The Vintage Contessa

It is a tantalizing array of frou-frou and advance stages of decay.

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OUR DEAR DEAR ELLIE…………..

 

Ellie's HEART

Today is AUGUST 30,2016 and I received a call this morning from a DEAR friend of HERs who is in the KNOW.

The plan was to WHEEL her to the BEACH on THURSDAY, so people could come and say GOOD-BYE.

David her husband had ARRIVED the NIGHT before from PARIS.

Seems that will NOT be happening now.

Ellie has HOSPICE ONBOARD.

It is a MATTER of DAYS………….

THE FABULOUS group of FRIENDS she has are flying in to say FAREWELL.

YOU know who they are SHE never did KEEP those FRIENDS a SECRET!

YOLANDA & ADRIENNE

YOLANDA,DIANDRA DOUGLAS,The BROTHER of MICHAEL JACKSON……..RANDY.The man who drove HER in a RV to ARIZONA to get treatment way back in the BEGINNING.They are ALL FLOCKING there today and TOMORROW as the hearing is the LAST TO GO………..she may not be able to SPEAK but she CAN HEAR !!!

I hung up the PHONE and had a GOOD CRY.

Recently I have been DELETING all my OLD EMAILS as I have about 3,000.NO ONE EVER TOLD ME to DELETE as I went.For some reason I have kept MOST of HERS……..They were short and brief as YOU know if YOU FOLLOWED her BLOG HAVE SOME DECORUM she had to save her breath for GRACIE and DAVID.

I only met HER once BECAUSE I INVITED MYSELF TO HER HOME but we did SKYPE and had a few emails back and FOURTH………..

I thought I would SHARE a few of these personal emails as I know a FEW of YOU would ENJOY!

This is LONG and mayNOT make sense to those who DIDNOT FOLLOW her blog.

HAVE SOME DECORUM.

I just HAD to DO SOMETHING because in THE BLOG WORLD SHE WAS A FORCE……..

PROBABLY ONE of  THE BEST BLOG’s in the  B L O G – O – S P H E R E!!!

ELEANOR O’CONNELL DECRET passed on AUGUST 30, 2016 at 4:20 in the afternoon with FRIENDS and FAMILY at her side.Her COTTAGE was filled with FRIENDS and FOOD and DRINK as she would have wanted it TO BE.She came HOME for this DAY as PARIS had FAILED her in some way…………..I guess WE her READERS will NEVER get THE REAL STORY.

Which is FINE with ME.

Do you know the FIRST thing I thought about when I received the MESSAGE she had PASSED………….

She had died about the SAME time ( PARIS TIME) and same DAY as PRINCESS DIANA who passed on AUGUST 31, so many years ago.I still remember what I was doing when the NEWS came across the radio.For ELLIE I was pounding out this POST knowing the time was approaching………….I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT EITHER.

I DO BeLiEvE she had 35 THOUSAND people FOLLOWING HER!

Perhaps, you can UNDERSTAND WHY if you read some of our PRIVATE emails below.

HEART FOR ELLIE

On Oct 28, 2014, at 1:17 PM, Eleanor Oconnell <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi there hi there hi there! Love the story about your boys at the Louvre.
You are such a good mother. How is the painting coming along? What color did
you decide on?
My mother’s friend Kathy had the antique store, I think it was called a
Kathy Hansen Antiques/interiors, I can’t believe I forgot that the name. I
can’t even remember the street. It was near Harbor high school. I went to Harbor for one semester, I think in 1987 or 1980. Hated it and went back to Marymount in Los Angeles.I was definitely at South Coast Plaza in the 80s! Loved it loved it loved it. Remember that restaurant that was named 40 carrots or something like that.Yes, the redness has gone away thank God. Thank you for your concern. You are so nice. Tomorrow we are going to the Salon du chocolat! Going to go catch up on your blog. XOXOXO

FROM ME  to ELLIE

OCTOBER 29,2014   8:15AM:

THE SALON DU CHOCOLAT!!!!!By now you have been and you have GORGED???

Hope you ate TWO for me…………I’m trying to stay off sugar!Not EASY!Do you know even my plain yogurt and baby carrots have sugar!!!!!!!!!!
I was long gone by then when you went to HIGH SCHOOL there……….I just met another woman last weekend at that PARTY I went too in LAGUNA……..who owned an ANTIQUE STORE down by LIDO then moved up off of NEWPORT BLVD……..she was called NOBILI ANTIQUES…….I would think she came on the scene after you had jumped up to SANTA BARBARA!
I barely remember 40 CAROTS…………I think it was downstairs by MAGNIN’s??SO FUNNY you mention that as another BLOGGER I met this weekend WORKED there during MY TIME at I MAGNIN’s in SCP!!!She was a waitress and met HER husband of 27 years there!!!I would not have had the time to eat lunch there during my break so thats why I hardly recall it.BUT IT IS A SMALL WORLD isn’t?I get such a THRILL OUT OF IT ALL!
Did you like my I DESCEND FROM ROYALTY blog POST…………….kind of fun to receive an email from a cousin you haven’t seen in YEARS only to find out she has been tracing our family on my DAD’s side for 20 years!!!!!!!!!!Did you know LADY GODIVA rode horseback NUDE through a village……….?I had no idea…….about her I must read up!She must HAVE BEEN PISSED ABOUT SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!OR NUTS!
Still painting!ANd thats where I need to go NOW!I decided on the FUSHIA after painting two beams……..I liked it immediately but sent photos to THREE DEAR friends……Not that I would listen to them but just to get a reaction and ALL THREE SAID YAY!!!!!!!What bothers me is the color does not flow then to the ORANGE living room ……..But thats okay.I would like to paint the living room YELLOW and do the kitchen ORANGE but that task is TOO BIG for me on my own!TOO Much stuff to move too!!!!!!BUT then it would flow better………..you see my SONS room opens on to the Livingroom……small ranch house I live in………NOT BIG NOT GORGEOUS……..BUT I love the reaction when people step inside!From the outside they have no IDEA what AWAITS……….I must send you some photos for your critique!! I have built this HOME on NO money……thrift shops and consignment shops and working in a lovely shop where they paid me in furniture!!THATS enough about ME for one day!
HAPPY HAPPY the redness has gone BYE BYE………..
FRENCH BASKETEER is talking about me coming to stay with her in BEAUNNE next JULY for a week or so and Hopefully HEATHER FROM ARLES can come up too!I have been following her since almost her beginning………I want to teach HER TO DRIVE!!!If that happens………I will no doubt fly in and out of PARIS…………I will ARRIVE with RANCH DRESSING In the BOTTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BIG HUG………XOXOXO
YOUR CONTESSA in CALIFORNIA!

OCTOBER 28,2014     7:30 AM

Hello!

