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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 ALL BEGAN WITH A LUNCHEON AT THE HARVARD CLUB

in NYC, honoring alumni and friends who have provided for Harvard.  I guess I’m a friend and you know you can’t have too many! Anyway, it was a wonderful excuse to go to New York and the luncheon turned out to be inspiring. But let’s begin at the beginning with...

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BUTTERFLY WISHES MAKING A GRAND SEND OFF

 Well you saw the preparation for the celebration of my mom’s life so here’s the wonderful event starting with grand flowers from Amy at Le Jardin Privé!! Mom’s favorite color was yellow!!!  Valerie, our beautiful ‘Hostess With the Mostess’ helps Amy place...

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A HUNDRED BUTTERFLIES SEND LOVING WISHES

Many of you know that in July my dear mother left peacefully in her sleep, the veil of this life lifting away to leave all those who knew her somehow less and somehow more.  Perhaps that is the mystery of life.  In any event, I had been asked by so many if...

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SAYING GOODBYE AND FINDING JOYFUL MOMENTS

 Planning the celebration for mom’s beautiful life at dear Valerie’s, the one and only 'Hostess With the Mostest’!  Valerie has kindly agreed that her home would be the perfect setting for a fitting tribute! Josie, Valerie’s Chef Cuisinier will be in charge...

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AND THE BEAT GOES ON

 That’s right, doing the birthday thing one more time. Dear Clara treated me and Amy to a grand luncheon at Jean Jacques in the brand new Waldorf Astoria on Wilshire in Beverly Hills. O.K., the following is for foodies only: The assorted bread was so amazing we...

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IN AWE OF LISA SEE and OTHER FINE THINGS

I was delighted when ‘Literary Affairs’ notified me that there would be a ‘BEYOND the BOOK event with LISA SEE’ at the Hotel Bel Air and I wasted no time in making reservations.  This special book club style discussion was to celebrate Lisa’s newest book, ‘THE...

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THE 14th FACTORY

We saw Kir Dullea, as an old man, in this bed for the final scene of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kuybrick’s masterpiece.  Remember what he said when queried by another astronaut who landed in the room and wondered what was about to happen?….. “Something...

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WHAT IS GOING ON

 ….Where to begin.  Perhaps I’ll tell you about Yoshida Hideyuki, a gifted Japanese gardener who specializes in trees and who I gratefully connected with through the fellow who re-did the Bamboo. Yoshida-san is in Santa Monica and I was most grateful to hear...

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LOVE AND LAUGHTER ON A PERFECT DAY

I thought the birthday celebrating with Amy was over when we capped last Sunday's birthday treat of lunch and cake # 5 with a Mariachi group singing Happy Birthday to me…. With exquisite birthday flowers from dear Amy….. But wait ‘till you see what’s in this beautiful...

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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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