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!
C.S. Lewis is one of my very favorite authors. Thanks for your lovely newsletter and feel better soon! God bless you, Joe and Jack!
SUSAN,
Enjoy the rest & healing time; know that if you are patient & WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT, follow your PT’s instruction, your wrist & hand strength & function will return!
The WORLD needs you & your beautiful art, but we all can wait for the healing!
Take good care of yourself first♥️🙏
Wendy
Get better soon! Rest that wrist.
Give me a break#!? No pun intended!
We are starting to plan our first trip to England and Ireland, so where is the first place I turned for guidance? A Fine Romance, of course! How funny that you pictured it here in this blog.
Be well, Susan.
Hi Susan!
Would love to be entered into your drawing!
Thank you for leading such an artful life. You inspire me! After teaching art for 34 years and exploring creativity with little ones, I am now retired and focusing on taking the time to
add more creativity to my life. You bring sunshine into an often cloudy world.
Hoping you heal quickly!
Monika
Be patient & take your own time to heal!
Love all you do & give with your art & creativity & the BEAUTY
You share with your fans…YOUR work is timeless & SO needed these days♥️🙏
Wendy
Love reading your blog and looking at all the lovely drawings. I hope I’m a winner!
Oh no you tripped, sounds like something I would do. Ouch! But heal well and slow down for awhile, listen to the late summer sounds, days of buzzing cicadas, nights full of crickets and katydids. Good for the soul.
Hope to be a lucky winner!
Love your world! Nothing better than a favorite mug and a hot cup of tea. Heal FAST!
So good to hear from you. Not good about breaking your wrist but what else can one stick out to catch a fall but ones hands. One of my rug hooking friends did the same thing and was in a cast forever! Frustration personified. Love your blog, love those cute cups and have crossed fingers and toes I win one of them. Healing Hugs…..
OUCH!!! I fell on black ice and smashed my right wrist on the curb. 9 weeks later, the cast was removed and my hand was like a club—9 weeks of physical therapy and it was as good as new. I think it helped I was right-handed because I automatically strengthened it by constant use. Trying to write left-handed was a brain exercise. Whew! The doctor said my reflexes were good, otherwise I would have broken my hip. There is always an upside. Get well soon!!
Love your messages, always make me smile, love your quotes, sayings, and pictures, but especially your painting. Heal fast!
Oh I do so love your blog! It always brings a smile to my face and today I needed a smile. So much sickness & sadness around me and my heart is heavy for so many that I love and care about, even some I don’t even know but just have heard about. But your smile has brought a big smile to my face & heart and for that I THANK YOU. So sorry about your wrist, but I guess when something like that happens it does help us to appreciate things we had taken for granted!!! Hope it heals easily and you are back to normal very soon. Thank you too for the opportunity to win…I would be over the moon if I was one of the winners!
Wrist…Get Well Soon!
Poor baby! Of course it had to be your right wrist! Get well soon and back to work on the book-looking forward to it!!!
Happy Fall!
Can’t wait to read more! Wishing you speedy healing! Love you so much.
Dear Susan, So sorry about your broken wrist! Always look forward to your blog posts. So excited about the mug giveaway!
Get well soon , Dear One 😘♥️
Everything about your blog is lovely! I look forward to each and every one and treasure the sentiments contained in each. Thank you Susan. Yours, Dee
I’m so inspired by your weight loss/healthier eating journey. Keep up the great work!
A twist of the wrist puts you at your wit’s end! Glad you are healing and soon to be two fisted again! lovely post and such generous opportunities to win!
Enjoy the last days of summer and the sweet signs of fall.
Casts for artists are especially frustrating! I know this pain, too. I hope that you mend quickly!
Me Me Me Me- Please pick me dear Vanna!
Dear Sweet Sue, So Sorry about your broken wrist. Same happened to me 30 years ago – fell on wet tile and broke the 3 little bones holding the right wrist together. OUCH! Then 3 months later, fell on an icy sidewalk a week after getting the cast off the prior week – tucked the right wrist in so it wouldn’t get hurt and broke the humorous (nothing funny about it!) bone in the upper right arm straight through. Couldn’t do anything but strap it to my side in a sling for 6 weeks. OUCH! Then 3 months later, my beloved dog tripped me on the stairs going down to go outside and I went down with my left arm out to protect the right and didn’t I break the rotary cuff and end up on a sling on that side for another 6 weeks. Have been too embarrassed to admit my clumsiness until now. Please take good care and know you are surrounded with love and healing angels. We love you, we need you, we pray for you and Joe and Jack. MUCH MUCH LOVE, ALWAYS!
