TIDYING UP

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! 

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2,579 Responses to TIDYING UP

  1. Susan says:

    Would ❤️to win the beautiful love birds tea cup !

  2. Mame says:

    Susan,
    As usual, you have outdone yourself with inspirational words of wisdom. I do love the ‘Tidying Up’ show on Netflix and have begun the process, but it’s so difficult divesting myself of many of my mom’s items even though I don’t want them all. It seems like I’m doing her an injustice. What say you on that query?

    Mame

    • sbranch says:

      I say it’s okay. Not everything, from a long shot, is going to spark joy. Keep a few of the dearest and let the rest go. 💕

    • Susan P says:

      Mame,
      I know how you feel, I have been cleaning up my Serendipity Room, where anything can happen! My mother’s red shawl has been on the back of my chair for 47 years. It needs rest, as it has seen better days. I have taken several pictures of it….and now the pictures go into my book I call….I Wished I had Asked…..it is where I have all of things that were my mothers and grandmothers….I put the pictures in with the story of what it is and how it came into my home etc etc…but so many times I do not have the story…Thus the title of my book. My mother passed when I was 22…..so many things I wished I had asked. So take pictures and write the stories of your treasures. I have and use all of her dishes and even some of her pots and pans and bowls..Such treasures
      I have and I so enjoy the feeling and memory and the thoughts I have of my mom and grandmas and my dear Aunt Agatha (102) I have been blessed. Enjoy your day and your treasures. Love, Susan P.

  3. Jane B says:

    Dear Susan,
    Love your post and especially love the upcoming corgi cup. Happy February!

  4. Donna Marie McKeown says:

    Greetings from a chilly Canada!
    Love reading your blog!

  5. Jacqueline Grabinski says:

    Thanks for your email. I loved reading it as usual. You make everything seem so delightful.🤗😊💕

  6. Jan C. says:

    Susan,
    Really enjoyed reading your comforting, and homey post! I also have a wooden spoon of my Mom’s and a sugar scoop of my Grandma’s. They are so useful and having and using them in my kitchen brings back so many memories of them. Love your newly designed cups too!💕The house one is my favorite. I can certainly relate to your messy creative space; as I scrapbook, and sometimes when I get done it looks like a tornado went through. LOL!
    Jan

  7. Barbara Whalen says:

    Hi Susan! Your blog brings so much joy and happiness to me . The beautiful art,
    domestic encouragement, and love for life is such a gift to all of us. Thankyou
    for sharing yourself and Martha’s Vineyard too. We come to visit every summer and can never get enough of it. It’s truly a special place. All the best to you!
    Barbara

  8. Elizabeth says:

    You are never boring, Susan…always so many ideas you share. Thanks. Wondering if you know if one is supposed to also oil spoons made of bamboo? Cause that is all I have currently. Thanks…

    • sbranch says:

      Yes you can. Helps to keep them beautiful.

      • Elizabeth says:

        THANKS!! I am assuming some olive oil would be best? I am fondest of cooking with grapeseed oil…but sometimes I use Olive Oil too…EVOO of course.

        • sbranch says:

          Mineral oil is best for wooden things because all other oils go rancid and you don’t want that. And BTW, have you ever tasted extra virgin olive oil? I accidentally did the other day, tasted it all by itself, a fresh bottle, and was shocked at the bitterness of it! Instantly stopped using it. Found out that the cheaper, non-extra anything, tastes so much better. Check it out!

          • Elizabeth says:

            Hmmm, mineral oil…never thought of that. Well, I am not a frequent user of olive oil…and you are right…it can taste kind of bitter…but that can vary too by the brand! Thanks!!

  9. Karen Baron says:

    You are the best. Love ❤️ these ideas!! I read Marie Kondo’s book and changed my sock drawer!! You made a lot more progress than I have. I still treasure meeting you after 28 years of waiting. Happy Valentine’s Day!! I love the Holiday Inn music! Karen Baron❤️🌹

  10. Di Word says:

    Love, love, love the corgi cup!

