Debbie D. & the Dolphins

Hello again,

I had talked about Reiki Master Debbie Donoghue in a previous post, and her work with Dolphins. I received a response asking for some images.

Here are a couple of images:



This is a photo from her last trip to Bimini in August of 2008.

This is an image of them swimming with 'the pod'.

You can see more images from Debbie's latest trip and learn about her upcoming trip to

Bimini at her website: http://www.rainbowstarproductions.com/dolphins.htm

Meanwhile I was still thinkin'...

Bimini sunset...

i hope this one works

All I want for Christmas...

My friend Gail sent me this photo.

I love it.

(What? You're surprised that a store called the Open Mind has an owner that supported Barack Hussein Obama? come on, get real)

Merry Christmas?

Damn.
Things are pretty bad this year as far as sales go.
No surprise, huh?

But things are pretty bad for everyone this year and
I think that things are going to get worse before they get better.

So, this could very well be my last Christmas in retail.

I don't know how I ended up in retail anyway.

I hate to shop. I used to be miserable when I would have to shop, especially if I was shopping with a girlfriend / wife/ mother.

Now I see these miserable bastards come into the Open Mind and shoot me dirty looks.

Pretty funny, huh?

I think the Open Mind has brought a lot of light into people's lives, and that has always been, I truly believe, the reason for the store's existence.

But, it's always been rocky, businesswise at the Open Mind, and it all goes back to when we first bought the store.

We were taken.

Yes, hard to believe but when it comes to business, you can't even trust the owner of a spiritual bookstore. It just proves my point that there is only one true god in the US.

Money.

Look at all 'The Secret' bullshit. It was all about getting money and the basic concept of the movie and the book was ripped off from a couple of former Amway salespeople.

Selfish navel gazing gurus with charge cards.

Oh well, nobody reads this anyway.

Sewickley PA
We were just in Sewickley and went on ahorse drawn carriage ride.

mobile blogging why?

Thanksgiving Evening

We have just returned from Thanksgiving at my mother's house.

It was a really wonderful day. My mother (Paulina) is a great cook and the turkey was so tender it melted in my mouth. My sister Paula made some great pies.

My dad (Bill) has not had a good week. A week ago, his brother Vernon passed away and the funeral was just this past Saturday.

My dad is 85 years old and not in great shape.

His brother was probably the person in the world that he was closest to; their father died when my dad was 12 and Vernon was 9. They grew up looking out for each other and then worked together at my dad's lumber business. Uncle Vernon was the sawyer. He was responsible for cutting the logs into boards, blocking or railroad ties. I used to just watch him work; he made it look easy.

So my dad's health is really rocky: bad heart, diabetes, not to mention that he has had his back broken, his elbow shattered, his skull split open (you could see the brain) and been hit by lightening.

And that's just a small sampling.

So I'm feeling very sad for my dad, he's never been very open with his emotions and now he's grieving his brother's death.

As Lisa and I were getting ready to go, I said, "It's been a rough week huh dad?"

He said that it had been a rough week and started to cry.

I hope to get back and see him before Christmas.

But I'm lucky to still have him in my life. He and my mother both.

That's what I'm thankful for...

Blessings

Workshop Cancelled

The Jill Matson / Paul Meidinger workshop sceduled for Saturday, November 22nd has been cancelled.

Superstrong Space Magnets Are Just as Weird as We Thought

Superstrong Space Magnets Are Just as Weird as We Thought. That's the title of an article I just finished reading. It's a great title isn't it? It's almost a song lyric...mmm...

Well, it's been such a slow day at the Open Mind Bookstore and, well, it's gettin' kind of scary. Bidnez is so slow and the future of retail just doesn't look real good right now. (2009 will be the 15th year anniversary for the Open Mind.)

Some people say, "Phil, you're just attracting negativity when you think that way".

But, unfortunately, there are certain realities that we must negotiate as sentient beings. We can't just live in a fantasy world thinking that everything is going to work out. That's how I got in trouble in the first place! (And ironically how I ended up at the Open Mind.)

(pause)

See, I just had a customer. She said that someone stole her sacred sage. She suspects the babysitter who probably thought it was pot! Pretty funny.

