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
Thank you for visiting Texas. I am so very sorry about your dad. I know what it is like to love a dad so much it hurts. I am saying a prayer for you and for your Angel Day. I know he is looking upon you with love and pride and telling all those other Angels all about his little girl. Sending this message with love. Mary
Sweet Sad Susan, My heart is broken for you. It was so happy for all the joys of your trip and then your confession. Daddy’s are so important to their girls. Take time now to cry and heal. Your girlfriends understand. We love you. My daddy has been gone 40 years and I miss him still. Always will, and so will you. Memories will get you through.
I a sending you lots of love and bunches of bunny hugs to help you.
Shirley in Texas
Dearest Susan (I so have to hold myself back from calling you ‘Sue’. I feel like you are one of my closest friends, tho we have never met! I’ve been enjoying your artwork and recipes since I first bought Heart of the Home when it was published in 1986 …) I love this post; I smiled big smiles as I scrolled through all of your pictures of you, and of your road trip with Joe, and of all of your beautiful, smiling fans! I was so wistful to be there, too! I hope to be at one of your book signings and am hoping you will come to the eastern shore one day. I’m close to Washington DC, but I rather prefer the Shore and will happily drive there to see you!
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I lost my dad in 2013, and I think of him every day, and how much I miss our walks and our talks. Things just aren’t the same without him. Love and blessings to you. Thank you for bringing such sweetness to my life! You have truly made a difference ❤❤❤
Oh Susan, had been waiting patiently so long for this post, knew it would be a good one, and it is! I love all the pictures of the wonderful girlfriends (and boyfriends) young and old, smiling faces, beautiful personalities shining through in their smiles and in their eyes, wonderful little bookstores, all the gorgeous scenery of the mountains, deserts and countrysides, I felt like I took a vacation just looking at them! But then at the end, you told us about loosing your precious Daddy, and suddenly I couldn’t see the computer screen anymore and the tears began to flow. I’m so sorry to hear this, you’ve talked about him so much on here, and he’s commented many times on your blog, I think we girlfriends feel like we knew him too just a little bit. I lost my daddy in 1996, and the pain is still there, better, but still there twenty years later. You do get through it, because life goes on, you draw on the love of friends and family and remember the good precious times, the happy memories and are so very thankful you had them as long as you did. It’s good you’re off to meet with your family, and I wish you safe traveling to Colorado on the train. It’s great to have you and your blog back, we know you’ll keep in touch when you can. God speed and XOXOXOX
Susan, so very sad to hear about your Dad. Your memories will help all of you with this loss and the idea of a group hug sounds like such a wonderful idea. Enjoy your time in Colorado and give each other extra squeezes. I love the “Think” sign and I am going to type it up and make a laminated copy to hang in my home for my grandchildren to see. A wonderful lesson to be learned by all especially in these times. Cathy
Just loved reading about your wonderful trip – now crying for such sadness you’ve been experiencing. Love you and look forward to the day I will someday meet you and Joe!!! So sorry about your dad…
So very, very sorry to hear about your Dad. There are no words to comfort you. How brave you were to keep that sorrowful news private til you got home. Now let the tears come and when you can, read your own wonderful blogs of this trip which meant so much to all the girlfriends who were there and to all of us who are sharing the joy thru your posts and photos. May the knowledge of how many people love you and your endless creativity bring you some comfort now and in the coming days.
There you are back at home. I have been thinking about you and how delightful it was to meet you in person at Rakestraw Books in Danville, CA. I was one of the last in the door that evening, worth every minute. Loved the ladies I am pictured with above in your Blog! They made the wait so much fun! Do you remember on of the ladies said you were the “guru of cozy living”! Love!
Dear Susan,
As always, I loved your blog. Your joy in this country and its people is so palatable! Thank you. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Early this morning we were blessed with a new grand daughter. About 2 am, after the call, I found myself talking to both the great grandmas and wishing that they could have been here to share in our joy. Your loved ones will always be missed, but their love still surrounds you. And, if you are like me (and I suspect you are), you can still talk with them and hear them answer. Enjoy your reunion. I am sure your dad will love it.
Congratulations on your new baby, that was so touching. xoxo
Dearest Susan,
I loved reading your loooooooooong overview of your amazing trip across America. I was so excited to see my hubby Paul & I in the group pic outside Rakestraw Books in Danville, CA. The evening was magical & we loved seeing you and Joe again. I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your sweet Daddy. I know that all the wonderful memories he left with you will give you comfort in the months ahead. He had a big part in making you the incredible person you are today & I know you’ll keep his memory alive in future blogs & books. Sending warm hugs your way.
