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
Thank you for working so hard to keep us all sane and inspired, Susan! I was lucky enough to attend your Zoom presentation last week. It was absolutely delightful. It felt like getting together with old friends! I signed up for the virtual tea next month and pre-ordered Home for Christmas. So many exciting new things coming our way!
I am also looking forward to autumn. It’s my favorite season. I have a few days off from work this week. I plan to pour over your Autumn book and the new October copy of Victoria magazine and dream of cooler days, orange leaves, and cozy sweaters. Cheers to autumn and all of the lovely seasons ahead!
Autumn is my favorite season. It is a time filled with comfort and refreshing of the soul. Such a beautiful time.
Hi Susan…you had me at Autumn, peanut butter and toast…but actually you probably won’t believe it but for two days before your blog arrived in my email I kept thinking and hoping to hear from you…like I could almost feel it coming, ta da! And there you were 😲 And today, tra la, my bluebird cup arrived, too! But seriously, Autumn is MY season, with all you mentioned as my favorite things❤️❤️ My idea of Heaven is a place where it’s always Autumn! My love to Jack, still looking for one of my own🎃
You have no idea how much I needed this post today! I just spent the morning at the elementary school where I work, trying to help teary-eyed parents navigate this new distance-learning challenge. My heart breaks for them, they are trying so hard. When I left campus, instead of pulling off my mask to breathe some fresh air, my eyes were stung with a new round of heavy smoke from nearby fires. Sigh. No fresh air today. But then…. then the day was saved! A new post from Susan! Thank you for everything-your words, your photos, your artwork and your positive outlook! I am better now.
As an old new Englander now living in coastal NC, I always appreciate your comments and pictures reflecting MA.
I love your blog. It makes me feel good when I read it and so I read it over again when I need a pick me up. Thank you so much. I received my Santa mugs and my two other mugs. I collect them when I can I have some of the early ones with the flowers for my coffee in Florida. I love they are all from England. I ordered two more Santa mugs after mine came last week for my daughter and granddaughter. I can’t wait to get them but I’d love another if I win for my friend Jill.
Have a wonderful day and thank you again.
Oh my goodness! Loved this blog post!! Can’t wait for fall either!! Your blog ALWAYS gives me hope!!! Thanks for doing this!!
Thank you so much for all of your encouraging words, art and recipes. You always brighten my day. I cherish 4 of your books and refer back to them as they warm my heart. God bless you.
I concur!! Let there be Halloween!! Oh, pretty pretty please!
My son, Jim Wallace, will be celebrating his first birthday on October 22, so we’ll be dressing up regardless in celebration of my autumn baby! During his first little year on Earth, he has been read countless books (I’m a former Children’s Librarian, so his bookcase is a marvel! Haha), and his favorite book by far has been Jamberry! So we’re dressing him up as the little Jamberry boy, my husband is going to be the Bear, and I’m going to dress up as a Strawberry Lamb (which is Jim Wallace’s favorite page in the book)! Good things ahead!!!
It is miserably still August…but one has NO CONTROL over the calendar…or really not much if you get down to it!!…Fall will arrive….I am hoping and watching…today I put together our very first fire pit, in anticipation of cooler weather!!…which seems strange, with a hurricane churning in the Gulf also!!!…
I have pre-ordered your Christmas book, and HOPE that I am drawn for a mug as well, as mine hit the kitchen tiles and shattered!…Again, something I have NO CONTROL over!…but one can hope!!…Blessingsto you Susan Branch and Joe too…and let’s not forget Jack!!
Thanks for brightening my day. 🌻 I am currently recovering from foot surgery so your timing was perfect! Love seeing pics of Jack even with his grumpy face on! Stay safe. Hugs to all.
Laurie
=:3
A letter from you always brightens my day. Here in the Northwest we are having weather in the 70’s and 80’s and so grateful and so saddened for the people in the Gulf coast area. Prayers are so needed in this trying year of 2020. Keep safe and well. You gladden so many hearts.
