Taproot Bodywork Resource, LLC

If you’ve been looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift - you’ve found it! 

Come one, come all out to Bend for a lovey-dovey weekend full of snow, sunshine, and massage!  I’ll be teaching at least two couples massage classes in BEND over the course of Valentine’s weekend. 

The dates are as follows:

Friday evening, February 12th, time TBA.

Saturday, February 13th from 10 to 3 pm.

Sunday, February 14th from 10 to 3 pm, if there’s enough demand.

**Would you like to schedule a private session?  Give me a ring, and we’ll set something up for one of the evenings…

Are you in PORTLAND, and wondering if there will be a class there, soon?  Please drop me a line - I’d like to teach at least 2 group classes there in the near future… Depending on the preferences of those who contact me, I will either teach over V-Day weekend (Sunday), or schedule classes for the weekend following, February 20th and 21st.

I’m looking for willing hosts for a class - if you have a warm space in your house that would accomodate no more than 3 couples and would like to experience the healing energy of massage in your home, I’d like to give you a discount on the class!

Questions?  Give me a call at (503) 481-0595.

We’ve been nearly a week in Tumalo now, and we’re still wandering around in awe. We’re in love with our house and the surrounding environment. We’ve had to leave a few times for provisions, of course, and hung out a bit in downtown Bend a bit yesterday, but our new home exerts an irresistible pull.

We love ALL THE SUNLIGHT coming through our trees and into our windows, all day long. We love our woodstove, that’s heating our house so well we keep our thermostat at 60 degrees. We love our altar of a kitchen, the big open spaces in our house, and the snug little bedrooms. We have become devotees of our deck; our woodpile makes us feel like natives, thanks especially to the blisters and splinters of splitting and stacking wood. (No, I do not have massage hands, at the moment.)

We walk every day, through our ‘back 40’ to Tumalo State Park and the Deschutes River, or up the hill to what can maybe only be called the high country – wide fields, big horses, and gigantic views of the Three Sisters and more in the distance. Thus far we’ve seen a coyote, an eagle, a hare, plenty of deer tracks, tons of small birds…

The air smells so good. Jim is a sun addict. We find ourselves walking, talking slower. We don’t feel the need to be connected to the electronic world so much – we leave our phones at home, and the internet isn’t nearly such a hook. We sit down to eat, and look at each other over the table. Our daily to-do list includes that long walk.

We feel saner, stronger, healthier, more balanced. We both can’t believe we waited so long to do this for ourselves, to live in a beautiful place, to create the life we wanted. Our friends back home in Portland sound universally stressed out. (Sorry, friends, but our door is always open…)

What do you dream of? What do you need to do? Act.

You’ll note on the sidebar there that I’m teaching two separate classes, one on February 14th, and another on the 15th.  Both classes will be taught in Portland.  Location is somewhat TBA depending on class size.   

Feel free to drop me a line or call with questions!

Hello folks!

After 5+ years of private massage practice, I’m moving on to new adventures and sunnier skies.  In a few weeks, my partner Jim and I are moving to Bend, where I will be working at the community college in the massage therapy program.  I’ve long longed for a smaller town, a larger kitchen, and a more intimate connection with the outdoors, and I’m ready for my massage career to branch out in a new direction.  Bend offers all this with the added benefit of allowing me to stay in a state that has become my heartfelt home. 

The continuity of your care is extremely important to me, and thus I’m pleased to announce that Angella King, LMT, will assume the helm of my practice.  I’ve enjoyed Angella and her skills for three years, and have been very happy to share an office building with her since July.  Her practice is a great complement to mine, consisting of a variety of folks who enjoy the benefits of regular relaxation, athletes from recreational to Olympic, pregnant mommas needing some relief, and baby boomers and others who want help maintaining their wellness.  She is a therapist into whose hands I’ve very gratefully placed my tired body after athletic events and stressful days, and I’m confident that you will find the soothing touch you are seeking in her practice.  I’ve attached Angella’s bio - check her out!

We’d both like to ease your transition to her practice.  When you come in for your final massage with me, I’ll be able to help you schedule your next session with Angella.  Angella will be offering an introductory rate on your first massage of $50 for an hour and $75 for 90 minutes.  This is a great opportunity to try out her skills and experience her work.  You can view her availability and book online at www.unwindmassage.net, or call (503) 310-1627.  I feel very comfortable knowing that you will be in good hands with Angella…literally! 

