Art show and huge sale at The Cool Store on Saturday, December 5th. Come one, come all!

This is a free event, and open to the whole family. This is the store’s second art show. Come see artwork, handmade jewelry, and much more from local artists. Come early and enjoy some free refreshments.

For more information, please call the store at (256)593-1311.

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This has disturbed me beyond words to comment on it myself right now. Please take the time to read the following article that was pointed out to me by a friend:

—–

Wal-Mart bans gay couple for NOT shoplifting

• Author: Timothy Kincaid
• Date: November 7, 2009
• Source: http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2009/11/07/16449

Not every confrontation that a gay person experiences in their life is based on their orientation. But sometimes it is very difficult to see any other possible explanation.

Take the experience that Joe Paolucci, Thomas Hitchcock, and their special need twins had recently with Wal-Mart.

Employees at the Niles, MI Wal-Mart store accused Paolucci of shoplifting some Bic lighters. Although he produced the receipt, they refused to back down, insisting that the two men go to a “detention room”. The employees, using vulgarities and hostility, frightened their special needs kids. (South Bend Tribune)

Paolucci said that while he and Hitchcock were attempting to calm down the boys, the employees ordered them to enter a “detention room” for questioning. Fearful of what might happen behind closed doors, he and Hitchcock refused to enter and asked to speak to a manager.

“Some guy came up and said, ‘I’m the manager,’ then turned around and left,” Hitchcock said.

Paolucci said he and Hitchcock then asked store personnel to call police. Within minutes, deputies from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department’s Niles Township Patrol arrived, pleasing Paolucci who said he thought a few questions and a review of the store’s videotapes and computer records would quickly resolve the matter.

He said he was shocked when he was immediately handcuffed, without a question being asked, and placed in the back seat of a squad car. Hitchcock wasn’t handcuffed but also was placed in the back seat of a second squad car.

The twins, despite the protests of Paolucci and Hitchcock, were turned over to the store’s security personnel, who took them into the “detention room” or what police referred to as a security room.

A review of the security tapes proved that Paolucci and Hitchcock had done no wrong. So the store management profusely apologized and expressed their remose, right? No. They did not.

The two said they expected an apology and were surprised once again when personnel from the store walked up to the squad cars with the twins and read from a statement that Paolucci and Hitchcock had been banned by the store chain for life. Rather than shoplifting, the reason they were given was “being uncooperative.”

By the time they were read the statement, Paolucci and Hitchcock said, the twins had told them that the security staff had allegedly threatened them in the security room and had made disparaging remarks about Paolucci and Hitchcock’s lifestyle. Paolucci and Hitchcock said they asked police to take statements from the boys but the officers refused, telling the couple they’d have to contact Child Protective Services.

Wal-Mart even refused to replace frozen items that had now thawed due to their unprovoked misuse of their customers. Nor did the situation end at the harassment of the couple at the store.

Paolucci said the boys have suffered a type of post-traumatic stress disorder since the experience. Both wet their beds, although one has stopped, and both have had nightmares about one security employee in particular, he said.

“They’re terrified, horrified. We’ve had to change their medication twice,” he said.

And what does Wal-Mart corporate have to say?

Paolucci and Hitchcock e-mailed The Tribune a copy of a letter from a law firm representing Wal-Mart seeking 10 times the retail price of the items the store still claims were shoplifted by Paolucci. The letter states the matter will be dropped if Paolucci submits the $158.40 payment.

Now this is not the first time that Wal-Mart has been perceived as hostile to gay Americans. In 2007, HRC advised against giving our business to Wal-Mart, and just in April of this year, the CEO signed his name to a petition to ban gay couples from adopting.

Wal-Mart doesn’t care about my opinion. And there’s little I can do to impact their decision to treat gay customers with hostility.

But perhaps there are those, even in Niles, MI, who will decide that this situation is just one too many. That they cannot give their custom to bad neighbors. That it may be worth an extra nickle and a further drive to frequent the stores that do not abuse customers solely because they “disapprove of their lifestyle” and who admit it and apologize when they are wrong.

All I can do is spread the word.

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We a had a great Samhain last night at the store.  Thirteen of us honored our lost loved ones and our ancestors.    I would like to thank everyone for coming.

