The Secret of the Secret Cures

By Sharyn G. Jordan: The Home Whisperer: Environmental Healer & Symbologist

“When the whole group is together each bringing out what is best, wisest or funniest in all other’ those are the Golden Sessions.”  C.S. Lewis

Our AZ Chapter of IFSG is located at Lisa and Charles Montgomery’s Feng Shui AZ retail shop which is located in Scottsdale’s prestigious Old Towne. They carry an extensive inventory providing a wealth of anything and everything a practitioner could possible need or want.  Not only is Lisa a gifted IFSG Red Ribbon Consultant; she is also an inspirational and knowledgeable trainer; Certified Practitioner in the United States and in Singapore, organizer of the annual Arizona’s Feng Shui Festival and author of Feng Shui Southwest. Lisa’s recent 60 hour intensive class schedule included an entire day dedicated to the Secret of the Secret Cures.  As a culture, ritual and ceremony should not be lost in our Feng Shui community.

Since 1974, I have been an enthusiastic Arizona resident however until this past January; for the past 27 of those years, I have been an Arizona White Mountain resident.  For me, Lisa provided keen insight into how to overcome our desert’s lack of natural water.  We Arizona’s have our manmade lakes, more pools per capita than anywhere else in the world and yes, fountain features are galore; however the Southwest is a FENG SHUI Challenge. Lisa’s scholarly and Universal cures not only provide a remedial path for our region but share a commonality to all environs.  Her brilliant insights provide far-reaching Global curatives. Lisa’s worldwide and deeply devoted client-base is a testimony of her wisdom and effectiveness.

During Lisa's Secret of Secret Cures teachings, we practitioners discussed being a Feng Shui consultant requires one to be highly responsible and accountable.  As an Energy-Worker, we are forever asked and honorably, we answer, I AM THE BAGUA.  Also Essential:  BEing a clear communicator of our wisdom.  Speaking of clarity, before I continue with Lisa’s excellent seminar information, I am prompted to share an excerpt from my Five Page Feng Shui Simplified Consultancy (founded in 1995) Contract.  This goes along with being conscientious and detailing in writing, what our client can experience.  “Feng Shui is an expectional tool whose mission is to personally create a sustainable and nurturing environment unique to your intentions, in alignment with Feng Shui's timeless science and art of placement plus the universe’s quantum energy.  Before we can begin your consultation, in the space below, please specifically write down your intention(s).  As we work together to re*purpose your environment, be mindful and observe that you are now living into intentional fulfillment. Since your re*freshed surroundings are better supporting your dreams, it is imperative that you also be aware of your thought processes and center them on positivity.  Although the global economy has influenced a cyclically, down-turned market complete with a vastly visible and invisible change, you are NOW re*vitalizing your personal economy; re*focusing on abundance; re*leasing lack and re*connecting you to your unlimited Cosmic re*sources.” 

After the initial ‘Vision Quest” and yes, this is usually accomplished before-hand, together we go over each page. I always allow time to answer all of my client’s questions and once we are on the same page, we have a ceremony of signage/agreement—for our records, we each have a copy.  Included in my practitioner intentions is to lift my client Beyond the Belief that work is his/her only source of abundance.  Once connected to Unlimited Abundance, everything shifts.  We not only create environmental affirmations but inner ones to be spoken aloud too.        

That being shared, following are Lisa’s outstanding and well taught cures.  Just a note, for the practitioners whom are postured into a more stylistic approach to wellness and have not tapped into these ancient remedies, please be open.  It has been my observation that via IFSG, many leaders but especially Laurie Bornstein have done an amazing job in bridging the gap between all Feng Shui modules.  Plus, Bridget Saranka’s brilliant virtual influence has created a supportive and loving family environment where we can each relax and trust.  I hope you can hear me singing your praises…KUDOS for a job well done and deep gratitude for everyone who serves and shares. Regardless of one’s training and application, the Way of Wind and Water is Universal.  I am honored to present Lisa’s Secret of Secrets Cures.  Soon she is offering webinar training and per her timing and delivered by her professional expertise, she will choose when to broadcast these intricate but “Oh-Made-So-Simple by Lisa” instructions.  However, at the end of the list of titles, there is one of her powerfully and deliciously wonderful secret cure being shared in full.   All remedies are to be activated within the hours of 11:00-1:00 a.m. or p.m. 

