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 . . .
Oh my~~what a treasure that would be!! The whole Beatrix Potter story is absolutely wonderful! So heart-warming and such charm! Please pick me!!
Susan, I ‘am from Belgium (so sorry for my English..) I discovered your site a few weeks ago. Your blog is so romantic and so nice with the painted pictures, lovely books, your messages.. I loved it !
Now I start every day at my work with a look at your blog and so it gives a lot of positivism, peace for my workday !
Hi Mary, so nice to see you here, please say hello to Belgium for us!!
Holy cow!
That has got to be the most wonderful-est, special-est surprise EVER!! What a great, great, great idea!!! With a rosebud and a special drawing AND personalized hand written inscription! wow! wow! wow!
I am sure all of the girlfriends echoed the same excited squeal as me!
… you sure are the best, Susan Branch… ♥
So lovely! I’m glad you mentioned that B. Potter was a natural scientist. There was wonderful exhibit at the Smithsonian (a special anniversary) a few years back that show cased her work as a scientist (it also included all the cuteness of her characters too, of course). A woman before her time and a woman of substance. Did her home also show case her scientific work? Those roses look like the ones pictured it my “Martha Stewart’s Gardening” book (month by month). I think it’s called “Alchymist.” Just trying.
Happy Summer, Susan and Girlfriends! I’m so glad we went to Hill Top Farm again. And I’m quite sure that Beatrix would have wanted you to have those flowers.
Susan…you have made this trip the BEST armchair travel I have EVER experienced…a few times a day, I have checked to see if there was a new entry…it has truly been my favorite summer read…and it has ignited the desire (once again!) to get to England! I am truly without excuse, as I have friends who live in London!!!…Thank you for being you, and for sharing you, and yours, and your passions!!!
Susan,
I have really enjoyed the photos and stories of your trip. A true escape.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for the beautiful tour of England. You are such a tallented
artist & photographer. Miss Potter’s books are so special and bring back so many memories of when my daughter was little. I read them to her so many times. I would adore having a copy of the special book.
Enjoyed “traveling” to England with you and Joe, Susan! Am collecting B/P figurines now too!
Teresa
Really enjoyed your trip! Thanks for taking us along and happy you’re home safe and sound. What a great idea with the roses pressed in the books!!!
Thanks so much, Susan, for sharing your trip. Going to see Hilltop is on my “top 10” list! I went to England once when I was in college but didn’t get over there. I want to go back (as a grown-up) and see everything else I missed. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts so much!
I doubt I have a chance to win but if I don’t try…… I visited Hill Top Farm in 2009 and loved every moment. An enchanting place, thank goodness it has been preserved!!!
Thank you for bringing back our love and history of Peter Rabbit and Beatrice Potter, esp to my daughters. They are reading and exploring at the library to find all the books, to read about his adventures and of his friends. Love that you took a rose to dry for yourself, I think she wouldn’t of mined a bit. Who else has a Peter Rabbit room in their house? I hope your enjoyed your sandwich, they are so good, especially at this time of year.
By the way Emily say to give Jack a hug from her today! She missed seeing him while you were gone, but she loved the lambs.
OK, consider it done, he’s right here!
You took me to England which I have never visited and now the ultimate!! This book is a treasure! I have searched high and low here on the central CA coast for Potter items. The tiny set of her books now grace our guest bedroom just in case a guest needs some night time reading. Thank you very much for your blog and especially the trip. The photos have been glorious!
Sue, You are so lucky. Beatrix Potter is my favorite illustrator and I dream of one day going to England her the Lake District. Thanks for sharing it all.
Thank you!
Someday I dream of going to the same places and visiting the farm where B.Potter wrote her wonderful books. Thanks to your blog I know how to get there. (I don’t fly) This fabulous little book would be the perfect addition to my Peter Rabbit Room. With fingers crossed……..
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip with us. While you were away in England, I was enjoying MY trip of a lifetime in Italy. Imagine my delight when I was able to access your blog from my fabulous hotel (The Monna Lisa) in Florence!! As a first grade teacher (who does a unit on Beatrix Potter each Spring) I especially enjoyed that part of your adventure.
