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The Vintage Contessa

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ON FINDING JOY………

January 12, 2022 104 Comments

 

JOY IS SOMETHING WE HAD A LOT OF AS A CHILD………WELL I DID!

AS WE GET OLDER THAT JOY MIGHT SEEM TO FADE AWAY……..

WHY IS THAT?

IS IT BECAUSE FAMILY AND FRIENDS DO NOT FOLLOW THROUGH and we are disappointed?

Or because we AGE………and do not feel all that perky each and every day?

 Or perhaps WE get STUCK in routines that do NOT bring JOY!

I USE TO HAVE EXCITEMENT UP UNTIL A FEW YEARS AGO.

ABOUT EACH AND EVERY HOLIDAY.

IS IT BECAUSE I HAVE LIVED THROUGH 61 YEARS of those holidays……..and they aren’t up to my EXPECTATIONS anymore?

Maybe the world has become too materialistic?

Who should WE BLAME FOR THAT?

  There must be people to BLAME?

  Seems that is what WE do today as a SOCIETY!

Let me give you an example……….MY ITALIANS BIRTHDAY.

The restaurant knew it was his birthday as they said,” HAPPY BIRTHDAY”

on arrival plus it was s surprise party in a private room!

Could not miss THAT FACT!

AT dessert time he picked the CHEESECAKE.

THE WAITER Delivered.

NO CANDLE!

NO SINGING!

  ( I had this problem with MY MOTHER turning 92!!)

IF ANYONE DESERVES TO BE SUNG TOO ITS A person who has HIT 92!!

NO EFFORT WHAT SO EVER……………I didnot make the reservations but would assume the person who did had stated this fact!

WE HAVE A BIRTHDAY TO CELEBRATE!

A NOTE IN THE RESERVATION BOOK SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTED.

SHALL WE BLAME THE RESTAURANT?

Or COVID?

Or OURSELVES who should have jumped in with ENTHUSIASM?!!

JOY should be something you have EVERY DAY!

I use to have my cell phone say,” OH JOY YOU RANG” if I couldn’t answer………….

MY cousin who has since passed now LOVED THAT!

Every time we spoke she would say OH JOY!

IT JUST STUCK WITH HER!

JOY, JOY, JOY IT’s GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU would be another good one for the answering system!

I am so TIRED of the MUNDANE and ROUTINE ANSWERS…….

HOW ARE YOU?……….FINE.

I realized years ago before I knew I was an EMPATH that people really didnot want to KNOW HOW YOU WERE?It was just something YOU said!Like an internal voice with no curiosity or compassion.YOU NOD and continue walking………if you did tell them how you were they were caught off guard!And did not know how to respond…….

I think this might be MORE OF AN AMERICAN THING!I find it still happens TODAY!

ONWARDS TO FINDING JOY!

THAT DAY I POSTED THE SALMON LASAGNA BLOG POST I HAD QUITE A BIT OF JOY!

TWO of the three girls I was with I had lost track of………in less than 24 hours two of my OTHER FRIENDS on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM had identified them and gone to school with them!One had gone to High School and shared a boyfriend at that time (different years) and then roomed with her in collage!

AT the same college I went to the year before in Southern California!

The other one and I wasn’t even sure I had spelled her first name correctly was recognized by my cousin as a girl she too had gone to school with and then her husband recalled her to be one of his soccer friends girlfriend.You will all be HAPPY to know I spelled her name correctly which just amazes me!As we never kept in touch after three months of SEMESTER AT SEA!

Then we have 24 hours PLUS added to the timeline and another message pops up from one of MY GARDEN FLOOZIES from this past year stating HER BROTHER was on SEMESTER AT SEA SPRING of 1981!!!

I even found his photo in my photo album!

SMALL WORLD?

OH MY GOSH I FOUND THIS TO BE SO EXCITING!

JOY ~ JOY ~ JOY!

It was just a FLUCK; I thought of it and had that photo of the FOUR of us hanging out under my desk and I thought why not ASK people if they might know of them!Now I know all of these people who responded as the gal on Facebook and I and THE ITALIAN worked together over 30 years ago in Northern California at GUCCI!AS I said, my cousin recognized the second gal……….at this time I am waiting to be CONNECTED SOMEHOW VIA SOCIAL MEDIA WITH THESE WOMEN NOW!

WHICH BRINGS ME GREAT JOY!

 JUST HOW SMALL THIS WORLD REALLY IS!

Let’s EXPLORE how you too can FIND JOY in your HOME!

Do you take pills or vitamins daily?

Find a little dish or bowl that gives you pleasure to look at………I use silver nut vessels that I found monogramed with a K which works with our surname!

 I put the pills in there then work my way through during the day.

I also use wine coasters as my coffee coaster!

I COLLECT these TOO!

WINE COASTERS!!

My coffee cup is an old hotel French sauce cup.

I love cupping my hand around it in the morning to feel the warmth.

 

THAT SAUCER WAS SENT RECENTLY TO ME via London!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!

 By THE FABULOUS MISTER NICK COX & FABIO OF PERIOD PORTRAITS.

IF YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER IS IN NEED OF a few NEW FAMILY MEMBERS SEARCH HIS WEBSITE

AS IT HOLDS MANY MEN AND WOMEN and CHILDREN FROM A TIME LONG GONE!

I PROMISE THEY WILL BRING JOY!

WEB SITE JUST TAP HERE!

  INSTAGRAM PRESS HERE!

HE SHIPS WORLDWIDE AND IF YOU TELL HIM LA CONTESSA SENT YOU I BET HE CAN DO A SMIDGE BETTER ON THE PRICE!

NO PROMISES!

BUT HE IS VERY NICE.

A LOVELY MAN TO DEAL WITH…….

HE ALWAYS BRINGS ME JOY EACH DAY WITH HIS INSTAGRAM POSTS!

  IT’s VERY IMPORTANT YOU SEARCH OUT THE PEOPLE WHO BRING JOY

NOT THOSE WHO JUST GO THROUGH LIFE ON AUTO~PILOT!

YOU CAN SEE WHO IS EYEING ME TO MAKE EYE CONTACT SO I WILL UNCROSS MY LEGS AND MAKE HIM A LAP!

  OH JOY!

THEODORE THE BOSS OF THE FOUR LEGGED BEASTS in OUR HOME!

How about when YOU receive gifts in the mail with REAL OUTSIDE GARNISH.

!BETTER THAN RIBBON!

AND IF YOU DO RIBBON YOU SHRED A PIECE OF MATERIAL TO CREATE IT!

NOT THE STORE BOUGHT TYPE!

  I HAVE SOME FABULOUS FRIENDS!

  ( see red upper back!)

 How about meeting someone for the FIRST time from INSTAGRAM!

 THATS REAL JOY!

