SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES . . .

There is so much going on right now. I have so much to tell you, it’s ridiculous to think I can get it into one Willard! So I will just start here, wing it . . . do as much as possible, stop, and continue SOON, with the rest of it. Okay? Please say yes! MUSICA 

We have to start with this . . . 

Waaaah. Know what I mean? I’ve been feeling, as our Girlfriend Kat said on Instagram, like a “soggy rag doll” for a week now. You too? Just so not fair to lose the adorably unique Diane Keaton.😔 We grew up together, she was our Girlfriend! Her eccentric, timeless style, astonishing charm, and LAUGHTER . . . I wasn’t ready for this ONE LITTLE BIT. 😪

It’s been hard . . . losing our old friends, But before I go on, let me tell you my news, and then I’ll tell you what I’m going to do to make myself happier, because it includes you.💞 And we will have MONTHS to plan. We need something new to put on our calendars! 

So, you know Joe and I were planning to leave on a cross-countrybook-tour next month, right? Well, in a nutshell, we had to cancel because the newly revised Christmas Book was not going to be here in time. I was reluctant to admit it, almost went anyway, but it seemed crazy, going to talk to a twinkle lighted bookstore with everyone in snow clothes, and SUMMER. BUT, it turned to good news because it has given me the gift of TIME. And, to cut to the chase, I’ve rescheduled the Launch of my cross-country tour for next Spring . . . when we will have BOTH books when everyone will be waiting for Summer ANYWAY! And it will all begin with

SPRINGTIME IN CALIFORNIA!… 

For those of you who remember the wonderful book signings we had under a tent in the warm sunshine at the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo, you’ll be happy to know the launch venue we found is owned and managed by the same person who was a partner in the Apple Farm! It’s called Sycamore Springs Hotel and Resort ~ and they have a “Secret Garden” that holds 300 guests! A Secret Garden!🪴🪴🪴 How perfect! And we’re invited to go there!👏 It’s a very different sort of place than the Apple Farm, out in the country, very close to Avila Beach, around the corner from the Avila Barn🎃, between Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo. You can click on it and read about it, but there are lots of places to stay in this area in case the hotel fills up. It’s all so good, so serendipitous, so perfect, I’m beside myself! This is how I know it was meant to be!👏 And from there, we’re OFF, to bookstores across the country, to meet and greet with all of YOU! Not only will I get to see YOU, you’ll get to see each other! The most fun is always had, as many of you know, in the line waiting to get a book signed! 💖

Can you tell I’m excited? Well, because that’s not even all! I think it will be Amazing if, when we get together at our different bookstores, we have a true celebration and find a hat, or belt, some glasses, or full skirt, or baggy pants, or a vest and a tie, and dress up in our own versions of Diane Keaton!!! If not for anything else, for the photos!!! For the memories!! For all she gave us.♥️ 

“Memories are simply moments that refuse to be ordinary.” 💝 Diane Keaton

And as a celebration of the extraordinary privilege of LIFE!💞 Wouldn’t she just LOVE this?  We’ll take a ton of pictures! And one more thought, I think we should all learn the words to the songs, “Seems Like Old Times,” and “You Don’t Own Me.” Because we’re going to have a GIRLFRIEND Party! We might want to sing! We have some years to celebrate! No one has to be perfect, no one even has to do it! You are free to BE YOURSELF! That’s how Diane would have wanted it! And me too… As she said herself,   

“What is perfection anyway? It’s the death of creativity ~ that’s what I think.” 💖 Diane Keaton

Just embrace my favorite mantra “Good Enough” and do what makes you happy, and COME for the FUN! Bring your best friend, your mom, your sisters, bring everybody! My passion, as you probably have guessed, has always been the profound connection I’ve felt with all of you, from the beginning, all these years, even before I met you! Look at all we’ve been through together! And I think these celebrations will seal the deal as I show you how happy I’ve been to share this planet with you! WHAT A TREAT! (I’m fine, in case you’re wondering . . . Just, you know, emotional!) Details for our party, as they come clearer, will be everywhere I can think of to put them, but certainly here on the Blog. I should have it ALL figured out by February at the latest. I’m trying for as early in April as possible, maybe my birthday on the 12th, as my first choice, and luv-lee May as second choice. Come! Life can always use some perking up! I’ll make us name tags so we recognize each other! 💞

