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 found this wonderful website on Cabbage Roses and I am sending it to you. http://www.gardensofgreen.com/plant-the-centifolia-rose-cabbage-rose-for-fragrant-elegant-and-pretty-flowers/
Thank you so much for taking me to England and specifically to Beatrix Potter’s house and surroundings. You made me feel like I really took the trip!
I checked this morning for another “Few moments with Susan”.. and just by chance once again now! Oh the delight! Your fascinating visit was just like in a fairy tale! A magic gate, a secret garden, and more wonderfulness for you, and us all! You can imagine the interest, and excitement we all feel, possibly winning your prize! What a keepsake! Thanks for the Hope and anticipation Susan!
I just watched Miss. Potter last night again…I love how her stories “came to life” in the movie! Oh please, pick my name!!
You chose a fabulous remembrance for us!!
Wonderful!! Thank you for being so thoughtful and kind to all of us girlfriends. (Hope I win!!)
I hope you find the name of that beautiful climbing pink rose. Isn’t it frustrating that no one there could tell you? Perhaps it pre-dates any of the gardeners who work there now. That is the rose you should have swiped, er,uh, borrowed I mean for botanical reasons. Perhaps a rose specialist here could have identified it for you? It’s obviously an “old” rose and you might be able to identify it by consulting some of the jillions of books on the subject (ones with pictures as well as descriptions) in your spare time of course 🙂
I shall be crossing my fingers and toes that I might be selected to receive that “one of a kind” surprise you were good enough to go back for!
It was too close to the house to hide myself while I took a flower!!! I think one of the girlfriends came up with the right answer . . . a Zephirine Drouhin rose!
Will you email the gardener to let him know??
🙂 🙂 🙂 (So happy you told us how to make these!) 😉
First I better see if I can get my hands on one of them . . . I feel funny telling Beatrix Potter’s Gardner what the name of his rose is!
I have so thoroughly enjoyed the trip! Thanks for taking US along! Thanks to Joe & you for your wonderful relationship that you share with us! THANKS so much I will never ever get there on my own but now I feel like i have a piece of Beatrix Potter as well! Thanksforthe memories!
BLTs are my favorite way to enjoy the fresh tomatoes I’m getting right now. Please throw my name in the hat for I would love to have your BP book with the SB precious lamb.
Susan, thank you so much for reliving your trip with us. As I sit in my messy living room, smelling the roses on Beatrix’s cottage, feeling the rain drops rat-a-tat on my umbrella, smelling the wet and the green of the vegetable garden and searching the scene for a glimpse of Flopsey or Mopsey or even Samuel Whiskers, savoring the Potter print of the dusk cover and the special writing of the famous tale, WHAT – A CHANCE to have a copy of my own? You are so sweet to us!
Susan, thank you sooooo much for taking us with you and for thinking of us on your journey. You can’t begin to know how much your books have meant to me throughout the years…..they always make me smile when I’ve needed it most.
Good Luck to everyone!!!!
You are my inspiration. Your love of simple beauty makes me so happy! Thank you for sharing your life with us!!
I would absolutely love and adore this book. I wish we had a video of you stealing the flower!
What fun to find another post about Beatrix Potter ! You are definitely a kindred spirit to all of us here !
I never got sea sick once, or car sick on those little windy country roads~~and loved every single day of “our” trip to England!!!!! Loved the adventure and now can’t wait to hear more of your everyday stories from the “vinyard”
X0X0
Kathy
OH SUSAN! what a fabulous give-away for the Blog girlfriends!! an heirloom to be treasured and read to children and grandchildren!! My mother read Beatrix Potter books to me, I have read them to my children….I even would make them chamomile tea just like in the books! I made a Beatrix Potter cross stitch sampler for my God-Daughter Pauline when she was born – the kind where you list all the details (weight, length, time of birth, etc). I am most assuredly a fan of both B.P. and all things Susan Branch. I talk of you as if you were a friend, and it cracks my family up when I say things like “Susan Branch gave me this recipe” (hot milk cake or white bean salad or peach pie), or “guess what! Susan Branch went to the Emma Bridgewater factory today!” or I’ll say “I’m using these cups and saucers because I think if Susan was here she’d like them better” LOL hope I don’t sound like a wacko! anyway…..if I should chance to win this fabulous heirloom I would be thrilled to read it to my new baby grandson who just turned 3 mos old. As I write this I can spy 3 dear wild bunnies out in the yard munching on little bits of clover that have sprouted among the grass. Hi bunnies! 🙂 And as for pinching a few rosebuds, well, I doubt that anyone would mind. What a delight to be alone and communing with B.P. in her garden, refreshing your soul. How peaceful….
