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IS SUMMER OVER OR JUST BEGINNING?

How adorable! Precious Emilia and David, with their lovely mom, Maria, pick up their book, "That's Just What I Needed Today." August 7th and Somi is three ... can you believe it??? First an appointment at the spa where Somi had a blueberry facial before her usual...

JULY FLEW BY

If I turn around, the summer will be over, so I want to be sure to enjoy each wonderful moment! The best high after the 4th of July celebration was seeing Mamma Mia. We were in the absolute first row which was great as we saw everyone close up including the musicians....

I LOVE THE 4TH OF JULY…

It's grilled cheese sandwiches, games and unmitigated joy! Preparations start a week before the 4th. Tomatoes give the cheese sandwiches that special something but they have to be sliced thin and well drained. Party favors. The caricature is from the year before, when...

JUNE FLEW BY…

...with memorable moments such as delightful Peggy treating us to an evening of MUSE/IQUE at the Huntington. My birthday celebrations continued with lovely Marine and her delightful sister Eliza treating me at The Capital Grille. Another great movie night with Curtis...

MAY REMINICENSE

April was so very difficult that I'm going to skip right past it to delightful May. Perhaps it's because May is my birthday month but I really think there's so much more to look forward to in the month. Veronica pulled several landscapes for collector Pam to select...

CONTINUING MARCH

A highlight of March has to be being serenaded by Universal Renaissance man, my friend Stanley Penner, playing a bit of Mozart, Brahms and more... ...on his Bösendorfer. I was told to "Look up!" So many treasurers... A lovely "Gratitude Luncheon" at the Athenaeum....

MARCHING THROUGH MARCH

The Children's Festival was a wonderful way to begin the month. Three days of getting up at five, wearing a white apron and helping all the kids find their way to seats at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for an exciting dance performance by the Hubbard Street Dance...

SHORT BUT WONDERFUL

February, being the shortest month, has to cram a lot of joyful happenings..I can't think of a better way to begin the month than by celebrating Susie Kat's birthday at the Jonathan Beach Club! Yours truly, Maggie, Susie's cousin, Carol Soucek King, our amazing...

JANUARY, AND THE NEW YEAR BEGINS…

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...

THE MOST WONDERFUL NEW YEAR’S …

began with guests getting their bling on. Here Alexis decides on hers. Also, signing the guest book and indicating what yummy treat they brought. Here's Jan making her entry. And with her bling on. Then it was time for amazing Magician Tom to mesmerize all of us,...
LOVE IS SPELLED ELIZA AND TYLER

LOVE IS SPELLED ELIZA AND TYLER

I don't care how you express it.... meant to be, soulmates, true love, heaven sent....any description of a perfect match has to be Eliza and Tyler.  Just seeing them together makes one feel sooooo happy! Happy doesn't come close to the love feast bridal shower...

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Los Angeles OPERA INSIGHT EVENTS

Los Angeles OPERA INSIGHT EVENTS

are always great fun along with learning a lot. Listening to composer Matthew Aucoin, Genius Grant recipient along with a MacArthur Fellowship, and  composer of 'Eurydice', his opera to be premiered in LA Opera's 2019/20 season was no exception. Making the...

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THE HUNTINGTON SUCCESSORS EVENTS

THE HUNTINGTON SUCCESSORS EVENTS

....are always wonderful but I think this weeks focus on "ARABELLA: The Force Behind the Huntington's Art Collections" was the very best! Cutie Cris Lutz. But first some nibbles! Christina Nielsen, the new Director of the Art Collections gave a fascinating glimpse...

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LA OPERA’S THE CLEMENCY OF TITUS

LA OPERA’S THE CLEMENCY OF TITUS

...was absolutely sensational. The sets and costumes gave this Mozart masterpiece a fitting background. The LA Times called it 'A feast for the eyes' and it certainly is.  Only three more chances to see this magnificent production. Amy and I loved being at the...

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THE BEST MEAL I EVER HAD…

THE BEST MEAL I EVER HAD…

...and this includes eating at The French Laundry and Per Se,  was at La Botegga del Buon Caffe in Florence. I knew I was in for quite a culinary adventure when I saw the intensity in the kitchen! This Michelin starred restaurant delivers an innovative and...

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REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA

REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA

The Spanish Riding School in Vienna at The Hofburg, designed in the style of the late Baroque era. If I had a bucket list, this definitely would be number one.  I'd say a trip to the lovely city of Vienna is worth it just to see this awesome classic equestrian...

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AN ABUNDANCE OF PINKNESS

AN ABUNDANCE OF PINKNESS

Nikka transformed the studio into an abundance of pinkness for her friend Charmaine's Bridal Shower and did those girls ever know how to party!! I'll show you the very beginnings of the day when signs were posted to guide everyone. At the door leading to the studio......

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I’M SO PROUD OF MY STUDENTS

I’M SO PROUD OF MY STUDENTS

.....and their current exhibit at the Crain Art Gallery in the Crowell Public Library in San Marino.  Nikka followed my design in helping everyone set up as I was still in Florence.  I was so happy to know that Lynda Lyons, the awesome head of the Crain...

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DECEMBER ADVENTURES

DECEMBER ADVENTURES

began with Carol Soucek King driving awesome Curtis McElhinney, myself and Suwako, famous authority on the kimono, on a delightful excursion to El Segundo. Why you may ask? Curtis, an award winning documentarian (curtisvision.com), has been filming Carol and her Salon...

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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!

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