Hi Everyone! How are you? We are home safe and sound, and happy, so happy to be here. Here are just a few photos of our family reunion at Vallecito Lake, “a beautiful spot, surrounded in tall pines, sheltered in a secluded mountain valley” at 8,000 feet, just outside of Durango, Colorado, and more proof that . . .
This was the moon-set at 5 am across the lake the morning we drove away, all packed up and heading back for the train and home. Stopped in the dark, tires in gravel, in the cool mountain air, with lake lapping on shore, for this photo of paradise.
Here’s just one of the jillions of group photos we took . . . My fandamly, not all, but lots. The kind of fandamly that likes to stand in freezing water. Note who’s not in picture.
My nephew Ben, arriving with the “equipment.”
In this very lovely, spiritual place which has been a gathering place for us for years . . . ever since my brother Jim moved here years ago . . . the lake is surrounded in wildflowers . . .
Where we did what we always do, we ate, we told stories, we sang . . . this is my brother Chuck dancing with my niece Heidi, daughter of my other brother Brad, at the campground. Chuck sang too, songs he wrote ~ one of my favorites that I requested so I could record it for you ~ is a sad song called “To Be a Man” (not about my dad) . . . want to hear it? Listen close to the words . . .
And lucky me . . . these are the three “kids” that Joe and I took to England and Paris on the Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2001, when, from left, Heidi was 11, Holly was 12, and Matty was 18. That’s Auntie Mame in the middle there, basking.
More wonderful moments than I can tell . . . Shelly’s twins, Paden and Mason, and my great nephews, Ben’s boys, Wyler and Beckett.
Mas Musica? Something old, something wonderful . . .
This was our cabin with the screened in porch … at Croll Cabins, right next to 5 Branches campsites … perfect for a family reunion ~ you could have a cabin, or set up a tent, or bring your camper, park next to the lake, and walk to each other’s places. It was heaven.
More wildflowers in the campground.
And now, before we talk about an important birthday celebration, and have a new giveaway ~ I just want to say thank you . . . your 900 comments in the last post were so beautiful!💛 When I was sad and missing my dear Dad, Jack to some, Blog Daddy to many, but John Patrick Stewart, Jr. in real life, all I had to do was read your words, filled with comforting, loving, life affirmations and I felt so much better! My dad would have loved them too. 💕 He so enjoyed reading your comments.
T H A N K Y O U
And now, here’s Joe . . . bringing in the cake . . . because we want to extend heartfelt
T O
. . . who would be 150 years old on July 28 . . . wouldn’t she love to know how many wonderful events are taking place this year in her memory! (Actually, I think she would feel humbled by it.) But I want to add my own respects and admiration to the many voices (you can read some of them at the Beatrix Potter Society, and become a member like me! They send the most wonderful newsletters, both online and in the mail, and there’s more information about the celebrations HERE and HERE and good shopping for BP stuff, HERE), and it all keeps coming. Because she was truly something else.
As most of you know . . . I took a trip to see Beatrix’s famous Hilltop Farm a while back, something I’d wanted to do for many years. And it was everything I’d hoped it would be, filled with the little bits of her life that she saved just for us, so that someday we could go there and be in the presence of magic.
Most everyone knows about her “little bunny books” and that they are the best selling children’s books of all time . . . and that they started with her illustrated letters like this one below that she wrote to the children of her former governess . . .
Many words have been written, both by her and even more, ABOUT her including a wonderful movie I know you would love, Miss Potter (if you haven’t already seen it). 👏 But her charming books are only the beginning of what made Beatrix so very special.
Before she ever wrote a book, Beatrix was a serious scientist whose discoveries were summarily dismissed by the scientific community, simply because she was a woman ~ this was Victorian England where women were not supposed to be scientists (or much of anything else). Her scientific discoveries were a fascinating part of her story ~ she discovered something which is still viable today, but the loss to the scientific world was nothing compared to what she was able to offer through her creative love of nature to the imaginations of children the world over, when she picked herself up, dusted herself off, and self-published her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. And the rest is history herstory.
Because the story didn’t end at that misogynistic defeat, nor even at the glorious success of her books, she was just beginning to find her true place where she would leave her real legacy. When she lost her first love, she was inspired to buy a small farm in the Lake District of northern England, a place she’d been drawn to since she was a child. And, not long after, she left book writing behind her and found a new passion in farming and raising sheep, preserving a breed that was almost extinct. She loved the old ways and bought her 
furniture for Hilltop at barn sales and auctions. She hand-embroidered her own bed coverings and never put electricity in her house, so you can just imagine the quiet sounds of birdsong and wind and snow fall and teacup-in-saucer noises that she spent her life enjoying. And she took her bunny-book money and bought 14 farms and over 4,000 acres of the Lake District to keep them from the greedy hands of developers. 👏 And she helped to start the National Trust. She married late and was happy with her husband for 30 years. If you’d like to read more about Beatrix Potter, try the wonderful biography by Linda Lear, Beatrix Potter, the Extraordinary Life of a Victorian Genius. 
