The Vintage Contessa

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

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TAKE A PEEK AT 75!

   TELL US  ANYTHING THAT YOU THINK AN OLDER WOMAN WOULD ENJOY………TRICIA

I ponder a lot on vanity.(Tricia is 75 years old.)Appearance isn’t a level playing field, and the advantages of looking good are inherently unfair, yet we try!  Decent humility should be the starting point, but from there:

Style is an exercise of skill as much as anything, getting the curve of an eyebrow correct, playing with texture and color, keeping clothes and our own dear selves in good repair.

It’s fun to judge trends and follow where our whims take us, and to view the aggregate of our own personal style with all its influences and decisions. When we care how we look we are in a community of the like-minded, and there is joy and friendship in that, especially as we get older and couldn’t care two hoots for most outside opinion.

Style is an art form, and it is play.

  HOW WOULD YOU OUTFIT YOUR HUSBAND?

Oh dear! I’m blessed with a lean, brown man with good hair, beautiful form, and the dearest, handsomest face, loving smile and warm brown eyes, how can I chafe at his lumberjack tendencies?

  Baggy jeans and plaid shirts, baseball caps and a fanny pack…

Over time I have been getting him plain, good T-shirts with nothing written on them.  Jeans that actually fit his neat hips and long legs – longer sweaters that don’t ride up his back, shirts ditto.  Socks that are either dead plain, or witty.

I enjoy his taste, so I’m simply encouraging him towards better fit and coordinated outfits. Thank goodness he likes that I care!

 HOW YOU STARTED YOUR BUSINESS?

I am a doer, a maker, and it was completely natural that when I found a fabric I loved I kept going and an enthusiasm turned into a business.  What is next?

  WHAT GIVES YOU JOY IN LIFE?

Isn’t it odd than you can have everything and feel wistful and lost, yet even under pressure, hearing a bird sing or noticing buds in your garden can bring a surge of fierce joy?

When I was sitting with a dying friend, I asked him if he felt life was worth living.

With the sweetest smile he replied,”I can feel the sun on my back.”

That stays with me.

   TELL US HOW YOU WENT ONLINE AND FOUND A NEW BOYFRIEND/HUSBAND!

I never doubted that I would find love again after my husband died – I didn’t know how it would happen, but I knew it was out there for me. I gave myself a year to work out my own life, find my solo rhythms and hone my independence skills, and that was a happy, thoughtful time. I travelled, exploring Mexico City, foraging mushrooms in Sicily with an old school friend, and visiting my family. I ate and watched and read exactly what I wanted, cleared my house of clutter and enjoyed my garden and my work.

Then my daughter helped me onto match.com, and it was fun in the evenings to go through the list they prepared for me of ‘suitable’ men.  I wrote to several just to get my hand in, and I was touched that most of them were genuine, feeling men making their way through being alone, with no agenda.

Match.com tossed up a photo of my now husband even though I was outside his parameters, and he sounded so nice and looked so sad I gave him a ‘like’, just to cheer him up.  I met him for coffee exactly a year after my husband and his wife had died, and that was that.  I didn’t even have to date!

 THANK YOU TRICIA FOR YOUR HONESTY AND ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS…..

I WISH YOU TWO ALL THE JOY AND HAPPINESS YOU CAN POSSIBLY SOAK UP!

  FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT IN THE KNOW TRICIA RUNS A COMPANY THAT SELLS LINEN SHEETS, APRONS, NAPKINS AND MORE………..HERE IS HER WEBSITE TO TAKE A GANDER. TAP RIGHT HERE TO GO TO HER WEBSITE!I HAVE USED HER SHEETS FOR YEARS AND HAVE MANY OF THE WONDERFUL COLORED APRONS WHICH I LOVE AS THEY HAVE POCKETS AND CLEARED ALMOST ALL OF MY OLD NAPKINS TO FIT HERS IN AS THEY ARE COLORFUL AND BRING GOOD CHEER TO MY SOMETIMES BORING TABLE!

I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE A BOOTH AT A SHOW RIGHT NEXT TO HER AND HER DELIGHTFUL ASSISTANT MANY YEARS AGO………..TRICIA HALES FROM ENGLAND BUT LIVED IN AUSTRALIA FOR A LONG TIME.SHE NOW RESIDES IN MARIN COUNTY IN CALIFORNIA WHERE I GREW UP!!

 SHARING ANOTHER BEAUTY OVER 60 WHO EXUDES GRACE AND GLAMOUR.

  YOU CAN FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM BY TAPPING HERE!

 PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK ME OR TRICIA ANY QUESTIONS BELOW IF NEED BE.

OR JUST GIVE TRICIA A STANDING OVATION FOR BEING HERE!

 IT’S OCTOBER ………………….CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?

