Having already lost some weight, but desperately needing to lose more, I was immediately drawn to this book’s title, and once I started reading it, I was hooked!
Gemma Dale writes her frank book from personal experience, or should I say experiences which she (sometimes bravely) shares no-holds-barred with her readers. She connects with them on every level, and it is refreshing, or perhaps worrying to discover that my thoughts and cunning sabotages aren’t unique to me, she has experienced them too!
From the very beginning, when she explains where she came from four years previous, weight wise, and emotionally, warts and all, her readers are made to feel quite at home. Her experiences as a ‘fatty’ whether in photos, comments, or occasions, are such that most of us who have been there can relate to.
From there she goes on to dispel some of the weight loss and diet plan myths, and explain that the simple fact is it is calories in v exercise which is the real ‘secret’ to losing weight.
She honestly admits that sometimes she doesn’t feel like exercise, and that there really is ‘no excuse’ for not being able to fit it in, “If you want something you will find a way, if not you will find an excuse.” This comment is so true that I have in fact put it as my screensaver, just in case I find it convenient to forget.
I so loved reading the content of this book, it is inspiring and so refreshing to read, especially since at the end she admits to not being perfect. I’ve even straight away downloaded her book ‘Be Your Own Wellbeing Coach,’ so motivated I feel from her words.
If you want motivation for your own weight loss journey, want to read a very human story, and have a laugh whilst learning some solid home truths about how we sabotage ourselves, or you just want a good read, then this is the book for you.
Keep this book close to your heart and it will be its protection for life, both physically and mentally.
Everyone, young, old, fit or unfit, will benefit greatly
from reading this eye-opening book by Richard Ruhling, MD. Now retired, he
graduated from Loma Linda University in California, and has a Master’s Degree
in Public Health, is board-certified in Internal Health, and also was trained
in cardiology before teaching Health Science at Loma Linda.
However, it was life experiences, and reading studies by the
longevity and nutritionist Nathan Pritikin, who extolled the virtues of eating
a low-fat, high-fibre diet, and other then revolutionary health professionals,
which inspired him to change his lifestyle. It wasn’t long before the virtues
these changes bought about were evident to him, and he was compelled to share
these findings with others.
The emphasis is on you taking control of what you eat. It is
your choice to make sure that you eat good quality, whole grain food, and
plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to keep you in the best health possible.
Then on the flip side, he explains the dangers of consuming meat and fish. The
sources of their hidden toxins are exposed, and these findings enable the
reader to study the evidence for themselves, and realize how detrimental to
health they are. These toxins will silently ravage the body, and eventually
destroy us physically, in the manifestation of the terrible diseases such as
diabetes, heart attacks, and cancer, which are now common in our society.
He also looks as smoking, and alcohol, examines their impact
on our bodies and mental wellbeing, then offers helpful advice on how it is
possible to overcome them.
As I read through the book I quickly realized how important
the teachings of the scriptures are to the author. His faith and knowledge of the
teachings, along with scientific findings, videos and article links, are used
to provide powerful pointers, accentuating for the reader the important part
they play in achieving total mind and body health.
In the latter part of the book, he examines in more depth
the importance of a strong foundation of loving Christian family for children’s
life is important, and that on these foundations a caring and humanitarian life
can be sought.
In conclusion, in writing this book the author has quintessentially given his readers the tools they require, through examples and links, to take their destiny in their own hands and live a better and healthier life, however only they can do it.
About the Author:
At five years of age, Richard Ruhling told his father, “I want to be what you are, but why aren’t you a fireman?” So his dad took him on house calls in south St. Louis and his son saw that being a doctor was okay and people were appreciative.
After his MD and MPH, Ruhling taught Health Science at Loma Linda University which was gifted $40 million to learn why Seventh-day Adventists lived about seven years longer than their neighbors. Ruhling claims it’s what people eat that makes the body healthy or sick and most diseases are reversible if we are willing to eat more like vegans.
