Shopper Blog: Moon Phase Crystals owner's belief in stones' healing power is rock solid
HALLS
Al Lesar, Shopper News
With her life lacking structure and focus in 2014, Randi Byrd was searching for an answer.
The Halls resident found the solution at a women's empowerment retreat in North Carolina.
'There was a crystal vortex in the center of the room,' Byrd said. 'It was pure quartz. I was there with all sorts of people from all backgrounds.
'While I was there, my life changed. I felt like I owned my power. I stepped into my time.'
Byrd, who grew up in Powell, is convinced that crystal vortex had a role in helping her come to grips with taking charge of her own life.
While there she bought a moldavite pendant necklace she still wears every day.
'That crystal reminds me every day that I can,' Byrd said. 'Whatever it is, I can. It clarifies any doubts that I might have. It gives me the confidence in my life.'
A licensed practical nurse, Byrd's medical knowledge allows her to believe in the crystal.
'I'm a healer already,' she said. 'The crystals can help me with what I do.'
Byrd's belief in the power of crystals over the last decade came to a head a few months ago when she launched an online crystal shop, Moon Phase Crystals.
'I've been purchasing inventory from wholesalers and factories,' Byrd said. 'If something catches my eye, I'll buy it.'
Options include carvings, figurines and Byrd's favorite, spheres. There are towers, free forms, raw or polished material.
Crystals range in price from $5 to $250.
'I think they're beautiful, and there's a variety,' Byrd said. 'The big selling point is that there's something for everybody.'
Byrd said there are crystals that absorb negative energy, enhance energy flow, offer financial wealth or decrease anxiety.
'I'm constantly trying to update the inventory and upload new options,' Byrd said.
There is no room for skepticism with crystals, which Byrd acknowledges as being a legitimate concern.
'If I have to convince somebody of the benefits, it's not for them,' Byrd said. 'I want people to come to me. I can offer any sort of healing. People need to come to me with an open mind. They have to believe in what they're doing and what can be done by the crystals.
'I came away from that conference with the way I wanted to live. I lean toward more of the metaphysical explanations. I know I've changed and I've liked the change.'
In addition to her crystal business, Byrd is also a certified yoga instructor. Though she doesn't teach any formal classes, she is scheduled to spend 24 days in Peru this summer immersed in a yoga training session.
'Someday I can see teaching in my plans,' she said. 'It could be a crystal/yoga shop. That would tie two things I love together.'
For more information or to order go to Moon Phase Crystals Facebook page or www.moonphasecrystals.com.
NORTH KNOXVILLE
Jack Coker, Shopper News
The city of Knoxville's two outdoor public pools opened for the season over Memorial Day weekend. Here's what you need to know if you're planning to visit.
Pool hours are, weather permitting, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and and 1-6 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 per person per visit. Frequent swimmers can save by purchasing a Splash Pass at a discounted rate. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead or fill out a form online to help staff prepare and to receive a group discount.
Interested in lifeguarding? The city is hiring lifeguards and water safety instructors. If you or someone you know is a strong swimmer who wants to get certified, reach out to the aquatics staff at aquatics@knoxvilletn.gov.
The Ed Cothren Pool, 1737 Reynolds Street, holds 275,000 gallons of water and features a diving board, an accessible entry ramp and a shaded baby pool. It's a great spot for families with young children, thanks to the nearby concession stand and plenty of covered tables. The pool sits inside Malcolm-Martin Park, which includes a basketball court, baseball field, playground, picnic shelter and paved 0.3-mile greenway loop.
This pool also holds historical significance. It's named after Ed Cothren, a Knoxville College graduate and First Lieutenant in the Army who became the first Black soldier from Knoxville to die in combat during World War II.
Meanwhile, over at Inskip Pool, 4204 Bruhin Road, you'll find a 285,000-gallon pool with two low diving boards and a high dive. There's also a shallow wading pool for little ones, three pavilions for shade and a sand volleyball court to keep the fun going on dry land. Like the Ed Cothren pool, it has its own surrounding park, complete with a playground, three tennis courts that are lined for pickleball, a walking loop and a nine-hole youth disc golf course.
For more information, including Splash Pass details, weather-related closures or to plan a group visit, check out KnoxvilleTN.gov/Aquatics, or give the pools a call directly:
Inskip Pool: 865-687-9919Ed Cothren Pool: 865-544-7840
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Shopper News brings you the latest happenings in your community
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There was one person on board, who jumped off the vessel and swam to shore before paramedics took him to the hospital to be treated for injuries. Also on Memorial Day, a 48-foot fishing yacht caught fire off Jupiter Inlet. The cause of that fire remains under investigation. And, last Friday, six boats, including a 90-foot vessel, burned up at a Sunny Isles Beach condominium dock. No one was injured in the fire, which was triggered by one boat going up in flames and spreading to five other boats. Boat fires this year Florida averages about 35 boat fires every year, according to data released by the FWC. So far this year, there have been six boat fires in Fort Lauderdale, according to the city's Fire Rescue Department. Last year, there were 15 boat fires in Fort Lauderdale, up from four in 2021, with 11 each in 2022 and 2023, the department said. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue released data to the Herald this week showing it has responded to 11 vessel fires so far this year. Last year, there were 32 boat fires, compared to 27 the year before, and 26 each in 2022 and 2021, according to the department. 'You never know what's going to happen. I didn't expect to get on a boat, after boating my whole entire life, and for it to just explode on me,' said Rivera. She said that while she doesn't plan on boycotting boats anytime soon, it's important to practice safe boating habits to prevent 'fluke accidents' like hers. She also reflected on how her near-death experience has changed her views on the importance of life's moments. 'I almost lost my whole family in one day. It opens up your eyes, and you just have to realize each day is granted to you.'
