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!
I am so glad to see someone else refer to their fandamly. I thought it was just me. I just got back from a wonderful wedding at American Lake on Joint Fort Lewis-McCord in Washington State. It was a wonderfully crazy experience and I am sure you had as much fun as I did.
Hi Susan,
That looked like the family reunion that could have happened only at a campground by some lovely lake!
And Happy Birthday to Beatrix! What a great idea. Will have to try that recipe – looks good.
Hugs
Elaine
Dear Susan~what a thrill it was to meet you in person during your book tour to Danville CA!!! I brought my mom who had just finished reading ‘The Fairy Tale Girl’….. she loved~loved~loved it!!!! Said she feels like she’s reading her own life story 🙂 I would like my mom to be entered in the drawing please to win the Beatrix Potter book and figurine….. oh my sooooo cute!!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful gift of story telling to all the world…. HUGGS Pam Porter
Hello Susan – love your Beatrix Potter post today. I’m a fan of hers as well, and will {someday!} visit Hill Top Farm myself. I wanted to know if you own, or have read, the lesser known book by Beatrix, called “The Fairy Caravan”? When I discovered it, it quickly became one of my favorite Potter books. Have a great day!
Oh Susan…..you ARE doing what Beatrix Potter did!!! You are leaving a legacy for generations to come!!! You fill so many hearts with love and hope…including mine! Suffering from PTSD for at least half of my 66 years, you have NO IDEA what your books, artwork, words and wisdom do for me ( and so many others just like me !) Through you I got to KNOW Beatrix Potter and Gladys Taber! What an absolute joy reading your books and their books has been to me!!! I hold you in my heart for all you have done to make so many people smile! You bring comfort and calmness to me and I will forever be thankful for you ❤️ I hope that you have a wonderful time at Beatrix Potter’s Birthday Party!! I will definately make that Cranberry Cake and Vanilla Sauce recipe and think of you when my husband and I enjoy it! Thank you!! xo
Sending love dear Kathiellen, thank you for the sweet words. xoxo
You did such a good job of expressing my thoughts about Susan, as well, Kathiellen! As you said, she is leaving a legacy to many generations. She is a balm to healing hearts.
💚💖💞💝💛
My newest treasure is Mrs. rabbit tucking Peter into bed! ❤️
Love this post and love your family time together….that’s what life is all about.
We brought copies of her books when our children were small. Naughty Peter was always a favorite.
The book looks so interesting and I appreciate you giving up one of your keepsakes. Loved this post and so glad you had such a great visit with your family. I thought that huge swan looked like something out of Hans Christian Anderson story….does your family have a story behind it? Enjoy Cape Cod, wish I was able to visit with you at your last book signing. I read, pondered, laughed and cried through The FairyTale Girl last weekend and look forward to starting Isle of Dreams this coming weekend.
My sis and I took a girls trip to the UK year ago, leaving the hubbies behind. It was a dream trip and I relive so much of our wonderful adventures through your Blog! Thanks so much for sharing your creative gifts with all of us.
Home Sweet Home to you Susan…..It is fun to travel about but happiness is coming home. When i walk into my house with all it’s “treasures”,i am so happy to be here.
We live on a corner lot and our side street(where the garage is) is Hilltop!!
Our address is Meadow Street–another happy place to call home.
Enjoy being home Susan
I love Beatrix Potter. It was one of first set of books I bought for my kids (now in their 40s and 50s). Sadly, we didn’t get to her house on our visit to England – but next time. She was a remarkable person. I need to read more about her. Thank you for the chance to win ‘Walking With Beatrix Potter’. I would treasure it.
Thank you for the lovely break in my day. Sitting in an office in St. Louis is not near as beautiful is walking by the lake in the mountains. And I would love to spend some time “Walking With Beatrix Potter.” Much love and gratitude. P
Thank you for letting us see the world through your eyes. I am 79 years old and love your writing and beautiful art work. I would like my name to be entered in the drawing. Thank you again for all the beautiful things you create to enrich our lives.
