Good Morning Everyone! Just a quickie from me and Casper (the very friendly ghost)👻, waving from our upstairs bedroom window…this is a very short update, but I still have a song for you! A very sweet one, my Grandma’s favorite, and mine too, the video is as nice as the MUSICA!🎵 I’ve posted this song before, but since I can’t get enough, I don’t mind doing it again…👏
I will be back next week along with Vanna to pull the winning names for our giveaway for the handmade quilt and the vintage 
storybook (see the next post if you missed it). You can still sign up, just leave a comment on either of these two posts and you’ll be entered! I know you’re waiting but I’m working on a slide show for my two ZOOM Events this Sunday and next, and I’m not done yet! I’ll be coming to you from my kitchen table! (I never know if there will be an appearance from a special guest star! They are both so UNpredictable!) I hope you’re able to join us, but if not . . . there will be MORE! Click on the link above 
for details on how to join the party ♥️. I know they’re asking that everyone buy a book, which is NOT my idea, although I totally understand why they have to do it, this world being what it is … but if you need a Christmas gift, you might think about it because the slide show is going to be all about this old house and some of our holiday traditions and I know it’s your cup of tea.💞 Unfortunately, this won’t work for our girlfriends from other countries, shipping costs being what they are. I’m so sorry, I’m only a guest of the bookstores, I have to do things the way they want to! I have never set up a Zoom talk of my own, one of these days I will need to learn how!!! What do you think? Good winter project!!
Okay, must get back to it! Thank you for your patience . . . See you soon. Oh and PS, Kellee and I have been working on another little surprise. So nice to have things to look forward to! Always good news around here! Until then, thank you for all your luv-lee comments! Enjoy your days and do this ⬇️!🎃
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Well, Susan ~ that presentation was beyond Tashmoodly-doodly! What a JO(e)Y !!! Loved the pics and the MAGIC you shared! Your mum is so proud, no doubt! In June 2016, I was going to get to meet you finally, after all the years of following your many wonders as a true fan♥️ I was suddenly diagnosed with leukemia and the first thing I said to my daughter after I was admitted was, “ oh no, we’re gonna miss Susan”… No joke! My youngest daughter, Grace Elizabeth, lived in Austin~ and she went to the bookstore , on my behalf… unbeknownst to me! She got to speak to you briefly and even sent me a little video greeting from you, reminding me that I would get better and also realize my dream to visit England one day! It meant the world to me that my younger daughter went to see you & you even sent her along with a recipe card that you wrote a little note on ♥️ I have another funny story to share one day.Thank you for your care & especially that TWINKLE! I adore you! xoxox
I do believe I remember that Brenda … how wonderful, and it sounds like you are well, which makes me SO happy!!! Maybe we’ll get to meet for real someday! xoxo
That is a beautiful story, Brenda Lee. It shows Susan’s kindness of which we have no doubt. I hope you are doing well!
I enjoyed your Zoom presentation so much! Thank you! I’m looking forward to getting the book! My mom was a great cook, too. I have a special fond memory of making Christmas cookies for our party with her when I was 3. We were stationed in Munich, Germany and my dad had had invited single soldiers to our party in 1964. We had such a good time in the kitchen and at the party!
Those memories are the BEST!
I have to agree with other comments…….I always look forward to receiving these little tidbits from you……..even if they’re brief. It’s my breath of fresh air and normalness to the much chaos that we find ourselves in. Thank you so much for taking the time to do these for all of us.
A handmade quilt sounds like a wonderful gift for Christmas! Saving my pennies for another one of your books, gradually collecting them all!
Susan,thank you so much for the uplifting Zoom meeting! I can’t wait to receive my Christmas book! I grew up in the 60’s but still call it my “Norman Rockwell childhood”. You have inspired me to get out Grandma’s ivy print tablecloth (that was on her dining table for every Thanksgiving meal, every birthday, always with heaping plates of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy) and use it this year for our holiday meals. Why have I been storing it away in the hutch all these years? I think I will also make her carrot cake with the REAL frosting, every slice weighing a pound at least! Thank you for bringing us all back into the holiday spirit. And thank you for the calendar door prize! I’m so excited I could jump for joy!
Perfect way to celebrate, ALL the comforts of HOME! YOU WON, Michelle! So happy for you! Will send it as soon as they give me your address!
