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
You are a WHIRLWIND of great ideas, beautiful things and positivity. You kinda make me tired. 🙂 BUT I LOVE YOU, SUSAN!
I kinda make me tired too!😂
Your writing, sprinkled with your artwork, always makes my day!
Thank you!
Thank you Susan for being a bright spot in my day I read and reread yours blog posts. Always inspiring me to smile and enjoy the small wonderful things in life ! Thanks for sharing your sunny spirit with us
I’m SO excited about your quote book—can’t wait! Always look forward to your blog. ❤️
Dear Susan,
Just spent the past week on your beautiful island. Drove past your house and your front door was open! I so wanted to stop and say hello!
Gloria
Susan Thank you for all your warm ,positive thoughts.
I simply love fall too… my trees are dropping some leaves too. Thanks for having these wonderful giveaways.
I love reading your posts. It really makes my day!!❤️
thank you once again! i look forward to each one of these ….your sharing makes my day still! aloha, Bindu
Hello Susan 🌻
I wrote a message earlier today, but am not sure if it was sent.
I was able to sign up for the zoom tea in September and am so looking forward to it!
You have been in my home for many years through your calenders and books, and brought joy to my heart on many days. Our hearts can all use a little sunshine in these trying times, and you bring that to many of us….thank you for sharing your gifts and your heart 💗
Sending love hugs to you.
Lisa Jo
Always feel like I’ve had a warm visit from a friend when I read your blog. Thank you for all the care and happiness you send my way and to others.
Love, Jan from Indiana
Susan,
Thanks for bringing some “color” to our days, for dipping your toe into the “idea” of fall and all that it brings, and for the anticipation of all that this wonderful time of the year brings to our lives.
Thank you for the little ray of sunshine in the steamy August!
I have been missing my “Susan” breaks! I’m so happy you are embracing new technologies to keep us being able to connect in the old-fashioned ways. I love this post and the ode to autumn! Time to pull out my Autumn cup and while away a few mornings.
Hi Susan
I just had to tell you I received my two bluebird cups a few days ago. One was for me, and one for my daughter, Elizabeth. She introduced me to you a few years ago by gifting me with A Fine Romance. Since then I have had so much joy reading your books, making your recipes, and looking forward to your blogs. I almost forgot to mention your Twitter posts. We are kindred spirits!!
Thank you!! You lift me up!!
Carole Boyer
Saint Louis
Ordered my ticket and book to be shipped for your Virtual Tea! So excited!
And super excited for the Quote Book(s)! I love quotes! You’ve probably heard this one before (since you are such an avid quote collector!) and I don’t know who said it, but it so applies in these times we are living in: Just because you carry it well doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.
I love ❤️ this quote, Linda! It’s something to aspire to. Thank you.
Whoa! Lots of scrolling but I’m here! 😅 I’ve been anticipating the new Christmas book, and now there’s another one coming after that! We sure do keep you busy, huh?
Have fun Friday!
Lots of excitement and doings these days! Like you, I’m looking forward to the cooler weather (today was wonderful, more please). This summer was one of our hottest, methinks.
Hoping the remnants of Laura don’t come to MV. Stay safe and well, Sue. <3
I recently discovered your blog & books……LOVE ‘EM!!!! I ,also, participated in your ZOOM event. I have become a fan. Look forward to more of everything!
Your blog touches my heart and your pictures take me to a happy place:)
I have wanted that bird mug for awhile. It sure would be nice to be picked but will be glad for whoever wins it.
Love your books, love your blog. When I feel like traveling I pick up your book and cruise on the QE2with you and Joe. Little did you know!
I’ve been checking daily for a new post and so happy to see one today! Thanks for your encouraging spirit and for the lovely giveaway opportunities! Hope you feel the love from your kindred spirits (speaking of kindred spirits — in case anyone has missed “Anne with an E” on Netflix — I thought it was wonderful and highly recommend it).
So so happy I “found” you a few years ago. I have several of your books, and I convinced my book club to read Isle of Dreams but alas! It is nearly impossible to find an affordable copy! Our library has one copy, but that won’t do for the 12 of us trying to read! Oh well…..I’ll just have to tell them all about it!
We’ve been out of stock on it … it was just reprinted, and is on the way now, so it will be more available. I think they raised the prices because there were no more available.
Thank you, as always, for the positive energy and your delight in the little things that matter. Gratefulness is the key to a happy life. You are an inspiration!
