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
So happy….and sad to hear from you again Susan! I so enjoyed meeting you in Prescott and was surprised to see me, my sisters and my mom in a picture on your post 🙂 Brings back sweet memories of that perfect day! I hope the sweet memories you hold in your heart of your father sustain you in the days to come and bring you and your family peace as you celebrate his life together.
Much love,
Laurie
Dearest Susan,
A bittersweet blog tonight. Saved it to read as the sun sets here in Colorado, knowing you are getting ready to see your family in Durango and then reading about your sweet Daddy. Had to stop a bit before I could finish. I lost my Dad a long time ago and he was gone too soon. You have had such great Daddy stories and have shared him with us over the years. He will always be with you, watching over you, sending you a note from heaven to your heart. Thank you for the wonderful book tour and the fun of seeing you in Denver. I as the upstart who wanted a train book… A big hug to you and enjoy the family reunion because he will be there and all the stories will bring you peace.
Dear Susan, Thank you for this wonderful, memorable post! You had me reading every exquisite detail! I wish I could have come to see you at Titcomb’s. I knew I would not be able to get over the bridge in time.
I’m sorry to read about your Dad’s passing. I will have you in my heart tonight.
Love,
Janet xoxo
Thank you, Susan, for a wonderful peak at your road trip. Just Beautiful!!
Many warm condolences on the loss of your dear Father to this life. He will
wait for you in the next!
Hugs,
Mary
Thank you for a beautiful post, Susan! I had planned on seeing you at Vroman’s but my doggie needed me at that time, so hopefully I’ll be able to attend a signing on your next book tour. So very sorry to hear of Blog Daddy’s passing. We will miss him.
What a joy it is to see you, your beautiful home, and sweet kitties, too. Your blog newsletter is wonderful. I get to sit down, forget about my work in my home office- for a little bit- and enjoy the Musica and all of the delightful people, your creations, your talent, and the scenery is gorgeous, too. Thank you, so much, for sharing YOU with the world!
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for this long blog! I wish I could’ve made it to one of your stops, but reading this and seeing the photos is almost as good. And your road trip photos are great! I also don’t know if I could be away from my kitties that long, but I’m sure they are so happy you and Joe are home again, at least for a while. I’m sorry to hear about your dad, it does get easier with time, but they never leave our hearts. Enjoy your family reunion, I’m sure you will!
mind how you go, Yvonne
Dearest Susun, I am so sorry and sad about your wonderful Daddy. I lost my caring and funny physician father more than 34 years ago and I still think of him almost every day. Aren’t we the lucky ones to have had Daddys who were so special and so nurturing and inspiring ? And what a brick you are to have continued on with your book tour. You are an amazing and special woman whom many of us consider a dear friend. I have all your books (I think) except the newest, which I intend to order pronto. PLease know that I am keeping you in my heart and my prayers and hope that your being with your siblings will ease a lot of your pain.
oh my goodness, Susan, what a fabulous post! The photos are terrific, they really give a feel for the amazing trip you were just on. Welcome home! Robin
Feel the love from all of us…
Thanks very much for sharing your daddy with all of us over the years. It was especially nice for all of us girls who lost our daddies too soon. God bless you, Susan, and all your siblings, too.
Hi Susan—Another beautiful email……..Yes,i too lost my Dad over a year ago.He was my hero,a wonderful,caring,Daddy.I miss him every day He was 93 when he passed,but age doesn’t matter when it comes to our dads,does it?
Your pics are wonderful & i am so jealous of all those people who got to meet you.
Now you are home,so rest and enjoy your house and all of it’s coziness!
Waiting for the next email…Hugs from Connecticut,Linda
So sorry to learn you lost your Dad. I lost mine 14 years ago and miss him every day. Enjoy your family gathering.
So proud and honored to make your blog!!! I am in the 2nd Malaprops bookstore picture, waving to Joe 🙂 Meeting you (finally) was wonderful!! Love you Susan Branch xoxo
Susan,
I’m feeling so sad at the passing of our “blog daddy”; I can’t even imagine how you and Joe must be feeling. Prayers of comfort for you both! I know how close you were to your father from reading your blog from its beginning. I also saw how proud he was of you!
