Yes, these California storms were nothing less than astounding, as you may have seen in the news, with scary words like BOMB CYCLONE (still don’t know what that was, but now I know don’t want to know), and ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS … I now know what this is and wish I didn’t! But we are fine and nothing got wet but the grass . . . there’s Joe out there making sure we’re safe. Now we know why it’s all so spectacularly GREEN around here! So! Ready for a new Willard? Let’s GO!💝 MUSICA!
Guess what arrived this morning? YES!!! Through rivers of rain, life-threatening wind, flowing mud, and flooding canyons ~ the boxes I’ve been waiting for, all the way from England ~ inspired by real life, I dreamed them, and now they’re HERE! The new cups! They made it!
LOOK! Shiny bright new. . . just in time!
Box-loads of them! As always, first come first serve, if you preordered, the first shipment will be going out this afternoon . . . we’re trying our very best to get them to you in time for Valentine’s Day!🥰
And plenty of time for Patriot’s Day in April!
And, don’t forget, we also got more of this one ~ for everyone who missed it first time around! Special for the Anglophiles in your life. Celebrating the long productive life of Queen Elizabeth II, this 16-oz. Commemorative cup! Filled with one of my private blend teas, this one is the Fine Romance Tea, Earl Grey with Lavender, rose petals, honey and cream!💖 YUM! Be your own Valentine!💞
For Anglophiles like me. I couldn’t love it more!🇬🇧
And this little cutie too . . . the Happy Birthday cup, for the Birthday friends in your life, in the smaller 11 oz size! All three of them arrived today! Won’t be long now until they come to a mailbox near YOU! Thank you for your patience!!! If you have been waiting to order until they actually got here, you can go HERE to secure yours now!🥳
This is one of MY best gifts, Kellee, she’s DEFINITELY tied to MY heartstrings!💖
Joe and I drove up to see her and the new studio yesterday . . . it was wonderful to see how Kellee has arranged everything ~ she did such a good job! ~ moving is such a good thing, we’ve unearthed things we haven’t seen in 
YEARS … like this appliqued quilt I designed for a new fabric line (new at the time) called Tea Party that Kellee hung over our cutting table. Note teapot on top shelf of appliquéd cabinet, and then I put the whole fabric collection on the shelves! And bordered it all with bluebirds of happiness because happiness, history, stories, and comfort is what quilting is all about! These fabrics are long gone, but we still have the pattern for the quilt, in case you’d like it!
The Studio is just an old warehouse, mostly furnished with shelves and tons of books, puzzles, charms, cups, tea things, vintage things, stationery things … but it does have lots of windows, lots of light, and Kellee put down cozy rugs and made a perfect office for herself and a darling little kitchen where she hung our sailboat cups.
Is that YOUR Autumn book sitting on top there?💘
I loved wandering around, seeing the products, and promised Kellee I would design more cards and notepads . . .
I got to smell our new kitchen soaps in their little wooden holders … the Genius Soap is made with Tea Tree and peppermint to enhance alertness and focus! Cute for a blue kitchen, soft and soapy. The oatmeal is the same, no rough herbs to hurt your hands, lovely soapy smell. I use the lavender all the time, but now I get to try the two new ones! Kellee and I wandered around for a while, then we went next door with Joe and Joel (Joel is the man who just brought our shopping page into the 21st century! I hope you like it!) and ate delicious Mexican food (a good Mexican restaurant next door was a BIG selling point for this space!) and discussed what good news we’ll have for you the rest of this year!💖
It’s inspiring, being here, in all new surroundings, seeing old friends, being close to Trader Joe’s😂, having so many good 
memories, getting organized ~ even when it’s raining, it’s a feast for the senses. No problem if it rains, we have a lot to do ~ mostly going through files, drawers, closets, barn, storage rooms, cleaning, and getting everything into piles . . . speaking of finding things ~ I’ve discovered so many things here, a note from my mom, a hilarious letter from my sister, childhood photos of my grandma, an old set of cookbooks, a collection of old paintbrushes . . . and bits and pieces like this:
Old pieces of art I haven’t seen in years. Been so fun discovering them and remembering doing them. See the cards I blotted my paintbrush on? I saved them from my very first 
book, Heart of the Home ~ I couldn’t throw them away! As you can see, I’ve always been trying to learn to paint people . . . either from magazine pictures, or made up, or from real photos, that’s a pencil drawing of me and my two brothers as children on the right… and that’s a portrait of our friends, the Schwiers, above it. It looks like Peggy, but definitely not Bob (except for the hair) ~ which is why it’s still here! And you can see me practicing Martin Luther King Jr. before I put him in my 2000 wall calendar! I think I spot Vanna in the center of the page, in the sunglasses, next to the baby jumping out of the egg (which never made it into my Baby Love book). That painting above is an original, painted on d’Arches paper, not even signed yet, just sitting in a box, I don’t know why! I’ll have to think of something special to do with it!🤔