Thank you for all the surprises for your girlfriends. It would be nice to win something special from you Susan. I hope you’ll be feeling better real soon. You have a wonderful husband, and he has a wonderful wife! Oh, and your “furry” son is the cutest little kitty. He’s famous and he doesn’t even know it!!
Thank you Susan.
xo
I know it’s been said before but you are truly my happy place in a time that is very sad for me right now. Get well soon. Chrysan
😲😢😘😘😘
I Hope I Win The Cups!!!!!! Mollie Corcoran
It’s always good to get an update from you. So sorry about your wrist. May it mend quickly. Take care and enjoy the remainder of summer and the beginning of autumn.
Get Well Soon, Susan
Oh Susan – I cannot imagine a world without your sunshine! I’ve been a fan for 30+ years, it’s been quite a while since I’ve commented here, but I had to say how glad I am you’re on the mend and know you have wonderful care at home! I always look forward to seeing all that you have been up to! You’ll never know all the joy you’ve brought into my life – please take care and hoping for a speedy recovery.
Enjoy your stories and your artwork…..and, I feel extra lucky today! 💖
Yay! More cups to come!! I so enjoy them! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Love seeing your name appear in my list of incoming emails. I look forward to reading your blogs because it feels just as though I’ve received a long, newsy letter from a dear friend. After reading your wonderful memoirs, your blog supplies me with my much needed Susan Branch “fix!” Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Oh My Goodness Susan! What a major inconvenience! Hoping the pain didn’t last too long; and I totally understand not being able to do all those wonderful creative things you do, frustrating I’m sure. Well, get better, and so happy you have your Joe to be there for you!
Your cups are lovely, cheerful and happy! They make me smile….
Ruthanne
Healthy Healing!! Susan!
Always good to get a blog post from you. It is like getting a letter from home. Thanks
I have loved your books and art and all the cutesy things for decades! I just purchased “Fairy Tale Girl” and “Isle of Dreams” and am about half way through “Fairy…..” I am recently retired from a local school and am having ‘catch up reading’ time and loving it! Thank you for your creativity and energy and your amazing story! I so hope your wrist heals quickly!
Hope you are feeling better and back to your usual self soon!! You are due to get your cast off on my husband’s birthday, so there will be double celebrating that day! Thanks for being you and for bringing us your fabulous posts—I always learn something, they make me smile, and they are a nice break that I look forward to always. Take care. 💜
I am dazzled beyond the stars by the gift of the Corgi bookmark❤️You are quite generous to make my day with this one. This doggie looks like My beloved Corgi Murphy who has joined the angel Corgian. Oh could you please paint one of those? Oh of course now I am a little greedy but THANK YOU so much I love to read and it is my treasure!Also SO SORRY about your wrist what a bummer, get well soon dearest as we need you and your magic fingers.
Always good to read your blog post.
It is like a letter from home for me. Thanks
Hope your wrist heals well soon! Thank you for offering your giveaways.
I hope you have a speedy recovery. Thank you for bringing so much joy into the world. You have a very special gift.
L❤️VE
I am so sorry to hear of your fall. Take care of that wrist. Hope you will be out of that cast soon. Would love to be a winner in the drawing. Have a nice Labor Day.
Quinoa looks yummy! Will you share recipe? Are those white beans?
Recipe is in Girlfriend’s book! yes, white beans.😋
Lovely as always. You are a calming element in this crazy life. Thank You. I so look forward to your Twitter. You are THE BEST thing on Twitter.
Oh that Jack is too dang cute.
Hi Susan
Hope you feel better soon!
