Guess what tomorrow is??? Beatrix Potter’s 151st Birthday! MUSICA 🎶 And I have news!
The Genius, Generous, Life of Beatrix Potter.
Here’s where I was on this day, July 28, last year, celebrating the 150th Birthday of Beatrix Potter with so many of YOU and the Brewster Ladies Library, on Cape Cod. What a fun day that was!
Right after that, my Girlfriends, who also happen to be my nun friends (I’ve written about them before), sent me this wonderful little thimble to celebrate. Wasn’t that the sweetest thing? They love Beatrix like I do.💞
Because not all of you are intimately familiar with the life of Beatrix, I thought I’d at least give you a very simple time-line of her life so you can get the lay of the land, so to speak.
Most of you know how crazy I am about Beatrix because I wrote the whole story of my slow discovery of the person that she was, not just an artist, not just a scientist, not just an author, not just a business woman, not just a house-lover and adorer such as we, but more, so much more, a fierce, forward-looking conservationist whose passions still reverberate today ~ she changed her part of the world, and hence, in a sense, the whole world. . . that’s the hero I tried to tell about in my book A Fine Romance, Falling in Love Love Love, with the English Countryside.
So, to celebrate today, I thought I would take you on a special tour through a brilliant book about Beatrix that was published by Penguin Books in 2006. It’s written just as if it was Beatrix’s own scrapbook, in first person. But inside it says, “This is a work of fiction based on the journals and letters of Beatrix Potter.” Not entirely fiction, but kind of, because Beatrix didn’t actually make this book herself, it just looks like she did.
Using Beatrix’s words to tell the story of her life, the designer who compiled this informative book (who is not mentioned anywhere, but must be a kindred spirit, and girl after our own heart), filled it with Beatrix Potter artwork, mementoes, personal letters, stamps, and photos, and with words in what looks to be Beatrix’s own handwriting, with entries dated, as in a journal … and many of the things in the book, like the little photo album above, are glued-in and three-dimensional! I’m not kidding! Books like this don’t come along every day! Unless you make one yourself!
Pure charm, filled with pressed flowers and wonderful old photos, that’s Norman Warne there …
Above are glued-in “proofs” of the pictures for her first book. There’s even a real envelope that opens and inside you can pull out a perfect copy of the famous letter she wrote to Noel, her governess’s child, illustrating the story of Peter Rabbit for the first time on paper.
And on this page, an illustrated map of the Lake District unfolds … I could put ten exclamation marks after every page!!! Books aren’t usually made this way!!!!!!
Then, at the end, just when you think you’ve seen it all, and you are already sighing because you don’t want it to end, you find an amazing surprise embedded in the inside of the back cover. See the little ribbon? “Hmmmm,” you say to yourself, “What’s that?”
At first you don’t see it, but then, with a little tug, an invisible door opens . . .
and inside is an exact copy of Peter Rabbit that Beatrix had printed herself after having been rejected by publishers. (This was a very brave thing for her to do, considering women’s “place” at the turn of the century, but only the beginning when it comes to the bravery of Miss Potter). If you ever need a hero that will help you be brave, I suggest you read the biography of Beatrix Potter by Linda Lear. Forevermore, after that, you will say to yourself, “If she can do it, so can I.”
Her first printing, in black and white to keep down costs. A totally delightful surprise! I have to say, I think I might be forced to paint inside these little line drawings!
But you can do what you want when you get your hands on this little jewel, because, to celebrate the 151st birthday of my hero, Beatrix Potter, this book, and the book where I wrote about sailing the wild and windy Atlantic, then trekking across England in order to fulfill a long-time dream to finally walk through the doors of Beatrix Potter’s house at Hill Top in the Lake District ~ will both become the property of one of YOU darling people. Just leave your name at the bottom of this post, click on the tiny word that says “comments,” and leave a few words … and in a wee bit o’ time, we’ll draw a name and see who these books get to go home with. Happy Birthday, dear Beatrix. We will never forget you! 💞
One other thing . . . you remember the picnic we had last year in Stourhead, Wiltshire, England? Of course you do! And you remember how it happened? Well, just in cases, I’ll tell you again: When we knew we were going over to England last year, I wrote here on my blog, “Joe and I will be in the park at Stourhead, having a picnic, at 12 noon on September 18, and we would LOVE anyone who’s going to be in the neighborhood to BYO Picnic Basket and come join us and say hello!” We had no idea what to expect. Would anyone come? Might there be seven people? Could there be fifty? No idea.
