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!
So glad to hear you are on the mend. By the way, you look so lovely and thin and did I see that you are wearing a belt like you hoped for? You always inspire me.
Susan: Oh how I love seeing pictures of Jack. Our 19 year old Toby died last year and I miss him so much. I would like to get another rescue cat, but husband is saying no. Luckily our daughter has two cats that we get to enjoy as she lives nearby.
So sorry about your wrist Susan! Feel better soon! I have been reading your ‘healthy eating’ posts for inspiration for my own healthy eating journey. Only down about five pounds, but it’s better than nothing! Twenty sticks of butter, right? lol Keep on being a positive light and enjoy the upcoming fall season!
Been there, done that! I feel your pain. Enjoy the rest; in no time you’ll be back to your normal pace. I don’t think anyone does resting quite as productively as you though. You’re an inspiration! Love you!
Love the pumpkinhead cup especially! All are glorious!!!
Loved your post! Hope your wrist recovery proceeds quickly, smoothly and pain free!!
-Donna Cox in Michigan
I always enjoy your blog and look forward to it
Oh Susan such bad luck, and done in a split second. Fingers (of left hand!) crossed for a speedy mend! I love your blogs and pictures and everything and use your Autumn mug every morning for my tea here in beautiful Devon UK. I have such wonderful memories of my trip to Martha’s Vineyard from May this year, although it was pretty wet and windy and cold! Still loved every minute there. Take care. Thank you for making us smile every day with your calendars etc. 💕💕
Get well soon , dear heart ! Jack is adorable , by the way . 🙂 I love kitties too and husband and I have two sweet Moggies . 😉
Your cups are so beautiful! Get well soon.
Susan, So very sorry to see that brace on your wrist! But you seem to be coping admirably, as you do with the other adversities life sends your way. You are an absolute delight! While you are recuperating, you should treat yourself to the movie “Yesterday”. It is a wonderful “rom-com” about a fellow who wakes up and discovers that he is the only one in the world who remembers the Beatle’s music.
If you like their music – and being an anglophile, I suspect that you do, you will adore this movie.
Take care and heal fast!
Thank you for all you do!
It is delightful to drink coffee out of your cups and enjoy your blog.
Your watercolor style is divine and I appreciate the insight into your artistic process, production and pleasures!
My mother and I would love, love, love to win any of the cups. I ordered the blotter calendar and the mini and will get them in the next few days. Love the blotter calendar.
Hope you have a speedy recovery and thanks for sharing your beautiful life. Oh one more thing – can not wait for the Downton Abbey movie!!
love and hugs to you
Susan, you poor lamb! I hope you have enjoyed quiet time to read, watch old movies, and just be. Take care.
Sorry Susan for your mishap. Last summer I slipped going out the door and broke my foot . .was in a heavy boot for the entire summer. . .was a big inconvenience! Hope you’re on the mend and back to your old self soon. 🙂
Oh my, I’m so sorry for you. I’m happy to hear your well on the mend and thank goodness for Joe and his help with “daily life”. 🙂
I love the bookmark and have printed one for me and on for my bestie. She has 2 corgis!
Continued wishes for your full recovery.
xo,
Karen
Susan, I don’t think I have ever seen such an adorable cup!!!
My heart leapt for joy, a Susan Branch blog! Always makes my day😊
Lovely blog written by a lovely lady.
Oh Susan I am so sorry about your wrist. I broke my right arm some time ago and know how debilitating it is. Wishing you a speedy recovery! I love the charms ans the new heart nug. GO JOE! Hugs
So sorry you broke your wrist. I am happy to hear you are mending well. Joe’s idea for the champagne cup was great! It is lovely! Take care!
Susan,
What a surprise to see your name in my inbox. This morning I told myself that it felt like a Vineyard morning, so nice and cool. Then I saw your email , not a coincidence ! Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
Carleen
Wishing you a speedy recovery! Snuggle up with Jack (and Joe) and enjoy the last few weeks of summer. Thanks for this lovely blog of yours.
