VIP NIGHT at CIRQUE DU SOLEIL…

Sunday, November 1, 2009

VIP NIGHT at CIRQUE DU SOLEIL…

for the benefit of ‘MY FRIEND’S PLACE’ and ‘LOS ANGELES YOUTH NETWORK’. Jana and hubby Ivan Tether (who’s on the board at My Friend’s Place) first told us about this wonderful organization that provides a safe haven for homeless youth in Hollywood. Their mission is to assist and inspire homeless youth (of which there are so many) to build self-sufficient lives. I do hope you will click on their website that I’ll list below!

What a grand time we had beginning with the ‘adorable greeter’s who showed us the way to the VIP dining section on the Santa Monica Pier. Then it was on to the Grand Chapiteau for KOOZA, this year’s Cirque extravaganza another not to be missed of their shows.

Mom went with us and we felt like three kids as this show definitely delivers the WOW factor!

For More Information:

www.myfriendsplace.org

www.layn.org

www.cirquedusoleil.com

1 comment:

beth vendryes williams said...: Hi Nana,

I like your site...very comprehensive.Thank you for your lovely comment on my post. Lisa had mentioned that there is something in my work that reminded her of yours. I believe that it is my initial watercolor training in Sumi painting. I learned to work that way first, in high school. I also like your helpful You tube videos as well. They are good reminders for me. I look forward visiting periodically to see what you are doing next.

And you may have inspired me to finally get tickets again to Cirque du soleil..I love the design in their shows! I saw one once, years ago.; November 4, 2009 at 2:47 AM

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Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.