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! ❌⭕️
Susan, I have to tell you – ever since I read my first edition of A Fine Romance, I’ve wanted to go to England. I made a vision board. I asked for your England mugs for my birthday ( my sisters got them for me) and I have your England calendar. Well, we decided to go this year! We leave mid April and are also going to Scotland and Ireland. I can’t wait! We chose this trip because it goes to the Lake District and I can’t wait to see the authors’ homes. Thank you so much for the inspiration! I’m looking forward to reading Enchanted and hope I can meet you in Duxbury – it’s only 4 days after I get home from this trip. Although we live in Western NY, our daughter lives in Boston – so I hope we can make it! We come to the Vineyard every summer with our Boston daughter’s family – just got our ferry tickets. Can’t wait!
Like my mom always said, where there’s a will there’s a way! I’m so happy for you Martha! Try to come. Four days after you return you will be longing to see those curved roads again and laugh about how you managed to survive them!😂 Have a WONDERFUL time.
Truly a wonderful post. Thank you!
Truly a wonderful post. Thank you.
Beautiful cups! Happy Valentines Day to you, Joe and Jack!
and you made it all possible. Wonderful! I do enjoy everything you write and want to thank you!
Another up lifting spot in my day. I was very upset Sunday morning when the blog wouldn’t load. We always have trouble with our internet connection and at first I thought it was that. Then I realized it wasn’t…oh how unfair, a new entry and no access, but I didn’t give up, just kept trying all day. Finally last night there you were! But too much commotion with Super Bowl and all, I needed to wait till morning…and those special quiet hours. I’m so glad I did. A wonderful start to my day, thank you Susan, for being you.
It wasn’t you! It went down for 8 hours! But it’s back, and here you are! xoxo
What a wonderful way to begin my Monday, with a love story. Congrats and best wishes to Doreen and Greg! And I never get tired of reading about your painting projects and seeing darling Jack. Have a blessed week!
Love this blog with wonderful story of people connecting through you, Susan. Always look forward to see you’ve included Jack. Btw, I’ve made your many mushroom soup twice this winter and we’re enjoying it. Thanks for sharing all your talents.
Happy valentine’s day
Your posts always bring me such joy! Thank you for sharing your life and many gifts and talents❤️❤️❤️
such a surprise to get another sb letter so soon! Brightens my day and my week to ready so many uplifting stories and words. I read and savor, and go back and read again. Love stories, who does not love them!!! thanks to all for sharing.
What a heart warming story! I love to show glimpses of your sketches to my hubby. He is amazed by your style of writing and we both love your artwork! Looking forward to spring! Should come early, so says Phil, our PA groundhog!
Your post came just when I needed it. Yesterday was a rough day, but I feel cheered up this morning thanks to you! I know that a lot of people don’t care for February, but I always liked it. There’s lots of birthdays and things going on….my dad turns 83 on Valentine’s Day! ❤ Today we’re headed to Cleveland to the home and garden show. I’m anticipating the smell of hyacinths greeting us as we enter the show. What better antidote for the winter blahs than fresh spring flowers bursting with blooms!! 🌷Love the little white hearts, I’ll have to try that. God bless you and Joe!
It’s always such a joy to read a new post on your blog. Happy Valentine’s Day!
I found “The Detectorists” and binged on it about a year ago. I loved it because my husband use to metal detect. I got it – the next shovel dig might just be the “one”! What a sweet blog this month. I appreciate the creative way you express yourself through all the senses – art, music, writing, and love! Have a lovely Valentines Day 💕
We’re looking at each other, “shall we get one?”🤣
Such a beautiful love story! Thank you for sharing that.
Happy Valentine’s. Love your stories and illustrations.
What a beautiful love story you shared! Amazing! Happy Valentine’s Day!
This story almost brought tears. I sat at the table with Karen at the event where that picture was taken! I only met her that one time but she was such a ray of sunshine. I was there with a friend that I met at one of your book signings and we are friends to this day. We are always in touch–meeting up somewhere–we live about an hour away from each other. Wendy was at my table as well–and I keep in touch with her through facebook. You have brought so many of us together here. Thank you so much Susan! What a wonderful tribute to Karen, life, and happiness. Who says magic doesn’t exist! ☺
She really was a ray of sunshine. I love how well she’s being remembered by so many. Thank you dear, this was so wonderful to read!
