Hello darling Girlfriends . . . I just wanted to do a quick update so you can see why you haven’t been hearing from me! Today is Joe’s 64th Birthday🎈 and we will be celebrating this afternoon with about a hundred of his nearest and dearest friends, we’re going to let him know that we will still need him, we will still feed him, even though, he’s 64 . . . So we’ve been keeping ourselves very busy getting ready!
Old friends have come from far and wide ~ we’ve been planning this party since last January ~ and even invited everyone before we went on our cross-country book tour, but with everything that’s happened in these last months, the actual organization part was put off until maybe these last two weeks, but even so, the tent showed up right on time . . . we have lots of tables ~ I’ve been cooking, and today we 
decorate! Party starts at 4:30 pm. The man bringing the music system comes at noon, the birthday cake (to serve 100, three tiers, coconut lemon cake) comes at 4pm … I spent all day yesterday with three of my dearest girlfriends making a playlist for the party!!! 🎵 🎶 It was SO MUCH FUN. We included my Dad and had Tennessee Waltz on the list, and for about 4 hours, we sang along 
with the songs, decided whether they should make the cut, said yes or vetoed, and jumped for joy when we remembered the perfect song… like this one MUSICA … we chose a mixture of 70s and 40s musica from Dancing Queen to I Only Want to Be with You, plus La Vie en Rose, and Fly Me to the Moon ~ my niece Holly has already requested I send the list to her …. We hope singing and dancing will break out all over! It’s a once-in-every-15-years-type-party to celebrate Joe with all our good friends ~ actually, the last time we did a party like this was for his 40th birthday! But this boy deserved a party, and anyway . . .
⬆️ This was dinner last night . . . There’s Diana from California on the left (BFF from Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams), our dear old friend Peggy, then Paul, of “Rachel-from-England-fame,” then Elaine (BFF who hired me to work in the record department in Fairy Tale Girl in 1971), then Rachel herself, then darling Bob, Peggy’s husband, and then Siobhan, from England (from that adorable stone cottage in A Fine Romance). So this was a fairy tale dinner . . . 💞 with the freshest farm-stand corn that just jumped off the cob, and with people who love to sing over dessert!🎵
⬅️ Remember cute English Paul? He calls Vineyard Haven, “Haven,” and Cape Cod, “Cod.” We love him. This little portrait was HIS birthday surprise last year . . . . 🎁
Here’s Ray and I . . . pen pals is how we met, she in England🇬🇧, me in America🇺🇸 …. she’s 20 years younger than me ~ we’re going to England to celebrate her 50th 🎂 this fall ~ a few years ago, Ray and I discovered that we both wrote to Queen Elizabeth when we were children, AND we both got letters back from the same Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen (the longest serving Lady-in-Waiting in history) …. 20 years apart!!! Now this is a friendship that was meant to be.💕
So now I must go . . . so much to do, but I had to let you know what was going on so you wouldn’t think I was just ignoring you!!! Never! XOXOXO
Have a wonderful day! 💛
Happy Birthday, Joe! You, – who keeps our dear Susan so happy and cheerful that the sunniness and love just pour out of her pen to us! Happy wife, happy women all around the world! Have a superb day!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!! It’s my grandson Gabe’s 16th birthday today, too. Now I know I’ll never forget that it’s your birthday, too! Thanks so much Susan for letting us get a peek at all the fun we know you’ll all be having today/tonight. Big hugs from Sharon for a happy birthday Joe! XXOO
Joe…….you are very important to us ‘girls’…because you make our Sue soooo happy!! And you set the bar so high and we love you for it. Have the most happiest of birthdays imaginable!!! And we will be toasting you from afar!!!👑🎂🍷💜💜💜
Happy Birthday Joe! I met you a couple of years ago in Hudson, Ohio and just didn’t realize that my Joe and you share the same birthday!!!! I felt you were a special guy and now I know why!!!! 🎉🎂👏👍
Birthday greetings to the Fairy Tale Girl’s Prince Charming.
😘
Happy Birthday to JOE!!!
~ 🎂Happy Happy Birthday🎂! ~
Happy Birthday Joe! Enjoy your special day and the wonderful party with those near and dear to you!
