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 . . .
I have so enjoyed following along on your trip as it’s exactly where I plan on roaming when I can go myself. Was sad when it was over! Reading over the comments shows I’m not alone in this : ) This added bonus trip to Hill Top was maybe my favorite and I had to smile at how you brought a little bit of it home with you. (I would have too!) Thank you so much for sharing your contagious enthusiasm and excitement and now this wonderfully generous gift as well – lucky winner!
Susan, I must confess I too am an inveterate flower thief. Well truth be told and “everything natural thief” shells hidden buy children in rock walls in Ireland, pot shards on the ground in Japan, cobblestones from ancient roads (torn up) in Italy. So far I’ve not been caught but in case I am, it’s nice to know there just might be a fellow artist and collector sharing my cell with me. Thanks for the wonderful Blog!
Barbara
Yes, I’ll be there! I used to drive around the island in the springtime with clippers in the car at all times!!! Very bad.
I’ve been known to clip a hydrangea bloom. Can’t resist! 🙂
I always have clippers in the glove compartment–used to clip bittersweet in state parks (before I found out it was poisonous to dogs and kitties…). 🙂
Yes but there’s still lilac! 🙂
Keep Calm & Carry On! But it’s so difficult 🙂
I loved every minute of ‘our’ trip to England and now a chance to possibly be the lucky girl who wins Beatrix’s book is just too much!
Thank you for your never-ending generosity towards all your girlfriends!
Loooove the special and personal touch you’ve added to the book! How fun to ‘win’ this little gem! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you pick me! =}
Hi Linda! My husband and I are Basque, so naturally we come to Your darling town every year for the Basque picnic! How lucky you are to be able to eat at JT’s any time you wish. Have a wonderful weekend! We’ll be heading your way in about a month!:)
Best wishes,
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi Ca
Dearest Susan,
How what a wonderful generous spirit you have. I have so enjoyed taking this journey with you and relished each and every stop. It has been wonderful. Thank you so much for taking me on such a special adventure! And now this give~away, well your generosity is overwhelming 🙂 This book is such a wonderful treasure, I know the blessed person who receives it will cherish it. I love Beatrix and all she was and is. I have made my great niece quilts with all her characters in them.
Thank you Susan for sharing. The rose looks exactly like the ones I got at a farmers market last week from an elderly lady who picks them and arranges her bouquets in an old fashion style. She only called them Old English Cabbage Roses. The scent fills your senses and your home, so lovely.
Hi Susan, I’m one of those you tucked into your suitcases and it has been a delight! Thank you, Thank you!!!
Susan—kindred lover of the rose—
With so much interest in the rose, I wanted to share a wonderful book I use.
The Random House Book Of Roses—Roger Phillips & Martyn Rix
Over 1400 Roses In Full-Color Photographs.
The comprehensiveness and photographs are superb.
The internet is wonderful for information, but a grand book that illustrates
every rose known to man, or so it seems, can be a tea and cozy chair afternoon
delight.
Blessings—
Carolyn
Dear Susan,
I follow your blog for work inspiration as well as personal enjoyment. It’s my treat to follow your posts. This one, in particular, felt special and endearing. What a lovely and special time. I would dearly love to win the book, though I know any recipient will be utterly beside themselves, as I will be for the winner. Thank you for sharing…you have a very generous spirit. I, too, find utter joy in giving, more even than receiving. 🙂 I hope it isn’t too late to join in on the fun!
Best,
Natalie
So many comments! Just wanted to say that I’ve so enjoyed following your travels the past weeks. Although, of course, I would love to win such a special, book, it is your generosity that will remain with me.
Oh, Susan, what a lovely gift for one of the “girlfriends”, and now there is a lamb in a Beatrix Potter book! I have loved every minute of “our” trip to England, thanks so much!
i would just die to have the limited edition book and the pressed flower would make it match some of the other books on my shelf! i have to admit i’m mostly a homebody and my best traveling is from my porch swing to my garden but i would even brave the plane ride(?) to see Hilltop farm! i recently bought a Gladys Taber out of print book and when i got it in the mail there was a maple leaf pressed in it! thanks for the wonderful trip and all of the lovely pictures!! mb
I have loved following your recent trip to England. I printed each post and read them over and over wishing I too could have been there. Here’s hoping I win the book so I would have a memento of “our” trip abroad.
Susan ~ you will never know how much fun I have been having reading your blog. From a girl (ok…older girl) in Virginia who can only dream of going on an adventure like yours, this blog has made me believe that I too, can make such a trip! I am now starting to believe that I can make these kinds of events happen in my life! So, thank you from all of us quiet adventurers out there in the world!
p.s. did i mention that today is my birthday! just a thought!! mb
Happy Birthday Mary (Mirthday!)
Happy fun Birthday to you Mary:) July is a great month for a birthday!
Thanks for sharing your life experiences…. a true gift….. and yes I would love to have my name written in your limited edition book.
It’s rainy outside this morning and i just read your blog…it always makes me feel happy to catch up with you and see your outlook on life. I’m loving your Summer Book these days. Your recipe for fish tacos is everyone’s favorite at our house right now. We just moved far away from new england and reading and seeing your posts makes me feel like I’ve taken a little mini-vacation back.
What a darling book for the drawing! Happy Summer!
Where are you that it’s raining?
Alberta,Canada by the Rockies
Mmmmmm, sounds nice!
Fish tacos — mmumum !
It must be very pretty there.
Carol M
Seattle, of course. Just a little today, and it’s warm – so I’m okay with it 🙂
Dear Susan, This is the first time I’ve ever commented on a blog. I’m not witty or talented, so I’ve just never tried. But after seeing your post today, I just have to tell you how much I adore your blog, your work, and most of all you! Thank you for bringing beauty, kindness, and grace to our world. You are truly a sparkle in my life! Forever a fan, Lisa.
That was so nice Lisa, thank you for saying hello!!
What a perfectly wonderful game. Your post’s bring me to a feeling of a simpler time in my life. I must have my name on that book to give to my daughter who just became a nurse yesterday. I got to pin her with the whole family. It just seems like yesterday she was a baby in her nursery w/all the beatrix potter stuff. Let’s hope the planets are aligning up in my favor<3
Congratulations to your daughter Patti! And to you too!
Thanks Susan, you are the bomb!!!(oops I hope my kids don’t read that. They told me to never say that) Love, Patti:)
How do they feel about LOL? Is there a better way to say it? Laughing!
omg you really do get it… I love you Susan:)))
I have really enjoyed reading about your wonderful English trip. I can’t decide which entry I like the best as everything you did was just lovely. I am dreaming of my own trip to England now.
I thoroughly enjoyed each and every detail of your trip that you shared. We have friends in London that I just had to share the one of Bibury with. In turn, she sent me photos of her own sweet family from their visit there! Double pleasure! We both loved your comment of England being “homemade,” as that so aptly describes it’s beauty and charm. Thank you, thank you for sharing your amazing time with so many!
I felt as though I went on the trip with you. How Wonderful! I have a Beatrix Potter book of Peter Rabbit but it is for my grandchildren. Your book could be for me. I’ll be waiting to find out the lucky winner. Thanks for a beautiful trip and wonderful memories.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing your adventures! Your love of travel and enthusiasm for adventure is truly infectious!!! Reading your blog feels like traveling right along with you….and what a wonderful treasure you’ve brought back to share!
Thank you, Sue, for sharing your wonderful trip to England with us. I have enjoyed reading every post. You made each place come alive with your wonderful descriptions and pictures.
Your generous gift will be treasured, not only because of its rarity, but because you selected it just for us and added your own magic.
Finally, a darling lamb has joined Beatrix’s friends!
Marjorie from SE PA
A few years late, but at least in this book, there’s a lamb!
Susan, I just love reading your blogs everyday, with my coffee or tea. I buzz around getting stuff done until I see that they are in my email, then its my little break. Especially now in the summer & grab the laptop & head out to the porch on the glider for a bit, just you, me & the sounds of the birds, & bugs, & the occasional farm animal (I live in a rural area). So you see your letters gives me that much needed gal time. And if time doesn’t allow I print them up & take them with me as I’m running errands, or waiting to pick up someone from somewhere. We’re heading east for a little vacation soon, & I’m so hoping that I can make it to your island…..(my fingers & toes are crossed) but I think the hubbster is afraid once I’m there I won’t want to come home. 🙂
Susan, I loved following both you and Joe from Red Hook, Brooklyn to England! Thank you so much for allowing us all in on your “trip of a lifetime”! Love, Angel
Sometimes, I think in this universe of ours, that the souls of kindred spirits from different ages find each other and mingle. Both you, Susan and Beatrix Potter have a passion for watercolors, for seeing and loving the tiny creatures that share this wonderful world with us and for telling little stories that make us feel special and loved. Welcome home and thanks for sharing your journey to England with all of us.
