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 . . .
Dear Susan,
I am also a lover of old roses and their oh-so-romantic scents. I did some quick detective work on ‘how to identify a rose’ and came up with some interesting resources for your enjoyment and speculation:
Old-Fashioned and David Austin Roses by Barbara Lea Taylor
The Book of Classic Old Roses by Trevor Griffiths
The Old Rose Informant by Brent Dickerson
The Old Rose Advisor, Volume One & Volume Two by B.D.
The Old Rose Index by B.D.
The Old Rose Adventurer by B.D.
Roll Call: The Old Rose Breeder by B.D.
Roses and Rose Gardens by Walter P. Wright (a beautiful antique book that I just ordered from alibris.com)
The Master Gardeners in the Mass. Horticultural Society community can help you identify the Beatrix Potter rose in question from their new home at Elmbank in Wellesley, MA. Here is the schedule for phoning or emailing (you could email the picture) a Master Gardener to get help: masshort.org/Expert-Advice
Nan Sinton at the Arnold Arboretum is British. I bet she could identify the rose.
You could send her a letter and include the picture. On-line vendor resources: heirloomroses.com/ and davidaustinroses.com/american/main.asp Can you tell I love to do research! Help is out there just for you. Affection, Carol
Thank you Carol!!
Will you post, too, if/when you do find out what the rose’s name is?? I’ve seen many that look like it but would be nice to know for sure…if that’s even possible! Thanks soooo much!
I will do that!
Wow! I’ve been following your trip and have loved every bit if it! I was amazed at this gift offered by you! I was just reading along and had no idea where the entry was going. Having had a hand in raising 9 children and also having taught elementary school, every child I have nurtured knows who Beatrix Potter is and has heard her darling tales. Just so hopeful here! Also, I can’t get enough of the photos. The whole trip just looks like out of a fairy tale. Love the buildings and the award winning photo if the little child caught running between the hedges. Thanks for sharing this great trip with all of us!
Take care, Judy Z.
I have SO enjoyed your blog in general, and your trip especially….you are remarkable in the way you share life with your readers! I look forward to your posts in a way that I do no other blog. Thank you for your words and pictures….AND for sharing such an incredible book with us! Pleasepleaseplease……
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity! I loved your England trip. My hubby and I hope to go someday.
I must admit, even though I’m a guy, I enjoyed following your England trip! (My mom was keen on sharing the posts with me, we’re both hopeless anglophiles) Even if things occasionally veered into the “too girly for my comfort” zone, there were enough glimpses into the countryside, homes, and pubs to balance those moments out! It really took a fair bit of effort to keep your readers up to date, so thanks for taking the time!
Veered? I was shocked to see you here!! It makes me very happy!! Someday I will try to do a man post! Thanks for staying with it!
Don’t feel any discomfort Randy ….just dive in headfirst like I did — these ladies are
very nice to guys and geezers and allow others to enter into the fun and vicarious
enjoyment to be found in sharing Susan ‘s Blog’s. Several wives have commented
about their Husbands and Kids also liking Sue’s stories — so why not all the guys too ?
Personally, this is as unisex as it gets so, What’s not to like !
You are so cute! Zakly, we love our men too!
Yes, we’ll take guys any day especially if they’re cute!
and/or, smart! and/or, can cook! and/or, can fix things!
Thank you Susan for thinking of us. I had a great time with you in England, to win this book would be amazing.
What an awesome surprise!! Even better if I’m the winner!!!
Peter and I have been friends for many, many years….opening his book and reading Beatrix’s words are lovely…..but so are the memories I have of the little girl that I was, sitting at her little roll-to desk stationed at the foot of her bed against the green wall, opening the little copy of Peter Rabbit and just loving the pictures….and the story!
Cynthia
count me in 1428- yes, please! Thank you Susan.
Susan we did not see this in your suitcase where we were all tucked away so gently that you hardly knew we were with you all the way and what a trip this has turned out to be…I could hardly wait for each post as you made them so special for your girlfriends.
