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!
We love you Susan.
Welcome back, Susan! Thanks for sharing all the photos and stories of your family gathering, loved your brother’s song, so touching-sad and beautiful. I also love all the Beatrix Potter photos, I started getting interested in her work because of you, and now I’m collecting her little books and books about her. I can’t believe you would part with Miss Jemima Puddleduck,but she surely will be a treasure for a lucky girlfriend! Enjoy the rest of the summer, so good to know that you and Joe are home safe and sound.
It looks like you had a very fun family reunion and that looks like such a great place to have it. Your Cranberry Tea Cake looks delicious. I am hoping to visit England some day and definitely want to visit Hill Top farm but in the meantime I am enjoying your pictures. Thank you so much for sharing them.
Once again such a lovely generous post from such a lovely generous lady! Thank you for all the joy you spread all around, and you get around!
Prayers for blessings and peace and joy your way sweet Susan, Joe, and company!
Lisa in New Park, Pa, a sweet little rural area
It is always so delightful to read your blog! You made my day, actually all the days I read your blog! I love your art and joy!
Oh, Susan…you’ve hardly been home in so long! I hope August is soothing for you as you traverse these difficult months following your father’s passing.
You might not have kids of your own, Susan (I’m the same), but you have a wealth of family and I adored the photos of you with all ‘your kids’ – Auntie Mame indeed. Precious pictures!
Your tribute to Beatrix is wonderful; I loved reading it. Beautiful pastoral photos and much love framing them.
I’ve wanted to tell you about how much I have enjoyed having my new book from you, the 30th Anniversary edition of Heart of the Home. When life has been so filled with horrible, horrible things in the news over the past weeks, I pick up the book and make myself go away for a little while. I love the recipes and I love the illustrations; this book is a keepsake of keepsakes. It is SO comforting. And a little story about it, from buying it here online from your store… I have ordered many, many times and your store employees are the best. Everything comes beautifully packed and so promptly. No one’s fault in the shipping, but my book had to be replaced…and my computer was down, so I left a phone message for ‘the girls’ about it – – and before I could even call back on a weekday/workday to give more details, they already had my replacement copy in the mail, completely marvelous customer service, no questions asked. I was floored. But I shouldn’t have been, because it’s just your excellent staff. You can’t imagine experiences I’ve had with other ‘mail order’/online companies – one time (I’m probably repeating myself; I sorta never got over it!!) I received shattered-glass Christmas ornaments…and they wanted me to send all of the thousands of glass slivers back before they’d send replacements; they didn’t believe me (or gave off that impression) and made me feel like I was trying to pull a fast one on them. Needless to say, I never ordered from them again. Isn’t the customer supposed to be King (Queen)??!! Just wanted to express my appreciation for the nice things in your store…and the nice people who help you with it!
What a summer you’re having. Loss mingled with laughter and family and tears and books and in the fall – Beatrix Potter! So lovely. We were in England this summer, but not in the Lakes District. That will be another trip, some year, I hope.
Hugs to you!
I would love to go and visit the Lake Sistict at some point in my life. For now, I will have to settle for being an armchair traveler! That you for such a wonderful give away. Have a wonderful time celebrating Miss Potters birthday!
Lovely post! I look forward to all of them!
Oh, what a generous sweetheart you are! The girlfriend who’s name Vanna draws out of all the entries is going to be thrilled to pieces. Your first BP Person! Bless her, she’s just two years younger than me…I must say she’s aged remarkably well, and the stories she could tell! By the way, I’ve been tracking the shipment of my AP giclee of Zinnias and Babysbreath and it’s supposed to arrive tomorrow! Can’t wait! Hugs 🙂
I would love to add this to my Beatrix Potter collection. Glad you’re back safe and sound from all your travels.
So happy that you and Joe are safely home with the kitties! And how wonderful to be celebrating Beatix Potter’s birthday! Her art and life are so inspiring.
Please consider me an entry for the book – I have a collection of biographies which I read and re-read. Plus my collection of all the “little books” and many of the little people that my mother and I began to collect together in the ’70s. I believe you and I are the same age – a fine year, wasn’t it? 😉
Best wishes, continued condolences for your dear father. I still miss my parents every day.
Mary
What a lovely post! We too were in Durango for a family reunion but at the KOA, they also camp and have cabins. So fun to see everyone.
I love Beatrix Potter also. Have a collection of her books and books about her, but no little friends of hers! We always watch Miss Potter on her birthday, I begin to cry as she reads the letter. I just can’t help it.
