Dinah Washington sang with emphasis, “what a difference, a day makes, 24 little hours…” This song is in my head as I contemplate the past week of positive outcomes. New work projects, new friends by chance and steps forward in the land of French bureaucracy. It looks as if my social security number may be delivered in the next 10 days. Note the word ‘may’! My husband’s residency card should be picked up at the end of July and we are both completely vaccinated. A yacht cruise with a group we have never met ended up connecting with four new friends who have wandered around the world and are seeking a port to stay. As I review the last few days, sharing food and drinks, achievements and challenges is so important particularly after over a year of isolation and separation.
Cups & Glasses
Of course I will offer a Feng Shui tip which is really common sense. Replace cracked cups and glasses as these send such a negative energy. Watch those cups with statements, this is an unconscious daily affirmation. A colleague got rid of a coffee cup which had a stressed and tired person on the front. Buy lovely tea or coffee cups and those lovely wine glasses. If you are starting out in your first place, don’t ignore flea markets, French brocantes or German flohmarkt. We have picked up beautiful vintage glassware and coffee cups for very little. Another favourite is Zara Home but a friend has funky blue and white handmade mugs bought in a local supermarket.
Bowls & Plates
Bowls in particular, represent wealth in early Feng Shui. A bowl of rice was and is a key symbol of wealth and health. It is interesting to note that a bowl of salt was significant in Western culture representing money. When placing the salt bowl on the table, being ‘below the salt’ meant you were usually less wealthy. It doesn’t matter what you have, it is the intent of presentation. When a relative once questioned why I was using my best crockery, I replied that if I could only provide baked beans on a plastic plate, that is my offering to you. Providing the best food I can on lovely porcelain is about presenting a gift. So, throw away any cracked crockery and as Oscar Wilde said, “after a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations.”
