Good Morning . . . We have it all today! Love, Groundhogs, and Memories, on this first day of February. But first off I need to tell you about our new favorite TV series, the Detectorists. Have you seen it? It’s a comedy about the little things in life and the extremely eccentric members of the Danebury Metal Detecting Club as they search for ancient treasure in the English countryside. What’s not to love? You can see it on Amazon or Acorn. So funny! Rachel told me about it, and she was right. It’s adorable. I’ve fallen in love with the theme MUSICA. The lead players remind me of the guys in the Full Monty, only they keep their clothes on. Watch if you can! Let me know what you think!
Okay, get something hot to drink, grab a Kleenex (just in case you cry) and come back. I’m about to jump around, subject-wise!
Hello! ‘Tis Moi! Rabbit Rabbit! 
Happy February! So much to tell you! Starting with Groundhog Day because it’s happening TOMORROW! 
Treat yourself to a cozy evening and this delicious comfort-food winter dinner . . . 
If you click on the link, you’ll see I wrote that the recipe for Onion “Punxsutawney” Pudding “wasn’t in a cookbook yet” ~ at that time it wasn’t, but it is now! If you have the 30th Anniversary of Heart of the Home, it’s on page 76. The Pineapple Spareribs are on p. 105.❤️ (Ooops, just noticed I left the 2 cups of pineapple juice out of the recipe above!😜 It’s in the book though!) This dinner does double duty ~ it’s perfect for Groundhog Day; light a few candles and it’s a romantic Valentine Dinner. I am hoping Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow tomorrow! Although, I’m enjoying this lovely quiet winter now that I’m finally over that flu or whatever it was that attacked us in January!
I’ve been painting like crazy. Back to my normal ways of up early, dialing up the heat, filling my water dish, getting my tea, feeding Jack, turning on lamps as I walk through the house to the studio, quiet, just me and my kitty. Joe’s asleep and wants nothing to do with us! I’ve been painting for the 2021 calendars. I laugh because I signed the contract to do the 2021 calendars in 2019, they will arrive at our studio in 2020. This is why I never know what year it is!
I don’t know what I’m going to do with this, maybe put him in a calendar, but I decided I couldn’t live any longer without a Jack finger puppet, so I painted him. That was a few hours of joy!
He ignores me. Although he just walked across my lap to curl up here . . .
. . . in my open desk drawer. Next life I’m coming back as one of my cats.
Hope you’re enjoying your calendars this year! For all of you with the English Countryside Calendar on your wall, I thought you might like to see February in the 12 x 12 wall calendar ⬆️!
And for you with the Wall Calendar, here’s February in the English Countryside! Don’t want you to miss anything! Hooray for February!
No matter which calendar, time-wise, they have everything in common! At the end of the month, we’re getting something we’re always wishing for, MORE TIME …it’s Leap Year! Make a plan for the 29th because you won’t see it again until 2024! If you haven’t seen the the movie, Leap Year , this would be an excellent time to do so. Such a fun movie, filmed all over Ireland, Amy Adams and Mathew Goode (Mary’s husband), put it on your calendar, you’ll love it.
Mas MUSICA? . . . Speaking of putting things on your calendar . . . I promised to tell you about
the Mother’s Day Tea/Twine booksigning events in Duxbury, Massachussets as soon as the dates were firm ~ And they are! It’s going to be amazing. Picture a room filled with spring flowers, teapots and garden clippings, with grandmothers, mothers, daughters and sisters (Husbands, grandfathers, dads, and brothers are welcome too!), a room filled with friendship, community, connection, books, hats, 
England, joy, kindred spirits, and a catered meal (they’re making recipes from my books!) that has both a Julia Child, AND a Prince Harry and Meghan connection ~ all in celebration of Mother’s Day!!! YES! YES! YES! We want everyone who would like to come, to join us … so we decided to do not one, but two events to make sure everyone gets a ticket.
The first event will be a catered “Light Supper with Wine” (Twine!) on Wednesday, May 6, from 4 to 7 pm. The next day, on Thursday, 
May 7, from 1 to 3 pm, we’re having “An English Lunch with Tea.” For both events, I’ll be doing a presentation ~ I’m thrilled to be doing a show and tell with my favorite photos of the English Countryside, a little bit about history, maybe a dab of ancestry, and every wonderful thing I can think of about Beatrix Potter, including our Picnic at Castle Cottage. On top of that, each guest will receive 
their very own copy of the first chapter of ENCHANTED, my new book-in-progress! Andrea, the person in charge of this event, has many other little surprises, but they’re a secret . . . she’s as excited as I am. So, what’s on your calendar for May??? Registration begins 8 am, March 24th … online at www.duxburyseniorcenter.org ~ they’ve put nothing on their website yet, it’s too early. Put “Tickets!” on your calendar for March 24th so you don’t forget! Bring your mom, your sister, your best friend, and come! New England is beautiful in May!
