Feng Shui Long Island's Blog

Everyone is writing wonderful, inspiring posts about going forward and I'm enjoying them all.  This weekend, though, I took a step BACK in time to remember some wonderful memories in Wantagh, Long Island, New York.  It's where I was born and raised and certainly where I had an awful lot of fun!

I remembered that we had a few TREASURES left of the OLD Wantagh; the very one I grew up in and loved when it wasn't so modern and busy.  And they are preserved.  If you'd like to step, just for a moment, back in time with me you'll see a bit of Mayberry.

My old schoolhouse which we called The Little RED Schoolhouse.  I'm not sure if that's the official name but now it's a historic site (and I'm feeling a bit PREhistoric writing this!   Before we were put in the BIG school, if you lived really close to this one you had the privilege of going here.  There were three classrooms-First, Second and Third grade.  And a lunchroom.  And that was the entire school.  We had a huge rope hanging down in the middle and got to ring it every day....it would take two or three of us to get it to ring.  Unlike the new, modern playground we had the old steel monkey bars.  I didn't often get to play on them because I usually wore a dress.  But the times were SO easy, fun and friendly.

They have preverved the Original Post office of Wantagh!  Another treasure of Wantagh that has been preserved is its old Train Station.  My brother went to Pratt in Brooklyn, a renowned school for artists and often I'd go with my mother to pick him up at the train station-THIS train station, now preserved.  It is still fascinating to see and shows a bit of what Long Island used to be.  Farmland.  Acres and acres of land barely developed.

Wantagh is called The Gateway to Jones Beach and it also borders the famous (or infamous) Levittown where you could purchase a new home for just over $6,000.  The returning GI's jumped on it.  The two styles were either a ranch or a cape cod and my parents choose a ranch home that borders Levittown but was still in Wantagh.  An article in Newsday a few years back claimed that there was only ONE home left in all of Levittown that had not been expanded or modified! 

Here's a few shots, welcome to Mayberry:

The name fits:  The Little Red Schoohouse; it's a daycare now.

The New, Modern playground.

I DID say little, right?

Sorry about the sign, it's historic as well!  The year is 1876 when this farmland was donated by John Virsdall Garner; It was the very FIRST School in Levittown!

This building was the very first Post Office in Wantagh.  It has also been preserved as a historic site.

This is the preserved site both the Post Office and the Train Station are on.  It's wonderful that we have a bit of true history here.

The Original Station...

Maybe I had to take a step BACK before I could move FORWARD.  I hope you enjoyed a little bit of my old hometown, Wantagh, Long Island, New York.

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

Whoever said one picture is worth a thousand words was surely speaking of this one; from a Feng Shui Consultants point of view.  I've seen this particular corner before but they appear to just keep adding more signs.

Ok, you don't have to know much about Feng Shui to see what's wrong with this picture---as a matter of fact, you probably don't have to know ANYTHING about Feng Shui to see what's wrong. This picture is near an intersection on a busy road on Long Island. We speak often of making someone feel welcomed into our "space" and making them feel warm and invited.

Let's not forget that Feng Shui is quite literal as well, in many of its meanings.  Think of DRAINS, they are exactly that and can drain you of your energy, money, time....It's one of the reasons we are careful in bathrooms to keep the door closed (the drain energy will stay put!), keep the seat down (annoying as that is to some people) and keep a plant over the toilet, to deflect the drain energy up and away.

Energy also can "pool" in courts.  There is not a flow to allow it to move easily.  As a Feng Shui Consultant, I would have to address these multiple signs that say "DEAD END" and I would have to address the issues of a court. I was curious if Realtors would get asked the same questions I would on this...or if it would dissuade you in any way from purchasing a home yourself in an area like this?  I'm going to think long and hard about solutions for this issue, you can bet if I've seen it now it will be coming up soon!

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Carole Provenzale is a Certified Long Island Feng Shui Consultant and Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for all of Long Island (Town of Oyster Bay) and New York City and Feng Shui Consultations for those at a distance by personalized one on one phone conversations.  Consultations are for homes, businesses, corporations, renovations, realtors and new construction.

If I somehow left you out, I APOLOGIZE.  This was not a simple post--and besides, I set the limit at TEN (I might have gone just a few over, I didn't count).

