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!
Hope to win! I just today broke my summer cup and nearly cried! Would love to replace it! Please pick me😀
I’m in love with everything!!
Keepin’ my fingers crossed. ☺️
Hope you heal up well. Very important to NOT push yourself- let Joe take care of you! So cool that he designed the heart mug. And speaking of mugs, I hope Vanna picks me for the Pumpkinhead mug.
As usual, Susan, thanks SO much for reminding us about the simple, everyday, right-outside-our-doors magic of nature. AND thanks for the multiple giveaways! So much pleasure for so many of your fans! Hope your wrist heals completely soon because I bet Joe isn’t quite so useful when putting on earrings. Just guessing “-)
Hi Susan!
I love your artwork and have loved it since I have been a teenager! Thank you so much for sharing your heart and soul in your work…it is so precious. Please enter me for those adorable mugs! Love to you!
I love everything you do Susan. Winning anything would be fabulous!
So hard to choose what I love best…so I choose everything.
You and now Joe are an amazing talented couple.
Especially love the pumpkin heads!!!
My husband and I were so fortunate to visit Martha’s Vineyard last September for the first time. While visiting Vineyard Haven one day we lost our rental car keys and went back to the rental agency with our heads hanging to get a replacement set. A little while later, while we were at the Chilmark store, we got a call that someone had found our keys and turned them in – saving us a hefty fine! Don’t know if it was a local or a visitor who did this good deed, but we were SO grateful. It felt like the wonderful spirit, embodied by you Susan, of Martha’s Vineyard was keeping watch over us! Thank you for sharing your life in this special place.
Oh my gosh! I have your summer cup and love it. I never got around to getting the others. Now’s my chance!
Oh I am so sorry about the fractured arm. I know it had to cause pain and discomfort at first. I honestly thought you were off on one of your wonderful journeys and was in a place/like on a boat and could not email. I am sending a lot of hugs and prayers that healing continues, physical therapy is tolerable and you are soon back to going 90 miles an hours. Sending you hugs and prayers from Arkansas.
Always love your blog <3 So sorry about your wrist, but thankful it wasn't as bad as it could have been, and that you are healing well. Take good care, do what your doc instructs and you'll be back to normal soon! Hugs and snuggles to sweet Jack!
…dear Susan, it’s so good to hear from you again !!…you have been missed !!.. I’m so sorry you broke your wrist; your right one, no less !..here’s to healing quickly !.. I’ve been so busy taking care of my youngest grandchild (she is already 13 months old ! ) while her Mommy works (she is a nurse ) that it seems I have no energy for anything else these days..although I love being with her so much ! I still adore reading your posts tho, as they are always so inspirational and helpful in brightening our days.. I tried to comment two days ago when I received that adorable night light of yours but there was no place to comment..so I will tell you here that I love it !!…well, I need to keep this rather short as I am so sure you will be having to read ALOT of comments with your dear “give-a – way “…but please take it easy and heal properly…you are loved !!!
Love your cups and would love to win one. Hope you wrist is healing good. Thank you for the lovely blog.
Lovely, lovely – – cups, bookmarks and the wisest notes about silence!
Susan, I am sorry to hear of your accident but glad it wasn’t any worse. FYI…My favorite cup is the 4th of July cup. Unfortunately, I chipped it! I have been searching high and low for a replacement but to no avail. Any ideas on where to purchase? Meanwhile, enjoy the Labor Day Weekend and get well soon!!
Not really, but ask [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/!
Millie is the name of my son’s puppy arriving September 28.❤️❤️❤️
I’m so sorry to hear about you breaking your wrist! I know you are a “trooper”
I’m printing out several of your latest bookmarks for me and my friends. I love it!
Joe’s artwork is wonderful! Take care.
Barbara K.
Heal quickly! And thank you for the beautiful pick-me-up! 🙂
As usual your writing makes me homesick for Cumbria, the autumn fairs, fell races, tumbling forces bubbling down Applethwaite Common and Troutbeck.
Sure did miss you, Susan!
Always for so many years, WONDERFUL. Love love the nightlights.
Just got back from a week in Vineyard Haven. The island is truly such a beautiful and idyllic place! I can see why it holds a special place for so many. I will be missing it until my return ❤
Love all your healthful eating tips!!!
Oh my. So sorry about your wrist. Glad you are on the mend. Thank you for the opportunity of the giveaway.
Love all your designs Susan!! I’ve e been a big fan of you for ever and ever😘 take care of that wrist🦴
Love all your new cups and hope to win one/them!
Thanks for your wonderful talent and sharing it with all of us.
I love your ART! It looks great on your cups! Thank you for always giving us all surprises! We love them! So sorry you fell at your garage sale! I will pray your wrist mends real soon!