Happy weekend Susan 🍂🍁
My dear sweet nephew is coming to help me de-clutter for a few days. He is my kindred spirit and the one who will be my legacy since I dont have kids.
I was mourning the last of summer until I made my first batch of soup..now I’m all in😊Happy October everyone!
Nothing like those first cool days of soup making to get a person in the mood! Have fun with your nephew!
I declare! You make October even more October-y than otherwise it would be without you! Thanks for the musica – LOVE IT! And, of course all your photos. God Bless, Susan!
That’s because New England makes October even more October-y than it otherwise should be! It can’t help itself! Born to be Fall! xoxoxo
Oh Susan, I am sooooo disappointed! I could not get the zoom to work on my computer. I can’t tell you how much I was looking forward to seeing and hearing you. I’m sure your presentation was wonderful, just like your Christmas book. I already own the book, but I bought another just to hear you speak. I am so bummed right now…
Oh Kathy, I’m so sorry! I hope you try another time. Google “Youtube, how to do Zoom” ~ it’s actually easy after you know how! Like everything!
Always look forward to your blogs! Thanks so much for that! Sure helps in this pandemic! Thanks for the invite!
Hello Susan, Jan from Northern CA here.
Well, it was last April that I posted a note to you and girlfriends. Since then we have shared a similar loss. First, my sincere condolances about your Mom. She raised a wonderful family with so many things that she shared with us through you. I too just lost my Mom at 85. She and Dad were married 67 years…..he passed at 90 in Feb 2019 and since then, she was just lost without him. It’s a story you hear so often, and until it’s close to home…..you don’t get it. Losing your Mom is also something you really can’t describe until it happens to you personally. I, like you, was very close to my Mom. She was one of those Mom’s who was always there for us doing and making sure we stayed on track. Your sentiments regarding how much we had back in the 50’60’s……and it was less stuff and more just family and love. Our Christmas pictures are similar. I am so grateful for the life they gave us. Small town life, family times, good food on the table, and lots of love. Anyway, thank you for all your perspective on those times of ours. And thank you for all your creative talent that we enjoy so much. I already ordered my desk blotter and calender…I don’t know what I’d do with out them. I think I have all your books since back in the beginning with your first. One of these days we want to experence Martha’s Vineyard…..definatly on the to do list. Well, stay safe.
Cheers,
Jan from Northern CA
Very sad, the only way, in the end, is to celebrate all they were to us. Heart and soul! xoxoxo
That’s for sure….and they were the generation of lots of photos too….so we have those to help with the memories also….lol…some we’d rather they not have taken…..the ones we all dressed alike in….ugg.
Those easter photos with the frilly dresses and hats and those black shiny patton leather shoes…. so cute. So many Christmas photos in front of the tree with lots of tinsel. Well, those were the days.
Cheers
Jan from Northern CA
P.S. Looking for that movie Virginia B mentioned…”Ladies in Lavender” . Judy Dench and Maggie Smith are two of my favorites! We’ll all have to watch and give a review…lol.
Hi, Janet, I watched Ladies in Lavender on Amazon Prime….I know, don’t tell on me, the company to which I’ve sold my soul, and enjoying it in this time of DamPanic.
You had my mind clicking away on all the pictures of us with frilly dresses and hats! I was about 5’tall, and always looked like a mushroom…..And the Christmas pictures loaded with tinsel…each strand hanging straight down, because our mother “fixed” them after we were asleep. Hope you find solace from your double loss in those sweet memories.
Debbie in Maine
Debbie,
Thank you for the note about parents and memories. Yes….so many photos and memories.
Oh the Christmas tree tinsel…..we always wanted to throw it at the tree and see where it landed….but oh NO! Mom made us put it on a few strands at a time. lol. And we couldn’t put any ornaments on until she got those red, green and blue bulb lights on….with the little bead that pushed up on the branch. They had to be upright away from the branch….then the tinsel. They were happy times for sure.
Cheers
Jan from Northern CA
Ordered a few things for myself for my birthday from your store, can’t wait! I love your blog posts and thanks for putting Musica to them 🙂 Fall here in the Midwest has been beautiful so far and I plan to go catch a leaf in midair, make a wish and toss it into the wind💕🍁🍂
Dear Susan,
I truly enjoyed your wonderful slideshow and teatime! I grew up in the fifties and enjoyed all your wonderful pictures and memories! I made tea and put it my Martha’s Vineyard cup. It was so great to see your face and hear your voice!