 MY YOUNGEST SON TURNED 33 ON THE FIRST AND MY FIRST BORN TURNS 35 IN November!

 WHY IS IT THE OLDER WE GET THE FASTER TIME FLIES BY?

 CAN IT BE THE FACT I MOVE AT SUCH A SLOWER RATE?

 I PROMISE TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON MY HEALTH SOON………

 I THANK THOSE OF YOU WHO CHECK IN AS I’M NOT THERE YET BUT WORKING REALLY HARD TO BE!

 IT’S BEEN ONE YEAR SINCE A DIAGNOSIS AND ONE YEAR SINCE MEDICATION HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED!

 EIGHT YEARS I HAVE BEEN TRACKING IT!

 I am still here bitching and sharing and asking for your suggestions which I cannot thank you enough!

 They now want to put me on RECLAST  for my OSTEOPOROSIS any THOUGHTS ON THAT?

I BASICALLY HAVE ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS ALREADY!

 PIECE OF CAKE!

 HEADACHES,TIREDNESS,TROUBLE BREATHING,BONE PAIN,MUSCLE OR JOINT PAIN,SWELLING,

LITTLE OR NO URINATION!

 WE MUST LAUGH AND KEEP ON KEEPING ON……………….I HAVE TRICIA TO INSPIRE ME!

PSS. I THINK SHE STARTED HER ROUGH LINEN COMPANY AT AGE 62?

PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG!

 HUGS TO ALL OF YOU!!!

  XXX

 

CHEESEBOARD BY TRICIA…….

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Very inspiring. Makes me feel better about trying to start a blog at age 64! I’m very impressed with her eyebrows!
    Also – so interesting that she gave herself a year and then started looking for love. Wow! That is really impressive.Good for her.
    When my son died, I didn’t care about anything at all for at least 3 years. And then wandered around in the desert looking for a purpose for another 3.
    Best wished on your health journey! I wish the medical profession would try to identify and fix causes of chronic conditions, instead of just treating the symptoms

    Reply

    • I AGREE………IF ONLY THE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS WOULD TALK TO THE OTHER DOCTORS!I AM JUST A NUMBER AND THEY JUST DO NOT CARE ANYMORE!I SUPPOSE AN APP WILL FIX FUTURE GENERATIONS!!
      I SHOULD BE LUCKY I STILL HAVE HUMANS!
      TRICIA IS A LOVELY WOMAN……………
      YES WE LADIES CAN DO IT ALL!!!!!!!!
      HUGS,
      XXX

      Reply

  4. Bought one her aprons several years ago, https://www.roughlinen.com/collections/linen-aprons-pinafores/products/linen-pinafore?variant=16371820998 , use it as a ‘tool’ when gardening. Often, wearing it into garden center/nursery. Whenever in public wearing the apron, every time, a woman will approach me asking, “Where did you get that apron?” Rough Linen, a great name, easy to remember and share.

    One thing I would add to the apron, for serious gardeners, a tie at back, keeping the apron ‘shut’. When the pockets are full of garden xyz, the weight pulls the apron ‘open’ from the back side. 62 now, I know this apron will see-me-out, no matter how many years left…..

    Note to self: hunt/gather perfect fabric to sew at back of my garden pinafore/apron, before year’s end.

    Inspiring story and life……………delightful & joy soaked.

    Garden & Be Well, XO T

    Reply

    • I REMEMBER YOU TALKING UP YOUR APRON A COUPLE OF TIMES ON YOUR BLOG!!
      I WOULD ALWAYS BUTT IN AND SAY I HAVE THOSE APRONS!!!

      HOW ARE YOU?YOU OWE ME AN EMAIL……….CHECK IN!!!
      XXX

      Reply

    • Yes Tara, nothing more annoying than to bend forward and the pinafore swings in front of you! Some people add ties, some use a belt, but one person at least bought a piece of elastic with clips at either end, perfect. I Googled ‘6″ elastic with clips’, and there they are!

      Reply

  5. Thank you for introducing us to Tricia. I can tell that she has deep soul – and I like her outlook on life as we age. I too have a husband who is not stylish – but he also appreciates that I care enough to invest my time in improving his wardrobe. Three cheers for all the good guys out there – snappy dressers or not!

    Reply

    • MINE HAS HIS OPINIONS AND HATES TO GO SHOPPING!I HAVE LEARNED TO BRING IT ALL HOME TO TRY!
      I AM LUCKY HE LIKES COLORFUL SHIRTS AND I CAN GET HIM IN A PINK SHIRT WHICH I LOVE!
      THOSE BACK EAST CATALOGS ARE THE BEST FOR THAT!
      YES WE ALL HAVE FOUND GOOD GUYS!
      WELL, MY MOTHER HAD TO POINT OUT MINE TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      XXX

      Reply

  6. Tricia and I have a mutual acquaintance that told me I look like her which I take as a high compliment! We are the same age and share the same experience of finding a good guy for our second chapter on Match! I admire her accomplishments, adventurous spirit and sense of style. Thanks for the introduction.
    I do hope you can find some answers to your health issues, dear Elizabeth. You are too young and vibrant to be weighed down by so many challenges in that department. All good wishes to you both!

