Hi Everyone!!! Yes, it’s me, your long-but not-forever-lost Girlfriend, checking back in, because I have all sorts of news, and I’m forcing myself to take time from writing my new book this lovely Monday to catch you up a bit . . . I’ve been away from my blog and pretty much everything for waaaay too long . . . but I have a ton to tell you, so get ready! Here’s one of myold favorite songs, MUSICA for you!👏 First off . . . the
YES! 2027 has arrived at our Studio right at Summer Solstice! 2027, in the form of a purse calendar, the Mini, the Blotter, and my new Wall Calendar! 💝
Here it is . . . I just got mine yesterday and read it last night; it made me cry and laugh because it’s an ode to our old house . . . Probably the main character in my blog for all these years. That old house was SUCH a person! 💝
You can read here what you will find inside . . .
I had to do it, I kissed the door jamb as we left the house, but it wasn’t enough…I just couldn’t go without a proper good-bye, and I think this might just be it! And my little buddy Jack is on every page, even on the cover, where he belongs!💞
Last time I laid them all out was in 2013! There are 19 calendars in this photo! I can barely believe it. And this is only half! There have been 14 new ones since then! Funny way to keep a lifetime diary . . . kinda tells me how long I’ve been doing this! I look at them and think, “How FUN!!”👏👏👏
So, I’ve been keeping very busy . . . not the least was replanting our wildflower orchard. What a learning adventure this has been, me trying to emulate an orchard full of wildflowers I saw in England in 2004. . . if you’ve kept up with this blog, you know this is my second try, and I don’t expect to have it right for maybe 4 more years. That’s okay! I like long projects!❤️
You really have to slow-walk yourself through this with your camera and snippers to appreciate all the colors and variety of wildflowers, some so very tiny . . .
It’s pretty awesome if I do say so myself!
It’s not really brain surgery, you just throw out seeds and up they come, but there’s preparation that has to be done, straw that has to be laid to thwart seed-eating birds, and constant watering, and then there’s the crazy gardener I never met who came and was told to weed MY GARDEN, which no one is supposed to touch but me, and goofed up and weeded out half of my new wildflowers.😖I never saw him, but thank God he went home before he finished, or it could have been worse. Things happen. Plenty left for me to coo over.
See the little flat white flower? That’s Baby’s Breath! A very different variety from the one they have in the florist shops … and my favorite. It’s floating all over the orchard!
And speaking of natural beauty. I know how you love photos of Jack . . . isn’t he the most beautiful boy? I have been trying to think of how to tell you this 😢 (so get ready), but at age 16, Jack, our little guy, has gone to heaven. Way before I was done with him as I’m sure you know.😥 It was so fast, over one weekend, and then, he was gone. I was kind of dumbstruck, he’s had diabetes for years, and maybe that led to it, we don’t know. It’s been a little while since this happened, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to tell you about it. The vet said it was just one of the regular things that cats get. Kidneys. I’m glad it was fast. I hugged him so close and thanked him for all he had brought to my life and I could feel him hugging me back. I hugged him for you too.😘
Our little petty pets, so hard to say goodbye. But what a GIFT!💝 My sidekick, in all things, even on the floor exercising.
Even tucking himself in next to the toaster to watch me cook.❤️
He was so much fun . . . waiting at the top of the stairs for me to shoot him one of those fat ponytail bands…
And he was beautiful. And you can see by his face, looking right AT me, he had great powers of concentration. He was such a little personality!💝
Now he’s with my other little guys . . . I hope he LIKES them, Jack was just a two-human kind of guy.
We are lucky to have these little bo-bos waiting in the wings for when this happened . . . Remember these two? These kitties, S
imon and Sammy, are HEAVEN cats who’ve lived here in our California house since they were kittens. They were Studio cats who hung out with Sheri when she was working in the Goat Barn shipping calendars. We sort of inherited them when we moved back to California; we all agreed that moving them didn’t seem the best thing for them; we’ve known them from the beginning and love them dearly, and didn’t want to disrupt their lives any more than we had to. They lived with us in the house whenever we came to visit … but then Jack moved in, and he would not, and did not,want to share his space with any other cats, so these two lived in the Goat Barn, which was kind of 
okay with them, but we felt guilty and always knew they wanted to come back into the house. We fed them in the barn, morning and night, let them out in the morning, put them to bed in the barn as the sun went down. The rest of the time they wandered the gardens with us, lounged on the deck. They were really good sports about not coming in … and it’s been almost 2 years since we got here. Literally the DAY after Jack was gone, Simon OPENED the screen door and walked in. I looked at Joe and he looked at me. We thought we might wait a while before moving them in. But we had another think coming. And so it is . . . they’re in and they’re staying in.