  11. Pam says:

    Thank you for the moon cup! It looks like it will be perfect. I will be ordering it.

  12. But Susan … it all sparks joy!

  13. SueG says:

    Susan such wonderful cleaning hints. I finally did all my wood cutting boards and butcher block before Christmas and they simply glowed. I am so glad you share your tricks of the trade. Happy Days!

  14. Marcy Brenner says:

    Ahhh! The idea of a movie about your Isle of Dreams is wonderful! I’m reading it for the second time. It’s as yummy as the first! AND, I loved seeing your special handmade spoon from your dad in the blog because that’s the spot I’m at in the book! Of course you still have it. Of course!

    Thank you for having the courage to write that first cookbook. Your art and your recipes and your books have sooo enriched my life many many times over.

  15. Lisa says:

    Love the new mug designs!! So difficult to part with the things that bring me joy! I downsized a few years back and had to part with so many things that I so often now miss. The last thing I “need” is another mug!! Lol

  16. Ginny Evans says:

    Oh, we were due a visit–thanks for stopping by! How fun to share about cleaning–don’t you love this “fresh start” time of year. You inspired me to enjoy each step. I didn’t know about Marie’s TV shows–can’t wait to watch. I just introduced you to a new friend of mine–she’s a kindred spirit and is having so much fun reading all your old posts. Isn’t it neat to think that those are bringing joy all over again to someone new? You’d love her house–it’s full of all the things we all love. Happy Valentines!! Love, Ginny

  17. MJ in MI says:

    Thanks for the reminder to savor the special beauty of these winter days to rest and rejuvenate ourselves both mentally and physically — and for inserting a fun giveaway in the midst of it all! Love to see your posts — they’re always food for the soul — thank you as always.

  18. Kristen Hamann says:

    Thank you for your cleaning inspiration, Susan 😉.
    I’m with you, could never be a minimalist either…but don’t want to be a clutter bug. There’s a balance somewhere😄
    Thanks much for sharing😻

  19. Linda White says:

    I do so look forward to your February posts. They defrost the icy grip of winter very nicely!

  20. Sandi in Texss says:

    Enjoy your blogs so much. Would love to win the Birthday mug to give to my grown daughter born In Sept. I have bought all your books new & retired twice each time for both of us and all the calendars & many past mugs as we both love to read about your life. She is the lucky one that visited MV with her family, husband and two daughters. She said we will try & go and do a girl thing like we did the Pioneer Lady whose blog we follow too. Here’s hoping Vanna draws my name.

  21. Kristen H. in Colorado says:

    Hello! I’m with you. Could never be a minimalist…don’t want to be a clutter bug, though…there’s a balance…somewhere. Many thanks for sharing, Susan! You are a blessing 😉😻

  22. Lori Filips says:

    Thank you for another lovely blog post Susan. You make even cleaning sound cozy! The new mugs are so cute, I NEED to buy the Birthday cup.

  23. Sharrie says:

    I just will have to live vicariously with this cleaning activity. Once I start cleaning, I can’t find anything!

  24. Bernadette M Gibson says:

    I have already ordered two of your birthday cups. The are just adorable!!

  25. Jonna Green says:

    Susan, you’ve inspired me to get back to decluttering and donating again! Thank you! Love all of the beautiful new mug designs and your post!

  26. Lenore says:

    Thank you for all you make, write and do for all of us.

  27. Heather H says:

    So looking forward to hearing more, living vicariously, and enjoying a cup of tea with my dear friend Susan. <3

  28. Heather Hulse says:

    So looking forward to hearing more, living vicariously, and enjoying a cup of tea with my dear friend Susan. <3

  29. Patty Healy says:

    Love your new cup designs!

