One of the most-read books in my home is Feng Shui Your Life by Jayme Barrett. I pull it out and read it every Spring because it re-orients me towards conscious living while powering me through my annual Spring Cleaning ritual. Granted, I did things a little backwards this time, lol. I painted first, then clutter-cleaned, and now I’m sitting down and re-reading the book. Total inversion. But strangely enough, it’s still an important read, and the book is inspiring me to purge my life even more than I already have. There is still work to do.

Jayme Barrett writes:
In the same way that blood and oxygen must flow freely and purposefully in your body, so must energy and life force circulate throughout your daily environments. The rooms and spaces you inhabit influence your well being and opportunities in life. Feng Shui provides practical methods to strengthen the positive energy in your surroundings and to create beauty. (introduction)

She then outlines some general Feng Shui principles:
~ Clearing clutter is a logical step to accomplish your goals. Keeping your home and workplace clean and organized promotes happiness, efficiency, and peace of mind.
~ Finding room for new things in your life requires you to get rid of things you don’t use, want, or need.
~ Adding sunlight to an environment lifts your spirit and expands your vision; darkness inhibits life force and can be depressing.
~ Bringing nature indoors adds harmony and healing to the surroundings.
~ Using different colors can influence your mood.
~ Working in the bedroom is not a good idea. The bedroom is the place for rest and connection. (as I sit in bed with my laptop and type this, lol, whoops)
~ Displaying pictures of you and your loved ones looking happy, healthy, and confident will bring a smile to your face.
(p. 19)

One of the things I like most about this book is it emphasizes the need for balance. She doesn’t just talk about the changes you should make in your environment, but the changes you simultaneously need to make within yourself to maximize the effects. Personal engagement is definitely a part of this process.

Becoming clear about your dreams and goals for health, love, happiness, and success and using symbols for them within your environment is essential. When your intention for your life surrounds you, it tends to materialize in a better and faster way. (p. 22)

The law of manifestation tells us that a thought you hold repeatedly with conviction tends to manifest. The stronger your intention, the faster your goals will materialize. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll have a hard time getting there. Your intention is your compass. (p. 57)

I started “practicing” feng shui a few years ago, and I definitely find it useful in my life. I try very hard to stay away from things that are “bad feng shui,” but being a reformed pack rat, my biggest challenge has always been the number one impediment to good feng shui — clutter.

Clutter creates stagnant energy that keeps you trapped in every way imaginable… If you cannot move through your home without being obstructed by clutter, you can be certain that subtle energy will not be able to flow either. When energy stops flowing, life stops progressing. (p. 65)

My new tenant made the comment that we have a tendency to fill up our space. I can see that, and I definitely fill every inch of mine. I can become very attached to things. But they’re only “things,” and the book is reminding me of that. I know people who survive with very little, some with only what they can carry on their backs. I want to embrace this kind of minimalism – how lovely that must be… I am hereby declaring war on all forms of clutter in my life.

I challenge each and every one of you to do the same.

I highly recommend picking up Jayme Barrett’s book – it just might change your life.

Well there is a lot of change happening on the homestead… The living room remodel is now complete. A top to bottom clutter-clearing mission has been accomplished… And today a new tenant moves in for a short stint. The sun continues to play hide and seek (but wasn’t last Thursday a beautiful day!), but life insists on moving me forward even though the season has yet to change. Spring — I’m getting started without ya.

All the walls downstairs have been painted yellow, and the living area has been redecorated and opened up. I know at least one of you has been waiting on the edge of their seat to peep the finished product, so without further ado…


A friend of mine commented on how funny it was that I missed the sun so much I felt compelled to paint the interior walls to simulate its likeness. I hadn’t thought of it like that, but I can definitely see myself working that energy on an unconscious level… This was a big change for me. Not just because purple is my favorite color (I loved my purple walls), but because I’ve never been particularly crazy about the color yellow. But I keep reading about how yellow is a color that energizes and uplifts, and how from a Feng Shui perspective it is the perfect color for the center of the bagua. I’m willing to give it a try – I need as much help staying motivated as possible.

So far, its been interesting. The color definitely brightens the room. I also find myself dancing around in the living room more now. Is my mood improving? Well, I’m not 100%, but I’m definitely better than I was last week. But most importantly I feel like the energy has shifted. Which is good cause I got alot of stuff I gotta do in the next few months…

I’m also opening the house up to a tenant after four months of living alone. Another major shift. But it’s the responsible thing to do, and I have to start organizing my finances to prepare for this book launch 🙂 So I will continue to recite my new mantra and do what needs to be done. Change is Good… Change is Good…

I took a break from my spring cleaning/painting on Sunday to drive up to Clear Lake to see Big and Rich & Cowboy Troy in concert. Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa is my favorite place to see a concert (besides Vegas), so I was excited to make the journey, even though I had to go by myself and they were forecasting rain for the outdoor concert.

