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!
Oh wow, those new cups are so darn cute!! I’m headed over to pre-order now.
Many thanks for the lovely blog post. Just what I needed today! ❤️
Am sitting in a restaurant with a cup of tea watched by the rain come POURING down. As a San Diego girl, born and bred, this is a real treat! Heading to the farmers market as soon as the rain stops. What a treat to read your blog on such a cozy day. Feel free to send some of your flying valentines my way. I’ll introduce them to my seagulls. – Alana
HiSusan This is my 3rd try….maybe this is the one that I can work right! Thank you for making today much brighter here in gloomy western NY!!I love all your paintings and books!Thank you
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan & Joe. I love your new cups!
Tidying up by keeping what I love, instead of deciding what I can do without puts a calm spirit within me instead of angst. Thank you for the positive suggestion and encouragement, Susan. Also, I appreciated your comment about cardinals being flying valentines. They are always so beautiful against the snow here in the Midwest. God Bless You for such a beautiful post.
Looking forward to Willard arriving,thankyou so much.
Hi Susan,
I can’t wait to make the lemon pepper biscuits! It brings me much joy to give gifts that I have bought from your webstore! Thank you!
Mary
Susan. I do so miss you when you are traveling and not updating your blog very often. I completely understand your need to do so though. I am happy that you are back home, but not as happy as Jack I bet!
Susan, you have been such a positive influence in my life. I am much more adventurous, content, delighted, educated and so much more. I have adapted so many of your suggestions, enjoyed your whimsy, watched movies and read books I would never had read before. Thank you for sharing your gift of YOU with me and so many others.
So kind, I just love that we’re all together here, so much in common! Life is good!
You and I share the same heart about “clutter”. I think that is why I love all the pictures you post of your lovely home. If someone came in my house, they would think “look at all the clutter”. When I come in my house, I see all the lovely things that I love so much. They give me joy.
Thanks, Susan, for offering such great give-aways! Your blog and Willard are gifts that keep on giving! By the way, I made your Cranberry Chicken with Pears recipe recently for a dinner with our siblings/spouses, and it was a huge hit! It’s now going into our regular repertoire of favorite recipes. Thanks so much!
Thank you back. That was always my big prayer when I began writing cookbooks, that the recipes I included would end up as a family favorite! Thank you Kathy!
Susan,
I love your Blog. I get so many good ideas every time I read your blog. Positive thoughts and beauty is in all your art and writing. I smile every time I read it.
I must confess I reread them all the time. Thank you.
A huge compliment, Linda, thank you!
I love to read your blogs, especially on such a dreary day here in Ohio. The new cups are fabulous! I think I’ll just have to order the darling Corgi one! Hope you and Joe have a great Valentine’s Day.
So excited to see a new Willard and blog post today! And, even more excited to see the cups are up for presale! Yay!!! I’d really love to win the dove cup (or anything, really!), so here’s my entry. Have a great day!
My friend, Sherrie, has gotten me interested in your blog and art. I bought her one of your cups last year, and she tells me you have a birthday one this year. Guess that was a hint. Ha ha!
Ha ha! Girlfriends forever!
Love all your cups.
I was anxiously awaiting your blog and you never disappoint. Snowed in and what better way to spend it than ‘tidying up’. We never thought we would get winter this year in Seattle but, oh my, we got it and more to come. I’m loving your new cups but the corgi cup is a favorite. My cupboard is getting full so I have to be selective. Thank you for such an uplifting blog.
I was so happy to see a new post today! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your sweet Joe!
