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!
Susan, welcome home…before you leave again! What a sweet time with all your family ~ enjoying each other and remembering wonderful times with your dad. Heartfelt sympathies to you all; what a gift he left you in the shared memories, blog comments, and fun and laughter.
I have long been a BP fan ~ mostly from her books and art. I didn’t know about her little BP people until you! She touches the heart, as do you.
Blessings.
Love your blogs, Susan. I look forward to reading them so much.
They fill me with inspiration and peace.
Wish I lived closer so I could attend the Beatrix Potter celebration.
But I will live vicariously through your posts! Have a wonderful day!
I am in Michigan, the Land of Delight!
I love all your books, drawings (of BOTH kinds!), musica, blog, and FB posts. I have been to the Lake District and visited Hilltop many years ago, before I even knew Susan Branch! I’d love to have the Walking Guide, and/or the darling figurine. Vanna, pick me!!
I loved the Lake District of England when we went in 2015. We did not get to see Hilltop much to my dismay. We were on a tour. Maybe, next time.
I enjoy your posts and would love to win the book so I am prepared for “the next time”.
I so enjoy your blog. Charlotte
Welcome back, Susan! We are so blessed to have “come along for the ride” as you traveled all over the place ♥♥♥ LOVE that giant swan ha ha! But sooooo very blessed and smiling to have you back with a gorgeous post this morning! Love the pix, the quotes (especially the opening one!), Beatrix Potter and friends, the giveaway, oh my! You make us smile and love life right along with you. Thank you, thank you! Have fun at the BP talk tomorrow. My mom shares BP’s birthday and will celebrate 89 years young tomorrow. I’ve planned parties at lunch and dinner for her 🙂 So many blessings, my cup runneth over! Enjoy your day, your summer and your home! We are all filled with your joy and creativity, and, wonders of wonders, we still have room for more! XOXO
Happy Birthday to a woman before her time. Her contributions go far beyond her charming children’s books. Back in my teaching days, each Spring our first grade class would do a Beatrix Potter author study. We would celebrate the end of the unit with a “tea party”. Pretty fun. We just returned from our family vacation in Victoria Canada where my two 9 year old grandaughters and their mothers and myself went to high tea at the Empress Hotel. What a fun memory. My son’s family are coming for a visit next week and my granddaughter and I are planning to have tea party. Boy, do I love playing house. Thank you for your continued inspiration. Fondly Lani
Dearest Susan
And yet another great blog! Thanks for those kind words about my retirement…now I will have time to paint and cook all those yummy new recipes. Nursing was a hard job but the children made it so worth it…they were a ray of sunshine in a sometimes depressing job.
I love Beatrix Potter…from her paintings and books to her conservation and farming.
She was so ahead of her time !!! I would be proud to own the giveaways about her.
Hope you a doing well. The scenery in Durango looks beautiful. Visited my cousin in
Leadville,Colo many years ago and travelled the state but never to that location…I remember the expansive beauty.
Kathie from Limerick
Susan,
Welcome Back home! I’m delighted you had such very special, BIG memory-making family time – just what everyone needed!
Thanks for this generous giveaway! The book is spectacular and Jemima!!! Oh my! We have pet peking ducks and they all have names – one of which is Beatrix (Potter)!!! Her Mom is Bernadette! We have another Emma (Bridegwater) – well you get the idea. They are just adorable to watch as they run about and swim in our lake and nibble around…
Sending oodles of love and big, squishy hugs and sunshine to brighten those days when your heart is heavy…surrender to the process and allow others to lift you up!
XoXoX,
Jeanette
Susan
Of course I would love to win the book you are giving away. I did read the book you recommended about Beatrix and learned that she was smart, talented and a visionary. And her wonderful idea to make the books small like the children who they were meant for. So sweet.
So good to hear from you, Susan. I always look forward to your posts. You have been in my prayers <3
And a big Happy Birthday to Beatrix!