Happy Birthday to a very special gentle-man!
Happy birthday, Joe! Wishing you many more adventures with Susan and her fairy-tale-dreams-come-true! (You being one of them)!
I, too, love coconut cake. My great-aunt would make a 3-layer cake from scratch using fresh coconut.
Blessings to you,
Ruth B. (The Inklings in Ohio)
Happy Birthday to Joe!!! Hope your celebration is the best! Enjoy
Happy Birthday Joe! It is going to be be absolutely delightful..love the tents and who wouldn’t love to be amongst all that delicious food and music!!
The very happiest of birthdays to Joe!! Met him twice at book signings and such a gentleman!!
Fun post to read! I would love to see post-party pictures! Happy Birthday to him!!!
A very happy (and by the time this is received — belated) birthday to Joe! Susan, it sounds as if you are having a lovely time (I’m sure Joe appreciates the work that went into it, but how nice that you could turn planning the music into such a wonderful memory! That’s the spirit!) Thank you for taking the time to share this delightful occasion with us! We wish you all the happiness your hearts can store and enough to spill over to those around you!
Blessings!
Today is my birthday as well, and I celebrated this morning by spending it you and the Isle of Dreams. Then I did some scrapbooking…I’m on 2003, although I do have the last few years done digitally. On a couple of pages, I drew a fine line frame around each picture like you do. Didn’t look quite as good, but it did make my pictures pop a little. Interestingly, I will be walking in the Cotswolds this September with a group of ladies and led by an author friend, who was a pen pal of sorts, but via email. We were both inspired by A Fine Romance to put this trip together. Some of us on the trip were so happy to see you at Vromans this summer. Happy Birthday to Joe and thanks for filling my reading hours with pure delight. 💜
Happy birthday to Joe from Debbie and Russ in Little Rock! Hope you are having a superfine day full of love and joy. (“Superfine” is what my sweet grandfather Papaw would say. Because why be just fine when SUPERFINE is so much better?)
Happy Birthday to Joe!! You two will be having such fun with all your friends. I can’t believe you took time to write to all of us with all the preparations. I don’t always listen to the Musica, but did today. Perfect! (Yes, I was singing.)
Sending happy birthday wishes and a prayer (for goodness and blessings to continue to grace his life) to such a good man. I recall loving all the fun and warmth you shared at one of Joe’s big birthday parties. I hope all the good, good friends that shared that party will be with you at this one. I’m sure I’m not the only one who looks forward to the pictures and story about this celebration. Do tell! Love to you both.
Happiest of birthday wishes to Joe! What a wonderful group of friends, I am sure the party will be extraordinary, noteworthy, historic even. Sounds like you might want to create that playlist so we can download it from your shop, I am guessing it would be a best seller!
Hi Sue, and Happy, Happy Birthday Joe!! Looks so fun, and I’m listening to your music and love it! Have a wonderful party and enjoy all your wonderful guests. Lucky people all of you. So glad I met you two in Pasadena in June was a dream come true for me. Don’t stay up too late, lol.
Happy Birthday Joe and have a fabulous celebration Sue and all those near and dear!!! It looks like a wonderful party – hope you’ll be sharing more pictures in the days ahead. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday Joe ! You my friend are one lucky guy !
Happy 64 Joe! What a blast, have a fantastic party and by all means sing some songs from sargent peppers– will you still love me when I’m 64? It will quite a night. Everything sounds perfect. Enjoy and thank you for inviting the girlfriends! You’re the best, Susan. Lots of love to you both!
Oh, how I wish I could join in the birthday celebration! Happy Birthday Joe!
Such happiness for so many, celebrating Joe’s precious life, and our precious lives in general! Hurray for all the dancing and jovial good spirits! Can’t wait to hear the post-party report!
What fun. Happy Birthday, Joe!!!!