As a small example of what they do for us in the laughter department, Joe is TRYING to sleep (see the little hunk of hair on the pillow at the top? That’s Joe).
Joe’s trying to hide but Simon is not giving up!
This little love bucket ADORES Joe… wakes him every morning, and I adore him for adoring Joe. So we celebrate life, our memories and our now, as that’s what must be done!💖
If you’ve never had a kitty, you don’t know what you’re missing. Although, don’t get me wrong. I adore dogs.🐕 I’m lucky because Alfredo and his son Jesse used to live here; they take care of the hedges and big garden things, they come all the time, and each have a dog! So, basically, I have two cats and two dogs! Big dogs, a little pit bullish, almost scary, except they are the sweetest good boys in the world and scared of the kitties! What would we be without our little petty-pets?💓
So true, they’re all just little heart-beats . . .
Here we are, out to dinner next to the ocean … I am taking this photo of us in the window of the restaurant behind where we are sitting ~ there we are on the patio and there’s the ocean ~ life is good.🤗 We’ve kept busy, I’ve been mostly writing-writing-writing my book, Joe’s been getting shipments of books , cups, etc. ready… feeding me, and taking care of the rest of our lives. We’re doing it together because we have so much to look forward to! 👏👏👏
Made it to friends for dinner … I’m putting this pictures so you know I’m healthy cause I know you worry when you haven’t seen me in a long time.🥰
Best thing Joe and I did happened in May . . . still living in the glow of this day. This is Jane Bay at her 85th Birthday party … Jane is my 
darling girlfriend whose idea it was for me to write a cookbook ~ I’ve written about her and thanked her in several of my books . . . but we haven’t seen each other in many years. What a reunion!💞 On a charming patio in a sweet old hotel in San Anselmo with her darling sister Kitty, and all of their friends, and some of their kids! What a celebration of life! Jane was George Lucas’s assistant for something like 30 years, so the party was filled with her old 
friends from Skywalker Ranch, many of them are my age, and some of them still work there, and all have wonderful life stories to tell, California kids, who accidentally on purpose fell into the most creative jobs in the center of a magical hub-bub . . . Such an interesting bunch, all there to celebrate the friendship and generosity of Jane, the air buzzed with L O V E! See those flowers up there ⬆️? 🌺🌺🌺 So gorgeous, I was taking a picture of them when Kitty walked by and said “Steven Spielberg sent those.” Of course he did 🤯, perfectly normal.💞
Look at her . . . she’s still magic, with that soft southern-girl laugh and big smile, so smart, so good, such a friend.💗
But the wonderfulness of my days did not stop here . . . Look at this!😱
Something else out-of-this-world happened. I bought some used shoes, Louis Vuitton Shoes, in an auction. My very first auction. My very first designer anything. And that’s not the half of it, because these adorable chunky shoes (Joe’s not wild about them, but they’re just my style), oh yes, P.S., belonged to DIANE KEATON! They did! My girl! I was shocked to get them because the odds were monumentally stacked against me. The auction took place live in New York, and worldwide on-line. I don’t know what happened, but the person/people I was bidding against just STOPPED! They stopped bidding!!!! Leaving me in the cat-bird’s seat! Why? I don’t know! They must have had an emergency! Had to leave town instantly. Everything else I bid on went 
WAAAY over my head, even though I sat there like a vulture, finger hovering over the computer, ready to strike . . . to no avail. But the shoes are MINE. Shoes that were last, and ONLY, worn by DIANE KEATON!!! All of her clothing, gorgeous handmade linen jackets (I tried for ⬅️ that one), big skirts, belts, HATS. Designer everything! All went for arms and legs, and although yes, these are the most expensive shoes I will ever own, they were nothing compared to $8,000 dollar hats, etc. I have never had the urge to buy designer clothing, but I don’t mind having a little something-something like these. (Clutches own heart, with eyes to heaven.)😊
I get to walk in Diane Keaton’s shoes. Couldn’t be happier even if I had the red, No Place Like Home shoes from the Wizard of Oz! To me, these are better! They aren’t here yet, still going through the system of an auction house, getting shipped soon, so I keep praying nothing goes wrong. No worry, I did get a receipt, so they have my money!👏 Guess where I will wear them? YES, at our first book signing, when we honor our beloved Diane Keaton, get all gussied up to dress like Diane, our darling “woman to love.” I might have to call it Woman to Love Booksigning. Will they fit, you might ask? They said there was no size in them, but they measure 11 ½” long, and we measured my clunky black loafers with the big heels and they are 11 ¼”… IT SOUNDS GOOD, and my fingers are crossed. I wake up now, all sleepy and coming to consciousness, and first thing comes to mind, “I have Diane Keaton’s shoes,” and a wave of happiness washes over me.
