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!
Oh my! I hope your wrist gets better post haste! That is not good. For someone who works so beautifully with her hands! But still, your post is wonderful. If a bit short. 😉 Get well soon! Fall is coming! Ta-dah! OH, and our grown son (31) dropped a sledge hammer on his right hand…at his work on semi engines. Did he go to the doctor? NO. Not until a couple weeks later when it was swollen and sore. Then did he go? Yes. X-rays showed he had a fracture. The doctor said come and get a splint. But he couldn’t stop working. So the doctor personally called him and said he (the doctor) would wait until our son got off of work to fit him with a splint. Wow. That is a good doctor. Does our son wear the splint? Exactly once that I’ve seen. Sigh. You ARE a good patient!
MEN, SCHMEN!
Send a note to his doctor from all of us for representing the profession with a kind, caring heart. This type of medical care/concern is sadly rare. I miss the America that I knew as a child and mother raising our family. Now we are insignificant patients and citizens…just numbers.
Susan, the good patient and citizen, I hope that your guardian angel is making sure that you heal correctly. Although…hmmm…where was she when you fell???? Maybe she was taking a tea break using one of her favorite SB mugs!
Happy Fall…Pet Jack…Thank Joe for being the man that he is!!
Cheers and Hugs,
FayE! ❤️❤️❤️
Susan, sorry to heat of your mishap. My sister and I love reading your messages. We’ve often commented..”we’d love to be you”.😄 While that’s not going to happen, we’ll settle for reading about you. ❤️
Hi Susan,
Am re-trying a reply to your lovely blog….previous one seems to have disappeared into the ether!
Do hope you are comfy in your plaster cast and have a knitting needle to hand if you get a liddle itchy and scratchy!
A wonderful blog full of joyful pictures and am so impressed you’ve managed to get a blog out at all having broken your arm 😢
Get well soon!
Love
Karen Williams
Cambridgeshire
U.K.
🇬🇧
Susan,
So sorry to hear about your hand. Glad you didn’t need surgery and you are on the mend. I love all of your mugs but I LOVE that Joe helped design one too – so fun. Have a great day!
P.S. – Jack is super cute!
Heal fast and heal well! Happy to hear from you. Kitty snuggles are the best remedy!
So sorry you have been having a hard time with your broken hand! Thankfully it is on the mend! Love all of the goodies! Take care of yourself!
So nice to see you back at it – love your blog! Heal well and quickly!
Would absolutely love the pumpkin cup so pls. enter me in the drawing.
Love your art, praying for a quick recovery
Hi Susan, I love the cups! They are all adorable!
Your blog is delightful, and I would LOVE to win a cup! Or something. Anything!
Patience with healing is SO difficult when we are the one with the injury. Heal quickly!
Thank you Susan for being a ray of sunshine.
I have loved your art and wit and humor for a long time now. God has blessed us all through you and your talents.
Carry on, heal, and happiest of autumns to you and Joe.
I was packing up to return home from Minnesota, leaving my most wonderful daughter, son-in-law, and three fabulous Grands, when I noticed the emailed notice of your new blog. I made myself wait until I arrived in North Carolina to read it today. It brings me joy when I really miss my family. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Susan. Thank you for your blogs.
I love to take a break from work and read your blog. It feeds my need to be distracted from busy work and enjoy the beauty you provide in your art and photos. Thank you for your inspiration and your fun glimpse into the beauties that you surround yourself with. I’ve started to collect Beatrix Potter books and find I thoroughly enjoy her art and world – because of you. Thank you! Love your work, too. It makes my heart happy.
I hope your wrist heals quickly. I miss your posts. They are very inspiring to me. We are the same age, and I don’t know how you have the energy to do all that you do. But I am glad that you have been able to do so much because I do so enjoy reading about all of your travels, adventures, and projects. Take care friend-I saw you in the Pasadena, CA book store so I think of you as my friend. Follow the Dr.’s orders, and I send good thoughts to you for a perfect and speedy recovery!
Dearest Friend,
I am so saddened to see your wrist broken & do hope healing is going well. Prayers for next week!
I am thrilled Joe created the design for the Hearts of Champagne cup! What talents you both have!
I have already received the 2020 calendars & love them! (Even without opening then just yet!)
I love that you have all of the charms. Will any of the earliest ones be released again?
Thank you so much for being such a lovely inspiration to so many for years & years!
Love,
~Barbara
Hope you are safe from Dorian storm Susan and Joe ! (and Jack of course !)
