I promised you “a surprise” in my last post (about a hundred years ago, oh my goodness, I’m so late)! MUSICA (nice old Frank)🎶 I don’t usually start things off with a photo of me, but I had to make an exception to add oomph to my explanation for why I’ve been away so long! In the photo, I’m dressed and on my way to give a talk at Island Writes, but you may notice something not quite right.
Yeah, why is she wearing that black glove? What an odd-looking glove. Hey, that’s not a glove! No. It. Is. Not. It is a (stupid) cast for a broken wrist. A broken right wrist. The hand that does everything. So anyway, I broke it a little over a month ago while packing up things for the yard sale. Tripped over bags, hand-to-floor, caught myself, the end. Which also ended the infamous yard sale for this year. Ended almost everything, because I had no idea what all this hand 
did until I lost it. Besides typing, writing, and painting, it opens cat food cans, washes hair, signs books, holds a freaking fork, puts on earrings, uses scissors, deadheads roses, DRIVES, and chops onions. Hello. At first I couldn’t do any of it, I gave my brain a new kind of workout by practicing writing with my left hand, but one-by-one I’ve been getting things back. And Look Ma, I’m typing! I think I MIGHT get the brace off Sept. 14, my Doctor keeps little secrets to himself, I’ve learned, but I am hoping! It wasn’t a bad break, no surgery; I glowed like a 7 year old when he called me a “good patient.” It’s the little things in life. Yes, physical therapy will follow, but I’ve been doing exercises to keep my arms strong, so I hope normalcy returns soon. Thank goodness for Joe! He’s been taking such good care of me!
But I promised you surprises, and you’re going to get surprises! 🌸 Our Courage Charm has arrived . . . isn’t it wonderful? Gold with a streak of pink that goes all the way around. Pink, the color of nurturing, for yourself, and for others. The color of love.💝
It comes on its own little card . . . the charm is engraved with the words “Courage, Dear Heart . . .”💞
Thought you’d like to see my bracelet . . . I think I have them all so far!
And this? This is not for sale! This surprise of all four-seasons of my cups (which are all sold-out and no longer available anywhere on earth), is for the lucky person whose name gets drawn by Vanna in the next post! I told you I would have surprises! Just leave a comment, and you’ll be entered! It can be for you, or maybe you’ll want to take it apart and make four Christmas 🎄 presents out of it! Leave a comment!’Tis almost the season! Here comes
And this? This is for everyone! A brand new bookmark for all my Anglophile, Corgie-adoring, Queen-admiring girlfriends and the people they love! Just click HERE, print it on card-stock, have it laminated if you like . . . it makes a very sweet stocking stuffer or book-gift accountrement.(In case you’re new here, the bookmark is tucked into a copy of my book A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside.)
And what else? Oh yes, for everyone that preordered and waited so patiently, I’m thrilled to tell you the new cups are scheduled to arrive in California TOMORROW, on Thursday! And yes, I ordered extra so we would have some to last through Christmas, just in cases.
The heart cup is another Courage item. The world is so wild these days, we need as much of this as we can get. And there’s another secret about this cup . . .💞
I didn’t design it! I designed a red cup with hearts on it which Joe thought was a little boring, and said, “Why don’t 
you make it look like champagne?” I said, naturally, “What are you talking about?” He tried to tell me, but I couldn’t picture it, was running out to lunch with girlfriends, and said, willy-nilly, over my shoulder, “Draw me a picture!” Because I know Joe is an artist even though he never does it. But I didn’t expect THIS. Champagne bubbles made into hearts. Of course I fell in love with it. My boy is a genius!
Very appropriately, this is Joe’s first cup ~ Champagne Hearts! He will very likely never do another one, not sure I can figure out how I tricked him into this one!🙃
I designed the bottom and the handle, so it was a group effort. From the Heart of our Home.💖 You’ll have them by the end of next week!👏
This one too! The Martha’s Vineyard cup, arriving at the Studio tomorrow, and in case you’re coming to the Island, it’s already available in the shop that carries my things here ~ which, by the way, has changed their name to Vineyard Arts Gallery, it’s still in the same place in downtown Vineyard Haven, and Robin still runs it. And one more by-the-way . . . another reason for you to leave a comment ➡️ Yes! I’ll be sending some lucky person their very own Martha’s Vineyard cup too! It’s an Autumn extravaganza!
