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! ❌⭕️
dear Susan so much love you share Blessings in this Leap Year 2020 ! diane
Love, love, love that story!!!! Happy Valentine’s Day ! 💕❤️💕
Reading this was sooooo much better than watching the Super Bowl. Super Susan Branch! My personal favorite
Thank you so much for that lovely story! I enjoy your blog so much because I get so tired of all the negativity in the world. I’ve stopped watching the news and am praying more, listening to Christian music, and reading. I really loved the story about Doreen. It just goes to show that love makes the world go around! God bless you and happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe!
It’s overwhelming these days. I love our quiet space where the real things happen. xoxo
Susan, I so love your blog! Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your spectacular mugs! Happy February to you. Linda
[email protected]
Great Blog Susan. Love and Peace
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe! We have become hooked on Father Brown I will check out”The Detectorists.”
I always look forward to your blogs, they make my day. Hoping I win the drawing, as I love the mugs, and I’m sure my tea would taste even better than it does now!
Thank you for your beautiful artwork, inspiring words, and caring spirit! You help us all focus on the beauty around us every day.
What a beautiful story 🥰
Hello. Something happened that gave me a message saying what I posted was a duplicate- hmm. I hadn’t posted with this month’s give-away😏.
Kookie web gremlin, ignore him.😆
Kindred spirits for sure! And with a cup of tea shared in your beautiful mugs, it makes it perfect!!
I’ve never seen a more lovely web site.
Count me in for the cups! Happy February.
Susan, you would be such fun to know! I love your work.
Thank you for giving me hope Susan! I love your art and all the loveliness you share. I’m from Chatham, the one on Cape Cod, a native – and now I live inland in CT. I miss my heart home. Your blogs are like a breath of fresh sea air and a cup of tea all in one.
Ann Jones
As always, a blog post full of love and caring people, inspired by you and your strength and beautiful use of the English language. Thank you once again.
Oh Susan, A beautiful,teary tale!Thank you for this page and all the glorious wonderful life savories you share! We are all better for knowing you!!
Oh my…what a love story that is! So magical. May Greg and Doreen have many happy years together…surely Karen and Richard are smiling down from Heaven.
Just goes to show love is always in the air!
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!
~Elizabeth
Love Love Love your blog. Love Love Love your art. You brighten my days.
Always look forward to reading your blog! I so enjoy it!
Susan, what would we do without you? Light, creative, loving wisps of joyful words and art. Keep your treasures coming our way. I’m so thankful!
So glad you are over the flu and back to your blog! Love the mugs! I’m a February baby so love all things red and hearts!
Its always a day brightener when I notice that you’ve written a new post. Thank you for spreading sunshine and love in everything you do (especially needed right now). Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
I remember Karen Peterson , lovely person !!
Loved the post again Susan, Happy Valentine’s Day to you and everyone. I love that Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow. I can smell the dirt now, Spring is on it’s way!
As always, my heart fills with good things when I read your blog. Thank you and blessings and love to all.
What a wonderful story! And the mugs are beautiful!
Thank you for the lovely blog, it brightens the day. Thanks to you, I always have old movies on in the kitchen while I do my bill paying, cooking and kitchen clean up. Such a great escape from the politics of the day. Xoxo from Texas
Don’t suppose you’ll do an event like the Mother’s Day event in Duxbury in New York sometime (please, please, please)? 👼
I have to be invited! 😃
I’ll get working on that. : )
I loved the story of Doreen and Greg! And the reminder that love is for everyone, friends, family and loved ones.
Thanks!
Cathy
Greetings from Canada, probably too far away to ship those mugs to, but I won’t win anyway! That was a beautiful love story! I always enjoy your blogs and pass them along to two friends as well.
You’re not too far away, long as you’re on earth, I can get them to you! Good luck Joni!
GREAT NEWS for all of us! Ground Hog did NOT see his shadow…EARLY SPRING is on its way…..Glory Glory!!! Flowers will be sprouting soon! and the magical colors of spring will arrive….And all the world will be filled with new beginnings again…in full color!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe – and Jack!
Greetings from Mexico!
Love the blog! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe. I have a great niece that was born on leap year so she will be able to celebrate her birthday on the correct day this year. She is so excited!!
I’ve started the Detectorists and though it’s early in I think I’ll like it. I have acorn and Brit box. I love Vera and several other shows. Mysteries and their police shows and some of their comedies. Gotta love the English!
My grandfather was born on February 1, 1905. I think about him a lot anyway but especially on his birthday. He was a pip!
Cheers to all, have a great day!
