AGELESS STYLE is a JOINT EFFORT DONE BY Cindy Hattersley and myself once a month.We both find women who have a style all their own and have to be over 50 years of age.We create questions for them to answer and change those questions up monthly.It would be so kind of you to pop over to CINDY’s BLOG to view her gal.
AS WELL AS READING ABOUT MY PICK FOR THE MONTH!
I will give the link at the bottom of the post to CINDY’s BLOG!
IT IS ALSO ABOVE HERE!
COMMENT ~ COMMENT ~ COMMENT
Ask questions or disagree or compliment its as easy as eating APPLE PIE!
Is the NAME OF THE GAME HERE as these LADIES or MEN are putting themselves OUT THERE!!
Just IMAGINE if it were YOU!
BE KIND!
IT IS ME THIS MONTH!
SO BE EXTRA KIND!
JUST KEEP ON SCROLLING DOWNWARDS at the end of the POST to SUBSCRIBE or COMMENT or UNSUBSCRIBE!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
MAKE ME PROUD OF YOU by commenting on CINDY’s “VICTIM” TOO!
QUESTIONS:
ASKED TO ME YOUR CONTESSA
BY SANDRA SALLIN
My Southern California Girlfriend!
1.WERE YOU CREATIVE AS A CHILD?
I guess you could say that……………I was always building BARNS and wanting MORE animals.I wrote a MAGAZINE called PET MAGAZINE drew all the pictures and captioned them and I believe it SOLD for 25 cents then went up to 50 cents! I WAS VERY PROUD OF MY PRICE INCREASE DUE TO MORE SUBSCRIBERS! My audience increased as issues were printed..My Father would mail from his office.This was around age 10.I was also digging a tunnel to CHINA with my neighbor with those small shovels called SPADES!We would spend hours doing that.We also liked to go HIKING to a water tower down a dirt road with our lunch in a bandana tied to a stick! Just like Tom Sawyer and HUCKLEBERRY FINN. Have a picnic and head home.
I would put on plays in our BASEMENT with the NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS!
I LOVED DOING THAT!
I THINK I WAS ALWAYS THE STAR AND THE DIRECTOR!
NOTHING HAS CHANGED!!!
AS MY FAMILY SAYS “MOM IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT YOU!”
I OF COURSE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT FOR A SECOND!
2. WERE YOUR PARENTS CREATIVE?
NOPE not at all……….
3.WHERE DID YOUR CREATIVITY COME FROM?
MAYBE television as I liked GREEN ACRES with ZSA ZSA GABOR.
The dilapidated farmhouse spoke to me on that show, plus the jewels and hats.
I Could NOT watch LASSIE as it was too sad for me. Loved the puppet show with SHERRI LEWIS and her LAMBCHOP………..and of course
I ADORED I LOVE LUCY and THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW for the HUMOR.
Toss in GUNSMOKE and BONANZA TOO!
(FOR THE ANIMALS!)
OH that MICHAEL LANDON on BONANZA!
WE SHARED THE SAME BIRTHDAY!
MY PASSION back then was ANIMALS not so much CREATIVITY!
I WANTED TO BE A VET!
4.HAVE YOU ALWAYS HAD STYLE?
I loved going back to school as I would get NEW CLOTHES!
That was SO EXCITING FOR ME……..so you could say I was in the IN CROWD as far as that years FASHION trends.
5.WERE YOU THE MOST STYLISH 10 YEAR OLD AT SCHOOL?
I would say NO!
As I was very TALL for MY AGE and VERY VERY SHY so more gangly than fashionable.
6.WHEN DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH STYLISH CLOTHES?
I ALWAYS read the fashion magazines even as a young girl.WE would go to the DRUGSTORE and sit on the floor and take it all in.I would say I liked the creativity of the photograph more than the fashion.As I became a teenager I LOVED the bit in the back of the women’s magazines with people from EUROPE and their HOMES!MY AUNT received COUNTRY LIFE and I would devour the homes FOR SALE in the last pages!I would always ask myself if I could have just ONE home which would it be!It was always a TOSS UP between an OLD COTTAGE or a beautiful GRAND VILLA.
IT WAS HARD FOR ME TO CHOOSE!
7.DID WORKING FOR GUCCI AFFECT YOUR STYLE?
NO and actually I worked for the DISTRIBUTOR of the GUCCI ACCESSORY COLLECTION in the USA and CANADA not THE FAMILY.
