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From Jean......at Journeys In deciding on what to write about on this very cold February day I found a letter I wrote to Journeys customers TWELVE years ago.  It was so pertinent that I had to share it with you again.   The holidays have come and gone once again.  Inventory is almost behind us. I have taken some time to reflect on “The state of Journeys” and would like to share some of my thoughts with you. Over the past several weeks I have read numerous newspaper and magazine articles about the disappointing holiday season around the country.  To say we hit our goal would be stretching the numbers.  To suggest we were disappointed is by no means the case.  What I do know is that the face of retail book and gift selling as I have known it for eight years is really changing.   Independent bookstores throughout the country continue to close, being chased out by the big box super stores and ever multiplying wholesale clubs. The suburbs are becoming a virtual parking lot for the mega malls that seem to spring up overnight.  I used to see the eruption of retail venues as a threat.  Now, having really examined our mission at Journeys of Life, I see it as a blessing.   It is obvious that a small, independent bookstore such as Journeys cannot compete directly with these super stores.  They can “out-buy” Out-discount” and “out-advertise”all of us.  What they are unable to do, however, is specialize in the market areas of special interest that stores such as Journeys has chosen.  As an independent,  specialty gift & bookstore, we have made the commitment to become the local resource for books about psychology, self-help, alternative health and life issues for adults and kids.  You can think of us as a gourmet store, not everyday fast food.    We continue to chose our book titles individually, not because the home office tells us what we can sell.  Our gifts are selected with thought and care taking into consideration who our customers are and what they like not because they are the ‘IN’ thing or the least expensive choice.   I know that with each visit to Journeys of Life you will discover the many ways we are different from other places you may have shopped in the past.  You will find a friendly, willing staff to help you find what you are looking for.  Special orders usually take days, not weeks.  Selection and service makes Journeys stand far above the rest, not just as a book and gift shop but as a LIFESTYLE store.  We  have made a commitment to the community as a serious retailer to “take the road less traveled,” and to do so with serious focus, purpose and commitment.  We thank you for your continued support. The times were tough then and are again.  We made it through that crisis and will survive these trying economic times with your help.  Every challenge brings an opportunity.  My personal request is that as you decide how to spend your hard-earned money, please go to your local hardware store, local jeweler, local pharmacy, local sports shop and Journeys of Life, your local gift & bookstore. We are in this together.  We can become whole and sturdy together. February Signs and Symbols Astrological Signs Aquarius - Water Bearer - Jan 21 - Feb 18 Pisces - The Fish - Feb 19 - Mar 20 Birthstone - Amethyst Amethyst is the stone of spirituality and contentment. It bestows stability, strength, invigoration, and peace.  It is warm and cuddly as well as regal and ruling. It has been used to encourage and support sobriety. It is an excellent stone for one who is attempting to find freedom from addictive personalities (oneself or another).  Amethyst holds calming, strong, protective qualities, healing, divine love and inspiration. It is also known to enhance one's psychic and creative abilities. Bloodstone and Onyx are also considered February stones. Flower: Iris The birthday flower for February is the Iris. The warm, deep color of the iris is a harbringer of the luxuries of spring which are hopefully just around the corner. Year of the Ox  We missed the Chinese New Year, which arrived January 26th.  2009 is the Year of the Ox, traditionally a year of hard work and responsibility. '09 is expected to bring lots of changes, a deeper interest in protecting and nurturing the earth and a renewed love for home and family. Valentine’s Day  A Day to Express Love<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>   Every February 14th candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.  Valentine’s Day has often been attributed to several martyred saints named Valentine; however, the custom of expressing love to your sweetheart on February 14th seems to have more to do with the ancient Roman feast of Lupercalia to honor and thank the wolf god who watched over the Roman shepherds and their flocks.  