The Nitty Gritty:

My last day in the office will be Wednesday, January 21^st.  I’ll be maintaining my regular Wednesday - Saturday schedule through that date.  There will be no refunds for unused gift certificates or package sessions.  If you’d like to get in for one last session, please do schedule soon.

Classes Continue:

I’ll also be teaching a Back Massage for Couples class this coming Sunday, January 11^th.  There’s still space for 2 more couples.  Private sessions are also available and can be scheduled at your convenience through January 21^st.

I’m hoping to add at least two more classes to my couples class curriculum in the coming months.  I’ll continue to intermittently teach in Portland as long as I can fill a class.  If you’d like to be notified of these upcoming classes, please send me an email with “couples classes” in the subject line so that I can add you to the appropriate mailing list.

Keeping in Touch:

For all you massage-ophiles out there, my new relationship with massage will inspire more regular blog posts, so please do check my website regularly, or subscribe to the RSS feed for easy notification of new posts.  www.taprootbodywork.com

I’ve known many of you for 5 years now, and I’m grateful for all the color you’ve added to the fabric of my life.  If you’re inspired to keep in touch, I’d welcome your emails.

Stay warm!  Take care of yourself!  And follow your dreams!

Michelle

 Happy Holidays, folks!

I wanted to let you know about my upcoming Couples Massage Classes - a great Christmas gift for both you and the special person in your life!

I’ve got space available for 2 more couples in this weekend’s class on Sunday, December 21st.  Perhaps you’re preparing to take off on your eggnog-fueled, multi-state family fest, and you’d really like some downtime with your sweetheart before you go.  This is the class for you!  I’m very interested in filling this class, so I’ll take $40 off the regular price for existing clients!

Maybe you’re thinking ahead to that cold weather in January… I have two upcoming classes, on January 4th and January 11th.  Gift certificates are available!

A Couples Massage Class is the one present you put under your tree that is a true luxury for the two of you.  Get a little bit closer in the New Year!

You can find more information about the class on my website:  www.taprootbodywork.com, or of course, feel free to give me a ring.

Be warm, be safe, and have a cool Yule!

Michelle

Yep, I live in a blue state, and yes, I’m a liberal.  And hell yes, I voted for Obama, and I’d wear his name plastered across my chest if I had the t-shirt. 

 But let me tell you how disgusted I am with the way things are, and why I think we so desperately need change. 

 Too many clients have weird health issues, and no insurance, or really bad insurance.

 Too many clients are losing their shirts in the Dow Jones upheaval.

 Too many of us are too poor to buy a house. 

Too many of us were swindled by mortgage brokers. 

Too many folks are getting paid peanuts for the valuable work they perform.

Too many clients are watching the layoffs at their companies with trepidation.

Too many of us are watching the potential of the great United States be squandered by yahoos with only their own interests in mind.

 I’m tired of corporations, pollution, corruption, cynicism, aggravation, poverty, aggression, partisanism.  I’m tired of not having any hope.  I’m tired of worrying.  I’m tired of watching my clients struggle with their burdens.  We want change.

I voted for Obama because I believe a vote for McCain is a vote for the status quo, and I and my clients just can’t take that anymore.

Get the hell out and vote!

Greetings, folks!

I wanted to tell you of some changes and seasonal transitions in my practice.  Effective November 1^st, when you come in for a session, and schedule your next appointment in advance, you’ll receive $5 off your next session!  As a result, I will no longer be selling 3 packs of massage sessions.  I accept cash and checks only - should you have trouble remembering to bring payment, there is a credit union right next door with an ATM.  Further concerns?  Drop me a line.

Hot stones are once again available!  Stones are such a great complement to any session.  You and your muscles will melt away under their presence and heat.  Give it a try this November!  Stones are normally $10 extra with any session - but are free when you schedule your next appointment in advance, in person.  So many reasons to schedule ahead!

The word is getting out about the Back Massage for Couples Workshop.  You can find reviews at http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15240103752.  I’ll be teaching it on November 23^rd, and December 7^th and 21^st, all Sundays.  The class is limited to 3 couples due to space limitations, so please do register early! 