As it turned out, there were sixty of us kindred spirits spread out on the lawn on a lovely spring day, next to a 12th century stone church, in a garden designed by Capability Brown over 200 years before, with the sun weaving in and out of the clouds . . .
And we had a wonderful, joyful afternoon, sitting, laughing and talking and getting to know each other, marveling over the unlikelihood of this happening at all … it was really a thrill. Lots of people from the US, lots from England, some Americans who now live in England, and others from Europe . . . a surprise and so perfect, I still live in the glow of it. People brought things, like gorgeous quilts they’d made, or their own Petey dolls, or their children, and lots of delicious lunches … and I signed books, and we had a great day.
We took a “class picture,” and I think you can tell by the smiles what a wonderful time we were having. “We all kept saying, we need to do this again!” Well, dear hearts, we are going to do it again . . . we’ll be taking the picture for Class of 2018 next year on May 11, and we hope you can come, wherever you are! But this time, we’re be having our picnic someplace else … so if you want to come . . .
You will have to drive through countryside like this . . . sorry, but you have to!
Where oh where are we going . . . ? ? ? It’s a mystery! MAS MUSICA ~ we loved playing Vera Lynn in our car while we drove through the English Countryside . . .
Past lakes with swans and and wildflowers, pulling over at a pub for an icy Peah Cid-ah . . . it’s a tough job but someone has to do it!
In May, hillsides of English Bluebells will be in bloom!
You’ll have to meander between narrow hedgerows speckled with cow parsley, watching for bunnies, rolling down your windows to hear the wood pigeons coo, “My toe huts Bet-tee … “
Past curving rock walls and gingerbread stone cottages . . . can you guess where we’re going yet? You probably can, but you probably can’t believe it! Me either!
Almost there ~ must go through bunting-decked villages where the buildings look as if they’re covered in frosting … oh darn.
The frosting makes them shine from the hill sides . . . you’ll be stopping to get your camera out.
Because you’ll be marveling over handmade chimney tops and slate roofs like these . . .
. . . as you drive past hillsides with cows and lambs and sparkling lakes, turn off your car to hear the wind through the trees . . .
. . . and through the hedges of wild roses and rhododendrons. But, a hint: Before you go, you’ll probably want to read this wonderful little book . . .
For inspiration. ❤️ Squealing yet?
Because, Yes! OMG, I’m not kidding! Where we’re going to have our picnic is totally impossible, it can’t happen, but it is and it can . . .
We’re having our BYO Picnic Basket Party right here, next May 11, at Castle Cottage, where Beatrix Potter (Mrs. Heelis) and her husband William lived for 30 years! Just in front of the house, across Post Office Meadow (which will be filled with frolicking lambikins in May), is the gate to Hill Top in Near Sawrey, heavenly Lake District, beloved home of Beatrix Potter!!! That’s where we’re going, Girlfriends!
And here’s a preview ~ this photo is actually from inside Castle Cottage, sent to me by my friend Mandy, showing the wonderful view over rooftops of Near Sawrey (with Mandy’s Ollie Dog in attendance) . . . From here, you can see the famous Tower Bank Arms and the entrance to Hill Top ~ the very same view that Beatrix had. For us. Us us us us us! We get to go go go!!!
Here’s how this miracle happened, . . . As you may remember, I was asked to speak at Beatrix’s 150th Birthday Party last year by Betsy Bray of the Beatrix Potter Society (are you 
a member? I love the wonderful newsletter I receive from England, and their luv-lee E-Newsletter called Pottering About) ~ that’s Betsy on the left . . . she and I have kept in touch, and a couple of weeks ago, she came to lunch and brought her friend Mandy Marshall, who just happens to LIVE in Castle Cottage (shaking head in disbelief) . . . and we started talking and our talking turned to plotting and then it turned to planning and I just heard from Mandy yesterday that she would love to have us for our picnic there (she opens the house only by special arrangement, which this is!), and Betsy wrote to say she’d be there too! So now, we’re inviting you! And if you CAN’T get over there in person, that’s okay, because we will take so many photos you will think you’ve been there! That’s a promise!
Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter!
Love you dears, leave a comment to win the books, and mark your calendars for May 11, 2018! Oh! I almost forgot, the cups! They are in LA, sort of stuck in a mire of Homeland Security (very dangerous cups) and Customs. We call, we holler, they ignore us, but it should be soon now. 💞 Bye for now! xoxo
What a glorious idea for the picnic! Hoping for blue skies, balmy breezes and the best turnout ever!!!
I have no words to describe how much I loved this blog post!! I adore Beatrix Potter and even pictures can make me tingle with excitement! How great this picnic will be!! To have the book would be grand. *S* I think my husband is planning a trip to England, t would be a dream come true for me!! I’m so excited for all those who will be able to attend the picnic!!
England is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing! toni b
Lovely book! Hope the stars are aligned and a lucky star shines on me! 🙂
Would love to be in on the drawing. A trip to England is something I would absolutely love.❤️ I will think of you there on my upcoming 69th birthday, May 11, 2018. Anticipation is a large part of the enjoyment of the journey. 😊
That would be perfect wouldn’t it!
Oh how I love reading your blog!! It takes me somewhere else and makes me happy. My blessings to you and Joe. Thanks for sharing your life.
Susan, enjoyed our trip through England, our visit with Beatrix through your eyes and words.
It is truly a beautiful part of England. Beatrix is a treasure for sure.
The book is lovely and will be cherished by the recipient.
I turned 70 yesterday on July 28. I feel so fortunate to share a birthday with Beatrix Potter. I am looking forward to having many new adventures in these glorious years of my life!
Happy Birthday Susan!!
I started Reading “A fine Romance” today, and also was looking frantically for my Little Peter Rabbit Book that I bought at a Flea Market some years ago and cannot find it which is bugging me I hope it shows up, Coming to Martha’s Vineyard in a few weeks hope the weather is nice…….
I’ve always been a fan…so when I became a grandmother I renamed myself Mopsy (and of course my husband became Popsy). So Beatrix gets a call out in some interesting places…playgrounds,bike paths and kayak rides!
That is so cute Valerie!
How incredible that will be, to have a picnic at Castle Cottage! As you were leading us to the destination surprise I figured Lake District, but the house itself is a whole other level of awesome. I would LOVE to be there, though not sure I’ll make the return trip to England so soon. You never know though!
It sounds like Beatrix was an inspiration to you during a “becoming” phase of your life, kind of like you have been to me, right now. Showing the way, what we are capable of, and lots of inspiration to boot. So grateful I found you and your whimsical world and looking forward to discovering more about Beatrix Potter.
I’m still in my “becoming” phase! As you’ll see when you get to this place . . . the luckiest of us are always in the becoming phase! But I know what you mean! I admire her so much. Her sensibilities are definitely something to aspire to. I’m glad you’re here Kristie! And don’t forget, by the time we get to England next year, it won’t really be “so soon” anymore! Win-win!
What a wonderful idea of a picnic! I have been to the lakes district but, alas, the museum had closed for the day. I hope someday to go back! Thanks for all the pictures. They are really lovely!!
Soooo wish I could join you in May, alas, vacation plans have already been made & they will take us to the Mediterranean and no where near beautiful, bonny, England. It sounds like it will be a picnic to remember and I will be jealous of all the girlfriends that be laughing and enjoying such a lovely time.
I’m hoping the cups are in the SLO store by end of Sept since my sisters and I are planning a trip up the coast to celebrate our mom’s birthday celebration, and I can’t think of anything sweeter than topping off a 85th birthday than with a bluebird cup!
You are keeping my summer so bright and cheery with your posts! Can’t wait for the next one!
They should be there in about a week or 10 days! But I’m not sure they will STILL be there by the end of Sept. xoxo
I would love love love to win!!!
Wow! Such exciting news about next year’s picnic!! I just love Beatrix Potter! I highly recommend the movie called ” Mrs. Potter”! Renee Zellwigger plays the part of Beatrix. She does an excellent job! 😘
But Susan, you you you you COULD make a book like this again! You could! You! And you know all your girlfriends would line up around the block to purchase it. So they could put it on their coffee table or night stand or bookshelf with all your other gems. Just a thought! Thanks as always for all the lovely photos and memories and sneak peeks at joys to come. Beatrix is almost certainly walking right behind you during your journeys.
