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Sunday, November 08, 2026

She loved painting watercolors of Paris. So she moved there – when she was 72 | CnnTravel

 ๐ŸŽ‰ ๐ŸŽต CELEBRATION  music ๐ŸŽต ๐ŸŽ‰ 

A BIG,BIG THANK YOU to my dear friend,
Solli Kanani, who took these terrific photos.
It’s been weeks…
I didn’t know the story would come out Wednesday! ๐Ÿพ
I think I spilled too many beans ๐Ÿซ˜ ๐Ÿซฃ
When you’re on ZOOM…
You say things… Y
ou can be the judge ๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍⚖️ 
I have been receiving lots of orders 
From all over world ๐ŸŒŽ including Singapore
And Roma!
Not sleeping ๐Ÿ˜ด too much..
In my tiny chambre de bonne.
A BIG,BIG THANK ❤️ YOU to CNN writer ✍️ Joanne Bonner, who tied together beautifully all the myriad bits of my crazy life.
I’m winging this post today…many envelopes ๐Ÿ’Œ to fill. I’m trying to be organized ๐Ÿ™„
I remember writer Elaine Sciolino organized her book ๐Ÿ“• notes, 
spread out neatly on tables.
Adventures in the Louvre, The Seine,The Only Street in Paris - I drew ✍️ Elain’s
 book ๐Ÿ“• tour maps ๐Ÿ—บ️ ).
❤️ Anyhoo dear readers, I need to get back to filling envelopes ๐Ÿ’Œ and painting Champagne ๐Ÿพ bottles for you.
Again the CNN Travel link ⬅️
๐Ÿฅ Bon Dimanche ๐Ÿฅ


70 comments:

  1. Dear Carol,

    Woot!

    Sincerely,
    A long-time subscriber.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:22 AM

      Thanks so much Emgee ❤️

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:58 PM

      Could not have happened to a better more
      Talented artist - so happy for you!

      Delete
  2. I saw the CNN article and immediately subscribed to your blog. I love your watercolors! They are elegant yet whimsical. Paris is such a beautiful city, I’ve been there 3 times. You are an inspiration! Moving there at 72, so glad you made that decision. Thank you for your art and sharing it with the world!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:23 AM

      You’re very welcome Betty ❤️

      Delete
  3. Lovely post Carol, that's wonderful! Glad for you. Have treasured your posts for years, THANK YOU ๐Ÿ™☺️๐Ÿ’–

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:23 AM

      Thank you Kim ❤️

      Delete
  4. Anonymous9:22 AM

    So glad more of the world now knows of your beautiful artwork, Carol!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Margie9:22 AM

    Carol, you are truly an inspiration! I am in a stage of reinventing my life and it’s great to hear about yours.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Stacia9:33 AM

    This is so wonderful Carol! Your story has been incredibly inspirational to me personally so now having it shared with so many others will surely inspire more now! Congratulations! I hope this brings you happiness and pride!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous9:43 AM

    You are a wonder in every way! So proud of you when I saw the article.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous9:52 AM

    Carol, I've been following your posts since you were still in NYC! Loved every minute of your journey. And admire your determination and humor. Love your subscriptions. Ellen, Wellesley MA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:40 PM

      Thanks so much ELLEN ❤️ Very kind.

      Delete
  9. Tucsonbabe9:55 AM

    I am so glad that you have finally been "discovered" by the masses. Eleanor will be so proud.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:39 PM

      Dear Eleanor, with her crowded wall of Gillotts ❤️
      I love that photo.

      Delete
  10. Anonymous9:59 AM

    Fame!! And no one deserves it more than you with your abundant talent! Now get back to work. Julia

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous10:12 AM

    I've been following you for the past 3 years or so, and I'm thrilled about the CNN article. THANK YOU for painting champagne bottles, I'm over the moon as well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:36 PM

      I love ❤️ everything about Champagne ๐Ÿพ I wish it loved me back…I can’t drink much of it, but it is always a happy sight ๐Ÿ‘️

      Delete
  12. Anonymous10:22 AM

    I was soooo happy on Wed when I saw the CNN article. Awesome!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:34 PM

      ๐Ÿฅฐ ๐Ÿฅฐ ๐Ÿฅฐ Me too.

