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!! I know you’ve had a connection with BP for a long time, but I never explored more about her beyond her books… But – now I know why she was such an inspiration to you. Your stories are so parallel… I LOVE it!!! And now, you’re an inspiration to me. I talk about you all the time.. Every new, cute, little decoration I do or gardening adventure (I have no idea what I’m doing..) I take on, my dad jokes and refers to it as “Susan Branch”…. I take it as a highly esteemed compliment. Lol!! Loved, loved, loved the pics of your family get-together!!! Making memeries is the best <3 Thanks for all you do. XOXO
Thank you Cassandra!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Looks like an exciting and inspiring Beatrix Potter book! Great photos of your family Susan – I just returned from a family vacation with that exact same giant swan too……good thing it can hold a lot of kiddos all at once 🙂
Oh Susan you are such an inspiration to all of us…You are Beatrix through and through!
I wa so sadden by the news of your dad that I hardly knew what to say……except how blessed you are! The gift keeps on giving….his gift of love to you and your gift of love to all of us!
I feel in love with Beatrix when my daughter was 2 and she is now 31! I will go one day and I would so loved to have been her! Thank you. are two small words so full of buckets of love and care…..xox
Many years ago my husband gave me a lovely white cat made in Beswick. A time when I had no computer to look it up. It was through here that I learned about it and with your book traveled in my mind. I wish I could go, but I have to be satisfied reading here. My friend loved your books when I shared with her so I gifted one to her. 🙂
I’m sorry I couldn’t make out the words in the song. My blessed ears picked up the wind and the background chatter. 🙂
I wrote the words on youtube this morning, so that should help. xoxo
Darling girl–just home from fabulous England (with you-know-who), France and Sweden (where I broke my leg jumping from the boat to the rocks). Never mind, surgery Tuesday to put me back together. Family is magic, isn’t it? Bless you for everything. Happy home-i-ness. xoxox
EEEEK! Here’s to quick healing JoEllen! Welcome home!
Susan-
So glad that you and Joe made it home safely from Durango. My friends and I will continue to bask-in-the-glow of your May 24th visit to The King’s English in Salt Lake City.
Pat Bates
Bless you, Susan! I wrote a comment (or two or three 🙂 ) last night, somewhere between Debbie’s comment at 6:06pm and Cindy M’s at 11:03 pm. Since I am not finding it here, I will try again! I was blessed to see the joy and love you and your family shared in the wake of your daddy’s death. To know that you have many family memories in that gorgeous location and that you were able to gather and reminisce and comfort one another is a lovely thought. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
I celebrate Beatrix Potter’s birthday with you! I loved reading her books to my children, and now love reading them to my grandchildren. I find it amusing that young children love them, despite the rather advance vocabulary. I am so glad she did not “dumb them down” as some wanted her to. She was quite a woman!
Thank you for your satisfying, full of variety and fun details (seeing the three “children” you took to England with you in 2001, for instance) blog post. I love the expression on Joe’s face in the candlelit cake photo! You continue to delight, Susan. I admire your giving, kind spirit.
Many blessings to you and Joe.
Love walking with books (looking for Travels with Virginia Woolf now) will definitely check this one out even if I don’t win. Thanks for this lovely letter
Susan Branch, you truly are a kindred spirit. Many years ago I collected all of Beatrix Potters’ charming books and a few of her figures. And, I have almost all of your books which started in the 80’s with your first cookbook. It has been use and loved for decades.
Thank you.
It’s always a joy to read your blog! Love Beatrix Potter too and all the lovely art work .
Your cake looks so yummy! I will probably try it with raspberries since they are in and we have loads of them (they are my favorite as well, lol). Take are and would love to get the book and Jemima Puddleduck.
Oh, Susan, there’s so much in this post — smiles, inspiration, tears. Campgrounds are magical places, aren’t they? They always remind me of family vacations when I was young and of my dear parents, both gone now. Thank you for sharing such beauty with us!
Dearest Susan and Joe,
So sorry to just read the last few posts. I recently had eye surgery and have been unable to read for almost 4 weeks now. Still struggling but 2 more weeks and Dr. can make a new diagnosis……anyway. Remember the line from a Nicholas Sparks novel….he/she was my true north? not sure how it goes anymore but when my father died I lost my “true North” and learned the meaning of that sentiment. Listen closely, he is in your heart and soul, still guiding you and I love it when “I hear voices” and they are the loved ones of my life that have gone on to the future. Blessings to you both, you share so much with us and sharing heartache helps with the weight of it all. Peace
Dearest Susan;
I loved reading your wonderful trilogy. Gorgeous books and so inspiring.
