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!
You are the BEST!! Hope your wrist heals quickly! 💕
Dear Susan -Sorry about your broken arm, hope the 14th of September will be your day to be liberated from your cast, I love all your cups, just wish I had more room, but sharing is fun too! Loving the Vineyard these last two weeks, grandchildren and the beach, reading, and just enjoying the beauty of this island you are fortunate to call home.
Diane
Susan, thank you for spreading cheer to all girlfriends. The pumpkin head mug is divine and ready to be filled with a warm drink to kick off autumn.
Thank you for this exciting giveaway!!! Such a wonderful gift!!!
And hoping your wrist is getting stronger each day❤️❤️❤️
Always enjoy your email newsletters
What a wonderful blog! I know what it means to have a broken wrist having done that a few years back myself. I needed surgery. So glad you don’t. May you heal quickly and enjoy writing, putting on your lipstick, cutting foods, etc. again real soon.
Love your mugs and would be thrilled if chosen to get one! Thanks for your generosity.
Life does throw us all curve balls from time to time. My husband had emergency gallbladder surgery last week. He’s now recovering well and this was his first time being a hospital patient since he had his tonsils out as a child. So glad we live close to our son’s family as they were very supportive during this. We all rolled with the punches and life goes on.
Wish I could join your trip to France but am going to Hawaii to be my college roommates stand in mom (my roommate recently died) at her only daughter’s wedding. What fun!
Keep writing and sharing your wonderful artsy works with the world. Barb
Dear Susan – the cups are just marvelous – who would think of champagne bubble hearts – stunning. Two genius under one roof. The pumpkin Halloween cup is just too cute – as usual art work and colors are terrific. Last year I gifted my 3 daughters with the “mother’s day” cup. I think I liked it more than they did – just says it all. This is too long but I must say that I am currently reading your books – sort of backwards – just finished Isle of Dreams and now (late nights) into Fairy Tale Girl. I am 78 and can really relate to so much of what you have to share – a trip back in time. Thanks for fun reading….
Your posts with updates and photos always makes my heart smile. I wish you speedy healing!
So sorry to hear of your broken hand – here’s wishing you a speedy recovery and lots of pampering, in the meantime.
So many surprises!
Oh, how I love your seasonal mugs!
Missed your blogs. Always look forward to reading a new one. Hope your wrist will be all better soon!
I hope you heal quickly Susan! It must be so frustrating not being able to pick up a paintbrush along with everything else. You’re lucky to have someone taking good care of you. 🥰 I’ve got to check that book out, it looks like a fun read. Happy September!
Greatful
so missed your blog …wondered how you were and glad to hear what happened and you are on the mend! can’t tell you how much of a gift reading your blog and seeing your art is to me….many mahalos to you and great blessings from Hawaii!
Bindu
Oh Susan..so sorry for your mishap, but glad you will soon be relieved of the cast! I want to be a winner, so put a bug in Vanna’s ear – this girlfriend LOVES all the giveaways!! Can you believe September is this weekend? Autumn awaits us in the shadows. Special thanks to Joe for taking such good care of you!
Susan, I never knew what I was missing until my cousin Sharon in Michigan began sharing your monthly blog with me. I especially enjoy your illustrations, comments and quotations since I am an avid reader, sometimes artist, self home decorator and former PR person/writer. I am passionate about appreciating God’s Creation, especially birdsong and gardens and the joy
of simple everyday life. One day you may find my cousin and me on your doorstep because Cape Cod is one of my favorite travel destinations. Thanks for sharing the heart of your home and your creativity. We are blessed.
with us “girlfriends.”
Dear Susan – I just finished a rather long comment but did not hit post comment – so again – loved the cups – art work is just terrific – as well as the pumpkins – so perfect for the upcoming season. I am currenty reading your books – backwards – just finished Isle of Dreams and now reading Fairy Tale Girl. I am 78 and can so relate to much of the dialogue in both books – just so much fun to read and enjoy all the recipes expert quotes and o course the art work. I hope this is not a duplicate – but computers?????
