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Life Extension: A Practical Guide for a Long Life Book Review

March 5, 2018 By Paula Leave a Comment

Life Extension: A Practical Guide for a Long Life Synopsis

Is your desire to have vibrant health and a long life?

This book will give you practical recommendations on how to achieve that result.

The theme of this book is that longevity is a choice, and that our life choices determine our vitality. It is not written by an expert with a PhD, but by myself who has lived these choices. In each chapter, I have shared my experience of practicing life extension.

You get to learn everything that I know. I started when I was twenty and I am now fifty-seven. So, I have learned a lot. This book is about holistic health in all areas of your life. Much of it you have been exposed to already in your life. However, there will be new information that will be useful.

I personally believe that vibrant health is only obtained through proactive choices. This book covers all of the choices that you can make to achieve that outcome. You may not choose to follow all of my recommendations, but you will likely make some positive changes, and perhaps even extend your life.

Life Extension: A Practical Guide for a Long Life Author’s Biography

I started writing metaphysical books in 1990, only one year after I read my first spiritual book. The ten books I have written were all easy to write, and the purpose of each is to help humanity awaken. I’ve been waiting for the world to begin a spiritual shift before I publish my first book, and I believe that time has come.

An astrologer did a reading for me in 1991 and wondered why I was in America. She said nobody in this country cared for what I had to say, and that I should be in India or a monastery in Tibet. So far, she’s been right, but increasingly metaphysical ideas are becoming accepted by mainstream society and this will continue.

I’m well-read in metaphysics and the New Age genre. I’m an old soul who understands spirituality at a very high level. I consider myself a spiritual philosopher who can write. I have the ability to present the spirituality of the future in an accessible manner. This is a unique gift and has led me to a writing career.

Astrologically, I am a Pisces with Cancer rising, with the moon in Sagittarius. In Numerology, I am a 28, with a 1 Lifepath and a 9 Attitude. Using the Science of the Cards, I am a 5 of Diamonds, Jack of Diamonds. In the Michael Teachings, I am a 5th Level Old Soul Priest/Scholar. I have a master’s degree in business and have worked in computer-related positions for nearly 20 years.

Dying To Read This Book

If you are a reader, like myself, who is conscious of health and well-being I would strongly recommend you read Life Extension: A Practical Guide for a Long Life: Adding Vitality Through Life Choices by Don Durrett. Over the years I have perused a vast number of books in the health and wellness genre; therefore I admit a little skepticism when my girlfriend presented me with this book. After reading it, I must commend this author for I was pleasantly surprised and educated. The author is, first of all, a leader by example, which gave a sense of confidence in the subject matter. This guide shared the author’s personal experience as well as solutions to apply. I could feel the genuine honesty as the author helped me navigate through this well worn subject matter. A lot of the books I have read in the past have blah, blah, blah format without personal application or accountability. Without the do as I say not as I do mentality, Life Extension: A Practical Guide for a Long Life: Adding Vitality Through Life Choices is concise and direct with very logical guidance without the blah, blah, blah. I found this a refreshing and very educational example, as opposed to a significant number of page-filling authors I have encountered over the years. I appreciate the pride that went into this books proof and editing process. It made for a fast, understandable read. The cover seemed a little mundane at first glance, but the contents superseded my first impression. I strongly recommend this guide to any and all who enjoy honest, direct, and useful information to enhance this mysterious thing we call life. More Book Reviews

5 STAR Teen Fantasy Read – The Outcasts: The Blood Dagger: Volume 1

March 2, 2018 By Paula 8 Comments

The 5 Star Teen Fantasy
The Outcasts: The Blood Dagger: Volume 1 by Misty Hayes

Age Level: 12 – 18

Science Fiction, Teen Fantasy & Scary Stories

Grade Level: 5 – 12

Mystical relics.
Powerful vampires.
Strange allies.

It’s hell being a teenager.

Larna Collins has never understood why her dad skipped out on her and her mother when she was twelve years old. Until then, he was a devoted and loving father.

But six years later, during a renovation of her childhood home, she unearths her father’s journal from under a dusty floorboard. According to his final entry, before he left, he had recently visited a small parish in England.

