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 about your wrist. I know so many people who have broken their fall with their arm
or wrist! Ouch! Such a human thing to do. Would love to win the beautiful mugs! I have
purchased your mugs as gifts for friends, but I never bought the beauties for my self. Love
the hearts!
Love the pumpkin mug!
So good to hear from you and so sorry about your hand. Being a bit older than you I have to remind myself to slow down. Happy you have the artistic Joe to take care of you. All of your new “pretties” are wonderful. Enjoy your late summer. We are bracing for possible high winds from the hurricane. Wish I was in Minnesota 🙁
Ohmygosh, Susan, I’m so sorry to learn about your broken wrist! I hope it isn’t too terribly painful and it’s freed from the captivity of the cast very soon. Take good care of you!
Hello! Sorry you got hurt 😐
I broke my left hand last year (just a fluke accident) and I’m here to tell you, I was sure that it would never be the same, but all is well! I was grateful it wasn’t my right hand, but it was still scary how much I couldn’t do with only one hand! Because you’re right handed, I think you’ll be even more than okay as it is probably stronger than your left hand so it’ll heal faster. Yup. Just keep telling yourself that! I’m so sorry though. Your give-aways are so generous. Thanks for the chance to win! XXO
I feel your pain! Nothing make you more grateful for the use of all your limbs than the temporary (thank goodness) loss of one! Mine was a broken leg…
Dear Susan,
I loovvveee all your books and all your artwork!!! It makes me happy and smile to myself. I have introduced your art to friends and they love it too.
So sorry about your wrist, it is very difficult, I know. But you will be good as new in a short time.
I would love to win one of your gifts! Fingers crossed! Take care.
Cindy
So sorry for your injury. Get well soon.
What a lovely post and such nice gifts! Thanks for the background information on the heart cup! Thanks for your beautiful works!
So sorry to hear about you falling and breaking your right wrist. Know that had to be so hard. I fell in May and broke my left wrist. Had a cast on and then the brace but am good now.only had one day of my therapy but did the exercises faithfully
So do your exercises. Would love to win the inspiration note cards!
Susan,
First off, I’m very sorry about your wrist. When I was in grade school I broke my left wrist. Yes, I’m left handed :). Secondly, I would be delighted to win any of your fabulous offerings. Your kindness is much appreciated.
Susan in PA
Love
Dear Susan, I love the new night lights!💕
I love all your writings & books which I have, A Fine Romance especially. Sorry about your wrist but happy it didn’t require surgery.
Be patient with your wrist and yourself! Healing takes time and can’t be rushed!
Wonderful give-aways Susan! I always smile when I see your email in my inbox!
Hope you have a speedy recovery!
Love the new Hearts mug!
I am glad last you are healing. Being one handed is no fun, I can tell you from echo pretence. Hugs
Your cups are delightful! Have noticed everything tastes better out of them. Thank you for what you do and doing it so well!
I’m so sorry you broke you right wrist. And, I am so glad to see your appreciation of all
Joe has been doing for you. He is the gem in your life! We rarely appreciate what we have until we loose it or its use even temporarily. And at our age, we are more apt to trip, fall, and damage on appendage or two. I am blessed with personal experience along these lines. Caregivers are the gems in my life now. Learning to receive was a hard lesson to learn, as it is a 360 degree view of love and kindness / giving and receiving.
Thanks for the update. Oh, Have you considered an app that allows you to dictate your posts? There are many out there to consider.
Heal quickly!
Take care of yourself!!!
Oh my gosh, I have the BIGGEST girl crush on you Susan. I literally have told everyone I know about your blog, and gave all my girlfriends copies of your books as gifts!!! I can not wait for the release of your newest book, it will make a perfect gift to give this year.
I have great sympathy about your broken wrist! I, too, broke my right wrist and have had a doozie of a time trying to get things done. Hope you get over the “slow down” quickly!
I was so very to find this in my inbox. I have missed you Susan. I broke my right arm several years back, but did have surgery. Therapy is a God send.
Hope you draw my name.
Your writing always makes me feel cozy! That great feel of being content mixed in with a little bit of nostalgia. Thank you! Hope your healing continues and you’re back to normal in no time flat.
Thank you for a lovely post. I needed it this evening. I hope your hand heals quickly!
What a bad break (pun intended!)! At least the calenders were done! Drink lots of orange juice, good for tissue and bone repair! And left hand still good for petting Jack!
Love all that you do. Your enthusiasm is inspiring and that makes me happy.
Thanks, Susan. Coincidentally my sister who is about your age also is sporting a similar black “glove” for the same reason as you. Hope you’re feeling better soon. Love love LOVE the photos of Jack! ❤
I have a letter from you, dated Sep. 25, 1992- I wrote to you to ask about your sun dried tomato recipe. You wrote back a lovely note…it’s now framed in my hall way. SB lovers are so excited to see it when I brag about it!
I was thinking the other day how I need more positive thinking, lovely things, and joy in my life. That all made me think of you! Thanks for sharing your life with us.
And, please pick me for one of your give aways.
