Archive for the ‘CT’ Category
The final days of summer | The light at dusk
In CT, landscape, Manchester, Photography, Uncategorized on September 13, 2016 at 9:12 PM Dogwood 52 : Week 1
In Art, art portraiture, CT, Manchester, personal, Photography, Portrait, story, studio on main, Uncategorized on May 24, 2016 at 6:52 PMA local photography group I’ve just joined has decided to challenge ourselves with a 52 week photo project. Rather than coming up with our own list we are following along with one that has already been published online – the Dogwood 52 Photography Challenge.
It’s a lot of fun to see how other people choose to express themselves and it’s motivating to be accountable to a group of people. I’ve been batting around an idea for a while now, but always put it last on my list of things to do. This week 1 challenge at least ‘forced’ me to start playing with the idea and to take one step towards executing what I really want. Yay!
Week One:
14 things I’ve learned since leaving massage school : #6
In CT, Manchester, Massage, self care, Uncategorized on March 23, 2016 at 12:05 PM(March 15th marked 14 years since my first day of massage school out in Port Townsend, WA. I spent a little time reflecting on what I’ve learned from having my hands on countless bodies of all different shapes, sizes, and levels of health over the years. In random order here are some of my observations and things I wish my clients knew.)
#6 I am not a masseuse.
OK well technically, semantically, I am.
Dictionary.com defines masseuse as: “A woman who provides massage as a profession or occupation.”
What some people think masseuse means is better defined by UrbanDictionary.com:
“Generally considered to be a woman who practices massage therapy, however this is a misnomer. A masseuse is a woman who practices massage and has none of the western medical training and is not licensed and may be associated with prostitution. In most states this is illegal.”
Even though I know that it’s likely that most people mean no harm when using the term, I cringe whenever I hear it. I’m not sure if other licensed massage therapists feel this way or if it’s just one of those things I’m sensitive to. Unfortunately, over the course of my career, I’ve had one too many people ask me if a “happy ending massage” was an option, for me to let a word slide by that may be encouraging that kind of mentality. I’ve received repeated offensive phone calls. A few times it’s been necessary to “fire” my clients when their behavior has crossed a line that has made me feel unsafe.
It has been disheartening over the years to have to wonder if that potential new client on the phone is really understanding what a professional therapeutic massage is. My massage school was 17 months long. It included 650 hours of in class instruction and a tremendous amount of out of class time spent not only studying but giving massage to friends / family members in turn for their critique / review which was handed in and reviewed by the school. I had to pass an exam in the state of WA, where I went to school, and in CT so that I could become nationally certified as a Licensed Massage Therapist. In order to maintain my license and insurance I am required to continue my schooling every year, taking continuing education classes on different massage modalities.
I may be a bit sensitive to the way the word masseuse can be used to imply services that are illegal. It may be just because I’ve had some uncomfortable experiences with people. I’m curious to know what you think. Have you ever heard someone mention a masseuse with a wink and a smile? Did you laugh? Feel uncomfortable? Maybe I need to rethink this word that makes me cringe … or maybe it’s cool that I ask you to refer to me as your Massage Therapist.
14 things I’ve learned since leaving massage school : #5
In CT, Indulge, Manchester, Massage, self care, Uncategorized on March 22, 2016 at 5:44 PM(March 15th marked 14 years since my first day of massage school out in Port Townsend, WA. I spent a little time reflecting on what I’ve learned from having my hands on countless bodies of all different shapes, sizes, and levels of health over the years. In random order here are some of my observations and things I wish my clients knew.)
#5 It’s an honor to work with you.
Back when I started my first practice in CT, over 12 years ago now, I had a client come to me to receive massage while she went through her treatment for cancer. I felt unqualified and a little bit nervous to lay my hands on this beautiful soul. At the time I was still fairly fresh out of school and I hadn’t done any long term work with anyone battling that disease. For various reasons, at that time there was still some lingering debate going on about whether or not it was even OK to do certain types of bodywork while a patient was receiving treatment. [The landscape has changed a lot since then.]