This thoughtful giveaway will certainly be an heirloom to pass down in the family,
n’est-ce pas?
Please enter my name in the draw…remember I do not have a blog but I am just as excited as all the other hopefuls.
Joyfully and welcome home,
~Sylvia Faye
What an awesome gift!
What a wonderful trip you had and terrific photos you took. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading along with your journey and seeing the photos. How exciting it would be to win the special book.
I just love that you keep taking us back for another glimpse of England. I loved this one–that green door, the green iron gate, those roses (oh to be able to smell them), the bee skeps…oh, just all of it.
Then you show the book. How sweet it is! How generous you are! Thank you for blessing someone with it (and I can’t help but hope it’s me). And just think, for a little while I get to pretend that it is. 🙂
Gotta get some peaches while it’s peach season.
Hi Susan!
Yes, life is good. Such a special book and a rose!–keeping my fingers crossed!
Who in their right mind wouldn’t love to have that beautiful book, a wonderful reminder of our fairy tale vacation together…Well, I might not be quite all centered but enough so that I want you to write MY name in it …..I’ll be waiting…:)
xoxo
Thank you for sharing your fabulous trip to England with us! I hope to explore some of the same sights myself one day. I shared The Tale of Peter Rabbit with my kindergarten and first grade students for years, and would be thrilled with a special copy autographed by you!
Hi Susan, I would love to win that book! Your website is the first place I visit each morning and I enjoyed “our” trip to England. Thanks for all the time you take to share with us.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for England; for misty moody skies and lamb’s wool clouds in blue forevers, and the joy of seeing it all through your eyes. There’s just no one like you. Thank you.
Sweet sweet Susan you are do kind to offer this beautiful token from your trip to England. I just hope that as you bless your girlfriends you are truly blessed too xxx
I can’t wait to tell my husband that you picked a rose at Beatrix Potter’s house. He’s always stopping me from picking just ONE flower from someone else’s garden, or peaking into empty old houses, or taking a rock from the Blue Ridge Parkway near where we live and so on and so on. Humph!! Just watch my speed from now on! …but I do promise not to be reckless or greedy in my thievery.
Oh, I’m so hoping that I’m the lucky one to receive the book. I’m thinking baaaad thoughts about whoever might win it with the sweet sheep drawing if I don’t.
Diane in North Carolina
I got Joe to go in an empty house this winter, it was being built, so it was fun to see how it was going — but I had to kind of drag him, now I think he wants to make a life out of it!!! 🙂
We go to all the Open Houses for sale of the 1800’s townhouses in our city’s historic district. Why not?! It’s the only chance I’ll get to spend in such a house imagining my furniture in it and how I’d spend my day in it if I lived there.
It’s probably a pretty good way to end up living in one of those houses too! First you have to dream!
See there! If these husbands would be as adventuresome as we, they’d not miss as much. Glad Joe had fun. I’ll keep working on Jimmie to loosen up.
Well, I don’t try to win things very often, but this is one I have to try for. That cute little book is one I would treasure as much as you. I am a huge fan of everything England, Beatrix Potter, and Susan Branch!!! Thank you for sharing your trip with us! It has been a treat for me.
Oh, me! me! me! me! Pick me!
What a lovely, wonderful present to share with someone. I heard once that Beatrix Potter liked to make her books small so they fit in children’s hands. I don’t know if that’s true, but it sounds like her to me! Thank you for sharing your trip with all of us.
Wow, Susan, thank you for thinking of us! You KNOW how we LOVE surprises! 🙂
The book would be a priceless treasure–an actual flower from Hilltop Farm and a gift from you. Can’t get better than that!
Hi Susan! I would love to win the book!! Please enter my name in the drawing!!!
