ABMP to Relocate- Massage Mag Article

ABMP to Relocate

ABMP has ended this year with many changes and in a sign of growth is moving into bigger facilities.
A revamped website with enhanced resources for its users as well as my new favorite a digital version of their Massage and Bodywork magazine are great ways to end this year.
If you are a member you most likely have also noticed a new section geared to helping bodyworkers deal with the changes effecting the economy. If you are not a member don't despair you can still read the magazine online as well as other articles and resources.
The positive and forward changes of ABMP is an example of more things to come next year and a great way to inspire us individually on going forward as well.

Monday Remedies

Olive Oil~

Yesterday when a double ear ache threatened my serenity a friend (whom I consider a natural health encyclopedia) suggested olive or garlic oil. I was quick to jump up and try it. Coincidentally, I stumbled across a little blurb on olive oil in my pile of interesting papers & well it was interesting.
When it comes to topical uses (other than on crusty bread with melted cheese and fresh basil-mmmm, I digress) I saw many commonsensical uses. Cuticle cream, skin moisturizer & using oil with a few drops of lavender on cotton balls for ear aches. I think I'll try that one tomorrow.

Does anyone have a favorite olive oil remedy of their own? Too bad it can't help my computer too!

Updates~

Hello again. More changes coming!
I am no longer working at Elements in Beverly. I will, however, be on call for a few weekends in December.
I can't believe how fast this year has gone and I'll miss working with other therapists as well as all the clients.
Both my coworkers and the clients taught me much not only about massage but about human spirit and our uniqueness.
Upcoming for next year~
Classes!
More details to follow.

In Elements news:
They're having a one year anniversary party on Friday December 4th from 4-8. There will be food, drinks and free chair massage! Also great discounts for the gift of massage. Hope to see you there. Go to the website for directions.

Fall Pictures

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here are a few of my plants before a few falls!

Pictures from my indoor garden!

Week One:

Week Two: Calendula is the fastest growing so far.
Week Three:

My first greenhouse!

Hello again.


Finally at the age of, well let's just say a twenty-something is making her first greenhouse. As you can see from the pictures below I'm not talking about large outdoor greenhouse but a rather a very small in the corner under a skylight plant center.

I'm doing a mini-experiment now at the end of summer to see how many plants I can grow indoors without killing. It should be exciting- REALLY.

So to start:

I got a seedling starter. I've never grown anything from seed but always preferred to buy from the experts.

A grow light. After searching for the best prices and size I wanted online I stumbled across this one at WalMart. I'll let you know if it works.

Peat Pots. I actually picked these while waiting to decide on plastic pots. Square or Round what a conundrum.

and Seeds! Again, I spent countless of hours going from site to site trying to find good quality, prices and selection. There were many great sites but I ended up ordering from two. Horizon Herbs and Artistic Gardens (Le Jardin du Gourmet). I received the seeds from Artistic Gardens today and can't wait to start.

Where has the summer gone?

Hi everyone.

It's been a long time since I posted here. Between working, reading, enjoying the summer and oh yeah writing in a another slightly frivolous blog i haven't meandered over here.
So news in the world of Sage Rose Wellness:

Still working at an Elements studio in Beverly, MA.
I really love working with a group of other bodyworkers the experiences we can share is great.

Working on my mini-greenhouse.
This can go either way since I have NO experience from growing plants from seed. But I'll journal it here so if anything useful (I hope edible & medicinal plants) blooms someone else can learn it too. Of course, any comments are appreciated.

Created a chin-up challenge for myself!
Might sound silly but body mechanics is so important when you are doing massage or like therapies. So in an effort to increase my strength among other things I'm including chin-ups into my weekly exercise. (Probably 3 times a week). I'll let you know how it goes. But I can guarantee no photos for those endeavors.

Hope you all had a great summer and if you like me can't believe it's coming to an end, there's always fall!

Take Care.

Walk for Hunger 2008

Thanks to all who donated time and energy this year to the Walk for Hunger. Almost a month has passed since that rainy event and my blisters are almost healed but it seems like just yesterday. I can't wait to do it again next year.

However, here's a few things I'll do differently:
1-do not wear old shoes
2-get a massage within 2 days
3-walk regularly BEFORE the 20 mile walk

Here's a few interesting pics from the day~

come prepared

positive talk

motivation

enjoy your surroundings

stretch~ a lot!