Happy  Samhain everyone.

L

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Ted Andrews  Passes

It is my understanding that Ted Andrews passed away after a battle with cancer on October 24th.  My heartfelt prayers go out to his family.  Ted’s books have been an inspiration for many.  I have read several of his books and I admired his honesty and humility.  I met Ted one time for a small conversation.  He seemed like a very down to earth man and I know he will surely be missed in the pagans-are-nature-oriented/">pagan and non pagans-are-nature-oriented/">pagan communities.
L

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The first Wednesday in November, Carla and Kelley’s paranormal group are meeting. This will be a post meeting before the groups conference in Gadsen that Saturday.

Their group is friendly and welcoming.  I hope to see all you ghost hunters there.

Patti and I will be setting up a booth at the event on Saturday Nov. 7th.  I believe that Art and Sarah are going to be there.  It should be a great time!!

L

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Hey Guys,

Next Friday night we are having a public Samhain ritual at the Cool Store.  Let me know who plans to come.  I know of a few right now that plan to be there.

Bring pictures of friends, family and pets that have passed over.  Bring food.  We will have a feast after ritual.

I look forward to seeing everyone.

L

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Candle Wax Divination

Ceromancy or How To practice divination With Wax

To divine or to look to the future by a candle’s flame is covered quite adequately in This little poem from an unknown poet:

Touch a light to the little wick,

Watch it burn to the candlestick.

Study with care the little blaze;

Fortunes are told in its tiny rays.

If an unseen power makes it weak and low,

For you it foretells a tale of woe.

If that same power makes a blaze bright and healthy,

You’ll be happy and wise, be good and wealthy.

For those who wish to pursue ceromancy, which is divination from forms

produced by dropping melted wax in water, it is simple enough for

anyone to try. Divination may make the future known.  This is a future that may be but is not a future that is rigid or unchangeable.  The information gleamed may be used to help your life or guide you down a given path.

Use any color candle, though the darker hues will show up best. It takes only a bit of imagination on the part of the magician to “see” the images which emerge from a bit of hot wax allowed to drop into a bowl of cold water.

AEROPLANE - A trip of a disappointment

ANCHOR - Your loved one is true

BABY - Troubles are coming

BALL or BALLOON - Your problem will not last very long

BEANS - Money difficulties

BED - A vacation would be good for you

BELLS - A wedding

BIRD - News will reach you soon

BRIDGE - Take a chance

BROOM - Make a change

CANDLE - Spiritual growth

CAT - A friend is untrue

CHAIN - Go ahead with your plans

CIRCLE - Reconciliation

CLOUD - Something or someone threatens you

CROSS - Do not fear for you are protected

CROWN - Sickness

CUP - Bitter quarrel with a friend

DOG - Your self-esteem is too low

EAR - Be alert for an opportunity to advance in your work

EGG - New developments soon

FAN - A surprise is in store for you

FEATHER - The problem will be solved

FISH - Someone will betray you

GHOST - Someone from the past is looking for you

GRASS - Good fortune is approaching

HAT - A change of location is indicated

HEART - A friendship will turn into love

HOUSE - Better times are coming

KEY - A setback in plans should be expected

KITE - Your wish will come to naught

LADDER - Take steps to change your attitude toward an old friend

LEAF or LEAVES - Things will be changing soon

LION - An unpleasant situation is developing

MOON - Indicates more money

MOUNTAIN - Good friends are willing to help you

PANTS - You will be tempted

PEN - Expect a letter from a relative

PIN - Your lover may be attracted to another

PIPE - Peace and comfort

RING - Marriage may be possible in the near future

SCISSORS - Separation

SHOE - Be suspicious of a new acquaintance

SNAKE - Be on guard against an enemy

SPIDER WEB - Pleasant happenings

STAR - Happiness

SUN - Good fortune

TABLE - An abundance of blessings

TREE - A good time for new undertakings

UMBRELLA - Trouble is coming

WALKING STICK - Get out of the house and Look for visit friends

WHEEL - One who has been away will return soon

WITCH - Danger will pass you by

WORM - Business troubles ahead if you are not careful

This is a small list that should grow as your skills grow.  The meanings on this list are not written in stone.  This list is to help you get started. Refer to dream books, magical books, Shaman books, books about totems etc… to find the meanings behind other symbols. Study and research will help your skills grow substantially. Meditate on the symbols that you have seen and this may bring more awareness of what the symbol may mean to you.