Check this out. The stick people of 1988 … I started getting excited about painting clothes, as you can see from some of the paintings on the floor . . . I still have the jacket and the 
headband, my sister has the pin ~ I wore that exact outfit to a movie premier my friend Jane (who worked for George Lucas) took us to in 1988. The movie was wonderful, called Tucker, a Man and his Dream. I never see that movie anywhere for some reason, but it was great. That outfit was much cuter when the ruffled skirt flipped around! The Yuppie guy in the painting (who is not Joe) ~ his brown saddle shoes, and starry suspenders, was all made up. Thank goodness because I didn’t leave a lot of room for brains in that tiny head! Hers either for that matter! 😂 
I couldn’t give them hardly anything to drink because their hands were too small to hold it! But one does not give up. One hides the imperfect art in a box for 20 or 30 years until one feels brave enough to show it so that all her friends know that things wanted, must be worked for.💖 I have like three paintings of stick people. It’s like a collection, my stick-people period.
I’m going to paint a little more on this and you’ll likely see her in a future calendar! She doesn’t look so bad! And her puffed sleeves are back in style! I was smart this time, I hid her hands!
You’ve already seen this on a calendar page about Creativity! The original stick person! I drew it in kindergarten. One of my first adventures in drawing people! Note that I am trying out the fat arm and fat leg vs the thin arm and thin leg…six fingers vs five. It’s all about trial and error! My mom put this in my baby book! Good strong representation for the belly button!
This was folded up inside my baby book too … It’s HUGE, almost 5′ tall framed ~ it’s poster paint on kraft paper, also painted in 
kindergarten. I forgot about it until Joe found in the back of a closet. The reason it’s so tall is because it’s “actual size.” My teacher, Miss Caldwell, had the whole class lay down on paper, and she traced around us, and then we got to paint ourselves! I was so excited to see it again. I had it hanging in my studio on the Vineyard at one time, but immediately it began to fade really fast . . . so I took it down and it’s been face-to-the-wall, hidden ever since.
Here it is … how it was, the only photo I have of it as it originally was … you see the colors? So I took a trip to the art store the other day and bought poster paints, children’s paint brushes, and fixative, and if I have the nerve, I think I will try and restore it! Something interesting to think I painted it when I was five, now again 71 years later! My eyes look more like that now than then, I’ve grown into them! But I’m way better at putting my lipstick on. Note that learning to paint people takes time!💞
Found this too … never used it … I wrote “No Time For Love?” in the early ’90s, because I was irritated by my answering machine😂 and couldn’t get a real person when I called a business😬!! Ahh, the innocent 90s. I thought I could see the future and I didn’t think I liked it. The words I wrote scream out for editing, but I still think I was right!😆 Only now it’s phones! Don’t even talk to me about drones! (You see lines going off that page? Those are misspellings or grammar that I needed to fix! But since it went nowhere but into a box, I didn’t bother.)
Back to art . . . This half-finished painting is another find . . . it was here too ~ I have no idea when I started it. It was completely drawn, but only about ⅓ of it was painted … I had painted the table ~ but everything on the table was only in pencil, and the chairs were white. Then, one of our first mornings here, I woke up inspired, thinking “Brown, those chairs should be brown!” Which, as you can see, I did, and I’ve been working on it ever since! I wob it.💕
Happy Anniversary to Joe and me!💞 February 6th was the 37th Anniversary of our first date! Here we are just a couple of weeks later at Holly Oak, my little house on Martha’s Vineyard that had quilts for curtains. Talk about gifts!💝 He’s how I know God loves me and wants me to be happy.💝
I’ve had such a good time with all these California discoveries, I think I’m going to leave a treasure hunt, complete with map, as a surprise for the new owners of this house! I’ve been thinking about it . . . like a time capsule, or something. I’ll tell you more about that in the next Willard . . . Until then, how would you like a chance to own an original watercolor painting, signed to you by me? For Valentines Day, I thought maybe my girlfriends would enjoy one of my “finds.” The one with the yellow kitty! Kitchen art if I’ve ever seen it!
