Monday, October 2, 2017

Make a Difference Mondays: Words From Richard Parenti


In honor of remembering Author Richard Parenti, I will be providing his words of wisdom and tips on living joyfully every Monday at part of the make a difference Mondays Series.



A riddle, "A question not asked is the most important of all."







 I met Richard in October of 2014. He was seated next to me at The Great Valley Bookfest in Manteca, California. I was there to promote my book(s), do a cooking demonstration, and pass out samples of my homemade banana bread, biscottis, and "popcorn hands". He was there to promote and to sell his book, Emotional Sobriety: feel Good Secrets for Everyone, Balboa Press, 2013. Richard's Book He kindly gave me a copy and I read his life story as well as his great "feel good secrets". His charismatic personality led him to invite me to Modesto for his small but mighty, "Master Mind Group". And my brave personality allowed me to accept the invitation.   The Master Mind Group was comprised of a  small group of individuals dedicated to learning. Richard compiled a workbook called, My New Story: Tune in, Tap in, Turn on. Let the good times roll, Get in the vortex. Based upon the teachings of Abraham-Hicks Videos and on the higher teachings of Yoga.  I only made the trip a handful of times, but each time I benefited from the information presented and purchased a workbook to glimpse through when interested. To be honest, side note, words like "the vortex" scared me and so it took some time and understand that "the vortex" is just another word for "joy".

Monday, September 25, 2017

For Immediate Release: Soul Full of Heart, by, Claude Ball


For Immediate Release:
Soul Full of Heart, by, Claude Ball
Contact: Gina Meyers at: (559) 449-1970


“Claude Ball shares his haunting and raw story with sincere candor. His faith is truly inspiring. I honestly believe his journey of hope and grace can open many eyes and hearts.” -Kim Stephens, News Anchor, KMPH, Fox Channel 26

SOUL Full of HEART is Claude Ball’s story, taking readers on a dynamic and suspenseful journey that shares the powerful message of mercy and forgiveness leading to hope, peace, love and joy. It is an inspirational story. One that demonstrates how light carries us through the darkest times and how love conquers all.
Claude Ball is a U.S. Navy Veteran, an actor, guest speaker, and writer. He began his story in Detroit, Michigan off the famous 8-Mile Road. He lived in darkness for many years, until he saw the light.  

Claude is available for speaking engagements and book signings.


Soul Full of Heart  (Two versions for each format: Rated Raw and PG 13)
Publisher: Claude Ball (Self-published dates below)
eBook: September 20, 2017
Paperback: October 8, 2017

  • eBook Page Count: Rated Raw and PG-13
  • Paperback page count: Rated Raw and PG-13
  • Paperback (Rated Raw Version) ISBN:  978-0-692-95039-5





Make a Difference Mondays: Words From Richard Parenti









In honor of remembering Author Richard Parenti, I will be providing his words of wisdom and tips on living joyfully every Monday at part of the make a difference Mondays Series.




"When you meditate you will know your heart chakra is open when you hear the actual sound of the heart chakra. It sounds like a deep gong, like a church bell, you cannot mistake it is so comforting beyond the church bell."













 I met Richard in October of 2014. He was seated next to me at The Great Valley Bookfest in Manteca, California. I was there to promote my book(s), do a cooking demonstration, and pass out samples of my homemade banana bread, biscottis, and "popcorn hands". He was there to promote and to sell his book, Emotional Sobriety: feel Good Secrets for Everyone, Balboa Press, 2013. Richard's Book He kindly gave me a copy and I read his life story as well as his great "feel good secrets". His charismatic personality led him to invite me to Modesto for his small but mighty, "Master Mind Group". And my brave personality allowed me to accept the invitation.   The Master Mind Group was comprised of a  small group of individuals dedicated to learning. Richard compiled a workbook called, My New Story: Tune in, Tap in, Turn on. Let the good times roll, Get in the vortex. Based upon the teachings of Abraham-Hicks Videos and on the higher teachings of Yoga.  I only made the trip a handful of times, but each time I benefited from the information presented and purchased a workbook to glimpse through when interested. To be honest, side note, words like "the vortex" scared me and so it took some time and understand that "the vortex" is just another word for "joy".

Resources: Manifesting Magnificence: A Personal Growth Workbook, by, Gina Meyers & friends: Buy on Amazon

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Author Profile, Claude Ball, Soul Full of Heart




In honor of the release of his e-book, Soul Full of Heart, I'd like to introduce you to Author Claude Ball.

photo by KP Phagnasay of http://kp1studios.com.

About the Author
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Claude Ball is a U.S. Navy Veteran, he graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor’s  Degree in Psychology. He is  an actor, author, writer and a guest speaker.

Today, Claude has turned his life around. Happily married with three beautiful daughters living in California. He is a Lector and an Extraordinary Minister at his Church. He strives to make an impact on others to bring out the best in themselves: in person, through speaking engagements and his Autobiographical Book SOUL Full of HEART.

Here's a little bit about his book. 

