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.💞
💕💕💕
I Love You!
Thank you for your beautiful words and gorgeous pictures at such a crazy time!
You are so appreciated and as always make my heart so very happy.
Stay well.
Hugs
Thanks, Susan, for brightening our day with your beautiful pics and artwork. It’s so important for us to look for the good and blessings in every day we live. As I sit and gaze at my bluebird houses which are nest-filled and ready for eggs, I appreciate the joyful sounds they make. Blue skies today with wispy white clouds also lift our spirits. Bright sunshine has afforded some strong Vitamin D levels for us. We are truly blessed, as senior citizens, as we are both healthy from our daily walks with our senior golden named Bentley. Blessings and good health to you and Joe from us.
List of Favorite movies….may have missed it…Penny Serenade with Cary Grant & Irene Dunne
Thanks for reminding us that there is beauty all around to comfort us and, as the great FDR said, we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Stay healthy dear Susan, Joe & Jack: the world needs you!
Beautiful as always.
Hello Susan, Girlfriends. how is everyone?? you all doing okay??? things here are quiet, and busy. lots of projects to keep us busy like putting in a new ceiling in the henhouse, and giving the henhouse a thorough spring cleaning, also taking the ceiling fans down and cleaning the blades before use this summer ( hate to admit it but they are filthy), lots of garden preps to get done and of course spring cleaning in the house, washing and putting away all the winter linens and washing the curtains and ironing them before getting them back up. its pretty closed down here, all the major spring events are cancelled ( no Easter egg hunts this year “sob”). and keeping an eye on the neighbors and checking to be sure they are all okay, a quick visit along with some fresh eggs, or fresh baked bread and a package of tea is a welcome thing. I think Susan you may be right, this poor old earth needed a rest, a break and this may be her way of saying she needed a slow down. well there are lots of old movies to watch, TCM or DVDS, lots of extra projects to catch up on, painting the house, adding new stain on the porches, and finally installing that porch fan for afternoon sitting and sipping or shelling peas. plenty of sewing to catch up on and some quilting to do. the cats are occupied with watching the birds at the feeders, and the deer that came for a visit in the yard and the hens are busy laying eggs, even the ducks have started back up again. they usually stop laying eggs by late Fall and begin again close to Spring. our newer hens are finally laying, blue eggs and they are pretty to look at. they are Ameraucanas and they are close relatives to the “Easter egg” hens, the ones who lay pink, green, blue and white eggs. definitely looking forward to a busy barnyard this summer and lots of new babies now that we have the incubator and brooder set up and ready, I can’t wait. 😀 !! I feel sorry for the smaller businesses as this will really hurt them, its sad that they have to shut down and its no fault of theirs. well I have a load of towels to wash and get out on the line, time for pretty spring towels and for the winter towels to get packed away for next year. also have the cat box to clean out and change, makes the cats happy. stay well and happy everyone, keep healthy and lets all keep in touch here. sending lots of love and hugs out to you all. hugs….. 😀
💕👍
I love your writing! It always lifts my spirit and makes me happy to be alive and at home 🙂 God bless you and yours!
Ahhhhh, thank you 🙏
The afternoons have been lovely here in Seattle… so time is being spent outside and cleaning up the flower beds. Its wonderful to hear the birds singing, daffodils are in bloom and the sky is blue, and more walks with my husband who is now working at home. AND it’s fun to watch the Decorah Eagle Cam. Being connected to nature is a calming practice.
Best ever! Couldn’t this be published in the National Press? Lovely, affirming sentiments.
I agree! The world needs more Susan Branch!
❤️
Dearest Susan, If anyone can make a person feel better, it is YOU!!! I was so happy to see your name come up in my “Inbox”. Thanks so much for bringing hope and a smile to all who get to read it.
Janet Hellmann
What a wonderful and uplifting letter! To see the good in all situations is a gift–thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you for your soothing email. I really needed it with the craziness of the world right now. Trying to look at the silver lining…time to finish old projects and start new ones, time with my hubby, etc. I must say though, I do worry. I have a 10 year old grandson with cystic fibrous. He is constantly on my mind. One way or another we will get through this.
On a different note, are you making the 2 year pocket calendar in 2021?
Nena
Oh yes, I meant to say that!
