West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick BorNei

Certified Red Ribbon Professional of the International Feng Shui Guild

Travel Plans for 2011... Benicia, China and Tibet!!!

As a child I never expected to travel any further than Kansas City Missouri; Grove Oklahoma; Pittsburg, Kansas; and maybe some day, Little Rock, Arkansas if Daddy decided to go deep into the Ozarks. My maiden name was Benton, and it seemed the Benton’s had expanded through out these four states. There was Benton County, Bentonville, Benton Harbor and, as Daddy said, a few horse thieves named Benton. Then there was the famous Missouri senator named Thomas Hart Benton in the 1850’s, his daughter Jesse Benton who married John Frémont, the first candidate to run for President as a republican. And it seems that there is almost proof that our Benton family was related to the well-known artist, Thomas Hart Benton. To confuse things even more, my father’s name was Thomas, which was shared by his great-grandfather, my brother, and my grandfather from mother’s side of the family! If I have given you more information than you really cared to know I apologize.

Traveling was not a family tradition. It seemed by 1945 most of my relatives had settled down and began to shame anyone who escaped to foreign places such as California. Family and friends lived within a 20-mile radius. If, for some reason, a relative decided to move 50-100 miles away they were considered outsiders and not to be trusted, as the word black sheep might be added to the person’s name and labeled as such. As I grew older the world became “smaller.” Many sons had gone off to wars and judgment of world traveling was an accepted factor.

(A good Feng Shui tip to enhance the WOOD or FAMILY side of the house is to place photos of family and ancestors on a wall in the middle left side of your house. Mat them in a bright vibrant green to double the growth and communication of all family members. Also add pictures of family you don’t like. Now that will humble you!)

My brother stepped out of the “box” and moved across the US. He and his family traveled a lot over the years and spent many extended vacations in Europe and other countries I had never heard of. When I dreamed of seeing other countries, my parents reminded me of my place. I was a girl and needed to stay home, be a good daughter, wife and mother. Then I met my husband-to-be, who was ready to see the world. My fears seem to vanish over time and guilt wasn’t my constant companion. We moved constantly with his job, and I became addicted to the adventures around every corner. It pains me to see people give up on their dreams of exploring other places and other people.

(Feng Shui Tip on manifesting travel ... Write on a piece of paper where you would like to go. Don’t think about the money it will cost, don’t worry about other people or how it could happen. Say something like this: “I want to travel to ____without any problems or complication.” Place the date and sign it like a contract. Roll up the paper and tie a 9- or 18-inch red ribbon around the rolled up paper. Place it in a large silver-colored container such as a tea pot or ice bucket. Place it in your Helpful People and Travel section of the house, which is located in the immediate right corner of your house from the front door. This Gua or section is called Heaven. It is a very powerful Yang area and is a great place to put a deity of your choice, such as the Virgin Mary, Jesus, Quan Kin, Buddha or other. Place the container in this special place and give a prayer of your choice to activate. Call me for more information on blessing or manifesting other intentions. Now let go and let God, as they say.)

Four years ago I begin to think a lot about Tibet. On my first travels to China our group came within a few miles of the border. The scenery was unbelievable and the people so sincere. I fell in love and decided I wanted to come back and go into Tibet. I read books, watched TV specials and dreamed my dreams, but I wanted to go back in a special way, with special people. During my third trip to China, I traveled with some colleagues, new friends and my students. We became family and have shared other experiences together since 2009. It was a perfect blend of personalities, travel companions and more. I asked the guides to take us to Tibet in 2011. It has taken them two years to investigate and plan for this very special journey. It will take place starting the middle of September of 2011. If you feel compelled to journey with us, please call me before March 1^st for a discount. You can still sign up at a later date, but there will a limited group. Payments can be made each month over the next few months. Feng Shui will be taught each day.

Traveling in Northern California is always wonderful, I have had many requests for Feng Shui consultations in the San Francisco Bay Area since my last visit in September of 2010, so will be coming to Benicia for more work and a lot of fun with friends. The dates are the 27^th of April through May 6^th. I have a few spaces left. For more information call (503) 208-2960.

Enjoy your life, travel across town or across the whole world, make things happen and be happy. Let go of CAN’T, BUT AND BECAUSE, and set yourself free. Use Feng Shui methods to help manifest and create the life you want to live. If you are unsure how to accomplish this, remember I am a phone call away to help you find your bliss.

Caroline Patrick BorNei is a certified Feng Shui Practitioner and a Red Ribbon Professional of The International Feng Shui Guild. Her abilities as a consultant and artist are widely known in the US and abroad. Caroline has completed over 5000 consultations for individuals, large and small businesses. Return clients appreciate the value of her suggestions both mundane and transcendental, providing support on multiple levels. As a college art instructor for many years, Caroline understands the power of color; its symbolism and the visual effect images have on individuals in their surroundings. Her home base is Portland, OR where she continues to write, teach, paint, do illustrations and give herbal medicine making classes. She is available for Feng Shui consultations; Feng Shui art consultant, advises builders, architects and mentors a few serious students.

Call (503) 208-2960 or email caroline@fengshuiartistry.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.

Caroline’s “West Meets East” weekly newspaper column can be read from archives on her website www.fengshuiartistry.com.