Rabbit Rabbit! So much to celebrate! Daffodils and budding trees, and the green! Our most dependable source of joy, the change of seasons has come! More proof for the world that nature is truly on our side! Just tickle her with a hoe, she laughs with a harvest. MUSICA
For, lo the winter is past . . . Hooray! Happy Spring everyone!!! April! April! April! I love this month! My favorite thing about it 
is the colors … or, I should spell it way the British do . . . colours . . . because I’m thinking it’s a certain kind of colours I love … Beatrix Potter colours …. the soft blues, yellows, pinks, and greens that sing spring. My favorites, in wall paint, quilts, flowers and watercolors. Our Spring here in California, at our new old house on the Central Coast, is in full swing. The kind of Spring you dream about, no holding back. The flowers are yellow, pink, and white ~ and blossoms on crabapple and fruit trees are beginning to show, and it’s totally greened-up to the nth degree. I have lots of good pictures to show you! But first, to celebrate IN-house, Kellee has added lots of springy new things to our webstore, flowery notepads and sunshine stickers, new cards, loose teas, and don’t for get the mold and the recipe for LAMB CAKE!
If you have never made one of these wonderful cakes to celebrate Easter and Spring, a new baby, a tea party, or mother’s day, there is still time!
This lamb, looking good from either side, is the crowning glory of any party!
I wrote special instructions along with the EASY recipe to make sure you are successful in your first foray into lambing. ❌⭕️ So here we go! Get your tea! And come with me, to the sea, to the sea, the sea of love . . . . 
I have been SO busy this last month! One thing I’m often asked is about my daily schedule . . . how I organize myself ~ which I think is interesting to hear from everyone! It’s all so creatively 
different! So, because I’m so jam-packed right now, (with projects of my own making of course) I thought this would be a good time to tell you. I don’t have a choice these days, if I want it all, which I do, I have to have everything on lists and prioritized, because I’m just not going to be happy unless all three of my priorities happen. First priority, number uno, is my new book . . . well, old book being made new again! Don’t worry, I wash the garden off my hands before I touch the beautiful clean paper! Nothing else can happen in a day until I do what must be done there. Except for today. Today I’m taking time for US!
This is the book so far! I think I’ll have the 30th Anniversary of my revised Summer Book ready to give to the printer in just two more weeks … I’m so excited. I still, after all these years, can’t quite believe I’m allowed to do this! I think I might have gotten a bit carried away this time . . . possibly making too many changes and adding too many new pages. but I did try to hold on to the essence of the Summer of ’95 on Martha’s Vineyard ~ the inspiration that started it … Thirty MORE summers have passed since the original book, and I’m putting all of them to work. It helps to be living in a place of perpetual summer. Days of sunshine and flowers make it all just an exercise in gratitude! My walk under blue skies every day fortifies my mission. Would you like a little preview?
No, this isn’t the preview . . . well, looking at it one way, maybe it is!
First, to set the mood, here I am, working, and if you look close at those pages, you’ll see your first preview of the new book! Two new pages! And, please note I do not work alone.😊 I’m afraid if I show you too much I’ll ruin the surprise ~ but look below for more preview. The color isn’t quite right here, they’re actually softer 🎨, but you’ll get the gist. Take note of new inspiration of Green! Perfect because green symbolizes nature, growth, renewal, and harmony!💚
“…Sweet airs that give delight, and hurt not” . . . perfect, right? I redid some of the title pages . . . putting in different summery art, new summery quotes . . . wearing out the green watercolors . .
I rewrote the page about Library Days ~ the library was such an important part of my childhood summers, I wanted to say more about having that gift so close by ~ what used to seem ordinary has, in passage of time, began to feel like a little miracle . . . in fact, Library Days is now two pages instead of one . . .
And there are a lot more pages about the garden, about nature, star gazing, parties, and fun things to do during the summer.🌠
And lots of new Summer Food too!🍉 I’m just about to do the pages for cakes, tea, and jams!
In case you missed it in my last post, this will be the new cover! The finished book is scheduled to be here in July ~ if you’d like to pre-order your copy, just go HERE!
It’s turned out to be a very creative time for me.🏡 Besides the book, the second priority that gets a piece of my day is the house and garden ~ and who doesn’t love that!? I’m like that all the time anyway, but Spring really REQUIRES it! 🌸🌸🌸 Home is the most 
creative job in the world! I washed some windows yesterday and went around staring at the beauty of it! More sparkle, more green inside! We aren’t doing everything we’d like to do with the house right now ~ when the old house sells on the Island we’ll be able to get ourselves in all KINDS of trouble, hopefully this summer. Our that old Captain’s House is such a wonderful house, but many people want everything modern these days, we just weren’t one of them! It will take a certain person to see the romance and old-fashioned charm we saw and tried to make more of in the 35 years we were there. The kind of people who read a lot of books and fairy tales set in New England (and in Olde England too) when they were children and became homesick for a different time and place even before they saw it, that’s the buyer we’re hoping for. The one who feels very comfortable in 1849!💫
One of the things a lot of New England houses have in common ~ you must have noticed, is white paint and dark shutters. So in the 
same spirit in which we decided to plant an English Garden in California, even though it’s not England, I thought to myself, why can’t this long, low, double-wide dwelling in California be transformed into a New England house? I don’t see why we can’t make charm and old-fashioned romance in a double-wide? Lot’s of people do it. I never thought it was pretty before, but it has a porch, and lately I’ve been seeing it as sort of a mid-century low-slung, cottagey kind of house. Rose colored glasses help a lot! Because, truly, reality is something you rise above.
