So much news, and all-all-ALL of it is good! Isn’t that wonderful? Do you find yourself smiling more these days? I do! Everything seems more beautiful than ever before. I am almost giddy sometimes! I think it’s pure unadulterated appreciation for this start-over time we are having, being with friends again, making wonderful plans! Let me share some of that with you! 🚢🥂🚂 MUSICA!
🎵🎶 Tweet, tweet-tweet, tweet-tweet! 🎵
Such a springtime it’s been! Has it ever been prettier? I don’t think so. Each bloom has been like a marker, part of a seasonal parade, I’ll catch you up ~ the wisteria and the clematis has come and gone . . .
. . . the sun rises with an exclamation point and the garden sings out “Yes!” And I go get the camera. The peonies were gorgeous this year! Utterly utterly…
And this one, given to me by my girlfriends last spring when my mom died ~ just the perfect thing ~ a living tribute that will 
come up every year with a surprise of beauty and sweet reminder of my mother. Just like her, clean, sweet, and simple on the outside, complicated, and one of nature’s wonders inside! Never stops with the giving. Joe and I just made reservations for the TRAIN … we’re going to California in September, in our room with a view, to hug and kiss my family (squeal), and have a family reunion and celebrate our mom/grandma’s life and all she was and is to us. 💞
The rhododendrons and the dogwoods bloomed beautifully ~ and as usual, I thank Mrs. Bowditch, the woman who moved into this house with her husband and four children in 1949 and planted so much of our romantic garden (we’re the caretakers now) .. they’ve come and gone ~ as all things do, and so has the mock orange, the wedding bouquet of our garden! I am in the garden often these tender spring mornings…🌱
Now it’s time for the foxgloves . . .
The roses are blooming too . . .
. . . best roses I’ve had in years! Even the beautiful, fragrant, peach-colored “Just Joey’s” which bloom like mad in California, but until this year, not so much here! They’re doing great!
And the parade marches inside, into my little vases that line…
…the little shelf above my kitchen sink. Joe laughed the other day when I told him this shelf is the very best thing they put in this house! Pure genius! My wand, my Beatrix Potter people, little vases and flowers! Birdfeeders on the other side of the windows with view of the garden! Everything I need!
I’ve been drying laundry outside and airing the quilts on breezy days ~ with wide blue skies, sunshine, sea breezes, and birdsong! It’s truly the best musica anywhere . . . 🎵 🎶🎵 🎶
I go out with my scissors to cut flowers and look back through the screen door to see Jack on his ironing board perch, watching me like a hawk! He stops me in my tracks. Everything is Him!
When he sees me looking at him, he starts flirting immediately, rolling over and squirming and almost falling off the ironing board!
He can’t help it if he’s adorable!
We pulled the tiny fountain out of the barn, filled it with water, and surrounded it with porch flowers . . .
And Joe planted our new Dahlia garden. It’s our first one ~ it’s SO exciting… the tubers arrived, we got 23 different varieties . . . and I went out and made a schematic on paper to “decorate” with the different colors, so Joe would know where to plant them. 
He did a gorgeous job … Everywhere you see a green stake is a different dahlia, all sizes, shapes, and colors ~ can’t wait until they bloom. Like a little gift under the tree that we can’t unwrap for weeks!
Doesn’t it look organized? And you know what else we did in this brand new world where we’re allowed to leave the house sometimes? We bought a new car! There it is! It’s actually a 2020, but new to us, we have 
joined the Subaru Forester club … isn’t it cute? I love it but, it looks like every other car on the road! We’re never going to find it in the Costco parking lot! I’m still not quite used to the push-button start. We’ve only had one car ever since my old 1982 Volvo finally said bye-bye (after 40 years of perfect service ~ I’m of the “if it ain’t broke” school of thought)! All we’ve had is the van for the last year … we’ve been joined at the hip. Now I can go somewhere, and Joe can go somewhere else, and all at the same time! How novel! Note: Rhododendrons and the wisteria . . . see how fluffy?
But I digress, we’re talking dahlias . . . and LOOK! Our first milestone, they ARE coming up! (One worries. Actually, two worries.)
Every morning, after checking on the dahlias, out to the woods we go . . . to walk the sun-dappled dirt road through the shady green to where the pond opens to the sea . . .
The wonderful thing about walking on dirt instead of asphalt, is how kind it is to your knees! Also, less breathing of car fumes… years and years of doing this adds up!
These days (except when we get to the sea where we take them out), we walk with AirPods in our ears … Joe has one, I have the other, and we listen to the same book (from my iPhone) … it’s Hamnet now, a not-THAT fictional story of Shakespeare’s son … who’s name was actually Hamnet … it’s finely woven and beautifully written with the few Shakespeare facts we do know. . . so it’s fact-based . . . we’re only a few pages into it, but so far, I’m loving it. We love historical novels. If any of you, hint-hint, think you might be visiting Shakespeare’s home in the future, this would be a fun read!
This is the actual house of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne (Agnes) Hathaway. Joe has to watch his head! Look how crooked it is! And still standing! It’s wonderful! Can you imagine how she would feel if she knew? But again, I digress . . . we’re supposed to be walking now! Here we go… MUSICA
These days there’s lots of action around the water’s edge . . . and when you’re on foot, you don’t miss seeing the little things . . .
Me, too . . .
Lots of new babies amid the sparkles, guarded by their watchful parents . . .
Festive, happy, grateful people out digging for clams and canoeing, communing with nature! It smells wonderful out there!
The waves roll in toward “Stonehenge” of Martha’s Vineyard ~ but this stone circle is much more transient, like the seasons on the island ~ it goes away every winter, but it’s back, a little changed, every summer. But just like Stonehenge, you see it, you like it, you take pictures of it, and you wonder, “why?” . . . People being people, because we can.💞
And one more celebratory thing before I get down to business . . . this:⬆️ Speaking of yes we can: Girlfriends, off-island, TOGETHER, having LUNCH in a FRENCH restaurant, WITH wine, in the middle of the day, AND shopping. Okay? See what I mean? It’s because we’re free, and so happy to celebrate! We’ve only done this once, but once is so many more times than we’ve done it in the last year and a half!