Plant Shopping

While researching garden centers nearby I stumbled across this news article.
The Silent Seed sounded familiar to me and then I remembered buying an anise hyssop plant at a fair at Hamond castle. Not only was it pretty but it tasted great in tea too.

I can't wait to go and check it out. I'm already writing my list.

I'll also be going to Goose Cove Gardens, an organic nursery in Gloucester, MA. I've gotten many plants there over the years and know from experience to only bring a certain of money with me otherwise I'll go overboard!

Happy shopping!

Indoor Gardens

Summer time is upon us. Sunshine and cool breezes are welcomed back eagerly everywhere and New England is no different. This weather always makes me think of plants alive and vibrant. Tomatoes and Basil spring to mind and make me instantly hungry!
So for those who have the land, knowledge and desire to grow- enjoy all the fruits & vegetables of your labor. For others go to your local produce stand or farmer's market and get fresh in season food.

If you are like me and live without garden space and would love to grow something anything try out indoor gardening. Many have potted jade tree, spider plants (that's what my mom used to call them) and other easy growing, die resistant plants in their home. There are other ways to grow indoors (one ex. hydroponics) and different types of plants (i.e. rosemary).

Check out your local nurseries and of course search online for the types of plants you want to grow. If you have a window or you have a spot to grow hydroponics then don't let this summer be like the past, grow today!

(Didn't that sound like an infomercial!!)

Plants I hope to grow indoors:

Rosemary, mint (separately), calendula (I'm not sure about this yet), aloe, chives & lettuce.
It's not etched in stone but I'll put pictures up of the finished products.

Enjoy the rest a beautiful day!

Walk for Hunger 2008 & Other News

Evening to everyone.

Quick updates:

Walk for Hunger is less than 2 weeks away. There's still time to sponsor someone or register yourself. See you there.

I've been with Elements for almost three months now and love it. I'm working at the studio in Beverly, MA on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays.

Have a great night!

2008~ Changes & Updates

Hello again!

It's been some time since my last post here and with many changes. I'm back in New England, have two new jobs and just registered for the Walk for Hunger. More about my exciting new work later, today I just wanted to mention the Walk for Hunger. Here in Boston it's May 4th, a 20 mile walk that is to raise money for underpriveled families here in Massachusetts. I was cotemplating volunteering this year (Chair Massage is what I was thinking!) but I decided to push myself and walk the 20 miles. I did it once before so hopefully I can do it again.
Every one have a happy Monday and if you live in the Boston area think warm thoughts.

Planning an Echinacea Party!

The first thing you need to do when planning an echinacea party is to decide what you want to do.


Are you planning on making teas, dry fresh flowers, make tinctures or even oils? Let's take making a tincture of this immune boosting herb as an example.


Buy your supplies.

• echinacea~ You can get dried or fresh root however, I prefer fresh roots.
  
• grain alcohol~ Try any grain alcohol with that is at least 80% proof. I prefer Vodka.
  
• empty jars! You can find large jars in many different places, Walmart, Target, Christmas Tree Shop, yard sales and online. Just make sure to clean and dry the jars thoroughly before use. I like using large pickle jars myself.

Invite friends.

Depending on how much space you have and herbs you get will determine how many guests to have. Also, how much echinacea does each person want to take home? You can suggest that each person bring a small to medium jar with them.

Clean and chop!

Make everyone get involved in cleaning the roots carefully to get as much dirt off as possible and then chopping up the roots. Not only is it wholistic by being part of the whole process, it's fun to get a little dirty. Okay, you CAN wear gloves! Put the roots on paper towels to dry a little if you prefer. This is a great time to take a snack break.

Fill the jars.

Now it's time for everyone to fill their jars. There are many different methods of making tinctures, some more precise than others. This is a Simpler's method. For a more scientific formulation of Echinacea tincture please browse the links below. Fill the jars about 1/3 full. Top off with 2/3 Vodka or other type of grain alcohol. For those who choose to abstain from alcohol you can also make tinctures out of a glycerin base. That can be found at many online stores like Mountain Rose Herbals. You can always boil the strained tincture before taking to reduce 1/2 of the alcohol content.

*The next steps are done 3-4 weeks later*

Close the lid tightly and shake up the tincture. Make sure that the herb is completely covered.

This is the end of the process, for now anyways. Each person should take their tincture home and shake it often for at least 3-4 weeks.

