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
Thanks Susan for the BP info. Anything about Beatrix Potter is always welcome. I saw her home from the outside years ago… would love to have seen the garden and inside her home. Cheers! Ellen
Dear Susan,
Such a wonderful post– and what a wonderful idea — picnic, books, Beatrix Potter. What could be better?
Tricia in CT
Susan…I commented this morning at about 9:06ish…as I have both of these books, I would ask that my name be taken out of the running..if this is technically possible…They are both such incredible books, someone who hasn’t experienced the joy of them should get them…!!!
I know my name is only one of many, but I wanted to be sure to submit this prior to the drawing by Vanna…Thank you!!
No problem, when Vanna pulls a name, she also pulls the comments associated with the name, so I would see this comment, and take the next in line! Thank you Stefanie! But if you change your mind, leave another message!
What a fun picnic that will be. I’ll have to climb in the suitcase with the rest of the girlfriends and go too. 😉 Another magical post. 🌹
Miss Potter is one of my favorite movies!
Thanks for all the beauty & joy you bring us, Susan!
I would love these books. I named my son after Peter. Always enjoy reading your blogs and I save them all. Keep writing
Such a lovely post. I have loved Beatrix Potter since I was a little girl many decades ago!
Happy Day——Susan is in my email….Lovely to hear from you!!!
Susan,
A friend of mine is heading to the Lake District in September. I recommended to her that she read A Fine Romance. She loved it and is now ordering the two accompanying books–she is a new fan of yours. She’s really looking forward to seeing the places you have mentioned. Meanwhile I am looking forward to receiving your new masterpieces of art–the cups! Thank you!
Thank you for spreading the word Fran … best possible way for my books to find their way … kindred spirit to kindred spirit!
I would love those books…such a lovely post.
My granddaughter has recently discovered Beatrix Potter, and is enthralled. I think a trip to England is in our future!
Your picnic sounds just wonderful. While I can’t be there in person, I will follow along on your blog. And the Beatrix Potter book looks amazing! So much work put into it. Your giveaways are so thoughtful – maybe someday I’ll win, but congratulations to whichever girlfriend does!
I just read the life of Beatrix Potter and loved her story! Thank you, Susan, for introducing her to me. I own your books and love your blog. Thank you for what you do!!!
A bright spot in my day to read of Beatrix Potter
How kind of you, Susan, to share your enthusiasm, and to encourage us once again to consider Beatrix Potter throughout the year!
What a wonderful book!!! And the picnic birthday celebration sounds fantastic also. Wish I could go but know I can’t so I will dream and wait for the photos to show up on my computer. I love your blog and really look forward to reading them. It always make me feel like we are friends and you are talking just to me.
Oh Susan there is nothing better than a new post from you & that its all about Miss Potter. I have to tell you, I love to name things, my kids think its so funny. My laptop’s name is Elizabeth Bennet & my planner that goes with me everywhere is Beatrix Potter!!! I’m thinking I should name my little portable watercolor set Susan!!!
Hugs,
Laura
LOL, it’s good!
I would give the books to my mother, because she loves Beatrix Potter.
What a wonderful surprise…picnic at Castle Cottage! How exciting and magical. Happy Birthday Beatrix. You are still an inspiration to us.
Thank you Susan for that inspiring post! Maybe will make it in May!
Meanwhile, I am enjoying reading Beatrix’s little books with my almost 9 year old granddaughter, who has suddenly taken an interest in them. Smart girl. Funny because she’s had them for several years, we gave them to her when she was tiny, a full set. They were my favorite books to check out from the West Valley Branch Library in Reseda when I was small….which I think was your library too? (I grew up in Canoga Park.) Yesterday I was at Lotusland, a beautiful garden here in Santa Barbara, and I saw a book you might like: “The Natural World of Winnie the Pooh”. Just sayin.
I have it! Thank you … Yes, the Reseda Library, my home away from home! I only lived 2 blocks over!
Lovely amazing looking books! 🐇
Thanks, Susan for whetting my appetite for this book! Its the only way I’ll visit Hill top or Castle Cottage. Warmest regards, Carmen
Oh Susan, I would dearly love to own that journal to share with my
8 granddaughters who LOVE Beatrix Potter as much as I do!!
You are a good grandma ~ to make sure your little ones know about Beatrix Potter!
Oh I love Beatrix Potter! What a awesome giveaway! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEATRIX POTTER!
