WHY NOT GO FOR A TEST DRIVE........

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

WHY NOT GO FOR A TEST DRIVE........

…..not that I’m interested but it could be fun so off to Rusnak to test drive a new Jaguar.

It was the thought of nibbles that enticed me.
I went first and headed towards the Reilly’s to do a fun surprise pop in when I remembered they were out of town. What was I thinking?

We had a lovely drive around the Arroyo….

It’s all about the gift bag isn’t it?

It was Sunday. Right? Our day of rest. Right? What could be more relaxing then going to the Langham, sitting by the fire and having nibbles.

Only problem was someone needs to talk to the chef. Oh my gosh the food was awful. I have such fond memories of that hotel when it was the Ritz Carlton. Charles & I were married in the courtyard and managed to hang out there a lot.

Oh well. Tomorrow was another day or something like that. Time for puppy to get her bath and 'Must Love Dogs' is so super fantastic that she can’t run into the ‘spa’ fast enough!

No Kita, Liz does not want to dance with you and no again….you can’t go home with her.

Wednesdays class at the Huntington was super fun and Pam managed to crank out 5 images for her hubby to select from for their Christmas card.

I decided to do a pop in at Pirch ….reason way to complicated….too much bla bla... and ran into Mary, a Nan Rae art collector. Funny story there but ask me privately!

The Culligan man was back and the whole water filtration thing is turning into a complicated situation….way too much detail, you’ll fall asleep!

To brighten my day in the midst of grand chaos Lisa came over and we shared some laughs and caught up….

Sweetest of the Sweet Lynne finished a wonderful painting for her Christmas card and Nikka brilliantly converted it to card size or whatever it is that she does so wonderfully .

Amy went with me to a party for a friend at Ca Del Sole but we could only stay long enough to devour the wonderful nibbles...

Then off we went for an 8:00 screening of ‘Tyrus’ which was formerly titled ‘Brushstrokes in Hollywood’ at the CTN animation eXpoo 7.0 at the Marriott.. I’m so thrilled to have a small part in supporting this amazing movie about Tyrus Wong, our National Treasure that was written and produced by my dear friend Pamela Tom. Lisa See did a marvelous job of narrating and we were inspired by this man who carved out the most amazing career beginning with the beautiful backgrounds for Disney’s classic ‘Bambi’!

Tyrus, at the young age of 105 was at the screening and busy signing posters for the film.

Nan Rae art at Nikka’s first home! She not only found it herself but did all the decorating!

I’m thrilled she has my very favorite painting!

There was too long a line for photo op with The Gingerbread Man so I just snapped him as he made this little boy cry! Sorta like the response to clowns.

Couldn’t pass up this Shiba Inu as everyone who went on the spring trip to Japan will attest to.

Finally….the Rellly’s! They’re soooo cute!! We met at Americana and saw ‘Spectre’ the latest James Bond thriller. Loved it and almost finished the LARGE bag of popcorn!

On to Freida’s for some Mexican food….

If you’re thinking of Christmas gifts, check out www.lissikaplan.com for beautiful treasures. It’s a joy just to see her website! She’ll be delighted to create something special and hand write a message on the porcelain.

Wishing you joy!

No comments:

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.