Oh, a charming post to encourage me to tidy up! Right now the sun is shining and I can see a little spider has left his web in my skylight……..love the sweet cups and wonderful thoughts. Hope, hope, hope the movie plans come true xx
Good morning Susan and Girlfriends, hello and Happy Chinese New Year, its the year of the pig and may it be a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous new year for you all. its about 26-30 degrees here, cold, gray and lightly snowing. we get a break from the snow tomorrow and Thursday but come Friday and the weekend we get more snow through to Monday. its going to be a cold week here but we are doing fine. the woodstove is burning nicely and the house is warm and toasty, the cats are contentedly curling up around the woodstove and enjoying the warmth. the kittens are racing around the house and the older cats are watching them. I am sitting here with a cup of hot tea and a catalog from Vermont country store… for curtains. need some new curtains in the bedroom, the kittens got the ones in there and they are shredded a bit. also need new rods so might as well go for broke there. been busy cleaning out closets and getting rid of junk and clutter, old shirts are consigned to the charity box along with old jackets and boots. they are still good and someone can use them. we drop the box off at the local church and they give it to the homeless. also been getting of old used appliances, they are also still good and work so they go to the thrift shop. the ruined curtains I will cut up and use for rags. holiday decorations are down and put away for next time. been busy in the henhouse, putting up tarps on the ceiling to prevent the chickens from getting soaked from the rains. also putting lots of fresh straw for the nesting boxes and on the floor so they can snuggle in and keep warm. checking the food containers and keeping them full and refilling the water containers… happy hens lay lots of eggs. time to go out and haul up some wood for the fire, and then get busy on dinner… Chinese dinner, my favorite ass I don’t have to cook. 😀 have a wonderful day today everyone and a happy new year. hugs…. 😀
Happy thoughts to read today! Nice for sitting in my sunny living room and lazily reading and plannimg. Thank you.
Love the new mugs! 🙂 We’re “tidying up” around here, too! Tis the season! 🙂
You have given me such joy Susan every time I read your blog. You bring peace in my life when everything can be so crazy around us. I love to be having my cup of tea when I devour your writing, or look at all the cozy photos you post. Thank you for making this world more beautiful, peaceful and all together lovely. I am a collector of all things Peter Rabbit, and the figurine I purchased from you is one of my favorite treasures. You are a blessing in my life!
Oh what a great post! Looking forward to reading Willard when I get it!
What a lovely post! I will be thinking about the mugs; I want them all. February is a wonderful month. Snow and icy temperatures outside, but Spring on the horizon. Sigh.
Thank you for a chance to win such beautiful gifts.
Your blog makes my day!
We have sunshine today on south Vancouver Island, but sooo cold, which is unusual for us here in the Canadian tropics.haha Thanks for the inspiration on tidying up, unfortunately we don’t have Netflicks to watch the show. Since moving into a small house from a large home, it’s always interesting trying to fit 2,300 square feet of house into just 1,100. The big problem is that I just don’t want to part with anything: books, dishes, tablecloths, quilt fabric. The list goes on. However, my husband and I rented two lockers, one for him and one for me, so the extensive pile of things now have a new home. Hopefully soon, we’ll find the time to organize everything. Love the new cups. I’m still using my Love cup everyday. For some reason, my tea always taste better in it. Must be your sweet spirit.
Susan– I enjoyed your post! Looking forward to trying the Lemon Pepper Biscuits. Happy Winter!
Hi Susan:
Another wonderful Blog! I can’t believe we are in February! I agree with your philosophy of not being so minimalist in how we live with our things. I love having mementos of my own trips to England and family vacations to
Mammoth Mountain, or my mother’s special teacups and my Dad’s oil paintings hanging in my house. I think we need to appreciate life and some of the things we have been blessed with that bring us joy and happy memories. I love your new mugs, the Birthday mug and the Corgi mugs are my favorites! I tried to buy the Girlfriends Forever Book, but it sold out, I hope they come back into print. Looking forward to your next book, it will be a smash I’m sure!
If you want some amazing series to watch, look on PBS for Victoria (written from Queen Victoria’s Diaries) and also Call the Midwife, which is set in 1960’s London. These are amazing series’ and great to watch during these winter months if you need a break from writing. Blessings to you and Joe!
Take care
Theresa Raffee
Rancho Cucamonga CA
Brilliant idea to combine your blog with Willard! More Susan is always good. I’m a fan since the day of the mailed Willards (still have them) and follow your blog, too. Keep spreading your joy in the world, Susan!