Then they added FENDI and MARK CROSS to the DISTRIBUTION.
What that meant was we sold to all the speciality stores and UPSCALE Department stores across the country.
OUR BOSS WAS ITALIAN AND STARTED OUT AT JOSEPH MAGNIN’S.
YOU COULD SAY SHE WAS THE Anna Wintour OF THE 1980’S!
HOWEVER
The GUCCI’s were friends of THE ITALIAN’s FAMILY!
He rode dirt bikes with one and we had dinners with others
and of course they were at THE WEDDING at San Miniato al MONTE.
8. WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP AS A 6 FOOT WOMAN?
AWFUL I was 5’11” about 118 pounds in HIGH SCHOOL.I can remember eating cottage cheese with pineapples for lunch in High School as I was a ballet dancer and we had to be thin.I think I was 110 pounds most of the time.IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL I was teased a lot for being the tallest.They called me RANKINENSTEIN a take on FRANKENSTEIN and would always pair me with JEFF Radovitch a BOY who was taller than me.(How I can recall his LAST name is beyond me!!!)
9. WHEN DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH ANTIQUES?
From a VERY YOUNG AGE.
I would shop with my Mother as she loved to go……..HUNTING!
But looking back I think I bought more stuff then she did!
MY first COLLECTIONS were OLD KEYS AND OLD BOTTLES.
Which I still have a few!
You see I hardly ever TOSS anything or give anything away!
Once its MINE IT STAYS MINE!
I HAVE ONLY BOUGHT ITEMS AND CLOTHING THAT “SPEAK TO ME”.
Maybe thats part of being an EMPATH?!!
QUESTIONS:
FROM MY Northern Californian FRIEND PAT!
1.WE KNOW YOU LOVE ITALY.
IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO LIVE THERE AGAIN,WHERE WOULD YOUR FARMHOUSE BE?
MOST LIKELY IN TUSCANY.
AS I ALWAYS WANTED AN OLD BARN OR FARMHOUSE CALLED A CASA COLONICA TO LIVE IN.
SICILY ALSO CALLS TO ME AS I ADORE THE WATER………
2.YOU MUST HAVE HAD A MAGICAL CHILDHOOD.WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES?
MAGICAL NO!
I GREW UP WITH AN IMAGINATION AS I WAS AN ONLY CHILD WITH OLDER PARENTS.
I WAS OLDER THAN MY YEARS AS I WAS HOME A LOT AND DID THINGS WITH MY MOTHER.
3.YOU’VE WELCOMED SO MANY FURRY AND FEATHERED FRIENDS INTO YOUR HOME,CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WHAT THEY ADD TO YOUR LIFE?
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE CRITTER?(WE WILL NOT TELL THE OTHERS!)
WITHOUT THE FURRY AND FEATHERED CREATURES;
I THINK I WOULD BE A TOTALLY DIFFERENT PERSON.
ANIMALS BRING SO MUCH JOY!
AS far as a FAVORITE I have ALWAYS been a CAT person.
THE LOVE THEY GIVE IS INCOMPARABLE.
4.WHAT ABOUT THE ITALIAN,DOES HE LOVE THE CRITTERS AS MUCH AS YOU DO,
OR IS HE JUST ALONG FOR THE RIDE?
YES, THE ANIMALS HAVE GROWN ON HIM, BUT HE WAS ALWAYS A DOG LOVER ESPECIALLY OF BOXERS.
ONLY because HE GREW UP WITH THEM.
THE LEAST FAVORITE for him are CATS.
POOR THEODORE!
WHAT IS IT ABOUT MEN AND NOT BONDING WITH CATS?
HAVE YOU ALL SEEN THAT REACTION also?
(Dinner time so let’s BE IN THE WAY!CLOSE TO MOM!)
Note Banksy likes to pull The Dish towel down to rest his HEAD!
5.YOU’RE KNOWN FOR THROWING BEAUTIFUL DINNER PARTIES THAT SEEM EFFORTLESS
…….what’s your secret to gracious living?
THE ITALIAN!
HE COOKS AND SERVES BEAUTIFULLY!
I THINK A LOT OF HIS TRAINING WAS FROM THE NAVAL ACADEMY HE WENT TO IN ITALY DURING HIS COLLEGE YEARS………DEPORTMENT was taught and MANNERS, otherwise is was a gazillion pushups!
6.WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE LOOKING TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN SENSE OF STYLE?
