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
Susan,
Lovely post! The book is splendid,
Joanne
Lovely post Susan. Top of my bucket list is a visit to England and all because of your blog and books. Filled with wonderful photos and descriptions and always leaving me longing to truly be there one day. Thank you, Susan…
Yes, the Beatrix Potter journal sounds so intriguing! Love being entered for the drawing!
Lynn in Nashville, TN
Great post…and a reminder to watch one of my favorite movies- Miss Potter!
What a wonderful surprise for next May. Hoping to win! Thanks for sharing the book.
Thank you for sharing this beauty…♥
Look forward to more.
Happy happy birthday Beatrix Potter.
Nadege Armour
[email protected]
I love Beatrix Potter! Thank you for the biography suggestion!
Thank you again for the reminder that there is delight in the world, for sharing it with us. Gratefully, Toni
sigh … most of the time i am happy enough being me … but then i read what kind of day YOU had, and a little green eyed monster chases after me…
Never let that happen, quickly count your blessings. I only want to share, believe me, my house is a mess, and I need to lose weight!
Wow what a gorgeous book!
I hope to one day visit the Lake District. You made it come alive for me. Thank you Thank you.
I just watched “Miss Potter” last weekend….just so lovely….so proud of her and her life’s works….and unbelievable, last year I stumbled upon a copy of “The Journal” at Goodwill!! What a lovely treasure….thank you for sharing her with us on the eve of her birthday…
O my gosh….O my gosh….O my gosh….I would love that book! Loved everything about this blog. 😉
My husband and I were so enchanted by your three illustrated memoirs that a friend loaned to us. Many thanks for hours of enjoyment and conversations. We look forward to reading them again.
Thank you Barbara!
I am so inspired by Beatrix potter.
Happy Birthday, dear Beatrix! This beautiful journal is an amazing celebration of the life of one of our true heroes. It is paired with a diary that makes my heart sing every time I open its cover! A Fine Romance holds an extra-special place in my heart because it always reminds me of the very first time I had the pleasure of meeting you and Joe!! 😊
A Girlfriends’ picnic at Castle Cottage!!!! Be still my heart! I will most certainly be there with you in spirit next May! It will be a lovely celebration of my TWO favorite artists, authors, and constant sources of inspiration!!💕
Happy hugs!
Love,
Dawn (in Illinois)
💗💗
I visited Stourhead just over a month ago and had forgotten that was the site of your picnic! What a beautiful spot! We stayed outside the gorgeous cathedral city of Wells in a lovely farmhouse B&B. Your pictures in this post were a great reminder of our visit. Thank you!
I absolutely *adore* “interactive” books – have since I was young.
I used to love the lace up cards!
I’ll be walking Englands dales,vales,lanes and fields in early September. My
annual visit home provides me memories to last the year. Put the kettle on,put
your feet up and daydream of England
Oh My! My husband asked me what I wanted to do for my 60th Birthday next year. A picnic at Castle Cottage, a girl can dream can’t she? xo
He asked, and you answered! Hope to see you there!
OMG, what a wonderful! You are so generous and I would love to win. Thank you so much for the chance.
I, too, love Beatrix Potter. I have been fortunate enough to have taught primary grades for 46 years; every year sharing the wonderful books she wrote. Children are still, even in our modern times, fascinated and delighted by her stories.
Oh my Gosh How Exciting on so many levels! I so wish I could go to England too. Once Again I will live it again through you. My Daughter, Jessie, is home and in honor of your blog and Beatrix’s birthday we shall watch Miss Potter tonight! We went and looked at two wedding venues today. So much fun and very overwhelming…so much to take in. Hope you are having a lovely dinner. Ours is simple… grilled veggies, burgers and left over couscous. I am trying to be good and loose some weight. I’ve lost 7 lbs so far!!! (That’s 28 sticks of butter !)
P.S. Did you settle on a name for your turkey friend yet??
Yes, Girl Turkey. I think you suggested it, it was perfect! 28 sticks of butter, I am so PROUD of you!!!
Thanks Sue! I have been really trying hard. It’s a frustratingly slow process. Yay For Girl Turkey!
