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
I love your posts — they take me away from my mundane job and show me a world of creativity and beauty and literature. Your writings are a God-send, Susan. Blessings to you.
Your work is your work, but your HOME, that’s where your own creativity can shine and be real. Just one flower in a little jar will make all the difference. Thank you for being here Debra!
I’m a few months new to your blog and books but once I found you I was instantly drawn in to another world like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. I look forward to your posts and when I read them I’m transported to a place of peace and sweetness that only my Mother could provide in my early life. Thank you for bringing back the little charming feminine thoughts and ways of doing that I’ve seemed to have lost through the years.
OHHHHHH!!!! I want to go to the picnic!!!! I wonder if I could work this out!? And that book is absolutely ADORABLE!!!!! 🙂 I am excited to find out it exists, even if I don’t win the drawing, because now I will be on a hunt for it myself!! 🙂 Thank you SO MUCH for bringing a big bouquet of happiness into my life!! 🙂
They are available on Amazon’s website!
Thank you, Susan, for brightening our days!❤️❤️❤️
oh my goodness! such beatrix potter magic! and another little journey that makes my heart so full and happy…you capture the countryside and the feelings in a way that makes me SIGH! i hope to get to england some day, but until then, i feel as though i’ve already gone…is that crazy?
i LOVE that journal! it is beautiful and BRILLIANT…someone was a genius 🙂
A Beatrix Potter picnic is a Tea-rrific idea! It is going to be so much fun for those who are able to attend, and also those who attend through the blog. I will be a blog attendee! The Beatrix Potter book sure is beautiful. If I win, I will be happy to share the painting of the little book pages with you. 😉
Susan you’re such an inspiration. Thanks for reminding us of BP’s Birthday in honor of it I will watch Miss Potter, re-read your first book and start to make plans of my own. I’d love to join your picnic and bring my sisters with me. Sooooo exciting😊 I do believe in fairies and wishes that can come true.
As always, another great post! What fun that picnic will be, and May will be here before you know it.
I have always been a Beatrix Potter fan, as well as a Susan Branch fan! How fun to get to read about both of you in one blog. I have the Beatrix Potter: A Journal book, too. Love pouring through the different letters and sketches! Thanks for a wonderful read!
Love, love following your blog
Love the book! It reminds me of a similar book “Fairies” that we have from when my daughters were little. I am so ready to experience the English countryside! One day I hope!(Bucket list!) Happy Summer! Thanks for another lovely post! Hugs!!
I really learned a lot about, and came to really appreciate Beatrix, and her long and varied life, from you Susan. So thank you for that. And I loved the movie, Miss Potter. I think Beatrix would have liked it, too. xoxox
My husband & I were at Hill Top in 2008 but couldn’t enter the house because it was Fri—what a disappointment! But we visited the gardens, tailed to “Mr. McGregor” working in the garden,ate lunch in a nearby pub, etc. Have always wanted to return. Would love to win the sweet books—have bought 2 of A Fine Romance–one for me & one for a friend!Would love another for a special friend. What a sweet thing for you to do—Thank You!
How I would love to attend your picnic in the flesh!! Who knows,maybe I will,,Mary in Colorado
What sheer bliss! We have just 5 acres and keep most of it wooded for the wild things that share this little part of Virginia with us.
Yes, we can!!
Hugs from down South!
Dearest Susan, I have dreamed of making a trip to GB a la Susan Branch for years. Hard to imagine I could actually do so…..but who knows wilder things have happened. Today is Sunday….my grand daughter and her family are leaving the 31st for London for her Make a Wish Trip. She wants to go see where Harry Potter was filmed. She is very excited. She is going into her fourth year of her battle with AML Luekemia. I know she is going to beat it. Please put her in your prayers. Take care !
🙏 So excited for your granddaughter’s trip to London, making a dream come true. My prayers are with you, Barbara. xoxo
Losing myself in your magical world is such a joy. I’ve loved the Beatrix Potter books and I look forward, after your encouragement, to learn more about the author. Thank you.
