~ and those are their beautiful daughters who’ve known each other all their lives. We met both Mary’s at the Madonna Inn in California about three years ago, where there was a drawing to see who would be our dinner partners for that evening. Mary’s name was drawn, and of course, she brought Mary! And now here we are, experiencing one of the tea parties they have each year ~ pure serendipity! I think this was their 23rd!
This is Mary Heiland’s (the Mary on the left) 97 year-old-mom, and so now you know where this family got its beauty . . .
Here’s the winner . . . both for the auctioned-off quilt that made $600 for Hospice (whoever bid on it, gave it to her, I told you, the most wonderful people were there) AND the hat ~ I think she was having a red letter day!
And to complete my red letter day, I received this!
To put in my keepsake box along with this . . .
Joe has gotten so GOOD at taking pictures of the things he knows I’ll want to see when we get back to the hotel and I get my hands on the camera again! I get to see everything I missed!
And then, down through southern Arizona, near the Mexican border and miles and miles and miles of beautiful Texas . . . wildflowers and desert and hottest heat in the world . . . Too hot to stop and shop in Fredericksburg … so now we have to go back! Need to shop at Magnolia Pearl! Too cute to miss.
A little intimidating to make this left turn, but we survived . . . (yikes!).
We loved every mile of it . . . (look at the little orange sign on the left)
And we knew we’d entered the weird world (their words not mine)) of Austin when the first thing we saw was this. It is a bar that moves as the customers PEDAL , it has no engine . . . it drove across the road while we were sitting at the light ~ and I scrambled for the camera! We don’t have one of these on the Island.
We went to dinner at the historical Driskill Hotel and sat directly across from that romantic little table on the left (pushed together for a larger group) where President Lyndon Johnson proposed to Claudia Taylor, better known as Lady Bird, on their first date!
She made hime wait a full six weeks before she accepted! Ahhhh, young love. 💘 Later the people for whom that long table was reserved arrived . . . a woman sat in Lady Bird’s seat (as I imagine it would have been) with her back to the wall, her partner was across from her in the chair and it was ALL I could do not to rush over there and tell them DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU’RE SITTING? Joe was a little embarrassed when I asked the waiter to tell them. I couldn’t help it. They had to know. I would want to know, wouldn’t you???
And now, here we are at BookPeople in Austin, with my Twitter Girlfriends! Wonderful to finally put the real people with the names!
And dearest Texas Girlfriend from many years ago, whose name I just love to say in my fake Texas accent, Mary Alice Yelverton (try it in your fake Texas accent and you’ll see what I mean, even better if the accent isn’t fake!), 97-years-young and still writing her column for the Boerne Star Newspaper, which is how we met, when she called to interview me for her paper because she liked my cookbook Heart of the Home! We go way back! I was so touched that she came.
And another warm welcome from a room full of kindred spirits! I have never felt so loved. You girls, you should know, it was heaven for me.
One of our long time Girlfriends, very creative Rachel, made packages of cookies for everyone at the Austin Book People signing from my recipes . . . that’s Annie Hall’s Butter Cookie made into Texas cutouts, and my mom’s Potato Chip Cookies were there too, which is also one of my favorites! It’s on page 209 of The Fairy Tale Girl, but in case you don’t have it yet . . . here you go!
That’s our cutely dressed Girlfriend Kat on the left, and there’s Rachel with a to-go box of cookies on the right… xoxo
Different kinds of cookies, but still very sweet: mom’s and daughters,
Fairy Tale Dudes and their Fairy Tale Girls . . .
It was a long trip, but look at these smiles, how could I not love it? My feet were about 3 inches off the ground the entire time!
We had a surprise, unscheduled, “pop-up” book signing at The British Emporium in Grapevine Texas ~ mainly so I could shop there! I’d heard about this wonderful store for years, and there we were, so close, how could we not stop! So we called them and told them we were coming, and they invited a few of their customers for an impromptu signing. Also I wanted to THANK them for selling so many copies of A Fine Romance. I did a whole lot of Christmas shopping there 🇬🇧😃 and signed a bunch of books to leave behind! And then, it was time for . . .
Tennessee! Off to Memphis and the Booksellers at Laurelwood.
And don’t think that we didn’t keep ourselves correctly hydrated throughout our trip!! That’s not Coke, it’s just ice, into which I poured fresh cold water from our cooler, with just a splash of lemonade to keep it interesting.
And the food was really good everywhere we went, look at this crisp, icy, crunchy iceberg wedge with all the trimmings. Just delicious. We also discovered that Wendy’s makes a perfectly wonderful fresh salad with not a limp bone in its body. We became road food aficionados!
In Memphis we had breakfast at this famous (it’s been in lots of movies) old Arcade Restaurant . . . (that’s not our suitcase back there, we kept ours in the van!).
… Where nothing’s changed since the 1950s.
And where, for the first time, I was able to sit with the new book and look through every page. Of course, there’s Joe with the camera.
So I showed him some new pages. I really love this book. It was fun to do it, like remembering all the years it took me to get the nerve to write it in the first place . . . and giving it a brand new outfit with new pages and perky new art.
Are you sick of this yet? I hope not, but if so, stop now and save some for later! So, anyway, Here I am at Channel 3 in Memphis getting ready to go on TV. Don’t I look relaxed? Well, I’m not. In case you missed it, here it is.
And later that night, here I am with such hardworking girls, Nicole and Macon, (who treated every one of their customers like they were the most important person in the world) at The Booksellers at Laurelwood. I felt so proud to be at all of these independent bookstores, proud of how hard they’ve worked to keep afloat in these changing times, and proud of everyone who supports them.
Were you there? Can you see yourself . . . ? Wasn’t it fun?
Here’s another angle . . . See the dark-haired lady way back sitting next to the woman in the black top? See her necklace . . . I told her it was cute . . . scroll back up and you’ll see that she GAVE it to me!!! And she did it through the bookstore owner so I couldn’t even say no! She was already gone! So I had no choice! And of course, I love it!
More wonderful Girlfriends . . . I would speak for a while, then I’d take questions and that was my favorite part because my Girlfriends ask the best questions!
Smiles I loved meeting . . .
It was a pure treat and the pleasure was all mine!
Then through the cornfields . . . to Woodstock, Georgia ~ close to Atlanta, to an event put on by FoxTale Book Shoppe. Talk about Southern Hospitality!
You guys tried to make me cry by giving me a standing ovation!!!! I’m sorry, but this was verklempt-ville for me😂.
Love you!
Cutest things, and a black beret in honor of Joe!
Joe took perfect pictures of these three . . . adorable . . .
Baby sister is feisty!
But big sister wins for most adorable shoes and socks!
Bambi’s enthusiasm could seriously move the world! And the world could definitely use some moving! Believing there is hope for the world (as Gladys Taber said) is a way to move toward it. Believe and Vote.
Everyone . . .
Was just adorable. And I . . . was just lucky.
And in Woodstock we went to Starbucks to get the Sunday New York Times because that’s what we always do on Sundays on the road, and saw this for the first time . . .