GOLDEN CIRCAD CURE—Powerful!!

REMOVAL CURES:  String Cutting, 7 Metal Removal, River Ceremonies, and The Power of Orange. 

PROTECTION CURES: Sealing the Body, Sealing the Mirror and Sealing the Doors these are used primarily when victimization has occurred.  For example, an abusive ex-spouse, rape or burglary.  

THREE RED ENVELOPE CURE. 

NINE SECRETS CURE.

DHARMA WHEEL energy is about cyclical situations such as when things will get worse before they can get better; recognizing and teaching transcendental experiences.

WALKING THE NINE STAR KI

FLAG CURE

FIRE MEDITATION CURE:  Used if a city is having difficult time, when a home has lost its energy and when the Chi is low.

MOON FESTIVAL:  The Universe supports our Intentions with a trail of happiness, conceptualize. Please honor your client’s cultural energy of choice such as Buddha, The Source, Jesus, Kuan Yin, Blessed Mary, Divine Mother or Father-Mother-GOD.  

RITUAL of the THREE DAYs of FLOWERS

                                                                                                       

                         

 

   

GANESH...GOing BEyond the Present

                             GANESH                                                                                                                                        By Sharyn G. Jordan

As a child, our friends were world-wide travelers and upon their return from various places, they enthusiastically shared their exotic slides.  The joke about having to view the neighbors dreaded vacation slides did not apply.  These were interesting and a huge window on the world plus they generously gifted us with unique souvenirs. I recall one such token from their magical time in India; they gave me an interesting little Ganesh.  Shortly thereafter it was a ‘Show and Tell’ school day in my 4^th grade class.  Happily, my father took me to the college library where we learned about this marvelous energy and his role in Hindu lore.  

     Legend has it as the son of the Goddess Parvati and Shiva, like so many mythological characters, Ganesh had a gory beginning. It is said that Ganesh began when Goddess Parvati formed a boy from the sandlewood and dirt of her body and breathed life in him from being the wife of Shiva.  She assigned him the task of guarding her bathroom and Ganesh became a noble, deeply dedicated guard of her spa ritual.  When Shiva came to call, Ganesh did not know him and refused him entrance.  Shiva was not accustomed to being denied so---gore-alert---he beheaded him on the spot.  Upon realizing that this was his son, Shiva sent his squad (gana) out to find the first sleeping entity that was facing north.  They returned with the head of an elephant which Shiva attached to the boy, returned him back to life and declared him a leader (pati).  To soothe Pavati’s grief, he proclaimed that Ganesh or Ganapati would not only be worshipped but invoked before all travels and any new venture.  

     Through the years, the deity became associated with many more attributes such as being ‘the go-to guy’ to petition to absorb all difficulties and remove any obstacles. Being a Symbolist, my husband built a special place for my Ganesh in our RV which was located it in the Helpful People and Travel Gua. IN the early 2000’s, we set our intention was to visit all of the United States and in our mid-60’s to tour Europe.  I am right on pace as so far, we have explored 41 of our 50 amazing United States of America and 80% of the Caribbean.  In my home, Ganesh who also represents traveling with ease lives in my closet. The reason I appreciate him there is that he is also the Lord of New Beginnings and each day is indeed a fresh start.  Since I associate him with travel, I keep a packed bag with overnight necessities readily available. Environmentally or affirmationally Ganesh can be anywhere in one’s home. 