With practice your skills will improve. The secret is “Don’t give up, practice, practice, Practice!!!”

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I want to thank everyone for the great participation we have had at the public events.  Sarah’s study group is going great.  Participation is amazing.  We keep seeing more and more new people.

Drum circle has been intense and healing for folks.  There is nothing like losing yourself in the healing beat of the drum.

You are the community.  With this economy we never know what our future will bring at the store.  Times are tough.  Take advantage while you can.  We need the support.

Today is the 5th Wednesday.  We have no classes scheduled for tonight.  Next Wednesday will be Angela’s last God class for a while. Don’t miss it!
L

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Tomorrow Night is our Study Group. Sarah will be here and we are discussing
quarter calling and the 4 directions.

Do a little research everyone and come get involved.

L

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LODESTONE MONEY (OR OBJECT) DRAWING SPELL

The following hoodoo lodestone spell can be used for drawing
anything you want, whether it is money, romance, sex, marriage, a
new car, business success, a child, a job, the return of a lost
lover, or you-name-it.

You need one large lodestone, a china plate, a packet of magnetic
sand, some sort of drawing oil, and a piece of paper torn from a
brown grocery sack. Write your wish on the paper, being as specific
as possible about your wants, and sign it with your name. Get a
picture of what you desire (a drawing, a photograph, or even an
advertisement torn from a magazine). If your desire is for more
money, use a dollar bill as your “picture” and add it to your
written wish.

Anoint the four corners of the wishing paper and the picture or
money, either with a general drawing oil such as Attraction Oil,
Fast Luck Oil, or Lodestone Oil, or with a specific condition-
drawing oil for your particular purpose, such as Love Me Oil, Come
To Me Oil, Follow Me Boy Oil, Lavender Love Drops, Money Drawing
OIl, or Reconciliation Oil.

Place the wishing paper and the picture or money on the plate and
set the lodestone on top. Pray over the lodestone, stating your wish
clearly, and then feed the lodestone with a pinch of magnetic sand.
The idea is to get the lodestone to understand your wish and to work
on your behalf, drawing the desire toward you. When you have
finished praying, put the plate and everything on it away where no
one will see it, perhaps under your bed or in a drawer.

Every day take out the plate with the lodestone and papers, pray
over it, and feed the lodestone with magnetic sand, stating your
wish clearly. When your wish comes true, thank the lodestone
respectfully and bury it in your yard with its magnetic sand and all
the papers, still on the plate.
lucky mojo.com

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Cord Magick
by Estelle Daniels

One magical art that is not widely used is that of cord magic. Cords
or ribbons of various colors are braided together while
concentrating on a desired end. Then the cord is consecrated,
blessed, and worn.

Many magical traditions use cords of various colors to designate
attainment of degrees. This varies by tradition and region.

WAYS TO USE CORD MAGICK

Cord magick is widely adaptable. One very basic use is for
protection. A cord can be made with the intent to protect the wearer
from harm by psychic or magickal energies. Then, when worn, the cord
protects from specific types of harm as the need arises. One
caution: these protective cords should only be used when needed, not
casually worn day in and day out. They work well when sleeping in an
unfamiliar place, or visiting somewhere the wearer is uncertain
about.

Another use for cords can be to help performance on the job. Weave
them with the intent that you will do your job better, be more
professional, make fewer mistakes, make a good impression on others,
etc., then wear them under your clothes to work. You could wear them
every day (taking them off after work), or maybe only on Monday, or
the toughest day of your week. Eventually you will no longer need
them, as you will have internalized the message.

