Ricky’s Raw Recipes #5

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Author Richard F Holmes

You will love this one. It is simple and just pure indulgence; in fact the word “delicious” falls way short of describing how lush this recipe actually is. Get ready for juice heaven!!!

I will give you this recipe in the exact proportions that I used. Add a small glass of water to your blender and throw in a good-sized chunk of fresh root ginger. Chop up one carrot and throw it in followed by a hand full of spinach. Finish off by adding two apples. Blitz as you go along and add more water as necessary. Finally, sit back, think of England and let it roll down your throat. Go on, admit it, you really are in juice heaven; aren’t you?

Ricky’s Raw Recipes #4

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Author Richard F Holmes

You will just love this one! Very palatable; in fact, I found this juice absolutely delicious (and I remembered to take a pic this time)!

Add water to your blender along with a 125g bag of rocket and baby leaf salad. Then add fennel, celery, apple, avocado, ginger and lemon juice. Blitz as you go along and when you’ve got the whole lot in the blender give it another good blitzing to remove any lumps (this goes for all recipes). Then just glug it down and enjoy!

If you are wondering why I’ve suddenly gone blitz-mad and started posting recipes on my blog, it’s just a way of keeping me and my blog active while things are a bit quiet in other departments. The out-of-body experiences seem to have dried up for the time being and there’s nothing else of note, spiritual-wise, to blog about at the moment, so the raw food thing seems like a good idea. I’m also considering doing features on various spiritual centres that I serve too. In the meantime, just keep blitzing!!

Ricky’s Raw Recipes #3

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Author Richard F Holmes

I have to confess that I glugged this one down so quickly I forgot to take a pic, so the pic on display is of another juice! So, here we go…

Water, courgette, fennel, apple, ginger, lemon juice and an 85g bag of peppery watercress. If you find that the watercress gives the juice a really overpowering taste you can add extra apple or a pear to counteract it. This one was interesting to say the least, but bear in mind that all my recipes are concoctions based on what I have in the fridge at the time.

The general rule is, if it’s green; blitz it, if it isn’t; blitz it! Happy blitzing!!!!

Wrong Place Wrong Time – Introducing David P. Perlmutter

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Author Richard F Holmes

It gives me great pleasure to welcome best-selling author, David P. Perlmutter to Tetbury today. While David helps himself to a cup of hot steaming tea and a chocolate digestive or two, here’s a little bit about him.

David P. Perlmutter is a full-time writer and living in the South West of England. His first book, a true story called WRONG PLACE WRONG TIME became a bestseller in certain categories on Amazon in the UK, America, Spain, France and Japan. David’s second book is now available also via Amazon and called, “My Way”. The book is intended as a mini-bible for struggling authors, it follows his journey from being an unknown author to topping the American Amazon charts.

So, where did it all start David? Where were you born and what is your background?

I was born in North West London into a large family with 4 brothers (I am a twin) and a sister. We had a fantastic and loving background, huge family in a 3 bed semi where everyone’s school friends loved to visit, we were very close-knit; and still are. The road we lived in till I moved on at 19 is where 50% of my school friends lived. My career background is mainly in property, advertising and marketing.

Your book Wrong Place Wrong Time is a world-wide best-seller and it is a true account of your actual experience of wrongful arrest. So, what was the first thing that went through your head David when you realised you were not on Candid Camera and that your worst nightmare had become an actual experience?

Thank you for saying that Richard, it has amazed me and to see that in writing above, it’s mad! Yes back to the story, it was a moment in my life that I will of course never forget and still have nightmares over. First thing that went through my head was how was I going to explain this to mum and dad.

How did you cope with what ensued, knowing that the authorities had got the wrong man?

With difficulty. It was like the authorities didn’t want to listen to me at all. They saw a homeless beaten English man and I guess they thought I was guilty. Also as I mentioned in the book, when I was behind bars, I prayed to God. I am not a religions man, proud in being Jewish of course but I prayed and spoke out loud looking above.

How did the truth eventually come to light?

That is a question I can’t answer as the truth has never come to light. Since the events in Spain happened I have never returned.

It’s probably true to say that your nightmare experience became the springboard for your successful writing career. With this in mind would you change having that experience if you could, or do you now see it as a blessing and welcome it?

I wouldn’t wish what happened to me on anyone, but as for writing purposes it was a blessing and yes, without the events, I wouldn’t have been able to put pen to paper.

Obviously your book entails much more than your experience of wrongful arrest, so tell us what your book is about apart from that scenario?

