FINDING JOY IN THE MIDST OF DESPAIR….
It isn't easy, but it is possible if we are determined to do it. 2025 started out with the joy of the annual Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena. The following day Dr. Wai-Yee Li visited the studio with delightful daughter Sophie to select artwork for her new offices in...
THE BEST NEW YEAR’S…
...began with the joy of getting ready! Veronica outdid herself with the table decorations! The set up for all the bling. Somi the Goldendoodle was the first one to walk the "Red Carpet"! The golden backdrop for the Photo Booth. The cheese and pâté table. Of course...
CHRISTMAS JOYS
Valerie Foster Hoffman's Christmas Party is the most extraordinary event, with thoughtful valet parking, Santa greeting all the guests, yummy nibbles and libations passed around, and then the feast of a century. I wish the photos I took could even begin to do it...
DECEMBERS JOY
December 1st, Joan and Robert visited the studio with their fantastic chef, Marc. Afterwards we went downstairs for some nibbles and more conversation. I was so happy Miss Judith and Eileen stopped by again....posing as Santa's elves! It was doubly wonderful to see...
I LOVE THANKSGIVING!
Perhaps it's because there's so much preparation beforehand and yummy leftovers afterward. But mostly, it's because I'm happiest with as many people as possible, all joined together with hearts filled with gratitude and joy for this special time spent together....
CAN YOU BELIEVE WE’RE HALF WAY THROUGH NOVEMBER?
The month began wonderfully with Sweet Lynne and Sandie Girl having a delightful birthday lunch for Veronica at Din Tai Fung's newest restaurant in Glendale. I think they ordered everything! You have to see this most magical, lovely birthday cake... Happiest of...
MORE WONDERFUL OCTOBER…
Dr. Kate Gale, Publisher of Red Hen Press, visited the Nan Rae Studio with Karen, her delightful, huggable friend. I love Red Hen's book, Blaze, with stunning paintings and inspiring poetry. Thank you so much Kate! There was a second class at the end of October. Can...
RACING THROUGH OCTOBER…
September was so jammed we moved the Brush painting class to the first Saturday in October. It was a lot of fun painting fall fruits and pumpkins! I was delighted to be a guest at the Red Hen Press's 30th Anniversary Benefit. It was delightful sitting next to their...
THE AUTUMN MOON…
is a time for celebrating, and no more so than at the Huntington Botanical Garden's Mid-Autumn Moon Celebration! We were delighted to be asked to participate and have a booth in the Chinese Garden. I must say it was quite an endeavor, and we certainly needed Jhonny to...
HAPPENING IN SEPTEMBER
I don't know if this is any way to begin September's blog especially as Somi says she's completely innocent and has no idea why she's become so 'popular'! On to dinner with brilliant Tom Backer who is always a font of knowledge on just about everything. Somi is always...
WELCOME…
to my personal blog where I’ll be sharing adventures and how I determine each day to live joyfully as an Artist, Teacher, and Author. My latest book “What If… We Have the Power to Change Our Lives” an inspirational book that hopefully will empower you to live your best life! You can find me and my work at nanraestudio.com My hope is that this blog will inspire you to find joy everywhere and in everything and that is what I wish for you!