West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Teaching in different cities is exciting, and I was to give another workshop on The Ancient Art of Placement in the week that followed. The location was again near San Francisco. Planning a class takes many hours. Students expect a booklet for reference, a comfortable, convenient location, within a reasonable distance and with good snacks to keep up their strength! This would make the third trip to this area within a three-month period, and I was beginning to get “jet lag.” Teaching and speaking on Feng Shui always gives me a lift of energy or Chi, so after a few days rest, I’m ready to go again.

The Northwest is a beautiful part of the United States, and during the winter the days are short. The skies darken early near the Canadian border, and the misty rains cause a Yin environment. My daughter defines winter sleeping in this area, as an Olympic Event! This way you don’t feel guilty when engaging and practicing this recreational sport. It’s the “call of the wild” workout which has added unwanted inches to my waist…

I was deep into my sport when the alarm clock rang, shook my very being. “Thank God the Chinese Year of the Rooster is almost over,” I mumbled, “he certainly has done his duty, keeping everyone organized and on time, but he may end up in my cooking pot yet!” As you can tell, mornings are not the best hours for someone born at 1 a.m. Your time of birth does seem to set your later creative clock for life. I rolled over and snapped the lid of the timekeeper.

Living north of the Seattle does have its downside, and getting to the airport is one of those sides. If you plan to take a noon flight, the local shuttle will carry you to the airport with only two other brief stops. Packing the night before is a must for me, as I learned traveling three weeks in China with a Feng Shui group. You must be flexible and ready to change plans quickly if the sea is ranging or the government delays you in some way. The bamboo tree is a symbol of flexibility. This strong yet flowing green Wood Element is also used to represent the longevity of Family life. Always be ready for new possibilities.

The rainy mist continued to fall as I boarded the early morning shuttle. My bags packed with class necessities, small greeting cards and prints of my recent paintings, plus a few washable clothes, all tucked safely into my suitcases, I relaxed and let the driver take over. Fourteen days of work completed. It felt great to have a rest, the hard part was over and now the fun began. Three days at the Berkeley, California Culture Center. It was New Year’s Eve, the time of year when all the energies shift gears and endings become beginnings, people from all over the world in unison, flying toward the same destination to celebrate the New Year. It was a special night where special feasts were being prepared for over 200 souls. Little did I know that for the first time I would be allowed to help in “The Kitchen?” It would be an honor to chop over 20 bundles of Chinese cilantro. There are more ways to chop this delicacy than you can imagine which I would soon find out! (To be continued)

WHAT IS CUSTOMIZED FENG SHUI MENTORING?

· It is for those wishing to study with me privately. ONE ON ONE.

· The cost is $350 for three hours a month, through phone, email and faxes.

· A six-month commitment is necessary.

· 27 red envelopes (first month only) and the first month’s payment of $350 due on the 1st of each month.

· A monthly mentoring date is set for at least one to two hours of phone conversation, at different intervals.

· Packets of hard-copy material are sent for you to study each month. Emailing and faxes will be part of the course also as we go over floor plans.

· The material is copyrighted, but I will give you permission to share a lot of the information.

Caroline Patrick Caroline's Feng Shui Concepts Mt. Vernon, WA 360-424-1501

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com www.fengshuiartistry.com www.moongateschool.com

Caroline Patrick, Feng Shui consultant/practitioner, teacher/speaker, Feng Shui artist and writer, lives in the San Juan Islands, off the coast of Washington. Her weekly newspaper article called WEST MEETS EAST is a popular Feng Shui advice column. She enjoys answering your questions, when possible. Some questions will be chosen for publication with the permission from the reader. Enjoy her new 5 Element attached-folding cards which can be used as a Feng Shui enhancement or correction in any space. Larger prints of several selected paintings are also available. For consultations, speaking/teaching engagements and art evaluations contact her at caroline@fengshuiartistry.com or visit her websites at www.fengshuiartistry.com and www.moongateschool.com.

Any suggestions given in this column are only for entertainment. Please contact your physician for any medical or herbal advice or diagnosis. Caroline Patrick is not responsible for any misuse of her advice or suggestions.