      Delete
  13. Anonymous10:23 AM

    I read the article on line during the week and thought it was an excellent portrayal!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:33 PM

      Thank you !!! ๐Ÿฅฐ

      Delete
  14. Bonnie L10:24 AM

    I’ve always admired your talent and your tenacity! You get more done in one day than anyone I know. You are like Paris’ own energizer bunny. Love all your watercolors. ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:32 PM

      “Paris’ own energizer bunny” I Love ❤️ that Bonnie ๐Ÿฅฐ
      You know very well that I am an EXPERT time-waster & procrastinator with a capital P! Though I do like to wear myself out ๐Ÿ˜… pastry ๐Ÿฅฎ browsing…
      Paris museums are another addiction

      Delete
  15. Shirley Lerman10:50 AM

    Hi Carol. So exciting! Loved the article. Congratulations. Hope to be seeing you sooner than later. Is your book on eEuropean flea markets mentioned in the article available anywhere? Would love to find a copy. A la prochaine. SL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:26 PM

      STREET MARKETS ๐Ÿ“• is available on Amazon & abbooks!
      Who know?
      https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001HPE5LM

      Delete
    2. Anonymous6:04 PM

      Thank you!

      Delete
  16. Nancy Jane Peirce11:10 AM

    Oh my are you going to be busy!!! Now is the time that you do actually need an assistant. I am so very pleased for you. xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:23 PM

      Are you available? ๐Ÿ™ French elves are on strike!

      Delete
  17. Anonymous11:10 AM

    Carol, this is incredible. I thought you moved to Paris when you were in your 50s.. so this is incredibly inspiring as a story of what is possibleat any point in your life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:22 PM

      Some people are foolhardy & risk takers…though you could never get me on a ski ⛷️ slope ❤️

      Delete
  18. Dearest Carol, you are amazing and delighted to hear that CNN featured you! No wonder! Bon courage with your orders and painting those beauties. I'm off to read that article! Well done - just seeing your paintings again of croissants.... they look better than real life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:20 PM

      Thanks darling Jill, queen of macarons & CRร‰ME BRร›Lร‰E par excellence ๐Ÿ‘Œ

      Delete
  19. Anonymous11:30 AM

    Finally discovered! You are the bright Star followers like me have known for so many years and so many posts! You never gave up. Share the shine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:13 PM

      Gosh Thanks! Very sweet comments here ๐Ÿฅฐ

      Delete
  20. Anonymous11:43 AM

    Carol- That is very exciting. Congratulations. And keep at it.
    And check the spelling of Singapore.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:16 PM

      My bad spelling is well-known at La Poste on both continents.
      They chipped in and got me a label maker, so they could finally stop returning Paris Letters ๐Ÿ’Œ to me ๐Ÿ˜€

      Delete
  21. Marcia B12:17 PM

    86 – Ce n'est pas possible! I love your work, and have many of your letters. I especially enjoy the ones related to Christmas and New Years. And Anything with Bear is my go-to choice. Here's to many more years of enjoying Paris, for yourself and for us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:12 PM

      Thank you Marcia ❤️
      BEAR ๐Ÿป is waving ๐Ÿ‘‹ Bonjour to you

      Delete
  22. big congrats, but I don't see the link to the article.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:11 PM

      https://www.cnn.com/travel/american-artist-paris-watercolors

      As usual I hid it, but fixed thanks to your comment ๐Ÿ™

      Delete
  23. Anonymous12:21 PM

    Love the photos of you!!! You are such an inspiration!! You have had a wonderful week, CNN and ๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒŠbig hugs from ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:10 PM

      XXX to ๐Ÿ & Maple Syrup

      Delete
  24. Anonymous1:12 PM

    Wow, amazing. You are a brave woman. Moving to a new city without speaking the language must be a real challenge. I follow you since 2007 when I found a blog named Au petit bonheur la chance, That month I made a trip to Paris and visited the shop in the Marais district. I was delighted, Since then I have followed many of your Paris tips cuz I go frequently. Beutiful pictures by Solli, as well. Regards, Isabelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:59 PM


      OF COURSE I HAD STUDIED FRENCH ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท, WATCHED FRENCH SERIALS, LISTENED TO FRENCH NEWS = THAT DOESNT MAKE YOU FLUENT. I GIVE FRENCH TOURISTS DIRECTIONS ALL THE TIME. I have French radio news on all the time. I have a good ear ๐Ÿ‘‚ for music ๐ŸŽต which helps you get the rhythm & pronunciation. I did a post on Learning French.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:05 AM

