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! ❌⭕️
What a lovely note from Doreen. Thanks for sharing.
Always love reading your blog and wait for it to come.
I am so thankful for your wonderful blog , happy February ❤️❤️❤️😄🥰
Susan- I love to get these emails! They sweep off to a sweet land where I want to live. Away from all our cares and fears. So, just for a while, I’m comforted and delighted by life’s possibilities. You inspire me!!
Thank you so much for this wonderful giveaway. A perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. I thought I would let you know that Harry and Meghan are living just down the street from us in North Saanich, BC. What a surprise it was to find out they were staying so close by. Haven’t met them yet, but you never know. They do seem to be out and about in the countryside and the photographers seem to be leaving them alone. Such a wonderful story of Greg and Doreen. Where love is concerned, anything can happen. I wish them both great happiness. And I wish you and Joe, a Happy, Happy Valentine’s Day.
I hope they get some relief! Hard to leave your home, now she’s done it twice, and it’s his first! Must be beautiful where you are! xoxo
I love those happily ever after stories like Doreen’s! My first husband passed away suddenly from a heart attack in 1999. Five years later, I married my daughter’s best friend’s dad (who was divorced for 9 years!). And we’ve been happily married for 15 years!
And made best friends into sisters! Perfect!
Hi Susan. You always write such beautiful things in your posts. I love that Joe brought you such gorgeous flowers. I’m glad you are feeling better now also. Last night I had a cup of hot cocoa in your Santa mug. Maybe I’ll be the lucky winner of a February appropriate mug. Fingers crossed…
When you started out saying get a Kleenex ready I was afraid of hearing something tragic but that was a happy ending story. Thanks for sharing.❣️
What a beautiful and heartfelt story. I always look forward to your monthly Emails. They are full of sunshine and lightheartedness.
Love your blog… sweet story of the couple brought together by you and spouses of cancer loss. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentines Day. 💌💌💌💖💝
Rabbit Rabbit 💘💖
I forgot “Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit” this morning as I got up early to drive down to Carmel with my husband. Beautiful, warm sunny day for hiking at a Point Lobos and strolling on the beach. Bonus was running into an old friend downtown, and then we laughed when later they were seated next to us at dinner!
Such a heartwarming blog! I lost my husband four months ago, but friends are there for me every day with a call or card. I continue to cherish each day as my husband and I did. We would have celebrated our 44th anniversary two weeks ago.
Thank you for your wonderful blog! Always such a joy to read. I’ve been a fan for many years and especially enjoy your lovely calendars. You’ve been inspiring me for decades with your artwork and heartwarming quotes. Happy Valentine’s Day
Great blog Susan. Also congratulations to Doreen and Greg.
Susan,
I love your blog. I love how God’s plans are often totally unexpected but always the best. Congratulations to Doreen and Greg.
I am hoping to be at the Mother’s Day Tea in Duxbury, and I have marked my calendar so as not to miss the registration date. Love is in the air and I must say that ‘Leap Year’ is one of my favorite movies. I’ve seen it three times and I know that all the girlfriends will love it too. I have several of you r cups and alternate using them and would love to add another to my collection; especially since red is my favorite color and I don’t have either one of the giveaway cups. Wishing you and Joe a romantic Valentine’s Day!
I’m sorry to hear you and Joe had the flu in January, and I hope you both have good health from here on out.
What a great post, Susan! So much in it: recipes, a pretty bookmark, lovely story, photos, and as always, your beautiful artwork. I’m happy to see that the show you recommended, The Detectorists, is available at my library. But I think the best part for me was the reminder about the importance of self-care when we are stressed.
Thanks for such a delightful beginning to my birthday month. I love February!
Loved seeing the February page from the regular calendar, I have the English Countryside this year! Thank you for sharing the story of the Florida-Wisconsin romance. As always, Susan Branch is a treat to read. Of course Valentines Day is a favorite holiday and February a favorite month, I celebrate my birthday the entire month! So, it is a perfect time for me to win a drawing. Keep doing what you do so well!
🐰🐰😊Thanks so much for your blog…I so look forward to reading it every month…And thanks for that Groundhog Day pudding recipe—sounds delish! Hope you and Joe have an absolutely fabulous Valentine’s Day…❤️
With love from Hilary in Ridgewood,NJ
My husband and I love the Detectorists! It’s quirky, funny, sweet and sometimes sad, but so enjoyable to watch. I wonder if it’s going to come back for a Season 4.