It covers my rise and fall; of a successful real estate agent in London, to losing everything in one stupid reckless night, all self-inflicted. Then I travel to Marbella in Spain. After meeting people, partying and again being in the wrong place, I came across a hotel fire and after doing what anyone else would do, saving lives, I was wrongly arrested for arson and manslaughter. What follows is my journey involving the papers, strangers, police, jail and being strong.

Who should buy your book?

As it is a true story, anyone who is interested in real life. It should be of interest to anyone and everyone.

Ok, to change the mood a little; what is your favourite song of all time and your favourite album, and why?

This is tough Richard, so many to choose from. I am as stated in the book, a bit of an 80’s man when it comes to music. ABC – Lexicon of Love was a great album, Picture Box, first album by Simply Red, also George Michael. Far too many songs to say that one is the best. Hotel California?

Who is your favourite band/singer of all time and why?

Probably George Michael as he used to live down the road to me when growing up and his father had a restaurant in the High Street. Funny story here, when I was younger I used to wash the car of the chairman of the local football club. He told me that apparently before George Michael became huge, George went to him and asked for a 3k loan to make a demo tape. He refused. The rest is history.

Away from writing what do you do to amuse yourself?

I love being with my kids, I also love football, Spurs (We can’t all be perfect David; COME ON CHELSEA!!! Ed.)but in my heart LEYTON ORIENT, enjoy watching films, reading and writing of course. Try to have much fun as possible as life is no rehearsal.

Well once again time has beaten us. I’d just like to thank David again for being with us today. Finally, I always ask my guests to leave us with a pearl of wisdom that may give inspiration and encouragement in our daily lives, so can you leave us with some inspired words please David?

Blimey. “To fail in life is just giving you another chance to succeed”

Brilliant! That is a great piece of wisdom David; thanks!

To find out more about David P. Perlmutter check out the links below to where you can find him and his books online.

David’s Blog: http://thewrongplaceatthewrongtime.blogspot.co.uk/

David’s Amazon Author Page: http://ow.ly/q1xph

David On Goodreads: http://ow.ly/q1xVF

Connect With David On Facebook: http://ow.ly/q1yl9

Ricky’s Raw Recipes #2

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Author Richard F Holmes

I will forgive you for thinking that Raw Recipe #2 looks exactly the same as Raw Recipe #1, however I can assure you that they are very different. Read on and be astounded!

As ever we start with water, and you can add more as required whilst you merrily go about your blitzing. Feel free to use as much or as little of the following as you wish.

Ginger, Fennel, Carrot, Spinach, Avocado, Celery, Apple and Lime.

As an experiment I didn’t just use the lime juice, I used all of a half lime. The rind gives the end product a bit of a bitter taste, so you can counteract it by adding extra apple or a pear if you want. I had the good fortune to pick up 6 avocados for £1 the other day and added 2 to this recipe. I found it gave the “brew” an interesting texture. It made the juice seem quite slimy, so with the added bitterness today’s juice was interesting to say the least. It was still rather palatable, and as I type, I’m glugging down the last remnants.

Happy blitzing!

Ricky’s Raw Recipes #1

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Author Richard F Holmes

Having heard so much about the benefits of eating raw food I finally got around to investing in a blender. It took me months to spark into life, but about four weeks ago I finally took the plunge. Before I go into the first of my recipes I will give you a bit of information with regard to choosing your blender.

Strictly speaking you can use any blender, but you will be better off being just a little bit selective. Most blenders have three blades, but there are some that have five or six; and there are also various speed settings. Prices range from very cheap (less than a tenner) to very expensive, but it really depends on what you want it for. As I will very rarely want to use mine for anything other than raw juicing, I went for the Tefal Blendforce at £29.99 from Argos. It only has two-speed settings plus a pulse setting, but it has six blades that really get to grips with your ingredients. There is also a Philips five blade blender for a similar price that I have heard very good reports about. So here is the first raw food recipe of this new series.

Your first ingredient is always water and there are no specific amounts when adding your fruit and vegetables; simply throw in whatever you want.

Broccoli, Courgette, celery, and Spinach

If you are thinking, that judging by the photo, the juice probably tastes as disgusting as it looks, you would be exactly right. However, there are a couple of “secret” ingredients that I add to all my juices that don’t only make them more palatable, they make them taste delicious. Added to the above recipe is a good-sized chunk of fresh root ginger, an apple and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add a pear or two if you want. It makes the finished product sweet, spicy and very palatable.

