Girlfriends Giveaway, Quilts R US!

OMGoodness!  Despite the wonderfulness of this quilt, it has nothing on YOU!    I never imagined we’d hear so many interesting, creative, touching, evocative stories, did you?  Was that fun or WHAT???  So, we do have a winner. Only one, making me almost sad before I get excited and tell the name!  I need more quilts!!!

But  . . . let the trumpets blare . . . (click here, you just have to :-)) Because one of you is the lucky recipient, and she is . . .

Well, not so fast . . . let’s think about this for a moment 🙂 . . . before I announce the person who is soon going to receive this beautiful vintage quilt, I want to show you the tiny stitches some unknown creative woman made in this quilt.   I really wish she knew what’s happening with it today, what inspiration she has provided! Wouldn’t she be surprised?  

I think all the wonderful writings you girls did these last two days have osmosised themselves into this quilt now: one thought, one pumpkiny, windy, leafy, butternut thought for every stitch.  Whoever gets this quilt, she gets to wrap herself in a Blanket of Love from us to her! This is the true Girlfriends Giveaway.  Not just from me, but from all of us. So, without further adieu, as they say in the movies, the winner is ( . . . I have butterflies in my stomach, I really do!)

Wait for it . . . we’re shaking up the RDM, our “random drawing machine!”

La, la, la . . . la-lee la-lee la-lee daaa . . .

OK, here it comes….

Isn’t this EXCITING????  I CAN’T WAIT!!!

Shall we hear the trumpets blare again?  No?  OK, then, here we go . . .  (Ahhh, the deliciousness of this moment . . . when anything is possible, it should last forever!)

The random drawing machine has GOT a WINNER!!!  AND THE NAME IS . . . .

C   I   N   D   Y       T   U   N   I   N   G   !   !   !

And the crowd goes wild

And I don’t know where she’s from yet, because I have to email her and tell her, but I hope she comes back and takes a big bow under our comments below.  We gonna wrap her up in love. ♥  We gonna send her to the moon!

Because all of this would be nothing without YU!

 I wish I had a quilt for everyone, so there’s a mini consolation prize (and it comes with a Song), which will warm you almost as much as the quilt because you get to make it yourself!  Your house will smell like heaven and your friends and family will make you feel every bit of the winner that you are when you make this Zucchini Nut Bread, all hot and moist from the oven, laced with cinnamon, studded with walnuts, one loaf for you, and one for your best friend?  Did someone say something about that in our 1500 replies yesterday???? I’m sure they did!  We covered everything!!!

And when I started this blog three months ago, I thought I might be writing out into the wind, to the empty sky, with no one there to listen!  Have I told you lately that I love you? 

 I see you, skipping through your windy neighborhood, popping over to your moms, or dropping a loaf of this tea bread on your girlfriend’s front porch  . . . Oh!  Did you need a recipe?  I can do that!

Direct from my private recipe-box stash . . .

Delicious with tea, with breakfast, lunch, and of course, dinner; with an old movie, and after your walk.  And while the baby naps.

And here’s the rest of the story, where your kitchen starts to smell really good!

And when you pull this from the oven, remember me, a person with good handwriting and bad handwriting, but with a really good recipe for Zucchini Nut Bread, the luckiest girl because, besides this to-die-for recipe, she has a LOT of wonderful, poetic, expressive, heart-in-hand girlfriends, YOU.   Loving to learn, everyday, more and more, we are not alone!!!  Happy October!  Baby take a bow. 

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242 Responses to Girlfriends Giveaway, Quilts R US!

  1. Karen P says:

    How Wonderful!!!! Congratulations, Cindy, on winning this quilt which I’m sure will bring TONS of wonderful memories for you. Thanks, Susan, for your generous heart….and know that you are LOVED and APPRECIATED (the almost 1600 comments should tell you that, right?!) Thank you for the Zucchini Bread recipe! I’m going to print it out, tape it back-to-back and put it in my Susan Branch Recipe Binder just like it is! Oh, and of course, I’ll try it right away! xoxo….kp

  2. donna marie says:

    YIPPEE!! ~~~So Happy for you C I N D Y!!
    I know you will enjoy your “Fall Memory Quilt”!!

    Thank You for all the fun Susan! <3

    Happy Fall Girlfriends!!

  3. Nina says:

    Wow! That was sooo much fun! Well done to Cindy! Although I feel like a winner myself reading all those fun comments about favorite things about Fall! I am surprized we didn’t crash your blog! lol Thank you so much for the recipie my brother in law grows them in his allotment so I will be after some to make my bread! Have a great day Sue and this is the bestest blog ever! xxxx

  4. Kay says:

    That lucky Cindy! She’ll enjoy looking at that sweet little quilt and knowing where it came from. Congratulations to her!

    Thank you Susan for being so generous with your followers! I’ve got the zucchini nut bread recipe handy. Bringing it to work tomorrow for Friday breakfast and I’ll be sure to tell everyone where the recipe came from.

    Smiles!