Dearest Nena. My beloved Aunt’s name was Nena..seeing your name is a joy. I will keep your grandson’s lungs wrapped in the reiki healing prayers. I dance them every morning on our dock. Blessings Nena
Thank you, Susan, for being a bright spot in my day. Your post so resonates with me, this is a good time to take stock and realize how much we have that we take for granted and do not care for as we should. In the words of the wise – “hope springs eternal” and “we have nothing to fear but fear itself!”. I hope you and Joe have sweet days home together. I am giving thanks for all my people home together for whole days at a time – treasure in the midst of crisis.
Love to you!
This came just in time to bring a little cheer into my SNOWY life. I live in a small gold country town in northern California and it has been snowing for 5 solid days. We have over 3 feet of the white stuff, and that is unusual for us! My poor husband says it’s like “Groundhog’s Day” as he’s out snow blowing every day. Not a youngster any longer and it is taking its toll. California was on the verge of another drought – if this doesn’t fix it, nothing will! I always say “Careful what you wish for”. So, thanks Susan, for the beautiful photos and, as always, I love the pictures of Jack!
Dear Susan,
This came just at the perfect time. It helped with the worried feelings and lack of seeing the future. It inspired me to look closer at Spring and put some flowers out. Love the idea of using creamers for vases. I have a few really cute ones.
I look forward to your blog and am so happy when I see it in my inbox.
Thank you so much!
Doris
Hi, Susan – well, you did it again…I feel 100% better !
Great mood enhancer for these times such as they are!! hoping and praying for a quick resolve !! Meanwhile I am quilting and painting and doing what I can do along with walks and reading!!
Thank you, Susan, for making a strange time more normal. We are house bound and staying semi busy. Glad we have movies and can also go for walks. God Bless us all.
xoxo
Pam
Thank you, Susan, for working so hard to send a cheerful, meaningful, uplifting message filled with beautiful photographs and paintings when we all so need it! Your efforts are so appreciated! Please stay well and happy!
Thanks so much for this calming, cheery letter. Blue is my favorite color and I loved all the blue you added! We have amazing blue skies with fluffy white clouds here in Nebraska and I’m looking forward to spring and warmth and growing things. This was a treat during an uncertain time! Thanks so much!!!!
Hi Susan!
Beautiful pictures, as always, and I appreciate your kind words of wisdom. We all need to practice social distancing and hand washing, but the constant updates on the news certainly aren’t doing our stress levels any favors! I’m taking your advice and going for a walk. At least we will all catch up on our TBR piles!
Love,
Sharon
I’m so glad that you are doing a photo calendar again this year. I have the one from this year in my room and I absolutely love it. It makes my heart so happy!
I always love your blog but today it was fantastic !!!
I just finished my daily devotional and was reading Phil 4:4-8-
You were doing just as we are to be doing-“ Be full of joy “ -“ Don’t worry”
-“Learn to be content “ -“Fix are thoughts on what is true and honorable “….
Have an attitude of love ❤️ and gratitude –
Thank you Susan! And love your photos😊
What a nice surprise to get your email today. It’s rainy here and gratitude is what gets me through. Your words are a great lift.
Susan, this is a truly lovely post. I think all kindred spirits will find ways of connecting in these troubled times. You have no idea how many people find comfort in your words, your art, your humor, your positive outlook on life, your giving spirit. All of these qualities shine through everything you write and I thank you for it.
My daughter posted something on Facebook that entertained me. She loved Little House on the Prairie as a child and now she is living one of her childhood fantasies, being Ma Ingalls homeschooling her children. (My granddaughters, ages 4 and 8). I loved reading all the comments from her friends especially the one who said, “Do you want me to send you a sunbonnet?” Quiet, gentle humor, that’s the ticket! Thanks, Susan.
PS I’m grateful I have the necessary ingredients in the house for your blueberry corncakes for tomorrow morning’s breakfast!
Thank you! That’s what we need right now. Some Susan Branch brand of cozy.
You made my day. Just hearing from you makes the world normal. Thanks for all you do. Loved Pledge for a Best Friend and Words to live By.
Thank you Susan for the joy. It’s nice to take our minds off the ugly things and just look at the pretty things. It takes away some of the stress. We are all hunkered down but we are all going to be okay. Thank you for all that you do for us.
VERY uplifting in this time of turmoil.
Love that quilt and the finger towels!! Really enjoyed your blue pictures. Thank you for the pick me up during sad times. Love!
Thank you for this breath of fresh air! From the California Shelter In Place Zone … hugs to all!
