The whole quote from my mom’s letter is “Bye ~ Your very own Mommy, Patsy, Popsy, Pooples . . . ” That’s how she is. 😇 Here comes Mother’s Day, thought I’d play you one of her favorite songs ~ she sang it when I was little as she walked through our house, collecting clothes to do the laundry or while stirring soup … MUSICA 🌼 
As of yesterday I finished writing the words for my new Christmas book🤣 ~ that’s how I’ve been keeping busy! And there’s Joe, not letting the rain get him down, going through my pages to make sure 
all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. Now I get to start painting and putting it into my “good handwriting.” I’m thinking I’ll call it a Susan Branch Christmas Story. All the other titles have been taken. Would LIKE to call it A Christmas Carol, but that perfect title is definitely gone! It’s been lovely writing this book, spending so much time with my mother at least in my imagination ~ the book is about the joys of Christmastime at our little house when I was young, circa 1957, the oldest of eight children, and my mom’s right-hand person.
I don’t think I’ve ever written a book that wasn’t an ode to my mother. She and her simple, down-to-earth, practical wisdom are between the lines of every page.
Yes, she’s between every line … I’ve tried all my life to show her what her sweet devotion to her family has meant to me . . . I could never find enough words, but I’m pretty sure most of you know . . . you have mothers too.💞
No, you never get over it. Another of my attempts to tell her . . . for her 80th Birthday Party, our family came together to create for her an album of love… I sent blank pages of a large photo album to our family and friends so everyone could contribute pictures, stories, poems, quotes, and memories to her book. Of course, this book became her most-loved thing. It had her whole life story in it, told by the people she loved most.
This was one of the pages I did for her … I have pretty 
much every card and letter she ever sent me, my mom was a prolific letter-writer for as long as she was able . . . I pulled out excerpts from just a few things for this page … so she could actually see some of what she’s put out there all these years. She will never know, it all seems so normal to her. There, in the middle, you can see who she is: “Bye– your very own Mommy, Patsy, Popsy, Pooples.” My very own. That tells me she knew.💞
Wishing all you moms and grandmas, you nurturers and caregiver-types who make something from nothing every day, a very
H A P P Y
Have I said thank you for what you do? This world would be no good without you!💞
So what else is new in the House of Creativity? Calendars are humming along … I just received the proofs … the calendars aren’t assembled yet, but the manufacturer asks me to approve the colors. They look beautiful if I do say so myself… Approved!✅ For all of you that have ordered, we should have them in the Studio by July. (I wonder what the world will be like in July?)
Outside, Nature is doing all her creating the old-fashioned way! Painting the world my favorite colors of pink and green!
Making me hum old songs like Lida Rose …🎶 
For several years, kind of quietly, whenever I feel like it and have time, or if Kellee asks, I’ve been designing prints to put in our web store. First there was one, then there were two, and over the years, slowly but surely, they kept coming ~ but I’ve never looked at how many we had and never wrote about them. Recently Kellee suggested, “Let’s weed out our prints, and see if there is anything new you want to add.”
So I did . . . you’ll recognize some of them because much of the art comes from my books . . . but lately I’ve been inspired . . .
to add some new ones … and put them all on sale in honor of Mother’s Day ~ And the Dam Panic, and being trapped, and perhaps needing a light-hearted hug. Starting today and for the whole month of May! Might as well get them out there where they can bring cheer rather than have them in a dark corner of our shipping barn! Some of my prints were inspired by what we’re going through now…💙
Many of the prints have my favorite quotes . . .
To make it easy, I think maybe all but two fit into a standard 8″x10″ frame.
This one, “New Rules,” you might remember from A Fine Romance . . . (I see my mother here, especially #7).
My Grandma’s Pie Crust recipe (along with “Pie Craft,”) both from the 30th Anniversary of the Heart of the Home ~ it’s pretty easy to see my grandma here! Proof that no matter how far I’ve traveled, I’ve never gotten too far from home.💞 
There’s also Bathroom Art, the art from these two is from Girlfriends Forever.
You can see close-ups of the rest of the prints HERE!
Oh yes, can’t forget this one, perfect timing for Reasons To Go On Living . . . Have faith Girlfriends (and boyfriends, too), life will come back to normal, despite all the yammering on TV (A reminder: you own it, it doesn’t own you💞), there are a LOT of brilliant people out there working day and night to solve this thing. And 
while I’m thinking of it, my prayers join yours for the suffering, the poor, the vulnerable, the sick, and for those that have lost loved ones. Such a scary time. My tears join yours for the tremendous acts of courage, compassion, and selflessness we are learning about daily ~ and our gratitude goes out to all those who are sacrificing so much for the greater good. This is America. It’s what we do for EACH OTHER that matters. Be strong, as Queen Elizabeth put it so perfectly, “with quiet, good-natured resolve.” And listen to your Governors. Unless they are insane. Then listen to yourself, you with the common sense.♥️ The sun will come out, tomorrow.
And don’t forget … I put a pattern for this crown in my last post . . . there’s a link there with instructions you can print out to make your own Mother’s Day crown (just scroll down to next post) . . . It’s free, and fun to make someone’s day (there’s my mom again😍).
Oh! And something else I wanted to give you ~ this is the BEST recipe!
Next forage-trip to the supermarket, don’t forget to get the ingredients for these delicious pancakes… you will love them! Banana Fritters would be a wonderful Mother’s Day treat, too … that recipe is in the post below this one.💞
Remember the photo of Joe in the last post? When he was going to rob the supermarket? Barbara Cummins, one of our darling Girlfriends, saw it and decided to sketch it and send it to me . . . isn’t it cute? I printed it out and put it on our fridge! 
Then Barbara saw a photo of me wearing my mask . . . and she did it all over again! I don’t think we could ever forget this Dam Panic, but this assures it! Thank you Barbara!
I know, don’t be afraid! It’s only Jack! So Kellee gets this idea to make a Jack-mask 
from a painting I did of him with a rubber band in his mouth… she made this paper mock-up just to get an idea of what it might look like, thinking she could probably fix that rubber band if we decided to do it. But when I put this thing in front of my face it was so frightening, we realized that unless it came with matching ears we would scare everyone at the supermarket. Might even be worse with ears, might need a tail too. So, no … we decided we love it, but we’re never going to make it! Gone, but not forgotten!
So, one more gift from me to you with love . . . GREEN, the color of spring, of life, renewal, nature, energy, growth, harmony, safety, and the environment … I think we need some of all of that … so, from my “Green” file . . . I give you . . . GREEN!
This is what we’re waiting for . . . this is the green of a New England Spring just after the leaves open.🌿
This green matches the New England green perfectly, but it’s a door on a cottage in the Cotswolds.
Joe’s showing me my iron bunny rowing his leaf through the snow…
Green beans . . .
Peter Rabbit Room dressed for winter.
Beautiful green tea set that was a giveaway here on the blog a couple of years ago…It’s gone, but it’s almost as good just to have the photos!
