A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Thought you might enjoy a breath of really really FRESH ocean air this morning . . . remember how, when we were at sea on the Queen Mary 2, I couldn’t send videos?  But that doesn’t mean I didn’t take them!

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Isn’t that just insane? What a beautiful world!!!  We were just below Ireland in this video — that was an Irish seagull!  The next morning we landed in England.  Have a wonderful day, Girlfriends; you can still enter to win the Emma Bridgewater mug giveaway by leaving comments below (read the next post if you don’t know what I’m talking about!)  Byeeeeeee! 

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436 Responses to A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

  1. Celtic Heart says:

    my! when did you get back? last I remember was trying, quite unsuccessfully, to follow you on tweeter . . which I’ve since given up on . . and you were sailing up the Channel . . technical problems and you soon lose touch with the world . .

  2. Melissa R (UT) says:

    A belated Happy Bday to Joe- The party was such a blast- thanks for having us!! Reading your blog is the bright spot in my day. Hugs!! MJR

  3. Chris says:

    A mug from Emma Bridgewater and Susan Branch would be a delightful surprise. Thank you for all your wonderful posts.

  4. Theresa says:

    My family and I are vacationing on the sugar sand beaches of Florida this week! I’m looking right now at the very cresting waves the you painted for the blog today… Beautiful! So very peaceful , and my grands are the diamonds in the sand… Thank you for such a beautiful blog! P. S. I love Emma Bridgewater dishes! Blessings today from the beach!

  5. carol pfeiffer says:

    Susan I loved everthing about your and Joe’s trip. You of course, do such a great job. I would also love winning the Emma Bridgewater mug Thank you so very much, xoxoxoxo

  6. Wendy Dandridge says:

    Love Love. Thank you for that breath of fresh sea air!!! I roll my windows down as I come around the bend to my hometown in Santa Barbara County to try and get the first whiffs of that wonderful ocean air!!!

    Can’t wait to see who wins the Emma Bridgewater! (hope it’s me 🙂 )

  7. Susan Martin says:

    I loved seeing Joe’s b-day party; love the cheesecake and the carrot cake; but love coming here and seeing what’s happening most of all!

  8. carol oliver says:

    Hello Susan,

    Wow, the trip of a Lifetime, just keeps on coming….thank you for all your continued photos and stories…as I said before, I loved taking the Vacation with you, as I probably will never make it to England in person.
    I, as always would love to win the EB Mug….fingers are crossed….and if I do
    I will keep it with all My Susan Branch items….including my fabulous toile red gravy bowl, that I told you about that my girlfriend bought me from your fab store, that sadly is no more….from your personal collection. and its ok…we still have you and your stories and beautiful watercolors….
    have a good day…..Carol O. in So. Calif.

  9. Diane Byrum says:

    {snif} I just smell the sea air! So nice to have snippets of your Transatlantic cruise to brighten the day. Your magic just takes us away~and to think you were thinking of us back in the States all the while. How nice and an Emma Bridgewater mug to boot. I hope to win as it will be ‘once in a blue moon’ (which will be making its appearance on the 31st). Something memorable will happen that day I’m sure–like winning the mug? Fingers crossed.

  10. Kay Bennett says:

    Dear Susan,

    I have admired your paintings for years, however, hadn’t found your blogs until my daughter led me to you. Wow! What a delight!! You have hit every passion of mine from your beautiful England tour to your voyage video on the sea. Your blog is my feel good moment of the day. Flowers, good food, inspiration and friendship, what could be better! An EB mug would be a welcome addition to my English mug collection and a wonderful reminder of how sweet life can be. Thank you Susan Branch!!

  11. Debbie Prifrel says:

    Hello Susan! I am a long time reader of your books, but a relative newcomer to your blog. I would love to start from the beginning…is there a way to get there without hitting “previous posts”?

  12. amy says:

    Susan — We just love you in our house—-when something comes together just right–we say—Oh that is so cute-it is very Susan Branch. Thank you for everything!!

  13. Michele says:

    ahhh…. refreshing!

  14. Marianne W. says:

    Susan, You have a way of encouraging me to enjoy every little thing! Thank you so very much ~ England was never on the top of my wishlist of travels, however somehow it has moved up there… hmmm, wonder how? Even if I don’t make it, I have seen the best of it through you. Ever grateful!

  15. Silvia Niomi says:

    Hi Susan,

    That horn, oh that rich sounding horn is such a wonderful sound. I bet the ambience in those moments that the horn blew was just wonderful; the irish seagulls making their sounds, the ship cutting through the water, the waves, the breeze, the sun shining and that rich, bass sounding horn (and I’m just getting this ‘moment’ from a video clip. I can only just imagine what it must have really felt like). Lovely post 🙂

  16. Darla says:

    Love your videos and pictures, thanks for sharing.