Thank you so much!!! Lisa
I about died when I read this! At first I thought how sweet of you to get a copy for a dear friend, but wait, this is for one of us?!! YOU, Miss Susan, are so generous and wonderful! I must tell you how enchanting you are and the stories of your experiences with Beatrix Potter/Peter Rabbit and your Peter Rabbit room are too darling! When I became a new mom I went nuts for all things Beatrix Potter. Now I wish I could visit her home, but thanks to you I feel I have. Thank you for this post and for sharing this with us!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing your joy with all of us! You are an inspiration and seem to have a loving heart. The Tale of Peter Rabbit which you are giving to one of us is a lovely thing to do. Best wishes! Tammy
Such a great image: “bees are squidgy in the lavender.” And the book is so darling. What a wonderful souvenir for the lucky one who’s selected. Count me in.
Oh, Susan! I so enjoyed “our” trip. Thank you for taking all of us along. The book would be a true treasure. Pick me!!! 🙂
That visit and revisit to Hilltop was Divinely ordained, dear Susan, set apart
and alone in the rain in Beatrix’s territory as you were…… she knew who to
arrange to be especially blessed by her garden that day. I recall those
“cabbage roses” in my Grandmother’s rose garden, so someone familiar with
vintage stock may have the gift of an identity for you. May you never lose
your sweet sense of wonder and curiosity in treading those fairy-dusted paths
where the angels lead you. You bless us all, dear heart. Merci ~
Mary
What an absolute treat, Susan. First the homey, dear music to listen to while we walked with you on that rainy day, through that green garden door. The photo of the little book on that rain-covered stone was dreamy. The beautiful book with the calico cover was such a find, such a treasure. Everything you describe, every shot you take, just reverberates in me, and feels like I’m the one living this dream, hearing the sounds, using the same phrases. You have such a gift of offering your life in such a generous and wonderfully described way, that we all feel so connected. It’s so rare. What a beautiful journey, and what a privilege, to have accompanied you in such a sweet and affectionate way. I just LOVE the treat of being able to connect with your artful life, Susan. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love, Barbzie
We are so lucky to have the computer, aren’t we? Because it’s a two-way street, I love it too!
I am dreaming of replicating your trip with someone I love very much. I don’t expect it will happen, but the dream is delightful. I would treasure the little one-of-a-kind book.
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your wonderful trip to England with us all! It has been 30 years since I visited and you’ve brought back so many great memories!
Our 4 daughters were brought up on Beatrix Potter and each have their own little figurines which they are passing on to their daughters. You’ve brought special joy every day with your beautiful blogs, photos, drawings, music, and musings! Lovely, lovely! I look forward to each one.
Love this, Love your adventures! Keep on traveling and keep on taking us along!
All the best,
Nancy
Oh, I am too excited to think that I might be the lucky winner of this absolutely outstanding giveaway! Like you, Susan, I have been enamored with Beatrix Potter for as long as I can remember. I have a collection of her porcelain animal characters and many books about the author herself. Thank you so much for sharing the details and photos of your trip to England. You are a most generous lady! Do you plan to publish the diary you kept on your journey?
Hi Susan! As I was happily reading your latest England story some childhood memories came flooding back to me. No, not of any particular trips across the pond, but of a creative writing assignment some 40-plus years ago when I was in second grade. My teacher was Mrs. Gleeton at Palm Crest Elementary in La Canada, CA. I loved Beatrix Potter’s cute little books and stories and so when I was to write a story myself I wanted it to be about something I truly loved. I must have somehow known already that it would be a terrible thing to copy someone else’s work, so instead of Peter Rabbit and Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail, I named my main character Peter Cottontail and added a duck to the story (I wish I could remember what I named the ducky!) I can see in my mind the pictures I drew with the story…oh I wish I still had it somewhere. Oh well. Silly details to share with you, but it was a fun thing for me to remember yesterday as I was reading your story! I so enjoyed reading all your England stories these last several weeks. Thank you so much for taking all the time you did to share with your girlfriends 🙂
So enjoyed your Trip Diary to England. We were there in 1971, met my pen pal (writing since 1958) for the first time. We’ve met twice since. Never got to Hill Top, but did go to the Lakes District and Yorkshire Dales, etc. Love Peter Rabbit books!