Thank you for such a wonderful travel-blog, Susan! I enjoyed your trip and it reminded me of the wonderful time I had on my trip to England 25 years ago (how could it be so long ago?!?) My mother decorated my room with Beatrix Potter prints when I was a little girl, and now that I have my own little girl, I have done the same for her room. What a pleasure it was to tag along with you to Hill Top and see where it all came from.
I’m again crossing fingers and toes, sitting here at my writing desk, looking out at my garden and birdfeeders, a fat brown bunny nibbling at the fallen seed on the ground – fantasizing that in a couple of days, I’ll open your blog to find “ME” the lucky winner this time! Well, a girl can dream, can’t she? Me and about 400 other girlfriends can dream that we’re the lucky ones. Even if I don’t win, I’ll still be happy for one of my girlfriends here to become the proud owner of such a prize. Susan, you really are just too much. All the travelling and preparing for your book and you still have time to think of us~
What a wonderful surprise, thank you for thinking of us. You have given your girlfriends the most wonderful gift with your words and pictures of your trip.
Thank you,
Rebecca
What a lovely giveaway! Thank you so much for taking us along on your trip..
Ooooohhhh, Susan! You went back for the book, yay! You *know* it was meant for you!
I swear my heart went pitter-pat and I felt a bit woozy (in a good way!) when I got to the part about your give-away. You really ARE the most generous person I ‘know.’ As if sharing your trip with us girlfriends wasn’t enough!? (more than enough!)!
I just have to throw my bonnet in the ring for this one-of-a-kind book.
My daughter, son, and I have been Beatrix fans for as long as I can remember.
I read most of the series to them when they were little.
And for my daughter’s 5th birthday party, we had a mom & daughter Peter Rabbit Tea Party, complete with games for the girls… like scoop the bunny tails (Imagine blind-folded little girls sitting at their child-size tea-table, using large spoons to scoop cottonballs from a big bowl into the laps of their tea-dresses. Think about it ~ cottonballs weigh next-to-nothing…how do you know if you have some on your spoon? you don’t!) 🙂
We had a pinata, too… one that I made myself (since I could not find a “teacup & saucer” pinata!). But unfortunately, I assembled the pinata with duct tape… no matter how hard the girls (and moms!) hit it, it wouldn’t break open! My hubby had to get something to *cut* it open!
Ah, but I digress (I do that a lot!) 🙂
Thank you for everything you share with us Susan, you truly are the BEST!
Lots of love from Nor-Cal,
~Diane
Thank you, thank you! My DH and I feel like we have just been on a very special vacation. We have enjoyed every step of the way. The ship, the lovely homes and all the ambiance that you have shared. Such a very beautiful and special book. Today it is 100 plus degrees in Northern CA. Today’s post makes me feel cool. I can smell the roses, feel the rain and will treasure it all! The happiness you give to all of us means so much. Thank you!!!
Words fail me!! I adore your blog, check it frequently through out the day hoping a new post will be there. I’d already checked twice today and then…just now yeah! A new post! Then further surprise, a give away to beat all giveaways!! You are such a lovely, giving person, just so very extra special. I can’t begin to tell you how I’ve enjoyed your trip, the pictures, descriptions, sounds just everything!! You are so kind to think of all your friends this way, and so many other ways as well. To receive such a gift is just plain unbelievable!! Will be so happy for whoever is fortunate enough to receive such love. You are simply the best!! God love ya 😉
I have enjoyed reading about your trip so much. It’s my fantasy vacation brought to life. Thanks so much for sharing your self with us.
