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!
Oh dear Susan! You pick me up when I’m down, not feeling the magic. Your ‘trilogy’ is very special to me. We have several things in common, including an ‘oops’ of a first marriage, and the maiden name of Stewart. I’m happy you allow us to be part of your life. I’ll be one of your honorary girlfriends forever!
Oh Dear Ms Susan
How I love your spirit and words and art – your artful life. An inspiration and guide full of kindness and love. Love – what a magical and hopeful thing.
Kindred spirits – would love to receive and warmly welcome your kind offering!
I’m on the deck with hummingbirds feeding (one at a time, they’re very polite and nervous), cicada and cricket sounds, and the fountain gurgling away. It’s hot but not too hot tonight for the deck. I have my glass of wine and your blog to enjoy while I wait for the sunset. Thank you for you.
Oh how I love your blogs. It makes me so happy to hear of all your journeys. I love Beatrix and named my son Benjamin after Benjamin Bunny. His nickname was Bunz when he was little. Thank you for always taking me away on your trips….I come from a large family and can completely relate. Enjoy the Cape.
Smiles,
Liz Lamon – Taylor
Lovely post! Thank you so much! xo
Hi Susan ~ Your family gathering looked like it was packed full of fun, love, and good times. What a perfect tribute to our beloved Blog Daddy and your sweet Dad. Although I did not personally know him, I have a feeling from your books and his comments here on your blog, that he was pleased as punch looking down on all of his loved ones gathering and having fun in his memory. Love heals, doesn’t it?
We are going to England September 12 on a three week tour and I will be bringing your book with me in hopes that I can see some of the places that you shared in those pages. It will be my first time there and I am so excited!
That photo of Jack Kitty is so heart warming and precious!!
Dear Winnie,
I hope you have an opportunity to meet Susan and Joe at Stourhead on the 18th. I assure you that it will be one of the highlights of your trip.
I love your blogs Susan and look forward to them like a letter from a dear friend arriving, unexpectedly, in the mail. I have read all of your books and adore each one. They have a place of honor in my large collection of books. May you continue your fabulous life for a long, long time and continue to thrill us with more books.
Love your blog AND your books! Was so happy when I got to meet you when you came to Michigan for the book signing for A Fine Romance. Please enter me in your wonderful drawing. Thank you!
I can’t express how much joy I have found reading your books. I am nearly finished with Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams, and am dreading leaving it behind. I do however have A Fine Romance waiting in the wings. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Oh my gosh! I would love to win! Fingers crossed! Thank you!
Yes Please! Put me in the drawing for your precious Jemima Puddleduck and Beatrix Potter book. I’m not sure how you can bear to part with her since she was your first. I would love to come to “The Island” for the book signing event. You have put wander lust in my heart to see more of the East coast. Loved Boston – twice. Thank goodness for daughters that sadly move too far away, but give me good cause to go roaming to see them. I just loaned your last three books to my neighbor. Loved reading about your life and rambles all over. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter! She’s a favorite of mine too mostly because of those fantastic drawings of hers. I’ve been reading up about England and all the enchanting places over there and Gee it would be nice to add Walking with Beatrix Potter to my collection. Jemima would feel right at home with my Potter People too. I bet you and Joe are so happy to be back home, at least for a little while, and are enjoying a much deserved R&R. Jersey Hugs….
Love Beatrix Potter and sheep!
If you live in the Northeast you must come to the New York Sheep & Wool Festival in October. It’s always so much fun. You will be SURROUNDED by knitters, many of them wearing their handknit articles of clothing.
Another beautiful respite in this crazy world. Glad you’re home safe and sound and hope to have more of your magical messages soon. 🐱
Thank you for sharing! You make me long to visit there also and hopefully I will!
Hi, I have collected Beatrix Potter along with Bunnykins and have over 250 from England, so SAD they do not make them anymore in England. Do you know about the Stamps on the bottom?? They make a difference 🙂
Can’t wait to bake that cake!! So delicious looking that I’m not going to worry about counting my Weight Watchers points!!!!
Dear Susan, Thank you for your new post about your family reunion where I understood you would all remember your dear father…….and my sincere condolences, your writings helped me and I’m sure many again remember our own fathers and their memorable contributions to raising all of us with a male presence when we are so accustomed to our female beings……….Thank you and bless you in the coming months of work and creation! Love, Kathleen
Please enter me in your giveaway. Thank you.
Happy Birthday Beatrix! Love her drawings. Thanks for the cranberry cake recipe, Susan. Can’t wait to try it. Even though temps are in high 90s here in MD, a cup of tea is always refreshing.
My youngest child was a little boy, we started watching a series of videos of Beatrix Potter’s stories. It was our special time to relax and have some quiet time. My child is now 24 years old, but I still love her stories. I have often dreamed about having a vacation home in the Lake District. I used a Beatrix Potter theme for a baby shower. It was so much fun making all the decorations. Every year, around Easter, I get out my two, little Beatrix Potter baby mugs as part of my decorations for the season. Thank you, Susan, for your beautiful posts. It makes me feel the joy of the simple things in life and helps me to know that the little things, I can do for others, really can sprinkle bits of fun and love to others.
I have missed your posts, so glad you are back home…I wish I could make the trip with you this fall to England and go to see all the Hilltop country and walk to walks…..but thank you Susan. Thank you- for your blog- your art- your books- everything that keeps us Girlfriends happy……thank you !@!@! We all love you dearly.
So glad you made it safely back home ! And your family gathering looked wonderful ! Your nieces & nephew surrounding you with all their love -so sweet !
Love the ,BEATRIX POTTER 150 birthday celebration ❤️ She was a woman with true vision ! Pick me VANNA 😘 ……love Miss Potter have watched it many times with my grand daughter . I will be making the cranberry tea cake next time my grand children visit . Thanks for sharing it with us.
Your brothers song was most touching 😢 Very moving – what a talented family 🎆!
Love to you girlfriend- Penny
So sorry for the loss of your Dad. I know you will find comfort in all the great memories and time spent with him.
Happy Birthday Beatrix! Wish you were running for president in the USA today. Thank you Susan for reminding us what wonderful little gifts she left us. Our four year old Grandson is a big reader (since he was 2- mom’s a teacher) I’ll have to take inventory and start collecting her books for him!
Hi Susan
I am reading a fine romance and absolutely love it. I am reading slow to savor the English escape. Thank you so much for writing it…absolutely inspiring.
Your blog is so much fun to get in the mail…
Have a great day.
Janet
Your family time looked so enjoyable and noisy!!! What fun.
It will be such a good time for you in England. So proud sweet Joe allows us to come along and interrupt your time together. You both are such wonderful, caring, and fun people. Thanks for taking us along.
Oh my, what a wonderful giveaway. I’m excited to be entered. I love the lamb you created. That she is cooking while wearing an apron is the perfect touch. Your family reunion pictures are so special. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Those tiny books made for tiny hands. So lovely! I need to find a set for my new granddaughter! Have a wonderful trip Susan. It’s going to be a fabulous adventure!
Thanks for reminding us of all the joy that Beatrix Potter has left with her drawings and lovely stories!
I am also a member of the Beatrix Potter Society and have even been to a couple of the conferences up in the Lake District. In Sept. a friend and I are going to London and we had perfect timing , because we will be there for one of the Society’s meetings at the Sloane Club. So exciting to look forward to. Happy Birthday Beatrix, tomorrow!
Susan, just finished reading your story of the family reunion in Durango (YES, we’ve lived in CO for almost 30 years now, and KNOW the beauty of that area–aren’t the wildflowers just fabulous here???), and obviously want to be entered in the drawing for the Beatrix Potter walks book you are giving away. Just recently, have been re-reading A Fine Romance, and started making a list of the great reading recommendations you make that includes any you name that I haven’t already read. I am excited to see the biography you mentioned of Beatrix as well as the Lake District walks (my big brother and I went to the LD in 1980–oh, MY!–how could that possibly be 36 YEARS ago! Also, feeling so very BLESSED that I got to attend your signing at The Tattered Cover in Denver back in May! An amazing afternoon, and I LOVE you just as much in real life as I have come to love and appreciate and adore you through your blog and books. Thanks for being YOU and giving us an everyday ‘hero’!
Okay,💖 if you haven’t already, read I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. You’ll LOVE it, then watch the movie!
