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, I would love to receive these books….what lovely works they are and so touching. Life these days can be so trying….something beautiful and meaningful in so many different ways would be a wonderful treat. I love reading your blog, it’s so refreshing and your ‘life story’ is inspirational. I look forward to every post. Wishing you many beautiful days ahead. pat♥
Happy Birthday! Beatrix
Thank you for all you contributed to my life and the world!!
Thank you Susan Branch for bringing Beatrix into my life!
SO happy to hear that. We should all know about her! Gives us mere mortals someone to look up to and emulate!
I too, saw that your newsletter had come in yesterday and decided to savour it for this morning with my coffee. I so enjoy your blog, and love Beatrix Potter as well. This post reminded me that I should re read the Biography of Beatrix Potter by Linda Lear. I found her to be an amazing women for her time period and would love to have her journal.
Thank you Susan for your posts, reading them is always a pleasure and inspiration. I am writing this from my cottage, on Manitoulin Island, which I am pleased to say, shares much of the same beautiful pastoral countryside of England.
I had to look it up and see where you are! What a wonderful location Nancy! Looks beautiful!
Oh, my! What a delicious book! Count me in, please. I remember my first-grade teacher reading to us The Tale of Peter Rabbit. She had a wonderful mural painted on the wall of Peter scampering away from the garden patch, chased by the gardener. What a sweet memory. It was the beginning of my love of Beatrice Potter.
My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to England and would love to join you at Castle Cottage! We adore all things about the English countryside. Hopefully, one day, we will come out to Martha’s Vineyard and possibly meet you too!!
Hope you can make it Stephanie!
Happy Beatrix Potter’s birthday to you!
I believe that this should be a world wide holiday for sure.=) As a child, her books gave me sanctuary and as an adult, her life inspires me. Her love of nature was truly one of her most admirable qualities. On this day, my daughters and I will raise our teacups(and cupcakes) to her and thank her for living her life the way a women should.
Thanks for loving her as much as I do and for appreciating her beyond her books.
Blessings to you Girlfriend.
Happy Birthday Beatrix!! I am super excited about your picnic cuz we have been planning a trip to see Carrie in the Spring so maybe the dates will coincide! Hoping and praying! We shall see…..
xoxox
Lisa
I love your book recommendations – reserving copies at my local library now. Can’t wait to get my new cups too!
Oh and more ohs! I love the little Beatrix Potter book! You have such special things to share with us! The world is a better place because of your kindness. We are all a little quirky and can collect and love that which brings us happiness every day!
Oh, my! What a delicious book! Count me in, please. I remember my first-grade teacher reading to us The Tale of Peter Rabbit. She had a wonderful mural painted on the wall of Peter scampering away from the garden patch, chased by Mr. McGregor. What a sweet memory. It was the beginning of my love of Beatrice Potter.
Wheeeeeeee! What a wonderful morning with wonderful news. Marking my calendar!!!!! And, what a delightful give away. You are so good to us girlfriends. Thanks you so very much.
Peter Rabbit was one of first books read to a toddler me 60-some years ago. Ms. Potter is a legend and hero.
I read Peter Rabbit 🐇to my kindergarteners for many years. I adore Beatrix drawings, as well as yours, dear Susan. I have several of her books and figurines. The Journal seems wonderful. I have your book, but would give this copy to my artistic granddaughter. Thank you for another sweet blog. Isn’t it exciting to plan your next adventure?!
Yay for BP’s day! So many pretty things/pictures today, Susan.
I love everything Beatrix ! Like you, I have had her figurines for many years ( I think I purchased the first one in 1980) I have lots of Peter Rabbit books, and other things, and a few books about Beatrix, but not this one. It looks amazing…… and it’s like your books in that it’s like a diary. That’s what I love about your books…it makes them so personable. Girlfriends Forever ! Xoxo
That is EXACTLY the kind of book I’ve dreamed of creating! For those who don’t win, is there a place to purchase it? Also, we have been looking at making a trip to England next spring anyway, and now we have a REAL DESTINATION! I would love to attend the party! Squeeee!
They are no longer in print, but I’ve seen them second hand on Amazon and probably lots of other places too. Hope to see you at the picnic!
I had to stop – Stop, I say! – right in the middle of reading this blog to come straight down here to comment. Oh, what wonderful books you are offering! Fingers crossed – tight! Okay, now I can go back and finish reading. I saw some gorgeous photos fly by on my way down and have to go back for a leisurely look!
Beautiful post, beautiful picnic! The only thing better would be if Beatrix were here to join the lovely picnic next May! Thank you Susan for a chance at these wonderful books!!
