Appearances

Lapeer, MI
This weekend, Saturday June 4 in Lapeer MI 10a.m. to 5p.m. at the Lapeer Center
Building...Customer Appreciation Day....admission $5 and 3 readings for only $20!!!!
Come early! We will have about 8-10 readers. Pay at the front door and you will be given tickets for 3 readers of your choice. Specials on jewelry, books and deep discounts on end of the fair season sales. See my website calendar for directions.

Port Huron, MI
The following week June 11 at the Port Huron Comfort Inn is a regular summer fair. $5 admission and readings for $10. Print this page off and save $1 off admission at the Port Huron Fair only for June 11th. 10a.m. to 5p.m. ONE DAY EVENT!!!!

Midland, MI
Midland Holiday Inn 10a.m. to 5p.m. Saturday June 18 - Customer Appreciation Day same as Lapeer specials listed above.

Thanks!!!!!

Maria speaks at the Women's Expo at the Ponchatrain Center in Kenner, LA.		Maria reads for Edward Walker, the popular designer on the hit TV series Trading Spaces! She tells him "all good things, of course!"

Special thanks to all of the folks in New Orleans who stopped by our booth at the Women's Expo or came by for my one of my lectures. It was nice to see old faces and meet new people too! Wasn't Edward Walker from Tradin' Spaces wonderful?! I went to dinner with him on Saturday night and his fans went crazy when they saw him in the French Quarter! He was so gracious, taking time to pose for photos, etc. Special thanks to Denise, Aimee Buckle and Paulette who helped with my booth at the Expo as well as Tammy from Vacations at Sea, who is organizing our annual Conscious Living Cruise out of NoLA December 4th - 11th. See website for more details.

Also, I really enjoyed my time in Minneapolis/St. Paul the week prior, visiting and meeting with clients. I stopped by my publisher's office for meetings about the late summer release of my new book "Soul Mates and Hot Dates" (August) and to brainstorm some new book ideas. I can't share details but we have some great things in the works. While I was there I met a lot of the staff. One woman I had never met before also has a book coming out. She gave me an advanced proof and I honestly could not put it down. Her name is Annie Wilder and look for her book out this fall about her Haunted House. I may even have copies to sell at our fairs. I am hoping Annie can join us as a speaker on the cruise this December. That would be so cool to have her share her experiences.

Summer Vacation Ideas for All Sun Signs
Date: 2005-05-23 By: Maria Shaw

Time is precious and you may only have one week of it to use for vacation. Do you spend that time hanging around the house or enjoying an exotic getaway? Every year millions of people have an important choice to make: where to spend their vacation. You want to make sure you'll have a wonderful vacation, no matter your destination!

So what can you do (besides surfing the Internet, calling a travel agent or revisiting old stomping grounds) to find the best vacation that suits your needs? Consult an astrologer! Many of the answers you seek regarding the perfect vacation for you are found in your birth chart. Each zodiac sign has different preferences: likes and dislikes. Your chart will show what type of hobbies and recreational activities you'd enjoy. Did you know that each city, town, state and village has a birthday too? Whatever day they were incorporated is their birthday. If a city's birthday is April 2 and you are an Aries, it's likely you will feel very much "connected" and comfortable in that particular city. Likewise, if you are an Aries and your opposite sign is Libra, you may not enjoy a Libra-ruled town as much. So do some research before you buy your next airline ticket. For now, here's a few vacation suggestions based on each of the twelve sun signs.

Aries - You are a fire sign who needs a list of things to see and do to hold your interest. You'd enjoy a city that has a lot to offer: gambling, shows, nice restaurants, shopping, etc. You won't be bored in New York City, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas or Chicago. You like to try new things and are most happy to visit sites you've never seen before. It's important that the city you visit doesn't roll their streets up by 7p.m. A busy night life is crucial, as you prefer to stay up late, and sleep in late too.

Taurus - You are an earth sign and being "one" with nature appeals to you. You like to get away from the bustling work place, relax, and enjoy being lazy! How wonderful it would be to lay on a beach for few days, soaking up the sun with a cool drink in one hand and a TV remote in another. Camping in the Smoky Mountains would be perfect! A trip out West to the Grand Canyon would be ideal as you appreciate the beauty nature has to offer. Make sure that wherever you go, you can indulge in wonderful, hearty meals, as you are a connoisseur of good food. For some Taurus, a trip to wine country in California may also be a pleasant experience.

Gemini - Your short attention span means you get bored very easily so any vacation you plan needs to have a little bit of a lot of things. Being born under the sign of the Twin, you probably like to do "two" things at once or stop at different places during your trip. Sunny California has a lot to offer because of its short distance between some amazing cities. Take Los Angeles for instance. You could visit L.A. and then head over to Hollywood, from there to Beverly Hills and then perhaps the Santa Monica pier. A kid at heart, Disneyland would be a fun vacation for you too. You love people-watching, and you should look for opportunities to do just that when traveling. Also, opt for places that can teach you new things. You're ruled by the planet mercury and will enjoy museums, tours, and places of historical significance. Cities well-known for concerts, plays and comedy clubs are great choices to consider too.