What an amazing love story…I wish Doreen and Greg much happiness for the future. And, Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe!
Oh Susan, you are wonderful. Thanks for all the love and sharing. Sweetness supreme for sure. Have a great February esp the 29th! The cups are nothing but fabulous too.
Beautiful as always, Susan. Thank you!
Susan,
Thank you for the lovely story. A very good reminder to look up and reach out.
Another beautiful blog. Happy Valentines Day!
I absolutely savor every word of your blog and usually reread them again and again. My heart is warmed by the story of Doreen. How beautiful!
Hi Susan….I am loving my English Countryside calendar! And I got my LOVE from the Heart of Home….book out to display for February…such lovely inspiration! Happy Valentines Day! Katherine!
Thanks so much for the cheery blog!
I’m also very happy to have the secret notes back – I bought two packs back in the day, and used to pack them in my hubby’s suitcase when he would go on a business trip, and pack them in my son’s lunches for an occasional surprise.
I love your cheery blog spot on the internet!
What a great post! I loved the story of Karen and how love was found. We never know where or when our life journey will turn a corner. Valentines Day has always been important to me as I love sharing, hearts, love stories, flowers and friendships! Your recipes are always special too. The mugs are beautiful! Thanks for all you do to brighten our days and fill them with color! Jack has the best seat in the house!
Truly a Valentine miracle❣️ Thanks for sharing the story, Susan. Happy Hearts to Everyone!
Holy cow! Love sneaks up on you when you’re not looking, doesn’t it? Thanks for bringing us all together. Keep highlighting the beauty of life, and I’ll try to remember to do the same for people I come into contact with.
I always “save” reading your wonderful blog for a few because I know what happiness and light it will bring and I want to make it last! I know – kinda weird! LOL. Have a fabulous February and as always thank you for spreading joy!
Your blog is like the balm of Gilead! I can get lost in it. Thanks for the stress reliever. I would love to add this mug to my favorites that I use each day!
Susan , wow a real tear jerker one of happy tears. you always brighten my day.
I’m sorry I don’t see where we are to enter the tiny number for the contest?
You’re entered right now, by leaving your comment!👏
Another Monday pick-me-up via your blog!! Love it! Thank you!
Susan,
Your words and paintings are always such an uplifting gift. When I see that I have a new post by you I open it only when I know I have a quiet moment to read and re-read the entire post.
I love the story about the two readers who met and are now going to marry. The sweetest story of their meeting.
xo,
Karen B.
Susan, I just love the opportunity to win some of the neat give a ways! Being a coffee drinker who wouldn’t want to have their morning giddy up and go juice in these fun cups? February is such a great month, giving us hope for spring-green-flowers and warmer weather. WOULD LOVE TO WIN!
Thanks Denise
First I would like to say Congratulations Doreen. You Marriage will be SUPER because you got engaged on my BIRTHDAY!!!!
Susan thanks for the fun give-a-ways! It’s so exciting. I REEEEEALY want to attend the May Gun Girlfriend day. Maybe Hubby will come through. I met you when you came to Georgia,but I would love to see your pics and hear about the English countryside! Thanks for being YOU!
Oh what a WONDERFUL story! God is more amazing than any of us could ever imagine!! Thank you for all the wonder and beauty you bring into the world Susan. I recently won the Four Seasons cups and every morning when I open my cupboard to grab one for tea, I smile and think of you! What a happy way to start my day!!
Happy they went to a good home! xoxox❤️
Of course I remember Karen! She would always comment on my Twitter (where I first met her through your feed) and always made me feel so good! You could feel her warmth….GOD Bless her. Thank you for sharing “the rest of the story”, and I agree, she had something to do with the matchmaking. Have a beautiful week Susan!
Carla
Thank you Carla!
Thank you for the lovely story, quite amazing really!
Here is hoping for a happy, healthy February. And yay March! I am coming to Duxbury to meet you!!
Hooray! xoxo
Dear Susan:
I think somehow my comments are never reaching you, and that makes me so sad!
I will try one more time today to let you know how much your blog posts mean to all of us!
We need you in this world more than ever!!!
Thank you again,
Kitty
I hope you see this Kitty . . . I answered one of your posts yesterday, but I’m not sure what might be happening!❤️😘
Hooray! Thank you Susan!!!