The entries draw her to this seemingly quaint village, which Larna discovers isn’t as charming as its blood-craving inhabitants want her to believe, and she learns that she isn’t the only one trying to track her father down.

Could this explain her father’s disappearance? Or was placing her in the center of danger her dad’s master plan all along?

About the Author of this Teen Fantasy
Misty Hayes has always called Texas home but has a passion for world travel. Before taking up writing, she has had a long career in law enforcement. When not writing, Misty enjoys reading any books by Jim Butcher, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Joe Hill (Owen King), and J.K. Rowling.

Great Powers Come With Great Responsibility

Recently, I had the pleasure of reading a great teen fantasy, The Outcasts: The Blood Dagger: Volume 1 by Misty Hayes. I was surprised with the talent of this writer and was left with a positive impression. This fun and scary book was engaging with its challenging storyline of vampires and the age-old bullied underdog subject. Both of which are well-worn paths for writers. However, this author managed to create a refreshing new twist which captivated my attention throughout the whole story. I really liked how the author cleverly shifts gears from pulse-pounding drama to hilarious humor. The lead character, Larna, an overweight bullied underdog was a well scripted, believable cast member that I think everyone can understand and relate to. Showing depth and complexity in their individual personalities, I found that all the cast members brought genuine authenticity to the story. I would like to mention the attention to detail in proof and editing of this story is excellent. The excellent cover art created a spooky and somewhat scary attraction for me. In my opinion, you can judge this book by its cover. I am looking forward to the ingredients of Volume number two.

Homeschool Education Resources, Questions, and Answers

February 3, 2018 By Paula 3 Comments

Homeschool Resources, Questions, and Answers - When it comes to education... There's no school like home!

I believe that a great education is one of the best gifts that you can give a child. My children attended public school for many years but when the need arose I began homeschooling them. As many of you know, it is not always easy to find affordable materials to teach with. I started a Yahoo group when I taught my children at home. I started it as a way to sell my used books and find other parents who wanted to sell their’s so that teaching so many at home would be something that I could afford to do on our limited budget. Although my children are now grown and I now have many grandchildren, I have kept this group going. It just seemed too important to just delete. To supplement the materials found in their books I also was always in search of supplemental materials. I found some great ones! So, this week I want to share three of the sites that I liked to go to when looking for homeschool materials. These sights have been serving the homeschool community for many years.

HomeSchool Talk and Swap

Vegsource HomeSchool Talk and Swap

I know it doesn’t sound like a place for homeschool but they have some of the best Discussion and Swap Boards on the internet.

This is a great place to get free ready to use worksheets and answer keys for teaching, reinforcement, and review. Worksheets that are truly unique! Many of these free worksheets can serve as the basis for lesson plans.

There is so much here it’s hard to list it all so I took a screenshot to give you an idea of what is available for homeschoolers on this site.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling

Homeschool Information
Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does it mean to homeschool?
A. Homeschooling means different things to different people. For some families, homeschooling means duplicating school at home, complete with textbooks, report cards, and regularly scheduled field trips. For others, homeschooling is simply the way they live their lives – children and adults living and learning together with a seamlessness that would challenge an observer to determine which was ‘home’ and which was ‘school.’ If you think of a kind of homeschooling continuum, with ‘school at home’ at one end, and ‘learning and living completely integrated’ on the other – you would find homeschoolers scattered along that line with every possible variation of what homeschooling could mean.
Q. What are some of the benefits of homeschooling?
A. A wise man once said, “We can teach our children to have courage, faith, and endurance; they can teach us to laugh, to sing, and to love.” For many, the deepest and most abiding benefit of homeschooling is the claiming (or reclaiming) of their family. Homeschooling families spend incredible amounts of time together living, learning and playing. They have the opportunity to develop a depth of understanding and a commitment to the family that is difficult to attain when family members spend their days going in separate directions. Many families like the flexibility homeschooling provides both parents and children. Children can learn about things they are interested in and at a time in their lives when they are ready to learn. No preconceived schedule forces them ahead or holds them back. Vacations and outings can be planned for times when the family is ready – and often when the crowds are smaller or the costs are lower. Children can learn about the ‘real world’ by being a part of it – no artificial settings to ‘provide exposure.’ Children can receive a superior education attuned specifically to their own needs, learning styles, personalities, and interests – at far less cost than that of a private or public school.
Q. Is homeschooling legal?
A. Yes, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. However, laws and regulations vary from state to state, and interpretations can vary from school district to school district. We recommend that you read the laws for your state yourself, in addition to asking homeschooling organizations for information. The reference librarian at your local library will be able to help you find this information. It is not usually a good idea to ask your local school district or state department of education for information before informing yourself about the laws. In many areas, local officials and even state officials will not truly understand the laws relating to home education, and may, therefore, ask for far more information than the law requires.
Q. Is homeschooling expensive?
A. Homeschooling can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you make it. It depends on many factors, including what kinds of materials and resources you choose to use, how many children you will be homeschooling, and whether or not you will be giving up paid employment in order to homeschool your children. Parents can easily spend a small fortune on all the wonderful learning materials and books available. On the other hand, a superior education can also be accomplished using free resources found through the public library, interlibrary loan, and learning opportunities found in your community, such as museums and trips to interesting places. If you have only one child and decide to use real-life experiences, the public library, garage sales, and thrift stores for your resources, you may be talking about a couple hundred dollars or less for an entire year. If you decide to purchase a curriculum for five children you could be looking at several thousand dollars over that same year.
Q. How do I know which materials and resources to use?
A. This is, perhaps, the most difficult question to answer – be prepared for your answer to change over time and be aware that you may make choices that won’t work out. Before you think about what you need, think about what learning means to you. School curriculum and methodology have evolved to reflect an environment where 25 or 30 children learn at the behest of one adult. Curriculum developed by experts for this usage has been designed for ease of teaching, but not necessarily for sparking the interest of an individual child. As a homeschooling family, you can accept as many or as few of these materials as you like. Some families like the ease and security of having a prepackaged curriculum, while others choose to make their own decisions about what is important to learn and what is useful and helpful in their daily lives. Discuss this with your children. What do they want to do? How do they learn best? Look at sample copies of materials before you choose. As homeschoolers, you will be in charge of your learning – take advantage of all the adventure has to offer!
Q. Where can I get materials and resources?
A. Materials and resources come in all sizes and shapes – and many don’t look ‘schoolish’ at all. Many families find their most treasured learning resources at garage sales and thrift shops. Think of building and needlework materials, cooking tools, books, magazines, motors, gears, etc… Other families frequent the bookstores and educational supply stores in their communities. Some find videos from the video rental store valuable. Most think the public library is the best possible resource. Send for the catalogs that look interesting to you. They are filled with resources which you may find helpful. If you are interested in finding out more about prepackaged curriculum or correspondence schools write for their brochures and informative flyers. Homeschooling conferences and learning fairs are another place for looking at materials and getting ideas. Check with your local or state support groups for information about these.
Q. What if my child wants to learn something I can’t teach?