Hello 🌻 Kindred Spirit ~
My husband and I were settling down to what he calls “phase 3” of going to bed last night…we get in bed and usually play with our little Emma 🐶 for a few minutes or read, and while checking my emails I saw your blog had come!
So, I had to read it, sharing most of it out loud… and when I came upon the part where you say, “There are only two Seasons, Autumn, and waiting for Autumn”, I looked at him and said, “see I told you, she is truly a Kindred Spirit.
I started collecting your cookbooks when, my now grown children, were very small.
After being married for 31 years and then getting divorced, I really just thought it was time to enjoy the blessings of my children and grandchildren, and was okay with that, not knowing that maybe God had other plans for me 🙂
I met my now husband of almost 8 years, unexpectedly at a yoga class my daughter had told me about, and how do they say?…the rest is history. He is tall with reddish hair and beard, and after we married, I read your three books about your moving to Martha’s Vineyard and found myself sharing in your joys as well as your struggles. Family and friends are what make all the difference in this world, and help us along this journey. I have been so blessed by your books, sharing thoughts and recipes with those I love and have loved over the years, and always look forward to your blogs and putting out my new desk and wall calendars to begin a new year💌
I was able to sign up for the September tea and am so looking forward to that, and if my “Littel Things” mug arrives, will be sharing a cup of tea in it!
So thankful for you and for the joy and love you share with so many of us! Hugs💗
Excited to enter the giveaway! Thanks for your generosity. Love reading your blog and love your art. It makes me happy!
I can’t wait to receive the new book! I look forward to reading your posts!
Yeah fall!
Hope I’m a winner!
I love those postcards. I, too, sent them out to friends and heard from every one of them how they brightened their day! Such a small thing to make someone smile! I’m looking forward to fall!!!! Bring it on!!
Hi Susan, Every time I see your newsletter in my inbox, I read it first. You never fail to be joyous, happy, and uplifting during these crazy times. I too am very, very, very much looking forward to Fall. Got out your Fall book and started planning.
Best wishes and many thanks,
Ready for fall, several red leaves have drifted to us at our home. A vine with a tiny jack-b-little pumpkin came up on last years planted seeds. Cool evening breezes have tucked lightning bugs in until next year. The world seems to be saying, “exhale summer, breathe in autumn.” 🍁🍂
I sincerely hope your Christmas book showed up today on your porch😉have to remember to order my Autumn book on Labor Day. Thanks for your beautiful newsletters they bring me such peace🙌🏻🙌🏻💖👵🏻
I look forward to your posts so much! Thanks for bringing cheer to all of us out here.
It’s always so fun to read your blog. I share your love of all things fall–it’s delicious just to think about all the beauties it brings. Looking forward to your book of quotes too!
Oh my yes…I’m DONE with the heat and humidity here in southern Indiana! Can’t wait for soup weather. Spotted some yellow leaves on my hot walk today and that made my heart happy. Thank you for your posts and give-aways!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your happy and beautiful blogpost/artwork. I enjoy both so much. You add a lot of goodness to our world.
Love to you too.
I really look forward to your emails, Susan! They just make me so happy. The musica is like icing on the cake. I’m very far away from New England, but it has always been a place of fascination for me. Thanks for sharing your life and thoughts with us.
I never tire of reading your sweet books and lovely illustrations!
Thank you for the joy you share.
Hi Susan… I’m looking forward to receiving the new Christmas books I ordered. And I can’t wait for the Quotations book in the future!
I just finished making your gazpacho and will serve it this evening with some shrimp… a nice starter for our steak dinner with artichokes tonight! Yum!
oh my, what wonderful give-aways to keep our spirits up through all that’s happening in the world! Some days are better than others…between covid and the news… I try to either keep my chin up and face it all, or tuck my head down and barrel through, pushing forward against all that’s facing us. Thanks for sharing your talents…a post, a give-away, a Zoom get-together. Yay!
Waving hi from the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Reading your post on my phone as my Grandson sleeps in my arms. As for Fall, how is it pancakes with butter and maple syrup just taste best in Fall?