Susan I feel so bad for you with your broken wrist. I hope your healing well and back to your old self again soon.
Janet from Macomb, Michigan
P.S. Tell Joe Great Job on the cup.😃
Have really missed you…..!!!Please add me to Vanna’s diving bowl !!! Thank you !!
Thank you for a never ending abundance! Ponderous thoughts, beauty and always inspiration! All the best on your complete recovery! Courage dear heart.
First 2 comments would not let me post – so maybe the 3rd time is a charm – also very pretty.
So good to be hearing from you again!! I love Fall and am already enjoying the different slant of sun rays in my living room. Thanks to you I now look for these moments and think of you! Happy healing🥰marilyn
Hope your wrist is back in tip top shape soon!
Love your last comment in the September Blog. Thanks for your healthy
eating tips. Please sign me up to receive your monthly posts. Love em.
Susan, so great to hear from you ! I was hoping nothing was wrong. Take it easy with wrist, don’t overdo. Thank you for generous give aways.
Oh that Jack is such a cutie! Glad you’re feeling better!
I’m so sorry you broke your wrist!!! I was wondering what was going on with you that we didn’t hear from you in so long! You poor dear! I’m glad to hear Joe took good care of you. Perhaps God thought you needed a rest from working too hard. All the beautiful cups are GORGEOUS!! And I love those nightlight covers!! I adore that picture of Jack covering his eyes. How sweet is that!
Take care of that wrist. I hope it’s as good as new soon!
Susan, I’m so sorry to her about your accident…sending loving and healing energy for a prompt and total healing. Take all the time you need. I have been told by my daughter that if I truly believe in Universal Compassion, I must begin with myself. (I’m working on it.) Have you heard of the gorgeous, recently published book “Late Migrations” by Margaret Renkl? She is an opinion writer for the New York Times. I ask because her personal voice reminds me of yours. Thank you for this lovely post and please don’t rush. Healing is never a race. XO
Love Joe’s cup. A brilliant collaboration!
Love your mugs, and winning one would be wonderful!
So sorry to read about your accident and glad to read that you’re on the mend!
Sending speedy recovery vibes your way to heal your wrist! Thank you for the Willard!! Aloha from Maui Hawai’i ♥️♥️♥️
Not sure my first post went thru. I’m not seeing a sign that any comments were left, so I will try again since I forgot to mention how much I love those plates! They are so cute in the shape of teapots. Also, love that adorable pic of Jack at the end all cuddles in the blankie! 🙂 so cute!
Thank you for the giveaways, you are so sweet 🙂
The four season cups? What a special giveaway treat! 🙂
So sorry to hear that you broke your wrist! Ouch! Wishing you a speedy, full recovery! Your wonderful giveaways will make three people very happy. (Your blogs make everyone happy!)
you feed my soul, with beauty and hope
I love your new items, especially the night lights. So sorry about the fall and your broken wrist. One false move and… you’re surprised that it could happen so quickly. Speedy recovery!
Hope your arm feels much better soon! Thank you so much for all the surprises!
What a fun Giveaway…. Good Luck to Everyone!
Susan! So sorry to hear about your break! Glad you are getting better. My kitties and I send you lots of healing thoughts. 🙂
What wonderful surprises! Hope your wrist heals quickly.
Sorry to hear about your wrist and keeping fingers crossed that you get your cast off soon. I love all your mugs but I think I love the pumpkin head one the most. Kiss Jack for me
Oh, my, hate that you are in pain but so happy to hear from you! You’ve been a brave trouper. Thank you for sharing all your lovely products. I enjoy every way you beautify our world! Heal well, we need you!
Wish you a speedy recovery.
Lovely cups! Thank you for a chance to win.
Once again, you made my day with something wonderful to read! I wish for you a complete and total recovery from your broken wrist. Thanks for the cheer you bring to the world.
Like an unexpected gift, your blog appeared in my e-mail. I am a lover of beauty and the blog was so lovely. All the colors, the beautiful designs., the adorable “champagne” heart-bubbles that Joe made. My lord, is there no end to that man’s abilities….and yours?! You two are quite a matched pair. You have my sympathy with your broken wrist. I had a carpal tunnel operation that KO’d my right hand for only a week and was that torture..whew!
At any rate, be of good cheer….”this, too, will pass”.
Susan,
I can so identify with yur broken arm. I tripped over a dolly at work and cut my leg and feel on my shoulder which has 3 tears in it. My leg has been in a soft cast since June 5, I had to learn to do almost everything with my left hand.
We are kindred sisters.
Get well soon. I am waiting on surgery.
Love your love letters to us all,
Star J. Cypress, CA 90630
Love the picture of your whole foods dinner. It shows how truly simple it can be to eat healthier!
Thanks for all the prize opportunities. Love that cat, Jack! Joes designed a beautiful cup!
Hope your wrist heals quickly!
Thanks for sharing your life experiences, blogs and goodies with us! You’re a bright spot in this not so bright world. I always look forward to these happy posts! And glad you are on the mend! ❤️☕️🥰
Keeping my fingers crossed that Vanna pulls my name out of the hat! Sorry to hear about your accident. I am about your age and I constantly tell myself to slow down and be careful as I am always rushing around and I don’t need any broken bones. Have a good Labor day weekend.
Susan..so sorry to hear about your broken wrist!!😥 hopefully you will be getting the cast off soon and back to doing everything as before.💗
Thanks Susan for the encouraging blogs, especially under the circumstances!! But you looked adorable even with the black “glove”…
Count me in!
Aww Susan, aaaaaaaall that talent tucked under your brace; I picture such a creative stirring inside that black sleeve being held back like a damn! This email is a sure reveal that your cheer is still intact Susan, or, at least has been revived ~ be encouraged that September 14th is close at hand (dare I pun?)! :o)
Take very good care Susan — you inspire the ‘lot of us’ for certain.♥
Blessings,
Barb.
Thank you for another wonderful blog!
Love your mugs! I have your Martha’s Vineyard mug and I use it every day. Wonderful quality and washes great in the dishwasher.
Also get well soon too! What a bummer it must be. Take care of yourself! Byeee!!
Dear Susan, thank you for the opportunities to win such fabulous prizes and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Love!
Bless your wrist, may it heal quickly. Be kind to it. I broke my thumb several years ago and I, too, became aware of how useful these body parts are. Thank you Jack, for being your adorable self. You always make me smile. Joe–do more cups.
I was thinking of you the other day and wondering why we had heard from you in a while . I’m so sorry to hear about your fall but so glad you are on the mend. I understand all that you couldn’t do. I broke my right arm winter before last and was in the same pickle as you. Prayers for healing. Here you are with a big boo boo and you are thinking of other. Blessings to you. ❤️
Oh, you poor dear. PT is very important. You go girl! Praying for a quick and complete recovery.
So sorry about your ‘owie’! Hope and pray all is well soon! Your blog is delightful as are all the treats…what fun for the lucky folks that win. 🙂 Meanwhile, thank you from all of us for adding joy to our days! <3
Thank you for your generosity, Susan! What an exciting chance to win such cheerful goodies. And, I am so happy that your teapot plates are back in stock. Sending well wishes for your wrist.
I always love reading your blog! I’m wishing you a speedy recovery!
Blessings for a quick healing.
Oh, Susan, get well soon. It’s hard to be incapacitated for that long! Heal quickly.
I do need to buy one of those Autumn cups so I can sip tea as I linger over your Autumn book, which happens to be my favorite seasonal inspiration book — I display/read it every Autumn!!
Thanks for your generous heart always giving us something to hope for!
May your wrist heal and be stronger each day Susan. Love the Champagne Hearts cup!
What a totally delightful offer, your give-aways. I hope I am one of
the lucky winners, but in the meantime, I’m going to order a “Courage”
charm.
Thank you for all!
You’ve been missed. Lots of exciting news to read about. Still waiting for a status update on your story going to the big or little screen!
Susan,
Your blog posts are…..such pleasure…..beauty…..loveliness!! I love having your books, and many years of calendars (I can’t throw them out 😳!) around so that when you go awhile between posts, I can renew myself with all your lovely art contained in them!
As always, it is such fun to read your blog and delight in every little tidbit! Thank you and I’m glad your wrist is mending well! By the way, I enjoyed seeing your mugs and books at a cute little shop in the Arcade in Cleveland, OH where my son was married last June!
I love reading you newsletter/blog. I’m from the Midwest so life is a bit different here. I do so agree we need time of silence to listen to our hearts and surroundings. Take care. lcp
Hi Sue B!!
I’m so sorry about the break to your right hand!!
OUCH!! 🤦🏻♀️ I hope you heal up quickly so you can resume all your normL activities!!
💃🏻 🎨 💐 ☕️ 📖 🏃🏻♀️ 🚲 🚙 Your new mugs and dishes are so adorable!! 😍♥️🥰
Tom and I are coming to New England next month, celebrating our 40th Anniversary!’ 💑💏
Take care of yourself sweet friend!! 😁🤗😍♥️ xoxo 😘
I love all the cups, but especially the pumkinhead. I have always been a Fall lover. The bestest season. HAPPY FALL EVERYONE…..
Hi Susan
So sorry to hear of your accident.
Keep calm and carry on!
Susan M
Oh Susan, I hope you heal quickly! Sending love and light to you xo
To everything there is a season….may this season of your life bring you blessings too.
What sad news about your wrist…..hope you are on the mend and will soon be good as new. I had a hip replaced this summer, so understand the body’s long, slow healing process. Would love to receive one of your lovely cups….so please put my name in the drawing. Thank you…and may this day be a blessing for you.
Count me in Susan! Love my growing cup collection. Got the Make A Wish birthday one for my sister’s 60th. She was over the moon. Thanks for adding to her birthday joy! P.S. whisper to Vanna to pick me 😉
Love your Jack kitty!
You are the best. Wonderful art!
I knew something was wrong when I did not hear from you in such a long while. How awful for you — your right hand – oh me oh my. So happy that your Joe is so helpful and Jack seems to be cuddly for you. Now you must heal, Take thi time to smell the roses.
Hi! I would love to win something if yours… I think you should absolutely, Pick Me! Hahaha!! Please?🤗
Oh how I have a need for cheer. Thank you for a beautiful post 💕
I always enjoy your Blogs. They brighten my day.
Love your work.
Your cups are all lovely!!!
Love the mugs, especially the sailboat one. I have the Martha’s Vineyard one and the 4th of July one too. Great size!!!
I feel for you. I guess your broken wrist is just a reminder you need to take a break, oh, for yourself from your busy schedule. Nice to be looked after and pampered.
I’m so very sorry to hear about your broken wrist. So glad that it is healing. I would love to win any one of the many items you listed in this blog. I absolutely love the mugs, and the inspirational notes. Hope I am a winner.
I hope I win, I hope I win. . .
Dear Susan……Your writing makes me so happy, and Jack is the cherry on top! Those eyes. Those whiskers. Those paws. That yummy tummy. How I long for a kitty of my own, to have and to hold, and to wrap up in a fuzzy blanket. Do you know that the frequency of a cat’s purr is healing?! A good reason to take little rests, cuddled up with Jack. So sorry about your wrist….and glad you’re mending.
I miss my Massachusetts so… actually my New England. I would love to win one of your beautiful mugs. Have bought your charming products for years. Thanks for the uplifting comments.
Sending healing prayers your way. Thanks for all the surprises this month.
Such a relief that you are mending, what a beautiful blog with such great items for us to treasure,- luv Joe’s artistic endeavor- great job, I believe I will order the red mug- makes me happy when I look at it- will be my cup of joy for the day- thanks again for all you do for us and the uplifting inspiration that brings us happiness –