Thank you so much, loved seeing you at Vromans and reading your book. I just finished it and loved it so very much. Love your never give up attitude. An Inspiration!!!
Oh Happy Birthday, Miss Potter! It is also my first daughter’s birthday! Jessica is an independent young woman like Beatrix and has accomplished much as a single mom and school teacher. They would have been good friends:). Here’s to a blissful rest-of-the-summer, Susan!
How lucky you are to have such a wonderful, close family. There was a small celebration in the sewing room for Beatrix’ birthday. Teddy bears on the shelf, my vintage dolls and two soon to be finished Raggedy Anns joined the bunnykins watching the movie about her story….again. lol
Hello! Such a lovely post! Colorado looks like so much fun. My brother also lives there, so we might have to start a new tradition. I have many Miss Potter books, but I haven’t seen the give-away book. Count me in! I’d love to read it. Miss Jemima would also feel right at home at my house with my books & Tom Kitten.
On another note, while you were gone two new kittens came to live with me. Henry is a sweet ginger boy, who has a huge purr. His little sister is Lucy and she is a pastel calico with white tummy & feet. They are 3 mo. old now and spend their time chasing each other all over my house. We are having a lot of fun. ttfn….
Your blog entries make me feel more summery than I have in years. Camping photos just put me over the edge. Thanks again for sharing.
Beautiful blog as usual. I would love to win the prizes for my daughter. She always loved Beatrix Potter.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! For the give away, sharing so much, signing our books on your wonderful adventure, and being you! You add joy and beauty in everything you do. It was great being a part of your tour. Glad you are home and getting kitty kisses.
What a glorious tribute to Beatrix Potter, and such a fabulous family reunion…thanks for all you share!
Would love to win the “dream big” book! And, of course, Jemima. 🙂 She can sit in my window sill next to the triplets. They can be friends!
I love your love of Beatrix Potter. I saw the movie “Miss Potter” and loved it. How wonderful that you get to go visit her home again!
Love this post!
Have fun celebrating Beatrix! She was one in a million. Glad you’re back home and also enjoying family. Looks like a GREAT place. xoxo
What a wonderful family gathering you had!
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. It is something you never get over.
I would love the little book and ducky.
Susan,
I have loved Beatrix Potter since I was in my early twenties, I’m 66 years old and still treasure the books as well at the little characters I’ve collected.
Your family reunion looks like so much fun, and what a beautiful location.
I always enjoy your posts.
xo,
Karen
A darling posting – glad you had a great time with the fam.
Your emails are always a highlight to receive. I will pour myself a glass of ice tea and go outside with the birds to savour your latest newsletter.
Happy Birthday to Beatrix Potter – a wise and wonderful woman – just like you!
I love all of Beatrice Potter’s figurines but Jemima Puddleduck, her first one, is in my mind the best. And your tribute to Beatrice Potter was incredible! I want to go and visit all of her places.
Welcome home! What a make-a-heart-smile trip for you and your family. You will be wonderful on Thursday. Wish I could be there!
Your blog has filled me with an inner happiness that I’ve not found too often in today’s world. Thank you. No doubt you’ve brightened many a corner in the world.
Oh, Susan, thank you for the drawing. I’d love to be included. I need to watch Miss Potter again. (wonderful movie) Your blog is always a breath of fresh air.
Thank you!
I love the Beatrix Potter figurines. I used to buy them for my two nieces when they were younger. Now my sister is enjoying them. I’ve actually bought myself some recently to enjoy.
I was organizing my fabric stash today and thought……I hope there is a Susan Branch Blog post today……..I went to the computer, and YUP, there WAS!
You always make me smile. Thanks for the post!
Love Beatrix Potter….and I love your writings! Thank you, Susan!
There’s no one else in our lives like our family. Glad you were able to spend that precious time with yours.
Love you Susan! You make my day.
Thank you for sharing all the wonderful information and beautiful photos a perfect escape from a hectic day! Hope to travel abroad as soon as I retire but I have a classroom to get ready for my lovely students that will be arriving in August! Back to school time is almost here !
….bunny hugs….
