I’m weary of swords and courts and kings. Let us go into the garden. 🌸 Mary Johnston🌸 Chair dance anyone? Oui! ☺️ MUSICA
I ask myself the same question every day when I get up, “How do I move myself forward today?” It’s a great question, it gets me moving . . . because, I have places to go and people to see, and I need to work diligently in the direction of my dreams. Or I’m not happy. Even my tiniest steps forward add up!
For several years now, I’ve been on a mission, to learn more about the writing process, to see if I could figure out how to write my memoir books, to figure out how to get them 
published, and then to get it done. And while I did it, many other things in my life went onto the back burner. I was busy! And, one thing I wasn’t doing was deep cleaning, no good old-fashioned organization, or home care for my darling dear house that deserves better. But it got me for a mom, and 
therein lies the problem. As you are about to see. I can’t believe I am going to show such terrible photos. Normally I clean up before I take the pictures. It’s probably the worst I’ve ever seen it, mainly because we were hardly home last year, and when we got back, I began to “drop off” stuff in my studio, move it out of my view “until I had time to clean it.” I’m thinking someone else out there may experience this problem, so I thought I would do some before and after photos and talk about Spring Cleaning and how to de-clutter, lighten up, and simplify your life.💞 Shield your eyes, here we go . . .
The question is: Who’s in charge here? It was a daunting project to begin. I almost didn’t know where to start, every cupboard and drawer in our house is stuffed to the gills. But as 
time goes on, I’m becoming quite cutthroat about it. I choose emptiness. I took pictures of some of the harder things to get rid of. Now I own the memories associated with them forever! The bookshelves are full of books, some of which have been there since we moved into the house in 1989, any new books since then have had to find another place to go ~ I keep inserting tiny bookshelves in corners of the house, packing it all in even further, and now the only place left is the floor. But the floor is already almost totally covered with projects and boxes of who knows what, it’s layered. You could do a dig here, like James Michener’s The Source.
I began to empty the shelves and take most of the books to the living room, where I’m packing them to give to the second-hand bookstore on the Island. Not all of them of course. I kept the good ones! But not too many. I want empty shelves. I want empty shelves so bad. Room for new thoughts, new ideas! Room to breathe.
Because I can no longer live like this. I think it’s stealing my energy just having to look at it. There are three stacks of original art in plastic pages on the floor under the shelves! I don’t recognize the rest of it, it’s too much of a jumble. Stacks of books, stacks of papers, crowded Beatrix Potter people. I had to design cups on top of the mess in order to get them done in time. Doing a Willard in this mess would be impossible!
All so wrong. That door to the front hall has been blocked closed for maybe three years (It was way worse than this, I’d already moved most of the stuff!). And as I begin to move through it, I ask myself, do I need this, is it adding value to my life, and if the answer is no, then I say bye-bye! I want smooth surfaces, table tops especially. I’ve been getting happier and happier every day, and lighter and lighter, and basically, I’m downright giddy now! Waking up singing! The unbearable lightness of being!
It doesn’t look like this anymore. And as I’ve done it, shelf by shelf, going through everything piece by piece, file by file, box by box, I found interesting things I’d forgotten all about . . . and realized I was engaged in a form of treasure hunt.
I washed each shelf which had not seen the light of day since 1989. Basically the answer to how to do this, is one shelf at a time.
Yard by yard, it’s very hard, but inch by inch, it’s a cinch.
See the cupboards underneath? Same thing, one at a time. And that mess on the 
worktable? That BIG pile on the left is recipes, ideas, and quotes for my Tea Book which I’ve been adding to and saving for years, with no place to put it. It’s not there anymore. Now it’s organized, and my Tea Book project has one of those clean empty shelves all for itself!
And, I think, in my most maniacal of moments, now I have room ~ I can go antiquing again! 😜
Here’s one of the treasures I found, this card was in a recipe box I did for my mom around 1979. I forgot all about it, I don’t think I’ve seen it since then.
I’d brought home my mom’s recipe file from California, and inside were handwritten recipes and letters, from my mom, my grandma, and my great grandma. I also had recipes from my dad and my sisters . . .
And this detailed letter to my mom from my grandfather Willard’s mother, my mom’s “Gram,” and my great grandmother . . . her typing strokes are indented in the soft blue paper ~ Sioux City, Iowa is written at the top ~ and she is writing my mom in California about the only news that ever really matters to our lives. Turn off the TV, and this is what there is, the real stuff of life. 💌
This is the rest of the box I did for my mom . . . so I put all the recipes from everyone else in it . . . and a card explaining who is who, for the future people who will someday find it, maybe my brother’s and sister’s children, or who knows. Maybe some rescuing type of person in a second-hand store. But I have a picture of it now, so it’s mine forever, and the box will be saved in a special family file box.
Then I began on the file cabinet, pulled out each file, went through it, threw out tons of useless paperwork, then rearranged and put back what mattered. This de-cluttering adventure is a long-term project, but I would rather do it now when I choose to, than later, when I have to! Right now I just want to! Not all of it is memories, some of it is just stuff I don’t need. I’m recycling, donating, and throwing out. I already cleaned the kitchen and emptied the sideboard in the dining room, and got rid of 
half of it, and after I get this room done, I go upstairs! That’s also when I will get to start seriously painting four hours a day. As soon as the studio is clean and I feel the spaciousness of it, I’ll dip my brush in water, and hear the ringing sound as it hits the side of the dish and put my first color on the paper, early one morning, in the quiet, with my tea and my cat. I don’t think I’ll get the whole house done until sometime around August. I go as slow as I want. I go to the garden, I stare at the dogwood tree in bloom. Joe and I go to the nursery. I’m planning a tea party. I shoot hair bands for my kitty. I talk on the phone to Siobhan and Rachel in England. I design cups. I brake for John’s Fish Market chocolate shakes! But all while I’m lightening my life, and indulging in the treasure hunt and the joy of memory.
