TICK-TOCK . . .

I can’t believe it, here we are, at the end of August already and all I can say is, tick-tock, how did we get here so soon, and OH GOODIE!MUSICA! I have been suffering from this hot and sticky August that seemingly will not end . . . I’m ready to move on! Love the quote, “There are only two seasons, Autumn, and waiting for Autumn!” Fits me to a T, especially right this moment. And then, a couple of days ago, at the top of my suffering, I accidentally did a happy thing . . . I opened up my Autumn Book, just to take a look. As I turned the pages a thrill went through my heart, and I realized, it’s almost here! My favorite time of year!

So I went and got some sunflowers . . . and cut marigolds from the garden for little vases . . . because 

It perked me right up! Changed everything! Sweaters are coming! Leaves! Crisp air! Corn Pudding! Makes me almost want to go on a diet. That’s how perky I feel! (“Almost” being the operative word, I am not done with toast and peanut butter yet!)
I know, not everyone looks forward to cold weather, but I love having a reason to heat up the oven and bake something! And in my glee, I planned the rest of the year: first a long breezy, colorful autumn (and can we have a normal Halloween? Why not? Everyone wears masks anyway!👺 That will cheer everyone up! The kids will be thrilled!), leaves blowing through the woods on our walk, crisp salt air off the water, quilts airing in the breeze, more cozy covers on the bed, church bells ringing and boat whistles blowing, and then a short, cozy, snow-white winter around the fireplace, with a new Christmas book and a new puzzle to do during the winter, which will be SO short I’ll have to hurry! And then, an early burst of the most flowery spring ever ~ in a brand new world filled with fresh beginnings! Covid gone, children going to school, everyone back to work, Easter egg hunts! Kitchen table Tea with girlfriends, with new remembrance, respect, and deep gratitude …

While all these nice thoughts were brewing in my head … My cups arrived on the kitchen porch!!! I’ve been waiting! I hope you got yours too … if not, you should soon. We had a little slow-down at the PO, so if you ordered one, and don’t have it yet, it’s definitely on the way!❤️

And then there’s this happy thing. Joe is outside building us a 12′ picnic table, in two pieces, one 8′ and one 4′ … so we can have a party of six for dinner, a couple at each end, and one in the middle for starry September evenings! Just planned our first one for this Friday Night!👏 I’m cooking! Joe’s grilling! Keeping our sunny-sides up.💖

Now what’s this you may be asking. It’s a surprise! Another unexpected book! It will be called Distilled Genius, Wisdom of the World, Words to Live By, (or something like that) and contain my forty-year collection of brilliant quotes from the ages, gathered into categories as I have them here in my Studio, such as Courage, Tea, Gratitude, Gardens, Happiness, all onto pages like these . . .. . . whole genius sections about Love, Dreams, Time, Girlfriends, Cooking, Creativity, Earth, Fairy Tales, Beauty . . . so on and so on… Look how cute it’s going to be! I have about 40 pages done so far. I’ve been asked to do this for years, and I do think it needs to be here for the future! Everything that has ever mattered has been beautifully said by someone whose attestment has teeth,from Marcus Aurelius, to Mark Twain, Black Elk, Rumi, Langston Hughes, C.S. Eliot, Churchill, and the Bible, to Louisa May Alcott, Toni Morrison, Shakespeare, Dickens, Anne Frank, Lincoln, and so many more … plus, plenty from that prolific genius, Anon… and lots from people with less familiar names, whose smart, funny, wise, and touching words inspire curiosity, and open whole new worlds that lie beyond them. I’ve always read quote books like novels! I hope this book will be finished for that wonderful spring I’ve been thinking about. More hope in a time of need. May have to be two books, might even be three, still waiting to see! I know, I have next year’s calendars to do, and my wonderful book, Enchanted to work on, and lots of blog posts and Zoom events and dinners to cook, and Joe and Jack, and the House of Creativity, and all those other ideas, but here I am, Girls, 73, and there is still so very much I want to do!Some of you will remember that I did my very first Zoom Webinar last week. First I had to learn how to do a Power Point slide show. That about killed me. But at the last moment, it sunk in, and I found out just how easy it is to do. All about pushing the right buttons. Then I had to write about the photos, ⬆️ that’s me reading over old diaries to make sure I had the details right ~ it was a Calgon Zoom Party, took us far, far away, back to the English Countryside!And THEN, there was a week of daily Zoom practice with the encouragement of Andrea, the wonderful person who had extended the invitation for me to speak. We got to know each other pretty well! She was very patient!

We ended up doing the same program two days in a row, because the Zoom Room had gotten so full. I knew lots of you were there, because I got pictures! This one above is from our Girlfriend Mary Brehm! She has sweet peas!

This one came from Karen England and her Kitty . . . so fun to be in everyone’s houses!