DONOT WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK ABOUT YOU.
AGE 40 is the BEST DECADE.
I think you are old enough to Understand THE WORLD and how it OPERATES.
You aren’t afraid of others or feel you have to keep up with the JONES!
MAYBE ON VACATIONS OR VISITING MY Relatives and living with my COUSIN;
I AM DRAWN TO THE WAY THEY DID THINGS.
I HAVE READ A LOT AND SEEN THE EUROPEAN WAY OF LIFE AND THAT HAS LEFT A BIG IMPRESSION ON ME.
7.WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR JOIE DE VIVIRE?
THAT IS A DAM GOOD QUESTION!
I WRITE THE WAY I SPEAK SO THE CAPS ARENOT ME YELLING ONLY MY ENTHUSIASM OR EXCITEMENT FOR WHAT I AM SPEAKING ABOUT.
BOTTOM LINE I WRITE THE WAY I TALK AND I HAVE A VERY HIGH PITCHED VOICE; I HAVE NEVER LIKED.
I ALSO AM VERY SHY.
YES!
BELIEVE IT!
IT’S TRUE!
SO how did I end up with all this JOY……. ?
That JOIE DE VIVIRE
must come from MY PASSIONS.
Writing this BLOG is one of them!
8.IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL WOULD YOU GO BACK TO THE PAST
OR
OUT TO FUTURE?
WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
PAST!!!
I HATE WHERE WE ARE HEADED.I DISLIKE WHAT I SEE………NOW.
Why are we spending tons of dollars on space when people are starving and have poor health and drinking water?
HELP THOSE AROUND YOU!
DO NOT go off on another EXPLORATION!
LEWIS AND CLARK already did THAT amoungest many others!
For example:Christopher COLUMBUS!
9.OKAY SAYS PAT QUICK QUESTIONS:
Recent books that you have enjoyed
ANNA
BY Amy Odell
and
EMPRESS of FASHION
By AMANDA STUART
FAVORITE MOVIE?
OH THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION; AS I HAVE NOT BEEN OUT TO THE MOVIES IN YEARS.
Can I say BRIDGERTON and THE CROWN?
FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURE?
MC DONALD’s
Quarter pounder with CHEESE and a large FRY!
DO THEY STILL MAKE NESTLE CRUNCH CHOCOLATE BARS?
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP!
ORINDA BOOKS.
Because my buddy PAT OWNS and WORKS there and I can stop in to BUG HER!
FAVORITE Flower?
Hard ONE………..PEONY OR TULIP I would say.
FAVORITE DECADE?
1980’s
FAVORITE SONG OR MUSICIAN?
Any ITALIAN OPERA singer…
IL DIVO
or
PAVAROTTI and ANDREA BOTTICELLI.
PLEASE WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO ON WOMEN!
I GUARANTEE YOU WILL LEARN SOMETHING!
Pat says
I want a subscription to Pet Magazine…you need to bring it back!
Speaking of bringing things back, you’ve brought back a few of my own childhood memories…bandana on a hobo stick, plays in the basement, Green Acres. But have I ever told you why I don’t like Sheri Lewis? Remind me sometime…
Trish says
Me too! I would love to get a glimpse of The Contessa as a 10 year old.
LA CONTESSA says
HOW ON EARTH CAN YOU NOT LIKE Sheri Lewis!!?
PET MAGAZINE was a HIT!
I DREW AND WROTE CAPTIONS FOR ALL THE ANIMALS…….think STICK FIGURES.
I had the CAT down as someone showed me how to do it!
Perhaps I can have a stand in the BOOK SHOP with MY ADDITIONS of PET MAGAZINE!
XXX
Kim says
What a treat to read more about you and how you grew up! I bet it was lonely being an only child of older parents. You grow up early that way. You were lucky to have an Italian and their ways to influence you. I love the way they live and how any of them can make a beautiful dish out of anything. They appreciate the things in life that matter… SLOW LIVING!! My question.. How does Giampi like living with all your beauty? Does he ever find things for you or give input to the house?
Thank you for the video which is unbelievable. HOW have we gotten here? This should be mandatory history in schools.
xoxo
Kim
LA CONTESSA says
LONELY ……….NO!Because thats ALL I KNEW!WE had great kids in the HOOD. I played a LOT!We would have to call up on the old telephone dial up to see if they “COULD PLAY!”