Hi Susan and Happy Birthday Beatrix! I am still basking in the glow of our third in the Susan Branch Fine Romance Trilogy of trips to England. We did it in three trips.. and added Edinburgh to our Lake District trip which was really great..This time we visited Kent and Sussex. We went to the Cotswolds on another trip, but I have to say the Lake Disrict and learning about Beatrix Potter, her incredible life and seeing Hilltop and all she saved for generations to come was the most magical and inspiring. Thank you for writing A Fine Romance. I bet you had no idea how much you would affect so many lives and inspire so many people to journey to England to not only walk in your steps, but to see and feel where Beatrix lived, and Anne Boleyn and Vanessa Bell and so many more. I loved coming home and reading what you wrote about Hever Castle and Sissinghurst and Charleston. It helps me reflect and enjoy our own experiences even more. You inspired the heck out of me!! Thank you, Thank you Thank you both, Susan and Beatrix……Two very special women in their own right….
Learning about these people has enriched our lives … seeing the gardens, the castles, the cottages, the charm, and the history. Like the quote that says, we read to know we are not alone. This is true about traveling through the English countryside. So happy you’re enjoying it…lovely to share xoxo
Susan, I love the way the Universe works its magic for you! I believe we ALL benefit from it through your encouraging and uplifting posts, the photos you share of your travels. You always share your blessings, and I believe that’s why you continue to be blessed! I always look forward to your posts!
Oh Susan…..Thank you, Thank you. You are simply the best 🙂
Susan,. I have been a fan of yours for years and really enjoy your posts and art. Would love to win the books. Thank you for being you.
Happy Birthday Miss Potter! Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
Loved all three of your memoir books, Susan!!!! While reading A Fine Romance, my husband and I checked out the movie, Miss Potter, and watched it again. Enjoyed it more this time after reading your book. Then my husband downloaded ALL the Beatrix Potter books to my Kindle. We’ve read them all again and some for the first time. Wonderful to hear you are returning to Hill Top Farm next year!!!!
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for a long time, and enjoy the musical selections as well!
I meant to say….and A Fine Romance! I have dearly loved your
other books.
“The Tale of Peter Rabbit” was my favorite book as a child. I insisted that my parents read it to me over and over and over again. Of course, I memorized every single word and, if they dared omit one, I would remind them of it.
Beatrix Potter’s drawings of the critters who charmed her, and the stories she wrote of those critters, are just so irresistibly charming!
Did you see the movie that came out about ten years ago, “Miss Potter?” If you did, what did you think of it?
I have now watched it somewhere around 20 times, and I love it. It was more about the books, touching lightly on her later life, which I always feel was her “real” life … but I loved it anyway. It’s very charming.
Hello Susan,
Has it been a year already!?? I was thrilled to finally meet you last year at the Beatrix Birthday party! “Happy 151st Beatrix!!” …aren’t you glad Beatrix is getting older, but we are not?! 😉
Thank you for another wonderful post…I always enjoy seeing/reading them.
Hugs,
Charl
LOL, yes, makes me sooooo happy! xoxo
Happy Birthday, Beatrix! The world is so much better because you were in it!
Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter…and guess what…we share the Same Birthday!!! True Kindred Spirits. 🙂
Hi Susan,
I know I’ve mentioned before in past comments that I’ve always been a Beatrix Potter fan. Partly because I was raised by one (my mom!) but her little books have always been a part of my life; my childhood, adulthood, and my two daughter’s childhood! Both girls had several prints, figurines, cups, and plates with various Potter “characters” in their nurseries. And guess what? Both girls still insist that they have them in their rooms! Tucked in cute little corners with other memorabilia. My favorite BP book is “The Roly Poly Pudding.” I have two copies. Thank you for sharing your precious collections and finds with us!
Oh, I would dearly love to win these. My 2 daughters who are 10 and 7 (8 next week!) will be following you online to Beatrix’s home for sure to plan our own dream trip someday. The eldest is an artist already and collage is one of her favorite tricks. Her busy fingers would be in heaven exploring the journal, and her brain would be getting all kinds of inspired ideas for her own nature studies.
Sharing Jemima Puddle Duck with my three year old granddaughter, who is named after her parents favorite city, London. We just retired and moved one hour from London and her parents in Colorado and to have the opportunity to read Beatrix Potter stories to her now and then later your books just thrills me. Thank you for the very delightful remembrance of a truly remarkable woman.
