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 . . .
My husband has been peeking over my shoulder while I have been enjoying every minute of your trip on my Ipad each evening. New entries when you had them and re-reading over the previous posts when there was no news or new pictures to enjoy. We have enjoyed every day of your trip and right now I could just dance around my room like a silly girl ~ a silly little bunny dance just thinking about how happy I would be to have that wonderful ~ wonderful book. I would love it ~ love it ~ and love it some more.
Thank you for bringing so much happiness into our lives ~
What a wonderful surprise for us to get a chance on having for our very own a copy of the book and your special part of it, drawing, signing and putting our name in it – I think this would be lovely with my collection of books. Nanc
what a fabulous time you had to have had. so enjoyed hearing about your trip. my son loved all the peter rabbit books, growing up. read them almost every night. so much that i would read them really fast so i could go on sometimes. we would laugh together. thanks so much for sharing your wonderful trip.
Wow, Susan, what a generous and thoughtful gift! And with your special inscription and a flower from Beatrix Potter’s very own garden! It’s an amazing book, I could feel my heart beat faster as I was reading your post (and that was before I read the part where you revealed that one was for a lucky girlfriend!) I just love the fact that Beatrix had a happy ending for herself (being married to Willie, writing her books on her own terms, preserving the land, etc..she did so much)
You must really like us, risking jail time and all just to put together this special gift! We really appreciate that!
Oh what’s a little jail time between friends!
Oh my, Susan!! You have certainly outdone yourself this time. What a wonderful gift, you are such a generous soul. I have, absolutely, enjoyed every one of these posts from your trip…it’s just like I was there. Thank you so much for taking me along. ~Teri
Lucky you to have been able to go a second time! I would have too! I have really enjoyed going along with you on your wonderful journey! And to places I have always wanted to go. Jane Austin and Beatrix Potter, are two of my favorite! Thank you for thinking of us on your trip with this awesome giveaway! Hope its my name you write there!
I have enjoyed your trip to England probably more than if I had gone myself. You have made it most amazing. Thank you so much for taking us with you. The Beatrix Potter one of a kind book would look so good on my book shelf
I can’t thank you enough for taking me with you are this trip of a lifetime. It was so generous of you to take the time to keep me updated on your travels. I truly felt as if I was right there with you. You are a gem.
Wow, Sue Sue! I just came upon this delicious posting and already over 1600 people have responded! Holy Cow..the Girlfriends are multiplying like crazy!
Not only did you write about this adventure with such intrigue but you coyly presented the most SPECTACULAR SURPRISE ANYONE COULD EVER HAVE! What a lovely find..a numbered first edition reprint of that first book and double signed with your own sweet touches! You are so very clever to think of it. A true treasure for anyone who especially followed along on ‘that fantastic voyage’ and everything much beloved that is England and our girlhood dreams…
I did picture you in the rain juggling purse and camera and delighted in the wonderful things you missed first time around! It is such fun to live these adventures through you.
So luscious too to be home doing the simple things.,laundry on the line on a hot day, and listening to your own neighborhood birdies and nature sounds.
Thanks for the lovely post. I’m trying to pay just a bit more attention to the little details that sweeten up our lives.
You are a very good teacher!xo
I love how you thought to have a cabbage rose to press into your book..such a precious idea!
LOL on the bunnies hoisting the hero mini book!
And I have interesting and maybe even FABULOUS news for the next post, which I will whisper right here: One of our girlfriends contacted the Gift Shop at Hill Top yesterday to try and buy one of the little books . . . they are all SOLD OUT! Which means, this one, the one I’m giving away, is the last one in the world that isn’t already with its rightful owner!!! I think it just became priceless! I’m so excited to see who gets it, I just wish I had 1800 of them! xo
wow!
I have loved every minute of your fabulous trip….thank you for taking us with you! The little lamb you painted in the book is so B. Potterish until I read that you had added it I thought it was hers. I really do thank you for taking the time to keep us all in the loop so to speak, I traveled by Blog and the trip was wonderful! The rose in her garden looks somewhat like one I have called “New Dawn” a lovely climber that smells heavenly and blooms loads in the summer, which for the south( I’m in Georgia) is a real accomplishment. Thanks bunches, Sabrina
Oh, my! So very exciting. What a fantastic triumph! Good luck Girlfriends!
I have lived vicariously through your blog! Your photographs, your words…you have shared your experiences in England so perfectly that I feel I traveled right alongside of you! Thank you so much, also, for letting me visit Martha’s Vineyard through your eyes. I hope to be able to do so in person one day. : )
The rose from the garden sealed the deal!
