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!
(((Jack))) BTW, I have a Jack…He’s 23 yrs old now and 5’11” and he looks down at his 5’2″ Mama! Another BTW…I have loved you for years all the way from New Gloucester, Maine!
So sorry about your injury. My right arm is covered with crusty poison ivy and is pretty much useless. I fee your pain. Love the mugs, fingers crossed!
Dear Susan,
I am so sorry about your wrist; and glad it is healing well. Loved the blog and the wonderful new items. Jack is so beautiful. I have two black and white cats and cannot imagine not having them. Marley boy helps my husband with his exercises every morning!! Together he and his sister Lily bring us so much love and joy.
Thank you for all that you give of yourself.
Be safe,
Carol
Love your emails, really pick up my day. So sorry about your wrist, I can sympathize with you as in the process of redoing our house for sale and redoing a new house my right hand has been swollen for weeks and its so hard to loose the use of it especially now with all the work.
So busy would write more but have so much to do in the moves and work, but would love to be entered in your contest for the “mugs” love them, so pretty.
Take care and hope you heal well.
:Lucy
I love all of your things, but I especially love the cups and cookbooks. I’d love to see you do a breakfast or a Christmas cookbook. Also PLEASE bring back the Book of Days! I so enjoyed keeping daily notes in those books, and I’m sad that they’re out of print. Hope you feel better soon. Happy Healing!
Always have fingers and toes crossed that one day Vanna will pick me!
Oh no Susan! Hope your wrist is better very soon!
Got my nightlights today! Love them! Take good care of that wrist. ❤
Such wonderful surprises for drawings! Thank you!
I hope that your wrist is feeling better soon!
I’ve been away a long while, and I have missed you. I didn’t know just how much til I came back.
Bless your dear heart & wrist too! Love every post you send.
Beth
Susan, I’m happy to know your wrist is getting better! And so fun that the new cups will be on their way. My four daughters and I truly appreciate the joy and contentment for art behind to us.
I’m longing for the first autumn breezes! Hugs Georgeann in Texas.
I’m glad to know you’re on the mend! It’s always fun to read your blog, & love the music.
Beautiful!
Dear Susan,
I thought of you this summer. Our family of 6 adults and 3 children spent 3 weeks in a
cottage on Nantucket Island, just a quick ferry ride to the Isle of Dreams. Maybe one day
you would design a cup for the Gray Lady? Or is it a rival island? One summer I would
like to take a day trip to your island. The whole east coast is lovely, lovely, lovely!
What bad luck about your injury. Lucky you have such a great caregiver in Joe. Wondering if you’ve ever seen the magazine, The English Home ?? Ever since I discovered it (I subscribe now). Lovely stories and photos of old English homes and the families who live in them. I think about you when I read it.
Ach! I feel your pain! Had r. shoulder (triple repairs at one go) surgeries a few years ago. And I am right-handed. Misery in more ways than one. Couldn’t lift my arm for quite awhile (still gives me trouble) so using my right hand was negligible. I hope you heal quickly – and thoroughly. (I’m still mending from a supposedly quick fix foot surgery from the first of May – “you’ll be back in a regular shoe in a week!” Well, it is almost September and I tried again to put a regular shoe on this morning and it was abruptly discarded because of pain.) So take care of yourself and be patient. (I know, I know – boring as heck, but still…) Enjoy the end of the Summer and look forward to wonderful, glorious Autumn!! Cheers!
So sorry about your wrist.😞You certainly did a wonderful job typing despite that. Loved all the surprises!❤️
Susan, hello! I am so glad to hear from you, and SO sorry you broke your hand. I imagine you needed a rest. We love you. At age 78, I am doing some downsizing of things in my home, but saving every Susan Branch thing I have! XOXOXO
Susan,
Your blog is always such a delight to read!
Thank you for a bright spot in my day! I must get one of those heart cups for my dearest aunt (who first introduced me to your work!). Hope your wrist heals soon! <3
So glad you are healing. I would love to win anything at all. Nap time.
My sincere sympathy for your broken wrist. I had surgery for arthritis on my right hand about ten years ago. No big deal I thought as I can do a lot of things with my left. Boy, was I mistaken! I couldn’t use scissors, a kitchen knife, a zipper, do my bra etc. I was at the mercy of my husband and felt like an infant! After almost three months the cast came off and I was thrilled just to be able to run the vacuum cleaner! Normalcy is highly underrated!! Keeping good thoughts that yours will come off in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the lovely blog.
