The big news is that Mint Tea and Minarets: A Banquet of Moroccan Memories, is off to the printer’s. A hard copy of the book, as well as a flip book, will be available soon on the Mint Tea and Minarets page.

The opening ceremonies of the London Olympics take me back to 1984 (so long ago!) when I was fortunate to work for the French Olympic Committee in the Olympic Village at USC. That intimacy with the world of athletics made me appreciate the dedication of young men and women from all over the world, whose sole goal was to stand on the podium and represent their country. The US national anthem echoed through the park more often than the others!

As a thank you, the French team allowed a few of us to march in the closing ceremonies, and provided me with the appropriate cover, a French Olympic Uniform. I have to say that has become a highpoint of my life. When the flying saucer bearing Lionel Ritchie landed barely a few feet from where I stood, I was already on another planet with excitement! His hit “All Night Long” rang out over the stadium and into the night for what seemed like hours.

Few people realize that along with the games comes a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of artists, actors, musicians, acrobats, dancers, from all over the world. It provided more than 400 performances by 145 theater, dance and music companies, representing every continent and 18 countries. That was the year I discovered, and served as interpreter for, the Theatre du Soleil, an extraordinary avant-garde theatre group from Paris. Before they could go on with the show they needed hundreds of yards of silk to use as a backdrop: guess who drove them all over LA! The Galleria for shopping, Disneyland, and of course, Venice Beach.

That year takes on a special significance for me on another level, for that is the year I decided to pursue writing as a career. A quarter of a century later, I still look upon the 1984 as a turning point in my life!

Looking for a speaker for your organization?

I would be delighted to plan a program with you. Mint Tea and Minarets will be out in October, and I am seeking speaking engagements in the San Diego an LA areas. My presentation is both informative and entertaining. The 40 mn Power Point presentation features Moroccan food and culture, followed a 15 to 20 mn cooking demonstration and a reading from my book. Typically, hosts prepare a sampling of my recipes. My hosts have included the Vista Library, the San Diego Herb Society, Mira Costa College, the St Helena (CA) Library, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Library among others. Please contact me for details.

Earn money for a good cause: YOURS!

Would your store or group like to carry A Biblical Feast for a holiday festival or church bazaar? Why not become a reseller? Many groups have already. I will send you 10 copies of A Biblical Feast at the usual bookseller discount. Sell it and keep the profits. Just mail me unsold copies after the event.

If you know of a gift store, judaica store, or church gift shop in your area that might be interested in carrying my book, please let me know. A website will do.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, and may the best athletes win!