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!
Take care of that hand as you tough it out! Thank you for your lovely work. You are such a blessing!
I just ordered the book recommendation, that book and some tea in one of your marvelous mugs would help me survive the political climate in 2020!
Sorry for you accident Susan! Sending quick healing vibes virtually!
Thank you- this newsletter was so needed by me. I trust that your wrist will continue to improve and that this will be a speck in the rear view mirror❣️ Bring on Autumn!
Love your posts. What a setback to break your wrist. Glad you are on the mend. Good luck. So fun to see all the new things you’ve created. Thank you!
Writing again, just in cases. Debby
So sorry to see your injury. If I had known, I would have stopped by to lend a hand in your recovery when I was visiting the Vineyard this summer 😉
Hope you heal quickly!
The words. “ Courage, Dear Heart”❣️ Lifted my Heart…
Thanks for sharing all the Sisterhood..
Sue–
Speedy recovery! Always a pleasure to follow your words and wisdom from a life well lived!
Would love to have the Isle of Dreams mug. It’s always been my dream to live on an island and your mug would certainly a good place to start.
Heal quickly!
What is not to like here? I would be thrilled with anything 🙂 I empathize with your recent injury. I had surgery on my right thumb last December; it took about three months to be able to use it properly and will continue to heal over the next few months!
So sorry to hear about your mishap. Hope you heal up well before the holidays are upon us. I recently ordered both wall calendars because I could not decide on which one I wanted more. I always hang one at my desk at work and get so many compliments on it. I am sure there are more girlfriends out there because of it, I always tell them about your web site and blog posts. You are an amazing lady. Thanks for all you do!
Welcome back, Susan, We have all missed you, and know you’re well on your way to a speedy recovery. Seeing the flower night light reminded me of my grandmother; it would be that special, homey kind of touch that I might find when I’d go for a visit on my summers off from school. She would have one of your lights in her home (as well as her own kitty), and so I will have to order one for my own. A light in remembrance of her. Thank you.
Always, always look forward to your posts! Hope you mend very, very quickly and painlessly.
It’s starting to feel like Fall! I have your Pumpkinhead cup and love it! In fact I love everything you design. It’s all so creative and fresh and colorful and fun. A great antidote to our crazy world. Would love Vanna to pick my name! Hope your wrist is 100% soon because I love reading your blog too!
Get well soon
Many wishes for a continued and complete healing! Mugs are so wonderful. I love my England mug and can’t wait for 2020 so I can use my new England calendar. It’s gorgeous.
Champagne hearts! I love them along with everything else!! I love using a variety of beautiful cups for my tea.
Susan, I hope your wrist is back to normal again soon! I broke my right wrist in high school (fell while ice skating) and I remember how frustrating it was having to use my left hand for EVERYTHING while I had the cast.
Love that Joe designed your champagne hearts mug–it is so cute, and his idea was so clever!
I’d love to be entered in your giveaways. Thank you as always for your blog–your words and photos and artwork always lift my spirits. 🙂
So sorry for your injury. Heal fast! Love all your new goodies. Take care!
Sandy G
Well, guess you needed a break (that was a terrible choice of words, huh?!), frustrating as it may be! So sorry about your accident. Soon, you’ll be right back to your busy creative life! Although, Joe did a wonderful job on the Champagne Hearts mug! Nice picture of you & you still look lovely my dear, even with the un-color-coordinated cast. And, I really like your hair color! So far, 4 of my other friends have let their color go natural….they love the freedom & saving $$ for their fun times….! Thanks again, for your cauliflower/bean salad recipe, it is such a hit! When I make it, I double it….! Our grandkids from the Netherlands were here visiting (she’s vegetarian) & they loved it too! Thank you for your blog….always wonderful…..take care…..happy, healthy. healing! Gentle hugs, Joan
Dear Susan~You are so lucky to have nurse Joe😉
Yes, there is a great need for cheer in these troubled times! Many thanks for your lovely post, and I love Book Recs!
If I win the four cups, I’ll give at least one to my friend, Liza. We have been following all things Ms. Branch forever!
You’ve got such style! You’re an inspiration for all – love how you love life and are living the dream. Happiness to you and Joe 🙂
Fingers crossed I win a mug (or four). They’re so cute!
Almost time to move the Autumn book to the top of the stack.
So sorry about your wrist. It is amazing how much we do with our dominant hand and/or arm.
Sounds like you are healing well!
Mugs are beautiful! What a nice story about Joe! He sure had a good idea for that mug.
I can never have too many mugs. Love yours!
Heal quickly
Sorry to hear about your broken wrist. Happy to hear you’re healing well. Your blog is like receiving a letter from a dear friend. Makes one “oh my” over the cast on your wrist, grin over your sense of humor, and “aahhh, Sweet Jack” over Mr. Personality’s pictures. Take care of yourself! And thank you for the wonderful letter, dear friend.