Cord magic adapts well to helping others who may not use magick
themselves. You weave the intent into the cords, and the person
wears them knowing what spell you used and what the desired outcome
is. You cannot give a person a cord and expect it to work without
their knowledge and cooperation. The person wearing the cord must
know what it is about and be a willing participant in the magickal
intent.
Some people use cords to invoke certain gods or goddess energies. As
deity has many aspects, you can use cords to symbolize a certain
aspect of deity, and when woven with that in mind the cord acts as a
link to that manifestation. These can also be used to invoke
protection as aid from that particular god-form when worn.
A cord can also be used as a portable magickal circle. Weave the
cord inside the circle with the intent of producing the circle when
worn. Then all you need to do is put the cord on, and you are in
that circle. This works well when you are in a place you cannot cast
a full circle, or you need a circle but lack the time or equipment
necessary. This type of cord needs to be recharged every so often to
retain its potency and effectiveness.

BUYING AND PREPARING CORD MATERIALS

The materials used for a cord vary. I like the round silk cord
(called rattail, mousetail, bugtail or other names), dyed various
colors, and usually available by the yard or foot at craft, yarn, or
fabric stores. It comes in varying widths and many colors. It braids
easily, and looks nice when finished. Yarn can also be used. Thicker
yarn is better as it stands up to wear, and wool is best. Natural
fibers work best in cords. Colored ribbons can also be used, found
in decorating stores for trim (not the ribbon used for decorating
packages. Often they can be bought by the spool for a good price.

Use a new piece of cord, string or twine, or a piece which has been
specifically set a aside specifically for a magical purpose. Avoid
plastic or synthetic based products, if possible. Use a length ideal
for the task. If it is to be put in a neck pouch a 3 foot piece of
cord will be a bit impractical, yet if it is to be worn as a girdle
a 1 inch piece is hardly likely to fit.

The colour of the cord may reflect the form of magic required.
Otherwise a natural or neutral colour will service.
The spell should be performed alone and working by moonlight or
candle light. But you can use an appropriate hour of the day as the
situations demands.
Incense can also be burned to assist in creating the right
atmosphere and to ’seal’ the cord, if you wish.

When planning for a specific cord, I go and buy the materials,
usually all at once. It’s easier to braid if you use the same
material throughout, all silk or wool yarn, or ribbons. If the
materials are bought in lengths, I measure the length desired. The
standard is three yards (nine feet) per strand. Longer lengths
become difficult to work with, and shorter lengths make a less
adaptable cord (unless you plan on placing the cord in a pouch or
your pocket). When I get it all home, I coat the ends with melted
wax (usually by running them into the melted at the base of a
lighted candle) to seal the ends and prevent fraying. If you stick
the cords in below the flame you can get the ends waxed and not burn
the cord at all. After the wax hardens, I either start the braiding
or I put the materials away until the time I have chosen to work on
the cords.

BRAIDING THE CORD

Get very clear in your mind what is being sought or wished for or
the intent of the spell your are about to performed. Concentrate on
this image or thought, banish all other images and thoughts from
your mind.

When braiding, a tighter weave will make a shorter cord. A more
elaborate weave will also probably end up shorter if you start with
the same length cord. The more strands used and the thicker strands
used, generally the shorter the finished cord will be. You can
secure the cord with a ring (it loops through to tie more easily
with a ring), or you can just know the ends together and braid if
you don’t want to use any metal.

When braiding, I place enough time to finish the cord in one
session. A simple three-strand braid can take twenty to forty
minutes. With a seven or more strand braid it can take hours. As I
braid, I recite the reasons for making this cord, perhaps making a
rhyme or chant. I vary the words, using more than one rhyme or
chant. I visualize the outcome desired; not how the outcome will
happen, but just the end desired. If making the cord for another, I
talk about the person and why this cord is being made and what I
want it to do.

Once finished, I bless and consecrate the cord, then put it away
until it is to be used. Cords make nice respositories for portable
spells, and travel easily. You can wear them under your clothes or
even as a belt, and they will do what you want, and be unobtrusive.
You can carry them in a purse or pocket, ready to use when needed.
Placed under a pillow, they offer protection at night while sleeping.
Cord magick is simple and effective, and adapts well to many
purposes.

KNOT MAGICK
Pass the card through the candle flame or incense smoke, back and
forth whilst you whisper the words of your spell and to cleanse and
seal the cord to it’s task.

Then begin to tie the knots whilst repeating the ’spell of the cord’
(see later in text).

