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Thursday, April 21, 2016

My Paris Assignment - 10 years later


10 years ago I started Parisbreakfast.com on a dare and a prayer. My first blog post ever was on April 20, 2006
I'd just returned from a trip to Paris.
My assignment: Eat a lot of Paris breakfasts (petit déjeuners).
Then paint them. So many breakfasts. So many watercolors of those breakfasts. The blog became my raison d'etre for more watercolors and more wonderful trips to Paris.
If you told me back then I'd be living in Paris I would have laughed myself silly.
And living on the Ile Saint Louis.
Just around the corner from ice cream parlor, Berthillon salon de Thé.
With my Parisian pal, Bear, the best Paris expert.
Bear and I are racing to get out our May Paris map and letters before we take off for the Luberon near next week.
Wouldn't you know the latest PB letter art requires a lot of GREEN!
If you told me when I started Parisbreakfast, April 20, 2006, 2251 posts ago, I would be mailing out thousands of illustrated letters and maps from Paris, I would have been ROTFLOL big time. I guess you could say I'm celebrating between mixing up pots of green paint.
You never know? Life can be one big fabulous adventure if you let it.
THANK YOU PBers for being there.
And for all your support!!
xxx Carolg & BEAR

67 comments:

  1. so happy for you! We have been following you since around 2007, discovered your blog while living in Krakow. We are now back in the states and look forward to reading each and every entry about your life in Paris, Thanks!

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  2. We are so happy you are able to live in Paris! I've loved your blog for several years. After I die and get the life insurance money, I will definitely subscribe to your letters and maps! :-)

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  3. Joyeuse anniversaire on your Paris dream

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  4. Congratulations! You are an inspiration for all of us timid souls!

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  5. Congratulations, Carol! Thank you for allowing us all to come along on your adventure and for sharing your dream! Kim

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  6. Congratulations Carol!
    That's incredible - here's to the next ten years!
    Afte r 6 years blogging I've just started my fun journey with PB and I'm looking forward to the greens of May in Paris!
    You're living my dream!
    My daughter and granddaughters live in a village about 2 hours from Paris - she has been there 16 years so I've enjoyed many trips up to Paris - a little part of me will always be there. She gets under your skin!
    Shane

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  8. You're an inspiration. Love your spirit and your blog! <3

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  9. Congratulations, Carol and Bear! Love hearing the story of how you got your Parisian start. You certainly have created beauty and a connection with people!

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  10. And what a wonderful adventure you have shared with us!

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  11. Anonymous3:40 PM

    Thank you for being my inspiration.Your info on places to go , & how to get there, books to buy,food to eat :turning me on to macarons! And even many things in NYC...Ibefore your move I am grateful. And I love your maps.I am in Paris right now.Trip number two!!! Having a great time. Merci for your fabulous art and nice way of presenting so much yummy stuff. Its always a great thing to find in my inbox. Keep up the good (super AB FAb ) work! I'm sure some of those trips to le Poste are work! xo Cheers Fan from Rural Oregon

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  12. Thank you for your posts, for me you are a guide when I'm in Paris and a light of hopeness to return soon when I'm in Italy! Our sketches make my life colorful. When I'll be in Paris next time I'll invit you and Bear to me for italian dinner! Helga

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  13. Dreams do come true..you have been an inspiration to us all:)
    You are the inspiration one needs to get out of their comfort zone ..and experience travel and Paris.
    I am grateful for all of you:)

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  14. PS..
    I want to be first in line for your book:)

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Carol, how many of us are eagerly waiting for your book! You will be LOL in few years ~ and say "To think I would a best selling author"!!

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  15. Congratulations! Thank you for all your hard work, your lovely blog is one that inspired us to start blogging. Such fun. Lots of love! xxx

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  16. Carol, I congratulate you on being able to find a way to actually live a Paris dream. I know that you have many talents, a fine sense of humor, great tastes, and think to myself, as the song goes, what a wonderful world it is to be able to find how to make dreams reality.
    xo to you, and bien sur, aussi a Bear.

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  17. Congrats Carol. It's been such a pleasure following your blog since 2009 when I discovered you! Lovely to have met you a couple of times in real life too!

