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!
Hello Susan. I’m so sorry that you’ve missed expressing your incredible artistic talent and sharing your creativity with all of us. However, it’s been my experience that when we need a break, we break something. Much love and healing being sent your way!
Bless you Susan for taking the time and enduring the discomfort of completing this blog! My healing thoughts are coming your way…This too shall pass and before you know it, you’ll be fully using your right hand with a newfound appreciation for all that it does!
Love the new night lights! So adorable!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Lovely post – hope you heal quickly!
You are amazing and inspiring. Take care of your wrist❤️
So sorry about your wrist!!!! I received the 2020 calendar and it’s beautiful! I love the heart cup. Joe did fabulous and is brilliant!!!!
Hi Susan! Please take good care of your wrist! Would you ask if your therapist is a physical therapist or an occupational therapist. As an occupational therapist, we always get mixed up with physical therapists! OT’s usually work in hands! I happen to be married to a hand therapist who is an OT but works along side PT’s. I am also an occupational therapist but work in pediatrics. But the most important thing is that you get well soon as you brighten our days with your happenings! Take good care! Stacey
Thank you, didn’t know!!!💖
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your awesome blog! I have a big smile when I read it!😀
Sorry to hear about your wrist.🤦🏻♀️ I hope and pray you have a complete and speedy
Recovery! 🤞 ✍🏼🎨💻 Soon!
All the best,
Marsha
Love, love all of your products. Have been a fan for years and have so many of your beautiful books. Always to inspirational. Thanks for the blog and all the fun things you share.
I hope your wrist and hand feel much better soon. Being without a fully functioning right hand is hard! As always, your goodies are lovely. Many thanks for the bookmark. 💛
Hi Susan,
I hope you feel better soon. I appreciate all that you do! I especially love seeing your pictures of Jack. He is a doll. Take Care!
Wishing you a speedy recovery🌸
Thank you for sharing your gifts with us!
Susan
So sorry to hear about your wrist! Sending healing thoughts. Other thoughts : you look wonderful I have enjoyed reading about your plant based plan – love the new products – love that you had both joe and jacks assistance included in this post. Be gentle w yourself and feel better soon ,
Beautiful mugs. I love the change of seasons. Hope you heal quickly.
All best wishes for your continued recovery! Thank you for your generous giveaways!
Mary Ellen
Praying for a speedy recovery. <3 God bless you!
All best wishes for your continued recovery! Thanks for the generous giveaways!
Mary Ellen
Susan,
Hope your wrist is all better very soon! Thank you for sharing another lovely post even with your injury. You look just like Beatrix Potter in your photo 🙂 Your mugs – and Joe’s – are so lovely! Sending hugs and love your way!! ~ Sue, Hatboro, PA
Oh Susan, thank you!!–I’ve been waiting for your newest post. It has really uplifted my spirits, but I’m sorry it was due to your mishap! So very glad to hear you are on the mend! I took a friend for outpatient hand surgery yesterday on his right, dominant hand. I tried to cheer him ahead of several months of being without use of his right hand by telling him that it would develop greater brain “plasticity” and new neural pathways. He wasn’t buying it. But I do think that happens. I think it must have happened to you, too, because your writing is even more brilliant and ever-so-charming! Thank you!! xox, Mary
😘
Thank you for the new post. Prayers for continued healing. Thank you to Joe for champagne-heart cup. We’re traveling to Boston next month to visit the Downton Abbey Exhibition. Can’t wait!!! Blessings…
LOVE, love, love the pumpkin mug! and can’t wait to read your book recommendation. Hope your wrist is better than new when you finish your PT.
A broken wrist followed by the Courage charm. It seems like perfect timing. Get well soon!
I hope your wrist is feeling better. I love your books and illustrations.
I love your art! And your blog!
Hoping your wrist heals soon! Love all the new items!
Hope you heal up quickly!
Hoping your wrist is healing nicely and you are
managing your busy life. Cheers…..
Love the new things! Hope your wrist heals quickly!