Joe I wish a very happy birthday and I hope you and Susan have an amazing year!!! I was lucky enough to meet you and Susan in Salt Lake City along with my good friend Ashlee. We had such an incredible evening and we are both enjoying the books a little at a time to make them last longer❤️❤️❤️
Lori
The Happiest of Birthdays to Joe!!!!!!
hau’oli la hanau e joe!!! 🌴🌴🌴. very happy birthday wishes from this little speck of an island in the middle of the big pond way out west! hope there’s lots of singin’… and dancin’… and shenaniginin’!!! 🎂🎁🎉 aloooooooha!!
Special Birthday wishes to dear Joe, who was so lovely to all of us waiting in line at your book signing in Danville, Ca. He made quite the lovely impression and rightfully so. May this be the start to a wonderful new year in your life, filled with many lovely moments, memorable times and great health and happiness.
Have a wonderful time celebrating…you both deserve this special time.
With love,
Kelly XOXOXO
Happy Birthday to your dear Joe. Have all the fun you can possibly handle and enjoy every sweet friend. God bless you both!!!!
Happy Birthday Joe!!! Sending much love & wishes of Joy to you on your special day & always!!!
Happy Birthday Joe!
Today is my nephew Benjamin’s 31st birthday also!
A great day all around.
Have a wonderful celebration!!
Cheers,
Jan from Northern CA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE! How exciting to have a huge party to celebrate, and I hope everyone has a wonderful and beautifully delicious time! Thank you for sharing, and I cant wait for pictures! As for your lovely home, I think you will be there happily ever after….I cant even imagine you selling it …..it is like a part of you and Joe forever. I love hearing of all kinds of friends from near and far visiting and having such a joyful time and so many reunions! Have fun!! 😊xoxox
Happy Birthday, Joe! And, no doubt, Susan still loves you 🎼 “[now that] you’re sixty-four”🎵. 😆
Happy Birthday Joe! Enjoyed meeting you this summer and hope this is a fantastic year for you and your Honey!
Enjoy your few minutes at home before the next big adventure!
Thanks for sharing your days Susan, always love peaking inside your life!
What a lovely occasion. A big “Happy Birthday” to Joe.
I have just returned to the Cape from a 70th birthday for a friend, which included being present for the awarding of the McDowell medal to Toni Morrison in Peterborough, N H. Powerful.
A very Happy Birthday to Joe. What better way to celebrate than with loved ones coming to be with you. Everything sounds wonderful, especially the cake. Coconut cake and lemon filling sound SCRUMPTIOUS. Hope you have time to send some pictures of the festivities.
Happy Birthday Joe! I met you in St. Charles, MO this summer. Such a wonderful day. I hope you have a very soecial celebration. 💝🎂🎉🎁
Happy Birthday Joe !!! Oh what a party to remember with your wonderful wife and friends : )
Happy Happy Birthday to your sweet Joe !! Thank you both for sharing your lives with all of us ! I had the privilege of meeting you both @Rakestraw books in Danville in May :)You are both treasures ! And a bright spot in this life that we all share ;)Love &Very Best Wishes to You !!!
p.s. my husband is a 6′ Leo named Joe too 🙂 who can cook !We just celebrated his 59th Birthday on 8/11 🙂
I hope the Beetles song When I’m 64 was on the play list. Happy birthday Joe have a great time at your party.
Susan!
I have HAPPY tears! Oh the Love, Oh the friends, Oh the pure JOY of CELEBRATING. There are so many finish lines in this wonderful journey of LIFE. You’ve shared so many of them with all of us and our lives are so much the richer for it. XOXO
A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your dearest of dearest JOE!
Dance til the cows come home! Sing at the top of your lungs! Our sunset here was gorgeous, with hues of pinks. I was looking to the North and waving. You know my heart was there!
JOY all around!
XOXO
Georgie from NJ
Happy Birthday Joe! 64! Just a kid. You have a wonderful time. You and Susan have a great celebration and a great 364 days around the sun….. Eat plenty of cake!!!! Blessings all around Julia
Happy Birthday Joe! May the Lord’s blessings be upon you on your special day and always!
So charming!!! Sure wish there was an ‘extra’ seat at the dinner table… ;))
Love y’all! Happy Happy Birthday Joe! I’m halfway through “Isle…” It’s my night time reading when my head touches my pillow…..now to get the rest of the set. I love your writing style. I treasure your cookbooks and have them all! Thanks so much for sharing so much of your inner being…..