They just do!
Another uplifting letter (even though I’m one of those strange people who loves summer-don’t hold that against me).
Always look forward to your letters. I’m also very excited about your quote books-can’t wait.
Thank you so much for your positive uplifting blogs!They always bring a smile!
Yes, Pumpkin, please PLEASE vote to get us out of this quagmire!
Your emails are a highlight of my day and a burst of JOY in my heart! Thank you for sharing your life with us. I’m so excited to receive my Christmas book. Now to order the pumpkin postcards. Have a wonderful fall season!!😊🎃🍁🍂
I hope you never tire of us telling you how much we love and appreciate your time in writing these lovely, lovely blog posts….I’ve been a fan since the 80’s ….I have all your books and just want to tell you I am soooooo EXCITED to hear about your book of “Quotes”….oh my my my…..sooooo excited !! I am a quote girl too and have a journal filled with my favs and always wanted to catagorize them, but just never have…….I look forward to seeing and owning this treasure !
love you too
xoxo Joan
Your post has really brightened my day! I have been struggling for the past week with the pandemic and everything else and have been feeling just sad, anxious, & angry. So, today I’ve given myself a day of quiet. I took a nice walk with my dog, did some yoga, worked on some craft projects, read a book, and read your blog. No news today and maybe not tomorrow. Thank you!
Such a day brightener to see your blog! I’ve ordered the book, but how fun to win another! Thank you!
Ginny
Thank you, Susan for making my life better—you always do!
I’m excited to read your new book!
Wow! You got a lot of comments already! You are a breath of fresh air and a sparkle of sunshine where ‘tis greatly needed: Loomis, Northern California.🌸🌸🌸🌸
I love all you do and look forward to your upcoming events and creations.
My Skye 🐈 says hello to Jack 🐈
Pam E.
⛵️ 🌊 🚣♂️ 🌊 🚢 🌊 🛳 🌊 🐳 🌊
PS The first zoom photo I thought was YOUR house. We are all living in a Susan Branch world. 🌎
I so dearly look forward to your monthly posts. September begins my most favorite quarter of the year. I consider December to be a stand alone favorite. Thanks for your expressions of hope and love.
It always makes my day to see your name in my inbox! I so look forward to reading and rereading your blog. I will definitely get your quote book when it comes out! I am a quote girl too! While I always have been a fan of fall, I don’t get my fall fix in Texas! It basically happens in one day—leaves sorta change color and fall off while the temperatures go from scorching nineties to sultry eighties. Oh, well…
Always a joy to hear from the house of creativity : ) I CAN’T WAIT till Autumn!!! It’s my favorite time of year. Thanks the for the reminder that it’s on it’s way.
Maralee
Oh my goodness!!! I just loved this blog post!! I cannot wait for fall either! Your posts always give me hope!!! Thanks so much- take care!!M
I was able to watch your first zoom webinar last week after several tries. You have a lot of girlfriends! Your presentation of your trips was wonderful. I enjoyed revisiting all those places virtually, again. Stay creative and safe, girlfriend.
Through the long pandemic it was easy to feel down and lonely.One day I picked up your Vineyard Seasons say down and read the whole book.Needless to say I felt enthusiastic again.The recipes are wonderful. Thank you Susan for all of your wonderful books.
I love your art. Your blog cheers a person up on these long days at home!
Dear Susan,
You are such an amazing giving woman, thank you for your generosity and chance to win an amazing prize. 💕💕💕
Just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to watch the recording of your zoom talk. So nice to be able to see it and not miss out! What a great connection in these trying times. Looking forward to many more XOXO
Reading your blogs and books are like taking a much needed vacation!
Hello Dear Susan! I’m a long time admirer! Your calendars have kept me reminded, on time and in-the-know for years and years! Thank you!
