We are having the MOST wonderful summer! Doing nothing with a capitol N. That’s why I haven’t written ~ what is there to say about nothing? Nothing! But I’ll see what I can do. Because some days I think nothing is better than something, and this is one of those days! Musica.
The Island is all back and going full-speed again, summer people are back, opening up their little summer houses at the shore . . .
And the big ones too … we have all kinds here, and they’re all some kinda wonderful. I think the actual reason I moved here was for the architecture!
The fourth of July was wonderful. As usual, everyone decorated to the nines.
We’ve been walking every day … the weather has been heavenly. No humidity at all, which 
is a great surprise . . . so far we haven’t even had to put in our air conditioners, knock on wood. It’s been all blue skies, lovely ocean breezes, gorgeous bug-free sunsets, perfect sleeping weather, perfect napping weather too! Oh yeah. Read a little book, take a little nap, let the curtains play in the breeze as you sleep, wake up to lawnmower noise three-doors-over, or an argument between two birds at the feeders. Yawn. Deep breath of happiness. Play some old music. Wander in garden while listening. Joyful nothingness of summer.
The sun shines bright on our walk in the morning…Joe waits for camera-wielding me in a shady spot.
While I stop to wave at you.
So gorgeous. I could never be a city girl. I like to visit . . . but this is my place . . .
Lovely in the woods . . . all dappled and shady … takes us 45 minutes to do our walk. Best time of our day.
I find myself standing in front of the screen door in the kitchen, leaning on the door jamb, eating my bowl of shredded wheat (the way many women have done, at this same door, before me), watching the bees flit through the roses and the birds play in the birdbath. My heartstrings are tugged, I wipe away a tear . . . words like awesome, wonderment, stupefied come to mind. And gratitude. And joy.
This was a knot garden we saw in England (at Barnsley House). It’s one of the places we learned about shrub textures and colors. I used to plant almost all flowers, but notice here there are no flowers and it’s as beautiful as if there were. It’s because of the different textures and colors of the foliage. We try to do this in our garden ~ we haven’t quite mastered it but we are better than we used to be!
I’m pretty sure, from looking around, that the two things that grow best on Martha’s Vineyard are roses and hydrangeas.
And herbs too … they do well here. See the little purple flowers? That’s lemon thyme … try stirring those little flowers into softened vanilla ice cream. YUM. You can see our tomatoes are coming along nicely.
The old fashioned single hollyhock is blooming …
And Jack waits for me at the kitchen door.
Once in a while we force ourselves to leave the house, like to go to Farmer’s Market ~ we take the van, we turn on the air-conditioning, put down the windows, turn up Frank, drive up-island, stop and get coffee and a donut at the Scottish Bakehouse, pick up some French Marigolds at Vineyard Gardens, and make every excursion an adventure.
We went here for the Fourth . . . to our friend’s home on the water for a pot luck. I’m photographing from their deck, over the garden, to the sunset . . .
Fireworks across the water . . .
The kids out back with their sparklers . . . So wonderful it’s hard to believe there’s ever been a winter around here! That’s why so much celebration! We know what’s coming!
This is Jack when we come home from anywhere. He hears us at the kitchen door, I watch him through the window as I turn the lock, he curls onto his back and begins wriggling around until I pick him up. He makes us feel so welcome!
I made a pie, banana cream, with the most delicious pie crust (from Heart of the Home) . . . and I made three batches of potato salad over the weekend, for all the celebrations we attended! Mas Musica?
And ice cold gazpacho (with lobster), from the Farmer’s Market goodies . . .
While I cook, I watch/listen to old movies on Turner Classic Movies. TCM, the soundtrack to a perfect summer day. Also, the new series Anne with an E (she’d much prefer to be called “Cordelia”), which I LOVED, even though it was a bit different from the original. I hope they do a season two!
I made pancakes for my sweetheart ~ with crispy edges, and heated maple syrup, just the way he likes them. We ate while we watched the last episode of another wonderful new series ~ a Masterpiece Theater production called The Durrells in Corfu. Just in cases you’re looking for something new.
Washing breakfast dishes, listening to old movies, looking out the kitchen windows to see birds at the feeders and butterflies flit through the garden, hearing the bells ring from the church across the street. Playing with Jack. Painting Jack. Nothing with a capital N. Gimme more of that.
I stop to watch shadows shimmer on the walls, greenish light reflected by the leaves of the trees feels like swimming in the pool when we were young. Pulling the shades in the upstairs bedrooms to keep out the afternoon heat . . .When I was little, I could lay on my bed and listen to the birds and the neighborhood noises and stare at the ceiling for hours ~ maybe write or read or fall asleep, just doing nothing. I have no scientific proof, but I believe in my heart of hearts, all my inspiration in life came from that nothingness. All my romanticism and all my dreaming ~ there must be something in the nothing.💞
I’m still moving forward every day, I need to work, but I’m doing it in a much less frantic way, because first and foremost, I’m trying to fill my creative heart to the brim and overflowing ~ and I think it’s working. I still need more though.
I’m doing a little painting, early mornings when all is quiet, for the joy of it, with just the seagulls screeching over the harbor.
XOXO
Sometimes I turn on music . . .
I had to paint my new cup . . . I wob it…. I put the video on Twitter . . .
Perkiest dang thing . . .
And look what came in! The 2018 calendars! Can you believe it? That means, and you know it does, soon it will be time for us to go back to school! 
I know lots of you are waiting for these! Maybe at the end of THIS month … or the first of August … they’re being made as we speak!
And this? I’m still waiting to see how the company that makes these does with color. Fingers are crossed that it will be good. This is a different company than the cup company, so we’ll have to see. I love this little teapot, I hope it works! Things take much longer than we imagine, but I should hear soon.
And this adorableness? I’ve also spent lots of time wandering around the Internet, looking at houses, and then just yesterday Joe and I rented this exact one! For two weeks next year, for another trip to the Mother Country. 🇬🇧 Eeeeek. You can’t hear me but I am SOSOSOSOSOSO excited. It has two fireplaces! SO cozy. I can’t wait to show you (and me) the inside, in real time. Our own little thatched cottage in the English Countryside. I may have to paint it. I’ll fill you in when we get closer. But this house was too irresistible not to show you now!
I just realized, I haven’t shown you our last year’s visit to Downton Abbey yet!! I will do that next post!
Oh yeah. Until then . . . Hasta la vista, baby. Love you. Enjoy your precious moments.
Dear Susan, I just loved how you described what Jack does when he knows his two loves are going to be coming through the door! And his dear little face looking out the screen door to make sure you are there.
I always feel a bit guilty when I do nothing. I kinda do it all in the morning and then the afternoon is for me. We are experiencing a lovely summer here so far in Vermont. But, the other day we experienced a very heavy rainfall, I never saw so much water dashing against our windows. And the week before, we lost two huge branches from a very very old tree due to a very heavy wind that no one knew was coming. Did I say this summer is lovely? I guess I mean it is cool and I know the heat is coming!