This one is from Trahlyta! I got so many wonderful photos from you guys! Thank you! The program lasted about an hour and 15 minutes. I know some of you wanted to join in, but could not ~ so, as promised, here’s a link so you can see it yourself on Youtube. In the beginning, it’s just me staring at the screen, watching the names of attendees scrolling by really fast … such a fun thing to see, so many I recognized. I wish that part showed so you could read them too … but instead you just have to watch me staring at them and saying them out loud. Might want to skip that part!IN THE MEANTIME. Guess what? There are going to be more Zoom parties. In the column on the right of this Blog
you’ll see EVENTS. Here is the Link for it, but you can get there yourself when you need to check back for new event dates. I’m about to add more, so watch for them so you can register and receive an invitation to join. 

The next one will be a Sunday Afternoon Christmas Tea Party presented by the wonderful people at Titcombs Bookshop, just over the water on the Cape, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm EST on September 20 ~ BYO Tea because you’re all invited to my first virtual book event for my new Home for Christmas book! Here’s where you can sign up! If you don’t know how to do Zoom, you can Google “Youtube how to use Zoom” and they will show you. It’s just a matter of which buttons to push ~ it’s easy. When you sign up, they will send you an invitation to our zoom party … which will have a link for you to click on the day of the event. Put it on your calendar!One flower stands out on Martha’s Vineyard, it’s the hydrangea… they are everywhere! Drive up and down the streets and that’s what you see. We moved these from another part of the garden last year, and I’m so glad we did. Aren’t they romantic? They’re just starting to turn pale pink, something they do in the fall . . . and now we can see them from the kitchen windows from this dear old house I have loved for so long.💞

We’re still going on our walk everyday … joy of life. 

It’s been very warm . . . sometimes we have to cut our way through the air, it’s so thick . . . but it’s nothing like what our California Girlfriends are suffering. We pray for them every day. You too, Girlfriends in Iowa, we know about that crazy storm that shot through your state. And now, 11′ storm surges in Louisiana.😢 🙏 2020 is some kind of year!⚡️ We were spared the other night, we were told to hunker down and expect one-inch hail ~ it got very dark out there, but it never came! Thank God. Deep breath, ahhhhhh. Remembering how much we have to be grateful for. 

The woods are still green as Sherwood Forest, but every so often there are tell-tale signs that change is on the way with bright spots like this one!

And now, look, I had to show you this sweet letter I got from someone writing about our DamPanic, Go. Be. Love. postcards! Made my day!

Dear Susan, Several weeks ago I purchased a package of your “Go. Be. Love” postcards and sent them to a number of friends. Oh, my gosh! I send lots of cards and notes and have never received so many oohs and ahhs over a card I sent. My dear friends loved the postcard and just showered me with compliments and thanks. You deserve all of the credit. You created the perfect greeting to send during this pandemic and I am so grateful to be a longtime fan and follower and saw them in your online shop. Stay safe and well. Sincerely, Marge

 Just in cases YOU might need to be “showered with compliments and thanks” I thought I would share this!And the New Pumpkin Go. Be. Love. postcards came in too …

 

I had this pumpkin postcard printed in honor of what our Great Grandmothers did for us only a hundred years ago this August 18th!💖 Joe carved that Halloween pumpkin a few years back for our front window  ~ I thought it would be a good way to celebrate those brave and determined women, mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and best friends (and men too), who put themselves out there in a very big way for US! We should never take it for granted … they went through some very difficult and dangerous years, to make it happen!👏 Yes, Jack . . . And one more thing . . .In case YOU too need something sweet and homey to inspire you with my wind-in-the-trees formula for cozy, Kellee just put my Autumn book up at 25% off until midnight on Labor Day! You probably already have it, but maybe not, and maybe you need a gift for a friend!🍂 

And for you?

Time for a good Giveaway, don’t you agree? I think this is the perfect place to thank all of you for sticking with us through thick and thin and dampanic too, for me and for Kellee and Sheri, your kindness has meant the world to us over the years, going to work is a gift because of you, but especially these last months, you have no idea what a positive force you are. All you have to do is read the comments to know what lovely kindred spirits visit here. No matter where in the world you are, we have so much in common, I’m very proud of us.💖 Thank you.

So we’ll start here . . . 3 cups, 3 winners! As you know, these cups are mostly sold out now, but we saved these to surprise someone(s) ~ I hope one of them is YOU! Just leave a comment right at the bottom of this post, click on the teeny grey letters that say “comments,” leave a few words, and you will be automatically entered for the drawing . . . I’ll let you know who won in the next post, then I’ll send an email to the winners, who can write back with their mailing address, and voila, your cups will be on the way, either for you to keep, or perhaps to give away as a Christmas gift! And more . . .

Shipping from the printer is still on schedule for August 26th, which means we will probably have to wait until the day after Labor Day, September 8 to get HOME FOR CHRISTMAS delivered to the Studio! So, 3 more winners in this next drawing ~ and for each, a signed copy of my new book, hot off the press! If you’ve already ordered it, then Boom! You’ll have another one to giveaway! A little bit of “pay it forward.”💞
Leave a comment as suggested above … and now we will have six winners! Makes my day!
Okay dear ones, that’s all she wrote for today! I hope you’re giving yourself those hugs I talked about at the Zoom Party. They do help, and you do deserve them.❤️ Petty-pet hugs are good too! XOXOXO

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2,670 Responses to TICK-TOCK . . .