GIAMPY STOPPED COMMENTING YEARS Ago…….at one point he said “STOP MAKING THIS HOUSE LIKE A STORE!”But thats all I knew how to do!As I had a shop at the time we were finishing up the house!
HE LIKES IT AS HE GETS IT…………..he knows its DIFFERENT as I AM!!!
When I would ask for him to hang or do something the answer would always be NO!Then he would get around to doing it!
STILL DRIVES ME CRAZY!
THE GOOD PART now is he notices NOTHING NEW for YEARS!
XXX
cindy says
Well, that was a surprise! Everyone wants to know more about their favorite Contessa. I learn more each time I read more tidbits about your life. I think you have a point about men and cats. Do you think it is because they prefer women? You have me thinking! Happy Memorial Weekend, have a great one! Can’t wait to read the comments!
LA CONTESSA says
My gal got sick TOO!SO TRA LA you all got me!
OH GOSH I didnot even realize its a THREE day weekend…….every day is the SAME TO ME!
I actually work harder on the weekends then the WEEK DAYS!
XXX
Sandra Sallin says
Loved it. Now I have even more questions. I did. Not know you edited your own magazine. Wasn’t your mother a writer? You really just created yourself out of your lives. Anytime you need more questions I’m ready. It was fun reading about your childhood. When did you start wearing hats? I just love your whole story. Wish you were a magazine editor now. Of course I guess you are with your blog. I never can wait to read it. I haven’t watched the video yet. I’ll comment after watching it. Really fun learning about your influences. Thanks. XxSandra
LA CONTESSA says
NO you are thinking of my GRANDMOTHER she wrote for the OAKLAND TRIBUNE newspaper and had her own Column.
HATS well as a CHILD WE ALL WORE EASTER HATS and I LOVED THAT!
HATS AND ME STARTED NOT THAT LONG AGO as I should not be in the sun with skin cancer etc…….
WATCH THE VIDEO!!!!!!!
XXX
Juliet says
Contessa … I always look forward to your ageless style series, but today was a special treat! I have a theory that a lonely childhood breeds self-reliance and imagination which leads to a bigger, fuller more rewarding adult life. And your life is certainly all of those things. The way you live, and entertain (kudos to The Italian) is aspirational for so many of your devoted followers (me). And, I totally enjoyed learning more about your interests and activities as a young Contessa. I feel fortunate to have experienced your hospitality on many occasions … your unique home, old world style of entertaining and talent for setting an enchanting scene are unsurpassed. Viva La Contessa! xo
LA CONTESSA says
IT is odd to me kids with out siblings have this STIGMA.Is that the right word……….
WE are spoiled, lonely etc.NONE of the above happened to me…….I probably had MORE CHORES to do because of it but I never complained as I did not know the difference!My favorite CHORE was cleaning out the fireplace!
And putting on FRANK SINATRA records when my FATHER’s car pulled into the GARAGE!
I HATED TAKING THE TRASH OUT because it was in the cabinet under the sink and was always too full!Things would FALL out!
That might be the reason my TRASH today is in the middle of the KITCHEN!But you did not see it so it works!!SO EASY NOW!
THAT STARTED IN ITALY as we were a family of SIX!
I LIKE BEING BY MYSELF AND I ALWAYS HAD A CAT!
XXX
Ms. Mary says
What a great “back story” We all make the most of what we’re given, don’t we?
I’m telling you- there’s a BOOK in there somewhere! <3
LA CONTESSA says
YOU KEEP TELLING ME THAT BUT I DONOT SEE IT!!
XXX
Diana Amato says
We certainly grew up in another dimension when I take a look around today. Some things I feel right in step with, others I feel are completely foreign. I can remember during our February Winter breaks from school getting up so early, stuffing the pockets of my heavy faux fur coat with Italian bread and cheese, grabbing my ice skates and dashing out the door to the huge pond nearby. The goal was to get there before the boys. If I succeeded, then the girls got to free skate on the larger portion of the pond and the boys would have to play hockey on the smaller part. Gosh, I haven’t thought about this memory in a very long time.
As always, you bring such a wonderful and unique way to see the world we share. I completely agree that we should be lifting humanity up first, instead of leaving the less fortunate behind. (whether through exploration or just plain ignorance) We are all only as strong as the weakest link.
XOXO
Diana
Diana Amato says
PS( I just love the mustard colored linen caftan you are wearing) That one just speaks to me!