Love your nothingist post.
Ruth Winkler
Love the video of you painting!!
Susan, you do nothing so beautifully. Such a wonderful talent for making the simplest things the loveliest! Thanks for letting your creative heart overflow and sharing it with all of us. Happy 4th!
I absolutely ADORE doing Nothing!!! It is never a waste of time…in fact it is the very thing one longs to do in the Summer Time. Day or Night!! That is when inspiration and energy are piled up like cords of wood waiting for the Cooler Autumn Days…when we yearn to be active and out doors. Enjoy your Nothingness because it flies away like the birds flying off for warmer climates in the Fall.
Blessed to join you in loving Nothingness,
Peggy Smith
Need more Anne with an E. They left us hanging! Loved Durrell s of Corfu. Did it already start again? Thanks for the lovely new post!
I wish I could do “nothing” as you do, you who are always busy creating. But I am so happy you have the life you do and share it with us. When are you going to offer pajamas again. It’s been too long.
My sis is over in England right now. Today she is going to Cotswold and Oxford. I cannot wait to hear about it all. I have loaned her your book, A Fine Romance and am encouraging her to begin reading it soon. I think this trip will get her going on that. I love doing nothing, although for me it is hard. I always want to sew when I get a free moment. But, just this morning as I was brushing my teeth I remembered how hard it was to take time to brush teeth and hair in the summer as a child. I wanted to get outside and begin the day! I feel like that still in the summer. I am going to try and do more nothing this coming week. You have inspired me to relax and enjoy, and maybe nap with the breeze blowing the curtains.
Dear Susan,
Nothingness sounds wonderful! I love the music playing in the background as you were painting the mug. Could you please tell me what it is? So excited that you will be returning to England. That house is precious!
Regards,
Diane
It’s called Let me teach you how to dance, and it’s from the movie Miss Potter.
Doing nothing is one of my favorite things as well! I heard James Taylor say once, when he heard kids say they were bored, that then was the time from where his music came. You must be kindred spirits! And I am so with you…I just adored Anne with an E!
These days we almost have to fight for that emptiness of time and recognition of it … it’s important in so many ways. I think it came easy before TV, phones, cars, trucks, drones, electricity, gasoline powered things. It came naturally to just hear bees, clip clop of horses, clatter of dishes.
Doing nothing is an art form. Now that I am retired, I am practicing often. For me, the best time is on the back porch, preferably reading in the hammock, but also doing collage and HaiKube at the table and tea trays in the rattan chairs. Whatever I do, I can tune into the hummingbirds at the feeder, the wind rustling in the trees, the song of summer insects, birds dipping into the bird bath (how they sing before and after!), and just the movement of the sun across the yard.
Thank you for sanctioning this life-affirming art!
Dear Susan,
I think I hear the beautiful music from Miss Potter in the background as you paint…how lovely! Our second trip to Great Britain was just one year ago….lucky you to visit the countryside again, while staying in a thatched cottage…such perfection…thank you for another wonderful read, and for always taking me back…
I just ate this post up!!! Wonderful. I am so excited you are going back to England next year. This is such a thing to look forward to. The cottage is a cottage of dreams. Ahh cozy fireplaces. Thank you for brightening our lives. As you see it stillsays grand Pam..iI am not that person. Help me correct this. It’s weird cause I get my Willard’s at MY email. So who is that person . Here is my email [email protected]
Thanks, Debra sewell
[email protected]
It looks to me like it’s only happening to you Debra, I’m sorry, but I can’t fix it from here. Talk to a computer person and see what they say. Try it on a different computer too. I think WordPress updated something fairly recently that affected many people’s computers just like it’s doing with yours. But so far, you’re the only one I know of that is still having the problem, so it has to be the type of computer you’re using. Good luck with it! I know how frustrating it can be!
Sigh…what a wonderful summer you are having and drinking in ever moment of it….you are a blessed woman! Thank you for sharing with us..oh that we can live vicariously through you!
Dearest Susan…..Sometimes I am so happy at the most simple things. I loved you talking about standing at your door, looking at the roses and the bee, and the birds in the birdbath, and having tears of joy. I must order the new cups! I love the other ones, and keep them on the counter all the time to look at them. My son served potato salad he made, yesterday. It was his first time, and it was delicious! He is the grandfather of my great grandson whom I got to hold again yesterday. At 3 1/2 months, his little legs are cute and fat. I savor the moments of our family gatherings, sitting at the table, ooing and aaaahing over the good food. Seeing flowers in my son’s yard. All these simple things bring so many smiles. Lots of love to you, my friend.
Oh my gosh, yes! The art of doing nothing describes me this summer. Enjoying the lov-lee 90 degree days with very low humidity, swimming in my brand new pool and looking forward to a cozy little cabin we rent every year for two or three weeks at different times throughout the summer. YES! Doing nothing except enjoying life, love, family & happiness. Thank you for giving us the approval to be lazy.
PS–Did you see they are definitely planning a Downton Abbey movie? Getting the original cast together is the hold-up, says Julian. He may instead do a prequel, how Cora and Lord Grantham met etc. if he can’t get the original actors together.
I’d rather have a prequel. I’d rather go back in time and see more of the development of Downton, rather than go forward to the eventual dismantling of the old ways. Mainly for the history of it.
I agree. Plus the clothes in the 1880s were more fun to look at, if not to wear. We may be in luck as Julian Fellowes says he already did the what-came-after in the movie ‘Gosford Park’. A great movie–darker than Downton but much closer to real life.
Fingers crossed it will really happen!
I’d rather have a prequel too. I am pretty sure that I read that the Dowager would not be included in a sequel, that it would be enough years later that she would have passed on. We need her!
I think we might get to see her young … maybe a different actress, one that would be doing double duty, pretending to be Maggie Smith, AND future dowager.
I have my Susan Branch Summer book out now and we (me and my daughter) love looking through it. It reminds us of lazy days. Kids these days, and, of course, almost all adults, look down on do nothing days. Everything is scheduled. Everything is go, go go; busy, busy busy. But in our home, slacking off is celebrated 🙂 just hanging out. So I love this post and all of your beautiful pictures of the island. My friend just bought a summer place in Harwichport, so I hope to visit next summer. Some of our best summers were spent on the Cape and at our weekend home in New Hampshire. Now just a memory…. But Utah has its own summer charm as well. We hope to buy an RV and travel about. We will see. Soon going to France, so look forward to that. Your home to stay in UK is a dream.
Now, my real question is, how do you get your pancake edges crispy? I just cannot do that!
It’s all about the fat! Put in a good slog of veg oil and get it hot before you put in the batter. Works for eggs too.
Another lovely post, Susan. Don’t you just love summer? I sure do and wait for it all the rest of the year. Everything is in bloom in my garden, just like in yours and we’re on opposite coasts. Hurray for summer!