Please enter me into your contest. Although I hope to England one day, I feel as if I visited there through your blog!
Susan,
Welcome home, so happy to have you back!!! Sincerely I thank you for the beautiful trip and taking me along….all of us. I have never been to England and it was extremely joyful for me as I am sure it was for many of the other girlfriends. Many times I really felt the surroundings, experienced being there. What a joy!!!
I hope to go someday myself, with my hubby and maybe take our family along. But, until then, I’ll treasure the trip with you, Joe and the Girlfriends!!!
Thank you,
Sending Sweet Thoughts,
Bobbie
Dear Susan,
Have you ever read Susan Wittig Albert’s Cottage Tales based on the life of our darling Beatrix? You would love them…..as I do, and almost as much as I love all of your artwork! Thank you for sharing England with us!
I did, I read the first one, just finished it, very cute!
Amazing! I love the bee bole in the wall, and your Beatrix Potter lamb is quite good!
I just knew you would go back for that book…I know I would have! I so appreciate your thoughtfulness and generous spirit in sharing your trip with all the “girlfriends”. It warms my heart to know there are such dear Kindred Spirits in this world!
PS…I have a husband named Joe in my life, too. We are truly blessed!
I am also a doll collector and had Paulette Morrissey make me Beatrix Potter…as she looked as Mrs. Heelis. She lives happily in Hittyville along with Grandma Moses and Tasha Tudor and MANY other dolls!
I have been reading Beatrix to my kindergarteners for 35 years! Yikes!
Dearest Susan, I can only dream of being in a place like England,I love
Beatrice Potter,I have watched Miss Potter with both of my granddaughters,
and to only be a child again. This July 31st.will be my 70th Birthday,what a
wonderful gift this would be,a present from Susan Branch,it would go lovely
by my tea set. Yours truly, A. Stuart
Yesterday, I was looking for a photo of my great-grandmother’s cottage that we came across accidentally when we were in u.k. in 1987 and I found the photo of me outside Beatrix Potter’s cottage and now you are bringing it back to life again. Thank you.
Thank you for taking me along on your trip! it`s probably the only time I will ever get there! Your blogs were beautiful and I felt like I was there, I learned so much! I would treasure the book forever if you would pick me to win it!
Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us, it has been such a joy for me to read your blog and look at the beautiful pictures. That is probably the closest I will ever get to England. You are such a beautiful person. You certainly brighten my corner of the world. Thank you Susan, may the blessings you give to others come back to you overflowing. 🙂
They actually do Terry, thank you!!!
Oh my Gosh, Susan! My little girl and I just squealed when I read your page today about the book. She spent her first few years in a Beatrix Potter nursery surrounded by Peter, Jemima, and others in her crib. Now, they are all in her “tween”girl room and we still read of their adventures and mis-adventures. Thanks for bringing us to the place where it all began. We would love to give the book and flower a special home. It makes me teary to think of it. So glad you are safely back home.
Susan, I think that rose might be James Galway,a David Austen rose. I have it growing on a white trellis and it smells heavenly,,looks alot like your picture.
My daughter and I have read all of Peter’s little books,,her favorite was always Mrs Tiggy Winkle. Now she is reading them to her little boys,,two three and four.
You did indeed save the best for the last,,thank you so much,,,,Judy
What a darling little book and your drawing and all of Miss Potter’s drawings will make it that much more special! Thanks for offering it to one lucky “girl.” I agree that the rose looks like one of the Austin roses, but not sure which one. Please let us know if you find out. It might always be a mystery ! Thanks for the trip!!
This was the sweetest of your posts. And the music from Miss Potter, which I had to watch and love while you were gone, gives me chills. So gorgeous. I can’t imagine a more generous giveaway than little Peter. You are such a special person, Susan. Thank you for taking us touring with you.
