MUSICA!❤️ Well, first off, I promised you a photo of the wool coat I bought in England ~ the one I wrote about a couple of blogs ago … And I finally managed to remember to do it. And, btw, while out and about on the Internet, I happened upon a website in the English Lake District that sells them (just in cases you want one too! The label says, “handmade.”). It’s a wonderful store Joe and I visited when we were there called Stewardson’s of Hawkshead .
Welcome over from the new Willard if that’s where you’ve come from (he’s just starting to go out today ~ takes 3 days for him to get to every email box, so if you’re signed up, he 
should be there soon!), and if not, welcome anyway! As lots of you know, Joe and I are on the train right now, in our “room with a view,” actually in the beautiful Berkshires as I write, heading down the tracks for Chicago, then on to LA ~ and right now, out our window, is the most gorgeous sunset between the leafless tress and across snow fields! It’s kind of a miracle, to be on a moving train and writing you at the same time! I’ve been sending photos and videos of our views over to Twitter … hope you’ve been able to see them (you can click on the link and take a look if you like, you don’t have to join Twitter in order to see the pictures).
Yesterday, before we left (which was just this morning), I needed to do some ironing for the trip. I’m sure many of us remember our mothers starching clothes before they ironed them ~ rolling them up while damp, putting them in plastic bags and keeping them in the fridge until they were ready to iron. Seems so old-fashioned to us now! My mom did it, there were always bundles of ironing in our fridge, she ironed all my little sister’s puffed-sleeved dresses with starch, and taught me to do it too. And my dad’s shirts ~ we were all very crisp around our house. And it wasn’t spray starch, it was the real thing. Liquid starch, the kind she used, is hard to find, at least where we live . . . our supermarket doesn’t sell it anymore, I had to go to Amazon to get it. Mostly, these days, it’s used for crafts, but I have this linen jacket I was bringing along that is no good without good old-fashioned starch, spray starch just doesn’t do it. In fact, I have a lot of things I use real starch on. There’s actually a really good reason to do it! I’ll show you! (Jack, as you can see, was there for the whole thing! But he was more interested in . . .
. . . what was going on outside our kitchen window, than what was going on inside . . .)
So, just in case it’s been a long time, or maybe never, since you starched something, and just in cases you’d like to try it . . . here’s how. It’s really easy. First off, you can read on the bottle how much starch to mix with how much water to make the fabric as stiff as you’d like it to be.
I wanted my jacket to be slightly stiffer than medium, so I mixed 4 c. water with 2 c. starch in a very large bowl. My summer potato salad bowl if you want to know.
I swirled it around with my hand to mix it . . .
Then I put my clean linen jacket into the liquid and got it soaking wet.
I took it out and rung it out as best I could … then I noticed all that left over starch and thought, what else do I have? Then I remembered I’d just washed a dresser scarf from the bathroom and thought, perfect timing!
I like dresser scarves to be really quite stiff, so I added a bit more starch.
And in it went.
Then they both went out to the pantry to partly dry on the clothes rack. Soaking wet is not good for ironing, you want them damp. So while that was happening . . .
I wrapped birthday presents for my mom, we’re heading to California to celebrate her 87th birthday (on the 27th)! 🎁 She loves it when I wrap her things in my own paper, so I ordered some from Spoonflower, (the people I do the fabric for … they make all the fabric patterns into wrapping paper too!) which I’d never done before, I was interested to see the quality. And was happy because it’s the thick stuff! Very nice.🎈My mom will love it!
And then, for a couple of good reasons, I made a cake ~ An Orange Marmalade Cake, because Jack’s other Mother was coming from California to stay with him while we’re away . . . and we were making dinner for her . . . and also, because every time Lowely makes something delicious, she always brings me half.
And I wanted to do the same for her before we went away.
Which I did. She only lives two doors down, so I walked it over, and got a goodbye hug. The next time I’m doing a blog and NOT on the train, I’ll give you the recipe! It was delicious!
So then it was time to iron. And what is the first thing I have to do? I have to get Jack’s hair off the ironing board, unless I want to iron it into my clothes. The ironing board doubles as his perch at the pantry window to watch the world go by. So I got out my packing tape, laid a big long strip down, and moved it along until all his little hairs were stuck to it!
