After having used the same layout for the site for the past two or three years, I decided it was time for a change of scenery.
Check out the new, greener (literally) look of Abundance Massage.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Four sheets to the win
Yesterday, I won.
I could get into a long story about the sheets I use in my practice, but I'll refrain. The important information is that the bamboo blend jersey sheets I've been using have been discontinued by Target, much to my consternation, and there was only one set left in twin size. So I looked up Bed Bath & Beyond, knowing that they carry bamboo twill sheets. Oh. Also discontinued. Great. So I called the store and put a few sets aside. Being on clearance, they were 50% off: $25. (Yes. Pricey, but more or less worth it for the blissful softness.)
I went to the store to pick them up, and decided to browse for a couple extra sets, first. I couldn't find them. I roved the sheet section for quite a while, and found nothing. What I did find was beech modal jersey, which is somehow even softer than bamboo jersey, for $20 and in a variety of lovely colors and not discontinued.
WIN!
So I got four sets for just a little more than I would have spent for three in a superior, continuing product. I am happy.
I could get into a long story about the sheets I use in my practice, but I'll refrain. The important information is that the bamboo blend jersey sheets I've been using have been discontinued by Target, much to my consternation, and there was only one set left in twin size. So I looked up Bed Bath & Beyond, knowing that they carry bamboo twill sheets. Oh. Also discontinued. Great. So I called the store and put a few sets aside. Being on clearance, they were 50% off: $25. (Yes. Pricey, but more or less worth it for the blissful softness.)
I went to the store to pick them up, and decided to browse for a couple extra sets, first. I couldn't find them. I roved the sheet section for quite a while, and found nothing. What I did find was beech modal jersey, which is somehow even softer than bamboo jersey, for $20 and in a variety of lovely colors and not discontinued.
WIN!
So I got four sets for just a little more than I would have spent for three in a superior, continuing product. I am happy.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
New Twitter name
My Twitter feed can now be found at twitter.com/abundancedoula.
Now... to find where all I have my old account written down or linked to and change it. Hoo boy.
Now... to find where all I have my old account written down or linked to and change it. Hoo boy.
CEIM Training
Since taking a two weekend workshop about six years ago in massage school, I've wanted to certify in Infant Massage instruction. I was turned on to a training happening in Sonoma next month which I can't go to, but with a little more digging I found another in March that's a few miles from my sister's house. I am jazzed by the prospect of finally realizing yet another part of my dream, and torn at the same time that it might all be too much at once to handle. However I feel like the past week has given me at least two or three tools that I need to get myself put together in short order, if I'll just put the principles I've learned to work. I've been provided for when the time came so often in the past, I know it works. I've seen it happen. So I'm going to put it up and out there once again.
I really want to attend this training. I want to meet this goal It's the closest, least expensive training that I've seen in 2010. The next is Palo Alto in April, but I'd have to rent a hotel room. Going to Citrus Heights will save me that expense, and I can spend time with my sister and her family. So it comes down to money: I need $650 for the registration.
That means I need to work, sell, or beg. I would prefer the first two, but I must confess that I'm not above the third. Obviously, I'm putting myself out there in other was than relying on this blog, but every little bit counts.
When it comes down to it, I basically need to do ten one-hour (paid, not trade) massages in the next month and hoarde that money like Ebenezer Scrooge McDuck! (I know, I'm so clever that Dickens and Disney are both rolling in their graves.) So if anyone out there can find it in their hearts and in their pocket books to help me out here, please help me realize my vision of helping families bond after birth.
I really want to attend this training. I want to meet this goal It's the closest, least expensive training that I've seen in 2010. The next is Palo Alto in April, but I'd have to rent a hotel room. Going to Citrus Heights will save me that expense, and I can spend time with my sister and her family. So it comes down to money: I need $650 for the registration.
That means I need to work, sell, or beg. I would prefer the first two, but I must confess that I'm not above the third. Obviously, I'm putting myself out there in other was than relying on this blog, but every little bit counts.
When it comes down to it, I basically need to do ten one-hour (paid, not trade) massages in the next month and hoarde that money like Ebenezer Scrooge McDuck! (I know, I'm so clever that Dickens and Disney are both rolling in their graves.) So if anyone out there can find it in their hearts and in their pocket books to help me out here, please help me realize my vision of helping families bond after birth.
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Tour
Since you're so kind as to read this blog, I thought I'd give you a tour of my practice and touch on some of the finer points of the environment. (Warning: this post contains everything you never cared about regarding the minutia of my practice.)
