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!
My loft studio looks like a rabbit hutch. I have my childhood book of Peter Rabbit from the 1940s. It is much loved and not in pristine condition but a treasure to me.
Peter Rabbit & the Tailor of Gloucester have been with me since 1942, moving from Ohio to California to Texas & finally resting in my Arizona home. What wonderful stories & joy they have brought to my life, my children’s & grandchildrens lives.
Thank you for remembering Beatrix Potter’s birthday that happens in my birthday month.
Hugs,
Judy
See above!
Looks yummy! Will probably try it with blackberries since they are in and we have an abundance:)
Since Peter Rabbit lives here now where he can enjoy nibbling on my garden plants, how perfect it would be to win. 💕
Susan, Thank you so much for sharing your trips and adventures–actually, your life–with us. It is so much fun, and with your great pictures and your great storytelling ability, it seems like we are right there with you. You are so talented, gracious, and caring–we can’t help but love you. I’m looking forward to your next trip, but I will also be kind of glad when you can settle back down, and blog regularly again. I always like just hearing about everyday life on the island! God bless.
My loft studio/office looks like a rabbit hutch! I love Beatrice Potter. I have my childhood copy of Peter Rabbit from the late 1940s. It has been much loved and is not in pristine condition but is a treasure to me. What a fun and informational blog this month. Hope I win!
Susan, being with your family in such a beautiful, spiritual place had to be comforting and healing for each of you. I admire your strength and commitment.
I arrived on the Cape yesterday, had an incredible day, and now counting down the hours till tomorrow’s event. So excited to have the privilege to attend. Wow! 400 guests! I had no idea it was going to be that large. I hope I get to say hello. I know it is going to be amazing!!!!
On Friday My friend booked us tickets to go to the Vineyard for the day. Eager to see your Isle of Dreams again. I was last there in the 1980s about the time you first moved to MV. How lucky I am to have a friend who lives here and invites me to visit.
Sweet dreams tonight. I know mine will be. See you tomorrow to celebrate Beatrix Potter.
What a special give away to honor this significant date. Thank you!
There’s a book signing at the end, so we will be able to say hello!
Susan, today was truly special. I felt so lucky to be there. Feeling grateful and joyful, You were fantastic! Wishing you safe travels and delight filled days in the UK.
I felt the same as you, like I was somewhere very special at just the right time. That church was so beautiful! Thank you for being there Sarah! xoxo
You are the best; thank you for your great blogs, books,recipes, and everything else you do!
Vicki
Your blogs are always a day brightener! The time spent with family remembering your Dad will be in your hearts forever. Thanks for the chance to win such precious items. Thank you!
Dear Susan, Your love of Beatrix Potter warms my heart, for, you see, I admire her too. I’ll never be able to see her home and countryside, but I do have the Lear book with photos(and your pix). Thank you for sharing your heart with us! Lovingly, Julia in Cincinnati(not where I’m supposed to be)
I’ve just finished reading the section of A Fine Romance where you visited Hilltop and I actually got a big lump in my throat as you drove away with the flowers in your pocket. This posts goes right along with the book, which I am loving!
Susan,
Looks like you had a great time with your family in Colorado. Cherish the memories, I know I don’t have to tell you how precious family is. I’m sure your Dad was smiling down on you all. I can’t believe you are giving away your Jemima Puddleduck!!! Would love to win it and the book too. So excited for your next big trip!
Much love and hugs xoxo
Thank you Susan for the chance to win these Beatrix Potter items. I would cherish them if I happen to win. Have a great remainder of summer.
How wonderful your family reunion must have been. There’s nothing more comforting and sustaining as family! I am glad you had a good time. Keeping my fingers crossed to win the giveaway!
Welcome home! I would be honored to share my home with Jemima Puddleduck. What a wonderful family you have. Thank you for sharing your life and art with us. God bless you!
I love how you describe everything and the pictures make me feel like I’m there! And make me wish I was there in person.