I CAN TELL YOU FIRST HAND I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY A FEW TIMES AND NEVER ONCE HAS IT BEEN A DISAPPOINTMENT!

 How about TREATING yourself to a BOUNTIFUL BOUQUET OF GREEN VEGGIES TO ADORE?

Then you can still EAT a few after it starts to DROOP!

  A Big Bang for YOUR BUCK!

How about discovering your new puppy has a paw print on one of her NIBBLES!

PURE JOY!

 CAN YOU SEE THAT?

 Told my SON its our way of identifying her if she was ever STOLEN or LOST!

 

   How about getting a box in the mail from a shoe company telling YOU are one of their TOP CUSTOMERS!

  NO FREE SHOES

but a water bottle, cap and hand written note!

  MADE ME SMILE ALL DAY AND I AM STILL SMILING!

WHY?

BECAUSE THE NOTE IS HAND WRITTEN!

BIRDIES SHOE COMPANY from THE Bay Area.

  Made me want to go BUY those BOOTS I have my eye on!

 These two women are YOUNG and had a GREAT IDEA six year ago!

I imagined they had their kids writing these notes over the winter break!

  AT THE KITCHEN TABLE!

 THE ITALIAN WASNOT SO OVER JOYED WHEN I WAS BUBBLING OVER WITH EXCITEMENT TELLING HIM WHAT I GOT IN THE MAIL TODAY!

HE WANTED TO KNOW HOW MANY I OWNED!!!

SOMEHOW I DODGED THAT QUESTION!!!!!!!!!

GIVE ME A HIGH FIVE!!!!

  Let’s NOT GO THERE!

PUPPY MISS Betty did NIBBLE A FEW!!!

Don’t worry a special shelf was made for THE COAST & KOI SHOES!

TO BE UP HIGH and out of VIEW from PUPPY EYES!

NO CHANCES WERE TAKEN WITH THOSE BEAUTIES.

I ONLY Wear FLAT SHOES…………that STORY was told recently!

A few Blog Posts back!

BETTY BEING AFFECTIONATE with her HOUSEMATE!

ANIMALS ALWAYS BRING JOY!

(WHERE DO I SIT?)

 NO HUMAN WILL ADORE YOU AS MUCH AS AN ANIMAL WILL!

 Well, maybe NOT SO TRUE……….read this little story One of MY READERS SHARED with me in a personal email!

MADE ME CRY when I READ IT!

These two had parted for some time and had gone on with their lives……….

Then a MIRACLE HAPPENED!

“Thank you so much : )  Her manicurist calls her Blake… she resembles the actress Blake Lively (married to Ryan Reynolds)… and, best of all, she has a beautiful heart. We were very-very lucky. I was 38 when she was born and my husband was 47. Her 30th birthday is this week, on the 13th, and Joe turns 34 on January 31st. When we were going through the black hole part of our garage (the boxes and boxes she has stored with us since college) the very last box we opened was her ‘Memory Box’ from college and at the very bottom of the box there were a few photos from New Year’s Eve 2012 when they were together, along with a card he had given her, which she had kept. It was the most romantic card with a long hand-written note… the last line was, “I know we will grow old together.” I will never forget as she held the card in trembling hands and through her tears slowly read aloud what he had written… long ago, forgotten at the bottom of the box. The sunlight coming in from the open garage door was on her left hand, and her ring was sparkling like fireworks… it was utterly magical, as though their being together for the rest of their lives was destined to be, written on paper… and in the stars.”

“There was one small thing that has been preoccupying until today… the ring box was not found after he put the ring on her hand Christmas Eve. Everyone looked high and low and it seemed to have disappeared. No one would have mistakenly thrown it out, so it has been a real mystery. We had left the Christmas tree up until today…as Bob was carrying it outside through the garage the ring box fell out of the tree!!! Neither Joe nor Devyn remembers doing this, but both admit it could have been either one as they were floating all night, and where best to tuck a special box but in a Christmas tree : )”

“The house is very quiet, but we are so happy that she is, at last, with her true love…”

xoxo

PS.” Joe is the Managing Partner of a Bonefish Grill restaurant in Jacksonville,Florida…there are two, his is the larger one. Maybe your neighbor has been there or her family… so sorry to hear about that,
(LIBBY THIS IS FOR YOU!From your Contessa down the street!))
if we were closer I would want to give her a call, but we live almost 4 hours away… so wish it was closer!!”

  NOTE THE SIGN TO THE RIGHT!!

CREATE JOY DAILY YOU CAN DO IT

1.Call people just to say hello!

2.Write an old fashioned snail mail letter.

3.Set a nice table even if its just YOU!

4.Take time with your skincare.THIS IS IT!WE MUST TAKE CARE OF WHAT WE HAVE NOW……..ENJOY the PROCESS..

5. Speak to others waiting in line give a compliment or make conversation.

6.Use baskets instead of plastic or paper bags for your groceries!.This brings me GREAT JOY!

7. Collect something!ANYTHING but always be on the look out!

8. Plant those SPRING bulbs in the winter as they will be the FIRST BIG SMILE ON YOUR FACE COME END of WINTER!

9.Put a note in your husbands lunch box or briefcase!I have been known to put directly into the sandwich!

10.Call a LOVED ONE during the day just to say HELLO!My Mother would call me daily when the Boys were small.My Italian well he calls me at least twice a day as he is driving from job site to job site.This way you can tell them what you have done because if YOU are like me by dinner time you will have forgotten the SCOOP of THE DAY!!!

BE WELL…………….AND SEIZE THE DAY!

   AND FIND THAT JOY!

XXX

 

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104 Comments

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  • Nancy Hartley
    · Reply

    January 18, 2022 at 8:02 AM

    The question marks, in my comment, were in error. Please disregard.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 18, 2022 at 9:57 AM

      YOU ARE USING YOUR PHONE RIGHT?
      FOR SOME REASON THE EMOJIS DO NOT MAKE THE TRANSITION!!
      I CAN DELETE THEM!!
      THANK YOU!
      XXX

  • Nancy Hartley
    · Reply

    January 18, 2022 at 8:00 AM

    Hi again! Elizabeth, what a great post! You are brilliant! I am looking g forward to meeting you
    In person, along, with your beautiful animal family!
    Eventually, we will have some warmer days! Can’t wait!

  • Nancy Hartley
    · Reply

    January 18, 2022 at 7:59 AM

    Hi again! Elizabeth, what a great post! You are brilliant! I am looking g forward to meeting you
    In person, along, with your beautiful animal family!
    Eventually, we will have some warmer days! Can’t wait!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 18, 2022 at 9:55 AM

      HELLO NANCY……..SORRY THE FIRST TIME YOU COMMENT I HAVE TO APPROVE YOU NEXT BLOG POST YOU COMMENT ON YOU SHOULD APPEAR IMMEDIATELY!

