MORE THAN A BOOKSIGNING BOOKSIGNING

….was held in the Nan Rae Studio for Lisa Di Vita’s page turner of a book, ‘The Shattered Peacock’ based on a real life story of displacement and heroism.  The theme is universal and relatable for so many whether you’re living in a city other than your birth or have crossed an ocean to begin a new life.
In keeping with the theme, stunning floral arrangements were designed by creative Amy at lejardinprive.com 818.625.5243. Can you see the peacock feathers?  Amazing!Of course food is essential and precious Marine along with her way too adorable children Alex and Alyssa were in charge of the food detail.  This is how Alex rolls!Heartfelt thanks dear Marine!

Sweet Patricia brought the most amazing cake….way too delicious for anyone’s good….Here’s just what was left of it.
I lost count of the guests at 55…..
Lovely Farnaz added so much to the discussion….all touching and heart felt.
As did dear Maryam...
Valerie had an amazing experience to share as well... After her inspiring talk, Lisa was surrounded and not only were people getting a book but many wanted two or three!

Lovely Marine brought Eleen,  her delightful, talented artist friend.

You know how much I love my peeps!  From the left:  Lynne, Kathy, Kc and Clara!
O.K. Kc, you’re going to have to fill me in on this conversation...
Joy Bell Clara gets her book and a big smile….
Three amazing women: Farnaz, my brilliant inventor friend, Valerie, the Hostess With the Mostest and Marsha Ramos who is saving the planet, one project at a time!
I have to say that Farnaz brought everyone to tears with her relatable story….
I was delighted Lisa Lupo could join us.  She is a devoted, brilliant curator and authority on Russian Avant Garde art...

I have to say these two, Maryam and dear Patricia, are truly the sweetest of the sweet!
We had great fun remembering the book signing for lovely, talented Lissi Kaplan here with fiancee Doug.  Amy, you’re amazing!
After getting three copies, Ralph was already enthralled by ‘Shattered Peacock’!
Max, this precious, adorable baby brought his parents Cole and Becca!

The end of an amazing event in the studio…..author Lisa with producer, director hubby Chuck Bowman and producer son Stephen.
Special thanks to Nikka who worked over and beyond to make the event perfect and to Connor who was our driver in charge.
And to think I get to enjoy these exquisite flowers!  May you find beauty everyday!
You can order a copy of ‘Shattered Peacock’ at Amazon: http://a.co/jj9KlPD
For inscribed copies please email Lisa at lbowman9@gmail.com

SAYING GOODBYE AND FINDING JOYFUL MOMENTS

 Planning the celebration for mom’s beautiful life at dear Valerie’s, the one and only 'Hostess With the Mostest’!  Valerie has kindly agreed that her home would be the perfect setting for a fitting tribute!

Josie, Valerie’s Chef Cuisinier will be in charge of the menu….
Now that’s settled, it’s time to be out and about.  First stop, the home of the late Sally Forrest, a star in the 40’s and 50’s.  Her estate is now owned by niece Sharon who invited me and Nikka for dinner and a tour.  This is in the screening room.

Along with the other guests I get to heart the history of this grand Beverly Hills estate……ahhhhhhh Hollywood!

And now, a few notes on the piano George Gershwin played.


Thought you’d like to see the ‘partner’s desk’ of the Warner brothers…...

Back home and loving Maria and Bridget…..they’re just toooo cute!

I’m working on re-inventing my Domestic Goddess…..

Classes in the studio are always enjoyable.  Most likely the most fun for me!

Here’s Maria again another day with darling Cecelia…..more joy!

Come over anytime for a spot of tea…...

 Now this was really domestic.  Something I had not done in eight years!!! A dinner party in honor of newlyweds Maryam and Kert.  So this is the dining room!  Bring out the Old Imari and the Baccarat….we’re ready to party!

Adorable & oh so lovely Alexis with Dave, her Prince and the newlyweds….Kert and Maryam!
 Now here’s a threesome I adore and anytime with them brings me complete and utter joy!!!  Marine and sister Eliza with dear Amy at Prosecco Tratorria in Toluca Lake.

 I was completely and utterly surprised and delighted when during the lunch break for class at the Huntington Botanical Gardens, student Ralph Komai sang a poem he wrote for me to the tune of State Fair.

 This tops the list of joyfulness!!!  Thank you dear Ralph!

 Not only that but Ralph sent these exquisite flowers in honor of my mom……Soooooo touching!

 How about cute brothers Jose and  David  who joined the Huntington class.  They did wonderfully and I’m so proud of how they really paid attention!!!


 Now this was an inspiring and fun two days.  Student Joe flew all the way from Chicago for a private two day workshop with me.  He too paid great attention and like a sponge picked up everything I taught.

 A special thank you dinner for  David for all his hard work on the studio entrance and also special thanks to dear Eileen for all her help at mom’s! At Prosecco Tratorria….Aren’t they the cutest couple???

 See how domestic I’ve become.  I made all these treats when dear Patricia came over………..

 It’s been ages since we’ve seen Krista and Brett and they’re way behind on their dog walking responsibilities….come on you two….Get off the love boat and walk Kita!
Dear Maggie came over with yummy treats from Julienne’s…...

And  Laurie Pie came over with her delicious chopped salad and famous garlic bread….

 I had lunch with Lovely Lisa Bowman (AKA Lisa Di Vita) to celebrate the publishing of her incredible book ‘The Shattered Peacock’.  I had recommended it as a great summer read but now that Labor Day is rapidly approaching read it just because it’s one great book! Available on Amazon.com

 Dim the lights and light the ‘wishing’ Sky Lanterns to celebrate Nikka’s birthday…..with a belated lantern for Emma!  It was rather windy that night so we had a bit of a problem getting airborne and had to go to the deck...

 Lovely flowers from dear Amy for the birthday girl….

 Sandie Girl gave Nikka the cutest needlepoint….Hello Kitty of course………….

Special thanks to dear Kc who brought this delicious home grown 'French Tomato Tarte' to the studio class with special thanks for the ‘extra’ which I devoured after class.  Sooooo good!

 Bet you thought I forgot our anniversary…..

 Sandie Girl didn’t and Laurie Pie checks the flowers out….

 Lots of flowers for mom.  These were from Reza and done by the one and only Amy at Le Jardin Privé………...

 More……...


This says it all…………….May you enjoy each precious moment!