So what else … oh! Books! I have one TV series, on Britbox, to tell you about, and one wonderful book title to share … the Britbox series is taken from the last book written by Charles Dickens, which neither Joe nor I had ever heard of, called Our Mutual Friend. The series is old, from 1998.. but REALLY good. An accidental discovery, just lurking around on Britbox. Complicated, but in a good way . . . not hard to follow but keeps your attention. It’s a good mystery with lots of history, and of course Dickens’ famous message of too much rich makes too many poorer. We’ve been trying to go slow to make it last, it’s so well done. You’ll love it!😘
This is the book … Circling the Sun. It’s a biography of the life of Beryl Markham (famous for writing her own wonderful biography, West with the Night, which I hope you’ve read ~ if not, I have TWO books for you 😊). Circling the Sun is also beautifully written, but a much more detailed look at Beryl’s unconventional life. We listen to it when we walk. The reader, Katharine McEwan, is so fantastic, with the BEST, most delicate English accent, she makes the written words even more wonderful.💝
Speaking of delicate and English . . .😊 Time for a CUPS, update! Fine bone china, made in the potteries in Stafforshire, England . . . here’s the brand new HOLLY OAK!
They sent me pics so I could approve the color . . . I told them, It’s a GO, they look beautiful!!!
And they sent me samples of the real things! I always wondered what the door of the real Holly Oak would have looked like if I had the nerve to paint it red. This was the very best way to find out! Looks GOOD! FYI, Kellee is saying, as of yesterday, that the Holly Oak cup is almost sold out! I wrote the manufacturer this morning to see if they can add a few more, and they said they would try, so be sure to check back if you see SOLD OUT on this cup! (A cup that in my heart I call, “Once Upon a Time.” Because it’s a fairy tale to me!)♥️
They haven’t shipped yet, but they will soon . . !
Here’s the WINTER cup, which makes even more sense now considering the subject matter of my new book which you will soon read about, and we still have them! Both cups are the large 16 oz. size, thin-lipped, and not just any cup, as most of you already know!💝And now, welcome to the REAL Life of Sue: Because writing my new book is really all I do most every day, I dream about it most all night, and wake up thinking about it (immediately after remembering that I GOT DIANE KEATON’S SHOES💃🏼) . . .
💘 Here it is . . . My Our new Book! With a brand new name!♥️
Comfort and Joy . . . as in Tidings OF! As you know (and have been waiting so patiently for me to finish), I originally started out to update my 128 page Christmas Book, but in my ear was echoing, “where is our winter book?,” “when will you write a winter book?,” and slowly over time, the title, focus, and subject matter of my new book changed and opened wider, and although it’s STILL a Christmas book, and still has all the subjects covered in the first book, it’s now 200 pages of so much more, with lots of photos, covering all those subjects you see at the bottom of the cover . . . With the main subject, as with all my books, being Home, and the happy, creative world of Domestic Bliss, and the little things that make life sweet.
