Cal Orey's Blog, page 51

Fall into The Healing Powers of Essential Oils Book -- Featured in First for Women Magazine

  By Cal Orey

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. 
Find the book at all online bookstores and a Special Gift book on newsmax.com/oils + more!
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 from

The 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.

8 Anti-Virus Warrior Tips to Fight Against Germs and Fall Allergies and Immune Health
During the autumn we're often indoors more often and can cause us to be more vulnerable to catching a cold or flu or allergies to pollen. Other ways to build your immune system? Take a look.
1. Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking water, herbal teas, and vitamin C-rich liquids can flush out any toxins that you accumulate.

2. Wash your hands often to keep germs away.

3. Eat right. Plant-based foods contain carotenoids and flavonoids that have antiviral and antibacterial activity. So eating nutritious produce daily will help keep your immune system strong.

4. Forego sugar. Sugar can interfere with the proper functioning of the immune system.

5. Take vitamin C and D or get it in fortified foods like cereal, juice, or milk. Most of the research says that it improves the immune system.

6. Zinc yourself well. Zinc is a potent virus-fighter that can cut the time you spend in misery.

7. Exercise, exercise, exercise. It lowers stress levels and ups better sleep to allow the immune to get revitalized." pointed out the health practitioner that taught me well.

8. Chill out. By keeping your stress levels down, sleep better and you can keep your immune system up and healthy.

Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, and Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.)

Do Animals Have Superior Senses? What Do They Know?

ESP, Superior Senses, and Feline Intuition

By Cal Orey

Did You Know?  After a disaster, animals need comforting too. Comfort your pet with kind words and lots of pats or hugs. If possible, according to the American Humane Society, provide a safe and quiet environment even if it’s not their own home.

Whether it’s ESP, superior senses, feline intuition or a change in routine, your cat may sense danger, and you should know about it.

            At noon on a stormy spring day in Austin, Texas, several household cats started acting strangely. “I was in bed watching the weather channel on TV,” recalls cat owner Janet Shon. “My cats wanted to hide underneath the covers.” The heavy rains and howling winds continued, causing panic in her house full of pets. Eventually, she put them into carriers to calm them, and took cover under the stairwell. “Usually, my cats don’t mind being in the crates during bad weather,” she says, “but this time, they were chatting nonstop and wanted to be next to me.”            Several hours later, on May 27, 1997, an extremely rare and dangerous tornado (classified as an F-5), with winds measuring over 260 mph, touched down 40 miles to the North of Shon in Jarrell, Texas. Twenty-seven people died in Jarrell. Multiple tornadoes also ripped through the Austin area, killing two people. “It took the roof off the Albertsons’ store,” says Shon with awe. She and her cats survived without a scratch.

            What made Shon’s cats react in such a way? Some say it’s ESP (extra sensory perception), or a sixth sense. Others claim cats aren’t gifted, just blessed with well-developed or heightened senses—scent, sound and sight, that are far superior to our own.

            However you see it, cats have earned their supernatural reputation throughout history. In ancient Egypt, felines were worshipped as gods, and killing a cat was a crime punishable by death. Even modern society gives credence to the idea that cats “know” things. During World War 11, “British families found that their cats were the best warning system for impending danger,” notes Dale Koppel, author of Amazing But True Cat Facts. “They showed unmistakable signs that something was about to happen even before the air sirens were sounded. Their hair would stand on end, or they’d spit or wail. Some would head straight for the nearest shelter.”

            Many people who live through terrible disasters—hurricanes, tornadoes, fires or earthquakes—believe their cats knew something before these disasters struck. But whether or not cats really predict danger is still an open debate. So, what will you do the next time Felix starts acting strange? Will you roll your eyes, or head for high ground? Read on and decide for yourself.

IS IT ESP?

  “Cats have an extraordinary ability to sense imminent earthquakes, usually ten to fifteen minutes before they occur,” explains Ed Lucaire, author of The Cat Lover’s Book of Facts: A Felicitous Look At Felines. “They exhibit nervous behavior such as pawing or scratching at doors and windows, and above-average concern with the safety of kittens.”

            In fact, California Geologist Jim Berkland has turned to lost cats and dogs to stranded whales and wayward birds to predict other big earthquakes, such as the infamous 7.1 Loma Prieta, California earthquake of October 17, 1989, which rumbled through the San Francisco Bay Area for 15 seconds and shook Candlestick Park in the middle of the World Series. Sixty-seven people died and more than 600 people were injured. He believes some cats hold mysterious psychic powers as well.  

FOUR-LEGGED WEATHER FORECASTERS

            So, what about hurricane warnings?  While scientists use wind patterns, barometric pressure, sea surface temperatures and other climate factors to predict hurricanes, fishermen watch their cats. In fact, cats have long been considered good luck on ships for their ability to ward off storms, sea monsters and ghosts. Europeans of the past centuries believed cats “knew” the way home and would reveal the direction by sleeping on the side of the ship that was closest to port.

            Gail Beecher, a veteran cat breeder from Needville, Texas, got a special warning before Tropical Storm Frances hit the Texas coast on September 9, 1998. Some of Beecher’s pregnant cats began to go into early labor. “When the barometer shifts during bad weather my cats always go into labor early,” she says. “I knew the storm was coming this way.” Wind speeds reached a maximum of 65 mph, and one person died due to the intense flooding of the Gulf Coast.

            “All cats are extraordinary sensitive to even the smallest changes in the weather,” writes Koppel who claims, “you can throw away your thermometers and stop watching weather forecasts on TV.” A resident of Kansas City, Missouri agrees, “I have noticed before a tornado (during thunder, wind, hail and lightning) animals do lie close to the ground and pant. The bigger and fatter the dog and cat, the more it seems to affect them. Also, they sometimes put their head on the floor.”

