REMEMBERING CHARLES LEE PARKER
AI WEIWEI and his WOODEN STOOLS
Over a period of twenty years, 5,929 wooden stools from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing(1644-1911) dynasties were collected from villages across northern China. I was overwhelmed seeing them and realizing their humble beginnings and the lives they represent. This...
FUN STUFF IN NOVEMBER
Kita welcomes in the fall season. Neighbors just don't get any better than these, hosts Wayne and Izabela (with Kert in-between), Maryam and Kert and Dave and Alexis. We have great fun rotating from house to house for amazing dinners and grand conversation! I'll...
MORE BIRTHDAYS AND CHRISTMAS CARDS
November is always the month for the Brush painting classes to work on Christmas cards and we all had so much fun at the Huntington Botanical Gardens doing just that! Sweet Lulu surprised me with an amazing cake with a design of the mailer for the class exhibit at the...
PLÁCIDO DOMINGO STARRED IN DON CARLO
... a stunning LA Opera performance, which was the perfect way to celebrate dear Carol's birthday. It's always wonderful to hear the pre-concert lecture and this one delivered by brilliant conductor James Conlon was no exception! A lovely time in the Founder's Room...
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL EVENT AT NBC UNIVERSAL
What a great day! After parking the car Nikka and I were shuttled to the event, passing so many interesting buildings on the huge Universal Studio's lot. I've been to these before so I was prepared to go crazy seeing all the animals. The most fun ever was...
BRUSH PAINTING STUDENTS FROM MY CLASS AT THE HUNTINGTON BOTANICAL GARDENS
...are exhibiting their extraordinary work at the Crain Art Gallery in the Crowell Public Library in San Marino through November 2nd. I'm beyond description proud of all my students in the class, both those who are exhibiting and newer ones who feel they need more...
A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING AND SOME AUGUST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Beautiful Lissi and Doug, her Prince, were married and we all celebrated at ll Cielo Restaurant in Beverly Hills. A perfect venue! The bride and groom were surrounded by a forrest of flowers created with love for them by Amy at Le Jardin Prive! How's this for...
JOYFUL MOMENTS IN JULY
Now that the month is almost over, I thought a review of the moments of pure joy was in order! The 4th has always been special here but this year, without mom and Charles, my task was to keep it as joyful as before. It was quite serendipitous because originally...
AND THE BEAT GOES ON
What could possibly more joyful than a baby shower with the anticipation of new life, new beginnings!...
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!