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!
Susan, have been passing your blog on to my daughter and daughter-in-law, I have an Oreo, she could be Jacks sister, they look sooooo much alike. Keep up the good work, hope you heal quickly
Vickie
I’ve missed you!! Glad you are starting to heal ! Your blog is wonderful !
Oh dear….I hope your hand recovers soon!
Stay strong….Sept 14th is coming right up!
Oh, dear! IF you had to break a hand/wrist, why couldn’t it be the least dominant hand? So sorry for your discomfort. Praying it will heal properly and be back in “artistic” condition soon. Love the cup set. Everything you make exudes love!
I don’t leave comments, but I’m one of your longest and greatest fans. I love your fans and their comments as well. I sympathize with your injury, I recently tore my rotator cuff, throughly and completely. After six months, I’m still trying master the fork.
Since I’m commenting, you make the world a better place. Thank you!
Lovely post, thank you! Hope the cast comes off soon and all returns to normal!
I broke my left elbow 15 years ago while going to my shed with a bird feeder that needed more seed. It was Valentine’s Day and I didn’t see the black ice in front of the shed. Unfortunately, I needed surgery and I was put in a cast from my shoulder to my knuckles. I couldn’t do anything as I’m left handed. I learned to write with my right hand. I was surprised to see that my handwriting looked just like my grandmother’s. My husband, Ted, was a real trooper like Joe. Thank heaven for physical therapy too!
Best wishes for your complete recovery. Love every post.
Best wishes on a speedy recovery !!!
Hello dear Susan, First our kitty, Hopee Sue (:-) says “hi” to Jack!
I know they would be BFF’s! Love your blog. Thank you so much!
Wanda Susanne
I have 5 of your cups and love them dearly! My grand children and I share bookmarks and I’ve given then some of yours! Soooo neat!
Already have my 2020 calendar!! So happy about that!!
Hi Susan I have had your blog on my favorites, I’m not really sure how I found you, but so glad I did, sorry to say I have not went on you blog for a really long time, then a few weeks ago I happen to click on it, you are sunshine I need in my life at the right time, I have so enjoyed going back over all of you post, Now I’m link with my email, so I won’t miss anymore. I won’t go into the changes in my life, but I have come to a time where I have to make a lot of changes, and I want to enjoy life more, and reading your blog helps me in so many ways. I also broke my wrist in May of this year, and it was my right arm, and yes I’m right handed, I feel your pain and your struggles, I’m a widow, I still have my 21 year old daughter home with me, Thank the good Lord for her help. You are in my prayers. I love all of your work, Thank you so much for sharing a part of your life with everyone.
Hi Susan, first of all let me express my sorrow for your fall and broken wrist! You are a brave and wonderful woman to send this current message. We all appreciate it very much! I’ve been wanting to write to you for some time and today is the day! I’ve been following your blog since the beginning of the year and I have to tell you how much I enjoy it! The most important thing is how your healthy eating has inspired me! It moved me to do the same and for the first time in 20 years, I have watched the numbers on the scales actually go down! To-date, I’ve lost 16 lbs and have learned to eat Gazpacho! 🙂 It’s delicious and so satisfying. I’ve enjoyed “Isle of Dreams” and “A Fine Romance” so much! We are both women of a certain age so all the things you talked about in Isle of Dreams rang so true. Blessings and healing to you! Kristine
Dear Susan,
Happy September! I’m so happy to hear that you’re on the road to recovery! It’s still so warm here in CA, but I can’t help but be excited for Fall! I’m taking out your “Autumn” book for some inspiration. Thank you for all your magic!
xoxo
Nicole
I have had recent fractures myself, so I truly feel your pain and helplessness! Glad that you are recovering functionality! Do care take care. I love, love the new nightlights….so cute!
I have already hopefully sent a message of concern and well wishes But I didn’t see in posted so I am trying again😏
LOVE you Susan!!! XOXO
So sorry to hear about your accident, Susan. It’s always a shock how much we use a particular body part. We don’t realize it until it’s injured, then we try to compensate for its loss and cause more pain. Get better. So glad you have Joe and Jack looking after you.
Take care.
Laurie
=:3
Thanks for all the beautiful things you create and are so willing to share with us. I have missed your blog an so glad that you are feeling well enough to begin again. Take care-do what the doc says and heal.
My girls are “my” girlfriends. ❤️
Hi Mom! Your comment went through right before mine.
😘❤️😘
Oh I really love the Champagne Hearts cup now that you’ve told us the story behind it.
You are enduring you’re broken wrist much better than I did.
By the way, I really need to win the seasons cups! I want the winter one so bad! And I’ll give the rest as gifts. I barely missed ordering one when they were last offered. I added it to my cart but by the time I got to checkout they were gone. Boo hoo!
Thanks for another great post! Sending healing thoughts and prayers across the country to you! Hi Joe! Love your cup!