Our first child, Elizabeth, had a Peter Rabbitt nursery. We have always loved the books, the tea sets, Christmas ornaments, everything Beatrix Potter. Even today we all say “here we go-lippity,lippity ” when going on a trip. Such happy memories, such a happy place. Thanks for sharing your trip, and your life with us.
Dear Susan, My best friend in seventh grade was British, and I am still quite an Anglophile. Beatrix Potter inspires me, too!
Yay! Another trip to Hill Top Farm! I can just picture Peter Rabbit in that garden, can’t you? Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail – such wonderful memories from my childhood. Thank you again, Susan, for bringing back such precious memories for me.
Hi Susan, I enjoyed following your trip to England,always wanted to go there,but this was the next best thing!! Loved all the pictures of Beatrix Potter’s house,and enjoyed all your funny comments. You always brighten up my day,and I so look forward to your new journal from England! Have a wonderful Summer!
Thank you for this post…I love Beatrix Potter. It has been wonderful to see England through your eyes and words.
Susan, SUCH a treasure to mark your incredible trip to Hill Top Farm! I’ve long dreamed of visiting such places ~ my fondest wishes have been (somewhat) fulfilled after traveling (albeit vicariously) with you on your amazing journey! It would be a real blessing to receive such a thoughtful memento of your wondrous adventure! Welcome Home!
That book is such a treasure! I have so enjoyed traveling to England through your blog. I even got a Beatrix Potter book from the library and rented Miss Potter. Thank you again for your travel log and a chance to win that wonderful prize!!
What a wonderful trip to England! Thanks so much for taking us all along. How I would love to go in person someday!! It has been a dream of mine for a long time. I don’t know if I’ll ever get there, but I feel I’ve been there with you. And what a joy it was!
How thrilled I would be if I were to win the Beatrix Potter book and the rosebud from her garden as well. Thank you for your wonderful way of sharing.
Loved the wonderful trip to England. Would love to go someday. Thanks for the great little book giveaway.
Thank you for sharing your trip with us, it looked like so much fun! I have always loved Beatrix Potter too and now I get to share her wonderful stories with my little girl, who especially loves The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher! This giveaway will definitely be a true treasure for anyone who enjoys them as well!
We planted lavender for the first time ever this year–it’s doing well, and I hope to have enough to fill a wee organza bag with the wonderfully fragrant dried blossoms. I love your dried-flowers-in-a-book idea. I’ve been tucking special ones in each book of my Gladys Taber collection 🙂
I have so enjoyed reading EVERY post about all your English adventures! Your writing and photos make me feel as if I were there. YOU are the modern day Beatrix Potter – just as endearing as she was. You capture the little things in life that bring a smile – just like she did. Thanks for the joy you bring!!
As for the book…THE BOOK! Oh MY – I can’t imagine owning that treasure, but someone special will. How sweet of you to think of it – a special giveaway like that. WOWSA!! You are one-of-a-kind, Susan Branch (and so are you, Joe!)
What a sweet idea for a give away and thank you again for thinking of us on your special trip. I have some photos of my daughters (3 and 5 yrs. old) in Beatrix Potter’s vegetable garden on a similar rainy day. The Lake District is wonderful in all kinds of weather.
Susan, you are very kind to share such a wonderful and beautiful adventure to England with us. My mom has always wanted to visit there and absolutely loves Beatrix Potter, which explains why I grew up with a special tea set, every single book, and even a video that I remember.
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for the glorious post this morning!! I just love it when I get to visit your blog. Thanks for sharing all of your England trip with all of us. I had a lovely time with you and Joe!! I am so glad you both made it home safely. I love the fact that you “borrowed” a rose for your book. Tee Hee 🙂 Have a wonderful day!! GOD Bless!! Love and Hugs, Tricia B. XOXO
Oh, joy joy……thanks for allowing me to live this dream trip along with you and your husband! I love to watch my Miss Potter movie while I’m painting in my studio room and will probably have to replace it soon. Your photos and narration have made this come to life for me. Thanks for being so generous in sharing this little book with the lucky winner. I’m crossing my fingers, toes, and legs. Hugs!