Thank you for signing my three books at Malaprops! I had ready purchased A Fine Romance as a preorder; I really enjoyed reading your memoir! Very inspirational!!
You have touched my life in in so many ways…
Susan Bryza (formerly of Denver, now from Fairhope, AL)
Dear Susan,
We met in Hudson, Ohio. (The Inklings writers’ guild).
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You have so many great memories with your daddy. You will miss him greatly. The news seems to sting a bit in my heart as we spent the last 4 days helping my 93 year old father-in law move into assisted living. He has been living independently up until now. He is my rock and I love sharing with him how much he has influenced me and impacted my life.
May God give you strength and courage to help you through all the “firsts” without him.
Love and prayers,
Ruth
Oh, Susan, my heart breaks for you. You will be much in my prayers. From the first time you talked about Blog Daddy, and, as he would pop up in your blog and books, it seemed that one of our common denominators were the wonderful men we knew only as Daddy. Mine left me for his heavenly home when I was 24, and thoughts of him to this day, 46 years later, bring tears to my eyes but a smile to my face, because I know it won’t be all that long until I walk into his arms again, just like I always did. Please don’t feel bad about not telling us, Susan. We love you and we understand. How wonderful that your family is gathering in Durango to celebrate your Daddy’s life and love on each other. May God grant you the peace that is beyond all understanding, Susan. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Joe and your precious family. Sara xoxo
Dearest Susan,
How fun to read your long blog and get caught up in detail! I always read your Tweets, too!! I am so happy to know that you are back home with your babies!
So glad you found out about Wendy’s DELICIOUS salad!! It’s been my favorite for quite a while!
Yes, most definitely I would have wanted to tell the people in the restaurant about where they were sitting! And my husband would have been embarrassed, too! 😀
I just want to let you know this – quite some time ago I asked your advice about the best time to visit New England. You told me to start up north October 1st and travel south and the leaves would change with us. So that is what we are going to do! Starting Oct. 1, we are going to start out in Boston and work our way down to North Carolina, taking the whole month. This will be my and my husband’s first time to the East Coast! We are so excited! Thank you for your advice!
I am soooooo sorry about your daddy! I cried and cried when I read about him. I will be keeping you in my prayers (I always do, anyway) that you will be comforted during this difficult time. Psalm 30:5 – “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die.
~Thomas Campbell, “Hallowed Ground”
Thinking of you and your loss. I’m so sorry.
Dear Susan, Thank you for the wonderful long post. I was missing you and am glad you’re back. What sad news about your dear dad. I pray you will be comforted in all your beautiful memories of him. I know I always enjoyed reading about him here. 🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼🌷
Fondly,
Maria in NY
So very sorry you lost your dear daddy. When you have had a good daddy, you have been truly blest.
I was so happy to meet you in Cincinnati where you signed my purse. I have retired it so your name won’t rub off! Thank you for making us all feel a little more safe and cozy in this crazy world we are living in right now. You are a special person, indeed.
Dear Susan,
A beautiful post, filled with love and shining faces.
My thoughts are with you as I know how you must feel. Your Dad meant so much to you, as mine did to me.
With love and a big hug OX
Betty
John Patrick’s are the best. My dad’s name was John Patrick and I ended up marrying a John Patrick! All three, very fine men, and all three loved to build things. Sending you lots of love. xoxo
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad, Susan. What wonderful memories you have of him, though. Your cheerful personality is a blessing and encouragement to me. Can’t wait for your book about your upcoming return trip to Europe. There WILL be one, I’m sure! Take care.
Wow,!! Thanks, for sharing!, made my day to read!
I know the best place to visit is HOME. I hope that you can enjoy until the next adventure.
I was thrilled to be able to be at your tea gathering in Wilmette, Illinois with my mother and a good friend. I had hoped to be able to have you sign my books but due to family obligations we had to leave when all was over.
It was a pleasure to be able to enjoy the afternoon with my mother as she and I were at the tea you had previous in 2013.