Soft spring nights having dinner next to the water with dear old friends . . . I turned back to look as we were leaving our table … and had to take this photo for you . . . isn’t it insane? How can this BE? Just a little moment in time. Our beautiful earth. These vaccines have set us free! I pray everyone gets them so we can live like this forever!
Speaking of beautiful … wasn’t it wonderful to see the Queen, all dressed in flowers, out and about, so chipper, joking, and full of smiles? She truly set the tone with that smile ~ an inspiration for everyone . . . she seemed as overjoyed as I’ve been feeling . . .🌸
…despite the losses. But like her, we won’t forget. We are still honoring what happened to us all… our common grief . . . I saw this memorial, each flag representing a lost soul during the pandemic, while driving through Falmouth ~ every small town and big city in America has one… But despite it all, Queen Elizabeth showed us, with her action, despite profound loss, life is for the living. At age 95, she gave hope. A profound gift to everyone.🇬🇧
So, off to work we go! What have I been doing, you may ask? 
This. Spring cleaning to the nth degree! I’ve been getting ready for our neighborhood yard sale ~ happening next Saturday the 26th! And I have to say, instead of bemoaning the never-ending work that goes into doing this after twenty years🤪, I feel lucky to be lightening our load in a recycling kind of way! For all the joy I found in finding and using these charming old treasures all these years, it makes me happy to think soon it will be someone else’s turn!
Even a yard sale has it’s pretty moments! I can’t help myself. I tie things in ribbons.
I washed, and dried the linens on the line, thanking them for the memories as I say goodbye. I chose to believe that red embroidered monogram said S B … but I do believe it will be just as easy for a G B to think it was made for them!
I love these old things, I’m amazed at the kind of work that went into making them and wonder about the world they were born into … wishing they could talk! I think the initials here are D C, but it’s very hard to tell ….there might be an I in there. I never cared to know for sure, it was the beauty of the work I could not say no to!
Love all the little embroidery and lace trim . . . the heaviness of the old cottons, the sheerness of some of the fine linens…the colors in the old quilts.
This tablecloth has tiny appliqués of flowers and butterflies all over it, sewn with the tiniest of stitches. As I fold these linens, I 
remember the parties where I used them, and think about the good ju-ju they will bring to the lucky person who gets them next. Letting go, while reveling in the memories.♥️ Joe brings in a box from the barn marked “Yard Sale” ~ I open it and say, “OMG, I forgot all about this!!”
These wonderful old books have decorated our tables at lots of dinner parties!
Vintage tea pots, pin cushions, sewing baskets with their strange vintage contents from a bygone era (irresistible, I have four, three for the yard sale, one for me!), books, dishes, throw pillows, cups, rugs, baskets, 
kitchenware, dish towels, furniture, garden things ~ Joe’s in charge of tools and man stuff . . . Like native Americans I believe everything has a soul and a destiny and that these things deserve to escape the cardboard box, the dark cupboard, the messy barn, to run free and be useful. My girlfriend Margot likes to anthropomorphize her things, she says it makes it easier to say goodbye ~ I laughed so hard with her on the phone when she said, “Run little pie plate, run!” And FYI: I did try to do a yard sale in my webstore, but it 
takes so long to measure everything (laying tablecloths and linen towels out on the dining room floor to measure them ~ Jack positions himself in the middle!), take pictures, front, back, sides, and bottom, write a description for each item, upload and send pics to Kellee so she can put them up on the website ~ and time is the one thing I’m running out of … although we did get a few things up, and I am saving others, things that are so good, they should go to you . . . which I’ll get to after this imminent looming event is over!
Yard sales . . . we have everything for PLM, People Like Me, people with . . .
But the world does not stop for a Yard Sale! Yes, I’m telling you the truth! It does not!
New things have come in! A new dream charm! Filled with blue skies, fluffy white clouds and rainbows! Perfect timing for our world right now.
It has “Go. Be. Love.” engraved on it . . . Kellee put it up in the webstore a couple of weeks ago!
This too, Janie made us a new Courage banner . . . with the most darling gift envelope.
Can there ever be too much of this? Never! Even the good things require it! Janie also made us beach banners! A Secret Notes are back! All Here.
And LOOK, the samples arrived!!! One of each of the new cups was sent from England, so I can approve the final color! I’ve been drinking out of them! I love them! Here’s “Blessed” (the other two items in this photo are not part of the arrivals!).
And here’s “Rabbit-Rabbit” … I am thrilled with them ~ the only change I requested was to make the dark lines around the bunnies slightly lighter … I also asked them to lighten up a bit around their “toes” … I want them to look pink!
But look how cute “Rabbit-Rabbit” is with the rest of the “collection!” We needed a cup with a pink background!
And the last one is Winter! I did a reprint because so many of you asked . . . one of my prettiest cups, and smaller than the other two as you can see in the photo below.
Here are the “backs” of each cup … which I try to make as pretty as the “fronts” so no matter which hand you drink with, you are happy!💞
And here are the handles . . . the “Blessed” cup is a little hard to read in this photo, it says “My favorite prayer is Thank you.”
And the bottoms . . .
Ta-daaaa! Kellee just put them up for presale … go HERE! They should arrive from England the end of September or the first of October . . . you know they are special order and limited in number . . . I have to tell them soon how many to make … I think I know, but I just want to make sure you all get one if you want one!
But right now, for even more fun . . . how about a give-away?
I have three prizes for you today . . . one Fourth of July cup… (it’s out of stock, this is an extra I found in the cupboard!)
And to celebrate this amazing spring, despite the fact that yesterday was the FIRST day of SUMMER! ~ two “Spring cups.” To be entered, just leave a message in “comments” down at the bottom of this post, you’ll see tiny letters and at the end of the words, click on “comments” and voila! We’ll have a drawing in a little while and announce the winner here, but for now, you are ALL winners, so enjoy!
