Feng Shui Long Island's Blog

I call them "Earth Angels."  Jo, I believe, calls them "Angels Walking."  They are the same thing.  People who appear in your life and help you out far above and beyond and just as quickly are gone again.  They come for all different reasons and in all different seasons but they surely are around.

I had the pleasure today of meeting one.  As I do every year and wrote about It last year, I go to the Memorial Show in Farmingdale, Long Island, New York every year.  Although I love seeing the old planes and watching some incredible take-offs, landings and air flight shows, I go mainly to honor my farther.  An air force man who would have never missed it if he were alive.

He served in World War 11 and was in the 8^th Air Force, 351^st group and was in and stationed with Clark Gable with whom he and many others became friends with.  He always spoke so highly of him and I have several old pictures of the two of them.  And remember some of his stories of the war.  His philosophy after the war was "When your time is up, it's up."  He saw so many fellow "brothers" lost that he was amazed he made it through alive although he'd taken a few bullets.

His secret to having made it through the war  was that he became engaged to my mother shortly before leaving.  He would not marry her in case he didn't come home, he didn't want to leave her as a young widow.  So he took the engagement ring he was going to give her and had a secret pocket built into it....which he used on all missions.  When he came home, he was able to give her the ring-it was his "good luck" charm.

I went to ask a man a question about what time the planes might be flying.  He didn't know but was curious, I think, what I was doing there with Laura.  It's they type of thing that many men come out to see but not a lot of women.  I mentioned that my father had been in the Air Force and I came every year.  He knew of my father, it turns out.....and proceeded to take me into the museum where he ended up giving Laura and I a personal tour, pointing out things I never would have noticed or known what they meant.

He introduced me to others that worked there and spent a good two hours telling both Laura and I stores and facts that I had never heard from my dad.  Many people, he believes, have lost the meaning of Memorial Day....he said it came down to two things:  Sales at the stores and Barbeques; he may be right.  I didn't learn his name and he doesn't know mine but I truly consider this person who took so much time today to give me knowledge and information I never would have know to be one of those "Earth Angels" ---Sent from my dad without a doubt.

*The Air Show runs through Monday and is located at the Republic Air Base, Farmingdale, Long Island, New York

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 New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction.  Carole also provides Lectures and Workshops on Feng Shui Principles.

Feng Shui in Manhattan           

I have been doing Feng Shui Consultations for so long now, it's rare for me to get "stuck" on what needs to be done.  I can usually spot what's wrong almost immediately, I have no problems choosing paint colors (along with my client's tastes) and I redesign some spaces that look beautiful when they're done.

I had an appointment last week to help choose color choices and Feng Shui for a New York City Apartment.....Nothing unusual about that.  As with all clients, I sat down first to speak to my client to see what she was hoping to achieve from the consultation.  She had been feeling a bit "stuck" recently and had some recent health issues.

Her lovely expansive apartment faces The New York Stock Exchange.  In downtown Manhattan all around Wall Street since 9/11 the streets have been closed to any vehicles.  Her building and her views were directly facing that and I thought of the enormous amount of energy there---something we could address easily.

Since we were already sitting in the beautiful and very large living room/dining area I thought we would start there in choosing colors.  It was all white and while I could see some of the elements missing, I didn't know if I thought painting such a big space would look good.  We discussed different options:  Different shades of the same color, an accent wall....possible rearrangement of the furniture but I was stuck---the room, I felt, would become much more "lively" with just adding the elements.  Her placement of the furniture was lovely.  Note to myself:  NEVER start off anywhere except the front door!

So we did, we went to the front door and I could see some of the energy drain....directly opposite the Mouth of Chi was the bathroom, usually kept open.  While opening the front door to see what was in the hallway, a HUGE mirror was facing her door---it was the architects' "imprint" that he puts in all his buildings.  If you want to know how I feel about mirrors read here:  Mirror, Mirror----WAIT! Don't Hang Me Yet!! by Feng Shui Long Island

On the right was her bedroom and that room DID need to be rearranged.  There was no balance and she didn't have a "commanding" position of the bed placement.  We easily chose some color choices for that room and moved on to what would either be a 2^nd bedroom or an office.  She had made the room into an office and it was located in the center of the apartment-the Health area.  This is the room, that as my client later said to me, "spoke" to me.  It was here I could see the issues and the stuck feeling.  It had a heavy feeling which will, from a Feng Shui Perspective, "weigh you down in life."  It felt dark as it was surrounded on three sides.  Here's exactly where she could use the colors she had wanted to incorporate:  Green and purple.  Green would give her a "grounded" feeling and purple represents wealth.  We needed to add plants and remove some of the books---I know everyone loves their books and I do as well but they ARE a heavy element. 