I love the movie “Miss Potter” and have seen it several times. I would love to have the book and the adorable figurine and since it was made in 1948, which was the year I was born I think it would find a lovely home here in Texas.
It looks like you had a wonderful time with family in California. I love campsites, lakes, campers, cabins, and all that goes with it! We both know your dad was there in spirit too!
I so loved reading all about Beatrix Potter. I read the books to my kids when they were little, they are 29 and 35 now! I still have the books. It would be lovely to win a new one to read to grandchildren……some day. The recipe looks mouthwatering! I can’t wait to make it!!
And thank you so much for including a sweet photo of sweet Jack! We love him just as much as you do! 🙂
My children grew up with me reading Beatrix Potter stories and watching the videos. They were a favorite of us all! My mom and dad lived on the Vineyard for many years, now it’s just my dad. My mom always bought me and my sister, your books and calendars for Christmas every year. One year my mom met you and I believe my sister did as well. That was the year my book was signed by you…what a special treat! Susan, you might have known my mom from the Women’s club in Edgartown, her name was Connie Cowan. My mom was a fabulous cook and baker and made your recipes often!
I’ve always loved your drawings and was thrilled many years ago when I found your line of stickers. Many of my children’s scrapbooks are adorned with your beautiful stickers, as are cards that I have made…thank you! Your talent is beyond compare!
Thank you for the wonderful memories this blog post brought back to me of my mom and of when my children were little! ❤️
I’m sorry Cynthia, I didn’t know her . . . odd but true, Vineyard Haven and Edgartown are on the same Island, but the way things are, we all barely get to each other’s side! When we do, it’s like going on vacation! Thank you for saying hello!
Lovely update — as usual!!! Your comment about the family posing in the cold water ;D. And thanks for the yummy recipe!! Please count me in for the drawing. I’ve been to Hilltop — and even inside Beatrix Potter’s cottage in Far Sawrey!!! — myself and hope to return. (And thanks for the Jack photo — always enjoyed!!)
I’ve always loved Ms Potter’s books, but hadn’t heard about the one you’re giving away! It sounds wonderful! Hope Vanna draws my name!
I love reading your blogs so much! I really do feel like one of your old friends. Thanks for being you!
What a wonderful time you and your family seemed to have! And now I’m so excited that you’re returning to the UK and going to Scotland this time. I love the Lake Country and Scotland,etc—have a wonderful time & tell us all about it!
So glad to have a post on your Colorado trip! I can’t wait to hear and see about the trip to England too! Love you bunches!! xoxo
Dear Susan, (ha! I love how the comment font is YOU!) I am almost finished reading your book, A Fine Romance, and have fallen in love with the English countryside and the National Trust. During my read I met an 85-year old lady from England and am going to send her your book. She was thrilled to hear about it. Thank you for the link to the National Trust above so I can learn more about this organization that has preserved so many wonderful places for people to visit, learn, and experience nature and history. Your blog always makes my day better!
Dear Susan,
You always find the wildflowers and hear the birdsongs wherever you go. It is such a gift! Thank you for sharing your precious time in Colorado and then the wonderful 150th birthday celebration of Beatrix Potter. Enjoy being home on the Island. Love, Kari
Oh, Miss Susan, we traveled to England in May with our Iowa PBS friends. To own another one of your books and this delightful Beatrix Potter book would be like a return to lovely England. I love your work, your art, your ” joeux d’ vive” (forgive my misspellings!). My dream quiet abode looks much like your charming household. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Glad you are home safe and sound. Sounds like the most wonderfully fun reunion with your family. Loved reading about Beatrix Potter. I have had a set of her little animal books in a box since my children were very small. I have read them to grandchildren and now greats. They are among my favorite children stories. The figurines are so sweet. I have a Peter Rabbit music box that is very special to me. How very sweet of you to do the giveaway. I would feel so grateful to win if I should be so lucky.