  • Sheila from the Luncheon
    · Reply

    January 15, 2022 at 9:14 PM

    Hello Elizabeth, what a wonderful reminder of the importance Joy has in our lives. A little joy goes a long way. Great suggestions you give and what a lovely picture of you and husband. Happy New Year.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 17, 2022 at 6:54 AM

      HAPPY NEW YEAR SHEILA……..alsways lovely to hear from YOU!
      HOW ABOUT ALL THAT RAIN WE HAD!?I HEAR THERE IS NO MORE IN SIGHT!
      STAY WELL………XXX

  • Jill James
    · Reply

    January 15, 2022 at 5:43 PM

    Wonderful post Elizabeth , you bring joy into my world through your posts. Couldn’t agree more that having pets in your life creates joy every day. I also think having a garden and appreciating nature adds joy. Sometimes it is just appreciating the small things around us that bring joy. Yesterday my son and daughter-in-law visited with our little grandsons and we visited the playground near us and I played on the swings and ventured down the slide with Master Harry , aged three. (it was so much fun).
    I am missing my travels as that always sparked joy but I know that will happen again. For now looking at books brings me joy.
    Hopefully one day we will meet in person. xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 17, 2022 at 6:52 AM

      I WOULD LOVE THAT AS TASMANIA IS ON MY LIST TO SEE!MY FRIEND JANE IN MELBOURNE HAD ME RETIRING TO TASMANIA!MUST BRING THE ITALIAN AND CHECK IT OUT!
      BOOKS BRING ME A LOT OF JOY TOO……….I HAVE STACKS TO READ!
      XXX

  • Stephanie D.
    · Reply

    January 15, 2022 at 5:12 PM

    I absolutely love your Joy List! Many of my daily joys are simple pleasures, much like yours. Watching the hummingbirds take turns bathing in a bubbler outside my kitchen window. Keeping a candle burning on a gray, chilly day. Sending colorful cards with fun messages to my granddaughters, just because. The way our sweet pup sets her head on my knee when she wants dinner. I could go on and on…so many joyful things to be grateful for in any given day.
    Speaking of joy, thank you so very much for the delicious Salmon Lasagna recipe! It was a big hit and is definitely staying in my dinner rotation…Grazie tanté !!!
    xx
    Stephanie
    aka – tendrheart4

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 17, 2022 at 6:50 AM

      HAPPY YOU MADE IT STEPHANIE AND IT WAS a HIT!
      I THINK YOU HAVE FIGURED OUT HOW TO FIND JOY!
      ONWARDS TO A JOYFUL LIFE!!!
      XXX

  • Hilda Smith
    · Reply

    January 15, 2022 at 2:30 PM

    What a great reminder to us all. I find joy in walks by the sea or in the local park. I find joy in my grandchildren, joy in a good coffee…joy in hugs. I try to live in the moment now. You have given me some other ideas. I need to get some nice crockery and a special mug or two for my coffee. Thank you for this post Elizabeth.
    We are all in shock in Ireland following the murder of a lovely young girl out for a run in the afternoon. It is good to remember to find joy too. xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 15, 2022 at 3:34 PM

      I SAW THAT IN MY BBC NEWS THIS MORNING AND ALMOST ASKED YOU ABOUT IT!!!!!!
      WHAT HAPPENED………A MORNING RUN?
      GOOD GOD!
      BE WELL AND JOYFUL AND YES YOU NEED A BEAUTIFUL CUP FOR THE COFFEE!!!!
      XXX

  • Mumbai
    · Reply

    January 15, 2022 at 9:14 AM

    I did not forget you. First things first…a healthy and vibrant 2022. Hello dear Contessa, all your reasons are correct and it’s just a pity that it’s the same for most of them. But it’s our choice. I can’t quite agree about your husband’s birthday. Some like such an appearance, some don’t…Ibut looking at your husbands face , I guess he doesn’t. You can find joy in many things, but you can also find displeasure. Girl friends..it’s over, don’t cry over spelled milk.
    Name one person who doesn’t take pills, be it just vitamin pills, but mine aren’t that stylish and the coaster is a dream. You recently received these saucers, joy joy joy. Beautiful bouquet of veggies, self-made joy. ……so much joy every day. …..Betti has grown so much, I haven’t seen her in months. Enjoy your personal joy darling and take care. ( today of joy!?)

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 15, 2022 at 3:39 PM

      WILL DO…………AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!
      THANKS FOR POPPING BY…………APPRECIATE YOUR VISITS!
      XXX

  • Diana Amato
    · Reply

    January 15, 2022 at 9:05 AM

    OH! What Joy there is to be had when we but open our hearts to its infinite potentiality. Why do we forget this? I have no clue. This is a fantastic post, and I for one, attempt daily to fill my bucket of Joy. My biggest Joy of late is watching my teenage son come and go, knowing upon his returns that he is hungry. The refrigerator is stocked, there are freshly baked cookies and breads on the counters, and he turns to me and says, “Thank you Mom, I love you”. Yes! Joy!
    Also, some of those baked goods made their way into a very special box that is on its way to Tuscany, as we speak. I await the JOY of my special person on the receiving end as that box gets opened! Who has more Joy! It seems that it becomes the Gift that keeps Giving!

    Un forte abbraccio,
    Diana La Zingara

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 15, 2022 at 3:37 PM

      BRILLIANT……..LETS HOPE THE CUSTOMS BEAGLE DOGGIE DOESNT OPEN THE BOX!!!!
      I KNOW YOU FIND JOY DAILY TOO!
      BIG HUGS,
      XOXO

  • LA CONTESSA
    · Reply

    Author
    January 15, 2022 at 7:53 AM

    VIA EMAIL to LA CONTESSA:
    Enjoyed your recent blog post, but then I have enjoyed all of them. It made me think about all the friends(or those I thought were in some cases) I sought to find stateside after many years of living overseas. Later I realized my attempt to reach many I had met in the U.S. during college years tended to be one way desire to renew and be in touch again which surprised me. They had no need to renew communication, and to my surprise were more like an acquaintance than a friend. Granted the phone kept me in touch and continues to do so with many, but most were internet junkies and if I wanted to be part of their lives, then I needed to tune in to FACEBOOK or Twitter etc. Most disappeared in due course.

    In my day, and growing up overseas long before the internet, much less social media platforms even existed, we kept in contact with our friends by mail. I wrote by pen at least 10 letters a week to friends and relatives, which increased as my travels did, and increased when I was able to use a typewriter. Calling by phone was out of the question as it was outrageous in price. As such the friendships made, and continued by post, handwritten or typed drew one closer to the person, kept them alive in their message and because of that those friends are the ones I still have to this day. They are from all over the world. Yes, easier to text, or put information on social platforms, but the letters which I still write mean the most. There is nothing more exciting than to get a personal letter in the mail.

