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!
I hope you heal quickly. Happy Autumn days, evenings, mornings and nights.
Glad you are feeling better. Love your blog….brings joy to my day. Thank you.
Hope your hand heals quickly. You are looking good.
Best to you for healing! Love the calendar!
Thanks for the book recommendation Susan!
My Mom gifted me “Heart of the Home” back in 1996. She inscribed it “A beautiful cookbook for a beautiful daughter. Happy Cooking”. It means the world to me. (She just passed away in July). Thank you for the beauty you add to the world ❤️
Hello Susan,
Please enter me in the give away mugs, I love them and my kitty likes to knock mugs off the drying rack at night so I have lost some. Now I hand wash them, dry them and immediately return them to the shelf!
Sending healing thoughts for you! And I love your mugs ❤️
Ow awful about your wrist! But thank you for the newsletter! Always a day brightener!
Whoa! somehow I missed this blog until today. I’m so glad that you are healing. My English countryside calendar arrived a couple weeks ago–how sad to pack it away for a few months, but how exciting January 1 will be.
Susan,
It’s so good to have you back, and with so many surprises! We are undeserving of your kindness! As always, with a change in seasons, I find myself looking more and more at your books, your store…anything that reignites those cozy feelings each new season brings. Wishing you a speedy cast removal!
Please, please, please!!! Eyes squeezed tight, all fingers crossed!! How I would squeal with delight to win the 4 seasons mugs!! Or any of your delightful giveaways. You have become my therapy, Susan Branch. I have come back after many years of being a “grown up” to remember what delights my inner child. Thank you so very, very much! -Kristem
So glad you will soon be using both hands! I love your caring way
of painting and saying things.
I’m so glad your doing alright. I’ve had times where I couldn’t use my right hand and remember the learning curve there was for just how hard it is to function without full use of it. Glad you are on the mend!
Susan, I love your cups and now have several of them in my curio cabinet. However, I DO use them for tea 🙂 Hope you heal quickly but speaking as a nurse, take it slowly. I am a faithful follower of your blog, and own ALL your books!
Wishing you a speedy recovery. I so much enjoy your art and blog.
Three years ago, on the weekend before Christmas, I fell and broke my right wrist in two places. Fell over a very small wood pile which broke the one bone and my weight on the other bone broke it. Had to have a plate and 6 pins inserted. It is hard work to make sure to get back all those things you mentioned and my husband was so helpful with the little things. But I can do all of them again, the hardest being opening cans, but I won’t resort to an electric one. I adore the story of Joe’s mug! Greatly looking forward to our vacation on Martha’s Vineyard next week.
I’m reading this as I sit here listening to more sounds of silence, rain falling on the roof and my clock ticking. Thanks for the lovely giveaway! Heal quickly!
Hi Susan,
I enjoyed reading your post today…it’s like a dose of sunshine. 🙂 I hope your wrist has mended and the cast can come off soon. And I love the back story behind your Courage Cup.
Kathy
I hope you heal soon! All the healthy food should help it happen much quicker! Good for you 😊
Susan, so glad that you are healing…we missed you. Thank you for your uplifting thoughts and your encouragement.
Glad to hear your healing. Love your blog and love all the new products. Take care.
Hi Susan,
I am so glad you are back! And sorry to hear about your wrist. No wonder you’ve been away. Who knew yard sales could be so fraught with danger? Wishing you a quick recovery. xoxo
So glad to have found you!
Oh my Susan-a fractured wrist?! Sure hope it heals fast! So many give-aways! Love them all! Pick me! Pick me! Happy September all : D
Susan so glad your back I’ve missed reading your blog and I am so sorry about your wrist I hope your wrist is healing and your doing okay. Love the photos of
Jack in his blanket so sweet cute and cuddly. Take care!
The cups are so lovely. Enjoy your posts always. Hope your hand recovers very soon. Sept. 14th is very close.
Sorry to hear about your wrist. Hope
it heals muy pronto.
Love your blog. Thank you for
encouraging all of your girlfriends.
xoxo
Certainly missed you – and totally understand why you have been ‘out of communication” – bit difficult to do anything with an injury like that.
