That is the subject we were all given by MARSHA at SPLENDEROSA.COM for this months BY INVITATION ONLY series………..To describe one of the best days of your LIFE so far!An actual day……….
I did not have to think too LONG;as I would NEED photos to document the TALE.
I had thought about doing a POST on these girls recently, had not gotten to it.
So, with a little explanation I shall explain the scene…………..
My dear friend was sick………CANCER.
She was given an opportunity to come back to the STATES from SOUTH AFRICA with her two girls.
I jumped at the chance to see HER and make it MEMORABLE.
I grabbed a few items from the HEN HOUSE shop I ran and loaded up my TRUCK with essentials……….
Tulips,pink champagne,candelabras, frames and vintage gowns.
We drove NORTH to COW country and the Famous WENDY ADDISON’s SHOP.Tucked away in the hills of PORT COSTA.
We also were celebrating a BIRTHDAY………..A DUCHESS as I call HER.
The DAY couldn’t have been more DELIGHTFUL.
You see we had a picnic.Before all this we were TREATED to a SHOW at THEATRE OF DREAMS.
A VERY MAGICAL show.
Then we were escorted through the old WAREHOUSE to the TOP FLOOR where there was an apartment for RENT.
We were ALL ready to MOVE in!
Even with branches growing through the windows and cracks in the walls and a VERY GOOD CARPET hanging up to keep the drafts at BAY.
I should STOP chatting and let you take a PEEK…………..
Remember I had to write about ONE OF THE BEST DAYS of my 54 years of LIVING.
I have HAD a FEW of these DAYS in MY LIFE………BUT this is something I could SHARE.
I have these PHOTOS…………THESE PHOTOS of a VERY SPECIAL DAY.
I was lucky enough to see my GIRLFRIEND one more time after this TRIP.
Then SHE was CALLED to HEAVEN to HELP with GRACE and DECORUM of the ANGELS that BE.
You see SHE was a PRIMA BALLERINA ABSOLUTE and A MOST DEVOTED MOTHER.
I found HER to BE ABSOLUTELY DIVINE!
I also FIRST spied HER in an ANTIQUE STORE.
I then stalked HER to become MY FRIEND with ENGLISH MAGAZINES.
ENOUGH………..of MY story.
ENJOY!
MARCH 20th,
TWO THOUSAND EIGHT
PORT COSTA,CALIFORNIA
The DUCHESS on the left (BIRTHDAY GIRL) and CATHERINE on the right.
Carrying the PROPS from the truck to the picnic in the VINCA ground cover…………
Pink Champagne & Pink Lemonade…………for the PINK birthday GAL!
The HAT belonged to CATHERINES GRANDMAMA………I had been the keeper for a few years as they moved back to SOUTH AFRICA and couldn’t possibly take all…………so out of the TRUCK came the HAT which now resides with one of HER girls.
The youngest EMMA……………….behind her the branches growing through the old dilapidated apartment we all wanted to LIVE IN!
The silk carpet that kept the draft out………..hanging on a wall!
VICTORIA, EMMA and CATHERINE their MOTHER my DEAR DEAR FRIEND.
VICTORIA………….and yes those black specks behind HER are COWS.
The GIRLS looking for COWS……..
The GIRLS with their MOTHER and their GREAT GRANDMOTHER’S HAT!I do believe it was a DIOR.
EMMA MY GODCHILD NOW.
EMMA……………the skirt was too BIG so her MAMA rolled it up and made it a gown………..BRILLIANT!
VICTORIA……….another GOD CHILD who is almost finished with college now!!!
Catherine before children……………PRIMA BALLERINA ABSOLUTE.
MY VOQUE COVER GIRLS…………..
MY GODCHILDREN…………….thank GOODNESS for FACEBOOK I can keep up with them in SOUTH AFRICA.
Her hair was gone by this time and she was wearing a wig.Which she chopped up…..I thought it was a SMASH!
