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
We are all Daddy’s little girls forever…I will keep your family in my prayers….and someday soon you will find yourself singing…..The sun will come out tomorrow! Love your strength! Let a smile be your umbrella…….
Sorry about your dad.
Oh Sue, the combined sorrow we all feel when you lose a parent is felt by me as well. I lost my Mom in January and the shock of being in the world without a parent hit home and sits in the back of my heart every day. I choke up reading your blog today with my own grief. I feel sorrow for you as well. How did we get old enough to be losing our parents? It all goes by so fast. I look back on my life and wish I had kept diaries as you did. I am grateful I sat down with Mom a few years ago and we filled your ‘Tell me Your Story’ book together. She could no longer see well to write so I did it for her and she signed the end of the book. Much love to you today. Barbara in Lodi, CA
Susan………..all I can say is I hope you and Joe feel all of the love those of us who have fallen in love with you send your way……..God Bless
So sorry for you, Susan. You are a really brave woman to go on with the tour as you did. Yes, your Dad is in heaven, watching over you, as mine is. I still miss his gentle presence in my life, and I lost him 37 years ago when I was only 34. But life does go on as you will find out. Anyway, I send you love, blessings and peace.
Rita
I’m sending you a hug & a prayer I’m so sorry to hear of your loss . Our dads are an integral part of our strength , I didn’t pick up on your grief when meeting you , in Danville . So brave , you were to forge forward as you did. Grief takes time & energy – our work can be a respite from it , a needed breathing space. Hope your family gathering in Colorado provides healing and restoration for all of you.
Thank you for your blog today -I have missed hearing from you ❤️. It was such a delightful pleasure to meet you & Joe ! My niece Tawni introduced me to your books in the 1990’s & I am so grateful for you lovely & inspiring work ✨. Penny
Aww Susan, I am so sorry for your loss of your dad! He was a wonderful man who made a wonderful daughter and lots of other wonderful Stewarts. There really are no words, but sending hugs xoxoxoxoxoxo You don’t need to apologize for not saying. We all understand and that’s a lot to deal with, especially when out in public. And bless you for wanting not to upset us. Like I said before, this tour was a true gift. I am so glad you are going to be able to get away with your family for a while. That will be good for everyone. And I am so glad you had all these darling people to cheer you while you were on the road and keep your spirits up (although it must have been hard too.) You reap what you sew and you sew pure love. And I am glad that you had Joe to help you too. What a prince he is! How sweet you are to give us a post and let us see things through your eyes. I’m glad you posted because I saw you on father’s day at the British Emporium. I asked about your dad and while you didn’t say exactly, I knew (after I came back down to earth from meeting you (not knew knew, just knew in my heart)), and have been worried for you ever since. Do what you need to do and we will all be here if you need us. Loving thoughts and prayers to you and all of your family and Jeannie too xoxo
And a big heaven hug to you BlogDaddy xoxo
I just read your PS: What a lovely gift to hear those words from your dad. I can’t stop the tears. I am so thankful you have that.
Ashokan Farewell! What a nice surprise first thing Sunday morning. My favorite waltz, truly. Thank you for that. I’ve been thinking about your dad these last few months and how you’re so fortunate to have had such a peach for so long. A heroic man, I think, because he and your mom instilled in you some very fine qualities that have helped you survive and thrive. The companionship of parents is irreplacable, I’ve found. I dream of mine all the time and turn to one or the other of them, still, to ask a question. And they’ve gone on without me. And I’m left here with their memories and my childishness; my need to have just one more morsel of truth, of the past, of their lives, of love, of encouragement, of championship…..
Susan, I am so very very sorry for the loss of your dad. My dad is 95 and still healthy, and my mom, who came with me to the tea in Wilmette in May, is 90 and healthy as well. I know how extraordinary it is for me to still have my parents, and I know I can’t possibly know how you feel – but please know you and your family are in my heart and in my prayers.
The following is from the Book of Common Prayer, from the service of Compline (an evening service), and brings me comfort. I hope it does you, too.
“Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.”
Dearest Susan (and guardian angel, Joe),
My heart aches for your loss. I am sure, though, as we all transition from our earthly life, the best parts of us remain in the memories of those we love. We conjur those parts back in familar smells, gentle breezes on fair days, kindnesses expressed and passed on to others (especially to those who can never repay us) and expecially as we hold the things they held dear.
Be well on your family reunion trip. Can’t wait to read more about your upcoming adventures!
We all hold you in our hearts!
Carol
Oh Susan,
I hurt so much for you. I am sorry you lost your dad who must have been a wonderful man to have had such a strong impact on your life and the lives of your sisters and brothers. I hurt for all of you…
Your dear Blog Daddy has left a beautiful legacy…in the love and joy of your family. Laugh, cry, sing, dance and have fun celebrating his life and your togetherness in the mountains. My heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Thanks for the chance to ride along on your journey to those wonderful bookstores that are like little treasures spread out around the country. As you returned closer to home I thought of the poem, “Coming Home,” by Mary Oliver, a Pulitzer Prize winning poet who lives in Provincetown, MA and I know that you will love this and all of her language-rich poems. I own all of your books and go to them often to make me smile.
Her poem about 9-11 is beyond wonderful. I’ll go look at this, she is one amazing person. Thank you Anne.
Dear Susan,
So sad to hear about your dad, but I know he is there with you now and always!
My congratulations for your successful book tour, and the book appearing on the New York Times’ list! Loved reading this post and seeing the photos.
Lucy
Big Hugs and Prayers to you, Susan, on the loss of your Dad. I am so, so sorry.
Safe Travels.
Your opening to this blog reminded me so much of a time in my childhood. I grew up in the inner city of Indianapolis. I have not been back for many, many years but I remember some things like they were yesterday. We did not have lighthouses with foghorns but what we did have were trains. We lived very close to a train yard and several sets of tracks crisscrossed streets and other tracks. I remember many times I would be upstairs in my bedroom in the middle of the night, writing in my diary and listening to Lou Rawls on the radio. In the distance I could always hear two things, someone down the street softly practicing the blues on his guitar and the sound of a train whistle wafting through the night air as a slow moving freight train clambered through the neighborhood, sort of a Johnny Cash meets the heart of the city sort of thing. When you speak of the morning quiet and the foghorns, for some reason it reminds me of these things.