WHEN I THINK OF:

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman(RA) Century 21 Liberty Homes *Hawaii*
"WooHoo" SALLY'S Mililani Hawaii Real Estate Blog!   I think of the beautiful state of Hawaii---and a beautiful person that lives there!  Now, I want to visit it although it had never been in my future before.

Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- New Jersey mortgage -- FHA mortgages
Mortgage Knowledge at its BEST!!!! (Jeff Belonger) I think of LEARNING...trying to make sense out of things I've never known (and some wonderful humor thrown in at times :)


Nestor & Katerina Gasset, Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes
Wellington Homes and More...   Beautiful posts on many different subjects, I am always engaged.  Positive attitude?  You've come to the right place.

Cheryl Johnson
CJ's Blog Pure brilliance.  Anyone that can make a tree disappear has my deepest respects :)

Teri Eckholm, Realtor® Anoka County MN
Teri's Notes & Anecdotes on Twin Cities Real Estate Learning not only about what dedication means, but also so much about a lovely state I really knew nothing about.

Lysa Napolitano, Call Coordinator ~ Century 21 Sundance
Lysa's Central Florida Happenings The Pure value of Helping people!

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist
Onslow County NC Homes Sorry, Cynthia, it's your wonderful RECIPES.  They are such a hit around here!

Jo-Anne Smith,B.Sc., Belleville/Quinte REALTOR®
Transitions-Belleville and Quinte Region Real Estate Blog Just like the name of her Group, pure INSPIRATION and a Blessing in the Rain.

Sheron Cardin - how2homestage.com RESA
Sheron Cardin's Home Staging Blog A true friend, always there.  Not to mention one of the most inventive minds I've ever come accross.

Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor
Joni***A Merrimack County Blogging Maven Easy--ROAD TRIPS!  Sharing her beautiful part of this Earth with all of us.

Laurie Mindnich
Laurie's Blog A fellow Long Islander who doesn't back down from her beliefs...Ever.  I think of Respect.

Mary Pope-Handy, ABR, CRS, ePRO, SRES
Mary Pope-Handy's Silicon Valley Real Estate Commentary 'Things that go Bump in the Night' and a person who has a very good understanding of them.  Also a love for her community.


Kris Wales- Metro Detroit real estate agent
A Macomb County Michigan real estate blog. An absolute delight to have in the Rain...or anywhere else.  Dedication.

Tom Braatz
Tom's Blog Someone very real who's not afraid to share....Good and not so good, they're all real.


Julie Neerings, GRI Utah Real Estate
From the Heart of Utah Real Estate by Julie Neerings A LIGHT.  And a delight.  Enough said.


Donna Yates, North Georgia Realtor, Blue Ridge Mountains Real Estate
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Real Estate Blog, Donna Yates, Realtor Always a kind word and so much sharing of her beautiful area, I've leaned many things.


Andrew J. Lenza, ABR GRI MBA
Andrew J. Lenza NJ Real Estate Blog Wow, this guy can WRITE--And DRAW!  Pure Talent!

Lizette Fitzpatrick,Central Kentucky Realtor(R)
Blog de la Lizette Chanel.  If you know a person's pet, you really KNOW the person.  This one's a treasure.

Deborah Pearce - Living Spaces - Kelowna Home Staging & Interior Design
Deborah Pearce - Living Spaces -'s Blog ART...anything with art and dancing, most specifically the Argentine Tango.  And sharing it all with us!

Carol Smith, ReMax Preferred, REALTOR®, Toledo, OH
Holy Toledo!! Carol is just a joy.  Every one of her posts bring something wonderful with them.

Lisa Heindel, New Orleans West Bank Real Estate
Lisa's New Orleans West Bank Blog My FAIR friend...who I've yet to meet but have more then just fairs in common with.

Candy Henthorne- Spring Texas Real Estate
Spring Texas Real Estate Just like her name, SWEET.  I don't know if Candy is even aware of what she brings to us all!

Gail Gladstone
LONG ISLAND REALTOR A Long Islander with a great sense of humor who also dishes out some great advice.  Thanks, Gail!