My massage practice is located inside Giuseponi, Etc. Hair Design in downtown Sebastopol. I have a nice little room all to myself as far back from street and sidewalk as you can get in this space, so it's pretty quiet except for the occasional salon noise. The walls are a calm mossy green or sage green, and most of the furniture and decorations are currently black or dark brown, creating an elegant atmosphere. I have some thoughts to veer toward a more earthy, nature- and Feminine-inspired environment, but that's for the future.
I've fitted my room with a small collection of Himalayan salt tea light holders. Most were purchased in town at Milk & Honey or The Uncarved Block. I burn only 100% beeswax candles (usually courtesy of Beekind) with cotton wicks. The negative ions from both the salt and beeswax help to purify the air and improve mood and feelings of well-being. Occasionally I employ a small porcelain diffuser with essential oils from Young Living or Simplers for a short amount of time if I feel like the room needs a little livening up. I also have a lovely little water fountain and some artwork.
My table is typically set with bamboo twill or jersey blend sheets which are so soft and comfortable, it should be a crime. I have a nice wooly fleece on my table and the table's padding itself is both soft and supportive. I also have a small polar fleece blanket available for extra warmth, if needed. I use organic jojoba oil and Pure Touch water dispersing oils and lotions, so no one walks away with greasy stains. I have a selection of gentle playlists to set a relaxing mood, from ocean waves and island voices to Native American flutes.
In fitting out my room and my practice, I prefer to support local businesses like most of those listed above whenever I can, and I will continue to do so as I restock, revamp, reorganize, and re-whatever else I do. So... there you have it. With luck, I will soon have a video and/or slide show to give you some visual references, as well. Until next time, peace.
My massage practice is located inside Giuseponi, Etc. Hair Design in downtown Sebastopol. I have a nice little room all to myself as far back from street and sidewalk as you can get in this space, so it's pretty quiet except for the occasional salon noise. The walls are a calm mossy green or sage green, and most of the furniture and decorations are currently black or dark brown, creating an elegant atmosphere. I have some thoughts to veer toward a more earthy, nature- and Feminine-inspired environment, but that's for the future.
I've fitted my room with a small collection of Himalayan salt tea light holders. Most were purchased in town at Milk & Honey or The Uncarved Block. I burn only 100% beeswax candles (usually courtesy of Beekind) with cotton wicks. The negative ions from both the salt and beeswax help to purify the air and improve mood and feelings of well-being. Occasionally I employ a small porcelain diffuser with essential oils from Young Living or Simplers for a short amount of time if I feel like the room needs a little livening up. I also have a lovely little water fountain and some artwork.
My table is typically set with bamboo twill or jersey blend sheets which are so soft and comfortable, it should be a crime. I have a nice wooly fleece on my table and the table's padding itself is both soft and supportive. I also have a small polar fleece blanket available for extra warmth, if needed. I use organic jojoba oil and Pure Touch water dispersing oils and lotions, so no one walks away with greasy stains. I have a selection of gentle playlists to set a relaxing mood, from ocean waves and island voices to Native American flutes.
In fitting out my room and my practice, I prefer to support local businesses like most of those listed above whenever I can, and I will continue to do so as I restock, revamp, reorganize, and re-whatever else I do. So... there you have it. With luck, I will soon have a video and/or slide show to give you some visual references, as well. Until next time, peace.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Links that should be but aren't
Sometimes, I'd really like to put something or someone in my Links section over on the sidebar, but there's no website (to my knowledge) to point you toward. Therefore, I've created this post that I can just link to repeatedly and give you pertinent information here that is otherwise not easily or succinctly available online (again, to my knowledge.)
1. Laurel Brody, L.Ac. - 707-829-3658
9051 Mill Station Road Sebastopol, CA 95472
I cannot say enough about how much I love this woman. I see her every few weeks to work on some ongoing menstrual projects, and she is just a joy, and a deep trove of knowledge. I hate needles and I am still willing to pay $70/hour to see her a couple of times a month. She does a lot of work with fertility, hormone balancing, natural labor induction, turning breech babies, IVF, etc. Easily one of the best referrals I have been given in my entire life.
2. To come...
This will be an evolving list as necessary.
1. Laurel Brody, L.Ac. - 707-829-3658
9051 Mill Station Road Sebastopol, CA 95472
I cannot say enough about how much I love this woman. I see her every few weeks to work on some ongoing menstrual projects, and she is just a joy, and a deep trove of knowledge. I hate needles and I am still willing to pay $70/hour to see her a couple of times a month. She does a lot of work with fertility, hormone balancing, natural labor induction, turning breech babies, IVF, etc. Easily one of the best referrals I have been given in my entire life.
2. To come...
This will be an evolving list as necessary.
La Logo en...
Like my logo?
It's right over there.
