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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...

BEST THANKSGIVING EVER!

It's impossible to express how much I love Thanksgiving! Shopping for all of my traditional recipes starts about a week before, and this time it only took five trips! I begin with making the cranberries the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and the next day, the stuffing....

NOVEMBER’S JOY

Sandie girl came to the studio to work on her Christmas card. It's so lovely, but I can't show it to you just yet! This is where it all began on November 6th. Backup from the water drainage area. It's the 25th and work continues... On to lighter moments. Dinner at...

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY AND SO MUCH MORE

It was time to celebrate delightful Patricia Faber and sooo much fun was had by all! Architrect Miller Yee Fong had to leave early so he wasn't in the group photo. Happiest of birthdays dear Patricia! Make a wish!!! Soooo cute! I was so thrilled to see the recent...
CAROL SOUCEK KING

CAROL SOUCEK KING

...would be at the top of my list of amazing women that I know or have known.  I'm quite proud to say I have all of her exquisite books published by Rizzoli, the first being 'EMPOWERED SPACES' which is arguably my favorite. It's in this book, 'Empowered Spaces',...

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JASPER JOHNS: ‘SOMETHING RESEMBLING TRUTH’

JASPER JOHNS: ‘SOMETHING RESEMBLING TRUTH’

The Broad Museum in downtown Los Angles has perhaps the most extensive exhibition of Jasper John's oeuvre that we will ever see.  Be prepared for an exhausting tax on your intellect as this is not something to stroll through blithely. Be forewarned, although the...

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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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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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