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 big break! But glad to see your lovely cups. Happy last days of summer!
Bless your hear, we sure have missed you. Rosie in Ct.
where’s my comment? Doesn’t it show up right away?
I, too am sporting a cast on my left arm so I can commiserate with you. Hope you’re up to your old self soon. Love your artwork.
Be sure and do all your phys. therapy, it will bring your wrist back to normal. It will take time. I can only imagine how this must drive you crazy. Feeling so unable to follow your love of writing and drawing. Happy to hear it did not require surgery. Take time to heal and get back to nearly new. 🌺🥀❤
I hope your wrist is all better soon! <3
Feel better soon. Always enjoy Willard! Hope to be on the vineyard this fall
elizabeth
I love your blogs and a chance to share your beautiful world. Someday I hope to visit Martha’s Vineyard.
Two years ago on Christmas Eve, I broke my own right wrist, falling as my husband twirled me in a jitterbug move! (Ouch!). We’re both 74 years old now— but hopefully will never be too old to dance!
Love the story about Champagne Hearts cup.
Hope you continue to heal fast, Sue! Sounds rotten. I love these offerings, and would love to be one of the lucky ones. Thanks for the chance!
So good to see this blog from you Susan! It is wonderful. And just
remember, the ordeal with your hand is only temporary! It too will pass!
But your blog is just what was needed today! And the book you are reading
sounds like a keeper, and funny and oh, so true about our ‘cellphone usage’.
So grateful you are back to being able to type with your left hand helping
and maybe, you’ll be able to do some painting too.
Much Love, Stay calm and carry on!
Connie from Michigan
I unfortunately don’t have any of your lovely tea mugs and would ❤️ to win!!! Brought back a beautiful poppy teacup from northern England in 2018 that disappeared in transit😔. Really enjoy your posts. Keep doing what you do-we need people who spread love now more than ever! P.S. have a son who loves Corgis and the Queen. He’ll think the bookmark is ‘The Bomb’.
Susan … I’m sooo sorry that you broke your wrist … oh, my gosh … that is so painful and inconvenient … I too am right handed! I absolutely love your blog and wait for the email that you have posted a new addition. Good luck with pt. Diana
I am so sorry to hear about your broken hand. I know exactly what you are going through. I just had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand and have discovered how much I have taken the use of my hand for granted. So many little things that I do every day that are now challenging.
Welcome back!
I just love your art work.
Would love to win any of the mugs ❤️
Free is always nice!
Dear Susan,
You always cheer me up with your blog posts! Love, love, love them and YOU! You are a ray of sunshine in a gray world! 💗
With love and admiration,
Kerri O.
Oh Susan, so many giveaways…my cup runneth over! Sad to hear about your wrist, but hope the downtime gave you an opportunity to relax and reflect.
So glad you didn’t need surgery on wrist. And hoping your wrist heals well because we really enjoy your beautiful artwork
Poor Susan …what an awful thing to have happen!
I too experienced the nit so fun of falling, breaking my wrist and enduring PT…those therapists are evil! Ouch!
My prayers for fast healing are with you. Thank you for sharing all that you do!
Love And hugs!
Laura
Speedy healing to you, Susan.
You’re the best💞
Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about your wrist😟. Hopefully in a few months it will be a distant memory. So glad you’re back at the keyboard😊😊
Susan, I so feel for you! I broke my left wrist 5 yrs. ago & did have to have a metal plate & 7 pins put in it. I am right handed, but you take for granted so many things it takes 2 hands to do.
Dear Susan, So sorry about your wrist! The new products are just lovely. I love getting your emails, it brightens my day.
Such a shame that you had the fall and broken wrist! But here you are, already mending, and typing, and, I am sure, making life beautiful on your Isle of Dreams!
I am hoping to get there next spring with my brother and sister-in-law, and see first hand the magic you describe!
Thank you for all your lovely writing and art,
Ellie Jacobson
Milwaukee, WI
PS, come to Wisconsin sometime! I think you would love it here!
I love your blog. It is always so inspiring. Thank younfor it. So sorry about your wrist. Lu Frisbee
Take good care of yourself while you recover! Rest, recuperate, rejuvenate…
Love everything you do. You are sooooo talanted. Always checking to see if a new blog appears when I click on your name.