  1. Sandy says:

    Dear Susan
    Fall is just around the corner and I too think this will be the most celebrated Halloween ever! It has so far been a year of so much hardship for so many but the word LOVE always keeps me going and positive. Your quote by Carl Sandberg was wonderful to read. I am so excited for the new book to come and always look forward to your Willards to make my day! Stay safe and wrapped in the love of those who have known and loved you for so long…Sweetest regards, Sandy B

  2. STEPHANIE HANSON says:

    Thanks for your great blog. Would love a chance to win ~ thank you.

  3. Diane Heep says:

    I savor your inspiring and uplifting blog. Your enthusiasm for life is contagious.

  4. Lee Rose says:

    I want you to know that sometimes your blog is exactly what I need to get through the day.

  5. Sandy says:

    I enjoyed your zoom party and look forward to the next one! I love the cups and look forward to your new book! If I am a winner I’ll have a happy girlfriend (unless I win the santa cup which I don’t have!!). Love your blog! Happy life! Sandy

  6. So excited about all the books you have coming! Very excited about the quote books!!! Thanks for sharing beauty with us!

  7. Gale Harris says:

    As always, thanks so much for lifting our spirits and encouraging the path of love, wonder, and appreciation. And for finding new ways of keeping connected during a time of disruption.

  8. Ann Parsons says:

    Yay! Always a red letter day for me when a new blog post drops into my in-box Susan, thank you so much. It’s always such a joy to hear what is happening on your side of the pond. I had another red letter day this week when your calendars arrived. They are in quarantine right now and I am hoping and praying that by the time 1st January comes around the world will be in a much better place than it is right now. Loved your first Zoom Webinar, Nicoline kindly sent me the link from Holland. She is such a darling.
    Fondest love to you and Joe and please stay safe and stay well.
    Ann in Chester xx

    • sbranch says:

      Nicoline is connected to you, Ann, me, Rachel Scott in Texas, and Janette Pollett in Essex UK … How about that!! Very fun! xoxo

  9. Isabel Jepson says:

    I’m very excited about your book of quotes! Can’t wait to get one.

    I bought and sent your postcards too -they were much loved by many!

    Your posts always come at the right time -just when we need them and I too look forward to Autumn -we live in hot and humid Rhode Island!

  10. Laura says:

    Oh I love quote books how wonderful!

  11. Barbara Weaver says:

    I love when there is a new blog post to read – brightens the day immensely! I was able to tune in to the Duxbury Zoom meeting – I had that on my calendar since it was announced – LOVED it! And now I wait with barely contained anticipation waiting for “Enchantment” …. But meanwhile there is the promise of other Zoom “parties” to look forward to! 🤗
    Barbara W.

  12. Jan H says:

    God Bless You and your creative mind Susan!
    You have such a way of lifting me up to new hopefulness!
    Thank you 🤗

  13. Claudia says:

    What a happy way to begin my day – up at 4:00 a.m. (Colorado time) and discovered your post! I had to read it before anything else. I’m reminded now to pull out my Autumn book from my cookbook collection (and perhaps reread one of your other books, signed by you in Denver a few years ago, that are stacked in the guest room). Hmmm, Autumn on it’s way; not long ago I brought out my warm weather clothes and put away the others; soon they will trade places again. Purchased or won, I picture myself with one of the sweet mugs filled with coffee on an early cold morning. Thank you for beginning my morning so nicely; now I’m totally motivated for my busy the day!

  14. Kelsey Wallin says:

    We look forward to Autumn here as well! We’ve been canning tomatoes and preparing to start school but most excitedly we are preparing for a week long visit to Lake Michigan where we soak up the sight of sailboats and sound of moving water:) My father was in search and rescue on the great lakes for years and we have all grown up with a love of those great inland-sea’s:) my mother grew up near Cape Cod so we have a deep lkve for the ocean as well⛵

  15. Susan Derbacher says:

    Your posts are always a right spot to my day. The Zoom party was wonderful, the stories, the smiles, the memories and photographs were welcoming and as charming as can be. The circle of girlfriends that you started has expanded over the years and you live and breathe ‘community is unity’ and in today’s world that is essential. My thanks simply for being You!
    Best to you, Joe and Jack.
    Susan Derbacher

  16. Denise says:

    Hi Susan, I’ve been a fan and admirer of your work for many years-I still have some of the letters, cards, bookmarks, etc. that you used to send via “snail mail”. And now, you ZOOM😀
    Look forward to acquiring your new book and puzzle. I’m also excited about your “quote” book. So many things to look forward to. Thanks for your inspiration 😘

  17. Tanja Gross says:

    Your posts are always so delightful. I too love autumn and can’t wait to decorate the house.

  18. Margaret Thorn says:

    Hello Susan. Thank you for once again sharing your lovely thoughts. We all need to hear them with all that is going on with the world.

