TO BARTER A WAY of LIFE!

January 12, 2015 87 Comments

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TO BARTER………..

Barter is a system of exchange by which goods and services are directly exchanged.

This month for the BY INVITATION ONLY SERIES,COTY FARQUHAR has come up with this months theme.If you do not know COTY I suggest you put this BLOG POST ON HOLD and jump to HER MAGAZINE!She is a STYLIST EXTORDINAIRE who lives in AUSTRALIA and writes an ON~LINE MAGAZINE.

FREE to subscribe and OH, what a TREAT to receive in your IN~ BOX.

COTY FARQUHAR……….. Founder & Editor in Chief

(She use to work for AUSTRALIA VOQUE!!!!)

Styling Magazine – Australia

www.cotyfarquhar.com

SO, the question is what would I use to BARTER…………….

At first that question through me………….

However, it came to me QUICKLY.

We have chickens, which we have always shared their eggs…………

I have roses which I plan to get into the GARDEN this MONTH to PRUNE & FEED.

Then there are the VEGGIE BINS.

But the MOST VALUABLE TOOL I own is the ITALIAN HUSBAND who actually puts his skills TO WORK for all the neighbors.

We use to joke that our little cul~de~sac is like a VILLAGE.We have 17 homes sitting side by side.All owned by professionals of one form or another.Doctors,Lawyers,City Planners,Scientists,Teachers,Bankers,Puppet Designer,Computer Nerds,a Nurse…………you name it we have it.The one I did not mention is the CONCRETE MAN who is married to the WANT~ A~ BE CONTESSA…………my ITALIAN HUSBAND!Who can FIX or BUILD anything!

Saturday night we are eating dinner………neighbor calls (A DOC!)she has backed into her garage door and is unable to go in or out!CONCRETE MAN TO THE RESCUE…………

Yesterday,another doctor rings………..he is locked out of his GARAGE!Does the ITALIAN HUSBAND have “BREAKING IN SKILLS” he asks……..MY ANSWER, “OF COURSE HE CAN!”

How about digging a trench with a BACKHOE, so another neighbors house will not flood!

Or the time the BANKER needed help with rocks to line the creek that flows behind his house.

Electrical job………NO PROBLEM!He fixed my BEST BUDDIES doorbell when countless other FIX IT MEN couldNOT!

Plumbing too……………he owns a SNAKE so it gets borrowed on occasion.Of course, he goes with it and HELPS.

I could go on and on but back to me………….what would I use?The chickens and the GARDEN………..and perhaps my cooking abilities!

None of my possessions would be up for EXCHANGE.THAT is a GIVEN.NO way NO how am I giving up my TREASURED possessions.I DO HAVE A LOT OF POSSESSIONS!

My SONS………..NO they are not up for EXCHANGE either………….at least this MONTH!

SO,that leaves me with sharing EGGS & Veggies,sharing ROSES, and sharing COOKED MEALS.

Oh, did I mention we have a coffee machine that is KILLER?Nor, is it ever turned off.Just like being at that BAR in ITALY.Coffee, the machine and the MAN serving……….all 100% ITALIAN.Guess we could dazzle a few and they could “PRETEND” to be in ITALIA.If one was in desperate need of a mini vacation!I ALWAYS have ITALIAN OPERA BLASTING TOO!!!!!If one were to DREAM a bit one could imagine they were standing in a dilapidated FARM HOUSE in ITALY with accessories that belong to a CASTLE……………thats what you get when you visit me.

AN ITALIAN coffee could be an offer from this HOUSEHOLD……………

DO YOU THINK WE WILL SURVIVE if times change and we go back to the BARTER SYSTEM?

My guess would be at first it will be a little TRICKY but once the word is OUT the ITALIAN HUSBAND can HELP do ANYTHING we would be in FINE SHAPE!If it all depended upon me ……..well that might be a BIG PROBLEM.

Pop over to SPLENDEROSA CLICK HERE to see what the OTHER GALS HAVE TO BARTER!We may have to pretend and share OUR GOODS before it comes down to going back to our old ways.

NOW THAT WOULD BE AN IDEA!!

Here are MY CHICKENS in the COOP.

MY GARDEN come SPRING……………….

MY GEESE ate the grass so the PENNY ROYAL has made a beautiful carpet in it’s place.

