NO PHOTOS!

June 2, 2025 53 Comments

I am sorry to say my computer decided to take a break and I cannot upload any photos!

SO A VERY SHORT BLOG POST from me today!

Just wanted to check in and share the fact; I read my BLOGGING GIRLFRIENDS BOOK.

MAYA BLUE and I did not want it to END!

She has had a FASCINATING LIFE STORY and it was a BIG DEAL for her to write it down and share with us all.

Brenda has dedicated her book to her BLOG READERS/FOLLOWERS and I have been one of them for many many years………over a decade maybe closer to TWO DECADES?

HER BLOG IS CALLED https://1010parkplace.com

I remember vividly when she was purchasing a fountain for her outside area.But I had been following for awhile.So Brenda,how long ago was that?

I need to know to see how off I am!

TO purchase her book tap on BUY on AMAZON ABOVE.

NOTE KINDLE IS THE FIRST CLICK AND PAPERBACK BOOK THE SECOND CLICK.

I AM CERTAIN YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE CAN GET IT TOO!

IF ANY OF YOU READ IT LEAVE A COMMENT FOR BRENDA BELOW.

I will be back in JULY with photos of my FIRST HOLIDAY in 8 years with MY HUSBAND!

WISH US LUCK!!

I AM HOPING FOR GOOD WEATHER, LOTS OF PEOPLE WATCHING and to BUY THE ITALIAN some new clothes plus re-new my SOUL with a lot of BEAUTY and RE- ENERGIZE this almost 65 year old LADY!

How many of you think I will meet my first GOAL of buying clothes for HIM?

How many of you think I will return with A LOAD of PHOTOS/BEAUTY and ENERGY?

HUGS TO ALL AND HAPPY JUNE!

PS. I learned a new word the other day!

FRISSON means you have an intense, emotional response when listening to music!

I HAVE FRISSON!

DO YOU?

TO LEAVE A COMMENT KEEP GOING DOWNWARDS…………….XXX

53 Comments

Leave your reply.

Ann Barrell
· Reply

September 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM

You are now my latest “find” on FB. I am excited for your posts, blog, etc??
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 11, 2025 at 4:50 PM
  
  Welcome ANN!
  Thank You for joining along!
  Hope we can have a few laughs and learn a couple of things about aging!
  I will do THE BEST to make it FUN!
  Xxx
Judy Truex Reed
· Reply

July 6, 2025 at 9:48 AM

Elizabeth Brown recluse bite???
where was BR? They are awful. Can’t wait to see your Handsome’s new clothing!
I have been using Ivermectin cream on cancer sites that have been excised or burned and it has helped so much. I’m not recommending, just saying what has helped me.

Praying for this big heart issue beautiful lady.
Huge Hugs,
Judy
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 10:24 AM
  
  HELLO JUDY!
  I am getting “RECLUSE BITE?”EXPLAIN MORE PLEASE.
  HANDSOME WOULD NOT SHOP!Its as if he is allergic to it!I did get him to try some pants on however they were not a good fit!Another year will pass with no NEW CLOTHES!
  THANKS for the praying……………to date I am upping the meds and in 3 months I should be where they want me to be if I can tolerate them.This will help the heart pump.If this does not work I am looking at a TRANSPLANT which is the last thing I want to do!I am in a VERY FRAGILE STATE at the moment.
  I APPRECIATE YOU!
  XOXO
  - Judy Truex Reed
    · Reply
    
    July 9, 2025 at 11:43 AM
    
    Elizabeth, I’ve read good news on meds to make the heart pump more successfully. Keep up the good spirit, but take good care of yourself. Loved the Italy trip.. . . I felt as if I were right there with you.
    
    Hugs,
    Judy
Tara
· Reply

July 4, 2025 at 7:55 AM

Slow poke here !!!!

Brenda’s book, Maya Blue, arrived yesterday. Began reading last night in bed with lover boy, Hot Stuff ! Must text you his pic today.

Years with Brenda’s blog, way back, wanted a book written by Brenda Coffee all those years ago !!!!

A delight, already, not merely the content, Brenda’s Writing Style is of the ages fabulous. Literally. Am devoted reader since 3rd grade, ca. 1968, Harriet The Spy. Always good to let the world know your BONA FIDES .

A single sentence, all those years ago, on Brenda’s blog, aside from aching over her beautiful skill putting it together, my soul knew, Brenda has had a man she loves turn dangerous, life threatening. Knowing this, a skill no woman wants, but gains the same way Brenda has.