I just have to tell you I was thinking about GRACIE wondering if you were every going to share a photo of HER just yesterday and TRA LA you did!Then when I came to PARIS with my BOYS and took them to the LOUVRE on A WEDNESDAY night cause they stay open later and less traffic………my destinations were the MONA and the VENUS DE MILO……..I too had the BEST MOTHER MOMENT when one SON trudge on looking for MONA and the older SON was lagging behind……..I turned to see where he was and his mouth was hanging open……and his head was looking up……and around……..HE WAS DUMBFOUNDED by all the BEAUTY!I had told him that the building had been a HOME………it sent chills up and down me and made me teary eyed!I HAD DONE SOMETHING RIGHT!
The other SON found the room with MONA……..He turns at the entry way and calls to me………”MOM< she is smaller then I thought!”I thought how funny as that is exactly my same thought I had at 18 when I saw her for the FIRST TIME!Another beautiful moment for me………………I just had to share that!
Now……..when did your MAMA have her ANTIQUE store……..I know my cousin would know her or your MAMA would know my cousin…………was this in the 80’s?Where did you live in NEWPORT?Did you go to HARBOR HIGH?
I worked at SOUTH COAST PLAZA at I MAGNINS and at SAKS………….about 1980 1981..1982……were you walking around there then?I don’t know why but I feel this need to know where you were!!!!!!!!
Save your breath………..dont answer me………….I LOVED your weekend…………..I adore your HUSBAND…..too!Dont tell him!ANother GREAT POST……..so many people have told me they are FOLLOWING YOU and LOVE YOU!
DID you get the REDNESS taken care of???DONT ANSWER ME!
BYE……..XOXOXO
ELIZABETH
NOVEMBER 11, 2014
I am a PRESBERTIERAN too…….I cannot spell that word and spell check is not getting me!I understand your MOTHER perfectly……………I am so touched by this book I plan to make every single recipe………..just maybe not ALL for TURKEY DAY cause we are just 4.THANK YOU for sharing…………and giving the “COMMONERS” a useful guide!My guess your MAMA grew up in the SOUTH?
SAVANNAH by chance?I do have one question……..on page 3 Ellie is THAT YOU or your MOTHER?It looks just like you the one holding the dog!!But that would make you much older then your siblings………is that your MAMA?You two are IDENTICAL!
In haste as The dentist wants to see me and my teeth…………….LOVE THE BOOK…………..LOOKING FORWARD to the  CHRISTMAS book……………..Hoping we have found you a place to go for TURKEY DAY………..is that SALLY PERRIN AMERICAN??Maybe that will work!!!!!!!!!HUGS, to you and your MOM!
XOXO
Elizabeth

NOVEMBER 11, 2014

I’m laughing that you cannot spell Presbyterian even if you are one. Love
you.
I’m so glad you have the cookbook. So exciting. Yes, that is my
mother holding the dog. She is so pretty. Psycho, but pretty. David just
emailed the restaurant at Ralph Lauren to see about a reservation for
Thanksgiving. I think it would be perfect! I have a very exciting day
tomorrow. Stay tuned. XOXO X
I love how the boys room is looking. Did your husband take down the wood? I
kind of liked it! Going to go read your blog right now. XOXO

NOVEMBER 12, 2014

YEP< Thats me a HORRID speller and I get SO frustrated with SPELL CHECK when it DOES NOT GET WHAT I AM SAYING!!!!!!I shall study PRESBYTERIAN……….maybe I will LEARN!
Well, your MAMA looks just like YOU!
RALPHIES…….they only serve HAMBURGERS!!!!!Maybe they will cranck it up a NOTCH for TURKEY DAY?
I asked that SALLY PERRIN yesterday if she was an AMERICAN on INSTAGRAM……..I must go see if she answered me!!!Thinking THATS WHERE YOU NEED TO GO!YOur husband was HAPPY there chatting away………RIGHT!
I cannot IMAGINE How YOU spent your DAY TODAY!!!!
Today my first BORN turns 27……………..HOW did that happen!I’m making dinner and the cake!
My husband didNOT take the wood down because then he wanted to put up wires!Or baskets……….I said FORGET IT I like my wood I have already painted TWO COATS TOO and plus I can HANG stuff from it!His idea was it could open up the ROOM more……….which yes it could but I do not like HIS VISION!!Next up is that BATHROOM!I have got to change out the TWO Pedestal sinks to a piece of furniture with STORAGE and a sink slipped in………….HE wants it to remain as it was with two little BOYS…………………..the things WE go through……..is CUTE his thinking but he NEVER goes in there so I should have it HOW I WANT IT!
I have read the whole book at least twice…………..your cookbook!I love the mention of SWANSON’s chicken stock.LOVE those GREEN tureen bowls………………
LOVE to YOU MADAME ELLIE!
XOXO.

NOVEMBER 14.2014

Oh my God Elizabeth, those are so amazing! If I were to rob you, I would
take those first! They are exactly like Coco Chanel’s! The guide told me
that one of the blackamoors was there to greet you and the other one was
there to tell you goodbye. What else did your aunt give you? Do tell!
Happy birthday day to your son!
Good news. We got a reservation to Ralph Lauren for Thanksgiving. You won’t
believe who secured the reservation! I will fill you in the day after
Thanksgiving. Don’t want to jinx it.
What have you been up to? How’s the painting coming along? XOXO

NOVEMBER 14.2014

OMG ELLIE……I just know in my heart that the TWO BLACKAMOORS I have came
from the same MAKER as the one in COCO’s apartment!I JUST KNOW IT!
MY aunt who lived in MONTECITO had them for years…her daughter my cousin
gave them to me after I wrote a THANK YOU Note for the funeral luncheon and
commented on them!!!My cousin had them at the entrance to the CORAL CASINO
across from the BILTMORE.She had the trays holding an arrangement of
fruit!They were GORGEOUS!I remembered them from my childhood…..anyway I
just had to SHARE that with YOU!See what happens when one writes a THANK YOU
NOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Let me try and find some photos…..
WHAT A DAY YOU HAD on MY BIRTHING DAY!!!!!!MY SON KRISTOPHER was born at
10:59 AM on NOV.12th!
XOXOXO
ME

From: Heather Robinson
Subject: Re: DID YOU SEE??
Date: November 14, 2014 at 2:52:02 PM PST
To: Elizabeth Kirkpatrick <[email protected]>
Just heading off to sleep and this made me so happy! Amazing…I hope that Mary made it happen!!!! I think I was too late by the looks of things but I was proud to try. Please keep me posted if you have more info…love to you and for  Ellie too…
Below my back and fourth with HEATHER………..SHE wrote to the PR woman TODAY at RALPHS to get you a seat!!!I think she was too late with her request too but I can HARDLY STAND IT!!!YOu definitely HAD A TEAM working behind the scenes for this to happen!Another one of your commentors contacted ME!!!!We had a GREAT CHAT YESTERDAY!!!!!!!She will be pulling MORE STRINGS I HOPE!Lets not break THE SPELL by talking about it !!SO YOU KNOW ZERO ZIPPO from me……..UNDERSTAND!
I am so EXCITED about GRACE KELLY’s SISTER FOLLOWING YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!She has to be up there in years………….
I hope they cook a TURKEY at RALPHS…….he only serves HAMBURGERS from what I saw on the menu that are like 50 EURO a piece!!!!!Tell FRENCH HUSBAND to rob a bank first!
Off I go to see who else has left a comment on YOUR BLOG………….XOXOXO
NOVEMBER 15,2014
I definitely have to see pictures of the blackamoor planters! I don’t think it’s grace Kelly’s sister. She said her mother was Grace Kelly’s sister so that makes her grace Kelly’s niece. Right? I don’t know and I don’t care I’m just so happy to have someone from the family follow me! Going to have an exciting day tomorrow… Stay tuned! XOXOXO by the way, I get a lot of private emails from people who say that they love your comments and the way that you write down your blog. You are awesome.
November 15,2014

OH OH OH……..YOUR RIGHT of COURSE!!!WHY did I think it was HER sister………I read it only 5 times!!!

