I’m not too sure what to make of January. Perhaps it’s because December is such an amazing high with Christmas and New Years that it’s hard to re-focus on business as usual. Well, maybe not as usual but certainly not at the extreme!
It took Veronica and me two days to pack up all the ornaments on both trees, which I always find very nostalgic, as I remember each and every one. Today Johnny is boxing up the trees and taking some things to the storage facility….the reindeer, Santa’s sled, and some boxes of Christmas stuff. (I probably leave all the Christmas decorations up longer than anyone!)
Here’s the studio when we were putting everything away.
Now, back to the beginning of January. The awnings for the studio’s entry stairs and the area above the entry door have finally been installed. Hopefully, this will solve the leaks when it rains.
Somi always helps with the tech rehearsal for Carol Soucek King’s “Salon on the Spiritually Creative Life.”
Later that day, Curtis and Yi-Lin came over for movie night but somehow we never got around to watching a movie!
Yi-Lin discovered this wonderful way to clean the fluffer’s paws!
Dear Carol is always so thoughtful and kind to mention my books.
The Main Presentation for the Salon on the Spiritually Creative Life, now in its 30th year, thanks to wise and lovely Carol Soucek King, was Toby Crockett, PhD. Toby spoke on “The Stability of Change.”
“Yes 2 Earth Now”, the giant umbrella for her Multi-part plan to save the planet by engaging the public in a worldwide DIY art and comedy campaign.
My takeaway: There’s no such thing as emptiness, and everything is available to us. We are to embrace things with curiosity and everyone is mirrored in everyone else, and then can have the divine in us salute the divine in you. We are on a journey of becoming our best selves.
Our “Salon” group at El Portal later that day was small but mighty.
Monthly dinner with Tom Backer, PhD, at Aroma Cafe, where I always learn so much!
We’re there so often that Justin’s become a delightful friend!
Thank you Adrian Spence, Founder and Artistic Director of Camerata Pacifica, for another brilliant performance. Showcased were Gilles Vonsattel, pianist and Che-Yen Chen with his viola.
Delightful Becky Birdsong from the Music Center came by with treats from Porto’s. First, Somi, the meeter greeter, had to say hello, and then we were allowed to go to the studio!
Starting off the New Year with this amazing coffee maker.
We made Jhonny a Latte Macchiato and he said it was great!
I am thrilled beyond description to support the Music Center’s “Spotlight Program.” Watching a Piano Mastery Class with Dr. Lucinda Carver and the three Classical Instrumental Piano Semifinalists was so inspiring! If you want to have a huge impact on young musicians, Spotlight is the place for you!
Thank you Awesome Becky Birdsong!
I always love movie night with Curtis and Yi-Lin!
We watched “Small Things Like These.” Cillian Murphy gave an outstanding performance, but the movie was just too sad.
Brush painting class in the studio was wonderful with everyone doing beautifully!
Uber talented Sweet Maree.
New student Jane who did beautifully, especially with the Horse! Can you see the exquisite shell she made for me?
Spotlight Non-Classical Voice Semifinalists Master Class with Broadway favorite, Barrett Fox, accompanied by Tom Griep.
Hi to Music Center’s Vice President of Advancement, Cheryl Brown!
And incredible, awesome, adorable Jeri Gaile, brilliant Director of the Spotlight Program. She’s an inspiration to all!
Special thanks Becky Birdsong for lunch at Kendall’s.
Thank you, Delightful Gabrielle, for a lovely lunch at The San Vicente Bungalows.
Can you imagine…They put a sticker over your phone’s camera so we had to get a photo taken outside!
Later that evening, to round out the month, we went to the Huntington with dear friends Curtis, Yi-Lin, Nino Wong, Head Of the Docents in the Chinese Garden and precious Jan, to see dancers from the Oakland Ballet Company present a contemporary adaptation of an 18th-century ballet about the European obsession with Chinese porcelain.
Saying goodnight…but where’s Curtis?
Here’s to an exciting February. May you find joy everywhere and in everything!