Thank you so much for this cheerfulness! It has been a tough week for me but you have managed to make me smile and renew some magic. So grateful!
Happy to hear it . . . xoxo
I have been the most satisfied of armchair traveler on this very fine journey of yours! Thanks for sharing and taking us along.
That is really, really special – especially the flower part. 🙂 You really put your foot in this one!
Pick me, pick me, pick me! (Ok, I always say this really this time …Pick me)
Oh Susan, What a wonderful trip to have embarked on, and thank you so much for sharing with us the photos and your thoughts. I did not know that the original Beatrix Potter stories were done in black and white, have treasured my “colorful” version for years, read to my four children and now to my grandchildren. They will be able to see your photos on this site and I so look forward to sharing this with them! Blessings always, Kathryn
I have had the BEST adventure on “our ” trip to England !!!! Thank You ….. Thank You !!!!! I was SO inspired …. that while looking thru my yarn to start knitting my next pair of socks …. I found a skein that I had bought many years ago …. the name …. are you ready ….. Mr. McGregor’s Garden !!!!!! I know ….. I about flipped !!!! And the stitch holder …. a carrot !!!!!! TOTAL LOVE :0) I am almost down to the heel …. the colourway is Gorgous !!!!!
Thank You for inspiration …. in many different ways !!!!!!
I cannot blame you for another visit to Beatrix Potter’s garden and home.
What a lovely giveaway, too!!
Oooooooooooooooooh – I WANT it! Pleeeeeze – name in and then name out!!!!!
I can’t even imagine how exciting it would be to own that limited edition Tale of Peter Rabbit. I sometimes think I’ve enjoyed Beatrix Potter more than my children and grandchildren. Her stories and illustrations just make me smile! It was such fun to read about your trip; thanks for sharing!
What a lovely surprise from this delightful trip! I will feel as though I’ve won even if I don’t get the book. Ten years ago this month, our family welcomed our first and only son. We brought him home from the hospital at the end of July to settle into his very own nursery, complete with Peter Rabbit wallpaper border, Peter Rabbit crib fabric, and wee-checked gingham curtains and pillows I made myself to match the blue she used for Peter’s coat. This tiny baby is very old now, nearing age 10, so only the curtains and pillows remain– but I will always be glad he started life surrounded by Beatrix Potter’s beautiful art. 🙂
Hey Mrs. Sue-B 🙂
Your England trip looks like the stuff dreams are made of!! I can just imagine you in your rain coat tromping around in the mud to secure a prized rosebud! Thank you for sharing your trip with us and for the chance to win such a beautiful tand one of a kind treasure!! xoxo donna marie
Thank you for remembering us with lovely edition of BP book. I will be keeping my fingers crossed ! So glad you fulfilled your dreams in your travels and so many of ours!
Welcome Home !
This is absolutely the best gift ever!!! I have always love Beatrix Potter — “Miss Potter” is my favorite movie! And to read this post today, of all days, my eight-year-old granddaughter is coming for a visit (she’ll be here any minute). She lives in Washington state and I only get to see her a few times a year. She is an avid reader, and burgeoning artist, and has just discovered the wonders of Beatrix Potter. I am introducing her to the movie “Miss Potter” for the first time. So from Abigail and her grandma, thank you for your magical blog!
How fun for you!!! xoxo
I want to thank you for your generous spirit. You share so much of yourself in this blog! It lifts me everyday. Simply and sincerely, thank you. A day without a Susan Branch blog comment here is like a day without sunshine.
Lots of sunshine to you Sue!
