I’m supposed to be packing because tomorrow our ship sails home to America! But I could not even think about going without first mulling things over with you ~ the beauty and the wonderfulness of everything we have seen and learned . . . it is very hard to say goodbye as I know you know. I want to thank you all for coming along . . . it has been wonderful, but you made even more wonderful because we weren’t in it alone! I hope we can do it again someday . . . 🎶 MUSICA 🎵
Last night Joe and I climbed a hill near our house . . . and had a little moment of high five between us, thinking, wow, we did it. But oh, what we will miss . . . this place has has taken our hearts.
We’ve been teary-eyed for a couple of days . . . especially when we happen upon trees so old they’ve borne witness to it all ~ many of them were alive when our ancestors walked this land. Sort of makes us them, and them us.
They’ve seen it all ~ watching over village life and everything we hold dear . . .
. . . including this sweet mama sitting in the cool grass . . .
Hill and dale we have gone, on the narrowest of the narrow roads, through tunnels of old trees that open out into the widest of blue skies and views to forever . . .
We’ve traveled by ferry . . .
. . . between hegerows . . .
across this green and pleasant land . . .
with little time-outs for keeping the windshield clean.
We’ve opened as many gates as we could find, and traveled in and around all the secret gardens . . .
Gates with a Public Footpath marker that says, “Come in, you are welcome here, don’t leave trash, and close the gate behind you” . . . and so we do!
Off we go to find out what is around the next corner . . .
Up the path and through the gate, to see what’s next . . .
And when the path narrows we are almost hushed from the thought of the secrets…
. . . because you just never know what you will find around the bend ~ a crumbling ruin, a river with a stone bridge, a field of sheep, an ancient church, or even a castle . . .
But no matter what you find, the views make you want to get up and do it again the next day …
Because, you never know when, in May, you might happen upon a bluebell wood . . . there are miles and miles of these ancient wildflower displays all over England in May.
There is never a question that at all times … from May until at least now, you will always find cow parsley (what we call Queen Anne’s Lace) blowing along the path, crowding the side of the road.
Poppies have just begun to bloom and there are fields that are completely red.
Everywhere there are dreamy romantic cottages that instantly make you look at them and wonder, who? What? Where? When? Why? These are the questions. And mother may I?
People actually live in these works of art.
Words fail me.
We came to this cottage just as the fading light of day sent one last friendly ray through the poppies ~ “Pull over Honeyman!” I said. He was already there.
This cottage came with a car in the drive, so I knew real people, not fairies or something otherworld, actually lived here. Right up the street from us where we are now. So of course you get out the paper and say to yourself, where are the real estate pages? Excellent pastime for pub lunch.
Again, fresh out of words. My job is to grab the camera. Mas Musica? My new favorite song.
Hello. Hope you are happy over there. Behind your little gate with your perfect door and that thing, is it wisteria, growing all over your cotswold stone cottage? Because you are very beautiful, and I just say, yay and wonderful that you are there and loving it so much. Thank you.
Just like in the old books, it’s all still here. And I want to remind you, it’s here for you too. An amazing place, it’s not a museum, not a theme park, it’s real, and just sitting over here waiting for you …
This is where we a doing our packing-up right now, I’m inside that luv-lee cottage writing to you!
There are castle cake-toppers towering over every village … some with flags, some with roosters . . .
We wandered through many formal gardens too, lots of them owned, and cared for by the National Trust. Whose lovely motto is “For Ever, for Everyone.” Doesn’t that just make you cry? There are some very good things in this crazy world of ours. Nothing done by humans is ever perfect, but there is such a thing as trying, and these people have that covered to the nth degree. We belong to the Royal Oak Foundation which is an alliance of Americans who support the mission of the National Trust of England. 💞 Which means we get into all the gazillion wonderful National Trust places for free, just like the members of the National Trust. And we all support something amazing. 😊
And all of it to the tune of My-toe-huts-Bet-tee 🎵 . . . these luv-lee wood-pigeons provide the background music to the English Countryside . . . and although sometimes at 5 am you would like to kill any wood pigeon you can find because there is a chorus of toe-hurting Bet-tee-telling going on outside your window. But, our pigeons in America don’t sing this song, so we are going to miss it very much. If you watch The Crown, you can always hear it in the background.
In some gardens I had to be two-fisted in order to get everything that was happening … I was making a video when the doves flew over, landing so close, what’s a girl to do but keep filming and grab the other camera!
Birdsong, bees buzzing, flower fragrance, fresh air, wonderment . . . all at your beck and call …
Every house we visited had a story . . . and a garden.
We had three of the four seasons during this trip . . . it was snowing in Cornwall when we got there, there were cozy fires in the pubs in Wales . . . there was a brisk wind off the Atlantic in Ireland … The Lake District couldn’t make up its mind between dark clouds and cold, or sunshine and cool picnic weather, we got both . . . and so it went, and now, here in Wiltshire, the roses are in bloom.
There was a beautiful foxglove garden in the ancestral home of our very own George Washington.
Clematis in the Peak District was to die for . . . loved the misty countryside in the morning . . .
It’s a country that worries for its birds . . .
and bees, knowing what a benefit they are to the world. BBC Two has a program on every day called Spring Watch, where you can get up-close and personal with the woodland critters . . .
Beatrix Potter’s Bee Bole . . . with bee house. Beatrix Potter helped start the National Trust. Of course she did! Everything is connected . . . and we are too, you know, so far away.
We wandered the quiet streets of the most adorable villages, visiting churches and graveyards and taking pictures of everything that wasn’t nailed down. Or even if it was.
Including the famously historic village of Lacock . . . which was entirely owned by a woman by the name of Matilda Gilchrist-Clark (it was passed down thru the ages and landed unexpectedly on her in 1916) until 1944, when she gave all of it, lock stock and barrel, including the gorgeous 13th century Lacock Abbey, to the National Trust. She continued to live in the Abbey until she died in 1958. So everyone who lives in Lacock, or has a business here, now rents from the National Trust. And that’s who makes the decisions about what happens here. And they keep it like this, For Ever, for Everyone.
There are actually too many choices of where to go and what to do next. I can say right now, in a person’s lifetime they could NEVER see everything there is to see here. Can’t be done. We have tried so that’s how we know.
I’m not a person who’s wild about cars and crowds of people . . . but I was happy to see small villages thriving. (Note wires are buried, such a wonderful thing in beautiful old villages like this one.) I keep hearing that post offices are going away and pubs are closing . . . they are trying hard to keep their small communities alive, but it’s as difficult for them as it is for us in America. Large, famous stores that have been in these villages for a hundred years and more are beginning to close up shop because they can’t compete with the Internet or the big box stores. So we were HAP-HAP-HAPPY to do our part and get INTO those little stores and BUY stuff!
They do have so much to celebrate. Diversity for one thing . . . we heard every language spoken as we walked the streets. Course, they’re lucky to have Europe on their back door. Did you know that Walt Disney used Europe (and probably the world) as his model when he designed Disneyland? Yes, France, Italy, England, Germany, distinct lands with interesting everything became Fantasy Land, Tomorrow Land, Adventure Land and rides like Small World and the Matterhorn. Inspiration is a wonderful thing!
So they celebrate . . . all the time. Last night at the top of the mountain we met three luv-lee English people with a tiny barbecue and a thermos . . . they’d walked up there for no reason, just for the beauty.
This is not rare. Picnicking is everywhere. And to go one step further, into full wishing-to-come-back-in-August mode . . . look what is happening at Highclere Castle August 4. Wonderful!
It just makes you happy to see it.
You can be walking out in the middle of absolute nowhere, and suddenly, there in front of your disbelieving eyes, is a pub, and oddly (you think, because where did everyone come from?), it’s full! And if the sun is shining, they are all outside in the pub garden (because most country pubs have gardens) soaking up the light.
This one is not in the middle of nowhere, it’s just across the street from where Jane Austen wrote most of her books. In fact, this pub was her view!
Pub food is generally outstanding. This is fish stew with English peas (which pop in your mouth) and cheese and whatever else is in there and it was delicious! We’re coming home with some amazing recipes! You are going to love them!
Pubs serve all kinds of bright and sparkly ciders . . . but they do not yet understand the concept of iced tea, so you can’t find it anywhere. I think bottled 
iced tea ruined it for them. But they should know, we don’t drink that bottled stuff either! We make “sun tea” by putting tea bags in cold water in a pitcher, covering it with cling film, and setting it in the sun until it’s the right colour. Then we pour it over ice, yes damn the torpedoes, ice! Then fill your glass 3/4 full of tea, and top off with cloudy lemonade. Not the sparkling kind, the flat “normal” kind. You can get it at Waitrose. Some people like sugar, but it’s not necessary because of the splash of lemonade. I have to say, pub people, with all the true love there is on this planet, there is a missing link in your drink offerings, especially the very low-calorie refreshing non-alcoholic sort. You will sell gallons of this. You are welcome. 😘 (*good w/herb tea too)
So anyway, pubs, not only cute, but also historic . . . Since 965 AD everybody who’s anybody in history, and everyone else too, has frequented pubs. That’s when good King Edgar decreed that there should be “one ale house per village.” Find the town of your ancestor, go to the pub, and know that your ancestor was there too . . . pretty much for sure.
