The Vintage Contessa

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

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November Tidings!

A BUSY MONTH FOR ME!

 

BEFORE HAIR CUT!

THE CUT!

Black EYE REMNANTS.

LUNCH WITH THE BLOGGERS!

 

Kitchen of the NEWLY remodeled House of Northern California STYLE!

 

 

A FEW BLOGGERS YOU MAY FOLLOW!

LINKS BELOW TO CHECK OUT IF YOU DO NOT!

CINDY from Cindy Hattersley Design

KIM from NorthernCalStyle.com

Mary Ann from Classiccasualhome.com

I ADORE THESE WOMEN and LOVE getting together with them!There is NEVER enough TIME before one has to head home before all THAT TRAFFIC in the San Francisco Bay Area!To give you an idea it took me little over an hour to get there(45 miles) and Two and a half Hours coming Home and I left by 3:00!I am ready to PUSH A BUTTON in MY FIAT and FLY HOME!I think Mr.MUSK should direct his THINKING to FLYING AUTOMOBILES……….CAN YOU IMAGINE!!!!!

(I have tried to FIX this photo and have given up!MY APOLOGIZES to these GORGEOUS GALS if it is still showing up sideways with NO HEADS!)

I’ll TAKE THE HIGH ROAD you TAKE THE LOW ROAD will have NEW MEANING!

What is with those cars that are going so FAST and weaving in and out of traffic!

It’s as if they are in a VIDEO GAME!

Or is it me that I am becoming an OLD LADY?

Little of BOTH I would think!

 

Your Contessa & Mary Ann………….

LOVE THIS PHOTO KIM!

  Kim caught a FEW GREAT PHOTOS of the THREE GRACES as she referred to us!

Mary Ann is from Newport Beach,CALIFORNIA in fact they have rented their home out on the island I spent my summers on with my cousins and aunts!CONNECTIONS are so THRILLING TO ME!Cindy, is from INDIANA where my Mother was from!There is something to be said about those MIDWESTERNERS!

SO NICE and FUN!

Did I mention my NEW NEIGHBORS who moved in in AUGUST have not been seen since!

Blind’s always closed.

Refuse to meet BANKSY and the chickens upon the first and only introduction.They did not come Trick or Treating to our house; they have girls who are young enough and the Girls RUN if they see me and Winston!

I find this BEHAVIOR BEWILDERING!

They moved from New York!

Is this a New York TRAIT?

I have ALWAYS thought of New Yorkers as FRIENDLY PEOPLE!

Perhaps, I was overly FRIENDLY!

WELCOMING!

LOST ART TOO JUST LIKE MANNERS?

 

  Kim recently had met DIANE  VON Fursenberg and was featuring a dress of hers and I am in MY old STAND BY BRYN WALKER which never fails me!

Tassels ADD FUN to ANY BAG!

I keep saying I am NOT A BLUE GIRL but these TASSELS WON MY HEART!

  Bought in CARMEL but after my INSTAGRAM post they SOLD OUT!

They are from OAXACA,MEXICO!

 

MY DISHTOWEL BANDIT keeps me company at night while I prepare the dinner!

His game is to pull down the DISH TOWELS and take a REST!

I LOVE IT!

Which by the way these DISHTOWELS are THE BEST I HAVE EVER HAD!

MADE IN FRANCE BY Charvet Editions

EXPENSIVE but worth it!

 

How many of YOU still have a LAND LINE!?

Lately the GAS and Electrical company have been turning OFF OUR POWER so the CALIFORNIA FIRES may NOT OCCUR!

We had NO CELL RECEPTION either so this was the ONLY way to get in touch with the OUTSIDE WORLD!

Seems we are about THE ONLY Ones left on the STREET that kept the LAND LINE!

 IT IS YOUR’s NEIGHBORS IF YOU NEED IT!

I went to a SALE of SALLY BASS Jewelry recently.I couldn’t leave these EARRINGS behind!

ALL I COULD THINK OF WAS CAFTANS AND COCKTAILS!

I wonder if CHARLOTTE MOSS would invite me to HER CAFTAN CAUCAS?

SALLY BASS EARRINGS…….

 

ROMEO AND ROMEO!