The inside flap gives even more hints to the contents. I figured this COULD be my last book, and we MIGHT be on the way to my last booksigning and so my Girlfriends, just in cases, this year, with our new calendars, the new cups, this new book, the cross-country booksigning, the reprint of my new Summer Book, the Autumn Book, and Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams, all back in print and arriving soon, AND planning our trip to England in March, still going to give you the details when we get closer (book first), it’s all my way of saying thank you… and if I need to say fare thee well, I will have gone out with a bang, not leaked away under the door, but come out to tell you in person what a difference you have made in my life.💞 Some of you from the very beginning… ♥️ We grew up together!💃🏼 
Each day Comfort and Joy, ‘Tis the Season, is closer to being done, ~ doing it has taken me EVERYWHERE, through all my winters, and holidays, with my girlfriends, and our parties, and my family. and decorating it all with Joe, my memory cup is full to the brim!💝
Here’s another sneak peek at some of the pages . . . Thank you for your patience … You can see it’s going to be late, our booksigning is now going to be a fall adventure, but it will be worth it I promise. A MUCH better/BIGGER book than what so many of you already preordered.👏😊 I want to make this GOOD, I filled it with COMFORT AND JOY so you will never forget me! ♥️
Because you know I’ll never forget you! So off I go, back to work … but I promise, I will return the minute I turn in the book . . . we are sooo close, and after I turn it in, it’s only 3 months until we get it back! During that time we get to call our bookstores, plan our route, and see if we can come visit and bring YOU! Today I heard from Book Love in Plymouth, MA, inviting us to come there! I think our girlfriend Amy Woodward called them and asked them to invite us … she told them she’d bring her Book Club and that probably did it! I’m SO excited, I love that place ~ the town is so charming, and of course, with the Mayflower right there and all… the beautiful old graveyard is the best!
Love you dearests, write me, tell me how it’s going! Click on tiny word below where it says “comment.” 💞
Hi Susan, I totally understand that you are getting closer to retiring from all the work you do. But I do hope that you will write on your blog once in a while if it is not to much trouble. I think everybody would miss you terrible if you stopped with everything! Always love reading your posts and your 3 books about your life I have read multiple times already.
Groetjes from Holland, Petra.
I’m keeping the blog💝 … I will definitely do that, and enjoy it more when I am free-er with time!!! Maybe I will write more about the tricks of being old!🤣
Thank you so much for existing and for sharing yourself with us. (I had a long message written but erased it since it all boils down to that.) 💕
Exactly what I have to do when writing a blog … I get going and can’t stop. Thank you for your sweet words. xoxoxo
I’m so happy that you may be able to have more Holly Oak mugs. Saw it and was called away…came back to order and read “sold out”. Thank you for checking!
I know, it always seems so sudden when that happens! I hope they were able to stick a few more on!!
Oh, my Dear, Sweet Lady!! Eeeeee! A shriek of total happiness. Yes, we do get a bit worried when it’s been a while. But it’s totally obvious that you’ve been extremely busy with all the fabulous things there.
I am sending you my deepest, most heartfelt condolences for the departure of your Jack. It’s never, ever easy, is it! Tom and I cried buckets over the loss of our last warm fuzzy.
We in New England have had the oddest spring/summer, so far. Very cool. But it’s lovely to have the nice mix of rainy days and sunshine.
The new knee is healing, but I’ll be honest, it ain’t for sissies. You Must do the painful work to get it to heal right. The Lovely Tom did the most amazing job arranging the funeral for our Kristin over in Rumford, Maine last week. A large crowd gathered even though it was a Monsoon. There were 30 at the luncheon, folks from all over, lots of laughter and a few tears.
My next wish is to Finally get all our treasures unpacked and on the shelves. This has been one awful year. Hoping for some calm.
Looking forward to the new book, and your plans for a sail over to England!!
New series out on Prime. Homeworthy. It’s just fabulous. Check it out.
Oh Debbie, I’m so glad you got your knee done… I’ve heard they are often very tough, compared to hips, for example, but you are doing it! And on the road to recovery. Yes, a busy year. You two continue to amaze me. Homeworthy? Sounds like my cup of tea… I will check it out. Thank you dear one. Take care.💞
Forget you??? How could we ! You been a part of my life since 1987, when I spied your first book on my sister’s bakers rack. When I need comfort or a good laugh, your wonderful books provide it. When my son,, Bobby, died, you unknowingly helped me get away from overpowering grief for and little while, by reading your shipboard blogs sailing to England. Funny how someone you’ve never met, seems like an old friend. ❤
I’m so sorry to hear about Jack.😪 Very hard to lose a furry family member, but you have wonderful memories. ❤
On a lighter note – my daughter Jill and son-in-law Scott have 2 silly cats – Brutus and Cleo. Scott has severe sleep apnea and sleeps using a cpap machine. The cats have learned how to turn it off when they feel it’s time for him to get up and feed them!
