Hi Everyone! It’s time to stop and put the kettle on! Get 
yourself a cup of something and come back so we can catch up. As always and forever, home is what you make it. And that’s true even and especially in the time of Pandemic! We’re living through a very sad time for so many, our friends, and neighbors that we love. So let’s put on a little MUSICA, and sing along, and for the lucky of us, all that is not so good, becomes a blessing.❤️ 
If you like this song, go tell your remote that you want to see the old movie Without Reservations with John Wayne and Claudette Colbert! Have you seen it? Sometimes I feel like I’ve seen every good old movie ever made . . . and then something like this comes along and surprises me and makes me wonder what else they’re hiding! The stars spend lots of time on the train (you get to see lots of 1946 scenery) ~ you’re listening to the theme song now ~ how could it not be darling? It’s free on TMC.
We took off our storm windows yesterday. The doors are open now, the sun is shining, it’s about 68º, the wisteria’s in bloom, so are the lilacs, and the sea breeze is blowing fragrance through all our rooms. Sleeping is heaven! We’ve waited months for this! Do you believe that purple? Mrs. Bowditch, the woman who lived here before us, planted that maybe 50 years ago and I thank her every spring.
Why does fresh laundry flapping in the wind make everyone so happy? I don’t know, but it’s true. I think because we’re in love with
And we know it when we see it, smell it, hear it . . . There’s no place like home.
Have I ever shown you my kitty graveyard? Where Girl Kitty (in fact, two Girl Kitties), Bill and Man Kitty are buried? The history of my world.
Every spring I go out and move the debris off their graves and sweep them. Sweet little corner of my garden.💞
Days get longer, sun rises earlier, casting long shadows through the morning windows . . . Makes me run to get the camera.
Everything I need is here.
The sun through the leaves makes these shadows move and dance like sea water with the sun shining on it. Gotta take a picture!
It is so quiet on the island . . . Notice how our walk hasn’t been “prettified?” It is as it always was. Woods and dirt roads, potholes and all. Just the way we like it. New spring leaves, wild blueberries, beach roses, and the sea.
I thought you’d like a little ocean view this morning.
We’ll never forget this Memorial Day . . . it’s never been this quiet. No one came! Except of course for these guys. The ferry went back and forth to the Mainland but stayed mostly empty. We are all so grateful that people are choosing to stay home. It’s strange and we miss them and the excitement they bring, but we’re just not ready for it yet.😷 When all this is over, we will happily welcome them back with open arms.💞
We hung our flag as we always do . . . Everyone did, the island has gone back in time to how it was before it was discovered! Very 
quiet. We’re still coping with the virus. We get a new case almost every day, our curve, small as it is, hasn’t flattened. No stores are open, no restaurants either. The Island has always been a little cut off from the real world, but now more than ever. Actually it’s a lot like it is in the winter, when we have it all to ourselves, only the sun is shining! So we do what we do in the winter, entertain ourselves! Only now, we can do it outside. Usually my friends are working and we don’t have much time for fun in the sun!
XOXO
It was my dear friend Lowely’s Birthday . . . so we decided to try having a party . . . we miss each other!🎉 We’re all extremely virus-aware, none of us go ANYWHERE, except maybe every three weeks to get food, fully masked and gloved! We want this thing to end as FAST as possible, so we do our part by staying home. We’re the lucky ones. So many MUST go out, I’m sure many of our girlfriends too, are needed to keep everything running and to take care of the sick. I join with the whole world when I say, on bended knee, thank you for what you are doing.💞 
For Lowely, I asked everyone to bring something with a candle in it, even the birthday girl had to bring her own “cake,” and this was hers, a beautiful triple-cream cheese! Isn’t it cute? A true “cheesecake!” Notice she put her ring on her candle? We all put our rings on what we brought (mine was a Honey Crisp apple with a candle stuck in it) so we could join in on Lowely’s wish, and blow out our candles when she did.
This is how we normally do it . . . the birthday girl (OR boy!) blows out the candles and we all get our wish.
I miss doing what I would do for a NORMAL birthday party . . . setting the table, and making actual food too!
This is the view from our upstairs window. I learned a lot. I learned that a circle seems right and looks good, but when a person is in her chair, the person straight across is THIRTY FEET away. That’s a little too much social-distancing. More distancing than social. Hard to hear anyone from 30 feet! Next time I’ll do two rows, with ten feet between them and stagger the chairs. This would work at a park or a meadow too … if everyone brought their own chairs, their own masks, their own food. The smaller the group probably the better. I’m looking forward to lots of one-on-one this summer.
So something awful happened. I accidentally whacked my very first cup, called Little Things, on the kitchen faucet and chipped it. Joe tried to sand it down and save it, but the first time I poured water into it, a crack appeared, and it sprung a leak. It was the end of that cup and, here’s the hard part: it was my only one!😱 I LOVED this cup (I saved it, might put a plant in it or some pencils).
It was like an old friend, being my first and all. And “Little Things!” The one on the left is paper, my first mock up. I went around for the last two weeks moaning. Then yesterday . . .
I said to myself, who is in charge here? And made the executive decision to RE-ORDER it. Now, of course they won’t let me order 
just one ~ they have a minimum order requirement. And I started thinking that because it was the first, maybe someone else wants one? I told Twitter I was reordering it, and from their reaction I realized perhaps my cup had sacrificed itself for the greater good.😇 With one life to give for her fellow girlfriends. So Little Things will arrive in our Studio in August and is up for preorder now. Because this is a re-order, I only got the minimum, which I think should be enough, I hope. This time I’m keeping two. Taking no chances.✔️
Then I noticed one of my other favorites, my Bluebird cup, and realized, eeek, I only have one.😳 Way too precarious a situation. So I ordered that one too . . .
I remember painting for it . . .
And then it came in and I loved it. And it will do the same in August, and I will love it just as much. And all because of the self-sacrifice of Little Things.💞 If you missed either of these the first time, we are getting a second chance!
And last but not least, a little preview of my new Christmas book due this August or September, depending on when I get it done. I have a deadline! When I’m not walking in the morning, or hanging clothes on the line, this is what I’m doing. Writing, painting, drawing, erasing, and re-drawing. Thank GOD in heaven for erasers.
Am I having fun or what? Painting jammies!
I have never painted Nipper before . . . he was our childhood dog. I can still hear my brother calling, “Here Nip!” before going out on his paper route. Isn’t he the PERFECT 1950s family dog? Sweetest boy in the world. I loved painting him. I never realized how feathery his paws were, or how long his ears were. You get to know people when you paint them.💞
DamPanic or no DamPanic, my dreams never change.💖
Bye for now dear ones. Back to work I go! I hope you are safe and sound🙏, getting some fresh air, and enjoying this one amazing life we were gifted with. Learn the words to that song, sing it around the house ~ singing makes your heart lighter.😘 
Me and Millie. Jack would have loved Millie.💞
You are a breath of Spring as always Susan. Thank you for taking the time to write these posts. Can’t wait for the 2021 calendar and the Christmas book! Love ya to bits! xx
When I was looking at the wisteria picture, I swear that I got a wiff of it’s fragrance. Love that smell, one of my favorite. Thank you for the lovely springtime pictures of your beautiful island. Our spring has come and gone now with summer heat at 106 today here in the central valley of CA.
So looking forward to your new book.
Oh the Wisteria is to die for! I bet it is so fragrant at your house! Thanks for another lovely newsletter full of things we all love!
Each day, each month that passes since February 2020 has been so strange this year. I don’t remember having so much time to myself since living on my family farm as a child, and I’ve found I’m OK with the solitude.
I was an introverted kid, and like my husband says it’s nice to have company, but too much company can be tiring. He has been working from home too, as you have done for a long time Susan. His blood pressure is down, he is sleeping better, so I’m going with this “Great Awakening” has been good in many ways.
My thoughts are with those that have lost a loved one, or are sick themselves. I look forward to the day when we can see our family/friends again without being fearful of either transmitting or catching this virulent virus.
Thank you for the sending out a beacon of kindness and hope.
Love the picture of you and Jack. And the kitty cemetery. And, the ocean. I miss it. I had a white rat named Octavius. He was very noble. Stay well. Love to you and Joe and Jack.
Hi Susan
So ……sorry about your cup !! But so…. Thrilled your remaking them, as specially the blue
bird. I just ordered mine. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you .
HI sweet Susan, So enjoyed this blog as I do every time you update all your girlfriends. Such a tough time for everyone. Praying that this “Stay-In” ends soon.
I have followed you for years and have been to a couple of your book signing when you were in CA.
I get your calendar every Fall for my desk and have your books and some of your beautiful cups. Oh and your fabric too!
I saw where you are or were planning to come back to California this Fall in San Luis Obispo for a book signing at Apple Farm and have it on my calendar to try and get up for it as I live in Laguna Beach and so enjoy the drive up north and seeing you again. I was up in the Fall of 2013 and so enjoyed the book signing you had then . This year its at Apple Farm which is just a lovely place to stay, eat and see the gifts shops. Are you still planning this event? Anyone traveling through this lovely little town should stop at Apple Farm Inn. You stay safe and have a lovely summer and enjoy all the summer joys……………..Take care girlfriend! Madelyn
We have put everything on hold for now . . . I guess we take it one week at a time!
I LOVE Nipper!
Paint more dogs!
I love your bluebird cup – how did I miss that one!? Have you ever thought about creating other bird cups? Black-capped chicka-a-dee perhaps (my favorite bird), and cardinal, and blue Jay, and gold finch, ……oh my, I could go on and on. xoxo to you and Joe
Your blogs always lift my spirits! Thank you for being safe and cautious, this is not something to take lightly!
Hi Susan
Such a coincidence that a memory of my meeting you at a book signing event in Danville, CA
popped up today on my Facebook page today & then your blog arrived 😊
It’s been 4 years since that event & 6 years since I first met you at the Madonna Inn in SLO.
So glad you & Joe are faring well during this time of SIP.
Any new news on a possible movie in your future? I would love to see your life on the silver screen & see who you would choose to play you 😉
Until next time, keep healthy & God bless ❤️
As with everything else, I’m told the Pandemic has slowed Hollywood waaaaay down. But it’s still being considered and presented, so you just never know!
How wonderful a new Christmas Book!!!
A Christmas Book, Yeah!!! Thank you for this sweet post.
I was just thinking about you today (with love 💕) and wondering how you were doing. So glad to see this in my mail today!
Good afternoon, Susan!
Such a nice surprise to see your post today! Glad to hear that all are happy & healthy. Also happy to hear that you will have more Bluebird cups! I’ve been afraid to use mine for fear that I would do what you did to your first cup! I’m not sure why, but it always seems that things break when I’m are being overly careful trying not to break them. I’ve had a few close calls with my cup. LOL.