And now, I’m ironing. And it’s coming out beautifully.
Voila! When you starch something, it stays fresh looking so much longer. You can wear it and re-wear it and it doesn’t look wilted.
And that, in a nutshell, is why I love starched things. They last forever.
Here’s my dresser scarf, back on the table in the bathroom. Note shadow under table.
Old linens are one of my passions, loves, downfalls. The beautiful cloth, the delicate embroidery and the cotton lace ~ irresistable! Smoothing an old damask tablecloth onto my dining table is one of the simple joys of life. Lighting a candle on that table, where it almost reflects in the sheen of the cloth, is another.
Here is an example of starch and what it does. I haven’t ironed these in over 6 months. No one really uses them, because a terry hand towel is right there, so they are really more decorative than anything, but they look as nice today as they did when I hung them up 5 years 6 months ago.😜
These are the bathroom curtains in that same room, made from an old lace tablecloth, the last of the ones I brought from California when I moved into my first little house on the island. Starched and perky, I won’t have to do it again for a long time. You could never do this with spray starch. Not even with the one that says, “Heavy.”
And here are a few more linen things, just so you get the picture, which I’m sure you do by now! I should be a door-to-door liquid starch salesperson!
One more tip, and that is, you may have starched something a while back, like this linen jacket. But maybe it was crushed in the closet and got kind of wrinkled again. No problem…
As long as it’s clean, you don’t have to rewash and starch, you just spray on a little water, and iron, and it all that good starchiness comes right back.
And there they are, ready to go into plastic bags and into the hanging bag … yes, they will need a touch up when we get there, but it won’t be much! So there you go, adventures in ironing from the Heart of the Home! Pure
Okay, enough about ironing, how about some maple syrup? I LOVED your comments in the last post, like I always do, thank you so much.💞 And yes, we did stuff poor Vanna into our duffel bag, she’s here, fluffed out, head to toe in pink cashmere with a leopard faux fur collar (she knows how to be comfy), complaining because she broke a nail and there’s “no manicurist on board.” It’s okay, we’ll fly her outta here when we get to Chicago. Her and her “little pink zipper bag”👛 which we have had to find for her about six times now. She’s a princess. Not fit for train travel. We knew we would need her for the drawing for our Vermont Valentine Giveaway . . . and so, with no further adieu … Vanna? Come here darling… (oh, the look on her face😱) ~ here we go . . . the WINNER of this delicious Vermont syrup (I know because we got a bottle of this too!) is . . . . PAMELA TASKER!!!!! Congratulations Pamela! You will love this! Be sure to heat it up before you pour it on everything! Look for an email from me in your box . . . I’ll need your mailing address so I can send it to you.
And now, so it doesn’t have to end . . . there’s more . . .
Hello. Remember I showed you these cups I was designing a while back? That’s the one I designed on the left, my glued and pasted paper cup without a bottom. And on the right, that’s the sample they sent! Pretty darn wonderful if I do say so myself! So I did more!
This one is called
and it has Ms. Lambikins on it, amongst other recognizable doodads from my flora and fauna art repertoire. Plenty to read early in the morning when the brain requires quiet time.
And this one is called
for us, the normal ones.💞
Last but not least, we have “Little Things,” because 
All three are being made right now, of fine bone china, in the potteries, in England. Yes, real, bonafide English cups. ❤️ Each holds a truly magnificent 16 oz (if filled to the very top). I’m so excited. You who have hung out around this blog for a while, know how much I have wanted to do this. Finally, the time has come. They will likely be here in May, in time 
for Mother’s Day, if all goes as planned. And if you leave your name in the comment section of this blog,😁 you will be entered in a drawing to win one of these. There will be 3 winners, and the moment they come in, those winners will be the very first on our mailing list! And yes, just in cases you don’t win, they are available now for preorder. Which means, if we haven’t ordered enough, we should know fairly soon, and can get more into the works right away. After a decent amount of time, each of the designs are going to be retired, and replaced by new ones (I have so many fun ideas!) And the only place on earth where they will be available, at least for the foreseeable future, will be here in our web store. I hope you like them.💖
The last time I was in California, Joe and I were driving across country … I picked these two roses, one from my Grandma’s garden, and one from my moms. They sat on the dashboard of the Fine Romance Van the entire way. And when I got home, I took this photo of them. As beautiful as they were when they were first cut. In two days I will be in my mother’s arms. 💞 The dearest person, who was in labor with me for so long (72 hours) that a tiny piece of her soul broke off, and went into me. And that is the way it has always been and will always be. I feel so lucky. Thank you all for being here. Have a wonderful day! WILLARD’S on the way! I’ll be back soon!