Susan, Thank you! So grateful to you artists. I appreciate your eye AND ear for beauty. I wish I could attribute the writer, but recently I read,”Art leads us more deeply into the mystery of our humanity.” True.
So glad you had a sweet time with your family! The perfect way to honor your Dad – music, food, laughter, memories. Blessings to you Susan. Thank you for spreading joy and kindness!
I possess this book and I LOVE it! If won, I’d give away the one I own and keep the new one as it would include your autograph! And Ms Puddleduck would enjoy a place on my BP shelf! Have a lovely day, Susan…thanks for helping to make mine lovely, too. Catie
Dear Sue,
I am way behind on your blogs as this has been a very busy summer. I just read about your dear dad and I feel as if I lost someone I know so well. My heart breaks for you. I know about losing a dad. My Pop has been gone for 37 years – far too young- and I miss him everyday. I talk to him in heaven and know exactly when he is most with me. He is in my heart as yours will forever be in yours. We both had the best Daddies….maybe they are in heaven right now comparing notes on the girls they loved so much? Keep him close and call on him when you need…he is hearing you, I know for sure. And thank him everyday for being “him” …. He is your biggest blessing. I wish you peace of heart and strength. Give yourself time to mourn your loss and, in time, the memories will keep you warm. Never the same, but it’s ok. Love to you. Mary
I would love for Vanna to draw my name for the Beatrix Potter book. Thanks for sharing the photos of your family’s get-together in Colorado. It brought back many memories of our family reunions years back before we all got scattered. Looking at your photos, I could almost smell the pines and hear the voices…
Wish I could come to the signing! Still waiting for you to come to the Pacific Northwest. (Hint! Hint!) 🙂
My girls and I love Beatrix Potter! And your little figurines are adorable. 🙂
Hopefully one day my husband and I will see Englands beautiful country.
Susan…there doesn’t seem to be enough space nor time to share so many thoughts with you. I never realized there were so many other people sharing so many similar thoughts, feelings, sadness, joys and just plain life events. Perspective is amazing when shared. A dear friend gave me a plaque with a little bunny and some flowers that read: A FRIEND DIVIDES OUR SORROWS AND MULTIPLIES OUR JOYS. This is one of the many gifts you give us with your blog and books and it is my hope we can gift you with the same. I hope you enjoyed your time in the Asheville, NC area (I am 20 miles north) and will consider visiting our area for some mountain down time (whenever it is that you ever have down-time !!! ). Now that you and Joe are home….let it soothe your souls. A cup of tea to start…..
My dear Susan friend,
We met in Denver this summer and my guy was one of the guyfriends who brought me 5 hours to meet you. It was a joyful day for us for sure. You have had quite a summer! 2016 will be one to remember forever. Thanks for sharing your love and inspirations with so many of us. Please have a blessed day and remaining summer. Now I want to make your cranberry orange cake as soon as I can get the groceries for it. Have a wonderful day tomorrow at the birthday party. Thinking of you with LOVE.
Welcome home after such a sad time. Marie
hi Susan!!!……a lovely blog post… we were in CO at the same time you and Joe ( and fam) were only at the opposite side ( Estes Park)….what a beautiful state….and Durango looked just awesome…truly a slice of heaven on earth. I always feel spirited after a family gathering… a true heartfelt bond that miles do not erase. Have loved getting to know BP better through your writings of her. Now I am always keeping an eye out for BP goodies as I scour antique stores and flea markets… her life is an inspiration…. love it that you both are home safe and sound… we are slowly making our way home from the West having enjoyed every second of our road trip. Have met wonderful people along the way which has been a breath of fresh air considering the trying times we are living in right now. peace to you both..xoxo love, cindy 🍭
I love we are still celebrating Beatrix Potter💕 Shirley
Hello Susan! I am so glad you and your family had such a wonderful reunion and continued prayers for healing through the grief. You are so sweet and generous to giveaway your precious figurine! Thank you so much for the links to all BP stuff. Going to check it all out! I wonder if anyone has named a daughter after her? You don’t hear that name all too much. Maybe I will name one of my first sheep on the farm Beatrix….. Have a super duper day and I can’t wait to try out that cake! 🙂
Much love and hugs,
Lisa Hay xoxoxoxo…….
