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 brightening up my day when your emails come! I so enjoy them!
Dear Susan,
I unfortunately suffer from SAD, so when the days get shorter, I feel myself shutting down for our long Northwest winters. Please enter my name for the Home for Christmas book. And, THANK YOU for all the love you share with all of us.
Linda
Hi there,
Please pick me. Pretty please. I really, really need the blue bird mug. 🙂
Betty Harney
Thegaudios@msn.com
Hi Susan!
It’s been a long time…too long actually. I tried to comment via my cell phone and things just did not go through..so back to the laptop and hopeful. Loved the ZOOM meeting….that was fun and I imagine a lot of preparation for all involved. Take it from a former teacher…it gets easier the more you do it. I have been “Fall Cleaning”….. ugh…I meant to do “Spring Cleaning” but I had so much time on my hands(thank you Covid) that I kept saying to myself,” I’ll do it tomorrow”….well….here it is September and my spring cleaning has turned into fall cleaning….I swear I perform better when the schedule is overflowing!! But I have already welcomed autumn into our home and your trusty beautiful Autumn book is out in all its’ glory. School has started here(The Villages, FL),and most of our kids are back to brick and morter….so far so good…the safety precautions are unprecedented. There are schedule changes, time changes, class size changes, lunchroom changes and after school activity changes but people are adapting. I volunteer in the District and have seen the most heart-warming acts of kindness and compassion by teachers, students,parents and volunteers…a wonderful sight to behold. People have so much to give…. I am fearful that some of it has been lost in the this most recent shuffle. But…moving forward…I am looking forward to our most favorite time of year, your newest book and the jolliest of holidays. I can see that you and Joe are well and that MV is beautiful as ever. And I agree…let Halloween commence!!! Masks abound!!! Continued wishes for all good things to come your way.
Love, Cindy
Dear Susan….
Second comment…. for some unexplained reason, when I tap “Post Comment” my comment does not appear!?!?! weird, I know. I thought it was my cell phone, but the laptop does the same thing. Any ideas what I am doing wrong? Most likely, you will not see this comment either!! Crazy!!
Trying again
Love,
Cindy
It goes into “Comments waiting for Moderation” until I have time to read them all! My fault! 💖
Dear Susan,
I’m so happy! Fall – Herfst- Autumn is coming!! Kids are going to school again, I’m – hang de was op- hanging laundry outside, and as I smell the air: its beginning: the leaves are changing colours, my favorite season the Autumn, long evenings with candles, Yes Yes Yes! Me and my family are doing well, I hope you and Joe are also doing well. Lots of love from Willemien from Nieuw-Lekkerland ( near the famous windmills of Kinderdijk)
xoxoxo Willemien
Lovely to hear from you Willemien! Happy Autumn!🍂
Hi Susan
Congratulations on all your accomplishments! So many of us have become zoomers because zoom has opened up the wide, wide world for us and no one fears to tread.
I wanted to send you this zoom lecture because of your love for hydrangeas.
“Successful Hydrangeas” Thursday, Sept. 17 … 7-8 PM berlinpeck.org/events/successful-hydrangeas-with-lorraine-ballato/
I noticed you have an affinity for Mark Twain quotes. You might enjoy the many author guest appearances at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford (I’m a volunteer). They are really well put together and they are recorded! One only has to go to the website to partake in MT’s wonderful world! There is also a virtual tour of Sam’s house a la Tiffany. Go here for the digital offerings: marktwainhouse.org/digitalofferings
Love, Carol from CT … Tra la
P.S. I dropped a hint at the Mark Twain House & Museum to have you be a guest speaker. You would love it. His quotes are painted on the walls- not in his house but in the museum and behind you in the auditorium where guest speakers appear. Does that interest you … a quick sail and drive to Hartford? Enquiring minds want to know! If the answer is yes, I will continue the conversation with them. marktwainhouse.org/
Oh you volunteer at Mark Twain’s house!💖 So lucky. His was the first historic home of a hero I ever visited back in the 90s. I remember every fragment. The four poster bed! Sat on the porch and felt him there, white suit, rocking chair. I would melt into a puddle of joy to be a guest speaker there. I’m not an expert on him, but if love matters, then I’m perfect for the job.
