Hello everyone! From sunny, lovely, mellow, quiet, small-town, Central Coast of 
California, above Santa Barbara, below Big Sur, near San Luis Obispo, where I spent my concert-going formative years, age 21 to age 32. 💞 MUSICA. Dawn rising here, kitties sleeping, tea hot, making mashed avocado (they fall from trees here in la-la land) on Trader Joe’s toast for breakfast. Life, she is good. How is everyone???? Missing you! Have had terrible computer connection until we finally landed here. So we have a lot to catch up on. 😘
Breakfast: Chewy buttered toast, peppery, salted, ripe, avocado. Yum!
This little floral item is giving my nose heart palpitations right now. I picked it from the bush just outside our Studio door and put it a vase next to my computer. Heavenly California. Very nice to be back…
Our first night, after a long drive north, listening to the Joni Mitchell Court and Spark album, we went to dinner at the Pacific Ocean . . . with the most wonderful October sunset. Wanted to share with you deep breath of salt air and gentle breeze off the water. Although, do not get me wrong, I can’t wait to get home and see what the leaves are doing on Martha’s Vineyard! But, right now, we’re blooming where we are planted . . . and it’s really not been very difficult!
We traveled across the country the long, old-fashioned, S L O W way, as always, by train. Above is the view from our table in the dining car. We crossed the Mississippi just in time for a lovely sunset sky, working our way west.
We always know when we reach New Mexico because it turns red outside our windows. We live in a beautiful country and it’s a privilege to see it up close and personal.
We make the most of it, bringing our books, tea cups and tea, the kettle, apples, cheese and crackers. (Yes, I have my Apple cup with me, and yours are on the way, more at the bottom of this post!)
See the plastic spoon? There was a rattle, but Mr. Fixit solved it instantaneously! It’s so nice to have a man around the train car. Yes, sheep socks. The only way to fly!
Totally spoiled. Stopped at train station in Albany, Joe got himself a coffee shake! I brought everything with me but the kitchen sink.
We’re there, time to load up the car and hit the road!
Heading east across LA toward the desert . . .
First to Palm Springs area to see my sister Shelly (who loaned us her ice chest) and to see her darling twins, who grew up since we last saw them, they turned 15! (You’ll see later!)
Then out to Arizona . . . to see my dad’s wife Jeanie and her sister Mary who still live in the house where my dad lived.
Again, we went the long way, up and over the mountains, through gorgeous Prescott, then to edge of the mountain, old mining town of Jerome, named for a cousin of Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill’s mother (yes, he’s half American), who we are related to through my Dad’s mom, my grandmother Murray, because this is a nutty world, and down, along the precipice of the world where we were hailed upon, big ice-balls festively splotching onto the windshield, followed our car into the valley below.
We went that way both times, traveling in, and traveling back out. Slower but so much prettier,
. . . with lovely views, piles of billion-year-old rocks, and no trucks! (See the tree at the top of this?!)
Our first morning in Cottonwood, I was getting ready to do some laundry at the motel ~ we were going to visit my Dad’s grave after the laundry was done. I was digging in the bottom of my purse for money for the washer and dryer ~ and pulled a handful of change out of my bag and onto the motel dresser top to sort it. I saw this very old dime, and thought, let me look closer. And there it was, 1923, the year my dad was born. What are the chances? I said, “Hi Dad.” It was wonderful. I’m still not over it. I’m going to put that dime on my charm bracelet because my dad said hello the day I got to his town!
We took our darling girls, my dad’s wife Jeanie on the left (91, I know, shocking!), and Mary (86, both of them full of love), sisters who take care of each other (Jeanie is my “other mother”) out to dinner to my Dad and Jeanie’s favorite spot in Cottonwood, Nic’s. It was wonderful to see them so well and healthy. Nicest midwest girls, Jeanie and Mary White, grew up near Chicago. Aren’t they adorable?
We stayed in Cottonwood visiting for three days, then back out to LA to see my Uncle Dick, my mom’s brother, then up Pacific Coast Highway . . .
. . . and finally, down the driveway to our Studio here, near San Luis Obispo, where Kellee and Sheri come every day . . . where we’re now parked for the duration.
This is where the gardenias bloom, and where our Studio Kitties, sweet, shy, Sasha, and
handsome, beauty-marked, Sammy, run the show. We are staying here now, and get these guys to ourselves at nights and on the weekends. Shhhh, don’t tell Jack.
We came out to California to see family, and also for a book talk and signing at the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo, which took place last Saturday the 13th . . . these were the name tags Kellee made . . . everyone got one!
The moment we walked in the door Kellee and Sheri put us to work, tying ribbons onto these little books they’d made. Joe and I got home from our trip to England in July, and 
since then, as you know, I have been working on our new book ~ E N C H A N T E D. 💞 Before we left the island, I was writing and painting at my art table, and as time came closer for us to go to the Apple Farm, I thought, How can I make this book-talk extra nice? What can I bring that will make it fun for everyone? I thought, Well, I could read the first chapter of the new book, they might like that. I asked Joe what he thought, and he said it was a good idea, except, he said, “Wouldn’t it be better if everyone could see the photos you’re putting in?” And I thought, Oh dear, right, because as Lewis Carroll said, “What is the use of a book without pictures?” So, then I thought, Why don’t we make little books of the first chapter, include the photos, and hand them out to everyone who comes to the signing? So I called Kellee and Sheri to see what they thought ~ they loved the idea, so that’s exactly what we did!
So the big day came and we were ready! Kellee and Sheri kept the secret better than me, because I told Twitter what we were doing, due to large uncontrollable mouth and secret-keeper-failure.
Look at me, I’m ecstatic. Not everyone is on Twitter, so we were able to surprise lots of our Girlfriends, look at this happy group! We had such a wonderful time, spent most of it laughing!
It was a tent full of girlfriends!
Apple farm made it so nice for everyone! Lemon water, hot apple cider, fall decorations, it was a beautiful day.
They put a box of treats on every single chair. Treats, believe it or not, all made from recipes in my Autumn Book, all my favorites, 
including apple crisp, pumpkin cheesecake, and my Grandma’s maple cookies! Bless that Apple Farm’s little heart. 💝 And you are probably asking “Wenches? Why does it say wenches?” My Girlfriend Elizabeth, who I met when she bought Holly Oak from me (she doesn’t own it anymore), now lives in Palo Alto. I was texting her while she was driving (she was a passenger!) down the coast with her three best girlfriends on their way to the talk, and they were calling themselves, the Wenches (for reasons unknown, probably having to do with festive road trip!). I had lots of friends and family coming, and several dear old friends you would recognize as characters in my books, so sweet and helpful Apple Farm set a group of chairs off to the side and labeled it Reserved for the Wenches. And a thing was born.
Here are some of the Wenches . . . top row is Diana (Elizabeth’s cousin), then Teri, and Kathy ~ bottom row, the “original” Diana (best friend from my books), and then Elizabeth. (Perhaps “wenches” had something to do with those Hats!)
So then it was time, and here I am shaking in my boots, because that’s what I do when I have to speak in front of people. Rachael, my sidekick from the Apple Farm, is introducing me, Joe is pointing the camera and saying, “Look at me!” And all is chaos! But only I know, to everyone else, everything looks perfectly normal. My heart was beating like a squirrel’s crossing the LA Freeway.
I started talking, thanking the Apple Farm in quavering voice, tongue totally in the way, thanking Joe, who received a huge spontaneous round of applause!!! It was so cute!!! He turned six colors of pink. (It probably had a lot to do with the teabag caper he allowed me to photograph! Plus the other things, like painting the dining room pink, stopping creaks in train compartments, putting pumpkins over the front door, and general guardian-angel duties, like driving on the wrong side of the road in quest of beauty while wearing darling beret!) Then I introduced the Wenches, which, by that time, included my sister Shelly (above) and her twins. 💞
And then it was time! I’d signed all the little books the night before and the girls began passing them out.
Everyone promised to keep them a secret so it will still be a surprise for all of you when ENCHANTED is published. But perhaps I do need to give a couple more of them away beforehand, right? So I will do that the moment I get home ~ we’ll have a Girlfriends Giveaway when I am more connected to the computer again! 
I read out loud, a little test run for Enchantment, and everyone read along . . .
Joe went around taking pictures while we weren’t looking . . .
Shelly was reading and the twins put down their phones long enough to read along. (Huge honor, will likely never happen again!)
The twins brought their dog Lucy in a baby stroller which actually got her into many restaurants too!
Afterwards, there was a long question and answer period, about art, and book writing, hand writing and love stories, cooking, England, ex-husbands, and Anglophiles, Scotland, Highclere, dreams-come-true, and every other thing we could think of. Then I signed everyone’s books and calendars. First in line was Oma, 96 years young, who tried to steal Joe from me with her charm and it almost worked! I was forced to give her my evil eye👀. Oma was born in Rotterdam, Holland, but has lived here forever, and came to the event with her daughter Annelies. 💞 Lucky me. MUSICA.
Sheri brought her mom, Donna, too . . . we had lots of moms and daughters, sisters, cousins and best friends, it was definitely a family affair.
The next day it was my turn with my mom, who lives with my sister Paula. We drove up to see them ~ it was wonderful to be with her and everyone again! Mom doesn’t have much memory left, but she still has the happy gene and she is well loved and cared for. Sometimes she remembers who I am, but not always. Once she asked me “Who are you?” And I gave her the whole thing, “Susan Anne Stewart.” And her eyes lit up ~ I knew she knew, and she gave me a big hug. Counting my blessings, I’m so lucky, I still have my mom. She’s 88 now.
Mom, me, and Dad . . . doesn’t seem so long ago . . .
We all went out to breakfast and then stayed together at my sister’s all day. Later, for dinner, Paula made us a beautiful lasagna, we made a giant salad, the kids made my dad’s recipe for garlic bread, and Shelly made coffee ice-cream shakes . . . here is a family photo sampling from breakfast above: my niece Karis on the left, her husband, Henry, in back ~ my niece Tricia and her girlfriend Matisse. The two little ones belong to Karis and Henry ~ they are just a few of my mom’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All as sweet as they look. My beautiful family. The beat goes on. So fun to be “home.”
The next day we said goodbye to Shelly and the boys ~ they headed home, back to work and back to school. But we’ll be here for another week. I’ll have several more visits to my mom, and lots of dinners with friends. I went to the movies with Diana yesterday, we cried through A Star is Born, and I’m going to see Colette this weekend with Elaine. It’s ALL, ALL, ALL good.
HAVE to show you this. Saturday night, after the Apple Farm, we went out to dinner with the wenches, had the BEST time talking about the concerts we saw in our youth, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffet, Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, the Beatles, and on and on, each better than the other, the Santa Barbara Bowl, Esalen in Big Sur, the Cow Palace, the Hollywood Bowl and the Troubadour . . . and then, THIS ⬆️ was in the bathroom of the restaurant! Note light at faucet, and then where water touches down. When you put your hand under it, your hand turns blue where the water runs on you, and yet, the water itself is not blue. It’s all just light! Had to show you, out came the phone, click! What will they think of next?
