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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,...

CHRISTMAS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Valerie Foster Hoffman is truly the Hostess With the Mostest, a real-life Auntie Mame! And to be at her Christmas party is to partake of an unforgettable experience. Cookies anyone? With Sherry in the garden. With Santa and our Lovely Hostess! Photographer Karl....

MOVING ON TOWARDS CHRISTMAS

The partying began at the California Club for the CTG Affiliates' Annual Christmas Luncheon. There are beautiful mystery boxes that everyone bids on....here's the one I got. Delightful Mary Kay with her treasure box. Sweet Diane chats with Artistic Director Snehal...
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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AI WEIWEI and his WOODEN STOOLS

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...

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FUN STUFF IN NOVEMBER

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...

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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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