 

NEW SCARF TRICK AND VIDEO ON INSTAGRAM!

 YOU need TWO scarves the same Length!These scarves came from a DARLING SHOP on COLLEGE AVENUE close to me called SERRAHNA.THE SHOPS phone number is 510-654-2332 or email:[email protected] contact her if you think You want TO COPY ME!

 The colors she has are INCREDIBLE!

 

USED CAFTAN I SCORED it hails from PAKISTAN!

  COFFE TIME……………in MY Peruvian Connection SKIRT I ORDERED.

(AGAIN problems with the photos this photo was to be the other way so YOU COULD SEE THE SKIRT!)

Instead you get my MESSY DESK!

BOOK GIVEAWAY………..IF YOU FOLLOWED ELLIE at HAVE SOME DECORUM I am GIFTING a PAPER BACK EDITION of GRACIE’s NEW BOOK on MORE STORIES of HER AND HER WONDERFUL MOTHER!If you are NEW HERE, Ellie was a CALIFORNIA GAL who ended up in PARIS with MLS.WE lost her over TWO YEARS AGO.

I discovered something that I did ended up in the BOOK on PAGE 169……….which delighted me NO END to find OUT GRACIE still has the BOX with LETTERS and CARDS we sent over for her BIRTHDAY which came back to me as their name was NOT on THE DOOR!Mailed AGAIN to PARIS and she RECEIVED it when it was TRUELY NEEDED.

Let’s all take a minute and remember THAT wonderful GAL who Pounded out THAT BLOG with her VOICE and shopped the Broccantes with her CAREGIVERS to OFFER all of us a BIT of FRANCE!

Please leave a comment or send me an Email at [email protected] with fond memories of Ellie or why You would like to READ THE BOOK!

I will Pick ONE PERSON to Gift this Book TOO!

I know that will be a VERY HARD JOB!

I think the BLOG is still UP if you want to peek……..HAVESOMEDECORUM.BLOGSPOT

OR her INSTAGRAM handle is ellieod click HERE with link to order the book!

Otherwise search www.blurb.com/b/9703

I met ELLIE once in Paris. Spoke with her on the phone maybe twice and shared a few emails but I have NEVER MET GRACIE YET!

2020 I will MAKE THAT HAPPEN as her autograph to me made my HEART SOAR!

Enjoy the HOLIDAY SEASON………….remember those postal workers could use a SMILE with a COFFEE or HOT CHOCOLATE in hand!

THE ITALIAN is already asking me WHERE we will put the CHRISTMAS TREE!

I told him the KITCHEN TABLE!

That was REJECTED!

I would LOVE to do  SMALLER but somehow I do not THINK that VISION will BE!

I still have an EXCITED BOY at HOME who will NOT let the MERRIMENT SLOW DOWN!

I KNOW.

I am as LUCKY as CAN BE.

XX

SEIZE THE DAYS AHEAD………..and I will leave you with this lovely quote by Marcel Proust

LET US BE GRATEFUL TO PEOPLE WHO MAKE US HAPPY;

THEY ARE THE CHARMING SOULS WHO MAKE OUR SOULS BLOSSOM.

  Cooking with GRACIE’s MOTHERS COOKBOOK which is FOR SALE TOO on her SITE!

This was my FOURTH YEAR and I LOVE the VERY AMERICAN RECIPES and to TO DO’s and NOT TO DO’s commentary by ELLIE!

 

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • THANK YOU BRENDA very kind of YOU to say this!I enjoy connecting HERE!
      It’s AMAZING what the BLOG world and Instagram have done for the middle aged women!
      Hope you are well and staying warm tonight!The tempture is dropping!!!!XO

      Reply

  3. Hi there CONTESSA

    What a busy month you had – most enjoyable.

    We too have a land line – NO cell phone(s) which really surprises people. The neighbour’s children are missing out on a unique experience not coming over to visit you and your pets. Their life would be enriched. When we lived in the condo – 5 units in our section – sometimes I never saw or heard anyone for months! Now in a house and I have not seen the next door neighbour’s kids since the summer – see the parents. Such fun you have cooking up a storm in your kitchen. Wow – can earrings get any larger – they do make a statement.