Dear Susan….You sure ARE a trooper. I’m sure you smiled through all those difficult days after losing your dad. I’m sure your latest blog and news touched a cord in so many people. It’s funny how we think we will always have our parents around forever. Aren’t they our “go to” people? Aren’t they the ones that love us most in the world? You shared a wonderful relationship with your dad and had him for a very long time. I also know when you love someone that deeply, that it’s never long enough.
Imagine how proud he must have been at your great success!! More than that, of your humility on your great success. I too had wonderful parents but lost my dad when I was 12. My mom passed four years ago. I wish I could spend just one more day. I tried to make them proud all of my life and they are always that little voice in my head that says ” Take the high rode and keep on keepin on.” You had had a fairy tale childhood land I know that many of your readers can relate to that. I hope you can take comfort in knowing what a great daughter you’ve been and how very loved you are by so many people. Enjoy your trip and celebrate all that your father was. God bless.
My daughter and I loved getting to hear you speak and meeting you in person in Austin. I flew in from Amarillo just so we could go together for the book signing. We had no idea that you were grieving. Daddy’s are very special to their daughters. I will be praying for you and your family.
Dear Susan,
The indomitable spirit of your father clearly lives on in you and was ever present during your behemoth book tour. You brought inordinate joy, cheer and goodwill to all fortunate to meet you during the book tour all the while experiencing the fresh loss of one of the greatest loves of your life. You gave of yourself so deeply that I’m touched beyond measure by what you’ve done.
Thank you Jack for the inspiration and motivation your are to Susan and for infusing your Sue with the depth of character you possessed.
We have experienced the gift of John Patrick Stewart, Jr. on the blog and will always remember his clever comments, wit, interest and zeal for life, current events and others as well as his kindness, all of which has been so richly instilled in you.
This is an exchange with your Dad from a couple of years ago. He gave me such a gift talking about Iwo after I posted a comment about a note my 17 y/o father wrote right before going into battle on Iwo. He gave me a connection to my father in a way otherwise impossible because Jack was there, on that little island with my father. That is immeasurable. I will always be grateful to your father for sharing this with me and will continue to hold him in the highest esteem. Jack was the classic example of “The Greatest Generation” and I imagine him with his faithful companion, Daisy and maybe chatting to my father about their days on Iwo. Kindred spirits unite.
Jack says:
Hi _____, such a special note from your Dad . I was in one of those planes . It was a big gull winged twin engine Martin Mariner , with a huge Radar Pod located in the V of the gull . We were Sea Anchored right off the beach on the North side of the Island . When not in the air we had to do plane watches to protect from the enemy swimming out to sink the planes and with 15 foot ocean swells we were like a kite on a string but who cared , I had just turned 19 . Our job was air patrol around the island to keep Japanese Submarines away — we were armed with FIDOs –a magnetic depth charge that would go for any metal object to explode.
I saw the flag on top of Mt. Surabachi flying in the wind , from the deck of the Cumberland Sound , our seaplane tender. At the same time there was a Sea Bee, on a big yellow road grader half way up on the side of the mountain . Brave soul!
_____ while the raging battle on Iwo was extreme ….what I remember most was the trip back to the States …..there were hundreds of service men on board a converted cargo ship .
In the cargo bays they had welded fold down bunks to the bulkheads, just far enough apart to slip into laying flat . Row after row about 20 feet high . So to get to the higher ones you had to climb up like on a ladder —- So many of the troops
in transit were severely wounded with bits of bloody bandages dangling from their wound …amputees on crutches and worst of all the ones with that vacant stare still in shock from their trauma. a bad scene, not covered by the media, but we had overriding knowledge, we were headed home.
Jack says:
The biggest problem with those swells was during take-off …..the ocean would drop away from the plane before reaching flight speed and we would come crashing down –we tore our right wing float loose , so we shot it all the way off and continued on our patrol vector ……on return , the Seabees had rigged a rubber raft with a platform and we were able to land
And be lifted up on deck of our tender with that supporting the wing . It was all a team effort !
I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear father, who you loved to the moon and back and he you, as evidenced by his words and presence on the blog.
Love, me.
Thank you Carrie darling. My dad never talked about the war until just these last two years, and then he was so full of wonderful amazing stories I couldn’t believe we didn’t hear them years ago. Probably he needed time …. xoxoxo
Oh, Susan~~~ I’m sooooo sorry for your loss of your dad! I know that he is looking down on you and all you do and is smiling! He raised you to be what you are today (along with all your life experiences) , the caring, loving person that you are! I know he’ll be a part of you and in your heart the rest of your life.
Welcome back home! We’ve all missed you in our lives thru your many posts! I’m so happy that you were able to see as many girlfriends on this trip. The pictures of all the smiling faces were great! Joe did a super job in taking them all!
Again, you are in my thoughts and prayers for the days, weeks and months ahead.
Carol M
Dear Susan,
Just finished the latest blog post, up here on Prince Edward Island, which is another “Isle of Dreams”! I was so sorry to read about your Dad’s death. My Dad has been gone for over thirty years, but I can tell you from experience that they live on in us, and still take care of us. Even now, in this little cottage which was his heaven on earth, I can hear his voice in my head. If I’m looking for something down by his workbench, I say “Okay, Dad, where is it?” And there it is! There is a connection that will never be broken, and you have such a wonderful support system, starting with Joe. Feel the love from all of us, and let it buoy you up during the sad times.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for this latest update with the happy home ending but also the sad news of your Dad’s passing. So sorry to hear that news. My parents have been gone a long time already, but I can tell you that you will always feel their presence. They leave you little signs too.
I was one of the fortunate ones to meet you in Hudson, Ohio and in June I traveled to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. I can see why you love it so much!
I am already excited about your trip in September and I am hoping this will be the happy beginning of a new book!