They often have stone floors and doorways too short to get through without bending, low hand-hewn beamed ceilings and fireplaces, filled with quirky atmosphere, no two alike. Their mottos, generally speaking are, “Dogs and muddy boots welcome.” Walkers, you know.
It’s a BYOD country. We should have this in America. It makes a restaurant WONDERFUL. All that love lolling about on the floor.
This is the little village we’re staying in now, and that’s “our pub” just down the street. Going there for dinner tonight for “last meal.” 😩
English, Irish, Welsh and Scots, I must say, are good at signs. I could easily do an entire post on just signs, that’s how good they are . . .
Like this one, just in case someone doesn’t get the message with the “Private” . . . there’s more! 😳 Works for me. I hate sheer drops! First thing you’d want to know if you decided to breech privacy despite warning is, glancing down at your feet, where does the sheer drop begin??????
Very picturesque and leaves no doubts as to what might happen if you aren’t careful. ⚡They have so many signs like this, stabs of lightening to the heart, etc.
Another thing to love about pubs is the tradition of Sunday Roast which is just like Christmas dinner, but it’s every Sunday in almost every pub! Roast beef, Roast Chicken, Lamb Roast, Pork Roast, with all the trimmings ~ Salmon, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies … Bring the Sunday Times and spend as long as you like . . .
I always bring my diary . . . my journal has been written in two main places: at all the kitchen tables wherever we’ve lived these last 13 weeks, and in tea rooms, tea gardens and pubs . . . It is now my most important possession and being guarded with my life (Beware, sheer drop!). It’s stuffed full of newspaper clippings, garden ideas, souvenirs, dried flowers, and most importantly, memories.
And when I was out and about and my diary wasn’t with me and I’d learned something new, it went in the tiny book Carrie gave me so I wouldn’t forget. That book is full now, it has only two blank pages left! And at night I transfer the days booty of info into my diary. It’s been very wonderful . . . perhaps we should have tea to celebrate?
Would you like a cake? Or perhaps you would rather have a coffee? They say a cake, and a coffee ~ all cute, all delicious, all the time.
The worst part is choosing. I need a sampler!
And the view from the pub can be as nice as the few of the pub!
Another thing I will miss is how much the British people love their Queen. And for good reason too! Queen Elizabeth is always on the front page, and lately she’s looking more festive than ever, lovely in lime at the wedding, and here, the very picture of flowery spring Queen-dom for Derby Day.
Yes, history is everywhere in this lovely country . . . not just our own, but history of, and for, the world.
This is a lock of Charlotte Bronte’s hair . . . she was only 39 when she died. The color is still there. Interestingly, it wasn’t at the wonderful Bronte museum in Haworth . . . it was at Chawton House, a museum dedicated to the earliest women writers (it’s just down the street from the Jane Austen House). Visiting these wonderful places makes everything we’ve read or heard about come alive.
And believe it or not, the lovely quiet churchyards come alive too, with their wildflowers and their stories . . .
When you want to find the oldest part of any village, all you have to do is find the church.
And older than the churchyards, before recorded time, almost 3,000 years before Christ, are the stone circles at Avebury. If you ever thought history was boring, you would leave that far far behind if you were here with the stone circles, man-made ditches, earthworks, hills, roman ruins, chalk horses, holy wells . . . on and on.
Avebury is even older than Stonehenge. Some of these stones were brought from Wales, which is over 150 miles away. How? This is the question. Yes, humans have always been amazing. What shall we do with our power? Let’s think about it for a while. I think we could feed the whole world in about a minute and a half if we put our minds to it!
Avebury is a wonderful place of whispering breezes. We found this young woman trying to get through the stones (look close to see her) to the other side. . . Not sure if she made it or not, but we never saw her again!
I look like I’m leaning in, and I am, but I’m not touching. Taking no chances, I wouldn’t mind a back-in-time visit ~ I’d love to pop in on an interesting dinner party in history or have tea with Beatrix Potter some winter afternoon, but I much prefer to continue hanging out with Joe💞 (and, let’s face it, I love washing machines).
Well, I just had a sudden epiphany. I thought I could do a decent recap of this trip, but it’s come to my attention that I can’t. This thing is already a mile long. I can’t choose the photos, I choose one, then go back for another, see three more wonderful pictures I HAVE to include, put them all in ~ look what’s here so far and in my heart I’m not even half done . . . but you know, Girlfriends, I gotta GO ~ and you have things to do too! Life goes on doesn’t it? Apparently so! There’s so much more, which I will save for later, this is a good start, you can read it in pieces and make it last for a while! The book I am writing about this trip is going to be wonderful. There is SO MUCH to tell you. xoxo
Nothing has changed in England and the glory part is, nothing ever will. But despite the personal loss of this ancient beauty in our everyday lives, the hardest thing of all is saying goodbye to our darling British friends ~ pulling away from St. Mary’s Square, seeing Ray and Paul in our rear view mirror, and waving forever as we slowly rolled down Siobhan’s long driveway ~ was not easy! The ocean is too big, too wide, and we are all too far from each other.
But then there is this to come home to . . .
and this . . .
We will arrive in the nick of time to put our flag up . . .
I’ll get to play in my garden! Because my house has magic too . . . because, just like yours, and those of our British kindred spirits, it is well and truly loved . . .
I can’t wait for a summer night and dinner under the stars . . . that’s what dreams are for!
And what else ~ perhaps you would like a little something from real life? Well, my new calendars will be in soon . . . maybe by the time I get home! This is the cover of the wall calendar, but we’ll have all the usual characters . . . watch our web store for updates.
And your luv-lee cups shipped yesterday! Hooray! They should fly right over us on their way to Kellee and Sheri at the Studio and beat us home, (with a short stop at customs, the shorter the better, but we never know). All you prepaid girls will get yours first, in order of date of order . . . We still have a few left, if you’re interested, click HERE.
What else does home hold for us besides very deep kitty fur and some of the greatest people I know . . . Six days on the ship and then a whole lotta hugging going on! Martha’s Vineyard, here we come!
The future is looking very fun . . . I get to write a new book for one thing ~ the writing is almost done because of the diary, but I need to do the layout, the photo arrangements, 
watercolors and borders; I want to put the diary in my “good” handwriting, and do more research to make it informative, so that will take a little while, because it needs be a good little travel guide of everything we’ve loved about England . I hope it will be printed, shipped and in your hands by this time next year! I still haven’t decided what to call it! I was thinking it would be nice to have the word Enchantment in the title since that’s what it’s been, but maybe not ~ any ideas? Now that we’re almost home, we have the Fourth of July to look forward to ~ then there’s summer and our morning walks to the beach. 👏 And for the first time in months, we are going to know where everything is! It won’t be in the car, or hiding at the bottom of a bag, or in the back of a strange refrigerator, or in the next town as is the case with the hardware store. At the end of August, the September issue of Victoria Magazine, 
with our Castle Cottage picnic in it, comes out! I will be haunting the post office waiting for it! Then in September Joe and I will take a train ride to California (Yup! Twitter-from-the-Twain will once again commence) to see my family and most especially my MOM ~ plus, I’ll be giving a talk and signing books at the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo. Then, suddenly, before we know it, it will be fall and time for Cranberry Apple Crisp and my Grandma’s Stuffing! 🤗 And in November I’ll be signing books and speaking at Falmouth Library, in case you’ll be around Cape Cod then. No exact dates for the book signings yet, 
I’ll let you know when they are set, probably after we get home. Maybe by then we’ll know more about what is happening with #SBBooktoScreen! I hear good things so far, and will let you know what I know when I know it (if they let me!). Right now I seriously know nothing! And the frosting on this cake-year is that in December we have a wonderful Christmas to look forward to because Rachel and Paul are coming to the Island and bringing Ray’s mom, Diana, for her first visit. And after that, when we will be missing them again, more than ever, and it will be winter and snowing and I will be hunkered down with our new book, guess what? Life will STILL be good, because the third season of The Crown will be back on TV! Yay! (If you haven’t seen The Crown, you are in for a huge treat, it’s on Netflix, and if you don’t have Netflix, The Crown is definitely worth getting it for! Season one and two are there now.)
And that is all for today sweet friends . . . As we part,, I give you a rose, my heart, and this funny to-make-you-cry luv-lee thing with Paul McCartney . . . 
Our next full moon will be on the 28th and we’ll be on the ship. My fingers are crossed for a bright moon and clear skies (and flat seas while I’m at it). We’ll know soon! Take care my friends, you know I’ll be in touch as soon as I can . . . not ever sure what we get for internet from the ship! But I found a couple of fun giveaways in England, things I think you will like, so I will catch you on the other side.🚢💞
What a fabulous, dreamy come true holiday! Sigh…
We are ALL crying here…
and I personally am speechless!!
(A rare condition for me, for sure.)
It seems that the other girlfriends
have done quite well with the feat.
I cannot possibly find the words that are
appropriate for the gratitude that you and Joe
are soooo deserving of.
Thank you so much for bringing us along
with you! I cannot imagine anyone doing
a better job of showing and telling!!
(See? My words fall so short.)
Again, THANK YOU BOTH!!