Wonderful give-away! A chance to sip my morning tea in a lovely mug! Thank you! Valerie
Love the new mugs…and been enjoying your winter adventures….be safe and hugs and cuddles for mom. Thank you for all you give of yourself…just loved ya!
Hello Susan! Your step-by-step starching instructions and pictures are wonderful! Bringing back many childhood memories! I haven’t starched anything in over a decade, but, might do so this Spring. (Hope Little Jack did not want to take a sip.) I have inherited a big box full of my dear Aunt Lillian’ s doilies, dresser scarves, and tablecloths that are already starched, but if used will need to be done sooner or later. Your little fussy towel that says Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams is the prettiest thing!!!! Did you make it? The delicate crocheted blue edging is like ripples of the ocean waves!!!! So very pretty! My goodness, the mugs are outstanding!!!! I am having a hard time deciding which one I would like for a Mother’s Day gift……from hubby Ken……he (I made him!)promise!!!!! So happy to know your mother had a Happy Birthday!!!! YOU and JOE were the BEST birthday gift of all I would imagine!!!!! It’s a cloudy rainy day in Dearborn, Michigan, so staying in and doing my baking, cooking, and sneaking in time for a little embroidery stitching ! (A set of pillow cases with the words “Mr. And Mrs” stitched in the satin stitch with DMC black floss……a bridal shower gift for my nephew & future bride.) Take care! Keep having fun! God Bless!
Sounds like the perfect way to stay warm and dry! xoxo
Love, love, love the mugs!!! The look beautiful!!
Beautiful mugs! Thanks for the giveaway! I hope you and Joe enjoy a safe journey!
I absolutely love your blog and the mugs are perfect!
I would love an opportunity to win a mug, more than that though, please can we have the recipe for that wonderful marmalade cake. Please please pretty please????? oh and do you ever visit anyone elses blogs?
Janice
Coming soon! And yes, I do visit, but never as often as I would like! No time!
The marmalade cake recipe would be perfect in your Pancakes Breakfast Book 🙂 P.S. Welcome to AZ and our beautiful primary colors … blue skies, green cacti, red rocks and yellow sunshine! Love your twitter from the twip! xoxo
Then of course there is that Tea Book waiting too… eeek! What a sunrise we had this morning!!!
Glad to have you in AZ. Enjoy your time with Jeannie and enjoy our incredible sunrises and sunsets. Yes, there IS that tea book 🙂 xoxo
Beautiful mugs…just love drinking tea from a china mug!! It is such a special moment…all to yourself!! Hope I win one!!
Oh Susan I love, love, love the tea cups! You did it you really did and they are all three adorable. I can’t wait for them to become available in your online shop. P.S. I loved this months Willard….thank you for bringing a little light into my gloomy world. xxo
Oh, I’m so happy you liked it! xoxoxoxo Sending love.
Love reading your blog and Willard while at work over lunch…it gives me a wonderful escape and makes me look forward to spring and summer!!!
Those mugs are wonderful
I love the new mugs!!! And I really love they are Made in England. I went a head and pre ordered them! 😀
XOXO
Oh, I adore the mugs! Thank you so much for these treasures.
I love the bowl you use to mix your starch in! I’m going to try liquid starch for my linen curtains. I use spray starch for little things like lace doilies or crochet Christmas ornaments (and for quilting and other sewing endeavors, of course). I don’t know if I’ll find liquid starch here in Belgium, but I’ll probably find the powdered starch you have to dissolve yourself. I love the cups, and would love to win one! Maybe you could leave a small stock to be sent from England to European customers? That way, if I buy one, I don’t have to feel bad about it traveling across the Pacific twice, when the factory is just across the Channel from me!