Wishing you continual healing – and an extra measure of patience while things mend!
We’ve had a stressful week here in FL keeping an eye on hurricane Dorian . . . not as stressful as breaking your wrist, but still stressful 🙂 Always a treat, and a stress reducer to read your blog.
I hope that your hand will get totally well soon. We need you, Susan!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and that the cast comes off on the 14th.
Looking forward to your next post then! Take care and enjoy the fall!
Prayers for a happy, useful wrist, back to doing what you love. Thank You for this blog update, I am sure it was a bit painful. Soon Autumn and all its color, looking forward with great expectations. Favorite season, Brook
So sorry about your hand❤️ Love your post👍🏻
So glad you are on the mend! Lovely to see your creativity continuing to come to life in all the beautiful pieces on offer.
Thank you for all of your inspiration. My husband and I went to Hilltop Farm a couple of months ago. Thanks to you and your wonderful book and blog, I made it happen. It was glorious!
I enjoy reading your blog and appreciate your artwork. Hope your wrist is back to normal soon!
Love this blog, and so happy you are on the mend.
Oh how I have missed you. Glad you are back!!
Sorry to hear of your wrist fracture. Hope you’re soon back to normal
stuff! And Yea!! It’s Fall!! Best time of the year! 🙂
Thank you for the reprieve from the stresses of our modern world. I always feel better after reading your blog. Sending you love and hugs.
Maria-Helena
Oh, Susan, happy to hear of your recovery. Your blog today is so apropos as I sit here in Florida waiting for Dorian. I’m not located on the coast but winds are to increase in my area tonight and I fear power outages in this heat, but reading your blog has cheered me up. I discovered your book on Martha’s Vineyard through an interesting circuitous route in June of this year. My county here in Florida receives the most lightening strikes in the entire U.S. of A. It took out my TV and computer and I was without either for 3 weeks. Hence, I picked up a book, nonfiction, which took place on Martha’s Vineyard. Somehow, that book led me to your book and I happily now own 6 of your books, have ordered 2 for my girlfriends, plus a calendar for one. You and I are just a year apart and I enjoyed the many similarities: saw the Beatles twice, Joanna Folger was my 10th great-grandmother, my mother’s name was Muriel, love old movies and the music of my parent’s generation — just to name a few. I’ve never visited Nantucket or MV, however, now I feel as though I know MV so much better. Another thing, I watched Miss Potter for the umpteenth time this morning before I read your blog. You are just amazing and I love your life and the fact that you’ve shared it with so many women in such a beautiful way.
Sending you good wishes for speedy healing!
My heart always smiles big whernever I read your blog….and my
spirits want to soar in delight in your creative ways of making us all
feel special!!!
Love the Inspirational notes. I have one of the larger sizes framed in my wall. Hope you are as good as new soon.
Arline in So. Cal.
Susan, I hope time speeds by until the 14th for you. I love reading your blog. Let Joe continue to baby you.
Libby
All of your things and the great colors, Make my eyes Happy
Love the pictures of Jack,,he always look so cuddly,,,
Hi Susan,
I was so sorry to hear about your fall and your broken wrist. Yes, Sept. 14th will be here sooner then you think and you’ll be doing all the special things you love to do and even the ones that are not. Take good care and prayers are going your way. Thank you for sharing all the goodies with us.
I would love to win!! So cute!!
Sorry about your wrist! Hope it heals up quick. Love the charms, mugs, yummy whole food, and nightlight! Also your outfit is very cute!
I love all of your tea mugs!
I so enjoy your blog:) I bought one of your lovely cups for a present last year for my daughter. Happy to report it is a favorite of hers! So sorry to hear about your wrist. Hopefully it is on the mend.
Thank you, Susan, for spreading joy. Happy Healing!
Hello Susan!! So sorry about your wrist..wishing you a speedy recovery. Thank you for always spreading joy!!
Oh dear — so sorry for your broken hand. You are so right, that you don’t realize how much one part of your body does until it’s wrapped up in plaster and unavailable! :0|
I’d actually like to win the kitty too but I know he’s not up for grabs!!!