Those BLUE eyes are the REAL DEAL!The day was a surprise for THE DUCHESS.I think they BOTH had a WONDERFUL DAY.
Catherine passed on JUNE 17th, 2009 she would have been 49 on AUGUST 31st…………….I never did get to go visit HER in her MAGICAL ABODE in PLETTENBERG BAY.I did go for the CELEBRATION of LIFE to be there to send her off……………During which time during the SERVICE I learned I was named a GODMOTHER of these TWO GORGEOUS GIRLS……………..
So, now you know about the Jumping woman on the HEADER of my VINTAGE HEN HOUSE site!
They are living LIFE to the fullest and from what I gather have a GREAT deal of their Mother in them.I am so lucky to have them in MY LIFE.Here is Emma earlier this year…………..
I apologize for the quality of these photos as I snapped a photo of a photo so its not too clear on some but I did think you would ALL enjoy the BEAUTY of the DAY.I DREAMED this up and was VERY proud of how it all turned out.IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE and BEST DAYS of MY LIFE!I hope you all enjoyed MY GIRLS!
Please visit the other sites as I’m certain there are some WONDERFUL stories to enjoy there too.
Go to WWW.SPLENDEROSA.COM
Scroll to the bottom to see other BLOGGERS who have joined in with this months theme!But first READ MARSHA”S POST!!!Perhaps, do a bit of shopping there too…….as a little BIRDIE told me she is having a BIG SALE!50% off handbags………then there’s the JEWELRY.You will find that on the RIGHT SIDEBAR!HAPPY SHOPPING!Can you believe it’s UPON US ALREADY!This has been the fastest YEAR of MY LIFE!
Heather in Arles says
This is absolutely exceptional. You have outdid yourself my friend in this incredible tribute to such a beautiful friend and her girls. I am very moved! It really does look like the Best day. 🙂
xo
H
contessa says
THANKs HEATHER…………is was really really SPECIAL.XO
pamela says
What an absolutely beautiful story.
Love.
contessa says
So, happy you dropped by PAMELA………THANK ~YOU!
suzanna says
Bonjour Contessa, fun indeed, oh how I love hats, this Dior hat is divine and pink, I love pink, the histroy of the hat too, and those masks are over the top fun, I did notice Emma’s tulle skirt and loved it pulled up for a dress, Love Tulle, why not, what a day indeed! So joyous to be outside together in dress up. My mom always gave me what we called: “dress up” parties starting when I was very small but old enough to know what was going on, opera length gloves, high-heels, real champagne glasses with berries and ginger ale in them, pretty petit pedifores, make-up, jewelry, music for my friends, tablecloths, we surely did believe we were in a fashion shoot, and starting this when I was around 10 years old. Later we moved to other ideas as halloween since I am a October baby. Such fun, thank you for these as I got huge tears in my eyes of all the love shared. XO just LOVE your picture, you look beautiful and so does Emma.
contessa says
LOVE YOUR enthusiasm SUZANNA.Sounds like your MAMA and I would be great pals!XO
Rae Ecklund says
MAGICAL
Thank you for sharing your fantastic adventures. You take us to places we have never
been and will possibly never go. We love you for making such
magic happen. Miss you.
contessa says
Now, I know YOU have been to POST COSTA cause YOU took me there for that wonderful dinner!!We are way over due for a get together……INDEED!XO
Jeanne McKay Hartmann says
Oh my goodness. Such beauty. The gowns, the hats, the props, the faces. But the most beautiful are the hearts which these photos hint at and the love that is so obviously present. I’m so glad you got to celebrate in this extraordinary way with your friend. And that you shared it with us! XOXO
contessa says
IT was a TREASURE JEANNE the whole day………..and YOU can see that.THANK YOU!XO
Jacqueline says
I have no words apart from no-one will top your BIO ‘ best day of your life’. Thank you so much for sharing such a special time with us. XXXX
contessa says
THEY were ALL TOP QUALITY!!I enjoyed yours VERY much!THANKS for the visit!XX
Tamera Beardsley says
Oh my dear … I knew this was going to be a wonderful story by your introduction … so I went and got a fresh cup of coffee … so I could settle in … and truly take in this wonderful day!
