Cal Orey's Blog, page 19
November 17, 2024
Courage with Paws -- #1 Best Seller in Cardiology Through October, 2024
Title: Courage with Paws
Subtitle: The Heart of a Siamese Cat
Author: Cal Orey
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 979-8-8230-3345-9
Pages: 48
Genre: Illustrated Metaphor / Poetry / Children’s Story / Inspired by a True Story
Reviewer: Beth Adams
Although the statistics for heart disease vary, it can be justly concluded to be the most awful killer in our society. Often sneaking up on people unsuspectedly and killing instantly in the form of a heart attack, this unforgiving disease needs to be brought to light – and lessons of survivors have to be shared. This is the underlying theme in the latest of award-winning and prolific author Cal Orey’s books titled, Courage with Paws – The Heart of a Siamese Cat.
Cal Orey tells this story vicariously through the eyes of her Siamese-mix Cat, given the most royal name of Sir Whiskers McPurrington. Living in the high country of Lake Tahoe, one sunny afternoon Sir Whiskers felt odd – short of breath – and his heart began racing. “Rushed to the animal hospital things got serious quickly,” the narration explained. The story goes into an NDE, near-death-experience, telling how Dr. Furryheart saved Sir Whiskers. The doctor recommended surgery saying, “Time is running out, Mr. Whiskers. Your heart is very, very weak.” But “No” said Sir Whiskers, relying on his sixth sense cat-intuition to avoid further risks.
Sir Whiskers was told of a wizardly lion named Professor Pawsworth at BIG UNIVERSITY who performed miracles in medicine. “I can do tricks, A ‘puff-up magic’ gentle heart helper,” Professor Pawsworth roared, “using small Balloons to open up blocked areas in the heart.” I cried, “Yes, fix!”
This of course, is referring to an angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to widen narrowed arteries. Once completed, Sir Whiskers McPurrington regained his strength over time, and the book ends with a positive feline feeling of having faced fear and overcoming it with friendship and compassion during the ordeal with his best friend, Barkley, an Australian shepherd, enabling him to continue creating art and laughter – “spreading courage with paws far and near.”
Courage with Paws combines many elements showcasing Cal Orey’s finesse of creative writing. Artfully interleaved with excellent illustrations to highlight the theme of the story, along with photographs bringing in credibility of this being a true story, plus with the icing on the cake of having whimsical character names in the genre of Dr. Seuss, the book congeals into an art form with a stern message; that being to understand heart-health. As children are at risk as well, everyone needs to pay attention to this awful disease, which will only grow as a percentage in our population over the decades ahead. This book should be recommended reading in all children’s healthcare organizations as well as family libraries to drill in the importance of heart-health. Remember, not all of us have the cat-like quality of possessing Nine-Lives, so we need to pay attention to the One we have.
Courage with Paws is a must-read for animal lovers and anyone who believes in the profound impact pets can have on our lives. The book offers an uplifting reminder that courage and love are qualities that can transcend species, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the animals who touch our hearts in unexpected ways.
buy on amazon
November 16, 2024
Bundle Up with the Popular Healing Powers Series
Newsmax Shop (scroll down to series)
By Cal OreyMany days ago, my long-time popular book The Healing Powers of Vinegar (published by Kensington Books ) surprised me again. When looking at the author sales rank numbers via amazon's Author Central spot, the chart looked different. That line like in the stocks chart showed a huge spike--it was at the top--#1. Words above read: Author Best Seller.
I was in shock like when my dog died but this time my book lived. My hardworking brainstorm baby hit number one in the Kindle Store ebooks! A 21st century feat my 20th century professors in SFSU grad school Creative Writing classes never told us could happen because the Internet changed the author's game in sales. But it did. (And yeah, I do weave informative creative non-fiction stories throughout the text in VINEGAR to make it a fun read.)