So what else is new? . . . Love that I get to spend time face to face with Kellee, concocting new things!
I was plotting our days here on the calendar, and noticed Kellee had hung the new calendar for 2019 behind the old one. Then I noticed the DARLING calendar wall hook. So cute! Called out, “Hey, do we sell these?” And the answer I love, “Yes we do,” came back. Into my bag she went. And I took a photo to put here in case you want one too!
And look what just arrived! As lots of you knew, we ran out a while back, but due to popular demand, they’re back! The little card that comes with the “I Love Autumn” dream-charm says, “Summer’s loss means little, dear, on days like these.” For those who love this wonderful season.😘🍁
And, let’s see, what else is new . . .
This. There was a request from our Girlfriends on Twitter for this art to be made into a print. You need nerves of steel for Twitter these days and this is your antidote for modern times ~ a healthy reminder of how to survive and thrive is always a good thing in this crazy world . . . put it where you can see it every morning!
This new book just arrived . . . it’s a book for a mom to fill out about her daughter . . .
I call it Beyond the Baby Book, because it’s so much more.
Once you’re done with it, it will be a special keepsake book of memories, done in your own hand for someone you love, for forever.💝
Every question you can imagine from childhood to when your first grandchild shows up! Called To My Daughter with Love.
And here they come, los cups! . . . soon to a mailbox near you . . . shipped last week from England, limited editions . . .
We hope to see them here in California first of next week if all goes well in customs! I was just testing to see how the new Christmas cup looks with the old one. ❤️
We’ll ship to you immediately, first come first serve, in the way the orders came in . . . but you know Kellee and Sheri, they waste no time! A perfect celebration for the season. Hot chocolate, spiced cider, hot soup, Irish coffee and milky tea, here we come!
We’ll be heading back to the Island next week, by Twain, hoping to cheer Twitter up with Twain Talk . . . so watch for my new photos from the room with a view. I think we should be seeing lots of fall views like this one above on our way home! The train pulls out of the station about 6 pm on October 25 . . . for three luv-lee days crossing the country until . . .
Soooooo looking forward to it. Hope a few leaves hold on for us. It will almost be Halloween, windy and wild, and the kids will soon be coming to our door.
And, you know.💞 There’s more than one little piece of my heart back home.
Jack’s babysitter writes me almost every day to tell me of his most recent antics. She loves him, he is in good hands, but I miss him. I’m so glad I get to stay home all winter!
We will have such a good time! Light the fire, bring me that rubber band, and let the snow fall!
Always a beautiful sight to me.
We’ll be going off-island for just one day, November 10th, for our 1:30 talk and signing at the West Falmouth Library. You can get tickets HERE if you haven’t already. And I was told by a girlfriend on Twitter that the website said, “sold out,” but when you call, it isn’t! Be sure to check. I’ll be there to sign your books, calendars, and things for Christmas giving. When I get back to the island, I’ll give you the link for this bookmark/nametag (above) so you can print it out to wear to the event. See you there!
It’s good to go away, it makes coming home better than ever.
Happy fall Girlfriends. I’ll see you soon! Thank you for being here! Here’s a wonderful, healthy, light, and deliciously colorful salad for you to try ~ Until we meet again!🍁
It touched my heart to hear you knew your dad was with you when you found that special dime. I had a similar experience one day driving into the cemetery where both of my parents are. I usually turn off my car radio as soon as I pull through the gates. As I reached for the radio one day to quiet the noise, as usual, my “parents song” came on…..one from 40 years ago so not often heard or played. I pulled my car over and said to myself, “They know I am here”. I believe things happen for a reason.
People told me these things would happen. My dad passed in 2016, and so far nothing really that I could say for sure. But this dime was a total bright big HELLO from him and no one could convince me otherwise. Your song, definitely the same thing. Both of them, together, could you even ask for anything more??? What a blessing. xoxo
Thank you, Sue. The only comfort we have from missing them so much is that they are together. There are quite a few moments where I knew Mom and Pop were with me. Your dear dad is with you and finding that dime is only the beginning.
XOXO
Makes me happy to hear. My sister Shelly says she dreams about him every night! I’ve never remembered my dreams, more or less on purpose due to some terrifying ones early on … so be may or may not be there. But it doesn’t matter. He is my forever.
Another wonder filled blog! Thank you. I HAD to peek tonight and skim the blog before beftime. I will savor every word tomorrow morning. ☕
Gardenia…the most fragrant flower. And the first few notes of Hotel California are so recognizable. I am happy you have time to enjoy just being in California. 🌴
I am glad you got to visit with your mom. Somewhere deep inside she knows her baby Susan. 💖 And look at Jeanie & Mary! They sure don’t look their ages. Good living.
Joe must stand at your events, look at the adoring crowds, and be so proud of all you do. Isn’t it just grand to have your own personal cheerleader?!
Looking forward to the trip home with you… And I want to see those curtains that you are so unsure of!
I am off now. Good night.
First few notes put such a smile on my face, could not help but rock and roll you before bed! She does know me. We were beyond close, we were sisters, best friends, we doted on each other. She’s my pal for life. Period and forever. Joe is the best, and I love it that the Girlfriends have adopted him. All good! I’ll show you the curtains. The problem is, they are just too fancy. There I said it. I need to dismantle some of the fanciness or I can’t stand it. I’ll make sure when I get home, but I know they require toning down! Hopefully that will be enough! Grrrr. simple simple simple. That’s my mom, and that’s me too.
Perhaps the flowers won’t seem so intrusively fancy when you get home. 😊 BUT! To cut down on the SCAWY “fancy,” you could keep the floral valances and hang wonderful, light-infused sheers and be done! Sheers always dance charmingly when windows allow breezes to tour your home!
Are the drapes too heavy to use tie-backs? It would keep the windows somewhat open and perhaps ease up on the “fancy” in-your-face floral feeling that you had before you left for CA. Perhaps cut them down to be skinny side panels instead of full window drapes…hung straight or with tie-backs…sheers covering the middle, of course. Can’t wait for your “fancy, floral intimidation” to be resolved and shared!
Bottom line – the temptations of other people’s choices and the charms of their home decor may be best-loved in THEIR homes. Joe needs to demand that you wear blinders on your next drive/stroll through jolly ole’, floral-windowed neighborhoods!!!!
There are times when I literally, drop-dead-fall-in-love with something in a store and I stare and stare and stare then squeeze my eyes shut to make it work in my house, but deep down inside I know that it isn’t right no matter how much I love the item. I think that owning several homes is the answer…each one could be decorated differently and fulfill the many moods of the woman who owns them!!! OOOHHHH…to have unlimited bank accounts to fulfill our creative desires and enjoy the realities of our “possibility dreams!!” It is fun to visit my “possibility dreams” AND good to be thankful for what I have.
Speaking of “fancy”…you looked sweet and fancy in your pink shawl with the Apple Farm corsage. Understated fancy is always charming!
Cheers 🍸🍸to window decor that makes you happy…Fall trees that make you cry…a furry welcome home that makes your heart skip with an over-abundance of love…continued contentment with your forever boyfriend…and health to put a bow on your life of joy.
FayE! ❤️❤️❤️
PS: I’m sure that your adventures get crowded, but thanks for taking us with you! My spirit is with you on your morning walks through fall leaves. 🍁 🍂 🌳
It’ll be fun to see what can be done. Because something can ALWAYS be done! 😃 I’ll let you know! xoxo
Reading about your fantastic adventures is such a wonderful way to drift off to dreamland!
Have a wonderful visit and a safe journey home! 😘
Cross country by train, how delishious! You can drink in all the sights and not have to drive, what a great way to travel. So nice you have western kitties to keep you company, must be soothing to have those furry faces waiting for you each night. Amazing sunsets too. Thank you for touching so many of us with your joy!
Yes, a kitty in every port is the best idea of all! Thank you Cindy!
My mom was born in 1923 also. I’ve had several “nudges” from both parents, now gone 20 (mom) & 10 (dad) years now – but they never really leave. They’re just in the next room! And are quick to still let me know what they like and what they’re not keen about😁. Yes, your mom knows you❣️I can’t say thank you enough, from all of us. You’ve helped me through some difficult times, and by focusing on your simple pleasures I’ve made it through smiling. You’re awesome Susan.
I am so happy you were able to stop by for a post!
I love hearing about your adventures and family visits.
I recently moved in next door to my mom. She too is 88. I cherish this time together and am ready to become caregiver when she is ready for that. We are so lucky to have them still 🙂
Save trip home, enjoy the color explosion!
Lucky. I wish I could have talked my mom into moving out east with me, but she was adamant about not leaving friends and especially her brother. And now, of course, she had to leave them anyway. To move her now would add to her confusion, which none of us think is right. So this is it. Living next door would be heaven!
I turned somersaults to keep my mom’s same in-home caregivers (no new people) in the last couple years of her life because her fears could rise up so easily with the slightest variation in ‘schedule’ and the best thing we can do for our loved ones is to prevent that, try to instead make them feel safe and comforted; keep to their routine and rhythm; just can’t force a lot of change on them. It’s all very human. Things can become bewildering so fast for the aged person; they’re fragile, slowing down and they feel vulnerable.
(I feel like I’ve seen it ‘all’, with elderly parents, in-laws, aunts & uncles, neighbors; my parents’ friends; some with Alzheimer’s, some with not. I’ve just personally done my fair share of hands-on elder care, before we ever hired nurses … I’m talking years of it, not months … although this is just my personal opinion on the subject. Caregiving is rewarding, but it can be really, really exhausting; overwhelming. The best thing you can do to help a caregiver is to give them a break from it.)
Susan, I feel you and your family are right to not move your mom now. It’s clear in the photo that she’s at ease as much as she can be with her condition. There’s joy in her face. It’s terrific that she has such a big family with lots of people looking after her care and wellbeing; sounds like she’s surrounded by love and good support. And I think it’s really good of you to come out here to see her and be with her when you can, as you do. In these days, families are often so many miles apart from one another (is certainly the case with myself; long distances to travel). They don’t want to be separated but it’s just what happens. For a limited time, I worked with Meals-On-Wheels and most of us (I didn’t) have no idea how many elderly people never/rarely if ever see their kin. They get so lonely. When delivering their meal I learned that, for some, I was the only person they ever saw in their day. And I was a stranger.
We moved my grandma and she got significantly worse. I think waking up in the same bed everyday is hugely important. She’s happy. My niece has little babies for her to play with. There isn’t one speck of anything institutional around her. She’s home, with loving family. And most of all and best of all, there is no loneliness.
I’m so glad. What a relief for you. That you don’t have that constant worry, knowing instead she’s in the best hands. They’re a multi-generational household and, you know, that’s how it used to be all the time! Remember The Waltons on TV?