Oh My Gosh! Just came on to read your post, because … I’m cooking bacon for a BLT!!! My Dad brought me a bag of tomatoes this morning & have been thinking about eating that all day. Thank you for the chance of such a special gift. You have such a generous spirit.
We got our first peaches this week.Delish. I;m eating at least 2 a day!I have had so much fun following your travels in England,seeing places I’ve just read about in books, more up close and personal. Thanks for sharing with all us girlfriends xo Sue
Susan,
I cannot even find the words to tell you how much I have enjoyed your England blog and appreciate all of the thoguhtful observations, photos, and videos that you have shared with all of us. Beatrix Potter has been one of my heroines for most of my life and remain in awe of her accomplishments and artistry to this day. I am a die hard Anglophile as well and loved your visit to Jane Austen’s house, Sissinghurst, the Lake District, and especially the Cotswolds. You were able to capture the essence of each place and it was just like we were there with you. Thank you for the wonderful experiences!
My pleasure Minette! Thanks for coming along!
I forgot to mention in my last comment that the rose does look like Constance Spry/David Austin which is a really frgrant rose. Also. I know that you can order rose plants called Cabbage Rose from an online source called heirloomroses.com as well. Whatever they are, they are really beautiful, especially in that setting!
Thanks for yet another treat and another opportunity to share a girlfriend moment! (also giving a shout-out to Minette who shares my maiden name!! Hi Minette, where are you?)
Hi Melissa! I live in Milton, GA, which is a northern suburb of Atlanta.
I would love to “throw my hat into the ring” for your lovely personalized Beatrix Potter book! That would definitely be an awesome souvenir of two favorite writers/illustrators of mine!
forgot to add Beatrice Potter and Susan Branch in the same book would be a true heirloom!
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. And for such a lovely giveaway. Whoever wins it will certainly treasure it forever! So how has ‘re-entry’ into the ‘real world’ been? I know you’ve missed your kitties and home, but it must be hard getting back to a routine.
Watching the progress of your going and coming to and from England has been a great joy…tho with dial-up, I was not able to (and can’t) watch videos, so I lost the trip out of NYC under the bridge…MY webcam view stayed stuck on the pier! And I watched most of the journey back across the “pond” towards NY, then realized Queen Mary 2’s webcam was STUCK on the day before…I emailed Cunard and they FIXED it, but I still missed you coming into port. Wish we had had exact times when you were coming in…nowhere on their site do they post THAT info. Oh well…maybe in all your pictures, you will find some that show leaving and entering ports? I am not entering for the book, as I am downsizing some of my prized books and possessions to MY Children and Grandchildren in preparation of a move back home to NYS! But a thought came to me immediately when I read your quandry of the roses on Potter’s home…why not write or email Prince Charles at his Garden estate…he is VERY knowledgable about flora and fauna and I bet he would know exactly what name to attach to those cabbage roses. If not, it might be a challenge for him to find out. I’ll bet they are a variety that grows all over England and are very, very old. Please post if you find out the name, and maybe even seeds or plants are available somewhere. What JOY that would be! Anyway, thanks for the stupendous journey! Anne in NH.
I think they don’t post the times because they just go and come at their own speed … they told us, be on the boat by 3, that’s all they knew for sure!
I have really enjoyed going on this journey with you. Thanks for sharing the pictures and your adventures. I hope to visit some of those places next time I go to England!
Susan…….a dried rose is a perfect way to remember such a hidden garden! You will probably go back there often in dreams. Speaking of gardens, I was just watering my small (hot house) one and found all my cantelope leaves & blossoms eaten by a baby nutkin! He got in there twice and devoured everything! How can I be mad though at that cute little guy? I’ll just go to the market and buy cantelope! (Husband not too happy about nutkin) …You mentioned once, I believe your mom told you, to pinch the flowers off the basil? So I often think of you, and your mom, whenever I see BASIL!!! Funny huh! QUESTION: Why must I pinch the flowers off? They are so pretty but your mom said to do it so I do!!!!!
