Seattle Erotic Art Festival puts out Call for Artists

I am involved with the Seattle Erotic Art Festival which is being held May 1st -3rd, 2009. If you know any artists who might want to submit to the show, please pass this on to them. The Festival has garnered prestige for accepted artists and has a great track record for sales for artists.

Call for Art Deadline January 30

We invite artists of all backgrounds, countries, ethnicities, cultures, genders, sexualities, and ages (18+) to submit up to five (5) works of art of any media. Sculptors, multimedia artists and painters are particularly encouraged to apply; please note that photography is a highly competitive medium. Artists do not need to attend the Festival in order to participate.

The Seattle Erotic Art Festival was founded in 2002 by the Foundation for Sex Positive Culture to promote freedom of sexuality, speech, and creativity through the erotic expression of fine art. The Festival strives to exhibit work not easily found in mainstream galleries and museums; we enjoy art that avoids, or pokes fun at, cliches or stereotypical images.

Incomplete or incorrect entries will not be accepted so please carefully read the following information before submitting your work at http://www.SEAFArtists.com

Entry Requirements
Accepted artists must be at least 18 by April 30, 2009, the first day of the next Festival. Artists may only submit finished art of their own creation. The Festival is intended as a contemporary art festival; only art created in 2006 or more recently will be considered. Art previously displayed at the Festival will not be considered for the Exhibition but may be considered for the Festival Store.

How to Enter
Only electronic entries submitted via the online entry form will be accepted. Paper, email, CD, and all other forms of entry will be discarded. The submission deadline is January 30, 2009.

Entry Form Requirements:
* Legal name and contact information.
* Brief bio or artistic statement (approximately 3 sentences and no more than 250 characters).
* Description of each work (title, year, media, dimensions, and sale price).
* JPEG images of submitted works.
* US$15 entry fee (waived for non-North American artists).

Incomplete entries will not be accepted. The Festival reserves the right to refuse any entry. Substitutions are not allowed.

Festival Store
Artists wishing to sell items exclusively through the Festival Store must also complete the online artist registration form (be sure to indicate that you want to show via the Store), but do not need to fill out the Art Submission form at this time; and are required to pay the $15 submission fee. The focus on the Festival Store is prints, small work, jewelry, oddities, books, DVDs, collectibles, and similar merchandise. Artists do not have to be accepted to the Exhibition in order to submit merchandise to the Festival Store; however, the items they submit must be approved by Store Management.

To learn more about the Festival, visit http://SeattleErotic.org
To submit art, visit http://SEAFArtist.org

New Seasonal Spa Session.

Now that we are officially past the solstice, I give you the The Winter Warming Spa Session!

Imagine rolling your feet over and around smooth, heated river rocks while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm, scented foot bath. Next, you'll be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub by your attentive practitioner until all your stress has been drained away by the swirling water. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll be given warm stones to hold during your hot oil body treatment. A Pomegranate Tangerine Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated.

Back from the holidays!

So much has been happening here at the spa. Here is a quick synopsis.

~We had another round of renovations, which induced a bit of rearranging and reorganization. Soon, the piano will be moved out of the spa and our changing area will be more like a changing room!

~The Open Spa Nights were canceled, but new ideas are forming for a another event. One of the dancers at Little Red Studio has the idea of having a blues dance lesson for couples during a spa night. She and I are still working out the details. Keep tuned to our newsletter, hopefully we'll be ready to host this evening around Valentine's Day.

~The spa products that were for sale at the Little Red Studio's Holiday Bazaar are going to become a regular offering at the Spa and the Studio. You will be able buy salt scrub, bath salts, massage oil, among other things, at both locations. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me and supported me in developing these products. Your feedback and noses were very valuable!

~The Little Red Day Spa is going to have a presence at the Little Red Studio shows! If you went to the Saffron Show, you experienced the Touch tent where people delighted your skin with feathers, faux furs, honey dust and massage. It was so well received and so much fun for us, that it will soon become a staple of the Gold and other Coloured show. I am looking for more tactile activities, so, if you have a suggestion, please feel free to offer it up the next time you see me or via email.

The New Year's Eve Party will have a "Touch Tent" with all of the above and I have just been contacted by our resident Yogini, Mishabae, offering to teach people yoga postures for couples and some of her yummy "Thai Yogassage" tricks!

News about Open Spa Nights.

The Little Red Day Spa's Open Spa Nights are canceled until further notice. As much as these evenings were loved, they were not providing enough return on the investment of time and energy. We have decided to focus the spa's resources in other directions, namely further developing our spa products into an actual product line.

If you enjoyed the Open Spa Night, please consider joining Richard for Men's Spa Night, every 1st and 3rd Sunday, and Sophia for Ladies' Spa Night, every 1st Monday. Or, rent the spa with a few friends for $75 the first hour, and $50 each additional hour. either option will entitle you to full use of the spa and it's amenities.

Scheduling sessions.

When calling for a session, please understand that we are a small spa that only accepts one appointment at a time. This means that is is necessary to call at least a few days in advance. For weekend appointments, calling a week in advance is encouraged. Of course, sometimes, a same day appointment is possible. Not a common occurrence, but it does happen often enough that it is worth calling to ask if you suddenly find yourself free one afternoon.

If you want a session with two practitioners, that is not possible for same day, and often not next day notice. It is best to call and make a reservation for two practitioners at least 4 days in advance. I only have one person that is scheduled for each day, and a second practitioner is found based on everyone's availability.

Now that we are in the holiday season, everyone's time is filling up with family and travel plans. Consider giving even more notice than usual.

We still want to take care of you, despite our hectic schedules. For most of us, the Spa is an oasis of calm and we greatly enjoy the chance to wallow in that serenity. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If we don't see you before, enjoy your holidays!

Chocolate recipes?

If you have a recipe that includes chocolate, check out The Chocolate Adventure Contest.

Chef Kim gave me a truffle recipe that I flavored with Pomegranate juice and adapted to include Green Tea with cocoa powder dusting. I am so proud of it that I entered it into the contest.

I am going to make a batch for the next Ladies' Night, which is January 5th.

Canceling Open Spa Night during December.

Due to the busy schedule the holidays, the Little Red Day Spa will not be hosting Open Spa Night on December 14th or 28th. I am happy to say that there are renovations that will be done during the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Richard, at the present time, will be holding Men's Spa Night on it's regularly scheduled evening of December 21st. Please call Richard at (206) 370-0423 to get on his email list for Men's Night.

If you can't go a whole month without attending an Open Spa Night, please considering renting the Spa or scheduling one of our group packages for yourself and a few friends, or for a party. Or scheduleCall me at (206) 963-0772 or email Sophia@HengstStudio.com.

Spa product announcement!

So, this is a recall, of sorts.

One of the batches of Strawberry Salt Scrub I made to sell at the Little Red Studio Bazaar was made with a different salt than I normally use. Upon being exposed to air, this batch turns darker in color, a brownish purple. It's not going rancid, just changing color.

I have been using it in the spa and watching it over the last week. The smell and consistency have remained pleasant. It's just not pretty and that is unacceptable to me. If you bought the Strawberry Salt scrub in the small jars, please contact me at (206) 963-0772 or email Sophia@hengstStudio.com and I will make arrangements with you to replace the scrub. (Make sure to keep the jar so I can refill it for you.)

*Reminder: The salt scrub product does separate.It is normal for liquid to pool at the top. Mix thoroughly before each use.

Holiday Gift Certificates

If you want to give a lovely gift for the holidays, consider giving the relaxing and blissful experience of a trip to the Little Red Day Spa.

One of the great things about giving your sweetie a gift certificate to the Little Red Day Spa is that you can join them in redeeming it! Whether you come in by yourself or as a couple, the price is the same. (Pricing is based on time and number of practitioners.)

You can purchase a specific spa session or the dollar amount of your choosing. A gift certificate can be applied toward as more expensive session, as well. The recipient can choose from all the available services or create their own session!


Spa Session Fee list:
Any session with 1 practitioner -
$150 for 90 minutes, $200 for 120 minutes.

Any session with 2 practitioners -
$160 for 60 minutes, $225 for 90 minutes, $300 for 120 minutes.

Therapeutic massage and Watsu sessions -
$80 for a 50-minute session.

Private rental rates:
$75 for the first hour and $50 each additional hour.
$50 per hour in conjunction with a spa session or massage.


Call me at (206) 963-0772 or Kerry at (206) 328-4758 to purchase gift certificates over the phone. (We will mail the gift certificate at no extra charge.) Drop by our main office in what will soon be the LRS cafe at 400 Dexter Ave. N between 10am and 6pm if you prefer to purchase your gift certificates in person. All gift certificates come with a card you can write a personalized note in and a bar of hand-crafted soap from Suzanne. (While supplies last on the soap.)

Come visit the Little Red Day Spa!

Today, Sunday December 7th, the Spa will be open from 1pm -6pm for Jeff Hengst's Art Show.

There will be no appointments today, as the Spa is acting as the museum gift shop, with smaller works on paper, sale-priced paintings, spa products and gift certificates for sale. this is a wonderful opportunity to view the spa if you have been curious to see what it is like and an incredible chance to see some of Jeff's rarer works of art.