Dear Susan,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. You, like him, embrace the best and brightest in life. His life continues on in the lives of his children and grandchildren. May he rest in peace.
My husband Mark and I and my grandson, Micah, were at your book signing at Vroman’s in Pasadena. We made it into both group photos! We’re at the very back, middle…Mark’s white hair stands out. It was such a pleasure meeting you briefly and having you sign my books. Your biographical trilogy encourages me to get writing!
I’m writing this from Provence where I am staying for a month (first week down) with Mark and my oldest daughter, Michele. We’re visiting medieval hill villages, a lavender festival today and trying our hands at Watercolors.
Thank you for continually inspiring so many of us. You are much loved and appreciated.
Hugs,
Aloyce
Mmmmm breathe some of that wonderful lavender air for me Aloyce! xoxo
Dearest sweet Susan,
May all the love, hope and cheer you bring to us, your girlfriends and the world, be returned to you 10 fold as your broken heart begins to heal. I hope your healing includes talks with your Dad so that you can still feel his closeness to you in your sorrow. I lost my Dad 25 years ago, and there are sometimes still tears, but the joy I feel when I talk to him now has restored my broken heart. Your kindness and courage is a reflection of your Dad’s light that continues to shine through you. Sending you sooooo much love.
Xoxoxo,
Jena
Have commented in quite some time, but just had to send my deepest condolences about your Dad. Sniff, sniff… 💔 You certainly were lucky to have your Pop as long as you did, and luckily have many vivid memories to prove it. The Girlfriends and regular readers will miss him here on the blog, and of course you’ll miss him everywhere. I’ll close with what might be my all-time favorite Dr Seuss-ism;
Don’t cry because it’s over. SMILE – because it happened…
🙂
Dear, dearest Susan, This was such a bittersweet post. It was lovely to see the pictures of all the beautiful faces and the beautiful places across this great country that we all share. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious sweet daddy. You were so brave and so strong to continue with your book tour in spite of your sorrow. I think your dad gave you that strength. I always enjoyed reading his comments on your blog, he made me laugh and it was a joy to see the love that you shared. I lost my father 35 years ago when we were both much too young. I still miss him every day. There are many of us out here in blogland who understand your pain. Be good to yourself. Wrap yourself in warm memories and take time to grieve……as much time as you need. Grief comes in waves but the love endures. Life won’t be the same but the love of your family and wonderful memories will sustain you. Take care, Susan
I am so deeply sorry for the news of your dad’s passing. As I was reading your beautiful tribute to him at the end of your blog I thought, your dad instilled in you his greatest gift and I know I speak for “all of us” when I say thank you, thank you , THANK YOU for so generously sharing that gift with us!😘
I love you guys. He did too. xoxoxoxo what more can I say. I am so touched.
Dearest Sue,
I’m so sorry to learn of your dad’s death. I know this is a loss that has cracked open your heart, and the only good thing about that is it’s wide open for love to pour in and heal it. It’s coming to you from all over the world, and there’s a great big beam of it coming from my heart to yours right now and in the days to come.
{{{{BIG HUG}}}} and Much Love,
Janie
XOXO
Thank you so much for doing the road trip and letting us meet you in person…so glad you came to Grapevine, Texas….what a long journey it was…so sorry that your heart was aching at the time about your father….enjoy your family in Colorado…relax and memory time! Love and hugs to you from Texas!!!!
My dear Susan,
I just saw your post this morning, and I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. What a terrible thing to have happen anytime, but especially as you are traveling and being upbeat and meeting all your girlfriends and trying to hide such tragic news. Your dad was a ray of sunshine on your blog and I thank you for sharing him. You and your family are in my thoughts and I am sending much love.
I hope you will not find this maudlin at all, I know it must be difficult to keep all of us girlfriends straight. Last fall when I was so excited to be back in MN to see it snowing after 7 years in Vegas, I shared that I had moved back due to breast cancer. This past March it moved to my brain and I had a 2.5 inch tumor removed. I am doing well, here is what I want you to know about that: My biggest concern was would I be able to read your newest book?! I have read all your books, starting with the first in 1986, and they and you have been such an inspiration to me my whole life. I am so happy to say I read it, LOVED IT! so much, I was always wondering how you ended up in the cute little house on the Vineyard and I was so happy to hear everything you overcame and am now reading the 30th Anniversary edition of Heart of The Home!! Susan, you spread such joy to so many, and that is no small thing.
Not maudlin at all dear Donna, just the ways things go sometimes, despite best laid plans. That was my dad’s wish too, to live long enough to read the newest book. I love your voice, I want you to keep doing well, brave girl. XOXOXOXO
You mentioned your dad once at your book signing in Woodstock, and though you were very sad, moved right along. It must have been so hard for you having to deal with such profound emotions during the many weeks on the road for signings, but you didn’t let on. Instead you focused on making hundreds (oh, thousands!) of your readers happy and shared your time so generously. I hope that the enthusiasm and joy we all felt helped sustain you during those hours and allowed you to go somewhere else, so to speak, until it was just you and Joe again, on the road with the country whizzing by. Blessings, Susan, and smooches to the kitties!
So, so sorry to hear about your dad.
Louise Erdrich in her latest, LaRose, offers this beautiful consolation:
Don’t cry.
Sorrow eats time.
Be patient.
Time eats sorrow.
I’ve lost both my parents to young. My mom at 68 in 94 and my dad 13 years ago this coming October at 79. I would have loved to have had more years as you. Doesn’t make it easier to lose them but its more time to enjoy them. I kept looking for his comments and wondered if he wasn’t well, he was such a fun presence on your blogs. My heart goes out to you. Thanks for the PS..It’s the things we don’t say to a loved one that make it harder when we lose someone. It sounds like you got to say it all. I know he was proud of you. ❣🌹❤️
Enjoyed your trip via Twitter, And blog posts. Thanks for sharing that too. Enjoy your famlies get together.
