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! ❌⭕️
How I always look forward to your posts! Susan, you never disappoint! Thank you! 🥰
Thank you for sharing such a heart warming story. Always love to see Susan Branch in my emails!
Il always look forward to your blog and always read with a smile! Love the love story!!! Oh & thank you for a lovely giveaway chance!!
You make my heart happy, Susan! Thank you for spreading love, good cheer & happy thoughts in our world. I hope to be like you! Cheers to you for a happy heart day & month! 💗💜
Such a great, HEART-warming newsletter! Miracles do happen with Greg and Doreen, so glad she (and you) shared it with all of us. 💕
Thank you, Susan. The brightness and joy you bring in these challenging days is much appreciated.
Ohhhh! I just loved Doreen’s and Gregory’s love story!! Thank you so much for sharing that! Such beauty out of sorrow. It reminded me of another precious and true love story I read recently – a youngish widowed mama meets her second love as a barista at Starbucks! It sounds so corny, but it truly was a lovely story of -beauty from ashes. Here’s the link if anyone is interested…..and you have to follow another link in order to read about her first love. tricialottwilliford.com/our-story/
And wouldn’t I just love to win the beautiful tea cups!! Thank you for doing a giveaway Susan!
Thank you for sharing that great story. My mom has meet a gentleman in Missouri and she is in Oregon. I often am cynical of these kinda relationships but your touching story and genuine words touched my heart and have turned my feelings in a positive direction, hoping that my mom has found a true friend and love in this man.
I miss my mother this time of year. She was born Velma Valentine on Valentine’s day1910. She got her LPN license after my Dad died when I was 13 and my sister 15. She was a courageous woman and an excellent role model.
Sue Love, Per usual a lovely and heart warming message in my inbox from a kindred spirit.
I am always so grateful for your stories of kindnesses shining out in a sometimes less than optimistic world. As long as there are people like you, my cup will forever runneth over. A very happy day to you and yours, Bless & Cheers, Karin
PS would love to sign up for a pen pal with someone. Does that even exist these days?
I love your books and calendars and have bought one for years. I cut them apart and use your artwork in my scrapbooks. It always adds so much. Thank you for years of inspiration and sayings.
Fantastic letter from you..as always!!!
Thank you for all the joy you’re spreading.
Thank you, Susan, and thank you to Doreen, for sharing her moving story. What a beautiful ending after so much sadness.
Your blog always is so heartwarming, uplifting, and delight-filled (delight is one of my favorite words!). It is wonderful that you use your caring and your talent to bring so much joy to others.
Dear Susan,
I would LOVE to win the two lovely mugs. I have a collection of your mugs but neither one of them. My mother was English and she was a physician. Every afternoon when she would come home from “clinic” in Boston, where we lived, we would have a cup of tea and a biscuit or two to tide us over until my father, also a physician, got home rather late for dinner, so we drank a lot of tea growing up and still do. Thanks for all you do to make us forget the horrors of the news today and remind us that friendships and family bind us all together with love.
I live in Duxbury but I will still be in Florida at the beginning of May so I probably will not get to your wonderful talks. Rats !!!!
Hello, I tried to leave a comment about an hour ago, but I think I did it wrong. I always loom forward to your letters, and the Stress And Pressure Reminders were very welcomed. Thanks, Dale Cynthia
What a beautiful story!!
RABBIT RABBIT – Happy February – May it be filled with joy an love!
Thank you for bringing so much sunshine to my life with your blog ! You and Joe are most delightful people ( and Jack , of course ). Thank you for making our planet a better place !
I never tire of great Love Stories!
I am turning 80 this month! OMG where did the years go!?
What a wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Happy everyone.
Dear Susan, Thanks for the heart warming story of the friends your blog brought together and the unexpected marriage. That was amazing. We usually go out for a nice dinner to celebrate Valentine’s day or cook together a special meal at home. This year we are going out. It is fun to pull out some special decorations that I have around. I love your antique Valentine’s cards. Hope you have a nice celebration whatever you plan to do. Take care.