Inspiring, encouraging. Thank you for this blog.
Thank you, Susan! I’ve been watching for you to post a little bit of beauty and hopefulness for us and here it is! Take care.
Susan,
Lovely blog post (as usual), I so enjoyed the photos, and news of the 2021 calendar. Please stay warm, healthy and safe. Hello to Joe!
Karen
Oh Susan,
I was just thinking about you and hoping you would send a bit of cheer to your fans. I live near Seattle and have been doing my part for 3 weeks now; can I remind everyone of Blue Ribbon Days? Thank you for suggesting them way back when. I am having them, at home, one every week. I just love doing this and it gives me a little reward for all the cleaning and organizing I have accomplished.
I am a bit of a homebody anyway and enjoy gardening, cooking and needlework so I am trying to do my activities a little better and with more joy.
I keep in contact with family, friends and neighbors and pray for all of us on earth at this time. Thanks so much for your calm blue message.
Blue Ribbon Days … is this like Red Letter Days? For which you get a blue ribbon? xoxoxo
I love your blog!!! It makes me happy and hopeful. A bright light. Thank you.
I have a tearoom and boutique. My husband is also self employed. Thanks for cheering my day.
It’s the small business people I worry about most, we are in a pickle. I guess it will be one day at a time, and we have each other.
We are celebrating some very good news….our daughter was able to complete some serious dental work, and all infection is gone!
#so grateful
Valerie
Timing is everything!
I always get the blotter calendar, it’s my favorite! I would be happy to pre-order if that helps 🙂
Oh you sweetheart . . . those are printed in a place the manufacturer feels more confident of. If that makes sense, anyway, it will be available!
Can not wait for the photo calendar !
My secret love – your shadow pictures!! They are so comforting!
Thank you as always from my heart for your inspiration, beauty and love that you share with us!
Christine
This was a perfect day to receive this lovely newsletter full of hope, and light, and color! Knowing that things are most likely to get worse before they get better has really hit me today and I needed this lift-me-up.
Thank you for raising my spirits!
You have calmed my worried heart. My husband and I are 80 years old, compromised for me by an artificial aortic valve replacement and him having had a recent stroke. We have been hunkered dow for nearly a week but will have beautiful small farm to travel in, garden space to plant and each other to care for. We are very worried for so many others and fortunate to have each other and space to be safe in. Thank you for your comforting words.
😘😘😘
Susan,
I always look forward to these blogs. What a wonderful distraction, and as always, so cozy and charming. 🙂 With all that has been going on, I didn’t even realize spring starts tomorrow! Thank you for the reminder-time to start spring cleaning! I already feel like I’m behind. And we have some new Susan Branch items to look forward to. Yay!
Be well and stay healthy. Thanks for spreading some peace & beauty today.
Maureen
What a lovely blog for Spring! And a perfect sequestered time to finally (!) make the milk cake ♥ We have weather in the 60s here, sunny and rainy alternating. I love that we can sit outside on our patios here and visit with neighbors…small patios make 6 feet apart perfectly “conversation-able”!
Stay well and enjoy every day – on to pre-ordering calendars (hopefully you are still doing the mini calendar?) xoxo mari
Thank you for the calming blue blog post… and for everything… Stay well…. ❤️❤️ Beverlee
Oh, Susan. I was so glad to see your new blog post. Yes, I’ve been worried about everyone. My husband and I self-quarantined ourselves Sunday evening. I have a nice route where I can take my walks, where I hardly ever see another living soul, so I’ve continued to walk everyday, as well. This morning it was pouring down rain, so I decided to get some exercise by starting my spring cleaning. I spent 4 hours washing down all my kitchen cabinets, all the windows, and cleaning and polishing the granite counter tops. It’s a double blessing; exercise and a cleaner house. I will definitely not get bored as our house is probably about the size of your’s. Lots to clean. Plus, since schools have been closed, I expect I will have lots of time with the grandkids for a while. I saw your mention of James Herriot. I read his books when I was younger and loved them. About 3 years ago, I got the urge to read them again so I ordered the entire set off ebay, and reread them all. He is a wonderful writer and story teller. I just pre-ordered my calendars just now. Can’t wait to see them! Take care and be well!
A breath of fresh air!