Hi Susan! So sorry you broke your wrist. I broke my dominant hand some years ago and it is very hard. I wish you God`s blessings for a speedy recovery!
Patty
Hope you feel better, Susan! Take things easy! Take naps with Jack, listen to the Beatles like I am doing right now, and dream!
Always love reading your happenings.
Always enjoy your blogs, Susan. Sorry about your hand. I do wish perfect recovery for you.
Yes, I fell on my left hand while trying to bicycle to Seaside. I fell about 5 years ago and scrape myself bad the first time doing the same bike ride to Seaside. It’s been 3 weeks since my last fall and the palm of my left hand still hurts. Maybe I should go get it checked.
Hope your hand is better. I know the feeling!
Leaving a comment! Thanks for your wonderful surprises! And hope your wrist gets better soon.
I love your blog, especially the pictures of Jack. Thank you for the great recipes and tips for eating healthy food.
Hi Susan, I love your blog. I am learning to knit. I see you with knitting needles on
The Queen Mary. I was just wondering have you have time to knit with your writing and art..
Thank so much.
Thank you Susan!! In spite of your fx wrist, you still manage to lift us up again.
I just attended my first Grandson’s wedding outside, on a beautiful wooded farm in Goshen, Indiana. While walking down the narrow path, with my daughter Heather, I looked down at my expandible bracelet that a friend recently gave me.
It has many inspirational words on it and “Embrace Love” was shining up a message at us, so perfect for this wedding. Also a reminder to me that there are many kinds of love available to all of us and to pass on hope to others.
I am so “IN” for your combined Heart Champagne Cup!!
Gratefully…Rosemary.
Met you in the elevator at the Gladys Taber Conference a few years ago.
Oh I do hope your hand is on the mend. I love your blog, it’s so cheerful. Just what I need with what’s going on in the world. Jo.
Sending loving healing vibes across the water (literally) and hoping that THIS time, thoughts and prayers will REALLY work and help that wrist!!! 😘😘😘
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Your blog always makes me supremely happy! Thank you dear Susan!
Susan, I love everything you do! Your books are SO wonderful, and all your paintings bring me joy! I hope your poor hand heals up soon! No fun for sure! But you have a great attitude, so that helps!
Thank you for the bookmark – I’m printing one for me and one for a daughter who has recently decided to return to paper books rather than ebooks for nighttime reading. We share high regard for the Queen and will delight in using these bookmarks.
Hope your recovery is fast and complete. It is so frustrating to be without the hand you use the most, but thank you for the lovely blog and letting us know.
Susan….delightful as always! Your newsletter is truly one of my happy places!
Love your blog & all your goodies! Hope you have a speedy recovery!
I love those mugs so much I can hardly stand the cuteness❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for your inspiration to savor all of the little things in life which are really the big things🥰
Oh Shucks, now when medical professionals ask about any recent falls you have to answer, “yes.” Don’t you love how they say, “Your….(fill in blank)…. looks okay FOR A PERSON YOUR AGE.” Gotta have grit, lots of laughter, and an attitude of gratitude to get through these golden years. Thank you, Susan, for all the fun, inspiration and positivity you add to our lives. Your message: “Go. Be. Love. The world needs you.” is the best! I have written it in margins, in letters, on chalkboards, cross stitched it and underlined it in my heart. I was raised by people who believed that good fortune came with the responsibility to share it. It was all about the common good, not me, me, me. Clearly you were raised in the same way. The bomb shelter story comes to mind. No sense surviving in one yourself if you can’t have your community of friends and family with you. We are on this magnificent earth together. I love sharing it with YOU!
Sorry about your wrist Susan! Take it easy! Happy Fall!!!
Get well soon!! A bummer to be in a cast all summer. =(^.^)=
Dear Susan,
Indeed, you are a kindred spirit! Your positive outlook inspires me to look at the bright side of life–our humanity and soul. Thank you!
Hope your hand heals quickly and perfectly!
What a sweet post filled with delightful surprises!
Thank you ever so much:)
Am I too late? I hope not!! Please, Vanna, pick me! 🙂
So excited to get your latest note, they don’t come often enough. Take care of your arm and the rest of yourself! Your artwork does not indicate your right hand is anything but as good as always!
I save and read your blog post at the end of the work day. I have even been known to wait until I have a glass of wine and just listen to the music and relax. It is such a feel good soothing time. (Not the part about your broken arm)
Thank you for all the happiness, support and beauty you give us.
Robin
Best wishes for a complete recovery with your wrist.
Dear Susan, you have outdone yourself with all the marvelous “pretties”. “Courage, dear heart” is one of my favorite sayings. My dear friend, Mary, used to call me, Dear Heart. Makes my heart a little weepy that I only hear her in memories, but oh – I’m so glad to have them!