You influenced my family to adopt a darling black and white kitty from a shelter.
His name is Watson; and “Watty” is the love of our lives!
Would love to win the B.P. book and figurine. What treasures !
Hugs, Connie
Makes my day. Love Watson!
I love Beatrix Potter! Awhile ago I read “Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature” and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know a lot about her!
Spent last summer in England for the most amazing time of my life. Want to go back via the Queen Mary like you did and explore Sussex. Cant wait to read the Beatrix Potter biography and watch the movie. Thanks for such an uplifting blog.
Karen in Upton Ma.
PS We are going biking on the Vineyard on August 15th. Perhaps I will run into you.
Would love to win the book!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for sharing you latest trip, it looks like you had lots of fun!!! The cranberry cake recipe looks so good, and what can be so bad about vanilla sauce!!! Enjoy your last book signing, I can’t believe that it’s almost August. I’m ready for Summer to last another 6 months. Take care, kisses to Jack and Girl. Blessings.
Sheryl
Welcome home! Your blog is like armchair travel for this Texas girl. Love you! 🐇❤️🐇
I’m a Stewart . . . I wish my mom would have thought to name ME Scarlet!!!
Thank you Susan for making me know I’m not the only one that loves Beatrice Potter. I have started collecting the figurines and I’m delighted to have them in my kitchen too. I just finished all of your trilogy and you have inspired me to write a cookbook for my daughters. It should be a wonderful experience, thank you for sharing all your loves which I love too!
Your blog is just what we all need in this world with all the not so nice things going on. It brings so much joy whenever you have a new posting. I love everything about it. I love especially the pics of where you live and mostly when you show your lovely home. Love the recipes and can’t wait to try the cranberry cake. Looks so delicious. My prayers are with you in the loss of your dear father. I know from your posts you loved him so much. My Dad will soon be 95 years old and can’t imagine my life without him. He’s the glue that hold all our family together. You are a very special lady who has brought much joy to a lot of people. I loved all of your books and read each one in a day–couldn’t put them down.. Now I’m waiting for the next sequel!
First of all, if I had passed a truck sporting a large inflatable swan in the back, looking for all the world like it’s enjoying the ride, I would have had to snap a picture somehow. Love the pictures of your family in that gorgeous area, and the ever so sweet one of Joe with the cake 🙂 Beatrice was astounding! I picture her as being soft spoken, with her highly intelligent, creative mind always going, curious about learning. I don’t know if she was soft spoken, but she was obviously plenty courageous and determined, for sure! I placed the biography on my Amazon list. I clicked on the Beatrix Potter Society and noticed their patron is the marvelous Patricia Routledge. Hope Cape Cod was positively wonderful (post pictures!). Love to the sweet kitties 🙂
Dearest Susan, Today was the event at the Brewster Ladies Library, and I bet you’re just leaving now (610pm). I so wanted to stay and visit with you again, but I brought my elderly friend who is temporarily immobilized due to upcoming surgery, and there was such a wonderful crowd (that she couldn’t traverse) so sadly we left after your reading. Your reading was the best part of the whole birthday celebration! My friend said “it was just like being there with her!” You brought such joy to both of us! The tears were rolling down my face! (I was the one who asked you about the ‘movie deal’.) Just wanted to tell you how much you mean to all of us! AND, I recently bought a cookbook from the Black Dog and I wanted to bring it so Joe could sign it next to his picture! You two looked wonderful and I wish you all the magic you deserve! Until I see you again! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Thank you for being there Sandi! I loved it too. I’m sorry I didn’t get to say a close-up hello to you and your friend. The rules at my signings are that anyone who has trouble standing, or is pregnant, or has young children, comes to the front. No waiting. I’m sorry that message wasn’t conveyed as loudly as it should have been. But I hope there will be a next time. Thank you for the sweet words. xoxo
Susan – growing up I never heard of Beatrix Potter, no Peter Rabbit books, no little character figurines. But now that I am grown up, I learned to love her because of you.
Yay! Makes my day! Thank you Patty!
Glad that you made it home OK, and had fun with family.
