This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 19th day of January, 1942, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [428], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the body and enquiring mind of [428], ..., N.Y., formerly known as The Staten Island Hobby Center. The entity seeks information, advice and guidance, as to her life and work. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [428], and those problems and opportunities that are a part of the entity's experience in the present.
3. The idea of the shop is well, provided the entity does not lose sight of its abilities that have been indicated in the tinting and retouching of photographs, or retouching of negatives, tinting of photographs, that may be a part of the body's activities.
4. Also we would not give that it would be BEST for the entity to attempt the shop alone, but rather with the cooperation of a satisfactory associate; one in whom the entity might have implicit faith, who could not only give of self but also bear part of the expense of establishing the shop. By this we do not mean merely the hiring of others, - for few, under the present conditions, would be capable of giving the best; but rather an associate.
5. Then there would be included all types of articles as already indicated here, in combination with the lending library AND the tinting and retouching - more than the making of the special paintings. However, such should not be left off entirely, - but there should be at least extraordinary prices on such, - as of the etching or the miniature paintings, - none less than $25 to $125, dependent upon the type or character of material upon which this is put.
6. Include all types of framing, as ready-made, and mottoes and cards, as well as the general articles as already indicated.
7. Ready for questions.
8. (Q) Should I stay in the store where I now am, or would the vacant shop next to the corner candy store be better for business?
   (A) The one next to the candy store would be better; provided all other conditions are able to be met.
9. (Q) I would like to have store interior colonial style to make it attractive. Would that be well now?
   (A) Be very well provided all other things may be made satisfactory, and in keeping with the better propositions that have been indicated.
10. (Q) Should I give the store a name or just use my own?
    (A) A name would be preferable, though the own is well if this is more desirable; but this will depend upon the associations that are established.
11. (Q) Will you suggest such a name?
    (A) This had best be determined by the proprietors of same.
12. (Q) Should I make large paintings, or more miniatures?
    (A) We would rather adhere to the tinting of photographs, retouching of negatives, and the making of special miniatures.
13. (Q) For individuals or agencies?
    (A) Preferably for individuals, or studios. There is always a demand for such work, if the entity will let it be known, through the photographic supply places, studios or finishing places; and indicate the abilities by giving samples or making samples of the studios themselves, see?
14. (Q) Should I add gifts, greeting cards, etc?
    (A) As indicated, - the mottoes and a general gift shop of the natures that are in keeping with such things.
15. (Q) Any advice as to a proper associate?
    (A) That should be chosen by the entity, or the individual herself.
16. (Q) Any other advice?
    (A) Do these things in those activities as indicated. DO keep ALL of these ideals and ideas together, if there would be the success of same.
17. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 428-13 on 4/03/41 and subsequent Reports.
2. 1/10/42 She submitted questions, also on 1/14/42.

REPORTS

1. 1/22/42 Letter:
   Dear Mr. Cayce,
   I received your letter yesterday and also the reading and assure you again of my deep appreciation and I shall leave nothing undone to be guided by it. I have already gotten in touch with Mr. Goldfinger the teacher of Photography to complete my knowledge of coloring and if at all possible that of airbrush-work, and I will do all the other things, as given. I still claim that the reading assigns to me the hardest of all art accomplishments that of miniatures, but since it came through again, it must be so, - but I need to study and try very, very hard. To-day I had my first order for a large painting. I had to keep the price low, but am grateful for anything. One little girl 12 years old has been learning how to cut silhouettes and now another little one is coming in and while I get very little for my time, I am very happy with the children. The blessings will come, I am sure. To-day I have worked hard cleaning up the shop - for it was a work shop and it was left with all that goes with it and a good many of the belongings that could not be moved or stored. I painted and touched up the walls with paint where it was needed and now the base board will have to be done and the floors cleaned and finished, and for the present will feel my way as to the interior ornamentation, which will cost much money.
   I thank you and Mrs. Cayce very much and I will write you as to how things are going. As always, I send you my best wishes and remain,
   Very truly yours, [428]
2. 2/21/42 Letter:
   Dear Mr. Cayce,
   Your last letter together with the reading [281-60] arrived in due time. It was my intention to write you right away to tell you how beautiful and wonderful I thought the advice given was, then I thought I would wait to see if my enthusiasm would wane, but it hasn't. Words simply cannot tell how much I think of it and how gladly I am applying the suggestions and if perchance I should skip my evening meditation, I feel all upset and conscience-striken. In my store I have conspicuous reminders, because I don't want to forget.
   The blessings, of course, are apparent. There is that peace of mind, which could not be obtained in any other way and to know that we are doing our best is the richest blessing in itself. I certainly thank you and yours for having included me. Enclosed you will please find check for $3. - as a love offering and with my continued good wishes for you and yours, I am,
   Sincerely yours, [428]
3. 4/03/42 Letter:
   Dear Mr. Cayce,
   Today is Good Friday and I am thinking of you and all at Virginia Beach and are wishing you "A Happy Easter."
   By the enclosed card you will see that I am established in business [GD's note: Apparently she did not take in a partner, as only her name appeared on the card.], it took all this while to get the place cleaned up and painted the way I liked it. Quite a few people have come in, I am really surprised and while the sales were in small amounts, I do know that each customer, young or old, left the shop satisfied with their respective purchase. The next thing I will do is to install the lending library.
   Concerning my affairs, there is one more question I would like to ask you in regard to a piece of property I would like to sell. I have been praying for guidance ever since Mr. [322]'s passing, because much hard earned money is involved. Agents were working on it last summer and while we paid $8,000.-- for it, $3,000.-- was no inducement to a sale to that particular party. There are now 6 1/2 years tax arrears on it amounting to more than $1,000. The result is self-evident unless I do something soon.
4. 4/14/42 See 428-15.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation