A woman who grew up in Los Banos has written a book with the hope of showing people how they can enhance their lives through feng shui. </p><p>Tess Whitehurst, 33, released "Magical Housekeeping: Simple Charms and Practical Tips for Creating a Harmonious Home" [Llewellyn Publications, $16.95] in June. </p><p>The book, which she refers to as "a method of consciously interacting with your home to create positive change in your life," was inspired by her working as a professional feng shui consultant during the past five years. </p><p>Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art developed more than 3,000 years ago that focuses on balancing the energy of any living or office space to assure health and good fortune for people inhabiting it. Feng shui relies on positioning of items such as aquariums, fountains, crystals, clocks and various pieces of furniture to attract prosperity.</p><p>Whitehurst said she believes people who don't believe in feng shui likely have a misunderstanding of it.</p><p>"If you are in an environment that's cheerful you feel better," Whitehurst said. "We all know that going to a nice restaurant with soft music and candlelight relaxes you more than going to McDonald's... people just don't think about it."</p><p>Whitehurst became deeply involved with the Chinese art form after reading a book titled "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui." She said the book provided her with tremendous energy. </p><p>Whitehurst spent about eight months writing the book. She said she was inspired to become an author after deciding that clients at her feng shui consultant job could benefit from information put together in text format.</p><p>Whitehurst spent time living in Los Banos and Turlock during her childhood. She credits the Central Valley with influencing her focus on the home.</p><p>"The Central Valley is really a very home-centered region. Family ties go deep, friendships last, and people actually have the luxury of growing roots. Being raised in the Central Valley taught me the importance of the atmosphere of the home, and how it can really anchor us in a feeling of joy and meaningfulness that you can't get anywhere else," she said. "Perhaps that's why I come back home to visit so often, and still feel so at home whenever I'm in Los Banos." </p><p>Whitehurst will have a book signing from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 18 at Borders in Fresno, 110 El Camino. She said she also recently signed a contract for a second book. Whitehurst said she doesn't yet know what the topic of her next book will be, but it will be something related to feng shui. </p><p>To learn more about Whitehurst and her work, visit www.tesswhitehurst.com.</p><p>Enterprise reporter Corey Pride can be reached by phone at 388-6563 or cpride@</p><p>losbanosenterprise.com