I’m so crushed I won’t be able to attend the picnic-we have our first wedding on the 18th!!! My daughter’s 💕
And the books would go WONDERFULLY in the collection I’ve started for my future grand babies! ☺️☺️
I will let my pen pal know of your visit and hopefully she will be able to attend for the both of us!! ❤️
Happy wonderful wedding day Anna!
Love Beatrix!!
What a wonderful plan!!! I will sit in the garden today and consult the flower fairies for a clever idea to arrange the trip!
Hello Susan,
This is so exciting! I will be here in Stockbridge, eagerly awaiting all of your wonderful news and pictures from England. Congratulations on this wonderful adventure, and I will be there in spirit.
XOXOX, Ann
what a wonderful little book; so unique and so special. and what a complementary piece to your own wonderful version!
The Beatrix Potter book looks very interesting. I would love to read it. Hope you are enjoying your summer.
Happy Birthday Beatrix!
Susan, I’m the one that walked around the antique store talking about “Aunt Jemima” Puddleduck only to learn her name is Jemima Puddleduck when giving my Mom a figurine of her as a gift. We still call her Aunt Jemima Puddleduck today. How special this lovely book would be to have.
Oh how I want to join you for this picnic!! I will cross my fingers and toes and try my best to get there. Incidentally, if I do make it, that would mean I’m spending my birthday in England! Here’s hoping!!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for this beautiful Beatrix Potter post 🐰🎨–I waited until today to read it on her actual birthday! 🎈🎂
I see familiar faces 👩 in the picture at the last picnic from 2016—–🍞🍗☕
“Save the date 5*11*18” 📅 Castle Cottage 🏡🐑
The Beatrix Potter journal looks darling! 📘 💗💕
Any book with snips and scraps and a tiny ribbon leading to a treasure is the kind I love. Thank you for showing us this lovely book!
O my. I wish wish I could win the books and most go to England for the new picnic what a dream it would be. I always wanted to travel, to Italy Paris and England and Scotland where my Grandmother and Great grandparents came from, but I guess I will have to settle for photos please do take lots. The country side is so beautiful… dreaming.. I love all your photos and things you share with us. Bring contentment in my soul. Thank you Susan… 🦋🙂❤🌺🌿
Heart be still! I’m so excited about that trip & maybe I can make a dream come true?
Thank you for making the world a better place❤️
If I can, you can!
Of course I would love to win the books, having just been to Hill Top Farm in May! I am a devoted Beatrix Potter fan, and my friend joined me to the BP Society, but I have never gotten any mailings from them. Hmm. I think it is wonderful you are getting to have your picnic at Castle Cottage, where William and Beatrix lived! I will be with you in spirit ! Suzette in Oregon, currently reading the Linda Lear biography!
Happy Birthday, Beatrix! Thank you for the lovely post, Susan.
I would so love to win the books! I love the art Beatrix and you have created – there is nothing else like it!
I would just LOVE to win the books, (even though I have a copy of A Fine Romance already) And oh how I wish I could get to the picnic next May!
Wow, that book is beautiful! Even if I don’t win, I think I’ll track it down to buy. It looks like the kind of book you can pore over again and again. 🙂
Happy birthday 🎂🎉 to Miss Beatrix. She too is a hero of mine! I am SO inspired by all she did and the times she did them in! Her love of nature 🌿🐇🐿 and home🏡 …her award winning herd of sheep 🐑! I feel a kindred spirit to her, she truly is a treasure! I am grinning from ear to ear after reading of your trip ✈️ and SOO looking forward to all the pics 📷 that will make me feel like I am there! Thank you for your generous giveaway and your post. You have made my day! ☀️ Hugs ❤️ from your girlfriend in Mid Michigan. 😊
I have always loved those little books! I read them to my son, and have saved them for my future grandchildren. Would love the new book, mostly for myself!
OOh! Ohh! Beatrix is my all-time favorite! I would SOO like to win these! I have watched the movie “Miss Potter” at least 10 times and own all of The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert. I you haven’t read them, you should! SO sweet!
Oh Susan, I would love to have that precious Beatrix Potter journal. I love your blog and while I don’t often leave a comment I so enjoy the posts. I follow you on Instagram also. Blessings, Vikki in VA.
You’re entered Vikki! Thank you!
What a magical little book! I hope I win but if not, I’ll have to find a copy to buy.
Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter and thank you for all the beauty you have given this world and continue to give. The world needs beauty and it comes in many ways. Speaking of which, I’m starting my own Beatrix Potter room, inspired by the photos of your Beatrix Potter room. It’s so lovely and cozy looking. So a little at a time and eventually mine will be lovely and cozy too! These books look lovely and would be a great addition to my little room. It’s so wonderful to have a chance to win them.