I have really enjoyed each and every one of your blogs about your trip. I love seeing all your wonderful pictures, and getting to tag along in your suitcase..lol. I hope to one day get to go to England myself! We all have to have our dreams! Thank you so much for all your time making sure we each got to have a little piece of your adventure.
You’ve outdone yourself again, Sue. What a treasure ! Have had a time with the wifi at the summer digs but hopefully it is fixed now. Thanks again to both you and Joe for making all of this possible for all of us Girlfriends.
XOXO
Jackie
Dear Susan,
I can’t thank you enough for taking us on this magical trip! I have so enjoyed reading (and feeling!) all your adventures! What a wonderful holiday you and Joe had, and you are so generous to have shared it with all of us!
Although I’ve lived in Canada for almost 40 years, I was born in the UK, and grew up reading Beatrix Potter books. They were also a favourite of my now grown children. Your stories have brought back some wonderful, wonderful memories for me.
Thank you so much!
I sooo enjoyed our trip to England this summer! Thank you!
It was very thoughtful of you to think of those that admire your works. I especially like that you added some of your own personality to the book.
I have been a fan for years. My friend Gail introduced me to you and i have been hooked ever since! Thank you for sharing your travels with us. We were in England two years ago and as i was reading you blog, i had this warm fuzzy feeling in my heart 🙂 I smiled when you wrote about Lacock and the Lake District.
Thank you, thank you …
Susan, I loved your up close and personal sharing of England – you described and showed everything so beautifully! A perfect antidote to 107 degree Northern California! My daughter LOVES the Beatrix Potter book. She would check them out from the library even though she had them at home too! Thank you so much for the beautiful photo journal and for sharing it with your readers – we are lucky folk! – Melissa and Susanna
“Bees are squidgy in the lavender.” So charming I plan to say it over and over all day! Loved the visits to Beatrix Potter. Both of my son’s nurseries were Beatrix. Their baby books, too. My oldest son’s wife had the same baby book!
I love England also! I didn’t get to see much of it, but what I did see was absolutely enchanting…. London, Bath, and of course Stonehenge. So magical. I would love to have a lovely book from Beatrice Potter and put it in a special place in my bookcase, for all to see! I LOVE reading your blog and treasure every entry. So, please put me in the drawing for that lovely book. Blessings, Linda
Hi Susan,
What a great treasure Miss Potter’s book would be, you are so generous. This shared trip has been awesome and I’ve looked forward to the adventure every day. I’ve been a fan of Beatrix since 1981 when my sister asked me to sew curtains for her son’s nursery and would love the book for my collection. Thank you Susan for sharing your gifts.
“Oh to be in England again.” So many wonderful memories. Thank you for an amazing voyage. Such fun. ♥
I am a new reader of your blog. I discovered it just before I went to England on a garden tour. The tour included a trip to Barnsley House which I just loved! (I heard Rosemary Verey speak several years ago at the SF Flower Show and I promised myself that if the opportunity ever arose, I had to see her garden!) Also on my list of things to do was to buy an E.B. daffodil mug. I found one in a cute shop in Stow on the Wold (I really enjoyed your description of the E.B. factory tour. I would have loved to see the Peter Rabbit garden and it is now definitely on my return trip musts! I want to thank you for “taking me on your trip too!” It added to my tour and made it more enjoyable.
Perfect! Like we covered each others tracks in a way!
THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE. TO SEE WHERE HIS GARDEN AND PLAY GROUND WAS IS SO SPECIAL KINDA MAKES IT SEEM LIKE HE REALLY WAS THERE. THE WAY YOU DESCRIBE THIS BEAUTIFUL SPOT IT’S ALMOST LIKE I FEEL I WAS THERE MYSELF. I ALSO HAVE A VAST COLLCTION OF BEATRIX POTTER BOOKS AND TEA CUPS AND FIGURINES. I JUST LOVE THEM.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR TRIP WITH ALL OF US.
Susan, It was such a joy to travel with you to England. I did not miss a single blog and looked daily for the latest entry. What a beautiful country!! Thank you for taking your time to share it with us:)
Your enthusiasm, talent and generosity are much like Miss Potter herself! Thanks for sharing your trip with us. I believe she’s tickled pink, too, that you’ve added a lamb to her one of books. And that’s W-e-n-d-y for the inscription, BTW! (here’s hoping, anyway.)
I am entering this contest for my babysitter. I want to win and give her this book for her Beatrix Potter bedroom. Thank you.
Wish I could visit that special home. Someday . . .
Can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed”our”trip to England! Every post was wonderful.Thank you, Susan!
