LA OPERA'S THE CLEMENCY OF TITUS

Monday, March 11, 2019

LA OPERA'S THE CLEMENCY OF TITUS

...was absolutely sensational.
The sets and costumes gave this Mozart masterpiece a fitting background. The LA Times called it 'A feast for the eyes' and it certainly is. Only three more chances to see this magnificent production.

Amy and I loved being at the dress rehersal.

and afterwards the Bella Voce dinner was wonderful.

Is there a dog on the planet that I would pass by without taking a photo? Meet Morgan the star of 'Rescued by Goldens'.

Delighted to be given this poster signed by Maestro Domingo!

Very special thanks go to dear Miss Judith, a board member of the Iris-Cantor-UCLA Women's Health Center, for inviting me to 'Lunch With the Scientists'. This very special annual event gives those present an opportunity to hear UCLA scientists discuss the latest advances and discoveries in women's health.

I went with Lizzie Girl and Awesome Eileen but unfortunately, our hostess was ill and could not attend. Bummer!

Lizzie couldn't resist some fun in the elevator at the Beverly Wilshire!

Yes, that's me!

What a privilege to be included with these amazing women who contribute so much.

Thank you Miss Judith for including me in this stellar event!

Oh my, I wonder if class at the Huntington Botanical Gardens could get any better....

The same holds true for the studio class.

It's always a joy to have special time with precious Alice!

Just a thought...You might want to wear grubbies when you come over because Kita is certain you're here for play time with her.

Ryan doesn't seem to be bothered...

She got all gussied up for International Akita Day.

What fun to meet Tanya at Vroman's Bookstore. She's a dear friend of student Ralph Komai and told me she collects my cards!

Can't remember what this was all about but it sure looks like fun.

So proud of Lisa See, a genuine rock star. Vroman's was so jammed with people to hear her discuss her latest book 'The Island of Sea Women' that they had to turn people away.

I'm going to need another bookshelf just for Lisa See!!!

Sending you a rainbow to your dreams!

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.