The Journey Home

Well hello, surprise surprise, I'm still here.
It has been a long and not so easy transition back to the  US, but let me back up… how did I even get here you  ask? Three words: planes, trains, and automobiles. I  remember years ago when Gracie and I were traveling  around Europe via train for the summer...we had six  suitcases, a giant Mac desktop computer for Gracie’s  homeschooling, and a ten week old French bulldog puppy  who wasn’t exactly potty trained yet, and my god, that  summer was a nightmare. But now, looking back at what I  just went through getting to the US, that summer with  Gracie was a piece of cake. However, with the help of my  friends, family and caregivers, I got back to Santa  Barbara, California in one piece. Don't feel too bad for me,  it was rather luxurious.     My sister arrived to Paris July 25 to take me home. (Yes,  I'm talking to her again). I wish I could have taken my  three caregivers back with me but one of them does not  have a passport, one of them has no travel visa and the  other has political asylum in Paris. Trust me, the word  “smuggling” crossed my mind, but I am probably in  enough trouble with the Parisian Palliative Care Center
already. However, I did take them as far as I could, which  was to the private airport in Marseille… but let's back up.   On July 31, David put my two caregivers, my sister  and me on the south bound train from Paris to Provence. It  was a complete necessity that I spend 3 days in Provence  so that I didn’t hate France forever and it worked. My  sister, the caregivers and I were fortunate enough to stay  at Romy and the Apricot’s beautiful villa in the South of  France. If you don’t remember who they are...Click HERE.






 Don't be too jealous… I still have ALS and someone still  has to wipe my tushy everyday :). We arrived in Aix en  Provence to my friend’s house on a perfect summer day.  We were greeted with open hugs and kisses from  everyone… my friends, their staff and the dog, Lupo. Five  minutes later we were seated at the beautifully dressed  lunch table shaded by a chestnut tree. Meal after meal,  breakfast, lunch, and dinner was complete perfection; from  the table setting, the perfect ambiance to the painstakingly  organized menu by their cook, Christina. My friends even  brought their cook, Sao, from their other house near Italy  to make her special pizza. Even though I can barely  swallow, I had a few bites of those pizzas… I didn't care if  I choked to death. If I choke to death in the South of  France in a beautiful villa surrounded by my friends eating  gourmet pizza.. so be it. I can think of worse ways to die.





 
Saturday at lunch, Romy put on her favorite song. It is  a French song called “Eleanor” and the lyrics had us all  balling our eyes out. I thought my sister was going to have  a stroke. I think it was the first time my sister realized how  much Romy and the Apricot and I love each other. You  really cannot find better friends.  It was very emotional in  the very best way. I was so happy to have spent these few  days talking and hanging out with my friends. I still  officially hate France but the three days spent with them  put a little Band­Aid on my bruised soul (more on that  later).



















On the third day we headed to the Marseille private  airport to catch my flight back to the US.  This didn't suck either.  My friend G.P. graciously  offered to fly me home on his plane, which happened to be  a 727 private jet. G.P and I have been friends for years  and he is one of the kindest most generous gentleman I  have ever met in my life and he is not fucking obnoxious  about it... he is soft spoken, humble, and a class act. I  wouldn't be so gauche as to post photos of his plane but if  you want to see it (you should) you can see the whole kit  and caboodle in Architectural Digest, Click HERE. This  was the most beautiful plane I have ever seen, decorated  by the lovely Craig Wright who also happened to decorate  my friend Diandra Douglas’ house in Spain and in Santa  Barbara. Wanna see? Click HERE and HERE. Mr. Wright
also happens to be a true gentleman in every sense as well.  Now, back to the plane…  G.P gave my sister and I basically the back living  room of his plane. Carmel covered leather seats, Ralph  Lauren bedding, huge fur blankets, three course meals  (tomato mozzarella basil salad, filet mignon with mashed  potatoes and green beans, and chocolate cake for dessert) but that wasn't all... my sister had about 24 cups  of tea served in an antique 1940’s Art Deco tea set, 14  candy bars, 17 bags of chips, 23 sticks of gum, and a  gourmet breakfast to boot.     The best part about the plane ride was that there were  only 10 people on the plane and I knew everyone of them.  So, it was like traveling with family except no one bothered  me.  Remember Chapter 19 of my book? They were on the  plane and I was actually so happy to see them that I  almost cried. Isn’t it funny how time heals everything?     12 hours later (which actually only felt like 3) we were  back on American soil.  If I could have kissed the tarmac I  would have.  I have never been so happy to see the Los  Angeles smog in my entire life.  I am finally home.  I  survived France. 




