Hello darlings, wow, how the world has changed since we last met! Go make a cup of tea, something that soothes, come back, cuddle up in front of the fire ~ tomorrow is the luv-lee first day of Spring 🌸 . . . Let’s celebrate! Take a deep breath, turn on the MUSICA and let’s talk!
In honor of Spring, I was going to give you YELLOW today, the color of sunshine and hope . . . but then I Googled: What is the color of calm, and found out it’s BLUE. So we’ll save Yellow for next time and go for Calm. Which goes so well with a crackling fire, and slippers stuffing across the carpet.💙 Are you ready? Let’s Go!
Look at our sky! Lambs tails!
No leaves on the trees yet, but coming soon: sun on our faces, leaves and blossoms and flowers and warm dirt to play in.
We haven’t been out of the house for a week, except for our walk, thank God, so lucky, we have a walk to go on. But we’re doing our part to flatten the curve! 
Even putting these blue photos up makes me insta-happy, I can feel the relaxation setting in. You know, we’re going to come out of this better than ever!💙 We’ve been going so fast. Hardly any time for the little things. Guardian angels having trouble keeping up.
This old blue quilt was handmade, tiny little stitches. by someone who stayed home for a very long time. Most things worth having are done that way.💙
Blue and white hand towels, so pretty in the bathroom, but they require ironing! Which is an easy and rather calming thing to do if you’re home, and there’s a good movie on TV.
This is a photo I found a long time ago, but have never had a reason to put up until now . . . see what being calm brings us? A doll house! Look at that little bed! And the rug!
A drive around New England (back in the good old days) brought us this beautiful blue house!🚙
A blue book! And a good project while waiting for the daffodils to bloom! We just got a new shipment of them! 
A sweet blue dishtowel, for cleaning out the glass cupboard . . . such a perfect time for all the at-home projects we’ve been promising ourselves to do but never take the time.💙
Unexpected, unwanted, unplanned for change, very much like what happened to me all those years ago, can be painful (as I know you know) ~ you think you might not survive, but after a while, a new sort of creativity takes over. When we get small and our hearts turn to home.💙 We’re scared, like everyone else, that we won’t be able to stay in business. Most of what we do is on-line, but people are saving their money right now and we forgot to sell Susan Branch Hand Sanitizer! For us, like for everyone, it’s going to be one day at a time. 
One thing good about Martha’s Vineyard being seasonal is that every year when the tourist season ends and everyone goes home, the island has a chance to heal from the summer onslaught. The beaches are quiet, no footprints, no more beer cans in the woods, the roads are empty. It’s a breath of fresh air. But our earth never gets a rest in this fast and crazy world. She’s been rode hard and put away wet. Money matters more than our girl, our God-given gift. She’s resting now, cars and planes and many factories, the world over, have stopped emitting. We have a time-out. Maybe we can rethink what matters to us.💞
We pass one house every day on the dirt road where we walk. Very industrious young people live there, from what we can see, they have a home business selling firewood, and sometimes, it seems, they sell trees. There’s a baby that lives there, and a dog. (They are part of our Morning Science, as we divine from what we see, what they do.) We know their dog is going to run toward us and bark his face off, but he won’t bite. He’s part chicken.🐶
And they always holler a hello, and we always do too. Well, yesterday the man was driving out in his truck, stopped, rolled down his window and said, “How are you two doing? Do you need anything? Because I have seven deer in my freezer and 23 tuna fish!!!” (Exclamation points are mine.) “And you are welcome to anything you’d like. I have a huge garden in the summer, and all the seeds you might want and I’d love to give you some if you like!” It was the longest conversation we’d ever had with him. So kind.💞
The kindness of strangers is everywhere these days. People are serenading each other from high rise buildings! It’s going to be hard for every one, and much harder for some than for others, but we’re linking arms with each other and the rest of the world and we’re going to come out of this better than we went in, more connected for our shared hardships, and shared prayers, our shared GRATITUDE. Works of art and beauty will come from this.💙
And we can start small, because as far as I’m concerned this delicious-smelling cake is a work of art and a thing of beauty. It also says love. In the old days when our society was totally home-centric, you wanted peanut
butter cookies, you made them. It’s a good way to be. You want a Milk Cake? You can make it (Click there or go to p. 90 of A Fine Romance). And you deserve it! In these times of trouble we must all watch our diet.💙
And it’s time to decorate for spring! Perfect! #StayHome, nurk, and flatten the curve.💙
So, a few “normal” things going on here . . . We did a new printing of A Fine Romance . . . the 7th! It shipped last week, the little engine that could . . .