Oh boy oh boy oh boy…what a spectacular surpize and gift to someone very very lucky!! I hope it’s me. I was in the Lake District with my husband in 2006 and didnt get to go to Hill Top but wanted to so so bad!! I WILL go…I know this!!! I read your blog all the way through your trip to Never Never Land….I call it that because dont you feel eternally young there? In awe of every thing all the time just like a child??!? I know how you felt every step of the way!! I LOVE England and am so fortunate to have a Brit for a hubby, so have gotten to go 3 while times now! But Susan……have you been to Scotland??????? That’s a fairy tale in and of itself!! Welcome Home all safe and sound! Xoxoxo
We’re on our way, someday! Pollyanna, wait til you see the August page of my calendar!
We are fellow thief’s by the way… I took 3 rocks from the beach at Loch Ness! They are on my kitchen window sill….;)
I see the good in that!
If you go to Scotland someday, that means we’ll get to go on an awesome trip with you and Joe again and another amazing book equal to this wonderful trip to England will be in the works. And it almost sounds like there is something Scottish? on the August calendar page. (My birthday is Sept. 1st, so I almost made the August cut – close enough). Is this what you are saying?? Now this is almost too much for me to handle. If this is true, you could knock me over with a feather.
Love your story about stealing the rose! I can just imagine you looking around, making sure no one is looking. I covet that book. Not only Beatrix Potter, but Susan Branch’s little lamb drawing. Would love to add to my collection for my granddaughter who will make her entrance around the middle of November.
Thank you Susan for letting us tag along with you and Joe! The Queen Mary II was especially fun – ahhh – cruising. I am here in California, and I just saw that there is a special Diana Exhibition on the Queen Mary in Long Beach! I am going! I am going to close my eyes and think “I’m her”. “Her” being YOU, not Diana! And have a cuppa tea! Thanks for my virtual vacation! PS love love love Peter Rabbit!
That sounds so fun! We stayed overnight on that boat once!
You are such a great friend, sweet Susan! Have loved taking this trip with you…looked forward to every new post. Giving away this book is just too much (yes, would love to have it!).
Oh my goodness!!!!! I have sooooo enjoyed you taking us along on your trip to England. I have eagerly and impatiently awaited each new chapter of the unfolding trip. I would treasure the book forever!
My first-born’s nursery had a Peter Rabbit theme, and I still have the stuffed Peter Rabbit, the little books, the dishes and a little cloth stuffed Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, who was his favorite! Thanks for one more visit to Hill Top.
Oh My! I have so enjoyed coming along on your trip. The pictures have been awesome, especially the little out of the way places you discovered on your walks. Gates and paths and little lambs….clouds and sun and puddles….cottages and tea rooms and gardens!! Don’t know if I will ever go to England, but now I know where I would want to visit when I’m there. Thank you so very much. And a chance to own that book, well, it would be a treasure indeed!
We loved having you Linda!!
Sue,
To read about the dream trip of a lifetime, and lust over your treasures you have brought back has been Devine. It makes me cry with the wanting to tick something off my bucket list as well. I am so grateful how you let us take a peek in your life and even though you are giving up your privacy, you always seem to think of something special to make us all feel so treasured and important to your life.
I picked my first tomato from my bush today, cleaned it and ate it whole with a little salt. So yummy!
I would love to win your lovely book!
Barbara from Lodi, CA
The best, warm from the bush! xo
Wow – that’s just what my Dad used to do with the first perfect red ripe tomato of the year. He’d wait until about two in the afternoon on a sunny day so the tomato would have plenty of time to get all warm and “saucy” in the sun – then he’d go out with his salt shaker and a wet paper towel to wipe off anything “untoward.” I’ll never forget the look on his face at his first bite! What a great memory and one I haven’t thought about for years! Thank you both for reminding me.. :>)
Love your dad! Great memory!
I love this book and my heart is almost bursting with the thought of being able to hold it in my hands. My son is 25 now and living in Charleston,SC, but his nursery was all about Peter Rabbit and even now holds a special corner in his old room. Thanks for all the stories, pictures, and love you give us each blog.