Happy Birthday, Beatrix! Last year I was able to visit her home while on a trip to England. I walked through her garden and sent a video to my little girlies (granddaughters) who love B.P. I even built suspense by asking if the man seen walking in the garden (my husband) was Mr. McGregor! It was great fun. What a lovely book. It gives me an idea of something I might do for my girlies.
We took our 11 and 12 year old nieces to England and Paris years back, on the ship, and I have NEVER loved a trip more. They were so perfect, such a good age for travel like that.
Reading your post was like a mini vacation! Love Beatrix, love you!
All so exciting. Would love, love to go. We’ve been wondering when we might go to England again, so it’s a thrilling possibility. Thanks for always being so fun and bringing a bright light into the world.
Cheers, Connie
Oh.Susan,to be able to visit England.i am not sure why but the countryside seems so soft…huggable. The sweet diary looks so fun. Put my name in … and Vanna pull it out!🐑🐑🐑
Was in England once a very long time ago ,still have family there. Would so love to go again. Would you ever do a cruise where some could really be on the ship with you?
I’m always working, Tweeting, and blogging, even on our vacation, which I LOVE, but, Joe isn’t thrilled when I do too much of it when we’re traveling. He’s wonderful about the picnic, loved it last time, as much as me, but he’s a private sort of guy ~ I’ve even spoken to him about perhaps leading a tour, but so far, it doesn’t seem to be his cup of tea! I think he’s right. The escape is so good for us. But watch here … Betsy Bray, who I showed in this blog, might be taking a tour to the picnic! She did one last year, she’s doing one in 2019, and because of popular demand, she’s looking at doing one in 2018. I’ll announce it if she does. She’s a Beatrix Potter expert!
What a wonderful trip!! Can’t wait to tag along in your suitcase with Petey!! Looks like such a beautiful place, from another time. Beatrix is a hero to me too!
Oh my gosh what amazing news!!! How exciting to have your picnic at Castle Cottage that is the best news I have heard all week. Susan you must be beside yourself I know I would be. The Beatrice Potter scrapbook you showed was so engaging and looked so interesting. It would make a wonderful birthday present for my mother who hits a big milestone birthday this year. I can’t wait to hear more about your trip next year and to see all your photos of the picnic.
I am very pleased to tell you that Beatrix potter and I share the same day for our birthdays. I just turned 65 last Friday and am such an admirer of Beatrix Potter and her accomplishments .
My whole self yearns to go back to Troutbeck in the Lakes District. Did you get the book Shepherds Life that I sent? You must get thousands of mementos so if not your Peops will probably donate it to a library. My cousin was head librarian for dog’s years at Brewster library. I wish I’d known you would be there. There is an artist Richard Bell in no. Yorkshire. He is part of the Urban Sketcher’s movement but has been doing his little books for years before. You might enjoy him online. He is teaching at Sketchbook Skool an online art study.
I did get it Carollee … thank you … and I do get way too many gifts! Loved Richard Bell! Thank you again!
Hi Susan! Thank very much for having this amazingly wonderful give-away!!!! So AWESOME!!! And I wish I could come to your picnic next May 11. Right now it doesn’t seem possible, but if you wish it, it can come true . . . We’ll see!!!!! Happy 151st Birthday Beatrix Potter!!!!
Oh Susan, you delight me with every letter! I will be onboard with you for this next England trip and will look forward to your posts from there. Knowing you through your books and letters has been one of my life’s treasures. Thank you. I look forward to where your life takes you next and then of course…where you take all of us as you go.
Fondly,
Gale J. From Pocono Manor, Pa.
What a lovely way to start a Sunday. Thank you for sharing this amazing woman’s life with us again.
What a lovely post to celebrate dear Beatrix Potter! And a picnic at Castle Cottage!!! How I wish I could join you! Happy you’ll be returning to England and looking forward to reading about your journey. Thank you for always taking us along with you! x0x0
Look forward to your newsletter each month.