SALLY HOLMES ROSE BELOW……………….they remind me of POM~POM’S.

This sweet white rose the name escapes me at the moment but VERY fragrant!

Sorry, about the orange extension cord but I thought you would like to see the ROSES growing in the VINTAGE lantern.I know if I was more SAVOY I could take it OUT of the photo……….we MUST leave a few things to learn in this NEW YEAR!

The CRANBERRY Upside down cake………….from ELEANOR’s cookbook!HOW many of YOU BOUGHT her BOOKS???I have NEVER Made such a delicious meal as I did for THANKS~GIVING and CHRISTMAS EVE.Run to her BLOG now……….and if your NOT following HER YOU are MISSING OUT BIG TIME!If you recall she is AN AMERICAN married to a FRENCHIE living in PARIS in the FIRST writing about HER LIFE with ALS.She has opinions, and she cooks and she owns a PIECE of NAPOLEON!!!!!!!!!!

I MADE THIS…………care to make an EXCHANGE?I deliver!!!!!!

BIRTHDAY lunch for three GIRLFRIENDS………who had AUGUST BIRTHDAYS!

THANKS~GIVING MEAL………..thanks to ELEANOR’s BLOG HAVE SOME DECORUM.(Sharon, note my monogramed utensils I found in MONET’s village!!)

GREEN BEANS with BACON……………….IT WORKS BELIEVE ME!

A PIE………….I made. Will YOU come dine with ME?I DO HOPE SO………………I await your call.

BON APPETITO………………….EVERYONE!

Remember to JUMP to WWW.SPLENDEROSA.COM to see what the other BLOG writer’s have to BARTER.

It could be a good way to spend a chilly, cold, wet afternoon!The list of OTHER bloggers will be at the VERY bottom of HER POST!

I hope you enjoy!

I’m off to PRUNE the roses………………….

87 Comments

Leave your reply.

cindy hattersley
· Reply

January 18, 2015 at 8:00 AM

What a great topic Coty came up with! I barter all the time. Design work for wine or other skills I am not adept at (which are many). Thankfully I also have a handy husband and he barters as well!!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 18, 2015 at 5:58 PM
  
  I CAN SEE you married a HANDY GUY!WE ARE VERY LUCKY!
Jeanne Henriques
· Reply

January 18, 2015 at 3:51 AM

You are a WOMAN TO LOVE Elizabeth, there is no doubt about it. I am going to add your GORGEOUS ITALIAN HUSBAND into the mix for he is surely a sweetheart too. I understand from a few posts before me that someone has commented on your ALL CAPS. MR. H and I say.. CAPS AWAY! It is YOUR STYLE and we would not have it any other way. All the best to you Elizabeth…from Saigon.. xx
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  January 18, 2015 at 11:11 AM
  
  DITTO!!! We love your style, Elizabeth!!!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 18, 2015 at 5:57 PM
  
  THANK YOU MRS.HENRIQUES…………it is ME!
  I don’t think I ever went back to see if you answered me about Mr. H and where he grew up………..down south in MY STATE??If the answer is YES tell him I was there TOO in the 12th GRADE!A JEWEL of a TOWN………..XX
Linda
· Reply

January 17, 2015 at 9:13 PM

What a delightful blog! Not sure how I landed here, but your posts are JUST what I needed. Thanks, Contessa!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 18, 2015 at 5:54 PM
  
  YOU ARE WELCOME LINDA……..come back and visit soon!
Charlotte Des Fleurs
· Reply

January 15, 2015 at 2:00 PM

Hello Contessa-

LOVE ROGERS GARDENS. When I worked in the Newport Beach area, that was my favorite place to stroll at lunchtime to fill my mind with beauty before heading back to my office. Now I live about 90 miles away, but still make an annual pilgrimage to see their Christmas trees and other displays. It is beyond fabulous! It would make our dear Ellie in Paris weep with joy.

As to barter, well, I do have a hubby who is somewhat handy. However, he doesn’t really like to do things unless he is forced to. Therefore, I am the electrician, plumber, mason, tile layer, carpenter, furniture repairer, painter, landscaper and general gardener. All our chickens were eaten long ago by the coyotes. Instead, my contribution for protein is that I make Italian and French style cheeses. My Cheese Cave is a special fridge in the garage where coyotes cannot enter! Do snails count? My garden grows large, very well nourished Escargot!