Now, this little church! You know I love houses? I wrote about how I decorated with them in the “wood room” of my old house? That house painting was there, and the little green-roofed cottage I found in Ireland.  And now look what I just found ~ this little votive-holding church ~ isn’t it perfect? I thought you’d like one too ~ but I’m pretty sure we’ll sell out of them too quickly, and not sure we can get more before Christmas . . . It’s made of metal, & has windows on all sides for the light to shine through, is perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas, year-round really, and it fits in with all my little treasures. My dear friend Lowely remodeled her 19th century house on the island these last few months, and guess what? SHE GAVE ME HER OLD FIREPLACE MANTLE, so 
even though I don’t have a fireplace here, I will have a mantle for Christmas and THIS will be on it ~ along with my old angel chimes!!! I mean really! Does it GET any better?

 Deep breath! Eyes to ceiling, ThankYou.♥️

So, next: I have a book for you, perfect for the season! It’s called The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches! Written by Sangu Mandanna, and read by Samara MacLaren (she has a PERFECT English accent, the exact one I would choose if I could!). Nobody told me about this book, I just happened upon it, liked the title, wanted something Fallish, and thought I would try it. I listened to the adventures at “Nowhere House” while walking my daily walk in the cool crisp and breezy autumn air 🍂🍁🍂 in our beautiful valley, and now I’m seeing gold sparkles swirling through the trees; sparkling around kitty’s feet; cartwheeling across the night sky; even around that phone call from Sycamore Springs Hotel; everywhere!💫  This book is all about good witches, like us, and the difficulty of living in a world with non-witches.🙄 But, I have to say, for me, the magic has to be practical! Literally! I finally went to Amazon to leave a comment for this book, which I found out was the “#1 Best Seller in Witch Romances!”🤣 (Which means there must be more witch romances! Who knew?) And it has over 30,000 reviews already!!!!! Would someone please tell me how someone gets 30,000 reviews on Amazon??? The best I’ve mustered up so far, despite being on the New York Times Best Seller List, is 1000! For a Fine Romance ~ which came out 10 years ago! I’m proud of that, because they all came from our wonderful word of mouth, and they’re all so nice, but . . . 30,000??? Poor Distilled Genius has 219, and the new Summer book, hold on to something, has 7! I’m thrilled to say all my books have 5 stars! But what am I doing wrong? Is it Algorithms??? Satellite Block? I know I have always run a little under the radar, I’ve even been a little proud of that because of so much luv-lee word of mouth. But enough is enough! 🤣 I probably shouldn’t say this, but HELP! ~ But I digress. I told you I was going to wing this! Diane Keaton taught me a lot about courage. She was a scared little person at one time, she could barely speak in her first interviews after Annie Hall. But over the years, we could see her growing braver, then she’s singing You Don’t Own Me,  and we’re singing right along! It’s HARD to be your own true self, to even find all the pieces so you recognize them . . . especially if you’ve ever felt a little out of it, which she did. Her being brave, helped me feel brave. Another gift she gave to so many of us.💞

I just read a great quote by Bob Dylan: “Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself!” Isn’t that perfect? We find little pieces of ourselves in books, in people (I found a big piece of ME in my landlady from the way back machine, when I saw her cooking for a party ~ not to mention the pieces I got from Gladys Taber and all my other heroes). Maybe Diane saw a little piece of herself in this photo of the young Coco Chanel and took it for her own! We’re inspired by teachers, our parents, their friends, and our friends, Instagram, nature, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, that ocean liner they sailed on, our grandma’s quilts, our mother’s picture taking, our girlfriend’s gardens and shoes, everything! We grab onto those interesting pieces no matter how tiny they are, make them our own, and that’s how we create our own unique being, no two of us alike. It’s another thing that connects us, makes us human. Between all the recent losses, people we’ve known all our lives, Robert Redford, Jane Goodall, and now Diane Keaton . . . It’s made me think how they created their very special selves, and were brave enough to give their beautiful gifts to the world.💝
Something else: We love our local KCLU radio station and listen to it every morning . . . it’s an affiliate of NPR, but has all our local stuff, like Central Coast news, weather, and traffic, and so much more! They give us world news with daily BBC reports, really interesting interviews with authors, musicians (young and old), movie makers, designers, memorials, ambassadors, veterans, nature, and news makers ~ happy things, sad things, everything inspiring; plus, they even have word puzzles you can play along with while you’re doing your morning routine … and none of the craziness we hear on cable news, they don’t try to make us hate each other, so it’s soft, and old timey and good . . . There should be a affiliate like that in your area too, with YOUR local news etc. . . but if not, because some have gone away, and some lack money and can’t be as creative, KCLU streams HERE, just click the button at the top of their home page! It’s a gentle beginning for the morning while making your oatmeal, chopping your apples and nuts, fixing up the breakfast trays, feeding the petty pets, and drinking your tea. I’m telling you all this because it makes perfect sense with ⬇️ this adorable thing!