Welcome home Susan! Your family reunion looked like so much fun. Thanks for sharing.Your latest blog regarding Beatrix Potter’s birthday was wonderful. You are so right about the rarified air at her beautiful home. The countryside is breathtaking. I hope everyone takes your suggestion regarding the movie about Beatrix’s life, and watches it. I’ve seen it several times and each time it is a special experience. She was so intelligent and full of love for animals and the English countryside. I feel that you have the same “creative gene” that we see in your art and love of England. I see you’re visiting in the fall. We traveled there in the fall a couple of years ago(you’ll love it) and will go in the Spring next year. Have a wonderful trip! We’ll be there with you in spirit.
Isn’t wonderful when you find out that an artist you admire for their work is also a good person who does good work in the world? This is how I feel about Beatrix Potter and it is also how I feel about you. You bring so much happiness into the world.
I didn’t comment on the last post because I’ve been away, but I want to send you my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your sweet father. Thank you for sharing the pictures and new memories you made in Colorado this summer it looked so gorgeous and fun! I especially liked the photo of you and the boys so intently concentrating on what you where showing them. Enjoy the Beatrix Potter celebrations! I wish I could be there but school starts early for my boys in California. 🙂
I love your work! I wish I could have two of everything so I could keep one for myself and give the second one to friends and family!
I love Beatrix Potter! She is one of my personal heroes. I am (now) a children’s book illustrator, after 50+ years of dreaming about it. I sure hope I win this prize. I would be tickled pink!
Hi Susan, I was just thinking yesterday that it had been a while since you’ve posted anything new. I was beginning to miss you! And luckily today I got my Susan fix. Thank you!
Welcome home! The recipe looks wonderful and the giveaways wonderful too!
I have always loved Beatrix Potter. I even decorated my 3rd sons baby room in her stuff. I also wanted to name my daughter after her but could never talk my husband into it. Some day I would love to see her home in England!
Your family reunion looks delightful! Thank you for the reminder about Beatrix Potter. I am a pretty big fan of hers, but I didn’t realize that her 150th birthday was so soon! Great to know!
It was so wonderful to see and hear you speak at Vroman’s bookstore in California! So glad you and Joe are home safely 😘
How can you part with Jemima?? She’s a sweetie. Glad you’re home safe & sound.
oh, my goodness!!!! what a very welcome, and lovely visit you have given us, Susan!! your description of the Colorado-reunion-spot should definitely be a large portion of their brochure!! i’m sure i’m NOT the only one who wants to GO THERE!!!! wow. exquisite, and peaceful and very lovely. sooooo happy you had that very special time with your family. the pic of the moon on the lake….wow!!!! so glad you are home for awhile. nice, isn’t it?? do rest, take care of you, and continue to heal the hurt in your heart. all love to you. xo
Welcome Home! May your rest be sweet as you acclimate yourself to your home again and enjoy a rest–if you and Joe really know the definition of rest!! 🙂
In 1972, as a college student living in London for a month in Jan., I bought a set of Wedgwood Beatrix Potter children’s dishes. I gave them to my mother to use with her grandchildren and I was delighted to finally be able to use them with my own grandson this summer. Someday, I hope to go back to England and visit the Lakes District, the Yorkshire of James Herriott, and the countryside of “Miss Read’s” Fairacre and Thrush Green books.
Hi Susan!
I was born in 1948 so I have a little something in common with that cute Jemima Puddleduck figurine! And the Beatrix Potter book would be such a treasure! Happy celebrating!
I always drop everything when I find a Susan Branch entry…it just energizes me to read and see the illustrations. I am so happy to have the monthly calendar and the monthly blotter. I too like Beatrix Potter ..would love to win but in the meantime will try the Cranberry Cake!
What a lovely giveaway, Sue, Beatrix Potter has always been a favourite of mine. Her sweet drawings of rural life are so inspiring, makes me wish I was in that small town in a house on the hill with Beatrix as my neighbour. She was very forward thinking in buying up all that property to keep the developers at bay, as they always try to swoop in and take the best land.
Susan…..you are truly a most wonderful person. So real, so sincere. I could go on and on. I adore your blogs, your books, your everything! I live my fantasies through your writing and pictures. I share the same magical beliefs and inspirations that you do. I feel like your family is my family and I am broken over your recent loss. It is the circle of life and we have to remember to cherish and enjoy each wonderful day given to us. Bless you and yours and never stop doing what you do. You mean so much to so many of us out here. With love and gratitude always❤️
Beatrix Potter is a woman I’ve always aspired to be too! And I was so pleased when my firstborn daughter was born on July 28th! I think I’ll have to make your cranberry tea cake to celebrate!
