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!
Love!
Your injury reminds me of a Joni Mitchell song lyric: You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. Get well soon Susan.
So glad to see you back functioning (at least partially)! I can commiserate. I loved the “notes on a therapy session…” and the wonderful pictures of Jack. Every one of need to learn even better coping mechanisms as the crazy din accelerates. Do a little political work then a bit of fun. Alternate. Which reminds me, your tweet today was lovable. Im a fellow dish and glassware devotee and your photos were inspiring. Also the Girl Scout Pledge. Heat great memories
Jack is so sweet! We now have four kitties as two have recently come to our yard and adopted us. Love your blog.
Jo
Love that Jack!!! He inspired me to take a little “cat” nap!! Look forward to the new cups and lucky the person who wins the set of four… maybe me?? Take care and that arm will soon heal…. thank you for all u do for us!!!!
Feel much empathy with regard to the broken wrist…been there…
admire your determination & tenacity. You are so blessed to have
your precious Joe. I wish for you to have a complete healing soon,
and many, many sources of joy always. You give so much…you deserve
to have it in return.
Hello Susan! From BC Canada! My very first comment 💕 I can’t begin to tell you how much I love your blog, your books, yummy recipes, and everything you pour out into this world one cup of tea at a time. Love Shelley
SB, I love you, and your work. You have inspired me since the 1970’s. What a life!
Thank you for sharing always.
Sorry to hear about your wrist! Thanks for the “inspiring” food photo too – shrimp is one of my favorite foods!
Take care Susan…hope you are as excited for fall as I am!
It’s a treat to hear from you again, Susan. Thank you for making the effort to write when it clearly wasn’t easy. Your email is always a happy surprise; a sweet treat in the inbox! Hope the brace really does come off in September and you are back to normal quickly. (PT helps a lot.)
Have LOVED❤️You for years and so happy to have found this blog
Sending swift healing wishes across the ferry and up the street to you! Hard to go through the days with left hand only!
My dear, sweet Bonus Sister and Friend
What a delight to read your latest epistle!
How sad I am to learn of your sadly debilitating fall! No wonder we have been missing your sweet words! I am so grateful to know you are recuperating well and to see it with my own two big brown eyes! You have certainly used the past month to think up such surprises for three fortunate and devoted readers! Thank you for including me in that fine company!!
Love the photos of Jack. I just adopted a kitten for the very first time. I’ve always been a dog person. Corgis and one Weimaraner. Only the Weimaraner is left. I have been feeding two feral cats since June. My last corgi sent them in spirit. My heart has been aching for a cat of my own and now I have one. Ask and you shall receive. Anyway, one of the ferals I feed is a tuxedo like Jack. thanks for the smiles and for everything. I love your blogs. Hope your wrist heals fast. I know what it’s like. I’m a regular calamity Jane. I feel your pain.
Love the night lights, teapot plates and Jack’s adorableness!!
Exuberant!
Would love to win your cups. Love them!
Hi Susan,
I am sorry to hear about your wrist! I hope it heals quickly. I just want you to know how excited I get to see a new post pop up in my inbox! It truly brightens my day to read your positive words and see your beautiful artwork! The world needs more people like you! Imagine a world of Susan Branches! I would love to have any of the giveaway items, but I would be tempted to keep all of the mugs for myself!
I can’t tell you how much I look forward to these emails! Thank you.
Sending healing energy your way!
Poor Susan!
Do hope your wrist will heal completly very soon! 🍀
Thanks for the bookmark -will print it twice –one for our son and one for myself as we both love England.
Love the pictures of your kitties.
Take care of yourself!