This is where we’ll meet, at 10 Mayflower Street in the charming New England seaside town of Duxbury (settled in 1632), just up the coast from historic Plymouth (where the Mayflower landed), and about 45 minutes south of Boston.
So how about a few more reasons to love February ~ the month that celebrates LOVE! … But, first some flowers, and then a story, and then a surprise.
Joe stopped at the florist on his way home yesterday and brought us this big breath of fresh air. Aren’t they the cheeriest?
You know I’ve always said that Valentine’s Day is for women, because it’s US who’re crazy about it, the idea of it, the romance of it, the hearts, lace, chocolates, musica. But there’s all kinds of Valentine love isn’t there? And for so many of us, best friends, moms and sisters are the best Valentine’s we could ever hope for. We should make sure all of our beloveds gets a Valentine. A card is enough, via snail mail, in a real envelope with a real stamp!💖
We’re lucky, we found so many kindred spirits when we found each other! From EVERYWHERE: the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, England, Wales, Canada, France, and Spain, 
to Texas, Georgia, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Washington, Tennessee, Ohio, California, Minnesota, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kansas ~ from sea to shining sea and across this beautiful world that gets smaller every day. And we found everything in common, kindness, tolerance, acceptance, home, family, petty-pets, cooking, sewing, beauty, England, tea, memories, china dishes, little vases, creativity, table settings, books, yard sales, movies, quilts, the moon, sunrises, and sunsets, to name a few.
We’ve been through all seasons, we’ve fed chickens, celebrated first snows, first daffodils, 4th of July, and fireflies. We’ve gone back to school, and sent our thanks and encouragement to our teacher and nurse girlfriends. We’ve branched out to Twitter, Facebook, and 
Instagram ~ to bookstores, picnics, and even ocean liners … where we’ve connected with even more kindred spirits. We’ve shared our laughter, our parents, our children, our holidays, and our travels, our joys, our silliness, and yes, our losses. Every so often our hearts break when we lose someone; we do it together, say goodbye to a pet, a husband, a dad, a sister, a child, a best friend. But that’s what life is, it’s sunshine and shadow, it’s connection, it’s EVERYTHING, and that’s what we are, Everything. Which brings me to a sweet memory and a kind of miracle. Three years ago, just yesterday, we lost our Girlfriend Karen Peterson. Many of you remember her, those of us that met her saw the lovelight in her eyes. She is gone, but her sweetness is remembered, and she left a legacy of love. Read on, you’ll see.
Got your Kleenex? This is me with Karen. Yesterday our Girlfriend Doreen left a letter in the comment section of the blog. I knew this story would resonate and asked if I could share it with you and she said yes ~ so here we go, to you and me, from Doreen:
Hi Susan, I have a little story I think might bring a smile to your face and a warmness within your heart.
Many years ago….I came to your blog and met some of the nicest women. One of the was Karen Peterson. I’m not sure if you remember her but Rosie had 
you autograph a napkin for her and so did Joe during one of your book signings. Well anyway… Karen and I became good friends after meeting here on your blog. We’d chat on the phone, send messages by snail mail, buy little gifts for each other and became such good friends.
If you remember me, you will remember my husband was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor back five years ago.( I shared that on your blog). Karen would get up in the middle of the night and check on me online. (Richard was unable to sleep because of the steroids he was on) . She’d bake 
cookies and mail them to him. (which he loved) Then when he passed, Karen was always just a phone call away. She’d cry with me and provided me with such loving emotional support.
Well, about eight months later, Karen herself was diagnosed with the exact same thing. She passed three years ago today. Karen would share with her husband Gregory that if he need any emotional support or had questions, to call me. Gregory knew who I was because of Karen telling him what was going on. I’d call and talk to Karen while she was on her cancer journey. Gregory would call every so often just to talk, share his grief and we’d cry and share memories together.💔 We did this for several years until around 8 months ago when we started talking more often to each other. Then one day he said something and it caught me by surprise. I said, “Greg…are you flirting with me?” He responded with “Yes…I think I am!” and that is when it all started happening. We are now currently engaged to be married. He proposed to me on Jan. 21st. of this year. We are looking forward to marrying in the near future.