Anita
The picture of Jack in the sunlight with his paw over his eyes! That is me with a migraine. Now as I hide in my darkened bedroom, arm over my eyes, I will imagine myself as Jack, luxuriously stretched out in dappled sunlight, growing drowsy and hopefully awakening recovered! Such a sweetie.💕💕💕
Praying for your continued recovery and thanking God for all the love you spill out into the world. 🙏💕🕊
Ouch! Sorry about your mishap and happy to know you’re almost completely mended. Sometimes things like that happen for a reason. It’s often just to slow life down and help us get in touch with what’s really important. 💗🍃🌻🍃💗
Ouch! Sorry about your mishap and happy to know you’re almost completely mended. Sometimes things like that happen for a reason. It’s often just to slow life down and help us get in touch with what’s really important. 💗🍃🌻🍃💗
Mend quickly, Susan. I understand how much we do with our dominant hands- – I am typing this with a thumb/wrist immobilizer on. Clunky! I have to wear until I decide to have surgery, so I sympathize with you. <3 Susan R
As Mr. McPheely (Mr. Rogers postman) would say, speedy recovery! Or was that speedy delivery? Well, anyway, hope your wrist is better soon! The cups are wonderful! Thank you for the chance to win ((hugs))
Your posts make my day! Hope you’re healing well.
Love it all, but particularly the teapot plates. Feel better!
Hi Susan, I am sorry about your injury and hope your heal soon. The petticoat you are wearing in the photo is perfect touch to your outfit. Is it a vintage Laura Ashley?
Black is always a good option! It goes with absolutely everything! Happy to hear you are nearly mended. Truly love the Champagne Heart cup. On my wish list. Happy Labor Day weekend.
Lindy in Holland, MI
I tell all of my friends the same thing – “Don’t fall!” Now you know firsthand why. Falling can be the beginning of a host of difficulties. So glad that you seem to be healing fast. I’ll put you in the light. Have a wonderful Autumn [not fall].
Dear Susan,
So sorry about your wrist. The cast comes off on my birthday. I will remember. I also wanted you to know that my Girlfriend of 60 years and I went to New Sawrey and stayed at the Sawrey House Hotel. Your book was on the coffee table! When I figure out how to do it I will send you our picture in front of Beatrix Potters hearth. Fast healing. Happy cool, chirping end of summer.
Oh no! So sorry about your wrist. (Ouch!). Please take it easy and give yourself the time it needs to heal. Hugs!
Love the pumpkin heads cup… fall is my favorite season! Get well soon!
Dearest…started collecting your cookbooks way-back-when and they are my favorite kitchen accessory! Hubby says mandatory for every kitchen! Haha! Anyway we’re moving soon, so wonderful excuse to doll-up my kitchen with some of your porcelain goodies!
I am just in the middle of reading A Fine Romance and am so enjoying getting to experience your adventures with you! Thank you for this bright spot in the internet that you have created!
I. Am. Blown. Away.
I just ordered the new COURAGE charm for a lifelong girlfriend who is in the midst of post breast cancer surgery treatments . . . and her surname is DEARHART!
This is beyond coincidence.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful creativity!
Oh, if only you could know the joy your posts bring to my 83-year-old mother! You colorful and spirited words transport her to joyful remembrances and places new. Thank you from the hearts of our home! We wish you a speedy recovery.
I just LOVE hearing all about you, Joe and your life on Martha’s Vinyard. So sorry to hear about your wrist. But I just know you will be fine and NO surgery required. Signed Polly Anna ❤️‼️
Dear Susan, I was so excited to get a new blog. When you showed dishes a on Twitter this week, I loved it!!!! I really shouldn’t receive any encouragement to collect more dishes, but we could do worse things. So sweet of you to send out a new blog. Love the new cups and the new charm. But the Jack pics are are my favorite part. Give him a kiss from me. Please take good care of your wrist. Love, Bridget
Ooh, what a fun giveaway! The Jack Pumpkinhead cup is my favorite–so cute!!
Susan, you are an inspiration to me. The way you write is so funny and sincere. You are genuine and your art makes me so happy. Your art makes me view life in a different way- a more loving and grateful way. I am also addicted to your blog! Thank you for inspiring people of all ages and making them feel all cozy through your art! We love you! (And praying that you get better soon!)❤️😊
❌⭕️
Oh sweet honey girl, I feel for you. . . .your beautiful wrist protected you.
keep your inner light strong as you rest and recover.
I wish I could come and chop carrots and onions for you.
Be well.
I love you. . .
😘😘😘
As always, your posts bring me a breath of fresh air! I really needed it today, too, since I am trying to get over a cold, and our home smells very musty from a drain backing up. The problem has been fixed but now we are drying out… I am so very sorry about your wrist – so very GLAD, though, to hear that you didn’t need surgery! Wrists are tricky and vital things, indeed! Warm hugs to you, dear friend <3
I love those cups
Love the new mugs!