I’m asking if the manufacturers might have an idea how I can sell them in the UK . . . hoping it will work!
Love your new mugs. They look perfect for a cup of Earl Grey! Love your visits and wish you would consider a visit to Canada. Lovely spots from sea to sea to sea!
A mug needs a dish for the marmalade cake! Are you planning plates too?
Kitty dishes!
Puuuuurrrrrrrty please!
Have a wonderful trip! Enjoy your Momma! Love the cups – so beautiful!
Loved your “starch” blog. I used to be my mother’s designated laundry helper back in the wringer washer days. Does that make me old or what? Anyway, I was the starch girl and loved how stiff the clothing would get. I still have a box of starch and am going to starch a white summer jacket that tends to get “floppy.”
Happy trails! Ellen
Floppy is over forever when you iron with liquid starch!!!
Susan, I typed a nice long comment and tried to look it up today. All I found was my name and my email address and this comment: ERROR please type comment. My email was not to be found 😟 I will try again sometime. Can’t imagine what I did wrong. Please enter me for the mug drawing. Happy travels!
It’s the machine, not you. I have no idea, there are gremlins here frolicking in the background, driving us all crazy! You’re entered!
P.S. Also it says by my name, ” your comment is awaiting moderation.” ???
There are about 200 comments “awaiting moderation” — it’s just slow me, the moderator, but I’m working on it!
I’m also seeing random peoples names and email addresses when I click “older comments”…I think I’m part of the 200 too. Lol’s. But I don’t think it should be showing emails, just wanted to let you know.
I just had to type over someone else’s info to post this.
Sorry Chicago had such gloomy weather to welcome you. It was sunny and summer-like until the day of your arrival. Wish I had been off from work that day. I would have gone out to wave to you as the train passed our house!
The mugs are gorgeous! Can’t wait to place my order!
Bon Voyage and God bless your dear mother on her birthday!
We loved it. We’ve been to Chicago in all kinds of weather, and it’s always wonderful. Thank you Joan!
The mugs are beautiful and would look so pretty on my breakfast table with my morning coffee!
Love the new cute mugs 💖
Love your blog, always a treat when there is a new one.
I love your new mugs! I love to read your blog and Willard. They take me to another world and lets me escape if only for a short time!
Hi susan..love your books and artwork.I met you in Cincinnati ohio last year..I was thrilled!!!!.Joe is terrific too! Would love to win a cup you designed in your next drawing. Best wishes for 2017. glenna p.
Susan, I just love your art and books. You bring lots of happy smiles to my life when I see your artwork. I love the mugs! Have a wonderful, safe trip to your Mom and back. I share your stuff with all my friends and family. They too love your style and attitudes. xoxoxo
Yes, one of those mugs would be lovely to have! Got my Willard on Sunday and enjoyed it so much!
Greetings from Claire Cottage in Reseda. Love you new mugs! Perfect for sipping your tea!
Love it. “Claire Cottage!” And why not!!!
So glad the mugs will be made of bone china! Just right for us ladies!
LOVE, LOVE, the mugs!
I haven’t received the last 2 Willard’s. I have signed up again for them several times. I receive your blogs with no problem. Any suggestions for me?
I love all that you write, everything is so uplifting and inspiring. It is a wonderful escape and so much fun to read.
When I ask my computer wizard about someone not receiving their Willard, he always says the same thing: Tell them to check their spam folders because many computers filter out Newsletters which they sometimes perceive as spam. Have you tried that, Gayle?
I didn’t see them in my spam folder. My son checked everything over for me. Thank you for the reply and hopefully in the future I will receive them. Keep writing your inspiring blogs and Willard’s. Absolutely love them!!!!
Be sure to sign up again, just to make sure. xoxo
I love the china cups! I’d love to win one! Thank you for sharing and happy trails in California!
LOVE the new mugs too but I also love the starched linens. They are also a passion of mine and I collect and use them all the time! Thanks for sharing as always.
I LOVE THE MUGS…HOPEFULLY ONE OF THEM WILL LAND ON MY DOORSTEP.
I am so glad that you got to be with your Mom on her birthday! I am sure
you had a very special time together! Thanks to your lovely blog, I read the
book The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp.