Beatrix saved this land for forever enjoyment because she was far-thinking, not just thinking about today, but thinking about forever. She was ahead of her time, and 
This is her little town of Far Sawrey in the Lake District where she made her home with her husband in that house on the far right of this photo. When you walk there, you walk where she walked, and really, nothing much has changed. I can’t wait to go back. Just to breathe that rarified air.
We’re going in the fall and I can’t wait to see the colors. . . we’ve only been in the springtime ….
Some of us discover Beatrix through her books, some learn about her through the National Trust, but I came to her through her little figurines, my “Beatrix Potter people,” which I found in my early 20s and have been in every place I’ve lived since then ~ I fell in love with the colors and the charm of her little critters, beautifully made in Beswick, England in the 40s and 50s.
Her life, once I learned about the things she did, as been an inspiration for me. I would love to do what she did. And all those wonderful animal figurines but, surprisingly, no lambs! So I painted this one in her honor.
And these are my People . . . some of them, there are more in other parts of the house, (and more in our webstore that I gathered as we drove across country) this is a gathering of the minds. They are coming together to have a little tea party to celebrate Beatrix. They made a cake . . .
for a Tea Party in honor of Beatrix Potter . . .
Try one of my favorite Tea Cakes EVER! Invite someone to tea, and make a little toast to Beatrix.
I’ve promised you this recipe for a long time, and now you have it, here and I also put it in my new, revised and expanded, 30th Anniversary edition of Heart of the Home, just out and available only here on my website and in some (actually any) independent bookstores (who contact us) until September.
It’s even more delicious than it looks!
Yum, Happy Birthday dear Beatrix! And also, in her honor, and in yours, a little giveaway … this wonderful little book . . .
Filled with descriptions of the woodland walks through the place Beatrix loved so much . . .
This useful book is filled with Beatrix’s charming color prints . . .
And lots of photos . . . it’s a great help for making plans for the next time you go . . . like a little dream book . . . I had one when we went and we followed the directions and the walks were wonderful…
I signed the book and will personalize it to whoever wins this drawing . . . all you have to do is leave a comment at the end of this post and you will be entered, and in a few days we’ll get “Vanna” to draw the winning name, and I hope it’s YOURS 💖. . . but that’s not all …
Oh, yeah, Jemima Puddleduck wants to come too . . . .
This lovely old 1948 edition, the very first Beatrix Potter Person I ever bought, way back in the 1970s.
She stands tall and proud and perfectly dressed. We’ll do the drawing after I get back from Cape Cod where I’m going on Thursday, on Beatrix Potter’s actual birthday, to celebrate her life at the Brewster Ladies Library with the Beatrix Potter Society and 400 like-minded Girlfriends where I will be reading the story of my first trip to Hilltop from my book and signing A Fine Romance Falling in Love with the English Countryside. So excited! And humbled. and thrilled. And will probably cry.
That makes sense to me. Thank goodness there are so many.💛
Hello you adorable thing. . . if anyone will be on the Island on the 25th of August, I’ll be doing my last talk and signing in the USA (for this year) for Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, for the Aquinnah Library at the Old Town Hall in Aquinnah at 5 pm. 📚 It’s free, so you would just show up and voila!
THANK YOU GIRLFRIENDS. For everything. Have the most wonderful day! XOXO 💚 Love you!
Hi Susan – Its Julie Child – last visited with you in Danville CA – of course you remember me (haha). I just KNOW I will be the winner of the very special Beatrix Potter treasures!! Loved all you family pictures at the lake. What a wonderful time you all must have together – so many of you – great great fun. You know Blog Daddy was smiling down on all of you and so happy you were together and loving eachother’s company. Anywhooooo- its going to be 112 degrees in Sacramento today – so will be thinking of you staying cool there in beautiful Martha’s Vineyard.
Thank you so much for your wonderful letters!
would sure love to win one of your giveaways! thanks though for all the wonderful posts. just love your writing and descriptions .
patti
Hello Susan, I just wanted to tell you I Love your Blog and I am a big Fan also wanted to tell you that my Daughter and I came to visit Martha’s Vineyard on July 16th and we stayed till July 19th we absolutely fell in Love with Martha’s Vineyard we stayed in Vineyard Haven rented a car a traveled around the Island we had a lovely time and i cant wait to come back again, we landed at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport, I even bought your Book Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams at the Bookstore in Edgartown and cant wait to start reading it…Karen Seward Oceanside, Long Island, New York…
SO happy you had fun!!! Lovely place for lovely people!