Awesome post with an awesome tea recipe! “I am glad I was not born before tea” 🙂 Still basking in the memories of the best tea party ever in Prescott AZ. So grateful you came to our state. The only thing missing was your dad. Loved that man … his kind, gentle spirit and matter-of-fact comments on the blog brought a smile to so many. Feel lucky to have heard his strong voice when I picked up the phone to “Hi Mary, this is Jack Stewart” when he called to say thanks for his bound birthday wishes book, just about this time last year. Such a grateful person … just like you … who inspired so many with his positive outlook on life. I felt his presence at the tea in Prescott … in the birds, in the butterflies, in the bunting blowing in the wind. Still don’t know how you did it but you did … just like you promised him you would. Amazing girl. He would be proud. Have fun celebrating Beatrix! XOXO
Dear Susan,
Glad to hear you are home and that you had a wonderful reunion with your famdamly.
Love the Beatrix Potter book in the giveaway. The lucky winner will too!! I also have a collection of Beatrix Potter people that I have been collecting since the late 70s. Aren’t they wonderful??
It was great seeing you at the Book People signing in Austin. Thanks for braving the heat to come see us in Texas.
Darlene
Lovely, lovely…enjoyed seeing pictures of your very special family. So happy you were able to get away and all be together to celebrate your dad and each other.
What a delightful gift for a hiker! That’s me! I am hoping the book and Jemima will soon be winging their way here.
But that handsome Jack!! He is one of my very favorite blog subjects….a cute figurine of he and Girl Kitty would be splendid.
I’m off to drink my favorite tea of the moment, a very tasty Downton Abbey blend.
Lovely pictures of your family reunion. You are so lucky to have such a big family filled with so much love! Wonderful post on Beatrix Potter! Hugs from Barbara in Florida xoxo
Oh, family —-isn’t it marvelous. Lucky you and especially since you visited Colorado. Happy Birthday, Beatrix! I would love to walk some of her walks especially with my Grandson.
Wow…oh wow what an exciting give away. The book sounds lovely and fascinating. The you “gilded the lily” with the addition of your signing and Jemima! Thank you for the chance to win this 🙂
Dear Susan Bee,
I am so glad you had that healing time with your family in such a beautiful place. I so enjoyed meeting you and Joe in Asheville. Decided to re-read Isle of dreams sine I was feeling forlorn after my only daughter’s wedding last week. Just he ticket! Thanks. And, thank you for the example you set of family love at a time when that is so needed.
I love seeing your pictures. We were at Hill Top just over 3 months ago and it is one of the best places I have ever been. You could feel her spirit there. I loved it.
Your family reunion sounds like it was wonderful.
We are celebrating Beatrix Potter with a tea party on Thursday. I can’t wait!
Oh, what a wonderful time you have had with your family. I can tell you are much revered and loved by the young ones. Bliss. Pure Bliss. I am sure that your father was looking down at you all and loving you all from above. Oh, how I love Beatrix Potter Country. I have been a fan of hers all my life and just said to Todd yesterday as we were driving along that she would be 150 years old in just a few days, and he said that would be a miracle, DUH! Such a man . . . no whimsy . . . but he doesn’t mind dragging me around BP Country so I shan’t complain. I think I have watched Miss Potter at least 20 times. I never get tired of it. What an amazing woman and inspiration she was to so many, and still, here she is inspiring us today. She’s a great role model. Hope you will enjoy the rest of your summer without too many travels before the big one back to the UK. Meeting you is still on my bucket list. Fingers crossed. ♥♥ xoxo
Good Morning Susan, so fun reading your latest posting and I appreciate the information on the place you stayed in Colorado. I may need to take a road trip in the fall. but that time of the year, may skip getting into the lake.