  19. Thank you for always brightening my day, Susan! Christmas is my absolutely favourite time of the year, so I cannot wait for your new book! xx

  20. Jean says:

    Such a wonderful treat when I know I have your blog to read in the morning. Sets the tone for the whole day. Blessings❣️

  21. Rose Meyer says:

    This was so welcome to me today. We lost our beautiful Cavalier King Charles, Lucy, two weeks ago. I’ve been so sad without her, but this newsletter helped me so much. Please keep up doing what you do so well!

    Rose

  22. Kyra Franz says:

    Another beautiful message from you has come to and end. Thank you for all the encouraging words. Words! I can’t wait until your book of quotations has been published. I will love it!

  23. elizabeth says:

    Your post is so bright and as you head into autumn we are looking forward to spring after this horrible winter we are in lockdown again here not allowed further thsst 5k from home so looking forwardto that being lifted and the fa ct that all mail is on a go slow and some countries not even delivering to us here in Australia at least blogs, zoom,youtube and instergram are keeping me going

    • sbranch says:

      I heard you’re in lockdown. I’m so sorry, but it will pass, we go in and out of lockdown all the time. Seems to depend on how near we live to parties or colleges! Yay for zoom, Instagram and youtube, and yay for you Elizabeth. Stay safe. xoxoxo

  24. Julie Smetzer says:

    Susan, this is my first blog read and the words Refreshing. Hopeful, Uplifting, and Joyful are tumbling around in my head like a happy dance in reaction to your thoughtful outlook on the world! What a beautiful way to start my day. Thank you!

    I met you years ago when I went to Market shopping for our floral/gift store. You were in one of the vendor’s showrooms and I was the recipient of an autographed copy of your soup cookbook which still graces my kitchen shelf as a member of my beloved collection.

    Please keep spreading your cheer, your art, your collected quotes. And may your day be as wonderful as what you wish for others!

  25. Mary Brehm says:

    Good Morning Sue! I woke up to a lovely, yummy 55 degree temperature this morning. It felt so nice. I opened the back door and let the cool air drift in over my feet and snuggled in to re-read your post with my first cup of coffee. I loved every word of it. I am excited for autumn as well. Every autumn is exciting. More than New Years, it is a time to re-set, and start anew. This one I’m feeling more intensely. I pray, pray, pray and hope for a new beginning. I am trying very hard to stay positive and hopeful.
    I received my sweet bluebird cup last week. I just love it. It has a place of honor in my cupboard and it makes me smile every time I use it!
    My goodness you are busy! So many wonderful things for us girlfriends to look forward to. I love the idea of the books of quotations and I pre ordered the Christmas book.
    The zoom meeting was so much fun. I was so excited. I put on make-up and brushed my hair and got myself all set up at my kitchen table. I logged on and anxiously waiting for the meeting to begin and then You popped onto the screen! I was so excited I started waving! (like a ding dong hehe!) I took a slow minute for me to realize that no one could see me. I felt so silly. Oh well. It was fun and imagine my surprise when you used my picture for your post! What fun! I am looking forward the next zoom!
    I am excited for you first September gathering with your friends. I’m sure it will be lovely and I can’t wait to see pictures. I am going to upstairs and grab my Autumn book off the shelf and replace the summer book on my kitchen counter. I have been busy harvesting goodies from my garden. I canned tomatoes yesterday and made pickles last week. It feels good to nest and stock up, like a squirrel storing nuts for the winter. I love seeing all those pretty jars lined up like soldiers on the shelf. It’s so gratifying.
    Thanks again for bringing a little bit of happy into our lives.
    Your Friend, Mary <3

    • sbranch says:

      It was just that exciting to me! Took a shower, put on make up, and there we were, but not, but we were! Really fun, I could feel you all there, the words that were showing up in chat were a blast! Happy almost September!

  26. Liz Sobolik says:

    Hi Susan!! Loved this blogpost visit and was enchanted at the zoom party, especially when you took us INTO Beatrix’s house!!!Be still my heart. I’m also eagerly waiting for fall and love to get your newsy blogs. I’m so excited about your Christmas book. You’re a busy lady! Thank you for your fun-loving nature and giving us glimpses of the beauty around you.

  27. Stacie Krouse says:

    Thank you for always lifting me up! I also am looking SO forward to the fall. It’s been quite a year for us all. Here’s to hoping 2021 is better:)

  28. Thank you Susan. I’ll enjoy watching the zoom links. You look great and will be forever young @ ❤.

  29. Kim says:

    Susan,
    Your Zoom visit was a true gift in this most unusual time! It gave me an opportunity to step away from the planning, and concerns that have gone on for the past months. I work at a University and we are welcoming students back to campus this week. To escape to England, hear your voice, see your joy truly gave me a boost. Thank you. I know we can get through this together!

  30. Deborah Jones says:

    Can’t tell you how much I love your blog & everything you do! You truly brighten my days!

  31. Judy says:

    Your posts are always so sweet and uplifting in a time we really need them. Thank you. ☺

  32. Gretchen says:

    Your mugs are beautiful!

  33. Jessica Lothridge says:

    Hi Susan, I am an autumn girl, too! I have the 10th Anniversary Edition of your Autumn book and today it will be 68 degrees in NH and the oven is coming on! Now… which recipe will I make… Thank you for your heartwarming art, encouragement and positive attitude. It truly helps us all. p.s. I can’t wait for Distilled Genius!