  5. Christie Ray says:

    Oh, won’t miss Cindy feel the L-O-V-E!!! And how fun to get to share in the excitement! When you showed the photo of the quilt for the first time, I decided to make my own and stitch it by hand. Now, it may take me 10 hundred 50 years to make, but I am having the best time;) it will be a Dresden plate using all the soft Peter rabbit colors…such inspiration you are, Susan Branch. And I will be sending you a handwritten letter ( snail mail) so it will arrive at home around the time you do…with some of the last little blooms from the garden, pressed inside;)
    Thank you for all the love you send out over all us girls…
    Heading to the kitchen now to cut up that huge zucchini in there that’s been waiting patiently for the perfect recipe…such perfect timing!
    Blessings for the remainder of your adventure,
    Christie

  6. Janet says:

    Dear Susan,
    This beautiful give-a-way has spontaneously brought tears to my eyes and I’m not even sure why that has happened (well, maybe I do know some reasons if I reflect on it a little).
    You are so generous to everyone with your warm heart and happy spirit. I feel so blessed to have found you and your beautiful work.
    I just want to add my congratilations to Cindy along with everyone else.
    Susan, I think I’ll have to make that zucchini bread today in celebration of you and all of the Girlfriends here :). I hope the batch will double so I can share it or freeze it for another time.
    Thank you Susan for your beautiful, generous heart!
    xoxoxo
    Janet

  7. Suzanne says:

    Congratulations Cindy…that is so awesome! It was so very thoughtful of you Susan to think of all of us like this, you are the best! It was so much fun…but the anticipation, omg, I almost couldn’t stand the wait! Cindy will treasure her very special quilt and always think of you when she uses it. I will be trying that zucchini bread this weekend! I would also love that recipe for that mushroom soup you made too! Thanks again Susan for your unfailing love and generosity.

  8. jeannine leonard says:

    Congradulations Cindy! Enjoy your quilt.

  9. CindyK says:

    Well, I had a happy scare there for a moment! When I saw “CINDY” I was sure it was me! But, it wasn’t me…….it was another happy Cindy!! So congratulations my dear!!! You must be a very happy Cindy today! I know you will enjoy the sweet quilt Susan picked up along her travels!

    • sbranch says:

      Ooops, probably should have done last name first!! 🙂

    • Lee Ann G. says:

      Woo Hoo out to you, Cindy! What a beautiful, from the heart, warm gift of love.

      You are special too anyway Cindy! he he♥

      • Lee Ann G. says:

        Sorry Susan, I think I made a boo boo when trying to reply under the Cindy that didn’t win. I thought I had already finished the comment to you then went up to reply to the other Cindy and both of my comments went under CindyK. Duh! Sorry about that.

        Lee Ann

  10. Rebecca says:

    Thank you Susan, and congratulations to Cindy. Before it’s mailed, I wish we could see a picture of the quilt more “spread out”. I love the red and green, but would love to see the pattern and layout better.

  11. Kirsten Wichert says:

    Yea, Cindy! How does it feel to be a winner? Of course, we are all winners because we get this blog!!! Thanks again, Susan! This recipe is a “keeper”….. I can smell it baking now(in my head, LOL). Still need to finish the corn bread and maple butter I made yesterday. So much inspiration here. Susan, you make me want to do things. And I thought my love for my kitchen had passed with age. Susan, look what you’ve done to me! 😉

  12. Bridget says:

    My dear Susan, you were my introduction into the “blog world”. I had no idea it was so big. Thank you for all the fun and congratulations to Cindy.

  13. Elaine Martin says:

    Congratulations Cindy, I’m sure this will make your day! I’m excited for you! what a great idea for us to all start fall with a yummy smelling house : )

  14. Joan Lesmeister says:

    Congratulations Cindy! You surely will feel all the love from all of us, when you’re wrapped all cozily in your beautiful new/old quilt!

    Thank you Susan for your great ideas, beautiful blogs & your generosity!

  15. Joan Lesmeister says:

    Picked the last zucchini yesterday & it is so excited today, to be Susan Branch’s Zucchini Nut Bread! It says thank you!

  16. Pat Mofjeld says:

    Congratulations to Cindy from me, too! And, Susan, I’d love to see the over-all pattern of the quilt, too…It was so much fun to read all the comments the last couple of days. I have always loved Fall–it has always been my favorite season, but now I will know there are MANY others out there thinking the same thing! We have a stong North wind today and the leaves are flying–it is a beautiful fall day! You are going to be surprised at the difference in the colors of the leaves when you head back East in a couple of weeks! 🙂

    • sbranch says:

      You have no idea how excited I am to do that…little chills of excitement went through bones when you said that!

  17. Jacqui G says:

    Congrats to the lucky girlfriend-winner! And you are right, because we are all winners with this special recipe! How did you know that I was having a “Fall Luncheon/Tea Party” on Saturday and trying to decide what to bake….Thank you Susan! You rock:)
    Love,
    Jacqui

  18. Cynthia says:

    Congratulations Cindy from another Cynde. What a beautiful prize. Susan loved reading all the replies too. So many inspiring girlfriends out here in cyber world. It has just inspired (there’s that word again) me too. Pulled out some of the afghans that my mom made over the years, & placed them on the backs of the couches & chairs, since the weather is starting to turn just a tad cooler. I have always loves Autumn, but this year, all of you wonderful gals are really making it so much more special. Thank You!

  19. Diane P. says:

    Congratulations Cindy, you lucky girl! But then, we’re ALL lucky, aren’t we, to have this beautiful blog that Susan has gifted to us!
    Susan, thank you for this more-than-generous giveaway. You inspire us all to give ourselves to those we love ~ you make the world a better place!
    (And may I just say; I *ADORE your recipe box! I can only imagine what magical stories it could tell!)

