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!
Wishing you a speedy recovery.I love the cups so adorable!
Dear Ms. Pumpkinhead,
I am praying for your recovery. Love your cheerfulness despite limitations. Keep on keepin’ on.
I hope you heal happily and soon.
I’ve been MIA since last September 2018….and I’ve missed keeping up on all your joy and the welcoming feeling I got from following. Hoping to restore balance and beauty to my life after some much needed orthopedic surgery. Best of luck with your physical therapy.
Regards,
Barbara 🌷
Susan,
You look fantastic! Always love reading your joyful, inspiring posts!
Happy healing!
I love “Joe’s” cup!
Things happen for a reason and sounds like you now know how important your
right arm really is. It’s good to keep it handy!! 🙂 Blessings to you and your right arm.
Oh, the many quotes that adorn your pages. Love the thoughts, and they make me feel “the sounds of silence!” Thank you, Susan.
Poor wrist! I broke my dominant hand some years back and I really swear doing everything suddenly with my other hand did something good for my brain. I was pulling words out of the air much more easily in conversation. It was unexpected and great.
But also – unrelatedly – I re-read A Fine Romance, finishing it today. I cried. I have never cried when a book is finished. And it wasn’t even my first time through! Love love love that book…. and… you!
Thank you so much for including your page link, which led to goodlife.org
this made for such a wonderful Sunday.
Thanks to ALL of you again!
Love that you are still drawing 30 years later, and have embraced social media!
Susan my Friend YOU MATTER you are an inspiration to many.
Susan, you are a kindred spirit. Love all your work and your sweet spirit. I would absolutely love to win one of your tea cups. It’s been my dream to own one. Hope you heal really soon.
Hoping your wrist is as good as new in no time atol. Your blog soothes me and that is wonderful.
Hi Susan! I hope your wrist is feeling much better as each day goes
by. Lovely post. I’m sorry this is short but I had eye surgery last week so am not typing much. But know I love you!!!
Gert
Oh my goodness Susan…so sorry to hear about your hand but very glad it wasn’t as bad as it could have been or that surgery was not necessary! You are the cutest thing! I love your style. I wish I could shop where you do. Love your clothes. Tell Jack hello for me please!!
Wishing you a quick recovery Susan! I am glad Joe is taking good care of you!
Your newsletter, books, and calendars bring me so many smiles. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself. Sending you healing wishes.
Take Care!
Love all of your things, can’t wait for the new book. Get well soon!
Courage. I need some more. Major surgery= lots of pain, which I WILL get thru. I read your blog to smile.
Sending lots of healing thoughts your way Susan. September is here and beautiful fall is on it’s glorious way; we need that cast off! Your seasonal cups are lovely – they all are. Take good care…
Dear Susan,
Hope that hand heals quickly! I am concerned for you all since reading that Hurricane Dorian will be making your weather a bit interesting soon. 😳
Stay safe!!
PS~ that pumpkinhead mug is just divine 🎃
Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky- that is quote by an Indian Nobel laureate, Rabindra Nath Tagore. Why I quote this? Its just to let you know that your blog adds color to my day. I love reading them and eagerly wait for the next one.
So sorry to hear about your injury and I hope it is healing well.
Your posts always bring a note of happiness and a spark of inspiration to my day…..thank you so much for all that you do and the words and art that you share with the world!
Thank you. Your blog is wonderful and so are you.
Hope your hand is mending! Love the new cups!
Hi Susan, I enjoy reading your blog. Thank you so much for your surprises.. You are so kind and thoughtful. Best wishes for a speedy recovery on your wrist.
Just love my latest mug. The red one with the champagne hearts. Joe’s design is a real winner. Kudos to Joe
Needing some courage as I go back for my last year of school as a mature student.
Enjoy all your blogs and Jack. What a cutie! Pray your wrist heals soon.
Dear Susan,
It’s so good to know your wrist is getting better and better each day! I can only imagine how difficult it has been for you… but you are not only a good patient, but a real trooper as well! You hand is so very precious to all of us!
… Just thinking that it might be helpful to you to use the dictation feature on your phone to write. I am by no means a computer person, but if you haven’t used it before, here is a general idea… If you go to “Notes”, …on your keyboard, you will find a little microphone symbol to the left of the space bar, just press that and talk into it, and it will print out whatever you say. You have to tell it the punctuation, periods etc…Then forward it to yourself on your computer and copy wherever you would like it to go. It seems there is always a little tidying up to do, but it is easier and faster than typing each letter. I’m sure other computer savvy girlfriends will have some much better ideas about doing this…
Thank you for all you love and care you give to all of us through all your beautiful creations! I love them all!