Prayers and blessings to you upon the loss of your Dad. His legacy lives on in your continuing to “be an elf” spreading joy worldwide through your art and writing. My Mom died two years ago August and Dad twenty years ago this May. This summmer to mark the 100th anniversary of Dad’s birthdate, I had a memorial bench placed for contemplation and prayer. The quote on the side is ” Whisper My Name In Your Heart And I Will Be There”. May precious memories bring you comfort.
Oh, dearest Susan—in spite of the heavy burden on your heart, you managed to complete your book tour with grace and composure. I hope your train trip gives you a measure of peace and comfort, just as a similar train ride did many years ago when you were hurting for different reasons. Thank you for sharing your wonderful Dad with all of us—we know how extra-special he was. So glad you have Joe for support. This quote reminds me of Joe—“If it hurts too much to look back, but you’re too scared to look ahead, just look beside you and I’ll be there.” Love to you both from Bev
Thank you Bev … I had trouble looking into your eyes, thinking you might see, and then I would be a goner! Love those last words, That’s my Joe.
I mentioned to my sister that you seemed tired, but by then you and Joe had been on the road for weeks. Holding your grief inside so well is what my parents would call “intestinal fortitude”. Please take time for you now—as one GF said, we will all be here when you are ready to come back to us. Love you so.
I’m so much better than I was that day. Being in his house without him was terrible. I didn’t realize how I would feel. Thank you Bev. xoxo
My dear Susan, how sorry I am to read of your devastating loss — my first instinct was to write, pouring my heart into expressing my sorrow for your Dad’s passing. We all felt like he was “our dad” too, you have brought him to life for us with your beautiful, from-the-heart, descriptions of your life and time with him. I have followed you since I got my summer place in Chatham, MA [right across the way from the Vineyard] in 1989 and always related to your unique way of putting this slice of paradise into words and beautiful watercolor painting! I would go into The Mayflower Shop and eagerly look for and collect your calendars, your stationery, your nested boxes… and every year’s “Susan” calendar was hanging from my kitchen pantry all summer long, causing comment and new girlfriends for you! You have managed to put your finger on the pulse of a deeply felt need in our upside-down [at least to most of us!] society to connect with the beautiful, the pure, giving and loving in our world. I would wish to give to YOU, the consummate “giver” in a world of many “takers” the reassurance that your sorrow will pass. When I lost my daddy 38 years ago, I cried for an entire year every time I crawled into bed at night after a day with my 9 month old, 10 month old, etc. daughter. My own Jim was my guardian angel who simply held me and let me cry, feeling helpless. Every single day for the past 38 years something my dad either said or did has crossed my mind and caused me to remember how much he loved me and gave me wings. Your dad, too, has done this. We are so blessed! I will remember your intentions at daily Mass, and hope I can give you a big hug when I see you in Brewster on July 28th! [YES! I’m coming!] sending you warm wishes and hugs, Georgia
Every word . . . 💟
Thank you for such a wonderful travelogue!! My girlfriend Liz and I will be in the audience for your next signing trip, even if she doesn’t know it yet. 🙂
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father; what a wonderful man he must have been to have given us you. xoxo He will always be with you in your heart.
And have a wonderful time on your next trip! It will be a grand time, I’m sure.
Dearest Susan~ I loved following you and Joe “every-inch-of-the-way” via Twitter all the way round and back Home. (Now printing all 68 pages out for my dear Mom to read at her leisure).
So very, very sad along with everyone here about your dear Dad. But happy for you: to be living each day as he encouraged you to live. Such a wonderful heritage.
fondly, Carolyne
Susan, I love the way you write blogs as much as I love your books. I couldn’t get to any of your signings but loved the “trip” with you, you are so much fun and I love your artist’s appreaction of the very small things. Can’t wait to get the new cookbook.
Oh BTW, I am madly in love with the front picture of your house. As an “eastern” expat living in Ca, it warms my heart. Can’t wait for the visit to England with lots of posts and pictures.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved dad, Susan. You will always wish he were still here, but what a legacy of love and rich memories he left for you!
Thank you for taking the precious time and effort to share all this with us.
Hi Susan! I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dad! My love and prayers are with you🙏💕 I’m happy that your trip went well! I feel sad that I was unable to make it to the Danville store. I live in Modesto so that was the closest to me. Hopefully I will get to meet you sometime! Maybe when you get to San Luis Obispo sometime I can see you, as my family lives there. Best wishes, Sherri🌺
Dear Susan: Settled in this afternoon to read your happy post capturing the joys of your roadtrip and was smiling for you.
And then, to read that all of this was done against the backdrop of such a profound loss, just made me appreciate and respect you all the more. It’s so hard for a girl to lose her daddy. He’s the first boy we love, and he’s always the one we know will be there to pick us up and cheer us on. My deepest, and most sincere, sympathies to you and to Joe.
When I was in college, my women’s studies professor taught a pretty profound class based on how heroic men shaped the lives of successful women. Her theory was that young women who had strong fathers that believed in and supported them were able to succeed far beyond the norms of the world at all periods in our history. I know it’s true for me, as it was for girls as diverse as Marie Curie and Queen Elizabeth. I have a sense that it’s true for you too.
Life gives us all breathtaking moments of highs and lows and sometimes they intersect, creating what must surely be the essence of bittersweet. You are your father’s girl, so surely, you’ve found the sweet in the bitterness of your grief. That’s as he would want it. All that any of us can do is go forward, looking for joy, relying on love, and being comforted by the memory of those who made us what we are.
I hope you’re enjoying your time with your family and send you love and gratitude for the joy you spread. Doing so when your own heart is breaking is so courageous. I salute you and thank you…and know that your father is smiling down on you with pride … that’s his girl!
xoxo Vicki
Dearest Susan,
My Daddy died when I was nine years old, so reading about your great relationship with your darling dad in your blogs always made me wonder if Daddy and I would be have been as close as the two of you were. I hope so! My heart goes out to you – losing your daddy is sooo hard, no matter how old you are. I was in the audience in Pasadena, and none of us could tell your heart was broken. You were exactly the wonderful person we thought you’d be. Your forever fan, Linda
So sorry for your loss Susan. It’s never easy for us girls to lose our Daddy. Sending up prayers for you and your family, and cyberhugs to you.
Oh Sue! Now I know why there was a sadness in your face the day we came to Austin, and I, like a dummy, asked you how your Daddy was! I am so sorry to know he has passed away. He was almost like a Dad to all of us Girlfriends, with all the stories you told about him, we all felt like we’d known all of you forever! Your sweet Blog Daddy watching you from above.
Take care. I’m glad you’re home
You weren’t a dummy. I was just in that other skin right then, where a question like that is more a surprise than anything else. He’d become a part of us, I loved that you asked. It meant you felt it too.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for the wonderful travelogue of your book tour. When i came to the end of the post and found that your dear Dad had passed … we are never prepared. I am so sorry for this great loss in your life.
I could not help but think he might be pleased that you were travelling with Joe and surrounded by so many of the girlfriends that he enjoyed through this blog and celebrating life.
Safe travels for you all as you gather as family.
HUG YOU, TIGHTER HUG FOR YOU, A SOFTER HUG AND SIGH WITH YOU, A VERY DEEP BREATH, AND I LOOK INTO YOUR EYES AND SMILE … I AM SOOOOO VERY SAD FOR YOUR LOSS xxx
Dearest Susan,
Thank you for sharing your butterfly kisses & flower petal wishes over 9,800 miles! How bittersweet to hear about Blog Daddy, he’ll be deeply missed! May the Lord comfort your heart with precious father-daughter memories!
Wrote this just for you…
Who knew that Mark Twain
would envision you, Sue?
With an endearing short poem;
he sure captured YOU!!!
Sue ==> Sings like no one is listening.
Sue ==> Loves like she’s never been hurt.
Sue ==> Dances like nobody’s watching,
Sue ==> Lives like it’s Heaven on earth.
Hugging you in my heart
Happy Trails to Durango!
Bunny XO
OMG. I’m never going to get through all of these wonderful comments.
I wondered how you were in California, but not mentioning your dad. I am so very sorry for your heartbreak, mine broke last year in April with my father’s passing. Good memories help, but the crying still come. Weren’t we blessed to have wonderful fathers? Not everyone is so lucky. ❤️❤️❤️ Congratulations on your cross-country book signing trip. Wish there had been a date in Houston, or that I had driven to Austin, but as you experienced, it is HOT out there. I don’t take road trips in the summer. 😄 Safe travels for your upcoming trips, so glad to have received this newsletter today…perfect for staying indoors in a/c! Love from Texas
So very sorry about your dad’s passing. Your story brought tears to my eyes, because I read so much about him. I’m glad now that I didn’t say what I intended to say at the book signing in Woodstock. Since I had already read the book, I was going to mention about your Dads favorite song was the Tennessee Waltz and since I’m born and raised in Tennessee, I thought that was just great, especially since he was from California. Bless you, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you, Vivian
Oh, we’ll have to sing this when we get together this week! As I think about the words, I realize probably won’t get past the first line before I’m in tears! “I was dancin’ with my darlin'” . . . and that’s when he goes off key, “to the Tennessee Waltz” — that high spot in the word Tennessee was always hard for him!
Dear Susan and family,
So sad to hear of the passing of your dear Dad. Sending condolences, love, prayers, and a hug. May the time you share with family and friends help you all remember and feel the warmth and love of his legacy.
What a wonderful post! Thank you . Loved seeing you and Joe in SLC. My fairy tale guys (husband and son) enjoyed it as much as I did.
So sorry to hear of your sweet dad. I pray the time with family will be a nourishing comfort for your aching heart.
Love to you,
Susie
Susan,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I always enjoyed reading his comments and perspective on things you posted. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. The bible verse on weeping is one of my favorite too. Enjoy being home and safe travels as you go to spend time with your family. SO glad to have you back!💕
Jan
So sorry for your loss. Blessings on your family as you mourn the passing of your daddy.
Susan,
I love all your blog posts, but this one especially! I felt like I got to go along with you on this fabulous trip! You are a bit of sunshine in a rather dark world these days. My sincerest condolences on the loss of your dad. I lost my dad at age 88, 12 years ago. Nowadays when I think of him, I always catch myself smiling! Memories will sustain and comfort you!
All the best,
Bernie
Dearest Susan,
I am deeply saddened by your loss—it’s a loss for all of us in that blog topics won’t include his most recent words of wisdom….but always continue to include him as memories rush to the forefront. Write them down and share them because we’ve all lost someone and we can all relate. Yes, you got to have him for a long time, but I always say that there is NEVER a good time to lose someone. NEVER. We want to keep calling them and getting and receiving cards. We want to choose gifts for and receive gifts from…. gifts of love. Endearing words, praise, kindness from someone who knows us like no other.
I lost my Dad in 1975. He was in his 40’s and very ill for many years prior to that. I think about him always. I’m Joann. He was Joe. I have a ‘just joey’ rose in my garden; I have special things around the house to honor him….but I miss him every day and you will, too.
I wrap my virtual arms around you and hug you and tell you that I feel your loss and I wish I could take it away………you are doing the right thing. Making him proud from Heaven and he is! He helped make YOU who you are and we are all so grateful for that!!
Love from Colorado………….xoxo
Joann
Dear Sweet Susan…that PS was a beautiful, touching PS. You have all our Love the World Over! You are an encouragement & an Inspiration. And a Joy to Us all!
With Love, Ever Kat on Rose Creek Farm
Dearest Susan,
Sending you love and prayers for the very sad news that you lost your dear daddy. I still mourn the loss of my dear sweet mother who has been gone for 7 years! I have tears on my cheeks as I type this to you as I still miss her terribly. So I wish you peace, love and joy in all your decades of memories with him. There is never enough time with those you love dearly. Your friend, Maggy’s Girl
BTW: Thank you for all the joy and happiness you spread to everyone, You teach us great lessons of the finer things of life; friends, family (human & pets), home, art, music, food and good work.
One final thought: I have long conversations with my Mom all the time. They are there watching over us, guiding us, healing us. The ultimate guardian angel.
