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!
Lovely family reunion photos in beautiful Colorado. And two happy ways to celebrate Beatrix Potter’s birthday with your reading and your contest so I’m entering and holding onto the hope that someday I might make it over to see Hilltop. Thank you, Susan!
Susan, how could you ever let go of Sweet Jemima Puddleduck (love her name!!)? I visited England and Scotland many years ago and plan to go back soon!!
I am reading Isle of Dreams now, such a great (and heavy!! :)) book!! Love your writing and your beautiful drawings!
I’m glad everyone is home safe and sound! I bet Jack and Girl Kitty are ecstatic…well, as ecstatic as cats can be, this is. Susan, I have to say that when I was looking at the pictures of Beatrix Potter I actually see a slight resemblance between the two of you. Call me crazy but I really do think so. Anyway, thank you for the pictures and recipes. They lift my spirits so much and I feel as though I was right there with you with your descriptive stories. Thank you so much for that. I just love your work!!
OMGoodness Girl! Nearly 1500 comments! How utterly awesome is this! Though I fear I have dilly dallied & not gotten in as quickly as I usually do. Summer at the Farm requires a bit more attention than other times of the year. Especially here in east Texas! Gotta keep those lovely goats & chickens happy! Loved this chat! Starting with that wonderful Family Gathering. Blog Daddy must be ever so proud of the Bunch he had a part in making! And the Beat Goes On! And Beatrix Potter…much like you Sweet Sue…Everything we could hope for and more than we expected! Positively Loverly. Both gals after my own heart! Champions of the Little, the Furry and the Land. It was fascinating learning how instrumental she was in the beginnings of the National Trust. Brilliant Organization! Highly recommend it to anyone that plans on traveling to the UK. Loved that her “bunny-money” saved the countryside from “greedy developers”. We could sure use some that over here! I’m adding Linda Lear’s bio of Beatrix Potter to my list of Must Reads for this year! Speaking of which…thanks for the recommendation of Kathryn Aaltos “The Natural World of Winnie the Pooh”…found it at a bookstore in Wichita Falls last week and am devouring it! Back in 98” when Himself n’ I went on our 5 week Grand Adventure one of the many highlights was going to Hartfield Village and walking in the footsteps of Pooh, all his friends, Christopher Robin, A.A. Milne & E.H. Shepard. Walked through meadows of placid sheep…through woods… over stiles… down paths…helloed to locals…played a rousing game of Poohsticks…on THE Very Bridge where Pooh n’ Chrisptopher played Poohsticks!
We were beside ourselves! What memories! The photos and chapters in Ms. Aalto’s book brought it all back! Not that we ever have forgotten it! On our way home Customs was very interested in my 2 twigs! Not that I’m advocating to take things from natures surroundings. And yes, I did shinny down the hill and splash in the water to retrieve our Poohsticks. And it was a tie. Am so looking forward to joining you n’ dear Joe on y’all’s Grand Adventure this Fall. In spirit from here on the Farm. I did ask Joe if he was going to get a kilt while y’all are in Scotland (another place we had a blast in on our Grand Adventure ’98). He was pretty cagey with his answer. Actually he said, “No”.
Ahhh…what Adventures lay in store for y’all! Thank you soooo much for being exactly who you are. Now I shall post this, await moderation, & settle back to read alllll those lovely comments from fellow F.O.S,B.s
with Warmest Love n Affection, Ever Kat on Rose Creek Farm
Yay for Bunny Money!!!! XOXOX to you Kat!
Dear Susan,
So glad you are home and hopefully resting! Your family trip looked wonderful and I know you enjoyed your time together. Happy Birthday to Beatrix Potter…wonderful artist, author, painter and so much more.
I am still in disbelief that I have met you in person! Wishing you a lovely, restful summer!
Love, Mary
Ms. Puddleduck don’t you want to come to my house and play with all my other figurines? I know you do! We would take good care of you..
So glad you had a good time with family. They mean everything!!
Hugs, Marie Fluck
What a happy family
This post was a wonderful way to have a little break in my afternoon! The giveaway items are absolute treasures that I would just love; how generous and sweet of you! I love Beatrix Potter as well. About 20 years ago, I went on a tour of England. We spent a few days in the Lake District and passed her home, although we didn’t stop. Now I want to go back and explore it more!
