Thursday, August 30, 2012

KITA’S PEEP’S # 4

Samuel, I’m still unemployed and think I could really be an asset in your car detailing business.  I get them dirty, you clean them up.  How does that sound?

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I hear a noise….perhaps a visitor?

Lynne’s working with my ‘stay’.  Lot’s of luck Lynne!

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You all know how I adore Michal

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I love to dance with Mel……

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Mimi the Dog Whisperer……

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This arm looks yummy…..I’m just saying…….

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I’ll be good for you Kaley…………..

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Kc, Mary Beth is making me behave….where’s the fun in that?

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I’ll sit for Kaley….

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Where did she go????????????

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Lynne…where’s my Greenie??????

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Love that ramp!!!!

Ken you seem to understand me………..

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Cousin Ron I love when you mess with me!

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David from “Skip & Biff”… How about I do the inside?

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I’ll be good…

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Meet Louie…

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Friday, August 24, 2012

LAKESIDE GOLF CLUB…..

….was party central for the “Kiwanis  Club of Burbank’s 15th Annual Gala honoring Dr. Kenneth and Mrs.. Rose Nielsen”…August 18, 2012

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I just love this club…there really is a lake!!!

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And here’s the lovely couple….so cute!

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These kids were adorable and who can resist buying a ton of raffle tickets for such terrific wise owl prizes!

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The place was jammed….people bidding on a ton of neat things….

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Can you imagine…I was the only one who bid on this fantastic item….what do you suppose the ‘Doggie Park Visits’ are….guess I’ll soon find out.

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Hi Rose…thanks for sitting me at your table…you’re so fun!!!

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Salad….

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Chicken….are you surprised?  And again I forgot to take a picture of the best part….desert!

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Speech, speech….

You too Ken…speech…speech….

This dynamic duo….a real Batman & Robin, have done more for Woodbury University and the cities of Burbank and Los Angeles, than any 100 people combined.  They were justly honored and took home so many plaques they’ll have to add on a room in their great house!

LOBSTER NIGHT at the CALIFORNIA CLUB…..

……was the theme for another sensational party hosted by amazing Valerie.  Foodies take note of this menu!

Menu 

I wish I had gotten a better picture of beautiful Valerie but honestly, I was concentrating on the lovely table she designed for her guests.  From the exquisite centerpiece, to individual gifts, candles, and of course….chocolates….it was ‘Valerie Perfection’!!!

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I so enjoyed sitting next to the awesome Elaine Adams and having a chance to talk.  (Take note of the nutcracker….a sign of what was to come.)

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Angel….yes, that’s her name….and it fits….was delightful….

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Gretchen & Valerie share a moment….

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Hi everyone…….

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O.K., group shot….notice the centerpiece was removed so Angel could get a better picture of us..… Gretchen, Valerie, Carol, yours truly and Elaine.

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The peaches and Burrata were soooo delicious as were the candied walnuts….Oh, the lemon oil was a wonderful touch in the Vichyssoise which was made from cauliflower.  That reminds me, if you microwave a head of cauliflower until it gets very tender and then put it in the food processor with 1/2 & 1/2, butter, salt & pepper….it comes out tasting just like mashed potatoes!!!  Bet you didn’t know that!

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I was the only one who had their lobster shelled…..that way I could get right to it….

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Here’s Angel’s…..

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I don’t know why I missed taking a picture of the sublime desert….Maybe too much lovely wine!

Thank you Valerie for another perfect evening!!!

Monday, August 20, 2012

CUTE STUFF…..

…..these ladies, of a certain age, were driving along Glenoaks Blvd and I thought they were the cutest.  Note the luggage rack.

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You need the proper chapeau when you tour around…..

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Can you see all the European tags on the front?003

Trudy brought these back from Germany.  Care to venture a guess how long they lasted?

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Lisa’s precious CJ strikes a pose!

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Ever watchful Kita…you just never know who or what will pass along the patio.  One must be vigilant!

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Somewhat clean and trying to behave….This is her ‘Are you talking to me’ pose.

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What in the world was this bride and groom doing walking along Kenneth Road?  Going for a burger?

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Yes, a baby skunk.  Just down the street and ready for action….I fled!

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Mocking birds have a nest in front of the office….feathers are everywhere!

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Michal trying to coax Kita to walk on home…lot’s of luck with that Michal!!!

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This was supposedly indestructible and non toxic.  Don’t ask me about what happened later..it wasn’t pretty!

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THIS IS THE GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD…HONEST!  Works like a roll on deodorant and the dog does not stop licking it.  It’s a fantastic distraction when greeting people at the front door.

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Centinela Feed & Pet Supply, my home away from home….

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Do they sell stock?

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Off to the park with Mary Beth…those two have really bonded………….

We’re starting a cottage industry here….making pillows…..

Every week it’s the same…..

What would we do without Swifters….this is about a month’s supply….

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Our new bedtime position….hidden from the world…well, at least SHE thinks so!

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Beautiful Koi/Carp at Houston’s (Pasadena)

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Danny Chen’s adorable daughter….Jasmine.  Everyone wanted to adopt her!!!

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How cute is this?  Spotted on a car fender………

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I love Barnes & Noble….wonderfully cute…sort of….

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I guess you could call the Americana cute….again, sort of…

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And who might you be pray tell…..…

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Ron & Mom….

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Edible shoe from mom’s birthday cake….

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Andrew solving problems….

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Love the ‘Square’ attaches to iPhone to accept charges….

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A favorite toy…

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Stay tuned for more cute stuff…..

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.