Parties, Recipes and Grace

Me and Betty Kamen phD

Me and my brother Benn

Me and Jackie Lapin, PR Goddess

Me and Aireene Espiritu and Rick DiDia

My forth book party was in San Francisco at the home of my friend Kathi Kamen Goldmark (Author, radio producer, founder and member of the Rock Bottom Remainders, winner of the 2008 Woman’s National Book Association Award.)

Me and Kathi Kamen Goldmark

I was nervous anticipating speaking in front of people I didn’t know, many of them in the book world. On my way there I stopped at Grace Cathedral to calm my mind. There, I got the peace and inspiration I needed to just let go and be myself.

I enjoyed preparing the veggie BLTs and Greenyacolads (recipes at bottom.)

Though calm, I was still a bit worried that either no one would show or too many would show. I had a edible BLT and then a few spiritual ones (Breathe, Let go and Trust). Grace seemed to be in charge and just the right amount (about 20) and the right people flowed in. It was a lovely combination; people I knew from volunteering at the radio show West Coast Live, old and new friends of Kathi’s some of which I knew over the years, my former husband’s sister and brother-in-law that I haven’t seen near enough of in many years and love, one of my favorite music duos, Aiereen and Rick and a new friend I met on an airplane almost 2 years earlier.

Kathi’s mom, Betty Kamen PhD (Author and Nutrition expert) introduced me. This is what she said:

It was too long ago for me to recall the details. What I do remember is my surprise when Kathi said, “I’ve invited 12-year-old Kai to spend a week with us, but I have some meetings in the city…”
All I could say was: “But, but, but —“
How could I explain to my daughter that this was supposed to be the SUMMER OF ME — the first summer my kids were old enough for me to do – finally — WHAT I WANTED TO DO!
But now: A twelve-year-old???
My concerns dissolved, however, on the very day Kai arrived.  She overheard a discussion I was having with my husband about a problem with a friend, and she said, “Why don’t you just tell your friend how you feel about this?”
I was completely taken aback by this logical solution from a child, and that was the moment I realized that this little girl was no ordinary 12-year-old!
As the vacation progressed I found myself looking to Kai for solutions to other relationship problems that came my way, and I continued to be fascinated by her insights and wisdom.
My “Summer of Concern” quickly dissolved into a “Summer of Delight.”
I’ve watched Kai grow up to become an accomplished chef, a terrific mother, and now an author. Not only has she embraced the nutritional knowledge I’ve promoted over the years, but she has added her own unique, personal ingredients.
It has been my honor and privilege to able to call Kai MY VERY GOOD FRIEND! She is truly one of a kind.

The rest of the evening was smooth and fun. People said they enjoyed it and were inspired… one woman said I should be on Oprah! LOTS of books sold and Kathi said she was very impressed with how I handled everything. A perfect evening. Thank you Kathi and Betty and everyone who came!

It’s amazing how often I forget to trust that I don’t have to do everything on my own and that if just I let go and be myself… there is almost always grace.

Greenyacolada:

3 cups Organic Mango lemonade (T.J.s)

1 cup each, organic coconut milk, frozen mangoes, frozen pineapple and ice

2 handfuls of spinach and or other greens

Blend all ingredients in high-speed blender and enjoy!

Veggie BLTs

Good bread, toasted (I used Milton’s whole grain and rice bread)

Morning Star Breakfast strips

Vegenaisse or Organic Mayo

Sliced Tomato

Lettuce

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