That’s how I feel, lighthearted, dancing down the stairs this morning, did my exercises, played with Jack, went outside to sniff the garden. And if a picture is worth a thousand words, then get ready for my version of War and Peace! A nice cup of tea would go good right now, and then my dear girls, Musica!
I have lots of photos to cheer your heart this lovely morning . . .
Starting with these . . . during a spring rain . . .
the colors make me so happy . . .
. . . my kitchen smells like a flower shop! And I’m all well. My cold is finally gone, I get down on the floor every morning now and do stretches and leg lifts, lift my little weights and feel like I’m starting all over!
I couldn’t help taking a kazillion pictures of this vase full of tree cuttings . . .
But then my perpetual audience climbed on top of the fridge to survey his kingdom . . .
of which I am his people — is it the cat or the vase that is the real star of this photo?
It’s the cat. So regal, such a star . . .
The pink cherry blossoms, heavenly!
Letting me loose with a camera can sometimes be a dangerous thing. You should see the ones that got away!
And here’s where I go to gather the pink booty . . .
I could never do it justice with a mere paintbrush . . . never never never
Because looking into this sparkly pink pear tree is like a prayer.
The smell alone is enough to inspire the sweetest dreams . . .
And the breeze, the island breeze filled with the ocean, the blossoms, the green grass, the violets, the sky and all the good things of nature.
And Jack. Well, my cup just runneth over. ♥
We had friends to tea the other day, and despite the diet (I promise you, I am being very good!), I made something mighty delicious — a blueberry angel food cake with lemon glaze! (Fat free, but filled with delicous sugar!). I’ll give you the recipe for this the minute we reach our goal weight UNLESS there is strong request for it now, and then, of course I will give it to you!
We ate about half of it, heaven’s sugar cake, and took the other half, a quarter-cake each over to Lowely and then to Martha! It’s so nice to have girlfriend neighbors with whom you can share the wealth ♥ and don’t get mad at you for doing it!
I used my pink dishes to match the flowers. And then guess what I found out? A year or so ago Joe and I made a little video called “How to Sift Flour.” Truly one of the greats as the title implies! But I just found out it is #1 on Google in the massive Sifting of Flour category!
XOXOXXOXOX
Yes, if you Google How to Sift Flour, this is what you get, without even mentioning my name. We, my girls, are number one! In the world. On Google! WHAT an accomplishment! I’m kind of excited about it! It’s the little things in life!
Remember a couple of years ago we got a new Dogwood tree for our backyard? Well, we just placed an order for this year’s addition to the springtime floral extravaganza at this house. We ordered a Magnolia x soulangeana, a weeping Higan Cherry Tree, and a Honey Crisp apple tree. Also seven new forsythia bushes to put behind the fence in front of our house. Not sure if they will be in stock, but it’s a good time to plant them, so we’re hoping our nursery can find them for us. It’s so gorgeous out there, why not make more beauty if we can, so it’s almost silly crazy romantic over-the-top beautiful? Nothing wrong with that.
Flowering trees are so special — something magical about them after a long cold grey winter. Here’s the dogwood last year — it’s not in bloom yet this year, more to look forward to! One of the reasons this is all especially beautiful to me this year is because . . .
I’ve had a sort of tunnel vision, like looking at the world through a straw, for a long time.
My concentration on our book, the single mindedness it takes, made the world look like this to me . . . here’s Girl Kitty.
Here I am making tea first thing in the morning. I had other things on my mind at all times: What could I say, do, paint, dream up, remember, include, make happen, so that A FINE ROMANCE will be something you will love.♥ I wonder if other authors see the world like this when they are deep in the throes of a project? If ever I was going to write something called “How to Write a Book” I would have to try and explain this.
This is what the kitchen looked like to me at around 4 am.
And here’s a snowy day — it registered because of its beauty but in “real life,” I was looking at the sea from the rail of the ship, or in England walking through wildflower meadows, looking at maps, touring castles, driving narrow backroads, and drinking ice cold peah ci-das in pubs!
I would look out and see Joe shoveling the snow out front and it was vaguely confusing.
He came in every day and made us a cozy fire, but my focus was always always always on something else . . . this was my background music, snap, crackle, and pop . . .