I love the 4 seasons mugs, but everything you make is so beautiful.
So sorry that bones are not unbreakable. An unwanted reminder that slow can be good. Take good care of you. Wishing you as much joy as you bring us. Toni
Susan, How did you know I needed that book recommendation? Thank you! Your beautiful blog is a balm for my soul❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Great book recommendation – I will order that one! (..and words to the wise from a nurse and back injuries survivor – never underestimate the power of a tailored, consistent physical therapy program)!
Love the cups, Susan! Hope you are feeling better soon!
One time I was out of commission for a while with an injury, a dear and wise friend gave this wonderful advice, to find the grace in the slower pace. Be well Susan ❤️
I was just wondering where you were and there you were…
in my “in” box!
Thank you! It was a lovely blog post- kitty and all!
Get well soon.
Hi Susan,
I just finished Matt Haig’s wonderful “Notes on a Nervous Planet,” aspirational for me in many ways. But I think you’re already doing so much of what he advocates, and that makes you inspirational to me.
He writes on page 247: “There’s still space to be mentally free but we have to consciously seek it out. We might have to set time to read or do some yoga or have a long bath or cook a favorite meal or go for a walk. We might have to unplug ourselves.”
No more falls, OK?
Jann
Yes, feed yourself from the well of sweetness!
So sorry about your wrist! How frustrating it must have been for you…so glad you have Joe! Love it when I get an email saying you have posted on your blog…so delightful! 🙂 Take care!
Best wishes for full healing!
Sorry to hear about your wrist Susan. I’ve never broken anything- only my heart!😹
I love all your mugs especially the pumpkin one. I don’t suppose I can be entered in the giveaway as I live in the UK. Regards Xx
We are the world! You’re definitely in! ❌⭕️
So sorry about your wrist! But, as usual, you soldier on…..you are such an inspiration! I love all the cups….thank you, Susan, for all you do to brighten our world. God knows we need your optimism now more than ever when it seems our world is falling apart.
Bless you and hope you heal quickly.
Love you…..
😘
Just love your blog. Hope you heal quickly 🤗
Oh, you sweety! I am so sorry for your talented hand…and pray for your quick recovery…and those cups are calling to me!!! I kick myself every time I see the Summer cup that I might have been able to get when it was available…sigh 🙂
Hope the end of your summer is sweet xoxox
So sorry to read of your injured wrist! All the best in healing up. Good thing you have a healthy life style. 🙂
Cheryl in Olympia
OOOH, OOOH, OOOH! Vanna choose me please! I would so love a Susan Branch cup! What a lovely gift that would be! Glad to hear you are on the mend. I’m sure it has held up all sorts of work and artistry! The one thing you didn’t mention was its challenges in the bathroom and grooming! I ran into that after Carpal Tunnel surgery, but it did give me a good excuse not to have to wash dishes! Take care of yourself! I’ll say a prayer for your quick healing and God bless!
Yes, there ARE benefits! I figure I’ll be lucky to get out of this without poking my eye out with either a toothbrush or a fork! Left hand disconnected from brain! 🙃
All the cups are so pretty, but then everything you create is. Thanks for writing this post in spite of your injury.
Been missing your blogs. Glad to see you back.
so sorry about your wrist….always love reading your blogs…xo
Oh my goodness! I know how you feel. I was in a car wreck and busted my left hand up and I’m left handed!! Plus we were moving to Okinawa, Japan. Also it was three days before my daughters wedding!!! After that I had to get a house ready to move with three different packups!!!! Then I had to paint a bedroom that, according to my oldest daughter, looked like Pepto Bismal pink!!!! That was the youngest daughters bedroom. Then I had to fly halfway around the world to my new home!!!!! To top it all off I survived. *S* It’s amazing what you can do when you have no other choice. Yes it helped that I have a wonderful husband the helped out wherever he could. Buttons, zippers and yes earrings, anything that you have to fasten he was there for me. My daughter at almost ten was also a big help. I am a blessed woman! I am glad to here that you are on the mend dear Susan and you have a super husband too. I know you will be in the pink in no time. It just made me mad that I could not do for myself. That and do the things I like to do. Take care of yourself. We’ll be waiting to hear how you are doing. Hugs to you, Joe and of course darling Jack!!
It’s hard to be patient and wait for Joe to get a jar open! I don’t know how you did it! At least I’m not moving anywhere, that would do me in! ❌⭕️
So sorry about your wrist! Glad it didn’t need surgery and that it’s healing nicely! I would adore one or more of your cups!
Sending you healing thoughts for a quick recovery!
So sorry about the wrist. Been there, done that !