… and darling Jack! He is just sooo cute!!!
XO!
Victoria
I use a program called DragonNaturallySpeaking. It has a function which lets you read common articles so it will “get” how you pronounce words (local accents play merry hob with autocorrect on computers & ‘phones” you set it up then just watch the screen as you talk. It’s great. I found it when I “lost” my right hand for a time. Best wishes. Healing thoughts!
Love seeing Jack included in your blogs! Thank you 🙂
Love your hubby’s new mug design! And you whimsical spirit. Prayers for quick healing and that you get your cast off soon!
Love You❣️🥰
Love you, Susan. Pray your wrist keeps on getting better. I have read all your books and I thank you for your encouraging inspiration.
So glad you are back🌻! You have been missed. Take care and hope you heal quickly!!:-)
OOOH, I’m just HOPING that I’m the lucky recipient of one of your delightful books. Thanks for sharing! Ellen
Love all your mugs!
Sorry about your wrist fracture. That’s not fun at all. I appreciate the effort it took to update your blog. Thank you!
Susan, you are equal parts light and love. My mom and I cherish your spirit and your artwork! We will be praying your wrist continues to heal quickly and perfectly. My mom’s 77th birthday is September 14th, so what a magical day! We will light candles, eat treats and toast to both of you. And, by the way, my cat Bella might have a kitten crush on Jack…💕
I have a Jack too! Actually, I have a whole crew of rescued kitties (and 3 rescued small pups) but Jack, he came to me so tiny, sick and alone in the cold winter (yes, it’s California cold, but still, cold to a homeless kitten); Jack is set apart for goodness. He turned out to be the most amazing of all cats, and is offically the groomer/keeper/comforter of Noelle, the small dog I rescued who was also sick and cold and broken. I love your writing, your sharing of your life. It’s always a sweet break from the rushing of my own life, to sit and read about your comings and goings all the way across this great land, on the other coast. I feel like I know you very well, dear friend.
With love… from the small, green village… Bohinjska Bela… Slovenija… Europe.
Martina
Thank you for a wonderful blog, as usual. You are incredibly gifted, and have such a refreshing outlook on EVERYthing! Heal quickly and uneventfully!😘
Dearest Susan,
I needed your sweet blog more than ever! I lost my best friend of 39 years(sob) and thought my heart would not stop breaking then I lost my husband 2 weeks ago to a sudden heart attack. (36 yrs)There are no words for the grief.I had to read your blog to bring some sweetness into my life. I thank you for all that you do to lift humanity.Love you.
SO sorry Kathleen! Unbearable losses! I would write more but hand aching tonight. My prayers, heart, and love are with you. One day at a time. xoxo
Kathleen —after reading your comment, I want you to know I too am thinking of you and praying for comfort in your life right now.
Blessings
Gert
Dear Kathleen,
Please know that the Girlfriends lift you up in prayer.
Dear Kathleen…sending love and hugs and prayers your way! We really do need support from others. Let the compassion from responses to you encourage your heart to know you are special and have friends here cheering you on through those moments when you need us most. Feel the LOVE and CARE ….just like sunshine 🙂 xxoo
So sad to hear of your losses Kathleen. My sympathy to you and sending prayers your way that God gives you strength for the day. Keep the happy memories close to your heart of your hubby and of your best friend. These will help you during the difficult days ahead. It will get harder before it gets better. Take care of yourself and God Bless You.
Oh Kathleen, We all want you to know that We Know what it means to have our fellow women thinking of us when we are grieving. Please take comfort while you are hurting….and healing.
Debbie in Maine
I’m very glad that you are on the mend! Joe sounds like a pretty wonderful guy, for taking special care of you.
Your cups are so special and look like they would hold a lovely cup of my jasmine green tea.
Thank you for your generosity in sharing so many of your treasures. Happy Autumn! (Almost).
Love your cheery comments and your love of all things English!
Yay I hope I win! : ) This is a great giveaway.
Get well soon….thanks for your blogs…very uplifting!!
Life is hard for me right now, but you bring some brightness and relief to it. Thank you for that.
Oh I love your art work! You are so talented!
I was sitting here, feeling kinda overwhelmed, and thought, “I know what will make me feel better – reading some of my favorite blogs. And I was right – I do feel better. I’m sorry you broke your wrist. I’m sure it’s been painful as well as awkward and difficult. Hoping you have better days in the near future!
Cool Fall days; hot cider, and apple spice donut. And a Susan Branch book!
What could be better!