💗
Thank you for your cheery blog. What a sweet story about Karen – my husband died from brain tumors also, 6 years ago. Perhaps a husband in my future? But wherever he is, he’d better start making tracks! Btw, my youngest daughter turns 20 on Leap Year Day!
Keep writing, looking forward to your next book.
Such a loss, but look at you, I love that you’re putting it out there, a very good start! 👏❤️
What a beautiful love story shared from Doreen! 💕 You have brought so many together; I know your heart is warmed by it. I’ve enjoyed knowing Chris from Texas, getting to meet here in Ohio and keeping in touch, and it’s thanks to meeting on your blog. It’s our happy place, for all of us who meet with you here. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe!
WOW!!! That was a beautiful story about Doreen and Greg. After reading all the comments, I think we will all be waiting for an update about their wedding. Where will they live?
Happy Valentines Day to you, Joe and Jack.
I too would love to win a mug. Keeping my fingers crossed Vanna comes out of bowl with my name in tow. – HaHa.
Lovely post!! You inspire us all so much!!
Happy February Susan! What a beautiful blog…. and a delightful story. Thanks for sharing!
Happy Valentines Day Susan! Thank you for the wonderful story that brought tears to my eyes. You make the world a kinder place!
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story Doreen!! It reinforces my belief that in life anything is possible if you just believe AND keep an open heart and mind!!
Love is in the air! And fortunately, snow flurries aren’t!
Bring on spring; we had a taste of it yesterday and I spent the afternoon outdoors with my grand-tykes. I so look forward to your blogs and they never disappoint in making me smile.
What a beautiful love story! Thank you for adding it to your blog Susan!
I look forward to your beautiful posts. Thanks for the contest!
Hi Susan!
As i sit here, home sick from work, it gave me the opportunity to sit and read your post.. I always wait until i have a few minutes so i can take my time and enjoy your words.. Thanks for your constant words of encouragement and the reminder of always enjoying the simple things in life.. that is what life is truly about. That is a heart warming love story and it shows that there is a plan for everyone, we just have to follow what feels right and good!
Wish the get together in May was a little closer to me. I would love to meet you in person.. We are connected because i too have fallen in love with the English countryside this past summer.. oh, the fond memories of me and my husband driving on those lovely little roads with the hedge rows!!
Also, thank you for your last post- about the BROWN. I found myself outside playing with my dog one day and it was a little cold and dark and I looked down and the grass was…. brown.. I just took a deep breathe and remembered your post and it brought a smile to my face as I said “brown” out loud. lol.
Have a wonderful February! Look forward to your next post!
Gina Wheeler- Spencer, MA
😆😘
Good morning! First, thank you for answering my “tweet” yesterday regarding your blog site being down. It was up and running this morning and did not disappoint! Such a perfect blog story for February! As one of your other readers said, “good things are worth waiting for”!
Dear Susan, I’m sorry I cannot join you for tea in Duxbury, because I will be back at Hilltop having tea with Mandy!! Wasn’t that picnic two years ago the best? I’ll savor one of those shortbread cookies in your memory. Fondly, Susan from Falmouth
I forgive you! 🤣
I love your artwork and that you love the Directorists which is simply marvellous. Just been to Zumba and feel on top if the world. Much love from England xxxx Jeannie
Oh my, what a delightful love story! In the words of Anne Shirly Cuthbert (I’m watching Anne With an E on Netflix!), it’s so ROMANTICAL!
Here’s to a beautiful February for all of us girlfriends! The groundhog did not see his shadow, so I’m preparing for an early spring! I actually worked in the garden yesterday, here in southeast Ohio – it was 60 degrees and sunny. GORGEOUS! But then, this morning, I read this (posted below), and I’m afraid we’ll pay for our mild February 2 in the form of raging late winter storms . . . but who’s to know? Even the weather forecasters can’t say for sure.
If Candlemas [February 2] be mild and gay,
Go saddle your horses and buy them hay;
But if Candlemas be stormy and black,
It carries the winter away on its back.
–Proverb
Thank you so much for the chance to win. I always enjoying reading your posts. I have all of your books, and your apple crisp recipe is my go-to year round.
