Hello all, Welcome! I hope you all got your WILLARD (if you didn’t, don’t worry, you will, it’s going out today but it takes three days for them all to go). I wanted to have everything ready for you when you got here, so yes, in the vernacular of the day, I’ve been “tidying up!” I have lots to show you, but let’s start with the little things that make life sweet with background MUSICA perfect to energize us for the job ahead . . . 
I love this time of year! Time has slowed down, a lovely long January is gone . . . our Island outside my window is cold blue sky, leafless trees, old houses, quiet and colorless (except for the cardinals, our flying Valentines), and in complete healing-mode from the Summer onslaught. No cars going by, no one on our walk in the morning but us. 😁
If you read my last post, you’ll see my sideboard looks very different than it did over Christmas! I’ve been putting my house back together. It was fun decorating with all the holiday stuff 🎄, I was a little sad to see it go, but then felt huge relief to have it all gone! It’s usually around the 5th of 
January, when suddenly all the sparkly, pine-needly things I LOVED in December, begin to drive me crazy. The wreaths on the kitchen doors block the light and drop needles every time we go in or out, then leave a Hansel and Gretel pine-needle trail from the kitchen to the studio. Time to say goodbye to the old year, and hello to the new. The tree came down (we don’t drag it through the house because then vacuuming takes forever ~ Joe takes the branches off to keep the mess confined, and tosses everything out the window!), ornaments were boxed up, bows and ribbons are back in the attic, dusty mistletoe is gone from the doorways, my house is peaceful and quiet with only the sound of wood falling to ash in the fireplace, joy is sparked to the nth degree! 
So, in case you can’t tell, we’ve been watching Tidying Up with Marie Condo. Have you seen it? It’s about a woman who loves to organize, she wrote a book about it, I think more than one, and now has a show on Netflix where she comes to people’s homes and teaches them how to de-clutter their things. Watching someone else clean is inspiring ~ and it’s catching! It makes you want to jump up and get organized ! My eyes suddenly see the chaos around us. How can we live this way!!! If you need help getting going I highly recommend it. Even Joe’s gotten into it and that’s saying something!
She has all sorts of tips ~ she teaches people how to fold things into tiny packages (something I will never do because I choose speed over neatness), and file them on their sides in boxes in drawers to make them more visible. Which was thrilling to see, because it meant I was doing something right!! I’ve always done Joe’s shirts that way (except for the tiny-package folding!) . . .
. . . filed them in a row so he can see the logos and know what he’s getting into without unfolding. It’s not perfect or tiny, but Joe loves it!
I don’t know if it was Marie, or if it was because it was January, but as I was cleaning up the Christmas things, suddenly I couldn’t stand to see boxes or bags parked conveniently next to a wall, did not care for piles of books anywhere but in the bookcases, didn’t want to see folded market bags piled on my little red kitchen chair, or any little bits and pieces dropped here and there that added up to clutter. 🚫 I needed clean walls I could walk up to like a starving man needs a ham sandwich. I couldn’t even work until I got this house under control!
I did it! Everything’s in its place (well, not everything!) with sunshiny face . . . now it’s February (rabbit-rabbit💛) and I’m back to work! Of course, now my studio is a complete mess because as you know creating is not neat, but the rest of the house is heaven. All my best intentions fulfilled, lightheartedness returned!
Most of my table tops have barely anything on them! It won’t last long, but right now I see this and go “Ommmmmm.”
Candlesticks & votives, glass, wood and brass, are sorted and put away, Christmas 
books are back in the hutch, tablecloth and napkins are starched and ironed, on hangers, in the front closet, floors are swept and vacuumed, we’re dusted and ready for the next event. I think of my house sort of like a movie set . . . once Christmas is put away, everything is organized, I leave it smooth and plainly cozy until the next season or event, then I change the throw pillows, add flowers, bunnies, bunting, garden books, and voila! It’s spring!
There’s a big difference between clutter, and decorated. I do not see these shelves as cluttered! I think it’s because everything up there gets used on a fairly regular basis. I could never be a minimalist and hide everything away. Serious minimalism looks heartless to me. Life is too short not 
to set out my Beatrix Potter figurines, hang my teacups on hooks, fold cute dishtowels over the handles of my stove, or put a paper calendar on the wall in my kitchen. Real life is not going to allow me to hide away our family photos, or baskets of rosy apples, or old quilts just for some crazy fashion that will change in an hour anyway!
I wrote about it in my Girlfriends Book. How when I was 11 or 12 I would try and get my girlfriends to play, “Let’s go home and decorate our bedrooms.” A game I mostly ended up playing all by myself! I still redecorate the way I wrote about here . . . and put back one “joy bringer” at a time.