            According to Koppel, French fishermen watch their cats’ body language to get a weather report. “They watch their cats closely to predict weather changes,” he says. “Rain? Watch for your cat to pass her paw behind the ear during grooming. Windy? Your cat will clean her nose. Low tide? Wide pupils, of course. When will the bad weather end? When your cat twists and turns.”

            Sound silly? Perhaps not, says John C. Wright, PhD, certified animal behaviorist from Macon, Georgia, and author of Is Your Cat Crazy: Solutions from the Casebook of a Cat Therapist, who’s fascinated by it all. However, to be certain that this is a reliable weather source, Wright says, a group of cats and their body positions should be examined carefully in a weather study for conclusive scientific evidence. In other words, scientific studies are needed.

A CAT’S GOOD SENSE

Neil Tenzer, DVM, of Miami, Florida recalls that his five cats felt Hurricane Andrew’s fury before it arrived on August 25, 1992, with winds of up to 150 mph. Amid the chaos of his family putting shutters on the windows and gathering canned food and candles, explains Tenzer, his cats grew curious and upset about the change in their environment. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this category 4 hurricane caused 58 deaths and approximately $27 billion in damage. “It’s not that they predicted the hurricane—but they certainly sensed it was on its way,” Tenzer says.

            A former North Carolina resident agrees. She was in the path of Hugo as the hurricane headed toward Charlotte in 1989. Hurricane Hugo passed directly over Charleston, South Carolina, on September 21, as a category 5 storm with wind speeds in excess of 135 mph and a storm surge of nearly 20 feet. Hugo caused 57 deaths on the U.S. mainland (mostly in North and South Carolina) and 29 deaths in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to NOAA records. Total damage: $9 billion. “I had indoor cats and barn cats there,” she recalls. Apparently, her cats share the same reaction to all severe storms. “Barn cats always seem to find shelter well ahead of a storm.” 

            Some argue that extrasensory perception is really just super senses. In the case of earthquakes, for example, cats may be sensitive to the earth’s vibrations and sound waves right before an earthquake hits, says geophysicist Bruce Presgrave, from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in Golden, Colorado. Other people suggest that cats are able to detect minute shifts in the earth’s magnetic field or in the earth’s magnetic field or in the earth’s static electricity, which occur before a jolt.

           

REACTING TO CHANGE                

            Most people recognize that cats (and dogs) like structure and don’t like change too much. Perhaps felines don’t “sense” danger, but are instead reacting to change in routine or environment. “It may be novelty of those particular cues, rather than the cat knows that this is danger,” says Wright. And often, it’s fear of the unknown. “Fear motivates cats to act out,” he adds. “When they can’t cope with the stimulus they go emotional on us. Sometimes these emotional responses lead cats to run over and over their escape routes or make some noise to get out.”

           Deputy Director Gary Grice of the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, relies on complex scientific theories and computers to forecast powerful twisters. However, “there is a possibility that animals react to the significant pressure changes of the atmosphere before a tornado hits,” he concedes.    The question remains, can feline barometers detect the difference between an impending hurricane or tornado? “Since there are similar weather phenomena associate with tornadoes and hurricanes, you’re likely to get the same reaction out of cats because they are reacting to the same kinds of things,” explains Wright.            “Although there’s research that’s ongoing in different areas, when your life is on the line and you have to depend on something so you get out of harm’s way, the clear answer now is to heed the warnings that are issued by the National Weather Service and do what they say,” says Grice. He goes on to say that “scientists do not have a 100 percent track record for predicting disasters.” As for cats, Grice believes that are not perfect predictors either since it’s not known if they are responding to disaster precursors or if they are behaving strangely for other reasons. “Our success rate is much, much higher than what you’re getting from animals,” he says.

            Meanwhile, Shon wonders about her cats’ behavior before the deadly Texas tornado. Did they sense the nearby funnel clouds on the day of destruction? Was there a change in smell or pressure, or did Shon’s own behavior affect the cats? We’ll never really know. But at least some disaster experts are now realizing that some cats can sense impending gloom and doom. The question of whether cats can predict a cataclysm hours or days in advance requires more research.

            But since scientists admit they aren’t able to reliably predict earthquakes, fires, hurricanes and tornadoes, is it really so far-fetched to monitor cats and dogs?            Cat experts advise cat owners to do just that. “The cat’s first instinct is survival, and cats are the best survival machines Mother Nature has ever developed,” concludes Eric Swanson, author of Hero Cats: True Stories of Daring Feline Deeds. Whether cats are gifted with some kind of sight, or not—felines continue to inspire a spiritual nature that cat-lovers respond to. What they actually see, and what we see in their eyes is impossible to say.

            Consider what the late Jeane Dixon wrote in her book Do Cats Have ESP? “In the dark, [cats’ mysterious eyes] seem to hover alone, disembodied and shining brightly on the darkest of nights. Ancient people believed the cat had captured a piece of the sun which it called up at will to see in the dark.”

Get Prepared

No matter how smart and intuitive cats are, they can only protect themselves so far, says a spokesperson for the disaster services of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). So, plan ahead. Here are some tips:

1.If you evacuate, do not leave your cat [or dog] behind.

2. Cats should wear a collar and up-to-date I.D. tag at all times.

3. Have a backup plan in case you aren’t home when disaster hits. Contact friends and family members now to ask if they would be willing to get your cat and meet you at a prearranged place.