I eagerly await my calendar, Holly Oak cup, and Winter book! And – always look forward to your blog. Take good care, much love to you and Joe.
Your words mean the world to me Linda, thank you. and I already love those kitties, so funny, so in charge in their own ways!💗
I kept having to stop reading and wipe my eyes. You’re correct. I kept checking your blog page, wondering what was wrong. I kept trying to convince myself that you were just busy. And I know you are. I’m so sorry about Jack. But so thankful you have kitties “in the wing”. And dog friends! Retirement is great, if you ever want to try it. 😊
Ohhh, I’m going to try it . . . I think it will really kick into reality somewhere after Christmas. But I don’t plan to give up my blog, at the very least. That will be the last to go! ❌⭕️❌⭕️ Thanks for checking in on me!😁
Susan, your joy and authenticity continue to provide a JOY template for us all. I’m blessed with children and grandchildren, amazing husband and I experienced loving parents. But you have contributed remarkably to my very determined path to happiness in a way that no other writer- artist has… I was fortunate to discover very you in the late 1980s. “Heart of the Home” Notes from a Vineyard Kitchen showed up in an independent bookstore in Plymouth MI and I adored your writing style from the start. I have your calendars, the season books and your memoir trilogy. These blog entries are always a delight and seem to pop up at the perfect time. You are generous and seem to set no limits on nurturing your readers. I cannot adequately thank you for your willingness to share your creativity, beauty and your original ideas. Grateful to you always.
Anne
So sweet . . . I set no limits because my girlfriends set no limits, and I can’t ever have words to tell how fun it has been for me. Write a book and they write you back! What a great discovery! Thank you Anne… lovely to hear from you!❤️
So much wonderful news in this Willard, and one sad piece of news.
I am glad that you gave us the news of Jack’s passing so gently. Just this evening when I was at a much younger friend’s house, I told her about your Jack. I just loved his distinguished moustache and all of his antics! I shall miss his presence in your writings, but I have a feeling he will pop in here and there. A dear cat is always fondly remembered. ❤️
I never really get over any of them! Such giving little presences in our lives! We don’t forget. Not to mention the 10,000 photos I have of Jack, at least! Gone, but never forgotten. I was worried how to tell you, so thank you for saying it felt gentle … ❌⭕️
I was so happy to see the adorable pic you have on the front of the 2027 calendar with Jack on the Claire Murray rug I had sent to you years ago…but when I read that he had died recently I just couldn’t stop the tears. I am so sorry to hear he is gone. What a truly unique kitty he was with his Poirot moustache! He was truly loved and lived the best life. Thank you for spreading sunshine everywhere you go, and all the lives you touch in such a special way.
OH Karen, that rug! Of course we brought it with us from Martha’s Vineyard to California, I have loved it since the moment I saw it. Sometimes I’d be walking near it, catch a tiny glimpse, think Jack was laying on it, and almost trip over myself to keep from stepping on it… because he loved that rug and often he WAS on it, and I would NOT realize it was him, and kind of stumble into him! They were a perfect match! I’ve wanted to say thank you for your thoughtfulness for so many years. I remember your note, saying you couldn’t resist getting it and sending it to me and I want you to know how glad I am that you didn’t! Such an elegant little hooked rug! Thank YOU for spreading sunshine! 💖💖💖🥰
I cried when you shared Jack got his Angel wings. When I read that I was waiting for my husband to complete a medical procedure. No one heard me sobbing, but I couldn’t stop the flow of tears. We all loved him, Susan. Blessings and peace (smiled when I read the other two cats moved right in….)….. Sharon Larsen/Montana
Kiss kiss kiss
Hug hug hug
I bought the two wooden dinner trays for my hubby & I ((ones you suggested in a previous post)) and they are a summer dinner hit!!
Hubs thinks I’m a genius for finding them but I told him that you suggested them to me!
Let summertime find everyone as happy as me!
Thanks again mama flower-child!