    I have a tub full of letters from the 1800’s from my British great grandfather, letters my parents wrote to relatives of our lives overseas, my letters on even my climb up Kilimanjaro I treasure. And the best and funniest was the holiday letters my father wrote from many of the countries we lived and the highlights of our life. My closest friend had to toss my letters from Kenya as there were too many. I wish I had them today along with some sentimental others that are long gone. My Daddy had several trunks of letters from his former fiance, to his relatives we hauled around the world until my mother made him toss out at least a trunk worth. He treasured them as I do.

    Friendship like falling in love, marriage all have to be tended just like a garden, and appreciated and yes, even loved most of all. I feel I am lucky with those that have graced my life, challenged me, worried and cried with me all through letters, and today sometimes by phone. Call me old hat, but I would not want it any other way. I admit the use of a phone today and much less expensive is a joy for me too. But even I have to wonder why I am texting someone when I am able to dial their number, or send them a letter or postcard.

  • Jacqueline
    · Reply

    January 15, 2022 at 4:46 AM

    What a lovely, positive post Elizabeth ….. something we need more of in these trying times. If I ever feel a bit miserable, I try to remember how lucky I was to be given a life and to still be here at 70 ! I do, however have to remember there are many who are much less fortunate and do not have much to be joyful about which is sad but true. That is another reason for us to be grateful and to make the most of each new day. XXXX

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 15, 2022 at 7:46 AM

      70!
      WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN………….?IN MY MIND YOU ARE A YOUNG THING RUNNING AROUND THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE!I SEE TODAY YOUR PRIME MINISTER IS IN A BIT OF HOT WATER………
      YOUR QUEEN HAS BEEN THROUGH WAY TOO MUCH THIS YEAR.WITH THE PASSING OF HER HUSBAND, HARRY & MEAGHAN and COVID and NOW her son ANDREW AND THIS!
      ITS ALL TOO MUCH FOR ME A ROYAL FAN FROM A FAR!!!
      YOU BE WELL AND HAPPY!
      THATS AN ORDER!
      XXX

  • Pat
    · Reply

    January 14, 2022 at 9:04 PM

    I think you surround yourself with joy. Pups and cats and pigs and hens and gorgeous flowers and beauty everywhere you look both inside and outside your house. It’s the little things you do everyday they bring joy to so many!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 15, 2022 at 7:40 AM

      THE HENS ARE NO MORE…………GONE TO SONOMA CHICK LADY!I DO MISS THEM.
      ITS ALWAYS BEEN A ZOO HERE!!
      MAKES FOR A COZIER ENVIRONMENT FOR ME!
      I HOPE YOU HAVE MADE IT THROUGH THIS COLD SPELL AND ARE PLANNING A SPRING SOMETHING!!!
      IS THAT CHATEAU OPENING ITS DOORS THIS YEAR?
      I MISS YOUR VISITS THERE!!!!!
      AS I BENEFIT FROM YOUR STORIES!!!!
      XXX

  • Heidi
    · Reply

    January 14, 2022 at 1:49 PM

    Hi Elizabeth,
    What a LOVELY AND JOYFUL post! (See what I did there with the caps?!) As always your photos are fab and sharing your thoughts on this subject with all of us spread the joy!
    As a highly sensitive person and an artist I tend to notice the little things, and also to create moments, vignettes etc that bring me joy. I like to do that for others too, for the people I love and those I’m just getting to know. Spending time in my studio painting, walking by the beach, visiting gardens, reading, baking, arranging flowers – all those things bring me joy, as does finding a really good bargain on something special for my home! My many collections, my daughters, my books quality time with friends all bring me JOY!! I use the “good” stuff daily, treat myself to tea in a beautiful cup or mug, try to surround myself with only people who matter to me. I tend to be a positive person, when I’m not it’s kind of a shock! But I always find my way back to happiness and joy. You are one of the people in my life I cherish, who helps me get there if I’m feeling down.
    You have a knack at finding joy in the little things, I hope you always keep that, it’s one of the things that make you special !
    Sending love, and will attempt a call to you this afternoon.
    XO Heidi

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 15, 2022 at 7:36 AM

      WHAT A BIG COMPLIMENT HEIDI!
      I WANT YOU TO KNOW I HUNG WINSTON THIS WEEK IN MY WALKWAY TO THE BEDROOM!I CAN SEE HIM WHEN I AM BRUSHING MY TEETH AND HE MAKES ME SMILE………I JUST LOVE THAT PET PORTRAIT YOU MADE OF MY COMPANION OF YEARS!THE FRAME I HAD WORKED OUT SO WELL AND I WAS HAPPY TO GET IT OFF THE FLOOR!A WIN WIN SITUATION!I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH YOUR ARTISTIC ABILITIES!
      I LOOK FORWARD TO CATCHING UP WITH YOU TODAY!
      XOXO

  • judith
    · Reply

    January 14, 2022 at 1:19 PM

    It is so important to find and be aware of joy – what a great reminder. I am out in the garden when the weather allows, and when it does not, I am inside tending to my houseplants. Living things are a source of happiness for me. Loved the photo of all of the lounging animals, and that vegetable bouquet looks delicious!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 15, 2022 at 7:31 AM

      I OWE YOU A CALL……….BE PREPARED!
      YOU HAVE HAD SOME COLD COLD WEATHER……………SO IMAGINE YOUR INDOOR PLANTS ARE STRUTTING THEIR GREEN GODDESS LEAVES!
      XXX

  • Katie Clooney
    · Reply

    January 14, 2022 at 1:13 PM

    Dear Contessa… What a fabulous post! I adore that pic of you with the birthday boy. I bet he was not nearly as upset as you with the restaurant. That’s how it goes in my house. I love a small world story as much as you. How great someone recognized the two in the photo. I hope your weekend is filled with joy. Call the restaurant and tell them that they owe you a free dinner. That would give me joy.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 15, 2022 at 7:29 AM

      HE NOTICED AS WE HAD A CONVERSATION ABOUT IT!HE IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL AMERICAN MAN!
      MY WEEKEND IS ALWAYS FILLED WITH LAUNDRY, IRONING AND PAPER SORTING!!!
      NO DIFFERENT FROM THE WEEKS DUTIES!REALLY ENJOYED YOUR ADVENTURES TO San Miguel……..
      XXX

  • cindy
    · Reply

    January 14, 2022 at 8:39 AM

    This was a lovely post! I am going to remind myself of the little things to be thankful for! Thank you for reminding us all!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 15, 2022 at 7:26 AM

      THANK YOU CINDY!
      XXX

  • vaughan
    · Reply

    January 14, 2022 at 8:20 AM

    Oh my. You have made this a joyous day. Thank you for your lovely post and as always wonderful photos of your home, your babies, your Italian, who is so cute (I have one though not Italian!) and you–gorgeous woman. I try to keep things new…but never thought of it as joy. Now I will. Big joyous hugs.
    Vaughan