    Ganesh or Ganesha is also considered the God of Education, Knowledge, Wisdom, Wealth and Good Fortune; the Patron of Letters and is deemed as the Lord of Success who creates internal balance. Quiet the Multi-tasker!  Since the 4^th century, he has been an honored deity in pre-Vedic history and in India’s and Hindu worship. In addition to these esteemed positions, he nobly assists in looking beyond present circumstances. This last talent is essential because sadly, there are too many people with blockages so crusty they need all the help they can receive.  Finding a way to see beyond the present and a path to get there is essential for growth.  Know anyone who has difficulty creating a wonderful world? Gift them a little Ganesh figurine to invoke his magic. Have fun with this mythological essence and if you are planning a trip or seeking new beginnings, for obstacle-removing, take along Ganesh.

The Helpful People Garden

   

                                                  A Garden Paradise                                  

                                  By Sharyn G. Jordan~ The Home Whisperer

Gardening is a labor full of tranquility and satisfaction; natural
and instructive, and as such contributes to the most serious
contemplation, experience, health and longevity.
- John Evelyn, 1666

     To enhance one's quality of life, Feng Shui's timeless methodolgy identifies how to tap into the Universe's natural richness. Within this wisdom are nine Life aspects  traditionally referred to as a Gua. Nine guas form the Bagua template--imagine a tic-tac-toe board where each of the nine sections reveal how energy naturally and abundantly flows.  These nine Guas are of equal importance: Family, Wealth/Prosperity, Fame/Recognition, Relationships, Creativity/Children, Helpful People/Travel Career/Life Journey, Self-Cultivation/Knowledge with the center gua of TaiChi' or Be Well; it also means Unity.  Each aspect has fertile attending energies such as the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water.   The guas parallel nature's pattern because each also has a specific season, intention, a unique energetic footprint,  numercial value and color enhancements. Universal energies abundantly flow through each Gua and according to their harmony, floruish and thrive or sadly and unknowingly, become blocked and inhibited.  What better way to welcome in beneficial Chi and uplift one's quality of life experience than by gardening.  Gardening in and of itself…whether it be in containers, tidy rows, raised boxes, or by planting one seed in a small terracotta pot, holds the potential to better connect a person to the divine. 

     Since June (the 6^th month) is blushing into her summer season, why not create a garden area celebrating the joy of Helpful People?  In Feng Shui, the Helpful People gua is also represented by the numerical energy of 6. In the Way of Wind and Water, it is an honor to serve, bless, attend, assist, oblige, aid, and help others. Being of service initiates into full motion, blissful and tangible joy; paving the way for a deeper and more contented state of Well BEing.  It holds within its heart, a sweet labor laced with tranquility and at the same time, lined with the sheer delight of being helpful.  It also sets into BEing, the ability to receive the bountiful assistance.

     Creating an actual garden-paradise evolves one into the greater-person that Life asks them to be.  This is because a Helpful People garden affords one to hear a higher calling.  Conjoining and communing with nature allows a quiet clarity to come forth. Gardening enables one to extend and step into the assistance of humanity.  Once a person has been pressed into this special service, a fuller satisfaction with Life’s flow may be actualized. Recognizing what one’s higher destiny or what one is put on this earth to do is a gift. Who knew that by simply tilling the soil, connecting with the earth’s agents of change, sowing seeds of beauty into the fertile soil of abundance and allowing vegetables, flowers and fruit, plus grace to blossom, would do so much for one’s spirit?  Just sayin’…this is an intrinsically natural and orderly; albiet deeply divine process, where a greater enlightenment can be realized.      

     The Art of Usefulness is genuinely at the heart of a Helpful People garden.  Plan a garden to thrive with as many vegetable and flower varieties of the season.  Sharing one's bounty with friends and neighbors is an honor.  Select flowers in a riot of color—remember to choose flowers that symbolize the diversity of humanity. With proper care, just like LIFE itself, your multicolored flowers can flourish. Your yummy, seasonal veggies will not only bless your table, but nourish your body, mind and soul. Side by side, flowers and veggies plus tolerance and kindness can create a haven within this haven.