Finally, I have visions – not the schizophrenic kind. While I do see what IS, I also see very clearly what CAN be. Does not the Bible say, Where there is no vision, the people perish?”

Oh, almost forgot, if you need something killed or shot, my hubby can do that! He loves to spray for ants and has performed that service at no cost for many of our neighbors over the years. Pesky pigeons, rabbits, coyotes and gophers have all been dispatched by Mr. Sureshot. Thank the Air Force for that skill. You have already paid for his training with your taxes so maybe we couldn’t “barter” for that. And, how can I forget the chainsaw and wood chipper? Nothing makes him happier than when we need to clear away a fallen tree – it may take months for him to get to it, but destruction is his favorite sport.

Could WE find a place in your little village of Barterers?

Smiles from Charlotte Des Fleurs
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 15, 2015 at 2:45 PM
  
  I WOULD SAY SO!!!!!!!!!!!
Loree
· Reply

January 15, 2015 at 1:45 PM

I just love your posts. You are so fun. What’s that about your husband owning a snake? I hope it’s not real. I am afraid of snakes. There’s nothing cute or cuddly about them. My dad can fix about anything too. He’s an engineer (retired now). My husband on the other hand … he plays guitar – the electric type. I love to bake too. It’s my secret passion. You need to tell me more about your husband’s relative that was a Knight of Malta. Very interesting!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 15, 2015 at 2:42 PM
  
  A SNAKE MADAME MALTA is a TOOL for the sewer………to open up and allow the sewage to pass.Sometimes roots of trees get in and this EATS them up and opens it UP!
  A REAL snake is ONE animal I would NEVER OWN!!!!!!!
  
  I will try and find out more about OUR KNIGHT!!!
  
  XO
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  January 18, 2015 at 9:51 PM
  
  OMIGOD she gets funnier and funnier!
  
  The “snake” is a tool for the toilet……not the sewer! Well; it is to unplug the toilet so it can GET to the sewer!
  
  Elizabeth you are a RIOT!!!!!
  It was also hilarious that she thought it was a REAL snake!!!
  
  I am NOT afraid of snakes….I always wrap pet snakes around my neck. ALWAYS!!! That is the truth!!! (I never have had one as a pet…..but when I am in a house that has one…..around my neck it goes!!! Boa constrictors, king snakes…..I love them around my neck. Scares my husband to DEATH!!!
  
  There is a history story about that!
Dana
· Reply

January 15, 2015 at 10:40 AM

I just found your beautiful blog thru Have Some Decorum blog. I tried to order your blog 3 times but it won’t send me a confirmation email. Hope you will add me to your list. Dwh6806@gmail.com
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 15, 2015 at 2:40 PM
  
  I just sent you an email…….let me know if the confirmation came through!
suzanna
· Reply

January 15, 2015 at 5:37 AM

WOW Elizabeth, I LOVE ROGER’S GARDEN! I kept their list of rose picks in my files to search. I love how they share some are pest free, climbing roses, and more! I do hope some grow as well in Florida as California. They have wonderful things, it’s a paradise for me. That is so neat! Oh one time I had 13 chickens and one mean rooster we named Tyrone! He scared me and my friends! Xo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 15, 2015 at 7:56 AM
  
  HE had his HAREM to protect!!!!
  I have NEVER met one person who DIDNOT like ROGER’s GARDENS!!!!!
  I always need to do a walk through if I’m in town just to lift my spirits!
  PLus, the GUY in charge is a TRUE ARTIST…………..he follows my BLOG!!!XX
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

January 14, 2015 at 11:49 PM

Here is my favorite!
(As all of you know; Elizabeth does not capitalize ALL! She only capitalizes some! AND she is brilliant AT it and I HAVE tried TO COPY and I AM a dismal FAILURE!! (NEVER TRY TO COPY ANYONE!!!)

A VERY rude person complained about Elizabeth’s capitalizations (not sure if she published it….but now she has to)

Elizabeth was praised today by on of the most popular blogs IN THE WORLD:

“Side note: you may know my friend Elizabeth as La Contessa. My friend RJ calls her “All CAPS Contessa” as she distinguishes her writing with perfectly placed capitalization that I love. I have to tell you, this woman is quite remarkable. She is quirky, kind, generous, loving, interesting, forthcoming, a true friend, and is an absolutely magically unique woman. She has a charming blog that you all should check out: http://www.vintagehenhouse.com”

That just about sums it up!