Marie suggested that as we sort, we shouldn’t be looking for things we want to throw out, instead we should look for things we want to keep! It does make it easier! Gather everything into a pile, keep just the things you love and get rid of the rest! She sees organizing as a spiritual endeavor … believing there’s a divine spirit in everything. It feels like that to me. A sort of gratitude for all we’ve been given. It reminds me of a quote I put in my Autumn book by Joe Friday (respected elder of the Alaskan Yup’ik Eskimos) . . . who’s gone now but should should be remembered for this lovely thing:
So glad to the wood. Everything is related. Touch one thing, you touch it all. I say thank you as I oil my wooden cutting board, imagining the people who made it, remembering all that chopping for all those dinner parties, as I oil the wooden handles on my old pots and pans,
and my wooden cooking spoons (my dad made the one with my name on it 💞 ). I want them to last forever. I starch and iron my curtains, shine my windows, make my stove sparkle with plain hot water, refold my old quilts, and dust my bookcases. Because things we use every day have character. Makes me happy.
These things aren’t just merchandise, part of a throw-away world. They’re gifts. When my Grandma died, the only thing I asked for, since I had always gotten her very best when she was alive, was the old wooden spoon she used to scramble her eggs and mix her cookie dough. Because that spoon had her in it. That spoon and my grandma had cross-pollinated their DNA, while alone in the kitchen, beating brown sugar, butter, and walnuts, a long time ago.
It’s why I love old things and that includes this old house of creativity filled with kindly ghosts of the past. As I was tidying up, it was easy to know which of our things “sparked joy” as Marie says, and which ones made me sing out, 🎵 Yaaaard Saaaale 🎶 as I packed up boxes to go. Our busy lives and this modern world do not naturally provide us with the peace and sustenance we need to grow, space for creating, a gentleness for our families. But we can make it for ourselves. We have all the power. As the Chinese proverb says, “Outside noisy, inside empty.”
One more thing, in case you find yourself in a cleaning-emergency on a day when deep tidying and tiny folding is not going to be possible, with possibly just ten minutes to clean your house for guests, here’s what you do:
So, in-between the tidying up, what have I been doing in my studio? Lots. I guess I should say, “we.” We’ve been busy!
Here’s the other half of “we,” my partner-in-crime who plunks his righteous self down in the middle of my art table any time he wants and gives me this look. Like, “What?” Requires belly rub, many kisses. Petty pet of my dreams.
I made a soft little embroidered doll of Jack. Put his heart on the outside. Gave him a little quilt all his own. He’s only 6″ tall (extremely gentle, for children) ~ he and his quilt will come in a sewing/embroidery kit. We’ll have the kit in the web store soon, so some little child out there, maybe yours, can put Jack to bed someday. ♥️
And a quick update, for all of you who pre-ordered and are waiting patiently for your little vases, butter dishes, tea bag holders, and all the others, we are being told to expect them soon. I keep asking, when, when, when, they keep saying soon, soon, soon 😜 . . . so have faith and know the SECOND they arrive, yours will be first to go!! We won’t forget! Soothing MUSICA to make you forget. 🎵 And this:
And, despite kitty distraction in the Studio, new cups are on the way! At the end of the last post I asked everyone what cups they’d like to see and did the best I could to make you happy! So here we go: Four new cups, Fine Bone China, made in England, coming late March! This one, the large 16 oz, is “Bella Luna!” For all you moon-watchers like me! 💛
Every time you use it you can wish on a shooting star! I never painted a shooting star before!
The moon and constellations in a sea of stars . . .
And here is brand new Cup #Two, “Home Sweet Home” . . . this is for you who love the smaller, 11 oz. size, a bunting-draped celebration of . . .
Here’s the side, says it all.
Here is the other side…. a little house of my own . . .
And here is the cute handle! These are only paper mockups, I promise the real things will look much better!
And #3, You all asked, so Yes! A great big 16 oz. Birthday Cup! Because everyone has a birthday and what would be a better celebration than “Having your cake and eating it too?”
There is singing . . .
. . . balloons, a hat, and suggestions for fun!
And another perky handle! Happy Birthday Girlfriends! 🎈
And one more large, 16 oz. cup, due to popular demand, it’s the “English Corgi” cup . . .
With the perfect T.S. Eliot quote surrounded by blue forget-me-nots:
An empire of imagination!
And the side . . . complete with Union Jacks, lamb and castle.
And would not be complete without an English rose on the handle.🌹
And, extra exciting news, guess what? For the first time, the actual BBC website is going to carry one of my cups, this one! For their print catalog and web store! And also my book, A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside! So honored! Secretly extra-thrilled as it is one step closer in my diabolical plan to get to the National Trust. Would love for them to carry my book someday. At least now we’re in the same neighborhood! 🇬🇧 👍
They’re already in production in England, and up for Pre-sale now… as you know, I try to make sure there’s enough for everyone, it helps so much when you pre-order, that way, when I give the factory final numbers, I’m fairly sure everyone who wants one will get one! I usually add on some extra for those who forget, but sooner or later they’re gone. So if you have a special birthday coming in September, be sure to think about it now!