<-----
Thanks! I drew it myself, basically between Christmas and New Year's. Most of that time was spent getting it cleaned up in Photoshop so it would be suitable for printing. I'm pretty proud of it, if I do say so, myself. It was inspired by a Maori double twist onyx pendant I got at Milk & Honey. When I first spotted it in the case, the angle I was at made it resemble a woman exchanging gazes with a baby in her arms. Well. I could resist that! The mendhi style mandala surrounding it is a motif type that I've been fond of since I was in massage school, and the symbolism behind both the mandala and the double twist (eternity, completeness, centeredness, unity, etc etc.) are integral to the vision I have for my practice. So, I'm very proud of my logo and everything for which it stands.
I just wish I had a version in color.
I've tried repeatedly since finishing the digital clean up to find a satisfactory color scheme that I like, that ideally adds another layer of symbolism (though it isn't critical), and that is still appealing in grayscale, a.k.a black and white. So far it has been a journey of "pick any two", and I'm getting a little frustrated. For the time being, I've decided to stick with brown or black and white. (Side note: one impression I felt very strongly at church yesterday is that I need to learn to let go of what I think I have to have in order to do what I need to do. While this decision predates the impression, it's certainly in line with it.) However, in the future, a color scheme is definitely on my list of Things to Do (or Hire Someone Else to Do.)
It's right over there.
<-----
Thanks! I drew it myself, basically between Christmas and New Year's. Most of that time was spent getting it cleaned up in Photoshop so it would be suitable for printing. I'm pretty proud of it, if I do say so, myself. It was inspired by a Maori double twist onyx pendant I got at Milk & Honey. When I first spotted it in the case, the angle I was at made it resemble a woman exchanging gazes with a baby in her arms. Well. I could resist that! The mendhi style mandala surrounding it is a motif type that I've been fond of since I was in massage school, and the symbolism behind both the mandala and the double twist (eternity, completeness, centeredness, unity, etc etc.) are integral to the vision I have for my practice. So, I'm very proud of my logo and everything for which it stands.
I just wish I had a version in color.
I've tried repeatedly since finishing the digital clean up to find a satisfactory color scheme that I like, that ideally adds another layer of symbolism (though it isn't critical), and that is still appealing in grayscale, a.k.a black and white. So far it has been a journey of "pick any two", and I'm getting a little frustrated. For the time being, I've decided to stick with brown or black and white. (Side note: one impression I felt very strongly at church yesterday is that I need to learn to let go of what I think I have to have in order to do what I need to do. While this decision predates the impression, it's certainly in line with it.) However, in the future, a color scheme is definitely on my list of Things to Do (or Hire Someone Else to Do.)
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Doula Night at My Baby News: 1-14-10
ALSO! Not that anyone's reading this blog yet, but there's the monthly Free class at My Baby News tonight at 6:30. We'll be learning about "The Amazing Talents of Newborns". I don't know about you, imaginary audience, but I am totally jazzed.
Camera issues
I'm trying very diligently to get pictures up, but I can't find any of my three transfer cables. I have mad losing-stuff skills. Go me.
I'm thinking about making a Twitter, or maybe just using my current one. I think I need to clear that one out a little, as it is rather jewelry and plus size fashion-centric in the follower/following department. We'll see.
Oh! I did get my awesome new totebag and Sigg bottle from CafePress yesterday. It's very exciting. I might get a smaller tote in the future to use as a school bag, since this one is kind of ginormously huge for that, but for now, I'm perfectly content with it. I also have a door magnet coming in the mail. Huzzah for self-promotion! I also have an adorable custom onesie that I will definitely offer in the future when I open a CafePress store, but for now, I'm going to make do with what I have instead of spending another gob of money on promotional items. Next item on the list will be considering whether to get my info stuck on the back window of my car, too. Again, we'll see. I'd love to hear some opinions on cost-effective promotions, especially geared toward massage therapists and doulas.
I'm thinking about making a Twitter, or maybe just using my current one. I think I need to clear that one out a little, as it is rather jewelry and plus size fashion-centric in the follower/following department. We'll see.
Oh! I did get my awesome new totebag and Sigg bottle from CafePress yesterday. It's very exciting. I might get a smaller tote in the future to use as a school bag, since this one is kind of ginormously huge for that, but for now, I'm perfectly content with it. I also have a door magnet coming in the mail. Huzzah for self-promotion! I also have an adorable custom onesie that I will definitely offer in the future when I open a CafePress store, but for now, I'm going to make do with what I have instead of spending another gob of money on promotional items. Next item on the list will be considering whether to get my info stuck on the back window of my car, too. Again, we'll see. I'd love to hear some opinions on cost-effective promotions, especially geared toward massage therapists and doulas.