Teri
My pleasure dearheart… xoxoxo
I am so so sorry to hear about Jack, I have loved watching him through the blog, and just in the photos we could see his personality. We all worry when we don’t see you or hear from you, but I understand you are busy, and starting to step away, as well you should. I have grown up with all of your wonderful books, my desk blotter that brings me such joy when I am at my desk, you have brought so much joy, so many smiles, a pick me up when I needed it and I am going to miss you terribly, but so excited for this next chapter for you and Joe. Retirement takes some adjusting, but brings new things to focus on, explore and enjoy. I am so happy to hear that for now you are keeping the blog, and will look forward to an occasional post. My 2027 desk blotter should be here today or tomorrow and I am so happy to have one last one for next year. My cup and the book are on order and I am excited to see them whenever they arrive. I just can’t thank you enough for sharing so much of yourself over the years through your beautiful books which I have them all, the calendars, the cups and most importantly, your words. You are and have been a blessing to all of us. Wishing you all the best with your retirement and please, please, please let us hear from you occasionally. Best wishes, Terri
Always and forever Terri. xoxoxo
The Diane Keaton shoes! What a score. I love them to pieces. If they don’t fit, I say bookends forever. Stick a plant in them. Ha! But they will fit and you will reach for them constantly and come on – they go with everything in your closet. 🤗💗. So grateful we have the ability to take and enjoy 10,000 photos of Jack. Aren’t we lucky? He was such a joy to us all. Hugs for your broken hearts.
They DO! Go with everything in my closet! I am SO excited to get them! SO lucky … back in the day we had to worry about film and flash and getting them developed! But now . . . it’s amazing how lucky we are! Thank you Charlene!
Hi Susan…Have been a fan and reader of yours for many years!!! I am so sorry for your loss of Jack…remember do not cry because it is over, smile because it happened. R.I.P. good kitty Jack. I also have a question for you…will you continue to post the Full Moon bookmarks for each year??? They have been a mainstay in my life for many, many years!!! Love them and send them to friends in their holiday cards that I make…fingers crossed that they continue!!! Make it great and good luck with the book and book tour…a forever fan…Bev Boyles
I’ll have to ask Kellee about that . . . I design and she puts the art together to make whatever it is we’re working on … and she may not be available after the end of the year. We still haven’t really had time to talk about it . . . we’re spending all our time on the book right now! But we will!
Aw, Jack! I’m so sorry! I lost my best friend two years ago, and sometimes I wonder if all the love is worth the great pain at the end. I suspect you will say yes, but I’m curious about your thoughts. I don’t think I can do it again. I’m glad you have your two Cali Kitties to warm your house now. P.S. – excited for the winter book!
There’s a quote that says “Grief is the price we pay for love.” I couldn’t tell anyone what to do, it’s such a hard thing to lose our little dear ones. But for me, when I lose one, I really like to get another very soon. It cheers me up instantly … I need their presence in my life, so much laughter and then there’s that furriness and those eyes!
Dearest Susan,
You have been a daily presence in my life since the 80’s with all sizes of your calendars , seasonal books & your knack for sharing old fashioned homeyness with wit , creativity & charm. I also LOVE gardening, baking, New England & the real England & paralleled your journey giving up your beloved Martha’s Vineyard homestead to move onward. Last year , we left Connecticut after 37 years to move west to Paradise Valley AZ to be closer to family. What a painful yet exciting journey.
In addition to your upbeat , happy look on daily rituals , I am extremely grateful for you speaking out about the current state of our country and the despicable decisions those in power are making. I check on your statements daily on the former Twitter & find comfort in knowing other decent, smart people share my views. Thank you for the courage. I also find it so interesting that another artist I follow, Mary Engelbreit, whose style is usually positive & affirming is also speaking out.
Thank you, thank you for sharing your journeys and I send you my appreciation & love for all the kindness & joy you have sent into the world.