I was beyond delighted and have so looked forward to this event. You are such a light for so many! Handsome Joe was also a pleasure to behold! What a beautiful love story you two share! Thank you for todays special gift! Stay well!
Thank you Julie! We had fun too! xoxo
Hi Susan,
Loved your presentation today. Great work. Was charming and heart warming and just the ticket for the cold rainy weather we have now in Michigan.
Can’t wait to read your Christmas book.
Thank you for all you do.
Darlene
Thank you Darlene! xoxo
Reading your blogs makes me feel like a child again, all warm, cozy and protected in our nice little home. You never really appreciate what your parents did for you until you’re older. Times were so much better than. Now I fear for my children and grandchildren in this crazy world. You bring calm to our lives, God bless you !
Don’t worry. I really believe we are built to handle what comes during our lifetimes. What seems strange to us may seem normal to them even if they aren’t happy about it. My prayer is they care enough and believe enough to try and do something about it. And NEVER give up.😘
I always enjoy your blog; the artwork and photography are amazing, so warm and inviting! Thank you for sharing your talents and gifts for all to enjoy! And October is my favorite month of the year!
I am looking forward to the Crowdcast event next Sunday; going to Salt Lake City without getting on a plane! A few years ago in the fall, I attended a signing at the Innisfree Bookstore in Meredith. Standing in line was so much fun meeting other Susan Branch fans. Days later I was thrilled to see on your blog a photo of the long stem small white pumpkins I had brought you.
It’s those connections I love too Grace…💞
Always love your suprises. It’s fun coming here and reading all you are up to even during these crazy quarantine days.
I am learning to wool applique and this project is a sweet red cardinal! Thought of you when I saw the pattern! Wishing you love and joy! Kathy from Wisconsin
A shared love of your books brought my best high school friend Cheryl back into my life when she came all the way from Montana so that we could go together to your in-person Bookends book event those few years ago. So it was all the more special for the 2 of us today to both get to attend your Bookends virtual tea. Loved seeing your family photos & hearing the stories and then seeing how you’ve brought so much that was good in your childhood into your lovely home today. Really enjoyed it.
How wonderful. A reunion! Would you have ever thought this is how we’d do it???😂 Say hello to Cheryl for me! xoxo
My friend Cheryl was so happy when I passed along your hello & she sends this message to you in return:
Dear Susan,
Your virtual tea was just the pick-me-up everyone needed. My early childhood was much like yours only I had one brother. We also had an O’Keefe & Merrit stove that my mother cooked on every night. When I got married in 1972, my husband & I found the exact same stove in a used furniture store. Years later when we remodeled our home we replaced it, but the memories are irreplaceable. Thank you for the nostalgic trip down memory lane. I’m looking forward to reading your book. Also, for the chance to share your talk on Zoom with my dear friend, Loraine, who took me to Bookends in 2016 to her you speak on “Isle of Dreams”. Please don’t retire anytime soon 😉! Cheryl Ridderhoff
Very sweet Loraine! Tell her I said thank you … obviously she is a kindred spirit!
I just got back on FB and see your posts. It is exciting to see your art more often. Thank you for putting my name in the drawing for the quilt.
I have little to say except you are a love and I am lucky to be one of your many “girlfriends” So thankful for you ❤️
I feel that exact way about my girlfriends! Lucky! So glad you are here, Barbara!
I always love hearing from you Susan, and seeing all the beautiful pictures of your gorgeous home . And I especially love the music you pick out !!
Looking forward to seeing the December posts.
Thank You Susan Love the picture of Joe and Jack .
Hi, Susan,
I so enjoyed your last zoom. You are so darling and adaptable! Winning your quilt would make my heart forever happy!
Happy Halloweening with Casper!
You should do more quickie posts ! Really enjoyed it!! Happy Fall to everyone 🍁
I bought the book and the mug for my friend of 60 years! But, I want to read it, too so I guess I will get myself a copy. We grew up around the same time and we had a lot of kids in the family(not as many) too but I was the youngest. I’m sure the book will remind me a lot of my childhood. Hope the Zooms go well.