Sue,
My dear friend, Nancy and I were able to see you in Wilmette, IL. So sorry to hear about your dad. Mine has been gone almost 6 years. Our parents are truly irreplaceable. Just like you, I am so thankful I had my dad (and my mother, who has been gone almost 5 years) for as long as I did. They live on in my and my sister’s wonderful memories, as well as my 3 children’s and those of their many friends. I have a plaque on the mantel next to a photograph of them that reads: “The greatest gift we can give to those who have left us is to live fully in their place”. Safe travels and blessings to you and your extended family members as you gather to celebrate your father’s life.
Dearest Susan, I’m totally embarrassed as I did not know you lost your father. I somehow must have lost have your blog on that… May you find happiness in all your memories. Welcome home and enjoy your ” things ” it’s comforting to have memories around you. Keep Joe close. God bless. Julie in Cape Coral Florida
Yesterday was my birthday but the gift arrived today, your post! Followed you on Facebook but am really happy you are back on Martha’s Vineyard. I’m lucky enough to have traveled to almost all of the places you write about, and though we’ve not actually met, I’m proud to be one of your girlfriends. Thanks so much for being you, writing about it and sharing. With love to you and Joe.
Oh, Susan. What a wonderful blog…and then the end. Thank you for sharing your heart. I know your pain. I discovered your blog not long after I lost my mother in 2011. Your blog helped me through many hard days. I pray (and I know) that memories will sustain you. My condolences to all of you. Hugs from Maine.
Crying…what else is there to say????
Firstly, my heart goes out to you and your family. Lots of love and hugs as you start embroidering your wonderful memories of your father into your days without him here.
And thank you for this post! It was such a joy and privilege to get to meet you in person (because I have felt for so long as though I’ve already met you in some ways). Seeing the pic of me and my little girls (and shoes) on your blog makes me feel like a minor celebrity. Ha!
As I’m sure you know, you and the work of your hands and heart bring love to so many people, it is such fun to see everyone along the book tour.
xoxo
Well, that was such an enjoyable post! I did make myself a small pot of tea, settled into a cozy spot and read from start to finish while my daughter napped – it was just like a mini-vacation! Thank-you for giving us a glimpse of your life on the road. Condolences and much love to you from Ontario, Canada on the death of your father. xoxo
Dear Sweet Susan,
Perfect to be with your family celebrating and sharing stories of handsome Blog Daddy. He will live on in your special memories and forever in your books.
Thank you for the sharing him with us all these years, it has been a privilege to meet and get to know him through your beautiful and thoughtful prose. Prayerful thoughts for you and your family. XO Didi
Susan, I am 68 and new to your books and the blog….why it took me so long I just don’t know, but we are kindred spirits and former California girls. I absolutely loved your memoir trilogy, especially the romantic tour through the English countryside, and will be reading it a second time soon. So sorry about your dad, but like mine he had a good long life and was well-loved. If you ever make a trip to the Burlington VT area, I will be first in line! Thanks for sharing your special gifts!
Oh Susan,
I am sorry your Daddy is gone from here, but I know you will see him again. God bless and comfort you and your family. I feel I have lost a friend I never met. xxoo Carol
I’m sorry to hear about your Dad. I know what that’s like. I lost my Mom a year
and a half ago and it’s still hard. Just remember the good memories and it won’t be so bad.
Dearest Susan, I’m so very sorry to hear about your Dad. This may sound strange but I could “feel” in my heart that something had happened to him or your Mom. I kept telling my husband that I thought something was wrong. Maybe it’s because I lost my Dad in February. I think our broken hearts were somehow reaching out to each other. There really are no words to explain how it feels to lose your Dad. It just feels like there is a crack in the foundation of my very being. Now with that said, gotta go. Getting a bit teary eyed. With blessings and love, Anne
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. It is a huge loss, one that I have also had. I am sure there are no words to truly comfort your soul. But knowing there are those who care perhaps can lend a bit of healing comfort.
Your road trip sounds wonderful. But I bet you were glad to come home. I am sorry you have to be off so soon, but try to enjoy it, in spite of the reason behind it all. It will be good to be with family and close friends.
God Bless.
Oh Susan, Thank you for taking the time to write to all of us. My friends and I were so lucky to see you in the beginning of your trip in Plainville, MA. It wasn’t the first time we moved Heaven and Earth to be with you…of course, the book talk was lovely, entertaining and just perfect! As you and & Joe criss-crossed America you brought all of us together and spread such joy through the recounting of your life, your dreams, your art, passions, and your love of family and friends.
I am very sorry to hear your Dad passed away. What a proud Dad he must be to follow his daughter and Joe, live a wonderful life together and create a whorl of happiness and love wherever you go by just being your lovely selves.
❤️sending love, Martha Noon
So very sorry to hear about your dad. It’s been 15 years since my father died, and I miss him every day. But I also feel his presence every day, and I know you will feel the presence of yours, too. (You probably already do.) I’ll miss hearing about him in your blogs.