Love this post! Hope your wrist heals quickly. My son broke his right wrist the first week of summer vacation. Not a fun time, but he is all healed now!
Especially love your inspirational notecards and of course the mugs – especially the pumpkin heads as I celebrate a Halloween birthday!
Oh, Susan! Take care of yourself. And, thank you for wonderful quotes that brightened my day!
Oh my goodness, bless your heart! Sorry to hear about your arm, hope you are mending well! I just had a bicycle wreck, injured my wrist and knee. Lesson learned though, will stop and think before trying to ride through a rough patch of road 😜. Love and prayers to you and your family!
So sorry about your broken wrist Susan ! Sending good thoughts that you will recover completely. Missed you so much – always feel inspired when your blog comes out. Loving the new teapot plates and the bracelet charm . Everything you do is fabulous. !!!🙏🌻
About to publish my first book (Being Ethel(in a world that loves Lucy) and you have been such an inspiration to me! Thank you!
Your blog posts are always such great fun and, except for the broken wrist, filled with wonderful news! Fingers crossed your doc has wonderful news for you, too, next month… Thank you for a chance to win a lovely treasure, you are so generous! xoxo
I’m so sorry about your wrist. Sending healing wishes your way.
Oooh! Night Lights! I have a couple of the old ones with the bright bulbs, but do not care for the new ones with the energy-saving bulbs since they barely light a space a few inches around them. And both designs are so pretty!
So sorry to hear about your broken wrist…wishing you a speedy recovery!
So glad to hear something from you! Have really missed you and am so sorry for your broken wrist! My sister broke hers this past winter and said the same things you did. How you don’t realize how many things are difficult or nearly impossible without your right hand.. wishing you a quick recovery a!
Hi Susan! So sorry about your wrist. I have been there too, thumb joint replacement though, but don’t we just take those hard working hands for granted? Thank you for taking the time and effort to write such wonderful news! My news is grand baby #12 but she came 11 weeks early! And 3 lbs strong🥰 It’s been a bit touch and go, but I am praying we’ve gotten over major bumps in the road and can’t wait to give her tons of hugs and kisses when she can come home. C.S.Lewis quote, about Courage is my favorite and I love your new little bead celebrating it especially with the pink streak on gold. Love, love all you do❤️~~Char
Oh hello Susan my dear,
Very good to hear from you, but Not So Good that you have a crummy right hand! Fingers crossed that your brace comes off Sept. 14. I do so love your cups, have a few, am especially taken with the “Hi Tea!” cup (love the red) but can’t hold the 11-oz.’rs w/my crummy arthritis fingers. However, the “Champagne Hearts” 16-oz.’er (Love that red!) fits my grasp, so will be saving up my pennies. But I really wanted to thank you for the Crazy World, Modern Times thoughts. My son is back in Afghanistan, 5th deployment, due back Stateside Please-and-Thank-You-God in a couple of days; the waiting does not get easier. Any and all thoughts/prayers slung Upward for son’s safe return will be greatly appreciated. I needed to remember crackling fires (well not yet, I certainly hope!), doggies snoring (mine snuffles and runs in his little sleepy dreams), twinkling stars and shining moons–for a bit more serenity. Heal well and fast, you are also in my nightly Heavenly Instructions–um, I mean earnest prayers–we all need your joy and beautiful words and art. Thank you again, for being there, for me, and for everyone. Hugs, Rosemary
I LOVE the Pumpkin Mug, well and all the others two.
I hope the healing continues. Although we need your cheer in this crazy era, take time to heal. Does Joe take dictation? Love and hugs, Martha
Love your mugs.
Hope your wrist is back to 100% soon!
So very sorry to hear about your wrist! I pray it will not cause constant problems through the coming years! Invest in a hot/heat wrap for the winter time as it may ache during the cold weather!
I love all of the cups you have designed! Keep them coming!
I’m so very sorry to read about your broken wrist! And your RIGHT wrist at that!! Thank you for still giving us all a wonderful newsletter full of inspiration and love- you are amazing. I can only imagine how uncomfortable it is to type and create, paint and cook and just continue to manage your busy schedule. It sounds like you are doing everything your doctor recommends so let’s hope you have an exceptional recovery and full healing. Take care of you!!!