This too! Leave a comment to win this Pumpkinhead cup! So far that makes three lucky winners and you only need to leave one comment to be entered for everything! Why you may ask? Because I can! (Writing now, from day after I published this post: Reading the lovely comments ~ can’t answer so many with bad hand, but reading 🤗, loving, sometimes tears, THANK YOU.💞 This is why. We are the world!) I detect a need for cheer and doing my best in this little world of ours, to make some of it for my Girlfriends! And, to make it more fun, the winner of this Pumpkinhead cup will also get a box of my Inspiration Notecards.
Hope you love them!
Jack also wanted me to let you know, in his own unique way (by draping himself on the thing I’m trying to photograph), that the 2020 calendars have arrived! If you preordered, you should have them!
Other good news, our teapot plates are back in stock! We’ve gotten lots of requests ~ sooo happy they’re finally here!
Great for holiday cookies, as a little serving dish and. . .
also looks great hanging on a wall!
And brand NEW, two night lights!
Blue dots on a scalloped porcelain shade!
And little flowers too!
You can read about them HERE.
I have soooo much more to tell you, but this is my first day back at typing and I’ve just been made a wee bit painfully aware, it’s time to stop! I’m only half done! Wah! Guess I will join Jack doing what we do best!
Still eating yummy whole food!
Have devolved to one-finger typing, left-hand ~ but one last thing, I’m reading this helpful book I think you might like.
Interesting book that reminds us of our lovely humanity . . .
We need to remember in our crazy world . . . also, from me to you💞, want to remind:
Don’t forget to leave a comment (one word is fine!) to be entered for Surprise GiveAways! And sign up HERE to have this blog delivered to your email box!
Oh Susan! So sorry to hear you broke your wrist. Be sure and have that therapy once the cast comes off! My husband broke the same wrist TWICE! The first time he wasn’t ordered to have therapy, and he had limited motion in his wrist for a long time. Fifteen years later he broke the wrist again and this time the doctor ordered him to have therapy! Amazingly he totally got his range of motion back!
Glad to see you are back to doing a little of the work you love again!
Love all your new mugs, especially your collaboration with Joe on the Valentine(?) mug and the beads, too!
Take care now, dear Susan! No more falling down!
❤️
I just love the old cups, the new cups, and the cups that will be.
I have broken both arms (many times). I do hope you are on the mend completely soon — and back to your normal self.
Sorry about your wrist.
I have loved you & your blog from your beginning🌺
I love photos of your healthy eating, give me such good ideas! Hope the cast comes off real soon!
What a great giveaway.
Oh my, I’m so sorry you hurt your wrist! But it’s good that you are surrounded by love to take care of you – Joe and Jack are two of the best “nurses” you could have!
Hello Susan!! I’d love all the things in this blog, but I’ll be satisfied (if my name isn’t drawn) and happy just to say hello! We are going through life at the same time so I can identify with everything in your books, including healing from pain (which I’ve also had my share of) and finding happiness again. Your stories and art are a treasure to me. Thank you!
Sympathy and bone-healing wishes to you, Susan. It’s good news that no surgery is needed, but healing properly requires some patience and not overdoing. Lots of energy gets used mending the break, but it really is amazing how our bodies can repair so well. I’ve appreciated that ability all the more after breaking the same foot twice in the space of two years. Bumps, wrinkles, fluffiness – I’m just glad everything works again, and hope you’ll be free of the cast on the 14th.
Love, love, love your beautiful photographs and all of your books !
You poor girl!! I knew something had to have happened to you! You would of never stayed away for do long. So happy you are on the mend. Not being able to use your dominant hand makes everything difficult. Welcome back girlfriend!
Glad your hand is recovering. I’d love those mugs! Lots of tea sipping.
Luanne
I love these new mugs!
Goodness – a broken wrist~~~ seems I’ve been hearing about broken bones like this too many times lately — makes me very sad!
BUT, I’m sure you will continue to be the good patient — and I’d like to bet the healthy eating is helping your recovery – certainly can’t hurt!