“Kindred friends” says Anne with an “e” and we don’t even have to meet. Thank you for just being you and staying true to your values and life style. Having to hide such a sad secret in order to make us stay in a happy place while visiting with you is all YOU. I am sorry you have lost your Dad on earth, but his is so alive in your heart and you can hear his voice in your ear. He will be in your everyday life in so many ways that you’ll actually turn around to tell him something and the tsunami of grief will take over. It takes a long time to for the waves of grief to lessen, but they do and your strength and belief will allow you to float over the tough ones. I lost my Mom a year ago and every once in a while, I forget she’s gone, and grab the phone to share something with her. Ah life, when it’s lived to its fullest it sparkles like a kaleidoscope as your slowly turn it, with only a few dark spots – oh darn, that was my finger blocking out the sun.
Hug the kitties and Joe and know you are loved and in prayers and hearts that you’ve touched throughout the years.
Dearie Susan,
I just wanted to express my condolences for the loss of you dad. It seems I have many such losses in my family. I can relate to how you must be. Sometimes there are no words, so you sit in silence. That’s when Walter the wonderful weenie dog would sit with me and we would just be. That Walter was my solace, my buddy. But then strange things happen when someone you love goes to heaven. Be aware. Magic happens. For my husband Marvin, it is pennies. I find them when I think of him in a wave of grief, or even unexpectedly. Like when I left to go to the ocean on a trip, which I hadn’t been to since I was there 9 years ago with him. I went to adjust my car side mirror, just before heading off, and there was a penny right by my car door. I knew it was that penny from heaven saying “I’m with you baby.” When I lost Walter I woke up from a nap and I swear he woke me up, because I felt his rough tongue licking the top of my foot, a habit he had before he’d rest his head. My mom comes to me when I hear others saying the same words she use to say,”this too shall pass” or “a little at a time, eventually you’ll get there.” And always I sense her when I miss her. I know she is still with me. Please take comfort in knowing the love never dies, and the magic of reminders given to us, just when we need them.
Always the love, Randi —-<—<–@
How blessed you were to have such a wonderful Dad. So many beautiful memories to hold on to.
Hi Susan,
I feel like I was on the trip with you and Joe! Thank you for taking the time to tell us all
about your trip. And Joe’s pictures were great.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. Having lost both of my parents I know that your heart is just crushed. But you will feel him with you everywhere you go. That’s how it’s been for me. I still feel that my parents are near me. God works in mysterious ways.
Have a safe trip to Colorado. I’ll be thinking about you.
Sarah Nunnelly
My heart aches over losing your sweet Daddy. I miss mine everyday and even though I tell people I’m ok, sometimes I’m really not. It’s just so hard. But then I remind myself how very blessed I am to know he’s still inside of me in so many ways, just as your precious Daddy is with you. Feel the love…
Thank you for sharing your trip. I will keep you in my prayers as you begin to grieve the passing of your Dad. ” To know great love, is to know great loss.”- Kahil Gibran
This year has been making my head spin. I lost my mom January 10th so, I share your tears. And after 50 years met my biological father for the first time. Please keep telling us about your dad. I will tell you something about my mom, who was as cool as they come. She could walk in high heels perfectly, I didn’t inherit that trait. I will always enjoy hearing about your dad and your entire family, don’t ever stop sharing. Sending you a virtual hug!
Love, Love, Love this post, it was pure joy to follow along with your journey. I am so sorry to hear about your Daddy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the time with your family bring you comfort, joy and lots of many happy memories. Travel Safe once again and thank you for sharing your creativity with us all.
So wonderful to hear you made it safely all around the USA! I’ve missed reading your lovely posts!! I feel the loss of your father with you and your hurting heart. The hurt will ease with time. But the ache may not. I’m sure you and your siblings will keep his memory alive. Glad you’re seeing them all soon. Family is such a precious gift!
Dear Susan…
I so love Beginnings and hate Endings…
My heart is broken to hear of the great loss of your dear father. I know how important he was to you and your entire family. I lost both my mom and dad in 2005 and it still brings me to tears. Hold on to Joe for comfort and your kitties for joy and your friends for support. Take time and take care.
Hugs and Kisses from all of us to you and yours, sweet Susan!
So loved getting to read a long blog again, but the kicker at the end has me weeping so I can hardly see to type. Now I get the long pauses in communication. Many questions, but I’m sure all the details will come in time. A train trip seems a soothing therapy for your heart. So long Jack, and may I say Good Job!!! I see him riding along with you on the train. The kitties are going to wonder, but maybe they know . . . Wishing you peace of mind.
