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! ❌⭕️
Love your blog ♥️ It brightens up my day xx
I always enjoy your blog notice in my inbox Susan, it’s like a letter from home. 💗
Kindly,
Jacqueline
So fun! Would love this Valentine treat! ❤️
I guess I’m a “Susan Groupie,” as I have most of your books, several years of
calendars (both wall-size and pocket),” and have even bought a Gladys Taber cookbook I found in a thrift store! Recently, I broke down and bought the Martha’s Vineyard mug because we’ve been there – we came over on the ferry, rented a Mini-Cooper and spent the afternoon driving from one end of the island to another. I decided that trying to find your house would be too stalkerish, so we didn’t. I do love your blog and hope you keep it up for a long time.
Thanks, I needed that after all of the dismal Washington news, our horrid colds, two days of rain, and no winter much at all despite what my SB mini calendar says about the month and day. It’s good there is always fabric to play with. I’m a quilter!
My mother was born on Leap Year’s day 1916 and would be 26 this year!
I appreciate your positive vibes!
Hugs!
Thank you for spreading joy, I love reading your blog. I feel like your my friend!! Happy Valentines’s season!!
Thank you for sharing your time and your talents and nourishing our spirits!
Thanks for your blog Susan. My beloved dad passed away last June and this is my first Valentine’s Day without him. I’ve dealt with my own cancer & heart condition in these two years, plus my mom’s brain aneurysm, but dad was always there with our Valentines to get us through it all. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
What a beautiful and heart tugging post! Happy ❤️ Day, Susan!
I’ve been savoring Isle of Dreams! Loved reading Karen’s story.
I love how cozy yours posts make me feel!
Thank you for the opportunity to win a teacup! Appreciate your generosity!
Oh, I would love, love, love to win a cup. I have grown up on your illustrations & now I keep your cookbooks & calendars in my own home. Your art has been such a meaningful inspiration to me! I’d be so blessed to have a little of your cheer in my teacup cabinet. ♥️
I love your blog! I look forward to it and love everything you do!
Thank you for a little February cheer ❤️😊.
Doreen’s was so beautiful! It brought tears to my eyes. I’m so glad you kicked your flu bug. Bye for now!
A love-ly give-away! 💌
Love those teacups! And your sensibilities and lovely bits of inspiration.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents with the world. I have been a fan for such a long time. Crossing my fingers that I win. I’d love to have those cups to add to my collection. Happy Valentine’s Day (a little early)! God Bless you.
Love your books and and artwork!
I love Valentine’s Day because it’s my husband’s birthday❤️.
Our family celebrates him and then we celebrate us.
He says our house looks like it had a heart attack😂.
I have collected and made a ‘few’ Valentine decorations over the years.
Love your teacups❤️
Put my name in the hat, please and thank you!
I have to tell you how much I am enjoying “Detectorists”. Just a show about everyday people and their everyday lives and the absolute wealth they have from their friendships, and NOT from anything they find. Such a treat! I always remember my mom telling us when we were little and we would ask,”Are we rich?”, and she would always answer,”We are rich in love, and that’s what matters.” Thank you for all you do. You make me feel rich.
Normal people, with dreams, a house, a family, a love, finding something other than a pop top, how can we not love it!?! My mom said that exact thing, rich in love, rich in fun! I think hearing that as a child makes you feel rich all your life!
Stress can also result in heart problems. Check out “broken heart syndrome” on the internet. I know because I had it and they tell me it was caused by stress. I was in ICU and on a ventilator for several days until my heart healed thanks to good doctors, nurses, and a good hospital AND an implanted ventricular assist device.
Stress is our enemy! 😘😘😘
Oh Susan.. such a sweetie you are.. it’s like you can read my soul on what makes me smile! My daughter makes sure I get at least one of your calendars at Christmas every year and this one is beautiful as ever! I was going through an old folder recently and found a small stack of Willards.. back when you used to mail them! I couldn’t wait to read them! The tea cups are ever so pretty and I would so greatly appreciate it to be entered into the drawing for the chance to win. Thank you and have a warm snuggly evening!