Oh Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about your broken wrist! I broke my right wrist several years ago too, falling over a box in the garage. My husband had to put my bra on for me! We giggled every time. He never could master the curling iron, so I wore hats everywhere–thank goodness it was winter. But the best thing was that I learned to put my eyeliner on with my left hand. I still use my left hand for my left eye and my right hand for my right eye 😉 I hope your cast comes off on the 14th and that your life returns to normal right away. I know you must be missing your paint brush! Take care!
Oh I am so, so glad you are back. I was worried about you. I’ll be praying your wrist heals quickly. Make sure you do your physical therapy….it really helps. I broke my shoulder, right side of course, and could not use my right hand or arm for 6 weeks! UGH! So I understand what you are going through.
I just ordered my 2020 calendars, yours are my fave. But I see a couple of items in this post that I truly need also. Champagne hearts? Ah, brilliant, Joe! I do love that C.S. Lewis quote.
I always look forward to a Susan interlude. Hopefully you will be back in full working order before long! We just never know what we’ve got till it’s gone, do we ? Happy almost fall!
I’m so sorry you broke your wrist! Doing things one-handed definitely takes talent! The teacups are darling and kudos to Joe for coming up with the bubbling hearts! The courage charm is lovely.
Thank you, Susan! I always enjoy your posts. So sorry about your wrist…but happy it is healing well. Love all your books & quotes & art. You are truly a special lady!
Prayers for a speedy recovery Dear Susan!! 💕
Love,
Debbie
Dear Vanna,
Pick me, Pick me! (Pretty Please) That autumn cup has my name on it!
Hope you continue to heal quickly, Susan!
Connie B
Reading you in silence is the best!❤️
So glad to hear something from you! Have really missed you and am so sorry for your broken wrist! My sister broke hers this past winter and said the same things you did. How you don’t realize how many things are difficult or nearly impossible without your right hand. Thank goodness you have Joe to help you. Wishing you a quick recovery
So-o sorry to read that you have a broken your wrist! I hope it heals for the better!😘 Happy to have you back blogging again. May the wee little healing fairies be all around to help you each and every day!!
Sorry to hear about your wrist. I have just been diagnosed with tendonitis (not sure about that spelling!)…my right hand, of course. I am right-handed, like you, so I totally get the frustration. Hope the cast comes off soon. Thank you for your wonderful blog – I can’t do anything with my left hand!
So sorry you are going through this….I had a similar experience this winter after a ski run gone bad….3 months on crutches. Makes you appreciate being healthy, makes you understand better when others are not. Hope PT goes well!
Love all your stuff.
Dear Dear Sweet Susan
Many blessings that you will be back in your perfect form. Our schedules for the day have no place for these inconveniences!
All my best
Kathy
So sorry about your wrist but so happy you are healing! I loved seeing you in your Brownie uniform on instagram. I was also a Brownie while attending Minnie Grant in Long Beach, just a couple of years after you! However, I did not have cute freckles!
So sorry to hear about your wrist. Excited for the new curious charm – I think I have all of the others! Thanks for the reminder to order my calendars for next year! Hope you heal soon!
Very best wishes for a speedy recovery! Thank you for the lovely surprises in this wee blog!
As always, this blog/newsletter makes me smile! So many kind thoughts and reminders to slow down and enjoy our time with small pleasures. We spent this lovely late summer afternoon at Rosario Beach here on beautiful Fidalgo Island in Washington State. Nothing better than a dreamy time listening to the waves on the rocks…a cool iced tea and a good book…colorful umbrella shading our sand chairs. Perfect!
So many beautiful things and thoughts bringing happiness!
I am so sorry about your wrist, hope it heals quickly. Please see the Downton Abbey movie and comment on it for us.
Love you and your blog! So sorry about your wrist! Blessings to you!
I love your blog! I would so love to win a darling mug to drink tea out of! Thank you!
I love the fine quality of you cups. Feel good in my hand
Sorry to hear about your wrist, but so very glad to see a post from you. Thank you for all the drawings! The pumpkin mug has me really wishing for cooler air in the south. Ready for everything that comes with the fall weather. Love seeing Jack and his cute, little self!