  34. Ivannia Diaz says:

    I attended the Zoom event. It was great having you on my screen live here in Germany. I love that even in this awful worldwide situation we are living, there are positive things that we can enjoy. Thanks for sharing good moments with us!!

  35. Marissa Roach says:

    Cant wait to receive the Christmas book and look forward to the book of quotes too! <3 from Reading, PA

  36. Debbie Current says:

    Good morning, Susan.
    Your post is a delicious gift I give myself to start the day. It fills me with peace and hope…. autumn is just around the corner! I can’t wait For the Christmas tea party and to see your wonderful new book! Thank you for being a light in these challenging times.

  37. Judith DiFrancesco says:

    So many new things to look forward to! I can’t wait for your new book with the quotes! I cut them out and use them for inspiration in my office!
    I am going to try to Zoom! So exciting to join all of my SB friends!

  38. Marianne from Michigan says:

    Thank you For sending this sweet blog our way! Much needed during these times. So inspiring!

  39. Laura says:

    Thanks for the giveaways…keeping my fingers crossed!

  40. Terry Helbing says:

    Ahh, The perfect beginning to my day! Thank you! Now for some peanut butter toast!

  41. Janette Pollett says:

    I really enjoyed watching the Zoom event, and thanks to Nicoline in Holland for sending me the link to see it. Something good to brighten up our very different days!

  42. Theresa Lummer says:

    Hi Susan!
    Thank you for this uplifting post! I am also ready and excited for the arrival of autumn. It’s been hot and sticky in NJ too! I am looking forward to attending your zoom gatherings! It is wonderful to have wonderful things to look forward to!
    Love,
    Terry

  43. Connie says:

    I have been a devoted fan since your first lovely cookbook came out. I have all of your books and enjoy them very much. Waiting for fall here in Georgia!

  44. Eileen M says:

    Autumn was my Mom’s favorite season and it is mine, too! Today is a beautiful, cool day here in CT. I just pulled your Autumn book from my bookcase, brewed another cup of coffee, and plan to just sit, TV off, read and relax and forget about this crazy world for a while. I will try to figure out how to zoom later so I can sign up for one of your zoom parties. Wish me luck!

  45. Alysia Bridges says:

    Thank you for the Zoom opportunity…otherwise I am not sure if I would have ever gotten to “see” you in person. I have always hoped to someday and look forward to more zooms. For the last couple of days I have had a glow from the meeting! Thank you!

  46. Kathleen H Pink says:

    Hi Susan, I’m a kindred spirit with regard to suffering in this hot humid weather, and getting through by knowing autumn is right around the corner, with cool temps, beautiful colors and cozy times. We’re building a patio with a fire pit and look forward to lots of evenings around the fire, sipping something warm and delicious. I’ve just reread your autumn book, a yearly treat, and have ordered the new Christmas book. Thank you for sharing your life and talent with all of us girlfriends; thank God we all have each other to help us navigate life, especially during the “dampanic”

  47. Donna Fleishman says:

    Thanks for the lovely post today. Fall is my favorite season too. Susan, are you planning on publishing a book on you and Joes’s last trip to England? You haven’t mentioned it in a while, unless I missed it, in that case, I’m sorry….you have been busy and I love everything you write. My Beatrix Potter collection of figurines is growing and I have them by my kitchen window. I have you to thank for getting me hooked on them…lol! Stay well, stay cozy, enjoy your beautiful Island.

  48. Donna Arold says:

    You always inspire me with these cheerful posts! I too live on the Vineyard and am very excited for Autumn’s arrival! I love to read your thoughts and feelings about every day pleasures dotted with your beautiful artwork and the quotes you love and collect! I’m a quote collector as well and like you I enjoy sharing the love with those I love! I recently sent a dear friend, my Soul Sister who lives in NJ, your precious Happy Birthday mug with a tin of lovely tea as a Birthday present! She was thrilled with the gifts, and after I shared some of your original paintings with watercolor quotes, she is a new Susan Branch follower! Thanks for continuing to expand ‘the girlfriends’ by sharing your creativity and heart with us all! ❤️

  49. Becky H DeWitt says:

    Hello Susan
    I’ve been a fan for years! And, I look forward to your newsletters all the time.
    Thanks for sharing all the great gifts God has blessed you with.
    Becky

  50. Judith A Muldoon says:

    Dear Susan…I’m a long-time lover of your upbeat blog and wonderful recipes…your art, your lovely products, your books and trips, and everything else. Even Jack!