Bon Voyage!!
xoxoxoxo
<3
It has been my pleasure and my privilege … and Joe too, we love to show this beauty to everyone, we all need to know it’s here, and not just here, but all around us. Our history, together, as one people, world people. Thank you for being here too Judy, we’re all in it together. xoxoxo
I’m doing the same in Indiana. You brought back so many
memories of our trip several years ago. My maiden name is
Hatfield…you can imagine my surprise and delight when we turned
a corner at the York Minster and saw the coffin of Prince William
of Hatfield. My father’s name is William! The prince died as a
young child, so we’re not actually related to that royal line, but
what a fun experience it was!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful time with us. I can hardly
wait for the book!
Sad to say good bye but six days on the ship with a full moon?! Bliss! How about Enchantment Across the Sea or Across the Pond.
Love them both, so very true! Thank you Sandy!
Oh, I like that too, I was trying to think of something and thought of Enchanted Isle, travels in England, something like that.
Might just be ENCHANTED … and then at bottom England Wales Ireland & Scotland.
How about: British Isles – Land of Magical Enchantment
“British Isles” includes the other smaller islands surrounding Great Britain so you may have to make a quick trip back to visit one of those. 🙂
And “Magical Enchantment” is a duplicate adjective, but then it calls for it, don’t you think!
Only thing, it doesn’t include the part of Ireland where we were. That’s the problem, so we have to name them! Otherwise, perfection! And yes, it definitely calls for it! Thank you Cathy!
I like the idea of just ENCHANTED. And eagerly await its birth!
I can’t tell you how excited I am about it. xoxo
Oh dear Susan and Joe,
How sweet is this post and how I want to go back! You sing its praises so beautifully and I know it all to be true. May your journey home be filled with its own great stories, interesting people, and a welcoming kitty, roses, and garden to greet you………..
xoxo
Joann in CO
It’s amazing to be somewhere, to be free in the moment, to go around a corner to . . . something . . . so many things, that just set your heart a-pitter-patter with the beauty, or the charm, or the little hairs on your neck standing up from the ancient-ness of something, the impossibility of some things . . . yet, there it is. Thank you Joann! We do share these moments don’t we!
Hope your journey home is filled with days of relaxing and writing and walking around that beautiful ship. You have provided me and everyone else that reads your blog religiously an extraordinary journey through the British Isles.
The Eskimo Legend you quote is very special to me as I received a sympathy card with that exact quote on it after the sudden death of my husband at the age of 44 almost 25 years ago. It gave me such peace, that I have shared it with others who have lost a loved one. Thank you for reminding me that when I look up at the stars, he is looking down and he is happy.
On a happier note, I am looking forward to receiving my 4th of July cups – one for me and one for my best friend.
Cheryl
I think of my Dad, so I know what you are saying about the peace held in those lovely words…we had an incredible sky filled with stars last night, our first night on the ship, we walked round and round out on deck, it was as if my dad and grandma and all the English and Irish ancestors and heroes I came to find were giving us their blessing. Thank you for your lovely thoughts Cheryl. I plan to spend the day in a succession of deck chairs with my pen, my diary and a big glass of iced tea!
Bon voyage, Susan and Joe!
Missing you already!
So thrilled with your latest blog….fresh eyes seeing the beauty around us makes me so glad to live here in Britain 🇬🇧 and now we have a heatwave! Over here in Cambridgeshire we have had no rain for weeks – think you brought your sunny weather in your suitcase left it for us!
Safe trip home to Jack 😽😺😸😻 hope he will be thrilled to see you!!
^ ^
0 0
> *<
~
Just watched the Paul McCartney/James Corden carpool video – tears in eyes, of laughter and poignancy!
So glad to have met you again at the picnic at Castle Cottage and all the other girlies and boyfriends!
Come back soon and we can watch your film together…have a big outdoor picnic screening!!
Now there’s a cunning plan….
Love
Karen xoxo xoxo
Cambridgeshire
🇬🇧
You should all be so proud of what you have built and then what you have protected! We were in Winchester Cathedral yesterday, last stop before ship, and I went into speechless shock from what I saw, the carvings, the ceilings, the floors, the stone, the beauty was, to put it in the vernacular, mind-blowing. Seriously, I walked into one room and stood there stupefied with my hand on my heart, tears springing from my eyes. And, on top of that, among many, many others Jane Austen is buried in the Cathedral floor (because, for any who don’t know, that’s what they did in the old days, they buried the more illustrious, or wealthy or famous of their dead under the floors of the churches). And that was just one place . . . what a gift for all of us you have there. I love your cunning plan. Hard to imagine, but way stranger things have happened. Thank you Karen, luvlee to meet you too …I can’t imagine not returning. To think it starts the tears all over again.
Did you see King Arthur’s Round Table? I believe that is in Winchester Cathedral too!
It’s in the Great Hall and we didn’t have time . . . very wonderful, love Winchester, so much there, once again, singing our swan song, we have to go back!
yes…..just watched the McCartney Carpool video – and agreed – this brought some joy, to see the power of music, and all the lovely people who take that same joy…..thanks, Susan, for mentioning this video – today is a challenging day here in the states, and this video is a reminder of the good, the kinship, the music, the community….again, thank you….
Regina, Seattle
Thank you x infinity for sharing absolutely everything we could ever hope to see if we were in Merrie Olde England.
Nice double camera action!
How I’d love a slice of that courgette cake.
Jack and your magical house will be so happy to have you back home, safe and sound.
Susan I’m trying again with my comment..it didn’t appear but someone else’s name came up..now I can’t remember what I wrote except that it is all been so lovely and I know you’ll come up with a worthy title..I hope you can use the word ‘enchanting’ as it is a favourite of mine..here’s a cheeky start for you..Enchanting places, the Queen and green spaces! 😉x
The gremlin that lives inside my blog, the one we can not find no matter how hard we try, and we do try, seems to be at it again. When you go to put in your post, if you see someone else’s name come up, just change it back to your own. That’s all I know for sure that works. Sorry Terry, you cheeky girl, you. xoxoxo
Safe passage, Joe and Susan! So glad you shared your experience with us. I am saving my money to go to England and all because you bring it alive in your posts. I don’t want to miss visiting this country and all the history that comes with it. Can’t wait for the next book!
With much gratitude and just plain Ahhhhhh!
I’m in tears after reading all of that wonderful condensed summary of your trip. I can’t wait for the next book. You have brought so much joy and pleasure in to my home in Devon over the last 28 years. I use your cook books constantly and the calendar daily. Without us knowing each other you are part of my daily life.
Have a wonderful trip home, and it will be so much fun unpacking all your purchases. Come back and see us Brits again SOON 💕💕
We will! Thank you for your wonderful hospitality! xoxo
I enjoy all of these postings. Thanks for sharing. I must admit though that I can’t wait to see your cat again when you finally come home. My Siamese cat misses us so much when we even travel for a short trip. I could never imagine being able to leave her for 13 weeks. We are hoping to travel to England soon.
Hi Susan,
Another post that takes me away and yet brings me home at the same time. I’ve been having fun thinking up titles for your new book. How about; “Enchantment Across The Sea”, “This Enchanted Voyage” or “These Green And Verdant Lands”. Just a couple of ideas. Can’t wait to read it.
Oh and by the way, I purchased two mugs from you and I absolutely ADORE them! My favorite is the one with Jack on it. The packaging was also charming. Thank-you so much!
I enjoyed every word and picture and delight in your excitement, Susan. What a wonderful trip you and Joe had. Safe journey home and hope to see you soon.
What a wonderful experience sharing this trip with you and Joe! Thank you for being so generous with the photos and posts – especially towards the end when you began to post more on Instagram! I hope you’ll continue posting there often! Hope the voyage home gives you the quiet and peace needed to process all that you’ve seen and done these last couple of months. Smooth sailing!
Susan and Joe, NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I am not ready to come home. This last blog and the MUSIC is unbelievable…the photos…the music..I have been on this trip everyday, with you, and have enjoyed each day..
You have touched my soul to it’s inner core. That sunbeams are bursting through me. hahahah
In regards to the title of the book…just go back to your writings in this blog:
You have all the perfect words and thoughts…just put them together
__Paths into the Land of Enchantment…Over Hills and Dales
__Come in.. To the Lands of Enchantment
__Enchantments of the Soul…Just around the corner
__ Come In to the Magical Lands of Enchantment
__Into the Lands of Enchantment….Come In or ,,Where we will meet again
These are all phrase that you have used in your last blog…As I read them back to myself they do not sound so sooooooo great…But as you sail on your way home I am sure with all of the other girlfriends input… you will surly come up with something. Thank You for such an incredible trip I really had a great time You are really amazing how you touch so many of us. Love, Susan P.
“Till we Meet Again”, “Mind-Blowing Enchantment”, “English Enchantment”, Enchantment Personified – England”, “The Enchantment of England”, “The Path To England”, “Over Hill and Dale”,” Serendipity”, “Rural English Enchantment”, “England’s Enchantment,” “Much Ado About England”, “Life Is Good”, Traveling the English Countryside; a few ideas for titles for the new book. Can’t wait! Looking forward to my cup arriving soon and the September issue of Victoria. Welcome home Susan and Joe!!
Thank you Judy!!! xoxoxo
Oh Susan!!!
How very lovely. I look forward to ‘the book’!!
This entry surpasses your amazing writings past. Knowing there will be even more personal touches to see makes this well worth waiting for.