“April in New England is like First Love,” which it is! The painting is almost 10″ x 10″, it isn’t framed, and it’s not signed, so I can put a TO and FROM on it (for whomever’s name is drawn) and sign it! I think, by the looks of it, I painted it at Holly Oak probably in the 1980s, when I was discovering first love (in more ways than one)! Just leave a comment, and you’ll be automatically entered. (To enter: Under the last words of this Willard, you’ll see a whole bunch of tiny printed words; the last one will be a number with the word “Comments” … click there!) Happy Valentine’s Day!
One more thing, I wanted to pass you a tiny Trader Joe’s tip … get the Trader Joe’s fresh-dried pasta in little nests, probably about 6 or 8 in a package (we ate them, I don’t have them in front of me!).🥰 Drop one or two of the little noodle nests in boiling water for just one minute, toss them in a peanut salad dressing (opt), and add them to any salad, spinach, Asian, it’s all good! Makes a person so happy to have noodles in her salad!🥳🥳🥳
One more quickie, hard to stop, did you love the Grammys? Tracy Chapman!😢 Joni Mitchell!😭 Everyone! All that creativity! Like us💞, creating our lives every day! We never know if we’re inspiring others, but it’s my dream that through us, dear girlfriends, when we’re a source of the joys that bring us happiness, we’ll pass that on, inspire others, and bring us all a more beautiful world.💝 Let’s reach a tipping point for goodness! ❌⭕️❌⭕️
I absolutely loved Tracey Chapman and Luke Combs. I thought he was very respectful of her. She sure has beautiful skin! I cried when Joni Mitchell sang…she was wonderful and still has “IT”.
Hello! The Grammys were the best. And Joni Mitchell! Loved it. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!!!
I get so excited when I see you post a new Willard! I feel like I have known you for years, we are exploring, laughing and petting the cats. Thank you, it’s a pleasure to know you❤️
Thanks for the update from Arroyo Grande. Can’t wait to hear how the house selling is going!!
Love your Northern California fan Julie Child (not of the Julia Child fame)!
While I’m not doing a whole house like you I am redoing my sewing/craft room. It’s a total disaster right now but I too am finding old projects half finished and many fond memories. Thank for sharing your memories with us!
Happy Anniversary! Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy L❤️VE!
Always love your Willard’s! We are buried in snow from this storm & I’m dreaming of flowers & ordering flower seeds!
Happy Anniversary! Your art makes me happy.
Happy Anniversary, you two! Lookin’ good! I would love to see a line of notecards and greeting cards.
Susan Branch…..you make me happy! I am sitting in my easy chair reading this Willard with my tabby kitty in my lap. The purring is wonderful. You would approve! Thank you for all you do to make our world brighter!
Love, love, love your beautiful blogs, Susan! They take me to such Happy Places and I feel like I’m right there with you. Thank you for sharing your writing and creative arts talents with us all – you make such a difference in so many lives.
Happy Valentines Day!
Love this Willard and seeing all the wonderful found treasures you had not taken to Martha’s Vineyard with you. Have just the place in my kitchen for that painting. Good luck to me! Hugs to you for the joy you add to my life! Thank you.
Wow. So cool that you’re finding all these wonderful treasures. It will be a bittersweet day when you walk out for the last time. I can relate. My husband and I downsized after living in our sweet cape cod of 42 years. But you take your memories with you, so you never really leave. Happy Anniversary. We just celebrated our 51st! You are such a joy and inspiration to me Susan. I feel like a kindred spirit. I discovered you many years ago, and love everything you do, everything you write about. You are truly an American treasure, and I am so fortunate to have found you.
Susan, did you ever notice that there is “art” in HE”ART”?!
Happy Anniversary and Happy Valentines…and bless your heart❤
Thank you Susan for another great Willard. I have followed you for years and always enjoyed all your posts about decorating, recipes, flowers, travel, home and family, and kitties! I have so many of your books and love them all! Will always be a faithful follower ❤️💕🥰
Happy anniversary to you kiddo’s. Enjoyed reading about your long forgotten treasures. We just celebrated our 61st anniversary on Feb 2 groundhogs day. Hope the rain doesn’t dampen your spirits.