Your pictures are so beautiful! Thank you for taking my Anglophile self along with you on your travels. As an avid reader, an English major and a mother of three, I have enjoyed both Beatrix Potter and Jane Austen for many years. I’d love to win the beautiful little book to add to my collection – one I hope to pass down to grandchildren some day!
I have the same Roses growing in my garden, I got the bush of my old gardener friend, he said they are old heritage Roses,brought over fr on England, he calls them “antique mist, they don’t grow as well here because our winters are too severe and the need sheltering, and lots of misty rain,but the smell heavenly. I have loved all your pictures of England ,so we are going home for a visit again in September, .So glad you loved your trip. Lynne
I am so happy you went on this trip and shared it with us…….it is the next best thing then being there. You took beautiful pictures……as much as I want to go to it really was a pleasure looking at all of your posts…..and I DO think Friday the 13th is MY lucky day!!!!
Susan, Hearing your tale of flower picking reminded me of the time I went to your store. My mother and I had ventured up the coast to see your store. We were sooo excited. My mom has notebooks at home that she makes for each holiday with “the best of” magazine pictures torn out of magazines (for 30 years.) She puts your art on the front of each notebook. Anyway, while at your store, I accidentally walked into the little room where all of the supplies were…on the way to the restroom. I saw many little yellow stickies. I felt so excited to see YOUR real writing. I grabbed one from the little trash can! I gave it to my mom on the way home in the car. She keeps it in her notebook now. Much like your rose! Someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure! Christl
OH my! How funny! I hope I said something nice on it! 🙂
I have always loved Beatrix Potter and her legacy. Not only the books but for the gift to the world of the Lake District. I teach pre school and have designed a Beatrix Potter unit for my students to continue her legacy for future generations of kids. We end the fun with a tea party where we invite all the characters from her books to come!
It must be so cute!
It’s misty today here in Santa Cruz. Not raining, but moody. A great day for a Beatrix Potter post. What a treat!
Always and inspiration…thanks for sharing! ♥
What a lovely trip you had, life is so funny to give us these wee bits of happiness to treasure, all the while it just keeps marching on. I hope that this trip remains a source of joy for you for years to come, and as one candle lighting another- your joy shall not be diminished by sharing your memories with us- but rather increased!
Blessings to you Susan!
Amy Lynn
Thanks so much for sharing your trip. I really enjoyed it. Reading your blog brightens my day no matter what else is going on….
I have been following your entire trip! I also LOVE England and even worked there (London) in my younger days – since then I have visited many times. Hill Top would be a dream visit for me but your photos and comments have been terrific. I love “Miss Potter” the movie and I remember my Dad reading the books to me when I was a tiny tot (sigh…..). Keep on writing!
I have all the Beatrix Potter books save one, I think. Even though my children don’t appreciate them and they gather dust on the shelf, they are special to me!
I so much enjoyed traveling with you to England, I felt as if I was on the trip with you. Your pictures make me want to visit myself. Please enter me into the contest to win the Beatrix Potter one of a kind book. 🙂
I have started to collect Beatrix Potter’s lovely works for my one & only 2-year old granddaughter, Calia. Another year or two and she will be old enough to begin a lifelong – I hope – love of all things Beatrix Potter.
This would be so awesome to own this one of a kind book by Beatrix and you. I would love to travel to England and visit this very unique place. It all started with the framed Anne Hathaway print my mother had hanging in her living room for many years. Your blog today, gave me an little insight as to what the gardens must be like. I would be just as happy as you!
I LOVE Beatrice Potter and I’m 51!!!!love your posts!!
Dear Sue,
I am a big fan of you and Beatrix Potter. Enjoyed the whole trip! I would love to own that book. I would treasure it and share it with my grandaughter.
Love , Diane
Oh, how sweet it is Susan! I thoroughly enjoyed traveling with you to England and to Heaven at Hill Top Farm. Thank you for bringing us with you. One day I will see Hill Top and all of it’s beauty. Beatrix Potter has been a part of my life and has inspired me to write, draw, and love nature. You have inspired me too, Susan, to do what you love to do, live life to the fullest, and enjoy every moment! Thank you for that! I would love to see your journal of England and Hill Top. Perhaps you will show us a glimpse so we can all ooh and aww over it. Have a wonderful summer!
I will show you soon!
Thank you so much for taking us back to Beatrix Potter’s home and how thoughtful of you to bring back a one of a kind gift! Woohoo!
