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
Wow, lots of exciting news..
The journal looks gorgeous and I’ll be searching for the biography now. Your enthusiasm Susan always makes me interested in the subjects you post about. Thank you.
Had a brilliant day last week, my mugs arrived and then the postie delivered my 2018 calendars all on the same day. Happiness 🙂
Makes me so happy our British Girlfriends are getting their mugs! Wishing our American and Canadian Girlfriends get theirs soon!
Thank you for being our girlfriend and letting us escape our lives for a bit and virtually come along with you in England and other travels or be in your yard amongst the flowers and birds. Whatever you share sends us away if only for a moment to a beautiful and wonderful world where all is well. Thank you for blessing us, Susan.
🙂 Heather
I’m such a scrapbooking fan, and here I learn of the lovely journal book that is so clever and delightful! I shall have to revisit some of my own journal work to add the “potter pizazz” touch!
Thanks for another wonderful blog post Susan! I was just reading “A Fine Romance” (I’m savouring it because a trip to England is at the top of my bucket list) and I have just reached the part where you describe your visit to Hill Top Farm. What great timing! I have always loved Beatrix Potter and have her books plus the movie “Miss Potter”. I would be delighted to win the draw for her journal!! Fingers crossed! If I can’t be with you at the picnic next year, I will be there in spirit!
Thank you for a nice post Susan! Please write often…..your happy posts of beautiful things and places are the antidote to the flood of upsetting news we otherwise receive all month-long!
I love Beatrix Potter, and you’ve made me love her even more. Thanks for all of the gorgeous pics and info!
You really know how to brighten the day with delightful celebrations.
I have a collection of very old Beatrix Potter books and winning this would really top off my collection. Oh, it is truly drool-worthy!Linda from Idaho were it is 99 90(at 10PM) and suppose to be 104 this weekend–I’m melting and wish I were in England right now!
First off, Happy Birthday Beatrix! Yay! Like you Susan, Beatrix has been my muse for many years. I have never yet been able to get into Hilltop, it’s always been very full when we have gone, much to my disappointment, but I have been all around and to the museum, etc. I confess I purchased that book several years back much to my delight and I love, love it. I fell so in love with it that I sent a copy to my oldest daughter in Canada, who also loves anything Potter. It really is a treasure. Oh, dare I hope that I could make it to your get together next May at Castle Cottage? Oh . . . I know dreams can come true and I have my fingers crossed. Your tea mugs are DELIGHTFUL! I just adore my Bluebird one, which I was able to magically order from over here. It is my favourite thing of all time and I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I was when it arrived. It is even more beautiful in person. I love, Love, LOVE it! My husband has been warned he is not allowed to use it. He has a habit of breaking mugs, unintentionally of course! But I fear if he broke this one he just might break my heart, so he has been barred from even touching it! Oh I am so so selfish I know. Happy end of July to you Joe and Jack. xoxoxo
And another tidbit. Hill Top is closed that day. But maybe, just maybe, not to us. I know for sure we get to use their parking lot! I’ll have all those sorts of details later … and I totally understand, I have the sample Bluebird cup, and it’s like a little piece of jewelry! I think you are just being safe. I’m sure your husband has his own mug! 🤕
Glad you made the commitment to never stop writing! As always, when I see your name in my inbox, I’m excited. Such gorgeous pictures and your art work is so beautiful! I have all your books in my livingroom and plan to read them a second time in the Winter months.
As long as the brain and the fingers hold up!
Lovely post, lovely books and a picnic not million miles from where I live……………hmmmm??
Happy, happy!
Now, that’s a goal…..England 2018. I’ll be there if even only in your travel blog!
Wonderful blog today, and I would love to be picked for the books!
Long ago I read all the Beatrix Potter books to my children, & in 1977 I went to visit Hilltop. Tears came to my eyes as I literally walked through the little book illustrations I was so familiar with. It was a special treat in my life.
What a dream. Oh how I dream of joining you next year. 💜 loved hearing about the sweet and interactive journal.
40 years ago I traveled throughout England and Scotland and have not repeated that experience but the picnic sounds like a great reason to plan once again. We are in that chapter of life where our grandchildren are coming into the world and I must introduce them to all of Beatrix Potter’s stories!
Always I am inspired and reminded by you how the little things in life are so valuable. Thank you!
