Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Pampering.....

Sweet hyacinth, beginning to open.

That was then......

Today she is in full bloom, gossiping with the daffys.
Thought I could use a massage last week. Needed a little pampering (don't we all at this time of year?)

There was a "special" on at my local beauty parlor (does anybody else still use that antiquated word? LOL! ) So I took advantage and booked an afternoon of luxury.

The masseuse was a young girl.
Hmmmm.
She was thin - very thin.
Hmmmm - not much muscle power.
"Come right in," she instructed, leading me into a serene, fragrant-smelling, candle-lit, room. Soft music was playing and the lighting was subdued.

Ahhhh - definitely relaxing.
After peeling off my clothes, I bounced up on the table, and scrunched under the sheets. I wiggled around to find a comfortable position for my face. One thing I absolutely hate is having your face in that doughnut-shaped ring. It feels anything but relaxing. A few minutes later, she knocked softly on the door and entered the room.

It's been a couple of years since I had my last massage so I was pleasantly surprised when she began by touching me on top of the sheet, rather than ripping it away with a flourish, like a magician ripping off a tablecloth to reveal rabbits hopping around, or doves ready to take flight. I always feel rather vulnerable lying there unclothed in a face-down position on the table, as if I'm about to be served for someone's dinner.

Despite my misgivings, she was good. I enjoyed the massage. And she used a light, fresh smelling lotion that reminded me of spring grass or a meadow.

The hour went by quickly and soothingly (is that a word?). While pulling on my clothes, I figured I'd take a peek around to see if I could find that fresh, spring-like lotion. I wanted to know what it was, so I could go out and buy it.
Hmmmmm. Not in sight.
Not on the shelves - they only held candles and some pretty coloured stones.
Not under the massage table.
Any hidey-drawers? Nope.
Ah - another shelf on the far side of the room beside the other massage table.(She had put me in a "couples" massage room. I guess the regular rooms were all taken). There were 2 big lotion bottles on that shelf. But surely, she wouldn't have taken lotion from across the room?

Pumped the first bottle. Nothing. Did not smell at all.
Pumped the second bottle. Eewwww - some pepperminty stuff. I like peppermint, but this stuff was really STRONG - and mixed with some other strong stuff. Really overpowering.

Eeewwwww - I rubbed my hands over my pants trying to get rid of it. Not too smart - won't get rid of it that way. Eewwwww - I have to get rid of this stuff! She'll know instantly that I've been snooping! Wiped my hands vigorously on the sheets that were covering me earlier. Ewwww - still there. Could not get rid of that smell! Maybe a towel. Took one from under the table. Ewwww - still there.

Well, I have to leave the room sometime! She's waiting outside for me to pay my bill. Ah, there's some hand sanitizer. I'll try that.
Didn't work.
So, I poked my head outside the door. Nobody. Good. Ran to the washroom.
Held my hands under the tap and soaped and soaped until the smell was gone.
Whew!
Then serenely paid my bill and left.

20 comments:

mxtodis123 said...

I have never had a massage, but it does sound absolutely wonderful and relaxng. My body is so tensed up it would probably hurt. LOL!!!
Mary

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh Wendy, Just reading your post made me feel more relaxed... I have never had a massage ---but my hubby does a great job of rubbing!!!!!

Glad you pampered yourself...

Love the Hyacinth.... That color is amazing.

Hugs,
Betsy

Allie said...

Oh! I could really go for a massage. :)

I love hyacinths. Unfortunately, they make me sneeze - so your photo is the perfect way for me to enjoy!

Rose said...

Leaving a trail of peppermint-smelling sheets and towels behind...

Thanks for the laugh, Wendy:) This sounds so much like something I would do; at least you were clever enough to go wash your hands.

I've never had a massage, but it does sound so relaxing. Glad you were able to get a little pampering this week--you deserve it!

Wendy said...

Hi Mary - you gotta get out there and try one. It's heaven! Especially if you have somebody good.