. . . working its way around the world via word of mouth, sister to sister, friend to friend, wife to husband . . . little joy-book of the English Countryside makes me so proud.💙 I have to say thank YOU for liking it! All my life I’d done cookbooks, this was such a departure my publisher would not take a chance on it. So we had to do it ourselves. I was so scared!💘 
And because we were asked, and because we do listen, we have two new friendship notecards in our web store.❤️
What else? Well, I’m ALMOST done with the 2021 calendars! Only the blotter left to go. I’ve had so much fun designing them this year. It was the hardest thing choosing the photos for the new photo calendar. I want to surprise you so I won’t show you what I chose, but I’ll show you a few that got away!
This one didn’t make it!!! I know, shocking. But, a secret, I put a little photo of Jack on every single month.👏 He insisted. Me-me-me! BTW he, for one, is thrilled with the coronavirus, loves that we are staying home at his total beck and call, says things like, “THIS is more like it!”😻
This one didn’t make it either . . . I was afraid the shadows were too strong and it wouldn’t print well. But I do love my billowing man-shirts!
Normally I don’t actually care (as you’ve probably noticed) if a photo is a little out of focus if it’s pretty ~ but I sort of do when it comes to a wall-calendar.
And this . . . I love it, tried to squish it in, but no.
And this one didn’t make it. If this one didn’t make it, imagine the ones that did!🌸
Nope.😲
And believe it or not, not this one either!
Or, this one . . .
And this is my very favorite out-of-focus, but . . . no. I promise I chose some good ones ~ here’s a preview of the cover!
And because my calendar publisher is worried what kind of year he is going to have, I thought I should put up the two wall calendars for presale right now. He’s placing his order soon, and I want to make sure we have at least enough for our Blog Girlfriends. We should have them in by July! I hate to suggest you think Christmas right now . . . but it’s a strange world we’re in.
And here’s ⬆️ a sneak peak of the April page! See Jack? I snuck him in everywhere!
And now, the cover of the 2021 Wall Calendar:
And a sneak peek . . .
of the November page~which reminds me of this photo:
which hangs on our fridge right now . . .
Days are getting longer now . . . shadows are coming earlier! The world is hunkering down. Sharing their favorite series to watch, favorite books, favorite movies . . .
There’s a wonderful website with virtual tours of the most amazing museums in the world. We might as well come out of this thing a little smarter. Remember when Martha Stewart went to prison and came out wearing a cute poncho she knit herself? Making lemonade out of lemons! Let’s do it!🍋
Back to work I go darling Girlfriends. Happy Spring! Remember the secret of having it all is believing that you do.🌸 Best of luck, take care, God bless you.💞
timeout.com/london/news/a-herd-of-goats-has-taken-over-this-welsh-seaside-town-now-that-its-people-are-all-indoors-033120
Maybe your dear friend, Carrie, has already sent this link you, but oh my goodness, goats are taking over a town in Wales…..amazing…. the London “Time Out” magazine,is for now, “Time In”….if you check it out, it lists National Theatre and Globe Theatre free online (on YouTube) performances on Thursdays….such a lovely thing to share with all of us….also, on the latest “Time In” e-newsletter, they talk about a macaroni and cheese delivery during the isolation…..Oh to be in England – cheesey mac and cheese right to your door…..luvly, and scrummy…..onward dear Susan…..