My first daughter had a Beatrix Potter nursery and I still have all the lovelies just waiting for a grandchild! I even have little embroidered outfits stashed away that sport Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck! Some things never go out of style!!
Thank you again!
Hi Susan from another Susan who visited England earlier this year. It was our 7th visit and we enjoyed the Cotswold area so much this year. We try to see a different section of the country each time we go. We will use your blog of your most recent visit to plan our next visit there next year. Love your blog and love your “spirit.” Thanks. Susan
Awww! Miss Potter & Susan Branch, both a blessing to society in general :))
Loved that you found the green garden door….what an explorer! I would have been right there next to you if given half a chance. Thanks so much for sharing!!!!!!
Karen
Oh what a lovely trip you had, thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Thank you so much for sharing your trip with all of us. What a fun time we had!!
Susan, I have so enjoyed reading about your trip to England. It’s on my bucket list so maybe someday! You’ve turned me into a lover of all Beatrix Potter and I even watched Miss Potter movie from netflix a couple of weeks ago! Loved it! You are one special “girlfriend” to all of us who delight in reading your blog.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
Nanc
Thank you for such a lovely story…it felt like I was right there with you in the garden..!!
-Wendy 🙂
I’ve shown my husband your posts on England and now after seeing those photos and watching our favorite show, Midsomer Murders on Netflix, we are DEFINITELY going to England some day. So glad you took us to Beatrix Potter’s house. It’s amazing what an impact one person can have!
Thank you!
Kelly
My grandparents went to Hill Top years ago and I have always wanted to go. Beatrix Potter is one of my favorite authors, she is such an inspiration! I’ve been reading the books to my son since he was born and he loves them. At his request, we often sit outside and read The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher to the frogs in our pond. I would be so thrilled to win this!
This would be such a special gift to have!!! My little boy’s favorite bedtime treat is to watch a Peter Rabbit video. We love it, and we have our own Peter Rabbit in our garden who has eaten all of our lettuce and some onions, too! We see him out there in the morning. 🙂
Thank you so much for going back and taking pictures of the garden where Peter Rabbit most certainly enjoyed himself. The pictures of the rain were so well done I could almost smell the moisture in the air. Welcome home!!
First of all, thank you so much for sharing your trip with your legions of fans through your blog and photos. It was the next best thing to actually being on the trip myself. Everytime, you have a give-a-way, I think she can’t possibly top this, but then you always do. This is such a wonderful, generous way for you to keep on sharing your trip with us. Just the thought of winning is exciting. As always, thanks for all you do! : )
I just have to add that it always lifts my spirits when I think of your blog and all of the beautiful pictures you post and how you care so much about your followers! Thanks again for including all of us on your trip and for making it all so lovely.
Michelle
Wow! What a treasure. I adore Beatrix Potter. In fact I just purchased the cutest Miss Tiggy Winkle figurine. She sits in my hutch and makes me smile everytime I pass her. Please enter me in your drawing and thank you for sharing your tip to England with all of your readers. I dream of going there someday myself and plan to visit many of the places you went too. I would also like to see the 100 acre woods.
Time for some lovely carrots & lettuce…remember rush to the hole in the fence before someone sees us…oh Miss Potter how i do love you!
Thanks for taking me along on your trip 🙂 That is what it seemed like with your vivid descriptions and beautiful pictures.
You have a beautiful heart!
Time for some carrots & lettuce…remember run to the hole in the fence before someone sees us…oh Miss Potter how I do love you!
How amazing to visit that beautiful garden and the most beautiful roses I have ever seen!!!!! Thanks for taking us along!!!!
My mother has always loved everything Peter Rabbit. Thanks for sharing your photos and your trip notes. 🙂
What a treat to revisit Hill Top. I visited there many years ago and was charmed, charmed, charmed. Thanks for taking us along i your back pocket.
Susan,
I would adore this beautiful book! Hope you keep posting pictures of England,tea-houses,gardens,and national trust homes. More Jane and Beatrix peeks are always welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary
What a wonderful time you had on your adventure and I enjoyed evey post you did. It felt like I was there. But I have to say I was glad you got home to Jack as I worried about him the whole time you were gone.
LOL, me too, I had to not think about it! But he was FINE, and is now, better than ever. SO loving!!
Not only have I taken a flower….or should I say flowers from someone’s beautiful garden…but I have been known to steal a fresh tomato right off the vine….been caught many times. The last tomato I took was from our community garden here where I live….I knew the lady was watching…..and she told me to take a few of them….it paid to be a thief!