Wondering where the heck your massage therapist and her monthly emails have been?  Check out www.taprootbodywork.com for an upcoming blog post about making space for wellness.

I hope you are well and dry!

Michelle

The following is from an email I received from the Baraka Institute, a life coaching school here in Portland.  I’m hoping the election will brighten our collective spirits, but my practice has brought me in contact with a lot of people who are really struggling right now.  I hope this helps a few of you…

When all else fails!
How to stay positive when life feels negative
 ~Caitlin Williams, CPC
 

 “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”  –Albert Einstein

Life continually presents us with a complex mix of personal and universal experiences that are not only joyful and deeply satisfying, but on occasion enormously challenging. How might we fortify and renew our optimism and sense of serenity when the “enormously challenging” aspect seems to outweigh the “joyful and deeply satisfying?” How might we redirect our intention to focus on what is working in our lives as opposed to what isn’t working (quite as well)?

Here is what a few of Baraka Institute’s coaches had to share: 
 
“Let yourself have extra long bubble baths. Do physically exertive tasks that give you a visual representation of accomplishment. Give and receive massages. Go out with friends you haven’t seen in awhile. Do fun things you haven’t done since you were in high school. Breathe. Go for longer walks. Take longer times to read books, cook that perfect meal, organize your house, work in your garden, and again, breathe.” ~ David D. Jones, Adult ADHD Life Coach
 
“When life feels overwhelming or negative, the first step is to pause and breathe and realize that this too shall pass. Pause for a moment and imagine that you are a solid, sacred mountain that can withstand even the fiercest storm and that no matter how hard the storm rages around you, you are solid and safe. Look at how you frame reality; how do you describe what you’re experiencing? What lens are you using? Are you only hearing and seeing what is negative around you? Begin by shifting your focus away from what you know to be terrible, and move your focus to the bright spots around you. Turn off the news. Reconnect with nature or spirituality or some other source of deeper connection that helps ground and renew you.”
~ Kim Tally- Life Coach
 
“When feeling overwhelmed or stressed, just Stop.  Breathe, take a pause and ask yourself what’s going on? Listen to get a sense of what your heart is trying to convey. Your innate wisdom is there just waiting to lovingly support you in whatever ways you need. The answer you are seeking is right inside… A hot shower while imagining your stress just melting down the drain or a long walk while noticing the beauty of nature and its renewing impetus–whatever it may be, you know best what’s right for you. Honor that. See yourself through.”
~Corinne Michaels, Life Development/Transitions Coach
 
“Are you leading life or is life leading you? Sometimes asking the right question or seeking to find that question can be the spark that ignites creativity and passion despite a current challenging situation. Practice laughter daily, till it hurts. Consciously choose to surround yourself with vibrant, life-affirming people, rather than those readily attached to negativity and limited thinking.” ~ Feroshia R. Knight, Organizational Leadership Coach
 
Additional activities might involve joining a group with like-minded members that offer what you seek: hiking, cooking, dancing, spirituality, pets… being with others who share your vision, passion and perspective offers comfort, camaraderie, and the sense that we don’t have to struggle alone. Life will toss most of us at some point the occasional curveball; it’s in how we catch it and what we do with it that holds the key to maintaining alignment with what evokes feelings of positivity and deep satisfaction within each of us. As Kim Tally adds, “The yin and yang of life means there is always beauty and joy as well as ugliness and heartache. We don’t need to deny ugliness or heartache; on the contrary, to be healthy they need to be accepted as part of life. But the key is not to dwell there and let it shut out what is beautiful and joyous and meaningful.”

The Back Massage for Couples Workshop will be taught on the following dates:

Sunday, November 23rd, 1 to 5:30 pm

Sunday, December 7th, 1 to 5:30 pm

Sunday, December 21st, 1 to 5:30 pm

All classes will be taught in close-in Southeast Portland. 

Early registration is encouraged.  Registering requires a non-refundable $100 deposit, payable by check or via PayPal. 

Feel free to call or email with questions!

After a few shenanigans regarding the location of this class, all problems have been worked out, and the class is a go.   I currently have space available for 2 more couples. 

A $100 deposit is required to hold your space, payable through PayPal.  

Feel free to call or write with questions.