Believe it or not, even this guy never got all the way through . . . but he sure tried.
Ahhhh, here we are . . . this feels familiar . . .
Determined daily to make a movement toward the finish line . . .
One tiny brush stroke and pen mark at a time . . .
Every moment, the pure joy of creating . . . combined with the agony of wanting it to be done . . . but not too quickly, because there was enjoyment of the moment, as strange as that may seem.
Until I got to this, page 8 of A FINE ROMANCE . . . The other 259 pages went to print as of last week, but I had to wait to do this last one. I needed to get legal permission from several song writers in order to print excerpts from their songs in our book, because what would our book be without MUSICA? The last permission came through on Friday, and I was able to do this page. The last one! Oh MY!
And when I finished, the tunnel vision went totally and completely away, and the bright world came shining through . . . all new like I’d never seen it before.
Colors are brighter and prettier than ever . . .
The world is a lovely place! Time for my fake tap dance!
Our walk to the water is more beautiful than ever — it’s 68 degrees on Martha’s Vineyard right this moment and as soon as I finish saying hello to you, we are on our way to our walk to this very spot to see the sparkle on the water.♥
But first, you have been so patient while I was looking at life with blinders on, you cheered me through and were with me the whole way — so, so wonderful . . . isn’t it about time for a giveaway? YES!
It’s possible most of you have these two books . . . but maybe you have someone who you could give them to? Or you could save them for birthday gifts.♥ Spanking new lighthearted copies of The Summer Book and Girlfriends Forever, and isn’t spring the perfect time?
The SUMMER BOOK is filled with delicious recipes for the season, barbecues and picnics, my picket fence garden, and stories such as “Library Days”, “How to Go to a Tea Party”, and “The Raft”.
GIRLFRIENDS FOREVER is a celebration of US — everything we love, Girl Parties, healthy recipes, decorating, clothes, beauty, exercise and a Spicy Mango Salad on page 82 that is to die for. This one also has the story of How I Met the Beatles (when I was “Just Seventeen”).♥
I would love to sign them, to whatever name the winner chooses: her own, her daughter’s, her sister’s, her mother’s, or her best friend’s! Just leave a comment here to enter the drawing at the bottom of this post where you see the tiny word “comments” — (and if you don’t see it, click on www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/, scroll to the bottom of this post, squint because it’s tiny, and there it will be). In a few days we’ll pull Vanna off the tennis court or out of her bubble bath (such a lady of leisure) and let her choose the winning name. And I hope with every fiber of my being that this time, it’s you. xoxo ♥ Hope this makes your heart take wings! Bye for now Girlfriends!
I would so love to win an autographed book. You are my favorite artist and have
been for many years. Happy Spring!
The cake will be wonderful–just in time for my daughter’s birthday on May 7! Thank you for all your inspiration throughout the year!
Happy Birthday to your daughter Maureen!
Love your work Susan. We are on the same “wavelength”. Wouldlove to win your books!!
First time visitor and I LOVE your photos, ideas, and the smile you brought to my face! Thank you!! What a lovely place to find myself spending my “me” time this evening.
Happy to meet you Karen!
Wow, I love all your beautiful spring pictures. I live in Missouri and we had beautiful weather a few days ago, although it’s been a very wet spring. But, today, it actually snowed. I don’t ever remember snow in May, and I must admit, I don’t like it.
I would love to win your books. I do not yet have “Days.”
Thanks for all the wonderful little things you do for us.
Susan Branch giveaway = HAPPY DAY!!! I love your artwork so much…it always makes me smile. I also enjoy reading your blog!
XOXO
I am so glad you share your gift with all of us! You can make a person feel cozy, romantic, inspired, and feel the need to cook a yummy meal for loved ones. Thank you for inspiring me!
I would love to win your books . You are just such an inspiration to me.Last August my oldest daughter surprised me with a trip to Cape Cod. She had heard me speak so often about you. We walked past your home (back and front) and we giggled as she videoed me as I played like I was carrying on a conversation with you about coming in and having tea. It is a memory that I will never forget thanks to your wonderful blog and my precious daughter.