This perfect tiny little retro-radio Joe found on Amazon! So darling, it takes up no space, works so well, and believe it or not, it costs $16.99!!! (total deal of the day), comes in either light or dark “wood,” has a rechargeable battery (just like your phone, so you can take it anywhere) ~ Joe takes it to the garage, or to the garden … here it is on the shelf over my sink. You’ll love it. Old fashioned joy in a very small package. A perfect gift for big or little people! Fits in a stocking!🤣 Read more HERE! 

Also, for these chilly Halloween nights . . .We just finished something new I think you’ll love that’s streaming on Netflix called House of Guinness ~ it’s a historical drama, based on true events, starting in 1868 in Ireland of course (but they do pop over to America for part of it). Costumes, actors, story, and beauty, all there and definitely addictive.👀

Joe is getting ready to decorate, as he did last year, the post on the road. No one can see our house through the trees, the least we can do is scare them as they come around the bend in the night when their headlights hit this on our dark road! (This is what we Stewarts do, we plot!) He was talking about getting some EYES for this thing.👀😱

I still have kitty news, butterfly news, giveaway news, tea news, Instagram news, redecorating the guest room news, the weather report . . .  breaking news never stops! But that’s all for today, which means, MORE COMING SOON! I hope you’re excited for our Girlfriend party in the spring!!! That’s what I’m working on for now, my gift to me for getting everything done! Oh! And Kellee wants me to tell you we are almost OUT of calendars . . . already! So make sure you have your Christmas gifts because timely delivery of printed items is a thing we can’t be sure of these days!🙄

OOPs, One more thing! I almost forgot! Here’s my video-myself-in-my-studio set-up. Just in cases! There will be two new Interviews coming soon. The first will be in Blue Dot Living … a lovely magazine they have in many parts of the country, which they augment with stories with local interest . . . so this interview will be in the November issue, local to Martha’s Vineyard, if I understand it correctly, and maybe something on their website.  Also, HUGE HONOR, as you know I’ve been a member of the Beatrix Potter Society (here they are on Instagram) for a long time, and recently they asked to work with me on an article for their new blog called “Inspired by Beatrix,” where they interview people who’ve been, in one way or another, inspired by or influenced by the life and work of Beatrix Potter. That’s definitely me! I’ll be in their December post!♥️

So there we go! Happy Halloween 🎃 and hoping for lots of November fun, cause it’s almost another rabbit-rabbit! I leave you with one of my favorite quotes . . .🍂

It will not lead you astray! Stay Cozy, light the fire or some candles, and dream sweet dreams. ❌⭕️ Girlfriends forever, Anna Susanna Dana Branchburger the Third.

Channeling Diane Keaton, via Laura Ashley in 1987, courtesy of way-back-machine.💖

FYI:This post contains affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission on qualifying purchases for things Susan personally loves enough to share with you, at no additional cost to you.💞

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281 Responses to SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES . . .

  1. Terese says:

    I have many of your books and enjoy pulling them out, especially for a special occasion. It’s easy to get lost in them.

  2. Caren Lara says:

    Love reading Willard and hearing what you have been up too. I am a Northern California Girl now living in the Midwest and sure love reading of your adventures in the Central Coast area of my home state. Do you still have your beautiful home in the Vineyard. Is such a beautiful home in a beautiful setting. Hoping to be picked for one of your gifts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year….

