By Caroline Patrick

Write It Down and Discover Yourself

I was a very busy child and had a list of things I want to accomplish during my life. In the grown-up world they call list goals. I wanted to be a dancer, a pilot, a water ballet swimmer, a trapeze artist, a horse rider, and portrait artist. Later, as I grew older, the list took on maturity. A cute boyfriend, a nice car, sharp clothes for dates and whatever! I realized later, as I was compiling a very mature list of new goals, that I had indeed accomplished many of these things. I took dancing for six years and fought with my grandmother every week because, God forbid, I had to go to class and practice. My father was a pilot, so I got to "steer" many times. Swimming was a joy, and I could out swim anyone and hold my breath under water the longest of all my buddies. We won’t mention how my brother "helped" me with this goal by holding me under water way too long during training sessions, on the pretense of helping my future career!

Practicing the trapeze was really fun. The neighbors had the newest swing set. I hung upside down on the steel bar, swinging higher and higher. My head met the ground a number of times before I perfected my circus act. Many times I was applauded by the neighborhood audience for my bravery, and at other times I was sternly asked if I had a home and if I did, didn’t my mother want me there? Yes, it’s hard to be little.

I missed the horse part altogether, as my brother was offered a horse when he was around twelve years old and turned it down. I begged and pleaded with my parents for this creature. Heaven knows what I promised, but evidently my case wasn’t strong enough to sway them. Later my husband promised the kids and me a horse if we would move across the country with him to a place called Arizona. He lied! He didn’t forget, he lied! After we arrived to the land of sun, sun and more sun, my sweetheart informed his family that on a farm, everything was carrying its weight. The end.

The artist part of my list did get much attention and cooperation. Alto my skills as a portrait artist aren’t up to par, I still have some years left to move forward on that goal, where the horse thing is probably a lost cause. I haven’t decided yet, I’m still mad.

The car was a Nash Rambler, need I say more. My Dad picked it out. It was that or nothing. But I found a cute boyfriend with a nice car, so that sufficed. Clothes, I either looked sharp or like a bum. Things haven’t changed much in that respect.

So what does all of this have to do with Feng Shui? Goals and lists need to be undated and changed as your life changes. Be brave, try new things. The Bagua or tool used in Feng Shui is always flowing and changing. Energies ebb and flow as time moves on. Be willing to adjust your plans. Even if it isn’t your idea to change homes or locations, there are always new ideas, new people and new experiences just beyond the unknown. Don’t allow fear or anger to muddy those opportunities. Have faith that God may have a better plan for your future. Feng Shuing the home can assist you in the natural flow of Chi or the breath of life, making adjustments in the house.

Make a new list just for you. See what you have accomplished far? As for myself, I’m still considering a horse ranch, two miles from Costco, with a river running through the property. WHAT???

2003 Class Schedule – Solano College

April 26^th, Saturday, 10am -12:30pm, $45 Plus $15 Materials – FENG SHUI INTERIOR and EXTERIOR HOUSE PLAN for ABUNDANCE

May 17^th, Saturday; 10am -12:30pm, $45 plus $15 materials – FENG SHUI GARDENING – SUPPORT CAREER, KNOWLEDGE, FAMILY, WEALTH, FAME PARTNERSHIP, CREATIVITY AND CHILDREN, HELPFUL PEOPLE AND TRAVEL, AND HEALTH

May 3^rd, Saturday, 10am - 2pm with lunch break or bring sack lunch. $45 plus $15materials – FENG SHUI ART – PAINTING WITH CHI Acrylic

Call Solano Community College for registration, or enroll online.

LOCAL

Watch for the FENG SHUI A HOME workshop.

Caroline Patrick will take you through a local home for an on-site consultation! This is the first time she has shared this knowledge with her students. This valuable experience will give you information to use in your own home. Don’t miss this opportunity for visual understanding in the art of placement.

Each room of the home can also be feng shui’d. Children’s bedrooms reveal important information for parents to help their child feel secure and focused in life. Family situations and money cures will be pointed out as she takes you through the bagua of the house.

Caroline’s Arts & Feng Shui Shoppe

129 First St. Suite K

Benicia, Ca. 94510

Phone 707-748-1127

Fax 707-747-9315

1-5 daily, closed Mondays

All clients and students receive a 10% discount on their purchases at the Shoppe open 1-5 daily, closed Mondays.

Caroline is available for speaking and teaching engagements. For consultations, call to make an appointment.

Caroline is a feng shui consultant, artist, herbalist, newspaper columnist, businesswoman, author and teacher. She has conducted over 2500 feng shui consultations. She has taught art for over 35 years. Her weekly column West Meets East can be viewed on her website moongateschool.com. Caroline’s advise is only considered suggestions and she is not responsible for any problems relating from her suggestions.