What an absolutely beautiful post. So happy to hear from you and that you had a nice trip. I loved seeing all the smiling faces who were lucky to meet you! I am so sad to hear about your dad’s passing. I loved reading about him in your posts and in your last two books! What a special person he was–and the memories you must have. You were blessed to have him in your life for so long, but it does not make it easier. Sending loving and caring thoughts your way. Take time for yourself after a whirlwind tour and all of this. I am sure your time in Colorado will be most special!
Dear Susan,
Welcome home!! I was SO excited when I saw your blog on my e-mail this evening….I’ve been anxiously checking every day!! You are the gift that just keeps on giving! I love and appreciate your from-the-heart beauty, kindness, thoughtfulness and sharing your life with us all! Thank you for opening the door to a whole new world for me…..Gladys Taber and her beloved Stillmeadow! I just finished reading STILLMEADOW DAYBOOK and now am on chapter “February” in THE BOOK OF STILLMEADOW. I had never heard of her before and now just like you, I feel like I have known her all of my life!😊
Susan, I am so deeply sad and sorry for the loss of your beloved father. My heart is heavy knowing that you had that grief to bear all during your cross country trip. You, my dear, are a very strong woman! I hope that your family reunion in Colorado will be a great comfort for you and your family. Have a safe and enjoyable train ride! With love and prayers, Kathiellen
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing your trip! What a beautiful country we live in! But, yes, Arizona is HOT! I used to live there but couldn’t wait to get back to the Midwest where I was from. Couldn’t wait to get back to four seasons. If you ever make it to downtown Indianapolis in summertime you’ll see those pub crawlers. They’re very popular.
So sorry to hear about your daddy. xoxo
It is so good to hear from you, I have missed your blogs. Your adventures all sound so wonderful, and I am very happy that it all went well. We in the Pacific NW would love to see you on your next road trip ( hint, hint, hint ).
Welcome home. So sorry to hear about your dad.
Such a beautiful, heartfelt and heart-aching post this was. Thank you, dear Susan, for sharing your great adventures with us. I love seeing the world through your eyes. You remind us all to look at life with wonder – to never lose that sense of wonder. My deepest condolences on your beloved daddy’s passing. A good father is an eternal treasure, never to be lost. Much love to you and yours. And always, looking forward to the beauty you create. – Sosae
PS: I’m in love with those darling kitty cats of yours.
Dearest Susan….so sorry to hear about your father…my heart is breaking with you.
So very sorry about your Dad Susan. But as in so many things in your life I hear you choosing joy and I know your family will celebrate a life well spent and filled with love. But very big hugs for you all.
I’m so sorry Susan. Memories are a beautiful thing. Thank you for sharing joy, even when your heart is hurting. There’s some crazy quote collecting lady who shared a quote about ‘the joy that you give coming back to you’….you will be wrapped in it, head to toe 😉
My sister and I met you in Pasadena after being fans for decades. What a thrill! You were just as sweet, charming and funny in person as you are in your books. We saw how thoughtfully and patiently you signed so many books and smiled warmly through countless pictures taken by your fans. We also got to chat with Joe who is just as delightful as you always say. We are so sorry to hear about your dad and send you a huge loving hug. You are right—family first ALWAYS.
Looks like a beautiful time making new memories over the passed few months and I’m sad I missed you while here in KC. Maybe another time. 😔 I’m sorry for your loss and hope you have a beautiful time with family sharing the sweet memories of your Dad together. It is a personal thing of when a person is ready to share. You share so much of our life, your home that even those of us that didn’t get to meet you in person this time feel like you would recognize us if we met on the street. So know your fans, friends and closest family and friends understand your privacy in this until you were ready. Prayers for you all!
Dear Susan, So very sorry to hear about your dad. I hope your family trip will be encouraging to you and your family to be together to hug and remember.
I really wished I could get to see you in Woodstock, GA. I actually live in VA, but my daughter recently had a baby at 24 weeks…so I’ve been to see her a couple of times and will go back in another two weeks…but, alas, my trips didn’t coincide with your visit to Fox Tale Books in Woodstock.
And when I saw the Welcome to Virginia sign…I wondered if perhaps you drove right by my exit in the Shenandoah Valley! I would have invited you right over!
Thanks for your posts…always enjoy reading.
