I have sold hand-painted Limoges porcelain boxes for more than 25 years. This October, I went back to Limoges, France, after a long, long time away, to visit the ateliers and catch up with old friends in the trade. How I Fell in Love with Limoges I first went to Limoges in my early 20s. It was a quaint small town that supported the arts, and there was a lot going on back … [Read more...]
What is Behind the Old Doors of Europe?
I've never been the type of person to collect dolls, coins, stamps, teapots, or beanie babies. "Less is more” for me. However, I’ve taken to collecting the amazing and quirky old doors I've stumbled upon while walking through the streets of Europe. I love taking photographs of them because each has its own peculiar personality. My … [Read more...]
Travel Essentials I Packed for Paris at 72: What Worked and What Didn’t
A while back, I wrote a post about essential travel gear for women over 50 that I planned to take on my next trip. Then I took a 7-day solo trip to Paris, France. Some of the items I brought with me came in handy, and some I never used. Watch my video about travel essentials for a long-haul flight As an older female traveler, my goal was to pack as light as possible … [Read more...]
How I Planned My 7-Day Paris Itinerary As a 70+ Solo Female Traveler
It had been nearly a decade since my last trip to Europe. Life had gotten in the way, including the loss of my longtime travel companion. When I had the opportunity to spend a week in Paris, I immersed myself in researching the city for almost a year, reading articles, watching YouTube videos, and anything else I could get my hands on. I apologize in advance for this long … [Read more...]
How I Learned to Enjoy Dining Alone in Paris
As most of you know, I’m a woman over 70, and I returned from a 7-day solo trip to Paris. One of the fears women have when traveling alone is eating by themselves. It can be awkward. I have dined alone many times in Los Angeles and don’t have a problem with it, especially at this age, but sometimes, it can be intimidating. Many restaurants discourage solo dining from a … [Read more...]