Good Morning You! February One! Already! In the middle of a storm, a wild nor’easter, on our way to Springtime! MUSICA!
Here’s to a month of good luck!
Our world is very basic these days: the house, the walk, the house, the walk, the PO, the market, the house, the walk. So grateful for the house, for the walk, and for all the wonderful people keeping our PO and market going! Not walking today, big storm here . . . but we still have the house! And the refrigerator, and the stove! We are doing good!
We were out the other day . . . it’s beautiful, even in winter, icy, peaceful, spirtual, healing.
No two days are the same. This was waiting for us on the fence post. Someone dear trying to light up our world.🕯
When we walk I keep seeing these foot prints … I think it’s my shoe actually …
And when we’re heading home, I see it like this, upside down. Finally, I couldn’t help myself . . . I had to bend over and add a little bit to it . . .
Our frosty road meanders through the woods . . .
It’s beautiful in all seasons . . .
And then home . . . this is a big reason I love winter! A fire, right in the middle of the living room . . . still sort of amazing if you think about it!
Jack loves it too. He sleeps in my desk drawer (lined with a thick knitted blanket) while I work, but yesterday I walked through the living room, and there he was, all independent, a person of his own, enjoying the fire. My boy.
And these are our upstairs windows at sunrise . . . (note green seaglass for contrast in more ways than one)!
No two snowflake trails alike . . .
A luv-lee start to the new year . . . hoping February brings us an abundance of good news and hope, lightness of heart, wisdom, closer friendships, a peaceful mind, divine guidance, and all of it sprinkled with lots of critter cuddles. And an early Spring! We’ll find out tomorrow … it’s GroundHog Day!
Here comes the sun!
And in the kitchen, we are ready in case we lose our electricity today! Oil lamps are filled, candles at the ready!
And in my studio . . .
I’ve been busy these quiet mornings . . . painting for the new 2022 calendars . . . thinking we will all be free by then and those calendars will be filled with travel and hug dates! Very joyful!
And here I am, making quilts the easy way, with watercolors! I’m also designing new Girlfriend cards for the Studio … and working on the quote book . . .
In case you’re new here and haven’t seen my studio, this is where I work! I’ve read that in the olden days, they called this room in our old house the “Music Room.” I love that it has creative DNA from before me and I 
get to add my own to it ~ in my house of creativity. When I first moved into my perch on the world … my old friend Carlton came and lined the walls in bookshelves, and painted them white. But I only had that one little art table, and nowhere to lay out big projects except the floor! (Speaking of Carlton, I saw him at the post office the other day … he came to my car window and said, “Hey Girlfriend!” Made me laugh!) (PS, don’t know who Carlton is? See my book Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. You’ll love him!)
Anyway, all that was required was a trip to Ikea… Fitting this room together was like putting together puzzle pieces . . . We took our measuring tape with us and found some nice long work spaces with shelves that surrounded my art table perfectly . . .
Plus another long table against the wall . . . With a shelf above 
it for pictures of my beloveds, my mom and dad, my cats, and grandma and brothers and sisters and dearest friends, all here with me . . . and next to the clock, the signed photo of Mark Twain Joe gave me.💞 A treasure. The whole thing is a treasure room to me.💖 
And still more shelves on the other side of the room for special old books and Beatrix Potter . . . and another table. I am SET with the tables. Yet, I STILL need to use the back of the sofa and the living room floor when I lay out calendars! Sometimes my studio is nice and clean, but when I’m in the throes of designing . . . it looks like this ~ controlled chaos!
So what else? Our girlfriend Peggy sent me this photo of her work in progress ~ Look how good she’s doing! I’ve gotten so many of your photos . . . so fun to see! And our “For the Love of Books” Puzzle is back in stock in case you missed it the first time!
Joe handed me this article the other day . . . Light Up Your Brain!!! Staves off anxiety! Need lit, happy brains! Love it!
And here is the front window of my Studio. I feel responsible for the entertainment out there … brand new from Janie for the Valentines in our lives, my BELIEVE banner!
Here it is in Janie’s cabinet! Nice big letters!
She made the perfect little envelope to go with it!
Perfect timing to turn over the February page of my calendar to this! Everyone I know is feeling stressed out, many experiencing anxiety and even anxiety attacks ~ we’re helping each other with reminders 
of self care … so this page could not come at a better time! I can’t TELL you how important it is during this time to take care of yourself…Stress is cumulative, chronic empathy is a wonderful thing, but these days, it could cause trouble, you will go along fine, thinking you are handling it, and then suddenly, it can turn to anxiety and be a threat to your health. So take a little time for yourself. One way to do it is turn off cable news and watch your sweet soft local news station. You’ll get news that matters, and some of it is even GOOD! Please try to give yourself as many Red Letter Days as you can!
This wonderful thing was made for me by one of our creative Girlfriends, Rachel! Isn’t it adorable? I get it out every year, I love it so much. So romantic! Makes snow look good!💞
This was breakfast last Valentine’s Day . . . oatmeal with walnuts, apples, and pomegranate seeds!👏 It’s the little things!
And this is the February page of the other wall calendar I did for 2021 (in case you don’t have it) … the Photo calendar . . . where I wrote about the Romance of Home . . .💓
Like this, because I enjoy perfecting . . . 
Valentine’s Day is perfect for it! This was from a party we had a couple of years ago . . . pure mooshey romance!
I got out my little collection of old valentines … in the olden days, these are the Valentines we exchanged in grammar school!
And Janie made us an adorable little banner to bring back those memories! She also made the envelope from pages in A Fine Romance (no two alike) just for Valentine’s day…💞
So many of you know Sheri and Kellee . . . they’ve run my Studio in California for the last 20 years … close to 20 for Kellee and 10 for Sheri . . . very dear people to me. Here they are in the fall of 2019 out on our walk with us here on the island.
And here they are, with Alfredo in the middle, another darling friend that has worked for me since 2001! Love these people! So, must tell you (hate to say this!) with lots of notice, but still a loss … Sheri has quit to focus her time on her very own Farmstand where she spends her days in still MORE creativity. I’m so happy for her … she deserves it! You can follow her on Instagram @honeycuttfamilyfarm. She lives very near the Studio so I’ll get to see her when we’re out there. She can’t get rid of me that easy!💘💘💘
This is the Studio in
One day last June a friend we knew who worked at the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo (one of 
our favorite places) stopped by to say Hello to Kellee and Sheri and tell them the Apple Farm Gift Shop was temporarily closing.😢 Her name was Lauren, and she ran the warehouse there. One luv-lee serendipitous moment led to another . . . and after a nice long training from Sheri, Lauren is now working for US!!! How lucky is that? I don’t have a picture of her yet, but I will! So when you need help with an order, you can contact Lauren@susanbranch.com 💖 And when you do, be sure to tell her Welcome to the Neighborhood!