I must be dreaming. Can’t believe I might be the one to have in my hands THE book of a life time. Humble thanks for the opportunity and giving us a tour of wonderful England.
Charmayne
Like you Susan, I walk away from something on a trip and think about an item I wanted and “dream” about it! Should have purchased it in the first place!!! Right?! So lucky you were able to return to Hill Top and find the treasured books just waiting for you to pick up! What a super chance to receive such a book! Hope, hope, hope… I’ll keep my fingers crossed!!!
Forgot to ask, how is a bee squidgy in lavender? I grow lavender and must watch closer for this antic or????? Is it a sweet saying the English have or
your own? Either way, fun. Thanks again for all you give to us! :>)oxoxo
Blessings—
Carolyn
It means comfy or soft, yes, new word from England for the glossary in the Diary!
a glossary for your diary!! what a fabulous idea! I can’t wait for (hopefully) Christmas when it comes out.
I am having so much fun with it!
Wow! What a lovely surprise! I’d love to win this book. It would be a precious possession that I would never give away. Thanks for the chance to win one of Potter’s books. Katharine
OMG Such Thoughfulness… I would love to add this lovely book to my small collection of Beatrix Potter.
Hugs to you…….
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for the wonderful trip to England! I loved every bit of it from the anticipation, to the incredible beauty of the countryside, and even the return itself because I too know what it is like to be heafed to the fell. I was so lucky to be taking the trip with my cozy cat Willow snuggled in beside me. Thanks for sharing. Though we have never met it feels like we are old friends. My life is happier and more beautiful for getting to know you through your blog.
Thank you so much for this post. I needed another taste of England, and this did the trick. What could be better than another morsel of Beatrix Potter? I’ve been reading her stories to my neighbors’ 5-year-old twins to their delight. Recently, a momma duck and poppa duck have taken up residence with a nest hidden somewhere nearby. We named the female Jemima of course, and then decided the male should be Oliver to keep with our English theme. Not sure who is having more fun – me or the 5-year-olds!
Wow. What a treasure that would be. Your generous spirit keeps shining through with every post! I watched my dvd of “Miss Potter” again while you were in England to keep the scenes fresh in my mind so i could follow along with you. It touches me more deeply with every viewing. I also wondered if you were planning to offer the Emma Bridgewater mug of the Diamond Jubilee with the ships flotilla on it in your web store? My daughter loves the bunting on the inside rim of the cup and I wanted to order one for her. Thanks, as always, for sharing! Blessings!
What a trip of a lifetime!!! Thanks for sharing. All your ideas inspire me and open new interests. Thanks
So exciting, this possibility of having a numbered original Book all the way from England that traveled with you home. You picked such a good summer to take us to England with the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympics. I have sooo enjoyed the country side and all the local and historic tours you have given us and I’m looking forward to “The Rest of the Story”.
“Whaaaaat!?” I said to myself as I leisurely read the last few sentences of this blog entry. So, I reread the give away again s-l-o-w-l-y and still couldn’t believe the offer but, of course, I do because I know that you wouldn’t lie to us. My next thought was “How fun is that … exclamatory mark + question mark, times a hundred.” Usually I don’t comment on blogs but I am on this one. I’m throwing my hat into the ring!
Yay Karen!
OMG!!! I am thrilled you are giving this giveaway! I can’t imagine how excited and thrilled I would be to win this out of this world prize. I follow your blog but don’t often comment but have adored your posts of your trip and glad you are still doing them. I felt a bit deflated when you were on your way home to MV but I can always start reading your posts from the beginning too!
Thank you Susan for being such a dear heart.