I love your blog, just the thing I needed to read today. We’ve recently discovered Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages and love it; she’s a delight! We’re also ready to go back to England, but where? So many lovely quaint villages to choose from. Thanks again for the nice interlude in my day. Your mild Vineyard weather sure beats our Texas heat!😍
Hi Susan, only you can create a post that makes nothing into something! I practice being like you, able to look out the window and see all that nature bestows on us…….sometimes I miss a lot of the “beautifulness” …… but you make it come alive – I read your post and went back to look out the window again…it’s there! The sound of birds, the gentle breeze that sways the trees, the beautiful flowers, whether planted or wild. I’m full of admiration for you and your expressions of peace, beauty and nothing! Thank you so much for you! P.S. This ole house has finally sold and we are “downsizing” and moving to a smaller “cottage-type” home…….it’s exhausting!!
You did it!!! Congratulations Ann! Must be hard, but when it’s done, the freedom will be great!
Ahhh…the joy of nothingness…hopefully with lots of time to read. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get a list of recommendations of books to read from some of our girlfriends. Maybe a list could be put together or we can just pick these recommendations out of the comments section of your blog. Most good books I read come from my friends. I’ll start. “Year of Necessary Lies” by Kris Radish. I think you will like her other books too. Most all are female/girlfriend related. This one takes place in early 1900’s and is about a woman’s passion for living and the other women she interacts with. She loves BIRDS and becomes very active in Audubon Society…bringing attention to the needless killing of birds for plumes for hats that were created in the day. I LOVE hats BUT other things can decorate them beautifully! It’s a love story going in many directions. ENJOY! Love unique/different books of all kinds.
Wonderful Linda . . . Your comment should go HERE, Linda … lots of wonderful suggestions in the comments below as you scroll down!
Hi Susan! I read your posts and I just feel happy! If I can’t live on Martha’s Vineyard, I guess I will just have to do it vicariously through you:) My husband and I did make a trip once…we rented a little scooter and drove it all the way from the ferry to Gay Head? I think it was called that. Where the cliffs are. That poor scooter with two rotund Texans on it all that way…It groaned and moaned and we pushed with our feet at times. My bottom was so sore the next day I made him drop me off in Edgartown and shopped while he took the scooter back. What a wonderful vacation we had and we laughed til we cried. Roses and hydrangeas-it really is paradise! xoxo
This post…this post…about nothing is everything…..💕 I have to go back to read it again…and look at that Jack peeking over the door and the path to the beach…just delightful reading and photos! I am waiting for my summer girls (Kate, Isabel, Tara and Emma ) to arrive at Robinhill so we can sew and paint and go to thrift shops and make pots of tea….my Kate will be driving in the fall and I have to take in every minute this summer as her grandmother….Thank you for your lovely post Susan! xoE
Gerald Durrell is a fabulous writer, and Birds, Beasts, and Relatives (the book about his family’s time on Corfu) is laugh out loud funny.
Susan,
Long lazy summer kept going through my head reading your post. But the days, weeks, months and years fly by so quickly for me nowadays nothing is long. I enjoy it anyway!
Remember when we were kids it seemed summer lasted forever. We have had two batches of company and that was nice, after a week long trip to Ohio to visit and celebrate my granddaughter’s marriage.
I started a new quilt project today. Love,love, love the fabrics. This one is for me!
Glad you are enjoying your nothingness ❤️
I love this sometimes I feel.guilty doing nothing but I will do nothing with a new mindset
So thrilled for your trip next year back to England…can not wait to travel along with you via the internet…so exciting!!!!
….And your birds are eating Nothing! 🙂
Just curious, do you love The Great British Baking Show? The bunting makes me think of you! England and baking…sounds like your cup of tea!
So lovely, visiting Martha’s Vineyard is on my bucket list. What a lovely and magical place to live. Thanks for sharing all the lovely photos. I now want banana cream pie! ha ha
Always love hearing from you!
The whole time I’m reading I’m thinking…how can ‘nothing’ be so beautiful!
I am finally digging into the pages of “The Forgotten Garden” by Kate Morton and I am hooked! I cannot believe I waited this long to read it. Reminds me to enjoy summer….its ok not to rush. And be a human being not a human ‘doing.’
Your garden is so beautiful. I am trying to grow a few tomatoes without much success. I think the key is to plant a little later here.
That cottage!! So cute. It looks right out of a fairytale book. So exciting.:)
I know it’s July but I’ve put your new calender on a list I’ll give my husband. Future Christmas wishes!
Tomorrow I am making a ham dinner for guests…couldn’t think of a dessert. So a choice between Rhubarb cake or Banana cream pie sounds good! Do we need two desserts? I say we do 😄
Susan have a beautiful week…doing beautiful nothing!!
Hi Susan,
Congratulations on “doing nothing”. It’s a fine pastime. I’m one of those who thinks I have to be doing something all the time. I’m working on learning the art of relaxing. So this summer I’m taking time to reread some of your books & my favorite Gladys Taber.
I hope you continue to enjoy your summer. Love the pics from the Vineyard.
I got my blotter calendar today and so happy the paper is much better. Can’t wait to see your posts next year in that fabulous cottage. Enjoy the summer.
Hello Susan, I’m so happy to hear that you and Joe are relaxing and enjoying doing nothing, summer is a time to rest and daydream. You are one of my kindred spirits, and I’m happy to read you, whenever you post a thought or two. I know that creativity needs time to wonder. Enjoy your summer soul sister 😍.
Will fly to England on Fri (July 7th) & will visit Downton Abby & Village on the11th—cannot wait!! Later will visit Sissinghurst & Great Dixter— 2 weeks of places we’ve never taken the time to see— now we are!Wish you were going w/ us!!
Susan, I am so happy that you are finding some “nothing” time. You certainly deserve it. Just love the cottage that you and Joe will be staying in next year. I received my 2018 calendar last week from your California team and I must say, they were speedy-quick in the delivery…many thanks to them! Can’t believe August is around the corner. Loved seeing Martha’s Vineyard from your view. Give Jack some loving from me. DeLynn
Susan, will the little saucer under the bluebird cup be available for purchase?
I found that in an antique store years back. It doesn’t have anything written on the back, but maybe I can find something like it and put a little art on it someday in the future.
I love, love,love your hollyhocks – and Jack.
Dear Susan –
I hope it’s not to late to order a bluebird tea mug. Tomorrow I am planning to place an order for both the mug and “Gratitude” to celebrate being healthy and enjoying good news from my doctor.
Your blog always lifts my heart and spirit. Peace & Blessings to you and Joe.
SO HAPPY FOR GOOD NEWS!!!
My favorite thing to do right now is picking vegetables and herbs from the garden and fixing a meal. Sometimes it’s the ordinary things that bring the most happiness. I absolutely love where you live. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I have only one thing on my bucket list….to spend a summer at the Cape. Wish me luck!
XOXO Luck!