Mother’s weekend caregiver had a dog that I learned she was worried about leaving alone too much back at her own home. We’re all kitty and dog lovers here so I told her, “Bring the dog. Have him here Fri nite to Mon morning with you; it’s no problem.” Was just a little elderly-himself chihuahua, a charming and well-behaved gentleman!
And, oh my goodness, what it meant to my mama to once again hold a doggie on her lap (she’d had cats the last years before she got sicker and they’d spend hours with lap time, and I tried to get another cat but she kept saying ‘no’, bless her heart).
It was WONDERFUL, the pet therapy. Not comparing your niece’s sweet babies (baby therapy!) to dogs, but these little things to love can be very calming to the elderly person who needs a wee lovey to cuddle. Idle hands become strokers of silky ears and patters of soft heads. After Mom had a stroke, she’d talk to the dog when she had trouble forming words to talk to humans. Was all quite amazing. And I feel the dog had a lot to do with her positive recovery.
I absolutely agree, baby therapy, pet therapy, it’s all so good. Love!
Lovely post today Susan. So glad you got to spend time with your mom, even if she didn’t know who you were. My mom was 89 when she passed away from alzheimer’s disease. Whenever I’d go to see her and I’d ask how she was, she would say she was just waiting for her daughter. At first I was frustrated by this and kept saying “I am your daughter.” Finally, I let it go and just went along with her and said, “I’m sure she’ll be here soon.” She always seemed very happy so that was a blessing. Your family looks lovely in the photos, all very happy. Thanks for letting us know about the wall hook for the calendar. It’s something I’m going to order right away as it seems when my calendar gets to the page for October it has a tendency to tear away from the hole and then falls down. The hanger will solve this dilemma. I don’t think you ever need to get nervous speaking to the girlfriends, they all love you.
Yes, I go totally along with her world. She’s confused enough, correcting her would make it worse (I think, I’m no expert). I love the girlfriends right back, and I get better over time. It’s just that so much time passes between those talks, and I get scared all over again by the time the next one comes. What I DO know is that I ALWAYS have a good time once it’s over, meeting and greeting, so it’s totally worth it!
Judith,
I have the same issue with October! LOL!!! and I ordered that cute little hanger today also along with my 2019 calendar. We are more a like than we think 🙂
Debby
I had SB blog post withdrawal for the past month so it was great to read this catch-up. The lovely photos of places made me start dreaming of our next road trip.
I really hope I do a better job of blogging when I get home. Because I have withdrawal too!
One of these days I will get to one of your events. Bucket List. Maybe I will plan my vacation around your next book release and tour?
Bye the way, I am so grateful that you Tweet. It is a breath of fresh air and one of the VERY few notifications I pay attention to.
Love your tweets!
Love to hear it Angie. I try to be balanced on Twitter! Want to spread the happy gene, send joy to the world, but not to ignore the rest of the world in fairy-style as human-ness is a gift I revel in. Hope to meet you next time out! xoxoxo
I love the way you and Joe travel. So civilized to cross on a train with comforts at hand rather than being crammed into a small seat and treated not as well as one would hope.
Your 2019 calendar arrived here last week, but I have not yet taken it out of its wrapping as I am savouring opening it some time between now and January 1 when I need a little pick-me-up. A present to myself.
How lucky are those girls who went to Apple Farm to have a peek into your next book.
The pear salad sounds delicious. Enjoy the golden sunshine of California!
We are Lorrie, thank you! I have lots of surprises in the new calendar, I hope you like it! xoxo
Susan Branch you just made my day!!! There is NOTHING like seeing you’ve done a blog post to make my day sparkle!!! Thank you.
Another beautiful blog post. Thank you Susan!
“My little old dog:a heartbeat at my feet.” My heartbeat, Sam, went to sleep peacefully in my arms this morning. Sam was my heart, an 18 year old chihuahua who always thought that he was bigger than he was. Tonight my heart has momentarily stopped beating. Some people are so afraid to get a dog or cat because they don’t want to feel the pain when they pass on, but WE know that the pain is a small enough price to pay for the love, joy and peace that they give us. I keep thinking he is here with me tonight. As I am typing I keep looking over to the couch where he would normally be lying, waiting patiently for me to finish. With my more advanced age comes, I think, a rawer pain, a pain that already feels that it will have no end but experience has taught me that one day when I think of him, I will smile, without tears in my eyes. I may become a foster mom to one or more Humane Society refugees to help me get through the dark and cold Decorah nights. Maybe have a “three dog night”.
What a beautiful story about the dime. I so wanted my dad to come back in some way, but aside from seeing his profile in a number of men, no messages. So wonderful for you to be able to see your family in California. I might have said once to you that I envied you your large family. I think you learn such wonderful social skills: giving, sometimes taking, sharing and knowing that there will always be someone there to love you on a bad hair day. Growing up an only child, although I was not selfish or greedy, I have always found it harder to connect with people. Next life I’m coming back with red, wavy hair, I’ll be at least 5’8″ and I’ll have at least 3 other brothers and/or sisters. Do you think that’s asking for too much? Oh and maybe I’ll live on a farm or ranch where I will be surrounded by animals – bliss like no other.
I can’t wait to get my cups and maybe have a tea/coffee social. Well, my sweet memory of Sam is saying it’s time to finish up and go to bed. Enjoy your last few days in sunny California and have a window full of beautiful sights on your way back to the Vineyard and Jack. Love to all three of you.
Ohhhhh Patricia, this morning. Oh dear, I’m so sorry, you must be crying all day. Our little pets see us through so much, know everything, and like us anyway. Such a terrible loss. Yes, begin thinking of the future, how you can serve, pets who need love, this is the way to heal quickly. The love in your heart will never go away. LOL, I love how you’re coming back. Me too, 5’8″ and red hair! In the Yorkshire Dales. Knowing I’m an artist from birth! They should let us choose, and sometimes I actually think we DO! Love to you, blessings on your fond memories. xoxoxoxoxo
Patricia, So sorry for your loss of your little dog…it is so hard…but you
have so many memories of him to bring smiles to your soul.
About your dad…he has come back to you…you have seen him…it is in other’s profile…but you have been sent a message of love, I have seen my father’s hat on other men…and his profile….I have seen a women wearing a coat my mother wore and as she turned to me I saw the beautiful blue eyes of my mother. I know I was given a message of Love from them and I truly hold those moments dear to my soul.
You have been given a “hello” from your dad. Take those moments and Enjoy the feeling that you have been given ….LOVE and a Hi Susan P.
Love love love.
Dear Susan P.
Thank you so very much for you loving and caring words. It’s been 10 days now and for whatever reason, today has been a very hard day. I wanted to read over Susan’s reply once again and what I found were greetings of love from several of you. I cannot express the comfort you all have given me.
Thank you so much,from Patricia missing her sweet Sam in Iowa.
Oh, Patricia, I so sorry for your loss. Our pups and kitties will be waiting for us in heaven. Think of all the years of happiness you both shared. When you are ready a new puppy will win your heart once more. If you have one, then two is more fun, and then why not give in and have three…💖
Thank you for your sweet reply Peggy. I think you will see my reply to Susan P. above so you know what a not so great day this has been, but the love you and the others have sent to me shows me how much good there still is in this crazy world. I know that when the time is right, Sam will lead me to the 2 dogs (or perhaps a dog and cat) that will once again fill my heart and home with joy.
Thank you so much, Patricia
Patricia I’m sorry for the loss of your little love, Sam. I read your comment and my heart did a tumble for you… you’re so strong to have written about it to Sue, and to us girlfriends. Thinking about you, and Sam, sending hugs.
Wende, thank you so much for your comments. Animals of any kind have always brought me joy. I have been lucky enough to have had 8 wonderful dogs over my lifetime who have brought me great joy. I can’t imagine not having a dog in my life so, when the time is right, Sam will sit on my shoulder and help me find my next sweetface.
Thank you again for caring, Patricia
Oh, my. My tears are supporting you right now. I am so happy that you have Susan’s blog to share your loss. I hope that you can feel that we, as Susan’s Girlfriends, send a collective hug and support 💕💕💕to you while your heart is so terribly sad. I hope that you are filled up with love in many ways as you recover.
We are sending pets up to heaven for him.
FayE! ❤️❤️❤️
Dear FayE,
You and others of Susan’s Girlfriends have made my sadness a bit less sad on what was a very hard day. Sam has been gone 10 days now and I found myself in a lot of pain and sadness today but I decided to look once again at Susan’s words and then I find such beautiful thoughts from 4 of you. What a treasure. Sam was with me for 16 of his 18 years and I know that his loss now is more about tears and loss than bittersweet and joy-filled memories, but the heartfelt words from you and the others have made it a little easier.
Thank you so very much, Patricia
Oooooh Susan, loved this post. The Musica hit the spot in ways I better not start describing or I’ll be here all night – but thanks. Great to see the Wenches 🙂 your sister Shelly and her handsome boys with pooch! It’s a mini vacation for me seeing the CA scenery. So different than Britain. A different world really. Your Mom looks pretty good, she’s only 4 years older than me. Age means nothing. Thankfully I still recognize my kids. I’m currently addicted to YouTube videos of Queen and Freddie Mercury’s amazing voice that keeps my mind swept clean of doom and gloom. Go figure. The Eagles – Hotel California – such a great choice for this post.
“Music, my rampart. . . ” Edna Saint Vincent Millay. Have a great trip back.
Age means nothing, you are so right. We met a man on the train who was 95 and full of vim and vigor, no intention of checking out, just checking IN, to the next whatever, so excited about life. We loved him. Yes, sweep your mind with joy. If you get Netflix, there is SUCH a great two-part series on the Eagles I KNOW you would love. The music and story is all so interesting and brings back tons of memories. Music, my rampart. luv-lee. Take care Sylvia!
I do get Netflix and will check it out for sure. About that DIME! I have goose bumps right now – a sure sign that someone is around! When my Dad died my life had taken a terrible turn and I was beside myself. Several things happened which caused me to totally rethink the nature of things here and hereafter and I became calm. I knew he was around. One little example: He was an electrician, I noticed when I would push the light switch at the top of the stairs to the basement, there was quite a LONG pause before the lights came on. It happened enough times to make a BELIEVER out of ME. Just now I’m thinking if I find one of those MERCURY dimes today . . . 🙂
I’m sending xxoo’s to Patricia Edde.
Loved this autumnal post. Thanks for sharing your visits and travel both here and on Twitter. You’ve got one foot stuck in West Coast and one in East Coast, don’t you; a bit of a tug I’m sure. Also enjoyed hearing about you and your gal pals going to concerts back in the 70s-80s. I saw Jimmy at Mid State Fair; SO much fun. Linda at the old Universal Amphitheater. Just can’t duplicate those wonderful concerts from back in the day. And that age we were!
If you could do a post sometime, even after things quiet down a little for you later in the year, of how you make train crossings so comfy, it would help me as I consider doing it myself in 2019. Cheese & crax, apple; teabags; is that a coffee pot/kettle(?) just used to heat up water? (I can’t tell what it is from the photo. Am unfamiliar.) Things of home like fave cup, one’s own pillowslips; things to read. I’m sure you must have space savers, too? Any suggestions, like a short list; just whenever if you can ever include it in a future post; much appreciated, since you’re a veteran/seasoned train traveler!