Some could easily be put in a closet (for a Manhattan apartment there was so much closet space!).  We moved on to the kitchen and chose some colors for there and ended back up to the expansive living room.  Now I wasn't stuck....we had added colors all through the rest of the apartment, the furniture placement was fine and we just needed elements to give the room a warm feeling.

I am showing you the architects "imprint" and the lobby....and I was as far away from the New York Stock Exchange as I could get---I couldn't back up any further!  Feng Shui in Manhattan is always a lesson for me----and for my clients.  The diversity of New York City apartments and how they relate to Feng Shui are always different and unique.

I did not show the pictures of this lovely apartment to protect the innocent :)

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 New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction.  Carole also provides Lectures and Workshops on Feng Shui Principles.

A little Feng Shui in gorgeous Oyster Bay.

New York has it's share of beautiful places and there is nothing quite like the "Gold Coast" of Long Island in New York. The estates there are stunning as is the land.  Many sit right on the water and the views are spectacular.  Acres of the beautiful land have been preserved as The Planting Fields Arboretum and it's a spectacular place to visit, wander the grounds and for a Feng Shui Consultant, to reconnect with nature and some of the most spectacular flowers that bloom all Spring and Summer.

That was my idea in going there---I couldn't imagine why the traffic was so heavy but this IS Long Island and anything can happen...and usually does. A big principle of Feng Shui is to reconnect with nature and I try to do that often.  I have a knack for running into unexpected things---like a worldwide competition Dog Show.  Ok, another day for the Gardens, I thought.  How often do you get to see these types of shows?  For me, never. 

There were, literally thousands of people with their trainers and beloved pets competing and it was quite a site to see.  I thought I'd share some pictures with you of one very happy New York Feng Shui Consultant enjoying her day in Oyster Bay, New York.

 http://www.FengShuiLI.com

I'm going to let this picture speak for itself :)

Sometimes I prefer to spend my days in Manhattan....but today was PERFECT for a Long Island visit to The Planting Fields in lovely Oyster Bay, New York.

**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 New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction.  Carole also provides Lectures and Workshops on Feng Shui Principles.

 What I Don't Have:

The nicest house on the block.  

A new, fancy car.

Lots of money.                   

A really well kept lawn.

Trendy, designer clothes.

Any fancy new gadgets that most people can't do without.

What I DO Have:

Two terrific "kids" that manage to be around for me.

My precious Mother who always encourages and supports me.

Some unbelievable friends that I couldn't live without.

A job that I absolutely LOVE.

A House.

A Car.

Enough to eat 

Enough to pay my bills.

Lots of JOY.

It's easy to stay focused on things we are lacking in life....and immensely better to focus on all that we have to be thankful for.  I have been blessed in so many different ways that the other things don't even matter.  I don't have it ALL, but I don't NEED it all...I have ENOUGH.  Enough to make me happy to get out of bed in the morning and look forward to another new day.  Enough to say I've made a difference in many people's lives.  Enough to FEEL that I have it all, even if I don't.  (Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone!).

 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 New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction.  Carole also provides Lectures and Workshops on Feng Shui Principles.

I KNOW I'm not the only one this is happening to.  When I think of my Feng Shui Consultations and know I am meeting someone for the first time, I remember all the things I have to go over with them to give them the very best help.  It shouldn't surprise me after so many years of doing this wonderful work that there is one thing almost all my clients have in common:  I will meet them with a handshake and three short hours later, leave with a hug.

It's a wonderful feeling.  In that short time we have already bonded, discussed situations in their lives that they want to change and I believe they can see that I want to help them achieve that.  I don't only give them the recommendations on what changes to make, I give them the WHY so they understand it themselves.  But much of the information can be personal and I often wondered if they would feel comfortable enough to open up to me.

And they do.  Maybe it's because we do get so personal that we are really able to share-and that creates something that lasts long after the consultation ends.

I know many Realtors experience the same thing.  You have some incredibly sad stories to hear about why people have to sell their homes or the threat they may go into foreclosure  or they may be going through it.  Quite honestly I'm glad I don't have to hear that---I'd be just as likely to cry with my clients.

You also make long and lasting friendships.  And someday the "business" side of it slips away all together.  Aren't we the fortunate ones?  To go in with a handshake and leave with a hug?

 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 New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction.  Carole also provides Lectures and Workshops on Feng Shui Principles.

Feng Shui "LUCK" - A New York Feng Shui Consultant's View

Demystifying Feng Shui is never an easy task...particularly since many practitioners perceive thing differently.  It is what makes each Consultant unique---and it is important that you find the one that you are most "in tune" with. 

