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 really think i’m psychic, i’m doing housework and suddenly i think “where is Susan, she hasn’t posted lately!” is she back from Colorado??!! I check my email and there you are with a fabulous giveaway of Beatrix and Jemima, my favorite character. I have many books about BP , even BP needlepoint; i would love to add this one! Glad you had a great trip! crossing my fingers!
Thank you Susan for sharing the celebration of your Dads life. Your brothers song was very touching. God bless you and your family.
Toni
Welcome Home! It’s always good to get away from home but, feels so great when you’re back home. Beautiful pictures. My favorite is the swan in the back of the truck. “The equipment”. Beatrix Pottery figurines are so very cute. Love the collection of her books too! As always, thanks for sharing!
Thank you for stopping in Woodstock, GA on your book tour. It was so wonderful to see you. Enjoy the birthday celebration tomorrow – I love my Beatrix Potter figurines – they bring such joy to life as do her books.
Lovely, all of it. A balm for the weary bits of me after a long and hard day at work. Thank you.
I was born in 1948 the year the figurine was made, and my mother (now 92-1/2) taught herself to read with Peter Rabbit, so I think I should win the drawing! So glad you had a wonderful family reunion.
I too love to display my Beatrix Potter figures around my home.
Lisa
Love Beatrix Potter! I have many of her characters that sit in my kitchen, also her books that sit in my library.
Thank you for another inspiring blog! Glad your reunion was so much fun. Loved hearing about Beatrix Potter–can’t wait for your next adventure to England.
Thank you so much for featuring our beloved BP’s birthday! How I’d love to be in attendance when you read tomorrow!! Most of my appreciation for Miss Potter comes as a result of all your accolades for her through the years… Thanks, Susan.
Yes, I second the recommendation to all of your readers to watch the movie!
So glad you had a wonderful visit with your family. Love Beatrix Potter. Was so surprised that when I worked on my family tree, she is a distant cousin❤️. Am so proud. Know you are glad to be home after all the traveling which is wonderful and rewarding, but there is no place like home. Love to you and Joe.
I’d be proud too, if I had even one drop of Beatrix Potter DNA in my body!!!!
I love Beatrix Potter, too, and have started my figurine collection with Mrs. Tiggy Winkle, who is my favorite. I’ll drink some tea on the 28th!
It sure looks like there was lots of love on that lake. Family love is the BEST! Thanks for the latest offer. Once again you spread such good cheer
“She flew beautifully when she had got a good start.” That line from The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck would always make my daughter and I laugh. We could just picture her trying to get a running go and take flight. Good memories from one of the best collections of children’s books ever written. Happy Birthday Beatrix !
Beatrix Potter’s 150th Birthday is a celebration for all of us who love her!
xoxo
Such sweet give aways again!!! Have a wonderful day on Thursday.
Cindy from Maine
Your family reunion looked like it was a lot of fun for everyone. What a pretty place. Sharing time, sharing memories, hopefully mostly happy ones. I love your blog Susan. You are a very interesting person. Also very talented, kind & blessed. Thank you for sharing your life with us & thank you for the opportunity to win the Beatrix Potter book & oh so sweet figurine. Take care friend.
How I envy you your big family! looks like a swell time was had by all! Nothing better than lakes and cabins to cleanse the soul.
Beatrix Potter has been my heroine for a long time –not simply because of her books(which I have a wonderful collection of very very old ones) but her farsighted vision of countryside preservation. I also love her drawings of plants, animals and flowers which are deemed to have historical value.
Enjoy your visit back to England but thought you were going to Scotland instead? Linda from Idaho where it is in the nineties but humidity in the low teens so it still comfortable to read outdoors in the shade.
You must be enjoying your time back at home! The kitties I’m sure love having you back especially. The cranberry tea cake looks delicious! Happy birthday Joe 🙂
I love Beatrix Potter. I bought the book Beatrix Potter’s gardening life by Martha McDowell and loved learning all about her method of gardening and love of all nature.
