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!
So sorry to hear about your broken wrist. Sending ❤️
You’re the best. I’m always s bit intimidated by you talent and energy. Heal!
I just love all your art work!
Sorry to hear about your wrist. Glad you’re slowly returning to normal.
The new champagne heart mug is a delight.
Oh, I would so love a cup from you! Love them all!!
Sending healing thoughts your way!
Oh Susan so great to hear from you, but I’m sad about your wrist!!! Hopefully the cast will be off very soon. Maybe you just needed to rest❤️
I’m in love with all the cups, but would be so very thrilled to win the Pumkinheaf cup as Halloween is my birthday and what a great thing to receive. I will be 64!!!
I wish everyone here in Branchland the best of luck!! Contests are so fun!!
Love and peace,
Doreen
Knowing what a good patient you are, I feel confident that you will get your brace off on Sept. 14th! Hang in there! Also…Jack is simply delicious, especially his adorable little paws. Lovely boy!
Sorry you broke your wrist!!!! Glad you are on the mend!!! I love pumpkins and would love to win the pumpkin head cup and note cards. I have pumpkins in my home on display all year round!
Ouch! Sorry about your broken wrist. I broke mine some years ago one slippery day heading for a substituting day in kindergarten. Two months later it was completely healed. That day will come soon for you, Susan!
I hope you heal up fast! The world needs your creative handiwork!
So sorry to hear about your wrist Susan! I did the same thing last November the day before Thanksgiving! ( At least all I is had to do was to bring a pie. 😊) Hope your wrist is healing well and that this will soon be a distant memory. Take good care and thanks for always
bringing so much sunshine to others! ♥️🌞🌻
Oh my dear, I can’t imagine the pain! I fell a few years ago and thought I was going to hit the cement okay, but no, face down first….not a good fall! It must be frustrating beyond belief to lose the use of your “do it all” hand, praying it’s healing right and the cast comes off as scheduled. The gifts are glorious, I look forward to the drawing! Be careful Sweet Sue!
Heal up soon!
Thank you for bringing such joy to our lives!! My heart does a little somersault when I see the words “Susan Branch Blog” in my inbox!
Oh, please, me! I keep trying😘
Pick me! I would love a surprise in the mail.
So sorry to read that you broke your wrist. Scary thing to have happen to an artist!
Your blogs are “like a letter in a mailbox”; I do so enjoy the art of conversation via the written word. Thank you as always for “showing up” and adding sparkles of delight to my day. Wishing you recovery with no complications on your broken wrist. Obviously it was time for you to “be still” for a season, to embrace the pause in your calendar and find strength – and courage in what you had no control over. Once the doctor gives the “good patient” the approval to enter your schedule again, know that we are here, but “take your time” in posting the blog. No need to cause another level of injury as we await your next ‘chapter of life’. Thank you being so faithful and dedicated to all your girlfriends; your talents touch our lives in which give us smiles – and courage; thanks for the dazzles that come with each blog post.
I really enjoy our blogs so much. I love and admire your art work so much!!!
So sorry to hear about your wrist, been there, done that. Do your PT and it should feel good as new ❤️
Lovely as usual! My dear friend broke her wrist while we were dancing! She did a bit of a twirl and boom! Down she went! Hers should come off about the same time as yours! I shall share your blog….it will make her day!
You’re a trooper! Stay in good spirits, it will heal quicker 😉!
What an uplifting post, Susan! I hope your wrist heals rapidly and completely!
You are an amazingly gifted lady who brings smiles to so many with your art and writing. Thank you for not hiding your gifts and letting them shine to encourage and inspire others! Blessings to You and Joe.
so sorry to hear about your wrist, but you are the fourth ladykin I have heard of breaking their wrist in the last 4 months. My sister had to have titanium splints added to her ulna bone and that will take a long time to heal. Hope you heal quickly!
I picked the Champagne Heart cup out of three. I just love it. It is a continual delight to see your many creations. Thank you for all the Joy you give us.
💕❤️💕💐
Linda Noordman-Velebir
I would love to be the lucky winner of these cups, I broke my one and only one last year!!