I loved it, and thank you for inspiring me to read it. I think it is wonderful
that you got to go to Stowe, Vermont and see where they lived!! I also
love your new mugs — they are BE-YOU-TIFUL! Please keep us posted on how
the trilogy of books/movie idea is going. That is so EXCITING!! xoxo Susan L.
Love all things Susan Branch!
Oh! Susan! Loved this post and remembering how we used to starch linens and blouses! Willard was wonderful, too. And your new mugs are so cute!! Can’t decide which one is my favorite. Love them all! Thank you for the opportunity to win one of the beautiful tea cups! Enjoy your visit in California. Hugs from Barbara S. in Florida
So excited for your new mugs!!
Well, I have every single one of your books and of course calendars and fabric, cutest stuff ever! And I want a mug……..nuf said!!! xo <3
Wishing everyone who reads this a March full of love, friendship, sunshine and health!❤
Love Love Love the mugs and would love to drink my tea from one. Thank you for the opportunity. PS: always look forward to your blogs!
I love all three teacup designs but I had to limit myself to preordering only one. Choosing one was almost like being asked which of my children is my favorite! However, after much agonizing, I finally chose Simple Things. Maybe Vanna will pick me so I can get another cup.
I hope you are safely arrived and settled into your home from home. I just wanted to pop over to tell you ( and the other girlfriends) that a children’s clothing company called Clothkits is having a competition to design the fabric for a dress for Princess Charlotte’s 2nd birthday, and I thought that you would do a fantastic job! I could certainly see your lovely prints made up into a toddler dress, so I hope you don’t mind me mentioning it. Clothkits is a small local business in England that supplies online at Clothkits.co.uk. I grew up wearing their clothes and bought several kits to sew for my own children. They are now carefully packed away for future grandchildren😊
Ps, I don’t mind at all if you don’t want to publish this comment, but I did want to tell you about the competition, as a dress by you would be darling, and how many chances do you get to design for a princess!
Adorable idea Gill. What an amazing competition this is going to be! I can just imagine the creativity going into it!
I love the new mugs, and will definately need to have them…
What pleasure reading your blog gives me and to have one of your gorgeous mugs to drink from while doing so, would be perfect!
Susan, what a lovely sentiment about your mom. I lost my mom last summer and I feel like a part of me died with her. We were very close and I miss her every day. Enjoy those moments with your mom, they are so special! I love reading your blog! Thank you and I love the mugs! Perfection ❤️
The soul connector went with her, but you’ve still got that bit she gave you at birth . . . there can never be real separation. Such a terrible loss. xoxo Thank you for being here, Mary.
I love Ms. Lambikins! Am looking forward to hanging out with her in March (on my mini wall calendars at home and work:) )
Your new mugs are just peachy! Anything would be wonderful served in them!
Susan, you have no idea how much you inspire us. You make our spirits soar and our hearts sing! After reading Willard and your latest blog, I have been ironing some of my pretty lace cotton throw pillow covers and can’t wait to bake the dream cake. I rarely bake any more and had even put my tube pan in a box to go to charity until I saw your recipe. Of course, I had to run and retrieve it immediately! Can’t wait to try it! Love your mugs, too, and would really enjoy having one for my afternoon tea break.
Hi, Susan! Late to the party this time! This is definitely a great offer of those adorable cups!
I remember the days of starching very well! Mother used Faultless brand, and I loved the smell when it was being dissolved in hot water! I remember wondering why we had to sprinkle the clothes. Couldn’t they be brought in from the line (after starching) while a little damp and promptly ironed?!?!? 🙂 We had no bottle/sprinkler contraption early on; simply sprinkled the clothing with our fingertips lightly dipped in water. I can remember how joyful we all were with the arrival of a steam iron!!
Sending special wishes to you as you have this special time to visit with your mother!
xo Nellie
I love the mugs! So colorful.
Oh, a train ride across country would be wonderful. A train ride makes you feel like you are in a different time and space. The longest train trip I have taken was a few years ago from Union Station in Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano. Even that short trip was great!