Such magic you bring to life my friend! I will be coming back to this post again and again … not only for the visual beauty … but the loving sentiment behind the day … what a true gift for all those there! Such a beautiful memory and soulful celebration of life!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful and heartwarming story. Knowing you becomes richer … with every new layer I learn about you.
You are magic.
Much Love to you.
Tamera
contessa says
You are one of the few that I knew would understand this………………I adore to step outside the box………..and make MEMORIES………I hope I succeeded!
XO
Sunday Taylor says
How inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful memory. So glad you got to celebrate with your friend in such a beautiful and magical way. It’s easy to see how this would be one of the best days of your life!
contessa says
To think it all started with those ENGLISH MAGAZINES too!!!YOUR COUNTRY………..XX
D. A. Wolf says
This is so poignant! How fortunate you were – and are – to all have such rich memories, and each other.
Beautiful.
xo
contessa says
THANKS…………it was a very memorable day for all of us.XX
Karena says
Dear Elizabeth this is such a moving account of a time that was so special for you and a memory to hold dear forever. You meant the world to her that she would name you Godmother to her daughters!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Anita@letshavelunch says
Oh Elizabeth,
What a wonderful story and what wonderful photos.
I’m sure you’re THE BEST Godmother a child could have.
xx Anita
Peggy Braswell says
what an absolute wonderful tale + the photos were amazing + what a blessing you are + blessing from your friend. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
sarah says
That is a beautiful day Elizabeth and those photos are stunning…….not dissimilar to a Carla Coulson shoot. Gorgeous women, how lucky you are to still have Catherines daughters in your life.
Sarah xx
contessa says
Via Email:
I love your story. What a beautiful giving friend you are.
A smashing lovely and loving tale your God Daughters can relive over and over.
Your imagination was replete with so much love and kindness.
I know this day isn’t forgotten because it was so special. I hope I never forget the kindness you jumped with joy to share. Some would have stood back and wept. You gave a huge gift of life.
Wow. Bravo .
xoxo
jody
contessa says
Via Email:
FABULOUS! We should all be so lucky to have known someone as exquisite as Catherine.
Anita Rivera says
Good evening dear Contessa! WOW you sure seem to be a great candidate to be one of my best friends! Any day that I could spend with a friend dressing up and making her feel like a queen or vice-versa would definitely be one of my best days. She IS beautiful and is dancing for the angels. I KNOW IT. How wonderful of a day you have described, and the photos show it all too. I love visiting you…
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
You are wonderful !
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
I knew Catherine many years ago when the girls were young. They are my girls ages and they used to take a gymnastic and dance class at the gym. Oakwood. When she lived here. We always enjoyed visiting when the girls were in class. I remember her telling me she used to vacuum the house in her points to keep trained! Fun Fun ! Jennifer
contessa says
LOVE THAT JENNIFER……………I have a pair of HER POINTE SHOES here at MY DESK!
Theresa says
Beautifully bittersweet.
Nancy Case says
So deeply touching Contessa.. The daughters are stunning in beauty and heart, like their enchanting and brave Mother. A true honor you were named as their Godmother..two very blessed ladies to have you in their lives too..a mutual gift of love. Thank you for sharing this love story. I am sure her welcome into Heaven was grand indeed. xoxo
kim says
What an amazing day doing this. The best kind of fun dressing up and in such beautiful settings. She was so beautiful. Wonderful you are godmother to her girls. The last photo is sweet with you and Emma. One of my dearest, lovely friends is suffering from cancer now and it’s awful. We need to find a cure now. xx Kim
French Basketeer says
That is indeed the BEST day, and one that those beautiful girls will always remember with their Mother. A day that only your oh-so-generous-heart could have conceived of, with the Champagne and dresses and silk rugs on the wall…simply a beautiful girly-fun day together…it’s tragic to lose such a beautiful soul so young but how wonderful to celebrate Catherine again and again through these beautiful photos! xxoo A
Susan Crane says
Moved me to tears, Contessa. I’m so glad you have these beautiful Godchildren, and they you.
