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!
Thanks for the opportunity to win a treasure from you. Hope your wrist heals quickly. Patti from Minnesota 🙂
How wonderful that Joe designed a cup! It’s so hard when you break a part of your body you use all day. That means it’s literally time for a break. 🙂 I hope it gets better each day.
Love your positive attitude Susan, hope your arm heals quickly!
I just adore Jack!
Oh, how lovely to have seasonal mugs! Dear Susan, thank you for bringing joy to my life, and connecting me with other women! I always light up when I see one of your books on someone’s shelves–I know I’ve found a friend!
My dear Susan, Hope the wrist is feeling better. I treasured every word of this post. Love the cups and tea plates. I think the Pumpkinhead cup is my favorite. I just love Halloween. The book looks so interesting. Giving us reason to pause and think along with a little smile or giggle, which certainly is a good thing. Hoping you are 100% up and running soon.
I love all your cute “stuff!” Especially your beautiful mugs! I have 3 of them. <3 I treat them with kid gloves. <3 Got a new job last week and will be bringing in this years new desk blotter for 2020. Too cute!
Fingers crossed your cast comes off soon!
Gosh Susan…..You are incredibly thoughtful.
I’m just happy to have the opportunity to try to be a recipient of one of your pieces and, I’m also really happy that even though I may not be chosen– someone else who loves you as much as me will also!!!!
My heart is so ready for Autumn after finishing this post. The reflection of pausing in these times has never been more poignant, thank you.
So lovely to read your blog post and to enjoy all the photos. Very sorry to hear about your broken wrist and hopefully it will be right as rain very soon.
Ah, there’s nothing like a body part not working properly to slow you down and give you a reason to appreciate something you’ve taken for granted. Let’s hear it for right wrists!!! Yea! May each day be filled with patience and faith in the healing. ❤
Comment, comment, comment…@dearsusanbranch. Wonderful news about your poor “wing”
Great!
Congratulations on all those beautiful cup designs!
Glad to hear you are on the mend! you’ve been missed…
Although I am very sad to see summer disappearing on us I do love a good crisp fall.
Happy rehab!!!
Kitty
Oh….winning any of your wonderful items would absolutely make my week! thanks for the chance! Hope your wrist is feeling better and stronger every day
It’s the day before my 70th birthday and unfortunately I am being met with challenges. One dog has skin lesions (costing $1400 so far); the second dog just had two seizures, and my car just had a flat tire. The world, the US, is falling apart. I think getting older is developing a layer of acceptance of things beyond our control. But my human family is healthy and an election will be here soon. The future is hopeful. Thank you Sue for your words about handling stress. They are greatly appreciated.
I’m quite happy with my new calendar; it’s a winner! Love, love love all your pretty new goods!
Thinking of you and sending healing thoughts!
Reading this from sunny beautiful Cayucos ☀️🌊🐚
Yea! Glad your better!
Welcome back I missed you. I love the new mugs especially the pumpkin one. I had my first pumpkin chai of the season today.
So glad you are back – – I sure missed your blog! I know all about arms that don’t work, as I have ALS and almost non-functioning arms and hands. You are lucky though – – you will get the full use of yours again! So thankful for your cheery blogs through the years.
Love love Love ❤️ 💜💕💞
Thankyou ☕️
Susan, hoping and praying for a quick recovery from your wrist injury. I commend your trying to use that left hand! Your honesty is very refreshing. Give your hubby a big thanks for being your caregiver! They are America’s unsung heroes and heroines!
From the Island of Aquidneck., Barbara
You are too good to us! Such lovely gifts given without expecting anything in return. Glad you are on the road to recovery…now no more tripping and falling, please.
I love the new arrivals, especially Joe’s Champagne Hearts cup and the Teapot Plates. Perfectly adorable!
I’m so glad you are doing better. These bodies of our can do amazing things and it throws us when something is out of commission. So much in this post that is fun to read! I happened on the new bead in your shop and I ordered it! I got it the other day and it is beautiful! Thank you too for all the work you are sending Vanna’s way and a new bookmark! It feels like Christmas!
Ooooooooo, Dear Heart, Owwiiiieeee!!
Can’t believe you actually turned out this much post. Holding you in my heart with much love and many prayers to help you totally recover. Take care of you – – and sooo glad Joe and Jack are there to take good care of you, too.
Sending tons of hugs (but not near your wrist!! 🙂
Ruthie, in Minnesota
P.S. – LOVE all the darling cups. Enjoy seeing mine so much on my kitchen counter. They make me smile everyday. And Joe – – love YOUR Champagne Hearts cup! So much talent in one family! (sigh!)
Susan, A remarkable one handed woman. Thanks for trying. Irene Brown
Ooo I don’t have 2 of these mugs, so 2 will be gifts and 2 will be a gift for me!