Me, as a tree-hugger, walking in the woods around Lake Winnipesaukee.🌳
Saw this little car in England… I think they were advertising astro turf!
Two greens: the screen door, and Jack’s eyes!
If you’re painting words about Ireland, you have to do it in green! It’s a rule!☘️
Old books had the BEST covers! Works of art!
Quilts airing on the line last fall.
Green trim on a very old house in Hingham, MA … there is a little baby looking out the top-right window!
Me, in the backyard of Holly Oak, when the neighbor’s cows surprised me with a visit!
Found a heart rock on the beach!
Self-explanatory … green!
Darling old magazine from 1934 found at a yard sale.
Glass creamers and sugar bowls make very nice votive holders! Second hand stores, antique stores, yard sales!
We still have this pattern for my chair pillow in our Love to Sew section … looks darling on kitchen chairs.
This green-roofed hotel in Long Beach California is where my mom met my dad at a dance in 1945. He was wearing his sailor uniform …I took this picture from the deck of the Queen Mary, (the old one that’s permanently docked there).
Great garden book! Sometimes we have copies of this in our bookstore… it’s old, but so full of inspiration, it makes your hands itch to start gardening.💚
My first painting ever! What a shock to learn, when I was 30, that I could paint! What a surprise! ~ guess you just have to try, because who knows? The original hangs in our dining room.
Postcard from Joe’s collection sings Spring!
My Girl Scout sash (the missing star was lost on a beret sometime in the 80s). Some badges are still pinned where my mother put them “till she had time to sew them on.” Everyone in my troop took horseback-riding lessons which I do not remember! I don’t feel very much like a horsewoman, so that first badge is a quandary. But the rest of them are the story of my life: Storytelling, Child Care, Homemaking, Pen Pal, and Cooking.💚
Here I am, laid back in the Fine Romance Van on the boat going back to the Island.
A cake to celebrate my new book in 2012, in the Before Days, when we could all eat from the same cake!
My boy.
My other boy.💚Hope you loved the green, it’s like a deep breath of all the things we love. If you find yourself with time on your hands look 
at the top of my home page, click on HOME SWEET HOME, or I LOVE ENGLAND, ABOUT ME, or VISITING MARTHA’S VINEYARD ~ for more little stories, things you may not have noticed. I’m getting lots of questions about art lately, so you’ll find information about drawing and painting under ABOUT ME.🎨
In a recent post, one of our Girlfriends, Carol Wilson, sent this interesting-looking recipe for Wild Violet Jelly. She called it a “Labor of Love” and I can see why. But read the recipe and see what you think… might be worth a try. Some of us definitely have the time . . . and if you’ve got the violets . . . why not! I think they’d make make an outstanding gift! Perfect tea-party material!
My problem is, so far, I don’t have enough violets. They’re coming up in our lawn, but not very many and the recipe calls for 8 cups of unsprayed, pesticide free, well-washed, common wild violets ~ petals only ~ 
Eeek. Send your kids to do this! Wash the petals well, divide into two glass bowls, 4 cups in each, and add 4 cups of boiling water to each bowl. Let sit 24 hours. In the meantime, sterilize 1/2 pt. jars and lids (she didn’t say how many, probably 4). Pour petals and water through a sieve, pressing down the petals to get all the water and flavor 
from the flowers. Keep the flower water, put the used petals in your compost. Boil the flower water with 1/2 c. fresh lemon juice (no seeds), and 3 c. sugar till sugar is dissolved. Add one box (1.75 oz) powdered pectin and boil 2 more minutes. Ladle hot liquid into clean, sterilized jars, leaving a quarter-inch headway, put on lids, cover with water and boil for 5 min. Take them out and make sure they are sealed tight when cooled. “Delicious” Carolyne said, “Beautiful purple-pink color. Spread on homemade biscuits, toast, or cornbread. Enjoy!” Let us know if you try it . . . Thank you Carolyn!
Happy Mother’s Day dear ones.💞 I hope you’re all okay and staying safe . . . I’m thinking about you! 
Hi Susan (and Joe and Jack), Thank you for the lovely surprise, brightens such a raw, rainy day. Good music – I remember my mom singing that, too. Congrats on finishing writing the book, and having the calendar colors turn out so well.
Love this ALL so much. And can’t wait to see the violet jelly recipe or receipt as my Dad used to say. Everytime I see a new post, it just makes my day. Thanks,Susan, for being you.
Thank you for an uplifting Monday! I love hand writing a letter and shooting it off in the mail. I thought it so appropriate when your mom’s note says something about how as soon as you finish a letter and get it out in the mail, the recipient will call and all your letter will be “old news”! That happens to me so often! Thanks again Susan! <3
She started her letter writing at a time when that only happened VERY rarely …. xoxo
How thrilled I am to see a new post! Just what we all need! Love you, Susan!
You know, there’s lots of books that have the same title as other books — there’s no law against it — so go ahead and name your upcoming tome SUSAN BRANCH’S CHRISTMAS CAROL if you like.
Power to the People! xoxo
Happy “Mothering/nurturing Day” to you too!! Plus Yay to a new Christmas book!! Does that mean Enchanted is finished? 🤞🏼🤞🏼Stay well and thanks for the wonderful update! 💗
Ha, I found it! I’m getting asked this question so much, I went back to find my last answer and copy it so I can start pasting it! Here goes!
I broke my right wrist last year, and that lovely event was followed by many more that kept me from working on the book. So I put it on the back burner because I wanted something to come from me this year, and that one was way to long for me to finish in time … I had this little Christmas story in my mind for years . . . decided this would be the year to do it! I’ll get back to the other one asap!
Love love your post and stopped the minute it came in to my email to read the entire post. Thank you for the uplifting everything that you mentioned.
When will you publish your next book about your most recent trip to England, Scotland and Ireland? So looking forward to reading it!!
I just answered that… look in either the comment before, or after, yours … ♥️
Lovely post, as always, Sue!
Thanks for the green, the reminders that this, too, shall pass and the sweet remembrances for Mother’s Day.
Stay well,
Nancye T., in rainy, wind-swept Wells, Maine
I’m thrilled to hear about the Christmas book but what happened to the Boat trip to England II book?
I broke my right wrist last year, and that lovely event was followed by many more that kept me from working on the book. So I put it on the back burner because I wanted something to come from me this year, and that one was way to long for me to finish in time … I had this little Christmas story in my mind for years . . . decided this would be the year to do it! I’ll get back to the other one asap!
This was wonderful, thank you so much for making my day. I too, love the color green and my kitchen cupboards, several rooms and my drapes are green. You have the capacity for making the things I enjoy, decorate with or read out even more lovely. I like seeing the rooms of your house too. I know that invades your privacy but to see how you decorate dressers, beds, walls is very interesting. May your day be filled with joy………..
Dear Susan, thank you for another wonderful gift of all the things you love, and I love and WE all love! I will enjoy re-reading and re-re-reading this post.
