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! 😘
Wow, Susan. My Office/scrapbook room/genealogy room looks just like yours did. I’m cleaning mine out too and have boxes all over. What a mess. I guess it must be our age that we decide we don’t need all this stuff. I still do need some of it. I love the new mugs. I’m making a recipe book right now for my new daughter-in-law to be. It’s a Susan Branch one of course. I already have one for me. Love everything Susan Branch. Thanks for the great quotes and for sharing. P.S. Thanks so much for coming to Salt Lake City. Loved seeing you.
Might be spring, but for me, it’s that I’ve been using this house as a drop-off station! Now I’m home. I want my house back. And I’m getting it! Joe too, he wants our garden back! Thank you Connie!Your recipe book will be a treasure, what a wonderful gift! xoxo
Lovely! Your world is becoming quite tidy. Love the cups, and Jack in the water, and Joe in the garden!
Absolutely love this post !!! Love the idea of tidying up & being organized—easier said than done , but it does make things much more accessible ! Nice to see that you actually are a real person —-I always wondered how you did it all ! Seeing Jack play in the water made me think, does he like to bathe ?
I might do it all, just not all at the same time! ☺️
I LOVE the Santa Claus cups – they need to be my gift to my Christmas Carolers this season. Excited to see them and looking forward to seeing faces open such perfect mugs. You are inspiring me to begin clearing out my scary office….which desperately needs clearing, culling and cleaning. Making space is so freeing. Thank you for this post!
“My scary office . . .” LOL! Good luck Linda! xoxo
Dang, girl! Where can I get some of that energy? So impressed! I really want to leave our kids with a lot less to go through after we pass someday. I would not want them to have to go through our current collection of 35 years of stuff, so I am trying to psyche myself up to get brutal with the letting go of things. You certainly have a lot of memorabilia to decide on. Marie Kondo says that’s the hardest stuff to go through when paring down. So much emotion attached.
You might start out thinking you’re doing it for the kids, but as you go along, you’ll get such a nice feeling, you might just forget about doing it for the kids and do it for you! xoxo
Oh my gosh I’m I love with the new mugs!!! 💕 I seriously don’t know how you choose what design to use for two new mugs because all your work is amazing! Speaking of shelf cleaning, I had to clean mine when I received my mugs! I have this shelf in kitchen dedicated to YOU and all the cookbooks, memoir books, recipe holder,etc and now I need a bigger shelf! I even have my newly engaged daughter asking for SB stuff ☺️.
Makes my day to hear that Anna, so sweet! xoxo
Those mugs are soooo beautiful! I hope Vanna picks me! LOL! Thank you for another lovely blog and giveaway! Looking forward to our Vineyard vacation in July! Yay!
Our cottage is being re-modeled, we are in the foothills of the blue ridge and we are feathering our retirement nest. While the work is being done we are about a mile away in a friend’s family farmhouse, – – thinning out our treasures and planning much “white space” in the new rooms – – – we want to live uncluttered – – and each thing that meets the eye should be useful or bring a smile, – after all, the most important things are not things at all. btw – – my Susan Branch books are staying one and all……… and I smile when I see them. Happy spring cleaning to you!!
I am so impressed with your clean up! I have to do the same thing – big time. You have given me the inspiration I need, thank you!
Oh, I know that overwhelming feeling! In my little office there are way, way too many papers, boxes of “what could possibly be in them??” Also, buttons, buttons more than likely hundreds and hundreds of buttons filled in jars, boxes and beautiful glasses. I use these “Forgotten Buttons” to make beautiful, one of a kind bracelets. Susan, you are an inspiration. Monday is a wonderful day to begin…. I so look forward to the day when I walk into my little office and see empty spaces…..
Hi Susan, I was so thrilled to read your blog tonight! When I started to read and saw your photos of your studio and the piles of books and papers stored and overflowing, I was so releaved. My daughter and I had an argument this morning about all of the clutter and collections of stuff in our house. There are things here from the years I spent teaching elementary school, my graduate degrees and now my art, as well as collections from each of my three children. I was pretty upset about the amount of stuff that I have managed to store and save over the past 35 years. I know it’s time to shed and reorganize the stuff.
Thank you helping me realize that I’m not the only one with a lot of stuff to clean up. Some of it is valuable and important, but much of the stuff should be purged.
I hope I win a cup. I missed the chance to buy one for myself from the first set, but I’ll make sure I buy at least one of the next set.