Thanks Susan!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe!
Thank you, Susan, for another heartwarming entry. You enrich the lives of everyone who reads your blog. God bless you, Susan.
Your blog posts always cheer me up and make me want to bake something! Yay!
What a story! And you won’t believe it, but a friend was just telling me today of an acquaintance’s mother’s brain tumor. I felt the hair in my neck rise reading this! There’s a tie-in here-I just haven’t found it yet. It is amazing how much your blog means to us…the simple kniwledge that what we speak or read will touch our hearts in some way, entertain us with it wholesome goodness…you have that gift! Thank you for sharing it with us!
Thank you again for the lovely post. What a beautiful love story❤️
Would love the mugs. They are beautiful
Thank you for bringing joy today as always! I look forward to your posts which are always so heartwarming and uplifting. Blessings to you and Happy Valentine’s Day from a very longtime fan.
Loved reading your blog. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Rabbit Rabbit Day! I said that to my husband this morning. Later I got a call from my daughter, but what I heard was my granddaughter saying “Happy Rabbit Rabbit Day! It’s a tradition to say it to someone first, before they say it to you – something that started when our children were small. So much fun.
I laughed out loud when I read that you are watching the Dectorists. Such a funny, funny show. It was on Netflix here in Canada. So ridiculously fun!
Doreen and Greg’s story is wonderful and just made me smile some more. Your mugs are just lovely!
Happy February days to you!
What a happy surprise to read your Valentine wonderment! You bring so much joy to the world!❤️🥰
Lovely post…such a sweet way to end my day. It’s nite, nite time…beautiful day in San Diego spent at two of our local wineries. Fun!
Thank you so much for touching our hearts and connecting us all ♥️Reminding us , that we truly are all connected 😘 Much Love to you😘♥️And Joe , of course!:)
Here is hoping you have a wonderful Valentines Day! Those waffles look dee-licious!! I am so glad you explained leap year–I never knew or would have paid any attention—now I will plan of doing something extra special that day (like thrift store shopping!!)
Linda from Idaho where the weather has been mild but snow is due tomorrow morning (but melting later). All the cats send their love!!
Thank you for the lovely, heartwarming inspiring post, Susan. You bring joy with your beautiful artwork and comforting words which I have been enjoying for many years. Blessings to you and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Susan, I love reading your blogs & smile every time I see your name in my inbox. Your pictures are terrific. It makes me feel like I am there with you, Joe & Jack. Looking forward to your next book.
Such a sweet story about Doreen and Greg. A lovely Valentine for them after the ordeals they have been through. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you for the lovely, heartwarming inspiring post, Susan. You bring joy with your beautiful artwork and comforting words which I have been enjoying for many years. Blessings to you and Happy Valentine’s Day!
I always enjoy your blog! It’s fun to see a new post in my inbox. It cheers up my day. Thank you
I love my new calendar the pictures of England are beautiful. Thank you for bringing love and light to our world.
Your blog was so inspirational. I spent the day decorating for Valentines Day. My husband passed 3 years ago but I am still a romantic.
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for the sweet, and lovely life you share with all of us!!
I have 2 of your calendars this year! One for my desk, and one for my bedroom!
Happy February to you, and yours!! 💌❤️💌❤️💌
❤️💌❤️From, Hillary (Oregon)
Love the love story within your blog. Thank you for the pics of Jack. The finger puppet made me laugh. Glad you are feeling better. Happy February. Happy Leap Year.
\
I look forward to all of your blogs. They bring sunshine to my day. I especially like seeing how Jack sneaks into every one. What a sweet finger puppet. That story was amazing! How wonderful those two people found each other. You just never know when magic is at work. Love how you see things.
Liz
The story of Doreen and Greg is amazing. I am so happy for them.
On a sad note I had a Tuxedo kitty named Spot. He got very sick right
after Christmas and we had to put him down On Jan. 5, I am still very sad.
I have always liked Jack because he is alot like Spot was. I so enjoyed
seeing him today in your news letter.
Give him a hug from me.