  3. Gig Arney says:

    Oh Susan, thank you so much for this particular Willard. It could not have arrived on a better day. I live in northern California and we have had ENDLESS days of grey, drippy fog with nary a hint of sun to come . This kind of weather does not make my heart sing! I’m so grateful for my sewing room and yards and yards of fabric with which to make quilts and whatever. Years ago we lived in a double wide and I agree that it is a challenge to make your dreams come true in them. Perverseness and a collection of all things country made that rectangle so adorable. Your fireplace mantel? Genius! That man of yours? A Keeper. Again…..THANK YOU!!!!!!!

  4. Gale Harris says:

    Thank you so much for all the reasons to lift the spirits of others and ourselves, especially at this time of year. It means so much to reminded of all that is bright and beautiful in our world.

  5. Sandy Momyer says:

    Love your Willard and always eager to read through the whole things when it arrives. Your Christmas messages and images surely cheer me.

    Thank you.

  6. Sandy Momyer says:

    Love Willard and can’t wait to read it when it arrives. I read through the whole thing and love the quotes you share, your decorating for the season and your personal thoughts and recipes. Have your books and love going through them time and time again. Thank you.

  7. Donna Keesler says:

    Happy Holidays and thank you for the Willard posts. You brighten our days!

  8. Donna Keesler says:

    Thannk you for your Willard posts.

    Happy Holidays and the best for 2026!

  9. Barbara Gandy says:

    Your Willards delight me. Good way to start off the day. Today I will make magical moments during my day enjoying my home and all that I have. Merry Christmas to you and your family and a very happy new year ahead. Fondly, Barbara Gandy

  10. Sandy Boosel says:

    Thank You! … Thank You! … Susan, for your sharing your life, memories & sweet adventures with all of us over all of these years! Looking forward to sooo many more. I wish you & your wonderful staff the very Merriest & most Blessed Christmas ever!! Blessings, Sandy Boosel

  11. Norma O says:

    I love the Autumn and Summer books, and the votive holding church.
    Love and Merry Christmas from me and my kitty, Rocky.

  12. Shirley Graham says:

    I love your mantel!!! My children have laughed at me as since I live in an apartment now I don’t have a mantel & have been threatening to buy just a simple mantel & put it either in the living room or bedroom just so I can have a mantel to decorate. You have to do these things right?! My husband would have built one for me as Joe has done but he isn’t living an longer so must go to the next thing in life. Love your letters!! Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!!

  13. Marilyn deRuyter says:

    You are missed on the vineyard! California is lucky to have captured you.
    I met you on the ferry once, a real treat for me!
    Your new home looks just as inviting and cozy as your old home.
    (As my Dutch husband would say… gezellig!)
    Merry Christmas. ❤️💚

  14. Brooklyn H. says:

    I just discovered your website through a scrapbooking paper kit that I bought! I love your blog and can’t wait to read more posts <3
    -Brooklyn

  15. Lorrie Gervin says:

    I always look forward to Willard, a bright spot in what is sometimes a stream of no good, very bad news. Knew the Christmas issue would be wonderful, and it was! Congratulations on the beautiful new mantle, and Happy Holidays to all! Lorrie

  16. Andrea Hakanson says:

    A very Merry Christmas to you Susan (and Joe!) Thank you for all you do to entertain us and give us that cozy feeling all the time..not just at Christmas. Much love!

  17. I so adore your Willard. I am amazed at your creativity and energy. You make everything look wonderful.

    Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.

    Connie

  18. Carolyn Edwards says:

    Thank you! Thank you! Whenever I see a Willard in my Inbox…my day is complete! You are a jewel!!! Carolyn Edwards, Prescott, Arizona

  19. Jenny Petty says:

    I received the Beatrix Potter cookbook that you showed when I was about 10 years old. It was my first cookbook, and I made so many of the recipes,

    Love the Santa on your cards! He looks like a true Jolly St. Nick!

  20. I enjoy reading your Willards! But most of all, I love seeing Jack! He’s such an adorable cat! Can’t wait for the next Willard! Merry Christmas!❤️

  21. Monica Bates says:

    I enjoy my Willard….
    I am happy you have the 2026 Full Moon bookmark… thank you 🙂 I host every January & June my book club (we do brunch with lots of champagne bubbles) – this past January the party favor was your 2025 laminated book mark ! My Blue Skies Book Buddies loved them. They will find a new one on their place setting in January 2026.
    Have a blessed Christmas and happy healthy new year!

