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!
That last pic is my favorite! Fluffy paws!
Thank you for writing, Susan…broken bone and all. I always look forward to your news. Take care.
Autumn is coming! 🍂
Sorry to hear about your broken wrist——-I can empathize——I stepped down one step from the kitchen and broke my ankle! ,,,,,,,crazy how fast it can happen. You’ll need a “getting the cast off” celebration. Love the cute little nightlights. And I order a calendar every year and save them to look back to remember things that happened the year before…..almost like a diary!
What great giveaways! So sorry about your broken wrist – it WOULD be the right one, right!? Love the photos of Jack! And I love the bookmark! It’s so timely because I just finished, a bit late, the second season of The Crown! Eagerly awaiting Season 3 but said Claire Foy and Matt Smith will not be back. But I do love Olivia Coleman, so that helps a bit. Hope you can get your cast off in September. That’s a long time to wait from four weeks ago!
Oh Susan – heal soon! sorry to hear about your broken wrist! Ive been waiting for a new blog post and now I know why it took so long! I love your blog update and would LOVE to win something!! Happy end of summer to you!
So sorry about your wrist. Just like electricity or water; you don’t miss it until you don’t have it.
I love Autumn and all of your festive, creative art and writing. Yum!
Pure joy reading this. I hope your wrist is healed soon. Sending healing thoughts and gentle hugs.
Pick me, please!
Thank you Susan for always bringing peace and joy when it is so desperately needed. Your words are always inspirational and heartwarming ❤️ You are so loved by so many ❤️ What a blessing you are in my life!
Hi Susan! I’m so sorry to hear about your fall!! It can happen so quickly and leave you wondering, what in the world???? I’m glad it’t wasn’t a bad break, although I know that any break is painful. I will keep you in my prayers! Thank you, thank you for coming out with a new charm!! I’m ordering it immediately!! The only thing that would make me even happier is if some of the retired ones would come out of retirement so us latecomers could have a chance to catch up!!
Thank you again for keeping us close in spirit! We really appreciate it!
Valerie
So sorry to hear of your accident! I will be praying for a quick & complete healing! Remember “This too shall pass!”
So sorry to hear about your wrist! Thank you for sharing light and joy (and mugs!) — even when your body is a little bit broken. Heal quickly!
Thank you for sending us your wonderful post! It is chockful of so much good stuff! I mean, AUTUMN is coming! Looking forward in “shopping” in your store today too! It would be such a joy to be entered into this fun contest too. Especially for that PUMPKIN mug…EEK! thank you, thank you for reminding me of that beautiful phrase, “Courage dear heart”, I love it!
P.S. heal up fast! oxox
I finally knuckled under and cleaned the book cases in the living room (wiping off every book and thoroughly cleaning the shelves). I was rewarded for all that hard work. I found two of your books!
Oh I am so sorry about your arm!!! That is sooooo hard to deal with! Hope you get healed and are out of your cast soon!
Thanks so much for the happy words and thoughts. As usual they made me smile and brightened my day! If everyone could see the good in everything the way you do, what a great world it would be. We can always wish!
Living in beautiful Tennessee and wishing I was on magical Martha’s Vineyard,
Carol Ann Frederick
I feel your pain Susan, several years ago I had surgery on my right hand and it was in a cast for 6 weeks. I couldn’t button my jeans!! Or put my hair in a pony tail, or floss my teeth etc etc etc. It will get better.
Always like to see a new blog post alert! ❤️
Hi Susan! Several years ago I broke my left wrist when my galloping golden retriever clipped me from behind and flipped my legs up in the air. I caught myself with my left hand as I smacked the ground. I tried ignoring the obvious wrist swelling for a couple of hours then decided to get an X-ray and of course it was broken. No surgery for me either but a pesky cast like yours. So you have my sympathy! Yes to physical therapy when you are set free. It surprised me how stiff the joint was when I finally got to start therapy but it helps lots and you’ll be back to normal soon. Your fans need you!
I’m so sorry to hear about your hand break! I had the misfortune of tripping over my new puppy’s bed last year and slammed my left hand onto the floor (trying to get her into a harness for a walk, exercise will kill me yet!) after surgery and physical therapy I’m almost completely back to normal. I know how difficult it was without a left arm and can only imagine how difficult it was, in your line of work, without your right hand. I, too, was so thankful for my dear husband and all he did for me in my recuperation. Happy you’re back in the saddle- no, don’t get on a horse! -Teri
I love reading all of the wonderful thoughts and quotes you include in all of your writings. I have used your wall calendar for years and love it!
Love all the new items! Hope your hand heals quickly!