I have so much to tell all of you but I have to go slow  because my voice is almost gone.  This is what I had in  mind…. The next few blogs will be about why I left stupid  France, why I moved back to my beloved Santa Barbara,  my new house and the best news is that I have some  more antique sales left in me!  I think you all will really like  the next sale.     Thank you all for being patient with me… I am still on my  last leg but I have so much to tell you...but it is just going  to take me a little time.

   ● Something you don’t know about me?  I shipped back  to the US every single solitary card that all of you sent  me. I am so appreciative of your kindness, your well  wishes, and your friendship. Your cards mean  everything to me...so thank you.

103 comments:

  1. This blog made me cry...I don't know why..I guess im glad you have made it back...and in style. ...good friends are hard to come by....looking forward to hearing more and the next sale...xoxo

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  2. Of course you arrived in style. We wouldn't expect anything less. I am so glad you are home. I think it is just where you belong. Sending you lots of love. As always, thanks for sharing your journey. All of your friends continue to be amazed by your strength.

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  3. I was so happy when I checked your blog and saw your new post...I've missed you (even with intsagram). Welcome home!

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  4. Oh Ellie, I am so happy to see this post I have been stalking social media looking for you!
    Keep up your rest dear girl. All will be well.

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  5. Hi, Ellie! So glad to see a post from you. I was hoping nothing bad had happened. You sound so happy to be back, it makes me happy for you. Your time with your sister and friends sounds wonderful and the food! Oh my! Homemade pasta and pizza, two of my favorites. I look forward to hearing about why you hate France. Peace and love and strength to you.

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  6. What a relief to have you back, dearheart. And just in time to vote in the Presidential election! I'm sure our visit with you tomorrow will be the highlight of our ten days in SB -- and I CAN'T WAIT! Love love love the pix of your last days in France -- and your bus ride home, bless your heart. I hope that chinchilla comforter wasn't too warm... Best: it took four husky men to carry you up a short flight of stairs. Based on that, I'm thinking it would take 30 or 40 to carry me... Speaking for every single reader of your blog (and I know they would want me to) -- thank you for devoting the energy required to post this entry. It can't have been easy, but for us, your devoted readers, it is better than crack -- and we've missed you terribly. Now you may take a break, to conserve your voice. If it means waiting longer between posts, so be it. You are loved....

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  7. Ellie,
    ����The Eagle Has Landed����...So wonderful to hear from you! Welcome Home!
    Of course, you didn't lose your sense of humor en route! (Surprise Surprise...��)
    So happy you have made a safe and happy re-entry! ❤️����❤️

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  8. OMG! so glad to hear from you! We have all been holding our breath waiting for this blog! wanting to make sure you were okay. It was beautifully written, as always. Cannot wait to hear all your news, but we will all wait. You rest. We will all still be here. Hugs to you Ellie. Michelle from very hot AZ

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  9. So very, very glad to read this! Sending much love and good wishes to you in sunny California. As always, thank you for sharing your life with us.

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  10. I'm so happy to hear from you . I'm thrilled you had such a lovely farewell from France with your friends. Selfishly I'm imagining that by just being back you're tapping into some special treatment that is reversing the setbacks you suffered. I still believe it's out there! Every evening when walking Winston and Lucy I say "this is for Ellie".I think I always will. Please rest up,and if you have an address where we can send you goodies, please share. Check in when you can..xoxo nancy in texas

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  11. I have been checking your blog daily to find out: How was the trip? This is incredible. I am so glad you're safe and snug in California.
    Meanwhile, I am in awe of Cristina's aprons. Starched, pressed, immaculate. I would be afraid to get something on it when cooking.

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  12. Wow- just wow
    To have so many who treat you so dearly ....talk about a blessing while you are on this earth . Rest now and know you are home

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  13. You are an absolute hero, I spent a few hours the other week reading your blog and I am very moved by your story and your candor, I love it and you for it! Thank you for sharing your experiences and your taste for the finer things, I know a little more now because of it. Thanks again, from your fan and supporter. Sending good vibes and warm wishes along the Pacific coast from the Pacific Northwest to you in Santa Barbara!

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  14. What a blessing to see your post. So exciting to hear every detail. Thank you for sharing it all with us. I can't wait to hear what you didn't like about France! You are a great writer!!
    Take care, rest, sending love, strength and gratitude! Marie

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  15. Awwww, you shipped the cards back. I love it. <3

    I can't wait to hear about why you decided to leave France. I have a strange love of written accounts about people hating places. I see the humor I guess.

