THE LAST SHOW………

April 19, 2016 99 Comments

I have RETIRED from the VINTAGE/ANTIQUE BUSINESS………….

This was MY LAST SHOW………….

Will I miss it ………of course I will.

I have also pulled OUT of the BLUE DOOR ANTIQUE shop which is a lovely FUN SHOP I Might ADD!

WHY………too many reason’s to go into BUT JUST KNOW I LOVED WHAT I DID.

HERE is an array of some photos I took with my TRUSTY I~PHONE SIX camera!

Me looking STYLISH in my PEARLS, APRON and HAT!

By the way that TABLECLOTH is a CURTAIN and it’s REALLY GOOD FABRIC.

I have TWO of them.

Maybe I’m NOT DONE AFTER ALL………….still SELLING!

A WONDERFUL BOOTH full of THINGS I ADORE!

Loads of TAXIDERMY………..

LOVED This BEAUTIFUL BUCK with HIS TOP HAT!

MIRRORS and SILVER PLATED TRAYS……..A FEAST for the EYES.

MORE STUFF READY to FIND A GOOD HOME BASE!

CROWNS!

CHAMPAGNE GLASSES in MY booth the first TO GO………….

Bits and Pieces of JEWELRY. SOLD a lot of this………..

THANK GOODNESS STILL have the FOOD DOME…….

Did not REALLY want TO sell it!!

As it has a spot in my home on the floor to hold the bathroom door a jar so the CAT does not get STUCK in there for a day!

ANOTHER BOOTH…………….

This is FUN.

Vintage slips made with old scarves…………would YOU wear this as a TOP?

OLD FRENCH COVERS……..I had my eye on ONE .

THANK GOODNESS it SOLD!!

Second shelf……..Third one down.

Creative and Of course the WIFE Is UP working and what is the HUSBAND doing……….

HE HAS HER BACK!

I thought these were ADORABLE.

MY BOOTH with the old OPERA PANELS.

A SNOW GOOSE with PEARLS……………

PEEK A BOO to my neighbor!

MY OTHER NEIGHBOR!

SHE was $ 595.00 and didNOT SELL if you are interested I can give YOU the phone number.I would have LOVED to have purchased for my MOTHER!

I received THE MOST LIKES EVER on INSTAGRAM with THIS PHOTO ABOVE!!!

READY for DAY TWO……looking a WEE bit tired.

I have to say I was SO touched by my first CUSTOMER……she came up to my booth and said,

” I JUST LOVE WHAT YOUR DOING FOR ELLIE on YOUR BLOG!”

I also had TWO separate couples tell me they FOLLOW ME!One of the couples has a SON who comes home from College asking , “HOW’s ALL CAPS CONTESSA?”

THAT made MY DAY!

I had SHELIA come by she had dined with me when the FRENCH BASKETEER was in town.

Then I had a surprise visit from my VERY FIRST

GIRLFRIEND in LIFE!!!

NURSERY SCHOOL in TIBURON, CALIFORNIA.

50 YEARS LATER!

ELIZABETH & SUSAN!!

Look the SAME…

NO?

BACK To ELLIE……..

and the CHANEL BAG and the EDWARDIAN gown.I had NO TAKERS on the GOWN. If someone COLLECTS ANTIQUE garments and wants to make an OFFER that would be AWESOME otherwise, I will send back to CAROL who so GRACIOUSLY donated and STARTED this WHOLE MOVEMENT.

THE VINTAGE CHANEL BAG Goes to DANA!

Dana, I will email YOU Today so I can get your address.

I want to THANK…… ISLA and LOREEN for starting the bidding.YOU two were TROOPERS.

If you TWO want to email me your addresses I will send YOU some little something as a consolation prize!

MY ABSOLUTE PLEASURE.

THAT IS A WRAP FOLKS………..

We were packed and LOADED within an hour to head back to the HOMESTEAD

FEET UP and VINO!

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE SHOW!!!