Dear Susan – It is always a JOY to receive your emails! I’m so sorry about your wrist and appreciate your sweet attitude regarding it. I love my “Go. Be. Love.” ornament and I have it where we see it as we go out out door for the day. I’m excited about your giveaways!! And I believe I need to buy a champagne heart mug. Blessings for your healing wrist!
Susan, I am so glad you are feeling better. I know you will work hard at physical therapy, since you are already exercising. It is so important. You and Joe will have to do something fun, once your healing is over. A little reboot for both of you! I LOVE the last picture of Jack. Oh my, melts your heart! XOXOXO
My favorite favorite favorite answer to “Why?” is “Because I can!” 🙂
Cups of “Happiness “, how delightful!
Well, for an artist with only one useable hand, your letter sounds delightfully happy, contented and upbeat. In all the generous sharing, I especially love the mug with the picture of my sister on it. She will be 83 next month, but I always think of her looking like that out on the beaches of Ammagansett and East Hampton. I was 8 years younger, and skinny except for a chubby middle. I did NOT look like that. I’ve sent her stickers on cards and presents ever since you first drew her. Thanks so much.
Just One Word. You got it! I’ll admit you’ve held me together over the past few months, my daughter was diagnosed with cancer and re-reading your posts have given me the sanity and strength to carry on. Now even tho she’s all grown up (47) she’s still my little girl. And she lives in Florida with me in Connecticut. I’ve been down twice and will hop on a plane with a minutes notice. We are so grateful for my brother and his angel wife (a nurse no less) for keeping tabs on the patient. My daughter is a fighter and is keeping her sense of humor which is so important.
So I need your cups or anything the amazing Vanna pulls up from the bowl!
Thank you for you, Wonderful Susan. Funny, that’s my daughters name too ❤️
I’d LOVE to win something!! I just love your items….thanks for the chance!
Hope you’re feeling better too!
Your new mugs are beautiful! Love the red champagne hearts!♥️🥂🍾
Oh Sue, so sad to hear about your accident. I did see you on Twitter so I didn’t know you weren’t able to write or paint and all the important things using your right hand. Please be careful and go slow with therapy. We need your happy outlook on life especially the way things are happening in America.
My thanks to Joe for taking such good care of you.
Hope you got my previous message.
Welcome back again!
Yum! Just adore those sweet kitty paws!
Love the sounds of scilence. ❤️
Adorable everything, as usual!
Happy healing Susan-so sorry that happened. tell Joe is champagne hearts are fabulous!
Hi Susan,
I’m so sorry to hear of your accident. I know it can be painful. Isn’t it amazing how much we use our dominate hand, especially you who are so talented. Loved everything about your blog today. You managed to once again give us so much useful and thought provoking information. Thank you for working through your discomfort to provide us with your beautiful blog.
Hope you get good news next month and can take off your cast. Speedy recovery wishes❣️❣️
Lovely as always! (bummer, dude, about the arm–never mind, soon be better)
Even with only one hand you are still wonder filled!
Wow you have had an eventful month – so glad you are healing well. It is no fun losing the use of your hand, been there, done that….no fun! I love the cups but I think the blue night light is my favorite. I will look into your book recommendation too – so needed right now! Tell Joe, I love his drawing and design – how marvelous for you both! Happy Days! This is my first week of not starting school in the classroom in over 30+ years – it is strange to be retired from it all! Take care of yourself and don’t rush it!
Mac n Cheese — my family’s favorite of your recipes! I make it for every family party!
Oh, dear! A broken right hand wrist is no fun! I did that, too, when I was teaching first grade. It’s very hard to teach first graders how to print when your own writing is so, so bad !!! Get well soon!
I am so sorry you broke your wrist! I can only imagine how hard that would be to do…well, everything.
That books looks so interesting, but what a “scary” excerpt! I’m going to see if my library has this book.
Thanks so much for the chance to win one of your giveaways…it would be so thrilling to win something from you!
Love & healing wishes for your wrist ~
Melanie
I’ve loved your “Sounds of Silence” piece before, and found it to be the perfect closing for today’s post as I sit listening to (and smelling) the summer rain. Sorry about your injury and hope you are feeling stronger each day.
