Carol & Art
“Beauty and brains, looking for the Prince . . .” That was the first line enticement of my SF Chronicle personal ad, back in the era when newsprint was the mode for the lonely of heart. That come on, plus the fact that I described myself as a voluptuous Ann Margaret look alike led to 55 brief encounters with a hodge-podge of eager suitors. One example: When I asked George, with his comb over hairdo, what his favorite thing to do was, he cocked an eyebrow and responded, “I’ll tell you after the first time we make love!”
So after too many of these third-rate rendezvous, I was ready to surrender to a life of gin and crossword puzzles. But, I was 55 and the marryin’ kind – after all, I had had several, including the Mafia wanna be. I decided to give it one more try. This time, “Beauty and the brains, looking for the Prince . . .” got a different response from I’m 55 but look 40, I climb mountains and love walks on the beach. Gag! This intriguing voice on the other end of the message machine asked: “I have 2 tickets to the ballet. Would you like to go?” Would I? I raced to the closet, looking through my cocktail dresses. But one problem: the guy did not leave his name, phone number or any other identifying information.
A day goes by and I check my messages. “Why haven’t I heard from you?” a familiar voice asked me. This time he left his name and number. I called him at 10 pm, thinking everyone watched the late news. His sleepy voice finally answered the phone, several rings later. “Hi Art. This is Ann Margaret.” That woke him up? He seemed honest, funny, charming and straight forward but I was soon to find out just how straight forward he was. “I have a severe case of colitis.” There was a long pause and then he added, “But it is under control.” I thought, well that is a relief. We ended the conversation with him saying, “I think we should meet first, to see if we can stand each other.” I said, “Oh, honey, you’re going to love me.”
And he did. February 13th celebrates our anniversary and 11 years of season tickets.


131 votes. Voting has ended.
That was a fabulous tale of finding LOVE!!
great couple, individually and collectively. proud to say that i know them.
These two are built to last. Eleven years creating love and life together for themselves and others.
Very solid - these two hit it on the nose!
These guys have my vote.
Voting for Carol and Art! Colitis did not scare Carol away! Love them, cute couple!
What a great story. They have my vote.
She used to call with details of the men she was dating. One night it was different. “This may be the one ” she said.” ” I love his voice on the phone ” I can’t wait to meet him in person.” When they met we all knew this was going to last.
She was immediately attracted to his phone voice. 11 years later she still is. They are great together.
No one deserves this more than the 2 of you!!! The “whole package”..love of life and each other, creativity, respect and caring that says it all.
I’m so happy to still be in your world, as an “ex-sister-in-law”, we went through some tough and fun times,,,mostly fun.
Happiness to you for ever!!
Much Love
Karlyn
Yes, yes, yes…..
Fabulous couple ! They have my vote !
Best couple I know of. Love them!
I see them often in North Beach–testimony to ther enduring love and friendship–how lucky they are. And, they give so much to North Beach as well.
They are magic and have my vote.
Love is an adventure.
Lasting love from day to day is a minor miracle, but eleven years, that’s surely divine!
They are great together - very loving and dedicated to each other. They have our vote.
They are great together. They have our vote.
GREAT COUPLE!!!!
A great love story with an even greater ending…I’m encouraged!
May we all be as happy.
That is a great story!!! I love you guys!
A lovely love story. Wishing you continued love long into the future.
Great Story. It sounds like true love to me…
With her writing skills? I KNEW Carol would win.
A couple who have been an inspiration to me on many levels! I’m proud to know them!
Carol and Art the the BEST!!!
Great coupled, they really compliment each other.
A WONDERFUL GREAT COUPLE THAT ARE MADE FOR EACH OTHER. IT IS A JOY TO HAVE CAROL AND ART AS OUR FRIENDS. THEY ARE A SUPER MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
A TRULY WONDERFUL COUPLE. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE THEM AS OUR FRIENDS. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN.
Carol and Art are a darling couple, who really compliment one another…..sort of like “peanut butter & jelly”!!!
Wonderful people - proud to call them friends!
Carol and Art are the type of couple that true love can be found at any stage of life. Her love of music and his love of writing make these two one of the most interesting and entertaining couples I know. Happy Anniversary! xoxox
Their story is as fabulous as they are!
They act like they are still on their honeymoon, and bring out the best in each other.
Talk about a passion for life? Talk about reaching for the stars? Talk about living your dream? You’d be talking about Carol and Art! A perfect soul match on this exciting journey! Happy Anniversary and wishing you many, many more!
You 2 are the greatest, just wishing you every happiness forever!!!!!!
Carol & Art, Carol was my first girl friend in the 4th grade. I am so happy for us both that we found our soul mates. Happily married 44 years, congrats on 11. sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs to meet your handsome prince and sometimes not.
Ciao, John
GOOD PEOPLE,
GREAT FUN.
I think it’s a match made in heaven!!!
Deanna and Mike