Happy Birthday to Beatrix!!! She was such a wonderful inspiration to the world. To help celebrate I’m thinking “Hill Top or Bust” T-shirts are in order. I am also adding “Holly Oak Project” to the back of mine!!💕💖
How I would love to go to England on a big ship and join your picnic on my husband’s birthday! That journal is just beautiful!
What a lovely post, Susan. It is full of hope, happiness, and love. I would love to win your dear books and would treasure them forever. Thanks for the opportunity.
Beautiful post. I love Beatrix Potter too!
Your posts are so lovely and make me yearn for a gentler world. I have been binge watching Hidden Villages with Penelope Keith and wanting to move to Britain! The journal is beautiful and would love to win it! I think I may need to start a collection of books for future grandchildren that I will enjoy as much as they do. Enjoy what is left of your summer!
Oh yes, please enter me in the drawing, what a delightful book.
Oh Susan, what a nice giveaway. You are so thoughtful. I hope I win. The weather is beautiful here in NW Indiana. Hope you enjoy your weekend, although I saw on the news rain and wind coming your way. Just gives you permission to cozy up inside!
Another fabulous post! Love Beatrix Potter so much and feel so blessed you are kind to share all that you also love about Beatrix..she will not be forgotten..xo
Oh, how I wish I could picnic with you, but your virtual tour will suffice! (That is a lovely gift in itself.) My daughter, Claire, turned eight years old on July 28, and, being a Beatrix Potter fan, herself, has always delighted in sharing Potter’s birthday. I know she will enjoy your tour next year too.
Happy Birthday dear Claire! xoxo
Thank-you! She’ll be thrilled when she sees you said “happy birthday”!
What a lovely post! I must admit, I never knew much about Beatrice Potter until I started reading your blog. Now I own and watch “Miss Potter” often – a beautifully made movie. (I LOVE the John Shedd quote in your blog.)
Pick meeee!!!!! I’m hooked 💞💗💟💕
NOT Grand Pam as it says. ..Debra Sewell. Loved this post. This sight will not allow me to remove that person’s name and email address. Weird cause I get the newsletter in MY address. Anyway..lived loved this newsletter. I requested the Beatrix Potter Journal from my library. You have shown us dreams can come true. You have gone, seen, walked where these great writers have . All us hang on pins and needles waiting for each months newsletter! Enjoy summer on your magical island. [email protected]. debra
I tried changing it myself on this end … all I did is delete Grand Pam and the email address that was there, and put yours in. I don’t know if it will hold, but I thought I’d try! Do you get an email for my blog, or do you come here, directly to http://www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/? Try going directly to the blog site if this doesn’t hold. Thank you Debra!
How fun! Love Beatrix Potter and Susan Branch!
i am now a Beatrix Potter fan through all the information and pictures through your blog previously Thank you Susan!
I love the photos – I talk often to my husband about walking through England. (I have a page open on my phone about the Peak District.) I will definitely share this post with him!
Also, I cannot say how much my mom would love to win! She loves Beatrix Potter and cherishes her figurines.
Fingers Crossed! (For England and the Books!)
Lovely
Not only would I love to win these books but would love, love to go to your Beatrix party. If that doesn’t happen, I know seeing your postings will make me feel as though I was there. You make my day with your lovely pictures, postings and words of inspiration!!! Wish you were my neighbor!
Hugs and blessings!
OH Susan…this is brilliant. I have dreams of coming along! If it not possible, I will be with you in kindred spirit and will look forward to all the photos and beautiful words about your journey!!!! LOVE!
What a wonderful treat to see this Beatrix Potter book – I’ve never seen it before! I have been the Beatrix Potter Society for three or four years now and hope to someday see Hill Top in person.
I love Beatrix Potter and you – Susan Branch!
I love books! Your books in particular!!
I have that charming ” journel” book, I purchased from B&N years ago. I just love it, as I do all things Beatrix!
