Grandkids West Meets East © Caroline Patrick 2001 8-27-01

Have you heard the expression, "my mind was on vacation," to explain a momentary lapse of concentration. This brief loss of mental alertness can be brought on by various things. Stress, fatigue, lack of sleep or grandchildren visiting your home for a week!

It can be explained as an energy transfer or maybe a type of regression. You find yourself drifting back into a time zone of sorts. These cute little faces bring smiles to your heart and many miles to your feet. Keeping up with a 2 year-old and 3 year-old brings back many memories. It might be compared to riding a bike. Once you learn, you never forget. I found myself leaping across the room to save a child from a boo-boo lip, while sacrificing this "wise" body. My arms, back and legs throbbed each night as I passed into a fitful sleep. A strange smile crossed my lips as I drifted into a brief nights nap.

Each day began with another cute smile. Train rides, boat rides, car rides and plane rides filled the week. Nutritional meal planning took a back seat as fast food became convenient.

My feng shui’d house became a disaster zone. I bribed grandpa to visit a park for thirty fantastic minutes so I could regroup. Toys were thrown to the sidelines and macaroni and cheese was shoveled off the floor. Sandy clothes accumulated from nearby beaches were thrown into the washer. I had forgotten what house chores could be accomplished within 30 minutes. I grabbed a much-needed shower.

A quick meditation put me in a calmer state of mind; I was now ready for another invasion. The phone rang jolting my inner peace. "Hello," I calmly responded to the caller. "Hi, this is Paula. I’m at the shoppe, do you have any messages or need anything done?" she asked. "Yes, I do have a message." I responded. "Play nice and take turns with the toys." I pleaded. "Okay, we will." she responded. Suddenly I realized I was still in la la land. The land of wa wa, choo choos, and french fries. A Blue’s Clues video was blaring behind me on the TV and I was out of adult commission. So with that confession made public may I ask my readers indulgence. Until next week, please enjoy a recent magazine interview from Businesswoman’s Magazine.

The art of placement called feng shui has recently become a household phrase. "As a nation we are stressed to the max," says Caroline Patrick, Artist, Herbalist and Feng Shui Consultant. "This ancient science can be used to bring peace into your home and workplace." Patrick adds.

"Whether working with children’s school problems or large corporate losses, the consultant is trained to see the problems causing stress to the structure." Caroline emphasizes.

Whether teaching feng shui at far away locations or giving workshops at her studio and gallery called Caroline’s Arts, her unique method of taking this complex subject and making it easy to understand has brought her over 2000 clients.

"Many individuals and businesses have doubled or tripled their income after making simple, common adjustment to their own environment. Placing your desk in a power position can alter your productivity." Patrick encourages.

"When demonstrating at seminars I teach the 9 aspects of life or the DNA of your dwelling and how the energy or chi moves through these spaces. Add the 5 elements of life — water, wood, fire, metal and earth and you have the perfect equation for abundance," she adds. "Blockage in life is equated with excess clutter in the home bringing congestion to career, knowledge, family, wealth, fame, partnership, children/creativity and helpful people/travel.

Caroline uses the ancient grid or template placed over the floor plan of the structure to be feng shui’d. This allows her to evaluate the areas needing adjustment. Arriving at the location, Patrick also observes the terrain surrounding your home or business. Healthy green trees, water, structures, lighting, location and neighborhoods are also noted. "What do you want to change in your life?" is her first question, "and are you ready for change?" Caroline asks.

"If you know nothing of feng shui, just the act of unloading _ of your possessions will automatically start the process." Patrick claims. Recently one of her clients commented, "Going to the Goodwill to unload my junk made me feel giddy! I felt like a load had been lifted from my shoulders." "I wish I had released my stuff years ago," was her joyous response.

Come by Caroline’s Arts and Feng Shui Shoppe at 129 First St. to pick up your brochure for our upcoming Feng Shui Intensive Weekend. Registration is beginning now for this fabulous weekend getaway. Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. at the beautiful Embassy Suites in Burlingame. The nine story plant filled atrium will be the site of our luncheons. A special overnight room rate is available on a first come, first serve basis. Early bird registration fee $399. Call for more details (707) 748-1127.

Other Fall classes include:

Watercolor Greeting Cards — beginners and advanced students welcome. All supplies included. Saturday September 22 , 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

Location-Location-Location — How does your location affect your life? This class will be held at the McBride Center in Vacaville. Call 469-6671 to register. Special fee of only $30. Saturday, September 29, 6:30 — 8 p.m.

Feng Shui Secrets to Prosperity — the best office locations in your home or building and feng shui power placement of your desk and office equipment — business success. Register with the McBride Center in Vacaville 469-6671 for Thursday, October 11 10 — 11:30 a.m.

Caroline Patrick is an artist, herbalist and feng shui consultant. She combines these three talents into a unique practice. Herbal suggestions are suggestions only. Please consult a medical doctor for treatment of disease. Check out the website: www.fengshuiartistry.com and www.moongateschool.com for more classes and services available.