There is nothing complicated about the process either, you just throw the ingredients in the blender with water (adjust the amount as you go along), whiz them to death and enjoy the experience of drinking raw food juice!

Watch out for my next raw food recipe!

Introducing The Wonderful Jacqueline Rainey – Author And Survivor

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Author Richard F Holmes

Well, the kettle is on and the chocolate digestives are on the table; all I need now is my guest. Wait a minute, there’s a knock at the door; this must be her. Yes, all the way from Augusta, Georgia to my living room here in Tetbury, it’s inspirational author Jacqueline Rainey. Thank God for the bus service!! Whilst Jacqueline is helping herself to tea and digestives here is a bit about her…

Jacqueline Rainey’s life has been filled with adversity and battles to survive. After overcoming child abuse, sexual assault, being a foster child, domestic violence, and drug addiction, she became in her own words “a walking miracle of God” who is joyful, medication free, and spending her time writing and speaking to others to provide inspiration and healing. She regularly shares her stories with women’s and church groups, veteran’s hospitals, and anyone who feels lost and in need of a little guidance.

Rainey is not your typical author. She has stated that book sales are important to her “for a different reason; the more books sold the more opportunities to change lives.” She writes to help those in situations like hers to experience the same freedom and healing she has known. In “I Used to Be,” she writes closely of her own difficulties with addiction. She has stated about this story, “Addiction has a way of stripping us not only of our self-respect, but of our families and faith. Being a spiritual person and a woman of faith is what I believe intensified the battle and my struggle to break free not only from the substance, but also from the people whom I saw as destructive to me and to themselves. These stories are reflections of my personal struggles and my victories.”

Good morning Jacqueline and welcome to my humble abode. Thanks so much for coming to talk to us today.

Ok I need music “Flaws and All” Beyoncé. Now I’m ready. Hello Richard thank you for inviting me to lovely Tetbury, England; is the Monastery still nearby? (Yes, it’s about four miles away in Malmesbury. Ed.) If so I’m in the right place because being an inspirational writer I’m sure to find lots of inspiration there.(smile) By the way I couldn’t help but notice the Snooty Fox Hotel which sounds like the perfect place for me, lol. (From experience I wouldn’t wish The Snooty Fox on anyone Jacqueline! Ed.)

You have had such an eventful life that it’s difficult knowing where to kick this interview off. But I suppose the burning question for me is this. Having experienced in your life, and overcome, child abuse, sexual assault, being a foster child, domestic violence, and drug addiction, when did you first realise that none of these things were bigger than Jacqueline Rainey? When did you first realise that there is a power within you that can literally move mountains?

The truth is that all of them are bigger than me, but they are no match for God. I was fortunate enough to be in a veteran’s hospital rehab program and I know you must be thinking what is so fortunate about being in rehab. Well keeping with being honest I was in a drug rehab and once a week a veteran’s Chaplin would come by to give a class and one day I asked him if I could speak with him. Long story short he gave me the name and phone number of a Pastor that he was close to and once I was out of that program I called her and she took me under her wings and so did the rest of the church. That was the beginning of the life changing events, but I have to admit that things did not get easier after that, they got even harder and I had to fight.

Everyone I have ever met who has an understanding of spirituality realised at some point that the key to overcoming life’s demons is forgiveness, and to take that a step further, being able to forgive and love ourselves. Was it the same for you?

I wish that you could see the look on my face right now, but yes that is true, but it is not easy to forgive because when you have been so hurt and repeatedly it takes work; sometimes daily. I also had to realize that I would never forget the things that were done to me, but over time the pain and power that those things have over you dissipates; the stronger I became spiritually the weaker they became. I had to learn to self-love because of the things that I have experienced and been through they made me feel like something was wrong with me. I love me today and can also love others and I realize that there are many different types of love and that you can love someone, but not like them.

So many people who experience and overcome great trials and tribulations in their lives realise that they can turn adversity into advantage and use their experiences to help others. Was it the same for you? Is this what inspired you to become an author?

I have been writing poetry since I was elven years old. My first two books are all about helping others as a matter of fact I did not expect to profit from my first book “Through Whose Eyes: Rise, Child of God” because I believe that if I could get it into the hands of as many women as possible and in turn make a personal appearance it would change their lives. The places I am referring to are where women are incarcerated, domestic violence organizations, drug rehabilitation centres and Psychiatric wards; yes I have been there too. But I did struggle with the fear of knowing that everyone would know so much about me, so many personal things. There are people in this world who like to use your past against you and try to break you. I have since walked through that fear and took control of it by putting as much as possible about me out there in public to take their power away.