Dear Susan,
What a delightful blog! I hope that you had a very Happy Beatrix Potter’s Birthday yesterday! I have her adorable little charactures peppered throughout our home and they bring me joy just looking at them! I am glad that none of them burst with happiness in hearing the news of your picnic in 2018….they just have a way of finding these things out! I can imagine a picture of your upcoming picnic! It would be You, Joe and many girlfriends sitting on their picnic blankets enjoying the finest tea sandwiches, fruit , scones and other pasteries. And like the forest scene from the animated Disney movie Sleeping Beauty where Princess Aurora was surrounded by birds and forest animals,….all of Beatrix Potters Charactures would be surrounding you all and mingling! Wouldn’t that be delightful?!! In Spirit I believe that she WILL be there with all of you as well as all of her precious little animal charactures! ❤️ Enjoy the rest of your summer Susan, and happy planning and creating!!!
my grandchildren and I celebrated Beatriz’s birthday with a tea party and a viewing of the movie Miss Potter. Now I gave four little fans of Beatrix. They would’ve to read her journal.
Greetings from Nova Scotia Susan,
Enjoyed your blog as always. I get an instant lift
to my day. Happy to see you and Joe will be off to
England again. Hope to get there after retirement.
As you say- first you dream and then get to work on
little steps to make your dream happen.
What lovely news! I have a feeling that like Beatrix Potter, you also have the “seeing eye.” You notice all the details and share them so beautifully that we can see them, too. Thank you for sharing Susan!
I think I do too. I lay in bed, and walk up the path to Hill Top, among the flowers, all the time!
Susan, I just returned from a month long trip to England and Ireland. I traveled with 5 other family members (3 generations – age 20 to 73) and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although the younger ones weren’t too sure about it, we stopped at Hill Top Farm and were lucky enough to walk right in with no crowds. It was just as wonderful as you described and thoroughly enjoyed by all of us. I probably would never have known about this charming place if not for your blog and books. I took A Fine Romance along for even more inspiration. Thank you for your lovely blog (yes, I say “lovely” a lot since returning from England) and being a kindred spirit. I would love to have the Beatrix Potter Journal, but even if I don’t win, I feel so lucky to have visited that beautiful part of the world!
I think it’s lovely how often they say lovely. What a wonderful trip Kim, memories for a lifetime!
Beatrix Potter, a woman for the ages! Love the story of her life and all her wonderful characters, especially Peter Rabbit!
Charming!
Lovely post! And ohhh what a wonderful give away! How I would LOVE that journal, especially as I just happen to currently be reading Beatrix Potter – A Life in Nature by Linda Lear 🙂 Fascinating woman! Thanks for your lovely photos! 🙂
Oh my….I adore Beatrix Potter, and have never seen that book – must remedy that. And YOUR book too!? I’ve actually purchased a couple of copies, loaned them out, and am now in need of a new one (note to self – people keep this book, hehe!)
Your Beatrix picnic sounds just perfect, and I’m already envious of those who can attend. 🙂
Thank you for the generous giveaway!
♥ Carolee
OH…..OH loved this post. Your May picnic is something that might happen for us. Several years ago, we toured London and were going to take the train outside of the city. I then fell and sprained my ankle, so did not go. We are thinking of going next spring and would love to meet you for the picnic. Will definitely use your “Fine Romance” to plan our trip. Hope to see you there!!
Would be great Sharon!
This book is adorable and I would love it! Thanks!
I want to win
Love all things Beatrix Potter and your post to commemorate her birthday!
Your words are always a delight and your imagination is equal to that wonderful Beatrix Potter scrap book. So wish I could be with you next May but I will, instead, wait for the pictures so that I can imagine myself there with you all.
Thanks for ALL your blogs . . . Love ’em.
I close my eyes and can still see that beautiful countryside. A trip to England in May 2018 sounds delightfully!! Maybe, just maybe. Need to start saving my pennies, nickles, dimes, and quarter, and a bunch of dollars, too!! Really sounds grand.
Your blog is special and especially this one. Thank you for sharing your love of Beatrix Potter.
having spent the month of may this year on a narrow boat in the english canals i can truly understand your love of the english countryside… and…yes… i actually found an adorable beatriz potter small plate in a charity shop… the other pieces i bought in a shop but equally treasured… will be with you in spirit…..❤️😘❤️
Where did your narrow boat go?
I had forgotten that I have a copy of the journal but went right to the book shelf and took it out to puruse again this afternoon while enjoying this gorgeous day on my porch. Thanks for jogging my memory. I would love a copy of your book. It’s the only one I don’t have.
Just love your newsletters, books, calendars. I have Amazon video/ Acorn TV on my Roku and have been watching Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages. Have you seen any of the series? I think of you when looking at the villages and landscapes.