I told you it was all good news! And now, what many of you have been waiting for ~ NEWS about the England trip!
Joe and I went out to lunch and did our favorite thing … brought our books and talked about our trip to England next year 
. . . I wanted to figure out really special tours for all of you who might wish to take one when you arrive, tours that would make you feel as if you were walking through my book A Fine Romance. And, I wanted you all to be able to come to the PICNIC we planned! You know we found a great travel agency, one that does tours for 15 or less people, and takes care of EVERYTHING, so you don’t have to worry about ANYTHING! Between us we worked out 3 different tours, each of them lasting 8 days, all wonderful places Joe and I have been to … your biggest problem is to choose just one! These tours are a win-win-win! They all end up in London, where you can either go home, stay for a few more days, or join another tour! And, on the last day, before you go to London, all the buses come back to the most beautiful park I’ve ever seen, called Stourhead, where, after our time on the ship together, and then time on each of the tours, we will meet back up with stories to share! Is that good or what?!
So here are the basics: but first, mas MUSICA!
The Queen Mary sails from New York harbor May 1, 2022. We will arrive in Southampton on May 8th. People who choose to go on a tour will be picked up at the ship ~ and off they will go for a week of fun in the English Countryside. I can’t wait until you see the itineraries! They’ve kept me in dreamland for the last few weeks! Different clothes, but nothing else has changed!
So far, 98 staterooms, filled with US! Kindred spirits! have been booked!👏 Isn’t that wild? The ship is almost sold out! If you try to make reservations and are thwarted in any way, ask to be put on the wait list. I’m told that many people will cancel at the end of the year (everyone has up until Dec. 31 to cancel for a full 
refund), so there’s a good chance you’ll get a reservation.
To sign up for the ship crossing, contact Susan Gannon at 800-468-7752 x41663 or Cunard reservations 800-728-6273 ~ tell them you’re with Group #TNM (USA) or, #TN3 (Canada), Voyage M211, with the “Susan Branch Girlfriend Group.” They handle the ship questions, but have nothing to do with the tours… fyi.
To see photos of the ship, go HERE.
I have lots of on-board fun planned … but it’s a little early for full confirmations for some things, I’m waiting until closer to the time to make sure! I’ll be talking about this for the next year! The best part, is that we will all have each other, kindred spirits!
Our Picnic will be in the world famous garden at Stourhead, Sunday, May 15, at approximately 12:30 pm… on a beautiful lawn in front of the grass bridge like you see below . . . it’s one of our 
favorite places in England, pure magic, where we had our very first picnic! You are all invited. And that includes EVERYONE, that means you, Brits, and you over there in Norway, and YOU, out there in Spain! ALL our Girlfriends, everywhere! We’ll be waiting there for you on May 15th, 2022, at 12:30 pm, join us if you can! If you’ve elected to take a tour, the buses will stop so you can get a picnic lunch, and they will bring everyone back that day! The rest of you are on your own, but England makes travel VERY easy, as I’m about to show you.
FYI on the tours, you are all welcome to join any of the tours ~ you don’t have to take the ship … you can fly over if you like, you just have to get to Southampton to meet the bus! Talk to Kelsey, as mentioned below. (FYI, speaking of below, that’s Sissinghurst White Garden!)
To see the different tours: Go to www.discovereuropeltd.com/susan-branch print them out and read through them, you can check out most of the places in my book 
if you like, … and then call Kelsey Matson and her coworker at Discover Europe LTD with your questions ~ they handle everything having to do with tours (but not the ship). Call Kelsey from 9 to 5 EST, M-F, at 866-563-7077. FYI, they have almost the exact same cancellation program as Cunard ~ for a full refund you must cancel by January 1. So that gives everyone time to try this all on for size! For any of you that may want a longer tour, maybe go to Scotland, or go up to the Lake District, just let Kelsey know. She can arrange pretty much anything as long as there are enough of you to warrant the trip. You can work it out between yourselves on my Facebook page! And remember, we are a large group. We have a year to get this done, so in case she doesn’t get back to you immediately, I promise, she is wonderful and she will!
And, for you who you get off the ship but don’t wish to go on a tour? What to do, what to do? The options are basically endless. There are buses and trains to London, you can hire a private car, you can go with a group. Talk to others on my Facebook page, and perhaps put something together there. Everything you want to know is available in the Google machine.
If you feel comfortable driving and wish to do so, you’re fine, you can rent a car in Southampton. And for those of you who’d rather have a driver, there are many choices. There are cabs at 
the ship in Southampton, they can take you to a bus, or train, or you can arrange for a car to pick you up and take you to London (it’s only 1 hr. 42 min) where you won’t need a car, because they have cabs and the Underground! Totally civilized. They even speak a language that’s very much like English! Extremely handy! You can get a city map and do the MUST SEE things like Westminster Abbey. You can get on a red double decker bus and see the city. There are airport transfers from your hotel to the airport for your flight home. And London is where many day-trips originate, which take you everywhere, from Bath, to Sissinghurst, to Oxford! Just Google!
Hi Susan,
I love that your friends bought you a plant in honor of your mother. What a lovely idea. I’m definitely going to start doing that. So thoughtful!
-Kathleen
You plant it, you forget, the seasons change, and there it is, a surprise, a memory. Warming the cockles of your heart. ♥️
I love seeing the paths you use on your daily walks…what a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing with us!!!
I have 4 mugs and love them all!
Love seeing Jack on the ironing board, such a cute little guy! And hearing about your trips, the train ride to see family and then the cruise! Wow, so exciting. Your garden is going to be gorgeous bursting with all of those dahlia’s. Can’t wait to see! Would love your precious give away! It would be a lovely start to a new collection! I’m a new reader and learning more each post you do. Thank you for helping us see the joy in the world around us. Jan in MA
Thank you Susan! Wonderful blog. The trip sounds wonderful. How blessed are you?