Kathy Passarette, Creative Home Expressions
Creative Home Expressions - Thoughts from Long Island A Long Island home stager with class...and a way with window treatments that make me go WOW!

FernandoRosado EclecticHomeStaging of the Palm Beaches
FernandoRosado 's Blog A terrific home stager, a Chef...boy, this guy is Creative!

Loretta Buckner | Your Real Estate Consultant and Suncoast FL Specialist
"Living in the Real World" ~ Lola's Log Aside from her dedication to Real Estate, Loretta is a healer.  How many people can SAY that?  Loretta lives with love.

Jackie Peraza - Framingham, MA Stager, DCC
Jackie 's Blog One phenominal home stager who has her own opinions and stays true to herself.  A trait and a person I very much admire.


Maria Borci ASP-TRC- ABR - Doral, FL
Maria Borci- Miami Dade County-Doral FL Real Estate: Florida Real Estate>> Doral Real Estate Specialist One of the first people on ActiveRain who let me invade her space---and make it better!  Thank you, Maria, for your trust!


Bonnie Westbrook, Real Estate Assistant
The View from Here - Bonnie's Grand Rapids Mi Real Estate Blog Bonnie always has a darn good view from the way I see things as well...and adds a  lot to the rain.

Trace Galle
Trace's Blog Trace never has anything but a kind word to say--and will often relate her OWN stories.  That takes time...and caring.


Jeff and Grace Saffrin I loved Grace anyway for her insights and gentile spirit but again, her gift of Time to me is precious--and freely given.

Nestor & Katerina Gasset, Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes Katerina and Nestor have shared their successes and lives with us.  And believes very much in the power of Feng Shui--it is paying her back with wonderful rewards.

Melissa Grant, Realtor  My blessings right now to her AND her family...now and always.


Lake Norman Real Estate - Diane Aurit A sense of purpose, dedication and someone who truly loves what they do; I try never to miss Diane's posts.


Raleigh - Durham NC Real Estate Specialist>>Elizabeth Nieves' Perspective on NC Real Estate and Other 'GOOD STUFF'   A 'new found' friend in the Rain who is a joy....with a very kind heart!  Thank you, Elisabeth!

The Preferred Oregon Loan Consultant View & Blog by Sarah Another new friend....and a wonderful one at that. 

BILL CHERRY'S GREATEST DALLAS PARK CITIES REAL ESTATE BLOG Stories...all of them priceless.

Ann Arbor and Saline Michigan Real Estate Does anything REALLY need to be said about Missy?  We all know and love her.

Lisa Ryan~Selling Princeton,West Windsor Blog Always ready to share a kind comment and beautiful posts.  Someone who puts time and energy into everything she does.

Kim's Blog I love when people share, their ups and downs and life and work.  Kim is a giver.

Kathy McGraw's Blog Is anyone more filled with passion?  What a life Kathy has led and there's so much more to go, she astounds me.

Ok, I promised myself only TEN, how did I do?  I hate to think of all those I left out that I truly care about but this post has to end somewhere :)  My love and blessings to all of the above and EVERY SINGLE PERSON on ActiveRain who makes this wonderful site a place of learning, light, growth, laughter, friendship and fun...with a little BUSINESS thrown in :)  May 2008 be your VERY best year!!

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing Feng Shui Long Island Consultations as well as Feng Shui Consulations in New York City for Apartments, Homes, Businessess, Offices, Realtors, New Construction and Renovations.  Distance consultations are personalized and done by phone. 

Ah, those TEEN years we had.  Remember how much FUN they were?  Not a care in the world.  Then one day we grew up-and our beautiful little "darlings" became TEENAGERS themselves.  Things certainly turned around, now THEY were the ones who knew everything.  We were suddenly OLD and not only that, we didn't know a thing.

I got the nicest compliments from my children-wonderful sayings like "Get with it, Mom" or "You just don't GET IT."  I DON'T GET IT??  During these years, my daughter stayed pretty stable (having already caught on that she wasn't going to win) but I noticed my son kept changing things in his room---almost obsessively.  I'd wake up at 2am and hear him re-arranging his room.  What is he DOING?  This was no "normal" Feng Shui attack, mind you, and it wasn't cleaning.  It was changing his furniture around. 