It is best to tie the knots as follows, starting from the middle
—–2—-8—-4—-6—-1—-7—-5—-9—-3—-

Items can be tied into the knots as you go to strengthen the spell,
such as hair, resins, wood, etc.

Spell of the Cord

By the knot of one The spells began
By the knot of two It will come true
By the knot of three So shall it be
By the knot of four It is strengthened more
By the knot of five So may it thrive
By the knot of six This spell is fixed
By the knot of seven Be it powered by the heavens
By the knot of eight Guide the hand of fate
By the knot of nine The thing is mine

Once completed, pass the knotted cord through the incense or candle
flame again. Then extinguish the candle and incense and go to bed.
Put the cord in a pre-prepared place or if for personal empowerment,
under your pillow.
Carry the knotted cord with you as a talisman, keeping it hidden
from sight if necessary. Or dispose of as appropriate to the spell
Do not tell any one of the spell working, if you must only those you
can trust and only if you really need to.
Above all else believe in what you are doing and it will work.

This is only a skeleton of the magic - one can invoke God or Goddess
forms, animals or guide spirits to assist in the magic being worked,
as you feel comfortable or appropriate with.
Also this is not ’safe magic’ for it does not come with a “and harm
none” clause. Cord magic is what I call grey magic, you can use it
to give yourself confidence or to curse another and bind them to ill
fortune, which ever you do and however you use the magic is your own
responsibility and you will take the full consequences of the magic
you cast, be that good or bad consequences
Only you and your karmic conscious are the guardians of application
of this form of magic.

CORD COLOURS AND PROPERTIES

WHITE:- PURITY, INNOCENCE, WORK FOR CHILDREN.

BLACK:- RESTRICTION, BINDING, LIMITATION.

GOLD/YELLOW:- SOLAR MAGIC, SUN GOD.

SILVER:- MOON MAGIC, MOON GODDESS.

RED:- VIGOUR, ORGANIC HEALING, MARS, MALE.

ORANGE:- INTELLECT, COMMUNICATION, TRAVEL.

GREEN:- NATURE, EMOTION, WATER INSTINCT, INTUITION.

BLUE:- AIR, FUNCTIONAL, HEALING, JUSTICE, ORGANISATION,
ADDMINISTRATION, FEMALE.

VIOLET:- ASTRAL PLANE, SPIRIT.

BROWN:- EARTH.

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I want to thank Nita for a wonderful class last last night. We had around 12 people here.

We did several numerology exercises and learned much about ourselves.

I have read about numerology and have done some myself but as always I went in as a skeptic.  The numbers I came up with nailed me and my personality. I was impressed.

Remember everyone, we have something every weds night except the 5th Weds.  They are all gifts back to the community.  The only thing we ask is store support.  It is hard keeping the doors open through these economic times.

Next Weds Sarah leads a study group.  We are discussing casting circle and the four quarters.  Let’s all study and come and learn.  Be there or be square.

L

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I have really sucked for a while when it comes to updateing the blog.  Thank the Gods for my friend Alexandria for posting on the store blog.  I am going to try and do better. We’ll see.

As far as community goes, the store is doing great.  We are planning a public Samhain ritual on the 30th of October.  I hope to see some faces there.

As far as sales goes, we are struggling like most of the retailers in this area.  Who knows what will happen?  I sure don’t.  Thank the Gods for our internet business.  If it was not for internet sales I would have probably had to of closed the doors. Times are tough.  Very few jobs and new lay offs all the time.

Tomorrow we have a numerology class at the store.  As with most things we do at the store, this is a gift back to the community and there will be no charge.

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We’re Not Like Other Families

Author: RedBeanSidhe
Posted: July 5th. 2009

Source: http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usky&c=parent&id=13404

Have you ever found yourself saying this to your kids? “We’re not like most other families. We’re different.” How do you feel when you say those words?

I know how I felt having to say that to my kids. My heart sank when I heard the words roll out of my mouth. I felt like I was setting my kids up for a harder life. I felt as if I was alone in a large uncaring society, and leading my kids to learn to feel the same way as I did when those words came out of my mouth.

I debated for a long time over it. Even made up ‘pro and con lists’ in my head just to try and figure out what, if anything, I was doing wrong.