It will keep the basil growing longer, flowers mean it’s going to seed — good girl! 🙂
Pick me, pick me!! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your lovely trip with us, Susan.
I so enjoyed your stories from England. And am thrilled for a chance for this book! Such a special thing. I just adore those illustrations, not to mention the stories:)
Susan, I have loved tagging along with you on your journey across the pond. While you were walking through fields and eating scones, I was packing up my beloved home and moving. Your photos and descriptions were so appreciated, especially on days when the only thing I did besides pack (and pack and pack!) was read my email and catch up on your adventures! I’m now happily ensconced in our adorable new (old!) home and look forward to hearing more about your time in England.
Laura
PS- And thanks to FOSB- I have a wonderful English pen friend!
Yay!
What a treasure!
You thought I meant the little book, but I mean you and your blog, bringing such sweetness and joy to so many. Thank you for your commitment to sharing your life. I’m sure I am not alone in loving each and every post. You have truly created a community.
And aren’t they great!
I have SO LOVED visiting England with you! My husband and I were in London for two days in 1967 and always thought we would return someday to visit the countryside. Now we have–thanks to you!!
The rose in your photo looks like the David Austen queen Elizabeth 2nd climbing cabbage rose. Sort of fades to a soft lavendar on the older blooms? We have many here in our garden here in Australia and have just added another dozen to our new back garden lots of his varieties ….. Don’t u just love the fragrances of summer roses! We’re in the depths of winter here and can’t wait for spring to bring the new buds, as long as our possums don’t get them first!
Oh, my goodness!! How excited the recipient of this wonderful treasure will be!!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it is me…but equally excited for whoever it may be!!!
Thank you , once again, for a lovely post!!!
♥
Susan,
Thank you for taking us back to Hill Top Farm! I think those roses are David Austin “Heritage” roses – I used to have them in my own garden ( until they outgrew the space), they had the most wonderful fragrance and looked exactly like the ones in your picture. Hope this helps if you’re looking for your own garden – I wish I had a spot in my garden for them, I LOVE David Austin roses!
Ohhh, I want that book!!!!
What a wonderful person you are – sharing your fantastic journey with us & now giving away a special, special book. I would love to see Beatrix Potter’s house & smell those beautiful roses, but your description and pictures are almost as good as being there. Thanks ever so much.
Hi Susan,
I cannot tell you how very much I enjoyed reading your messages from England, seeing the wonderful stone fences and English gardens there. You take such beautiful photographs. They just capture the essence of the countryside. The houses, the colors, just fabulous. Tank you so much for sharing it all with us. How exciting to be there for the Queen’s Jubilee too.
Blessings,
Kathleen V.
Susan, it warmed my heart to hear that you stole the posies. I, too, have a tendency to do the forbidden…..I once picked a few wild violets as my family and I walked the paths of a National Park (I won’t say which one, in case the Park Police are tuned in). Naturally, my family walked away from me and pretended they didn’t know me. I also retrieved an old wooden Scottie dog from the porch of the now-abandoned, dilapidated house where I grew up. Years ago, my Dad had cut out the dog figure with his bandsaw, painted it, and attached our house number to it. It remained attached to the railing of the porch long after we had moved from the house. As my family I drove by one day while checking out the old neighborhood, I shouted, “Stop….we must rescue Pappy’s Scottie dog.” My son stealthily climbed through the weeds and brush that nearly covered the front porch, grabbed the dog, climbed back into the car (he was covered with brambles) and we high-tailed it out of the area. The little dog has had a new coat of paint and the old house numbers have been polished and nailed back in place, and it now sits proudly in my little backyard flower garden. Makes me smile every time I see it there amongst the posies.