Dear Susan,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your amazing daddy. Thank you for sharing him with us. Please know that we are with you and your family-holding you in our hearts, in our minds and in our prayers. May you find comfort in those beautiful, sweet memories.
Love,
Debbie R from Valencia, CA
Dear Susan and Joe,
Know that you both are loved by many and also are in all of our hearts and thoughts and prayers….as your whole family is too. We all cry with you too for that is what girlfriends do.
When I saw you in Pasadena…my 6th sense jumped….I took it for you being tired. It was confirmed when you went thru AZ and there were no pictures or mention of Blog Daddy. You are so strong and here again you think of us….you spared us…and rightly so…for all of us would of been crying. Take care Susan and lean on your guarding angel…for he is truly a gift from God …Love, Susan P.
I’m was so sorry to read of your father’s death. I’ve lit a candle in his memory in the chapel of king’s college, cambridge and keep you in my thoughts.
That’s just amazing. The reason that both he and I marveled all the time about how beautiful and amazing the internet, despite its flaws, could be. A candle for my dad, in England, I can see it in my mind’s eye. Thank you Karina. He would LOVE that. xoxo
Susan—I sit here crying for you and maybe for myself and all of us who’ve lost our dads. I feel as if I’ve known your father with all the special and warm and loving words you’ve always had for him. God bless you and all your family as you share your love and memories of your dad.
I got to be at the Tattered Cover in Denver. Meeting you was a very special time for me…I will always remember that day.
P.S. I have four copies of your 30th anniversary cookbook and can’t wait to share three of them with girlfriends at Christmas!
I am not sure that my comment posted yesterday. I double checked and cannot find it. So I will post again.
I am so sorry for your loss, and it floods my mind with lots of memories. You comforted me with sweet words over three years ago when I lost my Daddy. I wanted to remind you how much joy you bring to so many people. Your Daddy will always be part of you.
P. S. Big hug from Texas. ❤️ I am so sorry I didn’t get to see you in Austin. I will just keep reading your blog and your books, and keep dreaming of the day that I can visit your island!
I have been thinking about you, especially last weekend, wondering if you made it home OK. My car looked like yours, but I was only gone 6 weeks. Planning a trip to NE in October. So-much-driving! I would go back to TX in the Fall. I don’t think I could take the SW heat and we know we can’t handle the SE humidity in this family. I forgot the three cookbooks I wanted you to sign. Oh well, there’s always next time. I like how you said the cooler was in the way back. That is what we said about my parent’s station wagon. Some one had to sit in the way back. LOL Anyway it is always nice to get home air things out and plant some things.
I always thought you were so lucky to have your dad for so long…I am so sorry to hear the news. He lives on in your heart. His spirit is in you!
LOVE and HUGS,
Margot
Susan, I sit here in tears. I am so sorry for the loss of your Daddy. Thank you for sharing him with us all these years. Thank you for sharing yourself & Joe with us. I didn’t get to see you this trip but hope to next time. I am re-reading A Fine Romance right now and am dreaming of my “once day” trip. I mean this when I say this…. I love you Susan. You have brought such joy to my life. I was 23 years old when I discovered The Heart Of The Home back in 1986 when it first came out. It was the beginning of my cookbook collection. Here I am now about to turn 53 and the mother of two teens. Your books, art & recipes have been a part of their entire lives. They refer to you as “that Lady author you love.” ((Hugs)) & prayers for you & Joe as you travel to your family reunion. Much Love, Laura in Illinois
Thank you Laura, you made me cry. xoxoxo Hugs to “those teenagers you love.”
I am so very sorry, Susan! I’m glad you’re drawing strength from the beautiful relationship you had with your dad, and know that you’ll be comforted by your loving family and friends. He sounds like he was a wonderful role model for you.
xo
Oh Susan – I am so sorry for your loss – What strength you showed continuing your tour while grieving – May Gods peace comfort you always – and thank you for sharing your treasured relationship with all of us bloggies!❤
Dear Susan, thank you for sharing so much in your wonderful books. Wish I could have been among the girlfriends on your cross country tour. Loved so much reading about it all. So sorry for you loss. I loved how your dad was the first visitor to your new home when you first moved to MV. So sweet. Now I’m going to make up a batch of those potato chip cookies and think sweet thoughts.
Oh Susie Q! I just knew something wasn’t right! Truly I did….. – and now I cry, cry, cry for you and for me cuz my Daddy is nearly 94 & I know our time together is so very short. God bless you and your family and your guardian angel, Joe. Love, love to you all. I will miss Blog Daddy, big-time and all of his wonderful comments. THANK YOU FOR this special post. XO
Me again – one more thing…When I walked away after meeting you, I turned around to see you one last time knowing meeting you was such a gift. Our eyes locked and I knew something was wrong. My heart knows that kind of sadness. Safe travels to you and Joe and party hardy with the fam. ENJOY!
Hug him for me Cathy.
I’m so sorry about your Dad. You won’t believe this but I had a feeling about this while you were away. I wanted so badly to come to your signing in Hudson, Ohio to have my original Heart of the Home signed as well as the Autumn book because they are so special to me. My Mom appeared to have had a small stroke that day so we spent the day at the hospital. She felt bad that I couldn’t go to Ohio as planned but I told her she was my priority. She declined and I took care of her in my home for 2 months and at the end, asking for help from Hospice. She passed away where she was the most comfortable, on my couch in my living room with her favorite blanket. We have a large family and someone was always here with me, especially the last four days when she was unresponsive. She passed when everyone left and it was only her and I here. That was June 20th. At first, I couldn’t be sad because I know she is with the love of her life that she missed terribly, my Dad. Slowly that relief is being replaced by just missing her. The circle of life. My sympathy to you and your family. He’ll be missed by many.
The circle of life, all is how it should be, oddly. I’m so sorry Cindy. xoxoxo
When I got to the end of your post I had to go back and read it again. I couldn’t believe it. I always enjoyed reading your dad’s comments on your blog. I love that he was so supportive of you. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and Joe, and all of your family. I’m so glad you will have time to spend with your family this week; to cry and laugh, and reminisce and grieve together. Take extra care of yourself, dear Susan, and know that all of “the girlfriends” love you.