Turns out my first book of the Healing Powers series--The Healing Powers of Vinegar--is offered at a sale price via Kindle on amazon. Turns out many genres picked it up. That means the vinegar book hit #1 in many categories, including Healthy Cooking, Alternative Therapies, (scroll to the bottom of the page and the book is still #1 on Sunday, December 20) Health, Diet, Fitness.Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #217 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
Mediterranean Diet is heart healthy,staves off cancers, obesity#1 in Kindle StoreKindle eBooks Health, Fitness Dieting Alternative Medicine Alternative Therapies#1 in Kindle Store Kindle eBooks Cookbooks, Food Wine Special Diet Healthy#1 in Kindle Store Health, Fitness Dieting Alternative Medicine Healing
Actually, while this event is still eye-opening I shouldn't be too wowed. After all, VINEGAR has been my number one "child" in the Healing Powers series. When I was assigned this book project back in 1999, I didn't know it would be such a competitive wonder. I fell into theMediterranean Diet --an underlying theme in this book and the collection) (also very popular as I type). While doing research on the link between health perks of red wine vinegar and red wine--studies and scientists took me to olive oil (a key superfood in the healthful Old world European-style diet and lifestyle), and my second book (also available in 2nd edition--2 minute fun-to-watch trailer; due out in gift size mass market December 29 and can be on your doorstep).So, as I continue to enjoy these two books gain attention, I do recall VINEGAR has been translated in more than a dozen languages, a story including the book graced the cover of Woman's World Magazine (I used to be the diet and nutrition columnist for this publication attracting millions of readers), Newsmax still touts the book (in online newsletters and their online store), and it was a best seller in South Korea. Plus, book clubs picked up both VINEGAR and OLIVE OIL for their readers... (HONEY, CHOCOLATE, AND COFFEE books in the series were also formerly featured in the club, including Good Cook and Literary Guild.) And not to forget VINEGAR is popular at Walmart stores--physical and online (page 1) Not only has VINEGAR been released in 1st and 2nd editions, the 3rd edition will be released this summer (new Mediterranean-style rustic recipes from me and renowned spa chefs, new research, new stories)--both books are keepers; dozens of current edition's recipes will be found only in the 2nd edition. And I still peek at the winning title of amazon kindle best seller in Healthy Cooking ... My mother, an awesome cook/bakeress would be proud of her daughter who didn't follow recipe directions as a kid in the kitchen; a teen who rebelled and went her own way in diet and health.
Meanwhile, folks who want lose pounds during the holidays and through the New Year can find vinegar diets, superfoods, and how it works to blast fat in this kindle edition. And there is so much more to put to work...
• Discover the healing powers of apple cider vinegar--now widely recognized as a valuable weight loss tool and a potent elixir.
• Find out how vinegar's curative powers can also help prevent age-related diseases like cancer, heart disease, and bone loss.
• Learn how red wine vinegar contains the same important antioxidants as red wine--without the alcohol.
• Put dozens more home remedies to work for treating allergies, arthritis, toothache, sunburn, swimmer's ear, sore throat, and other pesky ailments.
You'll also find a wealth of natural beauty treatments and environment-friendly household hints--from making kitchen countertops sparkle to cleaning up kids and pets.
Incorporating the latest scientific evidence, plus Mediterranean-style heart-healthy "fishetarian" recipes, The Healing Powers of Vinegar is a must-have, invaluable resource that will show you how to make the most of this proven powerful healer!
"Wonderfully useful for everyone interested in health." --Elson Haas, M.D., author of Staying Healthy with Nutrition
November 13, 2024
Tea's Healing Powers -- A Cup of Wellness for Autumn Chill
Contributed by Cal Orey
Disease-Fighting Antioxidants —
Tea’s Healing Powers
Dear Reader,
What if I told you just by sipping the delicious “medieval miracle” you could . . .
Relieve throbbing back pain . . . Drop 7 pounds of fat and flab in 3 days . . . Lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer . . . Stave off viruses, colds, and superbugs . . . Curb insatiable sweet cravings . . . Shrink painful hemorrhoids . . . Relieve aching joint discomfort . . . And much more . . .
With this powerful healing elixir — backed by 3,000 modern-day studies — you could . . .
Finally end the frenzy of buying a mountain of assorted pills, needless ointments, serums, and syrups.
Odds are you already have it in your kitchen cupboard.
I’m talking about tea. YES, TEA — grandma’s favorite beverage is today’s red-hot superfood!
Right now, you can get dozens of tea remedies that really work in Cal Orey’s book, The Healing Powers of Tea. And you don’t have to buy it . . .
