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 so enjoy reading your blog. I have never been to England, but it is on my wish/bucket list! My son’s nursery was decorated in Beatrix Potter. Love Love
What exciting news about the picnic. Perhaps today is a good day to watch Miss Potter!
I love Beatrix Potter! My 11 year old daughter and I absolutely love the movie Miss Potter!
Thank you for hosting such a lovely giveaway!
So exciting! I have been learning how to make my own journals this year, papers and glue, sewing the bindings. Little envelopes to put small treasures and memories in! This book sounds so amazing and beautiful. A FIne Romance was so well written it was like a scrapbook/journal taking us along on your trip through The English Countryside! Thank you Susan for loving Beatrix and inspiring us all!
My pleasure Dawn!
Hello from Canada,
I love Beatrix Potter!!
I adore you and all that you do!
Oh wow Susan what a wonderful picnic spot, magical! I must admit I was secretly hoping for Cornwall ha ha. What a delightful giveaway , A must for us Beatrix fans. Thank you so much xx Gill UK
This is a delightful post, Susan! How wonderful that you will have a special picnic at Castle Cottage, though I must find a way to transport myself to the Lake District in England to attend. I became a member of the Beatrix Potter Society when you let us know there was such a society during your Falling in Love with the English Countryside trip and I have never regretted it. May 11, 2018 will be a day to remember!
Oh, how exciting! Can you pack me in your trunk and sneak me along in your picnic basket? I promise not to eat everything!
The Beatrix Potter : A Journal book is amazing. Especially the hidden book at the very end. A treasure to be found to add to all your beloved books lined up in our old 1929 house butler pantry cabinet. A must have for those upcoming Fall days of cozy tea sessions and inspiration to follow through with one’s own dreams. Thank you for sharing this book with us, Susan.
Oh, my. Every time you post snippets of books, they are just delightful!
How lovely! Sure wish I could be at your picnic…
“Broken hearts left to mourn her passing . . .” read many eulogies of the day. Countless hearts touched in all the years since, and her legacy echoing down the days and dreams of generations.
What a sweet book! I am going to try to make my dream of picnicking in the English countryside with you a reality! Nothing would make me happier!
Dear Susan, hope you had a most enjoyable dinner! What a wonderful (as they all are) posting, with such exciting news for next May. Please Vanna, might I win this lovely give away of such a dear BP book? It would make wonderful reading on a Summer’s day. Best of luck to all girlfriends! XO to you and Joe.
I adore Beatrix Potter! Her book looks amazing, as does yours, Susan! What a dream it would be to travel to the English countryside to walk the same footsteps Beatrix did so many years ago. Happy birthday, Beatrix! Thank you, Susan, for “taking” me with you on this journey of a lifetime…even if I can’t be there in the flesh.
This whole post is absolutely amazing! The book giveaway and the upcoming picnic–Christmas in July for Beatrix Potter’s birthday!!! ☺ Bless you for this excitement to start my day with. WOOT! WOOT!
Dear Susan: I just turned on my computer to see if my BFF had posted yet (I needed a caregiver’s “pick me up”–we are making plans to have coffee), when lo and behold this!! This is the most delightful post that could meet they eye, and cheer the heart!! I do remember Beatrix Potter’s birthday! Have many of her books, but had not seen this one! I definitely will look for it! AND. . .what a delightful turn of events!! Picnic at Castle Cottage. Could not be more perfect for you! I will be tuned in and hanging on every word and photo! Of course, she is one of the inspirations for my own book writing!! AND . . . I always have another great reminder, because my sister’s birthday is on the same day! Yes, today is her birthday, too! Thank you so much for sharing all of this. I cannot tell you how timely it is!! I am going right now and mark my calendar for next May 11th. Have a wonderful day!! Jane xoxo
Good Day Ms. Susan~
Shortly before retiring last night, I read my news,
the weather, etc. and what did I see? Your new post!
I saved it’s contents for this morning. All of your
writings are to be savoured and enjoyed. Thank You
for (once again) adding goodness to this world 🙂
Incidentally, in June I shared “A Fine Romance” with a
friend (she secured her copy immediately) who in turn enlightened me about “The Great British Bake Off”. How delightful!
*Happy Summer*
~Erika
Kindred spirits, all connected!
xoxoxo Thank you!
So much loveliness– and what fun it would be to join you on this picnic! Bless your heart, Susan– and thank you for pouring so much beauty into our lives!
Would love these books! Love Beatrix Potter and used to teach a unit on her when I taught first grade. The kids loved learning all about her life and books. I’m retired now but still admire her and her works so much. Thank you, Susan!