  51. Robin Brown says:

    Sweet Susan,
    Certainly believe in kindred spirits! As I read your newsletter in the bathtub this warm August morning. I to have your Christmas from the heart and the home next to me. My spirits are lifting from the warm and wooly month. Thank you for sharing the sweetness of your days with us all. My Best, Robin Brown

  52. Margie Terry says:

    We’re a little tired of the hot, sticky days in PA also unfortunately our sixteen month old Golden Retriever, Maggie May, wants to be outside running around in her “dog park” and playing in her puppy pool! After living in CA for 58 years, I LOVE living the Four Seasons here in PA!! And like you, my favorite season is Fall, we’ve been teased with cooler evenings this week and I’m getting more anxious every day for Fall to be here NOW!! I’ve always wanted to visit Martha’s Vineyard and we were suppose to be there with our travel group next week but the trip was cancelled because “MA doesn’t want people from PA visiting their state”?! Very disappointing indeed but also very discouraging!! I was very excited to receive my calendars (5 of them – one for me, two for my two daughters and two for my two granddaughters) and now I’m anxiously awaiting the 5 Christmas books!! Who doesn’t love getting packages in the mail, right?! Let alone letters and postcards!! Whenever I would travel in the past, I always sent a postcard to each granddaughter and daughter of every city I was visiting. Do you remember the postcards of dogs, cats, and other animals with the big bubble eyes? One of my Mother’s sisters would send me those – I still have them! Anyway, I am going to watch your Zoom videos and I was going to sign up for your tea but Sundays are our “Family Day” at Oma and Opa’s house and I do all the cooking! If it’s ever on a Saturday, I’ll join in for sure. Thank you for all the great memories!!

  53. Bev L says:

    Thank you for such a perfect post. I do not know how you manage to always send one when I really it, but you do. And yes I too, am looking forward to cooler weather & autumn is also my favorite time of the year. So many colours and changes to see and smelling the cool fresh autumn air is wonderful. Enjoy your new picnic tables, they look really good!

  54. Karen Lodolce says:

    Can’t wait for Autumn too! My favorite time of the year.
    I love the smell of pumpkin spice coming from my oven!
    Also, looking forward to your favorite quote book. What a great idea!

  55. Lisa Miller says:

    How exciting to have all of these new BiG projects !! The world needs Susan Branch !!!

  56. Dee Lakes says:

    As in the movie, ‘Cider House Rules’ and the prospect of one little boy being chosen by someone to adopt him, I will say as he did, ‘Choose ME’😜. I love everything you create and have proof of that, right here in my home! Enjoy fall weather soon, hopefully very soon as the heat wave here continues.

  57. Susan says:

    Summer’s been divine!

    I have some Lenox Susan Branch mugs I’m ready to let go of. Anyone interested? Email me at Susan1162@aol.com

  58. Laura says:

    Morning Susan❤️ Looking forward to cooler Autumn weather with you! Can’t wait to make a pot of delicious chicken soup and apple crumble. Cozy! Stay safe and well everyone😷😷😷

  59. Renee says:

    Thanks for the wonderful post! I’m looking forward to participating in a zoom meeting. I also ordered your new book and can’t wait to read it!

  60. Wendy Marvin says:

    Good morning Susan,

    I love your zest for life!!!! It inspires me . Thank you🙏🏻❤️
    I appreciate the amount of time you spend doing creative things. It really is fun to have so many ideas in our head and then making them happen. I’ve spent an hour listening to a thunderstorm drinking my coffee and reading your blog. A great start to a beautiful day.
    Blessings, Wendy🌻🌻🌻

  61. Marge says:

    Oh, Susan, I just got my new Santa mug in the mail today! Hope I win one of the three drawings!

  62. Karen Applegate says:

    A delightful morning read with a friend-that is what you have become over the years. We will most likely never meet but kindred spirits we are! Thank you for all these encouraging, lovely posts. Have a wonderful day!

  63. Mary says:

    Hey Susan,
    so many of us are suffering thru this hot humid summer of ours! Seeing your blog in my email this morning was almost as good as a breath of crisp fall air, and we have had a little cool rainy spell. I have already gotten my fall book out.
    So HAPPY to hear the book of sayings, small stores and quotations and beautiful art is in progress! It made me do the happy dance. BTW, did your Mama ever tell you that “Pretty is as pretty does”? My Mama did.
    My daughter came last week end and said Mama Im longing for fall, can we light some of the fall candles and turn the air down? and we did! But this year, one of our favorites in not sitting well with me. Making me sneeze. Will have to find a new brand of this scent.
    Love and Happy thought to you and Joe.

  64. Eileen Thomas says:

    So good to be reminded of all the small pleasures still available to us every day, despite the pandemic! Thank you for your art and writing to help us see that.

  65. Victoria Bolton says:

    Joy and Love and (mask off) smiles, with HOPE for that amazing Autumn you described! Thank you for being YOU!

  66. Maggie Bresz says:

    I was so glad to read your optimistic post today. I always love to read your cheeful blog. Now I’m going to get out my Autumn book and think fall. It has been really hot here in Kalamazoo Michigan this summer with 92 over 90 degree days. I would love to have one of your cute mugs.

  67. Susan,
    What a lovely way to start my day, a cup of tea and a Susan branch blog post! You share your brilliant positivity genuinely and what a kind spirit you have!! Thank you, it was fun to visit with you today, I love all your quotes and ideas! And you have been an inspiration to me as a working artist!
    Yeah for fall! Best time of year! Betsi

  68. Claudia Brkart says:

    Watched your webinar from posted link; enjoyed photos/commentary of England touring, reminding me of traveling Great Britain several years in springtime! Delighted to have gotten to various gardens that you pictured- particularly Rosemary Verey’s -(alive at the time) wandering her gardens greeting guests.