Susan, you are a bright star, and a gentle, clear reminder(er) to look closely, in the sweet little nooks and crannies, to find one’s own sense of peace and loveliness. Thank you.
You have been missed! Trying to turn oneself into a lefty is not easy.
Prayers for your recovery and enjoyable fall. Missed your blog posts.
Take care, Love the mugs!!!
Hi Susan, Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Oh, poor wrist. Shows we don’t know what we’ve got ’til it’s gone. Hope you will be all better soon. And yes, we all need some lonely time to just think. Not enough of that around. Love all the cute cups.
After a hard evening (kids!!!!), your blog was able to put a smile back on my face. I can’t thank you enough 🙂
So sorry Susan 😞love Jack picturesYour Joe will take care of you .I’ve been nursing a fractured rib I fell onto a sidewalk I felt so embarrassed Thank God for pain pills and choc cake Take care
I just love those cup designs. I broke my right ankle 1 month before my daughters wedding in 2016. Hope you are back to feeling 100% soon.
Susan,
Praying your arm heals quickly!
I love your teacups!
This post was SPLENTASTIC! Hope you are doing well with your wrist. Take care
Hang in there! Your doctor visit will be hear before you know it. Happy Fall! Everything you design is beautiful!
I really want the Martha’s Vineyard cup. Just got through reading your book again.
Oh I hope you get your cast off as soon as possible! I bet that put a kink in your summer festivities! I’m so sorry! You do make casts look cute though! That passage from that book hit me right in the gut! I’m 28 so I’ve been sort of raised with the internet and phones and now I have kiddos that I really don’t want to be ignoring! I have to read it! Oh that reminds me! Have you ever seen the TV series Timeless? It is one of my all time favorite shows! It is on Hulu to watch and I really think you would like it 🙂 Happy September!
Susan Branch is something my mom has always shared with me. I enjoy the lovely patterns and blogs.
Such wonderful surprises(except for the first one. Love and healing to your wrist. xo. I am so very sorry for ur pain and frustration.) Love love love the story of Joe”s champagne hearts. What a guy!!! ALL your things are so beautiful and makes me smile so big. I hv to find places for everything. Your book looks so interesting and heartfelt. I will put it on my list. Thank you for sharing with us. I thought for sure u were going to say something about hollywood. I will just keep all my fingers and toes crossed and put all my wishes out into the universe. Speedy healing and lots of joy to you, Joe, Jack, And Girl.😺👻 Happy Fall Y”All xo
I’m so happy to see your blog post! And I’m so sorry you’ve broken your wrist. I hope it heals nicely and the cast will come off soon. Yay Joe, for taking good care of you!
I have been beating myself up for missing out on the Winter cup, it’s one of my favorites of all your wonderful cups. So here’s hoping, with fingers crossed, that dear Vanna will see fit to draw my name! 🙂
Love the pics of Jack! Give him a hug from me. I have a kitty on my lap as I try to type this, his name is Mikey and is all black save for a few white hairs on his throat.
So excited! Thanks for the update on the name of the local shop! Will be checking it out when we come!
Always a delight to see your artwork and read about your adventures – hope you are healing well!
So sorry about your wrist! Same thing happened to me in high school. I never knew how much my right hand did until I couldn’t use it. Hoping you heal well.
Your emails are like a burst of sunshine in my inbox! Your words are full of JOY.
Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Hello, Susan!
I’m so sorry to hear about your arm. I feel your pain! My left knee has been swollen and painful for about 2 months. A flare up of an old injury. I could barely walk at first due to pain, but now it’s better. Still swollen and not fully mobile, though. Slow progress. I hope your cast comes off soon!
Love, Martha
Dear Susan,
Sorry to hear about your hand
Recovery is coming soon
Thanks for writing us all about your lovely things
Take care your friend Karen
Thank you for just being who you are, and sending your love and kindness into the world. Its a ripple effect.
So sorry to hear about your wrist. So glad you are back blogging though. I always look so forward to your posts. They always lift and brighten up my day.
Happy Fall, Susan!
So glAd you’re back. Here’s hoping your hand mends well..
Oh, those lovely cups, it would be such an honour to have them grace my kitchen cupboard shelves. I’m holding my thumbs as tight as I can.