Many years ago my
mother purchased one of your cookbooks for me when I got my first apartment. That’s how it all started. Now my husband searches near and far for your calendar (no on-line shopping for him) and it’s under Christmas tree every year. Thank you for the joy you bring to the world. P.S. Wish I lived nearby, I’d give you a hand (no pun intended).
I am sure with your healthy lifestyle your healing is quicker! Your creations are all lovely!
Dear Susan-
I am so grateful you are on the mend. I love your cheery blog with always so much information for not only our heads and eyes but our hearts and souls. Thank you from my heart to yours!
Amy
Champagne hearts, adorable!
Thank you for the beauty!
Love your “news” whenever I receive your email. I am pretty happy and relaxed after reading them. I purchased your geranium art work and I smile every time I walk by the dining room and see it, perched on a shelf (MUST get it framed!) Thanks so much, and heal well!
Hello Dear One, I am so glad that your hand is healing and you are back to your writing such lovely little notes to all of us again. I Love your Surprises…I would love one of your beautiful cups to add to my collection…We had plans to visit Martha’s Vineyard in 2005…We were on Cape Cod and planned to take the Ferry across to Martha’s Vineyard…But we were so disappointed that there were warnings about Hurricane Ophelia…So we cancelled out…I would still love to make that visit some time. Take care. I love reading all about what is going on in your life! Talk with you again…Love & Blessings to you and yours.
So happy you are back to writing blog posts. I’ve missed your wit and wisdom!
Love your blog! Always uplifting and encouraging!
Beaming healing thoughts to you! Summer is lovely, but we are approaching my very favorite time of year…there is nothing like Autumn in New England!
I’m not sure if my earlier response posted….
Beaming healing thoughts for a speedy recovery!!
So happy to see email with your blog. Sending prayers for a complete recovery and patience.
glad you back! love the new mugs 🙂
Your designs touch my soul.
So sorry to hear about your accident. Heal quickly and enjoy some of your down times for play with Jack.
Wow! Almost 4000 comments. Guess my chances to win are slim. One can hope, though!
Oh Susan, I was wondering what happened with the yard sale. 🙁
Glad to hear you are healing well. LOVE all the new things and the give-aways. I hope I am one of the lucky ones.
Take care Girlfriend!
Lynda in Mt. Airy, MD
Thank you for the beauty you bring!
Winning would be awesome surprise. Hope you feel better soon.
I’m so very sorry to hear about your broken wrist”:-(” I’m glad to hear that you are healing nicely”:-)”
I love your books, blogs and all of your beautiful products. I so wish that you would reproduce your seasons mugs. They are so beautiful and sold out so quickly that I never was able to purchase them. Oh, well…
May September bring you Good Health and Much Happiness!!!
So happy you are on the mend. Of course, you are the perfect patient.
So happy that you are on the mend. Wishing you all the best for a lovely autumn.
Hi! Please pick me. I love the winter cup and want one so badly. I missed out on the last offering. Got it added to my cart but then they were gone when I checked out. Boo hoo!
I love Joe’s cup now that you shared the story behind it. I’m definitely going to get one now!
Sending speedy healing thoughts to you!
So sorry to hear about your fall 🙁 Praying for your continued healing. Joe’s champagne mug is sweet . I so enjoy all of your work .
Get healed soon!! I have loved everything you created over the years and I know there is much more to come from you…watch those garage sales!
so sorry about your hand. hope you get better soon.
Dear Susan,
I’ve been looking online for your blog every few days, and wondering about your mysterious absence. I was thinking you were enjoying all the delights of summer somewhere fun. Sadly, you were nursing an injured wing. I hope you heal very quickly.
You have been eating healthy foods, enjoying lots of sunshine, fresh air, and positive thinking—you are doing all you can do! Best wishes for a speedy recovery. You bring such joy to the world—thank you!
Sharri Conway
So sorry about your wrist! Love the pumpkin mug!
Hope you continue to heal
I was planning a trip to the Cotswold area in 2017 and happened upon A Fine Romance. I loved it so much I ordered Isle of Dreams and Fairy Take Girl. Your books speak to me. I have discovered so many things we share a love for within the pages.
I wish you a speedy recovery, Susan, and I look forward to ordering more of your wonderfully-illustrated books in the near future!
A very appreciative Canadian fan.
Oh Susan! I’m so sorry to hear about your wrist. Thank God you are alright! I’m also very glad to hear that you are on the mend!!!
Get better soonest.Oma ( who will be 97 in just weeks) sends healing hugs to you and KISSES to Joe. ( will never forget their Apple Farm love fest) 😂. Still flirting in her 90s. She is my inspiration in all things….just like you ❤️
A few ‘blogs ago’ you wrote an article about Gladys Taber. I remember her writing articles in the magazine when I was first married. They left such an impact on my life. Over the years I’ve collected 18 of her books and last week I decided I wanted to rereading them again. The first one I’m reading is Harvest of Yesterdays-My Years before Stillmeadow. She blesses my heart with every page I read…much like you do.