Ruhling agrees with Dr. Carson that Obamacare is the worse thing since slavery. His book, Why You Shouldn’t Ask Your Doctor, offers insights on eating as an obscure cause of many health issues because of delayed reactions. During yearly physicals, several executives told him that sugar, cheese or meat bothered their joints, but it’s not so easily seen by most people.
While teaching in the mid-70’s, Ruhling visited Pritikin’s Longevity Center and saw him reversing heart disease, high blood pressure and Type II diabetes with a low fat, low cholesterol diet and exercise, and his patients did better than those who took prescription drugs, but the American Heart & American Diabetic Associations did nothing to help Pritikin–no money in it for them!
Ruhling’s wife died from another MD’s prescription for a urinary infection and Ruhling visited US senators with medical literature showing that prescription drugs are a leading cause of illness and death. One senator said, “You are wasting your time–they own us,” speaking of drug company donations to their re-election campaigns.
Attending a non-denominational church, Ruhling asked the pastor if he could teach a class on prophecy. The pastor suggested that Ruhling go to the Adventist Church where they were more interested in prophecy. Ruhling didn’t tell him that he had attended an Adventist high school, college and medical school with Bible classes every semester, but he now had some differences with all denominations.
For example, he had a book submitted to Baker Book House before 9-11 saying the US would go to war with Iraq and Iran, based on Gabriel telling Daniel (8:17), his vision was for the end-times. Three verses later it explains the ram’s horns were the Medes & Persians. Now they are Iraq and Iran, but no denomination teaches this. More on this at IslamUSinProphecy.wordpress.com
Ruhling’s best selling Alpha & Omega Bible Code is based on the concept that where we find a word or phrase is first used in the Bible, it often has a meaning or context for the end-time because Christ is the Alpha & Omega, the First and the Last, and He is also the Word with a consistent meaning. His Kindle books are $2.99 and have mostly 4-5 star reviews.
His latest book, Turkey Soup for People who are Chicken about End-Times is subtitled, How 9-11 Points US to Judgment in 2019. It shows how judgment fell on Egypt for killing Israelite babies and how the US has aborted 60 million and enslaved most people in substance abuse and negative lifestyles. Christ said, “when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies” and we should see that sign this coming April, the month of Passover. A sudden calamity as in Egypt is expected like when God took Israel to a covenant and said, “I am married to you,” Jer 3:14 and the book offers insights to Christ’s wedding parables, not a rapture!
About the Book:
Richard Ruhling, MD graduated from Loma Linda University, a community featured in National Geographic (11/05) as the only ‘Blue Zone’ for health in N America. After a Master’s Degree in Public Health, he got Internal Medicine and was board-certified, also getting Cardiology training before teaching Health Science at Loma Linda. While there, National Institutes of Health was funding his school $40 million to learn why the community lived 7-11 years longer than other non-smoking groups. It’s about eating habits, which is an important aspect of this book.
At a cardiology convention, Ruhling heard Pritikin report how his diet helped reversed most diseases and 85% of patients got off drugs for blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. This was an awakening to real healthcare…
Medical care is not healthcare; it’s the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Adverse Drug Reactions make medical care the leading cause of death, but the media doesn’t report it, preferring to do ad$ for drug companies.
Ruhling confirms a UCLA study by Dr. Breslow that 7 health habits give a 30-year advantage over people who break all the rules. Health is a by-product of obedience to laws of the body.
Ball games are often won or lost in the last plays of the game. The game of life is similar–if we depend on drugs to relieve symptoms, we may die sooner or end in a nursing home where the average number of prescriptions are 9-13 and people are so spaced out they can stand in the hallway, filling they diaper and think everything is ok. We don’t have to go that way.
This book shows how food can be your best medicine and most diseases are reversible. This can empower us to be the captain of our own ship in important dimension of health.
Health, Happiness & Destiny Come from Wise Choices–Follow Me to a Better Life! Richard Ruhling, MD
So, you like I wonder, what is a Z-isms? Well Z-ism is “A
personal insight, wit or experience one shares to positively impact the lives
of as many people as possible to leap beyond limits.” This is what the author
Matt Zinman defines it as, and this is what he has achieved in this
inspirational book. He has called upon his various life experiences, and those
of others, given guidelines, and inspired his readers to begin a new chapter of
life, armed with the tools needed to achieve success.