Glad you have Joe to help. Julia in SC
I love your mugs!
Sending best wishes for continuing along the road to a full recovery. Thanks for yet another wonderful blog post, reading them before heading out the door to work keeps me a a great mood all day!
Oh Susan! I’m so very sorry about your wrist! Your Willard is always such a breath of fresh air! I love to find a time of quiet, play the Musica, sip my tea and just ENJOY! Thank you for being a place of peace, rest, and joy in this crazy time! Saying a prayer for quick and complete healing! The holidays cometh!
Dear Susan,
I feel like I am your sister in Switzerland. I have a Peter Rabbit child’s tea set displayed near my kitchen sink and was surprised to see that you like to peek at your little friends, too. The little Peter Rabbit books were the first book that I ever checked out of a library when I was 6 years old. I was little, and they were little. Peter wore my favourite color: blue. I was in love.
My mom was a primary school teacher and we had all kinds of cute things around the house. First edition First grade readers were coffee table books.
When my son was 6, I painted a water color of Peter Rabbit for his bedroom, and changed the name to his name: Pierre. Enchantment translates into any language, and Peter Rabbit and Pierre Lapin are one in the same. Mom was also a member of the Early American Glass Club, so we had lots of colored glass on window shelves casting jeweled reflections around us. Cranberry glass was a favourite. Ah, the magic of childhood and the ambiance that one can create with lovely laces and linens, a beautifully laid table, scrumptious food, and lovely antiques with twinkle lights and candles to illuminate them all. Overhead lighting is banished and dream-like flickers cast their dancing shadows on the walls. I’m an olde-fashioned girl, and I enjoy celebrating that “with ” you. I am in love with your winter mug and find it so frustrating how hard it is to get your lovely things. Please come to Switzerland to extend the charm you have found in England and Bring a few of those mugs and Beatrix Potter figurines with you. Thanks for the joy your books and blog bring. And for the hope you bring for new beginnings when life in the matters of the heart didn’t go the way it was supposed to. Liebe, liebe Grüsse, Rosemary
“Enchantment translates into any language…” 😘😘😘
Love and prayers to you and your recovery, thank you for bringing sunshine to this world.
Shay
💕
You have a cup for every season and a smile for any reason. I love it all. So happy to have you back and thankfully you’re on the mend. Thank you for your warm and wonderful posts, don’t know what we would do without them. Your fall is behind you now but Autumn/Fall is on it’s way. Take care lovely lady.
Susan,
The fork comment 🤣🥰 get better we miss you and love you!
Sharyn
So happy to hear you’re healing. It’s not an easy thing to do – you have to be patient when you’re a patient. You poor dear, you’ll be back to normal soon. Thank you for your sweet words and musings.
What a terrible break you’ve had. Get well soon!
Thanks for the chance(s) to win.
~Susan~
So sorry about be a “Lefty” haha, I have 3 brothers all lefty, and us 3 sisters all righty!! Im glad you are on the fast mend !
Jack is so sweet, is he declawed? my four are not!
Oh My Gosh what wonderful gifts in the drawing , Thank you for your kindness in doing that ! wow !!
Take care of YOU !!
Hugs xoxox
Paula
IN.
Dear sweet Susan,
Sending healing wishes your way! Hope you mend quickly and perfectly!💕
Sending hugs!💖💖 Your new merchandise looks lovely😍
Oh, those 4 season cups! Please do enter my name!
Thank you for bringing so much that is beautiful and lovely to the world! We really need it! What a legacy you are building.
Ooooh, I’m feeling lucky and can just picture myself drinking my tea out of one of them. Take good care! Physical therapy works wonders. Ellen
Oh Dear Susan, I am sooo sorry to hear about your arm….how awful. Grateful it wasn’t worse I guess, but still a huge bummer. I just have to tell you I am in LOVE with your night lights and rushing over to your site to order one right now. Sending hugs…..this too shall pass! Carla
Wow, coincidentally I fell in July too. My wrist was only sprained but I am so sorry to hear that your injury has been so much worse, that is terrible! May you be mended and as good as new very, very soon!! …..Jane…..
So sorry about your wrist!! Wishes for a speedy recovery. Love all the cups!
I’m thinking good thoughts that your wrist heals perfectly and that you’ll be back in the swing of things in no time! Happy Labor Day!
Susan so sorry to hear about your mishap, best wishes for quick and complete healing.
I hope you get better soon. Thanks for such a wonderful post with all of the amazing goodies and give-aways. LOVE THEM ALL!!
Susan, so sorry to hear about your fall, best wishes for quick and complete healing.
Hoping that you will soon be completely well. We really don’t realize how automatic so many everyday actions are until we have an injury. Take care.