Cancer - Being a water sign, you feel at home near lakes and oceanfront properties. A beach resort may be a good idea for you. Because you are a sensitive, sentimental person, you must feel an emotional connection to places you travel or you won't return for future visits. Older towns, rich with history, that boast of quaint Victorian villages or southern cities like Savannah and Charleston may interest you. It would be wonderful for you to visit places to which you can trace back your family tree. History entices you, as does anything to do with "the past." So, civil war battlefields and towns with an Americana "feel" are good choices. Cancers are big on cruising because it fulfills many of their vacation needs: the water, exciting ports and bargain shopping. Plus, there are deliciousl desserts at the midnight buffet!

Leo - You love the glitz and glamour of a big city. Bright lights call you. Las Vegas immediately comes to mind as Leo is one the luckiest signs in the zodiac. Most Lions love to gamble! Shopping is another favorite pastime so cities that offer a huge array of stores should be considered. But don't overlook the small towns that host the outdoor flea markets. You can use your bargaining skills as well as shop to your heart's content. Shipshewanna, Indiana, an Amish community, has a summer flea market with over 1,000 booths and vendors. The Mall of America would satisfy any Leo who thinks they've seen every store imaginable.

Virgo - Because you are the worker bee of the zodiac, it is very important to make and take time for yourself. You are apt to be very cautious with money, but your vacation is something you may save all year for, so give yourself permission to splurge. I suggest a resort spa, somewhere you can be pampered for a change, There are some nestled in the larger cities of Arizona that are known for their wonderful services. You will not appreciate a city that is noisy, crowded or dirty. You need to be in serene, pleasing surroundings. Perhaps a getaway to a charming, turn-of-the-century bed and breakfast would suit you. Or a resort town where you can hike on nature trails and shop the quaint stores. Consider visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan: a serene, magical place you can only access by ferry (cars are not allowed). It may be the perfect, relaxing getaway for you.

Libra - Places of beauty and serenity draw the Libra. But you are a social butterfly too, so shopping, dancing and fine dining are a must. Cities with theatre and art are wonderful choices. Libra love to dress up and go out to dinner, but they also crave a peaceful atmosphere. Perhaps Booth Bay Harbor, Maine would appeal to a Libra. You could drive through the winding countryside along the water, stopping to sit on rocks overlooking gorgeous lighthouses and watch magnificent sun sets. How romantic! Then head back for an elegant dinner in town with fresh lobster, wine, and candlelight. Libra are die-hard romantics so they're always thinking about someplace wonderful to take their mate.

Scorpio - Mystery, power, money and sex interest a true Scorpio, so you will enjoy a city that offers a little of all four. New Orleans is a good example because it combines ghosts, voodoo, casinos, Bourbon street and has a powerful energy all its own. Of course any place near water is also a super idea since Scorpio is a water sign. Scorpio also like to be "alone" once in a while. You need privacy so an isolated log cabin surrounded only by nature would be enticing. As far as foreign locales, the sexy city of Paris would be a good choice. New Orleans' French Quarter reminds me of Paris - it has that seductive European "feel" that a Scorpio feels "connected" to.

Sagittarius - The Archer loves to travel. Any foreign city will do! You love adventure and trying new things. As a Sag, you hate to be tied down, so should tend to travel more often than other zodiac signs. Your love of the great outdoors could take you mountain climbing and hiking throughout the West. You love visiting culturally diverse cities, where there are many unique people. Think Toronto, NYC and Miami. Foreign travel is usually your best bet because it fulfills your need to learn about other philosophies, religions and ways of life. If you're a Sag, it's best not to put yourself on a schedule. Avoid long, tedious tours. Opt for self guided ones instead. Then you have plenty of time to see the sights that appeal to you and more than likely, they are on off the beaten path and away from tourist traps.

Capricorn - Historical places with upscale accommodations interest most Capricorns. You'll want to get "a lot of bang for your buck," so look for the best deals at the nicest spots. You may rent a beautiful condo overlooking a gorgeous Caribbean beach. Or, you may check in to a five star hotel in Manhattan, dine at the finest restaurants and catch a Broadway show. Capricorn want to go "first class" but you are also very down to earth, nature lovers. Perhaps Martha's Vineyards or a hideaway in the Virgin Islands should be a consideration. You prefer the affluent areas recognized for their exclusivity, culinary feasts and designer shopping.

Aquarius - You love to venture to places you've never been before. Many of you like to travel in groups and with friends. Aquarius are very spiritual. So visiting Sedona Arizona or Casadaga Florida may be perfect places for you, the Water bearer, to book a getaway. Both places are known for their spiritual communities and opportunities to get in touch with one's self. Traveling to places that are "people friendly" is a must, like Orlando, Florida (home of Disney World). The western part of the country is known to draw Aquarius, as you enjoy the warm weather and wide, open, untouched places.