  20. Elizabeth says:

    I’m so happy for Cindi! You nailed it Susan — she will have all our love and shared memories in that quilt. Your generosity and love is felt across the miles. In my little office cubicle, the light of your love and friendship brightens up my day. Thank you. May God bless you abundantly. Enjoy the early California Fall mornings in Arroyo Grande!

  21. Val says:

    Congratulations, Cindy! 🙂 With THIS much love going into it, methinks you are about to receive the coziest quilt EVER. 🙂

  22. Trish K. says:

    Congratulations, Cindy! Can I just say that I’ve always enjoyed the books, website and blog, but until this contest I didn’t realize I could read the comments! And I’ve had so much fun reading all the comments about fall so much. (I know a lot of people who love spring and summer, not fall.) So it was like finding a sisterhood yesterday with all that autumn love. Also, I was thinking so many of your comments were sooooo creative and well written, many of you should be authors!!! All of you women are awesome!

  23. Nellie says:

    Oh, Cindy! What a lucky girl you are! Congratulations to you! Of course, all of us are envious.:-)
    Susan, thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. I feel as though I know you, and that you will walk to my door any minute now with that extra loaf of zucchini nut bread.:-)
    Have a happy day! xoxo

  24. Sheryle Towle says:

    Cindy! Congratulations from Maine!! Susan, good job with that blog! Impressive!

  25. Tina in Ky says:

    Congratulations Cindy!!! 🙂

  26. peg says:

    Congrats, Cindy!!! What a wonderful way to welcome all that is Autumn!!! Think of it as a ‘group hug’ from all of the FOSB & Susan, too! xoxo

  27. mari1017 says:

    Congratulations to Cindy ~ a moment you’ll never forget! So happy for you ~ Enjoy!!!
    The best thing for me about this entire two days is that we can read what each other wrote and really share in the joy and the seasonbof friendship and Autumn and love!
    thanks to Susan for doing this – what a wonderful place!!!!

    Happy Autumn everyone ~ October begins Saturday! ♥♥♥

    • Jolene says:

      Soooo happy for October to roll on in!! My nephew gets married on Saturday, outside and it has been raining sooo, soooo much here in PA…floods & all….it may get pushed in doors 🙁 My brother-in-law, his father, actually hand made an arbor from trees & branches & grapevine that he cut down himself, for the bride & groom to stand under….what a shame if they can’t use it!! Happy Fall Mari 🙂

  28. Mary Ann says:

    I’m adding my congratulations to Cindy too! Hope we get to see the sweet quilt waving in the breeze on her clothesline next Spring Iring out on a perfect Spring day…almost as good as a Fall day! And Susan thank you for sharing so much with us…as it really only been few months?

  29. Virginia says:

    Adding my hearty congrats to Cindy! I hope we hear from you soon.

    I would also like to tell all of you FOSB out there what a nice positive place this is to visit – many times throughout the day. Reading Susan’s blog entry (whatever the subject) and the lovely comments that follow is a great stress reliever for me at work. So, thank you Sue, and thanks to all you virtual girlfriends out there for making this little corner of the blog-o-sphere feel like a big warm hug.

    In honor of Autumn, I am wearing brown herringbone slacks, an ivory cotton sweater, boots, and a scarf with acorns on it. The high today is predicted to be 86 degrees. I’ll have to stay indoors with the AC, but it feels good to be dressed in fall clothes for the first time this season.

    Thanks again Sue for this fun and generous contest. It really brought out the best in all of us! Hope everyone has a great day.

  30. Judy says:

    Congratulations to Cindy. I just attended the NW Quilting Expo and they had a display of old quilts that totally fascinated me being as they are all handmade down to every last stitch. It struck me afterwards that something has gone out of the quilts that are being made now. Everything is done by machine and all stitches are perfect and can hardly be seen. Yes, they are definite works of art, but I still feel that in the effort to make them perfect something has been lost. In the old quilts you could see the stitching and it was nice and even, but there was something that just made me love them when I knew each stitch was done by hand.

  31. Barbara (WA) says:

    That was the most fun announcement of a winner on a blog EVER !!

  32. Barbara (WA) says:

    Oh, and I love that you have the words of the song from Cinderella IN your recipe box…

  33. TJ says:

    What a wonderful surprise for Cindy!! After reading every single one of the comments over the past two evenings, I’m looking forward to reading them again this weekend. My MOMMIE past way years ago, when I was 13, in early October 1960…so for years, years, and many more years, Autumn was a very sad time for me. It was only in the last 7 years or so (aided by my darling 7-year old granddaughter) that I have come to love and appreciate Autumn again. I just ordered your Autumn book…I already have ALL of the others…and I’m anxious for the mail to arrive. I, too, anticipate a lovely surprise! Thank you, Susan!

  34. Meg Ambabo says:

    Congratulations Cindy!!! Although you won the beautiful quilt, I think we all are winners. Susan, this is such a wonderful and uplifting blog, and I thank you for sharing you wit, charm and art with all of us.