Celebrate til the stars come out. I hope there is a meteor shower that bestoews lucky wishes upon you! Joe you and I celebrate the same year.
I did’t see a meteor shower but we had a beautiful moon peeking through the trees . . .
Oh, how fun, Susan! Hmm… it’s almost 11 p.m. Wonder if you’re still dancing the night away with that handsome man of yours! Blessings to you and the birthday boy! 🙂 Sara 🙂
Happy Birthday Joe … have a great day visiting all your friends and eating coconut cake. Enjoy 🙂
Happiest of birthdays to your sweet Joe!
How did we ever have a 64th birthday without the Beatles? Joe, have a marvelous celebration for what is left of the day out there and continue to indulge yourself for a week, a month or every day in your 65th year leading to 14 August, next.
Thanks for including us to you both.
Jo
Happy Birthday Dear Joe! May you have many, many more wonderful birthdays! Beautiful friends to treasure, sweet Sue!
Here I am unwinding from my Birthday, and thinking how the day goes by twice as fast when it’s your Birthday. I just happened to see if you have a new posting and low and behold, I see I have a birthday in common with Joe. I knew I liked him! Hope your party was as wonderful as I think it was. How can it be anything but wonderful with a tent full of people you love ? Glad you took the time and energy to make it happen.
BarbaraKuzdzal
Happy Birthday Barbara, and yes, it was a tent filled with people we love. Perfect.
It looks like it will be the best party ever! Best wishes for a very Happy Birthday Joe! It was such a delight to meet you on the book tour this Spring. You two are such a wonderful couple.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!! 🎂🎈Gosh, your Party sounds WONDERFUL!!! I can’t wait to see more pictures of your celebration!!! I remember looking forward to my 64th birthday just Because of the Beatles song…” Will ya still need me will ya still feed me…when i’m 64″ ❤️ I remember when that song was popular …64 sounded like it might as well have been 100!! That song was my anthem for all of 2014! Well, I’m two years past 64 and I don’t feel like 102 at all!!😊 May you and Susan be forever young and enjoy this special birthday and many many more to come!!!
p.s……I now can quote one of my favorite quotes for Joe’s Birthday…( from the movie ARTHUR ) ” Isn’t FUN the BEST thing to have???!!!”
I wish Joe the happiest of birthdays! How could it not be happy with you at his side. 💕
How wonderful that you are all celebrating Joe’s Birthday and you and all your friends can gather together with wonderful music and oh that cake! Happy Birthday Blessings Joe.
Marilyn Young
Happy birthday to your Joe! I’ve never had a birthday in my entire life and I am 67.
Happy Birthday you handsome devil. I can hear the music all the way over here in Vermont!
Happiest of birthdays to you Joe🎉🎉🎂🎈🎉🎂 The party set up looks fantastic. What a tribute to have so many people and friends come from so far to help you celebrate and bring in year 65! Again, Happy Birthday to you!! Susan what a party planner you are. Love all that you have shared. Enjoy!
Nancy
Susan, I can’t wait to see the pictures and hear about the party. Happy Birthday Joe!! Meeting you and Joe in SLC at The Kings English with my daughter was nothing short of a dream.
Calling all Girlfriends, this might not be the place to do this and if it’s not I apologize, I don’t have any social media accounts. I have 3 beautiful children, my last child just left my nest and I’m alone for the first time in 25 years. My heart is broken into too many pieces and I’m a puddle on the floor. I put my whole identity into being a Mother from the time I was old enough to know I could be a mother. I was a Mother to my babies, to my 5 younger siblings, a nanny, then a Mother to my own 3 children. I’m just so incredibly SAD, I cry every day, I feel like you Susan, crying in Holly Oak. In SLC at the Kings English I told you I haven’t figured out my calling and you told me that’s one of the reasons you wrote Fairy Tale Girl and Isle of Dreams to help us, and that it took you a while to figure things out for yourself too. I had no idea then, that I was 2 months away from being thrown into that fire of being alone and not having a clue who I am or what I want to do. I just want to go back and raise my kiddos again, get one more sticky faced kiss, and hold them in my arms. Help……..
