Cal Orey's Blog, page 173

Donate to a Reclusive Author's Trip to Europe

By Cal Orey , The Writing Gourmet
Years ago, I was making plans to go to Europe on a college student's budget plan.  Instead of going abroad I stayed home and finished grad school so I could be a writer. Fast forward to the 21st century. I am an author. In fact, I've penned a Healing Powers book series (it has a Mediterranean theme) about how vinegar, olive oil, chocolate, honey, and coffee help to keep people healthy.
Today, I received an advance copy of The Healing Powers of Coffee (Kensington) and I'm perked up. But something is missing. I am booking book signings in California--maybe Hawaii. Yet it should be Italy, where I should be.So, I'm putting my travel wish out to the universe. If you believe I, the reclusive, homebody author should go to Europe, please donate to the "Send Callie to Italy" fund. And I will face my phobias of leaving my companion animals behind, social anxiety, and fear of flying--and go abroad.
DONATIONS can be made at www.calorey.com PayPal.

Animal Attraction: New Book Groomed for July!

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

Animal Attraction: A Collection of Tales &Tails
CUDDLE UP TO THE WARMHEARTED HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND! Companion animal facts that’ll surprise you…
*  Whether it’s ESP, superior senses, feline intuition, or a change in routine, your pet may sense danger, and give you a warning to keep you out of harm’s way. * Cats and dogs have an incredible homing instinct—it may be linked to a human-pet love connection.
 * Unforgettable animal angels may exist… Real heroes and gifts from our animal companions can and does happen, especially when a strong tie.
* Beyond 9 lives:  Why canines and felines come back from the brink may be connection to the spooky human-pet bond.
 * Reading a pet’s mind is not far-fetched. There are ways to make a psychic connection in life and the hereafter.
* Intriguing articles on dog-loving author John Steinbeck and Cat Fancier western novelist Zane Grey to the unforgettable Snoopy's creator Charles Schulz are included.

* * *
Written from the perspective of a veteran animal writer, flanked by her devoted pet menagerie, Cal Orey shares the best of her nationally published magazine articles (including top animal behaviorists and veterinarians). This fascinating and fun book dishes out the power of love and loyalty between companion animals and mankind. Also included, are insightful and fun quizzes to heartfelt and exciting anecdotes, along with how-to pet-related facts you didn’t know. This witty and warm must-read is a true gift for every animal lover—and deserves a paws up from four-leggers around the world.


"In Animal Attraction Cal Orey excels at a rare combination. She combines well researched expertise, respect for human-animal emotional connection, dynamic humor, and honoring the angelic nature of animals by showing their power to heal hearts and minds with unconditional love." --Allen and Linda Anderson, co-founders of Angel Animals Network (www.angelanimals.net); authors of Dogs and the Women Who Love Them, Angel Dogs, Angel Cats, and Angel Horses

Animal Attraction: A Collection of Tales & Tails
Snowy Creek Books
ISBNs:

PAPERBACK ISBN-13: 978-1-59819-153-0
E-Book ISBN-13: 978-1-59819-154-7

The Brave One: Fighting Back--Un-leashed Dogs

By Cal Orey,The Writing Gourmet My former feline Kerouac would tell me to  be  fearless.. Two days ago, my two Brittanys, sibling, and myself were attacked by an ownerless dog. The nearly 100 pound Pit Bull-Lab mix charged at my family. In retrospect, my fur kids allowed their humans to protect them. This is a good thing. If my canines had chosen to protect us the attack could have spun out of control. But my brother and I stepped up to the plate; thanks to our instinctive yelling and screaming at the dog  whose tail was up and growling and trying to take us all on--we escaped by telling the aggressive bully to go away. We survived... On Friday, as a sensitive one, I went into sad, scared, and anger mode. I still am suffering post traumatic stress disorder. The next day, I realized every time an incident like this one (there have been several in a decade) has happened where I or my family is a victim--I fight back. I won each and every situation. I am relentless like a yellow Lab chasing a ball and begging its human to toss it again. Read: It's not over.So, I contacted the police, Animal Control, the city, the place where the event happened, an attorney (who specializes in dog bites), a neighbor whose big dog was brutally attacked and bitten by an off-leash dog (she sued the negligent dog owner), dog trainer(s), and even a reliable psychic (I wanted to know why this dog acted out). As an intuitive, I will bet my Brittany duo (and toss in my beloved Siamese) that it was an irresponsible tourist's dog--not a neighbor's pooch.  (It's calm these days, thanks to all the "bad dogs go wild" adventures I tackled in the past.) So, it's a head's up to me that the fight has just begun since summer is less than one week away.Keep in mind, I love dogs. Ironically, I have a new animal book due to be released next month. The publisher and I chose a handsome Siberian Husky for the front cover, a cat for the back. I have written articles for Dog World and Dog Fancy. I can tell you, any dog can attack a stranger, its guardians, a dog or cat. It's not always the dog's fault--it's the caretaker's ignorance not taking control of their companion animal. As a teen, I was taken down by two dogs when riding my bike home at night. They shredded my leg. I was terrified. I thought I was going to die. The result: A car stopped and a human came to my rescue. One doctor's visit later: A shot, blood tests, and I almost had to get a series of rabies shots. (I refused; luck was on my side. No "Old Yeller" ending.) But I still adore dogs. I am a dog person.So no, I will not forego giving my fur kids their walks. I adore seeing that smile on their faces after exercise--just like when I walk and swim. No, I will not cower and be bullied by a wayward bully dog.  The bottom line: I'm in my pro-active warrior mode. I am going to continue to get a solid plan together and seek more authorities in my town and outside cities to get the right information to protect my rights so I can have peace of mind when I walk my on-leash boys. The fight has just begun. Bring it on.

