This house belongs to some of the best clients I have EVER consulted for---and that's saying a lot! They live in the beautiful town of Oyster Bay on Long Island, New Yorkand were in need of repairs, Feng Shui and Organizing. You couldn't ask to meet more wonderful, warmhearted people and despite their state of disrepair in their home, they never stop and complain or let it get them down. That's pretty hard to do when you're living in a state like this, but that's the way they are. They truly LIVE The Secret every day and know things will get better. Although it's been a long haul for them, they are getting there.
The damage was caused by Termites that went undetected for a very long time. Long enough that I don't believe there was any part of their home that hadn't been affected. They have conquered the problem and finally are rebuilding. If you own a home, this can happen to you---and me. But I can say THEY have taught ME more lessons then I could have taught them. After all, tomorrow is another day....to rebuild.
Their office space had to be condensed, however it was still too cluttered and unorganized. Today there are pictures on the walls that are inspiring and it has been completely organized. They can find everything in a heartbeat!
Exposed beams are known in Feng Shui as "Cutting Chi" or "Cutting Sha" meaning that it cuts right into your energy. They were originally sleeping in a room like this but I had them move to the living room until their bedrooms were repaired and redone.
For now they are more comfortably (and safely) sleeping in the living room (and sleeping better!).
Having the walls down and being in this state does not prevent them from cooking wonderful meals.
They are to be congratulated. For the rebuilding (with some Feng Shui Tips and Advice) but just as much for their attitude through this crisis. And during this, they have experienced some very fortunate occurrences. I have learned a lot from this lovely family who allowed me into their lives and keep a positive, happy attitude during a very trying time.
Hi Carole,
Great photos, thank you for sharing those. Adam is right and a positive attitude definitely puts us in a better place so better things can happen.
You might not hear from me for a few days. My time is going to be very limited but I'll be baaaack.
Good morning Carole,
Thank you for writing this beautiful and touching story . It seems you and they were destined to work together and I believe you are both very fortunate to have come into eachother's lives. It's wonderful when good people find one-another and so very refreshing to work with people who trust you and take your advice to heart.
Please give them my congratulations on overcoming the termite problem. I can sense their home is very loved and I'm glad they didn't give up on it.
Termites are a problem in the Toronto area , however they haven't come this far east (I'm 2 hours east of Toronto). Another issue with houses, that we see a fair bit of with older structures, is carpenter ants.
Jo
Great pictures to tell the story. Termites are so destructive. I am impressed with how positive your friends have stayed through all the turmoil. This, too, shall pass! I wish them well.
Sally, Thank you for the comment. While most people would be upset (and rightly so) by this experience, I love that this family can always manage to look at the bright side. They truly inspired me.
Adam, I sure know the curve-balls you're speaking of! I am glad it made me think of them and their attitude in dealing with them and hope I do the same. Thank you for your comment (and help!).
Hi Don, Thank you for stopping by. This post was more about the wonderful attitude they have despite the problems they are having although they are rebuilding with Feng Shui aspects; they could teach us all a lesson to see things in a positive light and trust everything will turn out fine.
Cynthia, I will miss you! But I do hope you have a wonderful weekend and I thank you for YOUR inspiration.
Jo, I am not surprised you sensed that they love their home, they absolutely do. They don't let the chaos get them down or disrupt their lives, they just trust and know things will work out. It is so rare to come across people like that. We have termites and carpenter ants and they can do so much damage that you're not even aware of before it is noticed. Thank you for your comment.
Cheryl, Good eyes! They have so many pets there are actually beds all over and no, that certainly isn't "clutter" to me. Pets are family and should be WITH the family. What they also kept getting were chipmunks running in; they even had one dash in while I was there. We chased it back outside again :)Thank you for your comment.
Why not look at the glass being half full? This family took the opportunity to turn things around with your help Carole.
Hello Carole,
Great Story - would love to see the after photos in a future BLOG !
Personally, clutter makes me feel stressed - some people don't mind it ...now I am not so organized that my spices are in Alphabetical order. But I always feel the need to tidy up my desk at night so I can come back to a nice looking space in the morning :)
Great post and interesting story of how Feng Shui worked for your clients. Of course,here in my market, where log cabins are "the thing" and exposed beams is what most people ask look for tends to give folks a warm and cozy feeling. But the exposed beams you show in your pictures are quite different from the exposed beams in our log cabins. I wouldn't like sleeping in a room with those exposed beams either. Great story.