Your deep appreciation for the loveliness you experienced shines through every moment. Thank you so much for sharing these adventures, and especially for conveying the joy.
May the coming months of working on your next book be warmed and illuminated by the multitude of sweet memories.
You have, and are, such a gift.
Many, many thanks,
Susan
Everyone is making me cry. xoxoxoxo
Susan, why am I crying reading this post and enjoying all of your photos and thoughts on this magnificent country? Why am I jealous of those people in the Lake district who have a milkman deliver to their homes? Why do I have that lump in my throat when I remember my experiences in pubs of Cornwall where dogs were welcomed and the delicious food and camaraderie were so reassuring? Why? I am not sure there is even a single answer. This past trip has been meaningful to me as a GF tagging along for more than eye candy. Is it about a place where beauty, tradition, sensibility and ruggedness are still in tact and working hard to weather changes so that the real essence of communities can thrive without losing their identity? Like every nation, Britain has faced many difficulties , but somehow they keep trying to move forward and work to keep their “national Self” alive and welcoming as change proceeds. It is indeed a delicate balance, but they have so many good aspects of their country that they are determined to keep while the diversity expands, and their communities blossom with change.
I hope your journey home will be over tranquil waters and I look forward to hearing more about your trip through your art, however you decide to share it.
Thank-you for taking time these past few months to keep us included in such a beautiful and lovely journey. It has been wonderful!
Now it is onward and upward to cuddling adorable Jack and enjoying his own Kitty style of welcoming you home! He will be sooooooo happy you are home and he can once again enjoy his routines with you. What a blessing it is to have a devoted pet to welcome you home with lots of meows and twirling about! It is the simple things in life that get us through the rough waters. Sweet Jack, you are loved by many here at the blog!
“Strolling the Enchanted Paths of England” could be your next book title. You have such a way with words that make me want to follow behind you and Joe. Just far enough behind to not spoil your time together, but close enough to see the same wonderfully enchanting sites you describe in your blog posts.
You’ve been wonderful. Quiet as a mouse, with only the occasional giggle, an ooh or an ahh, just like us!
What a lovely farewell . A wave of melancholy, followed
by gratitude has happened upon me. Thank you is best I
can say. Thank you.
Safe journey, I’m sure it’s been all too short for you as well. Thank you for showing me England, always wanted to go but will probably never get there, so this is the next best thing. I look forward to your next book, hope it’s a big fat one! Cheers!
Cried my way through this whole, beautiful entry – thank you so much for taking us with you! May you & Joe have safe, happy and smooth travels home! <3
Lovely to hear from you Mother Pela. Sending my love to you and the other Sisters. xoxo I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed it. Your prayers have kept us safe, and the seas are flat and beautiful sparkling blue as I look out our windows right now. Be home soon!
Bon Voyage Sue & Joe (and what a good trip it’s been)! Thanks so much for sharing your heart, it’s just been soooo lovely…..and those scenic photos….oh wow. Wow. Wow.The next book will be encyclopedic in size (one hopes) and I love the word Enchantment (or Enchanting) in your working title. “An Enchanting Romance: A Love Affair with England” perhaps? Can’t wait!! Cheers from Seattle!! ♥♥♥ (AND I watched PMc Carpool Karaoke the other day….made me cry when he told the story of Let It Be, my all-time favorite song, and for those people who happened to be in the Liverpool pub that day…how exciting! That’s one story they’ll pass on to the grandkids!)
I like the title “An Enchanting Romance; love affair with the British Isles” maybe.
I like it too!
Oh, it was a perfect mooring to find your wonderful post while I had a lovely cup of coffee. I can’t wait for your next book and maybe to see you in San Luis Obispo! Safe journey home!
You have made me & so many people happy with love & kindness, what a beautiful story, your photo’s are priceless, thank you for everything 🌈
My thoughts completely, thank you.
Susan
What a wonderful post! I loved everything, your photos, your writing, etc.! I haven’t had time to read your previous posts on your trip until now, but I’m slowly catching up. I went online to order some of the cups but mostly all were sold out! But, I did ordered 2 of the 4th of July ones. Looking forward to their arrival!
I lived in London for 2 years in the 80s and everything you write about in this post and the beautiful photos reminded me of my time there.
Safe travels and hurry home.
Lucy in California
Hi Susan,
I couldn’t find another place to make this comment. I think you may have a little website glitch going on. When I read this post (originally on my iPhone) this morning and made a comment, the name and email address of the last person to make a comment was already in those spaces. I was able to erase them and enter mine but I know you don’t want to be giving out peoples email addresses. Just an FYI. Oh, and it is still that way when I’m on my laptop as well.
Sincerely,
Maralee
Yes, we know, and can’t seem to locate the problem. I’m so sorry, but you did exactly the right thing, take out the other name and put in your own. The odd part is, it doesn’t happen to everyone. Makes it very hard to understand. But thank you for letting me know.
Dear Susan, I loved this post, but it makes me so homesick! How about The Enchanted Isles for your book? Or The Islands of Enchantment? 😊 I am still wringing my handkerchief out after Paul’s wonderful “impromptu” concert! These are the songs of my childhood and somewhere I still have my parents collection of Beatles 45s. I am counting down the days to my next visit home in July, I am so lucky to be able to pop across the sea so often. Safe journey home.xx
Oh, Susan, words fail me, too. So, I’ll just revel in the photos and dream of some days. I know you know, but you are so blessed, and you deserve every bit of it! Bon voyage.
Thank you for the lovely tour of England. I love that everything is so old there!
Thank you, Thank you, you are so loving and giving and generous to all of us. I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoy everything you shared with us, I felt like I was a part of it. I so love the flowers, greenery and villages. We were able to go to Ireland five years ago, it was my life – long dream, part of my heart will always be there and the loving people we met and shared two weeks with all over Ireland, our driver Willie so caring and loving to us. We all need to remember, especially in these times, that we are more alike than different, that life is struggle but; it is also loving, joyful, and wonderful with new memories and blessings. I am so grateful I bought your first cookbook many years ago and have come to know you through all your books! You are precious, talented and so giving, I hope to meet you someday, maybe at a signing. Stay well my friend and give Joe and Jack a big hug! Bless you all! Maggie
😘
Thank you for taking us with you! On my first trip to Ireland, after embarrassing myself a few times, I quit asking for iced tea!
I know, it’s a hard thing to give up on!
What a wonderful trip we all shared with you and Joe. So many beautiful pictures. Your blog can never be too long. If I get called away for awhile, I always feel happy to have more waiting for me.
I hope your trip home will be joyful and peaceful.
Oh, Susan…than you for sharing! Magical memories…and my favorite part was when you talked about a “secret garden” around every corner. You have peaked my interest to return to England and walk the countryside. Safe journey home and all good things to you and Joe. God bless!
You will never know how much it has meant to your girlfriends to have the gift of vicarious living through you helping to mend our hearts in the knowledge that there is still harmony, empathy toward others, and dignity in the world.
When you return, calm your mind and heart with the memories you’ve made knowing that the enchantment is still there; the fires in the pubs are still burning, the bees are still buzzing around the Queen Anne’s Lace, the sheep are still grazing looking for that cool spot to rest. It should be our mission now to bring that harmony, empathy and dignity to all right here at home in the hopes that one day, we too can live with a little enchantment.
God bless you and Joe with a safe voyage back home and thank you again for the sweet respite! xo
It may have a little to do with how isolated we are over here . . . they have so many cultures right on their doorstep. So much was lost during the world wars for everyone. They know what it means. There are immigration problems there too, everywhere really, because although there is plenty for all on this beautiful planet God gave us, in almost every country there is a disproportionate amount of the wealth going to those at the top, making so many of the peoples of the world desperately poor and needing to find a way to stay alive. Desperate for their children, as anyone would be. Ignorant, uneducated, starving, poor people will riot and revolt, making a bad situation in these countries even worse with bombs, guns and war. Governments will say, it’s that guys fault you have nothing, pointing fingers everywhere but to themselves. The population has exploded in the last century, and there’s simply not enough room for everyone. So they are trapped and doing the perfectly human thing, fighting for their lives. But no government would explain it that way, because then they’d have to look at themselves, and as far as they are concerned, as long as they and the corporations that feed/bribe them, are fat and happy, what could the problem be. I still think it can be fixed, but requires a little bit of genius, a whole lot of compassion, a lot of power, and a view of the big picture that everyone can understand.
So eloquently and intelligently said!!!
Susan Branch 2020!!!! “MAMA” Make America Moral Again!
Go MAMA!!!!
I do love Mama! xoxo
OH! just read the reply above (feeling embarrassed). Darn those gremlins lol! Looks like it’s fixed though 🙂
Flowers, fields, friends,
Fortnights, flags, food,
Castles, cottages and creeks…
Twill be jolly to be back home
From your journey of months and weeks.
These ideas popped into my mind:
Lovely Lands of Enchantment
Enchanted Isles
Enchanted Europe
Some Enchanted Evenings
Twinkling Stars Above Our Heads
The Right Side of the Road is Left
Rabbit Rabbit Roundabout
May the voyage home be as delightful as the journey!
“The Right Side of the Road is Left”…VERY clever, Laura!!