Strain and store.
I use coffee filters and strain it twice but everyone finds their method. You can keep the tincture in a dark place and it will keep for a few years at the least. That is if it lasts that long!

*Back to the party*

Just like any party make sure your guests are happy, engaged and most importantly enjoy yourself.

Herbal Thoughts

While researching some herbs for a client I stumbled across many remarkable websites. Since I am still in Greensboro, I have been separated by my ever-growing library. (No pun intended!) Without my class notes and resource books I was at a loss to research Hawthorn, a herb I rarely use. That did not stop me for long however as I quickly turned to the Internet. I found many sites that discussed the positive points of hawthorn as well as interactions with medications.
I also got to listen to my first podcast! I know that they've been around for awhile now but it was exciting for me! Christopher Hobbs podcast can be found here http://www.christopherhobbs.com/. In the meantime, I've decided to start hunting down copies of the books I have at home or similar ones, most likely at my favorite store here Edward McKay's. Don't even let me start on that subject. And if I have to I can always ship my books from home.
So in conclusion, don't be afraid to research herbs online, however, make sure that you are checking more than one source (at least three is a good idea) and make sure it's from a reputable source. I'll drop some of those links off here that I enjoyed perusing today.
Until then, take care and have a great day!

Sabbatical

Hello again.

It's been some time since I lasted posted. Spring has come and gone. Now that's it's summertime on Cape Ann things are really beginning to ramp up. Especially the traffic. Thankfully the bridge by Good Harbor was open some time ago and that won't make Eastern Ave traffic any worse than it already is.

I just wanted to take a moment to let clients, possible clients and friends know that I will be out of state for an undetermined amount of time. Once I know when I'll be back I will of course let you know right away. I hope to be back soon but while I'm away I plan to study for the National Certification maybe even take it!

Please continue to check out my websites since I'll be putting more links and information of other practitioners on it for your convenience.
Take care and see you soon.

My Space

Office Space that is.

For those clients that have been to my office in Gloucester you'll understand why I go in extra early before a session. I sublet the office on the weekends from another practitioner~ Brenda Weiberg. She not only decorated the room beautifully but hung some of her original and amazing artwork too.
The first thing I notice when I walk in the room is the green. A light, calming hue. Green just happens to be my favorite color.
Next, a tapestry on the wall not the CD. It fits perfectly between two large windows. It is subtle, white and tan, the tree of life. I love the natural sunlight and during the day not needing artificial light. Looking out the windows is Eastern Avenue just before Nugent Stretch with woods beyond the road.
No pictures right now but hopefully this brief description along with your imaginations will help you to anticipate a warm, inviting, safe, non-sexual place for your next session. Until then.

Take Care.

Tax Time

For those of you who have not done your taxes or filed an extension, tax deadlines are upon us. I filed online at TaxSlayer. While visiting the IRS site looking for a place to e-file I found TaxSlayer among a slew of other online tax sites that offer free filing of federal and state to qualified citizens. Age and income are the main factors.
It was exactly what I needed this year, quick and easy, plus I love their logo!
So if you are one of the many down to the wire check out e-filing. I did, yesterday!

Take Care.

Massage Week Soon!

Looking forward to the summer?

Now there's another reason too.

Massage Week is coming this July.

Come back for more details later.

Take Care.

Websites

Evening or Good Morning!

After much hemming and hawing I FINALLY put a website back up. I have no delusions of grandeur when it comes to my web design skills. Instead, I find I get myself caught up on simple design decisions.
So for the present I have a short and sweet page I created through ABMP. It directs you to my more detailed site which I hope to have up and running my the end of this month.
Until then, please bear with me!

Take Care,

Sage Rose

What type of sheets do you use?

In my "other" jobs, I work with the public and often ask them the question of the day.
It can be interesting, not just to hear all the different responses, but to see their facial expressions when they're asked something totally unexpected. It's like throwing cold water on a sleeping person sometimes.
I also have met some local massage therapists and when I see them I'll ask them random things. We may all be massage therapists or body workers but we all have our own way of doing things.
So for any massage therapists reading this post, what type of massage sheets do you use, if any?
If you are a person that just enjoys receiving massages do you remember any sheets that you liked or disliked in particular?

Last night, I ordered flannel sheets (twin sized that are extra long). Usually, I like simple solid colors, but I saw some sheets with snowflakes on them and I thought it was fitting. It Is winter after all, even though today was the first day we've received snow in my area. Once I see them in person I'll let you know what I think.

Take Care.