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 15, 2022 at 7:25 AM

      THANK YOU VAUGHAN……………KEEPING OURSELVES BUSY IS A WAY OF CREATING JOY!
      BINGO YOU ArE ON TO SOMETHING!!
      XXX

  • Nancy F.
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 5:41 PM

    Your posts ALWAYS bring me joy!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 14, 2022 at 5:54 AM

      MANY MANY THANKS……….XXX

  • Jean Wethmar
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 5:28 PM

    ELIZABETH, greetings from Brisbane, Au – thanks for bringing JOY to me today, in the FORM of your blog writing, YOU arrived at my door, for a CUPPA, and left me with JOY – joy in the times we’re living is such a short supply necessity. IT cannot be bought, ONLY given. THANK YOU, for your gift today, across the MILES, you’re a JOY GIVER. x Jean W

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 14, 2022 at 5:55 AM

      SO WELCOME JEAN……….YOU HAVE BEEN READING HERE FOR SOMETIME!!!
      I APPRECIATE IT!
      STAY WELL AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET BACK TO DOING THINGS SOON!
      XXX

  • Sarah London
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 3:32 PM

    Joy! What a joy it was to read. I loved this Elizabeth!! I’m actually feeling a lot more joyous than before I started reading!! yes.. choose joy, seek joy, give joy .. there is so much to love about living joyously! I applaud you and I will join you in seeking, feeling and spreading joy ! And I will think of you daily as I do.
    Xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 4:39 PM

      I AM SO EXCITED YOU ARE GOING TO THINK OF ME DAILY!!!
      I HAVE A HANDFUL OF BEAUTIES DOWN UNDER I NEED TO VISIT………
      TELL COVID TO GO AWAY FOREVER AND I WILL BE THERE!!!!!
      THEN WE CAN SING JOY TO THE WORLD!
      XXX

  • Barbara
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 3:22 PM

    Contessa, do you remember the song, “I’ve got joy, joy, joy, down in my heart…?” You and your blog are so joy-filled. Your Italian is so handsome, your pets are adorable, you are a timeless beauty with fabulous taste and your blog is a delight. Our world needs more joyful people like you!
    A few months back a woman from Florida was featured on your blog. I am sorry I didn’t note her name. She wore floaty caftans as I recall. She took yoga and was pictured in a large sculpture of a reclining woman which I believe was in a park. She also was pictured standing next to colorful butterfly paintings. If this post is still available I would be overjoyed to revisit it. I am a painter and loved the images with that post.
    The picture of Betty’s paw print nipple was astonishing.
    I must check out pets to see if either dog and our cat have such unique markings.
    “Always expect something wonderful is about to happen” is a favorite quote.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 4:34 PM

      I DO RECALL THAT SONG!!!!TOOK ME A MINUTE TO GET THE TUNE!
      HERE SHE IS http://box5525.temp.domains/~kvhskymy/thevintagecontessa/2021/08/26/ageless-style-with-marleah-levey/

      DO YOU KNOW YOU CAN GO TO THE HOME PAGE OF MY BLOG AND TAP THAT AND YOU CAN SCROLL BACKWARDS…………TITLES and PHOTO will show up!
      HOME SHOULD BE IN UPPER LEFT CORNER………….I need to re-visit how you get the email and make certain I am telling you correctly!
      BUT TAP ON THE LINK ABOVE AND AWAY YOU GO TO MARLEAH……….XXX

  • bonnie sachs
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 2:56 PM

    hi elizabeth! so JOYful that i am finally getting your creative sojourns in my inbox!.
    always makes my day.
    bonnie

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 4:36 PM

      OH GOSH ME TOO!
      I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT!
      STUPID COMPUTER!THEY HAVE A MIND OF THERE OWN!
      XXX

  • Dee Black
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 1:15 PM

    Yes Contessa I was a cheerleader my mother was my daughter in law and now my granddaughter. Also I’m a Capricorn. Expectations… whose? So here is my cheer. Go team go. That’s for all of us that expect everything wonderful. Mindful living.

  • Dawn
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 1:06 PM

    The Joy of your husband’s birthday was the fact that you were eating in a restaurant during Covid. I would not want waiters taking off masks and singing and blowing their breath around, nor someone blowing out a candle with their breath.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 1:33 PM

      NOR WOULD I AND YOU CAN STILL SING WITH MASKS ON!!!!!!!!!!!OFF TO THE SIDE!!!!!

  • 1010ParkPlace
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 12:29 PM

    Elizabeth, You present us all with joy! A big box in the form of your blog. It’s no wonder you love the word JOY! xoxox, Brenda

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 1:37 PM

      I TAKE THAT AS A BIG BIG COMPLIMENT!!!!
      MADE MY WEEK THANK YOU BRENDA!
      XOXO

  • Rosemarie
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 11:54 AM

    Hi there CONTESSA
    Your blog brings a lot of JOY to people! We look forward to it and your instagram pics. Thank you for sharing your life/world with us!
    I find as I get older (73 now) one becomes more conscious to create joy and excitement in life. To be positive. There is something wonderful about each day.
    Unfortunately as we grow older we forget to “play” like children.
    The other day I was reflecting on moments when I travelled and what brought me joy. One was when I was at a pier in Brooklyn and had a chance conversation with a man – ITALIAN – and he sang me an aria! A moment to remember forever.
    As the Dalai Lama says – Every day is a new opportunity to begin again. Every day is your birthday. (I have sent you a separate e-mail link re his book of Joy Quotes – there are 19+ pages but you can skim through quickly and some will pop up that you might connect with.)
    Off soon to find some joy in/with nature.
    ****I will be posting snail mail to you today.****

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 1:36 PM

      MY MOUTH HIT THE FLOOR ON THE ITALIAN AND AN ARIA!!!!
      I ALWAYS WANTED that FAMOUS ITALIAN TENOR TO SING ME HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
      WHAT A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!
      THANK YOU!!!!!
      XXX

  • lisa thomson-author
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 11:29 AM

    Beautiful post, LA CONTESSA! Your photos, too really capture daily joy. I think it’s easy to forget or dismiss the little things and instead focus on what’s going WRONG. I do that too often 🙂 Last time I got my haircut, a tiny ‘therapy’ dog owned by the other hairstylist, came right over to my chair. She asked to come up and ended up siting on my lap for my whole appointment. It’s like that little creature knew I needed a hug. I wrote it in my journal so I didn’t forget the joy that brought to me. How special she made me feel.
    I just love the paw print ‘tattoo’ on Betty. You won’t lose her. And Theo, what a BOSS! Banksy always makes my heart warm up.
    Thank you for this lovely reminder to find joy in the simple things. Phone calls are so rare now. Texting has replaced the human voice. 😛 Fresh flowers always cheer me up.
    Hugs to you xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 1:40 PM