In order to write this motivational piece he asked himself
what he wished his younger self would have known, what life lessons he had
learnt which others would benefit from knowing, and lastly what lessons could
he take forwards and use as a guide to living his best life?
Upon reflection on these things this book was born, and
throughout writing it the author has not only examined his life experiences but
also candidly laid before his readers the impact they have had on him. In
becoming the man he is today he realised that he had a burning need and passion
for these experiences to be shared, and that the lessons learnt could help
others to achieve their full potential.
By identifying people either as Spiders or those who get
caught in their webs, he encourages us to examine the type of person we, and
those we surround ourselves are. Then he offers advice on how to improve
ourselves, fulfil our dreams, be aware of our shortcomings, and yet be
sensitive to others. He provides all the inspiration and motivation which is
needed to become who we really want to be, teaching us how to build and
reinforce confidence, and instilling in us the importance of a healthy
lifestyle, exercising, sleeping, and eating well.
In doing these things, Matt Zinman encourages his readers to
improve themselves, and their world, go forward positively and make the
changes. He also encourages us to call upon our own experiences to strengthen
our resolve and listen to our gut instincts.
To facilitate this, in the final chapter he sets down a
formula for success which he suggests is instigated in bite sized chunks, and
worked upon to make our dreams and aspirations come to fruition.
In writing this book Matt Zinman has provided each and every one of his readers with a blue print for success, both in business, and in life, it is now up to us to embrace it. Highly recommended!
About the Author:
Matt Zinman is a personal success trainer whose varied experiences as an entrepreneur, athlete, single parent, caretaker, consultant and nonprofit founder drive him to be a difference-maker and positively impact as many people as possible.
In addition to his earned insights about self-discovery, relationships, mindfulness and life enrichment, Matt is CEO of The Internship Institute, which he established in 2007 to bridge the gap between education and employment while cultivating opportunity for students, veterans, businesses, nonprofits and communities. The organization enables students to gain essential work skills and provides employers with the know-how and resources to “Make Experience Matter.”
About the Book:
Z-isms [Zee-iz-umz] (Noun) Pearls of wisdom, original wit or personal experience shared to positively impact as many people as possible; Insights to Live By.
What do you wish your younger self knew? What life lessons would you share to benefit others? These are among the core questions Matt Zinman poses as inspiration to provide readers with insightful guidance to create and live their best life.
Richly authentic, deeply personal and highly motivating, Z-isms offers new ways to better ourselves, our experiences and our encounters. Matt keeps it casual, as though in private conversation with readers, freely sharing life experiences that are essential to overcoming the common challenges we all face.
Z-isms also offers practical tools like the Self-Care Report Card and an adaptable Life Enrichment Action Plan (LEAP) that deliver on its purpose.
What do you wish your younger self knew? What life lessons would you share to benefit others? These are among the core questions Matt Zinman posed as inspiration to provide readers with insightful guidance to create and live their best life, along with practical tools like the Self-Care Report Card and a Life Enrichment Action Plan (LEAP).
Richly authentic, deeply personal and highly motivating, Z-isms offers new ways to better ourselves, our experiences and our encounters. Matt keeps it casual, as though in private conversation with readers, freely sharing his own life experiences and challenges.
It’s impossible to read this book and not be better for it.
Baking can be fun, but messy in the McClaine kitchen.
It’s raining outside so what better thing to do than some baking, and Mom is getting prepared, along with her little helpers, Jack whose six years old, and the youngest member of the family and their little princess, Molly. Of course the whole proceedings are being supervised by Sam the families loyal and superhero (although that’s something the McClaine family don’t know) Basset Hound.
Now all moms know what fun it is to teach their children to bake, however, sometimes it can become very messy, but that’s all part of the fun, right?
Everything starts off fine in the McClaine kitchen, Jake and
Molly are following Mom’s instructions, and Sam, well Sam is being a hoover as
most dogs are.