😊 The front porch is actually a wooden deck, facing the sunset, half in sunlight, half in shade of a nearby tree (below), big enough to eat dinner on. Right out the front door, boom, you’re eating. Easy. No fuss. Like my Great Grandma’s porch in Iowa. Not about fancy, about cozy, useful, comfort. That was a plus, I always wanted a front porch, but never in my life has my house had one . . . until now . . . just took me a minute to recognize it when I saw it!😂 So, very quickly, and VERY inexpensively, we changed the porch and outside of the house into the closest thing to a New England house we know how to do until we can replace the roof and the deck! I have some before and afters for you: 
First thing, no New England house should be without Adirondack chairs. We usually see them in white like we had on the Vineyard, but in our case, with a plain deck and white house, it made sense to get black ones for contrast! I could have gotten red or any color, but I really don’t want any outdoor decorations that compete with the garden for she is the star of my show.🪴 And this time, we got Adirondack rocking chairs! We ordered them from Home Depot, they came in a flat box through the mail, and Joe put them together, and that was the beginning!😍
We were on our way! We can sit outside in the evening . . . 
and watch the sky turn colors . . .
We found two more chairs by accident, kind of wrought iron (only probably not made of that) rocking chairs, at the hardware store! So now we’re almost ready for a party! Houses are smaller here, but then again, California people are outside so much of the time, the indoors doesn’t NEED to be as big. Look at all that porch space we weren’t really using! We just need to remember to take better advantage of the outdoor spaces we already have.🥰 
I found a little black shelf at an antique store in the village, and that’s what you see between the chairs. And remember that tin cat with the marble eyes? Perfect spot for it. More will come, but this is it so far!
Down below the deck on the left is a volunteer jasmine sneaking up on the deck behind the new chair, and soon will be tied up so it can crawl onto the house … the smell is heaven. I sit there and rock and smell and feel like Ferdinand the Bull. And just like we had wisteria scenting up our springtime on Martha’s Vineyard, wafting through the upstairs bedroom windows, we now have Jasmine . . . both inside and out . . . I bring bouquets of it in. It lasts forever and smells like a flower shop in our house.
See the box by the door, leaning up there, that’s our first box of shutters! This is the BEFORE picture! Someday we will probably have solar panels on the back of this house. We already have a well. I’ve always loved the idea of being self-sufficient. If it works out, off the grid we go! It’s nice to have plans even if we don’t get to do them all!
We ended up ordering six shutters, enough to do all three windows on the front of the house. And Joe took over.
and Now, voila! What do you think? I think homier and cozier. And we didn’t even have to paint! Before you ask, yes, I know, I’m waiting till I find the perfect table. 
The new shutters look like they’ve been there forever. So easy, simple, and inexpensive with pretty good bang for the buck! More access to this!➡️ If we were still living in the historic district on Martha’s Vineyard, we’d actually have to get permission ~ they want to keep it historic which is why it’s so pretty . . . but there are rules about what shutters need to be made of, this would have cost more and taken more time! But here, in the wild wild west? Not so much. Once more, to compare, this is the BEFORE ⬇️
I still like it anyway. But now I like it better!
XX
Here’s a project still in dream form. This little side porch would make such a pretty garden room. Another sort of ignored outdoor space I need to think about. I’m already using it that way, and I’ve been thinking of ideas for changes, but my dance card is full right now, so it isn’t even ON a priority list. It’s just waiting. And, while this idea percolates, I garden around it.🌷
Can you picture it? Maybe paint the back wall green? Maybe someday we change the doors to French doors? And put a large potting bench where the white shelf is, to go all the way under the window with maybe even a deep sink to wash lettuce (2 chairs and a bar?), and paint that wall green also … And a comfy chair not made of wicker, ratan, or wood, where spiders won’t make their homes? with a book nook, or something. And maybe paint the concrete floor? Maybe paint it to look like bricks? 👏 And that little fountain over there? YESS!
If you’re the kind of person that enjoys makeovers, I think you’re going to love it around here the next few years!💝
And if you’re the kind that saw that cup in the video and thought, I want one of those, then go HERE. Celebrating 250 years of the magical history of the country we all love.♥️ And FYI, for my girlfriends, the way things are going these days, I am sorry to have to tell you, but we may not be getting anymore mugs from England. Import is costing an arm and a leg… the shipping alone is crazy. And I can’t imagine asking anyone to pay any more than they already do.🥺 Sooooo . . .