The Lemon Biscuits look soooo good, I’m going to have to try them!
Happy Valentines Day!
Thank you for the beautiful Willard, always uplifting! Happy Valentine’s Day too. I am so delighted to see your new selection of mugs and will be ordering the sweet Corgi. My husband and I spent a month on the Island last Oct. on Lake Tashmoo and the neighbor down the road has two sweet Corgi’s who would come to visit every day and spend time with us and our dog, Mo a little rescue Chihuahua. I am looking to adopt a Corgi as they are supper smart, playful and loving. Your art and writing have entertained us for many years…. Love all your books ,calendars, inspiration for sure!
Hope to win something
Another wonderful blog post! (Although, I am not very good at tidying up!) Thank-you for Willard, I love it. And thank-you for being you, and all you do.
Lovely post! I, too, love to pack up the holiday items and tidy the house in January! Happy heart day!
Marie Kondo’s book “the life-changing magic of tidying up” is great! I bought three to send to my sister and daughter and kept one! Hoping to win the book. 🙂 Decluttering is NOT my long suit but I try!
What lovely ideas, thoughts, poetry, and musings! I loved every creative part of this Willard and of the blog! You are my inspiration!
Love to all of you and good luck on the drawing!
I like the idea of deciding what ‘can go’ as opposed what should ‘stay’….we are down sizing once again in anticipation of our retirement. He has failed retirement three times…but this time, I think he means it…he will be 78…and is still making a difference.
I wonder if you ever do commissioned work. I have had a favorite poem (from my childhood Childcraft books) called General Store. It’s by Rachel Field and has the most wonderful words. I would love a framable Susan Branch illustrated copy. Possible?
I know that poem! Maybe I should write it on a calendar!
I would love that…..I also love that you know of the poem. I have it memorized and sometimes when I want to consider something cheerful (which is quite frequently these days) I will whisper it to myself.
Wonderful, warm post today – just what I needed – thank you! Darn I was hoping you had news about the movie – I am dying to see it made!! Fingers firmly crossed 🤞. Am going to check out the Marie Kondo show – I definitely need some prodding. 😉 Stay warm – love to you from SLO!
Dear Susan,
To begin, happy Kellee has recovered. Yes, it’s February, Christmas has passed and looking forward to spring. Although, I do love the cold, snowy, wintery months; albeit, we could have gone without the polar vortex! As for decluttering, I took a look about and thought (not decided) what should I dispose of? Like you, and like Mary Kate in The Quite Man, I like “my things about me.” Therefore, I came to the conclusion that I could not find one thing to dispose of! I also change with the seasons/holidays and love all the wonderful memories that abound in my home. Love your “Quick Clean” list, I have definitely used it! And, OMGOSH! Congratulations with your many successes! All your new beautiful cups, especially the Corgi cup and your book being added to the BBC Website! And, last but not least, the “Movie” will come! “YES!” OK, out to the kitchen to try making your Lemon Pepper Tea Biscuits.
Would love to win. Everything you make is beautiful.
The biscuits sound divine; will try soon. Loved all the hints; will try some of them soon too. Blustery day in San Diego; good day to start looking at what I LOVE and want to have in my life…and what is not bringing me lots of joy will be repurposed somewhere else…someone out their might find joy in “stuff” from my life.
Happy Valentine’s Day. Spread the love.
You have been on my mind SO much this week as I reread your book, Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams. With a week of illness and our first snow, it was a perfect time to sit by the fire and attempt to plan our spring break trip to Boston and Martha’s Vineyard. Not an easy task…oh, what should we see? (and will it be too cold?) Can’t wait! Blessings to you.
The spoon your dad made and your grandma’s spoon really got me. Those truly are the priceless possessions in our lives. Thanks for sharing.
The Queen cup with the corgi is too precious for words. I must order one!
So glad to get your latest blog post. I, too, have been tidying up. I now have a sewing room, fully dedicated to quilting. And I am trying to keep it neat. It also keeps me on track to finish those projects I start! I am like a squirrel – I see a new idea and want to work on it right now, leaving half-done projects in my wake!