Hi Susan… third comment …. trying to see if this posts…I changed some of my settings … hopeful
Love
Cindy
I am a Susan Branch newbie, introduced to you this spring by a dear friend. Thank you for all the smiles you enlist, especially in this “dampanic!” ❤️🥰
💖😘
I read this with tears in my eyes…THANK YOU Susan for your optimism. Time to pull out myAutumn book! Can’t wait for the new books!
Love,
Marybeth
You have made me look forward to cold weather with your wonderful words about it. And I usually dread winter, so thank you. ❤
Love your blog and this chance for winnings! Thank you!
Tonight is the full moon! I believe it’s the corn moon. The only reason I know that is because the Harvest Moon is always celebrated here in Galveston with a regatta. That happens next month! Anyway, I’m just so happy for Autumn, even if the temps are still in the 90s here in Texas. I can just turn my AC down, and snuggle in with your book!
Ahhhh, a nice touch of Fall. Still Summer, though. Will be in the 70’s tomorrow.
Birds, especially the goldfinches are stuffing down those sunflower seeds. They go through at least 2 tube feeders, each with 2 refills, a day. Some of this season’s chicks have fledged. Laugh when they fly to the feeder, but miss by a mile. Seems as though the males are doing the most eating….probably pre-processing the seeds for mama and chicks.
Now!! Isn’t that so much better than thinking about The Big Giant Cheeto? You know to whom I refer.
I just put a big dish of country ribs (pork) with caramelized onions, sliced apples and really good sauerkraut. Sauteed a package of baby bella mushrooms earlier, and now working on the fresh string beans to mix with them. And…I’m making my 3rd blueberry ice box pie of this season. Wish I could make really good Graham Cracker crusts. Somehow, it either gets hard as a rock, or is too crumbly. Any hints, Anyone? Crumbly is not good for this recipe, as you have to spread cream cheese on the bottom…after it cools.
Whew! I’m pooped. Also did 3 big loads of wash. 75 doesn’t feel that old, until I try to cram too much into one day.
I can not even wrap my head around how you do all that you do, Dear Lady. I’ll bet exercising on a regular basis is the key. But I’m just so lazy. Sound like one of those vicious circles?
Thank you, thank you for giving us so much beauty. I vote for a Susan Branch Day. I shudder to think how many of us would have pulled great clumps of hair from our old grey..or blonde heads with all that has happened this awful year.
Thank you!!! Mucho Love,
Debbie in Maine
Crumbly means not enough butter, too hard means cooked too long … try that and see how it goes!💖
Thank you! I will remember that for the Graham Cracker Pie I will make for our friend’s October 1 birthday. It’s an old Maine favorite…real egg yolk custard.
oohhh sounds so yummy, care to share the recipes??? please.. pretty please. i love blueberries, and about this time of year i have a ton left from making jam…. would love the ice box pie recipe. thank you…. hugs…. 😀
I got my bluebird cup and adore it! Thank you! Looking forward to my Christmas book… Loved being with you for the Zoom lunch. So so fun. Amazing how well you touch the heart and soul of so many “girlfriends”. I selfishly wish you posted on your blog weekly. That’s how much I love them and seem to need them ever so much more. Looking forward to the quote books. Take extra care and be safe!!
Hello Susan,
I pulled your Autumn book off the shelf last week and it is sitting in the recipe book holder on my kitchen counter. I had to have something to look forward to. I read a little each day and plan recipes, decorating, etc. This weekend we are pulling out the summer flowers, cleaning the garden area and getting ready for mums, pumpkins and cornstalks. Thank heaven for Autumn…..I really need this time to feel excited again.
Susan, thank you again for another lovely “breath of fresh air”! Such troubling times……your blogs mean so much and help us all remember that some things are beautiful and positive!! I also just received your Autumn Book and I absolutely love it!! So many fun activities and recipes and always lovely quotes and pictures/artwork! I long for peace and I’m able to feel a bit of it while I’m pouring over your book. I have almost all of your books and I have begun reading them again….I call it “comfort food”!! Blessings to you, Joe and Jack!! Thank you for giving us all so much! Lin
The book of quotes will be so fun to read! I have some fabric with some of your quotes. Love it!