I love Beatrix Potter. I loved reading about your visit to her home and how it was so preserved. I really enjoyed the series by Susan Albert Wittig. I know they were fiction but I enjoyed them all the same. I’m going to have to try the one you mentioned above now. If Beatrice were alive today, she would be a girlfriend!
I would be thrilled to have my name drawn to win the book and Miss Jemima Puddleduck. I’m retired from teaching first grade, but my memories of reading Beatrix Potter’s books to six year olds will remain with me always.
Yet again, reading your posts are therapy and delight. Transporting me to cool England and New England from the heat of the AZ Valley of the Sun is sweet. Thank you Susan.
I Loved this blog. I also have walked where Beatrix walked. I love the lake district. It has been 15 years since I was there and wish I could go back. I look forward to reading about your next visit. I know that I will feel like I’m there as I read what you write. Lots of love.
Swoon … Vallecito Lake and 5 Branches campground look like the perfect setting for a sweet family reunion. How lucky you all are to have each other. And Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday will be celebrated at my house. I think I’ll make the Cranberry Tea Cake, she says with a what-the-hell-attitude! Thank you for sharing.
So glad you had such a good time at your family reunion. My six brothers and sisters and I, along with assorted family members of nieces, nephews and grandkids, will be gathering for a reunion this weekend and I can’t wait to see everyone! Nothing is more important than family. I wonder why that seems more true the older we get. Although we have lost our parents, the stories go on and on. So they are never really gone.
Susan. You are amazing. Your talent defies definition. At the library in Mashpee I happened upon your book about the Fairy Girl. So engrossing was it that I bought the Martha’s Vineyard good and felt that I was chatting with a friend, in fact I am going to reread it right away despite the stacks of books waiting to be read.
From 1990 to 2008 I had a home on Main Street out toward West Chop. I knew your house, could recognize your husband at the Black. I have all your recipe books and always buy one of your calendars every year. But the Martha’s Vineyard just blew me away.
Oh, gosh, I am gushing and have never written a fan letter. So enough, but I hope you will be writing for years to come.
I feel that like standing under a waterfall shower of stars. 💫
Susan, what a lovely vacation you had in Colorado! I so enjoyed the photos you shared will all of us girlfriends!! I am a definite Beatrix Potter fan and have a trip to the Lake District on my Bucket List!! It should be beautiful when you go in the Autumn. I am already looking forward to all the photos you will share with us. Please enter me in the drawing, would love to win!
Love your lamb painting. It always amazes me the wonderful things people do. I had forgotten how she saved the farms.
It should be talked about more, because of the inspiration, some child could grow up and save farms too!
Lovely post as usual. I so want to be in your family. I love Miss Potter and have her books, but not this one . My Joe hopes I win it. Love to you and yours.💞
It’s my birthday today and I received a most wonderful gift….your post! So glad you are home safe from your reunion. Sounds like a great time. Have a terrific rest of the summer. Wishing you many sparkling firefly evenings.
How special your family reunion was this time, Susan, bittersweet but surrounded by such a loving group of your dearest ones.
I have adored Beatrix Potter my whole (long) life, everything about her, so this was a delightful edition of your blog for me. I shall celebrate her birthday tomorrow which is also my sister’s birthday, with tea and something scrumptious. I can’t wait for the outcome of your drawing yet wonder how your can bear to part with the very first Beatrix person you ever bought.
I am also longing to try baking your cranberry tea cake, but it is a little too warm to be baking at this time of year. The kitchen is hot enough already!
Blessings and enjoy Cape Cod. Sally
Hi Susan. I enjoy reading your blog and your books. I have them all. Your pictures are amazing. I feel like I’m right there with you. It was awesome learning about Beatrix Potter. Can you imagine the two of you as friends now? Sooo very interesting. The both of you. Don’t ever stop writing. Every year a friend of mine gives me a calendar that you made. I love love love them. I enjoy reading everything on them. The pictures are gorgeous. Thank you for all that you do.
