DOMESTICITY AND OTHER THINGS

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

DOMESTICITY AND OTHER THINGS

A trip to Julienne's is #1 on the list when planning a dinner party.

It's fun planning the menu, setting the table, checking lists to make sure everything is done as planned.

Appetizers on the patio...

But the most fun of all is knowing your guests had a good time!

While on the subject of fun...Nothing could have been better this month than celebrating Carol's return home.... Her luncheon at The Athenaeum was absolutely delightful...

As was the lovely lunch at Carol's with Tavo Olmos on Mandolin and Nick Neutra on Guitar serenading us.

A beautiful day!

Along with hugging a tree for good measure before going home!

There was a Western Barbecue at the Athanaeum and who could resist petting a baby goat!

Everyone got the memo...note the hats!

Probably the absolutely sweetest day was the bridal shower for Erin. Sister Kaley greeted me before the festivities...sooooo cute!

You can barely see Clara in the far left...

Bravo Kathy, this was a day to remember!

So much yummy food....

This was very clever. You could write your name on your beverage glass.

Clara got the most delicious cake at Sweet Lady Jane...but of course!

It's no secret that I love Moochi even more than Kita.

On to birthdays....
We celebrated Lovely Marine at The Frontyard...

and, don't laugh...me again at the Peninsula with thanks to Clara.

It's Nikka's B-day turn....

Maggie celebrated Nikka with cupcakes at the Huntington...

There were enough to go around for all 38 students!

Lovebird Eliza is so happy with her 'Lovebirds'!

Word has it that this painting was happily received in Boston...

Thanks May at Chang's Frames in El Monte. You're amazing!

Trying to get organized...

in between conferences in the studio...

O.K., needed a play date at the Peninsula with buddies Sweet Joycie and Patricia!

I hope you take time to play too!

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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.