It’s a beautiful summer day on Martha’s Vineyard when I’m writing this; bees are floating through the lavender, beach towels are flapping on the line, a gentle harbor breeze is softly rustling the trees. But so quiet ~ it’s perfect beach weather ~ that’s where everyone must be. There are no cars on the road, a rare thing for summer on this island. All I can hear through my open windows are birds. ♥
Soon I’ll show you more about what’s going on here but today, I think we need just one more visit to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm — our second visit in a week — you knew I would have to go back!
Remember how gorgeous the sky was on the first day we found our way to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm? It wasn’t like that the second time . . . here it was on June 7, over the Lake District, dark, rainy, and moody. Musica? Yes.
Before we left the Lake District, I needed one more look at Castle Cottage (the light beige house above) where Beatrix lived happily-ever-after with her husband Willie for thirty years. It’s privately owned so this is as close as I really wanted to get, but there it was, a sweet comfortable-looking little house just across the meadow from Hill Top.
It still felt funny that we could just drive here. Beatrix Potter has been so far away from me for so long, almost on another planet. But shockingly, like any other place, like any old McDonald’s on the corner, you can drive right up, put on your blinker, turn in, and park. Go through a little gate, walk up a path and there it is! Where it’s been for over a hundred years, with visitors just like me, coming and going.
I didn’t get a ticket to go into the house again because I have that vision permanently pressed into my heart. I will never forget looking at the view through the wavy old glass of her bedroom window, the same ripply view of hills and green and cottages she saw all those years ago. But there were a couple of things I needed to do before we left — I had unfinished business. As I was walking through the rainy garden for the last time I noticed little wet side-path I hadn’t seen before. At the end there was a green door in the garden wall. I went to investigate. I didn’t want to miss anything.
I pushed it open slowly, making sure I wasn’t going somewhere I shouldn’t — then ducked under the dripping lilac to go inside. It led to the walled vegetable patch in front of the house, and gave me a slightly different perspective on the house. I was inside the iron gate for the first time. All alone, in the rain, in Beatrix Potter’s garden. ♥
Of course, Peter Rabbit was bound to get in trouble in this neck of the woods! Such temptation; rhubarb and strawberries too.
There were little details I couldn’t see from the other side of the iron gate, like this recess in the rock wall. It’s called a “bee-bole” ~ it’s made for sheltering bee skeps like this charming white box hive that Beatrix had “fixed up” — she also painted it into The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck — later I painted it into the journal I kept of this visit. (You would have enjoyed watching me juggle camera, umbrella, hood on rain coat, purse and tears while taking photos.)
I also came back to get the name of the roses climbing over the front of the house. I asked the person at the door but she didn’t know. Which surprised me . . . they must get asked that question two-hundred times a day because those roses smell like heaven. Don’t inquiring minds want to know? So they can grow them all over their barn? Or something? So I emailed the gardener, and guess what, he didn’t know either! My blog girlfriends thought maybe Zephirine Drouhin.
Here they are, up close. They also look a little David Austinish with so many petals, they smell like David Austin roses too, really strong, but the gardener only called them cabbage roses.
The other thing I had to do was to take a photo of my miniature Beatrix Potter book as it soaked up some local ambiance, so I could bring it back to the Peter Rabbit Room to spread the wealth (a little more magic never hurts). The little book is so proud in that room since we got home, its buttons almost pop, bragging around to the Beatrix Potter People of where it’s been and what it saw!
Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail hoist it on their shoulders like a returning hero.
But this is what I really came back to Hill Top for . . . I knew, the moment I left the first time, I had forgotten something. I must have been crazy to even think of coming all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to England, then to the Lake District, over the narrowest rock-lined roads you can imagine, on the wrong side of the road, risking life and limb, and then leaving this behind? I scare myself sometimes. I’d picked it up in the gift shop and then put it back, regretting it every moment since, dreaming about it!
It’s an exact copy of the first book Beatrix Potter (who, as you can read in my journal of this visit, A FINE ROMANCE, is not only an illustrator, but so much more. Most 
importantly, a conservationist savior of the Lake District, but also a respected natural scientist and regular person, despite being a genius, who was very proud of her prize-winning sheep) paid to have published herself, exactly the way she wanted it to be. For this special, first-time-ever reprint, they used the same cover she designed originally, but they also added a dust jacket taken from editions published in 1903 by Warne; in a charming calico pattern supplied by Edmund Potter and Company (Beatrix Potter’s family business, isn’t it adorable? Oh, for ten yards of that!). They put the book in a special little bag and the only place you can buy one is at the gift shop up the garden path at Hill Top Farm. ♥ I could not go home without it.