What a dear love story and all because of you, Susan! Thanks so much for sharing your remarkable life with us. I feel as if I know you! Keep cozy~Julia
❤️LOVE your blog … hearts are shared and new memories made … we love our new red kitchen wall and decided to paint the rest little areas red❤️ It is still the red season … are your red Cyclamins still blooming?? ❤️ Alo-Ha-Ha, Evie in San Diego❤️
One little flower is all we have left!
❤️❌⭕️❤️
Lovely blog for this time of year! Happy February! and I think I will send Valentines cards to all my girlfriends!!
Enjoyed the blog today. Going to make the ribs. They sound wonderful. Maybe spring is right around the corner. Ready!!
Dear Susan,
I am a great grandma from Wisconsin and I so enjoy your blog and books and how you share your lifestyle with all of us! I found your little book LOVE years ago and was hooked by the fact that you hand wrote your books and when I read your favorite movie list I knew I had found a kindred spirit! Your artwork is wonderful! Thank you for sharing Doreen and Gregs story! Wishing them a happy life together! Thanks for all you do to keep us fans happy!
02/02/20
I am happy just to write today’s date! This is an awesome blog which made me smile, laugh and cry. Very happy that you announced the Mother’s Day events in Duxbury; road trip south in May!
Such a wonderful feeling to read your blog. So comforting!
02/02/20
Just wanted to write the date!Awesome blog; so happy you announced the Mother’s Day events in Duxbury. Road trip south in May!
Well, it’s the end of a busy day! It was over 55 degrees here in Chicagoland and I finally got the garland down today. Much earlier than normal….usually, they drape the porch until Valentine’s Day, if not the end of February–just until they start turning “brown!” The bleak winter’s nights shine warmly on our home’s covered porch. The porch all swept and tidied and our dog played goalie in the yard! Not sure if the groundhog saw his shadow but I certainly saw mine. Since it was the first day in almost two weeks to spy our brightest star, I will welcome more winter regardless if warmer days are to come in the near future. BLESSINGS!
Hello, Susan. A longtime follower here. Just now getting the opportunity to read your blog more consistently as my last child has left the nest and I have more time on my hands. I have all you books and cookbooks. The Christmas cookbook was a gift to me when I was a young mom. I have been fan ever since. 💗
Great love story
02/02/2020
Great date & great blog. So happy you announced the Mother’s Day events; road trip south!
OMG – I was so excited at your Mother’s Day events announcement! I thought I had edited 2 comments into 1 & ended up sending all 3. Call to Duxbury on March 24 at 8 am is in my calendar.
Hooray Grace!
Love to you Susan!
Thanks for All you do!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan, and best wishes for success with your newest book!
Hi Susan,
Happy Groundhog Day!
Dear Susan, so glad you’re feeling better I love your blogs and look forward to them. I loved hearing the sad happy story about Doreen it really touched my heart. Thank you for being you and sharing yourself with us all.
Reading your posts is always a wonderful way to end the day! Good night and sweet dreams… dreaming about those wonderful cups! 🥰
You are the best!!!! I love reading your blog and passed you on to my lovely mother who also really enjoys reading your blog. Thanks!!!
Thankyou Susan,
You are so generous to us just to send this blog. I look forward to them and they always seem to pop up just when I need it most.
That’s a wonderful story! Who would have thought of that outcome all those years ago! Just life’s twists and turns…
Thank you so much, Susan, for your surprises!! Jack is so sweet. Glad he keeps you company when you get up so early. Our cat Simon does that with me also. If I am ill and have to sleep sitting up in the big eazy chair in the living room he will come next to me on the couch and curl up. Also, he will stand up with his front paws and look at me like he is saying “are you O.K.?” He is a chocolate Siamese with big blue eyes. We have had him not quite 2 years. Adopted from our local Humane Society here in Pasadena, Ca.
Thanks again for all you do to bring love and cheer in our lives!
Carol
Our little petty pets are such a comfort. A gift from God. xoxoxoxo
I so enjoy your blog. Love the cups and would be thrilled to win one.
Best Wishes Doreen! Thanks for sharing your love story this February.
Håfa adai! You forgot to list “from Guam!”
Susan, “Bring water to bowl”??? {{Oops…}} I trust it’s not misspelled in the book.
Lovely congrats to Doreen and Greg! *mwah*. What a love story.
*hugs*
Kelley
I love how Karen and Doreen became friends through your blog, serendipity for sure! Your joy for life is contagious and just what I need in these troubled times. I mentioned to my husband The Detectorists and we plan to check it out. Happy Groundhog Day!