COURAGE!
As always…such a treat to read every word and identify with the goings on in your life, which many times is duplicated in our own lives. Thank you for the
fun of your comments…even in your “delicate condition”… ;0)
from an understanding “right-handed” friend.
I have been checking your blog almost daily for the last week or so. So thrilled to see you had a new entry today. I was hoping everything was okay with you. So sorry to hear about your wrist . But glad that you are healing . Things like that teach us patience . Blessings to you!
SO many lovelies! That’s including the woman at the top of the blog post, black cast and all. 🙂
So sorry you broke your wrist! And in the summer when there are so many lovely things to do. Speedy recovery, love to you for giving love to us.
Candice
YES! (Typed with one hand, in sympathy.)
So glad you’re back! We missed you!
Do we get Jack, too?
Thanks for the post, we all need calm and quiet days, more now than ever.
Good luck with the hand…..
Three cheers for Susan, Joe & Jack,
A loving family of three they make.
Knowing they are on this planet a swirl,
Gives many beating hearts a twirl.
May their happy lives be long,
And every joyous moment a song!
Love all of your Art.
Hi Susan,
Sorry about your broken right wrist. Ouch! I did wonder why your Blog wasn’t arriving-
Yes, we look forward to them.
10 years ago a dear friend brought me her copies of your Girlfriends Forever, Autumn and The Summer Book, to enjoy as I was recovering from Breast Cancer. I have been one of your best fans ever since, and happily, now cancer free.
I got to meet you and Joe several years ago at The Tattered Cover Book Store, in Denver, Colorado. This year in late April and early May, my husband and I rented a VRBO on the Island. Off-season worked out well that week. Martha Vineyard is lovely!
I continue to be grateful for your inspiration in the art of being a woman with a happy home life. Sincerely, Py, Louisville, Colorado
Oh Susan, I feel your pain! I fractured my right wrist early in May. I live solo so— oh neighbor can you please come over and cut up my cantaloupe! It is very humbling to realize our dependency on our dominant hand—and I have a lot more empathy for my left handed daughter in this right handed world! I am out of cast, through with therapy and still working on full recovery! Hang in there!
Hi Susan,
I am so sorry about your broken wrist but it looks like you are making the best of it. I am so impressed with Joe’s artwork. You two make a great team all around.
I hope you draw my name. 🙂
Marsha
Thanks for doing this.
Susan, I love all of your cups, especially the seasons. Would so like to win one, or two. 🙂 Sorry, sorry about your arm. May it heal very quickly and get you back creating life again. Thank you for your blog. Sandra
Thanks so much for your eye candy, inspirational blog. I love the new night lights, too!
Hope your wrist heals quickly!
I have loved your work for years!!!
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear of your fall and resulting broken wrist. Ouch!! But, praise God, you are nearly back to 100%! Seeing your Pumpkinhead cup made me long for October – my favorite month for a million and one reasons. Being a Michigander, how could I not LOVE October?
No more tripping over boxes, books, or dust motes, young lady! My motto: “Lift leg before moving foot.” It does not always work, but it surely helps!
And, as always, thanks for your positive, thoughtful, and charming blog, dear Susan. God Bless!
Check with your doc you don’t have osteoporosis. And heal quickly and without pain. Love your new calendar and hearing from you.
Oh my how fun to have a chance to win one of your lovely creations! Thanks for the chance! 🙂
I adore your artwork! Wish you’d think about republishing those seasonal cups!
I just LOVE Mr. Pumpkinhead.
I appreciate how you bring to mind the joy that is to be found in the simplest of things, Susan. Thank you for that… and so much more.
So much goodness! Hope your wrist heals quickly!
Oh I would love for my name to be drawn for one of your precious prizes! And today is my 60th birthday so maybe I will be lucky! I’ve followed you since the first Heart of the Home book. Love, love, love your work and that you truly share your life with us girlfriends! I work at a Library in Ohio and we would love to have you come to visit on your next “tour.” We “tea girls” talk about what groupies we’d be if we met you! Hope you have a wonderful Labor Day!
Sorry about your broken wrist. After dealing with carpal tunnel surgery I know how hard it is to do everything left handed when you’re not used to it. Hope it gets easier soon.
How generous of you to give those wonderful gifts. I drink sleepy tea every night what a treat in one of your mugs it would be.
Hi Susan: thanks for all the good news! And that picture of Jack is beyond adorable!
My husband and I are planning a trip to Cape Cod next year. My husband said”why don’t you see if Susan Branch can come over from the Vineyard”!
Glad to hear that your wrist is almost healed. No fun getting through summer in a cast…
L♥️VE.
So sorry to hear about your wrist! Thank you for the wonderful giveaways!