Oh gosh, enter me in that drawing, please! I have just bought a used copy of ‘Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life’ by Marta McDowell, and am saving it for my own birthday to read. I have no specific plan for a Lake District visit, but my sweetheart was there last year for a mountain bike holiday and I know he would love to go back (MB in BeatrixLand — who knew?!). Hugs to you, Susan. I am off to make that tea cake!
Oh, thank you for sharing your family reunion with us. Families are to be treasured and I can tell that you treasure yours and they treasure you! I fall more in love with Beatrix Potter every time you mention her. The figurines are just adorable and I look for them whenever I get to an antique or collectible store. I’m sure I’ll have a collection soon. And how fun, now we have another ocean “crossing” and visit to England coming up! Sweet anticipation!!
Very wise advice:
Don’t go into Mr. McGregor’s garden: your Father had an accident there; he was put in a pie by Mrs. McGregor.
Welcome home! I always found those family reunions and celebrations bittersweet, lovely for the dear faces and the funny stories but sad for those missing since our last gathering and the leaving.
We arrive on the island on the 27th for the week, so shall miss you at Aquinnah. Guess I shall have to get my New Heart of the Home signed another time. Can’t wait to be back though, however short a stay and welcome September there.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for sharing your family trip. The pics are great. And thanks for the cranberry tea cake recipe. It will be a great cake for my July birthday!
Thank you so much, Susan, for another wonderful newsletter. I especially loved the Beatrix Potter part.
Beatrix Potter was a staple in my childhood and the cute little books are a forever treasure to me. I browse through them on a regular basis. We also had some of the stories on records and my sisters and I would listen for hours, enthralled by the exciting tales. Happy Birthday, Beatrix.
Perfect blog post timing…I was just stopping to take a break from working…loved your post. Your family vacation spot looks heavenly! What memories made! Thank you for the cake recipe…so happy I have a couple more bags of cranberries in the freezer! Thanks for sharing.
Some time ago there was a mention of a new forthcoming book called Pancakes. Was that put on hold for awhile or will it be coming out later? Thanks.
Always love reading your blog! It makes me smile & makes me feel like I’ve had a little vacation.
The movie “Miss Potter” was wonderful, but the book was even better. I highly recommend it! Love Jemima Puddleduck 🙂
Happy Birthday Beatrix!
You are so loved by so many.
You too Susan!
Love Sandy
I love Beatrix Potter’s drawings. A few months ago I saw a presentation by a woman who impersonates BP. She had props, hats and a little desk with some Potter books and statues on it.
Hello Susan,
Last time I commented I was living in San Juan Capistrano, CA. We just moved to the coast of North Carolina to our retirement home. This means travel to England is a bit closer now. I’ve loved Beatrix Potter since I was little and my Mother read her stories to me. When I was a kindergarten teacher, I shared my love for her with my little students. Thank you for this special drawing…it means a lot!
Dear Susan,
After the passing of your dear Father, I was left without words to comfort.
Know that in my heart and spirit I thought of you and your loss. The world is never quite the same when we lose a parent. I love how your family celebrated his memory! That campground is just too perfect.
Thank you for the reminder of Beatrice’s birthday–my niece (who just moved into her first tiny darling apartment) rescued her very first kitty…Beatrice!!! That was her name–7 years old and her original family left her when they moved. My niece says that this little black and white cat (guess whose cats I immediately thought of??? lol) is full of love and cuddles. A match made in kitty heaven.
Thank you for everything you do to bring cheer to our lives…
Love you and love Beatrix Potter
Dear Susan and Joe, your adventures are so delightful, refreshing, and inspiring. I have given your books to my dear ones to enjoy. You are a blessing, I am so grateful for your sweet notes… thanks, yours, Betsy Sword
I love all of your travels and pictures, Susan. But isn’t it great to get back home? I’m such a homebody, I could probably stay here forever … as long as I have enough books and cross stitch. Looking forward to Autumn and another English trip.
I just finished reading The Fairytale Girl and can’t wait to begin Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams. Since reading The Fairytale Girl, I’ve been inspired to begin my own collection of Beatrix Potter people. Jemima Puddleduck would be the perfect first piece!!! Thank you Susan!!!
Six months before the Miss Potter movie came out, I happened upon a book based on a collection of BP`s letters and was stunned to find out about her life and all she had done to preserve farms in the Lake District. What a legacy! It made the movie even more enjoyable.