So…needless to say…we have both found happiness again. Something both of 
us thought we’d never find. Especially because I live in Florida
and he lives in Wisconsin!!!! This, my friend, is all because of your blog! If I hadn’t met Karen here…Greg and I wouldn’t have ever met each other. It goes to prove…becoming friends and maintaining that friendship has really nothing to do with physically meeting… it has to do with the connections of hearts… the hearts of kindred spirits. I look forward to continuing my loving friendships with the others I’ve met here like Rosie, Georgie, and Cynthia to name a few. Our ability to share in the joy of finding happiness because of this blog has not gone unnoticed. We’ve formed 
friendships that will last as long as our earthly journeys do. I would share with you the picture of the napkin you and Joe signed for Karen, but I don’t think this page will allow me to upload it. It’s in a frame hanging in the bedroom. It’s a reminder to me how so many different women found and share a wonderful friendship….all because our kindred spirits met here…beginning with you! You tie to altogether for us. One beautiful sisterhood! EMC! ~ Doreen ~
Wasn’t that beautiful? It’s all of us together, really. I’m so happy for them, for Doreen and Greg, and for the memories of Karen and Richard. Somehow I think Karen pulled this whole thing together. Unbelievable, Florida and Wisconsin! You just never know what life has in store for you.💞 
And so, before I go, before the surprise, I have a few little Valentines I thought you might like . . . little things to help make someone’s day.💖
This is Joe’s Valentine breakfast ~ waffles! Kids love them too! We have heart-shaped waffle makers that use no electricity, cook on a burner, and work like a charm ~ they come complete with my waffle recipe and make you look like magic!
For you, a Valentine bookmark to keep or tuck in with your Valentine cards… click HERE, print on card stock, and laminate if you like.
And back, by popular demand, Secret Notes!!! A little box of 32 love notes to put into pockets, backpacks, purses, and gift bags!
And Banners!!! Janie made us lots of darling banners . . . 
And, here’s the SURPRISE . . . my Valentine’s Gift to you . . . a giveaway . . .
. . . two of my favorite cups, good for Valentines, but good for year round! Just leave a message in the comment section and you’ll be entered . . . in a few days we’ll have a drawing and off they will go to the lucky winner!❤️ You will be happy no matter if you’re left-handed or . . .
. . . right-handed . . . big, 16 oz, thin-lipped, fine bone china, limited-edition cups made in luv-lee England.
And this reminder, from me to you with love. Take a deep breath and remember, if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. We need you. xoxox
Heigh-ho heigh-ho, it’s back to work I go . . . don’t forget to leave a word or two if you’d like a chance to win those cups! Look right there ⬇️ for a tiny number and the word “comments” … click there and leave a message. Have fun Girlfriends, Happy February! ❌⭕️
My husband and I loved “The Detectorists”. You might also enjoy “Time Team” which is a BBC program that ran for somewhere around 20 seasons I think. It is a history series with archaeological specialists who have three days to uncover suspected historic sites primarily in England. Sir Anthony Robinson hosts the series along with a fairly regular group of men and women. It is currently available on Prime if I remember correctly.
Thank you, will look for it!
Happy Valentines Day, Susan. I really enjoy your blog.
Oh Susan, I’ve been waiting until i could sit right down and have a good blog read. Isn’t that love story Just amazing? I mean that is a REAL love story! I’m so glad Doreen reached out and shared with all of us.
This weekend i just learned that i will be a first time Grandmom.
WOW. I’m very excited but also feel a tiny bit nervous, like I’m applying for a new job :). Thank you for Kicking off February with hugs and hearts. January was a slog ( weather,politics,fell off healthy eating train) So we take a breath, and start again !
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Congrats to you Kimberly! Going to be a new grandmother is the best. But be prepared……..talk about love at first sight!
Congratulations Kim. Being a grandma is the best “job” in the world. I became a grandma of triplets 4 years ago this April. They have changed my life and make me so happy, I can hardly contain myself. Have fun grandmom.
Happy Valentine’s Day to one of the sweetest couples I know..Susan and Joe…
xoxoxo
What a precious love story! I totally agree that Karen MUST have orchestrated it! 💕❤️💕❤️💕 Thank you for being you and loving us. I get giddy when I see a new post up. (Also looking so forward to a new book!!) 💐
Thanks for the tip about the Detectorists..I will check that out. Loved your Blog and what a blessing to me in so many ways! Happy February! Thanks for the bookmark…xxoo
HELLO, I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND YOU, YOU ARE SO REAL, SO HEART FELT, TRULY FRIENDLY IN A LOVING WAY.. I ORDERED THE DESK CALENDAR AND JUST RECEIVED IT, SO PERFECT FOR ME.