Perfectly said, “painful but exciting!” Like a bit of a shot in the arm, despite the friend-sickness for those we left behind. It’s the smells of my childhood that I am particularly noticing these days, the cool crickety nights and the warm sunny days. Yes, can’t help but worry about the state of the world. Feel terrible that politics has divided Girlfriends that have so very very much in common. But we all know, nothing ever stays the same . . . and so we pray. xoxoxo
Oh Dear Susan !! I am so glad to hear from you today , although I was one of your girlfriends at the zoom with Haley Salano recently! I loved your input and insight. I do hope that knitting pattern comes through ! Jack, darling Jack… how many times have I told a funny story or shared a photo you shared with us ,he is loved by many! THE SHOES !!! Ohmygoodnessgracious!! WOW! I am in Maine, so when you do a book tour within driving distance, I am there to see you rocking those shoes! And to celebrate you and the book. I was at the last one in Massachusetts a few years ago.I have been with you for some 40 years,or almost. My early 20’s and now 62. You are such a part of who I am !! LOVE YOU !!! I am so excited to receive the cup and,book soon, I think my one needs a friend ! :))
Every single one of these wonderful comments, like yours Sara, deserve an answer and a big thank you and so much more, you know I could write all day … but time is SO skimpy these days! 40 years of You … how lovely! Blessed to the core! xoxoxo
Oh that Jack! He lived his best life with you, and entertained all of us in the process. I’m glad the little dynamic duo, Simon and Sammy have stepped in to keep things energized!
Oh, Susan. I had to step away from my computer as soon as I read about Jack. I just can’t believe he was 16. He still seemed so young but I am now realizing how fast these years are going! Life does march on and the way you embrace it is such an inspiration for me. I still cannot get over the fact that you moved out west 2 years ago. My mother got me on to you and she has now been gone for 9 years. My husband and I once visited Martha’s Vineyard and we walked by your house. (I can admit that now). It was so much fun to see your world and we tried so hard to figure out your path to the ocean that you walked every morning. We were on a very pot holed “path” and I felt it was too far for you to walk there and back every day. LOL Anyway, thank you so much for all that you have given all of us. I anxiously await your book!!! (Please try to come to Atlanta area for a book signing). 🙂
I’m so happy you’ll continue keeping friendships with your Blog. I’m your age and know the slowing down stage of life’s journey. We still have meaning, purpose and possibility. Flowers, friends, Sophie our kitty, recipes and joy to share. Books and a nap once in awhile! Kathy
Dear Susan,
My sincere condolences to you and Joe for the loss of your sweet Jack, You certainly gave him a wonderful life. Please try to picture him with the other fur friends that you have loved all together in kitty heaven. I am so happy you are going to keep the blog so we can all stay in touch. You are so loved and appreciated, and I would miss hearing from you. I hope to see you on one of your book tours. I met you in Brewster at the Beatrix Pottery anniversary and it was so wonderful. I have ordered my calendar and home cup. I have all of your books on display in my cozy book nook! Kindred spirits we will always be!!
Yes we will! How lucky! xoxoxo
It is such a small world!! I was at the Beatrix Potter birthday party in Brewster and was fortunately able to attend the picnic at Castle Cottage in Near Sawry. I still have the mouse notecard that I chose at the birthday party. I can’t seem to part with it. I’ve tried to find another like it but I haven’t been successful so far. Perhaps I’ll find one at the museum in Hawkshead. I always seem to time my visit to that area at a time when the museum is closed. I’d love to see Beatrix’s “nature” art. Most of what I’ve seen has been related to the world of Peter Rabbit. Perhaps I’ll meet you at a future book signing. Perhaps we should wear name tags, so we can recognize people from the blog.
Always love hearing from you Dianne ~ Yes, yes, and yes, are all my answers to everything you said!!! 💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼
Dear Susan,
As many of your girlfriends have expressed here, I found your work when I was a younger me in the ’80s and all of it has brought much comfort and joy to my life. A great name for the new book as it is exactly what all your work does for my soul. I bought the geranium in a pot print and found the perfect frame on Amazon. So beautiful. It hangs in my kitchen along with the geranium in the basket print. We met twice in SLC…at the King’s English bookstore and then at the Baptist Church. I hope they are reaching out to you again to come to SLC on your book tour. Either way, I want you to know how much your books and blog have enriched my life. You are one special lady. Linda A. (Utah)
We will try to be there Linda! Hope to see you!
Susan….a wonderful post….just trying to quit crying over your sweet Jack. I lost my 18 year-old Calico Lucy recently and certainly understand your loss. I am not ready for another kitty or two but look forward to the time I am. I pre-ordered the book! Happy Summer 2026!