I honestly can’t stop thinking about that inflatable swan in the back of that pickup truck! Loved seeing all the latest photos and would love seeing Jemima sitting on my corner kitchen shelf quacking at me while I’m doing dishes. Have a very happy day!!
Hi Susan,
Good to hear from you again. I’m glad our comments made you feel a bit better. We’re going to Scotland in the fall as well, I’m still hoping to run into you 🙂 How’s the weather on Martha’s? Not too hot?
Hotter than hell, excuse my French. I melt in humidity. But it started raining a few minutes ago and there’s always hope it will swoosh the heat and humidity away. I note Beatrix Potter is never in a summer frock in her photos, I need to go live in a country that has no summer frocks!
Oh dear! We have had a few warm weeks, but not as hot as in the USA, thank goodness! People in the Netherlands don’t usually have a/c. It is cooler now, but still pleasant enough to wear a summer frock 🙂 I am happy it is cooler. I don’t like very warm/hot weather either! But at least you live in snow country. Every winter it is a surprise whether we get to see a few snow flakes 🙁
We were just talking how when I moved here (1982), and really, until well after the turn of the century, we never had air conditioning in our houses or cars on the Island. But we sure do now! We do pretty well on snow here though. I would always think of the Netherlands as a very snowy place where Santa Claus would be happy to make his home . . .! But I guess not so much these days!
So wonderful to see you enjoying your family and in such a wonderful and beautiful state. A wonderful post and i would be so honored to have the book and Miss Jimina come live with me. Another wonderful post. Judy. C
I’m not sure my last comment posted as the blog was messed up. So I’m commenting again in case. I’d say welcome home but I see you’re going off island again today. Hope to see pictures of the Beatrix Potter celebration. As a kid in the 50 ies my first dog was named Moppsy after one of her characters, so we all have had some connection to her.
Another wonderful post that just made my day! I would love a chance to win the book and Jemima. I love all the characters. I had the books and read them with my son over and over when he was younger. We also watched over and over the VHS set. Now that VHS are obsolete, I wish I could find a DVD set of those tapes, but alas, I have not been successful. Have a wonderful day and I hope Vanna picks ME!!!
Thanks for sharing your scrumptious looking recipe. Can’t wait to try it.
I just wanted to say Thank You for loving Beatrix Potter and all things British as much as I do. And for A Fine Romance Falling in Love with the English Countryside. As I read it, I felt like I was there with you. It is my dream to go there one day but until then, your book can tie me over. Blessings and stay wonderful <3
Dear Susan,
Being at your Montecito book signing was a highlight of my summer and your website always inspires me, thank you.
Shirley
I would love to be drawn for the book. Husband and I were there at her home the same year you were and (in the rain) stood in line to go into her enchanting home. My collection of the figurines is smaller than yours, but equally cherished. I have most of the little books which I read to my children, grandchildren and now give as baby gifts when possible. Even in Oklahoma, I work to have a cottage garden, but gardening here is always challenging. No talent in me to draw or watercolor as she did, but appreciate so much her artistic skills and enduring gifts of land to England. You’ve inspired me to join the B.P. Society!
What a wonderful “Auntie Mame” you must be/have been to the many nieces and nephews! “Peter Rabbit” is the first book I remember being checked out of the library for me when I was small. I can still picture where it was kept on the special children’s shelf. I remember my Mother reading it and laughing with me over Peter’s antics. We checked it out many times; such a favorite! Thank you and Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter!!
Love your blogs, your books and all your drawings, quotes and recipes. I also feel like a longtime (not old) friend. Thank you for your charming friendship. Carol McDermott of Newport Beach, California and Chicago, Illinois
Thank-you kindred spirit-I love all that you do.
My greatest joy on my vacation to Asheville, N.C. was meeting you at Malaprops with my daughter Jacqui and granddaughter Lacey. I have read your book twice now and will be taking it back with me to Florida. As to Beatrix Potter, I used to read those stories to Lacey when she was very little and she could repeat them verbatim. One day I heard her repeating a paragraph from the books and she said 5 coon boons. I couldn’t figure out what she was saying until I realized that she had also listened to the recordings of her stories and was actually repeating “5 current buns” in the accent she heard on the record. Very funny!
I’m looking forward to your trip to England and Scotland, the previous trip was great fun.
Happy to hear from you. So glad your family had a wonderful time in Durango. My son lives in Pagosa Springs. It is truly “God’s country”. It’s pretty hot here in Waco, but we have a cool front today. . . . high of 92.
Thank you for sharing your bits of Heaven with us. Looking forward to more adventures!
