Autumn Missive 2023

IN MY HEART

It's Fall, Y'all! I caught my first sniff of it after leaving yoga class last week, exclaimed, and took an even bigger breath in. Attached to this message are some snapshots of the summer I had, including this one:

The darling human whom I witnessed enter the world.

This bundle of smiles is the baby whose birth I attended this summer. He is one of four babies I have had the joy of interacting with through my perinatal work this year. As a pregnancy progresses, it's really cool to get to feel the third person in the room begin reacting to the massage. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the trust.

It is on my mind often lately how lucky I am to get to work with such awesome people. Each and every one of you are so cool and kind and complex, and you choose to come share your time with me. What a privilege it is to find myself grinning after saying farewell to you and looking forward to coming in to work for the day. I have the coolest job and while I wish the same fulfillment for all, a constant mantra is Thank you, thank you, thank you.

In my personal life, my honey bee colony is thriving and I'm almost through with my PLANT as PORTAL Herbal Apprenticeship. I've been doing my own tough but well-resourced holistic healing and making a drastic reduction in my caffeine intake, all a welcome companion to the coming slowness of the darker seasons.

My honeybees, ready to hatch at least four queens.

IN THE COMMUNITY

The Witch Fest Harvest Market with oak. and Gather was a wonderful party! To those of you who made it to my chair - welcome! I loved seeing so many of you stroll by and wave, and I hope those of you who made it out found at least one delightful treasure to take home with you. I look forward to being a part of the event for as long as Talia continues to organize it. If you're not already familiar, do yourself a favor and check out oak.'s beautiful space on the square for any of your plant-based gift needs.

I am taking a break from teaching this semester, but some recent Ivy Tech Massage Therapy graduates I want to recommend include Brian Boucher of Tea & Qi Massage Therapy, and Cathleen Paquet of Connectivity Bodywork. The excitement Brian brings to his table is a radiant delight and Cathleen's "anti-facial" is a nourishing treat. I am honored and proud to call them colleagues! Check them out and give their services a try.

As we near the final meeting of our PLANT as PORTAL Herbal Apprenticeship, I want to attest again to how wonderful an experience it has been. I have learned so much about plants and medicine making, local ecology, and have built some beautiful new friendships. I highly recommend the class to any and all with an interest in these topics, especially my former students who have expressed interest in herbalism! Learn more and register on Katie's website.

My Yarrow patch.

ON THE MENU

I am now offering 45 minute sessions by request, as well as the option to add complementary hot towels to most services. Online bookers will see these things reflected on the website. Hot towels may be requested at the start of service, as they take minimal time to warm up. Let me know!

Thanks to the incredible information I've gathered during PLANT as PORTAL, I will soon have new handcrafted oil options to add to services as well. Stay tuned!

IN THE SPACE

Starting in November with darker days, I am reducing my evening availability to two days per week, so I can make it home in time to get cozy and honor my instinct to hibernate. Tuesdays and Thursdays will be available for those of you who need 6pm appointments or later. The remaining days will offer latest appointments starting at 5pm. This will adjust in the other direction in late February/early March as the sunlight returns. So if you are someone who needs later appointments, you will want to book your November and December appointments soon.

IN MY HANDS

Last weekend marked seven years since I started my hands-on internship at That's the Rub. It took me by surprise to see Seven years! There are so many versions of myself I could have been by this time in my life, and here I am thrilled to be this one, writing this message to you in lovely autumn moments between appointments. Thank you for coming along for the ride.

With warmth and gratitude ~