Thank you for taking us Girlfriends along on your mini retreat/family reunion! Living in Ga. ( where it has been 90+ degrees for 37 days straight), it was refreshing to read about water being cold or chilly times of day! I am sure we are all glad you had this time to be with family as you celebrated the life of Blog Daddy. Perhaps when Jack stops being adorable for the camera, he will want a game of chase the hair band! Welcome home, for now!
Oh that happened the moment I walked in the door!
Always love reading your posts! The first time I read about your trip to Beatrix’ home and the walks, I was ready to book my ticket (it’s still on my dream list). Thank you for sharing your journey’s.
Hey Susan! My Mom and I are here on the Cape. We’ve traveled up from Baltimore, Maryland to spend a few days together and to see you at the Beatrix Potter Birthday Celebration tomorrow! We are staying in a quaint little hotel in South Yarmouth. It has wallpaper, painted wainscoting and pink tile in the bathroom! We brought our tea and tea cups, an electric kettle and all sorts of delicious tea cakes and cookies. My Mom draped fairy lights around the room and we have your books spread out everywhere! This is the first trip my Mom and I have ever taken together without kids or husbands and it’s both of our first times to Cape Cod. We are planning on going shopping at Thrift Shops, Antique Stores, and Used Bookshops. We’ve had some delicious “Clam Chowdah” for dinner. I’m so excited and really need to go to bed, I know that even when I do I won’t get much sleep!
Perfection! Go up Rt 6a for fun antique stores. See you soon!
Beautiful photos!
Dear Susan,
So happy you are home safe and sound. It was important to be with family at this grieving time.Take care of yourself.
Beverly Levine
A joyous birthday to you, dear Beatrix! Wherever you may be, up thare, somewhere! Thank you for making so many littles happy (and those of us who shall always be a little little). Right now I have my own personal bunny in the yard. His name is Owen. He loves all the clover in my grass. He seems to enjoy lounging in the grass, watching me and watching for the cat next door, Mosey. I tell him he’s lucky my last name is close to but it’s not McGregor, so he’s safe.
Will have to try that cake! …speaking of England, I recently watched all of Downton Abbey Season 6 again. Now that we know what happens, it’s fun to look at it all more carefully, to see how everything was coming together. Julian was brilliant with the characters. I found myself pausing it frequently to take in the sets and the scenery, replaying certain conversations, just stunning! I know you’ll enjoy all the celebrations for Beatrix.
I read every BP book to my children. They all had their favorites but mine was always Jemimah Puddleduck. Thanks for this cool giveaway.
I love Beatrix too. Thanks for this cool giveaway. Love!!
Awww. Susan…such an inspiration as always. Sending love and hugs.
Welcome back, I have missed you. It looks like you had a wonderful family vacation, hugs for everyone. Happy birthday to Beatrix Potter!! We visited her home last September and thoroughly enjoy her home and the country side, just beautiful.
A walk down the path to a wildflower meadow with Beatrix would be divine. We could stop by the cottage and have Cranberry Tea Cake with Susan.
Oh, how I love Jemima Puddleduck! I decorated my daughter’s nursery with Peter and Jemima over 38 years ago! I also bought a selection of Beatrix Potter books to read to her! Such happy memories. I have a collection of glass Beatrix Potter Christmas ornaments that I started in 1977! Just remembered those. Wonder how many have survived?
Happy Birthday to Beatrix P.! I would so love that book and Jemima P. too! What a great giveaway. I’m sure the kids are glad to have you home and are purring like mad. Such a beautiful place you went to for your reunion – the wildflowers are so beautiful. Beautiful photos of the sheep too. I still dream of going to the UK, land of my ancestors. Maybe someday there will be enough change in the piggybank to go, but I love all you have shared. It eases the heartache and longing a bit.
Welcome home!
