If you haven’t gotten your Willard yet, you will soon! It began going out Tuesday morning (that’s today!), so everyone should have it by Friday. There are a few surprises in there, I don’t want to give them away, so in the meantime . . . MUSICA! Let’s travel a bit, shall we? Good old comfy armchair travel. Let’s take our kitty with us.
But first, Oh Dash! Oh Victoria! Oh Lord M! Prince Albert and his selfish, cruel “Uncle Leopold!” Tell me no secrets and I’ll tell you no lies. Sunday night’s Victoria was a teary one. I did like the puppy though, all was not lost.
A cold and dreary wet day it is out here in the wild Atlantic ocean. But I have my wee cup of Constant Comment in my Castle Cottage cup, the fire is burning, can’t really ask for anything more. I thought I might take us to Scotland today! I hear lots of you are going to Scotland, or might go, or want to go, so if you do, I thought I’d show you a wonderful castle we stayed in, maybe you would like to stay there too. So off we go to the land of clans, lochs, lairds, lads and lasses, Bonny Prince Charlie, Outlander, and Balmoral, the beloved home of Queen Victoria.
It was late evening when we went looking for the two rooms that our friend Elizabeth had “found online.” We were traveling together, Joe and I, Elizabeth and Mike ~ she had no idea what this place would be like and neither did we. But how could we go wrong, we were together and having a great time.
Through tunnels of Scottish trees we went looking for a sign that said “Stravithie” on it. It was out there somewhere, so we were told! We’d traveled up from Edinburgh that day, the long way, along the Fife coast, stopping to eat, walk along the beach, pick up sea glass, go to a fishing museum . . . it’s where the cutest little fishing villages are, all festively criss-crossed with bunting flapping in the wind ~ now we were stopping overnight on our way to St. Andrews.
I was crazy about Edinburgh, everything I loved about York, there was twice as much of it in Edinburgh . . . the red line on this map traces the world famous Fife Coast where we’d been that day.
We probably passed it twice, but finally we quit talking and started concentrating, and there it was. What a nice little sign we all thought, very low key, and a cute little guardhouse too. So far, so good!
We turned down the drive . . . the lovely drive . . . Not too fancy, kind of real . . . the suspense is building, what will we find?????
This was our first glimpse of the house . . . ooooh, aaaah . . .
We drove around to the front, and this is when we began to call it a castle. Isn’t it the MOST? Couldn’t Jane Eyre be living in that pointed turret? We were saying to Elizabeth, “Where did you say you found this?” The thrill of discovery! You really never know what you might stumble upon . . . 
The Laird of the Manor, David Chalmers, with his cute Scottish accent, came out to welcome us. We were already peering into the hall, at the doors, the heads and horns on the walls, the lamps. What mysteries lie ahead?
I thought I would show you a better photo of David. Such a very nice man! And he knows all the best restaurants!
So into the front hall we went. I loved the lamp, I loved the ceiling trim and the little bit of green. I loved the whole thing. This is David’s home, he lives here, on 30 acres of gardens and a river with his wife and two children, so it’s a home they love to share with others, because as you can imagine, it’s fascinating!
I don’t know what they call this long, deep wood-paneled room, but there is the very old head of an alligator up on top of that dresser. The hunt room, perhaps. Leathery and manly, perhaps the smoking room.
I took photos of everything! Pretty lamp, pretty molding.
The dining room was filled with old carved furniture and things from days gone by.
Elegant old china and cut glass and silver . . .
Mrs. Chalmers came in a little later . . . we could hear one of their children practicing the piano somewhere in the house. Made it even more perfect.
Very much a family home. “My parents gave it to me.” That’s what David said when we asked how he came to live here. Of course they did!
Off we went to our separate wings to see our rooms . . . Joe and I climbed the red stairs in the turret . . .
looking up as we climbed . . . those are stairs. How did they do that? We don’t know. (I take that back, I’m sure Joe knows, but it’s not even light out yet, he would not want me to wake him to get this question answered!) My job is to admire curves and shadows.
Down this hallway-sitting room we went . . . loving the furniture,
Loving the fabric . . .
Loving the lamp . . .
Loving all the lamps!
Into our charming room with a view of the lawn and the river,
. . . framed by the heavy, lined drapes you find everywhere in the UK.
We came in through the hall on the right, the bathroom is off that hall, and the kitchen is through the door on the left … We each (meaning each couple) had our own kitchen. I’m happy, Joe’s happy, everyone is happy!