4. Find out where you can go or board your cat for temporary housing. Most emergency shelters will not allow cats.

5. Pack a disaster kit for your cat that includes food and water, bowls, leashes, carriers, a list of phone numbers, vaccination records, required medications, cat litter and a cat food plus its fave toy or cat tree.
Update: October 2022 the SF Bay Area was jolted by a 5.1 on the Calaveras/SAF--the strongest shaker in years in this region. The earthquake was felt in Northern California, reported felt by more than 23,000 people all the way up to Lake Tahoe. My cat endured a bout of cystitis. One vet I knew did research on cats and quakes. He believed his feline patients seemed to have urological woes prior to an upcoming quake due to environmental stress. Well, my cat Zen just experienced a bout of cystitis as he did during the evacuation of the Caldor Fire. Is the Big One coming in Northern California. We all know it will happen again. But did kitty know or not? Time will tell.Also, dogs seem to be intuitive, too. Last month I evacuated to Clearlake to flee the hazardous air quality due to the Mosquito Fire. One day my pooch didn't want to go in the elevator and he went into the bathtub. Later that day my cell phone gave me a spooky Quake Alert. Eighty two miles a way a 4.4 shallow quake shook. The earthquake was on the Rodgers Fault--27% odds of a strong earthquake happening there in the future.

End Days? What's Going On? Media Hype or Hope Life Will Go On?

 Is It Really the End of the World?

By Cal Orey

 

Hurricane Ian, Flooding in the East to Drought, Wildfires, Earthquake Alerts in the West, Food and Oil Prices Soaring, and the Russia-Ukraine War…

You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today, oh (oh)

--Marvin Gaye

In the Bible it points to famine, earthquakes and war that ends the world. In the film “Soylent Green” end days were based in 2022.  Nostradamus predicted the world would end in 2023. People around the globe are experiencing Earth changes and challenges between good and evil. So does it mean we’re nearing a ticking clock for doomsday?

Well, if you go back in time events like these have happened before. The threats we’re facing in 2022 are similar to events that happened before. Take a peek at the past and present checklist of five doomsday happenings.

Big One: The San Andreas Fault in California and New Madrid Fault Zone in the Midwest have been concerns since 1800. California did experience a great earthquake in 1857 at Fort Tejon (in the desert) and it is overdue for a repeat. Ditto for New Madrid region which affect seven states. There were twin great quakes in 1811 and 1812.

2022 Doomsday:  This year not much is rocking and rolling in the Midwest. Sure, there have been some earthquakes--and alerts on our cell phones--but nothing like what could happen in the future. Yes, the West Coast has been shaking but not the Big One yet.

Asteroid/Meteor:  There have been asteroids and meteors that have hit our planet but nothing major has affected us yet. Still the news folks will tell you another one is heading our way, but we wait. If a huge object hits Earth of course it could cause end days, including great quakes and big waves and more destruction but so far, we’re still here.

2022 Doomsday: News headlines mention asteroids, meteors, and comets. You can read how they are around and may arrive sooner than later on Earth. If it’s large enough, doomsday could be the end result. But then life goes on and the buzzworthy news item is forgotten. One more thing: Don’t forget outer space aliens! A recent headline reads: “Pilots Flying Over the Pacific Ocean Report Multiple UFO Sightings Over The Past Two Months”.

ü          Recession: In 2008 yes, we did get hit with a major recession. Inflation hit hard and that came with rising prices at the grocery store to cost of living. Folks in the computer industry and building industry were affected, whereas, younger people ended up moving back home with parents. The doomsday Great Depression in 1929 hit farmers who were coping with bad soil—people dealt with lack of food (such as flour, sugar, butter like we lacked during the beginning of the pandemic) and jobs were scarce.

            2022 Doomsday: Financial experts believe we already are in a recession or on the brink of one.             Unless you live in a different world you have seen the signs. At the gas pumps seeing more than             six dollars a gallon are happening in many states—even eight dollars in California. Food costs                are soaring. And the word is orange juice (only one superfood) is going to be pricey in the                       coming future because Florida’s orange crop was challenged due to Hurricane Ian and its wrath              of flooding.

ü          War: Baby boomers know their parents faced World War II. Japan knows it, too. The atomic bomb caused disastrous effects with lives lost to people in Hawaii coping with cancer from the radiation fallout. Also, boomers recall the Cuban missile crisis which came with fear of the atomic bomb. We were close to WWIII but in the nick of time it did not happen, and we all forgot about air raids and bomb shelters.

2022 Doomsday:Nowadays, as Russia continues to play “War Games” with Ukraine it is causing humanity a lot of hardship on both sides. Everyone knows if nuclear strikes begin there may be no stopping. Is it possible a nuclear winter could be ahead of us in 2023? Nobody knows for sure. But articles are showing us several likely nuclear strike targets in the U.S. if the Russia-Ukraine war escalates, and NATO gets involved.

ü              Wildfires-Air Quality:Dangerous air quality is nothing new. Smog in big cities due to increasing population and man-kind. After the 1980 Mount Shasta Volcano eruption ash polluted the air. Wildfires in the nineties on affected the air in the Western states but it was more of summer seasonal hardship—not year-round.

2022 Doomsday: In mid-October the Pacific Northwest including Alaska fell victim to a dozen wildfires. Both Oregon and Washington, especially Seattle—it was noted as having the worst air quality in the world—made international news. Climatologists to firefighters know wildfire season is now a year-round challenge not just a summer threat. And yes, man and climate change or to blame.

 

Meanwhile, the media is on a roll with doomsday articles titles similar to “How to Survive a Nuclear Attack” and “Seattle Has the Worst Air Quality in the World”… As an intuitive, I sense we will be challenged and endure more natural disasters and man-made stuff that nightmares are made of in the future. For now the best self-reliant thing to do is be aware, prepared (stock your pantry, first-aid kit, and get a list of things to have in case of an emergency). And stay out of harm’s way. Your mantra: “What if it all works out in the end?” Repeat as needed.