I think you may have come to the right place . . . help is everywhere here. For my own self, all I can say, after I’m so sorry😢, is: yes, you should be feeling all those feelings because your life is changing without your permission. But you will go through and find a new sunrise on the other side, it’s just one day at a time, and grief, then all the things that come after. Sending love and hugs xoxoxo
Hi JW,
Sounds like you were a wonderful mom and have a lot of love still to give.
Now that you have “let go” of those babies hands now that they have all grown up, you have your hands back. That is, your life is yours again to spend as your heart desires. To ease back, volunteering is a great place to start. Look into volunteering opportunities in your community such as American Red Cross, hospitals, animal shelters, women’s shelters–it’s a long list. You’ll feel great helping others and you’ll meet other kind-hearted people. Also, perhaps find outlets to explore your creative side. Most communities have lovely yarn, or fabric, or paper crafting stores with classes or clubs that meet. Artistic women are kind-hearted too! If you go out, seek others and seek to give of yourself, I hope you’ll find joy and satisfaction and your hands as well as your heart will be full.
I, too, am so sorry for your sadness, but you did what you were supposed to do – raise them up and let them fly. Now turn yourself to causes you believe in and work to make the world, or at least your corner of it, a better place. If you don’t need to work, volunteer, volunteer. The world needs you. And these kiddies aren’t GONE; they’re here. Before you know it you’ll have sticky-faced grandchildren! Don’t feel you have nothing to offer now; you have lots of gifts to give!
JW, when my only child turned 18 I remember bawling my eyes out as I wrapped his birthday gift. He was going off to college and I was devastated! All I can tell you…just keep putting one foot in front of the other, find something that you love to do and throw yourself into it. Time goes by so quickly and before you know it my only child married the daughter I never had and I love her so dearly and my life is full of children again…sticky fingers, bruised knees laughter and tears. Hang in there.
Chris
💗
There are so many children, young mothers and seniors who so badly need a kind word and a hug. Perhaps if you can reach a little beyond your family to your community you will find a sticky faced child who is also alone and fearful of the future.
Do your best to make your own plan and then just go with it! you will find encouragement and joy along the way.
JW I am at a point in my life that I need to figure things out for myself too, as I had to close my business due to some health issues. BUT I feel that you have it worse because I can totally understand your plight and feelings. You are doing the right things!
.
1. Susan is so inspirational and a cure to all that ails you. I have read her books over and over when I need a boost. 2. AND you are looking for help. Both great. Susan has given you perfect advice.
I am not sure I can add anything, only to say that when I had to do this before I gave myself… The Year of Myself. I did all the things I needed to do in order to get to know myself again and to figure out what I like and what I felt strongly about and what brought me joy aside from who I used to be and all the compromise I had made (I had lost myself and became a giving machine and then he cheated and I left and I was lost) … and then it all came together. It didn’t even take a year. You were obviously a wonderful mother and your children will always need their mom, but now mom can mother herself a bit until she’s happy:) I don’t know if any of this helps. Either way at least you can know that I tried and there is a person in Texas wishing great things for you:) PS I think most communities have an empty nester support group and I know there are books dealing with it too, if you feel that might help too. I hope someone who has your exact situation writes in and can be helpful. xoxo hugs across the miles
It must be so hard, but I bet there are so many children in your community who would love someone to read to them, talk to them, play with them. Maybe schools, community groups or hospitals know of a place to start. Oooooorrrr, if you like animals you could contact your local animal shelter about fostering a kitten or puppy. Your talents will do a lot of good in this world, I can feel it.
I am so sorry for your sadness. By no means am I suggesting that you find “replacement” children as of course you can’t replace the experience of raising your own children, but as you find yourself day by day, I hope you’ll consider the many opportunities that’s out there that involve being a positive, warm experience for children in various situations. It could be as simple as volunteering at a school and just listening to a child read. I don’t mean to sound like I’m telling you what to do but I think someone like you has a lot of living to do and lots to give. I think your light will shine on children and in turn you will feel love and goodness coming into your life in different ways. It’s all good. I know because I’m a teacher. All the best to you, dear. The world needs you.