Star
Cypress, CA
I’m so sorry, Star. I hope you get a new spot soon, there is one out there with your name all over it. No one should be spotless. xoxo
Hi Susan,
I have a story of meeting my best friend because we both enjoy a certain author’s books. We both posted on the author’s website back in 1999 or 2000. Fast forward to the now and I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it. She lives in MA and I live in CA but distance never stops us. We’ve traveled to Alaska, both Oahu and the Big Island in Hawaii, Las Vegas and Scottsdale. Those trips are always in support of the author. Who has also become a dear friend. SO if by chance I win the very generous Valentine’s Day Giveaway I’ll be sharing a mug with her. She comes out for a visit and stays with me every fall and if we win, she will have her own coffee mug here!
Susan, your blog is such a refreshing note on this sleepless night, thank you!
Your mugs are simply beautiful, and I look forward to having “a cuppa”” with you in Duxbury in May.
Susan D.
Hello Susan, wonderful as always!
Couldn’t sleep well last night worrying about things I can’t solve by myself and missing my two girls living in US ( so far away). Receiving your wonderful post cheers me up and gives me hope and new strength.Thank you Susan for caring and spreading so much love and color.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your Joe from 🇩🇪 ❤️
Thank you for sharing that wonderful story of two people who found happiness after both suffered such a horrible loss. Helping others always has benefits, even when they don’t include finding a new love. ❤️
Thank you dear heart, for sharing Doreen and Greg’s love story. It lifts spirits and brings hope.
Loving you from Camano Island, WA, Diney
Oh, my favorite tea each day is in your heart cup! Warming me always, as you make me feel loved. You are wonderful! Ellie from Dallas
Thank you for the lovely, heartwarming inspiring post, Susan. You bring joy with your beautiful artwork and comforting words which I have been enjoying for many years. Blessings to you and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Love your blog so much! You are a lovely lady.
I’m so glad you got permission to share this amazing love story with us. Thank you.
To: my Dear Friend, Susan: I have been with you for many years and have noticed your growth in the way you remain humble, loving people, and becoming a faithful Women of God, who God uses with your talents for drawing and writing some great books. The secret is: Your love God, and you love to encourage people to do the same in your simple, beautiful ways. Keep on Keeping on with your great and awesome ways of making Joy of Living worth while. Love you, your Friend, Joy
I love your blog. Happy February! I love your calendar page that points out we do get that extra day we’ve all wanted. What to do with it? I’m going to lunch with a dear friend. Thank you Susan!
Love your blog as always. I was reminded of how many times my son has been to visit and has said when seeing how spoiled my cats always are “I’m coming back as one of mom’s cats” LOL Hope you and Joe have a lovlee Valentine’s Day!
Oh, my! Love does work in mysterious ways. Doreen, Karen, Joe, and Gregory. What a pathway to the heart. A Love Story for true.
Thank you for the bookmark; one of my favorite things you do.
Thank you for such an uplifting post. Love the mugs — especially the “Go. Be. Love.” one. I asked for (and got) the precious “Courage, Dear Heart” pitcher for Christmas. It encourages me every time I see it.
Hi,
I’ve just discovered your blog, even though I’ve bought your calendars for a long time. I love it❣️An e-mail full of happiness! Thank you for sharing your many talents. The world needs more of you. 💕
What a beautiful story. Love always finds a way. It reminds me of our neighbour who lost his young wife to cancer after the birth of their second son. He soldiered on as a single dad and took his two boys on a round the world trip when they were older as he and his wife had planned to do. The boys started playing hockey and became friends with two brothers similar in age who had lost their dad. You guessed it, the single dad and the single mom fell in love and they are getting married soon. They are building a new home that can take the rough and tumble lifestyle of four young teenage boys. Yes, love does find a way. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe and your own furry little Valentine of love, Jack. Hugs, Elaine
thanks for another installment of love.
A post from you is my favorite email to receive! They always brighten my day. Thank you for the tips, recipe and ideas….love the Friendship poem. I have four of your mugs and use them daily for everything…..tea, coffee, soups. Would love to have more. Blessings to you and Joe.
