AND THE BEAT GOES ON

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

AND THE BEAT GOES ON

That’s right, doing the birthday thing one more time.

Dear Clara treated me and Amy to a grand luncheon at Jean Jacques in the brand new Waldorf Astoria on Wilshire in Beverly Hills.

O.K., the following is for foodies only:
The assorted bread was so amazing we asked for a refill!

In front of Clara: A Dungeness Crab Cake with Sugar Snap Pea Remoulade and an Ahi Tuna Tartare with Crushed Avocado & Radish, Ginger dressing. In front of that, Crispy Sushi of Sea Trout, Chipotle Emulsion & Mint (The rice was fried and oh so yummy.)

I had Parmesan Crusted Organic Chicken with Artichokes, Basil & Lemon Butter

Amy’s Black Cod with Asparagus & Spiced Herbal Broth and a piece of Clara’s Salmon

Clara’s Sesame Crusted Salmon with Sautéed Potatoes, Black Olive & Passion Fruit.

Two too cute!

To all my Facebook and Instagram friends you watched Andrew teach me how to thrown down any big ol’ guy that tries anything! I was laughing so hard it got in the way of my Kung Fu mastery!

At American School of Martial Arts, Grand Master Don Baird demonstrates how the masters do it!!

Time to bend a little rebar…anyone?

Awwwww…..Bunny, Grand Master Maria, Nikka and Bridget…..Soooo cute!

Back to work …..I interrupted Nikka’s Photoshop class with Sweet Lynne & Kc to share a video on the 14th Factory…...

Afterwards I was treated to a delightful birthday celebration at Bar Verde!

After a month of cleaning out the office it was time to hit the studio…..all this is from one file drawer of lessons…...

Too much organizing….time for a joyful break with dear Lizzie at Bloomies!

We finally found the lights for video shoots. Hiding in one of the closets…..thought they were umbrellas!

At Lovely Marine’s for a pre 4th, 4th of July celebration…..I arrived early before the crowd….

Yes I had a burger and two tacos…..does that make me bad or only BIG!

Lovely Marine and her adorable, talented sister Eliza with yours truly….

Eliza and Tyler…..are they the cutest or what!!!

On to the Reilly’s for Jim’s brother Billy’s birthday celebration. Sandie Girl made a world class German chocolate cake! Soooo good!

Sandie with son Tim…..Not quite sure what all the wires were for but I love this photo….

Time for the Parker’s to celebrate the 4th! Kita was ready to party!
Kita the Akita Fourth of July 5X7

Of course it wouldn’t be the 4th without my grilled cheese sandwiches loaded with bacon ‘cause it’s all about the bacon!

Yes, we are so cute!

I must say the fireworks from the deck were absolutely the best this year with the exception of these which were a bit too close for comfort!

Wishing you a grand, celebratory summer!

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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.