    Frame the pic of you and the Italian – love/happiness.

    Reading your blog was a great way to start this sunny frosty day in Vancouver.

    Reply

    • I guess kids of today are inside STUDYING or watching TV!!!SO, HAPPY MY BOYS did not grow up like that…….Heard on the radio today in the USA obesity is a BIG problem in children and it will follow them through their LIFE!Slow down the liver functions, etc even if they lose the weight by 19!!!
      Kids need to run and be active…………..I will not even mention the latest Driver Motor Vechile appointment I had.I sat there for 70 minutes just watching and NO ONE TALKS TO EACH OTHER even if you talk to them!
      Scary STUFF in my opinion!
      XX

      Reply

  5. Oh what a wonderful post! Beautiful bloggers gathering. Love your new haircut- very pretty!
    Seeing pics of your menagerie always warms my heart- love those fur friends! Please give my regards to Giampiero. You two are the best! Much love, Lisa

    Reply

        • As a past neighbor of Elizabeth, I can say it’s even better than you can imagine. I feel lucky to have had that in my family’s life and never took it for granted. Now, I look back and think ok maybe I did take it for granted but that just shows how comfortable she makes it being her neighbor. We even added a secret gate that gave us a short cut to her house. Miss you!!!

          Reply

          • THE GATE!!!!!!!!
            I look up and hear silence and No Lights and sigh………..
            For those of you reading this I left fresh eggs at her door to welcome them!Nita left homemade Jam in my mailbox!
            THEN WE MET!!!!!!!!
            XOXO

            Reply

    • Another sweet post Love ! I just ordered Gracie’s book! Yay.

      I get the lack of neighborly goodness here too, people don’t even look at each other and when they do it’s like a flatline stare. I don’t get it!
      We keep a landline for the speedy computer hookup and when the power goes out we use an old dial phone LOL. TOY ( thinking of YOU)
      Hugs and kisses and Merry Christmas ((**))
      Love,Shawnee

      Reply

  7. You and the Italian are absolutely adorable. Your photo with the bloggers is very cute, too.
    I cried and cried when Ellie died, and I knew her only via her writing.
    BTW I do have a landline, but it’s connected to the Internet all the same, plus the phones are cordless and so need to be charged. I miss having a phone that was 99.999% reliable. The walls of our house are made of stone two feet thick, plus our village is in a valley, which means zero cell phone reception chez nous. A landline is a must!

    Reply

    • YES, I recall OUR CALL!!!!!!
      A fireman once told my husband a land line is much FASTER than a CELL phone if you have to call 911 Emergency over here!A cell phone has to hit two towers I think was the reason………where as the land line goes straight to 911.
      If anyone has more info on this please share!
      XX

      Reply

    • POP ON OVER…………….any trips planned to San Francisco area?
      WE will get a group TOGETHER!!!!
      Just TELL US!!!
      XX

      Reply

  9. Happy Thanksgiving Contessa!

    It’s so nice you have some bloggy friends nearby to have fun with. But the long commute sounds a bit of a downer – pity there isn’t a train to zip about on, or is there?

    Thinking about your neighbours, maybe they’ve heard you’re a famous internet star and don’t want to get caught up in your razzle dazzle life! I’m sure it’ll be hard for them not to thaw a little when your street party comes around.

    Landline? But, of course! Although since last week, it’s no longer blackout-proof as it has to run through the internet, sigh. You will hear all about it at length in an upcoming blog post, hahaha!!

    Baci carissima xx

    ps: Black eye?? Did I miss something?

    Reply

  10. Elizabeth, Thank you so much for sharing the photos of our fun day and driving all the down here – AND BACK!! That was worse. So grateful to all you gals. Those earrings are so cool and so you!! Yes you should definitely be invited to Charlotte’s Caftan Caucus!! I have her book and it looks so fun. If not, let’s have our own! maybe I can have it by the pool- a West Coast version.. What do you think? Thank you for sharing Ellie’s daughter’s book. I want to read this and somehow I wasn’t following her on IG. I will now. I love the photo of you and Giampi and your yellow dress. So lovely. You have to frame that!!