By having a room where the projects can stare at me until they are done is helping, I think. I have finished a quilt and a pillow that I started last year! (and not the end of the year, either!!) Happy New Year to you and Joe. We are getting much-needed rain here in Southern California, which makes me want to sew-sew-sew while looking out my windows at the green popping up on our fire-ravaged hills. Life is good!
Hi Susan! I love hearing from you…in any form…blog or Willard!! I absolutely love the new cups!! I had purchased two which are awesome and so me ( “Little things” & “Martha’s Vineyard”) and for Christmas I received “Pumpkinhead” and the “Christmas cup”and felt so happy and spoiled!! I think I could be in trouble if you keep creating them!! They make wonderful gifts and I have been on both ends of giving and receiving!! The English ones are awesome!! Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Love the new cups, and all of your “old” books. Happy February from the sunny South!
Love, love, love your new mugs. I just ordered myself the Pumpkin head mug. I can’t wait to receive it.
Hello, darlin’ Girl (use southern drawl), Oh, my goodness, a post, a Willard on the way, 3 give away’s, and a recipe for delicious sounding tea biscuits. Just perfect for a dreary, overcast February day. And, inspiration to “Tidy Up,” which worked for me. After the second or third episode on Netflix, I got up and straighten 3 kitchen drawers that have been cluttered and bothering me for way TOO long. Now, to think about the rest of those cabinets, drawers, closets….. and the craft room. Maybe I need another episode or two before I actually do anything….or perhaps a biscuit or two or three…ha!
Love the fact that your talent is going to be on the BBC website. I’ve wondered for some time, have you or anyone else sent Queen Elizabeth a copy of A Fine Romance? I would think she would love to read about her own county and how much you have shared your love of it with others….and the anniversary of her coronation, The British Trust and all the properties there in, corgis, wonderful pubs, etc. If not, you should sender her one!!
You made me laugh with Joe’s solution to the Christmas tree needle dilemma. Which by the way, Don thinks is a great idea! Sort of like vacuuming dandelion seeds….only different.
Again and forever, thank you for all that you share and do for us out in
web-land. Love, Rachel
P.S. Tell your mother hello and Happy Birthday….we were born on the same day, only 18 years apart.
Then Happy Birthday to you too Rachel! I haven’t sent the Queen a book! Ha ha, I think she would like it, but I wonder if her mail gets to her! You can do every room in your house, but I think you should leave the craft room the way it is!!! Too much good stuff comes out of there!
My daughters and I watched tidying up and got right to our drawers and closets. So fun, even though we were already inspired to clean by you who taught us the William Morris quote! Marie is cute.. I love how she kneels down and greets each house, running her hands over the floor. I thank our cozy little home all the time:) Love to fill old pitchers with forsythia branches! Love this slow peaceful season and to share it with you all! I think Zoey Deschanel should play you in the movie… I can just see her singing at the end of your walk, arms stretched in thanks to the heavens. She captures your wonderful sense of humor. Enjoy every moment! I know you are:)
I’ve been in bed the past couple of days, recovering after an accident (I’m ok! Nothing too serious). Most of my time has been spent on my tablet, rereading your blog from the beginning. It’s wonderful, something like a time capsule. 🙂
Minimalism is a concept I appreciate, and it helps me with my goal of keeping “clutter” to a minimum. But, like you, I can’t not have my special things out on display, to be loved and admired. This is especially true of trinkets and things that were given to me by loved ones. Prioritizing is key! But I’m simply not a minimalist, and don’t ever expect to be one.
Ok, now I have to ask this because I’m obsessed with birds. What are those gorgeous birdies on your Valentine’s cup? They’re beautiful. <3
My version of partridges!
Organizing and tidying up makes my heart sing, as does a new Susan Branch mug and a cozy book. Your emails always make me love where I am.
I would looooove to come to YOUR yard sale 🙂
Sounds like you have been productive! I too am finding the joy in simplicity. Thank you for a beautiful post!