Newsmax is giving you The Healing Powers of Tea — a 292-page book — absolutely FREE!
Inside this blockbuster book you’ll discover 50 tea “cures” for everything from anxiety and constipation to dermatitis, coughs, depression, warts, insect bites, sinusitis, memory lapses, cavities, digestive troubles, diarrhea, and so much more.
There are also do-it-yourself beauty recipes . . . household remedies to detox, clean, polish, even “destink” your home of dog . . . and dozens of delicious tea-infused recipes from breakfast to dessert!
But not just any tea will do . . .
While it’s packed with powerful disease-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols, you can’t just pour a cup, sip it down and expect it to work.
It all boils down to this . . .
There’s a special secret to making the “medieval miracle” work to transform your health and your home . . .
To bring out its magical healing powers, you need to know which variety of tea to drink and which special ingredients you need to mix with your tea.
And it’s not just the wildly popular black, green, and herbal teas as you’ll discover here.
The good news is you don’t have to guess or work your way through a sea of endless tea boxes and canisters!
Everything you need to know for finding the right tea and the right combination, steeped at the right time, is inside The Healing Powers of Tea.
Your FREE BOOK is waiting. Click here.
When you get your FREE BOOK, be sure to open it and discover which tea banishes belly bloat, heartburn, and gas . . . helps you empty your bowels easily again . . . staves off hunger pangs . . . boosts energy . . . keeps skin looking younger and more beautiful . . . lowers artery-clogging cholesterol . . . helps you get a good night’s, sleep and more.
One more thing . . .
Be sure to look for the simple tea plan to help you lose up to 7 pounds in 3 days! Click here to claim your FREE BOOK now.
November 9, 2024
Courage With Paws New Release -- Bestseller on Amazon for 1 Month! #1 Cardiology
COURAGE WITH PAWS: THE HEART OF A SIAMESE CAT
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Author: Cal Orey
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 979-8-8230-3345-9
Pages: 48
Genre: Illustrated Metaphor / Poetry / Children’s Story / Inspired by a True Story
Reviewer: Beth Adams
Although the statistics for heart disease vary, it can be justly concluded to be the most awful killer in our society. Often sneaking up on people unsuspectedly and killing instantly in the form of a heart attack, this unforgiving disease needs to be brought to light – and lessons of survivors have to be shared. This is the underlying theme in the latest of award-winning and prolific author Cal Orey’s books titled, Courage with Paws – The Heart of a Siamese Cat.
Cal Orey tells this story vicariously through the eyes of her Siamese-mix Cat, given the most royal name of Sir Whiskers McPurrington. Living in the high country of Lake Tahoe, one sunny afternoon Sir Whiskers felt odd – short of breath – and his heart began racing. “Rushed to the animal hospital things got serious quickly,” the narration explained. The story goes into an NDE, near-death-experience, telling how Dr. Furryheart saved Sir Whiskers. The doctor recommended surgery saying, “Time is running out, Mr. Whiskers. Your heart is very, very weak.” But “No” said Sir Whiskers, relying on his sixth sense cat-intuition to avoid further risks.
Sir Whiskers was told of a wizardly lion named Professor Pawsworth at BIG UNIVERSITY who performed miracles in medicine. “I can do tricks, A ‘puff-up magic’ gentle heart helper,” Professor Pawsworth roared, “using small Balloons to open up blocked areas in the heart.” I cried, “Yes, fix!”
This of course, is referring to an angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to widen narrowed arteries. Once completed, Sir Whiskers McPurrington regained his strength over time, and the book ends with a positive feline feeling of having faced fear and overcoming it with friendship and compassion during the ordeal with his best friend, Barkley, an Australian shepherd, enabling him to continue creating art and laughter – “spreading courage with paws far and near.”
Courage with Paws combines many elements showcasing Cal Orey’s finesse of creative writing. Artfully interleaved with excellent illustrations to highlight the theme of the story, along with photographs bringing in credibility of this being a true story, plus with the icing on the cake of having whimsical character names in the genre of Dr. Seuss, the book congeals into an art form with a stern message; that being to understand heart-health. As children are at risk as well, everyone needs to pay attention to this awful disease, which will only grow as a percentage in our population over the decades ahead. This book should be recommended reading in all children’s healthcare organizations as well as family libraries to drill in the importance of heart-health. Remember, not all of us have the cat-like quality of possessing Nine-Lives, so we need to pay attention to the One we have.