1506 Franklin Ave.
Seattle, WA 98102

Call (206) 963-0772 with any questions you may have.

Not exactly high art...

But a lot of fun.

Last night I attended a showing of Repo! The Genetic Opera. It's a raucous, campy rock opera, done partially in comic book style (think Sin City.) I personally have a penchant for musicals, so I loved it. Add on top of it that there was lots of talk about organs and anatomy, and I loved it even more. Don't get me wrong, it's not educational, but it's the kind of dark humor an anatomist or health care worker would enjoy.

"Suffering Change and Relationships"

Jeff Hengst Art Show - Sunday, December 7th

The official announcement:

The Little Red Studio is among many other things, a place where artists and guests are experimenting with new kinds of relationships. The world has changed.... again..... continuously...... and it is felt that the kind and nature of our relationships must change too. Notions of what it is to be a "couple" seem outmoded like old clothes, or worse, just flat out don't fit anymore. And yet, what aspects of "relationships" are enduring values and how do they get re-dressed? What does that look like? And now, with the topic of legalizing same sex marriages being debated in our courts, the subject has taken on a special kind of social urgency.

These are questions that Jeff has explored in his paintings for the past 20 years. On Sunday, December 7, there will be a show of Jeff's paintings at all of the LRS venues. The paintings have been selected to provoke some serious contemplation on this set of related subjects. There will be paintings that have not been shown at LRS before including works from the early 90's before Jeff started painting the figure in the manner we have come to expect. These early works have their own mythic impact and will no doubt be startling to many.

Jeff believes that painting's most important contribution to our lives these days is an opportunity for serious contemplation, deliberation and calm probity. This show will be set up to encourage that kind of interaction with the art.

The spa will be closed for spa services and instead will function as a sort of "museum gift shop." While everything in the show is for sale, the spa will have lots of smaller works, "holiday specials" and works on paper. Sophia will "hold court" there and assist you.

Roland and Jeff will be available throughout the Harrison Space, Cafe and Upper Studio at Franklin for questions about the art.

Doors open at 1PM on Sunday December 7. The Spa will close at 6. All other spaces will be open until 8PM. You may call to make arrangements to preview the show. 206-963-0633.

I will also have spa products for sale. I am incredibly proud of the bubble bath.

Limited weekend availability - 12/6 & 12/7

This weekend is going to be very full, so if you want an appointment this weekend, please schedule sooner rather than later.

On Saturday, we will be holding an "old LRS style" show at the Spa, as well as the Upper Studio. At 4pm, December 6th, we will close down the spa to the public. Later in the evening, we will be opening the spa as part of the festivities for the party. If you would like to make reservations for the party, please call Kerry at (206) 328-4758 and she can help you with that or any other questions you may have.

On Sunday, December 7th, the Spa will be closed for appointments, but open to the public as part of Jeff Hengst's Art Show.

From Jeff:

This will be a special event for me. I have had many art shows (ironically fewer since I started LRS) but this will be the first time in a very long time that the show will be arranged around a social/political purpose rather than either a sale or a presentation of recent work. For now, all I will say is that the theme will be around relationships and suffering change.

The show will be from 1PM until 9 or so in the evening and will occupy all of our spaces. The Spa will function as the kind of "Museum Gift Shop" and will be the only space set up with an orientation towards selling things. It will close at 6pm in preparation for Men's Night at the spa. The other spaces will feature works that develop the theme. Obviously I am very excited about this opportunity to see my work arranged and presented for this purpose.

If you are interested in Jeff's paintings, this is a great opportunity to see a majority of his works om display. Those of you who have been in the spa, and seen how massive his collection is, can guess that this doesn't happen very often.

Ladies' Spa Night & Gift certificates!

Tonight marks the change in frequency of the Ladies' Nights, which will be a monthly event until further notice.

Ladies' Spa Night - 1st Monday of the month!
Drop In: 6-9pm
Cost: $15
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

I am anticipating that once the holidays are over and we get into the new year, the frequency will increase, at least to twice a month. When we get to the point of really full attendance, we will go back to weekly. Until then, please mark your calendars and come visit, soak and relax at the Little Red Day Spa every first Monday.

If you want to give a lovely gift for the holidays, consider giving the relaxing and blissful experience of a trip to the Little Red Day Spa. One of the great things about giving your sweetie a gift certificate to the Little Red Day Spa is that you can join them in redeeming it! Whether you come in by yourself or as a couple, the price is the same. (Pricing is based on time and number of practitioners.) You can purchase a specific spa session or the dollar amount of your choosing. A gift certificate can be applied toward as more expensive session, as well. The recipient can choose from all the available services or create their own session!

Call me at (206) 963-0772 or Kerry at (206) 328-4758 to purchase gift certificates over the phone. (We will mail the gift certificate at no extra charge.) Drop by our main office in what will soon be the LRS cafe at 400 Dexter Ave. N between 10am and 6pm if you prefer to purchase your gift certificates in person.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My your day be filled with all the things and people you are thankful for!

I hope to see you tomorrow at the Little Red Studio's Bazaar. Come say "hi" and smell all the yummy things I have been making!

With so many amazing artists in our community here at Little Red Studio, we thought it might be a great idea to let them set up shop on the day after Thanksgiving! So if you love to shop for the holidays but want to avoid the corporate marketing and retail craziness, then consider coming around and seeing the fine art, crafts, jewelry and other handmade gifts on display.

We'll offer a cozy place to hang out, enjoy a dessert and coffee or hot chocolate, and of course shop for something special for yourself or others in your life.

Holiday Bazaar
Friday, November 28th - 12 Noon until 9PM
Hours: 12 Noon until 9PM
Location: 400 Dexter Ave N.
Admission is free

Little Red Day Spa Price List

Day Spa Kit - $50 (Includes scrub, oil, bubble bath, towel, salts, soap & candle.)

Salt Scrub - Large: $15
Small: $5

Massage Oil - Large: $12
Medium: $8
Small: $4

Bubble Bath - Large: $10
Small: $4

Body Mist - $8

Exfoliation Towel - $5

Bath Salts - $12

Soap - $5 per bar

Gift certificates - $80, $150 and up (Includes card and free bar of soap with purchase.)

Limited hours on Thanksgiving Day.

While talking with Courtnee about the Spa's schedule this week, she said:

I will totally do sessions on thanksgiving, too. Actually a session would be really lovely to do on thanksgiving, considering how thankful I am for that place.

So, to break with tradition, we will offer appointments this Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. No same day appointments possible, though. Please make sure to call before 7pm Wednesday. After then, I'll be off duty until Friday at noon when I help out at the LRS Holiday Bazaar, or as Jeff has been referring to it, the "bizarre."

And while I echo Courtnee's thankfulness for both LRS and the Day Spa, I am going to enjoy family and friends and food. Whatever you are thankful for, I hope your week is wonderful and relaxing and fun.

Ladies' Spa Night reminder.

Tonight's Ladies' Spa Night is starting at 7pm instead of the usual 6pm. Because of these shortened hours, the entry fee is discounted.

Drop In: 7-9pm
Cost: $10
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

See you tonight!

Victorian Carollers!

One of Little Red Studio's prominent musicians, Heather Ward, is part of The Dickens Carollers, a professional, victorian-costumed Christmas caroling organization, performing in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma and throughout the Puget Sound since 1978. Tomorrow starts off their season.

I have to admit, that no matter how many times I hear christmas carols sung in person, it doesn't lessen the joy that wells up inside. (Mind you, I'm not talking about that awful canned stuff that the mall plays during December. Ugggh!) My memory conjures visions and feelings of being crowded around the piano, singing carols at my grandmother's house. No one caring that the piano is a little out of tune or that half the words are garbled because not everyone can see the sheet music. Music has always been a huge part of my personal landscape and family history.

Here is the note that Heather sent out:

It's time for The Dickens Carollers season kick-off concert, which happens next Sunday, the 23rd in Bellevue at 7pm. Yes, it may seem early for Xmas music, but remember we've already been rehearsing since September! For those of us singing full-time, it may be your last chance to chat with us before New Year's Eve, too! And who can resist the appeal of fifty fine singers in Victorian costume coming together to sing the Hallelujah Chorus? I'd love to see you and sing for you, so I hope you get a chance to come out and join us. Beyond that, look for me in my green velvet, bonnet and muff at the mall, Market, or (my favorite) the Sorrento in the coming weeks.

Joyeaux Noel!

Heather Ward

Please go to their website for contact information.

Ladies' Spa Night News.

This coming Monday, November 24th, Ladies' Night is going to be abbreviated in length. There is a special private rental that isn't going to finish until 7pm. So Ladies' Night will be from 7 - 9pm with a discounted price of $10.

Another big change will take place after this Monday. Ladies' Spa Night is going to a once a month schedule and will be held on the first Monday of the month. This means that after November 24th, the next Ladies' Night will be on December 1st. I am hoping that it is the coming holidays that are impacting attendance and once we get into the new year that we will have the interest to extend ladies' Night to more than one night a month.

See you on Monday!

Practitioner changes.