I love autumn mostest of all, but I must admit, these people who already have their Halloween decorations out are a little over the top. I was coming home from the pool yesterday with my granddaughters and we went by a house with the front porch all decorated with ghosts and goblins. I pointed it out to the girls and they couldn’t believe it either. It was 94 degrees for heaven’s sake! I admit to having a fall scented candle going one day last week when the weather was in the 60s. But it felt like fall. Oh, well. To each his own I suppose. It was wonderful to read another blog from you. As always, I’ve been watching for one for weeks. Blessings to you, Joe and Jack.
I’m always checking your blog to see if there’s a new post. It makes me so happy when I see a new one. Everything about your blog is bright and cheery. Thank you so much. P.S. Autumn is my favorite season too! 🙂
Dear Susan and Joe–Recently read an article about the making of the new version of the Secret Garden movie. The producers went all over England to film multiple gorgeous gardens to include in the movie, so it should be visually beautiful! Colin Firth is in it (also visually nice)! When I worked with Jo in her lovely English Rose Tea Room, she had a lifesize cut out of Colin Firth, similar to the one of Queen Elizabeth “holding” your A Fine Romance book. Jo had several British cut outs of characters and royalty for her various tea parties and the customers always enjoyed having photos of themselves mingling with the “cardboard people”—ha, ha. For a Downton Abbey party she invited a car club to park their restored antique autos in front of the tea room. She had Harry Potter parties with all the wizardry trimmings and many customers came in costume. One time Jo had a fancy James Bond party, but for this event, she managed to find a real live human Sean Connery impersonator (older version, but suave and handsome). He came in a tuxedo and had the perfect Scottish brogue. Jo had an Aston-Martin parked out front for this event. It was fun to be swept up in the magic, like an escape from reality, which we could all use a dose of these days! On another note, Jo had a huge chalkboard and she asked me to write different quotes on it pertaining to the month or season of the year and it was so easy to collect all these lovely sayings because I had a great source—YOU! Most of the quotes were from your books and calendars and had such positive customer response. Your upcoming quote book will be such a sweet and endearing keepsake for all of us and our families and friends, so thank you in advance for a book many will treasure! Yay! Love to you both from Bev
Love hearing these wonderful stories of Jo and you and the Rose Tea Room. I have my photo taken with the totally realistic cardboard cutout of Queen Elizabeth holding my book ~ so fun! Thank you!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your cheerful blog! I really look forward to it and love all the photos! We are also looking forward to fall but right now we are celebrating the birth of a brand new grandson, born during this Covid time. His name is Liam and we are so happy he is here!
How I would love to be chosen to receive one of your charming cups!
Dear Susan,
I feel the same as you do about Autumn, it is my favorite season! There are little signs here and there. A little breeze blowing through the trees with the sunlight, just a touch cooler. My roses are putting on their huge red/orange hips.
The sweet peas throwing out their last blooms.
You wrote that you thought Spring will be the end of the virus. I hope you are right.
Kindly,
Julie M
Thanks so much for the link to your zoom webinar! It is very hot and humid here in Wisconsin today. The warmest of the year so far. So a lovely trip through the English countryside with you was refreshing and just perfection. A Fine Romance is a treasure. Thank you for sharing! Your Autumn book is a favorite as well. The Christmas book is coming soon and is so greatly appreciated. I will curl up with it and a hot cup of tea or perhaps some drinking chocolate and enjoy! The quote book sounds fabulous and something wonderful to look forward to. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU for sharing your art and uplifting writings.
Well, Thank you,! As always you are on the bright side of life! We decided to keep our vacation plans this year and moseyed on down to Martha’s Vineyard, a beautiful change of scenery, that we enjoy every year, but wondered if we should this year!
Today, the air is cooler and the light through the trees tells me September is coming! My favorite month, but my family is enjoying the beautiful beach days, playing Go Fish with Gram and Pops at night and waking up to new adventures! Just a change can do wonders for this never ending time!
Stay well and safe, so thankful for this wondrous island,
Diane
Andover, Ma
Susan – you always brighten my day. I need that now more than ever!! Thank you for your uplifting words.
