A year in the woods

Even though I’ve been a massage therapist since 2012, December 1st marks my 1 year anniversary since opening this new location nestled in the maple trees overlooking Willamette river and the falls. The transition has been a challenging experience to say the least and has felt like starting over in a lot of ways. You’ve given me a lot of grace through this exhausting time and I’m so grateful for each of you. I’m also very excited to continue doing what I do best (besides massagin’ ;)) and that is creating a beautiful environment inside and out.

As stylish as it was for a port-a-potty, I was happy to finally see that go last month and have been having fun decorating the new bathroom, not forgetting to bring the nature in there too. And you will have fun not peeing in a freezing and wet plastic box. Here’re some before and after pics of the new bathroom.

As for the outdoors, I’ve spent countless hours this Spring and Summer destrangling the maple trees on and mostly outside my property from ivy and clematis, as well as non-stop ripping out of blackberry and tree of heaven. I’ve laid down mountains of mulch and have finally starting major planting last month with the help of the Backyard Habitat program. I also purchased some trees from Friends of Trees which will be here in a couple weeks. So far, I’ve put in over 50 little native plants, flowers, berries and trees including 3 of my beloved madrones which I’ve heard are nearly impossible to transplant and establish. So far so good, so if they make it through the Winter, I think they’re here for life.

Here's a baby pic I took today from one of the triplets I planted 6 weeks ago.

In the yard that faces the window which is currently mostly mulch, I want to make an orchard with a variety of fruit trees and gardens. I recently learned that it actually was an apple orchard before the ice storm a few years ago decimated it. Deer used to come! Of course I was thrilled to learn this and hopefully I can attract the return my real life mascot.

Also while attempting to rip out all the plastic “weed barrier” that covers this entire property, I noticed some of the plastic was harder and deeper and discovered there must have been a little pond here at one time. So I kept digging! Unfortunately I did have to add my own plastic in this case, but I’m filling it with natural rock and native pond plants come Spring, so it will be a great habitat for birds and frogs. The birds are already flitting around it and I'm happy to have a water source for them that won't freeze this Winter.

Speaking of birds, I’ve had several people say they miss seeing and hearing the doves outside the studio. Unfortunately the layout wasn’t conducive to build housing for them there, but If you want, I’m sure they’d love to come in and fly around for a visit!

You are very likely to see a hummingbird at the window however. I put a feeder up at every window and there are regular visitors. At almost every 4pm massage I’ve noticed that the feeders will often all be occupied at the same time with even two at the same feeder. I guess those territorial Anna’s are willing to share when it’s the last meal for the night.

And finally, it’s my 1 year anniversary on the new property, but it’s also December – ‘tis the season! I have gift certificates. I needn’t say they are a perfect stocking stuffer, but they are a perfect stocking stuffer. I’ve got it looking very winter-y, nature-y festive in the studio and your friends and family will definitely have a wonderfully unique experience if they haven’t been here. And if they have, they’re waiting for you to send them again! Mention this blog and get $10 off per $100 spent. I can even email them to you to either forward or print so you can stay in your pajamas.

Again, I just want to express my deep gratitude for your loyalty and support this past year. As difficult as the transition has been, I think I'm finally over the rainbow. I’m feeling very optimistic about the future on this property, supporting the native flora and fauna on this land that holds so much history, and creating a true retreat for you, if only for an hour. I wish you the best holiday season followed by a new year with many rainbows in all of their forms.

Ci vediamo negli alberi ~

(see you in the trees)

Jae