Courage with Paws is a must-read for animal lovers and anyone who believes in the profound impact pets can have on our lives. The book offers an uplifting reminder that courage and love are qualities that can transcend species, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the animals who touch our hearts in unexpected ways.
buy on amazonNovember 6, 2024
A Cup of Wellness -- The Healing Powers of Tea for Fall
TEA is the Super Gift Book for Autumn...
and January is National Hot Tea Month
Disease-Fighting Antioxidants —
Tea’s Healing Powers Are Remarkable
Dear Reader,
What if I told you just by sipping the delicious “medieval miracle” you could . . .
Relieve throbbing back pain . . . Drop 7 pounds of fat and flab in 3 days . . . Lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer . . . Stave off viruses, colds, and superbugs . . . Curb insatiable sweet cravings . . . Shrink painful hemorrhoids . . . Relieve aching joint discomfort . . . And much more . . .With this powerful healing elixir — backed by 3,000 modern-day studies — you could . . .
Finally end the frenzy of buying a mountain of assorted pills, needless ointments, serums, and syrups.
Odds are you already have it in your kitchen cupboard.
I’m talking about tea. YES, TEA — grandma’s favorite beverage is today’s red-hot superfood!
Right now, you can get dozens of tea remedies that really work in Cal Orey’s book, The Healing Powers of Tea. And you don’t have to buy it . . .
Newsmax is giving you The Healing Powers of Tea — a 292-page book — absolutely FREE!
Inside this blockbuster book you’ll discover 50 tea “cures” for everything from anxiety and constipation to dermatitis, coughs, depression, warts, insect bites, sinusitis, memory lapses, cavities, digestive troubles, diarrhea, and so much more.
There are also do-it-yourself beauty recipes . . . household remedies to detox, clean, polish, even “destink” your home of dog . . . and dozens of delicious tea-infused recipes from breakfast to dessert!
But not just any tea will do . . .
While it’s packed with powerful disease-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols, you can’t just pour a cup, sip it down and expect it to work.
It all boils down to this . . .
There’s a special secret to making the “medieval miracle” work to transform your health and your home . . .
To bring out its magical healing powers, you need to know which variety of tea to drink and which special ingredients you need to mix with your tea.
And it’s not just the wildly popular black, green, and herbal teas as you’ll discover here.
The good news is you don’t have to guess or work your way through a sea of endless tea boxes and canisters!
Everything you need to know for finding the right tea and the right combination, steeped at the right time, is inside The Healing Powers of Tea.
Your FREE BOOK is waiting. Click here.
When you get your FREE BOOK, be sure to open it and discover which tea banishes belly bloat, heartburn, and gas . . . helps you empty your bowels easily again . . . staves off hunger pangs . . . boosts energy . . . keeps skin looking younger and more beautiful . . . lowers artery-clogging cholesterol . . . helps you get a good night’s, sleep and more.
One more thing . . .
Be sure to look for the simple tea plan to help you lose up to 7 pounds in 3 days! Click here to claim your FREE BOOK now.
Scent-sational Essential Oils for Autumn Health
The Healing Powers of Essential Oils
People have been using essential oils to help beat flu and plagues for centuries. Top health doctors know certain essential oils contain antiviral and antibacterial components for bolstering immunity against germs.In the twenty-first century, viruses and bacterial infectionsare contracted wherever you go, be it at the workplace, store, airplane, or even your home with family and friends. Essential oils and their protective compounds may help guard you from catching a virus or flu—and allergies from pollen, dust and pet dander to poor air quality.
We are not powerless. But it doesn't take a doctor to figure out that if you bolster your immune system, your body will be in better shape to ward off a cold, virus, sinus woes and allergens that can drive you crazy. Achoo!
Here are essential oils that you can use to stave off viruses as part of your anti-virus arsenal to stay well.
