By Caroline Patrick

Making My Lists and Checking Them Twice

Recently I feel my brain has been on vacation. I keep a pad of those large sticky notes at arm’s reach. I have always used those large yellow ones, because they contain quick visual reference of my clients’ address, phone numbers and directions and can be detached from the main consultation book easily as I drive in traffic. Using these little sticky notes keeps me on schedule as I find my way through mazes of housing projects. The energy of California where I spent several years in business is unique, compared to other states and countries.

Using the Bagua or eight-sided grid or template used as tool for mapping the home is simple and complex. In my opinion, and other Feng Shui practitioners agree, California is considered the Fame or Fire Element state of the United States. Aligning the Career sector on a map of the United States, we find the entry or the latest entry of the last 200 plus years the East Coast. The opposite side of the nation or the opposite side of the Bagua is the West Coast, which includes California. The Chi of this state is action in motion. Freeways are alive night and day. People who live in this state are drawn to its prosperity, take chances in their future, drive unique cars, are more tolerant of other people’s life style, are restless and feel pressure as the fire quality perks up their ability to live life to the fullest, and many people become famous when living in the Fame Zone.

Of course, there are exceptions. Some people burn out as the stress of the Fire Element state heats up their environment and they burn the candle at both ends. I loved living in this state on and off for over 15 years. I could feel the excitement of the 24-hour lifestyle living up and down the coast of this world famous coast.

Lists were necessary as I might visit, teach or consult at several different locations during the week. Working long hours at something you love is easy, especially when you keep your own home and business Feng Shui’d. Using the Art of Placement as a daily tool helps your life run smoothly. Paying attention to problems as they arise and making a quick Feng Shui correction is your living space is the best way to keep the peace in your home.

As many of you know, I recently moved to the Northwest and continue to teach and do Feng Shui consulting, but I’ve had two little interruptions; well, three to be exact, or I suppose you might say four. I’m reliving my youth in action only, as my face feels the stress and needs more "keems" as my daughter used to say when speaking about face cream. I’m now cooking for a family of five again. My cup runneth over as I try to remain on course. Feng Shui is still my friend as I use enhancements to ease the stress.

Just tonight as the group ages 3 to 63 made Christmas cookies and decorated the tree with a crooked star balanced on the very top, I looked for a very important list of tomorrow’s chores and callbacks. Dates, times and addresses must be found before tomorrow arrives. I have company arriving in two days, doctors appointments, Feng Shui teaching schedules to be made up for eight classes for the college and city, a consultation with a new holistic foundation and the deadline to finish on the newspaper column and bills to be paid. Do I have help? Yes, but …

Just as I collapsed on my bed for a few minutes the 6-year-old grandson is doing his homework (which I feel is too much too soon for these guys, reading and numbers in kindergarten?), the 3-year-old finds me hiding out and, feeling lonesome, jumps in bed beside me with his coloring book. "Grandma, will you tear out this Santa Claus picture for me?" he requests. "Sure," I say as his little green eyes are so close to mine, I feel his soul seeing mine. Red hair curls up his neck in wisps, and his yellow and green pajamas, providing Health and Family protection, cling over his little warm body as he waits for the image to be detached from the book. Just as quickly as he jumped in bed with me, he was back on the ground heading out the doorway of the bedroom, with his arms swinging back and forth with purpose.

I rested a few more minutes before coming back to the office and looking for my list of tomorrow’s reminders. Sitting on my husband’s knee was the wee one playing on my computer. "What are you guys doing?" I asked as the 3-year-old pointed and clicked the mouse with expert accuracy on the screen. My husband grinned my way and informed me our grandson had just made copies of his Santa Claus picture on my copy machine. "How can these little guys understand all this equipment," I mumbled. Feeling old and a little dyslexic I decided bed wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Maybe tomorrow I could find my list. Besides, if California is in the Fame Section and Washington State is in the Partnership Sector of the United States, a whole different energy is presenting itself. This Earth-related Marriage Gua bonds families and relationships, holding them close to Mother Earth’s dual dynasty. Well, it looks as if I’m grounded for a while!

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