Love, Crystal from Cannon Falls, Minnesota
Oh Susan, you and Joe have connected the world in wonderful ways. Thank you so very much for sharing your life with us! You have definitely been a bright light in my life and I enjoy sharing you with my friends and family! May God continue to richly bless you two! Rabbit Rabbit from Idaho!
Oh Susan your post was DELIGHTFUL!!!! You are just yummy!!!! I’m a Massage Therapist and your post on stress was SPOT ON!!! Be sure to book that massage on a regular basis, I receive mine every week and regret not a one! Then when I work, I always take into the session one of your beautiful Moon mugs full of yummy Chi Tea. Makes my work even sweeter! You’re a beautiful woman and you make the world a better place!!!!! Thanks for sharing the LOVE! How fun would it be to win your HEART mug!!!! If I don’t I’ll just have to buy one! Much Love to you dear!!!!
I am finally being brave and taking a local art class this month…I’ve long had my closet art table and rarely have the time to use it, but I’ve long longed to do “art.” I am thankful for your inspiration, and so glad England is part of that.
Happy February, Happy Valentines Day!
Love your optimism, your idealism, and your passion. What wonderful gifts you share!!
I’ve been loving your tweets and came across a quote I thought fit our times. “Honesty is a very expensive gift, don’t expect it from cheap people.”
Thank you, thank you, thank you for a lovely blog post!
Happy February Susan! Thank you for the beautiful blog post.
Thank you for bringing so much joy to life, Susan! I’m already hoping to come to one of your Mother’s Day events in Duxbury, along with my daughter. We would have so much fun! It’s wonderful to see how you inspire people.
It’s always so lovely to hear from you. I love the heart garland and am inspired to make one for Valentine’s Day.
What a lovely story. Thank you for sharing that with us. But so sad too! It is really unbelievable and so precious.
O my! Such a heart warming post. So happy for your friends.
Love does make the world go around. Thank you for the bookmark. Your secret notes are simply sweet.
The mugs: divine! 💕
So pleased to read about the happy beginning for Doreen and Greg.
Love does make the world go happily around.
Your secret notes are sweet. The mugs: divine!
Thank you for the bookmark.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Dear Susan,
Love your blog! Karen’s eyes DO show a sweet spirit. Thanks for sharing her story and your artful life. I especially like the poem by Minna Thomas Antrim on the mug. Your work definitely lowers MY stress level and I know it must for others. Thank you. Cozily yours,
Pam E.
Reading your blog is the perfect feel-good start to February. Thank you for sharing.
Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite Days !! I always made my mother a valentine and she always kept all of them in an old candy box and guess what! I have them now after many years!! I have girlfriends that I exchange valentines with and those friends are precious! And I make valentines for my family members and especially my husband. Loved your stories especially your friend’s story – May they be blessed with happiness!
I live in Southgate Mi. and can also attest to the typical gloomy Jan. I would love to win your mugs! Sooo cute and comfy. Such a special post that has everything to do with celebrating friendship and what it can lead to. Friendship….has been so important to me since being a little girl….now an old little girl, it still is. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe.
The story of Doreen and Greg is a beautiful love story! I enjoy each of your newsletters so much. I would love to be in the drawing for the beautiful mugs to share with my sweetie.
Happy Valentines Day! I would love a beautiful cup ❤️
Susan…I am soooooooooo glad you suggested watching Leap Year. I had not heard of this movie til just now…….what a delightful film it is…Matthew Goode reminds me a bit of my favorite cousin….when he was young. We both are now in our mid- seventies…This movie gave me an evening of pure delight….I will order a used copy to have in my film library.