Lynnie
Had such a wonderful time with you in the lake district, so sweet of you to share this…
Who knew? when I picked up a book (in Pleasanton, CA) called ‘Heart of the Home’ many years ago, that I would hear the name Susan Branch and wonder who is this lady? Who knew? that she would leave such an impression on me and I would become such a fan/follower? Who knew? that through her travels, she would take me along to England and introduce me to so many treasures? (as well as music, movies, books, gardens, history, and such beautiful pictures) And now, she is giving away a treasure to one of us GF’s.!!
Thank you Susan, for being such a bright star in a world full of wonderment!
and for taking us GF’s along on your journey.. 🙂 🙂 🙂
SO happy you have come along too Barb!!
Susan, thank you for reminding me how lovely it is to be in England! And for bringing Beatrix Potter back with you! My husband, daughter and I are hoping to go to back next month, provided that he gets the all clear from his doctor to fly after having stents put in to his heart. We have long affinity with the Mother Country and Ms. Potter — it was there we went on our honeymoon and, when our daughter was born, it was Beatrix’s illustrations, books and stuffed animal facsimiles that that filled the walls and the bureau tops. She still has the Jemima Puddle Duck music box we bought when she was just a few weeks old!
Lovely photos and journaling from you — thanks again for sharing!
Fingers crossed for the all-clear! Have fun Michelle!
Nothing could be more special than you and Beatrix in the same book! XOXO dear Sue!
Well-said, Janie… my thoughts as well. :>)
Oh Susan, Hill Top Farm is even more lovelier in the rain! I can even smell it! Anticipating that precious one-of-a-kind book is going to one of us girlfriends is just the most amazing gesture of generosity. All of this and more . . . do you know just how special you are to each of us? You have opened an entire world to me and so many. I am truly grateful and humbled by your constant thoughtfulness. Thank you~you are a love!
I agree 100%!! Susan, you are the most generous person!
Carol M
Hi Susan, “Violets are purple, roses are pink, don’t you know it, I’m not a poet I think.” Have a great day!
Years ago we arrived at Hilltop Farm on a rainy day only to find that this was the one day a week when the house was closed for cleaning. We did walk around the garden, imagining that Peter Rabbit was just hidden in the hedgerow. On our drive through the countryside, we stopped for a lunch at a little pub where we watched a stream pouring down out of the hills. Another couple came in, sat at a table near us and said, “Nasty day, what.” We totally agreed and had a lovely chat as we ate our toast points and salmon pate. thank you for sharing your trip with all of us. And I look forward to being able to read your English Journal when you publish it!
Oh, Susan….what a fabulous surprise! Yes, yes, yes….please enter me in the drawing! I’m keeping my fingers, toes and eyes crossed and Max kitty who is sitting in my lap right now is crossing his paws, too. Can’t hurt, right? 🙂 Thanks for taking us along on this wonderful journey…I have loved every moment!
Susan, you are the nicest person!!! You not only answer your blogs, you give such wonderful things to us! Im so glad there are people like you in this world! Were all so busy at times we do forget the small stuff!! But you are always there to remind us!! Your a Godsent in this world we live in! You’ll always will be remembered in furture generations!! 🙂
Hi Susan. I felt like I was right there in the garden with you, checking for traces of Peter and smelling the roses! The book is absolutely delightful, with its handstitching and story in Beatrice’s own hand. Thank you for bringing me along.
Dear Susan, I so enjoyed the trip to England with you and have my own Peter Rabbit room for the Grandkids to sleep in when they visit. I see the date inscribed on “the book” is June 7th…my 65th Birthday! Hmmm.
I know there’s not a chance in the world of me winning that book, but it’s fun to hope. And spending a rainy day at Hill Top Farm would be a dream come true. Thanks for sharing your adventures, Susan Branch. Love from Danville, VA.
You were able to visit England?!? How wonderful! I am so happy you were able to enjoy the cottages and the beauty of the landscape there. And you were able to visit Beatrix Potter’s home….awesome. You are one gifted illustrator with a wonderful sense of humor. My first born’s baby book is your “Baby Love” baby book. I bought it right after my husband and I decided to start trying…even before I was pregnant. Thank you for being on my bookshelf (along with some of your cookbooks) for many years! Keep those creative, darling illustrations coming, Miss Susan!
