You never know when you may get the call. I certainly was not expecting it Monday afternoon. The sun was shining, a few warm breezes for this time of April spread tree buds onto the sidewalks. I was driving to the mechanic on Maryland St when my cell phone rang. It was 4pm. "The building is on fire," was what I was greeted with. My response was, "What building?" I figured Kaitlin was reporting something she had read online about another part of the city. No! It was Journeys! I got to the store in about 4 minutes flat to find billowing black smoke, multiple fire engines, emergency personnel all over the place and panic began to set in. The China Palace kitchen had caught fire, burned through the roof and jumped to our roof. I certainly knew what powerless felt like right then and there as the firemen climed on to our roof with axes in hand.

I guess it was not time for Journeys to be done. We had a minimal amount of water damage inside the store. There were no windows open so we remained amazingly smoke free. Half the roof needs to be replaced, the back gutters are toast and some inside plasterwork will be needed. Otherwise we dodged a bullet.

I know now more than ever that the Angels are watching over Journeys and miracles do happen. Without the quick response of the Pittsburgh Firefighters we could have lost everything. I am filled with gratitude.

There is a lot of information in this issue of JourneyNotes - many events, great new products, a recent book from Anne Lamott, and a visit at the end of the month by Dr. Debra Reble, author and psychologist from Cleveland.

Please remember Journeys when you are looking for that special gift for a friend or want a treat for yourself. You purchases, both large and small, are important to our continued well being. Thank you for your continued support. Without you, Journeys would not be.

April Signs and Symbols

Astrological Signs
Aries - The Ram - March 20 - April 19
Taurus - The Bull- April 20 - May 20

Birthstone - Diamond/Herkimer Diamond
April's birthstone is the Diamond. The ancient Hindus called the Diamond "Vajra," meaning lightening, both because of the sparks of light thrown off by this gem as well as its invincible strength. A gift of a Diamond is symbolic of everlasting love. Far more affordable are Herkimer Diamonds. These clear crystals closely resemble Diamonds but are really Quartz. First found in Herkimer, New York, this special clear quartz was first thought to be a diamond due to its brilliance. Considered a "dream stone", they are used in meditation or under your pillow to enhance visualization, and dream recall. Herkimer Diamonds help to raise the energy levels of those handling the stone as well as the healing qualities of other stones.

Flower: Daisy
The Daisy is April's flower. It is believed that the name Daisy came from the phrase "day's eye" because of how the flower opens when the sun comes up and closes at night when the sun is down. The traditional white daisy symbolizes innocence, stability, sympathy and cheerfulness.The gerbera daisy has large colorful blooms, which has made it a favorite with flower lovers.

Wear your PJ's to Work Day !

Friday - April 16th
On April 16th, don't be surprised is the woman next to you on the bus looks like she forgot to get dressed for work. People in their PJ's will be spotted all across the country - driving to work, in line for their morning coffee, and even walking in to office buildings. Why - you ask?

It is National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day.

Relieve the stress and relax after staying up late working on your taxes! Tax time is stressful. Bring the comforts of home to work - even if your work is going shopping - and reduce your stress if only for one day.

Lori, Jean and the other staff will be decked out in their finest PJ's and they don't want to be alone. So, any brave soul who comes in to Journeys on April 16th in their PJ's will get a whopping 25% off their purchase.
CD & Book Sale not included.

BOLD INSPIRATIONS
By Mary Anne Radmacher

The amazing work of Mary Anne Radmacher has had a place at Journeys of Life since the early 90's. Greeting cards are the mainstay of the line. Now, thanks to Demdaco, Mary Anne's work is available as coffee mugs, ceramic plaques, wall canvasses, journals, magnets and jewelry.

GREAT NEW NOVEL !

IMPERFECT BIRDS

Finally a new novel from one of Jean's favorite authors, Anne Lamott. Heartbreaking and delightful, moving and hopeful, Imperfect Birds reminds us how our children are connected to and independent of us, and that no matter how difficult our struggle is with them, love underlies it all and saves us. This novel captures the deepest, purest, most terrifying experience of parents fearing for their children. With great insight and humor, Anne Lamott shows us what it means these dangerous days to be a parent, what it means to be a child, and what it means to be a family. $25.95

HIMALAYAN SALT INHALER

Springtime is the season for allergies! And the Himalayan Salt Inhaler is the perfect addition to your allergy and cold fighting arsenal. It is made from high quality ceramic filled with original Himalayan salt crystals. Its salty microclimate calms and cleanses the cells of the respiratory system. When using the Himalayan salt inhaler, the moisture of the passing air absorbs the micron sized particles of the salt, then penetrates into the respiratory system to achieve the beneficial effects. The sodium content of the active ingredients induces natural self cleansing mechanisms that flush away the impurities from the surface of the cells. Salt particles also mechanically clean the air passages.

MEDITATION ON THE GO !

Sit in comfort and meditate anywhere with this lightweight, inflatable meditation cushion. Mobile Meditator weighs just 12 ounces and fits into a handy 9" x 9" x 2" pouch. It's great for travel or hiking and has three chambers so you can fully adjust the firmness and height to your preference. Ergonomically designed for comfort while being compact and lightweight, it even doubles as a travel pillow for the car or airplane! Durable and washable flocked fabric prevents slipping.

FAVORITE ARTISTS RELEASE NEW CDs

Sure to be a classic this CD includes all brand new chants and is Krishna Das' first album recorded entirely in the studio in more than 10 years. A collaboration with acclaimed producer David Nichtern it also includes musician Jerry Marotta on drums & percussion and an array of unique instruments including the dotar, tablas,esraj and bansuri flute.