Claude Ball grew up on the famous Detroit, Michigan street known as 8 Mile Road, but his childhood marred by years of suffering, trauma and adversities. Poor, sexually molested by a trusted relative, removed from his mother and grandmother’s care and placed in the foster care system, life for young Claude was bleak.
As a teenager, Claude turned to self-destructive behaviors. He indulged heavily in drugs and alcohol which led to depression, sexual promiscuity and a series of other poor choices. Darkness and hopelessness hovered over his future like a destructive storm cloud. He lost nearly everything he owned, including himself.
Out of the smoldering ashes of destitution, Claude found the courage to rise up and turn his life around. He joined the U.S. Navy and began his search for fulfillment, which included a complementing life partner. It was during this time that, by the grace of God, a spark was ignited within Claude’s soul that enkindled a blossoming relationship with The King of the Universe – Christ Jesus! That flame continues to burn brightly today, helping to guide others from their dark experiences and into the light of recovery.
SOUL Full of HEART is Claude Ball’s story, taking readers on a dynamic and suspenseful journey that shares the powerful message of mercy and forgiveness leading to hope, peace, love and joy. It is an inspirational story. One that demonstrates how light carries us through the darkest times and how love conquers all.


Mr. Ball has created a PG-13 version of his book as well as a rated R. The rated R version has swear words and descriptions about the physical and sexual abuse he endured. Buy Claude's E Book Today! Rated R Version, PG-13 Version. Stay tuned for his book coming out on October 8th, 2017.



Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Cowboy Cookies, a Crowd Pleaser


Cowboy Cookies
1/2 cup of butter, one cube, melted
1/2 cup of light brown sugar
1/4 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons of cocoa, unsweetened
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1 cup of uncooked quick or old-fashioned oats
1 cup of chocolate chips, milk or semisweet
1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets with cooking spray, a little bit of olive oil on a paper towel and/or butter. In a large electric mixer, add the butter, sugars add the egg and the vanilla extract; beat until fluffy. Next, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and mix, stir in melted butter, oats, chocolate chips and optional raisins and nuts. Roll into a ball and then slightly flatten, drop the Tablespoon sized balls on the cooking sheet, or roll and shape in your hand, then make sure they are about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. 

Teach Me Something Tuesdays: Tips on how to write an about author/biography



Every Tuesday, I will be bringing you marketing, promotions, and marketing tips. Today, examples of how to write an about the author/biography page.

Tips on How To Write a Great Author Biography
-Write in the third person
-Tell the reader your purpose
-Tell the reader how you'll help them
-Explain what you do
-Focus on value
-Go ahead and boast
-Customize to different outlets/niche markets
-Add your website



Examples of Biographies

Born in San Francisco, California, (Name)  is a graduate of California State University, Fresno. Early in her career, working with renowned actress Kasey Rogers, she produced and directed a series of animated films on the television show Bewitched.
Josephine McDonald has a rare ability to evoke the power of myth through simple language and brilliant art which has earned her many honors. Her fascination with the trickster motif in folklore led her to the wondrous Native American tales about Raven.
Ms. McDonald is a consultant on education. She was born in San Jose, California, and presently lives in California.


(Name)  is the author of numerous books of folktales, and stories about Jewish holidays. He learned about this story while working with Native American children in the Pacific Northwest. Alan lives with his cat, Wakalope in Pleasanton, California.


(Insert name here) has illustrated a number of books for young people, including, The Delightful Old Apple Tree (Serendipity Press, 2017). He researched this book extensively and found a lot of information about the people who told the Sioux tales. (Name) lives with his wife (name)  and son and daughter in Tuscany, Italy.


Gina Meyers loves cooking, popular culture and traveling. As the featured television Bewitched fan on the popular Canadian television show Fanatical, and the host of various book signings, summer fun trivia contests, and as the hostess for, The Twitch Is Right (Bewitched Fan Fare 2008, Burbank, California, Victory Theatre), Gina’s dreams magically come true on a daily basis. Her passion for traveling has also taken her on a around the world search for the best places to live (she is still looking). She is married with three children.


Gina Meyers is the author of Take A Bite, Vampires, Forks, and Knives, is a novelist, marketer, and founder of Serendipity Press Inc.
The themes of respect for and protection of our world are an essential part of all her works.

(Name) received a master of arts in painting from American University and a bachelor of arts in art history from the University of Chicago. His paintings have been exhibited in London, LA, and New York.


Monday, September 18, 2017

Make a Difference Mondays: Words From Richard Parenti



In honor of remembering Author Richard Parenti, I will be providing his words of wisdom and tips on living joyfully every Monday at part of the make a difference Mondays Series.






"Live with Joy.. a Joyful heart blossoms year round."















 I met Richard in October of 2014. He was seated next to me at The Great Valley Bookfest in Manteca, California. I was there to promote my book(s), do a cooking demonstration, and pass out samples of my homemade banana bread, biscottis, and "popcorn hands". He was there to promote and to sell his book, Emotional Sobriety: feel Good Secrets for Everyone, Balboa Press, 2013. Richard's Book He kindly gave me a copy and I read his life story as well as his great "feel good secrets". His charismatic personality led him to invite me to Modesto for his small but mighty, "Master Mind Group". And my brave personality allowed me to accept the invitation.   The Master Mind Group was comprised of a  small group of individuals dedicated to learning. Richard compiled a workbook called, My New Story: Tune in, Tap in, Turn on. Let the good times roll, Get in the vortex. Based upon the teachings of Abraham-Hicks Videos and on the higher teachings of Yoga.  I only made the trip a handful of times, but each time I benefited from the information presented and purchased a workbook to glimpse through when interested. To be honest, side note, words like "the vortex" scared me and so it took some time and understand that "the vortex" is just another word for "joy".