99 Comments

Leave your reply.

contessa
· Reply

April 23, 2016 at 9:02 AM

ONE BIG FAT WORD FOR YOU!
THANK YOU JEN!!
XXXX
Jen
· Reply

April 22, 2016 at 4:36 PM

Love whimsical taxidermy: the best. You have such an eye for all things excellent.
Heather Lindstrom
· Reply

April 22, 2016 at 9:47 AM

Contessa dear, congrats on the success of your shows, your inspiring spaces, your business ventures and this whole lovely chapter of life. I think it is something about our ages (we are very close as I recall). I’m making some huge life changes that bring freedom and creativity to my life as well. Life is too short not to embrace change and adventure. I’m excited to see what your next phase will bring….something creative and beautiful that will make us smile (no doubt!;).
Happy weekend!
xx, Heather
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 23, 2016 at 9:01 AM
  
  HAPPY WEEKEND…………….WE DO NEED TO SMILE MORE don’t WE?
  CONGRATS on your changes AS WELL………….I must POP over and VISIT!!
  XX
Susan Ray
· Reply

April 22, 2016 at 7:14 AM

Hello……I loved your panels..are they for sale? Does your sweet husband help you set up for these shows?
Take care
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 22, 2016 at 7:40 AM
  
  MY SON helped me set up.The ITALIAN helps me tear down…………
  I LOVE MY PANELS TOO!
  NO, they are not FOR SALE at this time……..
  They GRACE my office…………I can always look away from the computer and PRETEND!!!
  GRAZIE………XX
DaniBP
· Reply

April 21, 2016 at 1:40 PM

Love all the photos and I wish I could have gone to one of your shows, you must be great at sales because you have so much lovely enthusiasm!
Enjoy the break with the feet up and the vino! XOX
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 21, 2016 at 5:55 PM
  
  THANKS DANIBP…………….finished my accounting today!DONE DONE DONE!!XX
Jody Brettkelly
· Reply

April 21, 2016 at 1:39 PM

Oh my goodness so much to catch up on IRL and URL! As usual you are a veritable cornucopia of though-provoking and lovely things to look at. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a Chanel bag. Much love, Jody
Sheila
· Reply

April 21, 2016 at 7:56 AM

It was great to see you at Remnants looking as charming as ever. Your booth was beautiful and loved the opera background. I just envy your spirit and joy of life. No doubt you will find another avenue for your creativity. In the meantime, enjoy your family, lovely garden and summer. Will continue to look forward to your blog and keeping in touch.

Sheila from the luncheon
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 21, 2016 at 11:38 AM
  
  OH GOOD, YOU used OUR code name!GOOD to SEE YOU TOO..and I recognized YOU IMMEDIATELY!!!I promise to keep BLOGGING.Stay tuned for SNAPS of the GARDEN.If we get the promised rain today it will EXPLODE!!!
  XX
Isla
· Reply

April 21, 2016 at 7:44 AM

Hi Elizabeth. I am delighted the Channel bag sold. Congratulations to the proud new owner. It was great of you ladies to support Ellie so. I have ordered the coffee table book because I want everyone to see it on my coffee table and ask about it. Then I can tell them about an absolutely amazing woman. Take care and enjoy your “retirement”.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 21, 2016 at 11:36 AM
  
  ISLA……………SHE IS and WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS!
  THANK YOU!
  XX
Catherine
· Reply

April 21, 2016 at 7:18 AM

It sounds like your last show was a hoot…ventures anew, I’m sure…whatever you do will be wonderful because of your gracious charm. How wonderful to meet up with a long lost friend, the photo of the two of you as little girls is so sweet.
xx
foodiefan
· Reply

April 21, 2016 at 5:42 AM

I get why you want a change having been there myself though I agree with others that maybe it will just be a sabbatical as once a collector always a collector! I also think Etsy is a brilliant place to sell your wares without having to stand on your feet all day. After all you won’t be able to resist fossicking, especially if you take jaunts to Europe!!
Coming over in July so looking forward to catching up over a vino or two! xo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 21, 2016 at 11:34 AM
  
  JULY IS MARKED IN STONE ON THE CALENDAR!!!
  XO
RebeccaNYC
· Reply

April 20, 2016 at 10:15 PM

Oh you wonderful lady! I love everything about this post…all the amazing stuff (those white pitchers!!! I die) the fact that you use a silver dome to prop open the bathroom door for the cat, your apron, which I love love love, the opera house backdrop (where did you find such a thing?), your love of life, and most of all what you are doing for Ellie. You’re a gem.