I just finished watching your presentation on Zoom…it was magical! I didn’t think there could be anything better than your blog and then you master Zoom, you are wonderful! Thank you:)
I’m with you. So excited for fall, my favorite time of the year. Can’t wait for Apple picking and making applebutter, applesauce and cider donuts. Yummy. And soups! Oh, and sweaters and fire pit burning. Best time of the year!
I have the Autumn book and love it!
I just watched the video of you at the senior center. Makes me wish I could jump on a plane and go to England. My cousin and I visited there in 2007 and we went to the Lake District and visited Beatrix Potter’s house. You brought back so many memories. Thank you
A New England Autumn is what we all need right now. Thank you for brightening my day with your post. You are a warm cup of tea on a cold crisp morning! 😉
Hi Susan!
Thanks for your infectious reminder of how some of us love fall! I haven’t wanted summer to end this year because it’s been so uplifting to be able to be outside much of the time after having to hunker down this past spring. But I have started slowly getting a few fall decorations out now!
I hope your hopeful view of next spring being Covid free comes true!
Take care!
Wow 3 mugs and 3 books. How exciting.
Thank you for the gorgeous postcards. They have such great messages and help our postal system. I can’t wait to receive my puzzle. That’s my gift to myself for my birthday
I just finished my 3rd Susan Branch book. I love them so! I just ordered your Christmas book and mug!
I simply love your blog and the wonderful things that you have created. I have been a fan for years and treat myself to looking at what you have posted as often as I can….it truly makes me smile:)
I am jealous of your hot and sticky August. It’s been the hottest and driest July and August in the greater Phoenix, AZ area ever! Our monsoon season has been a none-soon. No appreciable rain since April here where I live until last week when we finally had a lovely thunderstorm. I am so looking forward to some cooler Autumn weather, which doesn’t really arrive here until October. And I’m hoping for a really cold and rainy Winter.
The climate is changing — not a conspiracy theory!
Luscious cups and a gorgeous book! So exciting ! What a lovely giveaway.
Totally agree!!!
God bless the Fall🍁🍂🍃
#cozytime
So much for which to be thankful even in the midst of a challenging time! Thank you for sharing inspiration and beauty!
Dear Sweet Susan, Many “Thank You’s “ for all the lovely things you write and draw for us to enjoy! A lot of us get so much inspiration from those words, and the drawings bring a smile.
Got my “Autumn” cookbook at the ready, next to the stove. Waiting for that first chill in the air to get that cookbook open and start cooking and baking “It all in the Fall”, from those yummy recipes!
Keep Well and Safe!
Hi Susan,
Loved the new blog. Must have your new book and will order as soon as I’m home.
Looking forward to your new book of quotes. Love that part of your blog.
Spending the DamPanic enjoying my home and trying to catch up on projects, quilting, yard, and house. Have found a way to visit friends using FaceTime on our phones. Another way was to take our lawn chairs and coffee and meeting on a side street near a closed business. There was grass and shade. It was quiet and we “social distanced” and had a good catch-up gab. Decided to make it a regular event. As we’re all quilters, we decided to bring some “show” to inspire each other. Life is as good as we make it.
Have been enjoying your work for decades. Am glad that your creative juices are still flowing. You’re quite the inspiration! Cheers!
Hello Susan,
A very uplifting post! And that says a lot during the covid experience!!! Thanks so much for the wonderful autumn post. I also watercolor every day and play my new guitar and thinking of the fiddle if this all continues. Have a good time making your quote books:)) Not sure what to do with all my paintings:)
Thanks for bringing us all so much joy! Cheers from Peggy in Madison Wi
Oooo, the fiddle, I love it!😘
You did it again! You made my day! Thank you for your enthusiastic comments about Autumn. They assured me that we are indeed kindred spirits! Thank you also for being awesomely you! I ordered your new book and I can’t wait until it gets here.
💖💖💖
Your blogs are always a joy to read and share. Thank you for being you and sharing the simple and kind way you see the world.
Hi Susan
Love to read your blogs. They are a bright spot to my day! I have been looking for the book you wrote about your second trip to England. I have your first book and totally enjoyed it. I also have your Romance book and enjoyed it so much that I gave it to a friend who was in a nursing home to enjoy! Love you share good books. Thanks for the bright spot you put inour day. Please tell me when your second book on England is coming out.
Sort of stopped right now… will start again soon!
