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!
Love all seasons of your blog and your books!
Dear Susan, So sorry about your broken wrist. Sending you healing prayers. Wonderful blog. I love the last picture of Jack all snuggled in a blanket. Kitty love is such a gift. Also loved all your comments on Silence, which I copied into my journal. Saw this quote, “From simple things, come simple pleasures”, and now have it painted on a plaque. makes me think of your philosophy
I love reading these!!!
I love getting your posts! It makes my day! Sorry about your broken wrist. Get well soon!
All the items you create are beautiful. They make me smile. The cups would be delightful to drink from each season. Speedy recovery!
Love you and your art. I feel joy when I see your creations. Thank you, Susan
Oh, Susan, I have loved this new blog, especially the reminder about silence. It takes great will power to tune out, turn off, and enjoy the silence, but OH, the rewards of birdsong and crickets chirping and toads trilling are worth it.
Thank you. Heal quickly and thank God every day.
Susan, your blog always brightens my day!
Wow! This post gives us much to think about! I’ll leave this comment and then turn off the computer! May your healing continue and may you enjoy naps with Jack!
Oh Susan! Only You would have give-always for others when you yourself are the one needing Love!
Thank you for your faithfulness, even while injured! 💙☘️
Susan –
Well that explains the quiet from your end. Scary…but could have been worse.
Universe telling you to rest?
I love everything fall and your blogs and items make fall extra special
blessings
Marcia from Sewell, NJ
Oh my! I feel for you! I broke my foot a few years ago and it was very distressing BUT I came to understand the miracle of our bodies. It healed! Knitted together and I am back at all my usual activities. You will be right as rain in no time! Thanks for the lovely giveaways. Xo
It would be fun to win!
So sorry about your broken wrist.
Your healthy eating recipes are so good. I start every morning with Bob’s red mill steel cut oats with a sprinkle of cinnamon and organic blueberries.
Happy September!
When I see this blog in my mailbox, I smile even before I open it… my friend and I are hoping to be able to see you at a book signing. Any in the works?? Love to have a Susan Branch girls weekend. 📚🚂🚗✈️🎟
Dear Susan,
I’m a newcomer into your fascinating world. Have very much enjoyed receiving your emails and am trying to catch up with everything that streams from your surroundings.
Your photo was beautiful !.. Though immediately after getting to see you, my eyes fell on that black glove your hand was covered in and I felt quite an ache in my heart. Reading on, I feel relief that recovery is progressing and pray soon it will be completely healed.
Thank you for all the positiveness and all the creativeness you bring here.
Speedy recovery!
I love your cups! They are just the right size for a perfect cup of tea in the morning. I have a lot of company stay at my house in Florida and I have fun picking out which cups I will use in the morning for their beverages. And even more fun if it’s a holiday, then I can pick one of those special cups!
Happy Speedy Healing!!! 💕
Dear Susan, I hope you heal well and swiftly. Love Joe’s cup and of course yours too.
I’ve been a fan purchasing your cookbooks, etc., all the way back to your very first. You’re so talented, and I’m so thankful for your sharing your darling personality and God-given gifts with the rest of us. So sorry about your broken wrist; hope you recover quickly. How cute it would be if I won the Martha’s Vineyard mug, because my name is Martha. My husband and I visited there long ago, and the tee shirt we bought him is now a part of a memory quilt I made. I love that we share our faith in God. If I don’t see you in CA (come visit us in Orange County), then I’ll see you in Heaven some day:-))) God bless you and your dear hubby and kitty. XOXOX
So glad you are on the mend! Figured something had happened. We missed you
Wishing you fast healing! 🙂
I love the pumpkin heads cups!!!
Susan,
I just so enjoy reading your emails!
Thank you…🥰
Joy
I love all of this
Oh Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about your broken wrist. I hope you heal quickly. I love the cups, especially the the champagne bubble heart cup.
Hi Susan. A new post. So happy to read you blog and see your beautiful art work. It brings me joy every time. Thank you. Lesley
Oh dear, I’m so sorry to hear about your broken wrist. Prayers that the cast comes off in September! I have received the beautiful 2020 calendar and I’m so looking forward to the “Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams” cup that I ordered !
By the way, you look lovely in the picture.
God bless, Marilyn
Hope your arm is good as new soon!
So glad you are on the mend, Susan!
I hope your wrist is healed soon!
Your giveaway are beautiful. How generous you are!
Coziest email I ever receive!
So very sorry that you broke your wrist! I sure hope I get picked for all four cups. I NEED that Winter one! Lucinda
Love your newsletter!
Susan, so happy to have you back! Best wishes for a quick hand recovery.
Dear Susan,
How generous you are! All your designs ( and Joe’s ) are so pretty, it makes me happy to see and use them.
I hope you are recovering nicely. I know how you are feeling, as my knee gave out a few weeks ago and I am supposed to walk on it as little as possible. Soooo difficult! Isn’t it nice that we have loving husbands to take good care of us!
Take care,
Lorraine
Susan– you are a TREASURE! Thank you!!
Truly enjoy reading your blog!
I would love the cups. Thanks
nice post.