Thanks for sharing the pictures of your beautiful family reunion.
Glad your family visit went so well….wonderful memories! Well, wake Vanna up and have her practice drawing the winner…..hopefully me! Always so nice to read your posts! I have 2 very good friends…one from NJ and one from VA who will be on the cape tomorrow to see you….I’ve told them about each other and hope they can find and meet each other there….kindred souls should get together, don’t you think!
Thank you so much for all the beauty you share. You and Beatrix are such an inspiration to me!
Your trip sounds heavenly-a beautiful area for sure. I will be thinking “sun” for you…
So glad you’re back home! My new book should be arriving any day now and can’t wait to see the new pages! It will go next to the original one after, I’ve gone through the whole thing again. This book look very interesting. Thanks Susan.
Anne
When I got home last night, guess what was ready and waiting for me?!! My new HOH book! now for some tea and time.. Loved the wrapping, so nice to open the box and see the pretty tissue.
🏠Happy being home! I love the movie “Miss Potter,” and have watched it many times 🐇! Love all the pics and nostalgic info of her life!
Happy to hear that your family reunion was so lovely, my guess is that you all needed a little bit (a lot!) of family 🙂
Since I have been following your blog, Susan, you have opened my eyes and mind to so many wonderful things. Having never been familiar with Beatrix Potter, I must now investigate! I love the figurines and may have to start a collection!
Hi Susan, glad you had such a wonderful family time at your reunion to honour and remember your dad. I’ve so enjoyed reading about the celebrations in honour of Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday. I’m meeting friends for lunch tomorrow, all kindred spirits, and I bought a lovely Carrot Cake to have for dessert. We’re meeting in High Park here in Toronto so it will be a picnic. I’m also going to make your Basil Limeade to take. I sometimes freeze it in popscicles and they are delicious. My first B.P. little critter was Jemima Puddleduck, too. Now I have over 30 of them plus several of the Schmid music boxes. So much fun when you find one you don’t have. Enjoy tomorrow. I’ll be thinking of you and Joe when we have
our picnic and wishing Beatrix a happy birthday. Hugs, Elaine
Welcome back to your Island home! OMG I can’t believe you would part with one of your precious figurines. Should I be so fortunate to win, I’d cherish it dearly!
Because of you, I’ve added visiting the Lakes Region to my ever-growing bucket list!
I share you love for Beatrix Potter, her life, books and figurines.
Thank you for sharing the Joy and “Gloriosity” of your family re-union.
linda
Oh, Susan, be still my heart. ❤️ I would love to be the winner of the Walking with Beatrix Potter book. Like you, I started collecting the Beswick figurines in the 1970s and thanks to your book, A Fine Romance, I was inspired to go to England and visit her home, Hilltop, last year. Happy Birthday, Miss Potter. 🎂
Love your blogs; they always make me happy. Are you sure you can part with Jemima? She was your first, maybe you mean another one? I would be thrilled just with the book alone.
What a wonderful giveaway! I love your little owl/squirrel figurine. The owl’s eyelashes are so pretty. Thank you for everything you do – the blog, the books, the pictures, the drawings, the recipes. Enjoy your time at home!!
My heart always does a little skip when I see your name in my email! Love, love, love Beatrix Potter! Thank you!
I would love to win my first Beatrix Potter person, but if I don’t, maybe I’ll visit your store and do some shopping. Thanks!!
As a Beatrix Potter fan, I’d love to have this book. One of my dreams is to travel to her home in England.
would love to win that book for my sweet girl Meg, also an artist, and who shares a birthday with dear BHP. So while you enjoy your Beatrix Birthday gathering, I’ll be celebrating with a younger artist but we’ll make sure to toast the other birthday girl!
In May I went to Ireland with a group of women. In one small town I saw a cafe with the cutest name. Until now, I didn’t know where the name came from. It is called the “Puddleducks Cafe”. Now I will have to get my own Puddleduck, one way or the other. Thanks for sharing about Beatrice. I didn’t realize what a fascinating person she was and hope to read about her soon.
What a delightful read about Beatrix. Also fun to see your camp out fun. We did this a lot with our families. Your blogs are so lovely. To read really make my day. Thank you.
Love your blog and books! Have a peaceful summer.
Glad you are back home Susan,
My thoughts are with you and I’m a bit weenzy, ok,really jealous about your trip back to England, etc this fall. Hope to get there next year. So appreciated meeting you at the bookshop in Danville.