It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t start this post with the romantic beauty of June . . .
Our first peony of the season bloomed just in time for the tea party!  The sun did come out and shone softly all day, it was barely 70 degrees, a fairytale day! ~ we could open all the doors and windows and let the sea breezes in, and have our tea on the picnic table under the arbor ~ it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Our tea had the perfect amount of sweetness! I don’t know if I can fit all my spring fever joyousness in one post ~ my teacup runnethed over!
But before we go to the party . . . Vanna is standing here, drumming her pink tapered fingernails on my art table, waiting for me to pay attention to her . . . she has a tennis date with some guy who’s out there waiting in the driveway (in a yellow convertible Porsche, of course) next to my studio window under the rhododendron, sunglasses on, looking at his phone, with his MUSICA blaring . . . he even looks a little like Bobby Darin. Where does she find these guys? I think they find her!
One of our Girlfriends (in a comment) asked if Vanna was at the tea party yesterday ~ the answer is yes and no. Â She came for a moment ~ she never stays, just long enough to show off her summer frock (pink 
dotted swiss), her tan shoulders, her long mermaid-like arms, her 
full skirt and narrow belt, her silver and pink sandals, ~ she twirled for us, grabbed one of the heart-shaped tea sandwiches, and ran off carrying the widest brimmed straw hat I’ve ever seen, the satin ribbons from it fluttering in the wind, on her way to the “beach club for Pimm’s cups” . . . We love seeing her, especially we love talking about her after she’s gone.  This time it was about that heart ring on her finger. Wow is what we were saying. Was it from Bobby? We don’t know . . . could have been from Ken Doll (because I know for sure it came from the Toy Box here on the Island).
So here we go . . . Right now is my favorite part of our Giveaways, the moment between the known and the unknown, the past and the future, right now while everyone is still a winner. BUT, that has to change, we have to choose a name, we must have one very special lucky winner! Our vat, made specially to hold the thousands of tiny bits of paper, each with one of your names on it, is filled to the brim, and Vanna is ready, perched on top of my art table, polished toes curled over the edge ~ and up-up-up she goes (we have very high ceilings!), almost stopping in mid-air, then over into a swan dive, and down down down she goes ~ streaming into the vat ~ she’s gone! Scissor-kicking in a whirling dervish of little papers, flying around the room now, like the feathers after a pillow fight.  La, la, la, . . . let’s see, while we’re waiting . . . have I ever shown you the house where Vanna grew up (that is, where she would probably have grown up if she was actually real)???? You have to see this, it explains a lot.
 That’s her bedroom, the front left corner of the pink house on the second floor. See that tree on the left? By the time she was ten she was reading in it, cradled in the branches, hidden in the leaves, at thirteen she began crawling out her window and climbing down that tree, singing Tammy, Tammy, Tammy’s in Love đ” ~ she has a real thing about freedom . . . off to the party even then. I love this girl. Joie de vivre personified.
And here she comes, clutching between thumb and first finger, one small fluttering tissue slip that she actually just pulled out of the air, one of the little floating feathers . . . oh so serendipitous! And the name is . . . ready? Okay, here we go . . . the name is . . .
MARJIE COLLINS ~ But, there’s a twist . . . Â Marjie entered for her Mom, so the actual 
winner is MARJIE COLLINS’S MOTHER!
Congratulations *Lucky Marjie* and hugs to your *mom,* I’m so happy for you both đ … I’ll email you soon, and you can let me know which mug you choose, and where to send it!
And to everyone else who entered, I have to tell you, your comments are just too much. đSo sweet and thoughtful, you make me laugh, you make me cry, and I just want to thank you for taking the time to say hello and share your lives, not only with me, but with each other.đ You are truly an amazing group of wonderful people. I wob you! đ
So, are you ready? Shall we go to a tea party?
So here we are, as promised, on our first really lovely sunny day, under the arbor built so many years ago by the creative man who lived here before us, Mr. Bowditch, the handy man, doctor, husband, and father of four I never met, who took such good care of this old house.  Not such a complicated structure for how much pleasure it has brought us, it holds up roses and twinkle lights and lets the stars shine through on summer nights . . . he and Mrs. Bowditch called it the Teahouse of the Vineyard Moon.
And it’s not raining! How did we get so lucky!? My favorite part, setting the table, and putting out soft pillows for the girlfriend hineys ~ always a good thing . . .â€ïž
I did a really simple menu . . . The tiny new potatoes were so perfect at the market, I decided to roast them with fresh rosemary . . .
They were so photogenic I had to keep taking pictures, and then I couldn’t choose which photos to show you, so I narrowed it down to only three! Pardon my enthusiasm. But cute is cute!
Cute! I rolled them in olive oil, salted and peppered them, and put them in a hot 425 degree oven, shaking the pan every so often until they were soft and cooked through . . .
I haven’t done this in so long, create a party, my girlfriends give lovely parties all the time, but I’ve been away . . . it is SO my turn, and I am loving every moment of it . . . windows open, music on . . . 
After the potatoes cooled a bit, I cut off the tops (saving them to fry up for breakfast), hollowed them out a little, added a speck of butter into each hollow along with a bit of the roasted rosemary ~ and put them in the fridge. Before serving, I put them back in the hot oven to crisp up the skins . . .
Then filled them with sour cream and sprinkled them with snipped chives and served them warm.
I decided to make filled eggs instead of egg salad sandwiches . . . something else for those who don’t touch bread. It’s my recipe from Vineyard Seasons ~ egg yolks (with two extra yolks), minced red onion, minced celery, sweet pickle relish, celery seed, a few drops of Tobasco Sauce, freshly ground pepper, and just enough mayonnaise to bind, keeping the filling nice and thick and yellow and piling it high . . .
We had an emergency while I was cooking . . . giant black ants all over the built-in breadboard ~ I pulled it out and they were everywhere, even in the back of the cupboard!  Yikes . . . Joe went after them and saved the day as usual. My hero. A small reward appeared on the counter in front of him. đ
I decorated the plate with chives . . . And into the refrigerator they went. I love, when I’m cooking, to “have to” go to the garden to get things, like chives and rosemary . . . I grab my scissors ~ it’s the perfect break while my hero is splayed out on the kitchen floor dealing with the ants, to go out and see the birds splashing in the birdbath.
But first, we need mas MUSCIA, don’t we? I’ll turn it up loud so we can hear it in the garden ~ and out the screen door we go! These are the same chive plants I put in the ground when Joe built my picket fence garden back in the 1990s! They are such a miracle . . . so faithful . . . They come back every year, they make flowers all spring which you can put into salads, and they taste delicious. Get some for your garden. They’re good for you, they look lovely planted next to roses, and help protect them from bugs. Totally win-win!
I just planted the marigolds, but thyme, oregano (golden), and cat mint are like chives and come back every year . . . Jack adores catmint. I bring him some branches from the garden and he rolls on them in pure delight.
We needed carnations in our garden, they smell so good! My garden isn’t big, in fact that’s the glory of it, small and easy for me to keep . . . this year it’s filled with hollyhocks, peonies, foxgloves, English daisies and lots of other cottage-garden flowers that go good with our old house … and to eat, besides herbs,  there’s rhubarb that’s gone by, but the strawberry patch is blooming with flowers and berries ~ we’ll have them for breakfast soon, my tomatoes are in and caged, and we have a couple of potato plants coming up. Cucumbers and peppers are next. Fresh picked herbs and veggies, from our own little garden into the house for dinner, who could ask for more?
Here’s our picket-fence garden from an upstairs window of the house. We’re not in charge of the whole world, but we are in charge of this! Just getting started, but ahhh spring!
Back in the house where my shadow awaits.
Time to melt the bittersweet chocolate . . . I dipped the strawberries, then put them on waxed paper and into the fridge so the chocolate could harden.
I took off the stems so everyone could just pop the strawberries into their mouths . . . and we did!
Lowely brought cucumber sandwiches, I made curried chicken and walnut sandwich fingers and heart-shaped crunchy peanut butter and cherry jam . . .
. . . with red grapes, like 2nd grade . . .
And lemon rosemary cookies . . .
Here we are, almost 4 pm, and everything is ready!
A pitcher of iced lemon water and glasses . . .
… are on the bench next to the picnic table near the luv-lee wildflowers . . .
And on the other side of the bench, the “twine” part of the tea party . . . a bucket of ice and a pitcher of Cosmopolitans with lime wedges . . .
I hear the pitter-patter of little feet . . .
Annie brought the two amazing cakes, an old English recipe for almond jam cake (she surrounded with chive flowers), and a moist lemon loaf, both gluten-free and both totally delicious!
She also came with her adorable purse which I had to show you. That is thick brown satin that the shimmery disks are sewn to . . . It wouldn’t be so hard for a person to make one of these!
While everyone helped taking things out to the picnic table, I poured the tea . . . There were two kinds,  one with caffein and one without . . . first, my favorite, my  private blend of roses, lavender and Earl Grey loose-leaf tea, which I even took to England with me I love it so much (coals to Newcastle), the one I drink every day with honey and milk . . .