I always love a ” borrowed” memento like that.
This has been an unforgettable journey.
To think you risked life and limb to find not one, but two flowers to adorn these books…..you do spoil us, dear Susan! Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip with us. You’ve been a superb guide!
I feel like I went to England along with you because your posts were so detailed. Thank you so much for the adventure. I absolutely love Beatrix Potter! I have a Beatrix Potter Barbie doll and several movies and a few of her books. How generous of you to give us a chance to win something so special. Thank you!
Oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh! What a wonderfully sweet prize – I hope I win…I will give it to my equally sweet mama, who introduced to me to Mr. P. Rabbit all those many years ago. What a fun giveaway – how exciting to be entered!!!
Beautiful photos! I would have taken a rose, too.
I have loved reading every blog post. It is like you have taken us there. So glad it comes to my email box when you post, so I won’t miss out on keeping up with ya! Fingers crossed, I have a daughter which has a bookclub that it would make a superb gift for!
Suz
Oh my, oh my! I was so excited for you reading how you got your book and rose and then you so generously got a book for one of us?!! Holy Moly!
What a lovely giftie. Have so enjoyed your sharing of the wonderful trip and have shared it with a few friends who also love the kinds of things we love.
Hello Susan!
I’ve done a wee bit of research and I’m inclined to say (guess) that the lovely rose at Hilltop farm might be “Albertine.” So pretty for sure!
XO
Erica
Sorry, I meant to add the link which I found to be interesting.
http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.ca/2012/01/celebrating-beatrix-potters-garden.html
(see the rose there and the name under it?)
The rose was introduced in 1921 and is one (of four) of the Queen Mum’s favourite roses.
bye! enjoy the day!
Hmm, that might be it!
Please count me in. Winning a real illustration from you, with Beatrix Potter’s book and THE ROSE would be such a Serendipity. Thanks for the lovely travel time, Enjoyed every moment. I plan to do a trip in the fall and see the Tasha Tudor Museum in VT ( met her and have a signed book) from when she gave a lecture in Portland years ago, as well as visit Louisa May Alcott’s house. These authors have sparked my imagination over the years of raising kids and they still fascinate me. Looking forward to your published Journal of your England trip. Thanks so much for sharing your impressions in such a vivid and beguiling way!
And don’t forget Abigail Adams, she’s here too . . . and just over the border, Mark Twain!! We have a wealth of inspiration in Massachusetts!
Wow! First you took us all on your trip and shared the sights and sounds…if only we could have shared the tea and crumpets, too! And now you’re tempting us with that adorable book! I would be as happy as a lamb in clover to have it!! But if it’s not meant to be – for me – then just know I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the fun I had in your suitcase! xo, Nan
Loved traveling thru England with you. Been to many of the places you traveled through. We have friends in Yorkshire. My heart burst with memories of my favorite places. Many thanks for sharing your journey. Sharon H.
What a treasure having this special book would be! Have so enjoyed going along on this trip with you.
I have thoroughly enjoyed a vicarious trip to Engand to visit my favorite English authors. Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful photographs and commentary!
What an absolutely wonderful trip! Thank you, thank you for taking us along and sharing the lovely photos and stories. Oh how I would love this little book with a pressed rose from Beatrix Potter’s garden. Your sweet little lamb is the icing on the cake!
Dear Susan,
I just love all the details of your trip, that’s one trip I have always wanted to make, I would have liked to have seen where my Great Grandfather lived.
Both of my Parents were English, my maiden name is King. can’t get much more English then that ! Welcome home to You & Joe.
Marilyn “King” Armstrong , Souderton PA.
Be still my heart! A chance to win this book is more than I can handle! Oh my goodness, Susan, I would be over the moon to own this and especially since it is signed by YOU!!! Thank you for all the enjoyment you bring to each and every one of us here in your blog, your website and all the wonderful books and calendars and your web store items. They are all treasures!
Hugs,
Pat
It was fun to join you, via your blog, as you journeyed through England. This book looks like a wonderful little treat. Thank you for the chance to win this one-of-a-kind treasure.
It has been such a pleasure to read all about your wonderful trip and as I adore many of the same things that you do receiving this book would be a thrill,
I really enjoyed your England Journal as I look forward everyday. I have always dream to go there but with your journal, I felt like I have been there. Thanks so much for sharing. Smile!
