Rozi Gruben and I were scheduled to be the only presenters invited to and attending all of the major North American raw food events this summer. Due to her fiasco with the Immigration Service in June, the responsibility fell solely on me. I have to admit; it has been challenging at times to drive, lecture, and follow the summer tour schedule (18,000 miles of driving in 10 weeks) while maintaining a rather full writing and consulting schedule. I apologize if I have fallen short in my communications with any of you. Portland is the last public event of the summer schedule. I was en route to Portland as this message was being written.

Rawstock
It was unquestionably the highlight of my summer, and probably the highlight event for anyone else who had the good fortune to attend. Rawstock boasted an organized 9-track schedule, offering something for everyone all day long Fitness classes, meditations of all types, eco regeneration and responsible gardening, food demos, small group talks and much more intermingled with unlimited free organic food, focused keynotes, lots of live music, social interaction, booths, and of course, the kid's corner. There was never a lack of what to do, although sometimes choosing which event to attend proved challenging.

What made Rawstock the number one event of the summer? Was it the audience, the happy healthy bunch of positive spirits who lit up the days and the nights with their cheer? That helped, but there was more. Was it the easygoing atmosphere created by the introduction of free food, free camping, free music, etc.? That sure helped, but it was something else. Perhaps the magnificent setting of Ocean Song, the perfect weather, and the best apricots of the summer were the major factors? Nope, though they certainly were pluses. The congruent message put forth by the speakers? Yes, that was it!

Finally, an event with many presenters and no conflict. It was heavenly. Clarity in the message made all the difference at Rawstock, and it was palpable amongst attendees. Everyone was happy because there were no contradictory or confusing messages offered, even though there were almost two dozen presenters. I can hardly wait for next year, and the FigFest, at Rawstock II next August.

Living Now Festival
After two weeks of touring, with stops for lectures in SF, LA, Phoenix, Santa Fe, Dallas, and OH, I ended up at the Living Now Festival just south of Buffalo, in the (well named) Enchanted Mountains. A beautiful setting in any weather, even the heavy rains we experienced intermittently throughout the event didn't dampen anyone's spirit.

Love prevailed, and everyone enjoyed their stay at Living Now. This loosely guided but well organized event is deserving of its growing reputation as the most loving east coast event of the summer; an event not to be missed.
I have already marked my calendar for '04. A positive outcome of the LN festival was the organization of several raw food event coordinators who all agreed to support each other in future years, in every way possible. This will, I am certain, prove huge for the growth of all involved in the movement. Mutual respect for each other's schedules was discussed, as well as methods of making everyone's marketing efforts more successful. The group remained unnamed, but agreed to meet again in two weeks at the Say Yes to Life (first annual) Canadian Living Foods Festival.

NAVS
The North American Vegetarian Summerfest would never have qualified as a raw event 10 years ago, when Roz and I were the only raw representatives to the event. Over the years, however, things have changed for the better. Each year, interest in raw, and in Hygiene, has grown noticeably. Last year, as an experiment, entire raw food dinners were served in addition to the cooked. This summer, over 100 raw dinners were served every night, and interest in raw grew with every passing day.

If you don't know about the NAVS event, I think you will find it one of the most pleasant, comprehensive, and highly organized events of the summer, and well worth attending. I will be happier when there is more emphasis on organic foods, of course.

Say Yes to Life
This was a first time event, held just outside of London, Ontario, Canada. SYL was unique in many ways. Held on private property, the reverence for all life forms was profoundly evident. The huge herb and vegetable gardens, copious fruit trees, and meticulous grounds all strengthened the sense of respect that was shared by everyone.

Each event is unique, and SYL was no different in that regard. Newcomers were abundant, many having their first tastes of raw. Hygiene was extremely well featured, as I did the Friday evening keynote on hygiene as well as a two hour closing talk on the same subject before offering an all day Monday "add on" event that offered a more in depth look at theory and application of the hygienic lifestyle.

Our event organizers' meeting was extremely productive. Five events were slated for next August, starting with the SYL and LN festivals in early August. The 2004 Healthful Living Symposium, already scheduled for August 9-15 will follow, with Rawstock II the following weekend, and, hopefully, Portland to finish out the month. The new name of this dedicated group of organizers? Rawgust. Our rally cry? "Rawl for one and one for Rawl."

Portland Raw Food Festival
I am certain Portland will live up to all expectations, and surpass many. The New Speakers' Showcase, Chefs' Showcase and rich schedule will all be crowd pleasers. It is always good when there is a gathering of the leaders of the movement. The fact that we each have slightly different agendas only strengthens the platform from which we all present.

I was glad to have been invited to each of the above mentioned events, and honored to have been featured as a presenter. I can honestly say that having covered the miles, missed the sleep, and, overall, suffered the challenges of being on the road for one continuous 10-week tour was worth the effort, for the return was harvested in the smiles, hugs, new and renewed friendships, and positive comments. I look forward to next year with great anticipation.

Hope your Rawgust was equally as fruitful and fruit filled.

FoodnSport PlayWell Fitness Week
During September 7-14, in Silverthorne, Colorado, Rozi and I will once again offer our premier seminar of the summer. We each have a lifetime of experience in the fitness industry, and love to couple that experience with our knowledge of health and raw foods to bring you our special annual event. This year will boast a staff of 10 for an event that will have less than 20 attendees. We like to keep things personal, cozy, and friendly.

Besides a fun, custom optional fitness class before every meal, (all meals are 100% raw and hygienic, featuring my personal low fat raw vegan cuisine, "Simply Delicious" and lovingly prepared by our soon to become famous chef Catherine Galipeau) we offer a presentation on fitness, training, sports nutrition, health and related topics after each meal. Also offered are free life cell blood analysis, free massage, free physical therapy, and many other enjoyable perks.

If you still have interest in our camp, it is not too late to sign up. Mention HLI when you sign up and we will extend our early bird $300 discount to you, even now. We are still offering $200 to you for each person you send to camp, as well. Can't come this year but really want to come next year? Commit before January 1 of 2004 by putting down a $500 deposit and receive a $500 discount off of next year's event fee.

For more information, simply go to my web site, www.foodnsport.com and click on "sports camp".

Next year
Next summer promises to be overflowing with Raw events, as Fresh will offer their first ever UK Raw Festival, the second weekend of July, and several other stateside groups have expressed interest in hosting events. I look forward to attending them all.