I’m so grateful that I found you, dear Susan.
Janet xoxo
You are definitely not alone!! 🤗 In it to win it! xoxo
Oh, Janet, Me Too! I still have a few boxes of dear little things my “children” from my classrooms gave me. Many of the ornaments on our tree are ones they made or their mothers or fathers made. I had a room Daddy once, and he made little stockings for each child and one for me. Teaching was the love of my life, before Tom took that role. I’ve purged quite a bit, but I feel actual pain when I hold those lovely little things and contemplate pitching them in the trash. I have no biological kids of my own, so maybe that’s the problem. I easily chunked the notebooks from my undergrad and graduate degrees. I chunked old letters. Lots of pictures, scanned and gone. But the little love offerings I can’t let go.
Debbie…now in Maine
Hi Susan,
Love your blog……especially the forthcoming Autumn cup news.
Barbara Elliott
Thank you for sharing your “decluttering” technique! It looks great… I am planning on trying this myself when I get over my surgery. I hate to part with things but if you can sort and pare down your beautiful things, surely I can too!
I moved into a villa about a year and a half ago after my husband passed away. Our house was more than I needed so I had lots of stuff to get rid of before moving and it is hard to believe how much I still have!!! Another much needed clear out and get rid of time is here again. Seeing your accomplishments have motivated me to start this job. You really do feel so much better when thi says big job is over. Thanks for the motivation and I hope, too, that I will be the winner of the Little Things mug and if not, can I order one? Pretty please!!! Love all your postings – keep them up – don’t ever stop??
Hugs,
Carol in Lake St Louis, Mo.
I think we’re all sold out … but check with [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ …. Kellee and Sheri are gathering the final numbers this week, and perhaps there will be one or two left over, fingers crossed.
I have been a bit of a lurker for the past couple of months. I came across your artwork through scrapbooking about 16 yrs ago. And ive found you again through reading your books. I loved them. Every last page. Your blog is like a gathering place for sisters who nod in understanding of all things of the true feminine genius. You have inspired me Susan to, at 38 yrs old to just do, just go for it and just be me. The cups are gorgeous. I love the little things cup. They were long sold out when i discovered them. I am now reading through archives in the blog….and the comments are almost as good as the posts!😊 Thank you for inspiration.
I couldn’t agree more about the comments. As I read through them, I’m always hoping others take the time to do it too. Everyone is so wonderful! And you too Samantha, you fit in perfectly. Thank you!
Dear Susan, I wanted to tell you about my little brother. We have been living together in my mother’s house since she passed away in 2014. He is the sweetest, smartest and kindest person that I know. He was medicated but had schizophrenia. When I talked about your mugs and how we couldn’t afford such a luxury , his response was..”Get them Nin If they’ll bring you joy get them.” My brother suddenly died on the 6th of May from a blood clot. He died in my arms in the foyer of the hospital. Your mugs showed up on the day of his funeral. I am still grieving for him …but I wanted you to know how special those mugs will always be to me. Love, Nina
I love your brother. What a sweet spirit he had. Very sad. Tears. 😘 Sending love. xoxoxo
This is so bitter/sweet, Nina. Susan gives us a place to share with our sisters. You are loved. Feel all that sympathy pouring from your sisters.
Nina, I am sending the biggest hug! Can you feel it? What a sweet brother….isn’t it wonderful that you had each other!? I will say a little prayer for each of you tonight.
❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. How sweet of him. You can treasure the memory and the mugs will always remind you. Enjoy them and cherish your memories. Hugs.
There is no one else out there quite like you, Susan. You are honest and accessible and real. I would vote for you should you choose to run.
I was up in the attic earlier today, bagging to throw away, give away and stow away, so your blog was pretty timely. I’ve been getting better and better at getting rid of things. You really do have to keep at (like anything else) to get good at it. I thank you for today’s inspiration. You’re the best!
🤗 Thank you Laura!
Oh Susan I love your mugs! I enjoy my morning tea in the Nature mug, (and I’d love to have your Little Things mug) and I’m heading off right now to your website to preorder your Bluebird mug. I’m trying to “crap out” (I call it CO) and here I am buying another mug!!!! Out with the old, in with the new. 🙂
Thanks for the lovely post. So helpful to be encouraged to thin things out. I loved hearing your kitty talking on your video. So cute.
