hen my friend Joyce and I found out that Susan Branchwas having a book signing for her new book, GRATITUDE, we just had to go.
This has become a custom with us. Every book that Susan writes is magic and this one is a gentle reminder to be Grateful. Written in her illustrated style, the quotes are a daily reminder to be thankful. "a book of inspirational thoughts and quotes.
The song The Sunny Side of the Street, always makes me happy. Thinking about the simple pleasures in life and how blessed we are to enjoy our lives. In Susan's new book, one of the illustrated quotes is...
Susan lives that quote in everything that she does and celebrates. She celebrates her life, whether she is celebrating washing her favorite dishes in the sink, or enjoying her wonderful life with Joe. She reminds me always through her writings, cookbooks, and blog, that we can create our own happiness celebrating our story. Celebrating the simple things in our life, that define us.
Titcomb's book shop in Sandwich, Massachusetts hosted the event. There were cupcakes, and lemonade and we sat outside in the garden listening to Susan's talk.
There was quite a crowd of course.
Susan brought a basket of journals and some samples of her new mugs, which will be available shortly. I have my eye on the one with the bluebird. Joe was in there too, taking photos.
Blue skies overhead, birds chirping near the bird feeders and lines and lines of kindred spirits who also adore Susan.
Now I have a new book to add to my stack of inspiration. Only this new one I keep nearby, so that I can fill my mind with lovely thoughts whenever I please. Enjoy your day, and remember to choose the sunny side of the street.
How to fight a bit of homesickness. I learned a long time ago that when I am feeling blue, I need to give a gift to someone, make a card or write a letter. Change the channel and create something pretty.
Speaking of changing the channel, I love the Turner Broadcasting Channel, a good alternative to watching the news. I watched The Story of Cole Porter, with Cary Grant. I love it when he sings in his movies. Here he is singing, You're The Top.
I poured myself a cup of tea into a lovely teacup my friend Joyce had given to me. She gave me the most wonderful teapot and tea cozy for my Birthday.
Inside the teapot is a removable tea strainer, which makes brewing a good pot of English tea so much easier.
I used the tin of English tea Joyce also gave to me. She had filled a huge bin with British flags on it, with all things British. My most favorite Birthday gift ever!
You see we both love Susan Branch and love, love, love her book about her and her husband's trip to England. Make sure you read her new post, if you haven't already. I know so many of you love her too.
I just received a copy of Original snail mail Willards. October 1995 - January 2003. ALL GOOD NEWS. Heaven knows, we could all use all the good news we can get these days.
I am so thrilled, and as I read this beautiful hand-illustrated booklet, I am brought back to days of lemonade, sitting on the front porch and all things sweeter.
I have been sitting here all morning with a cup of tea and reading this little treasure. It's like reading letters from a friend. It is truly amazing to read about what Susan was doing in 1995. In her writings she talks about new books that she is working on, and what fun I already have many of them on my bookshelves. You can get your copy here. Inside the first page reads:
"Always serve letters with
a cup of tea and a footstool"
MarcinnaWiederkehr
And that is exactly what I decided to do this morning. I have always been a master at changing the channel. When I am feeling sad, worried or homesick, I write a letter. Something that I did constantly when I lived in Hong Kong.
So, lessons learned made me create some pretty cards today for friends and family back home.
I loved that I could sip my freshly brewed tea from a teacup that Joyce had given to me. It made me feel closer to home somehow.
Writing letters is sometimes a bit overwhelming, and seems to be the thing we most procrastinate about. So, I slipped some lovely papers inside some blank notecards and was able to write a few words.
Another lovely quote found in Willards:
"To send a letter is
a good way to go
somewhere without
moving anything but
your heart."
Phyllis Theroux
One of my favorite things about Susan Branch is her ability to remind me to remember Once upon a time days, through her beautifully illustrated writings.
Another thing to do when you are feeling homesick. Write a blog post for some of your favorite blogging friends. Well, I think I have forgotten all about being homesick now, after all.
Please take home any of my artwork from this post, that makes you smile. If you would like some free downloadable stationery, just have a peek at this post.
I have links to Hydrangea writing papers.
I do believe, I have enough pink to join Bev, from How Sweet the Sound, who hosts Pink Saturday. Stop by and see all the lovely pink posts.
This is one of my favorite shops in Newburyport. As soon as Susan and her husband arrived, everyone in the shop broke out with applause.
Susan and Joyce have a chat while she signs a calendar and books.
It is always a pleasure to see Susan at one of her book signings, visit Susan's blog, read one of her books or enjoy her beautiful artwork. 'Til next time...she has a new book that she is working on and I look forward to reading that new book. And so the romance continues.