JW,
I so understand your feelings….I have gone thru it also…But the one thing I did was go back and remembered what were my dreams before children..what were my passions??? Some have changed…I have changed…but I had a love for nature…trips…sea glass…teas…books and old movies….bike riding…hiking… going thru Antique Shops…thrift stores etc etc…. I started to make choices…. in things I wanted to do..see…explore…find out about…and grow in my garden…It didn’t come all at once..and still it is work in progress. My husband is still around..but is a coach which gives me allot of free time…alone time.. and I am luck y to have such a wonderful man that supports me in all that I attempt and do..so after the children left I had to fill that time (until the grand babies came)..but I do not see them all the time. You will find your passion…your happy place…and one day at a time….it will come to you..even my failures in the garden are hard to take, some are so funny..I just get up and try again..for I have all the time in the world. One thing I was told by a friend…put a positive on everything. Now I have days that I struggle with…but not as many as I used to…I try very hard to see the positive note I put allot of trust in God…I have said this before
I sing when the Sunrise in the morning and I dance when the Sunsets at night and in between I Live!!! Take care and enjoy your days. Love, Susan P.
Love you Susan!
JW, I hope you find a place to work or volunteer and share your wonderful talents! Perhaps at a local school, a church, a hospital, or community center.
I joined Master Gardeners and I love gardening and have wonderful gardening friends and activities to look forward to. They have so many educational opportunities and working with children in schools is just one of the many things they do. I still miss my kiddos but I know they need to grow.
I hope you find a special place for darling you!
Hello JW and fellow empty-nester, I do know just how you feel. I was a single mother during most of the growing up years of my two children, so I did what you did, put most of myself into being their Mom, and the leftovers went to my job. Then they went to college (happy and sad tears), got married (ditto), and had children of their own (lovely ditto). It’s been a long process and it’s always a mixture of happy and sad, but you do learn to look for and celebrate the happy parts, while processing the sad. We are very blessed, though, to have so many resources of support, and isn’t Susan ♥ with her blog and books and twitter and loving sharing spirit a shining star of loving supportiveness!! Everything will get better and lovely life events are still ahead: grandchildren!! discovering and developing talents you didn’t know you had!! becoming a friend to others in need and finding new BFFs!! traveling to those places you’ve only read about!! ~ the list goes on and on and on. (Susan has a wonderful little print called “Reasons to go on Living” that you can find in her ‘Shopping’ link. I bought it to hang in my office cubicle when I was feeling what you are feeling) Remember you are SO NOT ALONE♥ Oh! another SB resource: Find a SB Girlfriend penpal – go to the FOSB facebook page where you will get instructions: “1) On the FOSB page, comment that you are looking for a pen pal. Maybe give some general info about you.
2) Ask those interested to private message you to connect. Please do NOT list your personal contact info on FOSB. Your privacy is important!!!
3) Check your messages for requests. (Also be sure to check your “other” messages, which are messages from people that you are not Face Book friends with.) 4) Watch for posts from other FOSB who are looking for a pen pal. If you see one that looks fun, private message them! Don’t be shy!!! 5) Once you have connected and swapped snail-mail information….set up a desk or writing table with your stationery, pen, stamps and, maybe a dictionary(!!!!!)…and start writing!!! ”
Love from your Fellow Empty Nester Girlfriend xoxo
Thank you darling Christie Girlfriend!
I’m so sorry you are sad and I know exactly how you feel. The same thing happened to me 27 years ago. I was always somebody’s daughter, wife and mother….then my mother died, then my husband 4 years later and then my youngest of four children left the nest. I was alone in my house for the first time in my 48 years and no one needed me and I had no idea who I was as just me. Take one day at a time, ask God for help and pour your heart out to Him because He understands, take walks in pretty places, eat healthy, volunteer work is always good and pretty soon you will find things that bring you joy and purpose. God bless you.xo
Dear JW, I can relate to how you feel. I would raise my children all over again, I loved that time of my life. When all of my children left the nest, I had no idea who I was at that moment, or what my job was. I had two children and three step children, a busy household and a job. However, I love being a homemaker and a mom. Now it just looks a little different. It takes some time to figure this part of life out- finding your niche, your calling. I have not completely found my place, how to contribute to others in life, but I am open and available. I pray you find comfort in happy memories and look for the sunshine in each new day. I will be thinking of you!