That’s how I did mine too, a little bit at a time, and then there it was!
Hi Susan; What a nice post, that Journal, so lovely, I wish they would make more books in this way, they are kind of magical with the little surprises scattered through it. And your lovely book, that I treasure. I would love to win the books, my granddaughter is 18 and would love to go to England, I have shown her your book and she wants to read it so I would re-gift it to her. I have been thinking of you lately and Beatrix, I was going to comment on your last blog, but my procrastinating self did not. One of the reasons you are both in my thoughts…I have a slight slope in my backyard, and guess who have moved in?? Bunnies!!!! I spend more time than ever at the window watching the antics. Adorably cute! Told my oldest brother of my exciting news and he is scolding me to not let them stay, they will destroy the yard! I just keep remembering when you went to Beatrix’s house and showed the bunnies, and thought well Beatrix and her husband had this lovely place and even now there are bunnies and everything is just beautiful. So because of that and that I love them, they are welcomed with open arms. (Boy wouldn’t I love to have one in my arms!) Thank you Susan, sorry so long, but important, lol.
Love your bunnies Paula! xoxo
My husband and I were there in 2012 right after the Olympics! So fun! I recognize where all of your pictures are in my memory! Thank you for the giveaway!
I absolutely love this type of book; so much love and creativity goes into creating such a masterpiece of a book. AND I love that you are arranging another picnic for the girlfriends. Looks like a number of girlfriends are checking their calendars to see if magically they can appear in this beautiful setting. What fun it would be! A great deal of the fun is in the planning…so enjoy this phase. My mind is whirling…who knows??
I would LOVE to be the ownerof these books!! Pick me! Pick Me!
Oh what a lovely set of books!
Now to start planning how to get to England next May!
Your blogs bring so much information and joy to all of us, thank you.
We have always loved Beatrix Potter. After teaching first grade for 46 years, I’ve read her books many, many times. The children always beg for more Peter Rabbit stories to be read. I think they liked his little bit of naughtiness and his being forgiven. Thank you for your Beatrix Patter presentations. I love them.
Hello Susan – Love Beatrix to bits – have my whole life. I am thrilled to have all of her books, including a copy of the lesser known old but rare “Sister Anne”, which she had published in the US. She was worried about her failing eyesight, so had another artist do the illustrations. Still, a treasure! Would love to have a copy of this Journal.
Oh, the little Beatrix book is magical, just like all of your books. Thank you for bringing so much happy color into my life with paints and words. Since reading your blog I’ve unearthed a bit of my childhood self!
What a fabulous post. You’re so generous to have these giveaways. How lovely to have another picnic in a magical place. I’ll be sure to tell my Beatrix Potter families of rabbits and squirrels. You got me started on collecting these charming figurines. Thank you!!!
Aren’t they the best? Nothing like them!
Enter me please! 🙂
Kindred spirits, indeed! What a charming book! Your posts are always the highlight of my week, and put everything into perspective for me.
Wish you would have a Susan Branch English Countryside Tour for us to meet you at the picnic💕 Love your books, too!
When I saw there were already 404 comments, I took a deep breath and said to myself, “I believe in miracles. Somebody has to win. It could be me.” So now, having crossed my fingers, toes and eyes (momentarily) I am keeping positive thoughts to win this treasured book. So glad you are willing to share your adventures with us!
These books look lovely! Wonderful blog post!
Happy Birthday Beatrix, you are truly an inspiration to all of us!
Happy Birthday Beatrix!
And Happy Friday to you Susan!
Loved your post and all the beautiful pictures 🙂
Thanks for another chance to win some of your wonderful treasures!
What a delightful, little book that journal is!
And what a lovely celebration of wonderful Beatrix Potter’s birthday your post is.
Thank you, as always, for the gift of of cheerfulness that you bring to a day.
I would love to have this wonderful book! I have loved Beatrix Potter
for a very long time!
WoW! And more WoW! Thank you for taking us along, those of us who cannot attend in person, but fully present in imagination. It will be magical!
So beautiful! I love all of the pictures. I hope to go someday…
I have loved your painting and your cookbooks for so many years. On days when things begin to close in a bit, I love to visit this website and lose myself in your
words and pictures. It is a great place to de-stress in what have become very stressful times. I would love to win the books you are giving away, but most of all, just wanted you to know how you bring joy to my life. Thank you!
Dear Susan:
I guess kindred spirits travel over time-such a beautiful journal and so like your wonderful book in uniquely sharing the joy and experiences of a life well-lived and filled with the wonder of nature and the simple things in life.