I have a little secret that works as an extra special kick start… hummus and carrots and celery. That instead of a meal. Delicious, filling, no calories.
Thanks for the tip! It really helps to have cut up fruits and veggies on hand when the hungries creep up. If you have to cut it when your hungry, you don’t bother and then it’s straight to the snack cubby and the chips!
What a fabulous post! Love everything Susan Branch and Beatrix Potter!!! Hoping that someday you will share a picnic on Martha’s Vineyard for those of us trapped on this side of the pond. Visiting the lake district is definitely on my bucket list, but alas it is still a few years away.
I was thinking, maybe we need a picnic here in America one day! It’s just that we are so big, so much travel for everyone, where England is just the size of Louisiana . . . everything is so close, even Europe, Ireland, everywhere, makes it so much easier for locals!
Maybe with the release of the next book a picnic tour?
Good Idea! Wouldn’t that be fun. Just one picnic after another all the way across the country!
Now I have a second reason to go to England in may …hopefully it’s not the same weekend as the Chelsea garden show!
Dear Susan,
Here is my note of appreciation for the inclusion of such a sweet celebration of Ms Potter. I would love to join you all for the picnic, but will be thrilled to see all the photos that you take. Here is my request for the books, but I hope my name is not drawn as I already have a signed copy of your “A Fine Romance”, which I consider the best book in my library of a thousand plus books, and I am going to see if I can purchase the journal, I can’t wait for the drawing it seems. I am sure there are other Girlfriends who haven’t got their books yet, if I should win I will give them to my daughter for my granddaughters. So all will be well either way. Thanks again for your joy and for sharing it with us. Jeanne Jorgensen
XOXO Jeanne!
Thank you for the beautiful pictures of the countryside, and the reminder of dear Beatrix’s birthday! Susan, you always share such beauty with all of us “Girlfriends”.
I love you, Susan!
Lovely post and what a beautiful book!
Oh, goodie, goodie, goodie! Another picnic in the English countryside. I’ve marked my calendar. One never knows what’s in store for future travel plans. It just might happen!
I’m going to celebrate with a little cake and tea here tomorrow for Beatrix’s Birthday. I have such fond memories of last year’s party, Susan. It was splendid! I adore the “birthday celebration” gifts. Whoever is the lucky one will no doubt cherish them. I know I would! Thank you for this generosity. You are such a DEAR. ALWAYS!!! Hugs from Austin where we are living with triple digits. Enjoy your ocean breezes! 😉
Stay cool dear Sarah . . . !
I will never be famous like Beatrix, but I hope someone will cherish my scrapbooks after I leave this world. I understand the feeling of reliving a particular event by rereading the scrapbook. Thank you for the lovely blog.
Happy Birthday, Beatrix!
Beautiful post! Thank-you!
WOW! What a fabulous post…..what an extraordinary book, what exciting news….what magic!! This kid at heart loves it all!!! Celebration Cheers!! Kathy
Sounds like a truly excited and special event.
Susan!
Oh.my.goodness!!!!! How exciting is ALL of this?!?! Amazing!!!
Thanks for this very generous opportunity!! And, another picnic!!!
Hope you had a lovely dinner!
Love and squishy hugs,
Jeanette
I would love to join your for the picnic!
I’d love to give both books a happy home in my library – I’m crossing my fingers that Vanna picks me. 🙂 Thank you so much!
I was standing on the other side of the fence looking at Castle Cottage in June and just wishing I could go there! I can hear the lambs now!! Oh Beatrix — Happy Birthday and THANK YOU for saving all of the beautiful land in the Lake District so that we can enjoy it after all these years . . . and the wonderful Herdwick Sheep. It would be incredible to attend the picnic. Thank you, Susan for the invitation!
Just when I think there could not be any more Beatrix Potter happiness you share this wonderful “journal” with us. In the words of one of my favorite old movies, “scathingly brilliant!” ❤❤❤
When my 29 year old son moved back here in June he went through some of his old things and he was so happy to find his Peter Rabbit. Sweet.
We do like picnics, but never had them down south as it was to hot. There are picnic spots everywhere here. A picnic in England would be fun.