     Consider threading throughout your garden tapestry statuaries of iconic value.  By doing so in the Helpful People garden it becomes a thematically inspired space, especially paying homage to the saints.  It also honors mentors who went before setting a higher standard of service.  Statuaries such as Buddha, Kuan (Quan) Yin, St. Francis, Children (when we see the world through a child’s eyes, we are at once connected to innocence and creativity), the Blessed Mother (LOVE), Mermaids (freedom), Cranes (longevity), Harvest Boy (abundance), and Angels (Heavenly Messengers) and Fairies (magic) each speak of blessings. The garden globe is also recommended because it symbolizes Universal peace; their convex mirrored orb elegantly decorates any garden. These globes are agents of expanding the energy by reflecting beneficial Chi to surrounding areas and beyond.

     In my garden and in addition to the above sculptures, I have a gorgeous purple and green colored flag that wafts through the air and wind chimes whimsically dance from my deck’s roof.  Oversized, cushy lawn chairs don my deck so as to behold the garden's beauty. If possible and with the help of an arbor, create a secret place complete with a comfy, padded bench or a made-for-the-garden love seat.  This sanctuary is perfect for meditation, celebrating nature and of course, rejoicing in LIFE’s many gifts. This is an excellent environmental affirmation which lovingly communicates Peace on Earth; enhancing the Chi of the land.

     Planting gemstones in the garden whether as a border or as energetic enhancers, better connects one to Mother Earth.  They come in all shapes, sizes and forms; each gemstone is unique unto itself communicating a specific vibration or energy.  They also transmit and provide healing, support, and return vital energy back to the earth.  In fact, the crystal or gemstone holds the earth’s DNA. Gemstones have long been acknowledged as a method of creating greater well-being and a remarkable means of increasing one’s life force or chi. Gemstones are noted to enhance one’s personal life path, augment clarity, enlarge one’s perception, boost personal creativity, and promote compassion.  These descriptions are but a few of gemstone’s properties.  Through studying their abilities, please note that a gemstone is a naturally occurring crystalline form of a mineral and were created as the earth was formed.

    
     Planting the networking foiliage of Silver Lamb’s Ear plant: Latin name is Stacys Byzantia and the self-seeding, colorful Cosmos reminds one to be of service from a willing heart and with an open mind.  Serving the greater good makes a BIG and MEANINGFUL difference; holding the ability to shift one's world from limitation to the unlimited.  Dedicate and receive the divine energy of the Helpful People garden where joy, light, silver, air, water, synchronicity and community dwell.  The gift of creating a lasting legacy is seeded in the generosity of service. Be inspired and enjoy a healthy and well lived journey…BEcome a living example of esteemed service.  As far back as 1866, John Evelyn observed, “Gardening is a labor full of tranquility and satisfaction; natural and instructive, and as such contributes to the most serious contemplation, experience, health and longevity.’  This is especially evident in a Helpful People Garden.  Enjoy

Bejeweled Treasure Chest

     I was looking for an article I wrote years ago titled ‘How to Feng Shui While Away.”  For most of 2001-2001, we traveled. At the time, my Beloved Jay and I would be away for as long as a year.  To keep life being breathing in our home, I had developed a wonderful Feng Shui approach.  I thought the article was on my present lap top or at least copied to it, however it isn’t.  I do have my ‘old faithful gal’ and although she needs a charge, I will be able to do so and access the piece soon..  When I do, I will be sure to share because summer is here and travel is one of her gifts.  However, I did run across this article's valuable experience.       

     During the year prior to beginning my Feng Shui journey in 1994, I had a reoccurring dream revealing how our homes are living jewelry boxes. Living at the time in the AZ White Mountains, I was a longtime gem and mineral enthusiast.  When these visions of bejeweled chests began visiting me, I created a dream journal to record their wisdom.   This elegant  treasury held gifts, virtues, insights, talents and clarities symbolized through pearls of wisdom, dazzling diamonds in all shapes and sizes representing the person we become after victoriously coming through pressured circumstances; sapphires in an array of colors—pink for emotional balance, blue for communication and green denoting strength,.  Speaking of green, emeralds were included in this cachet’ and their radiance of being the healing stone was quite evident. 

