Author Archives: Angella

A Marathon Week

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This week proved to be one of the busiest weeks of all for me: A book signing event at the Tycher Library, in coordination with the Jewish Federation of Dallas, and an interview at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas.  One of the great surprises of a book event is that you never know who shows up and whom you meet!

My Sunday book event in Dallas was just delightful and what made it even more fun was that my nephew, Ariel, a student at SMU, came to see me.  This is a big deal because in the past couple of years, I don’t think he has ever woken up before 11:00 am for anything.  (He plans all his classes at noon or later).  A big nod to my handsome Ariel and a big thank you to Shula, my sister-in-law, for joining me on this leg of the tour.

Then off to Austin I went. I met with my good friends, Suzanne and David Booth, who have just moved from Los Angeles to live there.  I am so grateful for their hospitality and for the spectacular party the had in honor of  my husband and me.  The following day I got a tour of the Ransom Center, and Molly, one of the curators, took me to their manuscript archives in the basement.  This was a real treat and an experience. Listen up book worms—you will love this!  I got the chance to see original manuscripts from Bowles, Beckett, and other greats, with their own handwritten editing work in the margins! And if you don’t know, I love the smell of old books, so imagine getting your hands on 200 year old bound manuscripts and books.

That evening, Suzanne Booth, who is also on the advisory board at the Ransom Center, did a Q & A there in the center’s theatre. I got a chance to meet fellow writers, some Iranians in Dallas, and of course other university faculty and students.

Okay, I know I should not brag about my kids, it is not a nice thing to do. But I can’t help myself. So, here I go!  Later on this week, Phillip and I went to Stanford for the new student orientation.  Words cannot express how exhilarating this experience was. The campus is gorgeous and the faculty and the courses offered are just mind blowing. In an ideal world I would want to be a university student forever. Really, it’s the truth!

A Warm Reception with the Ladies of IMA Association

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These pictures of the book event that took place at the North Shore Hebrew Academy in Kings Point, Long Island are long overdue. I just received them myself a few days ago.

IMA Association (The Iranian Jewish Mothers Association) put together this wonderful event for me.  The mission of this association is to bring cultural awareness and Jewish Studies to a new generation of Iranian Jewish Families.  I have to say that every attendant at that event was exceptionally warm and supportive.  I was so touched by their enthusiasm and their interest in my book and I hope that I, too was able to impact them in a positive way myself. I look forward to seeing these ladies soon!

Reception for Shirin Neshat’s film– Women Without Men

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It goes without saying that I am a major Shirin Neshat fan. What I admire about her is that her art is constantly evolving and her works has broken through the cultural specific genre of Iranian Art has garnered international appeal. Just imagine how excited I was when I could include some of Shirin’s hauntingly images in my book, Life as a Visitor.

My husband, David and I had a reception at our home to celebrate her and Shoja Azai’s most recent collaboration and creation—the feature film that earned them a Silver Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival—Women without Men.

It was wonderful evening. Friends, artists, and art patrons all gathered at our home in support of the film.  Laughter, discussion, and friendly banter could be heard everywhere.

Here are a couple of pictures of the evening.

Persian New Year and Passover celebrations

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This past Saturday was the first day of spring, which coincides with the Persian New Year. Parties and family festivities took place to celebrate the arrival of the new year. And as Persian Jews, we are now getting ready for Passover the following week.  Joan Nathan just wrote an article about my family, our traditional Sabbath evenings, and how we celebrate Passover. Some great recipes that have been passed down through generations have also been included.  Here is the link below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/dining/24passover.html

Whether Jewish or not, we all feel that the newness of spring bring with a host of possibilities at our doorstep. So, I hope that this year brings much abundance and joy into everyone’s life.

High Atop the Eifel Tower in Paris

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This week’s adventures took my husband and me to Paris. We were at the famous Maxim’s Restaurant for the book signing of Pierre Cardin only 3 hours after we landed in this beautiful city.  Needless to say, our week was full of wonderful experiences. Although we had been to Paris on numerous occasions, we had never done the most touristic excursion, which is going to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  The day was clear and I shot many beautiful panoramic scenes of the city.

We managed to see 2 blockbuster exhibitions, one a retrospective of YSL at the Petit Palais and the Lucien Freud Exhibit at the Centre Georges Pompidou. (I hope to write about it in an article in the Huffington Post)

I also wanted to see the “Living Wall” installation of the exterior of the Musee du quai Branly that was designed and planted by Gilles Clement and Patrik Blanc.  To think that the entire facade of the building is planted material!

Of course, my favorite pastime between seeing art and roaming through the streets of Saint Germain des Pres and Le Maire is my hunt for the best hot chocolate.  (Laduree took the prize!)

David and I also had the great fortune of being invited to the American Ambassador’s residence for a music recital. This residence really is magnificent, but it is Mr. and Mrs. Ambassador Rivkin  that truly shine. They are both warm, intelligent, and engaging–we should only be so proud to them represent our country in France.

Here are some pictures of our 4 day get away! And yes, I spotted my book in the Assouline Store in St. Germain. It was such a great feeling.

The Glamorous Life of a Writer

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Just last week, I was with a friend who was walking down a busy street in Los Angeles with her roll away carry-on luggage to catch a ride with me. Needless to say, we got many stares and I was secretly thankful that it was not me looking so awkward walking in the streets (although being next to her did not help either).