Stay safe & healthy.
~Hugs & best wishes,
Charl (Cape)
PS Your wisteria is breathtaking!
Beautiful wisteria and loved the definition of a gentleman!! Gotta love Bernard!
Thank you Susan. I am glad to know you are well.
Anne
Thank you for these blogs. They help recenter me. I live an unbelievable fabulous life but there are always some trials and your blogs always help.
The beach picture is just perfect, I can almost hear the waves!
Loved the really cute cat and mouse in the kitties corner and the picture of the light shining in on the lamps, sunlight is a gift! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you Susan – I was needing a blog! Good news for this family – we lost our precious Boston Terrier Mitzie February 10 – so today we found a new baby – Ellie May – we will drive 6 hours one way to pick her up. Just bought her a new bed and tiny red collar. We are so grateful for our new Boston to come home! Two major blessings in one day!
Happy new doggie!💕
Another breath of fresh air and sunshine thanks to our Head Girlfriend. Once again, thank you for sharing your life with us. I loved everything about this post especially the view of the ocean. How lucky you are to see that every day! Southern Ohio is quite jealous! Give Jack a kiss from me.
Head girlfriend. LOL, that’s a good one!
What a beautiful time of year ♡ I am thankful for the late spring weather here in SE PA while on home orders with our two energetic kids! Love your photos of clothes on the line too. Our children suffer spring allergies. Do you think it’d be too much for them? Love and well wishes to you, dear Susan♡
Sorry, would what be too much for them? xoxo
I am glad you and Joe are staying safe. I have not sent any cards to your Mom, Pat, because the last couple of years they were returned. She should remember my husband, Tony Leone. We both worked at McDonnell Douglas in Huntington Beach with Pat in the Purchasing Department. I was still single when I met her there. I hope we get back to some type of normal soon.
Stay safe and keep creating all the beauty that you do.
Peggy
Yes, she needed care, and moved to my sister’s house, where she had the very best.💖
Thank you for the respite from craziness of the world right now. So nice to read fun stuff (with my Kat sitting next to me).
Loved the pictures of your fur-baby cemetery. We have a large one in the corner of our yard. Our 10 year old, very artistic, grandgirl is spending time painting pieces of cement garden trim (they look like little gravestones) to mark each pet. She paints their name and then decorates them with pictures of flowers and cats and dogs. Now the corner is not so sad with all the bright cheery stones.
Love it!
Stay well my friend…enjoy Spring!
Lovely BLOG post Susan as always. I can’t imagine Spring in MV being quiet and slow like Winter after visiting there in Spring…. But then we are currently in different times!……oh to have some Mad Martha’s peach ice cream!! Have some for me please!! I am thinking I will have to make homemade peach ice cream when the Peach Truck visits with my order. Yummy! I wish I had a bigger yard and the property were mine. If so I would once again have a clothesline. I loved the smell of everything after it dried outside and the sight of it all blowing in the wind brings back such sweet memories of my Mom and home. What a smart and sweet woman to plant those sweet fragrances long ago for you to enjoy today. Don’t you love someone who in our past is always thinking about the future and those who will be blessed by their efforts!?! I wish more of our politicians thought that way!! I so enjoy your walks through the woods and along the shoreline. Do you find much sea glass along there? I tried to look for some along the water’s edge while in MV but didn’t come across any. It is odd but with living here in Florida I am always on the lookout for it but do not find much. Not sure if I am not checking out the right beaches or if someone has just walked in front of me……lucky them :o)….but I am still on the hunt for some! Always up for a new adventure!! So glad you are reordering the cups. I gave away both of mine as gifts and did not think to buy a 2nd one so I will be reordering both. THANK YOU!! Lovely picture of you and Jack! Thanks for sharing and have a WONDERFUL day!!
Not finding it is what makes it so precious… and yes, we look all the time, and sometimes we get lucky and rejoice right there on the beach!
Worth rejoicing for sure! You will hear me screaming all the way in Martha’s Vineyard if I ever find any down here. Wishing for some teal/blue green variety!!
Our beaches are very good at that color!
What a joy! It was so lovely to find this blogpost waiting for me after an evening walk, where two badgers came chasing about of the undergrowth and nearly bumped into us! I don’t know who was more surprised!😀 I’m so grateful to all those people who are carrying on, out in the world and keeping it turning, especially those on the frontline of medical care❤️ Much love to you both, PennyL in Dorset U.Kx
They must have been baby badgers. Our young squirrels chase each other around in our yard. Like youngsters the world over, they have so much energy!
Oh my dear!! I hope there are still some cups left by payday! The bluebird one was sold out quickly when I went to get one last time. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I am so glad to hear from you today Susan. The world is a mad mess and your blog entry made my heart lighter. I am so glad you are safe. We are finally opening our economy slowly…but we are being smart in the province of Nova Scotia. I am so sad for so many small businesses. Like Martha’s Vineyard, our economy thrives on tourism. No cruise ships this year. It must be surreal that is so quiet there right now. Stay well and thank you for being a bright light in difficult times. Home is where the heart is.
Oh, how you add cheer to our days!
I FINALLY have our new stove in after 8 weeks w/o. I am baking peanut butter cookies to thank Mike for all he has done for our reno (updating a bit). I made some giant ginger cookies for myself. I’ve made them in a smaller size with the same recipe but not GIANT! They remind me of the ones I had in Williamsburg, when I was twelve.
It’s the little things that bring us joy now and, hopefully, for ever-after.
xoxo
It is very HOT here at Lake Nacimiento in Paso Robles, CA today, but admiring all the beautiful spring island photos cooled me off so nicely! Thank you for sharing your little corner of this big beautiful world while I sneak some time away from work in my little corner. It is too hot to go out, so I will stay in and watch the movie you recommended instead.
Once again, you spread joy in a joydemic! Always grateful for you and yours!
Looking forward to your new Christmas Book. You walking area is delightful! I planted a Wisteria 2 years ago it’s healthy but understand it takes several years for it to bloom. Glad you all are being cautious with this c-virus thing. we are too1 Love your pet cemetery!
Wishing you and Joe well! Thank you for this. It always helps me refocus. xoxo
Nora
Love your blogs! They are a ray of sunshine in a cloudy day!
The same thing happened with my Bella Luna cup – I accidentally whacked it on my kitchen faucet and horrors, there was a chip in the rim. It makes me so sad to see that chip. It hasn’t cracked – yet, so I’m ordering another one along with two of your ‘Little Things’ cup. I missed being able to order that first cup and have been so hoping you would re-order it at some point. Now I have my chance! Reading your books and your blog posts, drinking my coffee and tea in your pretty cups has given me much joy. I sorely need it right now, as I’m sure so many of us do. Thank you Susan for your inspiration over the years.
I love seeing the beach – thank you! All the pictures are beautiful, as always.
So you gave me an early birthday gift ( June) by ordering another round of bluebird mugs👌🏻So happy since mine also broke. Thanks in advance!!💕
Susan, when did Girl Kitty pass? When I saw your sweet grave site for your fur babies, my heart hurt. We had to put down our sweet mini schnauzer, Mr. Darcy a month ago and I’m still missing him like crazy. We all loved Girl Kitty and are sad she passed. How is Jack doing?? Give him a chin scratch for me❣️
Jack is doing great. He’s only 8 thank goodness. I’m so sorry about Mr. Darcy. Our little pets are so amazing, the way they know all our secrets and love us anyway! Girl went to heaven in 2016. But we think she comes back to say hello every so often, we hear her footsteps on the stairs. xoxo
Susan,
Love the wisteria! Wow!
This blog is a lovely break from world, thank you. I think I’ll have to find Without Reservation, trains and scenery sound wonderful. And it’s from the year my husband was born. It would be nice to see the world at the time he was born. That will be a nice break too.
Today we are celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary. We are unable go out for dinner as my husband has serious underlying issues, but I’m working on ordering something special for dinner at home. I have cooked every meal since this started, except I went twice to El Pollo Loco drive thru, for chicken Caesar bowls for lunch. I admit, I need a break from cooking. My cousin in Ireland played his guitar and sang songs for on Facebook-really nice. And Facebook made a video for us which was fun to see.
So happy about the cups. I will have to save my pennies up to get them both. I missed the first two cups you created, so I’m really excited it is being re-ordered. With the virus, my work has gone down as I’m an independent contractor and so my billing is very low. I love the bluebird too, which I have, but I would like to send one to my sister. She loves birds as much as I do. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, right? 🙂
Looking forward to your Christmas book-love the artwork. It’s brilliant!
Thank you for sharing the beauty of your world and your artwork with us girlfriends. As Dostoevsky said, “I believe in the end, beauty will save the world”.
Stay safe-peace to you and Joe, and lots of hugs to Jack. (I wish his cup would come back too!) 🙂
Maureen
Happy Anniversary Maureen!!!
Love the photo of you and Jack! So very sweet!
I do wish you would consider ordering more of the “Summer” and “Autumn” cups. I have the “Winter” and “Spring”, but would love to complete the seasonal set.🥰💕
What a shame about the chip in the cup. I gave my mom my valentine mug. She is left handed and so many cups you buy only have a design on one side. The lefties are left out! She was distraught when it developed a crack. Wasn’t sure exactly what happened to cause it to crack. I told her I was just glad she was able to enjoy it. She’s using it for her pencils now. I shared one of my other precious mugs with her and she’s enjoying all the pretty decorations on that one from a lefty’s perspective. When I see it, I see one side of it. She sees just the opposite. So keep those mugs coming with pictures all the way round!
I would never leave out my lefty girlfriends! 💝
After a stressful day at my work – I am reading and listening – what great music! Thank you for the calm, and kindness you share with us each time. I feel much better now! Take good care!
You bring such lightness and fun into your drawings!! Love them!! I hate it when I break something dear to me. You are lucky to be able to recreate your cups! Are you going to be able to put any at Apple Farm in SLO? Happy Spring, the flowers in your garden are very pretty!
I was just wondering about that . . . I should check and see if they are going to be open. Maybe they already are…
Restaurants are opening up this week with precaution. The County sent public service ads to Bakersfield and Fresno asking tourists to stay home…..they didn’t listen. Pismo Beach was packed the last few weekends. They are finally opening hair salons. I am in real need of a haircut! Out County has only had one death from Corona virus. Stay healthy!!!!!
Google “How to give yourself a haircut” …. they have some pretty good techniques for a homemade head!
Thank you for this post! It was a sweet read; perfect for another day at home. The daily walk, the missing your friends…that’s all of our lives these days. I missed the bluebird cup first time around. Will not make that mistake 5his time. Thanks for making more available! Stay safe!
Barbara Weaver
Thanks for your wonderful post, as usual! My aunt had a house near Edgartown Great Pond that we went to in the summer when I was little (late 50’s – early 60’s). I remember those wild blueberries so vividly! They were magic! 💙💙
They ARE magic aren’t they? xoxo
Love Love reading your blog. It is always encouraging especially during this time in our lives!
Yay! I’m ordering a Little Things mug right NOW…not taking chances that they will sell out 🙂
Can’t wait for your Christmas book…the picture is just darling!
What a balm your blog posts are in our troubled world, thank you! We turned the clock back today and sat in front of the television, waiting with bated breath and pounding hearts for two Americans to be shot into the sky above Cape Canaveral and into the dark, magical reaches of SPACE. Though my joints are creaky and my eyes no longer sharp, I was once again a kid, stretched out on the floor, my chin in my hands, staring up at the screen (too close, of course, because it DID ruin my eyes!), my heart in my throat, full of all the thrill and fear of such a moment.
The launch was scrubbed at the last minute, and we all let out the breath we had been holding. We got up and turned off the TV and went back to whatever we were doing. We will try again Saturday. We are older now, old enough to have seen enough things go horribly, terribly wrong to want to risk even two lives to a thunderstorm off Coco Beach in late Spring. I made a cup of hot tea and turned on the MUSICA and found a John Wayne movie I have never heard of…not bad. Not bad at all.
Thanks for another enjoyable read. You always bring joy. Stay healthy.
I just cried reading this post. It really is the “little things” that matter as we continue to adapt during this time…our hearts expanding even more every minute of what life is all about…and wanting some things back, but yet, this quiet time so good for the soul. Such a mix of emotions we must balance! How grateful I am for your blog that always, always lifts my spirits and brings me back home. Thank you!! Xoxoxo
Loving my rainy afternoon with coffee in my SB mug. Your blog is so uplifting and during these times we need a little lift everyday. Your pictures and words guide me toward looking for little pockets of happiness in my own home. I am really happy to preorder the two mugs that you reordered. I am hoping the the summer mug and pumpkin heads mug come around again. I have the winter and fall mugs and use them regardless of the season. Please say yes! Thank you so much for bringing joy into my home. Your artwork and love of life motivate me to do better loving my life in my home.
Save a bluebird cup for me!!
Yeah! Order placed for both cups! I’m so happy!
Just what I needed today! Cup of coffee, homemade chocolate cookies, Doris Day and your post…Stay safe up there! I miss my kids and grandkids:(
So excited to preorder Little Things!!!! I missed that one!! Thank you, dear heart! We aren’t quite as fortunate as you and Joe re people arriving for the holiday… up here in Wisconsin’s Northwoods we were positively overrun with a huge holiday crowd. We live on a beautiful quiet lake which turned into a raucous frat party-esque weekend. Glad it’s over. Thank you for your always lovely post… always gets me re-centered. xoxo
EEEK. Well, that’s why we have homes. To go to when things get crazy outside. Stay safe Cat!
Things have felt hard today – I’m really missing faraway family, and I’m feeling terribly sad that I can’t go see them. You made me feel a bit better though – I love your thought that home is what you make it. Thank you, as always, for spreading joy! Even in this surreal, difficult time that we’re all living through.
If you ever consider placing a new order, I would love to buy your autumn, summer, and winter mugs. Perhaps you could sell a “seasons” set, now that all four are complete?
I’m afraid it would be too expensive for everyone . . . we’ve thought about it.
Hi Susan,
Your blog today was so refreshing today. Love the wisteria growing so beautifully. Your party sounded like fun. What is the back story of putting your rings on Birthday candles? It’s so clever.
Don’t you love this time of year. I’m sure you appreciate the chance to open up and bring in the fresh spring air, after snowy winters. Even though we don’t have a real winter, here in SoCal, the flowers know that their time to bloom is now. I’m enjoying carefully getting back on my hands and knees working in my flowerbeds, after my back surgery, that’s the best therapy. Your little kitty graveyard is so sweet. They are still near you. I’m cherishing every minute with my cat, Missy, as she is 17.
Enjoy these beautiful days, Susan. Thanks for sharing your life with us❣️
Hi Kay! Yes, the back story: We’ve been doing that since the early 90s and really, I don’t remember how it got started. Probably one of us did it, and then we all did, and now we always do it, and our men do it too! It’s a sweet connector. Love to you and Missy!
I will forward this to my mom ( per usual) as she adores your blog when she receives it via my email forward. She was born in 1945 so that movie will be right up her alley!
More places are opening up and just getting a bit more back to how it used to be, here in MO. The silver lining for me though, is that I have reconnected with nature and the outdoors in a whole new way…daily, sometimes hour-long walks through and around the neighborhood have brought a new sense of anticipation and peace to me! I’ve changed, first when I didn’t want to welcome the change but now, glad of it! I don’t know that I will go back to the fitness gym when it does reopen. I quite like this newfound freedom of exploring the outdoors🤗
Happy Wednesday to you and Joe!
I made thumbprint cookies which I will fill with orange marmalade. (I just discovered orange marmalade at the age of 48)😋😚Won’t they go well with a cup of earl grey?
😍Love to you & yours, Susan!