  30. Rosemary says:

    Dear Sue,
    I was so happy to end my day today, reading your news. Your comment about you grandmother’s spoon sparked sweet memories for me. I still have, and use, my Mom’s metal cooking spoon, have never seen anything like it. Very large, shallow spoon, long wooden handle, incised inside the spoon with lines around the inside of the spoon that mark 1 tsp., 2 tsp, 1 tbs., and 2 tbs., with a little pouring spout pressed out on one side. It’s quite old (maybe tin!), and I very carefully wash and dry thoroughly after each use. Each time I use it I think of my Mom with love, who left us 40 years ago (early and unexpected). Your story made me think of her again and smile. Just re-signed up for Willard, in case my email was lost (didn’t need to count any cars, just hit Submit), and will wait breathlessly for that installment, which is always a treasure. Please keep writing, making art, sending recipes and little gifts, writing books, providing fun and beauty for the world. Say hey to all the folks on the Island for me–especially Joe and Jack. All the best from up Boston way, from a happy Patriots fan–even if I know nothing about the sport, it was fun to watch DH enjoy the game. Fondly, Rosemary, northwest of Boston

  31. Kay Gugala says:

    I do love the moon cup. Already thinking of it for several gifts.
    Keep on tidying!

  32. Sally Korona says:

    Look forward to your beautiful letters and artwork. Reading letters from others reminds me that even in this crazy world there are others who find comfort in the important things in life. Thank you for bringing us all together in such a lovely way!

  33. Darla says:

    Love the new cups especially the moon cup.

  34. Darla Brink says:

    Love Love Love the new cups, especially the moon cup.

  35. Linda J. says:

    I always love reading your posts. Thanks for sharing your time and talents with all of us!

  36. Darla B says:

    Love Love Love the new cups, especially the Moon Cup.

  37. julia walker says:

    Dear Susan, You’ve inspired me once again! I have clutter & collections everywhere. My Cuttyhunk sister is coming soon so I have an incentive to de-clutter! By the way, did my Christmas card arrive? It was returned for “insufficient address” and I resent after finding your entire address. Take gentle care. Your friend, Julia in Cincy

  38. Kathy Aso says:

    Just finished reading your trilogy! I am just wondering where I have been to not have discovered you sooner. My cousin gifted me with “A Fine Romance” and I just had to read your other two books in the trilogy.

    I collect mugs and display/use them all around our home. I use some for pencil holders as I write and design quilts and lots of them hold my sewing notions so I can admire them as I quilt. I also drink out of them!!

    You have brightened my world as I visit your site each day!

  39. DonnaLee Yeatts says:

    Greetings from Walt Disney World. Your email showed up while on my vacation. It was a pleasure to read relaxing in my room tonight. Eating a salted caramel cupcake with salted caramel green tea. Life is grand.
    DonnaLee Yeatts

  40. Darla B says:

    The the moon cup!

  41. Janet says:

    Love the new cups and love, love, love the new Willard. Happy Valentine’s Day Susan and Joe.🌸💗

  42. Susan Daffodiltealady says:

    Oh, dear, now I must add more cups to the things I love and keep! But pretty soon I’ll have to get rid of some less-loved things or there will be no room for the new. The English corgi mug is adorable. And while I am not a cutsie-dog person (and actually prefer my kitties), with the Eliot quote, the Union Jack pennants, and the tribute to the Queen, as well as the corgi, this will my next unavoidable purchase. I love England! Susan, you make self-discipline so difficult…
    And you are so right about winter nest-tidying: a satisfying way to start the new year. We have established an annual January party mid-month, when there is usually a mild heat wave here in Southern CA, and this makes cleanup imperative. This year I even washed the windows (and dislocated my new shoulder replacement). So I guess I am responsible for the torrential (for us) rains we’ve been blessed with lately. It’s lovely to be inside with a fire going.
    Anyway, thank you for another inspirational blog as I await my Willard, and the opportunity to play in another surprise drawing. And Happy Anniversary to you and Joe, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
    P.S. Do you think the unbaked biscuits would freeze well? I’m thinking of stirring up a batch or two now, anticipating surgery at the end of the month, so I may entertain with tea and freshly baked biscuits those who come visit me in my post-op bed of affliction. : ) (One-armed stirring would be too challenging.)

    • sbranch says:

      I think it might be better to bake them first and then freeze them. If they were cookie cutter biscuits, I would say make them, freeze them individually on a cookie sheet, then put them into freezer bags. Hope your shoulder gets better soon, love your plan ahead attitude!