This darling woman who writes this amazing blog….”have some decorum”; is fascinating. (do not follow Elizabeth’s link..it does
n’t work…..or it didn’t tonight….just find it….you will love this blog)!

maybe as much as you love this one! And every single word Ellie says about Elizabeth is true!

Penelope
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 15, 2015 at 7:49 AM
  
  YOUR RIGHT MY LINK FAILED!After I thought I learned how to do IT!
  BABY STEPS…………..I’ll get there…………MAYBE!
  OH< PENELOPE.............NO!I did not publish the COMPLAINT to ME about MY writing skills!Perhaps, a POST is in order to see how many it does bother!!! I KNOW it doesNOT bother YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXO
  - Penelope Bianchi
    · Reply
    
    January 18, 2015 at 9:44 PM
    
    Please publish the comment…..I mean it! I mean, I MEAN IT!!!
diane
· Reply

January 14, 2015 at 8:49 PM

Wow,that was like a Christmas pageant all over again. Gorgeous! Brava! Gracie!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 15, 2015 at 9:05 AM
  
  GRAZIE………….XO
cherie james
· Reply

January 14, 2015 at 6:26 PM

Your posts are incredible, really!! And, Coty and her Style magazine – you weren’t kidding when you said she has incredible style- wow! I’m going to subscribe.

So…..what would I barter? I couldn’t barter my 100% Italian husband’s handy skills (he’s not so handy), but we could barter with his comedic skills -he could do stand-up and entertain. As far as me, hmmmmm, I guess it would have to be my therapy skills. It seems that all of my extended family and friends call me when they need life advice. I’m not sure why, but my husband is always saying I should hang a shingle on the door. So, I’ll trade some of my advice for a couple of your chickens! I LOVE chickens and so wish I could have them.

XO cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com/
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 15, 2015 at 9:04 AM
  
  I KNOW YOU will ADORE COTY and HER WORLD………….you must make time for her magazine it is NOT TO BE RUSHED THROUGH………………ENJOY!Look at the back issues………….
  WHY can you NOT have chickens……just two…………all you need is a bunny hutch!WE NEED TO CHAT!My girls use to come in the HOUSE!!!!!!!YES THEY DID!!!
  XO
  - Penelope Bianchi
    · Reply
    
    January 18, 2015 at 9:43 PM
    
    Hi there!
    
    Continue telling everyone they can have chickens!!
    
    XXOO
    
    You are the only person who took the “barter” subject; and ran with it! I was struck dumb. (doesn’t happen often)!
    
    I think I get to pick the next topic! I better hurry up!!!
une femme
· Reply

January 14, 2015 at 3:46 PM

Would that every neighborhood had neighbors like you and your husband! Your chickens are adorable and I’d gladly take some of those eggs in our barter world.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 4:17 PM
  
  DEAL FEMME DEAL!
suzanna
· Reply

January 14, 2015 at 3:05 PM

What a GREAT idea, I have 2 warehouses full of stuff I sure would like to unload with this Grand Idea, brilliant Elizabeth, I LOVE IT! WHOA, those roses….I was just looking at the picks for roses at Roger’s Garden. Everything grows so well in California…amazed me the yards out there! I shall never forget seeing strawberries growing in La Jolla as grass, I lived in awe while out there. Roger’s Garden has some wonderful picks for 2015~ Gorgeous Roses of yours! Xo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 4:16 PM
  
  DO YOU KNOW I”m related to ROGER’S GARDEN????!!!!!
Katie Clooney
· Reply

January 14, 2015 at 1:41 PM

Hello Contessa! This is my first visit here. I came over at Ellie’s suggestion. I adore your post and look forward to pouring myself a glass of wine and reading your older ones. Although I don’t cook, I bought both of Ellie’s book for myself and and friend of mine, who also has ALS. After seeing that upside down cake, I may reconsider and begin to cook! Your garden is magnificent, btw.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 4:15 PM
  