This was a beautiful post, I am sorry about your broken wrist, but this is what I needed to read today to feed my soul!
Dear Susan, so sorry to hear about your wrist, my sister-in-law broke both wrists at the same time, trying to trim a tree that either of her sons could have trimmed the day before. She had to go live with her daughter as she healed because as she said, she couldn’t do anything for herself, even something as simple as putting on a pair of pants. Very happy you are healing well, and when this crazy world gets to me, I also love to sit on my back deck and just listen to nature, the birds, insects, so relaxing. Take care, Cathy
Sorry about the broken wrist, because it has set you back and because we love to read your blog so much. Hope all all goes well at getting back on track.
Your cups are beautiful. Please put me in the drawing.
Oh my, good your wrist is recovering, hopefully soon the cast will be in your past!
Enjoy your column very much!
Loving my 2020 Susan Branch Britain calender! Even one-handed you are so creative…..tell Joe I adore his Champagne Hearts. Give Jack a big smooch, too.
Well you’re not going to believe this, but ….. I visited Martha’s Vineyard 3 weeks ago for the first time, and ya know what? It’s just as magical and beautiful as you describe! We explored all the lovely towns and stuffed ourselves on lobster 🦞!!! Fabulous memories!!!
OH MY — I just love reading your blog posts, they really help to brighten the day! So far I have only been able to afford one of your amazingly beautiful cups, the “Little Things” is for my tea every evening when i finally relax after a day at work. Hopefully retiring in January 2020 after 30 years with the same company. Then I’ll have more time to quilt and sew.
Love being one of the ‘girlfriends’ and enjoyed meeting you at Strawberry Patches in Bakersfield on your book tour. Thanks so much for your generosity. One of these days I’ll get to the Madonna Inn to see you again. Much love and best wishes to you & Joe!
Courage, dear heart. Those words have helped.sustain me these last two years as I’ve navigated some very rough waters in my personal life. Thankfully, I am now climbing out of the valley. Courage breeds more courage. ❤
Wow! What beautiful mugs!
Love the champagne hearts!
A cup of tea and Susan’s blog post = stress of the day just melts away….. Thanks Susan! ❤
Oh Susan,
Sorry to hear about your broken wrist! Sometimes we’re forced to slow down whether we want to or not. Hope you get better soon.
Love the new night lights!
Marjorie from PA
love you!
Joe has been hiding his art talent; I love his champagne/heart mug!
I hope your wrist is healing fast and that all goes well when the cast comes off.
Your cups are so whimsical! Reminds me of a tea party. Never had one as a child. But I love yours. My daughter in love should have one of them. She needs some cheering up. Praying that your wrist heals quickly. Give your fur babies some lovins from me. Love this blog post. Stay safe and be blessed!
Hi dear Susan,
Such good news that your wrist is healing well and that Thank-Goodness-for-Joe is helping you to be a good patient. I wish I could help you with the typing (part of my job here). Since I can’t reach that far, I want to say that, unless typing is one of your PT exercises (probably not), you sure don’t need to respond to comments, my comments anyway, in order to give that healing wrist a rest. It is alot that you put this blog together for us, AND added in surprises. Thank you!
PS, Joe is a very talented artist ~ and I do love his vision of hearts floating up like champagne bubbles! Exactly what I always picture happens to the atmosphere wherever you two are ~ so many hearts generated that they pop out your chimney, rising up and over the IOD like ecologically-responsible biodegradable balloons encouraging smiles wherever they go. xoxoxo
I’m so sorry about your wrist. I would love, love, love to have any of the mugs.
I love the cups and would be selfish and keep them all for myself.
Good to see your post! Sending good thoughts for quick healing. Love the night lights-especially the one with the flowers, and all of the mugs are so pretty! Wishing for Fall to come early here in Texas! It’s hot!!
As always, love reading your posts! They make me feel cozy and warm!
I’m sorry about your wrist. Praying you get your cast off Sept. 14.
Oh, Susan❣️Your wonderful post arrived in my inbox after a long day at work and was just the balm I needed to help me breathe deep, relax, and smile. Thank you for your friendship, your humor, your grace, your insight and your love to all of us who look forward to your missives! It’s always like hearing from a dear friend and leaves us feeling refreshed and renewed for whatever lies ahead. Though most of us will never have the pleasure of meeting you in person, or sharing a cup of tea, hearing from you this way is the next best thing ❤️ Isn’t technology wonderful??🥰
I feel your pain about wearing the cast Susan, I had to wear a brace constantly except for bathing, for 6 months for a partial torn ligament in my left thumb. Thank goodness I’m right handed, but it still posed problems for gripping pots and pans for cooking, etc…you really need both hands! Love your posts, get well soon! Take care to you and yours.
PS. I’m reading Martha’s Vineyard again for about the tenth time!! Can’t wait for your next books to come out.
Hope you’ll be using both hands soon!
Love your blogs – I have fond memories of Martha’s Vineyard, as my family summered there when I was a child. So sorry about your wrist. I can totally emphasize, as I wore a cast on my right hand for 6 weeks a few years ago. Be patient and do your physical therapy. Take good care.