Perfectly appointed, all you need, bright and clean. . .
And more . . . they’d left everything we could possibly want for breakfast, Scottish bacon, ham, fresh eggs, sweet rolls, bread, butter, jam, tea, milk, juice, yogurt and cereal, a feast! And the table was set . . .
So pretty in front of the window . . .
And the view . . . How did Elizabeth ever find such a place?! Must hang out with her more!
We unpacked, went out to dinner to a wonderful restaurant David suggested, and toasted Elizabeth, and our friendship, and Scotland, and life and all good things!
And came back to the castle under this beautiful moon . . .
XXX
The next morning, of course we had to go for a walk, across the lawn and along the river we could see from our bedroom windows.
On a path through the woods. The perfect antidote to modern times.
Let’s to church! as they said in Shakespeare in Love. Yes, let’s! A lovely quiet spot out in the middle of nowhere with a beautiful old sleepy graveyard.
I imagine this walled lawn may have been a vegetable garden at one time. But I was most curious about the little rock sitting on the stone. There was something on it.
I came closer . . .a small piece of slate or maybe granite with something scratched into it:
My imagination says it may have been here since 1993. But if I let myself go, maybe 1593. Or maybe, stretching, just plain 93, as in Druids. We don’t know, but we didn’t touch it, left it as it was for other lucky travelers to happen upon. I automatically think very highly of the person who put it there. Little magic-maker. Hope she’s reading this. Love is the Law. Truly, it should be.
Back through the ancient wood the merrie folk did go.
We climbed a hill and came upon these worn stone steps and, oddly, that hole filled with water (I guess, needless to say, no one tasted it). 😜 Unmarked. No explanation. A hot tub for fairies? A little last-resort bathtub? (One of our Girlfriends suggested it was a “tail wash for dragons!”😂) But why here when there is a perfectly good river nearby? We had no idea. We saw no hose bib. I know it rains a lot here, but this much?
It’s perched on a kind of ledge, actually, the entire thing is rock. You could step behind those ferns on the left, walk off the edge and fall, maybe 20 feet? (I’m not good at falling distances.) There’s a very old, moss-covered, slippery-looking stone stairway to the bottom of the ravine that no one wanted to go on. But the boys wanted to see how deep the hole was. Nothing pulled Mike in, which was good. I stayed about this far away from it the whole time wishing I had my dangerous mastiff at my side.
And again, an answer from one of our Girlfriends. It’s a Druid’s well! It’s an actual thing. You can read more about it HERE! Fun!
Flowering things grew wild from the rocks. Because it’s Scotland. Did you know the national animal for Scotland is the Unicorn? Oh yes. Magical Scotland, land of legends and ghosts.
It was a wonderful time. If you would like to stay in a castle in Scotland, you can, so easily. Go to www.stravithiecastle.co.uk. Or write [email protected] or phone 01334 880251 It’s close to lots of nice things. And tell David we said Hello!
As promised in the new WILLARD, a Giveaway! This England, this green and pleasant land, this cup. For thee. And the book . . . a signed copy of A Fine Romance. That’s one.
And behind door number two, the new Spring cup, and one of my brand new cross stitch kits for Home Sweet Home, because they kind of match, and go together. Also for thee. Two giveaways! They won’t arrive from England until the first of April, so you’ll have to wait for spring. I’ll be away, but Sheri will make sure you get them the moment they arrive. All you need to do to sign up for both giveaways is leave a comment at the bottom of this post, where you see the teeeeeny tiny word that says, “comments,” click there, say anything, and voila, you’re in the drawing! I’ll contact you if you win, but you can come back in a few days to see if Vanna chose your name. Life is good!
Must go now . . . Say Goodbye to my muses, these . . .
And this one. I’m thinking of changing his name to Dash. Beloved puppy of mine. Have a wonderful day dear ones. Keep in touch! There are adventures and more surprises ahead! 
I just love you, and all you do. you will never know how many girlfriends you have touched , and will continue to do. Blessings to your life.
Very sweet Mary, thank you so much. xoxo
Beautiful blog. Can’t wait to read Willard on iPad. Cozy castle can’t believe it.
Getting ready to go to Myrtle Beach to see ocean and enjoy sunny days for a change from snowy northern days. Love my winter cup!!❤
This brings back wonderful memories of our trip to Scotland. Thanks for the wonderful photos and the tip about the castle.