Short and sweet! Always love your posts! They cheer us up in these
times. 😍
Dear Susan, thank you your blog. It make my day. I am in Minnesota to help with granddaughter due to school closures and two parents working. We had the most fun last night,,,we played a version of ‘chopped’. My daughter-in- law set it up. Her mother and her husband, my son and me, our d-in-law and our granddaughter were the contestants. We were given the weird ingredients at the beginning of each course and timed as we scrambled to get all of us in the kitchen. We were the judges also. My nine year old granddaughter was the most incredible judge. (‘I think it was a bit dry.’)We had an appetizer, main meal and desert course. It was so fun and there were prizes. I leave to go home to Oregon after four weeks here. The trees have been vibrant. And I am tired but I have had a good time. Been almost a shut in here but that’s okay. Please enter me in your drawing. Thank you for thinking of fun things to share with us. barbara
Sounds like you’re having more fun as a shut-in than the people who are out running around!!🤣
The zoom presentation is very exciting! Casper looks just as inviting. Thank you for always sharing your heart with us♥️
Thanks for bringing joy to my life!
The Osmonds! I had such a crush on Donny when I was a teenager (in the 1970s, when he was a teen, too). Although he is not in the Lida Rose video, he sings You Are My Sunshine on The Andy Williams Show here [ youtube.com/watch?v=pjNrZkP7qk8 ] if you’re interested.
Adorable, but better when his voice changed!😂
😂 Yes, I agree!
Good morning dear Susan….why ,I do not know, but your lovely blog does not get posted into my inbox , so annoying , but luckily I checked this morning and found you(relief) so I ,too, would love to be entered into the giveaway, what a dream come true that would be! Sending morning hugs across the ocean! Love Chris
I’m sure you checked your spam folder … but I have to say it, just in cases… because sometimes that’s what happens! Morning hugs right back to you Chris!
As one of your many, many fans, we Love You, Susan for all you do.
Thanks for sharing. Autumn blessings.
What a lifesaver Zoom meetings have becoming.!Love your Casper!🌻
Love your posts. I, too, am a fan of Lois Lenski books. They always make me smile and think of my wonderful mother who first gave me one.
Happy Halloween!
I just found the time to read this and I thank you so much for the clip of Andy Williams in tune with the Osmond brothers (and dancing with precious little Marie); it’s the sweetest ever and such a great way to begin my day! That sure takes me back a few years and I agree that the song is absolutely wonderful. I’m looking forward to picking up your new Christmas book and hope to attend your next Zoom gathering too. : )
Always look forward to your blog – love how you make us all feel like community, no matter where we live or who we are! Thank you!
The bliss of a quilt is beautiful. A book, a quilt and a cuppa tea…you can’t get better than that 😀 Happy Fall from MO to Martha’s Vinyard <3 Much love!!
Thank you for a delightful afternoon tea and tour/history of the house. I really enjoyed the zoom call with bookends yesterday and am feeling hopeful for the holidays! Tale care.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Susan. I truly am amazed and so appreciate your gift of connecting women. It’s wonderful to see and read about all these connections being made by girlfriends from all 50 states and around the globe. It’s refreshing to not hear any divisiveness; particularly with what’s happening in the world today. Instead, women are eager to share common experiences, to find beauty in nature, to show pride in creating something wonderful with their hands, and to find pleasure in cooking a delicious meal for themselves or others. It’s the little things and the big things; it’s things that are important and make people happy. People simply connect with you. Who would’ve guessed that the humble author I met in a little book shop in Hyannis on Cape Cod back in 1990 and who signed all three of her cookbooks for me, would end up being such an influencer and “the glue” to connect us. Best wishes for continued success zooming your way from your MV kitchen, the ❤️ of your home, into the ❤️ of our homes.
Even a quick visit is wonderful. Stay safe and look forward to hearing from you soon.
I attended the tea yesterday and loved every minute of it. I really felt like I was there in person, except for the fact that I couldn’t say anything. It was also fun hearing from Joe. I used to do scherenschnitte. It was really fun. I framed several Christmas trees to give as gifts, and everyone loved them. I love the picture of you, your friend and your brothers decorating the Christmas tree. It looked just like the ones we had growing up. The glass ornament that was towards the top, right in the middle is identical to some we had, and they were one of my absolute favorites. After my grandparents died, I got theirs, then years later when my parents died, I got theirs as well. They are treasures, for sure. Thank you for all the work you put in to these zooms. You really do make us all feel special.
