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
Susan, Your blog always lifts my spirits. I have your new calendar and I’m very excited to “visit” your home every month. Stay safe, Peg
I too will be revisiting your Autumn book in anticipation of cooler days ahead. That’s a stretch
For Florida but one can dream. Can’t wait for you book of quotes! Keep spreading sunshine
Always fun to get mail from you in my Inbox! I can barely wait to open it and see what’s happening.
Susan….I sooo needed this today!!! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your love of Autumn, (I love autumn too !), and your sweet encouraging words!!!!
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I’m barely waiting for your Home For Christmas book to arrive in my mailbox!!!! I will do like I always do with your books….spend lots of time looking at each wonderful page, and every photo, soaking it all in!!!
God bless!!!
Always so fun to read your blog, Susan. I love your pictures. Sherill Anderson
Dear Susan,
and love for all.
I so look forward to seeing your name pop up on my e-mail and know I’m in store for another beautiful and inspiring post.
Thank you for making my day better in these exhausting times. Hopefully, as you wrote, next year will be so much better for all of us. Praying for health, peace
Lynn from the Land of Lincoln.
Hi there Susan!
I have been looking for this post since you mentioned it would be coming. Thank you! Loved the zoom meeting; you come up with the greatest ideas that’s for sure :). The quote book (or books) is brilliant; I open your Gratitude Book for inspiration and so a new one will be great addition to my Susan Branch library! I too am looking forward to sweater weather; the humidity lately has been almost unbearable even with air conditioning. The Christmas book and puzzle are great gifts; can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
So truly beautiful and inspirational, you have such a gift of talent and love for others. Thank you
Yes! Would be most grateful to win your beautiful mugs and Christmas Book. I am hoping to gift the book to one of my nieces’ family for Christmas- then the mugs would be the icing on the cake! Many thanks Susan
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You always brighten my day with your blog posts! Looking forward to the new Christmas Book as I always enjoy the other two! Count me in on the giveaway as I don’t have one of your mugs yet!
With all that is swirling around us everyday, I still find safe haven in your work! Hope, love, and perseverance always shine through!
They say it’s the little things anymore that mean the most. Do falling leaves count? Thank you for such a nice post ! Happy Fall ya’all
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Dear Susan: I so appreciate your upbeat words and thoughts. This
post is a beautiful testimony to that. Looking forward to receiving
the new Christmas book whenever the post office does deliver it.
My father always used to say “keep the faith” and you do that so
well. We just have to keep taking one step forward at a time and
we will all get through this. I, too, have relatives in California and
pray they are safe. Thanks again for this wonderful post.
Connie Castle from Michigan where it has been very hot also.
I love receiving you email! Always a bright spot to my day!
Thank you
Anytime is the right time to have mail from Susan Branch! You write about real, but make it feel like a fairy tale!
Thank you for that
Really enjoyed this Tick-Tock and look forward to your Quotes book. Your quotes are something I have always enjoyed so I will definitely be ordering when it is availabile. Thank you Susan for always bringing some sunshine into what sometimes can be a very trying day.
Delay Susan,
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“There are only two seasons Autumn, and waiting for Autumn!”
I love that
In 1975 at the age of 15 (I’m the oldest of 4) my parents moved our family from Wisconsin to Northeast Arkansas. To say I was not happy would be putting it mildly. Moving back to Wisconsin became my goal in life. Besides living in the same state as my grandparents again, my other big motivation was our beautiful Autumn’s.
So in the Spring of 1979 with $100, 1 suitcase and a one way plane ticket I moved back to Wisconsin, “just for the Summer”!
41 years later, I am still here, now with a husband, 3 children and 3 grandchildren
I am so grateful for your uplifting outlook on life, your beautiful books, calendars, dishes and artwork. The best ” medicine” for these crazy times!
Thank you just doesn’t seem enough.
Amy
Don’t things happen in the MOST interesting ways? xoxo
Hello Susan, from Northern California, we are close to fires, and enduring the smoke, but so grateful we didn’t need to evacuate. The fire situation adds an entirely new level to the pandemic exhaustion. Your newsletter is SO appreciated, sending love and many thanks. It’s always a welcome and refreshing change of pace, but realistic and honest about the times as well. Can’t wait for your book of quotes! The picnic tables are such a wonderful idea. Looks like I need to order “Autumn” and see what else I’m missing from my collection. I adore your tea cups! Stay safe and well and keep on being you! Thank you!