Oh, my goodness! What a great giveaway! We are heading to the Lake District this fall and would love the book and Jemima Puddleduck is an added bonus! Pick me!!!!
Thank you for this article on Beatrix Potter. I didn’t know she had been a scientist! Your photos are beautiful too!
I started my boys out with Beatrix Potter books that led to more books, figurines, etc. Love her and love you!!!
What a fabulous way to celebrate Miss Potters 150th! I would be thrilled to win!!
My forever best friend passed away in 2012 and each year to honor the day of her birth, I donate funds to our library to purchase books. The awesome part is that I am able to be quite specific as to genre and suggested titles that reflect Karen’s interest and talents. This year, to commemorate both Karen’s birthday and Beatrix’s 150th, I have requested Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life by Marta McDowell, Beatrix Potter…The story of the creator of Peter Rabbit by Elizabeth Buchan, and A Fine Romance by Susan Branch! The best part is that each book has a special bookplate placed in the front page with her name in memory prior to the books going into circulation. Helen
What a fantastic way to remember your friend! … oh my, I just read the last of your comment, and really, thank you Helen, that is so nice. The gift you are giving is so wonderful.
Thank you Helen for your post. When my son was in school, I donated books to the library when a teacher died and also when classmates died. I must remember this in the future when I want to commemorate someone. The libraries near me need books, and it is such a wonderful way to celebrate a person’s life.
Welcome back Susan. What a wonderful family you have. Your brother’s song was so heartfelt, a very talented songwriter.
Wishing I could get back to England’s Lake District again. I was driving back from Scotland with a friend in 2003 and we could only stop for lunch in Windermere. Didn’t get to Hill Top Farm…would love to go back and take the walks with Beatrix!
Dear Susan… I have just caught up on reading your blogs and I, too, want to express my sadness and sympathy to you concerning your dad’s passing….how hard it must have been for you to go through the tour with such a sadness in your heart…… I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your family reunion, and I hope it was a wonderful and refreshing time for you and your family….memories….It sounds like you have so many wonderful ones….I will pray for you as you come to mind…. and may God take your grief and eventually turn it into joy, for having had such a wonderful daddy/daughter relationship…..thinking of you with love! Donna from Montana
Thank you Susan – as always, a truly delightful post. I share your love of all things Beatrix Potter because I was lucky enough to grow up in the little white cottage to the left of the white bungalow in your photo of Near Sawrey. It’s called Stoneycroft, and belonged to the village joiner in Beatrix’s time. The lovely lady who curated Hill Top when I was a child used to let me sneak in and fantasise about living there with Beatrix – she obviously took pity on me – there wasn’t a lot to do in Near Sawrey in the 70s! We’re really looking forward to meeting you and Joe at the Stourhead picnic – hoping for an Indian summer that day, but bring your brolly just in case!
Oh, how lucky you were! Oh my! That is really something, and to think now you are here and telling your story. What a small world. Just lovely . . . be sure to tell me again when we meet so I can put the face with this message! See you in September!
What a wonderful family gathering and a time to honor your dad. So loved the Miss Potter movie.
Dear Susan, I hope you remember me from “The Unlikely Story” in Plainville, MA, at the first stop on your amazing book tour where I helped with the book-signing. My late husband Ron and I visited the Lake District back in 1994, but Beatrix Potter’s farm was not open on that day so we contented ourselves with time in Hawkshead and toured her husband’s law firm. The scenery was so beautiful and I revisit that day in my memory often. Happy Birthday, Beatrix, and thank you, Susan, for celebrating her wonderful life!
Love, love, love your pictures of time with family, nothing is more important than family that God has given us, whether by blood or by heart!
Oh my goodness, who wouldn’t want to win that! That book looks delightful and Miss Puddleduck…….wonderful! I only have one of figurines…..it NEEDS a friend! So glad you had a wonderful time with your family. I am just “recovering” from Cousin’s Camp……14 cousin’s for 2 days of basketball, volley ball, tether ball, ping pong, crafts, food, snacks, the cabin, movies, talking, laughing, hide and seek, board games, coloring books and colored pencils. It was wonderful!!!!