Have fun for the rest of time in Calif; and safe, relaxing, enjoyable trip back home. You must be looking very forward to months ahead of Thanksgiving, Christmas; tucking in, writing; baking; just being home for a good, long awhile.
Absolutely, we had the music! Yes, it’s an electric teapot, a small one to make tea in our room. There is one electrical outlet in every room. If you bring a computer or want to plug in a battery, you’ll need an extension cord (we bring one). A French string bag for the food and your vitamins, hangs on a hook in the room, and you can see everything in it. There is fresh coffee in every car made by your steward each morning, which means they have sugar and cream, so you don’t have to bring those things. Yes, your favorite cup, I bring my whole pillow because I don’t like foam pillows, book, magazines, knitting, and slippers, all good. Your luggage can go into the baggage car, just keep the things you need for the trip, bathroom things, jammies, clothes, pillow, in your room. The rooms can be dry, wet a towel and hang it on a hook, or bring a tiny spray bottle of water. Hope this helps! Rachel (from A Fine Romance) and her husband Paul, and her MOM Diana are all coming for Christmas. I have a LOT to look forward to! Thank you Vicki! xoxoxo
Well, wow, you just answered a bunch of stuff I wanted to know right there! (I have one trip tentatively planned from L.A. to Pittsburgh; then another from L.A. to Albuquerque [Santa Fe]; all to get to relatives I haven’t seen in too long! I’ll be by myself, so it’s a little intimidating as I fret about eating alone in the dining car, making connections although you’ve spoken so highly of the train’s team members helping you – – Red Caps. I would never have considered train travel if you hadn’t talked it up over the years [and been giving the visuals], so thank you for that; I’ve done plenty of flying in my time but, in these days, it’s not appealing to me.) I didn’t think that of course you wouldn’t have room for all that luggage, but just taking out what you need for the berth over the few days. Really good, too, to know about the humidity effect. Great tip. I remember when my dad was in ICU for the last weeks of his life, that the dehumidified air in the hospital got to me, my noise began to twitch(!) and I wound up getting a bad cold (I already have allergies).
Speaking of dads, yours and mine were born the same year but you got Blog Daddy for eight more years than I got mine, bless ’em both, our dear fathers. I cried a little over the coin; I believe in those messages from above.
You have your mom’s happy gene in how you look at the bright side with her today; I thought she looked terrific in the photo. Happy counts.
Thanks for responding and I hope you’re having a sunny, clear-blue sky, coastal Calif GORGEOUS fall day. Yesterday, there wasn’t one cloud up there, and the half moon rising last night was clear as a bell. Autumn can be so subtle in SoCalif but we’re starting to see some of the tree leaves turning color and the tall, spiny-trunk silk trees have been in magnificent dark-pink, FULL bloom although our recent Santa Anas blew a lot of the flowers off – – but, lemons to lemonade, we’ve got a pink carpet on the ground now!
You will never eat alone, they will seat you with others at every meal. Makes it fun, because people talk, and you hear about lives you never would.The whole thing is so human. If you need a red cap, just tell someone, they’ll get him for you! xoxoxo
Okay, I’m writing all these tips down. Ready to go right now if I could; sounds like fun, more and more!
So exciting to have your English friends for Christmas. I’ll bet Ray will want to make some goodies for all of you.
I’m looking forward to “seeing” them. Debbie…still in Maine
You can’t be serious that Jeanie is 91!?!???!! She looks more than amazingly beautiful! How fantastic is that. With her lovely sister. Lucky girls.
What a wonderfully interesting blog Sue, loved it. But then, I love them all. You are so lucky to have such good friends, both in CA and MV, that you do wonderful things with.
So nice to see your Mom, blessings to her. Enjoy the rest of your stay and safe travels back home, I’ll be following twitter from da twain 😃
I know. There is one secret I left out. She and her sister are both hair challenged, but years ago, Jeanie discovered the magic of wigs. And she wanted to “dress up” for us. So that helps, but the smooth pink cheeks and sparkly eyes are all hers. xoxo
Dear Susan,
Well, you are just the best…What a treat you had for the girlfriends at the book signing, with the 1st chapter of the new book!! I’m really looking forward to it…
Sounds like it was lots of fun!
And you and your precious Mom, brought tears to my eyes….I’m so glad she sometimes remembers you still…..
It’s been a lovely Indian Summer here, too, with lots of warm sunny days…
We were in Exmoor in September, and I promised I’d let you know how it was…Well, I think you would love it there! Gorgeous scenery, with a mixture of cute villages (with plenty of tearooms), country houses to visit, moors to walk over, hills and old churches, beautiful coast lines, with loads of public footpaths. I saved some brochures for you and I will send to you, is that
okay?
It’s autumn break nest week, and we are taking the boys to see a tiny bit of Canada! I lived in Toronto for about 5 years when I was young, and I want to show them where it was….So, flying to Ottawa on Saturday, for a few days, then Niagara Falls, and Toronto!
The boys are looking to it, and are planning to eat donuts and (veggie) hotdogs every day!!
Lots of love and hugs to you both, from
Nicoline xxxxx
?
Yes, darling, do send me brochures, you are so kind to think of me. I will LOVE to see them, you make it sound perfect. I’ve been to Toronto, what a BEAUTIFUL city! I hope you still get a few leaves at Niagara Falls, but I’d say bring a hat and bundle up! Get hot fresh cider donuts if you can find them. And if you’re in a hotel with a toaster (or any breakfast restaurant), get “Thomas’s English Muffins” (there is no such thing in England, but you can find them in any market over here), toast them, butter them. YUM. Add avocado, salt and pepper, and double Yum. Hug the boys for me, have a fabulous time. xoxoxo
Thanks for the tip!! I’ll try to find them, they sound yummy!!
Yes, I think we’ll need winter coats…..It’s been like summer here, and last Saturday it was about 78 in places!! We were at the beach, and saw happy dogs racing around, people in shorts and a few BRAVE folks swimming in the sea…..
So scarves and sweaters for next week!!
Hugs backXOXO
Would think closer to 45 or 50 in Canada . . . I know you’ll check. Beach sounds wonderful. We have it here, must get into the sand, we sort of eat and stare from restaurants! xoxo
Good Morning from Wales where the sun is shining brightly again this glorious Autumn day, made magical as I sit, sipping hot peach green tea reading as I slowly wake up.
Such a wonderful, happy time was had by all, and “by proxy” on Twitter for those of us who couldn’t make it in person. What a sweet treat, pun intended, to find the bakery boxes on each chair too! How thoughtful and generous.
I spy two beaming faces {besides yours} in the happy crowd! ~~~waving~~~ to them, they know who they are!
It makes me sad to know you are slowly losing your sweet Mom too. My Mum is now in care, many miles from home, and I visit as often as I can, three or four times a week. I travel by bus, for I do not have a car. It takes me over five hours by foot and bus to get there and back again for such a precious time with Mum. The busses rattle, have no heat and leak like sieves! I must buy new walking boots and waterproof trousers soon, for Winter looms.
On that note I must away as there’s a bus to catch and I need to get myself together!
~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Precious time is right Deb. Sorry you couldn’t have your mom closer. Me too, I tried for years to get my mom to move back east with me, but while she had a memory, she didn’t want to leave her friends and her brother. Now it would do her damage to move her, it would be so confusing. So we deal with it as it is. As my mom always said, “Best laid plans . . .”(of mice and men always go awry. Robt. Burns). So nice to hear from you … and I know the beaming faces of which you speak! Sharon and Christie! We had a wonderful time… I’m still wrapped in the glow. See you on Twitter!
It was a beyond wonderful time, Susan ~ thank you SO MUCH, and Thank You Joe and Sheri and Kellee and the wenches and Rachel/Kristen/Apple Farm Inn Crew! It is true, Sharon and I were beaming brightly, and still are. Deb was with us there, as were so many SB girlfriends linked by heartstrings (and Twitter). I’ve found I can’t go anywhere and really have fun without her and them! See what you have done, darling Sue, brought together so many darling kindred hearts to share this journey, to double the joy (and halve the sorrows). I’m so glad we don’t have to do it alone. xoxoxo
Could not agree more Christie. We aren’t in it alone. I’m still feeling the day, loved every moment and everyone who helped make it happen. We all had a job, whether we were bakers, guy who brings in podium, tent setter-uppers, smilers, clappers, flower arrangers, lemon-water dispensers, chair unfolders, camera guy, wench, or me, the talker, like a play or a movie, we all played our parts, and it turned out like magic.😍
Oh no, now you’ve done it, I am honestly obsessed with your new book (hopefully books pleeeease). So, even though this blog post was wonderful, and I truly hope you have a really nice rest of your visit, AND I enjoy your Twain twitter, I can’t wait for you to get home so I can put my name in the running for the first chapter give away. Do we get to see your new curtains? Finally, since my youngest just left for college, I have been exploring my dormant inner artist and I would so appreciate any short videos of you at work. It is so inspiring when you post the shorts of you painting. It’s fun to see the artwork you started with and your memoirs and art now, this is what keeps me from feeling frustrated when the final painting I’ve finished doesn’t look like the one in my head. You, after all, have written about, explained, and illustrated the process and journey. So motivational…. as always, a very heartfelt thank you.
I’ll show you the curtains when I get back, and we’ll have a giveaway, and I’ll get back to work on Enchanted, can’t wait for ALL of it, and a walk in the woods, cold and windy! You should see my first books, Heart of the Home and Vineyard Seasons, the art there compared to the art now . . . even the smallest amount of talent can go a long way with some practice! And practice is easy when you love what you’re doing! xoxoxo
I have Heart of the Home, Summer and Autumn. You had me at A Fine Romance. It’s been so much fun to explore your books and blog. Like I said, such talent and inspiration. Thanks to Martha’s Vineyard, you gave the details laying the foundation. So thanks to you I’m super excited to start the work and practice. Especially since you’ve showed me what can be accomplished.
Makes me so happy to hear that Tami. There is a road, a road that’s been traveled by many (not less traveled) and it’s not as hard to find as some might think. Sounds like you’re on your way! xoxoxo
Love this latest blog! How can I get a copy of the great print?
Just love your Blog, and the photos are beautiful. Can’t wait for the new book!
Can’t wait to get home and dig into it!
Any chance the first chapter will become available in your online store?
It’s would be a perfect addition to the Willard booklet. Even more so as a holiday gift.
We hadn’t planned on it, seems odd to me to sell part of a book! But maybe, as you know Thomas Edison said, There ain’t no rules around here! I’ll find out what Kellee and Sheri and Joe think. I had originally thought we would keep it all together and just work until it ended. So we’ll see. It’s an interesting thought.
