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
Ordered the Christmas book. Can’t wait. Love your blogs. They bring joy to my day. Thank you so much, Susan.
Love these blogs so much! They calm and enchant me, make me want to make little vases of flowers and give me peace.
So glad to share the love of autumn with you!
Lovely post! Just what I needed today. Thank you!
I have all your cookbooks and your novels. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of your newest book and puzzle. To be chosen as a winner of one of the items you are giving away would be a wonderful way to remember there are still good things in store.
Hello Susan. You always seem to arrive just when I need a pick me up! Thank you for your art, your books and so much more.
Thank you for this lovely upbeat post! Just what I needed today. Bless you.
I’ve been looking forward to this “autumn’s coming” post after a long hot, trying summer. Your words & images always lift me up !
Can I tell you how excited I am for the book(s) of quotes you are working on!!! Enjoyed the zoom call last week. Stay safe and well and enjoy all this home time.
Thank you!
How lovely to find this cheerful blog post in my email today, and help stir hope in my parched out heart for cooler weather, as I sit here in the Sonoran Desert roasting on yet another day over 110F and unhealthy air quality. Thank you for the reminder that this too will pass.
I love Fall also! Can’t wait to see your Zoom. Thought I would never state that I was looking forward to a Zoom! My work these days revolves around Zoom meetings!
Susan,
You always brighten my day! My favorite time of the year is the same as yours. During these hot August days I long for colder temps and blacker skies which in California sometimes come even later than October. My favorite holiday, even better than Christmas, is Halloween. I do so hope that the kids can dress up and trick-or-treat this year. I already have my Halloween “masks” so I’ll be all ready to greet them. Enjoy the rest of your Summer and I look forward to your new books. They will join all the rest that grace my library and often are displayed on tables throughout my house. Especially during the holidays.
Cheryl
I love your work and the spirit with which you do it! I love all my Susan Branch things. I sent one of your books to my friends and sister during this pandemic. They loved them. I asked for one of your gift certificates for my birthday and live my soaps and tea AND beautiful all occasion cards. Your blogs always warm my heart. So glad I found you! 👏🎶❤️
It was so lovely to see a new post from you! You have cheered me up this evening. I am recovering from foot surgery and have been sitting for almost 7 weeks. Last week I grabbed all my Susan Branch books and flipped through them. They are so lovely. I am in love with the mug that has the little bird on it. 😍
You have done it once again! EVERY time I get an email from you whatever has been getting me “down” flies right out the window! YOU are truly a GIFT to us all! Thank you for being you!
Fondly,
Zoe
I enjoyed your Zoom presentation so much. Thank you for sharing Beatrix Potter country with us and letting everyone know what an extraordinary woman she was.
So good to hear from you, Susan. I share your excitement about fall and am hoping (but not expecting) that here in California is will be a cool and rainy season. That will help with the fires and all of us. Thanks for the opportunities to win your lovely things. I’m looking forward to the quote book too! Blessings to you and all the GFs! ❤️
I love thinking about fall, especially since moving from Massachusetts to Florida.
Keep posting the lovely pictures. Everthing looks amazing!
Loved the Zoom party. It was so fun. Lots of nice memories.
DEAR Susan,
Can’t wait to get “Home for Christmas” I have loved all your books.I have a special shelf just for Susan Branch books.
The highlight of the day is reading one of your posts, Susan. Your positivity is so needed in these uncertain times. I hope to see you in person someday at one of your events.
P.S. I think we have the same dish set—Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz. It goes with everything; I love mine!
Susan, when I first open your pages (whether in a book or on my computer) I can feel my whole body relax and begin to breathe deeper. You are good for our health! Thank you for restoring hope and sanity to my day!
Happy Birthday to me! So happy to have a new blog post to enjoy! Thanks, Susan!
Autumn – The year’s last loveliest smile – Wm Cullen Bryant. I love this thought as it is my favorite time of year as well – when the trees are afire with radiant splashes of color. Thank you for sharing your approaching season with us! There is no autumn here in Tucson so I must be content with bring out the matching decor, and quilts – always the quilts!
Susan! I get positively giddy when I see “Susan Branch Blog” in my email inbox, and this one did not disappoint. I adore summer but oh! Autumn. Hearing you talk about sweaters and crisp leaves (as I’m sitting here sweating) was lovely. And I love the quote book! I love quotes. I think I’ll have to get your Autumn book too.
Looking forward to ordering some postcards to use as Thank You Notes for my Face Mask clients. I like to send something personal every time I ship and your cards will be perfect!