  22. Monica Bates says:

    I enjoy my Willard….
    I am happy you have the 2026 Full Moon bookmark… thank you 🙂 I host every January & June my book club (we do brunch with lots of champagne bubbles) – this past January the party favor was your 2025 laminated book mark ! My Blue Skies Book Buddies loved them. They will find a new one on their place setting in January 2026.
    Have a blessed Christmas and happy healthy new year!

  23. Pearl Maxner says:

    Thank you for your years of commitment to art and life and love. For me it has been 60 years of watching you and loving every minute. I love how you make a good life out of everything you do and are! Forever Grateful, Lover of Beatrix, Pearl

  24. Carol keefer says:

    Cant wait for your Christmas book! You are too much fun!

  25. Barbara Hensley says:

    Merry Christmas Susan and Joe from the, not so warm, east coast. It is such a joy to receive your updates in my inbox. Thank you for being the beautiful you that you are. Blessings, Barbara

  26. Sharon says:

    Love your posts. Blessed Holiday Season shedding Love and Light. Clear from Montana, please add me to your lovely Christmas drawig.

  27. Kathi Giotta says:

    Susan, What a life !! I’m living vicariously through you. I hope you don’t mind. I love how you dream and create and your Joe brings so much of it to life. I too love Diane Keaton, if you haven’t read her autobiography, I highly recommend it. I’m from Massachusetts and love the cape and the islands. Once when my husband had to travel to MV for work, I went along and had lots of free time to myself. I walked by your timeless historical home. Loved it and wished when you were selling that I could afford to be the next enchanted owner. I found the grave of the chicken lady, Nancy Luce. I was enthralled by her sad, brave and legend like story. I would hope, had I been their I could been her friend.
    Kathi

  28. Cheryl Baker says:

    I love the story of your fireplace. Two of my uncles built new houses in the early 1950s and the both added a (fake) fireplace. I thought this was the greatest ever. I was 4 or 5. One was a bit fancier with the fireplace constructed of stone. ( Fake stone I found out later). . It was on a wall with bookshelves! The other house, not as big, had a cute wooden mantle. It was always fun seeing how my aunts decorated those mantels, too!

  29. Vicki Gibbs says:

    Hello Susan, love hearing from you and Willard, while I’m sure you miss snow this year, we have had a very cold start to Fall/Winter in Southeastern Virginia. Being on the Coast, we rarely get snow, and have had two “short Southern snows” so far, with another one expected on Sunday! Jim Cantore was even in Virginia Beach for the first one! I hope you and Joe have a wonderful holiday season, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Love reading about the latest, it’s like going to a place that makes my heart happy every time.
    P.S. I’d like to see you as a guest on “Be My Guest” with Ina Garten, as I think you’d make a great guest. Take Care!

  30. Eleanor Gathany says:

    I hope to attend one of your book signings. Looking forward to when you post the itinerary. Enjoy your Willard updates! I especially enjoyed your mantle story. I have a project to add a faux mantle in our bedroom. Found a perfect old chippy one but had to return it because of lead paint! So you gave me good ideas on how to make it a reality. Best wishes for continued adventures.

  31. Lisa A Emmott says:

    I have several of your books and love them all!! They are my go to for several favorite recipes!! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

  32. Nancy says:

    Love your newsletter. Glad you are enjoying life in California, and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

  33. Joyce Nichols says:

    I really was not sure I would enjoy your blogs once you moved from Martha’s Vinyard, but I love them more. It’s a lot of fun and very interesting to see how you are making your new home truly yours, and the videos of your garden are wonderful. So happy for you and Joe – Marry Christmas to you both.

  34. Joyce Schneider says:

    Dear Susan, so nice to read about all your adventures and ideas. CA is agreeing with you. But seeing the snow in MA this past week made me homesick. My remedy is to pull out your books, and read and read your blogs, posts. Thank you. Thank you for helping me get into the Christmas spirit this year.
    Hope you can put VA or NC on your book tour for 2026. Thank you for all your ideas, recipes and books, etc.. Merry Christmas to you and Joe.

  35. Amy says:

    Merry Christmas, Susan!
    I love your Willards, but the Christmas one is always my favorite. Gives me a few minutes to slow down and enjoy the season. Seeing your decorations inspire me to add a little more magic. I collect Christmas mugs and have wanted one of your Santa mugs for years. It would be the “star on top of my tree” for my collection. Enjoy the holiday season and hope to see you on your book tour in spring!