In print! In the New York Times Book Review for the first time in my life. (See? Number 3 under Travel! That’s us Girlfriends. Because it’s your wonderful word-of-mouth and your kind comments on GoodReads and Amazon and to each other that made this happen! You have rocked my world! I’m eternally grateful.💕)
Those customers at Starbucks were just LUCKY I didn’t run to every table screaming because I definitely wanted to. I know I did leave the ground for a few seconds. Then Joe and I high-fived and stood around glowing (hearts leaping) wondering when someone would come up and ask us why we looked so happy while we waited for our iced mochas! This kind of thing doesn’t happen every day . . . and I have to say, our whole trip was like that, just amazing, profound in its own way, lengthwise, and spirit wise, not to mention event-wise and beauty-wise.
And on our way again, to Malaprops Bookstore in BEAUTIFUL Asheville, North Carolina. You really have to go see that charming city . . . 💖 You will love it!
At Malaprops they did some sort of magic, and moved all the books and displays to the side to fit all the Girlfriends in. Their shelves must be on wheels, because when we left, this room looked NOTHING like this! Every chair was folded up and gone, and the space was filled with rows of bookshelves!
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. 👏
Hello everyone! 💏
As usual, lots of fun in the line!
The woman on my right is a star of my Twitter world, @NellieBragg, with her husband and their daughter . . . They brought us a quart of fresh picked blueberries from their garden ~ the best we ever tasted and provided us with a healthy breakfast for the rest of the way home!♥
Here’s the funny Fairy Tale Boy who thought I was a good therapist! And his darling wife Becky who made us a teacake and embroidered this precious thing . . .
which is now hanging in our guest bathroom! (Teacake is LONG gone, YUM! 😎)
Thou shalt not covet. I tried to remember that when looking at that HAT with the little pink flowers. Covet-Ville USA. And more Fairy Tale Girls and Boys!
Daughters and Moms, I felt so honored!
And now hill and dale, from North Carolina to New Jersey . . .
Past fields of wildflowers . . .
Little churches . . . houses and barns . . .
with country roads we’re just dying to go explore . . .
We got off the main roads as much as we possibly could . . . no traffic, could hear birds, see people, very gentle way to go . . .
It took a little more time, but it was so worth it . . .
Here’s a little bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway . . . 400 miles of this beautiful country.
With views to everywhere . . .
We’d leave early mornings for the long drives . . .
And were rewarded with amazing sunrises . . .
And lovely roadside views, truck free . . .
To famous Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood, New Jersey with store owners Pat and Walter Boyer who were SO MUCH FUN!
where I got to meet another lovely crowd of Girlfriends . . .
and Boyfriends with good attitudes . . .
And now it was starting to get a little bitter sweet . . .
Because we were getting so close to home, and this had been so fun, yet we were getting close to HOME, and I really needed to be home . . . with only one more stop to go!
A welcome home party at wonderful Titcombs Bookshop on Old Cape Cod. It was 4th of July weekend. You have to drive over a bridge to get to Cape Cod and of course traffic was backed up, because that’s the gateway to the Islands, Provincetown, and Hyannis and all the lovely old towns on the Cape . . . I didn’t mind a BIT, it was the best traffic jam, I enjoyed every moment of inching toward home!
My camera tried to break right about here (like saying my hand fell off! Still dealing with it!) . . . But it was a gorgeous afternoon, and look, there’s Elizabeth . . . she, and everyone who works at Titcombs, was wearing a beret on this way too hot day, just because they are darling. I left one and a half billion signed books here . . . in case you are looking for Christmas Presents or any other thing!
And now, the end of this manifesto, and the beginning of the next phase of life, which is obviously going to be just as crazy as the last phase, as I will tell you all about when next we meet. Joe and I are taking the train to Durango, Colorado on Tuesday, for a family reunion. We’ll be staying in a wood 
cabin in the high mountains, under the trees next to a lake around a campfire and under the stars. Sounds like a prayer and for my family, it will be. 🌲 My brother will be singing “I’m so Lonesome in my Saddle Since My Horse Died” ~ we will all sing along and tell family stories and I wouldn’t miss it. With all the beautiful things that happened on this trip, there were other things I wasn’t able to talk about (even though I was sometimes asked by audiences, I had to lie, I’m sorry, it was too fresh and I would have dissolved), and I still have trouble, and will always have trouble, but we lost our dearest 
darling daddy in May. Blog Daddy to so many of you. Dad to his eight children. I’m sorry, I didn’t want to upset you, but I knew I had to tell you, he was your friend too. I will save a eulogy for maybe next Father’s Day when I hope it’ll be easier. Impossible this year. Life goes on. I’ve been so spoiled to have had him, wide awake and smart as a whip, for as long as I did. I do most everything I do, most probably for my dad, and I know that will never end. So my family is getting together for a group hug.💔 And some singing. And Joe and I are packing . . .
Me and my dad watching my brother sing in Durango a few years ago.
XOXOXOXOXO
LOVE YOU GIRLFRIENDS, thank you for everything! ❤️ Hug your loved ones tight. If the TV news is too hurtful, turn it off, and right after you call your congress person and demand they do something about gun violence 🌎 (because we are the world and what we do does matter), settle into your favorite chair with your kitty or dog, and watch a wonderful old movie. Make my mom’s Potato Chip Cookies and take half to a friend. Put a flower in a tiny vase on your kitchen sink.💐
Little things, old movies, baking smells, petty pets and girl talk, I promise, will restore your hopeful heart. 💖 Blessings to you and yours from us and ours.
Later . . . P.S. I’ve just finished reading somewhere around 400 comments on this post . . . and wanted to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. My dad loved reading your comments too, 
he would talk about them with me on the phone as he was slowly getting to know you. My prayer is that he’s reading them right now, he would be honored! Your words are so comforting, I can’t thank you enough for sharing your stories and really, your hearts. Our Girlfriend Mary S. left a quote I love . . . “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” I know this is true. Because yes, Gabi, my dad did raise me to be a trooper, just like he was.
“I love you too, Sue. I love everything about you.” 💞 Dad, just 2 days before he was gone.
Those words were all I ever wanted, and all I’ll ever need. How can I mourn when I had such love. I’ll celebrate his life every day of mine. As for Joe, while he drove, I cried, and there was my 
guardian angel, reaching across the ice chest with his comforting hand to hold mine. I smiled through the book signings and wondered if anyone could tell. I knew what my dad wanted me to do and I did my best to do my best. Looking forward to the 
laughter and the music I’m about to share with my family! I know it will be a celebration we will always remember. Thank you so much everyone. And yes, off we’ll go to England and Scotland in September! And we will have so much fun! So get ready. I’ll be sending out a brand new Willard filled with new news and gifts and fun things next month! Life is for the living. My dad’s greatest gift was his love of life. He revelled in it. I want to be just like him when I grow up. XOXO
Dearest dear~this post was exactly like life. I smiled and cried. The sunshine and the shadow all together. I’m so very sorry to hear about your darling daddy. Ever since I lost mine, whenever anyone loses their darling daddy now, I cry and cry with them. Oh for one more moment with our north stars. I know your time in Colorado will be full of tears and laughter, hugs and quiet, with your daddy in your midst. Safe travels and know you are loved.
