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!
Hi Susan 😊
Hope your wrist feels better very soon!! Have a blessed day!
I have received the WONDERFUL 2020 calendar (three of them actually) and loved reminiscing through the lovely photos/quotes. I love the way you disseminate joy and love and beauty in everything that you touch. We need and crave that. Keep it coming!
You always look SO darling…I forgot how much I loved wearing lace petticoats under midi skirts until I see you in yours👏👏
Hard to keep a good woman down!
Love to you, Joe, and Jack!
Your post was so uplifting today. Your enthusiasm and positive spirit oozes out of every sentence and blankets us all with warm feelings and lighter hearts. Thank you Susan! Hope you continue healing and are back to 100% soon. xo Stephanie
Wising you a speedy recovery, Susan! You have been missed by all of your girlfriends!
I’m sorry about your wrist. I’m happy to hear you are on the mend. Your story reads like a short story. It was enjoyable and informative. Very Susan Branch. I love all tour hooks and mugs and calendars. My office is all Susan Branch. Thanks for thinking of us.
Thanks for the inspiration Susan! Hope you heal quickly!
❤️Love❤️
It is so good to hear from you, Susan. I am sorry to learn of your broken wrist. Fingers crossed for a well earned freedom on September 14!
Good luck with the wrist recovery. I broke a small bone in my right hand almost 2 years ago and am still trying to get back to 100%. Be patient and keep doing your exercises even after PT is finished.
Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery! It has been a long month without news from you. Even though I knew I did not need more cups, that red heart cup really caught my eye, now I know why. What is better than one artist? TWO!
Thanks for pecking out a new letter to us and continue to be a good patient and take your calcium. ❤️
Take care and heal quickly. We need you back whole, Susan!
Love pictures of Jack!
Great to hear from you. Hoping for a swift recovery on your wrist! Thanks for the bookmark!
So sorry to hear about your break–thank goodness you have an attentive helper! Hope you are out of pain and healed soon! Love all the new designs–so adorable!
Vanna pls pick my name for those lovely cups. 😊 so glad you are writing again and so sorry about your wrist. ÷÷Faith H
I look forward to all your posts, they make me feel happy! I have one of your mugs and many of your books. Not very lucky at winning things but I am hoping my luck has changed.
So sorry to hear about your fall. Glad everything is healing nicely. I always just love to read your blog! Take your time healing and don’t push too hard.
Hope you’re back in the swing of things soon.
Oh dear, a broken wrist!! Sounds like you are mending well – – physical therapy will be important – – do it well. I had asked about the diet before you published it in the last post – – – Thank you for the inspiration, I have been eating well since the last post and I am the better for it, in weight and spirit. Your post always make me look for the good and brighter side – – hope you know that!! Off to order a nightlight!!
Kathy
My goodness, Susan, I was wondering what was keeping you from posting! Saying a little prayer that the angels will descend and quickly mend your broken wrist. Don’t know what I would do with a broken right wrist as I do everything with it as I know you must also!!
Be well and know we all miss your lovely blogs! Happy Days!!
Mary Nahser
THRILLED to see a new post from you. Hope you heal quickly. We need more sanity and coziness from you as a reminder to make it in our own homes. The Cozy Season is coming! <3
Thanks for the little bit of goodness in the (typically less joyful and fun) inbox today. *fingers crossed twice that it’s my lucky entry day!*
So sorry for your accident! Glad you are on the mend.
Love the corgi bookmark and have printed three of them for my granddaughters! They all love corgis.
Yay–a new post! You’ve been missed. 🙂 I’m so sorry you broke your wrist, but I’m glad you are on the downhill slide to mending. Prayers for a full and complete recovery. BTW, my twin daughters visited Martha’s Vineyard week before last, and I was so jealous. I wish I could’ve gone. They said it was lovely, so that settled it…another trip must be planned to include ME! 🙂 Take care and enjoy the rest of your summer–hopefully with all body parts working at 100%!
Yes, please!
So sorry to hear about your wrist! Thank you for doing this post for us. It’s so good to hear from you again! ❤️
It is always the best treat to get this inspiring,uplifting and heart warming message from you. You and Joe are so dear to many!!!
Look forward to your blog.
Please enter me in drawings.