Love your blog. The zoom meeting was charming and full of beautiful pictures of your wonderful book. Thank you very much.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your artwork, inspirational quotes, and, most especially, your kindness! I get your calendar every year and my husband is the one who actually turns the page each month & reads every word! Thank you, Susan, for the beauty you bring to this wonderful world!!
Hugs to you both, Nancy!💞
Hello Susan, Howdy do Girlfriends!!! 18 more days and it is officially Autumn, its almost here. i love this time of year, my favorite time of year. of course for us here in cave junction, this is Summer’s last blast of (we hope and pray) heat, triple digits all through to next week, and then it ends by next Wednesday. so more watering the lawns, and definitely more running the bucket full of cool water into the hen house and chicken yard to keep the hens cool and comfy and to be sure they stay hydrated during this heat wave. had a busy eggsitterin’ season, grand total of 21 new baby peeps in the nursery and some happy mama hens. talk about spoiled, lots of greens and grain to eat and cracked corn. the rooster, Chance, is puffed up and proud of himself… he is the proud daddy of 21 baby chicks… guess any guy would be puffed up over that. hopefully next weekend i can finally stop the watering and roll up the hoses and hang up the sprinklers for the season. already have some of my Fall items out and around the house.. i can’t wait for Fall to get here. nice cool crisp air, lovely colors in the leaves, sweaters to wear and delicious aromas from the kitchen… sage and onions, roasts cooking and soups and stews simmering away…. i love the Fall!!! the squirrels have their winter coats on and so do the deer, the crickets are singing goodbye to the summer and the katydids are singing in the grass now, the geese are getting ready to leave and there some color changes starting up on the leaves. hopefully the rains will begin soon and things will be much cooler. have a great day today everyone, stay well, stay safe, stay healthy and stay happy. our acorns are beginning to fall, they keep on bombing the chickens, one just bopped chance on the head.. LOL!!! it will soon be time to roll up and put away the clothesline again, goodbye to sun dried sheets and shirts and the lovely smell they have. send love and hugs to all…. hugs… 😀
We just brought in the sheets last night … I hope we get two more months of that… the smell is just heaven isn’t it!
they do, heavenly!!! i am always sorry to see the clothesline have to be rolled up and stashed away for the season.
Record highs for heat here in NC…and its REALLY HOT!!! Ughhhhh.
Can’t get my brain to fantasize about sweaters, cool porch evenings, or Gramma’s quilts just yet! But my heart leapt with HOPE when I saw that crimson leaf showing off against the other green ones…and I started looking through my all-things-pumpkin recipes! Susan, you really ARE for us a Rock of Gibraltar, Nostalgia, Encouragement, and StayStrongGirlsNoMatterPandemicsOrElectionsOrInjusticeOrBizarroWeather!
We are soooooo Thankful you have the Happy Gene! Marigolds!
Who’s your “Susan Branch” when heart hunger for “home” looms over you???
Who’s your “Susan Branch” when heart hunger for “home” looms over you??? Heart hunger … mmmm such a beautiful way to put it. Heart hunger will always and forever be my mother. But I call Diana. We start laughing and then we’re okay.
Awww….your sweet Mama! You were known and cherished before you knew yourself. That’s “Home”…and it began in her swaddles and quiet prayers over you. A safe place to breathe.
Diana must offer the same…a rich gift to you!💖
Tears, Beth, thank you… xoxoxo
Susan, thank you for brightening the day for all of us! Thank you for being you! My daughter in law was able to attend your talk at the Apple Farm Inn a couple of years ago. So thankful for memories that we have been blessed with over the years to have during the past few months. Take care.
Before I go watch the recorded Zoom event, I wanted to say how much I would LOVE to have the bird cup. My mother collected birds (not real ones, of course), and it reminds me of her. Thank you for your generosity!
Rabbit, rabbit! I just flipped my wall calendar to September. Loved the topic of Family Love. I’m curious about the picture of the letter. What a wonderful remembrance to have in your family archive. Would love to know more about it.