Loved the details of all the Beatrice Potter observances.
Scratch that silly kitty under the chin for me.
Rebecca W.
A wonderful post; a family reunion, an English Lake country visit, all beautiful places and so many memories. Thank you for sharing with us.
Hi Susan I just finished reading Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams and I loved it. Thank you for sharing your amazing story with us and making us laugh, cry and giggle too. I’m so glad you are home safe and sound and get to spend the rest of the summer on your beautiful Martha’s Vineyard. Lots of Love Sherry K.
Happy Birthday dear Beatrix Potter! Someday I hope to visit the Lake District and see Hilltop for myself. And that Cranberry Tea Cake looks delicious! I would love to add that book and figurine to my collections.
P.S.Tomorrow I’m having a Farewell to Downton Abbey Tea. Wish you could come and we could all cry in our tea together!
I would live to read about Beatrix Potters country walks
I would love to read about Beatrix Potters walks
Susan…there doesn’t seem to be enough time nor space to share so many thoughts with you. I didn’t realize there were so many other folks sharing so many similar thoughts, feelings, sadness, joys and just plain life events. Perspective is amazing when shared. Now that you and Joe are home…let it soothe your souls. A cup of tea to start…
Thank-you for your lovey and magical blog post. I look forward to them more than I can say.
Good morning. You may already be aware of Beatrix Potter’s Oakmen story that did not get published? I had not, and came across the unpublished pages in Exeter at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. If you would like, I can send you the pictures as an attachment. They are so charming!
Thanks for sharing your talents and yourself with us! We love it.
So glad you & Joe are “Home at Last”, safe & sound. Thank you for sharing such wonderful family pictures at the lake, what a pretty place. I so loved your brother’s touching song, he has a wonderful voice! Must say that picture makes me want to run into the kitchen and find some cranberries, lol! Another MUST make. Thanks for the recipe. Oh and that makes me think of the picture of Joe with the Birthday cake for Beatrix, Joe looks so happy and adorable, great picture ♥. Beatrix was most certainly an amazing and wonderful woman, in all ways (reminds me of you ♥), her hindsight to preserve the land is beyond wonderful. So excited about the giveaway as I don’t have Jemima and need her so much! Hope you have lots of fun in Brewster (wish I could go), and please give that cutie pie Jack & sweet Girl some kitty kisses from me. xoxo
I loved the family photos! Your reunion sounded wonderful! So excited about the giveaway. Pick me, Vanna! Pick me!
Welcome home and thank you for another beautiful blog post. 💕
I sure do love to read your posts – they are always not only fun to read, but very up-lifting too! Thanks for all that you do, and especially for your wonderful books (that we all read over and over again)!
I always look forward to your blog. Thank you for sharing all the wonderful photos.
Lovely post! Your brothers song was awesome. I have bunnies in my acre garden visualizing them going into their burrows and getting their jammies on at night. My friends tell me I have to much time on my hands. (smile) A little imagination doesn’t hurt especially when it makes you happy. Ordering “Heart of the Home” asap. The World is a great place with you in it. Bobbie
Hi Susan,
My mom collects all those darling Beatrix Potter figurines and has read the stories over and over to my 3 children since they were babies.
Have a wonderful time on Cape Cod.
-Kathleen
Dear, dear Susan!
You are so sweet to offer this great giveaway. My dearest (note I didn’t say “oldest,” puleeeeze!) dearest girlfriend who has been my friend since we were 8 years old, and I are planning a trip in summer of 2017! We plan on the lake districit as one of our first stops, then on to the Scottish family and off to Denmark to visit darling Dr. daughter in her research lab before digging up our own roots in Holland. Wouldn’t it be marvelous to have this book to scour and do our own research before we go? Exciting! We are still in the stage of making all of our plans.
Thank you for sharing that slice of Colorado and camping with all of us. We are so enriched by your family stories. Love the musica!!!
