Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Thirty Second Annual WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS LUNCHEON

...and our Miss Judith sponsored a table to honor Janet P. Pregler, M.D., Director, Iris Cantor UCLA Women’s Health Center, UCLA National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health.  Dr. Pregler is seated amongst her fine team.
IMG 1078Miss Judith, Dr. Pregler, Eileen and yours truly.  Miss Judith is on the Executive Advisory Board of the Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Health Center and  I’m beyond proud of her! Thank you Miss Judith for including me in such an august group of women.
'Since 1975, the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, a 15-member advisory Commission appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, has worked to improve the lives of women and their families in Los Angeles County.’ The hard working and dedicated women honored provide invaluable service for women’s issue, advocating women’s rights and working to bring about social and economic change.  The years of dedication and service by all is staggering and many have toiled for years to serve and make a difference.
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It’s always lovely to be serenaded and if there’s a cello involved, all the better! (This fine event was held in the Grand Hall of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.)
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It’s both humbling and inspiring to be amongst so many brilliant and talented women who dedicate their lives to service.  Fun to see Paula Devine, Glendale’s Mayor in the group but didn’t get a photo.
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Who doesn’t love a Color Guard and the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance and hear The Star Spangled Banner!!!
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Foodies, the lovely lunch was provided by Patina!
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This has to be the very  best chicken served at any luncheon and the baby garden carrots were sensational!
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Congratulation Dr. Pregler…..you are awesome!
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Here’s a chance to make a difference and do something that will affect lives!  Scholarships are given to at-risk young women overcoming hardships such as homelessness, domestic violence and poverty.  For more information: laccw.lacounty.gov
A donation of any size will be so appreciated.  Checks can be made payable to LACCW and mailed to:
Los Angeles County Commission for Women
Attn: Scholarship Program Committee
500 West Temple Street, Room B-50
Los Angeles, CA 90012Fullsizeoutput 1529aTo feel good, do good!

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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.