I am retiring in 3 years from a job you know I love. I have plans for post retirement, and I’m very excited about it! So I am excited for you, because I know you have interests everywhere. Here’s to the new adventures! (and seriously? the “ALL CAPS CONTESSA” is just the cutest thing!)
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 21, 2016 at 11:33 AM
  
  Maybe we can meet up in FRANCE and do a little cooking and shopping and SINGING!!!!!!!I shall MARK MY calendar…….THREE years will be here in a HEART BEAT!
  THANK YOU. YOU are one of MY CHEERLEADERS and I canNOT THNAK YOU enough…….XX
- RebeccaNYC
  · Reply
  
  April 22, 2016 at 6:51 AM
  
  Guuurrrrlll!!! YOU HAVE A DATE!! xoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxo
Catherine
· Reply

April 20, 2016 at 1:12 PM

I DID enjoy the show. I DID enjoy! I love your pics so much because they put me in such a delightfully happy and colorful place! I swear to Goddess, you are my happy place!!
And your new hair do is beautiful. The hat. The pearls. The smile. You are a bright light in our sometimes dismal world! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 20, 2016 at 2:53 PM
  
  WELL< THANK YOU BIRTHDAY GIRL.........so happy I can put a SMILE on your FACE!!XO
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

April 20, 2016 at 10:09 AM

Oh, it looks like so much fun. I love all the little details, like the pearls on the swan and the opera PANELS. Loved those plaid shirts also. You’ve got an eye and I’ve seen it in action! I know you will find another outlet for your talents. No way anyone can stop your creativity and your eye. Lots of fun stuff.
Thank you for getting the ball rolling on the donations to Ellie. Which one of us is going to purchase the first book? I can’t wait.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 20, 2016 at 2:51 PM
  
  I’m up EARLY……………I WILL BEAT YOU!!!!
Elizabeth B
· Reply

April 20, 2016 at 9:24 AM

Loved, loved, LOVED this post, and all of your’s for that matter. I so wish we lived close to each other. I would have shopped your booths all the time. I understand the need for retirement, but hope that you will keep blogging. I couldn’t bare losing you AND Ellie. About the dress model…do you have contact info? Thanks, you wonderous creature, Elizabeth B
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 20, 2016 at 2:50 PM
  
  THE BLOGRESSA in ME is HERE to STAY………and YES I just found the CARD for YOU!
  The DRESS MODEL size LARGE is at a shop in Northern California called THE RUSTY CLOVER.Phone number……….916-960-9296 or email: therustyclover@gmail.com.
  I would LOVE to see HER go to a good home………….XX
- Elizabeth B
  · Reply
  
  April 20, 2016 at 6:51 PM
  
  Thank you for finding it for me. I’ll let you know.
Deb
· Reply

April 20, 2016 at 5:27 AM

My wallet greatly appreciates the vast geography between our habitats! Many thanks for posting all the beauty- feasting with the eyes isn’t a bad consultation prize! Where ever your new path leads I’m sure it will be a lovely journey. I know I look forward to tagging along! Bon Voyage!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 20, 2016 at 6:06 AM
  
  THRILLED to know you are THERE DEB!!!
  Keep TAGGING ALONG!I must take YOU into the GARDEN but the blooms are slowly opening!MAY FIRST would be a good DAY for a GARDEN POST.Did you celebrate MAY DAY as a little GIRL?…………I think it was MY FAVORITE!XX
kim
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 9:37 PM

Elizabeth, I am sorry I missed this -your last show. It’s been a crazy time here right now. I cannot believe you are hanging it up, but there is always time for more new adventures right? Your booth looked amazing…Love that bit about holding the door open for the cat with the dome.. Sounds like our house. I hope we get together soon. Thank you for all you are doing for Eleanor. So wonderful and I’m glad someone got the pretty bag. Your look darling as usual with your cute apron and all… xo Kim
Kathleen Yeidel
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 9:21 PM

You made my day! I’ll still be able to hear about your crazy life!. Just to let you know a little about my life. I have had booths in several antique stores over the years. But now it’s difficult for me to do that, so I’m preparing to sell vintage clothing and things in an Etsy store. It should be fun. Also I LOVE chickens, especially Rhode Island Reds. Years ago I had 17 chickens including an Arcana. So we have a few things in common.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 20, 2016 at 5:59 AM
  
