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
Too wonderful for words!!! I can’t even imagine that BYO picnic basket party right there …. in that spot…. that is absolutely amazing. How perfectly perfect!!! Happy Birthday to Miss Beatrix! I hope heaven’s window allows her to see this. It makes me cry!!
Me, too, through heaven’s window, as you say. ❤️
Just lovely! Happy, Happy 150th…..
Loved revisiting Beatrix. My grown daughter wanted to see the movie after reading this. Had to go buy a copy. It’s so hard to find on my tv. It’s been awhile, so can’t wait to enjoy it with her. She’s a very modern kid, but think I’ll go check out your store to find a figurine for her. Hopefully it will be a long time before she gets mine, lol. Arline in So. Cal.
You’ll both love the movie! But as wonderful as it is, it only tells half the story!
Dear Susan, perhaps you could dedicate a tiny portion of your blog to people who might be looking for traveling companions to the 2018 picnic? It would be wonderful to find others who might be going from the states and for help navigating from London. Perhaps in the events tab?
Looking at doing that … also Google Betsy Bray … she’s probably leading a tour!
Arline, excellent idea!!!! I would love to find a traveling companion to go to this event next year. Maybe find a place near by and stay a week!!! I think I’ll take Susan’s advice and check out the tour also.
I’m working on a new Willard . . . I think we can put together a traveling-companion button for our Facebook page, I’ll let you know in Willard!
What a beautiful post, and a lovely tribute to Beatrix Potter!
Loved today’s entry!
Susan,
What a wonder you are, so enjoyed your story on Beatrix Potter! I started to look her up a year or so ago once I started reading your blog. Such an inspiration she was, as you are to so many of us girlfriends. Have a question, would it be okay with you if I printed out your Beatrix Potter timeline, I would love to make one of your famous bookmarks out of it. As always, thank you for making my day!
Yes that’s okay!
Thanks a bunch!!!
Oh, ‘twould be so loverly to be there on the lawn on May 11. well I can dream can’t I?! we shall see… Thanks for the beautiful photos and descriptions.
I can’t wait to see the pictures of Castle Cottage! Thank you for sharing all of your adventures with those of us who are travel challenged!
That’s amazing! I wish I could come to the picnic! I hope to make it back there someday but it won’t be next year. 😩 I can’t wait to see your pictures. I love that little spot of this Earth.
Hi Susan! Rabbit Rabbit! Thank you for your wonderful blog! We are in beautiful Maine on vacation. The weather has been perfect. We’re here with friends and having a great time!
I hope you and Joe are doing well. Love, Karen xoxoxo
You do know that someday fans will visit your house and squeal the way we do now over BP’s home. Thanks for yet another beautiful post.
I’d love to get my little house, Hollyoak, back and make it into a mini Hill Top … would be so fun, place to put all these little bits and pieces, diaries and paintings, I have around here!
Great, really great idea!!!!! xoxo
What a special book! I have read and purchased many of the Beatrix Potter (subject) books you recommended, but not these two, and I didn’t realize the scrapbook existed! It would be such a thrill to win, and thank you for setting up yet another generous offer to share with us!
I also would love to tour the north of England on my next (second) trip, especially for a Beatrix Potter Picnic! I was so inspired my first time by your AFR book, which I still love best of all your books, that I braved going alone with a small tea tour group in May 2016. It didn’t seem possible I could afford to go to England again, but now I have a goal (again, thanks to you), and will hope to find a way over in May 2018. Can’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Thank you for your endless inspiration and devising these lovely schemes : )
Hope you make it Susan!
Hello from just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio!
Happy, happy 150th birthday to Beatrix Potter. My time has flown by hasn’t it!
What an inspiration she is. So glad you have shared her with us in your unique special way!
Thank you Susan,
Cindy
Good evening! hope you day was a great as mine. When I read about the “a journal” first thing I did was look it up on Amazon! Then thought I would send a quick note and hope Vanna draws my name. Hope your weather on the island has been as great as we have had here in Minnesota. Have read “A Fine Romance” and “Isle of Dreams” at least three times each! Love the cups. Can’t wait for the new ones to come. Take care! Rabbit Rabbit. Nancy in Minnesota
Same to you Nancy!