Luv-lee letters like this get photographed, and put into a “children’s letters” file. I’ve looked up names on some of the old letters ~ and amazingly found and followed them on Instagram (@susanbranchauthor)! Sometimes I don’t like the Internet, and sometimes, I love it!
And now, I have all my ideas for books in one place, in files, and NOT, as was before, in piles on the floor. Every day I feel better, I feel more and more inspired about what will come next . . . and think of the words I heard on some TV show, ” I tremble on the brink of life’s next great adventure.” But I can’t get there until I am out from under the weight of this stuffed house!
I’ve consolidated, whittled down, and distilled . . . honestly, so much of it just didn’t belong here anymore. I saved a few old things, like products I’ve made . . . put them into boxes, labeled them, and up the attic they go, saved for posterity. A very little bit of it. Stuff I hope that someday someone else will want. But if they don’t, at least it’s consolidated. I’m doing this thing just like I redecorate. Taking everything off the shelves out of the cupboards, washing and cleaning them, and putting back only what I can’t live without, and getting rid of the rest.
I had to keep a little bit of this! Just in cases.
And this too!
And of course the piles of original artwork . . .
All organized and stacked on those empty shelves where I can access them. Most of my original art is in an old bank safe in California. Each book I’ve written is totally intact, all the original pages are there, and each book is in its own acid-free box. 
Look at that. I’m making white space . . . ahhh, emptiness . . .
A finished person is a boring person. 💙Anna Quindlen
Don’t worry, I’m not the minimalist type, for me that would be going too far. And I’m not done. Only about half way right now . . . but I can see the trees in the forest! I thought you might like to see some of the treasures I found:
First off, this. The box of everything, all the photos, all the memorabilia, the diary pages, even some souvenirs, everything from the trip we took in 2001 with our nieces Heidi and Holly, to London, Paris, and Bath (where we first discovered the English Countryside) . . . our theme music from that trip was Dusty Springfield from the British Invasion cassette we had in the car . . . we sang as we traveled hill and dale . . . we still sing it. Joe sang it too . . .🎵 I don’t know WHAT to do with my self . . .🎵
Here we are boarding the ship in New York. In this photo, Heidi, on the left, is 11, my 
brother Brad’s daughter, who grew up in Colorado. On the right is Holly, she’s 12, she belongs to my sister Mary and grew up in California. The cousins had met only once before we took them away across the wide ocean for six wonderful weeks. We’d been planning it since they were six. It was the very best time I ever had. They were wonderful and funny and smart! The box with everything from this trip was on a high shelf here in my studio and hadn’t seen the light of day in years. I still have to go through it, and someday, when I get the photos scanned, I’ll do a post about that magical trip.
Something else, a note from my dad. Writing me about the correct way to drink tea.💞 Now it’s in my mom’s recipe box.
And this painting my dad did of his beloved dog, Chief.
And my mom’s jacks and balls. Which I labeled and saved.
And I found this photo of me and my brother Jim with my cute mom and dad, which I don’t remember seeing before, something else to put in her recipe box. Too bad about the over-exposure, but still . . . look how their arms lean into each other. They are in it together. And there’s a picket fence back there! I must have seen it and fell in love!
And this book was in the pile. I still remember the night I met Julia and how much it meant to me.
Deep in the files was this little notebook I used when writing my first book with all kinds of little reminders, quotes and notations, and even grocery lists. The address of Little Brown, and Random House. Lots of dreams tied up in this messy little book.
And I found the hollyhock seeds sent to me by Nicoline, one of our girlfriends from Holland, over a year ago! But I wasn’t here to plant them last spring, and we also went away in the fall, so they didn’t get planted then either ~ I decided to see if they would sprout, and look, they did!
Kind of a miracle . . .
You might remember Nicoline from our picnic in England! She and her husband came from Holland and she brought her own Petey doll to show me!
And now her hollyhocks are planted in my garden . . . I get so many plants from my girlfriends, I call my garden a friendship garden!
This was what it looked like outside this morning, the wisteria has begun to bloom, Lowely’s bluebells are blooming too, at the far corner of the picket fence!
I bring the blooming things in for the little shelf over my kitchen sink . . .
And took a photo of the inside of the little bells of Lily of the Valley . . .
And, you may ask, what has Joe been doing all this time! Oh, we are a team! He has been doing to the yard, what I have been doing to my studio. He’s been thatching, raking, mulching, top dressing, seeding and watering. Men ask, “What do women want?” But they should know . . . This is every woman’s aphrodisiac, someone to build a life with.💞 When we stand next together, our arms press together.
💛💛💛
You can hear Jack meowing! I love it when he talks in a video, not easy to get him to do it!
I heard the ferry boat whistle just now like a long musical note. 🎵 Sometimes I forget where I am, how close the sea is, until I hear the boat whistle!
And as so many of you know, the Studio has been busy too . . . sending out your new English bone china cups . . . 💞
And these are the people who’ve been making that happen. Alfredo, Sheri and Kellee at the Studio. Couldn’t do it without these wonderful people! Monday is Kellee’s birthday!
And I got mine!! Just as excited as everyone else!
I’m very proud of them. It’s hard finding really beautiful things, and then being able to afford to get them made, especially in foreign countries! Now we are importers! We talk palettes, air freight, and customs! TMI for sure!
It’s been a lot of fun on Twitter, so many Girlfriends have written and sent photos, saying, “Got mine!” Marcia (@msmrph) sent this darling photo of herself and her best friend Julie captioned “Tea for two Besties!” Makes my day! Our cup club is not very big, but it’s very wonderful!