Oh, dear. I had written a comment…it went-away!…did another…can’t find it either! Yikes! Anyway…thanks, as always, for being you, dear Susan! Blessings to Doreen & Greg! & to all of you! Hope you all had a super “palindrome-day”! Not till 2121 will this occur again! Take care & keep well everyone!
Such a sweet story of Doreen and Greg! Best wishes to them both as they begin a new life together! I think it’s so wonderful when folks find someone to share life with, at any age. Life is too precious and short to go through it alone. Thank you Susan for another lovely post. Happy Valentines Day to you and Joe too!
Hi Susan,
Just read Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, such a joy! I loved The Fairy Tale Girl and this was such a wonderful sequel. You have such a gift of writing, it’s just magical with your painting, quotes and just the way you express your thoughts.
Always look forward to your blog; I know you’ve been sick, and glad you’re better, but wondered if you were going to write about your Christmas, I know you had mentioned you had planned several parties, and I always love to read about your “goings on”.
Thank you Janine, I’m glad you like the books! Makes my day! I feel like Christmas happened so long ago and maybe I should save those photos for next year when we all need inspiration. But, maybe not!
Always delighted to see your letter in my email. Such a day brightener. I needed it. Saturday a mad mama cow bowled my husband over and broke his ankle plus other sundry bruises and scrapes. He was trying to tag the new baby. Don’t mess with mama’s babies! So, life changed here for a while. First broken bone in this household. New territory for us. We are blessed. It could have been worse. I have been a fan ever since I saw your Christmas book oh so many years ago. Looking forward to seeing your latest work.
Don’t know if you saw it, but I broke my wrist last May, I’m waaaaaay better, but not perfect yet. I FEEL for you guys, an ankle is a terrible thing to lose. Takes the foot with it, the leg, the mobility, which can’t be a good thing no matter where you are! Let me assure you, it will heal. Just don’t hold your breath! Blessings on you and your family Pat, xoxoxo
Happy February and love to all. My birthday is on Valentines Day! It is a wonderful day for a birthday. There was always a party! Love is everywhere. Even now, at 63 years old, I feel sure that when Valentine things start showing up in the stores it’s because everyone is getting ready to celebrate me! What fun! I’ve always found it easy to share love and Valentine’s Day is as much about giving as it is receiving. My table is filled with ♥️ cards right now! I’m mailing out so many Valentines! And of course I have to buy special LOVE stamps!
What a lovely love story in real life! And I hope spring comes early for you this year!
Your kind words were just what I needed today. Thank you for you.
Oh, I would love to win one of your cups! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe!
Your events you have planned sound so wonderful. Wish I lived closer. I was so happy to see this post this evening. Your posts always take me away from the stressful life and remind me to take the time to slow down. Enjoy the things I love and take a deep breath. Thank you for being you and sharing all your love of life.
Happy February and Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan! Thank goodness for Valentine’s Day….the bright spot in the last days of winter!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan! Thank you for sharing your love with all of us!
Happy February and Heart Day …. thanks for sharing your stories
💕💕💕💕💕💕💕happy valentines to you and your Joe
What a delightful post. The Steve Tyrell music is great too. You are such a boon to all of us.
What a beautiful and hope-filled story of Karen and Doreen. Here I am after midnight, a little down and filled with worry about family problems, and sharing the story of these two friends fills me with positive hope. There are so many good things in the world, but we just don’t hear of them enough. Thank you for sharing, Susan! It’s given me comfort.
Thank you so much for the valentine bookmark! I often leave them in library books, intentionally or not 🙂 I eagerly await your next book AND your visit to Seattle on that book tour (wink, wink)!
♥
Thanks for your current blog. I always look forward to them!
Thank you for the lovely story!
Even though I wasn’t ACTUALLY having a cup of tea as I read this blog, when I reached the end I FELT like I had just had a lovely cuppa and a Valentine Sugar Cookie (or two …). What a nice treat and a cozy way to end my day. I’m very far from you – all the way across the country – in a little town called Poulsbo, WA. It’s nicknamed “Little Norway” but I always imagine it looks a tiny bit like New England. I’m excited at the possibility of winning one of your charming mugs … I’ve loved seeing the process as you’ve shared their creation with us. Someday … maybe someday … I’ll find a little nest egg I’ve forgotten about and I’ll treat myself to ordering a sweet & pretty something from your site.
You may have seen a series on iTube that I am fixated on called Escape to the Country detailing in segments those seeking a home in England, Scotland, and Wales. This series is beautifully done with lovely music and engaging hosts and they have current episodes!