I especially LOVE the Good Housekeeping magazine cover of 1934. That’s the year my sister was born and the girl even looks a bit like her.
I also love the references and tributes to your very special mother. I was lucky to have a wonderful mother too, so I know just what you mean.
We all have to keep on being patient, thinking of the things we love and re-visiting them some day! Be well, many blessings xo
I sometimes feel like the little girl with the mask carrying a broken heart. But your post brought frequent smiles as I read. Your mother was a gem and I imagine the gem to be green.
Me too… sounds wonderful. I’m sorry for your broken heart. 😥 xoxo
Reading this provided a respite from a day of non-stop Zoom calls. What a pleasure to be reminded of the things that will endure – a Mother’s love, art, and the green of spring. Thank you, Susan, and wishes for health and strength to you and yours.
I always loved that first painting of yours and the story that went with it. How wonderful to discover a talent for art. The original must be deeply satisfying for you to look at, a reminder of the start of everything. And you were smart enough to continue. And we are all the beneficiaries.
It always surprises me! Funny how we humans are!
A lovely post…thank you!!
What a joy it always is to read your blog! Loved all the “green!” It is beginning to look like Spring here in Michigan! Can hardly wait to read your Christmas book, I know it will be just as delightful as the rest of your books!
Just wishing you would write a blog; needing the refreshing you bring to my day, week…and I open my email and voila’ there you are 🙂
Thank you again and again Susan
Reading your mind Mary!
Thanks Susan for your stunningly green blog. Just what I needed. I have never made such different food during being shut-in! I fear too much sugar and butter in the mix. Your Photos are so comforting during these times. Take care.
How did you ever know? Just what I needed on a breezy Monday! Bless you and your blog, dear Susan Branch!
Hello Susan, Girlfriends. doing well here cave junction. its cloudy but slightly warm and its wonderfully green here as well. my tulips are opening up and my strawberries are blossoming ( I have 2 hanging baskets of strawberries on the kitchen porch) and looking forward to the first berries, have to get them before the blue jays do. our tractor parade goes on, chugging by and delighting folks up and down the road. the hen house is finally cleaned out and the floor is level again, and fresh straw in the nesting boxes and on the floor, smells so good in there. waiting for the egg sitterin’ to begin. we had to take out the layers of muck from the winter and it is a job to get that done, very dirty and stinky. we throw all that hen house dirt out on to the gardens ( has valuable chicken poop in it and that is good for the veggies) and we share with our neighbors, anyone needing chicken manure just has to ask and bring over a wheel barrow. by the same deal they get manure and they give us their grass clippings for the chickens, which makes the chickens happy. seems like we finally got the rat population under control in the hen house, I put D-con rat poison down in the tunnels where the chickens could get to it and then we leveled the henhouse floor, if the rats want food they have the poison. I figure I have all the holes where they pop up plugged up, but I know they can pop up anywhere. at least they are out of the shed where we store the food, all metal cans to contain the food and a swept up floor, no feed there for them. we had a rough week last week, we lost a duck, Daphne, and then our barn cat was sick for a few days, didn’t really want to eat but we got broth in her and water and she finally recovered by Wednesday and is eating real good now, still sleeps a lot but that is her way of getting better and she is much more sociable now then when she was sick. we left last Saturday (4-18-20) to go grocery shopping and then to the grange for feed supplies for the barnyard crew, and she was fine. we came home and she seemed sluggish and wanted to sleep and be left alone. come Sunday morning we knew she was sick, so we started giving her broth, soft food and lots of fresh water and just kept an eye on her. she just took what she wanted, slept a lot and finally got over it. had me worried as I told myself if she was not doing better by this past weekend she was going to the vet, just glad I did not have to do that. well off to go put some laundry out on the line and get the last load going, then over to the grange and price out the veggie starts. have a wonderful day everyone, stay well, stay safe and stay health. sending loves and hugs…. hugs…. 😀
Thanks so much for this post. Loved all the green. Loved your Girl Scout sash. What a great idea to photograph it! I’m going to do that with mine tomorrow and thanks for the inspiration. I got the sewing badge but you’d never know it by the stitches I made on that sash!
Ha! Well those badges were THICK!!! I don’t know how a little kid gets a needle through that!
HI Susan,
thank you for another wonderful post. I was so happy to find it there today. I have 2 questions, i want to ask please. First-when is the new book coming out? the one you are writing about your last trip to England- and second, is your mother still alive? I hope you and Joe and Jack are faring well and staying safe and enjoying the walks to the pond and back your lane. I so enjoy your blogs and can’t wait to have a new book to read from you. I am looking forward to the new Christmas book too. Have a wonderful day. xoxoxo
My mom’s in hospice care now. 😢 The Christmas book will be in the studio in August! Enchanted was put off … I broke my wrist last year, lots of other things including new Calendar designs … I’ll go back to it! It’s going to be a wonderful book!
My mother had dementia and passed from complications from it. So sorry your Mom is in hospice. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 I love that your Christmas book will be dedicated to your wonderful Mom!! Eight children!! Love and prayers!!
💔 No words, dear one. Just know you’re held close in our thoughts and our prayers.
xoxoxo
Susan, Thank you for the lovely post. I’m sorry about your precious mom. I just said a prayer for her and you.
I appreciate that so much. xoxo
Susan, I think of you and your sweet mom so often! Knowing you means that we also know her. Please know that I am keeping you both in my prayers. Sending my love and huge hugs, dear heart.💕
Thank you Dawn. xoxo
It is going on 16 years since my mom passed away and I still have a hard time around Mother’s Day. I am especially missing her doing these trying days as I take care of my 89 year father. Thank you for a uplifting blog. The way your mother sign that letter reminds me of my mom’s favorite song Mairzy Doats. She played that song all the time.
Take care and stay safe.
Another song my mom was constantly singing around the house. I sang it to her the other day over the phone… xoxo
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for the beautiful tribute to your mom. I have loved everything you’ve ever shared about her. She truly showed her love by all she taught all of you about people, life and making your world full of needed and wondrous things without a lot of financial resources. I still love her circus birthday cake. I have to say she reminds me a lot of my mom. I’m not being articulate, but it’s hard to put your mom (and mine) into words. Your mom will always be with you as mine is with me.
Your prints are inspiring and beautiful. I must order! I have 3 of your prints. Reasons To Go On Living, Never Live Faster Than Your Guardian Angels Can Fly and A Time To Every Purpose Under Heaven. Printed beautifully on good paper. You can never too many of these prints. I just rotate them as I please.
Sending you much love and an abundance of light.
It is hard, I know, Carmel, there is the most bottomless pool of feelings and experiences, we know what it feels like to be in that pool, but very difficult to explain with human words. Blessed. xoxoxo
Lovely lusting after the wonderful quilts blowing in the breeze and in the Peter Rabbit room. Biggest sigh!
And I think I saw that very car in Bourton on Water! Or one very much like it.