Thank you for bringing Beatrix Potter alive for us! Will re-read A Fine Romance…the Beatrix chapter. Can’t wait to see the movie. There was a live film years ago that was narrated by Angela Lansbury I think…but could never find it again. Glad you’re home safe and sound. My cousins…Aunts and Uncles used to meet at Lake George, NY every summer at my Grandparent’s camp…wonderful memories!
Welcome home…we’ve missed you!
Glad you are home and safe and ready for another adventure. I have just received you isle of dreams and can’t wait to finish the trilogy . One of my to do is a trip to Britian and when I win this book then I will go on the walks when I make it to England. And I will have a tea party for Miss Potter and Jemima and friends will join me and I will serve the cranberry tea cake. I love anything British! Thanks for you post. I love reading them.
Charlene
Ahhhh, Susan, you sure know how to take us away. The movie “Miss Potter” was such a charmed one, it’s one of my favorites, particularly because it showed just how truly silly it was to dismiss a woman…for simply being a woman!
My mother was a fan of Beatrix’s books and creatures. Reading was her escape from the harsh side of life and these stories really did the trick.
And how could you NOT cry at the upcoming tea party! I surely would! Thanks for the giveaway and the peek into your life,
I stayed up until the wee hours last night, reading and finishing Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams. I just loved your story as well as the physical presentation of the book itself. Thank you.
Welcome Back Susan (and Joe)! What lovely pictures; thank you for sharing all of this beauty with us.
Oh how I would love to win the Aunt Jemima Puddleduck!! Yes, I said “Aunt Jemima”.
A few years ago I came across the same figurine in an antique store. I knew my Mom (a previous librarian) has a love for Beatrix Potter so I had to request to look at her. She was beautiful! No chips or scratches. And was fairly priced. I was going to purchase her. I walked around the antique store with my girlfriend talking about “Aunt Jemima” Puddleduck and had the other shoppers keeping an eye out for other Beatrix Potter items (you know how friendly people are in antique stores). I’d hear “here’s something Aunt Jemima”, and “Oh, how cute your “Aunt Jemima” duck is.” I checked out and the gentleman told me he hoped my Mom enjoyed “Aunt Jemima” as much as saw me enjoying her in his store.
After dropping my girlfriend off I *had* to go to Mom’s and give her this surprise (surprises for “no reason” are the best). Mom gently took her out of the bag and said “Jemima” Puddleduck and I said at the same time “Aunt Jemima” Puddleduck. Mom stopped and *looked at me*. I said, “That’s her, right? Aunt Jemima.” (I was nervous that I bought her the wrong thing.) I told her, “She’s the duck in your office on the little books that you read the girls.” Mom started laughing and replied “No, her name is Jemima. Not Aunt Jemima”. I told her how everyone in the antique store was calling her “Aunt Jemima” Puddleduck and no-one corrected me. Oh how we laughed (and call her Aunt Jemima Puddleduck today).
A few months later around Easter I was at another antique store and saw a Mom bunny with her baby bunnies, again being a Beatrix Potter figurine. I purchased her for Mom thinking it would be a nice thank you gift for Easter. How excited I was to find another figurine in my price-range. When I got home and showed my fiancé he informed me they weren’t bunnies, they were mice. After a quick Google search he was correct, they were mice (The Tale of Two Bad Mice); I didn’t read the bottom when I purchased it. At Easter, I gave Mom the figurine with a card explaining that I was excited to by her a Beatrix Potter bunny for Easter only to learn that I was giving her mice instead. I said after my “Aunt Jemima” incident and now the mice, perhaps I better read her books.
What joyful memories we have about Beatrix Potter, Aunt Jemima, and the mice.
So remember reading Peter Rabbit – it seemed too sad to me as a child.
I love all things Beatrix Potter as you do. Have a wonderful trip in the fall and please send lots of pictures.
Everything you write about is so very kind, loving and heartfelt. That is missing in today’s crazy world and more often than not has made me so sad.
Reading your blog is always so uplifting and I love it !
So very sorry about the recent loss of your much loved dad. I know how empty and heavy your heart feels now. Please know time will lessen the ache but never the beautiful memories.