5 Oils to Bolster Your Immune System fromThe Healing Powers of Essential Oils by Cal Orey, published by Kensington
#1 Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus oil is one of the best essential oils to keep the flu at because it apparently boosts your immune system. Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, founder of the Pacific Aromatherapy Institute points out that “the most effective essential oils for viral infections are those with sizable contents of cineole, mono terpene alcohol, and mono terpene hydrocarbons.” He adds, “These types of components form an effective antiviral synergy.”What Scent-sational Rx to Use: Mix 6 drops of eucalyptus oil into a large pot of hot water. Cover your head with a lightweight towel and inhale the steam for a few minutes.
Why You’ll Feel Essentially Fine: Research shows that eucalyptus oil may be helpful because of its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Bronchitis, which is a viral health ailment that can be contagious, too, can be made less severe and recovery may be quicker than if one inhales eucalyptus oil.#2 Lavender. During the fall and winter months when the temperature drops and we’re indoors more and closer to people, colds are common. But the right essential oil can help bolster your immunity and keep a miserable cold at bay!What Scent-sational Rx to Use: Take a lavender-scented bath. Mix 3 drops of essential lavender oil with ¼ cup of jojoba or almond oil. Put the concoction into a tub filled with water.Why You’ll Feel Essentially Fine: Lavender is a calming bacteria-fighting essential oil. Its anti-inflammatory compounds can help to keep you safeguarded against germs found on surfaces and the environment.
#3 Rosemary. When you have that irritating tickle in your throat and need to cough, well, its’ irritating. Hacking can hurt, too!What Scent-sational Rx to Use: Combine 4 drops of rosemary essential oil into a diffuser or vaporizer. Or simply put the oil onto a handkerchief and take a whiff or two.Why You’ll Feel Essentially Fine: Rosemary can be an aid to lessen the need to cough with due credit to a compound called 1,8-cinole. It may calm the muscles in the respiratory system, preventing coughing.
#4 Lemon. Ouch! A sore throat is an unwelcome irritation of scratch pain when you talk and swallow. It can be a sign that you may be coming down with a cold or flu. (Refer to #1.) Or it could be caused by seasonal allergies or even talking too much.What Scent-sational Rx to Use: Try putting 1 drop of lemon oil in 8 ounces of hot water. Add 1 teaspoon raw honey for taste. Repeat twice daily.Why You’ll Feel Essentially Fine: The oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This popular oil also may trigger saliva, which can keep the throat hydrated. Use the magical cure--you’ll be chatting soon!
#5 Sage. The primary compounds include the main antibacterial compounds, including a-pinene, camphor, b-pinene, and limonene—which may help lessen the risk of developing inflammation, and even protect again microbes.What Scent-sational Rx to Use: Make a spray or lotion including sage oil isn’t a bad idea. Note to self: Bring a sage spray before entering hotel rooms when traveling, and at home after being around people.Why You’ll Feel Essentially Fine: Sage oil is a versatile essential oil. It can be used in a vaporizer to zap germs and fight viruses. You can use it diluted with a carrier oil such as olive oil. Sage is also a culinary oil—which means diluted you can use it (1 toothpick drop) in a soup or fish dish with garlic, another germ warrior.
The bottom line: The essential oil cure may be the cure-all for you. Plus, taking care of you during uncertain times – can provide more health benefits and keep your immune system healthy.
November 4, 2024
Audiobook The Healing Powers of Honey -- Buzzworthy
The Healing Powers of Honey has been graced with the Best Seller banner for more than three weeks in 2024--both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It's the superfood for winter!
It is impossible to listen to this narration of The Healing Powers of Honey by author Cal Orey on audiobook without going to the cupboard and pouring a cup of hot tea, and of course, adding a heaping teaspoon of honey into it. The soothing taste and coating of honey is talked about in so many ways, thus while listening and sipping the tea, it makes for an amazing multi-dimensional learning scenario, having both your brain and body absorbing the true nectar of the gods. What’s more than revealing the facts is the way Cal Orey interleaves her own life’s adventures into describing her quest of gaining the background information to compile the facts about honey into this highly specialized enlightening guide.
The story begins with the author taking on the project of doing a book about honey by the request of her publisher. Listeners are brought to the planning stage of how Cal Orey organized her research to achieve what she is known for; as being a down-to-Earth presenter of health benefits of various food substances. Honey follows her repertoire as she has demonstrated with vinegar, olive oil, chocolate, and other healing books. Nobody is born with honey knowledge, so she first acquired every book she could find on the subject, then arranged for meetings with bee keepers in Fresno, Reno, and other places. So as a listener, I found the tome of the narration as having a quality of discovery, as new factoids are learned and shared, making this story a journey of discovery.