Rabbits! Rabbits! Thank you for your heart warming post. Loved the love story! And, at the age of 59, I found love with a wonderful man from Wisconsin,too… and I was living in California at the time. But now we share the beautiful Northwoods of WI together in our home on a sweet lake… where I prepare MANY Susan Branch recipes! Thank you for your many uplifting messages during this crazy time in the world. blessings to you and Joe… and Jack!! xo
Such a welcome surprise to see a new post! Insomnia has its rewards. Loved the story of the friendship becoming a support network, and now a marriage. Hope for us all. Happy Groundhog Day and Valentines Day. Thank you for all you do for us in these difficult political times to help us focus on what is good….and how there is always Hope.
Jane
I am looking forward to trying the pudding recipe. Happy Valentine’s Day!
beautiful blog!
Hi Sue… what a beautiful story, love, friendship, new beginnings and cherished memories. Best wishes to Doreen and Greg. Thanks for your lovely blog, always makes my day brighter. Happy February!
Thanks for mentioning The Detectorists – we watched 3 episodes tonight and it was a much needed relief when we needed to relax and smile! I also needed to read (and re-read) stress relief – be your own best friend. So many good things to read in this blog on this early February day. Thank you.
Dear Susan,
Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit! (Somebunny taught me to say rabbit three times.) I loved seeing your painting water-color letters in progress, it made me want a coloring book. I walked by an art store tonight, wishing it were open so I could go in and buy a little paint box to play artist with, and was suddenly overcome with gratitude that the universe brought Diana and you together, that she gave you a birthday present that absolutely changed the world. Three cheers for Diana! Want you to know that I feel so simpatico with your philosophy and practice of life that you may consider Colorado as a proper point on your Kindred Spirits map. Love the bouquet Joe bought ~ happy anniversary!
xoxox Coco (from Colorado)
Dear Susan…Thank you for sharing that beautiful story…along with everything else that always helps me to think about good things. My husband of 60 years is seriously ill in the hospital and probably will not be coming home. I’m feeling very lost and alone, though I’m fortunate to have family nearby. You are a long-distance email friend although we have never met…
Sharon in Houston
What a beautiful blogpost. It’s so uplifting, and the story of Doreen and Greg is wonderful. It’s always a good day when I get the message that you have a new post online.xxx
Hi Susan, what a lovely blog! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe! Keep up what you do best! Enjoy your art and writing! Love and hugs!
Blessings to Doreen and Greg…what a heart-tugging story. Thank you Susan for sharing it.
Happy Valentines to you both! I was born on Groundhogs day so happy birthday to me!! Thank you for this lovely post and all the others.
Beautiful blogpost and story.
From sLOVEnia (Slovenija), green piece of Europe, with love.
Martina
Hello Martina in far away sLOVEnia! xoxo
I love the child’s rendering of the love birds, right at the end of the blog message! I wonder who colored it? And I adore the banners of Scherenschnitte hearts – it makes me want to make some myself! Thanks for all the good news and the sweet story of love after loss.
I colored those lovebirds for my mom, a mother’s day card, in the second grade. You can tell it’s mine because of the heart! She kept it in my baby book. xoxo
Hi Susan,
I don’t often write on your blog but I was really touched by Doreen’s story of Karen and Gregg. I love the fact that real life is more magical than fiction.❤️
I also have a studio, and seeing your heart mug has inspired me to make some little stain glass hearts to hang in my kitchen window as I watch the snow come down. And wouldn’t that go wonderfully with some heart-shaped cookies and a cup of tea.💕
Susan ~ your posts always reminds me of what matters in life, family, friends, and all the beautiful simple things we sometimes don’t appreciate when life gets crazy. Thank you!
Hi Susan,
Happy Groundhogs Day!! Not minding winter so much this year – but then again I’m not the one shoveling😉! Thank god for snowblowers – someone really should nominate the person who invented snowblowers for sainthood – think of all the backs saved!!!!😘
Your blog posts are like a big warm hug and always bring joy to my heart! Thank you for sharing so much love! And can’t wait to watch the Detectorists. Would love to add one of these mugs to my collection ( I have all the seasons).
Greetings I do look forward to your blog,so happy and colorful. Carol
My dear Susan – I was at a friend’s house for lunch and suddenly noticed her
Susan Branch recipe keeper. An instant conversation started with the four of us. You have touched each of our lives and again, it brings us to a common place of recipes and books, of friendships and love, of happy things to fill our minds. You are beloved beyond anything you can imagine. Happy February(with its extra day), Happy Valentine’s, and mostly thank you for your huge, giving heart.