I love Beatrix, too. I visited Windemere and Grassmere years ago on a very rainy day but did not get to her house. Perhaps in the future…
Sweet memories of reading Jemima Puddleduck to my youngest daughter and Jeremy Fisher to my oldest, and Peter Rabbit of course. . .now get to share with new grand babies too!! Love!!
Oh dear Susan, I was happy to see so many smiles on your family reunion. My heart still breaks for you and knowing that you are grieving and what a process that is. I love your brave face and beautiful spirit. Knowing that I can’t, but I still would like to somehow do anything to take away the hurt from you. So thankful that you have your family and Joe. You really just amaze and inspire me and I hope when I grow up I can even be half as wonderful and strong and doing as much as you are. If I try to think of all that you do, I start thinking about when you find time for sleep, but you seem to do it all and do it all well. I am just so very thankful to have you in my life to and to teach me to be my best self. Words just cannot convey the gratitude and sincerity that I feel…Love you.
I have always thought that you were just like Beatrix painting and writing book and inspiring others and being a strong make something of yourself kind of woman. I has so much fun at my Beatrix Potter Birthday Tea. I invited just one friend and went all out with blankets for tables cloths and fine china and fun teacups with silver and crystal and all my BP books and figurines. I made a violet champagne cocktail, lemon blueberry scones w clotted cream and lemon curd (from the British Emporium), cucumber sandwiches, spinach salad with strawberries toasted almonds grilled herb chicken and a raspberry poppyseed dressing, and pale pink cream cheese mints for dessert. We had the best time and we toasted you and Beatrix. Wish I could have come to Cape Cod. I have been meaning to tell you that I have posted a number of your things on Pinterest and all of a sudden I became very popular. I just wanted you to know how very very popular you are there:) Thank you for this lovely post and I just LOVE that lamb you painted for BP. I know she would too xoxoxo
Wonderful dear Charissa!!!! Thank you, and don’t worry, I put sleep as a priority, it’s the foundation on which I stand!!!
Love reading your blog and seeing and hearing about your travels
I’m your girl, Vanna! 😀
Thought I commented thr first day, but don’t see it…..operator error! 😬
Thank you for taking us along with you…even the wonderful family reunion. I just loved that big blow-up duck in the pick-up truck….ssooo funny. I’m sure being with your family to laugh and cry together was a big blessing for you. You must be enjoying being home again. Rest and take care of yourselves. xo
Some day I hope to travel to the English countryside and WALK. Thank you for your inspiration!🌿🌾🌻🙂
Wishing for you Susan!
I should have known when I bought my first Susan Branch book, Heart of the Home, that you were a Beatrix Potter fan. The enchantment in all of your books, especially A Fine Romance, has carried me through many a day. I’m hoping there will be another book about your fall trip.
Two Bad Mice is my favorite Potter tale. My daughter had a dollhouse when I read that book to her and she was really interested in whether her dollhouse had visitors when she was in the land of nod. So long ago.
I know your Dad was so proud of the “work” that you do. And remember, a man never dies until he’s forgotten and, in your case, that will never happen.
Extra hugs to you, Susan. xo
I saved every note and letter he ever wrote me, and he said all those good things I loved to hear. But I loved him here on the Blog, where he connected, even while somewhat trapped in his chair with breathing problems, his spirit never flagged. I miss him talking to us.
Hi Susan,
I would love to give the Beatrix Potter figurine a new home. This could be the start of a new collection for me.
So sorry to hear about your dad He seemed like a wonderful Father. I lost my dad when I was 23..Miss him to this day
I will be going to the British Isles this fall! My friends, husband and I will be traveling all over England, Ireland and Scotland for two weeks. I was inspired by your book “AFineRomance” . I am really looking forward to visiting several of the places you have talked about, especially where Beatrix Potter lived! Can’t wait!!!
The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. I envy you going back again.
When I was pregnant with my first daughter, who is now 21 years old, I decorated her nursery in Peter Rabbit and all his friends. I can still close my eyes and see her sweet little room. That same 21 year old girl has the baby book that you wrote. 🙂
Thanks Susan for the lovely give away.
Sending a big girlfriend hug,
Shann
Jemima would love to join my other Beatrix Potter friends….hope she can! So glad your trip went well and you are home on the Vineyard once again!