Thank you Susan for another great Willard. One of the highlights of my life was when my daughter and I visited Martha’s Vineyard and we got to stand across the street from the front of your home and take a picture! I couldn’t believe it that I was really there after following you for so many years!! We loved it❤️💕🥰
Susan, I loved 💖seeing your precious early art. The self-portrait is so unique. That belly button boy is a scream. What a fun way to measure your progress. 😊 Thank you for sharing your private stash with everyone. I adore the brown chair drawing 👍 as well as the yellow kitty one. 🏆 Happy Anniversary🥂 and Happy Valentine’s Day. 💕 You are living a great story!
Very sweet paintings……nice that you found an unfinished one and are inspired to work on it. I love it….it’s adorable! Really enjoying the new Willard’s. Thanks for helping us find joy with your words and photos…..💕💕💕
Thank you for sharing so many beautiful things with us gfs!
I would LOVE an original Susan Branch❣️. I first heard of you in that late 80s when a special friend of mine, who often had to go to the Vineyard for her job, gave me your first cookbook. I even wrote you a letter back then! Snail mail, now practically a thing of the past,
Best wishes cleaning and getting your house ready to sell!
Hi Susan, Your home in California is so beautiful, did you live there before moving to Martha’s Vineyard? When you mentioned ‘ kitchen art’ I thought that’s just what I need for the empty spot on the wall above my fridge! I could frame a picture from your previous calendars, which I always keep. Thank you for the inspiration as always! 💕Kathy
I was married before I moved to Martha’s Vineyard and did not live in this house. I wrote about running away from home in my books Fairy Tale Girl and Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams.💝
Dear Sweet Susan I can’t tell you how much I love reading you Willard’s. Thank you so much for writing them and sharing your world with me.
Happy Valentine’s Day xoxo
Happy Valentine’s Day to you two lovebirds!
I love the little art. The yellow kitty reminds me of my “Brioche” that went over the rainbow bridge in July.
Happy Anniversary Susan and Joe! ❤️
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!What a treat to uncover so much, and so many memories, from years before….Thanks for sharing …..!!! Enjoy !!!!….From a Happy Valentine!!!! Donna Valentine, from Montana
Such a fun time reading this Willard as you discovered all of your hidden treasures, and were telling us all the stories. Love your art and your way of expressing things! Would be thrilled to win the drawing of an original Susan Branch!
Fun to see the Central Coast, California on the blog! But what crazy weather! Happy the trip has been so good for you. And yes, the Grammy’s were amazing.
Happy rest of your time in AG!
Happy anniversaries of all things special. Very special times. Your finds in closets and cupboards is unearthing so many treasures. I love the self life-size painting. A true treasure.
Happy valentines day.
Linda
Thank you for writing Willard. I always look forward to reading the newest one. Happy Anniversary to you and Joe!
Thank you for all the years of JOY!
I love all your posts! All the best to you and your honey!❤️
Oh, Susan! Retracing steps can enrich our lives and you
have inspired this April Girl to do the same here in Virginia!
Much love! Hugs to you, Joe, staff, and girlfriends as you gather together
to create new steps!
💗💗💗Winette in Williamsburg (So glad I have the 250 cup coming!)
I so wish I could draw. I love seeing your creative process.
I’m an Anglophiles, too, and love my Queen Elizabeth II cup…. makes me feel a little more British. I have so enjoyed reading about all the treasures you’ve discovered. Finding your original stick man drawing and a self portrait done at the age of five… that is ridiculously fun and wonderful! You have been sharing your positive perspectives with us for many years now and I am so grateful for the reminders to see joy. Shine on Susan 😊
What a wonderful trip down memory lane. Thank you, Susan, for sharing your trip with me.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU AND JOE!
I love to find a new Willard in my email! So much happiness (even in the storms) in each issue. Happy Valentine’s Day, you lovebirds!
What an inspiring Willard! Both on art AND cleaning out.
Love reading your Willard’s, wishing you a Happy Anniversary, enjoy your celebrations🎉🍾❤️🥳
Hi Susan, I have all of your books, my favorite being A Fine Romance. I hope I win your painting!!! Happy Anniversary! Ours will be 49 years on the 15th.
Just loved the picture of the table and chairs. I can just imagine myself there drinking tea!