There are Three "Lucks" in Feng Shui:

Heaven Luck

Heaven Luck are the Stars we were born under...it is Astrology, whether you practice or use Western or Chinese methods.  We don't have control over this "Luck" portion, it is pre-destined for us.  Some people are very fortuitous in having been born at a time that is well aspected for much, if not all of their lives.  Others are not as fortunate and seem to encounter struggles and difficulties along the way.  These, I believe, are the lesions we must go through to learn what we are lacking in our lives.  Hopefully, they are learned quickly!

Earth Luck

Earth Luck is FENG SHUI.  It is the "Luck" that is in our surroundings and something we DO have control over.  It takes into account creating an environment that is peaceful and harmonious to help us through the difficult periods when our Heaven Luck is difficult.  By making not only our Homes but our Businesses and Offices a sanctuary, it will assist you in benefiting from ALL areas of your life:  Better health, increased wealth, new or improved careers, find or strengthen a relationship and bringing in more and more "Helpful People," a critical area of the Bagua (A life station may of Feng Shui). 

Human or Mankind Luck 

Very simply, Mankind Luck is the way we choose to live our lives, something we have total control over.  When you think about your actions, your thoughts, your INTENTIONS, and basically just living a Good Life by treating others well and "Doing the RIGHT thing."  This is a powerful aspect of Feng Shui, something not commonly thought of.  Many Feng Shui Consultants feel it is important to sustain the Law of Attraction in your life to bring back the Positive.  We limit or avoid completely negative people and negative situations in life and keep our thoughts positive.  We look for the Blessings in life that we have been given instead of focusing on the negative.  Think about Visualizing what you would like and using positive affirmation and the pure power of your Attitude.

It's nice to know we have control over two of the three Lucks in Feng Shui.  Knowledge is POWER-and it's nice to know we can often turn our own Luck around!

 http://www.FengShuiLI.com

FENG SHUI CONSULTANT IN NEW YORK (MANHATTAN) AND LONG ISLAND

**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 New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction.  Carole also provides Lectures and Workshops on Feng Shui Principles.

Yet ANOTHER Activerain SUCCESS Story

I have had more then a few clients find my posts on a Google search when looking for a Feng Shui Consultant in New York and this one was no exception.  Some clients will oftentimes come across one post that strikes them-and they will call you.  From the things you write and the pictures you show they believe you are the person they are looking for.

I know there is some controversy about posting the "before" shots of a home when staging....or when implements Feng Shui and doing a Redesign or "Makeover" and it's a point well taken.  A while back I had done a New York City Apartment with Feng Shui and the specific purpose of having my client change her bedroom to attract some love into her life.

Some of you might remember it:  Feng Shui A New York City Apartment--Working with Small Spaces by Feng Shui Long Island  If you don't, you might enjoy the before and after shots of a New York City Feng Shui Apartment.

Recently, someone in New York City came across my Feng Shui post and as soon as she saw the pictures of just this one room she called me.  She is looking for a change of Energy in her space and also wants some help with color choices and furniture placement to allow a good flow of Energy into her space which she feels may be lacking.  That post convinced her it should be me.  She said you can absolutely FEEL the Energy in there.

There is a value to posting the "Before" shots (with the client's permission) to show the actual changes that have been made.  Our clients see things one way but Home Stagers, Feng Shui Consultants and Interior Designers see things another.  And we can change the appearance of a place to make it warm and inviting.

In this case I have stayed in touch with this wonderful client (who is, by the way, currently on vacation with a very, very special person she met after the consultation) and I want to thank her for allowing me to show her pictures.  And Activerain for giving us all a wonderful platform that is wonderful for Business, Friendships and a wealth of information!  Thank you again, Activerain.

 http://www.FengShuiLI.com

FENG SHUI CONSULTANT FOR NEW YORK AND LONG ISLAND

 **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 New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction.  Carole also provides Lectures and Workshops on Feng Shui Principles.

Gifts of Appreciation

I know that most people had the same difficulty.  Choosing just a few people from all the incredible fellow Activerainers has been one difficult task.  I chose two, both of whom are very special to me and have provided me with help, inspiration and encouragement.

Jo-Anne Smith-Belleville, Quinte and Prince Edward Region Real Estate, Ont.
, who founded the Inspiration Group as well as Heritage Homes and The Localism Success and Accountability Groups has astounded me with her beautiful, poetic writings which make you feel as if you are right there, seeing everything through her eyes.  She is a true Inspiration with her posts that are enlightening and insightful.  Jo has also become a personal friend as well and always has time to offer her insights and knowledge which has helped many people as well as myself.  She is a truly generous spirit in the rain. 

