Camel Press
PO Box 70515
Seattle, WA 98127
For more information go to: www.Camelpress.com
www.robinstrachanauthor.com
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Cover design by Sabrina Sun
Designing Hearts
Copyright © 2015 by Robin Strachan
ISBN: 978-1-60381-260-3 (Trade Paper)
ISBN: 978-1-60381-261-0 (eBook)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2015933250
Produced in the United States of America
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The art of feng shui has fascinated me for over twenty years. The idea of promoting well-being through order and beauty in the very place where life has essential meaning, the home, is such a simple concept. Intentions (thoughts, which have creative power) bring about actions that lead to the results we seek.
Over the years, I’ve developed quite a few rather inventive ways to use the creative and destructive cycle of feng shui for enhancements to several of my homes, and I’m happy to say, they’ve worked to my satisfaction. Maybe those “fixes” were a bit unorthodox, but who says humor and imagination can’t play a role in feng shui?
There is always a point in the process of writing a novel when an author faces the reality of personal limitation. Clearly, writers need lots of assistance and hand-holding. At least one skilled editor is essential, preferably more than one. Test-readers are needed to make sure the book makes sense, flows, and is an enjoyable read. But even more essential is an army of family and friends who stand by you through thick and thin, read drafts, provide endless amounts of encouragement, and provide meals and snacks so you have the strength to carry on.
I would like to begin my acknowledgments by thanking my daughters, Lauren Fritts and Elizabeth Gretz, for believing in my talents. I’d also like to thank my son-in-law, Tim Fritts, who treats me as though I’m the best mother-in-law in the world; my parents, Bill and Shirley Strachan, who have always been there for me; and my grandbabies, Caroline and Will, for the happiness you bring to my life.
In addition, I want to acknowledge several spiritual mentors and wise friends who have taught me so much—not only about feng shui, but also about the power of faith, how to tap into my intuitive gifts more strongly, and the amazing ability of positive thoughts to create the world of my dreams. A big thank you goes out to Karen Schultz, who taught me yoga and feng shui, helping create sanctuary wherever I lived or worked; Lyn Williams, who taught a very enjoyable feng shui class and offered tips; and Patt Jones, who provided instruction in feng shui that helped me sell a house in a down market.
To Catherine Treadgold, publisher, and Jennifer McCord, associate publisher, of Coffeetown Enterprises/Camel Press in Seattle, I can only say that I consider it a lucky day indeed when you invited me to join your troupe of authors. Thank you for believing in my work. Thank you for brilliant suggestions, insightful questions, and encouragement. Thanks for being fun to work with!
A special thank you goes to a friend and colleague, Marian Barlage, for her patient work in showing me the finer points of social media.
And last but certainly not least, to my Angels, thank you for always being there to support, protect, and guide me. It is really you who make it all happen. But thanks for letting me think that it’s me.