Lovely post. I so want to go to the UK which is where my ancestors are from. Hopefully one day.
Comment/question about your adorable mugs:
I haven’t seen a design/motif I didn’t like or want. Every one is simply precious. However…I love LARGE cups of tea (with milk of course) and am wondering if you’ve considered doing like a 20 oz-er?
I know…that’s like huge (I love mine from Starbucks I must say). Just thought I’d throw it out there : )
Btw, I’ve had Isle of Dreams for like 2 years and was just waiting for the perfect time to read it and that time came in the 1st few days of this year and I can’t tell you perfect the timing was and how much it inspired me. It was what I needed in several ways. So a belated thank you and big ehug from me!
~Elizabeth
Big ehug right back to you Elizabeth. I haven’t had people ask for a bigger cup so far, several have asked for a smaller one. So unless I somehow get into the full-on cup business (I’m only in it for a year right now, just to see how it goes and if anyone wants more after the year is up) 16oz is probably the biggest I will do. I’m so happy you’re enjoying Isle of Dreams!
What a wonderful post. Always love reading of your travels. Thank you
Hello Susan. I saw the preview for a Peter rabbit movie coming out soon. Do you know about it?
Yes, I’ve heard about it…what did you think?
Hi Susan, I can’t wait for our trip to Ireland! Thank you for another lovely Willard. I enjoyed reading it at about the same time of the day that you wrote it and it felt like we were the only two awake in the world. It was such a nice way to start my day.
It’s probably true Jane, we’re the only ones!
Susan, Thank you for the wonderful armchair tour of Scotland . My husband’s family comes from there, and he’s always wanted to visit . Such a dramatic, historically rich landscape . Oh and Dash , Lord M. and ‘ sins of the father ‘ … poor Albert . Poor everyone ! Definitely a ten-tissue episode for this blubbering viewer 🙁
Right there with you Joan!
Good Morning Susan! Thanks so much for sharing the magic of staying in a castle! I loved everything about it, even getting there!!! And thank you SO MUCH for the chance to win your amazing give-away, too! WOWEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Susan, Reading your post is a magical way to start the day. Thank you for sharing the beauty of life with your readers!
How magical! I can’t get over the Druid’s Well. Thank you for taking us there through your words and photos!
Dear Susan, ….you make my life so much brighter and restore my faith that there are still some really genuinely good people left in the world. I have most of your books and re-read them whenever I need a lift or inspiration.
I have a very similar story to yours in many ways…..divorce—but then found a little house that has been me and my son’s haven through the years. I love being at home and also have little things on my windowsill that have always been there and have special meaning to me. I have an old stove that I love and would never want to trade for something new. I look for old towels or new ones with personality to hang on the handles–as you do. I love antiques and gardening and everything old—much more than anything new. I am the keeper of our family’s pictures and heirlooms…and am very sentimental. I had wonderful parents that filled our home with love and such warm memories. I also love Tasha Tudor…have most of her books and have traveled to Vermont to see her home and gardens…a real “red letter day” in my life! I always had a thing for quotes and also collected books of quotes for all occasions. When I discovered your website and read more of your books—-I realized there is someone that loves all the little things I love! I never found a “Joe”—but I am content and my son is the gift of my life. (I had to laugh when I read how your ex described your outlook and love of happy/old things as you having a fairy tale outlook. My ex said the same of me…but it did not change me. We went on to be good friends too and appreciated our differences.)
I have been a psychiatric crisis nurse for 30 years(evaluating people in crisis and determining what level of care they might need)…and recently quit my job—hoping to find something less stressful and more fun for the next years of my life. I am just enjoying life right now and soaking in all the little beauties in each day….the birds at my backyard feeders….the feeling of being home and not knowing for sure what is next! I want to slow down and soak in “the little things”. I re-read Martha’s Vineyard–Isle of Dreams…and it helps me to know that anything is possible and that enjoying the little things in each day is so important!
