1. Enjoy! February 2006 Happy Valentine’s Day “Sweet Treats” Treat Yourself to a Day Spa, Your favorite chocolate truffles, fresh cut flowers, a day/night out on the town, a one-day cruise to nowhere or if you have that special someone…share these moments or create your own! Looking for ideas: Top 20 His/Her Gifts http://shopping.msn.com/ content/shp/?ctId=717 This Month’s Quote: "Be at peace with yourself. If you are not at peace with yourself, you are at peace with nothing." — Ron Rathbun Memorial: Coretta Scott King 1927 – 2006 Mrs. King became a symbol, in her own right, of her husband's struggle for peace and brotherhood, presiding with a quiet, steady, and stoic presence. She was an exemplary model of strength, character and dignity. Her spirit will live on as she is lovingly remembered. “We bid farewell to a great woman, and a gentle warrior who embodied the spirit, tenacity and passion of our people.” Susan L. Taylor Essence Magazine “Sistah Quote” “Taking time to know oneself is time well spent; it costs you nothing and rewards you with Peace of Mind.” - Lorie “Rediscover Yourself” God has been gracious enough to prepare a plan for us. So often, we get caught up in others ideology of who and what we should be. We all have a purpose and God has empowered us with the ability to aid in the manifestation of our destinies. We should be “Living” – not just “Existing”, so we have to put action behind our predetermined blessings. Be wise in movement, but don’t let fear overtake your climb. Strive to reach your goals and dreams, if they have been deferred, redefine your plan. If your vision has been blurred by circumstances, use your tears to wash them away and press on. It is time to embody that which has been prepared for you. Rediscover the “You” - that you know you can be! Your Editor – Lorie McEachin Happy Valentine’s – Will You be His or Yours? It’s time to fall in love with yourself. We devote so much time trying to impress him or them. When is the last time that you pampered yourself with a manicure or pedicure simply because you deserved it? Have you ever got all dressed up just to look pleasing to yourself? We are all guilty of preparing ourselves on the outside to fit the desires of others. It is time that we take a deeper look within and realize that we must begin with love of self to be on the receiving end of love from another. Have you ever been at home alone feeling like you just had to get out - were you getting out or away? How hard is it to do “me” time? Do you feel the need to be social or entertained? If you are such the socialite, then you should be able to entertain yourself. Take the time to get all glammed up and then treat yourself to a candlelight dinner with some easy-listening music, curl up with a book of choice or meditate – reflecting on days past and days ahead! If you can stand being with yourself, then you know that you are ready for your mate! So often, we don’t know what we want and that is why we end up settling for whatever we can get. I always suggest starting with what you don’t want, since that is usually easier to determine. Just remember that a mate will not make you happy, but enhance the happiness you have found within yourself….So, this Valentine’s day I challenge you to love yourself and before you commit to being His, be Yours! PAY HOMAGE TO: Mrs. Coretta Scott King by wearing Black & Purple on Friday, February 3 rd. Sistah Circular V olume 1, Issue 2 Editor: Lorie McEachin

2. 2006 Events: The Color Purple - Musical From the classic Pulitzer Prize- winning novel by Alice Walker, and the moving film by Steven Spielberg, comes a soul-stirring new musical and landmark Broadway event. The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who - through love - finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. Venue: Broadway Theatre 1681 Broadway (Between West 52nd and 53rd Streets) New York NY 10019 Tickets: Feb 1 – Feb 28 Saturday 2pm/8pm Orchestra: $111.25 Front Mezzanine: $111.25 Rear Mezzanine (Rows A-C): 111.25 Rear Mezzanine (Rows D-J): $86.25 Rear Mezzanine (Rows K-P): $66.25 Rear Mezzanine (Rows Q-R): $26.25 If you are interested in seeing this musical, please let me know! I will check group prices. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope for the future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Favorite Scripture – K. Dean Book of the Month: “No More Sheets” Juanita Bynum Suggested Reading by – Kris Mack Contributions: L orie S. McEachin 5 Leader Drive Newark, DE 19713 302.737.7043 lm719@dcx.com lm719@dcx.com. Sistah Aha! Moment “Realizing that Life doesn’t pass You by, You pass Life by…..Live, don’t Just Exist!” - Lorie Mission Statement: I will do my best to motivate, encourage, and support others, even if it means exposing myself through personal testimony. – Lorie McEachin "Hola mi hermosa hermanas" (Hello my beautiful Sistah's) My name is Madilyn, “Maggie” – Network Technician, Bank of America. I live in Newark, Delaware with my four children. I'm originally from Camden, NJ. I love the idea of this newsletter and hope that we can keep it going for many years to come. I look forward to hearing everyone’s shared contributions. Until next time. God Bless. Here's my favorite reading; O MY SISTAH'S IN THE LORD..... There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstances, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or not at who made her do it. She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfections. Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just a person with issues. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look. A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger. Think of all the great women in the Bible: Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood flow, and Esther, to name a few. Mary was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her, she was His closest follower. Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men in the land. Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up. Before you wonder, "What's up with her?" as yourself, “what’s up with me?” That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker, etc. That woman could be me. Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi. Encourage and Love, Forgive and Forget, and trust that any woman that receives this will be touched in some way. May peace and love be upon you. Health News National wear Red Day Friday, February 3 rd, 2006 On National Wear Red Day Americans nationwide will wear red to show support for Women’s heart disease awareness. The Heart Truth is: “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What you Wear – It’s the #1 Killer of Women” Join the national awareness movement by wearing red on February 3 rd and encourage your family, friends and coworkers to do the same. For more information about The Heart Truth campaign, National Wear Red Day and the Red Dress, the national symbol for woman and heart disease awareness, visit www.hearttruth.gov