  Believe me the recipes are easy………..and SOOO GOOD!I’m making the POT ROAST tonight for both of my SONS so they have food to eat……….DELICIOUS and her remarks are so FUN!
  THANK you I do adore my garden and have NO idea what I’m doing really……..just buy the plants that SPEAK to ME!!
Jacqueline
· Reply

January 14, 2015 at 11:11 AM

Dear Contessa,
I Love, Love, Love your take on our BIO subject this month ……… but my favourite part was seeing your beautiful garden ….. you can definitely barter your rose growing skills with me !! XXXX
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 4:12 PM
  
  More rose photos to follow come SPRING!!!!!!!!XX
the gardeners cottage
· Reply

January 14, 2015 at 8:53 AM

oh you are hysterical. if only i could barter out my kids – but they’d prob bring them back so…

since i’m an esthetician and former cook i suppose those would be ok? not sure and in truth i’d probably starve.

oh and i did get that pagoda dress – on sale today!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 4:11 PM
  
  GOOD JOB!
  THAT DRESS IS YOU!!!!!!!
  A COOK and an Esthetician……….WOW!!!
Karena
· Reply

January 14, 2015 at 8:51 AM

Dear Elizabeth, please email me at kalbert1@kc.rr.com. I have a question for you!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 4:10 PM
  
  I DID!!
contessa
· Reply

January 14, 2015 at 7:53 AM

VIA EMAIL:

Everyone wants to barter with me. Love it. Sometimes I do.

My Man is like your Italian…has equipment and can do anything with it. He barters too.

Massacre in chicken coop last Wednesday, neighbor’s pair of boxer dogs. 3 dead, 2 with major wounds, 2 fine. Those wounded are being fed by hand, are alert and pooping. My voice is still not normal from all the screaming day of the horror.

Love your rose pics. I can smell them.

Been a busy start to the work year.

Happy New Year, my Contessa.

Your Duchess of Hambrick.

XOT
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 7:59 AM
  
  DUCHESS of HAMBRICK…………….
  
  MY condolences ……..I too have experienced the MASSACRE!I too had NO VOICE!I have hand fed……and nursed to RECOVERY!I even own a BOXER!He is elderly now but he too caught one of my GIRLS when he was young………..More to play with then to EAT!I am so SORRY for your LOSS.
  
  BUSY is GOOD!MEN with EQUIPMENT…………OH BOY do I adore that!!!!!!!!YES, INDEEDY BIG EQUIPMENT!
  XOXO
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 11:58 PM
  
  Really?? Boxers? Elizabeth’s boxers have been “spoken to” about “these are our chickens”; my corgi mixes also. They have to be told.
  
  I hope you can take them to an avian vet….(vets who specialize in birds) also go online…..lots of help is available….(if they need stitches….even a regular vet can do. poor things!
  
  We have 12 bantam chickens…..one benefit of bantams is they can fly! Every now and again the bobcat comes……and fly into the trees!
  
  We keep hatching new ones; (and on the advice of my daughter, I have stopped naming them; but it is heartbreaking!) We have coyotes and hawks also. the roosters are amazing alarms…..they make this screeching sound when they see a hawk. I go out with my bebe gun (I shoot next to them; never at them) and that scares them away for a while!
  
  I adore the chickens…..and the eggs. (even though I don’t name them…..don’t think I don’t recognize them!!!)
liz
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 10:11 PM

just love your blogs!!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 7:43 AM
  
  ADORE YOU!SO happy MISS VICTORIA received the BOX!!!SO HAPPY!!!
  XOXO
Anita@letshavelunch
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 7:09 PM

Hello Sweet Elizabeth,

Married to a man who can fix everything too!!!

Elizabeth, I’m happy to barter a French dinner party cooked and served by me for a person who can show me how to operate my new camera (especially the uploading of photos!!!!!!).

Coffee, opera, good family, chickens and roses……….keep them all to yourself sweetpea.
xx neat
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 7:48 AM
  
  WELL, I think that means we head to FRANCE and YOU cook for MIMI and I’ll do CLEAN UP and ODDUR can assist with the CAMERA LESSONS!!!!!!!!!!
  Reading NOW PROVENCE 1970 on YOUR recommendation!SO, far on page 16 and loving it…….SHE lived NOT far for ME!!!
  XOXO
contessa
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 6:50 PM

VIA EMAIL:

You are so cute with your silvery headpiece tiara and you also can cook for me anything.
I enjoyed your love for your husband…he sounds like a true treasure.
Bonny
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 7:42 AM
  
  If I cook for YOU I will have to DELIVER IN PERSON……..don’t you think??!!!EAST COAST HERE I COME!
  XX
The Style Crone
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 6:37 PM

I LOVE this photo of you. Beautiful, and a bit mischievous! Your headwear is divine!