I would have liked to go to the birthday party, but I can’t keep running back and forth. My trip to NE was supposed to be in August, but now it is September (which I may not make). Arnie’s new ship will be in Newport, RI for show. So the soonest I head east may be October, because of problems with the house. This is my crazy life!
Hugs,
Margot
As ever, a completely delightful post. Beatrix has been all over the telly here today. Well for most of the past week really, lots of good stuff, wonderful. I’m always in awe of your generosity, the thought of giving away the first little BP figure you bought is really amazing, you’re just so kind.
Hugs, Julie (Stoke-on-Trent)
Susan I also wanted to say to you I am very sorry to hear about the Loss of your Dear Father, Hugs to you…Karen Seward
Thank you, and everyone, for your kind condolences. You lift me up. XOXOXO
I never really knew how many blessings I’ve missed, ’til I retired from the daily “grind of business”. I grew up knowing Beatrix Potter existed, but never got to know her, her books, her art, her achievements. Thank you for sharing the joy she has given you…..I’m looking forward to seeking out the movie, “Miss Potter” (2010?). After viewing it, maybe reading the biography you mentioned — and then, seeking out her books and illustrations.
Glad you two are home safe and sound… sounds like your reunion was a wonderful time.
Looking forward to you next adventure!
Beatrix Potter – what a woman! I love that she was able to preserve so much open land.
Thanks for the give-away. xx
So glad you are home. I know you are too! Thank you for sharing Beatrix with all of us.
So glad you had a wonderful time with family and back home safely! I have a British friend that I’m going to make the tea cake for! She’ll be totally surprised!!! And we’ll celebrate a Beatrice’s birthday together!!
Oh, I do so love Beatrix Potter! I too have a few of her figurines and wish they were still available. We will be going to England next year, but not sure if we will make it to the Lake District. Your Colorado lake vacation looks like so much fun! I’m tickled every time I see you have a new post!
My mother never shared her love of reading with us, however books have captured me in adulthood. I am now a grandmother of a very charming 5 yr old boy. I read to him often. I will have to find some Beatrix Potter to introduce him (and me) to.
Thank you for sharing,
Elizabeth
Thank you for sharing your family reunion photos, what fun everyone is having! Please do enter me in your contest for the Beatrix Potter book and figurine!
Thank you, Susan for the loveliness you create and share.
Happy Birthday, Beatrix Potter! I have started collecting her figurines because of you, Susan. It makes me smile.
Such a great post..always a pick up to my day. My granddaughter Megan and I just love Miss Potter, have watched it multiple times.
Such great memories of my childhood
Sending you hugs and sincere condolences on the passing of your dear father. His posts were always fun and full of fatherly pride. I just want to thank you Susan, for sharing your inspirational photos, drawings, and beautiful outlook on life with us. Glad that you had such wonderful travels this summer, and we all look forward to traveling vicariously with you to England this fall, via your blogs. You touch the hearts of your readers regularly just by being you!
someday i will get there….someday!
What beautiful scenery! It looks so peaceful and restful. I’m sure you enjoyed it after your very busy book tour. You certainly deserved it! Hope to hear more soon
Oh! I adore Beatrix Potter and her Jemima Puddleduck! I’m most of the way through knitting my “Miss Potter” shawl. I was hoping to be done with it in time for her birthday, but I’m much too slow a knitter for that. Ah well. It’s been great fun working on it and dear Beatrix has been on my heart all today as I worked on it. <3
I do so hope I win. Thanks a bunch for the oportunity, Susan. You're such a darling. xo
Hi Susan,
I missed meeting you in New Jersey. I hope my family and I will have the pleasure someday. My little Fairy Girl sends her love.
My God continue to bless you and Joe.
Love Arlinda
Would love to win.
Gosh it seems like I’ve loved your books forever. Can’t believe it has been 30 years since I started collecting your books, giving them as gifts. I still remember the time I wrote you (my first fan letter 29 yrs. ago) and you answered me! One of these times when you are on a book tour maybe I’ll finally get to meet you.
I so want to introduce my little granddaughters to the Wonderful World of Beatrice Potter and the love and joy of reading! I would love to read this book and thus begin the journey. Now you know why we call it “Colorful Colorado.” You can find all types of scenery from sand dunes to mountains and lakes. Glad you had a wonderful time!
You are the best!! Thank you for being so sweet!!
You still make me sick!! Wink wink!!
Love ya!
The Southern Mom
Love you Angie Jo!