Movie News: I keep promising you an update on the “movie” ~ the project in the works to get my book Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams onto the big (or even little) screen … and every time I think I will just blab what I know, the person working to make it happen sweetly warns me not to!!! 🎬 Grrrr. So all I can say is that it’s still a possibility. Which is better than saying it isn’t! Seems so easy! Movie about starting over, woman and three cats in darling cottage in woods? What could be better? Just say Yes!
Okay, back to the drawing board, 🎨 but before I go . . . I was thinking, what would be a really special giveaway for today? I thought of the perfect thing, then another idea popped up, then another, I didn’t know which to do! I finally gave up and decided to do all three! It’s almost Valentine’s Day! 💖 All you have to do to enter is leave a comment at the bottom of this post (click at the tiny word “comment”), and you’ll be automatically entered for all three gifts! In a few days, Vanna, our resident “Random Number Generator” will draw the names of three lucky winners and I’ll announce them here. So, here’s giveaway number one, very rare . . .
A brand new copy of Girlfriends Forever! When I find out the winner’s name, I’ll personalize it before I send it. They’ve been out of print for a long time, but during my “Tidying Up” phase, I found a small pile of these books in the back of a closet! Buried treasure! And timely, because what could be better for a Girlfriend’s Valentine than a book about best friends! You may have one, but perhaps a special Valentine girlfriend of yours doesn’t! So anyway, this one’s for YOU, and Sheri put the others in our web store for however long they last!
And then I was walking by my newly decorated stove shelf, and was suddenly reminded of this timeless Valentine . . . charming old words I found carved on a stone on a dovecote in England.
Here’s a closer view! Giveaway #2, Love Stays!
And, last but not least, this luv-lee 16 oz, fine bone china cup that asks, “Have I told you lately that I love you?” Is there a better Valentine Message? This one will be going out to some lucky winner in honor of our Girlfriend Dee Lamphear and her husband Brad 💞, to celebrate their forever love and happy marriage.💖
This is the back . . . it says it all, cup-wise, winter-wise and love-wise.
So don’t forget to leave a comment! Remember, you have much better chance of winning here than if you played the lottery!💖
Last but not least, here’s a delicious recipe to help keep your house warm . . . I wish I could send out smells from my computer, so when you opened my page on a freezing cold morning you’d find the cozy smell of baking biscuits. That’s how you would know it’s me. I wish someone would invent that. Unfortunately, under the circumstances, you’ll have to make them for yourself!
Make them in heart-shaped pans and they’re the perfect Valentine gift.
Cut them in half, toast them, add orange marmalade or yummy Christmas Jam and bring them to a lucky Valentine near you. For more Valentine’s ideas, plus a link to get a Valentine Bookmark, go HERE.
If you haven’t signed up to receive my Blog in your mailbox, and you’d like that, or you’d like to surprise your mom, sister, grandma, or best friend, please go HERE.
Winter is king of intimate delights, Enjoy the quiet, light the candles, make a fire, pull on toasty socks, feed the birds, eat hot biscuits. Life is good. Have a wonderful day Girlfriends, kindred spirits. Bake and stay warm! More surprises in the next blog!
Thanks for brightening up my day and I love, love, love your artwork!!!
I got hooked on the Marie Kondo Netflix series, too! I loved how she took a moment to thank the house in prayer-like fashion before diving into the mess. Very inspiring and it prompted me to go check the book out of the library. Now to DO IT! Love the new cups – you’ve been busy! Happy New Year to you and Joe and the adorable Jack! XXO
Susan you are just what I need to get me inspired. Cleaning or tiding up has never been a strong suit of mine but with your inspiration I think that is about to change. Even my 10 year old grandson has taken up Marie Kondo’s system so it is something that I also can do. Unfortunately toooo many things bring me joy! Have a wonderful new year !
Ahh, your version of Marie Condo is lovely and just the encouragement I needed to take decluttering serious. But first, off to make the tea biscuits. Thanks!
Hi Susan, Thank you so much for your blogs…I love reading them and getting great ideas. Like you, I love old things too. I have a lot of my mother’s and grandmother’s dishes and things and use them all the time. I cherish everything that was theirs. Would love to make your biscuits, but found out that I have to go gluten free. I wonder if they would still turn out ok if I used gluten free flour…it’s worth a try because they sound and look delicious. I was re-reading your book “A Fine Romance” the other day and read that you are a direct descendant of Edward I. I found out a few months ago that he is my 23X great grandfather through his daughter Joan. Who knew? Of course, there are probably quite a few people that can say that too! I guess that it explains why I have always loved England and all things British. Looking forward to reading your new book. Again, thank you.
