Artists chime in, channel Picasso during Arts Fest

As a child, Cynthia White cherished walking the shores of Walden Pond, Mass. while picking up twigs, stones and just about everything else she found in her path.

The fair's home-grown flavor was meant to channel Pablo Picasso's feelings on art, said Marica Hefti, founder and director of the event. In short, she said, "The painter paints what he can sell - the artist sells what he can paint."These days, she lives in Denver but kayaks rivers across the nation, picking up pieces of wood along the way to use in wind chimes that are a bit more finely-tuned.She sold her first wind chime at the age of 20. But she made her first one 11 years earlier, using the odds-and-ends she collected at that pond."These artists that we choose have the same kind of feeling," Hefti said.She hasn't changed.All artists had to pass a judge's muster to join in the fair, which only allows artwork made in the United States. Most hail from the western U.S., though one came from as far as Florida.-"I like sound," White said. "I like something that's kinetic and moves."Standing amid a gallery of wind chimes, White showed off her artwork Saturday during the Pikes Peak Arts Fest, which continues through Monday. About 90 artists are showing off their latest creations during the fair at America the Beautiful Park. Offerings include sculptures, paintings, jewelry and even a few lawn ornaments.White agrees."It's a twig with stuff hanging from it," White said, chuckling."My mother used to joke that the whole house used to tilt to my bedroom because I collected so much stuff," White said.Other jobs might pay more. But this "very organic" hobby keeps her smiling.She uses the branches as the wind chime's heart, stringing intricate minerals and pipes - obsidian in some cases - that musically clang together.Some of the works stem from trips to Clear Creek in Colorado, while others were snatched from the waters of the Great Lakes, Washington and northern Oregon."Flipped the boat, but I held on to the wood," she said, pointing to a nearby wind chime that swayed in the breeze of an oncoming thunderstorm.Only now, she knows what to do with all those treasures.

Call the writer at 476-1654.

Sensory garden is on track to flourish

Byline: NICK LAVIGUEUR

* CLOSE TO NATURE: Amy Powders, three, in the sensory garden, which nestles next to the National Children's centre play train (below) DIGGING DEEP: Burying the time capsule is Deborah Theobould-Ho, by Kirklees Deputy Mayor Clr Christine Iredale (JH300611Egarden-01)Plants grown in the garden will be used in the centre's cafe at Brian Jackson House and they also hope to harvest lavender for sale.The garden was launched by Kirklees Deputy Mayor, Clr Christine Iredale, who oversaw the burying of some of the youngsters' time capsules.The capsules are to be opened in 18 years.The project offers opportunities to young vulnerable teenagers aged from 16 to 19.It will be open on regular days throughout the year to any groups visiting or using Brian Jackson House and the National Children's Centre."The centre has regular open days and in addition to children, we hope the garden will be enjoyed by many people and groups, including disabled and those with learning needs."CAPTION(S):"They have literally created an oasis from a patch of wasteland, and brightened up a conspicuous spot by the side of the railway station.The teenagers raised more than pounds 2,000 to turn the wasteland besides the Huddersfield railway tracks into a special garden. More than 50 youngsters were involved in the six-month-project from start to finish, which included clearing the site, designing it and building it.Deborah Theobould-Ho, who runs the New Beginnings Project, said: "The youngsters have done an enormous amount of work.The young people had written letters, to themselves, about their hopes and dreams.The sensory garden has been developed by youngsters involved in the New Beginnings project at The National Children's Centre.A NEW garden has been created beside the platforms at Huddersfield Railway Station."They sought sponsorship and funds for things such as the wheelchair ramp and the raised herb beds, to make sure the garden can be enjoyed by all.

* CLOSE TO NATURE: Amy Powders, three, in the sensory garden, which nestles next to the National Children's centre play train (below) DIGGING DEEP: Burying the time capsule is Deborah Theobould-Ho, by Kirklees Deputy Mayor Clr Christine Iredale (JH300611Egarden-01)

The Powerful and Versatile Feng Shui Wind Chimes

Feng shui wind chimes are the most versatile corrector, which can be used literally everywhere.

