Kind words and fibromyalgia

Recently, I was honored to work with a woman diagnosed with Fybromyalgia and her partner. It was an enjoyable and rewarding challenge. Because of her high pain levels, I could not do my default style of massage. After a bit of discussion, we decided that Watsu and Water Contact Massage was the best way of meeting her comfort needs while addressing her therapeutic goals. Taking away gravity and gently massaging her, while her partner gave her Reiki (energy work) turned out to be a beneficial combination.

I received this email from her partner a few days after her treatment.

I'm writing for both D & I to thank you so very much for her session with you! I have never seen her so relaxed before in a "natural" environment (as opposed to medications). She admitted to a bit of doubt with Watsu, but was willing to try it to see how it might work and to hopefully avoid prescription medications. With the results, she is no longer in doubt. She felt great afterwards but the true test was during the night. She constantly wakes up throughout the night in pain, having to adjust herself accordingly, but that night was the first night that she can remember that she slept through the whole night and still woke-up relatively pain-free...her pain level usually an 8+ but was then a 2-3 and she felt rested...until the alarm went off at 5 in the morning..

We appreciated your professionalism, as well as your willingness to be "intimate". You listened to D and were totally there for her and her needs. You made us both feel comfortable with the session, as well as with you. I enjoyed being a part of the session for D with you but have a lot to learn yet as far as holding her while you treat her. She was so relaxed during the part of the treatment where I had my hands on her back and chest that she didn't even know that she was sinking, nor did she care...lol..."

It is always so wonderful knowing that you have helped create a positive change in someone's health. Whenever a partner works with me on their sweetie, even if just by being there and hold and supporting them in the water while I do the massage, it's much more powerful for all involved. There is something special about doing Watsu on your sweetie, even if they don't know any of the fancy moves. That intimacy shared between a couple magnifies all the good of Watsu. I am confident that she would have had a good session if she had come in by herself, but with her partner there, it was extraordinary.

I am looking forward to working with them again.

Answering Phones and Messages

If you have called the Spa in the last month, you probably got me directly. I have been able to answer the phone more often with my other practitioners taking so many sessions.

This week, however, I am setting up for the Seattle Erotic Art Festival and will not be able to answer the phone quite as much. I will, however, be checking message much more frequently than usual as a result. So if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, leave me a message and I'll get back to you soon!

Erotic Shorts

No, not underwear. Plays about sexuality and relationships and love.

I just now got home from watching the Little Red Studio's fourth Erotic Shorts: An Evening of Short Erotic Plays. I am still reeling from the experience. What an emotional ride! Some of the plays were wistful, others funny as all get out, tenderness crept into more than a few and one made me weep. I wish I could convey how much I was moved but that would be terribly difficult to do coherently since each play pushed different emotional buttons.

There is still another weekend you can see these plays, for which I am very thankful. Next weekend is the Seattle Erotic Art Festival, so if Erotic Shorts hadn't been extended to a 2 week run, I wouldn't have gotten to see it, since the decision was made to have it coincide with the Festival. In fact, one of the plays, "Pass the Salt", is going to be preformed during Thursday's Invitation Only Artist Reception. (The only way to get into that is to buy a Velvet Ticket Package.)

I highly recommend seeing Erotic Shorts. Art that delights, amuses and stirs you is so nourishing.

Watch as a husband and wife have a typical dinner at home, or do they? A first date unfolds, a sexy film shoot gets a little off track, a glimpse backstage at two actors during a Shakespeare production, and two co-workers struggle to find a connection with one another... These stories and more will delight and fascinate you, creating a wonderful evening of theater at Little Red Studio!

Featuring the following playwrights: Benjamin Harris, Jeffrey James Ircink, Jerry Kraft, Darian Lindle, John Longenbaugh, Louise Penberthy, and Patrick Scott.

And the following directors: Cherilynn Brooks, Donn Christianson, Kirsten Lauzon, John Longenbaugh, Pam Man, Ricky Gene Powell, Beau Prichard, and Marcus Wolland.

Three shows left!
Friday, May 1st @ 9PM
Saturday, May 2nd @ 9PM
Sunday, May 3rd @ 8PM

Where: 400 Dexter Ave N.
How Much: $20

Tickets can be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling 206-328-4758.

Ladies' Spa Night is increasing!