Oh Susan…..thanks so much for this give-away! I have read BP books to my children when they were young but they seem to have escaped my possession somehow! This would be a wonderful gift!…. I also want to add my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I read your previous post and it broke my heart and made me relive losing my own wonderful Dad in 2006. I can’t believe it has been 10 years but we still miss him like crazy. I have no advice. You and your family will make your way and he is with you in all you do. It has taken me until now to be able to write you about it. I know that the love you had for each other will give you peace. Family is everything and you have a wonderful one. So happy to see all those beautiful smiling faces in the pictures above. Take care of yourself and you have some wonderful experiences to look forward to! Love and best wishes….. Diana
Thank you for your post, it fills my day with delight to “Come along” and enjoy your camping reunion and your Beatrix Potter Celebrations!!
Many thanks for the wonderful cranberry teacake recipe. I think I may just have to get out my my teacup with the Forget-me-not flowers on it so that I can think of you while I’m enjoying this cake with a cup of tea. Have a great week.
I missed every stop on your tour–how I wish I could leave on a whim and see you on 8/25! Enjoy! You make so many people happy, thank you for this give away–how fun.
Ames, Iowa is also celebrating Beatrix’s birthday at Reiman Gardens which will feature readings of several Beatrix Potter books with related crafts and activities. Wish I could show you my Royal Albert two-handled cup that says “Hunca Munca” (1986) which I bought at a garage sale! You would love it as I do!
I alway read Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck to my kindergartners. I hope that I can sometime travel the English countryside that you wrote about!
What a beautiful cover on your giveaway book. And after days and days of heat and humidity, nothing sounds better than a walk in the Lake District!
I know we must be kindred spirits as I love Miss Potter and I also am mourning the loss of a parent, my mom on June 17th. I will keep you close to my heart in prayer. I had tamed a wild bunny as a 7 year old and named her Bunny-bun-bun-bun-bun and had a Miss Potter like adoration of those sweet creatures! Thanks for all of the gifts you share with all of us! Love you!
My love to you Valerie, I’m so very sorry. Wrong on every level, except for one, I guess, somehow, this is the way things go. XOXOXOXOXOXOXO Love Bunny-bun-bun-bun-bun 💞 and that your mom let you do that.
Hmm, just a random thought. When you said she never painted lambs, I couldn’t help but wonder if that’s because in England they eat so much lamb, and so she didn’t want to be too sentimental about them. Just a thought.
I thought about that, but she did a pig figurine … adorable Aunt Pettitoes. There was probably a reason.
As always, you have made my heart happy! Thank you. toni b
Hi Susan! I, like you, are a coveted fan of Beatrix Potter. Her artwork, her stories, her love of the land are all what has inspired me in my lifetime as well…I have never collected her darling figurines, but Oh how I would love to have just one to set on my art desk for more inspiration. I am so pleased that you are in and out of your home right now..between the bookstore tour, your trip to Colorado and now the Cape….I wish you the very best for your up and coming trip back to the Motherland of England….I will be in your pocket the entire way! Much love from my island to yours, xoxo noonie (susan)
I just discovered your wonderful books and finished reading Fairytale Girl and Isle of Dreams last week. They were so heartwarming. Can’t wait to read more!
I can’t remember when I didn’t like Beatrix Potter and her books. I have an old cloth type book with the Peter Rabbit story in it. It was mine when I was a little girl and now I’m an old girl!! And I still love Peter Rabbit!
Wonderful post! My sister met you yesterday on the Cape. She got me Christmas present….Can’t wait!
This was a wonderful post from start to finish. I have purchased BP books for each of my three grandchildren. We always go back to those after all the new and modern books that are available. Thank you for keeping her always in our minds and hearts!
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved father. I’ve always read his loving posts with such longing. I never had a dad and always admired his sweet devotion to you. I’ll be praying for you for the day when your tears of grief are replaced by your beautiful smile of remembrance.
Hi Susan, I’ve been buying your calendars and books (and stickers when they were being done!) since “the beginning.” I’ve loved reading your memoir, all three parts. I guess you know that you inspire so many, and I’m one of them. It’s a great legacy to inspire others to want a better life, and you do inspire through wholesome activities… family, friendship, cooking, gardening, walking, writing and journaling, crafting in various ways. These are all simple things, but are so meaningful. Thank you, Dear One! My daddy went on to heaven in 2013, and both of us (you and me) are so blessed to have had a loving, caring, fun daddy. I just crack up when I envision your dad washing off the side of the station wagon when your family finally got to the campsites. It’s amazing that your parents did that year after year, knowing what was coming, but also knowing that they were making memories. I regret that I was not able to attend any of the Fine Romance Tour Events, they looked amazing. Many blessings on your fall trip to England and Scotland. 🙂
Yes, hosing off is a better word! Love the memories . . . thank you Sherry!