. . . and another of my own tea concoctions . . . Fairy Tale Tea ~ camomile, cornflowers and lemon verbena . . . loose tea that looks like a woodland floor but tastes soft and gentle and puts a person directly into ommmmm. Which is good, under blue skies, with the birds, among the green things growing. đż
Come and get it! Pinkies-up, Girlfriends!
Photos came to total stop as eating and talking commenced!  While we ate we talked about everything that really matters . . . 
. . . what we’re planting in our gardens this year and how to get the infestation of tiny black caterpillars off our roses (if you would have told the 17-year-old me that someday I would pick up caterpillars with my bare hands, or crush aphids with my naked fingers, I would never have believed you! Eeew! But I do. It’s cheaper than spraying, better for the earth, and way more dependable! And now I know I’m not the only one who does it!). We heard about Jaime’s cat that won’t stop wandering into town, everyone on Main Street knows Jaime’s cat! There’s a new Asian restaurant in 
town (yay) ~ we talked about what we’re reading and how we’re living with TV news  ~ having inquiring minds, we do want to know, but we don’t enjoy being driven insane with world news that is more like a soap opera than news (Jaime told us about a website she found called Snopes ~ it checks facts and rumors for truth or not truth, proven or not proven. They fact-check political stories of course, but not just that ~ it’s everything!  Such as, was there really a 3,000 pound great white shark caught in the Great Lakes as reported? Or, does cooking 
with aluminum foil cause Alzheimers? Even the origins of Memorial Day ~ everything, and you can put in your own questions!) ~ we talked about what we’re working on ~ besides being tea drinkers, travelers, readers, cooks, and gardeners, we’re a bunch of painters (âĄïž Margot at work), caterers, mothers, grandmothers, and housekeepers. We know our way around each other’s homes almost as well as we know our own. Wendy (on the left in the photo above, wearing turquoise) is our friend who is moving away to South Carolina, so we heard all about the house she and her husband are going to build, and that she’ll be keeping a studio here on the Island and not cutting her ties. Wendy is the woman who did our “colors” a few years ago … remember that post? (If not, you can read about it HERE) . . . she has actually changed our lives and has given us inspiration along with hours of conversation and connection we might not have had without her. This was a thank you, good-bye party . . .
Lynne sent this photo to me this morning, it might be the only picture taken from the other side of the table. What am I praying for NOW? I don’t know. Just grateful, I’m sure. To have such wonderful old friends. That’s Carol ~Â she’s probably telling me about her grandchild that’s on the way, Jaime’s next to me, and that’s Margot on the right, being thoughtful and serious, likely solving some world problem, which they should just let her do, she is so creative.đ
In the heart of the home, Smallville as my dad would call it, where we have tea parties, seed the lawn, pick the bugs off the roses, wish on stars (when we can find them), watch for the moon, and where, on the good days, if we’re lucky, hardly anything happens at all.
S O U L Â S O O T H I N G
Doing the dishes . . .
With a little help from my friend . . .
So now the party is over, and reality is back, and look at this mess. BUT, darling people, this hideousness is the BEFORE picture . . . check it out now . . .
Is this scary or what?  SO neat and tidy, I don’t recognize myself. I’m not done either, this is my vision for the whole house ~ but I wanted to give you an update. My studio is heaven, simplicity central, but filling up (invisibly) with 
ideas for new projects even as we speak. I’m working with a new company on making the little teapot plate . . . it’s always a bit time-consuming when you first start a new project with folks you haven’t dealt with before, but we’re working on it. All our mocked-up cups for Fall and Christmas, the Bluebird and the Island cup, are being made right this minute! Thank you for the preorders . . . we’ll know how many to order because of YOU! đ And thank you for all the cup “reviews” in your comments!  Things taste better in small houses, and in big cups!
And one last thing before I go.
There is a wonderful summer tradition on Martha’s Vineyard that’s been going on every year since 1979. It’s an auction Joe and I have attended many times because it’s not just any auction, it’s called Possible Dreams ~ and you can learn more about it HERE (turn up the volume!).  Bidders have a choice 
of a whole array of amazing donations that are otherwise not for sale anywhere . . . from behind the scenes trips to movie studios, to original art by famous painters, a private dinner cooked by a prominent New York chef, vacations in a gorgeous house in Ireland, a sailboat ride with a famous singer, fishing trips with well-known local fishermen, every imaginable thing, and every year the dreams are all different, and all the money goes to support the Island Community Services. And even if you don’t bid on a single star-studded thing, as you can see, the party under the white tent is fabulous. Funny, fun, a lovely summer’s-day thing to do. Tickets are $25 and there’s a raffle too. SO, just in cases you are going to be on the Island on Sunday, July 30th, there will be many truly exciting dreams to choose from and make your own ~ oh, and P.S., guess who else will have a dream in this year’s event? Oh yeah. Moi. How much fun is that!? I’m so honored to be asked đ.
Here’s what will be written in this year’s Possible Dreams program:
Welcome to the Heart of the Home and an Afternoon with Susan Branch. The lucky bidder on this item, along with three guests of their choice, will tour the working studio of author Susan Branch in her 163-year-old whaling captain’s “House of Creativity.” See the writings and 
art from her handwritten and watercolored books come to life as Susan shares with you what inspired her illustrated diaries and how to create your own. She will cook for you, a seasonal lunch with delicious recipes from her cookbooks ~ the venue will be your choice depending on the time of year: experience a picnic in Susan’s garden, enjoy 
a kitchen-table tea party, or eat in front of a crackling fire. And today, because Susan is a big believer in the concept of instant gratification, our winner will take home this delightful vintage basket that includes an antique quilt from Susan’s own collection, one of Susan’s collectible bone china cups made in Staffordshire England, her 2018 wall calendar, and signed copies of her books, A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside, Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams, and Heart of the Home.
I’ll put all of these things into an old basket for the day. And between you and me, the books all have my bookmarks in them, the painted ones I use when I do my art. I don’t know if they will take call-in bids ~ I suppose you could call and ask, never hurts to do that! I do know there will be a huge silent auction. I hope some of you can make it!
So here we are this morning, in the House of Creativity at first light . . . all quiet on the Eastern Front, just me, Jack, tea and a silently humming house . . . and YOU.
The garden hasn’t felt the light yet . . .
One last deep dive into the peony before we go, ahhhhh . . . bye for now, Girlfriends, as far as I’m concerned, you are ALL winners. xoxoxo
I don’t know about the caterpillars but . . . . if you want to get rid of aphids – get some lady bugs. They eat them and your garden will be safe. I watched a PBS special on the Queen’s garden and that is what the gardener said to do.
I’ve seen one or two, but could any garden have enough lady bugs? No way! I love them!
Susan, there are several places that ship them out in a cold pack. You just let them warm up, and Bob’s Your Uncle. But they are no match for the Japanese Beetles.
Debbie in Maine.
I think they sell them right here at our Farm store!
Thank you for the lovely tea party. I have enjoyed every minute. Congratulations on having a hero to take of the ants. So proud Marge won for her mother.i enjoy every post.
Dear lady, where can I purchase your gorgeous mugs? I love hot tea and these would be perfect!!! I so enjoy your posts and books. You have the gift to transport us to a prettier and nicer place. God bless you!
If you go to the top of the blog, click on the Let’s Shop icon, and there you are!
Such a pleasant, simple post that provides needed inspiration for my granddaughter’s fairy tea party birthday celebration in a few weeks. Thank you for sharing the sweet side of life! â„
P.S. I love my new bone china cups – sadly I will be leary of using them for fear of breaking one. Going to have to get past it…
Yes, because remember when the person from the manufacturers came to visit us and hit the cup on the edge of the table?? Not that I suggest that, but it didn’t break. I think they are really strong!
So happy to hear that you were able to eat under the arbor, Susan. The table setting, food, location, and friends all made for a “tea party” for our eyes! Thank you for making it all come alive for us!
Your contribution to the auction is “off the charts” and should rack up a healthy donation to your community! The best part (though each single item is a huge gift) would be to be with you, eat a meal/tea prepared by you and to have my friends (daughters/sisters/husband?) included, as well~~in your very own home and studio and to see all of your original and current art. Your community would probably be wise to allow your online girlfriends to bid, which would no doubt greatly expand the fund raising capacity! đ I cannot even imagine bidding enough to win your offering.
Thank you again, for this wonderful post. I am so happy for the winner of today’s drawing; so sweet of daughter to enter for mother. đ
Hugs and blessings,
Paula
ââïž
Your blog made my day! Tea parties with good friends are THE BEST! I would love to come over to the auction from RI and bid on “Susan Branch”! I have 3 wonderful friends who would be “over the moon” if I won and invited them!! Time will tell! Looking forward to your next blog! đđ
Oh Susan, will you take those of us who won’t win that wonderful prize, along with you? I just read your auction prize to my husband, and had to cry cause it won’t be me. đ And I bet that lucky person will get to pet Jack too!! It is the worlds most wonderful prize. Me who hates to fly would be on that plane in a second. Can’t wait to hear about it. I would want to spend the day speaking Arf and Arfy with you. Dreaming…Debby
Ohhhh, you make me so sad it’s not going to be you!!! đ xoxo
Thank you Susan for another amazingly beautiful post.
