People are terrified of going to court. That might be one of the basic principles of energy, up there with Einstein's theory of relativity.

No one wants to go to a government agency's office, let alone appear before a judge, even if their story is rock solid and totally innocent.

Where does all this fear come from? I mean this is a democracy, right? No one is going to lock you up on unstated charges at the Parking Violations Bureau just for showing up to pay a long overdue ticket, right?

But showing up at any bureaucracy office is always like diving in to the deep end of the pool when you don't know how to swim.

So let me give you some basic, insider information that will make it easier for anyone who has to appear in court, or at any agency for that matter:

1. It's going to take you longer to get there than you think, so if you have an appointment, leave plenty of time for train delays and traffic.

2. The lines are going to be longer than you hoped, so bring water and something to read, and wear comfortable shoes.

3. The first clerk or security guard you run into will be the least helpful, so only ask him/her the simplest question: where is elevator, the bathroom, or room 300?

4. The second clerk or guard will have a little more information, but might not be willing to share it readily. Continue to keep your questions simple, and bring the ticket, summons or any other official looking document with you. Point to the document and ask: "where do I go?"

5. Bring your checkbook. If you owe a fine pay it.

6. If you're in the middle of a lawsuit, be sure to find out the next day to come back before you leave the building, and ask if a notice will be mailed to you.

Bottom line: bureaucracies are based on procedures and process, not on any particular outcome or ending. Try to find out what the next step is in the bureaucratic process for the particular agency or court that you have to go to...forget about endings...that could be much further off than you think. The important thing is to keep showing up until the process is over...and don't drop a stitch.

Had to turn to the economic crisis to offer some information based on my professional background as a lawyer.

If you're being sued by a credit-card company or a bank then you need to read

What to Do When Creditors Sue!
The Completely Unofficial NYS Debtor's Litigation Handbook

Find out what to do on the day you get served with legal papers.

Learn how to organize your response to a lawsuit.

And most important, find out how to speak in court and get your story heard!

This e-book is available for download, online only! $19.95 plus tax.

Free sample pages, free information for signing up for email.

Check it out now! www.whattodowhencreditorssue.com

For a NYC moment of zen, click here:

I'm now even more involved in the healing properties of stones than ever before.

I'm offering a new service to my loyal following: a one-hour healing gems(c) consultation at your home or office, or by phone, with the intent of designing a custom piece of healing gems(c) jewelry just for you. Through a personalized consultation, you'll learn about which stones will enrich your life while supporting you on your quest for wholeness. To find out more, go to www.marcyeinhorndesigns.com and click on the "contact us" link.

And be sure to check back later this month for photos of the entire collection, which will only be posted here, and no where else!

Then, I'll be offering my entire collection at a 20% discount.

So come back soon to get the first choice of my one-of-a-kind collection at this special discount, while supplies last! And book a one-hour healing gems(c) consultation to co-create a custom healing gems(c) necklace.

NYC Bead Buy:
Nothing makes me happier than a bead show in my own city. The Whole Bead Show came to NYC this past weekend, and I dropped everything to get there. I'm now the proud owner of two beautiful types of jasper, which I've never worked with before: Palm Jasper and Imperial Jasper. Also picked up some Tektite, which comes straight from a meteor, and some sparkling Peridot. I've already begun designing...rich fall colors are perfect for right now. Will try to post photos of the finished pieces as soon as they're done.

Here are some of the healing qualities these gems are known for: *
Jasper: a nurturing stone, brings courage, prolongs sexual pleasure, aids quick thinking
Peridot: a protective stone, and powerful cleanser of guilt and obsessions.
Tektite: enhances spiritual growth and insight into true causes, a talisman for fertility, balances male/female energies
*The Crystal Bible, Judy Hall, Walking Stick Press, 2003

The History of Healing Gems

Self-adornment, considered an early manifestation of symbolic thinking, is now thought to have even pre-dated modern humans in Europe, and to have been one of the earliest ways that people conveyed their status and their cultural identity.[1]

Archaelogists believe that the earliest examples of status-defining jewelry were shell necklaces made between 75,000 and 100,000 years ago, and recently found in what is now Israel and Algeria.

"Windows to the Soul"

While we tend to think of beads merely as adornment, history teaches us that almost every culture, including our own, has used beads in a way that communicates the religious, political and social beliefs of the wearer.

Different reasons have been given for the universal appeal of beads: round beads resemble the eyes, "portals to the soul," and the wide variety of materials used to make beads appeals to our tactile sense of touch. However, it is commonly acknowledged that the earliest healing beads were worn as talismans, to ward off "the evil eye."[2]

Mind, Body, Spirit

The earliest records tell us that, because of the inherent power gemstones were thought to hold, only priests and royalty were permitted to wear them. The wearing of gem crystals, or even having them in close proximity, was believed to boost the wearer's energy, heal the mind, body and spirit, and attract abundance, prosperity and even love.[3]

Contemporary Talismans

Although the markets today are cluttered with jewelry of all makes and quality, few, if any artisans are consciously drawing on the powerful properties of gems, and the historically significant properties of beads, in the jewelry they are producing.

At www.marcyeinhorndesigns.com, it is our intention to marry the beauty and cultural significance of beads to the healing properties of gems to design contemporary talismans, fit for a queen.

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[1] New York Times, June 23, 2006

[2] The History of Beads, Concise Edition, Lois Sherr Dubin, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York, New York, 1995

[3] The Crystal Bible, A Definitive Guide to Crystals, Judy Hall, Walking Stick Press, Cincinatti, Ohio, 2003.