My Jemima Puddle Duck counted cross-stitch would love to have the company of the beautiful little one! Thank you for the lovely post and sharing Beatrix Potter – one of my favorites. Still love Jemima Puddle Duck, especially now that I have real ducks of my own and two 3-week old ducklings.
Linda Wilson, Paso Robles CA
Such a touching post dear Susan. Thank you for sharing your family reunion. It must have been such a special time to celebrate and share memories of your wonderful father.
Have always loved Beatrix Potter. I give a vintage one to my granddaughter each Easter.
Wishing you peace!
What a lovely blog post. I have several of your cookbooks but I think I’m going to have to treat myself to this new revised edition of Heart of the Home! And I also think I need to bake a cake! I’ve been invited to visit a friend in London and I asked her how far she was from the Lake District. Five hours. I’m going. I must. And when the boys I watched were little (I just posted a picture of the youngest, 17 year old!) I used to make them sing Tom Tom the Piper’s Son! I have a cd of all of the songs from the little half hour shows, that we all watched! What a nice give away. Who wouldn’t love to win!
Cindy Bee
You’re going!!!
I don’t think I filled in all of the fields…sorry
I just finished Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams and it was so much fun to read. All of your illustrations and photos throughout the story add so much enjoyment and interest for me. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
My husband and I visited Hilltop Farm about 15 years ago! I just loved it then, but didn’t really know anything about Beatrix Potter at the time. I have always wanted to go back and after reading your blog….I really want to go again!!!! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself on your blog. I think we are “Kindred Spirits”
Ermetta
Hi Susan,
The next time my book club or my craft group meets at my home, I am serving your cranberry tea cake to them and they will know how much I like them….oh, yes they will. Thanks for sharing. Jemima Puddleduck is such a dear and so are you! Keeping you in my prayers and blessings to you and all your family!
It’s a gift! 💝
When I get to read your blog, I think to myself, “Slow down, you’re in your happy place.” And then I take in all the flowers and designs and animals and marginal motifs. It’s just all put together so well. I feel as if I have entered a special retreat, just for a time, time enough to breathe deeply and slowly and let my eyes rest on such peaceful views that inhabit your world. Thank you for making this such a quiet, joyful playspace. Thank you for bringing us back to childhood for awhile. I love it here.
We love having you.☛💏
Sue, pick me! LOL I always say that and maybe one day you will 🙂 I got a set of 3 Beatrix Potter books for my 4 yr old grandson, Austin. He turned up his nose at them, that is, until I started reading them. The minute I read: but Peter was very naughty….well, then he was hooked! I finished the book and asked him should we read another book? No! read that one again! he loves Peter being naughty! and scary Mr McGregor going after him with the rake! 🙂 and he loves the photo of Peter all sprawled out on the floor totally exhausted after his escapades, while the sisters eat their berries. Truly classic books, loved by so many generations of children.
I can hear the crickets at night, I know that fall is soon to follow….summer is fleeting.
Hi Susan!
Beautiful song! Thank you Brother Chuck. Thank you Susan, for sharing it with us.
Much love,
Bonnie from Bakersfield
Meeting you yesterday was a dream come true . I am an old fashioned girl at heart . My grandmother read Peter Rabbit to me all the time as a child . I thought he was real . ( He is !) I spent a month in England in college and bought her The Tale of Tom Kitten which I now have by my bed. When we adopted our daughter , her whole room was Peter Rabbit . To this day she adores Peter Rabbit. ( She’s 25).I hope I can be in the drawing – if it’s not too late, otherwise I will buy the book. You make life cozy for all of us and make us appreciate simple pleasures and the people in our life . Thank you!
Susan,
Your work brings so much joy and sunshine to us all. Thank you for using your talents and sharing them with your heartfelt fans.
So extremely sad to hear of your fathers passing. I know he must have been so proud of you.