Whenever an email from you arrives my heart skips a beat! I know it will be filled with beauty, wisdom, magic and most of all, inspiration! Thank you for filling our hearts and senses with your wonderful words and drawings!
Take care of yourself and don’t overdo! I broke my pinky finger in a fall much like yours and I couldn’t believe how much I couldn’t do just from one little finger!
I would love to win any of your beautiful gifts you are offering! Thanks for the chance!
Enjoy the rest of your summer! Love your newsletters no matter how long or short they are! So wonderful that you got Joe to collaborate with you for the red heart cup. Love the design! And Jack is adorable as ever. Thanks for all the great photos of him, take care ❤️
Susan, so happy to see you a healing with COURAGE! I LOVE Joe’s cup design, too!
Thank you for all the beautiful inspirations. Love the corgi bookmark.
Oh! So much to comment about! So sorry about your wrist but very happy to hear you are heading in the right direction of healing. We missed you, but understand now of course!! I’d be over the moon to win any of the treasures you are offering! You are so good at detecting the need for cheer!
Oh, Dear Susan
Well at least you didn’t need surgery & are a very good patient ! & you have Joe !
Please get lotsa R&R with Jack now I have to go look up those adorable night lights !
Blessings 🙏
Oh Susan, I am so, so sorry about your pre-yard sale accident. I hope it did not interfere too much with Shelly and her son’s visit to Martha’s Vineyard. Thank goodness for your Guardian Angel that has been taking such good care of you, just as Ellie said he would. I do hope you will be able to get your cast removed on September 14th which just happens to be . . . my birthday. I hope you and Joe and Jack enjoy these last few days of summer with hopefully, less humid conditions, and plenty of rest and relaxation.
A new post from you is always like a gift from a friend. I’d love to win one of the give-away items, but to read the latest news is the best gift of all. Of course, the news of your broken wrist wasn’t good, so please be careful! The garage sale can always wait til spring!
Oh, dear, Susan, how awful for you to have been without the use of your hand! Hoping you are well on the mend! Lovely to see a blog post, although sorry it caused you pain to write it!
Love all the new mugs and the “old” ones, sad they are no longer available.
So sorry about your wrist Susan. Thanks for making the effort to type a blog for us!
Kathleen
So sorry about your wrist, but so good to have you back!
Your writings bring me joy….
I am so very sorry for your mishap. My hubby will be having a second surgery on his shoulder in the next few months. He has what is called a spacer right now,( no shoulder). Has been very limited. On the bright side, your update has been so refreshing on this still too hot day in Oregon.. ps you did great! Thank you!
I think I am first! 😊. Love Jack all tucked in! And the pumpkin cup!!!
Giveaways are so exciting…major thanks for doing that!!!
Fingers crossed for all !!!! D~light~FULL blog …Smiles and Sparkles..
Blessed Be peoples !!!!
Love your blog and twitter comments!
Susan, So sad for your mishap but grateful you are healing. Love all the cheer you are sending our way. You are right…it is a much needed item these days.
By time you read this I hope your wrist is A1 OK Healed. Enjoy your forced rest while you can. At least you are still young enough that your bones will heal quickly! You need to learn to ‘drop and roll’ so you don’t break anything else! Love from the ‘Cottage’
Actually, I broke MY right hand tripping over a corgi, while chasing after another corgi who was about to get away … while on vacation! How about that! This is a continuation of my first comment. Thought you’d get a kick out of this!
Speedy recovery!
Because of you I am off of sugar -at the moment- And have been eating healthily all week!!
Hope your hand heals quickly and you return to normal!
I still have some inspirational notes in their boxes (Joy, Love Notes, Girfirends Forever) from many years ago. I’m selective as to whom I give them to and I have fun reading them myself, so I’ll call them Inspirational Flash Cards! Thank you.
A good reason for the blog to be late – we’ve missed it! Hope you’re wrist recovers fully and soon! So hard to do so many things with only one hand….
Susan…
I just can’t put into words the feeling I get when I read your blog or see your books (all of which I have carefully stored on my bookshelf). Somehow they immediately bring to mind both of my wonderful grandmothers who taught me the love of reading, being kind, to enjoy the beauty in the little things and many more invaluable nuggets of wisdom. These days everything seems so “electronic” – so your blogs are a beautiful respite from it all. THANK YOU!
PS – love the cookie recipes too!
Oh my Susan, I too took a tumble and cracked my wrist. I’m having so much difficulty navigating anything at the present time. I just did mine 3 days ago. no surgery for me either, but boy that dang thing is sore! I found that tea and a whole lot of crying seems to help deal with the stress.
Love your blog! Best wishes on your road to recovery!