Be well,
I’m reading this in the middle of the night. I would love to win the books so please pick me!
Wonderful to hear from you, as always!
Love this blog! Beatrix lives on in our hearts.
Good morning……..I can’t believe the exciting news. Could it be any more perfect? You willed it to happen and it did!! YAY. I wish I could go and mingle with you and all of the girlfriends but I have mommy responsibilities (school) and won’t be able to make it, but I will be there in spirit for sure. I bought the biography of Beatrix Potter by Linda Lear a few weeks ago and decided to save it for fall reading because Ive been distracted by my gardens this year. The weather has been so nice in New England that I can’t stay inside. Everything from flower beds to vegetable beds are growing magnificently and I can’t seem to focus on anything else, except maybe eating such wonderful fruits of my labor 🙂 I think its going to be an early fall this year because I swear the leaves are already starting to turn. Everybody says Im crazy, but I see yellow and red popping out ever so slightly and the mornings are a little crisp. After reading this post Im not sure if I’ll be able to hold off any longer and now this new book? Are you just dying over the cuteness and creativity that went into it? It reminds me of something you would do. I love it. You and Joe have a relaxing day and pet that kitty for me. Jack the amazing cat!!
You never cease to amaze me, your life is such a good lesson in build it and it (they) will come. You are such an inspiration yourself that I am sure BP would be proud of you and would definitely be a girlfriend.
Oh how simply lovely. I am watching Miss Potter right now. What an inspiration. What joy to know that others enjoy the same things as me.
I love Beatrix Potter’s work, thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Hilltop a few years ago and would love to join the picnic next year. Wonder if I can wrangle another trip to England!!!
Oh, how I loved reading this post! You and Beatrix inspire and encourage me to unblock my creativity and express myself and my memories — to find and record the beauty in my own life now and in the past. We each have so much undiscovered beauty, don’t you agree?
Another trip to England, what a blessing!
Hi Susan,
Loved your post about Beatrix Potter. I love to share her stories with my students and I just found a book written for young readers about Beatrix Potter’s life as a writer (and so much more). Hope to use it for an author study this coming year. Wouldn’t it go great with the beautiful book you found? I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
Love Sharan
What a wonderful opportunity to win such beautiful books! Thank you Susan!
Oh, how I love reading your letters! Wouldn’t it be delightful to join you for the grand picnic lunch!! I shall have to try! I’d love to read the books… especially love to win them! Ah, books! My favorite thongs to own. Thank you for all the fun you add to our lives, Susan!
❤️My little great niece now carries around the Beatrix Potter little books I gave to her mommy when she was little. Those sweet stories are ageless! I would love to share this beautiful book with them.
Bliss to go to the Lake District AND to Castle Cottage ( do visit Keswick as well,one of my favourites ) I look forward to reading all about it.
Would love a chance to win both books! Beautiful post Susan! So exciting about your BYOPB party next May! Wish I could be there, but the wonderful thing is that with internet magic, it’s like I will be!
Makes me so happy!!👏
Awesome idea about the picnic! Beatrix would be proud!
I want to read those books! The biography sounds amazing .
As long as my Santa cup gets here by the Christmas season I am good.
Perhaps customs is oohing and aching over them , that must be it.
Pick me Vanna! 😉
Ha ha, I’m sure that’s it!
Yipppppeeee…..what an exciting weekend I have had….first your news about the next picnic and then my second grandson was born yesterday….so much joy. I will be booking our tickets for the second “bring your own picnic basket” picnic. I can’t wait. Enjoy your family’s visit too….so much happiness in the air!!!!!
Happy new baby dear Susan, congratulations! See you at the Picnic!
Thank you.
What a wonderful plan. I do wish I could be there. Have a wonderful picnic with everyone.
Looks like so much fun, so much beauty, thanks for taking us along.
I have A Fine Romance, of course, but it would be a great joy to have the Beatrix Potter journal.