Susan, as usual, I loved your blog. We need some calm right now. I, for one, worry even though I know it doesn’t change a thing. I have been lucky enough to have spent the month of March at Pawleys Island, SC. It has been such a beautiful place to be during this awful time. I am going to hate returning toVirginia and a new normal.
Sandra
This is so funny because when I saw your post had come in, I was so ready for the break in real life! I wanted to make a special time of it, so before I even opened up you blog, I went and made myself a cup of tea and grabbed a fruit bar as a special treat. In my cozy slippers, with the black clouds outside (San Jose, California) I scurried back to my iPad to exhale and enter your world for a while. First thing I read is about making a cup of tea and the color blue! My fruit bar is blueberry and my tea is butterfly pea blossoms, which, when steeped, turn the water the most amazing deep deep blue color! I wish I could attach a photo to show you. So now I’m going to continue on before my tea gets cold. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us, especially at times like these!
Susan, your blog entry was a good thing today. Xo
I’m excited to get both a picture and wall calender. This is my first this year ( 2020) and it brings me joy and makes me smile every morning as I pour my coffee. Actually, the calender inspired me to start scrapbooking again…and now I’m not sure why I stopped. You nd Joe stay well. Praying for the world.
Just what we all needed. A spot of blue, soothing photos of your life, reminders to take the time for simple, beautiful things. Today, I will iron my grandmother’s hand towels and proudly hang them in the bathroom. I love your blog sisters and have so enjoyed having you in my life all these years. Yes, one day at a time.
Cresanna
Hi Susan! Thank you for your cheerful, uplifting blog! Such times we’re in aren’t we. Very scary and sobering. But the positive thing to come out of all of this is maybe we reset – we get off of the rush rush, more and bigger is better and frazzled merry-go-round we’ve been on for way too long. To take a walk in nature, playing a game as a family, baking cookies, etc is a beautiful thing. To open our minds to creativity is a beautiful thing rather than running out to buy something we really don’t need or want. I hope you and Joe stay safe and healthy. Be well & be happy! Love, Karen 😊
For now I am working in a little used book store on a main street in NH. Not sure for how long but it is nice to see people rushing in to get their reading stocked piled for the coming month or so. So nice of your neighbor to offer his food and resources. We have a farm down the dirt road from us that has meats and eggs. We are so blessed to live in the country. My advice to my daughter who is married with a child of her own. Take a breath, do what makes you and your family feel safe, and it will be ok.
Thank You. I work in a hospital in Northern California so I still go to work. Today I have a cold so didn’t go in, don’t worry, just a a cold, no fever or trouble breathing. Since I have had to stop I realize how stressed and scared I have been of this surreal world and the unknown, but still helping my patients. One patient told me that she hopes this will finally bring the country and the world together and remind us of our humanity. Your wonderful words and pictures helped me today when I felt like crying at times. Take care everyone, be kind to yourself and your fellow man. We will get through this but also need to remember the lessons learned.
Stacey, thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do .. It must be so hard. Take good care of yourself. xoxo
Blue…what a joy! It’s raining here in Kentucky…everything has slowed.. From last year’s mini calendar I pasted in my journal (on January 1st) the Creativity quote from Thomas Moore. My resolution for 2020 was to bring that quote to being in my life and home. I am definitely seeing that happen, especially during this time…a blessing to cherish. Thank you, Susan, for the reminder…
Such an up-lifting post Susan. Thank you so much! Hubby and I are home recovering from colds……we don’t know if we picked it up from the Grandkids or the cashier who sneezed all over us and our groceries…..lol. It did catch her off guard though and we forgive her. We’re people of a certain age so are staying in reading, binge TV watching and cooking comfort foods……meat loaf, stuffed peppers, etc. Husband baked cinnamon raisin bread today. Yum! Thinking about beginning Spring cleaning…..closets especially. No boredom here!
Take care and stay well Susan! 💕
Thank you, thank you, thank you. You make my day whenever I read your beautiful words, see your lovely paintings and appreciate your gorgeous pictures whether they are a little blurry or not. Thank you for always lifting my spirits and bringing joy to my life.
Such a beautiful post, I love the blue. I feel better already! Looking at Jack’s little face is very calming. So glad I have two pups, they really know how to relax and like Jack they love the fact we are home more! Sounds like you are taking care of yourself and family. I loved your comment about Martha! Ha, no sitting around doing nothing for her.
Thank you for sharing!
Challenging times, indeed. However, we know who remains in charge. God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Thank you for bringing spring to us a day early! What a cheer up!