We will be walking the grounds of Highclere Castle in 2 weeks!!! Also visiting the Cotswolds.My Anglophile dreams coming true!🇬🇧🌺🌸🌻❤️
Dear Susan,
Now this is what summer should be like… just floating and doing or not doing whatever comes to mind. I too spend time on an island in summer though not nearly as charming and historical as Martha’s Vineyard. I’m on Madeline Island which is just a short ferry ride from Bayfield WI. Instead of pretty gardens we have acres of wild lupine. But the Big Water of Lake Superior give us a feeling of life near the ocean and at the same time, the experience of the north woods.
Thanks for always adding charm and delight to my day with your wonderful blogs.
Thank you for the travel picture! xoxo
Dear Susan,
“Listen to the quiet where dreams are born.”
What a beautiful quote at the perfect time! On the first day of Summer at the age of 57 I resigned from my work as a Special Ed High School Para-educator.
It is time to listen to my quiet to see what dreams and adventures are ahead.
Thank-you Susan for all the inspiration you share and bless us with, I am forever grateful.
“Oh, I adore to cook. It makes me feel so mindless in a worthwhile way.” ~Truman Capote
The blissful “nothing” makes life wonderfully full! Thank you for sharing! Love your painting of the little girl boldly marching up to the chalkboard in her dreamy star-adorned dress. I feel sure she is destined for great things! It reminds me of moments as a child when I felt positively invincible- climbing cherry blossom trees, jumping grassy knolls on my brother’s mountain bike and galloping barely broken horses! Summer is a magical time. I love making my husband breakfast on Saturday mornings. Do any of your books have a pancake recipe in them?
P.S. We could use some of that crisp air in Alabama- nothing but sticky heat and tornado weather here!
I haven’t seen the new video about the Durrells, but I have watched the old original one called “My Family and Other Animals” twice, it’s utterly charming. See if you can find it and compare. We checked it out from the library, so that might be an option.
Doing nothing is so VITALLY important and we have generations coming up behind us who have never experienced it and are actually fearful of it. How very sad.
I can’t help but think constantly about history these days, how important it is, and how wonderful it is to know where we come from.
For several days now, I’ve been needing a Susan Branch Blog to bolster my spirits . . . and lo and behold – here it is!!! You read my mind!! And what a wonderful blog it is, giving me permission to simply be, and to enjoy the simplicity of life’s precious little gifts. I watch the chubby little brown bunnies hop around my yard, enjoying a breakfast of red clover and grass, while the red-breasted robins sing an early morning song to start my day. On my way to open the shop, I marvel at the rolling hills, fields of cornstalks and clumps of orange day lillies that line the edge of the road. A phone call from one daughter, and a text message with pictures from another daughter, are the highlights of my day, as my heart nearly bursts with love for these two precious young women. Thank you for validating what I have always believed . . . . that ordinary days are the best days, that doing “nothing” brings incredible joy and peace to one’s soul.
And since I can never get enough of your wonderful blogs, I’m already anticipating your next blog about Downton Abbey’s Highclere Castle!! My husband and I were blessed to have visited there in the fall of 2013. My favorite room was the library – the books, the fireplace, the play of sunlight on the wood . . . . I can’t wait to hear about your favorite part of the “Abbey”! Thank you, Susan, for the stunning photographs you share, as well as the pictures that you paint with your words. You are definitely one of my most favorite Girlfriends ever!!!!
I love taking time for nothingness. It’s inspiring and rejuvenating. I was completely charmed by the actress playing Anne. I’ve neither seen nor heard of her before but I’m certain she has a great future ahead of her. I, too, hope they have a second season. I really enjoyed watching your little painting video and would love seeing more. You are so talented and your style/subject is a welcome change from the current norm. Did I miss a posting that may have had updates about your books being turned into a movie/s? Good luck in that arena.
This is my favorite post ever! Thank you, Susan! You see the beauty in everything!!
I can’t wait to see our house inside!! Lucky us. *S*
Dear Susan,
I so look forward to your posts, for they bring delight and inspiration. Bless you for your beautiful illustrations and apt quotations. Long may you continue to bring such joy !
Very best wishes,
Judith Williams
To quote Mooch and Earl from Mutts comics, thank you for the Gift of Nothing.
Your “nothing” post made me feel all happy and giddy inside! And “Anne with an E” – oh my goodness….fell IN LOVE with it! I’m so hoping they do another season…just as I hope you will continue your blog posts…even when about “nothing” as they always make my heart sing.
Much love and gratitude,
Barbara
Thank you Barbara, and to everyone who I’m not getting to answer this morning! I’ve been reading everyone’s luvlee comments for two hours now, and I still have 193 to read … so I can’t answer them all, but please know I LOVE them, taking them all to heart, learning new things, as I always do, from you wonderful Girlfriends! 💞
Hi Susan,
Oh my. What, England again??? You know, I’m going to pop on my Karnak the Magnificent turban and make a little prediction…..you and Joe are going to retire there. You have enough connections and from the little hints I have been seeing about your upcoming movie, which I think will be beyond successful, you and Joe will be able to BUY your own little slice of heaven over there. Just to visit any time you want, if not to live there full time and visit MV when the spirit moves you. How’s that for a prediction? Oh, why don’t we just toss in dual citizenship while we’re at it, just to save the paperwork? Blessings on your head, my dear. Fabulous blog and I LOVE seeing you paint in your little video!! Why don’t you do a whole DVD of that for people like me who need a kick in the pants to pick up their paintbrush more often? Oh my gosh! You think maybe that would sell?? You have no idea! I think that would tie in spectacularly with your new movie! I’ll just be waiting over here for the news.
Best wishes,
LOL, love the tossing in of the dual citizenship! I don’t think it’s as easy to move (or to use other words “immigrate”) to England or anywhere in this new world of ours. So a blessing out of the sky of dual citizenship would be a very good start! YOU are the girl with the ideas! xoxoxo thank you!
I’ve had the same thoughts as did Lauri. You can also take Jack with you….the quarantine rules have been relaxed over the years. Last time I checked he would just need vet records and microchip.
PS Have been using my beautiful mugs and along with the beautiful artwork, I love the fact that that the mugs are as wonderfully thin as the finest china tea cups.
Thank you!
So nice to hear that Elizabeth. Me too, I’ve used them every day since I got them and just love them. I’m so happy I get to do them! Jack is next to me right now, I just buried my hand in his fur and asked him if he would like to go on an ocean liner. His round eyes did not betray is dearest wish, which (because I’m a cat whisperer, I could hear) was no thank you, I like it right here, and you stay too. 😻
Oh, GOODY!! I planted a seed!!! I did a good thing!!! YAY!!!! May it take root and reach for the sky and clouds over that blessed plot you love so much!! Now that I think about it, you DO have a certain number of friends over there….so why couldn’t one of them sidle up to Princess Katie during Royal Ascot and drop a hint or two about getting your foot in the door? In fact, bribery in the form of original artwork or a set of your lovely mugs wouldn’t be beneath me if I were you. See what happens when I get rolling? GO FOR IT GIRL!!!!