I’m a pretty small publisher and can only order in relatively small numbers, BUT, I am going to ask our printer how much it would cost to glue things in a book!
Your writing and love of all things that are my loves as well. Make me smile…
I must have a copy of the book ! How I would love to be at the picnic in May. I wonder if I can manage that. Did you read my gift of “I Capture the Castle” Susan ? I gave it to you at The Learned Owl in Hudson, Ohio last year.- Julie the Librarian
I did and loved every word. I’d seen the movie, which was wonderful, but the book was even better. Thank you!
What a treasure! I would love it! Thank you!
Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale of all. – Hans Christian Andersen (right?)
I have been to Hill Top three times, and enjoyed revisiting through your beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing. I also love Downton, and hope to see the fashion collection in the museum in St. Augustine, FL.
Your posts are always such food for my soul! The journal looks just lovely! Celebrated Beatrix’s birthday with a special tea party with a dear kindred spirit friend and her 6 year old daughter!
We are going to Hill Top for the first time in September. Excited to see the Lake District and explore. I am so thrilled you share such luv-lee experiences with all your followers so we can know what to do and where to go! Thank you!!
Would love to win this book as my granddaughters are into journaling. I have this book and if I won I can give them each their own book. I am also waiting on three mugs I ordered several months ago. Can’t wait to get them.
So wonderful! Plotting now how to make this trip — too perfect to miss out on this fun!
….and among the routine, rhythm, and sometimes sorrow in the everyday, there is joy and hope for days that sparkle and shine. Maybe just a day dream or perhaps, real life loveliness. Thank you Susan, for bringing joy and hope and sparkle to so many. Looking forward to the drawing and enjoying the thought of possibly traveling in 2018.
Sounds lovely, just lovely!
Oh what exciting news! I just adore that book. How very lovely! Enjoy your summer. 🙂 Kit
Okay, Vanna, do your thing. Good luck to all of us. Thank you, Susan for this drawing. Luv-leee. Barb
Hi Susan I thought I would share a little something I always think of when you write about Peter Rabbit. Two of my daughters teach 1st grade at inner city school’s. Most of their students have never heard a Nursery Rhyme, or Fairy Tales or all the childhood classics we grew up with. As you can guess my daughters try to remedy this by reading these books to them. They become their favorites very quickly asking them to read them at story time. How sad these children’s parents or grandparents have never read these stories to their children. I am always looking out for these books to give to them so the children can take one home with them. Such a little thing to made a child’s day. Just something I wanted to share.
Ring around the Rosy, London Bridge is Falling Down, Mary had a little lamb, Dear old Golden Rule Days, It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring … some of these things have been around for centuries, all children should know them by heart (is my opinion!) All Mom’s and Grandma’s should sing around the house! Because these little things are our history. Love your daughters ~ contributing so much to the world. xoxo
I love Beatrix Potter, too. My sister and I spent several days in her “environs” in 1994, the highlight of our England trip. I would love to have such a wonderful, surprise-filled book.
I have been a Beatrix Potter fan my entire life. I’m currently enjoying a lovely book – Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life by Marta McDowell. She would be delighted to know that all these years later, her accomplishments are still celebrated and enjoyed by many.
As always, loved your blog.
Hi Susan, Glad to see my favorite book on my favorite
blog site.Your post inspired me to go back and read it again. I hope everyone who doesn’t win your raffle , goes to their favorite book store or web site and orders it. It really is a very special book!
Happy Birthday Sweet Beatrix! You’re still an inspiration to us, and so are you Sweet Sue! I love traveling with you and Joe and all the other Girlfriends!
Wow! Wow! Wow! What a wonderful post and a wonderful giveaway. Going to Beatrix Potter’s house again is magical. Next year is my husband’s and my 50th wedding anniversary and this would be so wonderful, but we have already planned a trip out west. I will travel with you in my dreams.
I have a friend who would treasure this journal, but I’d read it first before giving it to her!😉Happy birthday, Beatrix!
The perfect read for my Saturday morning ~ thanks Susan. I am always just in awe of the beauty you have seen and the adventures you have taken. Feels so good to journey with you in this way. Have a lovely day. xo
My mom was responsible for my fondness of Beatrix Potter, as she was born in Canada and raised on the books. Her favorite was the Tale of Squirrel Nutkin. I have hopes of someday finding a ceramic figurine of him. Thank you for being an enthusiast, I feel less alone in my adoration knowing there are many others out there.
