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!
I’ve been a fan since the days when you had a page each month in Country Living magazine.
Oh my goodness! So many wonderful opportunities! Thank you for these….and especially your boundless positivity. It helps SO much, these interesting days!
Such fun mugs! It is nice to think about the simple happiness they will bring to someone’s everyday life. 🙂
LOVE
Susan, I wish you hadn’t broken yourself through a fall, but I just have to tell you that you look 20 years younger. You look fabulous!
Susan,
I wish you the speediest recovery ~ your words & energy has been missed.
Peace & all good things,
Deb
So sorry that you broke your wrist! We’ve missed you! Glad you’re on the mend and hope things will be going well now.
Your posts are always so uplifting. Thank you!
I feel your pain losing the use of your right arm. I had rotator cuff surgery and had 6 weeks of a sling and then limited use of the sling for another four!! Good news is that you do become semiambidexterous!
Delightful, as always!
You did a good thing when you found him! A great team! The heart mug is my favorite. So sorry about your wrist. Well, better the wrist than catching yourself with your nose, I guess. Be careful with it. Don’t over-do.
Blessings.
Linda
Hi Susan,
This quote makes me think of you and all that you have shared over the years:
“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things, the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”
Khalil Gibran
Thank you, thank you! It’s the little things that make a difference.
A longtime fan from Cape Cod,
Gale
It’s always a good day with an email from you in my mailbox. I’m glad your wrist is healing well. Thanks for bringing on the JOY.
Thanks for the post and food for thought. Hope your wrist is completely healed soon!
SOOOO Sorry to hear about your wrist. I kept checking the blog to see where you were. Wish I was closer to have made you a cheer up dinner.
Love Jack in the sunlight napping on that lovely old cloth.
Be well! xo
So sorry for your poor wrist! We do love our right hands. Speedy healing!
Blessings to you and a speedy recovery, dear Susan!
Beautiful! 🙂
I love your blog and always look forward to it. Your excerpts from “Notes From A Nervous Planet” were intriguing and gave me pause. Earlier this summer I went “cold turkey” from Pinterest because it felt addictive. It was a good decision. I don’t even miss it. Best wishes for the healing of your wrist.
Sooo very sorry about your wrist – I will raise a cup of tea to a complete recovery!
Love, love, love reading this blog! Someday maybe I will get to visit this magical place.
I would love to have the set of mugs to cherish! I found the autumn mug which was carried by a stranger and shipped by another stranger and since they sent me two I found another stranger in Texas who was craving your mug! I made three new friends all in pursuit of your charming and whimsical mugs! Please heal perfectly! You do seem like a good sport through it all💜
Susan, Please feel better soon! I miss your blogs! I adore the last photo of Jack all cuddled up under his blankee! I love him! He would be a great friend for my girl cat Lilly! I love your emails and all of your books calendars and neat cups, cards, etc. You are so creative and sweet! You make our crazy world so much nicer! Much love to you and your family. Love Susan Z. and kitty ‘Lilly’.
My sister shares your blog with me. I so enjoy reading it. She is on the island now and I’m hoping she can visit your shop. Thank you for sharing 🍒
A real escape from the chaotic world to read your news, except about the wrist! It’s amazing how dependent we are on our little bodies. I marvel each day on the beating of my heart…..It just goes on! thank you for sharing your surprises with us. I hope I win!
Ouch! I hope you are feeling better soon!
Love your posts. They are always so uplifting.
So good to see a new blog post! And so sorry about your wrist. You look like you’re handling it well. I hope your new book is coming along fine & that this didn’t put a crimp in the publishing date. So looking forward reading it. Thanks for a chance at the wonderful give away. Stay well. Love to Joe. xo
Love your things
I was so happy to see a new post! But……sorry to hear why it has been so long. I love all the cups! They are beautiful.
Glad you are on the mend! I’ve missed your blog. I love the last picture with Jack under the blanket!
Always enjoy your posts! Get well soon!
You don’t need to ask twice! I’ve been checking my email anxiously awaiting August’s news – so glad it is here :). Sending wishes for your quick recovery – hands really are so useful (wink-wink).