I’m really thrilled to come along with you as you visit Scotland this fall. I haven’t been since Christmas a few years ago, but carry it in my heart all the time. My late husband’s ancestral home/castle is on the Isle of Mull, where some of the kid-cousins are going on vacation, even as I write! There is a charming village there called Tobermory, with the most beautiful houses facing the bay. One gets to Mull via a ferry from Oban, another darling spot.
Really, anywhere you go and everywhere you look, Scotland, with its distilleries and castles, Highland cows, (pronounced coos!) and pubs, not to mention the sheep, will enchant you. Have a lovely time at home before embarking on another adventure!
Love, Marsha (American-by-birth-Dutch-by-heritage-Scottish-by-marriage!!!)MacLean
Hello Susan, welcome home! What wonderful new memories you have made with your family! I would imagine a whole range of emotions for you all. What a wonderful giveaway! We are going up to the Lake District soon to visit my friend who moved to Keswick. Wow that book would sure come in handy! Fingers and everything else crossed! What a dear you are to give such a wonderful gift to some lucky person.
With love from Gill North Devon U.K.
Your family gathering looks marvelous, and judging from your face, you thought so too. However, there’s no place like home, and a warm welcome from Girl and Jack! I love your blog, and look forward to your postings every time. And I have many of your books, enjoying them over and over again. Welcome home!
Warmly, Ann
Welcome home! What fun you will have celebrating Beatrix Potter’s birthday! Years ago, I saved an early copy of Benjamin Bunny from being cut up and sold as individual prints at an antique store. The owner had purchased it in London, but when I expressed my horror at what she was about to do, she sold it to me for the exact amount she paid for it. I would love to win your Beatrix Potter treasures!
HaPpY BiRtHdAy Beatrix Potter ! What a wonderful gift you gave the world.
Oh my, how can you bear to give up Jemima? She is lovely. If she comes to my house she can join Benjamin Bunny on my antique sewing machine. The book would be wonderful, too. Hilltop and the Lake District are on the list for our next trip to England in a couple years, and we love to walk.
What a sweet giveaway! Thank you!
Glorious! Cranberry cake with vanilla sauce – YUM! Thank you for all that you share with us; you’re a gem through and through <3 Love the giveaway: may the best girlfriend win!
What a beautiful treasure you are to us all!
Thank you so much for EVERYTHING you give us, whether we win the drawing or not! Your lovely words of inspiration help me through each day!
Nancy
Many thanks Susan for your generosity once again. The recipe looks so delicious and the give away items are indeed special.
I’m sending my sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved dad. My heart sits with yours.
How wonderful that you all had the opportunity to gather together in Colorado with the whole famdamily!
You are such a bright beacon to so many in our world, as we all walk along through the highs and lows of life. Thank you, dear one.
Thank you for your beautiful blog/website and all you do!! 🙂 Miss Potter is one of my favorite movies ever. I just found 2 Beatrix figurines at a garage sale for $4 each!! I’m so excited to have them around 🙂
I’m sorry to hear about your father. God bless you and your family.
Love your beautiful family photos Susan! So glad that you had such a wonderful time. Being surrounded by loved ones is the best beginning to healing, such a sweet blessing….. Loved too, taking a walk through the world of Beatrice Potter. You are such a good docent. Thank you. And I Jemimah Puddleduck is my very favorite! Fingers crossed. 😉
That’s the cutest picture of Joe, holding the birthday cake! It’s really funny because last night a friend and I watched “Miss Potter”, and then I come to your blog today and read about it being Beatrix Potter’s birthday! My friend had never seen the movie, and she loved it! We had a question for you since you’ve been inside Hilltop. Do the scenes in the movie “Miss Potter” inside of Hilltop look anything like it really looks inside? I know you weren’t permitted to take pictures inside and so we were just wondering if it looks anything like the movie. Love from Mary S. in Fresno, California
Looks just like it!