I tried to attach a photo, but am not tech-savvy enough. I wanted to show you that “A Fine Romance” and “Love” by Susan Branch are adorning my little seasonal shelf, along with some narcissus and violets. (The flowers get confused in Southern California sometimes!) Makes me smile whenever I look at it. Thanks for your lovely work! (We even have a bit of snow outside tody. I live in the mountains.) Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan!
Susan Branch, you are a joy to behold. You never disappoint me with your fun, sassy, blogs of real life. Each year I buy my younger sister your wall calendar for Christmas and one for me to, of course. I never look at the months ahead until I turn the page for that new month. A little lIke opening a new present each month of the year…the gift that keeps on giving😀 Thanks for being you, authentic 😍
Love that you show the cups are made! My daughter (14yo) is really soaking in your books. So glad I was able to pass on my ‘love of all things Susan Branch’ to her!
“Tidying Up” a.k.a. “Housecleaning-Lite” sounds oh-so-much more doable. Though I love the results of housecleaning, it takes a mental mindset that puts me in dungarees, a plaid shirt, headscarf and rubber gloves. A weighty process indeed. Though my packets of clothes may never be as pint-sized as our little Asian friend’s, it was a wonder when I realized that doing jammies that way freed up 2/3 of a dresser drawer! Every little bit of organizing helps.
I have a question….is it possible to bring up one’s comments to see if you may have responded in a way other than having to remember the date of the blogpost and one’s place in the comment line? (Not good at either one…..) If so, that would be WONDERFUL to be able to hit a little button and have all my comments/your responses turn up in the same place.
I have heard that if you have a MAC, you can hit command F and a little window will open in the upper right corner and you can put your name in there to search. If you don’t have a MAC, then maybe one of our girlfriends reading these comments will know!
If I remember pre-Mac, it is ctrl F.
I don’t have a MAC, I’m typing on a Dell, and for me it is: Ctrl F then type in the name in the little box that opens, then Enter.
Love the Corgi cup. Reminds me of our pet “Mason” who was the best dog ever! Can’t wait to receive one and proudly use it.
Love it all. Thank you for the inspiration & kick starting my day. 😊
Love the new post….tidying up lit a fire in me! I cleaned off my computer desk! I have an ETSY shop and it tends to get really cluttered with my vintage offerings for my shop when I am listing them. And…I placed my Susan Branch blotter calendar that I purchased for 2019 on the computer desk! Love it!
Looking forward to the Times Three Giveaway! WOOHOO! and crossing my fingers.
Absolutely love the new cups, I would love to have them all! I have decided on the English Corgi cup for sure and will be putting in my pre-sale order.
Thank You for brightening my day, I need that SB shot of inspiration! xoxo
Your blog is so lovely! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sweet post, Susan. I just ordered a bit of your pre-sale items from #must need list. ❤️
I’m firmly aligned with you about our current political climate, & so appreciate your voice in and for the Resistance to this administration.
I can’t wait to order your English/Corgi cup. We have rescued Corgis. My daughter gave me your “Isle of Dreams” book for my birthday December 26-lovely escape from reality!
Wow. Just wow. Such a great post, email, letter from you. You are just the BEST, Susan Branch💕💕💕🤗
THANK YOU for the way you share yourself, your life and loves with us …. We are the richer for “knowing” you ❣
💕💕cathy
We have been cleaning also during this very cold spell! Everything is sparkling! Love your new mugs!
BooHoo! I didn’t get to my email until today, and saw your “Girlfriends Forever” book. I tried to order a copy, but it was already sold out! I’m truly hoping you will consider reprinting it! Reading your books is like breathing fresh clean air!
Thanks for being you, Susan! You are such a Light in the world!
I always get a lift from reading your blog posts and your artwork always brings a small and feeling of hygge 💕! Would love to win one of these giveaways to give to my Mom!
Thanks for the fun blog – always enjoy them so much!
When watching old movies I love the English ones the best. I finally decided I love the chintz and cluttered look of their rooms! That is where I am and probably where Ill stay after 70 plus years! Thanks for all of your blogs! Love them!
Another blog post that is delightful, Susan! Perfect reading with my my mug of hot chocolate. Happy ❤️ Day!
Love, Love, Love your beautifully illustrated newsletter…. you bring such
joy to all who read and follow you !!!! I always buy your calendar … my
kitchen favorite ! Thanks for being you !
So looking forward to Bella Luna!! Definitely pre-ordering. Thank you for your inspiring posts, I always look forward to reading them. I have only watched the first episode of Marie but it was enough to get me motivated to declutter closets first, then on to the kitchen cabinets! Good luck with your projects. 😉
So nice to read your blog, as always. I have been in the tidying mood too. I think Marie Condo is inspiring everyone.
Lovely post as always. I’ve been dabbling at getting organized. I do fairly well except for closets. My large walk in closet is so full that you need a map to get around in it. All the stuff from the other areas I’ve decluttered end up there. Maybe I’ll be inspired now! I now want a heart shaped muffin pan for my bisquits! Lovely giveaway, I’d be happy with any one!