Good morning Susan from the UK
Thank you so much for your wonderful letter to us. So sorry to hear you had been unwell in January …and that good news you are better now…
Loved the picture on my calendar this month..it’s always fun to turn the page…and see you beautiful drawings.
The story at the end of your blog was amazing and many best wishes to them both…I too love reading the stories from others..we are an amazing group of friends that you have brought together…
I loved reading about the mother’s day event..how I wish I was in the States…it sounds wonderful..meantime have a good day…and spring is on the way…YIppee
With love and blessings
Sandra from Birmingham xxx
Be Love
that is what life is ……….(Maybe)
and you do illustrate it so well!
I would like to enter the giveaway because my Darling daughter ,who is love, would be so delighted to enjoy her tea this way.
Thanks for a chance to win!
What an amazing and nice story! Love this post, xoxo
Thank you once again for the beautiful blog post!! It makes my day and I read it over and over again. You are food for my soul Susan!!
😘
Love reading your posts
Your words and artwork are always inspiring.
Thank you!
If I win this lovely giveaway
I would share it between my 2 sisters
Being the middle child
Love keeps us together
Luv-lee … xoxo
Beautiful love story! Best wishes to the happy couple! God bless everyone.
Hi Susan, Thank you so much for your beautiful blog. I’d love to win the drawing. Arlene
I don’t think I have ever been as happy to see a month end as I was to see this January finish. I am so hoping that February will be much kinder. I have both your large calendars this year. I get one every year anyways, but could not resist the English Countryside one. I am a glutton for what makes me happy and your calendars always add a spark of joy to my days. Everything you create is so very beautiful. What a talent you have to bring such joy into other’s lives in this very unique way. It is a true gift. Valentines Day is always a home celebration here. I love to cook and eat anyways, so I might as well make us something I know we will both enjoy. Its win/win all round!
I’ve been using the Calm app on my iPad and it has helped me a lot over these past weeks. I listen to the morning meditation every day and I listen to a bedtime story every night. Works like a charm. I know it would be a lot cheaper for me to have had my husband read me a bedtime story, but how can he compare to the dulcet of tones of Matthew McConaughy. His voice is like listening to silk. (and don’t get me started on Sam Elliot.)
I had not seen Leap Year, but I have put it on my list to watch as soon as, maybe even on Valentines day! There is nothing so sweet as enjoying a glass of bubbly and a romantic movie with your hubby. Thanks for the recommendation. Funny how as we get older our priorities change. I am no longer a party girl (if I ever was one) and now love nothing more than canoodling in the comfort of my own home.
Thanks so much for sharing that beautiful story of Doreen and Greg with us. Nothing is more beautiful or inspiring as a True Life Love Story. It had tears and laughter and was filled with joy and gratitude. What more could you ask for. I think it would make a splendid movie!
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To you, Joe and all the girlfriends!
LOL you are so cute, Marie, 😂, those voices! Happy Valentines Day to you too. xoxoxoxoxo
Another wonderful post. You never know what life holds in the wings. Never give up hope.
Such a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing!
Happy February ❣️
Thank you both for sharing that letter and story from Doreen. It is just that sort of happening that gives me hope that there still are miracles happening ❤️. It is amazing how things work out isn’t it? Happy Ground hog day & Happy /Valentines Day.
Susan, You are magical and being such light and happiness!
I’m so thankful for you and Joe and ALL the love you share with so many
Blessings to you both in the coming year❤️ Phoebe
I enjoy your blog, thanks for all your hard work. I hope I win the mugs- too cute! Happy Valentine’s Day.
Good morning Susan, another beautiful blog, another peek at Jack (even sleeping he’s so photogenic), and another hint of your new book. I’m counting the days, I can’t wait! ❤️
Karen’s story. So uplifting. Thanks for sharing it. ❤️
Good morning Susan! Love reading your blog and I am a true believer in the stress/immune system connection. I spent five months having a house built with a great deal of one step forward and two steps back. Two weeks after I finally moved in I caught the flu! Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
Such a happy story, thank you for sharing.
Oh Susan!
What a wonderful blog post and thank you so much for sharing Doreen and Greg’s magical love story. It definitely brought tears of happiness for them to my eyes. Darling Joe, still bringing you beautiful bouquets, what a treasure he is. Loving your calendars this year, had to buy both of the big ones and they bring me so much pleasure each day.
Love to you both, today and always,
Ann in Chester xx
Hi Ann, Happy to hear from you, as always. xoxo
Love this post! Especially the LOVE story! Thank you for bringing light and joy to so many.
Happy Valentine’s Day!