Whoever she is VERY EXCITING INDEED!
You are having another EXCITING DAY…………TODAY!!!I don;t know if WE your READERS can TAKE ALL THIS EXCITEMENT!!!
You asked about the BOYS ROOM……………I have finished PAINTING……..finally!TODAY we put beds back and chandeliers up and a mirror or two………………….then I will CONSULT with YOU as to what else needs to be done!
I hope I like it………at the moment I think I will LOVE IT!
Thank You for telling me you get emails about me……….I know they all think I’m a KOOCK…….(how do you spell that word?Spell check says this is right!)I write like I talk………I remember when I first started my Blog the GUY I Hired to do it for me basically told me I had to stop writing with so many CAPS and EXCLAMATION marks!!Because it was not correct……..I said, “WHY”, I like it and I am DONE with school…………and it makes for more interesting READ!!!!!
I doNOT get many comments from NEW PEOPLE……………….even my friends doNOT comment!!!I know some do not know HOW to click on the TITLE to go to the site and then comment………I realize that.But I also have explained the comments keep me going……………its a DIARY of sorts for me……..the emails will be gone FOREVER the comments stay.I get at LEAST one person who UNSUBSCRIBES from VINTAGE HEN HOUSE every time I write a POST!Which hurts………I think what have I done wrong……………but I need to let that go……………DON”T I!!!
Question: is DEBBIE OWENS your SISTER?
HUGS,
Elizabeth
PS> will take photo of PLANTER BLACKAMOORS when I take photos of BOYS ROOM……………….They are just Heads……..BUSTS really and they reside beside my bed on either side.
NOVEMBER 15, 2014
Oh my gosh I’m so glad you told me that because I get unsubscribed notices also. It totally hurts my feelings and I feel like emailing the people and saying, “what??? What didn’t you like?” But then I just call them all fat fucks and move on. You won’t believe this but Heather from Habitually Chic UNSUBSCRIBED last week! After she stayed in my apartment the entire summer! Debbie Owens is a really good friend of mine from St. Louis. We met in Paris at a café last year! She is hysterical and like a sister to me. She was just here in Paris a couple weeks ago. Love her. Can’t wait to see your new room!

YES< another THING WE SHARE in COMMON!!!!!!!!!UNSUBSCRIBERS!!!!!

(I HAVE DELETED MY RESPONSE HERE!)
NOVEMBER 28,2014
HELLO MADAME…………
I just have to let you know this was the VERY BEST I have ever DONE!YOur cookbook was a hit with me and MY FAMILY!I cooked for a day and a half…………….I started at 7:30 am………on Wednesday.I had fun…….I cleaned as I went……….I started with the DESSERTS first…….then worked my way back………the HOTDOG buns were BRILLIANT……….the stuffing I cannot eat as I’m GLUTEN FREE but just know I had a TASTE and by the looks of it I know it was a WINNER!
Here are some photos…………for YOUR viewing pleasure………..
I canNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH…………..
I have a houseguest here but will try and ring you later today or tomorrow!Tried just now and it did not go through………I do not think I have the country code in my cell phone………….I WILL FIGURE IT OUT!
XOXOXO
NOVEMBER 28,2014
I feel its too late to call you now!
10 Pm………your time……..will call tomorrow.
Any time better ??
XOXO
Elizabeth
Ps. Heather……wrote to me.Her email said…….GO NOW…RUN with tissues…………Ellie’s POST is UP!
We are ALL so HAPPY this took place……………..and OMG!!!!!!!Do you know the RIGHT people or what!And that comment from ANGELINA JOLIE………is that for REAL or are you just pulling OUR STRINGS??
November 29,2014
Not going through………so MADDENING TO ME!
In my cell phone I have this for YOUR number…….
Now I know to put a 011 in front.
So, what am I doing wrong……….I tried to drop the 0 before the six………I tried with the 0 before the six.
I TRIED CALLING AN OPERATOR and OMG NO real person will come on the line!!!
HOW ARE YOU TODAY?
I ate the meal again last night…………….even MORE BETTER…….like my English!
XOXOO
Elizabeth
November 30,2014
Hi there hi there hi. So sorry I have been absent these past few days. I’ve been super sad and grumpy. Would love to talk to you this week. I will ask David how to dial. I will try to call you as well. Do you have face time on your iPhone? We can talk for free if you have it. Otherwise we can also Skype. XOXO
Hi there! We just got a huge delivery that I have to organize. Can we shoot for tomorrow? XOXO

YES!HOpefully, by then I will figure this SKYPE thing OUT!

THANK YOU!
Off for an oil change………..UGH!I would much rather spend my time doing other things!
XOXO
DECEMBER 1,2014
SKYPE
I do not see the S on my computer!
I think it got taken OFF for some reason months ago and never re-installed…………..I just tried to re-install……..it remained at 50% for 20 minutes…….I finally gave up!ME smelling a birthday candle came up……so I am still connected but I cannot call you……….I will ask GIAMPIERO tonight to help me!STUPID COMPUTER………thats my expression when I get FRUSTRATED!

LOveD Your comment on my BLOG today………..made me weep!I wish I lived closer too………I would definitely be on your doorstep DAILY!

(DELETED TOO LONG MY RESPONSE HERE!)

I see I just got an email from YOU………….off I go to read!

XOXO

DECEMBER 2,2014
I am hooked up……………..CALL ME only if you have time today!
I understand if you do not!WE have other days…………..to chat too!Its 8:10 am here……..i will be home until 10:30……
XOXO
CONTESSA Elizabeth
December 2,2014

I GOT The BOOKS I ordered…….all THREE!