Can’t wait to see the new book! I remember when a friend recommended your books and I thought the recipes couldn’t possibly be that good because the book was too pretty! Hahaha, now they are my reliables! I have served the Tuna Nicoise salad from Summer to so many guests with raves and I don’t think I’ve made West Chop Corn without someone requesting the recipe!
Thank you Susan, for sharing your joy and love of the world around us. You are an amazing inspiration.
All your talk about being excited for Fall and here I thought we were friends. 😉
I must be the only person around who loves a good long, hot summer and wishes it would never end. Ah well, if we were all the same how boring the world would be. Love you anyway and give Jack a little moosh for me!
I used to love it…before humidity was invented!
The Zoom went fantastically!!! And YOU SAID MY NAME! Better than Romper Room!
I loved recognizing the names!! 💞 And there you were!
You have no idea how much love and light you bring to me in your blogs, books, and twitters!
Thank you for all you do. The world is a little brighter with you in it.
Noreen Krebs
Fall is my favorite season too, especially after the hot summer we have had.
So happy to read your new post. I too love everything fall. Since moving South, my fall experience is different now (warmer and filled with palm trees not falling leaves) but I still welcome it with traditional tastes and scents. Ahh, pumpkins.
Susan, now that I have watched your Zoom meeting via You-tube, I need to comment once again. I absolutely loved seeing you there in your kitchen. Loved hearing your voice and seeing the photos you shared from your last trip to England. I keep a journal whenever we travel, and loved seeing the pictures of your journals from 2004 and then before you made it into a book in 2012. I am not an artist, but am inspired to be more detailed after seeing yours. Since we have not been able to travel during this time of Covid, I have enjoyed reading journals from previous travels. Many years ago my husband and I were in England and visited Hill Top. I absolutely loved our time there – every single minute of it. I am reminded to get out the book that I bought there and read it once again. And, when we are able to travel again, I hope to return to that beautiful part of England. Thank you for making my day so special.
Stay safe and healthy, my friend,
Dear Susan: Best wishes to you, Joe, and Jack for a wonderful autumn. My daughter, who lives in Florida, recently told me that she is taking me to Martha’s Vineyard next year for a vacation. I live in Pennsylvania and always wanted to visit there. So looking forward to seeing your “hometown”!
Love you, Freya S.
\
Your writing makes everything so much better for me. I don’t know how you do all you do but thank you from the bottom of my heart, Virginia
Dear Susan, Every time I need a mini-vacation to Martha’s Vineyard, up you pop! Many thanks. Loved your “Goodbye” in the sand! I’m thinking I’ll order your VOTE post cards + your AUTUMN cookbook to share with my daughter. Looking forward to autumn along with you! Having my 72nd birthday this Sunday~catching up with you. Be careful & cheerful. Lovingly, Julia
Hi Susan~
The countdown is on, I’m so excited to receive your “Home For Christmas” book! Also, thrilled to hear about your upcoming books too…Yeah! Just wondered if you’ve ever considered doing an adult coloring book?
Thank you for all of your beautiful & inspirational work!
I love reading your blog. It lifts my spirits during this quarantine!
Excited to enter for a chance for a cup!🌈
Thank you for the inspiration! And I love the pattern of the plates–Rose Chintz?
Just finished your second book for the first time ever, so wonderful-thank you!! And I ordered the Autumn book, very excited!!
Susan, thank you for the pre-Autumn blog! I mentioned to my hubby, just the other day, that it’s almost September! Fall! Yea!
Before we know it you will be collecting colorful leaves for us all to enjoy! Fall just smells different!
Your love of life is contagious! So glad I’m here to catch it!
I, too, can’t wait till fall and baking again! The oppressive heat this summer has kept me indoors way more than I like. The cooler weather can’t come soon enough…I also love, love love wearing my sweaters and taking walks.
Thank you for a much needed lifter upper! Have loved and appreciated your art and your wit and cooking genius for about 35 years now! When I discovered your very first cookbook, I was a young, working poor girl. But that “Heart of the Home” cookbook, HAD to have it. I always said it was perfect. Like how I would want a cookbook to be if I could create one. Now, I probably own most of your library! Thank you Susan for so many years of beauty, enjoyment and yum!
Thank you for the lovely posts. I am also so excited to read them!! I just received my Santa cup a couple of days ago!! Waiting for the Christmas book to arrive, and then I plan to make a nice cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy the book!! 😊❤️ I’m also excitedly waiting for the puzzle to arrive!! I love books and I love puzzles, so what a perfect combination!! Thank you sooooo much for bringing joy and happiness into all of our lives!! Stay safe and stay happy!!
Wendy 😊
Happy “Almost Fall” Susan! My favorite time of year as well!