I wish goats would take over our town!!! Cutest thing!
It’s April, and it snowed again very early this morning. Not enough to make a white wonderland, just enough to remind us that Mother Nature is in charge. Our very good Maine Governor, Janet Mills, has issued a Stay at Home order for entire State. We’re entering the “thick of it”, according to the daily question and answer sessions with the Maine head of CDC. He is just wonderful, clearly, concisely answering questions. He reminds us daily that there is a beginning, a peak and an end. And Yes, there is fear about those From Away. I do understand that. It must be great on the Vinyard, with it’s tiny hospital. We have been totally self-quarantining since we arrived, and we’ll continue to do so for another week.
This Safe Place that you provide, Dear Lady, is truly essential for many girlfriends now. I’ve been delving into the archives and being amazed again at how you manage to do all that you do.
Stay safe inside your old house….will try again to pre-order that calendar. Tom and I rescued an old-by-Florida-standards bungalow. It was a huge project, and others in our little neighborhood were doing the same. That little house is now home for an couple who said they loved watching the transformation. A contractor finished what we could not, but the best bits that I left untouched on purpose, they did as well.
Mucho Love,
Debbie in Maine
I’ll apologize, because this question has absolutely nothing to do with your post!
I just discovered an electric 1950 Hotpoint stove for sale, and I know you have a O’Keefe and Merritt that you love. I’m going to check it out this week…push button controls with a double oven! While it’s listed in “great working condition” what’s a girl to do when a part needs replaced…how easy have you found it to track down parts and folks willing to work on an older stove? I’m doing my research, but thought I’d ask…thanks so much,
There is a place in LA called Stove Heaven… call them and ask them your questions. They’ll talk to you about parts etc. My stove has never needed to be worked on, never needed any parts! But If I did need them, I would call this place…. They don’t make them like they used to!
Thanks so much for your quick reply…I appreciate it! I took the plunge and brought the 1950 Hotpoint Pushbutton Automatic home. With the brawn of my hubby and 16-year old son, it made it’s way into our kitchen. I cleaned her up, tinkered with the buttons (they light up different colors…yes, it takes little to make me smile!) and then made our first meal in her…loved it! They say all vintage ovens need a name…hmmm, something to ponder on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Thanks again!
Congratulations Mary!!!!! Wishing you many long comforting years together!
Hi Susan! You put such a positive spin on what’s happening to all of us in the world. Thank you so much for this uplifting post. And we need to remember “You’re not stuck at home, you’re safe at home. One word can change your attitude.” ♥ ♥ ♥
Perfectly said Marie!
I agree. I was having a difficult time being at home by myself and my 13 year relationship just ended as well. My sis in law told me about your books and blog. She recommended your book about your marriage ending and you moving to Martha’s Vineyard. However, the first thing I read was your blog ” you are not stuck at home, you are safe at home.” I immediately new I landed in the right place. Thank you.
Thanks for the lovely words. Need faith and hope right now.
I wish I could post a picture of a bluebonnet, our Texas State flower, to repeat some of your thoughts about blue. I just went back today to read this. I hope and pray you and yours are healthy. I am starting to read “A Fine Romance” again today and read about the English Countryside. We will get through this TOGETHER💙 April is FINALLY here 💙
I treated myself to two long-coveted mugs from your shop and they arrived so quickly I hardly had time to wait in patient expectation! I’m SO DELIGHTED with each one: Champagne Hearts & British Corgi. I have been taking turns using one for morning tea and the other for an afternoon cuppa…and then I switch the order for the next day. 🙂 Thank you so much for these! Just the perfect size to wrap ones hands around, perfect handle, even a cute bottom (tee hee!) …they are just lov-er-ly! A treat indeed!