  43. Darla B says:

    Love the moon cup

  44. Grace DeShaw-Wilner says:

    Love the posts; it’s like a letter from a good friend. Thank you.

  45. Judi Bowen says:

    Hi, Susan,

    I could so relate to that mixed feeling of saying good-bye to Christmas decor and home sweet home back in order as a welcomed old friend. The motivation to clear closets and spaces hitting soon after, hard to explain, like breathing fresh air in the New Year.

    As always I find your blog to be a refreshing treat! Thank you.

  46. Nancy Perry says:

    Love all the new designs! Your emails are always an inspiration!
    Just makes me want to clean and decorate and paint something!!

  47. Diana says:

    We are downsizing and building a smaller ranch home, consequently I’m in the process of purging and cleaning! Wow I’m amazed at the stuff I collected for over 20 years in this house. Diana

  48. Tina Gasparett says:

    Thanks for the new blog and Willard. Happy Valentine’s Day.

  49. Kelly says:

    What a nice giveaway! Thanks for another lovely post.

  50. Sydney Jones says:

    Your tidying may have inspired me! Unfortunately, here in south FL, we don’t have cold days that make you want to stay in and do housework.
    I enjoyed your blog and hope Vanna chooses my name! Fingers crossed 🙂

  51. Daralyn says:

    I wrote yesterday but again today, I am struck by the safety of this place. A soft spot to land in a world that sometimes does not make sense.
    Thank you for the gentle coaching on organization, it is encouraging to me instead of feeling like a daunting task or a harsh judgment.
    Have a great Thursday, thank you again for being here for all of us!

  52. “Flying Valentines” I love that. From now on when i see them at our feeders, i will smile and think of that.

    We watched Mari Kondo and loved it. She’s also the cutest thing walking. So now we are re- watching all 6 seasons of Downton Abbey. What better way to get through winter? (MUSICA: “If You Were the Only Girl in the World”)

    Love your posts. Hugs to all of you.

  53. Sharon Silva says:

    We are back home after a very busy, sad, yet uplifting weekend. As you know, my MIL Julie passed away Jan 20th. She did not want a funeral, but a Life Celebration. She asked me to plan a party with food and everything she loved. There were photos of her beloved home Puerto Rico, her wedding album, pictures of children, grands and great grands. Scrapbooks, travel momentos, shells and rocks she found on walks, Corona bottles (her favorite beer!) filled with flowers on every table, and many other things that made her so special! The only thing I asked to keep was a plaque that her husband had given to her when they moved into their Chicago apartment around 1960. It’s a little cottage surrounded by flowers and a Sacred Heart Jesus and it says “God Bless Our Home”. It’s all foil backed in different colors (a tad gaudy, but I love it!) and Julie told me wherever she hung it, she knew she was HOME! That’s where she was happiest, at home. She’s now home in heaven and I will miss her terribly, but when I see that shiny plaque I will smile and say “Te quero mucho, Mami!” No matter where it is or what it looks like, Susan, you are a wonderful reminder to us all that home is best!

    • sbranch says:

      Tears. I think celebrations like that are just the BEST. Celebrating life. I love what you saved. Such kindred spirits. Because of all my mom’s things, while we cleaned her house and gave things away, I kept a plaque. A Madonna with a little child she’d had in her kitchen for as long as I can remember. So perfect for her. Love is a beautiful thing. Blessings on you and yours Sharon!

  54. Grace Alexander says:

    Love your thoughts, as always!!
    And, with all the notes and tips on “tidying up”, I look around my house and see it sorely needs some tidying and tlc….maybe we’ll get to it this month.
    Happy Valentine’s Day and Love to all!