Susan, I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My heart hurts for you. I’ll never forget the time you posted a picture of your father’s hands, as it made me think of both my parent’s. So the next time I went to visit them (they live 3 hours away from me), I took pictures of both their hands & mine holding theirs…my keepsake. When you feel blue, I pray that you hear your father’s voice whispering those last words to you in your ear. I pray you feel God’s embrace, and I pray you feel the warmth of all of your friends here who care about you.
I hear it, I feel him near me, and every day is different than the one before since he is gone. Thank you Pam, and to everyone and all of your kind thoughts and prayers. xoxo
Oh, Ms. Susan! I’m so happy you are back home and blogging again. Blog days are a shining light! Thank you for keeping us up to date on Beatrix Potter’s life and birthday. I have the expanded version of “Heart of the Home” (and the original) and will bake the tea cake; I can’t wait to celebrate!
Enjoy your trip to Scotland and England (yes, color me pea green). All of us will be waiting for your posts, living vicariously!
Thanks always.
Oh Susan your cabin trip sounds wonderful. I wish i was on that huge blow up swan… that bird is so much fun. Thank you so much for the giveaway, my best friend and i would have to share the book and figurine just like in school days you get it one week i get it one week.
Sending love to you
Cary
Lovely blog; can’t wait to try the tea cake recipe. Sending love and hugs your way.
Thank you for the post. It was lovely….arden
Auntie Mame indeed! I would guess Nephew Ben must be quite the character himself… just imagine driving down the highway and spotting the HUGE swan on the back of the pick-up next to you! TOO. MUCH. FUN!!!❤️
Thank you for once again sharing these wonderful stories. I would love to have the book and add Jemima Puddleduck to my collection.
First, thank you for sharing your dad with us. I always loved his comments and how proud he was of you, Susan. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you got to have a special time with your family in Colorado. That must have been a wonderful time sharing memories. Have a lovely time celebrating Beatrix’ b-day tomorrow!
Fondly,
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
What a lovely article. Oh to be a special person like her. She was so ahead of her time . Did’nt know anything of her life until reading what you wrote. Am now going to persue more information about her and her life. Love the figurines.
Making the cake as soon as cranberries are available this fall. Looks delicious and I’m a big cranberry fan.
Kudos to you dear friend for all you do and all you are.
Lynn
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your family reunion photos, what fun everyone is having! And yes please, enter me in your contest for the Beatrix Potter book and figurine! mind how you go, Yvonne
When I taught kindergarten (34 years before I retired) recognizing and learning about authors was an important part of beginning literacy. Sadly, this is no longer true. Because I loved and admired her so, we always spent a week on Beatrix Potter. We read the books, watched the magical World of Peter Rabbit and Friends videos, studied her life and discussed her conservation legacy. Each class was enchanted by her story. My wonderful husband bought me every single stuffed Potter character he could get his hands on, even a Farmer McGregor! Those characters still sit lined up on top of the book cases in my guest room/office where they continue to charm me every day. It’s amazing how Potter continues to delight!
lovely post ~~~~ pls submit my name for the drawing!
So wonderful to hear from you Susan. What a sweet giveaway…..i am headed to England this coming Tuesday for 2 weeks. I’ll sadly not be going up North this visit but plan to next time.
I will be going on a tour to the Cotswold’s and staying with my sweet friend Rosie in Wallingford near Oxford. Then we are spending a few days down on the coast on the Southern coast in Swanage. And then a long weekend in the South East in Rye. Planning on going to Charleston house on the way down there as you inspired me with your writings about it. And will also likely go to Sissinghurst too.
I want to da again that I am so sorry about your dear father’s passing. Wonderful that you were with family recently. It always helps.
Such a lovely tribute to a fantastically wonderful role model. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge of her and making her more real to us!
Dear Susan,
I have loved Beatrix for years! I have many of her books, China, and figures. I especially love my Jemima Puddleduck and Peter Rabbit figures. They are the 1948 ones! I’m so thankful I was able to find them! I don’t have that book tho’ and would love to be able to give my mom the Jemima! Thank you for your drawings!💕
Dear Susan,
Since you are practically Beatrix Potter, i’m wishing YOU a happy birthday too!! I’m watching the BBC news while I write, and the reporter is at Holltop, so exciting!