I’d buy it! Right now! I’d love to have one of those little booklets handed out at Apple Farm. (I thought that bakery box, by the way, with the autumn leaves and the delectable goodies inside, put on each chair at your talk, was AMAZING. I have LOVED going to Apple Farm to eat & browse in other years! No way am I missing you being there again when I hope you’ll be on book-tour for “Enchanted” next year.)
I used to buy a lot of paperback novels and they’d often, at the conclusion of the book, put in an excerpt or first chapter of the author’s next (yet unpublished) book; was a smart teaser for sure! Because I’d then be salivating for what was to come.
Yeah, that does sound like a good idea!!
Charles Dickens published some of his books a chapter at a time, why not you? Fingers crossed, Debby
Kellee was making more books today, I suggested it, but it takes quite a long time to make those books. We are thinking it would cost too much to make them, best wait for the whole thing!
Oh Susan,wench was my mother’s only swear word.lolMy mom when she didn’t like someone’s behavior they were such a wench.lolI like that you have made it a nice word.lolI use to find myself calling my little Chihuahua when she barked at people,Willow don’t be such a wench.lolLove everything about your California dreaming trip.Enjoy your Twain ride home.Enjoing cooler weather here on the east coast of Virginia.God bless.Mary Elizabeth
Willow the wench Chihuahua, ha ha ha! Too cute. Thank you Mary.
Hi Susan, I loved seeing your family pictures! Although our friendship is only in my heart and not in reality, I find myself caring about your mom, about Jeanie, about your sister and the twins, and so this update made me happy. I’m sure it did both you and your mom a world of good to be near each other, and I believe that deep inside your mom, she knew you. Jeanie should publish her skin care routine. She’s absolutely what we all want to be! Enjoy the rest of your reunion and safe twain twavels home! XOXO
For some reason my family has become like characters in a book. I knew my girlfriends would want to see pictures. I don’t post recent family photos very often (mostly the old stuff), but I asked and received permission from them. I ask Jeanie how she does it, and she does take care, never in the sun which is the big one, but there’s something else because her arms are toned too and she doesn’t do much exercise anymore … she’s a little unsteady on her feet, has a cane, but I told her it looks like she will live forever so she needs to start acting like it and do a little more exercise so her legs stay strong! I think after my dad passed, she thought she would soon too, but instead, after a hard time at first, she has gained weight and is flourishing again. YAY!!! I love her dearly.
I love hearing about all of your family and also as it was when you were growing up with them. They ARE characters in a book; kinda like mine! Quintessential 1950s baby boomer kids with family dinner hour and hot summers in bare feet, playing in the yard sprinklers. Mr. Potato Head, jacks, hula hoops; crayons and slinkies; yo-yos and PlayDoh. Betsy McCall and Barbie. Dairy Queen and Donna Reed. AM radio and pedal pushers. Backyard barbecues and American Bandstand. Kodak’s Brownie camera (with flash!) and little-girl outfits complete with petticoat, frilly dress, white gloves and hat for Easter Sunday services.
Apparently it’s a norm, but the older I get, the greater my nostalgia grows. I’m missing it! The feeling of it. I don’t know if I’d want to time travel, though; it was perfect for what it was. And what you do is help bring some of it back, Susan, with the memory-sharing, the recipes/foods; helping me recapture things I once did as a preteen but forgot over the adult years, like learning to embroider again. Keep it coming; I need it! You’re a healer/comforter and you bring sunshiny-bright rays of hope in troubled times.
We share so much, both old and new … ❤️
Yay – a new blog! Hearing from you just makes my day. All your travel pictures are beautiful – thank you for sharing. I don’t have the opportunity to travel much, so I travel vicariously through you – to England, Ireland, Scotland, Arizona, and southern California! Thank you, Susan, for all your wonderfulness. Oh! Can’t wait to get my mugs!
Coming soon! Thank you Linda! xoxoxo
..good morning !!! ‘so nice to wake up and see a new post from you ! ..’such a heart-warming post !..so glad you are having such a wonderful time.. it’s so good to be back with family and friends, isn’t it ? I’m still in Westerly with my daughter and her rapidly growing newborn !!..what a delight !.. we took a drive to go look for leaf-colors into Mystic and Stonington, Connecticut yesterday..it’s just beginning to show glorious colors.. I’m so excited ; this being my first autumn on the east coast !! ..well, dear Susan and all, thank you so much for the wonderful post and please continue to have an amazing journey !!..with love, as always.
Oh, thank you Mary, perfect timing for the answer I was looking for. I really think we might find leaves on the trees when we get home!! Hoping the train ride along the shores of the Great Lakes, through upstate New York and then the Berkshires is just a wall of fall color from our room with a view! Always an amazing trip if you catch it at the right time. Your first Autumn, how happy I am for you. Go for a walk every day.😘
..thanks for replying so quickly, Susan.. I think since we had so much rain this past summer that the leaves are holding on alot longer this year…and, yes, we are going for almost daily walks around the Weekapaug neighborhood and down on Watchhill’s waterfront…( I LOVE all the stone walls here !!!)…take care, Susan !!!
You too Mary!
Just what I needed to begin the day…enjoy every minute, then settle in at home for the coziest time of year. Here in the Midwest temperatures have gone from 90’s to 50’s in just a couple of weeks…but no complaints, it’s my favorite time of year with bonfires, hayrides, and sweaters! You know we all just can’t wait for Enchanted…oh those lucky ladies who received a sneak peek!
Your comment made me stop and check the weather at home, then write my girlfriend Lowely who lives two doors down to find out what the leaves are doing! Sounds perfect where you are!
My goodness–I loved it all! Jeanie is 91!! Those are some good genes she has ☺. The wenches—LOL!–they will forever be known this way now! It was so good to hear from you and start my day with a new post.
Fun introducing everyone!!! Thank you Lynn Marie!
When I woke up this morning, I turned on my tablet and read your blog. I could not decide what to have for breakfast. And then I read your breakfast of toast and mashed avocado. I have never tried it. OMG! It was soooo good! I’ m not big on sweet cereal or pancake- like breakfast. I had it with a hard boiled egg and the last of my garden tomato. Thank you for sharing. I also loved your leaf banner that you have at your window. I made an autumn banner that i’d love to show you, but don’t know how to. I’m technically challanged. Have a safe trip home.
It’s healthy and addictive, glad you enjoyed it! You can show me by sending it to http://[email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ or maybe put it up on Facebook!
What a darling post!! I really needed this today. It has been a rough last few days for me and your post brought sunshine back in to my life. Thank you. You are a treasure and although we have never met, I consider you a dear friend. Love, Hugs and Prayers to you and Joe and yours, Tricia B.
I feel the same Tricia! Happy to see you here. Blessings on you and yours. xoxoxo
What a wonderful way to start the day with a new post. It’s always been a dream of mine to ride the train across the United States. Maybe next year when I turn 80. Can’t wait to read the new book. Have a safe trip home.
Thank you Margaret. You could try one overnight to start. For us it’s one overnight, 24 hours exactly, from Boston to Chicago, both excellent destinations! From LA, it’s one overnight to Albuquerque! Also a fun city, and very close to Santa Fe.
Good Morning, Sweet Sue!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading about your train ride, your family, friends, and festivities in California. That photo of Jack peeping over the edge of the table has me howling — what is it about the wild look in the eyes of cats that makes us want to laugh out loud yet run for the hills at the same time?!
Safe journey home.
SO nosy!!! xoxo
I have not even finished reading the post but had to comment- first , Court and Spark is my soul music. Listened and sang with it back in the day and it is my van to sing to now. The words just flow back even if I have not listened to it for a while.
My dad saved dimes when we were growing up and they were used for our vacation money. Never spent them. When I find a dime I know dad is with me . My sons will send me a picture of a dime every time they find one too . They loved their graddaddy. It always makes us smile and shed a Tear. ( like now for the one you found). Sometimes I just need that dime so badly to say it is all going to work out. . Blessing to you and now I will go back and read the rest of your post after I stop crying.
To me the best rock and roll written words in all history are “I was a free man in Paris, I felt unfettered and alive, nobody calling me up for favors, no one’s future to decide. You know I’d go back there tomorrow but for the work I’ve taken on, stoking the star-maker machinery behind the popular song.” WHO thinks like that??? I’m sure others will give me phrases that I would remember and love just as much, but whenever I think of creative magic supreme, I think of that.
Awwwww, just read the rest of your comment. Yes, tears. xoxoxoxo
Dear Sue, I love ❤️ those lyrics. Aren’t they magic? And guess what? They are having a Joni Mitchell 75th birthday concert in Los Angeles, and I’m going. She, sadly, can no longer sing but she is supposed to be there to hear others sing her songs. The others include James Taylor. 💗. An evening of special memories.
LUCKY! What an evening of memories that will be! Is Jackson Browne going to be there?
So far, in addition to JT❤️, the list includes Diana Krall, Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris and Graham Nash. I think she and Jackson Browne never made up after that song she wrote about him. Supposed to be “surprise guests tho!
Let me know how it all comes out!! Have fun!
This post was the much-needed antidote to too much ‘reality’ these days. The world feels like it’s getting scarier and all we can do is let our lights shine brighter with hope and love and joy to push the darkness back. Your blog keeps my light burning. I always feel so much better after reading them. I”m eagerly awaiting the two new mugs of yours that I ordered for hot tea as I start my holiday baking. Those will be a little present for me… the one who makes the Holidays for everyone else!
Good girl!! A few years ago I discovered the idea of finding something I want at Christmas, something I normally might not let myself have, getting it, wrapping it, and putting it under the tree, then forgetting, until it’s time to open gifts. When I opened my gift to me (signed: From Santa who loves and adores you and thinks everything you do is just right) I was truly thrilled. Funny how good that was! Happy baking Ruth!
Oh, I am not the only one who does this then! Almost every year I buy myself something very special just for me. I wrap it, put it under the tree with a note from Santa that always says.. “To Peggy. I know you were always such a good little girl and still are. I love you. Santa.” When my kids would see it they’d look at each other and say, ” There must be a Santa! He’s still giving mom gifts. Look! ” Earlier today I ordered that special gift from Santa.!
What a lovely post! 91! She looks amazing! It is pretty cold in Hull this morning so enjoy sunny Cali. This is my favorite time in New England… pumpkins and leaves and chilly mornings…hurry back so you don’t miss it. I can’t wait to see you on the Cape next month…I’ll be the one with the watery eyes…I will get all choked up when I finally meet you! Safe travels back and enjoy the foliage…
Wrote my girlfriend this morning to see what we have as far as color. I know Fall is coming late on the Island, I’m praying we get some of it from our train ride on the way home! So happy to be meeting you Tara! Really looking forward to that day! xoxoxo
I love seeing my friend Annelies and her mom Oma! I wish I could have come, but at the sign up time I was caring for my mother-in-law and didn’t know quite what the future held for us. But she’s well and I can read all about it so that’s good too. So many pretty pictures. I love driving around and seeing all the things. Have a wonderful trip back! I’m grateful our paths have crossed in real life at least once back at your barn sale. Treasured memory. xo
Me too Pam, it was a good connection right away! Oma was the hit of the party! She was so great! Wish you were there, but I totally understand, it’s a long way too. Glad your Mother in Love is doing well now. Love you! xoxoxo
Oh Pam…..thanks for letting me know. Such excitement and feeling so joyous to add this blessing on top of all the other blessings. Will never forget it!!!!