  55. Betty Young says:

    Hi Susan,
    I love your new cups. My husband and I will be celebrating the 59th anniversary of our engagement on Valentine’s Day 2019. I love the cup Have I told you lately that I love you?” is my favorite because my husband says that to me at least once a week since we’ve been married and we will be married 59 years on July 17, 2019. Your post embraces my ideas on life and home. Thank you so much for your writing and beautiful watercolor art.
    Joyously,
    Betty

  56. Sally says:

    I’ve got four cups, and it looks like I’m about to order more. Yikes! Small NYC apartment. I’ll find room. They’re way too cute!

    Meantime, I am praying for your big, or little, screen movie. (Please, please, please! Please, please, please!!!)

    I am secretly hoping Hallmark makes the move. Eighty-plus million viewers. I’m one of them, and I can attest that they NEED a new special. A luvlee Susan Branch story with the happiest-ever-after would fit the bill perfectly.

    My little prayers are being sent your way. Very best wishes!

  57. Deborah says:

    Just read your lovely post. Always puts a smile on my face. Thank you!

  58. Mary Bradshaw says:

    I enjoy your writing and beautiful art work so very much. You have motivated me to do some purging. Your home looks so very cozy, welcoming and warm.

  59. Jeanette says:

    I like that you asked for your grandmothers wooden spoon, her personal cooking tool is a special memory keeper.

  60. Anita OBrien says:

    Hi there love the new cups. Is your movie going to be a Hallmark special?.. I know you can’t tell us!
    You have inspired me to clean, outside was an ice palace today in upstate NY so… tomorrow I am sure we will have have snow and it will be a good cleaning day.

  61. Sandy Engel says:

    Thank you for Willard and your Blog…filled with wonderful thoughts…and thank you for your gift surprises….always exciting possibilities ❤️🌷❤️🌷❤️🌷❤️

  62. Alexandra Kern says:

    My husband and I started watching the Tidying Up show and not 15 minutes into the first episode he ran to the closet, yanked the drawers out of the dresser, and brought them back to the living room! He spent the rest of the episode meticulously folding all his shirts and socks the Marie Kondo way! He is the cutest! I’m with you, though, and enjoy the inspiration to tidy but I still want to keep my favorite things about me : )

    As always, thank you for bringing such joy and coziness to my inbox!

  63. Jean R. says:

    Love, love, love all the new cups! I hope a win a prize! I’ve been watching Marie Condo too.

  64. Dina Steele says:

    Whenever I read your blog, books, cards, mugs or take in any of your work, I can literally feel my heart swell and fill with joy and inspiration. Thank you for continuing to share your very special life and philosophies with us. You have touched my life so many times in so many ways.

  65. Jane McVey says:

    I love your blogs, was at the Beatrix Potter picnic in May in the Lake District with friend Melinda, once lived in San Luis Obispo, share a love of antiques/baking/vintage linens, and love love love the Girlfriend book.

  66. Jessica says:

    I would love to read the Girlfriends book!

  67. valerie says:

    Susan,
    I checked in to leave a message to you saying that I put mineral oil on my grandparents buffet that I received a few years ago. It looks wonderful. And then there you are, oiling your spoons.
    Girlfriends, if you haven’t done this, get on it. The hardest part is letting it rest. I’m going away for a short vacation and thought this is the perfect time to get this done. That way when I return it’ll all be soaked in.
    I’m also going to oil grandma’s antique sewing machine and an old buffet I got at a yard sale.
    This really brings out the beauty in the wood. Thanks for teaching us this. (At top of Susan’s blog, go to Home Sweet Home, then go to Wooden things)
    ~ valerie~ p.s. did you put girlfriend rings on the birthday candle cup?

  68. Linda Freymark says:

    Hi dear Susan, enjoyed your recent blog…always enjoy hearing what you are busy doing. It’s too early for me to “tidy up”…still very cold and more snow on the way. I “spring clean” in late March or early April. Happy valentine’s day!!!

  69. Barbara says:

    Always love reading my Willard! I am excited about the new mug designs. I am looking forward to spring and decorating with my Peter Rabbit figures!

  70. Pam MacLeod says:

    Such a bright spot in my day, thank you!

  71. Kathryn Oliberos says:

    As usual I am cheered up every time I read your blog and can’t wait for the next one. Thank you for being such a lovely person! You are blessed!