MCC-NY
Susan I love that you reminded us that Valentine’s Day is for all the people we love and care for. I’ll be sending cards to all my girlfriends. 💌 I enjoy all your posts. Happy Valentine’s Day. ❤️
Life is good in so many ways
Oh my gosh I’ve missed reading your blog. I used to do so years ago and then get so busy, but it is like a warm bubble bath when I stop, put the musica on, and step into your house for a cup of tea! <3 Not sure if you remember, but years ago, my high school friend and I sent you a little lovin' bud. 🙂 We were starting up a business at the time. We make them more for ourselves but I'm hopeful to think those little girl friends have their arms linked in your sweet house on the Vineyard. Maybe looking right at Jack! Well, have a wonderful day. Thanks for the heart hug. And I LOVE the mug!
Aw, what a beautiful post!!! Yay for love and friendship!
A beautiful story for the month of hearts! I taught 4th Grade for 37 years and my favorite holiday with the children was always Valentine’s Day. I would look out over the classroom and there would be hushed talk as envelope after envelope was opened and each valentine card read carefully. There was something almost sacred about that activity …. joy, caring, and yes, even love filled every bit of air space in the room!
I truly DO NOT know where the year is running off to!!…until you mentioned it in your blog, I did not even think that my calendar needed turning! (How sad is that!!??) Thank you for being you!…for being that constant remind to pause and celebrate the NOW!!!…I have tile floors in my home…that is not in anyway kind to bone china!…I had one of your England coffee mugs…that hit the floor…the china chards (because I could not just throw them away), now live in my lemon tree garden!! One must be careful when weeding!!! Blessings dear dear Susan!!!
Oh, my gosh!!! The story about Karen was so beautiful! It should make you feel so wonderful Susan as you were responsible for this wonderful, amazing story! We just never know what may happen from what we put out into the world. And in these crazy times it warms our hearts to know that wonderful things are still happening all around us. We need to hold on to that and replace the negativity we are bombarded with with the joy that is still in the world. Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
I truly DO NOT know where the year is running off to!!…until you mentioned it in your blog, I did not even think that my calendar needed turning! (How sad is that!!??) Thank you for being you!…for being that constant reminder to pause and celebrate the NOW!!!…I have tile floors in my home…that is not in anyway kind to bone china!…I had one of your England coffee mugs…that hit the floor…the china chards (because I could not just throw them away), now live in my lemon tree garden!! One must be careful when weeding!!! Blessings dear dear Susan!!!
So sweet! And thanks to the groundhog for bringing us an early spring! 🐣🌷🌻🐰
One of the loveliest stories I have read in a long time Thank you for sharing.
HI Susan,
Once again you made my heart happy – happy-happy…..although i did get a bit teary eyed at Doreen’s letter. I love your blog and i can’t wait until your new book comes out. When is the pre-ordering going to start? I think that you were put here on earth to make all of us “girlfriends” have a place to connect and feel like we matter. Thank you! Love and big hugs to you and Joe and Jack too.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Kathy from Kentucky
I love your blog posts so much, Susan. They truly do brighten my day. The story from Doreen was *amazing*! And I love what you wrote about stress at the end. I am feeling very down lately and have cabin fever, too. I have gained a few pounds and feel very sluggish. I know I need to get outside and exercise! Thanks for the motivation. xoxo
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your positivity, It is needed in the world today. Love your blog.
Hoping I win a cup to send to a friend who loves Susan Branch and needs cheering!
I so love all your blogs, pictures, artwork. I have all your cookbooks. Yet, this story stirred my heart. I needed a tissue. Second love, stemming from four faithful friends, of which two are now in heaven, stirs the heart. Thanks!
So happy that I found your blog this morning! What a lovely love story! Thank you Susan.
What a beautiful story! And such a gift that she shared with you and you, in turn, shared it with US! Thank you! Your posts always make me feel so cozy and held; thank you for the beauty you put out into the world. Muah! XO
A cup of tea in hand; quiet moment to enjoy a “visit” with you. Ah, a blog so full of hearts, love, a sprinkle of a tear and the joy of “friends found”.
This, I think, I will read over and over again. Thank you Susan for all the loveliness! Janelle
Love your blog…a bright spot in my day!
Thanks for this fun post Susan!
Thank you Susan for bringing a depressing day into the light of joy. I so look forward to your new book. Have a beautiful day my friend.
Thank you for sharing such a happy and sad story. And thanks for always providing a bit of whimsy to my day.
I wish I lived closer for the Mother’s Day events! Your words make my heart smile:)
I would love to own your beautiful mugs. I always visit your site when I am in need of comfort and joy. We need it more than ever, a reminder that home, family, joy, and old fashioned pursuits like reading, baking, gardening, walking are true pleasures in life.