Sylvia
Sniff. So satisfying (to hear about your epic trip at last) and heartwarming funny and inspiring and then sad at the end. Lots of tears going around now, for you and your dad, and for our own. It’s the human condition but that doesn’t make it any less painful for each and any one of us.
And now I realize I never did actually order Isle of Dreams — so will get right on that! And to celebrate your trip and all the smiling faces in all your photos, I am going to treat myself to Heart of the Home as an early birthday gift to myself.
Hugs to you, dear Susan.
Dear Susan~I am so very sorry to hear about Blog Daddy. I was so hopeful as I followed your journey on Twitter that you were able to see him while you were in Arizona. My heart goes out to you! My parents are both gone now, my mom just four years ago. It does get easier with time. I know he was with you watching from above throughout your tour and can only be so very proud of you! I will truly miss reading his comments on the Blog. Your blog post was wonderful! Picked up right where your last blog left off and it was like traveling those almost 10,000 miles right with you. Prayers are with you as you make your journey to Durango. It is a beautiful place that I visited many years ago. Find comfort in your family and get lots of nuzzles in with your adorable kitties! Hugs!
Oh darling girl….first of all my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear dad. He brought us all so much joy here. How difficult it must have been for you to put on a cheery face. You have sacrificed so much for all of us. I am in tears. Blessings to you you, my prayers for comfort, and I hope you get some rest before you take off yet again halfway across the country. Love you so much. Thank you for the joy you bring. xo….Karen
Dearest GF Susan, i cañot tell you how WONDERFUL it is to read your new blog and see all of the beautiful pictures from your trip! I smiled and even laughed at many of the cutie pies . Such joy! I really got a chuckle about Jack and Girl….and how she is now wolfing down her food since her mommy got back hmoe to her! I am only going to say one more thing……. that I am sending you virtual HUGS, COMFORT, AND PEACE right now. 😊 this girlfriend adores you and will keep you and your family in my prayers! Xoxoxo
Loved your blog. So very sorry to hear about your Dad. I lost mine a few years ago and the university where he was the Dean of the business school a few weeks ago honored him by naming the new Welcome Center after him. When I walked into the room where the event would take place, they had a huge portrait of my Dad at the front by the podium. I lost it. Tears welled up. When I looked to my siblings, they had the same reaction. I wasn’t expecting to see a portrait of him I don’t think it ever gets easy. Being a daddy’s girl, I have felt lost so many times. I said all that to say, I cried when I heard your news because I know the pain you feel and I am so sorry you are having to feel them.
My grandma made potatoe chip,cookies that I forgot all about. I am head to kitchen. To bake up some cookies and relive so,e precious memories of family. I had to put my kitty “Baby” down after having her for 19 years. So hard. She was family. I still have my son’s cat “Bella” and so grateful for her. Nothing like a sweet kitty to hug and cuddle when you feel a little sad or happy!
Take care. Can’t wait to get your new book.
Kath
I missed you. Write again when you can.
Hugs and kisses to you and all your family. Crying now for you and me and all the girls who miss their Daddy. I’m so sorry.
Dear Susan, So sorry to hear about your beloved Dad. You have wonderful memories to cherish. Sending a big hug.
Oh, Susan, Rachel and I were just discussing that we thought something had happened to your dad. You didn’t do a Father’s Day post this year. Sad for you to read of your profound loss. It’s not easy to let go, even when we’ve had the joy of having them for many more years than most. Still, it is a pain that goes to our core. My thoughts will be with you and your brothers and sisters as your hug and say your goodbyes to your sweet dad.
I can’t begin to tell you how special it was to have you and Joe here in Austin. You are the most sincere and dearest person ever. And Joe too! It’s no surprise that you have huge crowds of girlfriends and guys at each public event. I’m eagerly anticipating my next “visit” with you in Brewster end of this month. When I knew you were going to speak, I couldn’t order tickets fast enough. I’ll be flying up to join you, and I’ll be one of the “pack” of girlfriends out in the audience. Happy 150 Birthday, Beatrix Potter. 😉
By the way, Rachel and Celia and I met for lunch this week. You connect people every where you go. We are planning regular get togethers. Next up is tea at Full English. We’ll have a pot of lavender tea in your honor. Hope you enjoyed the English Caramel tea. It’s a bit different. Drinking some as I type. 😉
All the best for some restful time at home. Your garden is stunning. Thanks for taking the time to share all the photos and the update on your amazing cross country trip. You continue to inspire with all you do, girlfriend! Love and hugs from Austin, TX. See you on the 28th! ~ Sarah
So heartbroken to hear about the passing of your father. My dad was only 52 when we lost him. That was 30 years ago and I miss him as much today as I did then. Know that I am sending prayers for you and your family. I brought your three books with me when I took the train cross country in June. I’ll be sure to bring a photo when I see you at the Beatrix Potter Birthday Party in Brewster. Have a lovely train trip, I did!!!