They are releasing a set of gorgeous stamps too, I hope you can open the link I’m sending you.
bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36903865
Thank you for sharing some lovely pictures of your family gathering and THANK YOU for a lovely give away!
I’m counting the days till september, when my husband and I will travel to Stourhead to meet you!
Best wishes from
Nicoline
See you then Nicoline!
I always like when you mention Vanna because it’s so similar to my name!
I found you this year after I saw a tweet by Kathryn Aalto about your book A Fine Romance. I devoured that book (which I will be taking with me to England next Spring) and then binge-read the rest of the trilogy! And now I’m looking forward to getting your revised Heart of the Home this week. Thank you for all the wonderful stories, uplifting quotes, and your fabulous water colors. If you haven’t read Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life by Marta McDowell you should! Enjoy the birthday celebration….so jealous! ♥
Thanks for the reminder. I remember those little books I would check out of the Norwalk library and they would fit right in my hands.
Thanks again for coming to Santa Barbara, hope to see you next time in Solvang!
Oh, I’m so happy you had a good time with your family. I feel like I’ve been going through so MUCH with you. I’m reading The Fairy Tale Girl and Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams back-to-back… you’ve just come back to the island from California and have adopted three kitties… So, as you might imagine, we’re both emotionally DRAINED. I love the books and all your beautiful art!
😀
What a moon! Magnificent! Resplendent! The wildflowers so lovely, the fellowship so sweet, how delightful for family to gather just to be! Friday, my family (all 19 of us ~three generations strong), journeys north for our annual family camp out… I eagerly anticipate the food, stories, hikes, ferocious card games, sleeping under the stars, pine scented air, but cherish most of all time to be with one another. Sweet Serendipity!
Dear Susan, loved all your books,love Beatrix Potter, pleas enter me in your drawing😌
My dear Susan, I was thrilled when I learned where your family vacationed. Do you know that my husband’s Aunts owned cabins at the Lake for many years and sold them sometime after the 80s? In 1979 we were there and stayed in the cabins and our young teenage children had a ball learning the history and seeing the scrapbooks and photos of past family members. The kids boated all day and we half-grown ups spent all day visiting. I recall an Indian Artist named Joe Toledo that the Aunts bought paintings from. What a trip and we loved Durango. Thanks for the memories Susan. Loved your last book and am all caught up now.
That’s wonderful, Marilyn What a small world :)))
Well….I am glad your home safe and sound. Your family looks wonderful and it must be nice to share time with them. Beatrix Potter and you have been such an inspiration in my life and art….and it would be such an honor to have a little part of you. I can’t imagine parting with your little figurine but I would take most excellent care of her!!! It’s been a long journey for you so I hope you get to settle in for a while and enjoy your house and kitties!!!
Bless you, Susan! It is so good to know that you had such a lovely, loving family time with your sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews. The sky and water and green, green grasses in your photos look very beautiful and healing. I continue to think about and pray for your comfort in the loss of your good daddy. I celebrate Beatrix Potter’s birthday with you and the 400 ladies you will be with. I love the picture of Joe with the cake. He looks so pleased! As always, it is good to hear from you! Thank you for thinking of us; you are a loyal and amazingly kind girlfriend. Hugs, Paula
Look forward to hearing all about your travels, you have such a wonderfully inclusive writing style. The Beatrix Potter figures are so charming however you display them.
Thank you for sharing.
Oh my, Susan…..a book and Jemima! You can’t give her away…you’ll miss her!
Thank you for a wonderful blog again…the singing of Chuck…how wonderful and atmospheric was that? I’ll be showing my daughter when she’s up this morning!
The family look so happy….and I thought it was you in the picture with the children who came to the UK…not Meme!!