Armageddon? Or Not?

In the sixties we dealt with gas rationing, the great Chile and Alaska earthquakes and tsunamis. On into the seventies we endured political craziness with Watergate. On into the eighties we worried about the AIDS crisis that wasn’t just a gay thing and we never did find a cure-all vaccine. In the nineties we wondered if Y2K was going to wipe out our computer industry and put us back into the days of typewriters and no telecommunication. These happenings are unforgettable. However, the world is still here. No, we cannot control a lot of events like these, but we can learn how to cope the best we can and realize humanity is strong and resilient. The bottom line: Live life to the fullest because nobody knows if or when the world will end or even if our planet will fade out.

End Days? What's Going On? Media Hope or Hype?

 Is It Really the End of the World?

By Cal Orey

 

Hurricane Ian, Flooding in the East to Drought, Wildfires, Earthquake Alerts in the West, Food and Oil Prices Soaring, and the Russia-Ukraine War…

You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today, oh (oh)

--Marvin Gaye

In the Bible it points to famine, earthquakes and war that ends the world. In the film “Soylent Green” end days were based in 2022.  Nostradamus predicted the world would end in 2023. People around the globe are experiencing Earth changes and challenges between good and evil. So does it mean we’re nearing a ticking clock for doomsday?

Well, if you go back in time events like these have happened before. The threats we’re facing in 2022 are similar to events that happened before. Take a peek at the past and present checklist of five doomsday happenings.

Big One: The San Andreas Fault in California and New Madrid Fault Zone in the Midwest have been concerns since 1800. California did experience a great earthquake in 1857 at Fort Tejon (in the desert) and it is overdue for a repeat. Ditto for New Madrid region which affect seven states. There were twin great quakes in 1811 and 1812.

2022 Doomsday:  This year not much is rocking and rolling in the Midwest. Sure, there have been some earthquakes--and alerts on our cell phones--but nothing like what could happen in the future. Yes, the West Coast has been shaking but not the Big One yet.

Asteroid/Meteor:  There have been asteroids and meteors that have hit our planet but nothing major has affected us yet. Still the news folks will tell you another one is heading our way, but we wait. If a huge object hits Earth of course it could cause end days, including great quakes and big waves and more destruction but so far, we’re still here.

2022 Doomsday: News headlines mention asteroids, meteors, and comets. You can read how they are around and may arrive sooner than later on Earth. If it’s large enough, doomsday could be the end result. But then life goes on and the buzzworthy news item is forgotten. One more thing: Don’t forget outer space aliens! A recent headline reads: “Pilots Flying Over the Pacific Ocean Report Multiple UFO Sightings Over The Past Two Months”.

ü          Recession: In 2008 yes, we did get hit with a major recession. Inflation hit hard and that came with rising prices at the grocery store to cost of living. Folks in the computer industry and building industry were affected, whereas, younger people ended up moving back home with parents. The doomsday Great Depression in 1929 hit farmers who were coping with bad soil—people dealt with lack of food (such as flour, sugar, butter like we lacked during the beginning of the pandemic) and jobs were scarce.

            2022 Doomsday: Financial experts believe we already are in a recession or on the brink of one.             Unless you live in a different world you have seen the signs. At the gas pumps seeing more than             six dollars a gallon are happening in many states—even eight dollars in California. Food costs                are soaring. And the word is orange juice (only one superfood) is going to be pricey in the                       coming future because Florida’s orange crop was challenged due to Hurricane Ian and its wrath              of flooding.

ü          War: Baby boomers know their parents faced World War II. Japan knows it, too. The atomic bomb caused disastrous effects with lives lost to people in Hawaii coping with cancer from the radiation fallout. Also, boomers recall the Cuban missile crisis which came with fear of the atomic bomb. We were close to WWIII but in the nick of time it did not happen, and we all forgot about air raids and bomb shelters.

2022 Doomsday:Nowadays, as Russia continues to play “War Games” with Ukraine it is causing humanity a lot of hardship on both sides. Everyone knows if nuclear strikes begin there may be no stopping. Is it possible a nuclear winter could be ahead of us in 2023? Nobody knows for sure. But articles are showing us several likely nuclear strike targets in the U.S. if the Russia-Ukraine war escalates, and NATO gets involved.

ü              Wildfires-Air Quality:Dangerous air quality is nothing new. Smog in big cities due to increasing population and man-kind. After the 1980 Mount Shasta Volcano eruption ash polluted the air. Wildfires in the nineties on affected the air in the Western states but it was more of summer seasonal hardship—not year-round.

2022 Doomsday: In mid-October the Pacific Northwest including Alaska fell victim to a dozen wildfires. Both Oregon and Washington, especially Seattle—it was noted as having the worst air quality in the world—made international news. Climatologists to firefighters know wildfire season is now a year-round challenge not just a summer threat. And yes, man and climate change or to blame.

 

Meanwhile, the media is on a roll with doomsday articles titles similar to “How to Survive a Nuclear Attack” and “Seattle Has the Worst Air Quality in the World”… As an intuitive, I sense we will be challenged and endure more natural disasters and man-made stuff that nightmares are made of in the future. For now the best self-reliant thing to do is be aware, prepared (stock your pantry, first-aid kit, and get a list of things to have in case of an emergency). And stay out of harm’s way. Your mantra: “What if it all works out in the end?” Repeat as needed.

Armageddon? Or Not?