What beautiful mugs! Thanks for sharing the love. 😉
Thank you for another inspirational post. You always brighten my day ❤️.
Thank you for another beautiful post. You make everyday wonderful. ❤️
Your posts are good for the soul!
What a lovely story you shared! And your mugs are lovely, too!
Such a beautiful blog. I’m grate. Please enter me in your giveaway. Thank you. ❤️
You just never know where love will find you . Such a sweet love story. Happy Valentine’s Day!
You are fabulous!!!! Love your stories!!! Love your art!!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!!!!!
Such a wonderful story🥰 I am crossing my fingers You are scheduling a book talk in San Luis Obispo sometime soon, too! I just LOVED the last one I attended when you were there & can’t wait for your next book to come out💕 I gush about your books to anyone that will listen📚
I think maybe fall, and I HOPE, at the Apple Farm!
YAY💗 Just what we’ve been hoping for!!!!! YAY💗YAY💗YAY!!!
🤣😍
((yay))
My husband and I celebrate our first date anniversary on Valentine’s Day. This year will be 22 years.
Happy St. Valentines Day! I used to put your stickers on love notes to my sweetheart (now husband of almost 17 years), and stick the notes in the old fashioned mail slots in our old fashioned college mailroom. <3 Happy memories! The mugs are lovely; thank you for offering them.
Thank you for your words of inspiration. I look forward to your blogs and all your new dishes. The mugs are beautiful, perfect with your tea.
Love my 2020 calendar!! Your Punxsutawney Phil is so fluffy! These mugs are super adorable…. just like everything else you make. I’ve been a fan from the beginning and you never disappoint. xoxox
This blogpost was such a fun read ! The Jack fingerpuppet still has me smiling 💕 Happy Valentines Day to Joe and you, Susan ( and of course, Jack !) 💗💗💗
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
I so look forward to your posts each month! The mugs are beautiful. Reading A Fine Romance for the 10th time!! Can’t wait til your next book!!❤️
Your lovely blog…filled with quotes…always brightens my day!
Oh wow! Those cups are so cute- I’d have to share one with my mom, and then we could have tea “together” even though we live in different states! Can’t wait for the book signing!!
its a beautiful valentines post, im very excited about ENCHANTED, can’t wait!!!
Oh wow! What cute cups! I’d have to share one with my mom so we could have tea “together” even though we’re in different states. Can’t wait for the book signing!
Hellooooo Susan…
In 1990 or 1991, I bought and gave your “Christmas” book to my beautiful Mother, Yvonna Mae Tingwald Mondt. She always loved everything Christmas and made every one of them, while I grew up with 3 sisters, so absolutely special. But, then, she made many many occasions absolutely special. She lived almost 93 years and I miss her every single day.
After I gave her your “Christmas” book, whenever I would return home to visit her and Dad, I would find it and sit with it and read it and love it. And then I would say, “Mother, can I PLEASE have this book NOW??”. And she would say no. And I would say, “BUT MOTHER I LOVE IT!”. And she would say, “No, Davi, you cannot have it…. someday, after I’m gone, you can have it.”. The thing was, I never thought “after I’m gone” would ever come. I thought she would uphold her end of our “deal”… I made her promise she would live until she was 106. She would laugh and say, “Why 106?”. And I would say, “It’s such a nice round number.” And she would laugh again.
Anyway, I’ve had that beloved “Christmas” book since she died in 2017. I still love it so. I have many other of your books. I formed a book club about six years ago called “Carpe Librum” and, when it was my month to host, I chose your “The Fairy Tale Girl”. Sharing it led to other book club members wanting to read the other two books in the series – plus several of them bought cookbooks. We’re all about the same age as you are and we all grew up in the Midwest… most of us in Iowa… and we experienced so many of the same things you did while growing up.