I AM 78 YEARS OLD AND SOMETIMES A FEELING OF LONELINESS FALLS OVER ME, JUST FOR A SECOND AND YOUR BLOG HAS FILLED ME UP WITH SMILES AND SOMETIMES EVEN GIGGLES.
THANK YOU SUSAN FOR SHARING ALL YOUR TALENT WITH ALL OF US,
ANXIOUSLY AWAITING FOR YOUR NEXT BLOG..
Hugs to you Lena. xoxoxo
Hello Lena, your response to Susan’s Blog is right next to mine and I just felt lead to say hello from Upstate New York. I am new to blogs so I am still trying to figure out how this I works! I too enjoyed the story from Doreen about her friendship with Karen. What a beautiful neat story! Anyway, you mentioned your times of loneliness so I just wanted to say hello and send encouragement. I ordered Susan’s England calendar for myself and i just love it. I’ve been there twice. The most epic time in my life. Enjoy your February! Take care, Cynthia Jane Mrva
Happy February Susan, glad you are feeling better and back into the heart of your life….lovely post. Enjoyed every word, image & comments on the subject of grief. So needed this month as I care for my 84 year old dad. He’s a trooper, such grace and courage. Thanks again for lifting my spirits.
Thank YOU for being here Julie. xoxoxo
What a touching story you shared with us in this blog from Doreen. From such grief, love blossom. You just never know what life has in stored for each of us.
Always look forward to your post since you started sharing so many years ago.
Doreen’s story is something out of a fairytale. I’ve heard of such/similar things happening/connectedness and probably believed in it more when I was younger, before a certain unwanted jadedness set in. So, this restores my belief in a dream come true. Magic. Divine intervention. Really brought tears to my eyes. And she wrote of it so beautifully; very glad she/you shared! It’s all just so HUMAN and sweet and poignant and loving.
Susan, for a long while, I kept all your cups in unused, pristine condition…for display only, on a shelf; collectibles. Then, I broke down and used one for my tea or cocoa. I love how they fit in my hand and how much liquid they can hold; yes, the thin rim; they’re not bulky and thick or clunky. I even eat my breakfast cereal in them sometimes. I love to drink out of all of them now; they’re fine but durable, good quality, functional, whimsical (love that they’re made in England, and not some weird mix of ‘ceramic’). I use a different one from day to day; it’s a visit from Susan! The cups are to be used and enjoyed, not sit in a cabinet or on a shelf. Drinkable art!
Love the reminder about the onion pudding. I’d forgotten. And your mother’s ribs with pineapple juice are the closest to my mom’s I’ve ever found; she used a bit of BBQ sauce which is pretty much the same as your mom’s steak sauce & catsup. They were meaty ribs, not skinny ones; white-white meat once ‘done’. Loved it when I was a kid; we’d beg for that meal (she’d serve with white rice and a green veggie on the side; and, because the ribs were rich, a very-light dessert [probably fruit jello, which a lot of moms would use as a go-to in the 1950s-60s, no?!]).
Ah, memories! I really miss my mom’s cooking and wish that before she’d passed, I’d written down more of her recipes for some incredibly-delish meals; I have several of her ‘dishes’ recorded on recipe cards but not all; of course like many moms back in the day, SHE didn’t have anything written down either; pinch of this & that. I feel our moms were undervalued as skilled cooks for their families! And they had to be supreme organizers, managing the home. No dishwashing machines, often no clothes dryers; lots of ironing; lots to do, ALL the darn time. (My mom would wash diapers BY HAND to where she couldn’t move her fingers!)
(Funny thing about Mother; she’d been out working jobs since the age of 16 [hard times, coming out of The Great Depression and into the early 1940s]; actually didn’t know how to cook. So, three or four months or more, before she married Dad, she actually quit her job, stayed home with HER mother so that Grandma could teach her all about aspects of homekeeping including how to cook; also during that time, she started filling up her hope chest with some beautiful embroidered linens like pillow cases and dish towels, some of which I still have [and which I cherish]. I just love thinking about what that happy time must have been like for her, and being side-by-side with Grandma in the kitchen [my grandmother being, from everything I’d ever heard, a really, really amazing cook herself; she lured my grandfather with one of her signature lemon meringue pies in 1920; she died when I was too young, but I did receive the gift at age 8 of Grandma teaching me how to make homemade cinnamon rolls and I can still remember how to do it {rolling out the dough, the sprinkling of the cinnamon, etc.} in this whole other century later!].)