Hugs,
Margot
This is a wonderful post. My FB and Instagram feeds have had lots of other things about Beatrix Potter. I feel I know her better today than I did yesterday.
Be still my heart! How exciting to look forward to….either being there or sharing in photo-fun! What fun it is to follow SUSAN BRANCH!
What a sweet little book! I would love to share it with my kinders, as I have many copies of Beatrix Potter’s ‘little books’ in my classroom library (and of course, I’m a huge fan as well). I’m presently reading your wonderful book “A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside.” I just finished your previous two books in the series, and I LOVE them all! My mom and grandma have been eagerly awaiting for me to finish each one, as I pass them on as soon as I finish. We are truly enjoying your delightful and inspriring trilogy this summer–thank you for writing them! ❤️
Thank you back Shawna ~ So sweet! And say hello to your mom and grandma for me!
Susan ~ you are truly amazing! Though I have been to England quite a few times, I’ve never been to the Lake District, and you just make my head spin with the idea of “what if”. What if I joined you for a wonderful picnic in that most beautiful countryside. Thanks for letting us peek into your creative world!
You should try, Jane Englund!
Oh the thrill of an adventure, plans in making. How Fun. I have a shelf with a few Beatrix Potter figurines, that book would be an added treasure as well as your book to add to my adorable stack with the colorful ribbons peaking out. Always enjoy the notes and ponderings from you in your blog. Happy Friday & BP DAY!
Receiving her book would make my day!!!
So excited Susan! Happy dance for all of you! What a delightful field trip. May will be here in a flash. Congrats, I look forward to you postings. Well done girlfriend!🤗🤗🤗
Remembering Beatrix Potter birthday! A journal of a special lady! Thank you Susan for sharing this happy memory!
Oh! What I wouldn’t give to be the first “Brownie” among you! Y’all are going AGAIN! I’m so thrilled I can hardly stand it!
I have a copy of that Beatrix book, given to me by my penfriend, Derrick. And my friend, Anna, in England, made me a very special Peter Rabbit book! Took much stimulation here, hence the exclamation marks!
My cheeks are stuffed with grins this time! You do know how to throw a picnic, girl!
Oh my, what a dream come true! The lovely book, the plans for a picnic, the countryside photos…I just know I’d never come home if I visited. They’d have to bring me back kicking and screaming! Ahhh…what’s a girl to do?! Know that I’m completely pea green with envy!
How delightful! I can only imagine your delicious anticipation as you plan your trip back to the Lake District.
I love the beautiful book with the surprise inside…what a nice giveaway. 🙂
I won’t be able to make the picnic, so I’m counting on you to take lots of pics!
Don’t worry, we will!
So glad you posted this. I have Beatrix Potter A Journal, but somehow I never opened the back and found the little book! A delightful surprise at the end of a not-so-great-until-now day. I wish we could join you for the picnic next year. The Lake District is on our travel list, but not for a few more years yet. I know you will all have a lot of fun.
You can be an arm-chair traveler! Happy you found the little book!
Oh, what a charming book! I would love to have it along with your own “Fine Romance.” And I will think about England in May!
I’m glad I can travel with you on your blog and by your books. Can’t wait for our next trip! Thanks for always brightening my day.
Happy Birthday, Beatrix Potter! What a wonderful book! I have never seen a book like that and I sure would like to win it! Thank you Susan !
How lucky can one girl get?wish I was in your suitcase!
How wonderful ,you had me squealing with delight on the inside!!!What a wonderful time everyone will have at the picnic.
Happy Birthday dear Beatrice🎂🎈 I have my figurines & books on the bedroom mantel. Oh how I’d love to be at the picnic! A journey thru the English countryside, & to Highclere castle is at the top of my bucket list. What a magical life you live dear Susan Branch. Reading your blog is just “my cup of tea”😍
I will have to look forward to the photos as I will not be able to get there in person. Enjoy your picnic, I know it’s going to be wonderful. How could it not be with the beautiful English countryside as backdrop.
those books look delightful! count me in! How wonderful about next May! I pray it will be blessed!
Another beautiful gift, Susan. I’m going to read Beatrix’s biography with my daughter. Can’t wait to get started! Thanks again for always inspiring.