We watched another one last night. I really like her. She should come to our picnic!
Susan, your posts are always like a breathe of fresh air. When I feel like the world is getting to be crazier than usual, I know I can go to your blog and feel refreshed about the world and see positiveness (if that’s such a word) and see beauty. Thank you. Love the little Beatrix Potter Book. I’ve always loved BP, I actually did my daughters baby room in Beatrix Potter designs. It was a sweet little nursey. This was many many moons ago. Keep up the loveliness!
What a wonderful little book to have. How special. Will be at your picnic in spirit!
Your posts always make me smile and take me into another world!
Please pick my name!
I love your adventures! Seeing this reminds me of reading Peter Rabbit to all 3 of my daughters well before they became mommies themselves! I would love to win a book to share with my grandchildren!
Calendar is marked and now I’m hoping, hoping, hoping that I am your lucky winner! I remember your posts on this and of course, A Fine Romance and since I, too, adore the remarkable Ms. Potter (or would it be Miss Potter, back then?!), my winning wishes have never been greater.
I think I need to find those books, along with the new one of her illustrations. I glanced at it in the bookstore (glance, meaning taking it to one of their cozy chairs and pouring over every page) and was so thrilled to see so many different pieces of art, far beyond the books. Oh sigh, now I’m in BP mode!
When I was in England, I was painting in a little stone cottage (belonging to a friend) next to a river which I could hear rushing by, and it was raining, and there was a popping fire, and I have to tell you, I’ve NEVER been more in “BP mode” than I was at that moment!
💖💖💖
I love Beatrix Potter
Dear Susan, While visiting my son in NC we went to an Antique Store and I bought 3 of BP’s books. Just had too! Pam
Dearest Susan,
My diary is noted for 11th May, 2018!!!!!!!! Really hope to make it to your piquenique!!!
What a beautiful blog post again, Susan, really warms the heart and beautiful pictures from last year’s piquenique!! Loved Stourhead and will look forward to revisiting
Beatrix Potter’s home next year! I just love the books….how exciting to find a copy of Peter and the other buns, hidden in the back! Just fabulous!
Hope whoever wins enjoys them so much! There is a smidge of room on my bookshelf!
Love and hugs from an overcast UK 🇬🇧
Karen
Cambridgeshire
xoxoxoxo
I like your “piquenique!” So romantica! See you next year, Karen!
Happy birthday Beatrix Potter!! I too have loved her books for many years and wrote a paper on her work for a children’s literature class when I was getting my teaching degree. A joyful assignment for sure. Please enter me into the drawing and I will go about with a happy heart and fingers crossed. Thanks again for a delightful post! Good luck to everyone out there from a girlfriend who wishes we could all win 🙂
I have never been disappointed with any books from you Susan. I would LOVE this charming Beatrix Potter book. My fingers are crossed with anticipation!
Just watched B Potter (R Zellweger)movie for 3rd time! What an inspiration the author was and is! Enjoyed the blog about your visit to her home.
Beatrice Potter was a forever gift.
Happy Birthday Beatrix! What a wonderful post….makes me smile. So very excited for you and your picnic in May…I would love to jump in your suitcase and come too!
I have a bookshelf devoted to Beatrix displaying figurines and books. Have room for more. Love it all.
Loved your post! Can’t wait till next year! Thank you again Susan!
You are just as much my hero as BP, dear Susan
😘 Music … xoxo
Your posts always bring a bit of sunshine and joy to my day. I will most likely never have the journeys and travels that you do, but I am so glad you DO, because I can live vicariously through them. You always take such lovely, thought-out pictures to post also.
Thank you so much for bringing some sunshine into this all-too often dark and dreary world.
I have bought the most beautiful red beets and golden beets from our farmers market this morning. I have them gently simmering on the stove so that tonight I can slice them on top of our salad – fresh greens from the farmers market as well. hey said the beet tops are lovely in a salad so I’ll try that too. anyway, as the beets simmer I have a few minutes to read your latest blog post. giveaway? yes, count me in! thanks Sweet Sue, for doing giveaways! 🙂 xoxoxo
Thank you Susan. Your posts always feel like such a blessing! You’re the best GF a girl could have.
Thank you back Beverly, love having you here!