We had learned in Feng Shui School that we cannot change a teenager's room.  That means NO CLEANING.  We were told to close the door and disassociate ourselves from their rooms.  Their energy is changing rapidly and we should not interfere with it.  As long as there were no health hazards in the room, we were told to respect their space.  Easier said then done, believe me!

My clients often ask me about their teenagers' room and we are not permitted to allow them to change it.  Whether you live in a home or New York City Apartment, it doesn't change the rule. They can only make suggestions to their teens or have them home during the consultation.  I can then explain the different areas of their rooms AND the necessity of keeping them clean and clutter free.  (You'd be amazed how many of them listened, they all seemed to love hearing about their Wealth and Relationship areas)!  For the teens I was able to ‘get through' to, I had some very happy clients.  Meanwhile, back at the ranch (actually a small cottage) I STILL didn't know a THING. 

I was a good Feng Shui Consultant mother for as long as I could stand it.  One day I looked in there and went against ALL Feng Shui "rules."  The clothes came off the floor (I was thrilled to see the carpet again!), the room got a good cleaning and I incorporated some Feng Shui things in there as well.  I had broken the cardinal rule of Feng Shui and Teens.

One area I addressed was his CAREER area.  He'd turned 16 and was trying to find his first "real" job-and he wasn't having any luck.  I was waiting for him when he came home that day and he looked more shocked then anything.  I had treaded on his turf but I can't say he looked unhappy about it.  I think it made him feel better to see he HAD a room, not a space that would have made a garage look good.  He was told to keep it that way...period.  Thus the end of my good Feng Shui mom days.

But then again, what did I know?  He came home the next day with one of those ‘teen' looks you can't quite describe.  I was waiting for him to say something, wondering what he was thinking when he asked me what did I DO in there?  I cleaned it, obviously (and they know everything??) and I said, I had enhanced both his wealth AND career areas so he could find a job.  Ah, THAT was the look, disbelief...he had found a job that very afternoon and it was paying more then the minimum wage jobs he'd been applying for.

I had a brief believer.  But time passes, they forget and you go back to the mother that isn't "with it."  I had briefly Feng Shuied my son!  When those years are finally over, they suddenly start to "get it" themselves.  Maybe you're not quite as out of it as they thought---maybe you actually KNOW something and have some insights.  It can be quite a transformation when they come to you for ADVICE.  You've survived! 

If you have a teen yourself at home, or a near teen or a child who will one day become a teen, remember to close the door and pretend the room doesn't exist.  It's true; it's a Feng Shui rule.  And sometimes even Feng Shui Rules were made to be broken.

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant provding on site Long Island and New York City Feng Shui Consultations for homes, businesses, new construction, renovations and corporations.  Founder of Feng Shui Long Island also providing distance Feng Shui Consultations by individual phone sessions.

There is a scene in "The Wizard of Oz" where the Wizard is speaking of people doing a Good Deed.  He can't quite remember the name of them so he calls them ‘Good Deed Doers.'  It was a wonderful lesson to learn way back then and it's always a wonderful thing to happen to you in YOUR life.  A ‘Good Deed Doer' will come by, help you with what you need and they never require even a Thank you....

Some of us on Activerain try to do good deeds; not because we were asked to, just because we want to.  And the very act of helping someone else out can make us feel wonderful.  It's a true gift that you give because it's a gift of your TIME and there is nothing on earth more precious to you then your time.  Time spent, for the most part should be doing the things you WANT to do, even if they don't directly benefit you.

I can honestly say both my children are good deed doers.  They'll try to help out anyone in any way they can and their voice fills with pride when they tell me about it later.  Digging a stranger out of the snow, stopping for someone who is stuck, even helping an elderly person cross the street, they will take time and help. With nothing asked in return, the return they DO get from it is just a good feeling.  The kind of feeling that you can't really get from anywhere else.

Tonight someone was a ‘Good Deed Doer' to me.  Our own ActiveRain doll, Grace Saffrin, took time out of HER busy schedule to help me learn how to post a YouTube.   She saw that I couldn't do it on my Barry Manilow post and offered.  I emailed her to thank her and warn her that I am the LEAST computer savvy person she will ever come across....and it didn't seem to matter.  She gave me a very precious gift, her TIME.