Thank you, Susan. Your joy and energy lift me up! I am really looking forward to your new books. You’re so cheerful and hope-filled that I feel the happiness you generate with every blog.
Your Santa has been my favorite for years! The old fashioned Santas take me back to my childhood and those extra special Christmases with my parents and grandparents. Sweet memories every time I see that Santa’s face. Thank you.💕
Sending a virtual hug to you & a huge thank you for brightening my day !
I am usually the type of person that gives but the last 12 months have been very tough. I’m in the middle of two lawsuits and I just want the good guys (Me and my husband) to win at something this year. Anywho I would love to be one if the winners here . . . maybe it would start an upward trend. 🙂
I loved your description of fall, as it is my favorite time of the year. I feel an awakening and feel creative in the fall. I too love to bake and make my house smell and feel warm and cozy. Thank you for your wonderful blog !
Was so excited to see you had made a new blog post. I always look forward to reading them. Thank you for giving us a peak into your magical world.
Always a treat to click on your link and find a new post. Have a great day!
So happy that you are well. I kept checking for the new post. It wasn’t there, and still wasn’t. I began to worry, anyone can get this virus. And there you were. Such a treat the day the new post comes out. Like a favorite book sitting there on the table calling to me. Autumn is also my favorite Season, and I do have the book. It sits on my coffee table until December. Thank you for making us all feel cozy and comfy. God Bless
Love you Susan. Thank you for your gifts, your insights, your way of making us all feel comfy and cozy. Love my Autumn book, it sits on my coffee table until December. A wonderful treat.
Oh, dear girl, a book of quotes. Perfection. I have made my own little “Beth’s Book of Happinesses”, at Shutterfly, in which I scattered very favorite photos and quotes, and I dip in there whenever I need a balm for my soul. How lovely it will be to add your beautiful book to be its companion–and how nice it is to imagine a spring day when your book might arrive. (I used to dream of trips, or visits with friends. Now I just imagine a time that is Not Now, Not This.) Thank you for thinking of a book of quotes.
You are always a bright spot in my day.
I love the different pictures and the font you use in your blog. The designs make me feel very cozy and dreaming of sitting beside a fire in a comfortable overstuffed chair with a cup of tea and reading a favorite book!
Yay! Loved your latest blog, and aren’t you full of surprises ~ 40 pages of a beautiful quote book already completed without anyone knowing! Thank you, too, for the FUN opportunity of (possibly) winning three SB cups; please tell Tink 🧚🏼 to add my name in her bowl. Sending big love and good health to everyone … ❤️ 🌍 💫
I love that I now have 2 books to look forward to! The quote book will be amazing and I can’t wait for the Christmas one 😁 Your books always cheer me up. I just framed 2 of your prints I bought. One for me and one for my daughters new home. I love sharing your “stuff” with others. Your shop is the best!!!
It’s always a joy to read your latest words and see your artwork.
Hi Susan,
Your blog showing up in my email is a Large Treat for my day. It never fails to brighten my day, shore up my spirits and make me smile. Thank you. It would be thrilling to win anything from you, but that aside…just thank you for being you!
I love getting your emails. I am so looking forward to your new book. And now I can hardly wait for the book with all your quotes.
Thank you for all you do…you always bring a smile to my face through the words you write, especially during these dark times. <3
Hi Susan, During this pandemic most of the animal shelters closed so my husband and I are fostering 15 community cats. Two full sets of mama cats and all their babies, plus a few cousins and uncles! The work is exhausting on top of full time jobs and the pandemic crazy. But, it is also the most fulfilling and rewarding blessing. We got everyone spayed/neutered, shots, micro-chipped etc.
I look forward to your blog as a place for me to breathe and relax and see Jack.
While it can be overwhelming some days, we are asking ourselves Not: why is this happening TO me? But: why is this happening FOR me? It’s happening because it is FABULOUS. Thanks for all the comfort you bring, Peace and stay well
Beautiful expression of giving Barbie, Thank you for what you’re doing! And even more, thank you for your beautiful attitude.😘
I turn 40 this year and a very, very dear friend turns 75 — the mother I wish I had growing up, but the wife of my high school 9th grade Study Skills teacher. She is having a super hard time right now and had to get on antidepressants, mail order, because she was struggling so much with feeling — as she puts it — “no longer active-old, just old-old,” and unable to see her darling new (and only) grandbaby. I sent her a care package with the Tom Hanks dvd and Mr. Rogers documentary, some home-dehydrated organic apples — and your Fairy Tale Girl. She was so pleased, so thankful, and said it was lovely to read about the adventures and times she remembers so well herself (the time period anyway). Thank you for helping me cheer her up, dear Susan. Many hugs to you, and no need to be 6’ apart either when they’re virtual hugs…..