I was surprised when you mentioned in Brewster that this was the last book you read. I also read it recently. Now, I must rent the movie. But first, I must get a new TV and DVD player as both of mine have seen their last days. Did you by chance read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn? I read it recently as well. Although I’m an avid reader, I never read either of them when I was younger.
I haven’t read that one either … did you like it Dianne?
I loved your three latest books, and fell in love with Beatrix Potter again. Have decided I needed a new collection, so I’m collecting Beatrix Potter figurines. I love them all, my first was Jemima Puddleduck which was made in 1948. I keep finding them and can’t seem to stop.have visited her home at Hilltop when we went there many years ago. And love your books for bringing her to life again for me. You are a gem. So glad I found your books thirty years ago. Bought the 30th anniversary book even though I have the first one.
Hi Susan,
I’m so glad you’re home, but even more glad (gladder isn’t a word, is it?) that you enjoyed your family reunion earlier this month.
When I was a kid, my mom’s family had reunions in Arroyo Grande. They’d rent a hall and we’d all come and bring potluck dishes. One year, my mom’s brother and his wife came all the way from Thailand to be at the reunion! Each year was special and memorable. Reunions are the backbone of families! Hurrah for reunions!
A dear lady who lived in my hometown would always say, “Put me in your pocket!” when someone would tell her of a trip they had planned. Every time I read your blog, I feel as though you have put me in your pocket and taken me on a lovely journey. Thank you!
How I love Beatrix Potter and her sweet little “friends”. what a treasure she is for all of us. Also I want you to know how I admire you and enjoy your blog.
Susan,
Thank you for letting us sneak in to your traveling wicker baskets as we accompanied you on your book tour and family reunion. And thank you for bringing us all home to Martha’s Vineyard. Ahhhh…
It won’t be long before we will be ironing our cotton skirts and folding our jumpers as we prepare for “our” next journey to Great Britain. Beatrix and so much more await. We are so lucky.
I was so excited to read your post! My husband and I are going to England for the first time at the end of September. We are spending one week in Yorkshire and one week in the Lake District and then 3 days in the peak district before we fly out of Manchester . This spring and summer I’ve been really enjoying planning our trip and visiting Hilltop is top on our list! You have given me lots of inspiration and courage to plan and dream and make this trip happen!
I am so glad you are back in your “Home Sweet Home,” dear Susan. We have all missed you during your many travels since Spring came (it seems so long ago for some reason, yet it also seems summer is FLYING!). Time is a funny thing, dragging and flying, all at the same time. Yes, I read your Willard back some weeks ago, and your previous blog, but hey, there can never be too much from your corner of the good ol’ U.S. of A.
Thank you for sharing the close-up photos of your Beatrix Potter “people.” I can see how you fell in love with Jemima Puddleduck at first glance. She is such a silly, lovable old dear – how can we but adore her?
I cannot tell you how much I love your work, Susan. Thank you for being such a source of blessing for me, and many thousands of others like me. May God bless you richly, my dear, in return.
Just loved todays blog! Beatrix Potter is one of my favorites and I would love to win the beautiful book! Thank you for the opportunity!
Glad your home from your reunion and that you had such a wonderful time. A nice way to honor Blog Daddy with your entire family.
As always a well worth the wait DELIGHTFUL blog post!!!….you have been missed!!!….I remember as a child…many years back…going to Mt Ceasar Public Library in Swanzey NH and LOVING the little green Beatrice Potter books….my favorite was/is: The Roly Poly Puddin’….it fascinated me the way the rats rolled Tom cat in the dough…was and still is a GREAT book!!!
Oh my! What a thrill. My husband and I followed your itinerary and spent 5 weeks in Britain for our 30th anniversary. Hilltop was spectacular. Thank you for the raffle opportunity!
Carol T.
Glad you are safely home! I want to read the biography of Beatrix Potter now that I’ve read this post. I had no idea she was a scientist and started the National Trust! She really left her mark for good in her lifetime.
Wow! What an adorable and fun family you have! Just seeing their pictures brings me joy! I always pictured the bunnies when I thought of Beatrix Potter but from now on it will be Beatrix Potter, Scientist. Thank you for sharing everything with us. You make the world a bright place!
I was fortunate to meet you at your book signing in St. Charles MO. You are delightful and an inspiration to many of us. I have all three of your books and am enjoying reading them for the second time.
