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!
thank you, Susan, for your generous giveaways!!
Lucky? Me?
Hope your wrist is 100% soon!
Sorry for your broken hand 💙get well!
Dear Susan, wondered what happened to you. Glad your healing well! I know how easy it is to fall. I fell off of a ladder onto the cement floor of my garage. Got up and walked away. I’m 70 years old. Good bones!
Jeannie
Because fairy tales really do come true!!
Oh Susan, so sorry about your wrist. It does seem to me when you are given a lemon in life you always make lemonade….can’t believe you are typing your blog for us. Your cups are just so beautiful and the darling teapot plates. Please enter me and I will envision Vanna in my dreams. Joe did an amazing job on the champagne heart cup….is that Lawrence Welk I hear playing in the background. Remember his adorable champagne lady? I’ve been following your “good wholesome recipes” and my husband and I feel so much better. After 56 years together we have now striving for 75. Love and hugs …..Sherry
Hi, So good to see your email but so sorry to hear of your tumble,been there and done that!!! Praying for great recovery…soon! All your cups are beautiful! I like that Joe has contributed to the heart one!!! Sincerely, Julie
So sorry about your cast! I am sporting a sling myself after dislocating my shoulder after a fall! What’s with these falls at our tender age??? Thanks for your upbeat, cheerful posts–always make me pause and smile.
SOMETHING was in retrograde!! 😅
Always beautiful !
I truly love your books! They make me dream… 🙂
Happy healing to you and your wrist!
Sending strength and good wishes for your complete healing! I was thinking of you today and then so happy to receive your blog! Actually, I think of you often because your calendar is a daily diary for me and I have a zillion things of yours gathered over many years plus each one is my favorite! One more thing, reading all your books during my breast cancer made me very happy which I truly believe helped my recovery. Thank you!
Dear Susan, I”m so sorry to hear about your wrist!!! For a book writing artist, I can’t imagine how difficult life had been for you. I see you might be getting your brace off on my twins 18th birthday!! I will pray that that is the day!!! Your healthy diet is helping you heal well. Joe and Jack are sure to be helping with all that can for you. Well, Joe at least. 😆 Take care, girlfriend. You are loved by so many!
Glad your hand is on the mend.
Delectable!!
Susan,
I have been wondering where you were. So sorry about your wrist.
I have been in the same situation with my left leg.
I have been 9 weeks pretending I am on a cruise ship.
My Leo has supported my illusion.
Perhaps with your love of ships, this will help.
Enjoy the cruise…
Oh, Susan! So sorry about your wrist! Had a tumble a while ago myself. My right ankle took most of the fall. Stubborn me thought it was just a sprain for about a month. But it was fractured. Time helps with the cure. Meanwhile, I learned to appreciate the struggles of others, which sometimes go unnoticed…and a dandy gray boot was my Cinderella shoe for quite a while—people didn’t seem to notice at all…doors and steps and inclines were challenges.
Good luck with your precious and talented hand, and thank goodness for your darling Joe!
I’ve been watching my email for another blog post from you. It seemed like it was time. :). I’m glad your wrist is healing. Hope it will be all well very soon. I’d love to be entered in your drawing. It would be a thrill to win one of your lovely cups!
As the old hymn says, “Tis a blessing to be simple”. You reach a point in your life where you realize how beautiful and fleeting life is. God gave us nature to enjoy and heal us but we have forgotten His wisdom. Life is so fast-paced today but can be so unsatisfying. If we can just slow down once in a while, and really listen to the silence, we will find clarity and peace.
Wow what bad luck I hope your wrist is feeling better and that you are out of the cast soon. The new cups look great I particularly love the champagne hearts
I really hate to type, am also right handed. I can’t imagine having to type a lengthy blog entry with my left hand. I appreciate your diligence and generosity.
I was able to use both hands for most of it, but it started to hurt, so I finished quickly with one finger on left hand! Hurts a bit today, can’t answer everyone! ☹️ But reading and loving all the comments! xoxo
Dear Susan,
I’ve missed your post!🧐 I’m so sorry to hear of your misfortune .🤭Who said “ Housework🚮 don’t correctly can be dangerous “?.Preparing for a garage sale somewhat like housework😂.
Glad to know it was not more serious!Hope you are back to your wonderful gifts of painting , writing and more blogging 🔜.You’re a good man Charlie Brown , I mean Joe!❤️
Great job on Champagne hearts on new cup design Joe!Well ,I won’t chew on your ear much longer . Just wanted to send you some well wishes from California !
Girl friends forever😉
Cindi Leonard
Loving all the surprises Susan, hoping you have a speedy recovery x
Feel better my generous friend. We love you. 💖
I do hope your broken wrist will soon be healed and you will be able to do all the things you love so much!