(Does sound like a political innuendo, too…a political bumper sticker…wouldn’t want to tarnish her new book that will be filled with joy, peace and beauty.)
I had to read that one to Joe…it’s so funny and cute, but yes, unfortunately, these are touchy days and even words like right and left have become hot spots! I remember when I didn’t know what party I was in, which more or less continued, I’ve been a registered Independent since I started voting (I like and dislike some things about both parties), but the rules have gotten tougher about what we can and cannot talk about and still have everyone be happy! And you know who I blame? Corporations, media, politicians and especially foreign countries who want to divide us (we’re much weaker than we used to be because of it)…and it’s working. And while we fight each other, they walk off with everything. We are trillions in debt, they borrow on our backs and spend all our money on themselves. Where are those trillions? Not in healthcare, not in infrastructure, not in education! But don’t get me started. (oops, too late! I’ve been away and to come home to it being even worse, really galls me. We are all Americans and ALL of us are good people both right AND left!) But you knew that. Off the horse, back to regular scheduled programming: birdsong and country cottages! 😘
Agree with every word. I feel I have a dilemma. (Not that I’m the only one!) I want to stay informed…though to know the truth these days is even harder….but for me, I need the ‘birdsong and country cottages’…..I go back and forth between which I need more….working at being informed causes me such stress. I end my day on an ‘up note’ by ‘plugging in to’ your blog…lovely, calm way to end the day….seeing the beauty in the world!
All you have to do is read these comments . . . we have girlfriends here that vote all ways, but you can see the kindness. It’s these hot button issues being used as tools to divide us by testing our values and our identity as a country. I’m with you, sometimes I just have to turn it off and just smell the flowers. But I’ve always said the Heart of the Home is the kitchen where EVERYTHING happens, cooking, yes, but feeding the kitty, reading the paper, doing homework, having tea with girlfriends, deciding which movie to go to, and yes, even politics. Because the bottom line is that women are fully-formed, three-dimensional people, and we LOVE our country, all of us. We’ll help each other through this awful time together. There is so much beauty in our world, a world that God made for us all.
Two of my best friends and I just got back from our first trip to England. 3 days in Paris and then London, York, Edinburgh and the Highlands, the Lake District and Beatrix Potter’s house and the Cotswolds in only 3 weeks. So much beauty to take in and so little time. You don’t realize how much there really is to see until you try! As you said, you could take a couple years and only scratch the surface. Perfect weather (only rained a couple times) we were so lucky. We got to see in person so many places we’ve read about and that you’ve shared with us. And learned a lot about trains, washing machines and living in different places. So lucky to get to at least scratch the surface. Hope to go back again and see more!
Getting the lay of the land is really important, next time you’ll know so much more!
Thank you Susan! It’s been fun traveling with you!
Oh my…… there are no words ……. thank you for sharing all of the awesomeness with us!!!
My eyes tear up looking at the pictures and reading about your adventures ….. it has been an amazing journey from my end, I can only imagine experiencing it all first hand. Thank you again for taking me along. Safe travels and God Speed.
Smiles,
Liz
Isles of enchantment.
Post was lovely.i can pretend I am there and love the beauty. Thanks for pictures! Have a safe trip back.
Hi Susan, I e tried to comment before but keep getting another persons nsme and email contacts. So have erased and put mine in. Hopefully it will work this time. I’ve loved journeying around with you. Seeing familiar places through your eyes has been a joy as I can’t travel now due to poor health. I love anything to do with lace, assorted China tea cups plates tea pots and milk jugs of which I have many. Cosy chairs, soft blankets and a kitty on my lap…happy times. I have lots of old English flowers in my garden…so very beautiful at the moment. We are having a heatwave e here. Safe journeying to you and joe. Looking forward to your new book.
A thousand blessings to you Susan for sharing this heavenly trip with us! I savor every word you write and picture you take. My heart is stretched with two different emotions, one filled with joy to imagine myself also there and the second is a bit of longing to have the same experience as you! Oh well…you share it all with us so generously! I can’t wait for your next book! I just might start rereading the 3 books I already have so that I will be more than ready when this current one is published!
Bushels of blessings to you!
Longing is the beginning of going and I was hoping you might!
“Longing…
A dream come true”
Another good one, all that feeling in so few words.
“Longing is the beginning of going.” Susan Branch. Claim it! It is a worthy quote to add to the many books of quotes that you cherish.
It could be the title of a Susan Branch journal for trip planning.
You could also do a journal titled “Longing is the beginning of doing.” A journal to make home remodel notes, crafting notes, planning for baby notes, creating a book list then reading each book with one’s reviews…recipes to try…
OR! “Longing is the foundation of life! Steps to building the life that you want.”
Longing…Longing
All that I want
All that I wish for
I long for it all!
The joy of song
The lift of dance
The kiss of love
The hug of support
The green of valleys
The blue of skies
The wet of rain
The warmth of sun
The cover of clouds
The shelter of home
The gift of health
The knowing of self
The burst of laughter
The release of tears
The shield of friends
The being a friend
The loyalty of pets
The pride of family
To understand when
enough is enough…
to appreciate the
peace in contentment…
…that is created by yourself!
nfw
AKA FayE in CA!
❤️❤️❤️
PS: Life is truly a journey, isn’t it? We are all trying to get to our own “peace in contentment”…a worthy goal that can be a daily quest! I think that is why we love and respect Susan so much. She projects the best, understands the rest!!! 💋💋💋 to you SB!
Lovely FayE … Thank you so sosososososo much!
I have loved traveling with you folks and imagining how much I will see in August on my trip to the UK. Thanks so much for the travel guide. I hope to take some pictures as lovely as yours. I can’t wait!!!
Time to give your walking legs a rest and put your sea legs on! Enjoy your trip home, marinating in all your beautiful memories. I like the Enchanted title, it seems to describe perfectly what I see in your pictures and your words.
Thank you for another splendid adventure across the pond. I will go myself one day. Maybe a retirement celebratory vacation in the next few years.
I loved loved every word of the journey. Do you have the dates for September at the Apple Farm? Would love to book it soon!
I think Sept. 29th, they said yes to that, and I like it too . . . I just haven’t told them for sure yet, due to computer access here, but I will.
I am looking forward to September 29th, too! We loved our girls road trip to SLO so much last time, that we are planning to do it again! Already looking at B&Bs! Attending your book-signing events are becoming a family tradition!! I love traditions 🙂 xoxoxo
Christie, I had to change it to October…waiting for confirmation, hoping for the 20th … will let you know! ~ hope that doesn’t mess things up for you!
Oh gosh Sue, no worries!! Just so happy you are sharing your visit home with us! I had been thinking we wouldn’t have a chance to see you again until this new book was published which might send you on another book-signing trip. October is a beautiful month here for girlfriends road trips💖💖💖
Well, I REALLY need a mommy hug too, main reason we’re going out there! See you then I hope!
What a delightful vacation! It was wonderful to see your lovely pictures and read about your adventures along the way. Thank you for sharing your fantastic trip and have a safe journey home, Susan!
Love this post and Love you both! Thank you for taking us all along. I am so excited for the book! How about, “Travel Europe Susan Branch Style” for your title? I will buy it no matter what it is called. Me, my girl cousins, and sister are planning a Europe trip May 2019. Four of us committed so far. It would be amazing if your book was on sale by then so we could literally Do Europe Susan Branch Style! Travel safe by moonlight my favorite writing/artist girlfriend. Enjoy Martha’s Vineyard…. and say Hi to Jack!
Handmade Enchantment
“Enchantment Forever, For Everyone” oh Susan my heart is full, my eyes have cried tears of great Joy from the minute I read your first word. I cannot thank you enough for your words, your photos, and sharing not only this trip,but your entire life with all of us who have come to love you so over the years. I can’t even tell you how much I look forward to the book you will write. As an avid writer myself I will be waiting breathlessly for the day your book is complete. Thank you dear Susan for the Joy that you have brought to my life over all the years. Bless you, Gayle Hall
The Enchantment of Britain – luv lee.
Loved the beautiful colors in the gardens!! Enjoyed this so much!
Received your “A Fine Romance” cup from my daughter for
my birthday. Love it!!
Susan……. if I had been in lovely England with you, I would be crying from JOY too. You have been on my dream trip, and thank you for sharing it; I loved every word and photo. I wanted to tell you that I have many doves in my neighborhood every summer, serenading me with their sweet sounds. They remind me of my grandfather who raised them. These keep saying “my toe hurts, my toe hurts…..” They evidently don’t know Betty. I had a dovecote made to put in my garden (always wanted one). I hope they will use it to roost and rest their little toes.
Another book….YAY….I don’t know how I’m going to wait a whole year!
Welcome home.
Safe travels! It sounds like it was the loveliest of trips. Can’t wait for the book
Thank you for sharing your adventure, I can’t wait for the book. Sweet dreams while sailing home. It is always good to go home. Many blessings,
Hi Joe and Sue,
Your love of England is comparable to my love of Nantucket.
Happy 4th of July !!
Oh, What a wondrous adventure we have been having, tucked into your pocketses all these glorious weeks! Oh! Now to gird up our loins and hasten homeward, our heads chock-a-block with memories and don’t forgets and to-dos! Home, home, where when we arrive, they have to let us in, because we OWN the place! Home to our very own sheets and porcelains and floors beneath our bare, Summer feet! To stretch full length on sofa and bed, run our hands along our own bookshelves, to rest up for those delicious moments when we unpack our newest treasures and introduce them to our oldest, dearest friends!