Fabulouser and even more Fabulouser – beautiful pictures of Beatrix Potter’s wonderful world.
Have you decided yet, on a date for the visit her and picnic in the Autumn? Can’t wait to see you! Oh and will you be bringing books for us to buy??? Sorry, so many questions!!!
Thank you again for today’s catch-up!
Love
Karen
Cambridgeshire, UK
Yes, the BYO Picnic Basket Party in Stourhead in Wiltshire is September 18! I don’t think we’re bringing books, but if you have any, you can bring them and I’ll sign them!
Susan, I am so glad to hear of your family reunion and that all is well with you and Joe after your USA travels. Rest up…England beckons you once more for yet another soul satisfying trip…what memories are made of.
I love to read your posts. I drove myself and 2 girlfriends to see you in Santa Barbara for a book signing . You were as sweet as could be. So sorry for your loss.
Dear Susan,
How delightful to find your blog post in my email this morning!
We are in the fourth week of our month long stay in Provence. We rented an
old two-story house near a small village. Our explorations into hilltop medieval villages has been nothing short of extraordinary. My eldest daughter, Michele, has joined my husband Mark and I. Michele and I talked about doing a mother/daughter “art retreat” over a year ago. Here we are, Watercolors in hand, painting as often as we can. We came when the lavender was at its most beautiful. I have focused on painting lavender and you have always been an inspiration! Thank you❤️
We most definitely will have tea this afternoon in honor of Beatrix. Michele loved the bunny stories from the the time she was very small.
Thank you for the wonderful family reunion pictures. What a wonderful way to remember your dad.
Blessings,
Aloyce
Hello, precious girlfriend, Lovely blog. So glad you had the time with your family. Beautiful pictures. Love the part about Beatrice Potter. One day I must visit her farm. Thank you for the opportunity to win the book and the figurine. Love to you and Joe. So glad to have met you both in Asheville NC.
Susan, what a wonderful story about Beatrix. I too love to walk in and around her cottage in the Lake Country. Our family was fortunate to live in England for a few years and I promised myself I would take my husband and children to visit Beatrix Potter land, and so glad I did. It was everything I thought it would be.
I would be delighted to win the drawing. To me it would bring back a memory of a wonderful time in my life.
Thanks for the memories,
Donna
Bless you while you are away and safe journey home.
I love Beatrix Potter!
What a lovely post. Enjoy being back home ! Penny L in Dorset u.k
love this post…I had Beatrix Potter themes for both my children when they were born.. Jemima Puddleduck for my daughter and Peter Rabbit for my son….have always loved Beatrix Potter…xo
Thank you for everything you write!! Jemima Puddleduck is my favorite I never read books as a child but at 64 I am discovering all that I have missed and I love exploring the world of
Beatrix Potter through you!!! Thank you!!❤️
Good Morning Susan
Such beautiful pictures you captured with your sweet family. I can see you all had an amazing time, what memories you all made.
Would love to be entered in your contest***
enjoy this glorious day Susan
deezie
Glad you’re back, we missed you!
i would love to have this book. Jemima Puddleduck would be welcome also. I love these little characters.
I bought the Beatrix Potter movie and I watch it over and over again! The story of Beatrix Potter is amazing. Her home was never on our tour agendas and I would love to go back and take myself to that area. Her’s is an amazing story. When you go to England, especially the Lake District and walk about the air just smells different, Like you’re breathing in thousands of years of history. The UK and Ireland are a romantic visit….I will enjoy going on this next trip with you as you share the magic once more.
I look forward to each of your newsletters. They bring such happiness!
I definitely think you are the reincarnation of Beatrix Potter!
Your reunion brought back memories of family time spent in the summers in Hayward Wis.If only I could have a cabin of my own someday! And then there’s Beatrix…have loved her since childhood too!This blog certainly touched a cord in me.
Susan, thank you for your books, your blogs, your recipes, but most of all thank you for being you!