Love this post! I will gladly take a piece of your artwork off your hands is it’s in your way (Ha). And I would love to win a mug. Thanks!
Doug and I are going to England this summer and will again visit Stourhead where we ran into you and Joe last year! Will we see you there? 😊. 💕🌷💕. Mary
Hi Mary! Not this time unfortunately! I know you’ll have a wonderful time in one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever seen!
Oh, Susan, you do have the knack to know just when I need a little or big pick-me-up. Your posts always do the trick! I was hoping in your task of decluttering, you’d use some in your “can’t keep everything” pile as prizes for us. Think about it 🙂 Scraps with your artwork would be treasures! Bookmarks, etc. Remember??? Of course, sipping tea in one of your cups that I have actually won while reading your blog, would be lovely and treasured, too.
Thanks for starting my week with hope.
Elaine
Susan, thank you for your blog – I always look forward to receiving then! Some day I too hope to get our house organized. Right now it’s a disaster & a bit overwhelming, so I end up doing nothing. I’m about 1 year away from retirement, so I keep telling myself that I’ll tackle all this when I retire. I guess that’s my excuse for not doing it now; although I must say that reading your blog is making me rethink that 🙂 Susan, your tea cups are so adorable, and I would be very honored if I ended up winning one. I missed out on the presale of your first group of 3, as I just couldn’t afford ordering one at that time. Just a few days ago when I felt I could finally order one, I was so sad to find out that they were no longer available 🙁 I would so enjoy having tea in one of your cups – love ALL the designs! I hope that you continue to come out with many more designs!
I just love the cups and how you showed us the messiness of life and how we always feel better when we clean up. Good for you , you’ve inspired me !
Xx oo Tiina
Loved seeing the before and after of your studio! I used to think I was a hoarder, but I really do enjoy getting rid of “stuff” and making space to work and live. That brings me great relief! I do understand the desire to save things. I’m definitely a pack rat. Thanks for always being an inspiration and bright spot in my day, Susan!
I am just now finishing The Fairy Tale Girl and love it. Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams is being held for me at the library. Thank you in advance for giving away one of those beautiful mugs!
You are inspiring, Susan! So glad I’m not the only one who has multiplying clutter. We got an unexpected push to declutter when we had a water leak in the kitchen. As things are coming out of storage at the end of the reconstruction, it’s easier to evaluate what is still useful. So nice to have company on this journey!
Oh how I love your blog!! Spring cleaning feels so good!!! A chance to win a much coveted mug!! I hope I am a lucky winner!! Thank you for sharing your darling house with us!
Love all the cups. Bluebird is my fave!!
Dearest Susan, I am always so pleased when I find you in my mail box…….It has been such a lovely day……sunshine, lovely breeze…..lovely, lovely……..went to a great grand daughter’s soccer game…she is four. They are all so cute. no goalies and half the time they head for the wrong end of the field….we all cheer for whichever side scores.. please to remember put me in your next drawing for an adorable mug. I think you may have inspired me for my own deep clean out….wish me luck! >
And once again I am inspired by you to do some knee deep weeding in my garden…no, my office. Thanks for the Spring into action organizing tips, too!
Love my Little Things mug and would love to bless my bff with one! 💕
Fondly,
Ruth The Inklings (Ohio)
You’ve inspired me. I need to declutter and let go of so much stuff! I love, love, love the new cups. They make me happy.
Loved the latest post. I’m doing a clean out too. Much smaller house, much less stuff but like you said, I have to make room for the new stuff. So enjoy your posts.
You are real. My quilting room needs the same help.So, I am a collector,but I love order. I love opening a drawer and seeing order. I love dishes and have a great collection. Have thinned them out and shared. Alas, I buy more!! Those mugs are darling and I use mine everyday. The bluebird and autumn are next for me. I thought 16 ozs. was too big. Just right. So maybe autumn ought to be 16 ozs. too….
Such a wonderful blog. Thanks for giving me the inspiration to begin decluttering my piles. I love everything :Susan Branch”. Just ordered the new mugs which are beautiful!
What a lovely post this was. Inspiring piles of creativity waiting to find their rightful home….and they do! On the cleared out shelves, desktops, and cupboards. There is something magical and rejuvenating about having order to all your “creations in waiting”. Thanks for taking us on your journey from clutter to calm.