Thank you for your generosity in sharing your thoughts, ideas, cheer, etc. & even the chance to win some of your glorious creations! Best wishes for a complete healing of your hand!
I really look forward to reading your blog…a breath of fresh air.
Hello Susan, I hope you and Joe and Jack are having a fine day. Here in Kentucky it was a glorious morning, what i call sweater weather. I love it. I am so very sorry about your wrist and i hope it heals up quickly. I would love love love to win any of the prizes……they are real treat to look at, but probably even better to use. Thank you for giving all of us “girlfriends” a chance to win. I am sending get well wishes and happy wishes for a great day- Labor day weekend…and beyond. I wish i was there so i could walk down that path to the shore with you and Joe.
Have a great day. We all love you dearly.
From -Kathy Fletcher in Wilmore, Kentucky
Very generous offer of all of those mugs! Hope you’re back to “normal” activity soon.
I’m so sorry about your [right!] wrist. It’s just like you to be worried about us wondering why we haven’t heard from you. We’re not going anywhere. Just take good, good care of you. We’ll be here when you’re back to 100%. ❤️
Prayers for your healing:) Thank you for the inspiration!
Here’s hoping for a speedy healing of your wrist!!
Thanks so much for your posts. You always cheer me up. I broke my wrist and had surgery two years ago and I am just fine. Take care.
So enjoy this newsletter. Get well soon
I love the night lights. I’m trying to decide which I want, hard decision, maybe both. I look forward to your blog. So sorry you broke your wrist. We never know how much we use our hands until something like this happens. Thank you Susan
love your blog and the sweet kitty paws!
Wishing blessings for a complete heal. Boy you keep busy despite the wrist being out of commission. As you stated hopefully you will have it off just in time for the glorious season of Fall and the beauty of the change of the leaves and of course pumpkin season.
Dear Susan
So sorry to hear about your broken wrist, but your list of things you can’t do actually made me laugh out loud! Hope that doesn’t make me a bad person:)
I am loving your new night lights and “Joe’s” cup. Will have to check them out.
Enjoy the rest of your summer. The yard sale can wait till next year.
Sue
😘
Susan, so wonderful to hear from you, but sorry to hear about your wrist. We never know how much our body parts do until they can’t. The cups are all lovely. I hope you continue to heal quickly. I am so glad it’s almost fall. I am heading to North Carolina in a few weeks to see my grandbabies and hopefully some fall weather and leaves.
So sorry to hear you broke your wrist. You do look lovely though.
Gorgeous cups! Night lights too.
Many thanks for the book mark and good cheer!
I have Missed You! I so enjoy your blogging and its been ever so long. Hope your wrist heals quickly – Sept 14th not that far away. Oh, and thank you for the opportunity for a sweet give-away! Keeping my fingers crossed. All the best to you & Joe!!!
So happy to hear you are on the mend….(and the Island is such a beautiful place to set back, rest and heal:) Your newest blog is lovely…as always, I look forward to it! Your cups SURPRISE is sooooo exciting!!!!!! Such a special treat for sure! I am anxiously awaiting for an order I placed with you….a couple of your new nightlights, the 2020 calendar and a bag of your special tea, A Fine Romance. CANNOT WAIT…(hehe) Feel better soon, Susan!
Courage ~ being scared to death to get up on that horse, but saddling up anyway!
Oh Man! Nothing worst than a broken wrist !! Praying for your quick healing🙏🏽
Despite the ( stupid) cast, you look healthy and positive which is impressive ! Thank you for all the ways you bring a smile and focus on the beauty in each day ! Those so-called simple things are what feeds our souls and keeps us with good thoughts . 💕
Alice xox
I LOVE those mugs! I’m hoping you get the cast off, soon! Every time I see your book about England, it makes me smile. It is one of my all time favorite books and I am anxiously awaiting another based on the recent trip. 🙂
September on the Vineyard. All will be well.