Grateful in Paso Robles CA that the smoke has cleared, for the most part. Still praying for friends and family in risky areas. Can’t wait until 2020 is over and we get to start a new year with new hope for the future!
Can’t wait for the new books (and cooler weather)!
Susan, your calendars make me smile! Your Christmas cards inspire me! But these cups are so a part of my love of birds and everything representing nature! I have been using the same blue coffee cup that I used for years while working. I retired in 2004!! Would so enjoy your cups for a change of morning scenery!! Thanks for being a part of my life!,
As always, what a delight to read! I too am looking forward to cooler weather but it is a long way off here in Georgia. And fingers crossed Halloween will happen-one of my most favorite holidays.
Love this uplifting words. Also love the pic of the cat Jack— unusual markings-love him! Thanks for a wonderful post and Zoom Party!
Wow, I’ve was anticipating this blog post and you did not disappoint. Now I’m excited about two (or more) new great books from you, in addition to Christmas. Thank you for being so on top of things. Thank you for being born optimistic and working so very hard to spread your gift.
I had been missing you and then yesterday “you” arrived in my email box! It was great to hear from you again, dear, distant friend. You have been busy, you clever girl! And whenever you are busy, we all benefit. Can’t wait for the little quote books. I’ve been jotting so many of them down over the years, but it will be marvelous to have them all in one place, in your painterly hand.
I was sad to be unable to join the Zoom Party. It was always full, even when I checked the day before. So imagine how excited I was to read that I can click on a link and see it–hooray! I will sign up for the other one fast.
You are the best, sharing lovely photos, getting us all excited about fall, even if I do live in fall-less Texas now. I can remember a lifetimes of falls! You motivate me to DO stuff, use my precious time and enjoy every minute.
It’s almost “shadow time.” Have fun creating things. With hugs, your friend, Ginny
Thank you for reminding us Fall is near! Love the cat Jack
Getting my Fall decor out this weekend. Looking forward to playing w/my pumpkins. Thanks for the giveaways. I think I’ll be ordering the Autumn book.
Happy Fall!
Thank you so much, Susan for the smile & feel good feeling. I am with you in hoping Spring will be back to normal. I can not look at a picture of your Jack without smiling. He is a cutie!
Your letter uplifts my day! In the middle of the Midwest, I so look forward to sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the quotes, photos and happenings from your part of the world.
I really enjoyed the webinar, can’t wait for Enchanted to come out. Thank you for helping to keep up our spirits during the Dam-Panic. With a daughter who’s a nurse taking care of Covid patients, I have to keep reminding myself that I’m not stuck at home, I’m safe at home. Be well.
Thank you so much for another cheery post. I needed it! Like you, I love autumn and look forward to the cool weather. It’s my favorite season, too. 🙂
Thank you for reminding us Fall is near!!
I’m crying. I just ordered your book and postcards and want to live with joy and happiness in my heart and that is exactly what I wish for everyone. We can worry and fret and talk until we drop, but better than that are summer dinners with friends, walks in the woods, happy shows and movies on TV, enjoying the upcoming Fall and all that it brings (my favorite too). And I got all of this hopefulness from YOUR BLOG today, as always. You, my dear, are the very best at uplifting our hearts, keeping us focused on the importance of each and every day, and knowing that our Heavenly Father wants the very best for us. AMEN, Sister! My love xoxoxo
AMEN Jane!💖
Okay, it took me a little minute to figure out Zoom, but now I am up to date and ready for our virtual Tea. Next I will find the right recipe and perfect tea blend, I am so excited! Pinkies up, everyone! Cheers & Long live Susan Branch!
A right of passage to welcome fall is to cuddle up with a blanket and a cup of tea, maybe a candle too, and get my copy of Autumn off the bookshelf and snuggle in. It excites me just thinking about it. ❤️🎃🧑🏻🍳🐕🍁🌾🌻🍂🍎🌽☕️
I so enjoyed watching the Zoom event, such fun!
Susan, you are the BEST medicine for all of us! You really help us keep everything in
perspective during this dampsnic…..Thank you dear one. I feel SO much better after reading your blog, as always. Stay safe and keep on being your wonderful self! Enjoy your party Fridsy night!
Much love, Suzanne
(formerly of Austin, Tx. now moved back home to St. Louid area.)
With everything going on, it’s so nice to receive your letter… We need more of this!!! Thanks
Thank you so much for another uplifting post. Autumn is my favorite season and I am so looking forward to it this year. This summer has been way too hot in Delaware. My copy of your Autumn book will be replacing “Summer” on my coffee table. Looking forward to your new Christmas book.