So sorry to hear about you losing your wonderful Dad. You are blessed to have a lifetime of wonderful memories and wonderful people to share them with…
Thank you for sharing….
Susan – So sorry to hear abour your father’s passing. I will say a prayer for you and your family. Glad you and Joe had a nice trip and are home safely. Have a pleasant family reunion – share memories and tell wonderful stories of your father. Take Care – Andrea P.
It was lovely to meet you at The British Emporium in Grapevine, TX. I had so much fun that day. My daughter came with me and took lots of pictures that I will treasure! I’m so glad you liked Texas! 🤗
Dear, darling Susan,
Thanks for the wonderful post of your adventures on the road but I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved daddy. He will always be with you and your siblings in his love, humor, intelligence and can-do character that you’ve told us about and that he passed on to your family and that you all in turn share with the world.
Hugs and more hugs, Maria xo
So glad that you are back — I missed your posts! I read Isle of Dreams at the end of June & it was wonderful. I may have re-read it & marked special pages immediately after the first reading….!
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. His influence on you and your love for him shines in your books and on this blog.
Oh, Susan. My heart has been with you and Joe throughout your journey. Thrilled that your wonderful book is a NYT best. So happy as you were close to home and reuniting with Kitties. Very sad sad to hear the news about your darling dad. Blessings and love to you and your family…….
Oh Susan–Blog Daddy!
My heart is broken for you.
He will be in my prayers, as will you.
God’s blessings on you and all your family.
VickeyB
My heart breaks for you over losing your Daddy. From one lonely ‘daddy’s girl’ to another, you will miss him forever but smile with the memories. God Bless.
Dear Susan
I just cannot imagine how you found the strength to press ahead with your book tour whilst mourning the loss of your beloved Dad.
That took some guts.
I can imagine your Dad watching over you, beaming with pride saying “That’s MY girl..that’s my Susan”
Thinking of you all and wishing you, Joe and the kitties all the best.
Yvonne xx
The Girlfriends hurt with you at the loss of your dad. Happy to be a part of the Girlfriends who share your grief and wish you well on your Colorado trip.
First of all I am so very sorry about your father. He is always with you, but you know that.
Second:
There are over 7 billion people in this big wonderful, frightening world. Lots of horrible, horrible things go on, but so do lots and lots of wonderful, good, and sparkly things. I live in Connecticut just miles away from where the most horrible of horrible events happened. From this unspeakable pain came the most wonderful kindnesses, goodness and common sense from those most closely impacted by this horror.
It makes me even more convinced that kindness is so much stronger than anything else.
Who for example would ever imagine that a little girl wishing on stars in California would someday grow up and whisk herself off to a teeny tiny spot of land in the Atlantic, seclude herself away with her watercolors, and meet someone who would nurture her inner being so much so that now many years later, she is indeed one of those wonderful, good, and sparkly things I was talking about.
Who would have imagined that little girl would someday reach so many people in need of a bright light in this sad time. Who would think that while she herself was full of personal pain and deep sadness would put that aside in order to reach out and embrace so many people who have responded to her kindness and honesty. You, Susan are such a bright light for so many people and Joe is the one who nurtures that light. As long as people like you exist, I have great hope for us all.
Again, I am so sorry about your father, I am sure he was one of the big reasons you are what you are today.
My goodness! It looks like you had one big, non-stop party. What a trip!
Thanks for sharing Blog Daddy with us.. So so sorry for your loss, but he will always be with you (and proud of you!)
Your blog is my sanctuary 😄
I’m so very sorry for your great loss. Thank you for sharing your Daddy with us through the years. Some of us don’t have the wonderful first hand memories of a daddy like you do. You gave some of those memories to us through your books and blog stories of your own Daddy. And his recipes too! Thank you. I look forward to your next post about your future plans. Please tell me it involves a new book. Thank you for the time you gave to prepare this post to share your adventures and your heart.
Hugs to you Susan. I’m sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. But what wonderful memories you have. We all know how great a dad he was from you sharing him with us, your readers. I can understand you not wanting to have to tell everyone while on the road. Enjoy your family gathering!