But haven’t we had a good run? What a gift to have had access to these beautiful cups for so long. They are truly collectors items now . . . just as planned! Don’t let that stop you from using them, enjoying that thin little lip, feeling the specialness of their design! And you know what? Never say never!♥️
So, this will cheer us up . . . here’s a quick tour of our green world and life in the garden! I’ve been reading how GOOD gardening is for us, not only for fresh air and fresh food, bees and butterflies, physical activity and connecting to nature, but for underlying things like stress. While birds sing, I feel stress shedding off every time I’m out there!🌷🌷🌷🌷They say even LOOKING at pictures of gardens is good for you!
I planted lettuce starts, said my prayers . . .
And look what happened! FOOD! So delicious! The freshest crunchiest spinach and lettuce for our salads. And these, our very own artichokes! Out there for the picking!
The alstroemeria is going WILD! This is such a worthy plant if you have the right climate. It comes in every color, is fluffy and beautiful and lasts forever in the garden, AND in a vase. I planted this one during one visit years ago… she’s the gift that keeps on giving.
This is ceanothus, referred to as California lilac. I think you can see why ~ because unfortunately, the New England-type of Lilac doesn’t grow here ~ It LIKES to freeze! But I love this too, it’s a very common ground cover here, you can grow it as a bush, a tree, and this one is a 6′ hedge, all in bloom now, the flowers smell like grape Kool-aid, delicious.
Oranges, blossoms, and scented geraniums fill the air, perfect for the
Ranunculus sparkling in the rain . . .
Sweet peas finally grabbing onto my kite string . . .
I’ve planted herbs, tomatoes, petunias, marigolds, strawberries, and roses; 
I’ve seeded hollyhocks (now about an inch tall) and forget-me-nots, among other things. I don’t get to garden EVERYDAY, but I try to do SOMETHING. Once in a while, I’ll get up early, work hard on the book, and late in the day, I go out and stay out until dark. Heavy into weeding. SO dirty! Never walk by the garden without grabbing something! Our barn cat Simon is very sociable and follows me around while I work. He’s a little love. Rolls over so I can rub his big fat tummy.
And so handsome.
This was my kitchen window yesterday morning ~ it was raining. Hence, the green! House came with a shelf over the sink! Just like the old one. Can feed birds just outside. It’s smaller, but still there! I don’t know, feels like a miracle to me! Maybe just because I’m noticing more!
Had to pop my head out to take a picture . . .
BTW, update on our weird wildflower orchard. I know some of you wonder how it’s going. Such a project. Totally worth it when we get it right. Note that half of it is growing and I can see tiny wildflowers coming along ~ but the other half is barren! Not even weeds! Yes, we noticed it too, so we’re figuring it out. See all those bags on the left? That’s manure we’re about to spread across the dirt. It was on sale. Next will be a layer of topsoil, then a layer of sand . . . For texturizing the soil. It’s a low spot there, water puddles, doesn’t drain. That’s our next step. But take note, holes are dug for fruit trees and they all went into the ground yesterday! Two apples, a lime tree and a cherry tree that has been grafted with 4 varieties ~ joined our apricot, plum, walnut, lemon, orange, fig, and avocado trees. Proof positive…
Here’s Joe, we’re out front making the secret sauce! Putting in the sweat equity, starting a second compost pile. That dark spot is a shovel full of dirt in mid-air! (Joe thinks this might be a good place for a farm stand! 😂 Help!)
And this shot brings me to priority #3. Moi. I needed to lose the stress weight I gained last year all through this move, I’m a eat-for-comfort kinda gal, I need to do it for for good health and so I can 
open those still-packed boxes that say on them, “Don’t open until you weigh 140 lbs.” Gardening is a huge help, I’m so comforted I forget to eat! ~ and #3a, I need to read books and learn stuff so my brain doesn’t fall into disuse ~ so, to cover everything in priority 3, I walk, 50 minutes a day, round and round this property, while listening to my audible book, which at the moment, is Jon Meacham’s (with a calming voice like butter that takes you right back to the times), book And There was Light, his Pulitzer-Prize winning biography of Abraham Lincoln. So between the walk, and the GARDEN, heavy bags of fertilizer and potting soil, and weeds with roots like large carrots for which I need every muscle in my body to pull, and Abraham Lincoln, I have slowly lost 9 pounds! YAY! Plan is to be able to open those boxes by Gladys Taber’s Birthday!
So in a giant nutshell, that’s it for how I spend my day. Not counting laundry and dishes, feeding cats, etc., this is how I manage time. At least for now. Till The Summer Book is done. So I have about another two weeks. I love doing this so much. When I’m done, I get to spread myself into more garden and more social life! And just a few hours a day of my next art project, not due for what now seems like a long time, which will end up feeling more like tomorrow!