Hi Susan,
I loved the additional story about Hilltop and Beatrix. …was so dissapointed that I missed it on my trip to England..and your kindness has let me enjoy it thru your blogs. Hope your weather in Cape Cod is good….I am heading your way in a week for vacation….will be in Orleans….visited Martha’s Vineyard last year when we were there for a short excursion. It was lovely…just like the entire Cape…just love it up there. Awaiting news on the journal ….and please do enter me in the contest for that extraordinary prize!!! Thanks
Have a great day…Kathie from Limerick, Pa
Thank you for thinking of us the way you do. It’s truly heartwarming (whether i win or not). You are a gem!
I have loved every entry you have shared with your trip to England. My mother was English and more than once, I cried a little missing her and enjoyed seeing where she lived. It has made it even more important that I visit myself and hope someday to do just that. Thank you again.
So welcome Jen, xo.
I had a wonderful trip to England years ago. Didn’t go any where that you and Joe went. May be some day I will get over for a visit too places I miss before. It was so nice of you too think of such a wonderful gift, for someone too win from you. I am just like everyone else, I would love too win this book. Thank you.
I have to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading about your adventures in England. There were times when I felt like I was right there with you. Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely trip with me.
It is incredibly generous of you to give away such a lovely book. I’m sure that whoever wins it will treasure it always.
Many happy blessings to you! 🙂
Thank you for the wonderful trip. I read your blog over and over and, though it may sound silly, put myself in all the pictures you posted. It was not like living in a dream but in a dream come true! I try har d to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and and not want too much but when I saw this book my heart began to pound furiously in my chest. I would read it over and over (very carefuly!) and hug it close to my
heart . I would cherish it and pass it to my children and their children.
So lovely to steal a few moments from our vacation at the beach to read what you are up to. Couldn’t help it, but I always cry when I read about Hilltop and Beatrix Potter from you Susan. What a wonderful gift one of the girlfriends will receive! Hope you are enjoying your time back on this side of the pond! xoxo ♥
My mother loves England even more than I do. In 1983 we traveled there together, rented a car and Mom drove everywhere. I was too nervous to try! Mom doesn’t have a computer so each time she comes to my house for dinner I pull up your blog. Mom spends forever soaking it all in. Tank you, Susan for making my Mom happy.
Please say a special hello to your Mom from me!
You’re the best Susan. Thank you so very much for taking all of us along with you on your wonderful adventure. I hope to get there some day myself and thoroughly enjoyed your preview! Stay Sweet!
~Kathy
Gosh, the competition is sooooo fierce for that beeeautiful, little BP book. I covet it, I do, I do, I do…….I’ll just have to wait for the luck of the draw to find out who the lucky girlfriend is. Thank you for bringing us back to England. Even in the rain there’s magic in that land. Bunny hugs from NJ
With great forethought and kindness you offer us both the gift and a glimpse into Beatrix and her life we might not have ever seen. Thank you for being the wonderful person you are. You too are an original! Peace and blessings to you always!
What a delightful adventure sailing with you to England. Would love, love, love to add this lovely book to my collection. My home is full of delightful rabbit items — mostly domestic but a couple of European — my husband’s “lucky sign.” Your posts are always an inspiration and make me smile. Cheers! Michelle
Thank you so much for all the wonderful pictures and insights from your England trip! That book is so special! PICK ME! It will look so nice on my Beatrix Potter hutch! (You have a room and I have a hutch!) Bless you!