I always look forward to your Newsletters and feel part of the great world sisterhood!
Greetings from Switzerland!
Its how I feel too!!!!
You are reading my mind!! I just placed an order today and asked if any Summer cups were still available. So sorry to hear about your wrist. Hope you are back to feeling 100% very soon! As always, love your blog!!
Love the mugs and the plates
So Sorry about your wrist Susan . . .
You look Great though . . .
Prayers for continued healing ! ! !
Great Job Joe, I Love the Heart Cup !
Happy rest of Summer 2019,
Linda C. : )
First of all, I’m sorry for your injury and so happy you’re on the mend. 💛
Oh to be the lucky winner of the cups. My favorite is the Spring Lamb. Fingers crossed. 🌷
hi Susan,
Lovely to read a new post. Just getting ready to get my Autumn book out (which you signed at the Stourhead picnic) now one of my proudest possessions! I would love to be entered for any of the gifts. I particularly love the 🎃 pumpkin mug!!
Love from Hala nor. Bath
Xx
I’m leaving a comment because I have your moon and stars mug and simply love having my tea every single morning in it. The design is perfect, easy and comfortable to hold and the larger size is lovely, especially for that first cup of the day. I’m grateful for the opportunity to win another and sure hope you are healing quickly, and get that cast off soon. Cheers Karen
So sorry to hear you broke your wrist! So glad to hear you are on the mend! Sending you healing thoughts and patience as you recover. Thank you for writing as much as you could. It is always a treat to hear from you. And so many beautiful surprises!! Some day I shall win something, I just know I will, because I love them all so much and have been such a passionate fan for so long! Do you have any thoughts or
Interest about doing a whole foods cookbook? I have been taking notes but would love it in book form!
Wishes for a complete recovery.
Your work is beautiful and inspiring
Your words cheer and warm a lonely heart. Thank you Susan.
😘
Dear Susan, Wonderful blog!! So excited about your new products, especially the night lights!
I just have to tell you this: As I told you, I went on a dream-come-true trip to England in May with my childhood friend, Susan. She did all the planning and used your book for much of it! Anyway, I took it (A FINE ROMANCE) with me to read (for the 4 time) because I wanted to read it in England. Our first week there we stayed in cottage #9 in Arlington Row!! I couldn’t believe it. We went to The William Morris Tea Room a couple of times. Our first time there, I talked to the owners and asked them if they knew that their tearoom was mentioned in your book, with a picture of their sign and everything! They said, No! They had no idea! I ran back to our cottage, got the book and showed it to them. They were thrilled!! I think they are going to order a copy, open it to page 193 and have it on display in their tearoom! It was a blast!! 😀
Much love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Mary, did you reserve the cottage on Arlington Row with the National Trust? My husband and I have stayed in NT properties, and English Heritage does them as well.
You sound like a fun person !!!!
Debbie in Maine
Enter me please!
Thank you Susan for your lovely blog, I am always happy to see it show up in my emails.
Also I must tell you that my lovely husband purchased your book A Fine Romance for me after me talking about you and your trip to England and the great emails detailing your trip from start to finish.
I subscribe to the Victoria magazine and he read the article about the picnic at Beatrice Potter’s house. He then ordered your book as a surprise, which it was and we have both read it and enjoyed it immensely.
Lovely post…and such fun, cheery giveaways!
Oh Susan, I’m sending lots of love your way, pretty pink ribbons of love streaking through the sky to you. I can totally sympathise having had a hand out of action for six weeks some years ago.
Lovely that you have Joe to help you and a surprise to see his hidden artistic talents!
Your cups are as always beautiful and I would dearly love to win one. Fingers and toes are all crossed!
Always love your blogan your art. Hope you heal quickly.
Hope your wrist feels better real soon!!
Where to begin. So sorry to learn that you broke your wrist and on your good hand! That would be like clipping a bird’s wings! ((((hugs)))) Hope your cast is off more sooner than later and that you are soon back to tickety boo! Other than that, there is much to love here this morning. I can’t love the broken wrist, but I can love your dogmatic tenaciousness and your “carry on” attitude. Very British! Susan you are so very generous. Thank you so much for the bookmark! I have them all and love them. I may have to print out extras for my husband because he is always stealing them! Did I ever tell you he read A Fine Romance and fell in love with it also? Yes, I am a lucky woman. Autumn is beginning to bare her teeth here, with a gentle nip here and there in the air and the barest hint of leaf change, just at the tops of the trees. Summer seems to have flown by very quickly this year. All your new cups, you teapot plates, your NIGHTLIGHTS! Weeeee!! I love them all. And best of all Jack. What a fabulous little smile creating character he is. I best quit now as I have run off at the mouth enough! Oh, have you ever read Sean of the South? If not you should. He is a really great read. Almost as good as you, but without all the pretty stuff. Love and hugs and healing wishes. xoxo
Hope your wrist is better very soon. I am looking forward to finally getting to your island in October. We are coming from New Zealand to do New England in the fall. Can’t wait.