So sorry to hear about your hand – such a trooper for posting despite the discomfort!! You should have your adorable, artsy-hubby dress your cast up with something fun before it comes off! To say you are a ray of sunshine is a gross understatement – you ARE Sunshine Personified, Susan – LOVE, LOVE LOVE your blogs and today especially, it spoke to my heart which, on some days, is a bit heavy and weary from it’s journey. But with each posting, you always manage to wrap us all together in a warm cozy e-hug and the world seems right again…….<3<3<3 THANK YOU!!!
Susan your blogs make my day. I save them to read when all is quiet at my home. They are drops of cheerfulness in this crazy world. Thank you!
As always, one-handed or not your posts are divine. So full of sweetness and good thoughts.
As usual, finding you in my in-box perks up my day immeasurably! Glad you are healing and still eating in a way that inspires us all. Thank you for the chance to win any of these lovely items (I am most hopeful about the pumpkin mug and those fabulous notecards…the gift that would keep on giving)!
Already got my calendars for 2020. My tradition with your cute “stuff”
Where’s my comment?? 🤪
Your blog always leaves a smile on my face! ❤️
Jo
Hope your wrist is healing well! Love your work!
Thank you so much for the uplifting images and words. We all need to remember these things like love, courage, and kindness in these troubled times. Praying for quick recovery!
with sooo many comments I truly think this is fruitless–but it may just be “my turn”! and I would love to win any of your wonderful products. Now–last year at Christmas time I slipped over some bags like you but fell backwards landing on my foot very awkwardly and broke my ankle–first broken bone ever. Like you it was such an inconvienence and was surprised how it “interfered” with my life! Hang in there…do what the doctor says…and life will get back to normal for you! ” Patience my dear” is what everyone told me, so I will pass that advice to you!!!!
I hope you’re feeling a little better each day, Susan!
Susan Branch, hello! I am new to your blog, since my wonderful friend Paige introduced me to your books, I’ve read 3 of them! I love your stories, and your watercolors. So much talent in one little dynamo! I feel like you are a friend, and someone I would love to meet one day….Paige thinks we should book a trip to the Isle of Dreams and wander around, hoping to spot you in a book store, or small restaurant. It may happen, magic often does. I used to live in Massachusetts, but never did get to Martha’s Vineyard. Maybe some day.
I hope your arm heals well and that you recover completely. ~Marilyn Allen
Love your mugs for hot chocolate…
I feel your pain…6 years ago I fell while walking my two Westies. Broke my shoulder, arm, and wrist. A wonderful therapist made all the difference in my recovery, so keep up with your exercises! Hope you feel better soon!
Oh my gosh, the mugs, the charm, everything is soooo cute. Just love it all!!!
Praying you heal quickly. You mean a lot to all of us🥰
What riches! Looking forward to receiving the package: your shipping advice arrived today. Thank you!
Susan, your blog really gives me a lift while going through a tough time. Thank you.
Love your life and baby kitty, heal perfectly, your blog is a great comfort in this anxiety ridden world!
So glad you are healing well. Your artwork is lovely and uplifting, a wonderful combination.
Beautiful mugs. All are just lovely. Hope your hand heals quickly and that the brace comes off soon.
Thank you for ALL of the inspiration you share and all of the beauty you create! Forever grateful.
Amy
Hello! Sending happy thoughts to your wrist for quick healing! Take good care! Sandi
Susan, your blogs and all you do is like dessert! I look forward to reading Willard at the end of a busy day. Your words provide joy, hope, and encouragement to love the simple things. That is what I look to do each day! Thank you for your encouragement!
Hope your healing continues and you are able to do all the things you love to do very soon!
What a lovely cup give-away! And the new cups are just so beautiful as well. Thank you for the “God Save the Queen” bookmark. I think all the citizens of England could use one right about now!
Thank you, Susan, for your blog and all the treasures contained in its charming illustrations, musica, recipes, quotations, etc.
drb
Of all the things to injure for someone who does what you do …, your wrist !
I hope you heel quickly Susan ! 🍃🌸🍃🌸🍃🌸🍃💜🍃🌸🍃🌸🍃🌸
Thank you for your words on courage and resolve. 🙂
Thank you for wonderful September news! Sending totally positive vibes for the speedy healing of your wrist. I hope the cast can come off September 14th. 🙂 There are so many bits of information in this blog that really hit home with me. I’m in the process of reinventing myself & writing a new self narrative since my 73rd birthday is tomorrow. The glorious benefits of silence as described in your blog are very real. Finding ways to renew enthusiasm as I’ve grown older has and continues to be an adventure in which your words of wisdom have played an important part. Enjoy Autumn!
Love the blue dot night light!!
p.s. So sorry you’re broke down! Hope it heals quickly!
