I escaped this past month to the SOUTHERN part of my state………..
I had a WONDERFUL time……….
I stayed with Penelope Bianchi decorator extordinaire and her gorgeous husband ADAM.
I met Brooke from Velvet & Linen and got to meet her miniature donkeys!
I made it to ROSE STORY FARM in Carpinteria……….
I made it back to Lotusland for the LOTUS FESTIVAL………and ended up being in the towns newspaper!
I spied a beautiful woman at dinner who I found out was on the same cruise ship as MY HOSTESS in the 1960’s and won the beauty contest.Also, found out she left Russia with jewels sewn into her clothing ………….seems she produced a movie recently too.
Lets just say I had a VERY good time…………
.
This would be the CARDIGAN CORGI PUPPET that I sent to Penelope for her dogs to carry around!This little guy was modeled after my very own SIR WINSTON!I was so happy to see it being used!
Penelope and Brooke.Brooke has a blog I have been reading for years called VELVET & LINEN.She and her husband own a shop in Los Angeles and build and decorate beautiful homes.They also published a book called PATINA STYLE.I would imagine a few of my readers may have that book!!
Can you see the little HUMMING bird getting a sip of water!!!
The GORGEOUS miniature DONKEYS.I of course want one!
Here I am……….trying to figure out how I could have one in my rose filled,steep backyard…………….the neighbors would LOVE me more then they already DO!!!
LA CASA for the DONKS as BROOKE calls them…………….
ROSE STORY FARM which I have read about for years……………Note that lantern turned upside down!
Here we are at LOTUSLAND………….I adore this place and if YOU have not been YOU really need to go! NINETTA have YOU been here?
The gardens are SPECTACULAR……………if your a SUCCULENT LOVER well lets just say YOU would be in HEAVEN!
See the SPANISH MOSS hanging from the trees?I thought that only happened in the SOUTH!Perhaps, I could fake it by staging that in my OAK TREES!Which was suggested to me by that Decorator Extordinaire!I think I will try it!
Penelope and a WORKER BEE for the estate…………
An ORCHIO……….one of my passions that I acquired while living in FLORENCE!They are in all the ITALIAN GARDENS……..
Beautiful paths done with stones………..
A LOTUS FLOWER………..
Bending to say THANK YOU for coming!
The LOTUS POD………………Kinda looks like ET.
The BIANCHI’s and me………waiting for that SUPER MOON to make its debut!Which it did!Where Madame P and I stood up top taking snaps with our phones only to be told how to do it by a woman who announced her husband was the Director of Photography of 24 movies!Lets just say that Designer Extordinaire, taught the wife of the DIRECTOR of PHOTOGRAPHY how to access her camera on her I -PHONE faster then she knew how to do it!!!!
I can NOT THANK YOU two enough………….I adored our time together.Your home your animals…….my cottage all MAGICAL!
XOXOXO
La Pouyette - Karin says
GREAT POST!
Beautiful and charming images, reflecting that you had a wonderful time!
***k
contessa says
THANK YOU!
YES, I DID!!!
Doré @ BurlapLuxe says
Oh Elizabeth, you m’y dear never cease to amaze me!
To be in the company of both Brooke and Penelope and the chance to visit both with such a full day is most certainly a day of all days. Such interesting ladies, and as for your photo shoot with the donkeys they couldn’t be any more prettier!
I so wish I had a couple of donkeys as well, I do have the well known print…The Race, that depicts two donkeys in a race with their riders on their backs I have had this print passed on to me in the 70’s and for some reason have held onto it all this time. It must be its French connection to its start where donkeys were bread in France which start the beginning of the work they’re were able the task. It’s funny to think of an animal that seems so Prairie bread really started out in France. And yes I could see a donkey or two in your beautifully overgrown landscaped hill side cottage with them baffling your neighbors right before they call animal control on you?….Hurry hide the donkey’s boys!!
Well Lady Elizabeth, I must go back to my work in finishing up my small cottage cabinets painting the last of a couple of cabinet doors, and then dream of living in all the little visiting places you shared. I will visit soon beautiful.
Xx
Bisous
Doré
Oh! PS. Yes I havé Brookes book Patina style, its a wonderful book of all things inspiring, and I so think she needs a new one featuring her new home.
contessa says
I loved this line……..”HURRY hide the donkey’s boys!!”Yes,you have no idea how spot on you are about calling animal control!I doubt they would look in my bedroom…….what do you think?!!
Brooke’s new home is B E A U T I F U L.
Anita Rivera says
I see I am in good company here with chère Doré! I WANT A DONKEY TOO, if I can’t have a horse. Well, my neighbor who already does not like us would really call the police on us!!!!!
My goodness, you know magic when you see it. Dear Elizabeth, I promise to follow you always and I pray you never stop blogging. You have the energy, the sass, the wit and VISION for beauty and fun that I love. This was quite the feast for my reading pleasure, quite the feast for my eyes. I adore you!
Of course I have Patina Style! My home is gradually getting that look and I love it – it’s simple but classic and little corners of whimsy.
OK, now off to finish my gardening. HANG THAT SPANISH MOSS! XOXOXO Anita
contessa says
Yes, us GALS of a certain epoch would want a donkey………it mixes well with the silver and chandeliers don’t you think?Of course, we could make a garden hat for him and change it up for the seasons!
Another thing we have in common…………those lovely neighbors!!!!!
Thank YOU for all your lovely ADJECTIVES??!!!
XOXO
Karena says
All of you great ladies together, what an adventure! Patina Farm, Lotusland, Rose Story Farm…..memories like this are once in a lifetime. Really great photos Elizabeth!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
contessa says
THANK YOU KARENA…………it was all lovely!
cindy hattersley says
Oh you went to so many of my favorite places! Penelope’s home is so lovely…and boy would I love to see Patina Farm!!
contessa says
A FEAST for the EYES and the soul…….that PATINA FARM!