So, I've always been a little skeptical about EVERYTHING. It's a terrible way to be in the world. I've learned to live with it by realizing that nothing really matters that much anyway. Only love matters. It's true. Jesus said it. The Beatles said it. I believe it. Don't dare call me a hippie or I'll slug ya, pallie.

But there's this whole law of attraction thing that's been going on with the release of "The Secret". There is nothing new in "The Secret" that hasn't been around for a hundred years. It's just been repackaged in a way that appealed to Middle America. It became about manifesting 'stuff'.

That was the genius of aboriginal author Rhonda Byrne's take on the law of attraction was to rename it. Now she pretty much owns 'The Secret'. That's pretty powerful stuff. And, part of the allure of a secret is that once you know what the secret is, you are in with the 'in' crowd and all your dreams will come true.

But The Law of Attraction stuff that The Secret crap is based on comes out of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and early 20th century writings like 'Think And Grow Rich'. And, it's just about being positive in ones thoughts.

If you've ever been involved with Multi Level Marketing, then you've have experienced this school of thought. And, Esther and Jerry Hicks of Abraham and Law of Attraction fame are former Amway agents. So, are we just being snowed and sold more soap?

So there was no secret to the Secret. The truth is, Rhonda Byrnnne made a lot of money for repackaging stuff that was already out there and selling it to the great unwashed.

We sold a lot of copies of the Secret to people here at the Open Mind.

I just wish I could sell super strong space magnets instead.

>Super Strong Magnets

< >More on Rhondy Brynnnnne<

November / December Message from Debbie Donoghue

Hi Everyone,

Life has been so full of "change" these past few months that staying connected and balanced is not an easy thing to do! As the world economy spiraled out of control and our presidential election polarized the nation, life as we have known it was changing so rapidly that our minds could hardly grasp the events that were taking place. Staying in the moment was next to impossible as we watched the financial market plummet. Emotions were high and volatile. I feel that a shift has taken place that is allowing us an opportunity to continue the understanding that we can create our own world and that through our thoughts, we will shift our reality. All of this takes place through our emotions and that means staying "heart centered". I found that when I would listen to the news or read the paper, I felt a great deal of fear in my chest that created an even greater feeling of confusion and being scattered in my head! Now, when I returned to my heart, feeling and trusting that all is in Divine order, I was clear and calm. This was not easy, but as I held this space of balance and flow through my feelings, life unfolded in amazing ways. Being outside in nature helped me to reconnect with my feelings. So, go for a walk, stand under the stars, take a deep breath in and be grateful for what you have. Through our emotional body we can begin to reconnect with who we are and begin to take the steps necessary to bring change to our own life as well as our nation and the world. These are grand times we are living in and each and every one of us is part of a beautiful tapestry that we are weaving, so start living life as the Creator you truly as we begin living heaven on earth......

In love and service,
Deborah

Dolphin Retreat in Bimini April 26 - May 2 2009
Swimming with the wild Spotted dolphins in Bimini this past August was truly life changing for all who came. When you look into the eye of a dolphin there is such a deep soul connection that you feel such joy and gratitude. Each one of us felt a closer bond with not only the dolphins but with each other as well. Our experience was full of laughter, tears, words, hugs, clear waters, blues sky's, great food, many friendly dolphins and service. The day before we left, we returned to the Bimini Road (Atlantean Stones) to hold a ceremony in the water to help start a recalibration of a vortex in this very special part of the earth.

I am grateful to be returning to Bimini in the spring of 2009. I will once again be offering workshops for Reiki so you can attend either Reiki 1, 2 or Advanced/Master class to receive a teaching and attunement at no additional cost. In the evenings we will get together as a group (if you choose to) outside under the stars for a guided meditation that will bring us into deeper alignment with the energies of Atlantis, the dolphins and our higher selves. This is a time of joy, growth and clearing as we spend five days swimming in the crystal blue waters with the friendly Spotted dolphins.

If you would like to learn more about how you can be a part of this Dolphin Retreat, please visit my website: www.rainbowstarproductions.com To hold your space, please call WildQuest Reservations at 1-800-326-1618 by the end of December. I am going to Atlanta GA in January to present a workshop on "Wild Dolphins and Their Power to Heal" so the Retreat will fill quickly!! I hope you can join me!