So sorry about your broken wrist! I’ve had two wrist surgeries on my right wrist and so sympathize. PT will be sure important when you get cast off. Thank you for keeping us updated.
An artist like you must suffer a lot with a broken wrist. It must be even more frustrating than it already is… I’m not an artist, but when I was in University, I broke my right wrist also. I had no computer back then, so I had to teach myself how to write with the left hand. Quite a challenge! And be careful when the cast is removed, you’ll have to teach you wrist how to move again… it will have forgotten how to…
I love your cups, I love your art and your books, and I love your blog posts, always happy and full of pretty images and inspiring thoughts… It’s always a pleasure to read you, and I’m always hoping I’ll be one of the happy winners of your generous giveaways! Thank you for the sunshine and fresh ocean air your blog posts always are!
Just yesterday I was musing “It is time for a Susan Branch Blog” and voila – one arrives today. Praying for total healing of the wrist and a beautiful Autumn – we really need relief from 100 degree plus days here in South Texas.
Blessings –
Sorry about your very priceless right hand Susan and I’m sure you’ll be “right as rain” soon! Hand therapy is a good thing, I know you will love it!
What a great surprise! So sorry to hear about your wrist. Glad to hear it is mending well.
Hi Susan
Please get well soon.
I also have my hand i a cast.Had carpal tunnel surgery last week. Al so right handed, learning like you to be a “lefty”. I have my husband Ernie, like your wonderful Joe helping me. They are wonderful. I am now a one finger typist.
It will get better. Courage!
Karen
..oh no.. I just wrote you a note and the computer ate it up 🙁 …oh dear… Susan, it’s great to hear from you again and I hope you heal quickly !!.. please take care and enjoy these early fall like days ( I’m still in Westerly helping my daughter take care of her baby while she works )…we love you and you know we missed you !!…btw, two days ago I received that adorable night light you’re offering…I love it ! thank you…
Oh ouch! Been there, so I know your pain. Will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery!
Another beautifully penned blog, usage of hand fully
Or not 🤗. Thanks for the goodness you exude. You make me
contemplate life and enjoy the little, simplistic
Blessings. Thank you for that. Thank you for
The opportunity to win such treasures!!!
You’re the very best there is!!
Hi Susan,
I am sending you quick healing thoughts.
Also, I’d like to be considered for the “Pumpkin Head” cup. My sisters and nieces all call my brother Pumpkin Head and I would love to be able to send this cup to him. It always makes us all smile.”
Thanks,
Marsha
Susan, I just love your style (I’m a newbie fan) – it is so calming, quaint, and charming! The painting — so sweet and so personal! Love it! Hope the hand heals nicely, silly garage sales!! Take care, LaDonn J.
Susan, I’m so sorry about your wrist. That must be incredibly frustrating! Hope it’s not long before you’re doing all the things you love without thinking about it. ❤️ PS Joe’s heat cup is gorgeous! Love you and Joe! Thanks for brightening our days!!!
Love all your china, books, everything 💜
Would love to meet you💜
Love the bracelet with all the beads too!!! So glad you’re (mostly) back!
So sorry about your wrist! Hope things progress well and quickly!
Hope you’re feeling better soon!
I love your drawings and musings..hope your wrist is better soon!
Praying for a speedy recovery and loooove the night lights! 🙂 We have missed you! I need to order some of those cute champagne hearts for Christmas gifts! xoxoxxo
So glad to hear your wrist is on the mend! Your blogs are so delightful with whimsy and joy. You brightened my afternoon like rays of sunshine and 🌻.
Hi Susan,
I’m glad to hear you’re on the mend with the broken wrist. I broke one of my toes a couple months ago and that was bad enough. I got to wear that special black velcro shoe for several weeks. (It really did make it feel better.) I’ve learned my lesson and now wear shoes when clomping around my really full basement and not watching where I’m stepping! I rationalized buying a brand new pair of Birkenstocks to keep my toe protected! 😊
So glad you are doing so well. Just a little more time and your wrist will be a memory. Joy is certainly a powerful medicine.
Take care of your healing wrist, Susan. Hope you’ll mend well with physical therapy. I did something to my right arm in May and am still compromised. Like you, I’m becoming a bit more ambidextrous! Do my eyes see that Joe has slimmed down along with you? He looks great! (As does that cutie pie, Jack, with his darling little paws!) Thanks for sharing your good read and the excerpt from it. I think I’m going to have to add it to my must-read list! xxooxx
Susan, you spoil us with such lovely words…..not to mention the pictures ! But look after that wrist. Which means don’t overdo it, please.
Love and greetings from Lancashire,
June x
Would love to be one of the winners!
Hi Susan, the new cups look lovely! Joe did an amazing job designing the hearts cup.
