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ORINDA LIVING MAGAZINE

I live in a small TOWN called ORINDA and it’s

NOT every day YOU get a call to be interviewed for THE Cover of YOUR TOWNS MAGAZINE!

A COVER GIRL AT 58!

Watch out CHRISTIE BRINKLEY!

WE had a ball getting BANKSY the TEA CUP PIGGY to face the camera……….

(HA!NOT SO EASY!)

I had seen the GREEN CHARTREUSE dress on Instagram and immediately called The Designer a FRIEND of mine to see if she had my size!I needed it in 4 days time and it had to be mailed!She stayed up half the night and had it to UPS by 8:15 AM the next morning!

THATS WHAT I CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE!

 

JENNAFER GRACE is her name and if YOU WANT MY DRESS GO HERE NOW!

It comes in a PLETHORA of colors!

SHE is a YOUNG THING out of San Diego and has a website check her OUT!

SHE is doing a YOGA COVERUP that is pretty GREAT as well…….

I might add MY DRESS  is

MACHINE WASHABLE TOO!

I think it may become MY CONTESSA UNIFORM!

Don’t YOU LOVE THE SLEEVES?

NOT A DRESS TO COOK IN HOWEVER………

I tried THAT ONLY ONCE!

WINSTON LOOKING AT ME THINKING……WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING?!

BELOW, is ONE of MY FAVORITE PHOTOS EVER!

LA CONTESSA and her GRANDBABY BANKSY.

Yes, I wore the Black and White so I could MATCH HIS ROYAL STRIPES!

THIS photo will be PRINTED and FRAMED for a Life Time memory!

Let me say HERE THANK YOU JILL for the lion statues as these were at my girlfriends house years ago and I can still recall the day she called to ask me if I wanted them as they “Really were not her!”

I jumped at the chance without even SEEING THEM!

Jill has known me since BROWNIE CAMP!

Introduced me to my first GUIENA PIG!

SO, it is VERY FITTING they frame this PHOTO!

GRAZIE AMICA MIA!

WE REALLY DO NEED TO GET TOGETHER SOON!

 

 

Below is THE ARTICLE on YOUR CONTESSA.

WHICH HAS A FEW HICCUPS IN IT………….

FIRST ONE BEING “A GREAT LIVER OF LIFE!”

I think WE ALL GET THE IDEA however ORGAN PARTS come to mind!

Let me say the First BOO-BOO HERE was the writer of the ARTICLE NEVER MET ME!

I answered her questions in an email and she formatted into this FLOWING STORY!

She did a GREAT JOB of putting my stories together but a few things got OMITTED or changed!

MY SONS are 29 and 31, I may have screwed up there as in my head Nicholas is still 28!

OR where I worked as a young thing many years ago as a FASHION MERCHANDISING MAJOR!

Which was BULLOCKS WILSHIRE not BULLOCKS!

If you live in Southern California YOU GET IT!

I think what bothers me the most is THE QUOTES ARE NOT completely what I said.

Is that allowed in JOURNALISM?

THIS IS WHAT I SAID at the end of the story………..”.I adore Europe.People often ask us if we would move back to Italy.I doubt, we ever would do that as our SONS are HERE.With one recently married and the other living not far away why would we go even further?”

“ORINDA, is a GOOD place to be!”

I apologize for the small print and realize a few of you willNOT BE ABLE TO READ IT!

IN THE COMMENTS THIS WAS OFFERED!

HIT COMMAND and the + TO ENLARGE PRINT.TO put it BACK hit COMMAND -.

OR CTRL + and CTRL –

HOPE THAT HELPS!!

JUST KEEP TAPPING THE PLUS IT GETS BIGGER!!!!

THANK YOU TAMMY J!!!!

SO, ENJOY THE SHOTS THAT COME AFTER!

There were 124 Photographs to pick from.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

TERRY RIGGINS DID A GREAT JOB!

 

Not an EASY TASK!

BANKSY WAS ON HIS BEST BEHAVIOR AND SMILED FOR THE CAMERA!

Just like THE LINE in THE MOVIE BABE.

 “GOOD PIG!”

XX

PS.I had LUNCH YESTERDAY with a WOMAN who LIVED NEXT DOOR TO BABE!

MY MOUTH IS STILL GAPING!

THESE THINGS TICKLE ME PINK!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SO, now YOU know a bit MORE about me which is A GOOD THING!

OR MAYBE NOT if the print was TOO SMALL!

ANOTHER FAVORITE PHOTO BELOW.

BANKSY has always LOVED CHEERIO’s, as I have since childhood!

Did you know THEY ARE GLUTEN FREE as well?

THEY ARE INDEED!

I found the silver cup in PARIS at THE FLEA MARKET out in the 14th District my last trip there.

They had a stack of them!I so wish I had bought them ALL but I was worried about weight in the LUGGAGE!

I use it for my COFFEE LATTE in the winter.

That is if its Not being used for CHEERIOS!

Kitchen Table.

 Adorned with MY CLUTTER!

The ceramic candlesticks were a CHRISTMAS GIFT to me from a dear friend!

The FOOD DOMES I have collected over the years but have run out of places to put them!

I use this ONE as a DOOR STOP from Time to TIME!

WORKS BEAUTIFULLY!

I LOVE THIS TOO!

I ALWAYS SHARE IN THE KITCHEN!

Normally, he is under foot so I have to STRADDLE HIM!

He loves that PINK CARPET!

He also LOVES TO PULL the dish towels down and rearrange them on the floor!

We call HIM the DISH TOWEL BANDIT when he does that!

ALWAYS time for a KISS!

That little hair brush in the terra-cotta planter was mine as a KID!

I remember my Mother got it from THE FULLER BRUSH MAN!

Do you remember them?

They came to the door selling wares!

I did cart that Terra-cotta planter home in my luggage from ITALY!

Remember the container had left with our possessions and so did THE ITALIAN.

I THEN WENT SHOPPING IN FLORENCE and THE SURROUNDING VILLAGES!

TWO CHILDREN,

TWO DOGS,

TWO CATS and 18 pieces of luggage had to get to the ROME AIRPORT!

WE ARRIVED IN THREE CARS and I didNOT have to PAY OVER WEIGHT!

Let’s just say the counter person sympathized with me!

SHE WAS ITALIAN!

(MY MOTHER used that little hairbrush for her cats over the next 50 years!)

 

 

 

SO now YOU have experienced a DAY in THE LIFE of YOUR CONTESSA.

BANKSY will CONCUR!

IT is NOT EASY STANDING on STEPS balancing on ONE LEG, turning and smiling!

WE WERE EXHAUSTED!

THANK YOU ORINDA LIVING MAGAZINE YOU MADE OUR MONTH!

I have ORDERED PRINTS and NOW will be searching for FRAMES………..you know the type!

Old and Crusty with loads of PATINA!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Beautiful photos of you. You look like you’re having a great time in all of them. So now you’re famous in Orinda. The chartreuse dress looks perfect on you. I enjoyed learning more about you. Your stories and anecdotes are always enchanting.

      Reply

  2. That dress is absolutely magnificent. All the photos are fantastic. They absolutely deserve to be framed.
    It is a shame that a local magazine didn’t send a writer out to meet you in person. An email interview is what happens with people on the other side of the world. Your final quote feels out of context. I suppose they wanted to end with you saying you love Orinda and they ran out of room.
    All the same, it was a fun read, and we learned that you progressed from guinea pigs to tea cup pigs.
    Congratulations! You are really becoming a media darling!

    Reply

    • YOU KNOW HOW TO MAKE ME LAUGH!
      “FROM GUIENA PIGS TO TEA CUPS!”
      NO room for a POT BELLY!
      THE PHOTOS ARRIVED TODAY!Perhaps I ordered TOO MANY!!!!!!!
      I’m out of table top space as it is already!
      XX

      Reply

  3. Absolutely fabulous photos. The photos say it all. You don’t need the text. Shows how wonderful photos can be when you have a professional and don’t have to push on a remote.

    Someone should see this layout and hire you as a model. Just gorgeous.

    Reply

  4. Oh you are a fabulous cover girl and the photos are magnificent! Cannot quite make out the small print of the article…with my old lady eyes. Will have to see if I can read it on my laptop instead of the IPhone.
    Your garden looks so enchanting…love it all!
    Hope you are keeping well.
    XO

    Reply

    • WORKING AT THAT KEEPING WELL BIT……..COCONUT WATER seems to be helping!
      THANK YOU LESLIE!
      I bet you’re devastated by the NOTRE DAME NEWS TODAY………I am BROKEN!
      XX

      Reply

  5. What fun! Who knows… maybe a Vogue cover is in your future! (Why not?)

    That color is absolutely divine on you. And you, Winston, and Banksy all look pretty fabulous – because you are fabulous!

    Reply

    • THEY NEED A VOQUE FOR OLDER LADIES!
      THERE YOU GO………THATS YOUR TICKET TO THE NEXT CHAPTER!!!
      FOR WOMEN OVER 50………….what a GREAT IDEA I JUST HAD!
      We would all buy it………wouldn’t WE?
      XX

      Reply

  7. Congratulations! Just beautiful! You and your dress are gorgeous! And Banksy always brings a smile to my face. Big hug, Lisa

    Reply

    • YOU would LOVE him LISA……….especially the TUCK NIGHT NIGHT!
      HE has to turn around and get just SO and then I cover him up with TWO BLANKETS!
      He is a SPECIAL PIG!
      Has NO IDEA how GOOD HE HAS IT!!!
      XX

      Reply

  8. You set the bar pretty high my dear friend! Dress is gorgeous and those SLEEVES….must use two yards of fabric each. Thank you for inspiring and sharing with us!

    Reply

  9. Hello Contessa, A great tribute to you and very well put together. I wouldn’t worry about the exact quotes–it’s a virtual guarantee that quotes that make it into print will become muddled. It’s always fun to see some more of your house with its cheerful clutter–I love the stories attached to each of the myriad objects!
    –Jim

    Reply

  11. How fabulous and beautiful, you are one amazing lady! thank you so much for sharing…Viva la Vida Buena!

    Reply

  13. Ciao Bella,

    You look so glamorous posing around your home! What a fun thing to have done and brilliant that you get some keepsakes. The photographer did a great job!

    There’s always so much to look at in your home pics and I noticed for the first time your green marble benchtops in the kitchen. Pretty envious, I am!! And ties in so well with your pantry awning. I think we may need to see your shaded telly one day …

    Baci xx

    Reply

  14. Speechless! You’re a star contessa!! ??you looked beautiful in the photos and Banksy had his shining moment too!!! Loved the article and reading about the wonderful memories you have created in your beautiful home. Yayy so exciting
    Xoxoxo

    Reply

  15. I was delighted to learn more about you. You have a poignant gift of being upbeat and happy while being real and authentic

    Reply

  16. If you weren’t a model before, you are now! So glamorous! I also love the black and white photo with Banksy! Love you you embrace life! xo

    Reply

  17. If you weren’t a model before, you are now! So glamorous! I also love the black and white photo with Banksy! Love how you embrace life! xo

    Reply

  18. Our contessa……one of a kind……she makes life oh so much more interesting, does she not? Her fans adore her, and rightly so….and I am one of her biggest fans. Such panauche, this woman possesses. I wish I were her next door neighbor. …alas, I am on the East Coast. Sign up and never miss her blog posts…….they will make your day, I promise!

    Reply

  19. It brightens up our day to read about you and see the lovely photos of you. beautiful contessa – the photos did you the justice you deserve!

    It has totally been a stressful week here.

    Just feeling so sad about Notre Dame. Ironic that it survived World War II because it was supposed to be bombed by the Germans but a German general decided not to bomb it. And now this…

    I hadn’t realized that ND was in such bad shape with cracks from the air pollution. I have never been to Paris but Notre Dame is a worldwide monument, an icon. The French are resilient. As macron says, they will rebuild it. Vive la France!

    Reply

    • I am still STUNNED BY THE NEWS!I cannot turn the TV on…………..
      AM seeing enough on it on the internet and instagram.I LOVE how people are showing their photos and sharing their memories!
      I WAS THERE A COUPLE OF TIMES SO I AM A LUCKY ONE!
      I am SO SORRY YOU are having a STRESSFUL WEEK!
      I see an email from you so I will have a peek later today.I do hope your feeling better and THAT ARM is HEALING!
      XX

      Reply

  20. slightly ashamed to be such a silent reader. I ALWAYS read them all. but can’t hold it all in on this one darling bean!
    you are so AMAZING. (and btw… I finally learned to temporarily make the print bigger on articles and such.)
    just do Ctrl + and then put it back with Ctrl – when you want to! so I read the whole article easily. it’s just YOU!
    you are the living description of a wonderful line in a movie I can’t think of right now… but it was said about the heroine in the movie… “she EATS LIFE!” I have always loved that. and that is YOU our darling Contessa! XOXO

    Reply

    • WHAT MOVIE WAS THAT IN?I think I need to see it!
      THANK YOU THANK YOU for the “HOW TOO!!!!!””
      IT WORKS HERE!!!
      THE THINGS WE LEARN FROM BLOGS!!!!!!!
      LOVE THIS NETWORK OF PEOPLE!!!
      YOU ARE SO HELPFUL!
      T H A N K Y O U!!
      XX

      Reply

  21. Fabulous photos, your dresses are a knockout. Bet you are the talk of town and everyone is wanting to meet Banksy. Love how you care and look after him with blankets at bedtime, he must love you.

    Reply

  22. Every single image has heart and soul… which for me personally is the essence to a fabulous layout.. pictures do say a thousand words… Congratulations Contessa!

    Reply

  23. Our former neighbors moved here from Orinda, endured two New England winters, and moved back to Orinda.
    What a terrific article about you – I feel that it captured you well! And the photos are vibrant and beautiful – yes, buy prints and frame some!

    Reply

    • THEY ARRIVED YESTERDAY!!!!
      VERY HAPPY with the PRINTS!
      WHO are these people……..send me an email with their name!!
      Maybe it is STILL A SMALL WORLD!!!
      XX

      Reply

  24. To the V.I.P. of Orinda…. Contessa,
    I always like to read yr style of writing…so funny and the pics from you, Banksy and
    Winston are really lovely. I also googelt where Orinda is and saw the photos of that
    little village surrounded by a lake(?). You have an enviable life style in yr wonderful
    house where I particularly like the cozy kitchen.

    Reply

    • NO LAKE but a DAM is on one side and there is a small LAKE amongst the homes on THE OTHER SIDE!!!
      WE LIVE IN THE KICHEN!!!
      THANKS MUMBAI!!!!!!!
      How warm is SPAIN these days?I am freezing here!
      XX

      Reply

    • Well, I now know YOU Know of THE MAGAZINE but at first glance I thought otherwise!
      WE will change these OUT to CLAPPING HANDS as thats what YOU INTENDED!
      THANK YOU!
      XX

      Reply

  27. I’m surprised it took them so long to put you on the cover. And, they definitely should have sent the writer to your home for the interview. A missed opportunity. Love the great pictures.

    Reply

  28. I’m saving this as a PDF so I have it on my computer forever. Loving ALL the outfits. The black white with Banksy is my favorite styling moment. Your table, your cooking, your lifestyle, all envied and enjoyed by the entire readership of blogs. I’m smiling.

    Reply

    • Well, THAT MAKES MY DAY MARSHA!
      TO MAKE ONE PERSON SMILE THAT MEANS MY WORDS AND CHATTER WERE WORTH IT ALL!
      IF you send me your street address VIA email I will send you a printed photo or two!I think I ordered TOO MANY!!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  30. The photographer got YOU! What a joy to find your post today. It must have been a thrill. I can imagine the readers would call this the best issue ever. Truly fascinating article AND photos. 5 stars!!!!!!

    Reply

  32. Ma Chere Contessa,
    Great blog today!
    Such wonderful fun seeing your gorgeous abode.
    I have yet to tackle the small print in the Orinda article, but congratulations on getting another cover story.
    BTW you look fabulous.
    Regarding the story…the author should have omitted the body organ and written “Lover of life”
    Mille Gracie for the enjoyable romp through your life.
    If Banksy is a teacup piggy.,that’s some big teacup!!!
    Loved the chic color decor in your photos, particularly stripes and white/white when posed with Banksy.
    All enormous fun!!

    Reply

    • ANN,
      YOU can hit COMMAND or CTRL on your computer and the PLUS sign……..it will make the PRINT BIGGER! Command on the Apple computer and the +
      CTRL and the +.
      Keep hitting the PLUS it gets BIGGER!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  33. What an absolutely GLORIOUS post my dear! These photos certainly captured your joy of life!! And your kitchen, breathtaking!! I so adore your blog my dear!! Thank you for sharing YOU!! xoxox

    Reply

  34. Dear Contessa,
    You are delightful in every way and I so admire how you embrace your passions to the fullest. Life is to be lived and you my friend do it with panache. Your media recognition is most deserved. Hugs and more hugs.
    LiLi

    Reply

    • DEAREST LiLi,
      ” EMBRACE MY PASSIONS TO THE FULLEST” How I ADORE THAT LINE!
      THANK YOU for being MY CHEERLEADER………..!!
      I may have to use YOUR LINE SOMEWHERE……….MAYBE THAT BOOK PEOPLE WANT ME TO WRITE ONE DAY!XX

      Reply

  35. Congratulations on the article…well deserved and fun to read more about you. Liked how you met your Italian (got to ? our Italian men)! Love your style and you look great on the cover in that chartreuse dress! Definitely your signature color! 🙂

    Reply

    • HELLO SUE,

      THANK YOU and YES WE DO LOVE OUR ITALIAN MEN!!!!Although, mine can drive me crazy from time to time!One day I must write about THE IRON GATES I FOUND with our last name initial on them and the fact they would fit perfectly at the entrance to my home!HE REFUSES TO PUT THEM UP!
      XX

      Reply

  37. This made my morning! Contessa, you are a treasure, oh, and Banksy, can’t leave out the little darling. What amazing style you have, such joy. It’s so nice to smile this morning after the sad Paris news. The Italian was persistent and cute story of Mother telling you to quit the heels. It all worked out and so much fun.

    I’ve enjoyed your blog so much and have seen bits and pieces of your life, from the ballerina photo to wedding and chickens in Paris. It would make a great coffee table book! When is that coming?

    Reply

    • OH DONNA………….ONE DAY perhaps……….I do not know if I have enough to CHAT ABOUT!Who would buy a book of PHOTOS ONLY?Plus, who am I?!!!NO ONE………just a CALIFORNIA gal who married a REAL ITALIAN who got to live in FLORENCE, ITALY for three years and soak up the GOOD LIFE only to return HOME to Build a NEST and raise two GORGEOUS SONS!She is a bit of a KOOK as CARLA COULSON says and ADORES ANIMALS as much as HUMANS……..maybe MORE!I will keep thinking about it………..THANK YOU for BELIEVING IN ME!Put a SMILE on my FACE!
      Now I better go do the laundry or THE ITALIAN will have NO SOCKS TOMORROW!!!!!!!
      HUGS,
      XX

      Reply

  39. Wow, so super cool! Such magnificent photos of you and with you always being so full of joy… laughing and being yourself! That dress which was made for you so quickly! It’s amazing on you you. The color! Definitely a fire danger if you’re cooking!

    I need to finish reading the article, though. I do know a lot of the story but I’m curious as to see the booboos you mentioned.

    Love your writing and stories! Always a joy and inspiration!

    Love,

    Karenoxoxox

    Reply

  40. wonderful photos of you and your sweet animals! Also love seeing inside your home…wish I could be there and “feel” it. Congrats on the article about wonderful you!!

    Reply

  42. Hello Elizabeth, it warms my heart to see all the wonderful and heartfelt comments from your beloved blog readers of your recent Orinda Living feature and the additional images.

    It was truly my pleasure to capture you in these images. You are a stunningly beautiful wonderful and interesting beyond compare. Although, I have know you for years, casually, I now feel a deeper connection to you, your lovely pets and the amazing and charming Italian. Such a sweet man.

    Thank you also for your warm hospitality. Totally unexpected, but sooo delightful!

    I look forward to more fun times spent together.

    Much love, Terry

    Reply

    • THANK YOU TERRY for the WONDERFUL PHOTOS!
      I will cherish FOREVER!I sent you an email and I told you how much I am IMPRESSED with those PRINTS!WOW……….thank you for THAT TIP!
      THE QUALITY IS LIKE NOTHING I HAVE EVER SEEN!
      Dinner soon………..XX

      Reply

  43. What an amazing post, Contessa! Congrats on your cover!! I also think Vogue for us more mature ladies would be fitting and who better than our very own CONTESSA to grace the first cover?

    the photo shoot for the article turned out amazing. You and Banksy in B & W was precious as all get out. I adore you in color but also when I saw you in the zebra style print, I felt you really glowed.
    I giggled when you mentioned the Chartreuse dress is not good for cooking in, as you had already tried. Hahaha!! Can just picture it in my mind. Thanks for sharing your ‘in house’ photos here, too. So lovely to see your cozy abode.

    Reply

    • I think a VOQUE for THE MORE MATURE WOMAN is a GREAT IDEA!
      WHY HAS THAT NOT NOT BEEN DONE YET?
      I TOO LOVE THE BLACK AND WHITE LOOK with Mister B!I did DO that on PURPOSE!
      She captured HIM!!!
      THANK YOU!
      XX

      Reply

  44. Everything about this is perfect!!
    The story is great and so entertaining.
    And the photography is wonderful. You look beautiful in all of them and look so relaxed and happy. Way to go!!! That was fun!!!

    Reply

  45. I adore the profile photo of you leaning over to kiss Bansky! You look like Natalie Wood. Very old world Hollywood.

    It was a total hoot and a half to see you on the front page!! Never too old to become a cover girl!

    How will you go back to a quiet life?!

    Reply

  46. I am continually cheered to see a blog from you. Endlessly enjoyable, unfailingly uplifting. The article and photographs are delightful. You look wonderful and you brighten so many lives. Thank you.

    Reply

  47. This is a wonderful tribute to you. I loved every minute of it. The pictures are fantastic. I don’t think I have ever seen you look more beautiful. I bet this article made the “orindians” day. What fun!

    Reply

  48. Such a wonderful article about a wonderful person. You look absolutely beautiful in the photos. Fun to learn more about you, GP, and your two sons. You are going to have a BIG well deserved career as a model and lifestyle influencer. Amazing, as always. Baci, Robin

    Reply

  49. Elizabeth!!! These photos are just magnificent. I can’t think of anyone better for a magazine cover than you. The photo of you in that zebra print with Banksy is just MAGNIFICENT. All of the photos of you are spectacular. What an amazing article. Brava, bella, BRAVA!!! xxx

    Reply

    • LISA,
      THANK YOU SO MUCH!IT WAS A FUN DAY…………….
      CONGRATULATIONS on WINNING BEST BLOGGER IN THE UK for FASHION!!!!!!!!
      I am THRILLED FOR YOU!!
      BACI back at YOU!
      XX

      Reply

  50. What more can I say that hasn’t already been said? I enjoyed this as I enjoy all of your posts. Beautiful photographs…and I agree, someone should hire you to be a model!

    Reply

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