Thank you, Susan. My sweet friend Carol just introduced me to you.
Shirley (North Carolina, and fellow wrist sufferer!)
Omg darling! From a darling lady!
Thank you for the chance to win some dandy prizes! I love all the cups you have designed-getting harder and harder to choose. So happy your wrist is getting better. A broken wrist must be a very good teacher when she teaches patience. I needed a breath of Susan today, and here she is! Didn’t have to go into the archives, but that is never a hardship!
Hi Susan
Not sure if my first comment was posted. I think there is a ghost in phone haha.
Your new cups are so pretty. So sorry about your arm.
Love the Jack photos! Actually love all the photos!
Feel better, Susan! I would so love those mugs! The charm is gorgeous too! Heal fast and stay positive!
~Much love~
Hi, Susan… I was so sorry to see your broken wrist in the picture! Painful and frustrating, I am sure. Hope you are soon done with the cast and the brace. I love the cup that Joe designed… how special because you made it together! Back to school last week for me… every year I forget how small our kindergarten students seem at the beginning of the year and that it always takes a good month to get the routines under our belts! Sitting down to ready your blog after I got home was a very welcome treat. I am sure that Jack and Joe are taking good care of you! All the best to you!
Hi Susan, Glad you are doing o.k. Love your blog..take care
Hugs
Sandra
Sorry to hear about your hand! Thanks for making the world a better place. I love surprises!
A young friend just found out she has MS…I wish/want a courage charm for her…and for me who is a Halloween baby…The pumpkin mug…of course. Thank you Susan for sharing your talent, joy and life with us.
A reminder to be grateful for ALL we’ve been blessed with. Hugs and love and Courage to your friend. 💞
Oh my goodness dear Susan! What a terrible thing to happen to you. I am so very sorry and I am sure it has been quite painful as well as very challenging. Joe is such a dear and I can just imagine all of the care he has given and Jack, too!
All of the cups, plates, night lights, etc. are so beautiful and Joe’s champagne hearts turned out fantastic. When we were on the island in July, thanks to you we went to the museum and loved it so much. Your things would look terrific in their little gift shop! It would probably be too hard to keep them in stock.
Take care of yourself and Courage, dear heart. It will get a little better every day and before you know it, you will be carving pumpkins with the rest of us! ( I pulled out my Autumn book last weekend and you were in my thoughts but now I will have healing thoughts for you!). XOXO 😘
Oh my! So sorry about your injury – and the right hand, no less. Wishing you the speediest of healing times. Thanks for the pics of the new mugs – how beautiful. I have a friend dealing with an incredible loss and have been looking for things to lift her spirits…I think maybe the champagne hearts would do it! Thank you for this cozy blog – it does the heart good.
Hi Susan! I’m so glad you are feeling a bit better! I’ve never broken anything but I can imagine the discomfort and inconvenience…especially for an artist. I’m sending up a special prayer for wrist healing:)
Love, Love, Love your new hearts mug. It’s even more special with the “champagne” look. I never realized that Joe was an artist too! How fun! That mug or the pumpkin heads mug might just end up being my Christmas gift from me to me this year. The addiction to your mugs is real. I hope someone who really needs a boost wins them.
Thank you so much for writing this blog while your still not 100%. What joy it brings:)))
Love,
Nina
So thankful your wrist is healing. How is it that you know how to add kindness and joy to my heart? Thank you for seeing beauty all around. Thank you for the awesome giveaways!
So sorry to heart of your incident. Hope you are quickly on the mend! Am so eager to receive my three cups soon!
Such a delight reading your post! Thank you. Hope you are feeling better soon.🙂
So sorry about your wrist. Sometimes we need to sit back from all our duties and relax a little. Hope you were able to do that. Always look forward to a new blog when you are ready. Bless you!
So sorry about your wrist, Sue. 🙁 Hope it heals perfectly…the art must continue!
Halloween is my birthday, so I’m really hoping I win the pumpkin cup! 😉
Hi Susan!
So good to read your blog again. We’re all sending great healing vibes for your wrist so you can get back to normal. I know how hard it is, having fractured my radius back in November and my right (dominant) arm was immobilized for a while. We often take our bodies for granted until we lose the use of some part. Here’s hoping your brace comes off soon!