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  18. You have brought me such interesting, useful, whimsical ideas, pictures and watercolors. I check it every day and wish you posted EVERY day.
    Next time I visit France you are on my list to visit.
    Thank you so much.

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  19. happy blogaversary! have been enjoying your life in paris:)keep up the good work!

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  20. Congratulations Carol!! One big fabulous adventure is right. Thank you for writing your blog. :)

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  21. And you have taken us with you and bear on this marvelous journey! Merci to you we have seen Paris and beyond through perfect water colored eyes.
    Was in Avignon for May Day last year. Don't miss the Pont du Gard.

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  22. Carol, you're an inspiration. Seeing Paris through your eyes opens up the entire world of possibilities, near and far. Merci mucho, xoxo

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  23. Congratulations, Carol! It's always fun keeping up with you and Bear. I'm still hoping to get back to Paris again, but in the meantime, you are a favorite for my armchair traveling. 😍 Paris is always a good idea!

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  24. Wishing you a very happy Blogiversary, Carol. Congratulations on 10 successful years and sharing your super adventures and beautiful paintings with us.
    I'm so proud to have your patisserie map painting in Teatime in Paris! Thank you for your inspiration!
    Have fun in the Luberon, a fabulous place to be right now with all the Spring flowers out.

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  25. Carol, I absolutely love your art and your style! I have been with you for a long time but don't know if I was there 10 years ago...

    I am longing for you to write a Paris guidebook that might consist of some of your previous sketches, along with your favorite places for everything: eating, window-licking, shopping, art exhibitions, etc. I would buy it PRONTO! (I don't think you would have to start from scratch, just start with what you've already got.) And thank you so much for your unique perspective on Paris. My husband and I visit Paris as often as we can afford it but have a tiny pipe-dream of moving there some day. You inspire us!

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  26. It is a dream come true, for you to be living in Paris, and to take
    us along, as well, was such a great idea! When I see an email from
    ParisBreakfasts, I read it first, to brighten my day. I never know
    what show, event, or neighborhood you will be posting about, but
    you seem to capture everything around you, so well.
    It's a gift!
    Regards to you, and the wonderful, Bear.

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  27. CONGRATULATIONS! Your dream became reality. Hard work and great passion for the city made it all work.
    I enjoy every post!

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  28. Margaux like the wine1:26 PM

    U r remarkable. Congratulations on your adventuresome spirit and thank you for sharing your adventures with all of us.

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  29. Renata1:30 PM

    Thank you for making us travel with you!
    Merci

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  30. What a glorious, fabulous post! Talk about making dreams become real! Congratulations on ten years of blogging, creating wonderful art and loving Paris. My visits here inspire me, delight and entertain me and I long for the day when I can again see the city you now call home! Bravo and Merci!

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  31. Happy Anniversary, Carol & Bear. I'm so glad things turned out as they did as we get to enjoy the fruits of yur labor - and enjoy we do.

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  32. Carol,
    Congrats on your 10 year anniversary! That is amazing. Found your blog about a year ago, and enjoying reading the current and past posts. Keep up the good work!

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  33. Congrats on your 10 years. Dreams do come true.

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  34. Brenda3:27 PM

    So glad you ended up doing what you are doing.
    I love your posts!
    A fan…..

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  35. I love your blog it let’s me feel I’m in Paris at that moment..without getting on a plane!

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  36. Cornelia3:31 PM

    Congratulations / felicitations on 10 amazing years! Your Breakfasts make ours so cheerful!

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  37. Congratulations Carol!
    Determination and hard work are your friends! Well done!

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  38. The power of a dream to share and create , that is was Paris does. You are living proof we can change our lives. I enjoy your weekly blog so much thank you. M de L

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  39. Normajean6:46 PM

    What a beautiful journey....... Dreams DO come true!!!!

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  40. The Foodwalkers7:03 PM

    Ah,Carol, you've a wonderful zest and appreciation of life. Keep on truckin' darlin'.

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  41. love u post !
    bravo à l’américaine parisienne !!!!
    xxxx

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  42. Karrell7:59 PM

    Felicitations! What a wondrously brave thing for you to do! Fortunately, you have the talent and charm (not to mention a unique point of view) to be a success. And yes, I agree that life CAN be one big fabulous adventure if you dare.