After reading your PS I sense such spirit and such spunk coming from you – just like your Dad!! The smiles, love and enthusiasm for life that you shared with all the girlfriends on your tour, in spite of your grief, is a tribute to you and your Dad and to the spirit he inspired in you.
Through your blog I had the honor of getting some baking advice from your Dad: I had tried to bake the nutritious bread recipe that the nuns had given you, and had written in to the blog to see if any of the girlfriends could tell me what I did wrong because it came out so heavy. Your Dad posted a knowledgeable comment in response asking about the dough being too wet along with some other comments that led me to check the accuracy of my measuring cups. Lo and behold I checked them and sure enough – they were “out of sync” with each other!! Of course I had to thank him for his insight and wisdom! Even now I think of him and his comments whenever I pull out my wet and dry measuring cups to bake. Such a sweet memory.
He was the smartest person I ever knew. Born that way. Thank you Diane.
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I know how bad it feels as I lost my Dad in March. It feels like their is a big hole in your heart that will never heal. We were both lucky to have had our Dads with us as long as we did but it is never easy. Big hugs dear lady, to you and to your family.
Your trip for the book was great as usual and I know all the girlfriends out there were so happy to see you. You were in Asheville, NC and I’m here on the NC coast. So close yet so far away! That’s ok you made it to NC. *L*
Again I am so sorry about your Dad. Enjoy your time with your family.
Dearest Susan, what a trooper you were
to take to the road and be “on” the past
months while grieving your darling dad. In
a way, I imagine it was a balm to see so many
smiling faces and to feel the comfort of the
love that envelops you wherever you go and
speak and share your heart. On the other
hand, you must have wondered how the world
could still keep turning when such a bright
light was turned off here on earth. Thank
you for showing us all how grieving is done
with such grace and courage. Sending warmest
hugs…..
xo Suzanne
It actually was such a balm, all the loving faces and kind words. It was just hugely mixed, pure joy and complete grief, like two sides of the same coin!
I’m sorry for your loss Susan. I wish I could say something comforting but after losing
my mom and dad all I can say is the grief, over time, doesn’t sneak up on you and knock you to your knees as often. It still sneaks up, but it becomes familiar enough where you can sit down first and say “ah, you again.” Blessed, I suppose to have such sorrow, even after so many years, that is trumped only by such love. Prayers.
Bless your heart, Susan. How marvelous to have such love for nearly your whole life long.
When my dad died in 1983, a friend sent me this quotation and it meant the world to me. I hope it comforts you, too.
“Those we love are with the Lord and the Lord has promised to be with us. If they are with Him and He is with us, they cannot be far away.”
– Peter Marshall (“A Man Called Peter” by Catherine Marshall)
Love your books, art, and attitude!
Hi Susan, Thank you for sharing your trip……and I am sorry to hear about your wonderful dad. take care susan g.
Dear Susan,
I feel sooo lucky to have met you on your recent book tour when you came through Woodstock, Georgia. As a result, I have FOUR of your wonderful books which have been personalized to ME!! They are now, even MORE SO, among my treasured possessions. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. I can’t really imagine not “knowing” you through your books, calendars, website, blog….I’ve “known” you this way for so many years now. I also want to express my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. It is so tough to loose your Dad….I pray you’ll find comfort in the days ahead.
Susan, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. Thank you for not telling us until the very end of this long, beautiful blog entry. My heart aches for you. I am amazed that you could complete your book tour. Probably only because you had God in your heart and Joe at your side. Even though I lost my dad 25 years ago, I’m still amazed when he shows up beside me in a dream. I wish that blessing for you, too. Prayers for your family reunion in Durango as you remember and celebrate your daddy’s life. Love and hugs!
Oh Susan how sorry I was to hear of your lovely Daddy’s death. “Ar Dheis De Go Raibh A Anam Dilis ” this Irish blessing means “May His Soul Be On The Right Hand Of God.” Be kind to yourself. Your number 1 Irish fan. Who still would love you to visit ” The Emerald Isle” ( bed and board included)
🍀 xoxo
Hope today finds you getting some much needed rest before you take off again on Tuesday. Do you have plans to stop along the way? That’s another long drive. I love looking at all the wonderful people who greeted you at your book signings. All those very happy gorgeous faces. And the beautiful scenery across the country! That Joe takes some awesome pictures! It’s a beautiful photo journal with some wonderful memories to cherish. Prayers for peace….prayers for comfort…prayers for rest of body and spirit. xo…Karen🍭💕
Dearest Susan just like her Daddy,
I know he is smiling down upon you because Love is the strongest bond in the universe. I
know because you beam with it for humanity and touch so many of us. My heart feels full
just to know you and your strong father’s love for one another. What a beautiful memorial
for your beloved Daddy, may you see him in the stars and know his love for you. Mine and
Paul’s heartfelt prayers for you and all your loved ones. Love, Wendy-Louise oxoxox
Dearest Susan
Was so thrilled to see a new blog posted and so glad you took all of us girlfriends on your adventure. It breaks my heart to hear about your dear dad – I loved reading about him and that he followed your blog. We are all going to miss him and we are thinking of you and your family – it is never easy and I know how lucky you feel to have had such a wonderful man for your daddy! Sending love and prayers your way.
Julie V.
Have wondered why your blogs have been few lately and now I understand. I enjoyed reading your Father’s comments on the blog for a long time now and he will be sorely missed by alot of girlfriends.. you are in my prayers along with your family
I lost my son in May==he was attending Univ of Oregon and had just received his mid terms 4.0 average (he had his degree Phi Beta Kappa) and was after his masters. He was in his backyard painting, went in the house to take a shower and had a fatal heart attack…I have kind of been in shock since. I know there are no words to give you that will ease your grief but I do know that we will all be together again some day.
Your kitties looked a little shell shocked to see you but they may have sensed your grief and just not known why.