Thank you for a beautiful post!
Happy day to you and all of yours!
Yes PLEASE I would love this creation of love/book. My over stuffed head is savoring your gift of writings/blog! As always you include everyone with open arms, a happy heart, make us feel right there with you, special.Thank you, you are so appreciated and cosmically loved by many; the two footed, the feathered, furry and such…
You are food for the soul!
Many Thanks again!
For how long does my comment have to be “Your comment is awaiting moderation” before it is accepted?
Because of the drawing, there are more comments than usual (there are 202 waiting right now), and I like to read them all … which is what “moderation” means…after I read them, they can go up. So, it’s just how fast I get to them!
😘 Thank you!
Now I understand, thank you!
I love books such as these, it makes it, as though you are reading a personal diary. Love.
I popped over to your blog the day after Beatrix Potter’s birthday, certain-sure that you would have posted something about it, and here find you have the most delightful news. While I know that I won’t be able to make the picnic next May, I am already looking forward to seeing all of the pictures. Thank you for always taking the time to document your wonderful doings so we can follow along!
I loved Beatrix’s books as a child but then put them aside, so now I’m very grateful that you’ve brought her back into my life as such an inspiration for today! XO, Loraine
Lovely pictures with the music to accompany. I would enjoy reading
Beatrix Potter book as I have not read it before.
Your posts always make me smile, but I especially enjoyed seeing all the pictures of the Beatrix Potter Journal. A dear friend friend shared it with me a few years ago, and I loved it so! ❤️
Sadly seems like the only traveling I manage to do these days is through your wonderful blog. Thanks for taking all of us who are land locked on your travels across the big pond! Love Beatrix Potter and all her little critters. Continue to delight us with your drawings and talents Susan!
I love Beatrix Potter, and I love Your blog. You make my day, Susan, With Your lovely Pictures and text. Have a nice summer 🙂
What a wonderful plans for next year! It all sounds magical.
Wish I could come to picnic…it will be glorious. Thank you for sharing it with us!!
Dear Susan, thank you for introducing me to another interesting woman in history!
Ooooh, I would love to get the Beatrix Potter book! I’ve read all of your books and throughly enjoyed reminiscing about my 2001 trip to England when I read about your lovely adventures there. Hugs 🤗
A lovely post filled with lovely news and an even lovelier giveaway.
In 1995 at the age of 25 I traveled the British Isles, finally realizing the dream I had had since age 13. I bought Beatrix Potter books for my little cousins back home and my traveling companions and I enjoyed reading them while traveling by train to pass the time. What wonderful memories!
Wonderful blog Susan!! You are just as inspiring as Beatrix Potter! Exciting news!!! I would love to be a winner of the books!
Thank you Susan!
Oh so looking for my beautiful cup to come in the post. That give away book would be adream to have. Hop you and Joe and Jack are well….the 2018 picnc would be a dream….love to attend.
Great photo of Betsy and Mandy and loved visiting last month. Helen Bertram’s Whitecroft Tours is the Best small group tour ever! This was a great post and the little book journal is fabulous…what a treasure.
That’s who Betsy works with … did you go Sandra?
Oh Susan, I already have that book, good luck to someone who does not have it yet! I love this journal! Thank you!
What a lively and fun post! I’m so excited for your next trip to Beatrix Potter land and sure would love to go. Dreams DO come true as you well know!!! Thank you for this awesome and interesting blog. Love all the pictures of England, the houses, fields, flowers and of course the sweet “Peter Rabbit” books. Thank you for being Susan Branch!!!! You are so loved and admired!
I love all of you who take the time to come visit and leave such lovely comments! Thank you so much Mary Ann!
Dear Susan,
As usual, you have the ability to lift your fans into another sweet time filled with sweetness, flowers, and beauty. It is a gift you have and I for one am always ready to receive it with great gladness!! 🌼🌺🌼🌺🌼
How Generous you are. I could hardly wait to see if I might perchance win…I ordered one of the journals..used…I hope it has most of the little treasures in it. Brainstorm!!!! You might could make a little journal like that about yourself and we could buy it….hmm??? Loved your lovely post. Tata for now.
