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 your wrist is back to full strength soon.
Love your mugs! Can’t afford them.😢
Who knew pink was the color of self-care! thank you for that. You four season cups are going to make someone very happy. A full year of tea with Susan Branch.
It was a great pleasure introducing you and Joe to my grandsons on the magical path to Tashmoo ☺️!
Your blog posts are like a shot of Vitamin L
for Love.
It boosts the immmune system and prevents hopelessness.
Thank you, Susan.
Oh. Please pick me. I can’t take how precious any one of those cups would be. I even have a spot in my glass cabinet above my desk just right to inspire me at work there.
Feel better Susan. I, too, broke my pinkie toe this week. Which means no walks on the sand or rocks on our vacation. But the good news is broken bones heal and we will be back to normal before long. Feel better and keep spreading your good cheer and love. ❤️ Mary
It is a dream to own a SB cup. I hope I win! xoxo
LOVE EVERYTHING YOU MAKE
HAVE READ ALL OF YOUR BOOKS
KEEP THEM COMING
In April, I fell and broke my wrist which required surgery and a pin. It has been a struggle to do ordinary things and it’s not even my RIGHT wrist so you have my deepest sympathy. Take heart Susan, it does get better.
Oh Susan, you do your very best to make the world as pretty as possible and that is appreciated so much by me and my father who also attempt to do the same.
Thank you for the giveaway….toes and fingers crossed…hope I don’t fall down, ha!
Dear Susan, Really missed you, glad to know you are on the mend!
Lovely. Thank you and continued speedy recovery!!!
So very sorry to learn of your injured wrist and hope you regain full use of it very soon! I experienced something similar a few years back and know how humbling it can be when you are restricted from doing the everyday things that you love you to do! On another note, my husband and I are following your diet suggestions from the previous post and he has lost 17 pounds in one month! I have a much more modest success, but we are enjoying being more aware of eating healthy and feeling better. We also have discovered drinking hibiscus iced tea instead of regular iced tea made from orange pekoe (a definite must in the South in summertime) and believe it has really helped. Thank you for sharing all of your suggestions and recommendations! It was a huge help!
Hope you heal fast. So glad you did not require surgery…
Still warm down in Virginia…spinning wool, enjoying good books, podcasts, our horses, dogs with our mountains unpacking fall clothes…..lovely fall is sneaking in..
I love your cups!
Thank you for all your blogs, books and art! The mugs are just delightful. 😊
I’m so sorry to hear about your wrist; it sounds like you’re listening to your body and taking good care of it. That avocado and shrimp plate sure looks yummo for the tummo! Take it easy with your wrist, and thanks for all the caring words you share about coping in these crazy times we are living through these days.
I would love to win the Pumpkin Head cup!! lease enter me into the contest. Thank you
Hi Susan,
Sorry to hear about your broken wrist. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Love all the new cups. Joe did a super awesome job on the Champagne Hearts cup. So thankful that you were able to send us a new blog even though you were still on the road to recovery. You’re the best! Jean 🌺
I’m so sorry to hear of your broken wrist, I had one many years ago. When they take the cast off you will be all shrivelie! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Your post always make my heart HAPPY!
This did not feel skimpy at all. It must be the love and kindness it’s wrapped in that makes it so full.
I love your collaborative cup!
Wishing you a speedy recovery! The loss of the use of your dominant hand is a real eye opener. You realize how wonderfully your body is engineered and appreciate it all so much more.
Love your posts! They are always a little respite from a busy day.
Love all your books, can’t get enough to them. ( I read the cookbooks for entertainment!)
You are great, as always! Hope your wrist heals fast.
Oh my, what great give a ways. I would love to win! Enjoy your blog so much!!!
Healthy Healing to you!
I would love to win the cups and keep them all for myself!
Such a thrill for me to sit in on the ‘cookbook’ forum and to meet you at Islanders Write! You are as warm and adorable in person as you are through your art and writing! Thanks for signing my ‘antique’ copy of Heart of the Home and I now have your unique ‘new’ signature along with the original when I bought the book when it was first released. Thank you so much! Would love to be your friend and share a cup of tea together some time!