Love this post as I need to declutter too, but just don’t know where to start. We have been in the same house for a long time and I love all my “stuff”. My painting club friends keep telling me don’t leave it for your one and only daughter to have to do this. They especially want me to go through my painting studio, but my whole house has too much and I keep buying more stuff on the weekends at antique shops. I love your mugs and need to buy more of them. I bought the Peter Rabbitt one several years ago and love him. I also have some of your charms. Maybe I will be lucky this time and win a mug!
Thanks Susan for the inspirational before & after decluttering pictures of your studio. It’s reassuring to know others become overwhelmed by clutter & possessions, too. Reading this has inspired me to tackle our piled high attic with 22 years of accumulated junk. It’s hard to know where to begin, but I would feel so relieved to know it’s not a fire hazard anymore! Also enjoyed cute video of Jack. Now I need to order a mug before they are all sold out!
I’m decluttering too! It’s not easy! I try to do what you are doing – I do it when I have time and when I want to, and it’s actually fun and I can feel lighter and refreshed with every bag of stuff I add to my “give away” pile. Also I am thrilled for your Christmas and Autumn mugs! <3
I received my I love nature mugs this week, so lovely! Got them for my Mom and sisters, because Mom taught us all about loving nature-we still collect acorns on our fall nature walks as treats for our squirrels at home! 😊🐿
Hi Susan,
Love all of your blog posts with pics and videos of your beautiful home and talented water drinking kitty. My kitty is also very talented :-). I agree with you totally on the freeing joy of decluttering. Love that you shared the before pics as well as the after. Seems peeling away the layers of clutter not only uncovers memories and special treasures long forgotten, it calms the mind and allows more space to breathe and focus on the hear and now. The pictures you posted really reflected that peace as the clutter disappeared. My husband and I have lived in our home for 33 years and things and memories can become overwhelming.. I like that you photographed some of the things you wanted to save, but didn’t have to keep them. It’s all about the memory anyway so that’s the perfect way to preserve them.
I received my “Little Things” cup just in time for Mother’s Day. It was my present to myself!! I really love it. I have to tell you it’s not only beautiful and happy, but it is the perfect shape and feel for tea or my morning Latte. The handle is the perfect shape too and it feels like a really special cup. Definitely feels like it is from England! I use it everyday!!! Also have been meaning to write you and tell you after reading A Fine Romance, my husband and I took a trip to the Cotswolds. Heaven. Our second time there, but we can’t get enough of England just like you. Then 9 months later we went to the Scotland and the Lake District and visited Hilltop and Ambleside and so many of the places you mentioned. Now July 1st we leave for southern England, Kent and Sussex and will be visiting many of the gardens and places you mentioned.. Hope to see the white garden in bloom at Sissinghurst. Thank you for being such an inspiration and girlfriend to all. Happy Spring… Beverlee
You will love Kent! So many wonderful gardens in the area. Try to drive over to Charleston too, if you can, it’s pretty fabulous!
Hi Susan,
Your post is inspiring. I have a clutter problem myself and have only myself to blame. I will start to do a little every day. I hope Vanna draws my name for one of your lovely mugs. 🙂
I wait for your posts! You always brighten my day and make me smile. When I read, I believe we are having a conversation and I just love ‘talking’ to you. In fact, when you don’t post for awhile, I wonder why. After seeing your before and after pictures, I now know!! I am being weighted down by all my stuff as well and so so appreciate your idea of taking pictures as a memory keeper. Thank you. I have received my first cup, and am ready to order for that August delivery. Till our next conversation .
Fondly, Bev
I’m getting ready to move next month, so I’ve been trying to pare things down and give away or discard some of the stuff that has accumulated over the years. So may jam-packed closets and drawers! It’s not easy, but it’s satisfying to get rid of clutter. I’ll never be a minimalist, it’s just not me, but if I could stop being so much of a maximalist that would be a good thing!
I got my lovely new mug (the In Love with Nature one) and after ooh-ing and aah-ing over its prettiness, packed it up to be rediscovered in my new home. I can’t wait to settle in for a nice cup of tea once I get there!
Jack is the cutest. Kitties are the best and most entertaining company. 🙂
Hoping to get to Titcomb’s to see you. I love that bookstore! It is sure to be a happy event. Thanks for an inspiring post. Will reread regularly as I try to do the same.
PS. The mugs are wonderful!