Dear Susan,
Could you please tell us about your stove, the brand, how old it is, special features, and how you found it. It looks like a treasure. Cheers.
HERE’S a story about my stove!
Your cheery message was just perfect to brighten up a busy day.
I’m not sure Marie could motivate me to “tidy up”, but my house definitely needs it–lol! Love the new cups, especially Bella Luna.
Oh! Your tea biscuit recipe reminded me about my cast iron heart pan….need to get it out to bake for the grands! xo
The new cups are beautiful! I also am tidying up and it’s a great feeling. Thanks for the giveaways, we would all love to win, but I’m so happy they will make someones day!
My doggie sparks joy !
Hi Susan; I have mixed feelings about Marie Kondo’s philosophy. I don’t think I could ever narrow my book collection down to 35 books, and I personally like having my stuff out around me on view where I can see and enjoy it. I have always had a problem “editing” my stuff down. As I get older, I try to give things away, and not buy more things, but it is difficult. Thanks for this post. I’d love to win one of your prizes. Happy Valentine’s Day! xo
Oh how good it can feel to ‘de-clutter’ our lives sometimes! But also still be surrounded by all sorts of lovely and cozy items we love (Spark Joy) at home! Such an exciting giveaway – I have always wanted the Girlfriends Forever book! 🙂
Love, love, love getting your posts. Thank you for brightening my day!
I love the month of January for organizing, too! It is hard to say good-bye to the holidays but having everything neat and clean sure helps. 🙂
I will look forward to receiving my Willard but in the meantime, thank you for sharing all your thoughts and photos-especially your darling cup designs! You are amazing!!
Your books are some of my all-time favorites – such a lovely blend of honesty and wit, along with art and journaling. Inspiring!
Your new mugs all look wonderful, Susan. I keep wondering if there is someone out there who is collecting all of them. In fact, do you keep one of each? Do you have a mug room?
I do have one of each. Eeek. The biggest decision of my life, which one to drink out of in the morning, and which one to give Joe. I have a set of skinny shelves on the kitchen wall where they fit perfectly. But sooner or later we will have to stop the madness!
Love the new cups and how you inspire me to create and organize!❤️
This post made my day!
I love, love, love your artful beautiful EVERYTHING. I hope to win something, thanks!
What a DELIGHTFUL and INSPIRING post (per usual!!!).
Happy Valentine’s Day to Susan, Joe and Handsome Jack and Girl Kitty too.
I keep “running into” this Tidying Up business and now reading it on your blog makes me finally get the hint! Time to tidy up! And extra bonus would be to win one of your delightful give-aways (for my birthday – I’m a Valentine Baby) – but even without, your blog is SUCH a breath of fresh air. Thank you Susan ~
Happy Sweet Red Valentine’s Day Susan and Joe and Jack!
Susan , you warm and lighten and encourage my heart each and every time I read anything from you! You have a fairytale house and all! It is an honor to share the life you live, the home you created, the marriage you share and the love that’s in your heart ❤️….you are a delight and a blessing come true! The universe knew I needed you in my life and the moon smiled one glorious night and I found your book Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams And my life hasn’t been the same since! Thank you!!!!😘
Everything is so lovely here!
I probably should re-read Marie Kondo’s book. I read it when it first came out. After looking around at my collections of interesting things, I found that the only thing that didn’t bring me joy was her book! But presently, I see evidence (A LOT of evidence!) that I should give it another shot…
You made me burst out laughing, that was not expected!!!! xoxo
Love your mugs. Preordered 2. The Corgi and the Moon. Can’t wait to get them.
Love this blog!
Dear Susan,
Your tidying up blog is most helpful. Am already into cleaning out cupboards. It’s a good time to do this, so by April we’ll be ready for gardening. Thanks!
Always a special treat to read one of your posts. Thank you for brightening up a dreary Chicago afternoon!
Oh thank you. I was feeling so low today. Its back to being darn cold, gray and ugly. Such a joy to find your post! What a day brightener!! The new cups are adorable! Ive now been inspired to go and tackle the pantry! Thank you!!
