West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Feng Shui Bloopers

I love to see and hear stories of “bloopers,” outtakes of movies, videos, and TV blunders. Try as we might our daily lives sometimes make a crazy turn and humor may be the only way to “save face.”

Using ancient Feng Shui cures is one way to get things going! Bright red flowers at the entry or nine potted plants placed down a wandering path and a brass wind chime at the front door are sure to welcome new energy into your Career section. I had just finished hanging a brass wind chime on the inside of my door, allowing just the bottom tip of the chime to touch the top of the door when opened. As the door swings open the wind chime jingles, spreading the music throughout the house. This simple trick welcomes Chi into the house. Another way to accomplish this action is to install a doorbell to your business or home. Sound activates any Gua or area of a dwelling. I had also just added a large mirror on the opposite side of my office desk to help bring in more business when the phone rang.

“Hi Caroline, we are just getting back to you on the Bellingham job. It looks like we got it,” she announced. Immediately I sat up in my office chair (with a solid back, to help support my Career). “Great,” I said. Looking across at my reflection in the mirror for more confidence, I realized my hair looked very black and ugly, as the water in this part of the country seems to do bad things when coming into contact with home hair dyes! I made a mental note that I needed a professional for future hair colorings. It is like going to Vegas, you rarely win. It’s hit or miss with the “do-it-yourself kits” or blue-light specials. I sat a little higher in the office chair, thinking that might help my personal Chi. Just as I regained my confidence, I heard a military jet barely missing the roof. The roar of which I had never heard from this location was followed by sirens a few blocks away coming closer. “Well,” I thought, “I will just pretend I’m in New York, and the sounds will just add to the energy of big business.”

We both stopped the conversation briefly as the crazy seconds passed. “Our meeting went great,” the woman continued, “and the person with Getty Corporation sent me an email about your experience. I used it along with the other references you sent. So our package deal was accepted, and you will be helping us in the planning, as you were the consultant chosen,” she explained. Her voice, full of excitement, was once more drowned out by the herd of lawnmowers attacking my front, side and back Northwest condo’s grass. I could hardly believe the interruption. Running with phone in hand from room to room, I remembered there was nowhere to go. Diving into my closet and closing the door behind me, I finally said, “I am thrilled to be working with your company. It will be a pleasure to pass on my knowledge to this large project.”

The project consisted of a farm, restaurant and winery, a type of Napa Valley setting. Using Feng Shui on this scale, in this part of the country, was the breakthrough I had been waiting for. Using urban and city Feng Shui principles is a wonderful way to bring prosperity to a community. The eight-sided Bagua, or template, can establish the correct placement of schools, hospitals, police and fire stations. Just placing flags in the right location can change the flow of traffic and bring new money to a dying town. I was, to say the least floored, and I was sitting on the floor of the dark closet. Being honest has gotten me in trouble in the past, but I had to tell her the truth. “I’m sorry at the muffled tone, I’m in the closet, as it is the only quite place in the house,” I laughed. The architect began laughing and I continued, “Last time this happened I was on live radio as the guest speaker, with Terrah Collins from the San Diego School of Feng Shui. Just as Terrah announced me to the radio audience the lawnmowers, as if on cue, came racing around the corner,” I continued the story as she continued to laugh. “It wasn’t that funny at the time,” I remarked, “as the first 15 minutes of that interview was conducted in the master bathroom.” I can still hear the embarrassing echo from the beautiful slate tile.

Being humble, honest and laughing at yourself can raise your Chi. It’s easy and doesn’t cost anything either.

WHAT IS CUSTOMIZED FENG SHUI MENTORING?

· It is for those wishing to study with me privately. ONE ON ONE.

· The cost is $350 for three hours a month, through phone, email and faxes.

· A six-month commitment is necessary.

· 27 red envelopes (first month only) and the first month’s payment of $350 due on the 1st of each month.

· A monthly mentoring date is set for at least one to two hours of phone conversation, at different intervals.

· Packets of hard-copy material are sent for you to study each month. Emailing and faxes will be part of the course also as we go over floor plans.

· The material is copyrighted, but I will give you permission to share a lot of the information.

Caroline Patrick Caroline's Feng Shui Concepts Mt. Vernon, WA 360-424-1501

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com www.fengshuiartistry.com www.moongateschool.com

Caroline Patrick, Feng Shui consultant/practitioner, teacher/speaker, Feng Shui artist and writer, lives in the San Juan Islands, off the coast of Washington. Her weekly newspaper article called WEST MEETS EAST is a popular Feng Shui advice column. She enjoys answering your questions, when possible. Some questions will be chosen for publication with the permission from the reader. Enjoy her new 5 Element attached-folding cards which can be used as a Feng Shui enhancement or correction in any space. Larger prints of several selected paintings are also available. For consultations, speaking/teaching engagements and art evaluations contact her at caroline@fengshuiartistry.com or visit her websites at www.fengshuiartistry.com and www.moongateschool.com.

Any suggestions given in this column are only for entertainment. Please contact your physician for any medical or herbal advice or diagnosis. Caroline Patrick is not responsible for any misuse of her advice or suggestions.