Susan, I couldn’t resist. I HAD to look. See the copied info below. Food for thought…..it seems challenging, but NOT impossible!!!
1. Check if you can apply
There are different ways to become a British citizen. The most common is called ‘naturalisation’.
You can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation if:
you’re 18 or over
you’re of good character, for example, you don’t have a serious or recent criminal record, and you haven’t tried to deceive the Home Office or been involved in immigration offences in the last 10 years
you’ll continue to live in the UK
you’ve met the knowledge of English and life in the UK requirements, you meet the residency requirement
And you must usually have:
lived in the UK for at least the 5 years before the date of your application
spent no more than 450 days outside the UK during those 5 years
spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
had settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) in the UK for the last 12 months if you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
had permanent residence status for the last 12 months if you’re a citizen of an EEA country – you need to provide a permanent residence document
not broken any immigration laws while in the UK
There are different requirements if your spouse or civil partner is a British citizen.
You can’t include any time spent in the UK when you’re exempt from immigration control (for example, as a diplomat or member of visiting armed forces) as part of the 5 years.
Interesting, no? Good luck!!!!
Oh, forgot to mention, the above info refers to people already living there. But you can “apply to settle” just to live there short or long term. Look it up. GOV.UK
There ARE things you have to do in certain order, but again, it’s do-able!
Only thing is, you know, our long foundation here, our friends, families, history. If I was 40, I know I would do it, for the adventure of it all. But you know? Never say never. xoxo
Much easier than I thought.
LOL, you are so funny, Lauri, sidling up to Princess Katie! Believe me, Joe and I have thought about it more than once, rather constantly, you see how often we go. But then there is HOME HOME HOME, our house, our life, my best girlfriend who lives only one house over. It’s dangerous to travel and fall in love with far-away places.
It hasn’t be easy for me as you know.
Yes, I do know. One reason I have to wonder the real-life-ness of it. xoxo
I get it. A major change like that later in life is a HUGE adjustment. But if you don’t want to do the citizenship thing, maybe there is something like what they used to call a time share, where you get dibs on a cottage a certain time of year? That might be more cost effective, or not, I don’t know. You know, maybe the acid test is to ask yourself the what if game. What if a genie waved his wand and made it possible for you to own your cottage across the pond. Totally free. A long lost somebody turned up their toes and you ended up inheriting the cottage. Cost as obstacle now removed. Now we have the paperwork. Applying to settle, as they call it over there, without actually having to become a citizen. That is, if I understood it correctly. Let’s say that application is approved without difficulty. Would the siren song from the British Isles become louder? Or, would the roots of family and home win out? It depends on what you value most. I suspect I know that answer to that one. But I STILL think you can do this without giving up your home, family and American as Apple Pie identity and follow your bliss! You just do it in bite sized pieces, the same way you would eat an elephant. And as to traveling to faraway places being dangerous…..my dear, you do that every time you pick up a book about those places, look at the pictures and read the accounts of those who have gone before us. And lived to tell the tale! Just a thought. Oh, and wouldn’t it be great if that genie could whip up one of those Star Trek transporters! Just hop onto it and in a twinkle, there you are! Just think! No more jet lag! Boy do we need those things! And by the way….remember those replicator thingy’s they had on the show? Created anything you wanted from matter. Guess what? We are on our way with that one thanks to 3-D printers. We’re getting there. Slowly but surely. Ah, the future and it’s possibilities! And remember, we look to the future based upon our current reality where we are now. We don’t know what that is going to look like in five, ten, twenty years. We shouldn’t draw a line in the sand because we could be limiting ourselves in some way that might not be necessary then! All we have is NOW. Keep an open mind!
3-D printers have a wee drawback, in that they can make weapons! Eeek! Robots! Eeek! I would like to have a “Bewitched” nose! I’m up for more magic and less reality! The way they are selling drones to children these days, by making them toys. Later I don’t think they will be so toy-like. But that’s why I love living where I do, it’s a step back in time. Picnics, moonlit nights, the smell of mown grass, these are the things I love. And they are free.
I understand about your much loved home, and family roots, but who said anything about having to give any of that up? You have SO MANY loyal girlfriends, that fact alone is a huge plus, no matter what happens with the movie deal.
I realize getting it funded is a challenge in these crazy days. I think that issue is the biggest hurdle you are facing at the moment. But IF the money comes and the movie goes into production, you are more than halfway there! I realize that the movie production has to get paid for too, somehow, so there’s that.
In my mind, once that magic gets made, that’s it. They sky’s the limit. There is no having to sell your beloved home and give up family and friends. You will come and go as you please and your family and friends can come visit you in England.
Oh, what the heck, maybe the Queen will let them borrow the HMS Britannia for the weekend, if she doesn’t have any plans? Susan, as my hubby likes to say, whatever happens, it will have a life of it’s own and everything will happen as it is intended to. Have NO fear. Keep the faith!
I think if I had any extra money I would get Holly Oak back and play house with it for maybe the rest of my life! All dreams of course, but good ones to have … and even now, the great dream of going back to England again, back to the Lake District again, that’s enough, more than enough … lucky lucky lucky.
Oh my goodness, as if a summer full of nothing was not enough, now another trip to look forward to! Anticipation is such a lovely thing. What a great bunch of planning can be done in our heads while we are doing nothing. Enjoy the rest of summer!
It’s been my experience that kitties love it when their humans do absolutely nothing! So a Happy Summer to Jack! And I love your little thatched cottage. How cosy!
Nothingness. That’s why after teaching for 42 years, I love retirement! Early morning exercise, “coffee” time with friends, leisurely lunches, time for my favorite hobby, genealogy and porch sitting time!
Oh, the joy of a summer of “doing nothing”. Good for you – enjoy each moment. Especially liked your photo of the hydrangea. We have lived in this home for 10 wonderful years. I planted hydrangeas the first year and each year…underwhelming. Four plants, never really thrived, lucky if I got a few blooms. SO here comes this year – and we are downsizing, moving, changing it all up for the next chapter of our lives, and the hydrangeas are BEAUTIFUL. The nicest they have ever been. I am not upset to leave them…the new family will love them. And until then I have been taking them to friends – some to a friend who is getting treatments, some in a little vase just because, and some in a mason jar with a flag tucked in for dinner over the 4th of July weekend to my old friend! Pleasure in sharing. No doing nothing here…packing and getting ready for the move. In between I thought this might be a good time to start a blog….and if I don’t get to it every day, so what ? Today was packing all the books I will NEED to keep. Trying to keep the boxes small, but I am already feeling sorry for the movers – they are small but heavy. Can’t wait to settle in and make the new space our own cozy home….and get a Susan Branch calendar for my new spot!
It sounds to me like you are doing a lot more than nothing. Thank you for the lovely post. Look forward to hearing more about next years trip to England & the charming rental home.
Susan,
I aspire to this blissful state as soon as our move is over and ive sufficiently feathered our new nest.