You are so fun! Glad it wasn’t broken, and you’re able to do what you do best again!!
(quietly) holding my breath and keeping my fingers crossed . . . Lenora
Words are energy…Thanks for sharing your posts and blogs and quotes! They give me heart-filled energy!
Sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you will soon be out of that cast and typing with more than one finger…such a lovely giveaway…whoever wins these will be very lucky.
I’m sorry to read that you have been suffering with that broken wrist. I hope it heals soon! Thank you for the chance to win one of the giveaways. They are all amazing!! 🙂
Happy End of Summer almost Fall…would love to win anything!
Love those tea and toast combinations! Why did they stop making them.
I hope you soon publish a collection of your new “diet” recipes. They look delicious.
Love that the hearts cup was a team effort!
Oh, Susan
I’m so very, very sorry for that nasty break but the color is one that goes with everything in a wardrobe. Be safe, darling!
I love your site and your letters to your fans are absolutely breathtaking. You have such a beautiful artistic talent. I love the way you decorate everything. And thank you for the opportunity to win one of your beautiful cups or the set of four lovely cups. And I can’t think of anyone I know who wouldn’t enjoy having one of your nite lites in their home. Thank you for all your wonderfulness.
Luv,
Linda
So happy your accident wasn’t worse and you are on the mend. Love everything you offer to us. Your blog brightens my day and gives me new material to ponder. Ponder is such a great word (I think). Blessings, Susan E.
Hi Susan,
Glad to see you’re on the mend! I’m sure it’s been dreadfully challenging not to be able to use your dominant hand! Gasp…and, alas you can type and start to get back to what you want.
Thanks for this generous opportunity! :):):)
Have a splendid holiday weekend.
Best,
Jeanette
Well, I am sorry to hear about your broken wrist, and your many limitations. They resonated with me also as I am still dealing with a right shoulder problem, more than a year after reverse shoulder replacement surgery. I missed going to Hilltop for the picnic, which was an acceptable loss. Then, just a week after my 6-month follow-up and clearance for good-to-go (yes, those doctors do keep their counsel close to the vest), I dislocated my new shoulder. Then, a couple months later, I did it again, NOT doing anything out of the ordinary or on the don’t list. So, in February I had a revision surgery, which was to fix everything super-permanently/eternally/forever. Three weeks ago, I dislocated it again when I placed a set of sheets on the bed (that’s it! that’s all I did!) and it slipped right out of joint. My husband says we should get an ER fast-pass and frequent flyer discount.
Like you, I’ve learned to accommodate; and I’ve had a bit more freedom than you to do things, at waist level, even in a sling for much of the year. Meanwhile, my left shoulder is getting too much of a workout! Good for you for trying to keep strong with exercises!
Anyway, I wanted to empathize with you over your situation and say, “Courage, dear heart!). Thank you for thinking of all of us as you recuperate, and how lovely to look forward to Fall with hope of a surprise. Your outlook is the very best for being wholly well again. Blessings to you!
I was happy to hear that the new mugs will be arriving soon! I can’t wait to see what they look like. Hope your wrist feels better soon!
Oh, dear Susan, what a lovely Wednesday surprise—thank you for that!
So sorry to learn about your broken wrist. Isn’t it amazing how we don’t even pay attention to what each of our body parts does until it’s out of commission? Hope Sept 14 is cast off day…who wants to be incapacitated any longer than necessary!
Love each & everyone of your giveaways & would be thrilled if Vanna chose me.
So sorry about your wrist. I broke my elbow several years ago and it’s amazing how the wrist and elbow move together. You are doing a great job of one finger typing!
Love your blog! So sorry about your wrists…it seems you got a lot done even with a huge handicap!
So sorry to hear about your broken wrist, Susan!!! I, too, am right handed and paint so I imagine that would be a tad frustrating and humbling! Hope and pray you’ll have the speediest healing ever!! I’ve been following you forever and I’m always inspired by everything you do😍. You’re a joy bringer! I know it’s not a word but for you, I’m making it one😅. So glad you have Joe to be your right hand man! God bless💗!!!
Susan,
So glad to have you back. What wonderful give aways. Thank you for the chance to win.
You make me so very happy. Your artwork is so whimsical and my spirit soars with musica. And I can hardly wait for your next book. I loved the last one when you were in England Now I would also like some wrapping paper. Imagine the fun before you open t
the gift. You make me happy.
Susan,
So sorry to hear about your wrist! 😞
I’m sure Joe is taking excellent care of you.
I love my “Susan” cups, I alternate every morning. Would love to win more! Can never have enough of beautiful, useful wonders.
Rest well,
Kathy
Glad to see how well you are doing. Thank goodness you have Joe. May you be all better real soon. And thanks for the opportunity to win.