Monday, January 11, 2010
A new News page and blog
After judging my original "News" page on the website inadequate to the task of sharing long thoughts, updates, photos and other tidbits, I've decided to start up a blog. So, voilà. Here's to upcoming pictures and posts and huzzah-worthy things.
Here are the posts from the past year, just in case anyone's curious:
A belated Happy New Year!
Welcome to 2010! With the advent of this new year and new decade (or not--see rollover debate ca. 1999) comes a lot of new ideas and new energy. I've been very busy this past week revamping my space now that it's no longer shared (YAY!) and adding my own sense of flair to it. I got my camera back after month without it, so I'll be taking pictures soon to share. I'm thinking of starting a blog to replace this News page. I'm revamping and reorganizing and replenishing, and there's a lot of hope for a bright and bursting year.
December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas! Closed for the rest of the year...
Due to scheduling conflicts and time with family, Abundance Massage is temporarily closed. The office will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2010. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May they be wonderful and bring you new joy.
Also, I have a new logo. Is it not nifty? :D
November 1, 2009
We're open! (Finally)
Thanks to a lovely battle with bronchial crud, the re-opening was delayed a month, but we're in business now! Huzzah! Again, I'm working at Giuseponi, Etc Hair Design in downtown Sebastopol. See Hours for more information.
In other news, November is National Adoption Month. I will be collecting new, clean receiving blankets for donation up until the 21st. Everyone who donates will receive a $10 discount on a one-hour massage for themselves or a loved one. Count your blessings this month, and pay it forward to babies in need.
October 1, 2009
Reopening!
I jumped off the below-mentioned office job wagon a couple of months ago, and after some fiddling, hemming, and hawing, I've found a great new situation that I am really excited about: Giuseponi, Etc. salon in downtown Sebastopol. I just have a few hoops to jump through and a paper or two to sign before I'm ready to start scheduling appointments again and taking on doula clients, as well! Yay!
May 4, 2009
Temporarily closed
Economic downturn being what it is, I recently jumped at the chance for a part-time office job in the mornings before school because money's a nice thing to have. Between that and classes, I currently have no regular time before evenings in order to do massage and I can't be on-call as a doula. However, I plan to use a good portion of the money I'm earning to prepare myself to really be thrown into my vision. I'm going to do some continuing education, renew my insurance, and start looking for a new office to rent. But for the time being, the table is folded up and the hands are off-duty. Watch this space for further updates!
Here are the posts from the past year, just in case anyone's curious:
A belated Happy New Year!
Welcome to 2010! With the advent of this new year and new decade (or not--see rollover debate ca. 1999) comes a lot of new ideas and new energy. I've been very busy this past week revamping my space now that it's no longer shared (YAY!) and adding my own sense of flair to it. I got my camera back after month without it, so I'll be taking pictures soon to share. I'm thinking of starting a blog to replace this News page. I'm revamping and reorganizing and replenishing, and there's a lot of hope for a bright and bursting year.
December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas! Closed for the rest of the year...
Due to scheduling conflicts and time with family, Abundance Massage is temporarily closed. The office will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2010. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May they be wonderful and bring you new joy.
Also, I have a new logo. Is it not nifty? :D
November 1, 2009
We're open! (Finally)
Thanks to a lovely battle with bronchial crud, the re-opening was delayed a month, but we're in business now! Huzzah! Again, I'm working at Giuseponi, Etc Hair Design in downtown Sebastopol. See Hours for more information.
In other news, November is National Adoption Month. I will be collecting new, clean receiving blankets for donation up until the 21st. Everyone who donates will receive a $10 discount on a one-hour massage for themselves or a loved one. Count your blessings this month, and pay it forward to babies in need.
October 1, 2009
Reopening!
I jumped off the below-mentioned office job wagon a couple of months ago, and after some fiddling, hemming, and hawing, I've found a great new situation that I am really excited about: Giuseponi, Etc. salon in downtown Sebastopol. I just have a few hoops to jump through and a paper or two to sign before I'm ready to start scheduling appointments again and taking on doula clients, as well! Yay!
May 4, 2009
Temporarily closed
Economic downturn being what it is, I recently jumped at the chance for a part-time office job in the mornings before school because money's a nice thing to have. Between that and classes, I currently have no regular time before evenings in order to do massage and I can't be on-call as a doula. However, I plan to use a good portion of the money I'm earning to prepare myself to really be thrown into my vision. I'm going to do some continuing education, renew my insurance, and start looking for a new office to rent. But for the time being, the table is folded up and the hands are off-duty. Watch this space for further updates!
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