Thanks for the referral to COTY FARQUHAR! I will now be receiving it in my email, thanks to you.

You have so many bartering possibilities and your husband would be in high demand, I’m sure. Your beautiful photos tell the story of many talents and skills.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 7:41 AM
  
  THE HEADWEAR is the work of the VERY TALENTED TAMERA BEARDSLEY!!!I do believe she will be SELLING HER CROWNS On her site…………one might want to check it OUT!
  
  THANK YOU THANK YOU…………..enjoy hearing from YOU and so HAPPY you are feeling better!
Cheryl
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 5:04 PM

Handy husbands are the only way to go ! ….. My dear late father , the wonderful Samuel N. Ireland used to say, ” If Ireland can’t fix it , throw it away ! ” …… He was the neighborhood ‘go to’ man for everything. ……he built a neighbor’s deck, drew plans for another’s house addition , and ALWAYS had the right tools for the job…… And ,he so generously taught my sweet husband many of his skills . So grateful, he has saved us a fortune in repairs !

So, between your beautiful flowers, fresh eggs and the Italian Husband , I would say you are set for the bartering system !
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 7:39 AM
  
  I think WE might be READY!!!!!!!!!!
  Did you read the OTHER POSTS???
  SEE YOU SATURDAY!
  XO
Doré @ BurlapLuxe
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 11:52 AM

Oh Elizabeth,
How I wish I lived in your quaint circle of homes….I know I could find things to barter with you! Indeed I could. To have some fresh eggs for my meals I could wire you up with some crowns, or mice, or shrines perhaps a Knited tnrow that I am now indulging my etsy with in my latest post.
Oh yes indeed I might even barter to get your handsome italian husband to hang my vintage iron lantern from a tree branch as beautiful as yours is.

Oh how I wish I were your neighbor, I could barter a lot with you or simple be your coffee date.
Love you girl, love your charm, love your excitement for life and travel, and best love that you are true to you.
“Celebrate your Contessa-ness”
Xx
Bisous
Doré
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 7:37 AM
  
  I PROMISE TO CELEBRATE my CONTESSA~NESS……..I PROMISE!!!!
  YOU have a NEW Post up?Why do I not get the NOTIFCATIONS!!!!!!!!
  Will POP Over today!
  XX
Sunday Taylor
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 10:53 AM

Just adorable! Love this idea. By the way, your garden is gorgeous! And I love Sally Holmes roses. Thanks for giving us a little peek into your neighborhood. Love the images you painted with your words. And I am inspired by all your cooking and entertaining. I am getting busy in my kitchen today! xxoo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 7:35 AM
  
  SUNDAY………….The kitchen sounds like a good place to be!IT is COLD up NORTH!!!!!!XX
kim
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 10:42 AM

Contessa, Don’t know how I missed this! Love the idea of your home and all you do. I am excited to see it. Isn’t it nice to have a handy husband? I’m lucky mine is too and we help neighbors in our little court all the time.. Just this week someone’s car alarm wouldn’t turn off (at 11 p.m.), someone’s battery was dead on their car, and someone heard a noise behind their house.. He does it all. He and your husband would get along I think… He’s always happy to and never complains. Sometimes I dispatch the boys if he’s not around. I like the idea that we live in a village! Wish we were neighbors. I’d barter for your baked goods and my cookies. xxoo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 14, 2015 at 7:33 AM
  
  Well, once again our lives are in SYINC………..!!
  NO WONDER WE like each OTHER!!!!!!!
  SEE you in two weeks time……….LOOKING forward to it!
  XO
Pat
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 9:12 AM

Eggs and flowers are just the beginning of what you have to offer! What about design services? Or shopping assistance? Or small business consultations? Or cooking…oh wait, you mentioned that. Still, it’s worth a second mention. And, yes, a visit to your home is pure escapism in the best way. I can almost hear the opera music playing (but I’ll take my caffeine in tea, thank you very much).
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 13, 2015 at 9:53 AM
  
  I can DO TEA!!!!!!!!
D. A. Wolf
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 9:00 AM

Putting your hubby to work! Oh, Contessa, you make me laugh!

