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!
I wondered what happened to you. A broken wrist is painful, and considering your vocation, very serious, but I’m so glad it is something that will heal. You have been missed!
I am so sorry to read about your injury. Frustration must have been an emotion you couldn’t deal with at times. Thank God that time marches on and you can finally get back to the things you love. Speaking of love…your new mugs are delightful!
Thanks so much for the chance to win and taking the time to write this post with your poor hand. Hope it’s back to normal soon. Your last post inspired me to eat better and so far I’ve lost 10 lbs. Thanks for that too!
Susan, I just finished my comment. Hit the ‘post comment’ button and a little sign came up error. I lost my comment!
So, just know that this blog is a welcome ray of sunshine for us all.
Glad you are healing nicely! I broke my ankle 4 years ago and it healed nicely as well.
I love the new nightlights! I’m thinking I need the one with flowers. However, when I zeroed in on the shade it looked more like berries. Whichever, it’s really cute!
I am so sorry to hear about your wrist and glad you’re well on your way to being “mended.” Love these blogs so much. Susan Branch: You are best antidepressant going. XOXOXO
Left comment earlier then nine something pm on 28th so think any that might have been sent earlier then that time may not have gone through…just a heads-up.
Thanks for this update, take care of you.
Susan .. Hope u are feeling better. I’ve been looking every where for the fall squirrel mug . The only place that has it is in England and they don’t ship to US. I would love to win!! I have all your books and of course your calendar. Right now I’m re reading Isle of Dreams, I love reading about when u first moved to Martha’s Vineyard. Hoping u have more books coming soon . I hope u could bring back the mugs that have sold out , I missed the fall one and would do anything to be able to get it . Love reading your Blog
Such a fun post and wonderful giveaway! I hope your wrist is feeling better soon!
You are the epitome of good cheer Susan Branch. I am Blessed in knowing you. ❤️
Please enter me!! Love your books!
Awesome prizes! Hope you heal quickly!
Love hearing from you. And so happy you are on the mend! It is eye opening how many times we use our hands through out the day. You have reminded me to be grateful for the use of mine ❤ Best of luck with PT. Thanks for being so generous with your give always. And Jack! So so cute!
Thank you. With all my Heart.
Susan,
Welcome back! I’ve been wondering what happened.
Good to see you typing but take care of yourself, some kittyrest is called for.
Vicki
I adore the pumpkin head cup!!!
Dear Susan,
Get Better Soon! I’m not sure my first comments actually went through so I thought I would try this again .
I love the champagne heart mug! Along with all your other mugs! So beautiful!
Oh, dear, Sweet Susan. Heal quickly. I had surgery on my wrist this summer, not my dominate hand, but still it’s soooo hard to be patient. I became aware of how much I use my non-dominate hand AND how often I bump it. Ouch!
Best news, your cups work in either hand so put your feet up, drink a cupa and enjoy the late summer views out your window.
Thanks for the uplifting, inspiring blog! May you have speedy recovery on your wrist!
Heal well dear friend. Enjoying memories of quiet hushed, snow days on this steamy southern summer day. Thank you for all of your beautiful images – painted, written and imagined!
It’s always a ‘ray of sunshine day’ when there is a brand new Susan Branch blog to savor! Oh, thank you for the moments of preparation as I anticipate what treasures of artistry and wisdom
will unfold before my eyes. What a swoon worthy moment in time.
Thank you, thank you. The world has regained its’ axis.
So sorry about your wrist!! You are too sweet to be looking on the bright side… Making more pathways in the brain!
Aren’t you excited that autumn is coming? Your autumn book is what introduced me to you. I was looking for cooking inspiration and found a copy through my library system. I’ve never looked back!
Love! <3
I’ve been helping a friend who broke bones in BOTH shoulders. He said it has been very humbling, needing to rely on others for pretty much everything. Glad you are healing, you are very lucky to have Joe. Thanks for the post!
What a surprise! Only wonderful Susan would call it a “surprise”… I always stop what I am doing and sit down to read the entire blog and musica and shopping opportunities as soon as it arrives! My favorites are the flowers, the china, Jack and Joe, the quilts, the annual calendar blotter, the Anglophile connections, the girlfriends, always the candle-lit dinners and all the friends. Sending you the “white light” of healing and know EGBOK….Everything’s Going To Be OK!!
Hello Susan! So nice to hear from you. You’ve been missed! Our favorite time of year is right around the corner, you can feel it in the air.🍁 Hope you’re feeling better every day🌻
Ugh, having a broken wrist sounds terrible. Hoping it heals quickly.
Would love to have one of your mugs, what a treasure that would be.