Sweet dreams, Jack! Love your pictures!
Sending speedy recovery wishes your way. Lovely surprises!
So homey and comforting reading your blog! 💕
So sorry about that broken wrist! I live alone as my husband passed away last year and it makes you realize how much you depend on one another in all ways. Emotionally, always, but physically too. Not sure my kitty boy would be too good at opening his own cans – lol!
Mary from Pennsylvania
P.S. The book looks interesting!
So true! Be careful! xoxoxo
I have followed your talented self for years, since almost the beginning. You always outdo yourself, and I love your old soul! Hoping you continue in your recovery. Bless you!
Susan,
So sorry to hear about your wrist! That’s a trial for anyone, but for an artist and author – a great challenge, to be sure. Have lots of tea with a little biscuit for healing!
These things happen sometimes to help us slow down if we’re moving too fast, but who wants to slow down? Too much to do, and as the years go by, so much faster do the days go as well. Time for reading and napping as Autumn encroaches . . .
Oh so good to hear you’re really ok and on the mend already. I spotted that cast right away. What a silly, unfortunate accident…. but then I tried to rescue a turtle once and ended up with a trashed ankle….I’m held together with bubble gum and bailing wire for the rest of whatever. That was long ago and not slowing me down so you’ll be back to your wonderful self soon, I’m sure. Love the gorgeous cups and can’t wait to order again. Speedy recovery wishes coming your way!!!💖💕💖
Oh dear Susan! I am so sorry about your wrist. Praying that it will continue to heal quickly and that you’ll be back to writing again with both hands very soon! I’m a fan of all the mugs, but I do love the Champagne Hearts! What a lovely design! Happy “Almost” Fall!
Susan, Thanks so much for spending all this time with us even though you are healing from you injured wrist!! Yes, this world is tough and we need all the help we can get to be inspired and encouraged!! Hope we inspire you. I love me 2020 calendar.
Blessings to you, Carol
Thank you!
I just love your posts… always such a treat!
Thanks for working so hard with typing to bring us a bit of cheer! Always a fun break!
Dear Susan hope you feel better soon, I was waiting for this post for so long..I must say that this courage charm is so beautiful, as well the new cups and the night lights!! but the best part is our crazy world, thanks for the inspiration as always! cute little Jack!!
So sorry to read you are injured. And it had to be your artistic right hand too. Your mugs and dishes are absolutely delightful. And how creative of Joe to add his own touch….see you are inspiring him. Thank you for your blog and all the joy you bring to myself and others.
We’ve missed you!! She glad you’re back!! Get well soon!!💐💖
Love this blog!
I’m in northern Canada where we are expecting snow in three weeks. Our maples have turned already. I love following you as you bring a blessing with your blog in the form of cheeriness.
I love, love, love all the mugs!! So sorry about your hand. Sending up prayers for a complete, fast recovery.
Glad you are on the mend. Thanks fir the new post.
Not sure if I posted, so I will say again; thank you for a great giveaway.
My word or words this week is “Guardian Angels” because my sweet friends flew around me and lifted me up with love 💕!!😇.. All you write and paint are full of LOVE ❤️ And bring joy!! Thank you!!🙏
Cheers!
Oh so sorry to hear of your broken wrist, Susan. I know how hard it is waiting for healing. I finally found a fun exercise class as I only enjoy walking but needed something more so our YMCA offered a modified Zumba class which I signed up for and love! But four weeks into it, I had a silly accident and broke my big toe….no more Zumba for a while! But I will return soon! Take good care of yourself. Christine
I absolutely LOVE receiving your posts in my mailbox! I hope you’re feeling better soon … broken bones seem to get in the way…😉
So glad you’re doing all right; not nice to be put out of action for awhile. All the best with your physio. Would love to win a mug or mugs!
I love the seasonal mugs! And everything else you create as well. Heal quickly!
I kept wondering if something was wrong when I did not see a new email from you! I will pray for a quick recovery and patience! Your friend in Fort Wayne Indiana.
Your cups are so pretty.
Glad you are on the mend Susan! We have missed you!
