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!
You have on a Laura Ashley petticoat! I love everything about this blog post…. except your broken wrist…. 😰
Feel better Sunshine!
What a great giveaway!! I love the mugs 😊
Love Joe’s dear design! Hope your wrist is comfortably back in action sooner than soon!
I ordered my Courage charm straight away when I saw it, and I think it may be my favorite, although I love them all. Hope you heal quickly!
Hi Susan! I’m glad you’re on the mend. I’m also so grateful for that you’re in our world. My one-year anniversary is approaching since discovering you in Victoria magazine last fall. I’d heard of you, but that was it. I read A Fine Romance, and was hooked! I immediately read your other two bios, and gave them as gifts. I love your blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your generous spirit through your writing and beautiful artwork. It’s great knowing you’re out there! Hello to Joe and Jack too!
Hi Susan !
Hoping your very talented wrist heals to good as new ! I shall never forget meeting you in Coconut Grove. How I cherish my signed Autumn book ! 🍁🍂🍁🍂 Love and Florida Hugs 🌴
Love all of the surprises, except the broken wrist. Hope it heals perfectly. I am looking forward to the new calendar. This years has been such a joy each day.
I really would like to have your tea cups.
So sorry to hear of your break! I hope you are all healed up soon and will be back to the pleasure of brushing one’s teeth with the right hand, and other important tasks!
Love all the new mugs! And the book you are reading looks very interesting.
I have read your blog for awhile and have enjoyed it….kindred spirits in many ways.
Have lived in England for four years while my husband was in the service and so enjoyed the experience. I collect quotes, draw, sew, quilt, and like to spend time outdoors with nature. Is it any wonder I am a fan? Carry on!
So good to know that you will be healed enough to have the cast removed soon! Thank you for sharing your gift of words and joy 🙂
The Winter cup is my favorite!
Ah…I can commiserate with you. I broke my left wrist (dominant) while going to get the mail right before Christmas a few years ago. Since I am a procrastinator, there were still many errands left to run, shopping, and baking left to do that didn’t get done. My sweet husband washed my hair and buttoned my jeans. I am quite thankful to be on this side of it and know you will be, too, in a few months. Hang in there!
Hello, Susan,
So sorry to hear of your fall- I have taken too many myself and really have to concentrate on slowing down as I get older. May you feel God’s healing touch as you mend and get back to doing the things you enjoy!
Like so many others, receiving your note always brightens my day! I will have to check into that book you shared. Ain’t it the truth though! . . . which is why our family has always tried to minimize screen time. Oh, for the good ol’ days!
Glad you are on the mend!
Linda
The mugs are really beautiful!
Wishing you healing thoughts Susan. A little touch of Autumn is sure to help. Thank you for for helping to show us how to the positive in difficult situations.
Greetings Susan, Joe & Jack, I always enjoy reading your blog, brings a smile and encouragement.
Love everything about the champagne hearts cup, especially designed by your loving spouse. Hoping for good news and cast removal on the 14th
Dear Susan… I have used your pocket and wall calendars for many years now, given them as gifts and JUST NOW, stumbled on ..well, …YOU!!! I cannot relate how delighted I am to be able to read your blog, comments from the girlfriends and see all the wonderful drawings. I am downloading a ‘wallpaper’ today as well. gotta go, I need to get my new calendars ordered.. PC: Sensational cups – I am a bit late in getting the Punkinhead one … but maybe in the future I will find one that someone can part with… All the Seasons are very charming though.
I just happen to have a great affinity for Halloween. Take care of you , get the hand arms well -smart to teach yourself to write opposite handed….
Your blog gives so much thank you
Beautiful artwork, lovely words of inspiration and delicious recipes. Your blog is great! I just printed your Corgi bookmark to use on my upcoming trip to Wales which will include Pembrokeshire.
Please enter me! I love my 2020 calendar that arrived several weeks ago!!!
Not sure if the choice has been made, but no matter. Your blog is awesome, Susan. Have also enjoyed your calendars for years!! Prayers for healing and patience with your physical therapy. I’ve been through it, and it takes work, but so worth it!
Your blog brings me joy and it grounds me. Your healthy eating is inspiring me. I hope your wrist mends quickly. Hugs.
Oh Susan, too bad about your wrist, just gives us more time to plan a trip to your yard sale!!!