Thank you for your “filled with motivation” note and exactly what I needed!!! Also thank you so much for the possibility of winning one of your mugs!!! I’ve gifted the ones I purchased and would LOVE LOVE LOVE one for myself…thank you always for all you do for us❤️❤️❤️
You know, most of you ‘clutter’ looks purposeful to me, not so very chaotic as mine tends to be. I especially like your shelf displaying cards and the photo of your dear Mom. And the door to the front hall covered in letters and art ~ sent to you from everywhere with love is my guess. Well, your clutter and your cleaning spree are both inspirational and encouraging, and I’m so glad you’re a sharing girlfriend. Reading this does me good. Oh, and the door open to the warmly lit and decorated next room and hallway beyond is a picture in itself.💖
I love your cups and your stories. I need one to make my days better! Do you plan to re order more cups? If I can’t win one I would love to buy them!
Wow! You have been a very busy woman! I too have been bitten by the Spring clean-out bug….once started you get almost giddy when you see sections of your home complete. It’s like there is more air in the room. Thanks for the inspiration to continue the battle against stuff
My mug arrived safe and sound. I LOVE it. Your new designs are wonderful, have to get going and plan a pre-order! Would love to win one to keep mine from being lonely in the cupboard 🙂
Oh thanks for the give-away try. I would love to win the Nature one! You’re wonderful.
I’ve been sorting, now I have to start setting aside things that need to go bye-bye.
Thanks for the inspiration. Love the new mugs.
Love the cups! I’m boo hooing knowing you will retire them. Must collect any I can I guess.
I love that you are “dunning out” as the English say. I need to make that my summer goal too!
What a wonderful way to start the day. So beautiful where you live! Thank
your for giving us the inspiration to see the beauty around us and for sharing
your humor, your art work and your generous soul.
I am always excited to find a new Susan Branch blog in my email list. As usual, this entry did not disappoint. I too need to declutter and make some space on our bookshelves. Your pictures give me inspiration ❤️. I love the new mugs, especially the bluebird. Thanks again for your pictures and writing, which always make me smile 😀
Susan, your mugs are beautiful and are a perfect size. I can picture the island mug being a favorite to all visitors to Martha’s Vineyard. Thank you for sharing your exciting adventures, your perspective on daily events, and especially, your every day projects, successes, and celebrations. So many common threads in our stories. Enjoy your refreshed studio.New inspirations will be pouring in!
Oh I would love another cup! I only got one which I dearly regret…but I got ALL of the next ones 🙂 xoxo (sipping camomile tea from my cup before bed)
i would love to have one of your mugs, susan branch! i might put whisky in it though and not tell anyone but me and Jesus. 😉 if not…i hope someone else puts whisky in it just for fun one time and pretends it’s darjeeling or english breakfast or something. thanks for being inspiring and fun. (i like ‘the little things’ one…)
i loved your cleaning out post. i think i may be a minimalist and faking it as a normal ol’ person. i still have many of your scrapbook stickers and use them in my planner. i love those stickers.
have a blessed week. i’m so glad you’re on instagram. it’s fun. and fun is fun!
Ohmygosh! Oh my gosh! I cannot stop thinking about the mention of a tea book!!! Are you really going to write one? Oh how that would be so lovely and magical! I had my very own “tea room” in a small dining room in a previous house. OH, you would have LOVED it. On the soffit my friend hand painted “Come and share a pot of tea. My house is warm and my friendship’s free”. She also painted a teapot and a few teacups. I miss it so much. I long to have one again. It’s been 7 long years. I had over 30 guests to that tea room while living in that house. I saved the furniture and decor and hope to have another “tea room” in my next house some day. ):
Hi Susan,
I am so happy to have my “little things ” mug for my morning tea. Aah! It was packed very well and arrived in perfect condition. I am really sad the nature one sold out so fast. Somehow I thought I ordered it but alas I messed up on it. I really wish the company would make more.
Loved your decluttering photos. So nice to know you are just like the rest of us who have project after project going on while living a wonderful life. I always have good intentions but a book or article or craft calls to me. So tomorrow is a new beginning to move forward once again.
Thank you for the declutterering inspiration! I love reading your long and lovely posts. Your mugs made in England are beautiful and charming. I’d love to win one…the bluebird may be my favorite. And I know my friend would love one for Christmas, so I hope to make an order in time. Have a happy day!
You give me hope! I’m afraid my house looks like the before picture of your room. I need to dive in and start organizing. Thanks for the inspiration.