I wiill have to try this cake..yummy
And I wondered if I needed to get the updated Heart of the Home book but this answers that question!
Oh yes! 16 new very delicious recipes just for you!
Oh my, what fun! So sorry for your loss. (((Hugs))) Gonna try that cake as soon as I find fresh cranberries!
Susan, it is so good to have you “home.” Even though you’ve been posting, it somehow still seems as though you’ve been far, far away from us….
I still have a few days vacation left and am planning a couple days in deep, East Texas. They say that Gladewater is the “antique capital” of East Texas, so I plan to test their motto out for myself and maybe try to find a few Beatrix figurines of my own. I’ve always loved the stories (and artwork!) and just recently bought a big volume of them for a close friend’s first grandchild. You have to start them out right, don’t you?
I’m turning 55 years young next week and it would be quite s celebration to win this package. I looooove Beatrix Potter AND Susan Branch! 😍
Dearest Susan~ This post just warmed my heart. Thank you so much for your wonderful blog posts and your beautiful books, which fill me with happiness and inspire my life every day. I think I have read Isle of Dreams ten times so far. It is my comforting, coming home, put on the pot of tea, go-to book of happiness. I even ordered meditation CD’s! On a more somber note, no words can possibly express the deep condolence I wish to express to you and your family on the loss of your dear father. I hope your journey west was a healing one and filled you with the deep bonds of family love and light to hold close. Your dad was a lucky man to have such a lovely family. I can tell by your books that his was a life well lived and all of you did right by him and will remember him well. XXXOOO I plan to drive to Martha’s Vineyard from Virginia for your book signing! Unfortunately I missed the one in Asheville, NC, closest to me. Glad you are safely home!
Maybe it’s for the best, because now you get to come to the Island! Thank you so much for the kind words, Jennifer!
Simply adorable…. The giveaway and your kind words about your family. Family is everything💗
Sweet rememberances of simpler times!
I look so forward to your blogs, and news about your latest travels and projects. What fun it is to be a small part of your adventures. Thank you.
I love having you here!
Susan, such a beautiful post (as always ;0)
❤️Love❤️
I love Beatrix Potter and Hill Top Farm. I always say that it was through Beatrix Potter that I married my husband. Actually a friend and I were going to one of the Beatrix Potter Society conferences and planned to meet two more friends and travel around Wales and the Lake District. My now husband lent us a book of Bed and Breakfast places which we used. Naturally I had to show him my pictures and the rest is history. I also love your book A Fine Romance. England in the Fall is lovely.
Precious memories!
Oh Jemima! My mom always used to call me Jemima Puddle Duck as a girl because I would hop into every puddle I saw just to splash water everywhere and make rainbows. I’ve started finding my very own Beatrix Potter people because of your darling collection, they’re some of my favorite things.
I just finished re-reading “A Fine Romance” again. Once I finished “MV Isle of Dreams”, I just had to continue the story. How lovely that I read about your visit to Beatrix Potter’s on the day before her birthday! Thank you for letting all the girlfriends journey with you through your life. Isn’t that what it’s all about… sharing, teaching, caring and you do that in the most beautiful way. Your illustrations are captivating and your prose is like conversation over two teacups.
Tonight Hilary Clinton will accept her nomination and while I am a lifelong Republican, I cannot wait to hear her. Beatrix Potter has been an “acquaintance” of mine for a long time and was a forerunner and leader for women as well. We are fortunate to have models to look up to as sometimes it seems in the world today that such models are missing. They are not but just are not always visible.
As usual I’d love for Vanna to call my name. So glad you had a great time with family. It truly is the most important thing in the world.
Love all things Mrs. Potter!😃 Thanks! to you Susan for sharing!
I have a confession …. I’ve never read anything by Beatrix Potter. I’ve always wanted to but for some reason I never have.
Me neither! I read books ABOUT her, but so far, I’ve never read one BY her.
Really? Don’t you have a Peter Rabbit book?
Oh yes, I have them all. I love those little books, I just haven’t read one all the way through. I have old ones we got in England with lovely old covers. They are all in my Peter Rabbit Room to honor Beatrix Potter, whose life I admire so much.
Oh my, you are missing some wonderful, imaginative stories. You would love to read about the little kitten that was wrapped up in pastry to be a delicious dish for the mice! Don’t worry — kitty was saved.