I don’t know how many of these sweet comments I will be able to read. I cried writing it, I’m crying now. I need to go for a walk. XOXO Love you Carrie, thank you… xoxo
Me too…..xxxooo
Carrie, right there with your girlfriend…my dad has been gone too long and just yesterday…always smiles and tears but always missing…glad we’re all here for Sue whenever she needs us. Beautiful post….♥♥♥
Too long and just yesterday. That’s it.
… XOXO… ‘so heart-felt !!! thank you, Susan, for sharing all that you do with all of us !!.. ( you are our therapist and kindred spirit , more than you know !! )..with love, as always …xoxo..
Only tears and all the love and hugs in the world to you, our dear sweet Sue. Brokenhearted for your loss…knowing my mom here with me is not far behind…will hug her extra close for both of us… love, love, love to you and your family. Blog daddy was quite a guy and loved by all. He will always be missed. XOXO♥♥♥
What a wonderful post! I would have loved to have been one of those stops…I do love your books. You are gifted.
So sorry to hear about your daddy. Take time for yourself. It does take time.
Thank you Sandy. xoxo
Dearest Susan I am so very sorry and I am crying with you and my heart is broken for you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and I thank you for sharing your sweet daddy with us all. He brought a smile to my face many times. May you be blessed and comforted by all the love that surrounds you. Xoxo
I am, that’s where I’ve been getting my strength. Thank you Darlene! xoxo
💕Love you Susan💕
What an enviable adventure you took! I loved seeing all the pictures. I live in Plano, TX so when I saw the sign for the President George Bush Tollway I knew you were near. I also lived in Woodstock, GA for one year so I was tickled that was one of your stops. I really enjoyed watching the link you shared when you were on TV. It is fun to hear your voice and see your mannerisms!
I am so sorry for your loss too. Really no words for it. There is just something so special about our family members and maybe parents especially. Have a wonderful reunion and I look forward to hearing about your next adventure and your life on the island.
Your dad was so proud of you and that’s the most anyone can hope for. Love to you, Susan. xoxox
OH Susan, I have lost both parents and it is a hurt that will always remain. It does get easier and having your lovely Joe to give you a hug will help. Everyday I think of something I want to share with my mom and almost reach for the phone. Most of all I wish I could have shared my trip to Hudson to the Learned Owl to meet you. It was wonderful to be there with my special high school girl friends (maybe we had a little too much at the wine bar down the street), but it was a celebration of both meeting you and our 60th birthdays so, you know . . .
I have loved looking at all the photos of families, and girlfriends, and Fairy Tale Dudes, and book store owners and book stores and tea parties, and the road and the restaurants and the tea. It is like we were all packed in the van with you! I can’t imagine being away from home that long, but with your own Fairy Tale Dude, it must have been great fun.
I would like to thank Joe for all he does. I have met him twice, on both your tours and he could not have been kind or more patient with all the crazy girl friends – his photos are amazing and he is always quick to offer to take memory shots for everyone, too. You are a true FAIRY TALE GIRL!!! Love and kisses and please reserve my spot in your suitcase for our England Trip!!!
I wanted to add that I especially loved the photos of you looking at your book at the diner. Those photos so reminded me of the photos my Fairy Tale Dude husband takes of me. I loved the casual, “unposed”, real life, real love in those particular photos that you shared.
Hi Susan….Followed your journey every step of the way and know how meaningful it was to both you and Joe. Your true love and appreciation for your Girlfriends shines and we are all better people for it. You carry a lasting legacy in your heart and you have generously passed it onto others. I am truly saddened by the news of Blog Daddy’s passing…… what a sweet lovely man and it was a privilege to get to know him through your blog. Never at a loss for words, I was always delighted to see his comments……and one time…even had a short funny conversation with him! A special man guiding his special daughter to becoming the wonderful person she is today….. may he rest in peace knowing that he lives on in the hearts of others. I am sending you warm hugs and will pray that you find comfort in your precious memories of him. XOXO
Oh, gosh, so sorry to hear about Blog Daddy Jack – ((((hugs)))) So enjoyed his thoughts and comments. A truly unforgettable and witty fellow. ♥
Happy dance, on the other hand, to see your new blog entry this morning, have been diligently checking at least once a day since the last one. Wonderful to have you back!! (I’m not a twitterer, but have to admit going there a time or five just to hear the latest, and assure myself that all was still well in your travels.) So nice that it’s a loooong one, and full up with happy scenes I’ve been missing. Loved seeing the interview video, thanks so much for that!
Much love to you and your family, you two have a safe and scenic train trip. Been ages since I boarded one, even though I worked at an Amtrak station for five years (thus getting my fix of the rumble and the roar, and chatting up conductors and passengers.)
Oh my dear Susan. I was so sorry to read about your wonderful dad! You were so brave to go on with your travels. Yes, life does go on, time will ease the pain, you will, however, always miss your wonderful father. Your family reunion will be so therapeutic for you all. There will be lots of memories shared! God bless you all! My daughter and I were at your book signing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That was our 2nd special time of meeting you. I have everyone of your books. I have been a fan forever! I also have your anniversary copy of “Heart of the Home”. It is wonderful! Thank you for being such a special lady–thanks to Joe also. You two are an awesome duo!
{{hugs}}
Oh Sue, Why am I crying so hard. I feel so selfish for feeling bad, I fell in love with your dad and i just feel so sad, I’m having trouble typing through the tears. I am so sorry that he is gone and can only imagine how you must feel. I lost my dad two summers ago and it still hurts. I wish i could give you a hug. There is a quote from steel magnolias Sweet Dolly Parton says “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion”. You have such a wonderful spirit and so did he. Thank you for sharing him with us. Love You <3
This is a happy day for me! So glad to see a post from you in my Feedly. Thank you for the update with all the details of your trip. It was perfect – long and juicy, with lots of pics.
I understand your feelings about writing about your dad. It’s too soon, for sure. I lost my mom April, 2015 and just can’t wrap my head around it yet. Prayers for you and your loved ones to feel our Heavenly Father’s comfort.
Have fun with your family…those are precious times.
I missed you (and your kitty-cats)
P.S. Magnolia Pearl is so wonderful. I’m a long-time fan.
Dearest Susan,
This post was beautiful. Seeing all the smiling faces and love of ALL the girlfriends. There were SO MANY. Wish I could have met you at one of these beautiful bookstores. Maybe in the future.
So sorry to hear about your dad. I don’t know how you went on and did not want to say anything to make everyone else sad, when I know you must have been SO SAD yourself. It is something we can never accept, losing our parents, no matter how long we have them. Having them forever would not be too much. We all got to know him a little bit through your blog and him adding his wit to it all. I know he was SO PROUD of you and all his family. Lucky you have a big support system to help you through.