What a delightful post. And love all the Beatrix history. I have a lot of rabbits in my yard (they like to get into my garden and eat all the lettuce!). Usually they scamper off at the first sign of my approach but when I catch them unawares (not often, I’ll admit), I scold them by saying, “Be glad I’m not Mr. McGregor!”
Right! The are lucky bunnies!
Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter………………..I love reading this post (well all of them) and I love Beatrix Potter, what a wonderful person. With all the wonderful pictures, I feel like I’m right there with you !
Beatrix, what a charming and lovely name. It really says it all!
What a fun thing for all of us to look forward to! You are an angel for sharing the trip with us! Isn’t it amazing how ahead of time Beatrix was? And little did she know all the lives that were touched y her writings and how inspirational her life was… 🙂
She was! So ahead of her time. Who would think, in 1910, that the Lake District would end up, like so many other places, needing to be saved? She left so much for all of us. She rescued her favorite breed of sheep, Herdwick, which were on their way to extinction until she came along ~ and now, they’re like the mascot of the Lake District!
Oh what wonderful fun! I’d love to have a picnic where Beatrix Potter roamed. I also love that lovely little book, so like a real journal. I already have your beautiful A Fine Romance but it is eminently giftable so I’d love to win.
I just never win these sorts of things but I would dearly love both of these books. Wish I could go traveling with you too. England is the place of my heart.
What a lovely thing to read on our rainy day here in Tennessee. Thanks so much for sharing all this for us.
What lovely books about a lovely person! Thank you, Susan, for sharing your love of Beatrix Potter with us. I learn so much about the most delightful subjects every time I read your blog!
I would so love to have the books and be at the picnic! Oh well, sigh.
Dear Susan, do you remember when you were wondering what it would be like to study at Oxford and eat meals in their dining halls? Well, my middle son is doing just that and texted me after his first opening dinner (suit jacket required) to tell me it was amazing, great food, wine and champagne with the separate courses (he’s not even old enough to drink legally in the US). He feels a little out of his league as far as socio-economic status but he sure is enjoying the experience. His dorm is in the oldest part of the oldest University and the outside pictures are the oldest stone, the insides are all renovated to typical old dorm room status. None-the-less, he still hasn’t shaken the Hogwarts feelings. Life really is great. Thanks for yet another great post, Tami
Such exciting news! I can’t wait …
Susan, you are magic!
Hello Susan! Thank you for this most lovely post. My husband and I just enjoyed our first ever visit to the Lake District only weeks ago. We are American PhD students living in Aberdeen, Scotland! In between academic conferences, we made a plan to stay in Windermere at an adorable B&B with a HIGH priority on taking the ferry over and making the gorgeous hike to Hill Top Farm! I’ve wanted to go since we moved here in September of 2014. And we made it! 🙂 I was enthralled! We took it all in and marveled at every nook and cranny of her home. And on another afternoon, we enjoyed the “Where is Peter Rabbit?” musical that is currently on at The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Windermere. Wonderful singing, dancing, and the most elaborate oversized puppets of so many of Beatrix Potter’s charming characters! I returned to Aberdeen with my first little collectible figurine… Mrs. Rabbit hugging Peter. <3 We will be back in Colorado by the time of the picnic next May (darn!!) but I wish you all a marvelous time! Thank you for your enchanting blog posts, and for sharing your love of Beatrix with all of us. We love her too! 🙂 xx
You made it! That is so wonderful. You are so lucky to get to live there for a while. Memories for a lifetime!
Oh my gosh! Of course, I would love to win the books – who wouldn’t… But the thought of having a picnic at Castle Cottage is almost too much to take in… I think I heard the angels sing. Interestingly enough, my husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in 2018. So now, my brain is going a million mph to try and figure out how to make this work. Hmmmmm…… We’ll just have to think about this. Wow!
Thanks, as always, for a great post!
It’s odd how really close everything is over there!
Happy birthday, Beatrix! I hope this book is still in print! Hoping to win, but checking on buying it anyway!
What a lovely surprise to learn that there will be a Picnic in The Lake District next May! How exciting, and we plan to be there with Bluebell, our campervan. We had such a lovely time at Stourhead last September, that we can’t wait to meet up again. Can see ourselves on the photos you posted!!
We’ll see you there Jan! Another special day to look forward to! xoxo
Thanks for the opportunity to win the books, and especially for sharing with stories and photos of the wonderful places that some of us may never be able to see otherwise.
This is what my dad loved too … that I could go when he couldn’t! xoxo
Happy Birthday Beatrix !!! Such an inspiration to us all .
Thank you Susan for your wonderful blogs . I look forward to each one .