I loved taking the journey with you Susan Branch. I can understand the huge crowds that came to your book signings. Makes me realize I’m just one of the many but I always think I had to be one of the first to discover you so many years ago. I got the new cookbook and went through it page by page to compare to the original. The new one is displayed in my kitchen as a piece of art. Life is full of happiness and sadness. We lose loved ones but never really. They make us who we are today. People like you restore our faith in the small things that make life wonderful. I loved the long blog, thank you.
Dear Susan,
I had my ticket to your Prescott tea for so long, yet a nasty stomach bug kept me from it, and almost kept me from a fabulous, longtime planned trip of a lifetime to Scandinavia. We left for the 3 week trip just 3 days after the tea, and it was fabulous, I was so blessed that healing came in time! I was so sad to miss you, and meeting Mary, getting to help set up as she had accepted my offer, and also meeting a new friend, Barb, who had contacted me about going together. I must say that all of that is nothing in comparison to losing your sweet dad. I am so very sorry, Susan, and I can relate in that last year I lost my mom in March, and my father-in-law in April. 2015 was very challenging, with mom’s failing health, and memorials being bittersweet: full of lovely family, friends, and memories, but of course, deep sadness. May your cherished memories comfort you and your family. Love and hugs from Nancy (gingerbread Snowflake lady).
Let your heart remember you Dad for all the great things he instilled in you. Through those you carry him into others lives. God comfort you b
I have never met you but I adore you more than you know. I read and re-read your books, delight in the wonderful illustartions. I am just starting to share your books with my 7 year old granddaughter Sienna. Thank you to God for you!
hugs, Diana
Woops illustrations!
Dear Susan, I was just loving every bit of this post, following along on your journey, and then when I got to the part about the loss of your beloved dad, my heart literally lurched and tears rolled down my face. My wonderful dear dad passed away 8 years ago on Tuesday, and my heart just breaks for you and your family and having to deal with such a tremendous loss. All those wonderful, countless, small and oh so big memories you have of him and your days and years together will be of such comfort to you and to your family, and I hope that all the comments, prayers and love that will pour forth here will comfort you, too.
Dear Susan so sorry for the loss of ‘dad’.
I have all 3 of your books now and I lend them to my dear friend at the pool. Some day I will leave them for her when my time comes to depart this earth. 🙂 I shared the last one to a new friend as I was leaving the pool this week and I bet she has already ordered hers.
Not much sense in me ordering the cookbooks as I don’t cook or bake any more. I don’t give gifts either as hubby daughter and I are the only family here. But if I find one of my friends might be interested I will head on over to Amazon. 🙂
I have never been so happy to get a blog post from you! We’ve really missed you! Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. I read every word with elation, until the end, then my heart just took a dive when I read about your dear sweet Dad. My prayers and love go out to you and Joe…
So So sorry to hear of the passing of Blog Daddy. Thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family. He’ll be right there with you all in Colorado!
I was thrilled to open your newest “journal” posting and I had to read it all at once – not in bits and pieces and if you had another one ready, I would be reading it too. I had the pleasure of meeting you in St Charles, Mo – the treat of a lifetime!!! You are just what I thought you would be – a real down-to-earth kind of gal. I have all your books and could read them over again. Happy to hear you are finally home but very sad to hear about your sweet Daddy. It has been 54 years for me and I still miss him every day. I know you will treasure all your memories and sharing all of them with your family in Colorado. Hugs and blessings, Carol
P.S. You are truly blessed with that man, Joe!!!!
Thank you thank you thank you- for sharing all the joy from the trip
with the girl friends who are ..ahem, a little longer away ( like Norway)
So we can not get to the book store. But we do love you too,
and celebrate your book with tea and Mary Janes with bows🎀
And beacause we love you we cry with you also, it is that easy and that hard.
🍃🌸Emma
💞
Dearest heart so sorry to read about the loss of your Daddy. Mine pass oh so long ago and way too soon. Weren’t we blessed to have loved and been loved so much that the parting breaks our hearts? Have read and loved all your books for so many years. Wish I could have attended one of your signings. I feel like we already know each other! God Bless you and your wonderful Joe and those kitty cats.
Reading along about your beautiful road trip, my eyes just filled with tears instantly when I read about Blog Daddy. I had such a connection with him – my great aunt and uncle living in Cottonwood and my own father spending time working in the Jerome copper mines. I adored my father, being an only child, and was fortunate to have him spend the last 15 years of his life living with me in San Diego until he passed in 2008 at age 96. How very fortunate we both were to have such loving men in our lives. Down the road, your beautiful memories will sustain you…I’m living proof…although I will miss him every day of my life. Prayers and BIG hugs to you, Susan.
thank you thank you…..take good good care…..love and prayers to your dad….safe journey…..you are a gift to us,
Regina, Seattle
SO sorry to hear about your Dad. Your heart must have been breaking into bits (and probably still is). Your tour sounds amazing and must have been such fun! All those happy faces wherever you went! I loved the Mirabel Osler quote at the beginning of your post. Her book “A Gentle Plea for Chaos” is one of my very favorite gardening books!