What a wonderful memory to have with your daughter, Leah! I was in my studio in August busily writing A Fine Romance, just as you were passing by! xoxo
Susan’s art and verse is so beautiful! It’s hard even to describe the feelings they evoke in me…..pure happiness and contentment with this world we live in, to say the least. Each and every page I look at and read is even better than the last! How can she keep improving on perfection?! A true gift for sure! Thank you Susan!
Thank you Lois! xoxo
OH, the heavenly words, pictures, and drawings of my very favorite month, and it’s my birthday month!!!! Thank you for the blogs, I can’t wait to read them each month….
Happy Birthday Robyn!
My first book was a total splurge when I was young and first married. I then bought the Book of Days and have never been able to write in it. as my mother would have said as she did of the lovely nighties my dad bought for her, ” I’ m saving it.”
Don’t save anything TOO long. Make it your own Helen XOXO
Thanks for the recipe Susan But I have to tell you I must have a Blessings book and they are all gone already. I have used your other planner as a journal for 2 yrs and even tried the calendar (spaces too small)….I REALLY need the new one-please tell me there will be more or I can pre-order one from another batch to come. I am sad!
There will be more! ASAP! Shouldn’t be long!
How I ADORE everything “Susan Branch!” Always brings a smile to my face when I see something I can read, print, buy, collect or win:) etc… thank you Susan for your talent.
Oh Susan,
You are like a breath of spring in the midst of winter. I love to read your words and gaze at your artwork.
God has placed a wonderful talented in you and I am so glad that you have chosen to share it with everyone.
Love Susan Branch!
I love finding your blogs in my inbox! They always uplift my spirit! Thank you for that!
I love your flower pictures. Reminds me of when we lived on Long Island years ago. Now in Arizona we have flowering cactus instead. Thank you for giving away your books. I would love to win them.
I love the Christmas book and would love the chance to read some of the others.
I love being in your life, sharing Joe, Jack, Girl and you! Seeing your yard, planting trees, seeing the squirrels and hummingbirds. It gets me out and into a new world. Thank You for everything you write and paint.
Love having you all here!
Hi Susan! I am busy catching up with you as we recently moved back to S. California and there is soooo much to do to make this place a home! Got the inside looking pretty good, but the outside needs help bad – there was no landscaping to speak of (even tho this house was built in 1947!) and I want it all done NOW! Sometimes wish I could wave a magic wand and it would all be in place! Wouldn’t that be wonderful? But then I would miss the joy of doing it myself, but I wouldn’t be so tired! My daughter, Lisa has already ordered me your new book, which can’t come soon enough! I would love to win the books, even though I have them, they would be great for gifts! Thank you for the joy you give us! XOXOXO Gloria in Banning, CA
Creativity! A new/old house! How fun for you — one day at a time!
Love Love Love all of your books!!!!!!!
I have quite a few of your books and have given them as gifts to my daughter, daughter-in-laws, and friends…I would love to win these 3 books!!!! Thank you for the opportunity to win….Carol
Love Love Love of of your books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh how I wish I had bought your Girlfriends Forever book. Maybe luck will be with me and I will win the giveaway contest!
I have all your books and would love to win extra copies, to introduce my teenaged daughter to the beauty of your art and writings. Every day I leave through a page or two and never fail to feel inspired.
Love Love Love all of your books!!!!!!! I hope I might be a winner>
Love, love, love the Girlfriends book!
I have given I don’t know how many copies away to my dearest and best east friends.
Every page speaks to me, especially the story about helping a friend cry!
Your books are delightful!
I love you, Susan and I truly appreciate your talent. Your calendars, books, stickers, and cards brighten my days…thank you! Love, Mary McCatherine
Susan, for years I have given your wonderful books to friends. They make the greatest gifts and are always appreciated. Your blog give me a lift every time I read it and my computor memory is filing up with all of them that I have saved.
I CANNOT wait for you new book, A Fine Romance! It sounds like the perfect book for me! I am slowly collecting all of your other ones. Thank you for using and sharing your God-given gifts!
I love your art so much! I wish I could have it in every room of my house. Every page of your Days calendar is delightful!! I enjoy looking at it everyday! Thanks
I LOVE your blog and books! I would love to be entered in the drawing for the books. Thank you!!
Sigh . . . love the spring and the flowers; love living in the country; love that my sick kiddos are all old enough to hold their own throw-up buckets:).