Laurie
Oh my gosh, I love the pumpkin cup!!
Awww! I’m so sorry you broke your wrist. Pray you mend very quick. I love your four seasons mugs. I am so moved by seasons. It would be something I would cherish forever. Hope I win!! Take care of your hand. Lots of love to you!
Glad you are on the mend!
Wonderful post – especially love the pumpkin cup and the pictures of Jack. Hope your wrist is back to normal soon!
Susan, I love your spirit. It inspires us all. Especially me. I have just finished with 6 months chemo and doing great. All is good.
Btw, I broke my right wrist years ago during an aerobics session. Took awhile to heal and had to use left hand too at work. I have seen some of my writing from then. Oh my, awful.
Hope your recovery goes well and are back to your beautiful art work soon.
Love, Mary Rita
Oh, no! I’m so, so sorry to hear about your mishap! But, happy you are on the mend! ❤️❤️❤️
Dear Susan, thanks for the blog! I’ve been trying to eat healthy, little at a time. Take care.
I’ve got my calendar (love it–we go back to England next spring) and I’m patiently waiting for my mug. My girlfriend is babysitting her new grandson in Boston for 3 weeks and this weekend (to get out of the way of the new parents) she’s headed off to Marthas Vineyard–soooo jealous. I told her to go to Vineyard Arts Gallery and buy me something LOL!!
Sorry to hear of your mishap – and hope it heals quickly! I just pulled out my Autumn book, to start getting in the mood!!
How EXCITING!! There is a great need for cheer and you are just the person to give it! Please get well soon, I can’t imagine a wrist going bye bye. We love you great big!! ♥♥♥♥
Thanks so much for your lovely blog. I always enjoy looking at the photo’s of your garden and especially ,Jack.
What a delightful blog. All the more delightful cause you endured to do it out of love for us. I too suffered a broken wrist some years ago. How dependent we become, and yet how adaptive we can be. My admiration went beyond what I learned to accomplish with one hand to an admiration for those who lost limbs and still carried on. The human spirit is a wondrous thing! The cups are beyond gorgeous. Joes talent is amazing…that “champagne” cup is unique. He is a super guy as is my guy too. We are lucky ladies to be sure. Wonder if Jack had a hard time adjusting to the cast. Animals don’t miss a thing..especially “Jack Poirot”!! The picture of Jack snuggled in the the laundry gives me an idea…a power nap. Prayers for a speedy recovery and more blogs. Love ya girlfriend…Lin from Michigan
Susan, I am so sorry to hear about your accident 🙁. But I’m happy to hear that you are healing and will soon be good as new 😌. Thank you for the bookmark. I love England and I have a corgi, so it is perfect!!
Sorry about your broken wrist. I’m never lonely or bored. My Labradors wouldn’t allow it!!!
Love it all!!!! Thank you for the post!! Happy well-being wishes to you!!!! Kathy
Oh I’ve died inside over not having the autumn cup😩😩😩 love them all!! U take care Susan💜💛💙❤️💚
Susan you are such a light in this world!Thank you!!
Your posts always lift my heart.
Have a beautiful day!
Oh you poor Darling! Sorry about your wrist. It is incredible how much it effects just about everything you do every day. You are doing great typing already. I broke my wrist a few years ago while in the Azores (one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited; reminded me of a combination of Bermuda and Ireland. Wild hydrangeas grow along the roads). It was a freak accident which involved an inebriated man bareback on a horse!!! I needed to have surgery when I returned home. I was amazed how much you need both hands. The best part, I had worked in an Orthopedic office for 18 years, who Knew? NOT ME!!! You will heal fine and be good as new before you know it. Loved your post, love new mugs, and LOVE you.
I am so sorry to hear about your injury. I wish you a speedy recovery and a lot of patience with yourself. We independent types are usually harder on ourselves than others and get very frustrated when we can’t be up and doing what we think we need to be doing. Your good attitude will go a long way towards your recovery, I just know you will get there, probably not quite as soon as you hope! Who knew having a garage sale could be hazardous to your health!