Hi Susan, I needed a bit of cheer today and you delivered, as always! Love the discoveries you are making, I remember doing the exact same project in Kindergarten or first grade, drawing a life size picture of myself. How I would love to see it now!! That is incredibly special!
All is well here near home, except we could use some sunshine, so send some of that if you can!! Love, Joan B., Orleans, MA
You two lovebirds are so sweet! I also discovered you in the early 90s and feel as if I’ve grown up having a very talented big sister! Just retired from teaching last year and am ready to join you on your next trip to England. Thanks for showing us your progress through these many years…inspired me to sign up for a drawing class! Keep safe and dry! With love and thanks. 💕
Your Willard’s are always a smile maker! Thank you for sharing your journeys with all of us!
This was so fun to read!
Willards do brighten the day, usually save them till the evening when I can relax and enjoy. Happy Valentine’s day and enjoy your treasures.
As always, i enjoy reading your posts. Please tell Vanna that I REALLY need that picture. I love ginger kitties. My very first cat was Tiger when I was about 7. I have fostered 7 gingers, Quigley, Quincy, Qwentin, Qwilleran, Hobbes, Short Tail, and Long Tail. All except Long Tail have found their “furrever” home. Side note: I’ve fostered about 60 cats/kittens who have all found loving homes. Happy Valentine’s day and safe travels when you head home.
Fingers crossed! I’d love to win that original!❤️
I really enjoyed today’s blog. Time is so precious and it seems like we do spend a lot of wasted time on the phone, waiting to talk to a real person. The love of my life passed away and now I’m grieving and wishing we had all the lost minutes that were wasted on the phone or in front of the TV. I am so grateful for the 40 years we had together and for you as well , Susan you bring joy and happiness to so many that you consider friends. Bless you.
Blessings Sue.😪 xoxoxo
Dear Susan, I forgot to order the desk pad calendar for myself. Did get one for my dear BFF though.i thought I could live without it! NOT. i just ordered it. My name is Patricia Louise just like your mom and the mom of my BFF. We met you in Grand Rapids MI
I do believe we were Both finding love at the same time!♥️♥️♥️ And those who are die hard romantics (🙋🏻♀️) always find the love story first!♥️
Great Willard! It must be such a journey through your life as you sort through everything at the California home. Very exciting to read about it as well. Glad you were spared any damage from the storms. Carry on with the discoveries, the sorting, the painting and more adventures!
Oh Susan…I would love to give a home to your wonderful painting….Hugs always!
Happy Valentines day! I loved seeing your kindergarten art work. Glad all of you made it through the rain ok.
Loved this trip through the past! Downsizing to move at almost 85 due to being left alone by 95 year old hubby…after 40 years together…he decided he did not want to “cope” with my “disorders”…so just wanted you to know all your books are going with me…wherever I end up. Your Willard brought a bright moment into my otherwise very down day. Please girls…keep me in your prayers.
Happy Anniversary and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe! Happy to learn that you weren’t affected too much by the storm. What fun you’re having searching all the nooks and crannies in the California house! We had that fun going through a home left to us. The new studio looks wonderful! So well-organized, something I’m addicted to. Good luck with the continued sorting and the eventual sale.
Susan – thank you so much for writing Willard and taking us along on your journeys! You always brighten my day. Happy Anniversary to you and Joe. Best to you both.
now that I’ve lived near a Trader Joes I’m not sure I could give it up! They sell the best gluten-free pasta I’ve ever had. When they first opened here, the person who checked me out advised me to try three new products every time I went to find my favorites, and that advice has served me well.
Happy Anniversary 🥂🍾❤️
Enjoy everything in California. Have good luck selling your house. 🏡
Happy Valentine’s Day, dear Susan! Thanks for bringing so much love into this world, which needs it so badly. Sending love to you and Joe, always! xoxo
Love the yellow tabby…A Gingy Cat……Would love this for my Birthday just before Valentine’s Day. Love Everything you do…all of it..and hope that you bring back some of your beautiful Cups…My Garden one is broken…Have a lovely time where you and with your new beginning.!!!
!
Happy Valentine’s Day … I have been a fan and follower for years…love everything about your art and Willard. Even got to see you in person in Southern California for a book signing, I also have a big collection of your wonderful books.
hugs, Maggie
Susan,
I just absolutely love you and all the goodness you bring to us with your words, memories you share and your beautiful art work. Have a happy day!
