Publisher's Synopsis
ICED TEA at GELSON'S
In this world of chaos, viruses, political unrest, loss of loved ones, aging and death, the ritual of tea has the ability to bring enlightenment, wisdom and peace. This memoir covers it all with real life situations and concrete solutions. Disappointments, challenges, and stressful events are a part of life, but it is how we respond to these dilemmas that makes all the difference. The powerful solutions pinpoint strong principles to survive almost anything. From surviving the infamous deadly MGM Las Vegas fire, to the loss of her daughter, Lynda Zussman embraces the ritual of teas, gives pause to process, and then continues to ride the waves of life. We must take our circumstances and find the best solution to lead a productive and creative lifestyle. We have to make "The Choice" of how we want life to be regardless of our past and present life. The future is ours to create. With humor and charm, Lynda takes you on a journey of resilience as she mulls over each situation with iced tea from the Gelson's coffee bar to her own favorite recipes. This daily ritual becomes her oasis whether she lives in Bel Air with the movie stars, Calabasas before The Kardashians, or Newport Beach with paradise living. Gelson's is the number one Southern California supermarket, and the coffee bars are unlike the multiple barista shops on every corner. The characters at all of these coffee bars, each having their own uniqueness, adds to the people we already know at some time. Gelson's always had the regulars with their own distinct personalities making it another "CHEERS" or "FRIENDS" sit-com. The coffee bar, with its comradery, becomes another home for peace, serenity, and familiarity in an ever-changing world, especially with the unstable climate of our current events. Socialization is the key to having a long, productive, happy life. From Chicago, Lynda moves to Southern California in her twenties, teaches school, writes a couple of successful screenplays, and is now consulting to families with special needs children. Recently, she has moved to Austin, Texas to be with her young grandchildren. After four decades of having a colorful life, she shares her past by conducting journal writing workshops and gives lectures for teens and middle-aged women to define one's gifts, talents, hobbies, and aspirations, hence, giving her a whole new perspective of the world today.