Susan, What a lovely post! My sister and I were at The Book People in Austin, Tx for your signing. We loved every minute of it and have been anxiously waiting for another blog to read about your adventures. What a wonderful tour you had, but of course, so sad to hear about your loving Dad. My heart goes out to you. It’s never easy. Just remember all your girlfriends love you and will be saying a little prayer for you and your family. Thank you so much for your inspiration to be so uplifting and creative! P.S. We loved Joe!
Your words were bittersweet this AM. Happy to hear of your trip, but sad to hear of Blog Daddy leaving the world as we know it. I guess death feels like the worst part of life. I still have the photo of your Dad’s hands when you paid tribute to him some time ago. I love that photo. It says volumes. From what you have written and shared with all of us, he made a wonderful contribution to this world of ours and, yes, how lucky you are to call him your Father. He’s moved on, but not far from you in spirit. Remember he’s there in everything you do. Thinking of you dear girl at this difficult time.
Oh Dear Susan and all of your family,
I feel as if I’ve lost one of my own- dearest blog-daddy.
He has real estate in my heart forever.
He raised you to be a trooper, and there you were going on as usual and not letting any of us know, in order to spare us. You sweet, dear girl. My heart breaks for you.
Just sending you all the love in the world and such hope for the comfort of warm memories to soothe over the pain.
Have a peaceful time with your family and thanks for making the book tour trip! We all love you!
xoxo
Gabi
The older and wiser I get, the more I understand the circle of life. I think back to my parents and grandparents and forward to my granddaughters. One generation passes stories and wisdom on to the next. I have read enough about you and your Dad to know he passed all this along with the love of life. Thanks for sharing him with us.
I loved meeting you in Woodstock
Pippi
Dear Susan,
I’m so sorry you have lost your wonderful Dad. We all fell in love with him while reading about him in your books and on the blog, and Blog Daddy’s comments. I’m shedding tears of sadness for you and all your family. Have a safe journey out to Durango, and share with each other all the wonderful stories and memories. I believe he was very proud of his first-born baby girl, and he loved you to pieces.
He will always be with you in your heart, and you will miss him forever.
Much love and hugs,
Barb
Dearest Susan, My heart is hurting and I’m crying with you. But I’m thinking of how great a blessing you have been to your dad, his first much loved porkchop. I hope so much that you can feel the love that we girlfriends.are sending you, so much a reflection of the love you have poured out of your heart all these years using the gifts that God and your truly wonderful father and mother gave you. Hugs Hugs Hugs
xoxoxo Christie
Dearest Susan and Family, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Peace and love from your friend, Leslie
The joy that fills this post brings tears to my eyes and then to end with sadness. My heart is sent to you with a hug. What an amazing trip you had. Hold all the love close to your heart.
So very sorry, Susan. Glad you and Joe will be with family to remember and honour your dad. Hugs to all of you. Jeanie, too.
Great post…thank you for taking us on the road with you.. So very sorry for the loss of your Dad. It takes a long time to get used to that loss, but the best part is….you get to keep all of the love. No one can ever take that away. Thank you for sharing your gifts so freely.
💐Dear sweet Susan🌻
Perfect to be with your family celebrating and sharing stories of handsome Blog Daddy. He’ll live on in your memories and forever in your books.
Thank you for sharing him with us all these years. What a priveledge to have been able to meet your daddy through your beautiful and heartfelt writing.
Prayerful thoughts for you and your family.
⭕️❌ Didi
Dear Susan, I am so sad to hear about Blog Daddy’s passing. He was a big part of your blog world and we are fortunate that you shared him with all of us. This week I received news that a former student of mine had died. I taught her AND her older sister; she was only 42. I sent a note to the family and told them what a joy she had been as a student some 30 years ago. So I will tell you to hold the joy in your heart that your father left there. I’m sure you will.
I’m so glad that your shared your book tour with us. We love your books…can you tell?
Barbara Weaver (I did finish the vacuuming before reading, but it was so hard to keep on!)
Susan, my condolences on the passing of your father. Being in the comfort of your family with happier memories of your dad will help soothe the heart. I believe our lost loved ones are always with us through every step of life.
Glad you are home safe. Sending hugs.
💖😇💙🌟💜✨💛🌻💚🍭🍉🎶 Sweet Sue….. 1st I’m Giving You The Biggest Hug Ever…Then I’m Wrapping You Up In My~Wings….& Covering You With Pixie~Dust….I Feel Your Tears… Your Sadness… I Understand Your Heart~Ache…..Your Most Beloved~Daddy Is Now A Most~Wonderful~Angel in Heaven….& He Shall Be Watching Over You….Whisper To Him Whenever You Need Him….He Will Be There… I Promise…..I Love You My Sweet~Sue & (Our~Sweet~Sue) & Oh How I Love Our~Blog~Daddy….& Now He Is Our~Blog~Daddy~Angel Thank~You For Sharing Him With All Of Us….My Tears Are Flowing Down My Pumpkin~Face…..Breathe…..Weep….Feel….Love….xoxo Poof! 💖😇💙🌟💜✨💛🌻💚🍭🍉🎶 P.S. Welcome HOME & Lots Of Kitty~Kisses & You…Sweet~Sue Have Been So Missed On This Magical~Blog!!! P.P.S. & Thank You For All Your “Tweets~From~The~Twuck” Twitterville is Fun…. P.P.P.S. Safe Journey On The Train…. Hugzzz For All Your Cherished~Family~Peeps P.P.P.P.S. One More Super~Duper~Hug Filled With Fairy~Magic & Joy & Always Always Pure~LOVE 😊💖😇💙🌟💜✨💛💚
Good~Morning Sweet~Sue I Think Ya “Missed~Me” Above….(My Comment) Just~Checking~In….. Sunday~Cuppa~Tea With You Gonna Watch The Sunrise & Think of Our~Blog~Daddy…. xoxo 😊💖😇💙🌟💜✨💛🌻💚🍭🍉🎶 #Love
Hi Honey, just haven’t gotten there — 300 comments here this morning and I need to read every one of them . . . they’re making me feel so much better!!! Thank you sweetheart, for the wing wrapping! xoxoxo
Oh Susan I am just so sorry to hear that you lost your beloved Day. I know your heart is broken, bless you. I miss my Dad, and my Mom so, so much still and both have been gone for some time. You will get where you don’t feel such despair, but missing them just never goes away. You are in my prayers, and I believe your Dad is just waiting around till you are all together again. I saw you in Pasadena, it is a memory I will always treasure, you are a special kind person and I am so glad I have gotten to know you through your books and art and blog. Again, I am so sorry, can’t stop crying for you. Glad you have your Joe. I had him sign my copy of A Fine Romance and two other ladies and I sat and talked with him, what a nice guy. Lucky You, and Lucky Joe. xoxoxo
You are so loved, Susan. My heart breaks for your loss. This was a most wonderful post, and I had tears well before the end. Now they are rolling down my face. Your family get together is what you all need, laughter, hugs, tears, memories, and love. Oh, so much love. Thank you for what you have given us through the years: a safe, warm place to visit and refresh our minds and hearts. 💙💚💛💜
I have been waiting so long to hear from you. I have been following your journey and so jealous because you did not make it to Powells which is close to me. I even tried to get to one of your California stops but not there at the right time. So sorry about your dad…I am sure that you have saved many memories of him to help your heart. I would have loved to have been at anyone of your talks. I am so proud of you, I could never have left my home and pets for that long. I am off to make potato chip cookies, but I need to know, why dear Susan did you need to take spray starch on your trip, for the doilies in the van😜 Your friend in Arf, Debby
Well, I did iron the new Martha’s Vineyard Hankie, but actually, linen shirts are okay wrinkled on the beach, but not so much when you’re holding a microphone! 🙂
Point well taken, I was wondering how you managed clothes on your trip. Loved the Martha’s Vineyard hanky, wish I had one! Just ordered your Bartlett’s quotation book, I have been looking for one for years.