  WE DO………….no worries KATHLEEN the BLOG IS HERE TO STAY!XX
Diane
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 9:19 PM

It is hard to believe that you’re moving on. But on the other hand, your life is a garden path that keeps revealing something beautiful and extraordinary. Keep it up, have fun with it, and whatever it is, keep sharing it with your admirers~ xoxo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 20, 2016 at 5:58 AM
  
  YES, WILL DO!
  XO
Design Chic
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 6:44 PM

I absolutely love your zest for life…it makes me so happy to visit! Your booth was wonderful and full of treasures, but now you can relax and put your feet up (for a minute) until you are on to your next venture!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 8:58 PM
  
  FEET UP with YOUR BOOK In MY LAP……….PERFECT!
  XX
Mithra Ballesteros
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 6:03 PM

Oh my, Elizabeth, so much to comment on. First of all, your pretty visage peeking out of the corner in that mirror was my favorite pic. Second favorite pic was you and your tiny chum. Third favorite pic was the truck loaded and ready. That one speaks volumes. It is soooo much work to sell, as you know far better than me. Why sell things when what everyone wants is a bit of you? I hope perhaps there is a publicist out there who is helping you figure out how to give the people what they want. I mean, c’mon!!! Look at all these comments!! I don’t see this level of engagement anywhere else, virtual or in real life. You’re a treasure.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 8:57 PM
  
  CHECK OUT HAVE SOME DECORUM……………she exceeds ME………..and it’s only because I answer MOST comments!!!
  I like to be PERSONAL with MY READERS and I”M behind reading YOUR BLOG…….will catch up this week!If I miss ONE DAY I get behind…………XX
Wendy Barrett
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 6:02 PM

I so enjoyed your show through your eyes!
Love your hat too! I want one!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 8:53 PM
  
  EASY TO MAKE………A GLUE GUN and some FAKE FLOWERS!!
  XX
Faux Fuchsia
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 5:16 PM

Gorgeous pearls!

Am v. sad about Ellie and cannot bear that the post might be her last. I found her ages ago through Janet from Gardener’s Cottage and have read every post and cannot bear that it is near the end.

x
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 5:27 PM
  
  I KNOW…………….I cried all the way to exercise TODAY.CAN you IMAGINE being told you have a few days, weeks to LIVE?
  I give HER SO MUCH CREDIT………..
  The BOOK will be OUR GIFT and Memory of a GIRL from CALIFORNIA who SAID IT AS IT ROLLED………….she EXPRESSED HER feelings and WE were HER sounding board.AS she stated somewhere back in the BLOG……..SHE HAS NOTHING TO LOSE!XX
Mrs Rose
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 5:02 PM

Elizabeth,
You have exquisite taste and even though you have closed up shop you will no doubt continue to find exquisite things in your journey ahead. The photo of you when you were a little girl is just beautiful…then and now!
xo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 5:28 PM
  
  NO DOUBT about that MRS. ROSE……………NO DOUBT AT ALL that THINGS will POP up in my journey and I will SAVE THEM!!!!XX
contessa
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 5:01 PM

FROM ROSEMARY!
JUST LOVELY, CONTESSA. ROSEMARY ABATE
contessa
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 4:42 PM

FROM LIBBY!
What are you going to do? I know you’ll find something and I bet it will be creative.
So, enjoy whatever you do and go get your hands dirty!
Libby
contessa
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 4:00 PM

VIA EMAIL:
I sure did enjoy the show through your pictures and your commentary. Candace
Kimberlee Edgar
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 3:49 PM

The groundhog with French hat is available! Please email me at echuck1@aol.com
Kimberlee
Edgar and Edgar
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:36 PM
  
  THANKS…….have emailed both of them!
contessa
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 3:44 PM

VIA EMAIL:
Really your last show? I get it. Time to spread your DIVINENESS in other ways.
May I ask if by chance the taxidermy ground hog little guy sold? or if you know of the dealer? Perfect for the boy’s collection section. Would love to contact seller.

THe 1920’s tudor is for rent again in concord and I daydream about opening a shoppe in it, following in your footsteps. A girl can dream…

I thought of you often over the weekend hoping your efforts were worth you time and your customers were wonderful, supportive and not too boring. Sounds like you had fun. You looked fantastic! Love the ALL CAPS CONTESSA comment! HA!