I always look forward to a new blog post! A bright spot in my day. Looking forward to your upcoming book of quotes and wisdom!!
Thank you for the giveaway!
You have no idea how much I look forward to your posts. I’m one of thos California girls, with 17 fires within 50 miles. Our poor state! Missed the Zooms, so looking forward to seeing you in person. Thanks so much.
Stay safe Ann, you and yours. xoxoxo We are all praying for you!
Oh how your new blog post came at just the time I needed it!!! This past week has been stress… Stress…. STRESS! this has been a wonderful chance to take a few minutes and just breath.
Hugs to you & Joe and scratches behind the ear for your sweet kitty boy!!
Love,
Laura in Illinois
Love the beautiful hydrangeas. They are my favorite flower.
So enjoyed this post. I long for fall, too. I don’t have your book & look forward to pouring through it. Thanks for the sweet refreshment today with my afternoon tea.
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Looking forward to your Christmas book!
What a treat! Just finished watching the Zoom video which was so entertaining. So great to see Hilltop a little closer and with your voice doing the commentary. Your helper Andrea was also wonderful and I wish I could check in to that Senior Center. I have one nearby but its been mostly closed for business due to “you know what”. Loved your Musica choice for the blog too. All this pulled me out of kind of a mood slump and I’m very very grateful. Had my 86th Birthday on Aug 7 and I feel all those years. . . Need I say more? I’ll be watching the Zoom meeting again I’m sure. So great to hear your voice. Voices are amazing don’t you think? I’m REALLY looking forward to your Quote book! That will be so much fun to peruse. What a great idea. Nice to have things to look forward to at my ripe old age. Thanks for the inspiration and anticipation. Means a lot to me.
What a wonderful post! Autumn is my favorite time of year, too! There is nothing quite like New England in the fall…so beautiful, so energizing! I love being cozy, with a fire in the fireplace, a cup of tea and a good book! Stay safe!
I always get to exited when I see your post in my inbox. Thanks for making my day!
I work in an elementary school library and saw that you had a new blog entry up… waited til I got home to relax and enjoy reading it! Thank you for always being inspirational!
Thank you for doing what YOU do! xoxo
Awww….hugs! Xoxo such an important time to be tender with one another
your blogs are always gifts of tenderness…thank you and happy autumn ( on it’s way
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Made your cantaloupe soup from your Summer book last week for lunch with a friend. Refreshing on a hot August day. Thanks for mentioning the Iowa storm. We all learned a new word — derecho! Lots of loss of beautiful, big, old trees, crops, electricity (over a week in some areas), buildings, shingles, siding, etc. One more storm to weather in 2020! But we WILL survive and thrive!
Zoom meetings are a wonderful way to be together when we can’t be together. Such fun!! So glad you have plans for more!!
I just finished reading Fairy Tale Girl and Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams for the “?” time. I started another trip through the English Countryside just today!! So exciting to make the trip again – especially when we aren’t able to make and actual trip to the UK right now.
It’s so good to know that “Enchanted” hasn’t fallen by the wayside!. Please write a page or two from time to time so that it will be out for publication one day, There must be many of us who are waiting to make that journey too!
Have a wonderful end of August! Then on to the crisp, cool days of September!
XOXO!
Thanks for this great posting. Just wrote a long comment, but it disappeared so trying again in brief. Enjoyed it all so much, the Musica, your voice :-), the video with closer looks at Hilltop et al. Just great.
Love, Sylvia
Oh I would LOVE those cups. I already have your cottage one and keep it in my china closet ( it’s to pretty to use!) and just ordered your Autumn book ( how did I miss that one? have so many all ready)
I love Autumn ( we call it Fall here in Michigan because we have SO many leaves that fall. LOL. I love it so much that we were Married in the fall. ( would have been 47 years this year! Miss him so much).
Thank you for your blogs and pictures, such a bright spot in these “dampanic” times! Love your utube spots also. would love to see more.