What makes them extra special is, except for the surviving original books, there are only 1000 copies like this. On earth. (At least that’s what they told me, and I choose to believe!) And they all have numbers written in them like this.
The book is written in her own handwriting; all the pen and ink drawings are in black and white, just as they were when she first published the book. Only after Norman Warne started publishing Beatrix’s books were they done in color. He believed in her.♥
I had (was forced by a power stronger than myself, therefore the court would surely rule me not responsible) to steal a flower from the garden to keep in the book. Stealthy, like a cat, despite the pouring rain, looking both ways and still seeing no one — into the dripping mock orange and climbing honeysuckle I went. Rain pattered my umbrella as I tucked the wet rosebud softly, ever so softly, into my raincoat pocket, and was out of there before anyone noticed, leaving only a trail of muddy footprints, a clue soon to be washed away by the deluge; because I needed to press a real Beatrix Potter flower into my book more than I cared if I went to the Far Sawrey town jail . . . in fact, I took two flowers . . . . the rose, and an Iris for my journal.
And then it was time to go. Other than going inside and asking to take a nap in her actual bed, I thought I had done it all. The rain was coming down hard, Joe was waiting on the other side of the little gate with the car running, reading his newspaper. I stopped and took that one last photo of Castle Cottage ~ nostalgic, recalling memories that weren’t even mine ~ across green Post Office Meadow. Nothing in the village of Near Sawrey has changed since Beatrix walked the narrow lanes with her border collie Kep at her side.
I hope you enjoyed our visit — I wrote more about this dream-come-true in our travel journal in case you also have a place in your heart for the life of Beatrix Potter . . .
Those are the sweetest looking roses. I would love to know the name if you find out.
Debbie
I’ve looked at all the ones everyone’s been suggesting, and I think its Zephirine Drouhin! Google it!
Thank you Susan for the wonderful memories of my homeland, I have wandered those same areas and they are immensely special. A lot of old houses in Great Britain have rambling roses and they have been there so long, that people genuinely do not know the variety…..which is a pity, but it adds a certain mystery to things….so glad you had such a nice time in my beloved country, I miss it.
I understand…maybe even before the time of naming roses! I miss your country too! xoxo
Amazing Susan! How thoughtful of you… would love to make this part of my home! Beatrix Potter is a happy childhood memory for me….
I am sooo excited about your giveaway! I’ve so much enjoyed reading about your trip to England these past weeks. We just came back from Britain last Friday from a 2 week trip to visit my husband’s family (Both in England and Scotland, then a 2 day side trip to Amsterdam). Since we mostly visited family, we didn’t have time to tour the countryside this time so your posts helped me feel like we did! I’m just in awe of your giveaway, it’s so very special and I’m so happy for the person who will win it! (Of course, I’m hoping it will be ME!) It’s such an amazing gift to begin with, but then YOU painted something as well. Wow! Thanks so much for taking us along on your trip!
Michelle
Thank you so much for taking us along on your trip to England! I have loved the photos and all of your adventures. My 7-year old son LOVES the Beatrix Potter stories that we have on DVD (beautifully done). My dad bought the VHS set for our girls when they were little and we had to get them on DVD when our son was born. We also have many of her story books. He is a reader so he loves those!
Thank you for sharing your marvelous journey – and your thoughtfulness for giving one of us a tangible reminder.
Dear Susan — Thank you for thinking of us, once again. I loved “going on your trip” with you!
Nancy
Began buying your cookbooks as a young girl for my mom, and then I’d steal them and read them myself! Just recently came upon your blog and have loved reading about your life and adventures. My mother loves Beatrix Potter, and this would be an amazing treat for her. Thank you for sharing your life and wonderful gifts of cooking and homemaking.
Beautiful book! Of course, written by a beautiful lady! Beauty begets beauty. My daughter and I look at your blog together and “ooh” and “ahh” over everything!
Blessings!
I have always been content to be HOME!
Never really like to travel far until taking this JOYFUL Journey with you.
I wanna go to England now. 🙂
Thank you for sharing and taking us all along.
JOY & SPOTS
Trace’
Oh Susan, I have loved being on this trip of a lifetime with you! And this book is truly a treasure! Thank you so much for bringing your girlfriends with you every step of the way! You are one very special person! xoxo
Good Morning Susan!! I so enjoyed all of your pictures and stories of England!! I hope one day I can go explore the same places as you did!! It was beyond beautiful in the pictures, I can only imagine how more gorgeous it looked in person!! Have a beautiful summer day!! =)
Susan, thank you so much for sharing about your trip. I feel like I have been to England and back myself. I love your writing and your pictures.