I envy you and Joe the coming home every bit as much as I watched, emerald-eyed, as you went, and I cherish in advance the sharing still to come. Happy Voyage. Come home safe. America is waiting, arms open, for your return!
Ohhhh, thank you so much, Jennie Lou. This is just one more reason to add to the list of why I love having all of you along . . . you welcome us HOME with such sweet words! xoxo
Wonderful words!!! Perfect for this occasion, Jennie Lou.
I am in tears so I can imagine how you must feel!! This trip has been so amazing. Now if only I can do it one day!! Thank you as always for sharing with us and for making me believe that our grandest dreams CAN come true!! Safe travels home for you and Joe. 😍😘
How about England ~ Isle of Enchantment? I loved this post and all the pictures. If ever I got to go to England, I would want to go to the villages and countryside, as you have done. So beautiful, so fascinating, so full of history!
We also have Ireland, Wales and perhaps a bit of Scotland too, . . . Isles of Enchantment!
Speechless, the wonder of it all and how much I miss being there in “real”. Grateful to have what you send us.
Thank you for taking us along! What a wonderful, heart warming adventure you have been on…
Safe travels to you stranger friends, enjoy every last moment.
We I was young….MANY moons ago…we had our’pock-a-purses’……like little coin purses or child-sized-purses…to carry all our important things. ‘Slowly’ practicing growing up. Some parts of it I STILL haven’t mastered:-))) love and prayers, Toni Moriarty xoxoxo
Oh Susan, Your blogs are never too long for me, I never want them to end 🙂 Can’t wait for the book!! Have a great trip home!!
THANKS so much for bringing us along…!
you’ve brought me closer to my dream…………..
So beautiful, thank you for sharing with those of us that may never see it in person but feel we’ve been there. Just lovely, words just can’t describe. 🙂
Dear Susan,
Well, it seems that I wasn’t the only one who got all weepy and teary, reading this last post….Why?? I guess partly, because we have loved having you and Joe a bit nearer to us for a while, maybe partly because of all the pictures you are sharing, making me feel homesick again….Wanting to visit more of the lovely England…Where in Whiltshire did you stay? The house you stayed in, and the village, it all looks so lovely, it’s sometimes hard to decide where to go….
We are going to Exmoor in 2 months, looking forward to that, we’ve never been there, have you?
You put my mind at rest thank goodness, and I am so happy to know that you didn’t leave without having one ( or several) cream teas!! Lucky for me and the boys (but not my waistline or the hips) a supermarket here sells jars of clotted cream!! They will keep in the fridge for ages and so we will be able to have many cream teas in the garden the coming summer!
And to answer your question, many comments ago…Yes it was me that sent the lovely Monique some hollyhock seeds! She lives in Quebec and so more flowers will hopefully bloom, isn’t that just a lovely thought!
You have made me & so many people happy with love & kindness, what a beautiful story, your photo’s are always priceless, and thank you so much for everything 🌈
Well, I hope you’ll have a safe crossing and please come back sometime soon….
I will say “Au Revoir” rather than goodbye…
Lots of hugs and kisses from us both (and Petey’s Dutch “cousin”)
Nicoline xoxox
Hi Nicoline, sorry, computer just wouldn’t come up yesterday, I didn’t get to see your comment until now! I have this one here, and three others . . . but I’ll just put up one of the other three because they’re all alike . . . In Wiltshire we stayed in Wootton Rivers, which is really just a tiny little village of a few cottages, a church, and a pub near a canal. Not much to do there, but a wonderful walk up a nearby hill with views of all of England! And no, we haven’t been to Exmoor . . . just one of the jillion places we still have to explore. Let me know how you like it! I knew it had to be you with the hollyhock seeds! That was very sweet of you … a wonderful connection! Yes, Au Revoir is much better . . . xoxoxo
Oh I have loved being on this trip with you and Joe. Thank you so much for taking us along. Enjoy being home with your sweet kitty and all your sweet things.Looking forward to the new book.
This hymn always makes me cry!
JERUSALEM LYRICS
And did those feet in ancient time,
Walk upon Englands[b] mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On Englands pleasant pastures seen!
And did the Countenance Divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills?
Bring me my Bow of burning gold;
Bring me my Arrows of desire:
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Chariot of fire!
I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In Englands green & pleasant Land.
I sang right along with your words. I taught it to myself last year, I love it so much. Now I need to get myself somewhere where I can sing it with people a bit better than just the back seat of a car! Although that’s very good too! Thank you Candice!
Whenever I read your works- your books, your blogs, a peaceful, happy calm comes over me. You take me to another place…a place of beauty, a place of enchantment. As I was looking at the pictures of the lovely English cottages it brought to mind a wonderful show on Netflix called ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY. It is like House Hunters on HGTV only with people in England looking to move to the English countryside. It is like a video version of looking in the local real estate ads. My favorite part is going into the kitchens-the heart of the home! Thank you for sharing the beauty of your world with us!
My favorite are the kitchens too!
“My-toe-huts-Bet-tee 🎵 . . . these luv-lee wood-pigeons provide the background music to the English Countryside”
Susan … is this the song of the British wood pigeon……..
garden-birds.co.uk/birds/sounds/wood_pigeon.mp3
Love, Carol from CT … tra la gov’nah
Tra La Gov’nah yourself! “Denied access” to your link … being at sea has a set of little rules I don’t understand!
Dear Susan,
Here goes my imagination again! How about hearing the pigeon song whenever the cover of your next book is opened. garden-birds.co.uk/birds/sounds/wood_pigeon.mp3
This blog chapter brought me right back to my experience in the Cotswolds a long time ago. The utter enchantment makes you want to stay forever. Your words communicate just how powerful the enchantment is and how strong the pull is. Every reader could feel your intense emotion. Everyone reading this entry can feel your excitement, your dedication for sharing, and your brain engine overheating with ideas for your next book! How wonderful that this time of your life with Joe is so rich and fulfilling. It’s just wonderful.
It tickles me pink … it makes me think … that anything is possible. Brava, standing ovation, and three cheers to you for your creativity, Sue.
Oh and please an encore … the new book that is! Can’t wait ‘Bet-tee’ !
Love, Carol from CT … tra lah dee dah
Ha, Carol, I was thinking the same thing about Siobhan singing her luvlee Irish Blessing! I can’t listen to your link … something about being on a boat and it won’t let me. It should sound exactly like it’s saying My-toe-huts-bet-tee … Thank you for your sweet words Carol, I love thinking my heart is getting translated into words! Not always the easiest thing to do (for me) but I always try. xoxo
What a beautiful love letter to England. I’m so grateful to come along with you!
I see the news every day and my heart is drained. Then I read your blog and it fills back up again 😄 Thank you, thank you for showing all the peace and beauty in the world. 💕
thanks for my trip to England !
beautiful!
It is raining here while I am reading of your lovely adventure. It is so relaxing listening to the rain on the roof. Thank you for taking us along. I am sure you have mixed feelings about leaving that beautiful land, but like you said – your home has magic too
While you were gone I retired from my job of 37 years, I am now going to watch my triplet grandchildren (they just turned 2) full time so my daughter can go back to work. Every day is magic here!
Oh you will have your hands full! Good for you Joy, your daughter is a very lucky girl.
Dear Susan and Joe,
Thank you for sharing this amazing adventure with us. We loved coming to the picnic and getting a 2 1/2 week mini taste of what you have experienced. My friend Jil and I (as well as our husbands) loved every minute of it. We so enjoyed the picnic and meeting new friends. We fell in love with Beatrice and adored her home and Castle Cottage. We are longing for the mossy rock walls and frolicking lambs and I’m just now getting to my little pressed flowers from all of our favorite gardens. You spurred us on to come and we so enjoyed visiting with you and Joe. We have some great photos to remind us. We hope you have a fabulous time on the ship returning to the US. It is always nice to come home! Looking forward to your new book. Thanks again for all the charming and beautiful words, photos, and stopping to smell the wildflowers.
*Can’t wait to use my Herdwick Purse this fall…so fun!
Love it all Pamela … I can’t wait to unpack my little Herdwick either! Hello to Jil and the guys! Thank you so much for coming, it’s something I’ll never forget!
My grand daughters colored me a welcome home picture and it is actually Castle Cottage they saw in one of my photos. I would love to share with you but don’t know how to send you a photo of it! You’re almost home! Nothing like home…enjoy that beautiful island!
You can send it to [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/, or put it on Facebook. How darling that they did that for you!
You are amazing! Many, many thanks to you for sharing your visit to the countryside of England. It’s on my bucket list for sure and after seeing this post, I’m moving it up to the top!!! Much Love!!!
Suzy
Thank you for sharing your fabulous trip. I enjoyed every wonderful minute. Safe travels
Hi Susan,
So enjoyed every posting!!! The places, history, the most beautiful scenery. You really took me away. Thank you so much. Safe travels home. It’s wonderful leaving but theirs no place like home. Jack, will diffently be happy seeing the both of you again.