It’s actually a letter from Joe’s family, we both have mom’s with the maiden name of Smith! It’s tiny, 2 1/2″ x 4 3/4″ … written April 12 (my birthday) 1881…First lines to Jennie from Richard, “Dear Miss Smith, My dear Jennie, Should I be so confectionary? But no matter, I have so begun, and will continue (not to be confectionary though.) It’s full of his droll little jokes and flirtations! But the gist of the letter, when you get around all his confection, is that he is going to call on her with two friends. It’s so fragile, pen and ink, long, tall, hard-to-read handwriting. A treasure to us.
hi ~ a total breath of civility and love as always. thank you! tried to order the vote postcards but they are sold out, will there be more for this election season?
stay healthy and happy
I think they might already be back …
Enjoyed your webinar! Can’t wait for the next one!
Ordered your Christmas book. Anxiously awaiting for it to arrive,
Thank you for your positive outlook. I need it now. I think we all do❤️
Hello from North Georgia 🍑!
It’s hot and humid here so I cranked my air, made cowboy coffee cake in all its cinnamon and clove goodness and decorated my house for fall! Instant mood lifter!! 🍁 🎃 🍎
I always look forward to your fall posts!! The best season of all!!!
Dearest Susan,
I have been a fan of yours for many years. Some how while living in Boston I stumbled upon one of your books and I literally fell in love. Not soon after I even picked up a paper pad with a water color palette and started to draw. Let’s just say that didn’t work out in my favor 🤣but I did find other ways to express my creativity in the paper world which has been an amazing personal success.
Back then…I had even convinced my boyfriend at the time to take several trips to Martha Vineyard so I could have my complete visual of what I had been reading. The only bummer was every time I made it to the island they ran out of lobster 🤦🏻♀️
Anyways, I feel you were a huge play in my creative world as an adult and wanted to thank you for always inspiring me. There will be weeks, months, and few in between where my creativity drifts, but the moment I pick up any of your books, it all comes back to me.
Thank you Michelle, 💖 it’s so sweet of you to tell me. #NeedLobster!
It makes my day go see a Blog post. Sometimes I wait until the end of the day so I am fully enjoying every word. God Bless you for being our anchor in the storm this season. God uses you to lift spirits and bring hope.
I’m so excited for Fall! It’s the most beautiful season, and the best part is seeing all of the pumpkin spice treats in the stores. I never get tired of it! Loved this post-lots to look forward to in the coming months. Stay well and enjoy your new picnic table! What a great idea!
Thanks for putting your Zoom presentation on U-Tube. You did a great job and I really enjoyed watching it. Looking forward to a new Susan Branch book too!
I absolutely LOVE autumn. I think my first Susan Branch purchase was your Autumn book. Excited about the quotation book – can’t wait to see it (or them!)
Susan Branch MUGS!?! Pick me!!
I just discovered you this summer as well, from Layla Palmer at The Lettered Cottage. I read Fairy Tale on our road trip to Yellowstone from where I live in Minnesota. And then recently devoured Isle of Dreams – didn’t want it to end. Waiting to get my hands on more.
Bless you!
I just love your cookbooks and now your novels. I set out my seasonal books and reread them over the season for great recipes. I am anxious for your book of quotes. That is one of the things that gravitated me to your wonderful artwork and books. I’ve been collecting for over 50 years. I have your calendar in my kitchen always to look at enjoy. Thank you for sharing you talents and fairytale dreams!!!!!!!!!!!!! You bring joy to my life.
I am so excited for your quotes book. I have collected quote books for years, but your’s will be the icing on the cake for me. I often use quotes from your books in my scrapbooking. Thank you for putting a whole book together for us. I will definitely preorder it asap.
Hi Susan, Showing my age here, but I don’t remember if I responded earlier to your blog! LOL!! It’s September 4, a glorious day here in the midwest, we are looking forward for autumn to make her appearance. Yesterday one of our favorite apple orchards received their mums, so had to make a trip. Caramel apples next, possible this weekend! I love autumn, favorite time of year.
I ordered two of your Christmas books, one to keep, one to give away when you first let us know we could order. I am like a kid at Christmas, waiting patiently by the mailbox!
Have a beautiful Labor Day weekend, blessings and much love.
Although calendars say autumn is just around the corner, here in Texas we will enjoy Indian summer weather for a little while longer. Susan, thanks for sharing the delightful news of your “unexpected” surprise. I’ll look forward to browsing through your new book of illustrated quotes and adding it to my library alongside your other heartwarming books. In the meantime I’m re-reading your SUMMER book before making the transition into AUTUMN. As always, it’s fun hearing about your latest adventures and future projects.