David & Adele, the Tandem Bliss practitioners are no longer doing spa sessions at the Little Red Day Spa. Life has changed for them and I will miss the sweet energy they brought to the spa. I wish them well and will leave the door ajar for them to return, should they so desire. We will still offer the Tandem Bliss spa session, with a few minor adjustments, so if 2 practitioners working on you sounds like the luxury you would like to indulge in, you can give us a call at (206)963-0772 or email Sophia at HengstStudio.com

Coming into the fold is Dion, a wonderful massage therapist who has recently passed his Esthetics. He and I are working closely on designing a new spa session that will incorporate his skills in skin care. Perhaps a spa session that starts with a foot bath and foot massage, progresses to the hot tub for water contact massage, then back to land for a facial and finishing with a fully body salt scrub. More info soon!

A Sensual Repast at the Little Red Day Spa

Friday, November 21st @ 8PM
1506 Franklin Ave E.

As our schedules fill from the final push before year's end, we would like to invite you to take a moment to indulge & pamper yourself before we turn that energy to our loved ones. Our final repast of 2008 will be held on November 21st, 8pm at our day spa. Among other things, our own mezzo soprano diva will have an evening gown painted on her by LRS artist, Zan, during the evening at which point we will be serenaded with a few short opera favorites. Also, the cast of "Menage A Trois" will be joining the festivities late in the evening to celebrate the opening night of their show, making this a repast and a cast party all in one.

Menu

~Smoked Salmon

~Fresh Northwest Oysters

~Herbed Pasta & Mushrooms in Broth

~Spinach, Curry Rice with Pomegranates, Pistachios & Cilantro Yogurt

~Cardamom Pork Loin with Figs

~Flourless Chocolate Tort with Warm Ganache & Hand Made Vanilla Bean Ice Cream


Tickets are $100 per person, which includes all but gratuity. For more information or to purchase tickets please call our office at 206-328-4758.

As a reminder, no spa appointments will be scheduled after 5pm on Friday, November 21st, due to preparations for the Sensual Repast. And since we are talking of the schedule, Mondays and Tuesdays have become very busy days, but Wednesday and Thursday is wide open this week. If you are one of those people you doesn't always know their schedule a week in advance, next day appointments can be had this week.

Voicemail 1, Sophia 0

To the gentleman who called this afternoon about scheduling a couple's spa session, around 4:30pm today, please call again!

You spoke your phone number too fast. I have tried various alternate numbers and can't get through. Please call back and if I don't answer, please say your number slowly.

Thank you!!!!

Little Red Day Spa products for sale!

Many people have asked about buying my salt scrubs and essential oil blends so I am very excited about having some of my hand made spa products available for sale the day after Thanksgiving. The Little Red Studio is having a Holiday Bazaar on Friday, November 28th, at the new gallery located at 400 Dexter Ave. N. from 12pm until 9PM.

Here's what I am going to have out for you to choose from:

~3 different Salt Scrubs, Pomegranate Tangerine, Strawberry Vanilla Ginger and Pear Lemon Rosemary.

~Massage/body oils with various essential oils (blends for sore muscles, relaxing, etc...)

~Bath Salts, my special blend mixed with essential oils and fresh herbs.

~Day Spa Kits, includes salt scrub, bath salts, body/massage oil, bubble bath, hand crafted Soap from Suzanne, a beeswax votive candle and a special treat from Chef Kim.

~Custom essential oil blends for massage oil, perfume, air fresheners, and body mists. (I'll have my aromatherapy kit with me.

If there is anything else that we use in the spa you would be interested in, please send me an email: Sophia at HengstStudio.com.

Holiday Bazaar
Friday, November 28th - 12 Noon until 9PM

With so many amazing artists in our community here at Little Red Studio, we thought it might be a great idea to let them set up shop on the day after Thanksgiving! So if you love to shop for the holidays but want to avoid the corporate marketing and retail craziness, then consider coming around and seeing the fine art, crafts, jewelry and other handmade gifts on display.

We'll offer a cozy place to hang out, enjoy a desset and coffee or hot chocolate, and of course shop for something special for yourself or others in your life.

Hours: 12 Noon until 9PM
Location: 400 Dexter Ave N.
Admission is free

Mmmm... Vanilla!

I splurged and bought fresh vanilla beans. I have never been in possession of such a delectable, potent smelling substance. When I made the change to real vanilla extract after growing up in a family that only used the imitation vanilla extract, I thought that was heavenly. This far surpasses that in aroma.

In honor of these beans, I bought a brand new herb mill. (in reality, it's an electric coffee bean grinder.) After cutting open the pods and scraping out the seeds, I popped the pods into the mill with another whole bean and added them to a strawberry ginger salt scrub. The seeds and one whole other bean chopped up were deposited in a bottle of extra virgin olive oil to make a scented massage oil. Oh my, this is going to be truly decadent.

Two beans I put out to dry and I have yet to decide what to do with the other 5 beans. Do I make more product? Do I cook with them? Can I afford to buy more? Such wonderful dilemmas!

This week at the Day Spa and LRS.

This next week is a busy one! For me, especially, since I am involved with all the entities within the Little Red Studio family.

Tonight, Monday the 10th, is Ladies' Spa Night.

Every Monday!
Drop In: 6-9pm
Cost: $15
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle
These nights are designed to be a casual and social evening. There will be a practitioner present to make you feel welcome and facilitate use of the spa's equipment. There will be areas set up for clay, salt scrubs and massage for you and your friends to pamper each other. For an extra fee, one can get a short massage during the evening from our massage therapist on staff.

Please call 206-963-0772 or e-mail Sophia @ hengststudio.com for more information.

Tuesday, the 11th, is Art talk Night with Jeff Hengst and Veteran's Day. Join Jeff in the Spa from 7pm -10pm to talk about art, view his paintings and ask him questions.

Friday, the 14th, is an LRS Gold show. This one is very special to me and I will be going as a guest. One of my dearest guests at the spa joined the Little Red Studio last year after. In fact, I wrote a bit about him and his wife here.

Interesting the turn of events that have come to pass since then. He has blossomed in the most intriguing and wonderfully artistic way. He started painting the week after that first visit to the Spa. Joined the troupe, a few months later and started writing poetry soon after that. Now, he has just finished a one act play that will debut at this Gold Show!

I am very proud of him. Please join me this Friday evening to revel in his artistic ventures! Of course, there will be all manner of frolicking and beauty to enjoy in addition to his piece. Doors open at 8:30pm and show starts at 9pm.

Where: 400 Dexter Ave N.
How Much: $30
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

Saturday, the 15th, is the opening night of the Obsidian Show. This is the project I have been working on over the summer. I have a relatively accomplished piece for me in that it is the first performance act that I have helped to create that has more than 2 people involved.

This visually captivating show will invite you to taste the many flavors of obsessive love. We'll explore the depths of passion and eroticism, as what truly motivates us - and you - is unmasked before your eyes. The Obsidian Show will exhibit rarely expressed polarities of love's pitch darkness, and its white hot light. Slicing to the core, cleanly, with a slick grace, this mesmerizing show will leave you a just a little off balance.

Please arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 at our offices and gallery at 400 Dexter Ave. N. and we will escort you over to the main space as we prepare to begin the evening.

Where: 400 Dexter Ave N.
How Much: $30
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

And to close out the week, Richard will be hosting Men's Spa Night on Sunday the 16th.

1st and 3rd Sundays!
Drop In: 7- 10pm
Cost: $15
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle
These nights are designed to be a casual and social evening. There will be a practitioner present to make you feel welcome and facilitate use of the spa's equipment. There will be areas set up for clay, salt scrubs and massage for you and your friends to pamper each other. For an extra fee, one can get a short massage during the evening from our massage therapist on staff.

Spa Night Tomorrow!

I wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow's Spa Night is an evening open to all genders and persuasions to enjoy the Little Red Day Spa. I will be hosting with yummy eats from Chef Kim.

And if you are so inclined, the Little red studio Poetry Posse is having their weekly open mic in the "Upper Studio" (two doors up the hill from the spa.) Sign up starts at 6:30pm and readings start at 7:01pm. Those just wanting to enjoy the readings are always welcome. After the open mic, feel free to join us at Spa Night!

Open Spa Night - 2nd and 4th Sundays!

7- 10pm
Cost: $20
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

This is a catered evening for couples and singles of all genders to pamper themselves or just lounge in the Little Red Studio's spa. There will be massage tables set up, a body mud station, salt scrubs and watsu in the hot tub. A practitioner will be on hand to facilitate use of the equipment and help you feel at home in the spa. Short massages or watsu will be available for an additional fee. Clothing optional.

Please park on the street, leaving the spaces in the parking lot for those with mobility issues.

Call 206-963-0772 or e-mail Sophia@hengststudio.com for more information.

Beautiful music!

The Little Red studio had a new troupe member orientation this evening, and at the same time, rehearsal for the music show, A Night in Venice, was being held. The voices making the music wafting down the hall were sublime. Having that music as our meeting's soft soundtrack was a real treat. Even home now, the sounds are still uplifting me and running through my head.

It's times like these that are truly special, those little pockets of unexpected beauty and art. If you have an evening open, and you enjoy the lushness of modern Italian classical music, consider attending A Night in Venice.