So sorry about your fall. Glad you are back to your blog. Always stop everything to read it- top to bottom.
love the pumpkin mug, my grand daughter and I have Oct birthdays
I am so sorry about your poor wrist! Haven’t had a break but I did have a third degree sprain on my wrist once. Take care!
Oh how lovely to read this chatty post from you. I saw your cast on FB, I think, so I knew you were out of commission for a bit. So glad it seems to be healing well. The giveaway is utterly delightful! Thank you for the opportunity.
Wishing you a Speedy Recovery!
Hope your wrist is right as rain really soon! Thanks for the painstaking post. We have missed you!
Love the bookmark! My new daughter in law has a corgi and she will love it in the book I’m giving her. I wanted to see if you had anything else corgi but I couldn’t find a search button in your shop 🙂
Oh! I love your mugs Susan! Take care of your wrist. Get well soon!
Catherine L.
Hi Susan, So sorry about your wrist. Sounds like its on the mend but dont over=do. Good of you to get this letter out to us. We have missed you.
Thank you Susan for your writing. I like the night lights. Glad to know the mugs are available. Get well soon.
Love all my Susan branch items. Crossing my fingers I can win the mugs which I would cherish forever.
So sorry to hear about your wrist, but so glad you’re on the mend. I did the same thing several years ago and blow drying my hair was impossible!
Enjoy your designs immensely, but am just in love with your cat!
Sorry to hear about your broken wrist! Love the new cups!
1.) Ouch!
2.) Hope you continue healing and get back 109% soon. Joe = best of men; best of husbands.
3.) You look so darling. What cast?
4.) ‘Freaking fork’. I knew you were wonderful!
Love
such a busy happy lady!
So glad you are ok!!! Miss you and your blog posts 🙂 Your mugs are all so pretty- maybe even too pretty to share! Have a nice relaxing Labor Day Weekend 🙂
I love you Susan Branch! You are the best.
Love your Blog and your creative nature.
Hi Susan, So sorry about your wrist, but glad you’re on the mend! Love that last picture of Jack snuggled in the towel.
Lovely as always! Love all your books & trinkets, stories & blogs! It’s always such a treat to see there’s a new blog to read. Kudos to you SB.
Wow! What a lot of loveliness!! Take care of that hand so we can read more inspiration from you!
Susan, you’re so much fun! I love all your stuff! And I’ve been following you a long time!
Keep up all your lovely ways.
It is always so lovely and encouraging to read of the goings-on in your life! Your beautiful house and your daily strivings.
With grateful thanks for sharing,
Cheryl, New Zealand.
Wow! I am so sorry Susan about your broken wrist. I have been there with both wrists…my biggest hang up was the bra! finally learned to put it around my waist and pull up !Girls did not like it so much!
Wish you a good recovery. Love all you new items.
Take good care,
Nancy Boucher
Get well soon!!!
And continue to lift us all up!!
You are amazing and I love reading what you have to say! Thank you for bringing so much light to our world! ☀️ I hope your wrist heals quickly and perfectly! 💖
I’m soo sorry about your hand! Hope good news comes quickly from your mysterious MD.
The coffee cups and night lights are beautiful!
Hope to get more news soon.
So sorry to hear about your accident. However something good came out of it – rest, relax and lots of loving help from Joe. Love the latest Willard and also the 2020 calendar. Our US foster daughter Mary Ellen (ex Martha’s Vinyard and now living in Whanganui NZ near us) has just returned from her 3 week US visit. She brought me your calendar which was very exciting (she knows how to get into my good books( plus your series of 3 books about your life and English visit). How lucky am I. You are such a beacon of hope in our present world. Kia kaha (Stay strong) 🙂
Oh Susan, Your right hand!! I sympathize. When I fell I broke a left elbow but that healed fairly fast. The soft tissue of the wrist took longer. But even w/a cast you still wrote magical words and included lovely pictures. You are so sweet-you spoil us. Thank you for being you and adding such joy to my life. Love, Gail PS I hope that Sept 14th brings you joy!!! Swift healing…Happy celebrating when it does:)
Ouch, get better!
Love your mugs!! Summer is one I wish I had gotten…..have 4 others, use them daily❤️
Oh I hope you get better soon, you never appreciate the use of your hand until something happens then you find out just how much it really does, buttons are the worst. Take care and stay well!
So sorry about your wrist! Hope you heal quickly. Thank you for keeping us updated 🙂 You’re sweet to think of us while you’re recuperating.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful and inspirational work Susan! I adore it all. Especially thanks for the reminder to slow down and unplug. xo
So sorry to hear of your mishap with your wrist, thank goodness it is healing nicely! I’m so excited about the mugs, somehow I missed the winter mug and it is so pretty, I would love it to pieces if I had it! So many lovely giveaways Sue, it is so kind of you, Thank you!