Dear Susan, here in Oregon we are having warm days ,blue skies and cool nights but I saw the little things that point to fall. There a few leaves that are turning and will soon start their fall dance ro the ground. I can admit that fall is my favorite season . This year has been upside down and weird. I am praying cooler weather will cool some people down and try to work together. Love the picnic table idea!
It never fails…just when I think “gee, we haven’t heard from Susan lately”, I’ll check my e-mail and voila! There will be your post! I just love reading about the beautiful life you have created, and also seeing the pictures of Martha’s Vineyard. Reminds me of growing up on the Cape. Keep on keeping on, Susan! Thank you for sharing you.
We’ve had 23 days of above 90 degree weather in August, sparking wildfires and hot, hot weather here in Colorado. September has to bring some relief, doesn’t it?!
YES!!! 23 days, Oh my!🔥 I would be in a melted puddle by now!
Yeah, your new post made my day! I can’t wait to receive the new Christmas book and the new puzzle! And I am so excited that you are coming out with more new books!
Hi Susan,
When I open my email and find your blog, I immediately become excited to get comfortable and enjoy a good read. Keep them coming. Love your style.
Autumn is my favorite season also. I have your Autumn book & cant wait to open it again for inspiration!
Love all you do and have for years! Thanks!
I meant to write last month to thank you for sharing your Gazpacho recipe. It was so nice and refreshing for lunches and light suppers since we have had the hottest summer on record here in Phoenix!
Thank you for your lovely letter. I am a caregiver at a facility down here in Florida. We have been on “extreem” lockdown since March. The lady I read to loves all your stories and quotes you write about. It takes us to other places for a short time. Our favourite season is autumn as well and we hope to get a little “taste” of it in North Florida. Wishing you a wonderful and blessed week. You never know how far your letters reach!
What a pleasant stroll through your blog. It is so refreshing to help me escape this Covid talk. I feel much can be done with your positive attitude. Call is around the corner and I am waiting for my red maple tree to turn soon. Great idea building another picnic table too.
Susan…It’s always a joy to read your blogs! Your such an inspiration!!! I’m so excited about your new Christmas book and the cups!😃. Was wondering if there was any chance that the winter cup may ever cup back? It’s the one I missed and long to have. Like you, I love Autumn and the cooler weather and everything the season brings. 🎃
I think my comment got lost somewhere in outer space, so I’ll try again. It’s always lovely to see a post from you pop up in my reader. I get the email notifications, too, so I won’t miss a thing. I love the idea of creating a quote book (or two or three). I’ve collected quotations for years and have thought of doing the same thing, but I’ll leave it to you since yours will be much prettier. I bet we have lots of the same quotes, too.
Autumn is a wonderful season, and one of my favourites, along with summer and winter, but I can wait for her to come. We haven’t had a very warm summer up here, and my tomatoes are just barely starting to ripen. I’d like to give them more time before things really cool down.
I’ll be watching your Zoom recording – so much fun!
Keeping my fingers crossed for the giveaway.
Happy “almost “Autumn Susan!! It is also my favorite time of year!! I was born in October, my favorite month!
Thank you for another wonderful, cheerful blog. Just what we all needed now.
Hope you and Joe and Jack have cooler weather soon.
Blessings and love to you!
What could be more fitting on your mugs…..
The blue bird of happiness…..Santa Claus……and Little Things we should remember! ❤️
Hi, Susan!
Thanks so much for all that you share with us! You make life so much more interesting!
Thanks Susan! You bring sunshine into my day. I love reading your blog. And I love the beautiful tea mugs. My favorite is the one with the bird on it. I’m so excited about the new Christmas book coming out. Can’t wait to see it. Continue to enjoy the last few days of summer. It will be gone before we know it. Although I know you are looking forward to the cooler fall weather. Blessings my friend!
I too am looking forward to autumn I have had enough of our Texas heat!
Looking forward to fall and the end of the dampanic.
Hi Susan – I was wondering if you still have the vase that has a blue bird on it? I love the design.
I was also wondering how your Mom is doing? It was so many many years ago when I worked with her at McDonnell Douglas in Huntington Beach – in the late 80’s. Does she still live in Seal Beach?
I have followed your work for years and enjoy everything you do. You bring a lot of joy to people.
Peggy Leone (Your Mom knew me as Peggy Glass working in Subcontracts with Dave Hauver.)
I remember she spoke of you Peggy! So sweet of you to remember her. 💞
I love all your books and can’t decide which one is my favorite! I ordered your new Christmas book and I can’t wait to receive my copy!