However, suddenly the doorbell rings and Mom has to leave
the room and answer it. Well that’s when Jack’s mischievous nature comes to the
fore and things get very much out of control…
Of course, being the family guard dog, Sam has accompanied
Mom to check that the stranger at the door isn’t a threat, and having
established that he returns to the kitchen.
Oh how it has changed, I’ll leave you to imagine what a
naughty boy could do. What will Mom say if sees what has been done?
Its action time and only Sam can save the day, but will his
super powers be enough, or will Mom come in too soon and discover what has
happened?
Well my granddaughter and I loved discovering the answer, and seeing the bright illustrations in this super story, and you will too when you read this exciting adventure in the Super Speed Sam series.
About the Author:
Proud winner of the 7th Annual Beverly Hills Book Awards (2018) in the “Environment” category for The Rescue Elves – The Plastic Pollution Adventure.
Proud winner of the 5th Annual Beverly Hills Book Awards in the “Holiday” category for Super Speed Sam – Santa’s Rescue Dog.
I feel that some of the natural interactions between family and friends are gradually eroding, if not already completely worn away for some. And I was reminded of a C.S.Lewis quotation –
“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”
It also feels like the simple joy of laughing or crying among family and friends is being replaced by beeps, bops and demands to ‘add new features’ or ‘why doesn’t this work?’ or ‘who’s hogging the Wi-Fi?’.
So I set out to create a fun and exciting series of children’s short stories, with lots of adventure and splashes of humor, all paced to hold children’s attention whether reading or listening… at least that’s my hope!
Stories that will delight both boys and girls, the young and old, and, of course, moms and dads! Tales that allow a return to simpler values, kid-like imagination for both children and adults and, I sincerely hope, bring families closer together. Monty
About the Book:
Protector, friend, digger of bones – Sam plays all of these roles. Yet, he stands out from other dogs with his super top-secret, super special powers that include speed, sleuthing and cleaning to name a few! With these powers, Sam can do things like clean up a massive mess, using rubber gloves and spray, in a matter of minutes instead of hours! Living with the McClaine family, including Mom, Dad, six-year-old Jack and baby sister Molly, Sam takes it as his serious duty to keep the kids safe, sound and clean. Yet he keeps his ‘super-power’ skills well hidden from the family’s eyes. Well, from everyone except for Molly – it’s their own little secret!
Jack is especially notorious for getting into scrapes and messes that he can’t get out of – pretty much all the time. And it’s no exception as Jack, Mom and Molly set out to bake a cake one rainy day. As the lovably mischievous boy helps Mom with Molly as the audience, Sam is able to keep up, cleaning minor messes. That is, at first…When Mom is called away to the ringing doorbell and Sam’s made sure all is safe at the front door, he returns to the kitchen to get a shock. Left to his own devices, Jack has managed to create a monumental mess!
To make matters worse, when Jack attempts to use the electric mixer on his own, disaster hits! Jack flees the scene, and it’s up to Sam, and Sam alone, to do everything, as Molly watches with glee! But, even with his incredible abilities, can Sam clean this mess in time – before Mom comes back?
Find out in this warm, playful tale – a story children will both love and learn from. It makes a great spring-board for parents and teachers to brooch topics of sanitation and cleanliness in a fun and gentle way.
Along with his super special powers, Sam has a vivid imagination. His mind often slips into a dog-friendly dream world for hours. Sam proves a fun and unusual star of the show that all ages will enjoy!
Suzanne Mondoux, the author of this outstanding mystery, is
a voice for animals, an explorer and is dedicated to the protection of animals
and the environment. She is a professional author of children’s and
environmental books. This is her first mystery story, which I found compelling
and intriguing reading, its twist and turns kept me riveted until the last
page.
The protagonist is Leo Orsini a talented performance artist
and songwriter, who at the age of six met the girl next door, the girl whom he
would love for all his life, the beautiful Federica Russo.
Theirs was a true love story, however, it was one which was
to be cut short cruelly just two weeks after their wedding, forty years before
this story begins.
