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
Simply wonderful! What a lovely book about her life..so creative and special! How I’d love to go back to Near Sawrey again!
There is nothing more relaxing than a cup of tea and a good book. Beatrix Potter is so very inspirational with her charming books that delight young and old
What a lovely book! I have The Tale Of Peter Rabbit and have read it to my grandchildren many times. Would love to see the English country side. Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Oh so wonderful Susan … You have the most absolute best surprises and giveaways. Eventually my name will soar up to Vanna’s sweet little hands … Making me a very grateful winner. JudyC
I hope that happens this time Judy!
I love journals, even if she didn’t write it. Thanks for the amazing fun story and what a great giveaway.
Thank you for keeping in touch, and always making me smile. I have shared your book, “A Fine Romance” with 2 dear friends and they too have been wondering how we could not have known about you for so long.
Looking forward to your next adventure!
Hope you can come along and bring your friends! At least virtually … I’ll blog while on the trip … going to some very interesting places!
Oh how I love when I get the latest message from you ! I would love to win the books. I already own A Fine Romance but it would make a fantastic gift to a friend. I have always loved anything Beatrix Potter too but I have not been to her spots England so I WILL be there next May 11, 2018. I am looking forward to getting my new mugs after they clear customs.
Thank you for being you.
Yay, Mary Jo. Isn’t this amazing, so many of us converging on one small place in the world? Mugs are coming, I have faith!
How I wish I could meet you in England. I look forward to your photos and documentation–you always make me feel like I am wherever you are. What a fun and kind giveaway!
Hi Susan!
I would love to win these books for a dear friend who idolizes Beatrix Potter, and you!
I would love to have the beautiful Beatrix Potter book. I also have a collection of Beatrix Potter figurines that I’ve had for quite awhile but I don’t think I gave them the attention they deserved until I followed your beautiful posts on Beatrix Potter. I’ve given them a new station of importance. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, Susan💕
When you think about what it took for those figurines to get to us ~ Instant gravitas for Mrs. Tittlemouse!
So happy you give us the hopes to be chosen for the WoNdErfUL Beatrix book which I had never seen before you showing us! Love all the special features!
So wish I could go across the pond and join you all next May…
Always enjoy your posts,
LC
Oh Susan, I did not ever think anything in life could outdo Christmas Eve as a child, what am I talking about I am still a child! But oh my oh my, I will have every finger and toe on my body crossed, every morning prayer will include me begging the Good Lord to DO HIS MAGIC so I am blessed with becoming the lucky recipient of the Beatrix Potter book. And I would be thrilled to let someone else even have the other book as I am deep into reading A Fine Romance right now for the Third time.SO ………if for some Lucky reason I should happen to be the name that is picked. Please Susan, pull another name so I can share your book with someone who does not have a copy. When I read what you were doing I got butterfly’s in my stomach I got so excited. So I will be waiting to hear the results, With Sincere Joy, that only you could bring to your GIRLFRIENDS, I say thank you once again for the happiness you bring us all. Love Gayle Hall
I would love to win these beautiful books.
Hi Susan, Your writings and drawings are so sweet. What a generous giveaway. My last blog post was about a trip to the museum and monastery at St. Gertrude’s in Cottonwood, ID. There I found a charming vintage blue and gold brocade wedding dress with the tiniest lot of hand bound buttonholes, and wrote in my blog how “The stitches of those button-holes were so small–so small–they looked as if they had been made by little mice!” (from the Tailor of Gloucester.. B.P.) What a truly lovely woman she was. As are you.
Dear Susan,
Do we really ever get enough of England, the Queen, the famous poets, authors, and statesmen….we need a Winston Churchill post (my personal favorite and hero). Thank you as always for keeping it alive and well for us Anglophiles.
Seems, to a certain extent, that England’s history is everyone’s history! So many of us own and relate to at least some little bit of it …
OH! Yippie! So happy for you!
I would love to win❤️ Happy Birthday, Beatrix!
What a wonderful book. My granddaughter and I would both love it. Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter!!!
Be still my heart!!! I want to go to your picnic at Hill Top! What an inspired idea! I just bought that book for my bestie for her birthday. And she is planning a trip to England next summer. I hope she goes when you are there and attends your picnic. She is a Beatrix Potter fan too!
