Start spreading the news now! The following Friday, November 2nd, is one of my favorite episodes - we get to create an all-Green-Design nursery for a very special child being adopted from Africa. Our entire crew broke into tears during the final scene. Bring the Kleenex and I'll meet you there...

GRASSROOTS HELP STILL NEEDED

We're at a critical time in our show, and are waiting at the edges of our seats to find out if we'll get picked up for a second season. If we can keep our ratings up and the positive reviews streaming in, all of us involved in the show's production has high hopes for continued success.

Here's where I ask for your help once again: if you're enjoying the show, please go to my home page and click the "FUN SHUI" button at the bottom of the page, or click the link below and share your support to encourage more seasons of Fun Shui and more positive TV programming. Also feel free to forward this email to everyone on your contact list, encouraging them to watch the show each Friday night.
Please take two minutes to fill out the form below, and thank you in advance!

HGTV Viewer Feedback

MY WEEKLY CUP OF CHI

I've Been Cheating On My Boyfriend...

It's true. I've been having a love affair...

with coffee.

Ok, ok, perhaps it's not as juicy as you were hoping. But it's just as internally turmultuous. Here's the thing: I love coffee (don't worry, Ian...I love you more!). My focus goes to coffee several times a day. I worship it. It's my religion.

"It's your RELIGION?"

Yup. That's what I said. The definition of worship is "to love something deeply". Whatever in our lives we think about and give our focus to is what we worship (which might be rather disturbing news as you come to realize you're actually spending more time worshipping your email, to-do list, cell phone, shoes, food or coffee, INSTEAD of God [or whatever word you use for that mysterious and magical something that makes the universe go 'round]).

But it's been 3 days now. No coffee. I took that brave leap and listened to that whisper in my ear that has been telling me for months to cut back on the ol' joe... And it's been a challenging past three days. But what I've come to realize is that what we're drawn to is very likely exactly the thing that keeps us stuck. We're drawn toward foods, stimulants, people, spaces and colors that exacerbate where we're already out of balance, and just end up intensifying that energy.

For example, I tend to be quite energetic by nature (who knew?!) with a very fast, racing mind. So what I'm drawn to intensifies that imbalance. I like coffee, I like kickboxing, I like running. I avoid drinking, downers and yoga, simply for the fact that they force me to slow down and come into balance. So I fight it. My boyfriend on the other hand is very low-key and grounded by nature (sometimes TOO much so...sorry honey!), and of course he's fond of meditation, drinking (when he was younger), and any slow-paced or innert activity. Coffee for him is out of the question.

So, that being said, what's your tendency? What activities do you avoid? What types of colors are you hesitant to use in your home? I'm not saying to go out and do yoga, or smoke pot, paint your ceiling purple or drink yourself silly.... It's a matter of acnowledging that quiet inner voice that knows what would be healing for you, and allow it space to speak. The more you give it that space, the louder it gets, and the more you're capable of acting on it's wisdom.

In terms of feng shui, the same applies. Because your brain, in this very moment is where it is, and has the beauty AND imbalances that it has, we make choices from THAT place. So if we were to redecorate our space from where we are right now, very likely we would imbue that space with whatever strengths, and definitely whatever weaknesses, we currently hold. (This is why it's so beneficial to find a good consultant who can look past your personality and get to what your soul's longing for, and help you generate a space for those longings to blossom - a consultant who's continually doing their own inner work, staying clear and trying their best not to project their own issues or limitations onto your space.)

That being said, true change can feel uncomfortable. Sticky, icky, and heeby-jeeby. But deep down we WANT change. That's why we're on the planet! So we want to surround ourselves in inspiring spaces that stretch us out of our comfort zones so our homes aren't just a redesigned dumping-ground for more of where we are right now. That only creates more of that hampster-wheel-of-life effect. Although to create a space that speaks to who we WANT to become can feel as challenging as...well...choosing green tea over coffee! It's a new energy, a new feeling, a new behavior being asked of us, and that forces us to step up to the plate and create new patterns, behaviors and pathways. But however uncomfortable initially, that's the great news! Our homes can inspire change and growth... and often times it's far easier to change through changing our homes, than it is to change by changing a lifetime of limited beliefs.

So be prepared to feel a bit uncomfortable when you're taking on any new, healthier behavior. Your ego may throw a temper-tantrum. "I can't paint THAT color on the wall! I can't wake up early and write in my journal! I can't eat healthier! I can't get organized!...I can't survive without coffee in the morning!"

So what's right for YOU? What could you do to your space that would inspire something great in yourself? What does that small inner voice tell you to do each day that you simply choose not to listen to? What little thing could you change that you KNOW would change your entire life?

Would it be...

...painting a new color on the wall?

...making your junk drawer beautiful, with lovely containers and labels?

...throwing out magazines or paperwork you've had filed away for ages and tell yourself you'll get to someday?

...fixing a chair that you've grown acustomed to being broken?

...throwing out old clothes that you've been hanging onto for years?

What change could you make that you KNOW deep down is a positive shift, but you're hesitant to change? Yup, that's right. THAT is precisely where you want to start...

Baby steps, baby steps...

And before you begin this adventure, always keep in mind the following: as long as you're alive, your home will be growing and changing along with you. So continue nudging yourself and your home forward, and most importantly... HAVE FUN!

MORE EVOLVING ARTS NEWS

We Saved Three Horses' Lives!

I love the internet. It's the most amazing way to connect with people that we might not normally get to meet. So today I'm using this amazing medium to share some information with all of you about how we made quick and easy difference in three animal's lives (and how you still can help!).

My makeup artist's sister is a horse rescuer. I received an email from her letting me know that she's in need of funding last weekend to save the lives of three beautiful horses which were scheduled to go to a "kill buyer" this Monday morning. Now, I'm not a fan of focusing my energy on negative situations, but rather love to indulge in seeing the possibilities behind all challenges. And in this situation, I saw lots of possibilities (sharing this message with you is one of them)!

I sent out emails to everyone on my personal list. If you received an e-mail and donated -- thank you! As you obviously guessed, all of our small donations added up to make a huge difference. There was also such a media buzz around this event that Inside Edition was there with their cameras on Monday, and all the kill buyers fled the scene. Another success from the power of the internet....

To learn more, here's the website for my new heroic Horse Whisperers:

www.pthr.org.

Please consider sending your donations to this amazing organization so they can buy more horses at the kill pen auctions.... As they said so passionately above, the more money they raise, the more horses they can save. If anyone is interested, even $2, $5 or $25+ will make a huge difference. This is the power of people coming together for a common cause. Anything is possible with passion, focus and action!

And just to let you know, finances are extremely tight for me right now as I'm sure many of you can relate to, but the good feeling of giving to someone in need far outweighs the financial challenges attached to it. Somehow the universe provides for us when we listen to that deep inner voice that calls us to action. My inner voice told me $250...and since my life motto is "Listen and Follow Directions", that's what I gave.

Donations can be made at www.pthr.org.

Join their mailing list while you're there to stay updated in ways you can support their efforts in the future.

If you cannot donate, instead consider forwarding this email . And if funds are tight, even $2 from each person could easily mean life for these beautiful horses! Support these amazingly passionate people in their generous and loving efforts. We could all learn a thing or two from these people about the fulfillment experienced when we follow our hearts and passions, and act selflessly.

Your Horse Heros:
Laura Boothby
A Stand 4 The HorsesFundraising & Rescue Education
http://www.myspace.com/4thehorses

Friends of Fitch
http://www.myspace.com/thefightforfitch

Thanks in advance to all your amazing generosity - and please keep them in your thoughts (and pocketbook) in the days, months and years to come. If we each extended a small kindness each and every day, I believe our planet would be healed. We are all individually more powerful than we realize.... And if it's not these horses, what one thing could you do today that would make a difference in someone's life? I encourage you to take action and JUST DO IT!

CONSULTATIONS ARE COMING...VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS

You've asked, and we're answering... For those of you out-of-towners who are interested in getting Stephanie's thoughts on your very own house but the cost of a distance consultation is out of the question, stay tuned! We're creating a virtual consultation package made especially for you. Let Stephanie take a look at your home, [through photos or video] talk with Stephanie via phone to discuss suggestions, changes & options, check back after your initial consultation to receive further support and to ask questions, and receive a package of information and goodies to keep you inspired throughout the year!

Email if interested in further information: consultations@evolvingarts.com

LIVE CONSULTATIONS

And for those of you who've already requested a live consultation...

You'll be hearing from Stephanie within the next week to schedule your very own appointment! We've been reorganizing our approach to best meet your needs, so we apologize for any delays with consultation requests. Stephanie will be meeting with people in the tri-state area or for special-request distance consultations through the end of the year. Hurry to schedule your own consultation NOW while they're available! - Depending on the progress of the show, Stephanie may no longer be taking private clients after the new year [potentially for the next 1-2+ years].

Contact us at:
consultations@evolvingarts.com
800-699-8809

Stephanie and the EvolvingArts team look forward to working with you personally!

ASK STEPHANIE YOUR QUESTIONS

Keep your fantastic questions...AND PHOTOS...coming!

We're receiving lots of amazing questions, and look forward to the chance to include YOURS in our next newsletter - so keep 'em comin!

We're also adding something new to the mix... So many of your questions are about very specific challenges you face in your home. Please feel free to email photos of your space along with your questions to questions@evolvingarts.com or go to www.evolvingarts.com to type in your question. We'll be posting questions and photos to both our newsletter and also to the EvolvingArts blog: www.evolvingarts.blogspot.com - join our RSS feed and get the updates daily!

SPREAD THE CHI - FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY!

Here's to yet another wonderful week...

With love,

Stephanie

� 2007 Stephanie McWilliams LLC

CHI-UPPER

FUN SHUI (Friday Nights at 9:30pm ET - check local listings!)