Love it how we meet up in the most unexpected places! It was a terrific day and Oma was a very special blessing, as I’m sure you know. Thank you for coming, Annelies, and thank you for bringing her along! And thank you for the luv-lee homemade bag … is it for clothespins? We are trying to decide best use, the fabric is adorable.😘
What a lovely way to get lost in something beautiful on this Thursday morning. I live on the Florida gulf coast and while we suffered only a small amount of damage from Hurricane Michael, people only a few miles away were devestated and are still without power in summer like temperatures. Although everyone is pitching in to help, it is still heartbreaking.Thank you for a lovely distraction.
It is heartbreaking, these hurricanes are devastating. It brings people together to care for each other, I hope help has come. I’m a little bit distant, away from normal news and everyday life while traveling. Saying a prayer for your neighbors Martha. Thank you for being here.
Susan,
Once again I enjoyed the blog and all the PICTURES. My girlfriends and I were at the SLO event!!!!! I will admit I made sure that I would remember this time in my life….as would my children and grandchildren and other friends that could not make it. When they took your picture coming down the aisle……. I STOOD UP. I am way in the back……SURPRISE ( next to Sheri and her mother Donna) I tell everyone that is ME and Susan Branch. Of course everyone was more interested in you and all the details of the day. But in my little crazy world, I can see me and remember the day forever!
Apple Farm and your crew did a WONDERFUL JOB…..everything was perfect and festive and so relaxing in our California weather!!!! We drove up from West Covina….and had to drive back that night also. BUT it was pure pleasure and as you can imagine …the three of us in a car…..and all we did was talk..talk laugh and talk….and oh yes ate some delicious treats!!!!!
THANK YOU FOR VERY ENJOYABLE DAY AND YOUR READING WAS PERFECT AND NOW WE ALL CAN’T WAIT FOR THE BOOK.
Enjoy your trip back HOME and I promise I will not pop up in any of your photos. hahaha Also thanks for the updates on your family and your mother.
Over the years we have been privileged to get to know your family. So as in any family it is nice to hear how they are all doing. Thanks for all you do and all the treats and gifts you give us all. Love, Susan P.
You SMART girl! How cute you are! Wasn’t it wonderful? I don’t think I’ve EVER had a better time (after I wiggled out of those nerves!). The weather was exquisite, Apple Farm was amazing, boxes of goodies on each chair, who does that? And everyone was in the best mood! You can pop up any time you want Susan! Glad your road trip was so much fun!!! Really an amazing day, I am still totally in the glow. THANK YOU and your luv-lee Girlfriends for coming!!! 😘 XOXOXOXO
A familiar name to me when you were in Arizona…there is now a TV show on the DIY channel about a guy restoring old mining homes in Jerome, and Cottonwood, Arizona. He’s very good about making personal designs on the original homes’ history.
Thank you for sharing with us again.
They can use the help. That town is so charming, worth saving, and built so precariously, bolstered by support walls, that are cracked and one was leaking water, over our heads as we drove by… Eeek. It’s very popular with tourists, I hope he helps bring more energy to it, it’s so historical and amazing. Thank you Melissa!
Thank you for posting! I had been stalking your blog (I’m not on twitter) every day to see a new post. Thank you for lifting others up and bringing sweetness to the world!
What an incredible blog! As I read it, I couldn’t help thinking about your amazing year – – a fabulous trip to England, another across country to California, book signings, girlfriends from everywhere, wonderful visits with relatives, darling Joe (who couldn’t love him?), your California “crew” and kitties, etc., etc. I thought back to when you arrived in Martha’s Vineyard, when your world had crashed, and what an incredible life you have created, starting (I believe) with your purchase of Holly Oak – – when you picked yourself up, dusted yourself off, and started all over again!! You have brought such joy to all of us. You are truly one of God’s gifts to the world. Bless you, Susan
Ruthie, in Minnesota
That was the moment. Holly Oak. Changed everything. Not overnight, but over time, it turned out to be when the magic wand was waved. What an amazing thing, and now look, I get to meet so many wonderful people. Thank you Ruthie. ❤️
Hello Susan~Tears came to my eyes when you found that dime…as I told you before my wonderful husband Dave is my angel in heaven now…my family and I have had all sorts of signs since that sad day in December… his favorite song-played at the celebration of his sweet life-“Don’t stop Believing “ by Journey has been heard many times…when daughter Sarah (you met her at Joseph Beth bookstore in Cincinnati) and her students got off the bus at Space Camp in Alabama, when setting my alarm before going to bed-like my sweet Dave was kissing me goodnight…my children have seen his initials on license plates on cars ahead of them, I found a feather right by our mailbox…keep looking for those signs from your dad😘
Oh, where do I begin? New blog posts from you are always something to look forward to. I get too caught up in the atrocities going on in our country, in the world, that a break from all that does wonders for the soul. You inspire me, although disheartened by our government & what it has done to our country, to seek out the good & there is a lot of it…family, friends, pets, sunshine, nature, books, blogs, the ocean, the woods, chocolate (!)…of which I am reminded of every time I read your comforting words. Enjoy your time out west & safe trip home. xo p.s. Your nephews are so adorable! I have two, ages 12 & 11, who I adore beyond words.
The normal things get little air-play these days. But most of life, for most people IS normal. We just need to be there, enjoy that, be grateful for all the beauty there is, more. Love to have you here Maria!
I love your ghost, I love that your dad sent you a message of hello via an old dime and love living through your stories and paintings. I am only disappointed that I will not be able to attend your meeting at the library. I was so excited to see that you were going to be giving one more public appearance this year and was willing and excited for the 7 hour drive (this time of year is so beautiful on the east coast) but so disappointed when I realized I am hosting bookclub in my barn on the 9th. I do love book club so I will be all right and I can dream and hope that I will catch you at another public appearance next year.
Hello Susan~Tears came to my eyes when you. Found that 1923 dime…as I told you before my wonderful husband Dave is now my angel in heaven…my family and I have received all sorts of signs since that sad day in December…his favorite song played at his celebration of life-“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey has been heard many times-as daughter Sarah-you met her at Joseph Beth bookstore in Cincinnati-and her students got off the bus at space camp in Alabama, when setting my alarm before going to bed-like my sweet Dave was kissing me goodnight…my children have seen his initials on license plates on cars ahead of them, I found a feather right by our mailbox…keep looking for those signs from your dad😘
I will! Thank you Rae Ann. My favorite thing is his watch. I wear it all the time. Have it next to my bed at night. When I light it up to see the time, I also see his face. It’s a joy to have it.
❤️❤️❤️
Matisse! What an interesting name, after the artist?
Yes! Cute, huh?
I must let you know what a good time my daughter and I had at your event last Saturday! Thank you for coming to the Apple Farm. Susan, I wish you could have joined us at the front of the line to share the fun. We met and had a long conversation with Karen and Margie from Placerville and another great girlfriend from San Diego. The five of us discussed everything, from why we love/identify with Susan Branch, to who should play you and Joe in your movie (Zooey Deschanel and Sam Heughan -Jamie from Outlander) to your curtains to places we live and travel. The boxed desserts were delicious! As you read chapter 1, there were fluttering butterflies in back of you, giving a fairytale atmosphere to your words. And then meeting you! (I was too shy the first time, last year.) You were kind to my daughter discussing Eugenie’s wedding and to me talking about Reseda Library and Alemany boys. I just want to say, Thank you for sharing yourself and creating an experience for us to remember. You are a special person! (P.S. I put the name tag in my treasure box!)
Well, if Sam Heughan is going to be in it, I will have to insist upon playing myself! 🤓 Thank you so much for being there Callie. It was a wonderful day for me too. Just saying the words Reseda Library out loud was reason enough to be in love with the whole day! So thank you! The line is always the funnest part . . . nicest girls in the world!
Hello, Susan! What a beautiful post. Such a fun book signing! I’m hoping to make it to one on the Cape some time. Bucket list!! It gave me goose bumps reading about the dime you found from your dad. My dad died just a few months before yours did. Every once in a while he gives us little signs that he is watching over us. As you said, still haven’t gotten over it. I’m not sure we ever truly will. And that’s okay. We’ll always be their little girls. Enjoy your time with your mom. My mom is still with us as well. She’s 86. We are truly blessed!! Have a wonderful trip back!
I don’t think we ever do. Now I know that. I didn’t before. But, as you say, that’s okay. I don’t WANT to get over it. xoxoxoxo
Dear Susan – What a great post! How I wish I could have been there for the fun. Years and years ago we drove up the coast to San Francisco and stayed overnight in Cambria – what a lovely little town. Eating at a place next to the ocean, windy and rainy, little glass bottles in the windows, and cozy food. Your trip reminded me of that. And, the 1923 dime !!! Oh my, how precious. I think when things like that happen they are NOT a coincidence ( some call them God Winks) and sure sign our loved ones are telling us they love us. My dear sister died 23 year ago – she was 12 years older than me and I am sure I was a pest to her. I went everywhere with her ( even places I probably should not have been – ” if you tell Mommie we were here I will burn your Barbie dolls!” – she had a wicked sense of humor, full of life, taught me all the new dances, and we would drive in her aqua 1960 Chevy Impala and SING….all the songs on the radio. There is one song that was special to us – every so often, when I am thinking of her and missing her, that song ( Come A Little Bit Closer by Jay and the Americans) will suddenly come on the radio, or Pandora, or Amazon music and I, like you, always say ” Hi, Theresa – I miss you”. Then a few days later a card comes with school photos of her grandchildren and as you said…the beat goes on. Wishing you wonderful times with your Mom and family, a safe and cozy ride back home ( a train trip like that is on my to do list!) , and a fabulous Halloween! Thank you for sharing your amazing life with all of us girlfriends!
What a great post and well worth waiting for. So lovely to see your mum and Jeanie. Just want to say “wench” is a really common name/word over here in the West Midlands UK.There are wenches everywhere! Lookng forward to your new book coming out!
What a lovely post today. Great to see your mum and Jeanie. 91 amazing! Wenches is a very common word over here in the West Midlands UK. Looking forward to your new book coming out!
Well, yes, where the wenches originated! xoxoxo
Dear Susan it’s fun to write to you in the same time zone! I too am excited to see your new curtains. You say they are too fancy, I wonder if you could make pillows and a footstool to go with. Maybe that would tone it down? Or maybe go with just one for a while till you get used to it. Can’t wait to see. Are you near Fillmore? Debby
I’ll figure it out. First thing, that valance, I think it must go no matter how beautiful it is. We shall see. I’m just below San Luis Obispo.
Oh, dear Sue,
You had me at Court & Spark!
