Fire Water in LexingtonTriangle Park

So, who says Lexington, Kentucky isn’t cool?  Not me!  I went downtown today and found the most amazing thing!

The water at Triangle Park’s fountain has been changed to a deep red. Sure, it was a mistake! They wanted it to be pink, (another story altogether) but someone goofed. So, now the question is, will it have an effect on the Feng Shui of Lexington Center?

The water is in the east, at the front. The Lexington Center was built in 1976, making it a period 6 building and placing the 7, 2 and 3 water stars in fire water.  The annual 5 will also have some fire water…and this may bring more money than they were expecting.  Of course, some of this depends on how long the water is red.  Lets hope they keep it bright for a while.  It really does look pretty cool.

Fire Water

From The Mountaintops You Can See Forever

I remember President Johnson’s “War on Poverty” in the 60′s.  My grandmother would pick up government cheese and marvel at how, “They just give it away, honey!”  Although she didn’t really need it, she got it because it was free and the people of those mountains never passed a bargain.  She gave out her share to anyone who needed help, whether they were family or neighbors.

Granny would pick through clothes donated by people from all over the country, and give them away to any and all who asked.  Her front room had piles of used clothing waiting for anyone who wanted to root through them.  Granny was a thrifty, generous soul.  She clothed many more than her own with whatever she found.  But, my grandmother was luckier than many.  She lived on a bluff, overlooking 100 acres of beautiful Cumberland River bottom land.  The view from her back porch was spectacular.  This was the difference.

In the mountains, far reaching views are rare.  Most people look out their front door to see a mountain sitting in their way.  They look out the back door and see an even closer mountain.  Valleys there are not the valleys known to most of us, with gentle streams and little fields.  Valleys in Appalachia are Hollers…with barely enough room for a little garden plot and so deep that the sun is blocked for a good part of the day.

So, what’s Feng Shui got to do with Appalachia?  Without the view, with the mountains so close, the people do not see the world.  They see only their little piece of land.  The mountains block out possibilities, as solidly as they block the sun, while holding the people to them like magnets.  This magnetic attraction keeps them tied to the mountains, and to the poverty that will always be there.

Some have accused companies of taking advantage of these people.  I suppose the coal companies have abused their workers, but on the other hand, jobs in the coal mines have always paid very well compared to jobs outside the mines.  It was a trade-off, and one the mountain people were well aware of.

I remember hearing stories about my grandfather’s brother and his family, how they would spend their money, buying cars and fancy clothes while the coal mines were running.  The pay was excellent and they loved to spend it.  Then when the mines shut down those same relatives would move in with my grandparents because they had nothing saved.  Soon though…the mines would be hiring again and back they would go to the same old routine.  Is this the fault of the coal company?  No.  But, it is directly related to the Feng Shui of the mountains.

These spendthrift relatives of mine could not see a world outside of those mountains.  To them this was all there was.  They saw no future, so they would not and could not prepare for it.

When we look at those who manage to leave these mountains, we find several common factors.

1.  Many were drafted.

2.  A few had a view that awarded them vision into the future.

3.  Some were helped by family members to get out.

4.  Some married well and left with their spouse.

These people didn’t wait for a company to bring them jobs.  They saw a future and took charge of their own lives.

Those who can’t see past the mountains are destined to become a part of them.

Could You Be Thankful For This?

The first principle of misery is envy…therefore the first principle of happiness is gratitude.  This season of Thanksgiving is the perfect time to thank God for all of your blessings, whether they are the pleasant blessings or not.

In the book “The Hiding Place”,  Corrie ten-Boom gives an important lesson on being thankful.  She and her sister were arrested for helping to hide Jews from the Nazis.   Eventually, they ended up in a concentration camp in Germany.   They had smuggled a small Bible in with them and read it when they could for comfort and encouragement.    Their barracks were infested with fleas and Betsy prayed to God to show them how they could live in such a place.