Susan, I sincerely hope you have full healing of your wrist. Sept. 14th was the date of my brother’s birthday. He died of bone cancer one week after we gathered at his home to celebrate what we knew would be his last birthdayin 1986. A week later he was gone. After his death a lone hawk visited family members VT, NH and CT. His daughters claimed that he always said he wanted to be a hawk,flying free and high. To this day, we are comforted by the sight of a hawk in our yard and acknowledge Norm.
Just reading your blog brings dreams of things to do in my on home to celebrate each Season . Her many items enhance each spot I place them . The seasonal cups are another reminder of Susan’s exceptional art work (and Joe’s) !
Always enjoy reading your notes and seeing your drawings and designs. Lifts my spirits!
Thank you seems too simple to truly express how much I enjoy the variety of your Twitter page!
Thank you so much for your grace & inspiration in this weary world! Your blog and books fill me right back up with joy & kindness & readiness to go out into the world with a smile. Hope you get well soon & are staying cozy in the meantime!
Thank you for continuing to inspire so many of us with your open loving nature and writing!
I posted a comment but I think it disappeared! I’m so sorry you broke your wrist, nut glad to know you are well on the road to recovery. I am going through some difficulties right now, and your wonderful books and blogs and lovely art work are a perfect way to take my mine off things for a little while. As soon as it arrives I read the blog and all the comments and then wait impatiently for the next one to arrive!
Love you and your beautiful blog. Would you ever consider doing a podcast?
Those cat paws are SO cute! I am so glad that you are feeling better! I think this post vibrates a little with ‘feeling better’! Thank you for sharing your mugs!
Love your story, artwork and those cups! Get better soon!
Ahhhhh. Fall. I love this time of year! Leaves, breezes, tea, apples, cider, stew, warm bread baking. I could go on and on…..
love it all! Thank you so much!! 🙂 Lori M
Oooh, how I would love to win the four seasons cups! I have four children, each born in a different season, so they could each have their own cup!
I am rereading A Fine Romance for the fifth (I think) time now, and love it a bit more every time I do! It’s like my garden, or my husband :-)… with time the connection and the love deepens. Your books help me relax and see the beauty in life (a bit like my garden, or my husband…).
I wish you a speedy recovery!
Dear Susan, a while ago I left a comment, but I can’t find it. So I’ll leave another one 🙂 Wishing you Veel Beterschap( get well soon) with your arm.
Lots of love from the Netherlands! Willemien
Hi Susan. This is Elizabeth from Ky. This is my first time commenting but I’ve loved you for many years. I have introduced your blog to many friends and family because you are amazing. You inspire me to draw, garden, and just be quirky in my own way like you. It would be a dream to win those cups. Fingers crossed!!
So sorry about your wrist – hope you can get that cast off soon so that your pretty bracelet can fit again!
Go. Be. Love.
So glad you’re back! You’re the cheerful best friend we all wish we had.
Hi Susan!
Praying for a quick and complete recovery for you dear lady! You are both a breath of fresh air and a drink of sunshine!❤️🌞❤️
So sorry about your fall. A friend just gifted me with your cat mug, and I love it!
I hope that you heal up well! I haven’t been on your blog for awhile and it’s nice catching up on all things cozy. Have a lovely day! ❤️😊
So sorry to read about your broken wrist. Praying you heal up quickly with no complications! <3 You are a blessing.
Hi, Susan,
Speedy recovery! You did a great job with one hand typing!
Love the teapot plates!
Donna
Heal well.
so sorry about your wrist, looks like you are getting through it with your usual good naturedness but I have to share that like the queen I finally realized that my corgi was causing me to almost trip all the time. So when she finally passed over to corgi heaven I realized that she would be my last dog. Passages are painful but this isn’t about me!! Hope you get your cast off soon.