Dear Susan,
Sending you generous doses of healing energy, comfort and all the love your heart can hold! Your post came at a perfect time. I recently spent my first time ever in a hospital-learning I’m not as indestructible as I thought. The reminder to be courageous is a good one…and so are Champagne Hearts! Love it!
All the best, dear one,
Sandy
I have been in the same boat, only I had surgery for arthritis on my right hand. I totally understand what you’ve been going through. It’s been three months for me, and I am just getting back to driving, typing, and eating with my right hand. I’ve been doing a LOT of things left-handed, although not very well. Still a ways to go for me. Gotta run. I’m off to an occupational therapy session now. It’ll get better. Take care.
Welcome back to the board and I appreciate the yummy Christmas gift ideas. Cups, Beads, Little Shades and Jack. Oops, I don’t think Jack is for sale.
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl
Hi, I love the cups, the bracelet, books and bookmarks.. I love everything!
I love all the Jack pictures. They make me happy. Just wanna snuggle that sweetness.
Susan thank you for the opportunity to win such lovely things. You create memories, I love all of your beautiful works of heart. I love seeing sweet Jack too.
Dear Susan, I’m so sorry you broke your wrist! Hubby and I stood at the end of your driveway the day you planned to have your yard sale and youhooooood you. You and Joe were in the yard and told us no yard sale because of the rain. Was your poor wrist broken then? I’m so glad you’re a good patient! Good at everything including not needing surgery! Was missing this blog and thank you for struggling through it, we all worry when we don’t hear from you! Thank Joe also for taking such good care of you! Best to you and Happy Early Fall! xoxoxo
Susan, hello! I am so glad to hear from you, and SO sorry you broke your hand. I imagine you needed a rest. We love you. At age 78, I am doing some downsizing of things in my home, but saving every Susan Branch thing I have! XOXOXO I love love love your photo of yourself.
Oh, my goodness! To be incapacitated is not a good thing. Glad to hear that healing is happening. Loving those dear and useful night lights. We give night lights to our Grands who are moving into their own places away from home.
Lorie
It’s such a joy to read your letter and I’m sad for you having that broken wrist. I was on Martha’s Vineyard this summer and enjoyed the strawberry shortcake at the restaurant you shared with us readers. Your mugs are beautiful!
hope you get better soon!
I needed this blog and Jack pics right now because I’m the unlucky breast cancer patient that got the recalled implants. I have waited 3 months for an appointment to see a, breast implant illness approved Dr. And I will probably get to pay for this surgery myself.
But at least I will feel healthy again.
Thanks for bringing some joy to my day❤️
Dear Susan,
I tried posting a comment (with my condolences for your broken wrist!), but received a database error message. When I tried to re-post the same comment , I received a duplicate comment notice. Just wanted to let you know, and I’ll try again sending this (seems to be “one of those days” 😉
Praying you well, my dearest Susan! 😘
WOW! You are one creative, busy lady. Glad your wrist is slowly healing!
Love the night lights!
Heal! Sorry for your injury – you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone….😻Patty K.
Oh Susan, I’m so sorry about your wrist! Praying that you will heal completely and quickly and that the doctor would be able to surprise you sooner in removing the cast. Take care, we need you!!!
I’m so very sorry about your wrist! I too am unbelievably right handed and once when I had to use my left hand due to an injury , realized how difficult it was :-(.
I absolutely LOVE the champagne hearts cup!! Thank you for brightening my inbox today 🙂
Your thoughts reminded me of a quote: “Whatever life throws at me I’ll take it and be grateful for it as well.” So happy you’re on the mend!
Dear Susan, I knew something was amiss…I missed you.
Glad you are on the mend!!!
I am thrilled to have ordered the champagne heart cup without knowing it is bubbles of hearts – my two favorite things – champagne and hearts – can’t wait for it to arrive!! I am always trying to get my grandkids to be bored, one can come up with the most interesting games to play, things to talk about, and quiet mind reflections! Thank you and take care!!!
So sorry about your wrist! Ouch! Loved all your doings, and all the lovely new treasures you’ve designed. Tea just has to taste better in one of those cups!
Continue getting better! Naps are always a good thing!
Cups, courage and comfort❣️😎COOL
Can’t wait to order my calendars for next year! Godspeed and happy healing to you!
Oh no! So sorry to hear of your injury! I can imagine how hard it is to function with no dominant hand. That’s a frightening thought to those of us who use their hands to make a living, or to experience the joy of creativity as a matter of fact. Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery!