I too am a fan of Beatrix Potter.we visited Hill Top Farm years ago. A wonderful experience. Then there was a special exhibit of her mushrooms in New York City at a museum library. She was a genius in my opinion.
Smiles
Love Beatrice Potter and you! Thank you for ALL the books, recipes and love you spread in a world gone crazy. You are the best. May all your wonderful memories of your father sustain you in the days and years ahead ❤️
Dear SB,
Because of you I got out watercolors for the first time since high school and that was some time ago. Your Jemima Puddleduck and I are the same age. Thank you so much. All I did was color in a stamped bunch of strawberries but it felt great.
Your art, your home and your love story inspire us. That is no small thing.
It’s the little things! XOXOXO
Glad you are safely home, Susan. Loved seeing the simple beauty and peacefulness of the campground. Also, do you notice a little resemblance between you & Miss Potter?
I do, I even wrote about it in A Fine Romance. But then I’m reminded, I’m really NOT her!
I just shared with my family that I want to begin collecting Beatrix Potter. At 60 years old, it is never too late for beautiful characters that make you smile. This would be a great way to begin my collection.
Dear Susan 🙂 How wonderful your family reunion sounds! I love your brother’s song .. for Joe? Anyway, I had tears. No doubt your daddy would be proud of you all. Your moon set pictures is beautiful! I love that. You should frame that and hang it in your house! Thank you for sharing and celebrating Beatrix’s birthday with us. A reminder of a very special woman. I had a visual and sound though of her living without electricity. I can’t imagine not having an AC, computer and and phone though! Not to mention hot water. But the soft sounds do sound wonderful. A quiet unrushed life .. ahhhh. “Miss Potter” is a favorite movie of mine. I think now is a good time to watch it again and be grateful for her all over. And grateful for you, for carrying on a gifted tradition of art and word and a treasure of creativity. Thank you for all you share. I am due to have my girl pals over and I will be serving Cranberry Tea Cake with Vanilla sauce and tea! It looks and sounds yummy, I can’t wait! Thank you for that too! Receiving your mail is always such a treat. I always save it for last so I can go slowly reading and absorbing everything .. words, art, pictures, your genuineness. Something we need more of these days. With love XOXOxoxo
Love the sheep! We went to a farm in Oregon this last spring and I got to hold a baby lamb. I was so surprised how sturdy and firm it was, not at all like the little stuffed critter I have. I’d love to walk Beatrix’s beautiful countryside some day. Thanks for sharing the book. ❤Donna
So good to know your visit with family was so special and you are home safely. Your tales of Beatrice Potter are wonderful as is all you share with us. Susan, my day is always brighter when I open my email and find a message from you! Enjoy the remaining days of summer, and especially enjoy your Thursday celebration!
Susan, you make my Day…….thank you!!!!!
Oh Yes! I would love to win this. Love your blog and books. Thankyou
Thank you, Susan, for the coziness of your emails and blogs. They are a deep breath of beauty, sweetness, and a reminder of life is meant to be: savored.
My husband and I plan on visiting the Lake District (not exactly sure when, because we wanted to next spring but Hilltop won’t be open when we planned to go in early May, so will need to go a differen time) and we want to walk it, like we did the Cotswolds. So that pretty little book would be perfect for us!
But even if Vanna doesn’t select me, I still am happy. Thanks again for your smiling emails and your sooo gorgeous books, which I have read and re-read.
Hello Susan!
You’ve been on my mind since we got your big blog post. I’m so glad you had that precious time with your family. I’m excited about Beatrix’s upcoming birthday. Wouldn’t she be amazed at all the attention? Thank you for sharing all your pictures and stories of Beatrix and her home. I think in this age we are the more hungry for gentle people like Beatrix. I know I am. Hope you are taking time to nurture your heart.
XO
Elizabeth
Didn’t discover Beatrix Potter until I was in my late 40s and had a job working in an elementary school library. Her books are beautiful. Have read her biography by Linda Lear, that I purchased in England. Sadly, never made it to her home.