“A Hippie Chick,” as she often referrers to herself as being, due to her expert knowledge of organic health foods, understanding their therapeutic effects having antioxidants, allowing for stress relieving, blood pressure control, diabetes cure, heart fortitude, and even helping lower the risk of cancer, honey fits right in at the top of God’s gifts to humanity – or should I say the Bee’s gift. Her ‘textbook’ parts of the book when she is educating listeners (readers) on the many types of honey, their relative histories and specialized qualities, and somewhat magical powers are explained with describing each varieties’ color, taste, and even how best to pair it up with other food items. Then, of course, she adds her own commentary to each of the about 30 variations of honey – that’s when I began to google the online stores to buy my own bouquet of flavors.
Some diversion to the author’s factual narration on the honey subject was most sentimentally touched upon with the stories of her dog(s). At one point she talks about traveling all around the USA from California to Key West with her K-9 companion, and even smuggling the dog into Canada because she didn’t have the correct documents at the border – now that’s “chutzpah!” She then talks about having a 6th sense when someone commented, “Nice dog” to her, only to find the dog missing after she tied it up outside a building for only a few minutes. The sadness, crying, and sensation of loss was contagious. A few months later she was “rescued” by a lab with sympathetic eyes in San Diego, and life with a dog partner took a happier path.
Honey is amazing. The antibacterial properties makes it ideal for fighting off any bacterial infection, both inside and outside the body, as it is known for enhancing and protecting the skin and healing wounds. Forget Pepto-Bismol, eat honey to cure suffering from diarrhea. Heart healthy, even helping diabetics (which seems odd due to honey’s sweetness) as well as hypertension, lowering cholesterol and even aiding longevity, plus weight loss and libido enhancement are all benefits of this golden nectar. Thank you, bees.
I must admit I did not know the vast variety of types of honey; yes, Clover is popular, and Van Morrison introduced me to Tupelo Honey, but Cal talks about Alfalfa Honey being native to Northern Nevada, and Buckwheat Honey being very powerful with antioxidants. She thought Fireweed Honey might have been bitter yet was pleasantly surprised by its flavor. I never would have thought Avocado Honey existed, and Dandelion, nor Eucalyptus – I guess I need to walk down the health-food isles in Whole Foods a bit more slowly next time.
It may seem as if I am making light of the subject, but that is how I perceived Cal Orey takes the sting out of being a dry educational presentation, and embellishes her work with her humble wisdom and incredible stories which she has gained on so many other subjects. Just like blending honey into bakery items, combined it with cinnamon for holistic healing, or dissolving it in a tea, smoothie or drink, honey’s versatility and benefits are un-bee-livable.
Reviewer’s footnote: Having the audiobook version of this bestselling book, the narration by Tara Marie Kirk was very clear and fluid, not missing a beat with those 5-syllable Latin names of the specific varieties, however as a personal preference I played it back at 1.25 speed, slightly picking up the pace for my listening pleasure, and cutting the play-time from just over 8 hours to about 6 hours.
BUY ON AMAZON AUDIBLEVISIT AUTHOR’S WEBSITEHealth & Fitness, Latest Reviews, Non Fiction
November 3, 2024
Tea Time Book Signing Following the Master Stephen King
TEA Time with a Tea Book Author on March 17
Friday, March 17, 2023
By Cal Orey
Over the decades I've been an author at dozens and dozens of book signings.
Some book events I've teamed with well-known people featured in my books. We were greeted by TV cameras, radio station hosts, a microphone and rows of people in the audience. Others, guide dogs to adoption cats upstaged me, the author, and nobody wanted me to speak out or sign a book. You just never know what's going to happen at a book signing--and the thing is, I continue to get booked and go on the road for the thrill of the unknown...