Watch tomorrow and pray Phil doesn’t see his shadow (which he won’t if Pennsylvania is having weather anything like ours)! Then celebrate with what is now our traditional Phil dinner! Oven on to warm the house and cook dinner at the same time. A win-win! Stepping right over those 60 mile an hour winds and wild blowing snow!
Jack sends his everlasting love and wishes you every good thing! He says it will help if you remember the modern rule . . .
You are in charge of what you do, what you believe, the people and inspirations you surround yourself with, and how you treat yourself.💞 See you later! Have a wonderful day! If our storm gets interesting, I’ll post some pictures on Instagram @susanbranchauthor!If you need something new and wonderful to watch, we are loving Ken Burns History of Jazz on PBS! Amazing old films and photos, history of our country, gorgeous music and dancing … you will love it!💌
HERE’S TO YOU, BE A
Hi Susan, your post this morning was just what I needed today. You have a wonderful knack of turning every day ordinary things like a walk into something extraordinary. I love reading your posts. I hope you stay safe during your storm.
Happy Valentines with love from South Staffordshire England, stay safe xx
Love this blog!!! I woke up to snow and you gave me sunshine dear Susan!! I cherish your blogs!!
It was a joy to wake up to snow in Virginia and a new blog post from you. Great way to start my day and February. Thank you.
Thank you for such a lovely post today!
Hello Susan and thank you for all the positivity — I am so happy when February rolls around and we have the coming warmer months to look forward to. But it is important to savor the here and now and I am always working on improving that skill! Thanks for making us all feel less alone during these strange times. Wishing you a fantastic February.
Hi! I have been waiting for your February visit! Love all your pictures. So nice to see all the good things in life! There has been so much negativity for months and months. We all need to concentrate on the good happy things that are still here to. I am a firm believer that your life is what you make it. We can focus only on the bad parts or relax and enjoy all the good parts! You dear Susan are a number one good part. Your blogs focus on so much good and all the happy little things. Thanks for sharing and accentuating the positive!
Mary Jane
Thank you Mary Jane! xoxoxoxo
Thank you for such a sweet blog. February brings hope for me. Hope for dafodils and crocus and forsythia. I’m sure they’re hiding under all this snow, just waiting for the perfect time.
Happy Feb. 1st. Your post brightened up the day!! I love the tour of your studio! I am a painter and just last week did a cleaning job on my studio. When I am working on a painting, it looks like your “creative chaos” pic.! I was so impressed with the neatness of your spot!!!
Our world is much like yours with home and walking and groceries. Glad to say, we have one vaccine shot down and about to get the 2nd one. Glad to be in N C.
I was surprised about the Apple Farm. We lived very near there before our move eastward. So many changes but 2021 is looking UP! Stay well!!
You too Sharon, so happy somebody got their vaccine!!! Really can’t wait to get ours! xoxo
Good Morning Susan! So freezing here in AZ too, not ice storms though. Whew! I remembered to say “Rabbit rabbit” padding down the cold tile floors at 5:00 AM to light the fire. I am the hearth-tender in our house. We have a sump pump heating air conditioning system that doesn’t work well below freezing temps, so the wood stove is back up. This year and last year I started a fire every morning for months! 106 degrees temps this summer, and 24 degree night temps! Just another weird to add to this crazy year! Happy to see another blog post from you our dear Susan. God bless us all, and I am doing all your recommendations for stress-free living. Except for the food part. Hubs and I are on a KETO diet. It’s a lot like learning to cook with Julia Child’s French cooking, more labor intensive, but very nummy. Unless I blow it. We started this at just the right time, with us staying home always. And I have been feeling healthy again, though not at first. Anyway, hope you, Joe and Jack enjoy the storm with all you candles and lanterns etc. –dezi
Let us know if you try any especially yummy recipes, Dezi! Stay warm!
Hello, OK,you asked for this: Start to bake at 400 degrees, 5 LARGE radishes halved,for 15 minutes. In large fry pan brown 1/2 pound ground beef in 2 Tbls. butter on med. heat. HAS to be butter. On a KETO diet you need the fat. In another pan saute (in butter), on med. heat a half large onion sliced and quartered, till transparent. Push to side of pan and add 10 to 15 whole fresh mushrooms to brown, adding more butter if needed. Shaking the pan to keep them moving to roast all sides. Thin slice a half or quarter head cabbage. (I used green). After beef has browned salt it well, grind some fresh pepper on top and push to sides of pan; add 3 Tbls. butter to center and add cabbage to saute for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, onions, radishes, and a half cup bone broth and lower heat after it begins to bubble. Put large handful of spinach all across the top and cover, simmering 15 minutes. Let me know if you thought this was as nummy as hubs and I thought. 🙂 🙂 Bon Appetite!
Well, it LOOKS delicious! Thank you Dezi!
Happy Snow Day! Love the Believe banner, I will make a set to send in my valentines! Stay cozy girlfriends.
Rabbit..Rabbit to you Susan Branch. Thanks for the lovely post on this first day of February. So neat seeing your studio, where you create such beautiful things for we who are not so talented..but..appreciate your talent. Here in WPa, having same weather as you – cold/snow/ice/wind – staying in, cooking some comfort food; it may be stay in “P.J.” day. Stay warm/safe – say “Hi” to Joe & Jack.
I needed this on this snowy day in Pennsylvania. Fortunately I was able to take a vacation day today so I don’t have to try to drive in this mess. I’m happy for Sherri to be able to focus on her Farm Stand, and even happier that she has you in her corner and that you are happy for her. I’m sure Lauren will be a good fit and all will continue as before. Me, I’m going to work on my genealogy on this unexpected gift of a day. Blessings on all of you!
Good Morning! Boy was I hungry and in need of a new blog post from you. Your positivity is encouraging and hopefully, infectious. I’m trying hard I really am.
We are hunkered down here and waiting for the storm to hit. No snow yet. The weather man says it will start at around 4:00. I am going to put a pot roast in the oven and spend the rest of the day in my quilt room.
Your studio looks so nice! All tidy and ready for another round of creativity. I have been cleaning my quilt room as well, and while it doesn’t look as nice as yours, I do like my little nest and it makes me happy each time I flip on the light switch and enter it. My own little sanctuary. I started a new project. I am making a small wall hanging and matching pillow cases for a wedding gift for my nephew. He is getting married in July so I think I will be finished in time. I am a slow worker but I always seem to do better when I have a deadline. It forces me to get going!!