I have been meaning to ask you a question that I fear
I know the answer to. Did Girl Kitty cross the Rainbow Bridge?
If so, please accept my sincere condolences.
And I hope this question doesn’t pain you.
Hugs,
Richele Duffy
She did, last August. It’s okay, I love to think about her. She was a good kitty. Thank you for asking. xoxo
Susan, I love seeing your cat. Your tea party seems to be a wonderful day of friends, fun and food. Blessings to all, xoxo, Susie
Hi there, Susan,
I’m a “new kid on your block” and I was introduced to you by a very dear friend. Do you remember? Your tea party was delightful and I enjoyed all the details. When our kids, Lynn and Steve were little people, they LOVED it when I’d suggest a tea party. They brought guests: dolls, stuffed friends and we had a wonderful time. Thanks for your wonderment.
Thank you for your post,Dear Susan. I feel like you live in another universe than I do, but your posts make me very happy!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for the delicious description of your lovely tea party! Glad you had a sunny day for it. There haven’t been that many here in New England this past month! It does make me want to invite some friends over soon for tea.
Looking forward to summer,
Tricia
Hi and happy summertime Susan from Marilyn! I too would love those two GF cake recipes so I could make them for my GF family! Too many kids and grands are becomming GF???? Loved your post today, but then I always do. Someday I too will be a winner (of course, I already am one), but it would be fun to see my name among all the words, lol Well, have a lovely time and I’ll see you soon.
What a great post. It was almost like being there. I truly hope that they will take call-in bids. Thanks for making the day extra special. ChiChi
I would imagine they do, but I don’t know for sure!
Simply beautiful!
What a fun post…..I am now inspired to have a tea party! Would love a lemon cake recipe….is there one in one of your books? I will have to check.
Also, the pitcher of Cosmos…. Could you post how you make that? I have tried, but it is never are never as good as my individual drinks.
As always, loved reading this bit of warm comfort as I have just turned off the horrible news out of London. My daughter is off to the American University of Paris this fall, so all the terrorism over in Europe and the UK trouble me. But carry on we will. Flying over end of August.
I am also inspired by your studio redo. My craft room needs an overhaul as well.
Anyway, thanks for posting this. Loved it.
The recipe for the Cosmopolitans is in my Girlfriends Forever book if you have it? I know you must worry about your daughter. There are so many good people working to stop this violence. Paris, such an amazing adventure for a young person, or an old person too, and everyone in between! xoxo
I do have the girlfriends book! I will check immediately! As a matter of fact I keep a few extra copies so that I can give them as gifts.
Then while you’re at it, three other very amazing recipes in that book (more than three, but I want to get you started!) — the first is Spicy Mango Salad, a knock-out at any summer dinner, also Dry Bones, and the Quinoa salad is amazing too.
Oh that Peony! So beautiful.
Congrats to the winner of the tea cup!
Youâve made me want to give a tea party. I am a big fan of âtiny food.â Those eggs look so yummy!
I am thinking if my 10yr old daughter and I put on a tea party together for her friends she would love it!
Uggg ants! We just had that problem. My husband brought a chair through the house to the deckâŠand ohhh!!! Ants! Just taking over after 10 seconds! We didnât know they followed himâŠrude they are. Not even invited. Needless to say i spent the afternoon making sure they left.
Have a beautiful afternoon everyone! I am hoping the teapot plate works out. So cute!!
On a side note…i am new to the comments. Does anyone else know if all comments say ‘your comment is awaiting moderation’ …and the the comment won’t publish properly? I dont want to repost more than once in case there are duplicates. Thank you đ
From my side of this screen, everything is looking normal . . . I don’t let the comments just publish automatically because I want to read them first and I know if I don’t have to do it manually, I will get busy and not read! So here I am “moderating” and here goes your comment, into “publish!”
Lol….okay now im on board with the girlfriends blog system here. You are so wonderful for reading so many comments!
Thank you for taking the time to respond. Now I get it xo
Perfect! xoxo
Hi, dear Sue ~
After getting up early to travel to watch our 5 yr. old granddaughter, Izzy, play soccer this morning (so much cuteness watching these tiny little people chase the soccer ball with smiles from ear to ear and not an ounce of competitiveness), George and I spent the entire day outside catching up on gardening and outdoor chores. We came in, had a bite to eat and I was headed for the shower when suddenly….I remembered there would be a blog post from you today! So here I am. The shower can wait đ
Your description of Vanna and her antics just kills me đ . And the pink house!
The loveliness of your twine party and the happiness on your face as you “prayed”….thanks for sharing. I feel inspired to invite some friends over soon.
Bless you for your generosity in the give-away (congrats, Margi’s Mom) and especially for the auction. What a wonderful gift for some lucky person!
Off to the shower now…can’t wait to hear from you again soon!
xoDebbie
Happy Day Debbie!
Your posts are always a wonderful break from daily routines. They bring beauty and perspective that we wouldn’t ordinarily receive, so thank you! Can you tell me more about the quote, “Feed your soul with silence. That’s where dreams are born”? It is so timely and worth remembering.
That one came from me … to remind us that the noise of the everyday leaves no room for dreaming. You almost have to pencil it in on your calendar to make sure you get it. I learned about it as a child, lying in bed in the morning, listening to the birds and staring in space, lost in imagination. xoxo
Dear Susan, I am happier just reading this post. You do that. Yes. I want to have a tea party soon. I can do that. You make me believe it will turn out well with just a handful of my water aerobic pals. I’ve been changing everything over to Summer things throughout our home. That is an amazing feeling. Certainly you don’t even want to go out and purchase new things…the older and more cared for, the better. Happy Summer, Happy June. Sending love and best wishes.
Sheryl
They will love your tea party. Every time one of my girlfriends makes a dinner party or a tea party or a TGIF, I always feel like they’ve given us a true gift ~ of the heart, of their hands, and of their time. That’s what it really is. xoxo
My, oh my, Susan! I sit here this evening after reading your newest of news in total awe. If the entire tea party preparation and event itself was not exhilarating enough, you had to tell us all about the wonderful event in July on the Island. It was quite interesting but became an eye opener when you announced your involvement. What an absolutely wonderful thing that would be to win. Even though I will not be on the Island to participate for the possibility of winning it was nice to sit here a while and dream. Just to sit and visit over a cup of tea and talk about all the things we have in common would be enough joy for me. But know it was wonderful thinking about it. But you know I am a very neat and orderly type of person, but when it comes to your studio I liked it was better the way it was before you did you renovated clean up. It was you and your wonderful artful character stood out in every corner. All your genius radiated, like the early morning sunshine. Don’t be so quick to hide it away. Thank you for the happiness you give, Gayle Hall
Don’t worry, you should have full faith in my ability to mess up that studio once again. But I am SO enjoying the wide open spaces right now! xoxo Thank you back Gayle!
Now I know why you love living on MV…the video of the Possible Dreams program and all they provide for your community really put tears in my eyes. Not to fear, you will have LOADS of bidders lining up for your generous, hand made day of happiness and box of love!
It put tears in my eyes too Judith, I felt the same way when I saw that video. Our Island would not be the same without the generosity of the time donated by so many, from celebrities, but also from the normal people who live here year round . . . the sailors, the fishermen, the builders and the store owners. It does take a village! đ
What a beautiful tea party Susan! Just adorable and the weather was perfect, which is always so hard living on the east coast! The food looked scrumptious!
I wish I could be at the auction on July 30th! Sounds like an incredible event!
l actually will be coming to the Vineyard, with my family, the week of July 10th for a week. If you are in town we would LOVE to meet you and Joe! What a treat that would be! We have actually met you at a book signing in Ridgewood, NJ some time last year and it was such a pleasure. You are so gifted with your art and writing. You inspire us all! Thank you!
The day was definitely a miracle, after the crazy rain, then suddenly, out of the blue, a good one! I’d already prepared the dining room just in cases! Thank you back Josephine, so nice to see you here.
Dearest Susan, there is so much to comment on! I laughed out loud at Joe and the ants! Go figure…right when you want to have a tea party…the ants think they were invited to a picnic! When I saw your egg on the counter as his “thank you” , I cracked up! đ . He is such a trooper! THEN…all of the beautiful and delicious food and tables, and the outdoor spaces….OMGoodness…I felt like I was right there about to enjoy it with you! BTW….soooo gorgeous! After you told us what you and the girls talked about, I felt I WAS there! The picture of you was adorable, and you know that gratitude is actually prayers…so you were caught praying again. Heaven loves you! đ .The dream auction event took my breath away to even imagine it. I so hope that one of our beloved GirlFriends will be able to win that time with YOU….and post many pictures. I will have to dream through their dream, but if I was physically able to…I would be on a plane, bid away my nest egg, and have that lovely, special day with you! Of course, I would want you to know that the kitty carrier is my “purse”, and if Jack seemed to be missing after our day, it was NOT ME! Thank you for such a perfect blog today! It made me so happy! Xoxoxo
You are scary with your “purse!” đ I would have to watch you like a hawk! Love you Diane, have a wonderful day!