Love from me to you! I broke my right wrist a few years ago, had surgery, no cast, onward to better things! You will get there……it’s a piece of cake!
Sorry about your fall. So glad that you are recovering.
You are such a trooper! A broken hand doesn’t get you down…you’re still smiling and sharing your joy!
xo
So sorry to hear of your fall and damage to your wrist. I adore the Pumpkin cup – fall and Halloween are my favorite season and holiday, truth be told. Being a good patient will help you immensely in your recovery, which I hope is speedy.
Wonderful Willard. Ahh winning cups would be heaven on earth. Loved this issue and sooo sorry about wrist. Thank heavens it did not also injure your shoulder and rotator cuff in shoulder. Be safe. Enjoy beautiful walks. I live in FL but enjoying Maine for couple weeks as im
visiting and caring for mother. Im older and shes sweet plder girl.
I just love to read your blog and look at all your merchandise. I may not but much, but I get such pleasure from looking at it. Hope you wrist heals very quickly!
, I.m trying to use my left hand because the right one may have “carpal tunnel” and is getting hard to use. I’m glad your wrist is getting better and gives me hope! Your bookmarks are adorable and I printed the new one for my friend that has a corgi ( they will love it) Thank you!
Hurry and mend dear wrist! We miss our Susan’s stories and muses. 😊
Thankyou so much for the update! I absolutely love to here about all these amazing new things happening! I’m so sorry to here about your wrist and hope you get well soon. I keep re reading the MV love letter to get myself excited for my 10th trip to the vineyard this fall.
Happy writing,
Zoe
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” is the saying which comes to mind learning of your recent mishap! Ugh! How a marvelous appendage is the hand we take soooo much for granted is my take away from this post! You write so well of its uses in our everyday lives!
May you continue to be so upbeat and heal…and bask in the glow of the Love of your Life’s good care of you! Prayers and good thoughts are whooshing their way up the coast to you right now!!
So sorry about your wrist!! I love all of your dishes, so beautiful!
I’m lucky like you, I had knee surgery in March and like Joe, my husband took very good care of me. We are blessed. I found a stray cat that looks similar to Jack, and that his name too. Love your artwork.
Oh my gosh..I hope Vanna picks me! Your outfit is super cute..black brace and all!!
Wishing you continued healing and best of luck with the therapy!! 💗
My favorite cup is the Pumpkin Heads Adorable!
Sorry about your broken wrist. Prayers for quick healing! Love all your goodies! These cups are absolutely beautiful! I’m sure tea taste extra yummy in them too! The other day I was looking thru some photos and came across one from the time you and Joe came to Michigan on your book tour for A Fine Romance. What a treat it was to meet you and Joe. Such a special memory for me!! Take care!
2,964 Comments…as I post this thank you!
Thank you for this greatness!
~Happy Day~
Two of the finest comments I can make is a giant thank you to my best friend for introducing me.to your fabulous books , blogs, art, etc. and then to you for causing me to have a Susan Branch addiction!!! Howdy from Texas!!
Dear Friend, so so sorry to see and read about your break in your right hand, I can not imagine not being able to use my right hand, even for the personal basics of living, and putting on earnings, wow! I had recently thought myself, just a few weeks ago, what if I suffered a stroke or fell and could not use my right hand for all the things I love to do, so I started practicing with my left hand, oh my oh my, so I have been saying prayers for safe keeping and thinking good and positive thoughts. Maybe God is saying you need a rest! Thank goodness Joe is such a good good caring man! Love the valentines cup and I sure want one, would be a treasure.
I feel like I am writing a blog now, have so much to share with you. My dear friend that I introduced you and your wonderful books to, and told her she had to go to your site and see how precious and beautiful it is, bought me your book “A Fine Romance”. I already have the “Fairy Tale Girl” and “Isle of Dreams” and let her borrow them, she loved them. I also have several of your cookbooks, we both love to cook, create, flowers, to read and our home & family. And she also is such a beautiful artist; but has put her art aside for all of life’s demands, and I was trying to encouraging her to get back to doing what she loves while she can and enjoy her life more.
Getting back to a “A Fine Romance”, thank you,thank you, to you and Joe for such a beautiful and awesome adventure. I felt like I was there with you, so wonderful! Such romance and caring and fun! You both make a simple day special….you send goodness and beauty and caring with all you do. Thank you for all the wonderful gifts you share. God Bless! Maggie
Love the champagne hearts. Made with much love. Hope you are on the mend. You don’t realize how much you depend on something until it’s no longer available. Working with one hand never easy. All the best heading into scrumptious fall.
Absolutely beautiful…….. but, of course !!!
I am very sorry to hear about your broken wrist.
I would be excited to win any merchandise you make. Thanks for the opportunity. Dale
Love this Susan! ❤️💕❤️
Get Well Soon!