Hi Susan! Praying that your hand heals well and quickly! I so love your beautiful cups that you design! I only have one, but I would fancy all of them! It is my very favorite cup to drink my tea!
So many wonderful things!! I am so glad you are healing up, but sorry it had to happen in the first place! Happy September!
So glad your wrist is getting better. It’s so hard, I know. Been there. I wish I could express myself as well as you. I would try to explain the feeling that comes over me when I read your books and blogs. But I am so grateful for your writing. Take care and heal soon.
So nice to hear from you. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
I hope all goes well with recovering the full use of your hand.
Susan- your blog and books spark joy! I introduced my sister to your world last Christmas. She has done a lot of catching up…calendars, books and now collects
Beatrix Potter figurines as I do. Tomorrow I am going over to help her with a project and I am surprising her with my personal favorite: your Autumn cookbook! Fall is my favorite time of year. I even got married on Halloween in a vineyard in Napa Valley! Love love love everything you put out into our crazy but still beautiful world!
Hi Susan, I tried to comment yesterday, but don’t think it went through, so I’m trying again. Would love to own even one of your lovely mugs.
I hope you recover soon! Take care! You have been missed. I love everything you do, you bring such joy in all you do. I have all your books and a lot of your others treasures you have created. Thank you for always bringing joy, humor, sensitivities to things we tend to take for granted with happiness. Your blog is so cherished to so many of us. Will much gratitude, Cindy
I would soooo love the Summer cup as a gift for my sister who goes into hibernation during winter and comes alive with the warm weather. I think of her every time I see it and regret not getting it when it was available!
Heal quickly and heal well!
Thank you so much for sharing your talent and your fun personality!
Wow! I’m so glad in spite of your hand your still the same ol’, same ol’.
Now we need to keep you in prayer it doesn’t lead to arthritis. And not to bore you, but injury lead my thumbs to arthritis. It’s no fun, but I try not to let it keep me down. Today I was out gardening. Can’t stop the weeds from coming. Btw: I know I mentioned we’re trying to move back to the mainland but we’re still here. I have faith it will happen in time. On our fourth realtor. Well Dear Susan, I know you won’t let a little injury keep you down & that’s the way it should be. This “youth advancement “ just ain’t no fun sometimes.
Hugs from the Big Island 🌴,
Georgia
Susan, Susan, Susan! Such a lovely blog! And, to Joe, what an artist you are! A happy belated birthday 🎂 to you from the August 14 Birthday Girls (my daughter Lindsay and me). Susan, while you’re nursing your right wrist, I’m on the other coast still nursing my broken (in 2 places) left wrist! And yep, I do everything with my left hand! I couldn’t help it ~ I did laugh when I saw your picture. I have one just like it! Just do everything your doctor says. I waited, hoping it was a sprain but by the time I yelped, “Uncle!” it was too late. Sigh. Isn’t taking a shower fun? Not. But girlfriends will prevail! Bless you and Joe and Jack. Thank you for making this world a better place! Hugs ~ Deidra
oh susan… I so love visiting your blog. youre like a breath of fresh air. Im a social worker for our county Dept of social services.. and Im always in need of cheerful places to escape too! your blog always fills that need! I would love to have one of you prizes.. but in reality.. you are the prize! I hope youre arm is fully recovered soon.. I bet your hubby will be glad then too! 🙂 have a lovely day. something tells me you usually do!
So sorry to hear about your wrist. I hope that it heals quickly, and that you are not very uncomfortable (albeit very inconvenienced, it being your dominant hand) during that time.
After looking at your recent picture I have to tell you that your smile and complexion are looking simply lovely!! I’m so sorry to hear about your wrist. I got a big kick out of the “champagne hearts” story. Hope you heal quickly!!
Just returned from a trip to the Baltics. Such a beautiful area. I found & purchased the Little Book of Huygge (not sure of the spelling) and can’t wait to look thru it. Thought of you & how you talked about it not too long ago. Keep up the good work on your eating style and keep writing. Love you!
So sorry to hear about your wrist 😕
I always love reading your blog.
Lovely!
So happy to hear you are healing well
I am sporting a wrist cast too!! Mine is grungy white 😘😍
Life does send little bombs at us, often in the unexpected things like broken arms or new hips. I’m glad to hear you are healing and might soon have your cast off. I broke my arm when I was 11 and it hurt, but I’m hoping yours did not.
Thank you also for the chance to win a prize. Wouldn’t that be a great way to begin looking toward fall!
Oh goodness, hope I’m not too late to comment! I just received my Martha’s Vineyard cup for my collection of two! I LOVE IT! I sadly lost my favorite Love cup to a catastrophic occurrence with slippery hands 🙁 Needless to say there were many tears and naughty words.