Last weekend on Saint Patrick’s Day, for instance, I took a leap of faith and drove over the snow shrouded mountain (with my Australian shepherd in tow and survival food) to attend a book discussion/signing for number six, the Healing Powers series tea tome. So much for lucky holidays and numbers, I thought. The roads were icy, cars were moving at a snail’s pace, and a couple of times I mumbled, “I’m turning back.”After all, Stephen King made an appearance. "How can I follow an act like that?" Not a chance. Ironically, the bookstore manager called me two days before my book signing. Her news was that my box of more than 40 books sold out. I should have called it a signing...But no, I offered to make the trek and bring more tea books.
Knowing I was stocked up on granola bars, salt and vinegar potato chips, bottled water, and canine chow seemed a bit calming for a snow day raining on my parade. While there were a few close skidding out of control moments, no “Misery” car crash for this food book series author. On the way home, I wondered, “Why didn’t I bake chewy cookies and bring tea?” A sobering flashback of hitchhiking in my twenties through
a blizzard in Wyoming with my black Lab (not a snow-loving dog) paid me a visit and reminded me, "This too shall pass." We survived--and this time around, too.Worse, the manager served up iced tea and bits of cookies. It looked like a Jim Jones Kool-Aid event. I was embarrassed. Why not serve hot tea and petite scones? After an hour or less--I left and rescued my pooch. If my books sold on their own, they'll sell again, I thought.
Back in the cozy cabin I made a fire, brewed a fresh cup of hot chamomile (two cups, actually), and cuddled with my action-oriented Aussie and zen-like Siamese. After a day of adventure, cravings for fresh coconut macaroons were on my mind. After all, it’s still winter-like weather in the Sierra and a home-baked cookie (filling the house with a sweet aroma) paired with an over-sized cup of my favorite beverage is super comforting and takes me to a place I love. This recipe is inspired by my new tea book The Healing Powers of Tea (infused with soul, thanks to pro chef recipes and gritty, heartwarming stories, and tearooms I visited both in and out of the country during research in Tealand).
Snowflake Cookies
5 tablespoons whole wheat flour (good for high altitude so cookies don’t spread in the oven)¼ cup granulated white sugar6 ounces sweetened condensed milk1 capful each almond extract and pure vanilla extract7-8 ounces (approximately 2 ½ cups) sweetened coconut, premium2 egg whites1 teaspoon lemon or orange rind (optional)Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting) (optional)
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, milk, extracts and coconut. Set aside. In a mixing bowl beat egg whites until stiff. Fold in coconut mixture. Add orange rind. Use 1/3 cup ice cream scoop or 1 teaspoon (shaped like a Hershey’s chocolate drop), and place cookie dough on a cookie sheet (parchment paper is nice to use to avoid sticking). Bake at 325 degrees for approximately 15-20 minutes or till bottoms are golden and cookies are firm. Remove immediately. Dust cookies with confectioners’ sugar. Makes about 10-12 cookies; depending on size. Store in airtight container and put in fridge or freezer.
(Tip: I cut the recipe in half because these cookies do contain sugar and fat. If you love chocolate, melt white or dark chocolate chips in the microwave for about 30 seconds, stir, 30 more seconds till melted. Dip on one side of the cookie or on the bottom.)
While the drive in a post-snowstorm wasn’t as horrific as I had thought it could be, the chips were super stress reducers, but herbal tea and warm homemade cookies would have been more soothing. Next time around during a drive in the snow or rain, I’ll pack a thermos of tea and snowflake cookies.
--Cal Orey, M.A., is an author and journalist. Her books include the book series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, and Herbs & Spices) published by Kensington and available at fine bookstores everywhere. (The collection has been featured by One Spirit, Literary Guild, and the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is www.calorey.com Also, the Gift Book is offered by newsmax.com/tea
November 1, 2024
COURAGE WITH PAWS--The Heart of a Siamese Cat--NEW BOOK RELEASE Amazon #1 Bestseller in Cardiology
Title: Courage with Paws
Subtitle: The Heart of a Siamese Cat
Author: Cal Orey
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 979-8-8230-3345-9
Pages: 48
Genre: Illustrated Metaphor / Poetry / Children’s Story / Inspired by a True Story
Reviewer: Beth Adams
Although the statistics for heart disease vary, it can be justly concluded to be the most awful killer in our society. Often sneaking up on people unsuspectedly and killing instantly in the form of a heart attack, this unforgiving disease needs to be brought to light – and lessons of survivors have to be shared. This is the underlying theme in the latest of award-winning and prolific author Cal Orey’s books titled, Courage with Paws – The Heart of a Siamese Cat.