Hello Susan,
Welcome back! I have to say that your trip blog was so wonderful… I truly felt as if I were right there with you the entire trip, seeing what you saw, giggling and drinking tea, ooo’ing and awww’ing over all the wonderful little treasures and sights of England. And the visit to Beatrix Potter’s cottage was so exciting… I almost couldnt sit still reading about it! Thank you for letting me tag along… and best wishes and many hopes for more exciting adventures on your home island and abroad!
Cheers, Kimberly
Wow! What a thoughtful sweet gesture to share not only a part of your trip with us but a momento as well. A gift to be treasured. Peter Rabbit is currently the crib bedding in my first grandson’s nursery. It was always a favorite of mine and my son thought I would be thrilled with the choice. I had a pillow made from my son’s 28 year old soft blue sleeper with Flopsy, Mopsey and Cottontail embroidered down the side. It came out darling with the snaps down the front and the collar at the top of the pillow. Thank you Susan for all that you do! We appreciate it and love you…
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you my dear special Susan for every step of the way with tears and joy of traveling with you and your sweetie hubby. I will never forget the beautiful trip I was on. I saved every email so I can read it again and hope someday I can walk in your footsteps!
I hope it for you Terry!
Thank you so much for taking me to the Hilltop with you!!! Oh, to have walked and stood in Beatrix’s garden…..You are such an inspiration to this Southern Girl… Thank you for all you do! Many Blessings… Tammy in Alabama
I know, now I think I have a little bunny aura on me!
Thank you so much for the wonderful trip to England and now we have a chance to win a souvenir book…an appreciative girlfriend.
I’m answering this ever which way I can find. I was at Hill Top two summers ago and was smitten. I doin’t know how I missed this book when I was in the gift shop, I boought everything else! I have the little book and woould love to add this one to it. My fingers are crossed!
I think it just came out!
My daughter, also a Susan and lover of all books, just walked in and said “Oh my gosh, that is such a beautiful book..it looks original.” Then she asked for a ride somewhere, but followed it with: “Mom, are you shopping on that Susan Branch website again? That book is really pretty, it must be very expensive”. Well factoring in the airfare or ocean liner fare, and all the travel, it is a pretty expensive book! You (and Joe and all of your friends) were very kind to take us on your trip and to think about buying an extra book to give away to one of us. Thank you for keeping us all in your thoughts!
I never thought of it that way! LOL!
I’ve been following your blog entries about your trip to England with a whole lot of envy! I would love to win the book. Mostly because you added your own personal touch. I’m looking forward to when your next books come out!
A few times lately when we’ve been out somewhere I’ve stopped to smell the roses. For some reason, they don’t seem to have much scent. It was disappointing.
I know, roses need to smell good!
I am a huge fan of bunnehs so of course I love Peter Rabbit. When I read your original post I was so sad that you didn’t buy the book in the gift-shop! You crazy chica then you went back and everything! Yay!
YOU are the crazy chica . . . LOL xoxo
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful trip with us. I would only sit down to read your blog when I wouldn’t be rushed and would have plenty of time to savor it with a cup of coffee. I hope somebody can figure out what kind of rose that is!
I love that you took your tiny Peter Rabbit book with you on your trip so that it could spend some time on its original stomping grounds. That makes it even more special now. 🙂
I too, like everyone else have enjoyed following you around on your adventure. What great fun you must have had. Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book.
Oh my! I really have a chance to win that treasure? How lovely that would be. Most important is the “Thank you” I want to extend for taking us all along with you. There must have been a few times when you would have liked to just sit back and sip tea and watch the little lambies rather than worry about whether you would be able to download pictures and such. But because you are the BEST girlfriend anyone could have, you “Stayed calm and carried on”! Love you Susan.
I feel like I have been to England with you. Thank you so much for sharing your travels. The book is just beautiful. Of course I hope I win, but someone is going to be very lucky indeed to own a copy of that little book! Thank you!!!
Have enjoyed all your England posts so much. You should definitely publish a children’s book! Thanks for this giveaway and your always lovely, heartfelt, charming blog.
I write children’s books for grownups! 🙂
^ LOL! so very true!
Arline in LA
Jama I love your website…I like the UPS poem. I have many UPS acquaintances. I asked one of them if I could ride shotgun. He said NO! I guess they prefer the college kids. LOL
Following your trip I felt as though I was right there with you. Thank you for sharing a brief escape from everyday routine. My 4 kids and I love everything Susan Branch and Beatrix Potter! Thank you for sharing with us.
Susan,
I just love reading your blog. Thanks for taking us all on your trip to England.