Love and hugs,
Shelly
So happy that your family gathering was a heart-warming good time of comforting one another and celebrating your dear dad. And thanks for sharing more of those beautiful photographs of the English countryside. I don’t know that I’ll ever get there in body, but I sure do appreciate your taking us there with your words and pictures. That’s wonderful that you are getting to go again! I look so forward to reading about it!
Thank you!!!!!
This would be so dreamy… Love you so!!!
I just finished my SECOND piece of Cranberry Tea Cake which I made this afternoon! What a wonderful recipe. It worked perfectly with the frozen cranberries nestled deep in my freezer drawer from Christmas! It’s so fun to share all the love and good wishes for our dear Beatrix Potter. Your posts have re-awakened fond childhood memories of these wonderful stories and beautiful artwork. Thank you for your generous spirit in sharing so much beauty and love- with your own memories and always-creative, always amazing artwork and inspiration. ( I’m sure everyone got a great chuckle out of your local fire department’s cake comments! )
Don’t want anyone to thinking everything is always perfect around here!!! We are way too normal for that! SO happy to hear you made the Cranberry Tea Cake! Such a pretty thing too! xoxo
I just love to follow all the adventures you go on, they are very exciting. Can’t wait for the next trip to England. I don’t know how you can part with Jemima.
Jemimah Puddleduck -the name alone is reason enough to fall in love with the stories 🙂 I just love your blogs – so uplifting! I just re-read your England book for the 3rd time. Just love it! thank you for sharing your wonderful life with us
I enjoyed meeting you at Beatrix Potter’s birthday celebration. I planned my vacation from South Carolina so that I could attend with my mother. Thank you again for sharing your stories
Thank you for sharing your love for Miss Potter with us. It has given me an entirely new perspective of her life and work. I suspect she would love you and your work, and be tickled pink to think she had inspired such passion with her art.
Thank you for the recipe it looks yummy and I can hardly wait to try it. My Grandma gave me my first Peter Rabbit figurine for my birthday in the 1970’s; they are so charming. I hope the flowers you planted before your trip are growing, gardening is one of my favorite summer activities. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Glad you are back safe and sound, and can’t wait to hear more about Beatrix’s birthday party on Cape Cod! I’ve been reading Mary’s Mystery Bookshop series which takes place near there. Yum!
I’ve read your three journal books and “A Fine Romance” twice. My cousin and I went to England because of your book and Beatrix Potter! Thank you for giving people inspiration and hope through your books and art. I am so sorry about your Dad. I lost mine in April, he was my hero.
XOXOXO
Dear Susan, I just can’t tell you how sorry we were to hear about the repose of your beloved Daddy. I have pondered your “pressing on” through your book signing trip, bearing your sorrow deep within. In our world of instant transfer of information— it has really caused me to pause and reflect on savoring some sorrows within, before sharing. It was a very brave way to honor your Daddy. I think that ‘mourning jewelry’ is really a beautiful tradition that is worthy of reviving. It would be so nice for someone to see a black brooch, and know that the person had suffered a great loss, with out having to say a word.
We had a lovely High Tea yesterday at our home in honor of H.B Potter’s 150th. It was lovely. My daughter-in-love brought her “rescued” mouse(found in a parking lot; threatened to be stepped on and killed!!– hand fed, and survived!) Hunca Munca. We all sketched her, and an obliging tree frog, Jeremy Fisher.
Can only imagine how thankful you are to be home, and savoring all the simple joys of Summer.
with love and deepest sympathy, Kathleen
A perfect Beatrix Potter tea! xoxo Thank you Kathleen. I’ve always been like that, even with joyful things, needing to “own” those things for a little while, to digest . . . takes me a long time to get used to some things, especially things like my dad. I’m still digesting. I guess I always will.
The book looks just lovely, it would be fun to learn more about Beatrix Potter – what an amazing lady!
For the ones that can’t go!!! We love, travel, inspire, hope and dream through your spirit. We are all kindred spirits girlfriend(s). Thank you for letting us hitch our wagons to your shooting star. Blessings
I’m so sorry, dear Susan, about your Dad. My heart aches for you and yours, but I’m sure getting together with family helped. Sending hugs.