Thank you for taking the time to post this as it had to be a difficult thing to do.
All my love and prayers from Idaho where it has been very hot except today which is rainy. Linda from Idaho
Oh Linda. How awful. I’m so sorry. Sending hugs to you . . . xoxo
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. There is really no one who can take a dad’s place in his daughter’s heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I just read a book that described a woman as “bonny and brave to the end”. I read this blog today, and saw all the smiles and love in everyone’s faces because they got to meet you. I saw the smile and love on your face, too, even knowing the heartache you put aside to make all the girlfriends feel so special. Susan, you are bonny and brave.
My heart goes out to you in the passing of your daddy. It’s something we can’t ever prepare for. Thank you for sharing him with us. He seemed to be a “come what may and love it” kind of person. Maybe when your family is all together in Colorado, you could put together a blog daddy bio and collect stories and memories for everyone to share.
I hope you can feel all the love and prayers that are being sent your way. I hope you can take time to just sit still and heal. Take care. Hug those kitties. =^..^=
Oh my, just read your blog and saw your post about your wonderful father. When I lost my Dad, I told people it was a hardship because he was wonderful, but I would not have changed a thing. “Man was made for joy and woe, and when this we rightly know, Thro the world we safely go. Joy and woe are woven fine, A clothing for the soul divine.” (William Blake) My thoughts are with you and your family. 😢
Susan dear – remember – to be absent from the body – is to be in the presence of God. Quietly they leave us – forever in our hearts. Keeping you in thought and prayer.
Such heartbreaking news of the loss of your Dad. It has been 8 years since mine passed away and I can say that each year as I experience things in my life I love and appreciate him more. The gift of a loving father is immeasurable. Take good care of yourself. ❤️
Dear Susan,
I am so sorry about the loss of your sweet Dad. May you find great comfort and much joy in your family’s reunion. You’re in my prayers.
A Girlfriend,
Cindy
Dearest Susan,
It’s been a while since I’ve checked in, life gets in the way. I just want you to know the heartfelt sympathy I have for the loss of your darling dad. My heart just aches for you and I wish you peace and love. May God hold you tenderly in his hand as you go thru this passage. I love you Girlfriend….<3
Dearest Susan:
I almost came to see you in New Jersey (about 45 minutes across the Hudson River from where I live) at the book signing, but unfortunately, I had car trouble and was not able to come. I would have loved to have met you face to face and had a little chat as you signed my books. I was going to haul some of your earlier books with me too for you to sign and I had hoped you wouldn’t mind!
I am so sorry to hear of Blog Daddy’s passing. I lost my Dad several years ago, and while I miss him terribly, it is not as painful as it once was. Time, as they say, is definitely a healer. I pray that in time, you will hurt less, and smile more as you think of all the wonderful times you shared with your Dad. Like you, I had a most wonderful childhood, and always felt loved, protected and safe with my parents. I have memories of growing up that will last a lifetime. I also share those memories with only two others – and that’s my two younger brothers. When we get together, we share a language that is only our own. We get it – as we were that family unit that is so sacred and unique. I know when you have your reunion with you family next week, you will experience the same thing with your siblings.
Thank you for sharing all those lovely pictures of all our wonderful girlfriends. Aren’t we a great looking group? And all of us have something in common – we love you Susan! It’s good to have you back on the blog, and of course we are looking forward to your posts from your travels overseas. We get to be armchair travelers and experience it all with you…
Safe travels to you and Joe. Enjoy the special time with your family…
“Ho! Ho! Ho! To the bottle I go….To heal my heart and drown my woe
Rain may fall and wind may blow
And many miles be still to go
But under a tall tree will I lie
And let the clouds go sailing by”
J.R.R. Tolkien
Perhaps a nice drop of something lifted in honor of beloved Blog Daddy would be appropriate at such a time as this?
Susan, I’m thinking that God allowed the end of your papa’s life in a season where you were receiving the love from Him, as these hundreds of friends smiled at you for days, and days, and weeks, and weeks. Their smiles and hugs, even though they didn’t know what you were going through, brought you love, and more love, and comfort, and hope, person, by person, by person. Your words about it were not necessary. Thank you for sharing the story today, and all about your trip of providence. It was an amazing journey of life, even though it carried you and Joe through a beginning season of the valley of that shadow. I’m so glad you love all of us, and so glad you are a pilgrim in our country. You carry stars and hope and love and forgiveness as you journey on in your life. Sleep well. You’ll feel better…..a tiny bit at a time.
So sorry for the loss of your father. Was great meeting you and Joe in Danville, CA Loved your blog of your long trip. Have a great time in England.
I am so teary right now. The closeness and love you had with your Dad was beautiful. I love how proud he was of you. 🙂 It is so hard for you now but boy you were blessed by having such a father. I will miss reading his comments. Take care dear lady. Enjoy your family reunion and your friends will be here when you get back. I have missed you! Hugs, Kit
I am heartbroken for your loss.
Treat yourself kindly, Fairy Tale Girl.
Dear Susan,
Thank your for sharing your heart and soul with your girlfriends. The pictures of the book signing were so amazing! I’m still trying to get over the fact I missed you and Joe in Grapevine, Texas! I hope you know how much others love you and your guardian angel!
I am so sorry your dear sweet dad passed away in May. You were so brave and strong to keep on going spreading love just like your dad taught you to do. Please know my heart goes out to you and your entire family. I pray that your time together as a family will be just what you all need right now. My prayers are with you!
Love from Texas,
Donna
Oh Susan – I am terribly sorry to hear about your father. I know that you will keep his memory close. What a wonderful man to have raised you and your lovely brothers and sisters. Much love and prayers to you – Marisa Hayden, Friendswood TX
Dear Susan,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You are so fortunate to have had such a father! And likewise he was the same to have had you as a daughter.
The celebration with your family will help, I know this for a fact! And then you’ll carry your dad around in your pocket forever….
Barbara
So sorry for the loss of your beloved father. He was such a handsome man! He looked tall and in great shape even into his later years. God bless you and your family during this time. 💕