Thanks for all your wonderful books, recipes, quotes, and inspiring ideas. I’ve been a fan for 30 years.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post. It came at just the right time in my life- just like a cup of wonderful tea and a visit from an long time friend! Be still, my friend and Know.
I hope you heal well and quickly. The world needs more Susan Branch at this time more than ever!
Fondly,
Zoe
Wishing you speedy healing & successsful therapy.
Thank you for the book recommendation, which I’ll definitely share with my daughters.
I have heard your sounds of silence and they soothe my soul.
Looking forward to your autumn posts … Ethel
A Japanese word you might like: komorobi 🙂
Love to read your blog!
P.S. I just spelled the above word from me to you wrong !!!
It should be spelled Komorebi.
It is the sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees !
I so love your cheeriness (is that a word?). I will need to buy some of your adorable notecards. Thank you Susan for being you.
hope you are healing well and have your hand back to work licketty-split!
and i hope i’m not too late for your fabulous mug drawing!
Oh my dear! I am sorry to see you so afflicted, and yet I am heartened to see you going still, with determination and good humor! After checking and checking and seeing no new posts, I was thinking (sadly) “did she die? Did she just get fed up and quit?” I have come across many charming, kindred spirits’ websites and blogs, read them, made regular time for them, only to have them stop, without a word. Poof! Some, I read for hours and hours, then notice the last posting was years ago! A dear friend of mine had an e-commerce store that was very popular in the early days of such things. He loved selling and communicating with like-minded folk. He passed seven years ago, but nobody has taken down his website. You cannot order anything, your attempts sail off into nowhere, but the website welcomes you as if he were right there, ready to make your day. It’s sad. Nobody made a plan to take care of it if he left, he was a bachelor, no family, noone to have whatever password needed to change his settings…I must tell my robot therapist about that…anyway, welcome back, I am so very glad to hear it was only a broken bit, and it will heal, and look at all the things you can do left-handed that you never knew you could! Blessings to you and Joe- what a wonderful compliment that your husband thinks of love as a bubbling glass of champagne!
That is great news that your cast is off! I hope you can enjoy painting soon
So glad to hear you are on the mend. I look forward to your blogs and your books and your mugs and just everything ! Trying to adjust to some huge changes in my life and your blogs comfort me so.
Reading your blog, sipping tea out of my Susan Branch mug and I feel like I’m sharing with a girlfriend. Thank you for sharing and for bringing so many kindred spirits together. Hope your wrist heals well. ❤️
Thanks for writing your blog. It is very uplifting. You find such joy in everyday living. It would be nice to win and sit outside this Fall with a pretty new cup.
Oh, my, Susan! Over 4,000 comments. None the less, I would like to win the 4 Seasons cups, the Halloween cup, the stationary, everything! Kind regards, EJC
Hope your hand heals soon Susan! Take care!
I broke my right wrist a long time ago. Not a bad break but it sure did hurt!!! I had a hard time opening the fridge with my left hand!!! Hope you feel better 😉
Cat food cans! any jar! I’m getting better every day. We humans are miraculous creatures.
All of the mugs are beautiful! Fingers crossed!
I’ve missed you. Hope the wrist is fit again soon.
So sorry about your wrist. It will mend and hopefully, you will be as good as new. I so love the pictures of your cat!
Just love your new items! Such fun! Regretfully leaving the island tomorrow as long as the boats are running… hope you heal well and are back to doing all that you 💕 very soon
Hi, Susan! I recently discovered your amazing books! I’m a younger person, and I often struggle with anxiety and get overwhelmed with the chaos of our world. Your books have really helped me dig deeply, reflect, and remember what’s truly important— food, family, and love! I’ve been engrossed in your Autumn book, in particular, and I cannot wait to try some of your recipes and crafts for the upcoming season with my mom. I think I may need that adorable pumpkin mug for full effect! I wish you a speedy recovery and offer a heartfelt thanks for continuing to share your gift with us.
Thank you Hannah ~ I write about being in my 30s and having anxiety in my book Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. There’s hope, it’s actually easier as you get older! xoxoxo
Received my heart mug earlier this week. Been drinking tea from it everyday since. Love the big size.
One Word and fingers crossed 🤞!!
Susan,
Wishing you a speedy recovery. I too had unexpected surgery mid August. A good time to stop and reflect. I spent an evening in a dark sky park watching the stars. It was a cool clear night at the Straits of Mackinaw in Michigan. There must have been over 500 folks all quietly gazing upward at the Milky Way . Just beautiful. More amazing though was no one was looking at cell phones. Just complete natural darkness. I’ll never forget it.