Have a very happy day and thank you for your kindness.
So glad you had such a wonderful trip to Colorado with your extended family. What a beautiful setting! I’m sure lots of special memories were made and shared. Sure would have been fun to see a photo of you with all your siblings! How many of you were there, including all the nieces and nephews? I have fond memories of family reunions with oodles and oodles of aunts, uncles, first cousins, and second cousins, etc. on my Mom’s side when I was growing up. She was one of nine siblings. I’ve long ago lost track of how many Cajun cousins there are now!
I’ve only recently began collecting Beatrix Potter books. The one you are giving away sounds interesting! We have lots of wild bunnies in our backyard and I name the baby bunnies after the ones in the Peter Rabbit books! They are so darn cute! However, it’s been a battle this year trying to keep them from eating my veggie garden, even with fencing! I discovered one eating the tops of my carrots and chased him round and round the garden, laughing and scolding him at the same time! Naughty little bunny! (He Had to be a distant cousin of Peter Rabbit!)
Hope you get lots of time to relax before your next adventure!
{{Hugs}}
I continue to treasure my 30 year old Heart ofthe Home that I chanced upon at the Port O’Call Store in Palos Verdes Peninsula (not the home store then in Pasadena). I have invested in all your cookbooks over the years. Love just reading them sometimes as you would a novel because my choices most often involve beautiful illustrations….”eye candy”. A friend gave me a small loaf of cranberry nut bread yesterday. It must be so like your recipe…and so divine.
Continued Happy Summer to you. Each day is so precious.
Loved the pictures and information about Beatrix Potter. I still have a copy of the French version of Peter Rabbit that my mother gave me when I was in junior high and learning French. Years later, I used to read a bit to my sixth grade students , just so they could hear what French sounds like! (I still love the sound of the language.)
I would love to win the Walking With Beatrix Potter book.
I love everything Susan Branch also. You make me enjoy life more. Would love to meet you. God bless you.
Dear Susan, one year after a month long unit about Beatrix Potter and friends, I had a tea party for my third graders. I brought in the tea service and all the finery. We had bread with butter and blackberry jam and camomile tea with sugar cubes and milk. (so they could use the little sugar tongs.) at the end of the party, after all that sugar I couldn’t even recognize my well behaved class! What a mistake and I was so glad to send them home! 😜 Glad you are home and safe. Debby
Here’s a quote that really speaks to me when someone famous (like Beatrix Potter) or someone in the family (like your beloved Dad) passes away:
We shape our lives not by what we carry with us…but by what we leave behind.
Always a pleasure to have a sit down before I start dinner and read a Susan blog, especially during canning season ! Enjoyed it as always, thanks for sharing.
I would love to win this, Susan!!! Thanks!!!
Dear Susan, had tickets for Beatrix Potter’s party at the Cape, but, due to a conflict in schedule, had to relinquish them…..someone else will be lucky enough to go in my place. So glad you’re back and it looks like you had a wonderful family time in Colorado. I must say, I don’t know how you do all that you do – you have my complete admiration. You are an inspiration to us all! Thank you for making my world a brighter place! xoxo
What a wonderful prize for some lucky gal…I too have loved Beatrix Potter for most of my life. My father (born 1907) was given a copy of The Pie and the Pattypan by his Sunday school teacher when he was a small boy. I cherish that book and all it represents.
Oh I hope Vanna picks me. Please !!!!
Barbara in Lodi, CA
I sat down to read this after a long day of work, WOW it was a minivacation, how beautiful. I love Beatrix, I love all of your photos from England! I travel vicariously with you! thank you! safe travels,
jennifer
What a delight. Your family fun and just thinking about everyone popping in the visit each other sounded so perfectly perfect. And Beatrix and her birthday coming just tomorrow. A celebration is definitely in order. Thank you for all the shared memories. Susan you are the best.
Much love and bunny hugs,
Shirley
As always, your post is inspiring. How wonderful it would be to win such a lovely book and figurine! So glad you were able to connect with your family for much-needed hugs and reminiscing about your dad. It looked wonderful, and such a comfort for you all.
