I recently was going through some things and came upon an old glove box that a dear friend of mine had purchased without me knowing when we were on an antique hunting trip before the shop had ever entered my mine!Its a trip I will always remember because we had small children and were in HER car that had almost zero gasoline and we were on a very long stretch of road with a bunch of HELLS ANGELS on their motor bikes!Needless, to say we made it to a gas station and all was fine.Back to my story here………..well inside this treasured glove box is dirt!Yes, DIRT!!!!!!!Dirt I carried home from ITALY almost twenty years ago!Dirt and a bit of straw……….from the hillside where we lived.The dirt came from an old farmhouse down the road a ways from our home near a large pond.This house was an example of my dream home!Completely dilapidated,in need of many repairs.I could see the finished product VERY easily.The only problem it wasNOT for sale nor would we have been able to afford it!So, I took dirt from the ground it sat on and brought it home with me!A Little piece of my dream…………………back to the glove box!Also, tucked in this glove box was some papers……………and I didn’t recall what this was until I sat down with my coffee the other day and read!This is a segment of MY LIFE living in ITALY which I adored that another dear dear friend had written!I had completely forgotten about this so you can imagine the memories it brought back to me!I hope you enjoy as much as I did!And to all you ladies still living that LIFE over there in ITALIA ,I send you a BIG KISS and a HUG and although I didn’t get a “GUESTROOM” in this house the BOYS room is completely empty now……………..so need I say more?Two beds and a bathroom with a shower for two awaits your arrival!You are all past due for a visit!!!!!!!!!!!!!Lets make plans.Shall we?My calendar is wide open……………….is that my telefonino ringing now?!!I await your call.Love to all of you…………………..xoxoxoELIZABETH
The Baroness says
You have created THE self-fulfilling prophecy!!! You dreamed of the life and you are living the life (or a lovely and divine version of the life) in Orindashire!!! What must have been a wonderful discovery has turned into a shared story to inspire us ALL. Grazie Mille Bella.
contessa says
You do have a way with words!You are a STAR in my LIFE.
Katharine says
wow… what a hoot to read that again. And how clever of me to have given it to you so it could surface again years later (not even sure I have that doc anymore !!!) I’m glad I was inspired at moments to record our lives to be able to look back at them. Thanks for the memories, lovely, and for the many years of friendship – and I’ll be coming to that guestroom as soon as my nest is empty – got 4 or 5 years left yet. Much love from the girl who went to Berkeley who you thought would never want to be your friend and who then proved you VERY wrong on that account…..
contessa says
VERY WRONG INDEEDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!What a treasure it was to discover after so many years………..guess I’m still that same person except now I search out the ITALIANS!
xoxo
staci says
So touhing. Although I have only known you for a short time, it is evident that you have brought love and friendship to many over the years. Your spirit is beautiful.
Thanks for sharing
contessa says
You do know that the adored friend who gave me the glove box is YOUR adored friend too in Pennsylvania?
foodiefan says
I have read this now three times! Not only is it an insight into life in Italy from an expats point of view but all the conversations that we girls have all around the world are the same! Elizabeth it was fascinating to read about your dream of the Casa Colonica as well as dealing in antiques and here you are today, albeit in a different country, but having still created the Tuscan casa complete with chickens, rabbits etc and with the Hen House down the road! I am so glad I have had the pleasure of sleeping in your very comfortable guest bedroom so can attest to all those ” Bella Blu ” girls that it is certainly worth your while to hop on a plane and to be treated to The Contessa’s wonderful hospitality.
And as a side note, the college boy would agree with your Italian in- laws that a drier ruins clothes!!
contessa says
Thank You……………..love your remarks!It made my day!
xoxo
Mary W. says
Now that was a classic piece of writing about a class act of gals who really know how to live, love and laugh! At the time we all thought that this should be the plays script to a movie (and I still think it should be). The best ending is that we are ALL still friends and STILL going to Bella Blu for our Happy Hour aperitivo more often than not. Thank you, Katherine, for writing the tale and thank you, Contessa cara, for sharing the memories yet again!
contessa says
YES< Its time KATHARINE to write that movie!I just know it would be a winner!!!JUST DO IT!
Nancy says
Well, well, well you certainly have my attention with the glorious Tiaras and velvet flowers Contessa! I can see the flowers on a pillow and the Tiaras on my statues! Did I even catch a glimpse of the darling little bird with a Tiara?? I shall be in to enjoy your treasure shop and Ill bring your choice from Starbucks and we can chat:)
Deal??? Miss you
Fancy Nancy
Penelope Bianchi says
Love the tiaras! “Festivity Crowns”!
You can mention me and/or name any day!
Do you live in Orinda? My favorite Godmother lived there for years in a divine adobe house on Vida Descansada! It is where I first “felt” radiant heating; which is my favorite thing!! We have it in the house we built ; and on the covered loggias!