Dear Susan , I was so happy to read your blog today and glad you had such a sweet and precious time with your family. I guess you know you are our modern day Beatrix Potter. All the pictures made me happy even your cutie pie Jack. Enjoy your time at home until your next adventure .We girlfriends will be looking forward to going along via your blog.We do care about you and Joe.
Oh Susan, I so wish you could be recorded tomorrow reading from your book. I have tickets but I am going to have to give them up. My older dog is having some issues and I don’t feel comfortable leaving him. So I am going to celebrate Beatrix’s birthday by watching Miss Potter again. It is one of my favorites. How amazing you are giving away your first figurine. I can only imagine what wonderful stories she could tell! Sending best wishes to you and Joe. And the kitties, too!!!
I think they are recording it! If I can, I’ll try to put it up somewhere! Thank you Charlene!
Wonderful! I’ll keep my fingers crossed! Thank you!!!
You’re Back! YAY. And with so many lovely pics of your family gathering – loved that Swan float and seeing all the brave souls in the cold water. A great memory for one and all I’m sure.
Happy Birthday to Beatrix – such beautiful shots of her Lake District. I’m so happy to have found you Susan, so I could know and see more of this part of the world. I’m planning to make that Cranberry Tea Cake soon – when our “heat wave” passes :-). It’s going to be above 80 degrees for a few days EEEK! The news clipping from your fridge is so funny – the clipping that is NOT the event.
My daughter Heidi and her husband Chris celebrated their 30th anniversary this week so, of course, I’m giving her the 30th anniversary edition of your first book to mark the occasion 🙂 Have a wonderful time celebrating Miss Potter’s 150th B-day. Can’t wait to read all about it.
Your family gathering looks most magical. I hope you found some fireflies and woodland faeries!…And Beatrix Potter…how very special!..I’ve just stumbled upon a small collection of her figurines in a local antiques store…Now I must figure out how to acquire one!…I’m hoping my name is drawn…Psst. Vanna…. Thanks so much for the chance! Hugs to all! :^)
As a librarian, I’ve always loved Beatrix Potter’s books!
You are so wonderful to give us a lovely Beatrix Potter book and Jemima too! I saw some of her gardening collection in New York even her gardening shoes in a Museum It was the highlight of my trip!It was so many years ago and it was like yesterday. Warm Regards Christine
Your family reunion was just the type of reunion I believe every family should have. Perfect setting with a lake and wildflowers and a charming cabin. The icing on the cake was “Ben’s Equipment! I would love to win your adorable giveaway. I have been a Beatrix Potter fan for many years and play the sound track to the “Miss Potter” movie in my studio so very often. Thank you for the chance!
Love,
Susan and Bentley (the Yorkie who stole my heart)
Good morning from central California. It’s tres hot here today, so thanks for the refreshing pictures of the mountains, lake, and Lake District to set the tone for my morning. My family has always grieved and celebrated our loved ones as you did; together with each other, with stories and songs. It’s so fitting and appropriate and I’m happy you felt comfortable enough to share it with us. Today is a fasting day for me, but I will bake your divine tea bread tomorrow (early before it all heats up again) and offer up a toast to the beauty that is summer, family, and creative genius. I’m sure your darling home and fluffy felines were delighted to have you back for a few months before shuffling off again. PS I have the same “swan/goose/duck” floating in my pool and my grands just love her.
I can’t believe I’m one of the first to leave a comment on your latest blog post!! Love seeing your photos from the family reunion in Colorado! I’m so happy that you enjoyed your time with your family. Hopefully, you were able to also get to relax from your long book signing tour.
What a treat it would be to be chosen for the latest giveaway of the Beatrix Potter book and figurine….crossing my fingers and hoping!
Enjoy the birthday party celebrating Beatrix!
the cranberry cake recipe is a wonderful gift by itself.
? a chance for a lovely prize?
bliss.
thanks so much.
Hello Susan, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, your ART, BOOKS, RECIPES WARMTH, GENEROSITY and YOUR HEART. You always brighten my day.