Ohhh how I enjoyed your blog just now !! You will never know…….but I’ll try and tell you anyway 🙂
I thank you from places I didn’t know could be so sad of ALL that is happening to our wonderful, wonderful world. You our dearest girlfriend (loyal 80’s BFF) stepped up and sent us the most uplifting blog ever ! Looking forward to your 2021 calendars……luv, luv, luv them….xoxo
Now you’re making me cry. xoxo
Thank you for this sweet, wonderful, uplifting blog post with, oh, so many lovely pictures! I love your take on life. Make sure you stay safe on your island. Enjoy every minute of the first signs of spring!
And now I want to make a milk cake! 🙂
I cried. Thank you for providing a space where we feel all in this together. I am so in love with home, so in love with going slow, and hiking and gardening. My challenge right now is too balance what everyone needs (twenty somethings home from college and 4 sweetest grandparents, and beloved husband…so many age groups, so many opinions) Bless us! I think once we settle in, we can return to rejoicing in the little things like a canoe ride at sunset and planting pansies. I hope to make a garden like your kitchen garden with all these able bodied kids home! Taking a deep, healthy breath full of love, for all of us all over the world.
I join so many others with a big thank you for your soothing words today.
We have closed our small restaurant and gone to take out only for a time and then we will close all together for a month. We are scared? Yes. It is the right thing to do and we are hoping that the Government will come through for small businesses and esp. the hospitality business with some assistance. But one must keep an eye on the fact that the recession lasted 6 years, and boy was that hard.
Surly this will pass in a few months and think about what a joyous Christmas we will have, having weathered this storm. It might be a lean Christmas, maybe more meaningful and somber, maybe lots more homemade gifts because we’ve all had time. Plus we will all have the gift of cleaner air and water due to the rest we will give Mom earth from relentless manufacturing,waste,traffic.etc..
We don’t know whats ahead. We take it a day at a time and you,Susan make that just a bit easier…and all the girlfriends holding hands all across the world.
hugs
I love your attitude. We will do fine, perhaps as you say, leaner, but closer, maybe more loving. Our prayer. 🙏 xoxo
I always enjoy visiting with. As a former Rhode Islander, now living in Arizona, I can relate to so many things that you write about. Martha’s vineyard was a favorite place of mine. Thank you for being a bright light for me today.
Thank you so much for that wonderful, heart healing blog. I am praying that all of this will bring our world together, bring our hearts together, and slow us down to make our lives better. We need to stop and remember what is really important, like homemade bread, reading books together before bed, and saying our prayers together. I can’t wait for the new calendars!!!!!!😍😍😍
OMG, thank you for this blog! I was thinking I needed a little reassurance from who else….YOU! We have such troubling times but we’re safe, well and alright! I worry about those who have businesses that aren’t being visited. My own daughter’s boutique has closed for some time and her son can’t go to school. It’s scary how many people are hoarding paper products. Let’s all remember we need to share and keep things as close to normal as possible. Thank you Susan for your reassuring words and especially pictures of Jack! Today I went to the beach and a mother and her daughter had bare feet! Yikes, barely Spring, but the child plunged right into a tide pool with delight! Oh to be that young again! Happy Spring and keep the faith and thanks for promoting it! xoxoxoxox
Susan, my dear friend’s daughter asked her friends to send a book that reflects my friend’s character and spirit. I decided your three wonderful memoirs captured her spirit -after a similar heartbreak, she rebuilt a meaningful, loving life and always spread warmth and kindness to others. I bought them and they are on their way to CT and my dear friend.
So thank you for writing them despite your fear. I have bought multiple copies and given them as gifts many times.
I have my precious copies and often browse through them.
Thank you right back Mary. xooxo💞
Not only is there the virus to contend with but this morning we were awakened by an earthquake! 5.7 and several aftershocks. I hope that’s the end of scary things.
Blue was the perfect color choice, thank you.
Funny you should mention James Herriot, I’m reading All Things Bright and Beautiful (book 2). I try to picture the Yorkshire Dales as I read.
Thanks for the calming post!
