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JUNE FLEW BY…

...with memorable moments such as delightful Peggy treating us to an evening of MUSE/IQUE at the Huntington. My birthday celebrations continued with lovely Marine and her delightful sister Eliza treating me at The Capital Grille. Another great movie night with Curtis...

MAY REMINICENSE

April was so very difficult that I'm going to skip right past it to delightful May. Perhaps it's because May is my birthday month but I really think there's so much more to look forward to in the month. Veronica pulled several landscapes for collector Pam to select...

CONTINUING MARCH

A highlight of March has to be being serenaded by Universal Renaissance man, my friend Stanley Penner, playing a bit of Mozart, Brahms and more... ...on his Bösendorfer. I was told to "Look up!" So many treasurers... A lovely "Gratitude Luncheon" at the Athenaeum....

MARCHING THROUGH MARCH

The Children's Festival was a wonderful way to begin the month. Three days of getting up at five, wearing a white apron and helping all the kids find their way to seats at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for an exciting dance performance by the Hubbard Street Dance...

SHORT BUT WONDERFUL

February, being the shortest month, has to cram a lot of joyful happenings..I can't think of a better way to begin the month than by celebrating Susie Kat's birthday at the Jonathan Beach Club! Yours truly, Maggie, Susie's cousin, Carol Soucek King, our amazing...

JANUARY, AND THE NEW YEAR BEGINS…

I'm not too sure what to make of January. Perhaps it's because December is such an amazing high with Christmas and New Years that it's hard to re-focus on business as usual. Well, maybe not as usual but certainly not at the extreme! It took Veronica and me two days to...

THE MOST WONDERFUL NEW YEAR’S …

began with guests getting their bling on. Here Alexis decides on hers. Also, signing the guest book and indicating what yummy treat they brought. Here's Jan making her entry. And with her bling on. Then it was time for amazing Magician Tom to mesmerize all of us,...

CHRISTMAS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Valerie Foster Hoffman is truly the Hostess With the Mostest, a real-life Auntie Mame! And to be at her Christmas party is to partake of an unforgettable experience. Cookies anyone? With Sherry in the garden. With Santa and our Lovely Hostess! Photographer Karl....

MOVING ON TOWARDS CHRISTMAS

The partying began at the California Club for the CTG Affiliates' Annual Christmas Luncheon. There are beautiful mystery boxes that everyone bids on....here's the one I got. Delightful Mary Kay with her treasure box. Sweet Diane chats with Artistic Director Snehal...

BEST THANKSGIVING EVER!

It's impossible to express how much I love Thanksgiving! Shopping for all of my traditional recipes starts about a week before, and this time it only took five trips! I begin with making the cranberries the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and the next day, the stuffing....

WHERE WAS I?

Oh yes, New Year’s…..my resolution and all.  Still can’t tell but I’ve come close to non compliance several times. (Confession is good for the soul.) Thank you Mason Williams for always remembering me at Christmas.  You truly are a ‘Classical Gas!’ Next time...

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IT’S BEEN A GREAT YEAR….

……Years ago, when I first started this blog I wrote in the introduction that there are no accidents and that everyone has a purpose.  This past year I’ve seen those two foundational ideas proven true so many times that I’d now say ‘let’s carve that in...

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HO, HO, HO……..

…..I always say, start the week off right with Sandie Girl and what better way to do it than a Christmas party!  I couldn’t wait to see the tree that Jim got…..Oh my….any taller & they’d have to cut an opening in the vaulted ceiling!  Way to go Jim!!!...

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PARTY TIME IN THE STUDIO……

……Our annual Christmas party is always so joyful and somehow Christmas would not be the same without it! This blog is mostly for you foodies out there because after all, it’s all about the food….isn’t it???  Food prepared with LOVE of course! Let’s start with...

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EACH DAY IS SO PRECIOUS……

…..and the wonderful thing about blogging is being able to look back and see all the extraordinary events that would otherwise just be a blur like those speeded up traffic video’s. It helps to be fully present but having a photo and some notes makes sure nothing gets...

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STARTED THE WEEK WITH A BLAST……

…..of horns that is and the cutest little fluffs I’ve ever seen.  Everyone obliged for the photo opportunity!   Then it was time to meet Tomiko for a movie… ….and dinner at Bar Verde. Of course there was a big discussion over the menu. (They don’t have the...

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December 1st……

…..and the ‘Wisteria Garden’ was ready to be picked up at Agnes’s.  Sandie barely had room in her van but it did just make it! I am so touched that this painting of mine was chosen for such a special gift! Monday I was off to Bar Verde to meet Laurie. If you use...

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JASPER and the CAKE…….

How did it happen?  How could it possibly happen??? I missed Olga’s birthday, then George’s and to make it a perfect trifecta….Martin’s!   The make-up cake would have to be very special and chocolate for sure because that’s their favorite.  I had...

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GIVING THANKS…….

…..We have so much to be grateful for and Thanksgiving is an over the top time to give thanks! The day started beautifully with a rainbow appearing in the kitchen! Then it was time to stuff the turkey. In went onions, celery, oranges, apples….whatever we could fit in!...

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A WEEK THAT STARTS WITH SANDIE……

…..is bound to be a great one! Dorothy, Sandie’s mother is quite the artist and Sandie brought over one of her paintings and accompanying text for Nikka to scan and convert to greeting cards. They’re going to be wonderful! Thank you so much for the beautiful Tulips...

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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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