Thanks again for a nice post, Susan; they’re all nice, always. What a treat to read. Quotes, illustrations; your comforting words; friend to friend. Very healing for troubled times.
Lovely, Vicki! ❤️
So many inspiring love stories out there! That one was truly heaven sent! Would love to share my morning coffee in those sweet mugs. As always thank you for always giving us something to lift the spirits.
Doreen and Greg, such a heartwarming true love story! May you know the happiness of memories shared with loved ones, and may you create many wonderful memories of your own.
Susan, Joe captured spring and delivered it in a vase of delicate flowers for you (and through you, for us, too!).
Punxsutawney Phil was right – spring is here! Spring love, spring flowers and spring friends blooming on this blog.
Susan thank you for bringing sunshine and joy to us all! I hope that someday you can visit the Great Lakes State of Michigan, you would love it!
Thank you, Susan, for your wonderful blogs. So glad you’re feeling better!
What a beautiful story about Doreen and Greg! Love is all around us!
Such a lovely, heartwarming story to share this fine February day!
Best Wishes Doreen & Greg!
Prayers for Lori!
Well Susan, I sure am enjoying my new Bella Luna mug!
Thank You to Lovely Sheri, Kellee and Alfredo, who took such fine care of me!
They are the best!
I’m a hopeful (vs hopeless) romantic, and love Doreen’s story. She and I became friends several years ago through another blog over our mutual love of all things “tea.” Connections of the heart are the best kind!
So amazing. The Internet, so dark sometimes, and at others, filled with light.
Thank you for your celebration of love. Your blog is one place where I can always count on the L-word surfacing…repeatedly!
Cried like a baby after reading this lovely post. Love is so magical💞
❤️❤️❤️
Love your blogs! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your sweetheart, Joe!
Wonderful post. I’ll be spending this Valentine month reading my grandmother’s diaries from 1936-1958. They were sent to me by my cousin in MO. before they are donated to a library. The love that comes out of those diaries is so touching…three sons in the war, one never able to return from the care facility to his home, a mother’s prayers for care and protection of her family. Ladies, journal your thoughts and memories…someone will love to read them later.
I decorated for Valentine’s Day today, which includes your “Love from the Heart of the Home” book!
looks like an early spring, yay! I just love reading your stories.
Thank you for your beauteous blog and the cup giveaway!
Dear Susan, what a lovely tribute to friendship. I, too, have developed a new friendship with someone because of the “pen pal” connection you offered several years ago! I now have a pen pal and new dear friend who lives only a few miles from where I grew up in Maryland! I now live on the West Coast, so we have never physically met; but our hearts are knit together because we are soul sisters! Bless you!
Love this!
Warm thoughts and happy wishes are always a gift. Thank you
Have you seen The Repair shop on Netflix? It’s darling! You’d love it!
So glad to hear that you and Joe are back to your healthy-selves! LUV the L-O-V-E that you spread on your blog! It makes the world go ’round! Florida to Wisconsin and everywhere in-between! Happy February!, Happy Ground Hog’s Day!, Happy Early Valentine’s Day Wishes! XO
Loved this. ❤️ The letter about Karen was divine. Treasure friends and beloveds!
For us, on Valentine’s Day, we are supporting our local museum and having dinner there. It will be special!❤️! Thank you Susan. 🥰
You never fail to inspire, touch lives, lift spirits. What a blessing! Happy February from Loveland, Colorado—the city with a heartbeat!
Happy February Susan & Joe~I just hung your darling “Love” towel on my oven door yesterday…I bought it years ago and enjoy it every February and during special anniversary celebrations. The towel has the bluebirds at the end of your post among other lovey things on it-remember? I’m hoping the fact Phil didn’t see his shadow this morning will bring spring to northern Michigan soon😉
Thank you so much for your blogs…Always get SO excited when a new one is posted!
Love the post. Happy Valentine’s to you and Joe. I’m loving my blotter calendar and the mini one I have at work. I get them every year. I enjoy your Twitter posts as well. Enjoy the month of February.
I have been to England twice and can not get enough of it so I feel a kinship when I read your words about England. I would love to go again . Love reading your blog. Jessica
Great story & the mugs are beautiful. Love Valentine’s Day–the bright red in the middle of white (at least sometimes!) winter :o).