Enjoy the upcoming Labor Day holiday.
Freddie
Absolutely beautiful. You brighten my day. So glad you’re on the mend. Continue to heal and be refreshed.
I think my previous comment (August 28 around 5 pm) disappeared into cyberspace – never to be seen again! At least, it is not showing up in this whole LONG list of comments! Wishing you well as you heal – perhaps the break (NOT the fracture, but the taking time off from some activities) is what the universe, in its wisdom, felt you needed.
So sorry to hear about your broken wrist, Susan. I broke my non-dominant left wrist a few years ago and know how you feel. That’s when I got a stretchy “training bra” (as my husband called it). I rarely use any other type now since it is so comfortable. Physical Therapy will be a big help. I continued to improve for at least a year so give yourself the gift of patience (which is hard to do for me).
After watching “The Great Hack” on Netflix that you recommended, we no longer “like” or comment on Facebook or Instagram etc. I wish someone would invent a safe platform for us all to connect. You are so right when you said EVERY VOTER should watch this. It is sooo sad how weaponized propaganda has become.
And THANK YOU for your recommendation of the book, “Nella Last’s War”! After all the movies and books about WWII I believe I understand it in such a more intimate way now. REALLY LOVED it. The long slow pace of the war, and viewpoint from a women’s perspective are wonderful.
Thank you for all you share!
Sally
One of the first things I do each morning is log on to my computer to see if you have a new blog. In such a crazy, unsafe world we live in, this allows me to start the day on a positive love filled note. I am sorry to hear about your wrist Susan. Hugs and healing sent your way!!
Because of you, I’ve been eating my oats and nuts for breakfast. Feeling so much more chipper!
Happy Autumn!
Love the “surprises,” and I HOPE I win. But, to the real reason I’m writing is I also broke my wrist back in January–my left and dominate hand. I could not do about 95% of life’s activities, but thank goodness for a sweet hubby who helped me with that 95%! Bad fall, surgery, healing, and therapy, and I am back to “normal,” and you will be, too.
I always enjoy hearing from you!
Gloria
Oh, Susan….Good morning. I have missed you! And so, no doubt, have many others. So sorry to hear of your mishap, but happy you are doing better. I love, love, love all of the cups! And those nightlights! Adorable. They are all my favorite, LOL. It was good to hear from you! Carry on being a “good patient!”
I LOVE everything!!!!!!!!!!
Live Happy ~
Speedy healing to you! Thank you for the giveaway.
A lovely post Susan. So sorry to hear about your wrist. I’ve got your 2020 calendar and love it. Great prizes !
Oh Susan, so good to see you in my email account! Hope your wrist heals well and the therapy goes by quickly and you are back “in the pink” very soon. Just this morning I was talking to my hubby as we cut up bananas for milkshakes about the “addictions” of each generation. The WWII folks were almost all smokers and then there are the additions of the 70’s with drugs etc. I said, “I bet our grandchildren will look back and say cell phones were an addition for their parents.” Then to read what your book said…well, I think maybe parents today should think about putting down their phones. Like any addition, it may be hard to overcome. Cheers Dear Friend, hope you feel wonderfully whole again soon!
So happy you are on the mend.
Hi Susan,
I’m so sorry to hear about your broken wrist…..I’m glad you are on the mend. I think I may have “sprained” my right wrist somehow (I think it was the constant lifting of my grand dog’s heavy water bowl with one hand that did it). It’s quite painful, so I can only imagine what yours feels like. It’s great that you have your hubby to help you, because I’m sure Joe is like my hubby, always there to help and to comfort. We are lucky girls!!!!!!! Hope you continue to mend quickly. I’m looking forward to making more purchases of your wonderful items. God’s blessings to you and Joe.
How wonderful to have you back !! Even a little is better than none. Best wishes for a speedy return to normal (well, you know ).
Always a joy to read your blogs, leaves a smile on my face. (sorry about your wrist) it is the only break I’ve ever had (skiing) so I can relate.
Thank you, Susan, for bringing good cheer to all of us. Best wishes for a speedy healing.
Susan, sending healing and loving vibes to you! My best friends nic-name is Pumpkin and the cup she would love – ! All the cups are lovely! A special toast to Joe!
Thank you for the uplifting blog today! Dag-nabbit on the wrist….. but sounds like its been well cared for and hope the cast will be removed on the 14th!! Yay!! Thank you Susan for everything you do!
I love the pumpkinhead mug. I also love your kitty. I had a tuxedo who went missing 3 weeks ago and I’m heart broken.
Everything about your email’s and content are just simply wonderful !