Thank you Susan for the beautiful trip to England! I was there about 5 years ago and hope to return next year as my first trip was not near long enough. I love B Potter……she was also a favorite of my children (especially Benjamin Bunny!) years ago. Thanks for the opportunity to have a special B Potter book!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip with all of your readers! I am so very envious of your visit to Hilltop…My grandchildren are growing up hearing me read all of the wonderful stories to them, but the most treasured is, of course, Peter Rabbit! They ask for it over and over! Our little grandson, Carter, is here with us tonight, and the book he chose for Papa to read was…you guessed it: Peter Rabbit. He is in complete awe of Mr. McGregor. I think he expects to see him running after us waving his rake yelling, “Stop, Thief!!” I will be reading and rereading your posts about your fabulous visit and am thrilled that I will be able to show your photographs to my darling “grands.”
Reading about your trip was a gift! Loved it, and now when I am reading the Susan Wittig Albert books I see it all so clearly! Thanks so much..hope i win!!
Oh! I just remembered that I share my birthday with Beatrix Potter (July 28). Does that count for an extra chance to win the prize?!! (Please?)
It seems like you maybe already won! Good person to share a birthday with! I’m sure it counts for extra!
Yes, it’s fun to know I share my day with someone who loved bunnies, kittens, and field mice . . . hedgehogs, puddle ducks, and little red squirrels. So sweet!
You are a sweetheart. Thank you for sharing your trip with us Susan!!! Your blog is most inspiring!!! Hope to hear from you. 🙂
OOOOOOooooooo…… this is soooooo very special! You are such a sweetheart. Thank you for all the things you do for us Girlfriends. 🙂
What a wonderful trip and love your photos. Your sharing reminded me of reading the Beatrix Potter books and now I realize how you were influenced. I have a unfinished rabbit my mother made me that kind of looks more like a white fluffy star fish that is named Peter Rabbit after my favorite little books. He was the keyboard player in my band of stuffed animals and his keyboard was a set up of cassette tapes. Love those childhood memories. Welcome Home.
I have so enjoyed your recent travels! This spring, in April, I was able to live my dream of spending ten days in a cottage in Bourton-on-the-Water with my husband and our two youngest sons, 12 and 14. It was the end of a very long semester abroad with college students ( our 40th semester since 1984). Our walks on the public footpaths, mornings spent exploring the local cemetery, visiting the Model Village—you captured it all in your posts. Thank you. Thank you. Peter Rabbit, and his friends were my children’s first nurseries, starting thirty one years ago. For once, my lack of photography skills was not a problem. I simply head to your website and relive the days all over again!
I plan to be doing that myself!! And the Diary . . . we will never forget! 🙂
My back is still a little stiff and I can’t seem to shake the crimp in my neck from being stuffed into that suitcase all those hours making our way back home. But it’s worth every ache and pain to have been able to share this magical adventure of a lifetime with you. Thanks for bringing us along! You are a very special some bunny :).
Gorgeous photos! You really captured the charm of the area. I can’t wait to go there myself!
Reading about your trip has been such a delight! I looked forward to each installment and enjoyed seeing and hearing about places I hope to visit someday. Winning the Peter Rabbit book would be the icing on the cake.
Now THAT was an exceptionally exciting post; it really was!!! I wish I knew what home burned down in Colorado Springs where the piece of one of Beatrix Potter’s books was found in the rubble—if so, I’d sign that person up for this chance…. I can’t even imagine the loss.
But on positive notes, this is incredible….so exciting!!! And simply darling of you to grab another book for a girlfriend… just like you to do something so sweet…
xo
Joann
If my name is drawn I want to send the book to my friend Vivian (the biggest Beatrix Potter fan I know). I’ll provide her address of course….if and when necessary.
I’m signing in, thx Susan, hoping to be the wide eyed recipient of this charming book!!! Your recollections are wonderful…I’ve visited the Lake District, but unhappily did not have a chance to visit Beatrix Potter’s home….but I’ve “just about” been there, thanks to you!!!
Susan, It was lovely of you to share your vacation with us. Thank you.
Well, I will not be reading the current 1634 responses to see if anyone else thought that the climbing rose might have been a Cecile Brunner (http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2298/cecile-brunner-climbing-rose.php). But Susan, please do tell us if you ever identify that rose!