Oh my gosh, the last thing you need is a broken wrist. Here’s to a speedy recovery, my dear!
Thank you for making the world a brighter place. I’ll be looking for the book!
Take good care Susan.
Oh, dear Sue ~
What a challenge the past month has been for you! I’ve thought of you often and always with a grateful heart. You continue to be an inspiration to me on a daily basis….through your books, your dishes, your artwork and especially your happy outlook on life <3
I'll keep you in my prayers for continued healing and hopeful, happy days til you can get back to what you love to do with both hands 🙂
Oh, yes… thank you so much for the opportunity to win one of your beautiful creations!
xoDebbie
I’m so sorry about your wrist. It’s definitely challenging and gives one a whole new perspective about functioning in the world. Yes, I’ve been there. PT helped a lot. Good luck!
Oh Susan, I am so sorry to hear about the broken wrist but so happy to hear that you are quickly on the path to recovery and that you’re typing. I am in love with every single mug and I think Joe did a wonderful job with those hearts. I hope that you have a fantastic labor day weekend. Good luck to me on winning ANYTHING I would be 100 thousand times grateful! I’m going to keep listening to good old Frank while I do some work around my little desk. It’s so lovely to read your Blog posts with some wonderful music. 🙂
So sorry to hear about your injury! Hope your healing is quick and complete. Have missed you. Thanks for offering surprises. Your friend Marianne in Taos
Boo on wrist break!!!! Yay for being on the mend!!!! Hope you are functioning on all digits very soon! Cheers!!!!
Love your mugs!!!
So glad you’re ok. Here’s to healing quickly and getting back to normal!
So sorry about your broken wrist. Must be very difficult for such an artistic person. Looking forward to reading your new book.
Gosh I loved this post! Thanks for all the inspiration!
Your desire to bring a little cheer to us really hits the spot with your sweet, fun blog. I feel for you with a broken wrist, having been sidelined with a broken leg once. Sending all my best for a full recovery! Happy Autumn 🍁 By the way, the Pumpkinhead cup rocks🎃
Thinking of you and sending good wishes for your full recovery.
So glad that you are healing up and being well taken care of!
I love all the updates and gorgeous pictures. Thank you for working so hard to share it all with us!
I just loved the photo of Jacks paws, I wanted to reach out and touch them!
So very sorry to hear about your broken wrist. I totally understand as I broke mine six years ago. Even though mine was not my writing hand, I was shocked at how many things we do with both hands! It was frustrating and it was Christmas time so even worse. But we get through these things. I was so fortunate like you to have a caring husband to take care of me and help me with everything. A sweet cat helps too! It heals just fine and I would never know I ever had that happen. Hope you will be the same. Take it easy and relax.
I have heard that a sign of intelligence is the ability to adapt. Looks like you have done just that. Sept. 14 is right around the corner and you will be as good as new soon. Looking forward to all your creativity and fun. And the holidays will soon be upon us and I am sure you will have new surprises for us. So, get a little rest and be gentle with your hand. Let Joe be your hands for a few more weeks and enjoy your time of healing. Thanks for all you do. Love your spirit.
Interesting book you are reading. My grown son is on his phone constantly. Very seldom get to talk to him in person without a call he has to take. Sorry about your arm. Pretty scary when something like this happens so suddenly and changes everything. Of course as usual you seem to be making the best of it. The cups are all beautiful, but I like the Halloween one best.
Thank you for your beautiful blog. I always look forward to reading all you lovely words. You bring Martha’s Vineyard and your life there right into our homes. Thank you for sharing all of your experiences and always making us feel a that the world is really a lovely place.
Hope your hand is healed soon. Thanks for the beautiful bookmark! Kim
Cannot wait for my Susan mug to arrive. My first!
Sorry about your accident. I can’t wait for my order, I was hoping I would receive it before my sister’s birthday in October.
I’m glad to see that you are healing nicely from your tumble and that you
are back to blogging! Those three felt mice are adorable!
I love everything about your blog, and I feel honored that even with 1-finger typing, you still made this blog post just for us! I am in love with the champagne hearts mug – please tell Joe that he did a great job! 💕 One quick question… what type of bracelet works best for the lovely little charms?
Love your mugs and especially Joe’s cup. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Connie
So sorry to hear about your wrist. Many wishes and happy thoughts for a speedy recovery! Thank you for the bookmark!