I love the picture of your lovely sideboard with all the doily mentality and goodies arrayed on it. Cant wait to be able to see friends and family and share food and laughter once again. It’s fun to decorate and make yummy food but it is much more fun to share it!
Congratulations to Sheri on her big move. I’m sure she will do well in her new venture and good luck to lauren at the studio. Serendipity is the word of the day where you are concerned. Nice things happen all around you. If I could have a job, I can’t imagine a better one than working for you!
Enjoy your snow day and stay safe and warm.
Love and hugs to you, Mary
P.S. My coconut cream pie was deeeeelicious!
I have NO doubt! 😋 Yum! Thank you Mary … stay safe and creative! xoxoxo
A lovely start to February!! Thank you and a big hug to Jack.
Happy Valentine’s Day ! I have been a jigsaw puzzler since I was a child and I always enjoy it. Hopefully it will keep the old brain working ! You always make winter seem like a happy time but I just don’t like it much anymore. I have been watching All Creatures Great and Small on PBS excellent it any one is looking for as good show. Have a good one !
I agree, it’s a wonderful series . . . those views!
I recently finished watching season 1 of All Creatures… . The story line is so uplifting in these challenging times. And the scenery- I just want to pack my bags!! Keeping my fingers crossed for a Fall trip to that area. I would love to drive around as Sue and Joe did, but I don’t feel comfortable with the idea of driving on the “wrong” side of the road. I’m still trying to find someone willing to be a chauffeur. I tried to start watching Home Fires on Passport, but season 1 is no longer available. I’ll have to try Amazon prime or Netflix
We drove across the Dales and stopped to see the original vet office where James Herriot worked … just watching that show makes me cry at the GORGEOUS scenery! There are drivers galore waiting to drive you in England. And they know their stuff, just in case something like that would work for you! You would probably meet someone very fun who has all the inside information. You could fly into London, take a train to York, hire someone and start from there and have them drive you … and PS, straight across on the other side of the Dales is Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top!
Such a great idea about hiring a driver! I, too, have been watching the “All Creatures Great and Small” series on PBS here in America. Also, just finished watching “The Dig” and have become fascinated with the story of Edith Pretty. I want to return to England and see so many of these sites, especially Hill Top!
Thank you so much for the info. I was planning on going to York from London by train . How do you go about finding a local driver? I like to have things in place before leaving the U.S. Another visit to Hill Top would be lovely. I was there in May for the picnic. I bet the area is lovely in the Fall as well. I sent David at the Sawrey House a copy of A Fine Romance for the library. He saw everyone gathering for the picnic when he checked the mail and wondered what was going on. I told him about you and the girlfriends, and I marked the page in the book where you stopped at Sawrey House for lunch.
Thanks for asking Dianne. I wonder if there is a page with driving resources. Last trip, Christmas before last, we made our way by train to Highclere Castle. It was an adventure and I’d like to be a little more organized when we try for Hilltop whenever the next trip is possible.
You can Google Drivers and and tour guides in whatever city you want … you should find what you need! xoxo
You just google Drivers, tour guides in the Lake District … or wherever you will need one. How sweet of you to send a book to David at Sawrey House! We had such a nice lunch there!❤️
Life is so much more Fun with you and your posts in it! Is the little old valentine card garland going to be made for sale?
Yes, it’s in the web store now . . .
Hello Susan! Every month I see “Rabbit Rabbit” at the start of your blog and wonder what it means. I finally did a search and found your explanation from 2014 …. “According to folklore, these are supposed to be the first words out of your mouth on the first day of a new month to insure a month of good luck” I’ve been following you since the 1980’s so most certainly would have read this, but obviously forgot. 🙂 Anyway…. Rabbit Rabbit!
Hi Glenna and Susan–I have been reading the blog for several years, now, and I too did not know the meaning of “Rabbit Rabbit.” When I read the opening of today’s entry, I once again wondered what it meant.
So–Thank You Glenna for explaining it. And, Thank You Susan for another lovely read!
Love, Love, Love!!! Again you have lifted my spirits, warmed my soul, showed me love and given me hope for a new year!! Hugs…
I just LOVE to open my little computer door to the world and find you standing there with your arms full of hearts and hugs and an invitation to join you for a lovely visit with you on MV! As usual, your timing is perfect (how DO you do it?). I admit that some Monday mornings are not as welcome to me as, say, Friday or Saturday or Sunday mornings. This morning, however, is nice because we have been enjoying windy rainy weather on and off for a couple of weeks in NoCal ~ much preferred to hot July-August NoCal weather, so I enjoy every minute of it, including this morning’s cloudy sky’s promise of cool breezy weather. This weekend I heard coyotes singing to each other early Saturday morning, and the harmonious frog nation harmonizing last night ~ more reasons to rejoice in cool rainy weather. And now I have checked into your MV stormy weather ~ hoping this storm is nothing but cozy-making for you, Joe and Jack xoxoxo Christie
That’s what it is Christie! Just cozy and nice. Made stew this afternoon … Thank you for the kind words, always love to see you here! I love it when it rains in California, I hope SO MUCH your drought will go away! Those fires are just too awful! Take care, Love back to you! 💖
Lovely, lovely post, Susan! How serendipitous that I had just posted pics on Twitter of when we were snowed in big-time on the last weekend in January ’77, and here you are heading into a big Winter blast, too. I’m sure you have all your needs squirreled away inside the house, so snuggle with your two boys….and enjoy! Stay warm, stay safe!
Thank you Sherry!
Googled “Apple Farm Inn” and it looks like they are closed temporally – back open in February. Wonderful memories, staying there, from a family reunion many years ago.
So far it’s just the hotel that they are keeping … what we hear is that they are selling the restaurant, bakery, and gift shop. But maybe that will all change as time goes by! I know, it was a destination for so many! Going to miss it!
So sad to hear about the Apple Tree Farm. I had hoped to visit the Apple Farm Inn in the future if you did another book signing there. (I would cross the country by train in order to experience life in the slow lane, as you do). The staff at the Apple Tree have been so good and so kind to me. I have purchased two mugs from them in the past when they’ve been sold out on your site- the Bluebird and the Red Letter Day. I remember fondly the conversations with the staff. They really did go above and beyond to please
We were so lucky to get Lauren!♥️
We are experiencing withdrawals from not being able to make our annual jaunt to the Apple Farm from Northern California. All during this quarantine, whenever we talked about where we wished we could be, it was always the Apple Farm. And that’s the first place we plan to go as soon as we get the “all clear.” I’m assuming that if they sell the restaurant, bakery, and gift shop, those will still be there but operated by new owners. Sad times for so many reasons ~ 🙁
I went to their website yesterday . . . very confusing as they are now saying “temporarily closed” … while still closing things down. I think now we’re not sure WHAT they’re doing. Maybe they aren’t either … it’s new ownership though, and all their old employees have scattered. Fingers crossed whatever happens will be GOOD!