Thank you for giving us all a chance to own that little piece of England.
I’m glad you got it!
Oh my gosh Susan, what a wonderful treasure for a giveaway. I have loved every moment of our trip and someday hope to go in person. Thank you so much sharing your adventures and pictures. They were wonderful. While I love my sons dearly, they don’t share my enthusiasm for Peter Rabbit, so sharing with you has been a treat.
Welcome home and big kisses for the furbabies.
Jennifer
Susan,
Truly, your trip to England was magical for me, giving me a close up I’ve never had before. Thank you so much. And, you are so dear to buy a little book for one of us. That is amazing, such a sacrifice. You are a wonderful person, and I’m glad you’re my friend!
Love,
Jane Alexander
New Jersey
What a wonderful book!!!! I got goose bumps!!!!!
Oh Susan,
Temptations were just thrown at you, or growing around you and whispering. How could you resist? Well of course, it was too great. All your girlfriends would bail you out if someone was so hardhearted to lock you away.
Thank you a bunny bunch for bringing a treasure home just for us . What joy you must have felt, knowing that perfect gift of a book was waiting for the right moment to be uncovered. Delicious agony with the secret.
Shirley
Dear Susan,
As a long time member of the Beatrix Potter Society I’ve been to Hill Top
many times (we have a conference every 2 years and it is usually in the Lake District) so it was quite exciting to see it again through a newcomers eyes.
The whole trip has been delightful and thank you so much for taking us along.
You saved me the cost of a plane ticket and gave me 2 months of pleasure!
Take care. Lynne
Is it always a thrill? I think it must be!
Susan,
Enjoyed following your blog around England and all the fabulous pics you shared with us. I would treasure the Beatrix Potter book if I won it, thank you for giving me the chance.
Also, just visited Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard and enjoyed every minute of it. Loved everything I saw and experienced – beautiful area!
Oh Susan, I’ve loved re-visiting Hill Top Farm with you! We were there over 20 years ago; the memories still make me smile. How wonderful of you to bring a book for someone else. I must say I am not too surprised, you are always so gracious to your readers. Thank you for all the kindnesses!
Dear Susan…am I too late to comment and have a chance?! I cannot believe that you are offering that to one of the girlfriends….one of us!!! Thank you so much!
I had to laugh at your teeny tiny little book sitting on the rock …..and your comments about it! lol…! I thought it looked positively perfect perched in the “home land”! Of course , it looks very happy to be home again amongst friends…being carried about like it did indeed aquire something special when it travelled to England to see it’s “mother’s” house and land! I was tickled about it….you are able to weave such perfect little stories out of objects! You always make me laugh! Thank you for that! So glad we are home again….there is just so much to DO!!!!
Btw…I dont know if you would be interested in hearing this, but I am so excited! My darling husband is taking me to a Lavender Festival in a little town called “Sequim” next weekend! We both love lavender and cant wait to go! Evidently, they have this festival every year, but this is the first time I had heard of it.
Sounds wonderful . . . we went to a lavender farm in England, just amazing! And you are not too late — right on time!
How kind of you to have been thinking about all of us that are drooling over the book you have purchased. I am sure your extra book will find a very deserving home, I wish, I wish, I wish it is mine.
I would so cherish my name in this wonderful book..so enjoyed reading all about your trip and seeing your beautiful photos…
thank you so much for sharing xo
mrs twiggy winkle is worried that you may have gotten your pinny soiled while in the garden!
No, stayed fresh as a daisy Katherine!
One of a kind – as are you! Thank you for thinking of us – all of us – on your trip and in your day to day thoughts! Just missed the birthday – 6/4 –
is it meant to be? Can’t wait to see!
Home from work ,drinking a “Skinny Girl”-Cosmo , imagining reading I’m a winner -(really would like to be ), love everything Susan Branch !
What is a skinny girl cosmo?