What a special treat you are on this gray day here in Illinois. Enjoy YOU!!!
Happy Zoom prep! I hope you do have a special guest or two at your events! But even without, they will be quite perfect!
What a lovely B’Day present for Rachel. Aren’t we all looking forward to being able to Travel again? Even if it’s just across town to visit friends and relatives, we’ll all be feeling the joy. Some of us are happy working from home, but it’s very difficult for some who are totally alone, except via pixels on a computer screen. I heard a knock on my door yesterday, and there was one of the “Dirt Road” people, as we call ourselves. As soon as she spotted me running toward the door, she moved way back. After she had given me a large bag of several different heads of lettuce, we just stood in the brilliant sun and exchanged thoughts. One of her adult children is struggling with the isolation, with her only child off to university, nor can she see significant other. The neighbor and her husband are usually traveling the country to visit their 4 kids and all the grands. Their entire Tribe always meet at some fun place for Christmas. I know they will be so sad this Christmas.
I also suspect that all the Susan Branch Girlfriends look forward to following her and Joe as they “Train” across the US or sail across the Pond to visit Rachel, her husband and adorable Alice in the Flesh.
While it’s still in the 40’s here in coastal Maine, I’m going out to collect 10 or 15 minutes of sunshine. Birds, squirrels and chipmunks are all so tame, I would not be surprised if one landed on my head.
Mucho Love for all you Give,
Debbie in stunningly beautiful Maine
Yes, I miss all that. But we just buck up and soldier on, as we are supposed to do. It’s not so bad, as I remind myself every day when I think of how hard it is for others. I have no complaints.
Hi Susan,
Oh my gosh I have that cute ghost too! I sold those back when I had my flower shop many years ago. I’ve long since misplaced the pumpkin to it so seeing this was so great!I’d forgotten what it looked like. I’ll try to find something similar that will do it justice 🙂
I just received your teas and special tea tin today and that adorable beret. I can’t wait to wear it. It’s my daughter’s birthday today, so it was perfect timing.
Thank you for all you do too keep such charming and cozy vibes coming our way💕💕
A lovely morning to you, Joe and Jack, and hello to all the girlfriends. Quarantining alone this year has been challenging and the beautiful walk I take in the mountains began burning this weekend. I can say I’m still here, finding things to be thankful for and things I enjoy doing. Coming here wrapping myself in the cozy comfort, joy and creativity brings peace and happiness with like minded beautiful people. I can’t thank you enough, there simply aren’t words, only feelings that spill out of my eyes sometimes. Sending an abundance of endless love to everyone.
Susan my sweet hearted “Mother” in creativity, passion, and love…… I send you all the love in my heart to wrap over yours over the loss of your angel Mother. The blessings you have because of the angel Mother you’ve been blessed with will carry on in your heart and life and the lives of others because of who you are, and the Angel she has been for generations. It feels like such an inadequate message of love and sympathy so I only hope that some of our love jumps off the screen and into your heart and life, not unlike when you want us to experience more through your blog such as the smell of what you’re cooking or the smell of the air on your walks. I send you squeeze hugs, a cozy fire, a blanket to wrap, a warm home with the delicious cooking smell filling the air and cozy comfort food made with love to fill your heart and tummy. Oh….that’s what you bring into my life because of your beautiful heart and authentic, peaceful, and passionate life.
Much Love,
Joy
Sweet Susan,
Thank you for sending us so much love, sending the same back to you.
Hugs and Love,
Shay
Good Morning Susan,
What a bright light you bring to my heart! I love you so much I just want to hug you!
Love to you and your beautiful treasure-trove of loving kind girlfriends,
Sharyn A.
I am drinking a cup of coffee from my Susan Branch cup as I read your latest entry and I loved seeing the Andy Williams clip with the Osmonds. He was one of my first heart throbs and had such a beautiful voice. Thank you so much for reposting it!
I’m so glad you are doing a Zoom event and plan to sign up for it if the day is open on my calendar. I just attended the American Society of Botanical Artists Conference by Zoom and they closed the meeting with a fireside chat, complete with a visual of logs burning and making crackling noises in a fireplace. I immediately thought that Susan Branch should see this! Stay well and safe!