Please consider bringing back the Autumn cup. I have all three seasons, but didn’t order Autumn, in time, they sold out fast! I love my cups and use them in the correct season. LOL!
Have a wonderful summer!
I’ll do that K K K Katie! xoxo😁♥️
Hoping to win the drawing. Love, love the flower photos!!!
Susan, it was wonderful to read an update from you today! Can’t wait to see how the dahlias come up! So exciting! Love the mugs, beautiful! Makes my heart happy to read your blog!!!
Lovely , lovely. Feeling your garden joy and am a longtime fan of your books and paintings. Hugs, Ellen
Thank you, Susan! Another fun blog to savor — always a treat to see in my inbox!
I was all set to wash the supper dishes and crawl in bed after ( temps going down to 43 unbelievable degrees tonight) to enjoy the cold… UNTIL I saw your post “new blog up”! Changed into p.j.’s, stacked dishes (orderly) and now in blog Heaven after reading yours ! Thank you, Susan Branch, for keeping our heads above water through the “dam-panic” and your own personal loss. Im so excited to go with you on the cruise and Im not even physically going. What you give us all should return to you 100 fold. And Joe for sharing you with us all.
Goodnight and may all your beautiful cups overflow with JOY!!!!
❌⭕️❌⭕️😘
Happy Summer Susan! Such an upbeat and lovely news. The flowers and dahlia garden is super special. Your cups are Devine.
Isn’t it lovely to look at things anew and be grateful? I sure wish I could be attending your sale. It looks amazing.
Stay well and enjoy the summer. Xo
I have enjoyed reading every moment of your blog. Most of all was Jack looking at you so intensely. I laughed because he almost rolled off the ironing board. I had a kitty once. He was so adorable and would make me laugh all the time. So loving these little critter are. Glad you are able to get out and about places and do things. Can’t wait to read your next blog. Tu da Lu.
I love the new cups! They are beautiful. Your garden is lovely, especially the peonies.
Oh what fun it is to go to my email & have mail from you, Susan! I cannot make the trip, but enjoy experiencing it through your eyes. Bless you!
There is always room for one more in my SB mug collection. So I’ll be purchasing “Winter” but secretly hoping to win one as well! Thanks for doing all that legwork for the Girlfriends trip. Secretly hoping I can make that work out too! Looking forward to pictures of the blooming dahlias.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for all the sunny news. We are just starting to enjoy our peonies here in the North. Also, waiting for dahlias, sunflowers, sweet peas and poppies. Hope !
The new mugs are beautiful.
Stay well…🇨🇦…Marnie
Please enter my name in the drawing. You are so kind!
What a cheerful, pick-me-up your blog was today. I am in love with the new cups. Will my husband notice another cup crowding our tea and coffee cupboard?? Jack always makes me smile, so much like our kitties. The cruise and tours sound so wonderful, but, alas, I won’t be able to go. I’ll follow along though and enjoy what you’re enjoying.
Hi Susan!
Garage sale-ing is such fun! I do wish I could attend yours. What fun treasures one could find! I love discovering vintage linens and doilies- especially embroidery! And, like others have mentioned, it is so fun to see your clean linens all aflutter on your clothesline. Have a fun day! And, thank you for the beautiful pictures and stories that you share with us! xoxoxo Linda
Oh, and on the topic of old linens, I wanted to add that I clean linens by first soaking in distilled water. This pulls a lot of the built up and dirt out of the fabrics, and then I treat any left over stains in a gentle manner, such as with the lemon juice and salt trick with lots of sunshine on the clothesline. The fabrics seem to stay much softer and healthier with this method, and, hopefully, I can prolong their life and my enjoyment of them!- ha ha!
I’m so thrilled to see the Rabbit-Rabbit cup! My 7-year-old has adored bunnies madly since age 3. We can’t have pets, but I indulge him in it (bunny *everything*) until the world pokes a hole in his balloon — which I hope it never does, but….. I will pre-order your cup as his Christmas present (just missing his birthday the third week of September!). Happy June, July, and summer, to you, dear Susan!
🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰👏🤣
Susan, We too are coming out of our cocoon. What a glorious feeling!
My Mom passed two years ago, followed by my only sibling ten months later. Then Covid happened. I’m only beginning to rally. Your charming blog always pulls me forward -reminding me of all the wonderful things to find if we remember to look.
Thank you, Susan!
Very difficult. Just keep getting out, it will pull you up. I’m so sorry. Sending much love.😢💞💞
What a busy girl you are!!! Cleaning and how fun to repurpose treasures. I am sure the new owners will love and use your finds. I would like to be able to shop your garage sale!!! It is a little bit of a travel for me!! Your garden is lovely! Some of my favorite flowers. Missing our Moms is an everyday event shared by many of the girlfreinds! Ever so often I see my hands doing something and think that looks like Mom’s hands. The missing of our Mom’s and Dad’s never goes away. I guess that is undying love. Are you having an event when you come to California, and are you going to visit your office in AG? Have a great summer!!!
We don’t have a CA plan yet, so busy getting the Family Reunion together ~ it’s too bad we don’t have the Apple Farm anymore! I’ll have to think!
Oh,Susan! I love your Fourth of July cup! How have I missed it?
Thank you for sharing your beautiful flower garden with us! We all anticipate seeing your dahlias. Joe is the best at making your garden a dream come true!
I, also, agree that your kitchen window ledge is the perfect place to display all of your “treasures”! Thank you for sharing your life with us! Happy lazy, hazy days of summer! Love from Texas, Carol
Dear Susan,
I had a thought and maybe you already have had a similar thought that all of us on the ship should have a pendant, a brooch, a pin so that we will know each other when we see the special signal. Have you already thought of this and are planning on creating one we can purchase before next May?
Thank you,
~patty
I have been thinking of that, and have a plan … 💞 We need a little visual!