We’re working to make your Christmas especially easy this year. I know it’s a long time until then, but in order to get things made in time, we have to start now… we love planning surprises. Especially for you. Like our dream charms. So many of you have asked us to bring them back, so we did. 💞 Here they are! I think they’ll be in our web store the first couple of weeks of June.
We reordered three of our most popular charms . . . Autumn (in that first photo), A Fine Romance (see the hedgerows?👍),
and the ever-popular “Be an Elf,” all with small gift cards . . .
And in the midst of cleaning the Studio, sort of on top of the layers, I did manage to finish designing the bottoms, the handles, and the backs of the new mugs, and sent them off to England where the process of manufacturing has already begun. They are supposed to be here by August! We’re taking no chances they would be late for Christmas, and we need that Autumn cup first! And, yes, they are in the web store for Presale right now! I know it’s hard to think Christmas, but please try, because, like with the last ones, when these are gone, they are gone. You’ll be glad when December comes and you don’t have to go Christmas shopping! ❤️ Here they are:
Santa Claus is coming to town! In 16 ounces of fine bone China from “the Potteries” in Staffordshire, England! And, yes, they are all dishwasher and microwave safe!
This is the back . . . (only a mockup, made from paper in these photos, will look a lot better in real life!)
I did a construction-paper chain for the handle. Oh by gosh by golly!
And we have a 16-ounce Bluebird of Happiness. Which is going to look really good in my new blue kitchen! 💙
Here’s the back. It’s trying to be whimsical!
And the handle. I think it’s adorable. But still, only paper!
And my Autumn cup is a little bit smaller, 11 ounces, because you asked! I’ll do one for every season, all this same size. The only difference between this design and the real life one to come, the handle is actually going to be on the other side . . . This quote will actually be on the “front” of the cup. . .
And this will be the back ~ the handle will be on the other side from what you see here, and the squirrel will be on the left facing the other way . . . I decided I liked it better like that. Decisions, decisions.
The handle. 🍂 Signifies abundance.🍁
And now, my Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams 16-ounce cup. You drink from it, and I hear, could be a rumor, but I think not, your dreams will come true. ⚡️
It’s a short trip to the Island, via cup. 🛳
And here’s the handle. 💙
Be sure to read the small print on the ordering page, it explains lots of things, like what we are doing, and why, when we retire each of the cups . . . too long for the blog, but extra reading while ordering and good clarification! Hope you like them!
Now, last but definitely not least, Jack. He has taught me a couple of new tricks. You know 
how cats jump up to rub on your leg? Well, he gets on the table and rubs (sort of butts) my forehead, and now I softly butt him back, and we have a meeting of the minds. He puts his head near mine and wants me to do it. We are blood cat brothers. He also LOVES the running water in the bathroom . . . we go there to play . . . he is rather calm in this video, because I have the camera and he knows it, but usually he makes me turn the water on and off really fast, he bites it and grabs it and sometimes he comes out of there wet! It’s his secret life. Joe doesn’t even know about this. How do I explain that I’m being trained by the cat?!
💙💙
And one more thing, I have a surprise for you . . . I thought we’d give away one of these new cups! If you already have yours, it’s okay, you’ll have a best-friend gift all ready to go!
And whoever our lucky winner is will get their choice of which one! In Love with Nature on the left, Little Things in the middle, or Love on the right. All you have to do is leave a comment! And in a week or so, we’ll get Vanna back from Bali (I think that’s where she is ~ she’s hard to keep up with!) to pull the winning name. And I hope it’s YOU! 🌸
Bye for now Girlfriends, have a wonderful day! Love and ❌’s, Me.
Oops! P.S. Almost forgot to say, in case anyone will be around, I’ll be signing books and visiting at Titcomb’s Book Shop on Wednesday, June 7, from 1 to 3pm … joining this wonderful, independent, family-owned bookstore in celebration of their 50th Anniversary! Please come by and say hello if you can! It’s on Cape Cod in East Sandwich, click above for details. There will be cupcakes, and you don’t need a ticket to come! 😘
Oh I would love to win a cup! I bought one for my Mom and now I’m jealous. And I love that you are purging and brave enough to share it with us. It’s such a wonderful feeling!!
It is and just this moment I’m thinking, wow, I might be done (with my Studio, still the rest of the house to go)! Deep breath, yes!
I would love to win a cup too because I am Larkin Myers mom and I would love to give her a cup too. I love my new cup that she gave me for Mother’s Day. She and I were able to see you in Memphis on your last book tour.
Love it when moms and daughters are both here!!! And I love the name you chose for your daughter Lou Ann .. Larkin, just beautiful! Memphis was so much fun, we’ll have to do it again sometime!
You’ve so inspired me to attack and clean…must go and get started!!
You’ve proved it CAN BE DONE ✅
Have a Spring-folific day under the wisteria ❤️
You are inspiring me to tackle the clutter in my home…again! I seem to love too many things and have not enough places to put them. But, I will sacrifice one of my beloved cups if I get chosen to have one of yours. 🙂 Blessings!
Because my post always shows up under the wrong name, I worry that when I win my cup it will go to the wrong person. Now how in the world are we going to fix this?! P.S.My cat also pushes his head against mine in the same fashion as your Jack. I had never thought of it as a meeting of the minds…but I am sure he does. I suppose he is smarter than me. Actually, no supposing to it; I always knew he was.
I am so glad that the new post FINALLY showed up. I love it… I am INSPIRED! Thank you.
I am Elrica: beshrewsbury@verizon.net (for when I win the cup.)
As far as I know now, Elrica, you are the only one this is happening to. I’m so happy you got the new post! Please go to another computer and try again. I think there is just something about some of the computers out there. I’m so sorry! Also, please “refresh.” I’ll make sure you’re entered!