Thank you for a luvverly post as always. I do hope the storm blows through quickly. I’m tempted to try the Punxsutawney Pudding, even though we don’t have groundhogs in England. We have lots of squirrels so I shall dedicate my pud to them.
Wishing you well, stay safe.
🤣
I am currently working on my puzzle from you. I love it so much. Fun to try and put the pieces together of bigger pictures… trying to connect all the pieces.
I would love for you to do another puzzle. I was thinking with a Christmas/winter theme. Maybe the face of Santa like on your book. I know you had trouble with the puzzle but it was so worth the wait… I gave my girlfriend one also for Christmas… we both love you!! Stay warm and Safe
Natalie
Happy Valentines Day. I LOVE how you taught us it’s really day for girlfriends and ALL love. I’m making one of my girlfriends a lovey-dovey tree, right now, on this loveliest, coziest snow day. Reading you post is like having lunch with a friend. Blessings to you and all the girlfriends.
Been checking every day for a new post from you – and here it is! Love it – and love the Gladys quote……got me off to a great start of my day here in California. This post is a great pick-me-upper! As Edie said a lovely start to February……Thank you Susan and stay well!
Hello Friends,
So thrilled to wish you a happy February. Popping over here for a visit is self-care.
Thank you for sharing home, Joe, and Jack.
Virtual hugs from Lee, Genie and Holly
Thank you for a wonderful post. Sorry to hear Apple Farm is closing.
Thanks for your new post, Susan. Sorry to hear Sheri is leaving your studio. She was always so helpful and friendly. Lucky you were able to bring Lauren on board and Kelli is still there. Hope the storm isn’t too fierce. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay cozy. Hugs, Elaine
This was just what I needed today! Cozy and warm with reminders of what will come in spring…. Staying warm inside with my cat Bentley and my new puppy, Maggie.
Thank you for all that you do!
I woke up this morning thinking “Rabbit Rabbit” and hopped out of bed because I knew there would be a new Susan Branch post:) to welcome February. So happy:) Thank you!
My heart and face are smiling after reading your words! I’m enjoying what little tid bits of snow that we are getting in Ohio this winter, but I am also looking forward to Spring and all of it’s glory! Happy February!
Buon giorno, Susan! Here in Boone, Iowa, at Smiling Dog Farm, our 1st of the month tradition is saying, “Rabbit, rabbit, bunnie, bunnie, bunnie”… and then crawling out over the foot of the bed! It covers everything as to ensuring good luck for the month! We are still hunkered down, waiting for the vaccine to arrive, celebrating new beginnings in Washington DC….. and I’ve successfully renewed my birth certificate on January 26th, hoping to enjoy another trip around the sun. It’s been a LONG month since you last posted, but I’ve got your 2021 calendar to keep me company. It’s sooooo wonderful. Batten down those hatches, as we did a couple days ago before sending this storm off to you. Stay safe, happy, and healthy!
You too Davi! xoxo
Susan – Do you know you have some Orr relatives in Boone?
I wouldn’t be a bit surprised … they were all over Iowa!
Major General Timothy Orr from Boone retired a couple years ago after being in command of the Iowa National Guard for ten years. A very impressive guy! If you’re ever in Iowa for an Orr family reunion, we’d love to welcome you to Smiling Dog Farm.
Oddly, I don’t know any Orrs anymore. My Grandma’s maiden name was Orr … she had 10 siblings born in Sioux City … so I just assume they are everywhere. Her dad was Merrill Orr, born in Staceyville, Iowa in 1871 … and before that, these Orrs seemed to have come from upstate New York!
This is the most unique way to say you are celebrating your birthday – SOOOO love this!
Hi Linda!
Yes! And, no matter what, I believe my 2021 journey will be SO much better than last year’s! I’ve received my latest supply of EVOO and Chianti Classico from Tuscany, so I’m all set! Auguri, to me!
Happy Valentines month! Stay safe indoors, and keep cosy.
Beautiful photos and post, so much to be thankful for…heart shaped be safe stone, bunny face footprints, sparkling windows, meandering paths, the beach and you!
Susan, “Rabbit, Rabbit” to you…such cute dancing ones. Just turned my calendars to February….lovely. You have made my day, actually whole month…..and you know why! What a sweetie you are to put my work in the February First post….makes me feel very special! Love this post…..lots of memories which I really appreciate. I NEED your sweetness and light. I was pretty much ok, until Thanksgiving and we didn’t have our family dinner. I just have to re-group, think about what is to come once we all have our shots. I am aiming for fall, because I think that will be when we are safe. Don has had his first shot, and is scheduled for the second one Feb. 9….wahoo! I am still waiting because I am so young and very healthy….right!! Fall is a long way off, but just trying to take one day at a time, and count our blessing.
I am still walking…..6 days a week, around and around in our back yard. I have even made my own path through the grass and mulch….ha! My honey and I are doing more hugging, at your suggestion….ha! I have been baking carrot cookies(a friend accidentally ordered 3-2 lb. bags! so she shared with me) and a custard, coconut pie….comfort food. My Valentines are all made and I am addressing them today. I am redoing a Hanukkah banner for Erin and family. Dudley decided it would be fun to take the package of the first one I made, off the deck table, drag it out into the yard and chew it up….bubble wrap and all! Grrrrr! Then, maybe some St. Patty’s Day cards. Just keeping busy, being safe.
Thank you so much for your blog and especially for your Twitter feed….keep spreading the truth!
Love, Rachel
You are so talented Rachel! That heart is still so full of charm, we just love it! You sound like you are doing good! Dudley, on the other hand, not so much!😂 Take care Rachel, you are doing so well! ❌⭕️
Susan, Thank you. These morale boosters from you always seem to arrive at the perfect time. I follow the Dominican sisters of Peace. This is what they have to say about St. Dominic and his fervent belief that all humans need support and encouragement. Peace and Joy….”St. Dominic found that joy was not only comforting, but life affirming. Walking in the fields of France, he was aware of an impending attack by men sent to kill him but continued his songs and prayers. His would-be assassins were so taken aback by his joy that they did not harm him.” So grateful for the JOY that you spread. Never doubt for a moment that it is life affirming.