Dear Susan, I always look forward to hearing from you. You tell the best stories. They make me smile, and sometimes tear up, but I love them all. I saw your post before today (Feb. 3rd) but every time I tried to open it, I couldn’t get it to open. I kept getting error messages. Today…ta da! It worked. I’m so glad. I would hate to miss a message from you ever! And what a luvlee story you had for us today. I do love a happy ending. Those cups are beyootiful and even if I don’t win them, I am happy to be a part of this community. Have a great week Susan.
Loved Doreen’s story, so happy they have found love together! I found a great friend through a blog too, and we’ve been “tech friends” for about ten years. We just met in person last summer! She lives in Georgia and I live in Missouri. She and her husband love our National Parks, and volunteer as guides every summer, where they live in their RV. She motivates me to be more active, as I tend to be a couch potato! Oh, and she’s an Aussie, married to an American, and has lived here for over 30 years! I couldn’t have found a more interesting friend!
Your blogs and books always take me to my happy place. I would love to win one of your mugs. I also can’t wait for your new book. Keep smiling <3
Happy February to you too, Susan. Reading your blog is my stress reliever xo
Clare
Thanks for all the love you share…this blog made my Monday morning special.
Happy Groundhog Day and Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy February 29!!! What a fun month!! And thanks for the many ways you inspire us!!! I always eagerly await your blogs!!
Reading your ethereal posts, gathering the ingredients for the homespun recipes, playing the soft music you recommend – it’s like I’m 8-years-old again. And I’m sitting under the dining room table, combing my Madame Alexander doll’s hair (mustn’t do that!) while the scent of Chanel No. 5 (I played with mom’s perfume tray again) and her no-peek pot roast is wafting all around me. I’m listening to my dad read the newspaper to my mom from his rocker, while she’s setting the table above me. And my Grandparents are coming over soon, and Grandpop is gonna help me play with my watercolor kit again. He’s an artist and he says he thinks I can be, too.
It’s pure bliss. Thank you for evoking these beautiful memories. You’re wonderful. ❤️
I love your finger puppet idea! It’s adorable! Why not make a sturdy batch of these darlings, using not only your charming feline, but other cute characters: hedgehogs, bunnies, mice, puppies, etc. – And put them in your “shop?” What fun for little ones to play with … especially with their nanas!
And I love the vintage Valentines lined up on your sunny windowsill. For some reason, that really pierced me with a tiny Cupid’s arrow … it went straight to my heart. Thanks for brightening my day, Sue!
Thank-you for your wonderful blog post. I simply love it. And…I can’t wait to see the secret notes in person!
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing that beautiful story. Life is amazing and full of magic and you are so good to remind us to look for the joy. I get so excited when I see you have a new blog post – thank you so much for sharing your delicious recipes and art. Thank for the chance to win those delightful mugs of happiness and love! xoxo Nicole
What a beautiful love story…Thank you for sharing so many things with us.
I am enjoying my lovely English Countryside Calendar.
Please hurry and get that new book written.
I would love to win the mugs!
Love your blog so much and cannot wait for Enchanted to be published!
Hi Susan.
Such a poignant story of love, loss and love again ❤️. It truly is a wonderful world and I remind myself every day to be thankful for whatever comes my way.
Thanks Susan for another encouraging post to get us through the cold dark winter months, (shall I say Brown??) LOL..
I am just getting over a pretty nasty cold so I can sympathize with you for January! Almost time for some warm sun and fresh air and planting my garden! Much love Gina
I would love to have one of your mugs! I keep your small calendar on my desk. I am a teacher, I have your large calendar at home and I have one of your glass hearts hanging in my kitchen window. I have read all of your books and am envious of your artistic abilities! Happy Valentines Day!
Pudding recipe looks really good. Will have to try it.
Thank you.
Good afternoon Susan, love your blogs. The artwork is so you. You have a very special talent and share it with all of us your faithful friends. Keep on doing what you do so eloquently. Going to read A Fine Romance for the 5th time. No matter how many times I read it I get something new from it.
You know, every time I see a post from you my heart leaps a little! It can be a struggle to keep magic in my life, but whenever I see a new blog entry from you I know you are there, helping to keep wonder in my world. Thank you, ALWAYS!!!