You have had the same affect with your writing and tales. From ‘years ago’ I still have some of your notepaper, which I use sparingly, some postcards (1994) and a few recipe cards and I have six of your cookbooks. Your artwork astounds me. You have a marvelous gift of storytelling that comes from within you that amazes me over and over again.
I’ve been wanting to write to you for many years, especially about Gladys, but the days and years have a way of flying by……and now I find myself living with my son, his wife and their three captivating children. (21, 18 and 12) The 12 year old being the baker! Yum! Laughter and love keeps me going every day.
Hope your wrist continues to heal. I’m anxious to read your next blog.
Most sincerely, Judy
I hope you feel better soon!
Your cups are lovely!
Happy wishes for a speedy recovery!
Going to print many copies of your message. Have never, ever known a more stunning, or a more perfect “picture” of empathy. And sympathy. Yes, good teachers can and do find subtle ways of teaching these things. They don’t need a lesson plan in the Health Book. The classroom is full of opportunities, on the playground, in the lunchroom. You build a team, starting the very first day of school. How can a child hurt one of their team? They don’t. It’s amazing how they protect the ones who need love.
Sometimes parents are unable to do this at home. Sometimes the normal chaos of everyday life gets in the way. But you, Young Teacher, can change lives, one day (180 days in the school year) at a time. You can reward kindness, unlike the rewards given for horrible meaness by our leaders….you know who, professional sports, and on and on. I did not mention the church, because, just because.
We Can Do This. Thank you Dear, Dear Susan. You have moved me to act. Have you looked at your back lately? I’ll bet there are lovely, lovely little wings there.
Sending more love and admiration than you know,
Debbie in Maine
So sorry to hear about your broken wrist, Susan. Hopefully you will receive good news and have the cast removed on the 15th. Just ordered your Courage charm and would like to make a request. After seeing all the beads on your bracelet I wish you would make the Heart of the Home and Martha’s Vineyard charms available again. I know a lot of us, new and older followers, would love to be able to order them. “Pretty please with sugar on the top:”
Pretty cups
I just love seeing Jack! Such a sweetie! You have two good guys!
Thank you for the chance to win. I’m coming to Martha’s Vineyard in a week or so to take a Sailor’s Valentine class. I’m so excited!
Wishing you speedy healing too.
So sorry about your accident and wish you a speedy recovery. My late husband lost the use of his right arm, yep the entire arm, and he learned to write with the left very nicely. Well. I’m happy to hear from you again and boy would I love to win those mugs, or anything at all. Love you both, carry on❤️
Your brake will mend, but to go through the process and pain of it all! Best wishes. I love the quaint photo of you…girly, girly!!!❤️
Susan, so sorry to hear about your hand. Please take care, we shall be praying for your swift recovery, and that your doctor is drop-dead gorgeous !!!!!
HUGS !!!
So sorry about your injury and hope every day brings more healing and strength and less pain. Love Joe’s champagne hearts and hope they lift your spirits along with ours!
Dear Susan, I wish I could have one of everything….greedy me. Your cups are so wonderful. So I am closing my eyes and wishin’and hopin…..
Oh,Vanna,over here. This one!
Speedy recovery. ⛵️⚓️barbara
I have missed you so much. I am so glad that your hand is healing. When I look across to my corner bookshelves I can see my collection of your wonderful books. I think my favorite may be Sweets to the Sweet. Happy Fall!
Hello Susan, I am so very sorry about your broken wrist! I hope you get better VERY soon! You are being brave trying everything with your left hand. I’ve been wanting to comment for a while but I was hesitant as I felt “late to the game”. Your prize giveaways were quite the enticement! I really just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your books. And thank you for offering them with your autograph! I had known of you for a long time but now I feel I know more about you. And with that, the motivations behind your work and the love of the “girlfriends”. I would like to think I am one now!
Here is my one word: Timely!!! Other words = I see a mug and a charm and a nite lite that I will need to order. Hope your important right hand gets well soon. Good you have a “right hand man,” eh?
Hi. Am I too late? I bet I am, but I will pop this in here just in case I have a chance at those beautiful cups.
I am happy for you that you do not have a badly broken wrist. Years ago there was a mishap in my driveway on a hill when a friend’s dog started fighting with my dog and down I went. My wrist hurt. My husband said, nooo, that’s not broken…well, it was…down the line I had it ex-rayed for something else….and guess what???….now I have arthritis in my wrist. Don’t fool around, do your PT ad you should be A1 in no time. I totally understand your worry though.
As a painter I saw the cast and thought: Oh No, how will she paint? Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery. I’ve missed your posts.