I wanted to tell you thank you so much for being you and giving such joy and happiness to anyone that reads your books, sees your illustrations and follows your life’s travels! I am not much for technology—but I get on the computer every couple of days to see what you are up to and I have to say…you brighten my days! I would love to go to England and Scotland some day…but until then…I can live vicariously through your travels! Thank you…thank you….I hope you realize just all that you add to the lives of others! I hope I can meet you some day….that would be another “red letter” day for me….but until then…you have added so much joy and contentment to my life and I am so grateful for you! I anxiously await your trip to England this spring and wish you a magical time! Thank you so much—Tracy Batchler–Terre Haute, Indiana
I love love love reading about how you are taking such brave steps to follow your dreams! A kindred spirit! Wishing for many many red letter days in your future! xoxo
Thank you for your reply….I just had to tell you what happiness you add to my life. I just read my Willard….wow! March 9th-July 1’st— for your trip! An amazing excursion….what a dream! As you are on your trip….I hope to be putzin’ in my garden and maybe working in a greenhouse watering plants and meeting fellow gardeners—-who knows! Enjoy and relish every moment…..I will be following your fun with anticipation! —Tracy
Happy to hear that Tracy . . . and yes, a dream, I’ll turn 71 in Dublin, and I see the ticking clock! Must go now, and then again and again, if we can, for as long as possible, but you just never know! Now is good, so now we go!
Susan….you are an inspiration! I believe we should live every day to the fullest if we can and you and Joe are doing just that! Time is precious. I envision you being able to do just what you set your heart on for many, many years to come!
Love your envisionment, Tracy! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!
What a wonderful place to stay – you can find magical places on the internet!
Oh, I love the new cups! And I love the castle! Maybe I need to plan a trip to Scotland. And maybe I need a dog named Dash. I was sad when he died in the most recent episode of Victoria. Your post has my brain firing in so many directions. I’ll be anxiously looking for Willard in my email. Thanks, Susan!
Thank you Jules!
What a great way to spend a few minutes with my tea and a blog from you, dear Susan. I just loved this trip. The very special well, the paddles on the ceiling, so much to seek out in your beautiful photos. They and you are a treasure.
Hi, Judy, Where in Maine do you live? We have lived in Franklin for 6 months in summer for the last 20 years. Came up to deliver a used car to my step-daughter 32 years ago, and I knew this was where I belonged. I love our little village. I once told Susan that one of the things I’ve loved most in my 72 years is the privilege of being an active member of that amazing place.
Debbie in Tampa for now
Scotland has always been on my list of places I would love to visit ! Maybe, someday….Enjoyed the visit with you- staying in a castle!
Lovely post. My father’s family comes from Scotland and Ireland so I’ve always loved those places. I’ve been to Ireland twice and hope to get to Scotland someday. Meanwhile I’ll travel with you via these posts. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing Scotland. It’s the home of my mother’s family. She met them when she was an army nurse in England during WW2, but I’ve never seen Scotland, maybe someday😁
I’m all in a flurry,
tell my cup to hurry,
I just have to wait,
Til the postie reaches my gate!
It won’t be long, but sing your song! (I’m no good at this!) xoxo
Thank you soooo much for sharing your travels with us! Would be heavenly to see so many ferns growing in the wild like that! And thanks for the chance to win a mug! I’d love one as much as the other! You’re very special, Susan Branch!
Thank you for our magical journey with you to Scotland!
Love all your pictures!
I am also enjoying Victoria. Wonderful series!
The blog and Willard are adorable, as always, and fill me with a longing for a cup of tea by a fire. Or a walk through the moors! Was it chilly inside the castle? Was there heat of any kind?
It was very comfortable. I didn’t look for heat, but there would have to be up there!
Oh Susan, yet another delight in my inbox…looking forward to the Willard later this week too! And seeing the cutest liddle kitty in a drawer…how wonderful is Jack?
Am ve ve excited to tell you that OH and I are travelling up to see you all at Le Piquenique in the Lake District! Yay! 🤣😂 We’ve found a great pub that is dog-friendly so you can meet Toby and the pup Bruno! We are going to stay for a couple of days too…Bear excitement!! And looking forward to all things Beatrix 🐰🐰🐰🐰
So looking forward to seeing you all again! Are Ray and Paul coming too? Such fun!
Icing on the cake will be beautiful spring weather, you and Joe
Loved Edinburgh and want to go back again and maybe go a liddle but further and see that delightful castle you stayed in!!
Love to all
Karen
Cambridgeshire UK 🇬🇧
Thank you for some ‘armchair’ travel this morning. I loved the little ‘apartment’ you and Joe had in the castle. Everything a person needs to live there forever. Can’t wait to travel again with you, even in my dreams.
