Feng Shui

Posted on November 5, 2019 by Laurie Buchanan

Feng Shui is the art of harmonious living. It involves the intentional placement of items to direct the circulation and flow of energy in a space. The desired outcome is unique by individual. For instance, some people want to create balance and harmony, while others wish to boost their productivity, attract wealth, heighten creativity, advance their career, enhance good luck, and so on.

According to Feng Shui principles, the broom symbolizes insight and wisdom and is believed to have the power to sweep away negative energy, worry, and trouble. This ancient Chinese art counsels that the broom be hung by the door, symbolically sweeping out energy that no longer serves us well, making room for positive energy, abundance, and prosperity.

At our home, we use our brooms daily; they aren’t just for looks. They also serve as a visible reminder of our intent to maintain a positive, respectful, and healthy emotional environment in our space.

[bctt tweet=”Do you incorporate any Feng Shui principles in your home?” username=”@TuesWithLaurie”]

Do you incorporate any Feng Shui principles in your home?

Turtleback

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Laurie Buchanan

One of my friends, Shirley, received a writing fellowship and is currently enjoying a temporary home. Another friend, Janet, recently wrote about her love affair with an island home. Marian downsized homes and moved across town. Sandi moved from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast.

Home. Unlike turtles, most of us don’t carry ours on our back:

For some it’s a geographic location… the place they were born, or grew up.
For others it might be a person. When my mother was alive, if I announced, “I’m flying home,” Len knew that meant I was going to visit my mom.
For many it’s a feeling—a safe place with emotional attachment that has less to do with the physical structure, and everything to do with positive, loving energy.
For some it is a specific, tangible structure.

What is home to you?

The Makings of Home Sweet Home

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Laurie Buchanan

A robin feathering her nest
has very little time to rest
while gathering her bits of twine and twig…

A few weeks ago when the branches were still bare, we saw the makings of an impressive nest in our back yard. Having recently trimmed Willa’s coat, it’s clear that birds find her wiry hair to be prime building material!

It might be a person, a feeling, a specific structure, or a tangible item—what makes a house a home has as many different answers as there are people. Whether you’re:

Gil in South Africa
Kevin in Scotland
Sandi in the southern US
Terrill or Leanne in Canada
Sam near the Big Apple
Ted in New Zealand
Kathy in a her little house in the big woods

What is it to you that makes a house a home?

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

The Book—Discovering the Seven Selves
The Experience—Life Harmony

Find me on Twitter @HolEssence

Misty Water-Colored Memories

Posted on December 25, 2012 by Laurie Buchanan

For this year’s holiday celebration we’re hosting a large group of people at our home. Some of our guests are traveling from as far away as California and Canada. We won’t exchange material gifts to mark the occasion. Rather, we’ll make memories—the best kind of gift.

When I think back over the years, very few tangible presents come rushing to the forefront of my mind. Of course I remember getting my first bicycle. And the year I got a microscope — I desperately wanted to be a mad scientist. I also remember getting white go-go boots, orange fish net stockings, and frosted Yardley lipstick.

However, I can recall with ease the feeling of this holiday, the mental pictures etched on my heart — the memories. Nat King Cole’s velvety voice crooning from the record player. Sticky hands from popcorn balls that grandma helped us make. Caroling door-to-door with the neighborhood kids.

I can remember mouth-watering aromas wafting from the kitchen where mom and grandma danced the age old two-step of food preparation. And sneaking black olives from the relish tray on the dining room table; putting one on the end of each finger and then eating them off — quick! — before I got caught.

I remember a clear sense of belonging, of being loved, and of everything being right in my world. Memories endure.

What memories have you made this holiday season?

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Discovering the Seven Selves Life Harmony Facebook

Heading Home

Posted on March 9, 2010 by Laurie Buchanan

Bahamian Sunset by Laurie Buchanan

Tomorrow we head home. The term “home” is used all the time, but what does it really mean? Maybe there’s as many different meanings as there are people. For some it’s a geographic location … the place they were born, grew up; or perhaps the place they currently reside. When my mom was alive, wherever she was is where I considered home. Does that mean when she died I no longer have a home?

Being married to a now retired military man meant that we moved a lot. Does that mean we changed homes each time, or does it mean we simply changed geographic locations? It’s been said that “home is where the heart is.” I have the sneaking suspicion that once this journey’s over—this journey we call life—I’ll be heading home.

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
~ Laurie Buchanan

Tuesdays with Laurie

"Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing." —Laurie Buchanan

Tag Archives: Home

Feng Shui

Turtleback

The Makings of Home Sweet Home

Misty Water-Colored Memories

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