Counting your blessings Susan! 😉
Goodness gracious sakes alive! A NEW DAYS BOOK! I’m so excited! I’ve been using your Days Book for my journal since…well, I think 1999 (been journaling since 1973). My favorite place to journal is down by my creek at our cabin in the woods…my hubby even made me my own bench out of his Dad’s original wagon wheels (Dads gone to glory now). I tried pasting you a pic but it won’t let me. hope I’m not too late for the contest…PICK ME! PICK ME!
I LOVE your work, Susan…even after all these years, I never tire looking thru it, devouring every page…and now a New One! Hip, Hip, Hooray! THANKS, Sweetie!
Thank YOU Judy!
Hi Susan. I enjoy your posts very much and they cheer me up. It is like having a cup of tea together as I read your blogs with cheerful art. Thank you, and I do hope I win your wonderful books. Have a lovely day,
Thank you, Susan…for the inspiration & “Blessing” you are to us all! My heart smiles every time I read any of your blogs, books, etc…& I especially treasure your many calendars & products I have purchased!
Your wonderful blog reminds me that spring has arrived. Even though it snowed here in May we will soon have flowers blooming and will be able to enjoy the beauty of a new season.
Hi Susan, That cake looks healthy besides delicious. I will make it. Jill, my BFF from high school days, is coming from Arizona to visit me in Florida. Sounds like the perfect time to bake it. Thank you also for your beautiful pictures of springtime on the Vineyard. Lightens the heart. I have preordered your exciting new book. Can’t wait. Love all of your books. Hugs from me to you…
Have a wonderful time with Jill!
Can’t wait to make that Blueberry Cake. Thanks so much for the
beautiful Spring Pictures, too. You are just the best.
So glad you’ve made it out the other side of your book, into the sunshine! Though I have (and love!) your Summer Book, I would so love to win and share this with someone who needs a boost. Thanks for the chance!
it is finally spring in michigan…i hope you pick me!
Halleluja! Thank you for the weather report — I’ve been hoping it would come soon!
Enjoying my morning cup of tea right now and enjoying your latest post. Can’t wait to get your new book and add it to my collection. So glad you went to England. Hoping my husband and I can go one day. Until then, I will enjoy through your memories and pictures! Enjoy this great May day.
LOVE your work and these books would be a fabulous addition to what I already own with your name on it. I collect quotes and you have inspired me many times to save and research even more. Thanks for all the inspiration you give to us every day.
Ooooh the forsythia with daffodils made me do a little Snoopy happy dance — lovely. But then it’s all lovely.
Hello Susan-
Almost 20 years ago I started collecting your books for my daughter-1st book-The Baby book- her birthday is in July and would LOVE to add these to her collection. I have all of yours so far, now to buy the Blessings and England books! Love everything you create!
At book signings, one of my favorite things is when people bring their Baby Books with pictures of their grown-up babies in it. Such a wonderful thing to be even a tiny part of — I just love it!
Susan you make so many people happy with your photos and drawings, everyday there is something to look forward to. Would love to be the winner; but I don’t win ever, so it’s OK because I am transported back to England through you. Of course, you know, your Jack is the real star of the show, oh and also Girl. Thank you for bringing your art and joy into our world.
Yes, I am so clear on the real stars — they do something sweet to remind me every day!
My daughter loves blueberries, what a great cake for her.
One of my favorite things about the comments is how many people have been thinking about the people they want to make a cake for!♥
As the second of eight children, raised in a loving, happy home with laughter galore…I thank you for your books which are infused with the same spirit of fun, enthusiasm, and wonder I experienced as a child…I jump into the pages wearing them like a comfy pair of slippers…feeling right at home. Thank you, Susan, for sharing your gifts and reminding us all to count the blessings in our life. You make our world a more beautiful and loving place!
There just seems to be something big families have in common that never goes away!
Thank you for sharing the gift of you. I so enjoy sharing you with my 95yr old mother,
my daughter and my friends. Happy Spring!
Happy May Day all of you May Queens! Hooray for spring!
Vanna please pick me! muuuuuuah!
Much love Susan Branch!
i enjoy and am inspired by your blog! i would love to win an autographed sb book!!
I have been a fan for years. It would be an honor to win one of you autographed books, Susan.