Heart felt sympathies to you and your family Susan. I lost my Dad in April (at age 89) – still with it until the end. My sister and I look at each other and tear up all the time – but we were so happy to have had a Dad like him. We will always daughters of a logger:) *and great grand daughters of a Danish Sea Captain!
Oh Susan, I am so sorry to read that your daddy has passed. I am glad you didn’t tell us until the end of your blog because I would have cried reading from beginning to end. I understand you not telling anyone while on your book tour. When I was 16 my 20-year-old brother Tim died unexpectedly and I found it hard to talk about for the longest time. Several years later I was working as a waitress at a fancy resort and waited on someone who knew my brother. They asked about him (not knowing he had died) and I didn’t tell them he had passed. I was working and would have fallen to pieces explaining his death.
I’ll bet Jack and Girl Kitty are happy to have you home. I have the same photo of the Queen framed on my bedroom dresser!
Dear Susan,
When I started reading this post, I expected to tell you how much I loved your book. And, of course, I did. But now, I’m sending you a virtual hug and feeling your loss. I’m so sorry, and glad that you’ll gather with your family to grieve, remember and celebrate the life of your father. Wishing all of you peace and love.
Linda in Michigan
So sorry to hear of your loss….I have lost my dad (and mom) as well and life is never the same. It goes on and is good…just never the same. I have enjoyed all the stories of your family so much, enjoy your reunion in Colorado! One of my “bucket list” items is traveling cross country by train. I just have to convince someone to come with me! Enjoy the journey and look forward to your next post.
Hugs and more hugs…..thanks for the catch up….and sorry to hear about your Dad. Hold those sweet memories close by in your heart!
Dear Susan, so sorry to hear the sad news. Sometimes you conjure up such an amazing world it seems like bad things never happen to you. Wish that were true. ❤️ I told my friend Fran yesterday (we met you in St. Charles, MO), that with all the scary things happening I needed a ‘Susan fix’. Bless you for the beauty you bring to your fans.
Hi dear Susan~ you are such rare gift in influence to generations and to me. I just met you through all three trilogy books though my sister introduced me to you in bits and pieces of forwarded FB and blog shares through the years …now has been my season to cozy up with your story as our home is in process of selling. Time to dream too. I’ve sat in our backyard reading in summer sweetness, your story grounding me somehow in your creative word and art etchings in this transition time ! Thank you! You sure much more like my sister in independent endeavors than I but nourishing in ways I love! Our house sounds so hollow now. Yet such memories! I’m sorry to learn of your Dads’ passing. Hugs and comfort!
Bless, Bless, Bless your heart. My mom took her last breaths on this ol’ Earth the morning of June 29th and I’m hardly able to share or think about the realization. Mom lived with us the past 6 years and she and I and my husband went through it all together. Group Hug, K? Love to you. “GM”
Takes a while. I had to own it for a long time before I could even talk. I still hardly know what to think. Group hug is right. xoxoxo with love to you Gladys Marie.
Thanks so much dearest Susan. I’m cherishing the hug. Still working on shaking the shock. How strange, knowing the inevitable, one still experiences shock. I share your work with my daughter, and life is breathed into our souls. xoxoxo to you too.
Well Susan, I am so terribly sorry about your dad. You do not néed to apologize to us for not saying something. I am glad you have Joe to support you and that you had the book tour to keep you busy. Wish I could take the pain away that you are feeling. Tuck the special memories away in a special spot. I know your father is proud of everything you have accomplished and is watching down on you. May God help you to find some peace in dealing with your sorrow. Sending prayers to you, Joe and your family.
Dear Susan,,,,,I reely enjoyed this blog, had me smiling, until of course the very end, and that is indeed bittersweet news about (our) Blog Daddy. Wow, what a whirlwind the last two months have been, eh? Thank you for sharing you and your Dad with us. Tho I’m saddened, I know it does not match yours. Enjoy your family reunion, that will help heal, at least get it started. God bless you, with hugs and love, Sandy 🙂
Beautiful beautiful post…..thank you for sharing your trip and your light💕 We all understand why you kept your Dad tucked in your heart..so glad you are home. xo E and Kate
Prayers for you and all your family.🙏🏻. Tears are falling both for your dad and for sweet Girl Kitty missing you so she doesn’t eat. Safe travels.