So sorry about Lucy, we all commiserate with that sweet sorrow. xoxoxo
❤️
Susan, I have walked alongside you since the days Willard came in the mail by post. You have been a part of my family since your beginnings. I have every book of yours, mugs from England, cross stitch and fabric and oh so much more. Thank you for being a part of my family since your beginnings. It’s been pure joy. And oh yes, forgot to mention, I have never missed a calendar.
Maybe this is why I smile so much . . . having such sweetness of thought out there ~ I must be feeling it! Thank you Ruth!
Thanks for sharing again. Always smile as I am reading your happiness describing the simple parts of your life. Peaceful. Sorry for loss of Jack, but love how you just keep moving forward. That’s what we must do! Your words, If you dream it, you can make it so?
Goodnight, friend🩷🙏
First of all, Jack…I gasped out loud when I read the news. Hugs to your heart from a cat lover who is a furless cat!! Bless his, and Joe and your hearts. So hard!
LOVE that Baby’s Breath flower. I am a person who loves bouquets of just Baby’s Breath in a vase on my front door. I have never seen the larger one. Your wildflower meadow looks FAB even though you say it is miniscule and a work in progress.
I am excited that you will be heading back to England. I am wondering if this is the trip when you will purchase your own English Holly Oak?! (Six months on the CA coast and six months walking meadows of sheep?). What a way to tie a bright bow on your retirement years.
Sure has been a lot of gloomsville in my part of CA…Goleta…lots of breezy days, too.
Bless your heart, and thank you, for SO much. You made a career out of friendship and genuine love…not to mention, your artistic talent!! You will be remembered always…when we look at our book shelves, sip out of your cups and reread your library of Willards. An Anthology of Willards could be your final,-final book!! 😺
Mwah…and continue to take care of the two of you. Wishing you many-many more years of contentment with the love of your life. 💞💋
Susan,
I just read about your Jack, I am so sorry to learn this. He was so special as we all know. Praying for you and your broken heart. I have been there and still hurt.
Love to you,
Becky Clark
I sent a post to Susan and was wondering why it didn’t post? I love her blogs and did not write anything hurtful. Sad a little that it was overlooked.
Oh, I am trying to get to everyone’s posts! Here it is Jurate!
Mine was skipped over again as well. Hopefully she has read it.
No, not skipped over! Sorry, I’m here, just slowly getting time to read them, but I’m getting there! xo
I’m trying to figure out why all the comments are not posting. The blog used to display tons of comments from your girlfriends. Anyone else have this issue?
Oh no, I’m sorry, I’m just slow in reading them and I like to do that first, maybe I should just post all these lovely kindnesses and then go back and read them later!
I don’t think my comments are getting through…. And I so wanted them to do so.
Denise Hyde
Yes, it’s me! Sorry, everything came in at once, and I do love reading them!
Sue, I am so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. I burst into tears when I read it. I have enjoyed all that you have shared about your life with him. I really really really don’t like change. My kitty, Cheddar Cheese, is 14. I know the day will come when he leaves us, so I hold him tight and give him as much love as I can.
My Daughter, Sarah is getting married on Sunday. We have been working like crazy to get ready. My gardens are all cleaned up and ready to go. The rehearsal dinner is Tomorrow evening at my house and then we are having the morning after breakfast at our house on Monday morning. We are roasting hams in our pizza oven and serving French toast Casserole, Scrambled eggs, fruit and bagels plus yummy mimosas. So much work but lots of fun too. Im pretty tired out. Im looking forward to just relaxing. My sister in law sent me “Theo of Golden.” Have you read it? I have been watching The other Bennet Sister on Brit box. It is so good. I love the main character, Mary. She’s my kind of girl, different, quirky and adorable. I will look up the series you mentioned. I am always on the hunt for something good to watch.
Sending much love from NY. Im looking forward to hearing more about your upcoming travels back east. I hope you come somewhere near me. I would love to come see you again!
Sending so much love to you and Joe.
Love, Mary
I read Theo, and watched The Other Bennett Sister, in fact Joe and I have a date to see the newest episode tonight! We are kindred spirits. Oh that dinner and that breakfast! What fun, yes a lot of work, but it sounds wonderful! Congratulations! I bet the gardens are beautiful! Hope to see you soon Mary! xoxo