    Reply

  11. We have two plug in the wall phones. One from the Princess era. Neither worked during power outage; however, in the past, they did work. We’re AT&T. Don’t know why they would not work, however I keep them as I, too, have heard it’s a safer 911 call.
    As to your neighbors, they are missing out on your friendliness. I have one like that too. Also a rental. But, I’m fond of the folks in Nita and Drew’s house. Very nice polite children. And a great Golden Retriever, Biscuit, and a very old cat from South of France!
    Enjoy the holidays.

    Reply

  12. You are my reward for getting my work done – my ‘work’ work, my house work, and my writing work. Once I get those done I sit and read your blog and peruse old blog posts and articles. You are FABULOUS and most importantly, you are INTERESTING. With that said, I go through the same thing – most of the time people stop and want to talk to me and know more about what I’m wearing, doing. But then there are those that consider me to ‘eccentric’ – or even ‘weird’ and that scares them. The fact that you always dress up and you have a PIG (of which I am so incredibly jealous) might ‘scare’ those New Yorkers. They’ll warm up to you – I’m sure of it. Oh! And by the way….wanted to let you know that my novel ‘False Victim’ was purchased by Lifetime. They’ve changed the movie name to “Neighbor in the Window’ and will air February 8th.

    Reply

    • HOW EXCITING!!!!!
      MOVIE!!!
      WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE BOOKS????
      I WILL WATCH FOR IT but our TV is HORRIBLE………HORRIBLE with all letters CAPITALIZED.
      I understand what you are saying………..I sometimes get “Why are you so dressed up?”I laugh inside as this is MY CASUAL this is not DRESSED UP!
      I think Vogue and BAAZAR need to get back to basics a bit……..the wild outfits that NO ONE WOULD WEAR EVER are very THEATRICAL and FUN PHOTOGRAPHY but the normal woman NEEDS MORE HELP!
      WE COULD discuss this at length!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  14. I am wishing you and all your dearest Loved Ones the Peace and Contentment of the Holiday Season. I am so happy to call you my friend. Your light shines brightly and there are those that will not understand or allow themselves to look openly at the uniqueness that is all around them. Time, silence and a smile always WIN!
    Tanti baci Dolcissima Contessa XOXOX

    Zingara

    Reply

  15. You never disappoint Elizabeth! I enjoyed reading this on a rainy morning in Texas with my first cup of coffee. I have not read Gracie’s book and would love a copy. Heather (Lost in Arles) suggested Ellie’s blog and I am so thankful she did. What a joy Ellie was. My heart hurt when she lost her battle..

    I am not familiar with your pretty blogger friends and will have to pop over.

    Looking forward to seeing your tree. Janey

    Reply

    • YES, HEATHER Loved ELLIE TOO…………..I sent HEATHER money to train up to PARIS to visit with her.Think they had a VERY GOOD TIME!THan Ellie moved down to PROVENCE and HEATHER was close by……..But of course HEATHER did NOT DRIVE AT THE TIME!Loads of stories there……….which Heather wrote about!
      THEY are DECORATORS!
      IAM just ME!
      XX

      Reply

  16. Still loving the new “Cut”! And so chic with all of your caftans and sassy jewels! Can’t wait to see how you “decorate “ your beautiful self for the Holidays!! Love you…..M

    Reply

  18. Contessa you always make us so happy with your voice and your enthusiasm!
    Wow I didn’t know Gracie has written a book. She’s so much like her Mum… I can’t believe it’s been over two years. Love all of my treasures from France I’ve bought from Gracie and her Mum!
    Love love your haircut and all of the caftans of course, you definitely deserve a spot on the Caftan Caucus!
    Happy Holidays to you Dear Contessa xox

    Reply

    • HAPPY I Made you aware of her new book!
      I still cannot comment on the blog think I tell you that every time but THE PAINT JOB LOOKS FANTASTIC!!!I AM THERE READING!!!!!!!!XX

      Reply

  19. The haircut is perfect and frames you face beautifully! The new earrings…large and round with the cocktail hour theme…another great addition to your treasure trove of jewels. Caftan glorious as you sally forth and sway in them with your Grecian Goddess like figure. The meet-up looked like such a warm and friendly event. What a delight to meet the people you connect with through cyber space. I value the friendships, too. I have only met one…all the way from Melbourne…we met twice in Chicago! Someday….I will find myself on your doorstep….unlike your new neighbors. They do not know what they are missing. They are probably not use to all the California sunshine! I DO HAVE A LANDLINE and have spoken to you on it. However, it is being flooded with spam calls 24/7 …so much so that I use the Land Line to call out and the cell phone to accept calls…LOL! I am looking forward to your December post, already!