Have been traveling, so just learned of your father’s passing- heartfelt sorrow for your loss,it is never easy.that being said , those that have gone before us are always with us- thank heavens.
Safe travels home.
P.s. The cranberry cake looks delicious, yum!
So very glad to have you back Sue – missed you!
Sweet Beatrix Potter items!!! How can you part with them, Susan? I’m happy you had such warm and connecting time with your family. Especially now. You are loved, you know…..by so many of us, and especially me!
I love reading your blog. It always makes me feel so much better, especially if I’m having a not so great day. I love all things Beatrix Potter and Susan Branch! Many thanks for your inspiration and love of the small things in life, which are of course the most important.
how much I love your work. Beatrix potter is my heroine and I would love I wish I was on the trip to England with you.
I share a birthday with Beatrix, which my daughter finds interesting because I also speak to inanimate objects and love little forest creatures. Could it be something about that day?
I said a prayer for your family, we all will miss hearing from Blog Daddy. (((Hugs))) The family reunion looked delightful. Such a beautiful area!
Love this (and all) of your posts. 😊 I share Beatrix Potter’s birthday! Love all her and you!
I love Beatrix Potter!
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful lady, Beatrix Potter. Her work is timeless and I expect that millions more will be reading her stories as long as there is time itself.
And you, Susan Branch, have touched millions with your wonderful words and beautiful artwork. Thank you.
Love your blog ! Its my sunshine every time I get a chance to read it ! Thank you so much, have been a fan forever!
I so look forward to your posts! You write as if you are talking directly to me….your friend.
Reading what you write is as if I am with you on your journeys or sitting by the fire as you work on one of your books.
I use and just reread your books and each time enjoy just a little more.
Thank you for all you’ve shared with us.
Debra
Thank you for all the updates, sharing your family pictures, and how to properly celebrate Beatrix Potter’s birthday. Both of my girls (now 14 and 18!) grew up reading my collection of little BP books. Both still display their plate and cup sets in their bedrooms that I purchased before each daughter’s birth: Clare has the Tom Kitten set and Jemma has the Benjamin Bunny set. That makes me happy. Both agree that “The Roly-Poly Pudding” is their favorite (mine, too) when Tom Kitten gets himself a bit “wrapped up” after investigating the chimney then getting caught behind an attic wall only to end up tumbling into Samuel Whiskers and Anna Maria’s dwelling. You know how it ends so I won’t spoil it for our girlfriends who still have yet to read it. 😉 Enjoy the rest of your summer! XOXO from Hot in Idaho (the temperature, haha.)
Oh, Susan….how can you bear to part with your Jemima? You have such a giving heart. I’m so happy to hear that you had a wonderful family reunion. There is nothing more healing and comforting than spending precious time with family. I hope you have a refreshed sense of well being as you make your way to the gathering at Cape Cod. Sounds like fun.
Dear Susan,
My daughter and I met you in Prescott at your book signing. Such a beautiful event! We love your books especially your trip to England. My daughter took me to England for my 60th Birthday and we both fell in love with the English countryside! You have such a way with words, you described our feelings perfectly. I’ll be checking that movie out of the library, making a little Cranberry Tea Cake, and having a little party 🙂
What is the average price to pay for a vintage Beatrix
Potter figurine? I’m always on the lookout.
Thank you.
Valann
Where would we be without Beatrix?? She supplied us with the first stories and creatures of innocence, something we can always refer back to when the world gets too busy and harsh. I loved her then and always will. Darling Puddleduck would have a place of honor in my country kitchen as I have vowed to all, I dont plan on growing old anytime soon!!! You are so blessed to have a close and lovely bonded family that loves each other enough to want to keep those precious traditions! God Bless You Susan!!
I have such sweet memories of reading Beatrix Potter’s books to my sons when they were young. I would love to have a copy of one of her figurines. Lynne
What a beautiful post. You vacation looks like an amazing adventure. I would love to win the Beatrix Potter book and figurine. What a lovely combination prize. Thank you for letting us travel with you on your journeys.