I was thinking of asking our printer how much they charge to glue things into books!
Well, hello Susan~ so much exciting news. Even though this is late, I was thinking of Beatrix on her special birthday!! Oh, I can hardly wait for May 2018!! (As she said ‘these old legs may not take me, through the hills and dales to get to her house…but thanks to you, I will be there too.. if only in my imagination!) I would love to win the ‘books giveaway!’ Thank you for offering such an amazing gift!! Stay well and keep enjoying your summer..as it will soon end. Blessings…Gert
Just like for ourselves, we give Beatrix and Birthday Month, so you’re right on time dear Gert! xoxo
Oh my, comment number 1,039! Well, I should think that number is a lucky one! Actually, I just read your wonderful book, A Fine Romance, last winter, and so loved the whole affair! Even though, I know I could never drive the narrow, winding and curvy roadways that would take me to Hill Top, I am excited beyond telling to think of all the fun ahead for you and the Sisters. And, oh yes, please do take lots of pictures!
My husband and I have only been to England once, many years ago and weren’t able to see much of the country. I absolutely love your illustrations and the stories you tell about your life and travels with Joe.
Thank you for bringing sunshine and beauty into a world too often filled with negative media and hatred. Wishing you safe travels and hope that you publish hundreds of more books!!!
Thank you so much Nora!
Happy Birthday, BP!🎂🎈🎂
I would love to ✈️ to England next year for a grand picnic🥂
Thanks, Susan for the invitation to BP’s Lake District house!
Darn those naughty cups! Looking forward to my Bluebird😍
Supposed to be in the Studio by Wednesday (but they’ve told us this before!). Fingers crossed!
I became a member of the National Trust due to your wonderful photos and descriptions of all the places you visited while in the UK. Since then I have enjoyed many visits to the NT houses and gardens, last year I went to see Hill Top Cottage for myself and really wished I could stay there for longer. I collect any of Beatrix Potters books that I find, the older the better. So, many thanks to you for starting my love for all things National Trust care for and especially our beautiful Lake District, much of which was given to the NT by Beatrix.
They named the main offices of the National Trust “Heelis” after Beatrix and William … Beatrix was hugely important in the success of the Trust. Great to be a member, they’ve saved so many wonderful homes and castles, now open to the public, and their online interactive maps are the best!
I just LUV reading your blog and today… watching the video of Beatrix Potter’s 150th Birthday.
I would love to win the books! Thank you so much for thinking to share them with one lucky girlfriend!
You share with one, but in a sense, when you do that, you share with all! xoxo Love your little town Patti!
Oh, my, Susan! What an exhilarating blog post! You thrill us all beyond – beyond!!! Thanks, cutie, for being so generous and thoughtful!
Oh, that book! My idea of perfection! And I do
love reading your blog, Susan, almost as much as I love England and especially the Lake District.
Thank you for highlighting the inspiring life of Beatrix Potter. Her strong independent spirit remained so even through two major wars in her lifetime–events that would have dampened the spirits of less detached souls. She continued to pursue joy in life, no matter what. Like Potter, Susan Branch’s joie de vivre and pursuit of beauty encourages me in the same endeavors.
It’s one of my saddest thoughts about her … that she had to see WWII. I want us all to keep our fairytale dreams forever, but some things are very hard to overcome. She did though, she was the opposite of war … she was loving peace.
Happy Birthday Beatrix! Just saw the Miss Potter movie on TV a couple nights ago!
Thanks again for all you do. I always feel inspired after reading your letters.
Was so pleased to read in “Isle of Dreams” that you practice meditation what a difference it makes in one’s life.
Namaste.
Kathy
Greetings Susan, Reading your blog is pure delight! Life’s worries are lifted upon entering your magical world. Thanks dearly, Peggy
I want to go to the picnic too! May in England must be wonderful and green (says the woman from California where water is dear)! The BBC put on a wonderful show about Beatrix a couple of years ago and they aired it during Easter. How perfect! I have been trying to get my hands on it but no luck yet. These books look so inviting. Take lots of pictures for those of us that must live vicariously.
Such exciting news. So happy for you and us.
What exciting news! I adore Beatrix Potter and so wish I could join y’all in 2018. I would love love love to win these delightful books!!