You created that picture when you were in kindergarten? Clearly your gifts in visual arts were evident even then. I am amazed with your attention to detail in your work even as a five-year-old. Your teacher should have put you in charge of the bulletin boards in the classroom. It would have been one less thing for her to do, and chances were good that you might have done a better job than her.
Thank you for the touch of joy on a February day 🫶
Thank you for being you. You inspire me
I’ve had a crazy, busy week, so just now read Willard. It’s Friday. Oh, well. One thing for sure; it never gets stale, so it’s just as much fun to now. I love all the fun discoveries you’ve made. I was really hoping, in the move, some of the mini vases/toothpick holders would be found. I loved mine so much. Always kept it on my kitchen windowsill, with flowers in it whenever possible. Then my granddaughter broke it beyond repair. I called the studio immediately and asked if you had any extras laying around, but no luck. I’ve had it on my wish list on ebay for a couple years. No luck there either. It makes me so sad, but I still love my granddaughter. Haha
Susan, you’re products I adore and simply have to have them. I so look forward to your blogs every month! ❤️
Happy Anniversary to both of you.
Susan, you absolutely make my day! I loved seeing all your delicious discoveries and it reminded me of a great quote (I love good quotes, too!) that I tend to live by — “the great thing about being untidy is that you’re always making interesting discoveries.” That’s probably not exact, but definitely sums up the spirit of the thing. I hope you and Joe have ceased the treasure hunt for at least a little while to celebrate your wonderful years together. I’m envious!
Nothing better than love:>). Love the early Sue and Joe picture and the current one even more. What a blessing of God’s Love to have each other. My prayer is that we would each have that chance once in our lives. Thanks for sharing with us and showing the way!
Time is definitely a valuable commodity! Practicing mindfulness in this happy moment in time, listening to musica, reading this happy post, drinking tea. ( typing one handed because of sleeping kitty on the other :). Happy Valentine’s Day.
Looking forward to my new cup to join the others. hehe
So glad you’re safe from all the rain and storms. Love seeing all the past treasures you’ve unearthed…I needed Willard this week. ♥️
Susan, your blogs are like rays of sunshine. At the present time I am nursing my 85 year old husband who has dementia and vertigo which requires full time care and just taking a few moments to read such positive and uplifting remarks from you is like good medicine to my soul. I am a CA girl who married a man from MD 59 years ago so watching you travel to my childhood state makes me very nostalgic. I have loved your books and continue to be amazed by the time and effort you put into making them masterpieces of art as well. Keep up your messages of hope and cheer!
Thanks for the most enjoyable Willard! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe.
The “No Time for Love” was great, Susan! Really, really liked it.
As a New England gal who has lived in FL for 17 years now, I would love to win your April in New England painting as there is so much about New England that I miss. We moved to FL from Sandwich (home of Titcomb’s bookstore!) and I thank you for allowing me to live vicariously in New England through your Willards. I also love the cat in the painting. I have a ginger cat, Cabot. He came with the name Cheddar (which did not suit him) so he is now Cabot after our favorite cheddar cheese from Cabot Creamery in VT.
A lifetime of memories rediscovered and more to come for you and Joe. Happy adventures to you both, Nancy
I love the cat in the NewEngland painting. It reminds me of my lovely cat, Sherbert. Great Picture
Happy Valentine’s and Happy Anniversary!! You have been an inspiration to me since the 1990’s and I am thrilled and thankful to literally be in touch with you! My orange tabby hopes that we win the drawing for his ‘likeness’ in the New England kitchen!! God Bless you abundantly, Anne and Pumpkin
We are a treasure hunt family and I love the idea of a treasure hunt for the new owners. “Rain makes the flowers bloom, with out it we would have nothing but gloom. The sun will find its way out of the clouds and warm our faces and hearts once again. ” This was a winter mantra my Gram Nelle would say as we sat and played gin rummy in the solarium or planted seeds in the greenhouse. February is magical, the days get longer and the birds get excited and begin to find their song. Happy Anniversary to you both!
Ah, that sweet drawing. The chair reminds me of one I had years gone by. But the kitty – the little marmalade guy – he was my Leo – my lap kitty – my buddy who shared his life with me for 16 years. Still miss him. Thinking of you and your rain – here in Portland, Oregon, we are still recovering from horrific wind/rain/ice storm and loss of power. We lost trees – but were lucky – many others were not with fallen trees on their houses and vehicles.