Oooh, ouch, so sorry about the wrist. I almost did that last month at the hospital having some tests, and when I was walking back to the waiting room, I went down SPLAT!!! My culprit was cute shoes, which I’ve been afraid to wear ever since. It took me so unawares that I didn’t have time to put my hands out, and did a whole body belly flop, which was a good thing because my hitting was evenly distributed, so all I ended up with was bruised knees. But make a noise like that in the hallway of a hospital, and you get attention STAT! It took a few minutes to convince them I was okay, and didn’t faint and wasn’t dizzy. They went and got my husband who looked a little shaken because they told him come quick, your wife had a fall. So I guess the next time I go to any hospital and they ask if I’ve had a fall within the last year, I’m supposed to say yes, which is fine because if they want to wheel me around everywhere, I’m fine with that. Hope you get back to normal soon. And so glad you have Joe to take such good care of you.
Your post brings me such joy! Blessings for all you do to help you girlfriends Linda
Hi Susan! Hope your wrist is all healed before the date the doctor states!! It is amazing how much we use our arms and don’t realize until we don’t have it….. just like any other part of our bodies!!! It is wild seeing how parents are always on their phones and kids as small as 9 months know how to swipe!!! Blows my mind! Again heal fast and thank you for this post!
When I read here about your broken wrist (ouch!), I thought of my late father, a physician whose best prescription was for “Tincture of Time”. His advice has worked for me and for many friends and family for over 70 years. I hope you will treat yourself and give yourself the luxury of healing time…
So glad you are on the mend. Take care dearheart!
Oh Susan!
So very sorry for such an unfortunate accident! Best wishes for a strong finish in your recovery!
Always love reading your blog. Hope you are healing well.
Susan, I am coming to the island in October. Can’t wait to visit your shop! Looking so forward to seeing the island through your eyes as well as mine. I’ve read your book, “Isle of Dreams” three times so far. I’m sure there will be many readings.
Love your blog posts! Lived (and worked) downtown San Luis Obispo in the 70’s when you lived there. Such a fabulous town!!
It’s so-o-o good to read a new post!! What a wonderful surprise!! I’ve been telling myself each day as I click into the Blog on my way to Twitter, “She has a broken arm. For heaven’s sake! Don’t expect anything new.” Then low and behold here you are again!
I’m so glad you are making progress – I’m sure you are too! It’s so very hard to be “out of commission”.
All the new things are so beautiful! I must, must, must order the champagne hearts cup. I’ve loved it from the beginning, but Joe’s in-put makes it all the more special. The real problem is that I want to order them ALL. You planned it that way, didn’t you?
It’s so very good to hear from you again!
Take care of yourself! No more falls!
XOXO!
Sandy
Yes, there is a need for cheer (and kindness and joy) and you delightfully deliver these fine sentiments with every newsletter! Thank you, dear one. And Joe and Jack make us smile and chuckle, too.
Hope your RIGHT wrist heals very soon. I broke my left wrist in a bicycle accident many years ago and I’m left-handed. Ugh!
I hope you heal quickly and as painlessly as possible!
Love your blog and love your mugs. Hope I win. (hope this didn’t post twice)
Oh, you poor thing! I’m so sorry that you’ve suffered this break, but MAYBE, in the grand scheme of the universe, you needed the break! Not the fracture, the BREAK!
Inspired by you, I’m still eating healthy too! Down 39 pounds, and 5 until my goal. I’m EVER so thankful, and grateful to you!
If I win the 4 cups (oh to be so lucky), they will go to my sis, sis-in-law, best friend, and one will stay with me. You see, 18 months in to this new life far away from loved ones, I’m still SO homesick! So, if we have all have cups, it will be like having a cup of tea TOGETHER.
Happy bone-mending. It’s almost autumn – my FAVORITE time of the year.
So very sorry that you have broken your wrist but very glad to hear that you are on the mend. I was wondering since it had been awhile between posts. The night lights are adorable! I like everything you do, just some more than others. I also love the photo of Jack napping with his paw over his eyes, so cute! I do love the kitties. I would also love to win anything at all in the give away!
Fabulous!
I forgot to mention – cute outfit! cute cups! cute husband! cute kitty! Oh and those night lights, I just have to make a decision on which one(s) I want!