I wish I could post my photo of the lilies of the valley from my garden here. I always place them in a little antique cobalt blue bottle and set them on the window sill over the kitchen sink. And I had to laugh that I had already done as you and photographed an up inside view of the bells as you had done also! Glad to know we share the strangest things 😉
Having rushed through this post, I may have missed, but are the little tea plates ready to order yet? I already have my new cup! ~ Char
Aren’t Lilies of the Valley wonderful? They love it here on the Island ~ they grow, divide themselves and spread . . . they smell so good!
Love everything you do, your artwork is so unique and special – please never stop!
I’m going to try to never stop! 😘
You inspire me to “carry on” with cleaning my basket making room! It is wonderful when its all done and it is so much fun to discover things you forgot you had.
I still have a few of your stickers, wish I won’t have used some of them up. And I have a rubber stamp with your stove that says “The best gifts are tied with heart strings”, it makes the cutest card. It’s fun giving a touch of Susan Branch with my gifts!! Thank you for the beauty you add to all our lives!! Pauline
Thank you back Pauline! xoxo
Susan,
Been away for a month, just catching up on your blog, miss it so when I’m away. My new mug was here when I arrived and found it so very beautiful, love the fine bone china, so elegant! Just ordered my Christmas mugs, so excited! Of course, like all the girlfriends, would love to win another mug! Enjoy a beautiful summer!
Love my new cup and looking for more! I bought one for my sister in Canada who loved your books that I sent her! Thanks for that. Carolyn
Maybe, this will inspire me to empty boxes siting in the basement since we moved in, August, 2006.
Trying to do some clutter removal, but I’m just reminded, when I find stuff hidden away, of the good time I had collecting my ‘stuff’ and back it goes to where I found it. My poor Matty tries to get rid of stuff and organize for me- just doesn’t work! I’m gwttung better at throwing stuff out, though it’s a a tough argument for some to believe! Perhaps I’ll go outside and put some of the plants I’ve collected in the ground…. thanks for your blog Susan- love it! Teri
I hope I haven’t missed the drawing for the new cup! Write my name in big bold letters so I get chosen for one. 😉
You’re right on time JENNY!
I’m inspired! I really feel as you do about getting rid of a lot of my things! Beginning with my art clutter. Need to do what you showed you did! I don’t have a “studio” a table downstairs and stuff in a few different closets. I’m determined!
I love your cups and would so honored to receive one!
Have a beautiful day!
Hugs to you and Joe!
To you too Judith! Thank you!
I get excited every time these show up in my email. Feels like I am reading a letter from an old, cherished friend. Now if I just had a beautiful cup to drink my tea out of.
Thank you Linda xoxo
I’m inspired to go empty a shelf…thanks.
The cups are beautiful!!
Me! Me! Me! I have already ordered 5 cups for girlfriend Christmas presents. I need to remember to order for myself when I order for friends. I would love to win one of these mugs!
And thank you, dear Sue, for sharing your before photos………makes me feel so much better to realize that others have this clutter problem. Will definitely use your “photograph it” idea. We can still donate or throw away the originals but always have the photos. Brilliant!
Yes you do Jane, you can be your own Santa, wrap it up, and have it waiting as a surprise under the tree. I’ve done that, and it’s almost as thrilling as the real Santa! xoxoxo
It’s never too late, it seems, for fresh starts. Well done, you. And our gratitude for sharing the journey. Toni
Thank you Toni!
Hi Susan,
I have to tell you that I just finished your newest book “…Isle of Dreams”, and was so inspired. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Because I have such a *tiny* income, and couldn’t purchase it, I was able to borrow it from the library. But, the library purchased it for circulation based on my recommendation! So, hopefully you were able to see some return on the transaction. I am on the lookout at book and tag sales for more of your enchanting books. Anyway, reading about your family and life was a delight. Thank you.
I love being in libraries, thank you Mary! I’m glad you liked it!
I received the three mugs and love them. I would love to win another for a special friend. I am inspired to clean out a closet that greatly needs it. Thanks for the encouragement.
You are pure inspiration! i am going to o follow you through my own cleaning journey..thanks for encouraging us to make life even sweeter!!
Hi Susan thank you for inspiring me to begin a cleaning journey as well as adventure into parts unknown. Love your sweet heart!xo
Hi and thank you for article on simplifying- gave myself a goal to join you in a shelf cleaning and brightening the shelves. Have you ever been to South Carolina? We love you here and I would love to give you a private tour of my beloved Charleston!!!
We’ve been to Charleston … we came on the QE2 … and it is SO beautiful and old and historic. We loved it. But need to spend much more time there!
Loving the cup designs! Please say that you’re going to do an England one!!!PLEASE!
I will!
Susan,
How wonderful I feel when I read your blogs. Thank you for sharing your talents with us all!
Nancy
I’m reading this a bit late…but never too late to enjoy all you share.
I’m cleaning up unread emails….you know I’d never “delete” until I read every word of “you”. Thanks for all you do.
I would love a “cup” of happiness. Thank You.
Lexy Lawrence
I got my cups also awesome. Love the santa cup gotta order. I need to clean and purge also. Pick me would love to share with a friend 😉
Just catching up on your post today. Love your advice for decluttering and lightening up. You are right that we need to make room for something new every once in a while. I am enjoying my Little Things cup and love the new designs. I would love to win one of the cups that I don’t have.
I can’t wait for the new mugs. I hope there will be a “Cat” (Jack) mug at some point. Kisses to Jack.
Hope I win, too. I gave the cups I had ordered to my mother and mother-in-law. Would like one for me!
Received my “Favorite Things” mug. It is beautifully made. ‘Would love to give my Mom the one if I win.