Here are my words of wisdom…Don’t ever wish time away. It goes by too fast anyway. So…we enjoy the last few days of summer…
We have had a pretty hot and humid summer here, in Ohio, too. However one of the wonderful benefits of a hot and humid summer is the home grown tomatoes. I grew 2 types, one beef steak and can’t remember the other type. No matter. The beefsteak tomatoes came out like small melons and the other type quite large, too. The taste of a home grown tomato is unmatched. When I slice into one the fragrance of the tomato swirls up to my nose with a delicious and tantalizing aroma. Heaven. Wish I could save fresh tomatoes for those long cold winters! Unfortunately, the squirrels love them too, the little thieves!
Many years ago I bought your first book which is much loved. I look forward to your emails with your stories and pretty watercolor sketches. I would love to order something beautiful when I am able. Thank you for posting
Yes. Autumn and warm cozy sweaters. Thank you for the giveaway
Hi Susan and All,
Just about time when it seems so lonely you seem to write to us with an island update. Thank you! You make life seem so calm and normal. Like it may all be okay. Thank you! Good wishes to all, stay safe and well!
I’m looking forward to “seeing” you at your “Home for Christmas” event on September 20th! Thanks for learning how to Zoom!
Susan, So nice to get your blog to make this not just
another “Ground Hog Day”. Let’s all keep up our spirits
up the best way we can. Thanks Susan !!!
..
I love Fall most of all too! Boots ,sweaters and baking to warm the house up! Can’t wait for the Christmas bookI see a soft blanket a cup of tea and athe book in my hand with my feet up reading the world away for awhile!!
Love receiving your posts, but I guess I missed the one about Zoom meetings. I have all of your books so far and order new calendars for my daughter and self every year as well as some books for her. So sad I missed the Zoom experience, but maybe will catch new ones in the future. Listening on TV and radio about hurricane heading toward our big state of Texas. Where I live we will receive the big winds that are expected so please People evacuate to inner Texas to be safer. Love to all.
Susan, thank you for your encouraging post, about both the pandemic, and the coming of fall. I also love fall, although here in Southern California we have very warm autumns. So I really enjoy your blogs! God bless you and Joe and keep you well.
Susan, you offer so much encouragement and inspiration to me. I enjoy every blog post and wait anxiously for the next post. Your pages are filled with happy thoughts and photos that I can’t help but feel so much better after reading them. Wishing you many blessings and stay safe.
My favorite quote by Rainer Maria Rilke:
“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”
So excited about your book of quotes coming out next year. I looooove quotes and I know I would love the ones you love. Thanks for the zoom gathering recently, I loved attending so much. It just made me smile, all of it, even you just reading peoples names and comments. It was a delight.
I love the idea of a quote book with your beautiful art work.
Looking forward to delivery of your Christmas book.
Bee in WV
Also love the cooler weather of fall and the burst of energy that comes with it!
Hi Susan, as always, I loved reading your blog and linking to your zoom presentation. I am re-reading A Fine Romance when I can’t sleep in the middle of the night. I just read about your sheep figurine Tues. 3:30am.
I forwarded your zoom to a friend who travelled 3.5 hours away with her husband who needed eye surgery. We bonded when we first met and she saw my collection of your books, she is a big fan too. Thanks and stay safe!! Joan in WA
Thank you for bringing brightness to your readers’ lives, Susan. I just finished “A Fine Romance”, which I loved, and am looking forward to reading the next two books. Love your writing and creative style. ♥️
Great post. Thank you Susan.
Your posts both calm and rejuvenate me. I look forward to each and every one!
It’s always a great day when I find your blog waiting to brighten my day. thank you and stay well.
It’s always a great day when I find your blog waiting to brighten my day. thank you and stay well.
Hello Susan. I have been meaning to thank you for a few years now, so finally, here goes. Your book, “A Fine Romance” inspired my wonderful husband to plan a 1930’s style trip to England. We first took a train from Sacramento to New York City, staying there for the first time a few days. Then, we sailed on the Cunard’s ship, Queen Victoria, across the Atlantic to Southampton, England. What a leisurely, relaxing, romantic way to travel. Last, but not by any means least, we rented a car (not a 1930’s way to travel, but “oh well”). We traveled for three weeks through the English countryside, staying in bed and breakfasts in the charming villages. As my husband says, “England is even more beautiful than its postcards.” Thank you for being the inspiration for such a wonderful trip!