     Being a lucid dreamer, these visions were welcomed as their symbolism was indeed appropriate.  During that time, our extremely prosperous movie business directly suffered from taking our incurring additional overhead.  We opened our newest movie theatre complex and knew it would be five years before we would even level out.  However, it was a good investment and we were so proud of its state of the art presence.  That year, we enjoyed fabulous films such as The Lion King, Forrest Gump, True Lies, Speed, The Mask and Shawshank Redemption---oh Tim Robbins Sooooo deserved to take Ocsar home!  Since we were a product driven business, these movies had a huge impact but we were still struggling!

     I began looking for ways to get us back on course.  In early 1994, I discovered classical Feng Shui. Instantly, I became an underground student of this fascinating practice. It was all quite clandestine but as soon as learned how-to, I began making the corrections to our environment.  Slowly, productive changes occurred.  This was a mystery puzzle to solve and hidden within Feng Shui’s methodology, were the answers.

      It is important to note that up until 1993, our three movie theatres, each in a different town, were all shaped in a perfect square.  However due to the parking and irregularity of our land, this 4th location was built in a T shape.  By Classical FS teachings, we were missing our Abundance and Self-Cultivation guas.  Egad! 

     At the same time, my husband added a 400 sq. ft. workshop to our beautifully once squared shaped home.  His new and huge toy box was in our Relationship Gua.  He did such a nice job and was so happy with it that I didn't even dream we were out of order.   When I realized this additiona had created missing Creativity & Children and Helpful People Guas, I found quick and effective cures.   As a lovely gift to me, he built an elegant study/meditation room which we called the Dream room.  Albeit it was heavenly, however it jutted out so far in the Self-Cultivation & Knowledge area, our Career gua became MIA.  I was stumped! It was certainly an on the job training situation.

     By 1995, our once highly prosperous corporation was still unraveling.  Every kind of challenge was befalling us.  Whilst I studied and finally came into the understanding of how to remedy these environmental trials, we also made mainstream changes.  We changed accountants (we are still with him today), went from a C Corp to an S Corp and saved $26,000.00 in taxes.  We combined some of our management team only to find we had some major financial discrepancies.  The same day this was discovered, I realized that our home’s front door, the foyer which had a French door and our large, all glass backdoor lined up in a perfect row.  We had been living the nightmare of a great deal of money coming in but going right back out!!  Immediately, I draped the French door therefore giving our money time to pool and slowly ripple through our home.  The very next day, one of our long-time managers resigned and our discrepancies disappeared.  This dramatic event brought me to confess my covert activities to my dear husband.  Since they were so astounding, he was at once a believer! 

     I remedied the T-Shaped theatre too and after that, we continued to experience upward growth as our business skyrocketed.  We began our business in 1989 and although we were not even on the market, in 2001, we were approached by an interested party to buy us out.  After 6 short months of negotiations, we joyously sold it. My husband and I retired from big business but I continued to nurture my Feng Shui Simplified consultancy and travel too.  The best of both worlds plus we  had great chunks of delicious time to spend with our wonderful family---they are our true treasured jewels!

     Oh yes, on another note and prior to selling, in 1998, I was introduced to the amazing Terah Kathryn Collins Western School of Feng Shui.  I so resonated with her teachings that I asked the IChing for insights. The following is not the interpretation I referred however it has the same key words.  I was given the following: #14. Possessions in Great Measure, the “Sage informs us of the Cosmic Possessions a person comes with at birth and those which are given to him throughout his life by the Cosmos.  These Cosmic Possessions are all that he needs to live his life happily, and realize his uniqueness. The Cosmic Possessions he is born with include what is called in this book his “treasure chest of inner truth,” his inner and outer senses, and a group of other senses called here the “metaphorical senses.”  Also parts of his possessions are his Cosmic Virtues, his supporting Helpers he called talents, and his automatic access to all the helping energies and aspects of the Cosmos when he is in harmony with his true nature.

     Among the possessions he accumulates throughout his life are his experiences of the gift-giving and helping nature of the Cosmos, and those Helpers that fulfill his particular needs. Other Cosmic gifts are given to him in the form of jobs, a place to live, a love relationship, and friends that best suit him.  ‘Possessions in great measure’ also describes the endless generosity of the Cosmos to the person who is in harmony with it.”   Ahhhhhh, I vividly recall being deeply grateful.  This confirmation was such a wonderful way to make my necessary changes.  