They had been studying  1^st Thessalonians.   “Comfort the frightened, help the weak, be patient with everyone, see that none of you repays evil with evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” Betsy then told Corrie that that was how they could stand to live in such a place; by giving thanks for every single thing about their new barracks. Betsy began counting her blessings.  Can you imagine?  

She’s in a flea infested building…inside a concentration camp and she’s counting her blessings!

She went on to be thankful for many things…and then Betsy thanked God for the fleas.

Corrie decided that was too much, but Betsy reminded her that the verse says to “give thanks in ALL circumstances” and insisted that this included the fleas that were tormenting them constantly.

Then they found out why it was important to be thankful for the fleas.  Their barracks were safer than the other barracks for women.  The guards did not come in to molest them, and they were allowed unusual freedom to read their Bible and talk about their religious beliefs inside their barracks because the guards didn’t want fleas.

This year I will remember the fleas, and be thankful for all my blessings.

Bank Owned - CHEAP

Thinking of buying a foreclosure?  Think long and hard.  Some are indeed, great buys.  Others, not so much.

The feng shui of a property has a definate effect on the occupants of the home.

Many foreclosures have feng shui charts with the combination, “Bankruptcy”.  I wouldn’t want to try to live in a house with that tendency.  If you are wondering about the house you have in mind, consult a feng shui master or practitioner for advice.

To tell the truth, there are a lot of mansions that I would refuse to live in, knowing their feng shui.  And, that’s the truth!

Keenland is most certainly a very friendly place.  Just because the weather was bad, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!  This young man will always remember petting the big horse at the racetrack.   Grampa won’t forget it soon, either!  In between rain showers, and during some, the horses were still running! 

Between storms the horses are still grazing, the grass is growing and it’s a beautiful place to be.  The horses love it.

Thoroughbred Mamas and Babies

There’s nothing more beautiful than Kentucky horses in springtime.  On a windy, sunny day you can find scenes like this all over the Bluegrass.  Mommas out picking new grass and babies dancing by their sides.  I love driving down the country roads and finding these little ones.  They’re so happy to be outside with mom, it makes me smile every time I see them.

This little horse is special.

Kentucky Thoroughbred Baby

There are horse farms for sale in Kentucky, and many are turn-key operations.  Just bring your love for horses and we’ll find one to suit you.  It’s never been easier to get started on your dream.  Or, you may just want to find a home with horses in your back yard.  There are a lot of those around, too.    And, remember…there’s nothing more important in feng shui than beautiful forms…and in Kentucky, the most beautiful forms are in the shape our fields of Bluegrass, and our horses.

Brand New Thoroughbred Baby

 

Can Spring Be Far?

Today temperatures were in the mid 50′s, although it sure seems warmer after the frigid days of this miserable winter!  I went out looking for some horses to photograph, and every one I saw was covered with mud.  And, that my friends is another side of spring in Kentucky.  The ground is wet, horses are heavy, and mud is the result. 

These guys decided to lean on each other, butt to butt.  Could it be they’re getting ready for a duel? 

Lean On Me

Well, it’s a lovely day for one.  I suspect they simply found something to lean against and it happened to be a rear end.  At any rate, spring is not far now!

Thanksgiving Geese

Winter starts here when the geese fly low over the pastures.

When you have no issues wearing a hat with eye holes.

The chickens don’t raise a dust cloud scratching in the yard because it’s frozen.

Before leaving for the store, you go back in the house for more clothes…twice.

The brass monkey has moved indoors. 

Bourbon County Road

 I’ve started my search for a little farm.  I need the solitude, and I need water.  I looked at a beautiful place today, sitting on a hill and overlooking the river.  I may go back and look again after I do my feng shui assessment.    It felt very comfortable and it has a fabulous view. 

There is one thing though…something a little down the road that makes me wonder…

Bourbon County Country Road

What IS That?

Really…what is it?