Oh I love your art! This is my second year buying your calendars and they make me so happy! I no longer buy from Mary Engelbreit bc of personal reasons. I love your cats! I’m a crazy cat lady and I have a tuxedo kitty named Atticus who also likes to sit on anything I have before him. My two year old is obsessed with pumpkins so I secretly hope I win the pumpkins mug and the other thing that comes with it.
Hope your hand heals quickly!!
OMG. I hope you continue to mend well. Thank you for the fabulous blog. You are the BEST. Thank your lucky stars for Joe everyday. I had tons of help from my hubby when I had knee surgery on BOTH knees atone time.
Oh my! I’m so sorry to read about your broken wrist! Best wishes for a speedy healing! ❤️
Love the new mugs!
Take care and heal quickly! We need you back whole, Susan!
You are so generous , Susan! I adore your seasonal cups! How sorry I am to hear about your break……..if nothing else, that kind of thing helps us to remember to take nothing for granted. Hope the cast comes off soon.
I am so looking forward to fall , though here in NE Ohio we have been getting a taste of it early, since the humidity has gone away (I hope for good until next summer).
Hugs!
So sorry about your wrist! A good reminder to be thankful for so many of the things we too often take for granted. Have a happy Autumn – it’s almost here!
You turned out a fine blog for a one-armed bandit! Heal!
(The nightlights are so cute!)
Oh, my goodness, Susan Branch! What a terrible thing to happen — especially to a writer! I wish you complete and successful healing!
In all honesty, I don’t know how you managed to pull off as long and juicy and fun a post as this with one hand in a cast. Either “lefty” is doing very well or you’re a whiz in a brace!
What fun things you have to share this time around. And your big generous heart is working overtime with such fun giveaways! Thank you — you are right. It’s been a very rough August, at least for this one, not to mention our world — and it’s nice to have something to anticipate. Consider this Anglophile having a full set of Corgi bookmarks — one for every book! And yes, my calendar arrived and it’s fabulous! Thanks for bringing a smile to my face today!
Get well Susan❤️
Thanks for all the happy all the time. LOVE the LOVE!
Sweet to hear from you again, although not-sweet to hear about the broken right arm. Do everything you can to allow it to heal quickly, trust your doctor and God for a great outcome, and honor Joe by his good care for you, and for his delightful cup. I hope he doesn’t stop with just one cup. I am dreaming of a whole series of Joe cups.
Love everything! Heal fast!! Enchanted needs to be written!
It was a smile maker to get my email advising that a new Susan Branch blog was available. So glad that you are mending with a prognosis for complete recovery….. it is shocking to the reality of our lives how dependent we are on dominant hands. Thank you for sharing so many surprises and the opportunity to win them. They are all wonderful and delightful. I received my “A Year in the English Countryside” calendar a few weeks ago…. love it!
You are Light !
You are Pure Joy !
and even if I don’t win a thing,
You are My FRIEND and brighten life
with sweet innocence of sincere charm and heart.
It is always a wonderful treat to get your uplifting,joyful message. You and Joe are loved by many!!!
So sorry about hour mishap – heal fast ❤️
Love Pumpkin Head!!
Thankful your wrist is healing! Wow! Thank you for the wonderful giveaways. It just made me smile. Your entire blog entry made me smile…..except for the part about your broken wrist. Heal well sweet lady!
What a lovely gift this message from you – even if I win nothing I am a winner because I get to look at all the beautiful things and dream…. the pictures you share and all the wonderful quotes are such treasures in themselves. Sorry to learn of your wrist break – for me it is a foot so I am unable to walk or drive for another three weeks. Confined to home – another reason receiving your blog today was the greatest treat. Thanks for sharing sunshine! ❤️
Love the new bead and cups. Favorite is last picture of Jack 😘♥️♥️🐈
I should be so lucky!!!
Thanks for the update. I wish you a speedy recovery!!
Re: Previous Comment Made by Me–Oh, and with the Martha Vineyard’s cup on offer as well, I guess I would have to keep two of the cups to myself, not just one. Hate to be a piggy, but….sometimes the occasion calls for it 🙂
Uplifting read❤️
Oh, Susan! I’m so sorry to hear about your wrist! When I heard through the grapevine that you had been injured, of course I knew why we hadn’t heard from you for awhile. I’m so glad to see that your skinny self (I can tell you have lost pounds) is up and around again. Sometimes God slows us down so we can practice what we preach and smell the roses! LOL But it looks to me as if you wasted no time while you were incapacitated and you kept things going just fine. So thankful we are girlfriends!