Exciting to see a new blog so soon after “Brown”. I was almost a
Valentine, my birthday is Feb 13th and my late husbands was the 13th
of Dec. I got a minature brownish poodle last Feb and his birthday
is Feb 14th. He is a rescue and will be five. Blessings to Doreen and Greg.
Happy Valentines Day Susan, Joe and girlfriends.
Wonderful blog! So happy for the couple that found love again.
Warmed my heart on this cold winter night – – thanks for sharing with us!!
Thank you for the bookmark! I think I’ve printed everyone! Currently reading Where the Crawdads Sing and loving having a good story to fall into every night. I would recommend it! Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Joe, and Jack! XXO
Love reading your blog. Blessings to Greg and Doreen. So happy they have each other.
Inspirational and happy blog as usual.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Thank you for the loving blog, especially the Taking Good Care segment. Also, enjoyed turning the page on my English Countryside Calendar and marveling at the thatched roofs. Would love to attend the Tea in Duxbury, see more photos, and hear from the author of those beautiful books live and in person!
What a nice heartwarming story about Karen. It’s a small world.
What gorgeous flowers Joe brought home, looks like spring!
I love February, hearts are everywhere! And my hubby’s birthday is this month too! How sweet of you to give away a couple of your heart cups! They are so pretty! Good luck to everyone!
Love always seems to find a way and makes us believe in angels ! Best to the happy couple.
Love that red cup! Bet the waffles are good hope Joe enjoys them. Love the quote No Day is so bad it can’t be fixed with a nap. I fix mine by adult coloring books. lol
I’m so excited to hear that another book is on its way. I read your trilogy straight through from our local library & then put them on my wish list. My sweet husband bought me A Fine Romance for Christmas. Can’t wait to reread it. Thank you for such an encouraging blog. 😊
It all comes down to love. That is what your blog is full of. How can we not respond in kind?
Cute ❤️Day cups.
Always love your posts and this one was especially wonderful with the story of friendship and new beginnings. Thank you so much Susan!
Thank you for finishing my day with your always cheerful and uplifting post. It was much appreciated.
Your blog never fails to lift my spirits and help me feel connected!
Happy Valentines Day to you and Joe!
I just turned my small Susan Branch calendar to the new February page and saw that it is Leap Year!
Thank you so much, Susan, for all the joy you share! You’re truly a gift from God for so many! Happy Valentine’s Day💗!!! Jill MacCully😀
Always a joy to read your latest blog.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s day to you and Joe…..also
the pretty kitties 💖
The stories are wonderful. Thank you for
sharing those with us.
Such a nice story ——and just shows how wonderful actual handwritten notes and letters can be to help support and cheer each other up! And I want to try the Spareribs recipe—sounds really yummy. Always enjoy your blog—-thanks for the tv show recommendation.
Happy Valentine’s day to you and Joe…..also
the pretty kitties 💖
The stories are wonderful. Thank you for
sharing those with us!
Dear Susan,
I am cautiously excited about the Mothers Day tea, the one on May 6. I hope to bring a dear, dear friend, godmother to my son, who I haven’t seen in a number of years. She lives close to Duxbury and I could drive down. My daughter graduates from college on May 17, so timing may be a close thing. But if I can be there, with a woman who is the sister of my heart, I will finally get to meet you and tell you how much I have enjoyed your “friendship” over the years. Am crossing fingers/toes, and will know if can do it so I can register on March 24–my birthday! Anyhoo, thank you as always for a lovely, lovely post.
Say hello to Joe and scratch Jack for me.
Fondly, Rosemary
Thank you, Susan. I loved your whole blog this evening. From a special menu to sweet sayings in a match box, love that idea. I also love the waffle hearts. Thanks for everything you do or say. I want to try your special Valentine dinner recipe, too.
Bless you, Doreen! And thank you for letting Susan share your story. You both deserve much happiness together. Susan, I don’t have Twitter but I can read your posts through your sidebar connection. I gain so much information from you there that I would have missed. Thanks for putting it there.