Little Red Studio
A Night in Venice: Concert
Friday, November 7th @ 8PM

Little Red Studio presents A Night in Venice: a concert (and party) of classic Italian music, art, coffee and desserts. The evening will feature acclaimed pianist Arthur Kostuk, Anna Mansbridge and dancers from the Seattle Academy of Baroque Opera, plus arias and madrigals from Little Red Studio vocalists Christina Dietrich and Heather Ward and guests.

400 Dexter Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109
Doors open at 7:30, concert begins at 8:00.
Admission is $20.

Join us for this relaxed and elegant chamber concert and transport your senses to the salons of bella Venezia...

You may reserve tickets by calling (206) 328-4758 or buy them online at Brown Paper Tickets.

Go vote!

I know everyone is talking about it, but this is important. It doesn't matter who you vote for, as long as you think about it and vote your conscience.

Jeff has a policy that politics don't enter into the Little Red Studio and that's a good policy. The only caveat I would add is that it is good to acknowledge that everyone has politics that, like ethics, shape their lives and views of the world. You can't completely escape it, but last night, during Ladies' Spa Night, it was sure nice to have an oasis to relax in, away from all the political talk.

Now please pardon me, I have to get back to reading my voter pamphlet so I can finish voting. KEXP, a local Seattle public radio station, has been playing some very fun music for voting. I'll be taking advantage of the ballot drop boxes as a way to transition myself to the mail in voting. I'm already missing going to the polling place.

Go vote!

Reminders about scheduling.

Email is a great way to start the process of setting up a spa session at the Little Red Day Spa. However, unless you have become a regular at the spa, I will still need to talk with you on the phone to put your session on the schedule. Including your phone number in your email will make the process go faster. I really enjoy using email, but there are often too many things that I need answers to for it to be efficient, especially for first time guests.

Please don't let me put you off from contacting me via email. It's a great way to touch base with someone when I am really busy. if it's a quick question, I can read and type out an email faster than I can check voicemail and call you back.

And since I am on the subject of contacting me, when you call the Day Spa, make sure to leave me a message. When I am in session, I don't answer the phone. so leaving me a message is the best way to get in touch with someone. I keep a little list of calls to be returned by my desk and fit them in all day long until I get back to everyone.

And if you don't like leaving messages, just on principle, do not say to me "Finally! A real person!" when I do have a chance to answer the phone. That is one of my pet peeves. One day, we'll be a big enough business so that I can have someone answer the phones 10am -6pm, every day. Soon, I promise. It's on my list.

While I may have spa sessions that end later in the evening, I do not answer the phone after 7pm. I will also not call you after 7pm unless you specifically say I can in your phone message, or you are calling about a time sensitive issue. And even then, all my customer service training won't permit me to make a business call after 8pm. I grew up working in my family's bookstore so these habits were ingrained at a young age.

Thanks for reading my little house-keeping messages. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Couples' Night is now an Open Spa Night for all!

Due to suggestion, feedback and an edict from on high, I am changing the Couple's Spa Nights to just Spa Night. Nothing is changing about the evening other than if your sweetie can't come with you the 2nd or 4th Sunday of the month, you don't have to deny yourself a trip to the Little Red Day Spa! Reservations are encouraged, but not required.

Spa Night at the Little Red Day Spa
2nd and 4th Sundays
Drop in 7-10 pm • Cost: $20/person

This is a catered evening for couples and singles of all genders to pamper themselves or just lounge in the Little Red Studio’s spa. There will be massage tables set up, a body mud station, salt scrubs and watsu in the hot tub. A practitioner will be on hand to facilitate use of the equipment and help you feel at home in the spa. Short massages or watsu will be available for an additional fee. Clothing optional.

1506 Franklin Ave. E. • Seattle
For more information, call (206) 963-0772 or email Sophia at HengstStudio.com

Hmmmmm... Soap

I travel up to Bellingham a few times a month, and I have been buying soap from a woman named Suzanne, who has a booth in the Saturday market, for well over a year now. They are delicious smelling and the texture is amazing. The first time I purchased soap, Suzanne made to to tell me to let it cure for another day or two by leaving it on a shelf. She said the longer I left it out in the air, the longer the bar would last once I began using it. I took her advice and was pleased that as I made my way through the small stack of bars, doing foot baths and foot massages, the longer each one lasted.

I finally took the plunge and ordered a whole log of soap, which amounts to 26 inches in length! I picked the Good Karma Soap and the Sparklin' Spearmint Soap. I also got a sample of the Put Me In The Zoo Soap. How could I resist this:

Everything's in this bar but the kitchen sink! Big chunks of all our soaps are put through a meat grinder and come out as soap noodles. These noodles are put in a huge bowl and fresh soap scented with Orange, Mandarin, Litsea, Tangerine and Peppermint botanical oils and a generous amount of Clay Beads is poured over it. We thoroughly mix the soap, slam it in molds and cure it for 4 loooong weeks. The resulting soap smells great and it feels crazy good on the skin.

If you would rather have a bar of Spearmint soap instead of the liquid body wash in the shower, just let me know! It's a real treat!

Odd combination?

Last night I got to sit in on the LRS Erotic Haunted House: The Dreaming dress rehearsal. Even though there was the occasional "oops" it was so much fun! Not too scary, but definitely very creepy and weird. The sound guy was still fine tuning the music and sound effects so I am excited to see what changes end up being made.

I liked how much like a dream the whole show was. Somehow, even when it was unsettling, the surreal nature kept me grounded. I know that must sound strange, but trust me, when you see it, I bet you will understand what I mean.

As a fun addition, if you come to this Sunday's Couples' Night or Monday's Ladies' Night, you will get $5 off your Erotic Haunted House ticket when you pay for both events. There is a 9:30pm during the run, so it's perfect timing to come to the spa and soak and relax and then take the 5 minute drive over to 750 Harrison St. to see the show. I won't be able to leave on Sunday night, but on Monday I'll be leading anyone who wants to follow me over to the show.

It's going to be so much fun!

Couples' Spa Night - 2nd and 4th Sundays!
7- 10pm
Cost: $40 per couple


Ladies' Spa Night - Every Monday!
Drop In: 6-9pm
Cost: $15

Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

Be a part of SEAF 2009!

Seattle Erotic Art Festival 2009 Call for Art now open!

Please go to the Artist's Portal and submit your art! The deadline for submissions is January 30, 2009.

The seventh annual Festival will be held May 1 through May 3, 2009 in the Exhibition Hall of the Seattle Center, an internationally acclaimed center for visual and performance art (and home to the famous Space Needle). SEAF 2009 will feature a juried art exhibition, a festival store, interactive installations, performances, workshops, lectures, an invitation-only artist reception (on April 30th) and more.

For more info go to SEAF's main web site or to volunteer email: seafinfo@gmail.com

As the Lead Docent on the organizing committee, I'll be posting a call for Docents once we get a bit closer to the event.

Last day to RSVP for Sensual Repast

On Saturday, October 25th, the Little Red studio is hosting a Sensual Repast at the Little Red Day Spa.


This is a very special dinner event that will include will include classic Halloween Tales, partner massage and a trip to the Little Red Studio for the Erotic Haunted House: The Dreaming. At the completion of the show, you will be returned to the Spa to share in dessert and hot tubbing.

Reservations are required for this dinner - seating is limited to 16 people and we have a few openings left, as of this writing. The cost is $100 per person, payable in advance at time of reservation, which includes dinner, beverages, admission to and transportation to and from the Haunted House. Gratuity is not included in the price. The evening will begin at 7pm. If you're interested in joining us, please call Kerry at the office - 206-328-4758.

CTS study reults

I found an article on the Massage Therapy Foundation's site about a Carpel Tunnel Syndrome study.

In the study they compared general massage with a focused treatment regime. To my mind, it was a boring and predictable study, but I am very excited that there were statistically relevant results. I have long held the opinion that massage therapists are health care professionals, not just someone who rubs you and makes you feel good. (Though compassionate touch is a very important thing. Sometimes more important to receive than therapeutic techniques.) There are many states in America that have little or no requirements when it comes to massage therapy. Which sometimes leads people to eschew attending a school such as the UCMT Massage Therapy School* because they don't legally have to in order to obtain a license to practice massage.

Studies like this highlight the importance of a strong anatomy and physiology based education so that massage therapists can thoughtfully prepare treatment plans for people who come to see them with physical ailments or difficulties.

*The UMTC has schools in states with lax schooling requirements. I have no affiliation with them other than auditing 2 of their schools in Colorado and Arizona. During those audits, I was highly impressed with their educational curriculum. I also am impressed that they choose to have schools in the states they do because it gives their graduates an incredible advantage over graduates of other massage schools in those states.

Ladies' Night is going to be smelly!

Well, not is a bad way. I am working on an art installation utilizing aromas. I am hoping that while I work on making different blends, I can get feedback about each one. I also want to try out a system for delivering the scent so that only the person doing the smelling gets a whiff. I am hoping that I can keep the "smell noise" down to a minimum so that it can be used in public where chemical or smell sensitive people can be in the same room as the installation.

Ladies' Spa Night - Every Monday!
Drop In: 6-9pm
Cost: $15
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

Please leave the parking spots in the lot for those with mobility difficulties. Thank you!