    WELCOME BACK!

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  16. So glad you made it, in style, and looking forward to the rest of the story! Sending love from la Charente.

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  17. Welcome Home! I have missed your post and have been worried about you. It is good to know you are still with us. Take care. Jan (Atlanta)

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  18. God bless you and welcome home!

    DJ

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  19. I've been going to my computer every night around 3 am to check to see if you have gotten off an update. I'm overjoyed that you have made it back safely. Sending love and prayers. xoxo Mary (and that plane??!!)

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  20. Welcome home sweetness!!Glad you are back . I am so thankful for your loving friends who managed your flight and took away all (some) of the stress getting home. Looking forward to the next post.

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  21. I wish you the best!
    With love,
    Ana Paula

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  22. So glad to have a post from you! Only you could have such a fabulous and complicated journey. I'm so glad you're speaking to your sister again and that she chaperoned you home. I want to move to Romy's and wouldn't all black Barbie look lovely with angel white Lupo? I love the lavdener on the plate. Okay now that you're home I hope you've started planning Thanksgiving. Being your first one back on American soil, it's a big deal. Fuck the election let's think about cornucopias.

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  23. So glad you are home safely. By chance, La vintage Contessa, stopped into my little boutique. Such a thrill to meet her. And , of course, we spent much time talking about how wonderful you are!! The world really isn't so big, after all.

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  24. I am so happy for you that you are back home, as you had wished. What a lovely adieu from such good friends and such a luxurious way to travel home. I look forward to your posts once more and, of course to your antique sales.

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  25. Welcome home. Missed your posts and love your writing. Xo Lisa

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  26. So glad you are home. I've missed you!

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  27. Extraordinary Ellie! Welcome home, my love! You continue to keep me awe-inspired! Thinking of you daily and sending you love, hugs and a giant sloppy kiss from Broomall, PA! Your posts make me happy - you make me happy! xoxo Gina from PA

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  28. Ellie, thank you so much for your post today. I have been like a little kid waiting for Christmas. Every day I check for a post and each day there is none......disappointment! Today though I can't believe my eyes.....finally. Can hardly wait for you to catch me up on what you have been up to. The stay at your friend's villa sounds like perfection and I have to say I was checking out that pizza to see what a real Italian puts on their pizza. I have been in the homemade pizza mode lately. I am happy that you and your Sister have made up. I had 2 years of not speaking to my Sister and it was the worst 2 years of my life. Family really is what is most important. Again let me say it is so nice to see your beautiful face and your post. Can hardly wait to get your next. Love you Ellie Dear and welcome home! Jill

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  29. Welcome home Ellie! So happy you survived the travel!!! Xoxo

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  30. I woke up wondering about you this morning! And I haven't followed your blog for that long, maybe a year. So happy to learn you made it back to your beloved California...and in such style! My heart and thoughts go out to you.

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  31. You are utterly amazing. I look forward to reading your posts SO much and having not seen one for a while I was fearing the worst. So glad you made it back to the US. Keep strong. X

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  32. Bravo, Ellie! You're the best!! So, so happy to "hear" your voice again! Can you post your new address (or maybe a P.O. Box, so that David doesn't have to worry about the Creeps amongst us) so that your adoring public can send you fan mail? xoxoxox

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  33. P.S. Lots of gorgeous photos in this post, but I think the best is the one of Lupo relaxing in the fountain. What a rascal!

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  34. YOU ARE A STAR in every sense of the word.Do you know they call my husband GP?Because MOST people cannot pronounce his NAME!I have yet to check out his PLANE but I will AFTER I COMMENT HERE...........do we know HIM?!!!

    As for YOU dear GIRLFRIEND..........WELCOME HOME!

    I have been on a little trip back EAST to visit the SON with THE FOOD trucks in CAPE COD and to visit those MANSIONS in NEWPORT and track down my ANCESTOR's homes..........which I had SUCCESS in doing!Even got invited into his birth home where a distant relative still lives!
    GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE!He rode with GEORGE WASHINGTON in the REVOLUTIONARY WAR.............I have his silver cup and DUELING PISTOLS!I drove right up to the BIRTH HOUSE in COVENTRY, R.I. and knocked at the DOOR!I was invited in for a visit and tour............wish I had taped his stories!