That the author opted to give so many delightful surprises along the way shows not only a generous heart but a passion for her subject.
In a time when the word “colorful” is subverted to hide obscene and demeaning language we must, for fear of the damage done to our mortal and immortal souls, turn to writers and artists whose higher works uplift, encourage and celebrate work, love and creativity.
I would treasure the Journal and find one of my friends who has yet the pleasure to own your books to gift your lively, fun, loving book. Marty
What a fun journal this is! It looks like such inspiration Susan. Love your enthusiasm for all things pretty, natural, and inspiring! Gratitude is so important to have a happy life and I am grateful for you! Love.
Thank you for making Beatrix Potter MORE of a heroine for me and for being one too! I love going on adventures with you virtually!
Love the movie Miss Potter. It’s a go to when I need an escape. Until viewing the movie I didn’t realize she was a woman before her time. Not only an incredible artist, she had a vision way beyond herself. Thank you Susan for sharing your travels and friends you make along the way.
Oh Susan, What a lovely generous gift. Beatrix Potter has been alive and well almost my entire life…(72 years)…My Mom would read Peter Rabbit to me and at that tender age or 3 or 4, I was so taken with the words, naturally…but her illustrations really stuck with me… I think that was really the beginning of me wanting to be an artist. Thank you Ms. Potter for setting my sails to achieve my artist goal and thank you Susan for always inspiring me with your artwork. I would adore and treasure such a gift…..xo
It would be wonderful to receive the 2 books but more importantly, to join your picnic in May. I have never traveled outside of the United States but if I ever were to go anywhere, it would be to the English countryside and to the rest of Great Britain. I am half Norwegian but the other half is English, Irish, Scotch (or should it be Scot – I never thought about that til now), Welsh and German. I have the heart and soul of a redhead but alas, in this lifetime it will only happen with help from a bottle of dye (however I do digress). I need a knee replacement, however there is at least a 6 month waiting list, but if I could recover in time, I sure would like to come to the land of Beatrix Potter, Midsommer’s Mysteries and Foley’s War. Have you ever watched them? I love them? I think I am experiencing a spate of “diarrhea of the mouth” but in the written form – please forgive my lack of cohesiveness, it’s just that kind of a day. I hope your day is just as beautiful as it is here in Decorah, Iowa and that life is good.
Yes, get in, get the new knee, get out, heal and come!
Such a beautiful country! I keep my 3yr. grandson a couple days a week and he loves to read the Peter Rabbit stories, eat and drink from P.R. dishes, and I even found a little rabbit fork. We would love these books!
Always a good day when your blog arrives. Thanks, Susan.
Emma in hot Texas
Oh Susan! This is one of your loveliest posts ! How I would love to set my heels on the very ground where Beatrix Potter was! When my daughter was born some 30 years ago one of the first things I bought her was a Jemima Puddleduck figurine and I perched it on her dresser ….. Thank you for all you share with the world / girlfriends. You’re something special!
I love these books of Beatrix Potter. Your post was so interesting. She was a very interesting person. So talented!
I would love to win! Happy Birthday, Beatrix!
I needed this escape today! The English countryside is so lovely and calming with the swans and the flowers and the creeks. *Sigh* Thank you for another beautiful post. I would love to be the caretaker of that beautiful Beatrix Potter journal. As a young girl I learned to draw from her books and as an adult, I keep a daily journal with my own drawings and thoughts.
Happy Birthday Beatrix💐 Lovely post Susan-enjoyed reading it with my morning coffee in my Love mug!
Dear Susan, There is nothing like a one of a kind book and having it to look at over and over again. What a treasure! Thank you for offering it to us. Have a nice day. Love, Judy
Wow! So much going on in one blog. The book looks divine. And if I win, I can give the Fine Romance copy to my best friend for Christmas. I already have mine and I know she’ll love it! I can’t go to England but I can be there with you online. Some day…some day I will. But so happy to have your adventures there to follow along with. ❤️❤️
Love Beatrix Potter and her adorable bunnies.
Would love to win the book.
Dear Susan, There is nothing like a one of a kind book and having it to look at over and over again. What a treasure! Thank you for offering it to us. Have a nice day, Love, Judy
What a great picnic that will be! Thanks for the chance to win! Love seeing all those countryside pictures.
That ramble…that decadent, delightful photographic ramble to the future field of dreams…I confess I cried. I did. I don’t think I shall ever cross the waves, will have never been farther than the Rockies. But I am trusting you – this matters deeply, you know – to ensure it is properly rendered for the poor souls you leave here. G’bless you and the kinds hearts permitting this to happen!