Needless to say we proceeded mindfully and with approval from her doctor. We were intentional about communication, not doing work that was too deep for her to be able to process, etc. As the months went by we were doing less physical bodywork and more laying on of hands and energy work because that was all she could handle. My client was losing her battle with cancer and continued to come see me week after week because she needed a safe place to be. She needed to be witnessed. She needed a place to fall apart before she went back to her husband and children at home. The simple, but powerful art of therapeutic touch gave her comfort and helped fill her spirit just enough to get through a few more hours.
I was heartbroken when I heard she lost her battle with cancer. All these years later I am still awed that she choose me and trusted me to share those sacred moments with her. I consider myself lucky to have spent that time with her and I still feel that way today any time a new client chooses to trust me with their well-being for an hour or so. It is an honor to work with you. ♥
14 things I’ve learned since leaving massage school : #4
In CT, Manchester, Massage, self care, Uncategorized on March 19, 2016 at 10:25 AM(March 15th marked 14 years since my first day of massage school out in Port Townsend, WA. I spent a little time reflecting on what I’ve learned from having my hands on countless bodies of all different shapes, sizes, and levels of health over the years. In random order here are some of my observations and things I wish my clients knew.)
#4 Increasing your intake of water is one of the most overlooked free and easy tools available to you to increase your health and wellness.
Since I am not a nutritionist or medical professional I don’t feel qualified to educate you on the importance of water in regards to our biological functions. As someone who lays her hands on bodies, palpating muscle tissue to assess suppleness, flexibility and areas of “stuckness” I’d lay odds that lack of hydration contributes to many of the aches and pains my clients report.
Most mornings, before doing anything else, I drink at least 24 ounces of water mixed with apple cider vinegar, fresh squeezed lemon juice, real maple syrup and cayenne pepper. This is both hydrating and alkalizing for the body. If I had to guess I’d say most of the people I know don’t drink 24 ounces of water in their whole day. An easy guideline to follow is to consume half your body weight in ounces of water every day. So, if you weigh in at 150 pounds, you’d aim to drink 75 ounces of water daily. Of course, this can vary. If your diet is mostly fresh raw fruits and vegetables you’ll derive some of your hydration from them. If you go do hot yoga for 90 minutes you’ll sweat out more than usual and need to increase that number. I’ll let you do your own research and make your own determinations.
Some signs you may not be drinking enough water:
- Headache
- Back or joint ache
- Muscle cramps
- Mental fog
- Bad mood
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
Those are some of the most common things I get asked to help with during massage sessions. I’d recommend experimenting. Take stock of how you feel day to day. Increase your water intake and see if anything shifts. I’d love to know if you make this subtle shift in your daily routine if any of your chronic aches and pains start to decrease. Cheers!
14 things I’ve learned since leaving massage school : #2
In CT, Indulge, Manchester, Massage, self care, Uncategorized on March 17, 2016 at 2:24 PMMarch 15th marked 14 years since my first day of massage school out in Port Townsend, WA.
I spent a little time reflecting on what I’ve learned from having my hands on countless bodies of all different shapes, sizes, and levels of health over the years. In random order here are some of my observations and things I wish my clients knew.
#2 Wherever you are in your self-care journey is OK
Yesterday I encouraged you to consider not drinking that quad espresso before arriving for your relaxing massage appointment.
I also need to state that, if you do – it’s OK.
Just show up. Be as present as you can. Do your best to just BE in your body. Let go of an attachment to the outcome of your session time and simply pay attention to what your body may be telling you.
The massage room is a no-judgment zone.
Sometimes you’re going to come in and zone right out. Other times you’re going to chat nonstop because it’s the only way to let yourself unwind. You may get one massage a year because you still feel guilty taking “me-time” or because that’s what your budget allows. Sometimes you’ll come in once a week and think a 90 minute massage isn’t enough time because you know that the more your needs are met, the more of you there is to offer to your loved ones. It’s all good.
One of my favorite regular clients was an older woman who started taking care of herself much later in life. She said she didn’t start understanding the value of self-care until she was an ‘old lady.’
At our first meeting she told me (para phrasing), “Look – this is my body. Take it or leave it. It’s been well used. It’s birthed children. It has scars and wobbly bits. There is a tattoo where most people will never see it and hair growing in places I wish it wouldn’t. I’ve spent my whole life taking care of others, putting myself last or not on the list at all. I’ve never felt worthy of this kind of indulgence. Now I know. Life goes by fast. People I spent my whole life nurturing have died. I worked 40 years at a job and never felt appreciated. Now my body is breaking down and there is no one here to piece me back together. I deserve to be loved, nurtured, valued and respected. I’m making up for lost time here doll, so make it good!”
It took her most of her life to learn how to receive, but once she figured out how valuable she was nothing was going to stand in her way. I know you deserve to carve out time to take care of you. My client knows it too. And wherever you are on that journey – whatever kind of time and space you carve out, or don’t – however you show up – is perfectly OK.
Handbags with Heart | The Purse Project
In community, CT, Manchester, Uncategorized on December 10, 2015 at 6:00 PM
Do you have any gently used handbags lying around that you no longer use? Well, it is time to re-purpose them….with heart!
My friends Gina & Alex started “THE POCKETBOOK REVOLUTION” to gift women in need in the greater Hartford area. Taryn W. and I are jumping on board to support their mission and will be accepting donations for the greater Manchester area here in the studio.
We are collecting gently used handbags along with women’s hygiene supplies to directly benefit women in need. We will putting all the bags together on December 19th and donating them to four different women’s shelters in Manchester.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Donate and/or collect handbags and supplies such as:
Tampons, pads, soaps, shower gels, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby powder, mini-first aid kits, shampoo, conditioner, etc. Imagine if you were starting your life over with potentially nothing but the shirt on your back. Gift whatever items you think you might need … or want.
Drop these items off at the studio at 264 Main Street in Manchester ANY TIME BEFORE December 19th. If the shop is closed just leave items in the space provided on the front porch.
Thank you in advance for your compassionate generosity!
See what’s happening via our FB event page here.
MY FIRST CSA – NO FARMS NO FOOD
In CT, FARM, landscape, local artist, Photography on June 18, 2015 at 10:17 AMIn my quest to support “all things local” I have joined my first CSA this year. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. You buy into a farm before they start their growing season and they give you a share of what they grow each week. Fresh. Local. Delicious. Driving out to the place where my food was grown and meeting the people who put so much care and hard labor into growing it has upped my appreciation for what I’m eating this week. One of my regular clients recommended the Hurst Family Farm to me – saying they grew the best veggies she’d ever tasted – and I have not been disappointed. The farmer let me wander around a bit to take photos and what attracted me that day were lots of cute birdhouses, friendly livestock and the textures on the fence. Can’t wait to see what I’ll get to eat next week. :)
HEAD SHOT | PHOTOGRAPHER | MANCHESTER, CT
In CT, Head Shot, Manchester, Photography, Portrait, studio on main, Uncategorized on February 11, 2015 at 4:50 PM
A head shot is a simple thing. A shot of you – usually from the shoulders up.
It’s a complicated thing when you understand that your face – the way you connect with the viewer – is your personal branding. It’s a terrifying thing for most people. It’s the rare experience when someone walks into my studio and says “I LOVE being the center of attention and am in my glory in front of the camera.” What usually happens is folks come in and are fairly animated during the casual chit-chat time – and then as soon as the camera comes out – deer in head lights. This is so normal. I’d do it too. In fact, maybe – as a photographer – I’d do it even more than you. I like my position behind the camera.
It is my job to help you relax so the real, beautiful, fierce you can shine through. If you’ve been thinking it’s time to re-brand your website or social media picture I can walk you through the process. It’s a privilege and honor to do what I do.
TESTIMONY FROM A PAST CLIENT:
“You can find more than one portrait photographer in the field with a good eye for light and composition, but I discovered that Tania Palermo’s gifts and talents far exceed mere technical skills. She was able to explore with me what it was I wanted the photography to accomplish, and managed to bring to light what it is that fuels my passion for what I do. She captured the essence of what I want to convey to my clients in such a way that the photographs BECAME MY BRANDING. My website grew easily and naturally from the photographs themselves. I have received incredibly positive and superlative feedback from my friends and colleagues and clients about Tania’s portraits of me. If you want to boost your productivity or just to capture in photographs the essence of who you are and what is important in your life, I highly recommend that you treat yourself to a visit to Tania’s studio!” ~Karen Chadbourne
Make 2015 Your Year of Self Care – You’re worth it! | MASSAGE | Manchester, CT
In CT, Manchester, Massage, self care, studio on main on December 27, 2014 at 3:59 PMThroughout the 17 months I attended massage school, we were required to receive massage once a week on top of all the bodywork we got during our in class hours. As you can imagine this was incredibly delicious!! Not only did it create a group of massage junkies basking in the glow of all of that nurturing touch – it also created space for some major life transformations to occur.
Our bodies can hold onto old traumas both physically as well as emotionally and spiritually. Many of my classmates and I experienced huge breakthroughs and shifts in our selves / lives. Working with a licensed, caring practitioner who is skilled at holding a safe space can help you to release lots of old junk.
The freedom I experienced from regular, consistent bodywork allowed me to do things like quit smoking, walk 5 miles a day and treat myself more kindly overall. I was also able to be more present in all of my relationships, laugh more fully, sleep more soundly and overflow with creative thought. The more grounded in my body I became – the more I was able to listen to those gut feelings and intuitions we all have. It was back then that I began to have visions of a community center – the seed of which the studio is today.
On a physical level the more frequently you can work with a licensed massage therapist the easier it is to build trust and do deeper work. Clients that come to me at least once a month for a year report back to me that aches and pains they’ve had for years have almost completely diminished. They say they breathe easier, are more present for their children and have more to give in all areas of their lives because they’ve invested in themselves and filled up the well.
I believe strongly that 2015 can be your year of self-care. You deserve it!! Your loved ones will thrive in the light of your best you. Then the whole word will be a better place. :) Because of this I’m rolling out new Self Care Packages at a discount from my normal pricing to help you achieve your wellness goals.
Package #1 – 20% savings*
Bi-weekly massage for 3 months. You’re jumping into the pool feet first. Ready to dive deep and be bold with the transformation you seek.
Therapeutic Massage Regular Price Package Price Savings
90 minutes $690 $552 $138
60 minutes $480 $384 $96
45 minutes $390 $312 $78
30 minutes $270 $216 $54
Package #2 – 15% savings*
Monthly massage for one year. You are committed and courageous. You’re in it for the long haul and know your self-worth. Carving out space for yourself once a month is an incredibly kind act of self-love.
Therapeutic Massage Regular Price Package Price Savings
90 minutes $1380 $1173 $207
60 minutes $960 $816 $144
45 minutes $780 $663 $117
30 minutes $540 $459 $81
Package #3 – 10% savings*
Monthly massage for 6 months. You’re craving change and know that investing in yourself can have long lasting effects.
Therapeutic Massage Regular Price Package Price Savings
90 minutes $690 $621 $69
60 minutes $480 $432 $48
45 minutes $390 $351 $39
30 minutes $270 $243 $27
Package #4 – Earn as you go*
You’re in – you know how important taking care of yourself is – you just need to take it month by month. We’ll keep a punch card for you at the studio. Once you receive 12 consecutive, monthly massages, your 13th one will be free!
*When a package is purchased a punch card will be created specifically for you with a start date and an expiration date. All massages must be used consecutively – be that bi-weekly or monthly. If you choose to skip a week or month the massage will not be transferable. The purpose of offering a discounted rate is for you to experience the full benefits possible from a regular, consistent massage regimen.
Tania Palermo [Studio on Main] 