Cal Orey tells this story vicariously through the eyes of her Siamese-mix Cat, given the most royal name of Sir Whiskers McPurrington. Living in the high country of Lake Tahoe, one sunny afternoon Sir Whiskers felt odd – short of breath – and his heart began racing. “Rushed to the animal hospital things got serious quickly,” the narration explained. The story goes into an NDE, near-death-experience, telling how Dr. Furryheart saved Sir Whiskers. The doctor recommended surgery saying, “Time is running out, Mr. Whiskers. Your heart is very, very weak.” But “No” said Sir Whiskers, relying on his sixth sense cat-intuition to avoid further risks.
Sir Whiskers was told of a wizardly lion named Professor Pawsworth at BIG UNIVERSITY who performed miracles in medicine. “I can do tricks, A ‘puff-up magic’ gentle heart helper,” Professor Pawsworth roared, “using small Balloons to open up blocked areas in the heart.” I cried, “Yes, fix!”
This of course, is referring to an angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to widen narrowed arteries. Once completed, Sir Whiskers McPurrington regained his strength over time, and the book ends with a positive feline feeling of having faced fear and overcoming it with friendship and compassion during the ordeal with his best friend, Barkley, an Australian shepherd, enabling him to continue creating art and laughter – “spreading courage with paws far and near.”
Courage with Paws combines many elements showcasing Cal Orey’s finesse of creative writing. Artfully interleaved with excellent illustrations to highlight the theme of the story, along with photographs bringing in credibility of this being a true story, plus with the icing on the cake of having whimsical character names in the genre of Dr. Seuss, the book congeals into an art form with a stern message; that being to understand heart-health. As children are at risk as well, everyone needs to pay attention to this awful disease, which will only grow as a percentage in our population over the decades ahead. This book should be recommended reading in all children’s healthcare organizations as well as family libraries to drill in the importance of heart-health. Remember, not all of us have the cat-like quality of possessing Nine-Lives, so we need to pay attention to the One we have.
Courage with Paws is a must-read for animal lovers and anyone who believes in the profound impact pets can have on our lives. The book offers an uplifting reminder that courage and love are qualities that can transcend species, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the animals who touch our hearts in unexpected ways.
buy on amazonOctober 31, 2024
The Healing Powers of TEA -- Graced with #1 Bestseller Banner in November
A CUP OF WELLNESS
By Cal Orey
November 11 again... August 1 The Healing Powers of Tea was graced with the bestselling banner on amazon! It's a perfect read for autumn and winter...days...
On April 29, The Healing Powers of Tea was attracting readers on a variety of online bookseller websites, including amazon, barnes and noble, walmart, kobo, apple, and google.
This book is #6 in the Healing Powers Series...
Also, the popular, prestigious Fairmont Hotel in Victoria, B.C., Canada will be carrying both The Healing Powers of Tea and The Healing Powers of Honey in their tearoom gift shop. Foreign rights to Estonia! Publisher's Weekly Review! It's a favorite in the Healing Powers Series.
*The Healing Powers of Superfoods, Honey, Coffee, Vinegar, and Chocolate will also soothe you this autumn until The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices (pre-order for December!) is released. The only seasonsings book infused with TLC of the Mediterranean herbs and spices for your nose and taste buds and imagination as I whisk you away around the globe!
The Healing Powers of Tea Kindle Edition(Amazon)by Cal Orey (Author)4.9 out of 5 stars 14 customer reviews#1 Best Sellerin Coffee and Tea See all 2 formats and editions
Kindle
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$10.97 31 Used from $4.4154 New from $10.22
File Size: 1871 KBPrint Length: 321 pagesPublisher: Citadel (December 26, 2017)Publication Date: December 26, 2017Sold by: Penguin Random House Publisher ServicesLanguage: EnglishASIN: B06XZQKD4FText-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray:Not Enabled Word Wise: EnabledLending: Not EnabledEnhanced Typesetting: Enabled Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)#1 in Coffee Tea (Books)#1 in Coffee Tea (Kindle Store)#1 in Health Reference
