Dickens opened The Tale of Two Cities with this famous line. I think it aptly describes 2008. I do not remember a year filled with more ups and downs than this one that just passed. The war continued, the economy hit an all time low and unemployment hit record levels. But through all this there have been opportunities - chances to re-evaluate the way we use energy and spend money, opportunity to force politcal change, and time to be grateful for family and friends. I discovered people still need to be inspired and seek hope during these unsettling times and Journeys is the perfect place to do just that. And although we didn’t break any sales records, we survived! Now it is on to 2009.

I feel the marketplace is shifting gears from quantity to quality which is a good thing because for us as we take pride that Journeys offers gifts with meaning, books to guide you on your own journeys and music to soothe the soul. I wish you a Happy New Year filled with peace, renewed optimism, and abundant Joy. As the days already begin to lengthen with the increasing light from the Sun, hope is renewed for a new and better year. All of us at Journeys of Life thank you for your friendship, love and loyal support in 2008. We would not be here without you. We look forward to the New Year with confidence and resolve to be the best that we can be. We pledge to help inspire a year full of optimism and peace with positive, uplifting and self-empowering books and unique, nurturing gifts, in price ranges to suit every budget.

I am on my way to Atlanta to find lots of wonderful new gifts. Please stop by soon to see all my great "finds".I look forward to seeing you soon at Journeys of Life.
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Something to Think About

Every person makes choices Every Day that determine their fate.

We choose our attitude or we choose to let others determine our attitude for us.
We choose the effort we put in, no one else.
We choose the actions we take unless we let others choose our actions for us.
We choose our own happiness unless we let others have that power.
We choose to accept things as they are or grab the power to change it.
We choose to lead or not, whatever our position.
We choose to hold others and ourselves accountable or live with the results of not doing so.
We choose to create our success or hope everything turns out okay.

In 2009 make only one resolution, and that is to make the best choices Every Day. Some choices will be right and some choices may not work out the way you hoped but as long as you focus on making the best possible choice you know the results will be better than if you just wait for good things to happen. Taken from Doug Fleener's Dynamic Performance Group Newsletter
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January Signs and Symbols - a new monthly feature !

Astrological Signs
Capricorn - The Goat - Dec 22 - Jan 20
Aquarius - Water Bearer - Jan 21 - Feb 19

Birthstone - Garnet
Garnet, from the Latin word for pomegranate, is known as the stone of health, ridding the body of negative energies. It has also been known as a stone of commitment - to purpose, to others, to oneself. The loving power of garnet tends to reflect the attributes of devotion, bringing the love of others to expressions of warmth and understanding. It both monitors and adjusts the flow of energy, providing for a balanced energy field around the physical body and aligning the emotional and intellectual bodies with the perfection of All that is. Garnets are typically a deep red color. However, there are less common green, rose and purple garnets.

Flower: Carnation
The birthday flower for January is the carnation. Carnations have been traditionally associated with fascination, which is a fitting sentiment for the freshness of the new year.

Watch for our new Zodiac Gemstone Jewelry arriving later this month.
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Smudge & Smoke

January is the perfect time to clear out old energy, set new goals and intentions and buildup protection for you home, your families and your workplace. Smudging is one way to create a clear, positive environment.

The ritual of smudging can be defined as "spiritual house cleaning." In theory, the smoke from various herbs and plants attaches itself to negative energy and as the smoke clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into another space where it will be regenerated into positive energy.

The most commonly used herbs in Smudge Sticks are Sage & White Sage, Cedar & Pine, Lavender & Sweet Grass. Smudging ceremonies are used by Native Americans, religious groups and healers. It is easy to do, effective and you can smudge too! Smudge yourself when your spirits are low, after you have been around someone who is sick or depressed, during meditation and when in prayer. You can also smudge your surroundings to cleanse the energy, clear a new home, or to just begin anew!

Self cleansing is simple. Simply light the end of the smudge stick or loose herbs in a shell or bowl and extinguish the flame once the herbs have started smoldering. Allow the smudge stick to smolder, freeing the smoke to circle in the air. Fan the swirls of smoke around your body from head to toe. To cleanse a room or house, carry in the lit smudge stick, clockwise around the area, making sure to smudge in the corners and behind doors.

Journeys of Life offers many different kinds of smudge sticks, loose sage, prayer feathers and abalone shells for your smudging rituals, as well as several books that elaborate on smudging ceremonies. Consider beginning the New Year clean and fresh by holding a smudging ritual.
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January Workshops and Events

Shamanism 101
Meet your Spirit Guides
Tuesday, January 20
7:00 - 9:00 pm

Shamanism is an ancient form of energy medicine. And your Spirit Guides come in any number of flavors. They watch, teach, heal and help you on your physical journey into spiritual awareness. Join Diane Palmer, shamanic counselor, and learn the ancient shamanic techniques to contact your spirit guides. Diane brings her vast knowledge of shamanism, herbs and hypnotherapy to this workshop. Limited to 12 participants. $20. Call 412-681-8755 to register.

Getting Published
How to write a book that lands on a bookstore shelf...10 keys to success.
Thursday January 22
7:00 - 9:00 pm

So you have a book you want to publish or you know you have a book inside you! Join Paul Kelly, publisher of Pittsburgh based new publishing house, St. Lynn's Press for an evening of must have info. Learn all the ins and outs of writing a manuscript that publishers will fight over. Paul had held senior sales and marketing positions at a number of publishers over the last 30 years including Harper One in San Francisco. Limited to 12 participants and well worth the $10 registration fee. Reservations a must - 412-681-8755.

Reiki Level I Training
Tues/Thurs January 27 & 29
6:30pm - 9:00 pm

Learn the Usui System of Natural Healing (Reiki) with Pittsburgh Reiki Master Deborah Donoghue.
Through Reiki you will become attuned to not only a wonderful healing modality, but a loving energy that will help you awaken to a deeper level of awareness. You will receive four attunements to open you up to the Reiki energies as well as an additional attunement at no extra charge for the Rainbow Light. You will learn the history of Reiki, the hand positions, uses, how to tap into your hidden senses and also receive a 63 page workbook with an abundance of information. $95 for 5 hours of classes split between two evenings. Pre-registration required. Called 412-681-8755.

January Readers and Intuitive Counselors

Intuitive Tarot with Lori Crilley - Saturday January 9 & 17
There is still time to look at what the cards say is in store for 2009. Lori uses traditional Tarot techniques as well as her intuitive abilities to interpret this age old divination system. 1/2 hour -$40; 1 hour, $70. Appointments available from noon to 5 pm.

Shamanic Counseling with Diane Palmer - Saturday January 24
Using methods and tools unique to specific cultures, a shaman promotes a three way healing communication between you, the shaman and the universe of spirit. There are many types of individual shamanic healing all of which help restore personal power and the soul. Diane will determine what best serves you. $95 per hour session. Appointments available 1:00 - 5:00 pm by calling 412-681-8755.

Have you been waiting for that perfect time and place to begin your Healing/Intuitive Reading practice? Well, the time and place may be now! Journeys has openings for intuitive counselors on Wednesday evenings,Saturdays and Sundays. Are you an astrologer, a tarot reader, or psychic intuitive? Do you offer something a bit different? Hand analysis, perhaps? Aura readings? Crystal readings? Pet communication? If you're interested in becoming a reader for Journeys of Life, please contact me by email at jean@JourneysOfLife.com

Welcome 2009 with Special Savings at Journeys

20.09 % off

Any One Item

Through the end of January

Happy New Year from Journeys of Life
Present this coupon for your savings - One coupon per customer please!