Welcome home, Susan! Relax and enjoy your beautiful home and garden for a while – until your next big adventure 🙂
Oh Susan! Thank you for a most wonderful blog!!! I would LOVE to win cause i was born in 1948! It would be so wonderful to own Jamima with my birth year on it. 😃. Love ya! Oxoxo
Ah, there he is! I always look for pictures of Jack and Girl Kitty first thing when I read your blog. Looks like all is forgiven you for being away. It must be both hard and exciting to think about being away again in the fall. I hope you’ll take us along with you through your blog. I look forward to seeing England and Scotland through your eyes and heart.
I will, no question, you’re all coming along. And yes, as usual, its wonderful and horrible all at the same time, because of leaving home and Kitties. The good thing is that after this we have NOTHING on our calendar. We are home before Christmas.
Just finished reading all your books! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Susan, I love you. I find myself teary eyed reading your blogs lately. And laughing and crying while I am reading Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. Wish I could sit and have tea with you. We are the same age and I can relate to your life story SO much, even though my was quite different, there IS a sisterhood of sorrows and best of all~Joys! Thank you for sharing your life with us and helping me remember how very valuable our role as wife, mother and homemaker really is. I raised my children by myself and they rise up and call me blessed, in spite of all my failures as a mom. It is by the grace of God that I have that from them! Anyway, if you ever want to come visit the farm ( not far from Sioux City) I won’t tell, it would be our secret. My wonderful husband and Joe would hit it off famously since Joe is wonderful too! I had to lift him up to the roof in that huge tractor/loader again yesterday! So happy you had that time with your family. Hugs, Carol
I wonder if I am doing something wrong, for some reason my comments aren’t being moderated
Ribit rabbit…would love to have it! The book sounds delightful.
If August 25th is your last book signing in the USA, does that mean you may have some in Canada?? Fingers crossed!😀
England first . . . and then who knows!
What a lovely post. What a beautiful celebration. Welcome home!
Linda L. In Tx
Welcome home Susan!
Wow, what an adventure! But also sadness; so wonderful to share the great memories of your dad with such a beautiful family.
Beatrix Potter, was never as familiar with her until I met you! Jemima Puddleduck is a favorite of my sister. Good luck to the winner, what a treat that will be.
Okay, try to rest and catch your breath before the next great adventure.
P.S. So enjoying your 30 year Anniversary reprint!
Such wonderful family photos capturing wonderful memories! Good to be together at times like this. Safe travels and have a wonderful time at Beatrix’s Birthday Party tomorrow!
Margie
Oh my what a day brightener! And what a celebration of the strong woman who did not give up or give in to what the general people thought that a woman should do to be proper in her era – Beatrix Potter lives on in her gift of land conservancy and her delightful books and in her love of nature – all things living ! Happy Birthday to Beatrix – she would be both astonished and humbled by her legacy. Loved your family reunion – a gift of love to all who could attend and be in such a lovely, natural spot.
Your photos and commentary about Beatrix Potter and the Lake District make me fell as though I’ve already traveled there. My Beatrix Potter collection includes silver bells with a figure on top. I’ll have to send a photo when I return home. Thanks for sharing the travelogue and recipes. My chops are already watering for the cranberry tea cake.
Susan,
Getting emails or Willards from you always brightens my day. Thank you!
I would love to win something from you, but a “memoir” of sorts from/about Beatrix would be extra special. Unlikely, but another beautiful thought to help keep up the cheer.
From one Susan to another. (Ever notice how many of us there are, and all about the same age, too?)
I used to have Jemima Puddleduck – where did she go? And you are giving away a 1948 version! Hope I win…
Yey I’ll be there tomorrow in Brewster.
So glad you are safely home and enjoyed some special time with your family. The book looks grand and Jemima Puddleduck would look so cute sitting next to the Tabitha Twitchit and Tom Kitten figurines my sister gave me for Christmas last year. How sweet of you to share them in celebration of Beatrix’s very special day!