Dear Susan:
The trip to England with you was AWESOME! I thoroughly enjoyed it as I know all the girlfriends did. You did a wonderful job with the photos & details of all the places we saw. Now. . .I am so excited! I have been reading Beatrix Potter since I was a child–the book giveaway is delicious. Love button! Thanks for all you do for all of us. Hugs,
Debbie Ann
Dear Friend,
You are too, too much! I have long collected bits and pieces of England to connect me with this magical place. Beatrix Potter, Jane Austin, Charlotte Bronte, authors, poets, Queens and cookbooks all gather on bookshelves throughout my home to celebrate my affection for them. But now my dream to tour England and wander all over the gardens and homes of my favorite spots has finally come true thanks to your great adventure this summer! Your photographs and narrative took me right along side of you and I truly loved every step of the way. These people and places touch my heart and I am reminded agian why they bring me such happiness. It is impossible to say how much I love you for including me in all the fun! I thank you for your tender heart, your joyful spirit, your colorful expression of lifes sweetest pleasures and your the thoughtful touches you bring to my life!
Love to you and all the family,
Debbie
What a sweet time it’s been following your trip. I enjoyed every minute and it’s been much easier than getting my old bones to cover the same mileage as you have done. Thank you Susan for your sweet heart.
Your blog on your trip to England was better than Calgon for ” taking me away”!
Choose me, Choose me!!!
Your trip to England has been such a lovely vicarious trip for me. I don’t know if I will ever get there but your trip has made it so real to me. I have been crazy about Beatrix Potter for years and read everything I can find about her. Seeing you pictures and her home through your eyes was great. You always make me smile and see the best in the everyday.
I have so enjoyed living the trip through you and Joe, was just wonderful. I hope we see a book by you about this trip…. the next best thing to going my self! Thank you so much for sharing!
Oh Susan – you do realize that people will be making the pilgrimage to your lovely place in MV in another 100 (?) years or so? They will be secretly plucking flowers from your gardens to press and looking lovingly at your Peter Rabbit/Potter room (love that room – when can I come? lol)… you are an inspiration and I have loved your blog/trip through England. Felt like I was there with you and Joe (Petey, lambs & bunnies too). I have an added new love thanks to your trip – Cath Kidston. Yay!
I didn’t make it to Beatrix Potter house when we traveled through the Lake District for our honeymoon 10 years ago, but you definitely ‘captured’ what I love about the English countryside! Thank you, thank you for being that spot of sunshine in the world. 🙂
Oh what a wonderful virtual trip to hill top farm!!! You have already given such a wonderful gift just by sharing this wonderful trip with us!!! Now the possibility of winning such a treasure!! What a beautiful bright spot you are in my day! I hope to one day see hill top farm myself, but if not this was definitely the next best!! Thank you so much!
Oh! I also love BP so much! I had a BP room for my son when he was born. It was lovely. He is now 20. I still have all of the lovely books and prints. Thank you for taking us along on your delightful journey! I hope whoever receives the book enjoys it as much as you do!
How wonderful all your England posts have been! Thank you for sharing, it is so very kind of you to think of all of us as you experienced England. Now we’ve had the privilege to experience it too! What a treasure that book will be to someone! Blessings to you Susan!
Susan,
I believe Beatrix Potter and you have something in common. I see it in your beautiful writing. Two very talented women for two different eras! I can visualize you sticking your treasure in your pocket. If I was there with you I am sure we would have shared a innocent smile and giggle…. there always needs to be those little things that makes it ever so much more special! The book will be a forever treasure. Best wishes to the lucky new owner… Oh if it could only be me.
I am loving the little remberences of “our” trip through England and especially to Hill Top. What a lovely momento of our trip. I giggle with joy for the person who will be able to include this in her library!
Thanks for the return trip to Hill Top and for braving wet shoes for a peek into Peter Rabbit’s garden. I’ve always wondered what “cabbage roses” are — now I know!…beautiful. I’m amazed how similar the window, surrounded by the roses, with Union Jack’s waving, reminds me of the window my friend and I sat at in the Huntington Museum, CA, for high-tea. It brings back happy memories…gardens are always lovely, whether on the Pacific coast or across the pond.