What a breath of fresh air you and Joe and Jack are! Thank you. I broke my wrist ten years ago and although physical therapy HURT, it was crucial in giving me back my wrist and hand! Good luck to you and don’t overdo. Lovingly, Katha
Wow you have had quite an ordeal! Glad you are healing and have Jack to remind you to rest! Thanks for your encouraging words in this tumultuous time…
Just re-read Isle of Dreams and A Fine Romance. Also was inspired by your healthy eating and have lost 10 lbs. Love reading your commentary on your life and those around you.
Oh, no! Susan, I hope you heal quickly. Nothing like losing the use of a part of your body that makes you more appreciative when you get it back. You look great though, so there’s that. Love Joe’s champagne heart cup idea. Have you done a cup with Jack’s picture on it yet?
Lovely blog, Susan!! Just like new flowers brought in from the garden…I’m going to reread to get all the tiny details now~ many thanks xx
love the notecards and new mugs….love punkins 🙂
What a treat to read your blog. Sorry to hear about your broken wrist. I broke my foot twice within five years (the left and the right) and it really changed everything for me!
I am excited about the upcoming fall; ready for crisp sunny days! Take care!!
All of the new stock is so beautiful and exudes your Loved the back-story about Joe’s first cup design. He did great!
Oh ! So Sorry about your wrist. I guess it really made you slow down and I hope rest some..Please give thanks to Joe for taking care of you, I once had rotator cuff surgery and lost the use of one arm for a time. You are right…… you do not have an appreciation of what wonderful things our hands are and how much we depend on them Take care
Phyllis
Ah, Susan……seems your blog often arrives at the time I need it most! As, indeed, it did this afternoon. My husband and are taking a brief, but needed, 2 day rest in the Virginia countryside. It was a rather hectic start to the day and I collapsed into a chair where we are staying, opened my email, and there it was: precious watercolors, beautiful “things”, interesting text, and just an overall……sssiiiigggghhhh!
Thank you for sharing yourself so richly with so many. Every summer I spend a week with my daughter and her family in Edgartown. How I would love to be able to invite you to tea and give you a bit of happiness.
Best ever,
Carol
I totally enjoy your blog. I can’t wait for each new one. I admire your artwork and your cat. Peace and Blessings
I admire your determination in getting this post out to your girlfriends. We appreciate it. The new items look wonderful; starting my Christmas list.
Hoping that you get the very best news from your doctor.
I would love it if you wrote a healthy living cookbook. Your meals always look so delicious.
Love and hugs,
Joyce
Thank you, thank you, thank you Susan for your wonder-filled blog. The reminder of the simple pleasures and what is really important is always appreciated…not to mention the pictures of Jack! What a character! Makes me miss my own black and white cat Mario. Your cups are so sweet and you are so generous. Have missed your writing and am happy to hear you are mending nicely ~ Judy
Is this the Judy Best from BU in the late 70s?
Love the seasonal cups!
Sorry to see/hear of your broken arm. Isn’t great to have a care taker significant other, though? Glad you’re almost over the cast part & best wishes for PT.
But I do want to know how you manage to cheer me up telling about your injury? Really glad you do, but…?
Thank you,
enter me! I adore those mugs!!
So sorry for the inconvenience of a broken wrist! Sounds like an end is in sight.
Very nice give aways; please enter my name.
So sorry to hear about your accident! My bff fell on the ice last winter and broke her upper left (writing!) arm and was in the same boat as you. She has a rubber stamping business, so was out of commission for a little while. But after much pt and determination, she is almost back to normal. So stay positive – which you clearly are☺️ – and you’ll be back to normal too! Thank you so much for your wonderful blog and sharing your very special talent! Love, love, love your work!!!💓
I hope you’re feeling better. I absolutely love your blog. Have been following you for years. In fact I’ve been going through all you old posts this week. I love it. I’m always showing my husband the pictures of your fenced garden. Hopefully he’ll take the hint!!!
I love it all!
I loved all the pictures you posted! Your blog made my day! I hope you get the cast off on Sept 14. So happy that you didn’t need surgery!
Dearest Susan,
So sorry about your wrist! Glad you are on the mend in time for glorious autumn. Have you learned to fire pony-tail-holders for Jack left-handed? Thank heaven for our wonderful Boys. Sounds like Joe has been indispensable. I know I would be lost without my Adam. Sending you gentle hugs and warm wishes!