Happy birthday Beatrice!!
Happy Birthday! Beatrix Potter and thank you Susan for the wonderful post!
Dearest Susan!!!!
How fantabulous!!!! Oh! How I wish I could go along, I mean REALLY go along….. but alas, I shall have to be satisfied with your photos and descriptions, (you do that so well, not to worry) I would love to have the Beatrix Potter book, my mom would squeal with delight as well!
(((Hugs)))
Linda in Walnutport, PA
A lovely post my dear friend. I love, love the photos.
I am so excited for you. As always, INSPIRATION!!
Love you,
Carla
P.S. LOL … about your cups, Good Grief, really. Sending hugs that all will clear soon.
Have always loved Beatrix Potter! What a great trip and am so glad you will be taking us along!
Susan, I have been following your blog for many years. What a delight they are to read and look at, just like Beatrix Potter’s books! Thanks for the smile you bring to all of us “girlfriends” with your generous “give-a-ways!
I am so excited about your picnic! I missed it by a couple of months last time around, but my very dear friend and her daughter went. My own daughter is leaving home to attend university in the UK in September, and we are visiting her in November. I just showed your blog post to my husband and said that’s it- we definitely have to go see our daughter again in the spring. 🙂 I can be very frugal when I want something! Hope to see you all there on May 11, 2018! (by the way, I’m very glad I already ordered my bluebird and Santa Joe cups BEFORE I found out I had to be frugal for another England trip haha.)
Brilliant, Patricia!
Oh how I live through you and all your Beatrix Potter experiences, Susan, especially your travels to her nome! You have drawn and written so many wonderful references to my beloved Beatrix. My boys are now 42 and 38! I decorated their nursery then in a Beatrix Potter theme, the best I could with so little available then. Our current kitties, siblings, share these names…the little girl’s name is Beatrix (Bea) and her brother is Bertram (Bert)! I used to share my favorite author and artist to kindegarteners. In my presentation about Beatrix I used a live caged rabbit and live mouse along with wild flowers on her “desk” to display her workplace. I told them too how she discovered lichen, but had to have a man present her discovery because women weren’t allowed. I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed all your blogs about her SO much!
Wow! You and Joe are so lucky: to be going back to England next year – and not to just any where in England, but to Beatrix Potter’s house!
Thank you so much for sharing, Susan. It’s always so special to receive a message for you.
I’m thinking about making a t-shirt: Author, Scientist, Artist, Conservationist, house adorer, visionary – BE LIKE BEATRIX POTTER. I think it will be great fun. Would LOVE to join you next year. I’ll have to see how the pocketbook, planets and travel gods align. Loved this email. Thank you!
I like it! And yes, pocketbook, planets and travel gods, very important, but first one is the fairy of just say yes!
My friends and I enjoyed some very, very cold and crisp Magner’s Pear Cider in our crystal wine glasses while awaiting an outdoor ballet performance and sitting next to the historic and in full bloom Elizabeth Park Rose Garden
in Hartford, CT. So glad you introduced us to ‘peah’ so long ago.
My, my goodness! Open this site and take a deep, deep breath ….. google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1252&bih=774&q=elizabeth+park+rose+garden&oq=elizabeth+park+rose+garden&gs_l=img.3..0l4j0i24k1l6.1613.9792.0.11169.27.27.0.0.0.0.183.2295.22j4.26.0….0…1.1.64.img..1.26.2293.0..35i39k1j0i30k1j0i5i30k1j0i8i30k1.3TRA5KaOTkY
Roses! Thank you Carol!
Be still, my heart! What a wonderful gift you are offering. It would go nicely with my 2-handled cup I bought at a garage sale in Texas. It says Hunca Munca on one side with a picture of Hunca Munca sweeping into a dustpan on the other. Have you seen it?
No, and I thought I’d seen everything! 👏
Dear Susan and Girlfriends,
What lovely pics of the English countryside!! I really enjoyed them!
Good luck to win the books to all of us!
Enjoy the rest of the summer!!
Peace,
Doreen
Just discovered your blog, and I am really enjoying it! Thank you so much. Happy Birthday Bratrix Potter!
On trips to the library my sons used to choose the little Beatrix Potter books. They were difficult to carry (we had about 8 blocks to walk) along with the other larger sized books but they were enjoyed again and again! I have the book by Linda Lear and plan to read it again soon. Would love to have the two books you are offering!
Beatrix Potter, Peter Rabbit and picnics what a wonderful post! So happy you are heading back to England and will take us with you!
Thank you, Susan! So fun to read this and see the amazing pictures!!!
Hope you get the chance to enjoy Renee Zellweger as Miss Potter. Such a beautiful
choice for the character! No one compares to her talent as Beatrix Potter. I think you will enjoy Wales if you have a chance to visit more of the charming countryside
near the Isle of Anglesey. Many wonderful estates in Wales welcoming visitors
and sharing their delicious food.
My Grandparents were from the Cotswolds so we have enjoyed their wonderful
Saturday markets. Perhaps you visited Great Barrington in the Cotswolds and in
Massachusetts. Very similar. Enjoy your next visit there!
I wrote down Anglesey, just in cases!
A rented farmhouse on the Isle of Anglesey with verdant undulating hills and brambles is where William and Kate began married life. They have spoken of their fondness of Anglesey and the people.
Ooooooo … I hope so much we can get up there, up and over!
I’m also a long-time fan of Beatrix Potter. I bought a Peter Rabbit children’s book on our first trip to England in 1982, so I would be ready when our sons came along a few years later. Both had Peter Rabbit bumper pads, bedding, a nightlight and a cross-stitched picture that I made. Decorating those baby rooms are really for the mom, I think! I would love to have Vanna choose my name.
P.S. You really have some good connections for setting up next years’ picnic! 👍🏻 🇬🇧
Everyone does it themselves, brings loved ones and lunch, takes it home, a pretty neighborhood … a perfect way to have a party!
Blessings upon you girlfriend! I have loved Ms Potter since I was but a child. Wishing you a wonderful celebration as I celebrate with you in spirit! 💝
Fantastic blog! I love everything you do and say…and show us. Thank you thank you thank you!❤️
Oh, I would love to be at your picnic but it’s a wee bit far from New Zealand!🌿🐇🍃🐰🌿 The book looks wonderful 🌿📚🍃
Yes, New Zealand isn’t close enough for this!!! But you are entered in the drawing, for sure, you’re close enough for that!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for reminding me of this very special day. I have looked forward to it all month(because it is on my very darling calendar) and yet I was off and running early getting errands run before it got too hot. I stopped in a charity shop and found the sweetest set of Peter Rabbit baby dishes which were made in England; I just had to have them for our new little granddaughter. Still nothing clicked. I got the new British issue of Victoria out of the mail box and then opened my email and found your lovely message. Serendipity!
Thank you again for reminding of us of the importance of the little things.
Anne
What a generous gift someone will receive, two priceless books! I’m not in a position to travel due to family responsibilities, or I’d be at that picnic too. I have always love all things Beatrix and never knew how many of us there were until I found your blog.
Happy Birthday dear Beatrix and huge congratulations to Susan about the picnic next year. Imagine! I shall be there in spirit.
I would so love to win the books, so GOOD LUCK to all of us!
This blog brought back wonderful memories of our 5 week road trip through England and Ireland. We stayed in Bowness on Windemere in a darling b&b just around the corner from Beatrix Potter World (I think that’s what it’s called) they had life sized dioramas of all her little books. My friend and I spent hours there. My sons favorite books 30+ years ago were her tales. His favorite was Benjamin Bunny. Love everything Beatrix Potter.
Xo Lynne
I would love to win these books for my sister, Rachel, who loves loves loves Beatrix Potter and would love to go picnicking with you, but alas, will most likely not be able to do her trip to England just yet. She recently said she has to plan well for when she goes, because if and when she makes it there, she’s not coming back! 😀
She is very smart! This is good thinking!
I dragged my husband to Hilltop House in the early 90s, and even he enjoyed it. Sadly, he passed away two years ago. Winning the book would help bring back fond memories of that day, so I am hoping!