December of 2018, I was visiting my sister in Ohio. I was talking about you with her, explaining who you are and that I have been following you since you published your Summer cookbook. She had never heard of you (I was shocked!) and I knew she would love you. I recommended she sign up for your blog. She was hooked and read and read until she caught up with your background – Willard, your Dad, your mom, your siblings, pancake story (one of my favorites) as much as possible. I directed her to your books and she bought them all at once. You are indeed a kindred spirit to so many of us women. I talk to my husband about you and Joe as if you are family. I love that my husband knows who “Susan and Joe” are as well as Tasha Tudor, Beatrix Potter and Gladys Tabor. In fact, we were able to get tickets to tour Tasha Tudor’s home and gardens in spring of 2018. Goals: Trip to England to see all the places you and Joe have already made it to. But wait! There’s more! The funny thing is, as a young girl, I had an obsession with history, ancestry, (I’m Welsh, Scottish, English background). As an artist, I favored water color and so admired Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit series. I wanted to grow up and move to Cape Cod or somewhere in Massachusetts where the leaves are blazing like in the photographs on calendars hanging in my classrooms. Growing up in Ohio, I had never stepped foot in New England, but I just knew, somehow, I belonged there. Obviously, you were very young and I had never heard of you until the 1990s. Not until I signed up for Willard and began to learn more about your story, did I realize kindred spirits are real. How could someone I don’t know love the exact same things I do…since childhood in Ohio? Soul sisters, magic, fairies? I don’t know, but I’m grateful for it. I also had to brag to my sister this week that I had a response from you on Twitter! My handle is shepersisted (I won’t put my @ here) I have pathetically low number of followers though because I don’t post and only use Twitter to receive news on politics, government, womens forums, that kind of thing. But for a little sunshine on a platform that can be depressing, I rely on you and Stephen Colbert and some other funny or heart warming stuff for relief. Thanks for sharing your happy gene with all of us!
Seriously, kindred spirits! Say hello to your sister for me, Cris! xoxo
Happy Valentines Day!! That is a wonderful love story! I’m Facebook friends Doreen and she is truly a wonderful person! She deserves happiness! Thank you for sharing!
Your blog made my Sunday afternoon. I am not a football fan, so this was a wonderful way for me to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday with you and all the great girlfriends and a nice cup of tea in my “Life is Good” Susan Branch cup.
Thank you.
Love the sweet story Susan…thank you for sharing❤️
Jackie Pellow
Dearest Susan,
Whenever I read your blog and see your photos, my heart and soul are touched. Your post has done it again! You’ve shared in various ways all the things that really matter to me.
Thank you for the lovely quotes, photos, sentiments and the touching letter from Doreen. Your blog renews and encourages me. It connects me to you and the wonderful Girlfriends from all over the world. What a glorious connection! Thank you.
I don’t have one of your mugs and think it is time I did. Please pick me.
What a precious, romantic story.
Oh what a wonderful blog! Such a heartwarming story, thank you for sharing❤️
I’m re-reading your older books in preparation for the new one hopefully coming out soon. This time I’m reading them slower and enjoying them very much.
Thank you Susan for the love you bring into the world! Happy Valentines Day
I have always believed Valentines Day should be honored by more people. Thank you for encouraging loving celebration, large and small!
Hello Susan~
Thanks for another beautiful post, and what love story. About 4 years ago as my husband, dog and I were checking out of a B&B in Oxford I was having one of those goodbye chats with our host when we discovered we were both following your blog. It was an instant warm connection. Thank you for that.
Being British TV fans we discovered The Detectorists some time ago, it’s brilliant! Lets lobby for another season. Can you believe Diana Rigg was such a fan she was offered the role of Rachael Sterling’s mom – which in fact she is.
Happy Painting, writing, cooking and cat loving.
cheers.
That had to be Carrie’s B & B! It’s in Oxford! You find kindred spirits everywhere! Diana Ring is the only woman I would worry that just MIGHT be able to get Joe away from me! He literally just PAID (we never pay) for a season of The Avengers because The Detectorists reminded him about his crush. Luckily she’s there, and he’s here.🤣
I always look forward to reading your blog, with a cup of hot tea!
Oh what a wonderful story about love. So happy they found each other and love again. Thank you for sharing your story Doreen.
In these troubled times, I love how your blog helps to relax me and bring a smile to my face. Thank you!