     In 1999, I became a WSFS graduate. Having been an avid IChing student in the late 60’s and 70’s, even though I continued to adhere to its wisdom, I was deeply grateful to once again be actively partnered with it timelessness.  Through Terah, I was introduced to Hanna Moog and Carol Anthony’s remarkable IChing translation.  The above is their elucidation.  They were gracious enough to grant me permission to quote them in my 1997 book, The Home Whisperer-Feng Shui Simplified. The Hidden Treasures of our Inner and Outer Home.  Our homes are indeed living, bejeweled chests.  We are gifted great jewels and by simply being in harmony with our true nature, how marvelous it is to have assistance from our generous Cosmic helpers.   

New Year's Day Unlucky Foods

     Great Good Day, Only 2 days until 2012---the Year of the Most Auspicious Water Dragon.  Today is Friday and in my book THE HOME WHISPERER I share that it is the day of the Throat or 5th Chakra whose color is blue.  I love this day as energetically it offers insights into how best to speak one's truth which of course, is deeply healing. 

When you listen to your self-talk what do you hear?  Today be kind to yourself and if you critical of anyone or anything, realize this is but a mirror of a deeper part of your own self.  What is your own criticism trying to tell you?  If you hear someone complaining, they are actually trying to reconcile or understand something within their own psyche.  AhhhHaaa--who knew? 

Today consider wearing the color of blue in any form or fashion.  I have a lovely sky-blue blouse that when worn on this day brings in such amazing experiences and creativity. Semi-precious stones are also excellent energizers. King Solomon's lapis lazuli (blue) ring was considered the wisdom stone.  In January, we will talk more about him.

Friday's Affirmation"  "I am focused, enjoy clarity of thought, kind and I lovingly and clearly speak from a place of wisdom."  TODAY:  Reach Out and Confidently Express Your Beautiful Self.

UNLUCKY FOODS 

Lobster:  Since they swim backwards, for 1/1/12, please avoid this food as you certainly do not want to be counter-productive.       

Chicken or any Fowl:  The symbolism is that your good fortune could fly away.  On this New Year's stay only, please stay away from this food. 

Lucky New Year's Day Foods

Greetings,

Before I share my Black-Eyed Pea Chili recipe, please find below some easy and quick ways to insure your new year is lucky and everything you want it to be.  Please go to my website www.fengshuisimplified.com and sign up for the Whispering Lane Letter---You will receive FREE insights to create your most perfect home/sanctuary and how to better understand how you are hard-wired via your 9Starr Song.

Happy New Year---January 1, 2012 is on a Sunday.  I love this because we will ring in the New Year at midnight on Saturday.  Let everything that no longer serves you fall away and this includes fear, limitations, blame, shame, excuses and of course all lack of pampering for your soul & body; clutter of your house & mind plus let go of all resolutions---yes in just 2 days, there is work to do!  How Fun?  Oh yes, write down that you will be forever kind to yourself, to others and to the environment. 

Write Down all of your INTENTIONS...toss all re*solutions.  Just by dreaming a new dream or re*newing an ongoing wish by committing them In Writing, you are re*solving to re*ceive them.  The act of writing them down creates a contract with the Universe, with Source, with God, with the Angels, with your Higher Self, with the Cosmic Helpers and of course with the Infinite!  DREAM HIGH, LARGE, BEAUTIFULLY, ABUNDANTLY, JOYOUSLY, FANTASTICALLY, MAGICALLY, INSPIRATIONALLY AND  FANTABULOUSLY~DREAM, DREAM & DREAM

Declutter as much as possible...this practice is essential for you to harness the positive energy of abundance and be in the flow of its prosperity. Clutter blocks and hinders your Great-Good.  Years ago, I adopted the adage, DO & BE.

Bedroom:  Begin the New Year with either freshly laundered bedsheets and even better, new ones.  RED is the essential color to have in 2012 so pleazzzzzzzz have something red in or on your bed.   

