AN AMAZING CHRISTMAS GATHERING at VALERIE FOSTER HOFFMANS...

Sunday, December 25, 2016

AN AMAZING CHRISTMAS GATHERING at VALERIE FOSTER HOFFMANS...

…...including carolers and a fine Santa!

This would make anyone jolly!

DSCN2548

I know, amazing! DSCN2582

…..and oh soooo good!

Let’s start with dessert!

Cheese anyone?

…and what would you like to drink?

Not sure what I was carrying on about here but I did want you to see Amy’s beautiful flowers!

Delighted to see Nan Rae collectors Diane and Page…...

Amy loved Jo Ann as much as I do!

Time out with Prince…..

Me too!

Hmmmm…wonder whose orchids those are???

Our hostess with the mostest with Amy’s beautiful flowers and sister Vanya to the right…..

Delightful always to see artiste extraordinaire Peter Adams!

Thank you dear Valerie for an amazing, memorable evening!

Well, the evening was still young and we wanted to have tea so Amy & I headed over to The Langham which used to be the Ritz Carlton. I always love going there and seeing the courtyard where Charles and I were married.

Guess what Amy is holding in her free hand.

Here’s a big clue…..

There was a long line at the valet station and we had to wait 30 minutes for my car so…...

I thought I’d end this blog with another beautiful tree…..this one’s from The Peninsula.

May your holiday be all bright and sparkling!

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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.