I so enjoyed your Zoom party! I immediately emailed my sister and told her we have to go to England next summer. I want to go back and see where we lived in the late 60’s in Weybridge, Surrey, our school in Cobham, and the highlights will be Hilltop Farm & Jane Austen’s home. It just got me all inspired!
Of all the emails I receive, seeing one from you makes my day and I always take the time to read it. Thank you for allowing us to share your day and taking us for such fun adventures. Just lovely!
I LOVE EVERYTHING SUSAN BRANCH💖💖💖
Love this blog, plan to Zoom in soon. Thanks.
Thank you for this lovely blog! It helps keep us sane through these trying times. Much love from Pasadena, CA.
I have enjoyed your books, calendars and Willard for many year. Now, I look forward to your blog! Anxiously awaiting for my “small things” mug and Christmas Book.
Hello Susan!
How lucky are we that Zoom was invented before this dam panic! Your Autumn book was the first “Susan” book I ever bought and it’s still my favorite. OK, well maybe your older Christmas book is my favorite. I never can decide! Thanks for always sending grace and loveliness out to the world!
Just what I needed today, a new beautiful blog to read and calm me for a few minutes! I am on day two of remote teaching and I am sure missing my little darlings! It’s just not the same! I am praying we are all able to go back to the classroom sooner than later!!! I am an old pro at zoom now , so I will definitely sign up for the sessions, I loved the sweet peas, they were beautiful. My grandma always had sweet peas, brought back memories! I am so looking forward to fall, it was in the nineties here today. Tired of hot and humid weather. Take care. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us,
So happy you are going to do a quote book. I have one of those letter peg boards and change it round every so often with one of your blog posts.
I love that you call it the Dam Panic much more apt!
Always enjoy a new post by Susan 🥰
Hi Susan, Look forward to buying your new books. Love reading your blogs. I am happy to now have a back up “little things” cup so I can preserve the original one. Happy autumn.
Persistence pays off! Just got through watching your fabulous Zoom presentation after several failed attempts. What a great job and such fun! I actually got a little verklempt when you told us to hug ourselves. I had just said the same thing to my husband – I miss hugging everyone! I also find it almost spiritual to focus on my home life more than ever, as you said – be creative, knit some socks… The world has got to slow down and we need to help it heal. There is much to be grateful for and I count you when I count my blessings. Be well, dear Susan. XXO
Joe and I had that talk and decided to hug each other more. Like 6 or 7 times during the day, in passing, stop, hug. And it works! We feel better!
Dear Susan,
I wonder if you realize just how many lives you touch. These days the news is overwhelming and threatens to take our hope away. Just when it feels like we can’t go on, there you are with inspiring words and encouragement and especially love❤️ for all of us. Thank you 😊
Linda
😘😘😘😘😘
Susan,
Again you shine a soft light into every corner, chasing away the fears for the future. Live each day as if it is your last is a good way to be. Thank you for you!
Hello Susan…I also love the Fall weather and ALL that goes with it! Thanks for your inspiration AND Motivation!!! I enjoy your blog as do my daughters…Blessings to you and yours…Mona.
I’m in Florida so we will have to wait a long time for Fall! 🙁 My dream/goal is to one day live again in a cold and snowy place! Your mugs are beautiful (I have one and would love another!) and can’t wait to see the Christmas book (is it too early to start decorating? lol) I am watching your video too! You are such a doll, Susan! xo
Can’t wait for your next 2 books! I love the idea of a quote book! You have so many great quotes and I love the way you weave them into your books and blogs! Your Gladys Taber quotes led me into a whole new wonderful world.
Thank you for all the pleasure you give us. Always a special treat but especially these days.