I cannot tell you what a lift, I feel, when I read through one of your posts! It is a little respite from the craziness that this world has become. And the weather is shifting with fall about to surround us….get out the pumpkin lattes!
🙏🏽 For a quick recovery
You are so inspiring – love catching up on your adventures!
I too hope you get good news on the 14th of September with your doctor’s visit.
Again I enjoyed your writing about the mugs etc.
Have a lovely day!
Dear Susan,
Oh my Gosh! So sorry about your wrist! I guess my original comment did not take for whatever reason – I posted it around 3:30 p.m. August 28th?
Take care from your CA to PA transplant friend…….
Thank you for your wonderful post! I always enjoy it so very much!! I am very sorry to hear about your wrist….sounds like you’ve been a trooper! I’m happy you’re “on the mend”. We often don’t realize how much we need something until we lose it. I always smile when I see sweet Jack! My daughter works for animal rescues in our area and every time a Tuxedo kitty shows up looking for a home, they are normally placed very quickly as they seem to all have such lovely personalities. We call them “Jack” or “Ms Kitty”! Be well and enjoy the rest of your summer! You bring so much sunshine to our days!
✨⭐️🌿🕯healing fairy sparkles all for you, Sue!!✨🌸🌙💛😁
Dear Susan,
Oh my Gosh!! So sorry about your wrist – good to hear you’re healing process is going well! Our travel group is visiting Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard next year so I’ll be sure to visit your friend’s shop with your goodies!!
You are so inspiring – I love catching up on your adventures! 🙂
What a wonderful post! The whole paragraph where you explained what happened to your wrist was delightful! (glad you are doing better and are being obedient 🙂
I think that part of not being bored is looking at the everyday things that happen and explaining them the way that you did in this paragraph. Realistic and so funny! Great sense of humor. I love the courage charm. There is so much more good going on than bad in this world and when we encourage others it all comes out. People are so appreciative to know that there is someone walking “with” them through whatever they are facing. Love the cups too! Keep sending the posts!
Thanks Susan for continuing to inspire us as we soldier along in this crazy world. So many unexpected surprises and challenges. We plan and God laughs. Here’s hoping cast comes off 9/14 and therapy progresses at a goodly pace.Good vibes from one Susan to another.
Oh my…your wrist! Sending prayers that you are healed very soon.
Loved this post…all those lovely cups!!! And JACK 🙂
Susan, thanks so much for doing this. Your touching site is obviously doing a lot of good in this crazy world (for all the kindred spirits). It’s a pleasure to read your cheery posts with all of the “pritty pitchers”. The music just rounds it all out. Hoping for great news from the doc on the 14th! Again…thank you. 🙂
Lovely blog – thanks for the cheer this morning!
very fun!
Much Gratitude❣️ I truly needed to read your words and see your art. It is as though I received a long newsy post (with illustrations) from a dear friend that I have not heard from in awhile. I do not always have extra moments to even check my email these days.
The days are long here as my husband has Alzheimer’s, but during his illness I first became acquainted with your books and then went in search of your first works. I marveled at your diligence, patience, and grit in just getting up each day TO DO, as well as your sense of humor, intelligence, and creativity.
When I get a peek I am always transported to a Lovely place and I feel immediately calmer and happy and excited to read what has been going on in your world. Thank You for this.
Wishing you the full use of that hand soon,
Linda Nigro Wallach
I am so happy you are back! get well soon. can I enter the list of people who can win the cup? thank you. titty p. from italy
Thank you, Susan, for this lovely writing, music, photos and drawings. I’m a first time reader!!! How could that possibly be??? A dear friend gave me your book “Girlfriends Forever” many years ago and I have loved it dearly, read and re-read, tried the recipes, copied the wardrobe ideas and walked your path of joy in the journey, no matter what. Why I never looked you up here, I DO NOT KNOW! Thankfully, here I am now. Thank you for your passionate, stylish and fully engaged in the present lifestyle! I needed you and didn’t know it. I’m not commenting to be entered in the draw….. I’m writing this out of a full heart and a desire to let you know that amongst all your thousands of fans and readers, I am now forever one also!! I’m sorry you broke your wrist. I will pray that you are soon released from that black accessory that is not part of your wardrobe plan. I love you!