It’s like Christmas morning !
xxoo Lisa Miller 🙂
Always uplifting and reminds me of the Vineyard, a very magical place❤️
Praying for a complete heal, and a quick heal of your wrist!
Oh Susan, too bad about your broken wrist, relieved for you that you are healing well. Lovely pic of you, “good patient”. Beautiful new items, and congratulations to Joe on his first official cup! Thank you for sharing that book – and your photo’d meals look delicious. Above all, thank you for bringing DKSO and Lisa into my acquaintance while we were in line (years ago) @ An Unlikely Story, waiting to have our books signed. Happy rest-of-summer (we get to savor it until September when the season “officially” changes)!
Thanks for being your own sweet, inspiring self albeit with a new wrist ornament. Take care and heal up..we need you in this crazy world! Love the bookmark. I had already ordered the English Countryside calendar and Corgi cup for my daughter-in-law for Christmas, so this will be a perfect addition. She and my son lived in London for 3 years and that love for all things British gets in your blood and stays there forever. Happy Fall..hugs to Jack!
Thank you for sharing your uplifting voice with us. We all need to hear positive thoughts . Thank you ❤️
I wish you the best in rehab. Great products!
Suzy B + 3 contests= the perfect blog! Just love reading your blog. It’s seriously the ONE constant to settling me down and enjoying the moment! Super excited about the charm (have all of those) and hopefully winning a prize (I have all the mugs as well!) to share with my pen pals. And I’m really thinking I need a couple of the teapot plates for my DOWNTON ABBEY party!
So sorry about your poor wrist Susan! Will be praying for a quick recovery. Love the night lights!
Love,
Emily C. in Michigan
Love your inspirational writing and .. .. love shopping on your website! All those lovely things!!!
Wishing you a full recovery from your fracture. Injuries can be very humbling. You are an amazing person and you make this world a better place. Thank you.
Dear Susan,
Wishing you a very speedy recovery! It seems that you are making the best of the unfortunate situation though!
Those special gifts are so beautiful! Oh how I would love to be picked by Vanna! 💕
Oh! ME! Oh, please. I love it ALL!
Perfect post on a day that needed some brightness. Your posts bring us all back to nature and living a happy life with simple things. Hope your wrist mends soon.
So sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you are back to 100% soon! Your writing and artwork are so absolutely beautiful. The pumpkin mug is adorable.
You cannot imagine how good your words about the sound of silence have done to me! Thank you Sue,and take good care of that wrist. Hugs from northen Spain.
Susan..hope your feeling better.I have been looking for the fall {squirrel}cup for a long time .i would love to win the giveaway! Im re-reading Isle of DREAMS right now,love to read about when u first moved to Marthas Vineyard and the seasons.keep writing because we love your books.also…are u planning on bringing back any of the retired ones?
You are a treasure !!Love Gloria
So look forward to getting notice in my email of your blog posts. Love the beauty and reminders to care for ourselves and others with the basics of being.
Your attitude is inspiring….your words are lyrical….your drawings delightful…keep doing! Hope your wrist heals soon and we hear more from you soon.
XO
A Texas fan
Thanks as always, for lifting our spirits, lending us courage and making us warm all over. The courage charm is dear; the book suggestion sounds like a GREAT one; the treasures you design are uplifting. THANKS!
Awww…I’m so sorry about your wrist. So glad to hear you are healing. We have missed you so much! Thank you for helping restore love and hope to our world. My heart is always so happy when I read your posts. You, Joe and Jack have a happy day! And the California girls too!! We can’t forget about them!
oh DEAR Susan! yes we use our hands everyday without even thinking about it!
may you heal well and appreciate (I’m sure) your hand with love.
gosh I love your mugs, to win one would be CHRISTMAS haha
Thank you for sharing the pages of the book you’re reading!!! it made me cry in my heart. I see so much of people not talking to each other. your cheery inspiration was just what I needed this morning and I THANK YOU once again for the delight of your blogs!!!! tally ho!
So happy you’re doing better. Be patient, let yourself heal and all will be fine. So glad you have Joe and Jack to take care of you. Loved ones are wonderful, even the four-legged kind.
What do the kitties think of the cast?
Hello Susan, so sorry to hear about your broken wrist. No doubt you’ll be feeling right as rain soon! Cuddle up with Jack – he knows what to do. And Joe, too, I suppose! <3 LOVE the four seasons cups! I live in the Midwest and love all the seasons.
I was so happy to see the notification on Facebook that there was a new blog post!!!! Happy Day!! Also glad to see that you are writing again even if it’s “hunt and peck” with the left hand!!! Hope the wrist heals completely and physical therapy helps to full restore it!!
Thank you! I hope you get better soon!