In the sixties we dealt with gas rationing, the great Chile and Alaska earthquakes and tsunamis. On into the seventies we endured political craziness with Watergate. On into the eighties we worried about the AIDS crisis that wasn’t just a gay thing and we never did find a cure-all vaccine. In the nineties we wondered if Y2K was going to wipe out our computer industry and put us back into the days of typewriters and no telecommunication. These happenings are unforgettable. However, the world is still here. No, we cannot control a lot of events like these, but we can learn how to cope the best we can and realize humanity is strong and resilient. The bottom line: Live life to the fullest because nobody knows if or when the world will end or even if our planet will fade out.

Guess Who Is Coming for Dinner? Covid-19 and Its Variants!

By Cal Orey

Update: Nope, the virus and variants are still lurking around.  In the past week I know two people who have announced to me those three little words: "I've got Covid"! 
So if you've let your guard down as I have done it's time to stay healthy, boost your immune health, and make smart choices.

The Healing Powers of Tea is one Gift Book You'll Want! (Newsmax Approved!)

10 Ways to Bolster Your Immune System

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking water, herbal teas, and vitamin C-rich liquids can flush out any toxins that you accumulate.

2. Wash your hands frequently. (See the link and popular doctor who agrees.) Viruses can be transmitted by shaking someone's hand and then touching your face, nose or mouth. (This is probably the most important strategy. Use the recipe Four Thieves Formula--apple cider vinegar and herbs or the version with essential oils. It can be used topically, to clean surfaces in your environment, and more.)

3. Eat right. "There are many plant chemicals such as carotenoids and flavonoids that have antiviral and antibacterial activity," one California-based medical doctor told me. So eating nutritious produce daily will help keep your immune system strong. He also eats fish, whole grains, onions and garlic which help stave off flu, too.

4. Treat yourself well. "I try to minimize junk food, but I do succumb to chocolate or calcium-rich ice cream once or twice a week," said the good doctor. He added, "It's possible that lots of sugar can interfere with the proper functioning of the immune system."

5. Take vitamin C. Most of the research says that it improves the immune system.

6. Take echinacea. This herb is touted to have both antibiotic and immune-stimulating properties. But note, it's best used as a preventive measure before you get the flu.

7. Zinc yourself well. Zinc is a potent virus-fighters that can cut the time you spend in misery.

8. Drink herbal teas. Tea and honey are superfoods chock-full of antioxidants.

9. Exercise, exercise, exercise. "It helps me sleep more deeply at night. Deep sleep is a time when the immune system has a chance to regroup itself and get revitalized," pointed out the health practitioner that taught me well.

10. Chill out. By keeping your stress levels down, you can keep your immune system up and healthy. 

 

INFECTED? SO NOW WHAT DO YOU DO?

·                 Mask Up:  In high risk regions where there is a surge, masks may help lower the the spread of COVID-19.

·                 Get Home Tested: In 15 minutes you will know if COVID-19 is responsible if you are feeling any symptoms – regardless of your vaccination status.

·                  Are you in denial that you may be infected? Sure, COVID-19 symptoms can feel like a common cold, seasonal allergies, or flu. Learn more about Covid at-home tests.

·                 Stay Home if Sick: Isolate for at least 5 days if you test positive. Why do you want to spread the virus to other people? Get well!

Pacific Book Review -- NEW Audiobook: The Healing Powers of Honey

The Healing Powers of Honey (Audiobook) (Tune in for a Sample! Click on link and enter Honey Land)

Title: The Healing Powers of Honey
Author: Cal Orey
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Narrated by: Tara Marie Kirk
Pages: Audiobook
Genre: Health / Natural Food / Alternative Therapies
Length: 8 hours and 26 minutes
Reviewed by: Beth Adams

Read Book Review

The narrator reads heartfelt stories from the author who shares her travels with a dog across America and Canada. Cal Orey, dishes on how she was  like a wayward honey bee... and the author does learn about the gifts from the hive during her adventures in the South, Northeast, MidWest, and Pacific Northwest to even Quebec and Toronto... PACIFIC BOOK REVIEW:

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 Hippy 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 sixth sense at Lady Luck Casino in Las Vegas 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. Tea and honey followed  in the morning to comfort her after a night of searching for her stolen canine companion... 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.

The Healing Powers of Honey is Still Buzzworthy!

A blog post blast from the past. Meanwhile, today on October 14 I must share with you that The Healing Powers of Honey continues to be one of the bestsellers in the Healing Powers series. And as I have shared it is now available in audiobook format, too! The announcement below shares that the book did land in a popular drugstore. Yep, honey and its home cures are of interest to a mainstream audience. Honey varietals, especially the darker types, are healing for your mind, body, and spirit.

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Healing Powers of Honey Flies into Major National Drugstore! INTERVIEW with AuthorAuthor Unveils Sweet Inside Secrets--Honey BookBy Cal Orey1.    Cal tell us a little bit about your background? I'm an author-Intuitive…known for the internationally popular Healing Powers Series.  2.    When did you get interested in the healing power of foods? Since a teen back in the 70s I was a “granola girl.” I ate fruits/vegetables/yogurt. It was “in” to be lean and fit. So I was and still am a “health nut.” I was going to be a nutritionist but ended up getting my master’s degree in English (Creative Writing).
3.  I understand you have written several other healing power books? The Healing Powers Book Series began back in 1999 when I penned The Healing Powers of Vinegar. The rest is history. Several years later, the book was a success. Olive oil, chocolate, and honey followed. Then came coffee, tea, superfoods, essential oils--is now available for pre-order for its December release. 
4.    Your book draws on interviews with medical doctors, beekeepers, and researchers about the positive effects of honey? Yes, I did go to the “experts” who know about how honey and honey bees…and they told me how this superfood which has been used since biblical times can heal via health improvements to home cures. Also, I met a  beekeeper and his queen Italian bees…and I spoke with beekeepers around the globe.  I interviewed the editor of Bee Culture Magazine (The Healing Powers of Honey received a positive review in the October issue) about trends of city hobbyist bee keepers to CCD—the mysterious vanishing and die-off of bees with an unknown cause. And I got to taste straight from the hive… honeycomb. A hexagon structure made from beeswax by honey bees to hold honey. 
5.    Tell us what makes honey so healthy? It’s got vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting antioxidants (molecules in superfoods like fruits/vegetables) that can stall Father Time and enhance the immune system and  keep our cells healthy.