  69. Arnette Webb says:

    So nice to come here and everything feel normal for a bit. Thank you for your posts. Always uplifting and encouraging. I love Autumn the best too! Now off to paint my bedroom!

  70. DebbS(from Minnesota) says:

    Your posts always bring joy and hope, but also what I crave most of all… comfort.✨💙✨. I’m off to the yard to pick marigolds for my tiny vases and immerse myself in my backyard filled with lime hydrangeas! Be well

  71. Antoinette says:

    Hi Susan, I always find your blog so inspiring and uplifting. I subscribe to a couple of different blogs, but I can honestly say, yours is my favorite! I love your books just as well, I own six of them. I particularly love how you incorporate the inspirational sayings with your wonderful artwork! Be well and stay safe.

  72. Sharon Swift says:

    Hi Susan,

    Thank you for the wonderful blog. Like you, I cannot wait for Autumn and it is my favorite time of year….the Summer and I do not get along very well. My Bunco group is having a non-Bunco dinner this Friday at our friend’s home and it will be outside for safety reasons. And while I miss seeing everyone, I had to decline because I cannot take being out in the heat for very long. It’s supposed to be 99 degrees with very high humidity…I’m sure I would be melting before it’s over. I actually do get sick if I am out in the heat for too long. It’s been especially hard wearing masks going in and out while we do our grocery shopping, but I will wear them for obvious reasons. I have been waiting for Autumn since July and cannot wait for cooler weather. I told my husband I was going to put my glass pumpkins on the mantel to see if that helps speed things along. (HA)

    I do want to say that I did receive my mug the other day and cannot wait to get my book. I love reading your blogs and I absolutely love reading your books. I am reading Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams for the umpteenth time and just love it. It’s my go to book when I’m feeling gloomy. I have your other books as well and love them all too. My husband walked into the living room the other day and said “Oh I see you’re reading Susan again.” Sorry…can’t help it. Your childhood in the Fairy Tale Girl reminds me of my childhood with so many good memories; we both had wonderful loving parents.
    Again, thank you for the wonderful blogs…I just love reading them.

  73. Mary Bourque says:

    Thank you so much Susan, for all of your inspiration. You truly have a way with words and painted pictures. I have admired your artwork for many years. I love watercolor and realized that you have such a gift. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. I am really looking forward to your Quotes Book. Close to more than 50 years ago, when I was in college (can’t believe it’s that long), my mother would send me “words of wisdom” typed on 3″X 5″ cards. I have kept them in the recipe tin she gave me all those years ago. My mother has been gone more than 43 years now, and your blog reminded me of all those special quotes. Thank you. When I finish this note, I am going right to the desk where I keep it and reminisce. God bless you. Stay safe. Love, Mary from Wisconsin

  74. sharon butera says:

    Love your calling these times the dampanic. So true. I’ve been trying to recognize the graces that lift my life especially now. Each day in August I’ve chosen one to hold close and celebrate. Reading your blog today will be my Aug. 26 grace. You really are a blessing to so many of us. Thank you.

  75. Frances DP says:

    Susan,
    Thanks for all you do. Reading your blog always provides a calm, soothing, uplifting and inspirational moment, no matter what else is swirling around, especially during the DamPanic!!! Your ability to pack so much into a brief moment is a gift.
    Looking forward to the new book with the collection of quotes next year.

  76. Julie Schuttloffel says:

    I love seeing the pictures of your “walk” every day. What a lovely sight to end at the water. Have a great day, Susan.

  77. Barbara from Niagara says:

    I had been thinking about you and lo and behold, a letter from you! I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks, and sending love to you and your family. Barb 👭

  78. Megan Mays says:

    Tick-tock indeed. My birthday is Aug. 13th and every year, right after that grand day, I see the first red leaf somewhere in my neighborhood. On the one hand that’s great, because, like you, fall is my favorite season. But I live in northern NH, so part of me knows winter isn’t far off. Sometimes winters can be hard here, but they are ALWAYS long- stretching to 5 months most years, sometimes a bit more. I’m particularly nervous this year with the possibility of the pandemic having a winter serge. Thank goodness for your lovely newsletters and sweet books- something positive to turn to when I feel the darkness closing in. Thank you for bringing light!

  79. Gina Mahoney says:

    Good Morning, Susan! Wonderful to see a post from you. I am always torn at this time of year, I will miss Summer, but Autumn is my favorite season. And this September is extra special, my youngest son and his girlfriend are expecting their first child!! We are all so excited! Take care, stay healthy and be blessed.

  80. Maureen says:

    Thank you for a colorful and artsy start to my day. I am with you–cannot wait for autumn!!

  81. Kathy George says:

    Always welcome your blogpost and of course this did not disappoint. I have signed up for the Titcomb’s Bookstore zoom. This is a favorite bookstore of ours and will enjoy this even though will not be seeing you there in person. Zoom is our new “next best thing.” Thanks for setting up these zooms since it may not be in your comfort zone. You will be fabulous. Hello to Joe!