While shopping at an estate sale with my sisters what did I find but a little Peter Rabbit bank! I snatched it up right away as it goes with my little dishes and cups I got when my children were born. The idea of you giving away a numbered copy of a Tale of Peter Rabbit excites me very much! Good luck to all (but I hope I win :-)!!)
Dearest Susan,
Coming along with you the England was very special. You could be a tour guide! Since this will be my only vacation this year, I truly enjoyed every moment and can not wait for your book. Thank you for taking all of us along. Please put my name in for the sweet Beatrice Potter book. What a perfect ending to great vacation. Your inspiration in everything you do is infectious. Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you for the trip back to England, haven’t been there for 40 years. I felt very nostalgic. And thank you for the opportunity to win the book. love you for all the nice things you do.
Dear Susan,
You are our own personal dream catcher, showing us through your eyes and ears and thoughts all the beautiful places wherever you go. You have a special gift of writing that speaks to us individually. Thank you so much. The trip to England has been a treasure.
A dear English friend I’ve never met, but have gotten to know online, told me about your blog, Susan. So I’ve been visiting regularly now, and I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it’s like taking a mini-vacation. Thank you for sharing all that you do. Your art, recipes, photos, and the confidential way you speak to your readers makes this feel like such a wondrous place to me. Blessings on you and yours….
Happy you are here, hello to your English pen pal!
Thank you so much for taking us all along on your magical trip. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t adore Miss Potter and all her charms! I very much look forward to your next book: in the meantime, your very generous gift would tide me over quite nicely. I promise to savor it with a cup of tea, currant scone and wrapped in a quilt by the fireplace!!! Cheers!
I love the fact no one knows the name of those roses, and I love the magical books that you brought back and forth, that’s the cutest thing. I love all things British and would love that book as well! Thanks for the lovely photos as always, and that green garden gate is to die for!
You light up our lives, Sweet Sue! Thanks for the blissful summer so far.
Note on rose: It looks a bit like David Austin’s “Mary Rose;” also his “Gertude Jeykll.” Both smell dreamy!
Marie in So. Calif.
Your notes from England were like little mini-vacations! I’ve enjoyed your photography so much I finally decided that now was the time to buy the camera I’ve been hankering for. There are so many great things to capture for the photo album. I chuckled over your pilfering the flowers from the Potter garden, too cute & sweet (and, just too tempting, I’m sure). Thanks for sharing your holiday with us! Welcome home!
I immediately also thought cabbage roses, but I don’t know the “official” name. they certainly are bequtiful.
It’s centifolia, but I’m thinking that the one on Beatrix’s house was Zephirine Drouhin…
I have so much enjoyed traveling along with you. England is so beautiful and I gained so much inspiration from your travels –can’t wait for your book. Thank you for taking us along. What a special book you are passing along to a special follower! I hope it’s me. 🙂
Susan, what a treasure you are! What a treasure is this giveaway! Oh my! We live Beatrix Potter here–my little Elinor Rosemary Beatrix turns 1 next month and we are planning a Peter Rabbit party for her.
By the way, we’re just finishing a trip to New England (my husband had a conference in NH so we drove and made a summer vacation of it). I can totally understand why you love New England now. Someday we will come back in the autumn….
Oh yes, you should, so beautiful then!
Your trip to England was the best armchair vacation I have ever had. The blogs were great and the twitter accounts enjoyable. I can’t believe you are giving away a special copy of Beatrix Potter. Even if I don’t win I have already won with all the adventures that I experienced from my armchair. Thank you for sharing.
I am like you – I always find a way to slip a small wildflower, piece of lavender, a stone, or a tiny shell in my pocket as a reminder of a well-loved spot we have visited!
Susan, do you have any IDEA how MUCH I would love to win this??? Two of my
favorite artists together…..in one very precious straight from England treasury?
It would probably put me over the top!! And by the way, THANK YOU, for sharing
this amazing trip with us. I keep re-reading my favorite parts and even make my
husband occasionally come over to see the pictures on my laptop b/c I want him to
know that I would love love love to follow in your footsteps and take a trip like this.
It would be heavenly. Yep, it’s on my list.
You’ve become a treasured “virtual” friend and a generous one! Thank you for sharing your journey. Would love to have an opportunity to win this book for my first grandchild, due next month!
My girlfriends and I have convinced our British friend Julie that our next girls’ trip should be to the U.K. so we can see all in her eyes now that I have seen it all through your eyes. Thank you for taking us in your pocket. Nancy
My pleasure Nancy!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the “sharing” of your trip to England. Hopefully, you still have a few pictures to share with us. It would be totally awesome to win the Beatrix Potter book. Fingers crossed.