Dear Susan,
What a beautiful post. So happy to celebrating one of my favorite English woman. My grandparents were from England and my Mother went back to visit when she was 16. I love everything about her life and glad you mentioned the
movie, Miss Potter. Beautifully done……….love the song too! So happy for you to visit in the Fall. By the way, just finishing up your book “Isle of Dreams”. My sister in law who lives near Titcomb’s bought a book and you signed it for me. Thank you………you are a beautiful soul……….we are all the lucky ones.
So happy you had a wonderful time with your family.I love your blog and so look forward to reading it.You Susan,have a special way of bringing us along and making us feel at home.I know your upcoming trip will be so exciting.God bless.Mary
So glad you had a wonderful time with your famdamly… I’m sure the kitties are happy to see you. Thanks for another fantabulous giveaway.
Oh Susan, how good to hear from you! I loved your photos and family stories and songs, and art and thoughts, and Beatrix tales–and, and well everything! On this hot, hot day in July, I’m sitting in my basement office, cooling off by imagining myself in the mountains out West, and then in England’s Lake District. What a lovely mini Staycation, costing nothin’ but the time of day. I’m going to ask not to be entered in this latest drawing, though. You see, traveling that far is not currently an option (one hip replaced, one to go), and I want to give the opportunity to a girlfriend who will get to do the walks sooner than me (I do plan to go, just isn’t in the cards for a while). I know that means missing out on having Jemima next to me while I work, but I’m saving up for Tabitha Twitchett, so that’s alright. And maybe I’ll pull out the BBC production Beatrix Potter tales DVDs I bought when my daughter, now 18 and about to head off to college (sob! No, really it’s wonderful) loved to watch when she was a little girl, and watch one tonight. So glad you are home, so happy your reunion was grand, so looking forward to hearing more from you! Sent with Love and Faith, Rosemary
I thought my post had been lost, am glad I found it here. How great that so many friends have written to you, all so interesting! Hope all is well in your corner of the world.
Love again,
Rosemary
I love this! When my first son was born nearly 27 years ago, Beatrix Potter’s books & characters were what I chose to decorate the nursery. I read those little books to him long before he could walk, & probably even before he had his first solid food. Thanks for the memories!
Susan, I love your blog and your view of the world. When the news of the day and the horrors that keep on happening get overwhelming, it is sooo nice to have you to assure me that the world still has good people and wonderful places in it. I first read you before my breast cancer surgery and now I am waiting to get the results of yet a different biopsy. My plan is to start to order each of your books regardless of the outcome. If it is ok it will be a celebration. if more surgery ahead it will be a comfort. Thank You for the beauty of your art and your words. You are a treasure! Best to you, Gail
A prayer for you Gail, that it’s negative and stays negative for ever and ever. 💟
Gail, Sending hugs and warm fuzzies and prayers from Texas. I like your plan. xoxo
I have so many very special memories of growing up with Beatrix Potter and all her many friends. Our own copies of the wee little books still reside with me here on our IOWA farm. Thanks so much for sharing your special memories!
Susan, Isn’t family crazy and fun! So glad you had a great time.
I have been a Beatrix Potter fan since I was a little girl. Her drawings and books were introduced to my Kindergarten classes every Spring. Now my granddaughter is sharing my appreciation of Ms. Potter along with all her My Little Pony books.
I love you, Susan. I love all that you draw, write, and your appreciation of life and Nature.
Susan,
I enjoyed your new post so much. Loved the photos of your family. When you lose a family member ( I’m so very sorry about your dad) you have to circle the wagons, so to speak, with family and friends to fine your way…your new normal. Hard times.
On a lighter note, “Miss Potter” is one of my favorite movies, too. It had me from the beginning when she swirls her brush in the glass of water. My heart just skipped a beat, then I settled back and just knew I was going to love it…and I wasn’t disappointed!
Would love to go to hilltop. ! Pick me Vanna ! Thanks
I am reading Isle of Dreams at the moment. Only put it down to cook dinner. Now I am going to finish it and then start reading it again.
I love ur postings, ur books, & ur favorite things, including the World of Beatrix Potter. Thank you my friend! ( I wish u would feature the stamped “tea spoon” on the web store!
I tried to get them made, but it all fell through. We won’t give up though!
So glad you are back–was eager for a new post–a bit of fresh air after all the nasty things we read on FB about the upcoming election. Your blogs are always so uplifting and positive. Just love them!
Did I ever tell you that I recently saw possibly 50 OLD Beatrix figurines at a consignment store in downtown Seattle? Selling for around $20-25 each. I thought of you!
Love Beatrix Potter! Currebtly reading her biography. Would love to visit her home in England some day.
Susan 😍 So happy you are home once again in your little nest. I saw you in Montecito and it was a Red Letter Day for sure. Have read all three of your amazing life stories. Wonderful!
Thank you for bringing your joyful life into my life.
I will never get an opportunity to visit England, but would love to travel along with this book. Thank you for making it available to one of us!
Would love to have the book about Beatrix Potter. Have always enjoyed her books. Love that Susan always remembers those people that have passed and how they changed her life in so many ways.
Hi Susan,
Was thrilled to meet you in June at your book signing at Vroman’s – you are a delight! Who could tell your heart was breaking inside over the loss of your dear Dad? May your grief ease with each passing day.
Looking at the pastoral scenes of England on your blog today, I wish I could be there right now. You have peaked my interest in Beatrix Potter and her life – I love a good biography. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with all of us. Safe travels –
I love your writings. My girlfriend bought me your 30th Anniversary Heart of the Home Cookbook – you signed in Asheville! Thank you so much. I just checked out the movie Miss Potter and am going to start reading her biography. I love the little animals – but want to know more about her home and farms. Thanks for posting on your blog. It’s such fun reading.
Have fun at her birthday party 🙂
so glad you’re home,have missed your b!og, I just read the part about Beatrix Potter, I loved her little books. I bought them for my three sons fifty years ago and I had an old auto biography about her when she was growing up. She would keep little mice in her room so she could draw them. I wanted to draw like her and I tried. I have looked for my big book can not find it,have moved a lot over the last fifty years Have kept up with your trip across the county on fosb enjoyed the pictures !
My love of your books began with Heart of the Home Christmas where I got the recipe for candied bacon. That has become a Christmas breakfast favorite of my family. I just finished your trilogy about your life and loved them all. My favorite was Isle of Dreams though.
I so love to read the letters you send us Susan, so heartwarming and full of love. I missed the passing of your Dad, don’t know how, I am so very sorry for this loss you have suffered, a very special,loving man he was. I reread your last letter to us, and there it was, I never finished reading the book journey you just came off of. God Bless you and your family.
Cindy
Welcome home and thank you for this chance to win a wonderful book and figurine… Wish I would but don’t ever seem to win anything… but fun to think I might…. enjoy the birthday celebrations!!! Julie
Hello, Susan!
Thank you for this blog post and for your give away!
Beatrix Potter has been a life-long “friend” to me as well. I was thrilled when I read of you and Joe going to her home and I hung on every word as you described the places that I have longed to see for nearly 30 years! It makes me very happy that you love her as I do and that you had that terrific opportunity!
I do my “traveling” through photos on the internet, though I am thankful to have a couple of books about Beatrix. I especially love her nature artwork even though I love her children’s stories and illustrations.
Thank you for celebrating her birthday!
Hugs and Kisses!!!
Nora
I have always loved reading about Beatrix Potter. It’s dreamy!
Dear Susan,
Had such a busy day at work today. I am a teacher of preschoolers with special needs. So happy to come home to see my copy of Heart of the Home had been delivered! I absolutely adore your books! You have a way of touching my heart with your art work, and your thoughts! You make me smile and often will bring tears to my eyes. I also send my sympathy to you on the loss of your dad. My dad passed away 8 years ago and I still miss him so very much.
Sending love to you for your sweet, kind and encouraging spirit! Although we have never met I do feel as if we are all girlfriends!