Dear ((((((((((Susan))))))))) – you are so very dear to me and to all of us girlfriends, I’m sure. Lovely trip, beautiful post, with such a sad ending… I’ll be thinking of you when you’re with the rest of your family. I know you will be such a comfort to each other. You have always known you are loved, at the very least, by your family, and what a precious gift that is. Even though blog daddy is not down here with us anymore, you know he’s watching you with pride from up above, and still sending all his love.
Dearest Susan, my heart is breaking for you. 💔 I’m so glad you’re getting together with your family. There is healing where there is lots of love.
Susan & Joe, there are no words really. Will be thinking of you lots. Wish I could pass along some of the comfort to you that you have given to me throughout the years thanks to your books. XOXO.
Your adventures are such a delight to read about. It’s wonderful to be amongst loving, happy people and feel that energy. Love attracts love, so you should be overflowing with it. The love grows and continues to flow to all of us – which is much appreciated these days.
Thank you for sharing your joy, and sorrow with us. That’s what friends are for. Sending you love, peace, and strength for you and your family.
So very sorry for your loss. You comforted me over 3 years ago when I lost my Daddy. I hope it helps to know that you bring so much joy to other people. And he will always be a part of you❤️
Oh Susan, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Mine “went on ahead” nineteen years ago, much too soon, and I still miss him every day. I am so glad you get a chance to be with your brothers and sisters to share great memories together. I just finished your trilogy …. wonderful stories and darling artwork. I also just picked up your first cookbook at a used bookstore and made the best linguine with clam sauce and your apple crisp for dessert. Both oldies but goodies that I had not made in years. Outstanding. I hope you did not change the recipes in your updated book. Enjoy being with your family…..
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I could tell over all the years of posts that he was someone very special in so many ways. You were so brave through that extraordinary time on the road. It had to be so bittersweet. At our age ( we are the same) it is wonderful to still have a parent or both. Take care and after the Durango trip I hope you and Joe can enjoy those small joys of life and heal. Fondly, Leslie in Maine
Dear, dear Susan,
Loved reading about your trip. Have your trilogy and Heart of the Home. Love them all !! So sorry to hear about your Dad. I still think of mine every day though he has been gone 34 years. Wonderful memories. Know that you are loved and prayed for. Big hugs to you and Joe both and snuggles for the kitties.
You’ve made me smile and laugh today. And then you made me cry. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. I was always so happy to see something posted from him.
love and prayers
Kay
I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. I feel very sad but what a blessing to have him in your life for so many years. This poem comes to mind:
“I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea. The setting sun tinted his white sails with a golden light, and as he disappeared from sight a voice at my side whispered, “He is gone”.
But the sea was a narrow one. On the farther shore a little band of friends had gathered to watch and wait in happy expectation. Suddenly they caught sight of the tiny sail and, at the very moment when my companion had whispered, “He is gone” a glad shout went up in joyous welcome, “Here he comes!””
I love this! Thanks for posting!
Susan I was enjoying catching up with all your adventures … and then you came to your dad. I didn’t have a dad in my life but I did have the most wonderful mother in the world. I lost her in 97 to ovarian cancer and I still have a hole in my heart for her. I’m so sorry you and your family are dealing with that same kind of whole but aren’t we both so blessed to have had a parent that was the bee’s knees!?! Not everyone has that kind of “wonderful” parent, so the good Lord has given you a gift of love – in your daddy. Prayers are going your way. Take good care of yourself.
What a wonderful post, must enjoy it a few more times! Wish it would have worked out for Seattle, but I’ll just keep the faith it will someday…. I love you! Xoxo!!
Oh my Sweet Susan, I am crying now. That was just such an enjoyable blog post, loved seeing all those pictures. Then, you wrote your daddy went home to Heaven, I am so so so sorry Susan. Life is never the same when we loose our mom or dad. I lost both of mine a few years ago. You feel lost but life does go on and I know you will enjoy every second. I will be saying a special prayer for you tonight Susan
deezie
I know when my father died I cried for many years and when my die died two years ago I can’t cry. Time helps and grieving takes many forms…just have to get thru it. I am glad you had a beautiful tour and can enjoy the “little” things. Thank you for all you shared. You helped me thru my Mother’s death more than you know. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Dearest Susan,
Oh, yes! Crying right along with you! Sending you special hugs and a shoulder as well. My dad was born on this very day in 1909, and we lost him in 1973, much too young!