Greetings Trudy from Holland
Dear Susan,
I am so sorry about your wrist! So glad you avoided surgery. I broke my left ankle when I was 24, in three places! And of course needed surgery, with plates and screws to put me back together. Miraculously, I am fine today… as you will be soon, too. Physical therapy really works wonders! I really enjoy everything you do… how you make the world a beautiful and bearable place, just by “the little things”. You are a gift to us! Thank you for everything that you do.❤️
So glad you’re back – missed you! Sorry you’re a bit broken. I made your Gazpacho yesterday. Yum! Hubby likes spicy food and added a bit of Cayenne to his, so like a lamb to the slaughter, I added a bit to mine. A coughing fit and a runny nose ensued. WHEN am I going to stop listening to that man? 48 years and I haven’t learned yet.
Hi Susan, I sympathize with your broken wrist. I fell early July, rushing around getting things ready for July 4th, and broke–no shattered–my ankle. Consequently learned that “I have the bones of someone ten years older than my age”, not the words one hopes to hear from your doctor. Anyway, two months later, I’m healing and hobbling around sans walker, which is good. Overall the experience has given me SO much more empathy for people who suffer these injuries. I now realize I was nowhere near sympathetic enough in the past, and didn’t realize the impact it has on your life. So quick healing! We need to see your moments of monthly joy, because as you say, the world can be a scary place these days.
So sorry about your wrist but thankfully, all will be well soon! I fell last year and had knee surgery. Not fun but it made me slow down and take stock of what was important in my life. I love to read and garden and had been putting those things off to work around the house. Now I make time for fun and enjoyment! Hope you heal quickly!!!!
Lovely post, as always.
Oh praying for full healing and mobility for you. I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be for an artist to be held back from painting and all the other things hands do. Your blog is always a welcoming thing.
Me! Me! Me!
So very, very sorry about your injury! You will sure appreciate that poor right hand from now on. 🙂
Love your art and you sharing your world with us. Thx
Hi Susan, I’m a rather new fan of your work, but have already ordered the Little House cup and pre-ordered the new heart one. As a stage IV colon cancer survivor, I love your message of courage. You bring beauty into an oftentimes grim world. Thank you!
So glad to see a new post from you. Made my rainy day brighter!
So nice to hear from you. Best wishes for a quick and complete recovery.
Mail from you is welcome, uplifting and beautifully designed.
Dear Susan, Thank you so very much for the inspiration, optimism and beauty you give to all of us! You are a lifesaver. I hope your wrist heals beautifully and you have the cast comes off mid September! Love, Taimi
Have been a fan for years. Your items are beautiful and I have many
of my own and have gifted many to friends.
Hi Susan,
Hope your wrist heals fast! Fall is coming & I can’t wait.
It sounds like you are nearing the end of your time with the cast. It really is mind-boggling to think about all the things we use our dominant hand for. Of course, you were reminded in the worst possible way! I am looking forward to the delivery of my new Susan Branch cups, with a shout-out to Joe for his beautiful design. If you are able to tuck one of your wonderful give-always in with them, all the better. My best to you and Joe ❤️
When I was six, I was invited to a birthday party that was part of a local kids morning tv show. My name was chosen out from the audience to come on stage, be on tv, and receive a ton of gifts (being six and all, I didn’t feel bad for the birthday girl). That was the first and only time I’ve won anything. Hopefully my name will be picked and, at the ripe old age of 57, this will be the second time! 🙂
Poor you! Hope you heal quickly!!!
Oh no! I’m so sorry about your wrist! 🙁 I hope you recover quickly since that is your dominant hand. Those night lights are adorbs and I may need both. And your meal looks deLISH. I’m going to need to recreate that. It looks like maybe shrimp, quinoa, avocado, broccoli and white beans?
I have been waiting for a cup that truly calls for me to buy it.The Champagne hearts was the one..Cant wait..I love all your Books cards and Calendars Susan .I have had the pleasure to meet you in Santa Barbara and the Apple farm.
Ouch, a broken wrist, definitely not fun. Yet, it brings with it a new appreciation for our wrist, fingers and right hand. Life doesn’t stop even though a glitch has occurred. You are a delight and your emails bring a smile to my face when I look at my inbox and there you are!