Thanks for the spring, the beauty, the delightful memories of your mom, the print avail and so very much more that truly brightens yet another day of Home Alone! Sending big smiles from Michigan!
Can there be more than one of those cars????🤣
I loved this newsletter…well…I love all your newsletters…but, this one raised my spirits so much! My Mother has been on my mind so much lately and then here comes your thoughts on your Mother! ❤️
I also love collecting “heart rocks”! ❤️
Stay safe! ❤️ Darlene
Love that last quote from Socrates- motto of my life.
Green is balm for the soul- my favorite color- the color of life and hope.
Stay well and thanks for the lovely post as always.
xo
Susan,
What a lovely blog today and inspires us to remember to just breathe and trust that a normalcy will return and that people are working tirelessly to ensure that. I loved your rememberances of your mother, sounds so similar to my mother’s sayings. I seem to be using them more and more these days! It brings frequent smiles!
Oh, how I loved this! Beautiful pictures; beautiful quotes; calming words. Today would have been my mother’s 98 th birthday. That made this post even more special to me
💞
Green is my very favourite colour!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for all the beautiful presentations of it!!!!!!!!!! Still waiting, here in Canada, for a lot of Spring green to appear, but soon!
I can’t wait to try the chocolate chip pancakes! I usually have mini chips but will need to use what I have for now which is regular size chocolate chips!! Yum!! The green pictures were a breath of fresh air and lots of hope which springs eternal!! Stay safe!! 💚💚💚🌻
That should work!👏🤣
Ah sweet Susan-you are a balm for the soul as always. The green-oh so beautiful and always has a wondrous effect on our slightly askew minds right now. You bring our hearts right back where they belong.
Another missive to brighten our days….. I get lost in your writing and experience a moment of Covid freeness (is that a word?). We are blessed here in the mountains of Idaho to be having lovely spring weather; warm and sunny and GREEN! God bless us one and all!
What a lovely blog…. Here is a tribute to a Mother I found years ago at Goodwill:
I wish I could find a fine tribute like this one for a dear Father.
Mother–Your One True Friend
The days melt into years. The years bring many changes.
As time hurries on old friends have scattered. New ones take their place. Only one friend remains through the years. That friend is my mother. Though far from her, I see her kind, loving face as it reflects the glory of God. I feel her holy presence. I hear her sweet words of truth. Her guiding hand is upon my head.
I may pass through the temple of trouble, sorrow may be my constant companion; disgrace may bow my head in shame & the world may crucify me on a cross of fire, but the one I call mother will not forsake me. Her ears will never be deaf to my cries of pain; her hands will never be too tired to minister to my wants. She’ll go with me thru the dark days and stand beside me as I pass thru the valley of death.
She is the uncrowned queen of the nations. She is the unpaid servant of the world. She is the unseen martyr of love. She is the most faithful of the faithful. She hopes for us after hope is gone. She gives her life that we may live. She is a slave that we may be free. She is happy only when we are happy. Our grief is her grief. Our victories are her victories.
As she passes thru this life, may her happiness increase; may her sorrows cease to be. May we stop for a moment in our mad rush thru this life & pay her a tribute of gratitude. May we lay at her feet a garland of roses. May we place on her head a crown of love and tell her that we love her as in the days when we were children. Author unknown. God Bless to our Mothers and Fathers.
A garland of roses . . . the crown of love. xoxox
Speaking of green…I just baked an angel food cake and frosted it with mint flavored mint green icing! Green is Spring no matter what virus is out there! Thanks for the Mother’s Day message, Susan!
Home Sweet Home! Stay home! How about those homeless? I have tears in my eyes reading the good inspirational words and looking at all the pretty things! We pray this crisis too will pass! Love, salve
Oh, so much suffering, the anxiety could be worse than the virus, be sure to take a break if you can. I go back and forth all the time!
As always, Susan, I enjoyed your post and I totally agree on those old book cover jackets having so much charm! Your self respect quotes made me think of one that I had stuck on my kitchen cupboards: “The surest way to loose your self respect is by trying to find it through the eyes of others.” Like you, as a lover of quotes and wise words, I would always post sayings and quotes that I hoped the kids would ponder some when passing through the kitchen or preparing a snack- ha! Also, my daughter, along with so many others out there, has been busily sewing masks for those in need of one. I asked her if she would make one for my sister and one for my mother using the Susan Branch fabric I had purchased from Spoonflower. She did and they turned out absolutely adorable! Thank you for the joy that you bring to others!
Those quotes you’re putting up are obviously working on your wonderful daughter! xoxoxo
GREEN, how did you know that’s my all time favorite color in the whole wide world. Did I say I like green. I’m not paying attention to our Governor, he’s one of the ins____ ones. Hubby and I are staying in, keeping safe and doing what is necessary to get through this. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy
We all have to decide for ourselves!
So true. Looking for the light at the end of the tunnel.
WHat a lovely tribute to your mother – one of your branches. Very sweet post.
Dear heart,
Thank you so much for all you do. Years ago,
I had the when I marry him/her prints in our tiny downstairs bathroom. When our 3rd son, moved to his own bedroom he asked if he could hang the prints in his room. He turns 17 at the beginning of May and was supposed to graduate at the end of May. Thank you, Susan, for a sweet memory.
I think a special thank you to the kids, especially the teenagers who are missing their friends and their schools. But then, think of all the trouble they might not be getting in… getting past the danger years under your own mommy-time care. I think I would like that. Sorry for the kids!
Hi, so excited for your Christmas book. Your posts make the days we receive them, very nice. Thank you so much!
Thank you Susan, today is my birthday, total self-isolation, your blog was the perfect gift. Patty
Happy Birthday Patty! xoxo
Finding your posts in my e-mail always makes my day. You are a day of sunshine!!
The kitty mask scared the bejabbers out of me! lol
Loved the greens.
Two of my favorite things – your art and CHRISTMAS!!!!! I can hardly wait! I keep having to remind myself that things will get back to a new and improved normal – I know they will!😘😎
Yes they will! Faith!
As always, I love your beautiful post, such a treat! I will keep your mom and your family in my prayers. xoxoxo
What a surprise to see the “green roofed hotel in Long Beach”… that’s the Villa Riviera with it’s famous copper roof on Ocean Blvd.! It was first opened in 1929 and ultimately added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. It began life as a hotel and still has beautiful condos on the upper floors with classic architecture. I believe there was originally a restaurant with dancing on the first floor – maybe that’s where your parents met? Long Beach was a Navy town – my parents also met there when my dad was in the Navy. Growing up in Long Beach, we would often drive by the Villa Riviera. When I was little I just knew that was where Cinderella lived! Even years later it was always known in our family as the “Cinderella Castle.” Thanks for including the photo!
It is where my parents met, just after the war, at a dance at the Villa Riviera. My mom was only 15, she went there with her girlfriend, neither of their parents knew!
Thank you so much, Susan. Your emails are wonderfull, doubly so, right now. Love, loved loved, LOVED the Astro turk car. I want one!