You are the cat’s meow Susan!
Hi Susan, I hope your wrist is feeling better soon! Happy almost Fall! : )
I also broke my right wrist years ago
and made the mistake of not using it
asap and developed frozen shoulder!
Happily, a good PT person fixed it.
caughr
Healing prayers for you.
As always all creations look awesome! Great job Joe on the design and co-work! Great team effort.
Hi Susan and all girlfriends…Happy Happy September😊!…P.S. lots of prayers to Florida…
One word: Heal.
We need your blog in our world to hold the heebie-jeebies at bay.
I love reading your blog and being able to see your wonderful creations. Thanks for sharing!
Rereading Gladys Taber,Her comments on life are right on!
I’m so sorry to hear about your broken wrist. Hopefully you’ll be all better soon! It’s very sweet of you to think about your readers. I just returned from a trip to Scotland, and I’ve been enjoying going back through your blogs to read about your adventures there. I’m looking forward to your next book!
Hi Susan. Glad your wrist is on the better side of healing. Joe’s champagne heart design is so clever. It’s great. I really like the new night lights. Those will make lovely gifts.
My thinking changes for the better when I read your blog. Thank you!! May God make your wrist as good as when He created you.
Take good care of your wrist.
Oh my goodness, 4 season cups! I love ❤️ it!! Autumn is my favorite, the cooler air the beautiful colors! Not so fond of winter even tho the snow is beautiful! Spring, the renewal season with beautiful flowers and green grass! Summer, the hot and humid season and vacations! Thanks for the chance and hope your wrist/hand heals quickly and you hav3 no more pain!
Hope your wrist is better soon… always love your posts and your pictures of Jack..he is soooo cute!
Hope you are soon back to full function
Missed you sorry about your fall.
Sweet, sweet Jack. He is so precious and love the pictures of him!
So sorry about the wrist but everything happens for a reason?
To learn patience and/or appreciate your “helper” (so sweet)! Take
care and enjoy the beautiful fall season. Hugs, Cindy
Susan, I am very sorry to hear you hurt yourself. You sure are right, we take the use of all our bodily parts to do what they normally do and then when something like this happens boy what a loss and it makes us appreciate our bodies so much, when all is working. Heal up perfect and again I am sorry. Susan I hope you see this note. I wanted to write you, if you maybe remember me, you were so kind and you & your little sweet helpers sent me a wonderful package, I think it was back in Jan. a special box of things from you. I had lost my home and my sweet pets and I even ended up in the hospital with a heart attach, in an awful fire. You were so kind and the things you sent me are now proudly displayed in my new home in Oregon. It feels so wonderful to have a home again and a whole new start. I have only been here a month. Just wanted to let you know and your kindness meant so much to me and I will never forget it. Take care ok………….Susan
I’m thrilled to hear from you Susan. Tears of happiness for you, brave woman. ❌⭕️❌⭕️
You are so kind Susan. Thank you and hope everyday that wrist is healing.
Love all of your designs! Wish I g you well and speedy recovery!
You are so lovely, sweet Sue!
Wishing you a quick recovery!
All so much fun; it makes me want to eat it.
Susan – glad to hear you are on the mend – thank you for sharing your optimistic spirit and for your generosity!
So glad to know you are now on the mend! I recently was given a sweet tuxedo cat, whom I have named Star… one of his cutest features is that his nose has a little black heart on it!
Thank you for all your hard work, and thanks for the story about the champagne hearts on that mug that Joe helped with…
:). Marsha
Dear Susan – I replied a few days ago but not sure it went thru because Iclicked enter before I saw the post. Love your blog and all the wonderful treasures you have done – and now Joe is an artist too. Reading your books – so much fun to compare all your memories so maybe a few of mine. Stay well and hope your wrist heals up just perfect. Thank for enlightening so many of our lives with your fu writings an pictures.
Happy Almost Autumn! Thank you for the end of summer cheer! Looking forward to my Martha’s Vineyard tea cup!