Onto your work now Jacqueline; tell us about your book Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God. What is the book about?

“Through Whose Eyes: Rise, Child of God” is my first published book and “Toni’s Blues” is my second work of love and hope. “Through Whose Eyes: Rise, Child of God” is a book of short-stories and poems. The opening poems set the tone for the story to come. I didn’t really use any character names in the stories because I felt it was a way for the readers to insert the names of those who they felt the stories related to, including themselves. The most important thing to know about these two current books is that all the short-stories in “Through Whose Eyes: Rise, Child of God” contain actual pieces of me and my life experiences in them as a writer I embellished but the realism comes through loud and clear and it is the same with “Toni’s Blues”. Yes I write about things like Child Abuse, Rape and Addiction to name just a few, but the emotions are all real; as a matter of fact I acknowledge and give thanks to my Psychiatrist and my Therapist in “Through Whose Eyes: Rise, Child of God” they were very proud of me and one of them has known me for many years. My Psychiatrist has seen all of me and I can only imagine the fear she must have felt for my life during those times of utter despair.

Moving on to Toni’s Blues; what is the book about?

In “Toni’s Blues” there’s a whole lot of me in there, more than I really care to admit, but I did dress it up and romanticised it a bit, I think I did that for me, even those who have been victimised like to somehow try and protect themselves. I’m sure that all of us would like to rewrite some part of our lives and Toni literally writes Bible passages on her living room wall in the hopes of wiping out all the horrific memories of her bad choices in men. I worried before it came out about how men would feel about my story, but the truth is that men are also victims of domestic violence and they share the same shame as women. Who should read it? If I had to choose it would be to start with teenage girls because we tend to think it is so cute that he is so jealous “Oh he must really care about me, he really loves me if he is acting so jealous”. Sometimes those are warning signs, but not always.

Changing the mood slightly Jacqueline, I know music plays a big part in your life. Do you play any instruments and to what level?

Richard I wish I could lol, I bought an Acoustic Guitar and now I need an instructor because I believe once I learn to play that guitar I can then start to write songs because I can sing. I was once signed with Maurice Starr’s brother Michael Johnson as part of a group known as the J-Girls and was in the studio with the New Edition back in Roxbury Massachusetts, yes I stood in the actual room with Bobby Brown and all of them, lol. Hey I said I have a very interesting life and I meant it, lol.

What is your favourite album/song of all time and why?

I am going to have to say the album “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. It’s hard to choose just one song but it’s got to be “Human Nature” because it reminds me of my last foster parent Ms. Helen Greene.

Who is you favourite singer/band of all time and why?

Man Richard you are really bringing on the flashbacks, lol lol, Minnie Ripperton, I swear to you I had never heard opera before, but her voice on “Loving You”(Minnie Ripperton was fantastic. I’ve still got the original 45 vinyl version of “Loving You” that I bought when it first came out, but unfortunately, I no longer have anything to play it on. Ed.) My so-called step-father at the time used to wake me up from sleep because he had made a bet with some of his friends that he brought home that I could hit those notes. And Richard if you are wondering if I could, the answer is YES, each and every time, back then my voice was perfection, but my talent was not nurtured.

Tell us about any projects you are currently working on?

My stories are a place where I can lay down the emotions within me in written word because I may not be able to find the right words to speak them out loud. Yes I’m an author telling stories in ways that no one else can because I add the broken pieces of me to all that I write; and that includes the books in my upcoming double release project.

“Dark Harmonie” a character who is special because the hand of God is on her, but she has become the object of desire by those using dark supernatural forces and black magic to steal what is within in her.

“30”, a little girl who was fascinated with boys, but curious wondering why they never noticed her, wanting to know what made her different from the other girls; she becomes a woman who loses herself to another part of herself that she names “The Dragonfly Catcher”.

“30” is the second book in my ambitious double-book release project to accompany “Dark Harmonie”. “Dark Harmonie”, which is in the editing phase, still carries the spiritual messages that I so love to incorporate in my stories that is evident in my first two published books. But I have taken it further and added a supernatural aspect as well as the evils of dark and black magic. Yes all my main characters are females and I love showing that women are both strong and survivors. Even in the piece I am working on now “30”, although the woman is struggling with some issues I have painted her as a multilayer seductress which called for the story line to border on soft erotica.

You are a very inspirational lady Jacqueline. So, as time has once again beaten us, can you leave us with a pearl of wisdom; a piece of inspiration that will help any of our readers who may be struggling at this moment in time?