  72. Rosemary Lang says:

    I need to get tidying. Thanks for the inspiration. And luv-lee generous giveaways!

  73. Sandra Sue Roberts says:

    As usual a lovey post… Thank you for the giveaway. Even if I don’t win, I have enjoyed looking at the sweet cups. Happy Valentines day and kiss Jack for me…

  74. Carolyn says:

    Always look forward to your blog and the birthday mug is on my wish list

  75. Wendy Branch says:

    Your Blog warms my heart ♥️ just in time for the winter weather! Just had girlfriends visiting during a big rainstorm & went to see Sound of Music, live at a beautiful theatre
    Downtown, enjoyed cozy comfort food, tea & quilts in front of our fireplace! Am finally reading Martha Vineyard, Isle of Dreams & savoring each page! Can’t wait to see the movie version as it becomes a reality in it’s own time😘

  76. Wendy Branch says:

    Love your Tidying Up comments…for each season there is celebration & the clearing up for the next reason to celebrate, Out with the Old to make room for In with the New!
    Just had girlfriends visiting & had much fun seeing a live performance of SOUND OF MUSIC in a wonderfully renovated theatre, celebrated old & new times & cozied up at home during a winter storm at home in front of the fireplace with comfort food, tea & cozy pj’s with quilts & throws in front of the fireplace🎉😊♥️ Girlfriends Forever!!!😘

  77. jeanette sclar says:

    New cups? Be still my heart!

  78. Marina Papineau says:

    Perfect to begin the day having tea in my Martha Vineyard cup while reading the blog and Willard! Makes me smile!

  79. Colleen van de Kraats says:

    Just had time to sit down and read this post!!!
    What a lovely idea to share your artist’s heart…..
    I CANNOT wait for the book to become a movie, the book has meaning and depth and soul. Something those ding-dongs in Hollyland need to see with their hearts and not their pockets.
    I digress……!!!
    It is raining quite a lot here today, time to get one of your lovely teacups and think of lovely people, places and memories. Thank you so much Susan

  80. Denise Watson says:

    Love Marie! Watched her series on tidying up and haven’t stopped! Lol The way she has you go about it really helps, only keep things that spark joy! I never realized how many things I had or wore that lost ALL their spark! Love all the mugs, if your book comes out in a movie big time, small time, or in between I will own it and gift it to all the girls in my life, I’ve already done that with soooo many of your books😊👍🏻

  81. Elizabeth Cassinos says:

    Love the new cups! Thanks for the inspiration!

  82. Joan Sage says:

    I am inspired now…. starting Spring cleaning !!!

  83. Donna Galletti says:

    Hello Susan,
    Love all of your new cup designs. Weather here on the central coast of California has been cold and wet. What better weather to read a book. So this past weekend I went to the library here in Monterey and got Isle of Dreams to read yet AGAIN. Lost count of how many times I have reread it !
    Been trying to declutter around here to start the new year myself. Hail to Marie.
    Wishing you a spectacular new year and look forward to your next book and hopefully your movie ! Ciao

  84. Nancy says:

    Always love anything you write!

  85. Karen Howell Burton says:

    Always a joy to hear from you! ❤️

  86. Jane Grayson says:

    Hi Susan,

    Congratulations on the BBC stocking your book and cup! I’m sure the National Trust will follow suit soon. We’ll have to request your books whenever we go in a National Trust shop!

    I really enjoyed the Marie Kondo series and I’ve tried to take more notice of what ‘sparks joy’ in my home. Unfortunately, my husband hates throwing anything away, so I do the decluttering when he’s at work!

    Can’t wait for Willard to arrive!

    Love Jane.

  87. Pam Coblyn says:

    What a wonderful blog filled with inspiration wrapped up in coziness! Thank you, Susan, for reminding me to pare away to the IMPORTANT STUFF!

