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IT NEVER RAINS IN CALIFORNIA

It pours! Coming from Chicago, I know weather, and what happens out here in sunny California is rarely that....until now. My gosh, you'd think I'd melt, but there's no going out in downpours! Sadly I canceled quite a few things but found out that life goes on....

A MOMENT IN TIME

One of the highlights of our group trip to Japan was the privilege of being in a private residence, partaking of a tea ceremony, dressed in antique kimonos. Our gracious hostess held up a Kanji and told us...'This is a moment in time that will never come...

FEBRUARY STARTED OUT WITH QUITE A SURPRISE…

because we were sequestered for the first week missing the rehearsal for Marriage of Figaro and the Chinese celebration for the Year of the Rabbit at the Huntington Botanical Gardens. Kita the Akita was quite pleased with the situation as her friends came by to walk...

THE GIFT OF A NEW YEAR

began with Lovely Miriam Birch visiting the studio. Miriam is an Emmy award-winning documentarian for National Geographic and in fact she broke the glass ceiling for women writers and producers on TV. Her program 'Save the Panda' is the most watched show ever on...

A PERFECT NEW YEAR’S EVE…

...began with Veronica decorating the house in places I didn't even know could be decorated. No corner was safe! The Ferrero Rocher is from dear Tania! This was at the front door for everyone to get their hat, noise maker and bling! Then a New Year's Greeting! You saw...

THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER…

But wait...I always say that! It just seems celebrating gets better and better as I understand that living joyfully requires full cooperation regardless of circumstances. Besides, I think I'm putting in more of an effort...sort of getting with the program. It's always...

DECEMBER’S JOY

Beginning with Clyde's Insider Night pre-performance reception at Kendall's Brasserie. Here's Sweet Nicole, my CTG person... It was sort of a deli night nodding to the subject matter of Clyde's. Set Designer Akashi Kate was in conversation with Assoc. Artistic...

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST THANKSGIVING EVER!

First Mr. Turkey greeted everyone with a request to sign one of his feathers with a Thanksgiving statement! Wondrous Carol Soucek King... Precious Maryam... Adorable Sam and Maddie... Special thanks Precious Izabela and Wayne for the beautiful floral arrangement!...

MARCHING TOWARDS THANKSGIVING…

Bravo Adrian Spence, Founder and Artistic Director of Camerata Pacifica for the brilliant November concert at the Huntington Botanical Gardens. As always, brilliant pianist Soyeon Kate Lee was flawless! Principal Percussionist Ji Hey Jung is truly a force of nature...

WALK WITH ME…

...in the Garden of Our Friendship,' my third inspirational book published by Benjamin Darling at Laughing Elephant Books had its Zoom launch on November 1st! Dear Carol Soucek King had suggested that I include the meditations that I present for her fine Salon on the...
A WONDERFUL BEGINNING TO OCTOBER…

A WONDERFUL BEGINNING TO OCTOBER…

I was pretty much in shock over the realization that summer is officially over. Fortunately Center Theatre Group had a delightful brunch on the first of October to soften the blow. Check in please... It's always fun to see Peggy Collins. I told her I want to live in...

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YES IT’S STILL MY BIRTHDAY AND OTHER STUFF!

YES IT’S STILL MY BIRTHDAY AND OTHER STUFF!

Thank you dear Kathy and Clara for the splendiferous birthday dinner at the Peninsula's Belvedere restaurant! Of course it's all about the cake but the amazing Plant Based Tasting Menu was wonderful! It's always time for a stop at Monte Carlo Deli... But the truth is...

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JOY SEEMS TO BE OVERFLOWING

JOY SEEMS TO BE OVERFLOWING

There's no better way to begin the second half of the month than with Inimitable Carol Soucek King's "Salon on the Spiritually Creative Life." This month's theme was "Kindness" and the main presenters were Ruth and Rick Megiddo with their fine documentary "Kind...

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AUGUST BEGINS GRANDLY AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL

AUGUST BEGINS GRANDLY AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL

Thank you Amazing Debra Beadle from the Music Center for including me in such a magical evening. I'm embarrassed to say I had not been to the Hollywood Bowl since Charles and I were dating. Well, no surprise as I always thought of the impossibility of...

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AND THE BEAT GOES ON…

AND THE BEAT GOES ON…

Beginning with Master Calligrapher Qingnian Tang's class on the third Saturday of the month in the Nan Rae Studio. We all worked very hard... But this 'lefty' worked the hardest of all! After class it was a mad dash for Veronica and me to get ready to go with...

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RUSHING TOWARDS CHRISTMAS!

RUSHING TOWARDS CHRISTMAS!

That's right, don't laugh...haven't you noticed how the days are flying by? We're into the second half of the year and the train doesn't seem to be slowing down! However, I will say that 'Dear Evan Hansen' at the Ahmanson was a perfect way to begin July. It was a...

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THE BEST FOURTH EVER!

THE BEST FOURTH EVER!

Thomas Aquinas said "Joy is the human's noblest act" and as a 'human' I second the thought! Living Joyfully in the long run is the ultimate best way to be and this blog is all about my attempt to do so. Since the 4th of July is a perfect time for fun and merriment...

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JUNE JOY CONTINUES…

JUNE JOY CONTINUES…

It was so wonderful to have the Music Center's 'SPOTLIGHT' event back in person. Celebrating 34 years of guiding young artists to develop their talents, to strive and succeed. This life-changing program provides artistic development through workshops, mentoring, live...

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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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