Dearest Girlfriend Susan,
So happy to sit down to another blog of yours and read of pleasant past times ,family, travels, and nature. To see Beatrix and her wonderful talent and foresight to leave for the future generations , lands that will never change and be ruined by mankind. She was indeed special. Bless you Compardre who’s Dad has journeyed to the after life. Mine too has traveled on but he’s happy now to have joined his truest love ever , my Mother. And on a happy note because animals make me sooooo happy, I love your Jack boy. He looks just like a scaredy cat of mine (minus the mustache) and lays like a submissive little baby when he’s happy and content , like Jack here. Thanks Susan for the joy you share and thanks to Joe for getting you across the country and back safe and sound to HOME , where life is sweet !!
Hello Susan! I’ve been a fan of yours ever since I purchased the first of your cookbooks, Heart of the Home, in 1989. When I read that you put potato chips on your bologna sandwiches as a child, I knew I had found a kindred spirit! Your art, your recipes, and your stories all touch a cord with me, and I looked forward to every Willard newsletter and now your blog with great pleasure. I’ve read your three “travel” books, and all I can say is thank you for sharing such inspiring, uplifting and REAL stories of your life. I need to go visit England!
I, too, own an original version of Heart of the Home. I never ate potato chips on a bologna sandwich, but I had the same Girl Scout cooking badge. I still love to cook. I just wish I could learn to watercolor!!
Susan,
So glad you got spend time with your family for a celebration of your dad’s life! It looks beautiful and relaxing which I’m sure you needed after criss crossing the country on your book tour. I’m putting Linda Lear’s book about Beatrix on my to read list. Hope you take some time to rest now and plan your adventure for September. I will going along in your suitcase again so please leave a little room for your girlfriends.
I too love Beatrix and it is my dream to follow your path across the ocean to Merry Ol’ England some day to visit her home… What you may not realize is that YOU, sweet Sue, are the modern day Beatrix Potter. 💕
Thank you for all you do to enrich this journey through life!
Wow …this blog was awesome …and besides what fun you and your famdamly (we say that word toooooooo!)had… Love all the Beatrix Potter ”memories”…
And for those of you reading this …the new, revised and expanded, 30th Anniversary edition of Heart of the Home is a ”must” for your collection..!!
What a lovely post. I love seeing all of your little BP people. Jemima is my favorite ❤️
Your blog is a gift to your fans! Thank you!
Thank you for your lovely post and for sharing your family with us. Thinking of Blog Daddy. Have loved Beatrix Potter forever and have many of her/and your people. Moved them from Maine to Nebraska with me. Happy Birthday Beatrix!!
Hello dear Sue! Thank you for sharing all the beautiful photos of your family, it looks like a great time was had by all as you celebrated your precious Dad’s life. I must say the picture of smiling, fire illuminated Joe is wonderful! He looks so happy, so joyful ~ I love it! I’d like to thank you for educating me about Miss Beatrice Potter, like most people I only knew her for her books ~ what a woman! Been wondering how Girl Kitty is, you mentioned she doesn’t eat while you’re gone, but resumes upon your return ~ hope all is well with the precious girl and Jack, too! Hugs to you!
My friend, Deborah Noe Schakel, does presentations as Beatrix Potter. She looks like her in many respects. She will be performing at our local library this week as Bea. She will bring in a bunny on a leash and tell the story of Miss Moppet.
Oh Susan! You are a wealth of information when it comes to Beatrix Potter and I can feel the love you hold in your heart for her! I also so admire this extraordinary woman and I own the movie Miss Potter along with At Home with Beatrix Potter by Susan Denyer. I taught kindergarten for 30 years and read many of her books to my 5 and 6 year old students. They especially loved Peter Rabbit!
You remind me of her in so many ways as both of you paint watercolors that charm our hearts and visually delight us!
Thank you again for all you give us!
Chris
I love living vicariously through your stories and experiences in the Lake Country. I have come to love Beatrix Potter even more. I never knew much about her life. She is remarkable!!