So, anyway again – I have never posted a remark, but have followed your blog from the beginning….and plan to follow as long as you keep writing.
I love the way you think and write. I do believe we are sisters from other Mothers.
In these dark days, you’re positive spirit and loving nature keep me hanging in there.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I love that wonderful sweet connection between you and your mom. Thank you so much for sharing that with me!❤️ Please stay hello to Carpe Librum for me! You know Iowa is where my mom and grandma and about jillion others in my family were born? Sioux City … Because of them, I always feel like an Iowa girl. Sioux City Sue. xoxoxo
Yes, I love that your Grandmother and Mama are Iowa girls. Also, thought you’d be interested in knowing that I’m a born/raised/and returned girl to my hometown of Boone, Iowa. There are lots of “Orr” people who grew up in Boone. Do you suppose your “Orr”s are related?
Would you ever consider coming to Boone for a tea party/wine drinking/book signing/fun time event? My Carpe Librum girls would love to host you! We could hold it at my acreage, “Smiling Dog Farm”!… there’s also smiling kitties here, too!
If you ever hear of me going on a cross-country tour, remind me again, and if our path is meant to cross, it will happen!
Hellooooo again,
My reply simply disappeared….. POOF! Here’s a second take:
I wanted you to know that there’s an “Orr” family from my town, Boone, Iowa…. and I’ll betcha their related to your Iowa Orr family!
Also, wanted you to know that you’ve got an open invitation to attend “Carpe Librum” anytime. We would love to host you at a good, old-fashioned gathering.
Best to you!
How fun! I’m sure we’re related! Our family came from all over Iowa, and my grandmother had nine brothers and sisters! Thank you for the invitation!
Thank you for sending winter cheer! Love your stories💗
Love your pledge for a best friend!
Hi there,
Thank you for sharing the new love story. The other day I heard that you don’t look for love – love finds you. Sounds like love found them. I’m so hopeful for the happy couple.
I would love to win the heart mug. I think it’s the only mug that Joe designed. Right?
Fingers crossed that I win! Thank you.
Love you Susan.
Love to read your stories and these heart mugs are perfect for Valentine’s.
Look forward to your blogs! Great reading on a wintry, Ohio night.
Would LOVE to win a lovely mug!
I feel such a connection to you all just by reading the posts! Thank you Susan and everyone else! I’m a lefty mug holder 😉
Hi Susan,
What a lovely post! Thank you for being a bright spot in my day 🤗
The ❤️Mugs are darling! Some lucky lady will enjoy their tea just a bit more, one day soon!
Bonnie McKee
It would be so very special to win your mugs.
Great post! Thanks for the giveaway too! My 31 year old son died in August. It is good to hear of people who have experienced loss moving on and being happy. The cups are beautiful! I have a Mother’s cup, but it is broken. I guess it matches my broken heart.
Janet, I am a stranger who has been through the loss of her mother and brother within the last 5 years. I know your heart is broken and you are devastated. But you will get through this pain. I promise you. It seems the more you love someone, the harder it is to lose them. But they are cheering for you on the other side. Sending healing thoughts~Nina
These mugs are adorable!
How lovely and perfect!
Thank you for this lovely give away that I would love to win. I have bought 8 of your mugs, some from your site and some from a shop in McKinney, TX, but don’t have these! Always look forward to your blog. Thanks so much. Sandi in Texas
Blessings and love to you, Susan! Your letter always brightens my day❤️
Hi Susan sitting here reading your blog and waiting for a snow storm to start! February always seems to be the worst month of the Winter but reading Doreen’s story made me so happy! Finding love again makes our hearts seem to beat a little faster. I have been a fan for a long time. I have all your books and enjoy reading them over and over. I hope I have the opportunity to win a mug from you to give to my new love for Valentine’s Day❤️
Happy Valentine’s Day !!!! Hugs and Kisses to everyone !!!! Mollie Corcoran
Love the flowers from Joe, just beautiful!