Sister Susan,
I so very much needed this, ALL of this today! The autumn teasers are upon us in our beautiful “peace” of earth known as The Cuyahoga Valley in NE Ohio. Soon katydids and crickets will surrender to the glorious sounds of crackling bonfires and the cheers of the faithful fans during our Tallmadge High School football games.
Having broken my right (dominant) arm in late January due to a fall on incognito ice, I wish you Godspeed for a full and solid recovery with your wrist.
Here’s to pumpkin spice, and EVERYTHING nice!
Sincerely,
I was so glad to receive your blog…..last year I broke my ankle on July 4th…ouch! I did not need surgery but it sure put a damper on summer. But I did rent one of those scooters you ride…. that was pretty fun when I took it to the mailbox. WEEEE
Would love to win something ….anything. Your things are just so charming and sweet.
Sorry about your break! I’ve had several through the years attending the school of hard knocks. Thanks for the giveaways. High five with your good arm!
Love your blog
Oh a royal bummer on the wrist. Which means the new book will be delayed I bet.
Soon it will be but a memory. I’m dealing with carpel tunnel on the right hand. Getting in to have it tested before any surgery to help is awhile out yet. Sept 27 th..🥴 So I can sympathize with you.
I am sorry about your hand.
It is TRUE you do not realize what you have until you lost it.
I love the cups
I love the new charm and
I wish you the best of luck in your recovery
Hooray for you! You’re back at typing! And a lovely read it was. Just long enough, by the time I usually start to shift and think, I ought to fold the laundry and her I am indulging in reading a (very fine) newsletter, it was finished 🙂
Of course, like everyone, I really, really, really would like to win! So please Vanna, pick me (no I’m not above begging 😉 )
Enjoy your day!
Thanks for the day brightening blog! I’m six weeks into recovering from a bad fall – broken left humerus and shattered shoulder cap which required surgery. Yikes! 😢
Oh, the Pumpkinhead mug would bring a smile to my daughter’s face. The daughter who is on her way to the British Isles for TWO WEEKS, as I type this. So Jealous and happy for her at the same time. So sorry to hear about your wrist. I would be lost without the use of my right hand. Take care.
I’m so sorry about your wrist. I too am in a cast, on my foot. 7 weeks non weight bearing! Then 6 more weeks with a walking boot, then brace and physical therapy. Woe is us! We don’t appreciate our marvelous bodies until something goes wrong
Love <3
Susan,
Fast recovery to you, its a good way to use your other hand and exercise the brain.
I took a balance class and learned how to fall. Use shoulder not wrist. Haven’t tested it out yet.
My Class mantra is “slow down, pay attention”
Take Care
Kat
So sorry for your injury. I know how you feel, I broke my right wrist a few years ago and now I am proficient using my left hand on the mouse!! Necessity, you know. Heal well.
I love the champagne hearts cup! So adorable. Hope your arm is healing quickly.
Get well soon – you are very courageous for typing with a cast on!!!!
So sorry you have been forced to use the wrong hand! I love all the new goodies!
P>S> Thank you Joe for the champagne hearts in the coffee cup.
Wonderful idea! and I hope I win!
Even with a broken wrist, you manage to do wonders! Thank you for all the inspiration and hope ( of possibly having your name drawn by Vanna!) you give us “girlfriends”!
Love your letters and I especially love Jack! So sorry about your wrist.
Love so much all that you write and create! Your England book is one of my favorites and I hope to recreate your trip someday with my daughters!
So sorry to hear about your break! My daughter broke her right wrist while skiing this winter. Luckily she’s left-handed! I once heard a quote that I’ve repeated a few times for all my lefties. It goes like this: Everyone is born right-handed, but only the strongest can overcome it! Kudos to you for trying to give your right brain a workout.
I love those notecards. I broke my wrist, though not the one I write with, about 10 yrs. ago. It was awful. I went for occupational therapy. I will send you a cartoon that I gave the doctor. You’re gonna love it!
I hope your wrist heals perfectly! Love getting your emails that have beautiful pictures and wise comments in them! Thanks for sharing with us!!🎃🍁🍁
So sorry to hear about your broken wrist. Speedy healing to you! Thank you for giving away such wonderful gifts. I would love any of them!
Oh dear!! No softball for a while 🙂 Take care and heal well.
Oh, Susan! I knew you had broken your wrist, but had no idea you were still in a cast. I can imagine how frustrating life is without the use of that right hand. I’m happy it is soon to come off, and hopefully your life can return to normal. We’ve been in a holding pattern here all summer, waiting for my husband to get the first knee replacement. Complications with low blood count and now a broken tooth requiring extraction and tooth implant, all keeping surgery at bay. And our remodel of lower level to have an ADA friendly bedroom and bath for “aging in place” in our home. Have you and Joe thought about that? Bedrooms and baths upstairs are not always all that friendly. 😳
But…..life is good. My hubby celebrated his 75th birthday last Friday and this Friday we celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary. Yes, feeling very fortunate and content! The abundance of gifts is very generous of you. Excited to have my name in the hat. Thank you, sweet friend.