I got my bluebird cup TODAY and love, love, love it! It is washed and waiting for me in a special place of honor in my China cabinet for tomorrow’s cup of coffee. I can hardly wait!! As usual, I find your blog one of my life’s greatest simple pleasures. I savor every word, quote, photo, and illustration. Thank you, Susan!!
Hello from Louisiana.I am looking forward to some cooler days with the approach of Autumn….my favorite season as well! Waiting for these hurricanes to go away.
Susan, you are One busy woman! I will be clicking on those zoom links, thank you! And thanks as always, for the bright reading spot in my day🤗
As always your newsletter brought me joy. Thank you.
I enjoyed the zoom party, especially when you humbly figured out which buttons to push to change hosts or to end the presentation. That made it REAL to all of us as we, too, have been forced to develop skills we never imagined we would have to learn.
Thank you for the beautiful give-aways. You are generous with your talents and with your encouragement to us. We appreciate it.
Autumn is my favorite season, too. Hoping this is the last heat wave for a while. I’m ready to enjoy the cool weather. ❤️
Oh Susan this is just full of lovely!! Lifted me right high from feeling low all day! Thank you! Jus perfect!
We do all share so many similar things! Me too ready to move on and into favorite Fall time!
I am so proud of you for doing a Zoom! I am a big chicken and have not done one. I would have LOVED to be a part of it!! I am going to try to follow this next one! So many wonderful things coming! Can not wait for your new Book! 🎅🏻 Sending you much love! Joe and Jack too❤️❤️❤️ ps I need to get your Autumn Book! So much wonderful I am sure!
Look at all the people who are doing it, Patti . . . if they can, you can too!💖😘
You will never know how much I needed your wonderful email today…and the quotes! My sweet Hubby only has hours left on this earth we call home…I needed a little break and was so happy to find you in my email! I recently received two lovely books on Beatrix Potter, one on her life and one on her art ….these to keep my thoughts away from the present…Now I need to order the Autumn book, as well….hope that brings a oooler Autumn our way…Thanks so much…
Blessings on you Diane, I’m so very sorry. Hugs and more hugs. 💔😢
Love your blog and have most of your books. Looking forward to receiving your new Home for Christmas book. How wonderful it would be to have a tea cup so both the book and cup can be enjoyed at the same time, hygge feeling at its best!
Thank you for the lovely post Susan. I pre-ordered both your Christmas book and the puzzle can’t wait. And have a set of the “Pandemic Postcards” that girlfriends were tickled to receive.
Dear Susan Thank you for your positive words at this strange time! I appreciate you so much !
Thanks for sharing all your lovely, cheery, positive, colorful joy with us! 💕
Your cups are darling, but I’m hoping to get the book! I LOVE your books!
I love reading your blog and books. I too have tiny vases, a daily walk, and an optimists view of life. Alas, no artistic talent, but you inspire so many good things. We do share the green thumb. I just have containers and a cutting flower garden now that I’m in my 70’s, but have enough to share. Thank you for sharing your happiness/
Thank you for the glimpse into your love-lee life. So happy your Zoom presentation will be posted on YouTube!
I love Autumn too. Use to be I’d bake all day by the pool in the Summer, but those days are long gone and I don’t even like to lay by the pool anymore. There is something about the light and coolness of Autumn that inspires me to make something, usually a quilt, and this year I’m working on six of them for some special people in my life. I need some cooler temperatures because sitting underneath a quilt while quilting it gets HOT in the Summer!
Hi Susan!
I, too, am looking forward to Autumn! Here in the Reno/Lake Tahoe area it is truly the best season…beautiful colors, crisp air, bright blue sky, deep blue lake! And, very welcome after this hot, hot summer we’ve had…temps in the 90’s for going on 7 weeks now! Whew! Plus, we’ve had some very smokey days from all the fires…so sad about California! My heart goes out to the people there who are truly suffering from the fires & smoke. For anyone who may wish to help, the Red Cross is a great organization to send donations. Someone suggested it to me a few years ago when I was looking for a way to really make a difference for those who’d lost their homes.
On a brighter note, one of the things my husband and I have been doing to cheer ourselves, and our friends, is to host Happy Hours almost every week on our new deck (built this Spring as an antidote to the dampanic!) It is very nice & spacious with plenty of room to socialize safely. We just ask 2 – 4 friends each time…so never more than 6 of us gathered on the deck. I have used many appetizer recipes from your Summer Cookbook, Susan! And, I plan to treat myself by taking advantage of your discount for the Autumn Cookbook!!! The only sad thing about the changing of the seasons, to colder weather, will be less opportunities for socializing as we have to move indoors.