What a lovely post. Makes me want to learn all about Beatrix Potter.
What a wonderful blog❤️Thank you for your sweet inspiration💝You know the secret of life to share both joy and sorrow with your friends😍
So unds like you had a wonderful family vacation/reunion!
I love all things Beatrix Potter so would love to be included in the drawings for the book and Jemima!
I cannot thank you enough for the joy you give me in reading your posts. It always feels like coming home to me. I too have many Beatrix Potter gems for which I am also grateful for. I look forward to your next great adventure, and thank you for all you do to make my world a lovelier place.
I’ve been collecting those sweet figurines because you introduced them to me and I love them too. They are truly magical. I know that in the future we will be going to England, also. We will go where you and Joe went and, of course, we’ll take your wonderful book, “A Fine Romance” along with us. I love the little book you’re giving away and would love to win but I wish everyone good luck.
Thank-you for introducing these joyful figurines and books things to me.
You’re such an inspiration.
Ann
I love everything about you, Susan. How do you make us all feel like kindred spirits? I wish you were my sister.
So very glad to see that you’re home and settled back into your routine. The normalcy of a routine can be comforting and a welcome retreat when you’ve had a hard time to get through. My prayers are with you and your family, Susan. God bless you.
Love all your books, especially the art work and recipes. I also really enjoy your blog.
So happy to read your blog, savor your photos and listen to the musica. Thank you, dear Susan.
Susan, I am so glad that you get to return to the Lake District once again, and this time in the wondrous Autumn. It should be just beautiful. And this time you go, you can imagine Beatrix enjoying and showing you the autumnal magic of nature as she saw it in her own town. How lovely a trip to anticipate and about which to daydream.
Welcome home and thanks for the drawing.
Always love your posts. Read your English countryside book right before my very first trip to England in September. I really did fall in love with the English countryside. Would love to win the book and go back and take the walks.
Darn!!! I’ll be on Cape Sunday for a week. I always seem to just miss you!
I have a nurse bunnykins that is near and dear to my heart, given to me when I graduated from nursing school many years ago. read bunny books over and over to my daughter when she was young. Good memories.
Hi Susan, oh, my, would I ever LOVE to win something this special!!! It is so nice of you to offer gifts like this to your fans. Love ALL of your posts, books, and YOU!! Have a great time tomorrow!! Joyce
Loved your family pictures. Like you, I have loved Beatrix my whole life and have a collection of figurines, books, etc., but do not have the lovely book in the giveaway. What a joy it would be to win. Thanks for the opportunity to dream.
Your family reunion sounds wonderful and such a beautiful place! I loved looking at the pictures and hearing your brother’s beautiful song. Oh, and Jemima Puddleduck would be so welcome in my home : )
What a wonderful giveaway. My two daughters and I would enjoy it immensely.
Aloha, Susan! So glad you’re back home safely & full of more warm family memories. Special photos, yummy recipes, Beatrix Potter, celebration plans,
a trip to England coming up soon….ah yes….our world is amazing. There’s always so much to be grateful for! Such a beautiful post today…again…as always! Thank you so much! Oh, and nieces and nephews? Aren’t they a treat!!
How fun it would be to win this drawing! Such a cute set. 1948, my birth year and proud of it. It must be hard to part with Jemima, but thank you.
Glad you’re home safe and sound!
So wonderful. I love getting your posts. It is just such a special treat that I look forward to. Thank you so much for the giveaways. What treasures they are for sure.
Loved this post and the new things I learned about Beatrix Potter. I was mainly familiar with her books but I am doubly impressed with her life now. I would love to have my name drawn! Have a wonderful time celebrating her birthday. Shirley
OH! How lovely~ Last year I got to visit friends living in the Lake District and we went to Beatrix Potter’s farm. So much fun imagining life in her day~
How have I only just now discovered your blog?! I absolutely love your books…and I’ve had your calendars on my walls for years. I feel like we could be kindred spirits… with love for drawing, quotes, nature, food, family, friendship, and Beatrix Potter! When I visited the Lake District many years ago, its beauty reminded me of home (the Berkshires of Massachusetts). Welcome home…family vacations at a camp on a lake are the best.