Mr. Retail

Years ago I worked in a shop on Pittsburgh's South Side called Pittsburgh Guitars. They sold (and still do) all manner of musical stringed things. This was in the early 1990s when the South Side, fired by the Rusted Root tribe, was evolving into a never ending Grateful Dead environment.

We used to talk about, what else, the girls that came into the shop. The often lovely, always earthy, sirens wearing tattered clothes and smelling of patchouli wandered in to get strings for their acoustic guitars. And, being earth mamas, they really didn't shave their armpits or their legs (which never really bothered me all that much) which Mark found a little bit distressing.

So, as I was want to do in those days, I wrote a song about hanging out at Pittsburgh Guitars called Mr. Retail. I've never recorded it but Hipster Dufus used to perform it. It's a good song based on Bowie's Gene Genie (or is it Jean Jeanie?).

Now, of course, the irony is that I'm Mr. Retail. I'm sitting here at the shop writing on my blog,
but at least I'm writing.

But I am Mr. Retail...

You gotta watch what you put out into the universe!

Philip Harris

http://www.pittsburghguitars.com/

Hallowe'en Psychic Fair Shamanic Healing

Hi,

Shamanic Psychiatrist Dr. Bob Alcorn will be doing individual healing sessions this Saturday. The sessions will last 75 to 90 minutes and the cost is $150. More below. Please call if you're interested.

http://www.dralcorn.us/

Rick DiClemente will be doing the world famous Sun Sign and Relationships workshop on Friday. Cost is only $25 and you get a free mini reading.
Call if you're interested.

The list of readers for the Hallowe'en Spirit Fair at the Rex Theatre this Sunday is included below.

I have not a bit o' wit in me today, so I must borrow from comedian George Gobel:
"Did you ever get the feeling that the world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?"

BlessingsPhilip Harris
The Open Mind Bookstore
412.741.1888

Your Sun Sign and Your Relationships with Rick DiClemente
Friday, October 24th 7-10pm
FREE Mini-reading includedCost: $25

This workshop is geared towards helping you understand your relationships. Why do you mix well with certain signs? Why are some relationships a struggle?
Learn what is at the basis of your behavior and why you do what you do and need what you need. Learn to understand your partner better. Bring your birth time.

Shamanic Healing Techniques: Journeying to the Spirit Realm
Individual Healing SessionsRobert W. Alcorn, M.D. Psychiatrist and Shamanic Practitioner
Saturday October 25th, 2008
Private Sessions Cost: $150 for 90 Minutes
Pre-payment required.

Shamanism is the oldest spiritual practice on the planet. Through shamanic journeying anyone can learn to connect directly with spiritual wisdom for guidance and healing, for themselves, for others and for the world. One of the principles of shamanic healing is the concept that our difficult experiences, traumas, disappointments, etc., diminish us. We survive these hard situations by giving up a part of our souls. The healing process is one of becoming more whole by reconnecting with our own essence, by making our own presence an inviting place for our lost
soul essence to come home to.

Dr. Alcorn is a graduate of Yale College and earned his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University. He is in private practice in the Cleveland area and is the Medical Director of Alternative Paths, Inc. a community mental health center in Medina, Ohio. He has studied shamanic practices through the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, soul retrieval
with Sandra Ingerman, and more recently “Middle World” work with Betsy Bergstrom (various ways to clear negative energies and influences). After more than thirty years experience as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, he is now incorporating shamanic techniques and hands-on energy healing techniques in his work with psychiatric patients.

Halloween Spirit Fest at the Rex Theatre
Sunday, October 26, 2008 From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Join us for a spooky afternoon at the Rex.
Sample different readers, bodyworkers and shop new vendors. Get out your best Halloween Duds and participate in the Costume Contest @ 3 PM

Most Appointments $20 for 20 minutes or as posted with each practitioner.
Appointments will only be made at the Rex the day of the event.
Door Prizes - Musical Entertainment - Artists - Vendors are included with the $5.00 Admission.