Your photos bring to life the descriptions Susan Witting Albert paints of Hill Top Farm and the surrounding area in her cozy mystery series: the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter. There are eight books in the enchanting series and with each we learn a little more about the amazing woman that was Beatrix Potter. What an amazing woman she was! Thanks for keeping her spirit alive!
My pleasure, she’s a gift everyone should know about.
How can I resist an opportunity, a chance, at the lovely books you are, can I believe it, yes, just giving away. If I’m so lucky, I would faint. Love BP and YOU and now I’m dreaming about the possibility of actually meeting you and in a way her. One of my favorite things while traveling is to sit in a beautiful spot and piece together a picnic out of leftovers and food purchases made on the trip. Some of my favorites were once on a balcony overlooking the beach in Nice, another time, another balcony overlooking a vineyard in France, and once in our car on a pull-over area in Ireland to see the sea while it was sprinkling and a man was standing 20 feet from our car playing Irish tunes on his flute. YUM! Both food and setting.
Really! Just wonderful. Picnics are pure serendipity!
Magical! And what a precious gift you’re willing to share! Many thanks Susan.
Brewster Ladies Library?!! Where on Cape Cod is that located? That sounds so interesting. A ladies library? Or is that the name of a group? I love to visit old libraries when I’m traveling and would love to visit that one when I visit Cape Cod again. I loved the old library in Woodstock, VT (it was in town near Dartmouth), the library in Nantucket where Frederick Douglass gave a speech, the Boston library whose founder is Benjamin Franklin and of course the New York City Public Library which also the the very best gift shop ever. If you or any of the girlfriends have any other suggestions for old libraries, big or small please share!
Many thanks!
It’s in Brewster! Ha ha ha … and started by ladies in the 19th century … It’s a lovely place, you can Google it and read the history. Sounds like your cup of tea!
Thanks! I thought I knew most of the names of the towns on Cape Cod having traveled (happily!) up and down that most wonderful place. Never heard of Brewster and thought it was named after Mr. or Ms. Brewster! 🙂 I will enjoy exploring it online until I visit some day soon. Teachers in my school district return in 2 weeks. Where has most of this summer gone – such a short season! I love the September wall calendar painting for 2019. Gee, wonder why. 🙂 In the meantime, your mini, wall and desk calendars have arrived for 2018 and I’ve already entered birthdays, school holiday breaks, etc. Next order are your mugs. I hope I’m not too late!
You are right on time, Carmel … they just came in. I added a few extra to the order, so you should have no problem getting what you want right now, and we’ll have them until they are gone. I’m just about to start thinking about the next designs!
My dream come is to visit here in person!
Love, love, love your beautiful pictures! Thank you!
As always, it’s an honor to share your stories. Keep writing, painting and traveling and we’ll come along every time!
You have such an unique personal style. Would it be possible to know where you purchase your shoes and the garments you have such a talent in assembling? Your ensemble worn at Titcomb Books (boots, tights, short tunic dress, arrow shirt and blazer) was a perfect combination. I sew so hope to use some of your spoonflower fabrics in creating lined baskets and table linens. Especially the Happy Birthday fabric. You have the best of personal styles which reflect your inner joy.
Oh thank you Linda! One of these days I’ll list where I shop ~ sometimes it’s here in town, and when we get off-Island, I shop around, but mostly I have to do it on line. All the regular places … I love linen. Very hard to find these days, the kind I like, the old fashioned thick kind. My girlfriends shop a lot on eBay, for old things.
Oh Sue.
F a i r y Sue, of the Magic Timing.
It’s Paige and Banjo O’Feral, in Carmel . . .
[PortfolioCarmel on twitter, but things have been so horrid of late that I’ve not even been able to be in twitter] . . . I thought perhaps, just maybe, oh please, you MAY have posted a new blog post, which would lift my spirits above this mire
[I am not exaggerating; and of its nature, you of all people, and all the girlfriends, would be truly heartbroken and mortified] . . .
so I made a moment to pop in and check to see . . . and not only HAVE you, but it is all of THIS ! I am stunned for many reasons, not least being, furry feline Banjo O’Feral and I have the film about Beatrix Potter, ‘Miss Potter’, on DVD . . .
and – I kid you not! – it has been on repeat loop . . . EVERY night . . . ALL night long . . . for the past week, keeping us company and providing solace and a towline of hope and light.