Thank you, Grace for your time AND your patience, it is more appreciated then you know!  In my first attempt to post a You Tube (which I had thought was U Tube) there is only one song that came to mind.  We all need it, we all use it and we should all give it out---A little help-from my FRIENDS. 

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

I read a wonderful post tonight by Jeff Belonger:  Are you sucked into the Active Rain black hole?

If you happened to have missed it, I would highly recommend it.  It speaks of the TIME we spend here in the rain, the actual HOURS we devote to posting, commenting and going back to our posts to comment there as well.

I've never been good at math and hadn't given it much thought but when he broke down the approximate hours, he calculated some of us (many of us, in fact) were on here as much as if we were working a second full time job!  I thought immediately of several things for myself, personally, that would add on to those hours:  This computer is SLOW, waiting for it to get back to where it's supposed to be I can't just do one comment after another, I have to wait in between each one.

I also, probably like many of you, am averaging 30+ comments a day, not the 20 he estimated.  When I first joined, I recall that I kept my comments to 10 per day.  As more people joined and I met more of them, it increased.  When I was up to 20 I promised myself that it was all I could possibly do per day.  I found more people I love, or they found me and I asked myself, how do I NOT comment?  Sometimes I am so "commented out" I don't have time to post---at least not anything that would be worth writing about.

Are we all just addicted to the rain so much that we don't want to miss a thing?  I can tell you before I joined this wonderful site and started reading I was writing exclusive articles for a very well ranked site.  It pulled my articles way up on Google and Yahoo but I wasn't happy; the articles had to be written in the third person, obviously NOT the way I write.  Instead of being happy when I finally got one out that passed the editorial guidelines, I realized I wasn't having any FUN.  I did in fact get work from them but there was no satisfaction in writing for something where I really wasn't free to express myself or my opinions.  I WASN'T HAVING ANY FUN and it became a chore.

**I wanted to insert that wonderful little collage picture here but didn't know if that was a copyright infringement!  Just pretend it's here :)

We all choose whether we LIKE to write and enjoy the interaction of ActiveRain  or if we are content to write for other sites, as long as it brings in "the business."  For myself, I want to be doing something I ENJOY, a place where I feel I belong with the freedom to express myself how I chose.  I get to know many other members through their comments and phone calls, I can have freedom of expressing myself and I get business as well.

If this is my second "job," I can tell you it's one I enjoy VERY much.  A place where I choose to be.  If I am in fact "working" it's not a job I'm ready to give up!  Thanks to Jeff for his wonderful post which inspired this one!

http://www.fengshuili.com/

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island, Oyster Bay, New York. On site and distance Feng Shui Consultations are provided for homes, businesses, new construction, renovations, real estate agents and corporations.

Santa makes a visit to every street in the Village of Farmingdale, Long Island, every single year.  I have been here 30 years and he hasn't missed a one.  I've missed a few but I know he's been here, there are Candy Canes left for us!  He must know I have a sweet tooth!

This year I heard the fire engines off in a distance. And they kept going.  I was actually starting to get alarmed, thinking it might be a fire when I remembered it MUST be Santa.  The bells got louder and louder and I went in search of the camera---to capture a moment. 

Some of the firemen walk ahead to keep Santa's path clear and some parents get their children dressed and get them outside.  You have to be fast, I know because I always managed to get my children outside. It's just not the same watching him from inside the house :)

Here's our Special Santa and a note of thanks to the very special firemen of Farmingdale for the work they do ALL year!

Waiting with great anticipation, Santa is coming!  Farmingdale, Long Island, New York.  Town of Oyster Bay.

Here he comes, Candy Canes for all! 

What does a Feng Shui Consultant think of Santa?  I can only speak for myself, I'd surely miss him if he didn't come!

Until next year, Santa!

For anyone in the Village of Farmingdale, Long Island, Santa comes to visit EVERY street on the Saturday before Christmas.  Make sure to have your coats and camera ready :)

*Long Island Feng Shui Certified Consultant Carole Provenzale has been providing Feng Shui Consultations on site for all of Long Island and New York City and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island. Consultations at a distance are also provided by individualized phone sessions.

I rarely put up updates...I often wonder if anyone really cares.  But some wonderful things have happened and I've had quite a few of them this week...At least one of them I know you'd like to hear about; and I've saved it for the end-- (I LOVE those Happy Endings)!

I received not one but two wonderful phone calls this week from  people from ActiveRain that I have never spoken to.  I am honored that they would think of me and especially honored that they would take the time to call me....Bless you both!  And to those of you who were kind enough to send me cards, they were heartfelt and appreciated more than I can say.

I had written in one of my recent posts about an "L" shaped Condo and the questions I had received about whether to purchase it because of Feng Shui concerns.  What I did not mention is that I had told this person if she would get the pictures to me I would be happy to review them; I don't like charging someone for a full consult on pre-purchases and a floor plan and pictures can tell me as much as being in the space.  She overnighted me the pictures and we discussed her concerns. 

She put in an offer after our discussion and it was accepted and she will call me just prior to moving in.  What I did not know was that she is a licensed massage therapist.  Two days later in the mail I received a wonderful note thanking me for my help---along with a one hour coupon for a massage.

I had a wonderful time at the Barry Manilow concert, as you may have read.  Last night I went to see John Edward at The Westbury Music Fair, now called The North Fork Theatre.  He was with a special guest, Char Margolis and the singer from Women's Entertainment, Cindy Campo who came on to sing a few songs.  More about the show later but it was wonderful, as usual.

Formerly the Westbury Music Fair located in Westbury, Town of Oyster Bay, Long Island New York the name was recently changed to North Fork Theatre.  It is a Long Island institution and for decades has had some of the BEST entertainment.  John Edward recently gave a sold out seminar there along with Char Margolis.

I am meeting my long lost cousin who will be on Long Island for Christmas.  She is the one who found my tiny piece in Woman's Day and after 14 years I will get to see someone very much loved.

Some VERY kind person that I don't know sent me an Ornament, most likely from reading my posts about all my Christmas things being destroyed in the water damage in my basement.  I decided to get a tree after all although I had not planned on it.  Yesterday I received a complete surprise from our very own Sheron Cardin; an absolutely BEAUTIFUL ornament that she made herself, out of a sand dollar!  Along with three beautiful boxes that are decorated.  I am going to take a picture and show them but I cannot help but thank her from the bottom of my heart-and send her lots of love and light. Here are the lovely boxes:

Today my son was driving home after work.  When he got here, he rang the bell which is unusual because he has the key.  He wanted me to see his "find" that someone was discarding...an outdoor Reindeer.  He needs new lights and I guess he was no longer wanted.  I got so excited to see that there really IS a Santa Claus.  And Adam may just have finally "gotten it" because he said:  "Gee, it really IS the LITTLE THINGS!"

And the BEST...for last.  I received an email asking how Carolyn did during her surgery.   I have written about this wonderful woman several times, from how she found me, about the incredible book she wrote, "The Auspicious Goat" to the fact that she also had an "Auspicious PUMPKIN."  Carolyn had become quite ill and I had asked everyone at AR to send up a blessing for her; I truly believe in miracles.  And I am thrilled to tell you we may just have gotten one!  The day of the surgery the doctors did a test to determine how to proceed with the risky operation.  HER TUMOR HAD SHRUNK 85% to their amazement.  Her surgery was postponed and if and when she does have to have it, it will be MUCH less invasive then they previously thought.  She is now able to speak and is in good spirits.  A very, VERY special Thank YOU to all those that thought of this lovely woman....please continue to keep her in your hearts...it's working!!

THAT'S what I call a blessed week!

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for all of Long Island and New York City and distance consultations are provided by phone for personalized, quality consultations. 

Pet Friendly Feng Shui?  Are we going too far?

Years ago some consultants started speaking of an environment that their PETS are comfortable in.  While some thought the idea was ridiculous, I had to think that to me, my pets are part of my FAMILY.  They're my other children I have running around and I'd spend hours looking for just the right bed or treats I knew they would really like.  So what is wrong with trying to harmonize THEIR world?

I've had many pets through the years as I was the one always bringing home they stray I'd find wandering around or a puppy someone was giving away.  My mother would SWEAR she wasn't going to keep another pet but we always did-she fell in love faster then we did. 