Diana
LA CONTESSA says
FORGET SPACE IS all I have to say………..
HELP AFRICA with WATER problems and housing FIRST!
AND PERHAPS GETTING RID OF GUNS??
HOW on earth is an 18 year old allowed to BUY A GUN!He can not even VOTE or DRINK YET!
LOVE THAT YOU GREW UP with ICE SKATES I never got to enjoy that or for that matter skate as I was a ballet student and we were not allowed to do that!THE TURN IN verse TURN OUT!
LOTS of things to go back TOO. WE are an interesting generation WE HAVE SEEN IT ALL!!!!!!!!
BIG HUG,
XXX
Hilda Smith says
What great questions. I loved learning more about you. You have led such an intersting life and I love your home and your eclectic style.. You must have plenty of room for all that hoarding…. I watched thevideo. Thanks for sharing.
LA CONTESSA says
UNBELIEVABLE …………OUT RIGHT ASTONISHING and to think THOSE DOCTORS would PRACTICE on these women with out PAIN MEDICATION!!!!!!!!
WHAT Blows me away is we were NOT allowed a CREDIT CARD until 1970!!
IT ALL BLOWS ME AWAY……….
A REALLY GOOD VIDEO IN MY OPINION!
XXX
Graciela Reynoso says
You have such a beautiful style. I enjoy it all tremendously- thank you so much for sharing.
Be healthy, happy and masked…….blessings
LA CONTESSA says
YES, I sit here with a TERRIBLE COLD HOPING ITS NOT WHAT IT CAN BE!
MASK UP………..IT’s NOT OVER PEOPLE!
XXX
Penelope says
it is always a delight to see and learn more about you, Elizabeth! You bring kindness and beauty to a world sorely in need of those things. May you continue to thrive, enjoy and share with us your discoveries, collections and friends, human and furry! XOXO
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU AGELESS STYLE VICTIM of THE PAST!
I ENJOY SHARING…………..thats all!
XXX
Trish says
Loved learning more about you. And I agree w ms mary… definitely a book in there.
You inspire me to create a safe place inside the garden gates where animals nap in the dappled sunlight, music plays through open doors and windows, and all are welcome to relax after a home cooked meal.
LA CONTESSA says
I THINK YOU ARE PRETTY CLOSE TO THAT!
XXX
LA CONTESSA says
VIA EMAIL TO ME:
La Contessa…..What a treat to have you as the STARr this time. I so enjoy your posts and look forward to them. Your house and garden intrigue me and I would love for you to do a “walk around” and video both to share with us, your avid followers. Here are a couple questions I have that you might answer some time on your posts…(1) do you do your own gardening? (2) who dusts all those treasures in your home? (3) is Banksy house broken?
Thanks again Elizabeth for sharing your time and insights with us. You are by far one of my favorite bloggers.
Carole
LA CONTESSA says
YES MY OWN GARDENING!
I DO BUT DONOT LOOK TOO CLOSE!
YES BANKSY GOES POTTY OUTSIDE!
XXX
Nella says
Elizabeth, I could relate to so much here..
You are so fun to read about, because it’s genuine..
I wish I could be more like you and not give a snoots about what people think.. you are an artist.. living your life with surroundings that make you happy and whole..
We all need validation and acceptance and you embrace everyone.. your kindness is evident with your love of animals.. and I was so happy to learn more about you..
Always fun to visit here..
LA CONTESSA says
AN ARTIST…………I do not think so but I know what I like!People tell me I am HARD to BUY A GIFT for!I find that VERY FUNNY as I think IAM the easiest person in the STATE to buy a GIFT for!But then again a lot of people do not understand what I look for in an item!It has to SPEAK TO ME!MY SONS GET ME THE MOST!
XXX
bonnie says
i just love learning more about you!!! so many similarities growing up…altho i’m not tall (i always wanted to be because of the models in the fashion magazines). i think only children (i’m one as well) have got to have amazing imaginations. so glad you shared this. always, bonnie
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU BONNIE I HOPE YOU ARE WELL AND HAVING FUN!
HOW IS THE ACTING SHOW BUSINESS GOING?
XXX
Dee Black says
Cindy brought the style didn’t she…stylish beautiful couple embracing life.
I think Green Acres should have a rebirth. It will star Contessa and her Italian. Co- starring Banksy, Theodore and now Betty. Wait we have that already! Ok, the tv version now.