Tah Tah for now~~~~*
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:36 PM
  
  He is STILL AVAILABLE…….have sent you the link!
  Never boring in a room filled with BEAUTIFUL STUFF!!!
  People actually DRESSED UP …………..think I will do a POST just on that!
  XX
roslyn short
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 3:44 PM

Again WOW you are an awesome presence My Contessa.You make me smile & cheer me up when I see your fabulous finds & your elegant STYLE .Well done on the Ellie front I hope she manages to stay in the moment but I guess Ellie has to sort out so many irksome challenges & face her future bravely . Im sure youll find plenty to interest you & keep you out of mischief. Enjoy your home ,your lovely hubby & family BUT keep us posted in your EPIGRAMMATIC style [ooh lovin that word!] Your creative spirit will show you the next step in your journey dear girl much love Ros
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:34 PM
  
  SO, HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!
  That is definitely a NEW WORD for me!
  PS.I found a JOHNNY WAS SHOP!!!
  I have NEVER forgotten YOU and that DRESS!!!!!!!!
  XX
contessa
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 3:42 PM

VIA EMAIL:
So sad to hear you are done with the shows and co-op. It is a lot of work, so I understand. On to bigger and better things!
JAN
contessa
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 3:28 PM

VIA EMAIL:
Oh my goodness! I had NO idea that you were ‘retiring’ from your long-time love of shops/sales/re-arranging wonderful things in new combinations and to new “custodians”! Somehow, I suspect that you will keep accumulating and then… will have to keep selling because your house is only so large, and requires ‘movement’!! Just-whatever you do- do NOT under any circumstances try to unload that squirrel on Peter!!

Congratulations ! and looking forward to celebrating with you next /next weekend in Paso Robles. This whole Paso Robles thing is your fault, you know. You introduced them to that original bed-breakfast-agrotourism site! I have actually never seen it but will, on the Friday night 🙂 Follow this up with barn consultation/concrete consultation… and you are both seriously involved. So glad that you will be coming. We just have to keep GP out of the barn pit which is filled with rebar.

Cheers,
Kay
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:30 PM
  
  I know it’s OUR FAULT and there is NO WAY TO KEEP HIM OUT!He will be in and under those rebar CHECKING!!YOU know that as well as I DO!
  Look forward to the P A R T Y.
  XX
Tara dillard
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 3:11 PM

With your neoretirement from shows it’s getting safer to connect. My dear friend Penny & I were rescuing a few things & a police chopper began hunting us. Great story but need wine/dinner in your garden to do it justice.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:28 PM
  
  ABSOLUTELY………..when will you and the husband be ARRIVING!!!
  XX
Angela Muller
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 2:56 PM

CONTESSA, have you ever thought of opening an Etsy Shop; a site for handmade/vintage items?
Your collections would find a very appreciating audience from all over the world.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:19 PM
  
  NO, I have NOT.
  Do you know I have NEVER CRUISED ESTY…………….hard to believe.I will look at it; any sites I need to LOOK at that make YOU think of me?
  THANK YOU for your suggestion………..XX
SAJ
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 2:14 PM

I don’t believe for a second you’ll actually stay out! I know how this goes. Maybe a few seasons and then you’ll have an idea for a setup and a few weeks after that you’ll be back. You love sharing vintage too much to stay out for good! So happy sabbatical! The booth looks lovely and I’m glad the domestop didn’t sell, too.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:16 PM
  
  DOMESTOP……..how I love THAT!
  You are probably RIGHT……….and I do like the IDEA of a SABBATICAL.
  Sounds BETTER ALL THE WAY AROUND!!!
  