I hope your wrist heals quickly. I just wanted to say that your blog is always a calming oasis in the middle of the troublesome news. After all, I never walk away from your post with the desire to rant to my husband, “Can you believe what she’s said now?” Thank you for the book recommendation. I’ve been doing a lot of research on the result of technology on our attention spans, our ability to sit in creative boredom, and our motivation to read books. I’ve added this book to the list!
So sorry to hear about your wrist. Glad you are on the road to recovery. All your new beautiful items coming out way, WOW!
Susan, So sorry about your broken wrist. “The older we get, the farther away the ground is!”😂
Susan, sorry to hear of your accident!! You are such a positive person and an inspiration for sure! I always love your blog and look so forward to it. It always makes me smile and feel warm and fuzzy:)
Oh, what a wonderful post (except for the broken wrist part!!!). As always, it’s great to hear from you. Love the story behind Joe’s part in the heart cup. I’m still kicking myself for not getting the summer cup when it was available. Maybe I’ll win the set although I’d rather win Jack!!! 😉 Sending hugs………..
Oh, my cup/s runneth over!
xoxo
glad you are on the road to healing and have the help of Joe. Having a touch of Fall here in TN.
Oh Joy! I would so love to win any of these lovelies! I hope your arm heals quickly. Thank you! 💗
So, so sorry to hear that you’ve broken your arm. Good thoughts and prayers for healing. Thank you for a wonderful blog! I look forward to each and every one.
Love reading your blog! Wonderful gift your writing is ! Speedy recovery to you.
Speedy Recovery, dear Susan. Last summer I fell and broke my foot which was still not healed at fourteen and a half weeks! Your break sounds like it is recovering on time. Good luck!
You have a new fan, me. Thank you for the bookmark I will print it for my Granddaughter who has 2 wonderful Corgis. (Xavier & Maverick) they are so much fun. I got hooked on “A Fine Romance”, It brought back memories of a trip Russ and I made in 1961 to visit relatives in England. That may seem like a long time ago, but England’s small towns just do not change. I was back for the Queen’s 90th birthday to check. Sorry about your break, I did it to my left wrist falling off a ladder while putting up Christmas decorations. Left was bad enough. Looking forward to your next blog.
Take care, Susan, as your wrist is healing! There’s so much joy-giving talent in that right arm, wrist, and hand😉.
Love your posts – they are always fun to read.
Greetings Susan! Sorry to hear about your broken wrist, yet happy you are on the mend. How ironic that your email arrived today, the day after I returned home from my first visit to Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard – I know now why you love it so much there, it is such a charming place! So I believe I will have to re-read Isle of Dreams as I have more appreciation for the things you mention in your book, from the Woods Hole ferry to The Black Dog Tavern, to the West Chop and East Chop lighthouses, to Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs, and to the gallery shop in Vineyard Haven that has a lovely display of your artistic work in their shop window. Best to you …
Dear Susan~
Hope that you heal quickly ~ Having to use another part of your brain by
changing to the other hand is a Good Thing !
As usual your artistic ability astounding and eye for beauty is delightful.
Jack is a furry treasure !
Bonnie on the Central Coast of Cali !
Your blog makes me incredibly happy!
Praying your wrist heals soon! ❤️
I needed this…. Thanks
Susan,
Loving all the products, including the Save the Queen bookmark for Anglophiles like me. I just got back from visiting England, Scotland and Wales for the first time. Got to see where the Queen lives and works, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. I got the bug to go to England when reading A Fine Romance, so thank you, Susan! Hubby and I are already talking about going back.
You poor thing! Summer is a bad time for broken bones! So glad you are healing well and quickly!
Wow! My cup runneth over! Thanks, Susan!
Received my 2020 calendar! Love it – put it on the coffee table with some magazines – amazed at how many people pick it up and read it like a book.
So sorry to see you broke your wrist. It always seems to be the most used side that gets broken. You look so cute in your outfit. I think Jack must like your calendar! Ok, we all know he likes to be right in the middle of things and must also know how good he looks in pictures.
Thanks for being a bright light for so many of us!
Dear Susan….enough said