I have adored Beatrix Potter all my life, and have totally enjoyed reading Peter Rabbit through the years. Thank you for your wonderful stories and your blog! And lastely, thank you for the opportunity to possibly win this lovely and amazing book!!!
Many Happy Returns on the day!
Thank you for the all the photos and videos of your trip to Beatrix Potter’s home. It’s on my bucket list and have thoroughly enjoyed the virtual tour!
I work in an school library and read Peter Rabbit to the kids each year. I’ve never seen the journal book you’re offering. If I don’t win, I may just have to pick up a copy…
Happy reading & happy 151st birthday Beatrix Potter 🙂
How amazing about the picnic at Beatrix’s cottage! I wish I could be there (but unfortunately work won’t allow). And, I would bring my mom along, too, because back in 1987 when she was decked out in Laura Ashley, my nursery was all decked out in Beatrix Potter, which I suspect was the start of my love of everything British 🙂 Way to go Mom! What a wonderful day that will be, and I can’t wait to read about in on the blog. Thank you for sharing all these adventures with us kindred spirits. And, I’ll have to look for the Beatrix Potter Journal. You always have such interesting finds for us.
Oh! The delightful treats you plan and share! Thank you for the feast of simple beauty I get to enjoy each time I look at your blog & Instagram. And happy birthday, Beatrix!
Dear Susan, Such a lovely post about Beatrix!! Your picnic sounds like a dream come true and I am sure Beatrix will be there in spirit!! Fondly, Kim DeMichele
What a sweet and friendly read this morning. The journal is awesome and the coming picnic sounds delightful. I’ll be there in spirit! Thank you for sharing!
What a great post – but that really is no surprise, since I always enjoy each post that you do!! They always brighten the day!
Think you may enjoy this site,here is a link to our own local Beatrix Potter celebration. It may be of interest when you next visit England. snugburys.co.uk/content/sculptures , and the ice cream is good too . Marie
Thank you Marie!
Loved this!!❤️❤️❤️ Very exciting plotting and planning! I wish I could be crazy and go! We start a different trip, a cruise, from Stockholm, 2 weeks later! So blessed, but so programmed a year out! And yes, seeing your photos and reading your words will be fabulous….like being there and hearing you speak and living it with you! Such a responsibility you take on, and gift you give TO US. There IS love and goodness and beauty in this world, and you help us to remember and see it. Thank you.❤️❤️❤️
Thank you back Pam … a cruise from Stockholm! How heavenly!
What a wonderful opportunity! Thank you very much!!
Thanks for sharing that charming book and your wonderful memories of last year!
OMG!!! Too unbelievable, how absolutely wonderful! Just one surprise after another with you! Just grand. I’ll be there in spirit and enjoy all your photos!
What an inspiration she still is…and you as well my dear! Thank you for all the JOY!
Gratitude.
A beautiful book of quotes that inspire every day.
You were so thoughtful to sign a basket full of books plus the purchases made at Titcomb books during the June book signing in Sandwich on Cape Cod. I told you four acts of gratitude would be done this summer to pass along your kindness. The four acts were :
Gratitude for connecting the old school way with hope in reviving a lost communication form :
Putting together collected birthday cards in order for everyone of my cousins (58 maternal / 27 paternal) to receive a handwritten note in card sent snail mail this year along with a copy of a photo from the family albums they may not have.
Gratitude for having enough to share :
Giving up one of our planned activities on Cape Cod while there for the book signing in order to leave a surprise bonus tip for our waitress whom we overheard talking to another staff member of how difficult staying afloat was with four children. We hope this gave her the chance to provide an afternoon of fun for her children.
Gratitude for an act of kindness by someone dear :
Finding the 1950’s McCoy cookie jar (a white cat with black markings sitting on a pink basket) to surprise an elderly Aunt who has left her home to reside in assisted living. Aunt Betty, now age 84, always had the best of treats in the cookie jar. Hopefully having a replacement of the jar nearby will give her a red letter day of our gratitude for each and every cookie baked with love.
Gratitude for what they brought to our lives :
Making arrangements with a small town florist back home to make sure the graves of family members long past on will have a floral tribute in remembrance in gratitude for enriching our lives. Not only does she make beautiful arrangements but sends an image to my cell to see how it looks once placed.
I encourage everyone to complete one act of gratitude this summer.
Susan, thanks for the path of inspiration and joy you have provided.
This is all you Susan. XOXO Thank you for the inspiration!