I love the mugs, the night lights, the note cards – it’s all wonderful! So very sorry about your wrist, Susan – my mom did that one winter on black ice…not fun. I hope you heal beautifully and don’t have to have a lot of PT.
Happy almost September!
Much healing to you!! Thank you for sharing your cheerful “balm” with all of us. ❤️Grateful!
Oh, no!! Courage is definitely what it takes. And happened to be my “word of the year” from a devotional website! So I’m working on it. Also working on some vegetable beef soup today (using up leftovers!) So I’m sending you homemade soup get well wishes! And I think Jack needs some cuddles, lol. I’ve read purring is healing, has the exact vibrational frequency, so he can help, too!
Love this give away, so generous of you with so many of your wonderful creations! Best wishes to you for a speedy recovery, no set backs, and a pat on the back for Joe for being such a good caretaker. Thanks for the reminder of the importance of silence! Which I love and enjoy frequently.
Live your best life with courage
Thank you Susan, for all of your wonderful uplifting inspiring blogs, for the accompanying ‘treats’ of music, artwork, recipes, bookmarks, book reads, on & on I could thank you. I’ve been sharing your books & more with my Girls; friends, daughters, Grand Girls, and more. Thank you so very much!!! Judi, a huge fan
So many wonderful giveaways, Susan! Sorry to hear about your wrist – hope it heals well and the time flies by! Enjoy autumn!
I looked high and low for you beautiful mugs when visiting the Vineyard last summer! So beautiful!!! I think I have ALL of your books!
I know what you mean about that right hand-my left hand is pretty much a paper weight, a very low on the food chain assistant to my right. Hope your recovery and healing continue to go well!
Dear Susan,
Oh my gosh!! Who would have thought at this time of our lives, right?! Your right wrist – my left ankle! You didn’t mention if it was your first broken bone? It was for me – I had taken our beloved Penelope out before retiring for the night and I slipped down the slope of our front yard and heard this God-awful noise I’d never heard before and my left foot went numb. Orthopedic doctor said the same thing – “clean break” – first two weeks couldn’t do anything because I had to elevate my leg all day with ice on it……you’re so lucky to have Joe helping you! Unfortunately my husband did not, luckily my youngest daughter did but she was totally stressed out considering she also works! Once the two weeks were up and I was able to walk around in the walking boot I was back to doing everything myself!! Could have been worse, I guess!? Thank goodness you are on the mend! Your surprises sound exciting and of course, I would love to win one! Our travel group has planned a trip to Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod next year so I’m hoping to visit the shop your goodies are in………….Take care, your CA transplant friend in PA, Margie
Glad you wrist is coming along…..that is not good for getting things done. I stubbed my left little toe a week ago…..that has slowed me down too. Not like a hand though…..but feeling a heart beat in your little toe from the pain…..not cool! Here’s to getting better, I’d say! BTW my birthday was yesterday…..the mugs would be a nice gift, just sayin!
So very sorry about your wrist, Susan! Swift and gentle healing, sweet lady ♥️ And many thanks for all the treat-opportunities ♥️ Alas, I am a bit poor at the moment, but if I had oodles of moola, I’d buy ALL things SUSAN BRANCH 😘😘😘
Dear Susan,
Your blog always, always, makes me smile and feel good. Thank you!!!
What a LOVELY, LOVELY post! Full of wonderful surprises followed by lovely, wonderful surprises…. except for your poor wrist!
I commiserate with you, I fell (somehow, I honestly don’t know exactly how it happened, thus the reason they are called accidents) and I broke my left elbow on the 7th of July.
I’m full of gratitude- it could have been my right (I’m right-handed) or it could require surgery (but it doesn’t thus far). It seems weird to call it a blessing, but it is! However, relying on others to help me is humbling, and it is eye-opening how many things require both hands/arms to lift, push, pull. I hope you are back to 100% soon!
What a beautiful cup Joe, & what a wonderful team the two of you are.