I am a pagans-are-nature-oriented/">pagan mother of seven boys. Then to top that off I have an extended large family. I still have yet to find another large pagans-are-nature-oriented/">pagan family such as ours. AND… I home school. I am happy homeschooling, and I believe my kids are too, but sometimes looking at everything I am shocked at what a large load I have put on my kids. It is a lot to take in if you were not the one experiencing it. Could you imagine?

So after all the worrying and debating I asked my oldest, “How does it feel to be different?”

Then this 12-year-old son of mine answered me the way only a kid could.

“What do you mean different? I don’t feel any different. I feel like myself.”

I smiled and then felt put in my place. We’re not really different. When I asked him how he felt about our family, he said, “Well, our family is extraordinary.”

Overall, when you really get down to thinking about things, and how some things might appear to be different, just put things into perspective. Perhaps you aren’t all that different. Maybe it’s just the way you think about things. The ‘burden’ I thought I was giving my kids was actually just my desire for them to have an open mind and a different perspective on how our family exists.

See, I think my perspective comes from how I was raised. I was raised very Christian. I was in the church nursery as a baby. My mom was the Sunday school teacher when I got older. I knew the Bible, and it was a contest between the preacher’s son and me as to who knew all the answers in class.

We had weekly dinners with the preacher and his family. I went to youth service on Wednesdays, as I got older. I had a lot of questions though, and as my mom said, good Christians don’t have questions. they just have faith. So I knew I had problems because I couldn’t stop asking questions.

I wasn’t a good Christian. I couldn’t just believe. I had too many conflicts. I tried to talk to my mom, and I told her I didn’t like having a God I was afraid of. I explained that it’s not right when you fear God.

In response, I was told, you should fear God. It makes you a better Christian to know you will be punished if you don’t accept him and Jesus.

I just couldn’t win. I tried to talk to the preacher, who told me my mom could explain things to me. And when I talked to my mom, I got no answers.

I swore that growing up my children would not have to face the things I did. I found Paganism when I was younger.

I told my mom, “Those people who were hugging the tree looked so happy”.

My mom said, “They should be. They are all going to hell.”

I said, “Well, if all the people at our church are going to heaven, why are they all so sad?”

She replied. “Life is hard. There is nothing easy about it.”

I got books and read in private, figuring out my religion. When we had children we agreed that they would be able to pick their religion and they would be educated.

When my 12-year-old son had done some research and told me he chose Paganism, I must admit, my heart skipped a beat. But what he doesn’t know, he wasn’t raised to know, are the hardships involved. It’s both a blessing and a curse for him.

I have explained the secrets he will have to keep from his grandma. Some people won’t agree with his choice and he will have to either keep his faith secret or deal with this.

Overall though, still he doesn’t see us as different. It’s a wonderful thing that he doesn’t take to heart all the hardships. He doesn’t see us as different because he was not raised to see anyone differently. I figured by his age these things would have come into perspective for him, but they haven’t.

What a wonderful experience, not being different! Having a large family, and being pagans-are-nature-oriented/">Pagan is just natural for my child. Maybe for other children of mine too, someday. I believe some will be Christian, some will be pagans-are-nature-oriented/">pagan, and maybe some will venture beyond these boundaries and dive headfirst into their own religious freedom to choose something totally different.

I will take them to the local Hindu temple. They go to church on occasion. We have been to two local Universal Unitarian churches. In the words, being ‘different’ is good because everyone is ‘different’. If we were all the same, the world would just be boring.

It’s true. Everyone is different. It’s just something we deal with throughout life. Maybe it’s not such a horrible thing to be ‘different’ and some of our children don’t even think we’re ‘different’ at all. It really puts things into perspective to believe that any religion, sincerely held and practiced, is just fine.

If you are not taught to believe that ‘different’ religions are bad, then they aren’t.

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The Cool Store / The Sacred Paths is pleased to announce its first community art show.

This art show will feature work from local artists, including drawings, paintings, handmade jewelry, homemade bath salts, unique gifts, and much more!

Saturday, May 16th from 10 AM to 7 PM.

The Cool Store is located at 10565 AL Hwy 168, Boaz, Alabama 35957.

For more information, please call 256-593-1311 and ask for Patti.

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