Love your post~ The cake looks fabulous!
I love your drawings,books and I look forward to your blog… it’s like an old
friend I visit. It makes me smile and feel good as I start my day.
Thank you.
Just want to say thank you for the sunshine you consistently bring to the world…and always a breath of fresh air!
Your pictures are such a breath of fresh air. Even your laundry! The picture of your quilts on the line has become my background picture on my laptop. I gave up my perfectly beautiful picture of an old Irish cemetery. My husband and I are venturing to England and Ireland in August, so we have become avid fans of your blog. Our little friend Jack is responsible for many smiles.
Thank you so much, enjoy your Spring!
Kathy Hammett St. Marys WV
And enjoy your trip! Thank you Kathy!
Yes to the recipe for the blueberry angel food cake.
Thanks for lightening my heart too on this beautiful day in the most beautiful month of May.
In a word,”lovely”.
I just love looking at the pictures of the flowers – I can almost smell them; and Jack is so adorable, I just want to scoop him up and cuddle him!
It would be an honor to receive your two books that you so carefully labored over. In the past, I have gotten your wonderfully designed fabric here in the northwest and I cherish every piece. Now with a couple of books from your sweet collection, I would be overjoyed. Love everything you create.
Yep, it’s always a joy to see your artwork. Thanks.
Would love towin a couple of your books! These are ones ai do not have too! Thank you for your lovely blog & all!
I love reading your blog and look forward to each update. The blueberry cake looks wonderful.
Re-reading my mother’s copy of “Stillmeadow and Sugarbridge” on our Cape deck (trying to get out of the wind and get a little “color” for our daughter’s Memorial Day wedding). How can you not be happy reading Gladys Taber (and visiting your website!)? I know we can complain about spring coming later to the Cape and the Islands, but it seems to last a little longer 🙂 and your pictures captured it perfectly
Summer will be here soon enough!
I love your books!
Oh spring is here indeed!! We just had a very abbreviated visit to the Vineyard this last week and sort of hoped we might spy you wandering around, but it looks like you were over the other side of the island!! that blueberry angel cake looks deeevine and too good not to share – please?
I HAVE ALREADY COMMENTED BUT NOT SURE IF IT POSTED SO…..HERE GOES AGAIN…..
PLEASE ENTER MY NAME IN THE DRAWING FOR ALL THE BOOKS. SIGN
TO “JUDITH”.
SUSAN , IS IT POSSIBLE TO PRINT OUT YOUR CAKE RECIPE? I TRIED
BUT IT DID NOT WORK. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.
HAPPY SPRING!!
JUDITH
It didn’t work? I’m not sure why that happened. Other than that I’m not sure how else you could do it. Maybe someone can suggest for you. You could copy and paste it into an email and try to print that out — that might work.
I would love to win an autographed book! I love your spirit and your artistic ability to express it! I have acquired all of your books and many calendars. I have given quite a few of the books as gifts. luv, luv, luv!
I LOVE SUSAN BRANCH AND EVERYTHING SHE STANDS FOR! You ALWAYS warm my heart, take me back to my past years and set me up for the future. Carry on! One devoted fan. Candy Abel
Love your idea of a blessings book! Each day holds a blessing if we look for it and even if we don’t – sometimes it just appears and voila! There you are – blessed beyond measure. Many blessings to you,Susan, for all the joy you bring to the this old world through your books and art.
Maybe today is the day the weather turns around. Tiny ice pellets were hitting my windows when I awoke yesterday, 5-4-2013!!! There’s bead shows to go to. Yard sales! Art fairs! Come on Mother Nature!!!
You are so ready! 🙂
Susan, The pictures you post make me feel like I am right there, smelling those flowers!!! I love your artwork. Your “If you do it with Heart, that’s Art” is my screen saver, to remind me to put heart into my job. ( I am a Professional Cake Artist, and sometimes, well alot of the time, I forget to put my “heart” into every cake, because there is so much to do!!! This reminds me!!)
I don’t have any of theses books, and would love to have an autographed one of yours!! Thank you for sharing your talent with us!!
Professional Cake Artist — that sounds like such a fun job. Unending creativity!