What a magical time you had!! So envious. The Druid pond was wonderful and what a gift that you stumbled upon it. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us, you make us feel like we are strolling the Scottish countryside with you.
I love how you take us along on your travels ☺!
Did you get a complete tour of that castle? I found an HGTV episode of House hunters looking for a castle in Ireland. youtube.com/watch?v=zzLPYZfkq9Q There was also a show I’ve watched before about a woman who helps families who own these large properties find ways to make money from them. I loved it but can’t remember the name. Does anyone else know? Love your adventures!!!
No, we didn’t, it was too private to ask. But I did watch that video. Those people! Wow, did they want a project, and they GOT one!
Love living vicariously through you! Thank you.
The best early morning surprise is when your Willard shows up!
Just happy and magical and I just love all you do! We all need more
Kindness So thank you for sharing with us.
Oooo! I love, love, love the new cups. I have a few, but have to share with my Mr. so the more the better! This blog made me want to go back to Scotland. We found it enchanting also.
Xoxo
..good morning Susan ..what a wonderful post ; Willard was a delight too !! ..I love “forest bathing” and “grounding”, so good for physical and mental well being.. and traveling with you always reminds me of that..I can’t wait till March to be able to go overseas again with you !!!..thank you for the opportunity..with love, as always…
P.s. my birthday is also coming up in April (8). This would be a lovely gift (hint hint)
Happy Birthday Lynne! (Starting early!)
Have a wonderful trip Susan! Love to read your blog and can’t wait to see more about your adventure.
So enjoy reading your blogs Susan….thank you for sharing your travels with us and taking us away to a magical land!!!
Susan, you always have a blog post right when I need it, and to have a Willard, oh happy day!! Would love to win the Spring mug. I loved the Nature mug but waited to ask for it for Christmas not realizing once they were gone, they were gone. How I would love to go to the Picnic, can’t wait to see your post about your trip!!
Morning sunshine streaming into my life in the form of journal notes from an adventure taken by four merry people visiting a Scottish castle! Day has now been made. 😊
Loved Scotland and would love to stay in a castle.
Scotland, here I come!
How timely to read about the Scottish Castle – checking it out as we will be there this summer. Thank you for your Blogs and Willard – I very much enjoy – it always lifts up my day and reminds me to savor the moments. Just poured coffee to read with the new Willard–again thanks for the watercolors, the words, the quotes.
Ohhh Susan, once again I was swept away and traveling right there with you! I love the castle! I’m going to look into it a bit more. Thank you for this post!
To experience a castle in Scotland is now on my bucket list!!!!! Thank you Susan 😘
… and so the dream adventure continues for the sweet Fairy- Girl. Your arm must be “black and blue” from all the pinching to see if it is really happening, again.
Jack sleeping in the desk drawer is just darling! I always love to see what adventures Jack is up to!
Good afternoon from Yorkshire Susan 🙂
What a wonderful place to stay! I love Scotland, we drove up the east coast and down the west for two weeks and stayed wherever we liked the look of or stopped if it fell dark, I love the England’s Green And Pleasant Land cup, I hope we are going to have a Yorkshire one, one day 😉 enjoy your day xxx
Hi Krissie, you lucky girl! So nice to hear from you! xoxo
Both Tom and I love the fairie pool and steps. I wonder if your Scottish one is an artisan (artesan?) spring. There are many in the Bath area, just waiting to be happened upon. I remember one on Isle of Skye.
On our last trip, 2015, we explored the Lake District. After touring Dove Cottage, I noticed tiny ferns growing from the spaces between the walls. It was October, so there were tiny spore “dots” on the backs of the fronds. I took just a few, sealed them in a Zip Lock Snack baggie. When we returned to Maine, I tried, unsuccessfully to grow them. I’ve had luck with ferns and mosses using buttermilk blended up with the spores or fruiting bodies of the moss.
So looking forward to “our” May trip with you, Joe and many girlfriends. I’ll bet every village will be festooned with bunting to celebrate the Wedding!
Debbie, back in the “boot” in Tampa. Grrrrr
Keeping her sunny side up! 🌞
A castle! How fun! Thank you for a wonderful give-away! Love the cups
Have a wonderful time! We just got back from 3 weeks in Germany. It was not near long enough. I love all the greenery of Europe and all the OLD architecture. England and Ireland are on my bucket list. Thank you for taking us along. Bon Voyage!