Hi Susan,
What a nice “quick” surprise to hear from you. I didn’t read anything until I had a hot cup of apple cider in my hand. How nice and warming it was to listen to the musica and have that lovely cup (which is the Susan Branch Birthday cup my sister gave me) and read your blog. Warm fuzzies all over sent to you and yours. Enjoy your day as I know you will. Susan T.
This fall has been so colorful! Your blog reminds me to be thankful as my nose turns cold and I layer on heavier socks. Autumn smells gree t me when I open the door t o go up to my garden to “check things out” as I miss my daily walks and working on it.
Would love to win your giveaway!
Would love to enter the zoom meeting, and have sent many messages without any response. I am not always great with electronics; however I dearly treasure you and your blog and your books! Thank you for all the beautiful pictures, words, music, and sharing your life! You bring joy and goodness into so many of our lives. I love seeing the goodness of life through your eyes. Stay well, be happy, and treasure all you can! God Bless All! Maggie
Even your short posts cheer me up. Love the adorable ghost.
Hi Susan! It doesn’t matter how long or short your blogs are, I cherish each and every one. Your “happy” gene is what makes you so very special. With Love, Marie
Hello, wonderful Susan. Thanks ever so much for brightening our days. Especially now with so much uncertainty in our world. I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading and re-reading your latest book “Christmas.” I bought SIX copies to give to my daughters, step daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter for Christmas gifts. I KNOW they will love it too.
Makes me SO happy to hear that Ruth! Thank you!
Thank you for your posts. They keep me motivated as I do love being in my home and making it from love. Have a great Halloween.
I bought myself a copy of Home For Christmas recently and absolutely loved it. I will definitely be reading it again in the run up to Christmas.
I am so glad I didn’t miss the drawing!! Thank you for always giving us something wonderful to look forward to and warm our hearts… 🙂 Have a fantastic time on your Zoom broadcasts, it’s a great way to reach more people in this crazy time.
Love your Casper and all the Fall decorations. Only got to see have of yesterday’s virtual visit unfortunately. Would like to see the replay but have not been able to locate it yet per the instructions. Hope I can still catch it. You did a wonderful presentation only wish I could see it all.
Mary Barany
I don’t have a link for it, I hope they send it!
Wow, I loved the Osmond Brothers growing up…I have a bunch of their albums. I and 2 of my friends went to a concert in Alabama, we had our Moms make the same dress but in different colors but the favorite color of the Osmond we liked (per Tiger Beat Magazine!). Saw Donny and Marie in concert in Greensboro about 4 years ago, thank goodness before Marie retired. Thank you for all the warmth you share with us, you know just what to write. Love you much!
As I recover from a broken kneecap, I find your work to be most uplifting and soothing.
Your picture of Jack and the spider reminds me: day 2 after knee surgery, I get up at 0 dark thirty to answer nature’s call. I sit down (no easy task with a stiff painful leg in a giant brace!). I glance up at a tiny movement. It’s a big REAL spider sliding quickly down towards me from the ceiling on a single strand of web! Ahhhhh! My pre-Halloween reality fright. 😱
EEEEK!🕷
What a lovely quickie post to read on this chilly, rainy day here in the Ozarks. The musica lifted the heart and brought back wonderful memories. Have a wonderful week!
Just have to say I love, love, love all of your books, stickers, and your calendars. I have been getting them for years and have saved everyone of them.
The quilt would be such a wonderful warm hug.
I don’t think I am doing the leave a comment since I never see them printed
Here it is Cathy!
Zoom-ing is easy. You can do it and I’m sure plenty of us would come.
So wonderful! I am so looking forward to being a part of the tea with Susan event this weekend. I am so excited to get my Christmas book in the mail. Have a wonderful week. I am counting down until Sunday!
Years ago you permitted Phoenix Certified Hospice to print some of your recipes on small cards as a lovely giveaway during tours of the gardens for our annual fundraiser. I would love it if I could be selected to win that quilt–another reminder of your generosity. Thank you.