Dear Susan:
My husband just called from home (I am at our beach cottage) and said “You’re Susan Branch parcel was delivered!” I can’t wait to get home to open –
Our Jillie flew home from London two months ago for medical treatment and your books have given her such comfort. She loves you just as much as I do! She will be going back to the UK next week and I will miss her so – but you will be going with her as your books are her bibles now. Thank you for your creative, generous soul.
With Gratitude
Kitty
I hope she’s okay! It sounds like it … give her my love, nice to hear from you Kitty!
Thanks again for the fun ZOOM meeting! And thanks for planning a book of good quotations! I too, love to read and collect them. Did you have a copy of Apples Of Gold when you were growing up? It was a popular thing in our teens. I just turned 70 recently and am inspired by your energy and zest for life!
Your blog made my day! Can’t wait for your quote book! I love autumn too and am going to pull out my book to start getting into a fall state of mind!
oh my – I am so excited about your book of quotes!! There is nothing so uplifting as a heartwarming quote made more beautiful by your talented hand. First item on my wishlist for my next birthday!
Thank you for all the giveaways! I am so looking forward to fall as well this year and hope to enjoy the season while sipping a hot chocolate from one of your beautiful mugs.
What a wonderful give away. Dear Vanna will be busy!
Not sure I’ll be able to watch the Zoom meeting on the 20th, as we’ll be leaving California on the 23rd. We found a lovely house in Arizona! Thanks for inviting us to visit in your kitchen on last week’s Zoom meeting…it was a fun time! So looking forward to cooler weather and this year we will probably have snow in our new home! I’ve been working out in my mind where the Christmas decorations will go! Much love to you!
How fun! Lots to look forward to!
Your blog posts always make me smile! Thank you so much for sharing your love for life’s dialy gifts!
Thank you also for sharing the link to the video of your Zoom Webinar. I so wanted to attend, but then found out too late how to sing up for it, and totally missed it (plus, I had a work-related meeting that I tried to postpone and could not). I’ll watch it as soon as I have time to sit down and be quiet (I have to go cook supper, now!).
Thank you also for the giveaways. Your tea cups are so very pretty… I yet have to order my copy of your Christmas book… and am always tempted by your beautiful recipe books… How can I resist this time? I too love autumn…
Such a lovely letter!
I will be looking for your zooms and youtubes. So good to see a friend. The Autumn book is my favorite cookbook to give as a gift. It certainly saves me time when people ask for the Happy Rice recipe or how to make the sweet potatoes taste so good.
2020 has certainly been a decade. Were 1920, 1820, 1720 as challenging?
Thank you again for finding the up in down and helping us with the hopeful!
Thank you so much for reminding me to get out my Autumn Book
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I needed something uplifting and this will surely help
I have just read your latest letter and am so thrilled with your pictures and your suggestions for
Fall I have really enjoyed your calendars through the years, can’t wait til
the calendar kiosk opens so I can buy 2021’
Wishing all things good for you and Joe and Jack
Read Psalm 91 everyday , I pray it over my family and friends
God bless
,
Susan, this was such a lovely post. I am not ready for winter, but I am looking forward to fall. We have had such a hot summer in Virginia.
Sandra
I’m with you…this hot weather is not my cup of tea
Waiting for the crisp autumn breezes to stir up my heart!! Love the table Joe is making… great idea! You sweet post always puts a smile on my face…Hugs!
Whenever “Susan Branch Blog” pops up in my gmail inbox, I am SO happy! A breath of fresh air, words of wisdom, beautiful illustrations, just what I need. I have been riding the ups and downs of the CoronaCoaster lately, and I appreciate your positive attitude and encouraging words! Thank you so much!!
I have been buying your books for myself, friends, and family ever since I discovered your first one in my first library job! I was hooked! Please don’t ever stop publishing, we NEED you!!
Hey Susan,
Warm greetings from Florida…”feels like” index 114! I’ve been checking your blog on an almost daily basis for the past week in great anticipation for your new blog entry. Love the way you think! I can just picture you smiling as you write these sweet love letters. Received the new 2021 calendar, a beauty, and awaiting Christmas book delivery. Just let me say we always enjoy the contents of any packages from Susan Branch, but your team also does a great job on the packaging as well. Thanks to all.
Thanks for your always welcome note, Susan!
Your notes are always so joyful, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels uplifted to read them. I can’t wait for your quotes book; I love a good quote.