The drive up was gorgeous. Because of all this rain, everything is green, green, everywhere. I’ve always been a fan of the area (Napa/wine country), but it was especially scenic this trip. And coming around the bend and glimpsing the lake for the first time is always a bit breathtaking.

That was the view from just outside my hotel room door.

One thing I learned from this mission is that I no longer enjoy doing things by myself the way I used to. That surprised me – I have always been the Solo Diva… I partly blame it on the fact that I miss my cats pretty bad when I’m away from home. There the kitties go changing my life again, lol. That said, it was an awesome show. It did indeed rain on us, but I was prepared and had my gloves and raingear so I wasn’t uncomfortable at all. It was actually kind of cool to be standing out in the rain with a couple thousand strangers, immersed in a community of die-hard fans. Singing, dancing, and watching the rain pour down, I was reminded of what KC said about the rain as a cleansing/purifying agent. Viewed in that light, I suppose I can see how our nation needs extraordinary amounts of cleansing and purification right now. So when Big and Rich launched into Holy Water, I couldn’t help but remove my hood, turn my face skyward and let the rain pour down on me. Talk about a religious experience.

Then my six foot five Black rappin’ Cowboy took the stage… *Sigh* Why must all the good ones be married??? He Played Chicken with the Train like it was his Last YeeHawwww and even rejoined Big and Rich for the Encore (Rollin’). It was AWESOME — Lake County gave CBT some serious love!!! Long Live Hick Hop, LOL. I just hope next time the boys come a little closer to my city…

People seldom appreciate things fully until after they’ve lost them. This is a theory I’ve proven time and time again in my own life, and this week was no exception. You may have noticed the severe case of sun deprivation I’ve been experiencing. 🙂 I recently read a very interesting article in the Sentinel on Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is actually a legit psychological condition, that I am now convinced I have, lol. It bascially ties lethargy, depression, and weight gain to lack of sunlight. I knew it!!!

We all take things for granted. For some, it’s their significant others. For others, it’s their families or their jobs. While I’ve been guilty of taking all those things for granted at one time or another, today’s epiphany has to do with the sun. El Sol. The light of the world. And not just it’s gift of light, but of warmth, and the ability to stimulate new growth…

You don’t know what you got til its gone. Amen. But along those lines, you also never realize how much you miss something until you lose it, it comes back, reminds you how much you love it, and then leaves again. You follow? lol I did not realize how much I missed the sun until it decided to come out and shine on Thursday… The first sunny day in I don’t know how long… The same could be said about Pono boy and my Godson Ola…

Thankfully this sunny day coincided with a visit from KC and the boys, so I got to spend all afternoon at the park, not wasting a second of the precious sunlight. So good for me on so many levels. But especially because I got some quality time with my Godson, one of the many loves of my life, who is getting so big, so fast. Ola and his big brother Pono are two other sources of light in my world that I had no idea I missed until they came back.

I spent 2 of the first 4 weeks of Ola’s life with him in Maui, and when I had to leave him at the end of those two weeks, that was the first time I ever really felt like my heart was being ripped out. What can I say, I am bonded to this child. But with them living in Maui, I don’t get to see them nearly as often as I would like. As the months pass, it’s easy to forget how much it hurts to be apart, but then seeing him again… It just reminded me of the hole in my heart that exists not having this child by my side, and how much it hurts to have missed some major developmental milestones in his life…

But eventually another storm will blow through, covering the sun, and the boys and KC will board a plane back to Maui. So what to do in the meantime? Cherish every second I have to bask in their light, even moreso knowing it will soon end. And vow, for today anyway, to not take a single second of it for granted…

People seldom appreciate things fully until after they’ve lost them. This is a theory I’ve proven time and time again in my own life, and this week was no exception. You may have noticed the severe case of sun deprivation I’ve been experiencing. 🙂 I recently read a very interesting article in the Sentinel on Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is actually a legit psychological condition, that I am now convinced I have, lol. It bascially ties lethargy, depression, and weight gain to lack of sunlight. I knew it!!!

We all take things for granted. For some, it’s their significant others. For others, it’s their families or their jobs. While I’ve been guilty of taking all those things for granted at one time or another, today’s epiphany has to do with the sun. El Sol. The light of the world. And not just it’s gift of light, but of warmth, and the ability to stimulate new growth…

You don’t know what you got til its gone. Amen. But along those lines, you also never realize how much you miss something until you lose it, it comes back, reminds you how much you love it, and then leaves again. You follow? lol I did not realize how much I missed the sun until it decided to come out and shine on Thursday… The first sunny day in I don’t know how long… The same could be said about Pono boy and my Godson Ola…

Thankfully this sunny day coincided with a visit from KC and the boys, so I got to spend all afternoon at the park, not wasting a second of the precious sunlight. So good for me on so many levels. But especially because I got some quality time with my Godson, one of the many loves of my life, who is getting so big, so fast. Ola and his big brother Pono are two other sources of light in my world that I had no idea I missed until they came back.