Beautiful as always!
I love your Joie de vive even in the midst of pain and discomfort.
I’ve had rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders and each time it required wearing a special sling for six weeks. Oh my goodness! The things one simply cannot do, from opening a door, to zipping up jeans, it was quite an experience, to say the least! PT is everything, so be good and do your exercises and you’ll be good as new before it’s time to shovel snow once more!
How wonderful and generous of you Susan. Love you! Congrats on the healthy eating. Hope your wrist heals quickly and does not give you grief. We need you painting and writing.
Hi Susan and Joe,
This week has been a little Christmas for me. I received your 2020 calendar and also your first cookbook. Thank you for your humor and happy thoughts.
Your friend,
Patti
What a wonderful surprise! (Your giveaways, not your injury, oh my.) Hope your arm continues to get better. And how nice you have the two Js to take care of you.
“Courage dear heart” back at you. Take care.
So sorry about your wrist! Hope you heal quickly!❤️
Happy “almost fall” from Northern Manitoba !
Thank you dear heart!
You brightened my day! Thank you! Jack looks so happy!
Thanks again,
Karen Carpenter
Just love all the mugs!
Susan, I always enjoy reading your blog! Glad to hear your hand is doing better!
I love, love, love this blog. Everything about it makes me happy.
Love your posts.
Susan — so sorry to hear about your broken wrist! I broke my ankle (first bone) a couple years ago helping hubby put down new decking — had to wear “the boot”! UGH!
When I need to quiet my soul I go outside and sit by our koi pond, listen to falling water, and watch the fish swim around — FISH THERAPY! Makes the world seem more calm and sane than it actually is. My oasis of calm…you live surrounded by water — given any thought to a mug with a water/waterlily/fish motif? Worked for Claude Monet…
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
JoAnne
I love, love, love this blog. Everything about it makes me happy. Thank you for bringing some happiness to my day.
Sorry to hear about your wrist. .glad it is healing well. The pumpkin head mug made me think of the bear by that name that they old Eaton’s store here in Canada sold every Christmas. I wished for one every year but the closest I got was a coloring book of the teddy bear. 😊
Joe’s first foray into cup designing is a big success! If I’m lucky enough to win your cups, the Martha’s Vineyard cup will have to be gifted to my sister-in-law Martha. The set of four seasons will look wonderful on my kitchen hutch. I do hope you get your cast off soon!
Oh, Susan, I hope you heal up quickly and easily! A lollipop for the good patient and her caregiver! 🍭🍭
Hi! Just love your blogs. Beautiful pictures and Jack so cute. Hope your hand gets back to normal soon!
Shelly
Hah! So, you detect a need for some cheer in the world, you observant and sensitive dear thing?! No kidding. 🙁
Sorry about your broken wrist (left one was bad enough for me). And thank you for this message, filled with color and happiness. Love those mugs.
Get well soon, Susan! We are sending get well wishes! Get Jack to help you! 💗
Sorry to hear about your fall. I tripped and fell on concrete in early July. Fortunately nothing broken but still have bruised knees. Now I will have to answer “yes” when I go to the dr and get asked the Medicare question about if I have fallen in the past year! Keep healing Susan.
Always look forward to getting an email from you! Thanks for the giveaways!
Am I really the first to leave a comment. Unbelievable!!! Sorry to hear about your wrist. I It just takes a while broke a finger-yes, only a finger (my pinkie, left hand)- but it was a bad break. I was immobilized in a custom splint for 6 weeks. When the splint came off, I had almost no movement in my left hand. Although only 2 fingers immobilized, all of your fingers work together. Very eye-opening, and I’m a nurse. It is amazing what we use 2 hands for- everything, it seems!!! So, when your cast/splint comes off, expect to need therapy for a while. Don’t give up! You’ll get there. It just takes a while- especially when we are a little older. Best wishes, as always, to you and Joe. Snail mail on the way. I just returned from Scotland and have a whole new appreciation for A Fine Romance (one of my favorite books)- especially where roundabouts and driving on the left is concerned!!