I promise. xoxoxo
Cheers To Beatrix, Cheers to you! I love the joy and delight you share with us-it is infectious!! Jeff and I just returned from England and would love to go to the lake district -already planning a return visit when I’m not in school. Enjoy your picnic (I know you will), we will be there in spirit and look forward to the photos.
xx Patsy
This is an incredible post. It is my dream to one day visit the Lake District and the home of Beatrix Potter.
Hello Susan ,
My name is Yelena Baldynyuk, and because of you I have fallen in love with Beatrix Potter and her wonderful works and books! Thank you ! Much Love 🙂
Happy to meet you, Yelena!
If, if only I could go to your party next May and take my sweet daughter and her sweet daughter! We are such devoted followers of all things SB! We so love your beautiful home and Beatrix Potter touches…so charming! Thanks for the opportunity to win these special treasures! You are so sweet and kind! ❤️❤️❤️
Eileen
How exciting, can’t wait to hear of your new adventures! Your posts always brighten the day.
Happy day, Beatrix and Susan! What a gift opportunity! There will be thousands of us dreaming of winning.
Thank you for such a beautiful post to celebrate this special day. Your posts are a beam of sunlight, whatever my day is like. I have always wished to take a trip to England. I wish I could join you for that marvelous picnic. I can dream – who knows, I might win a lottery!
Hello Susan, might I put a bug in your ear! While you’re in England next year try to get to Ireland! My sister and I went this summer and it is WONDERFUL! Happy Birthday Miss Potter!
Okay!
I’ve just been re-reading Isle of Dreams. It is so inspirational, and then I have to get out The Heart of the Home and look at the pages you describe making…again.
what an utterly delicious blog post….oh if only I could attend that picnic 🙂 Photos MANY photos hopefully will have to suffice!!! Happy birthday Ms. Potter!!
MANY!
oh, my goodness, Susan! well, again…thank-you, for being YOU!!!! how very much we need your light-giving visits. HOW can things possibly get more horrid each & every day…yet, things do! imagine!! wow. but….we do have you. soooo, thank you. take care & keep well. love, love. oxxoxoxoxo
Somehow, when it comes to the news, people so fell in love with the concept of reality programs (all of them, I’m sure) that we are now living them! Everyday, something else! Keep on keepin’ on Chris! May the forest be with you. xoxo
Our group was too small to visit Beatrice’s home but we strolled the blue bell fields. I’d love to have the book and perhaps see Mrs. Tiggy Winkle coming from market with Jemima Puddleduck. I’d watch the new lambs playing in the fields,
Beatrice’s special breed. invited to lunch in one of her barns we learned much of this wonderful lady and met her china figurines jut as soft air was turning to dusk. Can that be Mr. Fox in the distance?
Hi Susan,
What a nice post and what a nice gift to give.See how nice you are?
Nancy Jo
I have a set of books, “The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter” by Susan Wittig Albert. They are part fiction and part non-fiction and they were my first glimpse into the extraordinary life of Beatrix Potter. I’ve read, and re-read all 8 books numerous times because they soothe my soul.
Happy Birthday Beatrix!!!!!
Our group was too small to visit Beatrice’s home but we strolled the blue bell fields. I’d love to have the book and perhaps see Mrs Tiggy Winkle coming from market with Jemima Puddleduck. I’d watch the new lambs playing in the fields,
Beatrice”s special breed. invited to lunch in one of her barns we learned much of this wonderful lady and met her china figurines just as soft air was turning to dusk. Can that be Mr. Fox in the distance?
Ohhh, Susan…..you’re something else……for sure. 🙂
Oh, my! To picnic there with the spirit of Beatrix Potter smiling down upon you all – what a wonderful day you’ll have! And how generous of Mandy to invite you all! I will be there in spirit only, but I shall still enjoy myself immensely! I do a great deal of my living vicariously through your adventures, Susan!
Hi Susan,
Utterly overjoyed to know that you and Joe will be returning to the UK next May and the prospect of another picnic with you guys and your wonderful Girlfriends in such a special place is almost too delightful to bear.
Thank you for another fabulous blog post, absolutely loved reading it, and now I’m bubbling over with so much excitement I can’t write anything else. Have a great weekend.
With love from Ann in Chester xx
Will love to see you again Ann! xoxo
Happy birthday Beatrix! What a lovely post and tribute to a very fine lady, our Miss Potter. That book is such a treasure beyond words. Just like your books!
I feel like you are this century’s Beatrix Potter!
Awwww, not really, but I love the thought!