Cherish the thought of winning a surprise!!! Thank-you!
Dear Susan,
THANK YOU! What a treat, to see a post from you, written by your one finger, wow, you really deserve a GOLD STAR!!
I was sorry to hear about your broken wrist, I am keeping everything crossed the cast will be able to come off soon.
Our family now has 2 new additions….After our darling Emily went to cat heaven in may, we started to feel something was missing….And so we have 2 new kitties!
They have been here just over a month, and are now 3 months old, and bundles of furry cuteness!
They are 2 sisters, and one is ginger, called Kitty and Katy is her tortoise shell sister. I had forgotten how “interesting” everything is for mini cats, and have had them hanging on my robe or pajama pants, while trying to do yoga…..
Lots of love and hugs
Nicoline
XOXO
Could really use a surprise. It’s been a long year and a half for me and my family, Hope to mend soon. Thanks for offering.
Oh Susan … so sorry to hear about your wrist! I recently had a run-in with an old, dull vegetable peeler that slipped while I was peeling potatoes and I peeled a layer of skin off the top of my thumb. That kept me from using that hand for about a week and it was so frustrating (and that was my LEFT hand). I cannot imagine what it would be like not to be able to use my RIGHT hand for more than a month!! Hope you get your cast off soon.
PS – Please tell Joe that his bubbly heart design looks wonderful!
So sorry for your unlucky break! But it will heal and you’ll be back to creating again. Sometimes it takes a hiccup to get our attention and remind us that we really aren’t the ones calling the shots! So easy does it while you’re on the mend. Everything will be just fine if you can be patient!
Best wishes and please enter me into your contest! I would simplify love to win those lovely set of mugs! Thanks and get well soon!
Lauri Hyde
Oh Yey! so many wonderful cups! I want them all! I love all the china pieces! I’m waiting for the little pitcher I ordered – it’s so sweet! Thanks for all the wonderful, creative things you do! Enjoy Fall! I wish I could be where you are for the Fall!!
So glad you’re on the mend. Yay, for Joe and his good suggestion! Looking forward to your next newsletter! Hugs, Marge:)
I wish you a soon and successful recovery!! Kisses and hugs
Glad your wrist is healing. Any of your mugs would be welcome in our home. Tell Joe he is one creative genius.
Please, please, please? I really love your cute little outfit!
Oh Susan! Keeping you in my prayers that your wrist heals quickly and super strong. Thank goodness for care givers (our husbands) when things go awry! My husband lovingly and patiently came with me to all my dialysis appointments until I received, in 2011, my blessing from heaven – a kidney transplant!! Care givers are true heroes!
And Jack … Oh my goodness … he is the most adorable little guy in the whole wide world! I just love all your stories and pictures you share about him.
Hang in there Susan! It won’t be long now … With each passing moment you are one moment closer to getting rid of that icky ol’ cast!
Take care! Naomi :o)
Gosh, so sorry to hear about your nasty break, wishing you a super speedy recovery. I’m sure if anyone has the determination to magic up a quick-mend you can, I’m keeping fingers crossed that I’m right there!
Joe did a super job on the champagne hearts, how apt, what more does a loving marriage need than champagne and hearts 💕!
Take care of yourself, Seona xx
As always, Susan Branch provides us with much needed hope and effervescence just like the champagne heart mug Joe and she designed. Love this blog and love Susan Branch….and Joe too!
Hello Susan, I’m writing this post in the hope I will be the lucky winner of the 4 seasons cups 😁. I live in Australia which means I’m not really in a position to purchase your merchandise as not only is expensive postage a curse of living “down under”, the current exchange rate is not in the Australian dollars favour. So here’s hoping you think of your number 1 Australian fan when choosing your winner. Cheers Karen
We were on island last week for a few days (just before the ag fair and illumination night – Lord the traffic!) and we drove past your lovely home with the hearts in the window. That was the touch that made me know it was your abode. Not wanting to be a stalker type, we didn’t linger but just as it had felt when I visited Gladys Taber’s home, it was like visiting a dear friend. Hoping you are feeling better with each passing day, and you have inspired me to join you in healthier eating these past few months – I’m down 11 pounds! Thank you for being the good soul this planet needs much more of.
Susan, My best friend is recovering from a broken wrist due to a fall as well! It’s not fun and very frustrating! Take care of you!
Stephanie
Aging gracefully.
I love the cups and would enjoy the pumpkin in the fall.
Thanks for the opportunity to win. I love reading your emails and always read them last in my in box so I don’t have to rush. Take care of your hand.
Wishing you full use of your wrist soon!