Thank you Anne! Sometimes I meet people whose Joy is written all over their faces … it’s a beautiful thing!♥️
Happy Valentine’s Day! Thank you for another wonderful post to lift the spirits. Today I took my dogs for a long walk along an old railroad track turned into a hiking trail. It was a wonderful, sunny, muddy mess after a week of rain and snow here in Kansas. I love the Apple Farm restaurant. Last time I went was December 2019 with my friend for lunch and Christmas shopping at the gift shop. Hope they will be able to reopen both places. Many memoires of both through the years.
I hope so too Becky!
I was looking forward to your February post and sure enough, there it was! Always so full of love, caring and encouragement!! And…Fun! You definitely are a girlfriend’s girlfriend❤️Hope the snowstorm isn’t too vicious! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe! Thank you again for your most delightful creativity!!
It’s not bad at all … lots of wind, which isn’t good, but the snow has already turned to rain here, so we will be back to normal very quickly! Thank you back Claudette!♥️
I remembered to check your blog with this being the Rabbit Rabbit day! I needed to cheer up today as I had a difficult week – two friends died from Covid last Wednesday. One local, another in NYC. And we have a third friend who has been on a ventilator since December 22nd. Both friends died on the same day that we were able to get our Covid shots. We are so relieved – we have been staying in since March. I had an ocular stroke last February so after many, many tests and now on a blood thinner and cholesterol lowering meds, I am doing well but have been staying in as a result. Will still keep social distance & masks after our second vaccination in another week. I made your Mother Effie bread on Saturday (it was hard to find all of the ingredients online!) and we are loving it! I made a Thai curry butternut squash soup to go with it. I have been working on a miniature quilt during our snowy weekend – I was tickled to see that you are painting quilts (bow tie was my first quilt to make! And I love Grandmother’s Flower Garden)! Stay warm and safe in the snowstorm. We got 8” over the weekend here in Indiana and I love it – I grew up in Arizona so have learned to love snow in the Midwest. Been watching our birds – thanks to your influence! It is a new hobby – I signed my husband up to the Audubon Society thinking it would keep him busy in retirement – turns out I love watching the little critters as much if not more than he does! We also have a baby red squirrel and a little black squirrel who comes to visit. Have a wonderful snowstorm! I will watch instagram for your pictures!
Oh my goodness Pam, I am so sorry! This thing is truly a nightmare. I’m glad you’re taking care. We are so close now! Loved reading about your lovely home life! Not growing up with snow does make it seem like magic when it happens! ❌⭕️
Thank you, Susan – you have been an inspiration to my home life since I started collecting your recipes in Country Living so many moons ago. I was so happy to find your books when I was raising our 5 children who are now all grown. We have missed seeing our 6 grandchildren but Face Time every weekend – and during the week – helps. Stay safe and hope you can get your vaccination soon! xo
Dear girlfriend, Pam,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friends. It certainly sounds like you are doing a beautiful job of keeping hope and beauty alive in your life. Love and peace to you,
Jana
Thank you so much for your sweet sentiments, Jana. This blog really helps me! Love and peace back to you! ~ xo
2021 is off to a great start with you, Joe, and Jack to inspire us with joy, creativity, inspiration, beauty, and laughter. Thank you sincerely for helping us keep our morale high and our dreams intact! My loveliest project lately is renewing my beloved wool scarf that my grandparents gave me when I was just 9 years old. It has large variegated blue checks with pale pink accents and is riddled with moth holes. My precious scarf has been tucked away in a box because I’ll never ever get rid of it. I just got it out and was inspired to mend it using denim patches courtesy of my daughter’s old jeans. When all the holes are covered over I will embellish the repairs with pale pink embroidery. I’m loving this project and delighting in holding my precious scarf and transforming it into new life. Also I have loved brushing my wooden spoons,forks, and cutting boards with mineral oil. I just followed your directions and have been delighted by the results. They just glow with a soft sheen now and will undoubtedly last a lifetime for a few generations. My daughter and I are loving having time at home to cook and be creative – transforming our home into the place we most want to be in. The Christmas gift we gave ourselves is a Cricut Maker. It handily cuts fabric, vinyl, and paper giving us endless opportunities to create joyful expressions of our creative dreams. It is so much fun. Valentine’s Day has us deep in making personalized one of a kind gifts that say just what we want. Everyone please keep safe and well now. Last week I got my first covid-19 vaccine and will get the second one soon.
How fun for you and your daughter Carolyn, being creative together! Yes, that oil does such a nice job on the wooden things, what a difference! Congratulations on getting your vaccine. We can’t wait till it’s our turn! I hope this all works the way we want it to! xoxo
The news about Apple Farm closing devastates me. I live in the SF Bay Area and Apple Farm has always been my lunch stop when I head for SoCal.
Everyone feels like that… hard to understand. The hotel part is open, it’s the rest of it that’s gone. I think they will find someone to buy that part… perhaps by the time you come next time there will be something new there!
Happy Bunny Bunny day to you and all our girlfriends out there. I am so excited to turn the January page over, I did it the night before. I even remembers to say “bunny, bunny” first thing when I woke up. What I am really excited about is in 11 days, Chinese New Year begins another new year of the OX. The old year will finally be over. So, I am spring cleaning and planning on a small but festive celebration with me and my hubby.
Sounds lovely Anna! Happy New Year!
That was ME who had posted that picture of your puzzle!
Putting that puzzle together was so fun. The letters in all the wonderful sayings took me the longest. That’s what made it challenging. The hours I worked on it felt magical and enchanted. Even my husband said that puzzle felt special somehow and that he missed the puzzle on our table when I put it away.
Our days are pretty much like yours. Home, walk, home, bake, old movie, tea, read, dinner, home home home. Sometimes I go to the grocery store, post office, “adult beverage store,” bank ( had to get four 5 dollar bills to put in grand teen ❤ cards).
Happy to have a warm and safe home with dogs on my lap.🐩🐩
Welcome to Lauren. Good luck to Sheri.
Enjoy that beautiful snow.
Thank you for this happy blog, Susan. Love you.
Ohhh Peggy, so sweet . . . thank you!! Made my day! Love you back!💖
Hello Susan, Thanks for the new blog and Rabbit, Rabbit! Don’t know if we can trust Punxsutawney Phil, but we need an early spring and some quality outdoor time. I’m dying to plant something! And see it grow!
Stay warm and cozy during the storm.
Barbara Weaver
I know, I dream about the garden now!
Perfect to read today! We had a little ground cover of snow earlier; has almost all disappeared now. I’m motivated to cook for Groundhog Day! Welcome to Lauren! Happy that Sherri is able to go for her dreams! Even through these unusual times, we are blessed many times over! Thankful for being able to choose joy!
