140 Days Loving the Fire
My memoir launched in April with a fabulous reading at Book Passage in Corte Madera, and a brilliant conversation with author Natalie Baszile at MoAD in San Francisco. I continued traveling - to San Diego and then to NYC to be in conversation with author Christine Platt at The Tibet House with my daughter Angelica in attendance. There were many friends and new faces at each reading; a highlight at Barnes & Noble at the Grove in June with my son Salvador opening the event with a keyboard solo and a heartfelt interview by actor Jurnee Smollett. We shared our unforgettable moments with President Nelson Mandela in South Africa and how we worked with ANSA to support organizations to eradicate HIV/AIDS. My daughter Stella and her family sat in the audience listening intently. I’ve enjoyed being a part of 22 podcasts, multiple television interviews, and print journalism. It has been a wonderful five months explaining how I walked through fire to choose me and find freedom.
Next week I return to the Bay Area for four more events. If you missed me the first time, I hope you’ll join my readings & book signings September 17th - 20th.
After reading Loving the Fire, my young friend, Azure, wrote to me: “Many native plants of California can sprout only from the heat of a wildfire. To grow to their full potential, they must burn. A mature California Coast Live Oak tree can be burned to ashes and regrow relatively quickly; a rebirth and reinvention of self, grown from the roots of an entire life before burning. The tree [never] burned to nothingness. It regrew from the foundational roots protected by the embracing soil surrounding [it] and nutrients from the ashes of its own burned matter. From the ashes of burned bark—branches, new leaves and budding flowers grow.”
She completely received the message of Loving the Fire: After walking through my fire, I grew stronger, became more of my authentic self, and my values, light, and peace blossomed.
Life continues. Let’s embody our power and move forward with our best lives. I hope to see you soon!