Cat person makes sense, after all cats certainly are theatrical and do their own thing.
Shy, I see that too. Adventure and friends pull you out of the Casa.
Guilty pleasures: Well taste has no bounds. I’m totally on board. Sounds like the perfect lunch out.
Love of beautiful things in your home seems to match your love of clothes. Beautiful things arranged with flair.
When I see your posts, you are in Italy. You have created the magic and romance, as you say, of cottage to Villa. That’s where you do live!
Great questions, some surprising answers.
Also, watched the video, this was second time and you are correct, I learned something new! Thank you for a great blog I had to read twice.
Never disappointed!
LA CONTESSA says
MANY MANY THANKS DEE…….YOU ARE A GEM TO ME!
XXX
Stephanie says
Hello my friend…
Thank you for sharing more of your beautiful self with all of us.
I feel a kinship with you for so many reasons – I also was a nature girl, wandering along the creeks in my suburban neighborhood looking for salamanders and tadpoles…coming home just before dark. I think our childhoods nurtured both of our loves of gardens and pets and inspired our imaginations. Sadly children today are sheltered with mostly play dates organized by parents as their main source of fun. I understand – the world is different now as is evident by the events of the past few days. My heart is so very sad for my grandchildren, though I do my best to introduce them to fun, old fashioned activities from my childhood.
And I couldn’t agree more to the need for using our resources here on this beautiful planet rather than outer space! My husband and I sometimes disagree as he loves space exploration (I get it, it’s fascinating) but I’m sorry – the needs here on planet earth seem so much more pressing. Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could do it all? Something to aspire to.
The video you shared was infuriating and heartbreaking. God bless we women…we have certainly endured much suppression and pain throughout history. Time to vote, ladies.
Now I’m off to read Cindy’s latest!
xx
Stephanie aka
tendrheart4
LA CONTESSA says
YES< YOU AND I ARE SIMILAR IN MANY WAYS! LUCKY YOU WITH ALL THOSE GRANDS............I AM SURE YOU WILL TEACH THEM THE BEST OF OUR WORLD! I WAS HORRIFIED BY THAT VIDEO! XXX
Marleah A Krohne says
Great questions from Sandra. Always fun getting to find out more about you. I wasn’t tall but can relate in having been skinny as a rail. At a time when it was definitely not cool.
I’m always dazzled with your hats!
Interesting as always.
Take care,
Mimi
Martha Foss says
We are so similar! In fifth grade I wrote a magazine called the “Paris Fashion Magazine”- However for a Paris fashion magazine, I cut pictures out of the JCPenney and series catalogs and glued it on notebook paper!! Just like you I had a wild imagination! I poured over all the magazines. I was it on the bottom stack at Savon’s and Readas many magazines as I could, while my mom shopped! I loved looking at any home magazines and even in the back of Sunset back in the day they used to have homes for sale which I would look at. I loved reading about you!
LA CONTESSA says
LOVED THE J.C. PENNY CATALOG!THAT IS WHERE MY MOTHER BOUGHT ALL MY UNDERWEAR and first BRA!I still can remember being so embarrassed about it!
SUNSET was just down the HWY 101 from us………yes I recall doing that too but they were more modern!I was SWOONING OVER THE EUROPEAN HOMES BEFORE I KNEW THEY WERE ANCIENT!Which makes me LOVE THEM EVEN MORE!
THANK YOU!HOPE YOU ARE DOING WELL………….XXX
Lorna says
My husband is the opposite to yours. He adores cats but has a hard time with dogs. But I prefer dogs as I grew up with some rowdy Labradors and they were naughty but the gentlest dogs ever.
Hope you have been feeling better. I’m still having back pain and have started physical therapy.
It’s always a pleasure to learn more about you but I can’t believe you’re shy!!! That sounds more like me.
LA CONTESSA says
I KNEW THAT WOULD THROW A FEW OF YOU!
OH DEAR BACK PAIN IS NOT GOOD!
PUT THOSE SHOULDER BLADES TOGETHER AND WALK TALL WITH THOSE GIRLS FORWARD!!!!!!!
XXX
Gray says
Contessa – I just loved reading about you as you are a lovely enigma to me! I am so glad we are “online friends”. I have not had a chance to wear my beautiful caftan yet – it has been cold and rainy in the east and my hubby has been out in your neck of the woods for 3 weeks – so no social life these days! When I return from France, I will send you a picture.