What a thrill to see your mugs!! Beautiful. Super thankful that they are bone china, and thin at the rim. Perfection. Have a great meeting in HOLLYWOOD! I hope that you have watched “Saving Mr. Banks” and will take courage from P.L. Travers. Disney tried to get the rights to Mary Poppins for 20 years! Safe travels.
I love the cups
Love them. Will be purchasing beautiful cups but maybe… Pick me Pick me Vanna😊 Enjoy your time with your mom. It is precious time. God bless.
LOVE!!
They are precious, would love to drink my coffee in those adorable mugs 💕
Love those adorable mugs 💕
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new mugs! They are certain to make everything taste better!
Love the mugs as I have loved everything else you have created. I have two friends who are your fans too. We compare notes about you when we are together, lol.
Oh wow!!! I love those mugs!! I appreciate the big size too.
I love, love, love those mugs!!!!
I just discovered your books a few months ago and I am so happy I did! I love your art.
I love the cups. I think “Little Things” is my favorite. I collect old linens, too. I have not tried the old school starching method but I will now! Have a wonderful trip.
The mugs look so warm and cosy…love the look of them!
You can’t help falling in love with these darling mugs. Just seeing them brings a smile to your face. Thank you.
Those darling mugs are such a delight. Thank you.
love the new mugs!! I can just imagine sipping a cuppa tea in one… how lovely! Love everything Susan Branch, and, have you to thank for my three pen-psls!
Just one more beautiful thing from Miss Susan … love the tea cup.
Safe travels.
Congratulations Susan on another beautiful post. You remind us that ordinary days are really special days as long as we keep our eyes open to the beauty and possibilities. I love all of your mugs, but my favorite is The Little Things and I would love to sip my coffee in the morning as I look out my window to celebrate each new day. Have a wonderful visit with your Mom! Enjoy.
I am off to get some liquid starch! Thank you for all the inspiration! Love love love the mugs!
The mugs came out beautiful!
Your mugs are adorable! I would love any one of them, should darling Vanna just happen to pick my name. Your wool coat is so “cheerful.” Love it! And thanks for the starching tips – I never even KNEW there was liquid starch out there (and I’m 62!). Have fun with your Mom in CA, and I love your wrapping paper also.
I love all three of the mugs….tea will taste better in them!
Such lovely mugs…a wonderful addition to any warm beverage I think! Susan, I’m enjoying your 2017 calendar, although, the months are flying by too quickly. I’ve hardly had a chance to look at all your creative work for February and tomorrow I’ll be flipping to another new month. Happy March and soon.. Happy Spring!
The mugs are adorable!
Susan, thank you for the wonderful music that accompanies your blog…so enjoy it as I read your dreamy adventures. So sorry to miss your visit to SLO, will be in Israel with my dear husband. May you enjoy your visit here. Good food! Good walks! Good sleep! Good time!
Such lovely mugs! They would make any cup of tea special. Thanks for the chance to win.
Wowee such lovely news and photos! Thanks for both the Twitter fun and your Willards! If I win the mugs I hope you and Joe will come drink some Tension Tamer tea out of them with me one of the times you take the train through Chicago. The door is always open!
Have a wonderful trip. Thanks for a great edition of Willard. Love the mugs!
I loved receiving Willard in my mail box and now as an email! I’m looking forward to the orange marmalade cake recipe in your next Willard. Loved all your photos. What an amazing trip! Next trip to Trader Joe’s I will be picking up he Champagne. Sounds amazing. May your travels be full of joy and your memories sweet ❤️
Hi Susan, I love your blog and I just got the latest Willard too. I am a big fan of A Place to Call Home just got season 4. I hope you have a wonderful time with your Mom celebrating her birthday. My dear Mom just turned 86. Love all 3 mugs; it would be lovely to win one. But I will pre-order all 3. Enjoy California & soak up the sunshine . Beverly Kozey
Growing up, the freezer on our back porch always had frozen table linens rolled up inside waiting to be ironed at Thanksgiving or Christmas. I always thought it was a Southern thing. Love the tea cups!
Susan,
You and your Mom must be angels because whenever I read your books, your blog or Willard, I feel so loved, and cozy and light inside! Your are truly an American (and British) treasure!
XOXOX Cindy!