  35. Angie(Tink!) says:

    Good Morning Sweetest Sue…(West~Coast Time) 🙂 Wow! 1500 Comments…You Do have a Fabulous Friends/Fan Group! Bravo!!!!! & Congratz to a Very Lucky Girl…Cindy! Yay!(Applause~Applause!) :-)…This was a Very Fun Contest & Everyone Shared Their Hearts ♥ & Souls ♫…Thank You Sweet Sue! I am going to Make The Zucchini Bread…Yummy!…”C’est Magnifique”! 🙂 (Love Dean & His Song♫… & I Loved The Trumpets!….Fabulous!….We…(In Florida) are Suppose to Get our First Hint of Autumn~Weather this Weekend…I’m so Excited….Yay! I Know Your Autumn on The Island is Getting ready to Welcome You & Joe Back Home in All It’s Glory! Have The Best California Weekend…& We Say Bye Bye Sweet September & Hello Enchanting~October! L♥ve & Hugzzzzzzz! xoxo Poof! 🙂 ♥♫

  36. Laurie says:

    As a resident of MA–not happy about the possibility of casinos coming (or the Red Sox tanking!!), but understand about the odds of winning and so glad for Cindy! Mostly, just wanted to add a little anecdote as part of the zucchini recipe. Last week I had an extra “store-size” zucchini to use up and decided to shred it (about 1+ cup) and drain it, and add it to a box of Jiffy cornbread mix along with another 1 c. of shredded cheddar cheese (can’t help it–love cheese!). Made the mix following the directions with the additions and, have to say, it was fabulous–esp. good the next morning toasted with a little (a lot) if butter!

    • sbranch says:

      Mmmm, sounds very good! Thank you Laurie!

    • mari1017 says:

      Red Sox broke our hearts this September ~ and especially last night, didn’t they? 🙁

      • Pamela Jo says:

        I watched all of the games last night and felt heartbroken for the Red Sox, too. My heart really belongs to the Phillies, since I am a lifelong resident of the Philadelphia area, but I even felt bad for the Braves last night when my team beat them. I wish the Red Sox had made it to the playoffs, as I was hoping it would be them vs. the Phils in the World Series. I love Fenway Park and that big Green Monster! Maybe next year! XOXO

  37. Cathy in Golden, CO says:

    Am just thinking how lovely this blogging with SB really is – so sweet and fun – and thinking . . . maybe something like this could change the world. All this positive, loving energy. Congrats to Cindy! It’s so fun to win something, isn’t it?
    Happy Fall everyone!

  38. Jean says:

    Woo hoo! Congrats to the winner!!!!!

    It’s supposed to get chilly tonight. Possible frost this week (yikes!)
    That calls for pumpkin bread.

  39. Gail says:

    Hi Susan,
    I hope Cindy enjoys her beautiful vintage quilt. I was wondering if you might publish her winning answer so that we can all read it. It would be easier than looking back over 1500 blog entries trying to find it!
    I was thinking of what my answer might to your question about fall. What makes autumn so special to me is the slight feeling of sadness in the air during this season. It’s so beautiful and yet we know it’s the end of summer and nearing the end of another year. I get very wistful in autumn and start to remember other falls gone by. Enjoy the remainder of your vacation with your family. Lots of Love, Gail

    • sbranch says:

      OK, I’ll find it, but I want to make sure everyone knows this was a random drawing …. no one, no where, no time, could ever choose between the wonderful things written based on content alone!

      • sbranch says:

        Not that what Cindy wrote isn’t beautiful, because it sure is! Here’s what she said:

        “It seems every fall, I fall in love with my house all over again. All of a sudden the ideas come pouring in to me and I see all the posibilities in a brand new way. Also I love the dramatic sky that we only seem to see in the fall. Layered clouds backlit by sun with dark blues and grey and pink left over from the sun. I love a dramatic sky. Thank you Susan for all you share with us. You are like a big hug at the end of the day.” Cindy Tuning

        • Angie(Tink!) says:

          It was a Fun Contest Sweet Sue!!! I Loved what Everyone Wrote! Cindy’s Words are Wonderful… Peg Posted Cindy’s Words on The F.O.S.B. Page On Facebook too! Congratz to Cindy! & Thanks again Sweet Sue…More Contests…Pretty~Please! with Cinnamon~Sugar on Top! Yay! xoxo Poof! 🙂

      • Deborah says:

        That WOULD be a terrible pick! ( I really enjoyed all the answers, all 1,500 plus!) I hope it becomes a fall tradition!

      • Gail says:

        Oh, I misunderstood and thought it was a contest based on the answer Cindy gave. Thanks for clarifying that for me! I appreciate you posting it – Cindy’s posting is lovely. xoxoGail

  40. Kim Forester says:

    What a wonderful day this is for Cindy … You just never know what gifts a day will bring! And…What a wonderful day this is for us ALL (all 1200+ of us!!) to come together in Susan’s warmth. See you all tomorrow! (And thanks for hosting us, Susan ~ and for the zucchini bread recipe! You’re such a loving presence on this earth and in our lives.)

    xoxo, Kim

  41. Jennie says:

    Yay for Cindy! I really believe that everything happens for a reason so this stuff is meant to be! And I have to say it’s so refreshing to be among a group of people who can genuinely be happy and joyful for others! Not what you usually find in this world!

  42. Donna Bradley says:

    Hi Susan! You were so dear to have a giveaway and what a grand quilt Cindy will soon receive. Congratulations Cindy! Thanks so much for taking time to share the Zucchini Nut Bread recipe with all of us. I’m sure it must be delicious. Can’t wait to give it a try.

