West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Wind and Water Change with the Seasons

My favorite time of year has arrived! New cool breezes are uncertain of which direction to go. Autumn wind gusts, blowing gold, red and yellow leaves high into the sky with delicious freedom. At last they are released from their Spring and Summer’s duty of providing camouflage for all newborn creatures. They seem to sing as they swirl upward, outward, darting round and round, flying in all directions at once, displaying nature’s magical show of endings and beginnings. Each leaf, large and small, with a mind of its own, seems to eventually tire and gently rock from side to side, slower and slower until it comes to rest on the ground. Millions and millions of leaves pile higher and higher, forming a golden blanket which covers the Earth.

Early morning fog dips in and out of view as I drive west toward the local Pumpkin Patch. Mountain peaks fade away as I drive toward the coast. Lowland farmers are busy gathering the Fall crops in the fields along the road. “I will stop quickly, get fresh baked bread and five pumpkins,” I thought. My grandchildren were having friends over for lunch and I needed projects to keep them busy. “To catch the next ferry to the island, I mustn’t linger,” I warned myself. “It is always hard for me to hurry when deciding on new local apples, cider, corn, squash, syrups, homemade pies, candy and gourds to buy.” The barn store was open for business before the fog “burned off”. I gathered my items quickly and made the ferry crossing. My husband greeted me at our island house door and carried the goodies to the kitchen. Cooking for five children less than nine years of age, plus four adults, can be challenging. We didn’t have picky eaters, but two have allergies.

The next ferry brought guests, large and small. Little round happy faces scattered through the forests, while I cooked. I shouldn’t have worried too much about what type of foods to cook, as they all gobbled down goulash, broccoli, pears sprinkled with cheese and warm bread from the oven. With their tummies full they raced outdoors with golden leaves circling around them as they fell to the ground. It seemed the leaves were enjoying the children as much as the kids delighted in the kaleidoscope of changing seasons.

Three de-bladed garden tractors joined the parade. Children laughed, giggled and were surprised with the rides around the hidden property. Guided by my husband and son, no one was injured. Just as the leaves slowly rocked to the ground to rest, the little ones dropped to the floor in front of the television to regroup and recharge.

Secretly I washed the five little pumpkins and put them around the dinning table. Next I added paper towels, foil and magic markers for drawing. The large open room floor plan gives room for a kitchen, living and dining room. Almost big enough for skating, dancing or playing, the great room is enhanced with beautiful water views, plus 300-foot Cyprus trees surrounding the property. Outside a fountain gently flows toward the house, bringing Chi to the Front Entry. Inside the fireplace keeps the young adventurers cozy.

The first child to stand upright after his rest stares at the table full of pumpkins and a chocolate cake called “An Almost Halloween Birthday Cake”. We had four birthdays coming soon in the group, and Halloween in the middle of these celebrations. With three orange candles on the cake (because I only had three), the little wax torches had to be lit four times and blown out four times. “Fun was had by all” and germs were blown on the frosting from each child. The cake was gobbled by hungry kids and before the sugar high kicked-in, pumpkin faces emerged on the round creations. We lined them up to judge and giggle. Imagination filled the room and Autumn’s energy filled their souls.

Don’t wait for things to happen. Make them happen. Enjoy and celebrate each season. Surprise your family by thinking “out of the box”. Worries need to be put aside. Make memories to pass on to other generations. My family claims I’m a little crazy at times and I respond by saying, “thank you, I will take that as a compliment.”

Caroline is a Feng Shui consultant, artist, herbalist, newspaper columnist, businesswoman, author and teacher. She has conducted over 3500 Feng Shui consultations. She has taught art for over 35 years. Her weekly column West Meets East can be viewed on her website moongateschool.com. Caroline’s advice is only considered suggestions and she is not responsible for any problems relating from her suggestions. Please consult a physician for any diagnostic evaluations concerning your health.

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

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