Also, did anyone else see the Colin Firth version of When You Taught Me How to Dance to the side of the one that Susan had us play? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7zUfp3FdMM&feature=related
Oh my! 😉
I have so enjoyed traveling to England with you. Each entry was such a wonderful treat. Thanks for taking us along with you. Please enter me in this special give away. Also be sure to thank Joe for his patience while traveling with so many women.
OH MY GOODNESS, I may have that stroke after all!! I saw this post immediately late last night, and ALMOST DECIDED NOT TO FINISH IT because I wanted to relish it when I get my hands on YOUR book, but if I had missed my chance at this drawing, I could of, no, WOULD have withered away and died! This would be like the equivalent of missing the president coming to my door, knocking to say he needs to use the restroom, and then leaving b/c I didn’t answer the door! OH MY!! Boy, am I glad I just couldn’t resist your post this time on Hill Top! Those roses made my heart flutter, cabbage roses are my most favorite of all, and those do remind me of them. Maybe an original cabbage rose? My mind is reeling, my fingers almost numb from the combo of almost missing out on this drawing and seeing those roses!! I usually am very calm for drawings, knowing that the right person always gets picked, but I am going to say an extra special “Good Luck!!” to me this time, hoping and praying that I have been an EXTRA special good girl this year and maybe, just maybe, with ALL fingers and toes crossed (and anything else I can get crossed) I win!! TTTTHHHAAANNNKKK YYYOOOUUU for this extra special piece of you and Beatrix you were more than so kind to bring back for one of us!!!! (I SOOO hope ME this time!!!!)
YOU are SO welcome LISA!!! I love your excitement! Good Luck!
Oh, I wish, I wish, I wish I could be the one to win. But if I don’t, I still will have enjoyed every word and picture and memory you have given us of that wonderful, joyful trip. Thank you so much Susan.
Cheers,
Jan
I fell in love with Beatrix Potter while reading the stories to my son. This book would be a cherished member of our library. Thank you Susan for your sunny, friendly blog.
Susan thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us girls. I, too, swooned as we drove up to Hill Top some 20 years ago, had to keep pinching myself that I was really there. To stand in her veggie garden, as you did, was my fav thing and I still cherish my wee bowl and mug from that amazing shop.
ps Would love a chance to hold that sweet book and share it with my grands.
This has been such a treasured trip for me, and I do thank you and Joe…I would so love to be the recipient of this lovely gift!
Susan, I am still oooohing and aaahhhing over the wonderful trip you took us on. I’ll never get to go myself, but I feel like I’ve really seen and touched and been touched by so many things and places and people by virtue of your wonderful pictures and words! What a gift it was to go along and even now hear about things that might have been left behind and take second looks at some of the most exciting and wondrous places! I have loved it all – especially the walks, since that’s what I can no longer participate in any other way. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to take a nice long walk even just in my neighborhood! And I got to go along with you and Joe and see those lovely sheep and Emma’s factory and Beatrix Potter’s home and all that wonderful scenery and the places, and, and, and. . . Yes, it was a gift and I thank you! The book would be lovely, but I feel I have received so much already from your sharing and generosity. I am grateful more than you know!
My precious mother loved Beatrix Potter. With each missive you’ve written, I’ve felt a bit closer to her, and missed her a bit more at the very same time. Funny how that goes. I would dearly love to have a copy of this book, and it is so generous of you to think of us.
Thank you for taking us along. I feel as if I’ve made sweet memories right along with you.
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for the trip to England—-it was a fantastic voyage! Traveling with you and Joe is the way to go! I learned and saw so much beauty and history, I feel like my footprints are right there with yours. And Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm was the best—-Her little book from you would have a special spot in my home.
Thanks again, Susan, for your wonderful blog (actually I feel like it’s a letter from a very good friend.)
xoPat Birkett-Roby
It is! xo
I so enjoyed the account of your trip! Thank you for including your readers. How magical your English experience must have been. Love the “pinned” Beatrix Potter quote.
My screen went blank, so I’m not sure if my note went through to you, so just in case – thank you for so much for enchanting us with your stories, artwork, and well… your spirit. What a delight ‘our’ trip was, and continues to be via your blog. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Be still my heart! Oh, to win this book to take its’ place beside all my old antique Peter Rabbit books (the Altemus ones)! I even had a shop called “The Rabbit Hutch”….oh please it could be a late birthday gift…….(sorry little beggar aren’t I?) Well, I agree with the other lady—I still feel like a winner for getting to live your glorious life with you through your blog—(it feels more like a journal) and I thank you for this trip to England…..so very very interesting. This latest post was so humorous—like your “stealing” the rose and risking the hoosegow!Anyway wish me luck–would love love love to win.
