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 Planning a Book Celebration for the 2022 re-issue of Black Lives, White Lives to honor Bob’s legacy, and create an opportunity to bring together old and new friends, young and old, in Karinaland Garden. Who will show up?  

With a live outdoor concert of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Duo for Violin & Viola in B flat major, K 424, played by professional musicians Elbert Tsai and Christina J.Simpson. (Elbert and Christina are part of the Sierra Quartet)  Three friends of mine helped out – you know who you are – became sponsors and made this special musical treat possible. I am so-so-so grateful for this!  

 

We will be sharing Armenian finger food and drink, including garden herb tea, mingling in the magical setting under the big old Live Oaks, surrounded by squirrels & hummingbirds. Those who actually have read a bit in the book, are invited to share their impressions. I hope this draws some of you out of your homes :)  It’s been a long time since we organized any Listening Salons. During the pandemic I have spent my social life completely outdoors and have enjoyed it tremendously – so lucky we can do this almost all year around here in California. 

 

Deeply excited to have this Book Celebration – May is Bob’s Birthday month. 33 years ago, Black Lives, White Lives was first published by University of California Press to great critical acclaim. For the past two years, I have been working on the book's rescue (or re-issue), as a timely & timeless contribution. (read their blog)

 

The other day, I woke from a distinct dream, suddenly knowing that Bob has now become one of my ancestors. Not anymore just my late husband of 25 years, and a friend who I cared for into death at age 87, after a long rich life. Five and half years ago, the big earthquake of losing him. Now Bob is my Ancestor. This transition and distinction I have felt happening before with my father and mother, as well as other important teachers and friends in my life. Their legacies are inside of me, embodied and lived. There is definitely alchemical work involved :) the mysterious workings of eternal spirit and human soul. May we all be blessed to experience the guidance and protection of our Ancestors. 

 

Please be so kind to let me know you are coming, so I can plan seating and food! 

And if you’d like to bring a friend or two! 


Comments

  1. nicole gervacioMay 31, 2022 at 12:28 AM

    It was a beautiful to be in community this past weekend - with the garden, experiencing incredible music, engaging in thoughtful conversation, and celebrating the completion of this book. From what I witnessed & heard, getting BLACK LIVES WHITE LIVES republished has been a challenging journey. Working alongside you as you stewarded the legacy of Bob & his team's work, I had a sense of the importance of these interviews - and now that I've begun reading I can see how incredibly potent & relevant this book is in 2022. These interviews are an intimate time capsule that reminds us of how much has changed in the "united states" in the last 50 years, and - unfortunately - how so much has not. I look forward to finishing this book & learning from these peoples' lived experiences...hoping this book reaches many far & wide...

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