It was such a special treat to be able to meet you and Joe and to talk with you! What a grand thing you made possible for all the girlfriends!
We are happy that the blueberries served you well on the trip. We are picking every day and still have plenty here!
Just when you’ve unpacked, you are packing again for another journey. We send our very best to you, as well as our caring thoughts!
xo Nellie
Dear, dear Susan, I am so sorry about your Dad. There are no words to express my feelings except that you were blessed to have had him for so long and he was blessed to have had you for so long. I’m going to miss seeing him on your Blog, but know that you will keep his memory alive for us. This blog is wonderful and I will read it several times to absorb all of those lovely, smiling faces……….all of them smiling because of you! xoxo
Like the first reply, I smiled and I cried through this post. I’m so sorry about your Dad. I hope you feel all the love from your girlfriends out here in cyberspace. Kitty love is great comfort too.
I’m glad you had a nice cross country trip. It may have been just what you needed at the right time.
Like everyone else, I cried at the last paragraph because, and probably again like everyone else, my thoughts flew to how much I miss my dad who’s been gone almost ten years. He was my best fan and cheerleader, and I’ll miss him forever. So my heart goes out to you, and I’m sending up prayers for you and your family, too.
Your post was not at all too long. I’m glad you added so many pictures. That way we could feel as if we were one of the group, no matter where they were gathered.
May each memory of your special father bring a smile to your face and a warm feeling in your heart.
Blessings as you grieve the loss. We never stop missing them.
What a wonderful surprise to read your post today. I am so sorry to hear about your Dad, my thoughts & prayers are with you. I hope you find comfort in the love all around you.
oh my, such a shock to read that about your darling dad… I actually gasped and had to stop reading. There are no words to tell you how sorry I am. I always enjoyed it so much when he’d write something in your blog, always made me laff. Great wit. And the courage and strength it took for you to continue your book tour, the sorrow behind the love – oh Sue, you truly are one of a kind. Thank you for this blog, for sharing yourself, your tour, the girlfriends and all the wonderful book stores and events. It’s simply amazing, how inspirational you are, just by being you, and how loved you are, just for being you. I can see why you were floating 3″ off the ground this tour. Thank you, for sharing with us over the years, so much of your dad. May God bless you and your family, as you draw strength and love from one another. Your dad will be so missed. May God bless him, for look what he gave us, in you. Hugs from Wende xo
Hi Susan, what a wonderful trip! Your posts usually make me smile, or sigh contentedly, or cry sometimes…but not often. I’m so sorry to hear about your dad- that part made me cry. Your comment about doing the things you do, even now, are often things done for your dad…I get that. I would have loved to see you at Malaprops in Asheville, and you are right, it is a very, very cool place. Welcome home, I should have said that at the beginning. Gosh, this sounds all ove r the place 🙃 xxoo
Dear Sue, Beautiful post. Thank you.
Hugs and prayers to you. You can never have too many. Love Joyce
Susan,
You are always so generous to share so intricately in words and photographs the wonder and joys of your travels. We love that you ( & Joe!) do that for us. This trip was filled with many miles and many smiles….and I am so thrilled to have caught you twice along the way!
But…..then…..
I am deeply saddened to learn of your Father’s passing. I am sorry for your loss and heavy heart. I lost my dear Dad 7 years ago. I understand. There are no words to compensate for the grief you and all those who love him feel, but may knowing you are being kept close in thought, heart, and prayer bring comfort in some measure. It’s not an easy time. Be gentle with yourself. He is at peace in his Heavenly place now, and therefore, you, too, must be. I wish you strength and resolve as you redefine life in his absence. He helped make of you the woman we all love, so though I did not know him, I am grateful to him. May you and your family find great solace in your time together. Always remember, love is eternal and families are forever.
Oh, a grand adventure with ups and downs, hill and valleys, smiles …and tears. So glad I got to know your Dad and even interact with him on this blog. We will keep the light on💕 Xoxo judi
Yes we will Judi! Thank you!
😇💕
Dear Susan,
I loved seeing you in Denver! I read “Fairy Tale Girl” and “Martha’s Vineyard” for my first two books of the summer (I’m a teacher), and they filled my heart with so much love and hope. Thank you for writIng them and sharing your deepest emotions with your readers…they so resonated with me! I also loved “Falling in Love”….I made room for it in my suitcase when we travelled to England last summer! That very book is in England again this summer with a dear friend!
My deepest sympathies are with you as you grieve the loss of your dear Daddy. I lost my Dad 9 years ago, and it does get easier. He is always in my heart, however, and would have built a deck for me just like your Dad did for you! I also cherish the wind chimes he made me that hang on my front porch. Even when the air is as still as it can be, they sometimes ring for me. “Hello, Dad”. 💜💜💜💜💜
Love that Donna! xoxo Thank you!