Loved seeing the vacation photos in Colorado. Reminded me of trips to northern Wisconsin when I was growing up. Being together with family is truly the greatest joy and those summer gatherings still make me smile.
Dear Susan, thank you for another lovely post. I was thrilled to meet you at BookPeople in Austin! I would never have guessed the grief in your heart at that time. You are blessed to have had such a wonderful father and the time you spent with him. I lost my father in 1995 and can truly say I think of him daily. My “Daddy” thoughts are joyful memories now. He was a cracker-jack handyman and loved nothing more than fixing things for his family.
What a lovely giveaway! I’ve wanted the book for some time – to dream of one day taking those walks. Anything can happen! Not to mention the lovely Jemima! What a treat. My favorite character is Hunca Munca, but I would gladly give Jemima her own shelf space.
Best wishes to you and Joe. I hope the rest of your summer is more temperate than Texas.
I also went to Hilltop – with my two sisters and our cousin on a girl’s trip “across the pond”. We were so happy the Hilltop parking lot was full and we had to park down the street because then we had to walk to the house through a lovely meadow filled with sheep, taking photos every three steps. The house was so charming and we loved her little garden. We loved every moment we spent there and were so thankful to have added the stop to our itinerary.
I’ve been painting walls this afternoon and sat down for a much-needed rest. And there was your new post! Thanks for making my rest even better. I feel refreshed! One of my favorite Beatrix Potter products is the double dvd set of her stories done in beautiful animation, with the voice talents of the likes of Hugh Laurie, Pam Ferris, Felicity Kendal, and Patricia Routledge. It’s ridiculously expensive here in America (wasn’t when I bought mine), but is very reasonable if you order it at Amazon UK. But you have to have a region-free dvd player to play them (which we also have since we buy UK shows from the UK a lot). Someday I hope to have some of her figurines, but for now, the cost prohibits me from buying them.
Thanks for letting us come along on your family trip! You’re always so generous like that.
Much love.
You are always so generous to all of us! I do so love Beatrix Potter and her little sweet creatures. But yes most all her life that she lived to inspire us all. All the good those tiny little animals help bring to the world is really amazing. I cannot imagine what that area would look like now without her. And also now I can share my love and her magic with my new grandbabies, twins, boy and girl.
Thank you
Dolores
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity with your drawing.
So exciting! You were in Durango and we live just over the mountains in Montrose. We have never been to that lake and camping area- sounds perfect. Also, we are planning a UK trip next year- haven’t talked my husband into the Queen Mary yet…. but we hope to visit the Lake country and Cornwall and Wales and maybe Ireland too– so the book would be wonderful. We love walks! Cheers!
Dear Susan – I continue to learn from you, thank you for your inspiration.
Happy Birthday Beatrix !
I love the charming art, lovely photos, and contentment-filled newsletter. Thank you, Susan!
I fell in love with Beatrix’s watercolors in her bunny books many years ago and made a trip to Hill Top Farm in 1986 which was a dream come true! Right now I’m busy getting a garden picnic lunch ready for tomorrow, decorating my garden and putting out crayons and Peter Rabbit coloring sheets for my four little grands. I want them to know all about the amazing Beatrix Potter! We’ll have a carrot birthday cake, sweet tea since it’s so hot, and four generations of us sitting on the lawn munching on carrots and tea sandwiches. I can’t wait! So glad you’re back home safely, Susan! Thanks for the sweet giveaway, too!
Oh wow! What a give-a-way! Beatrix was amazing. Her books are timeless. Thank you for sharing the tea cake recipe!
Thank you for sharing your family photos Susan! You look very contented and I’ll bet your father was there in spirit for the entire event!
I’ve already bookmarked this resort, with a son in Colorado…..maybe a rendezvous spot for us! Loved your talk in Memphis, and have devoured all three of your books in summer reading fashion. I too was a California girl living in Ventura during the early 60’s. You captured what I remembered with my then four year old eyes. Thank you for your honesty, warmth and revealing writing style! Kris
I love birthday celebrations and I love everything Beatrix Potter! Your family reunion looks fabulous. What is better than family time in the beautiful outdoors with those you love. Big families are the best!