Even that’s a gift isn’t it Nellie! Happy cooking, stay warm!
Lovely post! I had to laugh at the rabbit you drew out of your footprint – how appropriate! 😍 I’m in Berks County PA and we’re getting the “thump” of snow they’ve been predicting – very white and blizzardy. My 3 year old grandson, Rudy, went sledding today, for the first time, with his mommy and daddy – he loved it! I still have my Flexible Flyer sled from my childhood, way back in the 50’s! It’s huge and solid; you can fit 4 or 5 kids on it and the one in the front steers with their feet. Boy, did we have hours of fun sledding with it. It’s been in the basement since my children grew up and moved away. Maybe little Rudy can have fun with it when he’s a little older! Love to you and Joe and Jack. xoxo
Oh how fun! Sledding! With your grandchild on your childhood sled… how perfect! Our snow has turned to rain … in the ENTIRE northeast, Us, Nantucket, and the upper Cape are the ONLY places that won’t have snow on the ground at the end of this!!! Bunch of little snowless specks out in the ocean! I love snow, but then again, will be fun when it’s over to go right back out for a walk! Stay warm and have fun Linda!
I didn’t want to turn the calendar page from January of your photo calendar, which I figure is about as perfect as a calendar page can be. Don’t get me wrong here, February is quite nice, seasonally appropriate and all, but unfortunately, due to an over achieving January all the rest of the months this year are going to be feeling slightly apprehensive. None of this is meant to put the pressure on you, the artist, for next year, but you are two for two with the fantastic photo/art calendars. Enjoy the storm, we are a sleety, snowy, icy mess, and since I have no where to go, let it snow.
I have to say I pretty much agree with you!🤣 Thank you for the sweet compliment. Walking by, I must have stopped 10 times to look at the January page of the photo calendar … I loved it too! Just made me happy! I didn’t do a photo calendar for 2022… now I’m sorry I didn’t! Oh well, I did lots of new art for the other one, so it will be fun!
February my birthday month!I hang my heart’s everywhere.Love is in the air!Thank you for such an uplifting blog.I have collected hearts forever and especially at Valentine’s they shine.Happy Grounds Hog day,and then Valentine’s day.God bless.Stay safe in the noreaster.
Happy Birthday Mary!!!
Thank you for the delightful good cheer you, your chosen quotations, pictures, recipes, and drawings bring to our homes. The weather doesn’t matter nor does the geography or distance.
My sewing room is small, but, like in your room, the computer is a quarter turn of my swivel chair from my sewing machine! I made real quilts for use on beds, walls, and under mugs! It’s just too much fun and much, much easier than you imagine. In these times we’re home, I encourage everyone to try a new hobby as it’s never too late!
Hugs!
I used to make quilts a loooong time ago, was really just getting started, but I made two, and pillows, and then all of a sudden I found out I could paint and I started painting them! I adore quilts, it’s a wonderful hobby, making something that lasts pretty much forever! Great advice, it’s never too late!
Susan, What a wonderful surprise to find your blog on the cold, snowy afternoon in Ohio. The few minutes that I spend reading is happy, calm, and peaceful. And I thank you for that!
In the middle of January, we turn our thoughts to making Maple Syrup! Yay! Collecting maple sap in a winter storm is ideal weather story time for us. ” I remember that storm when we got the wagon behind the wheeler (ATV) stuck and the tank full of sap tipped over!” Those kind of stories. This past week I’ve enjoyed making buttermilk pancakes to pour maple syrup(from our own trees!) over, with a small knob of butter melting and dripping gloriously down the pancakes and onto my plate. Maple syrup season is on it’s way! I enjoy getting outside with our family instead of being shut inside. It won’t be long until we start the process for 2021. Thanks for all you do; it keeps me from getting antsy and wanting to be working outside once again.
Love it! I think I need to make some pancakes! I’m with you, can’t wait to work again outside! xoxo
Driving home from work today, I thought it must be about time for Susan to send out a newsletter and here it is! What a lovely read with the snow falling outside (Townsend, MA) and a fire in our own wood stove. No kitties, but a nice husband is sleeping on the sofa. I think he was purring a few minutes ago. 🙂
😂
Thank you!
Thank you for the peek into your studio! It’s always fun to see how someone really lives & works. I love the pics that are all pulled together AND the messy getting-stuff-done & living-life pics. Be well!
Carefully checked out your jigsaw pieces!!! Random!! Yippee!!! Earlier in pandemic bought more puzzles as the ones I owned had been made many times. Some of the new ones have the same piece design stamped out 500 times!! Boring, no challenge…not shopping there again. I will be getting your puzzle! Well done you!!
Stay safe …keep creating!!
👍👍👍
Hi, where is your studio in SLO? And Sheri’s Farm Stand? I live in Morro Bay, and would love to visit. I love your blogs. My family is from Massachusetts, and my 92-year-old aunt lives in West Barnstable, and it’s great seeing photos from “home”. Thank you.
We’re all in Arroyo Grande. The Studio isn’t open to the public ~ but Sheri’s farmstand is definitely open … I’m not sure how to tell you to get there, ask Kellee@162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/
What joy to receive your multi paged valentine. The sand bunny received an laugh out loud response. The Valentine to Myself touched me so deeply I’m wondering if there is a way to buy the calendar page?
Love to you,
Diney on Camano Island, Washington
It’s just on the calendar for now, and I’m sorry, they’re all gone! You might find one on Amazon!
You make every day better with your thinking and sharing. Thank you!
Thank you Michele!
This was another lovely post. It was wonderful to hear from you today!
If you plan on making more mugs, please do one with those adorable dancing rabbits with the rabbit, rabbit banner over their heads. My mug space is pretty full, but I would make room for some bunnies!
Good idea!
Another wonderful cozy blog post. That Ella Fitzgerald musica was delightful. I have heard of some of the words before but never had heard the entire song. I am sorry to hear Apple Farm is closing. I was there to greet you in October 2018 and stayed there for the weekend for the first time. Every trip up North to Sam Luis Obispo I stopped there to by Apple Dumplings, Apple butter, molasses cookies, have potato pancakes with apple sausages snd buy Susan Branch books, stickers, and dishes!! It is such a beautiful location. Welcome Lauren! Stay safe and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. ❤️🌹
I LOVE that each month begins with a note from you. I’m sure you don’t realize that YOU are keeping the rest of us SANE!! Thank you, Susan, from the bottom of my heart!