I’ve ordered your 2020 calendar, and I’d love to win the pumpkin cup and inspirational cards! I hope you heal well, and soon be able to continue to paint as beautifully as ever!
I hope your hand mends soon! I love the Pumpkin Head cup!! Happy Fall (not literally), the season soon.
So sorry about your accident but really glad you are on the mend. I learned about you, Susan, when the manager of a facility where I was working part-time (I was supposedly retired) when she learned that I had been in England, commanded me to find and read A Fine Romance, which I did, of course, and loved it. Then on moving to California to care for a grand baby in 2017, I realized that you are from San Luis Obispo. My kids live in Morro Bay so one day baby and I went to visit the little shop in Cayucos and I was so excited to find your stuff. Just a few weeks ago, my daughter and I had lunch at the Apple Farm Restaurant and I bought the 2020 calendar. You and your lovely artistry follow me around!
Recently visited Vineyard Haven for the first time. What a peaceful place .Visited the Simon art gallery and a very friendly woman showed me Mr Simon ‘s art work and heard me mention Susan Branch because there in the window were your calendars !!!! She mentioned she had just received them !! Wonderful place to visit. Hope to go back and explore !! Also love the cups ..
oh, Susan , so sorry ’bout the wrist! A summer surprise you didn’t need!
The cups and beads and night lights! are lovely. Hang in there…..
Susan-I have only discovered you this past year & I am so glad! You bring such sweet diversion. Hope your wrist heals fast. Thanks for everything. 🌸☕️
We all appreciate you hanging in there. Thank you for showing us how to be more positive in this constantly changing world.
Speedy healing, to you. You are so cute!
Hey! Any news about that, “maybe” movie?
Love the set of four mugs. Happy, speedy healing to you.
So sorry to hear you broke your wrist, but so happy to hear from you. I was getting worried!!!
Glad to hear you are mending quickly.
I am excited to visit the Vineyard Arts Gallery to see all your wonderful items! I hope your wrist will be better soon. Looking forward to my visit to MV Sept. 6-13.
After 25 years, you, Susan Branch, r still one of my most favorite artists and writers! Hope your wrist continues to heal💕
So sorry about your broken wrist. Here’s to swift and uneventful healing.
Thanks for the bookmark. I always print them out when you so kindly gift them.
Love all your mugs. Your blog posts for sure brighten my day.
Cheers and God Bless
Ooooohhhhhh, I didn’t know you had dishes with your art on them! I happen to collect teacups and mugs, so a seasonal set of your mugs would be absolutely PERFECT! <3
I missed your blog! So happy to know you are on the mend.
We’ll what a time you and I have had Susan. You broke your wrist, and a Tornado/microburst with 100 mile an hour winds and baseball size hail hit my up north home on July 19th breaking my heart with returning our 56 acres an absolute mess. After all of my years of building my museum/ library for children I am back to square one. I am telling myself every day that I now have a clean canvas that I will have to paint a new picture on. And the areas of trees that are no longer was Gods way of removing the dark cloud that has hung over our head since the death of my sister four years ago the 17th of August allowing the sun to shine once again on us. So we will both walk on Susan. We will both once again pick up where we left of and create once again. I send my love and blessings to you in the days ahead. Gayle Hall
Thanks so much for another charming episode at your residence, Susan. You perk me up each time. You’re so thoughtful.
Oh Susan! So sorry about your injury! Be patient with yourself and take good care of yourself. I had tendon replacement surgery on my dominant right hand and have been very impatient with my recovery. It will all be okay though – you are in my prayers! Thank you for this blog post and all the fun give aways (Joe’s Champagne Hearts mug ❤️)! Have to go now and order my calendars and those adorable night lights. Love always!!
I hope your wrist is healing well. I am looking forward to visiting Vineyard Arts Gallery to see all of your creations. I will be visiting MV Sept. 6-13. It would be great to see you when I am there!
Ohhhhh, sorry to hear about your wrist. I had to have one on my left wrist and I was surprised at how claustrophobic it made me feel. I was horrified when the cast came off too, but I got over it pretty quickly with the help of therapy. 💗 I have one of your mugs~the one with the bluebird on it! I found it in a darling kitchen shop on Cape Cod! It was a big decision because, of course, they are all cute. And a new bookmark, too! what a great treat for a Wednesday night! I remember, back in the day, getting the Willard {and sometimes a bookmark!} via snail mail!
I love your gentle heart. You remind me of all the loveliness that is in the natural world! Thank you.
Such a pleasure to read positive things instead of the day to day problems!!!!!