Thank you so much I needed this today. I wish there was a way to leave a photo in the comment box. I wanted to show you how beautiful it is in Arroyo Grande right now. You and your store are desperately missed. I had the pleasure of working where your store stood after you left and now work on the corner a few doors down where the original Arroyo Grande hotel was. Just wanted to tell you you are appreciated and thank you for bringing comfort to so many🌷
I’m homesick for it. Do love that sweet little town. xoxo
Thank you for your blog. I always feel calmer and happy after reading them. 🥰
Thank you for the inspiration today…My mom used to say “Every storm runs out of rain,” and it’s so true!
Happy Spring! We will get through this! Our ancestors were sturdy! Time to slow down and do some serious nesting, spending time with family and fur babies! I have a Blue Bird tryst happening on my Jeep! It seems my driver side door handle and rearview mirror are a perfect place to court, two fellas vying for the lady is making a mess of my door, but all is well.Spring is upon us and love is in the air! They are beautiful to watch! *Barefoot Sparkler* from Indiana
So lovely,thank you
Thank you, Susan, for your CALM post, I will read it again and again! I ENJOY ironing and find it warm and calming, and the colour blue and white together. People are sadly sick and dying away from their loved ones, but I feel that the Planet is healing. Our big BLUE marble, the BLUE planet, our home.
I have certainly experienced much more kindness online. I say that because I have been calmly and carefully self-isolating for 10 days due to my age and lung issues. I do not want to face “triage” and be denied help.
I have more than enough to keep busy although I am away from home, and am fortunate to walk on empty small streets around the golf course, and sit in the patio in the warm sunshine. I’m communicating lots, which is one of my favourite things to do! I am fortunate to have a dear husband who gone out for occasional groceries etc. but I think we are done, all set! Can you believe, though, that I am out of flour and yeast? I will have to be creative!
I thought “words fail me” when I read your post, and look at me 🙂 Thank you again for all you do, and for keeping us Calm and Carrying on! xoxo
It has been ages since I have written anything on your page. But for whatever reason, I was drawn to your post. Loved hearing about your walk down your favorite road. The home owner offering you fresh food from his table to yours was so sweet and brought a few tears to my eyes. Isn’t that what this world should being all about? We not only need to hunker down and take care of ourselves, but family, friends as well as strangers!!
Thank you you for drawing me back in and your special words!!
Lee from Michigan & VH
Nice to hear from you Lee! 🌸
Hi Susan, As always love reading your words. My girlfriend lives in KC. Thank goodness for Face Time. She lives on her own, self employed and is conducting her business by virtually seeing them. I could start spring cleaning but the weather is still too chilly which doesn’t inspire me to do so. But I have been typing out my recipes requested from one of my son’s. A thought came to me and ask you this question – “When does a recipe become your own”?
Thanks, Everyone keep well – Sharon
When your son asks you for it, it is officially yours.💞
What a beautiful way to think. I love this comment😊
Susan You are the Calm in a storm….I was so happy to see your Blog today
You always make my day better
By the way i have been writing and adding to my (SusanBranch)Mom book. I bought it about 4 years ago …There is always something i want to add.
You inspire me
Linda from Connecticut
What a gift you are making! 👏👏👏
Thank you, Susan, for a bright spot for another Californian who is sheltering in. I thought of you today as I had to cancel a much needed getaway at the Apple Farm in SLO–last time I was there was when I got to hear you and meet you. Bless you, dear heart.
Oh darn. I hope I get out there soon too . . . xoxo
Thank you Susan, for your blog post today, so cheerful and upbeat. Just what is needed in these uncertain times. It is so easy not to stay calm, but you seem to know what to say to make us all feel better. Take care of yourselves, and cheers to social distancing. Everyone should practise this for now and when the panic is over, we’ll be able to hug each other and share all the love we’ve been keeping inside us.
Thank you for inspiring us to look forward…enjoying every day to its fullest.
Stay well…love to both of you ❤️
So timely and so needed! Thank you for sharing and calming my day. We have been hunkered down for over a week now here in Michigan. Today I just realized I am one of the “elderly” (HAH!!) and need to be more cautious. Neighbors have their eye on us for which we are thankful.
Thank you, Susan! You brighten our lives in good times and bad. Your story of the neighbor is similar to what is happening in our neighborhood. We live in a mixed generational neighborhood, which is exactly why we don’t want to leave! The younger neighbors have all reached out, offers to run errands, bring food, just check in. It is all so appreciated! People caring for each other. That is what the world needs to focus on.
Stay healthy! Keep sharing with us. Your calming blues are just what we needed! You are appreciated!!!
