Wondrous Carol Soucek King created an absolutely magical day to have a book signing event for my latest inspirational book “Inspired Thoughts on Love” in her exquisite garden.

From the moment I drove in there were six valets who actually were waiting for me and made a special entryway for me. At the entrance to Carol’s estate, there was a lovely “sign in” table!

Can’t you just feel the love!

Along the pathway to the pool area, there were delightful treasures everywhere! Most of these wonderful photographs were taken by cinematographer extraordinaire, Curtis McElhinney!

I was so enchanted before I even got to the book signing area…you can see why I say it was absolutely magical! Curtis caught me on this one!

And this is the lovely area Carol had set up for me…surrounded by roses!!! I was so overwhelmed at this point…

Even the pool was decorated!

Oh dear Carol, I’m overwhelmed….

Thank you kind Yi-Lin, you’re always there to lend a thoughtful hand!

Dearest Carol, you truly hung the moon!

Lovely Jean Trebek on the left and I have been friends for almost 30 years beginning when she brought her mother and infant son to my Brush painting class at the Huntington Botanical Gardens. At that time, I was teaching in an area called “the Garage’ which is now the Boone Gallery, and the Botanical Staff were working out of trailers!

I absolutely adore these two. Miss Judith in the center always supports my work as a collector and even sends 150 of each inspirational book to her “closest” friends. With dear Eileen, they both went to China with me, and also on the tour I led to Japan, where Eileen nearly had a meltdown during a Brush painting class we took at a gallery in Japan. No problem, I “took over” and all was well! Miss Judith is my template for doing good!

Brilliant and most delightful Terri Childs, Broadway producer. I’m a huge fan!

Amazing and always kind Gail Elen.

Great friends, Ralph and adorable wife Kathy…super Dodger fans & most fun at our Dodger party! Ralph was a long-time Brush painting student of mine at the Huntington. His family is famous for their Bonsai collection.

I’m a massive admirer of Annie Xu, who does so much for the community. She’s a joy!

Dear Jan, brilliant architect, fearless pilot and dear friend!

Dinner once a month with brilliant Tom Backer is always a masterclass.

Awesome Brenda Cooper, Emmy Award winning stylist for ‘The Nanny” is the best “go-to” person for help & advice in most every area, and that’s the truth!

Izabela and Wayne are neighbors who have become precious friends!

…and she talks!

It was interesting to me that many people were also interested in getting the previous inspirational books, “What If,” “That’s Just What I Needed Today,” and “Walk With Me In The Garden of Our Friendship.”

Dear Tania Norris was Walt Disney’s personal Designer, and she’s currently famous for her “Purple Wallpaper,” with Disney having her go all over the world now for signings and photo ops.

Sweet Jetty and her architect husband Miller Yee Fong who designed the cover and illustrations for Carol’s inspiring, inspirational book, “Under the Bridges at Arroyo del Rey, The Salon on the Spiritually Creative Life”, with Pam Tom, award-winning videographer who did the magnificent film on National Treasure, Tyrus Wong, and her husband, stunningly creative ceramist Ted Smudde whose work always captivates! Pam and I have been friends forever!

There aren’t words enough to describe how fantastic Curtis and Yi-Lin are….the best of friends anyone could ever hope for and I’m just grateful to share life’s journey with them!

Well that’s about it….I know I’ve missed so much on this most memorable day. I was stunned for most of it being surrounded by loving Carol’s care for me, making sure everything was perfect … what a special moment in time.

Oh, lest I forget, thoughtful Carol had adorable cupcakes for everyone along with the beverages on a special table.

Dearest Carol, this beautiful day will forever linger in my memory as indeed “The Loveliest Day Ever”. To thank you only touches the surface of what you’ve done for me…it was truly a magnificent love feast and I shall be eternally grateful!