Love,
Gail
Thank you for “the ride”
as always it was the best,
such as you and Mr. Joe are-everyone involved…
you made my summer~
PS) Bet you sleep when you get home!
Hi guys! This post was so fun to read, and the pics enchanting! Can’t wait for book! Welcome home…where your heart is and your kitty!
I have no words which means your condition is contagious! Let’s just say I can’t wait for your book as I know these fabulous posts are the tip of the iceberg. My first thought for your book was something with O’er Hill and Dale??? Enchanting is a great word, too! I have no doubt you will wake up one morning and announce, “I’ve got it!!” Safe travels to you and Joe! It’s been so fun! XXO
“Contagious! Feverishly Enchanted!” Laughing at that title! Doesn’t roll off the tongue if saying the name of the book to someone, but would make one stop in the book aisle and wonder…what in the world is THIS about! HA! It is nice that you have months to fine-tune your book while titles simmer within you. So much fun to think of titles and like Teresa says, “you will wake up one morning and announce, ‘I’ve got it.'” I can’t wait.
You are pregnant, Susan, and trying to name your next “baby” and just like mothers trying to name their bundles-to-be, everyone chimes in. Bottom line, my dear? The name (title) IS important…it just is…it has to settle in your soul and heart, BUT! Truth be told, you could name your book “Crap” and we would buy it knowing that the pages are gold and the words are heartfelt. 😀
I am enjoying the sailing home, but even though “our” room is larger than usual, Girlfriends need to stop chatting 24/7 because it is hard to find a quiet place to catch a few winks. I am absorbing the ocean’s rocking chair and lullaby…storing up the sounds and feelings to keep me girded and to guard my glorious heart full of pure experiences of contentment.
Thanks for the invite…you have been a gracious, fun and giving hostess. Thank chauffeur/bar tender/protecter from cows, Joe. We couldn’t have taken this journey without him.
❤️❤️❤️
LOL, love the title, because you know and I know that’s how it actually feels!!! And “simmer” is just the right world, little bubbles of thought going pop-pop-pop, never stops now, brewing up that inspiration tea! You are so funny today, Crap is not the right word, this is a true thing! LOLOLOLOLOLOL🤣 Thank you dear one, you’ve brightened my morning even more!
“Grateful Heart”…”No Words”…”Head over Heels”…”Spellbound”…”Be Still My Heart”…”Beyond Enchanting”…”Besotted!”…”Dreamlands”…”Green Horizons”…”Living My Dream”
Jeeze, Louise…will I sleep tonight or toss and turn with titles running through my head? ✏️ 📘
“Grateful Heart” could be the name of #SBBooktoScreen project.
❤️❤️❤️
Every word a pearl. xoxo
Dear Susan,
My comment was lost, where does it go…?? Trying again…
So, thank you again for sharing..Lovely pictures, and taking us along on your travels….I thought I was the only one feeling sort of sad and weepy, reading this post, but I think I wasn’t the only one!!
Where in Whiltshire were you staying? The village and the cottage look so pretty…You show us that there are so many lovely areas to discover, sometimes it’s hard to decide where to go! In August, we are going to Exmoor for 2 weeks, looking forward to that exploring too! Have you been there?
I’m glad you put my mind at ease, that you DO have cream teas when you’re in the UK! There is a supermarket here that sells clotted cream in little jars, so you can keep it for months! Guess who has several in the fridge, and who will be making scones (with a recipe that the sweet Ann has given me) this summer!!??
BTW it was me that sent Monique the hollyhock seeds!! What a lovely thought that they will (hopefully) be flowering in Canada!!
We’re keeping fingers crossed you’ll be back, so rather than good bye, I’ll say Au Revoir to you both
Safe travels, and lots of hugs and kisses from Gabriel and me, and a special hug and wave from Petey’s Dutch friend!
Nicoline
xoxox
I know, with the gremlin on the loose again, we’re never sure what is “normal” … but this time we can blame the sea-going adventure, your comment wasn’t lost, it was just hidden from me for a day or two. xoxoxo
It’s almost time for America to open her arms and welcome you 2 back home. Your pictures have left me filled with awe and speechless with the beauty of it all. I almost don’t know how you can stand to leave it all behind. Here’s an idea, why don’t you and Joe open up a b&b in the Lake District and then all of us left here in the states can come and visit and you can give us carefully crafted and water colored cheat sheets about where to go. Of course you would have to bring Jack back with you and maybe Queen Elizabeth could give him a title, perhaps Sir Jack, 4th earl of Worchestershire. I loved that you started off with a Brian Andreas quote – he has a wonderful and heart filled way with words. His ex-wife Ellen lives here in Decorah and he visits now and then. We are so lucky to have them both. Also just before I read your blog, my friend in California sent me the Paul McCartney/James Corden tape and there I was, transported in an instant back to 1964 and the following years of “the one, the only, BEATLES”. They will never go out of style and their music will always take me back to that magical time. I saw them (well I should say I saw the light glint off their guitars) at the Hollywood Bowl and Dodger Stadium. My girlfriends and I were too young to drive so my father, the apple of my eye father, took 4 of us screaming girls there and then waited in the car for us to come out. He was the best dad and I was so blessed to have him.
Just to give you an update, the 3 eaglets (not so tiny anymore) have now all taken to the air, soaring the thermals. They are still around but soon will take off on their own journeys but hopefully they will return next year. Dad has never been found (my heart still aches when I think of him) but mom did a “dad gummit good job of raising them younguns”. She has done us other females proud to be sure.
I wish you were coming back to a better version of ourselves, but we are all going to have to work really hard to become the great country we used to be. A hardness, a hate filled dialogue has taken over that I want so much to say is not who we are but it is enough of us to cause the rest of us a great sadness. I don’t like including this here but it is our new reality, at least for now, and will continue to be unless those who find this unacceptable fight it with all that we have in us. Your beautiful art, love of nature and gentle thoughts help to give me (and I’m sure many others) a moment of respite during this all to trying time. God bless you and Joe and welcome back, we need your light.
Your Dad, so good. Such a nice thing to do, and even a bit scary for dads way back then! Thank you Patricia, say hello to luv-lee Iowa for me!
…..and thank you for putting out phone numbers, etc. of how all of us can reach our government officials. This is why the dialog in our country is so splintered….for one person to be angered that another person reminds us of how to contact our government officials is where all common sense goes with the wind…..
you are back on US soil…..you had a lovely time being our USA Ambassador of Art, Friendship, Laughter, History, and Peace. I hope your feet have been dangling in water, lemonade at hand, flowers filling your garden, critters available for petting….love you Susan Branch….keep at it.
P.S. for the 4th of July, I attended the Citizenship Swearing In at Seattle Center – it was beyond words…such proud people, who will add to our communities. I am lucky to live in Seattle, where there was an outpouring of support, love and welcome, to these 500 new citizens…no anger, no uncommon sense, no untruths. Only kindness, intelligence, love and peace.
That’s so nice of you all to do. I’ve seen swearings-in on TV and they always make me cry for how hopeful and proud everyone looks. Thank you Regina, Happy 4th and Happy Summer!
A rare night of tossing and turning and I got up and pulled up your blog wondering if you are back yet. So fun to read and imagine you right now on the ship sailing home to Jack. I need to start at the very beginning of your trip and do it all over, again. Thank you for caring so much…about us, about what is really important in life and helping us to escape to a simpler time. We all need it right now. Safe travels for the journey home. Reverse culture shock about to start!
It is hot here in Atlanta…and likely up your way, as well.
Home, ready to start the book. There was way too much for me to blog everything, which is good, because now the book will have surprises! Thank you for coming along, you Girls made the whole thing much more fun. I would see something and think, oh the Girls are going to love this! xoxo
Susan! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful photos and your travels with all of us! It was a pleasure reading about it this morning and coming along with you and Joe for the entire trip! Although I, too, do feel a little sad that the time has come for you to go home, I know that good things are coming, like your BOOK!!! YAY! Have a safe trip . . .
P.S. I forgot to mention your title!!! Enchanting is a GREAT word – and we love the phrase “Hill and Dale,” in our family, too!
There we go, you have my two favorites right there! “Hill and Dale” is somehow softer and more Chicken Noodle Soupish. “Enchanting” sparkles. Two perfect choices.
It’s a win-win no matter which side of the pond, which is the problem! xoxoxo
Yes!!! I know that you will pick the perfect title!
Oh Susan
Please don’t leave us. It’s been so lovely having you and Joe just ‘down the road’ so to speak. Now there’s an ocean between us. I know you both love our beautiful country and you know what, we Brits love you and Joe too. Hope you have a calm and peaceful crossing and I know you are aching to give your darling Jack a big cuddle. Can’t wait for the new book – I have read Ise of Dreams umpty-nine times now. I finish it…..then a day or so late I start it again!! Just love it! All my love and God Bless you both XX
Wah! It was so hard to go, Paula, so hard. Tears on both sides of the water, for what is lost, what is gained, no matter which direction we go. Say hello to beautiful Kent for us . . . xoxoxo and thank you!
Came across this quote which I wish I’d seen before writing my post. It’s from a little book by Alexandra Stoddard. “… one of the greatest aspects of traveling is returning home..to our personally created comforts, where everything thing is the way we like it and we are surrounded by the things we love”.