Leo is a generous man who has loved, drunk and eaten to
excess all of his life. Surrounded by friends, he has a successful career,
lives in a beautiful castle, and has found love again in the form of William, a
sensitive and compassionate heart surgeon. He appears to have it all, yet he is
still haunted by Federica’s disappearance.
Herself a singer, musician, and songwriter, Federica had
left a series of letters to him, poems in which she expresses her deep love for
him, yet also her fears. But what can she be afraid of, what demon was lurking
in the shadows of her mind? How could she the happy, beautiful wife he married,
in just a few days turn into a haunted woman who then disappears?
These questions torment Leo, and he is racked with guilt
wondering if there were things he should have noticed or done. Then, following
a private reading of the letters to his close friends’ it is decided to
investigate further.
As they delve into the true meanings of the letters and re-live
their memories of Federica, secrets from the past are revealed, and it becomes
apparent that she is trying to protect Leo, but from what?
This story is outstanding, giving its readers a glimpse into the lifestyle of high fliers, yet it is heart-wrenching and deeply emotional. I highly recommend it to lovers of a really good mystery!
About the Author:
Suzanne Mondoux: A Voice For Animals Explorer, Environmental Professional, Author. French Canadian-born author and environmentally-conscious mining manager Suzanne Mondoux is dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the environment. “I am passionate about the well-being of animals.” In the Republic of Congo she wrote about her work with elephants. “The title of my first book ‘How I Became a Dragon’ refers to the tusks of elephants killed for the ivory that arrives in China, where the dragon is synonymous with Chinese culture.” Mondoux wrote her second novel while working the Rep of Guinea – Her second novel ‘Tragedy of the Moth’. Since then she has published The Adventures of Anuk: the first leap, and Anuk: book of words, and children series colouring and activity books (10) – I Believe series. She continues to work in Africa doing Biodiversity work.
About the Book:
An outstanding mystery. The protagonist is Leo Orsini a talented performance artist and songwriter, who at the age of six met the girl next door, the girl whom he would love for all his life, the beautiful Federica Russo. Theirs was a true love story, however, it was one which was to be cut short cruelly just two weeks after their wedding, forty years before this story begins. Leo is a generous man who has loved, drunk and eaten to excess all of his life. Surrounded by friends, he has a successful career, lives in a beautiful castle, and has found love again in the form of William, a sensitive and compassionate heart surgeon. He appears to have it all, yet he is still haunted by Federica’s disappearance. Herself a singer, musician, and songwriter, Federica had left a series of letters to him, poems in which she expresses her deep love for him, yet also her fears. But what can she be afraid of, what demon was lurking in the shadows of her mind? How could she the happy, beautiful wife he married, in just a few days turn into a haunted woman who then disappears? These questions torment Leo, and he is racked with guilt wondering if there were things he should have noticed or done. Then, following a private reading of the letters to his close friends’ it is decided to investigate further. As they delve into the true meanings of the letters and re-live their memories of Federica, secrets from the past are revealed, and it becomes apparent that she is trying to protect Leo, but from what?
Those, who like myself love the Starlight Club series adore
them not only for their excitement, but also for the way they immerse us into
the sights and sounds of a time long past. The stories which an elderly Bobby
tell his daughter Lynn allow an insight into the ruthless, yet honourable life of
Big Red Fortunato and the men who worked for him.
In this story, Lynn has joined Bobby in the new rumpus room
to hear a story about Bull. So Bobby takes us all back to 1962 and the Lucky
Draw Card Club in Anaheim, California.
Things have settled
down nicely at the club and Bull decides it’s time to move on and take up his
job as manager of Red’s Double Seven casino in Las Vegas, but on the way he
decides to pop in on his old army buddy Sal Stark.
When Bull arrives at the Lucky Lady Restaurant and Casino
which Sal and his wife Cindy own he is troubled to discover that they are being
bullied by Jarret Hastings a local business man who wants to buy the casino. He
finds Sal recovering in hospital, and it appears Hastings will stop at nothing
to get his own way. However, Hastings is yet to meet the formidable Bull who
owes Sal an enormous debt of gratitude for saving his life in Korea, and when
Bull discovers more about Hastings ‘businesses’ it becomes apparent that he
must be stopped!