Warmest regards from rainy, steamy South Carolina!
Linda D’Elia
Love your thoughts on Trick or Treat and Halloween. I hope all our towns and cities give it some thought. I’m emailing a couple of City Council members and will ask them to consider it.I just checked my trusty SB calendar and Halloween is a Saturday. That makes it better!
Thank you for the postcards. I used some as Thank you cards to my fellow poll workers at our August primary, and one went to a local convention delegate! Thank you, thank you.
I Love your beautiful cups! I Love Fall too! Looking forward to drinking tea in some crisp Fall weather.
So enjoy your “everything “
. I’ve been a fan for so many years. When my daughter in-law comes to visit she enjoys going through my collection of your books. We chat & have the best time…..with tea.
Such love in this blog! Thanks so for the virtual hugs. Trying a second time as I can’t seem to get my comments to post :-0
I’m scheduled for heart surgery in early September – I signed up for the virtual tea to give me something positive to look forward to during recovery. Thank you!! <3 I also can't wait for your "quotes" book – I always look forward to your beautifully illustrated quotes on your blog and calendars!
Hi Sue,
Hydrangeas have always been my favorite flower but nearly
impossible to grow here in Texas. I have always loved my
visits to the Cape and and the beautiful hydrangeas we would
always see there.
Looking forward to the Christmas Tea on September 20th.
Thank you Susan for another wonderful post. Especially for the saying about Autumn. I am responsible for writing a short column for a women’s group every month, and the difficult part is it’s always for 2 months ahead. So here we are in the heat and humidity of August, and I need to write about wonderful October. So your quote on Autumn and masks for Halloween is going to help me get inspired to get it sent in by tomorrow. It is my favorite season also. And I’ve always loved your Autumn book. I was thinking today that we were so afraid of Y2K, not knowing that it would be 20 years later that we needed to worry about. I’ve put on about 10lbs. of the Covid 19, and hoping to slow that down soon. Take care, and stay happy.
Hello Susan,
I have your Autumn book and bring it out every fall on my coffee table. Hey, quick question. Aren’t your calendars sold at Barnes and nobles?
Valann
I so appreciate your creativity – you bring joy & appreciation for the simple things to our world. I especially needed it today, so thank you.
Hoping “third time’s the charm” for commenting! Looking forward to Zoom with Titcombs! Love that bookstore! We visited when we were on Cape Cod last summer. Yay for extra picnic tables! We’ve not been able to host our Turquoise Table events during this time. Wonderful giveaways! Will try to post this again; hopefully, I won’t receive that “duplicate comment” message! Hugs and love to you! Give Joe and Jack extra kisses!
It is so funny or perhaps serendipity, but yesterday I was dusting my bookshelves( finally) and pulled out your Autumn book
. I love Autumn/ Fall the best of all so it will give me a bit of happiness in this tough time. My dogs Olivia, Snowball and I are alone since Jan. Of 2019. My dear husband of almost 48 years now resides in memory care and we cannot even see him. It is hard to be alone but I try to grab bits of happiness where I can. I love your newsletter even though I don’t often write back. Now I am hoping to see my 2 grands and eldest daughter at some point- I am NY and they are Maryland. Have FaceTimed a lot but have not seen them since Christmas. Sorry so long- much love to you and Joe
Dear Susan,
Your posts always bring a smile to my heart.
I think sometimes summer can be as harsh as winter.
For us there is smoke, like winter fog with heat.
Unhealthy to be out.
Not those lazy hazy days of summer.
But, cheers, it is almost peach season!
Your newsletter always brightens my day! Now I’m looking forward to your book of quotes. That will be wonderful!
I agree that autumn is the loveliest season of all, especially in New England!
If I were younger, I would move there in a heartbeat!
I’ve given your Autumn cookbook to my daughter-in-law and to my niece. They both love it, as do I. Such comforting recipes and precious illustrations.
Love you,
Lisa
Autumn sounds wonderful as we endure the heat here in Texas! Love all you shared! Thank you for your generosity!
The cups look wonderful. I can’t wait for your book of quotes. That’s right up my alley.
Always, always, always I feel better after I read your blog posts. And this year, I sure want to feel better! We need you to do a whole lot of posts in November! Thank you, Susan!