Hello Susan,
So good to SEE YOU…Thank you for sharing the family photos on that fabulous trip..what a wonderful place to vacation. I knew that today
was Beatrix Potters Birthday, I was looking forward to this day, and thinking
of Miss Potter…and looking thru her books.. So excited for you to be going
to make the CROSSING once again, how lovely..Read Danielle Steels Book,
The Crossing..one of my favorites of alllll her books that I read and keep.
Love to you…Carol O. in So. Cal. with your Red Toile Gravy Boat.
My mom loved your book, “A Fine Romance”. She thought is was such a happy book. I did too! Love your blog:)
Just discovered your amazing books this past spring. Love them. Keep drawing and writing!
Susan..such a nice tribute to such a remarkable woman, Beatrix Potter ! I loved it ! Thank you for the cranberry tea cake recipe.. Canr wait to try it !
Today I am painting a Nantucket Cottage with water colors.
Anxiously awaiting my first painting lesson on September 1 st.
Planning for our first trip to Martha’s Vineyard is in the works.
One week in Cape Cod 3 years ago was just a taste, must go back.
Thank you for your continued inspiration.
It was so good to see your pictures of Hilltop Farm again! My husband and I got to go there a few years ago and it’s even more beautiful and peaceful in person. We went there after reading about it in your book A Fine Romance. Thanks so much for sharing that with all of us!
Today is a day for double celebrations for us. It is not only Beatrix birthday but it is our 43rd anniversary. Her birthday will always be easy to remember. 🙂
Thanks again Susan for your books and your blogs. They are truly a highlight of my day!
Dear Susan, I have loved and read your books for years. Only recently I had the great time to hear and see you in Morro Bay. I drove down there from my home in Mt. Shasta, Ca. Susan, your ‘sheep’ are so precious to me. I love them in Fine Romance and other places I have seen. I too have roots in Avila Beach, Shell Beach and was born raised in SLO. I also love your pigeons and the beautiful sounds, as I raised many at my home in Morro Bay when I loved and taught school there until 1996. I brought all your books and Willard’s letters with me to the mountains. Some day I will visit the East Coast and visit your beautiful island. I lost my precious husband four months ago, and my grieving plan includes two trips: A week at the beach in Avila, Ca. and a few days on your beautiful island. Paul wanted to take me east, but his time was cut short. Thank you for all your recipes and your beautiful books. I saw Joe’s little travel sailor in your van in Morro Bay, but I did not take a photo of him. I also have a little sailor boy who travels with me, his name is Jack and he wears glasses. God Bless you and your beautiful art, family and JOE!!! Annie
Annie, Sending love your way. I am so sorry for your loss. xoxo
I also collected Beatrix Potter Beswick figurines in the early 70’s, after I got married. Isn’t that funny! Little money to go around then, but I needed to collect them. I have my little collection out today to enjoy. Waited to comment until today to wish Beatrix a Happy Birthday! Hope you had a lovely day in Brewster celebrating her birthday with friends. Beatrix and her “little books” make me happy.
I love all your publications and have most of them…I do want an adult color book of some of your sketches to color…take care and visit Mt. Shasta, Ca, anytime. I work at the Siskiyou Humane Society/Paws n Shop thrift store, just ask for Annie.
Okay!
Love Beatrix Potter. Just watched a special from England about her with Paricia Rutledge hosting (Hyacinth Bouquet!). Love, love, love England!
Oh how I always loved my Mom ready about Peter Rabbit 😊😍
Glad you and Joe are back home again!
Have been to Beatrix Potter’s house. I love the Lake District. I wanted so much to take my beloved husband, but he has terminal cancer at the age of 65. Life can be so tough some times
And really totally unfair. I’m so sorry Cathy.
I’m so sorry that you are going through such a hard time. Saying a quick prayer that God will surround you with His presence and give you both strength.
Hi Susan, I so enjoyed reading your blog today. It brought back many wonderful memories when we visited the Lake District and toured Miss Potters home. It was so charming from the garden in front to each and every room! What a joy to have the opportunity to visit it. I have thoroughly enjoyed several of your books and continue adding to my collection. Beautiful pictures! Thank you!
Susan,
I am so glad that you and Joe are home for a while now. I can never tell you just how much meeting you during this book tour means to me. I loved meeting you, Joe, all the other lovely ladies who love you. I am in love with Jemima Puddleduck!!! Enjoy the rest of summer and our favorite season is around the corner! Hugs!!! Donna (Idaho)
Happy Birthday Dear Beatrix!