Susan, Susan, you have to try! Skinnygirl cocktails are the bee’s knees! http://www.skinnygirlcocktails.com
Oh please do count me in , Beatrix Potter has always been a favorite of mine and I have loved every minute of your trip. Thank you for taking me along :))
I have loved reading about your trip to England. Visiting has always been a dream of mine. Maybe someday!
A perfect ending to a perfect trip!
I have so much enjoyed your sharing English countryside with us! I read Beatrix Potter to my daughter and my kindergarten students. I would love to read your special book to my grandson.
How delightful it has been….this trip you have shared with us. Thank you.
Hello to you Darling Susan and to all the Girlfriends and Jack!
I have only been away visiting my former college roommate since Monday and just look at what I have missed!!!! And how many comments that I have to catch up on! At least I made it back in time for the giveaway, which by the way Jack, I never would have guessed!! Don’t ask me why, but it never would have entered my mind—so what a brilliant surprise!
I loved your blog story, Susan—you are such a fine writer—and you are so endearingly thoughtful. You did scare me too when you wrote in your blog that you left Hill Top Farm without buying that book!!! I was so glad to read later on that you did go back again to get it!!! It’s so good when the “little grey cells” kick in before it’s too late! My mouth is watering for a BLT and a fresh peach now—BLT’s are one of my favorite sandwiches.
xoxo,
Kathy
Hi Susan,
Your trip to England has fired up my travel juices, and the Potter house and hiking in English have flown to the top of my wish list – above Tuscany, Turkey and Timbucktu! My mom loved English gardens and passed on that fascination to both her daughters. I have never had much luck with roses, but I love a veggie garden, and remember with fondness those sweet bunnies that Beatrix loved. Thanks for your generosity!
Leah
Susan ~
This has been such a wonderful journey with you to England. This post, all the little extras of your special days, and such a generous and over-the-moon chance to win this little book are just too much to take in. I must tell you that I have sent all the entries to my mom who is still caring for her husband who has terminal cancer. She was happy with tears each time she called me, and she couldn’t keep repeating just how special you must be and how wonderful your writing, your inspiration and your artwork were for her to enjoy ~ so thank you from both of us for that ♥ So many of us carry so many things in our lives, and you make each day special as we hop on the Susan Branch blog to smile and be refreshed and reminded of the beauty and specialness of our surroundings and our world. Thank you again from this armchair traveler and admirer! ♥♥♥
Susan!
You are such a generous and thoughtful person! You know just what makes us smile and how excited any one of us would be to win that darling book! Your trip to England was so detailed in your pictures and posts that I really feel that was there as well in reading your blog. Thanks so much for caring for your readers! It shows in all you do….you are a gem! Have a wonderful weekend!
You are what makes it fun!!
What a huge surprise and pleasure it will be for the the special person who will win this delightful book. I wish the very best of luck to us all! But I truely hope, hope, hope that it will be me. No matter who wins, thank you for your very special gift. 🙂
Susan, You are a very special person. If only the world was filled with people like you! Thanks for your kindness and for spreading so much joy!
It actually IS!
Susan, Your blog makes a big positive difference in my life. Thank You Arlene
I have enjoyed my “virtual” trip with you and what I wanted to share back to you was what Beatrix Potter means to me. When I first visited England at the age of 12, with my family, I fell in love with everything. It was my first trip overseas and started a long love of travel that is still going strong. I grew up loving Peter Rabbit and his stories. I remember being excited to visit England and being able to get a few pieces of Peter Rabbit and his friends to start a small collection that I still love today. My mother and my grandmother both loved Beatrix Potter and would read me the stories as a young child. Shopping for the special pieces in England with my mom made it mean even more to me. It was something my mom and I did together on that trip and when we returned I was especially excited to show my grandmother my finds. It is the little things that bond three generations of women forever.
Thank you for sharing Miss Potter with us. A treasure forever.
Kathy Raley
Have so very much enjoyed your trip and cannot wait to plan one of my own. Thank you !
