FULLY ACCLIMATED…….

…..or am I? It was startling to feel the pressure of living in L.A. as soon as I was back at LAX from Japan. Besides the city looking dreary during the drive back, I could physically feel the pressure of the city after over two weeks of total stress free living in Japan. Was that just me? Then Colleen phoned and we had a long talk about it. As many of you know, Colleen in an amazing set designer and she has worked many, many times in Japan…….Colleen said she always felt the same when returning. I was discussing this during class at the Huntington and Nancy had the most amazing observation…..she said it’s because everyone in Japan is secure, no matter what they do they know where they fit into the society and are at peace with that. Here, no one feels secure and everyone is striving to be more, have more, be up on the latest. Thank you Nancy for that insight!

Funny, even in the wealthiest homes in Japan, I didn’t see any ‘new stuff’. Where was the new stuff? Part of it could be even if they did go shopping at the rate we do….there’d be no place to put it!

Jet lag really did me in for over a week I was a zombie but gradually got my ‘clock’ back on schedule and felt so much better. The classes always help because there is so much creativity and joy all around one has to feel great!

Kita was her usual joyful puppy self and wasted no time in demolishing this ‘Level 9’ indestructible toy Nikka got her.

She also had a new boyfriend for a week as Trudy was dog sitting Benny….the sweetest rescued puppy ever!

Come back soon Benny! Kita’s moping around waiting for you!!!

No wonder, look how precious he is!

A great consolation was a trip to the park.

And meeting new friends.

It was so good to see Tomiko and be back at Bar Verde where they actually missed me but still no plaque on my booth! Tomiko tries so hard to put up with my constant picture taking!

We both agreed that the scallops with the most incredible risotto was one of the best dishes we’ve had anywhere.

And what is in this jar of utter yummyness?

Of course, no words needed.

Precious Amy brought this exquisite, floral creation for Easter. Heartfelt thanks Amy!

Call Amy at: 818.625.5243

www.menuah.com

Everything she does is filled with love!

Easter was different I must say. Catered by Chef Sevan at Recess on upper Brand, we could have fed an army!

So cute……

It went with this for the ‘more is more’ theory….

And so it goes…..two classes in the studio with amazing work being produced…..Here’s the first one.

Amy and Kathy painted exquisite Cherry blossoms.

Here’s Kathy’s….love it!

I’m so glad awesome Lynne T. stopped by after class.

Oh joy!

During the week Kathy and sweet Lynne came over for a ‘mounting’ tutorial!

Thank you dear Lynne for this exquisite hand blown hummingbird feeder!

It’s up and in the garden right next to ‘The Fred’.

What’s ‘The Fred’? A birdhouse designed by architect Ralph Rapson and gifted to me by Monique, my awesome architect. www.schenkarch.com.

It even made the newspaper recently.

On to the sublime and a gift hand carried by my dear Clara from Paris. She knows I’m crazy for Foie Gras and I’m embarrassed to say I did not share this delectable treat!

But wait….there’s more….If you’ve never tasted fresh Laduree Macaron’s in or from Paris then I can’t even begin to describe their heavenly taste sensation. Two macaron’s filled with an ambrosia of a ganache filling that literally melt in your mouth as your eyes roll back in your head. That’s right, no sharing of these and besides they had to be eaten right away! Thank you dear Clara for this sublime treat and especially for your thoughtfulness!

Friday Kita went to the vet because of an ear infection. Waiting for her I watched the fashion parade….I asked this gal to pose so I could photograph her shoes!