Your life is fabulously interesting and I look forward to meeting you in person one day! We probably have nothing in common other than blogging, but you never know!? I love you just the same! xoxo
LA CONTESSA says
I DOUBT THAT we have NOTHING in COMMON…………but isn’t that what makes LIFE interesting meeting NEW PEOPLE!!
THANK YOU for your HUGH COMPLIMENT!
YOU HAVE MADE ME SMILE…….I’m on day 4 of a terrible cough and NO those TESTS say NO to that C WORD!
I find it hard to believe!
CAFTAN PHOTO FOR SURE!!!
Or I will be on YOU for it!
XXX
Carolyn says
Hello Contessa….You are a person of style and interest. I was surprised to hear you say that you have never liked your high-pitched speaking voice. (It worked for Julia Child did it not?) I was a singer with an alto/tenor range so imagine my surprise when I first heard a recording of my speaking voice and it had a high pitch. I didn’t like it at all and I was a teacher (those poor students.) Vocal speaking lessons are an easy, effective fix. I took lessons in person but I’m sure you can do it on Zoom. Even WIKI has some instructions online. You are a lifelong learner. You can teach old dogs or cats new tricks. Now let’s pursue a sultry voice to match those sultry eyes.
LA CONTESSA says
LOVED JULIA I ASSUME YOU SAW THE NEW MOVIE THAT CAME OUT!WHAT AN ACTRESS THAT GAL WAS she sounded just like her!I use to sit at the edge of my parents bed and watch her cook!I think I liked her voice and humor more than anything!She ended up in the town where one of my AUNTS lived!
IT’s too LATE for me to change NOW. 62 is approaching FAST and I am SLOWING DOWN MUCH FASTER……….
THANK YOU for your BEAUTIFUL SUGGESTION!
XXX
D. A. Squires says
You are ageless, and I think must have lived a previous life in some Tuscan villa or English manor (with gorgeous gardens, long gowns and a tiara or two, a barn full of animals– the first photo immediately made me think that you belonged in the cast of Downton Abbey– their loss!! I also think of you whenever I am reading books by the Duchess of Devonshire : ) Love, love, love your ruminations–they are always interesting and thought provoking. We, of a certain vintage, were so fortunate–blessed– to have grown up when we did in this country. Days of imagination, books, paper and pencil, limited and supervised phone time, quiet time, outdoors every minute possible… all have–sadly, tragically– receded into the distant past.
Most of all, I love the joy you share with every post, your excitement and enthusiasm… it is, as others have said, genuine and heartfelt and sails right through the virtual world into ours, brimming with passion for whatever you are writing about. And that, too, is a gift… the unexpected topic, the marvelous, the intriguing, the beautiful, the reflective…. thank you for sharing your love of life with all of us. XOXO
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU for READING MY THOUGHTS!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE DUCHESS OF DEVONSHIRE!DO YOU KNOW HER SISTER LIVED IN OAKLAND WHICH IS 10 minutes from my house now!
I think we were here at different times but STILL!!!!!!
YES we were BLESSED to be children with outdoor fun and NO FEAR!Our children have had BOTH!So they will be the LAST generation to remember the dial up phones or push button phones and LIFE AS A FREE WILD KID!
I WILL KEEP ON DOING WHAT I AM DOING UNTIL I CANNOT TYPE OR THINK ANYMORE!
GRAZIE BELLA,XOXO
lisa thomson-author says
LOVELY dresses and kaftans! I cannot pick a favorite as they are all stunning on you. Love your growing up stories and answers to the Ageless Style Q’s. You certainly have it. The IT thing.
LA CONTESSA says
HAS YOUR KAFTAN ARRIVED YET?
I WANT A PHOTO!
THANK YOU SO MUCH…………..WE have that “IT” THING!
XXX
Heidi says
Hi Elizabeth,
It was so interesting to learn more about you and your childhood. Things were so different when we were kids, I think we had a lot more freedom to be creative and use our imaginations. You wrote a magazine, I built and decorated little houses for my dolls! I loved doing plays too, and Drama was my favorite part about school.
The European way of savoring the day and all the little details is such a nice way to live. I’m grateful to have been raised that way. My MIL always asks “why do you go to so much trouble?” I’ve given up answering her. She uses paper plates at every meal, and orders everything from fast food places to be delivered. Ugh. I would hate that so much!!
You make your home your haven and created a magical environment. I’m so honored to be able to share in that every now and then!