Joe loved it too … sorry to hear about your husband, it must be something that just never goes away. xoxoxo
I wanna be you…You have the coolest life!
Truly, some days are better than others! 😊
What a beautiful journal! I helped with a Beatrix Potter tea for children this past May. My cousin dressed as Beartirx and read a story. When she finished she visited all the tables with the children and a little girl who had been to England ( her dad is English)and visited Hill Top whispered to our Beartrix ” I ‘ve been to your house”.
Sweetest thing ever !!! It was pure joy !
Oh how sweet! ha ha ha!
Of course I would love to have these books! I also would love for you and Joe to sponsor a guided tour throughout England. I have been several times but never with a guide who has a passion for the countryside as you do. We can skip London…just be in the rural areas. Please give this some consideration!!!!
What a delightful surprise find,Susan!
You have helped all of us see beloved England and Beatrix Potter through your eyes. Sheer magic! I will treasure this book always! Thank you
Thanks for the post, Susan. You are such a blessing to us girlfriends! How amazing is it that Beatrix Potter’s life still continues to be such a wonderful gift to us and will continue far into the future. Only one life, but what a life! A lesson for all of us to live each day to the fullest.
oh how lovely!!! I love it all!!!!
so nice to share this excitement with people all over the world! Thanks Susan.
What a lovely surprise when I opened my e-mail and found your blog today! Earlier this afternoon I was telling our visiting son and daughter-in-law about your book “A Fine Romance”, as they loved their trip to London and would like to go back to see other parts of England. I mentioned Miss Potter and showed them that part of your book. Then, I opened my e-mail today…what a quinky-dink!
Maybe Vanna will reach my way this time…Whoever wins, will have a lovely gift.
Quinky Dink is so right! Ha ha ha!
Patiently waiting here in Texas for my bluebird cup to leave customs. I have found the type of book you were describing with all the hidden treasures on Monet, Paris, and Van Gogh…probably found them at Barnes and Nobles.
Your blog posts are so delightful and remind me to stop and enjoy the small beautiful things in life. My sister and I have a dream to take a road trip through England like you and your husband did. We will make it happen one day and look forward to it. In the meantime, I hope to win your beautiful book so I can take the trip with you in my mind.
What fun you would have with your sister!
Hi Susan,
What a gifted writer you are! I just finished the second of your trilogy and what a gem it was! I literally couldn’t put it down! I’m soaking it all in before I read A Fine Romance! Count me in for May 11. Since my birthday is May 12 that will be a perfect way to celebrate! I can’t wai! Love you Susan! Love bed meeting you in Pasadena at Vtoman’s! Love all your recipes! Most of all I love your spirit! I’m inspired by you everyday! You go girl!
Hugs and blessings,
Darlene 😘💝😊
How wonderful Darlene, see you there!
What a great gift.
Dear Susan,
I am so happy and excited you will be back in England soon! Hollis & I have just returned from 3 weeks there. I drove 828 miles on the wrong side of the road. We thought of you and Joe many times. We named our GPS Queenie and she never let us down. The only negative was she wanted to take the shortest route sometimes which was not a A or B road….more like B- or C. I prayed many times when literally there was only one lane. I do have a few more grew hairs now. Needless to say it was all that you have described in your lovely book & blog. A trip of a lifetime and will never ever forget. Thank you & Joe for blazing the trail for us. Good Tidings, Dawn Jones
Plus, you made it home alive! I saw lots of your photos on Instagram Dawn, I saw you having a wonderful time! Welcome home!
I think I might be able to do the picnic! And even if we don’t put on a Beatrix Potter pageant, like the Girl Scouts Mrs. Heelis herself once hosted, I will feel as thrilled as if she were there, because a certain contemporary artist and story-teller in attendance will have made it all happen! Thank you for arranging such a magical experience. And if by chance I can’t make it, maybe Vanna will be kind with her drawing. The Potter book sounds wonderful — and I already know yours is! Fingers crossed for both outcomes, and thanks again.
Fingers crossed Annette!
Your photos show us one of the most delightful books published! It would be so special to have. Whoever receives it will be holding a treasure.
