As much as I am chomping at the bit to move forward with 2011, I feel the need to share a bit of the close of 2010. I was staying up in Ojai over the holidays (where my parents and sister's family live) taking care of my friends' German Sherpherd, Koa. While up there, I was given a wonderful Christmas gift from my Mom and Dad ...
A shiatsu massage from John at Shiatsu Rincon. (Shiatsu Rincon is on the back road between Ojai and Santa Barbara, near Carpenteria Beach.)
It is the most amazing, healing atmosphere and John has incredibly healing hands. My sister said it's like "the hands of God" working on you. He definitely has a gift. Judy is the other shiatsu practitioner and I have heard she is amazing as well. I have friends that have gone together and had a couples massages for their anniversaries and my sister and I went together years ago and had massages together in their blue and white cotton japanese robes. (The robes are provided ... keep in mind it's shiatsu, not swedish)
If you get there early you can even soak in the japanese bath at which point you really feel you have entered another world. It's so peaceful. I however, was running behind schedule and missed the opportunity. Kind of a bummer but I sat instead in the big open room by the fire reading my Yogananda book which was still lovely and very peaceful.
It had been raining for days and I was worried about the sometimes very windy little road between Ojai and Shiatsu but I had another gift that day. The sun came out and it was gorgeous! If you are ever in this neck of the woods, it's a beautiful drive and a very special place back in these hills.
These beauties live at the place!
Lake Casitas
View from Shiatsu Rincon
The straight portion of the road back to Ojai
Lake Casitas
It couldn't have been a more healing gift and I am so grateful. Although, I think I drove everyone else crazy on the highway that day, pulling over to take pictures. Artists and photographers might be some of the most annoying people on the road ... "Where should I pull over?" " Look at that view!"
Anyway, it's one of the most beautiful areas, I think, in Southern California. Hope you can see it someday!
I hope also that you are having a beautiful start to your 2011! I am back in L.A. with my very long to do list so I had better get to it!
Live each moment completely
and
the future will take care of itself.
Fully enjoy
the wonder and beauty
of
each
moment.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
18 comments:
Just what I needed to read/see after a busy day... How necessary it is and good it feels to take time to heal our bodies (after what they go through).
Oh those views are to die for. I am sure the massage was perfect. I am in dire need of some type of massage.
Definitely! We may not be able to do the whole spa or massage thing ... but a bath with candles, a walk in nature, listening to beautiful music ... you are exactly right, take time to heal our bodies.
Loree I hope you find someone! It's definitely good to go on referrals!
Really beautiful
Glad you had this experience :)
Beautiful reflections and start to the New Year.
It was a gift for me to visit here and read your words:))
A very happy 2011 to you!!
Hi there, thanks so much for your kind words....Happy New Year! I enjoyed my visit to your blog:)
Abby
Those views are STUNNING!!
Are those sweet creatures mules? They're darling.
I can't think of a more perfect gift than massage.
Che bel posto....l'asinello mi piace molto! Belle foto! ciao Cri
It looks and sounds like you had a great time in a great place and hand for the new year's eve.
The photographs you showed are great too.
Fabulous post Lu...gorgeous photos and thanks for sharing such beauty and magic! Wonderful!
Ha ha..I laughed at what you said..I think we are a pretty annoying bunch..I have always wondered what it would be like to have a walking companion who didnt mind taking as many pictures as me..!! have a beautiful new year and thanks for all the amazing adventures you share with us all!
Kiki
I've never had a massage. This sounds wonderful. The photos are terrific. Your mom and dad are so thoughtful.
It's really beautiful. Lovely photos of the animals.
Happy New Year Cobalt Violet!
what a beautiful place!!! glad you had such a great time!
I was given a massage as a gift too!
Heaven.
A nice place to live and relax, beautiful photos.
The clouds and the blues in these photos are so stunning! Cobalt, indeed!
I tried to comment this morning but our internet went out with the wind...anyway...what a fantastic place and such a gift....you really do live in a most lovely part of the world, where I would like to spend some time exploring more of. The colors in your photos are SO rich! Hard to believe it's still summer somewhere over the rainbow!
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