Thanks for the chance! Pumpkinhead! Makes me giggle 🙂
LOVE all the mugs…especially Pumpkinheads….gets me excited for Fall! I LOVE seeing sweet Jack as well.
I always look forward to reading your emails. They make my day. Thank you!
Hope your healing continues. Love seeing your blog. Fall is on the way!
Ohhhhhh Susan I’m so sorry to hear of your misfortune, you have to try not to hurt your self on your right side. Sure makes everything harder! And we all missed you terribly. Glad you came back with a wonderful surprise and a chance for us to receive a piece of happiness! I love your blog and also follow you on instagram, always a pleasure!
Denise
So sorry about the break in your wrist. When something like that happens, we get down to the very basic, nitty, gritty important things. . . .like the hubby who is taking such good care of you and spending time with Jack.
Love all the cups, but the Halloween one really speaks to me. Take care and good wishes to be well and writing with that right hand soon!!
I have a big birthday in October and I know your cups would make the perfect gift for me!!! Peg
So sorry to see your injured Sue. Glad you have your Jack to ‘help’, I have a black and white sweetie of my own ‘Flitty’. Thank you for all the coziness you blog brings us girlfriends. 😊Kathy
So sorry about your wrist! I can really sympathize! I broke my right wrist a couple of years ago (I’m right-handed, too) pulling grapevine out of the shrubbery, when it broke before I was ready. I fell backward and caught myself on both palms. Thank God I only broke one wrist!! Super annoying, but I was so thankful it wasn’t worse – just the one, and also no surgery needed.
Love those mugs – hope I’m one of the lucky winners. But you’ve made all of us winners already, sharing your beautiful art, food, opinions, sensibilities. Thank you, Susan! You bring me such joy.
Oh dear Susan, I hope you get the cast off soon, never mind the cooking and cleaning and laundry…it must be SO frustrating not to be able to draw and paint! I’m wondering if you close your eyes and paint in your mind? I do that sometimes when I’m in a situation where I can’t physically paint. Jack knows that naps are healing…and so are purrs. Cats purr at a resonance that can actually speed up healing, so snuggle close! I’m finally back home for a couple of months after travelling quite a bit and I can’t decide if I want to hold on to the rest of the Summer or if I want Pumpkin Spice Season to start lol! I seem to have missed out on Summer again this year, I’ve travelled but had little time to paint or sketch…we rented a narrowboat in England, which was SO wonderful and relaxing, but it’s hard to sketch from a moving boat, even if you are only going at 2 miles per hour, and I was the lock operator (and rum pourer), while hubby captained (and my Mum was the galley girl who provided cups of tea and sang pirate songs with me). Then we rented a cabin by a lake in Minnesota, and I took a whole carful of art supplies dreaming of many hours painting masterpieces by the lake…nope. Minnesota mosquitos apparently adore English blood and are not deterred by three different layers of bug repellant…and most of the land around the lake is private homes and no public trails, so while hubby went fishing I was mostly confined to the very hot cabin trying not to scratch all those mosquito bites…for 3 weeks! Oh well! I’m now thinking that an early fall trip up in the mountains is in order 🙂
I love Joes Champagne Hearts! I think that design should also be on a wine glass…perfect for Prosecco time xx
Hi Susan,
Sending well wishes your way and hoping your feeling better.
Wishing you and Joe a beautiful fall.
Love Cindy
Dear Susan,
I think the courage charm is perfect for this moment as you show courage to meet your new one-handed challenge with such spirit. So often we let pain and inconvenience get us down, when we are truly blessed with a recovery in the future.
So many of us are not so blessed, and your charm can remind us to nurture courage.
Oh Susan, we’ve missed your posts but are now enlightened as to the cause! Get well soon, you add so much beauty to our world!
Sending wishes of gentle healing your way,
Cindy
Love love love your perceptive heart and the way you make out days lighter and brighter.!!💓💓
Those seasonal cups are so adorable!
So sweet! Every dear word and image. Feeds my soul. As always.
So sorry about your wrist. Take care.
So sorry to hear about your hand, Susan! I’m glad to hear the cast should be off soon! I love the adorable picture of Jack at the end of your posting. He is such an amazing sweetie!
Please give me some gifts!
Thank you for being so generous!
Dear Susan,
So sorry about your wrist. I hope it heals fast for you, hard using your left hand.
I wish you and Joe a wonderful Fall season.
Thank you for the lovely new book mark. I have quite a few now and love them all.
Thanks for the blog. Always so fun to read.
Thank you for the uplifting words! We could all use a lot more of that!!
Lovely post. Heal well and soon.