Thank you for another Great Blog. Always so interesting. I had to laugh when I saw your workroom—it looks just like my craft room, except I haven’t gotten mine cleaned yet!!!!
Our flowers are so beautiful this year. We have about 80 peony plant & they are huge, purple and white iris, so tall and majestic. We have 2 bunnies peeking out from under the peony bush,Orioles and Wrens singing away. It just makes a
person glad to be alive! I am still intending to get pictures of our place & sending them to you.
.
Nature is the gift from God that heals just about everything if we let it. It’s an amazing gift. Precious. The garden of eden. xoxo
Lovely post! Makes me just want to dig in the storage unit and find my tea cups and have a party! (We are temporarily in the RV to build a small home…the problem is we can’t decide where. Oh, well, it’s an adventure!). Enjoy a cup of tea for me!
Ha ha, can’t decide where, that’s a very good problem to have. I say, choose your weather carefully! Another thing, after moving here all alone and not knowing anyone, I would say, you might be happiest if you live near at least one other person you actually know! Unless you are going to work right away and will meet lots of people in your everyday life. My two cents, with love. xoxo
I had many thoughts to share with you but after spending so much time reading and enjoying all your friends whop leave comments. It’s like new girl friends every time you post. So, if you don’t mind, I’ll be short. A quickie question.
I love your picket garden. You and I seem to have lots of trees therefore, how many hours of sun does your garden get to produce such a number of items? Thank you.
We cut the picket-fence garden out of the lawn in a full-sun area. It gets all-day sun for the most part. But I know what you mean, and for the rest of the garden, we’ve been thinning branches from the trees to allow more light ~ on the roses climbing the arbor and other places too.
Hi Susan, I am thrilled that I found your blog, it is so uplifting and beautiful. Love your books, too, and although I read them from the library I am going to order the trilogy soon. They are “keepers”. Love Martha’s Vinyard, have been to visit twice, would go again in a heartbeat, except hubs doesn’t care much for east coast traffic! I also have some of your designed fabric from long ago (I am a quilter of many years). Thank you for all the beauty! I think we may be kindred spirits!
I’m sure you are right Debbie!
I love every post you give us, but enjoying your tea party was especially wonderful!! I need to ask a question and I’m afraid I’m not going to like the answer….did I really miss out on my chance to buy your first mugs?đą Please tell me more are being made!!!!
I can explain . . . In order to get the cups made, there is a minimum set by the manufacturer that we MUST buy. And we’re very small, only this little webstore and our Girlfriends, we don’t market to the gift stores, etc. I really make this stuff basically just for us. So, that’s why I do the presale, so everyone can get one who wants one and I know how many to order . . . because after everyone does, a reprint would mean we’d have to buy that huge minimum again ~ for the very few who missed out on the first ones. That’s a lot of cups for us to pay for but not sell. Also, here in the US they tax you on what you don’t sell. Totally nuts but they do … after you pay for them, and they are stored, at the end of the year, they tax you on any inventory you haven’t sold! They consider it money in the bank! See what I mean? Long explanation, but now you have seen how the sausage is made!
What a fabulous auction prize, Susan! Four people are going to have such a wonderful memory to enjoy. You’re a great inspiration to all of us. I remember thinking while reading your books that you and I are such kindred spirits (we think a lot alike, have similar hobbies and I’m the oldest sister of six siblings too). So many times as I read I said “oh, me too!” But as I read comments from your readers I realize that I’m far from the only one who feels that way. Wish I was there to bid! It would be so fun to chat the afternoon away and see your studio. I’m finally putting one together that occasionally goes back to being my son’s room when he comes home to visit from grad school on the west coast. I sure enjoy my creative time in there–it has a lot of your artwork decorating it. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us. God bless you for your generosity.
Good for you Dianne, a studio of your very own. Luv-lee! And yes, so many kindred spirits here, that’s the beauty of it, how much we have in common! xoxo
Dear Susan,
Thanks so much for telling us all about your wonderful tea party, so glad the weather was perfect–warm, not too hot, just right. Elegant and scrumptious menu (Yay Joe for clearing off your bread board from those yukky ants–what a guy!), beautiful decorations, and smiles and laughter on to make the day just right. And then chatting about your garden, and such wonderful photos, artwork, and quotes/thoughts/ etc. Thank you again, for taking my mind off the stress of everyday life here in the US, reminding us of life’s blessings: friends, food, family, and dear ones with whom we can share beauty, ludicrous situations, tears and laughter. Bye for now, and continue to keep us posted! Fondly, Rosemary
Thank you dear Rosemary. I think you have one of the prettiest names there ever was! xoxo Have a wonderful day.
I love your arbor. Such a perfect place for tea. Or any occasion for that matter. You’ve inspired me to build one over our table in the woods.
Visiting your studio would be amazing! I’d like to think I’d send my mom since she has all your books, but I’ve never been able to send anyone any of your cards, they’re too pretty, so I think we love you equally.
I was thinking, that for the right handy person, that arbor, or something like it, can’t be very hard to build. It’s not like there are actual walls. Just make it strong, for the roses or the grapes or the wisteria or whatever you decide to grow on it, and so it will last forever. And may I suggest you stain it, not paint it. Stain lasts so much longer and doesn’t peel off! I hope you get one!Tell your mom I said hello!
Oh I had a moment of REALLY thinking I might be the winner this time. When you mentioned Vanna singing “Tammy’s in love” I thought it was a foreshadowing. đ It was a wonderful feeling for just a moment. But your tea party sharing still made me feel like I won a great prize. Thank you, as always for delighting us all!
I’m curious, since I don’t have a “Joe” to handle such emergencies, how did he deal with the huge black ants? đ
I really wasn’t paying attention. He pulled out all the drawers and took them outside, and I think he might have plugged a little hole in the back of the counter which is on an outside wall…basically, ants are a harbinger of spring around here! But they mostly stay outside where they belong.
Ants love Peonies! When we bought our first house, there was a beautiful, mature row of Peonies lining the side of our house…between our home and our next dooe neighbors. One Spring, we discovered a lot of ants suddenly in our kitchen and so my hubby walked around the outside of the entire house and sprayed so they wouldnt come in. Problem solved! BUT…I went next door to the neighbors house about a month later, and she showed me her bathroom…..there was a nest of ants pouring out of a cracked tile in her shower …a wall of ants, literally. I tried not to show my horror! She said it was “natural”. I wasnt sure what she meant, but I left and didnt even look into her kitchen….just in case! I didnt say anything! Lol. I think all the ants in the entire neihborhood were in there! đ
That’s like a horror movie! Good warning to keep peonies away from the house!
Every week you outdo yourself. Another trip to paradise. Thank You.
It’s the world, not me . . . it’s so beautifully dressed! xoxo
Just a perfect day and perfectly told to us!
Thank you so much for including us, too…
I am sure we could not have had a more perfect
time!! đ
<3
Loved having you here! As you can tell by the photos, I was thinking about you the whole time, even while Joe was dealing with the ants!
We COULD tell! đ Thank you!!! :=D~` (<–A flower for you!!)
<3
Your tea party has put the seed in my thoughts to perhaps do one for my best girl friends. The ones that attended your book signing in Worthington Ohio and had a tea with china and all from the back of my van on the way home, stopped at a roadside rest! We still speak about it!
You also planted the seed for me to de-clutter and I have started with the help of my daughter, we are having a Garage Sale Friday and Saturday this coming week. It is slow going…”inch by inch, it’s a cinch”! I keep telling myself that!
What a wonderful Possible Dream prize you have planned! Lucky, Lucky winner of that one!! I can just imagine all the anticipation and participation an event like that would bring and Fun!
Thank you for sharing all the photos of your lovely tea party. The gorgeous teapot caught my eye, just beautiful!! xo
I still remember your tea party on the way home too… that was such a delightful thing to do! xoxo
Great tea party! Everything looked perfect including the food!
I will keep in mind your menu for my next tea party! Thanks,
Susan for sharingđđ
Susan,
If you want a relief from your ant problem fast, here’s what to do. We found this remedy years ago and not once has it ever failed us.
Make a mixture of Borax & sugar in the amount you think you may need. I usually make extra to keep stored on hand. This should be made up of 1/2 white sugar and 1/2 borax. Sprinkle a very narrow, but solid border of it everywhere along the outside of the entire foundation of your home. This keeps ants from invading your home — the sugar draws them and the Borax gets rid of them. You should notice a big difference in your ant population diminishing very quickly and soon they will be gone. In the beginning you may have to repeat the treatment a few times, especially after a rain washes it away. But since we have been doing this for quite a number of years it seems like we don’t have to do the treatment nearly as often as before. But believe me, as soon as I see a sign of ants in my kitchen or bathrooms — it’s time to bring out the borax/sugar mix! Always works! Like a charm! đ
Love it, Sue, I’ll tell Joe!
