Candida Eittreim

My mother, who spent her schoolyears in private convent in Europe brought a very European philosophy to my life. My father, a well known and respected management consultant, restauranteur and architect taught us the high ethical values that are so very important.

My grandmere Josefina, gave us the gift of courage, determination and a fierce independence. At a fairly young age she fled Spain under Generalissimo Franco, and came to San Francisco. Once here, she used her money to establish herself in SF society, and became a big force in the Spanish community. Because of her grit, she managed to get most of our family out of Spain and into California. All of these influences shaped who and what I am today.

And all of them helped me grow to appreciate and love this country we call America. I have no patience for fools and the ignorant. I abhor pretention and phoniness, preferring real people no matter what economic stratus they come from.

I'm a mildly conservative creature politically, but only vote for the candidate, never the party. Debating the issues, often taking one side or the other simply to gain a better understanding of other's viewpoints is something I truly enjoy.

I confess a weakness for cashmere, fine perfumes and Steuben crystal, which I consider works of art. Writing is as necessary to me as breathing.

My two sons are my pride and joy. And my husband David, newly diagonosed with cancer is still after almost 34 years of marriage-my love.