    Reply

    • YOU TWO NEED TO MEET BEFORE YOU MOVE NORTH!OR HAS THAT HAPPENED ALREADY?
      I CAN AGREE WITH THAT AND I KNOW YOU BOTH WOULD ENJOY EACH OTHER VERY VERY MUCH!!
      XXX

      THE HEALTH ISSUES ARE GETTING BETTER BUT I REALIZE NOW THEY WILL NEVER GO COMPLETELY AWAY………
      I’M ADJUSTING TO THAT NEW REALITY.

      Reply

      • Yup, we are en route to our new home this coming weekend! I will have to met the divine Tricia in the virtual realm. I admire your spirit, Elizabeth, and send you all good wishes.

        Reply

  7. Good post Elizabeth!
    Darling Tricia… Finding love later in life is such a blessing ?
    I met my partner on Match. We are going on 10 years. We feel so lucky. We fly a small plane all over, travel a lot and love film. We have things in common we never knew when we met!
    I’m 70 and think of fashion constantly. I decided I will go into my last passages fashionably.
    Good to see you in Orinda a few weeks ago!
    Hugs,
    Vikki aka Henry Avenue Designs

    Reply

    • OH SO INTERESTING THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE USED THAT WEBSITE!!
      YES!! I WAS BESIDE MYSELF YOU RECOGNIZED ME………………THANK YOU FOR SAYING HELLO!
      COFFEE SOON OR LUNCH AT SHELBY’S!I ADORE THAT PLACE!
      XXX

      Reply

  8. I was just thinking the other day that age is but a number, not really something that can define the spirit within us. Someone can be 40 and have a closed off heart and mind that will age them very quickly. Likewise someone at 80 can be always looking out for the gifts of new ways of thinking and new ways of living contentedly. There lies the secret! Cherish all of the moments, gather up the good and leave the rest behind. Good news, everyday we get to choose. Lovely new friend! Thank you.
    Un abbraccio,
    Diana

    Reply

    • WELL, I DO NOT FEEL 62……….AND IF I LOOK BACK MY MOTHER WAS A MUCH OLDER 62 THEN ME!
      RECALL THEIR UNDERWEAR?
      GIRDLES AND PLAYTEX BRAS ? SO UNCOMFORTABLE AND HOT I WOULD IMAGINE !THE BRAS CAME IN A BOX!
      THAT WILL AGE YOU RIGHT THERE!
      AND MY GUEST TODAY IN NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM OR SPIRIT LOOKS……….. 75!!!!

      XXX

      Reply

  9. Tricia sounds wonderful! Thank you for sharing her story here Elizabeth!
    I buy all my aprons from Rough Linen…I have 3 and am planning to buy another one soon! I absolutely LOVE them and I wear them every day in my home and garden with my casual home keeping outfit and of course my Akoya pearl necklace…
    Enjoy your posts always a treat
    XO
    Hostess of the Humble Bungalow

    Reply

    • I MUST TRY AND RE-SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR BLOG…………OFF TO DO THAT!
      I WEAR THEM AS AN OUTFIT TOO!!!
      THE COLORS LATELY THESE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAVE BEEN RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!!!
      XXX

      Reply

  10. It feels so warm and welcoming to be back in blogland!
    Thank you so much Elizabeth, and thank you for the comments, I realise I have missed this give-and-take in the last strange years, exchanging views and ideas, and tips.
    I do wish I had mounted my soapbox to encourage ladies to cut their own hair – I have been doing it for years after suffering one pixie too many. The beauty of it is YOU HAVE ONLY ONE HEAD TO LEARN! I buzz the back, then shape the V by cutting into the crown, that way it feathers and I don’t have to be accurate. I texturise to remove heaviness, and it all takes ten minutes.
    Essential: good-sized mirrors fore and aft, so I can see what I’m doing.
    Here’s to ladies, levity and linen!

    Reply

  11. Oh, my goodness. I have one of her aprons. I’m always afraid to wear it and get it dirty. I know, I know what a mistake. Well, obviously a lovely woman and thank you for the introduction. She looks adorable with her husband. I didn’t realize she also sold napkins etc. Must pay a visit to her site.

    Reply

  12. Your tables are never boring. I think they always look exquisite. Tricia sounds like a creative soul and I am glad you shared her with us.
    Hope your health is better than it used to be. Love to Banksy, Betty and Theodore.