Hi Susan, Thank you for such a beautiful blog and the lovely tribute to your mom. What would we do if we never had them! My mom just turned 85, bless her, and my dear Lovie Mum – born in Buckinghamshire County who met my dear FIL during WW2 is always in my heart; I miss her lots. Loved the Green tribute. That’s the wonderful thing about the Spring season – lots of green! We are ever closer to our move to Maine. We are a bit delayed due to the virus, but we will be there looks like mid-June! In the meantime, we are keeping safe and doing what needs to be done. We are grateful every day and our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone struggling and suffering due to this awful pandemic. Stay well, be happy and love to Joe and Jack. Love, Karen xo
Susan I love your mom’s set of rules, my folks had a set of bathroom rules that us laughing when we were young, but boy did they apply to us: first came the bathroom rules that applied to the tub: splishing and splashing and bubbles galore are fine in the tub but not on the floor; a rubber duck might join the crowd but no live animals are allowed. now if these rules seem far too picky imagine the floor and walls all wet and sticky; then imagine yourself with a mop and pail as captain of the clean up detail. the next rule was for the potty: use me well and keep me clean, and I will never tell what I have seen. we loved those rules, our friends thought they were rather fussy, but the grown-ups sure got a laugh out of them. hugs…. 😀
What a lovely post. I am working temporarily at a local nursing home so that I can see my mom (visitors not allowed….but since I’m now an employee 😊😊……). I may have to print out some of those Mother’s Day crowns to celebrate those elderly mothers at the nursing home who will not be able to have their children visit this year.
Oh you smart girl!!! Brilliant! You are a blessing. xoxo
Hi Susan
What a wonderful blog post, I am not sure what to talk about first. I cried when you were talking about Moms, your Mom* so so so sweet. I don’t have my Momma anymore but oh my was that fun to read. I loved those paintings so much. Wow such talent. I will be trying those pancakes for sure* I really love love love all the greens* One of my favorite colors is a seafoam green. Happy day Susan, stay safe and healthy***
deezie
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Precious Susan, Our God in heaven has surely given you talents more precious than gold!! Whenever the chronic pain that seems to be a companion for twenty years, I read your blogs and Scripture and am immensely cheered and uplifted!! Your outlook on life and the quotations (yours and others) surely must be heaven-sent. Has it ever dawned on you that you have your own ministry since you have lifted up so many lives that have been and are touched by your talents with art and words? I will never be able to forget the advice you gave me about being able to afford a voyage on the Queen Mary 2; advice that we took to heart. What a wonderful voyage that was!! Our trip to England left us with some of the best memories my late husband had before he died six weeks after our return home to Charleston SC. I’ve started writing a book about the kindness the English people showered on us and will be called “The Angels of England.” Now I am persuading my new husband to go to England and take the same voyage home. May our loving Lord continue to bless you as you continue to reflect His character in SOOO many, many ways.
So wonderful to hear from you Karen. Your story is so inspiring. I hope you will take that trip! No one knows better than you how important it is to take advantage of the ticking clock when you can. XOXOXOXO
Susan, first of all the music brought back such memories. My dad sang the words to that song to me all the time. When I read your tribute to your mother I have to confess I cried and cried. I miss my Mom so much. She was a kind soul that kept our family together. She always had an open door helping family, friends and neighbors alike. We didn’t have much growing up but she made the best of it all. There’s never a day when I don’t think of her. Your words always mean so much to me. Thank you.
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I love green glass too! I have a Fenton Kelly green pressed glass shoe boot on my kitchen shelf. Speaking of violets, your violet jelly recipe brought a memory…my third grade teacher, Miss Brown (she was the sweetest, most beautiful lady in the world), brought violet jelly she had made herself to our classroom. Her parents, she said, had a whole hillside of violets, and it took her quite a while to pick enough. She came to each of us at our little wooden desks, spread a little jelly on a cracker and handed it to us like it was a treasured prize. That was well over 50 years ago. It made such an impression on me, I will never forget!
What a pretty thing to do, what a wonderful teacher! So creative! Sometimes I don’t think people understand just how much power we have to change the world with the simplest of gestures!
When you said that your mother gave you the fashion advice to “always wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident” was advice that I read in a fashion magazine years and years ago. I must have taken that to heart, as I always did that. When I was in my mid-twenties, working in NYC, and no longer living at home… I had an appendicitis attack on my way home from the city on a Sunday afternoon. I had my very best Victoria’s Secret Black Lace Underwear (no, not a thong) … a french cut bikini style and a matching bra. I had no idea that the pain I was feeling was my appendix, as I was doubled over with pain that went from my abdomen to my lower rib cage. Since I had some digestion issues, I had some medication with me and I took it. It wasn’t helping much.
I had an hour layover in Newark, Penn Station and I decided to eat a little bit of ice cream (more to take my mind off of my pain). Three hours after leaving the city, I managed to get out of the train at my stop and walk across the street to the cab company. I asked them to get a cab for me, as I needed to go to the hospital. I had called my doctor from the pay phone at the train station on my way to the cab company and he said he would meet me at the ER. He did and he had already called my surgeon who was there also. Thankfully, I had my lovely black lace underwear. My doctor said, “I can see you dressed for the occasion.” And the surgeon made sure the incision would not be seen if I wore a bikini like those I had on. They both got a real kick out of it as they had heard of the same quote. What was most embarrassing was that not only were they my doctors, but I worked with them on my weekend job. I was in my 20’s and saving for a home and a car. So they knew me from work as well. I think my whole body blushed. I went into surgery and woke up a few hours later without an appendix. But, I had my clean underwear on.
Good girl! Your mother would be proud! 🤣 And PS. Yay, that you made it in time and all was well!
Susan…always such a treat — especially NOW! I feel as if some giant entity somewhere hit the pause button on life. I ventured out to the grocery recently (forage trip, as you said), donned my mask, and was overcome with the irresistible urge to hijack a horse and rob a train! Oh well… Since I can’t go out and shop locally, I think I’m going to treat myself to a wild spending spree in your shop. I don’t think you’ll mind, will you?
Stay well and stay safe. The “Jack” mask was hilarious, but you may have made the right call in not going forward with it. LOL (Besides, if my cat found out Jack had his own mask, he’d want one, too!)
That’s the Texas in you!😂 xoxo
Hi Susan…I am just finishing reading “The Fairy Tale Girl”….have a little bit more to go….I have so enjoyed and appreciated reading about your early life… though it may have been difficult to talk about?I feel like I have gotten to know you now in a little bit more personal way….thank you for sharing your story and baring your heart to all of us….I love all the ways you made your house a home, and it is a great inspiration to me…looking forward to the sequel….just wanted you to know this, and that we all, as your readers and blog followers etc, so appreciate these books and sharing your life….God bless you and keep you all healthy….enjoy the springtime!!!! I think Montana, like New England, where I am from originally, share a similar climate in some ways…just blink and it will change!!! We just had a spring hailstorm…. !Take care!!!! Donna from Montana
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It is difficult, to keep the good attitude these days. I force myself to walk around the neighborhood and knowing full well that the attitude will change for the better.
