NOT QUITE A BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Well, that's what dear Carol Soucek King called it as the actual date of my birthday had passed.  It was a glorious celebration nonetheless hosted by Carol at the Athenaeum. Imagine, even a special menu 'Luncheon With Nan Rae'!

Carol makes sure that everyone is not only acknowledged but warmly praised. Gayle Garner Roski, multi-talented artist, traveler and storyteller is to the left. I hadn't seen Lynn van Dam Cooper, seen on the right, since our Pasadena Showcase House days.  Lynn does the most amazing pen and ink studies of not only Pasadena Showcase houses but I'd say many of the homes in Southern California have been enhanced by her work!

I was delighted to have lovely Elaine Adams seated next to me so we could have time to talk.  Elaine is the Executive Director of the California Art Club and the wife of artist extraordinaire Peter Adams!

Great fun seeing Kathy Luppen Rose and remembering the talk I gave in her home on the Literati/Gentlemen Scholars of China. I don't know how I missed getting a photo of my precious Lisa Bowman, aka Lisa DiVita ... universal woman and author of 'Shattered Peacock', a must read!

Everyone loves Sally Beaudette as she always knows just the most perfect, kind thing to say.....

Thank you dear Carol for the loveliest, most memorable day!

Happy me!

Nestled inside Brand Park is a lovely Japanese Garden where Grandmaster Don Baird gave the most insightful talk on writing Haiku.

An accomplished artist, musician and composer,  Grandmaster Baird is also the Grandmaster of the American School of Martial Arts.

Grandmaster Baird has several of his Haiku books available on Amazon.

Off to the final dress rehearsal of Rigoletto with beautiful Amy. 

Our favorite place at the Music Center is the ladies room in the Founder's Room.  😂

I so hope you had a chance to be at one of the performances.....we loved it!

Intermission .... time for wine and nibbles...

After the performance, we had a lovely dinner that was just for members of the Bella Voce Society....

....with a special treat of having Plácido Domingo speak to us!

Yes, we're definitely fans of L A Opera!

Precious Maggie and I spent Mother's Day at the Langham.  The Royce has the most amazing buffet on Mother's Day, Father's Day and Easter.  We'll be going back on Father's Day for sure!

Everyone received a beautiful long-stemmed rose.  I wonder if we'll get a cigar on Father's Day!

I don't want to forget the special luncheon at the Huntington Botanical Gardens honoring The Arabella and Henry Huntington Heritage Society.  A wonderful fringe benefit.

Thank you dear Cris Lutz for the beautiful 'birthday' flowers!

I don't think it's even possible to live more joyfully.  This is what I wish for you each and every day!

CELEBRATING CHARLES LEE PARKER

It's party time! What better way to celebrate an amazing man who brought sunshine with his smile and kindness to everyone he met.

 Lovely Marine checks out one the Sous Chef's with precious Alyssa...

While awesome Alex brings in the yummy Porto's treats! Thank you Alex!

You know you want some!  Bonnie says the Mango are the best, best!

This was the 'prep' sheet for the chefs.....

Chef David Vasquez with his two awesome Sous Chefs!

Ready to roll.....

 When was the last time you saw quail eggs?

They went on top of this............

'May I offer you a yummy?

Sous Chef Hey Jeong's own Kimchi in shot glasses topped by edible flowers.....

Little pancakes of goodness.................

Never had Slider's with sirloin filet.....

Cheese anyone?

Vinovre Wine sets up for the wine tasting...

World famous Trio Caliente flew in from Washington to entertain us and boy...did they ever!!!

Bonnie you are adorable......No one gets more out of life than you!

I always love the way you and Charlie savor every moment.....

Laurie Pie did some dancing later.....

 Precious Amy stopped for a photo with Reza, our Man About Town!

 Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dean Carlson for the beautiful music he offered us on the piano.

Dear, dear Carol and Dr. Carlson share a moment......

There aren't enough words to describe how I love these angel people and how blessed I am to have Marine and Aram in my life.  Aram's brother and his wife are to the left and his sister to the right.

 Hi Sandie Girl.....So happy to meet Kathy with dear Ralph......

More love with my Precious Patricia and brilliant Dr. Farnaz.......

Here's Farnaz and Sweet Maryam with Princess Francesca Constanza Drommi and world famous fashion photographer Jacques Silberstein

Time for some blonde cuteness..........

Maryam & Kert join Izabela & Wayne...

What a surprise to see Lauren who drove in from Palm Springs......yea!

Awwwwww...........Sweet Sandie and Dr. Jim share a moment.

Clara with best buds Kathy and David share some fun time with Colleen.....

Dear Farnaz writing in the Book of Remembrance in the studio.

My dear cousin Ronald flew in from Memphis.....soooo happy!

Everyone left with a gift basket prepared by Richard Burkart from Burkart Organics 

This was the time of day when Sinatra would loosen his tie and get cozy.  Miguel took requests from the few remaining guests and we all had great fun singing and naming that tune!!!

Absolutely love this couple!

It really was late at this point and we were all quite 'happy'!

But wait...time to visit the studio......

My heartfelt thanks to all.....Bye for now...

Love always!