How exciting for you! Wish I could be there. But I know you will make us all feel like we are there. Perhaps those of us who cannot travel should plan picnics at home at the same time or a day later or earlier? How does that time change thing work?
Depends on where you are, but that’s a wonderful idea. Google “What time is it in the Lake District, UK?” and then look at your clock and you’ll see the time difference!
I don’t think there’s anyone quite like you, Susan. Like a person last night who made a very brave decision, you’re our national treasure :). I hope you never stop writing.
Wonderful compliment Christine, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will try to never stop!
Hi, Susan. I am in the process of making some wall art, one of which will say “Express Relentless Enthusiasm.” I think that might apply to you better than anyone else on the planet. I am going to join the Beatrix Potter Society based on your relentless enthusiasm.
You’ll love it. I love reading their Newsletter when it arrives in it’s little envelope from over the seas! Be relentless! xoxo
Like Susan Scott (above) my introduction to English village life was through the residents of Thrush Green and Fairacre as created by author Miss Read. I re-read them annually. Yet dearer by far are the books by English author Elizabeth Goudge, particularly The Scent of Water. I have read several books about Miss Potter, but not the biography you mentioned. Off to the library! Hugs and blessings to you, Susan.
Elizabeth Goudge is one of my favorite authors. So nice to meet someone who enjoys her books! I am a fan of Miss Read also, but don’t collect her books like I do Goudge.
I apologize for butting in!
Oh what a lovely post, Susan! And I want to gooooooooooooo and meet you there for the picnic! How wonderful that would be! As would receiving the books, as well. Good luck to all and Happy Birthday Ms Potter!!!! xoxo
I am reading Beatrix Potter’s biography by Linda Lear. Wonderful story of a courageous, strong woman who is an example for all of us. Would be delighted to win her Journal book to read next. I live in beautiful Colorado.
Susan, thank you for what you do for us! Each post is such a day brightener. Oh what a dream-come-true to join your picnic in England, even if only through the blog. Much love, Martha
Hi Susan,
I’m in the process of reading the Beatrix Potter biography right now! She WAS an amazing woman, and for all those folks who are feeling like time has passed them by and they didn’t do what they wanted to do when they were younger, she’s an inspiration that she kept on learning, married later in life, and had a very happy and fulfilling life. I agree with a quote in your books: Feed you life from the well of sweetness. Be intentional, and put good things and happy, joyful thoughts in. Act the way you want to feel. Feelings follow actions! Thanks for your encouragement to make the world a better place, right where we are.
Can’t believe I nearly missed this beautiful post! I, too, love all things Beatrix Potter. Thank you, Susan, for allowing us to celebrate her amazing artistry with you.
I love to read your pages Susan. Thank you for the opportunity to win these prizes. I hope I do. I absolutely love Beatrix Potter and everything she stood for and accomplished. What a woman!
How thoughtful you are to include such wonderful pictures and insightful commentary on the life of one of my favorite English authoresses . . . Beatrix Potter. Years ago, my friend Sue Davis and I took a busload of Texans – old and young – on a tour of Ireland, Scotland, and England. They loved the West Country, and they especially loved the time we spent touring her home and the area in which she had lived. For some, it was a reunion; for many it was an introduction. I have collected many of the figurines, and every time I see them, I am reminded of that delightful spring and cherish the memories. Thank you for adding to them.
Dear Susan,
Wonderful post. You’re not just an amazing artist, you’re also a fine writer. Thanks for transporting us all to a more tranquil world. My bluebird cup will do the same when it arrives.
Thanks,
Jann
Thank you Jann! I promise, our cups are on the way!
Happy Birthday Beatrix! I will shine up my little collection of Beatrix Potter figurines and gather my grandchildren and we’ll all enjoy several stories together in honor of the birthday! Thanks for the reminder, Susan!
Linda in rural Florida
Happy Birthday, dear Beatrix. Would love the books.
How exciting to celebrate Beatrix Potter with you and all her other friends! Your writing makes everything come so alive. I hope, and hope, that I win the book(s) so I can take a virtual trip with you.
Hi Susan
My youngest daughter was born September 15, 1969. A very dear friend sent LeeAnn one of Beatrix Potter’s little books, The Tale of Beatrix Potter. I love Beatrix Potter and brought a few of her books and figurines over the years. I especially love her illustrations. I look forward to you blogs they always, puts a smile on my face, and happy thoughts for the day. Thank you.