Sharon Santoni says
what a beautiful day you created for your dear friend, and how gorgeous are those girls. It is so difficult to know how to comfort a friend who is suffering, I think your idea was perfect!
xx
Sue says
Lovely Contessa…xxx
contessa says
XOXO
HOW ARE YOU?
contessa says
Via Email:
Just beautiful, tears rolling down my cheeks
You have such a way with words, images, stories
xxxxxxx
Liz
contessa says
XOXO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Bella, even though I’d seen pictures of this special day before, I loved seeing them again with the narrative. All beautiful.
Catherine says
Simply beautiful, Contessa….as are your godchildren…Vogue Cover Girls indeed!
A very moving post so gracefully written. xx
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
That was such a beautiful post!!!! Thank you for sharing this. You are truly a most cherished friend! Love, Lisa
The Style Crone says
A beautiful and touching tribute. I can see why this day stands out for you. Your godchildren are beautiful!
contessa says
THANK YOU!They are as BEAUTIFUL inside TOO………….
Vignette On Ruby Lane says
What an incredibly beautiful story . I can see why the day is so special to you . Thank you for sharing it . And , yes , I did wonder about the lady at the top …….
xo, c
contessa says
Now YOU are in the KNOW!!!She graces my powder room too in the same photo!
jewels says
Such a beautiful story ,I thought of those blue eyes all day!!! ?
contessa says
STUNNING her eyes…………and she always looked right into your eyes!XX
cindy hattersley says
Oh my gosh….love, love, love this story!! How lucky she was to have a friend like you that would make her last days so memorable…you really are a Contessa!! I am so happy I have gotten to know you in blogland and hope to meet in person one day very soon!!!
contessa says
That would BE GRAND CINDY………I look forward to it!
Victoria Dreyer says
This is too incredible for words. Contessa you are magic. This was the best day! Xxxxxxxx
contessa says
ADORE YOU and your SISTER!
Had to share……….THE BEAUTY!
XOXO
Francine Gardner says
This is a poignant beautiful tribute to true friendship and love. Thank you for sharing this perfect day spent with an incredibly magnificent talented friend
contessa says
True friendship and LOVE………your absolutely correct FRANCINE.THANK YOU!
Doré @ BurlapLuxe says
Oh Elizabeth,
It was deeply choked up, not knowing her but knowing what an impact this time made in your life. I can see all this theatrics in your life, it must be some of why you chose one of my French theatres to grace your home.
Such a beautiful spirited women your friend and her daughters to be name your God daughters is a present, gifting to you a bit of her life journey.
The production is one I would have loved to have joined in on with you and the group, and so would my daughter. It’s a beautiful share you have created here, and what memories you have added to all involved. And the foto’s I know look fabulous in person.
The magical shop, is featured in this months Victoria magazine the holiday one, I love her shop and find a bit of her in me and how I create.
Come visit my post, and the two magical crowns I have created glittery stones and all. You know how I adore French wire art, well, their are two on my post that I am having artist with drawls in selling them in my etsy shop.
I so need to visit Wendy Addison’s shop, I know I would be in tears, taken with the emotion to create.
She is on page 25- 32
Victoria Classic Holiday Bliss.
” Cirque du Noël ”
Lové your heart my friend….dearly.
Xoxo
Dore
contessa says
I know HER CIRQUE du NOEL line………….gorgeous!I have peeked at your crowns……and have sent a message off to my friend THE DUCHESS!