We do this, too, Sue, and we use borax tablets with bait for the palmetto bugs in our Tampa home. Never use with pets in the home, though.
Debbie in Tampa
You don’t mix it with sugar? They attract right to the tablets?
No, the bait is something mixed into the tablets. We have not had a live palmetto bug since my friend told me about them.
I would definitely be bidding for an afternoon with you…but, alas, I live in California…but if I won I would somehow, someway be there. You have inspired me to try a train ride. I did try a month or so ago…booked a train ride from San Diego to Seattle – two full days and one night. Thought it would be a good first adventure. Alas, again, my train got cancelled due to a derailment of a freight train in Northern California. Bummer. Your party looked so wonderful; such yummie food coupled together with wonderful girlfriends. What could be better? Nadda much.
That is the prettiest trip too! Goes along the water sometimes, and then up by crater lake it gets GORGEOUS. You were so close. I’ve never had that happen, but way better that you didn’t get halfway there when that freight train derailed!! You have to try again!
Dearest Susan,
Is anyone else having problems posting a comment? I’m trying again, but it still says “Waiting to be moderated”above…..So I;ll try again, wanting to say HI SWEET PERSON!!
Hello, and thank you for this lovely post, sharing your tea party with us! Your little âhelperâ is always just cute as a button! where did the ants come fromâŠ.Iâm getting itchy just reading about themâŠ
When I first came across your blog, one of the 1st things I saw was a picture of your gorgeous pink rose chintz china, and I was amazed to see itâŠI bought the same set many many years ago, bought from one of my first pay checks!
And you have another set, gorgeous as well, the red oneâŠIs there a name on the bottom?
I bought 2 boxes of tiny strawberries this morning, I might have to dip them in chocolate tooâŠI think the boys will love that (never tried it before- shame on meâŠ)
Have a lovely weekend! And a big hug from
Nicoline
oxox
Hi Nicoline! The red china is Copeland Spode. And the ants sneak inside from the great outdoors ~ to try and get your honey and your sugar, and possibly a toast crumb or too. Mostly they stay outside. Don’t you have them there? They never try to get on us, that would be such folly! đ Kisses! Go dip those strawberries…âŁïž
Susan, Susan, Susan….you did it again!
You have brought sunshine and happiness to us in a dark world.
Last night, London has been hit again by another terrorist attack and my heart bleeds for all those involved; all those who live and work there.
So thank you for all the beautiful goodness you have shared in this and the last summery post…lurve the tea party, love the girlfriends, love the cake and sandwiches…lurve the teas. Just love it all.
Will never be able to get over to MV for your generous auction but how wonderful it will be!
Lucky, lucky peeps who get to come and be with you, Joe and kitty love.
Karen
Cambridgeshire
đŹđ§
Karen
Sending love to you Karen! We all just keep going because that’s what we DO. xoxoxo
Thank you Susan for a delightful post, I’m so happy the sun shone for you all, the food, looked delicious ! Congratulations to Marjies mom! Well done Margie what a lovely thought!
Well what can I say about your very generous donation for your auction ….it would be my dream come true….sitting chatting drinking tea, eating your home cooked food , all within the walls of your dear home? Heaven
This was a wonderful post to read first thing in the morning, after waking to hear dreadful news of another attack on our beautiful small island. What a sad world we live in at times .Gill UK xx
A few bad apples. I love how your police find them, find their friends, root them out, relentlessly. Remember when it was the IRA? That stopped, and someday, this will too. Love to you Gill. xoxo
Thank you Susan. No we won’t let them win, I’m currently watching a concert coming from Manchester, the atmosphere sounds electric.God bless the poor Angels. XXXX
Proud of you. You show the world the way. My English girlfriend Rachel went TO London yesterday for lunch. đ I hope they stop allowing the internet to connect these people. Because there will always be nuts in the world. Sending love.
What a scrumptious setting for your tea party! Your eats were fixed with such care and your food looked divine–thank you for taking the time out of your party to take pics that we all could enjoy–it is good that someone else took a pic with you in it because we could see how sweet you looked!!! I was always the pic taker for everything in our family and as I look back I realize that I did not exist for most of my family history as no one took my picture. Sometimes Mother had someone take one of her with me and my sister but other than that I didn’t exist for all those holidays!!
I am curious on how you got rid of your indoor ants? I know how to kill them outside but not inside.
Your ideas for the auction were very unique and so like you—to give such a personal gift is very special as I value someone’s time as their most precious gift —-well, also the books etc but time is something hard to buy!!!
Now that there is another attack in London it should be even more important that people travel around this great country and not be going abroad. I think you are very wise in staying home for awhile and did your traveling around here. I hate to think that these terrorist have made us overly cautious but sometimes it pays to be prudent and not fly into the fray.
Thank you for always showing us the beauty in simple pleasures. Your home should be the model for all that is so wonderful here in the USA and your marriage as a model for what marriage should be.
Linda from Idaho where it is hot but beautiful……bad flooding here but not in my town.
My mom is hardly in any of the photos too … the person with the camera! Stay cool Linda! xoxo
There are so many lovely parts to this post – Im saving this one. I love to read them more than once. Like a good movie – I always find something new of interest each time I see it. Thank you for all the beauty you share! It makes my heart sing!
That’s a very sweet compliment. Thank you Lisa. xoxo
â„ïž
After reading your blog, I feel all is well with my soul, Susan. It’s been a trying week. My kitty is very ill, and trying to let him know I love him has been challenging, to say the least. The “little gifts” he keeps giving me on my hardwood floors feel anything but gifty! Oh well, this too shall pass.
I love. love, love your peony flower. Just inhaling their fragrance is such a mood booster for me. I always like to dream that I will be attending your next dinner party on the “lsle of Dreams”. I need a cup of tea…
đą Kitty Love. xoxoxo
Good morn’n. Congrats to Marjie;s mom. She is going to love the mug. I love mine. You make the tea party seem so effortless. It looked like so much fun. Simple and beautiful. I planted herbs in my itsy bitsy garden. Some tomatoes. a few flowers. The Auction sounds great. How much fun for the winner. Look forward to that post. Thank you for the beauty you share. ….oh I am rereadng Girlfriends . Such fun.
Dear Susan
Lovely post, thank you for sharing your tea party, beautiful home, and garden! I love the peony, I would love to know the name of it? Hopefully, you can obtain the recipes of those delicious cakes your friend brought. They looked delicious!
Many thanks,
Lucy in California
The peony is Shirley Temple . . . aptly named to go into my garden! I’ll ask for the recipes!
Love this post! Reminds me of when you first started your blog and us early ones just pulled a chair up to your tableđđ
Such a sweet post, it sets the tone for my day! I always love all your photos, in my opinion they are the best I’ve ever seen! Thanks for sharing and for being here to brighten the world!
What a sweet tea party…looks as though it was so much fun! Love the color of the peony, mine didn’t do well this year, so very happy to love yours. As always, the photos take us all along. Just beautiful!
I love the way you dipped the strawberries on the wide end. Makes so much more sense!
I always wonder what I’m supposed to do with the little leftover stem in my hand! xoxo
Susan I just had to comment on your little stem ~ I just tore out a recipe for strawberry “water” that you make with the stems! It says to just cut the tops off of the strawberries with a little bit of the fruit, put a cup, (or so), of them in a quart (or so) of water. Put in the fridge for a couple of hours, (or overnight). Then strain it. The result, all natural rosy-hued strawberry flavored water! Says you may add sprigs of mint. Sounds so yummy, I was just going to buy strawberries to make this water, lol. But of course I would use the strawberries too, shortcake, maybe? Just thought I’d pass this on. P.S. It was in my Midwest Living Magazine. â„
Susan, any chance you could share recipes for gluten free cakes from your tea party????? I have begun collecting Beatrice Potter figurines!!!! They sit inside my china cabinet beside my 70 year old Tiny Tears doll who wears baby hat that was my mothers and a gown I made!!!!! My grandgirls each were given Tiny Tears dolls and all of us were given sewing lessons to sew their gowns and slips!
Thank you for the beauty you add to our world!!!
The recipes aren’t mine although there is an amazing recipe for a gluten free cake in A Fine Romance, if you haven’t made it!
I just thought of something that I should have put in my post from yesterday. I have just finished watching (on Netflix), The Great British Baking Show. If you have not seen it I know you would love it. I binge watched the first three seasons and am looking forward to the fourth which I think starts on June 16th on PBS.
What is so impressive is that the contestants cheer each other on and help each other when possible. The judges give constructive criticism in a kind way. It is a great show and has inspired me to try my hand at homemade puff pastry, macaroons and a number of other things that I would never have thought to try.
Have a great week!
Bonnie
I love it too…really fun show with AMAZING concoctions. I like learning how each of the contestants got there.
