ASHEVILLE, NC!
NY to NC – hand made watercolor card on arches 140# cold press
I took my own advice from my previous blog post and got out of NYC. I moved. From NYC to Asheville, NC. First time in my life I will live anywhere else but NY. Talk about a lifestyle change!
The past few months have been crazy. Buying a house in N.C. Selling our apt. in NY. Packing up a place we’ve lived in for 27 years.
The moving truck came on Tuesday. After it left we realized we severely underestimated the amount of stuff left that we were going to take/throw out. It took us much longer than we thought to get out of the apt. Then The Husband took our bedroom TV off the wall which also took off a bunch of paint and left some holes. Ugh! We then had to quickly try to spackle the holes and arrange for someone to repair the wall. We finally left our apt. around 6:30 pm. HOURS after when we thought we would leave. Then drive upstate to my sister’s house to get the dog and the nephew who said he would help with the drive down with us. Thank you Jack, you were a godsend!
The next morning about 5:00 am Matt, Jack, Kaiya and I got into the “clown car” and off we went. 13 hours later we arrived at our new home, unloaded the clown car and finally fed Kaiya who hadn’t eaten all day. She then proceeded to barf it all up in the living room. Twice. Jack said it will get rid of the new house smell.
Some quick observations about living in Asheville:
- I have to drive everywhere. Yikes!
- I’m leaving a city of 8 1/2 million to a city (and I used that term lightly) of 87,000.
- My new perfume is now Deep Woods Off. I am a mosquito magnet.
- And I live in a place with bears. Lots of bears. Black bears. Everywhere.
Wish me luck!
The above card was made for my dear friend/watercolor teacher. It depicts a city skyline and the blue ridge mountains. No goodbye’s NY. Just “see ya later”. I’ll be back.
Carol King: drawing, painting, complaining 
65 comments
Comments feed for this article
September 27, 2015 at 1:36 pm
Cathyann Burgess
And this NY’er is happy to have you here! You will love the open air!
This watercolor is scrumptious!
September 28, 2015 at 11:14 pm
Carol King
Ah, two NY’ers who became friends in NC! Can’t wait to paint with you.
September 27, 2015 at 1:37 pm
judylobo
Let me say that your absence in the Big Apple is noticed. I rarely look at a water tower without thinking about you. In the 28 years that I know you – your sense of humor, dark though it is, has kept me smiling and laughing. I miss you already and toast to your new life. L’chaim, Bebba (and Maaaaaaaatt)
September 28, 2015 at 11:15 pm
Carol King
I hope they get my dark sense of humor down here. Thanks for the good wishes Judalaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
September 27, 2015 at 2:34 pm
Cindy
Omg Carol!
Can’t believe you moved from Brooklyn . I just emailed you today because we were going to a street fair near Barclay and wanted to meet up. I wish you all the best on your new start in life and can’t wait to hear more details .
Cindy
September 28, 2015 at 11:16 pm
Carol King
Finally, we were gonna get together on Atlantic Ave. Then I had to go and move. But I’ll be back. And I’ll see you soon.
September 27, 2015 at 2:43 pm
Jennifer
I love this painting! Love! You are missed!
September 28, 2015 at 11:16 pm
Carol King
Aw, Thanks Jennifer.
September 27, 2015 at 3:38 pm
Jodi
Wow. What a huge change! Hope you enjoy your new home and area!
September 28, 2015 at 11:17 pm
Carol King
A huge change indeed! Thanks for the good wishes, Jodi.
September 27, 2015 at 5:49 pm
Kathryn
Such a beautiful painting. What’s in my head: …you can take the girl out of nyc, but you can’t take the nyc out of the girl… Best of luck to you and Matt and Kaiya!!!
September 28, 2015 at 11:25 pm
Carol King
The second i open my mouth they know I’m from NY! LOL. Can I get some cawfee. Thanks for your good wishes Kathryn.