Go to LRS Tonight!

Massage Therapist Cheri, of the Little Red Day Spa, will be hosting the bodywork tent where you can sample my fresh made Pear Salt Scrub.

Little Red Studio
The Saffron Show
Saturday, October 18th @ 9PM

Scheherazade, herself, would love what the Little Red Studio has cooked up now: An evening of all things Middle Eastern and Persian. Come celebrate in this festive, free flow of interactive, erotic art-making. Join us as we create a mystical, sensual, magical world of myths, legend and divinity.

This is a unique show in that the studio will be set up like a bazaar with various tent areas, wandering gypsies, and awesome stage shows concerning the human struggle between their human nature and their essential divinity. There will be story tellers, aerialists, poets, fortune tellers, belly dancers, dramatic pieces, musicians, and female vocalist, Mary Lydia Ryan.

Please arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 at our offices and gallery at 406 Dexter Ave. N. and we will escort you over to the main space as we prepare to begin the evening.

Where: 750 Harrison Street
How Much: $30

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

LRS Halloween Bash Shenanigans!

One of the nice things about working within the Little Red Studio is that I often get to hear about decisions before they are announced. Jeff just told me that he is bringing back the carnival booths to our Halloween Bash.

If you didn't have the chance to attend any of the big parties at the Franklin Studio in the past, then you simply must make it out to the party on the 31st! What we are going to do is have tickets for purchase that can be used at various booths throughout the evening. There are talks of a photo booth, tarot card readings, a booth were you can be hand fed a sexy treat, or tied in a gorgeous rope body harness, and even a spanking booth!

We will also be having a raffle. Jeff hasn't decided whether to raffle off a season's pass to LRS or some art. I'll let you know as soon as he decides. We will be selling raffle tickets one for a dollar or your inseam measurement for $10. I recently learned how to do an inseam measurement so make sure to look for me!

For those of you who aren't interested in joining a large party, the Spa will be open regular hours that Friday. Just give me a call at (206)963-0772 or email Sophia at HengstStudio.com.

Sensual Repast Oct. 25th

Once again, the Little Red Day Spa is hosting Chef Kim and his Sensual Repasts.


On Saturday, October 25th, we're again offering a very special dinner event, The Sensual Repast. Some of the things we have in store will include body painting, classic Halloween Tales, partner massage and some live music to add just the right ambiance. After the main course you will be whisked away to our Erotic Haunted House: The Dreaming. At the completion of the show, you will be returned to the Spa to share in dessert and hot tubbing.

Please take a look at Kim's menu:

~Assorted Brushetta

~Dungeness Crab Cakes with Citrus Marsala sauce

~Spiced Blue Hubbard Squash Soup

~Braised Lamb Shanks with Parsnip Mashed Potatoes & Warm Rosemary Pesto

~Spicy Mexican Hot Drinking Chocolate with Fresh Orange Zest Biscotti


This will be held at our Spa, located at 1506 Franklin Ave E., in the Eastlake neighborhood. Reservations are required for this dinner - seating is limited to 16 people and we still have some openings. The cost is $100 per person, payable in advance at time of reservation, which includes dinner, beverages, admission to and transportation to and from the Haunted House. Gratuity is not included in the price. The evening will begin at 7pm. If you're interested in joining us, please call Kerry at the office - 206-328-4758.


A quick reminder that there are no appointments available after 3:30pm on the day of a Sensual Repast.

LRS update

There is a truism that can be neatly applied to the Studio: The only constant is change.

Last Friday, during the Little Red Studio Gold show, Jeff encouraged the troupe to support a new vision of an old theme of LRS. The idea that LRS give people a place to transform or transition. Art in all it's forms, painting, dance, song, etc... have the capability to awaken and enlighten us. Jeff wanted to create more breaks in the show so that people could assimilate, interact and engage in interesting and often creative activities, such as body painting, tarot readings, costuming, or receiving a hand washing.

There was suddenly so much more time where I was able to connect with more people. My conversations weren't all cut short because of the next act starting. Jeff gave a talk about the large altar style painting,"suffering Change," sparking other conversations later in the night. All the performances were rich and satisfying because we could talk and connect in between them during the night.

Jeff charged me with setting up a "bodywork tent" so that I could provide people with a taste of what we offer at the Spa. As a first go round, I think we were able to achieve that. On a small scale, of course. We gave people salt scrubs on their hands and had a "massage couch" with many massage toys for people to play and experiment with. It ended up being a comfy place to have a quiet moment or have a conversation with the ruse of physical contact.

It worked really well. If you haven't been to the Studio in a while or perhaps thought it was overwhelming the last time you were there, you should come to a Gold or a Saffron show for a new taste of LRS. (The Obsidian show is going to be a horse of another color.)

I'm happy now.

During a quiet Ladies' Night yesterday, I made a new batch of salt scrub. I adjusted the amount of Lemon Juice down 1/10th of what I used in the first batch. Now I needed to keep the Lemon because without the citric acid, the pears would oxidize and turn brown. While that would not have changed their smell or texture, it was unacceptable aesthetically.

It has been thoroughly tested by Ladies' Night regulars and been given the thumbs up. I am using a finer grade of sea salt that provides for a more pleasing consistency, too. Schedule an Autumn Colors Spa Session and try it out!

Ladies' Spa Night tonight!

Ladies' Spa Night - Every Monday!
Drop In: 6-9pm
Cost: $15
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

These nights are designed to be a casual and social evening. I will be present to welcome you and facilitate your use of the spa's equipment. There will be areas set up for scented clay, Pomegranate salt scrubs and massage for you and your friends to pamper each other. For an extra fee, one can get a short massage during the evening from our massage therapist on staff.

As a side note, there is still some of the Pear Lemon Salt Scrub left. Both that and the Pomegranate Tangerine will be available and your feedback comparing and contrasting the two recipes would be most appreciated. Yay for product testing!

Please note that the entry fee has gone up to $15 per person.

Remember to leave the parking spaces in the lot for those with mobility difficulties.

I changed my mind.

The Pear and Lemon salt scrub I made a few weeks ago no longer holds the same charm. It seems that the pear was too delicate a flavor compared to the lemon, as the scrub has very little pear smell to it now. That's very disappointing.

Another aspect of this recipe that I have noticed is that the citric acid is a bit irritating to the skin if one rubs the salt scrub a bit too vigorously. Or at least irritating to my skin. No one else has said anything to back up my experience. I for one adore the scratchiness of a salt scrub and the idea of being overly gentle is not appealing. The whole point is to recreate that intense back-scratch-over-the-whole-body feeling.

So, I have moved ahead a season and made the Pomegranate Tangerine Salt Scrub recipe again. In the mean time, I will experiment and see if I can bring the pear back in some way.

RSVP for Couple's Spa Night!

I will be hosting this Sunday, so come visit me on Sunday the 12th from 7pm until 10pm.

Couples' Spa Night - 2nd and 4th Sundays!
Reservations Required by 5pm that day (206) 963-0772

7- 10pm
Cost: $40 per couple
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

These nights are designed to be a casual and social evening. There will be a practitioner present to make you feel welcome and facilitate use of the spa's equipment. There will be areas set up for clay, salt scrubs and massage for you and your sweetie to pamper each other.

Please call 206-963-0772 or e-mail Sophia@hengststudio.com for more information.

New Fall Spa session!

The rains are here and the leaves are turning colors and falling. It's time to change out our seasonal spa offering.

Autumn Colors Spa Session

Feel yourself uplifted by the scent of Basil essential oil while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm foot bath. Be delighted by the textures of a Roman Body Brushing, dried leaves and silk cloth in a brief ritual that honors the changing of the seasons. A quick shower prepares you to be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub. All your worries and stress will be drained away by the swirling water and your attentive practitioner. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll enjoy a hot oil body treatment, accented with Rosewood, Lavender and Cypress natural essential oils. Fresh Pear Sea Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated. Singles or Couples: 90 minutes - $150. 120 minutes - $200.

Fun stuff to put on your calendar

The Little Red Studio is hosting a Haunted House as well as our annual Halloween Bash!

The official title is "An Erotic Haunted House: The Dreaming"

Step quietly inside a young woman's dream and experience the erotic through her eyes. Seductive and surprising, sweet and terrifying, The Dreaming is Halloween as only Little Red Studio can offer. Join us for one week only at Seattle's first Erotic Haunted House!

There will be 2 shows per night (7:30 and 9:30pm) every night from Oct. 25th thru Nov. 1st. (There will only be one show at 7:30PM on Friday, October 31st)

Admission: $20 ($5 off if you show up in costume!)
There will be no advance ticket sales or reservations for this event.
Where: 750 Harrison Street
Ages 18 and over only

Halloween Bash! Friday, October 31st

Immediately following the 7:30 performance of The Dreaming, we'll open things up for one of our biggest parties of the year! The Nasty Habits will rock us out again and we'll have many other sexy, scary surprises to thrill and excite you.

Admission: $20
Advance tickets can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling 206-328-4758. (Anyone who attends The Dreaming will receive a $5 off coupon for the Halloween Bash!)

Also keep your eyes open for another Sensual Repast announcement for the date of the next Spa hosted dinner.

Happy Birthday to me!

Years ago, I realized I was a grown up when I had to work on my birthday. That is the one day of the year you should be able to do whatever you want. I used to resent it when I didn't have the day off, but I realize now I just needed a different job. One I really liked going to any day of the year.

I love autumn, and not just because my birthday is in October. I took a walk yesterday along the east side of Lake Union, just wandered really. Picked up leaves and marveled at all the colours. Reveled in the gentle breeze and the rosemary scent that seems to hang in that neighbourhood.

Today, after I have finished with my chores, I think I will treat myself to another rambling walk. I have been so busy lately that is was so nice just to saunter. Here's hoping you take time to soak in the sights, smells and textures of autumn, too.

Psst! Go look at the Spa's web site. Phase 1 of the web redesign is complete.

Web redesign & Art Shows

Instead of writing blog entries, I have been working on the Spa's web site. We're reorganizing it so that, rather than just two pages, all the information about the Little Red Day Spa and our offerings will be spread out over 6 pages. Hopefully, this will make the site a little easier to navigate. We're still adding and editing to it, so make sure to check back periodically to see the changes. There will be information about catered spa sessions, new possible sessions that will correspond with the themed Little Red Studio performances, and a page of testimonials. (If you would like to add your story to the testimonial page, just send an email to me, Sophia at HengstStudio.com)

The other thing I am excited about right now is the Whatcom Artists Studio Tour. This weekend, while all the gentlemen are enjoying Men's Spa Night with Richard Jessup, I will be helping Jim Duvall in Bellingham, WA with his open studio, as part of the Whatcom Artists Studio Tour. From his press release:

This a juried studio tour of several artists studios in Whatcom County. I have been selected to be included. I am pretty honored as there are only 4 photographers allowed in this year. The dates are Oct 4,5 and Oct 11,12 from 10-5 pm. The tour is all over the county but if you are coming to my studio the address is 1208 bay St # 103 Bellingham, WA 98225. The entrance is in the alley.

You have two weekends to see his and many other wonderful artist's work being shown in the place it was created.

If you are planning on being in Seattle, this weekend, then consider the opening of Little Red Studio's newest show, The Saffron Show.
When: Saturday, October 4th @ 9PM
Where: 750 Harrison Street
How Much: $30
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

New LRS Experience opens this Saturday!

Cheri, our newest practitioner at the Spa, has a supporting role in this show. Be sure to say hi to her!

Little Red Studio: The Saffron Show
Saturday, October 4th @ 9PM

According to Greek mythology, the handsome mortal Crocos fell in love with the beautiful nymph Smilax. His attentions were noticed but unwanted by Smilax, and he was turned into a purple crocus flower. From thence comes the rare and exotic Saffron.

The Little Red threads of Saffron were also highly prized by pharaohs and kings as an aphrodisiac, yet large amounts produced deathly narcotic effects.

The Saffron show will feature acts that will be chosen for their rarity, beauty, and aphrodisiac nature. Gods and Goddesses struggling with their Earthly roles, the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine, the bittersweet stories like Isis and Osiris.

The Saffron Show is rich in depth and beauty, with deep sorrowful song, overarching aerial sensuality, exotic belly dance, poetry steeped in the human struggle and victory, pointed drama, sensual video, even some humor, and as always the diversity endemic to the Little Red Studio.

But be careful, an overdose could sedate you beyond recovery.

Please arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 at our offices and gallery at 406 Dexter Ave. N. and we will escort you over to the main space as we prepare to begin the evening.

Where: 750 Harrison Street

How Much: $30

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

Another dinner at the Spa.

Chef Kim and his crew of LRS assistants recently created what was arguably our best Sensual Repast last month the Little Red Day Spa. The Spa, as it turns out, is a perfect intimate little place for an artistic culinary experience. Kim and I heartily agree that we should host them all in the Spa this fall.

Here is a snippet of the last LRS email newsletter that toots my horn a little:

A big advantage to hosting the Sensual Repast at the spa is that we have Sophie, our spa director on hand to help make this a unique evening. Sophie will facilitate guests use of the spa facility after desert and will help get everyone in the mood by leading folks in some interactive ways to connect before dessert.

Our next Sensual Repast is September 27th. Chef Kim is developing a multi-course seasonal menu now. We will be sure to send a notice about this and other developments soon. In October, the Sensual Repast will also serve as a kick off dinner for the Erotic Haunted House. Your Sensual Repast ticket will include tickets to a late showing of the haunted house that evening (about a 50 minute experience), and the spa held on reserve for you after the show as well as dessert and libations to match. Oh yes, and taxi vouchers for the short trip over and back if needed.

This event will also not be listed on our website or Brown Paper Tickets. Reservations must be made in advance by calling Kerry in the office at 206-328-4758. Please call for more information, times and ticket prices.

I will be out of town for this weekend, but Courtnee will be assisting Kim in my stead. If you are interested in incredible food, an artistic and sumptuous atmosphere that encourages you to delight your senses, then you want to sign up for the Sensual Repast this Saturday.

Busy! Busy! Busy!

Unfortunately, not with all fun stuff. Web site revisions, car prowls and dentists! Oh my! Though, I would gladly recommend using hypnosis when you have to undergo a dental procedure. Last week I finished the second of 3 appointments to deal with a difficult root canal and was quite relaxed throughout the whole procedure. It was strange to feel every sensation and not have it register as pain. The best part, for me, was not having a fear reaction to the drill, either. That is very cool stuff.

Changes are coming up soon on the web site. I have been tweaking and fine tuning. Christina, a troupe member with a creative photographic eye, came into the spa and took some lovely photographs of the space. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the space through new eyes. Here is the one that captured the serenity I feel in the spa.
(Be sure to click on the photo for a larger version.)

There are two price changes coming up for our drop in nights. Both the Ladies' and Men's Spa Nights entry fee will increase to $15 per person and Couple's Spa Nights will increase to $40 per couple. These increases are effective starting the next scheduled dates. This means that Couple's Spa Night this coming Sunday, September 28th, will be the first event with the new price. All other little extra services and their fees are subject to availability and practitioner discretion.

*Photo by Christina Dietrich

Pear Salt Scrub for Autum!

Behold!
The new salt scrub is Pear, Lemon Juice, fresh Rosemary and Bergamot essential oil.

Pardon me while I go finish my chores to get ready for Ladies' Spa Night.

Ladies' Spa Night - Every Monday!
Drop In: 6-9pm
Cost: $10
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

LRS event Tonight!

Date: Friday, September 12th
Time: 9pm
Location: Hengst Studio
1506 Franklin Ave. E.
Call (206) 963-0772 for more details and to make reservations.

This Friday evening we will be hosting a Little Red Studio show, catered with heavy hors d'oeuvres, *and* opening up the spa the same way we do during the Men's, Ladies' and Couple's Spa Nights. This night will not be a "drop in" evening, however. Reservations are required and you can RSVP with Kerry at the main office by calling (206) 963-0772 before 6pm today.

Evolving Watsu

I have mentioned before that Cody has taught me some of the Contact Improv dance inspired movement around Watsu. Over time, I have developed a style that is fairly different from traditional Watsu. So different, that I think the time has come to give it another name, as I can't hoestly say I do Watsu any more. Definitely Watsu inspired and containing Watsu elements. I keep rolling phrases like Water Contact Therapy and Floating Bodywork around in my mind.

It's become so much more than just another way to stretch the body and massage muscles. It's a huge dose of human contact and nurturing touch. It's a decadent delighting of the senses via immersion. It's a way to connect with someone that is deeper, yet safer than one would expect when in the vulnerable position of a stranger floating you in the water.

Conversing with Jeff convinced me that it is time to have another classification for this Watsu inspired bodywork. It's right that the Little Red Day Spa, as part of the Little Red Studio family organically and creatively develop new modalities. We will of course still offer traditional Watsu sessions, no worries there. Having options is good, though, and I want people to know that there are options regarding the different types of bodywork the Spa offers.

RSVP for Couple's Spa Night - 9/14

Couples' Spa Night - 2nd and 4th Sundays!
Reservations Required by 5pm that day (206) 963-0772

7- 10pm
Cost: $25 per couple
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

Reservations for this coming Couple's Night are starting to trickle in. Please give me an email Sophia at HengstStudio.com or call (206) 963-0772 to reserve your spot.

I'm hoping to have the new salt scrub recipe worked out by then for Courtnee to share with you.

A Special Friday Night -9/12

This Friday evening will be a special event at the Little Red Day Spa. Special because we will be hosting a Little Red Studio show *and* opening up the spa the same way we do during the Men's, Ladies' and Couple's Spa Nights. This night will not be a "drop in" evening, however. Reservations are required and you can RSVP with Kerry at the main office by calling (206) 963-0772. Kim will be catering the evening's nibbles, so when you are eating dinner, make sure to leave room for his delightful snacks and desserts.

Date: Friday, September 12th
Time: 9pm
Location: Hengst Studio
1506 Franklin Ave. E.
Call (206) 963-0772 for more details.

Here is an excerpt from the email Jeff sent out to the Little Red Studio email newsletter list. If you haven't gotten on this email list, please do so, as there are often events that are invitation only, such as this one on the 12th.