Dear Susan,
I had a thought and maybe you already have had a similar thought that all of us on the ship should have a pendant, a brooch, a pin so that we will know each other when we see the special signal. Have you already thought of this and are planning on creating one we can purchase before next May?
Thank you,
Patty
As always, your blog brings smiles! Thank you! My Just Joey was gorgeoous on it’s first bloom. It flowers were a good six inches across!
You’re still in California Mary? Just Joey’s LOVE California! Aren’t they the perfect rose?
Hi Susan,
So sorry about your mom. I too lost my mom a few years ago and still miss her dearly. I recently published a children’s book about my mom, aunt, and their pet cow. It makes me happy to know that my mom read it before she passed. My aunt is still living at 93. Such good memories.
So much good news! I love your blogs and this one kept me smiling. Jack especially. I am excited about the new cups too, and have pre ordered one of each. I would love to add the 4th of July cup , but will have to leave that one to luck.
Unfortunately I can’t take advantage of the trip and tours that are being planned, but I will just read A Fine Romance again and take a virtual book tour of all the beautiful places you will be revisiting.
Life is free again and full of hope and promise. Have a wonderful Martha’s Vineyard summer and a great yard sale. Many blessings girlfriend!
❌⭕️
Your book sounds darling, Nancy! Is your book available online?
Love reading your blog..always uplifting and fun!..boy that trip sounds just amazing. Would love to go, but would also love your beautiful mugs!
So looking forward to talking 2 of my best friends on going on your trip to England. We had originally planned to go 2 years ago. I’m praying that it works out for all three of us to book a place on the cruise and take one of the tours. I love the cups, especially the BLESSED one. Thanks for letting me join your blog. I have bought your calendars for years and I love your book: A FINE ROMANCE!!!
Ohhh, I hope you can all make it! Nothing like a road trip (ocean voyage) with girlfriends! xoxo
Thank you for the lovely uplifting blog post, just returned from a wonderful girlfriends trip to wine country in Washington and your post was in my inbox. So wonderful to be out doing things again.
I have just finished reading your last two books and have just started the on the first one! I know it’s a bit backwards but I’m enjoying every minute of it. I’m new to your blog but not to your illustrations which I have enjoyed for a long time. I was sorry to read that your Mom had passed and was actually brought to tears because my Mom passed in January from the covid. We share a birth year and a love for England 🇬🇧 I am so happy to be part of your world even if it’s fantasy for me!
I wrote them backwards, so I think you’re doing it just right! I’m so sorry you lost your mom… it’s like nothing ever in life. But time does soften the blow a bit. And beautiful thoughts of your days together. xoxoxoxo
Oh, your lovely letters and thoughts! It’s always a joy to read. And it’s true! The flowers were amazing here this year, too! Greetings and all good wishes from the Cali central coast!
Happy Summer,
Melinda
I always love seeing a new blog post from you waiting for me when I check my email. I do go and grab a cup of tea as you suggest, and sip it while I read your news and look at your beautiful photos. I hope that soon maybe I can win one of those gorgeous mugs and be drinking from it as I read an upcoming Susan Branch blog post?! Anyway, thanks for spreading your joy, and good luck with your yard sale. I love yard sales. Please give us an update on how it went.
I will, I try and take pictures if it’s not too crazy!
A perfect day to receive your newsletter. Your cups are so cheery! I must have one but can’t decide which is my favorite.
If you get more than one, this will be the problem every day of your life from then on. I have that decision to make every morning!🤣
Your photographs from your garden are exquisite. No wonder they draw you to them with your camera ready and oh so, photographic Jack flitting his love to you! Kudos to Joe on planting all the dahlias. I imagine they will be blooming to welcome you home from England.
Oh Susan, I’ve never wanted to win anything more than I would love to win your spring cup! It’s my favorite of all your cups and exactly how I feel about spring, my favorite season. Unfortunately when they came out, my mom thought she had bought it for me for my birthday so I didn’t buy it but then it turned out she hadn’t and when I went to buy it they were gone 🙁 I am praying to win but if I don’t, please reissue them like you did winter! Maybe you could do the whole season series again!
I’m thinking of doing that!
Perfect to see another delightful blog in my mail.
Dear Susan – your enthusiasm and joy are so infectious (in a GOOD way!) I love the quotes you’ve chosen, and your peonies are so gorgeous. My husband and I bought a lovely home in 2016 that the previous owners had planted with beautiful old roses, crab apple trees, spirea, Japanese barberry, day lilies, and of course, Nature planted such wonderful wildflowers and berries for us! Sure wish I could be there next year for the fantastic England trip. Wishing you a joyful summer! Sincerely, Kelly
I think that’s the trick when house hunting… look for a house where people loved the garden!👏😁💞
It was such a joy to find a newsletter waiting for me tonight. I don’t think I could pick out a favorite part…I loved it all!!! Thank you so much for all you share with us.
1st visit to the Vineyard this very weekend. Just bought my first Subaru Forester 2 months ago (a whole culture if it’s own) AND my initials are GB!! I know you probably don’t want to advertise your address but was wondering how to find the barn sale?
Watch the local papers … it’s in Vineyard Haven… see you there!
Hi Susan: I share your happiness that we are now free to roam. But it’s difficult to find a new routine and people tell me I’m quieter and not as outgoing as I was before the pandemic. Working on that but just trying to put my thoughts into words on paper is hard now. Your chatty newsletters and posts on social media give me hope that I can bounce back too. Thank you!
I found that too, sort of a slow comeback, but daily, just doing regular things, it’s better. Push yourself a little to be with people ~ getting better seems to be sort of cumulative. Like climbing out of a hole to the light airy day. xoxoxo
Dear Susan … ((HUGS)) and Alo-ha-ha…I sense you’re back .. and your post has uplifted me as usual .. Xo Evie in San Diego🌸💗🌸
I’d do ANYTHING, ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING for that beautiful July 4th cup!!! I’ve been waiting, watching and pleading for a possible second run! Oh how I would squeal with delight if I could get my hands on one!!