Hi Susan first I want to say it was such a thrill to finally meet you after 30 years of being one of your gal pals! (Vroman’s in Pasadena) I was the one who gave you the llama from Peru and you made a joke that I was following you since I was 10! Hah! Anyway you probably don’t remember me but I will never forget you. You lit up the room like a firecracker! You have such a presence in the world is a better place because of you! Your love for life is infectious and your creativity is unending! I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing! I know he was a special and wonderful father as evidenced through his beautiful daughter ! Keep on smiling. Keep on inspiring! Keep on…ps I love the story of Beatrix Potter. Saw the movie . Can’t wait to visit her farm!
Ah, but I do remember you and your little llama and how young you looked! And thank you!!! Have a wonderful day Darlene!!!
I think Beatrice would have liked Hillary❤️
I know she would have been aghast at Mr. Trump. Too much common sense! Loved the earth, people, children, art, spent her life protecting world from developers. xoxo
We’ve been on the Oregon Coast this week (escaping the heat in Washington state). I always think of you at the ocean and try to find as many heart-shaped rocks and shells that I can. So happy you were able to spend time with your family. Sharing memories and love together is some of the best “therapy.” Blessings to you!
Dear Susan, as always it was so good to see the email announcing your post! I’m happy to see that you turned the sadness of your dad’s passing into a joyful family celebration! I do hope to win this book, but if I don’t I’ll locate a copy. Nothing much stops me when I’m on a quest, and Beatrix’s neighborhood is on my “Someday List”. My husband is dying rather slowly and I keep a list of things to do in the happier times ahead.
Have a wonderful summer, can’t wait to hear all about your upcoming trip!
Barbara (the stalker) from Napa
Thinking of you Barbara, sending hugs. xoxo
Barbara-
Reading these posts makes me realize that we are all girlfriends together. In addition to your happier times ahead list, perhaps it might bring you joy to also make a list of all the happy times you shared with your husband. Then, share the list with him. Even if he cannot reply, he is still here and he is listening to you and hopefully smiling, even though it may not show on his face. I hope this suggestion brings you comfort. I read such a list to my Mother as she slowly left me.
Thank you for another heart-warming update. Years ago I bought a book with Beatrix Potter stories and illustrations and later gave it to my young nieces to enjoy. I miss it! Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Hi Susan
You bring so much joy into our lives with your blog and beautiful messages and inspiration
I have all your books. Read them over and over.
Your recipes are always delish.
Can’t wait to see the next blog. Surely you will share some photos of the wonderful tea party for Ms Potter.
I was so happy to meet you on the cape last year and in Asheville this year
Hoping you are enjoying the little painting of the lighthouse my husband did for you. Hope it has a happy spot in your lovely home.
I feel like we are truly kindred spirits.
Looking at your family photos reminds us all
That family is truly our most precious treasure.
Hugs Gail
Hi Sue,
I’m so glad that you had a wonderful time with your family and you could all take the time to celebrate your Dad. What a wonderful memory and you know he was right there with you eating it all up! I am so looking forward to your next trip and all of your posts – what a joy being an armchair traveler with you & Joe.
Take care of you, Sue
So glad you are home safe and sound! Thank you for the recipe – even though it’s in your Anniversary Book – I like having it on paper to protect the beauty and perfection of your cookbook. Isn’t that terrible?!
You really take the cake, you know it?
Thank you for sharing Susan. You have a beautiful family! I’m sure your Dad was there in spirit, smiling the whole time.
Hugs,
Julia
I know he was. Thank you Julia!
Hello Susan from seriously hot South Carolina!!! Oh my, how I long for October, my favorite month!! Please don’t publish this message as it’s not a comment but a question for you. There are so many visually impaired people today and I was wondering if you have ever considered making audio versions of your delightful books? Oh what a blessing it would be. I myself am not visually impaired but I just know in my heart there are people “out there” who are missing out on a wonderful adventure by not being able to read your books. When a book is read aloud by the actual author it tends to come alive to the hearer and I love audio books. I can download them into my mp3 and just go about my daily chores while all the time I am whisked away to another place. Hopefully you will consider this. I know it would take a lot of work on your part but I can promise you they would sell out quickly, me being one customer!! I hope you have a wonderful day Susan and Joe. Sincerely, Sandy
It’s a good comment/question, and I would love to do it, if I have time I will! We do pretty much everything ourselves, Joe and me, Kellee and Sheri . . . it’s not hard to do a recording (I’ve already contacted someone about it), but getting it printed, finding the little envelope to put it in, designing the cover for it, shipping and storing it, getting it up for sale (so we can afford to do the rest of it), that’s the time-consuming part, that also, we’ve never done, so it takes lots of research. But I LOVE the idea, and will truly try!
Thanks Susan. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!!