Enjoy your summer. You and Joe are deserving of a nice break after the very busy year youve enjoyed.
xo,
Karen
Susan,
The nothingness is where creativity is born. It reminds me of the white margins which are necessary to give the eye rest, but only to yearn for more.
Nothing calms the soul and is a place where the embers reignite.
Ruth B. (OH–) The Inklings
Oh Susan – your blogs always make me feel so good. I thank you for that. I couldn’t help but wonder if you had seen Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages that I see on PBS. It so reminds me of your book “A fine Romance: Falling in Love with the English Countryside” and all the times you share on this blog your visits to the English villages.
Thank you for this comment Linda. I’ve been enjoying this Hidden Villages series on PBS too, and wanted to tell Susan, but forgot Penelope’s name. The Cotswolds on July 4 was wonderful. I turned off the fireworks and went back to watch it 🙂 .
I’m so excited I get to comment this time1 Usually there are hundreds of comments before I see your post has changed! You make doing nothing look delightful! Your bluebird cup is my favorite so far! Love that Thatched Covered Cottage you have picked for your next England stay.
Nice to hear from you Marlynne!
Where do you look, to find vacation homes in England? I’ve been retired for two whole days and I’m ready for adventure!
You just Google self catering cottages in England (or wherever you want to go), and put in the area of the country you’d like to stay and you’ll get all sorts of choices! With lots of pictures too. Things to check on: You want your car to be somewhere in the vicinity of the house! No long treks from town with your luggage to the top of some hill (learnt the hard way!). Probably you’d like a shower (tubs are most popular), maybe you want to bring a dog? You want Wifi? A fireplace? A pub within walking distance? A washer and dryer? These are good questions to ask. Happy retirement Terry!
Thanks a bunch! I wouldn’t have thought of ANY of this. And what a great way to visit England – I’ve done the “England and Scotland in a week” thing a couple of times now, and this sounds so much better.
We used to go over there and “see as much as possible.” Which meant we saw almost nothing. We were always packing to move to the next place, or unpacking in the new hotel, and never walking the lanes or seeing the same person more than once. Then we decided to stop, get a place and stay a while. It has made ALL the difference.
Happy Retirement – it’s the BEST ! Wishing you health and happiness in your retirement!
Hi Susan! I notice you often write “just in cases”and believe this is a reference to the movie
Love Actually. I wondered if you have seen Red Nose Actually? It is a mini sequel to the original movie with many of the same cast members. I thought if you haven’t, you could look it up on YouTube while you are doing “Nothing Actually” 😀 Loving all you share with us and hoping you will visit Canada someday!
I haven’t seen it!!! But I’ve got it now and will watch. I do so love the original movie. The premise is perfect. Love, Actually!
I loved this post! This summer has been so stressful for me for reasons I won’t share here. I need to start taking care of myself. Eating better, walking, and working on myself — those are my goals. I’m so glad you’re having a lovely summer and have a fun trip to look forward to! I so want to travel to England one day. Enjoy the warm days of July! 🙂
Thank you for this….I needed it desperately! Just starting a daily 3 digit summer in Texas with humidity to boot! AHHHHHHHH!!!!
Life is always better when a Susan Branch post pops up! Your summer looks divine and oh, what a pretty place to spend it! All those hydrangeas! And of course that wonderful water! Like you, I’m summering by the water (little water — a wonderful inland lake in Northern Michigan) with a black and white cat, watercolors, fresh sweet cherries and warm, lovely days. Don’t you wish all in the world could know what we know firsthand? Gratitude isn’t nearly big enough for all the good of summer this year!
Keep being joyful!
Dear Susan, Many thanks for sharing your “nothingness” with me. You do nothing very well, I might say! You have a beautiful soul & I’m right proud to know you~Julia in Cincy but born & raised in Virginia
Your roses by the white picket fence take my breath away !!!
Have you read The Road to Little Dribbling? Funny and delightful as the author walks small villages and coastlines in England. You’d enjoy it!
Thankyou for giving me permission to “take time for myself” 🙂 It’s winter here in Perth so lovely to snuggle up under warm blankets with a good book. Our winter is almost like spring here so there’s no complaints.
Lovely post! So summery, I love it, and………I have been waiting ions for you to post a bit of video of you painting!!!!!! So thrilled it finally happened!! Thank You!
Enjoy the rest of the summer, they go by fast!
I love doing nothing! Getting better at not feeling guilty about it too. We watch The Durrells also, and just started watching My Mother and Other Strangers. Have you seen it yet? We are getting ready for our annual trip to London. So we are re-watching Downton Abbey. Finally we were able to get tickets to visit Highclere. Can’t wait!! We are even going to a dinner with Churchill’s granddaughter speaking. Thank you for all your inspiration and all that you do!
Fondly, Frances
How wonderful, Churchill’s granddaughter! His house, Chartwell, is a great one to see and not far from London! Highclere ~ when we were there they concentrated more on the house and its history than Downton, and it was so interesting!
Oh Susan…you know I love your posts! Even when you have “nothing new”…ha! Your life is always new everyday! I’m so glad you take the time to realize all the beauty and joy around you…and then share it with us!! We get to visit your little paradise with you and Joe..oh and of course Jack…he is so precious!
Blessings…
Gert
Love to you Gert!
😘
Dear Susan–Your roses are unbelievably beautiful! And those hydrangeas–gorgeous!
I have been a fan of Gerald Durrell’s for many years–ever since I stumbled on what I think was his first book, “The Overloaded Ark.” You probably know he grew up to be a (literally) world-famous conservationist/zoologist, and “Overloaded Ark” is the story of one of his first animal “collecting” trips in Africa.
The Masterpiece series about the Durrells is based on “The Corfu Trilogy,” a series of books he wrote about the years he and his family spent in Corfu before the Second World War. All three of the books are hilarious, and his family was endearingly eccentric (to put it mildly.) If you haven’t read the books, you’d love them! The first in the series is “My Family and Other Animals.” The scene where his family arrives in Corfu made me laugh so hard I cried. Theo, Spiro and “Gerry’s” tutor (I don’t remember if he is in the Masterpiece series) are wonderful, and fit right in with the family’s eccentricities.
The Masterpiece series played here in San Diego earlier this year, and after it played, I went back and re-read all the books. If you and Joe like the Masterpiece series, you will absolutely love the books. Although Lawrence (brother Larry) Durrell is considered an “important” writer, I think Gerald was much the better writer of the two.
Gerald wrote many books about his travels to collect animals, so there is a big “library” of works available by him; but start with the Corfu books, and you will be charmed, amused and beguiled in equal measure.
Happy Summer…….Vickey B
Thank you Vickey … I wasn’t familiar with the Durrells at all, until now! Although Joe has read at least one of the books and knew about Gerald … I’ll have to do that!
Dearest Susan. So much Joy, you bring to us all. I do hope that my gift and photos arrived safe and sound? I am so glad you are enjoying your wonderful summer in a slow mode. It took me many years to learn that too. Continue to enjoy life and all it holds. Love Gayle Hall
I did Gayle, you are so kind! xoxo
You lucky lucky girl!!! ANOTHER time to spend in the Old Country…hope it will be just as lovely as the one this year!!