Realizing now I need to make more! It takes four months for them to get to the US after I send in the designs, so it won’t be for THIS 4th! But I’ll do it!
Reading this made me smile. I am so hopeful for days with more smiles than worries. I am so excited to see your dahlia garden. My birds and blooms have been a very welcomed distraction this spring and continue to delight when I walk around the garden to take roll call. Wishing I could come to the yard sale and smell the linens fresh off the line. 🥰
All good news indeed! May there never be anything but good news from now on!
👍
Reading your blog is such a beautiful thing. I see everything through your eyes-what a wonderful gift.
Hi Susan.
My dear friend and I signed up right away for the cruise. So excited! We see the 3 tour options and are wondering if any Beatrix Potter sites are included or nearby? I might have read the descriptions too quickly, but was just double checking.
Cheers from California!
Carol
The three tours are all wonderful, with places we just LOVED, but unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, they still leave a whole lot of England to explore. I just didn’t want to make people drive long distances, wanted them to spend their time SEEING things up close, not from a bus window. And Hill Top is a little far away, so is York, and Cornwall … BUT, Kelsey WILL arrange a trip for you to any of those places if others want to go. I put a link to my Facebook page where you can connect with fellow travelers and make it happen… ♥️
I live in an apartment so no garden or linens on the line for me. Your lovely photos bring those things back to me. Thank you.
It is fantastic that you take us along on your travels by train and by ship. It means more to me than I can say.
I also love old linens, and after reading this, I’ve decided many of mine need to be out of the drawers and now let someone new enjoy them. So that will be my next project. Thank you Susan for giving me the ‘push’ to let go of some of my old treasures.
So good to get your mail! Got my fingers crossed for one of those mugs! Looking forward to following your travel reports (and all the planning).
Wish I lived near you for the yard sale. I love vintage linens and have been collecting them for years. I, too, however, need to lower my collection. I hope you and the other girls enjoy the England trip. It sounds so dreamy and such a reprieve from everyday life. Best to you and Joe. Cate
A post from you is always something to look forward to reading. I wish I could join you on your journey across the pond next year but I’ll be with you in spirit.
Thank you for always accentuating the positive in life!
A great newsletter! It is nice to see that you are feeling better and enjoying life! Have a wonderful summer!
Hi Susan! So glad life is improving! Do you have any girlfriend events on the West Coast in the works while you and Joe are visiting?
Nothing planned yet, but maybe. Sad we no longer have the Apple Farm!
oh, dearest Susan! how wonderful to have this visit with you as i trundle off to bed. a complete joy, as usual! and…even…a RAINBOW…in your new bead! you see, when i need/ask for a “sign” that sumthin-sumthin will be “ok”…i ask for & receive a RAINBOW! need not be in the sky…as just now…you gave it to me! thank you! oh! thank you!! i really needed this one! so happy-making is this visit…i may not be able to sleep…but, that’s quite ok! i look forward to you voyage to England…can’t come with…but, i’ll “come with” in heart. take care. keep well. all love & thanks to you…for being you! wear your Subaru in good health…you’ll LOVE it!
That’s the road ahead, all rainbows Chris! xoxo
Your newsletters are such a delight. With each one I feel I’ve received a long, newsy handwritten letter from a dear friend. Thank you for writing such wonderful and uplifting newsletters.
I always enjoy reading your blog! Susan
Hello Susan,
Loved this cheery post today! I had to smile thinking of you preparing your yard sale goodies with such care, just as if you were keeping them for yourself. I’m sure you will sell out early. Enjoy the process and the fun of “sale day!”
Kristi
It’s going to be fun!
Thank you for the uplifting blog. Your garden is beautiful! All that hard work pays off with so many beautiful flowers. Susan, I would love to come to your yard sale. Are you inviting people to attend? If so, could you tell us your address? I know it’s Vineyard Haven but I forgot exactly where. You had mentioned it in another blog a few years ago. I live in Framingham and I plan to take the ferry over and hopefully get lodging on the island. I had planned to go to your last yard sale, but unfortunately, you had broken your wrist at the time. Thanks again for always brightening my day. Donna
THIS is THAT yard sale! Finally doing it! Trying to do such a good job we never have to do it again! I’m not advertising our address online, but it will be in an ad in the local paper, and if you just come around Spring St around 9 am on Saturday, I think you’ll find it!
I’m not able this year, but someday, I’m going to travel from California, to the East Coast, and I’m going to time it be there for your amazing yard sale! I want to peek at your garden that Joe planted, but most of all, I would like to see Jack. I too, have a black and white kitty named Jack (plus a whole lot more that we’ve rescued/collected/saved from coyotes). I feel like I know (your) Jack on a personal basis. I love that he is allowed on the kitchen counters….
Spreading your sunshine is inspiring and infectious! Your flower garden photos (with sower Joe), beach walks, Jack flirting in his tux, decorative artistry, plans-plans-plans, and especially your lovely words and story-telling leave me wanting to hear, see, know, and experience more along with you! I, too, wish I could transport from the west coast to the east with the wave of a magic fairy godmother’s wand this coming weekend so I could make it to your yard sale. For now, I’ll just have to thank you for the beauty you create and share, especially to girlfriends like me who can never have enough Susan Branch in our lives!
Thank you, Susan, for lighting up my day with your wonderful post. Even though I won’t be going to England in person with you, I will be looking forward to hearing every bit of every day and enjoying it with you via the magic of computers. I know that we are going to have a great time!
Sharon
I always save your emails until the last thing I read for the day, for a time when all is quiet and I can sit down and savor the writing, artwork and happiness it brings.
I have always been sorry not to have seen your “WINTER MUG” when it
was available. I just absolutely love the snowy house and the bright cheer
of the red – even the smoke curling out of the chimney. That image has
a treasure trove of comfort and joy that just flows into you looking at it.
I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see that you had a new batch afoot!