You are in my prayers as you are missing your sweet daddy. It gets easier but the loss never goes away. Sweet blessings to you and thank heaven for memories!
XO
Dearest Susan,
My heartfelt sympathy. Blog Daddy’s humor WILL live on through you. The warm fond memories will soon replace the grief. Been there.
I wish I knew when you were on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I would have situated myself and timed a friendly wave to you and Joe.
There’s nothing like family. Enjoy your trip and revel in all the gentle hugzzz.
Warmly…Marie
My, my Susan, thanks for the journey so glad you invited me and the other girlfriends along. I so enjoyed it all and then read your sad news and I like many others am crying for your loss and remembering my daddy too who has been gone going on 17 years. Reaching through to you now with a big hug. I am glad you and yours will have time to be together to be sons and daughters and share old memories while creating new ones.
So excited to see your blog in my in box! Saw you in Morro Bay with my daughter-I was the one with the 25 grandchildren! I just loved meeting you and hearing some of your story personally. Thank you for using your special gifts to benefit the rest of us. Glad you are home safely and sad to hear about your Dad. I am so sorry. I miss mine so very much.
Enjoy the Colorado time making new memories with your family! Blessings to you!
I am so sorry about your dad’s passing away. I lost my parents many years ago, but they are always in my heart! My friend Annette and I so enjoyed meeting you and Joe at Bookends in New Jersey. We felt like we’ve known you forever. Bless you and yours. A special purr to Jack and Girl from my kitty Skeets!
Joanne xoxoxo
Oh Drear Susan so very sorry to hear about your dad. Don’t know how you do it, you do it so well…the stories about your dad and family thru these years and sharing them with us…THANK YOU!
Take care of you…enjoy Colorado with your family, sing under the stars💫🌛 and close your eyes and make a wish, hug and be loved ❤️❤️❤️🍭
May God bless you, dear Susan. I will miss Blog Daddy too. I wish I had had a daddy like him. It must have been wonderful.
I am so sorry about your dad. You were blessed to have him in your life for as long as you did but I know its hard.
The thing I like about you, Susan, is your wonderful cheery attitude. You are so full of the joy of life and it lifts my spirits to read your blog. Thank you.
Susan, so sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope happy memories and the love you shared will bring you comfort. Thank you for sharing all the happy memories from your trip, even though you must be feeling so sad at times right now. But that’s what girlfriends do, right? We’re there for each other for the happy times and sad times, too.
I so wanted to get to Pasadena…alas mom has chosen to live in her bed, so we all take turns at her house. Pressure off the niece who lives with her. Your blog today…I need to get to my computer to do it justice. There is too much. Your. Gatos look like mine. Where are you going now? I love your drawings and words. Life needs love…art…travel no matter how far..and friends, family and animals. You are a guide on how to get it in your life an action at a time. I will grab a cup of coffee and read this again….later tonight.
♡♡Kathy from China Hills CA
I just finished “Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams” and had to reread “A Fine Romance” right after. Thank you for sharing your story with us! It’s nice to know that other people enjoy “Holiday Inn” at Christmas time. Reading your books is truly a treasure! I know you have the strength to celebrate your father, all his love and memories that will live forever in your heart.
Oh, Susan ~ today was a perfect day to read your lovely blog and turn off the news!!! Seeing the sweet, smiling faces, the mother/daughters and the girlfriends was a balm to my spirit! So very sorry for your loss. I too was blessed with a WWII dad who could do everything. He was out in the garden picking tomatoes 10 days before he died. He’s been gone 8 years but I remember his words and his love every day. Big {{{{{{Hug}}}}}}.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing yourself through these wonderful books. They inspired me and provided a time of pure delight at a time when I was going through a period of grief myself. I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad and I know you will cherish the wonderful memories you hold.
I especially love hearing about SLO . My father was stationed at the navy base at Morro Bay during WWII and I was born in a tiny hospital in SLO where my Mom worked as a nurse. Post war they went home to Minnesota and I’m still here.
Thank you for the joy you bring in your art and words.
Margaret
What a delightful trip home and you were there for the 4th of July!! I enjoyed traveling with you on your way back – you were blessed with safe travels, enthusiastic crowds, lovely book stores, great charity works, fun, wonderful food and home again, home again! My sympathy to you in the loss of your father – always a difficult time. Peace – both personal and nationwide!
Dear Susan, I just had a feeling something had happened especially without a post on Father’s Day. May God Bless You and Keep You. May God’s face shine upon you and give you peace. I continue to feel my Dad showing me the way after all these 20 yrs gone. Love to you and your family, Becky in OK