Could not be truer. xoxo
Thank you – thank you – thank you for sharing your magical journey with us, with me. You always brighten my day and my heart. With love….
Happy to have you along, Carol!
Last of our peonies coming inside. We had blooms this year on a variety of plants that haven’t done well in the last few years….maybe because of the ongoing drought. Lots of rain in winter and spring, so everyone’s happy. Fresh just picked strawberries for a strawberry/rhubarb pie. Filled bird feeders, washed hummer feeders, Tom dug up a small hemlock and moved it. Not hot here, but very humid, as it usually is this time of year. Doing wash in the basement, finishing a projects…..love doing these little ‘homey’ things. Surely hope the rest of your voyage is good. We all know you’ll be happy to snuggle into your very own house with your very own kitty and the English mysteries.
Another Thank You for the time with you and Joe in England, Wales and Ireland.
Debbie in Maine… 🙂
Sounds wonderful Debbie! xoxo
I’ve been saving this post, waiting for a time when I could sit down with a cup of tea and savour the photos, the words, and all the lovely longings they evoke. So here I am. I’ve loved it all. Like you, I was Enchanted by England and Wales, and hope one day, to be equally enchanted by Scotland and Wales. The world is full of wonderful, glorious places and people, and time is all too short. We have to make the most of it each and every day.
Enjoy your sailing, Susan. I hope it’s a smooth one, and that the full moon shines in all her luminous brilliance.
It was smooth as glass, warm and lovely the whole way home. Sailing past the Statue of Liberty could never get old!
Have you and Joe considered moving to this paradise?
Oh we have definitely fiddled with the idea, but then we already have a perfectly good paradise, so it’s a conundrum! xoxo
Truly, you were traveling in the isles of enchantment and we went along too! Thank you for taking the time to let us travel with you. 🙂 It’s good to go away and see something new, but equally good to come home again! Safe journey!
All good, all blessings!
Dear Susan,
I have been reading all of the lovely comments and suggestions sent to you from the “Girlfriends of Susan Branch Mutual Admiration Society”, in which I am a proud member!!!😊. I always enjoy reading them all and there are some really neat suggestions for your new book title. I borrowed a couple of them and pieced them together, coming up with this idea…
BE STILL MY HEART
A LOVE LETTER TO GREAT BRITIAN
I hope that you are getting a lot of rest and enjoying that beautiful stateroom! Click those heels together and say…” There’s No Place Like Home”!…because it won’t be long! xoxo
I’m here, and filled with contentment, and, best of all, I know where everything is! I know where the keys are, where in the fridge the milk is, I know how the washing machine works, I know where to plug in my hair dryer! Ta daaaa! It’s magic! Love your titles, Love Great Britain, but the problem is, the part of Ireland where we were is not part of GB anymore! Ha! I had to remember too! xoxo
p.s…….I meant to say CHART ROOM! 🙄 That drink looks like some kind of fresh made Sangria?
A wonderful post Susan. I’m finally getting to respond after a very busy few months with grandchildren and the flu bugs they share. I have been able to read your blogs and keep up to date with your comings and goings. What a wonderful trip and so many memories for you to be able to live and share with us. So exciting to have a new book on the horizon. Be still my heart. I told my son-in-law about the picnic and the spread coming out in Victoria magazine. This was just to prepare him for when his children are old enough so my daughter can travel with me. She would have just loved to be able to go to the picnic in England. I’m so happy for you to have some interest in a screenplay or maybe a mini series. You must be just over the moon! I find it hard to believe that we’re actually getting to live through this with you.
Susan, you bring such joy to our lives. You are such an anchor in mine. My home, too, is graced with so much of your heart…from calendars, desk blotters, books, dishes etc. I got myself in a “spot” the other day and my house and life seemed so mundane, just off. Then I noticed your calendar on the wall and my whole mood, attitude and perspective on life changed instantly. Isn’t that amazing? I think it is so beautiful that all the work you do is so important to our lives, in ways you may not even fully comprehend. We are so blessed by all you do for us.
My mother gave me an old leather suitcase last weekend that belonged to my grandparents. They brought it from Scotland in the 1960’s when they came to Canada to live. There were so many treasures in it…photos of my grandparents at their home in Dunbar, photos of them around Scotland. There was even a photo book that belonged to my great grandmother with pictures of both world wars, some with relatives in them. There were photos of the soldiers in their kilts. And the clothing they were wearing…so different from today. You talk about interesting! Things that years ago I would have passed over and discarded so quickly, now have so much meaning because of what you have taught me.
Enjoy the last few days on the ship. Keeping you and Joe in my prayers for safe travels. Looking forward to having you back at home. xx
You make tears in my eyes. All about counting our blessings, isn’t it Rhonda!? Oh that suitcase!!! You really are making me cry. How lucky you are to have it. Thank you for your sweet words, all that feeling of joy and connection is so wonderful to share with others who then look around and see all they have too. Half the world is in terrible turmoil, and right now, all I can hear are birds.
Oh my gosh.. so much here, all dearly beloved.
You should be half way across or so, by now. Random thoughts… our Island Community Chorus sang Jerusalem a few years ago, when we sang the a bigger work and could augment it with an orchestra. And it was heart stirring and FABULOUS.
I LOVED AND LIVED every detail. And will be so happy when you are HOME. And settled. And can take your time to re-digest very detail of this much beloved time. XOXOXOXOXOXOX
It IS heart-stirring, perfect words. When I want a lift, I go to the Proms on Youtube for Jerusalem!! My heart bursts with pride I don’t know from whence it cometh! (There’s a sentence for you!) I am re-digesting daily, it’s a cloud I love living in! See you around the rock, Pam! xoxo
Dear Susan,
I dropped out of sight for a bit. Some health worries with my dear senior citizen dog and other family commitments combined with an annoying athritis flareup, so writing wasn’t something I could manage. But I Did manage to travel with you on your wonderful trip. Each time I read your blog, I “ran away from home”–not from my loving family, but from stupid stress. I’d cleanse my eyes with your beautiful art; drool over the fabulous photos; rest my ears with your music; laugh, smile, and be moved by your stories and thoughts of friends and the delightful charms of the English countryside and its people. So glad I got to electronically stow away and travel with you from my arm chair, my trip was very healing. Our big news is a trip in August to Scotland. The Tribe is coming along: DH Frank, son Alex and girlfriend, and our two daughters Emily & Irina. We fly into London, spend a day, then take the train to Edinburgh, where my Fearless Frank has ordered a 9-passenger van so we can tour the Highlands for 4 days (castles, distilleries, & even dolphins!), then back to Edinburgh for 4 days (the Royal Yacht, and tickets for the Military Tattoo!), then train back to London for one last day before home. I will think of you, look for gardens and pubs and the beauty of the British Isles. Longer than that isn’t possible, with college for one daughter, and work commitments for others. But I’ll take it and love it. And think of you. Can’t wait. I think by the time you read this, you may be home. So–Welcome home! Hope the pond-crossing was wonderful, give kitty many scratches, and I can’t wait to hear about your homecoming and scattered trip thoughts as you settle back on to the Island–and read your book, happy to wait for it! Love to you, hugs to Joe, scratches to kitty, Rosemary
Heavenly trip. Edinburgh is beyond words in charm and old-world loveliness. Don’t forget to save a couple of hours for girls-only visit to a clothing store that exists no where but in Scotland (not even on the Internet) called Ragamuffin. I’m not really a huge travel shopper, but I do like some, and if it must be done, then Edinburgh is the place to do it!!! Sounds like a fabulous trip, Rosemary! Have fun!
Oh, Susan, you make my heart hurt and sing at the same time!
I loved the entire blog post and didn’t find it long at all. The pleasure of “being there” with you and Joe made it seem short.
Thank you for all the time you take to share your adventures and take ALL those pictures! So many places to see. My hubby and I only have a week when we go to Ireland in September and I’m going crazy trying to decide on what to try and fit in! I think we’ve about decided to just wander and see what we see.
Be safe and may God bless you with calm seas and a swift trip HOME.
How exciting! You will love it Lori ~ have you decided where you’ll go?
Susan, oh my goodness! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting us see every detail! I’m listening to the soundtrack of the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice as I scroll through and daydream of when I will be there too! Sending you the biggest hug ever – I know that bittersweet feeling of leaving behind a magical adventure. (I’m suddenly transported to being 18, on the plane after my first trip to Italy, looking down at the patchwork earth below…) I hope you have a marvelous trip back and are welcomed with love in beautiful MV!
It’s been a wonderful homecoming, weather-wise, friends-wise, kitty-wise, garden-wise, island-wise, and house-wise. I couldn’t ask for more.
I feel your sadness and heartbreak to be leaving these enchanted lands, however, a jolly good thought crossed my mind as I was wiping my own tears. I’d love to see a Literature/Artist at Sea series hosted by you and Joe. I just know your faithful fans would fill the cabins on one of these majestic ships while we listen and learn. Classes in watercolor, photography, and prose, taught by you as we sail to the UK. Perhaps once we arrive we could enjoy a few more days together before going our own way. As they say, I would be in heaven to be able to experience this with you! In the meantime, welcome HOME!! And thanks for the memories.
We keep thinking and talking about something like that … but Joe isn’t quite as wild about it as I am! It’s a delicate balance!