I wish I could post a photo here for you, of Banjo snuggled alongside the ‘Miss Potter’ DVD case – I have pix of Banjo curled in the crook of my elbow, in bed, watching the film. I texted a photo to a friend in Boston just last night of this very scenario, Banjo and me watching, with the scene of Beatrix sitting in the grass in the Lake District – the visual that opens and closes the film –
with her voiceover narration . . .
“There’s something delicious about writing those first few words of a story.
You can never quite tell where they’ll take you. Mine, took me Here.
Where I Belong.”
[if I divulged the current situation, which I will not, the Resonance,
and the Relevance, of those sentences would be even more apparent.]
Thank You So Much, Sue. I am Awed + Amazed at your Miraculous Timing,
Fairy Girl that thou art.
For years, when life was making lemons around me, I would turn on old Shirley Temple movies to rebuild my hope for the world … but now, I am right there with you, Miss Potter, on a loop, does it … you can nap through it and know that on the other side, all will be well. You can cry and you can be inspired. I hope it’s all working just like that for you. And you know, good news and bad, but in this case, GOOD, nothing ever remains the same. Sending buckets of love, xoxo me
Paige, my heart goes out to you. I am so glad you have Susan to cheer you as well. She saved me from the depths a few years ago and I can never repay the debt of gratitude I owe her. So I try and do all that I can to help her with reviews and promoting her on websites. And other blogs or social media. It also lifts my spirit to help the person that helped me. Just a thought that might help you too. My other go to movie is Father of the Bride w Steve Martin. Sending you and Banjo hugs and warm fuzzies 🙂
Oh dear Charissa . . . how sweet you are to reach out to our friend Paige. xoxo
Hi Susan
It took 25 yrs to make my little magic garden right here in Madison.
All the magic happens all around me. Wrens in the box I painted for them, butterflies all over the flowers in the yard, chickadees bathing and playing in a yard sculpture. I wanted to live in a wonderful for nature place -if you wish it and work at it -you can make it so. . . . Peggy -in love with nature
ps Even 5 baby screech owls tended by mom and pop owls -so darn cute!
Louisa May Owlcott, Lauranece Owlivia etc. Bloom where you are planted.
Beautiful Peggy!
My husband took me on a 46th wedding anniversary holiday to England that included a visit to Hill Top that was a highlight of our trip! I especially liked the way they left copies of Beatrix Potter’s little books that had pages bookmarked for visitors to see her drawings of everyday objects in the house. As a kindergarten teacher of four-year-olds, I’ve seen how Miss Potter’s books continue to instill a love of reading in today’s children. Your tribute to her was most heartwarming.
I loved that too, seeing her painting of the grandfather clock on the table next to the grandfather clock! Makes it all come alive!
Wish upon wishes I could plan on being there, however my daughter is getting married the next day! So that is a very special reason to miss the gathering. It sounds wonderful though and I’m so happy and excited for you both that you will be returning to England!
A wonderful reason!
Dear Susan,
OH how unbelievable about next May 11th!!!! AT CASTLE COTTAGE?! This is a seed planted in my mind… wow. What an invitation!!!
On your recommendation through your blog here, I read Linda Lear’s biography of Beatrix – loved it – and then went on to read ‘Beatrix Potter’s Letters’ by Judy Taylor – it was so interesting.
My mom took one look at that photo of Beatrix on the front of Linda Lear’s book and said “She looks like Susan Branch!!!!!!!!!”
I have read and loved your Fine Romance, but definitely wanted to leave a comment because it was only a library copy, and I have been coveting a copy to own. 🙂
Best to you,
Lindsey
I think I look like her too, we both have a bit of the hedgehog about us in our later years!😳 Hello to your mom! xoxo
Hee hee 😀 Hedgehog!!!!!! Now I don’t know about That – but on the Linda Lear cover you two share the same sweet, dear face.