Weee! Such lovely gifts that you are going to share with us. Thank you for your generosity. Hope you are on the mend and all-right-handed soon!
Hi Susan,
Glad to hear you are on the mend. Thank you for the chance to win some really nice gifts.
Wanted to say I have all three of the “NELLA LAST’S” BOOKS. Have read two going to start the last one.
Happy Fall and I mean the season.
Nancy Jo
So sorry about your wrist! Sending healing thoughts your way.
Summer is drawing to a close in lovely Eureka Springs, AR. The sassafras trees are already dropping cherry red leaves in my driveway😮. Did you know that the sassafras tree has three different shaped leaves on it? In the fall, they all seem to turn a different color, gold, cherry red and orange. It’s my favorite tree in the fall, along with the glorious gold ginkgo.
Heal quickly,
Best regards, Lynne Barlow
Great to hear from you. Been missing you. So sorry to hear about your broken wrist. Good luck with PT.
Hi Susan – Hope your wrist is back up to speed in no time! So glad to find your cheerful post. We Floridians have Hurricane Dorian headed at us. Need to get our supplies together to weather the storm and possibly a few days without power. I read online somewhere that waiting for a hurricane to make landfall is like being stalked by a crazy turtle! Hope we all stay safe. Thanks for making us all happier than we were before the blog.
I knew it had to be serious for you not to post. My imagination went wild. So glad no surgery and you are on the mend. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise so you might have a rest. Loved today’s post and the thoughts about ‘quietness’ and the pictures of the book you are reading. Thank you.
Get well soon!
I would love the Martha’s Vineyard mug! All of my favorite places have England in them (England and New England of course!) 🙂 Bless you Susan and the light you shine onto the world!
“Have courage and be kind” from Disney’s Cinderella.
Hi Susan, I know exactly how you feel. I fractured my knee in March — my foot went to sleep, and I thought I could walk when I got up — I was wearing clogs and fell right on my left knee. DUM DUM!!! Sprained my right ankle. I mean, PLEASE!!! I was a mess! had to wear a brace and lay with my feet elevated ALL DAY LONG….BECAUSE my doctor told me he didn’t want my knee to break in a million pieces requiring surgery!!!!! Everything I asked him if I could do came back with a big fat NO! Well, it is now almost Sept. and after 2 braces and finally getting back to my exercise routine, I’m doing good. I still wear my last brace sometimes because my knee lets me know it’s there. 🙂 I also eat a whole foods diet — more paleo, and I feel that has helped the healing process plus kept me from gaining any fluff laying on the couch. Hope your recovery goes as well as mine!:)
Thanks for the excerpt from the book! Enjoyed looking at something I probably never would have picked up on my own. Makes me think you should start a SB Book Club online!
Thank you! So great to read this before heading to the island this weekend! I’ll be checking out your lovely goods in Vineyard Haven.
happy mending for your wrist!
Karen
Hope your wrist continues to mend. The new designs are fabulous,
Good morning Susan , I am so sorry about your wrist but very that thankful you have learned to type with one finger. “SHE PERSISTS” just popped into my head just now. Dear lovely girlfriend please take care ❤ of wonderful you and know we patiently await and anticipate your full recovery. Love Joe’s cup!
So glad your healing is going well. Love hearing from you & am looking forward to the new calendar & book.
So glad you’re healing nicely. You do very well with your left hand. Take it easy and get better soon. Love your one handed blog.