Xo Heidi
LA CONTESSA says
I had a dollhouse too we bought the furniture at the grocery store!With STAMPS………..
I loved it!Still have it…….waiting for a GIRL to play with it!
XXX
Jill James says
I so enjoyed learning a little more about your early years. Not one bit surprised you produced a pet magazine as a child. Loved the interesting questions posed to you and seeing you in your garden in those truly stunning hats and caftans.
Your home with its various collections speaks volumes of the talented and creative soul you are. Thank you for bringing joy at every post. xx
Nena Ivon says
Hi Elizabeth,
I finally had time to read your post…of course, loved it and learned even more about you. I agree with the other comments you need to revive your PET newspaper…fabulous!!!
Love that the two books you mentioned are two of my nenasnotes The Fashion Book Club selections. You know how much I enjoy having you in the group.
I hope your “cold” is better so you can enjoy the Holiday Weekend.
Gobs of hugs, Nena
LA CONTESSA says
NOT YET ON DAY 6!!!!!!!!!
YES FROM YOUR BOOKCLUB I LOVE IT!!
XXX
Nena says
??????????????
Nena Ivon says
No idea why the question mark….
Hope you are better today.
Sending get well hugs,
Nena
LA CONTESSA says
BECAUSE you are using a PHONE?The blog does not take the EMOJI’s for some reason just use EXCLAMATION MARKS!
XXX
Annie Diamond says
I always learn something new about you Elizabeth! The 1980’s, really?
LA CONTESSA says
YES REALLY!
NO MINI SKIRTS AND NO PLASTIC GO GO BOOTS!
GOT MARRIED IN ITALY AND HAD TWO DARLING BABIES PURCHASED OUR FIRST HOME!
WHAT DECADE MEANS A LOT TO YOU?
mimi says
It was FUN to read about you and to have guests ask you questions.
Thanks a million for posting Allyssa Milano’s video. I truly learned something.
I wholeheartedly want women to continue to have privacy and rights over their own bodies.
As a teenager who was raped by a stranger, I would have wanted that option had I gotten pregnant.
After that incident, I was able to go planned parenthood without a parent and get on birth control pills in the 1980s and
under the age of 18. I wanted to make sure that if that incident happened again that I would be protected. For I knew that I get to choose
when I wish to be pregnant and become a mother. Thank you so much for posting the video!! I do not have a blog or social media accounts but I will be emailing my university age daughter and ask her to share it so her generation knows the history and what is being challenged right now.
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU SO MUCH MIMI!
I AM SO TERRIBLY SORRY!!!!!!!
WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!
DO CIRCULATE AS IT IS SO IMPORTANT……………..
HORRIFIC WHAT THEY DID TO THE BLACK WOMEN JUST HORRIFIC!
XXX
Kathy L says
Thank you for sharing the important video. Never underestimate the power of the patriarchy…
Kathy L says
Elizabeth – I met and chatted with you on Cape Cod a few years ago… and you have a sweet, soft speaking voice… that’s what I most remember about you! Please don’t dislike your speaking voice; it’s lovely!
LA CONTESSA says
HELLO KATHY……….YES I REMEMBER VERY WELL AT THE SONS FOOD TRUCK!
THANK YOU FOR SAYING THAT……….
PEOPLE USE TO MIMICK ME about my voice.I of course, never heard what you all heard until the day of voicemails!
XXX
Barbara H says
Julia Child did ok with her often mimicked unique voice.
Rena says
I am trying so hard to picture you in line at McDonald’s and I just can’t see it! I do indulge in a Big Mac about two or three times a year, but I don’t eat a lot of beef these days. I’m mostly plant-based with lean meat a couple of times a week. I’m down almost 80 lbs and feel pretty good these days. I love learning about you growing up. You always seem so glamourous to me, but I’m just a girl from KY and I had no idea these things existed until I started blogging! I love to write that’s my dream to one day publish the book I wrote.
Robin says
A beautiful, most appreciated selected subject- You! Darling Elizabeth. I love hearing more about YOU!! About your influence from Italy as well. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
Anita says
We have so much in common ……. But you already know that ?. I was crazy about Green Acres and Zsa Zsa too.
Cottage cheese and pineapple …..could you eat it again for lunch every day ?????
Great fun.
Great questions.
Neat xx
Anita says
Just realise my emoji’s have turned into ? marks.
Xx
Barbara H says
Shari Lewis