Dearest Susan,
I just finished Martha’s Vineyard isle of dreams book
I’m in love with it!!!!my mother gave me this book
A couple of years ago and I Just now got around to
Reading it and love it ❤️❤️ Im sure she bought me this
Book because I use to live on the island in the 1900s
I’m not sure exactly what years, I would have to pull
Out my old black dog t-shirts ( hahahaha) . Unfortunately my mother passed away almost 2 years ago unexpectedly and I never got to tell her how much this book means to me and how happy I am that she gave it to me. I even highlighted paragraphs that I loved and recipes that I loved from the book my favorite was the paragraph that you wrote about mothers and memories in the kitchen. I will keep this book forever and read it again and again and marking my favorite pages that bring me so much joy . I definitely will be buying other books of yours!!!🥰🥰 Ready about places and events on the Vineyard just brought me back to the time that I lived there .!i wish I had read this book prior to living there I would’ve love to meet you at one of your book signings . I do plan to visit the Vineyard again at some point maybe when my twins are off to college, they’re 14 now or maybe before that 😁
I’m going to make sure I check if you’re having any events while I’m there or maybe plan to come when you’re having an event I would love to meet you in person, this book just has meant so much to me !!!!!
A love letter from your mom. Pretty darn wonderful. 💞😘
Hi! I read you big three books, have the cookbooks, the Santa and little thing mugs. All of these things I love. Any chance you might bring back the precious “ In love with nature mug”? I would love That! Love from Texas, Kathleen Reitzel
Dearest Susan, you have helped me thru some very difficult times. You’ve given me one of the most precious gifts of all- Hope! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love, Lucy
I love Lucy.💖
Hi Susan,
I wasn’t sure if my earlier post went through so this is a repeat. Although calendars say autumn is just around the corner, here in Texas we will enjoy Indian summer weather for a little while longer. Susan, I wanted to thank you for sharing the delightful news of your “unexpected” surprise. I’ll look forward to browsing through your new book of illustrated quotes and adding it to my library shelves alongside your other heartwarming books. In the meantime I’m re-reading your SUMMER book before making the transition into AUTUMN. As always, it’s fun and inspiring to hear about your latest adventures and future projects.
Absolutely love your blog and have most of your books that I use often. So blessed to be able to enjoy your creativity. Be safe through these trying times.
Great blog as always. I love Fall, but this summer has taken it’s toll on me, with this never ending heat. So I can’t wait for the frost to roll around in. I would love to have your Christmas book.
Late to the party, but SO excited for your book of quotations! I am feeling Fall in my “internal clock” but this Georgia weather is NOT cooperating 🙁 Your Autumn book is a favorite of mine–dreaming of cooler temps, pots of tea, scarves, falling leaves, and making soup. I love when you share your New England autumns with us on the blog. I lived in Bangor ME many years ago and Fall always stirs up memories of that special place for me.
I so look forward to your posts. What a bright spot to begin this new season of hope. Happy Fall! My most favorite season of all.
I’m also looking forward to buttoning up the yard and retreating back to the house for a few months to recharge and, most importantly to this perpetually overheated 60 year old, to cool off finally. I’ve been enchanted by your art since I first saw it in Country Living magazine, decades ago. Thank you for adding charm to the world. My husband gifted me with a gift certificate for your website. After deliberating (and a lot more deliberating) I finally decided what I wanted and placed an order a couple of days ago. The Santa mug that’s destined for great things like hot chocolate and warming my hands, along with a couple of other things will brighten my day when they arrive. I hope your entire wish list for the coming months comes true and we can fill our lives with the things that we’ve missed so very much.
Throwing in a giant hugathon when this is all over!💖
Just wanted to say that all items ordered arrived today way before anticipated. They are such good quality, perfect in every way.
Makes me so happy to hear that! I’ll tell Kellee and Sheri! Thank you!
I first found out about you when my mom gave me your blotter for Christmas. I am still using and love it. These things make great gifts!
Thank you Sarah, and hi to your mom!