I spent 2 of the first 4 weeks of Ola’s life with him in Maui, and when I had to leave him at the end of those two weeks, that was the first time I ever really felt like my heart was being ripped out. What can I say, I am bonded to this child. But with them living in Maui, I don’t get to see them nearly as often as I would like. As the months pass, it’s easy to forget how much it hurts to be apart, but then seeing him again… It just reminded me of the hole in my heart that exists not having this child by my side, and how much it hurts to have missed some major developmental milestones in his life…

But eventually another storm will blow through, covering the sun, and the boys and KC will board a plane back to Maui. So what to do in the meantime? Cherish every second I have to bask in their light, even moreso knowing it will soon end. And vow, for today anyway, to not take a single second of it for granted…

One of the other things that happens during a Mercury Retrograde is people from the past come back into your life. I got alot of that this Retrograde – from stumbling across ex-boyfriends on myspace (gotta love myspace, lol), to reconnecting with people I haven’t talked to in over a decade. A virtual flood of once-familiar faces, all of a sudden back on the scene, bringing with them memories of times and places almost forgotten. So strange, but at the same time, so comforting. To know that you came from somewhere, and that you touched people along the way. To be reminded that the bond of true friendship is not something that can be broken by distance or time. And to be able to cherish those trips down memory lane because they illustrate so beautifully how far we have all come…

I believe that people come into your life for a reason, to fulfill some kind of joint karmic mission. In most cases, when that mission is accomplished, people fade out, and you gradually lose touch. It happens, life goes on. But when someone passes out of your life, and then comes back — that signifies a cycle, a circle, interlinked paths that will continue to cross at intervals, for moments of clarity, support, and random infusions of love. It is a beautiful thing. I feel so blessed to be linked up with some wonderful and extraordinary individuals. It’s time to make old friends new again 🙂

In other news, I sent off another manuscript to another publisher yesterday. Yay! So that’s two now that are making the rounds. Work on WHEN LOVE ISN’T ENOUGH is temporarily stalled while I paint my dining room, lol, but I should be back in full swing, writing-wise, by next week. Finished my taxes last night, and maximized the heck out of my deductions to score a sweet refund – Yay! And the sun is shining today – Double Yay!!!! Is it finally Spring???

So I’ve been struggling to redecorate my living room for a while now… The process was stalled because I was having a difficult time parting with one of the couches (I tend to get emotionally attached to things). This weekend I finally got rid of the smaller couch, moved the furniture around once again, and have been trying to get used to my “new” space. “Trying” being the operative word.

Feng Shui is very big on the idea eliminating clutter and arranging a room to promote the optimal flow of energy in a space. Under the heading of, I need all the help I can get, I do my best to apply Feng Shui principles to my home. My random remodel is primarily motivated by the quest for good Feng Shui.

I am frequently accused of being rather inflexible, rigid, and stuck in my ways. I’m a Capricorn, and we are somewhat resistant to change. So as an experiment, I’ve been trying to be a little more open-minded when it comes to trying new things and instituting major life changes (hence the whole ‘author’ detour). But as I sit here in my “new” living room, contemplating which shade of yellow I should paint the walls, I can’t help but wish I still had my purple couch. Part of me longs to put everything back the way it was. Which, of course, is not possible. *Sigh*

Maybe, hopefully, I just need a few days to get used to it… I’m still technically in the in-between stages, so perhaps after I pick up a bookcase, some plants, and paint the walls, I’ll feel differently. I think I’ve definitely learned something important about myself though — that it’s not always in my best interests to force change. Some people need change to keep them moving and stimulated. But I also think there are some of us who know what we want, and what we like, and just want to sit still and enjoy it. You know? In any case, I’ll keep you posted and post pictures when it’s all done done.

PS: Daylight Savings Time Sucks.

There was nothing more depressing than flipping on the news last night to watch the weatherman forecast rain for today, rain through the weekend, and rain next week… WTF?!?! Last time I checked, I wasn’t living in the Pacific Northwest – it’s almost freaking April!!! Now I love the rain, normally, in reasonable doses, but I’m pretty much over this extended winter we’ve been having. I’m anxious to feel sunshine on my back, for bike rides along West Cliff, afternoons at the beach writing… To spring forward with all the new plans I’ve been meditating on during my winter hibernation. It is just so hard to motivate to do anything with these clouds hanging over my head… I know I’m not the only one. I would give anything for ten days on the islands right now…

I’m sorry, I know I should have some kind of a point, lol. What can I say, the rain has done a number on my creativity. The dreary setting would probably work great if I was writing mystery/suspense or something super-dramatic, but I’m trying to pen a love story over here. I need picnics on the beach in Carmel, camping in Big Sur, sunsets. Rain is depressing and I don’t want to be depressed!