    Then there was the visit to an ANTIQUE SHOP on BELLEVUE......I was suppose to be doing THAT WALK along the back side of the MANSIONS!SO, I argued with MYSELF......go on walk ELIZABETH.....NO just PEEK inside.....GO TO THE CAR......I went into THE SHOP only to be recognized by ONE of YOUR FOLLOWERS and MY BLOG!Needless, to say THE WALK NEVER HAPPENED!I AM READY TO MOVE THERE!!!!!!!!SO, many FUN things happen to me.........as GENERAL GREENE lived there after the war I found myself on the same street at an INN that the WEBSTER dictionary MAN's DAUGHTER had lived in but I was less then a block away from where my GREAT GRANDDADDY times 4had lived in the 1700's..........
    KISMET?Is that what was happening to me?Bottom line I had a WONDERFUL TRIP.................sounds LIKE YOU DID TOO!
    WELCOME home dear ELLIE and if I can I will POP down this FALL and say HELLO.
    A BIG HUG and KISS TO YOU!
    YOUR ONE And ONLY CONTESSA........(maybe NOT the ONLY ONE......... the people YOU KNOW!)
    IN CALIFORNIA!!!!
    XOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOOOOOOXXX

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  35. Beautiful Ellie! So glad to hear from you. The truth is there is no place like home, and although sometimes we believe home is where the family is, there is always that yearning to go back to your origins, home! Huge hugs!

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  36. So very happy to hear your voice (Yes! In my head- I hear your voice-even if it is a whisper) again. I have been checking daily and you do not disappoint. The photos are stunning (LOVE Lupo peering over the fountain's edge) and I look forward to your continuing presence in the US.

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  37. There's no place like home.
    Glad to see you made it safely and good to see a blog post from you!!!

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  38. HIp Hip Hooray ~ to hear from YOU!! I been here everyday to see how you are and yes I remember your sweet friends over there ~ I love sweet and humble souls ~ laughter is also love to me....so happy for YOU!!! XO

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  39. whew....sigh of relief...you are home safe and sound...on to the next!
    I wondered why the air seemed charged and charmed... Our Ellie is back
    in the U.S. We will luxuriate once again in your wisdom and banter.
    Prayers answered.

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  40. I've followed your blog posts from afar for quite a while & have adored you from afar & yes, even wished I had you as a personal friend since the first moment I finished reading one of your posts. Your courage, love for life & beauty, your tears, your general grace & appreciation for all aspects of your journey, all these things (& more!) have placed you in my heart as if you were a personal friend. I wish there was something, anything, I could do to add to your life, as you have added & enriched mine. This current post is filled with joy, yet also so heartbreaking...I hate to read about any hiccups you suffer (no pun intended) as you continue your journey. I can only say thank you & please don't stop. You have helped me & encouraged me through trials of my own that I couldn't have survived all alone...it's amazing that technology has enabled so many things for for many people...it certainly enable you to be a pillar of strength & incredible source of support for a stranger thousands of miles away. God bless & thank you.

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    1. Ditto for me...I could not have said it any better. Sending prayers and love

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  41. So glad you are home, looking forward to reading more blogs postings. Cheers

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  42. Sounds like you had a first class flight home. Thats is wonderful and you deserve it--truly nice friends. Happy that you are finally home. My best...

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  43. just reread the post again, and all the comments!! I can't get enough. Hope you are resting now after your post. Thank you again. We love you. Marie

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  44. Nice to meet you☺ Great that you are glad to home! Love your photos and that cute doggie ♥

    summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

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  45. Ellie, so happy to hear you're home, safe and sound, and in such a grand style!
    I, too, am so very curious why you hate France. It sounds like an interesting story.
    Rest well as we await the new home reveal also.

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  46. Welcome Home! Thank you for calming our fears and sharing the details of this incredible journey back to your beloved SB. I'm so happy for you that you had these one-of-a kind experiences with beloved friends and enjoyed such luxuries (as best as can possibly be). Thanks for sharing it all with us through these beautiful photos. I love the Apricot and Romy's life. Just that in itself is so gob-smacking inspiring, nevermind where they live! Cheers to your indomitable spirit! I love your writing and feel like I'm tagging along for the ride (pass on the farmer's market hangover! -just re-read and lol'd again). Can't wait to hear more. Sending hugs from "up the road" in Northern CA. xoxo ~Nicole

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  47. Oh, dear Ellie, how good to know that you are settled into your Santa Barbara home. We all look forward to new posts to catch us up on your life. Take care and know that you are loved by many people.