While Lupercus doesn't seem to have much to do with romance, the custom where men drew lots for love randomly from a box on February 15 suggests otherwise.  The custom of sending paper valentines began in the 1800’s and has remained popular to this day.   You will certainly find that special card or gift to express your love for your sweetheart at Journeys.  We have assembled a wide variety of presents to express all that love is including embossed valentine cards, heart shaped boxes to hold a surprise gift, massage oils for sensuality, aromatherapy blends to evoke passion,  herbal candles, books on all aspects of love, jewelry,romantic music, and more.  Need help in selecting that perfect gift - we will gladly help you make the right choices.  Hurry in - FEBRUARY 14th isn’t that far away. Introducing New Intuitive Counselors   Nora Schofield Nora brings her experience as an intuitive counselor, reader and Reiki Master to Journeys of Life.  She has accomplished much both personally and professionally on her journey by using her 20 years of metaphysical studies. Nora uses her knowledge of Numerology, Tarot and Angelic Guidance in her intuitive sessions. Your reading may include one of these studies or a blend of all three. Nora’s goal is to encourage you to view your life from different aspects; therefore allowing for deeper introspection. Appointments available Sun Feb 22 1:00-4:00 pm   Rev Johanna Sturlini We welcome Rev Johanna and her gifts as a Spiritual Counselor and Medium to Journeys.  Johanna was trained in Mediumship, Prophecy, Psychic, and Healing work at Lily Dale, New York.  She is currently attending Fellowships of the Spirit School of Prophecy and Healing, and will graduate from this well regarded metaphysical school in May.  Johanna has done numerous readings in the Pittsburgh area over the last 3 years. Rev Johanna is available for private appointments beginning Saturday, February 28 1:00 - 5:00 pm Journeys Community Outreach People often think about those in need during the holidays.  Yet,  many in our community  need help long after the festivities are over.  With your help Journeys is able to support  organizations in the community year round. Journeys collects used cell phones to benefit the Womens Center and Shelter.    We also accept donations of shampoo, soap, toothpaste, feminine hygene products and other basic necessities we have so readily available for POWER Womens Halfway House.  Please remember those less fortunate and bring your donations to Journeys.  Together we can make a difference.

February Events Manuscript Reviews Weds  Feb 11   4:00 - 8:00 pm Here is a great opportunity to have your manuscript reviewed by a real publisher, Paul Kelly from St. Lynn press.  Get tips and ideas in this 20 min private appointment.  $30.  Information about sending writing samples sent upon registration. Intuitive Tarot - Lori Crilley Sat Feb 14  1:00 - 5:00pm Love is in the air.  Take a look at what the cards say is coming your way in terms of love and romance.  Lori uses traditional Tarot techniques as well as her intuitive abilities to interpret this age old divination system. Afternoon with Dolphins Sat Feb 14  1:00 - 4:00 pm Deborah Donoghue will be at Journeys showing a film and talking about the dolphins.  Debbie is escorting a group to Bimini for a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with the Dolphins.  Come in and see what these amazing creatures have to offer and learn about the May trip.  Certainly beats the cold we are having in Pittsburgh!  This is a free event. Reiki Level I Training Tues/Thurs Feb 24 & 26 6:30pm  - 9:00 pm Learn the Usui System of Natural Healing (Reiki) with Pittsburgh Reiki Master Deborah Donoghue. Become attuned  to not only a wonderful healing modality, but a loving energy that will help you awaken to a deeper level of awareness. Receive four attunements to open you up to the Reiki energies as well as an additional attunement for the Rainbow Light.  Learn the history of Reiki, the hand positions, uses, how to tap into your hidden senses. 5 hours of classes split between two evenings. Includes workbook. $95 SAVE THE DATES Cyndi Dale, author - teacher Fri Mar 13 -  Illuminating the Afterlife: An Evening of Guided Meditation Sat Mar 14 - Chakra Wisdom Workshop: Leading Edge Techniques from Around the World Dr Ted Cibik Book Signing Sun Mar 15  1:00 - 4:00 Armageddon of the Mind For a detailed listing of all events and workshops please visit our website Calendar page.  New Products Arrive Willow Tree Candle Holders Tibetan Temple Locks Enso Meditation Clock Diversity Sculpture Positively Green Greeting Cards