You are so good Naomi, what a wonderful care package ~ we all need each other, especially now. Dearest thing! 💖
Love you too, dear Susan. What fun to find your new blog, you keep us sane during these days of the dampanic. Dear Joe, how funny is that. Fall is my favorite time of year too. I’m so ready to get out the pumpkins on my mantel. Can’t wait for your Christmas book which I have preordered. And now to investigate all about Zoom so I can see what you have been up to there. And looking forward to your Christmas Tea Party. Happy Autumn!
Thank you so much for your blog. I look forward to your emails and can’t wait to see the next “Susan Branch Blog”.
They brighten up my day!!
Hello Susan,
When I see you your post in my email, I wait to open it until I will be able to savor your timely thoughts, photos, drawings and recipes. The quotes are always tucked in the right spot and are always just what I needed. I am thrilled you’re creating a book with quotes and your lovely drawings!! It sounds like there will be hundreds! I can’t wait to get one!
I am uplifted by your positive encouragement, gratitude and love for life. Your writing often expresses how I feel about nature, people, and the world so perfectly!
Looking forward to watching your Zooms! Thank you for the time and effort you put into creating another special way to bring the girlfriends together.
Thank you for your creative gifts that bring us joy.
Blessings of good health to you and your loved ones.
My maiden name is Christine Rudd! Glad to meet you!
I loved your post. It was exactly what I needed. Thank you,
Hoping to win!
Hi Susan, It was so nice to hear from you! Here in Boise, we are dealing with triple digit HEAT and the miserable smoke from the awful California fires! This too shall pass and one day at a time! Looking forward to your new books and thank you for your nice giveaways! Take care, love and hugs, Linda in Idaho.
Hi Susan, It was so nice hearing from you! I look forward to your new books, and the generous giveaways! Here in Boise, we are dealing with triple digit heat and the miserable smoke from the awful California fires! This too shall pass and one day at a time! Take care, love and hugs, Linda in Idaho!
Hello Susan, I have just received my 2021 calendar…ready for the new brighter year of 2021. I agree Autumn is the BEST time of year along with Spring…I can miss the hot hot days of summer quite happily…..I so enjy your Blog and read every word and am now SO excited by your new book of quotes and sayings…I cant wait.
Love from East Sussex, UK
Hi Susan, your blog is such a lift to me during such a tough time in my life. I thank you,
❤️Debbie
Sending love along with it Debbie.
Dear Susan,
I’m so excited to hear about your new book. I like the title Distilled Genius. Please don’t forget to add a few of your own quotes! For they deserve to be in the book as well. Autumn is the ultimate season. I thought I was the only one who collected leaves in my journal or liked to make “snowmen” in dead leaves. You’re a woman after my own heart. Thank you for the guidance, hope, and happiness (and so much more) in every post!
What a year! I think we will all be grateful to have our lives back. Looking forward to your collection of quotes.
Love your joyful blog and delightful artwork.Thanks so much.
Hi Susan, It was so nice hearing from you! This is my 3rd try at leaving you a comment! Not sure what is going on??? Looking forward to your new books to add to my collection! Here in Boise, we are having triple digit temps. and smoke from the awful California fires. This too shall pass! One day at a time! I do like your generous giveaways! Take care, love and hugs, Linda in Idaho!
You are always an inspiration to Go, Be, Love and embrace this life, crazy as it may be, especially now!
Dear Susan,
I so loved the zoom talk from the Duxbury Senior center last week. It was the perfect antidote to the damn panic We have been dealing with. Thanks for your continued uplifting of all kindred spirits near and far.
I LOVE fall too and I’m so looking forward to cooler temps and less humidity😎. Here in Wisconsin we love the changing seasons. It’s so invigorating, don’t you think? Just the other day we were talking about some relatives who moved from here, just because they don’t like winter, and my grandson said, “What? Who doesn’t like winter?” I say embrace the changes! Thanks for your upbeat take on things, Susan. I love finding your posts each month.😍
It’s like four free holidays we didn’t have in California!
Love! Love! Love Fall!! Cannot wait! Your blogs brighten my day! Stay safe!
Hi Susan! Always look forward to your blogs, they make my day and lift my spirits! Thank you for all you do!
Dear Susan,
Ahhh…Autumn. I, also, love the fall. Time to get out my copy of Autumn.