September 27, 2015 at 6:51 pm
padmaja
This card turned out magnificent Carol! NC? NYC would have been an easier place to meet you some day:-) All the very best to you and your family, enjoy the great things in the new phase of your life!
September 28, 2015 at 11:26 pm
Carol King
It’s a hop, skip and a jump from NY to NC. If you make it all the way from India or Oman to the States, NY to NC is nothin’! thanks Padmaja. I’m sure I’ll get into the swing of things down here.
September 27, 2015 at 7:33 pm
cruthlarson
love this and the bethlehem steel
September 28, 2015 at 11:27 pm
Carol King
thanks Tank!
September 27, 2015 at 8:06 pm
candy7
Love the card! Clever idea to fade out of NYC and into the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Yikes is right! This is quite a change, but I predict you will love it. You know I was pulling for Las Vegas in hopes we could meet up sometime. However, you guys made an excellent choice. You will grow to love the bears, the wild turkeys, etc. My mom moved back here from Hendersonville (a “city” close to Asheville) about 3 years ago. She loved it in NC, but wanted to be close to family after my stepfather passed away. I haven’t spent much time there, but I think Asheville is charming and seems to have a lot going on in the arts.
I can’t wait to hear more about your new home. Congratulations!
P. S. Maybe you should get a cat to take care of the bears. I’m not sure what to do about mosquitoes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv3tJXpDlEM
September 28, 2015 at 11:27 pm
Carol King
Hilarious video. Thanks, Candy!
September 27, 2015 at 9:47 pm
memadtwo
My brother and sister-in-law just left Asheville sadly for Charlotte (job-related move). My sister-in-law is a weaver and there is a vibrant arts community. Except for the driving (actually they found the city itself to be quite walkable), you will be happy.
September 28, 2015 at 11:28 pm
Carol King
Charlotte is not THAT far, so I hope she can come back often. Lots of artists here, which is why I agreed to move. 🙂
September 29, 2015 at 5:16 am
memadtwo
She sells a lot at one gallery in Asheville, so I’m sure she’ll be back. Also lots of friends! Unfortunately she’s out of range for the Highland Crafts Guild now though.
September 27, 2015 at 9:59 pm
cathymooreky
God bless you in your new home!
September 28, 2015 at 11:29 pm
Carol King
Thanks Cathy.
September 27, 2015 at 10:07 pm
Suzanne
Very sad that you have left NYC. But I love your watercolor of the NC mountains. My best friend growing up just moved to SC. The Carolinas must be a nice place because so many nice people are going there. All the best, and greetings to Matt. Suzanne
September 28, 2015 at 11:30 pm
Carol King
Everyone I met was moving to either NC or SC! I really don’t feel that out of place here with so many transplants.
September 28, 2015 at 12:15 am
jotsfromasmallapt
Here I was hoping you’d be moving to Portland OR…with everyone else. I suppose it is for the best, however….since we have no more parking spaces for clown cars…but clowns? Well, that’s another story……
September 28, 2015 at 11:31 pm
Carol King
hey Jots, I’ve visited Portland OR and it was stunningly gorgeous. Couldn’t do the west coast because of the distance. I needed to at least be close to NY.
September 29, 2015 at 9:14 am
jotsfromasmallapt
But…since you visited once you could again?? Yes…that’s an invitation. File it away for future use. Many best wishes on your new home. Change is good…..
September 29, 2015 at 9:17 am
jotsfromasmallapt
May be sending this reply twice…haven’t a clue where the first one went. Since you visited Portland once you may want to again. Wouldn’t that be a hoot!!!! Yes! File away for future reference. Many best wishes on y0ur new home, and as you unpack remember….change is good. Raye
September 28, 2015 at 7:58 am
Laura (Createarteveryday)
Congratulations! I’ve heard lovely things about that area and plan to retire to NC myself. Living in a city would kill my soul. You may wind up loving NC more than you think! Best of luck to you!