Hastings, working from a warehouse has some very shady business deals going down, and when Bull discovers that one of them is kidnapping young girls and selling them to rich Arabs for perverse acts he is incensed.
However, this turns to blood lust when little orphan Susie,
who has been praying for a saviour from her captors gets the chance to plead to
her ‘saint’ Bull. Hearing her story he immediately takes her to Sal and his
wife Cindy, and sets about stopping the horrific trafficking of young girls.
Bull is joined by Red, (who leaves the Starlight Club in the
charge of Tarzan,) Trenchie, Pissclam, and Johnny Eight Fingers. These men
hardened to what life has dealt them have very strict rules and one of them is
that they will not tolerate anyone abusing kids, they believe that kids are
innocent and should be kept away from harm.
With temperatures rising to boiling point, Hastings is
determined to get the casino to facilitate money laundering, the Arabs expect
to have their shipments of young girls on time, and Bull, Red, and the boys are
determined that they will be stopped!
Through the Starlight Club stories those of us who have
never been, and hopefully never will be part of this type of world are treated
to a fly-on-the-wall view of the honour system that these types of men live by.
The underworld which those not in the know don’t see, a world of corruption and
greed, where life is expendable yet debts are honoured and always repaid, and
men who have each other’s backs, are loyal without question, and put family
first.
The author Joe Corso has, in this exciting new book in the Starlight Club series yet again brought the sights, sounds and values of a bygone era back to life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an exciting adventure full of crime, love, passion, and twists and turns at every page turn.
About the Author:
I Grew up in Queens, New York. I’m a Korea Veteran and I retired from the FDNY. I started writing late in life hoping to help my grandchildren pay for their college education. I found that I could write a good story that resulted in 33 books and 38 awards and a multiple top 100 author.
About the Book
Taking a detour on his way back to Vegas, Bull, one of Big Red Fortunato’s right-hand men, visits his old army buddy, Sal Stark. Sal has bought a small casino in Lake Topaz, a small town off Route 66 in the Mojave desert. Upon arriving at the Lucky Lady, Bull is dismayed to discover that Sal has been severely beaten, apparently by local “businessmen” who want to claim the casino as their own. Further investigation reveals that the head of this organization, Jarret Hastings, is holding a group of little girls captive. One of the little girls, Susie, is rescued by Bull and believes him to be “The Saint of Lake Topaz” she’s been praying for. Bull’s hardened heart is unfrozen and he immediately calls his boss, Big Red, owner of the famous Starlight Club in Queens, to assist in taking down what is likely a human trafficking ring. But what Red and Bull, with the assistance of the usual players—Pissclam, Johnny Eight Fingers, Trenchie, and others—find out is that the kidnapping of young girls by Hastings is just the tip of the iceberg. In this 11th installment of the popular, multi-award-winning Starlight Club series, author Joe Corso takes us on a thrill ride through the little-traveled roads of Nevada desert in the 1960s, when the local law was often subject to interpretation!
Available from Amazon in Paperback and Kindle format:
Do you love country music, are you fans of the legends in the industry? Well, if so, then now is the opportunity you’ve been looking for, a chance to take a trip down memory lane with Dick Flood, one of its stars, as he shares with you in words and pictures his experiences in the Nashville music scene.
This epic adventure starts with the author in the US army, stepping out of a C-47 at the Clark Air Force Base in the Philippine Islands, in early winter 1954. Fresh from South Korea, he fell in love with the beautiful islands and their people, despite the secret dangers lurking in its jungles.
However, his ‘My Walk Among the Stars’ began when he was discharged and returned to the United States two years later in 1956. He arrived back to an exciting time when television was coming into people’s homes, overnight, so it seemed, the world shrank as the stars of radio could now be seen on television programs, and become even more real to their fans.
Teaming up with his friend Billy Graves, the pair became “The Country Lads.” Their manager Mr. Connie B. Gay signed then up with CBS Television and they became known around the world for the next two years as they appeared on the Jimmy Dean morning show on Network TV.