    Reply

  13. I loved reading about your guest Tricia. To be so brave in her knowing that love was out there for her is a comfort to hear. Nothing forced. An acceptance and calm… lovely.

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  14. Loved to hear about Tricia! She is inspiring and lovely. Her business is very cool too. So glad she made and effort and found such a good guy. It gives hope. I’m so glad you are still sharing people on here. You find the coolest humans!! Also I am hoping you’re feeling better – and something they are doing will work soon!! Sending big hugs. Love this joyful post. xx
    Kim

    Reply

  15. I read something funny one time it said “Men’s clothing should come with an expiration date”. I really relate to that with my husband. I am a widow now but I know my husband appreciated me picking out his cloths.

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  16. Tricia is an inspiration for all in so many ways. 75? I’d never have guessed it … I barely believe it. What joy to find love after heartbreak. Lightening can strike twice. Best to both of them. As for you, your babies are 33 and (nearly) 35 … time does seem to fly these days. And I too move a lot slower. Where do the days (months, years) go? Each day I make a list of what must be accomplished and most things roll over to the next day and the next. Sigh. Great post … an ageless beauty and Contessa update … two for the price of one. Hope you’re enjoying this beautiful fall day. xo

    Reply

  17. Thank you for introducing Tricia, an inspiring lady that certainly belies her age. Wonderful that she has found her perfect companion .
    Interesting Tricia also spent time living in Australia.
    You are so right about time flying by, no idea where it goes. My youngest grandson celebrated his first birthday on October 1st.
    You are most certainly having more than your share of health issues, I do hope all your medical practioners will help resolve many of your problems. Meanwhile take care. xx

    Reply

  18. Tricia is an inspiration (as are you, Contessa!) It is evident that her beauty comes from within herself – she possesses a grace, strength, and attitude to which most of us can aspire. The fact that she is gorgeous is merely a bonus, added to her special qualities. And it is not a function of vanity to care about the way we look – I believe it is my obligation to make the most of what God has given me. So happy for her AND her lovely husband, and I wish them many years of happiness. As to time flying, children make us keenly aware of that. I was telling someone the other day, “I had a baby yesterday, and when I awoke today, he was 32!” Becuase that’s really the way it seems. I make a point to be mindful each day and to enjoy my surroundings with intention. I realized that I have one of Tricia’s aprons! I use it in the garden, having gotten the idea from one of my idols (and one of your readers!) Tara Dillard! Contessa, be well and keep amazing us all with your zest for living.

    Reply

    • GAAWD………..THIS IS A SMALL WORLD!
      LOVE TARA……………I HAVE ALL HER BOOKS AND A PINK LIGHT BULB ON THE LAMP ON MY DESK!!!
      BECAUSE OF HER……………SHE IS A CAT LADY TOO!!
      XXX

      Reply

  19. Thank you for introducing us to another wonderful lady whose energy belies her age. I wish you could get some answers about your health issues. It is so frustrating and yet you manage to stay upbeat. I agree with everything Diana said too….

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  20. I enjoy your posts and your enthusiasm for life! I hope you always continue to post. And I hope you have days where you feel well or better. Let’s keep going!

    Reply

    • ALREADY WORKING ON MY NEXT POST!
      I WILL DO THIS AS LONG AS I CAN……………I ENJOY IT AND IT GIVES ME A CONNECTION TO MY OUTSIDE WORLD!
      THANK YOU MARY ELLEN……….THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
      XXX

      Reply

  21. I have been familiar with Tish’s company for many years. It is so wonderful to meet the woman behind the brand. I absolutely love the story about meeting her now husband and the confidence she had that she would find someone again. She gave herself a year…so wise…Thank you so much for introducing us to Trish. Love her style and her attitude. What an inspiration to those of us nearing 70 (that’s me!!)

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  22. So inspirational and happy… what an accomplished person… starting a business at 65 is not for the faint of heart. And love Trish’s love story… all bc of the internet– there are so many negatives w/ the online universe, but this is one of the +++’s. Our son is 36 in Denver and has not met the right one yet, but won’t go on these sites– thinks he will meet her through random connections, life, etc. I keep telling him, but no luck! So glad to read your health is improving.. I have decided not to take anything for osteo—walking regularly and taking a supplement called Osteo Alive (v. good reviews) AND getting the proper amount of calcium in my food each day, including 2 glasses of skim milk and cup of yogurt. So, will see what the scan shows a year from now. The meds for osteo have far to many potentially serious side effects in my opinion.
    Adore your tablescape… wish I could teleport to your kitchen for afternoon tea!! xo

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  23. I have always had an issue creating my own sense of style. I know what I like but what actually looks good are often 2 different ideas.

    Reply

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