So sad to hear about your father. Your sweet memories of him will go on forever. Thank you for sharing all the wonderfulness of your trip. We all were right there with you in spirit. My husband and I spent a few days in CA and I thought of you upon our return, because a wonderful black, female cat with white paws, decided it liked living at our house. (We once had a cat just like it.) She was here for five days, sleeping on our porch. We tried to locate the owner, feeling perhaps someone was on vacation. After putting out signs we got a phone call. I was beginning to worry so much because we are allergic to cats and couldn’t let her in, and what was I going to do in bad weather if she stayed as an outside cat? The owner and her two little boys showed up to reclaim their cat, having returned from vacation the night before. The boys had picked her out themselves and named her “Cat in the Hat”, otherwise known as “Hattie”. Although being cared for by someone, Hattie had left home in search of more attention. I was so relieved to find her owners… not to mention feeling much gratitude when flowers showed up at my door the next day. So, a happy ending… although I will miss that wonderful, friendly cat.
It’s a windy, rainy Sunday morn here in Oz and I’m still in my dressing gown and pj’s reading your post that ends with your very sad news xx I reckon you dear dad would be so very proud of all the love and joy you and Joe brought to all your girlfriends and dudes in your travels… despite the pain you carried inside! Thankyou for your wonderful communication..it really does bring happiness and soothes in this increasingly difficult world. Thinking of you and your family Susan xox
Susan,
So sorry about the loss of your dad. It’s a tough row to hoe. Memories help but there is always a hole where they used to be. God bless you with sweet memories and the peace that passes all understanding. Lost my dad two years ago. I also had him so much longer than most. To be in your 60’s before you lose a parent is amazing but sometimes harder cause you begin to think they’ll live forever. Once again God bless!
Susan, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I’m so thankful that he encouraged you the way he did all your life. You’ve become an inspiration to so many as a result. I enjoyed this blog post so much, and appreciate how much you love your fans/girlfriends.
Susan I could not find the potato chip cookie recipe in the new 30th anniversary book. Am I looking in the wrong place? Debby
It was me, it’s not in Heart of the Home, it’s in The Fairy Tale Girl, page 209 if I remember correctly. I fixed it in the blog! Sorry!
Oh Dear Susan, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I always loved reading Blog Daddy’s thoughts here. What a smart and witty fellow! From one Daddy’s girl to another , I understand…..Take care of yourself, dear one. xoxo ♥
Susan, First of all, you have been greatly missed. I was beginning to worry about you. Glad you are back on the island, “safe and sound”, having so many fun memories to tuck away for a rainy day. I am so sorry to read about your Dad. I too have been blessed with a wonderful father, still very healthy at 82, but I try to visit more often these days. Your father leaves a beautiful legacy in your brothers and sisters, and of course, YOU!! We will celebrate your father’s life, and thank him for a major blessing to this world via his oldest daughter. Love and peace to you, dear lady! Jackie
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He always sounded like a truly wonderful person, I see who you take after. I’m sure you and your family will miss him forever but you are rewarded with so many wonderful, happy memories of him and I hope your sorrow will be eased by that. Keep safe
So sorry for you and your family for your loss, we too have lost both my mom and dad within a week of each other and it feels as if our hearts are broken beyond repair, then lost a brother, sister in law and tomorrow is my mother in laws celebration of life! So hard to loose the ones you love, but we always have our memories. I guess life goes on, and your blog always lifts my spirits. Thank you.
Welcome home dear Susan and Joe! I know you must be so happy to be back. You have to be so road weary. So very sad to know you lost your Dad. My heart felt sympathy.
My dear Susan,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My heart aches for your heart and all you held in through these +two months on the road. You had no kitties to bury your face in and sob, so Joe gets extra kudos for being soulmate and cry companion on this journey. Your daddy would be so proud of the strength you showed by carrying on your book tour even during this very difficult time. Based on what you’ve told us about Jack, what a strong man he was, not only physically, but in character also, he would have told you to keep doing what you’re doing. We could tell he loved you so and you were his little girl . . . his first little girl. He will always be in your heart, and he is in the Heavenly realm, watching over you. Of this I am sure. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Much love, Big Hug, XXOO
Diane
Ohh His hands!