What we want to do, is re-create a Little Red Studio back at our old location under the freeway in Eastlake. For those of you who have come to LRS back in the day when it was at our old location, you will be delighted to know that it will have many of the old familiar dynamics and characters in play, including Danni running the famed "little red game" later in the evening. Eileen will also be doing a rant and leading the poetry posse. We will even be doing a version of "Silk" a performance piece that was a staple of LRS way back in the very early days.

A couple of things will be different and we think better than before. First of all, Kim (our chef) will be on hand with two dedicated helpers presenting heavy hors d'ouevres throughout the night. We will also have Sophie, our spa director, on hand to facilitate the much developed spa facility later in the evening. With a little luck, we may also have our band, Red Delicious to play throughout the night. All of these things will add a professional touch along with the familiar creative spontaneity you would expect from LRS. And of course, the added intimacy that the old studio affords.

New Faces

The staff at the Little Red Day Spa has slowly changed over time. When we started offering sessions almost 3 years ago, we started with only me, Richard and Didi. As we got busier, we added more practitioners. Whenever we would lose a practitioner to school, moving or a new job, I would invite someone else to join the Spa. Now, Richard and I are the only practitioners who remain from those first few months.

In this kind of work, due to it's part time nature, that is a little unusual that there are any of the same practitioners as when we first opened. In a way it is sad because I miss working with some people. But overall it's a good thing. Every time a new person comes on board, they bring something new to the spa, or tweak what we already do just enough to make it different or better.

On Monday, I meet with Cherie, a woman with 15 years of massage experience. She was on sabbatical for the last year and is ready to come back to massage and bodywork with new ideas of how she wants to approach body work in general. In specifics, she wants to explore Watsu and infusing her bodywork with the idea of delighting the senses. I think the Little Red Day Spa is just the place for her.

Fall Hours for Ladies' Spa Night

Starting September 8th, Ladies' Night will revert back to it's original open hours of 6pm until 9pm. I have received a fair amount of feedback that having drop-in hours start immediately after the work day is preferable. Short massages will be available for an extra $10.

Couple's and Men's Nights will remain 7-10pm on Sundays.

I am also working on the possibility of having guest practitioners come in to provide their services. So far, Richard has expressed interest in offer shiatsu, and a new easthetician, Dion, who regularly attends Men's Spa Night, is interested in offering facials. I would be curious to hear from the ladies about how they would feel having a male practitioner at Ladies' night in addition to myself. Feedback is always appreciated.

Ladies' Spa Night - Every Monday!
Drop In: 6-9pm
Cost: $10
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle
No reservations necessary.

Do I have to come back to work?

Two days of camping and 3 of fighting off a sinus infection makes it really difficult to come back into the spa. Though perhaps the humidity would do me good. I wonder if anyone else has this feeling after a long holiday weekend?

What I should really do is start doing some product testing for Autumn's salt scrub. It may be sunny today, but soon summer really will leave the building. I am thinking something with a pear or apple base. Off I go to the grocery store!

Art in our daily life.

Having my workplace saturated with the artwork of a talented painter has brought about a keen awareness of the role art can play in our lives. It adds a texture far beyond the colors, shapes and emotions portrayed on canvas, paper, wood or stone.

Today, I rushed past a violinist playing in front of the grocery store where I bought my breakfast. It reminded me of the experiment I read about last year where a world class violinist played several exquisite pieces of music in a subway. The question being posed in this experiment: "In a banal setting at an inconvenient time, would beauty transcend?"

The answer was mostly no. Reading the article, I can remember not being surprised. Jeff Hengst often talks about setting the stage for people to enjoy art. People have to be prepared for a moment of aesthetic arrest. If they aren't, they shut down to it rather than be unexpectedly overwhelmed. Context is always important. Jeff sometimes jokes that the reason he started little Red Studio was to have a good place to show his paintings, not liking the sterile-white-walled-gallery model of show casing art.

And now the Spa is another place where people can relax into the experience of contemplating art. Some paintings, I have found, need more than a minute of your time to be fully experienced. In the Spa, people have the time gaze lazily or intently at a piece of art, as their interest dictates. And I am lucky to have the art constantly changing. Every Art Talk night that Jeff hosts on Tuesdays leaves me a surprise on Wednesday when I come in. At least two of the dozen paintings hanging in the spa get changed out, and I can experience a new atmosphere. Sometimes I have to remind him that he hasn't changed things up enough. Sometimes I ask for a painting to stay for a while longer. Having the art change regularly keeps me engaged and excited about coming to work far better than vacation or family photos.

While I felt a pang of guilt at the time for squandering a chance to listen to lovely music. Upon arriving at the Spa, I couldn't remain mired in those feelings. Not surrounded by all the different emotions and colors vying for my attention. But it did cause me to search through the CD collection for violin concertos.

Spots still available for Men's Massage Party

Our friend, David, who is renting out the spa for a massage class and party, has informed me that he still has a few reservations left for the Men's Only Massage Party this coming Sunday. If you attend our Men's Spa Night's you may be interested in attending David's event.

If would like the full description or you are interested in attending, please email him directly: dastardly.deeds.david at gmail.com

Holiday Hours at the Spa

I'm amazed that August is almost done! Suddenly I find myself awash in back to school activities and end of the summer vacation plans.

Just a note to let you know that the Spa is open regular hours the Labor Day weekend, except that Sunday and Monday is by advance appointment only. I won't be answering the phones on either of those days. But if you schedule an appointment, we'll be there for you! If you don't schedule, we will take our time off to celebrate the achievements of American laborers by indulging in leisurely activities.

Ladies' Night will go on, as usual, without me. Courtnee will host from 7pm - 10pm at the Spa. I want to remind you that this will be the last week of summer hours. Starting September 8th, Ladies' Night will adopt winter hours of 6pm - 9pm. Same cost of $10 entry fee and an additional $10 for a short massage.

RSVP for Couple's Spa Night

Couples' Spa Night - 2nd and 4th Sundays!
Reservations Required by 5pm that day (206) 963-0772

7- 10pm
Cost: $25 per couple
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

Courtnee is away for the weekend, so I will be hosting this Sunday's Couple's Night. We have a wonderful dessert to share with you that Kim made special for a private dinner on Friday. It was so incredible that he offered to make it for me to offer at Couple's Night. It is a caramel and nut tulle filled with chocolate mousse and on a bed of naked truffle sauce.

new session?

I have a friend who is a certified hypnotherapist come in for a watsu session. He was impressed with how comforting and relaxing an experience it was, despite him not being much of a "water person." He likened it to the deep state of relaxation that he had only ever been able to achieve via hypnosis.

We had a brief discussion about how well the two therapies, watsu and hypnosis, could work together. The idea of being able to get someone into a more advanced state of relaxation is interesting to me, to say the least. While he is excited about being able to do accelerate subconscious work with the added benefit of the person already being relaxed via floating in warm water. Perhaps there will be a collaboration in the future.

Private Massage Party for Men on 8/31

Our friend, David is renting out the spa for another massage class and party. The last one was a wonderful event and I am pleased he is choosing to use the spa to put on another one. If would like the full event description or you are interested in attending, please email him directly: dastardly.deeds.david at gmail.com

Backrubs and Frontrubs is a clothing optional oasis where we revel in all manner of tactile delights. It is our pleasure to provide one-one-one massage instruction to every guest. The party is August 31 from 7-11 PM but the hot tub will stay open until midnight.

The party will begin with massage education. You may arrive as early as 7 PM for social hour, but please arrive before 7:30 PM if you want to hear the main educational lecture. This party is for those 18 years of age or older, please.

The party/class cost is $30, but volunteers get in for free (and volunteering is a great way to meet other sexy people). RSVP's are required, as space is limited. You may request more information, get added to the email list, or RSVP, at dastardly.deeds.david at gmail.com.

Peace and pleasure,
David

I would love to see other educational and/or community building events held at the spa. Please consider this as a venue if you are planning an event!

Little Red Day Spa:(206)963-0772
Sophia at HengstStudio.com

Where did summer go?

I woke up to a thunderstorm this morning. It was dramatic and wet. in my email box was an eerie and beautiful photo of lightening streaming down in front of purple clouds in a pre-dawn sky. I am truly thankful for the chance to remember that there is beauty in everything, even scary thunder and lightening storms.


We ran out of salt glow yesterday and I was faced with the decision of whether to make more of the pineapple or create a new recipe. Ultimately, summer isn't over so I stuck with the pineapple, and intensified the essential oil component for fun. The symbolism of tying the scrub to the seasons made me loath to move forward toward fall too quickly.

Today is a quiet day at the spa, and if you are looking for a last minute appointment, I just had a 1:30pm slot open up. So this is your chance if you are the type who never knows their schedule. Tomorrow is still quite open, too.

Tonight is Ladies' Spa Night, 7pm - 10pm. Hope to see you here!

A quiet seeming week...

I am trying to keep on top of all the fun stuff we have going on at the Spa, as well as Little Red Studio in general. There is apart of me that wants to keep a regular schedule, but most of me would rather not have a ridged posting schedule. Hopefully, you will bookmark the LRS calendar to keep track of all the good stuff going on.