Welcome to the neighborhood Jill! You will love the inhabitants here! xoxo
Musings as I read ISLE OF DREAMS: I was a fairy tale girl. Born in ’44, married in ’65. Totally bought into the Prince Charming thing. Fought for its false truth for many years. Fortunately, my P.C. stuck it out. His C.E. (CinderElla) wasn’t so perfect either! We each think the other is spoiled rotten and we are!
Oh, Susan, if I wasn’t totally enchanted with you already, I am now, hook, line, and sinker. Your mashed potato pancakes are EXACTLY like my Grandma made. She called them potato cakes. With no fillers, no frills and no fuss. Just crispy, fluffy deliciousness!
I am reading your 3 books in order, which meant I looked at A FINE ROMANCE all winter waiting for ISLE OF DREAMS. And I’m taking my time reading, which puzzled me until I realized I didn’t want them to end! I feel immersed into a work of art, which your books are! Incredible to hand write a whole book adding illustrations times three! So we girlfriends are truly blessed by your talent. Thank you. gmapat
And thank you right back! While writing, I was always praying, “I hope they’ll like this!” You never know, it’s like giving a gift and watching the eyes of the receiver to see what they “really” think! xoxo
Oh How wonderful to be surrounded with your beautiful family. What a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing your Brother Chuck’s song. Wow loved loved loved it. Teary eyed now. Happy Birthday Joe and Beatrix Potter. Have a wonderful rest of your summer before you begin your next spectacular adventure.
I XXOO reading about your large family. I grew up an only child, and have always gravitated to people who came from large families. In fact, my husband is one of seven. Your get together in Colorado looked fun.
I think I am going to read Beatrix Potter’s biography by Linda Lear that you mentioned. My Dad died June 11. Both my parents are gone now, and I feel at loose ends. I am looking for inspiration, maybe reading about Beatrix will help me.
I am looking forward to your October Trip back to the Lake District.
Dearest Susan ~ since I didn’t get to see you on your book signing adventure winning these lovely prizes would be the next best thing. So glad you and Joe made it safely and had a good time !
I visited Beatrix Potter’s farm many years ago..one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen..I have read her stories to my 7 children and now share them with my 11 grandchildren..she is and was a very special lady..many thanks for your wonderful pictures and stories..
anne
I did see & enjoy Miss Potter, which surprised me, as I’m not fond of Renee Z, but the movie was lovely. I have been reading The Summer Book, and have a multitude of tabs sticking out the top for recipes I’d like to to try. The Cranberry Tea Cake also sounds lovely. Your post has intrigued me to learn more about Beatrix Potter.
Hi Susan,
If you haven’t seen a copy of the September issue of Bliss Victoria,
Please pick one up! BIG section on Cotswold “Our Hearts are in England!”
Soooo wonderful – you will love it! Your ❤️ will be in England, too!
Love your Fam fun pics! And can’t wait to celebrate Beatrix’s Bday with
Cranberry Tea cake and a cup of tea! 😍😍 Enjoy what’s left of Summer🤗
What a wonderful post! So glad you arrived home safely. Jack looks so pleased
Your books have brought me so much joy. They remind me to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.
I love your point of view! Jemima Puddleduck holds a special place in my heart. My daughter and I had many pleasant reading sessions and Jemima will forever be my favorite since hers was the first Beatrix Potter story we read together. Someday I’d love to visit England and see the Lake District in person.
Oh Susan, I’ve been thinking about you. After having suffered such a tremendous loss myself a few months ago, I know the pain you and your family are experiencing. Take time to grieve and take care of yourself! Thank you for all the background on Beatrix Potter. What a charming lady and what “stick to it” she had! I’ll raise a glass in celebration on the 28th.
You are still thinking about us, you sweetie! Would love to win these wonderful prizes!!!
XOxo
Oh, Susan! You inspire me so! What a beautiful post! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing more of your family with us and of course more of Beatrix Potter! My daughter’s birthday was yesterday and I surprised her with the 30th Anniversary edition of Heart of the Home and several of your beads that I have been saving. I had purchased your last two books…also for her birthday, however, they arrived early. I couldn’t resist, and must admit, I read them first without even disturbing the binding (quite a feat)…now they are in her hands and I just know she will love them. Susan Branch gifts=the best birthday gifts ever! Your creativity and willingness to share your talents make so many lives happy! Thanks again!