So glad you’re back on the Vineyard — safe and sound! I would love to win the Beatrix Potter book — looking forward to seeing my name there! :o)
JoAnne from New Jersey
This one more visit to Hilltop has been so sweet. Thank you for showing us around again. What a magical place!
Susan,
You have just brightened my day. Another trip back to Beatrix Potter’s House what a wonderful surprise. I can remember my mother reading to me all about Peter Rabbit and the wonderful adventures he encountered. Wonderful times that help to teach you to dream! Thank you for this adventure. It has been full of lovely surprises and the knowledge that sometimes….dreams do come true….if we only believe.
Cindy
You didn’t steal a rosebud, you were thinning. You know, so the other buds would open more fully and be a great show for the next visitors!
Thinning! That’s right! Helping out!
Your trip must have been beyond belief! Beatrix Potter is a treasure to be shared forever.
I would love to be included in the drawing – what a wonderful giveaway.
I have visited northern England a number of times, but have only been to the Lake District once; I love that part of the country (what’s not to love?)
I love the Beatrix Potter books – I have a number of them saved from when my daughter was a young child; I also have a few stuffed Peter Rabbits, and a couple of the dessert plates – this book would be a wonderful addition to my collection.
Thank you for taking us along on your journey! Was SO fun to see everything through your eyes! The Beatrix Potter book is the sweetest little book EVER!
Thank you so much for the trip to England and stretching out the joy still yet! I would love for the Beatrix Potter book to enchant my grandchildren and thank you for the chance.
What a wonderful means of “visiting Hill Top Farm–via YOU, Susan! There’s just a serious charm to Beatrix’s work, if you know what I mean! Not fluff & stuff, but *charm*. I’d love to win, and I enjoyed the visit!
Hugs, Heidi
Dear Susan, I have enjoyed so much every moment of reading your blog about your English trip! Even as we sweltered through the days of 100+ in St.Louis recently, I could escape each day to the cool, showery spots you described (and also the gloriously sunny ones). I, too, have been a Beatrix Potter fan forever, reading many books about her – as well as all of her writings, many times. As I’m also a great fan of the English Romantic poets (always one of my favorite units to teach…), the Lake District sounds like sheer heaven, and I delighted in every one of your posts. Yes, yes, please enter my name in the giveaway of this Beatrix Potter treasure! And thank you again for all of your blog posts, whether from England or your island home. Happy Summer to you!
Hi – I’ve been following your trip every step – how I would love to get there myself. Especially to step through the garden gate at Hill Top and just sit myself down in the vegetable patch til totally soaked in!! I’ve been a life-long B Potter fan (and I’m 75!!) – my niece is as addicted as I am; I have made her a Peter Rabbit quilt for her birthday (squares cut from the panel that is sold to make a soft book for children). Peter, Benjamin, Mrs. Tiggy Winkle and Jeremy Fisher would treasure a little book of their very own.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us all – what a gift!
What a treasure you have brought back! And, how wonderful of you to share with us. 🙂
Absolutely love your masterful words and the way you make the moments of life sweeter for us all…thanks so much for sharing your travels and adventures!!
I have loved every word from your trip to England, and taking a cruise there has become tops on my bucket list now!! You have a God-given gift, being able to transport, through words, a bevy of Girlfriends to England with you!! Yay, Susie!! We love you!
I should have known that you would be inclined to pinch a flower to remember the day as I would have, too, and that is what kindred spirits do! Thanks to your perfect recollections, I feel as though I have been in Beatrix Potter’s garden, too, and felt the soft rain, placed the book on the stone fence to soak up abit of the moment. Thank you for sharing this beautiful memory with us! I would be honored to receive the book, so please do enter me in your drawing!