Love your blogs! Sometimes I go back a nd pick out one from Wiiard. Just bought a copy of your book “Gratitude” . Love the quotes and pictures! Just finished rereading ” A Fine Romance” always dreamed about visiting England. Would love to win a cup.
?
What a beautiful story! Your blogs are always full of lovely “heart warms”. I needed some lately after a horrific December and January when my granddaughter spent 4 weeks in hospital as the result of an error during a minor outpatient surgery. She now faces life changing experiences and will endure at least 2 more major surgeries in the next year. Thank you for uplifting moments which I will share with her.
I stopped to say a prayer. Awful! xoxoxo
Happy Valentines Day❤️🌹🍾❗️
What beautiful mugs! I love everything bout Valentine’s Day! My husband and I have been married 25 years (second marriage), and I never thought one day of everything love and hearts was enough, so starting 2/1, he gets a daily reminder for 14 days of a little something special to say how much I love him (notes, candy, a flower stem, cookies, etc). This year, sadly, he’s in a transitional care facility working on building up his strength so he can remain living at home. I’m still doing my best to provide 14 days of extra ♥️ despite not seeing him every day. Today I went through years of cards I’ve given him in the past 25 years and I’m going to place them in his room as a daily reminder of how much he’s loved. HAPPY ♥️DAY EVERYONE!
Susan thank you so much for bringing so much color, creativity, joy, beauty, and love to all of us through your wonderful blogs. It is hard to believe the Love Story is real, but in this amazing world things like that happen every day, everywhere. Thanks for sharing. Have a live Valentine Day and thanks, too, for the picture/puppet of Hacj. 😍
I am so looking forward to your new book! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thank you Susan for all the loveliness ❤️! Cheer is so needed this time of year!!
Susan, I love the little box of secret notes. I purchased some when I was working and would drop them at desks, in coats, etc. as I visited other departments and offices during my workday. Now retired, I find I slip them in at doctor offices, bags at exercise class and on car windows. I enjoy knowing I am someones good fairy for the day.
OH, Susan, my heart!!! That story… all the heartstrings and lives touched by You and Karen and Girlfriends. Goosebumps and tears. CONGRATULATIONS to Doreen and Greg! ABSOLUTELY THRILLED FOR YOU! Many wishes of love and sending hugs as yesterday must have been a hard day for you and sending hugs to all the other Girlfriends whose lives Karen touched. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I have made some nice friends on twitter because of you and a lovely pen pal and I have a brand new friend who I introduced to you and now she loves you too. (of course) You make everything wonderful by sprinkling your FairyTale Girl dust on us all!!!!
I am going to start decorating for Valentine’s day even though i haven’t put away Christmas yet (Gasp. I know.) It has just been so cozy and pretty and I couldn’t bear it since it takes 2 weeks to put up. lol This way i can put everything away at once. Plus, one of the trees is pink so that is Valentiney… I keep telling myself 🙂
Loved everything about this blog! Thanks for the view of the other calendars and letting us know about the tickets. IDK if i can swing it, but i am going to try. Loved the best friends pledge and stress reminders YOU MAKE ME HAPPY!!!!! HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU AND JOE AND JACK (what a darling painting of him)❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I so look forward to your posts and this one was very special with the story of Doreen and Greg :o)
I love all of your mugs and would LOVE to win these two!!!!
Thank you for the opportunity to try.
Don’t work too hard……
Loving the English Countryside calendar, putting it to good use counting the days, only 107, till we’re off to England. We’ll be touring the Chelsea Flower show, gardens of England and Wales, really looking forward to our trip. Happy Valentines Day!
Would be a real pleasure to have coffee in one of your mugs while reading a book. Love to read your blog I feel I know you as if you live right in front of my house.