I always stared at his hands in photos you’d post. Mesmerized.
Your Daddy’s Strong, Gentle hands…thick but skillful. Rough but loving.
Gently resting on your dressed-up shoulder in that picture while softly cupping your brother’s face at the same time…he had probably just finished building a barn right before it was taken!
Those Hands represent a Breed of Men that saw our country through the toughest of times…Depression, wars, drug cultures, indifference.
An irreplaceable Era of Men that kept on keeping on. And so we did too.
Those calloused, cracked, warm, tender hands prove it…they held you…and us.
Much love and condolences.
Susan, I’m so sorry to hear that your Dad is gone. He will live on in the memories of you and your family. {{ hugs }}
How could I ever begin to describe the joy, excitement and inspirational gift I received by meeting and talking to you and Joe at your signing in Memphis, tn at Booksellers. You have all of the same strengths and tenacious and kind and beautiful qualities as your dad. I hope these words help. Again thanks for the joy.
So glad you got home safely and saw the beautiful North Carolina and Virginia mountains. Hope it was cooler than Memphis. It was great to meet both of you at the Booksellers at Laurelwood. Please keep on writing!
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Sending hugs. xo
God bless, dearest of all Susans! Love from me to you. I can’t say it either…
Oh Susan, I’m so very sorry about your dad! Our dads are our first loves and our biggest cheerleaders – and I’m sure he is still cheering you on! Thanks for the lovely post, which in my opinion, was not nearly long enough! Xoxo, Nan
“Ashokan Farewell”‘s poignant melancholy is an excellent choice and perfectly describes how I’m feeling too.The news of your father’s passing brings tears to my eyes, but I am so glad he lived such a full and long life. I know he is brimming with pride over you! It was an immense pleasure to meet you and Joe in Woodstock, GA. Y’all are the cutest couple! My newlywed husband and I aspire to have half the energy as both of you do! Thank you for traveling so far, signing millions of books and enduring the southern “inferno” (aptly put on your part)! You are an extraordinary inspiration and have taught me (a former cynic) to stay present and see the magical beauty all around.
-Amanda (Shields) Davis
My dad made me, and now you’re not a cynic, and so my dad lives in the most wonderful way I can imagine. Thank you Amanda. I loved your wedding photos . . . your dress was amazing! xoxo
You do see what you have done to us all! Changed our lives, make us turn to our homes and the joy there to be found in the simple things. Love, family, neighbors, bokks, tea, babies, kitties, of course, and travel and the joy of meeting new friends.All good and real and needed esp now with lives so turned upside down. You and your books and sharing your life and adventures gives us real smiles and happiness. A million thanks. Please please keep books coming.
Bless your hear, dear Susan. Enjoy your reunion, your wonderful memories of your dad, and look forward to the Grand Reunion you will have in the future. You have worked so hard for all of us, you deserve a sweet refreshing break with your precious family. We love you!
That should say “Bless your heart “. I apologize.
Omg…Hugs❤️
Susan, I am so very sorry to hear about your wonderful father. We love our mothers to pieces but for many of us, there is just something extra special about our dads. My dad was 6’3″ and I thought he hung the moon. I lost him when he was 68 and that was far too young to go(but then for us, any age is to young). Your love for him blazed through whenever you wrote about him and once the pain and sadness eventually passes, that is what will be left, the blazing love that you shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family and may your Colorado songs fill the sky and fill his ears.
Sending Hugs – – sending up a prayer for your comfort and peace. Glad the tour was a wonderful success, – – now to enjoy your family time.