I so enjoyed going on this wonderful adventure with you! It was great fun to follow along as you discovered and shared the sights and sounds of the English countryside. Thanks for letting us tag along. : ) A wonderful way to travel! It would be fantastic to win that special book!
Hi Susan! I visit your blog every day during my lunch break. I work on an equity trading floor in NYC, so your posts are a welcome retreat from the chaos. Every day around 1pm someone nearby questions where “those chirping bird sounds!!” are coming from. I play dumb!
Loved being along for your trip to England…especially seeing the homes of Beatrix Potter and Jane Austin. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that they were real people….just like us…living in another time. Anyway, welcome back!
p.s. do you find yourself breaking into a British accent now and then? I’ve never been to England, but it happens every time I return from Ireland. Can’t help it. haha.
I can’t imagine that juxtaposition between my blog and the trading floor LOL! Do you have to sneak it??? I’m so glad you’re here! Yes I talk to myself in an English accent now! I would like to do a whole cooking show in my fake English accent! 🙂
Totally sneak it! We literally sit on top of eachother, so I have to be stealth. : )
Those English accents are hard to beat. One of my best friends from high school (Mary) lives in England, but is returning “home” to Oyster Bay, NY for the Summer next week. Her two little ones (Amelia – 6 and Fletcher – 3) will be coming with her. Is there anything more adorable that children with English accents? So dang cute. I could listen to them 24 hours a day.
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful life dream trip, to England with us all. The scenery is just breathtaking. Loved it all and so looking forward to your journal.
Love, Gail
Your trip looked amazing.
Your visit to Beatrix Potter’s was a highlight and now when I read Peter Rabbit to my daughter I have the “real” picture of Mr. McGregor’s garden in my mind!
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for the lovely tour of England…probably as close as I’ll ever get! Your tours were fun and fascinating through your eyes, as is everything you write about, right down to the wee-est detail. Thank you for the chance to win this darling book! Blessings…
What a wonderful treasure your Beatrix Potter book is! My sisters and I have always had a love of Beatrix Potter – handed down to us by our grandmother. She had the most wonderful collection of figurines. One year for Christmas she cross-stitched pillow tops for each of her 9 granddaughters – all different Beatrix Potter characters. Still treasure mine 35+ years later!
I bet!!
Dear Susan Branch,
I have been reading your website long before you dreamed up this wonderful blog, and your books even longer than that. This is my first comment and I find it just to say Thank You!!! Your art and dreams are so lovely, and I adore your wonderful perspective. I can’t say thankyouthankyou enough for sharing them so givingly. You have inspired me more than you could know, and I am now planning my own little trip to London and France next April.
Thank you for making the impossible seem not just possible, but easy too!
All the very best,
Amanda
How kind of you Amanda, nice to hear your “voice!” I love that you’re planning a trip … yes, clearly, if I can do it, anyone can! 🙂
Our dearest Susan, you are a blessing in our lives! Thank you for sharing your adventures and soul with us. Heartfelt love and gratitude always!
Susan, You come up with the most wonderful surprises! I enjoyed every minute of your trip to England-thank you for taking me with you. England, the whole country, is one of my most favorite places in the world and it was fun to see everything through your eyes. Thanks too, for the chance to win this “one in the world” gem- I would love it to go to me. Cheerio!
Oh my….What a lovely treasure this would be….I love everything about BeatriX Potter & her stories! I have a few older books & an ornament that I love. This would be soooooo special!! oxoxoxox
Thank you for a delightful trip through my Mother Country. I’m looking for the Birds Cream Cake in your illustrations! Mmmmm!
Welcome home….
I think we might have eaten it too fast to paint it!!!
Understood!
I don’t need to take a vacation this year…I’ve been to England with you for two very special months! Thank you for taking us along and for sharing so many special places. The time went by so quickly; I can only imagine how it flew by for you. And, isn’t it amazing how quickly a little “booty” can slip into our possession as a small reminder of a special time and place? Thank you for being you and for allowing us to participate in your life as you do. It’s a very special relationship!
Susan:
I am so happy I discovered your blog. I have had an English pen pal for nearly 50 years. She lives very near Beatrix Potter’s home. She sent a little Pete Rabbit book to my youngest son when he was born 41 years ago. Needless to say, I have claimed the book until he reclaims it. I think his book would appreciate sharing it’s shelf with your “prize” one of a kind edition.