Angels: If you already have children, this chime can be hung in the nursery � the angels will decorate it and protect your children from harm. If you want to have children � place the item in the western part of your home (children and creativity).Dolphins: These are a symbol of protection. They also symbolize harmony, kindness, peacefulness and timely assistance. Feng shui wind chimes with dolphins will pass the good Chi energy throughout your home and help you avoid any quarrels.Crystals: These generate positive energy and dissipate it throughout the house. They can be placed in any sector of your home that needs to be strengthened.Two fish: These will help you strengthen the love and marriage sector (southwest), and bring you prosperity.Pagoda: This amulet will activate the monetary energy in the southeastern sector. Pagoda chimes resemble Chinese temples. Many of such feng shui wind chimes have pendants in the form of the celestial sphere.The Chinese coin: This is the main symbol of wealth and prosperity. Hang it in the southeastern sector (the sector of wealth), and your earnings should start to grow.Fish: These will bring you good luck and prosperity. It�s exciting to note that the Chinese word �fish� also means abundance. Hang this item in the southeast of your home.For instance, if you have a �negative� object behind your window, hanging a chime will fix the energy. If your entrance door is opposite a window, the Chi energy that enters your home will exit through this �tunnel� instead of passing through your home. If you hang a chime in its way, the Chi will enter the hollow tubes, rise up and scatter throughout your home.Stars: Symbolize golden rain. They are excellent for bringing monetary prosperity. It is best to place them in the sector of wealth, the south-east.Butterfly: In feng shui, butterflies symbolize immortality and rebirth. Butterflies activate romantic relationships, bring happiness to the family and help to make dreams come true. This item can be placed anywhere, but it is best to hang it in the southwest sector (love and marriage).Feng shui wind chimes in combination with other charms enhance the positive effect even greater. These items come in all forms and materials (wood, metal, and plastic), enabling you to choose one of your liking. Following are a few examples of what you can come across, and what each item is meant for:Bamboo Tubes: According to feng shui, bamboo is a symbol of longevity, career growth, material prosperity, and dignity. It will enhance any area of your home, but the ideal place for it is in the south � the zone of fame and reputation. You can also place it in the wealth sector � the southeast, or the family sector � the east.

Pagoda: This amulet will activate the monetary energy in the southeastern sector. Pagoda chimes resemble Chinese temples. Many of such feng shui wind chimes have pendants in the form of the celestial sphere.

Feng Shui Wind Chimes - Sound Remedies for the Home

Feng shui wind chimes are one of the most well known remedies which can be used through the home. They can be placed either inside or outside of a home. They use sound to alter the 'qi' or energy of your given space. It will either protect an area from 'qi' that moves too fast or help to activate the 'qi' if it is stagnant. Therefore different areas of the home may require the chimes for different purposes.

There is another part of feng shui wind chimes that may be significant. Not all of them come with the same number of rods. The number of rods can have special meaning. The most typical number is five, it's usually preferred, because each rod represents one of the five elements. This type is meant primarily to help you harmonize a place by showing the balance of the elements. Its other main use is for protection, to keep away bad luck. Six or eight rods are also available, however the meaning is kind of different. They are primarily used to attract or enhance good luck.There are several locations where these special feng shui tools should be placed. Indoor wind chimes are generally smaller in size and metal is the material that's most often used. Meanwhile garden wind chimes are usually bigger in size and bamboo is the preferred material here. There can be a couple of areas that aren't appropriate for this type of tool, sound waves may prove to be too distracting. These include areas where you normally eat, sleep, sit and work. The important thing here is to first determine specific locations that needs balancing, protecting or enhancing. Eliminate areas that may actually negatively affect you and then choose the right material and quantity of rods for the intended purpose.

There are several locations where these special feng shui tools should be placed. Indoor wind chimes are generally smaller in size and metal is the material that's most often used. Meanwhile garden wind chimes are usually bigger in size and bamboo is the preferred material here. There can be a couple of areas that aren't appropriate for this type of tool, sound waves may prove to be too distracting. These include areas where you normally eat, sleep, sit and work. The important thing here is to first determine specific locations that needs balancing, protecting or enhancing. Eliminate areas that may actually negatively affect you and then choose the right material and quantity of rods for the intended purpose.

Creating a Backyard You Will Love to Live In

Summer is approaching and many homeowners are thinking about ways to make their backyard a more comfortable, relaxing, and attractive place for family and friends. At first glance the process may appear overwhelming or expensive, but when you view your yard as just another room to decorate, the task suddenly becomes uncomplicated and enjoyable. By following some straightforward steps, you can create an outdoor area you and your guests will love.

