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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...

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 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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‘Tis the Season…

‘Tis the Season…

The day after Thanksgiving begins the Christmas decorating, making lists, checking them twice, trying not to be naughty! Jhonny is a huge help... Meanwhile, dear Carol and Xavier stopped by with a delivery from Kita the Akita at the Rainbow Bridge. And we delivered a...

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THE BEST THANKSGIVING EVER AND OTHER FUN STUFF

THE BEST THANKSGIVING EVER AND OTHER FUN STUFF

After a teary goodbye to our precious Kita the Akita, we had to do the Huntington's Holiday Market the very next day! Actually, that was a good thing as it got our minds to a busy place! The Market is such a joy because I get to hug so many dear friends! Awesome...

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SOCIALIZING and MAGICAL EVENTS

SOCIALIZING and MAGICAL EVENTS

Hillcrest Country Club was the site for a delightful meet and greet with wine and nibbles! What a wonderful way to begin November! Peggy, you are adorable! You too, Ruth Ann! A private dinner at Abernethy's, on the Jerry Moss Plaza of the Music Center was quite...

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IMAGINATION, FIVE VIEWS at Ai PLUS GALLERY

IMAGINATION, FIVE VIEWS at Ai PLUS GALLERY

I was a vendor at Pasadena Showcase House many years ago when I first presented my Brush painting and began to teach this fascinating art form. During the three years I participated, it was a joy to do a poster for the event, and then in the mid-90s I was asked also...

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SHOWS, CELEBRATING AND PURE JOY

SHOWS, CELEBRATING AND PURE JOY

How wonderful to begin October with brunch at the Dorothy Chandler and hearing Director Snehal Desai and Producing Director Doug Baker give us insight into the 2023-24 Season's exciting shows coming to the Ahmanson, Mark Taper Forum & Kirk Douglas Theatre! I...

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MORE CAKE, BALLOONS AND CONTINUED CELEBRATING!

MORE CAKE, BALLOONS AND CONTINUED CELEBRATING!

The Music Center Foundation celebrated 50 spectacular years of doing good, providing excellent service to LA's cultural community, and supporting The Music Center and its four Resident Companies! The gourmet Sunday brunch was held at Hillcrest Country Club. Thank you,...

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ART, MUSIC AND SO MUCH MORE!

ART, MUSIC AND SO MUCH MORE!

Demonstrating Brush painting for art groups is one of my very favorite things, and the South Bay Watercolor Society is one of the best! A world of thanks, dear Jody Wiggins, for inviting me and for being so very gracious. It was so much fun painting and telling...

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WHERE WAS I?

WHERE WAS I?

Well, we got through the deluge, but not without some major interior rain! After a big Oh well, it was time for a delightful lunch at San Laurel with two spectacular women, Debra & Terri... Photo, please... Debra is a hat person, for sure! Soooo cute...I wish I...

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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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