Can I tell you how much I needed this blog posting today. I’m so sad over the state of the division in our country. The story Doreen wrote opened my heart to the fact that we are lovely people in this group. We love your books, our tea, food and the warmth of home and friends. Love truly makes the world a far better place. It’s up to all of us to keep spreading the word! Thank you Susan. xoxoxoxo
😘😘😘
I was searching for motivation to make some hand-crafted Valentine cards for loved ones. Your post splendidly provided that inspiration. Blessings and thanks.
So happy for February and this lovely message from you Susan!!
My daughter turns 40 this month so the cups would be a delightful gift!❤️💙💚!
A lovely message of love and dedication. This is a delightful post! Thank you for all you do for all of us!
Looking forward to seeing you in Duxbury!!! xo
Flowers, red hearts, a magical love story and February playing valentine in many ways. It will be my 22nd anniversary on the 14th! I’m going to celebrate love this month with little kindnesses to others. I’m inspired to send out valentines after reading your rally for all the ways we are connected to each other. So thank you! Happy mid-winter love fest!
Joy
This place is a blessing on so many levels. Thankful to be included in Susan’s World. That true love story is such a gift. Love to you all.
Dear Susan,
How kind of you to have a tribute to Karen. What a lovely love story of Richard and Doreen, and Gregory and Karen, and now Gregory and Doreen. We never know where life and love will take us.
I also think you and Joe have a wonderful love story. Any more news as to when it’ll hit the big screen?
Happy Valentine’s Day! Just took your little Valentine book off the shelf this weekend. Delightful.
Thanks for the tip on “The Detectorists”. I’ll give it a try! Oh, I love those cups! I would happily drink tea or cocoa from them. Here in Austin, the last 2 days have been lovely and spring-like – more lemonade than cocoa days. Lemonade will taste good in the mugs also! Best wishes for continued good health and peaceful, productive days.
Happy February – full of hope for the Spring! Thank you and have a wonderful month! I love the bookmark!
Loved the newsletter as always! Been a fan since the get go! One of these days I will run into you on the Vineyard! I appreciate your art so much!
such a delightful post! with all kinds of surprises and L-O-V-E! and then a giveaway suitable even for us lefties! how wonderful…and oh duxbury…spent many summer and fall days on the beach, back when one could have a wee fire and sip hot chocolate…love my wall calendar too!
Dear Susan You are my Sunshine. Today is cold and you brightened it up! Love,Judy
All of this post touched me with its beauty. Thanks, Susan, and thanks to Doreen for sharing her very personal story.
Susan, you are a breath of fresh air!
Thank you for being you, I don’t know what we would do without you.
Happy coming Spring!
Ruth
Thank you for this LOVEly post and the beautiful happy ending for Doreen and Greg. I always insis8that Valentine’s Day is for all kinds of love, even requiring my sons to make cards for each other.
May your day be filled with love!
Terrie
Such a beautiful blog entry today! Well worth waiting for after the internet gremlins caused a bit of mischief this morning. This month in our family, we have a daughter who just got engaged, a dear friend who is dying in hospice, and a move back to live with my 89 year old mother to help take care of her at home. All the good, bad, and uncertainties that life has to offer- and we will continue to live and thrive through them all. I look for the joys of an Ordinary Day and beauty where it crosses my path.💗🎶
Life! It’s what makes me feel like this blog is a little village, where everything happens! xoxoxo
Dear Susan: Happy Valentine’s Day. My very favorite holiday. Full of love and beauty and promises. We never know when we will find love again after losing it but we should always be ready to open our hearts again to receive it! Hugs and hearts to you dear Susan and Joe.
Thanks so much for the recommendation… about all we watch is British TV but I can not run across the Detectorists… definitely will look for it! Also, thanks for the letter from Doreen… what an incredible story!! Happy Valentine’s Day!!
I believe in love. I believe in a stranger’s smile, lace doilies, puppy appeal. And, I believe that in heaven, Karen and Richard had something to do with Doreen and Greg’s fate! Here on Earth, kudos to Susan!
Kindred spirit! Believe!
I forgot to ask… can you put the Pledge for a Best friend on a card or anything it will fit on… I love it!!!
Will work on that!
Love conquers all!
I tried twice this morning to open your blog with no success. I fretted all day but this evening? Success!! Another sweet trip to Susan-ville. Loved everything about it especially Doreen’s letter. Ain’t life grand?
What a wonderful story! A great way to start February. I always look forward to hearing your news & tidbits. It brightens my day.
I love your blog and look forward to it always! I noticed you have a quote from Carrie Snow. If this is the same Carrie Snow (comdienne) we were childhood friends growing up together. I just want to say she is one special, talented and funny gal. It made me smile to read her quote-so very Carrie!