Im in the big middle of clearing away some clutter and tidying up a few spaces. Your sweet post was just the motivation I needed to push me to finish today!!! 🙂
I’ve been looking for another of your cheery posts. I got the bug of cleaning cupboards and donated 12 boxes of household things last week. It is so freeing to have less in my cupboards. I was in a resale shop last month and found one of your cookie jars. My sister said I didn’t need it but I had to have it. Every time I see it I smile. Thanks for sharing your artistic talents with us.
Love your new corgi cup! Will have to get one for sure! Your Blog is so inspiring, thanks bunches for it this morning! De-cluttering, yes!
I enjoy reading your blog posts!
Your blog always gives me a warm feeling, no matter the temperature!
Such a nice surprise to get a Willard. Something in the inbox I actually want! I am still putting Christmas in boxes and am glad to know I am not alone.
I just love the China Cup that says, Have I Told You Lately That I Love you. It was the song my ex husband and I had for our song when we got married we thought it was perfect ! Every time I hear it it brings back so many sweet memories. Its just wonderful that you added it to your collection. Loving your blog and cant wait until its time for the next one.!
I always enjoy your posts Susan! Reading them is a breath of fresh air! Thanks for sharing your many talents!
Love, Marsha from Michigan
Good morning Susan and good morning girlfriends. brrrr it is cold here 30 degrees and warming up or so the weatherman says. come Friday we can expect snow again, all through the weekend and into next Monday and Tuesday. here we go again, oh well its nice. had some snow on Monday and again yesterday, nice to be in and have a nice warm fire going to warm my toes. I have been busy cleaning out closets, just getting rid of clothes that are never used or worn, they go in the box for goodwill or the salvation army, same for used shoes that can still be worn. old coats and jackets are given to the local churches that give them out to families that need them. and old things like appliances that that still work are given to the goodwill, might as well recycle and reuse them. I even cleaned out the pantry and gave some to the food bank, we have a lot of folks who depend on them at this time of year. so far the barnyard crowd has come through the snow pretty good, of course we stapled tarps on the henhouse ceiling to keep the birds dry this winter and so far that is holding up well. we also put in lots of fresh straw for the nest boxes and on the floor so they all can stay warm and snuggle up in the straw. their food containers were kept full and so were the water containers. must keep them happy, as happy hens lay lots of eggs. may go through and clean out the kitchen and give away some old pots and pans I don’t use…. might as well give them to goodwill where someone will get them and use them. seems a shame to have them just sitting around taking up space and not getting used. I think goodwill is going to be very happy when they pick up our load. love the new mugs, but still would like to see a Thanksgiving one, that would be nice. off to go vacuum the floors and sweep the porch and haul up some more firewood for the woodstove. to whoever invented those nice warm and comfy slipper socks, I thank you each time I put them on my cold feet and toes.. what a lovely feeling to have warm toes. its also Chinese new year, so happy year of the pig to all, may it be s happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous new year for all. have a great day today, stay warm and comfy. hugs…… 😀
Your posts bring coziness and joy!
I just love love love getting mail from you..Willard and blog in my email! I wait for a quiet time and then slip into the beautifully creative world of Susan Branch! Looking forward to tidying up myself! Thank you so much for your inspiration!
Wonderful inspiring post for this time of year! Loved the picture of the folded t-shirts, definitely going to re-organize some drawers with that in mind.
Thanks for sharing the useful hints.
I too asked for my grandmother’s wooden spoon and love how it makes me think of her every time I use it
We’ve had a series of snow, cold, and ice days here in Michigan, and I have been enjoying the extra time with hot tea, blankets, and good books. I was so, so sad the other day to come down to the kitchen and find my beautiful “Tea Party/Come, Sit, Stay” mug broken in the sink. Nobody is claiming fault 🙁 So, I’m going to glue it back together and use it on my kitchen dresser next to my Emma Bridgewater teapot. That’s why I’d love to win this prize—for the new tea cup (well, the other treats are also too lovely!). Thank you for all the pretty things you create. They make bright spots in my days.
Reading your posts, even when I’m in the office, is like delighting in a long letter from a far-away friend. My husband always knows when I’m enjoying one of your posts as soon as he hears the “musica” playing in the background!