(Although – who doesn’t love a Mrs Tiggywinkle?!??)
Dear Susan,
I just asked hubby today if there were any boxes for me at the post. That lovely Homeland Security taking good care of our cups. How very special we should all feel. I have no doubt will have them soon.
As for Beatrix Potter, I too have a collection. Their the sweetest most darling little critters I have. They don’t have to be fed, walked, groomed (except a little dusting or slite bath) and most importantly they don’t bark, meow, quack, or grunt, though I do enjoy those sounds. The sit and look extraordinarily pretty. They help me decorate for every holiday. I’m must say, the bunnies are my favorites. I have bunnies everywhere & not only for spring. I was born the year of the rabbit & I always wondered if that had anythg to do with that.
Your trip back across the pond will be fabulous I’m sure. And the picnic… well it will be the cats meow I’m sure. Thanks ever so much for your wonderful blog, pictures & for being a great girlfriend. Happy, Happy August & Aloha from this island to yours
Hugs & Aloha,
Georgia
They came in yesterday … will start shipping today! Finally! Thank you for your patience! Aloha Georgia!
It was my baby daughter’s room decoration, Peter Rabbit and friends. She’s 21 now and just graduated from college. Thank you for reminding me.
Such a great give away. So much fun reading your blog. I get so busy sometimes I wish for an escape then remember there may be a new post from you and sure enough there it is. Escape! Thank you!
Yay! Love to hear that Christine!
Lovely story! Lovely talent! You are blessed. Thank you for sharing all your love and talents with all of us!
Please add me to the book draw. Love your writing, illustrations and books.
so glad that you love our little isle! X
I am thankful for your sharing of such wonderful sights in England – – would love to go there one day – – but if not, I can enjoy these lovely snippets and picnics with you. Every spring when I plant a garden I always think of Beatrix Potter – – just remodeled our house and yard, it is a blank slate out there for much planning and fussing with ideas – – must look again at your England pics!!
“Scritch, scratch, scratch”, went Mr. McGregor’s hoe,…RUN Peter! Love that Beatrix Potter- read her books over and over to my four little blessings 🥕
Thank you Susan for the beautiful post. I just love the beautiful love story of Beatrice Potter, and all she accomplished in life and the legacy she left for others. Thank you for keeping her memory alive. She was a wonderful woman and ahead of her time. I would so love to win that book about her. Keep up the great posts. We absolutely adore them. Thank you so much. If we can’t make the picnic, we will be there with you in spirit.
Judy Ann from Georgia!
Love it!!!
Susan,
I cannot wait to virtually travel to England with you again. You make us all feel like we are right there with you. Enjoy the upcoming visit with your family. One of my students will be travelling to Martha’s Vineyard later this month and I told her to say hello if she should see you! 🙂
P.S. My husband and I are hooked on “A place to call home”…we are about to start the third season. Thanks for the recommendation.
I am so excited for you! Returning to England! I’m also excited for me-I get to read your wonderful posts and see your beautiful pictures! What wonderful world!
Thank you, Susan, for your kind, forgiving words. I’m sitting here on our porch at my grandmother’s round oak table with all my maps (bet I have more than Joe does!) and the laptop doing the logistics. Over the various visits there in recent years, I like the AA large scale atlas. When I receive it, I slice the pages we will need out to avoid the cumbersome big book. The best ones for years ago were the Shell folding travel maps for each area. Looking at them from 40 years ago is a lessen on growth. So many new roads and motorways now.
I can’t change the first week and a half, as I’ve booked a fabulous, wisteria covered inn in the New Forrest, and next 4 nights in a “blow the budget” inn in Winchester, facing the Cathedral. The Old Vine, 4 poster, etc. Also have plans to meet up with English friends at that time. But I’m still looking for a way to get over to your picnic! We’re open ended at this time. Maybe do the places Carrie recommended in the Welsh borders right after the picnic. I’m waiting to hear from her with her available dates. As you know, she’s here suffering the awful heat with us. But not in Maine for the rest of the week. It is just too, too perfect.
Mucho Love,
Debbie in Maine
Planning is half the fun. Like a puzzle with pieces that you have to MAKE fit!
Susan, you are so sweet to take us all along with you on your Beatrix adventures!
I always save your blog posts so I can read them slowly and savor every word and picture. It gives my whole day a special feeling after reading them. That picnic sounds heavenly and I’m excited to read all about it. Thank you for sharing all your joy and creativity with your Girlfriends! You are a mainstay in our household 🙂
Thank you!!!! I love being there!
Happy Birthday to Beatrix Potter! My mother and I had the great pleasure of meeting you at the celebration on the Cape last year! I’ve loved learning more about her incredible life and the woman behind all the wonderful books I’ve read to my children. She is an inspiration!
Your family is adorable. Such fun.
I’d click my heels and clap my hands if I were able……So glad the cups are shipping!
Oh, wouldn’t I love to be the proud owner of such a book!
And, to be at the picnic at Castle Cottage!! Well, you just never know what tomorrow will bring now, do we…
Happy days to you, sweet Sue!!
I, as always, thank you for all you do for we girlfriends. (And, look how many more boyfriends we see each year!! Love it!!)
♥Deb♥
Me too!
Hi Susan, thought you should know that you most definitely have a big impact in the publishing world. I ordered a copy of that wonderful BP journal from Amazon the day this blog was posted (just in cases I didn’t win), for $40. Today I received an email that my order was cancelled due to technical issues, and now used copies are only available starting at >$100 and go over $1000!
Oh no, that’s sad. Now you just have a wait while until all the folderol dies down.
I had the same experience. Mine was only $18 and I even received an email saying it had shipped. Then I got an email saying it wouldn’t arrive for 3 months and said they would understand if I wanted to cancel my order. And please forgive them. I replied that I was okay waiting because I really wanted the book. Then I got a response saying they have refunded my payment and if the book happens to arrive to get in touch with them and they would recharge me. Don’t think that’s going to happen, lol. Somethings fishy, I think. But I’m patient and I’m sure one will turn up sooner or later. Perhaps I’ll even win your lovely giveaway which would be wonderful. Hugs, Elaine
After all that you deserve to win!
Tracking said my order was in Stage 2 , preparing to be shipped. Then it was canceled. I was wondering what, exactly, had they been preparing for shipment???
That’s interesting, because I went to Amazon myself, looking for available copies. The page I found had a huge error. The picture was of Beatrix Potter: A Journal, but the Look Inside contained information about Beatrix Potter’s Journal, an entirely different book. I did report the discrepancy to Amazon, and that page ( there had been two different pages offering the book, confusing!) was removed. If you ordered from that page, maybe that’s why. I also ordered a copy from a different source, and mine was canceled too. I think others got there before me.
Hi Susan. I just had to comment, but I already have the book so please exclude me from the giveaway. As always, your generosity is amazing! I just had to share in the excitement of the picnic at Ms. Potters! That is SOOO cool! I hope you all have a wonderful time!
I have no doubt we will … happy to bring my arm-chair girlfriends along with! xoxo
What a wonderful post! Makes me want to pack my bags, hop on a plane, and go on an adventure of my own. My husband will start getting five weeks of vacation either next year or the year after. Now I know just where we NEED to spend some of that time. Thank you! If I don’t win the Beatrix Potter book you can count on my being on the lookout for a copy. I love these kinds of books! This one reminds me of the Flower Fairy books that I’ve collected over the past several years. They are so much fun!
Since I don’t read all of the comments on your posts, I wondered if you’d been made aware of a new book released by C&T Publishing entitled Stitching with Beatrix Potter by Michele Hill. It has ten projects featuring the characters from our beloved books, some history, and the 1863 quilt that may have been a wedding quilt for Beatrix’s parents. While I probably won’t tackle making that quilt, I will definitely be stitching some of the other projects to add to my small collection of Potter items. May need to dig out my childhood records with the story of Peter to listen to while I stitch. I’m talking records from the ’60s here…
It looks wonderful, Cindy. Thank you for the information!
I love all your books,but especially ‘Martha’s Vinyard:Isle of Dreams’ and ‘A Fine Romance’. Saw you in Pasadena and got them signed and also for my best friend in Oregon. She has also read them three times and when I went this year i had wished you had written another book. Please write another as I am going to see her next summer. Ilove reading all of your posts. thank you for giving me the chance to win one of the two books. Your number one fan.