Hope your wrist will mend soon. Love your blog!
I so love reading your blog – the pretty pictures, the lovely sentiments, the overwhelming message of enjoyment in life ! It is always a joy to read, and a pleasure to look at xxx
Glad your wrist is getting better. Love that heart mug so much.
My goodness you have been busy! I would hate to do all of what you do one-handed! Thank you for the lovely blog in the photos. I especially like the little teacup plates oh, I think I really need one. Have a good day!
Praying for your gifted hand to be fully restored to strength soon and very soon! Thank you for bringing beauty, light and sensible (though whimsical!) thoughts! I thank God for you!
Dear Susan,Feel better soon…your Autumn beach finds will be waiting for you to scoop with BOTH hands!
Oh dear Susan, I hope you are mending quite well! My mother once broke her wrist – – when she returned home from getting her cast, she promptly tripped and broke the other wrist! My father had his hands full for a few weeks! 😂
I’m so happy to see that you are sharing your beautiful cups with some very lucky Girlfriends! I was on the verge of ordering several cups, but had to put it on hold because of an unfortunate financial situation. What a disappointment!! To win your cups in this drawing would be a dream come true for me!
Take good care of yourself . . . I know that Joe and Jack are doing just that, too! Thank you for bringing such joy and love and focus into my life! ❤❤❤
Love the cup your husband designed….Absolutely beautiful. And love those tea pot plates…. So sorry to hear about the broken wrist….I hope it continues to heal and you can resume all things normal soon..
This is my “happy place” from all the craziness in the world!
Hi Susan! Oh what a summer it was! Waiting for fall. We rescued a Great Dane on Memorial weekend from Texas. We live in Illinois. Someone dumped her! Well…little did we know she was pregnant! One month later she had nine puppies! There is nothing like sitting on the floor surrounded by 9 little adoring faces singing Somewhere over the Rainbow to them! Susan, they were like small children sitting at Santas feet with nothing but awe on their little faces. What a magical time! They are all re-homed now, but forever in my heart❤️ I just had to share this with you because I know you would have felt the same way! Puppy poo and all. Believe me, there was plenty of that! Lost 10 pounds taking care of them…lol! Hope you are healed soon. Why the right hand!? You looked darling in your outfit in that picture! Love.
Funny how we can go through life as rough and tumble kids, not break any bones or chip any teeth, then when we turn 70 (+/-) we slip and break our wrist! and the dominant wrist to boot! Trusting yours is healing well and you won’t require too much PT. Love you Sue, praying for great recovery xoxo
You have such a way of making even the WORST things in life seem OK. What a gift…even if you aren’t exactly feeling it, you are optimistic, happy-go-lucky, and (dare I say) a tad bit courageous???!!! Thank you for being an inspiration, and good luck while you wait for September 14 to arrive!
I know you’ll listen to your Physical Therapist and do what he/she tells you to do for follow-up exercises, etc. at home. I know first hand (oops, no pun intended!) that that’s critical to full recovery. I’ve recently recovered from a small torn tendon. Even small as it was, it was troublesome trying to wear shoes to fit the foot brace which tried it’s best to keep me safe while “chasing” and working with my elementary school aged students. I learned it also took time and patience which I at times I just didn’t have but nature heals when we help it. I know you know all this, just reinforcing the obvious. And yes, keep up those arm exercises! I’m signing up for foot and ankle strengthening classes.
Champagne hearts and sailboats arrived yesterday. You just get better each time designing these cups. Love drinking from sparkling hearts and the sailboats look magical next to my Martha’s Vineyard cup. Love to you and all.
Broken bones are definitely not fun but it looks like you have a great support system – a good man and a beautiful kitty and I’m sure lots and lots of friends! Hope all goes well and you are back to typing, writing, painting and gardening soon! Take care of yourself – we need you!
Love,
Mary
I would love any of those darling cups, but with about four thousand comments, Vanna will probably not choose me. But I must say, it’s always fun to try. Hope you heal well and quickly.
Your art always puts a smile on my face.
Hope you are healing quickly. Love coming to your blog for a dose of happiness. I especially love the mug of Champagne Hearts. What a lucky girl you are.