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  43. I'm just thrilled to be two comments under Coco Jobard! :) Congratulations Carol! We should never limit ourselves on life's expectations!

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  44. Betsey2:07 AM

    Congratulations Carol & Bear, wishing you many, many more years of Paris Breakfasts!

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  45. Audrey2:43 AM

    Congratulations to you! I love your blog and have told many of my friends. Many more years to you

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  46. Congratulations!!! Job well done, carry on your work is appreciated!

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  48. Thank you zcsrol and bear...have ejoyed each one of your posts that I have read .💓

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  49. Thank you Carol and bear..I have enjoyed every one of your posts that I have read.💓

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  50. Thank you Carol and bear..I have enjoyed every one of your posts that I have read.💓

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  51. Happy 10th Birthday Carol & Bear of ParisBreakfasts! I found out about you from Vivian Swift's blog last year and have LOVED getting your letters in the post and reading your blog. You always brighten my day and take me on a mini trip to Paris every time. Thank you!

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  52. Kathleen5:14 AM

    what a wonderful post. Inspirational and personal. A gift to share.

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  53. I love the story...and the message! Always good to be reminded!

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  54. Your journey has been a beautiful inspiration. Congratulations!

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  55. Carol...can't wait to start receiving your beautiful Sketch Letters!! I have admirred you for so long, subscribe to your newsletter/blog and now will have a true connection to your art. Merci bien!

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  56. Bonnie in CA11:10 PM

    You have NO IDEA how this inspired me!!!

    Congratulations with a bow on top.

    You were meant to do this.

    Thank heavens for prayer & a dare.

    And Yes Yes Yes to watching the adventures of life unfold.

    Hurrah!

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  57. Congratulations dear Carol for a great job! Your blog is inspiring, convincing and it has got lots of color and transmits vivid experiences. I follow you since 2009 by chance as I was looking for a tiny shop in Paris called Au petit bonheuer la chance, which I visited after your advice. Thanks a lot for continuosly sharing your parisian experiences. i wish I had a pistachio ice-cream today!

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  58. Carol, congratulations for making it work, and being able to live in Paris! I have followed you for years, since you painted my Rose the Rat Terrier and then included her in a blog post or two. Sadly, she passed away in February at the old age of seventeen...a life well lived ever since I rescued her. I'll be in Paris in May and again in September, and am so looking forward to both trips. All the best to you; continued success and happiness. Sending a hug from Dallas.

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  59. Congratulations on your 10 years Carol- it just goes to show that we never know where life will take us- maybe even to Paris! I've learnt so much from you, and been so jealous of your experiences. I will always treasure the memory of the day we spent in Fontainebleau. So many lovely memories. I've even learnt to wear red under your influence.

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  60. Bobbie2:20 AM

    Congratulations on ten years, and on designing a life you love! And thanks for sharing Paris, which is still a dream for many of
    us. I hope you enjoy your trip and share it too.

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  61. What a lucky duck! Thanks for sharing your Paris life with us.

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  62. Anonymous5:03 PM

    Carol and Bear,
    Congrats and happiness to you both as you celebrate 10 years :) We send all best wishes, gratitude and affection to you!
    oxox from Patricia, Eric + the bears who live with us:)
    Minneapolis, MN

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  63. Wow, I met you just around then, if I remember right. You were flying back & forth a lot for material to shoot.
    The rest is history :)
    So great to see Bear and the island. I didn't know about the ice cream place........
    Best of luck for many more years with the blog, Carol.

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  64. Anonymous12:23 PM

    Hooray for living the dream! Thank you for letting me live vicariously through you. All the best and many more to come. You can never have too much happiness!

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  65. Congratulations Carol. Your blog was the first I have read and followed, it was before you transfered to Paris. As a french speaker, at first I didn't understand all you wrote, but I tried. There was something about you !!!! Also, visiting Paris was something I was planning to do and I couldn't find a french blog on Paris. Do you know some ??? �� Anyway, before Paris, I visited New York quite a few times and as you had a foot in Paris and the other in New York that was of some interest for me... Wowwww ! I can see the picture !!!

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  66. Anonymous4:28 PM

    Congrats on your 10 anniversary ! I enjoy your blog very much and look forward to many more years of reading your blog too !

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