September 28, 2015 at 11:32 pm
Carol King
Hi Laura, We will welcome you with open arms when you come to NC. I love cities, especially NY City. I find them vibrant and exciting. But I think I will end up loving NC. It’s so beautiful here. And there are bears!
September 29, 2015 at 9:13 am
Laura (Createarteveryday)
💛💜💛💜💛
September 28, 2015 at 8:26 am
RHCarpenter
Now that’s a change!!! You are in an artist community so should find many things to do and see besides hiking and running from bears 🙂
September 28, 2015 at 11:34 pm
Carol King
That IS a change, Rhonda. And a scary one. But you are right that it’s an artist community. And there are bears. And spiders. A new discovery.
September 28, 2015 at 9:03 am
Sharon Mann
Wow Carol, what an adventure. I’m sure we will be seeing lots of Ashville in your paintings to come. Take your time settling in, any time I’ve moved it always takes several years to establish your “community”.
Your Ashville painting is awesome!
September 28, 2015 at 11:36 pm
Carol King
Thanks for the advice Sharon. I know I’ll need some time to get used to it here. But luckily I already have some other transplanted NYC friends here. Helps me feel a little more at home.
September 28, 2015 at 9:40 am
derrickjknight
Lovely card. Hope you settle in well soon
September 28, 2015 at 11:46 pm
Carol King
thanks Derrick. I hope so too. 🙂
September 28, 2015 at 9:55 am
kk2n777
I can’t believe that you are already 14 hours away! I know you will settle into your new environment in no time and I am envious of all the new NC friends who will have the pleasure of hanging out with you. Please do remember that all three of you have a place to stay in NYC if you ever want to drop by for a visit. Miss you already….
September 28, 2015 at 11:49 pm
Carol King
To clarify, I am not 14 hrs. away. I’m only 11 hrs driving (without a dog who needs stops and walks.) and less than 2 hrs flying. (well, then there’s the drive from the airport, but as we all know, a trip to JFK could take 20 minutes or 4 hours…)
I appreciate the offer of a place to stay and I will be taking you up on that offer! I already miss you too! xoxo
September 28, 2015 at 11:47 am
Judy
I wish you a wonderful life in your new home, Carol! Love the watercolor!
September 28, 2015 at 11:49 pm
Carol King
Thank you so much Judy. I appreciate your well wishes with the new home and am thrilled that you like the watercolor. Thanks.
September 28, 2015 at 1:38 pm
dani8080
So excited for your new adventure, my sweet girl!!! I’ve got all of Kansas City rooting for ya ❤
September 28, 2015 at 11:50 pm
Carol King
Dani, Thanks for the KC rooting. I’ll see you in NY or NC soon. Or maybe even KC! You never know. 🙂
September 28, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Jessica
Congrats to the both of you! That’s quite a change.
September 28, 2015 at 11:51 pm
Carol King
Yes it is Jessica! They say change is good. We’ll see.
September 29, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Sam
Oh boy! I can’t wait for the stories!
I knew youse gize wuz getting itchy. Congratulations to Asheville! Sadly, there’s no such thing as provincial sticks anymore, so you shouldn’t shock the locals too badly. ‘Cept for fun. ;0)
October 1, 2015 at 11:53 pm
Carol King
Sam, you are right. No one is shocked or comments on our accents. You know, Boulder was on the list for a while, right? Just a little to far for a first move. I hope to have stories from Asheville now. Although I still think nothing can be as funny as NY.
September 29, 2015 at 8:27 pm
frankeber
Wow, big change! Congratulations on the new digs…hope all works out to your liking! Or at least most of it. I know what it’s like to move from a big city into the countryside. There will be things you’ll miss…
October 1, 2015 at 11:54 pm
Carol King
Hi Frank, you know California was on the list too. I love CA! But it’s too expensive and there is no water. Maybe I can get you to NC for a workshop. I think you would like it here.