Thank you for peeking inside my heart and putting it on paper. Hoping you will be writing a book after your return to England. I love the magic. Love and hugs to you and Joe.
…good morning !..absolutely “there is no place like home” ! ..and, of course, “home is where your heart is” !..your reunion photos that you shared are simply beautiful !..’so glad you found some comfort from your family and friends in such a trying time for you with your father’s passing…family and friends, how blessed we are !!… family members have gathered aroung here as well…oh, the power of love and prayer !..two weeks ago my youngest grand daughter was born and one day later she was rushed to the hospital with difficult and distressed breathing…she spent her first two weeks in NICU..just last night sweet baby Cora was moved out to the main floor and she seems to be doing so much better !..thank God ! Happy Birthday, dear Beatrix !!..I’ve always loved your illustrations and your appreciation for nature and all the work you have done to preserve it !! I will try baking that tea cake to help celebrate ! I copied Julia Child’s quote down for me to remember, as I’ve always been so timid in the kitchen ( I had to laugh about that newspaper clipping you shared with us too ) !… To happier days ahead sweet Sue and Joe and everyone !..’can’t wait to see how Beatrix’s party will be and of course, I can’t wait to go back to England with you all !! p.s. please put my name in the hat for this generous drawing ! I promise that if I win, I will give Jemimah Puddleduck ( and that book ! ) an awesome and safe home…with love, as always…
Thank goodness and continued good health to Baby Cora xoxo
thank you Charissa !!..she is still in the hospital but hopefully getting better to get home !.. she is dealing with bilateral vocal chord paralysis..thank goodness she is in a very good hospital… xoxo
I will continue prayers xoxo
Thank you for all you do. I will make the recipe with some frozen cranberries to share with family this weekend!
Dear Susan,
It’s always so enjoyable to have my cup of morning coffee while reading your new posts (or rereading older ones). This one reminded me to look for the collection of Beatrix Potter books that I read to my babies (now 29 and 34 years old!). Found them carefully boxed up in my attic studio. I’m saving the books for when the grand babies can appreciate them. Thank you for shining your light and helping us to keep remembering the very good things.
So glad to have a glimpse into your world. It is beautiful. I love to see your photos and inspire some of my own family events and photos.
Thank you, Susan, for your lovely newsletters — for sharing your experiences. Mostly, thank you for the reminders of what is really important in life. Bless you and yours!
Thanks for another great post. Happy birthday Beatrix.
Thank you for the wonderful post – your family reunion looks wonderful. Going to an outdoor wedding of my great niece this weekend and the feeling will be the same…everybody together. It is so wonderful to see your post and enjoy life with all the terrible things going on in the world…we have to keep the light shining! I would love to win the book and Jemima…have Miss Potter on dvd and watched it again on her birthday. What a well lived life ! Have a fabulous day !
I just want you to know I feel like I’ve already won something every time you write a post! Thank you for sharing yourself with us!
Hi Susan: Just want to be sure my comment gets posted. It says it is waiting moderation. The name is Ann Davis. Thanks a bunch!!!! ox
I’m so glad that you got to go to Colorado and spend healing time with your family and I am happy that you are home safe and sound. I’m sure you are nesting and enjoying your kitties. <3
My Mother Is an Anglophile at heart and introduced me to Beatrix Potter’s writings and lovely illustrations when I was a young girl. Now my mother has reached 80 and this book and little Jemima would bring her back to the days her health was strong and she was enjoying life with her young children. Thank you for all the hard work you put into creating your blog posts. They had such beauty to our days.
Happy Birthday, Beatrix! I feel the need to go re-watch the movie….again! 🙂 I’ve always loved Beatrix Potter since I was a little girl, so celebrating her birthday is such a wonderful way to celebrate all the joy she has given to so many people. I also loved the stories written by Susan Wittig Albert that were based on her life at Hilltop with a cozy mystery thrown in. As a librarian, this definitely is (ha!) my cup of tea!