  OKAY FOLKS I am on SABBATICAL NOW.
  Tis OFFICIAL………..XX
Heather in Arles
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 1:40 PM

You are an amazing, wonderful woman who brings so much joy to everyone! Am I sad that antiquing is over for you? Yes…but you have so much more to offer yet…
With much Love…
H
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:13 PM
  
  BUT first I MUST TEACH YOU TO DRIVE!!!!!!!!!!
  XO
- bonnie groves poppe
  · Reply
  
  April 20, 2016 at 1:52 PM
  
  She WILL learn how to drive (are those caps infectious?). You will miss the antique business but there is always Etsy, as someone else mentioned. I have sold at shows many years ago, and ITS A LOT OF WORK!! I am in Provence and cannot resist the treasures that are out there, but I can’t keep them all, and can sell a few on Etsy! And upgrade ….. You have a wonderful eye, and a wonderful heart, the rest of you is pretty good too.
  bonnie in provence
  - contessa
    · Reply
    
    April 20, 2016 at 3:33 PM
    
    BONNIE………
    SO, MANY COMPLIMENTS!!!MERCI MERCI MERCI…….
    Question for YA……… CAN YOU TAKE TEDDY?I suppose HEATHER wold have thought of YOU if it was RIGHT.I think you are the one who splits her time.If that be TRUE i’m across the BAY BRIDGE!Would LOVE to see TEDDY go to a home of a FRIEND of ELLie’s.WE must find someone and FAST!!!XX
Anita Rivera
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 1:30 PM

Dearest Contessa! HELLO!

I so wish I could buy some taxidermy from YOU! I wish I had two white peacocks, but that will never happen! How lovely are your wares, and I am disappointed to hear you will be out of the business, for I know you love it and it is such a great fit for YOU! I so hope that any circumstances effecting your decision are not serious….be happy!

You look great, both as a child and now, and forever!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:12 PM
  
  YOU get an AWARD for ALWAYS COMMENTING and saying the NICEST THINGS…………I will find some little something from my house that will FLY to your house to say THANK YOU!
  Keep your eye on that POSTMAN!
  XX
Anita @ Vue at Jindivick
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 1:09 PM

Firstly to Ellie.
What you have done for her is truly wonderful and the extremes you are going through to find Teddy a home is admirable………..you are an extraordinary person.
Elizabeth, It may be worth adding to your blog that people can still donate to Ellie via the crowd funding donation page that has been set up.
It’s extremely easy to use and safe.
Lastly, will you miss Blue Door and Remnants of the Past??? Possibly…………but the customers will miss you more.
Neat xx
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:10 PM
  
  YES, but I can STILL SHOP The STORE and the SHOW!!!!
  TEDDY, cannot be released to the USA!!!!
  Perhaps, Neat we need to go RENT JULIA CHILD’s house in Provence and GO GET HIM!Once the SHELTER meets YOU and ME he would be RELEASED…………..XX
  I think HEATHER would AGREE!
  XO
- anita@letshavelunch
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:26 PM
  
  Can you rent Julia’s house in Provence???? That’s amazing!!!
Loree
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 12:17 PM

Oh you are adorable and I cannot believe that you have retired from the antiques business. It can’t be true. have you ever thought of selling on Etsy? I personally do not like taxidermy. On the other hand, the items you had for sale are gorgeous. Every now and then I walk past an antique shop here and I think of you.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:06 PM
  
  GOOD!
  Take a photo of the shop sometime and email……….I would LOVE to BROWZE MALTA for ANTIQUES!
  NOT to SELL of course BUT for CASA CONTESSA!
  I can understand the TAXIDERMY thing…….for me they are REAL and TREASURED.I find them BEAUTIFUL which is a bit STRANGE I KNOW!!!
  XX
Lillian Plummer
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 11:49 AM

What a delightful stand you had full of wonderful goodies. What fun, although I am sure you would have been exhausted towards the end. Takes a lot of energy to give so much of yourself, you are way too generous with yourself but then that’s what creative talented people do. Beautiful inside and out! Love ya! xxx Lillian
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:04 PM
  
  Talk about TOO KIND…………….I await the parcel from HONG KONG!
  XX
Graciela
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 11:46 AM

Beautiful as ever! I love your fabulous jewelry and all the trimmings……..Thank you so much for sharing, always look forward to seeing your unique items and seeing what you have chosen to wear for the occassion …ask always, elegant as ever.
Hope to see you soon.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:02 PM
  
  THANK YOU…….and YOU SAW ME TODAY!!!!
  I will bring BAGS SOON!!!!!!!
  XX
Theresa
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 11:23 AM

How fun! What a Herculean effort you exerted for such a fantastic booth at the show. And the reunion of you and your pre-school friend! Thank you for sharing.
Karena
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 10:23 AM