Im in LOVE with the seasonal cups…but I adore all your special fairy tale designs! I want to live in your world! Sorry about the break…😢
I love all your different cups and plates. I have three cups but no plates as of yet! i’m a very slow collector. (I think I just get crazy busy)! Praying for a fast recovery so we can hear your words through your fingers 🙂
Hello Susan, good afternoon to you and to all the girlfriends. Fall is definitely in the air around here… cool mornings and days, lower temps (we are now in the low 70’s here) and we can see the squirrels’ fur darken and thicken, and they are out and about gathering nuts for the winter to come. the acorns are coming down and the deer are eating the dickens out of my gardens, most of the bell peppers are gone and they are into the grape arbor and going after the grapes, so much for juice and jams this year. I can’t be too mad at them, after all their larger food supply is gone due to the wildfires we had last summer(2018) and hasn’t all grown back yet. today it is cloudy, and looks like maybe some rain may come our way, which is fine by me as I am slowing down the watering of the lawns. no big need now that it is cooler and the days are getting shorter. Fall is coming and I can’t wait for it. I even bought myself some new comfy slippers to wear around the house early in the morning and in the evening to keep my toes warm. and I got myself some new shoes to wear outside, my old shoes finally wore out. i’ll still water the veggie gardens and the front garden but definitely slowing down on the lawns. my asters are in bloom, so beautiful and such a blue color. I know Fall is almost here now. I love that pumpkin head cup, its adorable looks like the pumpkin head on my favorite vintage Halloween cards. I shop at a local card shop and they carry vintage cards and postcards and I just love them. how has it been out your way, I heard on the news that Hurricane Dorian passed over or close by Martha’s Vineyard and was still at category 2 for a hurricane. hope the island rode it out okay. well I have to get the laundry out on the line while the sun is still out, but I have a feeling I may be rolling that line up and putting it away before long along with the hoses and sprinklers. have a good day everyone. hugs…… 😀
Dear Pat, I love reading your comments from Cave Junction. Enjoy news of your critters. Just so you know……….
Debbie in Maine
Love your new products and upbeat attitude!
Wishing you lots of kitty hugs with those precious kitty paws!
Happy Monday! I hope I win. 🙂
Happy thoughts and warm wishes for a speedy recovery my friend. Isn’t it nice to get some perspective of the amazingness of our bodies? Who knew how important your rightie was…until it took sick leave? Love your blog, love your cool cat and love your outlook/art on life! Thank you SB.
You’re just my favorite and that’s it. You’re lovely. Thank you 🥰
😘❌⭕️
Thank you for your optimism!
Susan, I was missing your blog and was hoping all was well with you! Sorry to hear about your broken wrist. Recently I prayed for you and Joe when hurricane Dorian was getting near Martha’s Vineyard, I hope you came through that well. Please take care and remember there are many of us who are thankful for you and for the lovely way you share your life with us! God bless you!
I just received my “Champagne” cup . . . I love it❣️ I adore all of your art, Susan Branch.
I hope your wrist mends quickly . . . 💓🙏🏻😘
Your emails are a balm to my spirit in this wild world. Thanks for your beautiful art and uplifting words every single time! xoxo
Such a treat to hear from you! I really need to order the COURAGE charm for my Mom who survived breast cancer this summer … I could not be more grateful. I hope your wrist heals thoroughly, kudos to Joe and congrats to all the winners! xo
Love all the cups!
I hope everything is going well for you Susan . Life sometimes throws us a curve ball .
Oh Susan, Ouch! Poor thing! I’m sure Joe is taking very good care of his ‘patient’. I’ve been enjoying A Fine Romance for the umpteenth time and popped over to tell you so. I hope you are able to shed the cast very soon- but know that whether or not you are busy right now, your girlfriends are still so enjoying your past hard work! My daughters (they are teenage twins and we all met you in Charleston last year) are still reading the whole trifecta and enjoying it immensely. Thank you for hours of happiness! 😘
Dear Susan, So sorry to learn of your spill and sending you healing vibes! I am sure you have had excellent care from nurse Joe-y! I tend to fall and I certainly do not bounce right back up again! I have to remind myself to take my time and not hurry, especially when carrying something or going up and down our basement stairs! L-O-V-E the new mugs! I was about in tears when my best friend gifted me The Fine Romance mug for my birthday in July! I absolutely love it! My great news is Hubby and I are going to visit my family in the UK over the Christmas holidays, beginning to count the days now that September has arrived! They are all looking forward to seeing us and there are 9 new little kiddos that have arrived in the last 5 years and another on the way….the family tree keeps growing! So enjoyed this post and Good Luck to everyone in the drawing! xoxo
Ooo, hope I’m not too late!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩 need mugs 😘
It’s getting close to the day when your cast can maybe come off. I pray the Doctor says yes! Love all your lovely bits, every single one.
I’ll find out on Monday!
Hi Susan,
Cast removal day is almost here! Thank you for carrying on; blogging, signing books, always thinking of everyone else with such awesome giveaways! You and Joe are quite the cup designing and all round perfect team😊. My husband birthday-gifted me the Isle of Dreams and Christmas Santa cup when they first came out but there is always room in the cupboard for more Susan Branch cups!
My best wishes for a speedy recovery and safety in the storm for you and Joe and everyone else on the beautiful Island Susan❤️❤️❤️
I know it’s a long shot — considering the 4288 other comments here (heehee!!!), but I’m leaving a comment anyway, Susan 🙂 Sorry about your poor hand, but glad you are healing so well.