I am SO happy for you! Nature is the greatest healer! In fact, LOOK at you! Nature AND orange marmalade!!! What will come next??? 💖
It was so nice to see your new blog waiting to be read – I’ve been missing you! Thank you for sharing the beauty of your home with us again. It has made me smile and I’m thankful for that. And thank you for the picture of the ocean – you were right, that was a special treat! You make the world a little brighter – thank you and keep staying safe!
Ah, welcome Summer soon!
Everything is so lovely on your beautiful island ❤️ Blessed girl!
Who would have thought when you first landed here that your life would be this good!
Love being a part of it every time you, Joe and Jack share it with us!
When is your next book going to be ready please? Do you have a time table yet???
I need to get my first 3 volumes out and re-read them again.
Love to you and yours,
Ruth Butters
My Christmas Story book should be ready by September! Thank you Ruth! I always wished I had the word Butter in my name!😂
Lovely post and a wonderful way to have a party. I like that idea. Great that you are all safe. But so you think nobody will come to the island this summer??? Once the Governor opens up all the hotels don’t you think people will come on their vacation? Kind of scary for the island. Is there anything they can do to keep people from coming if everything is partially open?
Not really. I’m not sure hotels will open … maybe. We only have 3 hospital beds though, and we got two new cases yesterday. I guess it’s more or less every person for themselves. Right now when you get off the boat there is a sign asking people to quarantine for 2 weeks. Not a great way to spend a 2 week vacation. So I don’t know what will happen. We can only do us. The wonderful thing is that all the very best brains in the universe are racing to find a cure. Praying for them, and for all of us!💕
So excited about bringing back the first mug… Little Things!!! Mine had an imperfection in u on the inside…… a little brown circle size of a dime. Now I can order a perfect one. My bichon Ellie drank coffee from my Love mug on my birthday … the day before Valentine’s Day…. and tipped it over….. it shattered and I cried like a baby….. that was my favorite….. I feel your pain Susan!!! Thanks for your lovely blog! Stay healthy!
Thanks for this sweet post. It definitely cheered me 🙂
Hi Susan,
What a beautiful post today from you…all that we expect and more! Sad about Little
Things, but it’s come to a better end…in the end!! When you said it was chipped I put my hand up and thought: ‘send it to me’!!! I’ll have it to put my pens and pencils in!! I’ve just broken one of my favourite mugs…the handle is off completely and Emma Bridgewater doesn’t make that design any more! Boo hoo 😢 so annoying but I can’t throw it away…it’ll be used in my sewing room for something!
That’s a dear picture of you and the handsomest kitty, Jack. And how sweet the graves for your previous kitties…lovely to have somewhere for them to rest.
You and the islanders just find it eerily quiet but peaceful at the same time!! We are on what I call Lockdown Lite! Small things are changing but the week so long as the Rate of Infection stays low, so we keep our fingers crossed. The death rate is terrifying so I hope you do all keep safe and well.
Sending hugs and kisses over to you all, and wishes that we get through the next few months unscathed.
Thank you again for the beautiful uplifting pictures and sneak preview of the new book…oh and I love the jammies!!! Super cute :)*
Love
Karen
Cambridgeshire,
🇬🇧 U.K. 🇬🇧
Your blog is like a ray of sunshine! You just make my day so lovely.🌺
Thank you so much for this post. My husband and I would be visiting the island this time of year as we do every year. We are so missing being there and looking forward to when we can return. I always pass your house on my walk and wish that I would see you and get to say hi and meet you. That’s a special dream of mine!!
I hope you and Joe remain safe and healthy and all those you love.
I’m so, so happy you re-ordered the bluebird cup! I’ve always regretted not ordering it before they were all gone.
Love your posts! The “musica” is always delightful! Thank you!
The Greatest Generation had many troubles to overcome, but they had the music to help them do it!💓
Thanks , Susan, for sharing this very early in our “Dam Panic” time……it has inspired me on many, many days . I keep your words on a little slip of paper on my desk……”When the world seems to be falling apart around you, create something, put a flower in a vase, bake a pie, draw a picture, knit socks.” Such a very WISE woman you are!!!! So far , no new socks have appeared at our house, but we are grateful for the pies and the flowers!
Wonderful, Sue! xoxo
A bright spot for the day. A little cheer for this dull time
Thank you!
Oh, the beach….missing it so..thanks for the pictures. So happy you have placed reorders on the mugs…just bought one, and also -reordered wall calendar. Tell me, you are doing a blotter calendar for 2021, right?😃
Yesss, out being printed even as we speak!
Lovely post as always. I like that you have a Kitty graveyard. My husband carved some neat signs on stakes that adorn different areas of our garden. Each one commemorates one of our sweet kitties that has moved on to his or her everafter life. It gives me pleasure to see them remembered among the flowers. They brought us such joy in life. Now, I need to order the Little Things mug!
Dear Susan, I am so excited that the blue bird mug is back! That was my very first mug and a piece of cutlery hit it in the sink and it was not able to be salvaged 😢 I have ordered another straight away! Thinking of you and Joe and wishing continued good health ❤️
YIPPEEEEE SKIPPPEEEEE!!!!!! Pre-ordered my mug.. THANK YOU for bringing this one back.. was bummed that I didn’t have it…. HAVE IT COMING IN AUGUST!! My birthday month.. Happy Birthday tooooooo me!!! Thank you for your lovely blog.. a highlight in my life! Stay safe over there.
A million ‘thanks’ for your blog – I just broke a bottle if ice-wine in my pantry and needed to walk away for a minute to re-group and lo and behold noticed your new blog – it saved my life !! Also kissing Jack was so heart-warming to see – I’m going to go find my black and white sweetie and give him big smooch…that makes everything better.
