Empty walls devoid of art --or any decoration-- are depressing, aren't they? The only thing less uplifting than bare walls is ugly walls that have stains and peeling paint where the art should be. Feng shui is about creating harmonious, peaceful, and inspiring spaces that improve one's quality of life at home and at work. If your work environment is depressing, chances are your workers are going to be depressed and not as creative and productive as they should be.

A question that comes up often during a feng shui consultation, is how to interpret the effects of art in our home or work place. Here are my thoughts:

Eat, drink, and be merry. Then do it again. The year of the Pig begins on the new moon of February 17th, 2007. (This exact new Moon occurs at 8:38 PM Pacific Time.) Pig year is a time of fun and self indulgence. Ease and enjoyment of life are valued more than power and status. We can be kinder to each other in our everyday interactions and feel little need for competition. Harmony, peace, understanding, and good fellowship are valued. Money is spent on luxuries such as extravagant vacations, sumptuous meals, and fine clothing. It is easy to become content and satisfied, ignoring the bills that accumulate during Pig year. The following Rat year 2008 will be time to face reality after Pig year indulgences, so enjoy now while the enjoying is good.

Are you and your romantic partner not getting along – is there a lot of disagreement conflict when there used to be love and togetherness? Or, do you not have a romantic partner in your life but wish you could find one? Properly applying the principles of Feng Shui might be just what you need to fix that relationship or find a new one, and it might be as simple as making a few simple adjustments. Feng Shui helps with many important life goals, including career, wealth, education, etc. One of the most important, and popular, Feng Shui goals is Love and Relationship.

As we all know, Florida has been the State which the whole country has been focused on since November 7th. It is undeniably in the southeast section of the United States. This is interesting from a Feng Shui perspective because the direction of Southeast this year has been an unlucky direction. Each year there is a direction which is considered unlucky and it is to be avoided for a number of activities. It coincides with the direction associated with the Chinese Zodiac sign for the year. This has been the Year of the Dragon, which is linked to East/Southeast.

Rampant materialism is all around. It can only mean one thing: 'tis the commercialized holiday season where the loudest silver bell ringing is the "ka-ching" of the merchant's cash register. Setting intentions for the world’s highest good is part of my feng shui practice. Lest anyone think I am a Bah Humbug kind of gal, let me explain that I am 100% behind the idea of giving. And apparently, so is my little friend Colby whom I visited last year over the Thanksgiving holiday in Downer's Grove, Illinois.

Do you know what the most powerful words in any language are after "I love you"? Here’s a hint: just like the words “I love you”, they are not said often enough but they carry a very powerful punch when they are said with real sincerity. The answer is "Thank you".