Loved this blog and have to admit I was sorry to miss Apple Farm with you this year. I thought, if I saw you again so soon, I might be a stalker.
Can not wait for Enchanted! But, you and Joe always enchant us.
Enjoy your friends and family, fellow Cali girl!
Melin
xoxo
Since I’m the one who keeps writing you, I may be the stalker! xoxoxo
The best part of that book reading was the little preview books you gave everyone there. How exciting for them! The best part of this blog is that when you show your friends and family, we know who they are and feel that they are our friends, too! Can’t wait for the new book. Write FAST, please! ;-D
I will Barbara, I honestly can. not. wait. to get home and back into that diary!
You bring so much joy, Susan, to everyone you touch. It’s been a strange Summer. I have been so dizzy and nauseous. Not a good way to drop 20 pounds. Started with the plane ride over to New Orleans, and it has not gone away. We now have so few specialty docs in rural Maine. I’ll find an ear doc as soon as we get back to the Big Guava.
Giving thanks that my dear, dear roomie, maid or honor, mother of my God daughter and her wonderful husband made it through Michael with little damage. They are just on the edge of the worst damage. She grew up in the FL panhandle, Grayton Beach, with only a few families living in the old ways right behind the wonderful sugar white dunes. All that has been gone for years, with million $$$$ cookie cutter homes replacing. But tiny Mexico Beach still had many tiny houses with older, not so wealthy folks. I hurt so much for their families. By the way, Red Cross needs donations….so many displaced this hurricane season. Any of you remember the Florida Panhandle in the 50’s and 60’s??? Sand that ‘squeeks’ when you walk on it? Water many shades of blue and green? And…no such thing as a Private, no trespassing beach?
Mid-coast California up to the Canadian border is mostly saved from development. Florida politicians would sell their own children to the developers. Sorry for the negative, guys.
We are having a glorious day, sunny, strong winds, leaves swirling. We have our lovely neighbor dog, Luna the huskie, for an over night. They had to drive down to southern Mass coast for a family meeting….in line with what we all face if we are lucky enough to have our parents live a long life. It even harder if you are on the other side of the country, as are you. Wonderful to have your siblings able to help. And you are so right not to move your precious mom.
I don’t do Twitter or Facebook, otherwise I’d show you the picture of this “gaggle” of turkeys. They roam through several times a day now, looking for spilled seed from the bird feeders. Now a few have managed to flap up onto big boulders and up into our small crab apple tree, eating the little berries. OH! one has plopped down in the bird bath, displacing all the water. I don’t think they are too bright. But they taste great. I had a wild one for TG here one year. No, I did not dispatch it and clean it, a la Barbara Kingsolver in her wonderful book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Lovely family tale…totally true.
Tom has made a run into our shiretown ,Ellsworth, for groceries. I’ll make a big pot roast today, so it can mellow until we share with best Maine friend tomorrow night. Lunch with another friend tomorrow. Can’t drive while dizzy, so the sweet lady will come over on our side of the bay to pick me up. Big party on Sunday, making roast broccoli, dried cranberry, bacon, toasted walnut salad with Greek yogurt/garlic/ mayo dressing.
I’m actually anxious to get back to Tampa this year, as Tom will begin radiation treatments for prostate cancer. To all men over 60, have your PSA numbers checked Every Year, maybe twice a year. Tom’s took a huge jump in September.
Back to the here and now, digging up the dahlias for storage in the basement. Tom did most of my chores, as I tend to flop over or go sideways…it isn’t a pretty sight! House is newly painted, new roof last year, so we will focus on getting my fabulous husband good to go another 10 or more years!!
Thanks Wenchy Girlfriends and Susan, for sharing your own real life triumphs.
Mucho Love,
Debbie in Maine…
Your house must smell like heaven Debbie. xoxoxo
What a lovely heart warming read, I am currently sitting in our cosy holiday home in the very splendid and very autumnal Lake District drinking tea out of my Castle Cottage Susan Branch mug and remembering the most wonderful summer picnic in May ❤️ I really cannot wait to add Enchanted to my book collection💝 Have a wonderful journey back to Jack and Martha’s Vineyard 🐱
Dear Susan,
First things first…. the dime, gulp! sniff! blow! sweetest thing ever!!
Second, I’ve missed you! I’ve missed you! I’ve missed you!
Third, I didn’t get to go to the Apple Farm, it sounds like you all had so much fun and the first chapter! You’re a genius (Joe too!) I’m always amazed at how you keep things so original. I want the first chapter!!!
Finally, have a wonderful time and safe travels home!
Love you!
Debby
Love you back Debby! xoxo
So much to read and see! I loved seeing your photos of your parents. My folks are both still living, been married 61 years. Dad is 81 and Mom celebrates her 80th on Oct 27. We’re having a surprise party for her! Shhhhhh!!!! I am an RN in a nursing home and it always amazes me how much pluck our seniors have! Our two oldest residents will both turn 99 next month, one day apart from each other! How cool is that?! I wouldn’t worry too much about missing the turning leaves. I don’t know if New England is like northern Ohio, but it seems like the changing of the leaves is late this year. Most of the trees are still green! Have a safe trip home. Thanks for the post.
Thank you for what you do Linda. It’s much more than you will ever know. 😘
Enjoy your time with family and friends in CA and across our beautiful country. Wow! The dime blew me away. I get goosebumps. Love that you will add it onto your charm bracelet to remember always. Perfectly ‘charming’. The little Enchantment booklet was charming too. You and your staff make red letter days for us all the time. Thank you for that. The studio kitties are beauties. Stunning. I am going to re-read this post again and probably again to savor all the Fall goodness. Happy trails Susan and Joe!
What a wonderful time we had with you Ms. Susan Branch!! I feel all inspired and joyful since our fun girlfriend chat. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
THANK YOU right BACK, because what would it be without my Girlfriends. Let’s do it again soon, Beverlee!
Dearest Susan: I am chuckling over your comment on Jeanne “91, shocking I know” since, when someone says this to my mom (90), she retorts “what should I look like?!?” Welcome to Fall. Maybe some frost here in NY tonight.
A wonderful loving post..So much happy to read..Having been to a book signing I can imagine how tickled everyone was w/ the First Chapter:)
I would surely put that dime on my charm bracelet..both were my mom’s♥
You are lucky indeed to have a mom and a second mom.Have a wonderful time..My calendar is Oct..Nov Dec and then the new one;)
Hi Susan,
I was hoping you would post today. Your book signing looks amazing. There was an empty seat with my name on it. I bought my ticket for your event as soon as you announced the talk and I planned a trip to Pismo Beach. I wanted to visit my two granddaughters who live there. My daughter, granddaughter who lives here and my granddaughter that attends UCSC and me were going to have a slumber party in SLO, and I was going to the book signing. I know that is a lot of granddaughters. I have six granddaughters from three children, and the four girls are all the same age we were going to visit. Two 18, one 16 and one 15. The older girls are 27 and 24. Well, my daughter canceled the trip, and I was heartbroken. I wanted to visit my girls in Pismo Beach and come to your talk. In September I read both of your books. Fairy Girl and Martha’s Vineyard in two weeks. I was going to bring them for you to sign. I love your stories and can relate to your struggle to find your identity. I am 77 years old, and I have finally found out who I am, and I love me. Your humor is spot on, and I love the words “My heart was beating like a squirrel’s crossing the LA Freeway.” Life is great. We can have Calamity and Serenity at the same time, and everything is ok. My daughter gave me her word that when you are in California again for a talk, I will be there. Please keep painting and writing. Your talent is a true blessing.
Joyously,
Betty
“I am 77 years old, and I have finally found out who I am, and I love me.” That just makes my day. I loved your entire comment, can’t wait to meet you, won’t be long I hope, another year. Tell your daughter to get ready! XOXOXOXOXO
Will Do!!!
I always love your blogs … they put a smile on my face … and a “song in my heart”. The story about your dad and finding the dime was touching. My father, born the same year as your dad, passed way over three years ago. I frequently find pennies (pennies from heaven), save them to place on his headstone when visiting my hometown. Enjoy your adventures in CA and the journey home.
What an absolutely wonderful trip – family, friends and fans! I do believe your dad was sending you a message to let you know that you are ever in his mind – no coincidence. I’m keeping my fingers crossed to “win” a copy of the first chapter of your new book. What a treasure that would be! As always, I love traveling with you and Joe. Thank you for sharing.
Enjoyed reading about your CA visit and talk at Apple Farm. What lucky girlfriends! How nice you could visit so many family members. The train trip sounds like the way to cross the country, much saner than packed airplanes with no leg room. Can hardly wait for the new book.
Hugs from Washington State
Dear Susan,
just wanted to give you a shout out from South Carolina.
I.LOVE.YOUR.BLOG.
Thank you, thank you for being a kindred spirit. One who believes in kindness,beauty, and humor.
I was raised in New England by Southern Belle…need I say more?
So,
I enjoy your pictures and the recipes, sayings, and overall upbeat nature of your posts. Keep em’ coming!
Kim
Dear Susan, Your blog came at the best time to cheer me up. My darling kitty is sick and we don’t know if she’ll make it. So thank you for the bright spot in my day! I am so glad you got messaged by your Dad! I love that you’re going to put it on your charm bracelet! I’m so looking forward to your talk in Falmouth in November! Will you bring the first chapter of your new book? Even if you don’t it will be a pleasure to see you and Joe again!
SUSAN!!!!!
How wonderful!!!! I would love to ride the twain!!!! Such a great way to see the country and especially in the fall!
Can’t wait for my Apple mug!!!! Thank you for taking us along.
Happy Fall!
Hugs!!!
Linda in PA
Hi Susan, Ooooh, such a lovely blog! Happy Fall to you and Joe and to Jack, too! I’m so glad that you were able to spend time with your family. It’s a beautiful thing! Today is the most glorious Fall day here on Long Island-bright sunshine, windy and plenty of fresh air to breathe in. Fall is my favorite season and I have your Fall bead on one of my Pandora bracelets. 🙂 I absolutely love everything about it! I love that name, Matisse! How pretty! Have a safe and fun trip back across this beautiful country. Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. Be well & be happy! Love, Karen xoxo
Thank you for the blog post today, what a lovely trip you had! I love seeing your Dad’s wife and her sister – so healthy and happy, beautiful even now. And the Apple Farm group! What fun! I don’t know how you do it, speaking in front of a group. Your husband is a sweetheart for all he does, too. You both are so great together. I’m sort of “stuck” in Oregon, so I don’t get out to see your events, so I love how you share you journey and home. October Blessings to You!
So happy to share your road trip and enjoy all your family photos. Can’t wait for your new book! You bring great joy to so many. Thank you !
What a treat to see your family/homecoming posting ~ Abounding love! Seeing you with your mama, reading of how things are, resonates with so many of us, as does the sweetness of your ongoing connection with your daddy’s sweetheart. Continued warm and wonderful moments to you and yours, dear Susan ~ xxooxx
It’s all great fun! First thing I thought when I saw the dime was – that’s the year my mom was born. She will be 96 in January. I love you Susan, keep on having fun!