Hi, Susan….So love reading your blog, and reading all the lovely comments, too! You so help us all, to appreciate the little things! I think we all love, what you love. Thank you for sharing your wonderful spirit! You lift us up!!! Wuv you, Candy đ
Thank you for inviting me (all of us) to your lovely tea. It was perfect. So much fun to watch the preparations. Is the recipe for the curried chicken and walnut sandwiches in one of your books? I have a couple but do not remember that one. If not, I hope you will include it in a future tea book. Hint, hint…
Thanks again, I had a wonderful time.
No it’s not, but I will put it in the tea book, when and if I ever get there!!!
Lorraine, thank you for asking Susan about the recipe, I had forgotten. Something new to add to our collection.
Bunny hugs,
Shirley
My wonderful aunt threw me a bridal tea when I got married three years ago. It was absolutely perfect and she brewed “Royal Tea” from William and Kate’s wedding. Delicious. And then, to really top it off, she showed us a quilt she had made. A beautiful old timely pattern, made with my grandmother’s fabric scraps. Then she flipped over the corner! “To Caralyne and Terry, from Mammaw and Aunt Nadine.” I just cried like a baby. The quilt is on Mammaw’s bed now. I inherited her beautiful bed frame. It’s back in her room now. We live in her house and the quiet and memories are incredibly peaceful. Sorry for the novel but all tea parties are happy, aren’t they?! You’re the best Susan! Your posts keep us going in this wild world!
OH, I loved to see your tea party details, was so fun and made me think how cool it would be to go to one of your tea parties and be part of THAT conversation!
And whoever wins your auction will be so, so lucky. What a dream indeed! Loved sitting down to read your post with a cup of tea this Sunday morning, thank you for sharing. Enjoy Spring!
What a beautiful post! I can’t wait to try making those rosemary potatoes, they looked delicious! Everything looked beautiful at your tea party. When the kids come home from their first day back to school, I always have a little tea party with them and we talk all about their day. They love it đ My oldest loves your lavender Earl Grey mix with the rose petals. Will you share pictures of how everything is decorated and the food for whoever wins the auction to come to your house for tea? Pretty please with a cherry on top? đ
Yup! xoxo I don’t think I could stop myself if I tried!
Oooooo, thank you Susan! I can’t wait đ€
Oh, be still my heart. I wish upon wish I could be at the Dream auction and win your dream! But alas, I will be so happy for the person who does win that item at the auction. I love your tea party and I Love this post. So inviting and inspirational! Thank you.
Oh, what a beautiful post! I feel as though I was there enjoying every little sandwich, potato, dipped chocolate strawberry!! cookie…and cake etc…. ~smile~ And yes it did look magical! Don’t you love how the girls can gather together or on the phone and solve all the worlds problems?? A big congratulations go out to your winner! I’m sure her mother will be ecstatic when she gets this amazing gift!!
Blessings to your day!!!
Hi Gert! Weren’t those strawberries simply delicious! And… Yes! We Girlfriends can solve anything… anything at all!
XO Georgie from NJ
Yes, we can .. if only the world would lisren …LOL
What a FABULOUS Fundraiser for your Isle of Dreams! My heart started racing with excitement for all who can attend. I must add this to my travel stuff, just in case I am ever on that side of the country at the right time.
Love your entry, you are so generous, but that’s our Sue!
xoxo
Lovely blog Sue. You are more than blessed to have such a loving circle of girlfriends over for tea. Friends can be everything. đ
Once again you have filled me with delight. The tea party prep, food and fun. Thank you, I knew you would not fail to please all. And my goodness, Joe to the rescue. Thank you, Joe, for saving the day. You are the best. We could not enjoyed the tea party without you. So lucky you were home and not helping someone else.
My bee is coming Tuesday night. We are having an iced loaf cake, which is layers of 3 fillings on a long loaf of bread and frosted with cream cheese something and decorated like a cake. Using my mother in laws china she inherited from her namesake who was in the Cival War. White napkins with blue crocheted flowers in the corner.
Congratulations to the cup winner. I read she was entering her mom, I was so happy her mom won. How very nice. I have been using my mug for navy beans and cornbread, so wonderful and today TEA, glorious tea to honor our sad British girlfriends after the awful night London had.
Much love and bunny hugs,
Shirley
Bunny hugs right back to you, Shirley!
Oh Susan, I wish I was going to be at the Vineyard for your fabulous Auction. You know I’d mortgage the house to win that one! And the tea looks divine. This is the first year in several we haven’t pulled together our make-and-take tea party and I’m thinking I might have to make my cucumber sandwiches just for me — and that would be OK too! But so much more fun with all the pretties! It all looks lovely and I know everyone had a marvelous time. Who wouldn’t?
Congratulation on your studio. Mine looks a little more like your before, even after my after! I can’t wait to see it after you get a bit more on those shelves — because you will, and it will be beautiful and something love to pieces!
A plate of soft little sandwiches with your afternoon tea is such a treat! I do it every so often, make just two little crustless sandwiches, cut them into pieces, and surprise Joe. If you looked closely at those shelves, right now, it’s ALL Beatrix Potter and Mark Twain! Hero Central! Have a lovely day Jeanie!
Are you hearing my squeals from Yardville this morning? Oh to be at the auction, keep holding up my dear little numbered card, nodding my head at the right time to finally hear… “SOLD! To Georgie from NJ!” How Wonderful that would be.
It’s a Wonderful Life Susan. You make it better by sharing your dreams with us.
Sending LOTS of love up to you and Joe ( I would love to send you some more ants too… They’ve invaded our kitchen as well!)
Love YOU!
XOXO
Georgie from NJ
LOL! That would be wonderful, I love your dream, I can see the sparkle in your eye! But, no thank you on the ants!
Good day!
It’s a lovely June day, here in the south west corner of Beautiful British Columbia! We’ve hat it hotter and we’ve had it cooler, but today it is my kind of lovely, meaning it is not to hot and not too cold. I usually call that a Goldilocks kind of day. (Although I do prefer my porridge to be HOT.)
Well Susan, wasn’t that a successful tea-party with delicious food, delicious decor and all wrapped up with equally delicious friendship with delicious stories to share. And, aren’t you looking so sweet with your hands clasped taking it ALL in! You look so delighted and delightful Susan. I love that photo.
There’s so much to imagine when looking at all of your individual photos, and my head does fill with at least 1000 words each when looking them. I do have one question when looking at your new office where you hardly recognize yourself, and that is, why is your piggy cutting board in there? Not that it matters, really, I’m just curious.
Congrats to the winner of the teacup! Little Miss Vanna, came phloophing and floating on by ….(love the description you gave and your vivid imagination….her house?! ) And, congrats to Joe the ant slayer for accomplishing the heroic battle of the ants. Last but not least, congrats on your persistence in getting your home uncluttered and ready for what comes next; the Possible Dreams raffle winner. No pressure, huh? That is such a lovely and generous contribution to the raffle. Yay for you!!
Have yourselves a Goldilocks kind of day, where everything is JUST RIGHT!
Bye for now.
Erica xo
You have a good eye, Erica, that pig cutting board was never there before. I was thinking about getting rid of it. The tail is broken off for one thing, but I’ve had that cutting board since 1976, I remember the day I bought it. I moved it to Holly Oak where it lived for 8 years, and now here since 1989. It’s always looked so cute in the kitchen, I even had pig cutting boards made to sell in my web store so everyone else could have one. But I hardly ever use it these days, it’s just decor. So, maybe, I thought, it should go in a yard sale. I put it in the TO GO box. Then it came to me, what if a miracle happens and I DO get Holly Oak back, wouldn’t I want the pig board to go there? So I decided to keep it for a little while longer. So out of the box came. And so goes the cleaning and lightening of our house!
Many moons and blogs ago, I remember seeing the piggy cutting board. You must keep it! How will you ever get Holly Oak back without looking at piggy and visualizing him back in the Holly Oak kitchen! Dreaming of a miracle makes you already half way there!! xo
I’ve had a photo of Holly Oak on my bookcase for maybe four years now. Under it, my words say, “I want you back” … I see it every day, I’m visualizing the heck out of it. But it requires a reality check, since the person who owns it wants 1 million for it. Our finances give us enough to be retired when that time comes, but not enough for an extra 1 million dollar house! But I learned a long time ago, things can happen in all kinds of ways, and not to limit my dreams by the “How To.” Just dream, and let the powers that be work their magic, so that’s what I’m doing. And I kept the wooden pig. Just in cases! “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings while the dawn is still dark.” That’s me.đ Thank you for your support Erica, between the two of us dreamers, it can probably happen!
A million dollars is a lot, but in a few years it could be 2 million.
I’m most certain most of your girlfriends would love for you to have Holly Oak back to where it belongs! Would you consider a blog with a few photos of Holly Oak, what you’re keeping just in ‘cases’….and of your desire to have it back? We need to really put it out there into the universe, so that all of us girlfriends can dream, pray and help in some way….or be a little bird who sings in the dark with you!! All that positive energy ….just think!!
I’m going to draw a little house. There will be a little sign above the door that reads HoLLy OaK with your name underneath. And, a little birdie sitting at the front. It’ll be my touch stone for you.
Bye for now!
