Monday, September 25, 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.




"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".

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Remembering Richard Parenti


Remembering Richard Parenti. Life is an amazing roller coaster ride, or at least Richard Parenti helped me to remember to have fun. I very recently learned off his passing. The way I found out was a bit disheartening, this week in fact. I googled his name and saw that he had passed away in May of 2017. Richard's Obituary I knew that it was coming, his imminent passing,  I found out about a year ago when he came to Fresno to visit another friend and we had lunch . That's when I learned that his cancer had come back and the doctors had given him a few months to live.

 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".


In honor of remembering 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.

To recap, here is an interview that I conducted with Richard about a year ago.

What made you decide that your life needed to change?

In 1974 my life was abruptly interrupted by my wife asking for a divorce, my car being repossessed, getting fired, being locked out of my home and all my credit cards canceled all in one big swoop. On top of that I realized I had enough of drinking and drugs and that my life was going downhill in a hurry, so I quit.

Describe for us, how was the process of writing for you.

I had a habit of writing down on napkins my thoughts. My best friend one day said as we were having dinner, “Why don’t you take all those napkins you have saved up and show them to a published writer.”

I did just that. I found an eighty-year old author who charged $5.00 an hour for his time. He had authored 13 books, had owned his own ad agency and was still writing, but now for the fun of it he loved helping new writers, and why he charged so little he said, “I’ve made all the money I need. The five dollars is to buy myself some wine that my wife keeps hiding from me.”

He reviewed my napkins and told me to write a two to three page story of my experiences in Europe when I was involved in the espionage business.

I told him I had no idea of how to use grammar. He retorted, “That’s unimportant. That’s what editors get paid for. I just want to feel your style.

After I completed my first assignment, he said, “You got passion. You can write, but you’re right you know nothing about grammar” We both got a good laugh. That was 1982. Since then I have written many articles that were published, initially in all the major restaurant magazines nationally when I was in the restaurant business and then several articles in a prestigious international Yoga magazine over the last 10 years.

 When did you know what your true calling would be?

In 1974 when I got divorced and fired I had an internal experience that revolutionized my life. I went from being an international spy, jet setting around the world to looking inward as to what I had experienced and within a very short time I began looking for answers to what had happened to me. This led me to the science of yoga. Not postures, but the inner science that would lead me to an authentic path to God Realization within and being mentored by Swami’s from India.

Then it was in 2004 when I was in India on a 40-day silent retreat in the Himalaya’s that I got my first inkling what my calling might be. Initially I thought it was only for me to learn how to master my emotions, but after my return the United States it was revealed to me that this inner work of yoga, mastering emotions would be my life’s work, not only for me but for other people as well. Up to this time I had fun teaching the yoga postures, mediation and in talking about many of the other aspects of yoga that I knew about.

It wasn’t until later that I began teaching “Emotional Mastery,” in a workshop after I had tested it on myself for over 9 years. First, I offered it to the public, who had little interest. Then, I was invited by a yoga center to teach it to people who were training to become yoga teachers. That was when this work found a home, as the interest was genuine and they were hungry. I realized they had never heard of this in their yoga training before and were eager to learn more about the inner science of yoga.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Eating Your Way Through History, what Preacher and Revivalist, Jonathan Edwards might have eaten in the 1700's, Lamb Stew


American Preacher and Revivalist, Jonathan Edwards lived from October 5, 1703 to March 22, 1758. Dr. Allan G. Hedberg examines Edwards life from a mental health perspective in his book, Jonathan Edwards: A Life Well Lived West Bow Press. Perhaps one of the most fundamental lessons we can learn about an ordinary man with extraordinary gifts for the work of the Holy Spirit of God, is that his principles and message for things such as healthy living play a major role in mind, body, and spirit enhancement and development.

From reading excerpts from Dr. Hedberg's book, I saw time after time lessons that can be utilized for daily living. One important topic is healthy eating and healthy living.

Jonathan Edwards had a healthy lifestyle. He worked hard to make sure he and his family were healthy. One of his life choices was to examine what he ate and drank, he used medicinal foods and substances to promote good health. He used food and substances to heal the body when poor health took over.

Let's go back in time and imagine what Preacher Jonathan Edwards might have eaten. Some of the herbs that they used for flavoring food in the 1700's included basil, mint, parsley, sage, and dill.


Lamb Stew
2 1/2 pounds of lamb, cut into bite-size pieces
1/3 cup of flour
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup of butter
1 medium onion, quartered
1 clove of garlic, minced
8 whole mushrooms
12 medium yellow onion
1 teaspoon of sugar
1-2 teaspoons of thyme leaves
2 sprigs of parsley
1 large bay leaf
1 1/2 cups of red wine
6-8 carrots, peeled
8 small potatoes
Chopped parsley

Directions: Trim fat from lamb and cut meat into bite-size pieces. Combine flour, salt, pepper, coat the lamb evenly with the flour mixture. Melt butter in a Dutch oven on medium heat, add floured lamb pieces, quartered onion, and garlic. Cook until lamb is browned o all sides, stirring frequently. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 1 hour or until lamb is tender.