I didn’t even finish reading your lovely and always anticipated blog – but ran
over to the shop to order one before this batch is gone. Thank you for
thinking of us, that so love your work, and had a few more made. How about considering that other mug that is so charming – with the “blue bird of happiness” on it?! If ever we could use that on our table it is after the
misery we are trying to wind our way out of. We all need to be our brother’s
(sister’s!) keeper – and take the vaccine for one another, as well as the whole
world. Just do it! Do it for love! Do it for gratitude that you are able to
even get it. I cannot even bear to think of all those suffering from the terrible loss of loved ones who would give absolutely anything , for them to
be alive now, to get the vaccine. Somehow we have to believe enough in one
another to just do this – as a symbol of love. Well, I have rambled on too
long, but Christmas and winter I think of as seasons of the Heart. I am
so thankful for your lovely spirit Susan, and all the expressions of cherishing
that you share. You carry your lamp of light brightly and we are all so very
much uplifted by it. From the bottom of my heart, may I say a most deeply
sincere, THANK YOU!
With all good wishes,
Elizabeth
Love “Seasons of the heart” … love to have it year round! I have reprinted the Blue Bird once, but I can be convinced to do it again if enough people still need one (the manufacturer requires a minimum order). Thank you for the kind words Elizabeth! ♥️
It’s the middle of the night here in NC, & I cannot sleep. I come to my computer & find YOU, Susan, waiting here to talk to me! What a wonderful post this is, full of happiness & flowers. I agree with you that this seems to be the most wonderful, beautiful spring I have ever seen! I’m so grateful we have survived the past year!! Sending you & Joe & Jack hugs. XXXOOO
SO EXCITED FOR ALL THE FLOWERS OF SUMMER IN MY GARDEN!
Happy Spring and Summer!!!!! I love the sparkling water and beach photos….wish I could be there too….lovely cups, and beautiful flowers…..someone recently gave us a plant that I did not know what it was, and I saw it in your photos….the foxglove!!!! Now I know…I planted it along with a bleeding heart plant that someone also gave us….I hope they will survive….they were given in honor of our son who passed away in January, after living with a brain injury for almost 20 years….we cared for him at home for the past 16 years….a most difficult time.. and loss…we love him so….but God is good and merciful, and we trust in His ways……..thank you for your most cheery and uplifting post!! Take care!!…..Donna, from Montana
😢 I’m so sorry Donna, that’s so difficult. Your bleeding heart should come back year after year, and every spring, when you get your spring surprise, your son will come so pleasantly to mind because you know he is with God. Sending love. xoxoxo
Thank you so much! Yes, we look forward to that….and are at peace knowing that he is with God….sending love your way….
I am so sorry for your loss. I will ask God to grant you peace in your hearts. Please know that all though we do not know each other, we share your sorrow. Hugs!
Thank you….that means so much to me….!
The weather certainly has been beautiful! My roses, peonies, and rhododendrons have looked amazing and today I saw a cala lily starting to bloom! How happy I would be to win one of your lovely China mugs! I own several already and I love them! Thanks for all you do for others, Susan!💙
Love your mugs, Susan. But mostly, I love your blog. Thanks for writing!
Love your posts and reading about the upcoming trip to England. Wishing I could go, but the timing is not right. I will enjoy reading about it from afar. Love the cups as I have several and given some to daughter and granddaughters. Wish me luck on the drawing.
Enjoyed seeing Jack’s pics. He looks so much like my cat Munchkin that saw me thru chemo back in 2010. Liked the quote by Gladys Taber as she has been a favorite author of mine since I was in high school and I’m now 76. So lovely to see and to read about good things, happy things. Blessings to you and yours💖
After a 90 degree day at a local lake with a mom and her 5 boys (ages 2 – 11), a teacher friend of mine, all the families, the kids playing together who had never met before, and not a mask in sight; I didn’t think this day could get any better. But then I checked my email tonight and you were there! Your delight at everything being perfectly wonderful just echoed this day on the opposite coast of this great land.
Jack is as handsomely silly as ever—he is one of a kind and it was SO good to see that dear face again! I wonder if he realizes how much we all love him!
Summer is here and how blessed we are!
Hello Susan,
As always, you bring an extra ray of sunshine to the day, when I see a new post! It’s early morning here, so I need to get groceries, before the stores are too crowded, but I (fast) read what you posted, am looking forward to reading it later, what a treat!
Sorry, I hadn’t commented on the earlier posts, but we’ve had a rough few weeks, when my Dad died in may ( on my birthday……) and then Tim and I got corona….Despite being vaccinated……I think we got off lightly, and we’re back to normal, being able to taste things again!
VERY excited to get the date for the picnic, wow!! How wonderful to have that to look forward to, can’t wait!!
I’ll keep this short, because I have a feeling you will get LOADS of comments to read…..
Good luck with the yard sale! Wish we could be there, with an empty suitcase haha!
Lots of love to you both ( and Jack)
Nicoline & the boys and Kitties
xxxx
Dear Nicoline, that is rough! You take care of yourself now… it’s important after so much stress. I’m so sorry about your dad… 😢 xoxo😘
I get excited when I see your blog in my email….such a treat! Keep them coming please.
I love your cups! So so cute! The trip plans sound wonderful! I will be following the itinerary from home so post a lot of pics! So glad life is beginning to return to more carefree days ! How we have learned to appreciate them ! Even the yard sale is a sign of normalcy! Yay! And yet bittersweet as so many have faced such loss. Prayers for healing and abiding joy to come swiftly.
Lots of pics, don’t worry Judy! xoxo
What a great update! I LOVE the cups and the image you included of the Queen! I have been writing to the British Royal family for years and I have so many wonderful replies from the Queen’s “Lady-in-Waiting!” You would love my hand-signed correspondence from HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and Sarah, Duchess of York! Your beautiful illustrations always brighten my day! Wishing you the best!!!
