Tuesday, July 29, 2008

A week at a glance.

Tuesday July 29th - Art Talk Night with Jeff Hengst, 7pm - 10pm

Thursday July 31st - Backrubs and Frontrubs Massage Class and Party, 7pm (private event)Mandatory RSVP to dastardly.deeds.david at gmail.com

Saturday August 2nd - LRS Summer Bash featuring live band, The Nasty Habits, 9pm at 750 Harrison St. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

Sunday August 3rd - Men's Spa Night with Richard, 7pm - 10pm (call Richard direct at 206-370-0423 for info.)

Monday August 4th - Ladies' Spa Night with Sophia, 7pm - 10pm

Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle
Please call 206-963-0772 or e-mail Sophia@hengststudio.com for more information.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Whew! I made it!

This weekend was Erotic Shorts, Little Red Studio's quarterly theatrical offering. I was asked to audition for a part and even though I had never acted before or spoken someone else's words on stage, I tried out and landed the part of The Aerialist in "Double Decker Bus." This was the first screenplay Clayton, the LRS stage manager, has written and I was excited to be a part of it.

My first play went smashingly well. There were a few ups and downs in the whole process, but I think it is safe to say that all three performances were a success. Each night had it's challenges. By the time of the dress rehearsal, I felt flush with how each run through built on the next. I felt ready. But the difference in how it feels on the stage when only a handful of chairs were filled and when the show is sold out is more dramatic than I could have ever guessed! By Sunday night, the building energy came to a head and the emotions spilled forth. I was surprised at the intensity I felt around the character and story. Clayton wrote about this at length in his blog. In many ways, my experiences mirrored his, so I will let his eloquence speak for me, as well.

I am very grateful to Courtnee for running last night's Couple's Spa Night so that I could commit to performing in erotic Shorts. It was such a wonderful and enriching experience. She had such a good time that she and I have discussed her taking over as the regular host for the evening. I have to admit, I am excited about the prospect of attending a Spa Night as a guest, too!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Private Party at the Spa!

We have just rented out the Spa on the evening of August 31st to a group for the purpose of putting on a massage party. The organizer, David, has given me permission to tell you about it. Below is a portion of an email he sent out to his mailing list. If you are interested, please email me and I will put you in contact with him and his group for more details of the event.

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 next co-ed massage party is Thursday, 7/31, and men only party is Sunday, 8/30.

We would appreciate it if every guest brought at least one partner who is willing to trade massage with you. We welcome LGBT, straight, polyamorous, and monogamous couples/groups. If you would like to be introduced to potential massage partners before the party, please email me for personal introductions (we love to play matchmaker).

The party/class cost is $30 (unless you wish to volunteer), cash and checks only. You may arrive as early as 7 PM for social hour, but please arrive before 7:30 PM if you want to hear the educational lecture. This party is for those 18 years of age or older, please. RSVP's are required, as space is limited. RSVP soon as the party usually sells out well before the event. You may request more information, or RSVP, to dastardly.deeds.david@gmail.com.

Peace and pleasure

David

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Thank you for voting for LRS!

Back in May, I made a post asking you to put in a vote for the Day Spa and LRS in the People's Picks in NWSource.com. Thanks to you, Little Red Studio made the top ten finalists for Local Theater Company!

We got a fancy placard and a letter. Here's an excerpt:

"Congratulations! The people of Seattle have voted and declared you one of their local favorites!
The 5th annual NWSource.com People's Picks contest is an opportunity for locals to stand up and be counted by voting for their favorite business and people. More than 80,000 votes came in this year in over 70 categories, from restaurants to entertainment, shopping, travel and recreation. And you made the top 10!"


What a nice feather for our cap!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Resistance is futile.

When it comes to essential oils and aromatherapy supplies, I generally have very little self restraint. I got an email yesterday from Original Swiss Aromatics announcing their 25th anniversary sale.

Of course, the things that are on sale are the normally outrageously expensive, rare oils, such as Helichrysum, also known as Everlast, which is amazing for aiding wounds in healing cleaner, i.e. reduction in scarring. Oh, and the sale is only on the 100mL size bottles, priced at $297.50. Compare with 15mL for $98.10 and you can see what an incredible discount that is. It's a good thing these oils are potent, otherwise I would think I was crazy for thinking that was a good deal. A 15mL bottle of anything can last me for months of personal use, so I can't really see the point of buying that much of something I would use so sparingly.

What I really like about this company is the consistent quality of the oils, which is a difficult thing with all the various factors that contribute to the strength and integrity of an oil. They do a certain amount of standardizing, which accounts for their higher prices on some of the oils. Sometimes, though, they are the cheapest price around, like the Moroccan Chamomile, I am paying $6 more for a bottle three times the size of the last one I bought at The Herbalist. When I can't wait for an order to be shipped, The Herbalist is where I go as it is convenient and decent quality on average. Unfortunately, there are a lot of oils that no one carries, like Black Pepper.

Here is my shopping list.
Cypress #5118
Cardamon #159
Chamomile Moroccan #103
Katrafay #4142
Pepper, black #166

The Cypress and the Katrafay are oils I have never ordered before and I am excited to smell them. These particular oils are especially suited to massage because of their affects on the circulatory system and muscles. There will be plenty of time to experiment with them before it's time to change the scented oil of the season.

I have a strong urge to go check the mail box.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

I'm in a play!



But don't worry, Courtnee will be hosting Couple's Spa Night, Sunday, July 27th from 7pm - 10pm, in my stead.

Erotic Shorts

Friday, July 25th @ 9PM
Saturday, July 26th @ 9PM
Sunday, July 27th @ 8PM

Our third time out with this fun collection of short erotic plays! Come revel in an evening of theater like only Little Red Studio can offer - indigent poets, surprise breakfasts, picnics in the park and the old west all await you.

Several short erotic plays, written by local playwrights and directed and acted by members of our troupe as well as from the greater Seattle theater community. Our first two efforts at producing erotic theater was a sold out success - make sure you don't miss this round!

Buy tix online: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/37858 or make your reservations by calling: 206-328-4758.

Monday, July 21, 2008

More Watsu reflections

After my last Watsu post, I received a few emails and have had some great conversations about this unique bodywork. Here are a few snippets.

One woman said that the best way to describe it is that "there are no worries under the water." (While being floated, your ears are under the water most of the time, creating a muffling or insulating effect to the noises around you.)

Another guest wrote this:

Having already experienced a Watsu with Mahina last September I knew that I had to concentrate on relaxing, floating, and clearing my mind.

That accomplished, I gave myself up to trusting that you would care for me. What I was feeling from you during the Watsu was this incredible maternal nurturing energy that fed my soul. I was filled with peace and comfort that is hard to describe...............

I felt connected and accepted, non-judged in any way.

That is so rare, being a middle-aged man in the business world. To find a special place, with incredible practitioners who can impart such peace and positive energy in a safe environment.

I had a 90-minute relaxation massage 3 days earlier by a LMP I had seen for many years. I am surprised (and shocked) that in comparing the 2 treatments, the 90-minute relaxation massage now feels so non-therapeutic.


Another guest talked about wanting more sensory disorientation. Dreams of a larger tub so that toes wouldn't brush the edges and no jets so that the silence is more profound. (I'm working on that.)

I'm really enjoying people sharing their stories and experiences with Watsu. It gives me a chance to further develop my ideas for evolving my own style and to understand the different ways this bodywork can touch someone.