    Reply

    • OH LISA, you make me smile each and every time with your comments!
      SALLY FORTH!!!Haven’t heard THAT in AGES!!!
      YES, the landline we can hear better on for sure!When I am home I only use it……….as for those annoying calls happens to me too all day long!
      OH DECEMBER YOU ARE ARRIVING TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!
      WHAT SHALL I WRITE ABOUT?!!!
      XX

      Reply

  20. Your frustration with your neighbours is understandable, have encountered the same behaviour here in Ct. When a new neighbour has moved in I have always brought them a bouquet of flowers. never saw them again.. we do have large properties but bad manners is never an excuse. Can tell you I have stopped since last year!!!I am an old lady (believe me probably could be your mother) and sometimes I worry about what the future will bring, incivility is rampant.

    Anyway should thank you for bringing some joy in us with your enthusiasm, great haircut

    Reply

    • OH ANNIE……….I HEAR YOU!Even at the DMV last week people donot make eye contact or chit chat to pass the time!ALL on their phones ignoring their young children who were out of school for the week……..even a woman in the post office who was mailing a bag in a box which was not closed yet and I said BEAUTIFUL meaning the BAG she looked at me with anger and grabbed the box!
      I had three encounters that day with people that just stunned me!
      Came home and said to THE ITALIAN “WHAT HAS HAPPENED?”
      XX

      Reply

  21. Loved the post. As always your caftans always inspire me – of course Charlotte would have you!!

    Can’t wait to see the tree once it is up. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.

    Reply

  22. I LOVE the new haircut! Very chic, Elizabeth, as are you! I, too, have odd neighbors, but have decided it’s their problem, not mine, although they probably think the same thing about me. xoxox, Brenda

    Reply

  23. I love your new haircut. Have Ellie’s book and her thanksgiving recipes too! Her daughter’s book should be great.
    Take care and enjoy your holidays.

    Reply

  25. Hello Contessa, Your comments here about the neighbor’s unseen children and your own children’s freedom hit the mark. When my brother and I were growing up, we were out of that door like a shot every day in order to explore the outdoors, and still managed to do well in school. Sometimes I try to inspire young people to interact more with the world.

    I only knew about Ellie through your blog, but I did peruse hers a bit, and even when desperately ill she had more creativity, energy, and joie de vivre than I have on a good day. You likewise always set an example through your exotic fashions and exuberant lifestyle. Style is more important than most people realize!
    –Jim

    Reply

    • THANK YOU JIM!
      Ellie certainly did have lots of JOIE DE VIVRE in her writing and told it like it WAS!
      STYLE, FASHION, COLOR it all sets THE MOOD of the DAY HERE!
      HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
      XX

      Reply

  27. I do believe I can re-home some really awesome earrings I have by sending them on to you to enjoy.
    You handle them so well. Since I am now a widow my comings/goings are not as fabulous as they used to be! However, there is not an OPENING I would miss, but my outfits are much more Armani-esque and definitely not Alexander McQueen. Love the hair! Unbelievable about the neighbors. But, then again, they do not know you and must be very very shy and introverted people. Blinds down. That is one thing I hate hate hate. How can people live without light shining in? Cannot wait to see your Christmas tree all trimmed out as only you can do. xx’s

    Reply

  28. I still haven’t unpacked or gotten groceries…but LOVED reading this. My favorite is the photo of us with my arm around you!!! I’m so happy! Then you with the Italian…so beautiful.

    And for once being short is a positive as you can see my head and Cindy’s and Kim’s are cut off! HA! I WAS wearing flats tho. Thanks for the mention and link.

    A CAFTAN CAUCUS sounds awesome! If we don’t do it at Kim’s we might need a girl’s trip to Palm Springs to hit up the vintage shops.

    Thankful for YOU, Contessa.
    Mary Ann

    Reply

    • NOW THAT WOULD BE FUN TOO!
      A CAFTAN AFFAIR…………..Loved the one your daughter had on!
      SO it is sideways in your viewing……..Cindy told me it was OK in hers!!!
      CRAZY COMPUTERS!
      XX

      Reply

  29. This quote reminded me of your house.

    “Let your collections take over surfaces. There may not be space but you’ll be surrounded by inspiration.”
    John Rosselli
    Quoted in the December 2019 HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

    Reply

  30. If I was fortunate enough to be your neighbor, you would have to lock your gate to keep me out!
    I can imagine you looking out of your window and murmuring to yourself, “Oh no, here she comes again!” I love all animals but am particularly fond of cats. Theodore would, therefore, be catnapped from time to time. Your blog is such a joy. Thank you.

    Reply

    • CATS ARE MY NUMBER ONE TOO!Don’t tell the dog and pig!
      I have always had CATS!!!!!!!!They bring me so much JOY……….as a child I would talk to them!It was like having a sibling!
      PLEASE MOVE!!!!!!!
      I’ll let you know when the next house on the street goes on the market!!!
      XX

      Reply

  31. You really prove that more is more. So enjoy your musings. The haircut is wonderful and you look so cozy with “the Italian”.

    Happy Holidays

    Reply

  32. I am so thankful to have found you… I will never forget, it was through the divine ‘Manger~ Mimi’ and I wondered if you were the Barefoot Contessa, whose cookbooks I love… but finding you was the cherry on top (and the whip cream and the sprinkles : ) This world needs more of YOU, but sadly, you are a very rare gem. YES to: landlines, welcoming new neighbors (that they cannot appreciate you is their great loss), children playing outside, wanting to dress up at any age, have tea parties, to adding just one more jewel, scarf, necklace, tassel… to all the things that make life beautiful and happy. And to the extraordinary Ellie, whose voice was so powerful to the last, who could make you laugh out loud and cry in the space of a few words. Her voice was haunting and piercingly intelligent… and she is undoubtedly cheering on her intrepid daughter. And those lucky enough to have been pulled into your orbit are cheering, too. Because there are traces of stardust on our smiling faces upon reading your words… XOXO

    Reply

    • MIMI!
      I had NO IDEA……………I LOVED HER BLOG and still LOVE Her INSTAGRAM TODAY!Boy, have they taken social media and made a business from it!HATS off to them!That ODDUR and his camera!YOU will be Happy to know Louise one of the children follows me on Instagram and That a dear friend from ITALY(LITTLE CONTESSA in TRAINING)got a job a few summers ago being her HELPER!MIMI and YOU are both on my BUCKET LIST!
      “Ellie, whose voice was so powerful to the last, who could make you laugh out loud and cry in the space of a few words. “This is SO TRUE!What a Beautiful sentence you have created from OUR ELLIE!Do you recall how excited we would be if there was an email from her in our inboxes?!!NO other Blogger has built up a community LIKE SHE DID!I even had a woman back EAST writing to me to get her in RALPH LAURENS for THANKSGIVING!DID I know anyone who was connected……..well this woman went as far too write TO THAT BAREFOOT CONTESSA in the states remember she had an apartment in PARIS to see if she would help.A Lot of attention to detail went into that letter timing finding out when she was back from her book trip etc………….there were a few of us working behind the SCENES!I LOVED THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY SHE BUILT!THANK YOU for this Beautiful comment!
      XOXO

      Reply

  33. Hi, this is Cheryl Warren. I just wanted to let you know that I haven’t been receiving your blog on my email, so I’m leaving my info again. I may have given you the old email address. I subscribed a while back. LOVE your blog!!
    Also, in answer to your Insta question, we live in Pine Valley, about 45 minutes from Chateau Bel Age…where I spent the afternoon! It’s very unusual to have snow this early! We built our house here 31 years ago and it’s a first for us.