I can’t wait to make your Cranberry Tea cake – looks sooo yummy! It has been very, very hot here so I’m waiting for the first cool day to try it. Love reading your blog and so enjoyed meeting you in St Charles. Your family vacation looked like so much fun – glad you had such a good time and making more memories. Safe travels.
A Susan Branch big-time fan!!!
Carol Lynch
Susan, I introduced you to three new people today. I am expanding our girlfriend list more than you know. Thank you for brightening each and every one of our days. Someday I will own a piece of Beatrix Potter myself. Thanks so much for just being you.
Love that Pam! Thank you!
Hi Susan, I had always heard about Beatrix Potter, but actually knew nothing about her other than she wrote children’s books, till I started reading your blog posts. Amazing lady! I can’t wait to see Renee Zellweger as Miss Potter. Thank you for bringing Beatrix Potter to life for me!
Susan, you are so blessed to have such wonderfully large family. What fun! ( Only child here ) I’m sure you all came away comforted by one another’s company. That early morning moonset must have been gorgeous. It looks so bright! All of your pbotographs here just warm my heart. Especially the one of Jack – what a dear boy he is! I would love to win this giveaway…..good luck, everyone!
Oh I am glad your home. Glad you found comfort – have been praying for you. Love all your pics of family, and England. Would like to be there in August!!
Happy Birthday Beatrix! Susan, thank you so much for the inspiration to delve into her life. I am so excited to read and dream of one day making my own trip to England and being able to visit some of the wonderful places you have shared.
Mrs. Tiggywinkle sits on my kitchen window sill along with a bluebird of happiness and the Angel of Hospitality (among others). Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail sit on my bedroom dresser. The door that closed for her scientific studies and drawings led her through a door that gave the world so much magic! Thank for sharing your celebration with us, dear Susan. And that is the biggest smile I have ever seen a picture of Joe here on the blog. Gorgeous.
What a trailblazer she was. Her insight is amazing!
Dear Susan ,
I want to begin my expressing my sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
I was so sorry to read this . I actually was planning to be at the book signing in Kansas City and unfortunately received the news my Mother had a heart attack and after surviving that her heart valve ruptured and this required surgery that she just could not recover from. So I was out of town when you were here , at my Mothers side. She passed away in June.
So I say this to convey I also feel your loss . I will keep you in my prayers.
Your family reunion also reminded me of my family get togethers , though it is my sister on the guitar singing songs she wrote. Something so soothing about music to the heart.
We were truly blessed with parents , who loved us so well that we grieve.
Again my condolences.
Judy, Sending you hugs from Texas. I am so sorry for your loss. xoxo
Thank you for making my day with all the adorable Beatrix Potter items and memories. She’s my favorite too!
Your timing is impeccable, Susan….every time our world needs a sprinkle of sweetness, you show up sprinkling sweetness! So happy to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful, memorable time together! Your Dad was smiling upon all of you from his Heavenly place, no doubt! Looking forward to seeing you in Brewster!
Have fun at the birthday party! I love Jemima Puddleduck! Glad that you’re home safe and sound.
What a lovely post! Beatrix Potter has always been one of my favorites– my kids enjoyed her too. Thanks for all the great information about a beloved author.
Hello Susan
Welcome home!!! I’ve loved Beatrix for years too! I remember first getting some of her books when I began teaching preschool in 1985. I really didn’t remember them from when I was little but my mother told me I used to get them at the Library. When my daughter Annika started kindergarten and got to check out books at the school library the first one she took out was The Tale Of Two Bad Mice. She read it over & over!! She’s 15 now and still remembers that story!!
Take Care 🙂
((Hugs))
Laura
The things we love in our childhoods, we love all our lives! xoxo
I have several Beatrix Potter figurines and truly adore them. You almost bring them to life I your blog. England is on my bucket list and I hope I make it . Love you Susan branch 🙂
Love, love everything Beatrix Potter! Have read many of the books about her life and I too want to be Beatrix!!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful lady. You have opened my eyes to a fabulous new world of her works and life. Although I remember reading her books as a child, I hadn’t looked at them again until now. Thank you.