IT LOOKS BEYOND WONDERFUL…………
I had to write now hoping to catch you before you go to SLEEP!You lived on LIDO ISLE………….OMG my AUNT lived at 618 VIA LIDO NORD………….my MOTHER lived in 601 the high rise brown building before you crossed the bridge to LIDO!My cousin now lives on SUD………..
I find this all so WONDERFUL………….
Now I received three other books……….that have your name on the order form…………I don’t think it’s your family……something about CHRISTMAS MEMORIES??It is hardback back…….BIG……I got three copies???Do you know anything about them??
THANK YOU……..I will read the entire book this eve.
HOW DOES THE TINSEL LOOK??????SEnd me a pic!
XOXO
DECEMBER 8,2014
ALL RADKO and ERIC CORTINA Ornaments……..collected over the last 30 years……..a few others that are too sentimental to leave OUT!Three Christmas tree TOPPERS…….the red angel my GRANDMOTHER sent me about age 7………the ERIC CROWN……..and a RADKO TOPPER!
I sent this photo so you can see the BLACKAMOUR beside the tree……………..my collection of crowds in the shelving behind.I hate my ceiling!Looks like a TAHOE CABIN…………………….husband did it.
HOW ARE YOU………………..you have NOT updated your comment section so both HEATHER and I are WORRIED.
Give us a sign you are OKAY……………
MUCH LOVE,
XOXOXO
This is the first time I have been on my computer in days. I’m super sick. My voice is really weak so I cannot talk very much. I think I will be better in a few days. Love you love you love you. Your tree is beautiful.
DECEMBER 11,2014
SUBJECT:CHICKEN POT PIE
THE BEST!
TOOK me back to my childhood……I had two helpings!
I use to love the frozen POT PIES!!!
Both Nicholas and GIAMPIERO gave me thumbs up………I was so happy!
I wrote you a Christmas card today explaining there was no temp given for the oven and my sauce came out like a RUE……..SPELLING??!!
Hope your feeling better………….just take a break until the first of the year!!!WE WILL ALL BE HERE!!!!!!
XOXOXO
Elizabeth
December 12, 2014
I’m back! Well sort of. I’m still sick but I’m okay to email today. Tell me
everything about you. I’m going to make the fudge this weekend. I’m not sure
why yours did not set. I will ask my mother. I’m going to stay in all
weekend to make sure I get better. Miss you.
(Omitted my long response here!….Contessa)

Oh my God what’s on your back! Go to another doctor! I’m so curious. Don’t
worry, you don’t have a heart condition, it’s probably just panic attacks. I
am the queen of panic attacks so I know. I have had them since Gracie was
three years old, they stopped for a little while, now they started again,
and this is the first time I’ve ever taken medication. Guess what? The
medication works. I take it twice a day now. I couldn’t get through the day
if I didn’t. I can’t believe I just said that. I’m a total junkie. Actually
I can’t be because my doctor said they are not addictive. Oh well. I guess
I’m not a junkie. I am so glad I’m feeling better. I really didn’t think I
was going to make it through last week. I thought my number was up. Going to
go read your blog today. I will subscribe as well. Because I love you and
because your blog is fantastic. I had a great visit with my friend this
afternoon. We spent two hours talking about food. Tomorrow I have a very
special friend coming over. We have been friends since I was 20 years old.
He is a Swedish Count! He is like a brother to me. I have not seen him since
2011. The last time I saw had we were at a Janet Jackson concert together
with Janet Jackson’s brother. I had ALS but I did not know it yet. I was
having trouble walking and Mr. Swedish Count held my arm to steady me. I
have actually kind of nervous to see him tomorrow because I know he will be
so sad at seeing me this way because the last time I saw him I was walking
and breathing. I will let you know how it goes. I will write more tomorrow.
David is making me go to bed. Bossy pants. Love you.

 

GOOD of BOSSY PANTS………..YOU need your sleep!
THE COUNT was in the first book……..NON???I remember seeing a photo of him maybe on your BLOG!MY memory……..isNOT what it use to be!
You will have a wonderful visit……….yes, at first he might be struck with the reality of it all BUT IT WILL BE VERY SPECIAL visit!I know it will.

I have made your sisters coffee cake!It looks FAB!!!!!!!!I took a photo before and AFTER………will give GIAMPY a piece tonight to make certain I cooked it long enough and I can serve tomorrow night!I KNOW I KNOW its a coffee cake…….But they will not know that…..I will say its a recipe “I picked up in the FIRST in PARIS!!!!”

DECEMBER 14, 2014

WAS A HIT!

I made it yesterday……..went to BEVMO to buy the CASIS………..$31.00 for a bottle!!!I need ONE TABLESPOON.Good thing I did not send GIAMPIERO!!I of course bought it and the GAL says to me…..it’s good to drink too!I look at the bottle and see its from FRANCE and say OF COURSE IT IS!Am certain I will ADORE IT!Well, let me tell you the OOOOOHHHSS and AAAWWW”S…….I got from the group of people I had last night it was DEFINATELY worth the $$$$$$$$.
I even had a piece……..which I shouldNOT but I did and when all the people left I had another piece!!!!GLUTEN FREE GIRL HERE………
I also served SISTER’s HEATHER’s COFFEE CAKE…………….DELICIOUS!MY GIAMPY, LOVED BOTH!
I can hardly wait………………THE COUNT and his VISIT!
THE CHRISTMAS TREE CONTEST……………
I hope your on the mend!!!!!DONOT GO OUTSIDE!ITS TOO COLD………………..
I have my cat THEODORE or THERMADOR as my GIAMPY calls him on my lap as I type away…………….
Finishing my wrapping today.Perhaps, curling up to finsih my book on SISSINGHURST………I am infatuated with that PLACE!Will take a HOT CHOCOLATE come afternoon and think of YOU!
XOXO
ELIZABETH
DECEMBER 13,2014

YOU went OUTSIDE!

I saw the photo of the PALAIS ROYAL on Instagram………I know your tired of being INDOORS……But that cold air over there is NOTHING what our CALIFORNIA bodies are use too!
BAD YOU!I am scolding YOU cause I am WORRIED…………
How WONDERFUL DEBBIE came and just laughed and sat with YOU!She is a GEM……………
I am sure DAVID is being a SPAZ.My GIAMPIERO would be too………………
Heart Monitor is OFF………3 days early cause I couldn’t STAND it anymore………….try wiping yourself with WIRES hanging down there!The pads gave me a RASH.itchy and pimples………..RED RED RED……….I said NO More.PLus, I haveNOT had another “FEELING” like I did that day.I suppose I will hear back in a few days from my doctors……….if NOT I will RING THEM!SO, I can sound INTELLIGENT!!!
Now……these friends that are visiting……………….I want YOU TO limit YOURSELF.I know how fun it will be for you to see them but DON”T OVER DO!!!!!Perhaps, they can finish up your shopping or bake a few things…………water the TREE!!!!!You know be helpful…………..prepare a dinner…….or two!
Don’t feel bad about the CAREGIVER………….I am dealing with one of those with my MOTHER!
I bought a pair of candelabra’s yesterday…….FRENCH I do believe………I put on Instagram last night!MY code name there is ANTIQUE GODDESS!I had seen them for awhile…….and then it hit me!I can have them on the table and you can see the other person across………….as the candles are high high up!IT’s the same metal as the chandelier hanging above.Of course, GIAMPIERO does not EVEN NOTICE Them last night at dinner!He looks right at them being at the end of the table!I did not light them as I need more candles……………what do you call the dishes that catch the drips?BOBCHE???SOmething like that………..these candle I have say they are dripless……..we shall see!I like the drip look but on these the metal is delicate in some spots and feel I would break eventually!TODAY< I’m off to pick up an ANTELOPE HEAD for the BOYS ROOM!!!!!!!!!!TO TRY……I think it will be perfect!I can take and try for 24 hours without paying………..you know about that I would imagine………I got her down to $295.00!!!GO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOw, I must GET going………I will check all day for a blog from YOU.
BE STILL.
HAVE PATIENCE with your HUBBY………..
Try to get better…….THATS AN ORDER!
LOVE, ELIZABETH
XOXOO
DECEMBER 16,2014
Love this tree! I just read your blog about what you would give your husband. So funny. I am sure David would like it if I just stopped talking all the time. Elizabeth, thank you so much for sending my book to Heather. I’d totally dropped the ball on that because I was sick. I still am sick. I haven’t felt this bad since I got food poisoning when Gracie was in the third grade. I can’t do my blog, I can barely respond to emails, zero energy and to tell you the truth, a little depressed and very anxious. I had to fire a caregiver yesterday on the grounds of stupidity. My other two caregivers are here so I feel a little better. David is being a spaz because he so nervous about me. My friend Debbie had to leave today back to St. Louis. The good news is that we laughed for an entire week… Through all of my sickness.Glad that that thing on your shoulder isn’t bothering you so much. Maybe you should get a second opinion. If it is a tick, very dangerous. When do you find out the results of your heart monitor? I will say a prayer for you. I have two friends arriving tomorrow from New York for a week. Going to try to do a blog today. XOXO X

DECEMBER 16,2014

I promise I did not go outside. David took the picture for me at the Palais Royale. He wanted me to see the Christmas decorations. Don’t worry, my friends who are coming are very conscientious of my condition. My friend Tom is a therapist and like a father to me. My other friend is coming is almost 50 years old with her own children and has chronic fatigue so she knows full well what kind of rest that I need. I haven’t left my house for two weeks. Don’t even think I go out this week. I am interested to hear what your doctor says. Bravo on the candelabras. Unless your husband is gay, he would never notice new candelabras. So all is good. Good luck with the taxidermy. Keep me updated… XOXO
DECEMBER 23,2014

We are doing eggs Benedict as well. Did I already tell you that. David
went to the Bon Marche Grand Epicerie and bought delicious French Ham and
some delicious hollandaise sauce, juicy tomatoes, organic eggs, English
muffins from England!, And I will add shallots and chives! So excited. We
also bought truffle brie cheese, truffle sausages, foie gras, quince
paste, other cheeses and champagne to snack on. Totally fat city. I’ll
probably have a heart attack by Monday. I made three batches of the fudge,
cut them up into little squares and wrapped them into pretty boxes with a
pretty bow and gave it to all of my nurses and all of the restaurants that
let me have taken out which usually isn’t allowed in Paris. The fudge was
perfect. We hired another new caregiver today. He’s really great.
Supersmart. He is coming with us to David’s mother’s house for a week!
I decided the best word for you is “magical.” You are like out of a
fairytale. There are not a lot of people like you in the world and I am so
grateful for you. XOXO X

DECEMBER 28,2014
I would LOVE to know what English major is sitting in the AMAZON office NOT POSTING MY REVIEW!!!
SEE my review below…………
DRIVES ME CRAZY…….I write like I talk and thats what I wanted to say!Will try again………tomorrow.Maybe coffee in hand is better than wine!
XOXO
E

This review is from: A Very Chic Christmas (Paperback)
A SMASH…………after buying her THANKS- GIVING book I had to BUY this one too!Well, let me just say it was worth the $$$$.Everything I have made in this book from eggs to Pork Loin Crown roasts and Spice cake desserts my family has RAVED ABOUT!I the COOK have been SO pleased……………..this book will become a TRADITION in MY FAMILY……..as well as the THANKS GIVING recipe BOOK.Don’t hesitate……………click that button and order now!

DECEMBER 30,2014
Elizabeth! I just got an email telling me that you donated $500! All I could
say was, “what!” I told David and he just couldn’t believe it. Where did you
come from? Thank you thank you thank you. However I need to say that you
shouldn’t have. I don’t expect any donations from anyone let alone a friend
but I thank you very much. Like I said, you are magical. Your heart is so
big. I feel really honored to be your friend. But here’s the thing, you
always go above and beyond for everyone and I’m starting to think you just
might be an angel in disguise. Truly truly truly. Thank you so much from the
bottom of my heart for everything that you give to my life. Wish you lived
in Paris. Can I please have your address so I can send you a formal thank
you. Love you love you love you.

OMG, we just watched a two hour special on all of the hotel particuliers (private mansions) in Paris. It was so amazing I didn’t even want to blink my eyes! It was absolutely incredible. They said that the best hotel particuliers are on Ile St. Louis. You would have loved it. Have you ever seen the book The Finest Houses of Paris. I call it the Bible. You should definitely check it out.

Only one more day here! I’m so sad that my friend is at my apartment in Paris but she has to leave tomorrow so I will miss her completely! Gracie got to see her twice! I am so jealous. She said she will try to return in two weeks though. We are going to go look at two apartments next week. I will send you pictures. I have to make sure the elevator works first for my wheelchair! What did you do for New Year’s? Mine was the most boring new year I’ve ever had in my entire 44 years of life. XOXO

JANUARY 4,2015
Okay let’s start with your husband… Happy birthday to that total babe. Your Pavlova looks absolutely phenomenal. I am so so proud of you and I am so impressed. I love a girl who can cook. Everything else sounds delicious as well. I wish we were neighbors and I could just come over.
We are back in Paris thank God! My friend left beautiful beautiful roses for me. Super colorful happy roses. Why do flowers make me so happy? I can’t stop looking at them.
Prozac sounds a little harsh! You’re not crazy for God sake! The name of the crazy pill that I take for panic attacks is called…Atarax. I call it anthrax. I only take 25 mg and it does the trick. Do you want me to send you a box of them? Or is that not legal? Maybe you can get the equivalent. I don’t think you should take Prozac.
My little kitty cat was so happy that I was home. She slept with us all night. She totally snuggled us.
What are your upcoming plans? I’m going to finish my book I decided. XOXO

JANUARY 15,2015
So glad you liked the pot roast. It’s really good as a sandwich the next day
on white bread with mayonnaise and plenty of salt-and-pepper. You are such a
good mom to make it for your boys. My friend Jenny arrives next week, well,
actually in four days. She has been instructed to bring Fritos so we can
make chili with your chili seasoning packets!
I do not have what’s app but I will get it tonight
yes you would have loved to have had a daughter. I don’t know what it’s like
to have boys, obviously, but I just love love love having a little girl.
Yes my mother emails me all the time, I just do not respond.
I wrote a little thing about you today in my blog. I hope everyone pops over
to see your blog and I hope they adore you like I do. XOXO
I am working on my book, eating really healthy, juicing every day and
getting plenty of rest. I never want to be sick again like last month. I did
go out on Sunday with David. We went to sushi. Then I came right back home.
I am going to go out when Jenny gets here to the Picasso Museum. That should
be fun. XOXO

JANUARY16,2015

Okay, our favorite restaurant is called Josephine Chez Dumonet. Here is the
link:
https://plus.google.com/116357455183936230241/about?gl=fr&hl=en
it is in the sixth arrondissement and one of our favorite restaurants in all
of Paris.
There is another amazing Thai restaurant called Thiou in the seventh
arrondissement.
These are my choices. XOXO Ellie

FEBRUARY 20,2014

Dear Ms. Kirkpatrick,

You SWEET SWEET THING.

THANK YOU from the BOTTOM of my HEART for responding to my query and for doing this LOVELY GESTURE for that DARLING girl.  YOU, my dear unknown friend,  are ALLLLLLL HEART.

havesomedecorum, or rather, THAT DARLING GIRL at havesomedecorum, has become THE LIGHT OF MY LIFE in recent months, and although I have never written a single response to her REMARKABLE variety of HIGHLY USEFUL, HIGHLY VALUABLE, HIGHLY HILARIOUS posts, which, speaking of heart, ARE ALL HEART, I am grateful to you for giving ME and Ms. O’Connell’s other admirers, this GOLDEN opportunity to send her a HINT of how we feel about her.

Now I will stop trying to emulate you with the all caps, because I cannot DO it like YOU do it.  I will just add one last sincere THANK YOU.

However, I cannot, AND WILL NOT, end without thanking you for getting my slothful self to STAND AT ATTENTION while scrolling ecstatically through the many personal photographs of your STUPENDOUSLY and DELIRIOUSLY DELIGHTFUL HOME.  I could have fainted.

Ellie’s birthday card is coming.

Sincerely yours,

Mary Giles
Charleston, So. Carolina

I LOVED THIS!
THOUGHT IT TOO would put a SMILE on YOUR face!
I have a BIRTHDAY SURPRISE WE need to discus!!!
DO you have plans the week of YOUR BIRTHDAY?I need about two hours OF YOU……….and a day that wouldn’t be too BUSY!!!IN MARCH!!!!!!!!
XOXO

MARCH 11,2015
I sent one earlier today but I did not get your notice your too busy so I think it did not go through!
I mailed your BOX TODAY……….be on the look out!
ALso, is your name on the outside of the BIG doors………….for the surprise guest to ring??Or do we need a code like you gave me before.
First gift arriving in ONE WEEK
BOX is second gift and do not open before MARCH 23rd!!!!!!!!!
OKAY?
XOXO

MARCH 12,2015
So excited for the box! Thank you so much for organizing all of that. Thank
you! No I have not moved. Same address. The door code is 4578A. After you
get through the big green door, there is a buzzer to push “Decret.” Take the
elevator to the third floor.
I am so excited that you got a little piggy. You could just pretend that
it’s a girl. My cousin used to have a huge pig that she loved like a child.
Her name was Basil.
So fun for you to have lunch with a new friend.
I have a very special person coming over today. I will let you know who.
Surprise! XOXOXO

MARCH 17,2015
MY goodness what a week you have HAD!!!!!!!
I hope YOU enjoy my surprise………THIS THURSDAY between 4 and 4;30. TEA FOR TWO…………I hope that still works for YOU!Box should be there any day now…………
XOXO
That is the cutest picture with your dog and the little piggy! That view was amazing also!
So excited for the surprise. Yes Thursday between four and 4:30 PM. Tea for two. I don’t even know what the surprises but I’m so excited. Thank you. So sweet of you. XOXO

MARCH 22,2015
I want to be one of the FIRST to send good wishes for a GLORIOUS DAY!
YOU better be sound asleep now as it is still 5:30 pm here on the 22…….
TO GOOD FOOD< WONDERFUL FRIENDS and  A  BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!
AND ABOUT MY BOX!DO tell me it arrived TODAY?????
I have another large envelope of cards from PENELOPE to mail to YOU………….she did more then one card!!!
HAPPY DAY………..
BIRTHDAY WISHES………..off to make a lemon drop and toast to YOU!
XOXOX
E

THIS IS THE MESSAGE ONE WOULD RECEIVE IF THEY SENT AN EMAIL:

Thank you so much for your email. Due to the massive amounts of fan mail that I receive, I will not be able to respond to every email. Just kidding. I cannot respond to everyone because I have ALS and I am limited to what I can do per day. I will try to respond to every email as my health permits. Don’t take it personally if I don’t respond to your email, it’s because I can’t breathe very well. However, I would like for you to know that I read every email and I thank each and every one of you for all of your kind thoughts, words and advice. Keep the emails coming… Reading them puts a smile on my face.

03_06_13_Ellie_Small

I THINK WE HER READERS ACCOMPLISHED THAT SMILE DAILY!

I would like to THANK

ADRIENNE CARRERE

for HER LOVELY PHOTOS and UPDATES on our BELOVED ELLIE.

THERE WAS A SERVICE or GATHERING of FRIENDS and FAMILY on the BEACH on THURSDAY NIGHT in HONOR of OUR GORGEOUS ELLIE.

HERE is a PHOTO of HER FRIENDS and FAMILY.

GORGEOUS………NON?

FRIENDS & FAMILY of ELLIE

 WE LOVED YOU ELEANOR

XOXO

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elizabeth, I’m so sad for all those that loved Ellie – both family and friends as she must have been an incredible force in so many peoples lives and she will be so sorely missed. As you know you are the only blog I read ( wish I had time to read more blogs!) but I did pop over to Ellie’s blog one time when you said to and I remember now how much she wrote with realness ( is there such a word??) and no pretense of trying to impress people so I will go visit it again. Ellie obviously had such a wonderful and meaningful connection to so, so many in the blogosphere ( as you do too!) and no doubt it will leave a very big hole in everyone’s hearts to not hear from her anymore. Her ALS didn’t seem to stop her keeping in touch with many of you personally and in someways I’m sure all of you kept her feeling loved and mentally stimulated up until the end. She will be remembered forever by all of you. I’m only hoping they can find a cure very soon ( as you know my son’s girlfriend is trying very hard to do that in her research ).

    A beautiful tribute my magical friend (and of course a magical friend to many others too) ! xo

    Reply

    • THANK YOU………….MADAME FOODIEFAN.
      I think REALNESS is a word………and that is how she wrote it!NO FAKE stuff,No Frosting she was as POINT on as One can BE!We her READERS loved her for THAT!
      BIG HUGS down under……….
      XO

      Reply

  2. Absolutely dear Elizabeth! I’ll be calling you for sure, what a pleasure is going to be to connect in an even more personal level, you are a joy and a light, the magic fairy or Godmother everyone dreams to have in their lives!
    Much love
    MariaTeresa

    Reply

  3. I am so, so sad. I loved her so much. And yet, we did not know each other. Adrienne, I am holding a place for you in my heart along with her husband David, her daughter, her family and friends. Like you all, I did not want her to die, so soon. I don’t understand this world. Such pain, such love.Such loss. God be with you.

    Beyondbeige

    Reply

  4. Dear Adrienne,
    I’d like to say thank you so much for sharing the last moments with us before Ellie became a kick-ass angel. It was a great comfort to me and I’m sure to others to learn about this. She was so lucky to have such wonderful friends and we were all (in our varying degrees and ways of knowing her) so fortunate to have known her! It truly was and is a gift. It is almost unimaginable how many people there are who were touched by her! She would not want you to be sad for long! It is a gift to witness the peaceful passing of a beloved friend. Thank you for being with her. I am sure she loved her gentle send-off into her new life. Lovingly, Ann

    Reply

  5. What kind of friend betrays trust and posthumously publishes private emails?
    Where is your loyalty, woman!
    Very tacky behaviour I must say
    Why are you still shouting? Please google internet etiquette re capital letters.

    Reply

    • CANDY…………..
      I write the way I speak……….
      I do not mean to OFFEND YOU.
      Think of it as JOY being added to the WORD!
      Enthusiasm, Excitement and MORE!!!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

    • We’re all grateful that Elizabeth shared her emails with us. Obviously she didn’t share anything that was too private or personal. I think people who know and love Ellie know that Ellie would approve.

      AS for the caps…HA! How would we KNOW it was CONTESSA otherwise??? 🙂 XXOO

      Reply

    • Your comments are inappropriate, Candy. Ellie would have loved
      Elizabeth’s sharing of these emails! Ellie’s blog was a very personal one. The emails Elizabeth has shared are not private. Enough said. This is about Ellie not being dragged into your opinion.

      Reply

    • Candy, first of all your name should be changed to poison ASAP. I hate myself for giving anytime of this beautiful space dedicated to the memory and love we all share for Ellie, but I was asked by Ellie O’Connell Decret herself, to give you a very important message and I couldn’t refuse, actually I wanted to do it because is only fair: “My cashmere sweaters have a message for you… Go fuck yourself.”
      I also want to recommend you to read this post of hers:
      http://havesomedecorum.blogspot.com/2014/12/dear-fat-fuck.html
      I’m sure our Ellie would have wanted to write something similar like that to you, for daring to make something dirty from something beautiful that brought some much solace to many of her friends. Ellie’s best friends approved La Contessa’s generosity, they were grateful and moved.
      Who the fuck are you to come here and vomit like that?! You don’t have a clue. Get out of here.

      Reply

  6. elizabeth i’m overwhelmed at your generosity for sharing these emails. what a glimpse into your relationship with ellie. you are both one in a million and i thank you for making her smile and laugh. as you know i’m a vegan but i can’t tell you how tempted i am to make all that delicious food for my family. take care angel. xo

    Reply

  7. THANK YOU for SHARING with us the last day………and ESPECIALLY the PHOTOS I used here………The DAHLIA HEART was STUNNING, somehow I think THAT was YOUR DOING!
    I know I want to KNOW and I would imagine a FEW others would TOO.
    What is the name and brand of HER FAVORITE candle…………?
    I do believe she wrote about it on the BLOG but memory fails me here.
    XX

    Reply

    • Brava my dear lady P.
      One must know and understand the heart of a soul to share, Elizabeth heart was in the right place, and her sharing is exactly what joyed Ellie most certainly. As for caps and lower case writing, one must know the spirit of THE CONTESSA to understand where she is coming from? Having the pleasure of a few PHONE conversations with our CONTESSA puts to rest her CAPS as ro being anything short of a lady with passion, RIGHT???? you know out lady Elizabeth the CONTESSA well, and speak in her defense all you need to. What is WRONG with this world where ones judge others on there spirit, truth, and sharing. Shame on the lady who so out spokenly spoke without understanding against our Contessa! And her wealth of sharing.

      I am a firm believer in when someone shows you who they are believe them, and this goes both ways….for those who are mean and ugly to others and those who are honest and good!
      Thank you Penelope for being you, honest and faithful to your friends.
      Thank you Elizabeth for being our CONTESSA!

      Xx
      Bisous
      Doré

      Reply

  9. Oh dear contessa, I make it over here with a sad heart. Yes a visit now and then to her beautiful blog Ellie was a name I told her that my sweet Hannah was almost named after a nick name given to her great grandfather.
    Such a sad loss, and a beautiful tribute you have given her in her sharing.
    I have a photo of myself sitting next to Randy Jackson when I was about 18-19 years of age, long time friends of the family through a life of Music and Hollywood with my grandfather.
    It will indeed be a loss, yet with so many emails I am most certain you my dear will come up with something beautiful for them.
    Again my sweet contessa (Elizabeth) you are a friend in her group that could pass on much of her soul.

    Soon my dear I will return to visit your many adventures in your life path that inspires all of us.
    Xx
    Dore

    Reply

  11. Dear Elizabeth, Thank you for sharing these emails. Ellie seemed to live her life out loud and I believe she’d understand — and appreciate — that we are aching at her loss. You let us SEE and HEAR her one last time. It means the world. We may have been “imaginary” but she certainly was / IS loved. You did a good thing. Deborah

    Reply

    • Deborah darling one!
      There is nothing imaginary about our friendship with Ellie! Nothing!
      I hope Gracie will learn that… Who knows?
      I know that Ellie has true friends who will remember her their whole lives; and whose lives she changed!!!
      “Imaginary friends” we are anything but!!
      She earned us. And friends we are!! Know her personally or not!!!!

      Reply

  12. I return to share that visiting Ellie was hard to read most of the time… My sisters mother in law passed with this horrible disease on Saturday September 3-2016 hard to read Ellie’s stories when the same story was in our family as well.
    Many fund raisers were evented in honor of Sophie who has been my sisters mother as well as in law for 26 years and when she was dianoised with ALS a year ago it progressed faster then anything her doctors have experianced… With no warning she was struck with ALS and it sucked the life out of her and crushed her loved ones. She was a women of great spirit and a unconditional lover.
    I know that my sister is sharing every intimate moment of Sophie’s life with dignity. You are doing the same here for everyone’s dear ELLIE….keep being you my SWEET CONTESSA! Talk soon.

    XX
    Bisous

    Doré

    Reply

    • TERRIBLY SORRY for your LOSS and your SISTERS.
      I have set up YOUR THEATRE at my MOTHER’s with the PAPER MICE in their finery.
      I must send YOU a PHOTO………..

      THANK YOU DORE for your LOVELY WORDS………XXX

      Reply

  13. There are many forms of love that the heart takes on. It is with a fierceness and loyalty that you have put the most gentle of loves out in the world for us to see. You are amazingly brave yet compassionate to have given us all a glimpse of this wonderful friend’s soul. We are all here to learn to LOVE one another, not judge. Continue to hone your recipe for LOVE, it is spellbinding.

    Zingara

    Reply

  14. So sorry to hear this sad news confirmed. I had seen something at another blog and kept checking her site for an update. I think I found her site through your’s and she was certainly a character. I didn’t always agree with what she said but I certainly admired her strength and determination – and frequent humour.
    I hope that she has finally found peace and I offer condolences to her family and friends – she was amazing.

    Reply

  16. Thank you so much for writing this lovely memorial to Ellie and letting us all know the details of her passing. I am so relieved that David made it there in time and am happy to know that she was surrounded by friends and family, back home in her beloved California. She touched so many of us around the globe and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her. Ellie did what she needed to do; Grace has turned 21 and surely carries in her heart, all of her courageous mother’s wisdom and love. Eleanor O’Connell Decret will be profoundly missed, but lives on in all of our hearts and minds.

    Reply

  17. Oh, reading this post was like Manna from Heaven. No kidding. Just to hear Ellie’s voice once again was so uplifting. A thousand thank yous. Will read her life story/biography once again tonight in her honor and ordered her Thanksgiving book today. There will never been enough Ellie, but that’s the way it is with all marvelous, wonderful things in life.

    Contessa, you have done a very kind thing with this posts. A superior way to honor an extraordinary person! XXOO

    Reply

  18. Ellie’s death is breathtakingly sad for so many reasons.
    What a kick-in-the-pants friend she was to all of us just by being herself and sharing her wit and insights!
    I intend to keep her blog entries and her book close at hand for inspiration.
    I really think that we all found her because she reminded us about what really matters and we needed to hear that.
    Thank you, Ellie.

    Reply

    • She was like HITTING the RE~FRESH BUTTON.
      WE could ALL relate to what she was saying……………..HER REAL FEELINGS came through and that was FOOD for the SOUL.
      XX

      Reply

  19. When I discovered Ellie’s blog perhaps 2 years ago, I sent her a message declaring I was besotted with her. She did not think we strange or weird and instantly messaged me back making me feel the “love” was mutual.

    Thank you for sharing of your friendship.

    Reply

    • LOVE that Word!
      BESOTTED.
      I do not think I have ever written it………BESOTTED!
      What a PERFECT DESCRIPTION!
      I can SO relate to YOUR feelings!!!!!!!!
      THANK YOU!
      XX

      Reply

  20. Dear Elizabeth, Have you seen an obituary for Ellie? Her family may be too exhausted and, perhaps, even unaware of the depth of her “imaginary” friends to post on HSD or IG, but I’ll bet I’m not the not one who wants to see a formal “story” of beloved Ellie’s presence on this planet. xo

    Reply

    • NO, but I do not live in HER town.
      I would imagine the SANTA BARBARA papers would have something.OR, perhaps the MEMORIAL is still in the PLANNING STAGES so nothing has been announced yet.I would imagine there will be a service at a later date………….I have NEVER planned a FUNERAL so do not know what is involved.I can ONLY IMAGINE it is NOT easy………….XX

      Reply

  21. Contessa, I do so enjoy your blog. Our dear Ellie’s blog led me to yours awhile back, although I believe this is my first comment to you. You are quite a character, as you say. 😉 And a very interesting and entertaining one!
    Thank you for writing this lovely post about our sweet Ellie. I already miss her so very much, but I am so happy for her that she is now free! I hope she knows how much we, her “imaginary friends”, loved her so!

    Reply

    • Lily,
      I THINK SHE KNEW…………she took ALL OUR CARDS WITH HER TO CALIFORNIA!THE CARDS that poured in for HER BIRTHDAY to me a couple of years ago was INCREDIBLE TOO!DO you remember THAT BOX of cards came back TO ME!!!!!I canNOT recall what went WRONG But they didNOT get DELIVERED………….I had to re-MAIL.SO, they were LATE, which made me BESIDE MYSELF!SHE did receive them…………and was SO GRATEFUL.SHE KNEW.
      XX

      Reply

  22. I’m so sorry for everyones loss, especially her family. Elizabeth, you were such a good friend and loyal reader. It’s so nice to know you met her in person too. I know it was people like you that kept Ellie going. Really, what a difference you made in her life! May she rest in peace.

    Reply

    • EMILY,
      LOYAL READER YES!!!!!!!I wouldNOT have MISSED ONE ENTRY!
      THANK YOU for writing……………EVERYONE!
      I think WE have DETERMINED SHE WILL BE MISSED.WE ALL KEPT HER GOING………..SHE WAS A GIFT TO US!
      XX

      Reply

  23. Thank you Elizabeth for being YOU! and writing a beautiful tribute to Ellie. ALS is a horrible disease. It is wonderful to share your emails with her and the joy that existed between the two of you.
    I’m so sorry she’s gone, but living with ALS must be incredibly painful. In 2005 our dear friend Tom Rogers, also from Santa Barbara, succumbed to the disease. Watching him valiantly live on for his 2 daughters was heartbreaking. The courage it must take is huge.
    You and others helped Ellie have some fun moments. Bless you all and Ellie

    Reply

  24. Ellie was an original one of a kind woman. None of us were ready to say goodbye even though we knew she had little time left. I was in Paris in July and stood outside her apartment in Palais Royal. Wished I could have seen her but I said my au revoir that day. What a brave soul she was. She will be missed. Rest in peace sweet Eleanor.

    Reply

    • I too was in Paris in July and made my way to the Palais Royal. It was my first trip to Paris and it was a warm day. I sat near the fountains and ate fruit and walked around and looked up wondering which window she filmed her fab movies for Instagram from. I knew she was not long for our world when she made her way home….xxxx

      Reply

  25. What a sad loss. I didn’t know Ellie or her blog before and I’ve been reading her words and getting a glimpse of her vibrant life these last few days. I’m sort of speechless. I just wrote a post about living with uncertainty and somehow I feel like I wasn’t grateful enough for the privilege of aging. The privilege of growing old. Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your experiences with Ellie and passing her spirit on to others who can feel touched by the lesson of her life.
    xo
    Leslie

    Reply

  26. Thank you for your post about Ellie. She touched so many lives. Do you or anyone know what happened to her beloved, Teddy? Thank you, again.

    Reply

    • Teddy went back to the shelter where he grew up and lived MOST of his LIFE.
      From what I understand.
      SHELTERs in EUROPE or at least in Italy where I lived close to one are NOTHING like the SHELTERS here in the STATES.They are ROOMY and have an indoor outdoor area for the animals to roam……..
      They areNOT kept in cages or CRATES like we tend to do here.
      LOADS OF VOLUNTEERS…………..XX

      Reply

  28. I knew Ellie and her family when we were young and spent a couple of years trying to periodically see if I could find them. Unfortunately by the time I did a few months ago Ellie was in France and understandably overwhelmed with doctors and surviving and my emails went unanswered. I would love to get a message to Heather and her Mother if you could help me?

    Reply

  29. Elizabeth, Read this when you first wrote it and I was just sick. So wishing she had been able to beat this a little longer. Her blog was a wonderful gift to the world. I felt like I got to know her as a person. She was real and that’s what I loved. I’m beyond sad about her passing. Thanks to you I got to find her blog, otherwise I wouldn’t have. Hugs to you too. Wonderful you went to see her in France. Aren’t you glad? xoxo Kim

    Reply

  30. Dear Contessa ~
    Bless you for this beautiful tribute honoring our Ellie and for sharing her spirit again through
    your exchanges, while allowing her to linger in our hearts a little longer. They say
    Eleanor O’Connell Decret died August 30, 2016, but I refuse to believe it….she gave
    so much to so many, including new meaning and purpose in life, that she will not be
    far from our awareness all the days of our lives…..she lives, beloved, oh how she does
    LIVE….

    Reply

  32. The condolence letter that I sent to Ellie’s family at the address suggested was sadly returned as unable to forward :/

    Reply

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