Thank you so much for allowing us the chance to win this, just adorable! I enjoyed seeing your photos of the beautiful scenery again too : )
I finally caught Miss Potter on cable–so charming! It would be so wonderful to see those locations in person.
One of the happiest days of my life was the day I got to go to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm. Your lovely pictures brought back so many memories for me. I would love to come to your picnic and re-live that happy day. Bless you, Susan, you are an inspiration to us all!
Thanks for your wonderful blog. I really enjoy reading about your fun adventures. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Stars and hearts, the darlingest books and a wonderful magic road wherever you go💕
Thank you for including us in your journeys, dearest Sue. xoxoxo
Thank you Susan for all your wonderful posts. Just ordered the Journal. Can’t wait to start!
Thank you for your books and newsletters, for teaching us more about Beatrix Potter, and mostly, for being you!
Like you, as a young woman I collected the Beatrix Potter figurines, and her small books, but I hadn’t read about her until much later. My younger son was born on her birthday, but I didn’t know it back then. It was because of you that I began to read about her own story and came to admire her. Thank you so much for reminding us what can be done with determination and a belief in oneself. And joy, which like you, she had in abundance.
Susan,
A small liberal arts college in Anderson, IN., Anderson University, has a rare book collection that has several of Beatrix Potter’s first editions, along with many others. If a train will get you to Indianapolis sometime, we are less than an hour away. We also have Warner Sallman’s original Head of Christ. If you do not know that name, google it, and you will immediately recognize the painting. The campus librarian and gallery director will be glad to give you tours. I am quite enjoying my Earth Love mug!!
Susan…what a delightful post! You are such a shining star & you bring so much joy & pleasant thoughts our way…not to mention your generous giveaways. Will keep my fingers crossed that I win.
Dear Susan, The little things that make life sweet-it is your blog. It would be wonderful to picnic with you at Castle Cottage. What a blessing we have in Beatrix Potter. Thank you for your stories.
Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter! I am shivering just thinking that I could possibly be the winner of these books.
We have many bunnies on Cape Cod,
to see them makes me happy.
I hope that you will not think it odd
that I may name one “Chappy”!
😍
So precious and perfect! Thank you, Susan.
What brilliant plans for great time to be had by all next May. Bravo
Since following your site and seeing your Potter figurines I have become a collector. With only six I hope to increase my collection whenever possible. The book would make an excellent addition. Hopefully I’ll be lucky enough to be a winner. Your trip next year sounds absolutely Devine. Wish I could come along. I will be with you in spirit the whole time and waiting anxiously for your pictures and texts. 🍀Lynn
It took me a few days to read this post but I’m so glad I finally did!
Thank you so much Susan for your beautiful words and for sharing your wonderful world with all of us. You truly are inspiring!!
I would love to have the books and become more acquainted with Beatrix Potter. I mostly only know her through your books and commentary and would love to learn more about her. Thanks for considering my entry. Also I look forward to hearing about your upcoming trip to England.
Actually my husband & I are leaving in 2 wks, to London, Scotland and Ireland. I can’t tell you how excited to go.
kathy
Bon Voyage Kathy ~ have a wonderful time!
Such a beautiful tribute to Beatrix Potter she would have loved it. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Dear Susan, I asked if you had that “journal” last year in a post(twice)but got no reply. I wanted to send it to you. It’s truly amazing! I ended up giving it to an appreciative person but am sorry now. Maybe I’ll win yours~Julia in Cincy
Sometimes I just run out of time… sorry about the no reply!!!
Thank you, dear Susan, for writing about all the topics your soul tells you to. Your blogs are invariably a breath of sweet pastoral air in our world that seems more and more filled with the sad choices folks make.
One way or another, even if it’s by heart, I’ll be there with you next year!
Love the “by-heart” ~ it’s a wonderful way to travel.
Happy Birthday, dear Beatrix. We will never forget you!
Love the books and have my kids loved them as well!
Ugh, not the Journal, I meant the book by Linda Lear. (I need to go to bed!!)