Hugs and love from Austin, TX ~ Sarah and Sadie
We’re going to hear so many heartwarming stories. xoxo
Oh a wonderful post Susan. “ Blue skies smilin at me, nothin but blue skies do I see! I’ll be humming that all night 😎. Thank you Susan!
Thank you Susan for your calming words, much appreciated! I will keep blue in my heart & thoughts for today & the coming weeks. Our blue skies are dripping today & a 5.7 earthquake woke a lot of folks in a little town in our state this a.m. & they have had aftershocks most of the day. So your peaceful words were truly needed! Hugs to you & Joe & Jack & all you ladies, stay well & safe! Sandi (from Utah)
You too Sandi, stay safe! xoxo
Do you know what makes me sad? I’m a public school teacher in NC and had to leave Friday with no idea when we will be able to go back in. And I forgot all my calendars! Mini, England photos AND blotter! Now I’m thinking that I’ll have to be without them for a very, very long time. Sigh. It’s a small thing but I thought I had done such a good job packing up quickly. At least I have contact with you and I won’t be without your wonderful work.
Well, that’s no good . . . I’ll do my best to get them to you. Look for an email from Sheri … I’m not sure we have the blotter, but I have an extra of the other two here on the island … xoxo Thank you for the job you do. Stay well!
what, pray tell, is “nurk” ?
It’s a family word, my sisters and I say it, I wrote about it in The Girlfriends Book … making up words, and it’s a bit like lurk, only different!
Dearest Susan,
Just what the doctor ordered! Your reminder to count or blessings, appreciate the little things,
be productive and creative could have come from a psychological. Thank you, Dr. Branch☺️.
I have pulled out Gladys Taber’s books to re-read as they are simply jammed with blessing counting and creativity. And while hunkering down I am having such fun redoing my daughters’ baby books in an archival medium. Such a joy to see those adorable little faces and rereading their funny remarks. Will give them to them for Christmas .
Just ordered my calendars!!!
Thank you again for the breath of fresh air and common sense today.
Blessings
Carol
Gladys is perfect in times of trouble!
Actually an inmate crocheted the poncho for Martha. It’s called the Coming Home Poncho and the pattern is online. But that’s ok…we love all your posts and the beauty being brought to us and reminding us. 🙂
Ha! Well, she should have made it! Ever since, I said to myself, if I had to go to jail (which would never happen) I’d come out with something!
De. Light. Ful….. as always. Hugs to all !
Susan this chat was such a comfort for me! It made me feel like I just might be sitting with you in front of your fire. So wonderful — thank you for sharing yourself and your thoughts! ❤️❤️
After reading the blog earlier, I made the hot milk cake. It is delicious. And it turned out perfect. I know what my go to cake is going to be from now on. Thank you for sharing such a yummy recipe.
I’m so glad! xoxo
Thank you -we will survive!!!!
You are the rainbow in our cloud! Thanks. ♥
Thank you for your brightness & encouragement through unchartered times for us all !
Love all your pictures ! And the story of your neighbor-with such a generous offer . Goodness & Angels do show up in these frightening times always . Keep well & Happy Spring.
Penny from Mt.Rose
Looking for Spring here too!
Thank-you Susan for this reassuring blog! I will save it and reread it when I start to feel anxious!😘
Sweet Sue,
Thank you for your reaching out at this trying time of ours. We are survivors and I believe we will come out stronger, just as you do .
The pety-pets are all getting spoiled rotten…Jack is in good company! They bring us some love and calm as we spoil them.
Just finished the taxes! Now I can move on to more creative fun. I even found myself cleaning a few cupboards to avoid them.
Let’s enjoy this unique time, scary for sure, but we are making history. Let’s show future generations that we have what it takes, with grace and prayers.
Melin
Thank you dear one. I found this yesterday in a tweet attributed to Kitty O’Meara…
And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.
And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.
And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.
Stay safe. Much love❤️
Isn’t that wonderful? I looked it up and it’s a modern day Kitty O’Meara, who wrote this on her blog. I see it this way too… xoxoxo
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Shannon for sharing that very beautiful and thought provoking tweet by Kitty O’Meara. Yes, Our dear mother Earth is taking a much needed rest and so will we, and hopefully we will all come out of it with kinder more caring hearts, willing to lift up those who cannot lift themselves and creating a beautiful world that will nurture our souls.
Blessings and love to you, Patricia ❤️❤️❤️