      THE PAW PRINT I WAS STUNNED AND HAD TO LOOK THREE TIMES!MY HUSBAND THAT ITALIAN DIDNOT BELIEVE ME!!!!!
      SO I TOOK THIS PHOTO I SHARED WITH YOU ALL TODAY!!!
      I”LL CALL YOU ANY DAY!!!
      WILL SEND YOU AN EMAIL FOR NUMBER!!!!
      XXX

  • Lorna
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 11:19 AM

    Elizabeth, this was a JOY to read. I don’t know why it has become so hard to find joy there days. Maybe our expectations are too high or we compare our lives to others ( so easy to fall into that habit with social media) but I love all your good advice and will try to follow it.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 11:28 AM

      THE EXPECTATION LINE WAS JUST USED ON ME THIS MORNING AND TO BE HONEST ITS JUST COMMON CURTESY!
      I HAVE HEARD THAT TOO OFTEN”YOUR EXPECTATIONS ARE TOO HIGH!”
      MY EXPECTATIONS ARE HOW I WAS BROUGHT UP AND I DONOT NEED TO CHANGE FOR THOSE WHO ARE “EMBARRASSED OR DO NOT WANT TO BE RECOGNIZED BECAUSE OF SHYNESS.
      IT IS A WAY OF SHOWING WARMTH AND CARING…………BEING HUMAN!
      LISTEN TO ME RANT!!!!!BUT as you can see this is a really SORE SUBJECT with me!
      PEOPLE NEED TO CARE MORE ABOUT OTHERS……………XOXO

  • Ms. Mary
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 11:14 AM

    Lovely, JOYFUL post- makes me smile! Reading your posts always make me smile.:)
    I was recently out for my birthday dinner and the restaurant DID a nice little exta job of decorating the table before we arrived (a note was made on the reservation). This little detail made me happy. And, the candle on the pie (coconut cream- my favorite!) was aslo special.
    Sorry this joyful extra was not extended to the Italian.
    <3

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 11:22 AM

      WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY?
      CAPRICORN LIKE THE ITALIAN!!!
      YES we spoke of this many nights after the fact and HE NOTICED which made me SAD……..WHY DIDN”T I START THE SERENADE?I have thoughts on that but will NEVER LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN TO ANYONE!!!!
      PEOPLE CAN FEEL SO UNCOMFORTABLE AROUND ME BUT I DO WHAT I DO TO BRING JOY AND MEMORIES!
      THAT IS JUST WHO I AM!!!
      HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
      XOXO

  • Parnassus
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 10:05 AM

    Hello Contessa, Your vegetable arrangement looks like something by Arcimboldo! Taipei can often be very gloomy, and most of the time even when it is sunny, you have to close the curtains to keep out the strong sun. So I like getting brightly colored glasses and ceramics to cheer up the place. By now I have way more than could ever need, but I am addicted and keep buying more. I am sure that of all people you will understand this.
    –Jim

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 11:18 AM

      I DO UNDERSTAND!
      KEEP AT IT…………..as it brings us JOY!!!!
      I will have to look up ARCIMBOLDO!!!!
      THANK YOU!
      XXX

  • Meg
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 9:44 AM

    Great post! Thank you for all the reminders of ways to bring Joy to our lives.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 9:53 AM

      SO SO WELCOME………….sometimes even I NEED a reminder!
      XXX

  • Juliet
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 9:43 AM

    Contessa … YOU and your blog (and Instagram) never fail to bring joy. Today is no exception. It’s not hard to fall into drab routines, wallow in sorrow and regret and to find sadness and disappointment all around. Yet its just as easy to look around and find JOY. And I intend to do more of it. Thank you, dear Contessa … have a most joyful day! xo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 9:54 AM

      YOU HAVE THAT COTTAGE THAT BRINGS SO MUCH JOY!THOSE PUPS AND THAT DELIGHTFUL HUSBAND AND YOUR WIT!
      YOUR HUMOR AND SENSE OF STYLE IS JOYFUL TO SEE AND READ!
      XXX

  • Dee Black
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 9:26 AM

    Could not agree more about fur friends…unlimited joy.
    Restaurant sure didn’t get the memo about dining is an experience not just about the food. Good thing you know how to create your own.
    I always want to know how the person is and that’s why I ask. Velveteen Rabbit knows this is what makes us real!
    The “art” of living well.
    Nick said it so well.
    Lastly… good job dodging the Birdie count question. After all that would be a joy killer. Lol
    Thank you for spreading your joy Contessa.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 9:58 AM

      YOU MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD………..FIRST TIME WAS READING NICK’S COMMENT!
      YES A “JOY KILLER” would NOT have been good after I was so happy with my hand written NOTECARD!
      THE ART OF LIVING WELL IS SELF TAUGHT I BELIEVE!
      ALL BUDGETS CAN DO IT!
      YOU BE GOOD HEAD CHEERLEADER!!!!
      XXX

  • Sandra Sallin
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 9:22 AM

    You know it’s all in the attitude. You either see the glass as half full or half empty. It’s kinda part of your DNA. You take pills from a silver dish, I’m thrilled that my pills are all in a container and I remember to take them. I love seeing my pretty press on nails . They make me smile. I think restaurants have changed. The food is not the same. I think the chefs and staff are gone. I’m having fun learning how to cook Chinese. Plus I’m taking a cooking class on Sundays from Julia Turshen. I think you have to seek out joy. t’s hard these days. I can’t bare to watch the news. So as you say it’s the little things. Be that what they may.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 14, 2022 at 6:05 AM

      YES!
      WE NEED TO MAKE OUR OWN JOY!
      XXX

  • Ginger
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 9:17 AM

    A wonderful joyful post! Love all of the joys you shared and thank you for the creative list to inspire daily joy! Just what I needed today! You are a joyful ray of sunshine in a sometimes cloudy world!

  • Libby
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 8:40 AM

    Joy, indeed. Seeing my name mentioned in your post. I have been to a Bonefish Grill in Jacksonville. And I’m making a note, to look it up when I make my next journey.
    On another note, you mentioned coasters. Well, I have some old coasters that were very popular in years past. Crystal with sterling rims. There was a time we had iced tea with dinner every night and they were put to use. ( tea turned into wine as more popular dinner companion) . What to do with these coasters that still bring joy. I’m trying to multipurpose and enjoy.
    Thanks as usual for the delightful post…and reminder to find joy in everyday life.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 8:54 AM

      USE FOR YOUR RINGS AND SMALL EARRINGS!
      PUT A SNACK LIKE ALMONDS or chocolate covered raisins in them so you do not eat TOO MANY!
      MY parents had those too and I have bought at THRIFT STORES!
      Good for the cats crunches too………THEODORE now drinks water from a CRYSTAL STEMWARE GLASS!AS he would use mine SO I realized he likes the height doesn’t have to bend his head!
      I plan to call you later today or tomorrow I got caught up with NITA!
      SO HAPPY YOU READ THIS AND WILL GO SOON!!!!
      THIS BRINGS BE SO MUCH JOY!
      XXX

      • Libby
        · Reply

        January 13, 2022 at 6:10 PM

        Good suggestions for the coasters.
        I have a little piggie something for you. I’m being tested in Orinda in morning. Painter tested positive last week. I feel fine but want to be sure.
        Hugs to you!