Oh poor Sue, I know how frustrated you are with only one working hand. A few years ago I had what I thought was simple surgery on one hand (that was the way the surgeon made it sound). After not moving my hand or fingers for two weeks, I had scheduled (with this doctor’s suggestion) the same surgery on my left hand! They removed some stitches prior to the second surgery before they knocked me out. I awoke with both hands wrapped like a mummy and was hands less. Thank goodness my sweet Jim is just as precious and kind as your sweet Joe; he had to spoon feed me! I had to give up on his hair brushing though. Good luck at your next appointment.
Your posts always brighten my day….thank you❣
I love reading your posts! They are so entertaining:). I’ve always wanted a tuxedo kitty like your Jack. >^^<
Hope you’re all mended soon!!! Thanks for all you do, including your motivational messages!! Much appreciated:)
So good to see you back typing!!
Missed your wonderful sharing and great photos!
Reading your posts are always encouraging & inspiring, thank you!
I’m hoping that your wrist is healing well! Your art work and words are inspiring and encouraging, and your garden is beautiful!
Happy healing Susan. We are all so impatient with healing . Physical therapy will be very helpful to get you better than ever very soon
I love your designs. Even though I downsized before moving into a senior apt. I know your pieces would fit perfectly here.
Smiles,
Nancy
So sorry to hear about your wrist. My mother broke her right wrist and arm in mid-July and she agrees with you that you don’t realize how much you use it. I hope the brace comes off soon.
Be still my heart…the Pumpkinhead cup!!!!
I’ve been thinking so much about my cell phone use too recently! Seriously, I’m half debating going back to a flip phone. Have you read Digital Minimalism? It’s by a professor of computer science at Georgetown naked Cal Newport. He’s written some op eds recently, so you can get a taste of his argument by googling his name. It’s a really interesting read.
I’m so sorry to hear about your wrist! I hope you’re on the mend quickly. We miss you!
Hi Susan! Great post as always! So sorry about the wrist. I can partly identify. Fractured my elbow . . . rollerskating! . . . yes, in California! About 30 years ago. Still old enough to know better! But it was tricky washing my hair without bending my arm up (try it!! Ha!), and several other things. So you have my sympathy! Not to mention your work backing up. Glad you are on the mend. You are so generous and all of your gifts are just wonderful. Any of them would be a real joy to have! Continue taking care of yourself! I’m into care giving these days, so injuries are on my mind!! Good to hear from you! xoxo
The Cups are beautiful!! ❤️would love anyone of them to start my day off with morning coffee!!
Good job on the cup design, Joe!
Always a treat to get your notes, Susan. Glad you are on the mend.
I absolutely love your mugs. I have bought several for myself, and I give them to my best friend as special gifts. She swears her coffee tastes better out of your mugs!
Glad you’re on the mend.
Thanks for all you do to spread joy in our every day lives.
Lovely cups.
I am waiting to have carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand. While I can write and paint if I go slowly, I keep dropping things!
I am wishing you a speedy recovery!
So sorry about your wrist! Remember not to rush the healing process, but know it’s hard🙁.
Tell Joe we all will be looking forward to more cups designed by him😉! Take care!
All the loveliness is overwhelming and I love it.
So happy you are okay.. thanks for reminding me to stop and smell the roses. I love your kitty and it makes me miss mine but comforts me just the same -my sister is allergic to kitties so I live vicariously through all those cute pics. Thanks for sharing. Linda🍁
Fingers crossed…on both hands! I would cross my toes too if I could!
Ps. I am wearing a brace on my right hand due to tendinitis in my thumb; it is definitely a pain in the patootie.
Alo-ha-ha Sue …. so glad to hear you’re mending!! I’ve been under the radar but reading your
Blog always warms my heart❤️ I am making a Fall Foliage trip in October and plan to visit
Martha Vineyard… will wave to you as we’ll quietly drive by … this is a dream come true for
me❤️ ((HUGS)) ❤️❤️❤️ Evie in San Diego
I love your blogs, I hope you recover fully and regain full use of your hand.
So sorry about your mishap, but thank goodness you’re back! 💕
Hi Susan,
Love all your cups and your books! Would love to win your cups since I have your books but do not yet have cups. Thank You for your wonderful Blog, always makes me happy to receive it in my Email.
Mary Lynn
Susan, I love these cups! They just feel right. The thickness, thinness is perfect for sipping. Please keep making them. I want them all.
And heal quickly!
Susan, I am sorry about your break. Heal fast, please. I would be 1,000% thrilled to have my name selected.
From a fan in Baltimore. I even met you once long away when you came to Towso, MD for a book signing.