Happy birthday to B.P.! Her books bring back so many memories of all the years I stayed home to raise my children. SO much reading was done together then. Now, years later, I have two children in their twenties beginning their life’s adventures, number three is heading to the city for University in the fall and the youngest is almost done with high school. sigh. No more reading out loud together. I thought I would share, though, that my husband and I are meeting friends on the Island on Monday for a few days. CANNOT wait. Just beach, sand, walks and relaxation! Thanks for all you do. xoxo
Wonderful to share Beatrice Potter’s birthday with you and all the girlfriends! What a wonderful sister/brotherhood we have! Would love to visit Hilltop! Someday…….
It looks like you have a beautiful day to celebrate Beatrix Potters Birthday!! A 150th birthday party filled with kindred spirits; can you imagine what Beatrix would think? Wow!
A smart woman who faced challenges, with grace, and put a few cracks in the glass ceiling long before we called it by that name!
She touched so many hearts, lived gratefully for the simple things in life and her generosity, preserving the beauty of the countryside… such a gift.
The joy she has given to millions, sparked by her imagination, transcribed into her drawings and writings speaks to generation after generation! What a life…..
Dear Susan, your posts are such spirit-lifters, I thank you. I’m so sorry about your Dad- I still ache for mine. Much love and prayers.
Clare
Wonderful to share BeatrixPotter’s birthday with you and all the girlfriends! What a wonderful sister/brotherhood we have! Would love to visit Hilltop! Someday…….
What a wonderful post! Lake Vallecito is now officially on our list of places to go! We are and have always been a “camping” family and are always looking for new places to visit! Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us! I adore all things “Beatrix Potter,” but have no figurines! It’s on my list of things to keep an eye out for! Have a wonderful birthday celebration for her today!
Thank you dear Susan! It is so good to see your blog posts again. We’ve missed you! We’re enjoying the summer – reading, re-reading, discussing, re-re-reading your wonderful books. It is a girlfriend thing! 🙂 Thanks for all the joy you give us.
While sitting here at the computer, I’m watching the Yellow finishes and also the hummingbird flicker in and out of the garden next to the house. They are such a joy to watch! Just wish that we had Cardinals, but can’t have everything I guess :).
I’m looking forward to the next contest. Having “Walking with Beatrix Potter” and also Jemima Puddleduck would be such a treat! Here’s hoping that Vanna finds my name this time around. BUT, I always am glad for the winner, whoever she is.
A great post Susan and what a lovely family you have. The lakeside camp site looks amazing. Today, I have been watching BBC news about Beatrix Potter’s birthday. There is so much going on around the country to celebrate the day.
Dear Susan,
I too, just lost my Dad in March and my older brother in February of this year. While we try to be strong on the outside, sometimes you need the alone breakdown time. Being with your family is always a great help. I can connect with you on so many levels . I am one of seven children, raised at the same time you and your siblings were. I purchased your first book in 1987, when we moved to a small town in PA. Since then it has been
a friendship blooming. So greatful for your blog, books and website. I have shared you will all of my family and girlfriends. I definitely would love to be in the drawing for the book and Jemima Puddleduck. Thank you. Love all you and Joe do.
Stephanie
I would love to give Jemima Puddleduck a home. The book would be wonderful, also. Thanks so much. Susan, I have a crossstitch/needlepoint of a black and white kitty with pink and white background I would love to get to you. Do I just send it in c/o the postmaster? Jean
This is so ironic. I am reading your post with my little niece and we see the part about a Beatrix Potter tea party. Because of your calendar, we knew that today was her birthday. I took a vacation day and we had our own tea party in honor of her 150th birthday. We used our Peter Rabbit tea set, read a short bio on Beatrix Potter and then we read Peter Rabbit. We are having Peter Rabbit cupcakes later that we made this morning. My daughter, my two nieces and myself made it a “Beatrix Potter/Peter Rabbit” day. Thanks so much, Susan, for all you do and all you share.
P.S. Glad you had a wonderful family reunion. I know you are really missing your dad. I’m sure it was wonderful to get together with all your family and honor his memory.
Much love.
I sure hope I win. What a wonderful way to celebrate!!! Happy Birthday Mrs Potter.
I don’t think I realized that your father passed away. I’m so sorry!
Everything about that post was so lovely! I always enjoy visiting your site. Thanks for all you do!
I enjoyed reading the blog, and I’d be only too thrilled if my name was chosen for the drawing! Thanks 🙂
Happy Birthday Beatrix! I’m hoping I can get my sons to sit with me and enjoy some of her stories today! And thank you, Susan, for your book “Isle of Dreams”. I was able to get it at my library in time to take it with me on my trip to the Oregon coast and reading it was one of the best parts of my time there…I really didn’t want to put it down! You keep inspiring me to be brave and never let go of my dreams! Thank you for that!
I was so delighted to find your latest blog. Isn’t Colorado beautiful?! It’s been my adopted home for 20 years. Love it here!
