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foreword
“Stone Soup” is a fable about a beggar who comes to a cozy cottage, asking for food. “I can make you the most delicious soup out of a stone,” he tells the mistress. “All I need is a big pot, some water and a fire.” The mistress complies, and the beggar drops in a large, smooth stone. “By the way,” he asks, “if you have an old carrot or potato, we might as well throw them in.” The mistress obliges. As the man stirs, he says, “And, if you have any old tomatoes, cabbage or peas, why not add them, too?” Soon, the woman has put in all of her vegetables, some spices, plus a large chunk of beef on a bone. The beggar keeps stirring the pot as the family gathers for supper. The beggar is welcomed at the table and smiles as everyone “oohs” and “ahs” at the taste of the hearty, tasty meal. “And,” says the mistress proudly, “to think it was all made from a stone!”
Eons ago I suggested to my mom, Janet, that we print up a little booklet of her cartoons. She agreed.
Then, I thought, why not throw in a few family photos. And, while we’re at it, let’s write about some of mom and dad’s adventures. And, hey, let’s add some newspaper clippings and letters and essays and awards. And, oh, let’s remember to mention Beno’s and Temple Beth Am, and the kibbutz, and Max’s time as mayor. And, why not toss in photos of friends, politicans and movie stars? And, what the heck, I said, we might as well bring in the ancestors, the kids, grandkids and great grandkids and, of course, give credit to those who were brave enough to marry into the family.
Thus was born “Beverly Hills Gothic,” our own version of Stone Soup. We hope you find it tasty.
––– Pepper Salter Abrams Edmiston
“Tevya” statue, a gift from Pepper to her parents, circa 1980.