❌⭕️
Susan, I have been following your work, and, buying/reading it for years. It would be too awesome to win!
Love, love, love your cups….so beautiful!
I love reading your blog. It seems to brighten my day each time I read it. Thank you!
This is all so fantastic I can hardly stand it!
I was thrilled to find a copy of A Fine Romance, in a thrift shop here in Auckland, NZ. I fell in love with it straight away.. I had no idea what it contained when I picked it up off the shelf.. So glad I was there at the right time😊
Susan I’m so glad your wrist is healing nicely! I broke mine years ago and until then I did not realize how limiting life could be without the full use of my hand. Is your hand insured? It should be! Lol
When you said you had a surprise for us I was hoping it was going to be the news that Hollywood is going to make a movie about your life! I’m still hoping! I love your life story! I just saw Blinded by the light! We need more movies like that! True stories that inspire us!
Your forever fan, Darlene
Oh happy day when you do a new post!
Welcome back, gimpy 🙂 We’ve missed you 🙂
You look darling in your outfit for Island Writes!!:-) Wish I could have heard your talk!
Love,
A “would be” author
Love your blogs.
I received one of your Christmas recipe books from my mother (she passed in 2001 so it was 20+ years ago). I read the book each December and try new recipes.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful artwork with us!
Enjoying the cool weather in Pacific Grove CA. Coming from Scottsdale, AZ this is a real treat. Just like you.
Wishing you quick healing and what a lovely (generous) giveaway!
I am so sorry to hear of your accident, Susan. Continue to be that “good patient “ and all shall be well, very soon.
Sending bunches of hugs 🤗 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Cynthia
I thoroughly enjoy all your cups. I had missed the Lewis quote on the bottom of the heart cup, though. Delightful!
Fingers crossed!! Thanks, dear Susan
I love this blog. The weather is finally feeling like fall may actually be on its way!
I could use a little dose of courage today!
Enjoyed your blog,thanks.
Thanks for your inspiration most of all….
Love the cups!
I could use a little dose of courage today!
So glad you are slowly getting back to normal. Take care x
Love the new cups. Heal fast
So sorry about your wrist, but glad you are on the mend. Thank you for your blog to us, and suffering pain to do it! I always enjoy reading about what you and Joe have been up to and of course seeing your photos!
That champagne hearts mug is wonderful!
Thanks for the reminder to notice the quiet. Very much needed!
So sorry about your wrist! Hope you are on the mend very soon. You’ve been missed here…💖😎😅🍁🍂☀️🐝
Take care of yourself. We need your optimism!
HOW could I possibly leave just one word❓❗️⁉️
I was a feeling a little blue, and then here comes your delightful newsy, tempting blog to CHEER ME UP❤️
I lost my husband 8 months ago, such a huge hole in my heart….in my world.
This really inspired me so much today.
I hope I win something, but if not, I am placing an order right now, so I will have a delightful gift to myself on my doorstep soon.
I already have my calendar ready for January. Moving forward one day at a time. Thank you.
😢😘
“PLEASE PICK ME”
I WOULD BE SO PROUD TO WIN EITHER OF THE PRIZES.
I AM SO SORRY ABOUT THE BROKEN HAND, BUT AM SO
RELIEVED THAT YOU ARE BETTER.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE WONDERFUL BOOKMARK!
So nice to hear from you again. I’m sorry the long interval was because of a broken wrist! I had hand surgery that immobilized my hand and wrist in a cast for 7 long weeks, It was my working hand, too. Sending sympathy to you and cheery wishes for a good healing!
I love all your new pretties you have showcased!
Be well soon!
Stopped in and saw all your items in VH! So wonderful!
Sending you healing thoughts!
Oh my, Susan, so sorry for your injury. Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery! Love the new cups, teapot plates, nightlight shades, and Jack napping in the sunlight! Love it all!
mind how you go, Yvonne
So sorry about your wrist !!! I guess you just should have rolled when you fell!! Hope you are better soon!!
So glad you are healing Susan.Having rough day, and look at email and there you are.You have brought such joy to me today.Thanks for that.Yes,please enter my name for your giveaway.Who knows?Oh wel,glad for whomever gets them.Take care
So sorry about your wrist! I fully understand the crazy inconvenience of it all. I, too, broke my right wrist a year ago. Thank for our darling husbands!