Touched by your note here……….thank you so much!!
XO
Roxane says
Such beautiful memories, thank you for sharing this heart-warming story!
Loree says
Dear Contessa, you are just the sweetest friend that anyone could have. This post made me a bit teary eyed but I see that you all just made the most wonderful memories and that is what counts.
cherie james says
Elizabeth, I think this is the most beautiful, touching, extraordinary story. I am so touched by it. What a wonderful friend you were to make such a momentous moment so magical. Catherine is stunning. I am so sorry for your’s and the girls loss. They are so very fortunate to have you in their lives. Thank you for posting such wonderful pictures and memories.
Cherie
(style nudge)
Heather Lindstrom says
Good morning Contessa, I had one of those moments where I dragged myself out of bed at 5 am with many things to do on the blog before I race off for work. I now know exactly why I was so compelled to get up. This post! Your bittersweet story, your images, fanciful, whimsical and poignant, is a gift today. For years I lived directly across the Carquinez Strait from Port Costa. The water, the views of those green hills, the brilliant sunshine, the lights of the C & H Factory, were all the backdrop to my life in the late 1990’s. Your post, graced with shades of friendship and beauty-looking back and looking forward in life, is a sweet reminder to seize the day, celebrate absolutely everything–in pink and gowns if possible-as life is short. You created an unforgettable memory for your ballerina and her beautiful girls. Such a gift. Hugs, Heather
Eleanor says
You are a magical friend, Elizabeth, and I feel lucky to call you my friend as well. What a remarkable day to be remembered forever. XOXO Ellie
Donna~Faded Velvet says
Elizabeth,
So very bittersweet. Truly a day to remember forever. What a gift you gave those girls that day. Of course she named you their God mother: she obviously was smart as well as beautiful.
May we all be as thoughtful and giving in our daily lives with the people around us.
Thank you for sharing such a personal day with all of us.
Donna~Faded Velvet
lisa | renovatingitaly says
Such a special friendship and just last night I sat with Carina and watched Beaches, it was always my best friend and I in the photo booths just like the movie and I wanted my daughter to see that special friendship.
I can’t begin to imagine saying goodbye to your beautiful dancer, and her girls now your godchildren. Very beautiful day, magical memories, and yes a dancer in the heavens.
Jody Brettkelly says
Wow, these photos are like something out of Vogue, or Tatler, they are amazingly beautiful.
Brendea says
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of your friend & her children. What a beautiful way to celebrate her Birthday & the photos are smashing. La Contessa…..YOU are so creative & talented…..
I have no doubt your friend is dancing in Heaven……& looking down on her children & you!
contessa says
SHE IS……….I feel HER!
XX
Leslie Harris says
Wow. I stopped by to thank you for your kind comment on my blog and somehow I ended up on this post. I don’t know why I feel so moved by this story. There’s something so ethereal about these photos and something so very sad about a loving mother dying so young. Your creativity and thoughtfulness truly made an extraordinary day for everyone and what a wonderful gift you have. The gift of making others feel so wonderfully special. I’m so happy you have the chance to continue your connection to Catherine through her daughters. That last photo oozes happiness.
xo
Leslie
contessa says
AND TODAY Is CATHERINE’s BIRTHDAY!She would have been 55 today.
I know EXACTLY what you mean.
XO
Lillian Plummer says
I am a little late to this wonderful party, everything has been so eloquently said above but I am compelled to add that you are a gracious, loving and devoted friend to Catherine and her daughters. Truely a wonderful memory of a beautiful friend and mother, gone too soon.
stephanie thonet says
oh elisabeth, you dear warmhearted woman!!
what a touching and thoughtful thing for you to do for a friend! the picnic looked like a fairy tale; fantastical, charming, theatrical , imaginative and fun! although it must have been bittersweet too!
it certainly does look like a day to remember!!
i could imagine anyone being proud to call you friend.
xxx