September 30, 2015 at 11:25 am
tomsimard
So the move has been made. And to NC. Never been and know Asheville only from its native son, Thomas Wolfe, but I’m looking forward to learning more about it. And about those bears…
Love the card.
October 1, 2015 at 11:55 pm
Carol King
How are you Tom? I know you gave up blogging. What are you doing now? You will hear more about Asheville in the next few posts. But I’m already planning a trip back to NYC, so you may be hearing about NY too.
Hope you are well.
October 2, 2015 at 7:03 pm
tomsimard
I’m actually trying to find a job! Last month I returned to the US after more than a quarter of a century overseas and am back at school (one evening a week anyway) to get my teaching license. I’ll be starting a part-time teaching job in a week or so with a Temp License.
I’ll be back to blogging at some point just don’t know when.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and insights on Asheville and, of course, your drawings and paintings.
September 30, 2015 at 4:17 pm
Lifesastitch
That is BIG news! Looking forward to hearing and seeing more. Congratulations. How close are you to Cheap Joe’s? A destination vacation spot in my dreams.
October 1, 2015 at 11:57 pm
Carol King
it IS big news! I never thought it would happen. I’m not sure how far I am from Cheap Joes. I’ll have to look it up. Come visit NC when your feet are all healed. Are you finished with the Camino? I have to finish reading about your trip. Things have been a bit crazy and I had not computer for a while. I’m going to check on you now.
October 1, 2015 at 8:57 pm
joantav
I haven’t been to Asheville, but have been nearby on Skyline Drive. I hope you are very happy there!!! I’ll be looking forward to new landscape paintings and maybe some creatures. NY will miss you! I’ll wave the next time I’m passing through. I guess painting and sketching the gritty parts of NY will be up to me now.
October 1, 2015 at 11:58 pm
Carol King
Let me know when you’re close. I’m not sure where skyline drive is. I’ll look it up. I’m glad you will continue with the gritty cityscapes. Your Gowanus drawings were just FAB!!!
October 4, 2015 at 1:21 pm
lesliepaints
Pretty cool creation; your view of New York from your new home. I don’t know how you found time to paint! What a “HUGE” change. I guess you could always think of it as an extended vacation. Do they have a water tower for you to paint?
October 5, 2015 at 2:40 pm
asmalltowndad
Wow, I haven’t visited for awhile but so excited for you. We love the Biltmore house and have visited there often. Happy Adventures, keep the bears on the outside, and save a scene to paint there for me!
October 5, 2015 at 4:00 pm
ruthsartwork
Pretty painting. I am sure NC will be artistically inspiring. You’ll get used the the outdoorsy smell and different noises. I couldn’t imagine living in a city that large. We have been outside a large college town for over 30 years and love the country. You just have to plan your trips out and do as much as possible whenever you go. If I’m not going at least 5-6 places, I’m not going. It can usually wait.
October 9, 2015 at 4:33 am
June Malone
Sublime mountains! Very well thought out card, Carol-Clever-Clogs!
Delighted you’re still in one piece after such a massive step. I’m with Lesley – try to find some water towers or furnaces.
Here’s a tip on how to fight off an attacking bear. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/06/hunter-shoves-arm-down-grizzly-bears-throat-to-stave-off-attack
October 11, 2015 at 12:06 pm
napabelle
What a wonderful symphony of blues! Changes! Yes, I am excited for you!!
November 2, 2015 at 12:09 pm
elenacaravela
Wow! How exciting. I’m envious. I long for the move your made. Love your insights about the new aromas:) Congrats!
November 10, 2015 at 5:19 pm
Mary
Great to read that you finally made the move and are now citizens of NC! Ashville – a wonderful place with gorgeous scenery and amazing people, is one of my favorite places. I used to travel there a lot when I was working. Very happy for you Carol, Congratulations and best wishes in your new home ~
November 24, 2015 at 2:23 pm
poetry and chocolate and books
Beautiful work 😻