  88. Happy winter Susan! I love all your old vintage mixing bowls on the top shelf. I’ve been searching for the perfect one for my kitchen…I know it will pop up at one of our town flea markets. Years ago, after my friend Jackie’s grandmother passed away, I helped her clean out grammy’s basement. It was a treasure trove of old gems and we were allowed to pick what we wanted. I grabbed at least 5 or 6 Ball Jars and I spotted the perfect old mixing bowl. I thought I hit gold until Jackie’s mom said “Take anything you want but leave the mixing bowl…that’s mine”. 🙁
    I can’t believe we haven’t had even one good snowstorm here in NJ yet, although that last polar vortex was a doozy! I love snow, however, I am a bit relieved that we have been spared because I am caring for 2 kitties in the next town over. It’s a long , sad story but their mom died and the services are being held in South Carolina (where their second home is). As you can imagine their dad is going through an awful time just losing his wife and I am happy to be able to care for his fur kids. I don’t want a foot of snow to keep me from them! I see that Jack is very busy supervising….he’s guarding those wonderful, valuable Schminke paints. Good boy Jack! xoxoxoxo

    • sbranch says:

      Thank you for taking care of the kitties, they must miss their routine, and most of all, their mommy. xoxoxo

  89. Donna Harrison says:

    Always excited for a new blog! Love, love, love the new cups! I have your Love cup helping decorate my kitchen for Valentine’s ❤️
    Donna

  90. Beth from Iowa says:

    Happy Thursday Susan!! Thanks for the new beautiful cups!☕️

  91. Sandra Kellogg says:

    Thank you for happiness and inspiration. Must. Have. Home. Mug. Looking forward to it sparking JOY in my home. God bless you. Sandy

  92. Judy from Maine says:

    A wonderful treat to read your latest blog…and I loved the teaser you sent out on the first, that it was coming. (Sorry to read the flu had hit the studio team…nasty stuff that flu).

  93. Care Kester says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day! Exactly the mode I am in…..feels so good to organize and clean. I read a profound thing this morning in Melody Beattie’s “Journey to the Heart”…”It is risky to not love, not trust, not feel”. Take it from the gal that has grown weary and shut down a little lately….and then have an awakening like this. A perfect Valentine thought to ponder~

  94. Cris in OR says:

    It’s been nearly two years now that a friend helped me purge a couple boxes of old papers the Marie Kondo way. I’ve never missed them. She also taught me to fold things too. She had read the book. So I got it too. It was so helpful. I’ve never been able to follow anything exactly tho. I take what’s useful and ignore what’s not. 🤗 I’ve had the girlfriend book of yours for years. Love It❣️

  95. Catherine Maudsley says:

    Your Willard arrived on a perfect day for me. I have taken the decision to resign from my part time today as it isn’t part time anymore!

    All your lovely homely news is exactly what I need to put my decision into perspective. To have less income (it will be tight as I’m a British Waspi woman – who were told they would have to wait 6 extra years for my state pension!!) However with 3 grandchildren and one on the way I need t o spend time with them, home and family. Thank you for making it sound like the perfect decision

  96. Marsha says:

    I love your blog, cookbooks, and novels! You have been an inspiration and have helped me to remain grounded during difficult times! Thank you! 🙏🏻 I love your Annie Hall’s Butter Cookie recipe. ❣ I have made the cut cookies since 1999 and gifted my daughters your Christmas book so that they may continue making your recipe. Happy Chinese New Year! 🎏🎊

  97. Deborrah Allen says:

    You are such an inspiration! The new cups are amazing! Thanks for the give away.

  98. Lynn Teel says:

    I find the birthday cup adorable as all get out. I do not normally treat myself to something as sweet as this but I am hoping to for my birthday in November. All of the mugs/cups are wonderful, love the designs!
    Lynn

  99. Sue Ribeiro says:

    How fun to have a lottery chance of winning something Branch-y 🙂
    Sounds like the flu bug has been driven away by the de-clutter bug, so all’s well that ends well ! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your man. Hugs mid-winter!

  100. Sallie Flesher says:

    Love Willard and all things Susan Branch. I have read all your books so far, can’t wait for the newest, latest and greatest one! Thanks for all the inspiring things you do.

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