I am sorry about your wrist and I am glad you are getting better. When I broke my ankle and called the doctor, I said, “Well, it’s a little embarrassing how I did it.” He said most orthopedic injuries start out with that phrase–we just think we are more agile and indestructible than we are! SO, make up a story–you were rescuing Jack from a killer butterfly, saving flowers from a run-a-way mower–you get the idea. Get well soon!
So sorry about your wrist, Susan. Glad you are on the road to recovery! Lovely reminders about taking care of ourselves and enjoying the “small” things which are really “big” things.
We’ve missed you and hope you heal well and completely! 👋👋👋
I’m so sorry to hear about your wrist – how frustrating! Prayers for quick and complete healing. 🙂
Thank you for the chance to win some of your lovelies and for being you – a spot of cheer and light.
Hi. So sorry to hear you broke your wrist. I sympathize with you as I too broke mine. I found the best exercise for me was to use my manual can opener. I’ve had no problems with it.
the best thing about it is all the extra cuddle time you get with your cat Jack. Your blog is great but you take all the time you need to get well.
Love the quiet section….Oh, the sounds of silence….The very last quote brought me instantly back to those many winters growing up in Vermont. What it doesn’t mention is the fact that the silence is deafening!
All the best to you.
Not sure if my first post went through. Wishing you healing thoughts and healing hugs. Young people like us heal real well!! Hand Therapy does wonders that helps so much. You will be doing better just in time for your favorite Season. xo🍁🍂
Another wonder-full blog. Thank you for positive words!
I was just thinking to myself this morning, how I needed a Susan Branch blog post…and here you are🥰 You my dear are pure sunshine and bubbles☀️ Thank you so much for your posts, you have no idea how much you lift people up😊
So thankful for you, Susan! 💟
Dear Susan, you have my sincere sympathy with your broken wrist. I had surgery on my right hand for arthritis a few years ago and had a cast from my fingers to almost to my elbow. At first I didn’t think that it would be a big deal because I do a lot with my left hand. Boy, was I mistaken!! Like you, I couldn’t use scissors, a kitchen knife, I had to get my husband to fasten my bra, I felt like an infant!! After almost two months the cast came off and I had a brace. The first time I got to run the vacuum I was thrilled!! Normalcy is so under appreciated. I pray that your cast will be removed soon. Thanks for another lovely blog, it made my day!
Oh, Martha, love your “quip”…Normalcy is so under appreciated! Perfect for those of us in casts or braces….and maybe for our entire country. I vote for Normalcy over Chaos any old day.
BTW, I have severe arthritis, and CBD has help tremendously. Even that in my feet. A number of years ago I had the bone removed from my little toe. Really helped, and hope your surgery helped you.
Debbie in Maine
Susan, this brings good wishes for the speediest recovery! And I must tell you that one of my absolute favorite things about your posts are the pictures of Jack! I have immense affection for that sweet little face – I almost feel guilty saying that since I have a sweet little faced cat of my own at home. Anyway, have a lovely day and soon-to-be Autumn!
Thank you for the much needed blog post, Susan. Can’t wait for my lovely cups to arrive, the MV one for my beautiful daughter who visited last year. Hope your wrist is as good as new in no time!
Thanks for your beautiful and inspiring words and photos!
It is so much fun to see your blog in my inbox! I am sorry this one had a not so nice surprise with your wrist, but it seems like you are on the mend and approaching it with your usual “joie de vivre.” Wishing you the best in your recovery!
I’m so sorry you are struggling with your painful wrist while still putting smiles on so many faces. Always feeling thankful for everything you have to offer through the years. Sending prayers and warm wishes for a beautiful Autumn in New England.
Courage!!!
Love all your mugs! Praying your wrist heals Soon! 💟
I’m so very sorry to hear about your wrist. We have missed you! But the main thing is to heal as soon as possible so do take it as easy as you can. Must be so frustrating for an active person like you! Fond wishes to you, Susan.
I LOVE your blog and your books and your attitude towards life. I also love your cat pics as I am a cat person myself and also a cat veterinarian. The new cups look so awesome! I wish I had known about you years ago but better late than never! I hope your wrist heals soon!!!
You bring sunshine and happiness to my day. Praying for your quick recovery. Thank you for all that you do and share💖
Nothing brings you down for long. That’s what I love about you!
BTW, I was going to buy one of Joe’s berets, but the black ones and others
are sold out. Will you be offering more?
So sorry about your wrist and hope you are 100% soon. Thanks for all your beautiful posts.
Yikes! The right hand….ug. Inspired to be creative and get ready for fall. Thank you!!!
Ouch! Hope you’re feeling better soon. Love all the new stuff!