Kitchen:  Clean out your fridge--throw out all foods that you do not use or even like; check for the expiration date and make sure to keep all foods current and fresh.  Keep your pantry and your fridge stocked as an empty cupboard or refrigerator symbolize lack...fill yours with delightfully nutritious foods.  Decide 2012 is your year of healthy eating. 

Front Door:  Sweep your foyer, front porch, entry way or where ever the architecturally designed front door is located.  Even if you enter through your garage, your front door is where the chi is coming in.  Invite auspicious chi in with joy and be the perfect host to your Great Good-it wants to bless you!  Place a frog, snake, dragon, garden globe or even a mermaid or Neptune statuary or figurine by your door.  This is the Year of the Water Dragon so enhance the door with a water feature.  Face it toward your door---not the street.

Greenery:  To the east of your home, buy a new plant and bless it.  This direction is considered new beginnings and certainly, a new year bodes well for a fresh start.

Papers, Email:  Even though this falls in the declutter process, please delete all out of date email messages and toss all of the old papers that no longer serve your highest best.

Now onto to the Food---Black-Eyed-Pea Chili:   1 can of Black-Eyed Peas (drained)
                    Use either a 12 oz. can of organic diced Tomatoes or 2 cups of Grape Tomatoes (halved)
                    1 C Diced Onions
                    1 C diced Red Bell Peppers
                    8 Oz. lean Ground Beef
                    1 TBSP. Chili Powder
                    3 TBSP. Ketchup
                    1/2 C of Water
                    1/2 Grated Cheddar Cheese
                    1 Avocado
                    Juice of Lime

Combine peas and half tomatoes in a Vita-Mix or food processor until smooth;  preheat a Dutch oven and brown beef until done and set aside in a separate bowl.  Then add remainder of tomatoes and half of the onions to the pot, saaute until tender---2 to 3 minutes and then add back in the beef.  Stir in the bean/tomato mixture with the chili poweder, ketchup and water.  Simmer uncovered about 15 minutes; mash the avacado and mix in 1/2 the lime juice; add the other lime juice to the chili and stir.  Remove chili from heat and cover.  Serve in ample bowls, top with cheddar and avacado mash.  Serves 2 generously or 4 when added to another dish such as prosperous greens and cornbread.  LUCKY YOU!

Lucky Foods in the Above Suggested Menu
                        Cornbread for its golden color for gold itself
                        Tomatoes for their wealth and health
                        Avacado for its green as in money
                        Black-Eyed Peas for their coin shape

Oranges:  These perfectly represent wealth...look at its golden orange color and be amazed.  Section them, slice them, peel them...however you prefer them, enjoy their liquid gold.  Always keep them on display in a cool place and make sure they stay naturally fresh.  Year 'round I have at least 8 oranges in my large wooden salad bowl.  I eat one a day so they are constantly being re*placed.  I also have little candies (no, I do not eat them daily) next to the oranges and my guest love nibbling on these tasty treats.

Greens:  Collard, Kale, Chard, Cabbage symbolize green back-a-dollars $$

Pork: Animal that pushes forward so it represents forward and abundant progress

Grapes:  Their green and purple colors are also celebrated as being auspicious

Fish:  Asian symbol of wealth in food and in art itself

Legumes:  As mentioned above, the Black-Eyed Pea is considered especially lucky.  During the Civil War the soldiers found this legume while under attack, they were facing starvation but this simple food renewed their strength.  Any bean will do but the BEP is the luckiest ever.

Cakes:  Shaped in a circle or ring, delicious cakes are symbolic of coins.  In fact on the Today Show, a Foodie said that cakes will be more popular than the cupcake because 2012 will be a year of great comfort in the food department.  Yummy.  So please add in apples, nuts, raisins and you have a delicious desert to bless the New Year's fortune.  You can also choose to eat donuts but do choose the more adorned ones with lovely bling and bliss added in.  Also, blueberry pancakes with heavenly Maple syrup are a staple in our New Year's brunch. 

                                         BE WELL...The Home Whisperer*