  43. Deborah says:

    Congrats, Cindy!! I am sure you will love it! I really enjoyed your entry, I love the fall sky also, it IS dramtic and constantly changing.
    Susan, this was sooo fun, a true girly girl girlfriend kind of thing, I really enjoyed it, thank you for such a great blog, and bringing us all together (like that adorable picture)!! I look forward to trying your zuchinni bread!

  44. Sue Connolly says:

    So happy for you Cindy! Enjoy your wonderful quilt and let it warm you or fill your eyes with such beauty. Susan is right that that quilt is filled with many wonderful wishes and thoughts from all of us. Susan you truly are a blessing to have as a friend even if we haven’t met in person. I already made banana bread but can’t wait to make your bread too. To all the girl friends out there, enjoy this wonderful fall. Bye for now, Hugs. Sue

  45. islandchild says:

    Congratulations to Cindy! and THANK YOU to you Susan! I enjoy your calenders/books/blog EVERYTHING about you! I already made the Zucchini bread and it is delicious!! I only put one cup of sugar in though, two seemed a bit too much, even for a major sweet tooth like me!
    Thank you again for the recipe Susan!

  46. Marilyn says:

    Congratulations, Cindy! Consider yourself hugged by not only Susan, but from all of us!

    The zuchinni bread looks yummy and I can’t wait to try it.

    Susan, I am so in awe of all your creative talents. I’m hoping that even a tiny fraction of it will rub off on me. 🙂

    Marilyn (in Dallas)

  47. Janice N. says:

    I love it!!! This the EXACT same Zucchini Bread recipe I have used for years and years! It’s the yummiest! I taught my French exchange student (a 17 yr old boy) to bake this z-bread in 1998 and he was so proud of the perfect warm brown loaves he created all by himself! Our favorite way to eat it is toasted and smeared with butter, which melts on the hot bread and drips down our fingers and chins. YUM! What great memories the smell and taste of this bread can bring to mind. Congratulations to lucky Cindy. And thanks to all the Girlfriends for sharing their love of Fall. Thanks again for the contest, Susan and for bringing us all together with your warmth and thoughtfulness. I’m going outside to try and catch a leaf before it hits the ground….

  48. Martha Ellen says:

    Congratulations to Cindy!!! She’s one lucky gal–Thank you Susan for making us all feel special–what an extrodianary gift you have! xoxo ♥

  49. Pat Mofjeld says:

    Has Cindy realized she has won yet? I’m expecting to hear a faint “Hurrah” out on the the wind today… 🙂

    • sbranch says:

      I’ve been out for a while, just got back, and so far, I don’t see her comment here, but I’m not done looking yet!

  50. Natalie says:

    I love your comment about the woman who made this quilt and knowing how many people responded to this blog in order to have this precious quilt. That would be such a fantastic feeling that something made with your heart and hands was so well loved… being a knitter I understand that feeling 🙂

  51. Lisa says:

    So happy for Cindy, Susan. She will treasure everything about this quilt for years to come. What a gift you have given her. A few years ago, a girlfriend and I took a trip to visit another friend in Wisconsin. She took us on a tour through Amish country, and I bought a beautiful trip around the world patterned quilt. The lady had 3 beds in her shop, with about 20 quilts on each one. We turned back quilts for an hour! So much fun. I know the Amish ladies gather together to quilt, so I always think of the many hands and hearts that went in to making my quilt. And let me tell you, every stitch is as perfect as can be! A funny note to our adventure. We had not planned on purchasing quilts, so neither of us had that much cash on hand. Before we headed back in to town to the bank, my friend Rose asks me, “do you think she has a credit card machine?” I said, “Rose, she doesn’t even have a phone, I really don’t think she swipes credit cards.” It was so funny! Great memories.

  52. Andrea says:

    Congrats Cindy! (This is exciting!) And what a great song… 1500+ comments, WOW! 1500 “girlfriends” who love cooking, quilts, and celebrating the little “big” things in life…. the things worth living FOR.
    This blog (and you, Ms. Branch) celebrates the little things that make life worth living… the things we create, the things we celebrate, the things that make our memories. This is why we all come here every day. To learn, to laugh, and to love with you. (How’s that for blogging into the wind?) Thank you for making a home for us and for sharing your home with us.
    Shine on you crazy diamond… 🙂

    • sbranch says:

      I am so in love with your “shine on you crazy diamond” I might have to watercolor it…who says things like that!!!? You do! You crazy diamond!

      • Andrea says:

        *LOL* … and diamond is my birthstone. Thanks, girlfriend!

        • sbranch says:

          Aha! Mine too, the plot thickens!

          • Andrea says:

            If your B-day is the 23rd I may pass out from sheer happiness!
            P.S. I told the girlfriends at work about your zucchini bread (told them it was from the same brilliant woman who came up with the corn chowder recipe) when I went into work they hung a bag of just picked zucchini on my locker.
            I guess it was their attempt at subtlety.

          • sbranch says:

            Ha ha! Smart girls. You can’t get out of it now! Tell them I said hello! My birthday is the 12th (same as Gladys Taber’s I have to add 🙂 because I can!), but you come from one of my favorite of the tribes, from the Taurus tribe of organization and talent!

          • Andrea says:

            Who doesn’t love GladysTaber??!! You probably already know this, but you have the same b-day as Maria Callas. (Wow!) I’m pretty lucky, I share a b-day with the remarkable Shirley Temple-Black and William Shakespeare. Its also St. George’s Day.

            I love April b-days, lilacs are usuallyin bloom and I think that’s the best b-day present ever.