Your mugs are so delightful Susan. My sister and I use them every time we get together for tea. Often we sit by her fireside in winter or on the deck in nice weather. My favorite mug is the one with lots of nature which says “Most no the earth is utterly enchanted.” My sister Grace loves the one that has little things which are really the biggest things like contentment, music, birds, joy. We are both so very excited to be going on the trip to England in May. We met you at a book signing in Barnstable, Cape Cod. We can’t wait to enjoy that picnic with you. See you in the summer! Peace and joy,
Nature Nancy
My two favorite subjects, nature and little things!
Susan, like you I am watching Victoria on Sunday evening and I was broken-hearted to see sweet little Dash pass away. Yes, the new puppy is cute. You are very detail oriented so I wonder if you know what it is that Victoria and the ladies at the ball were wearing on their wrists. These bracelets had something that looked like a price tag hanging from them. Did you notice them?
It is a wintry day here in western Pennsylvania. My bird feeders are filled with hungry birds that are delightful to watch. A local pair of eagles are busy preparing their nest for the eggs the female will lay any day now. You can watch them busy at work on a web camera pointed to the nest at this website: pixcontroller.com.
Thanks for brightening my day with your charming blogs. 😊
I didn’t notice them I’m very sorry to say . . . maybe I’ll watch it again! Thank you for the link Marge!
Thank-you soooo much for always letting us go on your trips!!!! Love it!!! Have Fun!!!
I feel exactly the same about York and Edinburgh. Thank you for sharing your photos and remembrances of your journey along the east coast of Scotland. I’ve traveled a good bit in the west but never northward to St. Andrews. Next time, I hope!
It just blows my mind that someone could live in an actual castle! How wonderful that they can share it also.
I have loved you for YEARS and years! I was so happy to be able to get the Santa cup this Christmas and am so very excited to start a collection of these beautiful cups! Now they are on my birthday list, valentines list, mothers day list, Christmas list and any list i can put them on… (i might even by a couple for myself!) I am so awed by your talent and my lifelong dream to go to marthas vineyard this summer was made all the better by actually seeing where you lived!
“be still my inspirational soul”!
I love all your lists! 😘 Thank you Duana!
You always transport me to the most marvelous places. I love journeying with you from my sofa 🙂
Oh no, Susan did I miss the lovely giveaway ? Well if so I have a wonderful present comming in May, see you there.
Also Happy Valentine !!!!!!
Marianne
You didn’t miss it, in fact your comment above is the thing that enters you in it!
Lovely, as always. Have a wonderful trip.
hi susan,
was just reading your Willard and enjoyed it so much. love traveling and the planning and anticipation are just as exciting as a trip! anyway i think you probably already know this tip but when i take my small travel paints i put strips of double sided poster tape under the pans and it always keeps them in place.
looking forward to your posts!
patti
Smart girl! xoxoxo
I never thought of Scotland as a destination…but your post just moved it to the top of the list! Thank you as always!
Love your blog! Everything about it! Thank you for doing this giveaway-I’d love to win!
Oh Susan! You inspire us to enjoy all the blessings and beauty in our lives!! Thank you!
Love Scotland–have been 3 times–not enough! Edinburgh is great but the Highlands are my favorite—especially the Western Highlands. Love the old fashion language–words like”wee” and “jumper”,etc. And the accents!! Susan, I know they love you —you take such an interest in their crafts, history,etc. Thank you for a wonderful escape today!!
You’ll be gone in April??? I would love to win the drawing. Thank you for your wonderful posts. Wish I could show you Jack’s doppelgänger, my Mini.
Susan, I know I have been MIA for a while. I got Willard and a blog on a day I needed it the most. In addition to my problems with Tom, I had a mild stroke and just found out on Tuesday that I have an actual whole in my heart to go with the figurative one I already had. I don’t want to concentrate on all the pain and hurt. I just wanted you to know that you make it better for me just as you always have. Your posts and books and tweets mean so much to me and always make me feel better, lift me up, take me away, inspire me, make me feel hygge, and most of all remember to be myself. I just cannot find the right words to thank you for what you mean to me. I wish I could link a pretty ribbon from my heart to yours so you could see what is in my heart and how grateful and thankful I am to have you as a GIRLFRIEND for almost 30 yrs (I found out about you a little later than when you hit the big time:)) and all the wonderful Girlfriends you bring with you. Thank you so very much. In closing, I offer this quote…
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
I think you are an October 🙂 xoxo
PS I know you are so busy and have so very many things going on, but I just was checking in on those meditation cds and saying if you make them I will buy them;) and if they don’t make sense, don’t worry;)
Content thyself with what you have & anything extra is icing. I just coined that, at least I think I did. I wouldn’t want to steal anyone’s quote. Just sitting in my break room at JoAnn’s having a homemade glo-bar & a chocolate milk before I start my shift. Another rainy, chilly day here in Seattle. Have a good day Susan. Hugs from Washington.