I would just love for Vanna to pick me so I can gift that lov-er-ly Valentine’s mug to my left handed sister. Actually, I bought two English Countryside mugs that she and I always use for tea when she visits. That is our dream that I put out to the universe…we would like to visit the English countryside together with your mugs in tow. Thanks for sharing Doreen’s wonderful story. You truly are a dream maker Susan!
Dearest Susan…….always enjoy seeing Susan’s Blog in my mailbox….it helps with all the negativity we have to contend with along with the personal/familial problems…just overwhelming …..and it feels like it’s everywhere…….no one is immune. I send love and prayers for all the girlfriends who are feeling shell shocked….you are not alone and you are loved….it’s just who we are…oxoxox Barbara
Hello Susan,
Such a great post. The story of Greg and Doreen is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Best wishes to them.
Happy Ground Hog Day!🐾☁️
Marnie
Oh Susan, An what a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your artwork with us, I love the bookmark and have already printed it out! Getting a blog from you is like a letter from an old friend, I have to sit down, savor it along with a good cup of tea!
I loved reading Doreen’s letter. Such a sweet story. Your flowers are such happy! Thanks for sharing.
I so enjoy your blogs. they are so inspiring and encouraging and FULL of wonderful stories.
Thank you for being so transparent and sharing your life with us girls!!
What a lovely love story – made my heart sing!
Oh how I love your newsy letters to us girlfriends. I look forward to each and every one! Thank you so much Susan. Love to you always !
This was an especially wonderful post! I love a good romance, so the story of two people finding each other and joining their lives together is wonderful. So happy for them. I love the recipes, the Valentine bookmark, and so much more. Thank you for posting such an inspiring post!
Susan~
What a wonderful story! Your blog brings joy to so many ; ) . The valentine mugs are precious. Thank you for your inspiration and for sharing your gift with all who read this blog.
Can’t wait to watch that movie. I have Acorn because I love Doc Martin. It’s so funny. Thanks for your positivity. Have a great February.
Connie Erskine
Haven’t been to your blog for awhile and have totally missed it! Back to work full-time (ugh) in December and time is limited. Can’t wait for your new book. I’ll be in Boston for a family wedding mid-May. Disappointed I’ll miss your appearance in Duxbury. Hope you can make it out to Ohio again at some point!
I watch for & look forward to your blogs. You are so uplifting with art, recipes, your everyday life stories and good advice. Thanks for being you.
Hi Susan,
This most recent blog brought smiles and tears. I love the story shared by Doreen and wish her and her beau many years of happiness. The cups are lovely and will be loved by anyone who wins them. May February bring you and Joe (and Jack) much happiness.
Linda
A beautiful, sweet story. I so enjoy your blog and I always look forward to the next .
Those mugs are gorgeous.
You so inspire me. I am always happier after I read one of your books, recipes or blog and use your beautiful cups. I would love to win one. 🙂
Watched the Detectorists a long time ago. It’s funny, has no violence, and is such a gentle program.
A beautiful post today! Congratulations to Doreen and Greg. Maybe they will go England for their honeymoon!
Susan:
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️ Thanks for your oh so kind heart!
Hi Susan,
“The Detectorists” is one of my favorite series. So sweet and funny, full of delight.
Thanks for sharing the tale of love lost, and found, all thanks to the blog. Best wishes to the bride and groom to be.
This is my year of learning to de-stress! I am a registered nurse and celebrating my first official day of retirement today🙌🏻 I’m actually soaking in a bubbly bath right this minute as I read your post! I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August. This is my second diagnosis of BC, the first was in 2004. I believe stress has had a lot to do with my current diagnosis and have decided that healthy lifestyle changes need to be my priority this year! Thanks so much for your words of encouragement about stress and solutions ❤️
A bubble bath is the perfect way to start! First day of retirement! Congratulations Pam, enjoy the gentle life. xoxo
I LOVED the Detectorists, we binge watched all three seasons and the specials.
What a lovely post! Thanks for sharing that sweet and miraculous story!
Happy Groundhogs Day!