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  48. Welcome Home, Ellie! I was so happy to read your blog update. What wonderful friends you have! You have lived more life than anyone I know. I am enthralled with you and thank you so much for sharing your life stories with your readers. Wishing you lots of love and happiness always. Jeanne Smith - West Jordan, UT

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  49. Welcome home! I'm so happy to hear you are talking to your sister again, family!

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  50. I get weepy when you post. I can't help it. I sent you a card and my husband was gobsmacked as to why I would send a stranger thousands of miles away a card. Then I made him read your blog. He laughed, he got quiet and then he hugged me. You are a dear complicated soul. Besos from AZ. P.S.I will send you real salsa if you want not that California shit.

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  51. There's our girl! Hearing from you was wonderful. Every day I check to see if you posted and wonder how you are doing. Conserve your strength and measure how you spend it...we'll all be here when you can talk to us again. Blessings, sweet Ellie, Sally

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  52. So glad to hear you are back home in CA. Your jet ride home is amazing, as is your jet owning friend. So thoughtful, generous and kind. I heard recently of breakthroughs in ALS research and pray that this will help you. Welcome home! Susan

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  53. Being able to watch Bravo shows in real time is everything.

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  54. So glad to know that you are home and okay - and happy. So many lovely experiences between Paris and CA! I hope that you rest up and find great caregivers in CA. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Take good care. Hugs from Olivia in MA.

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  55. My favorite description of a man I have ever heard....in my long life....is "apricot'!!
    My sweet husband when we were in the South of France quite near where "Your apricot" lives; called me a "Pampered pamplemousse"; and I have lived with and loved that nickname for years!
    I want to come see you when you can have me. I love you, Ellie.....and I have since I met you....delivering those things to my house.....I bought from your mother's house.....but which came from your most chic and divine store.
    To this day I have never seen such a store.......just so you know......
    Please let me know if I can come to visit......you are right across from the entrance to that "French development" that I did.....that (I hope....does not look like a development at all!) If someone can take you in there.....I will make sure it can happen...it has some good things about France....who knows?

    I adore you.....I hope I can come see you soon! Wecome home.....sweet sweet girl!

    Penny

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  56. Love that you hate France too. Such a beautiful country and great climate and yet...I only go if I run out of pharmacy products and now with the internet I don't really have to do eurostar runs anymore. Glad you are back safe and sound in California. Look forward to your posts and hope you are feeling the best you possibly can x

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  57. There is no place like home. So happy that you are happy. Continue to give ALS hell, you are very loved. Welcome home!

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  58. Welcome Home, beautiful one.
    Love you so much and miss you too.
    xox

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  59. Ellie, So glad you are back and in our California! Sounds like you traveled in style and I'm glad you were pampered. Love and hugs to you. I hope you love your new home. Kim

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  60. I've always said that with everything we do we teach How To Be or How Not To Be in this world. You, my darling, are a shining example of How To Be. Bless your sweet, sweet heart. Too, "we get by with a little help from our friends" is the gospel if ever it was written.

    Could the trip home have been any classier? I think not.

    Shine on!

    Barbara Lane

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  61. Ellie.
    God bless you.
    Leso in Sweden.

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  62. So glad you are back in the US. I was starting to get worried after not seeing a post in awhile. Get your strength up kiddo!!

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  63. Welcome back to Santa Barbara Ellie!
    I know that we have mutual friends so
    I hope that we may meet in person now :-)
    xxSP

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  64. Hi Ellie-- Also so glad to hear you're home safe and sound (I actually had to look at your pintrest site to make sure you were ok!). This article made me think of you and your incredible spirit and the job you are doing "carrying" a burden that makes no sense at all. http://www.timjlawrence.com/blog/2015/10/19/everything-doesnt-happen-for-a-reason I hope you have a good day, Beth

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  65. Dear Ellie, what a journey you've made
    I hope you've find your peace and rest now and be the nicest Angel over there. Thank you for sharing your life. Rip Ellie ❤

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  66. I heard that Ellie is now free of ALS after passing away early today. Her best friend Yolanda posted the news. I am crushed for her daughter, husband, family and friends and all of us who loved her. I know she changed my life and I will miss her forever. I am happy she is dancing in heaven and taking charge up there--she'll make sure all is okay. I love you ELlie--enjoy the new journey. Kisses!

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  67. Ellie . . . I know you're at peace now, but I just wanted to thank you for being so brave, funny, creative, and courageous and for giving so much of yourself to your devoted readers through this blog. It's so strange that one can feel so connected to another person through an abstract construct like the Internet, but that's how I feel about you.

