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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....

NOVEMBER’S JOY

Sandie girl came to the studio to work on her Christmas card. It's so lovely, but I can't show it to you just yet! This is where it all began on November 6th. Backup from the water drainage area. It's the 25th and work continues... On to lighter moments. Dinner at...

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY AND SO MUCH MORE

It was time to celebrate delightful Patricia Faber and sooo much fun was had by all! Architrect Miller Yee Fong had to leave early so he wasn't in the group photo. Happiest of birthdays dear Patricia! Make a wish!!! Soooo cute! I was so thrilled to see the recent...

OCTOBER MEANS SAYING GOODBYE TO SUMMER

Each year I'm determined to really enjoy summer and then find it's October and I wonder what happened. The upside to that is beginning the month with the Huntington Botanical Garden's Mid Autumn Moon Festival where we have a booth and get to see many of my wonderful...

CONTINUING SEPTEMBER

For a short month, September had a lot going on, continuing with the Center Theatre Group Affiliates New Member Orientation Meeting. "Giving the Gift of Theatre to the Next Generation." Afterwards, Christine Hart, VP Programs for the Affiliates, and Sweet Diane visit...

SEPTEMBER SURPRISE

Please make no mistake...it isn't easy to create a surprise birthday gift, and the project becomes even more difficult when the recipient is gracious Carol Soucek King. The planning began with Veronica being given the responsibility of making the table place cards....

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...

MAY 18th WAS MY BIRTHDAY……

…..and it was the BEST birthday ever beginning with Amy bringing over this amazing floral creation. Amy did all the stunning flowers for mom’s birthday celebration.  Here’s another view…. If you want an amazing floral creation call Amy at 818.625.5243 or...

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SALSA DANCING at the MUSIC CENTER……

…….yes, that’s correct…..every other Friday during the summer there’s a different dance band and this past Friday it was SALSA time!!!  And they were great….the crowd loved it! I mean they REALLY loved it……  This little girl was having her own dance party to...

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TOMIKO, NIKKA and NAN’s BIG ADVENTURE……

…..started at The London in West Hollywood. Sleek lobby…..much more so than when Tomiko & I were here a few years back for a meeting.  Not quite sure when the London took over. Not sure about the ‘fake’ bulldogs everywhere either….. Greeted by the folks at...

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YOU HAVE TO BE A VENDING MACHINE of TREATS!

That’s Mary Beth’s advise to us as she trains Kita. The head halter works best for ‘walkies’! Oh boy…..time for the park!!! But first….find the treat. Trudy walks Kita to the park at 7:00 A.M. every day just the way she did with Yuki so she wanted to come along for...

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MORNING IN RICHMOND VIRGINIA…..

……..brought beautiful blue skies and a 90 degree temperature!  I thought it best to start the day with a hearty breakfast in my room. Just one photo before I go…. A partial view of the grounds at the Wyndham Virginia Crossings Hotel. And I’m off with lovely...

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KITA’S FIRST DOG PARK ADVENTURE……

……….was thankfully uneventful.  I went with Trudy and Geoff who walk her early each morning.  Geoff drove and it was quite a sight seeing the three of us in the car with Kita barely under control. Trudy had suggested Kita go to this park near the Zoo so she...

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WE HAVE TO GO BACK……..

………but wait, I’m getting ahead of myself.  Here I am last Wednesday morning, off to LAX. NOTE to SELF:  While you may love that bag, please remember to take one with lots of pockets for ‘stuff’….and, it should only weigh a few ounces. SECOND NOTE to...

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WILBUR the POT BELLY PIG and other stories….

……Brush painting class a week ago Saturday with new students Katherine & Peter, her dad.  Peter said class was like stepping into one of my YouTube videos when he saw me in my ‘white’ shirt!  So funny. After class it was off to Whole Foods for our Easter...

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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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