        • LA CONTESSA
          · Reply

          Author
          January 14, 2022 at 5:57 AM

          OH GOSH………BE WELL LIBBY!
          IF NOT I CAN MAKE YOU SOUP AND DELIVER!!!
          XXX

  • Marleah Krohne
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 8:34 AM

    Beautiful post Elizabeth and a joy to read this morning.
    I so agree that holidays seem to almost have a pinch of melancholy. Perhaps it simply comes with age. I do love finding the small joys. The handwritten note, a cup of coffee, sunbeams across the floor.
    I now have time to notice and that is a joy in itself.
    Thank you again,
    Blessings for your health.
    Marleah

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 8:56 AM

      I AGREE A LOT HAS TO DO WITH HAVING THE TIME TO NOTICE!
      WE HAVE REACHED THAT TIME IN OUR LIVES!
      I HAVE FOUND A BREATHING COACH AND TODAY IS MY FIRST CLASS VIA ZOOM!!!!!!!!!
      WISH ME LUCK!
      XXX

  • Elle
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 8:20 AM

    This lovely post feels very heartfelt, and was so uplifting to read. A bit of an antidote in what has been a somewhat dark week for me.
    Thank you. xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 8:49 AM

      ELLE……….so SORRY TO HEAR THIS!
      HANG IN THERE!
      IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO FOR YOU?
      SNAIL MAIL TO South Africa IS HORRIBLE BUT I WILL SEND A CARD OR THREE!
      SEND ME YOUR ADDRESS TO MY EMAIL iolacontessa@gmail.com
      XXX

  • Kathy L
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 8:19 AM

    I’ve always say that, when people ask how you are, no one wants to hear your troubles, BUT a good friend can fake it.
    I think that your JOY doubles when you do something that brings you joy AND brings another person joy (like make a flower arrangement for a friend if you enjoy flowers and/or flower arranging). And remember that a simple compliment can bring a person/stranger joy. Elizabeth, I wish you a contiguous series of JOYFUL events in 2022!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 8:47 AM

      YOU NAILED IT!
      ESPECIALLY THE BIT ABOUT THE FRIENDS FAKING IT!I HAVE A COUPLE OF THOSE BUT OVERALL I HAVE FOUND THE RIGHT PEOPLE!
      LIFE IS NOT A BREEZE……….it definitely has its CHALLENGES.But we need to make it OUR OWN.We came into this LIFE by ourselves and we will most likely EXIT by ourselves……….DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY AND IF WE ARE LUCKY A BIT WILL OVER FLOW TO OTHERS…………..which just ADDS to out JOY!
      THANK YOU!
      XXX

  • suzanna
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 7:53 AM

    Hi Elizabeth – I have been told I am an empath too – it’s not been easy – I been thinking so much about my mom especially lately as I found her cookbook, of many! She had her tattered notes with split ingredients on some from use over time; she could make cornbread every way to sunset as a TEXAS girl! I have her iron skillet! She would even make hot water cornbread when low on ingredients to have for our sit down at the table dinners every night! So my joy today, reading your post & making my southern (we do not use sugar) cornbread! Great with my organic chicken soup & butter! I just got home, I prepped the soup before the hospital to have upon discharge from the hospital & it sure taste good! Simple Joys!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 8:43 AM

      SO HAPPY FOR YOU WITH LA MAMMA’S COOKBOOK!I TEND TO WRITE NOTES AND THE DATE ON THE PAGES OF MY BOOKS AND MAKING A NOTE WHO LIKES WHAT OR COMMENTED!!!!SO I KNOW I SHOULD DO AGAIN!
      DO YOU WORK IN THE HOSPITAL OR WERE YOU IN FOR A PROCEDURE?I HOPE EVERYTHING WENT WELL……..DISCHARGED TELLS ME PROCEDURE!!!!
      BE WELL AND GO SLOW…………I HOPE YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO HELP YOU OR CHECK IN WITH YOU?
      IF NOT EMAIL ME WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND I WILL CALL TO CHECK IN……iolacontessa@gmail.com
      JOY JOY JOY!!!
      XXX

  • Akia Nicole
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 7:40 AM

    Hi Elizabeth, happy new year! This blog post brought me so much joy! Thank you for writing it and thank you for reminding us to find joy in everyday. I appreciate your joy list and will make an effort to do some of these things. I haven’t put a note in hubby’s lunchbox in a while so I’m sure he’ll appreciate that!! I hope the rest of your week is filled with joy- take care <3

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 8:38 AM

      NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
      LET ME KNOW THE REACTION!
      KEEP MAKING THOSE CAFTANS!!!!!!!!
      XXX

  • Kimberly
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 7:20 AM

    I think you hit the nail on the head here Elizabeth. If we all would look for joy and be joyful then so much of the unhappiness and hate would leave our society. Sending you love and all the joy possible!

    XOXO, Kimberly

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 7:28 AM

      I KNOW IT COULD NOT HURT!
      SOMETHING HAS GOT TO CHANGE, BUT WE HAVE NAPKINS WITH CROWNS SO WE WILL BE OKAY FOR AWHILE!!!!!!!!
      THANK YOU for sharing that!
      XOXO

  • Karen Persson
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 6:14 AM

    HI Elizabeth,

    Love this post with all the great inspiration and joy! You are such a fascinating woman and I’m so glad we met! I do enjoy all the little things in life, like a pretty cup or a saucer, or a cup of tea. A napkin, a composition in my apartment… or the sapphire ring that I bought for myself!

    Hope you’re feeling better and better.