Here’s a little story: When I came into the kitchen early morning a couple of days ago Joe had left three fortune cookies on the counter. I LOVE fortune cookies, I don’t eat them, after trying a thousand times I finally realized they probably aren’t even really food ~ but I do love the fortunes. I WANTED to open one immediately, but felt unsure ~ so I filled the kettle and boiled water for tea, scooped up some of my earl grey with lavender and let it steep while I fed Jack … before I gave in to myself. I was worried because I’m too busy to accidentally involve myself with negativity, hexes, or bad omens ~ nervous about taking a chance with Panda Express. But of course that didn’t last long and I suddenly grabbed one, promising myself only to believe it if it was good. And here it was . . .
Wow! How perfect! All I want is to celebrate my Summer Book (and give everyone something of the doily mentality to look forward to this summer), see the sweet peas bloom in an English Garden, rock on the front porch of a New England House, live where I can garden year round, be healthy and strong, and all at the same time. That’s not so much is it? So that fortune was perfect! There were three fortunes to choose from! And this was the one I got. Needless to say, I didn’t open the others. This was perfect. Even Joe was impressed! Two days later, I did open another one, telling myself no matter how good it might be, I would have to ignore it. I already made my choice it would mean nothing. And I got this:
Which just made me laugh because there is no trying anything new! I am newed OUT right now.
How very lucky.
Blessings on you Girlfriends for this new season and for always. Look for your joys in the little things of home and family. They are what matters forever and in the long run. And may your blessings be bountiful and fully counted . . . because, remember . . .
Your words always bring me to a happy place! Thank you. Here in New England things are starting to green up and look more like Spring. Enjoy your California sunshine. You and Joe are creating magic in your home! You’ve reminded me to take out one of my Gladys Taber books and glean some comfort from her writing, just in time to honor her memory as her birthday approaches and yours too! May you have a joy-filled day. ❤️
Everything looks so beautiful. Such a labor of ❤️ LOVE. You and Joe look so happy there. xo
Oh, Susan, the “Library Days” was perfect, it touched my heart. Going to the library was a highlight as a young girl. Two memorable libraries, one in Brant Lake, NY, right across the street from the church my dad pastored in 1967, it’s right on the lake, (https://www.facebook.com/HoriconBaptist/) and one in Spokane, WA. Both were very, very small, both made out of stone. So magical when you walked inside. I’d fill the basket on my sting-ray bike full of books and couldn’t wait to pedal home and start reading. And the part about reading with a bologna sandwich … Classic!
Thank you for sharing all the beauty of your new home. It brings so much
old-fashioned joy to read about your gardening and all the ideas you have to make your home so cozy and welcoming. It looks like you live in an English garden, simply beautiful. You and Joe are an inspiration. :o)
. Something about that doorway—hmmm. After the addition of a table and it is all finished, I am sure Susan will have it looking fantastic–she has great taste and a great eye. One other comment in the unsolicited decorating ideas 😁, maybe, Susan, you could preview the French doors someway, like temporarily painting/taping the window frame panels onto the glass so it resembles your front door? I am sure all you need at this point is another project, right? 😂 Don’t mind me, I am currently in limbo on an upcoming move and am anxiously awaiting the day I can decorate my own next nest, whatever and wherever that may be!
I wish all the girlfriends could go together and buy your Martha’s Vineyard house and turn it into a museum to you and your work! Like the homes of writers you visited in England! The house has such an interesting history and you and Joe made it so beautiful as well! Would hate to see it modernized and would love to see your talents showcased and appreciated into the future.
The shutters make a world of difference. I love that look! So classic. I’ve been thinking a lot about Gladys Taber lately and the prayers for peace she used to breathe out and write out into the universe.
The black shutters and matching black rocking chairs on your porch are such a beautiful addition! Happy spring and almost birthday!
Hello Susan (and Joe and cats),
Thank you for sharing some of your process of your daily life. It’s difficult to have a schedule for me when I’m on summer break. School takes so much out of me that when summer comes, I’m so exhausted, but I try to stay organized so I can both relax and be productive.
Have you watched The Biggest Little Farm documentary? It’s so beautiful and inspiring.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Carmel by the Sea to visit my favorite little plant shop called Planted. I was looking for a new plant for my classroom. I took our class plants home over the December break and must have overwatered some because they didn’t do well without the kids taking care of them. Most have perked up but we lost 2. The owner was so kind and gifted me 35 cuttings of rhaphidophora tetrasperma, the growth medium (she uses Fluval, an aquarium soil), 3 double layered seed starter containers (with 12 spaces each), and plant stakes for their names! She taught me how to help the roots grow, and I ended up buying some other items as well as a new plant. I was so inspired that I chucked out my lesson plans and we spent the week working on the cuttings and learning about them. I also brought in succulent cuttings from our hobby farm, and in my 2 writing classes we watched the documentary and took notes on it. We analyzed it as an essay and how they reference the thesis that they wanted to live a meaningful, purpose driven life on a farm in harmony with nature. We analyzed each problem the farm faced and how they solved each one (or nature solved it).
I HIGHLY recommend you and Joe watch it if you haven’t seen it.
So inspirational.
Hugs to you!
By the way, did you make it to a Hands Off rally on Saturday, April 5th? I was at the one in Monterey, and it was so powerful.