Dearest Susan, Happy Birthday to your beautiful mother! I think your bond with her is so touching to hear about that it created a small lump in my throat. I LOVE your new wool coat…thank you for sharing the picture and website. The coat is absolutely YOU. I used to use spray starch, but the results were so short-lived that I quit. I need to get the strong stuff you use and have some fun with it. As for your new mugs….wow! I want all 3 ! How exciting life is with new creative projects coming to life! I am very happy for you!……and for me and the GF’s, of course. Enjoy your time with your mom! Xoxoxo
The mugs are so pretty!
Always a JOY to read your blogs…..enjoy time with your family!
Have a safe, fun trip and enjoy being with your mom on her birthday. What a special occasion. And yes, those mugs are FAB!
Today is my Mom’s birthday. She left us 4 years ago and I miss her so!! Thank you for bringing back some good long ago memories with your starching story! I grew up in the 50’s and there were 8 girls in our family (we have 1 brother:) so there were LOTS of dresses to starch and iron!! Yep, Mom rolled them up and put them in plastic bags in the fridge. All those puffed sleeves were a challenge but they puffed so nice! Hadn’t thought of that for ages! Enjoy your train trip and your time with your Mom!! And I love your mugs!!:))
Your mom and mine had a lot in common. Happy Birthday to your mother, and to you Shirley!
Hi Susan, just wanted to let you know that I went to Twitter via your link but all I can see are your responses, not the questions or comments to your responses. I’m pretty computer illiterate, am I missing something? Also, I just have to tell you that I love that watercolor bird with the flowers & musical note encircling it. So, so pretty!
You have to join to get all that. The only thing you can see without joining, is my half of everything…the photos, and whatever I post. It’s easy to join, and you don’t have to DO anything, but that’s up to you. Thank you Debbie!
Susan – I love your new mugs, and your art work is beautifully cheerful. You make the world a happier place. Have a wonderful spring.
Susan, I love your new mugs, and enjoyed your new Willard. After a long winter, you are a breath of fresh air! Have a very happy spring!
I loved reading about starching – who would have thought! But it did bring back wonderful memories of my dear mother who kept the damp clothes in a plastic bag until she could get them ironed. I think my mother was a natural “hygger” (can that be a word??). She was a wonderful homemaker and loved what she did to make our home cozy and beautiful and a place we all loved to come home to. I am so glad you still have your sweet mother and you got to celebrate her birthday together. I’m sure it was just a wonderful day for all! Thanks for the gift of a new blog post and a Willard and new mugs – all in the same week!
Very defiantly going to get some liquid starch. I’ve got just the thing to use it on. The spray starch very definitely did not work.
I always get inspired coming here. Thanks for always sharing things with us.
Oh Susan – you are just so amazing to me. Thank you for your blog and books. I so remember the liquid starch and the damp clothes in the plastic in the refrigerator waiting to be ironed. So fun to remember.
Hmmmmmmmm…. wouldn’t one of those mugs look lovely beside my German Heartware??? <3
Do so love those mugs! And love all your posts too! But most especially Jack!
Spring is here too in our little corner of the world and I’m so excited. I can’t wait to see the first forsythias and tulips. I love tulips! They are my favourite flowers to decorate the house with!
Anyway, I love your mugs, I totally can see them in our little country kitchen! You did an amazing job! And you’re right, reading them every morning will be a good way to start the day!
Anyway have a safe trip, enjoy California and your friends and…all the small things!
xxoo
The new mugs are simply charming! Please add my name to the drawing. Hope you’re enjoying your trip Susan. Good luck with the meeting in Hollywood too! Your story would be perfect for the Hallmark channel❣️ Safe travels. Thank God Spring is just around the corner. 🌈 🌷 🦋 ☂️
I am so excited to learn about starch…. I have tried and tried with spray starch to make my shirt as stiff as I would like. Can’t wait to try this! Thank you for the tutorial!
The mugs are beautiful, so glad another dream is coming true for you 🙂
How exciting that your books are coming to television! I’m so happy for you. The cups are beautiful as is everything you do. Hope you have a great day, Susan. 🙂
We don’t know for sure on the TV thing, we are at the very beginning of a long road to fruition, but we are at the beginning, a very good place to start!