6.    How many honey varieties are there? Hundreds…more than 300 in U.S. from different floral sources. I got up close and  intimate with more than 30…we’re talking different flavors from different sources.The darker varieties are the healthiest…a bit of a challenge for the palate: manuka to buckwheat---which are commonly used in health and honey studies. My faves are sage, wildflower, white honey from Hawaii, pumpkin, blackberry--and orange blossom. Once you taste the varietals there's no going back to one honey flavor. 
7.    Are there major differences between raw honey and the commercial varieties? Yes, raw is healthier but mass market varieties still have benefits, too.  The real, raw, unprocessed, unheated, unfiltered kind of honey that you get straight from the hive—honeycomb—is the real deal with the good for you antioxidants. Think pure ACV, quality dark cocoa. 
8.    What are some short-term health benefits of consuming honey? Home cures:I've turned to honey for sore throat, allergies, cough, cuts, anxiety, stress, fatigue, and it can even boost libido! What's more, manuka honey--found in Australia and New Zealand--is simply amazing for its healing perks. If you have a cut, like I did on my foot, it can heal it in days, thanks to honey's super amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
9.    You say honey can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, increase longevity and even reduce boy fat and unwanted weight? Indeed… If you stay clear of the big diseases…you’ll up the odds of living longer. And honey can help stave off the major life-threatening diseases because of its different compounds. I show studies with humans (not just lab rats) in my honey book how it works to back up this fact.
10.   You say pure, raw, unprocessed honey is a healthier sweetener than table sugar and high fructose corn syrup? You get only empty nutrition with white table sugar…HFCS is controversial but I stay clear from it--found in fruit juice drinks to processed foods. Honey contains dozens of different substances (minerals, vitamins, antioxidants) which makes it more like a fruit than sugar. Sugar and HFCS are simpler compounds containing only glucose and fructose, honey is more of a “functional or superfood”—because of its compounds.
11. How many calories typically per teaspoon? 21--a dieter's dream. And just a spoonful will provide energy to get a move on and boost your metabolism as well as curb that sweet tooth so you're not tempted to overeat sweets that are laden with saturated fat, calories, and added sugar. 
12. How much Honey do you recommend people eat daily or weekly? 5 teaspoons/8 teaspoons women/men. (None for babies younger than one year old.) 
13. How can you use honey in your beauty routine? It’s used in DIY recipes/store bought beauty products/top-notch spa treatments. I use all types to help keep my hair and skin healthy. I was treated to a honey bath at a plush European-style hotel and the story is unforgettable. My skin felt so smooth. 14.   What kind of recipes are there in your book? Scrumptious recipes that'll wow you. The book was purchased by The Good Cook Book Club. Spa chefs/honey companies (big and small) provided many recipes including Honey Biscotti, Bee Breakfast Smoothie, Honey Poppy Seed Salad Dressing, Honey Glazed Hen, Honey Berries with Lime Pound Cake, and Sweet Potato Pie. Wholesome, down-to-earth ingredients are used--mostly from the Mediterranean diet--are used. I'm talking whole grains, nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables, dark chocolate, and olive oil as a primary fat.
 15. What easy ways can our listeners use honey in their everyday lives? Use a teaspoon of honey in tea/coffee daily and/or drizzle on fresh fruit or whole grain bread to get a double punch of antioxidants.
The Healing Powers of Honey (Kensington Books by Cal Orey) available at  online bookstores; now available in gift size mass market format and ebooks as well as paperback. 

December 2019 I Traveled to Alaska...Post-Pandemic My Bags Are Packed Again

 Cal Orey

Update: I'm ready to go for the sequel. Splitting it up to spend time in Seattle...hopefully will get to visit an island.  But after evacuating Mosquito Fire to Clearlake I'm ready to greet Mother Nature like  before. Later this autumn it will be time for another adventure. This time one bag, afternoon flight, and no plans. Well, maybe a few...
Flashback: December 9, 2019: My predictions were 50 percent correct. Yes, I did go. Right. No snow. Wrong. Hurricane-force winds en route to Anchorage. Anxiety about unbalanced nature. Right. Quake rolled in 4 hours after I left Alaska. Right. Wacky weather with icy roads, whistling wind, fog with zero visibility. Wrong. Lockdown of Anchorage. Sadly wrong. Foreshadow to the 2020 pandemic.


Take one was canceled due to a 100 mph storm; take two a 7.0 earthquake was enough to spook me.  I'm booked to go in December, third attempt. Here, this is the first seed of my goal to go to Anchorage, Alaska...

Here I sit on Saturday night in the comfort of a Tahoe rustic cabin older than I am--and I am filled with a mixed bag of emotions. Soon I will be on my way flying in a jet plane (more than one) to Alaska. This wasn't one of my fantasies, not really. Well, in my twenties I almost hitched and hiked to Homer (during the pipeline days and time of nomads in search of America) but I ended up in other states and Canada...sweet Canada a place I like to think of as my semi-second home.
In the past decades, I've written about Alaska--its big earthquakes including the great one in 1964--and have accurately forecasted shakers throughout the shaky state...and now? Now I am close to going there--a place I saw in the film "Insomnia" and how Al Pacino's character fought the daylight so he could get some much needed shut-eye...