Looking forward to finishing Brenda’s book and passing amongst my Church girlfriends.

Ya’lls trip ! Thrilled ya’ll had the time together and the Italian got a taste of home. Curious what he thinks of the era he left and the ‘life’ there now.

Be ready dear Contessa, huge life changes………………..can’t wait to share the good parts. Which of course began with a life debacle. Be ready, your day has special middle rural Georgia sunshine and joy heading your way, a pic or 2 of HotStuff.

Happy 4th of July !!!!!!

(Not going to our Fireworks………………still recouping from
Brown Recluse bite.)
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 10:29 AM
  
  HOT STUFF NEVER ARRIVED!!!SEND PHOTO TODAY PLEASE!
  Now I understand JUDY’s comment regarding BITE!Maybe respond to her…………
  I LOVED HARRIET THE SPY TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
  I AM WAITING for “LIFE CHANGES” UPDATE as WELL……………
  YOU must be done with BRENDAS BOOK……………IT was aGOOD READ FOR SURE!
  LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!!
  XOXO
Sheila from the lunchron
· Reply

June 5, 2025 at 7:35 PM

Wow a trip to Italy! How exciting. All the best to both of you-live in the moment. I just got back from London and nothing fills your soul like a trip to your favorite country…
Enjoy.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 10:31 AM
  
  OHH I LOVE ENGLAND TOO!!
  THOSE HOMES AND ANTIQUES AND GARDENS!NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN THE FAMILY OF ROYALS………………….JUST BEAUTIFUL!
  XXX
Katherine
· Reply

June 4, 2025 at 7:59 PM

Hi Elizabeth,

I’m thrilled and sooooooo happy for you that your husband is taking you on holidays. If anyone deserves that YOU do.
Yes, you will but your honey some new duds.
Yes, you will share a ton of photos, and beauty and energy.
Yes, I have FRISSON, love music especially the piano.
I agree about Brenda Coffee’s memoir, Maya Blue. It was written so well. A real thriller, I feel it’s the best memoir I have ever read. Brenda is a survivor and such a brave soul.
The strange thing is I went on Amazon to do a review and it never posted. I don’t get it. I’m not into social media so I hoping Amazon would be my place to give Brenda the credit she deserves. A total rock star.
If we don’t chat before you leave for Europe have a relaxing and joyful time. Looking forward to all the photos.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 3:34 PM
  
  Try it again on AMAZON!
  You would have gotten an email right after you posted it saying they’re reviewing it and will let you know then you will get another email from them saying they approved it!! my guess is it didn’t go through so try try again. Brenda deserves that.!!
  I did come back with new energy and a sore back, but we will keep plugging along. Have you moved yet? I think you were moving or do I have the wrong Catherine?XXX
  - LA CONTESSA
    · Reply
    
    Author
    
    July 9, 2025 at 3:36 PM
    
    I was dictating and they spelled Catherine with A C I know your Katherine with a K and now they do it correctly!!!
Ellie's friend
· Reply

June 4, 2025 at 6:43 PM

Cara Elisabetta,

Buon viaggio! I re-read your post to see if you actually mentioned you are going to Italy — it would be great if that’s where you are going. Maybe I missed something or mybe some others have insider knowledge! Wherever you go, I wish you a wonderful holiday! Looking forward to hearing and reading all about it.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 10:32 AM
  
  I DONOT THINK I TOLD YOU READERS!!!
  YES WE WENT TO ITALY AND BEYOND!
  SEE NEW POST!
  XXX
Lisa Thomson
· Reply

June 4, 2025 at 3:01 AM

I’m so excited for you for your upcoming holiday! Can’t wait to hear about it next month! Congratulations to Brenda on publishing her book!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 3:37 PM
  
  You were there on Instagram following along I saw you liking and commenting. Thank you so much Lisa. Happy July.!!
  XXX
Karen Person
· Reply

June 4, 2025 at 12:31 AM

Hi Contessa!

We’re so used to all our devices working! Hope your computer is now working ok. You could upload with your phone but it’s easier with a computer, of course.

Wow, fantastic that you’ll be traveling to Italy again! I’ll be in California from June 23rd until July 17th. Hope you’ll be around then so we can meet up!

Hope your health is improving.