Thanks so much for the visit to Scotland! I cannot wait to follow you on your next trip through the blog! I absolutely love your new mug designs! I wish I could get every one of them! Thanks for all you do and sharing it with us! Virginia in N.C.
Awesome blog. Spring is a welcoming smell of sweetness and an exciting time to anticipate.
Thanks for the Willard and the latest edition of your blog…love everything. Jack in the Drawer is the sweetest. ♥
Pick me Vanna, pick me!!
Enjoyed the post Susan. I can’t wait for Spring!
So love to travel with you – we were actually in Scotland last Aug. We were fortunate to see the Royal Tattoo in Edinburgh. We absolutely loved it!! And I would love receiving your recent give away. The cup and the pillow are both perfect. Thanks so much for taking us with you on your travels.
Lovely post!
Morning Susan, Thanks for a morning tour of Scotland, so fun. I just finished “A Fine Romance”, Loved it and hated for it to come to the end.
Have a nice “Friday Eve” what we called Thursday since tomorrow is Friday when I was banking. Keep up your wonderful work. Hugs. . . . . .
Susan could you please tell me what happened to Holly Oak? I was so in love with that house. I live in Arroyo Grande Ca. Where your stories began love the adventures always looking forward to your new path. Miss your store in our quaint little town it was a gem of cozy comforts. Thank you for sharing the love of everything English.
Holly Oak is still there . . . a single woman lives there. It’s even cuter than it used to be. I thought I put some photos on the blog at one time. I should do it again someday!
Thank you for the get-a-way. Lovely trip and accommodations. I’ve just discovered you, where have I been? Love your art and quotes. So glad you discovered yourself. Am reading all the past Willard’s and buying you’re beautiful books, they take me to such a lovely place. Thank You…..❤️💜💙💚
As usual…a lovely post! Thank you! And one I especially enjoy as I’m basking in the afterglow of an amazing trip…still pinching myself to make sure it wasn’t just an awesome dream! We returned this past Saturday from a visit to the UK, PROVIDED by my sweet daughter and her delightful British hubby! (Kids grow up and do some pretty cool things!) They live in Guam and we all met up here to fly to Heathrow. Erin and I did the Emma Bridgewater tour and I am SO excited to see how our creations turned out! We saw a most delightful countryside with lots of sheep, ancient castles, quaint inns, impressive Roman baths, soul satisfying cathedrals and abbeys, delicious pubs, RAF bases, Stonehenge, sobering museums, London and the list goes on, all in 10 days…a BUSY trip of a lifetime! 🙂
Sounds fantastic and perfect! You raised your daughter right! xoxo
Susan,
Oh my, what a beautiful castle. Thanks for taking us into the actual room where you stayed!
Scotland is magical for sure! My husband and I spent several evenings in a little B and B there some years back. I fell in love with the people and couldn’t resist their expressions and accents. One morning while I was walking, a gentleman addressed me, “Good Morning, lassie.” Made my day!
Loved your blog, Susan.
Linda
So glad that you have your delicious trip to look forward to! Loved Willard–saving the blog post to read on a day soon when I need a “fix” of your art work, quotations, and your gentle, true heart. Oh, will you love Ireland! You’ll be positively gobsmacked with the wild beauty of it!
Hello Susan, enjoyed a wonderful visit with you sharing Scotland. Life is so layd back and comfortable looking at the country side. Thank you
Thanks for the tour of the lovely castle and gardens!
It all looks so wonderful! My husband ‘s father was from Scotland and I’m told was a wonderful man. He passed away a year before I met my husband so I never had the pleasure of meeting him.
Oh, Susannah, now don’t you cry for me.
If thou wouldst design more scrapbook paper pads, I will shout with glee!!
Delightful and as things have a way of happening i’m reading books by DE Stevenson that take place in Scotland! Even more special! Do you know her? If not- you must- as they are right up your alley! They are my favorites…and then we can sail right back to Scotland!