You are such an inspiration to me! Thank you!
What a joy to be able to stop doing and sit and read this lovely blog entry from start to finish! AND what lovely memories that picture of you on the blanket at Stourhead brought back! ~so glad Nicoline’s seeds sprouted for you!
How delightful to see the transformation of your studio! I know that took a jillion decisions, which can almost “fry” one’s brain. Congratulations, and thank you for sharing and inspiring: that thing you do~so well!
I am thankful I read about the pre sale of these mugs, so I don’t miss out like I did on some of your first mugs, though I was relieved to be able to purchase one of them that was not sold out already! I have ordered several. I want to be prepared to gift those I know who love you, your art, and your writing as much as I, as well as have some for myself!
I love the picture of your mama and daddy, you, and Jim. Priceless.
Please tell Joe that the yard is looking beautiful. He is inspiring, also. 🙂
I did a short blog entry about meeting you and Joe on the QM2. I mentioned that I had begun a blog about our England trip to a lady we visited on our stop- over in Virginia on our way home. She read my blog entry and immediately ordered some of your books and sent them to her sister who had gone through some similar trauma as you did. You get around in various ways, dear Susan!
Many blessings on you and Joe!
So nice to hear from you Paula! You are so right, the constant decisions are not the best part of the sorting! But I’m getting through it! And when it’s all done, we’ll be free to go travel again! I also didn’t order enough of the first mugs to have them for Christmas! I really thought we’d have enough to get us all the way through! So my Christmas shopping is also in the second batch! You’re so sweet, I will tell Joe what you said. He’s been working so hard! Thank you for spreading the word. My books and things have always been “word of mouth” ~ nothing would have ever happened without my Girlfriends. 👏😘
Just the inspiration I need to do the same to my house. It will be my 100 days of summer project, I’m so excited! You’re the best Susan and thanks once again for being so open & sharing your clutter photoes – we can all relate!
Reading your blog about purging was so inspiring. I would love to win a cup. My bestie has a birthday right around the corner and that would be a real pick me up for her! Thank you for sharing the best of you with all of us. Love love LOVE your blog! ~karen
Thank you Karen! I love the people who come to it!
You are inspiring me to do the same in my home. I am going to order cups for my daughter and granddaughter.
I think it will be a great surprise! 🎁
I would love a cup! Count me in. So glad to see your new blog post. Your inspiring me to to clean out my office/sunroom and maybe even wash the windows. ( Wait, no, I’ve calmed down….no windows)🙃
💕🌼🌸🌷🍷☕️🍦💕🌸🌼🌷🍷☕️🍦
LOL. Whew!
Loved your post on decluttering and enjoying the memories along the way! I am so excited that you will be doing an England cup! Our daughter moved to London in February for her work and we visited her the end of April. I reread A Fine Romance before our trip and shared the part about Joe’s driving with my husband. Striking similarities when we were up against the hedgerows!
I had bought a copy of A Fine Romance for our daughter when I met you at a book signing at Innisfree Book Store in NH. Who knew that years later she would be starting her special journey in the UK and falling in love with the English country side? Thank you for sharing your talent. You are such a treasure xo
LOL, just thinking about it makes me laugh. Be safe! I’m so happy for your daughter, what an experience, and now you get to go visit her!!! Very smart with your child-rearing! 😘
Love, love, love my mugs!! They are so beautiful and I have been enjoying them everyday since they have arrived. My other favorite mugs are getting jealous. I can wait till the next set. I Love the Santa and the quote on the back is one I say under my breath all during December. And the autumn mug is gorgeous! Will have to have that one too. Thank you again for your art and books that speak to me. It is like they were all done for me personally. You make my life happy. And during the dark days, you help me remember “the happy”. Thank you.
Tana
😘 Tana … xo
Inspired to starting cleaning that which has not been touched since….. but first a cup of tea in my new Little Things cup! Thank you for stepping in my home to share a cuppa with this cup!
I’m glad you are a clutter bug like me, but it does feel good when it does get cleaned up!!
I’m here in Scotland having a grand time of it….so many lambs and so many lochs to dip toes in. So will be doing some sorting when I get home to make space for new treasures
Plaid!!! Get your Christmas scarves now! Ahhhh, lucky you!
I did think of you as I touched so many plaids!!💖
Nice work, Susan. A similar “spell” overtook me this winter. It began with old files from work and spread to my sewing stash, bookshelves and, eventually, every little cranny that fell under my gaze. I wonder if I ever will be finished. There still are old photos which beg careful attention and care. Bit by bit my wardrobe is shrinking to only the items I truly happily wear. Might it be the season of the year or my life (I’m 74)? Don’t know. But, it’s a good spell to be under.
Sounds wonderful Linda!
Hello Susan , the spring cleaning was a job well done! When I was young all the possessions I collected thru the years made my home my personal space. As the years passed it all became comfortable possessions. Today tea with a friend or my calendar filled with lunch dates is so much more important at this stage of my life. Correspondence written in hand or a surprise call is priceless! And yes I’d love to win one of your cups . Blessings to you and Joe.
And I still love to look around my quiet house, like now, 5:30 am, birds tweeting, heater humming along, and count my blessings. And serene, with less stuff, more space. Although, I’m in the kitchen, so when I say less stuff, I look up at my dishes hutch in here, and think, well, not so much less! Blessings to you too Dot. xoxo
Today is the perfect day to toss old catalogs ( some from Christmas!), go through old magazines to bring to library, and just like yourself,Miss Susan, find old correspondence. Brings tears to my eyes to see writing of loved ones gone. Thank you for bringing us out of the shadows😊 I believe there is a sisterhood out there. God bless and thanks for those beautiful mugs! 🇺🇸🌹😎☀️
What I’ve been discovering lately is that I had a little bit of those old letters, recipes, lists, written by relatives, some long gone, all over the house! Little bit here, little there, and now it’s all in one place! Along with our family tree history, it’s much better kept together. Yes, lots of us like us! xoxo
Oh so inspirational! 🎉 Thank you for sharing your process. 🌻☺️ Just the little oomph I needed to keep going on my own spring cleaning. 🌤🌈🌸
You go girl!