Erica xo
Perfect, perfect Wonderful Erica! Already the dreamers have doubled! I would put it back exactly how it was, and I have so many things for it. Art, and my diaries, even the same table I wrote the books on, and that hutch that was behind it. The little kitchen, the old stove, Agnes’s baby shoes and cookbooks ~ the quilts and the little shack out back ~ it would be the funnest project to put back together! Like making a doll house! There could be tours and there could be a gift shop! I’ve been thinking about what to do with all those old things. You can tell I’ve thought a lot about this!
One Million Dollars?!?! REALLY? Wow, I have lost touch! But then it is an island, only so much land. I have been watching the British show, Escape to the Country, and I am very surprised at the cost of the homes there. I guess Texas has spoiled me.
I am with erica e. I can put Holly Oak on our dream list!
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Yes, the town says it’s worth about 850,000 now, but the owner told me to “make her an offer” so I just thought that 1 million sounded like an “offer.” Dream list is best possible scenario!
Hello Dears,
What a wonderful, golden afternoon to add to your memory jar! Lucky girls- all of you!
The peony is gorgeous- I may have to add one of that color to my patch too. That Vanna lives the life, doesn’t she? Q-T-PATOOTIE and You-tee pies!
Congratulations to Marjie’s mother- so sweet!
I’m getting ready to make some Bakewell tarts in memory of our time in Stourhead, they will be part of a tea party with my Aunt B and cousin Debbie to celebrate our birthday season. We’re having such fun planning the menu. đ
Love and light to you all!
xoxo
Gabi
And back to you Gabi, lovely to hear from you! xoxo
Wonderful post! I especially enjoyed learning more about Vanna. Quite character that you’ve created (?).
Yes, she’s a creation . . . I’m having fun with her imaginary life!
Such a lovely post. So sweet and charming. I love New England and all of the traditions that go with it. You inspire me to keep those traditions alive in my home……….even my 15 yr. old son is having tea with us on the porch!!
Your tea party does look delightful, lots of lovely delicacies to enjoy whilst sharing special moments with a handful of treasured friends.
I hope someone wonderful wins your Possible Dreams auction to spend time with you. I’ll think of you on July 30th as I celebrate my birthday on that day with those I hold dear.
xx
A Susan blog is a nice way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon! Those studio pics are quite impressive and inspiring, you have been a busy girl. I am getting ready to tackle my home improvement projects, summer being my slow season…if that exists….which of course it doesn’t. But I am grateful for a home and all of its projects that my hands and heart can be busy with. Thanks again for another lovely read!
Hi Susan! Thank you for your delightful blog. I planted more flowers đș today in the brigh sunshine hi PO and behold, the sky turned dark and then said the rain would begin at 4:00 and so it has. With all of the rain we’ve been having I think I can hear the tomatoes growing. And the strawberries are here! So delicious! And so I’m sitting in our sunroom working on my counted cross stitch and just put it down and going to read. Your tea party sounded wonderful! Have a lovely Sunday! Be well and be happy! Love, Karen
I was thinking our Island farmers must be in 7th heaven!
Wonderful post, Miss Susan! Makes me want to get a garden started, and bake things, and have a nice cup of tea. Mmmmmm, deviled eggs, and you have a deviled egg plate! (At least one is a must, more is better). Makes this Southern girl smile.
I love them. I could eat them every day!
~Susan~
I about cried with excitement reading about the Isle of Dreams fundraiser indeed a good cause, and What a dream come true that would be spending time with you !! But….. it wont be me đ Oh how I would love meeting you and visiting your island. ! I told my daughter I daydream that I am living on an island , in land for there is no water to see hehe, and when I hear a horse and buggy go by it just makes it all that more convincing.( I live in a small Amish town. ) my daughter thinks I am pretty silly !!
I loved how you spoke of Vanna hehehe, how wonderful for Marjie and her mom !! I need to place a pre order !!!
What a lovely tea party you had for your girlfriends !! Oh I too had black ants years ago , so I placed a mason jar lid under my kitchen sink with Borax & sugar in it, and it works !!! knock on wood no more ants for years now !!
I planted a Raspberry Peony this year in memory of my mom, she grew the deep red ones, soo pretty ! I love peonies , I need your picket fence English garden !!
Again, Thank You Susan for bringing such delight to so many of us !! you are loved indeed !!
Hugs
Paula
IN.
How lovely that you get to hear the clip-clop of a horse and carriage! We only get that sometimes, around Christmas time, and it’s a wagon, not a carriage!
Dear Sue,
I’m glad the sun came out for your lovely party. Everything looked perfect. Thanks for including us. Smiling through the raindrops.
Lillian
What a nice tea party you had. So lovely! Oh how I wish I could tour your lovely home and spend the day with you. What a generous gift! We love you!!!
Hi Susan
I am so glad we are friends. “Life’s truest happiness is found in friendships we make along the way”.
Happy Sunday.
Marilyn
I love reading your blog, escaping into the fantasy you live! Thank you for sharing.
I love the color of that peony, so dreamy. It looks like you had the perfect day for tea. Those little potatoes looked amazing. I’m gonna have to make those. Oh how I wish I could come to tea and sit in your lovely arbor, what fun that would be!
I love following you when you go on your grand adventures, but I love it just as much when you are home and sharing slices of your beautiful everyday life. I have to say, maybe I’m crazy, but I think I like the Messy studio a tad more than the tidied up one! You can just feel the creativity oozing out of all those piles. HeHeHe! Have a good week. Looks like the weather here is going to be dreary for a while…
Don’t worry, I’ll mess it up good again! But right now, it’s like a breath of fresh air to me!
Congratulations Marjie and Marjie’s Mother!! So special. xoxo
Thank you so much for showing us your wonderful tea party. It was so special and all the thoughtful little you touches you did were just really darling. I really felt like I was there. I love tea parties so very much and the fact that you could have it outside and know that it was called Teahouse of the Vineyard Moon?!?!?! AND that Mr Bowditch built it… Ohmygoodness. Be still my beating heart. It just makes me want to burst. Thank you for being a person that remembers all the thoughtful things and helps to remind us to remember them too.
I wanted to tell you for your next party that I found the cutest thing at our favourite UK store in Texas…The British Emporium. They are called saucer crackers and they are mini Christmas crackers in pink for a tea party to put on everybody’s saucer. They would be a darling hostess gift too. I am not affiliated with them in any way, I just thought you might want to know as I have never seen them before and the are so cute tied with little gold bows. I know Vanna would go gaga for them:) The story you told about her was just so cute. I loved Joe’s reward. For some reason it made me think of your mom and how it was something she would do:):) The blog was delight for a cozy grey Sunday. Thank you again. Hugs xoxo
PS I cannot express how much I am enjoying my mugs! They are just splendiferous as my mom would say!!! My tea tastes great out of them, they feel good in my hand and on my lips and when I see them from across the room, they make me smile. đđ
Could not ask for one thing more! Thank you Charissa!
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Mrs. Bowditch left some papers and pictures about the house . . . she drew a map of the garden and named every tree and bush (and the Teahouse of the Vineyard moon). She was active in local garden clubs and beautification organizations, so the garden meant a lot to her. I knew the man she hired to help her in the garden. He’s gone now too, but it was fun hearing about what they did here. Love the British Emporium! Thank you for the tip! xoxo
That is so so wonderful to hear and just tickles me to the tips of my toes that I know you will pass that information along to the next owner. Thank you for telling me that it made my day:) How special (as is everything you do)!!! xoxo
Well, you really did it, I have been wanting a garden tea party for such a long time and so I am going to get on my horse and plan one for the end of June. I have some sweet friends and daughters and a lovely daughter in law who would be so happy to come. I do not have your trellis but I will make do with what I have.
Thanks for reminding me that these tea parties are worth doing and remembering.
Set your table under any tree, and voila, a natural arbor! Have fun Lisa!
I received my Susan Branch Mugs, my husband and I love them, beside being beautiful they are so thin and hold a lot of coffee or tea. I got 4 of them and so happy that I did. I love the ones with the little lambs. Lambs and sheep are a theme in my kitchen and family room.
Looking forward to the Christmas mugs.
Good Doris! I’m so happy you like them! I feel very proud, drinking from one of them right now!
Another dreamy post!!! Thank you!
Having friends you can share with is a gift.
Please, please, please tell me if you can take a peoney inside the house. How do you avoid the ants?
Mine didn’t have ants, oddly enough, but I discouraged them all along, by flicking the buds with my fingers, maybe that helped. Shake them good before you bring them in ~ hold the stem close to the flower so it doesn’t break. You could also dip the flower into a cold bucket of water for a few moments. Ants need oxygen!
What a delightful tea party! You really outdid yourself and I enjoyed every detail of it. To be so lucky to sit with you and enjoy it would be a miracle and a blessing for some of us. Please have Annie send out the GF recipes for the almond jam cake and the moist lemon loaf. I have been gluten-free due to gastro problems for one year and it has made a world of difference. Please, please would love to have those recipes!! Thanks you!
With love and prayers for a blessed summer!!