I will. Thank you Sandra.
Dear Susan,
I love all your books. And I especially love the quilts and gardens. You make my
day. Donna G.
Yay for this giveaway and for Susan Branch and Beatrix Potter. Keeps hope in the world!
What a beautifully fun book! I love reading about her.
Hi, Susan. A great post, as usual! I had no idea that Beatrix had to self publish. It’s encouraging to me to know as I am working on an alphabet book for little ones. And I am making it using felt and embroidery, which is not your typical technique. Also, thank you for the tip about reading her biography. I’ve written it down and will look for it. I always enjoy your posts so much, especially when I am not at my best. They always help restore me and remind me of things I love. Love to you and Joe and Jack. Debbyy
Thank you Debby … your book sounds like a treasure!
I’m so excited that you will be traveling to England again! I love seeing all of your adventures! My husband and I visited the Lake District in the fall of 2016 and it was so magical. Seeing all your pictures reminded me of all our adventures!
oh my The book is delightful, and she was born on our wedding anniversary..Just celebrated 44 years of bliss (well mostly). I love her and i love you!
How can a book be more special than yours? But it looks like this one is very special indeed! Please put me in the running and may Vanna choose my name! 🙂
Wonderful! I am from Carlisle not that far from the Lake District ~ living in Canada for most of my life. I would love to put my name in the draw. I have a fairy garden along the east side of my garden…. and a real resident wild bush bunny!
You can take the fairy away from the girl, but you can’t take the girl away from the fairy!
Hello, I just lobe Beatrix Potter!! That book looks so wonderful!
I finally had a chance to sit down and read you blog. I am still in heaven….what a wonderful blog! And you’re going back to England! Very envious! Thank you so much for making my day!
I do have the book that looks like Beatrix Potter’s journal and I look at it a lot. Whoever wins it will be very happy. and of course your book is great and I am so excited that you are going back to England and having a picnic at her house! I can’t wait to read all of the wonderful posts you will be writing. Thank you for sharing!
Lucky you – returning to the Lake District, one of the most beautiful places I have seen.
Thay book looks wonderful .like a cicley barker one I have
Sooo delightful! Please add my name to Vanna’s fishbowl.
So exciting!! Another wonderful trip. I’m so jealous!! BTY, Beatrice Potter died on my 7th birthday, Dec. 22nd. I do remember her little books from when I was little. Marie from PA!
On your 7th birthday, that’s amazing, you shared the planet with her. ❤️
A very lovely post and tribute to Beatrix Potter.
The world is so fortunate that she kept these beautiful lands, we get to enjoy it all, whether personally or with pictures.
(((Hugs)))
I love learning about Beatrix Potter. What an interesting woman! And I love the pictures of the English countryside…..makes me want to travel there.
Dear Susan, Thanks for sharing the titles of such wonderful books. I have put them on my wish list for future occasions. Your trip to England and picnic sounds very nice. Good for you for planning such things. Thanks too for this lovely blog post. Bye for now from your girlfriend from Cannon Falls, Minnesota, USA
Love,
Crystal
Because of you,Susan, I have begun to red about Beatrice Potter! What an awesome woman!
Awesome! Just going her own way, living her life, and making the most of what was served to her. It’s surprising how much we all have in common with her!
Another reason to plan a trip to England next spring, goodie! goodie!
Oh my! Another chance to see England through the eyes of the quintessential girlfriend!
Susan, your books and the BP book are treasures. I look each day to see if you have posted new stories and pictures. Thank you for your art work too. Time to buy my calendars for the new year !
Love Beatrix Potter!
~Susan~
Ohh how I love this !! 30 years ago I did my baby daughter Natalie’s nursery in Peter Rabbit, and I am soooo happy I have kept it all these years !!!
I wish I could be there for the picnic, but so thankful you will be posting it !!
Hugs
Paula
Have you decided what your next project will be? A book? A while ago you mentioned you were thinking about doing a book on tea. Any other thoughts yet?