Ginger R.
Shaker Heights, Ohio
I feel like I’m reading a letter from my best friend every time I hear from you. My sisters and I have loved your cookbooks for years – the recipes, the sweet illustrations that are so calming and touching. I wish I lived next door.
Thank you for everything you give.
Happiness on a grey day was an e-mail from Susan Branch . Thankyou❤️ Sharon
Dear Susan ~
So glad your hand is on the mend 🙂 Joe’s cup is lovely, he may have found a side hustle, lol. Take care of yourself and do what the Doctor says, we want many more beautiful cups and artwork! Enjoy these last days of summer.
Love,
Donna Wilson
I already have all 4 of the seasons cups but love them so much really want to share with others!
Love Love Love your blog. Especially love your illustrations.
Love your blogs and books and calendars and………. God’s blessings for successful healing!
Susan, so sorry to hear about your wrist. Hope your “glove” comes off soon! Stay positives!
Recover quickly…and completely. One word. Recoverquicklyandcompletely.
p.s. hoping your hand is on the mend and you’ll be back to your usual activities soon!
Your blog entries always make me smile, inspire me to appreciate more of the beauty around me…my garden, my home, my adorable Scottish terrier, art, and on and on. And very soon I will summon the time and attention to myself to begin a whole foods eating plan as well. Thank you! And I hope you heal and rehabilitate quickly 😊
So many pretty things!! Here’s hoping Vanna come through for me!
So sorry to hear about your wrist. Glad you are on the mend and that you were able to keep us updated with your blog- have missed it. Hope your physical therapy goes well, which it probably will since you follow the doctor’s orders🤗
Jack is awesome!
Dearest Susan! Rapid healing! Very impressed with your typing! With your positive attitude , you will be painting soon💕sending you love from a loyal girlfriend!!
Speedy recovery with the wrist. Been there, done that! TG for physical therapy.
I’m inspired by your healthy eating example!
Last night I just finished re reading Fairy Tale Girl and Martha’s Vineyard. Feel in love with the stories all over again. Such a lucky lady you are. It inspired me to start painting again. Thank you
Your blog brings me such peace. Always love receiving the email from you. Truly hope your wrist heals perfectly.
Thank you for this wonderful blog. In these trying times for our country I can always count on you and your work to bring me a feeling of peace and calm.
I discovered your cute little night lights, on your shopping page, a few days ago! They are exactly what I have been looking for. I like how there is a switch to turn the light off/on. Thank you so much. Very nice blog. Hope your wrist/hand is healing well. ~darlene~
OH my! So sorry to hear about the wrist!! You’ll be just like new soon!
Love your mugs and your kitty!!!!❤️💕❤️💕
I’m sorry to hear of your break. Those things really set us back. At least you know how to pace yourself with typing. I started a king size quilt for my grandson and sewed 9 hours for three days in a row. Well, needless to say, I paid for that flat on my back icing/heat for two days, but losing use of your right hand is much worse. I have been totally lost not being able to sit at my sewing machine which is what I enjoy most in life but now know I must pace myself. Praying for quick healing and return to painting, etc. Thank you for the chance to win wonderful prizes.
I love finding your blog in my emails. Such a treat!
Best wishes, Susan, for your wrist to heal quickly and perfectly! Love receiving your newsletter.
OHMYGOODNESS!!!! I wish we would have known about your break, we could have been praying for you!! A million prayers strong! Glad your wrist is going to be OK.. BECAUSE not only do we all want you whole again, but the world NEEDS you!! You and your immense talent make a difference in SO many lives. BTW.. that must truly feel so good to wake every morning, knowing that you and your positive self, enrich so many lives. I am one who’s life you embellish! Am deeply thankful for you and for the life you share with me.
Here’s to your healing! (Raising my glass to you). ♥️
Nan
I love that pumpkinhead cup! So festive! Hope your wrist heals nicely!
So sorry about your wrist! Just love the cups, I see them at Barbara Cheatley’s in Claremont Village. She got me hooked on your ‘stuff’ years ago. The pumpkin cup would look lovely with my amber colored things I have collected for decades. I copy your bookmarks and pass them on to old people in homes around my area. Keep on keepin’ on Susan…your things brighten my day.
The Best to YOU! and Joe too.
I’m head over heals for your four cups your giving away! The seasons are perfect. NO giving them away… just use the season your in at the time. Love, love them.
I’m so sorry to hear about your wrist Susan, but lucky you gets to have Joe take “extra” special care of you. The Champagne Hearts cup turned out so perfect, you two need to collaborate more often. I hope you get good news on the 14th and the brace gets to come off; fingers crossed for you.
Delicious! That is what I call Susan Branch blogs and newsletters. Thank you.
Your blog always brings such happiness, a lot of which we need in our crazy world! So glad you’re better and wishing you the best! The new surprises look amazing and we can almost say “Happy Fall Y’all!” Hugs! Marie
Your blog came at a perfect time. It always makes me calmer and I really needed to today. Thank you.
I’m so sorry about your arm! But you still look charming in your beautiful skirt even with the brace. Get well soon!