A. Children have the most amazing ability to want to learn the one thing about which we know absolutely nothing! It’s a universal attribute. Homeschooling families are blessed in having the ‘world as their classroom.’ There are classes (correspondence, video, support groups, community centers, colleges, etc…) taught by experts, but many children are very capable of teaching themselves – just as adults do when they have something new they want to learn. The most powerful learning experiences for a child is to have a parent learning right alongside the child. Parents, thankfully, do not have to be the expert in every area. Learn with your child, or search your community for resources that will help your child learn. And when searching for ‘teachers,’ don’t overlook friends, acquaintances, and businesspeople in your community – most people are delighted to have a young person around who is sincerely interested in what they do and know.
Q. How will my child learn to get along in the world?
A. This is the question homeschoolers often grimace about and call the “S” question (socialization). The real concern, it seems, is whether homeschooled children will be able to function out in the world if they don’t have the experiences schooled children have. Think for a moment about what schools really do. They classify and segregate children by age and ability, reinforce class, gender, and racial prejudice, and strip from children the right to any real interaction or private life. Socialization, in this respect, becomes submitting one’s will to that of the group (or person in charge). This is not the basis for healthy relationships. Home educated children, because they spend so much of their time out in the real world, generally are able to communicate well with both adults and children and to have friends of all ages. They choose to spend time with others because they enjoy their company or have a similar interest – just like adults.
Q. Can I work at a job and still homeschool?
A. Homeschooling families have often been portrayed as “Dad going to work, Mom staying at home with the kids.” The reality, for many families, is much different: single parents homeschool, working parents homeschool, dads at home homeschool, parents with ongoing illnesses homeschool. Some families homeschool some of their children but not others. Grandparents homeschool grandchildren. It may take a little creative juggling, but many of the perceived barriers can be gotten around with some thoughtful problem-solving.
Q. How do I know if my children are learning?
A. Children are always learning – they just can’t help it! Just like when they were babies and toddlers, you can discover what they are learning by spending time with them and observing the growth in their understanding of the world. Observation as an assessment (titled ‘authentic assessment’ and a big educational buzzword these days) acknowledges growth in understanding and skill level. Unlike standardized testing, it doesn’t give a ‘snapshot’ that attempts to quantify learning at one point in time. It is fluid and flexible and has no preconceived notions about what a child ‘should’ be able to do. You can look at the whole person and concentrate on what your child knows, instead of what your child does not know.
Q. Should I test my child?
A. Testing, like many other educational concerns, should be a personal decision. Some questions to consider before making this decision include: which tests will be used and why, how might the testing process affect the learner, how will the test results be used, and are there less intrusive alternatives that can be utilized instead? Testing, in the home environment where parents are always very aware of how well their children are doing, is unnecessary and intrusive. Testing is under fire from many teachers and educators, and many educational establishments are attempting to eliminate standardized testing in their schools. Very careful consideration should be taken before any testing is done to children for any reason.
Q. What about higher education?
A. Hundreds of colleges, universities and vocational institutes all over the nation are accepting homeschooled students. Most are thrilled with these intelligent, responsible, capable young people and many are actively recruiting them. Most of these institutions value ability and attitude over formal transcripts, diplomas or GEDs. Most libraries and bookstores carry a wide assortment of books, directories, and guides that will help older homeschoolers get information and prepare for this next step. On the other hand, many homeschoolers ultimately choose an apprenticeship over formal schooling as a faster and more satisfying entry into their adult lives. Cafi Cohen’s book “And What About College?” (Holt Associates, 1998) and Grace Llewellyn’s “Teenage Liberation Guidebook” can be great helps to families working through these decisions. It should be noted that college is not necessarily the only or even the best route for every young person. Going to college without a clear idea of what you expect to gain can be a very expensive form of self-discovery. And for many teens who already know where they are headed, apprenticeship opportunities and other forms of ‘on-the-job’ training can be a faster and more satisfying entry into their adult lives. And remember, the decision to forgo college is never irrevocable. Most institutions highly value older students, since they are usually enthusiastic and focused on learning.
Q. How do I find out about homeschooling in my state?
A. If you’re thinking about homeschooling, contacting your state or local homeschooling support group is the best place to start. Often local public libraries can assist in locating them. The support groups usually have copies of the state law, information about getting started, lists of activities and resources and many offer a newsletter as well. They can offer opportunities for getting together with other families, activities for children and adults, advice and help with resource materials and even cooperative classes for children. Some have a purely social focus – others have an academic or religious focus as well. Every support group has a different ‘flavor,’ – be sure that, if you choose to join one, the one you choose is compatible with your own needs and beliefs. And remember that many families get along just fine without belonging to a support group at all.