Once again, you’ve inspired me (!) to get busy and clean up, clean out and just plain CLEAN everything in site! I actually kinda/sorta enjoy this chore. I inevitably find things I forgot I had and can and will use again — it’s like free shopping! And the things I let go of are rarely missed. The satisfaction of a clean, well-organized house far outweighs any “get rid of” remorse. Thanks for getting me off my hiney and onto more productive activities, Susan!
I agree, the pros and cons are so obvious! Makes it easier.
I forgot to mention that I love the drawing of your dad’s dog, Chief (love the name!). I can see where your artistic talent comes from. And wonderful things like your mom’s merry go round birthday cakes and so much more. You couldn’t miss getting it from both sides!
They were quite the creative pair, but I don’t think they thought of themselves that way. Just doing what came naturally, and what HAD to be done. Wonderful role models. Thank you Carmel.
You’ve inspired me to get my backside in gear and clear out the clutter! My sweet Mama moved in with us the first of May because she has alzheimers, and a lot of her beloved items came with her. So, I need to get busy and make her some room for them. I would love to win one of your darling mugs for her. Thank you, Susan!
I hope you do Karen! You are lucky to have your mom right there! xoxo
Love reading your blogs. Happy Spring!
Your new cups are lovely! Just the inspiration I need to keep decluttering my kitchen 🙂
“Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify.” ~Henry David Thoreau
Dear Susan,
I’ve been reading a lot about simplicity lately, so I really enjoyed seeing the trajectory of your office project! It’s amazing how sifting through “stuff” becomes an inspiring scavenger hunt that sparks creativity through nostalgia. You certainly unearthed some very special memories. I’m with you on not going TOO extreme though. I tried the whole Marie Kondo minimalism approach and my house ended up looking quite sterile, but at least I very nearly have a clean slate! Your fine bone china cups are just gorgeous and I made sure to let my husband know of their existence! *wink wink* We have been cleaning out the garage in our new home where BOTH our cars can fit (there were lots of cardboard boxes taking up space) and I’m very excited about the prospect of decorating. Your books are front and center on our mantel already!
Wishing you all the best!
Love,
Amanda
One thing about getting down to a clean slate . . . 2 photos, a few books, and a bouquet of flowers can be all you need to warm it right up!
Amen!
Happy Memorial Day. I love the cup I have received. Tell Vanna to hurry home!
Hurry is rarely in her vocabulary, but I have put the bug in her pink little shell-shaped diamond studded ear
I look forward to reading all your wonderful posts. Youre so inspiring! You have no idea how much your quips and quotes make my life more wonderful. Thank you.
You couldn’t say anything I’d love to hear more than that Shelley, thank you so much. I’m happy you’re here!
I would absolutely love to win one of these cups! Because of you, I have a collection of Emma Bridgewater mugs, and I think one of these would look so cute with it. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you twice now…once in California at Remnants of the Past in November 2013, and again at the picnic in Stourhead in September 2016. I devour every word of your blog posts and books…they bring me so much joy!
Hi Cadie! So nice to see you here! I have a wonderful photo of you reading A Fine Romance that your mom sent to me! Wasn’t Stourhead just a dream? Happy spring to you and your family! xoxoxo
This post was a strong message to me…….a woman who has decorations in the garage from Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter…….all on tables…..still to be put away! I keep telling myself that I need to go through them and purge everything but the best…..scaled down. PROCRASTINATION!!!!
I could find room for the cup with the little red cottage though :)…….that way I could enjoy a cuppa while staring at those piles looking for motivation.
ooxx Helen
I like the way you think Helen!
Bless the digital camera and the memories it preserves. It’s such a great tool for keeping that which we will always cherish – like a picture of a dear friend. I am inspired by your sorting and simplifying, and shall be doing much the same thing. We are fortunate to have a lovely thrift shop that makes relinquishing a bit easier. Your cups are exquisite! If I’m not too late, please add my name.
You’re right on time Paulette!
Ah! A kindred soul! I have been longing for a clear space to sew/craft/create in for a few years, too. Thank goodness I have a patient and loving husband who understands the joy I feel in creating for others. Mahalo (thank you) for sharing your before and after photos as they give me hope and inspire me to organize my sewing room. Small steps, of course…
It’s my mom who’s always told me “Organization is the key to success.” I keep reminding myself of her words as I plow through this, little steps everyday!
All I want is a cup by Branch
Full with tea on my small night stand
With one copy of Fine Romance
Wouldn’t it be loverly?
Cheers
Eszter 😉
Oh I know Vanna will love this! xoxoxo
I always look forward to reading your blog. I come away a little bit happier each time! Happy spring!
Happy Spring Carol!
These cups are beautiful! Can’t wait to put one next to my Emma Bridgewater. It would be lovely to win one.
They look good together!
So many wonderful comments! Did I read, and can no longer find, your response to a question that you would be designing a mug based on your trips to England? That would be wonderful. Now on to pre-ordering your Autumn mug…can’t resist the squirrel.
Thank you.
Yes you read that…I will do it!
Received my order of all 3……each so very special. I would love to win another. I would choose another “LOVE” cup, then I would have one to give to each of my grandchildren.
It would make my day to win one of your cups! Thank you for your cheerful artwork and blog.