Hello Susan! Get Well Soon! Sending bunches of prayers your way for that precious right wrist to continue healing, minus any complications. You must fake it well, Susan, because you look so cute and so happy in your adorable outfit! Jack’s cozy photos could melt butter! Take care. God Bless.
Please heal quickly! We miss you! ♥
OH!!! All your mugs are so beautiful. I need some new ones. My old ones are still going strong but I only have 3 left. 🙁 I think I need some sailboats in my future.
Thank you Susan. I hope your better soon!
Always a wonderful read!
Love your blog Susan. So sorry to hear about your wrist, and hope it heals soon so you can get back to what you love.
I hope you are healed and back to normal soon!
Sorry to hear about your wrist. It is never easy to deal with a broken limb and especially your dominant side. Take care!
Cathy
Hope you are soon rid of your cast!
Thank you for mindfully trying to make each of our places on earth better. If we would all do this …. just imagine!
Oh Susan! Heal quickly! I’m headed off to get married on Saturday to my best friend! Friends for 22 years! Then a honeymoon cruise to Alaska! I so enjoy looking at all your red transferware in the background of your pictures! I’m an avid collector!
Love your blog!
Susan, I’ve tried and tried to get your attention!!! I’ve left so many comments telling you how great you are but ——– ! I do hope you’re feeling much better and soon you’ll be typing away with both hands and all healed. God willing.
Glad you are on the mend..Your blog always has the most enjoyable notes and pictures..
Dear Susan,
I hope your cast comes off soon and that you will soon be back to typing with both hands. Missed your blogs.
MaryAnn Nichelini
Always love your blogs! Glad your wrist is healing. Thanks for the opportunity to win some sweet prizes.
Just love your posts and photos of all things SB! Can’t wait to learn how you’re doing with healing your hand. God bless you!
As a retired English teacher (41 wonderful years!), I look forward to your Blog. With a world in such turmoil, how wonderful to have a few moments of escape. Thank you for enriching the world!
Sending healing love!
So sorry about your wrist, Susan. I pretty much know how you feel as I sliced the tip of my middle finger on my right hand off cutting a cucumber for dinner with a mandoline. We just take for granted how we use our dominant hand and when something goes wrong there’s not much we can do about it. My left hand is getting a good workout but there are plenty of things I still can’t do. As you mentioned, washing your hair, typing, signing my name and taking a shower was the worst as I’m not supposed to get it wet. I can now see that it is healing up, but it will be a while before I can completely use it as it is still quite tender.
I love the idea that Joe designed the red heart mug. I preordered it and hope to receive it soon.
Take care of that wrist and just don’t trip again.
Sorry to hear about your accident. Know that had to really hard for you bring right handed. I fell in May and broke my left wrist was in a splint for two weeks then a cast and then a brace had one day of physical therapy but did the exercises faithfully and it’s good now. So keep moving those fingers. Would love to win the inspiration am note cards!
Love , love these mugs. I might even share with a granddaughter that will be having a baby boy in several weeks.
I must say, I LOVE all of your products (and wish I could afford them ALL)! Joe outdid himself with the design of the champagne hearts! I hope your wrist heals quickly so you can indulge us with your creativity without pain. I also LOVE JACK (especially his mustache)!
My goodness, I definitely need some cheering up!
Get better soon Susan!!
Thank you Susan for making the world a better place with your charm & beautiful art.
So sorry about your wrist. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
❤️Patricia
So sorry to hear about your wrist! May you heal completely and soon.
Please be careful, Susan. The world needs your art and books more than ever!
I love your letters. I’m glad your wrist is healing. You are very love
Sent one…don’t know if received. Glad you are on the mend.g
So glad to hear from you….. so sorry about your wrist…. it’s almost fall….. my favorite time if the year. Keep getting better. Looking forward always to a new post.
Health, healing, and happiness to you all.
Smiles,
Liz
Oh! So sorry to read about your broken wrist. Thank you for patiently typing your news for us. Hope the cast is off even earlier than expected.
Susan, so sad about your injury! I know you will work hard to strengthen it and make mire beautiful words for all to enjoy. I love all you do and the positive impact on all us girls! Thank you. Hugs
Glad to hear from you again…speedy recovery
You always make me smile Susan!! 💕💕💕💕 Sorry about your wrist. Ouch, ouch and ouch! Your description of everything you do with that hand and how you have had to retrain your brain to do it differently has made me think about being a little more cautious in my everyday endeavors! Prayers for fast healing. Love you
So sorry to hear about your wrist, but your outfit is so cute in that photo that it must’ve cheered you up!🌻
Susan, thank you so much for all the effort you made to make such a lovely post. With giveaways and food for thought. I’m sorry about your wrist, my friend. I always notice when my spinal stenosis acts up how appreciative I am of a body part until it doesn’t work. I can’t wait to receive my new mug. I need it like a need a hole in my head, but just couldn’t resist. Take care of yourself.
What absolutely lovely prizes💕
Lots of prayers and wishes for your writing/everything hand to be back to 100% soon
Love it all!