Much love to you!

xoxoxo
Deanna
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 2:18 PM

Have a marvelous trip! Hope you find healing and much joy as you travel. I haven’t started Maya Blue yet, but received my copy. Can’t wait to read it and see pictures of your travels. Be safe!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 3:40 PM
  
  I hope you enjoyed Maya Blue!?
  I have my first post up of at least three if not four posts to come on our trip.Florence and a tad bit of Italy are published for your eyes only!
  Hope you like it.
  Xxx
PPPno
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 12:28 PM

Ma Chere Contessa,
Fantastic! You are taking a trip to Italy! I’m so happy to know you can go and for the moment your health is good. Best time to go then!!
New duds for hubby and maybe you??
I look forward to enjoying your great pics and funny adventures .. you never disappoint.!
Safe travels then!

PPPno
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 3:42 PM
  
  No new duds for the Husband !!
  I bought one new kaftan because I thought I wasn’t gonna have enough clothes in the beginning of the trip!!!
  Yes, even I can laugh at myself about that now I took 29 pieces of clothing, which were all pretty much interchangeable with the exception of the Caftans and I wore everything a few times with the exception of two caftans did not get worn because they would’ve been too hot!!
  XXX
Judy Truex Reed
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 12:25 PM

Have a safe and very fine trip. We will all be so excited to see photos when you return and to hear about the food
??. Judy
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 3:43 PM
  
  Judy, the food was out of this world. It was delicious and very inexpensive compared to here. I will do that in one of my blog posts.!
  Xxx
barbara jones
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 12:18 PM

How wonderful … a trip to Italy. I hope it hasn’t changed to much for you but I am sure that you will have a wonderful time and enjoy the shopping?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 3:45 PM
  
  Barbara, dear sister, I’ve never met the shopping was terrible actually and I really wasn’t in an area with good shopping, but there was nothing to buy. I did buy one kaftan. Where were we? We stayed in an old convent. It was fabulous and the shop had everything and it was fabulous. I don’t remember the name isn’t that terrible well hopefully by the time I do the blog post on that area. It will come to me. I hope you’re well and Mr. BillXxx
Judith
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 12:11 PM

What a treat to see a new post! I experience frisson in my gardens – very exciting. So happy about your vacation; my vote is “yes” to both questions. You will succeed in getting new clothing for the Italian, and you will see and feel beauty as well as get lovely photographs. This trip is surely what the doctor ordered, as you will experience renewal from revisiting your former home, as well as being around a culture of beautiful and ebullient people. Eat lots of good food and buy some of that amazing soap from the little convent. I cannot wait to hear all about your trip. Safe travels to you both.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 3:48 PM
  
  I succeeded in eating good food every single day. We only ate two meals a day because it was so hot. You didn’t feel like eating lunch so we’d have a granita. I will tell you all about it on the next few posts cause there will be a few posts.I’m having problems with the computer so I have to wait a week for the Computer guy, but I’ll be back.!!
  XXX
Robin
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 10:37 AM

A holiday in Bella Italia!! How exciting!!!
Will you be based in Firenze ( Bagno a Ripoli)?
Other destinations? Cannot wait to hear all the details.
Photos of the two of you with your adorable granddaughter are priceless. Her ballet performance was fantastic- she was so focused. Love to see photos of your family, including your two sons.
Baci baci, R
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 4:03 PM
  
  Those SONS ARE HARD TO CAPTURE!!!
  But I will this summer!!
  Not in Bagno I was in the PRATO HILLS!Too far to drive to FIRENZE for me just too tired!I am SORRY not to meet you and The Austrian!
  This trip was for me and THE ITALIAN as it had been NINE YEARS since we took a vacation together!
  XXX
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 9:11 AM

Is Sicilian Food diferent than your Italian cooking? Guess what? Brenda Coffee and her book Maya Blue are coming to my Book Club. Her book is our July choice and she will come and discuss it and drink with out book club. How fun is that???
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 4:05 PM
  
  Wonderful??
  I would love to fly down for it but The Back is holding me back!!
  Xxx
Linda Henderson
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 8:54 AM

I am so happy to read of your upcoming trip. I look forward to the commentary and photos. I am a reader and have been reading good reviews on your friend Brenda’s book.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 5:20 PM
  
  Thank You LINDA!
  XXX
Vikki
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 8:11 AM

Have a fabulous time….I know you will. Look forward to hearing all the stories when you get back. Just clothes for GP? I think you may want to sneak in a few for yourself!
Vikki
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 5:21 PM
  