Susan, I just read your Willard news letter. If you’re designing a summer mug please do a picture of your white fenced flower and veggie garden or maybe your clothes line with your quilts or kitchen towels on it! Please, Please and thank you.
I may have to do more, because there are a lot of people out there who want ocean!!! Your idea is so wonderful Betsy, it would be so cute.
Thank you for taking us on the wonderful trip to Scotland!
Hi I was planning to go to the picnic in the lake district unfortunately I’m not able to make that. I see from Willard that you are going to be visiting Wales do you mind if I ask where about sin Wales? X
We only have 5 days to drive up from Cornwall to Holywell where the ferry leaves . . . Two places for sure so far, Wye Valley and Snowdonia. We’re still planning!
Thank you so much for your blog, Susan! You share beauty with us. “Love is the law,” indeed 🙂
Oh how, I love the places you take us!! Can’t wait to hear about your next trip this spring. And what do you have in store for us in “Willard”??
I saw the picture of your grandmother on Facebook, what a charming young lady! Willard was a lucky young man!
Scotland is on my bucket list, especially since Outlander! Looks like you had a lovely trip. Can’t wait to read new Willard. You’re the best!
Endearing newsletter and loved your story of the flower growing in the rock.
Ohhhhh what beauty God has created! Magical!
Hi Susan!
I would LOVE to stay in that castle! How gorgeous!
Love,
Terry
LUV IT ALL!!!
🌷 Hi Susan 🌷 Looking forward to your wonderful trip blogs. Copied the moon bookmark as well as the dear lamb name tag — thank you 🌷 Just got a great book out of the library that you would love— “Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life” by Marta Mc Dowell. It tells the story of Beatrix’s life and the beautiful gardens ( including detailed diagrams) – from her early childhood on – that inspired her artwork. Special emphasis is on the gardens at Hilltop and Castle Cottage. The author also includes extensive information and lots of pictures about Beatrix’s extraordinary life and paintings. Will be praying you have a safe trip, Sarah
Loved our trip to Scotland 🙂 But most of all I love, love, love… this England, this green and pleasant land, this cup!!!
As always, reading your blog is a breath of fresh air! In this case, Scottish air! I love “traveling” with you. I can’t wait for your next adventure to begin. How thrilling!
I live thru your travels! I don’t know that I will ever be able to go abroad, so please, please, pick me! Thank you for sharing your life with us girlfriends!
xoxoxo
I hope I win! I am expecting a baby in April and would love to sip my tea out of one of your cups as I gear up for delivery and then relax with baby afterward!
A new baby in April! How wonderful! I hope you win Meg!!!
The pictures are so clear and specific, that even with my failing eyesight, I always feel as if I am right there with you. And when you have pictures of food, I sometimes feel that you wouldn’t mind if I reached right through my screen and helped myself to a bite or two (or a cuppa) 🙂
If I ever got to Scotland I wouldn t come back. To be there one would experience euphoria. Thanks for the look-see.
We were in Scotland 2004 after visiting the Lake district and Hilltop. we took the train to Glasgow and had booked a horrid room no window! so we ended up at the Hilton very nice. A guide Alan picked us up for a 6 day tour around Scotland that he and I planned over email, he picked us up in his van in his kilt and off we drove one stop was the castle from Monty Python with my husband loves. We had a delightful time was like travelling with favorite uncle. My husband didn’t want to drive so he counld see the countryside He left us a cute B&B’s one had a trout pond and she was a quilter! and in cute little villages. Left us in Edinburgh were we stay for another few days. We are both have lines back to Scotland. We had a magical time in Scotland.
I woke this morning to Willard in my in-box and didn’t realize til I read it that the latest blog had been posted! I decided to save that til later, so here I am enjoying your adventure in Scotland. As usual, Jack’s antics entertain me–he really is such a person, isn’t he? Reminds me so much of our Ziggy who has remembered lately that the bathroom sink is fun to lie in. Your posts always refresh me…thanks for all you do!
Oh how I loved the blue bells in England. Do they have them in Scotland also? I have Scottish blood in me besides Irish and English and American Indian and a few others. Have a wonderful trip in the spring. Love and prayers! ❤️❤️❤️🍓
I’m sure they do, but we were only in Scotland in the fall! I love fall, but Spring in England is VERY amazing!