Marsha @ Splenderosa says
Well, I thought I led a charmed life! But, NO, it is you and both of those other women, both of whom I follow & admire so very much. Yep, this was a wonderful ladies’ weekend for certain. The donkeys would have been hard to leave, I know. Penelope has her own beautiful style, with a charming comfort that is extremely difficult to achieve. What a wonderful time you guys had and I am so happy you took lots of pics for us to see. Love the close-up’s, Elizabeth!! And, you look beautiful and so happy. xx’s
contessa says
You are always so kind and lovely!I do live a “CHARMED LIFE!”I’m one LUCKY LUCKY girl…………..and yes I was VERY HAPPY to visit PENELOPE and to meet BROOKE and her adorable four legged DONKS!!
Jennifer says
Outstanding trip!!! I can just imagine your neighbors being thrilled with a donkey in your rose filled yard!!! You always have such amazing adventures. I haven’t been to Lotus Land but see that I need to make it a priority. Hanging your Spanish Moss yet?
xo~J
contessa says
NOT YET………….first I need a monkey to do the climbing and MY MONKEY is too busy at the moment!It is such a beautiful effect…….actually I saw some up in CALISTOGA awhile back so maybe I can get it to grow here!That would fit my vision of curtains to hide Moraga Way and the big chandelier hanging from the Oak tree to light up my yard!It would be a TA~DA moment!!!
Paul Clancy says
How adorable are those Donks, love em!
I have always wanted to visit Lotusland. On our last trip to CA we couldn’t get the timing right and sadly drove on. Its on the list though.
contessa says
You let me know when you are coming back to California……………as I would LOVE to have you and company for dinner!
Loree says
Oh those donkeys. I think I want one too. It looks like you had a mega-wonderful time.
contessa says
Loree, I did and it was good for me to escape too………..gives me new energy and tons of ideas!
XX
jody Brettkelly says
Oh i am loving these photos!!! You and your bloggy friends look so fabulous – you have found your veritable tribe down here Elizabeth!!! I have been to Lotusland about five times and am so sad I didn’t visit this time, should have made my pilgrimage, it fills your soul doesn’t it? I miss that ivy and the cacti and the pool that she swum in naked – what a colorful woman she was!!!
contessa says
YES!I am fascinated by HER………GHANNA.Opera singer too!
Vignette On Ruby Lane says
Lotus Land plus little donks , plus gorgeous yellow pots and hanging moss , …….add La Contessa and voila, a magical trip to Southern Cal ! ……
contessa says
YES!YOU GUESSED RIGHT!!!
Sunday Taylor says
What a great time you had! I love Lotusland and have been there several times. They have a very special Gala each summer which you would enjoy. Thanks for all the great photos!
contessa says
YES, I was there for the GALA…….the LOTUS FESTIVAL is that the one?Actually, any SOIREE there would be my cup of tea!
Jeanne @ Collage of Life says
Fabulous post Elizabeth!! I love how this blogging world goes round and round, so many special people, like you. 🙂 Great photos, you all look wonderfully stylish, just as I imagined. I am intrigued by it all, and loved seeing lotus flowers again, something I miss from my garden at Chateau Mango. I hope your plans to France are coming together…so excited for you! All the best La Contessa…xx
contessa says
Thanks for popping by Jeanne!
Of COURSE, YOU would have LOTUS FLOWERS at that CHATEAU MANGO!!!!!!
I would imagine it will be hard to leave………but what your building here in the STATES is magical too!
XX
Brooke Giannetti says
It was a pleasure to finally meet you in person! My mini donks and I were thrilled that you were able to come for a visit.
Isn’t Penny and Adam’s home magical? Penny is such an inspiration… her positive outlook on life, her generosity, and her amazing creativity!
I am not surprised that you are friends…
Thank you again for stopping by.
Hope to see you soon!
xo
Brooke
contessa says
THANK YOU for allowing us to pop over………….and how exciting to be featured in VERANDA!I do believe that is one of my favorite magazines.
I agree with YOU about Penelope’s and Adam’s house.JUST MAGICAL………and I love how we made the connection over an Italian cup that she wrote a POST on and knew my AUNT who lived just down the street. ALL of this from a BLOG!!
IT’s a small small world as that DISNEY man taught us.
EXTRA CARROTS for the DONKS TODAY!!
XX
Heather Lindstrom says
What a fabulous visit you had! I loved every gorgeous, glamorous and ‘donkified’ photograph! Sounds like an unforgettable getaway.
xx
Catherine says
Your trip sounds wonderful…and the donkeys…I would have wished to take them home with me 😉
Great photographs you all look so happy.
By the way,yes, I ship to the States 😉
Enjoy your week. xx
Catherine says
Me again…I didn’t answer your question a shipped and tracked parcel to the States costs $25…
hope this helps…thank you for your interest 😉
http://www.catherinerobinsoncashmere.com
Agent 43 says
Beautiful
Tone on Tone Loi Thai says
I can just imagine an afternoon with three of the most talented, classy ladies! And to visit Patina Farm – what a treat! And very inspiring. Thanks for sharing this trip, Elizabeth. Cheers, L
kim says
LOVED this! How did I miss this post? You know the coolest people! I do follow Brooke and I think Penelope too on Instagram..Or maybe Pinterest? The little donks are the cutest. Lotus Land is on my list too…Love to just get down that way so many things to do and see. Beautiful cottage too! xo Kim
Penelope Bianchi says
How on earth did I miss this???
Even about ME!!! Good grief!!
Email!!! Drowning in it!! Glub…glub!!!