Unleashed: People Need to Go to Dog School

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet A "Cujo"-type Friday a.m. wasn't my idea of a dog walk in the park!This morning started off perfect. I woke up, fed my loving, human-dog friendly two Brittanys, brewed a cup of flavored coffee paired with cinnamon toast. Then, one shower later, I put the leashes on my dog duo, and flanked by my sibling we were off for a nice walk in an area that's safe. Within five minutes, a large 80-90 pound Lab-Pit Bull mix ran towards my two dogs, me, and my brother. The canine was off a leash. He growled at my older Brittany and ignited what could have been a dog fight. I went into drama mode (imagine shouting to the dog), as did my brother, and then the aggressive animal was ready to attack my brother, too! Imagine, mega noise from two well-meaning humans, no dog owner, and one big bully with taking us all on on its mind. It was a horrific event.We did manage to escape--the four of us. (Sure, I wish I had a big German Shepherd or Dobie  at times like this. Read: My Britts do not know how to spell f-i-g-h-t. My youngest, Seth, doesn't know how to growl. It's true.)  My dog trainer (he taught him how to use the treadmill) loves the boys' sweet and even temperament and said "no" to training the boys to be aggressive. Plus, it would be absolutely no contest with a mean-spirited dog twice their size--like the one we encountered today. Once home, and calm I began to make calls. Because I couldn't track down the dog (in a Stephen King "Cujo" type mode) with an AWOL owner.  (Where was the dog's human? Are they aware that their pooch is auditioning for a monster dog role?) Here I sit (after a swim) with my two dogs--oblivious of what could have taken place. I am dazed and confused--and one lucky dog, so to speak.I was told by the police department that I can use a spray if a dog or the mean dog in question attacks us (again). But I was also cautioned to be sure we're being attacked. (How does that work?) Also, I was told to call the authorities while being attacked. (How does that work?) I only have two hands and two dogs (40 pounds each). Then, I was advised not to walk my dogs in the area of the happening. This occurred in a place where tourists come... and seem to think our town's leash law does not apply to them. Wrong. Bad human!The bottom line: It seems to me, if my dogs were hurt it would be my problem.  I'm frustrated. This isn't fair. I'm a companion animal lover and this unleashed big bully ruined my day. I wonder what it will take for things to change and have the community take action. Meanwhile, I'm letting my sleeping dogs lie in peace but I'm in a human fight back mode. If that unleashed dog (we're hardly alone) attacks my two-legged and four-legged family again--I won't run away with my tail between my legs this time around. Count on it. (Tips on keeping the peace if Cujo comes after you.)--A responsible dog lover

It's Coffee Time Year-Round

By Cal Orey, 
The Writing Gourmet Today, at Lake Tahoe I'm feeling the warmth of pre-summer. My days of swimming at the indoor resort are limited as the tourists begin to swarm into the basin. Soon, it's to the outdoor pool and walking the dogs earlier than later. The windows are open, the fish aquarium lights are left on less, and the critters sleep on top of the comforters, not underneath. But my favorite premium fresh ground coffee (served hot) is still in my life...
In the a.m., my first treat (after feeding the Brittany duo), is brewing a fresh cup of java. Yes, I still bring it back with me to the king sized waterbed and tune into CNN and fetch e-mails. It's my time--coffee time.
These days, I'm booking a tour for my new book The Healing Powers of Coffee (Kensington, July 31). Sure, it could have been a cozy debut for winter but who doesn't like coffee in the morning, late  night, and iced coffee during hot afternoons. My book has you covered--all seasons.  To hold you over till next month, here's a fine recipe from a fine source from my fine book! (For a peek preview, with a click of your mouse, take a look at an excerpt in Elegant Living Magazine, pages 12-13.)