😻
Hello again Susan, I was just curious to know if you have seen any of the Martha’s Vineyard murder mysteries on the Hallmark channel???? they are doing a series of murder mysteries in Martha’s Vineyard have you heard or seen anything about them???? also noticed you have new neighbors, The Obamas in a mansion they purchased recently, have they been spotted around the island???
I hardly go out, so I don’t really know. When he was President, they were always really low-key around here. Mostly stayed home, reading, beaching, visiting friends. I only know this because it said so in the newspaper! No, I am one of the few people in the world who isn’t a fan of Hallmark movies. I feel like they are the same plot all the time, with different faces! So I haven’t seen them. Take care Pat, nice to hear from you!💕
Whew! I thought I was the only Girlfriend who doesn’t care for Hallmark movies…for exactly the reason you stated. Once you are introduced to the heroine and the best looking male character, you know they will end up together no matter how much she protests otherwise.
And now we are two! 😃
3 !!!! I don’t like a lot of the Hallmark movies but when I heard about the Martha Vineyard Mysteries I just had to ask. 😀
I’ve heard they aren’t filmed here! If they were, I’d be a lot more interested!
Your blogs, Twitter, etc., are such a bright spot in this rather dark time we are living through. I am lucky to be in FL where, at least, we have had mostly sunshine and nice warm weather to get out and about. Feel so fortunate for that.
A question for you. I have been looking for a good art eraser and wondered if you had a suggestion? Even though I clean them carefully to get pencil residue off, I find they make nasty streaks on the pages. Thanks.
I love my Staedtler Mars Plastic eraser … but someone told me there are electric erasers! They LOVED theirs. I haven’t gone there, but I thought it was interesting. Good luck! 👩🎨
My fav eraser, too, Susan. A few years ago, when I was doing the crazy, compulsive realism with colored pencils, I’d actually Exacto cut those erasers to a teeeny point…..Now I can no longer do that kind of drawing…hands don’t work very well, but maybe I can get out and throw paint at a canvas and Schmeer it around. I used to love doing that sort of thing. Sort of abstract/ impressions…Whatever the —- that means 😉
Making stuff, that’s all that matters! 😘
Hello from the HOT Central Valley of California! 104* today … 107* tomorrow! Looking at your photos was a nice virtual escape. Oh, and I accidentally cracked my beloved Mother’s Day mug a few months back. I decided to put my art pens in it and display it on my desk, turning a loss into a gain. 🙂 Pulling out your Summer Book now … thinking I’ll make a Pimm’s Cup! Cheers!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for a lovely post, I do so enjoy the things you share. I too, have favorite mugs and have chipped or cracked a few, so I carefully glue them and use them in my sewing room for various tools, pens & pencils and the like. Then I don’t feel so bad!
mind how you go, Yvonne
I love your blogs. They brighten my day. Thank you!
Your home looks so lovely in the spring. Enjoy the peaceful time before the crowds come back. Have a wonderful time with the new book.
Best wishes,
Edie
Please bring back the autumn mug ( the squirrel mug ) Just ordered Little Things
Oh boy Susan, I have always loved your Blue Bird mug but missed ordering it. Now I can order one. Thanks you so much.
It is over 100 degrees here in N. Cal. so staying inside is two fold. It’s too hot to go outside unless it is early in the morning. That’s when I walk the dog.
You two take care.
Jan
I really needed your blog today, Susan. Just the boost I needed to …well…carry on. The virus has not hit it’s peak here in So. Dakota and it’s still scary going out. My mother loves to do the shopping but I won’t let her. She’s 81 and although healthy, I’m not taking any chances with her. She’s too precious. So, I feel like a warrior dressing for battle to go for groceries when I put on my gloves and mask and put my long hair up so it won’t tickle and I accidently touch my face. So many folks are shopping with no masks, and not social distancing. It’s a good thing I have on a mask and they don’t have to see the expression on my face:) . I’m considering getting a t-shirt that says “6 feet apart or 6 feet under”. We are certainly living in interesting times.
Your little pet cemetery is very touching. I continually marvel at the world you’ve created for yourself, and although you tell us all the time how to make our own worlds for ourselves, I must just be so dense because it seems I haven’t a clue. Keep on blogging…I really need it, and stay safe!
You are so smart about your mom. I wouldn’t take chances either. I understand the expression under your mask. Frustrating. You are doing it for them, its very hard to see, especially with all the trouble So. Dakota is experiencing right now, why they aren’t doing it for you. The self-sacrificing of the Greatest Generation sets such a perfect example. What they did for their country! Praying everyone stays safe. One way to do a little decorating, take EVERYTHING out of a room (except for the furniture) … clean it, clean all your little objects, then put them back, one at a time, starting with your very favorite things, until it looks perfect to you. Mostly we suffer from TOO MUCH. Makes us crazy, hard to get it all arranged. This is a way to start over. Put all the things you don’t use in a box for redecorating later. Have fun! xoxo💞
Thank you Susan for always being a valentine for the girlfriends! I can’t wait for my mugs!!! Stay safe and well!
Hi Susan, what a great story. I want,to order,one,of,the,bluebird mugs! Hagd….take,care
I was so happy when I saw your monthly blog in my inbox. It’s such a smile maker! THANK YOU for bringing a little cheerfulness into the world.