Here is an up to date list of particiapnts.
Readers & Intuitive Counselors
Rev Amanda DeShong Medium
Paul Meidinger, Psychic Intuitive
Patricia Mauro, Palm Reader
Pat McGuire, Tarot
Norah Schofield, Numerology Based Intuitive Readings
Lori Crilley, Tarot
Rick DiClemente, Astrology
Simone LaQuatra, Aura Photos ($25)
Isis, Tarot
Monica, Psychic Intuitive ($25)
Michelle Handa, Crystal Castings
Rose, Psychic Intuitive Medium
William LeTourneau, Spirit Paintings

Body Workers & Healers
Alicia Fronczek, Intuitive Energy Massage
Deb Carter, Reflexology
Scott Heineman, Shiatsu & Chair Massage
Brad Silberberg, Amethyst Bio Mat, Tuning Forks & Energy Balancing
Irina Grundler, EMF Balancing
Lisa McCormack, Reiki & Chair Massage

Vendors & Artists
The Vegan Goddess
Enchanted Wings Jewelry, Jennifer Profio
Fairy Laundry, Barbara Ranegar
Dabbler's Creations, Sean Martin

Halloween Spirit Fest at the RexThe Rex Theater 1602 E Carson St, South SideSunday, October 26, 2008 • From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

VEINS: Meet the Author

Hello,

Hey, well, next Wednesday is a red letter day.

(By the way, what is a red letter day: This comes from the practise of
marking the dates of church festivals on calendars in red. I got this from youregoingtohellphil.com)

Ms. Pat McGuire will be returning on that day. Pat has had some rough goings on with her health the last couple of years and then she has to take off work.

And everytime she goes away, she takes a piece of me with her...So Pat will be back!

Yea!!!

And she better bring those pieces back!

And also on Wednesday, October 22nd, you can meet Author Lawrence C. Connolly.
We actually met Lawrence C. Connolly through Pat. How's that for synergy?
Lawrence has written a fiction / fantasy book call Veins.

Here's a blurb about Veins:
Veteran fantasy author Lawrence C. Connolly discusses the spiritual power of the western Pennsylvania landscape as portrayed in his new supernatural thriller Veins. Set in and around the scarred remnants of an abandoned surface mine, Veins features engaging characters and a fast-paced plot that Stoker Award winning author Gary Braunbeck calls "rich,
mesmerizing, and darkly wondrous."

Here's the Veins website

http://www.veinsthenovel.com/

Here's an interview with Lawrence C. Connolly

http://www.mauricebroaddus.com/2008/10/interview-with-lawrence-c-connolly


Friday, our friend Rick DiClemente is doing a workshop called Your Sun Sign and Your Relationships. It's on Friday, October 22nd from 7to 10pm and the cost is $25 whick includes a FREE Mini-reading.

"This workshop is geared towards helping you understand your relationships. Why do you mix well with certain signs?Why are some relationships a struggle?
Learn what is at the basis of your behavior and why you do what you do and need what you need.Learn to understand your partner better.
Bring your birth time."

http://www.starself.com

Next weekend is a red letter weekend. Nah, it's more orange.

We have our Hallowe'en Psychic Fair on Sunday, October 26th at the Rex Theatre
and Psychiatrist and Shamanic Practitioner Robert W. Alcorn, M.D.
will be doing a two day workshop
(Saturday & Sunday, October 25-26),
called
Shamanic Empowerment: Becoming a Whole Person

http://www.dralcorn.us

Shamanism is the oldest spiritual practice on the planet. Through shamanic journeying anyone can learn to connect directly with spiritual wisdom for guidance and healing, for themselves, for others and for the world.One of the principles of shamanic healing is the concept that our difficult experiences, traumas, disappointments, etc., diminish us. We survive these hard situations by giving up a part of our souls. The healing process is one of becoming more whole by reconnecting with our own essence, by making our own presence an inviting place for our lost soul essence to come home to.