But the gentleman aside, not only would those chickens and eggs come in handy, but your pie looks scrumptious! (Could I trade you poetry for pie?)

xo

D. A.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 13, 2015 at 9:53 AM
  
  ANY TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!XO
Donna~Faded Velvet
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 8:54 AM

Elizabeth~
Hmmm….would we survive in a world of barter??? We would have much to barter since we are married to indispensable husbands that can fix anything! I too, experience phone calls during dinner from people needing my hubby’s expertise.
You and I, of course, would have our gift of hospitality to offer – though I’m not sure the exact WORTH of this particular gift…. Cooking is valuable asset though. And shopping. That’s a gift too-right?
Happily, we have married men that carry enough value for both of us! We add the SPARKLE to our sensible, hard-working men. That’s worth a LOT! Right?
Great post my friend!
xoxo
Madam Faded Velvet
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 13, 2015 at 9:52 AM
  
  To answer YOUR First sentence………..”NO!!”We would be to worried about collecting and gathering and assisting OTHERS!
  We both are VERY LUCKY to have the MEN we married!
  We are both VERY lucky to have that SPARKLE of LIFE……………..and the thrill of the HUNT!
  XO
Karena
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 8:47 AM

Dear Elizabeth you and your husband make quite a team and would spread joy to everyone in need. Your roses, your delicious cooking, ahhh and I understand from Andrea that you have very special collections to treasure!
Pst, my post on Paul Vincent Wiseman is up and what an amazing man…enjoy!

xoxo
Karena
Featuring “Inner Spaces”
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 13, 2015 at 9:49 AM
  
  I saw YOUR POST early this AM on PAUL WISEMAN!He is a TALENT that is for certain!I’m so lucky to know his extended family!!!XX
Vicki Archer
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January 13, 2015 at 8:37 AM

Send him over please, Elizabeth!! What a brlliant barter idea…
And your cooking… and your roses… too many clever skills in one family… 🙂 xv
- contessa
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  January 13, 2015 at 9:47 AM
  
  I wish I could say we will be RIGHT OVER………………XX
Tamera Beardsley
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January 13, 2015 at 8:34 AM

Oh my dear I have no doubt you would fair very nicely in a barter system … you have so very much to offer … even as a most sought after guest for dinner parties, I might add!

You are looking quite wonderful in the crown I sent you! I knew you would wear it with your usual glamour and panache!

Big hugs to you my dear!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 13, 2015 at 8:45 AM
  
  LOVE the CROWN YOU sent me for NEW YEARS EVE…………….
  Let me know when they are up on your web~site and I will do an ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN for YOU!
  XX
Jeanne McKay Hartmann
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January 13, 2015 at 8:30 AM

Elizabeth, if we found ourselves in such a situation, I would definitely want to be your neighbor. Would you trade a little art for a home cooked meal? Nice to know that you will be ALWAYS be rich. I had to skip this month’s topic, too many balls in the air, but loved seeing your take on things! XOXO
- contessa
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  January 13, 2015 at 8:41 AM
  
  ABSOLUTELY……..and that last painting of BEN would be at the TOP of MY LIST!XX
andy
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January 13, 2015 at 8:26 AM

no soup?
- contessa
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  January 13, 2015 at 8:39 AM
  
  NOT TODAY AUNTIE ANDY NOT TODAY…………..XX
Stephen Andrew
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January 13, 2015 at 8:17 AM

Your garden is just stunning. You have that mix of wild and refined just right in your rose garden. And the chickens! How I would love to have chickens and ducks. Hopefully soon.
Okay I must know the maker and pattern name of the pink plates. I adore them. And think I need a set too.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  January 13, 2015 at 8:38 AM
  
  OF COURSE YOU DO!If I could part with mine I would send to YOU!
  I purchased years ago at an antique shop.SAW THEM….. took a BIG inhale……..called the ITALIAN husband and said,”VALENTINES DAY” is fast approaching…….I am in NEED of these PINK plates!!”
  “I am surrounded by BOYS I need some PINK PLATES!”
  