    Reply

    • I hope it works this time CHERYL……….unfortunately there is not much I can do!IT happens and its called CYBER SPACE!Mail does not get delivered!JUst know I write about twice a month here and you can always GOOGLE and check……..as you know I announce it on INSTAGRAM TOO!
      THAT SNOW was incredible!I have never heard of PINE VALLEY!Close to JULIAN?THE apple place?
      HAPPY DECEMBER FIRST!!!
      XX

      Reply

      • I sure understand about cyber space issues. I will always read your blog either way…it’s the best!
        Pine Valley is east of downtown San Diego via Interstate 8, at the base of Mount Laguna. It’s a small town surrounded by Cleveland National Forest land. Julian is a ways north of us and a bigger town at higher elevation. We built our home 31 years ago and still love it here!

        Reply

  34. My what a busy time you have had lately. The day out with your friends sounds so much fun. As for your new neighbours , mine are the same , they ignore me and now I do the same. Some people just have no idea of interacting with others and miss out on the joy of knowing your neighbours.
    A lovely shot of your and the Italian. I do like your shorter hairstyle, it frames your features beautifully.Enjoy your holiday season.

    Reply

    • SORRY TO HEAR THAT JILL as YOU would be a NEIGHBOR I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE!I thought it was an AMERICAN THING but since you live down under I guess NOT!Interesting how people live a few feet away from each other and never communicate or see each other.What are we so busy doing that you cannot say Hello or wave?
      YOU have a great HOLIDAY season and it should be warming up for YOU by CHRISTMAS!XX

      Reply

  35. I was an adoring fan of Ellie and smile fondly at the memory of bubbling over with joy the time she replied to a comment I left on her blog. I would so love to read Gracies book, my birthday is quickly approaching on December 20th and if blessed enough to be chosen, it would be a most treasured gift.

    Reply

    • YOUR NAME IS IN THE TOPHAT WITH A FEW OTHERS!
      HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONTH…………….regardless I will send a little GIFT!
      I know I sent you a BANKSY card last year but will you be so kind to send me your snail mail address to my email and tell me HOW OLD YOU ARE TURNING so I can pick something that would be appropriate!!
      MY email:[email protected]
      THANK YOU!
      XX

      Reply

  36. I absolutely love your new haircut! I wear my hair long most of the time but experiment with bangs…they are forgiving!

    So much fun and good times in your posts. I love Mary Ann and Cindy. I wasn’t sure exactly where all of you live in Cali. I’m in Chicago and also in there country up in Michigan. Totally Midwestern and know nothing much else!

    Ellie sounds like she was a fascinating person. The losses we experience as we grow older are more often and so saddening. I do love that you have this way of sharing your energy and spirit. The world is a happier place with people like you.

    Reply

    • HELLO!
      WE are all in Northern California NOW………….a bit of a distance from each other me in the suburbs, Mary Ann in the CITY of San Francisco proper and Cindy down south a bit by CARMEL.So, we donot see each other THAT often as driving is involved and the TRAFFIC is a nightmare………especially for me!
      Ellie was from California too but Southern and she was a HOOT!She held nothing backShe said it as it WAS NO beating around the BUSH!
      THANK YOU what a compliment you have given me!
      XX

      Reply

    • THAT WAS NOT ME!
      I came to see you in your NEW HOME after THE FUNERAL!!!!WITH THE ITALIAN!
      I SAID, ” WE have to stop by this ladies house as she has dishes Like the cup I picked up in GREVE when we lived in ITALY!
      I wish you were still Blogging!
      XOXO

      Reply

  38. Your taste in friends is the best, Contessa. Ellie was a special person; I would like to read her book because, after hearing about her struggles with MLS, I am inspired to write with no more excuses! Thank you for bringing joy to our worlds with your blog.

    Reply

  40. Wow, thank you so much for this! Hopefully we will meet one day soon, I’m obsessed with Banksy! Very excited to see who will win the giveaway, hope they enjoy it! Also, love love love that blue tassel on the bag. I’m totally going to copy that!

    Reply

    • I may have a TASSEL to send your way but NOT BLUE!
      It will be hard to pick a WINNER so I will draw from my TOPHAT!
      Banksy would LOVE A BELLY RUB from YOU!
      THANK YOU GRACE for your BEAUTIFUL BOOK and letting US INTO YOUR WORLD!
      XX

      Reply

  41. Elizabeth: your new hairstyle is SMASHING! Makes your lovely eyes pop, and allows us to see all the more what’s hanging from your ears and wrapped around your neck! Thank you for your endorsement of my metallic silk angel scarves. You did them justice and then some. Happy Holidays hereon in!