Hi Susan
So many pretty things you have.
Will get my order in for a new cup.
i love your pumpkin-head! and the corgi is enchanting. well done and heal soon! of course, i am a huge fan! take care. kudos to joe for his awesome mug!
Take care of yourself. We need your optimism.
I love your monthly blog. I look forward to opening it…setting aside time to listen to the music…and look at your illustrations, and read your message. It is my quiet time of the day…after reading all the emails, listening to the news! I need something to calm me down and give me a respite…and it’s your blog.
Thank you…
Soooo glad you are back, and so funny and so generous. Send along my thanks to Joe and also to Jack for all the help they have given you recently. (I can see Jack helping to fold laundry, better than chopping onions tho’, huh?)
I send one prayer to you: Heal!!!!!
With love for your courage,
Jeanne of Iowa
Sending healing vibes to you
I wish you well as soon as possible but for now rest and relax. You certainly deserve it.
Love, love the 4 seasons cups!! Hope you have a speedy recovery on the broken wrist!!!
Everything you do makes me smile. Wishing your poor hand a rapid recovery!
I always am happy when I see a,New message from you has arrived in my email. Thank you!
I already ordered 4 of your calendars… so excited!!!
I am always so happy when I see you have written a new blog post. It makes my day! I would love love to win one of your giveaways.
Happy Fall feeling day!
Love reading your blog posts! I hope your wrist is healing – missed your posts!
Would love to win one of your cups too! Jack is a darling!
My sincere sympathy for the broken wrist; I suffered the same fate a few years ago and was amazed at how many tasks became almost impossible, especially in the kitchen! I hope you will heal as quickly as possible and with no lasting ill effects. Best wishes from Arizona.
So glad you are on the mend! I missed reading your blogs!
Happy to have a new blog – take care .
Hope you’re feeling better soon. Marie
Hope the wrist is better soon! Know what that’s like!!
So sorry about your broken wrist and we’re all glad you’re back on the blog. We love you!
Hope your wrist is better real soon!
❤️Peggy
Dear Susan,
I am so sorry about your arm. I can only imagine how hard it must be to lose use of your right hand. I hope all is well soon. I also want to thank you for this blog. It’s the first one I have followed. I don’t always comment, but I do enjoy reading your blogs. Hope you are better soon.
Sending healing thoughts! Perhaps your busy little hand needed a rest!
Love to all ❤️
Love these mugs, especially autumn.
Dear Susan,
I wish you a steady recovery and patience for when it seems so long. Thank you for your beautiful blog today.
Oh, No…..Hope you are feeling better and you get good news on September 14th! Despite your wrist, the post was wonderful! Thank you…and thank you for the tip on the great book. Heading right to the library to see if they have it! Take care…here comes Fall. Cozy is coming !!!
So sorry to hear about your wrist injury. Hope you heal soon.
I hope your wrist heals soon! Life is so difficult when a hand is out of commission. Thank you for the opportunity for the lovely prizes!
Would love to be picked by Vanna!!
I am so happy you made a new blog. But sooooo sorry about your hand. 😔 It must be hard to get the stuff of life done. Happy healing. 🍷❤️
I just love all the happiness that you spread to us all! I so enjoy your books and your blog.
Mercy! So much in one blog! Speedy recovery Susan!
Thank you for your heart and cheer Dear Susan. You brighten our days more than you know.
I’m so excited for the new book to come out! Any news as to when??
Jack looks so content lying in the sun. Prayers that your hand continues to heal and that you will be cast free soon!
Feel better fast!
Dear Susan.
I was misging you blog, but now I know the reason😔.
I hope your wrikt wil be Allright zo we can enjoy all the beautiful things you paint, write and share with us! Lots of love Chrissy
Glad your days of having to wear the cast are numbered – September is almost here! Favorite of all seasons! Your notecards are lovely. A best friend recently moved many states away and we’ve been enjoying each other’s handwritten letters. Your giveaway would make it all the more sweet. Your giveaways are so generous!
PS: Nice job on that cup Joe!
Thank you for the newsletter, I hope you feel better soon.