Good Luck Linda!!
I love your blog and the wonderful quotes and poetry.I keep a journal and I put some of the quotes and poetry in it. love your books.
If I hadn’t known that you drew the little lamb in the book I would have thought it was Beatrix Potter herself. You really captured her style! But then that doesn’t come as a surprise, since to me, your art is top-notch — right up there along with the best! 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win. Love it!
Oh thank you!! I tried!
I have so enjoyed viewing your trip to England. You are an inspiration!
Susan, you have written a wonderful blog about your time in the UK, I’m so glad you had such a lovely time, despite the weather, tho’ maybe that made it all the more special. Wall to wall sunshine would not have been typical!
I never knew Beatrix Potter’s books as a child–what an error, because I would have loved them! But at least I found them when I grew up and started to teach very young children.
I love the Lake District and it really IS Beatrix Potter country, all those little hummocks and grassy knolls, tiny stone houses and amazing views of the fells beyond.
Now you’re home, it’s good to read about Martha’s Vineyard again. Being a Brit and living in Wales I really love your blog and enjoy seeing the photos. I don’t suppose I shall ever visit Martha’s Vineyard, tho’ I have been to New England to visit friends in Ipswich, Mass., on numerous occasions. But I do have a strong image of how it must look, in my mind through your blog.
Keep up your uplifting work–therapy for the soul!
Angela
I almost think the rain made it better, fires and sweaters and grey clouds flying over the Yorkshire Dales felt very good!!
Saw this dont know if its of interest -Marie UKhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BEATRIX-POTTER-1ST-EDITION-1ST-ISSUE-CONCERTINA-STYLE-FIERCE-BAD-RABBIT-1906-/110909938219?_trksid=p4340.m1374&_trkparms=algo%3DPI.WATCH%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D15%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D574698159575984210
Dont think this has anythinng to do with me I was actually looking for Just William but this also came up – Im not trying to sell you anything-Marie UK
I just can’t express to you how wonderful your (our) trip has been. I love the rainy weather, there is something so enchanting about it. It speaks two my soul. And to have that wet, crispness in Beatrix Potter’s garden!?! Well, magical, nothing less then magical! Thank you for everything, Susan, thank you! 🙂
You’re welcome Laura!
I CANNOT BELIEVE….OR MAYBE I CAN…….OVER 1800 COMMENTS NOW….HOLY COW…..NO ACTUALLY NOT HOLY COW……MONSTER COW! AND STILL CLIMBING………….LOL……..WONDERFUL, JUST WONDERFUL AND AMAZING AND I DON’T HAVE A DOUBT AS TO WHY EITHER! THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING FOR SURE SUSAN BRANCH !
THIS CALLS FOR ANOTHER CELEBRATION !
It does, doesn’t it? Shocking and WONDERFUL…now if I only had 1800 Books!!!
It amazes me how much we have in common, Susan. I have all the B.Potter books and stuffed animals! Never got the chance to visit Hill Top Farm when I was over there. But did get the chance to see her original prints in London on special exhibit!
Next time I need to go to London to the Victoria Albert Museum where her original diary is — she wrote in code!!
I don’t know if you know, but “The Journal of Beatrix Potter from 1881-1897” has been published. If you do a search for it make sure you use the complete title or else you’ll get a fabricated journal, not the actual.
I would so love this precious book to commemorate my visit to Hill Top this past May. Especially with a lamb in an apron painted inside and signed by you!
Susan,
It has been such a joy every day to go to your website and read your letters…to me..for that is how it felt. You were my friend on a trip to England and sharing every wonderful exeprience with me…thanks you soo much for sharing your trip!!
I would so love to have this book..to have your signature and dried rose from the garden, i would treasure such a wonderful gift!
thenk you so much for sharing your trip and please than Joe for being so patient to let you keep us in the loop.
Judy
I will tell him!
What fun! This would be the perfect addition to my collection of Beatrix Potter figurines, books, and children’s dishes. I hope that you pick me :).
The rose in your picture looks a lot like Constance Spry which you can see pictured here – marysplantfarm.com/_photos/rose/constance_spry.jpg
It is a lovely rose, isn’t it?
Oh yes, that does look like it!!
Pre-congratulations to the one who is chosen to receive this most precious gift! Your rainbow has truly landed.
p.s. A sketch of the lamb would have been enough prize for me!
There will be another one in the Diary !
What a delightful trip this has been for you and all of your followers.