I loved your trip to England! Thank you so much for sharing your words, photos and darling illustrations. Your English Diary will be such a treasure 🙂 Your Peter Rabbit tiny book comment cracked me up! I can just imagine all the jealousy going on up there! Mine has such pride of place in the third floor nursery in my dollhouse. If I ever get to go to Hilltop it will be coming with me, too, great idea! The closest I’ve been is to spend a day at Heathrow Airport, I LOVED IT! I did all I could. Pinch me, I shopped at Harrods, brought home an English newspaper which came with a CD of The Proms (wow) plus a 2 ltr. bottle of water, bought Turkish Delights in a pretty pink box from Fortnum & Mason and lastly Paddington Bear for our darling granddaughter. Pretty good day! Now Please, pick me, pick me :))
Yes, the little book didn’t weigh too much and fit in my purse! If I can bring 12 bags, I think I should be able to squeeze in that book!
Hi Susan…..Thank you for the many quite hours I’ve spent viewing your beautiful photos and reading your informative and funny stories form that dream trip to England. I know I’ll never get there but you sure are the next best thing..Susan (not Calgon) take me away. I’m looking forward to more good times with Merry old England memories….I love it all…Bless you
Dear Susan,
You never cease to amaze me. Your way of taking us places makes me feel like I’m right there with you. Don’t ever stop!
Susan
PS. I’m really enjoying making recipes from your books – we had your original potato salad on the 4th, along with Skip and go Nakeds, and had Lemon Linguine last night and are having Beach Street Cajun Shrimp on Saturday. I love having illustrated cookbooks, and your stories and descriptions are like having you in the kitchen with me, so thank you for that!
Very welcome!
Every day with your blog is an absolute delight – thank you!
First, it’s so kind of you to take us along on this wonderful trip. But to also bring back such a wonderful gift – and to offer it up to us?! I humbly bow my head to you for being such a generous friend!
I have so enjoyed your trip. Thank you for sharing it with us. What a wonderful surprise that you are giving away. I love the book with your lovely sheep.
Dearest Susan:
What an extraoridnary gift to give to one of the girlfriends–for most of us it would be better than winning the lottery! It is in fact a very special lottery and the prize is just perfect for those of us who have found many things in common with your life and/or the things that you cherish.
Everyone who reads your blog or books would echo the many sentiments here-of how your words and generosity have brightened so many lives and given food for thought and courage to do the many things that have needed just a little encouragement from someone.
And what you give to those who are ill or are mourning is immeasurable-you bring your sense of joy, your interest in everything around you and you give permission to all of us to be —happy.
So we have all been “gifted”in many ways already and know that the person that you choose will truly cherish this very personal gift from you.
Wishing to be the winner is simply like wishing upon a star–the magic is in the doing, not in the outcome. (er– on second thought, do any of your tecnical people know how I could go about eliminating the other 1200 or so responses? Could it be so much worse than stealing a rose from a garden?) Happy days to all!
Have I told you lately that I love you???? xoxo very very sweet of you!
Susan, I’m a Utah girl but happen to be living in England right now with my husband. We’re volunteering on a Church farm in Cambridgeshire where we do maintenance on old farm houses and mow around the houses and barns. We’ve been here for a year and will go back home the end of December. We have fallen in love with England and following your blog has made my love even stronger. “Miss Potter” is my all-time favorite movie and I’ve watched it countless times so I could hardly wait to go to Hill Top Farm. We went there the end of May and I had the same feelings you describe and took the very same pictures you took. But, alas, I didn’t see the Peter Rabbit book in the gift shop so I didn’t buy it and now that I’ve seen yours I just HAVE to have one! If I don’t win yours then I’ll just have to go back to Hill Top farm before we leave for home in December and hope they still have one left. Cheerio Luv!
Hmmm, win book? Or go back? Hard choice! 🙂 You are so Lucky!!
I get a smile on my face each time you share a bit of your trip to England. Thank you!
I actually got teary reading this post. Such a lovely last visit. Imagine, alone in her garden on the rain…..almost magical. Thanks for all that you share.
Simply put, please, please, please pick my name but I will gladly congratulate the winner if it is not me. LOL
If I am lucky enough to win you will certainly not get more pleasure from it!! I was getting teary eyed just reading this post. I have been an Anglophile as far back as I can remember and it all started with Beatrix Potter – without a doubt. Can’t wait to go here myself one day and I know that I will – a when not an if 🙂 In the meantime thank you for taking us all on this lovely armchair tour – absolutely delightful!
And I have to say – whenever I leave a comment here on your blog I am so delighted by typing in your special font – it makes my words seem so much nicer!
How could they be any nicer? xo
Hip Hip Hooray!
It will be a lucky someone’s Jubilee Day!!!!!!!