Many … I’ll start soon, my fingers are itching. I’ve been painting new art, just because I want new art … but soon I’ll start a real project!
That little book is a WONDERFUL thing! So are you Susan. Keep up all the wonderful things you do.
HI darling Susan – Well, I came to SLO on the train to meet you so maybe the next stop is Miss Potter’s house. My, oh my — I just can’t IMAGINE!!!! But sometimes dreams do come true so. . . .
I hope so!
Dearest Susana,
Your blog is still captivating and magical. I wait until I have time to read with a cup of tea in hand to savor the pictures and inspiration!
The Journal of Beatrix Potter looks awesome, almost like something you would
create. Take care and Gracias for entering me in the “Beatrix Potter Giveaway” I hope Vanna picks me!
Sinceramente,
Lydia Alejandro, Fremont, Ohio
Denada! xoxo
Love your blog. It’s always a breath of fresh air.
Love, love, love your blog with all the interesting information you share with us. Thank you so much for giving one of us the chance to be the lucky recipient of the two books that you are giving away.
I have some of the Beatrix Potter figurines, which like yours were bought many years ago and are always on display.
I am reading the Beatrix Potter biography by Linda Lear and the accompanying Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life because of your stories and comments and your trips to England! So wonderful, all of it! Thank you for sharing!
So happy to hear that Jacki!
Your writings are so endearing! I love “going “.to all those places with you! You and I have many of the same interests. I collect sayings, so many of yours are in my journals! You would make a great best friend! God has blessed you with so many gifts, thank you for
sharing them! Friend, Lyern
How exciting, wish so was going too👏🏻👍🏻
I wanted to tell you about a FaceBook site called ” The Queen’s English.” It’s lovely and has all kinds of photos of places that be of interest to you on your next trip. There are also photos of Beatrix Potter, her books, Hilltop Farm and her figurines. Basically, it is a site that celebrates all things British! I think you would enjoy it!
Love it Nanette!
How very fortunate that the work of Beatrix Potter has become so vivid through your work, Susan. I thank you, and feel so enriched with every visit to your world you so beautifully and lovingly share with us.
Oh my goodness! My gears are turning now to figure out how to make my long-planned Lake District trip happen next May! Squealing is right!
When I first commented, a few days ago, I was in a rush, my day was pretty full and my guests had just departed. I only could read tiny parts of your blog post. Now, a few days later, I’ve read almost all of your Fine Romance book (I read it before going to bed, so I can travel in my dreams!), and you took me to Beatrix Potter’s house, and to Castle Cottage, so now I’m re-reading this post and it takes all its meaning! How wonderful that you are having this picnic next year. I wish I would go. If I were in the neighbourhood, of course I would be there! It’s a charming idea, it’ll be very special and I can’t wait to read about it next May! It’s also wonderful that you are going to England again. You are so lucky to have Joe to share this passion of the Old Country with, and who dares driving through those tiny roads. I’m not sure my other half would be that daring… though I wish!
I do feel lucky … that we enjoy the same things! Big help in happy life!
EEEEEeeeee!!!! This sounds so exciting!! One day I will get to go to England, but for now I will live vicariously through you. Enjoy your trip and thank you in advance for making us feel like we are there.
OH MY! Oh Wonderment! I actually own the book you are showing! Having taught first and second grade for over 20 years, and everyone knowing I lived in a world that was somewhat “behind the times”, many people gave me Beatrix Potter books, Tasha Tudor books etc. as gifts. But I remember years ago finding this book in some random place at a very reduced price that I could afford. Now having 4 beautiful granddaughters, 21mos. – 11years, you can imagine it is well loved and well used – but because the darlings know I am the “protector of all books” (they love the book closet) it is still all there and safe and sound!
Thanks for caring about such things!
Thank you back Kedra … love the sound of the book closet!
Dear Susan ~
I have been an avid fan of your work since your very first Heart of The Home
book, and though I am about your age, I have no interest in twittering, face booking, etc.!