I believe in gentle guidance I don’t believe in forcing my beliefs on anyone so I just ask them to try it for themselves and just ask God for something simple like peace of mind, patience or to cover all the bases; just ask to be blessed and then have faith. For all those who know that I love music and music loves me because it is what I do, I enjoyed every minute of this interview while listening to the true Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin: “I Never Loved a Man” Aint No Way”, Baby, Baby, Baby” and “Giving Him Something He Can Feel”. So now it’s time for me to return to my posh suite at “The Snooty Fox Hotel” (Don’t do it Jacqueline, you WILL be disappointed! Ed.), just kidding, I’m still in Arizona and it is HOT! (She’s not readers, she’s here in my living room drinking my tea and eating all my digestives!! Ed.)

Smooches.

Thanks for that wonderful wisdom Jacqueline and thanks once again for being my guest today; it’s been a pleasure.

To find out more about my lovely guest and her books please check out the links below.

Jacqueline’s website: http://sbpra.com/jacquelinerainey/

Connect with Jacqueline on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJacquelineRainey

Follow Jacqueline on twitter: https://twitter.com/BlueHarmonie

Buy Through Whose Eyes: Rise, Child Of God on Amazon US: http://ow.ly/pCUNK

Buy Toni’s Blues on Amazon US: http://ow.ly/pCVeR

Buy Through Whose Eyes: Rise, Child Of God on Amazon UK: http://ow.ly/pCVo3

Buy Toni’s Blues on Amazon UK: http://ow.ly/pCVEt

“I Was Almost Euphoric For A Week Or Two”

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Author Richard F Holmes

“I was almost euphoric for a week or two” and “it just makes you feel very, very, very alive” are statements that would make you believe that something wonderful and amazing is being described. Well, I suppose it is, but actually those two statements came from the mouth of the incredible Wilko Johnson during a BBC interview when describing how he received the news that he had terminal cancer. Yes, just before Christmas 2012, Wilko was told that he had untreatable pancreatic cancer and that he probably had only nine months to live. He was also told that if he had chemotherapy it may stretch to a year. He was not impressed and declined the chemo; deciding to simply get as much as possible out of the time he has left.

For the uninitiated, Wilko Johnson was the manic guitarist and one of the founder members of those great stalwarts of British Pub Rock/R’n’B, Dr Feelgood. Wilko left the band in 1977 due to “musical differences” but has continued to perform in various guises ever since. Because of his typically colourful rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, you would not expect Wilko to describe his experience in such a spiritual way. So I was quite amazed when I came across these interviews on you tube recently. Many of us who walk a spiritual pathway talk of “living in the now” and being in “the present moment”, but it is not always easy to walk the talk. So, it is for this reason that I am sharing both interviews here; I find it quite inspiring to hear someone like Wilko speaking in this way.

If you are interested in Wilko’s music and his unusual guitar playing technique you will enjoy the radio interview. For just under eight minutes it’s his music and guitar style that is discussed. The rest of the 14 minute interview is dedicated to his battle against cancer (although you would not think it a battle when you hear him speak) and how he is dealing with it. The second interview posted below went out on the BBC TV breakfast programme back in January 2013 and is equally inspiring. At the time of writing it is ten months since this interview and Wilko is still going strong; he is still playing gigs on his “farewell” tour and is in the process of recording a new album. Please check out both interviews and be inspired. What a man!!!

For news of Wilko’s up and coming gigs please see website http://www.wilkojohnson.org/

Update

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Author Richard F Holmes

Due to a combination of feeling under the weather and having a very busy schedule, the best-selling author I was due to showcase has not featured. However, I still hope to run the interview at some stage in the future.

I know I have been very quiet of late, but If all goes to plan there will be two posts for the coming week, one of which will be an interview with an inspirational author.

So watch this space and thanks for your patience and continued support!

Thought For The Day #186

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Author Richard F Holmes

Contain your experience with the divine so that it does not escape you but rather shapes you. Be silent. Silence will help you avoid engaging in the games of competition and illusion that regularly seduce us in the outside world. Silence also helps you avoid distraction. It helps focus the busy mind – the mind that always has to be doing something, thinking something, the mind that always has to be otherwise engaged lest it become introspective and allow the soul’s voice to override its own. The silence I am describing is a silence that you use to contain the grace you receive when you enter the Castle of your soul. This quality of silence allows you to engage in discernment. You carry this silence within you, even when you are with others. It allows you to hold your center amid the chaos of your life; it keeps you clear so that you do not do or say things you will regret or make decisions out of fear – Caroline Myss