I am in awe of your lovely wonderful photos of your trip to England.
Loved following your travels in England – thank you so much for sharing through your blog!
Friday the 13th, best day ever !!!! A friends husband is being released from hospital after a week stay and transfer to a larger facility for many, many tests and units of blood. On the road to recovery now. Great day indeed!
Sounds like good news!
Now that the odds are up, here I try again to be the winner of the adorable book! Wish me luck!
CB
Good luck!
Oh, lovely, lovely trip! thank you so much for sharing it!
I cannot thank you enough for sharing your wonderful trip with all of us who may never get to England. And now a once in a lifetime gift! You are truly a beautiful generous soul :o)
I get excited whenever I see your blog pop up in my e-mail! I have always wanted to go to England and seeing it through your eyes was a treat.
Thank you for spending so much time on the blog for us.
Oh, my. First the trip and now this exciting chance to receive this beautiful book!! It’s just all too wonderful and fun. I loved you going back in to get the roses and the books. Can’t believe they don’t know the name of the roses. Someone somewhere must know. The excitement just doesn’t stop. Now there is the mystery of the roses 🙂
I think it may be solved, I’ll tell in the next post!
For over 20 years, I have been a fan of Susan Branch, Beatrix Potter, and Jane Austen – and all of their books. (I own most of them and share them with my friends.) I am terribly fond of the United Kingdom too. Thus, I have been especially enjoying Susan’s tales of her trip to England and her wonderful blog with the great photos. It has been a very special treat. This wonderful book that Susan is giving away to a lucky fan would be my treasured book. I would love to win it, please. Please know that I have shared this wonderful site with my sister and many of my friends and they are now fans and followers of Susan’s blog too. We are all so grateful that Susan shares her talent, life, and joy with us. Thank you.
Thanks so much Patricia!!
Oh my goodness! What a thoughtful souvenir to bring home for one of your lucky girlfriends! We are already so fortunate to have “traveled” along with you in your adventures. I do so adore your blog and all things Susan Branch! Keep up the inspired (and inspiring) great work. <3
This journey of yours has brought me so much pleasure. Sitting here at my computer and following you to a favorite place for me…only in books…was a joy. As you can see by the number of comments…there are so many “Susan” fans out here. Please add me to the list…I would love and cherish the little book.
Balisha
OMG AS I WAS READING THIS POST I WAS THINKING I WISH I COULD OF GIVEN HER MY CREDIT CARD NUMBER FOR ONE OF THOSE BOOKS. I REALLY ENJOYED YOUR VISIT TO MY BELOVED PETER RABBIT LAND. I HAVE NEVER HAD THE DESIRE TO GET IN AN AIRPLANE BUT I TOLD MY HUSBAND I MIGHT CONSIDER THIS TRIP. HA I FELT LIKE I WAS ON THE TRIP WITH YOU. I ALSO HAVE A PETER RABBIT ROOM ITS SPREAD ALL OVER MY HOUSE. I HOPE YOU PUBLISH SOME KIND OF JOURAL OF YOU TRAVELS THERE. I DONT MEAN TO BE SHOUTING WITH ALL CAPS BUT IM SO EXCITED!!!!!!
LOL, yes, there’s a diary coming of this trip, had to laugh about you giving me your credit card number! 🙂
I would love the book – I love Beatrix Potter and I love your blog!!
Thanks for being so thoughtful.
Thank you so very much for the wonderful posts from England! A trip to Hill Top Farm remains one of my favorite dreams- maybe someday I’ll get there to see the white wisteria climbing the walls. Beatrix Potter was an incredible woman- I think I’ve read- and own- almost all the biographies about her. She was a true artist of life.
Mary
She made it just the way she wanted it to be. She reminds me of my favorite advice from my grandmother (who hardly ever gave advice!), “Don’t look at what people say, look at what they do!”
How absolutely special! Loved following along your European adventure! Thank you for taking us all along….. Love Peter Rabbit, nothing better than a cute, cozy book that just makes you smile : )
Thank you!
Dear Susan,
My sister introduced me to your blog some time ago and I am so glad she did! She is also a faithful reader. I enjoyed your trip and particularly enjoyed visiting Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm! Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Dear Susan….I absolutely love reading your blog about England. I am so glad
that you took all of us with you on the QE2 and your diary was really out of this world. I felt like I was there and you would make the most awesome tour
guide. I can’t believe either that they didn’t know the name of those roses.
I am looking through my rose books and see if I can find the name. If I do, I
will let you know. Beatrix Potter was a great artist and so are YOU!!!