Oh, that’s just fantastic. And I just read that book recently, although I had to get it through inter-library loan. Right now I’m reading The Art of Beatrix Potter, by Emily Zach. It’s lovely.
I’d be delighted to win a Beatix Potter giveaway!!!
Happy Birthday to Beatrix! The book looks lovely! The picnic in her old “stomping grounds” will be unforgettable!
I love the journal, and I love the idea of making something along the same lines for my family. The author created something wonderful to be treasured. Thank you for sharing.
Good Morning Susan,
Happy Beatrix Potter birthday!! Is it all right if I call you Mrs. Santa Claus!?? You make dreams and wishes come true…Christmas in July:)
I am squeeling in delight…!! The Lake District in May, just before my birthday, how wonderfull is that! Thank you SO Much for inviting us to another picnic!
I’m already counting the months and can’t wait! Looking forward to spending time in this lovely park of the UK!
Thank you thank you, and sending LOTS of love from
Nicoline
I would love to win ever so much! Feeling hopeful 😊
Jane H.
I loved this post. It cut to my heart.
Our pet duck, who was a large, white Peking duck, and looked a lot like Jemima Puddle-Duck, passed away yesterday. She was so sweet and I am devastated. So this post meant a lot to me. I know that sounds odd, but it is true.
The picnic sounds so wonderful and all of your pictures are so magnificent that I will dream about them.
You are a national treasure and I just today bought one of your recipe binders to give as a shower gift this weekend. They are so lovely. I have about 5 of them myself! Nothing like writing down recipes and passing them down through generations.
You’re so sweet Janice. I’m sorry about your wonderful pet duck. So hard to lose our little loved-ones. I agree about the recipe binders, just the best way to pass on family history in form of cherished book!
Lovely news, Susan. Happy Birthday, Beatrix. I’m having lunch with a friend tomorrow and we are exchanging some little Beatrix Potter critters. Hers is “Gentleman Mouse Makes a Bow” and mine is “Aunt Pettitoes” music box. We have such fun collecting together. Very generous give-aways. Good luck girlfriends.
Hugs, Elaine
May 11, 2018 – see you there (I hope beyond hope)!
Me too!
Oh my goodness how exciting is that?!?!!!! I cannot WAIT to see the pictures!
Oh! The Beatrix diary is monumentally charming! I could weep with joy when I come across magical books like this with envelopes and notes and secrets!! Thank you for sharing, Susan❤️
Dear Susan, I love when you write about Beatrix Potter. The very first play I was ever in was at the age of 5 and I played one of the bunnies (flopsy or mopsy, can’t remember which) in kindergarten. Have loved Beatrix and the stories ever since. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post! X Chy
You must have been adorable!
I recently watched the movie “Miss Potter” with my Granddaughter. We both loved it!!!
How could you part with that beautiful book? What a treasure! I would be interested to know how you came to own it. You are such a generous person, Susan. Thank you for always thinking of your girl friends. The picnic sounds wonderful and so exciting! 🤗🤗💕💕🤗🤗
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
I found it in a bookstore! Just sitting there, several years ago ~ as soon as I opened it, I knew I had to have it!
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeks!!!! Just when I was swooning over the wonderful Beatrix timeline (which would make a luv-leee bookmark:), and the wonderful Beatrix Journal, then you jump out at us with the SUPRISE! Oh my stars, I’m packing my picnic supplies NOW! Too exciting! How will I ever get to sleep?!
LOL Judith, I had the same problem!
Happy Birthday! And thank you Susan for keeping her memory and accomplishments alive for all of us.
Dear Sue,
I just clicked on to check your twitter and what a great surprise! It’s 2:30 A.M. on Beatrix’s birthday and you’ve sent all of us a present to celebrate. Thank you, it’s perfect.
Happy celebrating,
Lillian
P.S.
I would love to win the journal very much.
Oh! to picnic anywhere in England would be “loverly” the pictures are so beautiful! Thank you!
Love this post. I would love to add this book to my collection. Wouldn’t it be dreamy to be able to attend the picnic on May 11? I am sending my wishing fairies your way, and hoping I win the drawing. Love Beatrix Potter.