Susan,
I just got home from 10 days or so at the beach and after unloading the car, sat down to read your blog. Needless to say, I’m typing this through tears. I’m so very, very sorry about your daddy. You have to be one of the strongest women I “know” …to have lost him and yet, you kept right on going. Your story, your books just took on a whole new meaning. We lost my daddy, “Big Bill” almost 33 years ago…7 months before I got married. All I can tell you is to take good care of yourself and take one day at a time……some days, one hour at a time. With that time, the wonderful memories you have will help ease the pain. In Asheville, I wanted to ask you about your three guardian angels, but now you have fourth and know that he and his love will always, always be with you. Once a daddy’s girl, always a daddy’s girl. Sending you much love and many hugs….Martha Jean ❤️
Welcome home, Susan and Joe! New England is so glad you’re back. Thanks for your wonderful newsy post – well worth waiting for. I was so saddened to read about your Dad. You talked about him so often and he was one of the “girlfriends” to all of us. Remember him with smiles, laughter and love. Savor the memories.
Oh, what a brave girl to keep on with the tour with such a deep loss. Sending extra special hugs and good thoughts for your heart. You are wrapped in much love from all your girlfriends…. Isn’t it wonderful to know the love goes on? <3
Loved seeing you at Vromans in Pasadena. Left that Sunday for a family reunion in Durango!! We had such a great time seeing a Brother, sister in law, and nieces and their families and some of their Grandchildren! It was a lovely place for a gathering! We all rode the train to Silverton! A lovely day. Enjoy yourselves!!
Dear Susan, how hard it must have been for you to keep the loss of your wonderful dad to yourself on this trip, knowing how generous you are with your life. Grieving and having to put on smiles to hide it. That had to take a huge amount of strength. I lost my dad last August, suddenly. It’s been almost a year and I’m starting to feel a bit more like myself. Just take all the time you need to process things. And thank you once again for being so generous in making this post to recap the second half of your trip. Always so giving. Much love.
I’m so sad that your Daddy is gone but so happy that you had so many years. Mine passed when I was 23 after being sick and not himself for 12 years. I look forward to meeting with him again in the great by and by. Hugs and kisses!
Susan – What a refreshing post to read (until we get to the part of you losing your Dad – so sorry) with all that is going on in this old world. You certainly deserve all of the praise and applause for all of your hard and beautiful work. Hope you enjoy your family reunion as much as you can. I don’t think we girls ever get over the loss of a Dad. I haven’t.
Have a great trip.
Judy
Glad you had a glorious trip and a wonderful return home. And SO glad you are going to be with your beloved family!!! May the grace and comfort and peace of heaven rest upon you and carry you in these days……… XOXO
Tears. Through your books I have re-lived my life….sixties, seventies, broken heart (very public) , miracle love again at 50….my dad passed away in February. I somehow saved a voice message from him that said, “You don’t have to call me back. I just called to see if you slept well, and to tell you I love you.” I hope you can sleep well, Girlfriend. We love you!
So very sorry to hear about our blog-daddy! He raised a wonderful, wonderful daughter. He was blessed!
I really enjoyed reading this post. I had tickets for your tea in New Hope, PA (looked forward to it for months and months!) but could not make it. Your book “Martha’s Vineyard” carried me through a few difficult days. I rationed how much I could read each day because I didn’t want it to end!
Will be praying for you!
Blessings and lots of hugs!
Dear Susan,
I just think this was the most beautiful blog you have ever written. I smiled all through the read. You are so special and beloved by your family and “girlfriends” everywhere. Thank you for being a kind, caring, and so very talented lady. You make a difference in my life.
Congratulations on being on the best seller list. A sweet surprise gift to you for the hard and happy work of the “Sue” trilogy. I am so happy for you!
My sincerest sympathies for the passing of your Dad. Isn’t is nice that he got to be a part of all your achievements and special moments in your life. Now he gets to be your heavenly guardian angel, while Joe continues his work here as your
earthly guardian angel. You are very blessed.
Claudia
I’m so sorry for your loss, Susan.
I am so sorry my dear. I lost my angel mom 5 years ago and miss her so much. but God is good and I have so many memories. Every day I remember some sweet words of wisdom and faith that she left imprinted on my canvas of memories…lovely watercolored memories as the song says. Just close your eyes and Daddy will be there painting for you all the lovely and special things you had together. You will be in my prayers. Much Love too.
Oh Susan, you are in my thoughts as I read about the loss of your father; I felt like I knew him through his funny blog posts and your precious memories of him. You helped me when I lost my own Dad; I remember reading your Summer book soon after and feeling hopeful for happier times, for looking forward again. They are the first men we ever love and we carry them in our hearts always. Take very gentle care of yourself.
OH dear sweet Susan! I am so sorry for your loss!! Your many stories of his love for family, his humor along with strength will always be remembered! He always brought a smile to my face with his comments on your blog. I cried reading this as I have also lost my Dad and miss him so! May the sweet memories you’ll always have of him wrap it’s loving arms around you. Thinking and praying for you and your family as you love on each other and remember him! May peace surround you all! Love and HUGS!! xoxo
It was such a pleasure to finally meet you!! Joe is THE MAN!! What a great traveling partner you have there!! You both are so blessed!!
oh susan, I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. and also feel bad you continued a book tour when you were in pain. big big hug to you and i'[m crying too. I liked hearing you talk about him and then he would leave comments on the blog which make me laugh. Will be praying for you and your entire family. God is near the broken hearted. The Lord is our Shepherd.
My dad and I knew it could happen. We talked about it way before we left on this tour and he told me that I wasn’t to let anyone down. And I tried not to, especially, not him.
You did a wonderful job Susan and I know he is smiling down on you and oh so proud of you!