Kathy from CT
Wow, Susan! So many fun giveaways!! The last picture of Jack’s paws while he sleeps is so adorable. Your posts always brighten my day, thank you,
Corrinne
Lovely story about the Champagne Hearts cup . Hope you heal quickly !
Hope you heal soon!
loving everything!!!!
Get well, soon. Missed you!
Dear Susan,
Huge admirer of you, your creative works of art and the written word!
Thank YOU for making this crazy world a better place!
It was long ago, but I remember still having a broken wrist, ugh! Mine was ice skating in eighth grade. Falls can be bad, glad yours was not so bad, and you got complimented for being a good patient. At our age, that is something to be happy about! I think that means you were “nice” and that is important! Would love to win a surprise, of course, but love reading your blog and enjoying your art and photos. Hope that you are all mended soon!
Another wonderful post, always makes me happy. I’ve been a follower of yours for many years. Love the kitties(when my kitty used to strike that pose I said he had a kitty headache) Lynn Hope you have a speedy recovery!
I love the new charm. I have several of the other ones and they are so special to me. I also love the cups. I love the Halloween cup, especially since my birthday is October. I hope your arm returns to normal very quickly.
So sorry to hear about your right wrist. I can’t imagine trying to use my left hand for eating or putting in my earrings! Makeup! That would be tricky too! Luckily September isn’t too far away now 🙂
Fingers crossed Vanna picks me! 🙂
So very sorry for your injury. Hope healing and rehab bring you back to full health soon. You have chosen such a delightful group of gifts to share with us, thank you. You keep finding ways to brighten our world.
I am so sorry about your wrist! We miss most what we don’t have. So happy to see you blog though. it always cheers me up and makes me smile!!
You are amazingly generous❤️
I have followed you for years and adore your style. I can to know your books as I started my family. Twenty+ years later, as my four daughters start emptying the nest, it feels nostalgic to reread through your beautiful books (yes, I read cookbooks like books).
Sorry about your arm. Be patient!
Love Love Love the Autumn cup.
Always lovely creative goods !
Love your designs!
I’m so sorry about your wrist! I sliced the tip of my thumb a few weeks ago and could barely do anything! For a maker and do-er like yourself that’s a long time to be out of commission – good thing you have Jack around to demonstrate living well without accomplishments. I spent a few days in Tashmoo a couple of weeks ago, during Illuminations (finally our sailing trip lined up with the event – I was in heaven!). Our friends brought along a dear friend of theirs who recently lost her husband – too young and very suddenly. She was working to bravely face being with people, considering the future, taking part in “fun” though it probably felt strange to her. She is a new friend but I want to send her the Courage dear heart charm – especially with the C.S. Lewis quote – I had thought of recommending some of his writing about losing a love that I had found helpful, but now I know how I’ll send it. Love to hear from you XOXO feel better.
Oh, poor baby with a broken wrist! But a coincidence, because at almost the same time my husband broke his wrist. He was walking our lab who saw a rabbit and took off…still connected to his master via the leash! Hubby went down, out went the right arm and hand annnd….you know the rest. A few more weeks and he will be free just like you. Hope you’ll have a good recovery! You both need those right hands! Take care; stuff happens!
Thanks so much for your kindness. Love everything you do, so inspiring.
Oh, Susan…poor baby. (It’s a well-known medical fact that lots of “poor babies” makes any boo-boo better.)
That last photo of Jack is just precious beyond words! I have a very spoiled Tuxedo myself (my last several cats have been Tuxes) and I am about to adopt another one so he has a buddy. My other cat died about a year ago and I think my boy is a bit lonesome. Unfortunately, the little Tux I’m about to adopt comes with a solid gray sibling to which it’s very attached, so… One cat is fine…two still okay, but three…? You’re teetering very near the brink of “crazy cat lady!”
I hope you mend soon. We miss you and know you have deadlines looming.
🙁 So sorry to hear of your accident. Hoping for full and speedy recovery of your wrist fracture. All of your designs ( and Joe’s) are sweet.
SUSAN!
So sorry to hear you broke your wrist, hope you are healing and back to your routine quickly! Prayers going out for you and Joe!
Lucy
So sorry about your wrist. Hope you are 100% soon! Love all of your work! When will your next England book come out? Sincerely, Virginia
Thank you for offering us this opportunity! I love all of your creations and hope I win! ❤
Susan, I particularily noticed the opening picture of you and your lovely attire, just love it! I am curious, on a personal note, what kind of stockings are those, they complete the outfit so well. Please share, I am always on the lookout, and would like to go back to skirt wearing, but can not myself do the bare leg that is become so popular today. Thanks
Just white socks! I’m a sock girl!
I love all your give always but have a dear friend I would gift that pumpkin mug to should I win…she is a true Halloween fan!
I hope you heal quickly! I think your new eating habits will go a long way in the healing process ♥️
Oh Susan…I am truly sorry for your accident! I have been there…where “parts” won’t work, no matter how much I “will” them to! As always, your email on my inbox made my day . I’m listening to your offered musica as I type this and I think of ways to add resolve and learn to “listen to the quiet.” Love you from afar (by way of Arroyo Grande though, where I just spent a week in bliss). Linda
Such pretty new things. Hope your wrist gets better soon.
Love the Red Heart mug.
Susan, I have lived vicariously through you for years – a Cali girl dreaming of New England. Thank you for taking me there!
Thank goodness Joe is taking good care of you.
They are beautiful ❣️
Susan, So sorry for your mishap. Bless Joe’s giant heart. He is so full of surprises which we are aware. Bubbling hearts. Perfect.
Come on September.
Bunny hugs,
Shirley
HAPPY you are back!
So hope your wrist is healed soon. Will pray for that and as a,ways good to hear from you.
I love your blogs so sweet and optimistic. Thank you❣️
The robot therapist. Ugh. Courage, dear heart. Indeed. ♥️
Have been thinking about you and your blog the last couple of days so was excited to see your name pop up in my Inbox. lol Thanks for all the fun blogs and hope your wrist heals in a very timely manner!
So sorry to hear of your injury! Hope you are fully mended very soon! I hate (love?) how you always leave us in suspense with your blog ….. what’s the next surprise?!?! I’m still waiting to hear that someone out here in the West is making a movie of your life and books!!!! ??????? Hope that is still in works. Would love to see that. Take care!
Patty in SLO
Broke my arm technically but close to my wrist and did need surgery right before Christmas so I do understand. I took it as a sign to slow down and mostly have. Hope you heal quickly! Xxxxoooo Wilhelmina
Hello dear Susan,
So sorry to read about your terrible boo boo 🙁 It looks like your mind has learned a new way of writing & I’m happy for that. I’ve missed reading all your newest adventures.
I know you will appreciate this quote by – Albert Einstein
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”
“To think.” 👍
Those mugs are lovely and they will make separate gifts for family members.
Oh, so sorry about your wrist…hopefully you’ll bounce back quickly, there’s so many wonderful fall things coming up (pumpkin carving, baking, decorating) and yes, they will most likely require two hands!
Thanks a bunch for the updates…so many wonderful things to look forward to! I’m ordering the Courage charm right now – my daughter just started college and we both could use a little courage! (Sniff, sniff)
It’s fall in the Black Hills of South Dakota!
I fell a couple weeks ago, but I was carrying something large that I didn’t want to drop, so I didn’t catch myself with my hands and break a wrist. I hope yours feels much better soon!
My heart to your heart. And exquisite Martha’s Vineyard. Hope your wrist heals quickly.
Susan, loved your surprise post. I am so sorry about your wrist and the fall. I did a like fall, but lunged on to my LEFT hand. I am rightie, but it was still hard to have no use of the left hand. My heart goes out to you. Good idea to keep the strength up in the arm. Wish I had thought of that.
I’d love to win the mugs. I live in New Zealand and we don’t get your work here much at all. When I go state side, I always try to pick up all things made by my friend, Susan. Take care!
Susan,
Glad to hear you are healing and that no surgery is needed. While not as significant a break as a wrist, I broke a toe while camped in mountains this month. It is very surprising how much our extremities do for us! Thank you for the joy and color in your posts — they brighten my world.