SO sorry to hear of your injury but SO glad it was not worse, I can’t even think about you not being able to paint!
Hope you recover fully very soon!
Broken parts of our body are just not fun! Time heals all be good to yourself. Love everything you design. 💕
Praying for your speedy recovery with your injury!
Lots of love to you, Susan!
Reading my copy of Autumn with temps finally feeling like the season!
Love your blog!
Dear Susan,
You ALWAYS inspire! Thank you for the chance to win those wonderful gifts, but mostly for your wonderful ideas. I love the Sounds of Silence and try to practice often. I broke my right wrist in the same manner– trying to catch myself. Hope yours heals fast. Mine is good after 3 1/2 years.
Have a beautiful end of summer and beginning of fall.
Sincerely, Mary
I am so sorry to hear of your injury. It is good to hear you are progressing well! All of the new cups are gorgeous. It would be a pleasure to win any of them!
Prayers for quick and whole healing!
How exciting! Glad you’re back!
Love everything about your blog! Especially where you live.Just was wondering if you have ever visited Slough Farm Foundation? It is the most amazing farm run by friends of mine, Julie and Laine and their most adorable children!I think that you would adore everthing about the farm. Happy Fall, chickie ricciardi
I love you dear sweet friend of 30 plus years! (But we’ve never met!). I drink from your mugs everyday and think of you! Heal well!
I could so relate to the loss of use of your right hand. You take it for granted until you temporarily can’t use it. I hope by the time you read this you are all well. And the therapy is necessary. Have almost all your books from years ago. Thanks for always being so uplifting.
P.S. Hope I win the mugs!!!
Get ready for Autumn’s beautiful falling leaves being gently stirred and swirled around by the breezes!
Hi Susan. I can’t get over how little you have changed over the years. You look mahvelous dahling. I first met you at Chart House books when you premiered your first cookbook. Now I have them all. And I love your blog — always lifts my mood. We here on St. Simons Island, GA are reeling from worrying about hurricane Dorian for over a week. Slowest moving hurricane ever. But, we dodged a bullet and all are safe and sound and the island sustained no damage. Hope your wrist heals soon. Been there and done that. Love the Martha’s Vineyard cup — and Marthas Vineyard and love you.
Always love hearing the latest from you. Kudos on being a “good patient”. Praying you mend super quick!
Always love hearing what is new with you. So glad you are a “good patient.” Praying for a quick recovery!
You are doing a great job at bringing the girlfriends some cheer! Looking forward to the new fall season. Almost time to break out the Autumn cookbook!
I Love it that you are having so many give aways! Hooray for us!
So sorry about your wrist. Glad you are healing nicely. I look forward to your posts.
Anxiously awaiting any signs of Autumn. It is still in the 100’s here in central Texas.
Love your blog!
Dear Susan,
Your blog posts are a little vacation for me. Thank you ever so much for being a person with light bursting out of you in this often shadowy world!
With Much Gratitude and Appreciation,
Amy-of-the-Library
Dearest Susan,
I am so sorry, you have suffered a broken wrist. If I could have, I would have done your dishes, swept your floors, baked you a pie, something to help you. But, I live way over in Ohio and didn’t know you were going through a tough time til now. I pray you are healing nicely and send tons of get well wishes!
Take care and thank you for continuing to blog for us. I appreciate your efforts.
P. S. Please enter me in your give-away, I would love to win any one of your items.
Sinceramente,
Lydia Alejandro
Fremont, Ohio
Dear Sue and Joe
Can’t help but think of you and everyone on the eastern seaboard as Dorian heads your way. Please stay safe. I hope everyone battens down the hatches, and that the fisherman stay safe in the harbors. I would imagine the waves there will be extremely large and powerful, and that there will be torrential rain. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Love Sue
So sorry to hear you broke your wrist! Certainly not fun! Thank you for another lovely blog post with lots of good encouragement. I love the new products, particularly the night lights, so beautiful when all lit up. Your art just keeps getting better and better! Feel better soon!
So sorry about your wrist! Get better.
Thank you for all of the beauty you share with all of us! Sending positive energy for healing and health.
Thanks for the opportunity to participate! So ready for summer heat to be over and thoughts of fall are all around!
I have an old address book that really needs to be replaced . Do you still have any about somewhere?
Thank you for speaking Hope in this world!
Sussn,
Even when you’re healing an arm, your words, drawings, pets and smile revive us! Thank you for the fun!
Susan,
Even when you’re healing an arm, your words, drawings, pets and smile revive us! Thank you for the fun!