Oh my Susan…so sorry to hear about your Dad. I had a strange feeling that something wasn’t quite right. I guess we’ve come to know you all too well. I came to your blog a few years ago when my Dad passed away and I kind of adopted your Dad as well. You showed me such compassion and I’ll never forget it. So I cry along with you as I remember. When you hurt, we hurt. As all the pieces are coming together and I’ve wondered how you managed to do what you just did, your above post explains it all. Your Dad has left you an amazing legacy. No wonder you are who you are today and you’ve been able to do what you have done in life. Your Dad has provided a strength, a love, a soundness, a wisdom in life that will continue to carry you through the days, weeks and months ahead. You have seen me through the death of my dear Dad, a battle through cancer that I shouldn’t have survived, and so many other hard things, and now I know where that strength in you originated. There’s a verse in the Bible that says “your gift will make room for you.” Your Dad has passed amazing things on to you and you have taken those gifts and changed the world. I know he was very proud of you. I know I wouldn’t even be here to write this message had it not been for God working through you and the many prayers and support of the Girlfriends. As you have said before, “there are no coincidences.” Sending many hugs and prayers to you and your family. God will never leave you nor forsake you. XXOO
Just beautiful ~ thank you so much for your words. xoxo
Dear Susan, help! I am not finding the potato chip cookie recipe in my new heart of the home 30th Anniversary Edition. Am I looking in the wrong book? Debby
Oh, Susan! I am so sorry for your loss! I have recently ( in April) lost my stepfather. He was a precious man who had lived with me since my mother’s death in 2007. I had stopped working full time in 2009 to care for him, so life is now very different. I am amazed at your courage in carrying on with the book tour. The pace would be grueling under the best of circumstances and to proceed with it while dealing with a very fresh grief had to be especially hard. So, THANK YOU for the joy you gave so many of us by coming to see us.
A friend and I came to see you at Magnolia Hall (Foxtales book shop in Woodstock, Ga.) and as we had a reservation for tea at 3:00, we left our books for you to sign. We went back to the bookstore to retrieve them after tea and were ecstatic to find that you & Joe were COMING to the store! It was so delightful and not at all crowded as it had been at Magnolia Hall. We were so excited to visit with you as you signed our books!
By the way, if you have not read it, I can recommend Gladys Taber’s book, A Different Path, that she wrote after “Jill’s” death. I found her gentle words and deep wisdom to be very comforting.
Blessings and hugs to you, Joe and the kitties!
Dear Susan,
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad! This is such a difficult time, but I can’t think of anything more comforting and restorative than spending time with family and friends (including kitties) and being surrounded by nature. I hope you find comfort, strength, and peace in the mountains.
Georgia
Susan, I came on over to your blog just to check, like always, to see if you’d posted; been thinking of you and wondering how good it must feel to get home; how exhausted you must feel. A road trip can wear on you. It was such a long journey; a working ‘vacation’ (sightseeing, yes, but not really a vacation). Then, to read here that you’ve lost beloved Blog Daddy (I’d noticed his absence) and yet you had no choice but to soldier on and with the biggest broken heart…bless you, darling person; I am so very sorry for your loss. I’m sitting here with tears rolling down my face for you. I know you will talk about it more when you can. His comments here on the blog were delightful; I enjoyed him so much. How wonderful that he lived to see you reinvent your life and enjoy the best love and success. Imagine his pride. Nothing made my sorely-missed dad happier than seeing my own happiness. I do believe my father was the most important person/influence in my life, no disrespect to my husband. A huge part of who I am…my moral core…is because of my stellar dad. My heart goes out to you. You are made of strong stuff. How can we help you, dear? You do so much for all of us. Just say the word. Wish I could give you a big hug from here in Southern Calif.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
~Matthew 5:4
Aren’t we blessed to have had such wonderful fathers that losing them is such heartbreak. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
kim
Lovely long blog. Lovely girlfriends. Lovely you. Meeting you last week at Bookends was the highlight of my Summer (my year too), Susan. That you could carry on for weeks with such heartache of losing Blog Daddy makes my admiration for you that much greater. Having lost my Dad 15 years ago, I have a sense of what you’ve been going through and I am truly sorry. Take comfort in the many years you were blessed to have with him. Eventually you’ll be able to smile through the tears. And please offer my condolences to all of your siblings as you celebrate his life together in Colorado. Much love! xoxo
Dear Susan,
In her book “Dakota,” Kathleen Norris writes,”I once heard a version of heaven from a Benedictine nun. In one version, heaven is full of people you love, and in the other, you love everyone who is there.” I believe both versions.
It is so hard to part with those we love on this beautiful earth. XO
So grateful that I was able to meet you at “The Learned Owl” In Hudson OH. You signed “Isle Of Dreams” for my daughter Lizzy Miller. I spent a week with my redhead in NYC. I cannot tell you how delighted she was to receive the signed book. Sending prayers for comfort and peace and healing time with your family.
Love,
Anne Miller
Dearest Susan: There is no place like home. Welcome back to Mass. We missed you. I am so sorry to hear of Blog Daddy’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. The memories sustain us. May you be comforted in knowing that those memories will live forever in your heart. Love you, Susan. It was wonderful to meet you & Joe in CT. Love, Asha oxoxox
Sweet Susan, What a wonderful post sharing your adventures on the road with us. It was an honor to meet you and Joe at Malaprop’s in Asheville, and worth every mile we drove from Michigan to be there. I can even see myself in one of the audience pictures!
I am so deeply sorry to learn that you lost your dearest daddy. No matter how long we get to have our dads with us, we are never ready to let them go. Mine has been gone for over 10 years, and I still get the urge to pick up the phone and call him. My heart goes out to you. I’m sure many sweet memories will be shared next week in Colorado and you will always hold them close to your heart.
Dear sweet Sue & Joe, my prayers, & tears are with you for your loss! I feel that your Dad has gone on to be another one of your wonderful, precious guardian angels. We’ll all treasure Blog Daddy’s terrific comments & his cleverness, wittiness, & what a truly charming gentleman!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing him with us all! Love & prayers for you and your family. XOXOXOXO
Dear Susan,
Deepest condolences on the passing of your Dad. It was so much fun to look forward to his posts and your loving back and forth father and daughter banter. Crying with you because I will miss that, and the feeling of having a – in a way, through the blog, and I hope you won’t think I’m silly – a surrogate father since mine passed away in 1986. You have many happy times to remember, and we’ve all been lucky because you have shared them with all of us through your books, your blog, and twitter.
Hugs,
Marianne
Actually my dad felt like a surrogate father when he came to leave comments here, he would be honored to hear you say that Marianne!
Thank you, Susan, so very, very much!
Dearest Susan, I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet dad. I know all the emotions you’re feeling right now…it’s very hard. How wonderful that you have a heart full of beautiful memories. Grab onto them. And thank you for sharing this amazing man with all of us. XO
Hi Susan! I’ve just finished reading your Fairytale Girl book and I love love loved it!!!!! It’s so cool to know that there are real people out there who have been able to achieve their fairytale lives. (I still can’t believe you met the Beatles by sneaking into the house they were renting!) Thank you so much for sharing your stories (loved the Fine Romance book also). I can’t wait to pick up a copy of Martha’s Vineyard. xoxoxox
Dearest Susan…..welcome home! So very sorry to hear about your Daddy. I hope you have a wonderful trip down memory lane in Colorado. It’s good to all be together at times like this. Remember……families are forever. ❤
Your father isn’t gone because you are blessed with lots of siblings. There will never be a time when you are with one or all that you don’t say, “Remember how much Daddy loved…”. He will always be a part of your life. My sincerest condolences.