Seize the Day Cafe au Lait* * *2/3 cup low-fat (2 percent) milk2/3 cup hot, brewed French or other dark roast coffee2 teaspoons chocolate-flavored syrupGrated chocolate, or freshly ground nutmeg1/8 teaspoon almond extract

In a small saucepan combine the milk, chocolate syrup, and almond extract until blended. Bring just to a boil over medium-low heat. Pour the milk mixture and coffee simultaneously into a French cafe au lait bowl, or large coffee cup. Top with grated chocolate or freshly ground nutmeg, if desired. Served immediately. Makes 1 serving.
(Courtesy: Coffee Science Organization.)


EVENTS: The Healing Powers of Coffee
[image error] Cal Orey, Author of The Healing Powers of CoffeeAuthor Signing
Meet Cal Orey, author of the new book The Healing Powers 
of Coffee, the latest in her series on the healing powers 
of foods. Cal will greet customers and sign copies of her
books.Saturday August 11, 2012 3:00 PM

Stevens Creek Blvd3600 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, 
CA 95117, 408-984-3495Invite a Friend
Add to Calendar

Vinegar & Honey Rx -- Fat Fighters? Hope or Hype?

By Cal Orey
The Writing Gourmet


Today, I received a message that sour vinegar does not help you lose unwanted pounds. The messenger quoted a diet guru (ironically who carries extra weight)--yet I maintain a slim, fit 118 pounds, size 4, and I'm 5'5".
What's more, Dr. Louise Gittleman explains in my book The Healing Powers of Vinegar exactly how apple cider vinegar can help you to fight fat. It's the acetic acid. And yes, it can help to suppress your appetite so you'll eat less, lose more. And I dish out more ways--an entire chapter--on how ACV and other vinegars can indeed help people to shed unwanted weight.
But note, if you take vinegar and still eat junk food, consume too many calories, and don't get a move on--forget vinegar. It won't help. It's the entire package of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle--fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, poultry, fish, olive oil--that will get you slim and keep you there.
So, is The Healing Powers of Vinegar all hype? Nope. But it's not a magic bullet either. And I repeat this again and again in the book. What's more, personally I use ACV topically but I do turn to honey in baking and cooking. It's a healthier sweetener--you use less and that means less unwanted weight. The bottom line: If you turn to ACV, sweet raw honey, and fat-burning tea--especially green but calming chamomile is fine, too--you'll fit in those skinny jeans, like I do. No overweight fellow author can tell me that it doesn't work. It does. I'm living proof. Yet remember, it's a lifestyle not just vinegar that keeps fat at bay.

New Book on the Amazing Powers of Coffee

Wake up to the perks of java juice This Summer!
 By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet
From the author of the hugely successful Healing Powers series (Honey, Vinegar, Olive Oil, and Chocolate) comes The Healing Powers of Coffee: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Surprising Superfood. It’s the beverage we can’t live without—yet few consume it without some guilt. But the wonderful truth is that coffee has abundant health benefits. Coffee boasts more antioxidants than cocoa and tea, and even more than renowned antioxidant-rich fruits like oranges and blueberries. In fact, there are hundredsof healing compounds in coffee.
Recent studies have shown that coffee consumption can significantly decrease or reduce the risk of many conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, asthma, cancer, heart disease, chronic constipation, dental caries, diabetes, gallstone disease, and liver disease.
As in her previous bestselling books, Cal Orey combines groundbreaking research into all these health and weight loss benefits with home cures, cosmetic uses, household hints, and dozens of heart-health Mediterranean style recipes.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CAL OREYis an author and journalist specializing in topics such as health, science, relationships, and pets. She is the author of The Healing Powers series and has written countless articles for both health and women’s magazines about foods and their amazing health benefits and home cures. Her articles have appeared in Woman’s World, Woman’s Day, Men’s Fitness, as well as The Writer. She has a master’s degree in English from San Francisco State University and currently resides in northern California. Her books include The Healing Powers of Vinegar, The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, The Healing Powers of Chocolate, The Healing Powers of Honey, and The Healing Powers of Coffee --available now for pre-order.  www.calorey.com.


The Healing Powers of Coffee
A Complete Guide to Nature’s Surprising Superfood
Cal Orey
Kensington Books, August 2012, Trade Paperback Non-fiction
ISBN-13: 978-0-7582-7330/$15.00 ($16.95 – Canada)

NEW Hot Books! Coffee Power & Animal Attraction

By Cal Orey, The Writing GourmetThis summer is going to prove to be a busy one for me--the health author spreading her wings (again). My new book The Healing Powers of Coffee (Kensington, July 31) should arrive on my doorstep mid June (advance copies). And, at that time I'll be savoring java juice in the a.m., while I'm busy at work...
I predict I'll be fine-tuning the final edits for the other book "Animal Attraction: A Collection of Tales Tails" (Includes Amazing Human-Bond Adventures). I'm so excited about this book that came to be--it was fate. We're talking 30 years of my best articles published in top pets mags. We're talking animal-loving celebs to authors and travels that I took to make this collection come alive--and the pieces, pets and people are timeless.
When "Animal Attraction" is released, "The Healing Powers of Coffee" will be keeping it company. Animals and java--two loves of mine. So, as I promote the health virtues of joe, I'll be sharing the good for you merits of pet power. And there's more...
While I'm busy paying it forward and spreading the news about these new book "babies"--I'll be working on a new project "Soul Mate Secrets: A Roadmap to Everlasting Love"--a collection of my best womens' mag articles on love, love, love. This book will be released in the Winter of 2012. So will this summer be a good one? Ah, coffee, four-leggers, and love. What else is there?

Trying to Eat Healthy on a Shoestring Budget

By Cal Orey, The Writing GourmetMy cat Zen keeps me balancedImagine: You are living on brown rice and veggies, rolling pennies to cash in for dollars, and going out to the mailbox each day waiting for the check in the mail. That was my life 25 years ago, as a struggling magazine journalist.
Fast forward to present-day. Here I sit--now a book author--preparing pasta and seasonal vegetables, eyeing my firewood wondering if I should sell it, and waiting till the end of the month for the check(s)--and hoping they will be bigger than smaller.  Call it working writer "setbacks" in a changing world.
As a anti-aging boomer, of course, it shouldn't be like this. After all, I have earned two degrees, have worked hard on my Healing Powers series (translated in 20 languages; purchased by the major book clubs including Good Cook, Quality Paperback, Literary Guild, and One Spirit; and featured in NewsMax's shop). But...
Here I sit working two (not one) international psychic networks, waiting for my new book The Healing Powers of Coffee to be released in July (hoping java junkies don't switch to tea); and selling piles of my fave past magazine published articles (as groups) to fit into new books. Read: I'm working hard for the money when my peers (some, not all) are retired and living comfortably. Yes, I'm floundering like a fish trying to stay afloat as a "have" but closer to ending up a "have not" ...

The deal is, I, like many, predicted The Great Recession. After it hit, my comfort zone as an author got a bit bumpy bit by bit. So here I am--still alive, still working, but noticing some changes in my lifestyle. I kind of feel like the Hemingway's character did in "The Old Man and the Sea." My life as I knew it is being eaten away...
The roots on top of my hair? I call it "vogue." I bought generic bread the other day and it was doable at best. Manicure/pedicure is not in my vocabulary. When the waterbed seam busted last week--I contemplated sleeping on the floor. Health insurance? While my baby boomer friends all tell me they are doing without, me, the health author may be faced to join the health adventure of not being covered. The insurance people keep hiking the premiums yet I stay in healthy tier one. Shouldn't I be putting that money into a savings account? (Mine was depleted in 2010.) And the resort pool with that much needed bubbly hot tub? All gone. Moving on over to the Park Rec Center for the summer (blame it on the incoming tourists).

So, I sit on the hard wood of my waterbed (waiting for a new mattress, liner, and heater--it fizzled, too) working and hoping and praying that the check(s) will let me eat on a shoestring budget. But on the upside as a health author I know how to do healthy when down and out. Fresh, seasonal fruit, veggies, whole grains (oatmeal and bread), nuts, low-fat dairy, tea, coffee, water...And so it goes.
One last thing: Is the check in the mail? so I can balance my checkbook? I need a comforting fur fix from my laidback kitty. He's curled up with my youngest Brittany, Seth. The amazing human-animal bond is priceless. Sure, I'm barely making ends meet in the Post-Recession but my sweet-loving kids with four paws keep me grounded and nourished with love.

Walk the Talk Guest Dishes Chocolate

By Cal Orey , The Writing Gourmet
Tomorrow night I will be a guest on Walk the Talk radio show. My job? It's dish on the powers of chocolate and honey. Ah, chocolate. Chocolate is one of the "new" superfoods  (I was recently interviewed on the topic of my Healing Powers series) that I love talking about. Funny, but people still don't get it. Yes! You can savor chocolate in moderation and join the chocolatarian crowd. That means, you can eat your chocolate, and eat it too.
Drawing on the latest scientific research as well as interviews with medical doctors and chocolatiers, this fascinating book reveals how to live longer and healthier while indulging in one of nature’s most decadent and versatile foods. Explore real chocolate (infused with fruits, herbs, and spices), Mediterranean-style, heart-healthy recipes, plus home remedies that combat everything from acne to anxiety. You’ll also discover rejuvenating beauty and anti-aging spa treatments—all made with antioxidant-rich chocolate!