Susan, you bring so much joy to my life!
Oh I would love to win one of the cups! Coffee and tea from a Susan Branch cup…?! I might get so distracted by the pretty paintings that I would spill on myself. 😍
Happy Memorial Day!
LOL! Don’t do it! xoxo
Thank you for this post, as I live in the clutter and excess also. I will follow your lead. Happy Spring.
Susan,
Thank you for your fun, inspiring messages and thoughts and for your beautiful art. It graces my life and my home in so many ways!
Cassie
Dear Susan, Thought you might relate to this since you love sayings and cats. “When you’re special to a cat, you’re special indeed: She brings to you the gift of her preference of you, the sight of you, the sound of your voice, the touch of your hand.”
Lester B. Pearson
Canadian Prime Minister
(1897-1972)
(From the Farmer’s Almanac)
Sweet! But it’s more like the presence of him, the sight of him, the sound of his meow, the touch of his claw! 😃
Susan, I can relate to your project working to organize your work space and other areas of your home. I keep trying to get rid of things. Less is more, so they say, and a favorite quote of mine ,which has been posted on my bulletin board for at least 12 years by Meri Rogers states, “Our basic theory is you’re not put on this earth to collect as much crap as you can before you die.” This has been my mantra and bit by bit, in this home of mine with its many papers and books, I will chip away at trying to get rid of things that I don’t really need. One person’s junk is another’s treasure, and I don’t know who said that quote, but no doubt it’s true. I need to find a home or recycle more of my things. When I die someday I don’t want my children to ask, “Why did Mom save this?”
Good luck in your quest to downsize your material things; it’s a never-ending battle in my home.
Good luck Lynn!
I love the quote in the beginning of this post. I’ve been feeling weary and needed the lesson. Thank you!
The cups are beautiful—in paper or in reality! I have my eye on the Martha’s Vineyard one, especially. I admire your simplification energy burst and I’m hoping to find my own, soon. Thank you for your always inspirational blog posts, Susan. They are a joy.
We are all guilty of letting things go. I applaud your sharing. It takes courage sometimes. Love the seasonal mugs but alas, they are out of my price range. Still I can love them from afar.
Hope you win one Audrianne!
The new cups are great. Thanks for sharing all your ideas!
I would love to win one of your cups, the Autumn one is my favorite.
me I would adore winning that Autumn cup, Autumn is my favorite time of year.
Autumn is my favorite one, love the squirrel!
mine too!!! I think that squirrel is so adorable, but then I love little squirrels. I feed them everyday at their little table ( an old tree stump). I give them natural or raw peanuts, raw walnuts, corn, sunflower seeds, dried cherries, raisins and cranberries and lots of cracked corn and whole.. they love it. and we love watching them every morning. gives the cats some amusement as well. 🙂
In spite of my serious de-cluttering I would happily make room for a beautiful tea cup. There’s always room for art.
Best of luck in your life lightening efforts. It feels so good once it’s done…I’m almost there!
Oh, how I would LOVE to win one of your cups! Have a great day, Sue and Joe~
I say coffee in your Bluebird mug is a reason to get up in the morning! They are all fabulous!
As with so many others , I would love to win one of your cups. Thank you for the opportunity. ❤
I’ve been doing the same with my piles upon piles of things I thought I needed. Amazing what one can do without! Oh how I would love to win one of your cups!
Hi Susan! You put a smile on my face as soon as I saw your bookshelves. And inspired me to tackle mine (and my closets) to get that clean, open space feeling. We are having a yard sale next weekend, so that will be a big help. Have to make room for new projects and treasures. Happy Spring Cleaning.
Love Sharan
Oh, don’t want to be left out of the drawing!! Perhaps it’ll be me this time, but if not, I’ll be so happy for whoever wins!!
I loved this post, Susan! I pre-ordered 2 of the mugs…. Autumn and Christmas. I love the one that I have and am looking forward to the ones that I just ordered.
We are in the throws of summer now. At least this past couple days…. mid to high 90’s. Will cool off the mid 80’s in a couple days, but that is still hot! Have been enjoying planting new flowers, reading out in my garden, taking walks all over the sub division, etc.
Until next time…..xoxox,
Carol M
Happy Summer dear Carol!
I need to weed my fabric stash as you did your shelves! Can’t wait for the Martha’s cup..!
Almost-June, almost-June! Peonies, first of the roses…oh summer is just a minute away! Think of you so often, dear one. Pulled a matchbook out of a drawer this week. Daggett House! It’s practically antique! Hugs, darling! Keep your face to the sunshine.
You too JoEllen, although I know you will! Peonies are almost in bloom here. Sun is faking us out, pretending to peek through the clouds just this moment. We take what we can get this rainy May, but we know better! xoxoxo
I love the idea of a mug for every season and am planning to collect them. Your post was so timely. I have been doing the exact same thing. I feel so good after I’ve brought a box of treasures to the local thrift store.
I would so love to win a cup, thank you for the opportunity.
I love my new cups!! They are so beautiful and create such an uplifting way to start the day. I am amazed at your talent. Can’t wait for more new things. Happy Summer.
Well, Phooey! On Saturday morning I was making my way in what I thought was very carefully down the basement stairs. Tom recently lowered the hand rails so I could be more comfortable. As I can’t bend my neck to look down, I went by the rail, but the placement was different….so I launced myself off one step too soon and came down with all my considerable weight on the side of my right foot. I heard the bone crack. Took seemingly forever to get me up the steps, one at a time on my butt, cleaned up and to the ER. It is fractured, but ER doc says he doesn’t think I’ll need surgery. Of course Tuesday will the the earliest I can see an ortho. They (or medicare did) gave me at fancy walking boot. Not at all like the last one I had last time I had a foot problem. The inside inflates, each side separately. Plus a walker.