We have been stuck inside for many days now here in Iowa. We are dealing with ice now. So not fun! Last week was crazzzzzy cold temps and snow with wind…..always a stellar combo in the winter. I have been sewing and scrapbooking which is a wonderful thing to do during these bleak days. Thank you for always giving a ray of sunshine to my day! Hugs Sheri in Iowa
Lovely post! All the best things, tidy and peaceful. We are living in an RV right now, so you can imagine the challenges that brings to tidying up and keeping things shipshape while at the same time trying to enjoy the things I collect (most are in storage). I live vicariously through you and your home (and Jack) while waiting for us to settle in a home. From an RV in the Northwest…
I love the new cups. I used my new Christmas cup and just put it up till next Christmas. I smiled and thought of you every time I had my tea. It was one of the few things I had to put out for Christmas as the bulk of my things are in the back of a mobile mini storage locker in my driveway, all the things that survived Hurricane Florence from my partial basement. Lucky as we were that our home was not majorly damaged and was livable I did loss a lot. Good thing there were plastic bins down there for most things there were things that were not. Mold and mildew got to books and other things that weren’t standing in water. Electronics also. But we had a great time with our family and even moved our daughter into her new home in VA Beach. The season is for family an to remember why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.
Lastly as always it was wonderful to see that sweet Jack! He always makes me smile.
Take care everyone, hugs to all.
Love this post.
LOVE la LUNA mug!
As usual a fabulous read on a snowy morning in Colorado. Thanks so much for all you do to keep us surrounded with sweetness and light. Hilary
I love seeing pictures of your home. I’ve had good intentions of doing a thorough “tidying up” and now I’ve been inspired to get to it. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe!
How I WISH I had had a friend who wanted to play “Let’s decorate our bedrooms”. A girl truly after my own heart – MY FAVORITE THING IN THE WORLD is STILL playing house. 🙂 Thanks for the dose of cozy today!
You have one now!!!
dear susan , i absolutely love your blog, you brighten my day. I”ve read all your
books, I’m currectly rereading ilse of dreams for the third time. You were so brave to move across the country and make a new beautiful life for yourself. I
love your artwork. This is my first time responding to your blog. I also love the way you write and especially all your quotes, some really touch my heart. thank you for all you do to make life beautiful.
How timely! I watched the first 4 episodes of Marie Kondo on Netflix and was up late last night reading her first book. I’m on board to say good bye to many things. We’re getting ready to downsize in 2 years. We’ve lived in the same house for 39 years and raised our five children in this 130 year old Queen Anne Tower home. I adore your cottage. You are helping to inspire me! I do like how she saves going thru keepsakes for last. I have my mother’s teacups (many I bought for her at Mother’s Day when I was young) and dishes and silver. And we have my grandmother in laws dining room set. I love your blog. I’ve followed you since falling in love with your recipes in Country Living a million years ago! It’s such a treat! I have all of your books but none of your cups. What a nice giveaway. I hope I’m not too late to enter!
Cheers as I go to work on my sock drawer and prepare for the next winter storm!
Pam in Indiana
Love the Corgi mug. Just like my neighbors little princess!
Love this! I enjoy Mari Kondo-she’s everywhere nowadays! We did some tidying up last month. My husband even got on board with his closets and our kitchen! I was sad he got rid of his high school letter jacket but overall it’s a great feeling to open drawers and walk into my clothes closet and be able to see everything-no more piles!! Anyway, thanks for the chance on another giveaway and fingers crossed for the movie 🙂
Susan’s artwork brings me back to an earlier time. I love the nostalgic decorations. As one “homebody” to another, the blog is very much appreciated.
Your post puts me in the mood for spring cleaning. Thanks!
I read Marie Kondo’s book a couple of years ago. After a good purge I feel so much better. I have purged several times lately. I have purged a few things I wish I had kept but if I decide i really really wish i still had something, everything is attainable on the internet, right?? If Vanna should pick my name, I promise to never purge! I have your girlfriend book (all of your books actually).
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your lovely stories. I always enjoy them very much. Your creativity is an inspiration to me. Love the cups. Although I live many miles away I consider you a very special and dear friend. Love from the Netherlands. Wilma Rutten
That is so sweet Wilma, thank you, I’m honored!
I loved your post as always. I will definitely be trying that biscuit recipe. I keep hoping the movie will become a reality but in the meantime I continue to love reading and rereading your blogs and your books. That cup would be perfect because my husband and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary in May and it would make a nice remembrance. Where does the time go? We certainly have been blessed. I am anxious to hear more about your new book and will look forward to reading it when it comes out. Hope you, Joe and Jack are keeping warm. I took a walk at lunch time yesterday and was thinking how lucky we are to live in Florida and can enjoy the warm days and sunshine while so many other are freezing.
Sue in Florida
Ok, I’m on it. Where I am in Michigan, soldiered through a real January winter closing with a couple of weeks of deep freeze blizzardy weather = schools, churches, librarys closed. A small reprieve to get it all melted, then moved on to freezing rains and ice jams on the rivers. You’d think I would have gotten a LOT done. Instead I became obsessed with small patches of sunshine, cozy blankets, reading mysterys, fireplace fires, making soups, and at most gathering courage to tromp out to feed the birdies. Another freeze warning for tomorrow morning, BUT no more excuses. All the Christmas “putting away” done. On to my room by room archaeological dig!