As usual, your blog makes me sigh with delight! We love you, Susan, now and always!
What a lovely find in my inbox! Thank you for sending a little bit of magic my way. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
What a wonderful , fun book !
Such an exciting invitation, Susan! How exciting to look forward to…in person enjoying the picnic with you or enjoying the virtual picnic through your posts! A wish is a dream your heart makes, and your dreams really do come true!
OMG! My friends and I are planning a trip to England next May! We will have to try to plan our trip around the picnic. It seems to be fate and we don’t want to miss a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I would give anything to see Beatrix Potters home. Anything!
I did both of my children’s nurseries in Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit. Love learning more about her. My daughter is working on becoming an illustrator – you and Beatrix are fine role models for her!
As an altered book artist, I am in love with your journal! I would be thrilled to add that to my Beatrix P. collection….mostly inspired by you! As I read all your books over and over, and your incredible trips (which I plan to follow A Fine Romance step by step through the countryside as soon as I can find a traveling buddy!) and many life experiences…I am amazed how much I relate to your life. I wish I had known you when I lived in MA-was at MV many many times. Your life has been such an uplifting thing for which I can tag along.
Thank you so much Melissa …such nice words. xoxoxo
Dear Susan,
How exciting. You bring so much fun into our lives. Thanks so much for sharing.
I love the adorable world of Beatrix Potter and the fact that you, Susan, are the personal tour guide leading us to discover all things Beatrix! The books are a treasure. What fun to have a chance at being the proud owner!
Happy Birthday Beatrix. What a treat it would be to win the journal book
about Beatrix Potter. Your picnic next May sounds like a dream.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Oh my, how gorgeous the English Countryside is and how lucky you were to share the spot with other Beatrix Potter fans. Although I am married to a Brit I have only been to the UK once, many many years ago. I would love to get the books!
Susan,
Have always loved Peter Rabbit from the time I was a little girl – thus Beatrix Potter.
Love reading your blog. It makes me happy and makes me forget all my problems for a few minutes. Thank you, Susan.
Ohhhhh this post just enriched me so much MORE in my happy Beatrix Birthday memory with YOU and all the LOVELY LADIES in Brewster!!
(((Pat my heart))) !!
I watched the video of the presentation again and was charmed all over again !!
Oh HOW FUN the May trip will be!! A dream come true !! It just keeps getting better!!! <3
((I don't need to be entered for the books, because I have them already)) 😀
Sending warmth xx oo Linnie
Oh my GOSH! What a lovely book to see and touch, thank you for sharing. Beatrix Potter has been such an inspiration to me since I was a young girl. Her words of inspiration and love of all things bunny are so dear, and have seen me thru times when life throws a curve ball. I will be traveling in England this coming September and her house is on my list of must see. I would love to have a picnic at the cottage, so maybe a trip across the pond may be in the near future! Thank you Susan!
Another delightful posting, Susan. I soak it up –reading slowly and enjoying each illustration.
Then I go back and read again. I am sure that just the right person will get your offerings, though I can’t help but hoping it is I!
☺️
Two wonderful and beautiful books.
As always your blog is full of happy thoughts and plans. What a delightful journal! I would love to add it to my bookshelves! And full of surprises. You two are definitely kindred spirits. I’ve never been to England but I savor all your writings and photos that you so graciously share with your girlfriends.
The Beatrix Potter Journal looks wonderful!
I would love to join you on your picnic soirée! What an amazing setting, too! I love the journal/book about Beatrix. So clever. I may order a copy if I don’t win…😀
Another book I Have to have!You ”ve got to encourage people to do these lovely things!
Can’t wait to submit the biography as our next book club book! The trip looks dreamy! Just came from my nieces 6 year old daughter’s Mermaid birthday party. The sandcastle cake was just adorable, with turrets and flying flags! The fruit-filled watermelon was carved into a prate ship with a mermaid on the front of the ship, hair waving and blueberries for a bra!
This wonderful biography will keep your book-club conversation going for hours … there’s just so much to hash over! Love that party! Adorable!
Many happy hours were spent reading all of Beatrix potter’s stories to my children. Have you read the series by Susan Wittig Albert, which feature Beatrix Potter solving cozy mysteries in the neighborhood of Hilltop Farm?
They are so good! Beatrix has always been one of my literary heroes. Thanks for sharing the love!