So glad to see a new post! Love your work. Show my tuxedo cat Pippy, the photos of his cousin Jack.
Dear “Sunshine” Susan – You’ve come through once again and brightened my every days!!! You give us hope and inspiration that colors our world with beauty! So looking forward to your new books and puzzle. I decorate my home with puzzles instead of framed pictures. I continue to design quilts and sew them with love! Thank you for spreading the joys of life! Love is always in the air!!!! Virtual hugs!!!
Hi Susan, I always love hearing from you! Your posts always brighten my day, encourage me to do more and bring such happiness and joy! I always reread them too! Thank you for sharing your talents and gifts with all of us! God bless you always!
I have already decorated for Fall! It’s 96 here in Texas today but maybe we will get some much needed rain from Hurricane Laura. My Autumn book is out and the Summer book put away. I’m anxiously awaiting my bluebird cup and Home for Christmas book. Can’t wait for Enchanted!!!
Susan- I certainly hope when we have a new ” normal” that you and Joe can travel to Atlanta,GA again! Enjoyed meeting you both at a book signing.
Hello from Kansas where it is over 100 degrees again today and so very dry! I’m so ready for Fall. When I walked down my driveway to the mailbox there were yellow leaves on the ground. Probably because it is so dry but hoping too it is a sign this endless summer is almost over.
Thanks for your wonderful blog post—it is always such a delight to find it in my email inbox! And thank you for the reminder that I wanted to order a few Christmas gifts from your shop…I, too, am so sick and tired of this hot and humid and BUGGY summer—I must have had several hundred mosquito bites already…looking forward to that first “killing frost”, as my husband and I often jokingly call it! Enjoy your fall up on the Vineyard…I will soon be digging out my copy of your “Autumn”—love it,
Best, Hilary
It is one of the “continuous small treats” to get these blogs. Always look forward to them, make some tea, read them a few times, feel good inside, remember the good things… thanks!
Dear Susan,
You are my virtual vacation girl friend. I am reading A Fine Romance, savoring all the food you and Joe had, Falling in love with the English countryside along with your lovely descriptions and photos. Thank you for making such beauty come alive in everything you write and paint.
This has been the year to end all years here in Australia. We had raging bushfires and extreme heat to begin with, then came the floods and of course COVID.
But Spring is coming and with Spring hope. The freesias and jasmine are starting to appear even if it is freezing outside.
Your words and paintings are a bright light and I am thankful I found you. Enjoy your Autumn. It is my favourite season too.
Cheers Julie
Susan you are the constant in so many lives. Thank you for being you.
Btw… I have been copying quotes from your blog for years… I have my own book. Sometimes I use them in those beautiful cards that are blank on the inside.
Stay well. Lee from NC
Lovely giveaways! I’m so thankful you are in this world, Susan. God bless you.
I received my beautiful blue bird cup yesterday and just love it! Thank you for having them made again. I did pull out your Autumn book yesterday to share with my sister~my favorite season, too. And look at that! You have the same dishes that I have ~ I just have the square dessert plates and some cups but I love them to serve special pie on special days. I do enjoy your blogs and I also keep a journal of quotes ~ I look forward to your new book! (after the Christmas book which I also have pre-ordered. Lots of things to be grateful for and hoping for a more positive Autumn. XO
Hi Susan! I so look forward to your monthly blog…calms my soul. I’ve enjoyed my garden and growing vegetables during this isolation time. I wish you were closer so I could give you many zucchinis!!!! I can’t wait for autumn and to bake your delicious zucchini nut bread! Take care, love from Canada!
I too love colder weather.
Can’t wait for the leaves to change and that first snowfall!
Counting down the days for your new Christmas book… and am jumping up and down for your new one.
Hugs from here!
Dear Susan, So much to tell you! (and ask) Is that a picture of Queen Elizabeth on your kitchen windowsill? I have several biscuit tins and an image on porcelain of her. Did you see the Farmers Almanac prediction of a snowy winter with a late March blizzard for us here in the NE area? I’ve never listened to them and they never seem to be correct! I hope we do have Halloween as so much has been taken from our children. And they are wearing masks! I received my “little things” tea cup today, so excited……I have a full shelf full of your wonderful art now! I can’t wait until my Christmas book arrives but a new one as well? Beyond happy!!!! I loved the zoom meeting and never thought to send you a picture but took your screen shot during the meeting! I’m so glad we can do this <3. I love Titcombs here on the Cape and can't wait to register for another meeting ( near my birthday so it's the present I want!) . I sent your 'Go Be Love' cards to all my friends and have heard from most about how they loved them! I can't wait to order the Vote postcards! I will double order those even tho……we can't have another term with 'him'! Love to you my dear friend!
xoxo Sandi .. they are talking about big thunderstorms for us tonight … storm watch until 10 pm!
So enjoy receiving your emails. Autumn IS the best season!
Susan –
Your blog is like a breath of sweet air in the midst of our unhealthy smoky air and wildfires in Northern California. So glad to receive it today!
Regards,
Jacki M.
Be careful out there Jacki. You have lots of heroes working their hearts out trying to keep you safe.
I’m always so glad to see a post from you. I, too, am looking forward to a more normal! We all desperately need the upcoming holidays to feel…right, if that makes any sense. We’ll all get through this and be the better for it!
Oh! Forgot to tell you I have been buying the candles made by the Sisters that you mentioned in one of your blogs! They are wonderful, lovely fragrance of beeswax, beautiful light, last a long time, great companions for reading, eating by, celebrating, and sending out a little prayer by. Highly recommend them- Sisters of the Nativity.
Makes me so happy to hear you say that. Thank you!
I love Autumn! Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for my favorite season!
I was so excited to see that you are putting together quotes in a book….or two. I am always sending quotes to my daughter from Mark Twain or Albert Einstein or even quotes from movies ……she teaches High School and uses the quotes in her classroom (or Zoom now!). We are dealing with the August heat here in Southern California and so worried about where the next wildfire will be. Loved seeing your pretty hydrangeas and GREEN everywhere!
Susan, I love the fall too! I already baked a pumpkin pie. Stay well and be safe to all.
Susan, I want to thank you for the perfectly enjoyable Zoom event last week! I sat with my tea pot and tea cup (with ice tea in it because it was too hot!), in front of my iPad, hanging out with you and hundreds of girlfriends, enjoying a visit to England and Beatrix Potter’s homes. I felt like I was visiting with you in your kitchen (I guess I was!) and your travelogue made me remember how reading A Fine Romance made me put England on my travel bucket list! Thank you for all that you do to bring beauty and love into our lives!
It is all my pleasure Monica, thank you for the kitchen table tea! xoxo
Autumn can’t come soon enough with this heat and humidity here in the Northeast. Your words and art always bring happiness and for that we are all grateful!
Your website is my happy place! I love to go back and visit previous Williards and all you wonderful postings. Thanks for being such a special person!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for the lovely message. Even here in California, where it will probably be hot hot hot for another two months, we are having signs: acorns falling where we walk, (some) leaves changing to bronze, a hint of a breeze with a feeling of fall in it – and plants setting seed.
So excited about your quotes book. Can’t wait to see it. Much love,Janice
Looking forward to autumn too. Have you heard from Carrie in Wales? No tweets in a long while…am worried about her. Thanks for the pep talk. Debby
Hi Susan!
I’ve followed you since you came to Walnut Creek, CA many decades ago and signed my copy of your first cookbook. I was speechless then. I’ve grown a little and moved around the country a bit, too. Your Autumn cookbook comes out each fall and sits on my family room coffee table to serve as inspiration not only for cooking, but for enjoying and relishing my favorite season of the year, too.
I was so excited reading about all your projects. I am hoping to win the trio of pretty cups or a signed copy of your newest book. I am looking forward to your collection of quotes book. Sincerely, your fan Suzanne
Once again since I made an error in my email address.Autumn is the BEST season!
Hope it’s fixed, just in cases!
I’m also looking forward to the cooler weather and beautiful fall colors here in Michigan. Love all the delicious fall foods, too! Must pull out the Autumn book and look at recipes.
Thank you for this lovely post & for the Zoom party. I wasn’t there at the time, but a dear friend (whom I met at the picnic at Castle Cottage) sent me the link. It was so uplifting to hear you telling the story & to think I was there. That friendship which began at the picnic has become very special in my life, & we seem to know each other so well despite living separated by the Atlantic. Always take the opportunities life offers.