You wouldn't think one not-so-big woman (at the podium on the left) could have such an impact, but Susan Branch does. She has a cadre of devoted followers ("the girlfriends") because because of her ability to create joy out of everyday occurrences. Yes, she's a wonderful artist and cookbook author, but I think the magic is in her attitude.
Susan has a talent for living: for appreciating the
small things in life, for creating beauty in her books and calendars
and fabrics, and for lifting the hearts of her readers. Her first
book, a handwritten and hand illustrated cookbook, The Heart of the
Home, was published more than 25 years ago. Now she's published her
thirteenth book, and her blog, in which she writes prolifically (how
does she get anything else done?!), is a celebration of life's little pleasures. Reading her stories and the quotations she sprinkles
liberally through her writing, and seeing her photos and artwork, bring
joy to the reader. And the comments from the readers! One of the things that has
delighted her followers on the blog is not only the chance to communicate with
Susan, but also to communicate with each other. The girlfriends love Susan, and they love each other as well.
Susan and Joe, her partner of 26 years, are on a cross country book tour, and this is what they are traveling in: a van wrapped with Susan's photos and artwork, celebrating the book.
The book signing at my local bookshop was fun, but the tea at a suburban country club two days later was pretty close to perfect. Because we were sitting around linen-covered tables, there was even more conversation and exchanges of information between the girlfriends than there had been at the book shop two days earlier. At my table were a group who had driven down from Wisconsin, one all the way from Green Bay (4 hours?). These are devoted fans, people! It was wonderful to meet them and exchange stories about how we had gotten to know of Susan, favorite books, things that had inspired us. It was a magical afternoon.
The pictures are courtesy of Dawn, a devoted Susan Branch girlfriend, and a new friend of mine. Isn't that nice?
It was so nice meeting you and Dawn at the tea party! We didn't have much chance to chat but these pictures bring back such lovely memories. A time we'll never forget! Wish I had noticed Susan's charm bracelet as it would have been WONDERFUL to look at it in person!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great experience. I'm so happy you got to do this.
ReplyDeleteHi Ginnie! Hi Karen!
ReplyDeleteMeeting new friends is such a special gift! Susan has a truly remarkable talent for bringing kindred spirits together. What a wonderful afternoon we all shared! ♡♡ Dawn
It sounds like an absolutely splendid afternoon! So glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteLove the painted van. :)
Wow! What fun and so exciting! Almost as exciting as Peanuts. Almost. :)
ReplyDelete