It is important to remember the weather patterns your backyard will face. For example, if the wind normally blows to the north, you do not want to arrange your furniture to the north of a grill where smoke will be regularly blowing. Many times wind can be greatly reduced by planting trees or shrubs in the correct locations. If you plan to use your patio in warm weather take note of shaded areas or look into awnings and umbrellas. For cooler climates, you may want to choose the sunniest spot in the yard for your outdoor furniture.Determine Available Space and Decide How to Use ItSun and WindAfter careful planning, you should have an idea of what type and how much furniture you are looking for. Now the fun begins as you choose styles, colors, and types of outdoor and deck furniture. The variety available will meet the desires of every outdoor lover.The first step in picking the best outdoor or deck furniture and accessories such as planters, umbrellas, or patio heaters for your yard, is knowing your space. When measuring your patio or deck area, keep in mind not only the total amount of space, but also your goals for your backyard. Is this an area for relaxing in the shade with the center of the set being a low table surrounded by a comfortable couch and chairs? Or do you have a large yard where you intend to entertain big groups that will need a larger table and room for a hefty grill? Will you be purchasing deck furniture that will surround a pool? Of course there may be combinations, but analyzing your site and needs will help you make decisions. You may even form a simple sketch of your backyard and visualize where your outdoor furniture will best fit. If you need ideas, take a few minutes to look at pictures online or in magazines.As you decide on the location of your furniture and accessories, you will want to consider walkways, seating, and views to create a pleasant ambiance. Take into account the paths people will be following from patio entrances to the chairs or sofas. Circulation should occur outside the seating area if possible to avoid distraction. To set up comfortable seating for conversation, orient the furniture towards each other with 6 to 8 feet of space between chairs. This will produce a relaxed and social environment. Making a sense of enclosure, not unlike a room in your home will also produce intimacy and closeness. This feeling can come from trees, trellises, bushes, or fences and walls. Lastly, you will want to find a focal point for the direction of the seating such as landscaping, fountains, or planters nearby.Outdoor Patio Furniture Arrangement

After careful planning, you should have an idea of what type and how much furniture you are looking for. Now the fun begins as you choose styles, colors, and types of outdoor and deck furniture. The variety available will meet the desires of every outdoor lover.

Author: Ron and Jan Stager

Authentic Feng Shui Advice For Your Home

During a site consultation for a department of the United Nations in Malaysia, one of its employees asked me a question that seems to be asked often: can you give me some quick guidelines for my home without having to go too much into it? And of course, still using classical Feng Shui. House consultations are usually very detailed affairs with many layers of disciplines used and time consuming as each home is unique BUT there still is general advice that can be used without accidentally creating negative effects.