Oh Susan reading your posts always makes me appreciate life just a little bit more than I do already. The Valentine Mug is so precious and the verse “Have I told you Lately”, was my wedding song. It would be a sweet reminder of that wonderful day 22 years ago.
I was so excited for the giveaway because I love your “Girlfriends Forever” book. Might you think about reprinting that one?! I too have been tidying up. Feels so good to release some things and let other people enjoy the things we no longer use
I hear ‘ya on minimalism. It just seems so devoid of soul to me. In my house, I am surrounded by things that have sentimental value and bring me joy! Thanks for sharing yours.
I’ve been meaning to write to say, I LOVE my Christmas mug! It’s the perfect size for the perfect big cup of tea.
I’ll try some of the tidying tips…we’ll see.
xoxo
I love the idea of being signed up for your blog, rather than the Willard emails. The emails were getting lost in the zillions of emails I get. I can come to your blog any time!
I have loved your work for about as long as you have been putting things out there. It never gets old. You have a true talent, not only as an artist, but also as an encouraging spirit!
Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! Pretty please! ;->
So sad I missed getting your “Girlfriends Forever” in your store!😢 Please reprint!
Thank you!
You’re my inspiration!!!
Thanks Susan! Your blog makes my day and then some!
Happy Vslentine’s day to you and Joe and your kitty Jack.
❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕
What a cozy blog post! Enjoyed it as always! The new china mugs are beautiful. I guess I missed your earlier request for ideas we would like to see, but I would like to suggest a Scottish Terrier mug! With a little bit of lovely tartan on it of course!
We watched all the episodes and started in our closets. Three giant trash bags off to the Salvation Army, hopefully to Spark Joy for someone else.
Love all of your post. Except the politically charged ones. They disrupt the sweet peace your post have always given. But like an errant child, I love you regardless.
❣️ ❣️ ❣️ Good Morning Sweet Susan ❣️ ❣️ ❣️What makes a Perfect Morning? My Special Coffee, Sparkling Snow out my Window & a Letter from Susan in my Inbox! Yeah!!!…You are always so inspiring…time to clean up & out ❣️❣️❣️
I was so happy to read that you feel the same way about minimalism, it just seems so cold and uninviting; I mean what is life without your “things”?
I absolutely love your new cups and I think I am going to have to add them to my growing collection, and keep me out of the minimalist style. I love reading everything that you write and I am going to have your book be the book that my book club reads when it is my turn to choose and pray that it becomes a movie.
Thanks for giving me a bit of sunshine
your friend
Rene
I always enjoy reading your latest blog posts. The new cups are lovely!
I love your newsletters. If your sad before your read it, you will have a happy feeling after reading it. It always leaves an impression on you heart. Thanks for taking the time to bring joy to others through your blog.
I love everything you do. The books are my favorite.
Happy February ! ❤️
It’s freezing cold here in Saskatchewan, Canada…dealing with the “Polar Vortex” . It’s a chilly minus -45 degrees Celsius here, which translates into minus 49 Fahrenheit…a bit brisk I would say:) making cheeseburger soup for my men out on the farm today…looking out at the mountains of piled snow in my yard …yet the sun is shining and I’m in my warm home and chatting with my girlfriend…Perhaps a red letter day!
Sounds like it to me!!
Change is not usually something I look forward to but I think your blog/Willard change is a great idea! Thanks for sharing your life with us and being so encouragingl
Nice to see you in my mailbox again!
Such treasures~all three items!
Tidying is such a healing for the soul. And weeding out unnecessary or unused things is a blessing for us as well as any who would need to tidy up if we were ever sick or something too. Just your talking about it makes it all the more fun to go and do it! Clean a drawer or two and boom 💥 you’re hooked. Gift or donate the nice stuff and basura the rest.
Excited for the new stuff! Many thanks from my desk to yours 🦚
I’ve been enjoying the Marie Kondo program on Netflix and it seems to be creating quite a stir! I love the thoughtfulness in her approach and it seems to soothe any anxiousness about parting with our beloved “stuff!” LOL!
There is great satisfaction in cleaning and tidying the place that shelters us. It is a priceless blessing to have a place to call home. Thank you for sharing your lovely home and home making stories with us, Susan. Home blessings to you and Joe and Jack!
We are starting, ever so slowly, to cull our belongings for a retirement downsizing, when we get there! It is hard, as so many items have emotional value. But we are trying. Thanks for the inspiration–it does feel good to have more room in the closet, or an empty drawer!
Oh Susan, you certainly know how to vanquish the winter doldrums…tidying up is so soul satisfying and reading your posts is soul invigorating.
Susan,
Like you, I am not a minimalist but I love a clean house and enjoy your blog. My house is filled with the quilts and pewter and knickknacks that bring me joy. Fingers crossed about a movie.
Your friend,
Terri
It’s always such a sweet time for me reading your post, although I wish someone would come in and do my “tidying”! I love that you live life so – it makes me wish mine was more like yours! You are amazing – thanks for sharing yourself!
Good afternoon Susan – What a great post…I am also “tidying up” my home and the mantra for 2019 is “less is more”…thus I have been working on downsizing material things. I have found that as I clear things out, the lighter I feel. LOL Several friends have been inspired by the Netflix show with Marie …I think I need to see it after reading your post…I like the idea of just looking for things you want to keep…makes sense. Surround your self with only the things that bring joy…like your posts! Have a wonderful day!
Just sat down with my tea to read your wonderful blog and hope to win your ‘Girlfriends Forever’ book ! It’s cold and blustery in B.C. today..perfect for a nice, cozy read.
Oh, thank you so much for the chance, Susan! Your book about the English countryside (and girlfriends!) carried me through my divorce and now an impending May wedding. I would love to win these sweet things.
Susan, January was all about organizing and decluttering! But like you, I need my books, china, photos, plants, and candles that create my little corner of the world and make me happy. And pillows…..I was busy sewing two new pillows, adding trim to another and I am currently needlepointing another. Every chair, couch and bed have pillows! ❤️
I also love a neat and well organized closet. To recognize different size sheets in the linen closet, I have tied colored ribbons around each set matching the color to the bedroom….no more having to refold a queen when a king was needed. I love your cups, books, and can’t wait for the new book and movie! Fingers crossed! ❤️ Susan
If we want to continue getting Willard, we have to sign up again, right? When I went to the link, it wanted me to identify squares that contained car images. Is that correct?
Thanks for your help.
Yes, you do need to sign up, I’m not sure about “cars” ~ ask [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/
I was asked to identify fire hydrants. This is on lots of websites, etc. because they want to make sure you are an person and not a ‘bot/robot.
I am in the middle of a very uncertain time full of major decisions and transitions. The wonderful charm and whimsy of your books and other things are going a long way in keeping me calm and graceful. Thank you for doing what you do!
Makes me happy to hear that Hannah, thank you!
Dear Sweet Sue,
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe! I wish you many, many more years of love and joy and peace and travel.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all in the House of Creativity!🥰🌹🏡💌
❌⭕️❌⭕️,
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi, Ca
xoxo Thank you Tawni!
I needed an upbeat missive today in the worst way! Thank you for brightening my day, as always. Happy Valentines Day to you and your Joe😘
Oh, p.s. what oil do you use for your wooden boards and spoons?
Here you go, everything about caring for kitchen wooden things!
Lovely new cups! And even though I’m not a coffee or tea drinker I think I need one. It would bring me joy ;-P
“Not that she didn’t enjoy the holidays: but she always felt – as it was, perhaps, the measure of her peculiar happiness – a little relieved when they were over. Her normal life pleased her so well that she was half afraid to step out of its frame in case one day she should find herself unable to get back.” Mrs. Miniver, the novel
It IS good to return to the comfort of ones normal life after the holidays. Half afraid to step out fearing you might not get back. Yet the other half stepping out, overcoming the fear and knowing adventure.
May you know the happiness of your normal life (the Heart of Home) and keep living the adventures!
Lovely, Laura! xoxo
Our 1882 farmhouse is on the market so tidying up has been on a regular basis. You know, when you have somebody interested in the house, you have to run and put to work that surprised guest cleaning list you mentioned! Ha! But a little more thorough, the dust under the rug will not work this time. Love, love , love receiving news from you, keep them coming. Love from North Carolina on this 69 degrees winter day, February 6th day, can you believe I even tidied up my lawn and mow a bit? xoxo
I’ve been cleaning and sorting, too. January always needs a tidying up! You are so right about keeping what you love and can’t live without and garage sale the rest. As I do this, so many memories are revived by the items I keep. Do you find yourself daydreaming about the memories each item evokes? Love the new cups! Keep warm!
Hi I had to laugh when I read your title because I have just discovered Tidying Up on Hulu! I knew about the book and planned to get it, so now I had to purchase it- it’s back on the best seller list after being published in 2014! I adore Marie and my husband was skeptical, but then totally drawn in by episode 2! I agree it is such an inspiration to declutter and search for those things that “spark joy”! I imagined your philosophy would be consistent with Marie’s and you confirmed it! Marie, a new girlfriend we hadn’t met yet! LOVE all things SB! Pre ordering the moon cup!!❤️🌜🌙 PS I’m sure you’re in the thick of watching Victoria…? ❤️😭Ahhh, another post….,XOXO love u so much Melissa
I always feel like I’ve been hugged when reading your blog and listening to the music you send with it! Can’t wait for your new book!
Julie
A group of girlfriends did a purge in January. We took before and after pictures and posted them. We all wrote encouraging comments and helped by sharing ideas. We also watched Marie on Neflix. She inspired us to keep what we love , which was such a positive approach to what we were trying to do.Same time next January!!!
Girlfriends make everything better!