Hello and goodbye to May soon,
I always feel a part of me is just like you! First pic of lilies of the valley in a pitcher, just like mine on a window sill. And you brought tears to my eyes with your past girl kitty graves. We had to make one for our best cat ever, Ivan, a Russian Blue mix, at the end of March. Sadly as we were beginning to be locked down. So heart wrenching to lose the really good ones. You are so blessed to live near the ocean, I can only dream. Glad you’re reordering the cups so I can get a bluebird one!
Thanks for reaching out, I was missing a Willard from you! Love, Char
Ps. I don’t know if anyone is having kittens. I can’t find one anywhere😰
That’s awful! I hear lots of people are adopting now. Google, perhaps you’ll get lucky!
Thanks Susan for the blog. I just love your painting of the jammies! SOOOOO cute. Keep up the great work it’s so enjoyed by all of us.
It must be wonderful to have the beach to yourself! I despise crowds. Oh and the sound if breaking dishes is such a sad sound😟
Thanks for your wonderful post. The pandemic has changed our life too. we are now 2 chefs under one roof. I have been enjoying reading.cook books as if they were novels. I even joined a cook book club on line.
I’m glad you mentioned Millie: I wouldn’t have noticed,🙄.
You are the cutest little girl! (and big girl 😉). -Pam
PS Are we suppose to be able to hear the MUSICA and read the blog at the same time?
My musica stops when I return to your blog.
Yes, it should work like that but I think perhaps it’s iPad that doesn’t allow both to be open at once. Probably not the phone either. It works on my laptop … ❤️
I have the first cup lined up on counter with other favorites- college, sorority, royal family cups from England trips. Enjoy them all. always enjoy your musings. Irene
Love the wisteria and that we’re all living slower and in the present. I’ve lived too long to be in a hurry. We only have to do today- Yay!
I was so very sorry you chipped your cup. I really regretted not getting one the first time so I’m thrilled to have another opportunity and placed my order earlier today. It is always good to be reminded of the importance of the little things. Thank you. Take care.
Two friends and I went for a walk last week, hard to hear each other masked and apart, but then we came back to my house and ate our sack lunches on the patio, sitting in a stretched out triangle. It was wonderful to visit in person, I did the door openings so they could just walk through the house to the back. Made me so happy! Thank you for your positive messages! And the “Musica!”
Thank you dear Susan.
The wisteria is amazing; perfect for the site. You seem to see things with such a depth of perception: color, shadow, possibility and beauty. How do you do that? We are so lucky that you share that gift with us. It is rare to have an artist who wants to share their inner feelings, most are too bound up within themselves. Sorry, that is a generalization, and probably not true of many artists. But being able to share, to say something in a way that impacts the reader, is a great addition to being an artist.
Thanks, Jeanne of Iowa
I had to grow into the seeing of all the beauty around us, but once I did see it, I wanted to tell everyone so they could start hearing the birds LONG before I did! Beauty, sooooo good for the human spirit. xoxo
Thanks, I needed that! SB in my email box is always a special treat. We’re finding right now that little treats help pass the time: flowers from the garden, a new vanilla candle, freshly baked zucchini bread (hubby is discovering his inner chef), good books including all of your books (plus Where the Lost Wander or One For the Blackbird, One for the Crow were recent big winners), a Belgium waffle maker (our old one died years ago and was never replaced till now – we cannot wait for it!) A new area rug in the bedroom miraculously transformed the room, and a subscription to stream British production has been nice. A subscription to a wine club has certainly been a mood booster. We’ve had a lot more time to be grateful to all those who are doing the right thing and to all those in the service industry who are helping us all get through this. Stay safe SB and Joe!
Oh Susan, thank you for this beautiful post. Diedra so looked forward with great anticipation to your wonderful and inspiring posts and it was a special occasion for her to soak them in and gave her so much joy. After reading this, I went to directly to the china cabinet to find and look at Dee’s “Little Things” cup, your first among each and every one she greatly anticipated and collected. I am blessed to have all of these cherished cups to recollect her passion for all things Susan Branch! Thank you for making my day here staying at home in NC, and for making Dee’s day in Heaven! With Love and Gratitude, Brad and/for Dee
Brad💞, I was just thinking of you and Dee the other day and wondering how you are getting along. Thank you so much for saying hello! Blessings on you dear person. Sending love. xoxoxo
I had to tear up at your kitty cemetary. I have one too. There are 5 kitties there. Two I brought back from Okinawa, and took back and brought back again! Then two kitties that were my daughters. They lived with us for several years. They finally went to live with Kelly and when they died they came back here. Then there was the old man who wondered up and was so tired and sick. I gave him good food and treats. When I finally caught him and took him to my vet he was just too sick and worn out. I helped him to find peace and safety then buried him with my other babies as he became mine. I’d sit outside with him and we’d enjoy the day. I’d have loved to heal him but it wasn’t meant to be. I did love him, something I don’t think he had a lot of, at least at the end of his life. So he sleeps peacefully now.
I have to find that John Wayne movie! I thought I’d seen all of his but like you not this one. Also when I saw the chip in your cup my first thought was to put a plant in it. I’ve done that before. Somethings just need to be kept!
Stay safe everyone.
Loved your kitty talk Cyndi. xoxo
Can’t wait for the new Christmas book!! So exciting!! But may I ask what happened to the other book you were writing??
It’s still on a front burner. Breaking my wrist last year put me behind . . .