😘😘😘😘
Nope, nope, nopitey nope…no way in the world should Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow in PA tomorrow morning! We’re about 185 miles southeast of Phil’s house, and here, as well as the rest of the entire state, it’s snowing like crazy! It’s supposed to gradually wind down tomorrow so if Phil has any sense at all he’ll stay cozied up in his snug little den. No shadow, early spring! I’m happy for Sheri’s new adventure👏🏼👏🏼Welcome, Lauren! You’re going to love it here!❤️
A wonderful post to read while watching the snow (ahem….blizzard) fall here in CT. I’m grinning from ear to ear while reading your encouraging words. It’s been a tough time for everyone, and we all need to remember to take a few minutes to just breathe. I got your puzzle for Christmas, and I may break it open tonight while watching “Murder Most Foul” (the one with Margaret Rutherford…love it!!). Thank you for bringing a smile to my face today! Stay warm and stay safe!
Hi Susan~~~I actually sat still and read through the whole of your email today. Usually I get to read it in spits and spurts. Today I needed a full shot in the arm of something “beautiful”. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for all of us. Phil’s day is tomorrah……..but no matter what………it’s still 6 weeks. SIX weeks no matter what the outcome.
Poof! Will be gone in an instant!🤣
Dear Susan:
All the snow went south of us so getting my winter adventure through your blog post and the Weather Channel. Wanted to make a pitch for the old version of All Creatures Great and Small (Yorkshire Dales) and This Farming Life (Scotland). Both are wonderful pandemic stress relievers with multiple episodes over several years. Thanks for getting February off to a good start.
Diane (Minneapolis)
Always enjoy receiving your blog on my small machine! I to love dishes and have them all over the house. My sweet husband also built me a pantry with shelves on both sides to store all the pretty things and I rotate them in and out of the rest of the house depending on the season. As I have a large family, sometimes I need many items and sometimes fewer. This has been so handy. Love your frosty pictures! Stay well!
Stay safe in that snow storm and have a good Valentine’s Day. Barb
Hi Susan, February 1st already!!! You made me chuckle with what our days consist of. Walk, knit, read, knit, make dinner, watch a movie, and new activity puzzles. Then repeat!!! Very much like Groundhog Day. But as the song goes “At the End of the Storm there’s a Golden Sky…….Walk On……. Positivity that’s what you give us. Thank you. Would love to sit in front of your fire and cuddle with Jack.
Cheerio, Sharon
/Susan, I used to look forward to reading the daily paper .. now I read the fun parts-word jumble, crossword puzzle, tv programming, book reviews, advice columns. I flip thru the bad news to those pages fast. But when your blog arrives I read every word, spend easy hrs listening to the music and links after it, and then even read the comments & your replies. Makes my life so much better seeing your artwork, reading your words and stories. Love the pictures of everything but especially nature, ocean, & your fabulous home. Close to a yr now of staying at home. THANK YOU soooooo much for keeping me sane, Gail
Like a big bandaid on our souls … a little escape! ❤️❤️❤️
Hello Susan, Happy February to you😍
So glad to have your blog to read especially today with the monster Noreaster were having here in dNJ. Where I live already 23″ has fallen with more promised through tomorrow. It is quite pretty though & since I still have lots of Christmas trees Big & small up throughout my house & window lights + fairy ones in rooms & hallways we’re warm and cozy. OH how I do long for the Vineyard & hope to be able to visit soon.
Don’t think we’ll have to worry about Groundhog day.
Hoping for Spring to be early. Thanks for the memory Valentine’s of Elementary school days past.
My husband & I too are enjoying the Ken Burns PBS special of jazz. Avid fans.
Take care. Be well & safe & fireplace cozy.
Andrea J from NJ
We used to stay at Apple Farm when my son was at school at CalPoly. I still have treasures I bought from them. This makes me so sad but glad you have rescued an employee!
Susan … this post was so uplifting today … I really needed your lovely thoughts and words. Thank you! Stay safe and warm.
Really really lovely as always. Thank you Susan!
Lots of snow here in Jersey and loving every inch from my apartment window.
Best wishes to Sheri and welcome to Lauren. One door closes and another opens.
Marybeth
Susan, Loved getting your blog today. What’s better than one bunny? Two or Three or Four or more, and a group of rabbits is called a “Fluffle”. Sounds so warm and cozy. We live in rural Colorado and have been able to get both covid shots through our local hospital (my husband is in health care/close contact and I was lucky to be able to be a stand-in for someone from our office who couldn’t get the shot that day. We’ve been blessed. Thanks for the blog; it always boosts my spirits!
Thank you for a lovely, calming post. Your studio is wonderful with the multiple tables and shelves – most inspiring. No walks this week I bet!
Hi Susan,
Thanks for adding brightness to my day as February starts. No snow here yet in Wells, Maine, but expecting it very soon and then lots more over night, plus howling winds.
Love the Valentine banner — it sure brings back happy memories. Planning to order it as soon as I finish this note.
And I love the February page in your photo calendar honoring home….you have the same cookbooks out that I do.
Cheers and happy February!
Nancye T., Wells, Maine
Lovely post, so nice to hear the news from you. We got hit with the big snow yesterday here in WI. I am just a few blocks from Lake Michigan and it was probably about 10 inches with lots of drifting. It was a hard one to shovel and snow plow but today the sun is shining all looks right in our little world here. I love the old school valentines – so quaint and the illustrations just make you swoon. Looking forward to your up coming quote book. Enjoy your time in the snowglobe – I always enjoy that part the most when it snows. Happy Days!
We did a road trip to California from Minnesota one summer with our four kiddos. It was wonderful! we spent a day in San Louis O and went to the Apple House, but our favorite memory is the Cowboy Cookies at a little place downtown. We sat on tractor seats on top of milk cans as I recall…
Hi Susan! Your paintings, photos and words certainly was a warm addition to
the day! I loved the frost patterns on the windows and in the photo beneath
the two owls I see a pattern of baby toes–we are expecting a new baby grandson
any time now so baby toes are in the forefront of my mind! Best wishes to Sherri as she gets ready to move on and, by the way, I loved the photo of your
studio–it’s just darling, but then all things Susan Branch are darling! Loved the
mooshey desserts, too–they look so delicious! Happy Valentine’s Day to you
and Joe. Pam W
Dear Susan,
Your new blog showed up on the most perfect day, a snow day! I read it all in one sitting which I usually try not to do. I like to savor it and keep going back to look closer at your pictures ( I’ll do that tomorrow while it is still snowing!). It was fun to see Peggy’s puzzle, your devotion to doilies, and every little thing that makes your blog so special.