I came home and found your blog on my iPad and I instantly got my smile back, I hope you know how much we all love you. Your illustrations and writing gives me so much peace and hope.
Cheerio!
It’s a two-way street Marilyn, I love you right back. xoxoxo
I’ve been going through treatment for breast cancer and I just lost my mom 2 days before my surgery in February and now this. I ordered some of your books, dug out a few others that I had and reread them. They have been the most comforting things through all of this. They just remind me of home and my mom.
I’m so sorry Gina, what a terrible time! 🙏🙏🙏 Sending big hugs, warm and cozy, and so much love. You can do this. xoxoxoxo
Susan,
What a lovely surprise to see the new post in your blog! Everything is so charming and cozy. (as usual) My favorite color is green and you have chosen a wonderful selection of greens to share with us. I keep thinking I must have my Girl Scout sash with badges on it, but can’t find it for the world. And yes, they were not easy to sew onto the sash. It’s probably with my handbooks (I also was a Cadette for a year) buried in the garage.
I’m sorry to see that your mother is on hospice. Having a loved one on hopsice is a difficult time for families and even more so now with social distancing. I was a hospice volunteer for several years, but had to step back last year when my husband became very sick and was hospitalized for over a month. He still can’t do many things as a result. Hospice volunteers are very caring and compassionate people and I hope that brings some comfort. Depending on the hospice, there may be other non-traditional services for free. Ours had a small variety of things including therapy dogs. a harpist who plays the most beautiful music and goes out to the homes, as well as other niceties to make things a little more comfortable. I will keep your mother in prayer.
Thank you for sharing the beauty in your world with us-it’s such a treat and so uplifting. And at times, healing.
Stay safe and well. Cheerio~
Maureen
At least my mom is home with my sister so she hasn’t had to experience too many masks or social distancing, a blessing. Of course the hospice caregivers wear masks and are very careful, they are SO SO SO WONDERFUL. ♥️
I am stuck inside in a fifth floor apartment and the green pictures were exactly what I needed today…..thank you so much….. you always come thru when we need you.
Blessings on you Carolyn xoxoxo
Dear Susan, I cried reading about your mother. “May light perpetual shine upon her.” Your beautiful blog was the bright spot in my day for the birthday card I sent came back today with “Not deliverable as addressed.” It made me sad until I saw your blog. If you could post your address, I’d appreciate it. I would like to resend my card & letter. Be cheerful & careful~Julia
It’s the thought that counts Julia, thank you! Our PO doesn’t deliver mail to our homes … we have a PO Box 2463, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
Green has always been one of my favorite colors, so thank you for this post starring Green! Years ago I had my colors done, and I came out Autumn, so green and other Fall colors are mine. Susan, I am so sorry your Mom is slipping away. I lost my Mom many years ago, and I still think of her every day. I know you will always treasure your Mom and the memories of your childhood and all your memories of her. Thank you for sharing her with us. Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms on your Blog !!
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Aren’t we fortunate to have great Mamas,I know many people that were not as lucky, my own husband and one of my best friends.
I do too … and they make up for it by being everything their moms weren’t. xoxo
Susan, Thank you for the lovely music(still playing in my head) and the wonderful stories and images. Your books make our lives richer and I am SO excited to read the Christmas Book! I have a Susan Branch shelf in our bookcase. I so appreciate the stories of your Mom. My experiences with an abusive and narcissistic Mother makes it hard to to think of such lovely memories but, your memories become important to me and how I mothered our son. So Thank You for contributing to our family’s happiness and our loving home. I know that your Mother would be happy to know you shared her with us. Stay well Susan and Joe.
Ohhh, Susan, your words are so touching. Maybe my mom infused me so I could pass that lovely infusion on to Girlfriends, to show a different way. Whatever, your son is going to pass your love to others, that’s your wonderful legacy. xoxoxo
Hello Susan,
I remember that green roofed hotel in Long Beach but think it is now residential apartments. Also my high school prom was on the Queen Mary 🚢. First class to be able to do that as her refurbishment took way longer than Long Beach expected. A long time ago in 1972. Happy Spring! 💐🌳🌷
What a PERFECT place for a Prom. SO romantic and memorable! Lucky you!
This is just the thing we all needed today, I’m sure! After following you for many years, I’ve always thought you mother was an amazing woman, as are you. The fact that she was so young when she started being a wife and mother makes it even more so. I’m glad you have so many wonderful memories, and have good work to keep you busy.
Here in Virginia we have a very sensible Governor who was also a Pediatrician, so right from the beginning he set stringent guidelines. We are in until June 10th. Though I did hear my hairdresser is going to be able to open on May 10th. I don’t care about the hair part because it will be interesting to see what it looks like by then, and maybe I’ll just grow it for a while, but I am anxious for a pedicure, since you’ve probably noticed that as you get older, it becomes more difficult to cut your own. And I do like to keep them polished even if Bob and I are the only ones who see them. My husband has been getting pedicures there as well, and decided he loves them. It’s done in a private room by a very nice man, so you aren’t sitting there all exposed to the public.
We have actually been able to go to a garden center, and everyone there followed the rules, and we didn’t have any contact with the cashier other than tell her what we had while wearing our masks. And the weather has been cooperating, so gardening is keeping us sane.
Oddly, I’ve never had a pedicure in my life, except what I do myself, which means I slap on color every summer, and wear it until fall! I have a problem sitting still that long…no manicures either, maybe twice in my life! But your words are seriously making me rethink that!🤗 Yay for the garden! We are lucky to have that escape! xoxo
Thank you for such a lovely MOTHER’S DAY post ❤️ ! This quarantine has been very difficult -I relate to the masked girl carrying a broken heart . I walked in the Forest which is in my back yard today . It was such a break from “stay safe -stay home “ mantra we keep being told to over & over . Nature goes on … birds building nests …And the smells of our forest – on Mt. Rose ! Amazingly clean and so sweet of Jeffrey Pines . Thank you Susan for your post always full of inspiration. Stay well – hugs Penny
We walk everyday too, makes such a difference!
Great post, as always! Thank you, Susan,
Love, love, love your shoes!! Where did you get them?
Long distance hugs to you and Joe and Jack.
I got them at Clarke’s Shoes when we were in England … I found something like them, still Clarke’s, here in America, but for some terrible reason (as far as I’m concerned) the heel less chunky.
Thank you! I love your taste!
Susan, I forgot to ask in previous note….You may have mentioned this, but I am forgetting, do you have a source or pattern for your green skirt in photo on ferry boat? I would love to wear a warm and cozy flannel type skirt as that here in chilly Maine. Thank you so much!
I think it’s a CP Shades … but they are so scattered, you just have to luck upon their skirts … Google “midi skirts flannel” and look at “shopping” … there are tons out there. xoxo
What a surprise to see the hotel ‘The Riviera’! I was born in Long Beach and it is an icon. My Dad’s first job was as a dishwasher there. My third grade teacher lived there who I was in awe of because of that! Lol!