…..oh that ending. Time does heal but the memories last forever. You made him so proud. We are thinking of you and Joe. xoxoxo
Condolences… I understand…
Big hug for you dear one! Keeping you in our prayers for safe travels by train. Such a lovely trip you had and joy to be back home even if short lived for the moment. Enjoy the train and your family and know we are waiting here to find out what adventure you will take next…and hopefully write a book about…hint, hint!
love and prayers, jep
Aw! I’ve missed you! I’m so glad you get to come to Colorado and stay in a mountain house, loving on your family!
Take care and thank you for giving so much, so well.
Susan, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet Blog Daddy. Your post, as always, was a welcome port in the storm that has been going on for the past while. Lots of hugs, and thank you.
God is smiling down on you from Heaven since your Daddy is there smiling, too. Peace in your heart is what I wish for you and your family. I feel as if I know you through all your wonderful sharing. Love to you each day.
I am only a third-ish of the way through your lovely blog book, but I loved seeing Jack and Girl Kitty! Such faces, enough to make one feel really guilty, but what a lovely time you and Joe had with all the lucky folks along the way! Maybe they practiced up on their rope tying skills, and with a bit of help from your froggy they may have a sabotage plan for any future road trips! Our Daisy kitty moved with my hubby to an apt. where his new job takes him during the week. Sigh, 125 miles away, but it is a nice drive that takes one to Poulsbo and Sluy’s Bakery and the BEST Cranberry Orange scones–your pic with plates and plates of scones made me drool! That “THINK” poster hangs in my friend’s classroom and I always find it good advice just for me as well as all the children. So on this cloudy, breezy day sitting alone here on the first weekend before hubby starts his new job Monday, your blog is just what I needed. And once that first paycheck comes, I can get to it consoling myself with the trilogy of your life adventure. I am so looking forward to that! Now back to your wonderful saga for more of your trip!
Dear Susan,
Thanks for sharing your beautiful trip. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to meet you in Missouri. I am so sad to hear about your daddy. I know he was so special and you have so many memories that will be with you always. Have a safe trip to Colorado.
Thank you for taking us on your journey(s) right here. Peace to you on the loss of your father. How lucky you both were. Safe travels ahead. Thank you for making my life prettier.
Oh Susan, I just loved reading this post. My friend Julie and I were lucky to get to see you at Vroman’s in Pasadena. Your books leave me feeling as though you are one of my best friends, and meeting you in person just confirmed that! You are artistic, articulate, and approachable…a wonderful combination! I am glad that you and Joe made it home safely. My heart goes out to you on the loss of your father. I know from experience how it hurts to lose someone so dear to you and that has been there for you during you whole life. Enjoy the time at your family reunion…a well deserved and necessary time to reconnect and remember. And may you be blessed and comforted…as you have done for so many others.
What a wonderful, heart healing and heartbreaking post. The wonderful part was you taking us all along on your fabulous trip. Seeing the girlfriends, all the smiling faces, the beautiful land we are lucky enough to share with each other, was so wonderful! That was the heart healing part. With all that has gone on this past week, which has brought unbelievable sadness to us all, to see the kind faces and good hearts reminds us that there are so many good people. Hopefully, we will all continue to press congress for rational gun laws, which the majority of us want.
The heartbreaking part was not only the national tragedies that took place in different parts of our country, but you losing you Dad. It has happened to so many of us. We understand your pain and hope you know our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family.
Susan, I was so sad to be on the East Coast when you were on my West Coast (Danville) I did get the chance to meet Elizabeth and Fran from Titcombs when I went to my first Gladys Taber reunion in Eastham. I was able to get a couple of your books at the reunion and that was very special to me. I thought of you as I headed to the Islands from the Cape as well. Looking forward to hearing more from you now that you are home.
Oh Susan! Thank you for sharing this post with us. I am so glad and grateful that you and Joe had a wonderful trip and were back home. I rejoiced with you over the many blessings you had during the road trip. But how my heart broke to hear about your dad. Carrie and mari1017 expressed very well what I want to tell you. I pray you can take time to follow your prescription for restoring hopeful hearts and that your train trip with Joe does much to help the process. Please be gentle with yourself and give yourself and your family a great deal of grace and love. And know that we are praying for you and your family.
So sorry for your loss Susan. Know he was so proud of you and all the beautiful art, wisdom and love you spread into our world. You got the very most from your relationship – he loved you very much and knew how you adored him. You are in my prayers 💚
Each day I open my email and think, “There has to be a blog post from Susan…” Yay! Today, finally! Thanks Susan. Glad you had a great trip, but I know how nice it is to be home too. So sorry about your father. I lost my mom last August. I still have trouble believing it sometimes!
Hi Susan, Thank you for sharing your wonderful book tour. I wish I could have been at one of the signings. I can only imagine how good it must have felt to finally be home. Oh, but the memories, the memories! Hopefully I’ll get to see you in Long Island sometime soon! I am so very sorry to hear about your dad aka, Blog Daddy. It’s a hard thing to lose a daddy but they live forever in our hearts, don’t they. Our dear friend Clare in the U.K. finished A Fine Romance and I have a copy of Isle of Dreams waiting for her when she arrives in September! We met her and her lovely mum and dad in the QM2!
A wonderful family reunion and be well and be happy! Love, Karen
So sorry about your dad. It is such a loss. Thinking of you, from Santa Fe.
Dear Susan, Loved your post, especially all the smiles. You are a lovely person that gives us all a reason to smile. Big hugs to you on your loss….it does get better until you see someone who reminds you of your Daddy or you read about someone else’s loss. It’s been five years but my tears are flowing. Bless you my dear.
xoxo Pam
Dearest of Dears…First off….as so many of us will do…my heart broke at the news of your Daddy. We ‘knew’ in our hearts. I couldn’t even bear to ask. My Daddy has been gone now for 27 years. It truly seems like forever & only yesterday. There’s a passage in a book by Anne Tyler, “Back When We Were Grownups” that really expresses well….”People imagine that missing a loved One works kind of like missing cigarettes. The first day is really hard, but the next day is less hard and so forth, easier and easier the longer you go on. But instead it’s like missing water. Every day, you notice the person’s absence more.” And it’s true. I still miss my Daddy like Crazy. But the stories and the love we all share of that person goes on. It never goes away. You are in my heart, my thoughts & my prayers. You n’ Joe & your whole Family.
Ok….tears to laughter…to such warm feelings…What A Love Fest Indeed! I am still ‘dining’ off this! Y’all’s Grand Adventure (as Pooh calls these things)…was Incredible! Meeting y’all in person…I can’t find the words! Except I read these somewhere…it rings true of you dear heart…”You are more than we ever expected and Better than we ever imagined!” So absolutely Spot On!