Susan, you are such a bright shining star spreading all your light & joy to others! THANK YOU! And thank you so much for your just amazing blog.
All the best to you………..shine on!
Thank you Lorna!!
It’s so sweet that you thought to take your little book along for the trip–he does look proud! It’s been fun traveling with you. Thanks so much!
Karen in Breezy Point
I am giddy even at the thought! Such a treasure this would be..if you sent it to me. What a day it would be!!!
Hi Susan
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip to England with us. You took us places that we only dream of….especially to Hill Top Farm.
I have read Beatrix Potter to my children when they were young and would cherish the book if I was chosen.
Catherine from Canada
I loved the pictures of England all the peaceful animals!Thank you
How utterly sweet of you to think of us and remember how much we adore Beatrix, too. (We’re on a first name basis now!!!) And your cute little lamb is so Beatrixesque. (Say that 5 times fast!!!)
I tried, but there is no way!
Now that you are back – rested – and unpacked (is that a “ha ha”) I have a question about the camera you use to take ALL these fantabulous pictures. What kind is it – do you use extra lens – and is it easy to use? Every picture you post is absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks.
It’s a Canon EOS — I only use the lens that came with it . . . I really don’t quite know what I’m doing, I just keep playing with the buttons . . . I think it’s the camera, not me!
Hello Sue, What a wonderful trip, thank you for taking us along. I truly can’t pick my favorite place, although I loved seeing the cute places that you stayed at and the Beatrix Potter section of the country. Those books are so very dear. Glad that you went back for them. Wish one would find its way to Florida. Happy to have you back home.
What an inspired & wonderful gift for someone, to have your artwork as well as Beatrix’s in one book – fabulous. Although I live in England, there are many places I have yet to visit (including Hill Top Farm!). I have enjoyed seeing some of them through your eyes. Thank you.
Would be a dream to win such a treasure…from the creator of my most treasured cookbooks and my most eagerly awaited-for e-mails! Love you, Susan! (& Joe & Jack & Girl Kitty).
Thanks for a delightful romp through the Lake District , i went there many years ago as a teenager and fell in love with its many delights, i still have the bookmark from Hill Top and treasure it! could the scented rose be a Floribunda they are the antique roses with a heavenly scent(David Austin has a marvelous website!) cheerio from Wpg
Hi Susan,
Thank you for today’s post. Even in the rain the English countryside is beautiful! The houses, the gardens, the roses….everything makes me long to visit. The book is wonderful! So special, but even more so personalized by you! It’s very thoughtful. Clearly, there are many who would love to win this little treasure, but I’m sure your “random name generator” will find a good match for the gift.
I wanted to suggest something. I love your calendars and can’t seem to part with them when the year is through…so I started to use the pages and tape them to my boring manila folders. Now when I go into a meeting with my “Tea Pot” folder, I get so much attention! Everyone asks where I got it!!! I think you should consider a line of file folders with your lovely quotes and beautiful paintings! Not that you haven’t got a million things on your plate right now….like finishing your England Diary which we all eagerly await! I just wanted to put a teeny, colorful, creative bug in your ear 🙂
Be well,
G
What a fun idea! Thanks Giovanna, I’ll see what I can do!
Me too, I love that idea! I’ve been looking (not clever enough to make one) for some neat folders & also the ones that have a closure too!!! xo
Your England trip had to be the dream of a life time and it was so wonderful of you to share.
We have visited the Lake District and your blog brought back all the wonderful memories.
The roses might be Gertrude Jekel. It looks like the species growing in my backyard and yes, they do smell beautiful!
My friend, Deb, impersonates Betrix Potter for local school children. When we first met, she played Beatrix at the time she first married Mr. Heelis and came to hilltop. She would pretend to be waiting for the train and would have “Peter” in her basket. Now that Deb is older she plays a more mature Beatrix. She gets the children to act out certain portions of the books and discusses the various words that seem more adult to children than those that are in current children’s books, such as disconsolate. That is one of Deb’s favorite words to use as Peter sat disconsolate…
How darling, what a fun “job!”
I loved following you along on your trip….and now a chance to win? Wow! Thanks for the chance.
Having never commented before, on any blog, am hoping this works! You have the ability to make us all feel that we are truly “girlfriends” with your lovely way with words. Thank you for all the joy and pleasure you have give so freely over the years in so many different ways from Country Living recipes, to books, stickers, paper, fabric and blogs. Now a trip to England, we traveled to London last year, for the first time and now feel as if I got a little taste of so much more. Thank you!
It worked Joni! Thank you!