Does Jack have one of the electric water bowls? He might enjoy that when you don’t have time to monitor the sink for him.
Love the mugs.
I am a rather new subscriber. Just love all your blogs. And oh yes the mug came earlier this week and I love, love, love.
What lovely tea cups – would love to drink tea from one each morning!
Happy Spring Cleaning!!!! Love the inspiration and the encouraging words to keep moving forward each day. The mugs are WONDERFUL!
I received my “little things” cup not long ago. I can tell you put a lot of love and thought in your design and choice of manufacturer. I especially like the thin rim which feels so nice on my delicate lips……hahaha. I like your new designs and in particular the “Martha’s Vineyard Isle of dreams”. Thanks for your blog this week. I need to do more decluttering….you have motivated me. Hope you have a happy spring!
I can identify with you on the freedom one feels once they declutter their house. At first it was very hard and overwhelming, but once I got into it, I found how liberating it was.
Peg
It is such fun to pare down! When we packed up to move recently, I was ruthless in getting rid of excess. (I thought)….Now unpacking six months later, I am still paring down more. Thanks for the encouragement to keep at it!!
Jack is so handsome and very clever! Congratulations on your spring cleaning! We’re in the midst of a move and I never realized how much ‘stuff’ we have. Looking forward to getting organized (hopefully). Love the mugs!
I’m in love with your Love cup!
Dear Susan, your declutter success gives me hope. My apartment is my studio so it’s a good thing I live alone. I plan to sort out a drawer or box or basket and get distracted by the cute stuff I find. I need more space to work so I am going to try harder to keep only what I need or find beautiful. Thank you for this post and a chance to own a lovely mug.
Thank you, Susan, for inspiring me to tackle the garage!
You bring joy and expectation to so many!
Fondly,
Debbie from Eastampton, NJ
Dearest Susan,
I just absorbed this latest Blog in such joy & comfort. Good to know we go through these things. I did the same decluttering & organizing after my husband passed away last June. I also freshened up the family room & kitchen in white and blue! Now I am to have surgery in a day and I am dreaming of coming home to the prize winning mug 🙏🏻🎁 I had tried to order 2 of them but had been in the hospital and then they were all sold out. I just love them so I am praying I win. I just love everything you do , books, Willards, art & read your tweets & now Instagram everyday. You have inspired me to go back to watercoloring, which has been a joy & I thank you! Thank you for all the beauty & joy you bring to so many & God Bless you & Joe 😇🌹
Amelia 😊
I love choosing one of your three cups each morning for my coffee. My tuxedo cat (a twin for Jack) and I enjoy the early morning birds in the yard. I am so glad there will be more mugs. They are treasures indeed!
LOVED this post!! I knew we were kindred spirits! 😍 I, too, can be the queen of clutter, and like you, I can only stand it for so long before I have to have a clearing out party! And it feels so good…until the next time! 😂 It’s wonderful to follow you on IG now, too. A double dose of SB goodness! I loved be all your mugs, and would be giddy if my name were drawn! You have such a joyous, generous heart!
I’m so proud of you for decluttering, Susan! You continue to inspire. The old photo of your parents can probably be fixed by some clever person~sure worth a try. Loved seeing you with them! And the video of Jack playing with the water made my day. He’s the best looking cat I’ve ever seen! You are so blessed to have the life you have & I thank you for sharing it. Julia in Cincinnati
I loved reading your post as I am beginning the same process of lightening the load. I find it hard to be very creative with all the clutter. You are off to a great start. Sometimes you just have to push to start and then it can be fun and feels so fantastic when you get things organized. Thanks for the peek at your studio before and after. I feel better now that I’m not alone in my clutter. Mugs are really cute. Hard to pick a favorite but think the bluebird has won my heart.
Took me awhile to read this..lost our electricity for awhile. 🙄 Finally got to read all of it. I remember all those stickers of yours. I use to decorate my hand written letters with them. Wish I had kept some.
Please Put me in for the chance to win a cup. . 🤗
Oh Susan, I am breathless over this letter. Hearing your voice and watching kitty drinking water in the only way he would. All your world of your world shared. Bless you. Having my own SUSAN corner in the Studio, of my museum I can’t even imagine you parting with your wonderful pieces of your life. But I must tell you about my exciting day. May 20th was my birthday, and guess what arrived at my door??? That’s right my wonderful tea cups. Now I will be pre ordering the next set. KELLEE was so helpful with my last order. Thank you for more joy once again in all you do and say. Know you letters, and life just makes my day. Bless you, Gayle Hall
I had to laugh with recognition at your photos and description of your studio pre-cleaning….I can so relate! You are all the more dear for just being real with your “girlfriends”-just one of the reasons we adore you so much! Is it possible to get that craving for space and order from just reading your post? I would have to say yes, and I can’t wait for school to adjourn this week and get busy making space in my own home and craft room Thanks for the shot of B-12 in the form of S.B-12 energy and love!