Hi, my dearest Susan!
Your blog posts do for me what gardening does for our souls <3
So excited for your new(ish) Summer Book!! I bought several.. one for me, of course (: and more to give as summer presents.. I'm thinking of it being tucked into a basket with a wooden spoon, summer dish towel, flowery baking dish, and a jar full of ingredients for one of your delicious recipes from the book.. How exceptionally cute and dreamy!?
I'm heartbroken about the cup situation.. and what's causing it.. So I went right away and ordered cups!! The 250th Anniversary one was a must. Had to. Especially since I'm getting deep (well.. not too deep yet.. there's a vocabulary and reading comprehension challenge on every page.. haha!) into Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton and am reliving all the revolutionary events that are starting to make their way into 250 year anniversaries for the next several years. And can't help but wonder what they all would think about the current state of our union.. I'm sure they would be smiling and proud of our country and the world's turnout yesterday (4/4/'25), demanding our leaders to uphold the constitutional rights they declared almost 250 years ago. This slight veer I took (lol) leads me back to my point.. You said something in this blog that resonated deep in my core (and I immediately wrote it down in my collection of quotes).. "Reality is something you rise above." My labored point (lol): I believe wholeheartedly the cups will return with glory.
The shutters are everything 🙂 I'm still getting used to you moving from Martha's.. Like you, I have an immediate, stubborn aversion to change. It takes a while for me to come around. This change is so bittersweet.. with, really, far more sweet than bitter.. I 100% would make the same decision you and Joe made, given all the variables. And it looks like the Universe keeps assuring you as well 🙂 A miracle indeed.
I love you, Susan! <3
Sincerely,
Your Little Lamb, Cassandra
P.S.
Speaking of lambs.. I'm getting that cake mold! Yes!! <3
Susan, you should know that we will always buy the cups you design, even if there’s a hefty (hopefully temporary) tariff on them. 😊
Everything is looking lovely, Susan! I live vicariously through you. Here in Canada we still have snow in our yard. It will be a long while before I have lettuces to feed us & the bunnies. I second Debby’s comment about painting the door black. With the shutters & the Adirondack rockers it will really “pop”.
Thank you for this post. The weight of the world gets very heavy these days, but a post from you always helps. I hope you have a wonderful birthday full of everything you’ve dreamed of!
Laurie
Nico’s Mom
Oh my goodness, I am JUST catching up after almost a year. Life you know. How/when did you decide to sell on MV and move to California? Is there a post that explains this? If so I couldn’t find it. Good for you, for taking that leap. We have been in our house for 34 years and am now “thinking” about downsizing. 70 years young you know. Much happiness in your new/od digs.
We actually moved ourselves across country last August, 2024. . . but for the year and a half before we were hemming and hawing, trying to figure out what to do, and then how to do it . . . Been quite a TRIP!!! 🤣
Oh, Susan….I was already excited for the new Summer Book since I love the one I have, but when you said you are putting in two pages about the library…I swooned. Did not have a library close by when I was little, but as I grew and could get a bus to the bigger city near the small coal town where I grew up, I was hooked. And…I became a librarian! First public, then school librarian…a wonderful, fabulous, fulfilling career. And now, retired, I take care of the library in our apartment building. You can never really stop being a librarian, it’s like the mafia, you know too much! Next week is National Library Week and I am hosting a brunch for my retired school librarian friends. Can’t wait…have bookmarks as little place setting gifts. So sad that libraries are facing hard times…thank you for giving them two pages! LOVE the porch, the shutters, it makes a HUGE difference. I can sympathize with your missing your old house…we downsized to an apartment with a screen patio. Not as big as our old screen porch, no walk out to the garden to pick flowers and herbs…but I love the view, the birds, the ease of taking care of it….and I cozied it up, too. Enjoying where you are, with the people you love, is the BEST! Can’t wait to hear more about the changes you are making!
I love the library story. Riding my bike to the library in the summer is one of my favorite childhood memories. I would meet my friend for ice cream and then we would spend hours amongst the shelves of books before picking several for the week. I was so sad when I moved to another town and was too far to ride my bike, but there was a book mobile (remember those?).
Also want to remind you of another childhood memory. When you read a fortune cookie you’re supposed to add ‘in your bed’ to the end of the fortune! 😅😳
Love the shutters! And your garden tour! 🙂
California girl returns home…good to see, thank you!
Canada spells it colour as well.
Susan, I hope, I wish, I pray, the you will take that revised Summer Book on tour and come visit all of us “Girlfriends”. If & when you do, please, please, pretty please with a cherry on top, come visit the New Jersey Sea Shore. Wishing you a blessed and beautiful birthday. Many happy returns to the day.
A basket of hugs,
Mary
I was born in Iowa, raused in So . Cal. Your Ca Willards are making me homesick in 4 season Eastern Wa. Im booked to see a HS friend in May.
Cant wait to smell the ocean.