Makes me happy to hear from you Gail! xoxo
Amazing expectations the possibilities of winning😻
Susan – your blogs never cease to uplift… and though I have discovered I am allergic to most cats (after owning 2 for several years – go figure), I so look forward to pictures of Jack. He looks like my own “Mario”. Wish you had more cups with his sweet little face on them! Thanks for all you do ~
Hi Susan, it’s such a treat to find a new blog in my email. I saved it a few days til I could slowly read and enjoy it. I admire your lifestyle as it is so close to my heart. I’m honored to be one of your “girlfriends”. Keep them coming.
PS….going to put your book on my Christmas wish list.
Hi, Susan. Casper looks most excellent floating by the window! Has Jack seen him yet? Our cats used to hiss and their fur and tail were staight up while the back was arched. So funny. We called this reaction “freaky kitten mode”! Have a spooky trick or treat!
thanks for entering me for the quilt and 0ther prize. Appreciated!
🌺💐Your beautiful, inspiring and colorful artwork brings me so much joy! I always love pulling out one of your books from my ever-growing “SUSAN BRANCH” stack in my library, and getting lost in the pages! Thank you for using your talent to bring us all so much joy!💐🌺
🎁🌸Would be so blessed to be the winner of this contest! Thanks for the opportunity!🌸🎁
I love you so much! Reading all of your post (on all social media) and especially your blogs brings me a sense of serenity! I would treasure the quilt!
Joe, Jack and Susan the sweet trio that we all love!
I can’t wait for your lovely calendars and your book. I hope I can get in on the win too. My most wished for travel before I pass on is to get to England. Your book and YouTube video is right up my alley. Thank you for everything❤️
Love all of the great items in the gifts section!
Hoping to win that beautiful quilt 🙂
Hello from snowy Norway ( yes, already!)
I really hope that you will post these zoom meetings on YouTube like you did the last! I know it’s not the same, but with time differences and such, it is still lovely to be able to participate even just a little:)
Snow! I can’t even imagine although I always look forward to it! Because I’m a guest of the bookstores, I don’t really have control of the Zoom events … I know Titcombs Bookshop put our talk on youtube, which was great. I don’t know if Bookends Bookstore will do the same. I’m not even sure if they recorded it… but I will ask them! The time difference does make it a bit hard! Have a wonderful day Gill! Nice to hear from you!
Susan I got to meet you in Arroyo Grande at the picnic for those who entered your quilt challenge. What a perfect day, My quilt is in my laundry room on the wall. I see it every day and the colors go with my blue and whilte theme in that room. You signed my calendar on my birthday (Oct. 3) It is hanging on my wall. I decorate my entire house with things I have made and collected through our travels. I enjoyed your books and always think of you whenever we go to the Calif. coast. Thank you for all of your inspiration.. I am 92 years old and my husband is 95l We have been married 71 years! I am glad you found Joe!
Now THAT was an event!!! One of my favorite ever. SO happy you were there Shirley! It was such a beautiful day at the farmstand, and all those quilts hanging on the line, and all those old wooden picnic tables ~ Joe had passed them on a road for sale for $6 each!!! ~ we went and bought them all and had a party!!! And you were there! Amazing. And the food was yummy too, if I do say so myself.😂 That was a party! How lucky you are to have each other to share so many years together ~ I hope we are gifted with that blessing. Hugs to you both!💞
While missing you over the past 8 months due to technical difficulties, I am thrilled to have thought of another way to find you online. I went from using Safari (which told me you could not be found) to Google Chrome and voila!….there you are!
Would have loved being with you and the gals on Zoom but I’ll be ready for the next one.
I share your sense of loss with your mom’s passing. There is nothing quite like losing our moms….especially when they were such angels throughout our lives. There isn’t a day that I don’t think of her (Maxine) and strive to be more like her.
So glad to be reconnected!! Carry on with all of your generous goodness.
Betsy (from Fishers, IN)
Welcome back Betsy!
Thanks for the fun timely Halloween holiday photos!! I really love how you capture so much interest in your photos! You help inspire me to take more spontaneous photos.
Blessings
Susan, you always bring a ray of sunshine into my day! What a wonderful giveaway! Thank you for all you do!