Your family reunion looks happy and wonderful. We have a family reunion every couple of years and it’s amazing how the nieces and nephews have grown. I love getting together with family..
Would love to win, especially Jemima Puddleduck.
Take care..
Christa
Hi Susan! Miss Laurie Walt Disney here… Wonderful pictures of the family. Thank you for the cranberry cake recipe, I want to try it this weekend. Enjoy your time on Cape Cod and celebrating Beatrix! I love the movie Miss Potter. She was a gifted girl that followed her heart! Love.
I dont know how you can bear to give your precious Jemima Puddleduck away after all these years, but i promise to give her a very good home!
The cake looks so tasty. I can’t wait to try it!
How delightful. Beautiful give away. I have been checking books out at my local library about Beatrix Potter these past few months. I have loved learning more about her and her life. Plus, I have watched Miss Potter a zillion, buh-dillion times. What an inspiration. So much to learn and love. We will have tea and cake to celebrate Beatrix Potter on her birthday, as well.
Happy for your wonderful reunion in Colorado. What a beautiful spot on earth. Adore the photo with Ben’s truck, trailer and swan/duck floaties. What a hoot!
Thank-you for your blog. I look forward to each new entry. xo
Welcome home! And a very happy birthday to Joe (and Beatrix)!
Cate
Thanks so much for the chance to have a “piece” of Beatrix Potter history. How lucky we are that she was a pioneer and has enabled those who came behind her to share a part of her life. Thank you too for your lovely books – I have completely enjoyed reading about your journey.
I’m excited about my vicarious trip to England with you this fall. I’m babysitting grandchildren this evening, so I’m thinking that a little Beatrix Potter will be on the agenda. Just think – if the scientific community hadn’t discounted her work because of her DNA, we might not have her wonderful legacy of books and artwork; which are significant contributions to generations around the world.
Hello Susan. I just got back from five days on cape cod where I stayed at the earl of sandwich motel – on your recommendation from a few years ago. What a lovely place to stay. I’m from Northern California (went to your rakestraw book signing) so to see all the lush green of cape cod was a delight. The only downside of the earl of sandwich motel was that one of the geese bit me on my toe !
LOL! Well, that will teach you the entire story of geese! 🙂
So glad you were able to spend time with your family. You all look so happy to see each other. I’m really looking forward to Cranberry Tea Cake and “our” trip to England this Fall.
Have you ever been homesick for a place you’ve never been? Your pictures and blog about Beatrix Potter makes me feel that way. Thank-you for sharing them, Susan.
And, what a lovely family reunion you had. It’s apparent that you’ve been blessed with a wonderful family. 🙂
I just recently watched Miss Potter and it is inspiring me to find my own voice in a children’s book. I have wanted to write and illustrate something along that line for years but second guessed myself. Love, love the figurines you have!
Hi Susan,
I loved this post, it sounds like you had a wonderful time at the reunion. So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. It is so hard to lose a parent, no matter their age or the circumstance. They are the people that love you unconditionally. My Mom passed last year at almost 94, I think of her daily, especially when I’m gardening or doing something with my own grandchildren.
Well, enter me into the drawing. Would love to win that BP book! We went to Hilltop 2 years ago (I just finished my photo album this week!) and it just moved me to tears to be able to go there & see her possessions & surroundings.
Lucky you, going back! xoxo Kathleen
How wonderful for you to spend time with your family and what a magical place indeed. Thanks for the photos as well. Such a nice tribute to Beatrix Potter. She lives on.
Hello Dearies,
So glad you are home and well! So much traveling might bring on a case of “I’m never leaving my own sweet house again” in me.
I’m also glad that you were able to spend time with your family and celebrate Blog Daddy’s life well lived. Sharing tears and laughter is the truly the way to heaven.
We’re getting excited for our own trip to England and the picnic at Stourhead too.