This Saturday, the 16th, marks the last date of the White Show. If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, you definitely don't want to miss this light-hearted, funny and sweet show!

The wearing of white between Memorial Day and Labor Day brings up many memories of decades past and societal mores. Summer beach vacations, sprinkled with lavish parties and secret rendezvous, entice us to remember our own days and nights of coming out and to peel off the layers of winter to see what's peeking at us underneath...

In bygone eras of our history and of our lives, we remember that moment when innocence was lost, while so much more was yet to be discovered.

White or light colored clothing is encouraged.

Please arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 at our offices and gallery at 406 Dexter Ave. N. and we will escort you over to the main space as we prepare to begin the evening.

Where: 750 Harrison Street
How Much: $30
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

On Sunday the 17th, we are offering Men's Spa Night.

Men's Spa Night - 1st and 3rd Sundays!
Drop In: 7- 10pm
Cost: $10
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

These nights are designed to be a casual and social evening. Richard Jessup will be present to make you feel welcome and facilitate use of the spa's equipment. There will be areas set up for clay, salt scrubs and massage for you and your friends to pamper each other. For an extra fee, one can get a short massage or watsu during the evening. Email Richard directly, jussupdances at netzero dot net, for information or to get on the reservation list for bodywork.

An unusual circumstance.

Unusual in the sense that it is a link that is not all that work safe.

While this is not directly related to the Spa, it does touch on many things in how our culture approaches sexual expression that is considered nonconformist. This is a story worth reading if you consider yourself sex positive and want an opportunity to help change attitudes on a small scale.

This really struck a cord in me as a mother who only wants the best for her child, as it is obvious that Catalina Loves does, too.

Thoughts of Ruination

Yesterday, I saw on the back of a car the saying "I'd rather be ruining my life." I have been thinking about it ever since.

What exactly do they mean? I have often wondered, and been annoyed, by the bumper stickers and license plate holders that proclaim what the drive would rather be doing, or driving. If you would rather be doing something else other than driving, for goodness sakes, do it! Or if I am feeling really cynical, I wonder how focused the driver is on the task at hand (namely, driving)if they would rather be skiing or riding their bike. It makes me nervous.

But, ruining your life? Is it catering to the idea that if it's fun, it must not be good for you? Combating this concept touches on the center of the why we have set up the Little Red Day Spa as we have. Every spa session has treatments what have tremendous health benefits, but the main thing we had in mind when we have created our offerings was joy. When you are enjoying yourself, when something is fun, you are rejuvenated. So much about our daily life revolves around "have to" and "need to" rather than "want to" and that in itself is stressful. Joy is necessary to maintain balance and health and happiness.

So please, don't think of doing things that bring you joy as wasting time, or ruining your life. Remember that joy is often what gives our lives meaning and fulfills us.

Monday is Ladies' Night!

Ladies' Spa Night - Every Monday!
Drop In: 7- 10pm
Cost: $10
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle
(206)963-0772

When the days start getting noticeably shorter, sometime around Labor Day, I am thinking of going back to a 6pm start time for Ladies' Night. I have gotten a fair amount of feedback to the effect that being able to come in to the Spa right after work is optimal. That would put the drop in hours from 6pm until 9pm.

Consider this a pre-announcement to a possible change to the schedule. and let me know what you think.

Hope to see you tonight!

PS: I plan on having my box of essential oils available for sniffing and concocting. Last week, I got my order in from Original Swiss Aromatics!

LRS on the radio!

KUOW did an interview with Jeff Hengst about Little Red Studio and the Little Red Day Spa and it's going to air today at 2:50pm! KUOW is 94.9 on the fm dial. Tune in to your radio and hear the latest about the Studio, or Go to their website and click on "Listen Live to KUOW (MP3)"

Tonight's Gold Show at LRS is looking amazing. We have a new couple joining us who sing 18th century bawdy songs in full period undergarments, a storyteller with an erotic tale to entice you, a summertime dessert, poetry, Bellydancing, body painting, and I am doing a new aerials act! Whew, that's a lot and I didn't even list the whole program. As always, there will be dancing and a non-alcoholic drinks and dessert bar during the show, as well as after the final act. I am very excited about this new act. I don't want to give away too much, but it is going to ahve an element of puppetry to the aerials which has been really tricky to work out, but has turned out great. I hope to see you there!

Also, this Sunday evening is Couple's Night at the Spa. It's from 7pm until 10pm, $25 per couple and we are asking for reservations. Courtnee will be holding court in the spa, facilitating your use of the equipment. For a nominal gratuity, she will help you to pamper your sweetie with the mud or a salt scrub. Please call me at 206-963-0772 or email Sophia at HengstStudio.com to get your space saved.

Summertime, and the livin' is easy...

Some days, the phone is quiet and the sessions spread out. Other days, like yesterday, the calendar is packed solid and I fall behind of returning phone calls. While it is still best to call a few days before the date you wish to have an appointment, occasionally, a half a day's notice is sufficient. so feel free to take a chance if you want a last minute appointment. You might get lucky.

I am getting questions about next season's salt scrub already. The Pineapple with Eucalyptus and Myrrh has been very well received so I am wondering, why people are so keen for a new one? Perhaps I should rotate them more often than every three months.

Should I have a monthly salt scrub or stick with changing the scrub recipe with the weather? Feedback is always appreciated.

August's LRS Events

This month is a busy month for me in the performing department. Luckily, last week I had a wonderful meeting with a woman named Cheri who will begin working at the Spa soon.

So fear not! The multiple performance opportunities I have at the Little Red Studio will not impact you being able to get into the Spa for a session. I have plenty of people to cover for me while I do my special style of aerials in the Gold and White shows.


The Gold Show
Friday, August 8th @ 9PM

Our classic show at The Little Red Studio is a intimate, interactive theatrical event with an erotic theme held at our sumptuous venue here in Seattle.

The performances you will see at the Gold Show are created and performed by members of our Troupe and brought together in one rehearsal the evening before the show. Always creative, often amazing - you'll love the surprises that await!

Where: 750 Harrison Street
How Much: $30
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-475.


The White Show
Saturday, August 16th @ 9PM ***Last Date***

The wearing of white between Memorial Day and Labor Day brings up many memories of decades past and societal mores. Summer beach vacations, sprinkled with lavish parties and secret rendezvous, entice us to remember our own days and nights of coming out and to peel off the layers of winter to see what's peeking at us underneath... In bygone eras of our history and of our lives, we remember that moment when innocence was lost, while so much more was yet to be discovered.

Where: 750 Harrison Street
How Much: $30
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-475.

Richard is back!

For those of you who enjoy Shiatsu and Watsu, I am please to let you know that Richard Jessup is back in town and taking appointments! Richard is one of my Watsu mentors and has been doing Shiatsu for more than 20 years.

He has been traveling along the west coast, coming back to Seattle every other weekend to take care of his guests and host Men's Spa Night. He will be in Seattle through August 17th, and then he will be traveling to Palm Springs for the last half of August.

If you are interested in receiving from this incredibly talented therapist, call him directly at (206)370-0423. You can also contact him via email at jessupdances at netzero dot net.

Ladies' Night or contact Improv Class

I'll be at the Spa, as usual, from 7pm-10pm tonight with a few tricks up my sleeve to make the spa a cool oasis on this warm day.

Cody will be teaching a Contact Improv class on Capitol Hill. If you are curious about this style of movement,, and want a glimpse of what could be in store for you when you schedule a Creative Movement Spa Session, check it out!

Here's the email she sent out today:

contact improv CONTACT IMPROV contact improv contact improv contact improv

** come learn it. play it. do it. enjoy it like crazy **

I'm just back from a week long jam and ready to share the goods! this will be two hours of learning and playing with the dance/sport contact improv.
curious what it is? you'll learn. already love it and want more? you'll get to play.
I will lead several exercises and activities to bring us into the dance. we'll have plenty of time to jam and have fun after. this is a non-intimidating, non-threatening and completely non-unthrilling contact class. feel free to send word out to friends/posse etcetera.


WHERE: studio current on capitol hill. directions at end of email.
WHEN: first monday of the month.TONIGHT 8/4 7-9pm.
BRING: comfy clothes. water. snacks. friends.
RSVP: helpful to let me know if you're coming.
COST: free.
WHO: all are welcome. no experience necessary. open to self-identified movers and non-dancers alike. this is an experimental class designed for all bodies, abilities and experience.
WHAT: this class combines movement exercises, body centering, stretching, dance, writing, meditation and goofing off. we explore and enjoy ways to move effectively in our own bodies and with each other. this class is great for clarifying what's up in your life and getting in alignment with what you want. THIS MONTH FEATURES CONTACT IMPROVISATION.


directions to studio current:
1417 10th Ave, between pike & union
studio current is a block off of broadway, the south end of capitol hill, located in the same building as SWEATBOX YOGA. it's down the street (on 10th) from nuemos. parking is typically easy on union but can be a pain, so give yourself parking time.
the door can be easy to miss, lots of posters, so look for the door to Sweatbox Yoga, enter, and keep going past the doggie school and we're the doors at the end of the hall.