And, yes, I would have grinned watching you balance all to take the photos. : )
Tip for the day: Holding the handle under your chin really doesn’t work! 🙂
I learned that by trial and error when attempting to take photos in the rain, Susan — I’m so glad you said that! Now I know I’m not the only one to try the impossible in ho pes it just MIGHT actually work!
I bet anything, I will try it again, and yet, I do know, it won’t work!
I have loved, loved, loved being able to experience this amazing trip through your pictures and words….thank you for letting us take part in your sojourn. I don’t know that I would ever get to see such magnificent places and spaces otherwise.:) I feel as though I have really been there, thanks again!
When a great adventure is offered, you don’t refuse it. ~Amelia Earhart
I don’t refuse it, I just log on to my favorite blog and away I go!:)
Peace and Love!
Thank you so much for the photos. Just got your Autumn Cookbook from the library. Even though it’s summer, I loved going through it.
Gets you in the mood for those falling leaves! 🙂
good morning susan, good morning everyone. oh i love beeskeps and lavendar, trying to grow some here, but its not doing very well right now, needs a bit of that potter magic i think!!!! those are definitely cabbage roses, my grnama had some growing on the side of her house and it was a wonderful fragrance in the summer, she had red ones, and pink ones, and boy did the bees love it in there. may try to raise bees here, love fresh honey and since it has gotten so pricey in the stores, may raise some bees and have my own honey to enjoy and sell what i don’t use. off to hang the laundry on the line and get it dry and tend to the gardens and chickens, they both need watering and feeding today. have a wonderful summer day everyone. hugs,……… 🙂
oops meant grandma, new computer and i’m getting used to it!!! how embarrassing!!! ( blushing) hugs….. 🙂
Oh my goodness! You can’t even imagine how my heart skipped a beat as I read of your adventure and then realized the prized possession you were so graciously going to give someone. Peter has been a part of family for the past 25 years when my daughter was born. I have been reading this precious tale to her since she first made her debut to the outside world and it is truly her favorite book. She has a new copy that she keeps with her and I have that old, slightly torn used version that anytime I see it, takes me back to long, sweet nights rocking my baby and reading all about Peter’s troubles. Having just graduated with her Masters Degree and on her way to France for the summer I would absolutely LOVE to give her this precious, precious treasure. Oh, how special that would be. I know it’s random . . . so maybe a healthy bit of luck will rub off on me! Thank you so very much!
Dear Susan,
Thankyou for sharing your wonderful trip to Hill Top and Beatrix Potter’s world. I have dreamed about many travels to England and its country side, but have never been able to. Through your wonderful trip I felt like I was right by your side, taking it all in and able to enjoy so much. I have enjoyed Beatrix Potter’s writings also, through some of her books that I have collected and of course the set of little story books. Thankyou for bringing joy to my heart and wonderful eye sight into the pleasure of seeing ,through your experience of travel. May your teapot overflow with many blessings. Thankyou
I love everything Susan Branch and Beatrix Potter! This book would be for “Nana’s Grandbabies” whom I can.read the story to time and time again!
Thank you Susan for bringing the house to life for us!
You paint such lovely word pictures. Thank you!
Beyond imagining this book. Thinking back to reading Beatrix Potter to my babies. My son even mentioned it in his commencement speech when he graduated from high school – how his mother read him Beatrix Potter to him. She has far reaching influence. (as do you!)
Good Morning!
Thank you so much for sharing your stroll through the Beatrix Potter’s Garden! I can smell the clean fresh air and the smell of the pink roses was delicate and sweet! The bee skeps are fascinating! It’s all so beautiful!
Enjoy the rest of your week =)
OH my GOODNESS! This is a great contest you are holding! I have been a fan of Beatrix Potter my whole life. My very special godmother gave me on each special occasion growing up, one of the books from the whole series. She also wrote a very dear note inside each book. Those are my treasures, and I would add this to them and treasure it very dearly!
Your blog of your trip has been so enticing. I love Beatrice Potter and your visit to her home make me so jealous. What an inspirational place for her to have to create her fabulous books. Thanks so very much for sharing.
Squeeeelllll! Gives me goose bumps.