After a draining month and continuing difficult events, this post was just what I needed. Thank you for “taking me away” for a little while. 🙂
As a grown up my Mother gave me a tea set with Beatrix Potter characters & their sayings. I packed it away when I moved to my house 24 years ago & forgot until I read this tonight. I’ll look for them & take pictures. I love seeing the family of figurines in your kitchen window, too. These are the treasures in our lives ~it’s the little things! And, the memories of our loved ones.
So glad to read your blog and hear about your reunion. Truly straight from my heart, my deepest condolences on your dad’s passing. I hope wonderful memories and stories and photos comfort you each and every day.
Hi Susan,
What wonderful memories you bring to me about Beatrix Potter. Not only did I share these books with my children many years ago, but also shared Breatix and Peter Rabbit with my first Granchild. I was very excited when our daughter announced we were having a wonderful Grandson. Of course, my first thought was could I help design the nursery. To my surprise, my daughter agreed and the nursery quickly became “Peter Rabbit”. What a fun time I had making a quilt, sewing curtains and, of course, wallpapering Peter Rabbit all around the room. By the time my Grandson arrived the nursery was ready and enjoyed by all.
Thank you for bringing back those sweet memories to me.
Fran. 🐰
Thank you for the post, Susan. So SO glad you were able to enjoy time with your family at such a difficult time. Thanks for sharing – what a beautiful place.
And as always I find you inspirational : your focus on something positive and lovely (Beatrix!). You have a beautiful spirit.
Thanks for the great pictures … Beatrix Potter brings back nice memories of reading the books with my mother when young. I would love to make the trip to mv on August 25…. Not too far from Falmouth. Thanks again.
Thank you for the vacation photos and so glad it was wonderful for you! I’m truly sorry for the loss of your Dad. You had so many posts about him, I thought it would be overwhelming, but here is mine, and you do not have to respond! It seems only after they’re gone, can we know the true extent of how very much they meant to us. OM goodness, …”I love everything about you”. He must have been a phenomenal man. I hope he visits you in wonderful dreams as my Dad has with me..
Jemima was the first BP figure on my kitchen windowsill too, and I also bought tablecloths in Cambria (last fall) as I expected to move to that area…all before discovering you. It’s been magical to see how many kindred spirits come together. Thank you for being a bright spot in this world!!!
It really wasn’t and isn’t, overwhelming. It’s been extremely uplifting. Such lovely words, so heartfelt, and so kind. Thank you Janette! I agree about our kindred spirits, we are very lucky to have this little hidden spot to gather. XOXO
When I was six, my dear grandmother introduced me to the magical world of Beatrix Potter. She gave my first book, Tailor of Gloucester”, which was the perfect size for my little hands.
Just as Beatrix planned for it to be!
Have always loved all things British, even more so after marrying an Englishman I met at the Jersey Shore, 38 years ago! Blessed to have made many trips to England over the years. Favorite shopping stop in London? Marylebone Street.
Love all your books – I use your “Days” book as my daily gratitude journal – writing 5 things I am grateful for that happen each day.
Thank you for making the world so much brighter!
So happy to share a love of Beatrix Potter with you and the Blog Girlfriends! I’ve gotten to know Beatrix so much more through A Fine Romance and through your wonderful blog posts! So nice to get to know your family through the wonderful stories and photos you share ~ what a loving bunch you are! I’m thinking of you with lots of love and prayers!
Dear Susan,
The joy and delight you have shared with me over the years has been beyond! You don’t know this but you have been to Libya, Trinidad and Angola West Africa during my time as a expat. You really did enjoy Trinidad 😉. Your cookbooks have saved many a meal where groceries were not ready available or such a poor selection .
Beatrix Potter has been a apart of my life and then my childrens our daughter’s room was Beatrix Potter theme for many years. My lovely Mother used to refer to my daughter as Mrs. Puddleduck. I never knew what Nana and Mrs. Puddleduck would get up too.
I have stored all the books, stuffed toys in a special Beatrix Potter box till Mrs. Puddleduck has her own children and this Nana can take over..
Thank you for all you share, your paintings and recipes.
Joanna
Xxx
Thank you for taking me with you. I think I liked Trinidad too. 😘 xoxo
Hope Iam not too late to register for giveaway. Happy to see you are back home. Enjoyed hearing of all your book signings. As usual would be hopeful to win giveaway. Joan
How beautifully you wrote of Beatrix and her life. I am thrilled that I will, at last, be visiting Hilltop next summer, and making a dream a reality. Winning the little book would be lovely! Thank you, Susan, for inspiring me to keep the magic in my life.