Happy Sunday morning Susan from Southern CA where the day is tinged with the sharp aroma of brush fires. Our wonderful firemen and women have done their usual miracle and beat them back, but as you know, it is the circle of nature here. Hope I’m not too late for the giveaway! My daughter is moving to her first real home in San Diego and they would be just the thing. Maybe I’d actually get my copies back from her. Hope I’m not too late for the drawing.
Yes I do know. I remember the long lines of flames in the hills above Malibu, growing up in the Valley.
Congratulations on finishing the book Susan! I pre-ordered it already and am SO excited that it will be out soon. I’ve been a busy bee…..finally had a chance to sit down for a nice long visit here on your blog–getting caught up from March until now. (I’m glad you’re feeling better and happy belated birthday!) That post about Jack jumping up on top of the door had me in tears laughing. He is such a character. Love him–and You! XOXO
Thank you Vicki! Nice to see you here!
Susan…your website is so uplifting. What a lover of beauty you are. I do envy your flowering trees. I’ve had trouble finding one for my tiny yard…looking for just the right color flowering crabapple. Hopefully it’ll happen soon. Ah well, I can enjoy them all in your lovely pictures. Thank you.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog! What an inspiration you are! Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent with us! I would love to own autographed copies of your loveliness! :O)
Oh heavenly day! I have your blueberry angel cake in the oven right now and the aroma is so delectable that I can hardly stand it! My family is all eagerly awaiting their first bite. (I fear that they may dig into it straight out of the oven without the lemon glaze. They’re beginning to look like a pack of hungry wolves) Thank you for the beautiful spring snapshots. They gave me such a lift! You are such a blessing to me and so many others. Thank you for the loveliness that you bring into this world.
Blessings~
Carol
I can smell it from here!
I am waiting for the day when you give us watercolor artist wannabees some pointers! Love all of you artwork! I have your Zinnia Glicee in my kitchen:)
I’m sure you’ve probably seen this post? But just in case. What kind of pointers are you thinking about? I still have the original Zinnia painting and you really can’t tell the difference between mine and yours!
Life would be a dream, if I could only be chosen by you!
Susan, you just make life FUN! Thank you for reminding us how important that is.
Dear Susan,
You are the sister that I never had. I have collected your artwork, dishes, stamps and books as soon as I found them in the 1990’s. I love anything Susan Branch and would be over the moon to win an autographed book! Thank you Susan, for being very special part of my life. Love the Blessing Book idea.
Thank you for blessing my life with your love of life and home! I use my Days books for the 1000 Gifts challenge each year…3 things every day that I thank God for… I’d love to win the new one but I’ll buy it for sure if I don’t = )
Dear Susan,
Always love your posts!!!! Daffodils are my favorite…..tulips coming in second!! I love spring…..it is so colorful and happy! Thanks for all you do!!!
Happy Spring……Gail in CA 🙂
Hi Susan ! Oh what a happy day! The sun has been shining and 84 degree’s today in Portland, Or. Love your blog. It brings a smile to my face. Love your cookbooks, your art work and your happy sweet life as I read your entries. You are a blessing to all of us!
Would love to win especially that new Day book!
I really enjoy reading your blog and would be soooo excited to win the books! I have purchased your 2013 calendar and the recipe binder, but would LOVE to add these two my collection!! Glenda
Oh I enjoyed this post sooo much! Can’t wait for spring to spring up in my garden. It’s always later here in the mountains of Northern California. I would love to win copies of your books! Thank you for cheering up my mornings.
I would so love to win this…Susan’s work has always brought joy to my heart.
I don’t know if I’m too late or not, but I would love to win this!! I love your blog sooooo much!! ^_^ <3 *hugs*
Yes, we just announced the winner, but try again, Abigail, I love to do giveaways!
Let it be me who wins!
You feed me Springs.
The flowers are heavenly.
Love, love ,the pictures!
I was getting ready to order to Summer Book when I came to your site today. I would love own both of these books and to share the Girlfriend book with my new friend who I only came to know because of an ugly divorce. It would be wonderful to share such a treasure with her. Thank you for your creativity it inspires me everyday.
I love all your beautiful pictures. I live in Spain and we have beautiful weather a just now, although it’s been a very wet spring.
I would love to win your books. I do not yet have “Days.”
Thanks for all the wonderful little things you do for us.