I’ve missed your blog so much while you were gone! Since I am an armchair traveler I cannot wait for your next adventure. Thanks so much for all you do!
Thank you for sharing about your family and your very artful and interesting life. I am also an admirer of Beatrix Potter. I have several of her children’s books, and also a book of her art. I would love to win this book and Jemima Puddleduck! I lived in Wales for 18 months, and spent some time in England, also, but never did get to see Beatrix Potter’s home.
What a lovely post. I so look forward to reading your blog. Best wishes to you and Joe.
Happy Birthday Beatrix!!!!
I too have several figurines. I only collect the Warne and Co figurines, and always on the lookout for more. Have started looking for books about Beatrix for my collection.
I really enjoy your blog and ALL your books. Finally met you at one of your recent book signings.
what a wonderful giveaway thank you so much lovely post
Delightful blog!
How sweet & lovely! I’ve loved Beatrix Potter & Peter Rabbit my whole life. I’ve passed this love into my three children, as well. When anyone asks me what my favorite book is I akwYs say Peter Rabbit. I can remember sitting on my bed as a little girl reading & studying her watercolors. I hope to someday travel to see where she lived. Someday…..
Thank you, Susan. Love your posts!💙
I would love to win this for my daughters who follow you always🎉
I was so glad to read about your family time in CO. It sounded wonderful and helps in the healing process. Happy Birthday to Beatrix Potter!!! Hope the get together at the bookstore was a huge success. All the best to you and Joe.
Love all your blogs and books. Have always been a fan of Ms. Potter and have been to Hill Top Farm, one of the best places in Enland.
Lovely
Ohhhh yes please!!! Enter me!!!💕
Thrilled for whomever wins this treasure, but would be over joyed myself!
You are sweetest giving heart everrrrrr!
❌⭕️ Patti Hansen King
Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter💙
I too love Beatrice Potter. i have collected the figurines – my favorite is Mrs. Tigglywinkle.
Read the books to my children. Nice giveaway.
I made a comment on this blog post on the 27th through Twitter. I’ve searched through the 613 comments and can’t find mine. I am NOT trying to enter the contest twice, but I would love to be entered once. I greatly enjoyed your vacation pictures and tweets. I always enjoy your train adventures. They are so much more interesting than a crowded airport! Thankful you made it back to your beautiful island and home. Looking forward to vicariously enjoying your trip to England again. You and your books and blog too are a joyful and relaxing spot for me in some tough medical times we are going through. Bless you.
Love everything of Beatrix. Been there and lapped up as much as possible in 48 hours of bliss in Near Sawrey and Buckle Yeat B&B. Not sure it’s still there but do know front of Tower Arms has changed.
I love Beatrix Potter as much as you do and try to find all of her books and am collecting her figurines. It would be wonderful to be the winner [hope]. My birthday is July 30th so we are almost birthday “twins” LOL!
So lovely
Hi Susan,
Welcome home! I so enjoyed seeing you at Vroman’s in Pasadena! What happy memories from your family reunion – thank you for sharing. I would love to be entered into your contest, and promise a caring home for those treasures if I’m lucky😃🌸
Dearest Susan, more & more I read about the English countryside from your posts the more it becomes a place I truly hope to see some day. Beatrice sounds like someone I would love to be friends with. She had me at sheep & preservation. Funny every morning now this summer I am greeted by the view of a backyard full of bunnies hopping to & fro across the lawn. I’ve always had maybe 2 at the most but this year there’s about 5 or 6 that just play out there every morning & every evening at dusk. They don’t even seem to be bothered by me watering my garden …& they are actually leaving it alone..But I kind of feel that Beatrice would just smile. So once again I’m off to hunt down books about her. I’ve already started searching for her children’s books…for I always like the idea of giving a old book a new home first…I don’t have any of her little friends….yet….Thank you again for being a inspiration & sharing beautiful things with us….it’s always a joy….
Love your posts!! Thanks for brightening my day 😘
Love Beatrix Potter and started collecting many years ago. Thank you for the joy you bring to others, Susan.
I also have had a fascination with Beatrix for years! That’s what drew me to you, Susan. I have a small collection of her books and figurines too. So sorry for your loss of your wonderful father recently. I lost my husband last year and my heart aches with anyone grieving.
Thanks for sharing your family reunion. Wonderful to see families getting together to enjoy each other. I am almost as excited as you to share your English experience in the fall through your blog, too.