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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...
FRIENDSHIP SHOULD BE CELEBRATED

FRIENDSHIP SHOULD BE CELEBRATED

Every time I write a blog, I'm reminded of the great gift of friendship which should always be celebrated. Perhaps I'll title each entry "Friendship!" After the spectacular Colburn Gala where I saw so many precious friends thanks to Lovely Peggy Collins, it was back...

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LIFE WITH A GOLDENDOODLE…

LIFE WITH A GOLDENDOODLE…

...and other wonderful things in April! Somi is the most gregarious puppy ever and she's amassing such a group of friends. Everyone must play with her or we don't hear the end of it! Our darling next door neighbors, Sweet Emilia and Talented David adore Somi and the...

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ART, MUSIC and EASTER

ART, MUSIC and EASTER

What could be better? To begin, I saw the opening exhibition of expressive Brush painter Yoshio Ikezaki at the Kylin Gallery in Beverly Hills. "Condensation" 60 years of his life & art practice into the 10 meter roll paper. Expressing 6 aesthetic elements:...

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MARCH CAME IN LIKE A LION…

MARCH CAME IN LIKE A LION…

...in the form of 'Force of Nature' Suzanna Guzmán, who teaches the Music Center's Spotlight 'Classical Voice Mastery Class.' She is an Emmy Award-winning associate of LA Opera, and TIME magazine called her "a fire-eating singing actress."I watched Suzanna in action...

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LOVE IS ALL AROUND

LOVE IS ALL AROUND

Love is always all around but February seems to get a blast of hearts, hearts, hearts! And just look what greeted me on Valentine's Day! Somi the Goldendoodle was feeling it too! Somi was crowned Doodle Sweetheart! Awwwww.............. Then it was off to Valerie...

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THE MONTH OF LOVE

THE MONTH OF LOVE

February didn't start off too lovingly for Somi the Goldendoodle as it was time to be spayed and then wear the 'collar of shame' for ten days! Debra had a most delightful luncheon for me and Awesome Terri. Don't you think we should send this photo to Colgate? It was...

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A HEAVENLY CLOSE FOR JANUARY

A HEAVENLY CLOSE FOR JANUARY

Los Angeles Master Chorale's performance in Walt Disney Concert Hall of 'Spem In Alium' was thrilling and inspiring. Watching Jenny Wong, the Associate Artistic Director, conduct the Chorale was mesmerizing! You can hear her on Facebook speaking of the commissioned...

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THE GIFT OF ANOTHER YEAR

THE GIFT OF ANOTHER YEAR

And what better way to greet the New Year than a visit by Kathy Wong, a treasured friend and dear student! Time to meet Somi! Every year, Kathy chooses two of her fine artworks to convert into calendars. DM me if you'd like to order. Selfie time! Kathy feeds my rubber...

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HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

I'm so delighted...this was the very best New Year's Eve ever! Of course, it started with a lot of planning. Off to Whole Foods to get cheese, pate, and the fixings for a big pot of chili and a smaller vegan chili. Veronica then had to make the labels for the cheeses...

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THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!

THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!

I love Christmas! This YSL Advent Calendar started it off and it was so much fun to open the little boxes each day for a special gift! The Awesome Sarkisyans, my wonderful neighbors, brought this touching gift after losing Kita. Emilia and David loved her so. Jhonny...

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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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