But I do look forward to reading your blog each day, to enjoy your uplifting
and poetic introductions to my favourite woman, Beatrix Potter. What a
visionary she was to protect her beloved Lake District for all generations
to come. We were there in 1977, on our 3 month honeymoon. My husband
was from Nottingham, and we cycled all over the most beauteous and
sacred landscapes. It has been etched into my heart, just as Miss Potter’s
simple and elegant books which were read to my daughters every night.
I thank you for sharing your heartfelt thoughts about life, love, and holding
a deep appreciation for God’s beautiful earth. It really helps me to know
that there are wonderful people like you out there. Please, take good care
and continue your important work. We must all keep trying to hold goodness
for all those we touch each day.
With kindest regards,
Sarah Godfrey
The very same to you Sarah, God’s beautiful and sacred landscape in our care. xoxo
Susan, I love reading your posts! You take me from Martha’s Vineyard to all the beautiful places you visit! Such fun! I really think you and Joe must buy a home in England and spend half your time there! Thanks for brightening my days!
Yea! The Autumn cup just shipped. I’ll have to check up on them and see if the other 2 are in the works. The Autumn one is a birthday gift for my best Maine friend, who has her day October 1. Perfect.
Thank you, Dear Susan,
Debbie in Maine
You’re the first I’ve heard of that’s gotten one in the US! How wonderful. I’m waiting for mine, I hope they come today!
OOOOhhhhh! I just finished “A Fine Romance”. It is the last of your books — I have read all of them now this past Spring in between our daughter’s wedding and a new grandbaby — and I was so sad to finish because there are no more lovely Susan Branch books to read! I have all of your cookbooks and probably most of your other books. I’ve started collecting the Beatrix Potter figurines because of you. I read all of the Peter Rabbit books to my 5 children and I have a couple sets of baby dishes from them that are now being used with our 3 grand babies (Henry Creighton who is 4, Thomas Cavanaugh will be 2 next week and Elise Jane who is just 3 weeks old! — all named after ancestors!). I would adore winning the Beatrix Potter Journal. I looked it up and seriously cannot afford it! But it would keep me company until your next book comes out! Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the drawing. And so excited to hear about your further adventures in England. I felt like I was right there with you and now I want to go!!!
I will have to write you another book (getting excited about it!). Until then, I hope you win the BP book!
My 3 bunnies and I would love love love those books! Well,we already have “A Fine Romance” but a 2nd copy wouldn’t hurt. All my buns are just as mischievous as Peter,they have me hopping to keep up with their shenanigans. Blessings on you Susan, you and Joe are an important part of our lives! Much love from Beau, Billy, Roger and me!
Love to all! 🐰
First I want to say thank you for always bringing us along and giving us the enjoyment of visiting places we may not have the opportunity to visit in person. You make us feel as if we are there with you in person. I also wanted to share the find I was lucky enough to come across. I was attending a Bluegrass Festival in a small town that always has a library book sale each year at the festival. As I was browsing I noticed these small green books and thought no way, are they what I think they are. There were 11 wonderful little green Beatrix Potter books. It was sad the Library was getting rid of them but my 4 grandchildren love them. Out of the 11 no where was The Tale of Peter Rabbit. I hope that it was loved to pieces.
LOL, it probably was. xoxo
I have the Beatrix Potter’s Journal and I love it. You are right, they don’t make books like that. They should…..it’s a great way to learn about someone’s life. Oh how I wish I could go with you to England!
Amazing entry & details… it’s as tho’ you’ve written another chapter in the books– both yours & Beatrix’.
Thanks, Susan.
Oh how I wish I could go with you to Castle Cottage! — it would be a dream come true, but for now it will have to remain on my bucket list. However, I know thanks to your wonderful blog posts you will make us all feel like we were right there with you as you always do. I had never heard of these 2 books about Beatrix and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I might be the lucky winner. I look forward to all your posts Susan, you always brighten my day!
Loved seeing the Beatrix Potter Journal … what a treasure! Will try to find it somewhere … somehow! As always, I so much enjoy reading your blogs and it takes me to special places with lots of fun times and adventures. Thank you for doing what you do! Nancy
Hi Susan, I am very much looking forward to receiving the cups I ordered! That Beatrix Potter Journal looks like a real gem, a beautiful piece of work.
Any moment now, on the cups … they’ve started going out!
Simply lovely~