            Shine on SB! From your fellow crazy diamond.

          • sbranch says:

            Doing my best, same to you!

  53. After yesterday’s fun banter, I still contend I’m the real winner! &ILYT (If I could embed music into a comment as a soundtrack I would give you this…) http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-in-the-fall/id414285873?i=414286085

  54. Congratulations Cindy! What a fun contest!

    Your zucchini recipe reminds me of this lovely old bachelor living near our cottage in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec. His family has always farmed there, and now he lives alone in the old farmhouse. He is completely self-sufficient, and lives simply, right down to his old wringer washer hooked up to a hose in his kitchen. He has a small vegetable patch, and after he puts away what he needs for the winter, he puts the leftovers in an old toy box at the end of his driveway. Everyone is invited to help themselves, without charge. A few weeks ago, my girlfriend and I each took a giant zucchini each. I made a layered casserole with bbq’d zucchini, eggplant, tomato sauce and cheese and she made a chocolate zucchini cake. Of course Johnny gets some of each. It’s a win win for everyone!

    Pam

  55. Nancy says:

    Congratulations Cindy! What a wonderful time of year for you to win such a wonderful gift. Be nice and cozy in it, wrap yourself in love from all of us.

  56. Anita says:

    Congratulations to you Cindy for winning such a special quilt with so much love attached. I love what you wrote in your entry too, and though it would have been too hard for Susan to choose a winner from all the wonderful stories in the entries, yours seems a fitting winner.

    Thank you Susan for starting this blog–the response you’re seeing really bears out the fact that you receive what you give. You give love, and that’s what is coming back to you. Hugs–Anita.

  57. Nancy says:

    Congratulations Cindy! Apparently they think I already posted a reply, but I didn’t so I’ll try saying it in different words.
    Wrap yourself in love from all of us. A wonderful time of year to win such a great gift!

  58. Karen says:

    Susan, the recipe sounds delicious! I’ll put it aside for future reference as I don’t have any zucchini. Can you believe that? Not one person offered us any this year. Maybe because we said no so many times last year? Guess we will be planting our own next year.

    Thanks for offering this wonderful giveaway. Congrats to the winner, Cindy!

    Hugs, Karen

  59. pat addison says:

    congratulations cindy, and thank you susan for the recipe, will be baking that this weekend, one question does this bread ship well, i want to send it to a very dear friend in michigan. if you like i can swap my choco-chip pumpkin bread recipe with you. congrats to cindy and i hope she enjoys that lovely quilt. can’t wait to see the whole design on it!!! 🙂

    • sbranch says:

      I think you could ship it, although I haven’t done that yet, as we never plan it quite right for getting it out of the house!

      • pat addison says:

        thank you susan, i know she will like the breaqd as i am shipping it along with my choco-chip pumpkin bread. what a great way to celebrate Fall!!!!

  60. Mary S. says:

    Congratulations, Cindy!!! So happy for you!
    Zuccini Nut Bread is a yearly thing at my house! I try (but do not always succeed) to make enough to give to my neighbors and mailman at Christmas time. It’s sooooo yummy!! We slice it, butter it, and warm it up in the oven!
    Much love to you, Susan!!

  61. Robin says:

    Congratulations Cindy!! I know that quilt will be loved; I think we all love it just by sight!!

    Susan – you are just too sweet; you even commented on our comments!!

    That was so much fun and it is wonderful to know that I share my love of fall of so many others. It makes me happy to think of all of us enjoying this season together!!

    Blessings,
    Robin

  62. Jamie Willow says:

    what a delightful quilt! and lucky winner!

    I adore this blog…oh my goodness. I am so glad you are writing!

  63. Carol C says:

    So happy for Cindy and loved her response about Fall. The best gift was the contest itself. Over 1500 women with wonderful, heartfelt, uplifting things to say about their favorite season. I have read them all and will again. Thank you, Susan for giving us such a treasure of happy things to read when most of what is printed is about the baser side of life. These gals are all wonderful (as well as the cheerful leader!).

  64. Trish says:

    I send heartfelt congratulations to Cindy! Of course, those wishes are also filled with all sorts of autumnal joys. 😀

    May I ask, what did Ms. Tuning say was her favourite thing about the season? If this is an inappropriate query, please forgive me! I’m bursting with curiosity, though! (Mind you, lets just ignore what curiosity did to the proverbial cat.) ~wink~

    • sbranch says:

      If you scroll back toward the top of these comments, I quoted what Cindy wrote, maybe the 30th one down or so? If you can’t find it, let me know and I’ll do it again!

  65. Laurie says:

    Congrats cindy! And Susan, I love how you love us!!!!!

  66. Beth says:

    Congrats Cindy!! How exciting for you – I know you are over the moon with excitement (as we all are for you!). YAY!

    Ohhh… see Susan’s comment above makes me long for Banana Nut Bread. Never had Zucchini Bread (I know, I know, I’m DEPRIVED) so maybe I’ll get brave and try it out. 🙂

    *HUGS* to all the FOSBs out there – and congrats again, Cindy! 🙂

    PS – Jenny, isn’t that the truth! It’s awesome to see all the positive vibes and comments for the winner, truly beautiful.

  67. Merry says:

    Congrats, Cindy! You’re one lucky gal! 😀

    That recipe might be something my mom would enjoy. I’m going to link her to this post. 🙂

    -Merry

  68. Pamela Jo says:

    Congratulations Cindy! Enjoy your beautiful quilt!