Me again – making a second comment already! I do own a copy of the book you are giving away, but I haven’t looked at it for a long time! But I did today, after just reading your post – and I need to say “Thank you!” – because I never noticed the little gold ribbon on the back cover. And when I pulled on it (even had to remove a clear round seal on it) – up popped a little book. Even though you had just described that it would – I was still so surprised to find it. Can’t believe that I never noticed this before – so thanks for the new information! Your posts are always so much fun, but today’s post (for me) was extra enjoyable!!
Isn’t that an amazing discovery? I almost missed it in my book too!
Clap hands, Clap hands, oh my goodness a picnic at Beatrices’, pure OMG! I love that journal book, is it for sale also? P.S. You should do one like that too! Us Girlfriends would go crazy for it ♥♥♥
Susan, you are absolutely amazing!
I LOVE Beatrix Potter and would DIE if I could have that book!! Pick me!! Please Vanna!!!!!
Thank you for your nice words today and everyday.
I love Peter Rabbit! I will never outgrow Beatrix’s fun characters!
What fun!
How lovely! Your pictures are so beautiful. I hope to see it all in person someday (it’s on the “big list”, you know – the one that contains all the places I’m going to visit). My favorite Beatrix Potter book is the Tale of Squirrel Nutkin. I have lots of Squirrel Nutkin want-to-bes under the bird feeders this morning 🙂
I just love your blog!
Hi Susan, Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter! What a gifted author and artist! Her work is beautiful and happy, yes, just like you Susan! 🙂 Brings lots of smiles! 🙂 🙂 This book in your giveaway is too great….and paired with your book….well, smiles on top of smiles!!!!! I’m having lunch next week with a friend from England. She will be going home to visit family in England in September, so we will be talking a lot about her home. So excited that you and Joe are getting to go back next year!!!! Yay!!!! Thank you for a chance to win these lovely books….loved A Fine Romance….could not put it down!!!!! Hope you have a wonderful day Susan! Thank you for all the smiles you share with us!!!! Smiles To You, Deborah 🙂
Happy Birthday, Beatrix Potter! Your love for woodland animals will live on forever, inspiring young minds to love and care for the earth and all living creatures everywhere!
Oh, how wonderful! I can barely contain my excitement. What a wonderful time we will all have next year. I love your blog. It’s so beautiful.
Yay! Today is my Birthday, too! 🎂🎉
I would love to meander through this
darling book….
Happy Birthday Angela!
When my (now 38-year old) daughter was only 3, she discovered the joys of the public library. She found the shelf where Beatrix Potter’s delightful books were housed and those Peter Rabbit books became her favorite. Every week, she made a bee-line for them, to pick out one little child-sized treasure to take home. The sweet stories and those beautiful illustrations spoke to that wee one’s heart in a special way. And now, inspired by you, dear Susan, I have a Peter Rabbit room for my grandchildren!
Celebrating this lovely day! We are truly blessed to have the treasures that Beatrix left for all. We are also blessed to have you to brighten our days with your beautiful art! We are all so lucky to be able to experience the English countryside with you! Thank you, dear friend!
Dear, dear Susan….What a wonderful entry!…(as always!)…I have that fabulous Beatrix Potter Scrapbook…and I just finished reading (again!) your trilogy…I absolutely LOVE “A Fine Romance”!…I mean LOVE IT!!!…I made the delicious and yet so simple Lemon Butter Cookies this week…the cornmeal is an absolute wonderful surprise in there…and I am ready to try the Toffee Pudding…have all my ingredients ready…A visit to England is a dream of mine…but until it actually happens thank you for letting me travel with you…You plan the BEST trips!!!
I visited Hill Top two years ago. It was magical!
Oh my goodness Susan, we are planning a trip to England next spring, and I think you just decided our dates!! What fun that will be! We love the Lake District, so it will be in our plans for sure. We have just missed you each time we have visited the Cape, so hopefully we’ll meet up in my homeland.
Perfect!
I am planning on being there so excited.
Yay!
What a delightful diary! You are kindred spirits.
Sighhhhhh – a hyacinth for my soul.
I love the quote, “there’s no reason facts can’t be fairy tales and fairy tales facts.! Thank you for the books! ❤❤❤❤
Oh what a perfect place for a picnic!!!!! Wish I could go but will look forward to all the pics. When I was at Hilltop four years ago I walked through the village and got as close to Castle Cottage as I could — only as far as the little road allowed from the backside of the house. 🙂 You will enjoy knowing that my friends at our public library saw the Beatrix Potter Scrapbook coming up for sale on the used book shelves and saved it back until I came and asked if I wanted it. It was so sweet of them! Yes I sure did want it!!!
Everything about this post makes me h*a*p*p*y*!!!!! Thanks for including us in your fantabulous Beatrix Potter plans.