Susan, you were smart to repeat some favorite things from Martha’s Vineyard with the Adirondack chairs on your spiffed up porch. The black shutters are
a great addition. Your entire garden with all the trees, flowers and vegetables is just splendid ? The hedges, shrubs and trees you planted years ago give it “good bones. I liked hearing about all your reading places, and I’ll add another–reading in a hammock on camping trips.
Thank you for sharing your fascinating life with us. It means a lot to me. I have read all your books, have bought your merchandise, and even saw your old home in Martha’s Vineyard. You are an inspiring person to me, Susan!
Just an idea for your front porch, to make it more cottage-y, did you know you can buy gingerbread trim to add to your screen door? Wouldn’t that be so darling? And maybe paint it a bright color like periwinkle, or emerald green, or bright yellow? Just a thought… Your garden and windowsill are so lovely, your lettuce looks like something that would definitely have tempted Peter Rabbit! It’s so pretty I think I might have to grow some myself. Take care, friend!
Love your beautiful California home & garden! I can just feel the warm sunshine & hear the birds sing when I see your garden pictures. When I saw the first picture of your house, I immediately thought pretty , but could use some shutters. Then, voila, the perfect black shutters were beautifully hung! It’s wonderful you can be outside so much in April in California, & spring is slowly returning to Oregon, too,🌷🌷🌷
Susan, I LOVE your back porch with shutters and black chairs. When we moved into our house in 1980! there was an issue of Country Living magazine that featured shutters and how to make them. I told my husband THIS is what I want. He and my brother made those shutters and hung them on every single window around the whole house and after 45 yrs they still look lovely! I love the look of your home now making it more comfy and “susan-ish” and homey. 🙂 Your garden is amazing. That is one skill (and hobby) that I do not possess. I love flowers but not the process…does that make sense? Sooooo I put all my flowers in hanging pots and have them on shepherd hooks all around the yard. Lots of watering, BUT no weeding. I have pots on tables and even have a picnic table that has large pots on top with all my herbs. Can’t live without fresh herbs, but again no weeding. It works for me 🙂 I’m baking a pan of your “rice pudding” at this very minute with leftover rice from a stir-fry 2 nights ago. I’m so glad that even tho you moved back to California you are still the same and have been working hard to make your home full of charm and personality. It’s lovely!
Darling Sue, your posts always warm my heart but this one was really special because of the *NEW* Summer book. I do have to tell you that the original version (I got it in 1995ish) probably changed my life…..in too many ways to go into SO I have already ordered my new one and literally cannot wait to get it. (Love, love, love the green, I adopted green as my base color a few years ago.) Your California cottage is really coming together. Sending birthday love to you this month.
For some reason I am not getting your newsletter in my email so I signed up again. However, I an not letting you get lost from me so I searched you out again! Happy to see your creative spirit. And, I believe today is your birthday! Happy Birthday!
Dearest Susan, lots of love with all good thoughts and all good wishes to you for a very lovely and very Happy Birthday…so very grateful to be sharing Earth with you XOXOXOXO 🌞⚘😊🐞🌼…
Just ordered your new book and can’t wait! I’ll always appreciate your encouragement to celebrate home and family life and the little miracles all around us. Thank you!
Oh Susan everything there is California looks beautiful!!! Spring is coming slowly to Northern Illinois but we did have a wonderful crop of Snowdrops and our Crocuses are VERY happy and plentiful. My poor forsythia looks a little bedraggled but I’m hoping after tonight’s rain and tomorrow’s sunshine she will be brighter. It’s sunny here today but only 43degrees!! I look forward to watching the transformation of your homestead. Love to You & Joe and the kitties!!!
Laura in Waukegan, IL
Happy Easter Susan
Happy Easter, Everyone! I do know that you, Dear Lady, had a Happy Birthday.
Love seeing the pictures in BlueSky.
Boxes everywhere here, still cleaning, photographer coming on Wednesday so our wonderful realtor can post it on Multiple Listing. Actually, all the physical labor has been beneficial for both of these antique people. More energy, strength and in good spirits.
We are similar to you and Joe, in that we are going to a place we both love. Looking back with so much thankfulness and looking forward with Joy!!
Mucho Love,
Debbie
Your house just keeps getting cozier!
Susan, would you please tell us about the Peace Dove that is hanging on the screen door? Is that one that came from MV or could it be in your shop?
I’m looking forward to your new book!
Hi Susan….just wondering where all the comments are? I know I posted and I check everyday…hope all is okay. Sending love, Lana xo
When we get back to Maine, I think I’ll reread my Gladys Taber books.
Our house here is now listed. Photographer did his thing on Wednesday, and our wonderful realtor did his thing. It will be in the Multiple Listings by today. We have a lock box on our front door.
Nearly killed our old bodies getting it ready for its Close Up. Still sore. First time in a long while that every room in the house is clean at the same time. Everything oiled and polished. Many boxes of books gone, many boxes of good clothing, shoes, belts and leather fancy purses…gone to a good home. Florida Breast Cancer Society. A 5-star rated charity. Silver, framed art and evening wear to Chislers to raise funds for our National Historic building. More for them later. Don’t want the house baren when people come in to look.
One good thing is that I’ve lost a total of 18 pounds. Feel wonderful. Flying up and down the stairs. Today I’m packing China for my fabulous stepdaughter. She bought a new China cabinet for that and for the crystal, which will follow later.
I’m finally able to relax, knowing all the plans are made…but we have plan B and C. I’m a gal who needs a plan!! And maps. Had hundreds of National Geographic maps from the 1950’s in map cases, all categorized, like a good librarian. Going to various kids and schools for projects.
I just finished watching The Empress on Netflix. Oh, it is just so good. Most beautiful costuming. Wonderful love story. Researched it, and it really is based on the actual people. I’ll bet the Girlfriends would like it.
Thank you for the pictures on Blsky, sweet Lady.
Fingers crossed for both of our houses to sell soon. Very slow here, after the 2 hurricanes. Out of my control. Oh, well….
Mucho Love,
Debbie, still on Ballast Point
Did your version of Quinoa Salad, Yummy!!
Thank You!
Debbie in Ballast Point
I loved this post so much! Thank you, Susan. It was just what I needed. A breath of calm, dependable fresh air in these turbulent times. I am an old soul (at 40) and have been reading your blog and cookbooks for years. I do not have the original Summer Book, so I am very excited about the revamped version you are working on. Love all the things you are doing at your California property. Until recently my family moved quite frequently (military life), but we recently settled in central Mississippi (!) after living in Virginia wine country for a couple years. So I can relate to the adjustments you are making right now.
Dear Susan,
I confess I lost touch with your blog. I was so sad after you decided to leave Martha’s Vineyard. And then the election in 2024 happened. I have been seriously distressed at the direction the country has taken. I have neglected my home, and the things I love because of the sadness enveloping my heart. But today I looked at your blog again, and I remembered how much comfort I took from your cheerfulness, your kitties, your gardens and your artistic eye. I am going to start on my garden (if it ever decides not to rain here in New England) and I am hoping that time outside will raise my spirits. I have vowed not to miss another blog from you and I am going to pre-order your Summer book! Thank you for being a beacon of grace, kindness and beauty. Especially during this trying political time.
And take a good vacation from the news. Not knowing for a few weeks won’t change a thing, and it’s hurtful to the soul to see and feel the sadness of so many. I heard something today I loved, “If the revolution doesn’t include dancing, I’m not going!” While we live, it is our duty to find joy. Love your sweet attitude Melissa . . . hope your summer was wonderful!🍂🍂🍂
Just for You, Miss Sue. Opened today’s New York Times to find a fabulous piece on “25 Must See Gardens”. We get the digital edition, and the photos are stunning. I’ve been to Sissinghurst and Great Dixter…Of Course. And a slew of other less well known. If you and Joe do any West Coast traveling, make it a point to visit Victoria, on Vancouver Island. Butchart Gardens is just amazing, as are others in Victoria. That little city is so very lovely, and Very Englishy.
City of Vancouver, BC is also well worth your time. Great museums and gardens.
Hope all is well and Happy over there in Beautiful California.
Love you, Dear Lady,
Debbie, still in Tampa for a little while longer.
Back 2 years ago, so Christmas 2023 my younger daughter gave me a binder called Homemade Recipes by Susan Branch. I have filled it’s emptiness with my favorite recipies and am continuing to do so. I then found your blog and I’m in heaven. You make our world beautiful. Thank you! I am in the process of reading your archives from oldest to newest so I can learn more about you. I have also purchased 7 of your books from a used bookseller and I can’t wait for them to come! Have a blessed spring. Nancyanne
Back 2 years ago, so Christmas 2023 my younger daughter gave me a binder called Homemade Recipes by Susan Branch. I have filled it’s emptiness with my favorite recipies and am continuing to do so. I then found your blog and I’m in heaven. You make our world beautiful. Thank you! I am in the process of reading your archives from oldest to newest so I can learn more about you. I have also purchased 7 of your books from a used bookseller and I can’t wait for them to come! Have a blessed spring. Nancyanne
As a Christmas gift 2 years ago my youngest daughter gave me an empty Susan Branch binder to fill with all my own recipes, I have been doing that ever since and simply loving it. I have ordered 7 of your books from an online used book seller and can’t wait to receive them! I found your blog and am systematically reading all of your archives and am LOVING every minute of it. I read a little each day. I want to make it last. I love so many of the beautiful things you do. You are so gifted and have a beautiful spirit and I see that in everything you write and picture you add to your blog. 💖 I’m in heaven!!
Sorry, somehow this posted 3 times. I apologize 😊
What a dream home! Love your ambition and energy! I am retiring in 2 weeks and hoping to start trying to do some of the wonderful things that you share with us all. Enjoy the magic of the season!
I had to go hunting for you dear Susan…I must have fallen off the email list again but I’ve added meself back in now and so glad to catch up, and so glad to see you are transitioning to sunny California again! The light in all the pics is so clearly of the ‘golden’ state! I hope the right buyer comes along for the dear Martha’s Vineyard house…fingers crossed there. Love the idea of painting that porch with faux bricks! Charming! It all takes so much time. I, too, vote yes on the farmstand! haha Glad you are hard at work on the next wonderful bookie wookie, and while Simon is quite a handsome fellow, please send us a picture of Jack. How is he adapting to his new home? Sending love dear Susan and Joe and all the creatures you love. Keep the news off. Bleh. xoxo
Dearest Sue , I have my nose in a book right now , your book(s)❤️ I reread Isle of Dreams and now A Fine Romance . I’m at the part where you and Joe 💝 are planning to go to England . I love your new place and so happy to hear that Jack is with you . Reading Isle of Dreams made me wonder about things like your family. I’m sorry for all your losses . And who bought your darling little cottage ? And what happened to Agnes’s birdhouse ? I used to read your blog years ago ( thanks to dear Carrie of Holywell B & B 🇬🇧 ) but life got in the way . Your writing brings me such happiness so thank you and Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🌷❤️🙏🇨🇦 Ruby
Hi Sue , I forgot to add that I tried to pre-order your book but it’s not available to do that from Canada 😕
Cheers 🥳
DEAR SUSAN, IT’S ALMOST JULY! AND AM SO MISSING A “NEW “WILLARD” ! SURE HOPE EVERYTHING IS “OK” WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I HAVE DONE SOME “SUSAN BRANCING ” IN MY BACK YARD, ALL INSPIRED BY YOU!!! (thank you).
I LIVE IN THE HISTORIC CITY OF SAN FERNANDO AKA (THE MISSION CITY), IN CALIFORNIA, NOT TOO FAR FROM YOU.
I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD WITH A POOL, SURROUNDED BY AN UGLY GREY BLOCK WALL FENCE ON THE NORTH SIDE. THERE IS A NARROW PLANTER ALL ALONG THE FENCE LINE DIVIDING OUR LOTS. THE PLANTER HOUSED A DOZEN FULL GROWN CYPRESS TREES. ALBIET THEY COVERED THE BLOCK WALL VERY WELL AND AFORDED US A LOT OF PRIVACY BUT WERE NOT VERY PRETTY TO LOOK AT. I SIT IN MY OFFICE WHERE I CAN VIEW MY POOL AND YARD AND THOUGHT “WHAT WOULD SUSAN BRANCH DO”? AND IT CAME TO ME!!!
I HAD THE CYPRESS TREES CUT DOWN AND ALL OF THE ROOTS REMOVED. I HAD A WOODEN LATTICE BUILT FOR THE TOP OF THE BLOCK WALL, WENT TO THE NURSERY AND PURCHASED A DOZEN PINK CLIMBING ROSES TO PLANT IN THE SPACE AND GROW UP THROUGH THE EXISTING LATTICE WORK AND UP INTO THE NEW LATTICE. I AM ALREADY LOVING THE LOOK EVEN THOUGH THE ROSES NEED TO GROW TALLER AND FLOURISH INTO BEAUTIFUL VINES. LOTS OF ROSE FOOD, WATER AND TLC.! CAN HARDLY WAIT!!! I’M SURE I WILL SEE SOME OF THE REWARD AS THE SUMMER UNFIOLDS, BUT NEXT YEAR IT SHOULD BE BEAUTIFUL!!!, I HOPE. YOU ARE THE INSPIRATION I NEEDED. THANK YOU SUSAN!! KARENA!
That is PURELY thrilling! I wouldn’t be able to sleep! Can you plant anymore at the bottom, because English Lavender looks really good with roses . . . It’s hot enough down there! I was a child in Reseda, and a high school kid in Woodland Hills, so I know the area somewhat. Congratulations! Really excited to hear how it goes!🌹
Here’s my LOVING THOUGHTS… why not turn your CHARMING 💚🌎💙 PAST WILLARD NEWS LETTERS/BLOG POSTS/WEBSITE POSTS into your ✨FUTURE BOOKS✨? YOU’VE ALREADY DONE THE WORK!!!! Now LET THE MAGIC HAPPEN? (Chapters=Months=Years)The time is PERFECT! I am new to reading your DELIGHTFUL POSTS but what I LOVE is it’s like reading your previous HEARTFELT BOOKS. I take note on how your (girl friends) MANY TIMES say how your posts BRIGHTEN THEIR DAYS, INSPIRE, and even help get them through tough times.❤️ WE ARE ALL KINDRED SPIRITS… AND YOU HAVE SO MUCH LIGHT FROM YOUR BEAUTIFUL HEART TO SHARE. Sayings…Where there’s a Will there’s a way.Thinking outside the box. If the seed is planted… water it… MAGIC HAPPENS? Just a suggestion FROM MY HEART.💜 Billie Coon💙
Already love you Billie and would LOVE to do that. I would just need help converting it from blog form to book form . . . not sure how to do that except by starting all over! Maybe I should try offering it to a publisher. . .💝