    Susan, you are the best! The You Tube links really added to the drama of it all! I am sitting here typing and listening to the Dean Martin song you shared. He was my Nana’s favorite singer and I’m full of emotion at the moment. I live in my grandparents’ house which means a great deal to me. It’s so special to live here and to be surrounded by so many wonderful memories. I still have many of my “Nana & Pop-Pop”‘s things in here and I feel as though they are both still with me. They both loved music and you have made my day by sharing Dean’s song. Thank you so much!
    *By the way…I think all of us who share and enjoy this blog are “winners” simply because we have the chance to connect with you! You are such a special person!

  69. Lynn McMahon says:

    Thank you Susan for your generous heart & congrats to Cindy for being the lucky winner!
    I am so happy 🙂 I “stumbled “across your blog….only problem is I think I am using it as an excuse to put off some of my housework!

  70. Sandy Thornton says:

    Congratulations Cindy!!! Oh so close, Cindy, Sandy! But I’m so happy for you and just know you will enjoy the beautiful quilt. And thank you, so much, Susan for this wonderful place you have created for us to meet with you each day. There is a warmth that radiates from the screen that makes me feel like I am honestly visiting with an old friend. And the comments from all the other ladies lets me know that there is a “house full” when I stop by! I appreciate your sharing spirit that allows me to live vicariously in a place I hope to one day visit! Until that day I will enjoy it daily through your eyes and I thank you!

  71. Wendy says:

    congrats to you Cindy for winning such a wonderful quilt…..may you have many wonderful moments as you cuddle under this beautifully stitched quilt……..thanks for the recipe I will be making this one for my mom who loves zukes!

  72. Sher says:

    I absolutely love the way you put the “extra” touches in your blog… (trumpets blaring, etc). You write in a very personal way. I also loved the fact that your recipe box has one of my favorite Disney songs in it. “A Dream is a Wish” from Cinderella has always been one of my favorites — one that I sang to my children while rocking them to sleep! Thanks for the smile and the memories!

  73. Samantha says:

    Congratulations to Cindy! And to Susan, thank you for the recipe! I lost my favorite Zuchinni Bread recipe (high school home ec…wow, does that ever date me!) in a move and yours looks very similar. Can’t wait to try it!

  74. Jolene says:

    Lucky Duck!!! Congratulations Cindy!!!! And thanks for the Zucchini Bread recipe Susan 🙂 I need to return a loaf pan to a neighbor who brought me a special treat a week ago when I had to put my beloved 11 year old cat to sleep….no tears!!!….anyway…I always heard it was bad luck to return a dish given to you back empty…so I was going to bake & fill it with boring old chocolate chip cookies but not now!!!!! So I’ll be making one to give and one to keep!!! Thanks!

  75. “Cozy Congratulations”, Cindy!
    That was so much fun, Susan…
    loved all those Happy Heartbeats! ;>)

  76. deezie says:

    Hi Susan
    Well congrats to Cindy, you are one lucky gal to have won that quilt. I am sure you will be happy that you won it right at the beginning of Fall when you will be needing it. What a great recipe Susan. Of course I will be using it. I just made a Chocolate Banana Almond bread this morning. yummy is all I can say 🙂
    this weekend will be your recipe and of course I will be thinking of you while making it
    happy day Susan
    deezie

  77. Jeane Stewart says:

    Cindy , you are to be so congratulated on your special winning Blog , that was picked ….I guess too many of us walk with our heads lowered , as to miss appreciating those wonderful colors the sunrises and sunsets present during the fall months — in Arizona , one moment the sky can be the color of a blazing inferno and in only moments turn into glowing purples, oranges and pinks in the West –along with that humungous, rising ,orange harvest moon
    in the East ; we don`t have the colorful leaves here but our skies sure do make up for it……
    …..wishing each and every one of you lovely blogetts , a happy Autumn and a wonderful holiday season ….Jeanie Stewart

  78. Gert says:

    Congratulations to Cindy! She will have a quilt filled with lots of love & good wishes! Again Susan..thank you for this wonderful giveaway, & for all you gave us…especially that bread recipe! Yummy

    Blessings,
    xoxo Gert

  79. Gumbo Lily says:

    Cin-dy! Cin-dy! Cin-dy! We’re all chanting your name girl!
    Congratulations and hugs from Montana.
    Thanks, Susan, for giving us such a thrill!

    Jody

  80. Charlene Hisayasu says:

    Congratulations, Cindy! What a blessing this quilt will be in Cindy’s home! This Girlfriend Giveaway was a wonderful way to harmonize with like hearts and souls through our hostess, Susan Branch! 🙂 I look forward to meeting you, Susan, at the Remnants Show in two Sundays! YAY! Will you have your books/calendar available for purchase @ Remnants? I’m thinking I should go stand in line now! 🙂 I bet there will be quite a queue! 🙂

  81. Paula B. says:

    Lucky Cindy, she gets the quilt and the wonderful memories that so many of us shared with everyone. Thanks Susan, for the quilt giveaway and the lovely post today, loved the exciting buildup to the naming of the winner. And, thanks for the zucchini bread recipe, yum. Will be making this soon to surprise the teachers at my new school. Off to the Cape this weekend, hello fall fun!