  17. Jill Reid says:

    Dear Susan, aka “girlfriend”…I discovered your blog fairly recently and have been in heaven reading it. I live vicariously through you, as we both seem to love the same things. Thank you SO much for treating us to your lovely creativity and artistry.

    I bought your Heart is the Home ( not sure that’s the right title) book, which I have had for many, many years.

    Did I read correctly that you may be currently writing a book about England? Please, please, please let me know when that will be available.

    Also, it may be too late, but would you please include me in your drawing for the lovely Emma Bridgewater mug?

    I am a quilter, a baker, a domestic diva…lol…who loves folky, charming, mismatched things for the home. I can’t wait to read each new post of yours!

    A huge fan,
    Jill Reid

    • sbranch says:

      We’ll have an early sign up for the new English Diary book, right here, for our blog girlfriends, first.♥ Just check back and I’ll let you know when that will be. Thank you for asking Jill!

  18. Dee Ann says:

    Thanks for all the blog entries…especially the trip we were able to take in England with you.

  19. Pat Johnson of Paso Robles says:

    They went to sea in a beautiful pea-green boat! I opened your blog not expecting anything and was surprised with a joyous time at sea! Thank you Thank you Thank you…..you are the best! XXXXOOOO

  20. ReNae says:

    Susan….Just as someone else said…your blog is a bright spot in my day! Your stories of your travels have given me so much joy as I have been recovering from a long long bout of mono along with other chronic illnesses. Love seeing your videos, your pictures, the music you choose to go with it. What a blessing it has been!!
    I found out recently that “my people” come from England…that explains my long fascination with all things “England”. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you take to share with us! Much appreciated! I have always loved all your artwork etc. Thanks again!

  21. Valerie Beuth says:

    Thanks for a terrific blog. Please keep doing what you’re doing!
    Val in Cal

  22. Chrissy Thrower says:

    Thanks, Sue
    I can just feel a coool breeze blowing through my hair!
    Refreshed!

  23. Judi D. says:

    The boat whistle sounded like a symphony! 🙂

  24. Beth Keser says:

    I love the sound of the ships horn! We just did the Disney cruise and the horn is the tune of When you wish upon a star! It gave me goosebumps 😉 Traveling across the Atlantic is on my bucket list, thanks to you!!

  25. Gail Buss says:

    Hi Susan and Joe……………Happy Birthday to you, Joe!! I’m so behind since we’ve been away on vacation with our family at Sunnyhill in the Catskills of NY. We had a wonderful time but didn’t take our computer so I feel I’m really out of the loop. Loved reading the last several blogs. I haven’t even seen theWillard yet. Loved the plates for hanging and I know that cheesecake was in a Polish Pottery Pie Plate. I have one of those too but not the same design. I just know we love many of the same things. What a nice thing to do by showing all the photos of years gone by………that is so much fun. Don’t know if I’m too late but if not – put me in for the “Vanna” drawing of the English mug.

    Better end here. Hope you are doing well. You can look up the resort we stayed out which is great for families with children of all ages. Just go to Sunnyhill.com and it’s located in Greenville, NY. I’ve missed you guys. Lots of love………….Gail Buss in Beverly Hills, Fl.

  26. hmbalison says:

    Hi Susan,
    Loved taking the virtual trip to England. Would love the mug, too.

    By the way, I ordered my 2013 calendar today. Woohoo!

  27. Jeannette Wynne says:

    I never get tired of seeing/smelling the ocean! I’ll be seeing & smelling it directly in about 10 days as we stay across the street from it on Moonstone Beach in Cambria, CA:) Love having the waves lull me to sleep & loved hearing your ship’s “horn” too!

  28. M.A. Nichelini says:

    Happy belated Birthday to Joe.

    Thank you for the Emma cup….I’m so sure it is going to live with me. 🙂

    Mary Ann

  29. So beautiful ! Love the ocean ! Such a peaceful feeling in the video!
    Thanks a million for sharing with us. A welcome respite in my busy world .

  30. Glenda says:

    Susan,

    I missed you. Just returned from a short trip with hubbie and not able to enjoy your blog. I always look so forward to it. You just seem to have a way of starting off my day right! 🙂 I so appreciate you enthusiasm and all the fun things you share. Nice to be home now and hopefully back in our routine. Joe’s birthday party looked like a lot of fun. It is so nice he has a special bonding with his long time friends too. …..

  31. Katherine says:

    Hi Susan! I really enjoy catching up with you and the girlfriends via your blog. England was an eye-opening adventure. It’s on my bucket list now. Thank you for sharing and inspiring my creative side. I learn so much here that helps me discover new things to do or try. It’s terribly exciting! TY!

  32. Barbara Serio says:

    Thank you for all your recipes, pictures and stories. You have given me hours of breaks–mini vacations really. Love your blog and website!

  33. Betty says:

    Oh, what a beautiful day! I can almost smell that fresh ocean breeze.
    The best way to travel!
    Greetings from cold Melbourne.