I’m reading the Beatrice Potter book by Linda Lear now. Delightful! I’m looking forward to reading every word you write about your trip this fall. When I discovered that my ancestors left the area to settle in New England in the 1600s, I had very mixed emotions. I would love to walk in Beatrix Potter’s footsteps. But, that’s not possible, so your experience is as close as I can come. I’m eagerly anticipating every word.
I have been a fan of Peter Rabbit ever since i started teaching 60 yrs.ago. But I only discouvered all the other members of the potter family when I started my association with you. You have opened up my life alot. Thanks for the info.
Oh, pick me, pick me! I went to the Lake District a couple of years ago and stayed and ate everywhere you recommended. Loved Hilltop! My friend and I hiked all over and fell in love with the Lake District. Can’t wait to go back. Can I order the book if by any chance I don’t win?
I do think we have a few left in our webstore . . . or write [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ … and ask either Kellee or Sheri.
Thanks for sharing your joy of Beatrix Potter…. what a Birthday she’s having! Love her stories and on a train ride with my 3 year old (year’s ago) I read Peter Rabbit to him over and over from Columbus OH to West Point NY. Even made his granddaughter a panel of Peter, his Mother, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail and put it in a quilt for her….. and included the little book of Peter Rabbit! We like tradition!
Thank you for the smiles and the balm for my soul.
Your reunion reminds me of camping every summer with my family at Hunting Lake in Sierra National Forest in Central California Sierra Nevada’s. A magical time with nature and family.
Happy Birthday Beatrix💝 Thank you Susan for all you do to keep her memory alive!
She helped (s) me, she could help others, she needs to stick around!
Happy Birthday to Beatrix…I have tried to subscribe to Willard over the years, but I have never received one! But I am still going to try my luck in your generous drawing.
Also, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad.
Peace to you.
There’s one coming in late August. Sign up again please, and make sure your computer doesn’t think they’re spam (check your spam folder) and if you don’t get it this time, tell me again, we’ll try from our side. SO sorry!
Welcome Home!!! So glad that you were able to spend such a special time with you family.
I was so happy to see the blog updated. Looking forward to hearing all about today’s adventures. Happy Birthday, Beatrix Potter
Loved visiting Beatrix’ house. Really liked the slate stone windbreaks around the front doors in the Lake District.
Hi Susan, Thank you for the reunion pictures! A friend, Vern, has that giant swan in his pool!! I had to laugh when I saw your picture. He has pictures of his swan on his phone and he shows people and we all laugh!! lol. The cake looks scrumptious! We will be making that. I hope to see your book soon. Been busy making pickled beets. They are in a giant gallon jar in the frig.. so I can see it every time I open the frig door! They look fabulous. A garden is a wonderful summer adventure. And lastly, I love Jemima Puddle Duck! My favorite. I know she will find a good home.. Thank you! Excited to stow away this fall on your journey to England!! Can’t wait!! sending love and hugs to you and Joe and the kitties, too..
That cake looks YUMMY!! Thanks for always bringing joy to my days when you send a new post.
So glad that you & Joe are safely back home. I’m sure the time spent with your family was a time of healing for all of you. There’s nothing like family, is there? I’ve always enjoyed Beatrix Potter, but you have helped me to develop a new appreciation for her – what a lovely giveaway!
oh, dear. I made a comment yesterday, when there were “0 comments” listed. something must’ve tossed me out…can’t find me. anyway…here I am, again….to say thank you, as always, for your lovely visit-gift to us. sooo glad you had a lovely reunion with your family. blog-daddy was obviously THERE with all of you. (probably he’s the one on the swan-ride!! ??) i’d like to thank everyone for their kind and loving comments to you, Susan….they even helped those of us “out here” who were soooo very saddened by your loss. take care. REST. be patient. know we all LOVE you to pieces!!!! oxxo
Love the party for Beatrix Potter. Use my Tea Pot with Peter Rabbit sitting on top with my great-nieces every chance I get.
Susan, I forgot to say. I am taking a watercolor class in two weeks.. For ten years I have wanted to do this. Now is the time!! Thank you for the inspiration! You and Beatrix Potter are my role models. Thank you!
Love, love all things Peter Cottontail and all the stories. Have a wonderful time enjoying the fall.
Beatrix Potter, one of my favorite people. I collected those little story books and read them to my kids when they were little ones. I still have them and they reside by my bedside for when my little grand-daughter comes over so we can look at the nice little drawings and read the stories for her nap-time. Beatrix…you’ve created so many wonderful memories. Thank you…thank you, thank you. AND, thank you, Susan for sharing your love of Beatrix with us. -r-
My sister and I were in the Lake District in June of 1994, and we loved our visit to Beatrix Potter’s home and environs. I have several of her mice figurines (as an avid mouse collector), pencil cases, pill boxes, books, etc. I’d love to win this book.