Who would have known that the following week, I would stroll right into a Saks Fifth Avenue Department Store in the plush Ball Harbor Mall with a carry-on luggage. I tried to keep my cool but I was in a rush to find a bathroom so that I could change, put on my make up, recharge my dead black berry, and  get ready for my book signing and the grand opening of Books & Books.

My flight from Los Angeles to Miami was a bit delayed and to make matters worse, I found out that my hotel was in the opposite direction and very far from my book event that evening. So, I had no choice, I drove straight to the mall– and did I tell you that I had never been to Miami either?

I found Saks at one end of the mall and went straight into the bathroom and opened my luggage….changed my clothes in the cramped space, recharged my blackberry batteries for 15 minutes, and put on make up and did my hair in the public space. A very friendly woman helped zip up my dress.  Voila! I was done, as horrifying and funny experience.  At least this story has a nice ending.  Ausbert de Acre from Assouline Publishers greeted me at the bookstore and said, “Angella, you look marvelous.” Oh….the book signing was a success!

My adventures in the month of February

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I wanted to update everyone and tell you how amazing the IMPACT event in Portland was. The organizers of the event could not have been more gracious and welcoming and the ladies and the stories I heard at the event were so inspirational. What is also so wonderful is that this event raised more funds than last year’s, in spite of the economy.  As I look back on my experiences, what I value the most is the fact that I get to meet so many interesting people–it is as if I am enlarging my circle of friends. I will be posting some pictures of that night on my web site shortly.

This coming week will take me to the East Coast– thankfully to where the weather is warm and sunny! I will be doing a book signing at Books & Books in Bal Harbor and on Saturday morning I will be speaking at the Aventura Turnberry Synagogue. I have a chance to catch up with some friends too.  A short stay for sure, but it should be lots of fun.

Note from Angella

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I am most excited about my upcoming trip to Portland where I will be speaking to a sold-out event for the Women’s philanthropy division of the Jewish Federation.  To think that 400 of my books have already been sold before the event is quite unbelievable to me.  The theme of this event centers on people’s stories and how it impacts our lives.

While I was thinking of some points to share at the upcoming Feb. 8th event, it struck me–my maiden name is Maddahi.  In Persian, the word Maddahi means one who tells stories. So, it seems that perhaps I was destined to tell stories!

I will certainly update you on my month-long series of experiences and events.

Literary Affairs and LACMA

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I always knew that I liked organizations whose names started with a letter “L”.  But I didn’t know that I would start the year off with a double “L” bing bang! Julie Robinson,

the founder of Literary Affairs, is what I call a celebrity in the Southern California Literary Scene.  She runs 30 book clubs per month as well as organizes field trips and behind the scenes experiences for her readers to fully immerse them with the topics of the books. On January 8th, Literary Affairs organized an all-around stimulating and beautiful event at one of my favorite cultural organizations—LACMA.

As she had chosen my book, Life as a Visitor, to be showcased for her book club, she decided to give her readers and added layer of Persian experience.  As luck would have it, LACMA was holding an exhibition of two very rare and spectacular Persian carpets. Both Carpets date back to the first half of the 16th century and have been rarely exhibited to the public because of its size and sensitivity to light.

Guests toured the exhibit and saw sections of the Islamic Arts Section of the museum as well. And after the tour, Julie had an hour interview with me, where we engaged in a wonderful dialogue about my book, the Iranian culture and community.  The day was closed by a Persian Style lunch, that was co-hosted by Julie, and three of my dear friends, who are also members of her book club.  Thank you Julie, Pamela, Beth, and Alison.

It was a day to be remembered.

Here is a photo of me and my co-hosts along with the President of LACMA, Michael Govan.  And one of Julie and me.

Elie Wiesel, the Queen and I — a surreal night

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A friend told me over lunch yesterday, “You should just write a book about all that is happening at the book signing!” Her comment is quite on target….I have had the most wonderful and surreal experiences at my book events.

Just this week my book tour took me to New York, where good friends Nazee and Joe Moinian hosted a fabulous and elegant cocktail party at the Plaza Hotel. One Hundred and fifty friends, family, and colleagues came to the signing, which was a huge success.

There were two people whom I have always admired, attended and supported the event.

Her Majesty, Queen Farah Pahlavi and her daughter-in-law, Yasmine attended this event.  Her Majesty had the kindest words to say about the book and the role of Iranian artists in the Persian culture, especially in the diaspora.   This event was surely not about politics, as my book is not about politics either. Her Majesty’s presence had the added significance since as a child I have always regarded her as a symbol of a modern Iranian woman—one who is intelligent, articulate, and concerned for the larger community.  I also know of her great passion for art, which inspires me to this day.  As she put it in her eloquent way, “People who show the good face of Iranians, who elevate us, are the jewel of the country”. I was touched and humbled that she included me in that group.

Elie Wiesel, the Noble Laureate and Holocaust survivor has always been a hero to me. His life and his message surpass the limits of race or religion.  He speaks out against violence, repression, and racism all over the world and always stresses the dangers of society’s indifference in relation to such matters.  How amazed I was to have him  attend the NY book signing. Again, another “pinch-me” kind of moments where I felt so truly lucky to talk to him finally.

…..And the list of my many wonderful experiences continues.