Unconventional #1 Inspirational & Christian Fiction Bestseller

December 11, 2017 By Paula 3 Comments

#1 Inspirational & Christian Fiction Bestseller!

Over 100,000 units sold worldwide. One of the most popular indie Inspirational/Christian Fiction books on the market!

“Unconventional is a wonderful story full of heart, humor, and what it means to truly be successful. An A+ novel for the keeper shelf.” –Gemma Halliday, NY Times and USA Today bestselling author

“I loved UNCONVENTIONAL, a stirring love story and spiritual journey that will surely touch your heart. You’ll remember James Frost for a long time!” –Cecelia Dowdy, inspirational romance novelist

DESCRIPTION:
YOUNG JAMES FROST just knows, deep in his bones, that he’s a writer. He writes far into early mornings, after his wearying hours of scrubbing toilets and sweeping floors. He loves writing that much.

But it’s not only the joy of words that keeps him grinding; it’s his desire to retire the janitor’s mop. He sees being published as the key to living an improved life. James has another deep-seated conviction: that he’s not good enough. He secretly longs to be accepted. However, the conventional others in his life seem all too willing to remind him that he’s wasting his time.

Then he meets and falls in love with Leigh, the one bright spot in his endless misery of self-doubt. A quiet but resolutely religious girl, she has to fight off disapproval of her own from overly critical parents, whose insults are countered by James’s often-voiced admiration of her. Likewise, Leigh’s faith in his talents begins to build his confidence, eventually allowing her to introduce him to a different way to help himself: relying on God.

Ultimately, James’s newfound faith is sorely tested to the point of doubt when his dream to be published seems to melt into a mirage, smothered by countless rejection slips from agents and publishers. His faith is also battered by having to fight highly emotional battles and suffer fear and loss. Just when James appears hopelessly sapped by devastating events, one last door opens, and he’s rocked by an epiphany.

UNCONVENTIONAL is designed to inspire readers to reach for their dreams. Buy this book. Read it. Share it with everyone you know. You – and they – will be glad you did!

Being Different Is Good

Once in a while, I find a book like Unconventional by J. J. Hebert, a book that I did not want to end. Books like this are hard to find and are so very rewarding when they do come along. This well written and structured book is entertaining as well as educational. The author has constructed a clever cast of characters I could totally relate to. This story is so well rounded I believe most everyone can relate to the main characters, James and Leigh in their complicated yet easy to understand roles in the story.

I really appreciate the authenticity and well-researched story content. A great deal of work went into this book, and it is obvious as it had me turning pages nonstop. This story personally taught me to embrace unconventionality as opposed to societies norm. To be different from peers and cultural stigmas which stifle creativity within us all. Being different is a good thing. All the prolific people in our history had one thing in common, they were all unconventional.

Everyone should spend an afternoon reading this inspiring and heartfelt bestseller. Since this book flowed without interruption, I must mention the proof and editing of this book are outstanding. As far as the cover art, I feel it suffices. Although the great story within supersedes the illustrative art on it. Altogether a fantastic read which deserves a five-star rating.

Women In Physics: A Science Book For Kids! Inspires, Teaches, & Entertains Young Readers

December 6, 2017 By Paula 1 Comment

Can one girl’s questions change the world?

The Science Wide Open series invites your child into the breathtaking world of science!

Women in Physics follows a conversation between an inquisitive young girl, who wonders why things move the way that they do, and a scientifically astute narrator, whose answers are crafted to be both accurate and approachable to a young mind. In this way, learning the basics of physics becomes a natural outcome of enjoying the story. Concepts covered in the Women in Physics book include Matter, Mass, Force, Gravity, Atoms, Elements, X-rays, Radioactivity, Observation, Research, Hypotheses, Experiments, …and more!

Science Wide Open also tells the stories of influential female scientists throughout history by weaving together the questions of this spunky young protagonist with the underrepresented but true stories of these women of science! Scientists profiled include Emilie du Chatelet, Laura Bassi, Marie Curie, Irene Joliot-Curie, and Chien-Shiung Wu. The Science Wide Open series has been peer-reviewed by a team of over 17 PhDs and science educators, along with hundreds of parents!

Women in Physics is the third book in the Science Wide Open series. This easy reader book follows a conversation between an inquisitive young girl, who wonders why things move the way that they do, and a scientifically astute narrator, whose answers are crafted to be both accurate and relatable. This short book covers concepts such as matter, mass, force, gravity, atoms, elements, x-rays, radioactivity, observation, research, hypotheses, experiments, and more while it entertains! How creative, having your child learn the basics of physics while enjoying a story!

I like that in addition to providing age-appropriate facts Women in Physics also tells the stories of several influential female scientists by weaving together the questions of the young girl with the stories of these women of science. Often young girls lack role models, face stereotypes, and undervalue their abilities when it comes to physics and other science fields. Women in Physics and the rest of the Science Wide Open series helps encourage young girls.