So sorry about your wrist Susan, but I broke my a few years back. It looks a tad different but I can do all I was able to before, and you are so right~ you never realize how important it is until you can’t use it. I love Joe’s champagne hearts so much I can’t wait to get that mug!
Oh, and thanks so much for your advice~ my back is “back” and it’s all due to you!
Have a wonderful week!
That Pumpkinhead mug – oh dear!! I was just lamenting to my own sweet girlfriend the other day that the only holiday cup I didn’t have was one celebrating Halloween! Fingers crossed and a kiss blown toward tiny Vanna! Wishing you a speedy recovery (but enjoy the forced slow-down to watch something lovely!)
My tongue hangs out when I spy your cups.
Sadly, I do not have a one. Put me in the hat for a giveaway drawing.
Trust your right arm/wrist will be healed and stronger sooon.
From an old (Chinese American) reader.
I’m always at a loss for items to put on my Christmas gift list. After seeing all the lovelies in this post, I no longer have that problem! P.S. Jack is such a cutie.
Sorry about your wrist. Hope you are better than new very soon.
So sorry to hear about your wrist, and hope it heals quickly.
I love the new floral night light!
Was wondering what happened to your posts. Glad you are almost healed. Your cup designs are all so great along with everything else you design. How can that not rub off on Joe!
love the new bead!
So sorry to hear about your broken wrist. Hope you get the cast off soon.
Missed your blog. Feel better.
Undaunted 🎉
I just sat down with a cup of tea in your English Countryside cup, opened my mail….and a new blog from you! Thank You!
Awesome!
My sympathies on your broken wrist. I have “shoulder impingement syndrome “ comes with age my doctor said!
Anyway, I love all the mugs and your precious kitty!
Pick me! 💗😊💗
I need cheer!! I need resolve!! I need courage!! (I also need a little sweet, preferably one with chocolate.) Hope you’re all healed up soon. 💗
You’re devine, thanks!
I am so sorry to read of your mishap, but am thankful you have remained cheery despite the incident. Best wishes for your quick and complete healing. Thank you for the opportunity of winning the lovely special surprises you have reserved…happy drawing!
Thanks Susan. There is nothing like an injury to make you truly appreciate how good it feels to be back to normal! I’m seeing you well!!!
I loo forward to your blog so very much. Your thoughts and art are inspiring and happy and calming. I know your wrist will heal beautifully, and life will flow easily, again. Hoping for good things to come…and a win for me!!
So sorry about your working hand. Thanks for the give aways.
A bright spot in my day. Thank you for updating us on everything. I am so sorry about your hand.
I wanted to let you know I’d mentioned meeting my penpal of over fifty years this last April. I traveled to England for the first time. We met up in Oxford. She lives in Wales and was kind enough to come see me. It was everything you can imagine and more. We only had one day together but we both came along wanting more. Everywhere I went, I thought of you, your posts and your book. Thank you for inspiring me to decide to just do it!
❗️❗️❗️💞
Missed hearing from you. Sorry about your wrist… I broke my right wrist a few years ago right before Thanksgiving….somehow muddled through the holidays with much help from hubby. You are right about never realizing how much that right hand does! I remember lining up cans to open each morning so hubby could open them before leaving for work. Unscrewing jars was fun as well as some “bathroom” rites which we won’t mention! Glad you are towards the end of it… do those exercises and therapy so you will soon be back to normal 😘
So glad you’re on the mend! Just finished reading A Fine Romance again. Loved it again! Felt like visiting and old friend!
Susan, I am so sorry you broke you wrist. I know this has been very frustrating. Honestly, I was beginning to imagine all kinds of things that might have happened to you since your last post was in July. For instance, you yearned for England and decided to pack up and sail away; you received a movie contract and moved to Hollywood; you were critically ill. Yes, I have a vivid imagination. So, while I am sorry about your wrist, I am glad none of my thoughts were correct. Well, okay, the movie contract would be great, but don’t move! Now I am crossing my fingers to be a lucky winner of any of the surprises. Wow! It’s like Christmas! Take care!