Thank you for keeping up my spirits, being a cheerleader for all of your girlfriends and reminding us of the little things in life to celebrate.
Love, Linda❤️
I had not seen your studio before. That was a very nice look about! Thank you. I enjoyed the quotes, as always. The shoe print in the sand turned into a cute rabbit – clever and brought joy. The glistening snow art on the windows – so amazing and beautiful. Thanks for the post! Really enjoyed it. Need to try the Punxatawney (did I spell that right?!!) Pudding and Ribs. Yum!
Gotta tell you, for the first time I am disappointed in you Susan. (tongue in cheek). If you were going to add work tables to your office I expected you to find an old farm table, a drop-leaf cherry dining table, circa 1935, or at least a paint-spattered workbench. Ikea? Really, how could you upset my vision of you?
Ha ha ha ~ so sorry … Needed tall tables so I can stand at them … good old Ikea came through!
Such a lovely post- it really brightened my day. The snow is still falling here (upstate NY) and will probably continue until morning. I’ve enjoyed watching the birds at the feeders outside my kitchen window. A female cardinal visited for the first time this morning. Such a treat!! I still haven’t glimpsed the male. I had a pair of downy woodpeckers last week. This is perfect puzzle and baking weather, although I still haven’t been able to start my SB puzzle. I’m determined to finish the penguin puzzle first. It’s a challenge- to say the least. My baking bowl is similar to the one on the top left shelf in your February picture. I’ve been using it 50 years! So many memories. Wishing you a February filled with good luck. Wishing Sheri the best of luck in her new endeavor. She was always so helpful and will be missed. And welcome to Lauren. By the way, I love the pictures of the frost on the windows. Magical!
Love your glimpse of cozy as always!! Happy Valentines day( early)💝
Thanks for the new blog post, so welcome. I’ve been wondering how you were faring with the weather reports in your area. Your pictures of frosty windows are beautiful. Jack by the fire so cute. Loved the Ella musica! I’ve been doing jigsaw puzzles and watching a darling humming bird just outside the window keeping me company. Heidi my daughter found a tiny little hummingbird feeder for my window box. Other daughter Nancy brought red and white primroses to surround it. No snow for us, but LOTS of rain which I love to hear outside my bedroom window. Best of luck to Sheri in her new venture. Welcome to Lauren, such a lucky girl to have been hired on by you. January was such a big adjustment of mood. Hoping February brings good things to everyone.
I was thinking about you yesterday, Susan, and “felt a blog coming on.” Happily, my radar is working well and…PRESTO…there you were today. (BTW…wouldn’t Presto be a great name for a kitty?)
Houston has been cool (50s and 60s) and brilliantly sunny the last couple days, with a fairly stiff breeze. That nearly passes for winter here. I’m mostly staying in, and have myself on every list I can find, waiting for the vaccine. I definitely meet the age requirement, but my number still hasn’t come up. Fingers crossed for one day soon and a chance for the world to start turning once again. Like most everyone, I’m tired of being on “pause,” but I remind myself that both sets of grandparents, along with great-aunts, uncles, etc. all survived the Flu Pandemic of 1919, so this too, shall pass! Continue to stay safe, happy V-day, and ear scratches to Jack!
Thank you for this lovely valentine of a blog. It made me so happy I ran over to your store and bought the puzzle and Enchanted. Now I know I will things I LOVE for Valentines Day. Thank you for making the world a simply delightful place Susan.
Happy February, Susan!
I was so happy to see your blog post today, I’ve been looking forward to the next one. Enjoyed all of the pictures and inspiration. Your studio is so well organized! I was curious about the color of the walls–did you choose it for the feeling it evokes in you? Maybe gets the creative juices flowing? And I still love the old-fashioned Valentines too! What a perfect banner for this month!
I remember when you posted several of your very healthy meals earlier on with the nuts and seeds sprinkled on top. Have you and Joe discovered any new favorite dishes throughout this pandemic time?
I enjoy my walks outdoors as well, also snowshoeing when possible. How fun to leave little messages or drawings for others to see!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I discovered I’m in LOVE with roasted fennel! We’re adding it to everything, even hot on top of salads!
Love your post so much I also love that we have the same dishes🥰 yes it is snowing we have about ten inches here in lititz pa so I think the ground hog will stay in for another 6 weeks! I am drinking some tea in your moon 🌚 mug! I love it so much 🌚🌚🌚
Finished a long day at work and opened my email to find your blog… Ahhh! Musica on and sat back to enjoy. Turned the page on my calendar to February this morning, so started the day right and now I’m finishing it right. What a delight! Even found a couple of quotes to record in my Quotes Journal… where the other day I recorded a quote that I just love from Sarah Ban Breathnach: “… scatter joy …” and isn’t that something that YOU always do and we all SHOULD do? It reminds me of Tinkerbell scattering her fairy dust to lift the children up to fly. We can all lift each other up with joy, can’t we? Thank you for scattering joy over my evening.
😘
“Rabbit Rabbit” & Happy Valentines Day! Welcome aboard Lauren, hugs to you.
Enjoy the “Love” month!!!D
Susan: Thanks for the uplift today! Sitting here in Charlotte NC with the wind blowing and messy rain outside. No chance of glorious and gorgeous snow. Definitely need to get into the Valentine mode before it’s too late. Hope you and Joe and Jack have a great “LOVE” celebration!
Barb Middleton
Susan… Happy Valentine’s Month
I love your post it came just at the right time as it always does! Sitting here on a cold blustery 50’s degree day here in Florida. I thank you for the “Be Your Own Valentine” … Ha Ha I needed a little reminder!
Patty Walker
Love your new blog post.🥰🤗 Sure am looking forward to your new quote books. Love letters and words. And verses. ❣️🤗❣️
Thank you for your wonderful post!!
I live in San Diego so it’s not cold like in the New England area but it’s been COLD for us wimps in southern California! I have my fireplace going (no wood here, just gas) in the mornings when I have my coffee and also in the evenings when I have a glass of wine. Winter is cozy time! Thank you for the cheerful email in my inbox, so much better then the rest of the stuff I get 😉
Your first paragraph could be my life story right now, too. Except the big storm. Here in our part of California we didn’t get as much rain as other parts and are still in a deep drought. But thankfully, we have the house, the market and the PO. and all the lovely PO workers!
Hi Susan ,here on Long Island N.Y. we are having a snowstorm also tomorrow my landscaper will be coming to dig me out,the wind is blowing and me a my 2 Cats Tommy and Timmy are keeping warm indoors,I too try to walk about 3 times a week and I try to do alot of self care,stay safe,healthy and warm,Love Karen