Blessings!
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Your blog always makes me feel better which lord knows, we all need in these crazy times! Thank you.
I’m so sorry to hear about your wrist 🙁 Hope the cast comes off soon!
Have to tell you, I literally cried when the pumpkinhead mugs sold out. I was waiting until fall to order one (working on saving up my pennies…), but I was too late. So thank you for doing a giveaway! Drinking out of my Susan mugs makes me so happy 🙂
Joyful!
Your blogs are always such a treat to read. I savor them – your words, your drawings, the pics of Jack! All of it. Thank you for being you, and for the lovely blogs.
(The pic of Jack napping really cracked me up – my first kitty, also black and white, used to do that!)
I hope your wrist heals quickly, and that you are back to your regularly scheduled life.
Your poor wrist! Hopefully you will be all set in September and ready for physical therapy.
Have a wonderful fall…take good care of yourself!
Susan,
I hope your wrist heals quickly. 🎶You just don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone!🎶 Fingers crossed here for one of your beautiful giveaways!!! This is so exciting!!🥰
Thank you for the chance!
Linda ❤️
Feel better soon❣️❤️❤️❤️Love your cups! I’m looking forward to receiving mine next week.
Thank you Susan!!! You cheered up this gloomy day!
Love your blog….especially all of the seasonal photos of New England and your beautiful home!
OMG! So sorry to hear about your wrist. But thank God no surgery was needed. But having your main writing hand in distress, is a tough one to cope with. I just LOVE the Pumpkinhead mug! It’s so festive for fall. Hope it could mine. Take care, hi! to Joe.
Susan, Your letters bring me such joy. Thank you for writing them.
Dear Susan,
I am SO SORRY to hear about your broken wrist!!! At the end of September 2013, I misstepped and fell, fracturing my right wrist. As I fell I braced myself so I wouldn’t hit my head on one of our iron yard chairs….then the wisdom of my Dearly Beloved Late Aunt Catherine popped into my head ( a little too late )…” If you ever FALL…Relax your body and go limp!! It will most likely keep you from breaking something!! Did you ever hear of a Drunk falling and breaking an arm or leg?!!…NO….because they are DRUNK and very limber!!!” I thought of that for a loooooong time while recuperating…woulda coulda shoulda!!!! Next time I’ll remember it!! ha! I am glad that you are healing and able to type now! I have enjoyed all of your posts for the past few months but haven’t been able to comment. Spring and Summer has totally consumed me, and in the free time that I have, I have been addicted to reading Allison Weir’s Historic Novels about each of Henry VIII’s wives. Her writing is excellent and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading her books! I can hardly wait for YOUR new book to come out!!!….and also, is there any news about the “movie”?🤫🤐 Wishing you all the Best…fast painless healing!!! With much love xoxo
I should probably DRINK more!🤣
Poor wrist! Lucky readers!
Hello Susan! What a timely bookmark, as I am leaving in a week for England, Scotland, & Wales – London, York, Edinburgh, Lake District, Cotswolds, Stonehenge! Just finished reading “A Fine Romance” to bone up before I go and now I have a bookmark for the book I’m taking on the plane “The Chilbury Ladies Choir” (set in England). YAY! Thanks so much! I have been following you, and buying your books & calendars for a loooooooong time. This is my FIRST post! Hope your wrist heals quickly so your font of fabulous creativity doesn’t get gummed up!
So sorry to hear about your fall and broken wrist. We are the same age and I fell not too long ago, thankfully didn’t break any bones but my shoulder to my wrist are still sore. We have to be careful as we age.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Hi Susan, soooo sorry to hear about your wrist, but you seem to be taking it with your usual aplomb. Another great post thank you for bringing a little joy, a little sanity to this crazy world! I have to tell you that I have several of your mugs but my favorite one is the one with Jack on it. I had a cat named Murray that looked so much like Jack. I lost him to cancer this year, he was 18 years old. I can’t seem to get over his loss but Jack is there on my mug with my morning coffee each day and I say “Good Morning Jack” and I seem to hear him say “ Good Morning Maralee, Murray misses you too”. I know that sounds cooky but I’m kind of crazy like that. Give Jack a cuddle for me.💕.