All I can do is laugh….ha-ha. What next? So, I sit sadly, looking at the weeds covering the ground I weeded last fall. I’m also thankful I wasn’t alone. I may be time for the “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” gizmo.
I’m thinking have very fortunate we are. In general and specifically. Yet another neighbor just came and left food. Small towns are like that, aren’t they? And of my childhood school mates who dies in Viet Nam.
Happy Memorial Day, Susan,
Debbie in Maine
Oh Debbie, I’m so sorry! I did that once, only it was my wrist! I felt like I was too busy for that kind of folderol but it happened anyway! This too shall pass. xoxo
O you never cease to lead, inspire and keep the joy and happiness coming to your girlfriends!
You are so amazing!
Today and everyday thank you one and all!
I love the cup designs! So you!
I forgot to say I made your Pineapple Upsidedown Cake 🙂
Not as pretty as yours but delish!
Among other things you gift us with so much deliciousness beauty and delight!
Thank you!!
Yay, glad you liked it!
Ah, yes, spring cleaning time! I cleaned the windows and am waiting for the oven to finish cleaning itself now. The new cups are charming! I especially like the cup with bluebirds. Beautiful!
We built our home 26 years ago in March, I retired at age 74 on 11-30-16 so this summer is dedicated to refurbishing everything (flooring, window coverings, countertops, appliances, complete interior repaint) and it is exhausting! Naturally, this has included going through all drawers, cupboards, closets, etc. and shorting and reorganizing until I’m often dizzy! I just finished a 3 day total cleaning and going through all boxes in the garage too, so I know from where you speak! Yes, it is freeing and I’ve found some things I had totally forgotten about. I can relate to your photos and that some things just must be kept (I have those Lenox tea cups and saucers as well as the tea pot purchased from you years ago and I still have in my arsenal of scrapbooking materials every sticker, border, paper, etc. that you ever sold – they are such treasurers to me as I use them on everything especially if I’m sending out snail mail to a friend [they dress up the envelop – do you know I still have some of your stationery that I bought years ago and am now using when I send a monthly note to someone special]; my mantra since retiring has been “Make a mailbox happy…send a card!”). Whew, that was a loooong parenthetical phrase! Since I retired and we are experiencing “sticker shock” over the price of replacing things, I declined to purchase one of the new mugs, but low and behold, my BFF bought me the LOVE one for my April birthday! And now it is even more special because she gave it to me (she also bought one for herself because we always buy momentous things together). I’m really over the moon on the new Autumn and Santa cups so I’m just going to have to save up my pennies! I’ve loved you from the beginning, Susan, when I first encountered your stickers in a Michael’s store. Never stop creating and being the unique artist that you are.
Thank you so much Jaclyn, that was very sweet. Luv-lee BFF’s always do amazing things for us! Happy retirement!
Love your blogs! Just recently became acquainted with them….and you! Excited to read more in the future! Love your mug designs!
I’ve been so inspired, I’ve cleaned out bags and boxes and bureaus and the desktop! Thanks so much! Would love one of the mugs!
Amen to EVERYTHING everyone has said about clearing out, cleaning up, and organizing the few remaining bits! Lead us ON, Susan! You help me BREATHE!
We sure can’t take it all with us…and we sure hate being enslaved to the piles when we want to relish the gifts of Time, Relationships, and God’s Glorious Creations!!! Speaking OF….have you ever drawn Vanna??? Would she allow your swishing paintbrushes to capture her ethereal hair, feathered satin mules, and shell-shaped diamond-studded ears??? Ohhh, that’s a Gift I WOULD SAVE!!!!
I’ve thought about it. I painted her pink slippers once. But I think everyone has their own version of Vanna in their minds, I would hate to disappoint by doing her in just “my” way . . . she’s bigger than that. She’s performance art . . . she performs and we draw her in our imaginations. Isn’t she just the most fabulous thing! I love her.
Ohhhh I LOVE her too!!!! She’s soo ShoooShoo SheeSheee! 💃
I think we are all a bit of Vanna together in ONE! 👭She is all we aspire to…and dream of being! Carefree and Elusive!!! The BEST of each Girlfriend mingled unto ONE in this Creature of Beauty!!! Vannissimo!!!
And you are so right…she’s even BIGGER than THAT!!!
Though, you could never disappoint, Susan, in sharing your Creative Eye….I just wish I could DIVE like her!
Me too!! All grace!
Oh, I can’t believe I almost missed this post! I logged on to look for an older post and there you were! YAY! I’m hoping your enthusiasm for organizing and purging will inspire me to get BUSY! ☺️ Thanks for the chance to win one of your beautiful cups. I love my “Little Things” one. Today is my husband’s birthday. Don turned 80 today! That doesn’t seem possible. We were just teenagers yesterday! 😍😍.
Thanks for being you, Susan.
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
I know, just yesterday! Happy Birthday dear Don!
I would love to win one of your cups! Love the size but most of all love that you are all over my favorite pastime. Tea drinking! Also wish you were traveling to speak at more book stores this summer;) xxoo
Must stay home to get organized, been going too much, and I’d love to start some wonderful new thing! PLUS, oh my garden! New hydrangea, catmint, tomatoes, foxglove and roses all planted, and more more more to come!
Dear Susan,
You continue to be a breath of fresh air to me. Thank you.
And, I’m looking at my book case that I ” Marie Kondo’d” a few years ago and think…I might need to ” Susan Branch” it now.
Hi Susan 😊
Thanks for sharing your Martha’s Vineyard Spring with us. Our Spring has passed so it is nice to enjoy your pretty flowers and yard. Appreciate your encouragement to sort out and unclutter as well. Blessings to you both, Sarah