  36. Dear Susan, It’s always Christmas, any time of year, when you post a Willard. I love hearing about your home activities, and thoughts on everything. I especially enjoy your pictures. I have a fake brick fireplace. Looks real. Love decorating it. I live in a senior apartment complex now and it makes me feel like I am still in my house. Thanks so much for sharing. Wish you were doing a book tour in this area – Canandaigua, New York.

  37. Joyce Heffner says:

    Susan:
    Your blog is always inspirational, uplifting and genuine!! Thank you so very much for being you and being brave!

  38. Kathie Poston says:

    I love when my Willard comes! This one brought me joy and many smiles, but also tears. As you wrote about Diane Keaton, my dear friend Carolyn who passed from cancer in 2020 came to mind. The Tears part! She was such a beautiful soul inside and out. She introduced me to you. Every year when we start thinking about how Christmas is coming so quick, she would say Oh, I need to get my Susan Branch calendars! That’s how I got started and yours would hold the honorable space on a wall in my Kitchen!! Alas, I did not get mine this year as they are sold out. My husband had to have open heart surgery on 10/10 and I missed my last Willard that came, but, he is recovering so well, so might put his picture on the wall in the kitchen to remind us all year that it doesn’t matter what else is happening each day as long as he is here to share it with me! I’ll get my calendar next year though, I will miss it!
    Have a lovely Christmas!🎄

  39. Carol Nicholls says:

    You make me dream of cozy lovely times!

  40. Betsy Caprioli says:

    Oh Susan!

    I have been such a fan of yours since the 1980s. I just love you and all your creative thoughts and ideas. Hope you’re loving CA and have a wonderful Christmas.

    Always,
    betsy caprioli

  41. Kat Acuna says:

    Sending you holiday hugs, which smell like gingerbread, and a pineapple kiss, with peppermint sprinkles.Mahalo for all you do.

  42. Daphne Brown says:

    Thank you for the Christmas cheer and light you share with all of us! I miss your snowy posts and pictures. We are now under a winter storm advisory with both snow and ice in KY. I love the stars hanging above your mantle, so cozy and warm. Merry Christmas to you and Joe, and Mr. Jack! Currently searching for vintage stickers online!
    ❤️❤️❤️

  43. Marlene Serwinek says:

    I’m so happy you keep making your books and have a website. Reading your gentle thoughts has been like finding a port in a raging storm. I’ve been a fan and collected your books for decades now and they always calm me and remind me of what’s most important. Thank you.

  44. LaDonn Jonsen says:

    Such a wonderful newsy blog in time for Xmas. I loved seeing how you created a fireplace and mantle! It is inspiring me with your ‘find’ that is already to go! I don’t have a “Joe”-type person that would create such a wonderful addition! So thank you Susan for researching and providing a link to that wonderful idea! It’s in my future! Great book suggestion too, I will be looking for it in my audio book service. Have a wonderful Solstice celebration and Merry Christmas!
    XOXO 💕

  45. Susan Comden says:

    A very Merry Christmas to you, dear Susan and Joe. You bring a lot of hope and Joy to all your grateful readers. As a fellow ex San Fernando Valleyite, I have related to many of your wonderful stories throughout the years.

    My very best,

    Susan Thomas Comden

  46. cindy swanson says:

    I always enjoy reading the new “Willard” and looking at the pictures too! I have added the sweet little retro radio to my …must buy list… I love it. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Thanks so much for sharing you with us!

  47. Julie Donaldson says:

    I just love all of your paintings and cookbooks. Thank you for the holiday cheer. Merry Christmas!

  48. Jodi Hicks says:

    Your love of life is so beautiful and inspiring! It’s snowing like crazy here in Michigan and super, super cold (which I’m not loving, but is really pretty). Merry Christmas to you both and thank you for adding such romance and beauty to the world.

  49. Kathleen Williams says:

    Merry Christmas!

  50. Susan Esquivel says:

    Merry Christmas Susan! Thank you for the gift of Willard! Love reading it! I love seeing your
    land get better and better! Such a special place.