  82. How exciting! I am happy for you Cindy from another Cindy! It sure seems like there’re many Cindys on here with different spellings, too. How special for you do hold this give-away, Susan! It seems everything you touch becomes FuN! Thank you! I ♥ your blog!

  83. Jeanne Hedin says:

    Lucky Cindy + Happy Rest of Us = A great day! 🙂

  84. Wendy says:

    Congratulations Cindy! I can just imagine as you read along Susan’s BRILLIANT introduction to the winner and *gasp* see YOUR name there!! Oh happy day! Enjoy your beautiful quilt. Susan- love this blog so much. It’s fall in the northeast…soon autumn will welcome you home.

  85. Jen says:

    Congrats to Cindy! How exciting! That was for sure the greatest revealing of a winner I’ve ever seen on a blog. You’ve set the bar high for yourself, Susan! So fun! And I agree with Cindy – love the dramatic skies. We’ve got a killer one rolling in now. A storm is brewing and there are about 4 layers of giant grey clouds passing in all different directions – love it! Thanks for the recipe; I’m excited to give it a try. Have a wonderfall day, ladies!

  86. Ann says:

    Congrats Cindy! And thanks for the recipe Susan.

  87. Nancy Mayer says:

    I always enjoy reading your blog and viewing your website.
    The best thing that makes autumn so special to me is the holidays for family to get together, make memories and share the season of Fall.

  88. Peggy Cooper says:

    Way to go Cindy girl! I’m sure you will treasure it. Have to admit I’m a little bit jealous, but I’m sure it will find a good home with you, especially after reading what you wrote.

    I’ve made this zucchini bread so many times this summer, I’m giving it a break for a few weeks. Today I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies instead. I did get a great tip from my daughter-in-law about keeping zucchini for the winter. Not good for cooking, but for baking you can shred the zucchini and freeze it in 2 cup portions so you will be able to have this lusciousness all winter long.

  89. Pam says:

    Really lovely post Susan with that fantastic fanfare and Dean Martin song! Thanks to you for such a gorgeous and generous giveaway too.

    Well done Cindy. How lucky for you, and how fab that quilt will make some spot in your home look! 🙂

  90. Maureen says:

    Congrats!!!
    The recipe sounds delicious. I have a nephew who is 5 yrs old and is not a fan of veggies. However he will eat zucchini bread and he will also eat artichoke dip little does he know that we add an extra amount of the veggie to the goodies. I will have to take a look at doing your bread.

  91. Congratulation Cindy!
    Susan when will my zucchini bread arrive? LOL! Just kiddin’! I guess some things you have to work for. Ha!
    Have a great day!

  92. Susan says:

    Hurray for Cindy! Hope she puts some pics up after she gets her new quilt! Noe I’ll just have to go make a quilt like that one. Any pics of the whole quilt so I can see what the blocks look like…then maybe I can sew one up. Thanks Susan for leading us all down a wonderful fall pathway.

  93. CarolK says:

    Congratulations Cindy! We know you will enjoy that lovely quilt. And Thank You, Susan, for making such an exciting conclusion to your drawing. It was the neatest. I have a million and one ways to use zucchini but am always willing to try one more. Now it’s off to the farm stand to get me a zuchini. LOL
    Hugs from muggy, warm and rainy NJ

  94. Joy Hall says:

    Congratulations to Cindy! I know you will enjoy being wrapped up in this delightful quilt. And thanks Susan, for letting us be a part of this.

    Got my “All Good News” in the mail about an hour ago. Looking forward to sitting down tonight with a cup of hot tea and reading “Willard’s” from cover to cover.

    Ah. delight…….

  95. Janie Phillips says:

    Congratulations to Cindy and a big thank you to you, Sue, for bringing all these wonderful people together in one place (cuz you’re wonderful yourself)!

    I love that you shared photos of your recipe box and your handwritten recipe cards. I’m going to do what one of the other girls mentioned — print it out and put in my SB recipe binder so I can always see it just the way you do. xoxo

  96. Andi M says:

    Hello, from the middle of Pennsylvania, which is so soggy right now that spending time in the kitchen with a new recipe is the place to be. Looking at your photo of the Zuchinni Nut bread, did you sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top? I was just wondering.

  97. Jeannie M from NC says:

    Hooray! Hooray! Congratulations Cindy! What fun you are going to have snuggling up in your new quilt, and what a precious memory of who it came from!
    I can’t wait to try this recipe of zucchini bread! Haven’t made it in a few years. I think I will do like your other reader is going to do and print it out and put it in my index card box! Wouldn’t I love to have a wooden like yours Susan
    xoxo

  98. Ranch Wife says:

    Doing the happy dance for Cindy! She must be THRILLED! And Susan, thank you for your sweet generosity and kindness! It just comes through in every post and in all of your artwork. Looking forward to making your yummy bread although it is doubtfull that I will be skipping to the nearest neighbor with it. 10 miles of skipping is a bit excessive! LOL! I would be plumb tuckered out !

  99. JudyCnNC says:

    That Cindy girl sure is lucky – and I bet she will treasure her quilt forever. The bread will be a definite try very soon. My mums out my window are calling me – all bronze, yellow, deep read and orange. Love Fall and all it’s crispness. Judy C

  100. Reneelynn says:

    Way to go Cindy!!!!!!!!!!
    Thanks Susan, for a wonderful giveaway!!!!!! Everyday I check to see if there’s a new post. Just love it when there is!

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