David and Steve Gordon have an ear for quality electronica.
Discover a blissful escape. Unwind with the perfect soundtrack for relaxing, yoga or intimate parties from The Gordon Brothers, masters of the chill out lounge mood and creators of the legendary bestselling series Buddha Lounge.

JOIN NOW
You won't miss any new product announcements, workshop schedules or general goings-on at Journeys when you join our FaceBook Fan Page. It's quick and easy - do it now!
We are opnly 7 fans short! When we reach 500 Fans 2 lucky Fans will win a
$20 GIFT CERTIFICATE.
Don't wait - Join Now!

The winners of the $20 Gift Certificates when we reached 400 Fans are Jodi Bowman & Kendell Romanelli. Congratulations.

We Love Referrals!

Probably the greatest compliment you can give Journeys is to refer us to a friend. Many of you already do that and we thank you!
Do you know someone who doesn't currently shop at Journeys but feel they would enjoy our store? We'd like to send a small gift to them in your name.

Please just email Jean the contact info and she will send a gift for Journeys to them right away. Thanks for you support, loyalty and referrals!

Help Journeys Make a Difference

Journeys collects used cell phones to benefit the Womens Center and Shelter. We also accept donations of shampoo, soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products and other basic necessities for POWER, a Womens Halfway House in Swissvale. Your donations help us to help those in need. Together we can make a difference

JOURNEYS ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
The easiest way to find the Resources you're looking for is to go to Journeys Online Directory . For in formation on holistic practitioners and businesses in the tri-state area.

Are you a holistic professional, practitioner, resource provider or business that Journeys of Life customers need to know about? Become part of this new network. We are accepting subscribers now. Contact us at jean@journeysoflife.com for rates and more information.

Dr. Debra Redle
visits Journeys of Life April 30 & May 1
Psychologist, author, therapeutic intuitive,
life & spiritual coach and Pittsburgh native.

Friday, April 30
Book Signing and Discussion
Soul-Hearted Partnership: Creating the Ultimate Experience of Love, Passion and Intimacy by Debra L. Reble Ph.D sets forth a model of relationship based on cultivating partnership as a vehicle for spiritual development. The book lays the groundwork with spiritual principles for integrating body, heart, spirit and soul. Readers will benefit not only from the cultivation of extraordinary relationships — with friends as well as partners—but also from the innovative approaches to jealousy, fear, old grievances and vulnerability.
Book $16.00 No fee for the event.

Saturday, May 1st
Private Coaching Sessions
As a therapeutic intuitive, Dr. Reble also specializes in energetic healing, meditation, and guides people on their pathway toward personal transformation and supports people through their life transitions.
11 am - 4 pm
$135 for 55 minute session

Call 412-681-8755 for appointments.

APRIL EVENTS

Annual CD Demo Sale
Begins Friday,April 16th
Benefits P.O.W.E.R.

CDs - $5.00
Dbl CDS & DVDs - $8.00

Don't miss this popular event. Get some great music while making a donation to a great cause. We have over 200 CDs - more than we have ever had for this event.
Cash or check please!

Books by the Pound Sale Begins Thursday April 15th

Selected Books
$5.00 pound

Kate has gathered hundreds of old editions, Out of Print, bumped and bruised titles at this once a year sale. Choose from hundred of titles. Best ever selection we have had.

Learn About Meditation
Thur Apr 22 - 7:00 pm
Free Event

Meet Chopra Practitioner Patty Eppley as she talks about meditation and its benefits. Patty will be teaching a Primordial Meditation Class in May (see below) at Journeys. This evening she will talk about Primordial Sound, what is involved in the class and a general overview of meditation.

"Meditation is not a way of making your mind quiet. It is a way of entering into the quiet that is already there - buried under the 50,000 thoughts the average person thinks a day."
- Deepak Chopra, MD

There is no charge for this event. However, reservations are requested!

April Readers Schedule
at Journeys

Sun, April 11
Alicia Fronczek 1 - 4pm Intuitive Massage or
Psychic Readings

Wed, April 14
Linda Cartwright: 3 - 7pm
Tarot Readings

Sat, April 17
Alicia Fronczek 1 - 4pm
Intuitive Massage or
Psychic Readings

Sun, April 18
Patricia Mauro noon - 4pm
Palm Reader & Healer

Sun, April 18
Nora Scofield noon - 4pm
SRT & Angel Readings

Wed, April 21 3 - 7pm
Rev Johanna Sturlini
Medium,Spiritual Counselor

Sat, April 24
Victoria Zaitz 1 - 4pm
Psychic Intuitive

Sun, April 25
Stephanie Charles 1 - 4
Akashic Records

Call 412-681-8755 to make an appointment.

SAVE THE DATES

The Lois Wilson Story:
When Love is not Enough
Sun April 25

This Hallmark Hall of Fame movie is based on the true story of the enduring love between Lois Wilson, co-founder of Al-Anon, and her alcoholic husband Bill Wilson, co-founder of AA. Purchase the book the movie is based on at Journeys.

Primordial Sound Meditation Class
Thurs - May 11, 13, 20, 27

Join Patty Eppley, Chopra Institute Practitioner, and learn this meditation tool for rediscovering the body's own inner intelligence. Each student receives their personal Primordial Sound Mantra. Learn to manage stress, reduce anxiety awaken your intuition connect to spirit and so much more.

$250 early bird special til 5/1
$299 after May 1st.
$75 materials fee (CD, workbook, personal sound ceremony)
More information here.

New Spring Walnut St
Arts Festival
Sat & Sun - May 22 & 23

Artists from around the country as well as local artists gather to show and sell their creations on Walnut. Produced by Howard Allen, who has brought us Festivals for the last 5 years, returns with new vendors and the same quality of show you have come to expect. Look for some Journeys artists outside the store on both days.

For a detailed listing of all events and workshops please visit our website Calendar page.