Just finished reading your book, “Fairy Tale Girl”. I read your other 2 out of order, now I have to go back and reread them all!! It doesn’t matter, I loved them. I really enjoy the photos and illustrations that accompanied the text. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
❌⭕️❌⭕️
Dear Susan, September 5 and I finally have a quiet Saturday morning to relax with a cup of tea and yout inspiring blog post. I glanced at it earlier when a dear friend, Pat Booth, sent me a text message with at least 20 exclamation marks! 🎉🎉“ You are mentioned in Susan’s latest blog! 🎉Well, THANK YOU! 😍It made me laugh because the other two photos were in such lovely settings and I was helping my granddaughter, Chloe, move into her college apartment 📦📦📦and had literally escaped to the spare bedroom & closed the door on the chaos!📚🧳 Her boyfriend, Evan, kindly let me sit at his desk 💻🖨& got me all set up on wifi! I was surrounded by new textbooks, boxes both packed & unpacked, and KiKi the cat who decided my lap was the only place she wanted to sit!🐱 And what an escape it was! 💕🇬🇧BLISS! Thank you! And THANK YOU for your tweets & support daily in this Dampanic! 🤭I just signed up for the Christmas book zoom! 🎅🏼 I can’t wait!
I always save your blogs to read when I can savor them. So full of delightful tidbits, inspiration, and cuteness. Thank you for being you!
I always enjoy your upbeat personality! It’s a bright spot to me.
I absolutely love your blogs. They really are a bright spot in this year if uncertainty, unrest, sadness, frustration etc. keep wondering what we did to deserve all this dumped on the world at once. 2020 will be the year that wasn’t. Anyway thank you so much for being the bright spot for me!
Hi Susan,
I’ve read all your books and just spent this beautiful September day re-re-reading your Autumn book. It got me thinking..have you written a Winter book that Ive just missed? Not Christmas but for the dreamy, slow period that follows until Spring. You should if you havent. Your words are so joyful and comforting. Thanks for all you do!
Hi – always so nice when you post. Today feels like a fall day here in Bloomington IN. 53 degrees this morning – crisp and clear!!! Have a great weekend.
After I read your blog I got out my autumn book and opened it up. I had a bookmark on the exact page you showed!!! Along with a note about how delicious the corn pudding is. Then we were out of internet thanks to AT&T so I didn’t get to respond right away. I too love fall. I appreciate your positive attitude. This morning I had a red spider (others call it a surprise) lily blooming. it has been 20 years or more since it popped up. I believe it is God’s way of telling me He’s in control and all will be well. God bless you and Joe.
Thank you for all you do for your girlfriends – we love you right back!
Aloha from Maui-
Carol
Wow! You have so many exciting things coming up! All this and the approach of Autumn, too! Nice to look forward to after this dampanic year. I hope I am one of the lucky winners. Keeping my fingers crossed! Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.
Dear Susan …. you always lift my ❤️ heart…
Alo-Ha-Ha from San Diego as it’s nearly 100 degrees here..
Xo Evie
Almost ready to switch out the Summer book for the Autumn one…after Labor Day and a few days of cooler temps! Sending love and thanks for you and your always relished, enchanting and looked-forward-to blogs! 😘 xo Melissa
You bring me such joy reading your posts . I am not able to leave my house for long as my darling husband has dementia and I have to care for him. I have collected most of your books and just recently bought a mug….it is beautiful. Stay well and enjoy each day, they are a gift 🙂 Barbara Sturtz
Bless you and thank you for sharing with us. Can’t wait to watch the video! Hope I’m not too late to get picked for a mug and book!
Your beautiful artwork and your cheer have sustained me for some years now! And I DO love the Autumn Cookbook and use it each and every Fall. We love our bluebirds and all of our birds, so I would be absolutely thrilled if I were the lucky winner of a Blueberry Cup by YOU!! Thanks for all you do to keep us going!!
I love how you highlight beautiful things and inspiring thoughts.
Each month when I turn over a new month page in my Susan Branch calendar, I think of you , and feel the urge to re-read your books. I am trying to fight off that urge until I finish another 8 face masks. It is too easy for me to escape this current world and hide in a book world. So much stress right now makes it hard to concentrate at times. I sure hope I get to see Martha’s Vineyard in person someday! You and Joe and Jack live in a wonderful place, and I know you know it! hugs from central Oregon, hot, dry, and smoky today, Suzette
Dear Susan-
Thank you for all your blessed positivity that flows from your posts! I can’t wait to look through your Autumn Book to prepare for one of my favorite days- Thanksgiving! Thank you for always inspiring me to take time to enjoy the simple things of home & homemade ! Here in Arroyo Grande, CA, I went to get my pumpkins scratched with inspirational sayings & couldn’t help think of your book & inspirational sayings that you always share with us. Love from Wendy B. in AG!