    I'm so happy that you're whole and well now, and though we will all miss you down here, I expect that you will use the super powers that you've acquired in Heaven to help make the world a lighter, brighter, funnier, and more aesthetically pleasing place. Any time I see a gorgeous arrangement of peonies or a properly placed zebra skin rug or fabulous antique chinoiserie, I will think of you.

    xoxoxoxo

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  68. Thank you, Ellie, for your beautiful blog, strong spirit, and being a teacher to so many. ❤️

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  69. i just read Yolanda's post on Instagram
    Ellie was The Best!
    Condolences to her Gracie, David and her family and friends.
    big hugs to all her blog followers. She will be missed.

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  70. RIP dear Ellie. I will never forget you. xoooo

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  71. You aren't there to moderate comments, so this is silly. But Adieu.

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  72. Au Revoir, sweet angel. The world is dimmer without you.

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  73. So sorry to hear of Ellie's passing. Even though we all know she is very sick I was shocked! I so wanted to hear all about her next move. Rest in peace Ellie, the suffering has ended. My condolences to her family.

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  74. I just found out about Ellie, I am so sad. Somehow, I always thought there would be another blog post. She had such a vibrant voice in her writing. I am just an "imaginary friend" as Gracie said, but I will miss her dearly. My heart goes out to Gracie, David, her sister and family, and her friends. Peace, love and strength to you all.

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  75. Such a love for live ,taken so soon.

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  76. Rest in peace dear Ellie. You touched the lives of so many people. You have earned your angel wings. Thank you for being kind to so many people. I will always remember and love you.

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  77. So happy to hear you are "home" Ellie. You are the most unselfish people I have ever known (although I do not know you personally and wish I did). How you unselfishly write and have the ability to see the goodness in life is astounding. You are a true blessings and I pray and pray for a miracle for you. Thank you dear Ellie

    Helen xx

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  78. RIP👼🏻 Thoughts for your family and friends💔

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  79. A kick-ass Angel named Ellie now has her wings. While I will miss your posts, I will celebrate your freedom from pain while trying to live my life with a bit of your Ellie spitfire and spunk.

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  80. Rest in Peace beautiful,funny Ellie. Your blog brought much joy,laughter and most importantly style into my days. God bless you. Love Katrina x

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  81. Dear O'Connell and Ducret families, I would like to extend my sincere sympathy. Ellie gave her heart to many thousands of readers as a voice of joy and humor and good taste. She will be sorely missed. With Love, Mimi

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  82. RIP sweet Ellie, I will miss your blog tremendously but happy you are at peace and no longer suffering 💗😇

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  84. You said you have so much to tell us-it's so hard to realize you won't. Your thoughts and your voice was so important to me. I will always be thankful for all you shared with us and I will forever cherish the French footstool I bought from you. Sending love❤️ Across the heavens. Ellie I will miss you forever💔

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  85. I just read on "Lost in Arles" blog that Ellie passed away on August 31. Can it be true? If so, we have an angel friend - we will never forget her.

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  86. It is good you are back home. The soul needs that kind of sun, soil, wind and water. I realize reading this post more than the others, how your spirit is so above where your body is. Strength. You have it.

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  87. RIP Ellie, I will miss your posts. Hope you are watching over all of us and creating some mayhem and fun upstairs. xoxo

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  88. Rest in peace beautiful

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  89. Dear Sweet and Sassy Ellie,
    I am relieved to know your pain is finally gone and I pray for your family's pain that I am sure is great. Rest in peace

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  90. May God embrace you Ellie and wrap his arms around the people who love and will miss you.

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  91. Rest in peace Ellie. We will miss you.

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  92. Thank you for leaving us with your legacy of beauty, friendship, laughter and love. You came home at last, California girl, and we will treasure your memory dearly. Sending my condolences to your beautiful daughter, your sweet husband and loving family and friends. You brought them all to us and I hope they feel wrapped in the love of your adoring readers. Good taste is timeless, and so are you.

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  93. My heart is breaking. I went on Instagram to see how Ellie is doing and there is a beautiful picture of Gracie. But looking in the comments I see RIP Ellie. A beautiful light has left this earth, Gods speed, sweet, crazy Ellie.

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  94. Rest in peace, sweet Ellie. I will so miss your humor, wit, and words. Thanks for the memories <3

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  95. Dear Ellie, we will miss you. Rest in peace.

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  96. Dear Ellie, I have been thinking about you a lot lately. I miss you! Just wanted you to know that. Jill

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