West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

On the Road Again with Feng Shui, Part II

I was recently asked to be a guest speaker at the Central Washington Woman's Show. Welcoming the idea of travel, I had prepared my new 5 Elements Series of paintings, having them reproduced on canvas, giving me the option to hop on a plane with the images rolled up and placed in a carry-on. Wintertime weather in the Northwest quickly turns to ice and snow in the high mountain passes. The director wanted to place the paintings at key locations at the large Sundome facility to introduce the "new concept" of Feng Shui to Central Washington. So I was ready to fly or drive as the countdown to the departure date came closer.

I was relieved to hear the mountain pass was clear on the morning of departure, and with the car packed, headed south toward Seattle. Living in this area 15 or so years ago, I'm basically familiar with the freeways around Seattle and so put off buying a new map until I was "on the road." I am the first to admit my flaws or those habits which end up causing me trouble in the long run. The longer I live I try to recognize these time-busters and eliminate them from my life. Thus Feng Shui, or the flow of life, goes more smoothly, and Water, Wood, Fire, Metal and Earth have a better chance to flourish.

Organization, making lists, and de-cluttering your home and office can help a person's Career. Leaving a light on in the far back middle section of the house, a red candle, lantern, or a lead round ball crystal can help promote your reputation and Fame and recognition in the community. The ancient Chinese knew success and understood that reputation was a crucial aspect for abundance, and gave a second or Gua to the home for celebrating the Fire Element.

I had placed a 50mm large round crystal, a red candle, a mirror to double the cure, and placed a red scarf on the top of a bookcase in this sector. My husband, I had noticed, turned the light on over the mirror for me the last couple of weeks. As if a burst of unseen energy had been plugged into an outlet, the phone calls began coming in for consultations. Red acts as a magnet for action energy, and action was happening! This is called activation. You plan it, you see it and it manifests. Thoughts are energy, so watch what you are considering and thinking about. This is why prayer is so effective.

As you can guess, with no map and new freeways, I quickly became lost in the Seattle area as the fog gently rolled in off the cold waters surrounding the city. I remembered some advice my daughter passed on to me as a teenager. "When in doubt, stop and eat!" "Good advice," I decided after an hour of going in circles. I just wanted to go east and couldn't find the right freeway. I could se it but not get on it! Sound familiar? Two hours later I was back on the right road headed east. "Things have certainly changed in 15 years," I sighed. Turning on the radio, I learned that a storm was coming in around 4 p.m. I climbed the mountain with no problems, and at the top was a rest area with a view overlooking the most beautiful range of mountains.

Several strangers stood mesmerized by the incoming storm dropping silent white frosting over the high Fire or cone-shaped mountains. A perfect balance of Fire and frozen Water. Free hot cocoa and coffee was offered by the Veterans of War Administration, making the occasion seem special. It was a perfect visual and omen of reaching the heights of your intentions. People talked in whispered tones as it felt like heaven was within easy reach. Still with no map - I asked a little boy if he knew if Yakima was the next big town. He looked at me in pity, and taking my hand, led me to a huge map of Washing State. I guess he thought I was harmless, but it also worried me that he willingly took a stranger's hand. "Are you still lost?" the little guy inquired. "No, I think I can make it now," I smiled. He smiled back and skipped of toward his family. I left the storm in the mountains and started down the high pass toward the other side of the state.

Sleeping late was not an option, as I was met by a young smiling woman at 7 p.m. in the hotel lobby. She was excited about Feng Shui and was originally from Santa Cruz, California. We talked easily as she escorted me to the local radio station. The city had tripled in size and four radio stations are incorporated into one large building. After an interview with one station, rumor spread through the building that "The Feng Shui Lady" was on the air. The other DJ's were fascinated by the subject and wanted me to be on their programs also. People called in with questions, and the time went quickly as Feng Shui-suggested floor plan corrections were given.

The Sundome filled early as booths offered people items from clean air systems to new style pet fashions. Speakers lectured and groups entertained on the stage all day. Cooking demonstrations, fashion shows, furniture, lighting and flooring, and Caroline's Feng Shui Concepts offered the audience a workshop on the Art of Placement. After a long day of giving mini-consultations and lecturing, I was ready to get some much-needed sleep. "The response was encouraging," the director said as I was leaving. "I didn't think it would go over that well, but it did. Thanks for keeping it simple, as I think we have sown a seed or two for Feng Shui." She was right, I thought the world was aware we could each be responsible in an environmental way learning Feng Shui principles, but most of the world doesn't know about this concept. I still need to travel and do my bit for world peace, as world peace starts at home.

I retraced my journey without incident, boarded the ferry back to the little island where I now live to rest and regroup for more "gigs." Sitting in a chair looking toward the Guemes Channel, my eyes soften to the view before me. In one window I notice my husband's wooden ship sitting on the sill. The handcrafted model of the vessel sits in the Helpful People and Travel sector of the house. The visual image of this ship activates travel in the word. I look forward to more travel, teaching the Power of Color with Feng Shui.