Hope I win the book. I usually don’t win drawings, but maybe I will win this as an early birthday surprise for my birthday coming up August 9th!
Thanks for the opportunity, Susan.
Bless your beautiful huge heart Susan! I have been keeping you, Joe, your Dad and your whole family wrapped up in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you so much for sharing your family reunion pictures. It looks heavenly there! I’ve been collecting Beatrix Potter books for a while, but just started collecting the figurines….they make me smile.
Lovely post, Susan. I loved hearing about your wonderful family reunion. My father passed away on June 30 and my heart still feels very tender from the loss. I also wanted to spend time with family and hold them close in the days following. I’m always happy to read your observations on Beatrix Potter too. What a special giveaway this is.
Oh yes, me too, my tender little fragile heart goes out to yours . . . xoxo
Oooooh I am just so thrilled to have found your blog and your work! I am a looooong-time lover of all things Beatrix Potter! My husband and I visited England for our honeymoon and stayed in the Lake District! Dream come true!! I have adored and emersed myself in her magical world since I was a girl and now I get to do it all over again with my brand new baby girl (born May 30th of this year). Her nursery is decorated in Beatrix’s world with Peter Rabbits and Jemima Puddleducks all around! I’ve always wanted to start collecting the Beswick figurines but just never had the luxury money to splurge on them. It would be so lovely to win! But regardless of that, I feel blessed to have found this world of Susan Branch as well (I just purchased my very first book of yours and can’t wait to read it!) Good luck to everyone! xo
Dawn-Tara
Congratulations on your Baby Girl! XOXO
Oh My Dear Stars and Garters! I am ever so late to this wonderful party of yours, Sweet Susan Branch! I have collected each and every blog of yours since March of 2015 and put them in their own folder on my laptop. Sadly, life got in the way for me for a bit, but I am just now sitting with each of them and up to March of 2016. I just don’t want to stop to put them down, but things like taking nourishment and hosting summer guests and grandbaby cooing sneak in and make me wait! sigh!
Anyway, I do think I’ve missed the loss of your dear dad along the way here and recently, and for that I am very, very sad and sorry. How wonderful to have had a man so precious to you to mourn and celebrate. I send you my love – for love is an eternal thing and not given lightly, though we are only just meeting. I do hope someday to shake your fine, creative hand and hug you with many thanks for sparking again in me my own creative path. Someday, we’ll chat. I feel it in my heart.
Beatrix? Just icing on the cake – in case Vanna is paying attention. I just really wanted to introduce myself and send you love and prayers for peace to your tender heart – and to all the hearts that knew and loved your dear dad. Trisha xo
Yes, nourishment is an important part of each day! 😃 Thank you dear Trisha!
Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures of your family gathering! It is so nice to see families “unplugged”, getting back to nature and just being together! I loved reading more about Beatrix Potter’s life and history through your words!
I have a dream of a trip to England as a “someday” goal once I am finished with Grad school and now I have even more to learn about and another future destination when I finally make the journey!
Best,
Barbara
Dreams . . . are wonderful important valuable things. XOXO A deserved reward for a hard and long slog. Good for you Barbara!
You must of been born COZY!!! I tell everyone about your blog. Thanks for everything 🐰
❌⭕️
Thanks for the wonderful cranberry teacake recipe. Looks wonderful. I love your silver pattern! I’m a silverware nut! If I find a set in an antique store, all lonely and sometimes tarnished, I think I have to rescue it! Glad your family reunion was so much fun. Love the pictures. What a beautiful place.
I live in a house with piles of mismatched forks and knives that need polishing, so I understand!
Lovely, Lovely, Lovely! I just adore seeing pictures of your family and tales of your doings. I am a h.u.g.e. fan of Beatrix Potter, too…she was such an inspiration to me. My favorite Beatrix art is now and always has been of the mice from the Tailor of Gloucester…so charming…and the little baby mice and mama from the Two Bad Mice story! I also share your love of all things Brit! Have been lucky to have been able to visit the Beatrix Potter store at the Lakes, where I picked up some cherished books and prints. Thank you for this post.