Ahh the musica was spot on! Andy Williams is the epitome of the 60s and hearing him singing takes me back to my childhood every time. And cute little Marie! What a memory of dancing with him! The Music Man is one my husband’s favorite movies and now I live in Utah,the home of the Osmonds😀! So all of that was yet another treat with lots of connections for me❤️❤️❤️I m so hoping to be able to make the Zoom Sunday- my dear grandnephews and grandniece and due to arrive Sunday or Monday( hopefully Mon.)so that I have time to enjoy the Tea Party here! Love and happiness Melissa
My soul always smiles when you pop into my feed! Especially on a blustery, dare I say snowy day here inMinnesota!? Thank you for sharing yourself with us!
You dared!!❄️ If it came to you, it must be coming soon to us!
Enjoy reading your posts during these crazy times, and like you, I can’t wait until I can finally go back to England. So excited that you are giving away a quilt – there is nothing more comforting. My last quilt was used by my father-in-law until his death, and then, well-worn and ragged, was loved by our lab until he passed away and was laid to rest with it.
Awww, I wrap my petty pets in linens too. Blessed things. xoxoxo
Thank you for the little “quickie”, Susan!! Any little bit we get from you is so wonderful!!
I so enjoy your newsletter/blog/ notes…whatever it is nowadays I do so enjoy them.
I’m still waiting until closer to the holiday season to open the new Christmas book. I like to just savor knowing I have it! I do that with all your books when I get them. I love the artwork and the art work of your hand written words.
Delayed gratification makes you feel like you have a secret surprise. Like putting something special on the calendar to look forward to! Thank you Maria!
Hi Susan! Just stopped to shop and surprise! a little blog I didn’t expect🥰. Love the pic of Joe and Jack. Wish you could clone Jack, I would love a cat just like him. Still looking for a kitty 7 months now😥 Loved your Christmas book so much, bought another to give as a gift! Also bought 2 calendars. I have all your recipe books… for years. Waiting for the quotation one?
Call your local shelter and put your name in, Char … I called our shelter and told them I wanted a Tuxedo cat, and was shocked at how quickly I got one. Jack! Working on the quotation one along with everything! Need some more hands! xoxoxo💝
Hi Susan. Happy fall. Love your surprises. Even when it’s just a new blog post.
Hugs from Colorado.
Ps. We’ve already had snow too. And more to come on Sunday. But it’s lovely now.
Susan..
Thank you so much for your uplifting blog. Always makes my day and I read many times over. We are already doing Fall soup and homemade bread here in Wisconsin. The quilt is beautiful. Such a treasure.
My best friend and I attended your book signing with our young daughters the last time you were at Bookends (my friend even made matching shirts for us to wear to the event monogrammed with your initials ). We had such a wonderful mother/daughter/ girlfriend evening, that when I saw you were doing a zoom event with this same bookstore, I immediately purchased 2 books for us so that we could have another great girlfriend gathering together, even if it had to be virtual this time. I texted my friend to let her know I ordered her your newest book and that it would include a link to the zoom meeting, and her daughters were as excited as we were to spend another afternoon with Susan. Your slides and talk were wonderful and we look forward to receiving, reading, and displaying your newest book. Thank you for sharing your artistic talents and offering a serene place to “escape to” during these crazy times. Wishing you and Joe a wonderful holiday season!
Isn’t that great, that we were able to do it again, even if virtual? I remember you Dorene, because of your shirts, so cute. I’m always a little nervous at events and sweet gestures like that make it a LOT easier. Thank you! Tell everyone I said HELLO!
I got my little Christmas book and gave one to my daughter. It is absolutely incredible and puts the warmth of Christmas in my soul!
Thank you Rose!
Thank you Susan, for being you.
You are such a blessing to this world.
Can’t wait to get the new book. It’s on y Christmas List!
Julia
Dear Susan,
Just wanted to let you know how much your creativity and zeal for life inspire me.
May “the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Sincerely, Trenda 🍂
A beautiful thing to read first thing in the morning. xoxoxo
I love your photography!! You have such an eye for the beauty in nature!!Thank you for your wonderful blogs!!
I’ve always been envious of your winter life tucked away safe and cozy. It has occurred to me that I should spin this dam-panic in my mind to think of my winter that way. Here in Memphis, I would normally be zipping all over the place but this year we will continue to hunker down. If it weren’t for all the fear floating around, we could just enjoy being home with our kids. Thanks for the inspiration. XOXO
I love the expression on Jack’s face!! Happy Halloween, Jack!