  He agreed…….I NEEDED them!!
  
  The maker is ROYAL DOULTON ENGLAND………….
  
  THANK YOU for your comment!
Loreen Attridge
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January 13, 2015 at 6:35 AM

Beautiful! Thank you for providing me with such eye candy before I go off to work today! And what kind of coffee machine? May I ask? Have a beautiful day!
- contessa
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  January 13, 2015 at 7:05 AM
  
  LA SPAZIALE………..ITALIAN.
  I should have included a shot of that!Just think of those BIG machines at the BAR in ITALY…….where the coffee is ready in less than one minute!It also has a hot water nozzle for tea…..
  The top of the machine heats the cups………….
  
  THANK YOU for your comment!!!
Anita Rivera
· Reply

January 13, 2015 at 3:30 AM

DEAR DEAR CONTESSA!

First of all, you are not losing me! Though I have decided to stop posting for now, I am still a presence here in Blogland. I will still be visiting all of you whom I ADORE. But I have to give time to my private writing life for now.

OK, as for us staying in touch? YOU BET! How could I turn my back on a group of women who just enchant me? AND YOU, right now, are enchanting me to no end. I LOVE YOUR SPIRIT, your panash, your pluck, your style. How I wish I lived near you!

THANK YOU again for coming. I will stay in touch with visits, and I will let you know when I am in town so we can perhaps meet or even talk on the phone????

MUCH LOVE! ANita
- contessa
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  January 13, 2015 at 7:17 AM
  
  Well, thats a relief!I thought maybe you had REMOVED yourself from CYBER SPACE all together!In fact, you kind of have done what this POST is speaking about!Going back to doing the things that matter…………….this computer does SUCK our time AWAY I have to agree with you there!For me now in my LIFE the JOY of knowing YOU having NEVER met YOU is rewarding to me ten-fold.
  You were MY dose of OPERA.
  Of course, we can chat on the phone!
  XOXO
Eleanor O'Connell
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January 13, 2015 at 12:51 AM

Can I just tell you how much I adore your house. The chickens, the roses, the garden, your espresso maker, your pink plates, your delicious cooking, all of your treasures! You really know how to make a home a home. Don’t know what I would barter? I think I would barter with food. I make a really good pasta with sausage and red and yellow peppers. Love your blog posting today as always. XOXO:
- contessa
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  January 13, 2015 at 7:11 AM
  
  LOVE YOU!
  XOXO
Heather in Arles
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January 13, 2015 at 12:36 AM

Oh this is just fantastic and brilliantly thought out too! As soon as I saw your post I thought for you: “cooking, definitely” and I was right but there is so much more than that and all of it a feast for the eyes. My Mom’s Husband, Leonard, is like Giampiero in that he can fix anything and I find it just an amazing and completely underrated quality. Not so if the world changed to the barter system, you would be rich! 🙂
xo
H
- contessa
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  January 13, 2015 at 7:19 AM
  
  RICH with FRIENDS like YOU and animals……..is ALL I require!
  XOXO
Jennifer
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January 12, 2015 at 10:52 PM

You are hilarious!! Your chickens alone are enough. But the flowers, the capable husband and coffee, seal the deal. I’ll be over directly to taste some of your yummy food. xoxo
- contessa
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  January 13, 2015 at 7:10 AM
  
  BRAVA……………and I would hire YOU to paint the HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!XX
Marsha @ Splenderosa
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January 12, 2015 at 10:46 PM

OMG, you really prepared for this one, didn’t you? I took the humourous way out because I simply cannot do a damn thing anyone would want! I have no husband, no chickens, no roses, not a proper kitchen and neighbors whom I do not know at all (yet), no manual labor skills, can’t fire a gun, but do walk on high heels quite well. Otherwise, I make the best damn gin in the USA !!
- contessa
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  January 13, 2015 at 7:09 AM
  
  YOUR POST was DIVINE!
  PERFECTION…………..
  I think you can do many things!!Like organize a GROUP of WOMEN to write about creative things……XO
Stacie
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January 12, 2015 at 10:15 PM

Full of goodies and good things! Roses, chickens, bacon with green beans , pie, cake, Italian husband, always-on coffee – I love this post! What about the two boxes of See’s?
- contessa
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  January 13, 2015 at 7:01 AM
  
  GONE!!!