Last Monday night was a great evening, in both energy and attendance. Cheri joined me in hosting the evening, and she always adds to the atmosphere beautifully. Thank you to everyone who spent the evening with us.

Jeff has given me the green light to turn Ladies' Night into a bimonthly event!

Starting May 11th, Ladies' Night at the Little Red Day Spa will be held every 2nd and 4th Monday from 6pm until 9pm. No reservations are necessary, as this is a drop-in night. Cost will still be $15 entry fee and an extra $10 for a 7-10 minute massage or watsu. The mini massages are on a sign up basis that is first come, first given. I am pretty sure that there are going to be two of us practitioners each Ladies' Night so that there will be more opportunities for everyone to get worked on.

Busy! Busy!

This week has been full of bodywork and art! I have barely had time to even think about posting.

I have a few new anatomy and massage books I want to gush about, so look for that post soon.

As always, when we are busy, make sure to call in advance for a spa or massage session. Same day appointments are unlikely, but occasionally you can get lucky. I had a 5:30pm scheduled for today that canceled, and then someone who called this morning got lucky and took that spot.

This weekend is the Little Red Studio's 24 hour Art-a-Thon. I will be there working on new aromatherapy blends and spa products, as well as a clay and dance performance that came out of a spa session! Feel free to come by and see what all us wacky artists are up to.

I hope you are getting a chance to get out in the sunshine. Remember to take care of yourself and stretch when you go play outdoors!

A Wednesday evening free!

There is a regularly scheduled private rental every Wednesday evening at the Spa that has been canceled this coming Wednesday, April 8th. This event is very rarely canceled, so if Wednesday evenings are the day that you would prefer to relax, soak and float, please give me a call at (206) 963-0722 and we'll get you on the schedule!

A quick reminder, Ladies' Spa Night is tomorrow. Drop in anytime between 6 and 9pm.
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle


These nights are designed to be a casual and social evening. Cheri & I will be there 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 either Cheri or myself.

Please park on the street so that the parking lot is available for those with mobility issues. Thank you and see you tomorrow!

Spring is here!

I need to get moving on a new seasonal session!

Last year we had the Spring Cleansing Spa Session and I think I will reconfigure and polish that one up. I want to come up with a new salt scrub, though. I have been rotating through the same four recipes for the last year and a half, and while they are quite yummy, it's time for something new. One of my Ladies' Night regulars suggested limes as a main ingredient.

I'll keep you posted as soon as I decide. And, if you have a request, let me know. I might be making the next salt scrub in your honor.

The Nights of the Seattle Erotic Art Festival

Each night of the Seattle Erotic Art Festival's entertainment is themed around "Indulge Your Senses." We are encouraging guests to join the volunteers and performers in dressing up. Please note that the Thursday Artist's Reception is by invitation only, the only ticket you can buy for attendance is the Velvet Package.

THURSDAY 4/30
Tease -- Artist Reception: A White Tie Affair. By invitation only. Formal wear appreciated.

Formality combined with sensuality. Whatever you consider formal. Ballgowns and tailcoats? Chokers and waistcoats? Uniforms and regalia? Dress to fascinate, charm, flirt, tantalize, beguile and tease. When in doubt, go with something all in white - a bewitching display of innocence and purity.

FRIDAY 5/1 - May Day!
Seduce -- A Silk and Satin Soirée. Seductive dress encouraged.

Clothing that is lavish and luscious with fabrics that attract a caress. Suits and smoking jackets or heels and garters; all in silks and satins and other sensual fabrics. Evoke a feeling of sensuous film noir decadence and drama, femme fatale energy, or sexy sophistication that is sleek and elegant. Dress to entice, arouse, lure, persuade and seduce. When in doubt, go sexy and dark.

SATURDAY 5/2
Indulge -- A Celebration of the Senses. Extravagant attire encouraged. Prizes awarded for the most indulgent and outrageous costumes.

Attract attention. Challenge yourself. No holds barred - bring out your most outrageous sexy outfits. Feathers, fur, glitter, fishnet, latex, chains - any version of "sexy" that appeals to you. Show off something you've not dared wear before. Dress to delight, provoke, captivate, enthrall and indulge. When in doubt, go colorful and extravagant .

These themes set the tone for each evening but are by no means requirements. We encourage you to attend the Festival in whatever you consider sexy and makes you feel good.