Dear Susan, since I first met you by cards , I have now purchased 16 magical statues by Potter! I love them and they sit beside me in my dining room. Other than ‘peter’, I am endeared by ‘Jemima Puddleduck’s
name. Thank you for the introduction. Whenever I meet someone who ooo’s and ah’sssss as much as I do, then I know I have met a soul mate.
That’s a pretty good clue, Carolyn! xoxo
I love your books! Have a wonderful time in England next year. I look forward to your postings.
Oh, I want to go go go! This sounds wonderful! You are going to have so much fun and I’m glad you will take lots of photos for us to enjoy, so we can be like a little Peter Rabbit riding on your shoulder, hopping up and down with joy to see such sights! Sigh.
Oh my stars!!!!! What a treasure!!!! Wish I may, wish I might…..my I win this book on sight (of the swift hands of your sweet fairy…..which totally does not complete the rhyme. Love to love the things you love Susan!!!
If I don’t win, I’m buying one of these! It reminds me of your books.
Dear Susan,
I’m thrilled with your blog! 2018 Beatrix
Potter’s House (lost for words) I can’t wait to see it.
What a lovely party to look forward to! Hope to be there!
You make me want to do everything you do with your romantic descriptions of the places you go!
Oh, me, me, me, me! Well, maybe not, but thank you for all the lovely posts just the same. I will be with you in spirit next May.
This diary was the first of many books I have collected over the years about our dear Beatrix Potter. You have brought her to life Susan, with your enthusiasm and love of everything “BP”. I lived my dream as a member of Helen Bertram’s Beatrix Potter Tour this past June. Betsy Bray assisted her and was our “BP” expert extraordinare. Your beautiful pictures in this Blog are a joyful reminder of our day at Castle Cottage with Mandy and our visit to Hilltop. Blessings to you.
I heard all about it from Betsy and Mandy! I loved every detail. Betsy thought she was with the sweetest people in the world. She can’t wait to do it again! So glad you got to go along on that wonderful adventure!
I always keep a journal when I go on vacation somewhere i’veneer been. I try to include ticket stubs, maps, menues, pressed flowers, etc. But it will never be as charming as Beatrix. I would be the happiest person to win that precious book.
So precious!
Wonderful post! I loved England when I visited in 1976. Someone suggested that my passport will from then will be a collector’s item.
I simply LOVE your photo’s! Such beauty. This book on Beatrix looks like a lovely keepsake. How does one have such an idea for a book?
Thank you Susan for your lovely blog! Always uplifting and beautiful. 🙂
Looking at the pictures of the English countryside makes me feel all is right in the world, even if we have to pretend sometimes:) Love Beatrix Potter and also you Susan Branch!
Happy Birthday Beatrix!!!
I love reading all your posts; always so positive and fun. Will have to seriously consider the trip next May. But, if I can’t make it, I’ll look forward to your posts.
Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for this talented woman with us!
Ooooh I love books like this! And that walking book has been on my amazon list for some time!
It’s not only handy, it’s charming, has art in it and everything.
Hi Susan,
Yet again another wonderful post. Here’s a delightful coincidence, my darling daughter shares a birthday with Beatrix. Isn’t that fantastic? Also, I recently adopted a rescue kitty with only one eye. He needed me because his humans could not afford his eye surgery so they returned him and I needed him to help repair the break in my heart from the loss of my 18 year old cat who went over the rainbow bridge this past Christmas. But here’s the funny thing, he fetches rubber hair bands! He came to me with this skill so I can take no credit. It makes me smile so much and it reminded me of your Jack.
I have one question, how is it that Mandy Marshall is so fortunate to live at Castle Cottage. I thought it was part of the National Trust? Anyhow, what a fantastic place for her to live!
Cheers,
Terri Major
P.S. Love my new blotter calendar. Also, ordered the recipe keeper for my daughter for Christmas. I am going to write in all the recipes she keeps calling me for!!! LOL
I’m so happy for you, Terri! A new kitty and you are a lifesaver to boot! Jack had the skill too, he taught me how to make him happy! National Trust wanted someone to live in the house, and believe it or not, she answered an ad, and was then chosen. I realize now I make a huge mistake by not taking the local Lake District Newspaper!!! You just never know where life is going to lead you. I think she’s surprised too! Love yow you’re planning your Christmas already … me too!
I loved when many years ago we taught from Beatriz Potter books in second grade. Miss those times! Thank you for the wonderful Blog post!