Thanks Susan! I was just missing your update and even peeked in last week – thinking maybe I missed it! Love your life! 💚
Susan, your blog was just what I needed tonight! Somehow you always seem to post it when I need to read something uplifting. Loved the short little video of you painting the cup, and yes, I did hear the beautiful waltz from Miss Potter, one of my most favorite movies. I must order a bluebird cup! It is fabulous and lovely!! Have you inquired about the possibility of a simple tea trivet yet? Something to go with anyone’s teapot but very characteristic of you…. I hope so! The little English cottage is a dream of mine, also. Don’t know if I will ever have the opportunity to travel to the countryside of England, but that’s my plan. If and when I do, your book will be my guide.
XXOO,
Kathy
Yes, on the tea trivet, I’ve inquired from the same company that makes the little teapot-shaped plate. Just waiting to see how my color looks on their things. I’ll be sure to let everyone know as soon as I do! I’m SO excited about that little cottage. We sometimes don’t get organized in time to get the really cute places, this time we’re trying harder. It doesn’t have to be big, or modern, but I will so love having a wood fire after a day of walking hill and dale! I’m always inspired by charm, small and sweet. Can’t wait to paint inside this little place!
Hi Susan, It’s your pesky “idea” girlfriend again!
Imagine somewhere in that not too distant future that I forsaw for you and Joe living in England….imagine the opportunities you will have to deal directly with china manufacturers….imagine the DEALS you could wrangle as a CITIZEN and therefore the discounts that you could send along to your dearest girlfriends back on the shores of your homeland! Oh there is still the shipping issue….but maybe they have something over there that could help out with that expensive dilemma? Ohhhhh…the possibilities!!!! I’ll put a cork in it now. Have a good evening and sweet dreams of England!
Shipping has gotten so outrageous! Even in America, and sending gifts to my friends in England is crazy. It’s by far the biggest bill we pay every month … and the big guys, like Amazon, get special deals they don’t give the little peeps like us, so they can ship free, but if we do, we go out of business. Really unfair!! So, I’m looking for a retailer in England who will carry my cups so our English girlfriends can get one without the craziness … Love all your ideas, because somewhere in every idea is a kernel of genius to run with! xoxo
Oh, I’ll tell ya…that Amazon is getting way too big for their britches! This is turning into a retail world domination bit, like their evil twin Walmart. I’ll stop there. I think finding an English retailer would be wonderful! Hopefully they will go along with giving a break to your girlfriends in the shipping fees? I really appreciate your feedback. Not to brag, but you aren’t the first person to accuse me of being a genius! But you know what? I just got another one of those little light bulbs over my head! What if…..you know how some folks get frequent flyer miles? Well, why isn’t there some kind of membership system for an international shipping line where a customer gets a monthly invoice and based upon how much they buy, they get a shipping discount??? And if they want to, they can transfer those shipping credits to another party as a gift if they wish? It’s basically a credit card that is solely intended to pay for international shipping, and a person can make monthly payments for membership. That means when they do buy something overseas, then they SHOULD get a price break because they are paying a monthly fee? Susan, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this little arrangement didn’t already exist in some form with major shippers, like Maersk. Now, put THAT in your corncob pipe and smoke it! Whaddya think?
Oh, they have that, Amazon gets “frequent flyer miles” for shipping every day. That’s why they can afford to ship for free! All the big companies get it. For a long time we were so small that the PO wouldn’t even come to our house to pick up packages. We had to load up the car and drive into town and stand in line at the PO! They come now, thank goodness.
Well, well, well….will ya looky here! I started to look up international shipping companies and the subject of price fixing and see what I found! http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/fbi-subpoenas-top-carriers-in-antitrust-investigation.
The article says a bunch of the shippers got a measly $14,500 fine each for their criminal activities, which is a laugh, because that fine is so low they can afford to basically ignore the law, which smacks of collusion with the DOJ, but I digress……. the bottom line is that finally the DOJ and the powers that be are beginning to look at these creeps and maybe it will take some time, but I think when the shipping companies get enough bad press that their stocks fall off steeply and it hits THEM in their profit margins and they HAVE to change their evil ways, then we should see some change, but who knows how long that will take! Anyway, something will eventually have to give. Wouldn’t it be loverly if the service I proposed actually came to be? I would love to just get one started, but I don’t think my credit union would back my check to buy the freighter?
Then there’s air freight ~ Fedex and UPS ~ because shipping on the sea is cheaper but takes a very long time. Two things we the people should start on our own: a REAL insurance company, and a shipper! What you think about those fines is true. So that the little guy, which would be us, is discouraged to sue the big guy, the laws are written (with the help of lobbyist’s money to our reps) so the little guy can’t win too much, and the fine against the big guy is a drop in the bucket. Oh it’s a racket alright! But anyway . . .
Dear Susan,
What a great post. Time to do Nothing is the best time of all and pretty hard to come by in life as we know it. The pictures were perfect. Happy Summer.
Lillian
Same to you Lillian!
Dearest Susan,
Loveliest of surprises, to end this day with a post from you!! Happy 4th of July!
Nothing, and more nothingness, how wonderfull, to take the time to do nothing!! I have a feeling we should all try to do more nothing….Oh, dearest Jack, adorable as ever!!
I am still recoverng from a lovely week in London, spending time with our oldest, Tim. We had such a good time, seeing lots, doing lots, having tea at Fortnum & Masons, seeing fabulous portraits and enjoying Adele in Wembley!
We also spent a day at Hampton Court, taking the boat back to London.
If you’re ever in the area, I can highly recommend it!
And then you show us the CUTEST of cottages, and so it seems you are starting to plan another trip across the pond….!!?? Can’t wait to hear your plans, and I’m keeping EVERYTHING crossed that you will have another picnic for the girlfriends!
Lots of love and PLEASE wish me luck, that I won’t cry my eyes out when Tim leaves for China (on his own-for a month!) this sunday…..
Love
Nicoline
xxxxxx
I know you will cry your eyes out Nicoline! So far away. But he’ll be back before you know it and better for it. Your trip to London sounds wonderful! I’m already thinking about a picnic … I’ll let you know!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing your trip. I especially like the teapot you are doing, I hope it turns out just fine. Will make a perfect Christmas Gift. I just started my card business, if you would like to visit go on google and put in grannyflosscollection.com
I started it when I was going through Cancer treatment working with my hands made me feel relaxed. The cards are named after my Granny and are reproductions of my hand-stitched pictures that reminisce of pastimes.
I just love your work and look forward to getting it, it’s like getting a gift. I like to save it late at night when I can have quiet time and relax.
Enjoy the rest of your summer. Take Care! Judy
Same to you Judy!
Watching you paint reminded me of when I used to paint when I lived in Alaska. Most people don’t realize how unforgiving watercolor painting is…unlike oils you have to literally go with the flow! Loved the video–hope you do more of them showing you working (or as the case may be-playing!).
Beauregard (the stray cat I took in last Fall) is not a happy camper right now with all the thoughtless people shooting off illegal fireworks –it has sounded like we live in a war zone for the last week and probably another week–makes me hate this holiday–4 house fires and an apartment complex fire
due to fireworks—just yesterday. Glad to know it is tranquil somewhere.
Also glad to know you are not suffering the horrendous temperatures of the West. Thanks for a lovely post –happy for you that you get to go to England again. Linda from Idaho where it was 99 (90 at 10PM ) and 101 for tomorrow followed by 103 on Saturday.!!! My flowers are NOT happy !!
Goodness Linda! Idaho is so beautiful! Hopefully all the fire working will stop soon, and coolness will settle in for the rest of the season! Hugs to Beauregard!
Dearest Susan
I’m lying in bed reading this latest beautiful blog of nothingness 😂
It’s getting late here – a quarter to eight am! But we have been up in the night with a darling new puppy and the heat here…..and taking it in turns to have a lie in!
The day is starting hot and we have doggit walks ahead, in woods, shade and rivers of cool nothingness planned!!
Enjoy your creativity during the calm and glad you all had a happy Fourth of July !
Can’t wait to see where you’re going to stay in that adorable cottage ❤️
Love to you three
Karen x x x
Cambridge
U.K. 🇬🇧
Hi Karen! Enjoy your day and the new puppy! There needs to be “rent a dog” for travelers and walkers in England … everyone has a dog but us! xoxo
Always enjoying your posts Susan! I too am in love with England, only I get there much faster. Drive to France from Holland, take the traintunnel and start driving on the left. My husband that is……
Must be a very interesting drive! How long does it take?
No not really, it is only highways till Calais and takes about 5 hours. The interesting part comes when you get to England. But you know all about that!
I know it would take forever, but what if you took the side roads? Would it be pretty?
Trying to get to the point of being able to do nothing. For me though, “nothing” means doing things that I WANT to do and I’ve done a bit of that recently, love it.
So grateful for you, Joe and Jack coming into my home with calming words and ideas.
Thank you for being here Jo’L!
That thatch roof cottage is a dream come true! Well, it didn’t really come true for me, but if it did it would be so awesome! I’ve always collected thatch roof cottages in art and little statues. That one is just adorable – can’t wait to see the inside when you are in it! Have you seen “The Secret of Roan Inish? Great Irish movie complete with the thatch roof cottages. I think your nothing days sound wonderful and you deserve it after working so hard on so many things.
I’ll watch it! Thank you Jan!
Dear Susan,
Next time you come to England, please, please fit in a visit to Grey’s Court, a National Trust house near Henley, with a unique atmosphere. None of it can quite be conveyed in photos. You will LOVE the kitchen, and the enchanting kitchen garden, and if you’re here in May, the wisteria is stunning and the quality of light is just magical. A perfect place to come any time of year, and enjoy the art of ‘doing nothing’ except drinking it all in! Thank you for your books, blogs and spirit, Deborah (American living in Oxfordshire)
I added it to our list! Thank you Deborah!
Homes are so beautiful up there! We are getting ready for our vacation to Acadia National Park! Meeting our son in Boston, then up to Maine. Can’t wait to see some of the quaint villages up on the way. Thanks for the gorgeous photos of Martha’s Vineyard! What a wonderful place to call home!
Love the pink roses and hollyhocks! Mine are a deep pink very close to red. I love hearing that you are going on another trip over the pond….we get to go along too thru your photos and stories!
Yes you do! Love to have you!
Thank you for this beautiful post and pictures. I wish I could post here pictures of the shelf I made with your help. I save all of my outdated SB calendars and use the pictures for projects. The summer quote you posted above I used on my shelf. Decopauged that and some other pics on a shelf I painted with a color called English Hyacinth. Placed it above my sink and put some knick knacks on it. I love it and it’s soooooo much nicer than the ugly paper towel holder that used to be there. Makes doing dishes that much nicer. Have a wonderful summer!
Ahhh, creativity!
Two things always leave me in a sublime state of peace: 1. a trip to the botanical gardens. 2. Reading your blog. Thank you!
Deep bow of gratitude. xoxo
Well that was a whole lot of nothing!! And I loved it! Thank you for sharing with us, Susan. I predict that someday your home with be on the national register of historic places and people will go there to tour it much like they do Beatrix Potter’s home. “That’s where Susan Branch wrote all her lovely books.” ☺ Visiting Marthas Vineyard is on my list of places I want to visit. Every time I read one of your posts, that desire gets stronger. Have a beautiful day!
You’re not far Robin!
I’m am reading this in my lunch hour, and as usual I am mesmerised. It’s been a good summer so far here in the UK, just waiting for a thunderstorm to arrive, then it is back to nice weather ❤️
Love Rachel xx
Oh Susan, that Cottage is to die for! Continue to enjoy your Summer of “nothingness”…..perfection!
Carla
Good morning Susan,
So glad you’re enjoying your summer at home doing nothing and loving it! It’s one of my favorite things to do:)
We are planning a trip to the vineyard (squeals of excitement). I thought I remembered you having a tab of places to go and things to see on your blog, but I only see events. You talked about a lovely hotel and lobster boils to go, and picnic baskets packed to take to the beach. Favorite places that you love to eat and walks on the beach off the beaten path. Am I dreaming?
I would appreciate it so if you could jog my memory or tell me I’m crazy:)
I can’t wait to visit! I’m a first timer.
Cindy
Go to our Chamber of Commerce website, they give lots of information. Also, the minute you get here, grab the newspaper. Every single thing there is to do each week is in the paper! Things change and grow every year, this is the way to find out about them.
Girlfriend!!!! I LOVE, Love ,love your way of doing Nothing.
XOXO Thank you Deborah!
You are the “master of the white space” 🙂 White space is so necessary, especially when illustrated with your beautiful artwork (in this case your words and pictures in a blog post). Thank you for showing us that even Susan Branch can do NOTHING! That’s amazing. But yet, you do even that so well!! Happy Summer. Enjoy. You certainly deserve a break from busy-ness.
One of my favorite jokes of my dad’s: Why did the moron keep hitting himself in the head with a hammer? Because it felt so good when he stopped! xoxo
Good morning, Susan! I, too, love do-nothing days, when I can do a little cleaning in the morning (so I don’t feel guilty – why is that!?) and sit and read the rest of the day. I’m currently reading Adriana Trigiani’s newest book, “Kiss Carlo”. I highly recommend it! Your English cottage looks like a dream, and I am happy to hear you’ll be going back to England in 2019. I love travelling, vicariously, with you on Twitter. Your banana pie looks scrumptious. Hmmm – that’s my son-in-law’s favorite; I know what I’ll be doing today! Have a wonderful day. 😊
I already can tell you’ve cut out a red letter one for yourself Linda! xoxo