Hi JW,
I’m sorry to read that you are feeling this way. I have been thinking of you since reading your post.
These life transitions can be very difficult. So what do we do? How about we sit for awhile, and be still. Still enough to feel what else is there that I want or have wanted to do. Sit long enough until we are ready to pick our self up, and accept that we can move forward in a new way.
Currently, I too am going through a rough spot…..a transition of sorts. It’s difficult to even want to move forward some days. I know I can do it, I just have to want to and I will. Good advice from Susan to me are the words, “baby steps.” Exactly.
The role of Mom is but a small part of you …shoes you stepped into when the time came. At the time it too was a transition and met with challenges along the way.
You are a strong woman JW, it took courage to reach out and ask for help. I believe that given some time, you will accept and take on this transitional phase of your life and create something beautiful. I love this quote from Winnie the Pooh – Christopher Robin. “YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU SEEM, BRAVER THAN YOU BELIEVE AND SMARTER THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE.”
Take care!
Erica xo
Happy Birthday Joe from Colorado! It would be wonderful to be there just to hear, sing and dance to the playlist! Oh and to eat a piece of coconut lemon cake. Have a great time!!!
My husband and I celebrate our 35th this week with dinner for 2 at one of our favorite restaurants. The Wooden Table.
Best wishes from Marianne
Happy Birthday Joe!
Oh to be that young again—happy happy with all your friends–you are truly blessed. Linda from Idaho where it is very smoky (over 70,000 acres close to us so can’t be outdoors very long.)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE. I know you had a wonderful party. Thank you for sharing this special time, with all the decorations etc.
I hope you have a wonderful year filled with health and happiness.
Enjoy
Happy birthday, Joe! Hope you had a great party….I know you did with all the special planning.
Just btw, I love “Oh What A Night” ! We had an exchange student from Switzerland who excitedly wanted me to hear this “new song” a friend sent…
What would you know but it was “Oh What A Night” in French hip-hop.
When I sang he was incredulous. The more things change, the more things stay the same.
Enjoy,
Candice
happy birthday + happy celebrations!
Happy Birthday to Joe! My Birthday twin. I just turned 61. I am sure that the party was a blast if the musica here today was anything to go by! Sure took me back a year or two. Happy Happy celebrations to you all. xo
It must be so wonderfull to be able to put tents up this big for a party. And then still have plenty of room around it. And the tents are so pretty too! (Garden envy here in Holland)
Thanks for taking the time for an update on your very busy day. Have fun!
Happy Birthday Joe from Joan and Bud 🎈🎉❤️
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE!!! I can almost smell the preparations and hear the laughter and music as everyone bustles about creating a spectacular party. You must be in your BLISS, Susan, to be surrounded by your favorite peeps and be at home with Jack and Girl Kitty too. I’m thinking this must be one of the most perfect weeks of your life…..excellent conversation topped off with sparkling laughter and delicious drink and tidbits. Sounds pretty close to Heaven to me! And each of them is as lucky having you as their beautiful hostess~ Be blessed.
Happy Birthday Joe! Looks like it will be great. Blessings on you. Chris
Happy Birthday Joe! Hope it was a great one! Celebrate! Love the music!
Happy Birthday, dear Joe! Enjoy all the festivities! I wish you many blessings in this “new year” of yours. Sending lots of hugs to you and your dear, wonderful wife. Roemarie
Thanks for sharing. Happy Birthday Joe! Wishing you many, many more.
Hippo birdie two ewes;
Harry burpdae too use;
Hurry bifdae deer Jo-oe…
Happy birthday to you!
…and many hoppy returns!!
Bestest wishes for a super day, fandabedozee party and no hangover tomorrow!
Love
Karen xxxxx
Cambridgeshire
U.K.