It is always a happy day when I see you have posted something. I so look forward to it and it sometimes takes me away to a happy place of nature, creating, and dreaming.
I would really love to win the beautiful cup! Thanks for you!
Ahhh what a beautiful story .
I would be so happy to win !
Such a beautiful story! So happy for all and I like to think it was their spouses who were encouraging them from Heaven. ✨❤️
With a cup of tea in hand I sat in my cozy spot to enjoy this lovely blog post with such a heart warming story.
What a sweet story and such beautiful cups!!
What a wonderful happy blog! I have followed your books from the first and the blog too from day one. I had the privilege of meeting you in Ut years ago at the Where Women Create event. You have been a positive influence in my life. I just always get cheered up reading the things you write, illustrations, what you do and what others share too. Thank you! I am sorry you lost your friend but what a wonderful story of her memory being carried forward…❤️
Susan, what a touching post. I lost my very own best girlfriend from a cancerous brain tumor two years ago. This story got me to thinking I need to reach out to her husband a little more often. And not because I need a husband! Just to comfort a friend.
Hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
The good things have a way of bring people together. xoxox
Will try the Detectorists!
Dear Susan,
I just finished reading three of your wonderful books; “Fairy Tale Girl”, “Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams”, and “A Fine Romance; Falling in love with the English Countryside.” I thoroughly enjoyed each one, especially the last one! I can’t wait to visit England someday. Thank you for your extensive history, fabulous artwork and lettering skills and for Sharing your talents!
Sincerely
Jan Simmons
What a charming Valentine post! And what a generous give-away. Love your blog and your art!
Truly enjoy your publication and I,m anxious to try the recipes!! Thanks for sharing them.
So love ❤️ your post! You are a gift 🎁 to all of us! Thank you 🙏🏼 for being you! Cheers! ♥️🌷♥️
Thank you Susan for sharing your heart and home with all of us!
Hi Susan ❣️Can’t wait to see you again in Duxbury, Ma Happy Valentines Day to you and Joe ❤️ This is my second entry I’m not sure if the first one made it😁
Oh, I also loved the Detectorists! My husband found it a while ago and then we watched the whole series and thoroughly enjoyed it. I also loved the love story in you post Susan. Thank you for the beauty!
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. You have the gift of spreading love with those of us who are miles away; helping us feel connected to you and you friends. I love the mugs! I will be printing out the bookmark! Blessings to you Susan!
*I think my last comment must’ve gotten lost in cyberspace, but perhaps it’s the apostrophe in my last name that’s causing the issue. (It’s always the apostrophe!) We’ll see if taking it out works. LOL Anyway… trying again. 🙂
Lovely post! I am definitely enjoying your English Countryside calendar in my kitchen, but I also keep your blotter on my desk and small pocket calendar in my purse. Perfect! BTW, I recently signed a contract with my publisher to write my third book. My first two books are about Marie Curie and Nikola Tesla, but this one will be a middle grades bio about none other than our dear Miss Potter. I’ve always loved her books/art, but I was inspired by your book, A Fine Romance, to travel to the Lake District and Hill Top Farm back in 2017. Of course, I fell in love with both, and that’s when I made up my mind that I wanted to write about Beatrix’s amazing life at some point. I will highlight her contributions to the fields of science/conservation/preservation, in addition to her work as an author/illustrator. I am traveling back to the UK next month to do research at the V&A Blythe House in London. Then after a brief detour to Cornwall, I plan to be in the Lake District for the BPS AGM–so excited! I’m a member too! So just remember, you had an influence on my next book with YOUR book! 🙂 My book should be out in 2021, and I couldn’t be happier! (I’ll send you a copy!) So thanks, Susan! Happy February…
Pages and paragraphs of your book will be a heavenly “spot” to live in for the next year! My favorite part about writing, I get to BE in the places I write about… right now I’m going back in time to around 1957 and it’s a very fun place to be!