The Tea Parties…Fund Raisers…the Hats!…Independent Bookstores coast to coast. The amazingly beautiful F.O.S.B.s…Standing Ovations! And Book People in Austin! We did indeed do our part in Keeping Austin Weird! Rachel’s cookys were such a delicious gift of Love. And meeting her and Sarah and Julie and Lisa! I shall be thinking of Sarah while she’s up there on Cape Cod with y’all. All Incredible! I cannot say enough about you n’ your Darlin’ Joe. My Darlin’ Jesse enjoyed everything nearly as much as I did…he took a lot of super snaps! And I loved meeting everyone. Getting you both to sign my Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams book, well, Just a dream itself. I truly think Book People really underestimated the love & following you inspire in us! I know there were over 100 of us there! We got there at 11:00 am…I had to savor & soak in every minute of that day. And we were there until after 5:00 pm. Saw Joe carrying things out to the van & waved & woohooed “bye Joe! Give Susan our Love! Safe Travels! Appreciate Y’all!” until we disappeared into traffic. It was the Best! the Bestest! Senior ‘senior’ Road Trip Ever! I’m so glad I waited until I was 62 to graduate high school! By the way…I got my diploma in this week! Will take a snap & post it!…
Then…my dear friend Melanie got to meet you in Grapevine at The British Emporium…she was in that lovely white dress with a widebrim hat…got me your newest Heart of the Home! Signed! I was so surprised when she said that y’all remembered me! “Get Out!” I told her! “No, Way!”…Y’all truly are the most kind, loving, gracious, down to earth couple. This has rambled on Hon, and I know hundreds others are waiting their turns and y’all are so busy…busy…busy. So I shall close here. I’m still quite teary-eyed, so I think I’ll go up on the hill where there’s a nice breeze and visit with the goats and chickens. They do so enjoy hearing me retell your Blogs. Be Safe. Feel Loved. You are dearly loved by us all worldwide. And Thank Ya’ll from the Bottom of My Heart.
Thanks for the touching photos of the trip of a lifetime. So sorry about your father. I miss mine do much. Please know we are grateful for your stop at Main Street Books in St. Charles, Missouri! It was a delight to assist you. We will never forget you! Please come back. Hugs from all of us, Ann Hazelwood
This was one of your most beautiful posts ever! I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my sister to early onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 58 and I’m coming up on a year since it happened and it is still heartbreaking but I take comfort in the fact that she is whole again and has her memory back.
I also wish I knew you were going to be here in California so close to me – with work, I sometimes lose track of things like that. I would have come to see you! Thank you for the joy you bring to me and so many others. I just ordered your book and can’t wait to start reading it. 🙂
Dearest Susan, my heart goes out to you at this time. I know your trip to CO will be good for your heart & soul. What a grand adventure you have had!!! I have all of your books…they will stay with me forever. My heart also hurt a bit when the kitties took time to remember. Love them to pieces….hugs to you…so glad you are home. Erica💕
My prayers go out to you and your family for your loss. Just want you to know you are a blessing in my life. Sending love and condolences .
Dearest Susan,
I am crying here for you and so very sorry! There are no words. Now that I have met you I feel so much closer to you and really want to hug you through this. Feel my hugs from afar and know I am praying for you and your sweet family. You are the number one kindred spirit who brought us all together and we all love you. Our hearts are breaking with you.
With much love from Texas,
Lisa Hay xoxoxo
Oh Susan, so very sorry about your Dad. You have always amazed me, but to have gone through losing your Dad and still holding it together along the book tour. WOW!! Lost my Daddy to lung cancer 9 years ago and it’s still so hard. Thoughts of love to you and may you find great comfort in all the wonderful memories. Meeting you and Joe at Malaprops was so amazing. Something I needed at that time, more than you will ever know. We all have our stories! Glad you enjoyed the zuchinni cake and that my little vintage hankie has found its place on Martha’s Vineyard as part of your loving home. With love and prayers….Becky Maggio
Susan, your posts always brighten my day. I wish I could meet you one day. Your books, from the cookbooks which line my kitchen shelf to the stories of your journeys have always been an inspiration. Looking forward to the new cookbook, my old one is quite well worn!
I am so sorry about your dad’s passing. I lost mine 25 years ago and it still feels like yesterday, but we did have their wonderful love and devotion and are better people for all they gave to us. Bless you and your family as you celebrate his life.
Those who remain in our hearts never leave us.
xo
Dear dear Susan,
My three girlfriends and I attended your event at Malaprop’s Bookstore in Asheville, NC. It was the highlight of my year, really. You are, by far, the most down to earth woman I know. When I read that you brought a bag full of coins to do your laundry on the road, it floored me. I know you must be making a ton of money with the sales of your trilogy, but it has not changed who you are and I don’t think it ever will. I will be in London all of September and I will try my utmost to attend the tea party. I am sorry about you loosing your father. Much love.
Colette
My heart goes out to you. Losing a parent is so hard. But your blog post was wonderful, full of love and wonderful things, and yes a little sadness. Just like life. Thank you for sharing with us.
I burst into spontaneous tears when I read about the passing of your daddy. 🙁 So sad for you. Long distance hug from Texas.
I enjoyed following your adventures. It all sounded so wonderful, until I got to the end. I am so sorry to hear of your daddy’s passing. My dad died 2 years ago, and I still miss him every day. But, the memories only become more treasured with each passing day. God bless you, Susan.
Dear Susan, My heart is breaking for you and Joe. I know what is feels like to lose a beloved father. There are no words that can fill the emptiness in your heart…but perhaps it will help to know others care.
Dear Susan,
Though unable to see one of your talks, I traveled along with you and Joe, seeing all the wonderful stops where you met the girlfriends.
As usual your blog is a beautiful one-with many happy times and special thoughts. I am so sad to hear about your Dad, and so very sorry for you. I know the depth of sorrow in losing a dad; I still cry and remember, and in reading your post, I cry with you. I always loved reading Blog Daddy’s posts, and I know you have such deep and lasting memories. Carrie said it best.
May peace and love continue to surround you. And as you remember with your
family I know you will feel your Dad with you.
Love to you….
Dear Susan,
I was so excited to hear that you were within 2 miles of where I live (Colleyville, Tx) when you were at the British Emporium. I shop there often for the teas that I give for friends. It is a great place to shop for many things British.
I was so sad to learn of the passing of your father. My father will be gone for 22 years this September 11th (my 70th birthday) and I must say that remembering him is easy, I do it every day. Missing him is the heartache that never goes away. May you be comforted by the happy memories of your sweet father.
So happy to open my mail and find this incredibly long blog…it was wonderful to relive the journey across America and back home with you. It was a highlight of my year to attend the Morro Bay lecture and meet you. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. After what you just shared here, I don’t know how you held it together! Be blessed as you spend time with your family in Colorado remembering the very special man in your life. 💙
Oh Susan, I am so, so sorry about your dad. I had this odd feeling that something was wrong and I just couldn’t put my finger on it. I completely understand your not being able to talk about it much right now. I don’t know how you carried on with all your speaking events. You are, without a doubt, the strongest woman I know. I know your daddy was proud as pumpkin of you. Your father (and mother) did a smashing job on raising you, your brothers and sisters. And thank goodness for that dear Joe Hall who takes such good care of you. I hope you and your family have a long and memorable family group hug.