Happy Birthday Joe! Hope you had a lovely day. Susan, can we get a copy of that playlist too? xoxoxo
Happy birthday Joe! Hope you had an absolutely wonderful day.
~~Happy Birthday wishes, to Joe!~~
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!! What a wonderful time you will have with all of your friends
at your home!! Dance and sing until the wee hours!! 🎉🎉🎂🎤🎈🎈🎉🎉Can hardly wait to hear all about it in your dear Susan’s next posting!
Happy Birthday, hope the party was great for both of your souls!! You both are just so very lovely! <3 Thank you always for sharing your lives!
All the good stuff wished for ya!
Good Morning from Maryland and Happy Birthday to Joe!
I am sure it was a wonderful party and I look forward to seeing
the pictures that you will share with all of us.
Your encouraging words to JW the ( broken hearted empty nester) were
spot on.
I can so relate to JW’s feelings of loss . After my only son left home many years ago it took me a long time to figure out who I was.
And trust me I am still learning! Lol!
Be patient dear JW……time will heal your broken heart.
I am sure that one day you will be blessed with many grandchildren that you can pour your love and affections onto.
Love and Blessings,
Terry
What a wonderful birthday weekend!!!! I can just imagine how much fun you are having! Especially with all those special friends around!! CAn’t wait to hear all about the party!!!
Happy Birthday Dear Joe! I remember how everyone cheered when we saw you at The Book People and you looked embarrassed! It because we all love you!
So Happy Birthday from Jim and I in West Texas!!!
WE LOVE YOU!
What a splendid Birthday celebration!! Happy, Happy Birthday Joe and may you have many more!
Happy Birthday Joe!!!
Happy Birthday, Joe! (from Catie in the Northwoods of Wisconsin) Hope you had a grand party!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE,
I know you played the song from the Beatles…When I am 64!!! On my 64th my husband surprised me with everyone singing it as I cut the cake. It was a promise he made to me when he first met me and we celebrated my 25th birthday with my family…he told me he would sing it to me on my 64th birthday….this he told me before he even asked me to marry him. Oh Thanks for the Memories. Party with all of your friends are the best way to celebrate …and create those wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy your new year and all the adventures it will hold for you. Thanks again Susan for sharing with us all. Love, Susan P.
Hi Susan! Happy Birthday to Joe 🙂
My husband and I will be visiting the Island in late September when you are in Scotland, sadly. We are staying at your friend’s Norde House! I made you something and would like to leave it for you somewhere. Can you suggest a good place to tuck it? Your friend’s bookstore, or???? Also, can you suggest your favorite upscale grocery store and restaurant? We plan on doing a little home cooking in that adorable kitchen! Thanks so much for any recommendations you have.
Happy happy Birthday Hugs from CT….. MY husband and I met Joe at RJ Julia in Madison at the begining of your tour…..he was entertaining the crowd all patiently waiting to have our books signed and taking lots of pictures to share with Susan…..xo Lori & Ed
Happy Birthday, Joe! We are the same age…as it turns out. Was just as much of a thrill to meet sweet Joe as it was to meet Susan in Asheville, NC on the book tour. You need to think about selling that play list! Lots of us would love that! Put it for sale on your web site…please. Hope the party was a blast.
Pat
Happy Birthday, Joe! I bet it was a super party, what fun to see old friends, new friends, and the cake, mmmmmmm!!!
As they say in England, Many Happy Returns! And as they sing in Fiji, Happy Long Life to You…” xxx
Happy ,happy, happy Birthday dear Joe!
Oh! I just know you had a super duper, you never want it to end birthday Joe!!! Happy Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to one sweet and lucky guy! Susan is putting her very special touches on your very special day, and you are so very deserving… “There was a star danced, and under that I was born.” William Shakespeare
Happy Birthday to Joe!! And I hope you had the most wonderful party ever! I just love this! So many people don’t take time these days, to slow down and enjoy life. I bet your music list was fabulous too, making it all more fun. I’m sure you still have friends there, so I won’t keep you. Have a wonderful day being together. ♥
Happy Birthday Joe! Have a WONDERFUL party!