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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...

ROUNDING OFF MAY WITH JOY

I wasn’t the only one with a birthday and it was wonderful to see so many friends at Carol’s birthday party for Richard. First off, the amazing sculptor Christopher Slatoff, creator of magnificent life-sizepublic pieces.  You can see his work at slatoffsculpture.com...

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YIPPEE, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY……..

…and the day started out so fun with balloons, flowers, cake and presents!  Thank you dear Charles, Nikka and Vicki! The post-it on the door was to remind me to take mounting paste to class. (It was stored in the fridge.) Nikka is just tooooo cute!  Note ‘THE’ Nan...

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I'M the QUEEN of ENGLAND….

….Or at least that’s how very special Maggie made me feel from the moment I entered her magical courtyard! Maggie began our afternoon by opening a bottle of lovely Elderberry juice/soda…..Aren’t the glasses lovely? But permit me to backtrack just a bit.  Maggie was...

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HOW THE REILLY'S ROLL…..

….I’ve mentioned before how I love my Sandie Girl ‘fix' each weekend and this was no exception.  Brunch at the Reilly’s...The cutest part was watching the male guests surround Sandie Girl at the grill... One was in charge of the bacon because after all….it’s all about...

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ADVENTURES IN EATING WITH SOME ART THROWN IN

More and more Sundays start the week off with Tina Marie, Nikka and me having brunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  This time it was poolside. The little jars of Maple Syrup are so adorable we asked for some to take home!  I think the basic idea is to see how much room...

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SHAKESPEARE, ART, CARS and SHOES…….

What more could one ask for! Amy, Nikka & I headed off to the Huntington for a Heritage Society event and were greeted by awesome Cris Lutz. These young people were so, so cute and we had great fun watching their performance. Amy has never seen a tree, plant or...

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PARTY TIME BEGINNING WITH KALEY'S SWEET SIXTEEN….

….celebrated in the Living Room at the Peninsula Hotel.   Awwwwww……Kathy you are so dear to include me in this very special celebration….THANK YOU!  Hi Clara! I always love showing off the exquisite china our Lissi Kaplan hand paints for the Peninsula.   The ‘Tower of...

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CLARA'S BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME

 I was so happy when Clara told me she had found the perfect home not only for herself but also for her parents when they visit from China.  It was exciting to go to Santa Monica and be in her beautiful new nest. Is this the face of joy or what!!! We had great fun...

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A PERFECT DAY

 I’ll catch up with everything later but I wanted to write about yesterday while it’s still fresh in my minds eye. (I had to take a picture of this Art Center College directional sign as that’s where Charles and I met.  Awwwwww……) It began with meeting Carol at her...

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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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