I love, love, love Beatrix Potter. I even had my children’s nursery in Peter Rabbit and have had a wonderful bunny for a pet. Time to pull out my BP movie and books and enjoy a cuppa tea. I believe her artwork (and yours) sparked me to so appreciate water color paintings. Thanks for the lovely post. What a treasure you have for a lucky person!
This posted on the day I was driving to come meet you so here I am 1623 comments later! WOW! I have NO words to tell you and all the other Girlfriends how thrilling it was to meet you and to celebrate Beatrix’s 150th birthday in Brewster!!!!!! I wrote on my birthday greeting to Beatrix that I have a Potter Shed (potting shed) all done in Peter Rabbit where I do all my pottering!!!! I had a pet rabbit as a kid so that has inspired my Peter Rabbit Garden…..it a glorious project and one I take such JOY in. I have a picture of YOUR little kitchen garden as my inspiration for the garden. And also, it was also such a very COOL thing to get my picture with Joe and chat with him too. I hope he doesn’t mind being all of our boyfriend, as we get such a tickle out of how patient he is with all of us taking so much of your time. TY, dear Susan, and may you bask for days in the afterglow of your famdamily time. There’s NOTHING like it in the world~
Care, it was great to meet you! What a day that was, I will never forget how I spent Beatrix Potter’s 150th Birthday! 😂 Who would have ever imagined???!
Dear Sweet Sue,
I’m delighted you’re home! I hope you get plenty of time to play in your garden, putter in your house, cook with your darling Joe and all the little things that bring you joy. You are a treasure.
❌⭕️❌⭕️,
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi, Ca
I love Beatrix! I have complete sets of her books….thank you for bringing snippets of the “real” Beatrix to your readers -a remarkable woman.
I’ve always loved Beatrix Potter but you have renewed my interest! My collection of BP figurines is growing, thanks to you! My collection of books about her is also growing, again, because of YOU! I have every one of your books and now I need to purge my many bookshelves to make room for more. My sweet husband just shakes his head!! Loved seeing and meeting you at The Learned Owl in Hudson, OH. You and your dear Joe could not be nicer! <3
Your family reunion pictures brought back so many wonderful memories of living in Colorado while my husband was in the military in the early 70’s. It is truly a magical place.
I have missed you. Glad you are safe and home, recoupingon Your Isle of Dreams. What an amazing summer you have had so far. The best part is Joe wants to be there and sincere in his love and understanding of this life you two have built. I am very anxious for lots of new posts and photos. Please consider me for your Jemimiah Puddle Duck give away. Warmly. Debra
Hi Susan, I am writing to you from my hotel in Boston. Thank you for inviting your girlfriends to the Beatrix Potter birthday party. Two of my daughters, one from Texas and one from Alaska, were able to attend with me. I am from Nevada. It was so lovely. The highlight was listening to you read from your book. Thank you for helping my daughters and me fall in love with England. We are now planning a trip to the Lake District next summer using your book as a guide. Hopefully all seven of them will be able to go. Thank you so much.
I loved meeting all three of you! Thank you for coming together for this wonderful event! Amazing trip you’ve been on. I’m thrilled to think of you all going to Hill Top! You will LOVE it, such a forever memory and experience! Sending love ~ travel safe! xoxo
I wonder which of the many people in Brewster you and your daughters were. Wasn’t it a wonderful celebration? It was so lovely to hear Susan read her words describing Hill Top. I felt as if I were there with her- looking around before sneaking a flower. I don’t know if I would be that brave! (but I may have to try when I visit) I am so thankful that you have loved ones to share the memory of that special day with. I, too, am planning a trip to the Lake District, and I think that next summer might just be the perfect time. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to visit Hill Top and Beatrix Potter on my seventieth birthday? It will be even more exciting than when they landed on the moon on my birthday. Who knows. Maybe we’ll be at Hill Top at the same time
In that one photo of you and 2 neices and nephew you had taken on Queen Mar. You look about to burst in heart swelling happiness tears. That reunion was a wonderful thing and as you all went home you had smiles of joy on faces. Warmy, debra
I was about to burst. It wasn’t a posed picture, they just did that and you can imagine how much it made my day.
I love your books Susan and I love Beatrix Potter as well!!
I absolutely love your blog and your books. You bring such joy to my day. Thank you for all your hard work and can’t wait to “go” to England with you in the fall.
lOVE YOUR BLOG, SUSAN BRANCH!!