Oh, Susan please tell me where I can find a huge swan or duck water float like the one your family has. It is just too, too!!
What a lovely reunion location. So peaceful and beautiful. Did your heart good, I hope? Then home sweet home to whiskers and meows. Enjoy the rest of the summer. Hugs!
What a joy your blog is. I have been reading for years, but have never commented.
I have been house bound this last year, taking care of my ailing husband.
Your blog has meant more to me then you could possibly know. A wonderful escape.
God bless you ,and all you do.
I have long been enchanted with all-things Potter. You rekindled that interest for me. Thank you for that.
I visited Hilltop Farm last month–so neat to actually be in her house! Happy happy birthday, Beatrix! I wish I could have met you–I think we would have been good friends!
It was so nice to see you in ridgewood NJ! I’m looking forward to the next book. I.
My twin five year old grandaughters love the little Beatrice Potter books I found at an antique show. It’s amazing how much they remember every time we’ve read them through the years. I hope they love them their whole life! Thank you for another beautiful post!
So glad you had a wonderful family trip. Love Beatrix Potter and her precious babies
Hi Susan,
I enjoyed yet another of your wonderful blog posts. Lovely, lovely pictures and words. I love all the Beatrix Potter info. I’m a longtime fan of hers, too. I did both my boys’ nurseries in Peter Rabbit bedding, and still have all of it. (My oldest will be 30 this year (yikes!). Thank you for bringing me happiness via the computer today!
Hello Dear Sue,
I thought we would hear from you soon since Beatrix’s birthday is later this week. as always, you make her life sound so interesting and make me wish I could go to England to explore her home, maybe some day. Thank you for all the inspiration and beautiful art you give to us. Mary Anne
Your sweet words never fail to put a smile in my heart❤️ Thank you dear Susan, thank you…
Hugs,
Rosanne
I just ordered myself “Heart of the Home” and can’t wait to make that cranberry tea cake! Thank you for a chance to win that lovely Beatrix Potter book!
So lovely to “hear” from you. I hope you are well.
Your post has so much info in it and I enjoyed it immensely. I can picture, if you and Beatrix were contemporaries, that each of you would paint Jack and then trade the “catraits” with each other.
I loved your entire blog post….absolutely charming! I would so love to “walk” Beatrix Potter’s trails, maybe someday. That you are giving away Jemima, your first ever precious collectible…will make someone feel so very special. Thank you! Glad you had a wonderful family reunion!
So enjoyed your Home at Last! What a summer you have had! I still have the stuffed eter Rabbit I bought my 29 year old grandson many years ago, along The Tale of Peter Rabbit Musical Collectible. I’m saving them for him until he is settled. How fun it would be to Walk with Betrix Potter!! I feel I have through your writings in A Fine Romance, which I absolutely loved. Thank you ever so much!!
Just looking at the book makes me want to go to England 😀
I just adore Beatrix Potter and you, most of all, darling Susan. I received my copy of “Heart of Home” a few weeks ago and it is a complete joy. Lots of love to you and all the girlfriends.
Sylvia Williams
Fallbrook, Calif.
Such a beautiful post! Made me recall my family reunions and the joy I got from see all of loved ones together laughing and frolicking around a campfire. The tribute to Beatrix Potter was lovely. I am 70 years old. When I downsized, I couldn’t part with her books because they bring the child in me out. They make me smile and fill my heart with joy. It is the simple things in life that bring us great joy.
Thank you for this sharing of plans and information on Beatrix Potter. It means a lot to many of us unable to travel abroad. We go along with you and savor all you do. Wishing you a wonderful time this Fall. V.C.S.
Susan, thank you so much for your wonderful blog! We girlfriends so appreciate your generous giveaways! Your books and blog bring me so much joy!
Your Moonset picture took my breath away. The family reunion must have been wonderful with such beautiful scenery, special people of several generations and a birthday cake for Beatrix. Your sweet, simple descriptions fill my heart with a longing for time like that. Thank you.