Over the following years the author travelled with his music extensively throughout the United States, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean Islands, Labrador, Newfoundland, and Puerto Rico. Throughout the book he recounts his adventures in exotic destinations, and experiences rubbing shoulders with legends like Patsy Cline and Roy Orbison, when he performed with them in many shows, and the music they made proved immortal. Even now his songs are being used in movies and as backing, and of course enjoyed by country music fans worldwide in formats which the artists could not have imagined in their wildest dreams, at the time.
The interesting thing about this book is that, as the author chronicles the ups and down of his life, the reader is also treated to rare glimpses behind the scenes of the music industry, and the big film corporations of the day. Playing live in shows, and on TV, in prisons and military bases, including a three-months tour of the US military bases in the Far East, where the Dick Flood Show visited Guam, Japan, Okinawa, the Philippines and hostile South Vietnam, his music captured the heart of his audiences. His story brings the superstar singers, musicians and performers of that time back to life, and his personal recollections of these people as friends and work colleagues, show the fans a side they don’t usually get to see.
The twists, turns, and leaps of faith which happen to us all (and to the music industry) led Dick Flood to a complete change of career in midlife. He became an eco-warrior living amongst the wildlife in the Okefenokee Swamp, a 438,000-acre, peat-filled wetland which bestrides the Georgia–Florida line of the United States. He recounted that period of his life in his first book “Swampwise,” (which was reviewed here favourably) where he writes under the pen name of ‘Okefenokee Joe.’
In Summary: The country music scene, career opportunities seized, and lost, and a family life well lived, are all revealed in this astonishing and highly compelling biography of this talented musician, singer, and songwriter. Highly recommended!
Essential Reading on how to maximize your personal potential.
Joey L. Dowdy, or Dr. Dance, is a talented Choreographer who has worked with famous names such as the Backstreet Boys and Take Five. He is also an International Performer, Fitness Motivator, Writer, Host, Artistic Director, Producer, Author, and founder of “World Dance Grove & Get Up & Groove Entertainment.” He brings his unique zest for life, and rhythm to life for his readers in this, his latest inspirational new book.
In it, he asks his readers “Are you tired of living a life that’s going nowhere? If you’ve been down for too long or have you lost your life’s rhythm?”
I for one answered yes. Like many my life was set in a hopeless rut. The New Year had past and as usual, it brought forth the usual resolutions from me. I would take more care of myself, take control of my life, variations on the same promises I have been making to myself for years, and then as the year goes by, I tried starting every new Monday. However, the truth is, I didn’t have any idea how to change.
That was until the title of this well written and motivational book took my eye. Within, I discovered were the answers which I needed to set myself free. Reading it I have discovered how to find my own self-worth, and come to terms with the fact that it is okay to think of myself as a very important person, instead of putting others first all the time, something which as a wife, mother and grandmother doesn’t come naturally.
How did this happen? Well, I discovered it through the author sharing his life stories and experiences with me. Reading about his passion for dance, the industry, people, and his absolute determination to succeed has been a real inspiration. Despite setbacks, and embracing challenges, with humor, and strength of character, he has not only succeeded, but inspired others. His life, like all of us, has been a learning curve, he has learnt and grown, and he, in turn, provides us with the tools we need to pick ourselves up, realize that no-one is perfect, and live our lives reaching our full potential. It won’t be easy, as he says, after all, there is “No Gain, Without Pain,” but you can do it!
In conclusion: Joey L. Dowdy is an inspiration, a self-made man who has worked and battled to get to where he is. This hard work and dedication he shares with his readers, not only inspiring within them the faith that they can be who they dream of, but also by then giving them the tools with which to achieve their own success.
A thoroughly entertaining and irreverent look at the political world today.
Over the years some unusual children’s names have had their
time in the spotlight, such as Mercedes, Beyoncé, and Lovely. However, there
are others, which have been chosen specially by doting parents, who are
sometimes extremely short-sighted, or perhaps not worldly-wise, like Lord
Xavier and Lady Hermione Barr. They chose to call their first, and only son
Fergus Ulysses. A grand name, however one which was to be both his undoing and
making when at the tender age of 11 he found himself catapulted from the vague
education carried out by governesses and home tutors at Piddlington Hall, the
family seat situated in a massive estate on the outskirts of Little Piddlington
In The Marsh. His education was now to take place in a high-class boarding
school, one of the best, the type of establishment where the Headmaster happily
assured Fergus Ulysses’ father it that would “…soon break him in, and make him
the backbone of the nation…”
Fergus Ulysses endured life at this lofty establishment with
fortitude, as one would expect from a boy from the upper classes, until NYC
banker’s son Dwayne Zobinski arrived. Then, as boys do, Dwayne nicknamed him Fubar.
This at first seemed to be a harmless act, that is until Dwayne educated the
boys on the meanings of this American acronym, and poor Fergus Ulysses had even
more reason to resent his parents.
However, as fate would have it, one day an unfortunate incident
(for some) took place and Fergus Ulysses made his escape and headed for ‘Town’
or London as others know it. Although from a sheltered upbringing, it soon
becomes apparent that the young Fergus Ulysses is a clever young man as he uses
wit, and cunning to remain a ‘non-person,’ and stay below the radar, with the
aid of a new friend, a like-minded and equally talented musician Tosh, and his
canine best friend Mutt.
As the now named ‘The Fubar’s’ notoriety grows their gigs
become more frequent, and the band gains new members. This talented author very
cleverly entwines the lives of his characters and their families. As the
idiosyncrasies of the individual characters become even more shocking, some might
say they are unbelievable, that is, until they think about it and realise that
they know, or have heard of someone who just might fit the bill.
This incredible story takes its readers across the world,
into shady places, and into dangerous and farcical situations. There is never a
dull moment on this rollercoaster ride, which is not only full of twists and
turns but reverses, and full stops too.
I have loved reading Paddy Bostock’s extremely funny books for some time. In this comically irreverent story, whose characters’ true names are cleverly veiled, the current political climate, the countries, their leaders and their characters are humorously and accurately portrayed. In writing this incredibly entertaining story, the author has summed up cleverly Brexit, Trump, and the political intrigue which plagues our world today. I highly recommend this brilliant story to everyone who is looking for a book which is thoroughly entertaining until the very last page.
An inspirational guide to understanding God’s word.
This book was written after the author, Rick Pribell, had a heart attack in 2015. This near-death experience, a prophecy from Zachariah (Luke 1:78-79, NIV,) and his own inspirational encounter with a rising sun brought about a profound need to share with the world his message of “…how our emotions reflect God’s spirit, an epiphany that transcends religious differences.”
I have never read another book which so clearly and in such a straight-forward manner conveys the word of God in a format which will encourage the curious, and the needy, to explore the meanings behind his teachings in an easy to understand way.
Simply and yet with great clarity, in his own words the author explains what is meant when God said he had created us “in His own image.” Once we understand this, the author then explores how our emotions, actions, thoughts, hopes fears and wants, are reflected in how God wants us to act, towards others, in situations, and in our journey of faith. In reading it I felt it helped me to understand his word so much better, look at emotional situations in another light, and it has enabled me to begin to know Him, and what he wants me to do and be, more.
The photograph on the front cover was taken by the author himself in Melbourne Beach, Florida. It has great significance to the author as it symbolizes a light shining in the darkness and showing him a path to guide his feet. It is a picture and a meaning which can be an inspiration to us all…
At a time when Scientific American reports 23 percent of us have forsaken religion entirely, this book is sorely needed. It is inspiring and heart-warming to read, helps us to understand how much God loves us, and its short compact format makes it quick and easy to reference when needed. Highly recommended!
About the Book:
By the end of this book, you will be able to
•recognize God and begin to know Him better, regardless of your faith •understand what it really means to be created “in His own image” •contemplate unresolved issues with new insight •reflect on your experiences in a divine way •enlighten others
Illustrated by the photograph on the book’s cover, author Rick Pribell shares with us his inspirational encounter with the “rising sun” revealing not only the literal truth of scripture in the world, but also the relevance of divine communication in our lives today.