I’m so enjoying my “moon & stars” cup that my son bought for me!
You sure do know how to brighten someone’s day. Thank you and quick healing to you.
Happy healing!
I was worried about you, and just checked your blog and saw the cast. Heal well. Great to hear from you again. Patty
I would be thrilled for any one of those wonderful mugs! So glad you are back and happy to hear you are recovering. Your lovely posts have been missed — they are a source of great comfort and inspiration in these troubling times.
I understand completely about trying to do things with your left hand. Last year I broke my right wrist, but I had to have surgery. I kept telling myself I was making new pathways in my brain as I attempted to do things left-handed. Just continue to be a good patient and do the exercises that come with therapy. Soon you’ll be as good as new!
So very glad to hear you are healing and almost back to your usual self. I love your blog. You are uplifting to us all! Shari
Been there, done that! Your wrist will get better although it does seem to take forever. Enjoy the care from friends and family while you are healing. Sometimes hard to be on the receiving end of things when you always give such good support and advice to all of us. Treasure the slower pace of life and take your time recovering.
Hi Susan,
Hoping your hand heals soon!
Blessings,
Holly P.
I’m sorry to hear about your broken wrist, but it is a very good thing to not have had surgery. Love the hearts and pumpkin mugs and especially love the photo of Jack with the blanket. Aren’t kitties just the best? Thanks for helping all of us keep our spirits up in this crazy world.
I’m so sorry about your wrist. Sending light, love and hugs that your doctor sets you free in September.
Hugs,
Michelle and the Bunnies
love your blog Susan!
The red cup needs to live with me oh pretty please. Great post today. Hope you continue to heal well.
I just finished reading all your books again, for a trip down your memory lane. Indeed you are living a Fairytale life! Cheers, Barbara
Falls are a bad business for lots of us these days. I slipped and fell backwards out of the shower. All is good, missed hitting my head on the sink. So out went the shower curtain and in went a solid shower door, with grab handles. Love ypur posts, cheer my day !
There must have been some garage sale treasures you were supposed to keep??? that the sale never happened.
Love those mugs!
So sorry about your fall and the end of your yard sale! Wishing you well in your recovery and return to “normalcy”! It would be great to win the cups!
Oh I am soooo sorry that you broke your wrist! I recently fractured my right foot and didn’t realize how much I relied on it. Driving was impossible, and the pain!
Speedy recovery.
Ohhhh how I adore reading your letters to “me.” Haaaa! It feels like we’ve been friends.. i have all your books & well, I thank you for your kind and generous art. Hoping your wrist is better than you hope for…🥰
Falls are a bad business for lots of us these days. I slipped and fell backwards out of the shower. All is good, missed hitting my head on the sink. So out went the shower curtain and in went a solid shower door, with grab handles. Love your posts, cheer my day !
We sure have missed you. Thank you for struggling to bring us up to date. You are so right Susan, we so need a little happiness. I think physical therapy is magical. It’s hard work but the rewards are wonderful. Be well and Happy Labor Day!
Oh my…so hard to break a wrist !! Hope all is better soon 🙂
I am so sorry to hear about your broken wrist. One never knows when we may trip and fall and receive some debilitating injury. You are to be applauded for mastering the left handed typing to keep your friends informed and creating an interesting post anyway.
I have two sisters and a daughter and I would love to share those 4 mugs with them. Autumn for Dorcas, Winter for Sue, Spring for Elaina and Summer for me!
I so look forward to your blog’s! Love the pics of Jack especially. Hope your wrist heals well and quickly. Thank you for being you!
what a delight to find a link to your newsletter in my inbox! and I think the champagne bubble hearts are fabulous.