  51. Jimee Hurst says:

    Hi Susan, We actually met in person eons ago – at Sharon Lovejoy’s Heart’s Ease shop in Cambria! Time flies. (How did I get to be 88 years old???) I have collected all of your books over the years – and though I have never liked to actually cook, I love reading them, enjoying your art, giving as gifts – and recommending them to friends.
    We left Cambria about 20 years ago, relocating to Richland WA on the upper Columbia River, with the Yakima coming in from the west and the Snake from the east, 4 or 5 hours from the coast. Rivers are awesome!!!! (The only one near me growing up in So. Calif. was the Los Angeles River – all concrete, rarely any water.)
    I am enjoying your revised Summer book so much – and looking forward to the new! Thanks for many hours of reading pleasure.

    • sbranch says:

      How nice to hear from you Jimee! I’m still friends with Sharon… we have the same questions about the swift passage of time too! Sounds so beautiful where you are living now! Have a lovely Christmas!♥️

  52. Heather Mayo says:

    Merry Christmas and blessings for 2026!

  53. Kelley Weishaar says:

    It was as if my laptop said, ‘You;ve Got Mail’……it was WILLARD in my inbox. Yeah, happy dance!! I stepped away from my laptop to put on a spot of tea so I can slowly read every word you have typed and I did! Oh my, what a delight!! Susan, thank you thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us. You make me smile 🙂

    Merry Merry Christmas to you and your Mr. Joe

    • sbranch says:

      I hope everyone has a moment to read these delightful comments! We are such a special group!!!♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

  54. Lisa says:

    Merry Christmas and I can see that you brought New England ingenuity to CA! The mantel on the mirror is pure genius. I must have a mantel to decorate wherever life takes me!
    xoxoxo Lisa

    • sbranch says:

      It’s just a good thing to put on your must have home list! Like having a kitchen sink, just NORMAL!😂💞

  55. Cheryl Nussbaum says:

    Thank you for taking the time to share with your readers. It always feels like visiting with a friend from years gone by. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a blessed 2026!

  56. Meagan Lee says:

    I look forward to your Willard. They always make me happy and remind me that there is joy and peace in this crazy world. Merry Christmas and here is to a wonderful New Year!

  57. Gale Rosenthal says:

    Your house looks beautiful! I just love following you on Instagram and reading your posts! Merry Christmas!

  58. Michelle says:

    I have just recently found you and ordered your Autumn book!

  59. Peggy Lawson says:

    Merry Christmas!

  60. Christine Schmidutz says:

    I love the whimsy and coziness of these posts. its like a placemaking for the heart. Merry Christmas to you and the family

  61. Jan Steffens says:

    I love ALL things Susan Branch! I am so glad you are back in one of our favorite places in CA!! I hope you and Joe have a VERY Merry Christmas ❤️❤️❤️

  62. Rhonda Gach says:

    I love your posts! Beautiful and inspiring! I have enjoyed your calendars for many years now. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

  63. Christa Gregory says:

    I’ve been a fan of yours since 1995. I love the nostalgic magical feel to all your books. I still use your stickers on all my cards I send out to friends and family 🤗I get that from my Grandmother ☺️You have been an inspiration and I’m always looking forward to my Willard mail❣️Thank you Susan Branch 🩷

  64. Janet Evans says:

    Ths is lovely as always

  65. Rebecca Cody says:

    Ohhhh, Merry Christmas, Susan & Joe! ♥️🎁🎄🎂🎅🏼🧑🏻‍🎄🥂🕯️🍷🔔

  66. M M says:

    Love your work all through the years

  67. Susan Elliott says:

    Merry Happy Christmas 🎄 !!

    Love your blog

    Have followed you for decades !!

    Susan E

  68. Beverly Muto says:

    I love the central coast as much as you do. We live in the most beautiful part of the country. Merry Christmas.

  69. Kim Frey says:

    Merry Christmas

  70. Linda Sherman says:

    I love your home that you have made so very cozy. The faux mantel brings the space into a warm nook. Your English garden, too is so much fun to watch it grow. Thank you for your inspirations.

  71. Andrea Mace says:

    I have always loved Susan Branch. This year I purchased Autumn cards and Christmas cards from her and sent them out to family and friends.

  72. Andrea Mace says:

    I sent out Autumn and Christmas cards from Susan this year to family and friends. I love her artwork and quotes.