Just love reading your blog almost as much as your books warm my insides with your beautiful art and lovely penmanship!
Thank you for your lovely blog! I look forward to it so much! Glad the website is up and running again…..I was quite panicked this morning when I couldn’t reach you!
I really wish I could come to your tea but it’s a bit far from here in BC, Canada💕
I made your zucchini nut loaf this morning again…..it’s so good…we love it!
What a beautiful love story! Thanks for sharing it with us.My husband and I are proof that Love is very special the second time around ( I was widowed and he was divorced when we met.) Would love to win those gorgeous cups! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Susan, your girlfriends are older than you, they are your age, and they are younger. But we all share something. We so look up to you. It is appropriate that the events in Duxbury are Mother’s Day themed….I wish that I could be there to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day …because YOU have made us all SISTERS. And what a lovely example you are to us! You are real but your overall theme is kindness which makes everything more beautiful. Thank you and Blessings!
I always felt I was writing to my sisters in when doing my first book! Seems it has turned out to be true! Thank you dear Anne!
1,095 responses to this blog! so far… I sent a link to this blog to a girlfriend from my Sunday School class who was having a hard day and needed us girlfriends to bring her comfort and encouragement. When I got to the Pledge to a Best friend and then the following story, I knew I had to send this to her!
I hope it worked Debbie!
That’s the most amazing story I’ve ever read…. and that is just what you do Susan Branch… you change lives. When I was a young wife, just 23 years old (almost 25 years ago) I had N O idea H O W to make a house a home and someone gave me your book. You taught me how to use the little things I loved, the things that made my heart smile to decorate with and I’ve been doing it every since. Thank you for that. Because of that I’ve taught my daughter how to love a home.
How do I say thank you. You just made my day. Love you you and your daughter. xoxo
I watched the first two seasons of The Detectorists on Netflix a few years ago and absolutely loved it. Now I can’t wait to watch season 3!
What a lovely end to this story!
❤️ the mugs!
What a beautiful story!! As always love your updates…turned my calendars (I have all 4…the blotters too!) this weekend. So grateful for your gift of beautiful art, always makes me smile. Thank you Susan!
I love this post, and all of your posts! The love story you shared really is a fairy tale! Thank you for sharing it!
Another wonderful blog post. I’d love to win a cup. Thanks for all you do.
Susan … with challenges in my life, your posting always bring sunshine to my life. Last August I lost my dearest friend, my sister, who introduced me to your books so many years ago. Now my love and husband, is struggling with health issues. So thank you for these glimpses into your life.
Take care of yourself Susan.☀️ xoxoxoxo
Love reading your blog and look forward to every one. You are a gift. Thank you for sharing your talents.
Hi Susan, today is Groundhog Day-Groundhog Day-Groundhog Day
(repeating seemed appropriate). hahaha Gotta watch that movie today…
BECAUSE, it’s also my Birthday. 65 BIG ones! Got my Medicare card this week as a birthday gift. WOW! Wasn’t I just 45 last year? Oh well, can’t change it, just grin and bare it. AND… I didn’t see my shadow, so it’s all good!
Onward to Valentine Day!
Love Ya Girl!
Happy Birthday Judy!!🎂🎉🎊
I love your blog and love checking out your goodies! I’d ❤️ to win a sweet cup!
Happy Valentine’s Day! I always look forward to your blog posts!
Susan Branch’s Blog “Warms the Heart”. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the touching, delightful & lovely true story of the meaning of LOVE.
I’m sure that Karen was looking down on Doreen & Greg & knew that they needed each other. *Faith, Hope & Love* is all we need to carry on.
Lovely reading this! Always so good!
Thank you for the recommendation, I’ve been looking for a new show to love, so I will definitely check out the Detectorists! Also, thank you for sharing the beautiful story from Doreen, you were right, hankies were needed! Hope to get tickets for one event in Duxbury, Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day Susan & Joe!!! 💜💜💜
Love your blog so much! On this Groundhog Day, I am sitting in a hospital waiting room anxiously awaiting the birth of my first grandchild!
CONGRATULATIONS Virginia!!
Happy February to you and Joe! I’m enjoying your “Love” towel…remember~it has the bluebirds like the ones at the end of this blog-plus other lovey sayings and drawings…❤️
I enjoyed the story of Karen and Doreen becoming friends and the end result! Thanks for the giveaway and for the bookmark link.
Lovely cups!