By Caroline Patrick

People Who Help People

Since moving to the San Juan Islands, my priorities have shifted. Observing other islanders is a favorite pastime as I wait in line for the next available ferry to transport me to the mainland. Living and working in the Northwest several years ago gave my husband and me a taste of what was to be expected if we chose this area of the U.S. for retirement. Choosing island life is a big decision and we had many things to consider when decision time came along. I have a dual personality. Some days I am a people person, while other days being alone is a necessity.

Our ferry is different from the large state ferries. It is owned by the county and runs almost every half hour, but you must adjust yourself to "line time." That can run 5 to 20minutes, depending what time of day it might be when you decide a trip to town is a must. But at 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, the little ferry docks on the mainland side, so nightlife is out unless you use a motel catering to local islanders. So Caroline’s Feng Shui Concepts gets stuck on the other side of the water quite often. Workshops, late consultations, meetings, etc. and 7 p.m. speaking engagements were considered when manifesting our new life. "Staying over" has taken on a new meaning. Friendliness is an overwhelming aspect I love about this section of the nation, as the owners of the motel in which I stay treat me like royalty, offering me the Governor’s Suite at a very low islander’s price, since I don’t think the governor is in town much.

A diverse variety of personalities occupy this little island. 500 plus is the winter population, while visitors and summer residents can swell to 1200 persons. With only a general store, gas pump, community building, little library and church, the island has held onto its charm and privacy for famous artists, poets, writers, hippies from the past, political activists, weekend adventurers, and middle-of-the-road folks. I think we fit into this category somewhere, because the comfort zone of the island and its people seem like extended family, as everyone in the neighborhood welcomed us before the furniture was placed in the house.

I loved having my shoppe and gallery in Benicia, but only wanted to open an office on the mainland, as I knew I couldn’t devote the same amount of time to a retail store while helping with my grandchildren. So I contacted a realtor by the look of his picture and ad in the local phone book. Advertising, location and address, shape of building where you set up your business, color and type of business card you choose, decor and colors used in the business space all make a difference when starting a business. A person spending money on advertising is serious about money. So I chose this young smiling man to tell me what property was available.

He was very busy, as I discovered when making an appointment with him. I soon discovered everyone in town liked him. At every stop sign, someone waved or shouted a cheerful hello as we made our way through the city. "How long have you lived here?" I asked, thinking he might be an ‘ole town boy,’ born and raised in this happy city with boats and ships coming and going in the distance. "One year," was his reply. "Really," I countered, "Where, did you move from?" "Santa Cruz, California," he said as he waved again to a young teenager. Quickly he pulled to the curb as he asked me if I minded if he spoke to the young man. "Of course not," I responded as he rolled down the window to his new four-wheel vehicle. "Where were you the other night?" he inquired of the youth as the young kid obviously tried to avoid his questioning. "I’ll see you Tuesday evening at 7, okay?" "Okay," was the only answer the teen could come up with as his cheeks turned a little red as he tried to squirm out of a direct commitment.

We drove off to look for more properties as the realtor explained. "We run a youth group of kids that have been and are on drugs, I teach martial arts, and this helps bring a source of harmony and balance to their lives." I found my office that day at my price, with an auspicious address which added up to a 9 and is the symbology of prosperity, with his help. He was thrilled to find out I was a Feng Shui consultant and welcomed me to the community. Meeting him led to speaking engagements and the names of city contacts for my Feng Shui classes.

This man is busy and successful; wasted no time in getting his life together after relocating. I learned he had had several successful careers. Getting bored after a few years, he has explored many of his hidden talents and put them into action. Having a wife and children didn’t slow down his purpose. His wife, I have found out, also is an action person and reinvents herself, supporting each other in the process.

That was five months ago. Friendly people continue to show up in my life as I make sure the Helpful People and Travel Gua or sections of my home and business are filled with the right elements, colors, shapes enhancements and notes of my intentions to support my wishes, dreams and goals. This front right corner of your room, office, building or home can help maintain people who can help make these affirmations and intentions come true. Whether you are selling your home or making an important business deal, the Helpful People area of the structure is the place to activate.

You are only two to three people away from the contact person that is needed for success. Open up to new possibilities through new places and new experiences. Talk to people who have already made the journey. Value their experience as they can help you make correct choices, but also value your intuitive instinct when people walk into life with the answers needed for the next phase of your purpose.

Career profile for Caroline Patrick, author of THE POWER OF FENG SHUI ARTWORK IN THE HOME AND BUSINESS

Caroline can be reached at:

Caroline’s Feng Shui Concepts

2511 Commercial Avenue

Anacortes, Washington 98221

(360) 293-2268.

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com

www.fengshuiartistry.com

www.moongateschool.com