Love love love Susan.
I have been with her since her first book.
THANK YOU SUSAN, for the joy you bring to others with your art, writing, quotes, etc.
Blessings on you❤️🌼❤️
Oh please pick me! ☕
Oh, I do love your work! Pick me Vanna :0)
I have missed reading your blog and now I know why no posts! So sorry for the wrist break. I’m sure you feel thankful it wasn’t worse. Thank you for the chance to win some goodies. I just took out my autumn cup yesterday ! Love it! Take care. Have missed your writings, pictures and art.
So sorry to hear about your wrist! What a pain both literally and figuratively!!! Glad to know that you are, however, on the mend. Take care…and it was great to read your blog post again!!!
Love the red champagne heart cup! sorry about your accident.
Autumn is my favorite time of year. I was born in October, my daughter was born in October, and my mother was born on Halloween. When my daughter was born (#3 daughter), We named her Sarah Putnam, Putnam was a family name. Her two older sisters couldn’t say the Putnam part and called it Pumpkin…and that’s what she’s called now (at age 47) !
Susan, Sooooo sorry your wrist is broken, everything happens for a reason. Please take care, heal fast & complete. Praying for your full recovery.
Omg! Those night lights are soooooo adorable…and sweet Jack snuggled in on last photo. Be. Still. My. Heart.
Hope your wrist is good as new soon! Xo
Oh Susan I feel so bad for you with that break! Of course it had to happen on your right hand! Just love all the mugs…heal quickly, and Happy Labor Day😊
Hello Sweet Susan!
I’m so sorry about your wrist! It’s so incredible the amazing things(big and small) our bodies do for us. When one of those parts is out of commission it really magnifies how lucky we are when we’re firing on all cylinders! I know you were in great hands and paws while you were recuperating. HOORAY for being in the home stretch of recovery!
I love Joe’s champagne heart mug. You obviously inspire each other, and you both inspire me!
Happy Sweet September to you and all in The House of Creativity!
❌⭕️❌⭕️,
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi, Ca
Delightful letter. Sorry you broke your wrist! Get well soon!!
Glad you are recovering and able to give us a lift! It has been a long,hot,dry summer.a
I would love those mugs i have four children one born in every season! a winter spring summer and fall baby! I hoe your arm heals quickly its amazing how much we need something when we don’t have it!
I do hope that soon you will be brisk as a bee! On your recommendation I am reading the Nella Last diaries…so interesting! I am confused about the meal at teatime. And amused that it often includes 3 kinds of bread and 3 kinds of cake! Now that’s my kind of meal 😋
Sorry to hear about your wrist….that is a fear of mine.
Oh my goodness! So many pretty things in this post! And precious Jack, cute as ever. I hope you continue to heal. Not a fun problem but at least it is something that will get better which is encouraging!
Thank you Susan! I love the quote from the dove coat about “love stays” is it available on any of your items?
~patty
Very glad your wrist is healing & you’ll soon be good as new!
LOVE your books & dishes & your blogs. Thank you for sharing your love with the world!
Oh dear one, how sweet to think of us when you are the one who is hurt! I love my “God Save the Queen” mug. The corgi on it reminds me of all the corgis we’ve owned over the years. Our last one traveled over the rainbow bridge just this spring. Good luck with your wrist, hope it heals quickly!
Cups, please. 😉
Love your products and your newsletters!
Yay, I love seeing Jack. It is very cool that Joe designed a cup! You folks take care and watch where you are walking!
Oh, my! I hope your hand heals quickly! What beautiful charms, and the cups! I am a big fan, and have been since life is a chair of bowlies, which hung in my office in the 70’s! I’ve been getting inspiration from your writings and illustrations since then. Just last week, I got two of your books in the mail, and have already read them both. Thanks, thanks, thanks!
I’m so sorry you broke your wrist. I’m glad the cast comes off soon. I thank you for all the reminders of how to slow down and enjoy life. I am able to slow down and enjoy nature in my backyard by watching all the Monarch butterflies in my yard and the sweet Hummingbirds. So happy to have you sharing with us again.
Love, love, love EVERYTHING!!!