I don’t think you’ve ever chatted about it before … but I love your clothes in that top photo. I adore linen. Where do you shop? I’m a thrift store gal myself, but I hunt for linen like that. So feminine. I want to start sewing my own clothes this fall. Those seasonal mugs are so lovely, like the seasons.
Thanks for the uplifting newsletter and may you have a strong arm very soon.
Love the pumpkin mug!!
Good morning, thank you for your inspiring words and work. They brighten up our days in these stressful times.
Hi Susan
I’ve not checked your blog in a while and I needed some cheering up. You helped drag me out of the doldrums, today 🙂 Thanks for all the inspiration you share. Take care!
Kristen
Oh my…my heart goes out to you Susan as I broke my right wrist too and have a rod and 12 pins! I understand the pain and the hair washing by a Dear Husband xxoo. In PT ask if they have a wax dip. They let me come in 15 minutes before physical therapy to dip in warm wax infused with eucalyptus, wrapped it in a towel, then peeled it off in the towel. Felt SO good and helped with the workout!
Love and hugs to you Susan…you feel like a friend to me. Heal quickly.
I hope your wrist is back to normal soon!! Thanks for the update! Love the photos of Jack….and ask Joe to design more cups! 🙂
I hope your arm is better soon! Thank you for your inspiration!
So happy that lace up boot weather is here in the PNW. Just about time to give the sandals a hug and tuck them in for a Winter nap! Hope that wrist feels better soon!!
Sending recovery wishes. I have loved your art for years.
Dear Susan…love your blog
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Thank you for sharing your talents with such joy.
Blessings:-)
So sorry about the wrist! I broke mine doing cartwheels when I was 5. Just sayin, avoid cartwheels and yard sales in future 😉
Dear Susan~
Thank you for the gentle reminders to slow down and enjoy the journey. Currently working on listening to the “sound of silence”…which is why I wish I could say that it’s taken this long to reply. But the sad reality is that I’ve been too distracted with the raucous noise life. Time to resume a more natural, reflective pace in order to embrace and enjoy every blessing that each day brings.
Hope you’re resting, healing, and feeling better!
Samantha
Greetings from Beautiful, brave Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada….to Beautiful, brave Susan, on BB Martha’s Vinyard, USA. We rode out the hurricane for an extra night in St. John, New Brunswick, with lots of folks who had been on bus tours and one of the cruise ships which ducked into the harbor for safety. Met many interesting folks. We love visiting St. John anyway.
80% of NS customers were without power at first, but had it restored in just a few days. Found a place with power for another night, and here we are in a gorgeous Victorian BnB in Louisbourg, Cape Breton. 3 more nights here, then….Who Knows!!! We’re Boofs on the loose, Look out world, here we come😍
Thank you, Dear Lady, for all the courage,
Debbie, away from Maine for a bit
Is the Giveaway over? Just found Downton Abbey fabric and putting together a new quilt top to celebrate. Your posts make the blues go away, Miss Susan! Thank you!
Have been missing Willards, used to come to me, so I could keep up with you.
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us😍
Hope you feel better, Susan, and can enjoy your autumn to the fullest!
Thank you for this blog post. I needed a reminder on nurturing silence. The night lights are wonderful. Take care while your wrist heals.
Thank you for mentioning/focusing on courage. It gives one much to think about. Hope your recovery continues to go well.
Be well sweet lady!
Feel better soon! The cups are lovely as always!
I love the end of the post about the sound of silence. I go to the woods and love to unplug from it all! Praying that you will heal soon. Love the charms and cups. Just got my Pumpkinhead cup out to use!
Love love the cups! I have 5 grandchildren and I could see them fighting over the pumpkin one! (My grandchildren fighting? Never!)
Susan ~ I was so sorry to read that you had fallen and broken your wrist. It is so hard to function when your dominant hand is in a cast! I can just imagine the frustration you had as you learned to do everything with your left hand! And you are always writing, creating, crafting, gardening, cooking, designing, taking good care of Joe and the kitty, so the “annoyance” of the cast and the discomfort needed to subside so you could feel well enough to Blog again and keep us updated on the “Susan Branch happenings!” Prayers to you for continued healing and successful physical therapy to have the wrist and hand working again as they should. Hugs from Connecticut ~ Lynn
Very sorry about your wrist – hope it feels better very soon!
OH dear Susan. Hope you get your cast off when scheduled. I am in love with your Halloween mug. Take care
Thank you for the adorable bookmark.Take care sending hugs😍