Makes me so happy to hear that Darcie! Thank you!!!💖
Thank you Sue! You’re always a ray of sunshine!
Love all your books but especially the ones with recipes!
“Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feeling groovy
Ba da-da da-da da-da, feeling groovy “
When I think of the world, this song comes to mind.
You’re post helps to put life into the new perspective, thank you.
Happy Spring!
Susan, thank you for sharing a glimpse of your life. This pandemic affects us all! Sometimes I feel I’m all alone. I do live alone with my sweet kitty . These days are hard but when I read your post, I feel less alone. Thank you again, susan Rousselo
Great post and pictures – thanks!
I love your comment, “naps with kitties!” I’ve done many of those lately! I work at an elementary school in the office and am missing it so much!
I love your newsletters and little pictures and songs, the recipes, the stories, YOU. THANK YOU for the chance to win one of your books! Thank you for YOU being YOU. Hugs, Susie Lydon
Finally have time to read during this quarantine! Read “The Fairy Tale Girl” and now reading “Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams” on loan from my Aunt.
Love your blog as well.
Seeing the Easter bunny cake brought back a rush of warm memories. It is the cake my Dad always made on Easter. Dinner would not have been complete without his cake. Happy Easter and Happy Birthday. (My daughter celebrates her special day on the 13th. ) Blessings to you and Joe.
I’ve been waiting for your new post. I always love hearing what you have to say and show us. I’ve got to find my bandana or something to make a mask. I was thinking the same thing that we will all look like robbers. Thanks for all your pretty posts to brighten our days!
My thoughts continually return to “Let It Be”. We are all comforts to each other in these times. Thank you for yours.
Susan, you are my 21st century Gladys Taber. I have been a fan of her’s since the 1950’s so I know what I’m talking about. Like Gladys, you have the ability to help me refocus on what’s truly important in life. FOGT
What a beautiful compliment. Thank you so much Jeannie. xoxo😘
Hi Susan,
I am glad you and Joe are staying safe and keeping Jack company! I have a question…on your blog post from May 27, 2019 you talked about the roses you were planting, Just Joey and Julia Child. Is the creamy/apricot rose you pictured the Julia Child? The only Julia Child I can find is a lovely butter yellow. Does it fade into the creamy, fluffy roses pictured on your blog?
Thanks for your help! Stay Safe!
With Love, Christy from California 🙂
PS….maybe you can catch us up on how your garden turned out last year and the plans you have this year! I just placed an order from our local garden center, Rogers Gardens. Delivery arrives tomorrow…plenty of veggies and herbs for the raised beds, a lime tree and a rose for the cutting garden 🙂
The apricot rose is Just Joey (not very pale though), the yellow is Julia Child which is a beautiful yellow … as they fade, the colors change, but generally speaking … solid apricot, solid yellow. If this doesn’t match the photos, I’m not sure what it might be, I saw the pic on Twitter, and thought, because it’s sort of a spray type of rose, it was Julia Child, perhaps a bit faded? It’s too soon for us to plant yet, but I’m making my list, checking it twice! So exited to dig!
I am reading (almost finished) A Fine Romance and it is a perfect confinement story. This afternoon I read all about your adventure at Hill Top Farm. Beatrix Potter has been a favorite all my life too. I loved the details ~ and, ‘seeing’ you picking those roses in the rain! Thank you for a lovely afternoon.
If only I had a Jack to make all this Shelter in Placing – fuzzy…..
So, #1 on your “after this is over” list . . . get a kitty. Never let this happen to you again. You will love it. They are so easy to take care of and give way more than you can imagine. ❤️ You could even call your local shelter and see if they are delivering…. who knows what miracles could happen if you try. xoxoxo
I just made apple cake from. 1990 Country Living Magazine. Yum!
So nice to connect with fellow “love to stay at homers” Beauty and domesticity go hand in hand as a refreshment for the soul This is one of the many Blessings we have to be thankful for at a time of so much uncertainty in the world
Thanks for your photos from your window on the world
I’m so in love with all your publishings! I will be making that adorable bunny cake with my granddaughters via FaceTime since we cannot be together this year. God Bless you!
Just received my Spring mug with the darling sheep and lambs on it, and a copy of A Fine Romance! My friend and I had a trip to Cotswolds planned for April 7th but it will have to wait. I thought the book might be a great way to visit England virtually. Thank you!! Stay safe.
The beauty about rural England is that she doesn’t change, she will be waiting when this is over. xoxoxo
I have always loved and followed Susan Branch! I still have my Love book out of hers from Valentines Day!
I have followed for many years! A big thank you for sharing your creativity and thoughtful observations!
I am always reminded of my mother when I walk into the world of Susan Branch. She was the youngest of 11 (9 girls 2 boys) and born into a Portuguese family here on the central coast of California. They were poor and she never told me this- it was something I came to understand but in a way that made me pity her. She would share this through her lessons she taught me in cooking, baking, and crafts because they always accompanied a story that explained such a simple way of doing things that didn’t involve too much “fluff and stuff”. The hot milk cake recipe reminds me of this. Her shrimp salad was pre cooked shrimp, shredded iceberg lettuce, green onions, and mayonnaise with lots of salt and pepper. It was always the hit at every holiday but to this day I can’t make it taste like hers. Thank you Susan for keeping things so simple yet so pretty.
I LOVE hearing about your mom.💖 She sounds like mine. Simple and contented with her lot, sharing her intrinsic wisdom. xoxo Stay safe Lee Ann!
Your blood and your heart bring me such peace and comfort. It reduces my heart rate and slows my breathing. I always look forward to your writing… and all the beautiful photos and art work. You are a treasure. Thank you for listening to your passion and sharing it with us!! All the hearts!!!
Reading the comments, I almost always have tears in my eyes. We are a good bunch!👏
Your words about home being the only place where we are in charge resonate with me, given the current situation.
Susan Branch! You are a warm fire on a cold day, you are the first crocus peeking out of the earth! I have been following you forever. You make living a gracious art. Thank you for bringing light and cheer!
We live in a time where we have so many choices, good and bad. Choose the good, and life is good! xoxoxo💖
You’re my favorite! I gift your books to all of my special friends!
I’m so sad this Easter to not make our Traditional bunny cake (Of yours!) w my grands. They will make at their home w/o me, but makes me happy that when I’m not here… it will be a sweet memory.
I’ve kept your beautiful books displayed in my kitchen counter for 30 years! At times of stress I can just look across the kitchen and know the beauty inside. Also, your large desk calendar has been on my desk for years! One rule, no one writes on it but me!!
👏👏👏
Susan Branch you make my heart sing and even more so during these tough times. I’ll forever be grateful to my mom for showing me your world. She stumbled upon your books thrifting and a new lovely addition was born. I now have some old and new in my collection too. I get so excited for your calendar each year. Flipping to the next month is like turning a page in a good book. So thank you for all the joy & smiles you have brought to me and my mom.
God bless & stay safe
Netty Kristine
Love to you both Netty Kristine, take good care, and stay safe. 💖
I actually laughed aloud at the thought of y’all hollaring from the garden at the new things coming on. I do the same, and just this year, my young children have started. I got so tickled at them, because it felt like I was looking in the mirror. (Picture me beaming with pride right now. Ha!).
You are teaching them well Katie!🌱
I have that book and I’ve had it for probably 30 years. I love all your recipes and use them quite often.
Your words are so thoughtful and comforting! You are right ! I will turn off the news right now- enough of this daily reporting and scary rhetoric.
My husband Noel is one of your biggest fans and loved the Martha’s Vineyard book. He keeps telling me to read it so it’s on my nightstand to read next.
We own a seasonal home on the Cape and love it so much – we get there 4-5 times a year. We are big fans of Titcomb’s book store and hope to see you there one day.
May you and your hubby stay well and healthy!
Best~
Elena and Noel Jannello
Love Titcombs! And you tell your husband I said Thank You! I always think my books might be too much of the “doily mentality” for men ~ my dad however loved them, but of course, he was my dad! Take care of yourselves!💖
While staying in, I’ve been filling out your recipes for my daughter(s) book!
I’ve had them for years and have just not taken the time to fill them in… I’ve got time
Now… my girls are excited. Love all your books! Beautiful!
A gift! A memory. Love to you all, Suzy!💞
“Think about such things, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy THINK about such things.” PHN 4:8
Susan, Thank you for sharing your gift. Brightens my life!
“Nella Last’s War” is one of my favorite books! I have all her books that came after her war book. I always wondered how these ladies who were so busy during the war years adapted to peace. Peace was certainly welcomed but for many, the sense of urgency, the knowing of the importance of their work during those years vanished and they were left with just housework and busy work to fill their days. I think many felt bereft, nothing would ever fill that void. You would also enjoy “Mrs. Milburn’s Diaries”, another English lady who kept a diary from 1939-1945. Oh, and my stove is a 1949 O’Keefe & Merritt, made the same year as me! I have to light the burners with good old-fashioned wooden matches if I want to heat up the kettle for my tea! Already ordered your Home calendar! It will fit in perfectly with my pseudo-1940s kitchen
Change is so hard, you are so right, it was probably as difficult adapting to peace as it was to war. Feeling comfortable in a restaurant again, out in the street, turning on your lights . . . and yes, there’s something profound feeling part of a cause bigger than yourself. We’ve been sort of “left out” of the wars that have come since, most of us asked to do nothing ~ and unfairly it seemed to me, many required to donate sons and daughters. Thank you for the book ideas! Your kitchen doesn’t sound pseudo to me! Not with that stove! Take care!👏😘
I have long loved you and your books and would love to gift one if your books to a granddaughter
Paintbrushes & pencil stubs! How cool!?! Also a neat book subtitle 🧐
This has been sp much fun to read as I am quaarrantined at my mother’s home caring for her. I am reading your posts to her. We are watching old movies and embroidering pillowcases for my niece who is soon to be married. Spring is happening slowly here in PA but we certainly have had time to watch it.
Thank you for all you are sharing and the inspiration to keep giving.
Diane A
Dear Susan, What a wonderful post, and just in time! I may have been having “poor me moment” regarding our current situation. Seems I forgot how lucky we are to GET to stay home, in our comfy clothes, enjoying loved ones, playing board games, making a dent in my “to be read” stack, calling relatives usually reserved for the Christmas Day call, and making cherished family recipes that “took too long” before! Perspective is a wonderful thing, thank you for the gentle reminder!
It’s a secret gift. Once we know that, the sun comes out, the birds sing, the world looks better, and soon, what comes next, the treasuring of the time we never seem to have. Blessings on you and yours Amber. xoxoxo
You are soooo talented!! I just melt when I read your books.
Just finished Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. Loved it! I wanted to “highlight” many sentences/sections. but I borrowed the book from the library, so I refrained! 😂 Thank you for sharing your life with us. 🥰
LOL, good girl!👏
Happy Spring Susan,
I have been enjoying your website so much. Thank You! Your watercolors are just beautiful. I read your book about going to England and was very inspired. My friend and I were going this summer but canceled. Hopefully we will head that way next year. Your cat Jack is so fun to see throughout your pages and I know is a Very Good Friend – cats are the best friends. Thanks for all of the inspiring words and pictures. Simple things are the best!
I was feeling a bit “blue” and your blog always cheers me up!
Thank you
Okay, I have GOT to get my hands on Nella’s War! I’ve been longing to read more books in diary or letter form, one of my favorite things! I’ve been more interested than ever, lately, in WWII, how everyday people at home got through it. You should check out the BBC Historical Farm series (on YouTube) if you haven’t seen it! Two archaeologists and a domestic historian (dream job) “live” and work on an English farm for one year as it would have been in….Victorian era, Edwardian era, Tudor era, etc.! I just watched the Wartime Farm one. Cozy, lovely, fascinating to see how the country people (and city folk) made it through. People taking care of each other & Making Do during unthinkable times. Fascinating history, adorable farming men, I just adore it (I’m 25…. don’t know anyone else my age who’s into this stuff but I don’t care!) Thank you for your lovely posts, Susan. You are one of my fairy godmothers, I love your books & blog, such goodness in a crazy world. 💕💕💕
You’re only 25 and already have the back-in-time bug… lucky!👏 It means a very rich life for you. I love being your fairy godmother!💞
Thank you for being so optimistic, for sharing your beautiful yellow daffodils and especially the picture of Joe going to rob the grocery store! It have me a chuckle in an otherwise somber week. I really look forward to your new posts!
I immensely enjoy reading your blog! My cousin and I have met you twice in Hudson, OH for a book signing. Looking forward to your next book!
I am currently reading Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams and absolutely love it! It’s a perfect quarantine book for me. I’m also writing in my 18-month old grand-daughter’s book, Grandma, Tell Me Your Story.
One of my sweet daughters introduced me to your work, Susan, after she discovered you while honeymooning on Martha’s Vineyard. I now love everything Susan Branch!
Thank you for your beautiful blog. This one really touched my soul. But the picture that really got me was the cup full of Ticonderoga pencils. What is it about that brand? The best. I’m a big fan…of the pencils and of you! ❤️
I dreamt I was asleep in a field of daisies…..
Just wanted to thank you for the reminder about your Hot Milk Cake. I’ve meant to try it for years but your post inspired me and it was the best mood-booster in this trying time! SO delicate and delicious, and it made the house smell fantastic. Thank you for that and for your positive encouragement. Wishing you safety in your House of Creativity!
Susan, read your blog for the first time today. It was so calming and refreshing! Sorry it took me so long to find. A good friend introduced me to Susan Branch, and I am grateful.
Nice to meet you Mary!👏
Thanks for bringing sunshine into our homes. Peace.
Dearest Susan,
As I sip my tea from my Little house mug, a gift from my dear friend Susan P.
Your blog brings so much joy and inspiration in these dark times we’re going through. Doing our best to beat this nasty virus !
Please post more on IG ! 🙂 … More Jack too.
Sending lots of Love from the San Fernando Valley 🙂
Thanks for the encouraging words!
Looking for a bandana to use as a face mask ala Joe’s. So much easier than trying to sew one (i’m not very handy.) I’m thinking wild west more than bank robber. 🙂 Stay safe!
Yes, rob a bank, much better than a grocery store!😂
Hi Susan,
So happy I pulled this book off my book shelf to re-read during this cray time! Has again brought me so much joy-and inspired me to hunt down five Gladys Tabor books. Now that I have rediscovered you- I will hunt Amazon for your other books! I just love your style. You feel like an old friend! Stay safe and healthy!
Thank you Tammy, so nice to see you here!
Hi Susan, I’m so thrilled when I see a new blog posting. Especially now! I can get lost in the words and pictures. I find them calming, I can forget the world around me for a bit. I’m wondering something. There are two blogs that I follow faithfully, yours and Heather Lende. She lives in small town Haines, Alaska. I am fascinated by her life along the Alaska coast, much as I am about your life in Martha’s Vineyard. Today Heather has started reading one of her books, a chapter every other day, or so. She reads from her kitchen table. It was amazing to see her, hear her and listen to her story. I was wondering (with all the other thousands of things you do), would this be something you would consider doing? To be able to see you in your home environment, reading from one of your VERY OWN BOOKS, would be wonderful. It would be great to forget the world for a brief moment. Just thought I’d ask, it can’t hurt. I’m also on board for SB Puzzles, we need them. Thank You!