Yes, I would!😁
15th May 2022 at Stourhead – it’s a date! Great news. We visited for the autumn colours in 2019, Spring will be gorgeous! I caught a “golf buggy” to go around the gardens, which at the moment is only operating Monday to Friday, you can’t prebook, but things may change next year! The library inside the house is absolutely amazing if anyone gets time to visit that too. Google “stourhead” and you can view the website.
See you there!
Hi Susan! Your blog was a joy to read from start to finish as always. It is so wonderful that you are heading back to England once again..we love you here!!! In case you need another spot to stop I would love you and Joe to join us ( The Man and me) here in Buckinghamshire. Our house is called The Warren ( you will see why if you visit!) and also the home of The Cozy Club ( explain that later too…) The kettle is always boiling and I know we would have the best of times..many kindred spirits have flown in here over the years because of The Cozy Club. We all met at Hill Top …a dream come true for me. A quick pit stop or a longer linger anything would be special. It is so lovely to dream…❤️ love Chris xox
So sweet! Are you coming to our picnic Chris? … probably too early to know! But if you do, I’m going to ask a special favor of all our English girlfriends who come to the picnic. . . the Americans are not going to be able to cart around a tablecloth or something to sit on at the picnic … I’m hoping our English friends can bring extras!♥️ Love to hear more about the Cozy Club!
When my 2 favorite online worlds collide! A trip to the Cozy Club is on my bucket list. My other bucket list dream, the QM trip, is already happening. Life is good.
loving this happy post from an American/English girl since I got married in America but am a proud Brit xx 😉
Your garden is so lovely and well appointed!!🌷🌷🌷I have let all the trees and bushes grow completely out of control because it shades our house which faces the west. Gets mighty hot in the afternoon!! I need some bushes that flower and can stand the heat…..any ideas???
Hi Karen! Shasta daisies can stand the heat and come back every year … it depends which state you live in I think… dip into the Google machine!
Lovely, as always to hear from you just as summer begins! I can almost feel the summer breezes and smell all those gorgeous flowers in your pictures! Thank you for sharing all your good things with us! Here’s to a free & easy, warm & breezy summer! Can’t wait to see your Dahlias in full bloom! Love all the new cups! I want a collection like yours! <3
Your posts always bring a little more sunshine to my day. We are kindred spirits in the things that you collect. I would love to win one of your mugs! Thank you.
Sounds like it will be a fantastic trip and you and all the girls will have a great time.your mugs look wonderful especially the winter one I love the way you write and decorate your posts.so sorry about your mum but as I say while you think of them they are never gone.
Thank you for sharing all of the garden pictures! Your flowers are so beautiful. I needed the cheer only flowers can bring.
I get so much pleasure out of my old linens!! I top our “modern” sheets with freshly ironed vintage pillow cases that I coordinate by embroidery color with whatever quilt I have on the bed. I t makes to bed just lovely to get in at bedtime. So enjoyable to see how much you enjoy them also!
I just love getting a notification that a new blog has posted. Your pictures are beautiful and you are always so cheerful. Thank you!
I kick myself for not ordering that 4th of July mug every time I see it. It would be fantastic to win it. All the best until we hear from you again.
Thank you for sharing your life and talents with us. I fell in love with Dahlias when we visited Butchart Gardens several years ago, and I look forward to seeing yours in bloom.
Happy Summer!! I also cannot stop smiling from sheer happiness of being free to get out and do & see again!! Free to Roam!! :}
💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼 I know JUST how you feel!🤣
I love looking at all the itineraries for touring around England ~ thank you for sharing so much of your travel inspiration Susan, people are ready to go to NEW places again (and FAMILIAR places for reunions too – I am going to see all my family and friends in Washington state at the end of August, it will be so wonderful!) Keep sending the positivity Susan, we so appreciate your outlook and attitude – the Queen isn’t the only one who is a good role model in that regard 🙂
One thing the pandemic taught us is how short life is. How we just don’t know. And to get out there and smell the flowers! A VERY good lesson! ❌⭕️
So much wonderful info… so appreciate your blogs as they are always uplifting and inspirational!!
I would so love to go on the QM cruise, to see England.. I’ll need to wait a few more years but I can do this 😊
I lost my dad 3 years ago this December and I still speak to him and I hear his responses. from her. I love those cups and would dearly love to have one or three please 😊
The lovely thing is that inside our minds, we can do anything we want. And talking to our parents is a definite wonderful thing!♥️
Hi Susan,
I am fairly new here but just want to tell you how much I enjoy the email updates from you. I love finding a kindred spirit! Your letters are sunshine and coziness and I am so thankful for them!
I wish I was close enough to browse your yard sale! It looks like treasure!
Best wishes!
Welcome to the neighborhood Tonya… you’ll find LOTS of kindred spirits here!💞
What a difference a year makes! Love this post – so many lovely photos and plans!
First if all, I am so sorry for the loss if your mom. We are never ready to lose our parents. You were fortunate to have had yours for so long. I am dreaming of your upcoming tour. That would be the trip of a lifetime. I love the new mugs and bracelet charms. Moving over to shop now! Your garden is breathtaking. I love this time of year. Many hugs!
Hello, Susan! What lovely Spring-into-Summer news you have shared with all of us! I loved every photo and every EVERYTHING! Your dear Mom lives on in all
the wonderful things you do to make this world more beautiful and cozy. My late Mom used to call me “Dear Heart” so when I saw your new banner it tugged at
my heartstrings. Enjoy the yard sale this weekend and watching your garden
continue to grow!
Pam W
Such a lovely post! I, too, am sorting and selling some lovely, much loved things. It’s very nice to read how you are approaching this same endeavor! Your dahlias that are planted sound beautiful. They are such lovely flowers. And a new pink cup! Perfect!! 🙂
So happy when I see your blog in my email. I save it for when I’ve got the time to savor the beautiful pictures and your descriptions are spot on. I long for the time to be back on my beloved Island of MV. July is our special time. MV is our Happy Place! Have a wonderful trip to California! hug and kiss everyone!
I hope you come to Cambridge next year. There is so much to see here!
So much good news to share in one blog post is just fantastic!