Hello Susan! Glad you are on the mend and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve rediscovered you! My mom had all your cookbooks and I spent hours soaking in everything on each page. I went online to find one of your recipes and found you and your blog and The Shopping!!!!! Lovely ❤( and dangerous 😊) One request: Could your next book be a cookbook of your healthy eating recipes? It would be wonderful to have all that inspiration in one place. Best wishes! Glad you are still doing what you do.
So sorry to hear about your accident. I love reading your posts and since I love cats, I especially enjoy seeing pictures of Jack.
Oh my goodness so many lovely giveaways and such a lovely blog post as ever, the Matt Haig book has peaked my interest but my heart skipped a beat when I saw one of the lovely giveaways is a Pumpkin mug, we now have the most adorable Cavapoo puppy in our lives now 6 months old called ‘Pumpkin’!!! he is just the cutest little chap, very friendly and so flufffffffyyyyyyy. Im keeping everything crossed that this gorgeous mug might just make it’s way across the pond to England
Get well soon!!!
Love Surprises! Hope I get lucky and get another surprise by winning a surprise!
Every time I read your blog Susan, I am on vacation!! I was once at the Cape for a vacation and had a lovely time. Wonderful memories!! Hope for a speedy recovery and do those exercises!!
Heal fast! Love all the cups and especially Jack!
So glad you’re back! You have been sorely missed!
Your post bring so much joy and beauty to the day. The colors of your artwork, the pictures of your home, the pictures of your garden. It reminds me that there is peace in life even with all the loud noises around. I am so glad your wrist is healing. Best wishes to you and Joe.
I would love to win your lonely cups!
Fingers crossed!
Your post bring so much joy and beauty to the day. The colors of your artwork, the pictures of your home, the pictures of your garden. It reminds me that there is peace in life even with all the loud noises around. I am so glad your wrist is healing. Best wishes to you and Joe.
Wonderful post in the midst of hurting. Happy healing and happy autumn.
Loved your post and hope your wrist heals quickly. The picture of Jack at the end is priceless – those paws and that half-opened eye, so cute!
Susan, How awful that you fell while packing up the sale items. I am sad this happened. And I am so glad you did what you could to strengthen your arm while you healed. Wow. You are an inspiration in taking good care of yourself. Well done to have therapy too. I am sending supportive thoughts your way to quickly and fully heal. Your blog is the only one I subscribe to. It is positive and beautiful. Thank you for spreading joy.
Sending healing thoughts your way~
Oh Susan! I’m so sorry you’ve suffered this physical challenge. As someone, somewhat historically clumsy, who has recently had a couple of mishaps, I’m very aware of the long healing process and how utterly inconvenient these things can be. The older I get, the more I try to tell myself NOT to hurry, be extra careful…but accidents still happen. Your excellent diet should be a great help for the quickest healing. Praying it doesn’t deter your artwork, we need that!
PS. In creating our new home, post-fire, I have held Wm. Morris’ quote in my mind over and over—“Have nothing in your house you do not find useful or find beautiful.” (My paraphrase.) Starting anew has its blessings!
Hi Susan
I am so sorry you broke your wrist! Praying you heal well and completely, soon.
My you have a rest and peace and maybe just maybe this is Gods way of giving you that…(because we all know you don’t stop otherwise:)
Mary
So sorry about broken wrist. Broken bones can stop you in your tracks but give you unexpected time to reflect (even if it’s on all you can’t do). Sending wishes for co n.v tinued improvement. Great to read your blog ou g again.
BTW
I have missed your writings that so uplift, encourage, add beauty and creativeness to my life. I knew something must be wrong but didn’t know how to write and ask…so I prayed for you and hubby.
Mary
Your letters always come with so much joy. The colors of your artwork, your beautiful home and gardens always brighten my day. Glad you are healing. Best wishes to you and Joe.
Your posts give a boost to an otherwise so-so day. Thank you for that.