You make me so happy. Thanks.
Susan, Just like everyone else has said this is a lovely blog, you are so talented and sweet. I just returned from a fabulous Taste of Scotland and Ireland vacation and am having a difficult time reentering my own sweet world. Your blog has helped me to do that as we here in upstate New York are having a chilly fall day and it does feel good. The leaves are turning very fast and my bittersweet is about to pop, all those things are some of my favorites. So put those with your blog my hot cup of tea and I am a happy person.
Enjoy your wonderful travels, I too love to see the world and how sweet that Joe likes to travel too. Have a great trip back to the Vineyard another place that holds a special spot in my heart.
What a treat to find your wonderful blog post in my in-box just before bedtime. It made me smile and made me shed a tear or two. Perfect end to a beautiful sunny Autumn day here in the UK. Love the picture of Kellee and Sheri, such a pleasure to meet them in the Spring but they look so much more at home in sunny California. What a special treat and memento you all prepared for the girlfriends who came to Apple Farm. Susan, you are so kind to your fans. Enjoy the rest of your time in the sunshine, have fun and safe travels home.
With love to you and Joe from Ann in Chester. xx
I can’t wait for your new book! Love your blogs too!
What a lovely family you have. Enjoy the rest of your stay!
The photos on the train make me want to try a trip myself, but hesitate because I’d be traveling alone. Would you recommend it? I need reassuring, I guess. It was great to hear and see your family reunions. Have an enjoyable return trip next week.
Such a sweet note…I cried when you talked about your mom…but what a wonderful woman, still has the happy gene. I hope people will say that about me one day. Wave if you go through Iowa! Cannot wait for your book to come out…I hope I can get to a signing again!
Always love reading your blog, puts a huge smile on my face!!
As always, I love reading your posts. Being a Girlfriend in person at one of your book signings is on my bucket list. Especially enjoyed this post as my mom turns 93 tomorrow. She has her own cottage and is doing great. My siblings and I are SO lucky!
Keep the love coming…………
Thanks for the your blog and all of the joy (and a few tears) it brought this afternoon. Train travel is so relaxing and you nest so well. Keep showing us the way to the best in life and a-way from the sadness around us.
Hi dear Susan…Thank you so much for the wonderful book signing in SLO. It was truly a fun time. One of your best! I’ve been to Kansas City, Pasadena and now SLO. The cookie gift box was delicious and sharing your new book with us was so special and appreciated. Cheryl and I took the train from Anaheim to attend and as you’ve said it was the way to travel. My first time. I’ll do it again for sure. Also getting a chance to stay at the Apple Farm for the weekend was such a joy and felt like a mini vacation.
I’m so glad you’re getting a chance to spend time with your friends and family here in CA. Time moves so fast we often don’t get that opportunity. I empathize with you as you are with your mother. I lost my mom 2 years ago to Alzheimer’s. It was a journey of patience, love and remembering. She was 97 and lived a wonderful life. I needed patience as her personality gradually left her, love for her for who she was and for the wonderful memories she was leaving with us. I’m sure you love your mom every day that she is still with you.
You are a very special person, Susan Branch, and those of us who have met you and read your books and blogs feel that your mother must have had a significant roll in shaping who you’ve become. Much love to you, Joe and your beloved mom.
Kay B.
Kay, I’m so sorry about your mom. Loved seeing you and Cheryl. From the first time we met, when you were standing in front of Highclere, I felt an affinity for mom and daughter … your relationship is much like mine with my mom. My mom is everything. Was with her all day today, she’s there and gone, but then back again. OH, and she’s funny! And has the old glint in her eye. Can name off all of her eight children. She was young when she had me, only 17, so we grew up in fairytale world together. SO blessed.
Hi Susan. Another wonderful post! Thank you. Sorry I missed the fun at the Apple Farm this year. My good friend Linda and I came last year via train from Northern California. We had a GREAT trip! I guess I live under a rock or have a rock for brains…I’ve read all of your posts, Willard, books, etc. but did not twig on the fact that you are a Stewart! My dad’s mother was a Stewart from North Carolina (and Scotland, we think)! My Uncle Johnnie’s middle name was Stewart and my younger brother’s first name is Stewart. Oh…to think that we might be related! I’ll have to work hard to find my own happy gene in my DNA…it’s been hiding away for sometime, but I am determined to locate it. Thanks for the joy and love!
Jerome… went to high school there. Mingus Mountain… learned to drive on that road. Cottonwood… both of my Children were born in Cottonwood. Altho I was born in Prescott and now live just 20 miles north, Cottonwood will always be home! I LOVE the Verde Valley. So glad you got to enjoy it and your family.
This is not about today’s blog although I loved it. I am a Sioux City girl raised by a Sioux City girl–My father was 6’4″ tall and slender like your dad and he served in the Navy Sea Bees in the So. Pacific during WW II—and I live on the Central Coast. What this is about is a suggestion for your shopping page. I went on Amazon and saw kitty spoons, stainless steel, 4.5″ long. The top end of the spoon is the cut-out head and arms of the kitty, with a face, and shaped so the arms hang it on the rim of your cup. When the ½ &½ begins to form a “scum” of cream or the cocoa settles to the bottom, just give it a stir and hang the spoon back on cup. It might be something cute for you shop.
What a lovely blog post, as always! I was in Prescott, AZ for part of last week and can’t help but wonder if I might have passed you on the road somewhere! Then home to So. Calif, although a move to Prescott is something we are pondering. Everything you write about resonates with me and makes me feel happy! I’m looking forward to your new book.
Susan, you are a gem and I’m so happy we ‘met’! 🙂
Every time you write of Jerome, Cottonwood and the area…I tear up. My dad worked in mines in Jerome for short time, his aunt and uncle lived in Cottonwood and are buried in the Clarksdale cemetary. Found their graves while driving through area a year or so ago…known as Auntie Pop and Uncle George in the town. NIC’S is my favorite restaurant too…fond memories. Suggestion: your guardian angel picture…any chance it could be put on a card that could be sent out. After reading it, and with all that is going on in the world, I checked your site to see if it might be available in card form. Would LOVE to send to all my GIRLFRIENDS at this particular time in life…it would be an inspiring message.
As I read, all I could think of to say was “Thank You”. I’m so glad there is a Susan Branch in this world to share so much with us!
I hope you’ll consider making those little booklets of your Chapter 1, from Enchanted available on your Web Store! I bet there would be so many of us ‘Girlfriends’ who would love to order & add one to our SB collections! I have all your Willard’s that we’re snail mailed throughout the early years, I also have the booklet of that collections and I think I probably have close to every book you’ve ever written ✍🏻 & calendar you’ve painted. 🎨🖌 Please-Please-Please 🙏 consider putting those out for print for those of us not lucky enough to be at the book reading & signing! …Love everything Susan Branch❣️💕
…Just a suggestion! 😍 ~linda
So wonderful! I was very sad when I couldn’t go to Apple Farm for your talk this year (though I did get to go with my sister last year!) because I can’t think of anything more fun, and in a better setting. Yup, I’m a disciple of Susan Branch – simple pleasures are the BEST! A box of treats on each chair?! That’s like a little mini Christmas in October! Looks like it was fabulous! My mom had major surgery last week at age 90 so I was with her so no better reason for missing your talk than that. Days later she turned 91 and yesterday she got to come home! We are so grateful for that. I hope you make Apple Farm an annual event! I would actually buy one of those little “teaser” books if you had them on your website (hint, hint) Safe travels, and keep enjoying the beauty of it all! XXO
Enjoyed your recap of all your fun doings in CA and the family visits, book talk and travelog. So many lovely memories for you to savor.
The photo of the calendar on the hanger caught my eye as it is a portion of Yeats’ poem was used in a beautiful song written by one of my favorite vocalists, Loreena McKennitt. You can hear her sing this poem, Stolen Child (from her early album Elemental) , on You Tube. She has an amazing voice and her band uses unusual instruments and play Celtic music and folk tunes from around the world. all very soothing to listen to. I highly recommend her!
Bon voyage on your return travel and best wishes for a soul-rejuvenating last week with your family and friends.
What a lovely, lovely blog! I get so much joy when I open my email and see your name! How very lucky everyone who got to see the first chapter of the book are! I met you several years ago at the tattered cover in Denver, and your books and stories, calendars and cups, have brought me untold happiness. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with all of us, heaven knows we need all of the beauty, kindness and calm we can get!
I always feel like I’ve been snuggled in a cozy blanket when I read your blog! Can’t wait for Enchanted! Thank you!
What a fabulous trip you are having!!! I want to personally thank you for being so wonderful to my husband the day before you left on this trip! We spent five days on Martha’s Vineyard and enjoyed every minute. We loved our B&B, every lighthouse, every town, riding the ferry and the “Chappy”, enjoying the great food, watching the boats coming and going, talking with the locals. A trip to remember always. You live in a beautiful place and I’m so glad we got to see it. Looking forward to following your trip back home. Thanks for being you.
Glad you had a nice visit with family. Mine is in California too, Santa Cruz, Carmel and Pebble Beach. My mom was born in 1923 too. Good year. I am sure you will be glad to get back to nice fall foliage..Here in Western PA it has skipped the average 60s in October to move straight to November temps of averaging 50s..And no nice foliage either. Not sure why. I made baked pears the other day. Love them as a healthy dessert..Have a good ride home by Twain.
Susan, so happy to open email and find your blog. I have been waiting and missing you. I loved all the pictures, too. Your trip out west by train must have been lovely. That is something I hope to experience one day. I am looking forward to finding my Christmas cup in the mail.
What a wonderful time! Everyone looks so excited! I so wish I could have been there. Love the calendar hook….may need to order one up! Thanks, Sue, for the update on your trip. It was the next best thing to being there!
xo peg
HI Peg, I LOVE hearing from you! Hope all is going well. Hello from Kellee and Sheri too! xoxoxo
What a wonderful post! Just the one I need to day although it is still very early (01.23!) in the morning october 19th-my late husbunds birthday. The qoute of the Eskimo Legend is a say -hello from him for sure to me!
Just as you find the dime with 1923 your father’s bith year.
How lovely are these sisters and I cann’t believe she is already 91!!!
What a surprise to see the lady who grew up in Rotterdam in the Netherlands the country where I’m living.
Have a great day
Greetings, Trudy
Life is so very interesting, it’s it Trudy? Happy birthday to your memory. xoxoxoxoxo
Thank you Susan -had a wonderful day today enjoying many happy memories
Trudy
Susan, again I enjoyed traveling with you and Joe (hope he doesn’t mind) and extra female. Your trip to sunny CA brought back wonderful memories and it was so very nice to “meet” your family. I have to confess that I’m in love with your Jack. But don’t let Fred, my dear kitty, hear that. He is so special to me and is such a joy. He’s 14 years young and still full of vinegar.
Safe homecoming, dear lady.
Fran