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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...
CONTINUING MAY JOY

CONTINUING MAY JOY

I must say I was really surprised when the venue for my birthday bash was changed to the Valley Hunt Club from Nick's in Pasadena as a surprise! Veronica witnessed my stubborn side for the very first time when she asked me to change my attire. Come on... I'm fine for...

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IT’S MAY…PARTY TIME!

IT’S MAY…PARTY TIME!

Continuing the birthday fun, a world of thanks, dear Debra, for celebrating Terri & me at Chef José Andrés' Agua Viva at The Conrad. Love the terrace there! And special thanks for the lovely Hydrangea that is now planted for years of enjoyment! Well, May was the...

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THE JOYS OF MAY

THE JOYS OF MAY

Thank you, Wondrous Carol Soucek King, for telling us about brilliant artist Matt Locke's exhibit at the Knoll House, organized by Public Relations expert Carolyn Kamii. Matt is delightful, as evidenced by this photo! So wonderful to see Dr. Thomas Backer, a...

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THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DAY

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DAY

The most beautiful day was also the most inspiring, being at the Music Center's '44 Annual Very Special Arts Festival!' And the most fun! Seeing the children with such special needs being applauded and celebrated and having so many delightful events planned around...

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THE JOY OF EASTER

THE JOY OF EASTER

It began with an inspiring Salon on the Spiritually Creative Life hosted by Wondrous Carol Soucek King, with this month's guest speaker being Brilliant Satinder Dhiman, Ph.D., EdD, Associate Dean, Chair, and Director of the MBA Program and Professor of Management at...

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A MAGICAL DAY

A MAGICAL DAY

Special thanks to Sensei Michael Belzer, President of the 'Friends of Shoseian,' a non-profit founded to maintain and preserve the beauty and serenity of the Shoseian Teahouse and the Japanese Friendship Garden, for again asking me to participate in the 'Cherry...

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AFTER THE RAIN,RAINBOWS!

AFTER THE RAIN,RAINBOWS!

There's always the promise of a better day, and a rainbow is meant to tell us that! You'll see one further down, but for now, I will share delights along the way. Awesome Sherry Dewane shepherds the 'Play Review' group and gets the most amazing speakers for the...

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IT NEVER RAINS IN CALIFORNIA

IT NEVER RAINS IN CALIFORNIA

It pours! Coming from Chicago, I know weather, and what happens out here in sunny California is rarely that....until now. My gosh, you'd think I'd melt, but there's no going out in downpours! Sadly I canceled quite a few things but found out that life goes on....

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A MOMENT IN TIME

A MOMENT IN TIME

One of the highlights of our group trip to Japan was the privilege of being in a private residence, partaking of a tea ceremony, dressed in antique kimonos. Our gracious hostess held up a Kanji and told us...'This is a moment in time that will never come...

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FEBRUARY STARTED OUT WITH QUITE A SURPRISE…

FEBRUARY STARTED OUT WITH QUITE A SURPRISE…

because we were sequestered for the first week missing the rehearsal for Marriage of Figaro and the Chinese celebration for the Year of the Rabbit at the Huntington Botanical Gardens. Kita the Akita was quite pleased with the situation as her friends came by to walk...

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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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