Happy rest of August and welcome Fall. Love and big hugs from Austin ~ Sarah and Sadie!
I absolutely love your cups, but most of all I hope you heal soon 🤗
As always, dearest Susan, I am so thankful to receive your little bit of Heaven on earth – may Heaven increase in us all as we are blessed by what you share – and may your tired wrist be extra blessed as well.
So sorry to here about your broken wrist! What a bummer to break your writing hand!
Hopefully, it will mend quickly and you’ll be back to writing and painting soon! ☺️
You cannot imagine how much your pics make me happy! I started “collecting’ your pics for scrapbooking. Then I found your wonderful book about Autumn! Thank you for all your designs Susan! You bring so much happiness to so many people!
Love, Love, Love your beautiful creations!
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your words of cheer. Sorry about your wrist. It will be better soon. Always a pleasure to receive your e-mail!
Oh Susan, how brave to not only type us a letter, but now you have to read the millions of comments from all of us who hope to win a beautiful mug!! I’m so sorry about your arm and hope the healing is quick and complete. Thank you for the opportunity! Take care.
❤️
So sorry about your injury–but sounds as though you are healing quickly! Just drooling over all the mugs–since the four season mugs are all sold out, will you be creating more (I hope!)?
Have a very peaceful Labor Day weekend–headed up to our place in Los Olivos this weekend–cottontail rabbits and brown squirrels everywhere!
My happy place,
XO
Susan,
I just love, love Jack!!! I Can’t see enough pictures of him.
That’s so interesting about what kids will think in the future. I think it’s so true. I can’t wait for part 2 of the post!
I’m commenting!
Hope your wrist is good as new soon. I’m a clumsy person and by the grace of God have not had any mishaps that put me in a cast, but I have definitely had two fights with my vacuum cleaner that showed up out of nowhere and tripped me this year. And one slippery rug that went out from under me like a banana peel.
I love you. I always slow down and absorb your blog. 🥰
What a wonderful surprise to have received this one on my birthday. 🎈
Hi Susan,
So glad to know you are doing o.k. love your blog and look forward to it.
Thank you ,from NoCal..
Sandra
So very sorry to hear about your wrist, but delighted to hear that you are on the mend! Love hearing what you are up to in spite of that injury! The cups are wonderful! I would love to win.
I hope you get your cast off asap. Love the picture of Jack napping on the table in the sunlight – so peaceful. Made me smile. : )
So sorry about your wrist but hopefully it will be okay when the cast comes off. Despite that nasty fall, thanks for a happy cheerful visit on-line and wonderful eye candy! Be well, be happy!
Your blogs are so uplifting! Love reading them 🙂
Before getting into the car for a flight to Bermuda, my homemade vacation booklet with plastic pages, fell out of my tote and opened wide on the driveway. I skated across those plastic pages like glass and broke my left leg in 2 places. Our friends waved goodbye, and I sent them on with my blessings. They sent lots of photos during the week as I acquainted myself with crutches and a wheelchair and our new life at home.
Additionally, five of us had plans for a 19 night cruise this fall from Denmark to New Orleans which has also had to be cancelled. Good news is no surgery required. And I’m wearing all my floral vacation tops at home, keeping things cheery.
😲Oh My! xoxoxoxoxo
I fell a year ago and also broke my right wrist, so I know what you’re going through…the bathroom was fun! Hehe
Feel better
Karen
I am so sorry to read about your injury but happy that you are a good patient & getting better!
Yesterday my second grandchild, Gwendolyn Grace, was born in NYC. My first grandchild, Zahara Peach of Maine, was 3 months old yesterday. This is my summer of grand baby girls.
Hi Susan, So sorry about your wrist. Sounds like it is healing well. It is amazing how some part of your body is taken for granted until it is out of commission! My downfall was my ankle. Not broken but twisted/sprained. Ouch ouch ouch. Gimpy on crutches for awhile. Hope you feel better soon.
xoxo
Pam
So happy to hear you’re getting better, Susan. You’re art is truly a gift!!
You had so many lovely surprises in your post today. Hoping for speedy and full healing of your arm. Your quotes, writings and artwork are always so inspiring and uplifting.