Hi,
I love your blog, and would love these books too!
Fern Panke.
Happy birthday Miss Potter and thank you Susan.” Her” book and yours are divine.
You made my day with that post… a retired schoolteacher who loved Beatrix and all her books… and made sure every student I had did too!! Thank you.
On yet another HOT summer day in southern California, now I’m going to imagine myself in the rolling hills of the English countryside. My picnic basket will be filled, and I’ll be looking for you and the GFs, Susan. Today I especially appreciate the ‘Calgon moment’ you’ve provided. Thank you for the chance to dream about such a beautiful place, to ponder the legacy of BP, and to have the opportunity to win that amazing and clever journal.
The Lake District holds such a special place in the heart of our family.We live in England and had our first holiday in the lakes when my son was born. He is now 23 and every summer since then my husband and I have rented a cottage where we stay for 2 weeks. During that time my 3 children and their now husbands and as from next year our new grandson come to stay. It has become our tradition, and one that we all look forward to every year.The scenery all around the Lake District is stunning and a visit to Hilltops is a must for everyone . I can’t wait to introduce our grandson to Peter Rabbit and all the characters that Beatrix has left for us to know and love 😊
You are very lucky!!!
I would love to own these books. When I was very young my much older brother worked for a printing firm (Clowes of Beccles, Suffolk) and at that time tey were printing all the Beatrix Potter books, so I was able to have them ‘hot’ off the press. I loved them all, and wish I still had them. (I’m 71 now, so goodness knows where they ended up) By the way, on one of your visits to England, why not try Norfolk? We’d love to see you here. Peace and Blessings
We’d love to go to Suffolk, it’s on our list! xoxo
THIS….is the most fabulous news!! A picnic at Beatrix’s doorstep! Thank you for the lovely giveaway opportunity! 🙂
I love Beatrix Potter, so thank you for a chance to win this wonderful book!
What a pretty book. When my daughter yet was a baby, she had to little outfits with Pictures of Peter and his friends, my mother packed those away for when my daughter has a baby. She also has a VHS set of the stories that were her quiet time movies, and when she doesn’t feel good she will watch one or two of them, even though she is now 20 years old. I would love to have this book to share with her.
Amazingly detailed and beautiful…your blog and her work.What a treat for us and tribute to her!
What a wonderful birthday present for Beatrix Potter. I do love your photos of the beautiful country side. My sis was just in England and loved it. I will show her your post!
Yay! Eeeek! Yippee! Wouldn’t miss the picnic for the world!!!! Stuart & I will be there with bells on and can’t wait to meet lots of girlfriends there! xxxooo
I’m so excited Carrie, something so wonderful to look forward to ~ hope it’s just like our last one!
I would love that beautiful Beatrix Potter book! What a treasure! And a copy of your England adventure book for my very own would be lovely! I currently have to borrow my daughter’s copy whenever I want to sail away with you.
Oh! That Beatrix Potter book looks so wonderful!!! I just love books that are published like diaries. They are so personable. That’s why I love your books so much Susan, so charming! My mom gave me a series to read, which I would recommend to young people or anyone. The “Dear America” series, it is a series of historical fiction novels for older girls published by Scholastic in 1996. Each book is written in the form of a diary of a young woman’s life during important events or time periods in American history. Thank you Susan for reminding me how much I love books like this. I hope you have a blessed day!
Hmmmm, we have been thinking of a walking tour in the Lake District – you’ve now given me not only a book to read, but you’ve provided a date to aim for! This sounds lovely – thank you again and again, Susan, for more joy than you can possibly imagine.
How lovely that you continue to find ways to share parts of your life with others. And how lucky for us that we get to enjoy and be “armchair” travelers with you also. Thanks for being you!
You said it, Susan, “sigh” looks wonderful!
Love Ms. Potter and her wonderful imagination. If I am not the winner please let us know where to purchase the lovely book that has a scrapbook appearance. Great post as usual. I will look forward to enjoy your picnic photos, for I enjoy your every adventure.
I have seen used editions on Amazon … so perhaps there . . .
What a sweet way to celebrate one of the great women on earth. Beatrix really left this world a better place because of her.
Susan, I think you and Beatrix are kindred spirits. I see Beatrix in you and you in Beatrix. What a charming book! I would love to have this to add to my collection of much loved books and would take care of it forever!
Ohhh…..so exciting to walk the path of Beatrix and William! I can just see them having a picnic right where you and friends plan to eat, converse, and get to know each other. Lovely to see history repeating itself in a nice way! One day soon I hope to visit Hilltop and the Lake District, for now, I can travel with you and Joe through your blog. Thank you!
“They are much to be pitied who have not been given a Taste for Nature early in life”…..Jane Austen
Happy August!
Wonderful news! Keep us posted.
I am so thrilled to put my name here, and see your wonderful font! I love Beatrix Potter. My mother introduced me to her as a child in the 50’s and I have loved her work every since. I collect her figurines, and little books. It would be an honor to win your beautiful book and her journal!! Blessings to you Susan!
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
We will see you there Nicoline, you won’t have to go as far this year! Can’t wait! xoxo
Yay! Such a delightful post…they always are, but I appreciate this one especially after laying down (actually tossing aside) the morning newspaper. Ugg. Will not be able to make next springs picnic in person but I’ll most certainly be there in spirit! I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of your mugs…I got a ship notice from UPS last weekend and mistakenly thought it was for the mugs!Alas, when the UPS driver arrived bright and early Wednesday with a package I was waiting by the door, but the package turned out to be a pair of shoes I’d ordered and forgotten about! Hugs❤️
Oh Susan!!
What a thrilling post!! I so wish I could join you next May and thank you for showing the journal of BP. I hope I can find it for sale somewhere.
Much Love,
Amy
Would love to be the proud owner of these amazing books and join you for the picnic.
What a thrilling post!! Will now be on the hunt for a few books to learn more about the wonderful BP.
What a beautiful birthday celebration 🎉
what a darling little book. would love to see it in my mailbox 🙂 . exciting things happening in your world for sure!
patti
Can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy The Wonderful World of Susan Branch! Thanks for brightening & enlighting our world….
Hi Susan,
What a trip..I hope that I will be over in England at that time. I know I would love it. Maybe we can do Onz’s hen party there, not too far before her wedding on 9 June. That would be amazing…need to float that idea to the girls! I hope they are as soft a sell as me. Happy Birthday to Beatrix! Also, the birthday of one of my dearest friends, and most importantly (to me anyway), my son, Eoghan. If that doesn’t make me a winner, I don’t know what does! Wishing you a lovely day. It is absolutely beautiful north of Boston today…how do you say perfect?
Happy Birthday dear Eoghan!
It would be a dream come true to be there next May but I will probably have to live vicariously through your blog post about it. 💕 What a lovely giveaway! Thanks for the chance.
Oh my goodness! What a perfect place for a picnic! I would love a copy of the journal but I think I’ll buy a couple copies just in case. I have a dear friend who would love one, too.
We’ve been discussing travel possibilities for next year and thought that since we’ve been to England several times we’d try Scandinavia or France. But a picnic at Castle Cottage, that may be too tempting to pass up!
(I just ordered two copies of the Journal. They are not easy to find, must be out of print.)
Yes, out of print, I’m sorry to say … glad you found them! Hope to see you in the Lake District!
How exciting! I have always wanted to go to England. I’ve always loved Beatrix Potter’s darling books and over the years learned about all she has done to preserve the beauty of the English countryside.What a remarkable, incredible person she was! I’m hoping I can get to that picnic! It’s pretty much a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” when you think about it! Thank you Susan for another delightful post! Your posts are not only beautiful and inspiring, but you also introduce us to so many fascinating people and places or facets of people that we didn’t know about! I had heard of “Capability Brown” but didn’t realize that he was actually someone who possessed the vision to design such charming gardens of such a scope as he did. Your blog has enriched so many of our lives, Susan, and I’m so very grateful for that. Thank you!
You’re a dear to say that Rebecca, it’s a joy to share the things I love with people I think would love them too!
Oh My! a picnic of course I will be there! Squealing at the photos above. You made my day. I love Ms. Potter. I enjoy your blog so much.
See you there Pat!
wow, you’re all very lucky to be joining Susan at this very special place. Enjoy, and send LOTS of pictures 🙂
Would love to be transported (vicariously) to Great Britain in May;-that green and glorious land!!
Happy Birthday Beatrix!!!! I had seen the notation of her birthday on my Susan Branch calendar, and I wondered if you would pop in with a wonderful birthday post; it did not disappoint : ) I love that journal! It is the most amazing looking book. I do hope it is your second copy, otherwise, I don’t know how you could bear to part with it. The picnic news just topped this post off. Sharing the news just seems a perfect way to honor Beatrix on her birthday. I wish I could be there; maybe one day after retirement. Until then, I get the absolute joy of traveling to England via your writings and blog. Enjoy your day!
I have loved Beatrix Potter for as long as I can remember. I still have my beat up copy of her stories that I picked out at a library book sale when I was small. My favorite is The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle.