Do you live your life around your day or do you live your day around your life?

Many of my mornings I "hit the ground running," as my father-in-law used to say. "Smell the roses now and then," he would advise. My father’s advice was similar when I was a child. "Slow down Caroline," he would yell after me, as I rarely walked anywhere, "always on a mission," he would muse to my mother. "I can’t see your feet, you fly so fast, sparks are coming off your heals." he chuckled. Daddy was always right, of course, shortly after the warning my toes would tangle, and in slow motion my chin, nose and knees hit the ground.

Incorporating childhood lessons, I decided to take the advice of those two wise important Dads. Smell the roses and slow down, or slow down and smell the roses. I wanted this particular Saturday to be an adventure. I’ll live this free day around my life. "We all need a creative day" I thought as I set the alarm clock for 5:30 a.m., "well, maybe 6 am" as I reconsidered the time necessary to get ready and on the road for my special day.

Weeks before, The National Association of Professional Organizers, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter faxed an invitation inviting me to join their 13^th annual seminar. Less Is More was their theme for 2001. Sounds interesting and fun. I’ll go! Karen Kingston was the keynote speaker of the event. Karen is the author of Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui and Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. These international bestsellers have sold over 800,000 copies in 18 different languages. Born in England, Karen has lived in Bali since 1990 and teaches to packed audiences around the world.

After her first book appeared in bookstores, it almost fell off the shelf and into my hands and I read it in one evening. She is responsible for giving us a good reason to part with our stuff and I wanted to know more about her philosophy.

I looked forward to her lecture and the next day. Alarm clocks jangle my nerves. Setting them is only a precaution, since I seem to wake ahead of time just to avoid the inevitable jolt. Even though I had a short night, I felt invigorated by the freedom of the day ahead.

Traffic was lighter than usual as I headed for the California coastal city. Having had feng shui consultations booked in the same vicinity of the seminars it was easy to find the hotel. The atmosphere was loaded with good Chi as I picked up a name badge at the desk and found the meeting room. "Wow" I thought, surprised to see at least 500 businesswomen, ready to develop new methods to pare down their excess stuff, and focus on ways to scale back. Leaving room to create a better space in which to think and grow was the theme. The day was set aside for learning, connecting and just plain fun.

There were only a few available seats left near the front of the room. Like most people I tend to look for a seat in the "back pew." Quickly walking toward the front tables, my first instinct was to join the women at the second table. Pausing I reconsidered as I heard that little familiar voice inside my head say, "no go to the first table."

As I’ve learned from past experience, arguing with that little wise voice or intuitive knowing gets me into trouble unless I listen. So I followed the instructions of the whisper. Sitting down with strangers is always awkward for me. Introductions are made and then the silence expands like a fog in the night. But just as quickly the fog lifts as the person next to me inquires, "Where do you live?" "Benicia," I reply. "Where’s that?" Now I’m "on" I realize when I actually wanted to blend in the crowd and chill out for the day. "Where do you live?" I inquired. "I’m from the east coast, so I’m not familiar with Benicia," she said. I pull out a sheet of paper and start drawing a map. Being an artist, visual interpretation is my first line of communication. Now the woman on the other side of me starts asking questions. "What do you do?" Well, there went my cover, having an incognito morning wasn’t going to happen. "Well go with it Caroline — wake up and network like these other dedicated businesswomen" I told myself.

"I’m an artist and feng shui consultant. I teach workshops pertaining to the art of placement and own a feng shui shoppe in Benicia to supply my clients with cures, corrections and enhancements for their homes and business spaces, to help create balance and harmony and success in many areas of their lives." I could hear the words coming out of my mouth in a far off tone, as if I had earphones over my ears. The rhythm created by the up and down sounds became a singsong and I became quite bored with the monotone sound of my own voice. "Be quiet Caroline," I heard myself caution myself!

The first bell rang to announce five minutes before the event began. I settled in, opened my notebook and looked up to see an attractive woman seated across the table. She smiled pleasantly at me and I returned the greeting. Her hair was reddish and her outfit enhanced the rich tones of her features. The kindness in her eyes drew my attention, but I looked the other way, so as not to stare.

The second bell sounded. Introductions and announcements were given about the three-day seminar. The spokeswoman finished the business portion of the opening conference and proceeded to introduce Karen Kingston.

The same charming woman with the enchanting features from our table stood to the applause of the crowded room. I was surprised and delighted to meet Karen Kingston. (Continued next week)

Karen’s workshops in the Bay Area are scheduled for October 26, 27, 28 and 29 and a special one on November 4 in San Mateo Marriott. For more information check www.spaceclearing.com

Caroline will offer a four-week acrylic and oil class in Vacaville at the McBride City Center in Vacaville, starting Mondays in January. Upcoming classes include Feng shui fountain making for prosperity and tranquility. Check www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on moongateschool for times and details.

Come into the shop — Caroline’s Arts at 129 First St. Suite K Benicia and let Barbara, Paula or Caroline answer your questions. Open 1-5 daily, closed Monday.