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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...

FULLY LIVE YOUR LIFE!

Well, here I am, teaching Brush painting to adults…..over 3,000 at this point and most everyone that I’ve taught toils all week in left brain activity.  Don’t we desperately need some way of escape, some glimmer of respite from the slavery many of us find ourselves...

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TANKA POETS on SITE and other fun stuff……

When I saw Kathabela last Saturday evening at the mixed media performance….. ‘Champagne Haiku Pour Deux’…..she invited me to a gathering of Tanka Poets on Site the following Monday.  If you thought Haiku was difficult, try writing Tanka.  Anyway, it was delightful...

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A PERFECT SUNDAY…….

……began with Sandie Girl picking me up at mom’s to begin our grand adventure.  Off we Went to Oxnard with a stop first  to see Melissa and Nicks home in Port Hueneme.   It was a beautiful drive….. Almost there….. I loved seeing my painting of Wisteria that  Sandie and...

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A FITTING TRIBUTE…..

…..for Ralph Komai’s parents who are no longer with us.  They were Southern California pioneers in Bonsai and the Japanese Bonsai Garden at the Huntington Botanical Gardens would scarcely exist without them. To honor Kay and Khan Komai, a memorial bench had been...

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OH BOY…..WHAT A WEEK…..

…..starting off with a great Sunday spent with the awesome Tina Marie…..We totally went whole hog at Marston’s in Pasadena but it wasn’t too terribly bad as we split everything….and besides, I didn’t eat the potatoes! They coat the French Toast with Corn Flakes and...

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SOME STRANGE BUG LATCHED ONTO ME…….

….as I was leaving Beckman Auditorium last Saturday evening.  Terrible deep down chills and a fever and wondering if I could even make it home. The great report is that after major self medicating and lots of prayer I was pretty much myself the next day.  However, not...

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MY SNOW BIRDS ARE LEAVING…….

  ……but before they return to Chicago, Marsha Stu and I went to the Skirball Center where we had lunch in Zeidlers Cafe. They have a really good chopped salad and if you add grilled salmon it’s terrific! .As we were leaving I saw Noah Newmark who many of you will...

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MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC…….

  ….is how last week started with a trip to Disney Hall.  Marsha and Stu, my snowbirds from Chicago and I had lunch first at the Patina ‘Concert Hall Cafe’ and as always it was fresh and yummy! We then went to a wonderful concert…..showcasing Mozart and Haydn (one of...

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THIS AND THAT……..

………After John-David and Joy’s beautiful wedding things had to somewhat settle down.  Class was the very next day and it was beyond wonderful to have Ann with us again!  We worked on a lot but concentrated on the Iris. Kc brought delicious Pecan bars that were more...

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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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