So very sweet Jane, thank you!
What a beautiful love story. Thank you for sharing it. Wishing you and Joe a lovely Valentines Day and every day.
Oh my. What a beautiful story
Nothing as charming as vintage Valentines. So loved making Valentine boxes in grade school.
I just love your blog, it always arrives in my inbox when I need a little uplifting smile and you always bring a smile, thank you for that!
What an encouraging blog to start a new month in a new year. You are the best antidote to a foggy day. Love, Lynn
It’s always a good day when there’s a new blog from your to enjoy. Thank you!!! (And thanks for the chance for a mug!)
Aww..such a beautiful love story, Susan. Between girlfriends, and a man and woman. Life is strange sometimes. And to think, you had a small hand in it all…! Love your pretty cups and especially the one that says “Have I told you lately that I love you”…….well dear, I’m telling you now 🎶….My dad would sing that to my mom occasionally….sweet memories!
What would we do without kindred spirits. Such a sweet love story and how our connections in life have such meaning. Thank you for this message. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe.
Beverly
Oh, Susan, that post from Doreen brought me to tears. Honestly, I am at a loss for words. I wish I had known Karen. Rest in peace, sweet Angel.
Dear Susan and Girlfriends,
The most wonderful thing happened. My sweet boyfriend had heard of you, but didn’t think he’d like the books. Then he just happened to pick up “Isle of Dreams.” That was about a month ago. Now he’s bought his own copy of that book and 4 of your cookbooks. He quotes you all the time. We now have so much more to enjoy together.
Thank you, Dear Susan!
Beth
I love that! How darling! You picked a good one Beth!
Just read the new one. I love your artwork. Always have. I would love to have a cup too..
My first attempt was lost!!
Lovely post to read on a wintry weekend…uplifting!!
Keep ‘em comin Susan!!
Thank you, Susan. Sincerely.
Once again, reading your blog is a salve for my ragged mental health! Our Leonberger puppy broke her toe in October, and our entire fall was one massive stress inducer. It took over 2 months of her healing in a cone of shame, hooked to an inflatable tube, hooked to a harness to keep her from chewing off her splint. She finally shed the cone just after Christmas, and I didn’t realize how taxing emotionally her healing has been on me until I came down with a rather virulent strain of the flu the first week of January. I guess my immune system was shot, so what you say about stress is so true. I even got the flu shot in the fall (first time in over 12 years) because one of my students is undergoing chemo treatments, and I didn’t want to unnecessarily expose her to anything.
Long story short (too late) I’m finally coming out of the flu cave and am looking forward to February. I’d like to say Happy Galentine’s Day to you. It’s February 13th and was created by the show Parks and Recreation. The brilliant Amy Poehler’s civic-minded over-achieving character, Leslie Knope, created Galentine’s Day to celebrate “Lady Friendships”. It’s lovely, and hilarious.
I hope you and Joe heal and stay in full health, and again, thank you for your kindness, your political activism on Twitter, and your soothing words that I look forward to reading. Hugs from the Central Coast of California!
The puppy situation!!! OMG! Glad you’re feeling better!
I have never ever ever seen a blog with 775 comments on it. Of course there is a lovely cat and there are flowers and music and pretty tea cups…There is kindness and love xoxoxo
AND, there’s YOU! 😊
Susan, Such a Heart Warming LOVE story, thanks for sharing with us. Perrrrrfect month to share Love. Keep up the Great Blogs, fun to read and re-read. . . . . .
Hi Susan, I can’t find my previous reply so in case you just haven’t gotten to it yet, I don’t want to rewrite everything I said and am sending this one just to make sure I’m in the running for your cups!
You are!
What a wonderful, uplifting message you sent us all. Thank you for brightening a winter’s day here in Canada- the days are gradually getting longer and brighter. And, I’m very much enjoying my Year in the English Countryside calendar. Xo LR
Thank you Susan for another heart-warming blog. My 17 year old kitty, Lola, crossed the rainbow bridge this past week, and while my heart hurts, I felt better seeing your lovely pictures of Jack, and reading about how loss can bring about joy eventually.
😘😪😘