Please entry me for the book . Hugs !
Thanks again, Susan, for a another lovely blog. The diary sounds charming. Think I will look for it on Amazon, just in case the fairy dust doesn’t stick to my name and Vanna missing pulling it up! Won’t be in England, but will be delighted to share the fun thru your posts! Hugs!
What amazing books these are. I would treasure them for sure. I have many of the Beswick Beatrix Potter figurines. Sad to say they are packed in boxes as I plan to move to a senior facility. I loved reading her little books to my children and grands.
Smiles to you and all of her many admirers today and every day. Her writing and drawings have stood the test of time. They are evergreen.
Dear Susan, the quote about the seeing eyes and old legs nearly made me cry. I’ll never be able to run up thru the field and into the wood as I did as a girl but with the help of you and Beatrix I can see it still. I’d love a chance to have the books.
All you need is the “seeing eyes.” A gift!
Thanks for being generous! I already have the first book, so if I win, I will pass on the love!!
Would have enjoyed knowing Beatrice Potter–Happy Birthday Beatrice–she was an amazing lady as are you. Would be so much fun to win the books as I never win anything!!
Thank you for sharing the book. It is in encrediable! Too lovely for words. ❤️
Happy Birthday Beatrix!
As a “bunny” person and Beatrix Potter lover, please enter me in the drawing!
Thanks!
What a fascinating journal description- an immersion in Beatrix Potter’s life!
Thank you for this opportunity. I really enjoy reading your blog.
Happy Birthday, Beatrix! My beloved father introduced me to these books when I was a little girl, and I have treasured them all my life. And what better a person to honor her than you Susan!!!
For both of you have brought beauty, courage and a bright light back into a world which, at times, seems void of such kindness, I thank you!
Love Beatrix Potter, what talent! Thanks for sharing the pictures. I love the English country charm. You make the trip come alive for all of us stuck at home!!
Beatrix Potter has always fascinated me. I have several of her little books on the shelf in my bedroom right now. I would just love to have these special items for my collection. For Easter, I found the Peter Rabbit board book for my two year old grandson. He loves it. Susan Branch, you just make me smile. I love everything you write and paint.
I love to read and this book seems so wonderful as are your books Susan ,that I have lent to all my neighbors which they loved them! Georgia
Dearest Susan, you have such a magical life! I am so grateful that you share it with us, both your girlfriends and any who might just wander by. Thank you for the gift of you and your warm heart that brings such joy to so many of us. We too love Beatrix and happily celebrate her birth. My days are better because of both of you great women. Thank you again!
Hi Susan!
I have Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, and Peter right in my yard. This summer our yard is filled with rabbits. At first they were eating all of my flowers, and I understood Mr. McGregor. Now they are just eating the clover, and they look really sweet. They don’t even run away when we are in the yard.
Oh how I would love to come to England in May! I will pray for a miracle.
Love,
Terry
How exciting, Susan! I won’t be able to come to the picnic but am looking forward to seeing pictures of it.
What an exciting post! I wish I had time to sit and watch the Miss Potter movie right now about her life. Alas, I must go to work and teach a sewing class. Have a great weekend!
When the grandchildren come to visit, I bring out the Peter Rabbit dishes I bought when, as a high school student, I had an opportunity to spend some time in London. And made sure I went to the British Museum to see a collection of Beatrix Potter memorabilia and sent a postcard home to my family with the well-known portrait of her. Have always been a big fan!
What a Memory Book ! It would have a special place in my heart as well as being a lovely addition to my other Beatrix Potter collectibles. Bunny hugs,
Alynn
Oh dear I knew of someone who was selling this book and I could not meet her:(
Now I have regrets..
I have a Fairy book that seems to be..the exact format w/ surprises etc:) Envelopes w/ treasures..they are soo well made..
I’ve not been to Englnad..I bet I would be enamoured..Jacques and I feel that way about Provence..as we have been and would like to go back..
What a ball you will have!
It’s me again..the girl still has it and I ordered it:) So please do not enter me in the draw:) Bonne chance everyone!
What a charming little book! So full of sweet details of Beatrix’s life. Love it. And as always a lovely post about beauty in the ordinary. Thank you, dear friend for sweetening up my day!
What a lovely giveaway, Susan! I would love to read A Journal, as soon as I finish Linda Lear’s book about Beatrix’ life. It is a wonderful accounting of a life well lived. Happy Birthday, Beatrix!