I forgot to mention the timeline. Thank you for putting that information together. Really interesting. Have you done the same for Jane Austen yet? I would like to see that one also.
Terrific post.
I will think about that!
Dear Susan, another wonderful post! Loved hearing about the planned picnic in May of
2018! You must be so excited just thinking about it. 😀I bought that Beatrix Potter diary for my daughter when it first came out and would love my very own copy as well as your Fine Romance book. Since I already own that one, I could give it to my daughter! A win win situation! 😊 Happy summer – Happy painting. 👩🏼🎨
How great would it be to join you. What a wonderful idea❤
What a lovely blog post, and what a delightful way for you to celebrate Beatrix Potter’s birthday! My favorite part of the post was the picnic in England! It must have been wonderful!
Oh how much I would like to win the Beatrix Potter’s Journal – I already own your book dear Susan (I should say all your books!) so you could pass it to someone else. Always been fond of Beatrix Potter’s world and made sure to read her stories to my three daughters when they were young. When we moved from Canada to France for our diplomatic posting, we were leaving a big house to move to a lovely, but way smaller, Paris apartment. Could not bring all my books of course, but all my Susan Branch books followed me, as well as my Beatrix Potter’s books and Royal Doulton figurines. They also came to Zimbabwe when we were there from 2009-2012. So you, as she, are very dear to my heart. Enjoy the day! Geneviève
Those are the things that make the homesickness bearable, you were so smart to bring them along! xoxo
What better way to wake up on a dreich Friday morning than to this! Two of my three favourite lady artists and creative journal writers {journalists has the wrong connotations} in one place {the other being Tasha Tudor} and guess what? I’ve managed to find a copy of that very book, “Beatrix Potter A Journal” because I am starting my very own gardening journal. It’s a huge leap of faith for me, making those first intrepid marks in a brand new, watercolour book, but, as someone once said, “It’s only paper”.
So excited to discover the venue for the 2018 Picnic! What a treat that will be, and an honour too. Such excitement. I bet you can hardly contain yourself, and who can blame you?
Happy 151st Birthday Beatrix Potter ~ You are loved and treasured by many!
~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Oh what a neat little book about Beatrix Potter. I would love to win both of the books. 🙂
Your photos and blog are such a breath of fresh air that transport me to another place and time! Thank you for the chance to win and thank you for the feelings you inspire!
You are a delight, Susan. What a wonderful giveaway! Happy birthday, dear Beatrix!
What an absolutely delightful blog! I felt as if I was there! I live in Cape Town, South Africa – over the hills and far away from Hilltop Farm! My youngest son, Samuel, and I are major Beatrix Potter fans. Sam is 8 years old, and has collected most of Beatrix Potter’s little books, and reads them regularly. He has even saved up Christmas and birthday money to be able to buy the more expensive (and more difficult to find) little books. We love sitting together, enjoying chamomile tea (out of real tea cups, not mugs!) and biscuits, pouring over photographs of the Lake District. He is the only person I know who knows almost every detail of Beatrix’ life. This morning, the first thing he said when he woke up was “Today is Beatrix Potter’s 151st birthday!”. Naturally we will be celebrating with a little Beatrix Potter party this evening! Both of these little books are just too beautiful – I didn’t even know that they existed until now! But what a beautiful addition to anyone’s home library. Thank you for sharing your love and enthusiasm!
Big warm hugs for your darling little boy, Sam! Lovely comment from you Tamarah, all the way from South Africa!
Wow, wow, wow! This is exciting news! I very much hope to get to Beatrix Potter’s house in person one day but until that happens your posts are the next best thing. Now I have to get the book; thank you!
Happy birthday, Beatrix!
I love your “travel” blog! Happy Birthday to Beatrix!
… Happy Birthday, dear Beatrix !! ..love always..
You bring joy to each day with your blog. I love your books. I’m also a Beatrix Potter and Gladys Taber fan.
I loved reading Beatrix Potter books to my daughters when they were little. They especially enjoyed Peter Rabbit – we’d pass the book sister to sister so they each could see the pictures. Such sweet moments!!