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CELEBRATING VERONICA

August 23rd was Veronica's birthday, so off to Beverly Hills and lunch at Gucci Osteria on Rodeo Drive. I love chef extraordinaire Mattia Agazzi and knew he would do something very special for Veronica! We settled on the tasting menu which had all the exquisite dishes...

FUN STUFF IN AUGUST

August began beautifully with a visit from Lovely Lisa who has moved back to California! We've been friends forever, as this photo will testify. This was about the time she taught me her star routine from Chorus Line! Oh my gosh, what fun to also see I still had my...

JOYFUL JULY

Sweet Annie came over to work with Veronica on a project of hers and we all had so much fun...including Somi! A trip to Tiffany's in Beverly Hills to add to Veronica's charm bracelet. Followed by a fabulous lunch at 208 Rodeo just next door! Watermelon & Burrata...

A JOYFUL 4th

Next to Thanksgiving, the 4th of July is my all-time favorite for celebrating, hosting friends, playing games with prizes, and having an all-around joyful time! This year was no exception...with preparations beginning a week ahead. Somi went to Go Hollywood Pet Center...

BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE FOR JUNE!

Dinner at Rüen Pair in Thai Town was terrific! Afterwards, the best ice cream next door at Kanomwaan. And a little grocery shopping. Wondering why Lovely Susi is Laughing? Because I had forgotten I gave her the sunglasses I had just admired. No matter, we had a...

WONDERFUL JUNE

Absolutely nothing brings more joy to an artist than when a collector falls in love with their work. This happened to Janice, and she could not get this painting out of her mind. When hubby Mitch approved the purchase, it was great fun watching the two of them...

MAY IS MY BIRTHDAY MONTH

There was just time to catch this year's Pasadena Showcase House of Design before it closed on the 18th, my birthday. I dearly miss Charles Norman who was a fine collector of my work since I was an exhibitor at Art Expo in the 80's! What fun seeing fantastically...

WONDERFUL MAY

It is always a great joy to witness the Music Center's annual "Very Special Arts Festival," and no more so than at this, the 46th! Bravo Awesome Peggy Collins for your massive support! The children's art that was posted along the way was delightful! Seeing all the...

APRIL WAS AMAZING

Continuing in April, there was a wonderful Salon on the Spiritually Creative Life in its 29th year, hosted by Lovely Carol Soucek King, with April's topic being "Faith." The main presenter was Ruth Broyde Sharon, an Interfaith leader/inspirational speaker/creator of...

THE JOYS OF APRIL

What better way to begin the month than dinner with lovely Jean T. at our favorite place, Prosecco Trattoria in Toluca Lake! One of the reasons we love it is because it's the kind of place where everyone knows your name and your favorites. That's thanks to amazing...
IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT

IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT

Well maybe not stormy but freezing cold for CA and pitch black when Kita whined for me to take her out.  Trying to be joyful (ha) I bundled up in a down vest and piled on a down jacket on top of that. Armed with a flashlight, we walked out into the dark night....

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LIVING JOYFULLY

LIVING JOYFULLY

...is not always easy but as I begin a new year I like to remember the things that bring me joy. How about throwing a great party?  Maggie, an awesome hostess, had a shabu-shabu dinner that was the most fun.  Everyone gets to cook their own meal and after...

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BY THE SEA

BY THE SEA

By the beautiful sea……O.K., the Pacific Ocean. I always forget how awesome this is! I took Nikka with me to the Ritz Carlton at Laguna-Niguel for a special event. Need I say how much we both needed even this brief vacation? Here’s the view from our room. Kita was in...

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BECAUSE YOU ASKED

BECAUSE YOU ASKED

My dearest friends you have been so kind and loving throughout this transition time and I am so touched and heart warmed that many of you have asked how to donate in memory of dear Charles. To make a gift, please have the tax deductable check made payable...

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REMEMBERING WITH LOVE

REMEMBERING WITH LOVE

With a heart filled with gratitude, thankful for each precious moment with Charles Lee Parker who left us on December 17, 2017. He was just an adorable boy with a chicken... Who grew up to be the smartest, wisest, kindest man also always adept in the kitchen with the...

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DEBBIE KORBEL ARTISTE EXTRAORDINAIRE

This may well be the most important blog I’ve ever written. Last July, I received notice of 'Beyond the Lines' gallery’s exhibition at Bergamont Station featuring Debbie Korbel, an artist who had studied with me years ago.  May I say that no one else could get me...

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LET'S TALK ABOUT FOOD

 Actually, lets talk about the joy we have when we share a meal with a dear friend.  Perhaps 'it’s not about the food at all' to quote Sandie Girl.  It’s easy to feel under pressure, rushed and harried which is why even an hour with a friend can put you...

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MORE THAN A BOOKSIGNING BOOKSIGNING

….was held in the Nan Rae Studio for Lisa Di Vita’s page turner of a book, ‘The Shattered Peacock’ based on a real life story of displacement and heroism.  The theme is universal and relatable for so many whether you’re living in a city other than your birth or...

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CONTINUING ON IN NYC

First stop for the day was the American Museum of Natural History…. We had tickets to see a 3D show on Bird Migration... The main event was the Hayden Planetarium for the Space Show ‘Dark Universe’.  I’ve seen other space shows there and they’re always...

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THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM

was first on our list for day two but …fuel for the day was required. I should really be embarrassed to show this!  Bravo Four seasons! Actually the breakfast marathon always started with yogurt and fruit….Now I’m really embarrassed! O.K. then, I will... Can you...

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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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