    Big hug and love,

    Karenxoxox

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 7:25 AM

      THANK YOU KAREN!
      YOU HAVE THE ARTISTIC EYE………….I think MOST people miss those TINY details!
      STARTED THE second round of medicine yesterday……….FINGERS CROSSED this works!
      THANK YOU AND GIVE HOLLAND MY JOY!YOU LIVE IN A BEAUTIFUL SPOT!
      Xoxo

  • Naila khan
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 6:00 AM

    Having read your blog I started thinking about what brought me Joy.
    I find that it’s the small things…..
    A smile
    A good morning from/to a stranger
    My pets
    The Sun
    Finding time to read a good book
    Feeling joy when you’ve completed a task which you’ve put off forever
    Flowers

    There are probably lots more but these are the first which spring to mind….Naila

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 7:19 AM

      THAT IS A GREAT START…………….THANK YOU FOR SHARING!
      I SEE WE HAVE A FEW THINGS IN COMMON!
      XXX

  • Marion Miller
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 5:17 AM

    Wonderful blog today…Cheers to you and The Italian…

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 7:15 AM

      MANY MANY THANKS MARION…………..XXX

  • Judy Sparks
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 5:11 AM

    Dear Elizabeth, I It so lovely to receive your delightful blogs again! They certainly bring huge amounts of joy to me and all your readers. Thank you. I live in Brighton,uk and this morning have just been walking the seafront promenade in the brilliant winter sunshine. There are people swimming in the sea even though our air temperature are not much above freezing ! We stopped for a cup of hot chocolate and watched the swimmers,they don’t stay in for long ,but I do admire their pluck! I live in an apartment in a very old building built 1850 . I adore collecting old and antique furniture and ornaments, not to mention huge amounts of old costume jewellery , and I really love glimpses of your pretty home. How lucky we all are to have this amazing way of chatting with friends across the world. Very best wishes and good health and JOY. From Judy Sparks

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 7:14 AM

      OH JUDY THAT SOUNDS DELIGHTFUL!
      ALTHOUGH I HAVE READ ITS GOOD FOR YOU THAT COLD SWIM THE IN BETWEEN TIME OF GETTING OUT AND WARMING UP I FOR SURE WOULD CATCH A COLD IF NOT WORSE!IN ITALY ONE DOES NOT GO OUTSIDE EVER WITH WET HAIR.WHY?Because they say you will get SICK!!!!
      I HAVE BEEN TO BRIGHTON AND WALKED THAT PIER WAY BACK IN 1977 I think I have shared that with you before!
      I WOULD LOVE TO COME FOR A VISIT AND GO ANTIQUING WITH YOU!
      SEE ABOVE COMMENT BY NICK COX………..BRIGHTON IS NOW ON OUR TOUR!!!
      STAY TUNED AS I HAVE TO PLAN IT AND THIS BLOODY COVID HAS TO BE CONTROLLED!
      ARE YOU FOLLOWING HIM OR DID YOU PEEK AT HIS WEBSITE!!!!!!!
      MY STEP MOTHER PURCHASED FROM HIM A YEAR AGO SO I GOT TO MEET ONE OF THE WIGMEN IN ALL HIS GLORY!
      THANK YOU FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL COMMENT!
      XXX

  • NIck Cox
    · Reply

    January 13, 2022 at 4:52 AM

    MORE JOY! Thank you for mentioning me Elizabeth. We ALL need MORE JOY and you provide so much of it! DAILY!!

    Maybe it’s your easy, stylish and appreciative way of living IN COLOUR! Or it could be your sense of HUMOUR.. laugh out load comments we just cannot find elsewhere.

    .. and that’s all virtual so imagine the joy of wandering the streets of NOTTING HILL with you, shopping for kimonos and old silverware, then sharing lunch and stories.

    Keep spreading that JOY… and can you please start planning a JOY WORLD TOUR please? First stop England?

    Nick (Period Portraits)

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 7:07 AM

      OH MY GOD!
      YOU GOT IT AND I’m ON IT!
      WILL PLAN AWAY A JOY WORLD TOUR OF ENGLAND TO START………..
      YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO SHOW ME AND OTHERS!!!
      THEN LETS POP DOWN TO ITALY FOR A BOOSTER SHOT OF PASTA AND A LITTLE BIT OF ART HISTORY AND A GOOD CUPPA OF CAFE!
      DARE WE GET ALL THE WAY TO SICILY?
      I SAY YES!
      I AM ON IT!
      THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU ONCE AGAIN YOU MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD!!
      ALMOST LOST MY COFFEE…………XOXO

  • Nancy Case
    · Reply

    January 12, 2022 at 8:30 PM

    You Elizabeth have brought me an insurmountable joy for all the wonderful years of our friendship. Joy is my favorite word and even the word makes me smile! Thank you for encouraging me to continue treasuring all the precious moments and be intentional with eyes wide open to appreciate and sparkle joy to others. “Joyful Contessa!” You are loved

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 7:01 AM

      NANCY…………WhAT A BEAUTIFUL COMMENT TO SEE THIS EARLY COLD MORNING!THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND AND FOR BEING SO DEAR……………..XXX

  • anita
    · Reply

    January 12, 2022 at 7:15 PM

    Today I experienced great joy.
    Chatting to you, face to face on the phone.
    It was a great way to start the day……….we so love a chat.
    Beats texting any day, yet some people prefer a text.
    I’m glad you love to chat too.
    Something interesting you said about not feeling JOY after a certain age.
    I haven’t experienced the JUMP FOR JOY feeling for years, even though I’m a happy person………..as you know.
    Maybe our last meeting was my JUMP FOR JOY moment.
    Great story about reconnecting with your college friends………..I hope they haven’t changed a scrap.
    Ciao bella and thanks for being my JOY.
    Neat xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 6:59 AM

      THAT WAS A PRETTY AWESOME INSTAGRAM/BLOG MEET UP!!!
      ONE OF THE BEST TRIPS EVER………I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND PAUL CARRYING MY LUGGAGE DOWN THE DIRT ROAD TO PETERSHAMS’s NURSERY!PAUL SPYING “THE AMERICANS” and he was RIGHT!!!
      THE ONLY REGRET WAS HAVING TO CANCEL MEETING NICK FROM PERIOD PORTRAITS AS I WASNOT WELL BACK THEN…………STILL FIGHTING THIS BATTLE!JUST DOES NOT SEEM FAIR!
      I LOVED SEEING YOUR FACE AND CHATTING……….WE MUST DO IT MORE OFTEN!
      SO HAPPY YOU ARE ENJOYING THE DAHLIAS!!
      XXX

  • Elizabeth
    · Reply

    January 12, 2022 at 6:37 PM

    Good evening Elizabeth, this is a beautiful post, filled with JOY! I am a firm believer in two things, one to “elevate every day”, by this I mean, use your china, wear your favorite perfume, dress up for yourself. And the two, “it”s the little things in life.” The little moments that bring great joy, time with your pups, a cup of chocolate, a letter in the mail, a smile from a stranger.

    Thank you for sharing your joy, in this post and every time that you post!

    xoxo Elizabeth
    Pinecones & Acorns

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2022 at 6:54 AM

      THANK YOU ELIZABETH…………….I HEAR YOU!
      I AM RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!
      THANKS FOR DROPPING BY……….XXX

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