Summer '05 - It Must be Divine Intervention

Hello!

Devine and I marvel at how serendipitous our meeting was. I’m the lady Devine described in her spring newsletter. A Jet-Lag customer in her 40’s, mother of 2 girls (Tess 19 yrs, Alyssa 11 yrs), a handyman husband (Moe), and a desire to be involved in a community business with a big emphasis on community. Devine wrote the newsletter before we met.

It is with great pleasure that I’m able to reassure our loyal and wonderful Jet-Lag customers that the tradition of Jet-Lag as a fun and caring place will carry on. We’re now Jet-Lag Travel and Fashion Boutique, continuing with many of your favorites including Ezze Wear along with some new add-ons. Now and through the fall, look for French Dressing stretch denim jeans, swimsuits, shell, flip-flop and crystal jewellery, Delane Canada handbags and Samsonite Travel Accessories. Ongoing is our unique selection of fashion separates, and all occasion dresses (wedding, dressy, casual, classy and fun), hats, scarves, shawls, pashminas and jewellery. Red Hat Ladies attire and accessories. Sizes from petite to plus, for youthful to mature.

Have you seen something neat somewhere or would you like to see a particular item offered at Jet-Lag? Call or e-mail me at jet-lagtravelfashion@shaw.ca . Now you have the option to receive our newsletter electronically. E-mail, call or better yet drop in, see what’s new and leave us your email address. Don’t worry if you prefer your newsletters by mail, we’ll continue to offer that option.

Bring your kids or grandkids! The kids can now watch cartoons or a DVD on our T.V. and lounge on throw cushions while you browse, visit and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. There is no rush here, take your time. Life is so hurried, it's nice to know there’s somewhere you can relax, refresh and refurbish! I hope to see you at Jet-Lag soon.

With warm wishes,
Vicki Hodgson

It Must be Divine Intervention

Anyone spiritual would have to agree there is a higher power at work here. Whilst I’ve prayed for a career with a purpose where I can live out my beliefs, Devine has prayed that someone whose intent closely mirrored her own would feel called to take up her torch. It’s no coincidence that my eye was guided to Devine’s Women in Business advertisement in the Review paper early this year which celebrated the 25 years Jet-Lag has been an integral part of the community, told of her plan to retire and inquired whether a customer would consider this exceptional opportunity to make a difference.

Not perhaps coincidentally, 10 years ago I found myself in Jet-Lag without a specific purpose except to reconnect with ‘me’. The birth of my second daughter brought mixed feelings of elation, clouded by post partum depression and one afternoon on a whim I left our daughter in my husband's care and set out by car to circumnavigate Steveston. Lo and behold I found Jet-Lag, one of the few women’s establishments away from the harried hustle and bustle of downtown Richmond, that had appeal, to be open. In I lumbered, not so fit, feeling frumpish and low and especially emotionally fragile. Devine was there and likening to a divining rod, her sensing nature noticed my mood. A little chit chat brought it all to a head, and after ascertaining that I wasn’t breast feeding, Devine offered me a glass of sherry, encouraged me to relax, take my time and showed me some Ezze Wear that actually camouflaged and complimented my shape.

The fog that had taken unwelcome residence in my thoughts began to dissipate. I left with a purchase that I would wear many times over, but more importantly I took with me the realization I was not alone, along with an angel Devine had pinned to my jacket. I told a lot of friends about that experience and over the years I’ve heard many like stories.

Well it’s not over; we’re just starting a new chapter. I’m so very pleased that Divine wants to continue to practice her special gifts and has offered to help me keep the tradition of contact with friends and community through Jet-Lag.

Everything doesn’t always stay the same, and that’s okay. Some change is fresh and exciting. So while I’ll apply my own inspirations to the store, I’m very blessed to keep the company of our dear friend, the divinely inspired Devine and staff - the wonderful ladies whose character, humour and support I am honoured to be able to continue with.

Who’s That Lady? - A Little Bio

I am a 29 year resident of Richmond, having spent 18 years in airport retailing, I have been a Western Regional Buyer for Duty Free, and for the last several years was General Manager for 9 retail gift stores in the Vancouver Airport. For a few years I’ve found Pilates to be an excellent outlet and a healthy diversion. I volunteer in hospitality at Steveston Christian Church. I’m a mother of 2 daughters, one in university, and another in elementary school.

Moe is my husband, best friend and partner in this venture. He works in the plastics industry and enjoys a hobby playing the drums.

Add a German shepherd “Kato the couch potato” (aka the spud), a Siberian husky nicknamed “Run-away Rusty” (just because she does that) and Mad Maddy our ever so cute and precocious long hair tortoise shell cat that terrorizes dogs of any size and description (ours or yours) and that’s us.

I thrive on laughter. It’s life’s greatest tonic for whatever ails you and my crows feet wrinkles are testament to it. Expect to find lots of it at Jet-Lag where I look forward to continuing the tradition of looking after our customers as friends and individuals with unique needs and characteristics.

- Vicki

Pursue Your Dreams...at Any Age!

It’s never too late to be all you can possibly be. The words below were spoken by Rose, age 87 at her college graduation. Rose passed away peacefully in her sleep, one week after having completed the college education she had always dreamed of:

"REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. We make a Living by what we get; we make a Life by what we give. We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.

There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die.

We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight.

Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."

About the Jet-Lag Symbols: Zinnia, Pansy, Butterfly

Zinnia – thoughts of friends
Pansy – loving thoughts
Butterfly – freedom

The zinnia is a cheerful annual that attracts butterflies. Known for being colourful, zinnias come in many hot shades, with interesting, diverse, long lasting blossoms that don’t drop petals. Wouldn’t we be so fortunate!

Zinnias provide a wide landing platform for butterflies. Coincidentally or perhaps not so, Jet-lag has attire that can camouflage many a wide platform.

Enduring from early summer till frost, zinnias dislike root disturbance, like most of us do. I can relate.

Butterflies are symbolic of freedom and the travel attire portion of the store speaks to that. Cruise, fly or drive, we can supply comfortable travel clothes and provide accessories and tips.

Wedding in your future? Need an outfit? Relax, evening fittings are available. Please call Vicki to arrange. 604-277-3331.

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