  One Caftan came home with me!
  Nothing for The Italian!
  No luck in that department!
  XXX
Hilda Smith
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 8:05 AM

Looking forward to reading about your trip and hope you have a wonderful time and The Italian gets some new clothes! Going to try to get Maya Blue over here in Ireland.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 5:22 PM
  
  I can send you a copy if you can’t!
  I will contact you on The gram!!
  Xxx
Stephanie D
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 7:15 AM

I vote YES you will be successful in getting your handsome husband into some new duds!
Have a wonderful trip…
Looking forward to hearing all about it!
xx
S.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 5:23 PM
  
  That’s a NEGATIVE!
  No clothes for HIM!!
  Xxx
Laurie Goetzl
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 7:13 AM

Elizabeth, we hope you and GP have an energizing vacation. Can’t wait to see your pictures!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 5:24 PM
  
  Thanks Laurie!
  We did except for my little fall!
  Ugh!
  Xxx
cindy
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 6:38 AM

I cannot wait to hear about your vacation! I have got to get the audio version of brenda’s book so I can listen and walk!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 5:25 PM
  
  Have you Listened to it the book by BRENDA?!!
  Hope so it was GOOD!
  Xxx
Brenda Coffee
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 6:23 AM

Oh, Elizabeth! Thank you, sweet friend, for posting about Maya Blue. It received the coveted Kirkus starred review, which means it has been nominated for the 2025 Kirkus Prize. This week, Maria Shriver included it in her “Summer Reads List” in her newsletter, The Sunday Paper, Hollywood is calling about my book, and now you have recommended it. Thank you, my friend! Did I tell you that two women I’d never met (one was 75, the other 82), and who’d already read Maya Blue, drove from Dallas to San Antonio for one of my book events. That’s a minimum of four hours one way! They made my heart so full, and I started crying. I will never forget their beautiful faces. Enjoy Italy. Take in the beauty and the food, and tell Giampi to take very good care of you! Love, love, love to you sweet friend. Brenda
- Amanda Riley
  · Reply
  
  June 3, 2025 at 8:18 AM
  
  Hope you have a fantastic holiday.
  Yes, I’ve read Brenda’s book. I pre-ordered it on kindle,so read it on day of publication.
  It was very interesting hearing her fascinating story.
- Fran
  · Reply
  
  June 3, 2025 at 8:22 AM
  
  Bellissima Contessa!
  
  I, too, have Frisson! I have been moved to tears, even on numerous occasions!
  We hope you and your Sweet Italian will have a Wonderful trip!! Take lots of photos!!
  We will be thinking of YOU!!
  WE ADORE YOU!!
  BIG HUGS!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 5:27 PM
  
  He took EXCELLENT CARE OF ME until I told him to go a head!
  Then I fell!!
  What a list of REVIEWS!!!
  Congratulations again??
Grand Pam
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 6:06 AM

I so enjoyed your update and I have also been a fan of parkplace blog. I love to read and follow blogs. My children snicker when I say my blog friends but that is what you are. You allow me to visit exotic far away places with you, see beautiful clothing(I could never afford), love watching your family grow, sharing medical experiences, and enjoy life. I hope you both have a wonderful time and that your health allows you to enjoy every moment. Love and best wishes.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM
  
  Grand Pam!!!
  I LOVE THAT NAME!!!
  We are your friends and YOU are OURS!!It’s been a WONDERFUL WAY TO MEET LOVELY LADIES!!
  What size are You?I need to clean the closet!
  XXX
sbchica
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 5:52 AM

Yes! Does this make us FRISSON-istas? I must always listen to music while cooking, exercising, driving, and cleaning the house. My husband and I go out and listen to LIVE music quite frequently and I can never get enough. BTW, I missed your photos today and I look forward to your vacation photos!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 5:32 PM
  
  New Post is up!!
  Having a photo problem!!
  Need help on my side!!
  My blog posts always start with the PHOTOS!!
  Xxx
Deb
· Reply

June 3, 2025 at 5:51 AM

I read Maya Blue and heartily recommend it! How to survive some of her experiences…whew. My daughter just returned from Belize and visited Tikal too. I sent up prayers of thanks for their safe passage after reading Brenda’s harrowing experience. Brenda is one incredibly strong woman and I am glad she opened up to telling her story. A must read!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  July 9, 2025 at 5:33 PM
  
  Oh my Gosh!!!
  Glad your daughter had a good trip!
  Yes it’s a good read!!
  Page turner for sure!
  Xxx