Oh Susan, how wonderful to be able to walk in Beatrix’s footsteps and imagine her writing and drawing in those surroundings. Thanks for the wonderful images. Hugs, Deborah
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful visit! What a treasure that little book would be. I love “traveling” with you, and being the recipient of your sunny outlook on life. It makes my heart smile. Thank you…. 😀
Checking in with you and WOW!!!…an extra special give-a-way…thank you for sharing AGAIN!!!…hope you have had time in your corner of the world to relax and enjoy…that’s what I am doing here after last week with lots of family and grandchildren…special secret Grandpa excursions for breakfast, chipmunks on the porch chewing on Playmobil zoo keeper trucks~REALLY!!!, lots of warm sunny weather to enjoy, books read, ah…just a wonderful week…I’m sitting here with my back to the screen door to the porch and what just climbed to screen door trying to get in to visit me???…a chipmunk!!!…mayhbe it was the chipmunk who got off with the Playmobil zookeeper left on the porch overnight…it is a mystery…could a chipmunk who we think chewed on the tires and front bumper of the Playmobil zookeeper’s truck kidnap a plastic zookeeper???…just one memory grandson James~age 4~ will have of a visit to the cottage in 2012!!!…xoxo…
I love the quote by Beatrix about originality and not attending school–I had it hanging on the wall during the five years that I homeschooled two of my children. (Another one of my heroines, Agatha Christie, also stayed at home during her formative years and spent much of that time writing stories on her own.)
Thank you, Susan, for sharing this wonderful visit and book with us! I told my husband it’s almost as good as going in person.
It looks like to me that passionate people will educate themselves if necessary. Jane Austen, too — she read ALOT.
Thank you for the delightful return trip to Beatrix Potter’s home and garden. Oh, what a wonderful discovery behind the colorful green gate…a nice, neat & tidy garden! The lavender climbing rose is beautiful and I have one almost like it, in pink, growing on an arbor on my chicken coop. It was here when we bought our place and it is beautiful too, but is has no tag on it. I would go with a cabbage rose guess also…so old fashioned looking.
Thank you for the opportunity to receive such a special gift from your trip.
Dear Susan–
Thank you so much for taking us all on your wonderful trip to England. I knew you would have to go back to Hilltop again and it sounds like it was well worth it! Flowers from Hilltop gardens! Roses, gates, and bee skeps in the garden. And the books you purchased sound just wonderful! What a perfect gift from Beatrix and you to one of us. How very special indeed!
Oh Susan I just loved our trip to England and the Peter Rabbit book is wonderful with your sweet rose. I would of course love to win this one of a kind book so here is hoping I want it for my Aunt Betty Lou who made me a real Susan Branch lover of all you do. She is 84 and was just in a car accident in Nipomo, Ca very badly beat up from the airbags but happy they were there. So please pick me LOL she would be so surprised. Hope you come back to Ca soon<3
Please tell her I wish her well, so happy it wasn’t worse!
Susan,
You have inspired my husband and I to start planning a trip to England next year! He even reads your blog to get ideas. Thanks for the chance to win.
Dear Susan,
I have loved every post from England, but this is by far my favorite…I so love the rainy, misty photos better than the sunny ones. That hidden door would have made my blood race as it called for me to open it! Thank you for taking me on the first leg of my dream trip (the second leg includes Guernsey, Ireland, and Scotland). I had a wonderful, wonderful time, but am glad to be “back on the Vineyard”. : )
xoxo,
queenmum
I enjoy reading all these comments that come with the dear posts! Im tickled that such perfect places exist even if I’ve yet to set foot there. Such fun to live vicariously through you about places I dream of! What a precious home Beatrix had and I love that you’re sharing the amazing book—what a treat!
The comments are the best!!! My favorite too!
Dearest Susan,
So much fun in such a few days and Beatrix Potter to top it all off! Life has such enchanting treasures to offer us and other people and their lives seem like icing on the top of the cake. Pink roses, bunnies and happy days! Thank you for bothering with all of us on your wonder filled trip.
Never too much Beatrix Potter! I love the few dishes I have…the cups of my brothers and me when we were little and the little sets I got for my boy and girl which would be 34 and 27 years ago. So sweet and to think you were in that garden. I think you must have wanted to sit in the garden and absorb it all. The roses over the arbor and the green ferns in the picture. That weather is good for something!!
Happy day!
Hi Susan,
As if being there for the Queen’s special day wasn’t enough,sharing your trip with us has been a wonderful journey and as you can tell we all enjoyed it. Thank you for your generosity.
Lucy
Oh, Susan, aren’t you the sweetest girl for giving this lovely book away! xoxo I still CHERISH the Girlfriend’s Book I won last year from the Creative Connection and the sweet little pen that was given to me as well.
