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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...

THE LOVELIEST DAY EVER!

Wondrous Carol Soucek King created an absolutely magical day to have a book signing event for my latest inspirational book "Inspired Thoughts on Love" in her exquisite garden. From the moment I drove in there were six valets who actually were waiting for me and made a...

AND SO WENT MARCH!

Dr. Cleo started the month with a visit to the studio! Checking in for the Cosi Fan Tutte dress rehersal. A lovely dinner for the Bella Voce Society followed. Two favorites....Steve Benson, President of the Music Center Foundation and dear Diane! Saw Old Friends just...

BE MY VALENTINE

Wishing you all the love your heart can hold on Valentine's and each and every day. I was so delighted to have my latest book, "Inspired Thoughts on Love," launch on Valentine's Day! Perfect!! Awwwww.... Wishing you flowers! Dear Carol came by to pick up her book...

FINDING JOY IN FEBRUARY

What better way to begin February than at the Lunar New Year Festival at the Huntington! Thank you sweet Ally for making sure we had a cart and special VIP treatment! Awesome Nino Wong, Head of the Docents in the Chinese Garden greets Lovely Carol Soucek King. This...

FINDING JOY IN THE MIDST OF DESPAIR….

It isn't easy, but it is possible if we are determined to do it. 2025 started out with the joy of the annual Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena. The following day Dr. Wai-Yee Li visited the studio with delightful daughter Sophie to select artwork for her new offices in...

THE BEST NEW YEAR’S…

...began with the joy of getting ready! Veronica outdid herself with the table decorations! The set up for all the bling. Somi the Goldendoodle was the first one to walk the "Red Carpet"! The golden backdrop for the Photo Booth. The cheese and pâté table. Of course...
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT’S AUGUST?

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT’S AUGUST?

We're inching closer to September and I can't even wrap my mind around August and that it's the middle of summer. Perhaps we drifted into a new time/space quadrant. I'm not quite sure how I missed Awesome Nino's birthday back at the end of July at Nick's in Pasadena....

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BACK TO THE BEGINNING

BACK TO THE BEGINNING

Did you know there are special groomers for Doodles? We didn't! Here's Manny at his shop "Doodles and Friends by Manny." Here's the finished product! Time for a relaxing lunch with delightful Terri and Debra! Don't you just know we're all looking at Somi! Adorable...

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THE BEST 4th EVER!

THE BEST 4th EVER!

It takes three to four days to get ready to party! Besides shopping for food, the hunt for really good prizes for the quiz, bingo, and bean bag toss is on, and this year, we found most of them at the Huntington's fabulous Gift Shop. Winning contestants spin the wheel...

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BUT WAIT…MORE BIRTHDAYS

BUT WAIT…MORE BIRTHDAYS

Continuing with dear Clara treating me to lunch at the rooftop of the Peninsula. I was then treated to having my footsies taken care of by amazing Irene. Time for the "relaxation room." Kevin Kwan, the New York Times best-selling author of Crazy Rich Asians, was the...

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JUNE BEGAN AT THE BEACH…

JUNE BEGAN AT THE BEACH…

Thanks to an invitation from Lovely Valerie Foster Hoffman to join her at the Beach Club. It was a bit too cool to eat outside so we had a lovely lunch inside. Carol Soucek King, Veronica, Nancy, Valerie, our hostess with the mostest, me, and dear Vanya, Valerie's...

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MORE MAY JOY!

MORE MAY JOY!

A world of thanks friend Dave, author of Fuzzzy Tale and hooman to Lambert & Dolly, for getting more of my books from the warehouse. Even though Jhonny cleaned out the garage and placed new shelving, books and scarf boxes have to compete with puppy pads! One of my...

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IT’S PARTY TIME!

IT’S PARTY TIME!

Beginning with the most amazing party hosted by the Hostess with the Mostest, Valerie Foster Hoffman. Words cannot begin to describe the elegant, thoughtful extravaganza Valerie had for me but hopefully some photos will help where my words fall short. The party began...

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MORE WONDERFUL MAY

MORE WONDERFUL MAY

Begins with Amazing Carol Soucek King's Salon on the Spiritually Creative Life, now in it's 27th year and on ZOOM. Carol is so dear to always mention my books and scarves. As always, Janet Martorello's Himalayan Singing Bowls were a wonderful beginning. Curtis...

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WONDERFUL MAY…

WONDERFUL MAY…

We began with the Fifth Annual Culver City Nonprofit Convening, hosted by the Wende Museum. We were guests of brilliant moderator Tom Backer. Wonderful talking with Allison Sampson from the Colburn Foundation. Joan Weinstein, from the Getty Foundation was also a...

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A VERY SPECIAL ARTS INDEED!

A VERY SPECIAL ARTS INDEED!

Checking in for the 45th Annual Very Special Arts Festival. It's so inspiring to see all the beautiful children with special needs participating in their very special day. There are many tables on the plaza for them to make various art projects. There's even a booth...

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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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