Can I sneak into your luggage on your fall trip to the UK? I was there in the fall of 1986, and the weather was beautiful.
We want everyone to sneak into our luggage, we’ll smuggle you aboard the ship, no one will know, and we’ll have such a wonderful time.
Are you familiar with Vera the Mouse by Marjolein Bastin? There used to be a whole line of the cards available at Hallmark. They were small and had the sweetest envelopes. Now you can occasionally find a “Vera” card mixed in with the others. Vera has the sweetest face, and I think you’d enjoy her (since you like mice). Also, The Country Mouse and the Town Mouse by Jan Brett. It’s not one of her most popular books, but definitely one of my favorites.
Happy Birthday Beatrix! I am so happy you shared your world with us! And thank you Susan for sharing your world too!!
It is always fun to find something from Susan Branch in my inbox. What a lovely read. Thank you!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for gently showing us the beauty of your world. With your words and pictures, this becomes our world too! And such smiles it brings! Peggy
Jemima is adorable! (And of course, so is kitty!)
Home is always best! Glad you made it home safe and sound. Your family reunion must have warmed your heart enough to last the winter. 🙂 Thanks for all you share with us. You’re a jewel, just like Beatrix!
Oh Vanna please pick me . My eldest son Tim was born 30 years ago today the 28th and I read all the stories to him when he was little as I did to Ian and Amy who followed on. Glad you had such a lovely family reunion Susan. Thank you for bringing joy to so many of us
Live and blessings
Edel ( Ireland)
Dear Susan,
It’s always a special day when I get your latest blog. And I loved this one.I have passed all about you on to many friends. You are as special as Beatrix Potter in your own way with your own gifts. When I return from our upstate NY home to our home in FL,I will be ordering the last book of your trilogy.And I’m looking forward to it. Thank you!
Beth: NY&FL
Dearest Susan,
What a lovely post…..lots of family, music, laughter, staying in cabins, by a beautiful lake, under tall pines, with sweet and funny memories of John Patrick stewart, Jr., your daddy. It was great to see Heidi, Holly and Matty….I remember them and their pictures on the QE2 and in Paris. I’m praying this celebration has brought you and your family some peace and comfort.
Then, you are right back in travel mode, altho a much shorter distance to Brewster. Hope you and Joe are having a lovely day. Of course, I/we are hoping for another post after your Celebration of Beatrix Pottery’s 150 Birthday Party, Reading and Book Signing, which is going on as I write. 400 girlfriends!!! WOW!! What fun!
What a lovely give away…..the paths Beatrix walked AND Jemima Puddleduck. How perfect together!
Love, Rachel
P.S. Nice photo of Joe….such a great smile.
Spoke of you at the event Rachel! xoxo
Susan – Because of your blog, I have rediscovered Beatrix Potter and the lovely little animals. I have several of Mrs. Tittlemouse, as I married a Tommy Tittlemouse, as his great aunt used to call my husband.
Your blog is addicting and fun and colorful. I love it all.
Ah!!! You make the world a better place. You and Beatrice and Joe and your family, and your kitties, and your figurines, and on and on. I delight whenever I think of the blessings God sprinkles on us when He shares you with us. You have surely made my life even better than it already was when you started these blogs.
We so love you and all you represent.
Jane Alexander
Susan!!!!!!!
That cake! Looks like I will have to make it!! Love your posts! Glad you are home and getting back to “normal”? My daughter is on her way to New England, and will most likely be on your island on Saturday or Sunday? I told her all the places to try to visit!!! She loves y our books too! (she’s 15)
Would love to win this little figurine for her!
Hugsssss…. Linda in PA
Have been waiting for your return ……….what wonderful pictures of your time in Colorado………….can’t wait until you blog from across the pond~~~~~~~~how I love it there as well………..are you going to Highclere (Downton Abbey)? I’m still hoping that it is a bad dream and that it will return!!!!!!!!!!!
Me too, let’s wake up.
What memories Joe and you made with family, a celebration of life. Glad your back with those kitties. You made my bucket list with a signing in KC. Thank you and Joe.,he took a great picture us,you me my friends. My kitty is almost a cat.
Take care; Nancy from Kansas
Happy Birthday Ms. Potter!
I love your latest blog- isn’t it wonderful to be with family in a “special” place? Stay well and busy because you mean so much to so many.
Elizabeth
Thank you for your lovely post, give-always and awesome cranberry cake recipe, Susan!
I think I have a bag or two of cranberries stashed somewhere in the freezer. If so, we’ll be celebrating Beatrice’s big day with cake and wishes for another 150 years.
Love seeing you with your family. Enjoyed meeting you in Austin, TX.
welcome home again and very sad to hear about your sweet dad.