Go Somewhere with a Thrill Factor Instead of Canada 
It began by a sibling's dare to go somewhere exciting. Once Barnes and Noble in Anchorage, Alaska invited me for a book signing it was a sign for me to go to a place foreign to me. After all, I do live in a nature-oriented place called the Sierra; it's just another extension of bears, birds, water, and down-to-earth people, right?  A little bit like that. And I admit I have fell into watching the Alaskan Vet on "Animal Planet" and viewed a program of folks buying homes in the Alaskan wildnerness.
So, why do people get excited and nervous before going on trips? Is it because we are going out of our comfort zone? Is it because we relinquish control to whatever is out there in the world? Is it because we leave our safe place and loved ones behind? It's probably a combination of all of the novelty.


But traveling is good for the soul. I notice a glow in my skin before I go on a journey--truly! Not so sure the dog and cat are glowing but they do not know yet that I will be leaving soon. No luggage is out and I'm sort of behind the hustle bustle pre-trip mode. The obstacle course has been completed, though: vet check for dog, cat; dentist, doctor...all done. We are healthy and getting many of the ducks in a row. Emails are coming in from different places, including the airline, bookstore, nature tour and so it goes.

And, let's face it. The trek is a long one. It's not a direct flight because I do live in the mountains. It will be a very long day for me to go from Tahoe to Alaska via Nevada, Utah, Washington--and then the red state. But once I'm there I sense all will calm down in this busy mind of mine. Two years ago this time I flew to Montreal and took a train to Quebec City...Decades ago I hitchhiked from the Golden State to Montreal and freaked from cultural shock but vowed to return...I did it. 
So this north to Alaska trip should be a walk in the park. Sort of.  No, I have not told the Aussie. I just don't have the heart to tell my better half we will be separated for a bit. But I did tell him no matter what I'll always be back for him and never leave him alone. That's a promise.

Fall Into The Healing Powers of Tea...Ebook Sale! for a Cup of Wellness

 By Cal Orey

Discover the Benefits of Tea for Your Body and Mind!

5 Tea Home Cures from Your Kitchen

One autumn day I found myself getting up at 2:30 A.M. to catch a 6:00 A.M. plane to Salt Lake City, then to Atlanta Georgia, to Montreal, Quebec. Waking up without adequate sleep felt odd and it was the wrong hour to brew coffee.  So, I made a cup of my own blend: black and green tea. It gave me enough energy to get on the shuttle bus without acting like a zombie from a sci-fi film.   But while tea offers home cures, including beating sleepiness, it can also help keep you calmer than java. At the first airport counter café, I ordered a cup of hot water and used my own chamomile tea bag to keep me calm enough for the next fear factor: flying out of the Sierra and into Salt Lake City—two dicey airports known for turbulent flights. And thanks to tea, I survived the flight plan all the way to Canada, my second home...
There is a growing trend of at-home tea cures (like I used to achieve my final destination), that’ll wow you with their potential healing powers. I sprinkled in tea wisdom from tried-and-true folk remedies, scientific studies, medical experts, and my own home tea and tisane cures. It’s tea time! Read on--here's five home cures from more than 50 in The Healing Powers of Tea (Available for 1.99 kindle on amazon NOW).
1. COLDS (Warm Up Baby.) During the fall and winter months, cold season hits more frequently. Also, though, if you are under stress a cold can pay you a visit year-round, especially if traveling or contracting a virus from someone else. If your immune system is under attack—a cold can be prevented or the severity lessened with tea.

What Tea Rx to Use: Drink one 8-ounce cup of black tea (hot or iced) with or without 1 teaspoon honey two to three times per day.

Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Tea researchers believe it’s the compound antigen in black tea that bolsters the body’s immune system and may help guard against colds. Also, the tannins may help to stave off viruses like a cold. I recall one doctor’s story about how he turned to tea for comfort. He was traveling in the Alaskan wilderness. While in a van traveling with a lot of people, one had a cold as he did. The doctor had tea and drank the liquid. And it helped the good doctor heal.

2.  COUGHS (Cease the tickle.) Coping with a cold can be annoying, but coughing which can be caused by seasonal allergies, or linger after a cold, a bout of bronchitis, or other things, can be pesky and make your throat and even chest ache.

What Tea Rx to Use: Opt to brew 1 12-ounce cup of black or white tea. For an extra throat soother, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Repeat as necessary.

Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific:  Tacking a cough takes a bit of sleuth work to discover why you are coughing—and then it’s time to be proactive and deal with the problem. If allergens are the issue, for instance, it’s time to get an air purifier, vacuum and dust more, and add tea with honey to your diet repertoire—soon you’ll be doing the happy dance without stopping to cough.

3. FLU (Say good-bye to germs.) Catching the flu, which can come on suddenly, drags you down and into bed. Viruses come in all forms and can give you anything from a 24-hour flu bug to a super bug that’ll spook you to the point where images from sci-fi films like Outbreak and Contagion will haunt you as you try and shake it.

What Tea Rx to Use: Take 2 cups of tea and you won’t be calling the doctor in the morning. Mix it up and sip 1 cup of tea (black, green, or white) and 1 cup of your favorite vitamin C-enhanced herbal tea such as hibiscus.

Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: It’s no surprise that the functional food tea is chock-full of antioxidants—the good guys that can keep your immune system healthy and stave off germs you could encounter from your local grocery store to a vacation stop. By drinking tea and a vitamin-rich tisane teamed with a nutrient-dense diet, you’ll be keeping your immune system strong.

4. SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (Blast the blues.)  Feeling down and sluggish with SAD, coined by Dr. Norman Rosenthal, is another monster to face. I have tackled the symptoms with an arsenal of remedies—and tea is on the list come late fall through early spring.

What Tea Rx to Use: Brew 1 cup of hot water and use 1 teaspoon green tea leaves or tea bag. Steep for 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times per day.

Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Green tea has 45 milligrams of caffeine (which can give you a physical and mental burst of energy). But also, green tea contains L-theanine—a compound that enhances brain chemicals including serotonin and that can give you a calming sense of well-being. A bonus: It can rev up your metabolism, fill you up and not out. Read: Lose unwanted pounds and body fat.

5. SORE THROAT (Treat the pain.) Before a cold you can get a telltale sore throat. Not to forget allergies and even talking too much. Rather than run to the doctor for an allergy medication, why not take an alternative route and turn to tea?

What Tea Rx to Use:  Dried oolong leaves combined with rose hips or hibiscus can be a perfect pairing. Put 1 teaspoon of tea leaves and 1 teaspoon of the herbal tea of your choice in 1 cup of hot water. Steep for a few minutes, then strain. Add honey to taste.

Why You’ll Feel Tea—rrific: Oolong tea my reduce swelling and inflammation, due to flavonoids. Also, honey boasts anti-inflammatory benefits, too.

Ginger Lemon Honey Tea

Ginger and lemon go together like salt and pepper—two of nature’s finest superfoods with an immunity booster that can keep you healthy this winter and all year-long.

2 cups water

10 thin slices gingerroot, fresh

1 lemon sliced

3 tablespoons honey

1/3 cup lemon juice

Bring water, gingerroot, and lemon slices to a boil for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove from heat, steep 10 minutes, strain. Stir in honey and lemon juice. You can also add apple peel, a piece of onion, and one or two tablespoons of chamomile.

(Courtesy: Gemma Sanita Sciabica)

Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Tea2018. All right reserved. Reprinted with permission  from Kensingtonwww.kensingtonbooks.com .— Cal Orey, M.A.  is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, and Tea) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.)  Her website is www.calorey.com .

Author's B-Day is Home Sweet Home...Getaway Booked for PNW in November

 By Cal Orey

Autumn--Canada
You are where you're supposed to be... Several years ago I traveled North on my birthday. I missed my home and vowed not to leave on that day ever again. And on that day in the past my choice felt right like it does today, October 6, 2022. 
It feels strange to be relaxing at home on my birthday. The last few years I was traveling on the road to Quebec--Montreal and Quebec City, Seattle, and British Columbia. This time around, I am cozy and warm in Tahoe with my family--two and four leggers. And it feels right...unlike the past.

TEA book got the Best Seller banner on
Amazon/B&N Oct. 2022!After all, we have a hurricane or two brewing down in Florida and to hit the Atlantic Seaboard. No surprise. I did forecast this would happen in 2016...but when it did begin it made me think:
 "Wow. And I almost booked a B-Day trip to Savannah Georgia!" After the "hurricane-force" Bering Sea storm threatened my Alaska trip for a Barnes and Noble book signing and nature tour (flooded Turnagain winding road), I thought a nice, warm place with Southern hospitality would be a treat. But I tuned into my sixth sense and just kept the funds with the airline for a future adventure. And I'm glad I did follow my instincts but am on edge because of the people who are in prepare and wait mode. I can feel their fear of the unknown after evacuating Angora Fire and surviving the Loma Prieta 7.1 monster quake.
* * *Last night I made a cameo appearance on Coast to Coast AM. My job? I was to dish on the Salton Sea earthquake swarm. Will it fizzle or sizzle? I gave analogies, channeled the late geologist Jim Berkland, and gave my prediction. Sixty percent we may see a significant earthquake in SoCal this month. And we fear the worst, like the East Coast, but hope for the best. As the late geologist taught me: Don't be scared, be prepared. We cannot control quakes but we can be ready so we're not 100 percent blindsided when the Earth moves.
Content to be home with my beloved Aussie
A treat and back to vegan diet
to lose 3 pesky lbs.With so much chaos going on in the world--like the 2012 film- it is nice to be indoors in my womb with my companion animals, a safe place. While adventures to the Pacific Northwest, Deep South, and Canada  as well as Las Vegas for a tea convention next spring, are on my mind it isn't the right timing. These regions will wait. I will go when it is time to go. So here I sit cuddled and cross-legged with my blue-eyed, laid-back cat Zen; got puppy's nails trimmed and a tangle or two cut so he looks handsome.  I shared a veggie pizza with the sibling and am enjoying a moviefest (fielding a few psychic calls for the feel-good vibes of being a healer). 
I anticipate a book reading/signing in Reno, Nevada on October 20.  And,  my editor wants me to write an article on hurricanes for the November issue of Oracle 20/20 magazine. (I did go to  Hawaii after Iniki hit and will never forget the grueling stories locals shared, from trapped dogs in a flash flood and losing loved ones in the turbulent water). 

And this is how it's done...Rest and relaxation on your birthday when you're a genuine Type-A author-intuitive.   Not to forget  yesterday at the beach with the Aussie was good. And to be honest with you, traveling is awesome but homesickness comes with it each and every time I leave on a jet plane. This year I am right where I'm supposed to be. 
P.S. Nearly 300 birthday wishes on Facebook. Amazing. Note to self: Thank everyone and read tomorrow.  Love and light. Blessings to all of us who are being challenged today and this week.