Prayers for your Mom and your family.
I would love to step into that dance, be a wallflower to watch my mom and dad meet. Such a gorgeous building!
It is bittersweet for me when I read about a woman’s loving relationship with her mother because not all of us had that experience, that luxury, that gift of love. So when I became a mother, I promised the little boy in my belly that he would hear “I love you” every day of his childhood and beyond. And I have happily kept that promise as he and I went on adventures and shared lovely summer bike rides together and made wonderful memories, truly our own “once upon a time” moments. He gave me what my own mother could not. And my son made motherhood the most precious experience of my life.
In a very weird way, your beautiful relationship with your son you got from your mom. But it was YOU, you made it right, and he will with his kids, and it will go on that way forever, because the buck stopped with YOU. Congratulations, wonderful mom! xoxo
Prayers are with you all as your beloved mother is in hospice. What a loving tribute you have share. .. I was blessed to grow up within walking distance of the Villa Riviera on E. Ocean Blvd where your parents met🤗. In fact, I grew up half a block from 1st Street in the 1950-60’s. Small world, indeed! Thank you for making the world a sweeter place by sharing so graciously as you do. Blessings to you and your family. Susan
We lived on Park Avenue, bottom of Signal Hill until I was around 7. My mom was Patricia Smith!
Loved all the beautiful green and lovely sentiments about mothers! There are no posts of yours yours that I don’t love❤️
I am reading “Isle of Dreams” for the third time. 😀 Perfect for any day…especially during this quarantine. I just bought it for my sister and she is loving it too! Have you ever made Treacle cake like Ellie served you with tea?
Thank you for brightening our days always… glad you and Joe are keeping well!
I would have! But in those days we didn’t have golden syrup at our market … I think her sister must have sent it to her. xoxo
Hi Susan: What is the name of the font you used in the
section “Self Respect”, thanks
My books are handwritten, so that was my handwriting…not a font…xo
What a lovely post to keep my mind off the fact that my husband is cheating on me! Let me explain. I’m embarrassed to say that I did not watch Downton Abbey when it first aired. Several months ago my husband suggested we go see the movie, but alas it didn’t come to our local movie house, so we didn’t go. Now, during this isolation time we decided to watch the series. The other night we were watching when the youngest daughter gave birth and I said “I wonder if she dies”, I look over at my husband and he has a silly smirk on his face. I asked him if he was watching this without me. He said no, but that he did look on line for plot info. Oh, the horrors!
I’m in the process of forgiveness.
Well, it’s just about time to make my cup of tea and watch another episode or two.
How wonderful you saved it for this moment! It just gets better as it goes along. Sneaky husband, you need to keep a better eye on him!😂
I love all the words about your sweet mom! I fell in love with her in your memoir trilogy & loved “visiting” her again through this letter! She has joie de vivre a-plenty – enough that I’ll bet you & your sisters could siphon it as needed within yourselves! How lucky are you to be her oldest daughter – you got to grow up with her!
I was SOOOOOO lucky. My little spot in our family naturally made me her wing man ~ and for that she made me feel like a million bucks. LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY.
Your mom sounds wonderful. My mom was wonderful too. I’m 78 years old and
think of my mom all the time and the wonderful person she was. Such good advice. She usually said things just once and I took it seriously. One time she said “every room needs a touch of blue.” I thought she was so smart. So I make sure I do that. It might just be a little vase or book. When I was a teen and was self conscience about my big behind, she told me I was lucky because my skirts hung nicely. I believed her! She made our home beautiful without spending money. She made the cutest kitchen cupboard from wooden boxes, nailed them together, painted it red and made a curtain to hide the contents. Thank you for another lovely post.
LOVE your mom!👏
Hi Susan. I so enjoyed this blog as I do every one. However, I lost my husband unexpectedly four weeks ago today. Here in Maine today it was a damp, rainy and very sad day. Your blog brought a much needed smile to my face. Thank you so much for this little ray of happiness. I hope you and Joe stay well. Anne
This weather needs to perk up. I’m so sorry Anne, there is no good time, but with the world in such turmoil, it’s an especially hard time to lose our nearest and dearest. Hugs to you. ♥️
Thank you so much.❤️
Your mother sounds like such a special person, as they all are! I can see and feel her so much in your writings ❤️
Makes me happy to hear that! xoxo
Thank you again, Susan!
I miss my own mother so much! She, like yours, was my best friend and always my inspiration. We shared so much- travel, laughs, Beatrix Potter figurines, Lladro, Hummels, steiff animals, and antiques- oh so many antiques!! She was the oldest of five children and didn’t have much. She made her own way and career and loved everything of beauty and goodness. We should all be so thankful for that generation who valued kindness and love above all else.
I would have loved to have known her!♥️
Oh, Susan. My heart has been full of my mom,too. Her 92nd birthday would have been last Saturday, the 25th. I baked a cake and decorated it like a spring vegetable garden. She was a great gardener. The day was beautiful and perfect for the picnics she so loved. I planted a small pot of pansies from my yard as that’s the best I could do in this time, and took it to her gravesite. I miss her so. These days of isolation are not hard on a girl who used to love playing dolls alone and once wanted to live in a fire watchtower for the solitude, but I miss my mom! Anyway, thank you for the beautiful post, the verses and the art. You are a treasure.
I read your comment, I THINK, but maybe not, so just in cases … I love the way you celebrated your mom’s birthday! Her way! So sweet. Take care Sarah, sending love. xoxo
I’m super super excited about your book! Thank you for your hard work! You are so loved. ♥♥
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Had a long, difficult day at work but was excited to get home and read what you have been up to. Oh my, I really laughed at the Jack Mask.
Scary!🤣
I didn’t see the blotter calendars for sale yet. When should I check back?
We’ll have the blotters in stock in July… I didn’t put them for presale because I know we’ll have enough (we better!😊) but I wasn’t sure about the wall calendars, so I wanted to make sure all our blog Girlfriends who wanted them, got them! xoxo
On Thursday 4/30/20, my sweetheart, Vincent, and I will be celebrating our 60th Wedding Anniversary here at home on our beautiful little farm after a lifetime together with the expected highs and lows including the passing of our oldest daughter last Autumn. Our other three children are scattered far and wide with one in Oklahoma and another in Texas and the third in your beloved England and, although they are scattered far and wide, we know that they will be celebrating with us. My mother who passed away over 15 years ago got it right when she chose Vincent as the young man who I should marry. My other dates didn’t stand a chance! LOVED YOUR POST!
All life, beauty and sadness, and still, despite all, so very lucky and so very blessed. xoxo💞
LOVE your shoes!
We were watching a tape of a vacation we took to Martha’s Vineyard with my sister and her husband 20 years ago and I thought of you. I remember the beautiful low rock walls along the road.
My mother was a very unhappy person. It took me a while to realize why and not blame her so much for the things she sometimes said and did. I wish I had told her she was forgiven before she passed in 2011. I have an idea that she knew.
Thank you for the pictures and beautiful writing that you do.
Remember to forgive yourself too… guilt sneaks into your psyche, you don’t even know. You can be your mother now. Sending big HUGS of love as surrogate mommy. xoxoxo
Thank you, Susan. I needed your words. 😊
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Not only do you rest your feet on the dash, you do it in the most fantastic shoes. I wore brogues while going to school in Rhode Island in the early seventies. They were the best shoes I ever wore. Can’t find them. May I ask where you found yours?
I’m sorry to report, unless you are British, I bought them in England at Clarke’s … You can get them here, but the heel is lower. I love those shoes!
Our governor might be one of the ones you might consider insane. 🙂 But he laid out his plans to open our state gradually today. Restaurants, shops and malls can open this weekend when our stay-at-home order expires, but only at 25% capacity and still practicing all the good things to keep us safe. Doctors and dentists can also reopen. Then in 2 or 3 more weeks, he will see how we are doing, and possibly allow nail and hair salons to reopen at reduced capacity, and possibly increase stores and restaurants to 50% capacity.
I know there are those who think we can and should just stay shut down until who knows when. I work from home and am a homebody anyway, so very little has changed for me. 🙂 But my husband has had to furlough all but one employee from his business, even though it was deemed essential. I see the strain on him this past 2 months and I think it really gave everyone some hope today that we are moving toward reopening. We can’t stay closed forever.
I have wondered to myself if this would have played out differently had the epicenter not been NYC. I can’t imagine that New York would have loved shutting down for 2 months if someplace like Omaha, Nebraska had been the epicenter.
I just want us to work together to find a way to manage this whole thing AND begin to reopen at the same time. Small businesses are hanging on by a thread.
Thanks for the “green” tour! Lovely. 🙂
I think once our states numbers aren’t rising, it’ll end up being every man for himself, which makes sense. Lots of seniors are retired and can stay home and socially distance, and likely should until we get a vaccine. While the rest of the world can forge on. I guess we’ll see … Joe and I think we had the virus in January … we were sick for 6 weeks, dry cough, dizzy, a little short of breath, very tired, but we don’t remember much of a fever. I NEVER get the flu, really never… but we kept saying how strange this was, it didn’t feel like the flu. But we sure were sick. Joe went to the Dr. I didn’t. But we won’t know until we get tests. I just don’t see how anyone could get on a plane, or a ship, without everyone being tested before they board. But that’s why it would be every man for themselves, do what makes sense to each person. Stay safe Sarah! xoxo
Oh, Susan. My heart has been full of my mom,too. Her 92nd birthday would have been last Saturday, the 25th. I baked a cake and decorated it like a spring vegetable garden. She was a great gardener. The day was beautiful and perfect for the picnics she so loved. I planted a small pot of pansies from my yard as that’s the best I could do in this time, and took it to her gravesite. I miss her so. These days of isolation are not hard on a girl who used to love playing dolls alone and once wanted to live in a fire watchtower for the solitude, but I miss my mom! Thank you for the beautiful post, the verses and the art. You are a treasure.
I loved the way you honored her … all the things she taught you to love. How more perfect could that be?!💞
Another well received letter from you! As we go through this time, I think of you often as stating you love time at home. I do as well, although I’d like a little more freedom! Thank you for your sentiments and all the green! May you stay well and keep on! We so love all you do with your words and messages to us! I just noticed today the floating balloon on your April wall calendar that hangs on my kitchen wall. My daughter’s birthday is April 12th as well as yours! Such a special date! Love all you do dear Susan!
Happy Birthday to your daughter Sandi, still celebrating!
Susan, I so appreciated the comments you have made about your Mom. I am sorry that she is not doing so well now. She raised an amazing daughter – you! As I read, I was reminded of my own Mom, who passed away when I was in my 40’s. When I was in high school, she worked a second job, as a nursing assistant on the graveyard shift, on the weekends. Her other full-time job was teaching school. As an adult, I became more aware of the sacrifices she made for me and my sisters. I hope I told her often enough what it meant to me. Thank you so much for the reminder of what being a Mom means.
So many sacrifices all for love!💞 How lucky we are!
Mothers are a blessing and they can do so many wonderful things. They can brush your tears away, they can heal broken hearts…They can be a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. They can be that warmth in the coldest winter and their sweet smiles are the cure for whatever ails you.
Those of us that have been blessed by such a love as that a mother can give, are truly the recipients of the truest of love.
Blessings to you, to your mother, and to your family.
Thank you Jan! xoxo
Lovely post, as usual.
Susan, I will pray for your sweet Mama daily. Bless her heart…and yours.
Susan,,,what a truly delightful post, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know all the girlfriends out there were as happy as I to see it there today. Beautiful words & memories of moms. Will say a prayer for yours. Green is so beautiful in spring – so fresh. Thank you for sharing your photos. Happy Spring.🐢🐦🐍🐸🐊🐉🐛🍏🍈🍐🌳🌵🍀⚓⛳
Happy Green to you too, Susan. Love it! I look out my bedroom window every morning to see the same beautiful green with our cows of many colors grazing in and out and back into my sight. So grateful for it. We always took Mom and any other moms who happened to be in our vicinity to Sunday dinner on Mom’s Day. All those Moms are gone now. Left us with great memories, some of which echo yours, esp the self respect to be presentable, gracious. That shows respect for others too. To make our space in the world a lovely one.
I’m a grandma x 9! The best thing ever! Everyday is mom day with them in my life. Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms, grandmoms, daughters, granddaughters, sisters and girlfriends because we all had a Mother.
Happy Mother’s Day, Pat … I have to say, my mother put it beautifully, but my dad was more succinct, “Don’t throw your trash in other people’s yards.” … 💞
Susan,
Thanks again for bringing a lift to my day. We missed the surge in Northern California and now we all have to cut our hours until we can do surgeries etc. Hopefully we will all keep our jobs in the long run. Today I spent some time trying to get my small backyard in some kind of order so I can enjoy it. Also sit and listened to the birds and the wind in the trees. Pure bliss.
Green is my favorite color, all shades, so loved your pictures. I have had many wonderful women in my life that were surrogate mothers since I lost my mom to cancer when she 48 and I had just turned 19. I had her older sister my aunt who always made me and my sister feel loved and special. She died last year of a stroke at age 94. I am so glad it was last year and not this year because I was able to be with her everyday including when she passed. So heartbreaking but such an honor, I always regretted that I couldn’t be with my mom. With my aunt I was able to tell her all that she meant to me and have all her family see her before she passed. I think of her a lot and wonder what she would say about the Dam Panic. I will be working on Mother’s Day but will honor many women in my heart.
Take care and enjoy all the green.
Beautiful Stacey . . . there is always something to be grateful for, even in the darkest of times. That’s their true legacy. ♥️