  82. Betsy says:

    I always love to read your posts! Such encouraging words!

  83. Linda Buckley says:

    “Ooh, good! A Susan blog!”. Hit the button for Musica to set the mood. Ah, here we go. A scrolling treat of happy words, pictures and thoughts for a few minutes, with no interruptions! Nod in agreement that Fall is definitely on the way, especially after last night’s storm blew in a cold front. Enjoying the comments from other “kindred spirits” through the miracle of technology. A nice connection with you all this morning….Thank you, Susan. 🙂

  84. Annette Saul says:

    Hi Susan
    I’m so very excited for the quote book!! I love quotes and have been keeping them in a leather bound book for many years (I should categorize them as you are doing.) I decided when I began keeping the book that I would not go in search of quotes but would let them come to me and I’ve filled a book now with them!! Also, cannot wait for the Christmas Book to arrive… I ordered several to give away because I already know I’ll love it just from the cover!! Also, loved the zoom party… looking forward to the next one!!

  85. Grace says:

    Yes, this hot August weather is making me (who always holds onto summer for as long as possible) start to long for a beautiful, cool Autumn. Thanks as usual for the inspiration and very uplifting post. I’m so excited for another give-away, too!

  86. Karen Phillippi says:

    Hi Susan, another fantastic blog! You are amazing and an inspiration and I thank you for all your creativity and positiveness! Here’s to FALL!
    Karen

  87. Kathy Hughes says:

    Loved your blog today as always. I’m very much ready for autumn as you are. I need that perfect weather to work in the yard and do some fall planting.
    Your energy and enthusiasm for life amaze and inspire me! Don’t ever stop writing and painting!
    Love you!

  88. Mindy says:

    Thanks for the lovely pick-me-up I needed this morning! I’m looking forward to fall too, but worry about not being able to gather with friends outside when it turns cold. I’ll remember to take joy in the little things, as you always remind us!

  89. Jodie says:

    Going to be 95+ in Northern Illinois today! Reading this recent post…I could smell the leaves and cool air! Thank you for always igniting my imagination and for sounding so hopeful and happy!

  90. Karen L. says:

    So happy that Autumn is coming!
    Love the smell of pumpkin spice everything!
    Also, looking forward to your favorite quote book! Great idea!

  91. Mary Valli says:

    Thanks for another cheery, hopeful post, Susan. So glad to hear all the good news and SO enjoyed the Zoom meet up!! Please do know that as a beginner watercolorist, I am so inspired by your work. And such a steady hand!! Impressive and beautiful. You spread so much beauty. Thank you from the heart.

  92. Becky Hebert says:

    I know that 2020 has been so hard on everyone. In June, I lost my stepfather to Covid and now my 93 year old mother (whom I’m the caretaker) just got out of the hospital with pneumonia. Today, I am making preparations for tropical storm/hurricane Laura. Much stress and work, but then I had a free moment yesterday to check my email and there was one from your blog. What a sweet treat and diversion from all of this. Today I hope to be able to read through all of it. I am sorry that I missed the Zoom call; it sounds like it was fun.

    I always enjoy your beautiful photos and writing. Thank-you for sharing with us and brightening our day.

  93. blbc says:

    “comments,” ~ A visit with you is always so refreshing. The enjoyment I get when I see your name within my “in” box is indeed a favored time with tea – currently iced as it is SO hot. Your observation that autumn is coming gave me “hope” that the season will change. Thank you for doing what you do – bring all of us together to share a bit of life by your stories, photographs and observations. SO many treasures wrapped up in your blog.

  94. hmbalison says:

    Susan, I needed your optimism today. Thank you!

  95. Ginny Wagner says:

    I too so look forward to your blogs. And your zoom session was wonderful. I have already signed up for the tea party. I forgot to order my wall calendar so will do so after I finish this. I also got fun calls and emails after I sent out your adorable postcard to girlfriends. You are so creative. We are all grateful for your wonderful talent. Be well, be safe and be cool. I can’t wait for temperatures and humidity to drop.
    Ginny from Oxford MD.

  96. Sharon Watson says:

    Hi Susan

    ❤️ Your post about Fall “coming soon”. Can’t wait.
    Your pumpkin that read VOTE in your window gave me an idea to make masks up with VOTE written across it. Since we must wear them everywhere let’s remind everyone to VOTE.

    Put on your mask and VOTE whether you walk to the mailbox or go to a drop location
    Get out there and VOTE!

  97. Elizabeth says:

    Dear Susan,
    Thank you for your positivity. It matters!!!
    I love you.
    Elizabeth

  98. Robin gill says:

    Stay safe out there 😊

  99. Cindi Yonts says:

    Thank you for these lovely blog posts…I so enjoy reading them…You are so talented and creative. Love your books and artwork and all your items!!

  100. Mary S says:

    Hi from Rhode Island!
    Loved to see your zoom presentation and look forward to seeing more in the future! It’s so very enjoyable to visit faraway places with you! Thank you!

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