If anyone wants to help me find a silver lining on these annoying stormclouds, feel free to enlighten me; I obviously passed cranky several hours ago.

Side Proposition: If anyone wants to join me on Sunday, April 9th for a lakeside concert up at Clear Lake, let me know. I have an extra ticket to see Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy (like it’s my Last YeeeHaw ya’ll), and a gorgeous room for us to chill in afterwards. No charge, just keep me company 🙂

Apologies to my loyal readers — I know how cranky you get when I don’t update every day, lol. (xoxo)

Well Mercury is finally out of retrograde… Thank God. Hopefully you will all find the things you lost, stop being misunderstood, receive a reprieve from electronic malfunctions, and life as we know it will return to normal. As soon as we get through this next Eclipse anyways…

Wednesday, March 29th marks a Solar Eclipse in Aries. Once again, I highly recommend reading what Susan Miller has to say about dealing with Eclipses. Fortunately for us, this second Eclipse appears to be a “good” one, so hopefully the storms are truly behind us. Here’s to hoping. But just to be safe, don’t initiate any huge undertakings/actions on Tues/Weds/Thurs of this week.

I always tend to experience a “delayed reaction Mercury Retrograde.” I’ll head into the Retrograde armed with knowledge and flexibility, and cruise for the first half without really feeling it too much. Then, BAM, it hits. I’ve pretty much been laid out the past week, not depressed really, just unable to do anything, except lay around and watch RENT. Seriously, thank God for RENT ya’ll. This weather is not helping. I’m ready for Springtime damnit!!! So I’m actually looking forward to this Solar Eclipse, hoping it ushers in the real start of Spring, and all the opitmism, inspiration, motivation. and drive that Aries is so famous for. Here’s to hoping…

Compulsive RENT viewing has illuminated another theme for me, in addition to those mentioned below. The importance of Artists supporting other Artists…

One of my dear close friends, Hyim, is an extraordinary musician, producer, composer, and all-around wonderful individual. A teacher, activist, and freedom-fighter. Seriously, the world needs more people like Hyim. Anyways, last night Hyim and his band The Fat Foakland Orchestra, came down to Santa Cruz for a gig. Watching them rock my hometown was so much fun–not just because they put on a great show, but because I got to hang with the band and play entourage for a bit… Chillun’ backstage (or more accurately in the room to the left of the stage) where we were able to eat, smoke, drink, and be merry before, during, and after the show. I felt so “cool,” lol. Not to mention, Pablo, Mark, Ajai and Derek are the sweetest group of guys. They made me feel very welcome.

They finally took the stage after many rounds of puff, puff, pass the spiced rum. I went out front to grab a seat, and was treated to a wonderful show. And a flashback. At Hyim’s first CD release party in 2003, I fell all in lust with his (now former) bass player. Said bass player eventually went on to become one of my more significant others. Back then, I used to go to all the gigs, enjoying all the perks afforded to the bass player’s girlfriend. For a myriad of reasons, I had to block out most of my memories of that time, but last night sure did remind me how much fun it was dating a musician.

I love musicians – they are their own special breed and sexy as hell. Passion flows through their veins, the beat is their pulse. But really, what is it about rock stars that makes grown women swoon? You can pass a guy on the street and think, eh, he’s alright, and then 30 minutes later see him up on stage with a guitar in his hand and all of a sudden you’re falling in love, lol. I mean, look at Steven Tyler of Aerosmith or Mick Jagger. What is it about them that makes them sex symbols? Would people think they were so hot if they sold used cars? Doubtful.

I could even say the same about Tim. Don’t get me wrong, I Love Tim McGraw. But let’s be honest here, in ‘real life,’ Tim is an ordinary-looking man with a receding hairline. Not ugly, but certainly not Brad Pitt. But you know what, the second he takes the stage, I go weak in the knees. Scream my ass off like a teenager at a Backstreet Boys concert. I am a grown-ass woman, typically reserved and controlled in my everyday life, but for some reason Tim places me on the edge of hysteria when he’s on-stage. I can’t explain it, but that euphoric Tim high, without fail, is what keeps me coming back for more. And more. And more.

Whoa, tangent. Hmmm, I think my point was, while trying my hardest not to fall in love with Hyim’s bass player and percussionist, lol, I was treated to an awesome evening of soul-stirring music, good company, and fulfillment of the fantasy every good groupie girl has — getting in with the band, and breaking bread with her heroes on the other side of the velvet rope. Good times, good times. I really need to get out more often…