In this workshop, new participants will learn from the ground up, and those who have already started can deepen and expand their experience and understanding. We will work together:
O to create a sacred space for our journeying
O to connect to our True Selves, the fullness of who we are
O to remember our soul's purpose for this incarnation to connect with wise and powerful spirit beings who can protect us from negative influences
O to heal and move beyond our old wounds
O to practice self-empowerment in order to manifest the lives we want to create
O to tune into our own source of guidance and learn to channel messages from wise and compassionate spirit beings

Please bring: Drum and/or rattle, if you have one, blanket, bandana or other eye covering, pillow, notebook
Casual clothing: We will be drumming, rattling, chanting, and dancingYour spirit of adventure. No skill is required.
Be prepared to lie on the floor when we journey, space permitting.(You can do it in a chair if necessary.)

Dr. Alcorn is a graduate of Yale College and earned his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University. He is in private practice in the Cleveland area and is the Medical Director of Alternative Paths, Inc. a community mental health center in Medina, Ohio.

He has studied shamanic practices through the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, soul retrieval
with Sandra Ingerman, and more recently “Middle World” work with Betsy Bergstrom (various ways to clear negative energies and influences). After more than thirty years experience as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, he is nowincorporating shamanic techniques and hands-on energy healing techniques in his work with psychiatric patients.

It runs from 9 to 5 and you can sign up for it online on our web page.

Labor Day Weekend

Well, it's Saturday afternoon at the Open Mind and the day has been rather busy, which is great as it makes the day go faster.

After we close at 6, I'm off to set up for the big Salsa dance this evening in Sewickley. As Chamber of Commerce president, I get all the glamourous jobs!

I am lucky though to have such help and cooperation from the Borough of Sewickley, especially from Howard who works for the Borough and is a member of Cochran Volunteer Fire Department. Howard brings the tables and chairs and he's even bringing a gigantic cooler full of ice for us to put drinks in.
And it looks like the weather will be beautiful.

Tomorrow, we (Lisa McCormack and son Joseph who just turned 6) are planning to go the Stoneboro Fair and check out the livestock. (ha ha) I wanted to take them on Friday to see the Demolition Derby but we would have had to leave at 6 PM and that just wasn't in the cards.

I am really looking forward to getting a cup of coffee before the big dance starts. It's the simple things in life that make it livable.

Sale Continues September Events

Hi,

I justed wanted to let you know that our Big Percentage off sale continues at the Open Mind thru Saturday, September 30th!

The more you spend the more you save.

If you spend $25, you get 5% Off.

If you spend $50, you get 10% Off.

If you spend $75, you get 20% Off.

If you spend $100 you get 25% Off!!!


And here is what is coming up in September:

# Wednesday Night Healing Circle every Wednesday 7 PM

# Transformational Breath™ Pat & Dave Krajovik- Friday, Sept 5th 7 PM

# Intuitive Energy Massage with Alicia Fronczek Saturday, Sept 6th

# Personality Compass FREE Intro with Rebecca Fishel and Ken Bright Thursday, Sept 11 7PM

# Transformative Chant/Ecstatic Drumming with Jim Donovan Friday, Sept 19 7PM

# Soul Coaching with Fawn Chang Saturday, Sept 20th 10:30 AM

# Reflexology Course Level 1 with Patricia Mauro Tuesdays, Sept 23rd - Nov 25th

# Learn More About Your Natal Chart with Rick DiClemente Friday, Sept 26 7 PM

# Personality Compass Workshop with Rebecca Fishel and Ken Bright Saturday, Sept 27th 1-3 PM

# Messages From the Other Side with Carole J. Obley Saturday, Sept 27th 7PM

# Rainbow Star Reiki Level 1 with Debbie Donoghue Sunday, Sept 28th 10 AM

There is more information about these classes our our web page:

http://theopenmind.com/classes_events/2008/september08.htm

AND there is something else.

You can sign up and pay for the Tranformational Breath Class, Transformative Chant/Ecstatic Drumming with Jim Donovan, Messages From the Other Side with Carole J. Obley and Rainbow Star Reiki Level 1 with Debbie Donoghue online!

Paypal is probably the safest way to pay online. And now, you don't have to have a Paypal account: you can use any credit card.

So when you're ready to sign up, you don't have to call us, just a few clicks and you will be registered.

Cool, huh!?