My mom introduced my sister and I to the Susan Branch world. She got us calendars every year! We all got each other mugs and drank tea.We would discuss the Willard’s, try the recipes, and watch the movies. I’ve listened to a number of the books you recommended. In the middle of her 6 year battle with lung cancer we vacationed at Martha’s vineyard, stayed at the Crocker Inn. Jynell and Jeff went above and beyond. Mom had a procedure & stroke so we cancelled the trip but she miraculously recovered so we’re rebooked. The vacation date gave here a goal her to push her recovery. We made it! Walker and all! Mom ran to the arms of Jesus this week. Our Susan Branch memories are so precious. God bless you! And Joe! Thank you for the joy you share, the memories it creates, and bringing hearts together.
Wow! A trip down memory lane! LOVE it! That is on our to-do list this summer when the weather is better (not too cold and wet, not too hot and sweaty). Sort our boxes and organize the storage. Kind of scary to think about right now. Love the fun times! Glad you survived the storms!
Hope the rain clears up for you. I never watch award shows anymore but I did look up the Fast Car duet video and loved it! Tracy looked beautiful and she and Luke sounded wonderful together!
Reading your Willards is one of my self care activities. Inspiring and always enjoyable. Thank you!
This Willard felt like a bonus. Enjoy some beautiful and face warming sun after all the rain.
I so love reading your Willards… I am immersed into your world, and it always makes me smile! It kinda makes me sad that you’re selling your CA house, it looks lovely and like such a wonderful place for a studio and getaway!
I would love to be the recipient of your beautiful painting, as it is perfect for my craft room!! I am here most of the day, so I would love to look at that, to help me get my creative juices flowing!!
~Shannon
Susan, I’ve been purging lately too, and am loving all the pictures, letters, momentos etc. It really is like a treasure hunt. I live that picture with the table that you are coloring. So sweet!
Happy St. Valentine’s Day to a true kindred spirit❣️ Nancy
Please put me in your drawing for your drawing. Thanks, Debby
California so needs the water we received in these storms! Just hate seeing anyone get damage. Fun memories! thanks for sharing
So many lovely discoveries!! Isn’t it fun to sort through closets and draw that have been neglected for years? Thanks for sharing!! XOXO
Your new post made me laugh out load a few times. So fun and newsy. And the kitty art giveaway! Looks just like my daughter’s cat, Andrew. Aren’t kitties the best?
Dear Susan & Joe,
I see we are all at that “go through it” time in our lives. 🙂 It is a chore…(especially if you haven’t moved…lol)..but a lot of fun looking back and remembering so many memories, folks, events and just life. Jess and I just had our 48th Anniversary (Nov 22, 1975)…Wow that went by fast) You mentioned the Grammy’s and Joni Mitchell. Gosh her album Court and Spark (1974) was one of the first albums I ever purchased, and “Help Me I think I’m falling in Love with You” was our song…..sigh…I still listen to that album. On another note….After our wonderful experience 2, yes it’s been 2 years ago that we all crossed on the Queen Mary 2….my daughter Staci and I are heading back to Scotland/England. We choose to skip driving and sail on the new Queen Anne, “The British Isles Festival Voyage” – 14 nights sailing around the UK. We port at numerous places in Scotland, England & Ireland AND we port in Liverpool where the Queen Anne will be Christened! We didn’t know that was happening until just recently…and feel special to be there for the making of history! What a beautiful ship! Well, continue to enjoy your adventure re-living memories that you find. Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve been on the blog. I do keep reading to keep up… and I did already order my Queen Elizabeth cup and my calendar set for 2024, so am good there.
Cheers
Jan from Northern CA
I absolutely love your Willards! They uplift me when I feel down, and todays Willard is no different. I feel cozy and happy when I read them.I really love looking at your artwork and pictures from years gone by. I always pass them along to my friends when I finish reading them.
Congratulations to you and Joe! Enjoy California; that New England spring awaits!
So enjoy reading your “Willards!” It is so hard to go through old things some of which you know you need to get rid of. But, oh the memories! Enjoy!
I actually teared up twice while I was watching the Grammys. Joni Mitchell and Tracey Chapman were just so wonderful! Tracey Chapman’s smile when the audience realized it was her and began applauding-that did me in. 🙂 One lucky person will win that original painting. How exciting! How wonderful! I won’t lie…I hope it’s me. XOX
I love your work. I have for years!