Love your letters! Always brighten my heart! Thank you!
Susan, over the years, I’ve read your books and blog. You have been a breath of fresh air, when I’d wind down from a busy day. Thank you!
So fun!
Hi, Susan!
This is my third try and getting a comment posted. Maybe third time’s the charm! I wanted to say your post is full of love….just what the world needs SO much more of. Thanks for the “lovely” post! You made my day with a good cry!
Donna
You are a gift that keeps on giving. ❤️❤️
I loved reading yor blog. Your words alway lighten my heart thank you judy
Love the mugs and love everything about this website. I sent the Pledge to a Best Friend to mine this week when her father passed away. Thank you for making the world a sweeter place.❤️
Always such a delight!! I look forward to your new post every month:) Thank You!!
You provide such a wonderful place to connect and remind ourselves what is really important in our lives. Love and connecting with others. None of the rest matters in the end.
I just binge watched the Detectorists. Loved it! And the theme song. If anyone has any recommendations for similar English programs please share. I love cozy, feel good shows with scenes of the English countryside. We are currently watching Doc Martin from the beginning again.
This is my first time commenting. Thanks for the beauty you bring to the world. xo
What a wonderful post to start the day! I love your beautiful mugs! They are just joyful to look at!
Always a pleasure to read your blog. Read your book on the Cotswolds before going on a trip there with my mom to celebrate my graduating. Cheers!
Love your calendar! I have it on my kitchen wall, mark all my family birthdays, keeps me on schedule; and your art makes me smile often. Thanks for the bookmark, I printed several to share with my daughters and grands.
Thank you for the cheery post as it is raining and quite dreary here in NY. I enjoyed your “pledge to a best friend” and I will share it with my BFF. The heart shaped waffle maker is the cutest!
Have you seen the series Outlander on Starz? I think it is something you might enjoy.
Enjoy the day!
I loved the books … and I loved a lot about the series, except I am really bad with violence, I can NOT tell the difference between real and not real! Books, I guess I must have skimmed over it!😂
Thanks for your beautiful art and life fulfilling messages!
I am 86 years old still with the dream of going to England. In the meantime I get to vicariously travel through the English countryside enjoying the cottages and gardens thanks to your blog and beautiful art. 💕 Wilma
Sounds like you are one of the lucky 86 years young!😘
Susan, this is a cute story for you. Every year my sister and I buy each other your calendar for Christmas (from probably your 1st one). My daughter bought me one this year and I reminded her of her aunt’s and mine exchange, so she had an extra. My son, who is away in the military, came home for Christmas and was so excited when he saw the extra one and asked her if he could have it (he’s 27and a big, burly male). He said he wanted it because it reminded him of home!
When I went to visit his new home in January, there it was, hanging proudly in his kitchen. Totally warmed my heart!
Mine too! Sweet as pie! You raised a good one!❤️
Although I’m a newcomer here, I have enjoyed my pocketbook calendars for years! Look forward every year to my new one. Now that I have stumbled on your website, I love reading your posts and blogs. I escape for a while reading your stories. Hopefully I’m still in the running for the cup give away. Bone China! Coffees and teas just taste better in bone China!
We enjoyed “The Detectorists” a while back, finding it most entertaining! We enjoy more and more the British series over usual American fare. What a lovelypost htis has been, love the sisterhood story and the Valentines mugs.–Susan
Lots of Nancys commenting today, and I am another Nancy!
Your blog is always a joy to read, even when it contains a poignant message. It’s all about friendship and the good things in life, especially love.
Thank you Susan for bringing these bright spots into our world.
Although I’m a newcomer here, I have enjoyed my SB pocketbook calendars for years! If I’m still in the running for the cup giveaway, I would love my tea and coffee in bone china! There’s just something about the way it taste better in bone china!