  34. Dorothy Ann says:

    * Good Thursday Morning, Sue *

    In my previous post (yesterday), I told you how absolutely fabulous your August Willard is. What’s more, I forgot to tell you how much I love the new photos of Jack in it. How could I forget him? He’s so cute!

    He’s really a delight and soooo handsome with his bright eyes, tuxedo colors and of course, that dapper-David Niven-mustache.

    He loves to pose for pictures, doesn’t he? In some of them, that you post, I think, he turns his head in such a way, as if to say, “take the picture from this side, it’s my best side”.

    When Jack took over the blog, one day last week, I’m surprised that he didn’t put even more pics of himself on it, for us all to see. He’s such a smart little fellow…and soon to have, as you told us, a birthday coming up…1 year old!
    Will we see photos (and a recipe) of you preparing a mini-birthday-tuna-cake for Jack?

    I must add a little “hi” to your sweet Girl Kitty too…she’s shy isn’t she?

    Hugs from,
    * Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington *
    P.S. The room, in your home, that Jack is in, is decorated so beautifully, Susan.
    The colors, the charming round table, and that lamp, crystal base with the gorgeous green designer-shade…utterly charming!

  35. Georgie says:

    Ahhh! Just what I needed this morning while sitting at my desk at work… a mini break. This is the next best thing to being there.
    xoxo Georgie – Yardville. NJ

  36. Ainsley says:

    Those mugs that you made were amazing. Watch out Emma Bridgewater.:)

  37. Laura Benthien says:

    Thank you again for all you share with us! I get excited when I see you have posted something new! I would also love to win your giveaway, just once I would love to win something! lol. Thanks, Laura in Illinois

  38. Karen says:

    Good Morning Sue!
    It’s such a “lift” to open my inbox and see a note from you! You, your Joe, and the kitties too really brighten my day.
    I have become an Emma Bridgewater fan through you, purchasing four mugs. Each day I stand at the open cupboard and decide which mug to drink my morning coffee from. Today it’s A Walk in the Park. It is a good way to start the day!
    Karen B. – South Pasadena, CA

  39. Kimberly says:

    The birthday party looked like such fun! What wonderful friends and memories, a life of richness.

    I loved your travels to England. It was like I was right along. Sooo much fun seeing the beautiful countryside, the baby lambs! your lovely places to rest your head AND Emma Bridgewater Pottery! I didn’t know you could take tours of the facility and to see all the paintings are really hand painted, just amazing.

    Will you be printing your travel diary for your Girlfriends? I think it would be a marvlous treasure.

    Kimberly

  40. Sarah Anschutz says:

    Susan,
    The only thing I can come up with that’s new to add to the wonderful comments already posted is that since I’ve discovered your blog, you’ve been in my top-site field so I can check for new posts easily. Enjoy all the sharing you do and have learned a few new things along the way.
    Thank you!
    Sarah

  41. Karen P. - Green Bay, WI says:

    Love the noon whistle! The waves and clouds and seagull, combined with the whistle…bliss!!!

  42. leslie says:

    How beautiful! I took videos of my sabbatical in Switzerland and now, when I need a return to all that beauty, I am able to rewatch them and place myself back there again. Thanks for taking us all along!

  43. Diane says:

    Happy Birthday, Joe. It looked like a glorious celebration to send you forward into a new decade of a wonderful life. You beat me to 60 by 5 months! Yay, I’m coasting in my LATE fifties 🙂 Kind Wishes to both, Di in SC

  44. Miss Pat in Indiana says:

    Would love to see the ocean on some of your stationery. I use the ones from your shopping site all the time. I get lots of lovely comments.

  45. Bobbie says:

    Loved your posts about the visit to England! I so enjoy your blog and artwork… Have a blessed day!

  46. Thank you for making my night!!!

  47. Abigail says:

    I would love to have that mug!! I love all of your posts and ADORE your pictures and art!! ^_^ <3

  48. Julie (Omaha) says:

    Hi Susan,
    I’ve been saving all your recent posts to read for today. Why? Because I am at the airport,
    having just left my youngest son at college and am very sad. I worry, worry, worry that something will happen to him (numerous warnings from others reminding him not to walk by
    himself, target for thugs, etc ahhhggg!). Anyway, knew I would need something to keep me from breaking down in tears at the airport and figured your posts would do the trick! So far so good, thank you again for being a bright spot in my hectic, anxiety prone life. Julie

    • sbranch says:

      My dear friend Martha was just here; back from leaving her only daughter at college too. It’s a sad day. But you did your job, you have to know that, you made a strong boy. He’ll be fine; we made it, he will too.

      • Julie(Omaha) says:

        Thank you for your support! Finally heard a little lift in his voice tonight, think he’s going to be ok. Now back to reading your posts for enjoyment, and not survival!!! :).
        PS all the best to Martha and her daughter

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