Pisces - Pisces are fish...fish out of water. Anywhere there's a fresh body of water, you'll find a Pisces type. As a Pisces, you love to "escape" from your everyday routine so vacations are important to you. Many Pisces travel just to get away and don't care where they go, but some plan their trips a year in advance. Gambling is a favorite past time so Atlantic City or Las Vegas is perfect for a quick getaway. The Gulf Coast has a lot to offer as well as Hawaii where a Pisces can choose to do absolutely nothing or indulge in water sports, shopping and dancing under the stars. Romantic cities ahouls also be high on your list of places to visit.

Maria Shaw is a celebrity astrologer and the author of eight books, published in six languages. Look for her upcoming Soul Mates and Hot Dates (Llewellyn, August 2005). She's appeared on VH1, E! Entertainment, Life and Style, Fox News and Blind Date. Maria writes monthly columns for Complete Woman, Soap Opera Digest and TigerBeat magazines. She also hosts her own radio talk show called "Affairs of the Heart." Visit MariaShaw.com for more information.

Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd.
Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. grants permission to use this article as originally posted at:
The Llewellyn Journal -- www.llewellynjournal.com
P.O. Box 64383
St. Paul, MN 55164-0383

Watch Your Money!!!

I received this email from a client from Minnesota. She mailed it to me when she found out I was traveling to Louisiana last week. It is something worth repeating for everyone's safety, no matter where you live:

Know what money you are carrying!

Okay, all of us who are home without husbands around (or even if they are!) read this. My dad, a retired police officer, sent it to me, and I think it's good to think about. This was the first I have heard of a scheme like this. I wanted to pass it along. Be safe!

Something very serious to pay attention to. Criminals are coming up with craftier, less threatening methods of attack, so we have to be extra cautious. Read on...

I live in Alexandria, VA, but I often work in Lafayette, LA, staying with friends when I'm there. As you know from America's Most Wanted TV program, as well as the news media, there is a serial killer in the Lafayette area. I just want to let you know about an "incident" that happened to me a few weeks ago, and could have been deadly. At first I didn't go to the police or anyone with it because I didn't realize how serious this encounter was. But since I work in a jail and I told a few people about it, it wasn't long before I was paraded into Internal Affairs to tell them my story. It was approximately 5:15 a.m. in Opelousas, La. I had stayed with a friend there and was on my way to work. I stopped at the Exxon/Blimpie Pie station to get gas. I got $10 gas and a Diet Coke. I took into the store two $5 bills and one $1 bill (just enough to get my stuff). As I pulled away from the store, a man approached my truck from the back side of the store (an unlit area). He was an "approachable-looking" man (clean cut, clean shaven, dressed well, etc.). He walked up to my window and knocked. Since I'm very paranoid and "always looking for the rapist or killer," I didn't open the window ... I just asked what he wanted. He raised a $5 bill to my window and said, "You dropped this." Since I knew I had gone into the store with a certain amount of money, I knew I didn't drop it. When I told him it wasn't mine, he began hitting the window and door, screaming at me to open my door, and insisting that I had dropped the money! At that point, I just drove away as fast as I could. After talking to the Internal Affairs Department and describing the man I saw, and the way he escalated from calm and polite to angry and volatile....it was determined that I could have possibly encountered the serial killer myself.

Up to this point, it had been unclear as to how he had gained access to his victims, since there has been no evidence of forced entry into victim's homes, cars, etc. And the fact that he has been attacking in the daytime, when women are less likely to have their guard up, means he is pretty BOLD. So think about it...what gesture is nicer than returning money to someone that dropped it????? How many times would you have opened your window (or door) to get your money and say thank you.... because if the person is kind enough to return something to you, then he can't really be a threat....can he???? Please be cautious! This might not have been the serial killer...but anyone that gets that angry over someone not accepting money from them, can't have honorable intentions.

The most important thing to note is that his reaction was NOT WHAT I EXPECTED! A total surprise! But what might have happened if I had opened my door? I shudder to think! Even if this man wasn't a serial killer, he looked nice, he seemed polite, he was apparently doing an act of kindness, but HE WAS NOT A NICE PERSON!!! What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. Make it a good one..

Nice Letters We Get

Hi Maria - Thank you so much for the astrological reading on Friday...everyone should have a reading with you! I'm even more excited about my plans for the future. It was such a pleasure meeting you. You are a lovely person doing amazing things!
Best Wishes,
Kelly,
Minnesota

I'll be back in New Orleans in July and August for our Goddess Gathering at the House of Broel in the Garden District for a Goddess Gathering and Psychic Fair, August 6 & 7. More info will come; Co-sponsored by Alternatives Magazine.

Happy Birthday to all the Gemini out there! Get ready for your solar return! If you don't know what a solar return is, please read my old newsletter in the archive about the importance of it so you'll be ready to harness the magical energy that comes around on your birthday every year.

Luv, Maria