      Speak ๐Ÿ‘„ French Effortlessly! ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท
      https://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/2012/04/speak-french-effortlessly.html

      Delete
  25. Anonymous1:32 PM

    Congratulations!! Wonderful and also inspiring. Good for you! Enjoy your chambre d'artiste (I decided to rename it for you!) and keeping painting - and eating - and blogging! Felicitations! from northern Minnesota

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous2:06 PM

    Hi, Carol! This is Gail M. from NJ - I just want you to know how much I enjoy you and your stories and your artwork and have for many years. This is a fabulous story about a fabulous woman! I proudly display your beautiful water colors in my home and they always bring a smile and much joy to me. I really wasn't aware of your bio until this story and, to confess, it brought a tear to my eye. I am 76 years old and I am still trying to find myself! You encourage me every day. Thank you for your positive outlook and your wonderful talent. I can't wait to see what you do next! Big hugs from a forever fan!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Dee Ann2:28 PM

    Thrilled that so many more people have found you…you are a jewel.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous2:29 PM

    Fantastic! Love your posts!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Katherine3:45 PM

    Congratulations, Carol!! I've been following you since you were still living in NY and visiting Paris. You dreamt it, believed it and are living it. Well deserved accolades!

    ReplyDelete
  30. SO PROUD OVER YOU DARLING <3 <3 <3 Its NEVER to late to set off and live your dream and you are a living proof of that! The most talented and inspiring woman I know. You master the brush like a magician and your artwork brings so much joy. I hope there will be a book soon ;-) Xx, Solli

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2:45 AM

      THANKS Darling ❤️
      Thank goodness for our Creative Lunches! ๐Ÿฅช

      Delete
  31. Well done. Wonderful. How thrilling for you and your followers. A star shining brighter than ever. Thanks for sharing your success.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2:43 AM

      Aww..Thank you Peggy ❤️๐Ÿฅฐ

      Delete
  32. Anonymous5:46 PM

    Dear Carol, I’m so happy to share you with CNN readers! How wonderful, it was a brilliant interview, many congratulations! Nancy H

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2:43 AM

      Thank you Nancy so much ❤️

      Delete
  33. Anonymous7:47 PM

    How good to hear!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous10:21 PM

    Wonderful, amazing, mystical, synchronistic, fateful, and so well deserved. Now you have a wider audience to shine your light and goodness. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2:42 AM

      ๐Ÿ˜„ THANK YOU !!

      Delete
  35. Anonymous11:03 PM

    Congratulations on all the new business you will get from that wonderful article. And all the more merriment to spread around when your delightful letters are received. Follow your bliss and the doors will open!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Anonymous2:42 AM

    I am so glad you have been acknowledged by The Big Ones!!!!! Hoping you are well and will be able to cope and enjoy being popular to that extent. Manja

    ReplyDelete
  37. Congratulations on the article Carol! I enjoyed reading it and learning a bit more about you, as a fan of you blog and subscriber to your letters. Great photos by Soili too, your chamber de bonne looks very nice though I’m sure it is ver small like you say! ๐Ÿ™Œ
    It is inspiring that you moved to Paris as an older person, shows it’s never too late for a new adventure. ๐Ÿ˜
    All the best with the increased workload, if I was in Paris I’d come help with the letters as I love sending mail and being organised. ๐Ÿ“ฎ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:58 AM

      YOU ARE HIRED KIRRA ✅ TICKET ๐ŸŽซ IN THE MAIL ๐Ÿ“ฎ Yayyyy

      Delete
  38. Anonymous5:57 AM

    Oh my gosh CAROL, this is fabulous. Being written up in CNN is over the top and it is such a great article. You’ve deserved this for a long long time. CONGRATULATIONS ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰ Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  39. Congratulations, Carol! I couldn't be more happy for you -- this is a huge honor! Three cheers on a wonderful piece, great photos and all the benefits it is reaping. Just the best!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous5:04 PM

    Super article, Carol! And much deserved! You more than represent what an American in Paris loves about life in Paris and all over France. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Jessica C7:48 PM

    Oh my goodness! I absolutely loved learning more about you! You are truly an inspiration. I want to be YOU when I grow up!

    ReplyDelete

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