It’s funny, I was just looking at that same book you are giving away on Amazon and trying to decide if we need it for our trip. 🐇 We’ll be staying close to Near Sawry for a few days, then driving South for the picnic and a few days after we’ll be staying a couple of nights at our dear Carrie’s in Oxford. 💖
Have fun at the party for lovely Beatrix. Wish we could be there too.
xxooxx
Gabi
What a lovely post and tribute to Beatrix Potter. HB Beatrix! I really enjoyed seeing your family pics around the lake. Gorgeous! That little cabin…so you!
It’s really a wonderful day when a new Susan Branch blog arrives!! Thanks much!
Hi Susan,
Boy you have had a really and I mean really busy summer so far. And then its off to England. I went to the grocery store a few days ago. Nice post and I also love Miss potter. I always read the newsletters, so of course would love to win your drawing. I have all your books and buy them for gifts for others. Would love to come and help you put your studio in order, but like I said, grocery store.
Nancy Jo
It will be so great to nest at home now after all your travels. The lake was the perfect spot for a joy filled reunion to honor your Dad. Thanks for the give away chance and Happy Birthday to Beatrix!
I have always loved Beatrix Potter. How lovely!
Susan-
Thank you for sharing about your family reunion – it would be lovely to get out in nature and recharge with loved ones!
I hope to win the BP book and Jemima! I would LOVE to be able to surprise my mom with them! It is so special also that Jemima was your treasure!
Elizabeth
I so enjoy your blog. I look forward to it. Brings such joy, and I read them over and over. Thanks for thinking of all your “girlfriends”.
Hello,
Golly, I have missed you! I am so glad you had a wonderful trip visiting with your family. What a gorgeous camp sight to spend time together enjoying each other and having fun.
Thank you for the lovely tribute to Beatrix Potter. Happy Birthday Beatrix!! When my son was very little, I used to read “Peter Rabbit” books to him. My son starts high school in a week. Yikes!! Where has the time gone? I always loved her stories and beautiful drawings.
Thank you for the tea cake recipe too. Uh, yum! I love your decorated recipes. You could write out a recipe for say…Liver and Onions and it would make me want to make it just because how pretty the actual recipe would look! (I do not care for Liver and Onions. I do not wish to offend those of the girlfriends that do enjoy it.)
Thank you again Susan for sharing your world with me. GOD Bless! Love and Hugs, Tricia B. 🙂
You can depend on me, for a lifetime, to leave out the liver and onions recipe!!! And also no offense meant. xoxoxo
I would have agreed with you both because as a child I hated it. Mom always cooked it to death, it was tough as leather but I discovered if you soak the liver in milk, then slice into thin strips and stir fry it in bacon drippings with the onions, you will be amazed at how good it can be.
That’s true, it’s always about how it’s cooked!
Hi Susan- so glad you had a beautiful time with your lovely family. I’m sure it was very comforting to all of you. Your dad would have loved that. How nice of you to do this giveaway. I hope I’m the lucky one!
Love,
Gail
So nice to hear from you 🙂 The family gathering looks wonderful, I love places like that- beautiful water and mountains make for a serene setting. Can’t wait to read about your upcoming jaunt to the UK! Have a wonderful day 🙂 Jacqui xoxo
Susan, so glad you had such a wonderful family reunion and were able to celebrate your Dad’s life. Family makes everything better in times like these. What a beautiful place to camp! I have decided to become a member of the Beatrix Potter Society. Miss Potter is one of my MOST favorite movies. I want to BE her!! And I would just LOVE to be able to travel to see her home and surrounding country side some day. Glad you’re home and can have a wee bit of normalcy in your life. Squinch Jack and Girl for me. My grandbabies Maggie and Molly are still drawing them in their pictures and writing stories about them and your island. I keep meaning to send one to you. They are precious. Hoping I get to win lovely Jemima Puddleduck soon. Much love. xoxo Kerrie
Hi Susan! I’m thanking you for writing a blog about all things I love too!
I hope Vanna picks my name!!