LA GRANGE – Rhonda Day-Kooy doesn't see the closing of her downtown La Grange business, Blue Feather Books and Botanicals Ltd., as an ending. Instead, she's looking forward to new beginnings and plans to continue doing her spiritual healing work and the many other services she provides to the community.

“It’s bittersweet because I love our people. It’s touching my heart that we’ve created this environment,” the Indian Head Park resident said. “This has never been about money to me. I’ve always wanted to bring love and peace into the world in my own way. Everything has a beginning, middle and end, and I always told everyone that when it’s time to make a change, it will happen. I know we’ve made a positive impact in the community, and I can walk away with a full heart.”

Day-Kooy, 65, lost her lease when her landlord sold the building. The retail shop will close Aug. 31, but Day-Kooy expects most of her inventory to be gone by Aug. 25. While she doesn’t know what will become of the building, she said she’ll continue to practice her many forms of spiritual healing and coaching, card readings, drum circles and many of the other services she provides in the store at another location.

“I’ve traveled the world to learn healing techniques and bring them forward to the western world,” she said. “I’m trained in cross-cultural healing techniques, and I’m coming from ancient traditions. That’s where all this stems from.”

Day-Kooy has a degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica, and she has been practicing spiritual counseling and healing work for more than 30 years, much of which was done out of her home. She said she opened the store about 20 years ago because she needed more space to accommodate her growing business. In addition to the services, the store sells essential oils, natural cosmetics and lotions, organic baby products, cards, rocks and crystals, books, music and drums.

“People were knocking on my door at all hours, and I needed a space to work with and to invite the public,” she said. “Business has been great over the past 20 years. People in this community have embraced me, and I love these people. This was a spiritual sanctuary. I wanted people to come to a peaceful environment that’s safe. People leave here happier and more at peace than when they came in.”

Diana Anastazia has been a longtime friend of Day-Kooy’s and supporter of the store, and she described the store as a community gathering place that will be greatly missed.

“I have two emotions: sad that the space will no longer be available to people to come through, but I feel joyful for the new beginnings ahead for her,” she said. “The blessings she brings to others will go wherever she goes. Nothing ever truly dies.”

Day-Kooy said she feels grateful and thankful to be a part of La Grange, but she is looking forward to the next step in her work.

“I’m not retiring. One chapter is over with, and we are opening a new one. My book isn’t finished,” she said.

Day-Kooy will keep the same store phone number, and she can be reached for inquiries about her services at 708-352-8481.