Pets, in Feng Shui, add the element of FIRE.  When they are well taken care of, they add activity and energy to a space.  And they are more like humans then we might even think.  They like to be cozy and warm, loved and feel secure.  And like many of us, they need their alone time!  Yep, Pets are People Too.

I was thrilled to see on AR many pet-friendly sites.  With a staggering 85 % of all homeowners owning at least one pet, you can bet their shopping for a new home not only for themselves and their family but for Fido as well.  The first thing I did upon purchasing this house was to put a fence up so my dogs could have the whole back yard to play in.

What DO your pets want?  And what do they not want?  Like children, they need to be raised with love AND discipline.  That means, hopefully, they stay off the furniture and won't jump on your guests.  When seeing how an animal sees their environment, get down to their eye level.  Feel the energy.  Is it cold or uninviting, or do they have a special place all their own to feel warm and embraced?  Pet beds should be large enough for your animal to be comfortable in but not cramped, just cozy.  In some homes there a multiple beds for a dog, perhaps one in a family room and one in a bedroom.

And what about cats?  If you can fit it, they absolutely acclimate quickly to that new climb on addition so they can see higher or a window sill they can enjoy the warmth and catch some rays-who wouldn't?  A good scratching post can save some of your best furniture.  Too often I see drab colors and while there was some controversy over color blindness in pets, they do realize now that they CAN See color; not as vividly as humans, perhaps but they can see it and FEEL it.  Have a nervous animal?  Choose colors of soothing blues or greens to relax them. 

As with anything, safety first.  Check the quality of the toys that are brought into your home by others and make sure that the squeakers are secure as well as the plastic if you are going to use plastic at all.  All natural bones for dogs are the best although they are not always preferred by your pet.  And get them outside, even if it's just for a short time each day.  They need to connect with nature as well.  The energy of open windows and blinds or lights on if it is dark affects them a great deal. 

Remember as well that pets are very intuitive.  If your pets avoid a certain area of your home or yard, go there and take a look around-from Their perspective.  See if you sense anything that FEELS uncomfortable or uninviting. 

One other thing to mention is to always check the new plants you are bringing into your home to make sure they are not poisonous to animals.  I have also heard countless stories of poor kitty getting into some pretty bad trouble with a Christmas tree and ornaments.  Make sure your home is not only Feng Shui friendly for your pets, but safe as well.  Your reward for taking such good care of them?  Unconditional love.

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

Active Rain Does it AGAIN...Want to know WHO'S READING??

If there are ANY doubters out there just as to who is reading ActiveRain, I wanted to share this with you.  We have our own Long Island Newspaper and it's widely read....I was fortunate to get a "behind the scenes" tour of it one day and wrote about it on ActiveRain:  

An inside look at NEWSDAY, Long Island's Newspaper since 1940 Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island

 While I don't read the paper, I do catch up on the Real Estate section.  I love to read about different opinions on our market, current prices and I love to see what homes are going for on Long Island.  Tonight while catching up on some reading, I came across this from Newsday, dated December 7th written by staff writer Lisa May. 

It advises you to go to a particular post from Activerain.  Though not in our area, they felt the information in it was important to share with their readers.  Here's a direct partial quote from the article:

"This blog details the work involved for an Open House in a market (Las Vegas) that had a 9-10 month inventory.  The blogger, an agent, advises that a public open house requires meticulous planning and promotion - what every seller should expect from an open house.  So in a buyer's market who benefits more  --  agent or client?"

Effective open house strategies

Unfortunately, our very own John Novak is not mentioned by name; but he IS being read, far and wide. And I started to wonder.  How many other "tidbits" of information that we provide are "out there" for everyone to look up and read?  While sometimes we are fortunate enough to hear about it (I got a mention in The New York Times from a COMMENT), just how often are we quoted and may not even know about it?  The scope of this site continues to amaze me.  It shows we are not only being READ, but our opinions, posts and comments are valued.

Kudo's to John for an outstanding post.  And it makes you wonder just exactly where YOUR post or comment might end up.   We are VALUED for the content we provide...let's provide the ABSOLUTE BEST!

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island with on site Feng Shui Consultations for all of Long Island and New York City and distance Feng Shui Consultations by phone for personal and individualized Consultations.