I am very excited about your new project of a book of collected quotations!!! One of my most favorite and treasured books is a very old (pub 1923) “Hoyt’s New Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations”. The title page says: Completely Revised And Greatly Enlarged by Kate Louise Robert’s. It is 1343 pages long!!! I acquired it sometime in my early teens, when I became particularly interested in poetry & quotations from literature. However, there are no illustrations…so, I’m very much looking forward to yours, Susan!!! What fun!!! So glad to know you are doing well & continue to be creatively inspired! We are all so lucky to benefit from your creativity!!! Sending you & Joe & Jack lots of love!!! Barbara
I have to highlight some of your fine words Barbara, thank you so much! “My heart goes out to the people there who are truly suffering from the fires & smoke. For anyone who may wish to help, the Red Cross is a great organization to send donations. Someone suggested it to me a few years ago when I was looking for a way to really make a difference for those who’d lost their homes.” 💖💔💖💔💖
Ordering Autumn book pronto! In the mood for cozy autumn inspiration. Picturing myself drinking something hot and pumpkin-y from one of your mugs-looking out the window at crunching leaves and comfy fall sweaters and scarves:) Ahhhh, heaven is home, and a little Susan Branch 😉
I am also looking forward to fall with anticipation, like I do every year. One of the first things I do is replace my Susan Branch Summer book that sits on my coffee table with the Autumn book. It’s one of my favourite rituals. Your books are such works of art and they make me happy. Thanks for that! I can’t wait to see your new Christmas book and so excited that there are two others you are still working on! I will definitely check out one of your Zoom sessions too. Everyone I know loves summer and hot weather but it’s so nice to know that there are others out there like me who look forward to the cooler weather, smell of wood smoke in the air, the changing colour of leaves and last but not least, those Pumpkin Spice Lattes!! 🍁🍂
I thought I was one of the only ones who liked autumn better than winter, since as a December baby, everyone has always assumed I must like December best! Glad there are really many others.
Wish someday to get to Martha’s Vineyard and see you and all the sites.
Take care and stay well.
Susan
Loved your Zoom meeting; so fun to hear you in person!
Fall…I’m not quite ready. I still have the Summer book out on my counter! A new book of inspirational words sounds perfect. Thanks Susan
I love your cheerfulness after a long day. Thank goodness for air conditioning! Tomorrow is suppose to be cooler, 77 degrees. Delightful! Enjoy the rest of summer, and all the beauty that it has to offer every single day.
I am absolutely in love with everything you draw, write or paint. I was doing a Susan Branch spread in my planner the other day and almost could not use your stickers … remember those … they are quite old. I love them so so much (truth be known I am a hoarder of them). They are irreplaceable (I hope that’s spelled correctly). I would adore winning your new Home for Christmas book. Would be a bright spot in this crazy year. Take care of yourself and Joe too!
Susan, you brighten each day with the Heart of the Home calendar that I look at every morning. I have received my 2021 Heart of the Home calendar and it too is wonderful, my husband enjoyed looking at it also and especially the month of June and the types of roses you recommended. I also ordered the calendar hangar and it is perfect, just adds to the polished look. I am anxiously awaiting for the Christmas book that I ordered. It is hot here in Eastern Washington, I am not quite ready for the winter to come, this pandemic year is going too fast. Thank you for your uplifting spirit that you share with us. ~June~
Seeing your post in my inbox always makes me smile! Oh yes, Autumn please hurry. My poor garden is so sad this summer with the above normal heat (is normal ever returning?) and I’m wilting too. Your words do perk me up and help me to see the brighter side of life.
It’s always a delight to read your posts… they give us joy in a time of uncertainty.
Pretty cups for our nightly Sleepy Time tea.
Love your BLOG .. cant wait for your new book 🥰
Thanks for making so many of us happy 🙂
Kris from Maine
HiSusan I HOPE this goes through! I wanted to thank you for all your happy thoughts and love you send to us. It is catching but in a GOOD way!
I have your Autumn book, I have enjoyed it for years! When I need inspiration to say goodbye to summer ( I have a lot of trouble with that) all I need to do is pop open the cover and step inside.
Susan,
Thank you for the delightful posts, your gifts to us during these uncertain times. I look forward to reading them over and over.
Your mugs are beautiful, maybe one will come to live in my kitchen!
Your energy and enthusiasm always give me a boost (and a smile!) 🙂
Always a joy to hear about what you are busy creating! Stay safe and be well . . .and sending a little pat for Jack!