🌸💗🌸
Susan, sooo happy to know you are on your way to a fast recovery 🙂
Thank you for all the surprises. It is always so delightful to read your blog. It makes my day brighter ❤
Susan, I’m heartened to know you are recovering from your fall. How frustrating to break your arm, preventing you from normal daily living. Keep the faith and get well soon, dear. Hugs!
Sorry to hear about your wrist! Hope it heals quickly! And all your new items are just so pretty.
Thanks, Susan, for the lovely post, and for the reminders of what really matters. So sorry about your very useful right hand being hindered by your fall. Oh, how I love those four season cups! Love, Rebecca
Hi Susan,
I’m glad that your wrist is coming along nicely, and hope that it will be back to normal shortly. I hope you feel the love from these many comments from all of us who love you! You’ll soon be able to enjoy the “best” season, fall! All of your new mugs and other lovely creations bring a smile to my face. I hope that Vanna picks me!
Susan, my fave go to perk me up book is How to be Your Own Best Friend by Mildred Newman and Bernard Berkowitz a blast from 1970’s past . It’s a quick read that picks me up when spirits are low. Also, a twitter response from a non twitter subscriber regarding your pix of your 19 year old self I don’t see Sally Field in you I immediately saw Linda Ronstadt, am I the only one who sees it!!?? Hey SB girlfriends what say you?
😘
Please heal quickly! A dear friend gave me two of your books for my birthday. What a perfect gift!
You are a joy!
Bee Well!
Bee Happy!
Love You Susan!!!
Praying for a thorough and complete recovery for your wrist…
thank you for your lovely blog.
Oh no! So sorry about your wrist. But you have the best attitude and will heal fast. Tell Joe we thank him for taking care of you so well. And Jack too! Love ya, Kit in Montana
I received my 2020 calendar last month. I can’t wait till you book on your latest England trip comes out.
Already received a couple of your new calendars! Love them….spent part of a summer afternoon looking ahead to the new year. But first back to school and all things fall!
Ever so sorry to hear about your wrist. Hope it won’t be long til you are back to full steam ahead.
My girls and I are big fans of yours.
Sending our very best ‘mend fast’ vibes from the foothills of the Canadian 🇨🇦 Rockies.
Oh, Susan, so sorry to hear of your accident. Definitely not the surprise you had planned for us! Hoping you are taking care of yourself and will soon be back to normal, and thanking you for another inspiring blog post.
Hello There!
So sorry that happened with your hand … the hand that does so much. But even wounded, you’ve managed to fill my heart to the brim (do hearts have brims?) and lift my spirits. Best soul girlfriend ever. You make life better for me and so many. Sending you healing and love.
Valerie
❌⭕️
Ahhh Susan, no wonder! You’ve been So missed!!!💖Praying for your complete recovery of your wrist!!! 💜
Ahhh Susan, no wonder! You’ve been So missed!💖 Praying for your complete recovery of your wrist! God Bless You! 💜
Hi Susan, Thank you so much for infusing some positive energy into the world. To give away one prize is generous, but three as Reese Witherspoon would say is “just beyond”! A few months back you were so kind to give me some advice on getting my meditation practice to evolve. Although I can’t say it’s routine yet I have had progress. I hope your wrist is healing well.Best wishes, Danielle
I savor your blog and return to it time and again to be uplifted.
I have the Martha Vineyard cup to remind me of my vacation there 2 years ago.
Use it everyday. Received a sweet surprise for my birthday in July when I received the Happy Birthday cup from a friend! Also in the fun box were 2 autographed books Fairy Tale Girl and Isle of Dreams! Such a generous gift. Although I had the books already, it was exciting to open a Susan Branch gift and the thought she put in knowing how much you are my favorite artist, author. Always a joy to read your blog.
Marina
This blog made me smile, as usual, and how fun to have a teeny speck of a chance at winning what I normally cannot own! 🙂 I had noticed your absence in my inbox, so am happy to hear you are on the mend.