So glad to receive your blog today after the teaser one you sent the other day. Love the alentine mugs how wonderful they are. You have so many wonderful ideas. Like your new way of getting rid of things. Keep the things you love and the rest goes. Hope i can do it.
Thank you, once again, Susan, for making my morning special with another delightful blog! I think I will go out to the kitchen and make your muffins right now! Enjoy your February!
Especially love the birthday cup & the “girlfriend valentine” heart at the end of the blog!💘💝
Susan I love your blog and smile in anticipation when I see an email in my inbox. Tidying up is what I am focusing on too! Thank you for brightening my days!
New cups are just lovely. Love your helper in the studio as well.
Such a delightful blog post, Susan, it really lifted me today, and I needed that! Much love to you and all the sweetness you bring to the world!
Susan, another wonderful blog. You are such an inspiration. I just finished my tidying up and back to normal. Wonderful warm weather here in North Carolina. Thanks for brightening my day.
Colette
Another delightful post with lovely ideas, wonderful quotations, pretty pictures, and a yummy recipe. Thank you kindly!
I have your mini calendar and sent one to two friends for Christmas so we’re all looking at the same pictures tho we’re far apart planet-wise. Close in heart, though!
It’s a balmy 72*F in Virginia today. What’s up with that in early February??
Hugs!
Thanks, Susan for tidying up tips! By April we’ll all be ready for gardening.
It is hard to tidy up when I enjoy sentimental little things, but I’ve been trying to pick just my favorites and it feels good to think that someone else can enjoy these things now if I donate them. I thank God for the things I’ve enjoyed over thanking an object itself as I’m not comfortable with that concept, but I do like the feeling of organizing and cleaning. Right now though my home is filled with Valentines and little felt mice my daughter made me several years ago when she was a young teen and was making and selling these to her friends. Happy Valentine’s and for the giveaway!
Susan…..do the comments post instantly or in a bit? Thank you!!!!!
In a bit, I like to read them first, and they are coming in very quickly right now, so it takes me a while!
Girlfriends Forever was the first book I ever bought of yours! “Who is this Susan Branch person and why have I not heard of her before?” I asked myself. Such a long time ago….I’ve traveled many roads and eaten many treats with you, and enjoyed a bazillion cuppas too! Keep on doing what you’re doing, we love you!
oh my! which cup should I get? I can’t decide!!! Love them all! so I need to go out and pre-order them. Thank you so much Susan!
I love 💘 reading your blog! The beautiful pictures and the art are lovely. Inspiration for doing a little decluttering……off I go.
Blessings to you!
Susan, thank you for the tidying up inspiration!
We just purchase and old maple bookcase headboard. It’s beautiful and my husband did a great job of setting it up and making our bedroom look new and cozy.
Hi Susan …
I still have several Willards you used to send decades ago via snail mail. I’ve been following you since the 80s. My highlight was finally meeting you at a tea party in Illinois a couple of years ago. A sense of peace overcomes me when I read your Blog. For a moment, life slows down and I feel refreshed. Thank you for all you do for people across this planet! God bless!
You are inspiring me to clean up and out. It already feels like spring here in North Carolina but I know that can be short lived. I always love “visiting” with you and seeing your darling and happy home.
Lovely tea cups💕
A lovely blog on a dreary day! Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!
I consider myself a minimalist, with the exception of Susan Branch books stacked on every table and folded clothes in drawers (before Marie Konda was born). Karen
Hey Susan! I love the idea for folding the t-shirts so you can see them. Def going to be doing that today for mine and hubby’s. Love the mugs, of course! Those biscuits look delish! 🙂
xoxo
Lisa Hay
I love all your new cup designs ! And thank you for sharing the lemon pepper tea biscuits recipe. They look yummy ! ! ! After surviving the polar vortex, your blog is just what the doctor ordered :))
Well, thanks to you Susan, I actually decluttered several areas today. Now I’m relaxing with a cup of tea and feeling pretty proud of myself. And I love the new decluttered look too.
Your blog posts always give me inspiration and joy! Looking forward to the new Willard!