Along the ridge and then by the wooded side of the road…Queen Anne’s Lace rules the byways of Vermont this time of year. She’s joined by Black Eyed Susans, echinacea, bee balm, clover (Vermont’s state flower), “ditch lilies” and chicory. Bees buzz amidst their color and birds sing out “it’s summertime, it’s summertime!”
Stopping along the road, pausing to notice…it’s such an easy reset. (Did you notice the cool shadows of the Queen Anne’s stems on the road?)
This past Sunday was Beatrix Potter’s birthday. A fave of mine since childhood, I was delighted when Batman and our four young kids sent me off to the Lake District with my BFF Franny for my 40th birthday. We went in the spring of 1996 and stayed at Highfield House Country Hotel and Restaurant in Hawkshead Hill, Ambleside, Cumbria. The hills were carpeted with daffodils and the bleating lambs woke us in the morning. We visited the Beatrix Potter Gallery and saw some of her gorgeous watercolors, on display under special lighting. We took a 6.5 mile hike accompanied by National Park guide Beverly Maggs.
We wandered many of the paths that Beatrix did, and ended up at her home Hill Top Farm.
This is a goofy picture of me, but I did feel like a delighted pilgrim, standing on the doorstep of Beatrix’s home.
Do you recognize the doorway of the stone house? Take a peek at Beatrix’s book, The Pie and the Pattypan. :-) It was such fun to stop along the tour as our guide pulled out tiny book after tiny book, opening it and showing us Beatrix’s illustration from our exact spot.
There are now so many books about Beatrix Potter, check your library, Goodreads or Better World Books for ideas. Beatrix is a fascinating woman, especially for her time in history. Her artwork as a naturalist goes well beyond her beloved children’s books. And her work with animal husbandry and land preservation are why parts of England are as beautiful as they are today.
If you are a fan of Beatrix too and have not yet watched Miss Potter, starring Renée Zellweger, Ewan McGregor and Lloyd Owen, do it ASAP. :-)
I returned from our trip restored and ready to step back into my busy life.
Anyhow…as the days of summer roll along, I hope you are able to make time to wander a bit…be it in the country or the city or somewhere in between. Walking, rolling in a wheelchair, riding a bike, driving in a car, riding the subway…when you have a chance to stop…just do it! Breathe, soak in whatever beauty you can find.
Restoration friends. It’s hard to stay afloat without it.
xo