Your account of this pilgrimage has touched my heart and filled me with joy.
Oh, dear Susan, thank you so many times for tucking me away in your case to experiece your wonderful trip along with you. When I got to the part in this post where you said the book was going to one of us I got actual goose-bumps-so I knew I had to add my comment. Blessings, Lise
I actually feel like I’m getting back from a trip myself- your posts were so vivid and fun! And this book, o my, this book!!
I have so enjoyed your trip to England and especially the part on the ship. I now what love to do the trip but because of health problems I can’t so I will just enjoy all you did through your blog. I just finished making a quilt for a new baby out of Beatrix Potter fabric and I course read her books to my children. Once again thanks for sharing your wonderful with all of us. Blessings Sandra
Susan, you have made me feel like a vagabond…….don’t you just love the sound of that word? Thank you for sharing your trip with your girlfriends. Would be “over the moon happy ” to receive the book!
Like wind in the hair and red lipstick . . . 🙂
A Chocolat fan are you, Susan Branch? The wind and the red references led me to ask.
It just struck me as “Vagabondish!”
What a beautiful farm! I would love to have a garden just like that. Unfortunately my weather doesn’t cooperate very well.
Thank you for taking me along on your adventure. I eagerly awaited your posts and relished each one though I was right there with you. Your pictures and postings made the trip come alive. Each one was a welcome respite in my busy day. You gave me a moment to take a deep breath and imagine another place and time.
Every morning I check to see if there is a “Susan Branch update” on your website. How wonderful that you take us back to Hilltop for another little look-see! Oh, how much I have enjoyed this adventure with you. The picture of the “cabbage roses” are the same ones that I have at my home. My Grandmother planted those probably around the same time as Beatrix Potter! They smell HEAVENLY! I grew up with those and that divine fragrance wafting into our living room through the screen door in the summer. Again thank you for all that you do..I mean everything. Adoring you, and Beatrix Potter, my favorite since I was a wee small one!!!!! Being able to peek into that book, at any given time would be a gift from beyond wonderful. I, myself am an artist and a writer of children stories…this book would mean the world to me! thank you and Joe again for ALL. ♥ xoxox
More than welcome Susan!
Oh Susan, I would so love to see my name in that book. I know I’ll never get back to Hill Top Farm (it was lovely of you to take me along on your trip, even if it was a little stifling in the suitcase with the other girlfriends) so winning this little book would bring much joy. I hope you can find the name of those lovely roses. I’m certain they would look fabulous growing in your garden or around your beautiful home.
From those of us who have little hope of ever making it to England, thank you for sharing all your wonderful stories and letting us travel along with you and Joe. (Did he enjoy the pubs?)
Dear Susan,
Thanks for sharing your stories, photos and memories of this wonderful trip….and what a special treasure you returned home with in the book and rose! You are so thoughtful. I felt as if I were right there with you touring the homes and walking the countryside, very beautiful.
God bless you!
I am more determined then ever to make a trip to England! What a wonderful trip you took us on and what a perfect souvenir and thoughtful give away. Like so many of your friends here, I’ve loved Beatrix Potter since I was a little girl and to this day have the figurines of her friends (and mine) all over my house. I’m not one that usually wins things but wouldn’t it be awesome if I did…you’d here the squeals all the way to MV. You’ve given me one more thing to dream about so thank you!
Oh how generous of you to think of gifting us such a treasure! Absolute perfection! And, the rose reminds me of my Gertrude Jekyll rose. I’ve read that it can be a climbing rose in some places and it smells heavenly. Thank you Susan. I’ve enjoyed this trip with you so much!
What a grand tour of England! I know that whoever wins the book will treasure it. I hope it’s me 🙂
Dear Susan,
I looked forward everyday to hearing about your latest spot! I have put this on my “bucket list” and hope one day I can follow in your footsteps.Thanks so much for taking the time to share it all with us.