You are so much fun Elizabeth,,,,loving that tablecloth!! Lots of treasures of course!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Jacqueline
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 9:36 AM

Loved everything that you were selling Elizabeth, love you in your pearls, love the quilts, love the chandeliers but LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the photograph of you and Susan the best !!!! XXXX
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 4:01 PM
  
  GRAZIE BELLA!!!!
  XX
Kathy L
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 9:14 AM

So many beautiful items for sale – and all displayed so beautifully! It was fun to take a tour of your booth. I hope that you find another outlet for your love of vintage goods and your vibrant style.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 9:27 AM
  
  LUNCH with YOU in the near future!!!
  XX
- Kathy L
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 10:19 PM
  
  Will you be in MA soon?? Will your son be in Truro this summer? If he and I are on the Cape this summer, I vow to stop by his food truck!
Lisa Self
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 8:43 AM

I have greatly enjoyed receiving ALL of your fun posts!!!! I will miss the glimpses into your creative life! You are the BEST my friend!!! OK…. I just adore that woodchuck/beaver creature with the hat on!!!! How much is he/she?????
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 9:07 AM
  
  NOT MINE………let me see if I can find OUT if HE SOLD!
  XO
Loreen Attridge
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April 19, 2016 at 8:17 AM

I do hope you are going to do something privately on your own!! You have too much talent and enthusiasm not to share some way! PLEASE!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 9:06 AM
  
  OKAY, CHEERLEADER………….I have yet to come up with a PLAN!
  XX
Carol
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 8:12 AM

Hi all, The DRESS, in case you wondered, is photographed from the back. The front is beautiful with lace and pintucking. I sourced several on-line sites where I learned that these lovely antique linen dresses go for $185 and up. Just so you know, this is REAL linen, not cotton. The dress has already survived in basically perfect condition for over 100 years. (It just needs to be ironed). It will probably survive another 100 to become a family heirloom.

I can sell it at one of my local consignment shops but time is of the essence for Ellie!

Any bidders?

Best wishes to ALL…

Carol
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 9:05 AM
  
  CAROL……..
  on the FOR ELLIE POST the DRESS is THERE.
  FRONT and BACK and close up of DETAILING.
  YOU are RIGHT………………TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
  THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!
  XX
stephie
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 8:04 AM

elizabeth! another very fun post to read and look at!! were you satisfied with your sales??
i LOVE your opera panels – they make the whole stand look very elegant and festive! apart from your pretty self, of course. the neighboring stands must have loved having you around!!
good for you for having sold the chanel bag! and for offering consolation prizes – you lovely generous woman, you!! xxx
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 9:03 AM
  
  I knew I spelled PANELS WRONG!That is the second time you have STRAIGHTEN me OUT!Why doesn’t that SPELL CHECK catch ME!
  YOU DO!
  YES, SALES were VERY GOOD…….came HOME with empty boxes and NO CHAISE!!!!!!!
  Nicholas and I delivered the chaise the following DAY to a FELLOW BLOG READER!!
  I of course HELPED the ECONOMY OUT……hard NOT to do at these WONDERFUL SALES!
  XX
- stephie
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 9:43 AM
  
  uh-oh—- i hope you don’t take the spelling thing as patronizing!!! not my intention at all!! i wasn’t aware that i had done it a second time?!
  xxx
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 1:02 PM
  
  NO!I did not but I LOVED figuring it OUT through YOU!
  XX
Taste of France
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April 19, 2016 at 7:43 AM

Fran has just the right term for you: joie de vivre. Your wares look so tempting! And the that hat and that smile, you undoubtedly melted many a heart.
I also love the little glimpse of you in the mirror snapping a picture.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 7:44 AM
  
  YOU SPIED ME………….I wondered if anyone would notice!
  GRAZIE…………..molto gentile.
  XX
Fran
· Reply

April 19, 2016 at 7:40 AM

Cara Contessa, I LOVED the show! Your joie de vivre shines through so very well! I hope you do not stop wearing your hats now! BTW, your shoes are stunning and look oh so comfortable, do share….
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  April 19, 2016 at 7:43 AM
  
  ANTHROPOLOGY………….THEY ARE VERY COMFORTABLE and they come in BLACK TOO!I should buy the black also.I purchased on line.
  THANK YOU…………I promise I will still wear the HATS!
  XX