After hot temps and wild fires here on the central coast of California, I am so ready for the cooler weather to desend upon us. Halloween is my most favorite time of year, closely followed by Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
I was so thrilled when I heard you were writing a Christmas book, I immediately pre-ordered a copy and am anxiously awaiting its arrival. What great news that you are also doing a quote book. I, too, am a lover of quotes. So can’t wait for that book to come out.
Hi Susan! Always enjoy reading your blog, highlight of my day! Thank you for all you do!
What a lovely, delightful post! Such a lifegiving visit this was to your blog this evening, dear Susan! Thank you for sharing such cheer and brightness ♥ And yay for autumn! I’m with you…I can’t wait for her grand arrival {{smiles}}
Thank you for hosting such a splendid giveaway! I would love to have my name popped in the hat!
May your day be a beauty!
What a wonderful blog post, I just knew you were going to post a blog entry and you did! Yes I’m looking forward to Fall also. I have to tell you at one time I use to own all your books but I had so many books in my bijou apartment with family and friends talking about Marie Kondoing this and that to my apartment. I did the unthinkable and did a Marie Kondo purge of my book collection. I allowed myself one tall bookcase and no more book stacks on the floor. The upshot is one Susan Branch book survived the purge and it was the Autumn book! I still miss books I gave away or donated. As for Marie Kondo I think she is full of prunes and doesn’t spark joy, but a lot of regret! On a brighter note on the subject of Hydrangeas my Gram had the most lush blue flowers on her numerous Hydrangea bushes at her house. She swore by this growing tip – she would take a cast iron fry pan that she had just fried hamburger patties in she would prep the pan to clean by putting water(no soap!) in the pan and scrubbing it around a to loosen the bits of hamburger and grease, THEN take that fry pan of warm water, hamburger bits AND grease and proceed to pour it at the base of the Hydrangea bushes. I’m not kidding! Gram was an avid gardner and grew up on a farm in Southwest Washington state so who am I to doubt her. She also made dandelion wine, but that’s a story for another time. Aloha
LOL, prunes! Live and learn!
…wow !! over 1,600 comments as I write this !! …so I will keep this short..lol… this post is filled with so much goodness; thank you for being such a ray of sunshine in these difficult times !!.. I’m so inspired and excited by all of your creativity ! I’ve been busy taking care of my youngest granddaughter (who has just turned two) while my daughter works…needless to say she has filled up my days. …take care, Susan, and once again thank you for all that you do !!!
Reading your posts and books over the years has never failed to lift my spirits!! Thank you for all that you do to make this world a better place!! Sylvia :}
I just purchased your Autumn book. This is my “Happy 70th Birthday” to me. Thank you Susan for your uplifting spirit.
Happy Birthday Lisa!
Thanks for sending your blog post right when I needed it!
I am looking forward to your book of quotes and the Christmas book as well. A number of years ago I made a little book of quotes with a scrapbook friend. I write them in a little notebook.
Thanks for all you do to make our lives more joyful.
You are such an inspiration… thank you for all you do!
Good Morning, Susan! It’s so nice to spend a few minutes rereading your letter! I love sending pretty notes and cards and even email replies! Thank you for your beautiful letters! Nothing beats them! One advantage to this current situation is that cards and letters, at least from me, are on the rise again! Thank you!
So good to hear from you. Looking forward to your book of quotes.
Love your recipes also.
Stay safe and well!
Isn’t this the strangest year ever? Twilight Zone.
Susan, you have been brightening my days for years with your sunshine. Thank you. I really needed your sunshine today.
I love reading your blogs and every year your calendars decorate my home and office. Thank you for sharing your life and heart with us!
Hello, Susan! It’s always a delight to read positive thoughts and look at beautiful photos and art to pick up my spirits. And you definitely provide those things for us…. thank you.
I can hardly wait for sweater weather and cozy evenings by the fireplace too. I have to pat myself on the back because I remembered to turn into your Zoom talk. That was way neat. I’ve also discovered live cams and daily take a quick trip to Vienna to see what’s happening by the Rialto Bridge and just yesterday I went on a gondola ride in Switzerland up to the Matterhorn! You’re my inspiration to do all the things I can in the here and now. Jersey Hugs,
Hello Pumpkin! I have your Apple cup that I cherish…keep it on my open shelf and use it on special occasions or just when I want it to FEEL like a special day☺️
Decorating at my house for Fall today! So fun ‘cause “I love fall best of all!”🍂🍁🌻🍎🧡
Thankful for the beautiful post and a chance to win. Hugs