Love your art, long time admirer. Good wishes for healing.
It’s always such a happy surprise to find a post from you. Your mugs are so gorgeous and I LOVE the one your fella designed! Hoping you are well and heeled very soon.
I wish I could meet all of the Girlfriends. Hello, everybody!
Thank you for your daily doses of love you give us in your eloquent writing…some days we truly need it. Picking up a puppy tomorrow and thought …no puppy cups….some darling pups sitting in windows in England and your friend Rachel has a sweet one…maybe a cat cup, too! Have a beautiful day!
I am so sorry to hear about your broken wrist! Prayers going up for quick healing and that your hopes are met on September 14 to have your cast removed!
Blessings & Hugs,
Terry G.
PS I love Joe’s champagne hearts mug! So cute!
Hello Susan, so glad to hear you are on the mend, and as it is your dominate hand, that fact should aid in your recovery. Love the ‘family effort’ cup! Take care, and thank you for another wonderful post. Love and hugs, Karen.
Thank you for the lovely bookmark! I’ve printed it out to hold my place in my Downton Abbey book- getting ready for the film. EEK!
Must have been awful for you to break your “writing” wrist. Glad it is mending and that you are writing again. Take it carefully.
It’s the beginning of Spring here while you see changes in foliage and flowers as the lovely season of Autumn commences. I can imagine how beautiful it will be there.
Looking forward to your new book. Your books make such special gifts and I love to pass on the joy 🙂
With love from a friend ‘Down under’
Betty
Thank you, Susan, for carrying on even one-handed! I find your posts such an enjoyable, calming “retreat”. I usually stretch out the reading over several days!
Love!
so sorry about your right hand, thank goodness for your ‘right hand man’!! I would love to be one of your cup winners so eyes tightly shut, fingers and toes crossed, sprinkle of fairy dust, a little spin and maybe my wish will come true, here’s hoping 🙂
It’s good to have your blog back. I have tennis elbow from too much quilting.
Dear Susan,
Your outfits, wrist brace or not, are inspirational. I find myself turning to your blog, and your books, more and more these days, when the world really is so troubling and people are seemingly more and more divided. Your quotes and reminders–the way you choose beauty, grace, kindness, and joy–get me right back into shape and ready to meet life with a smile.
That book you’re reading looks fascinating–I laughed (and shuddered) at the Conversation with the Therapist. Yikes. I will add it to the hordes of books already in my Goodreads!
THANK YOU for being a light in a world that’s often weary. Love and prayers for fast recovery are coming your way. 🙂
Susan, I have been a huge fan of your thinking, creating, and zest for life for over 25 years.
Thank you for sharing your life with us. You are inspiring to so many of us and for this, I am extremely grateful.
Darling girl, all the doors r open, & the windows, too. Insects r charting outside, and every now & then there’s a buzzzzz…. perfect day. Henry – the dog version of Jack- just crawled up on the couch beside me. Hoping your wrist behaves. Sending big hugs to all 3 of you.
Such good reminders about the
impact of technology. Thank
you for all the inspiration!!❤
Always enjoy reading your blog. Glad that your wrist is healing!
Be diligent in your therapy and everything will return, perhaps even stronger! Best wishes for a complete recovery! Been there. Done that!
Happy September!! I am spending the weekend working on the Jack doll and quilt. Thank you for designing this fun project. It is soooo cute.
Thanks for sharing love and light!
I hope your wrist is better. I ordered all the calendars and they are beautiful. Today I received my Martha Vineyards mug and it is so lovely. I can’t wait for my afternoon tea today.
Thanks for doing what you do. You are my sanity in this crazy world.
With love,
Mary Jo
You guys are my sanity too, lovely to see you here! xoxoxo
The night light with the blue dots looks like blueberries lit up, perfect for the kitchen!
Hi to Susan and Joe—glad your wrist is better! Earlier comment never showed up, but I enjoyed the proverbs according to first graders so much and wondered if you ever saw Art Linkletter’s “Kids Say the Darndest Things” from long ago. He would ask thoughtful questions about life, siblings, school, parents, etc and the children would give honest and direct answers that were funny and sweet and heartfelt. Glad you have those kitty paws to hug you! Love to you both from Bev
I am very excited. My bestie and I are coming to your beautiful island in early October! We were there with a group of girlfriends 21 years ago. It is our first time to return. We have been enjoying your books and I received the 4th of July mug for my birthday. Please keep all of your wonderful posts and mugs coming.
Love the new cups!!!! Hope your wrist heals quickly
H M in PA