Yippee, it did work! Also wanted to share that my daughter grew up knowing Susan Branch and is a follower of your blog too. And, of course, we have Beatrix Potter books and trinkets, doesn’t everyone? Again, thank you, for enriching our lives by sharing yours.
Be sure to tell her I said hello!
Thank you for taking us all along on your wonderful trip! I so looked forward to your news and pictures. I wish I could have given you my tiny Peter Rabbit book to take along with you. Mine also sits with Peter and Floppsy, Moppsy and Cottontail in my rabbit room. I am soooo glad you went back to buy “the” book. What a treasure!
First you share a trip that touched our hearts
with photos and details and now you also want
our hands to explore and hug a prized piece of
history. You are one special lady indeed.
Thanks and glad you enjoyed your trip.
~Good Afternoon~
That book as a give~a~ way oh my gosh!! Who would not treasure that?
Then your personal touches too? I would just stare at it until……I don’t know…….but in all honesty Cecily Parsley’s Nursery Rhymes is really my favorite~ because of the squish able guinea pigs~ (I saw it under your Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail) but I would LOVE The Tale of Peter Rabbit book to death! I could almost squish it!!! I squish things I love :)!
BYW my birthday is July 20th…if I won I would even tell you how old I was!!!
All kidding aside, I am sure Susan you know there is a Beatrix Potter Rose which became available in 2010~ very pretty and very fragrant.~ And speaking of roses, maybe the one you are inquiring about is an Alba or Damask rose? Was it very thorny?
I went on a garden tour last week and a gentleman had a beautiful light lavender colored one~ very similar to the one you are asking about and guess what? He did not know what it was either! It was very fragrant~ it smelled like heaven!
~Thank you again for all you do for us girlfriends!!!~
Xoxo ~Lynn~
I LOVE Beatrix Potter and YOU Susan Branch. My step-Mom introduced me to your work several years ago and I absolutely love everything you do. I always have your big calendar in my kitchen at the house and the small one for my desk at work. I’m in my mid twenties but am obsessed with Laura Ashley now because of you ;-).
I have always enjoyed Beatrix Potter since I was a little girl and I now have a little girl of my own and she loves watching Peter Rabbit on DVD. My Mom quilted a beautiful blanket for her with pale green Peter Rabbit fabric.
Thanks for all you do!
Your obsession just shows you have good taste Shellie! 🙂 Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful journey on your blog. I have enjoyed traveling along with you. I have many fond memories of reading the Beatrix Potter books to my children when they were little and I hope to someday read them to grandchildren. I would love to include “your little book” into my collection; I would treasure it always.
Sandra
I’ve loved looking at your pictures, hope there’s more to come. And hope someday to get to go myself!
I just love your word pictures, Susan…..almost as much as your paintings. It feels like we really are right there walking through the green door into the garden. I should have held the umbrella for you….such poor manners when I’m so entranced with sights, smells and wonderment. After each post I think “this is my favorite”….but then you top it! That little book, the bag, the stolen rose…..you give me goosebumps! We’ll be able to hear the squeals of the winner, I’m sure. Thank you for your thoughtfulness……your really do spoil us!! As always, DonnaRay
Be still my heart!
Oh, what a wonderful trip…to be able to go back in time with Mrs. Potter.
I have read all her Peter Rabbit books to my children and now grandchildren.
Treasures are what they are.
Thank you so much for sharing..it is almost like being there.
Oh my goodness! This was one of the most enjoyable posts ever! I savored every single minute of the tour back to Beatix Potter’s house!! When you showed the book I thought, oooooooh, I’d LOVE one of those!! But alas, I would need to travel all the to England. Something I would really love to do, but may not ever get the opportunity. But when I read you got one for your girlfriends…….well, you can’t begin to imagine the excitement I had!!! Can you?? Well, it would be such a joy to be randomly picked to win this awesome book. If not me, then who ever is picked would be soooooo pleased!! You are so generous with your surprises Susan! It must be so fun to be able to do this!! And thank you for all the wonderful memories and photos of England!! You’re the best! You really are! 🙂
Oh thank you Cindy, and yes, it’s my favorite thing, to do this!
Ugh, I’d give anything for a garden like those in England. How is it they’re all so incredible?! I’m surrounded by yellow and brown here in WI – not a drop of water in ages. This little book is the sweetest!
Thank you for sharing your adventures with us! It is lovely hearing about, as well as seeing all the beautiful pictures you have taken along the way! However, perhaps the best gift of all is realizing how excited and appreciative you are at what you have experienced–you have the wonder of a precious child! I hope I too will always be able to see the world through those wondrous, youthful, and grateful eyes!