Monday, March 4, 2013

POOPIE DIAPERS and OTHER FUN THINGS……

…….Saturday started out quite lovely with George our gardener bringing his adorable daughter….She was too shy to even say her name.

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It was race day at Santa Anita and the freeway was a parking lot……giving me the chance to photograph this wonderful Jaguar….

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…..closer…….

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….real close……see the Leaper?

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Even got a wave! We were going about 5 miles an hour on the freeway ….honest officer!015

From my rear view…..

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…Pulled up alongside me. And then off the freeway I went to try the access roads as I was late for the main event….A baby shower for Kristin Bowman, mommy to be at the home of MIL Lisa and Chuck B.

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So many friends gathered to party hearty! And what a great photo op….You two are sooo cute…..’It’s a boy’ pronounces Lisa!

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Beautiful Karen always camera ready.  Last party she wore the most amazing boots and wouldn’t give them to me.  Can you imagine????

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Chuck has the most incredible collection of fine art photographs and I thought the clothes line in front was hysterical……..

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Here’s handsome Stephen, proud papa to be with mom Lisa…..oh Lisa you’re soooo cute!!!

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Peggy, Kristin’s beautiful mom in from Hawaii did a video tribute to the couple……(Tia is Kristin’s ‘nickname’)

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The handsome couple on their wedding day in Hawaii……

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Chuck & Lisa with son Stephen…..

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Swoon….Chuck you have the most amazing collection……

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Haven’t seen Fran Benedict for ages…..a huge promoter of Civic Opera….great Fran!

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CJ you just wouldn’t stay still for me to get a good picture of your cute self….too much fun and frivolity I guess….not to mention the yummies all around!

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O.K., here it is……

I know you’ve been waiting for it…….

At last, for your enjoyment

 

Are you waiting for it?????????????

 

POOPIE DIAPERS!

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Go ahead….you taste it…..

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Hmmmmmmmmmmmm………….

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Now don’t think I guessed all of these, I wrote in the correct answers just for you!

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Time to open presents!  Yea!!!

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Peggy, Kristin’s beautiful mom is in charge of all the wrappings…..

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Oh it’s something from ‘SUMA the Elephant’……

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These FOLKMANIS hand puppets are the best!

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And now, for you foodies…..

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In the kitchen with mommy to be…..

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Yummy cake from PORTO’S………………….this picture doesn’t show how large it was with it’s many layers of yummy goodness…..

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I had two of these……don’t tell.  There was also the most tender and delicious chicken on a stick….lots of dips and chips and….

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I know where you got this idea Lisa…..

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Who made the deviled eggs???

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This is the most delicious ever….a Vegan cheesecake made with macadamia nuts by Kristin.  I can’t believe I ate this AND the Porto’s cake.  Oh my!

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Party’s over, one last goodbye to this adorable neighbor doggie.

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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.