It helps to know which directions should be enhanced and those that are not to be stimulated. If you are not sure of your Kua number, you can use our Kua Number Calculator to find out your Auspicious and Inauspicious directions. Inauspicious directions need remedies and more protection while Auspicious directions should be primarily enhanced. Remember, different people have different Kua numbers and directions, meaning a good direction for you to stimulate may be a bad direction for a loved one. In cases where there are multiple occupants whose good/bad directions overlap: use items that are primarily protective items with a secondary role of enhancing. That way, if an item for some reason is placed in the wrong direction, you're still protected.The Living/Dining RoomAsides from the entrances being entry points for your home, it is also very important in Feng Shui as that's where a very large amount of chi comes in and sets the overall tone of your home. Wouldn't you rather allow good flowing chi into your home instead of negative chi entering and pulling everything down? Here, you would want to set up a filter point choosing for auspicious chi coming in or good chi. A protective item would make sure only good chi (sheng chi) comes in, whereas a wealth enhancer would transform the chi coming in to be auspicious chi. Recommendations: All Protectors (Protective), Authentic Wealth Bowl (Auspicious), Kuan Kung on Horse of Progress (Both).The BackdoorWell, hopefully this list has provided you with some basic knowledge of how you can use classical Feng Shui in your home properly. I'd also like to take the time to wish you and your an prosperous Lunar New Year! For more information on remedies, don't forget to visit our website at: www.smilingbamboo.com! :)The EntranceIf you are shopping for a bird lover or someone who is not into all the cutsie, gaudy lawn ornament d�cor, bird feeders, bird houses and bird baths may be the perfect solution. Bird feeders provide so much more than just food for birds. They invite wildlife into your backyard and if maintained consistently and properly they will keep them coming back year after year. Complimenting the bird feeders with bird houses and bird baths only will increase wildlife traffic. What a rewarding feeling! This has got to be one of the most thoughtful birthday gifts because it not only benefits the birds and the person you are buying for but also benefits the circle of life. If you are stuck on deciding what bird feeder to buy, hummingbird feeders are an easy and rewarding one to start with. Tube bird feeders, platform bird feeders and suet bird feeders are other popular ones to buy. To compliment these feeders buy a package of bird seed or nectar to get them started. For hummingbird feeders provide an easy home-made nectar recipe (1 part sugar to 4 parts water: boil water, add sugar to dissolve, cool and pour). Each year after, you can continue with bird food or another bird feeder, bird house or bird bath idea.The backdoor or exit of your house is frequently overlooked because there is usually more importance stressed on the entrance. The importance of this part of the house increases when depending on how often you use it. For some, it is an entrance to their garden or a more convenient form of exit. If you do not use the backdoor often, focusing on protection takes priority. If it is used very often, then you can also treat it similar to an additional entrance. Recommendations: Kuan Kung God of War (Protective), Lucky Wealth Bars (Auspicious), Inscribed Dragon Tortoise (Both).Wind Spinners are a great birthday gift for anybody. There are solar light wind spinners, gazing ball wind spinners, themed wind spinners, small, medium and large wind spinners, different shaped wind spinners, dog wind spinners, you name it and you�ll find it. If the person you are shopping for loves hummingbirds, cardinals, butterflies or anything with wings really, you have an abundant selection of beautiful wind spinners to choose from. Solar light wind spinners light up any dark patio, deck or backyard setting. Not only do they light up but they spin in the slightest breeze to provide an even more enjoyable experience. Solar light wind spinners are especially a great gift for a friend or family member in a nursing home as it provides something beautiful and entertaining to watch out their window. You can even get wind spinners as small as 3-4� in diameter to hang in the window, rear-view mirror or as a Christmas tree ornament.

Well, hopefully this list has provided you with some basic knowledge of how you can use classical Feng Shui in your home properly. I'd also like to take the time to wish you and your an prosperous Lunar New Year! For more information on remedies, don't forget to visit our website at: www.smilingbamboo.com! :)

Author: Ken Toh

Birthday Gifts � Wind Spinners, Lawn Ornaments & Bird Feeders

It can be difficult trying to come up with new birthday gift ideas year after year. You can always go the collection route �what do they collect?� or the new trend for that year, like those never-ending charm bracelets. But those only go so far. Why not try wind spinners, lawn ornaments or bird feeders! These everlasting gifts can go a long way in anybody�s backyard.

When you think of lawn ornaments you probably think of pink flamingo garden stakes or hideous views of a lady bent over in her garden. Although these are popular garden ornaments, there are still so much more out there to choose from. Lawn ornaments can be anything from wind spinners, wind chimes, garden statues, garden stepping stones, garden stakes, garden gnomes, lanterns, solar light d�cor, flower pots and planters, and more. Whatever your fancy, what makes great lawn ornaments is something you love and tying it together with other lawn ornaments in your backyard setting. You could help start or add to somebody�s backyard a beautiful collection of lawn ornaments as a birthday gift year after year. The possibilities here are endless.The BedroomThis is usually the place where members of the house would spend a large amount of time together. Be it entertaining guests, watching a favorite show together or just winding down after a tough day at work. This is also a place to maximise the usage of Feng Shui for you to reap the benefits it can bring. Recommendations: Fu Lu Shou Set (Protective), Prosperity Buddha (Auspicious), Lord Chung Kwei Guardian of Harmony (Both).

Wind spinners, lawn ornaments and bird feeders provide endless and timeless gift ideas for birthdays and/or other gift-related holidays. If you are still not sure, try some of these gift ideas for yourself first and I guarantee you will enjoy them and want to add more. These easy birthday gift ideas will be the hottest items for years to come as more and more wind spinners, lawn ornaments and bird feeders are added to any outdoor space.

Author: Angie Loomis