Hi Betsy, I guess you don't need a massage. LOL! Thanks for your compliments re the hyacinth - I love the bright pink colour.

Hi Allie - oh, too bad about your allergy. Well, enjoy the pic. And a massage sometime when you can.

Hi Rose, someday we need to meet. Your blog posts sound like things I'd do too!

Q said...

I am happy you had a massage...I am a huge fan of massage. They haved saved me from surgery a few times. I have a therapist I see regularly and she knows my body! Funny story about the peppermint lotion.
Spring is coming...I saw a bee!
Sherry

Maggie May said...

That sounded deeply relaxing....... till the end!
LOL!

Nuts in May

mxtodis123 said...

Just wanted to let you know there is a little something for you over at Moontides.

Deborah said...

Oh I like this blog of yours! Love the bulbs....promise of spring. Funny story! Talk about akward moment. Keep treating yourself well. Wishing you a lovely weekend. **blows kisses** Deb

Cathy said...

Wendy, you ask about the daffodils on my blog. Only then stem get like a yellow brownish color.

The flowers pretty much stay yellow except they get really brittle. Also the stems do kinda get crooked too but they get stiffen enough that i put them a vase. it does take 3-3 weeks before everything dried out.

Looking at your chipmunk pictures too. cute pictures. i'll be adding your blog to my roll too1

amelia said...

I have never had a massage that didn't hurt so I am totally put off them!

Most people say it's because the wrong folk have been doing them but how do you find the right ones without having to go through it first?

Wendy said...

Hi Sherry, A bee - how exciting! It's way too cold here yet for bees. I'm glad you have a regular masseuse. Would love to find somebody really good.

Hi Maggie - it was. LOL!

Hi Mary, thank you!

Hi Deb, thank you. Spring is coming.

Hi Cathy, thanks for the explanation. Will try to dry some daffys too.

Hi Amelia - aww, that's too bad. I usually feel so relaxed afterwards. Don't know why you hurt. Guess you'd have to try recommendations from friends.

JeanMac said...

I've never had a massage - sounds like I should try it!

Naturegirl said...

Oh Wendy you're too funny! Good thing you didn't get caught snooping!
Ahh yes I've also been getting pampered at the Spa as of late. What else is a girl to do waiting for Spring to arrive!
I took matters into my own hands and created Spring!

amelia said...

Wendy jut a note regarding the 'back door'!!

I asked the same question but apparently the good bacteria has to colonise the whole intestinal tract, not just the lower bowel which is all it would get going to other way!!!!

Not something I would ever want but, if we were ever sick enough....

Mark said...

A day of pampering is always good! Next time, just ask, not as much fun as snooping, ha!

Hilary said...

LOL.. that would have taken the relaxation out of the day for me. You should have asked.. because now I want to know. ;)

Jen said...

This post was so charming and pure to read this morning. I was delighted and amused to read this! ;) I'm sure she would have told you if you asked but I enjoyed your adventure just the same! I remember the days of free massages and do miss them though I hope to go for one sometime this year. When I had a facial at a spa once I adored this one scent and I asked and it was lime blossom. I bought myself some lime essential oil and it is glorious a few drops on a washcloth and warm water. It is like the breath of heaven! ;) thanks for your lovely post! ~Jenn

Deborah said...

Ah, they look just as lovely on the second view. Yes, the skin does loosen up! Another thing I have noticed is that if I lay down on the cool deck by the pool, I feel the earth sucking me down, as if I weigh a ton!
**kisskiss** Deb

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

Oh Wendy, you are so funny! I can just see you frantically trying to get rid of the peppermint smell--remember Ben-gay? Ewwwwwww! Do you think the oil was Lemon Grass?

Lovely to get a massage though. It has been a year since I have had one, and I miss them so. I do like the idea of starting the massage through the sheet, that does seem much nicer. I am with you--whoever thought of those little donut holes for your face was not thinking about comfort--just enough room to breath really, and I always get up with lines around my face.