SUN NEEN FAI LOK!*

Guess what? It is the new year again! The lunar year of the Pig (or Boar) began on the 18th of February! And I am so happy about it, you have no idea! For so many of us, and especially the Dragons whose astro-breed I belong to, the year of the Dog that is now over has been a very challenging one. I am actually surprised we did not have bigger earthquakes around the San Francisco Peninsula!

When we go through a difficult cycle, the best attitude to adopt is probably to breathe and as French philosopher Voltaire wrote in Candide to "cultivate our garden". Meditate more, develop our knowledge and our skills, maintain safe business, pay extra-attention to our health, clean and clear carefully any psychological and physical blocks we may drag for years, and wear some amulettes as a reminder to be careful and wise! 

For example, during the year of the Dog, I stopped smoking, without putting weight on, what was my biggest terror! After years of studying,  I earned my Feng Shui Master's with the making of a DVD on how to explain death to children. This work allowed me also to process the death of my grand-father and to reconnect with forgotten memories and people. I also went on a one-week silent (yes, silent!) retreat with Grand Master Lin Yun, reinforced my daily meditation practice, ...

When fate poured on me, I cannot say I always stayed quite and peaceful, specially when my computer literally swallowed my new website project three times on the row!  However, as I knew by experience the year will bring some heavy duty roadblocks, many of them way more complex and hurting than the technical ones, I prepared myself as much as I could. And I learned.

I know I have now to grow through what I lived and make decisions as a new flow is opening up.

Wherever you are in the world, I encourage you to look back 12 years, 24 years, 36... Look at what happened in your life during all these Years of the Pig. If you can draw some patterns and teachings from the past, it will certainly help you to build a better future. And if you are born in a Snake, Monkey or Pig year, please read again the second paragraph of this editorial or contact your favorite Feng Shui consultant!

It is all good, nothing to fear, just breathe. Learn. Enjoy the ride! Happy new year!

Love & Blessings,
Catherine Grison

* Happy new year in Cantonese. GONG HAY FAT CHOY is a popular way to wish Prosperity.

Sherry Miller cam from the East Coast to California 15 years ago and lives in Marin County. For years, we kept on seeing each other at busy noisy events, but we never really talked and it is only a few weeks ago when I received an invitation to the opening of her new studio that I realized she is painter! After spending an afternoon with her I can assure you she is also a very bright and funny lady and a real story teller too!

Your French Accent's Insight:
When I walked into Sherry's studio I have been immediately attracted by the intensity of her paintings. They seem to wave at you, get your attention, connect with you and walk you inside of the scenery.

While we were talking, I could not take my eyes out of the one I am showing you today. Sherry explained it is a representation of Silver Lake, where she used to take her kids to swim. I am usually not a big fan of mountains and I could not believe I was so hypnotized and fulfilled by this landscape.

All the essential elements are presented here creating an organic balance. The colors whether bright or nearly transparent play with your eyes while the fake symmetry gives you a sense of equilibrium in motion. It is peaceful, joyful, and uplifting. What else could you wish for?

A gift certificate from Your French Accent is the most thoughtful and delightful present. Your friends and relatives can apply it for an on-site or online consultation, a special blessing or to buy in my boutique! And it looks so much better than these plastic gift cards you find everywhere!