Until then, please see the cake in my book A Fine Romance . . . it’s gluten free and SO GOOD!!! Very much like the ones Annie made.
My dear Susan~ I am so in love with your books and blog…you make my heart sing! Thank you for taking your blog girlfriends along to sample the delights of the day as you prepared this lovely tea party. It was a fairy tale day, and I can’t wait to hear about the auction. You are blessed with a heavenly gift and I’m so grateful that my daughter introduced me to you. Your Instagram pics are fabulous! Xo Karen H.
Oh thank you Karen. I don’t think I quite have the whole story on Instagram yet . . . feels like I should be able to “retweet” people’s wonderful photos, but don’t see how I do that! Still learning!
Congrats to Marjorie’s mother!!! YAY! And I truly enjoyed seeing where Vanna lives, too, Susan. I am so looking forward to Summer after reading your beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your beautiful tea party, too. I love Annie’s purse!! Have a great Monday!
You too Sharon!
Congratulations Marjie and Marjie’s mom!! You are going to love your cup!
Well Susan, this almost makes me want to have a tea party and I have not entertained for years! I use to love giving parties…..it was such a good way to get the house clean! Sitting here reading comments I began to think of the guest list and I know my granddaughter, home from college, for the summer would love it and would help with the baking. I even thought about a spot under the trees where I could set out a table. Oh my. Well I will let you know if I follow through, I will have to do it this month before the heat hits!
I have been trying to find “balance” this year and carve out time for me, some days can get pretty overwhelming around here, taking care of the “seniors” . So a tea party may be just the ticket. If nothing else it will be lovely to plan!
I can’t imagine an “afternoon with Susan Branch”!!!!! Every one of the girl friends would give just about anything for THAT privilege! wow!!
Your plate has been very full Chris… breathing is an important part of being alive! Love you dear . . . đ
The Possible Dreams Auction looks amazing. The video of it is wonderfully done and made me wish to plan a vacation for the island in July–perhaps someday. I hope you document the whole shebang of the winner and the prize party at your home and take us along âș. Luv-lee tea party under the arbor as well.
I will definitely plan on that documentation! Thank you Lynn Marie!
Susan….me again. I just watched the video from the “Possible Dreams” auction & had to comment on what a wonderful event doing so much good for a wonderful community. I will put this on my “bucket list” – maybe, just maybe, someday I can attend. Thanks for sharing….as always, love your posts. They always brighten my days.
You’ll love it. You should have heard the screaming when they were bidding for Carly Simon to come sing at their house! Thousands of dollars were being bid … the two high bidders at the end were in mad competition with each other . . . after they were up to something like $80,000 ~ she asked if they would both pay that amount and both win! And they did!!! Wow. That was something.
Don’t think me rude, but if I came to your home the star attraction would be meeting Jack đ See, I’ve met you and Joe twice now (Kansas City and Memphis). I would love to see that little fella chase ponytail holders and curl up in the Peter Rabbit room đ
No, I know, we’re old stuff! đ Jack is the cute one!
I had to laugh at your friend’s cat that is known on main street. We live a mile and a half from a tiny village that has one business, a bar and grill that has amazing food. Our black Labrador, Rocky, loves to run to town and visit the bar. Everyone in town knows him. The bar owners call to tell us he’s there and we go get him, finding him lounging in the shade of the awning with a bowl of water they have given him. I will start to worry when they give him his own barstool. Apparently, it takes a village to raise a dog. Your tea party looked heavenly!
When Joe ran the Black Dog restaurant, we were the lucky official babysitters for our friends big black lab named Rumba. Rumba would be patient in the mornings, waiting to go to work with Joe, but he had his limits ~ if Joe didn’t get up early enough, Rumba would walk down to the Black Dog by himself, through our one block town, and wait in the donut department of the bakery. Everyone knew him too. Isn’t that just wonderful, to live in a place where that can happen? It does take a village! Hugs to you and lucky Rocky!
What a delightful post! Reading through it is a delightful gift. Your tea party sounds like so much fun, and oh, that food! You would have to roll me home. I’m in love with your picket fence garden…so English country looking and simply magical.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
Susan, I loved seeing the tea party photos, and the “twine” just cracked me up!
Yesterday I saw “A Quiet Passion,” a movie about Emily Dickinson, and filmed partially at the museum in Amherst, MA. The gardens were gorgeous, filled with exquisite old fashioned roses and other flowers. I wondered if you had been there. The movie itself was in some ways hard to watch, as life was hard in those days, especially for women, though men too (the Civil War!) but the attention to detail in the decor, fabulous lace, gardens, was a feast, and the movie showed how sustaining the love of family was. And it was so quiet, with just the firelight and ticking clock in the evenings. I thought of you because Emily always rose at 3:00 a.m. to write. I guess it’s a sign of creative genius!
Yes, we’ve been there, but I haven’t seen the movie yet, and it drives me crazy. Our little Island isn’t so good with the movies! I can’t wait, thank you for the “hard” warning, I will know to watch out for it. LOL, on the creative genius, Rosanne! xoxo
Love, love, love your post. You are a wonderful antidote to the grim news of the world… giving us hope that good, happy people do exist!
Your photos and ideas inspire me, thank you so much. Is there any way to be notified if you have responded to a comment? I love reading the comments but sometimes there are so many I don’t have time to go through them all to see if you have a caring reply to something I’ve written. Probably not, but I thought I’d ask. Meanwhile keep up your wonderful work, delightful in every way! THANK YOU!
If there’s a way to be notified, I’m not sure how. Maybe someone else here knows. đ Thank you so much Sally, love having you here. xoxo
This isn’t a notification but, it helps to get to your comment quickly.
If on a Mac, hit command F. In the upper right of your screen will be a blank field. Type your name in the field and hit enter. It should take you to your comment. If there are several that come up with your name in it, just keep hitting the arrow next to the number of matches until you find your comment.
If on a PC, hit ctrl F and do the same as above.
Also, if you are looking for something in particular, the name of a movie someone else put in their comment, you can enter that as a search (i.e., Two For the Road).
Hope this helps, Carrie.
SO helpful Carrie. Why don’t I remember Command F! Writing it down!
Hi Susan! Loved, loved, LOVED this blog entry. The flowers! That pink house! Your adorable Teahouse & tea party! Your friends, and the food! Joe and the ants! Your cute garden and the purple flowered chives (mine just finished!)! Loved your before and after studio. If I cleaned everything up like that, I’d never be able to find what I’m looking for! And yet another reason to visit the Vineyard in July (if only!). I know someone is in for a delightful afternoon! I’ve been away from social media for ages for various reasons! So much going on. But this was just delightful! All of it just what I needed. Love, Jane xo
I’ve noticed, and missed you! Hoping all is well and you are getting on with your creative life dear Jane!
Dear Susan, Your personal responses and caring for each person in your life is a true gift you’ve been given. I’m amazed that you have noticed and missed seeing me here. We have encountered a couple of bumps in the road. We are both okay — not sick! I’ll write you an email soon with details. But we aren’t giving up, and can again see the light-filled view ahead with wonder! Getting on is the name of the game, isn’t it! Think “small” and move forward. Your example and sharing of all the beauty in your life helps more than I can tell you. Blessings on you, and your hero the ant exterminator! đ
Not sick, that’s the best, now you have it all! xoxo Thank you dear Jane!
Love the post, as usual! I’ve been out in the yard this morning, repotting some things and rearranging. Just enjoying the day. Seeing that gorgeous peony reminds me that I need to cut one of mine to bring inside before the petals start to drop. They smell SO wonderful, don’t they? Just need to be rinsed off well so I don’t bring in any ants with them. I’ve been listening to the song of a house wren in the yard all morning. Such a beautiful song it sings! Last year we had a pair set up housekeeping in one of our birdhouses and we were blessed to see them raise their family and teach them to fly! If you think the wren itself is small, you should see it’s little ones! We hope they decide to set up their nursery in the back yard again this year. Thanks for the lovely post.
At this time of year, the branches of our wisteria are lined with peeping baby birds, all fluffed up and perched precariously, mouths open and ready, while their moms bring seeds from the bird feeder and place them in their beaks, till they figure out how to do it themselves. It’s just darling! Right out my kitchen windows. Best thing. Loved hearing about your house wrens, Linda, birdsong is definitely one of my favorite things on the planet. Magical!
We just had a family of robins doing the same in the crab apple tree right off the corner of our porch. I could watch them while I sat in my rocker where I read and write each morning! So entertaining. I never realized robins could be so protective dive-bombing the cheeky squirrel who uses that tree as a shortcut to the maples along the street! And chasing off the blackbirds! Quite entertaining! Spring really is the magical season!! xoxo
I love that arbor! I may have to commission hubby and Dad to build one for me! đ I’ll have to call it something catchy too like yours….. Hmm? Maybe Teahouse Under the Cat Spring Moon! LOL đ Always inspired by your blog and feel better no matter how I’m feeling. xoxoxo
Love and Hugs,
Lisa
I LOVE that name!!! That’s perfect! Hope the boys come through for you! Thank you Lisa, always love hearing from you!