Love your blog and books.
OH, how I look forward to and enjoy each of your posts. After reading A Fine Romance,we took a five week tour of the British Isles. And of course, the Lake District was our favorite spot. We stayed in Bowness on Windemere, just around the corner from the Beatrix Potter attraction. My girlfriend and I spent hours looking at the life size dioramas depicting scenes from her marvelous books. I was enchanted. It was like being inside all of those stories I spent hours and hours reading to my son. The next day, we took off in the car to tour her home. What a disappointment it was to find it closed 🙁 I would love a chance to win the book and walk the site with you. Please enter me in your drawings. I too have a passion for her books, and also YOURS. I have every one, except the new Heart of the Home (I have the original edition). Please keep on writing and brightening my days.
XO
Lynne
I have too have loved Peter Rabbit for as long as I can remember. My daughter’s room was decorated in all of Beatrix Potters stories and statues for a long time. I loved what she wrote, what she stood for and for all she brought to this world. She was a beautiful lady and I too hope to one day visit her Hill Top Farm. Happy Birthday Beatrix.😃🎂
Lovely to hear your stories! We are going camping in Germany next week, my husband and I, and our 4 young children. I’m looking forward to being outdoors for two weeks. And today I bougth something I think you my like: a Villeroy and Boch easter egg, decorated with a mother duck and 3 ducklings (like this one: pinterest.com/pin/369717450639887822/ ). It was in a summer sale, so it was a bargain. I put it straight into the cupboard, it will come out for next easter. I want to use it to store those tiny sugar easter eggs. They will taste even better when you have to open this pretty egg to get one (or 3 ).
What a wonderful post! I loved seeing photos of your family reunion…such a nice tradition. You always make me smile, Susan!
xoxoxo,
~queenmum
Family time can be so therapeutic when everyone is suffering from the same loss of a dear loved one. But getting home and climbing into your own comfy bed or very favorite chair is a simple comfort too. I hope your days are simple now that you’ve returned and that you can rest before taking off again! 🛳
Warm wishes, L
Dear Susan,
Thanks so much for the lovely post. I enjoyed reading about your family reunion, seeing the fun family photos and the gorgeous scenery. And also what a pleasure it was to read about Beatrix Potter right on her birthday! You are such a gem to bring all of us so much enjoyment!
:-0 I have read The Fairy Tale Girl…I was touched by your honesty. It is a wonderfully written and illustrated book. The reason I mention it is that giving one of YOUR Beatrix Potter characters is such a generous gesture….I feel like Sally Field…You like me, you really, really like me 🙂 Incidentally, I really, really like your Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, also!
Beatrix Potter was truly amazing! Both her art and writings are timeless. I became a fan of hers in the 1980’s and love re-reading The Little Books.
Thank you for the opportunity to join in on the contest! I so love Beatrix Potter!
Thank you Susan – you are so generous! I have made a copy of the Cranberry Tea Cake and will slide it into my old Heart of the Home with other SB collected treasures. Cannot wait to try this recipe with fresh cranberries!
I love reading your blogs and am so excited when there is a new one. I recently ordered a couple of books in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter Series and look forward to reading them.
omigosh! I loved hearing about Beatrix’s life…I did not know some of these amazing things about her amazing life! Thank you for introducing me further. i loved Miss Potter and now want to watch it again. I would love, someday, to visit her lands and homes. I have always loved her books and her illustrations. What a far-thinking woman. I adore her even more. You are such a lucky lady…so blessed.
Beatrix, what a woman, still so underrated. She did so much more than bunnies, but
the bunnies were her ticket to her awesome achievements. I am 80 and still want to be like Beatrix. when I grow up!
Dear Donna,
I, too, would like to be like Beatrix when I grow up. Maybe, if I keep my fingers crossed, by the time I turn seventy next year
What a lovely treat to see your new blog-post with all of the heart-warming elements that make your blog so special. Thank you for this gift of your time, heart, and unique talents. So excited to see the YUMMY-looking recipe that I happen to have all of the ingredients for! Maybe I will watch my Miss Potter movie again today – thanks for the reminder to celebrate. AND I was born in 1948, just like your figurine, so maybe that’s a sign ;-D
Thank you for your lovely blog post & for the opportunity to win this wonderful give-away. Thank you too for the recipe – it looks delicious. Please could you tell us what half a stick of butter is in ounces?
Hi Jill,Half a stick of butter is two ounces. There are four sticks of butter in one pound. So one stick is four ounces and half a stick is two ounces. Hope this helps.
This is one reason I love my blog . . . girlfriends helping girlfriends! 👍 I missed that Gill! Thank you Elaine!
I love Beatrix Potter and I would love to have the book and Jemima Puddleduck! I love your blog, it is so uplifting! I also love your kitties!
Julie Hess