Fall is my absolute favorite! Can’t wait to see your new Christmas book.
Fall is my favorite season too. I could feel the cool air blowing your table cloths. Lovely video!
Dear Susan,
I always look forward to your lov-lee posts. Usually end up with a tear or two because you capture what I’m feeling so spot on. I ordered your new book and will love getting that surprise in the mail. Can’t wait for the quotes book.
I am also loving ‘dampanic’! Perfect!
Take care,
Bridget
As a frontline healthcare worker, thank you for your kind words of appreciation! Speaking for myself and many others, we put ourselves at risk in our chosen profession out of a sense of duty and love to care and comfort our fellow humans. Thank you, Susan for comforting and entertaining us with your amazing words and art!!
I know you do Sierra. Loving, comforting, nurturing, healing, organizing, it’s what you do… xoxoxo
It was so nice to read your post today, a few days later than written, but always a delight to read. Thank you for the inspirational boost that you gave me today!
Love, Ann (person) and Felicity (cat)
So grateful for you!!
Love Pictures of Jack. That face, so full of life, always makes me smile:) Two Sunday’s ago I made your chocolate chip pancakes topped with whip cream and strawberries, a family favorite now!! But the most requested recipe of yours ( there are many…..😊) is from the Autumn Cookbook “ Iowa Corn Bread” ❤️ Thank you Susan for keeping me and my family cooking wonderful food and gathering us together!!! Love to you, Susan, Joe, and Jack
Hi Mrs.Branch!
I love reading your blog before bed. I live in Texas, so fall is more of a holiday than a season. Winter is the real chills I look forward to. I am going to high school right now and find that reading your blog relieves a lot of the normal stress High school brings. School has already started, so I am blessed to be able to see my friends again! My favorite mug is the little things one, all of the little details are so charming.
Hi Sarah, good luck at school this year! xoxo
Thank you for your wonderful Willard! I love reading your thoughtful, caring words and seeing your beautiful pictures and illustrations. I’m very excited for my Christmas book and the Love of Books puzzle to arrive; I ordered them back in late July. My mom and I love doing puzzles together, so this one will be perfect for one cold, cozy fall evening or several evenings! I, too, love Autumn and all it brings: crisp, cool days, cozy sweaters, apple cider, pumpkin pie, more time to read. I’ll be pulling out my copy of your Autumn book in a few days, and have already started burning a pumpkin candle. Thanks for celebrating and embracing the changing of the seasons.
Rebecca in Seattle
Thank you for your uplifting posts! I look forward to them every month.
Morning, Susan!
In this strange, new world of “dam-panic” stuff, it is a breath of fresh air to read your beautiful and uplifting, cheery, and hope-filled words… not to mention viewing your eye-candy photos of all that is beautiful and right with this world…because there is still hope out there and you have a happy-go-lucky way of pointing it out to us!! Thank you! Looking forward to swigging some tea from my newly-won (that is, if I am one of the selected winners!) gorgeous mugs. Happiness to you and Joe and wishes for a beautiful fall🍂🍁🌝
I came across a candle called Honey Pear Cider on Amazon and thought you should know about since I read “ A Fine Romance.” 🥰 It’s made by A Cheerful Giver. Had you heard of it? I LOVE your book, by the way. 💕 It makes me long to return to England. 💐
Hello, Susan! I came across a candle on Amazon called Honey Pear Cider. I thought I should share it since reading your book “A Fine Romance.” Had you heard of it? It’s made by A Cheerful Giver. I LOVED your book, by the way. It has me longing to return to England. Your art and writing inspire me. Many blessings to you and Joe!
So excited for revisiting autumn favorites! I have my pumpkin candles going, the cozy blankets ready, and apple cider will be here soon to drink warm and spiced!
Thank you for sharing!
You make me positive every time I read one of your post or re- re-….read again “ A fine romance” when I feel a little down.
Big hug,
Miriam from Italy