Hi Susan,
I am sol glad that you and Joe had a wonderful time in England! I was with you on the ship and in every little, wonderful corner in England. I have aunts and cousins in Bath and London, which I do get to see evry few years. It is so
wonderful of you to share your trip with us…..it was like I was there with you.
I would love to have that prized copy of that book, so please pick me.
Thank you
Elizabeth Mcdermott
Don’t you just love it when your family lives in wonderful places?
Wow!! What a wonderful souvenir you have brought home for one of us. I’ve told you before, but it bears repeating…..Thank you for taking all of us along on your lovely trip. I had a wonderful time!! Your blog is the best.
Oh Susan, how sweet you are to think of us and our love for Beatrice Potter too!!! You are to kind, at least for one of us. Loved taking the trip with you!
Dear Susan,
I would very much like to receive the book, but NOT for myself! My sister, Kathleen, has wonderful artistic talent that she does not fully utilize . Kathleen is 4 years younger than me, but she has been at my side to help me my whole life. I would very much like her to have this exquisite book dedicated to her. It is time for her to begin HER journey as an artist! She has helped care for me through all of my difficult pregnancies. In addition, she has adopted 3 children each with a specific special need. I would like her to know that she is talented and she is an artist! I think this adorable book signed by you would mean a great deal to her. She adores your work! Thank you for your consideration. Ann
Oh, Susan, your posts make me so happy…it’s nice to know that I am not the only one who likes to tell stories and draw out each delightful moment of a trip for dramatic effect…I love that you went back to claim — not one, but two — of those precious books as if they haunted you until you returned (I know they did and I know that feeling)! Whoever is the blessed recipient will just love, love, love it! Wahoooo!
Thank You for being sweet wonderful you!!! Welcome home! I loved the trip so much but I did miss the Vinyard! 🙂
sorry Vineyard. Long day at work today!
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful trip! I am afraid of flying (stupid, I know) but after vicariously enjoying beautiful England, I am ready to bite the bullet and get over my fear. What a beautiful gift you have for bringing others into your glorious adventure! I taught elementary school for many years and LOVE children’s books. And, of course, Peter Rabbit was the first bunny of my aquaintance so he is extra-special!
Oh Susan,
Thank you so much for taking us all with you. To see my beloved Beatrix Potter’s home thru your eyes, camera and keyboard has been second only to being there myself. After two children and four grandchildren I can tell the stories word for word just as we can all do with The Night Before Christmas! And…welcome home!
Oh the Fox went out on a chilly night
He prayed to the moon to give him light
He’d many a mile to go that night
Before he reached the town-o
speaking of stories . . .
Wouldn’t my Beatrix girls (3rd grade girls = Beatrix Potter Club members) enjoy looking at the book during one of our teas? Here’s hoping….. My girls will love reading your trip blogs about Beatrix and her home. Thanks for taking them with you!
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for taking me on vacation with you. I truly enjoyed it. I love the cabbage roses above too, so pretty. So glad you shared with us, I really felt like I was there.
Thank you, Michelle
Oh, oh, oh. I am so glad you were able to make this trip. I want so badly to go to Hilltop. I can’t believe you were able to get a copy of this book. Really – why don’t publishers print these for all of us? We would buy them!!! Really! But, they wouldn’t have your little lamb in them, and they wouldn’t smell like Hilltop shop, and this is quite possibly the best blog giveaway ever. I hope your joy at being home overcomes the melancholy that comes from having to leave such a beautiful experience.
Oh Susan, what a wonderful treasure you have in that book and a wonderful treasure for the person who receives the other. Beatrix Potter makes me think of the library in the little town I grew up in. My mom used to take me to the library in the summertime and I would spend all my time there sitting on the floor of the library, leafing through the Beatrix Potter collection. I always had such a difficult time deciding which ones I should check out and take home with me. You’ve sparked happy memories.
PS Love the sheep!!
Have been a huge Potter fan since childhood, and now I get to share her with my four children as we home school. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. So special!