  73. Regina Haggard says:

    Merry Christmas to you and Joe! Your posts and blogs are always so uplifting and your creativity and vintage finds adorable! I just received my 3026 wall calendar! In fact I got 3 more to give as gifts! I’ve been following you since you began! Your art work makes me happy every time I look at it! Thank you!

  74. Allison Cook says:

    I always enjoy your newsletters. The mantle is beautiful. Even in Camarillo, I still use my fireplace sometimes.

  75. Melissa says:

    Welcome back to California. Fun to see your posts. I’m making my third batch of your cranberry marmalade this year for gifts. I absolutely love it and so do my friends. Thank you for sharing. I’m getting ready to open your 2026 calendar. Always a must. Thank you

  76. Melissa says:

    Welcome back to California. Fun to see your posts. I’m making my third batch of your cranberry marmalade this year for gifts. I’m getting ready to open your 2026 calendar. Always a must. Thank you

  77. Kathleen Leduc says:

    Just finished the trilogy and loved and savored each one. I also love your book of quotes and have purchased a couple of copies to give as Christmas presents this year. Hope Santa brings me one too! 🎅🏼🎅🏼🎅🏼

  78. Bev Litwin says:

    Love your seasonal recipe, books! I wish you would re-release the Christmas one.

  79. Vickie Sykes says:

    I love all of your illustrations!! Merry Christmas to you! Hope to be a winner!!

  80. Layla McGregor says:

    Merry Christmas Susan! Your work is treasured in our household and brings so much joy through the seasons. 🎄🤍

  81. Jill says:

    Thank you for making every holiday special with your books, stories, recipes and so much more. Merry Christmas!

  82. Barbara Pulaski says:

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

  83. Christine Anzaldua says:

    Merry Christmas to you and your family & kitty; Christmas is my favorite time of the year first of all because we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ but also because its a season of giving; I love to give gifts that people will love and also make something unique for my sisters and mom every year. They love your products albums, decor, etc. If I win this giveaway I would share it with them. xoxoxo

  84. Anne Higgins says:

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! ♥️🎄♥️

  85. Renee Miller says:

    Love reading Willard and seeing the lovely pictures of your home.

  86. Alana says:

    Merriest Christmas from my little home to yours!! I grew up flipping through all your books my mother had and every time I come across any of your books from a thrift store I take them home with me

  87. Mary Davis says:

    Holidays are for celebrating!🎄❣️

  88. Grace Salm says:

    Merry Christmas! ❌⭕️

  89. Kathy Burns says:

    Your posts are delightful. I’m in California too, but not in your neck of the woods. I’ve visited there and it’s gorgeous!

  90. Susan Shallenberger says:

    Wishing you and Joe a wonderful, warm and spirited Christmas. Was so nice sharing a glass of wine in your garden this summer with Elaine. It made me wish I’d known you earlier, as I feel we would have been great friends and creative souls.

  91. Molly Daulerio says:

    I’m obsessed with you Susan!!! Never ever stop creating!!!!

  92. Martha Blevins says:

    I love your books and would be thrilled to receive your Christmas book! Merry Christmas!

  93. Rena Carlson says:

    Always whimsical always a place to get away too. I absolutely adore everything said, selling, Reading, & buying. A life I feel comfortable in. Thank you so very much!

  94. Martha Blevins says:

    Merry Christmas!

  95. Julie Marie says:

    I dont see mhy comment anywhere dear Susan! I tried twice, once with my new email and once with my old email. It said last time I checked “awaiting moderation” but that was days ago! Love this post and your new mantel! And seeing Jack! Please enter me in your generous giveaway, xoxo. Julie Marie

  96. Lisa Watson says:

    Merry Christmas from central PA! I life and have several of your mugs. I always reach for them whether it’s coffee or tea 😊

  97. Brenda Stoecker says:

    Susan you are the Heart of The Home♥️

  98. Sandy Sigmon says:

    I’m a long time fan of Susan Branch and have almost all of your books! Would love to see you on tour! Will you be coming to Virginia? Specifically the Charlottesville, VA area?

  99. Jane Corrigan says:

    Susan Branch, you are an American treasure!❤️🇺🇸

  100. Julie says:

    This is my first time experiencing your blog! What a wonderful time! I thoroughly enjoyed it and signed up. Thank you and have a Merry Christmas!🎄🎁 🕯️✨

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