Hope your wrist gets better soon! Been, there, done that! And your post is just lovely! Thanks for being you! Barbara
Courage, dear heart, and a speedy recovery. And with that, the silver lining of deep gratitude for the love that your hands and heart bring to this world. Sending good cheer, a big hug, and a warm thank you.
Hi Susan! Wishing you a speedy recovery, it has to be miserable especially with the hot, humid weather! Love Joes mug and artwork! Also love your choice of MUSICA!
So glad you did not require surgery.
Thank you for making the world a more pleasant place. Take care of that hand!
So sorry about your hand, but very glad to hear it is healing well for you!
Thank you for sharing with all of us your wonderful newsletters. I look
Forward to each new one.
God bless!
Oh my! Hope you are back to your self soon. Sometimes a rest is needed-
even if its inconvenient and a bother.
Hi Susan,
So sorry to hear about your broken wrist.
My mum in her late 80s broke both at the same time, she was amazing, so inventive and strange to say we had lots of laughs. She was fine in the end with her can do, positive attitude.
No longer with us but her happy way of looking at things is still with me.
I’m sure you will do really well and be back to normal with your wonderful attitude to life.
Lovely post, I love the cups, can’t get as many styles here in the uk but do have a few.
Would love the pumpkin one.
Take care, Jann
I am so glad you are healing…amazing how those things slow you down….even a left thumb injury will…(and I am right handed:))
Dear Susan,
I love your art, your writings, even your choice of movies, books and music. We will be visiting our son on Martha’s Vineyard in October and will definitely check out the Vineyard Arts Gallery while there.
So sorry about your wrist but glad to see you are on the mend. My summer has been busy with the arrival of our first grandchild! I can’t explain the joy this little one has brought us. He is now three weeks old and I can’t wait to see him again ❤️
Here’s to quickly healing. Perhaps you were meant to slow down a bit.
But I missed your blogs!
Lovely blog, Susan. So sorry you are struggling with a broken wrist. Thank you for making the effort to keep in touch. With your Joe and Jack giving help and extra love you should heal up quickly. Take care and be patient. Relax and take in Mother Nature’s transition from summer to fall, your favorite time of year. 💕💕💕💕🥰
This post gave me courage, dear heart. Thanks!
All of these are STUNNING! But the Pumpkin Head pulled my heart strings – that was my dad’s love-name for his little red haired first born. I hadn’t heard that name in years.
Hope you are healed soon. Thanks for inspiration and love
Love ❤️
How nice to see your cheerful and LOVELY artwork on my computer screen this morning. It sure beats crazy political nonsense and concerns about another hurricane heading toward our state AGAIN!
I so love your blog and raced to your store to order those sweet little night lights! You make us all stand still for just a few moments to “hear” the nature’s sounds.
Thank You!
This too shall pass Susan. Life (God) is always teaching us to let go…especially when we hold on too tight. Never said it would be easy peasy. What a gift you’ve received. Hope it renews you.
Fabulous! Love hearing from you, dear Susan!
I adore the pumpkinhead x
Sending you healing energy Susan! Your posts always inspire me and it is such a treat when they arrive in my email! Thank you for all you do for all of us !
Valerie
LOVE LOVE LOVE everything I see here! Hope to win!!
Hope you feel better soon!
Have a pumpkin latte in a pumpkin mug!
What a fun post! I’m inspired to do some Christmas shopping.
Sorry to hear about your broken wrist!
Susan, I love reading your posts, looking at your pictures, reading your books, being inspired by you! Would love to win anything ! Hope your wrist heals completely…continue being a good patient. 🤗
Thank you for such lovely giveaways.
How marvelous to hear from you again ! But BUMMER about your hand! I did the same thing but on a raised garden bed. Yuck! Seems like it takes forever to get back to normal but it WILL! As Aslan said “Courage dear heart.”❤️
Have all your books and love everything you create!
“Gute Besserung Susan from Germany!“
Feel better soon. The cups are just so lovely , thank you for your effort. 👍💕
I’m glad your wrist is improving! Hope it will soon be all well. I’d love to win any of your darling cups!
As always, you refresh my spirit. Happy Fall!
Susan,
I enjoy reading your blog so very much! I actually found myself waiting for it this month. And what a blog, so many treasures! I haven’t seen too many recent pictures (and full-length) of you, but I was delighted to see the small flounce of eyelet fabric peeking out from your skirt. Your artistic style and fashion style are truly romantic and very inspiring to me. Good luck with your right wrist healing completely and quickly.
Soothing
I love your seasonal coffee/tea cups!
Thank you for this post–so happy and peaceful…..And glad you are healing well, I’ve missed hearing from you! P.S. that food picture looks delicious!
As always, you refresh my spirit.
Thank you for reminding me of the sound of silence. Sigh.