What a good idea! I’m trying to find out how to put longer videos on my blog . . . so maybe I can do that. First I need to stop and write my Christmas Book . . . I really hope to bring that out in August. xoxo
Sending love and appreciation from Olmsted Falls, Ohio. I am going through a difficult time right now. My 13 year relationship ended abruptly a few days ago. I reached out to my ex did in law. She recommended your books and blog to help me begin to heal. It’s working, I felt so much better after I read your blog for the first time. “You are not stuck in your house, you are safe in your home,” brought it all into perspective. I intend to read your work about Martha’s Vineyard first. I understand your marriage ended and you recovered there and wrote this book. I cannot wait to get started. Thank you for such a positively beautiful blog with such imagery.
I’m so sorry Vicki, it’s a horrible thing ~ Yes, I think that book will be very timely for you . . . I could see so much after it was over ~ I guarantee there is joy ahead. Happy to see you here! xoxoxo
I’m rereading your book “A Fine Romance.” Thought I’d hop on over to see what you’re up to. Glad I did. 💖Fannie
Lovely post! Thank you for being an inspiration in this trying times. Your beautiful words and beautiful pictures lifted our spirits up. Please continue to inspire us.❤️ We really appreciate it. Sending love from the Philippines.🥰 Keep safe and healthy, always.
Hello Lai, so far away! Very nice to hear from you. 💖
Susan,
Thank you for another lovely post. I had my laptop open to your blog while I was making the grandchildren peanut butter sandwiches, and my 6-year-old granddaughter saw it and said, “What is this?” She saw the flowers. I explained to her that it’s your blog and you make these nice calendars and books. She said, “I like it!” Now, from the mouth of babes.
Stay healthy,
Sincerely,
Belinda Brooke
Highest form of compliment! Hugs to you all!
Charles Dickens said, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another”. Your ever beautiful blog, lightens my burdens. Thank you, Marybeth
Dear Susan,
I’ve just read through your post of April 2. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the sweet, wonderful, uplifting, inspiring, happy, encouraging thoughts you shared! I have been through my own personal pandemic too, 12 years ago. I wouldn’t want to do it again, but I’m grateful for the things it taught me. Bless you for the light you share.
From sunny California with Love,
Nancy
Susan, you are the best thing that ever happened to this pandemic!! Just one glance at your blog, your art, your photos, your words, your homey quotes, your gardens, your home, your positive joy jumping from the blog pages, and joy just bursts and blooms out the top of my head! What comfort, hope, joy and positive energy you germinate everywhere!! So grateful! Janet Alexander, Harpswell, Maine where we too watch the tiny signs of spring poking out their tentative noses everywhere! Cheers!
Very sweet words Janet, thank you!💖
PS forgot to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY APRIL 12th!! janet alexander, harpswell, maine
👏👏👏💃😘
Thank you for being so giving Happy Easter 🐣🐰🌷🐇🎶💕
Hi Susan….happy Spring…love ya, Toni Sylvania OH
Hi Susan!
Looking at my (your) ☺️ calendar tonight I noticed that Gladys Taber’s b’day is tomorrow on Easter Sunday. Having no idea who Gladys Taber is I started researching her, and that search led me to your blog! I love it! 💕 I’ve always loved your calendars for the pretty artwork and sweet text and recipes! So happy I found your blog too! Thank you for the head’s up on Gladys Taber. I will definitely be checking out her books!
💕Toni in NC
p.s. Happy Easter/Birthday to you too! ✝️🐣🐇🥳🎂🎈
As my mom always said, “Don’t you love how one thing leads to another?” xoxo Thank you Toni!
Love the Norman Rockwell picture. With all the free time at home, it has been fun walking around our yard watching spring take over.
A happy Easter and happy birthday to you!