Also love the upcoming mug designs!
It is very hard to find the perfect cup for tea or coffee. I know your cups will be perfect, so I will be pre-ordering some for myself & for Christmas gifts. And ,just maybe, Vanna will choose me 😊
Oops! The comment above is from me. The computer put the name Jan there. Oh my! How did that happen? 😱
Love the cups!
I love the mugs!! My sewing room is a disaster right now and I really need to clean and straighten it before going on to another project, you have inspired me!! Thank you!
You are so thoughtful. ♥️♥️♥️ And…I am so grateful.
Loved your blog on de-cluttering your beautiful home where your magic happens. I’m trying to scale down myself. If I don’t use it or really love something, perhaps someone else will. Being organized and having empty space to think feels so good and reduces stress too. Thank you so much for your work which make the world a better place.
You inspired me to clean my closet. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Susan! Your honesty is wonderful and helps us all feel as though we are on the road to organization along with you….
Thank you, MM
Susan, This is something it seems is always on going for me at least in thought. You have re-inspired me to reorganize and purge. Paper and books are my downfall also.
Think I will take before pictures too as a good reminder to self. Just went out of town last week and tried many clothes on to find something to wear and had made up my mind that most of my closet is going when I got back home. This Monday is good day to start! Would love to have a cup. They are all so cute.
Such a great post! I am in the same mode of decluttering and preserving. SO rewarding! Love the cups and the new ones look fantastic. Yay! 🙂
I love the mugs & what a cute kitty
Thanks for the Spring inspiration!! My office looks like your before photos and hope this is the inspiration I need to get started with my own purge!!
Love all things Susan Branch. <3
i am leaving a note in hopes that i will be a winner this time !
thank you patti
I LOVE them all plus that towel holder. Hope you’re doing well, Susan. Decluttering your home is like decluttering your mind. It just seems like it enables you to think clearer and move forward with gusto! Amazing anti-depressant drug….and cheap!
Dear Susan, yes it was a year ago my hubby and I were in Denver at your book signing. And to think now a year later I have all three of your new mugs and they are absolutely my favorite. When one is dirty I’m so thankful I have two more…but alas! I like them so much they all get in the dishwasher and I have to get one out so I can use it yet again! Even my hubby says they are so nice to drink out of. Must be the thinness of the China. They are large but wonderful! I’ve used it for coffee, tea and I love it for hot chocolate! Your blog was joyfully part of my day! Love the pics of Joe working in the hostas😊
As you wrote in one of your recent posts you are a “master of white space.” I know exactly how you feel. I cannot create in my sewing space if it is a mess. I need the space to see what could/can be. Messiness is part of the creative process as one is creating but to start the boards must clean and clear. Removing things one does not need or will not use is like getting rid of a rock in one’s shoe.
Well said! 👏
The cups are beautiful! It was like Christmas morning the day they arrived. I’m thinking I should order them for my mother-in-law as a gift. Thank you and please keep designing new ones. 😄
Oh Sue B…
I would have loved to sit by your side while you cleaned out all those shelves,
and found all of those treasures! I bet it was great fun to find things long forgotten, but
played back the memory in your mind the minute you saw it!
It’s easy to accumulate those piles especially for creative people like you! ❤️😊
So don’t worry, you’re one of the Normal ones! 😁 I bet it does feel good though,
to clean it all out, and see what good stuff you have!!
I love those hand written recipes too. They are definitely family heirlooms! 💕
Anyway, happy May to you Sue!! ❤️💞🌹 I sure love you!! xoxo
Happy May Bonnie! xoxo
Really precious seeing Jack with the water spigot. Thanks for sharing your home. It’s the 22nd now while I write; our 29th Wedding Anniversary. Lots to reflect.
I can’t get enough of that Jack! What a doll.
Your work to simplify your life is an inspiration. Thanks! And so excited to hear about the tea book. We’ll be looking forward to it.