Thanks,
Philip Harris
The Open Mind Bookstore
4112.741.1888

This Gemstone Class Rocks

Hi,

Patricia Mauro will be doing a Gemstone class this Friday night @ 7 PM. It will focus on the 'essential' gemstones that everyone should be familiar with.

Saturday, Author Judy Julin will be here to talk about her book, Romancing the Future. http://www.cosmikids.org/ More details below.

There are still a couple of openings for Debbie Donoghue's Reiki 1 Class next Tuesday and Thursday. More details below.

On June 21st, our friend Jim Donovan will be doing a Solstice Celebration at Lotus Heart Rising. Lotus Heart Rising is at 130 Willow Ridge Road in Sewickley right beside the Zen Center. Cindy and Bob, who run Three Rivers Yoga in Coraopolis are hosting this event at Lotus Heart Rising. I'm planning to go and I thought this could be a great community event.

http://www.threeriversyoga.com/workshopsevents_detail.aspx?eventId=85

Stones & Gemstones with Patricia Mauro
Friday, June 13th 7 PM
Cost: $25

Learn more about the metaphysical qualities of stones and gemstones with our resident expert Patricia Mauro.

Judy Julin - Author "Romancing the Future"
Saturday, June 14th
1-3 PM

"Romancing the Future is a magnificent bounty of rich stories and exquisite outcomes as seen through the eyes of Julin, a woman who has lived the adventure and experienced true success."
-Dr Pat Baccili, Host of the Dr. Pat Show – Talk Radio to Thrive By.

Rarely does life produce characters such as Judy Julin- a glorious risk taker in all of life’s arenas. In Romancing the Future (Findhorn Press/June 2008/$15.95), Julin candidly reveals how she transformed herself from a young, uncertain woman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into an ‘out of the box’ entrepreneur at the forefront of a new paradigm business model based on spiritual principles. She is both a genuine student of life and an incredible teacher sharing her valuable wisdom to encourage others to dare their destiny into being.

Julin’s life story is the stuff of movies and she writes a fascinating page-turner filled with dramatic twists and great characters while never forgetting her ultimate goal – to motivate others to take up the challenge of their dreams. Her story is genuinely touching and often hilarious. She describes the ‘madness’ of her spontaneous spiritual awakening, her sojourn in a psychiatric ward, marriage, bankruptcy, divorce and her arrival in Hollywood. Along the way, she meets great spiritual teachers, fraudsters and inspired partners; she has wonderful ups and incredible downs; but throughout continues to hold on to an unwavering belief in both her dream and her destiny.

Filled with inspirational stories the book essentially stirs readers into action. Julin describes how she embraced her life’s purpose – to create a revolutionary enrichment program and imaginative play space for children. Despite the difficulties she encounters, Julin emerges as a powerful creator, manifesting, as if from nowhere, the financial wherewithal to embark on bringing her dream to life.

Anyone faced with life’s challenges can identify with Julin; she is adorably real. She effectively shares her life as a spiritual quest making her book a welcome inspiration and indispensable guide for anyone seeking support on how to bring their dreams and goals into reality. Romancing the Future is Julin’s love letter to what is possible.

BIOGRAPHY
Judy Julin is the founder and CEO of CosmiKids and has been active in various aspects of children’s wellness since 1982. Her innovative and imaginative enrichment program has led to a variety of other ventures including Inspired Parenting magazine. She is featured alongside Olivia Newton-John in Deepak Chopra’s DVD series ‘The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success’.

RAINBOW STAR REIKI LEVEL I with Deborah Donoghue
Tuesday, June 17th & Thursday, June 19th
From 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $95 - pre-registration required

Learn the Usui System of Natural Healing (Reiki) and 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 learn the history of Reiki, the hand positions, uses, how to tap into your hidden senses and also receive a 70 page workbook with an abundance of information on Reiki.

Deborah has been practicing Reiki since 1995 and teaching in the Pittsburgh area since 1999. She has attuned hundreds of students from not only Pittsburgh, but Ohio, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Alaska. Those who have experienced Deborah’s teachings find her extremely informative and caring. She offers continued support to all of her students after class, allowing them to become more comfortable with their healing abilities that can be used on themselves and others.