Glad you are on the mend!
A beautiful post, as always!
So glad to hear from you again! I, too, broke my right wrist — pulling on my mother’s skirt (when mothers used to wear full skirts) to try to pull myself up. I should mention I was not quite a year old and wasn’t walking yet. The skirt swayed, I fell, wrist broke. (Can you imagine the hundreds of times my mother must have had to explain the cast on her baby’s arm?!) ANYway, I hope it heals well and you are back to two-fisted (so to speak) typing again soon. Love the fact that Joe designed the bubbling hearts cup! A man of many talents! Just wondering… any news from “Hollywood”…?
Yeah Joe. I like that cup and the pumpkins and the Martha’s Vineyard……..well yes, I love them all! Happy Healing!
So glad to see you are getting back to “normal”!
Would love to see you stop in Woodstock, VA again!
Your notes make me happy❤️ I, too, have had the broken right wrist from a fall. I didn’t have surgery because the surgeon said I was too old for surgery!! I was in my early 60’s and now I live with a crooked and painful wrist. Hope therapy will help you regain full use of your hand!
So sorry about your fall. My dr says that falling is the #1 issue as we get older……so I really try to make extra effort to avoid that. I’ve had some doozies myself, but no broken bones! Love this give-away(s)!!!
Oh, so happy that you are managing your injury
with a smile, lovely Susan! Hope the cast comes
off soooooon!
Thank you for the lovely giveaway! Fingers crossed!
And for the bookmark; I have the matching mug and
it’s my most favorite : )
My momma and I will be on the Island for a day in
September as part of a trip we have planned to
Newport, RI! We are both SO excited to step onto
this enchanted wee place, having read all of your books
and blog posts. Pinch me–can’t wait.
Love and hugs to you! xoxo
fingers crossed – this Beach Lady is so in love with the Summer mug and despondent that it is available NO WHERE! Kudos to you – Susan!!
So glad your wrist is on the mend! The courage bead reminded me of a wonderful book I just read called “Becoming Mrs. Lewis” by Patti Callahan about the love story between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis. You would love it!
Glad you are back to posting! ❤️
So sorry about your cast. That is no fun : (
I love all the fun things you are giving away!!!
Dear Susan, it is so good to see your post and see your beautiful self. You wear your cast well I might add. We will be keeping our fingers crossed that you get that cast off soon.
Sending oodles of healing thoughts and hugs your way. 💕
Debbie
P.S. Kudos to Joe for an excellent cup. Love it!
love these!
Feel better soon! Love all your gift items!
I see a new mug in my future! Wishes for a speedy recovery!
I love, love hearing from you! I am taken away for a few minutes to a calm, fun, and learn something new world…its the BEST…we love you so much!
Ouch!! I can’t imagine it, a broken bone, let alone, a wrist. It really would make a soul stop to reflect. Wishing you speedy healing and a full and blessed recovery!!
And, no more future yard sales! They are stressful and tiring. We donate everything now to avoid the stress of it all. Whew! No clutter, blessing others= joy plus zero work
Cheers!! to a beautiful Fall season:) 🙂 🙂
Addendum to the addendum…sigh…Well, perhaps I should learn to read the entire post en toto prior to posting entries, because now there is talk of Halloween cups and notecards and multiple winners, etc….So please delete two of my three comments in order to not have an unfair advantage over the others, and may the best person win!
Vanna is so smart, knows to only choose from one from each person!xoxox
Dear Susan,
I am Peggy from Fort Wayne that left you a silly note at the Art Gallery. I was looking for the sweet little pitcher vase to put in my kitchen window but they were not available at the time.
Just want you to know that my husband and I enjoyed Martha’s Vineyard and see what you love about it. We were on a road trip with all 3 of our dogs so things were a little complicated but we managed just fine.
Take care and please be more careful – my husband is laid up for 6 weeks now after falling from a ladder in our back yard. YIKES!
Thanks for all you do to make me a happy follower.
Peggy
Watch our online store, they SHOULD be here by end of month!
Thanks for letting me know about the new name for the shop! I’m here and will be stopping by this week! Get well soon!
Hi Susan…so sorry about ur accident!! Sure hope u get the cast off soon. My comment,is simple…I luv it all!!! Loretta/Calif.