What a wonderful plan!! Oh to be in England in the Spring – at Castle Cottage in the Lake District!! Thankfully you will take pictures for those of us who may not be able to be there in person. But then, “If you can dream it, you can make it so”. Who knows. . .
The Beatrix Potter Journal is wonderful. Thanks for sharing all the lovely photos. Last summer, I had a Beatrix Potter birthday tea paarty with my daughter and nieces. We really enjoyed it. Thanks for bringing so much joy to your readers.
Happy Birthday Bea! Another lovely blog, Susan. Yesterday, as I was reading
“the Forgotten Garden” by Kate Morton; I stopped to think how much those
who do not read miss. Books are truly magic! Recently I thought perhaps I
might lose the treasure, due to eye issues and surgery. With some help, I am
enjoying it once again. Books have always been a blessing and now even more.
Would love to have this book. My dear husband gave me a gorgeous illustrated book titled “The Art of Beatrix Potter”. She was BRILLIANT. Do you have it? – I’m sure you’d adore it.
I do, Ann, I think I have them all now! 👏
Bluebells, wild roses and rhododendrons– 🙂
DEAR Susan,
I’m so excited about your next trip to England. How I envy you. Hopefully I’ll get to the lake district someday, but it won’t be next year. I wish I was brave enough to drive over there, because that is the way to really see the English country. The tour buses don’t seem to drive through the really quaint villages because of there size, and they may not be welcome. They never seem to spend enough time in the towns. to really enjoy them. I may look into train schedules. I know you will all have a wonderful time, and are so grateful for the generosity of all involved in your picnic plans. I hope I win the prize, and I will be following you from afar.
Love Sue
Ps I know what you mean when you say there is a special feeling that comes over you when you are traveling in Britain. It is like de ja vu… like you are coming home, like you belong there……..and then when you leave, it calls you back. I don’t think I could ever spend to much time there.
That’s exactly how I feel about it. Home.
I so enjoy reading your posts! I have several of your cookbooks (my mother bought me your first book many, many years ago) but I only discovered your memoirs this year and then your blog. So fun to have the stories continue. This morning on a beautiful, sunny, dry summer day as I pulled some weeds, I thought — what would Susan do? Probably try to make one corner of her garden a little more presentable. So, mission accomplished here 🙂
And you were right!
Susan, You can probably see the reddish glow of embarrassment emanating from my face all the way down in Martha’s Vinyard.
Huge apology for my totally selfish comment re the timing of the Picnic. What was I thinking?? You are right, there is plenty of time to redo the trip. Maybe even talk my Tom into attending the picnic. I’m reminded of my own credo, the Universe works in wondrous ways.
Hope you are enjoying this glorious Sunday Morning. Aaaahhhh!
Love,
Debbie in fabulous Maine
You are anything but selfish. It’s normal not to like a change in plans especially when they are wonderful plans! I’m sorry I got in the way, of all things, who woulda thunk it? But no matter where you go in England it is always a win win!
🎈🎂☕️Happy 151st birthday to dear Beatrice! Her life gives all of us wings to our imagination! I’d be tickled, touched and totally in awe to receive this beautiful journal. Sending a bouquet of thanks in advance.
Reading this in beautiful PEI! Susan, you would love it here!
Life is full of challenges but also full of magic. But I believe that with fewer challenges there would be less magic. I think Beatrix Potter knew this and she learned how to make magic. Susan, so have you. And we love you both for it!
Dear Susan, I think you and Beatrix Potter would just have gotten along famously. She would have admired you as you do her.
I am also a longtime devoted fan of hers. I was fortunate to get to Hill Top too, which was a dream come true and your posts from there and A Fine Romance helped to inspire the trip. I felt every bit of the magic there. I can miss a heartbeat and get a bit teary eyed (in a good way) just thinking about it and reading your post today. Sigh…
Happy Birthday, Beatrix. Thank you, Susan, for keeping her memory alive and well and giving her her just do. Xo Ruthie
The Beatrix Potter Journal sounds amazing. I’ll be on the look-out for a copy if someone else is lucky enough to win! Good Luck to All!
Susan, your blog entries are bright spots in my days and they help me live in another world for a little while. The picnic will be a marvelous adventure and I’ll be with you in spirit. If I were to win the books, you can bet I’ll cherish them!
So beautiful! Wish I could go in person but this is wonderful also!!!
Thank you, dear Susan. The only way I will ever see the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter and England is through your eyes. What would I do without your blog? Please give Jack a hug from me.
Hi Susan,
What another wonderful trip to England you’ve got planned. I’ve been to England twice years ago and reading your blogs about your trips there brings it all back. Visiting with you through your blogs is my Sunday morning treat to myself while I eat my breakfast. Everything of Beatrix Potter’s is a joy and this little book you discovered looks and sounds like a real treasure! Thank you for all the pleasures you share with your girlfriends!
Marlene in Chilliwack, BC, Canada
What lovely, peaceful post! Thank you, as always, and kindly put my name in for this wonderful Beatrix Potter book…I already have “A Fine Romance” but if I am lucky and get one more, I have a special person in mind who would love it!!
I have been to Hilltop twice and loved it both times. I came home and read all of her books. It was so fun looking at the books and remembering the exact places in the house that she drew to incorporate in the books. She was a remarkable woman. If you haven’t been to the museum/gallery that is in her husbands old office…please go next time. It was wonderful to see the original drawings. They were so small!. …but wonderful.
Oh, another drawing in the works!! How much fun is that?!
I will look forward to next year and the picnic that is in the works. I won’t be there in person, but definitely in spirit!!
xoxox,
Carol M
I love the name, Capability Brown. Was that a woman or man, Susan? And did they design any other gardens in England?
It was a man, you can Google him, he designed lots of gardens in England!
Oh how I would love to win those books, please draw my name! Thank you.
So many times after reading your blog I’m so uplifted with ideas and joy and happiness and sometimes tears too. You are such a blessing. Love you Susan xo
Your giveaways are always so generous…you truly give from your Heart <3 I have both of these lovely books so if I'm fortunate enough to win, I know who I'd give them to!
What a dream come true it would be to go to the wonderful picnic you're planning for May of next year. I've been watching Hidden Houses on Netflix (if you haven't seen it I would definitely recommend it) and it is helping to increase my longing to go to Jolly Ole' England one of these days…on my bucket list….but I'm afraid of flying and water gives me the hee bee gee bees I'm not sure I will ever get there! One can live the dream through you, so thank you for that.
Dear Susan,
What a magical post and glorious tribute to our lovely Beatrix! I think her spirit definitely
resides in your writing. I know you must be ecstatic about next May. I can’t wait for the blog
that comes afterwards! Hope her little animals join all of you in the fun.
Love your blogs,
Linda
Who doesn’t love Beatrix Potter?? No one, I tell you! That book is amazing.
Getting excited about getting my Martha’s Vineyard cup.
So much to look forward to.
How exciting! Another trip to England!! Cannot wait!
Hello Susan-going to be in Scotland and trying to convince my husband to drive down the picnic. It will be a 3 hour drive. Need to know what time is the event. Was at the house last year. Wonderful! Might try on my own -i can get down to windermere but dont know about busses out to hilltop. I keep saying these 66 old bones can do it. Well reall only need time.
It’s at noon! You’re a mere baby! 😊
Oh, your enthusiasm for life is marvelous. Our daughter lives in England and she know that Miss Potter’s home is on my bucket list.
Your blog is such a pleasant escape on a summer day! Or any day of the year. I’m looking forward to reading about your trip in 2018.
Donna in Michigan
I love reading your blog. It always makes me feel good and inspires me. It’s so exciting that you get to picnic at Cadtle Cottage! Wow!! I love that cute Beatrix Potter book, I’m keeping my fingers crossed!!
she was a amazing woman! always a treat to read new things about her and new books I would love to have!
Today, I take out my special tea cup I purchased while I was touring the farm in 2011 along watching the TV movie “Ms. Potter”. Savoring the time with two admirable people Beatrix Potter and Susan Branch.
Would love to attend the picnic, but it’s almost as good to read about it on your blog! And lots less red tape at airports! I see there are 1,300 comments; it’s o.k. if you don’t answer mine. Hope you’ll come to a bookstore in OK in the future; a wonderful independent one is opening this fall here in Tulsa. I enjoy your life so much; thanks for sharing it with us.
We were there a couple of years ago, I’m sure we’ll be back one day!
How ever did you find such an adorable book, written so very long ago? Your books remind me so much of Beatrice Potter A Journal! They take us right into your kitchen, your garden, and your worktable in front of the fireplace with your artist in residence – Jack! We recreated your Romance of the English Countryside, last May and loved every minute together ( Jelly, Cindy and Greg). You are an inspiration and a precious “happy” in my life! My heart is full of thankfulness for you!
Oh I’m so happy to hear you took “the tour!” xoxo
Well Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter! I have loved your books and ceramics since a child. I have a very special children’s tea set of yours that my daughter had & I plan on giving the set to my granddaughters very soon so we can have MORE Tea Party’s and celebrate Peter Rabbit and all his friends and you, Beatrix Potter! We love you and Susan Branch!
Thank you so much Susan for the giveaway!
Be Blessed all girlfriends!
Amie Stewart 💕🎉🎈🎁😊😊🌸
Oh, I wish, Wish, WISH!
Everything you touch brings a bit of whimsy and joy to an otherwise ordinary day!
All I can think of to write is what I m feeling …..pure contentment. Thank you for taking your girl friends along!
Thanks for your cheery blog. I always look forward to it.
Once again, while enjoying a lazy summer afternoon on beautiful Lake Champlain…you come to visit via your heartwarming blog. You bring joy in an otherwise upside down world. Thank you and Miss Potter for reminding us that the world truly can be a positive place to make dreams come true….as for Vanna, think it’s my turn now…after all, I am an anything is possible kinda girl 🙂
Susan, thank you for your generosity <3 What a blessing it would be to win those books. I just love your books and have your calendar on my wall. It is killing me to have to wait until each month to see what goodies are in store for me to savor 🙂
Walking the paths that Beatrix Potter loved would be wonderful! Having her gift them to us all was remarkable. What a lady!
Beautiful post… so full of wonderful news! ♥
Hi Susan – I would love to have – really must have to treasure and read and read again – could you tell me where I can get it if I’m not the Lucky Winner? Vanna and I are friends, but she has many ….
‘-) Nancy in the Hudson Valley, New York
They are no longer in print, I’m sorry to say, but they have “used” ones on Amazon and eBay, and some used online bookstores.
Hi Susan- A picnic at Castle Cottage sounds wonderful. I have not been there, but have wanted to see it for some time now. How exciting! I am a member of the Beatrix Potter Society too. Don’t you just love getting those membership cards and newsletters? Thanks for the post on Beatrix Potter and her birthday. It’s always so nice to remember such a special lady!
I totally love it. All the way from England to interrupt my day in the best possible way!
Oh Susan…..loved your post! I hope so much to make the trip in May! Happy almost August!
Susan,
I love reading your blog posts! I too enjoy Beatrix Potter and own a few figurines as well as some dishes and cups that were gifts when my children were born.
It would be so great to win the books you shared – That journal is sooo cool!
How delightful! I want to come…if dreams come true!
What beautiful scenery,,so green,,I’m envious,,would love to have a Beatrix Potter book,,love all her “friends” but Mrs Tiggy-winkle is my favorite…
As always, your enthusiasm is contagious!
What a wonderful book on BP and what an interesting woman she was.
As my mother says “Thank you for sharing.”
Happy Birthday, Beatrix! I wish I could be at the picnic next year but will certainly be there in spirit. I have always been an Anglophile and love everything to do with Beatrix Potter and the English countryside. So glad to have found you, Susan; you seem like such a kindred spirit.