Helloooo Susan 🍁
So sorry to see your wrist was hurt, and glad it has healed enough for us lucky ones that love your blog. I’m so glad it’s almost my favorite time of the year. I love Autumn best of all.So I think I may have to order a new mug for all those Fall drinks of hot cider, cocoa, tea and coffees! I’m going to check on your new calendars too. Thank you! It has been a while. It was a nice surprise to see your post today.
Sincerely,
Randi ——<—-<—@
Oh my gosh- I love your summer mugs. I’ve recently come across your blog, having loved your art work for such a long time. And I really enjoyed your books. I started with your Isle of Dreams and wish that I had had the courage and fortitude you had when you moved the Martha’s Vineyard. Such sadness and unrest created such a wonderful future for you. I’m so glad you are on the mend and able to type again – I didn’t realize how much I missed having you pop up in my blog. Your posts help to refocus the joy of life on the things that matter – thank you!
I’m so sorry about your broken wrist. I did that once and I had to have surgery after wearing the cast for 6 weeks. It was hard! Speedy healing!
Dear Susan,
So sorry to hear about your wrist! I’m sending healing vibes your way! I’m also wishing and hoping to be a lucky giveaway winner. I’m loving the mugs!
Best,
Tara
Dear Susan,
So sorry to hear about your arm. Don’t you just hate it when things like that happen and all your plans come to a grinding halt. It sounds like you have persevered and are well on your way to recovery. Thanks for all you do to make this a better place.
Anne
I love your blog posts so much!! They are always good for my soul!! I hope you’re healing well 😁💐
Thank you Susan for another uplifting message, especially since you had to type with your left hand. I appreciate your blog so much, it reminds us to be grateful for each day!
Hugs, Wendy🌻
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Wrists are so important!
Your cup will look wonderful on my windowsill over my sink! First thing I will see every morning as I fill my teakettle
Oh my goodness, my cup runneth over with joy seeing your new post. You did a great job! No wonder…Jack was right by your side. What a snuggle puss he is. I am very excited over all the wonderful give aways. Wowza. You are right: the world needs cheer and no one does it better than you Susan. Happy gene queen. xo
I always enjoy all that you share, Susan!
Sending positive thoughts to help the healing
continue!😊
So sorry you broke your wrist, get well soon. Wonderful news letter, Jack is brilliant!
Sorry about your wrist. I love to read your newsletter and see the things you have created.
Thank you for your wonderful blog! I am so happy that you are mending and that you didn’t need surgery. I’m wishing you continued good health. Love always, your friend from Framingham, Donna
Susan, great to hear from you. You were missed. Take care and don’t over work your hand.
Sooooo sorry to hear about your accident!! I’ve been checking the blog almost daily and was wondering where you were. I hope you’re good as new very soon. You’ve been missed!
I look forward to every single Willard, and get giddy when I see your name in my inbox! Thank you for being such an inspiration and source of joy!!
I have missed your wonderful posts so much. I knew there had to be a good reason and I am glad it was a simple break of your wrist. I have several of your mugs and would love to win the set of four. They would make fantastic Christmas gifts !!
Hope that darn break keeps healing…thanks for all the effort into keeping us updated…we love you!
Oh Susan… You always appear when I need a dose of happiness and goodness !! Thank you!! And that Jack…ohmagoodness!! XXOO
So glad you can type! Great to read things are going better. Love, love, love the mugs!
Oh Susan! Your blog makes me happy, your books make me happy, your cups make me happy! So thankful that you exist! 🙂
I am excited about the giveaway! I especially like the seasons cups! <3
I wouldn't want to separate them; but I can have girlfriends over and share them excessively during fun tea times!! 🙂
Wow, Susan, you’ve had quite a summer! So glad you are on the mend! Being able to do the little things that make up a life is an amazing blessing! We love you girlfriend! Please be careful. The world needs you! (And, so do we…) 😻
What a fun give a way. And I love your blog. Thank you for being you. And yes, listening to the silence is great
Oh, Susan…so sorry about your broken wrist, but happy you are on the mend! As always, I love your beautiful posts and the lovely photos and artwork. The charm and mugs and little dishes are wonderful. Happy end of summer from SE Michigan!🌻
So sorry to here you got a break! And not a good one with glass of wine! Love all your osts. Thank you for being a beam of light in our lives. Our country needs more like you dear Susan. I finally stopped in Arroyo Hrsnde when we camped at favorite Pismo Beach. Darling little shops there. Sweet town.
Susan dear,
So sorry to know you suffered the pain of a broken wrist. Ouch. Your photo is adorable, I must say. Thank you for sharing it first. I truly enjoy your blog, recipes, quotes and photos of your home…your travels and all you share. I only met you one time but you have been a friend to me since I read your first book. Take care,
Janice
Hope your wrist is healing quickly and you’re back to normal asap. Would absolutely love to win any of the items so I can share with my friend Kathy whose husband passed away this year. She is a great fan of yours and we both talk of a trip to the English countryside…even if it is in our dreams!