Yesterday morning on my way to work, I stopped at a local thrift store and found a jewel. The Tale of Beatrix Potter a Biography by Margaret Lane, printed in England in 1952. I look forward to reading this gem, and thank you for posting about your trip to Hill Top Farm. I love it that you went back and through that lovely green gate into the sweet vegetable garden and that you got a couple of snipped rose buds too.
Have a lovely weekend ~ FlowerLady Lorraine
Ohhhh, you DID find a jewel, that is definitely the jewel in my collection of BP books, so I agree! Good for you!
What a wonderful, generous gift! And that is on top of the gift of accompanying you and Joe throughout your wanderings in England. The photos of beautiful flowering gardens and green lawns are just what my thristy soul needs during the extreme drought we are having here in Indiana. Thank you, Susan.
Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us! This book would be a wonderful addition to anyone’s collection.
Thank you for the wonderful, wonderful blog posts with your England trips. All your pictures….your insights into the history and the people….I have found it soul satisfying.
That is so nice to hear Carolyn!
24 years ago I decorated my nursery with Beatrix Potter crib bedding. As my son grew we added her books, and later some BP children’s dishes from Wedgewood. It was fun to use it all again with my second baby, a little girl 3 years later. The kids are 24 and 21 now–it brings back such yummy memories of their babyhood when I look at Beatrix Potter items…I would LOVE to win your generous gift!!
Wonderful memories from my girlfriends about Beatrix Potter in their lives, thank you!!
Wow, what an amazing gift! I have enjoyed reading about your travels while sipping coffee on Sunday mornings.
Oh Susan! It’s such a relief to know that there are others out there who do such crazy, wonderful, desperate things to snag a little slice of heaven… it’s not the big things that you don’t buy that you remember … it’s the little things that tug at your heartstrings and live in your memory. I finally figured out that one of life’s real joys is those little mementos … seemingly insignificant to many, but so evocative to you and only you. I know that little book and that little bloom will continue to bring you back to Hilltop forever … and for everyone who’s ever read Peter Rabbit, the sight of those beautiful words in Beatrix Potter’s own hand have the power to put us all into Farmer McGregor’s garden and to return us to the magic moment we first turned a page and entered into Miss Potter’s heaven. Thank you for sharing!!
I know, the rose is maybe my favorite thing I brought back!
You are such a giving and inspiring person. Thank you for sharing so closely in your wonderful trip.
Oh my! Another give away?! I sure eed some goodluck today
What a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Susan,
I can not express how much I have enjoyed reading about your adventures this past month! I even started collecting Peter Rabbit figurines and books! What a lovely respite from the real world to sit for a spell and read your blog! Thanks ever so much!
Kathy
Two kinds of real worlds, aren’t there?! Ours, and theirs. I pick ours! 🙂
Thank you so much for offering a souvenir of “our” trip ~ I looked forward to the journey and enjoyed every minute. You brought England right into my den and I couldn’t wait to wake up each morning and see where we were going next!
I thoroughly enjoy reading the continued tales of your adventure. I have to admit it is so hard to not pinch roses from special places….glad you did 🙂
At time of writing this, there is a 1/1860 chance of winning 🙂 But hey, it’s worth a shot! And thanks for sharing your trip with us – the next best thing to actually being there in person! Have a lovely weekend!
Dear Susan,
Reading your blog is just a little bit more sunshine for me! I’ve enjoyed every writing and the lovely pictures. I’ve been to London for a few days years ago. But we didn’t have time to visit the real english country, i mean those beautiful cottages and landscapes. I’m an England-lover to, can’t get enough of those movies like Sense and Sensibility Pride and Predjudice, then I saw those landscapes and wanted to go there. Looking at your pictures was just as if i was there. I don’t have the time to go on holiday yet, in May we’ve been blessed with our third child, a beautiful babyboy. So i’m quite busy, but very happy. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. Keep up the good work with your lovely blog. And may God Bless you and Joe.
Love from the Netherlands,( the country that if you ever get the chance you should visit!) and then you are invited to have a real Dutch kopje koffie ( cup of coffee) met koek( with gingerbread).
I’ve got your summer book, but all the recipes are in english, mabey you can find some way that your new books also can be read/ translated in Dutch? I mean the recipes, so i can try them, they look jummie!
Love from Holland!
Willemien
Hi Willemien! I would love a real Dutch kopje koffie met koek!! How good that sounds. Thank you so much! Congratulations on your new baby!
Awww……just gotta’ say-
this comment is so sweet & so very visual.
Can just picture her there, tending & taking care
of her home & family.
Had many contacts with customers from the Netherlands
and I must say,
they are ALWAYS so refreshingly infectious & polite-
must be something in their coffee & gingerbread.
I remember all their joyful voices in my head.
Willemien is quite the sparkle-
perfect proof
that you may have to add the beautiful Netherlands to your
traveling itinerary ?
Oh yes!
Willemien, the Beautiful Netherlands has filled my life with many days
of Sunshine! Such laughter there with friends Jan and Willeke! It’s fun to think how “Susan” can touch our hearts all over the world! Enjoy your family and wishing you many happy days! XoXDawn
Doesn’t she sound so adorable ?
Today, she is the blog’s “heart-melter”-
made my eyes water & my heart turn to mush.
I’m so hoping she wins Susan’s book,
channeling all good thoughts her way.
In any event, I hope she finds time
to peak in & post every now & then—
love all the girlfriend comments
but the foreign girlfriends are such a pleasure,
they do so tweak the heart….
in Willemien’s own words….so “jummie” !
Hi Julie,
I’m gonna try to peak & post now & then. Thanks for your lovely comment,
again Love from Holland, where it’s a rainy day with sometimes a little sunshine shining through the clouds. Just typical holiday weather(smile).
Willemien,
It is easy to see why
The Netherlands was voted the most
“happiest place in the world” in 2011
and why it always snuggles up within the top
four countries every year.
You are a little Dutch dumpling,
a real treasure-
beautiful name, beautiful spirit !
Thank you Dawn! Wishing you also many happy joyfull days there in Minnesota.
XoX Willemien
hi again,
don’t know what that means, at the top of my comment: awaiting moderation, i did’nt wrote it…
greetings willemien
Just means that it has to be approved before it goes through.
Oh……..she’s so darn cute !
Life IS good! Thank you so much Susan for sharing your trip with us. Peter Rabbit is my FAVORITE Beatrix Potter book. I always share it with my kindergarten class each spring because I hope to inspire at least one child to love her work and appreciate nature’s gifts like she did. Your trip has inspired my husband and I to plan our own trip to England some day. Thank you so much for taking us along this time!
Susan – Welcome Home ! You have gathered so many wonderful memories from your trip to cherish and remember in years to come …. as you sit in your rocker at age 100 … although knowing you, you will not be “sitting in the rocker” … you will be refinishing it or making a new cushion for it !! 🙂 I smiled when I read about you “stealing a flower” from Beatrix Potter’s house for your book …. I did the same thing the first time I went to Louisa May Alcott’s house in Concord, Massachusetts … I picked a “wildflower” and put it in my book “Little Women” that I had gotten when I was a little girl, and will soon be giving to my two little granddaughters. 🙂 Susan – you’ve had a WONDERFUL trip to England, but just think – you “live” in “NEW ENGLAND” and what could be better than that ??? That’s how I feel.
Take care, Helen P.S. Speaking of pressing flowers, I’m off this morning to “gather snowflakes” ….. “Queen Anne Lace” that I will press and save for Christmas time to use as “snowflakes” on my one of my little Christmas trees.
Cheerio ! 🙂
I would be honored to win the Beatrix Potter Book to sit next to my tiny miniature
book! I have loved traveling in your suitcase! I have never wanted to travel to England (don’t ask me why), but you have totally convinced me we must go soon!
It has been a bit of heaven traveling with you!
Love your blog! Have my friends, and family reading it too!
Thanks again for all the love you send out to all of us!
Oh I am so glad you have seen the light! 🙂
Thanks for opening up your big heart to accomodate all of us on your travels to England to all our favorite places! The pictures have been wonderful …. having a “bunny-in-the-pocket” view, we’ve toodled along with you enjoying each and every extraordinary vista and detail. Such a lovely way to begin this summer. And of course the “piece de resistance” would be to display the Peter Rabbit book upon my bookshelf to remember it all!
Wow! Still savoring my trip with you to England. How wonderful to be transported to a special place. Dreams do come true…………Bobbie
Oh my goodness! I try to read everything I can by Ms. Potter. and related to Ms. Potter. Have you read the Beatrix Potter mystery series by Susan Witting Albert? You must, must, must!! My daughters are now grown…but I decorated their nurseries in Peter Rabbit. I even did watercolors of some of the pictures. She is my favorite! I so enjoyed your travels throughout England. Love Jane Austen post–I have the coverlette on my to-do quilting list. (Finding a replica of the center medallion is impossible!)
If my name is posted…I would want the name to be Lynn (to me) for it would be a special treasure from an artist like Ms. Potter—you! My oh my–you and Ms. Potter!! Heaven!
Susan-I have so enjoyed following your blog for some time now, especially your trip to England and all that you have been so kind to share with us. I know I will never travel there and your excitement and detailed journey blogging has made it as if we came along with you. What a great surprise that you are offering this one of a kind Beatrix Potter book to one of us lucky followers. I know it will be treasured by whoever receives it. I know I would if I were the lucky person.
Wow what a gem. I admit, I feel it may be easier to win the lottery. 🙂 I guess there is no chance of winning if you don’t try!
Susan, I love your books and calendars. I have given many copies of Girlfriends Forever to dear friends. That book in particular makes me smile.
Hi Susan! The pictures from Hill Top Farm got both me and my 22 year old son. What a stunning place to live. Simply beautiful. We both loved you bringing us with you. He looked at the house and the pictures you posed and said…”um….yeah….I could SOOO live there!” He enjoyed the pottery trip also, among many others. My kids had Beatrix Potter books read to them throughout their childhood, and now my grand kids are having them read to them and reading them on their own. My daughter still has hers, and some were mine when I was a little girl. What an incredible gift you have gotten someone. To even hold a book like that would be exciting. Thanks for the chance!
Your son should see England! Houses like that all over the place, really, so cute! He would love it!
Hi Susan, yes, he would! He already does. He says he is going to go as soon as he finishes school…I told him I was hiding out in his suitcase! We were looking at all the blog postings again, and we decided we have to go. Maybe we won’t be able to go together maybe we will, but somehow…..thanks so much for all the lovely fun!
Tell him if he gets good grades, he can get a scholarship to go to college over there!!!
Yes, he is in college, and wishes he could transfer either to Germany or England. He is going for Linguistics and Env. Science. He could possibly get over there on a sponsored trip and then maybe get a scholarship. He wrote down some of the places you went and is requesting some information from them. Fun!! How much better can it get than to have dreams delivered right to your desk??? Thanks Susan.
What a great kid. All that curiosity!
Thank you, Susan, for your ever inspiring spirit and for your willingness and ability to share it with the world. I’m going through a very rough patch in my life right now … we all have them I know … let’s call it a briar patch (that sounds so much better than divorce) in honor of Beatrix Potter. You give me hope that I will eventually find the way to lead my children into a lovely field of clover. Blessings. XOXO
You absolutely will!! Never fear!
Thank you so much for sharing your trip with all of us. With your pictures and notes, I felt like we were right there in your pocket (along with that secret rosebud)!
Where to begin? Thank You dear Susan for bringing peace and beauty back into our world. The news is so gloomy and depressing – like there is nothing good left. My salvation is YOUR BLOG! Everything is so lovely and optimistic! I’m so glad we went back to Beatrix’s Hill Top. My bag was so filled with teacups and cozies I had no room for another book — but I’ll be thrilled to add a Limited -Limited, one of a kind book from my FAVORITE author/illustrator/girlfriend! And to think you did it on June 7… the same day my mother and dad celebrated 63 years of marriage and also my son and daughter-n-law’s 15th wedding anniversary!! And even if I don’t get the one-of-a- kind book, YOU”LL STILL BE MY VERY MOST FAVORITE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR/GIRLFRIEND IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!! xo
PS: 40 years ago, when my son was an infant, I had a free 16×24 color print of Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit that was a give away at the local dime-store TG&Y. Money was tight and I couldn’t afford a frame. But it was so beautiful I wanted to hang it on the wall – I glued yellow yarn around the picture and presto! A masterpiece! Both my son and daughter still remember that picture.
A masterpiece! Love it! Thank you Christine!
Dear Susan, Thank you for letting me tag along on your marvelous trip. It was heaven. I would just love to win the precious gift. I hope I am not too late. Judith
You’re right on time Judith!
Starting out as a five year old, my immigrant parents took me to the public library where we learned English together. That’s where I found her books. The only ones at that time that were so small. Just the right size for little hands. The illustrations enchanted me and I was thrilled two years later to share them with my younger brother. Then being able to self-importantly
read them outloud to him. A family friend blessed us with the whole set when our children were born. No grandchildren yet so they sit waiting on the bookshelves to delight a third generation. This book would be a marvelous addition to our family history!