Carry on, as they say, and stay out of the path of major Hurricanes….
Dear Susan, I hope your wrist is healing well. Lots of beautiful surprises in your inspiring blog. Love from the Netherlands, Wilma Rutten
Beautiful mugs!
Desr Susan, I certainly hate to hear about your broken wrist! Ouch! Not a fun way to spend lovely summer. Hope you continue to heal! 💚 Love your giveaways. Take good care of you🌷
I wish there were an edit button! Right after I hit “Post Comment,” I noticed my typo. I hurried to try to correct it before it whooshed away, but obviously had no luck!
So glad you are on the mend. I am a newish subscriber to your blog (I don’t know why it never occured to me to look for your presence online!-except that I “followed” you pre-technology) I have been a fan since I purchased the first of many of your cookbooks in my collection shortly after I was married (30+ years now). My husbands favorite recipe on the planet is your chicken wrapped in phyllo.
I am so sorry about your broken wrist- heal well and feel much better very soon! And thank you for posting the book- I just ordered it!!
Prayers for speedy healing of your wrist Dear Susan.
Please pretty please make a bookmark with your Sounds of Silence. A beautiful and heartwarming meditation.
What a joy to read this and every post. You, Joe and little Jack…..so precious.
Sending lots of greetings here from Germany! The first books I receives from you came from an aunt of my husband. She lived in New Orleans. After a few visits here in Germany she sended me three of your books to say thank you.
I love all your books, your blog and everything around it! When I was young, I used to work as a nanny in England and since that time I also in Love with Great Britain, Beatrix Potter, Downton Abbey and much more! Not to forget your Country! I travelled to USA being 18 years old and I will never forget about the time I spent there, more than a year.Hope you feel well soon! Renate, Germany
😘😘😘
Love love love your cups mugs dishes and your artwork makes me think happy thoughts and the bad ones go away for a little while thank you ❤️❤️Feel better
I’m sorry to hear about your wrist. I had to have surgery on my right wrist and it was such a pain. You don’t realize how much you use it till you can’t! Praying for a quick recovery!
Your blog posts are such a gift to me, I can’t even express how much you bless me. I already own three of your cups and I would feel an embarrassment of riches to win more, but bring it on!
Dear Susan, we have missed you! Another beautiful post! Thank you!
What a discovery! I have found your blog! I may never leave this armchair all weekend. Your joie de vivre is just what is needed in this crazy, scary world. XOXO
So sorry about your wrist! Sending love and encouragement! I have your small creamer sitting in my kitchen, looking at me each day! It’s telling me “courage dear heart” by C S Lewis. I love it 💞 It has helped me many a day!
Susan, you’re the best! Love, Love, Love your posts!
Oh. Boy. I know how you feel. I had shoulder surgery and my arm was in a sling. My husband would wash my hair. But it did not feel like the way the salon girls do it…all relaxing and ahhhh. Nope it felt more like he was washing our dog! Anyway I hope and 🙏🏻 That you’re recovering nicely and that you’ll feel as good as new soon! Also please tell Vanna that I really really would love to win the cups as I’m missing winter and spring. ♥️
🤣 LOL!
Oh how I look forward to your Willard’s! That was my late father-in-law’s name. He was a good man who lived an honest life. I miss him! Thanks for the opportunity to win!!
Dear Susan,
I am so sorry to hear about your wrist. I have broken both of mine at one time or another and I truly understand the challenges you have been facing. May you heal well and completely.
Blessings from Cheryl in WNY
So sorry about your wrist! I am sure you will be good as new! Thank you for all you do!! Love your cups!
Thank you for my Saturday Morning porch read!
So sorry about your wrist! You will be better in no time. Love your cups! Thank you for all you do. Seems my comments are not posting.
Thank you for giving us a break from this maddening world. Always look forward to a quiet time when I can sit and read your blog. Sorry to hear about your wrist. Hope the doctor ordered plenty of protein and calcium so the bones will “knit” back together. Happy Autumn 🍂