I would also love to acknowledge Jeff & Grace Safrin-SpousesSellingHouses REALTORS, F.C.Tucker Company, Indiana  .  When posting about a concert and being the most "untechy" person anyone would ever NOT want to come across, Grace offered her help in teaching me how to post You Tubes into my blogs.  She spent a great deal of time with me on the phone-and in follow up emails and taught me for the first time that I AM capable of learning new computer related things.  This is not a big thing for some people, but it was (and is) huge to me.  And it gave me so much encouragement that I went on to sign up for classes in learning more about computers.  It is impossible for me to post a You Tube without sending that lovely person many blessings for her help, kindness and PATIENCE

To the both of you and the many, MANY more activerainers who have always jumped in to lend a hand (or an ear), I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

A Feng Shui New York Consultant Goes "Home" 

Back in 1996 a woman named Pamela Laurence worked in a wonderful Interior Design School, The Metropolitan Institute of Interior Design in Plainview, New York.  She had a foresight and a vision to create a school for Feng Shui in New York and put together the first School for Feng Shui Studies in the Country that was licensed and accredited. 

Students came from Florida to California and all points in between.  And Pamela provided us with the BEST Feng Shui Consultants in and out of the Country, learning all aspects of  Feng Shui to provide her students with a knowledge in all schools of thought.  Sadly, many of these true Feng Shui Masters don't even teach anymore.

I was in that very first graduating class.  Not long ago I mentioned I had received a call for a class they were holding for people that had requested an interest in learning more about Feng Shui.  While I have done workshops and given lectures, I had never taught.  I did go in, thinking I could probably not do it...If anyone had EVER told me I would be back at the very school I learned Feng Shui TEACHING it, I never would have believed it.

I am so glad I stepped out of my insecurities; for me, it was far.  And returned to The Met to teach a class in Feng Shui in New York. It was a big success and they may hold more.  To say it was thrilling would be an understatement.  I was "Home" in Plainview, Long Island, loving every minute of it.

 **Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island & New York providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for New York and all of Long Island for homes, businesses, offices, corporations, pre purchase and new construction. Please visit Feng Shui Long Island & New York City website for further information:  http://FengShuiLI.com

 A Message to All My Realtor Friends on Activerain

 The year I was in school for Feng Shui Studies was 1996.  I don't know if any of us in that first graduating class knew what would come of Feng Shui, if anything.  At that time very, VERY few people had even heard about it.  Often, if they had, it was very misunderstood.  We ourselves didn't know if it would be a passing "fad" or something that people would come to know and believe in.

I don't believe ANY of us then EVER realized that Feng Shui would become so popular and sought after as it is now.  That every year the number of people who have an interest, understanding and belief in Feng Shui would be calling for consultations not only for homes, but for businesses, corporations and new construction continue to grow and become more popular.

We also learned the study of Bio-Biology which is, in effect what is now known as "Going Green."  Relating the two made perfect sense and I have to think how many years it has been for people to even grasp that.  Thankfully, they have and have learned more about it then we were able to cover during our classes.

I was not, then surprised to receive this email today.  I can hear total frustration in it and I am paraphrasing:

"I live in _________, Long Island, New York and have been searching for a different home in the area since September.  Would you happen to know of a Real Estate Agent in this area who has at least some Feng Shui Knowledge"?   Needless to say, I can't communicate with ordinary realtors, many of which have never even heard of Feng Shui and refuse to be sensitive to my Feng Shui beliefs."

I know many Realtors, I thought.  I have given workshops and have spoken at the Long Island Board of Realtors in 2006.   Yet none to my knowledge had ever pursued learning enough about Feng Shui to be able to help this frustrated potential client.  They will refer to me but it can delay the process of a purchase. 

I mentally ran through my list and came up with one who I know who has the principles of Feng Shui and is absolutely sensitive to her beliefs, she has them as well.  I met her years ago when she had a Feng Shui Consultation in New York for her own home.  One.....and I am not sure if she is in that area of Long Island.

Two of my favorite books that are easy to read and understand are "Feng Shui Made Easy" by William Spear and "Clear your Clutter, Change Your Life" by Karen Kingston.  Feng Shui is not going away....it's just growing every year.  Having a knowledge and understanding of Feng Shui will, I believe, help your business GROW and prosper.  So many of you work so hard at your business plan for the year and perhaps adding just a bit of reading will help you in the long run. 

  If you are interested in seeing a look at Feng Shui Consultants who have registered around the world, you can look at http://internationalfengshuiguild.org

There is a membership fee for this so many consultants are not registered but it gives you an idea how many of us are out there now.

 **Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island & New York providing Feng Shui Consultations for New York and all of Long Island for homes, businesses, offices, corporations, renovations, pre purchase and new construction with on site visits and Feng Shui distance consultations are also available.  Please visit http://www.FengShuiLI.com for more information.