Thank you for a lovely post, Susan! I love Beatrix Potter! In my nearly 40 years of teaching, reading about Peter Rabbit was a joy every year. My kindergarten students would then write and draw about a time when they were in trouble. They were never at a loss for material and the results were always amazing. Thank you for reminding me of these joyful days!
Oh, what a lovely giveaway idea. I would dearly love both books. I adore all things beautiful, heartwarming and sincere – just like you!
I feel such a kindred sprit with you Susan love all your books love England and Beatrix Potter also loved her story aND loved the book of your England travels you visited all my favorite places I’ve never got to do …but because of your wonder book I felt I was along I also love your newsletter it’s always about my favorite things too…..thanks for sharing n keep on painting love the artwork…..janet miles
Thank you for the opportunity to win these books! I am such a Beatrix Potter fan……….my guest room is a mixture of Beatrix Potter and artwork by Bessie Pease Gutman mixed in with small antique print fabrics and lace. My husband calls it “the nursery.” If ever I feel bad or have a rough day, I go there to restore myself. It’s my little sanctuary!
Thank you for the lovely post!
Sounds luv-lee!
Thank you,Susan for the delightful blog on your trip to Beatrix Potter’s home and the picnic. Will enjoy it vicariously and remember being there in person on a trip. Would love to win the darling book you showed us. Maybe I’ I’ll get lucky. Do you have the book The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady? Let me know because I know you would love it.Your blogs get better and better.
Love,Charlene
I do have that Charlene, such a wonderful book!
Oh my, what a sweet little book! Just what I needed to see today…makes for a brighter day!!!! Love Beatrix Potter and not sure I will ever make it to England, so I thank you for sharing your beautiful trip! XOXO
Love anything Beatrix Potter! Alas, I willing be enjoying your picnic via photos. Enjoy! Luanne
Beatrix Potter has always been a favorite of mine since the days when I was a buyer for a major department store’s infants dept. and discovered a whole line of nursery accessories and clothing with her characters on them. It was so much fun and I know many nurseries were adorned with their cuteness. I still love them to this day. Thanks for sharing such wonderful information about her life and the area where she lived.
What a fun job!!!
This post couldn’t have arrived at a better moment. Collapsed in my favorite chair after battling 2 days of mopping a flooded basement I really needed a pick-me-up and this hit the spot. Thank you so much.
How lovely! So many favorite things – England, Beatrix Potter, and of course! Susan☺️
So excited for your next trip. Looking forward to your many adventures.
Hi Susan
Oh my goodness how exciting for you. Boy is that time going to go by slow huh while you are waiting to go. Its like waiting for Christmas. You will have the very best time. That book in the beginning. Oh my gosh its magical. Those pictures are also magical of all the houses. I want to live there 🙂
happy day Susan
deezie
Dearest Susan – your blog is such an uplift💕 Thank you!! I feel transported to another place and time – I love that, and I love you😘
Sigh, I just love seeing life through your eyes! Wouldn’t love to win the BP book
, I love my BP figurines and books are my most treasure posessions…
Love you Susan!
Hi Sue,
Is it my turn yet? How I love Beatrix Potter! I hope Vanna picks me!
Love, Sue from Simi
Lovely book and such a lovely story…..thank you Susan for taking us on a beautiful ride.
This is wonderful. I guessed you were going to have your picnic at Near Sawry. What a perfect place to have it. We were there and had a Sunday Roast at the Tower Bank Arms. It brings back such wonderful memories of Beatrix Potter’s house and staying next door at the Sawry House Hotel. What a magical place! She was such a heroine to all women. What a legacy she left. Would love to be there for your picnic, however, we just returned from there in May. Fortunately our memories are still fresh. Thank you for this beautiful blog filled with the world of Beatrix Potter!!
Reading your blog is one of the most fun things I do. My husband laughs when I call you my friend! Reading your story about going to BP home and garden and for a picnic, brought happy tears. I can pretend that I am there! I fell in love with her books, and bunnies and animals about 30 years ago when I taught kindergarten. Ahhhh, so good to remember those little animals. And I shall send your blog to some friends because they will love seeing the little book you are sending to one of us. So beautiful, and with so much heart someone made it.
Happy Birthday Beatrix! This book sounds wonderful!
Oh my, the Beatrix Potter book looks like such a joy! What fun, and yes, I don’t think I could stop myself from coloring in the little lambies…
How simply divine! Another picnic! What fun! And the opportunity to win books! Smashing Darling! Happy 151st birthday Beloved Beatrix!