    Reply

  42. oh Dear, you look so sassy with the new hair cut. Love it much much more than the longer one and the Sally Bass earrings are so cute too…..what a great idea to bring bloggers together in their private home…..NY’ers are already impaired (hope I use the right word) due many reasons…no wonder in that crazy loud and crowded city you become a maverick and get afraid of Bansky!??? and YOU!!??? A big excuse and welcome to the NY’ers they are different. ….your Italian…give him a big hug/kiss
    whenever you join him and let him play out his merriment…so sweet….finally …I like
    the Proust quote….so true but rare…lol

    Reply

    • It’s ALL a MYSTERY those NEW NEIGHBORS who have been here now for four months!
      It seems like its a normal thing these days……….Times we live in!
      Sometimes I wish I could go backwards in TIME.
      I WILL GIVE THE ITALIAN A BIG HUG FROM YOU!
      HAPPY HOLIDAYS and I am SO HAPPY YOU LOVE THE COAST & KOI SHOES!
      XX

      Reply

  43. Your new neighbours sound rather sketchy. Or maybe they like Thier privacy A LOT. I can’t believe it’s already December. It’s such a busy time of the year but I live every minute of it. Have started decorating for Christmas. Every year I seem to have more difficulty finding space for all my stuff. Enjoy the upcoming season. Hope you’ll still delight us with a blog post or two.

    Reply

    • YES, have a dear friend who said they sound like they are in THE WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM!!!!!!!!!If you do not know what that is ASK the HUBBY!
      Keep on DECORATING and ADDING to the COLLECTIONS of STUFF!
      I guarantee YOU do NOT have The amount I have so now you have a GOAL!!!!!!!
      ENJOY THE SEASON……..It’s YOUR FAVORITE SEASON and NOT TOO HOT!!!
      XX

      Reply

  44. Ma Chere Contessa,
    You are in your element with these dear friends who share your passion for life and fashion.
    Thank you for another year of adventures .. so many times hilarious and always entertaining and colorful.
    Wishing you happy holidays!
    That was a great photo of you in brilliant yellow with your handsome Italian!

    PPP

    Reply

    • YES, He said to me “I thought that was to be the CHRISTMAS card?!!” I said NO!
      Wrong COLORS!!!!!!!
      We may have to capture some of THE HENS for the HOLIDAY CARD this year!!!
      Hope all is well on your side of THAT HILL!
      HUGS,
      XX

      Reply

  45. Good Morning Contessa, Its very early here 5;ooam so I’m catching up. Just wanted to wish you beautiful holiday season. By the way I absolutey love your hair. quite youthful. Its fun isn’t it to try new things. Its the spice of life. Love You and take care Toni

    Reply

  46. Good morning, dear Contessa. My Mr. calls me Mrs. Kravitz because I am always on neigborhood watch. I have both of Ellie’s book. Great news that her daughter wrote one. You are so lucky that you have such wonderful bloggers that you can spend time with. I need to move. Have a great week.

    Reply

  47. Hello, Love the cut, adds to your liveliness. Piggy with dishtowel, adorable. Happy Holidays Karen from Blue Door

    Reply

  48. I love your new haircut! I also have a very strange neighbor. She has been living next door for probably 6 years and I have only laid eyes on her once! Blinds closed, I hardly see lights on. The garbage can appears weekly then disappears by the time I get home. I live in a townhome so you would think that I would hear something…anything, but not a peep. I see the garage door open once every six months when she pulls in. Very mysterious! I found you through Kim’s blog, I went to Junior High School with that cutie! Love your blog!! Happy Holidays!!

    Reply

    • OH KELLEY YOU MADE ME LAUGH!
      THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR NEIGHBOR SIGHTING!!!!
      HONESTLY, how on earth did we get so busy and unfriendly!?
      I SAW KIM THIS WEEK!!!!!!Which you probably know if you do THAT INSTAGRAM THING!
      HAPPY HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
      XX

      Reply

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