Oh, Susan….first off, I am so very sorry about your most precious dad; you shared so much about him, and his generous spirit always came through the pages — the kind of dad who was a rock to his children and made sure your new little house had a proper deck! I hope you and your family can celebrate (and laugh, and cry) for the inexpressible blessing he was and the priceless lessons he taught. Next…I must say that when I was in Woodstock, my first thought about you and Joe was that you were both, in Southern vernacular, cute as a button — two sweet, adorable buttons! From the pictures in your books of you and Joe as small children, I can easily see the exact same face (you’re both just a little taller now). You took time with each and every person, and Joe, with his gentle demeanor, mingled and was so kind to everyone. It’s obvious from the photos that we were all SO happy and excited to see you both, and it just wasn’t possible to smile any bigger! I savored every page of “Isle of Dreams”, and indeed also sighed, took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and hugged the book when done. It was absolutely amazing, inspiration at its best. I never forgot two quote books I perused around ’87; a fitting quote can change your life, and yours are always grand ^_^ After a few more books on my list, I shall happily read the trilogy as one, back to back. Now I can fill in the stories from when I read “Christmas From The Heart Of The Home” when it first came out, the commencement of treasuring your books. Thank-you, as always, for sharing so much of your life — sharing and baring! (your thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears, accomplishments, joy, and pain), inspiring and encouraging. Lastly, I noticed the black ring you were wearing at the signing; it looks like the one you painted on pg. 333. I asked about what you were knitting, and this painting shows knitting hands wearing what looks like a similar ring? Happy homecoming to you, Joe, and your ever precious kitty children. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
With heartfelt sympathy and tears in my eyes, Susan, I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. We had a quiet conversation about your dad, as I welcomed you before the Afternoon Tea, in Wilmette, IL. I thought of him throughout your travels, dear Susan. ♥ You and Joe were so brave and strong to continue on. That’s just what your dad would have wanted you to do. Hold tight to Joe, your family, friends, and all of us always. Thank you for telling us…
Travel safely and make very special family memories in Colorado. ♥♥
Tight hugs and so much love,
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
You and Joe had so much fun on your adventure across the USA. I was sad to have missed you in Arizona but hopefully another time. You have touched so many lives with your books.
I was so sorry to read the last part, losing a parent is one of the hardest things in the world. I am thinking of you and your family. Sending hugs!
Bless your heart and the brave face you wore while making us all feel so wonderful while you heart was breaking with the passing of your dad. I braved the traffic of Chicago to see you at the Country Club in May and would do it all over again–but only for you. Soak up all the goodness of home—I almost cried with relief for you when I saw the picture of the ferry. I love HOME and I know you had the best trip ever but there is no place like home.
Hi Susan…You were so kind to sign one of your calendar pictures when you were in Woodstock Georgia. You signed it for my granddaughter Sophie for me to frame it and hang it on her newly decorated “beachy room” at Grandma’s house. I am a blogger so of course I did a post on the re-decorating. Your print is perfect…in the perfect spot. I would love for you to stop by and take a peek. I can’t wait for her to visit in August from NYC and see her new room and tell her all about the lady who signed her picture…Your book is amazing and it is waiting for daughter to pick it up when she comes down. Thank you again and BTW you have a wonderful husband! Here is a link to the blog…rue-mouffetard.blogspot.com
Dear Susan, What a wonderful update until the end! You have my heartfelt sympathy. To quote a card I just received, ” Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories.” I pray your memories bring you comfort. Lovingly, Julia in Cincy p.s. I just copied Mom’s Potato Chip Cookie recipe!
Dear Susan
You made your dad so proud and happy. Thank you for sharing him with us. Hugs. XOXO
Losing a parent is heart wrenching. May God comfort you. Thank you for your beautiful blog. It brings me so much joy!
Glad you are home safe. Sad to hear about your Dad.
Oh, Susan…I am so sorry about your dear sweet dad…Watch for signs from him…he will send them to you, you will smile…and probably cry…but then you will think of a sweet memory and that memory will bring a smile to your face…just like the smile from the sign my mom sent to my daughter Sarah when she met you at Joseph Beth in Cincinnati…there was my mom in book form…”Pearl” my mom’s name in book form…out of ALL of the books at Joseph Beth, sitting on the shelf behind you and my daughter! There are no coincidences…watch for signs from your dad…they will be there and you will smile…sending hugs from northern Michigan…xoxo
Rae Ann….that is so true!❤️
What a wonderful trip~coast to coast. How great to see the photos if all your readers and fans at the various bookshop and stops along the way. Sincere condolences on the loss of your dad.
Can’t wait for the retooled Heart of the Home!